South Wales Daily News

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES. DEATHS DEATHS. BOWEN.-On March 28th, at 51, Coburn-street, Cardiff. Henry Lewis, son of Lewis and Anne Bowen, ased seventeen day*. 333 LRWIS.-On Saturday, 26th March, at Penyvan Cot- tage, Abet-oeeg, Ann Lewis, in her 32nd year. Private funeral on Thursday, for Penmawr Church 410 TELLEFSKN.—At his residence, Heimdal Rhubina, Whitchurch, on the 23th inst., August Bernard Tellefsen, aged 72. Funeral at New Cemetery, Thursday, 2 p.m. 338 W AIN.-On March 28th, at thePenarth Hotel, Penartb, Richard Wain. sen., aged 84 years. 352 WEBB.—On the 27th, at Wain Wern, Pontypool, Tom Alexander Webb, aged 45 years. Public funeral on Thursday interment at Llanhilleth Church. Cortege will pass through Aberbeeg at 2 p.m. Friends please accept this intimation. 8357-606e

TUESDAY. MARCH 29, 1892. MR ALBERT SPICER AT NEWPORT. THE Newport Boroughs have had a chequered political existence since the time they forsook their first love and rejected the Liberal candidate, if not Liberalism, for that political hybrid, Mr CRAWSHAY BAILEY, whose masquerading as a Peelite seduced many Liberals in the oddly-joined Boroughs from their allegiance. But the instant Mr BAILEY found himself safely settled in his seat he threw off his Peelite disguise, and postured in Tory war paint as the fossilised champion of retro- grade Conservatism. After his death the Monmouth Boroughs, at each recurring election, returned alternately a Liberal and a Tory with the unswerving impartiality which would have won the proud approval of that eccentrically fair-minded elector who 6talways voted at one election blue and "at the next yellow, so as to give the other fellow a chance." The chance this time belongs to the Liberal candidate, Mr ALBERT SPICER, for Sir GEORGE ELLIOT has, in his six years' occupancy of the seat, had ample time to fulfiil a few of the many pledges which he made to Newport, and which are now debited against him in the disappointed hopes of the Newport people as Sir GEORGE'S unfulfilled and broken vows. Mr SPICER, in seeking the suffrages of the people of Newport, Monmouth ,and Usk has manifestly no personal ends to serve and does not attempt to ride into Parliament on speculative financial schemes from which he expects to reap a plentiful harvest. It is a selfish world, unquestionably, nevertheless it con- tains some unselfish men—many more, perhaps, than the world dreams of-who have sufficient patriotism and regard for honest political Government to serve their fellows without seeking to use them as stepping stones for personal gain. Mr ALBERT SPICER takes high place amongst this band of true political workers, and, therefore, he does not promise to make docks or railways for the three sister towns or to flood with shipping the Usk and the Wye. What he promises is to help the people to get good government, equal laws, equitable taxation, just trade arrangements, and the right of the millions of the nation to draw a fair sustenance from the land of the nation which is the raw material of the nation's life. His speech last night at the Newport Memorial Hall was not the perfunctory chatter of an anythingarian who takes to politics as a diversion to the wearisome monotony of an idle and an aimless life; or as a lever to ¡ assist him in the promotion of schemes for his own benefit. There are too many of this class of politicians in Parliament already, and the country might well be spared the introduction of more. Mr SPICER'S political standpoint in his last night's speech was a somewhat limited one—the influence of woman in the world's political and social regeneration-but his outlook was extended, and it was abun- dantly shown during the whole of his speech that he had carefnlly and com- prehensively surveyed the ground. Hence there was no danger of his tripping into pitfalls which are always yawning before the unwary, and the unskilled, and the unhappy victims of political cram. Politics with Mr SPICER are not a set of dice loaded or otherwise for political gamblers to play with, ut a matter of very serious moment—a method of local and of national government which may either retard or promote the development and prosperity of the people and the well-being of the State. Believing that the Tory method of Government which conserves the interests of the classes to the neglect of the masses is false in principle and mischievous in results, Mr SPICER is a political Liberal to the very core, and would bring into the nation's life as vital to its political and social salvation influences which Tories either ignore or deform into caricature and pantomime. The influence of women in the true development and prosperity of a State is an integral part of the Liberal faith, and Liberals look to woman to help—and to help materially—the progress and the perfection of national life. The Tories imitate the example of the Liberals so far as to use women as workers but instead of sustaining and elevating the dignity of women in political action they degrade them into patronesses of Punch and Judy shows, performing dogs, grinning through horse collars, and climbing greasy poles for legs of mutton by rustic competitors, for these are the intellectual pursuits of Primrose League gatherings. Work, said Mr SPICER, is the aim and end of the Women's Liberal Associations. Amusement and play, tempered at election times with coercion and boycotting are the chief duties of Primrose League Dames. By work, true, honest, and intelligently directed, the grave problems cf women's social redemption and elevation are to be wrought out. Mr SPICER illustrated this fun- damental article of his political faith by citing instances of the splendid work per- formed by women on County Councils, Boards of Guardians, School Boards, and on other public bodies and on committees in which women have taken prominent action. The success which has been achieved by women in these and other directions has been won. in spite of the handicapping which unjust, and partial laws made and administered by men have inflicted upon them. The question of women's influence in the political and social amelioration of Society was discussed by Mr SPICER with a broad comprehensiveness of view which proved him to be no prentice hand in the discussion, and conclusively showed that he had studied the matter in its various bearings upon the welfare of the nation taken as a whole. The method in which Mr SPICER treated the question neces- sarily confined him to a somewhat narrow grove, but the under current of thought and the passing illustrations gave evidence of a fulness of political knowledge and a keenness of political vision which must win for him the confidence and support of think- ing politicians in the three boroughs. The hand of an export may be traced in his most elementary per- formance, aud in Mr SPICER'S speech J.¡t night on woman's influence in the social and political welfare of the State, there are abundant manifestations that he was in touch with all the great problems of our social life, and was thoroughly instructed in the political truths on which depend the true welfare of States and peoples.

BY the selflessness and energy of the Rev W. HUGHES, F.R.G.S., an institution has been founded in Colwyn Bay which has already produced excellent results. Mr HUGHES, who was sent out to the Congo by the Baptist Missionary Society, conceived the idea of utilizing some of the natives as chosen vessels for Christian work. He felt that it was a hopeless task for Englishmen to try to raise the Congo race by a few solitary individuals sent there to work among the multitude and fight constantly with sickness and death. But to bring some of the boys over to England and let them see for themselves the white men in their homes and at their work, to show them the happy results of Christianity, this was to Mr HUGHES a consummationN so devoutly to be wished that he set to work first in North Wales, and got a few friends interested by the force of his own earnestness and perseverance, and the kind- ness of a few philanthropic men, established at Colwyn Bay the Congo House Training Institute for African Children. Colwyn Bay was selected because of its mild and equable clime, which seems to suit the boys exceedingly well, and a glance at the names of the Committee proves how well the idea has been taken up in the Principality :—Alderman RICHARD CORY, J.P., of Cardiff, is the President, and the Vice-President is the Rev EDWARD ROBERTS, D.D., of Pontypridd. Among the patrons are Mr W. DAVIES, M.P., Haver- fordwest, and several County Councillors and Mayors. An institution like that at Colwyn Bay cannot pursue its beneficent course without support. At present a move- ment is afoot at Pontypridd to assist the good work carried on by Mr HUGHES. A committee of ladies has been formed in that town, and they invite the assistance of their sisters in Wales and elsewhere, in getting up a patchwork quilt, each patch to contain the monogram wrought in needle- work by the purchaser of each patch. Any number of patches and directions will be sent by the secretary, as below, for Is each. The proceeds from patches and sale of quilt are to be applied to the above excellent institution. The secretary is Mrs EVANS, Temple of Fashion, Pontypridd, the treasurer the Rev E. ROBERTS, D.D., Pontypridd.

THE death of Mr P. W. FLOWER removes a highly-honoured figure from the commer- cial life of South Wales. The deceased gentleman had been identified for many years with the tin-plate trade, and had occupied with distinction the position of chairman of the Tin-plate Makers' Associa- tion. The Melyn Works at Neath, with which Mr FLOWER was associated, are among the best known in the district. It was here that the process of decorating tin- plates was first attempted in South Wales. In this branch of the trade the firm of LEACH, FLOWER and Co. attained a deserved eminence. Some admirable specimens of decorated tin-plates from the Melyn Works are to be seen in the Cardiff Museum, and no one can refrain from admiring their beauty and exquisite finish. As an em- ployer Mr F LOWEB.was noted for his kindli- ness of heart, and his consideration for those in his lemploy. He was a cousin of Mr CYRIL' FLOWER, the former M.P. for Brecknock, and erstwhile Whip of the Liberal party. The deceased gentleman, however, was a Conservative in politics. In Briton Ferry and neighbourhood his death will leave a conscious void.

THERE has been an impression that the fortunes of the new towns around Barry Dock would be adversely affected by the decision of the Company not to proceed with the Bill authorising construction of a new dock. Very much speculation in building and in land companies has been prevalent in that district for three or four years past, and a great deal of money has been advanced to the speculators by banks, building societies, &c. A large circle of in. terests were therefore concerned in the aban- donment of the Bill, notwithstanding that the seeking of Parliamentary powers did not 1 necessarily involve their immediate exercise by construction of the dock. When aban- donment Avas announced, the position of the speculators was much discussed, and the course of affairs in the three places directly affected—Barry, Barry Dock Town, and Cadoxton—has been closely watched. At the latter place, we now learn, there is a very large number of houses unoccupied, with many others in course of erection and in all three rents have fallen as compared with what they were a twelvemonth ago. But it is satisfactory to find that there is no general depression that, except in Cadox- ton, houses and shops are well sought after and that the outlook is not at all discourag- ing. The opinion of residents well qualified to judge is that the check to speculative building administered by the abandonment of the Bill has been beneficial, there having been danger that over-building might have been encouraged to a dangerous extent had there been reason to expect that the work of constructing a new dock would be undertaken at an early date. It would be interesting to learn how far bank- ing facilities have contributed to encourage speculation in this neighbourhood, and were it possible to gauge the precise financial result to the institutions chiefly concerned, bank shareholders would probably receive enlightenment as valuable as unpleasant. Fortunately, matters have not gone too far yet; but a question or two at annual meet- ings might be advantageous.

THE neglect of public convenience by the Post Office is proverbial. Nearly every advance that has been made in affording better service has come only after persistent effort on the part of outsiders; "the "Department" has been inert. A few parts of the country have the advantage (as Cardiff has at present) of the presence of a Postmaster who endeavours to render all possible aid to the despatch of business but this sort of official is an exception, whilst the London centre is a drag upon everything. Post- master-General FEIVGUSSOX has, however, determined to stir matters up, to be heartily congratulated upon his determina- tion. If he will, as he declares, take up the telephone and develope its capacities, there can be no question as to the beneficial results that must accrue to the public and to the Post Office alike. Private enterprise has done much but the postal authorities may do more, if willing, for they have first-class instruments, monopoly rights, an unequalled organisation, and every needful facility. Worked in con- junction with the telegraph and postal service, upon business lines, with primary regard to public service, the telephone might be made of immense utility. Sir J. FERGCSSON has a grand opportunity for dis- tinguishing himself.

WHETHER before, after, or during an election, on account of, or in respect of, the conduct or management of such election." Mr BRAND endeavoured last evening to elicit from the ATTORNEY-GENERAL „sonie expression of opinion as to the scope and meaning of these words, which are found in Section 8, Sub-section 1, of the Corrupt Practices Act; but Mr ATTORNEY-GENERAL was not to be drawn into a dennition of the limits of this very wide description. Sir HENRY JAMES, has declared that election expenses begin with the Creation and end with the Day of Judgment, but Sir H. JAMES is, jflst now, in "a position of greater freedom and less responsibility" than the ATTORNEY- GENERAL, and therefore may have been joking. Is it a joke ? The words, upon strict construction, extend responsibility very far back and very far forward. For practical purposes they are limitless certainly they do not limit the account to expenses incurred after issue of a writ—and Baron PROFUMO acted wisely the other day inwithdrawinghis subscription to the miners' fund. Meanwhile, con- currently with this extreme care as to ex- penditure that most objectionable form of undue influence—canvassing—is permitted to continue in full and free operation.

t RV COSMOS. J IS WELSH COAL LARGE OR SMALL ? THE London coal labourers are doubtful as to the designation under which Welsh coal should come. Is it large or small ? Truly there is not much difference except in the price. The large "coal has a few lumps put into it to leaven the mass, whereas the small coal is guiltless of such adornment. However, London does not recognise much pecuniary difference in the handling. Small coal is filled at 4ù large at 4d a ton. Nevertheless it is a knotty point whether Welsh is large or small. The coal is so brittle that it soon becomes pulverised, and constant handling is productive of this con- dition. The price soon answers the ques- tion for the merchant, but not for the man.

INCIDENTS REPEAT THEMSELVES. INCIDENTS repeat themselves. Mr Hardy, the novelist, was recently asked why he gave "Tess so sad an ending. For the simple reason," be replied, that I could not help myself. I hate the optimistic grin which ends a story happily merely to suit con- ventional ideas. It raises a far greater horror in me than tha.n the honest sadness that comes after tragedy. Many people wrote to me begging me to end it well. One old gentleman of eighty implored me to reconcile Tess and Angel. But I could not. They would never have lived happily. Angel was far too fastidious and par- ticular. He would inevitably have thrown her fall in her face. But, indeed, I bad little or nothing to do with it. When I got to the middle of the story, the characters took their fates into their own hand", and I literally had no power." If anyone will turn to Clarissa Harlowe" they will find that Mr Hardy was antici- pated in his answer one hundred and fifty years since, and almost in the same words. Many people wrote to Richardson imploring him to rescue his heroine from the misery in which he had involved her, but he declined, giving the same reasons as Mr Hardy.

BURNING BARCELONA. THE agitation against the carriage of petro- leum in bulk through the Suez Canal should receive fresh fuel from the catastrophe at Barcelona. What happened in Spain will occur in the canal should chance or collision allow the oil to flow on the water. You will remember some months since, when I first discussed this subject I gave an instance on theTees where the water (not the oil) from one of the tanks, after being pumped out, was accidently ignited, and even that heavily diluted stuff was sufficient to set the river in a blaze, and burn several vessels, In the olden days setting the Thames on fire was a figure of hyperbole, but NOILS avons change tout cela.

WELSH YACHTING IN FOREIGN WATERS. As was anticipated, the Valkyrie has been having it all her own way at the Mediterra- nean regattas. Lord Dunraven is reported to be en board her. It is to be hoped that he will bring his beautiful yacht to home waters this season, and let her have more opportunities of distinguishing herself. There is a rumour that a French-built yacht is coming over this summer to try conclusions with 20-raters. Then the Emperor William also talks of bringing his yacht to compete for prizes. The contests in the Mediterranean have done much to dissiminate the love for this sport. The rich people of all nations winter on the Riviera, and the constant succession of regattas has induced many of them to buy yachts, and take a delight in racing them.

THE SCANDINA>TAN HEBE. BUT why Valkyrie was chosen for the name of a yacht I don't know. It is true that the Valkyries were nymphs, but they are figured in Scandinavian mythology as riding on swift horses, and holding drawn swords in their hands. In the meMe of battle they selected those destined to death and conducted them to Valhalla, where they waited upon them playing the part of Hebe, and plying them with mead and other liquid luxuries. Valkyrie is said to mean chooser of the slain." The Valkyrie may often be seen in a contest and conducting the slain, but certainly not to Valhalla. Possibly she may be typical in having plenty of drink on board, but as I am not in a position to know, why I cannot pretend to say.

THE HIRE PURCHASE SYSTEM. THERE is little to be said for this system, and very much against it. Here and there can be quoted instances in which it has proved beneficial, but as a general rule it is nothing but another method for lending money. The tradesman has to enforce very stringent measures to r protect himself, and he not infrequently compels those who can pay to compensate him for the loss occasioned by those who cannot.. Goods sold in this manner often bring in cent, per cent, profit. The honest have to make up the deficiencies of the dishonest, and probably from no fault of his own the hirer loses his articles after half or three-parts of the total has been paid. It is about time that Parliament turned its attention to this style of business.

THE SPREAD OP WELSH FOLK LORE. LADY Charlotte Guest conferred a rich boon on the Saxon when she published the "Mabinogion." Both critic and scholar have felt the wealth of its suggestion and inspiration. The Misfortunes of Elphin" owes all its Welsh folk lore to this book. A reprint of Peacock's volume has just been issued. The St. James's Gazette says of the Misfortunes of Elphin" w Peacock, like Heine, was poet as well as satirist and it was not for nothing that he married a Welsh girl and loved the scenery of his wife's native land. The beauty of Welsh scenery has hardly had its fair share of glory in literature, so that Peacock's allegiance is the more welcome. To-day, when all folk-lore is popular, a book so full of Welsh folk-lore should find its way to many hearts. Like the rest of Peacock's stories, this, too, is strewn with songs and lyrics. In this case most of them are adapted from Welsh originals. Readers who compare Peacock's verses with the versions of the originals given by Dr Garnett in his appendix will prob- ably conclude that Peacock's own very genuine lyric gift was not well fitted to convey their peculiar Celtic strain of melancholy. He is more at home in the original and characteristic War Song of Dinas Vawr "—familiar to the affections of all good Peacockians-beginning The mountain sheep are sweeter, But the valley sheep are fatter, We therefore deemed it meeter To carry off the latter.

THE FUTURE OF THE TIN- PLATE TRADE. The feeling aroused in industrial circles in this district by the letter written by Mr J. H. Rogers on the future of the Welsh tin-plate trade appears to intensify with time rather than abate, and it still affords a topic of general conversation. Simultaneously, however, with a growing feeling of doubt as to the prosperity of the trade, is a feeling that any attempt to introduce machinery for the displacement of washmen and tinmen in the finishing department should be strenuously opposed. Opimon differs amongst makers upon this matter, and a manufacturer assured our reporter en Monday that Mr Rogers had taken a very gloomy view, indeed, of the future, but he concurred with the Chairman of the Makers' Association that the men should co-operate in every possible way with the masters to enable the latter to compete suc- cessfully with Americans, but in such a way as would leave them some profit in the making of plates. This could be done by economising the materials used and in takmg greater care of the machinery, &c., and he also suggested that if prices did not improve in th near future masters would undoubtedly seek a reduction in wages from the men. The present aspect of affairs requires deliberate consideration by mastirs and men, and it is evident that joint action must be taken by them sooner or later. The advisability of doing so is quite plain, anl steps will probably be taken in this direction in a short time.

DEATH OF MR THOMAS ALLEN. We regret to announce the death of Air Thomas Allen, which took place at his London residence, 42, Connanght-square, on the evening of the 26th instant. Mr Allen was a member of an old South Pembrokeshire family. Mr H. G. Allen, Q.C., was not, as has been stated, his brother, but belongs to another branch of the family. Mr T. Allen's parents lived at Freestone, near Pem- broke, where the greater part of his earlier life was spaut. He was educated at Shrewsbury School, and afterwards at Balliol Collogc, Oxford. He was called to the Bar in 181-1, and shortly afterwards joined tho South Wales Circuit, and was woll- known to many of our readers as deputy-clerk of arraigns for many years. He was a magistrate for the counties of Glamorgan and Pembroke. The funeral will take place at Carew Church, near Pembroke, at 12.30 on Thursday next.

MR T. E. ELLIS, M.P., ON WELSH LAND LAWS. Tlie forthcoming number of Y Qeninen, the Welsh national quarterly, contains an article by Mr T. E. Ellis, M.P., on "Welsh Land Laws," in which he says:—"The most efficient and authoritative method of settling land claims and agrarian differences would be by the creation of a Land Court for Wales, responsible to Parliament, and as soon aa possible to an Elective National Council for the Principality. Such a court would ultimately value the whole of Wales so as to afford a basis not only for a fair rent, but for equitable taxation or State rent for national public purposes. Such a court would, with immense benefit, take over the management of the Crown lands in Wales which have been wofully mismanaged till lately, and which are still managed with no thought for the interests of agriculture or the peasantry of Wales. The Welsh people are now threatened with the loss of their mountains, largely because of the want of local and national self-government. Pennant, in his 'Tours in Wales,' ii., 198, refers to the courts held at Cynwyd, near Corwen, by the great men of the neighbourhood, to determine and guard the boundaries of wastes and commons, and to take cognisance of encroachments, but they have long been discontinued and the records destroyed. The destruction of those records has a sad and weird interest in view of the fact that at the be. ginning of this century there were 286,000 acres of unenclos&d land in Merionethshire, and that in the so-called Doomsday Book of 1874, 416 is put down as the number of acres of unappropriated waste in the county of Merioneth."

A RECENT COLLISION AT SEA. ARRIVAL OF THE S.S. INDRA AT CARDIFF. The large steamer Iudra, of Liverpool, owned by Messrs McVicar, Marshall and Co., of that city, which was in collision in the North Sea on the 24th inst., arrived in Cardilf on Monday and entered the Roath Basin, preparatory to undergoing repairs in the Bute Dry Dock. We collision occurred about four o'clock in the morn- ing a few miles off the Terschelling Light, on the coast of Holland, the other vessel being the Desterro, of the Hamburg Brazilian Line. The b JW of the Indra came in contact with the star- b >ard bow of the Desterro, and both steamers sus- tained extensive damatre, the Indra having her bow frame above the water-line smashed, a con- siderable number of plates stove in, and a large hole made in her fore compartment. Fortu- nately she was light at the time, and all the damage was above water. The other steamer is believed to havo foundered. Her passen- gers and crew were taken off hy another vessel. The Indra stood by her, but was not required to render assistance. It may be men. tioned that the Indra is a vessel of 2,333 tons register, and has a carrying capacity of 5,800 tons. She is commanded by Capt. Payne. The brought home from Australia, the largest single cargo of woel ever exported from that country, viz., 15,200 bales, and discharged the same at Antwerp and Hamburg. It was while she was coining round from the continent to Cardiff that the collision occurred. The weather is stated to have been moderate and clear at the time. The Indra, when repaired, will load coal for Port Said. At the present time in her crew some eight nationalities, all Oriental or semi-Oriential, are represented.

CARDIFF AS A FIRST-CLASS PORT. Mr E. H. Vivian, Surveyor of Taxes, has re- ceived a communication from the Board of Inland Revenue intimating that from and after the 23rd of this month Cardiff was raised from a second-class to a first-class tax district. This does not mean that Cardiff will be a wine- testing port; but that for purposes of depart- mental classification, the status cf the port has been raised. Sir E. J. Reed, Bart., M.P., is still taking steps on behalf of the cor- poration to induce the authorities to give Cardiff the full advantages of a first-class port, and to obviate the necessity of Cardiff people going to Bristol for wine-testing purposes.

THE SHOCKING DISCOVERY AT BRYNMAWR. On Monday morning an adjourned inquest was held at the Griffin Hotel, Lrynmawr, by Deputy- coroner R. H. A. Davies and a jury, on the body of a male child, unearthed by a sow on the morn- ing of Sunday, the 20th inst. Superintendent Winterson was tho only witness called. He stated that all possible inquiries had been made by himself and the constables stationed at Bryn- mawr. The matter had been duly advertised in the adjoining crunties and gazetted, but they had failed to obtain any clue as to the mother of the child. Investigations are still being made, however, and the jury decided to return an open verdict.

THE GREAT CURE FOR CORKS.- MundaY'sl Viridine—Still further testimony. A Chemist writes Will you send me a bottle of your Viridine ? It is for my own use. I get plenty of corn cures of the same colour, but none of them appear to equal yours. No one ought to say his corns are incurable until he has used Viridine." Thousands have be<»n cured, mo«t of whom had suffered for over 5Cj«ars. Bewaie of imitations. Sold in bottles Is, by post Is 2d, by the Proprietor, J. Muuday, Chemist.l ELigh-ateeet, Cardifl andall Chemist* 1079

THE THREATENED STRIKE. THE ENGINEMEN'S DIFFI- CULTY. INTERVIEW WITH MABON, M.P EFFECT ON PRICES. Although the opinion is entertained by colliery owners in Cardiff that the diffi- culty with the enginemen, stokers, and outside fitters will not give rise to a general stoppage in South Wales, yet the pripe of coal is stiffer. There appears to exist a strong feeling among owners that the demands of the enginemen should not be acceded to. An argument that is reiterated and relied upon in a large measure is, that the colliery enginemen and outside fitters have taken advantage of every benefit which the colliers have de- rived under the auditors' award and sliding scale arrangements, and that, this being so, they should adopt a consistent attitude, and submit now to the reduction given by the sliding-scale. On the other hand, a full exposition of the men's case, as given in the interview with Mr Whit- combe, the agent, and reported in the South Wales Daily Nncs of Monday places the matter in a somewhat different light. It is, of course, too early to make anything like a dernite announcement as to the position which will be taken up by the colliers but it is not thought in Cardiff's commercial circles that it will be one of endorsement of the action of colliery enginemen and stokers.

INTERVIEW WITH MABON, M.P. [BY OUR BHONDDA CORRESPONDENT.] It was generally anticipated m the upper part of the Rhondda on Saturday that Mabon, M.P., would address the monthly meeting of the Cam- brian Association of Miners on Monday upon the question of the grave dispute between the engine- men and their employers. The news of the deci- sion of the enginemen has really caused a sensation in the valleys, and it is the topic of conversation among the thousands of colliers in the various populous localities. Mr Abraham, being unable to attend the miners' meeting owing to having contracted a severe cold, and being advised by his medical adviser to remain indoors for a few days, I called upon him after the business of the Association was over, to ascertain his views upon the crisis. Mr Abraham seemed somewhat reluctant to reply to questions upon the matter, but he thought there were a few points upon which he should hesitate to declare his views. Do you think the men are justified in refusing to accept the reduction of 7y2 per cent. ?" I asked, plunging at once into the subject. "Well," replied Mr Abraham, deliberately, "I am not quite clear upon that. The men have accepted the Sliding-scale advanees since the scale of 1890, and also the reduction of 3% per cent. Their wages have been governed by that Sliding scale. If the recent revision of the scale had ob- tained for them an advance, I question very much whether they would have re- jected it. Therefore one might think that it is but fair and just for the aggrieved men to accept the reduction if one assumes that they would have received an increase brought about by the new scale." That is logical and to the point, Mr Abra- ham," I remarked. But," rejoined Mabon, gesticulating with his forefinger, you must bear in mind that the enginemen are not represented on the Sliding- scale. In 1890 they were offered a seat on the Sliding-scale, but they declined to accept it. I daresay you remember that their representative co-operated in the preliminaries in connection with the revising of the scale of 1890, but did not participate in the formation of the actual scalc. It was expected that Mr Whitcombe would accept the seat and join the committee in actually drawing uptho scale. Well, the enginemen sent a word to the miners' representatives to say that they had agreed to withdraw, or reject the seat offered them. Subsequently the employers and the enginemen's representatives held a conference quito independent of the Sliding-scale Committee, and it was agreed that the standard of the engine- men's wages be raised 10 per cent, in several districts. That was in 1890. That agreement between them was, there- fore, intact when notices to terminate contracts were tendered to the miners about the end of last year, and in order to nullify that agreement or arrangement it is obvious that the employers should give the men a month's notice. That has v—- JIOAA, oo^^meutly :t very unfair to reduce tho men's standard simul- taneously with the colliers. The employers having made an absolutely separate agreement should undoubtedly have tendered notices to the engine- men, stokers, &e., to nullify the agreement effected by them in 1890, when the standard was raised, before reducing the basis."

SPEECH BY MR W. EVANS, MINERS' AGENT. At the monthly meeting of the Cambrian Association of Miners, held on Monday, Mr W. Evans, miners' agent, remarked in regard to the present grave crisis that the enginemen's notices would expire this week, and he did not know whether it would be advisable for the Association to adopt a resolution regarding the matter, or express any official opinion at all. The engine- men, it was well known, now had declined to accept a seat on the Sliding-scale, owing, it was alleged, to their being convinced that they had better be without it. Unquestionably the crisis had caused great anxiety among the public, and the sooner the dispute was settled the better it would be for the trade of the district. He should not like to say one single word that would affect the aggrieved workmen's cause but as a strike of the enginemen might dislocate the greater part of the coal trade of South Wales it was obvious that the impending crisis was a most grave one.-A delegate sug- gested that the Association had better not express their feelings on the matter, as they should be very careful not to do anything whatever that might damage the men's position. He considered that the employers should have tendered notices to the enginemen whon the colliers received notices.—It was eventually agreed to request tho executive of the Federation and representatives of the Enginemen's Association to confer tngether without delay, in order, if possible, to amicably settle the dispute.

MR D. MORGAN'S VIEWS. Our Aberdaro correspondent on Monday waited upon Mr D. Morgan, miners' agent, with the view of obtaining his expression of opinion as to the cessation of work by the engiuemen and stokers on Friday next. Mr Morgan, however, exhibited much unwillingness to express any opinion on the merits of the ease., but ultimately informed our correspondent that when the enginemen came cut a twelvemonth or so before, the executive of thfe South Wales and Monmouthshire Federation of Col- liers passed a resolution advising the enginemen, in case of any further disputes, to consult the miners before proceeding to extreme measures. This was subsequently done at the Plymouth Colliery, Merthyr. when a dispute arose, Mr Whitcombe. the men's agent, writing to the secretary of the Colliery Committee asking him to convene a meeting of the Com- mittee, and to obtain their views and that of Mr D. Morgan, the agent, on the subject. This was done, and both Mr Morgan and the colliers expressed their entire approval of the conten- tion of the enginemen, and promised to support them in their efforts to obtain their rights, tho result being that they were able to obtain the object fought for without resorting to a strike. Mr Morgan further said that he was firmly convinced that a similar step, if taken on tho present occasion, might have a beneficial effect, and should have been taken. As to what steps the colliers would take if a strike resulted, Mr Morgan declined to express an opinion. Our correspondent then waited on other leading colliers in the district, but a similar reticence was displayed in most cases. The enginemen themselves are, however, perfectly convinced that the colliers will prove so true to the principles of Unionism that there will be no danger in this direction. They also point out that most of the winding engmemen are old practical men, and that the colliers would not risk their lives to the keeping of inexperienced men to ascend and descend the pits.

STRIKE OF COLLIERS AT PONTYCLOWN. 100 MEN AFFECTED. On Monday morning the workmen employed at the Cardiff Navigation Colliery, Lanlay, Ponty- clown, handed in fourteen days' notices to terminate contracts. A dispute has existed for some time with reference to the list of prices, and, as the employers refused to negotiate with Mr Morgan Weeks, the miners' agent, it was decided at a mass meeting on Saturday to cease contracts, and a resolution was passed appealing to ail colliery workmen to keep away pending a settlement. About 100 men are affected.

THE DISPUTE AT ABERTILLERY COLLIERIES. The dispute with the hauliers in connection with the two pits situated at Cwmtillery, owned by the Messrs Lancaster, Spier and Co., have been amicably settled by an agreement arrived at, which reads :—"That each day the hauliers enter the pit and aro requested by 12 o'clock to cease work for the day they be paid for half a day's work, but if allowed to work ovor and beyond this specific time they are to be paid a full day's pay."—The stoppage at Rose HF-yworth Pit, owned by the same company, vas occasioned by the action of the Union men in refusing to work owing to a number-about 18-Qf the men beinir non-Union men. The dispute has spread to the other two pits at Cwmtillery, and the whole of the collieries here belonging to the Messrs Lancaster, Spier and Co.. enploying about 1,200 men, are at a standstill. No settlement had beea arrived at on Monday evening.

A STRIKE AVERTED AT EBBW VALE. The dispute in the coal trade, as far as Ebbw Vale is concerned, has been settled. A deputa- tion of the men waited upon Mr Holland and Mr Jordan on Monday, when, we are informed, an amicable settlement was effected; but the management impressed upon the men not to make known the terms of the settlement to the Press. We have been able to glean that no agreement was signed, but that the representa- tives of the men withdrew the notices on behalf of those they represented. The terms are con- sidered highly satisfactory, so that work will continue as usual. The news was received in the town with every satisfaction. The prospects of ft strike were naturally looked upon with dread.

CAERPHILLY MINERS' ASSOCIATION. MEETING OF THE COUNCIL. The usual monthly meeting of the Caerphilly Miners' Association was held at the Goodrich Arms, Ca<rphiily, on Saturday, uuder the presi- dency of Mr Edward Jones, "Rhos. Mr Lewis Miles, secretary, was also present.—The first question discussed by the Council was the failure of the Eight Hours'Bill.—It was decided that this district is prepared to shorten the hours of labour by Trades Union efforts alone, and to commence the eight hours system any date that may be mentioned by the South Wales miners during the summer months, and risk the consequences of strikes and lock onts. —The Council then discussed the provisions of Mr Alfred Thomas's National Institutions Bill for Wales, and decided to support the measure. The demonstration of the Federation of Labour Trades Unions, to be held at Cardiff in May next, was under consideration, and it was decided to advise the workmen of the dis- trict to attend the gathering, so as to assist in furthering the objects and aims of the institution. —The question of organising the miners of the Ryhmney Valley was dealt with by the Council, and arrangement was made to hold a delegate meet- ing in central place in the valley on the 9th of April, so as to ascertain the views of the work- men of the various collieries on this question.—A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the meeting.

CAMBRIAN ASSOCIATION OF MINERS MONTHLY MEETING IN THE RHONDDA. On Monday the monthly meeting of the Cambrian Association of Miners was held at the Windsor Hotel Assembly-room, under the presidency of Mr James Bowen, the vice-chair being occupied by Mr John Jones. Thirty-seven collieries were represented. With reference to the proposition submitted by the Sliding-scale and Federation Committee, that every member contribute 6d monthly, 2d of which will be paid to a central fund, and each district to support 15 per cent. of its members in case of a strike and lock-out, any number beyond that to be supported from the central fund, it was decided after a brief discussion, That we, as a distiict of miners, having heard the different reports from the various collieries, and of the money paid as subscriptions to the Association, hereby urge upon every colliery to forward to the next meet- ing a list of the total number of workmen employed therein and an account of the subscriptions due to the district. Also it was agreed in regard to the same question— That our representatives on the Federation Com- mitee be reque- ted to ask and counsel the executive to postpone the holding of the proposed conference at present, as our district may not be in a position ot apgrove of reoluli.11S adopted there. Regarding the dispute about the list of prices in the yard seam in the Lady Margaret Colliery, Treherbert, a communication was received from Mr Abraham, M.P., stating that Sir W. T. Lewis had written him postponing the question. Mr Abraham had forwarded that communication to Mr Galloway, a representative of the men, and had requested Sir W. T. Lewis to try to make it convenient to meet the deputation which had been appointed. He had received no reply in regard to the matter. He was afraid, however, that if the men tendered notices to terminate contracts the seam would be closed altogether. But the hon. member could not blame the work- men if notices were given, considering the length of time taken by Sir William to negotiate in the dispute.— After a brief discussion it was agreed to allow the workmen, if they considered ii prudent, to tender notices to terminate con- sracts. Owing to the irregular and most unsatisfactory manner in which various collieries belonging to the Association subscribed towards workmen on strike and for other necessary purposes it was agreed that in future each colliery should contri- bute a sum in proportion to the number of work- men employed. A complaint was received in reference to the refusal of the management of the National Col- liery to pay for the" clod" upon the 2ft. 9in. seam in the National Colliery, Ynyshir, in ac- cordance with the list of prices agreed upon by them and the workmen, and it was unanimously resolved to call Mr Wilkl&fpn's, thechiefjmanager, the proprietors' attention to the grievances with a view to having 1bt.m redressed imme- diately. Respecting a claim for compensation for four diys idleness by the Blaenycwtn Level workmen it was agreed to reject the demand inasmuch as the men had taken their own oourse in the dis- pute without consulting the Association.

BARGOED. From what we can learn the enginemen and stokers in and around the collieries of this and districts adjacent are hopeful to come to a settle- ment with their employers before Thursday and thus prevent a strike.

LOCAL LAW CASES. QUEEN V. JUSTICES OF GLAMORGAN.—In the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice, London, on Monday, the cases of the Queen v. Justices of Glamorgan ex parte Elias Lvans, the Queen v. Same ex parte Gorman, the Queen v. Same ex parte John, and the Queen v. Same ex parte Evaus were down for hearing before Mr Justice A. L. Smith and Mr Justice Lawrance, sitting as a divisional court. On the cases being called on, Mr Kavanagh said in these four cases rules had been obtained calling upon the justices to show cause why writs and mandamus should not issue, directing them to hear certain licensing matters. As the Court of Appeal had recently affirmed the decision of a Divisional Court making the rule absolute in another case, the justices did not propose to appear on the present occasion. In the case of Gorman the rule had been drawn up in the name of Agnes Gorman, instead of that of David Gorman. He asked that the necessary alteration might be made.—Their lordships made the rules absolute in all the cases except that of Gorman, which they adjourned till Monday, in order that the learned counsel might obtain an affidavit to justify them in making the alteration asked for. QUEEN V. LEWIS AND ANOTHKR.—In the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice, London, on Monday, the case of the Queen v. Lewis and Another came before Mr Justice A. L. Smith and Mr Justice Lawrance, sitting as a Divisional Court.—Mr Lynden Bell asked the court to make absolute the rule nisi which was granted 011 the 21st of this month for an attachment ag:unst William Lewis and his wife for failing to comply with an order of Mr Justice Jeune to deliver up a child, daughter of Emma Griffiths, on whose behalf this application was made. It was explained when the conditional rule was applied for that the child had been brought in accordance with the order to the office of the mother's solicitor at Swansea, but was taken away again, and was refused to be given up unless on payment being made of a sum of :£80. The learned counsel said he had reason to think there would now be no opposition to the mother to make the rule abso- lute, and that it would be complied with. It was the case in which there had been set up a lien on the child.—Their lordships made the rule ab- solute,

COMMON RIGHTS AT ^CADOXTON. ATTITUDE OF THE'COMMONERS. From inquiries made by our Barry correspon- dent it is evident that the Cadoxton oommone: views as to the desirability of handing over the local common land tc the Barry and Cadoxton Local Board have undergone a complete change. A joint meeting of representatives of the Local Board and commoners was held at Cadoxton a mouth or so ago, and after a protracted discussion the representatives of the commoners present— with one exception, Mr Edward Jiyans, who remained neutral—approved of a resolution recom- mending tho commoners handing over their interests to the Local Board, subject to their rights to graze sheep, etc., being duly recognised. It was generally thought at the tune that the Board had thus overcome their greatest difficulty, but it is nDw evident that their ditnculties are only about to commence. A change of opinion has come over the commoners, and they now state that they do not intend to reccgmse the resolution recently passed. Our correspondent has seen three or four reputed apd leading commoners, and they informed" him in unmistakeable ternM that it.tended recommending thfe other commoners to act in the same way. They did not disguise their intention of trst of all having the bona, fides of each of the c-mmoners decided upon. Whil pressing one of the commoners to state his reasons as to this strange change of front, our representative learnt an interesting fact that for years past, Mrs Johns, one of the oldest living residents near the common, hfMt frequently spoken of the existence of an import- ant document relating to the common, which she alleged mast be in the possession of the Spickett family, who also have common rights, and who reside at Hatch Cottage, near Cadoxton village. Calling on Mr David Spickett, the latter ad. mitted to our correspondent that this was true. Ht refused to produce the document, which, ho said, was the dsed of purchase of common rights d Cadoxton. He furtherstated, in reply to questions that it gave the names of the families who bad common rights, and full particulars as to posi- tioo, acreage, and terms of purchase. He said it was intended to bold a meeting of commonew shortly, at which a. leeal adviser would be pre- sent, and if necessary counsel's opinion would he also taken. It will be seen that the present posi- tion cf matters relative to the commons' ques- tion ir. the Barry district is most remarkable, and furthf ■ developments relating thereto will be watched with the acuteBt interest by tht inhabitants.