South Wales Daily News

MINERS' EIGHT HOURS DAY. 30UTH WALES COLLIERS AND THE QUESTION. PROBABLE REVOLUTION IN THE SYSTEM OF WORKING. THE OPINIONS OF ABERDARE AND RH< >NDDA MINERS. WILL THE PROPOSED CHANGE RESTRICT THE OUTPUT ? [BY A RH03TODA ECONOMIST.] There is now but very little doubt in the minds it the leaders of the miners in moat of the mining districts of this eonnry that the Eight Hours Bill will sooa become law. A cast- iron rule such as is proposed will unquestion- ably, if rigidly enforced in all the mines, cause quite a revolution in the system of working In the collieries in many of the largest districts. The Aberdare and Merthyr districts have not banged their views since they declared recently Against the proposed eight hours day. The Rhondd.. Valleys are not at all enthusiastic regarding the measure. in fact, the voice of the majority of the men has not been ascertained. But it is a well-known fact that the men's representatives, including the Federationists as well, are m favour of the Bill. The Clydach Vale collieries, employing about 2,000 workmen, (laving tried the eight hours day from bank jo bank for over 12 months, abandoned tt, because they found the mode of working and ,1M shortened hours detrimental to their interests. They balloted upon the matter, and the great majority were in favour of reverting to the nine "boars system, which was previously adopted by them. I have no hesitation to stating that a very large number of the miners in the Rhondda Valleys, if not a large majority of the men, would vote against the Bill if their feelings were tested by ballot. Then the Northumberland and the Durham miners disapprove of the principle 5f the Bill, and it is alleged by theIr leaders that the propoeed legislative in. terference will seriously affect the welfare of the underground workmen in all the .•cilleries in their districta. Although the miners !n the Northern districts do not work even eight lours from bank to bank, yet they contend that i legal eight hours' day would affect a large aumber of workmen in the pits, and would BEVOLUTIONISK THE SYSTEM THROUGHOUT THE 1IINB8. Fbe employers and a majority of the men agree that tbe principle of the Bill is unjust, and the proposed change would, if adopted or enforced, Increase the cost of production, and throw out of employment many of the workmen in the various jollieries. It is evident, therefore, that the en- forcement of an eight hours' law would cause con liderable dissatisfaction among a large section of miners in various large districts in different parts of the country. For instance, the large number af miners employed in the Clydach Vale Collieries who have tried an eight hours' system from bank to bank for over 12 months, and abandoned it owing to its impracticability and the great inconvenience and annoyance it caused to the generality of the men and also to the management of the pita, will have to legally resume the objectionable system if the Bill should pass into Jaw. It therefore stands to reason that these BOilieriefl will be dissatisfied if the change be legally enforced. I have had a chat with many of the experienced miners of the Clydach Vale collieries respecting the eight hours system as adopted by them. Some of them alleged that tht-y could not possibly earn suffi- cient wages or the amount of wages they gener- ally earned previously, because the time was too short, although they received extra remuneration for working under the eight hours from bank to bank system. Of course, the*e waa a double shift on the coal. The first shift of miners, descending the pits about six o'clock in the morn- ing, worked on until the second shift went in at two o'clock to turn them out. The second shift same out of the pits at about ten o'clock at night. The officials of the collieries complained that the interval between ten o'clock at night and six ID morning was too short to allow for repairs m different parts of the mines by the night lahourerg and timbermen. This was one of the grievances of the management. THK TWO SKIITS 0- COLLIEBS QUATTBELLED with each other frequently, one complaining that the other was not doing its duty, or was un- skilled or indolent. Two shifts of workmen em- ployed in the same working place is a thing practically unknown in South Wales collieries, speaking generally. Occasional disputes and wrangles occurred in the working places, and the officials of the collieries had sometimes to interfere, and were sent for by the aggrieved parties underground. Then, on pay-days disputes occurred between the workmen of the two shifts regarding the dividing of wages paid for dead work. Such is a brief account of the condition of things amongst the miners of the C'ydach Vale collieries while the eight hours' day was in vogue there. Such is the state of things that must occur in every other colliery where a double shift system on the coal will be adopted. This is why the men themselves so strongly protest against the adoption of double shift on the coal. We now come to con- sider very important question in regard to this matter. Will the employers enforce the double- ahift system on the coal if the Eight Hours' BIn making an eight hours' system from bank to bank compulsory becomes law. We know the views of Mr David Morgan, Aberdare. He states emphatically that in all probability a double shift will be enforced generally throughout South Wales. The employers themselves are somewhat reticent about the matter. They no dottbt have made up their minds what to do w the change is a<iopted, or enforced, assum. ing the measure will pass, as now expected by t119 leaden of the men. Mr D. A. Thomas, M.P., has warned the men, stating distinctly that the double-shift system on the coal will follow the passing of an eight hours' day for miners in the South Wales collieries. And if the double shift be enforced the system of working in the South Wales collieries Wilt BE REVOLUTIONISED, not for the better, but for the worse. These are the views of the men themselves. But the men's leaders contend that the woikmen will not submit to a double shift. It is flo be an eight hours' system from bank to bank without a double shift on the coal. Now, even confining this question of legislative interference to our own district of South Wales it will be seen what conflict is likely to occur between employers and the work- men when a legal eight hours' day comes into force. How are the men going to successfully resist the employers' enforcement of the objectionable double shift ? The work. idea of South Wales to-day are badly organised. They might say. We shall strike against a double shift." Unquestionably there will be a conflict between the employers and the misers respecting the change. But why should the employers enforce a double shift ? A couple of years ago, when the question of limitation of hours to eight from bank to bank was being dis- cussed at different public meetings and at the associations of the miners, the leaders urged that such a limitation of the hours in mines would not cause a diminution of output. It was one of their chief arguments that an eight hours day would enable the men to increase their vitality and work more vigorously, and conseqvieutly do practically the same amount of labour in the short day as m the longer one. But during the past few weeks THB LEADEES HATE CHANGED THIUR MINDS upon this important question. They adopted at a recent conference a resolution earnestly request- ing every collier to adhere to the nine hours system, or to put down tools at the expiration of nine hours, and not to work ten or more as was done in a large number of collieries in South Wales by a large number of men. It was said by them that the carrying out of that proposal would reduce the output in the mines by at least 20 per cent. Surely, therefore, if the limitation of hours to nine will so substantially rescrict the output, the limitation to eight must reduce the output considerably more. Anyone arguing differently must evidently be illogical. But a legal eight hours day means, strictly speaking, a seven hours' working day, or even lees than that. Therf comes the question of cost of production, aDd also other very important questions, which I sbftil consider in another article.

> ATTACKED BY A BULL. Two young girls named Beatrice Blunt and Edith Ross were playing in Vicarage-street, Nuneaton, on Tuesday evening, when a bullock, which was being driven from a cattle saie ground, roshed at the latter child, and inflicted terrible injuries upon her, which included a broken thigh. Blunt was likewise knocked down, and badly laoerated about the sea1 p.

CADBURY a CocoA. — A Cocoa possessing valuable flesh-forming qualities and irnpartingstrengtfi FUJ<1 ^-ivin newer. Health 170 New SHORT STORY EVZKY WKEC —On Satur- day next will be published in the Cardiff Tlmu and 3outh Walm Weekly Newt a new short story (complete) ■titled. "AsOWlW* fctorv." by Mrs Alexander.

HELPING THE HELP- LESS. MAKING CLEAR A DARKENED PATH. EDUCATION ACT FOR BLIND AND DEAF CHILDREN. Various notices of this Act have appeared in tbe papers, but its importance to those concerned de- mands even greater publicity. The past Parlia- mentary Session, though otherwise barren, in the matter of education for blind and deaf chil- dren has been most fertile and we are much mistaken if its influence will be any less powerful than was Forster's Act for others. Hitherto the blind and deaf have been dependent on volun- tary institutions, benevolent individuals, and chance. Misguided parental affection has, in some cases, h ndered their training, and kept them in a state of helpless dependency and ignor- ance. It is not long since a youth of 20 applied to an institute for tbe blind, not many miles from Cardiff, to be taught a trade, who could not even lace his own boots. The power of using his bands bad been so long in abeyance that it could not be recalled, and the managers had the painful duty of returning him to his friends. But, henceforth, every parent is bound to take care that his deaf or blind child receives a suit- able education, and there is no escape, unless the child be idiotic or imbecile as well. Many parents will at once recognise their inability to comply with this on account of its cost, but if anxicus to perform so manifest a parental duty, will inquire how it may be discharged. They need not be perplexed. Application should be made at once to the school authority of the dis- trict in winch the child lives, namely, the sohool hoard, where there is one, or the board of guardians. At the same time It should be well understood that such an application brings no risk of pauperism, for the Act expressly pro- vides against any loss cf electoral rights or other degradation. The training of our deaf and blind children, though much mor expensive, is to be AS FREE AS ANY OTHER ELEMENTARY EDUCATION. In casA of any unwillingness ou the part of the school authority to exercise its powms, or any unnecessary delay, an appeal should be made to the Education Department, which is armed with adequate powers of compulsion. No doubt at pret:!f\nt there is a good deal of discussion amongst school authorities as to the best modes of carrying out the Act. The volun- tary IDstitutionscan only accommodate a limited number, and they must be enlarged, or fresh ones erected. In some towns it may be found most convenient to select a central school, at which the special teaching required may given, some of the pupils being conveyed daily to it, and others being lodged near at hand. This will be more practicable in the case of blind children than with the deaf; as the former can participate in the vivd voce teaching as well as sighted children, and most authorities advise that they should be so united. In some districts it will be more convenient for several authorities to combine and engage a special teacher to "Isit several schools in t'lrn, Isolated children will need to be sent to more or less distant school, and, as a rule, with few exceptions, parents will be only too glad to have them TRAINED TO A LIFE OF INDEPENDENCE, rather than they should be a burden on some one for life. In large towns, however, such a pro- ceeding is unnecessarily cruel. The eduoation can be given while the child keeps in touch with parental affection and ordinary social life. The presence of a little blind child in a family circle has a softening and humanising influence, which is altogether lost by its removal to an institution far &w.«y. The same remark does not apply with equal force to a deaf child, and there are suuie good reasons why it should be sent to an institu- tion at an early age. In conclusion, we would urge all who are interested to procure the Act for themselves, its cost being placed low enough to meet the case of the shallowest pocket.

NATIONAL UNION OF TEACHERS. CONFERENCE AT OXFORD. [BY OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. ] The beautiful weather which has done so much towards making the conference a success is still all that could possibly be desired. Oxford, the great seat of learning, has never been seen to better advantage, and the representatives from Gallant little Wales" are all strongly impressed with the magnificence of the great University city. Though Welsh questions have not been very prominently to the front uatbe debates, yet the South Wales friends have no reason to be ashamed of the part they have played in the many imposing functions that have taken place. Two great events took place ou Wednesday. morning Mr Ernest Gray was granted the degree of M. A., honoris causa. This is an honour that has not previously been conferred upon any pre- sident, and it only shows the great advance made by what may termed the" democratic" order of teachers. It must eventually come to pass that those who are engaged in the instruction of the people's children shall receive the same consideration as those who are occupied in kilhug the time of the sons of noblemen. But it must be freely admitted on all hands that the great guns of Oxford have done their very utmost to fraternise, almost on terms of equality, with those lower down the educational ladder. The mayor, sheriff, vice-chance, tor, and all the great ones have been present at the important gather- ings, and shown their interest, in all that has been going on.—The Shetdonian Theatre, the scene of so irany historic events, was filled in the after- noon by a tremendous crowd. The Princess Christian attended to receive the purses of money which had been subscribed through the effort-i of the teachers and children. The Rhondda Asso- ciation contributed the largest amount for our division of the country. Princess Christian was supported by all the city officials, as well as Lor 1 and Lady Jersey. Notwithstanding the many items of interest that might have occupied attention, the one sole topic was the marvellous address given by the latter. It is by no means exaggerating to say that every. one present was simply astounded at the great powers of oratory displayed by Lady Jersey. I throw this out as a hint to any public body requiring a special lady speaker on any important occasion.—The President of Magdalen, who followed, was placed at a great disadvantage by the immense success of his pre- decessor. He, however, brought down the house by illustrating a point in connection with the teachers' charities by the following ancedote. Referring to the competition displayed by the different associations in presenting the largest amount, and the shame cast upon thoee who made no effort to subscribe, the President of Magdalen spoke of the custom at one time pre. valent in Wales. of the deacon calling out the amount placed in the plate by the worshippers at service. With much gravity he shouted out, John Jones, Is David Thomas, 6rl and Mr Evan Evans, nuthin." The speaker, who waa proud of his Welsh extraction, took pains to give the correct articulation, and roars of laughter were indulged in by everyone present. — In the evening, Professor Rhys, whose praises are being loudly sung by the visitors, was chairman of a gathering of about 50 ladies and gentlemen, all of whom at present reside or have hailed from Wales. London, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle. &c., were represented, and the assembly was honoured by the presence of Herr Salaman, of N aas, Sweden, and Messrs Lawrence and Col. Martin, of Scotland. Herr Salaman received great applause for his senti- ments on patriotism, and said he would not trust any man who did not make his love of country come next to. if no on an equality with, his love of God. Wales for the Wel1<h was delighted. Needless to say. Professor Rhys's remarks were most cordially received, especially when he urged his hearers to remember their nationality and endeavour to do honour to it. To close my remarks 1 may say that Oxford is likely to be long remembered by the Welsh friends as a place where they have received as cordial a greeting as any town they have as yet visited. A large number of delegates were present on Thursday, when Mr Ernest Gray took the chair. The chief feature of the session was the debate on the age and attendance qualification for labour certificates in lieu of age and standard.—Mr Sykes, of Bradford, who favours the idea that age only should be considered, brought forward a resolution to that effect. Mr Macnamara, how- ever, shattered his arguments, and the voting was largely in favour of attendance being taken into account, as it would tend to produce greater regularity of the delinquents. As the majority wn so large, the question may be regarded as being finally settled, so far as the executive of the N.U.T. is concerned.

COWBRIDGE GROCER'S AFFAIRS. On Thursday a meeting of creditors of Mr John Harries, grocer. West End Stores, Cowbridge, was held in the office of the Official Receiver, Cardiff. The gross liabilities were stated to be £290 3s 3d, of which £264 13 3d are expected to runk, the assets being JB59 10s, leaving a deficiency of.£205 3i 3d. Debtor alleged that the cause of failure was that his trade was insufficient to meet the expenses of the business. Tb" Official tver, in his observations, says debtor had no offer to make, and had been adjudicated bank- ing" ^^r commenced business in September, JLoSO, with a capital of £ 100, at Blewitt-screet, ewp irt, subsequently removing to Swansea and w ridge. He had had to borrow money on several occasions. The Official Receiver further debtor had kept onlv a debtors' ledger and day book, which do not give any TM t0 h'jfmancial position or trading. 5 Sir Sfe"*? that he was insolvent in November, 1893 after which he continued to trade and incur further liabilities.—No resolution was passed, and the official receiver remains trustee.

= Statistics indicate that one person in every 2,712 of the population of the Metropolitan police district is either a criminal or a suspected indi- vidual. WHEN you ask for a Porous Plaster me that you are supplied with Allcock's. Take no other and insist on having Allcock's Porous Planter. Allcooks, of all chemists. Is l%d. fjgg HABRIS. Merthyr, is noted all over Wales for Oil Portraits and Pnotocraofej. IØØ

ALLEGED PERSECUTION OF ROMAN CATHOLICS. CHARGE AGAINST THE BARRY SCHOOL BOARD. A majority of the members of the Barry Distriot School Board have again determined to oppose the application made to the Education Department by the managers of the Barry Dock Roman Catholic Schools to have it ranked as a necessary and State-aided school. In a recent petition to the Education Depart- ment, the Rev. Monseignor Williams, of Cardiff, stated j—" The school stands in the centre of the district, and draws its scholars from all parts of it. It has accom- modation fur 240 scholars, and has now over 200 upon the registers. Since its opening in May, 1892, it has been conducted in accordance with the regulations of the code, under certificated teachers, and as an entirely free school. If the scholars whom it is educating were throwu into the oard schools the accommodation provided in these schools would seem less adequate than it does at present. The Barry Dock Company have ob- tained an Act empowering them to construct a new dock, and this work, which is to be com- menced immediately, will bring a large an i per- manent increase of population into the district. In view of the fact that the board have resolved to take the necessary measures for the provision of additional accommodation for 670 scholars, not to add what will be necessary tor Barry, it can h udly say at present that the Roman Catholic school is unnecessary, and that the board have made full provision for the public school accom- modation required for the district. I, therefore, ask that in the provision of additional accommo- dation, the Barry Dock Roman Catholic school— which is educating, and will continue to educate, over 200 of the children—may be taken into account, and that it may accepted as a necessary school (as it is), and receive an annual support grant." This resulted in the Education Department desiring the opinion of the Barry Board on the matter, -and at a private meeting attended by all the members, except the Rov. J. Price and Mr Benjamin Lewis, the following letter was drafted, and on the proposition of the chairman (Mr J. Lowdon). seconded by Dr. Lloyd Edwards, the clerk was instructed to send it to the Depart- ment :—" With reference to yonrLordships'letter of the 14th instant, I am directed by tho board to reply us follows:—Although the Holton-road Schools have recently filled up very rapidly they are not yet overcrowded. These sohools accom- modate 1.368 children. The average attendance for the last .ichool year ending 30th September, 1893, was 1,002. The average from that date to the end of last week was 1,101, but the average for last week has increased to 1.249, and the number on the reg sters to 1,491. The board has seen for some tune that a further enlargement of this school may now with propriety be made, and are negotiating for land for that purpose, and in tbe extension they will make they do not propose to take into account the Roman Catholic chool, but themselves to provide as they have hitherto done all the accommodation, this district may require. They would also draw your Lordships' attention to the fact that they have scheduled one acre of land on Cadoxton Com- mon for the purpose of extending their Cadox- ton Schools, that the commoners have offered no opposition, and therefore they hope soon to be able to commence these additions, which will accommodate 660 children, and p'ans for which are now prepared for con- sideration by your Department's architect. Cadoxton Schools are only 1,342 yards distant from Holton Schools by the nearest public road. Should any lack of accommodation arise in any part of this board's district before their further provision is ready, they are prepared at once to rent temporary premises to meet such want. They, therefore, submit that the Roman Catholic school is not a necessary school within the mean- I g of I hp. Act." Dr. O'Donnell (chairman of the local board), who is the only Roman Catholic member of the school board, voted a direct negative to this resolution, and alleged religious persecution on the part of his colleagues. He considered their opposition uujust to the Roman Catholics of the district, and stated the school would be con- tinued in spite of their protest. In declining their support, the school deliberately hindered the work of elementary education in the district, and placed upon the shoulders of the poorest dass of the community the duty of supporting their own school, while at the same time con- tributing their quota towards the expenses of existing public elementary schools. A further application will be made by the Roman Catholic clergy to the Department.

VERGER OF CAERLEON CHURCH FINED FOR ASSAULT At Caerteon Police-court on Thursday, James Davies, the verger at the Caerleon < hurch, was summoned for assaulting his wife, Adeline Eliza Davies. Mr Lyndon Moore, solicitor, repre- sented the complainant, and Mr H. G. L'oyd, solicitor, appeared for the defendant.—Mr Moore said that for the plàst tea years the defendant, hnd been committing a series of assaults on bis wife. He had taken the sacrament on Sunday morning, and had given his wife a pair of black eyes in the evening. Recently a deed of separation had been drawn up, and the parties had lived apart, the complainant having gone to live :wJth her friends at Newport. On the 19th iust. Mrs Davies visited Caerleon, and she met her husband, but declined to speak to him, but afterwards sent her son, who was with her, to ask what was wanted, and after- wards she went to the house and h r hu-band struck her on the side of the face, bruising her cheek, and also struck his son, causing his nose to bleed. The complainant was called and confirmed Mr Moore's statement. She bad been married for 23 years. She had made no complaint about her husband's treatment, because he had threatened that if she made it known it would be the worse for her. Fur the defence, witnesses were called who stated that there was a fight between the parties and the wife and son attacked the father and that he struck them. The son was said to have kicked his father and to have taken up an iron bar to strike him. It was stated that by the deed of settlement four of the six cottages owned by the parties were settled on the wife, and it was alleged that the defendant had per- suaded the tenants te leave the wife's cottages. The magistrates said that the case was a very sad and painful one, but they considered the charge proved, and fined defendant 20s, and granted a judicial separation, gtving the wife the custody of the younger children.

BAPTIST CHORAL FESTIVAL AT CARMARTHEN. A sacred choral festival was held at Carmar- then on Thursday afternoon and evening, and consisted of about 13 Welsh Baptist Choirs, or upwards of a thousand members, from Taber- nacle and Priory Chapels, Carmarthen, Burry Port, St. Olear's, Pembrey, and other places in the district. The conductor was Mr Dan Davies, A.C., Merthyr, the accompanist being Mr G. Smith, Carmarthen. The first concert was given in the Market-place before an immense con- course of people, the choirs singing such well- known Weleh tunes as Engedi, Pantycelyn, and Mileshane. The hymns, L«ad, Kindly Light and Nearer my God to Thee (Welsh version) were most effectively rendered. The evening meeting was held at Tabernacle Chapel. This is the first festival of the kind that has been held in Carmarthenshire, but the pro- motets intend to make it an annual affair.

THE FATAL ACCIDENT AT MONMOUTH. Mr B. H. Deakin, district coroner, held an inquiry on Thursday touching the death of Joseph Morgan, who was killed by an accident caused by a runaway horse on the previous morning. The evidence showed that deceased was leading the horse attached to an empty waggon, when the animal took fright and bolted. D ceased was knocked down, and his head so badly injured that he died in a few moments. A verdict of Accidental death was recorded.

PORTH. ASSAULT AT LLWYNYPIA. At the Portb Police-court on Thursday—before Mr Ignatiut 'j1™' Mr Matbias, and Dr. Parry—Henr> jvibble, residing at Llwynypia, was summoned! for assaulting W. Davies, formerly proprietor ol the Aerated Waterworks in the locality.—Ml J. Phillips, Pontypridd, appeared for the pro. secutor. The evidence showed that the partie quarrelled at the Partridge Hotel, in the locality, The defendant was fined B3,

CONTRACTORS' FAILURE. Ab London Bankruptcy-court on Thursday, tb4 failure was announced of Messrs W. Eckersleyl G. B. Godfrey, and C. Liddelows, railway coir tractors, of Westminster, and Athens, Greece, The debtors had been engaged in rail- way works ID Greece in connection with which there is detention money amounting to 280.000, and caution money to a like amount, and the debtors' right to money on the contract maj be subject to arbitration hereafter. The liabilitiej outsids detention money are stated not to exceed £ 35,000. Amongst the assets is plant at Greece, £ 700 worth of screws at Sheffield, and fil.OW worth of furniture.

A BECBNTLY PUBLISHED REPORT ot the Histort cal Manuscripts Commission contains a most interesting digest of the ancient records of th< Corporation of Hereford, and some references te the making and selling of beer, are worth notice. AIle." Beere," and Metheglen" (a beer made from honey) are frequently menfooned from 1513 to the end of that century. At various times, from 1513 to 1550, persons were indicted foi putting hops in ale, there being a law in force against the practice. Little did the magistrates of that time think that in the nineteenth century one of the most paying industries in the county 01 Hereford would be tho growing of this so-called "pernicious drug," and that the city itself should become famed for the brewing of a special beer, the"Golden Sunlight" Ale, whose excellence and flavour should greatly depend upon the very pick of Herefordshire hops being used in its brew* mg. Brewed only by Charles Watkins and Son, the Hereford Brewery, and sold by Agents throughout the kingdom- 13401-1119

PROPERTY SALES. CARDIFF. At The Mart, Bank-buildings, St. Mary-street, Cardiff, on Thursday evening, Mr Morgan Mor- gan disposed of the following properties No. 13. Fitzalan-plac*, to Mr Hughee Royston for £840; No. 103, Glenroy-street, to Mr J. Morgan for £202 10s and Nos. 204 and 206, Cairn- street, to Mr A. Harding for £380. Messrs Powell. Roach, and Co. offered for sale, at the Park Hotel, on Thursday afternoon, several leasehold properties in Bute-street, Patrick-street, and Redlaver-street. Lot 2, namely, two houses in Patrick-street, were sold to Mr J.J. Aimes for £250 and lot 3, two houses in Patrick-street, was sold to Mr John Miller for £4!, Messrs Spencer, Corbett, aud Evans were solicitors for the vendors. Mr J. J. David acted as auctioneer in the absence of Mr W. Powell. HIRWAIN. Mr T. Whitty Evans offered for sale by auction, at the Victoria-hall, Hirwain, on Wed- nesday, the following properties :—Nos, 7 to 16 (inclusive), Station-road, were knocked down in separate lots at prices ranging from JB80 to JE85 each. Nos. 17 and 18, Defynock-place, were sold for £100, to William Evans, Hirwain. Nos. 6 and 10, Wind-street, were sold for JB40. A freehold mes^uajfe, known as Cross Cottage, was withdrawn at £170. There was a very large at- tendance. but the biddings were not very brisk. Mr J. W. Evans, Aberdure, acted as vendor's solicitor for all the lots.

THEATRE ROYAL, CARDIFF. Mr George Edwardes In Town Company, which pays a welcome return visit to the Theatre Koyal next week, contains a phenomenon m the person of Mr Picton Roxborough. This gentle- man claims, and with good reason, to be the tallest actor in the world, for he is like the famous Alhambrg. giantess in two points-first. that he is still growing," and, second, that, reckoned in feet and inches, there is nothing to choose between them, it being, we believe, a case of six of one and half-a-dozen of the other. Though a comparati yely new comer one may say that he has been long on the stage. Needless to say that he makes an imposing personality of Hoffman, the big head porter of the Caravanserai Hotel in the play.

COLLIERY RULES. ARBITRATION BETWEEN HOME OFFICE AND SOUTH WALES OWNERS. On Thursday, at the offices of the Monmouth- shire and South Wales Coalowners' Association, I in the Engineers' Institute, Cardiff, the arbitra- tion was resumed between the Home Office and the colliery owners of East Glamorganshire upon the new rulos which have been drafted by the Home Secretary. Those present included-the umpire, his Honour Judge Lewis. For the Home Office —arbitrator, Mr John Batey, Coulford, near Bath couustl, Mr Abol Thomas, Q.C., M.P. solicitor, Mr Edward Striok, Swansea inspectors of minas, Mr J. T. Robson, H.M. Chief Inspector of Mines for South Wales; and Messrs J. M. Sims, Fred. A. Gray, and J. Dyer Lewis, assistant-inspectors. Also Mr Joseph Martin, chief inspector for Monmouthshire Mr W. Beattie Scott, chief inspector for South Stafford- shire, Mr Arthur Stokes, chief inspector for the Midland distriot; Mr Henry Hall, chief inspector for Lincolnshire; and Mr R. D. Baine, assistant inspector for Mon- mouthshire. For the colliery owners — arbitrator. Sir W. T. Lewis counsel, Mr B. Francis Williams, Q.C. solicitor, Mr Vazie Simons; secretary, Mr W. Gasgoyne Dalziel; witnesses, Messrs W. Jenkins, H. W. Martin, Treharne Rees, T. H. Bailey. R. Badlingiou, E. M. G. Wilkinson, T. Evens, W. W. Hood, H. E. Gray, D. Hannah. J. Tambtyn, and T. GI.,tlhhs, workmen's representatives, Mes*rs David Morgan, miners' agent Daronwy Isaac, miners' agent Thortas Thomas, Morthyr; W. Abraham, M.P.. William Bray, Mardy William Evans, Pentre; and Lewis Miles, secretary.—Practically the whole of the day was occupied by the cross-ex umi na- tion of Mr J. T. Robson by Mr B. F. Williams, Q.C., on the subject of accidents by falls in the mines and other points. So far Mr Robson has been the only witness under examination, this being his fifth day, and at the adjournment yesterday Mr Abel Thomas bad commenced his re-examination.—The arbitration was further adjourned until 10.30 this morning, and it will probably be contiuued on Saturday, when a number of witnesses will be called on be- half of the colliery owners.

ROATH PARK, CARDIFF. ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE BOATING SEASON. NO PRIVATE BOATS ALLOWED. At Thursday's meeting of Cardiff Parks Com- mittee, held under the presidency of Councillor Ebenezer Beavan, consideration was given to the regulations it was desirable to adopt with regard to the boats it Wtts proposed to place on the lake at Roath Park. The Chairmau said ho had been repeatedly asked by private people who were desirous of having boats of their own on the lake as to the amount of fees annually they would have to pay for the privilege, and the committee were of opinion that one guinea a year would be an ample fee to charge private persons for the housing and care (without responsibility) of their boats.—Councillor Ramsdale pointed out that instructions had been given at the last meeting of the committee for the erection of a boat-house that should accommodate fifty boats, and he sug- gested that thirty of these b iats should belong to the corporation a.nd be lot out for hire, thus leaving accommodation for twenty private boats. It was pointed out that they might be inundated with applications to place private boats on the lake, and the borough engineer (Mr Harpur) stated that under such circumstance", seeing that fifty boats were a quite sufficient number to place there, it would be advisable that there should be no private boats allowed on the lake, but that the whole 50 should ply for hire on the lake.— Councillor Ramsdale was of this opinion, pointing out that as the lake had been constructed out of the rates no privilege ought to be accorded to any particular class.—Councillor White remarked that it would be premature on the part of the committee to come to any decision on the subject, seeing that the necessary powers to enable them to become a trading concern had not yet been obtained, and were, in fact, being sought for in their present Bill.—It was ultimately resolved, on the motion of Councillor Brain, fhat 50 boats be allowed to ply for hire on the lake, such concession to be advertised by the committee. Applicants must submit plans of the kind of boat they intend using and state the amount per boat per annum they are disposed to pay. No outriggers allowed."—An amendment moved by Councillor Andrews that 20 private boats be allowed on the lake at a fee of one guinea a year was lost. It was decided that, providing it would met with the approval of Lord Bute, the ceremony of formally opening the park should take place on the 20th of June. It was further resolved that a general invitation should be extended to the pubi c to take part in the ceremony.—It was agreed, on the motion of Councillor Andrews, that aquatic sports should take place in honour of the occasion,

PECULIAR BUILDING SOCjETX DISPUTE. COUNTY-COURT ACTION AT SWANSEA. At the Swansea Coiuuy-court — before his Honour Judge Gwilym Williams—an action was brought by John Jones against the Pontardui.iis Permanent Building Society for the recovery of JB50. Mr Benson was for plaintiff, and Mr Gbs- cotline for defendant. Plaintiff, it appeared, had been a holder of five J630 shares in the society. and in 1890 he gave notice to redeem, being entitled to j6150. He had of that been paid £100, in two cheques of £50, but plaintiff denied receiving the balance, which defendants alleged was paid by cash, and in support of this they produced a receipt. This plaintiff explained by saying that one of the receipts for the two J650 received was said by the then secretary to be not one that could be submitted to the directors, so another was written out. —Mr Benson called attention to a rule of the society that no amount could be paid by cash without a resolution of the directors, and the books showed that no such resolution had been passed.—In defence, David Rewbridge, the secretary of the society at the time, was called, but all he seemed able to say was, that if the cheque was signed it was given to plaintiff.—The Judge found the defendants had not provided ample proof of payment, and found for plaintiff for the full amount.

WHEN IS A MAN DRUNK ? Frank Lewis, the landlord of the Gate Inn, Llanfrechfa, near Caerleon, attended at the Caerleon Police-court on Thursday to answer a charge of being drunk on his own licensed premises.—Officer Lynch told the court that on the 1st inst., shortly after 2 o'clock in the after- noon, he found the landlord in the taproom leaning against the mantelshelf drunk. In answer to Mr Percy Laybourne, solicitor, who appeared for Mr Lewis, the officer said that the landlord gave reasonable answers to his questions. Mr Lay- bourne, on behalf of defendant, contended that before a man could be drunk he must be incapable or have lost his reason, and he asked the magis- trates to dismiss the summons on the ground that there was no evidence to show that Mr Lewis was incapable at the time. The magistrates dis- missed the case, but cautioned the defendant as to his future conduct. Superintendent James asked the magistrates to state the grounds for their decision, and said that there would probably be appeal. The Magistrates' Clerk said that there could be no appeal in the case.

SWANSEA COUNTY-COURT. At the Swansea County-court on Thursday— before his Honour Judge Gwilym Williams—an action was brought by Councillor Westlake against Mr Polyblank, engineer, for the recovery of £35-a year's rent of a house—and £10 10s, the value of goods belonging to plaintiff, which defendant was alleged to have wrongfully taken away. Mr Naylor was for plaintiff, and Mr Glascodine (instructed by Messrs Davies and Ingram) for the defendant. It was stated that plaintiff, some years ago, agreed to let defendant live in his house at Northampton-place, rent free, on condition that he assisted him with certain patents he was perfecting. Plaintiff alleged that after a time, finding he was not receiving the assistance he expected, he varied the agreement, and expected rent to be paid.—In defence, it was denied that the agreement was varied. With respect to the other claim, it was said defendant had taken home some cushions belonging to plaintiff. For these plaintiff paid 30s into court, and denied that at the tune he knew they were plaintiff's.—Judgment was given for defendant.

NEWPORT IMPORTS AND EXPORTS. The export of coal from Newport, foreign and coastwise, for the week ending on Wednesday evening, owing to the holidays was much smaller than usual, and amounted to 50,911 ton"! ¡,md 1 cargo (weight not given), of which 40,737 tons and 1 cargo were despatched to foreign porta, ana 10,174 tons went coastwise. The other exports included Coke, 430 tons; slag, 1,000 tone; cinders, 1,000 tons; rails, 1,100 tons tin-plates, 1 cargo bricks, 4 GOIIS; speigel iron, 1 cargo; manure, 110 tons general merchandise, 5 cargoes and 400 tons. The imports during the week included 3,050 tons iron ore, 2,600 tons pig iron 330 tons old iron, 1 cargo and 400 tons iron, 1 cargo scrap iron, 7 tons iron rails, 130 tons speigel iron, 230 Ions groand phosphate, 82 tons sand, 7,189 loads pitwood, 75 tons oak timber, 1 cargo aud 400 tons mining timber, 2.000 chairs, 2 cargoes limestone, 2 cargoes tin, 536 tons moss litter, 1 cargoe and 320 tons manure, 2 cargoes wheat, and 9 cargoes general merchandise.

VALUABLE BOOK PURCHASED BY THE QUEEN. Her Majesty has purchased, in Liverpool, some valuable hooks. among which is the first edition 11 of Sir Walter Scott's Sir Tristram, a Metnoal Romance of the Thirteenth Century," the copy presented by the author to Sir Alexander Bos- well, of Auchinleck (son of Johnson's bingrttpher), who was a great personal friend. There is a long inscription in it in Sir Walter's own handwriting. Sir Alexander's fate was tragic. His chief weak- ness was the writing of satirical vefses and lam- poons, and his indulgence in this form of amusement cost him his lifi. He offended James Stewart, of Dunearn, who promptly challenged him to a duel, and had him out on a fair green field, near the vi!lage of B ilmutor, in Fife, March 26th, 1822, and Sir Alexander Boswell was slain. His book will henceforward find a place in the I Librar. of Windsor tlaatle.

A telegram reached Cardiff on Thursday announcing the death of Mr Joseph Haydn Parry, the distinguished Welsh composer, and son of Dr. Joseph Parry. The deceased gentle- had been ill for two days at his residence in London, but no fatal termination was expected.. and the sad news will come as a severe shock to his relatives in Cardiff. The intelligence of the death of Mr Joseph Haydn Parry will be received with the keenest regret in Cardiff and throughout the whole of South Wales, where he had a large circle o friends. The deceased gentleman was in the prime of life, being only about 32 years of age. He was the oldest son of Dr. Joseph Parry (Mus. Doc., Cantab), of Cardiff and Penarth, professor of music at the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire, and principal of the South Wales and Monmouthshire School of Music. Mr Haydn Parry was born in America, his father having resided for a number of years in that country in his earlier hfe. Mr Parry was trained. while still very young, in the theory and art of music by his father, from whom also he received his first tuition in com- position and pianoforte playing. He subse- quently proceeded to London, where his educa- tion was continued at one of the best of the musical colleges. At a very early period in his career his remarkable abilities displayed them- selves, and he experienced no difficulty in obtaining for himself the appointment of pro- fessor at the Harrow School of Music, at which Mr Peiniger, the eminent violinist, who has made so many notable appearances at Cardiff in chamber music, was and still is the principal. MrHajdn Parry at a later date became pro- fessor of music at the Guildhall School of Music under Sir Joseph Barnby. He displayed remark- able powers as a composer while quite a youth, and when still in his teens had already written one or two charming songs and other composi- tions. One of his earliest achievements was the composition of Gwen, a cantata based upon an old Welsh legend, which was produced with great success in London and throughout the Prin- cipality. His next work of importance was Cigarette, a romantic opera, which had a very satisfactory career in London, and also ran very well in Cardiff. Its subsequent success was only marred by the work of his collaborators. It was round the first performance of this work at the Theatre Royal, Cardiff, that so much discussion toot place with regard to the engagement of Mr Ben Davies and that singer's connection with the Cardiff Triennial Musical Festival. Mr Haydn Parry made so favourable an impression by the powers in comic opera which he displayed that he was engaged upon a work wherewith to open the Princess's Theatre in Loudon, under the management of Mr Hollinshead. He so. lected as his subject the old play entitled Green Bushes, and upon this story founded tho opera of Miami. This work no doubt had its faults, but they were due rather to the inadaptability of the plot to operatic treatment than to any lack of skill on the part of the young composer. It career would have been, no doubt, a very flattering one had it not been for internal complications which resulted in the theatre being closed within a week of its opening. Mr Haydn Parry had, no doubt, a serious cause for feeling aggrieved, and we have reason to believe that the matter has occupying legal minds evjr since. The sudden death of Mr Haydn Parry is all the more deplorable because he was on the point of making his first notable appearance in English music by the performance ot an original work at the Cardiff Musical Festi- val next year. Of course the circumstances which surround the production of a work like this are sufficient to make or mar the musician and when it is remembered that composers of the rank of ViJIiers Stanford aod Sullivan havp been only too pleased to present works to English festivals in order to secure perfect rendering, it will be realised that Mr Parry's gratification was as great as was the feeling of pleasure on the part of the committee. Mr Parry had some time ago sketched out the plot for his libretto. It was bed upon a Greek legend which described three of the pagan deities descending to the cottage occupied by pious worshippers, and there rewarding by miraculous meaus their piety which showed it- self in marked contrast of the neglect of worship by those who lived around them. The work was to have been of a very interesting character, more particularly because it was suitable for either the stage or the concert, room. Mr Parry's light and delicate orchestration would have been displayed to the fullest degree. So eager was he to exert himself to the utmost extent in the perfecting of this work that ) he had already made arrangements with the I publishers two years in advance, and had also made suggestions with regard to the artistes to be engaged. The name of the work had not been finally determined upon, or, if it had, it had not been permitted to transpire. It should be added that Sir Joseph Barnby took the deepest interest in Mr Parry's career, and the friendliest relations existed between the professor and his principal. It is interesting to note that Sir Joseph Barnby was one of the first to Suggest the entrusting of a new work into the hands of Mr Parry, and he expressed his fullest confidence that it would be a strong point in the programme of tbe conun festival. Mr Parry had tor some time past, in fact, ever since the production of Gigoretle been suffering from severe attacks of nervous exhaustion. There is no question that the excitement of dramatic composition, together with the hurry of London life, and the exacting nature of h's scholastic duties, tended to under- mine his constitution. He had for some time been ill, although not in such a way as to give rise to alarm, or cause artsiety as to serious results. He was always a hard worker, and there is no question that it was to this cause that his death must indirectly be ascribed. Mr Parry was married, and he leaves a family. His father, Dr. Joseph Parry, was away in North Wales when the sad message was despatched, but he hastened at once to London. Mr and Mis Mendelssohn Parry were with Mr Hadyn Party at the time of his death. The greatest sympathy is everywhere felt for Dr. and Mrs Joseph Parry, who naturally had the highest hopes of one whose life was so full of promise. Their position is aU the more sad from their having lost a son about two years ago. Ollr Swansea correspondent says ;—News has been received by Mr W. Watkins, J.P., of Swansea, of the death of Mr Haydn Parry, his son-in-law, which occurred at his London resi- dence on Thursday, after only four days' illness from pleurisy.

PROPOSED PURCHASE OF PONTYPRIDD MARKETS. LOCAL BOAR H'S OFFER DECLINED. The offer made by the Pontypridd Local Board to purchase the rights and properties of the Prontypridd Markets and Town-hall Company, came up for discussion before the directors of the company on Wednesday night. Tha company had asked £32,500, and the board offered £ 30,000. It was resolved that the board's offer be de- dined, unless the hisrher fiarure was proposed. ♦

PARISH COUNCILS. PRELIMINARY STEPS FOR THEIR ESTABLISHMENT JN GLAMORGAN. Following the instructions of the Local Govern- ment Board to the county councils, that they should without delay set about exercising the important powers they are invested with under the Local Government Act of 1894, a meeting of the local government committee of the Glamor- gan County Council was held on Thursday at Cardiff to consider the matter of the proposed parish councils. Alderman W. H. Morgan presided, and there were also present Alderman Rev. Aaron Davies, Alderman J. C. Meggitt, Councillors Llewellyn Davies, T. J. Hughes. O. H. Jones, Idris Williams, Morgan Thomas, Wiu. Williams (T real aw), and Morgan Williams. The Clerk (Mr T. Mansel Franklen) read a lengthy circular from the Local Govern- ment Board explanatory of the powers and prin- ciples of the Act of 1894. This pointed out the constitution and duties of parish councils and the important duties imposed on county councils to bring into operation the provisions of the Act by the 8th Novembei, when the first elections of parish councils take place. Considerable attention was given to the matter of areas and boundaries. There are 47 rural parishes in the county with populations under 200, in the case of which the county council has to consider the necessity of uniting such parishes with other districts or parts of districts for purposes of representation. There are six parishes and six rural sanitary districts situated partly within and partly without the county, and it was therefore necesstary to appoint joint committees to settle the status of areas on the county boundaries. There were 25 parishes partly within and partly without a sanitary district which would also require arrangement under the Act. The county coucil might in pursuance of these powers alter the boundary of a borough. It was stated to be inadvisable that a parish council district should be situated in more than one county, and when parishes are divided under the Act the divisions are consbi tuted new parishes, and rural sanitary districts might be similarly dealt with. The number of parish councillois was to be fixed by the county council at not less than 5 nor more than 15.—In reply to Mr O. H. Jones, the Clerk said he did not know of any provision in the Act preventing a person being a member of two parish councils. Power was given to make a new union district. They need not interfere with the number of guardians for an urban district, and if they did nothing the existing number would continue. In answer to Mr Idris Williams, the Clerk said that the same number of guardians as councillors would be re- turned in rural parishes. They had power to make wards coterminous.—The Chairman thought it would be advisable to have a sub-committee of nine members to deal with the question of areas, and he further suggested that this committee should be divided into three divisions for east, west and mid-Glamorgan. Three might form a quorum, and thus they would effect a. division of labour, and have a committee which would give one common report.—After further discussion of details, the following gentle- men were chosen as a sub-committee :-The Rev. A. Davies, Messrs O. H. Jones, F. James, T. J. Hughes, Morgan Thomas, L1. Davies, Idtis Williams, J. Blandy Jenkins, and Wm. Wil- liams, with the chairman as ex-officio, and exe- cutive powers were conferred on the sub-committee. From this body sectional Committees ware appointed to act with committees of the Monmouth, Cardiff, Carmarthen, Swansea, and Brecon County Councils, and with the boards of guardians of Cardiff, Bridgend, Neath, Merthyr, Pontypridd, and Swansea., in arranging areas under the Act.—Tho Clerk added that the boundary work must all be done immediately, but the number of persons to be elected, whether on boards of guardians or parish councils, did not require to be dealt with with great promptitude.

WOMEN'S LIBERAL ASSOCIA- TIONS. WELSH UNION MEETINGS AT RHYL. The conference of the Welsh Union of Won en's Liberal Associations resumed its second day's sittings on Thursday in the Town-hal!, Rhyl, under the presidenoy of Mrs Wynford Philipps. A resolution bearing upon the "living-wage" question, and calling upon the meeting to memorialise the Government Mking that the different Government departments should obtain all the articles that each office required from home producers was lost, several of the delegates pointing out that there were serious difficulties in the way of putting sneh a resolution into practice. A resolution on the "one man one vote" ques- tion was adopted, Lord llosebery was con- gratulated upon his accession to office, and the conference prayed that his lordship might be spared to grace his high office until religious equality should be established not only in Wales and Scotland, but in every part of the kingdom. The following ladies were eleoted as addi- tional vice presidents of the Union :-Mr Howell Id lis, Libor&] candidate for Denbigh Boroughs Mrs Morgan Bi owu, Miss Florence Belganey, Lady Henry Somerset, Mr Wm. Williams, M.P., and Mrs Owen, Bristol. Mrs VIUIAMTR JONES invited the Union to hold their meet ngsat Cardiff next year, and the invi- tation was cordially accepted. Au interesting paper on the Education of Women was read by Mrs GLYNNK JONES, Bangor, who also proposed a series of resolutions with reference to the dual schools established under the Welsh Intermediate Education Act, asking that the head mistress should be appointed by the same authority that appointed the head master, that she should have a pecuniary int-rest in the success of the school by receiving the capi- tation fees in respect to the girls, that she should be a member of the local governing body, and that in all cases where the head master has the appointment of assistant: masters the mistress should have a similar right with regard to assis' tant mistresses. —The resolutions were carried. The afternoon sitting was presided over by Mrs J. Herbert Lewis, who introduced a discussionjon the land question, Miss Anna Jones, Bala, having read a paper on the same subject.—Mrs Huwell Idris moved a resolution hoping that the fullest advantage would be taken of this unique oppor- tunity to lay before the Land Commission the grievances of Welsh farmers. A resolution was unauimously passed regretting the retirement of Mr Stuart Rendel from the House of Commons, and hoping that he would long be spared to render effective service to the Principality, and the conference rejoiced that the Welsh Direct Veto Bill had passed the second reading. Mr J. H. LEWIS, M.P., in a discussion, agreed that it was highly desirable to abolish grocers' licences. He said his friend Mr D. A. Thomas had already introduced a Bill mto the House of Commons. With regard to his own legislative bantling, the Beeehouses Bill, some of his friends were of opinion that it did not go far enough, but he would remind them that it did not purport to be a final settlement of the liquor question. A number of resolutions were carried urging unswerving efforts in the direction of the com- plete enfranchisement of women, to promote the return of women on boards of guardians, and school boards, to increase their number as factory inspectors, and protesting against the inequality created by the Parish Councils Act. Au interesting paper was read by Mrs Eva McLaren on the benefit conferred on women by the Parish Councils Act, and also describing its defects. In the evening the president and committee of the Rhyl Women's Liberal Association held a reception in the town-hall, when there was a large and brilliant gathering.

SOUTH WALES UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION, QUARTERLY MEETINGS AT ABERDARE. The quarterly meetings of the Welsh Unitarian Association for South Wale!" were held on Wednesday evening and Thursday at the Hendy Cwrdd, Aberdare, under the presidency of the Rev. R. J. Jones, M.A., pastor of the church. In addition to the following mmisters there were delegates present from most of the Welsh churches:—Revs. Thomas Thomas, C.C., Panty- defaid; R. C. Jones, Lampeter J. Hathren Davies, Cefn; Alderman J. Davies, AUt. placca; W. J. Davies, Llandyssul Ivor Davies, Dowlais; W. James, B.A., Llan- dyssul W. J. Phillips, Newton Nottage; J. Fisher Jones, Ctinbach Enoch Jenkins, Capelygroes W. Griffiths, B.D., Ph.D., Ponty- pridd Jenkin Thomas, Aberdare J. J. George, Aberdare G. St. Clair, F.G.S., Cardiff and — Smith, Mountain Ash. Sermons wete preached on Wednesday evening by tha Revs. W. J. Davies and R. C. Jones, and on Thursday morn- ing by the Revs. George St. Clair, F.G.S., Oar. diff, and CouncillA- Thomas Thomas, Pantyde- faid. On Thursday afternoon a conference was held, and it was decided to hold the annual meetings at Pantedefaid, the Rev. W. Griffiths, B.D., Ph.D., to preach the association sermon. held, and it was decided to hold the annual meeting-; at Pantedefaid, the Rev. W. Griffiths, B.D., Ph.D., to preach the association sermon. A paper was then read by Dr. Griffiths on The Old Testament in the Lightof Modern Criticism." A paper by the v. George St. Clair, F.G.S., Cardiff, ou the New Testament followed. The members present then discussed a scheme pro- posed for the amalgamation of the W'lsh and English Unitarian Churches in South VVales in one association. In the evening the Revs. W. James, B.A., Llandyssil, and W. Davies, AUt. plaeca, preached.

A NEW STOUT, by Harry Blyth, will be commenced in the Cardiff Timas and South Wales Weekly News" on Saturday next, entitled "Her Weekly News" on Saturday next, entitled "Her Darling Foe." C. SRANDAUEK & Co.'A Ciroular-Pointed Pens neither scratch nor spurt, the points being rounded by a new process. Assorted Sample Box for seven neither scratch uor spurt, the points being rounded by a new process. Assorted Sample Box for seven atnjmns to the Works. Birmineham 1827

EASTER VESTRIES. ST. PAULS, NEWPORT.—At the annual vestry meeting for the above parish, held on Wednesday evening, the vicar (the Rev. J. T. Wren ford) presiding, Mr G H. Moore and Mr J. H. Hey byrne were respectively nominated vicar and- people's war. len. The income from tli(-, -ff"r-toz-v was £270 16s, and the expenditure B277 10s 2tÏ. The total receipts from the floral fair were £ 346 ? 8s 4d, and the donations towards the im- provements which have been carried out in the church £453. The total outlay on the improve- ments was ;01,120.-Tiie Vicar expressed the 61 e satisfaction felt by many of the congregation at the improvements and also at the new church furniture, which includes a lectern, stalls, etc. Mr C. D. Phillips was re-elected lav representative to the dncesan conference. CHRIST CHURCH, NKWPOST.—A vestrv meeting for the above parish was held on Thursday after- noon, the vicar (Rev. J. Carter) presiding. A letter was read from Mr J. French, who has filled the office of assistant overseer for more than 30 years, resigning the position on account of ill- health.—The resignation was accepted, and a vote of sympathy with Mr French in his illness was adopted.—Mr George Bees ton, who has been dis- charging the duties for some time, was appointed to fill the vacancy at £ 110 and 5 per cent, on sums collected.—Mr John Jones and Mr Henry Mat- thews, overseers; both resigned, and the following list of parishioners to be submitted to the magis- trates was agreed to :—Messrs Richard Davies, Win. Will iams, S. G. Tanner, Joseph Parfitt, and John D vies.—A letter was read from the Local Government Board intimating that the way- wardens should be asked to hold office until November next, when the Parish Councils Act will come into operation.—The waywardens con- sented to act. L,NYPIA .-The annual vestry for the ecclesi- astical district of Llwynypia, Ystradyfodwg, was held at St. Andrew's, when there was a large attendance.— The state of the funds was declared to be satifactory, there being a balance in hand of £ 106.—It was agreed to give a substantial m- crease of salaries to the organist and the care- taker.— The Vicar appointed Mr Ashman as his warden, the parishioners naming Mr John Thomas.—Mr Edwin Thomas was elected lay representative to the Diocesan Conference for the next three years. GLYNTAFF, PONTYPRIDD.-—At the annual vestry of the ecoler-iastical district of Glyntaff, Ponty- pridd, the balance-sheet submitted bv MrTolfree showed the receipts to have been £ 97 7s 8d, as against payments of £100 13s 3d, including1 a sum of j325 odd contributed to the Great Western Disaster Fund.—Mr Tolfree was re-elected people's warden, and Mr D. Leyshon vicar's warden, Mr L. Gordon Lenox being appointed lay elec or. OA Dox,.coN- BARRY. The annual vestry for the parish of Cadoxton-Bai ry was held on Wednes- day, the rector (the Rev. E. Morris, B. A.) pre- siding.— The accounts showed the expenditure during the year to have exceeded the revenue at the parish church and mission-room by £31, and atS t. Mary's by £ 29 17s 4df the Welsh Church having a balance of JB1 12s 7%d in hand.—Mr alilsom was re-elected rector's warder, Mr R. T. Holmes being appointed parishioners' warden. The following acting churchwardens were then appointed :—Mr G. F. Willett (parish church), Mr D. Lloyd (Welsh Church), and Mr J. H. Pjweti (St Mary's). ST. WOOLLUS, NEWPORT.—The annual vestry meeting for the parish of St. Woollos, Newport, was held at the iriission-ioom, Water-laue, on Thursday evening. The Rev. P. Mortimer pre- sided in the absence of the Ven. Archdeacon Bruce through the death of his father, the Rev. W. truce, "he statement of accounts for St. Woollos Church showed that the income fot the year, including a balance in hand of £ 118 15s 3d, was 2738 15< lid, and the rut,goings amounted to :£583 14-s 10d, including L45 9 collected for the infirmary, leaving a balance in hand of JB155 Is Id. The total collections in the church for the year were £435 11s Id. The St. Lukes Church accounts showed that L145 4-i 4%d had been received, and B121 2s 7d had been expended during the year.—Both sets of accounts were adopted.—Mr A. J. Stevens was re appointed vicar's warden for the year, and, on the motion of Mr Conyers Kirby, seconded by Mr J. S. Stone, Alderman H. J. Davis was unanimously re-appointed people's warden.—2»Ir Davis, in returning thanks, referring to the statement of Mr Kirby that he had presented one of the new bells of the Church, said that he had given the bell as a thankoffering on reach- ing his eightieth year.—Mr C. H. Gillard was re-appointed vicar's warden of St. Luke's, and Major Thompson peoplu's warden.—Mr Stevens stated that £ 420 had been received out of the £ 500 needed for tbe renovation of the St. Woollos belfry and the addition to the number of belir.- On the motion of Alderman Davis, seconded by Mr Stevens, a vote ot condolence with Archdeacon Biuce in his bereavemeut was passed. LLANDAFF.-A vestry-meeting was held in the Workmen's Clubroom on Thursday, the vicar presiding.—The election of Mr Evan Lewis as parish warden was confirmed, ai>d the Chairmau stated that he had appointedi Dr. Arthur to be his warden.—Mr David Evans, Eagle Foundry, and Mr Thomas Rees, Ely, Were nominated for the office of overseers, the latter in the room of Mr David Davies, who had signified that he did not wish to btl. again elected. -Colonel Woods was chosen to be lay-elector for tbp diocesan conference, and Mr Philip Mor- gau to be auditor. The three retiring members of the burial board, Mr Graham Dornford, Col. Woods, and Mr Arthur Lewis, were re- elected. Mr George Thomas wa:; :H'am appointed assistant overseer at a salttry of J360, and collector of the sanitary and burial rates at salaries of JB40 and E10 respectively. A petition from occupiers of houses in Pontcanna Fields, asking the vestry to call the attention of the rural sanitary autho- rity to the defective drainage of houses in that neighbourhood, was directed to be laid before the authority at their next meeting. LLANVABO,N. -Oil Thursday morning the Easter vestry for this parish was held at the Greyhound Inn, when the Rev. Daniel Leigh, rector, took the. chair, and re-elected as rector's warden Mrs Harriet S. Thomas, Brynllefrith, and Mr Henry Thomas, Berthgron, was elected the parishioners' warden. Messrs Thomas Packer, Win. Morgan, John Williams, and John Price were appointed sidesmen. Mr Henry Thomas was elected lay delegate for the diocesan conference. Mr Walter Morgan and Mr Robert Gwilym were elected churchwardens. At St. Cynon's Messrs John Davies, Beynon Williams, and Thomas Edwards were appointed sidesmen. For St. John Church (Nelson) Messrs James Peters and T. H. Dowdeswell were elected churchwardens. The sidesmen appointed were Messrs C. Highnan, A. Rusbatch, T. Williams, and Humphrey. RISCA —A parish meeting was held in the vestry of the church on Thursday, Mr D. T. Phillips presiding, The following householders were nominated overseers for the ensuing year :—Messrs W. Kerr, George Thomas, John Haines. Octa vilis Thotnas, David Jones, and John Pritchard. Mr Dagger, one of the retiring overseers, and Mr Giles, assistant overseer, were present. ST. MARY'S, MONMOUTH.—The Easter vestry meeting was held in the Vestry-room on Thurs- day afternoon, the vicar (Rev. W, Neville) pre- siding over a good attendance of parishioners. Alderman T. R. Hyam was re-appointed parish warden, and Mr Thomas Simmonds vicar's warden. The following were appointed sides- man :—The mayor (Mr W. Honey field), Dr. Shiels, Messrs T. Davis, J. B. Hyam, S. Cut- forth, W. J. Richards, J. Shellard, A. Heynes, F. Hobhs, W. Cox, G. HeskfO, G. Dew, T. Addis, H. Bailey, andE. P. Jarrett. Mr Jarrett took exception to the appointment of Dr. Shiels. The question was pub to the vote, and Mr Jarrett's objection was lost.—The Vicar spoke in high praise of the zealous manner in which Dr. Shiels worked for the church, and his naniQ was added to the list of sidesmen -f thanks to the La I. j fur the decorations and to the choir concluded the business. USK.—The usual Easter vestry was held on Thursday, the vicar (Rev. P. L. C. Nash) pre- siding, There was a small attendance. The accounts in connection with the Roger Edwards' and Mrs McGowan charities were presented and passed. Mr J. J. Edwards wished to know if the recipients of the McGowan charity would in future bi confined to Churchpeople as in the past, remarking that the answer would guide him and his party in their act'on in parish councils elec- tions.—Mr James Davies remarked that one of the present recipients was a Nonconformist, and the most deserving people would be elected to fill vacancies in the future.—The accounts were audited and passed.—Mr J. H. Clark was re- appointed vicar's warden and James Davies people's warden.—A vote of thanks to the chair- man terminated the proceedings. ST. PETER'S, CARMARTHKN.—This vestry was held on Thursday morning, the Bishop of Swan- sea presiding. The business was of a routine character. The receipts totalled j3288 6 8d. Last year the balance was 228 131 lOd, now it was £ 10 2s lOd with the outstanding sums, which were certain, it would be £ 21 7s lOd.— C. E. Davies, chemist, King-street, was appointed vicar's warden, and Mr J. P. Carter, provision merchant, Guildhall-square, re-elected parish warden.

SPECULATION IN HOUSE PROPERTY A meeting of creditors of Mr Edward William Gfcrmau, plasterer, 33, Diana-street, Cardiff, was held in the office of the official receiver on Thurs- day. The statement of affairs gave the gross liabilities at £ 2.155 8; 5d, of which 305 8s 5d is expected to rank. The assets are given at £360, so that there is an estimated surplus of £ 5411« 7d. Debtor alleged as the causes of failure bad specu- lation in house property and inability to realise the property. The Official Receiver, In bis obser- vations, stated that debtor, who had been adjudi- cated bankrupt, had no offer to make. The liabilities were in respect of villa properties which he built at Ilfracotnbe during the years 1890-91, and two of which are now in the hands of mortgagees, as he was unable to sell them when completed. Debtor has no assets except the estimated surplus from these properties, which may ultimately prove insufficient to satisfy the Mort claims upon them. Bankrupt had stated that the household furniture belonged to his wife, it having been purchased by her out of her own money, and that he settled upon her, before marriage, tho equity in the house No. 25, Greenclose-street, Ilfracombe. The official receiver remains trustee.

"THER-re IS NOITIINO NEW UNDER THE SUN" is a saying credited to a variety of illustrious authors, from the Lime of Solomon to the present day. It is a fact that many inventions looked upon as modern are of ancient origin. The telephone, which recently caused such a furore of excitement, was in ancient days a means by which the high priests worked upon the credulity of their disciples. The Pyramid- of Egypt and other wonders prove that this generation has a great deal to learu. Holloway's PTJs and Oint- ment, however, were not anticipated by our fore- fathers, and to-day they stand alone as the best cure the world Bosaesse* for all the ilia that humanity is bair to. 6

NATIONAL CYCLISTS' UNION' SOUTH WALES CENTRE. The ordinary meetiug of the members of the local centre of the National Cyclists' Union «'a3 held on Thursday evening at the Angel Hotel. Cardiff, Mr J. Young (president) in the chair- There were also present, Mr Griggs (vice- president), and Messrs G. H. Lock, H. W- Townsend (Newport), G. L. Thomas, J-. Jenkins, D. J. Roberts, J. J. Chorley, A. J- Davies, P. S. Dobson, H. J. Powell (ho* St*c.)f W. C. Beale, and H. S. Richards. I f RACING LICENCES. Licences were granted to J. Michael, Abt dare W. W. Monday, of Usk H. C. Lowik of Newport W. Hancock, of Cowbridge-roa^" Cardiff; Charles Hallett, of Cwintnyscoyi' Pontypool W. H. Price, of Crumlin, Ponty pool. Mr James Parr, of Aberdare, who ad' mitted being engaged in the cycle trade, applied for a racing licence under the ne" regulations of the Union. The committee de" cided to recommend the trade committee it, London to grant the application. An applies* tion from the Pontypool Bicycling Club to be affiliated to the local centre was also acceded to. ELECTION OF COMMITTEES. eThe chairman (Mr J. Young), the secretary lr H. Powell), and Messrs Choi-ley, A. J- avies, W. B. Burnett, J. Griggs, G. H. Lock, V*. Pedler, J. Jenkins, D. R. Thomas, and G-' Morris were appointed the executive and licens- ing committee of the centre, Me.-srsJ. Young. J. Gritrga, W. B. Barnett, and H. J. Powel! being- appointed the professional licensing committee, and the chairman and Air Townsend were re- appointed oouncillors.-A letter was received from Mr Barnett, of Newport, intimating that, owing to pressure of other engagements, he would be unable to undertake the position of official timekeeper during the season, but it was decided to urge him to reconsider his decision, seeing that there was considerable difficulty pre- sented in appointing anyone else, mainly owing to the fact that the official appointed should be provided with a watch certified to have stood the test imposed by the N.C.U. rules.-Mr -W. B. Barnett and Mr G. H. Lock were appointed auditors; and Messrs J. feziking. Liin" V W. H. Gwynn, Swansea Evan Morris Carmar- then G. L. Tuomas, Swansea H. W. Town- send, Newport T. C. Graham and P. Phillips, Newport; W. Young, Cardiff; F. E. Nicholls and C. Perrett, Cardiff; W. M. Douglas, Car- diff; J. J. Neale, Cardiff; A. J. Davies and J. Griggs, Cardiff; and H. E. Wheatley, Aberyst- wyth, were appointed judges. THE N.O.U. CHAMPIONSHIPS. On the motion of Mr Townsend, seconded by Mr A. J. Davies,it was decided that the following N.C. u. Championship e»ents shodld be run off durinar the coming season Half-mile, 1 mile, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 miles, and that time limits be fixed for each race, and arrangements for same to be left in the hands of the executive committee. INFRINGEMKNT OF RULES. A communicatieu was received with regard tc an infringement of the racing rules by two com- petitors at the Newport sports on Easter Mon- day. It was pointed out that E. James, of Cardiff, and Ciiu;»berlain, of Bristol, had both won their respective heats in one of the cycling events, and had both refrained from riding in the final.-Tite Chairman, commenting on this, stated that it was a direct infringeinent of the rules, which provided that winners of heats were expc-cted to start in the final unless they obtained permission from the judge to refrain from doing so. As, however, this was one of the first instances of the kind that had been brought before the Union, it was resolved to caution both riders agaiast such an infringement of the rules in future. SUSPENSION OF A LOCAL BIDER. The Chairman brought forward a complaint against R. H. Pugh, of Aberdare, whom he charged with having ridden as a novice at the Newpurt sports on Easter Monday, though he had previously won a second prize at the Harfee quins' spirts, Cardiff, held on July 6, last year. It was resolved that he be suspended pending his explanation of this matter.—The usual votes of thanks terminated the proceeding.

THE LA BO UIt PARTY. TACTICS AT PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS. IMPORTANT MANIFESTO. The Labour Electoral Association of Great Britain and Ireland is issuing a manifesto dealing particularly with tactics to be observed Parliamentary elections. It sets forth that one of the most serious dangers besetting democratic movements is that the more inexperienced and impressionable element might with the best possible intentions adort such action as would alienate pathy and really throw the movement back, and if the policy of political sharp practice were resorted to by any section of labour serious injury was done to the cause, for public sympathy was estranged, and thousands of level-headed working men turned in despair to the old parties and tha old Ut '8.'ftT selection of Labour candidates by Small bodies of men, holding, in many cases, no representative position, and without conmlt;ng the local trades societies or the Trades Council, was decidedly objectionable, and an ouportunity would be given for dealing effectively with this question at the forthcoming congress at Brad- ford. Ihe association thinks it necessary to em* phatically state the opinion that where there is a decided feeling in favour of Labour candidates political parties should not stand in the way of their adoption. It it suggested that if opposition be persisted ini the Labour party will seriously consider whether its hitherto loyal support can be con- tinued in other constituencies. Mutilation by the House of Lords of labour reform measures is stated as the reason for making the abolition of that Chamber a. test question at the next election. Disappointment is expressed at the non-inclusion in the Government programme of State payment of members. The necessity of securing Labour candidates for the approaching general and municipal elections is urged, and the manifesto concludes with an appeal for funds.

NOVELIST AND HIS WIFE. MR DAVID CHRISTIE MURRAY SUMMONED. At Bow-street Police-court on Thursday, Mt David Christie Murray, the novelist, was sum moned by his wife, Mrs Alice Lydia Marj Murray, for neglecting to maintain her. The defendant was absent at first. but afterward) appeared. The solicitor for Mrs Murray then stated that the case was a painful one and raised tnteresting circumstances. Mr Murray, however, desired an adjournment to set) if an arrangement could be made. The case was accordinglj adjourned till Tuesday.

SWANSEA. ^CHAEOE OF ROBBERY WITH VIOLENCE.-—At the Swansea Police-court, on Thursday, Daniel Oookiey, a labourer. of the Strand, was charged a 8,'ver chain and two pendantt from Mr Owen Hughes, tramway inspector, and at the sairui time using violence, on the 27th inst. The evidence called was to the effect that Hughet' was knocked down and robbed by a person ot prisoner's build, and afterwards prisoner wat seen offering the chain for &,tle.-Prisoner Wit remanded.

ABERAVON. AN OLD OFFICNL)ICIt.-At the police-court, on Thursday, Thomas Painter, of Cornwall- road, Cardiff, groom, was brought up it eustody charged on remand with appropriating tt his own use a silver watch of the value of 1** the property of Messrs Townsend and Richards, Aberavon —It appeared from the evidence of Mt Townsend, that about a month before Christmas prisoner came to the shop with a double-cased silver watch, which he said he wanted cleaned, and left it for that purpose. A week later Painter called for the watch, and on the same not being ready, he induced the prosecutor. to lend him another watoh, saying that he w going away the following day on particulate business. The watch was subsequently pledged in Swansea, and the prisoner was arrested on anothercharsre. A long list of previous convictiont were proved against Painter, and the Bench now sentenced him to three months' hard labour.