South Wales Daily News

NOTICES TO TERMINATE CONTRACTS AT YNYSYFEIO COLLIERY. Our Rhondda correspondent writes :—About 300 of the miners employed in the Ynysyfeio Colliery, Treberbert, have received a month's notice to terminate the agreement between them MKi their employers. The state of things at Tre- herbt-rt and the adjoining localities, especially tfter the expiration of the notices, will be very aad, ae ther& are already a number of pits idle in the upper part of the district. There are about! tight targe collieries at a standstill in the valley )t present, and there is no prospect of re-starting tern.

THE DAVIES-G1LMOUR AFFILIATION CASE. QUESTION'OF COSl'S. At the Epiphany Quarter Sessions for the county ttf GSamorimn, held at the Town-hal1,:Cardjff, &n Waduet.day—before his Honour Judge Gwilym WiHianfia—an apphcation waa made by Mr Rhy< tVtDiama for cost!) in connection with the Davies v. Gdniour amiiabicn case. It wit! be remembered thM case was heard before the justices atPontypridd Md that the defendant, Gilmour, gave notice of appeal against the decision then arrived ab. tMendan* however, having since abandoned the tppea),MrWt))iam'<now applied for costa in- curred by plaintiff )n preparing to meet the appellant. Mr Arthur Lewif, who appeared on behaif of defendant, pointed out that there was a heavy itsm in the costs in respect of shorthand notes and tr.mscrtpt, amounting to jBlSaItogether. did not think the shorthand notes wore essen- }ial, seeing that the appeal had been abandoned or Irome tio-e prior to the nxed for hearing. His Honour, after consideration, allowed costa up ? notice of withdrawal—the shorthand notes .iDg dtsaHowed.

FASHIONABLE MARRIAGE. BRAUNSDORFF—LOWE. On Wednesday afternoon, at the church of St. Mary's, Bryanston-square, London, W., with Mtni-cboral service, and amid the usual Christmas decoration of ivy, berried hollies, and laurels, MTanged with carp, the marriage took place :>f Mr Otto Wilhelm Braunsdorff, of the 6th !KiD Wilhelm II. of Wurtemburg's Own Regiment of Royal Saxon Infantry), and Miss Gertrude Gwentlyan Lowp, on)y daughter of the :ate Lieutenant-Colonel A. E. Lawaon Lowe !formt>rly of H'ghaold Houxe, Nottingham), and granddaughter of Mr E. 1. Lowe, of Shirenewton Hait, Chtpstow—of well-known meteorolog)cal fame, and the leading authority of the day on ferns "—and niece of Mr Hugh Lowe. of Shtre- aewton HaU, a!so we!! known m South Wales. The bride was accompa.nied by her cousin, Mr Aabrey Lowe, who conducted oer in procession to the chancel rails, where ahe was met by her mother. Mrs Lawson Lowe (who waa tuMtdsome!y gowned m dark petunia satin, :'ma.mented with lace, and bonnet of dark petunia velvet CM who in due course gave her away. The bridegroom, who had arrived aome time previous to the bride, looked Temarkably wol! in the full uniform of the Royal Saxon Infantry (blue cloth ornamented with gold embroidery, and long silver saah and several decorations). He was supported by his persona! Mend, Mr Otto von Wotfersdorif, of Dresden, aa beat man. The service was very impressively conducted by the Rev. R. Ruasetl Wakefield, M.A., rector of St. Mary's. Bryanaton-aquarc ¡COusin of the bride). The bride selected a wedding gown of cream noral brocade, with Mmi-tnun, ornamented with real otd Brussels bee and sprays of orange blossoms Her one tutle VM!, which surtnounted clusters of orange btossoms, was fastened w<th a handsome diamond crescent. Her other ornament was a topaz necklace, the gift of her mother, and the carrted a bridal bouquet of rare exotica. Three bridesmaids atteaded the bride; Miss Soovil, who was charmingly attired m white I satin, with cbiSon Schu and puSttd sleevea of Mttin, and instead of the orthodox hat she wom a <ong tatte veii fastened at the back with clusters af wtid pink roses. The other two young ladies. Leila and Freda Ma!im, selected gowns of pale pink chiffon, trimmed with lace, and their hair was ornamented with p<nk bows of ribbon. The bridegroom's presents to them were cold safety broocoea of shamrocks with diamc.nda in the eentre; and each carried a choice nosegay of varied hyacinths in foliage. The reception gtven by Mrs Lawaoo Lowe at the Hotel Metropole waa attended by only immediate friends and relatives of the bride's family, among wbon waa Mr Hugh towe, of ShiTecewton-haU, Chepetow. The preMuts were over 500, and very handsome and ctetly.

Wi!!i<nn is the commonest maaculioe OMBe. Next in populMtty comes Thomas, &nd after that ?Maee. A Bovel performance takes place at the Westminster Aquarium every night—to wit, a 32 hands pianoforte recitat. Sixteen ladies perform, accompanied by tha fu)I orchestra. HAT.L CADfK's Nsw STORY. The Mahdi," a ???' yMMes <tMd ?M? 1?J<s ?M?yeMw. Uon? tNMM thM new s?ry by th<* a.nthot ftf "The Ma.nxma.n "THN PtTMAK'S DAUGHTER."—Thta is the t)t!e e<[ a powerfnt now minin): story of love and mystery from the pen M J. Monk Foster which now appears tn the f!œrdi.û MT<M< <nMt SotttA WlIlu tTMMy JTMCt A a.nd a Newsoa.per in one HALL CAiKB's N)rw STORY, The Mabdi," a TaJe of Jove and heroMm, is now appearme; in the t;øw4i.l Kwtea anå South. W w. W éekly N efIJ.. Dwn't -tB tMa iMW atorv by the tMthor of The

1 CARDIFF FAILURES DURING 1894. HEAVY LOSSES IN THE COAL AND BUILDING TRADES. An analysis of our coiumns of the local failures reported during the year 1894 discloses a very disastrous record of losses, particularly in the coal Mtd building trades. The tota! receiving orders made by the Cardiff Court was 84, principally on the debtors* own petitions, and only nve of these cases appear to have bad assets sumcient to ca)l for the ap- pointment of a trustee, the other 79 cases being left with theOBicial Receiver for winding up. The gross liabilities shewn by the accounts furnished by the bankrupts amount to over JB250,000. of which B53,000 was duo to fu!!y- seeured creditors, wbtle the securities in their possession wore valued at .662.000, and the free assets were only returned at J629.500, being equal to about 5s 6d in the B, add subject to all costs of winding up. The failures in the coa! trade were seven in cumber, with liabilities of J6110.086, and assets estimated at only B16.250, including the value of securities held by creditors, leaving a denciency of JB95,835. The debtors attributed their failures principally to bad debts and strikes. Sixteen builders sough*- the protection of the court, as they could not meet their liabilities by reason of thair inability to realise properties built, seHing property under value, losses on contracts, :wad other minor causes. Mix of these bankrupt'' were journeymen, and commenced budding operations with only a few pounds capita!, and 14 of them on pnb!ic examination swore they had not kept any boul:s of account, and in some cases properties had been sold under cost, there being no record or accounts on which to base the price for sf.le. The gross liabilities are JE47,000, and the asseta. such as iumituro and stock, were ou!y J6900, while the properties built were valued at J342,400 and were mortgaged for £34,700, leaving a surplus of JB7,600 to pay unsecured creditors; but in every case it appears from the reports of meetings of creditors and public examinations that the properties wore greatly over-valued, and would probaMy not more than pay the secured creditors, leaving a loss of over j312,000 to the builders' merchants. The grocery trades furnishes the largest num- ber of faDures, there being 17 receiving orders in this branch, with liabilities £28,000, and assets JB14,500, including doubtful assets of JB5,500 sur- p!us from secured creditors. The debtors attri- buted their failures mainly to strikes, bad debts', competition, and forward contracts for Sour. The tosses to the drapery trade are JS15.500, against which the assets arf stated at JE7.800, the failures being 10, chieQy attributed to strikes, depression in trade, and bad debts. The publicans furnish seven debtors, owing .87,500, and having assets valued at .81,800. The remaining debtors include two chemists, two butchers, two colliers, two oil dealers, a furniture dealer, ironmonger, blacksmith, tobac- conist, fruiterer, stockbroker, money lender, architect, and an accountant. The reckless trading disclosed by the foregoing Bgures doea not appear to meet with any ade quato punishment from the provisions of the pre- sent Bankruptcy or Debtors' Acts, as, unless fraud is established, the only punishment is the debtor remaining an undischarged bankrupt, but it is a noticeable feature that this appears to weigh so lightly upon him that only a small pro- portion. ptobabty leas than 10 per cent, apply to the court to obtain a release.

MR T. E. ELLIS, M.P., ON WELSH ARCHITECTURE. On NewYear'a[Day the annual chair eisteddfod was held at Dolgelly, when there was a crowded attendance. Mr Charles Hugbes presided in the morning, and in the afternoon Mr Thomas EIhs, the member for the county, presided, and met with a very cordial reception by aU classes of hia constituency present. In his address h&said that when last he had the honour of presiding over that eisteddfod he referred to the great need in Wales of attaining excellence in instrumental mustc. To-day be desired to call attention to the crying need of attaining excellence in architec- ture. In many respects those two arts—instru- mental music and architecture—were widely divergent in their method and their appeal. The one sought) to evolve sweet and ennobling barmoaiea that thrilled for the moment, that died in the physical ear. and only lived in the memory and in the soul. The other prodocod permanent visible structures which ap- pealed to the eye, to historic association, to imagination, which was the eye of the sou!. Architecture, in the worda of the great living teacher, was the art which so dtspoaed and adorned the ediSces raised by man for whatsoever uses, that the sight of them might contribute to his mental health, power, and pleasure. But both arts were very similar in that they required patience, long tnuaing, devotion, an accumulated tradttiou of excellence, and those indeSnable but priceless and indispensable gifts ot touch and taste. In a word, those two arts demanded, for their perfect development, genius. He hoped that Aberystwyth College would soon re-establish a department of music. Where to look for the training of men who could teach the erection of buildings which in their design bore the imprf-ss of the exercise of tine thought and high talent he did not know. Bnt this he knew, that no country more sorely and urgently needed such teachers than Wales. AH over Wa!es intermediate and technical schools were about to be builb. Were they to be haphazard, in-arranged, characterless, uninvit- ing ? Had Wales the architects and the popular taste and training which would mode! town and viHage halts, institutes, and libraries on some- thing better than a gaol. a workhouse, or a barn ? Year by year increasing numbers sought rest, leisure. recreation, natural beauty m the glens and along the seasides of Wales. But did the growing towns show traces of a characteristic and worthy domestic architecture ? Was there any serious endeavour to adapt farmhouses and cottages to character, to scenery, to climate, or to give to those buitdings whose parts were deter- mined by mecesMty such forms and colour as shall de!igbt the mind! He ventured to think that that educational institution which seriously set itself to provide the We)sh people with guidance, knowledge, and skill m the art of building we)! would receive the highest meed of praise and renown for distinguished service to the nation and dominion of Wales. (Applause.)

FREEMASONRY AT MONMOUTH. INSTALLATION OF W.M. OF LOYAL MONMOUTH LODGE, 457. At a lodge meeting held at the Freemasons' Lodge. Monmoutb, on Tuesday evening, Bro. Rev. H. M. T. Bidwet], S.W., rector ofMitche! Troy, was installed Worshipful Master of Loyal Monmouth Lodge, 457. The ceremony of instal- lation was performed by Bro. Capt. C. C. PoweH.I.P.M<, F.G. Superintendent of Works. The W.M. then appointed and invested his omcers for the enfuing year: — Bro. H. C. Groves, S.W. Bro. W. S. Poole, J.W. Bro. T. R. Oakeley, P.M.. treasurer Bro. R. Good ing, P.P.G.S., secretary Bro. T. Addis, S.D. Bro. H. H. Preece. J.D. Bro. Rev. W. Seville, vicar of Monmouth, chap!a<n Bro. F. A. Powel!, P.M., D. of C. Bro. F. W. B. Jones, organist; Bro. G. Renecle, I.G. Bro. W. M. Teague, ty!er. The meeting was attended by the newly-appointed Deputy Pro. Grand Master, Bro. C. R. Lyne. and the following visitors :— Bro. W. Garrett. W.M. Stregnel Lodge 2.186, and Bro. Hamilton Bailtie, P.M. Loyal Hay Lodge 2,382. The brethren afterwards dined together at the King's Head Hotel, where a very pleasant evening was spent, the W.M. preatdtng.

THE RHONDDA AND SWANSEA BAY RAILWAY. BOARD OF TRADE INSPECTION. Col. Yorke, an inspector of the Board of Trade', on Wednesday commenced an inspection of tho new section of the Rhondda and Swansea Railway prior to its being passed for passenger tramc. Wnb Mr Yockney (the engineer), Mr David (the general manager). Mr Lawton (one of the contractors), the inspector started from the Swansea end with two powerful engines belonging to the Rhondda and Swansea Bay Company, weighing 140 tons, two empty trucks, a saloon, and a brake van. AH along the route a very careful test was made, the bridges receiving special attention, the testing of that over the oana! at Port Tonna.nt occupying over half an hour. The various points were atso very carefully examined. A very minute inspection was made of the bridge over the Neath River. It ia thought the inspec. tion, which is very thorough, witt not be corn. pleted for a couple of days.

GUNPOWDER IN THE HOUSE. SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT PONTYPRIDD. At the Pontypridd Police-court on Wednesday —before the stipendiary (Mr Ignatius Wilhama), Mt T. P. Jonkin"), Mr Godfrey dark. Mr Evau John, Dr. L"wis, and Alderman Mattbia*)—a coHier named Witliam Moore, living at B)aen- olydacb, was summoned for keeping gunpowder m his house.—P.C. Bodger deposed to having visited defendant's house on the 10th of Decem- ber, and to have there seen defendant's son, a. buy seven years oi age, with his left hand blown to pieces, :tnd his eye and head seriously injured. The defendant said that the boy came home about three o'clock, struck a match, and ignited a detonator, which exploded. He denied having gunpowder in the house, and the omcer proceed- ing upstairs, found four detonators in a vessel on the mantelpiece.—Defendant WM teore. IQ<!W. a.

REPRESENTATION OF SWANSEA DISTRICT. MR LLEWELYN WILLIAMS AT PENTRE ;ESTYLL. Mr Llewelyn Williams, one of the two remain- ing candidates chosen by the Swansea District Liberal Association to come before the associa- tion next week for nna! selection of the Liberal candidate in succession to Mr W. Williams, M.P., who retirea from Parliamentary life at the general election, addressed a well-attended meeting at Pentre EstyII on Wednesday nipht. Mr T. Freeman, president of the Liberal Association, presided, and amongst those present were the Revs. G. GriSiths (Penar) and D. B. R'chards, .Messrs D. Davies, W. Charles, J. Davies, Rbys Edwards, and \V. Williams. In opening the proceedings the (CHAIRMAN alluded to the recent parish and district council election which had been held, and said it was very gratifying to End that the result of these elections in Wales showed that the Liberal spirit prevailed, and that the power of government had been taken from the hands of the parsons and the squires and was now held by the people. He then explained the object of the meeting, and said though be was conSdent there would be no general election till many more good measures were added to the Statute-book, still it was well not to be caught napping, but to be fully prepared with a Liberal candidate when. ever a vacancy should occur. They had there- fore assembled to hear the views of a gentleman they knew pretty well in the district—(bear, hear)—for it was necessary for them to decide how far the views of the candidates accorded with theirs, and how sound they were on the question of Welsh Nationalism; for the Welsh had to assert themselves, and were determined that in future Wales should not be regarded as a mere spot on a map but as a nation, whose aspirations wonid have to be taken into account and fulSIled, and to show that Wales was "til! living and waa determined to have its wants granted. (Applause.) Mr Ltewelyn Williams, who was cordially received, satd he had been asked by a gentleman, who was not a supporter of his own, whether be was prepared to retire in favour of Mr Brynmor Jones ? He bad replied that he could not, even if ho were so inclined, without the consent of hia friends and supporters. He had pledged himself to the candidature until the association decided against him, and ho would be unfaithful both to hia friends and to Liberalism in the district if ho were to retire on the eve of the final decision. (Hear, hear.) The association had had one opportunity to pronounce on the claims of the re. spective candidates, and at ita last meeting Mr David Harris and himself had received <6 votes each, and were bracketed at the head of the poll. He had no reason to believe that his sup- porters had decreased in strength and numbers since the Neath meeting. If he followed the example of Mr David Harris he would be making a present of the Liberal candidature to Mr Brynmor Jones, and however highly he might think of Mr Jones, he felt that he would be acting ultra in doing that. The Liberal association alone was capjtbte of deciding who the Liberal candidate should be, and if the path of Liberalism was to be made smooth in the con. stituency )t was not by stining discussion, but by allowing every section of feeling its expression. Ho believed that he bad a strong following in the constituency. Let it be shown that following was m a. Bctnority and he would cor- dially support the stronger man. (Applause.) This course would, he felt certain, in the long run, promote the solidarity of the party. (Hear, hear.) Let them agree to dinner for nine days, and then close uu the ranks and maintain a united front against a.H enemies. For his own part, he would endeavour so to conduct himself during the period of suspense that it would be easy, and oven pleasant, to work together once more in perfect unity and good fellowship. (Applause.) Turning to general questions, Mr WiHiama dealt) in Welsh with certain aspects of tha educational movement in Wales. Referring to Disestabhshment, ho said that the Welsh Church had been subjected to the alien Sae of Canterbury and associated with the English State against the wishes of Welsh clerics, Welsh princes, and tile Welsh people. The Ancient British Church was a free and independent Church, and owed no obedience to Canterbury or to Westminster. Her bishops were appointed by the Weisb clergy, and ahe was national in that she always sided with Welsh aspirations. She had been connected with Canterbury and with the English State for political purposes. "The fact," said Bishop Stubbs, "that the Welsn bishops received their consecration at Canterbury, and were. from tho reign of Henry I., elected and admitted under the authority of the Kings of England is sumcient to prove that anything like reai sovereignty waa lost to the so-called Kings of Wales." The inference was that if Wales had remained independent in reality as well as in name such an unholy union between the two churches would neverJu\ve been perpetrated. Ever since that time the whole resources of the Et,bJishinent had been aeed against Welsh nationalism. The history of Wales in the Middle Ages was full of intancea where Welsh patriots were excommunicated for defend- ing their country against her enemies. Llewelyn ein llyw ola' died excommunicated, not because be was a man of evil life or of bad conversation, but merely because be thought, with Wallace and Bruce, thab the ovor-ween- ing ambition of England ought to be curbed. The Bishop of who sympathised w)th Owen Gtyndwr. was dispossessed of his See. That was the history of the Establishment from its start. Even the men within the Church who wore looked up m as good Welshmen wore per- secuted by the ofHoiaJs of the Establishment. Bishop Morgan received but little support in hi" own day, and the work of distributing the Bible broadcast through Wales was left to Noncon- formity. Vicar Pritehard, whose works were the delight of Welshmen for stx generation! was persecuted in his own day. and hia works were collected, edited, and published by the early Nonconformists. The Establishment which had refused episcopal ordination to Howell Harries, which had refused priest's orders to Thomas Charles, which had allowed Goronwy Owen to s'nk into an unknown and unhonoured.grave across the Atlantic, and which had neglected leuan Glatl Geirionydd and many another patriot in its ranks, showed that it still carried upon itself the mark of its origin, and waa alien in sympathy and in feeling. (Hear. hear.) At the conclusion of Mr Williams'a address questions were asked of a varied character, such topics as registration, alien immigration, closing of public-houses on election days, land national- isation, and the State control of railways being touched upon. Satisfactory answers having been given by Mr WDIiams, the Chairman moved that the best thanka of the meeting should be accorded to Mr Williams for his address. The resolution was spoken to by the Rev. D. B. Richards (Brynhyfryd), Mr Rees Edwards, and Rev. G. Gnmths (Penar). and carried amid great, en. thusiasm. Mr WiLLiAMS, who was received with cheers, bneSy returned thanks, and the customary thanks to the chairman having been passed, a highly successful meeting concluded.

CARDIFF INFIKMARY BALLS. The tickets for the balls in aid of the Cardift Inhrmary on the 7t;h and 8th instanb are being disposed of most satisfactorily. The response th&t has been made to appeals for provisions for the supper tabie has been an exceedingly liberal one, and donations, both of edibles and of wines, etc., have been very numerous. Mr Stevens, of the Dorothy Cafe, High-etreet, is giving a large supply of ices and other refreshments. A little uncertainty has arisen as to the age up to which children attending the fancy dress ball wilt be recognised as coming within the category of jnvenile. There must neceasanty be a little dimoulty over matter of this kind but we understand that there will be no) objection to the admission of those who preserve the manner and appearance of children and are not more than seventeen years of age. Captain S. A. Brain and Mr C. M. Berkeley have kindly consented to act as M.C.'s on the two evenings.

LIQHT RAILWAYS IN IRE- LAND. Wtth the prospect of a partial potato famine in some of the western dtstricts of Ireland, it is gratifying to learn that satisfactory progress is being made with the construction of light rail- ways in one or more of the moat distressed districts. On Tuesday the Ga-lway and Clifden Railway was opened by the Midland Great Western Company, for both goods and passenger tramc, and Oughteraid is for the first time put in d'rect commuuic.ition with Dublin and the east. From Gat way to QUKhte rard 's, roundly speak- ing, 20 miles, but 30 miles have yet to be travareed through the very heart of the wild and romantic Counetpara country before Clifdan is reached. This part of the route is, however, in & forwMd state, and wil), it is hoped, be completed befor& many months have elapsed. For the pre- sent the tmmc will be conSned to two trains a each way on the line so far as made.

NEW STATUTES IN FORCE. Several of the statutes pajssed :durin¡ the Session ot 1894 came into operation on Tutieday. Among them may be mentioned the Act applying to quarries certain sec- tions of the Metalliferous Mines Act, inspec' I tors ander which aie to be inspectors under the now Act; quarries being denned to mean every place, act being a mine. in which persons work in getthtg slate, atone, coprolitea,, or other minerals, and any part of which is more than S) ft deep. Another of the Acts commencing on Thursday regulates and restricts the wearing of naval and military uniforms while other sta- tues make better provision for the regulation of consolidate the enactment)) relative to merchant shipping, and amend the law as regards music and dancing licences in the administr?tiva county of Middlesex. Certain sections of the new Act as to bailding societies also came into operation.

FITS OF EPH.K?S?, GiDDINKSS, SKNSATIONS, existed, or however complica.ted a case may be, do not dMptth, (hete M stiU hope. Write to the Secretary, Burwood House, Borwood.pla.ce, Hyde PMk, London. IDo e¡¡d rVp gt:Jtt!tW, (9A'5 ??lj

OLD MAID'S LONELY LIFE. THE TRAGEDY THAT CLOSED IT. PATHETIC LETTER. Touching ghmpses of life were unfolded on Tuesday evening at the Islington Ooroner'a Court, when Mr Danfbrd Thomas held an inquest on the body of Frances E!eanor Ottignon, aged 56, a spinster, who died at 152, Junction-road, Upper HoIIoway, from the effects of laudanum self-administered. Miss Emi!y Obtignon, a lady's companion, of 20, Morttmer.street. W., stated that the woman, who was her sister, formerly bad a bazaar, bat she had retired from business several years. She had some means, and was assist.I>d by her occasionally. The woman gave way to drink, and tins !od to an estrangement between her and her family. The sister rarely saw her. The last time they met was four months ago, when she seemed fair!y weH. Mrs Mary Aun Lucas, a widow, said that she made the acquaintance of the woman 14 months ago, when she appeared to be "n trouble. Pitying her !onety state, she took her to Hve with her when she became caretaker of the house. 132, Junction-road. Miss Ottignon, besides baing assisted by her sister, raised money by pawning her portabte property, and spent the proceeds m drink. Mrs Lucas said she had tried in vain to wean her from her intemperate habits. She was brought home in an apparently drunken and drowsy condition on Friday evening, and left on the doorstep. On Saturday she remained in bed, rejecting ALL OFFERS Of FOOD. She was last seen a.Hve by Mrs Lucas shortly before 6ve o'clock m the evening. Two hours afterwards she was discovered dead. The follow. ing letter, addressed to Mrs Annie Howes, a I friend residing at 12. Montpelier-road, Kentish Town, was found afterwards:— Dear Annie,—My head is getting weak and weaker. My bodijy strength is fatting me more and more What to do I know not, as Mrs Lucas te!!s me that she must !eave this house in a fortnight. I have no money, but I have enough for aomo !audanum if I can get some. AH my senses seem quite to leave me after I have taken it. At timt-s people think 1 put it on a bit, but 1 don't. My brain at times is getting paralysed my memory is completely hIank. Mrs Lucas has been trying to rouse me up it is no use. There is nothing to be done uniess I can be put away. I hope God wi)) forgive me. He alone knows wbat. I suffer. I know I have bean a worry to a!J, but I could not help it. I feei the want of !ovaand of sympathy from my own neab and blood. It is so awfut to be Ione)y. I shouJd like Emi!y (the sister) to have poor mother's shaw! and dr"8!. and let Mrs Lucas hn.v<) what she Hkes for 1I her kindness to me. You know where the things are. My heart is broken by alt the which my own people have shown towards me, and I cannot struggle any longer. If wou!d have had me when I wrote I shou!d have been we!! by this ttme, but his refusat upsets me again. I am not and never have been ungrate- ful for your kindness, but I have nevof been understood. I have been at the mercy of the world. It is awfut to :have to take your own part a.nd have no one to care for you. I wrote to Emily for some money, but have had no answer. You know she has given me money at times. She has no affection for me, but I have for her and always win hav<—Your affectionate friend, FANNY. May God help me." The Coroner said he was afraid THE SECRET of the woman's troub!e was her !ove of drink, and in hev case—as in many others—it seemed accom- panied by a taste for laudanum as wel!. Her friends appeared to have reaUy done &U they could for her, notwithstanding her ovi! habits. Dr. R. Betts, 157. Junction-road, who was caUed m and made an autopsy, said he found aU the organs of the body fatriy hea!tby, except the heart, the substance of wh<ch waa fatty. Death was. be had no doubt, due to epinm poisoning, and it had been accelerated by the condition of th heart. Mrs Annte Howes, the friend to whom the tetter was addressed, said Miss Ottignon had repeatediy to!d her she would commie suicide. She (Mrs Howe) saw her on Friday !ast, when she said, I wish I could get something to put an end to my life."—The jury returned !t verdict of Suicide white of unsound mind."

DEATH IN A SALVATION ARMY SHELTER. STRONG COMMENTS FROM THE JURY. Mr Wynne E. Baxter, coroner for East London, heM an inquiry at the Whitechapel coroner's court on Tuesday with reference to the death of Ann Knight, aged about 65 years, who was found dead at the Salvation Army Shelter, 194, Hanbury- street, SpitaI6e!ds, on Sunday morning. Agnes Braid, night omcer in charge of the shelter, stated that she had known the deceased for ten months through using the shelter. The witness did not see the deceased on Saturday nigh but on going to wake her on Sunday morning found her dead. The inmates slept in bunks.—A Jaror: Wi)t you kindly let me knjw 'what kind of eheiter this is ?—The witness They have leather beds, and bring their own ctotbes to cover themselves over.—The Coroner How many are there there?—The witness: Over:200:in that room.—A Juror: And even in this co!d weather no covering is provided for them.—The witness The room is heated.— The coroner's omcer said that the place had been visited by an ofEota.! from the county council, and passed as satisfying the requirements.—The Coroner: This simpty me<ms that the poor taw ts not doing its duty. The shelters would not be required if the poor taw coped with such cases. In the meantime hundreds wi!)ing)y go there otherwise they would be sitting about on door- steps. I have it constantly brought before me women open street doors and sit on the stairs aU night. You see what it is—peop!o prefer the shelter to going mto the casuat wards. It )s a very lamentable state of affairs that these shelters should bo so sought after, and it showa that some remedy ts needed.—Dr. Michaet Ryan, of 1, Mount-ptace, Whitechape!, stated that the woman had been dead about an hour when he waa caHed on Sunday morning. The probable cause of death was otd age :tnd debitity, aooetera. ted by exposure to co!d. The doctor added. "She had scaroeJy any clothing ou her, simply a littte sheet thrown over her."—A Jurur It is disgrl\Ceful in weather !ike this. It ought not to be aHowed.—The Coroner: And the alternative is that she would have been out in the night air.—The Juror I think we pay enough poor rates to provide properly foe our poor. If they charge 2d per night, I think it is against common decency, and I think they oufbt to provtde some sorb of covering.—The Coroner After these remarks I must adjourn the inquiry for a post-mortem examination.—The inquiry was accordingly adjourned. Some of the jnry said they would vistt the shelter.

MASONIC BENEVOLENCE IN 1894. Masonic charitable work during the year which closed on Monday night has shown a steady maintenance of the principles of the fraternity. In the year 1895 the three central charities of English Freemasonry, commonly known among the brethren as the Girts' School, the Boya' School, and the Aged Institution, received a totat sum of B58.922. In 1894 the amount waa near!y :662,0j0, apportioned thua: — Boys' Schoo!, JB21.000; Renevotent Institution, :S20.758; Giria' School B20.045. But each of these amounts consisted parHy of dividends, interest, and other sums, and the Benevolent Institution badagiftofjei.260 for the perpetual presenta. tion of em annuitant. The Boys' Sohoot anoua! festival realised jB19,000, the Girls' Schoo! J317.568, and the Benevolent JS14.088. The tast- named institution, the youngest of the three, has 469 beneficiaries :on its books—195 men at JB40 a year each, and 241 widows at jB32 a year each, besides M widows of deceased annuitants at j320 a year each. The Girls' School, the otdest institution, boards, c!othee),&nd educates 263 girls, and the Schoo! 268 boys. AH theae institutions suffer from one great dis- advantage, which as yet no one seem to have accounted for—name!y, that whereas moat other charities receive numerous testamentary legacies. the Masonic institutions receive very few. and none large, and this notwithstanding that the Order haa always numbered in its ranka very wealthy persons. In addition to the above e!ee. mosynary institutions of Enghsh Freemasonry, wbtoh are voluntary, and the benefits of which are secured by election, United Grand Lodge haa a Fund of Benevolence, to which every Freemason under the English constitution ia a contributor wbi!e he is tt subscribing member of a lodge, and in 1894 petitioners were relieved out of thts fund to the amount of 8,970. The income of this fund, exctusive of investments, is about J39,000 a year. Mark Masons, who have a separate grand lodge, have a!so a large benevolent fund, out of which they grant relief and annuities, and pay for the education of children, and these benents they have granted to a considerable extent during the past year. The same may be said of the bene. vo!ent funds which many private luwe attached to them.

MOSLEM WOMEN. Nothing wit! ever dissipate the beautiM soiicitude which nine ENgtisb people out of -ten feel for the miserabte women who are pent np in the zenanas of India or the harems of the amative Turk. It is pure!y beside the point that every traveler in Eastern parts are spoken gtowingty of the position and freed enjoyed by Mostem women, or that mere differ- ence of marriage customs has been shown to b&an insumcient ground for opinionated condemnation. Std!, it may be said that Miss Garnett's articto in the Ninetee-nth, C'eM(M?'y wi)! penetrate where Burton's "Arabian Nights" couid hardly expect) to enter, and that one or two wcH-meaning peopto wiU read with sur- prise of Yfgat advantages enjoyed by the Mostem woman such as her occidental sister baa never possessed, and up to 20 years ago never dreamt of. They may infer that the possession of such advantages is incompatfMe with "degraded slavery," and implies somo considerable personal independence. It even strike them the deep-rooted traditions of British insutarityare not always infaJlible.-PaUMr.¿ll Gazette.

CADBURT's CoooA is certiti?d to be Abso!ute!y Pare ajid to rank a-monfj; the most parfect of prepared CoccM —T? ?TM??. U70b Tm: THIRD VOLUME is & Sfat-class setis&- tional st-ory, wholesome, thrilling, and 1fun of move. ment,. by FeTus flume. The opening chapters appear itt the Carder ytM? attd ?0?4 tFe? tF?jMt/ VMMot L????MS?<.? .? ?.

FANCY DRESS BALL AT MEKTEYB. ;,1 it.:} A BRILLIANT ASSEMBLAGE. The annual fancy dreas ball in atd of the fundi of the Merthyr:Generat Hospital—& social even'; which is always contemplated with keen interest by a large circle of ladies and gentlemen—was heM at the DriH-ha! Merthyr, on Wednesday night. Messrs Richardson and Co., Penarth-road, CardiS, had been entrusted with the duty of decorating the capacious ballroom, and they certa.in!y exer- cised the carel blanche poivers they had received to very artistic eSoct. From the point where they stepped from their carriages the visitors found their way associated with luxuriant decorative draperies, and at the bottom of the staircase they entered a corridor which ran across the ha! dividing it from the ball-room and the approach to the supper-room, where (by the kind permission of Miss M. W. Davis) a feast of deHca.oies, omatety laid, h&d been prepared by a. committee of !adiea—to whom, indeed, the gentleiren stewards had deeply looked, and not in vain, for help and guidance in things mundane as well as terpsichorcaa. But if the corridor of crimson baize, with its grasses and fatry tights, looked beautiful, what was to be said about the ballroom itself ? At first sight the interior might be said to resemble some gorgeous fairy patace, and the details being so many could scarcely be resolved into a sober piece of description. Looking beyond and around the moving figures of the dancers, it was perceived, however, that the general design of the decorators was to convert the p!ace into an Italian ha!l. A judicious eye had been given to colour and effect. The whole of the waHs had been covered with crimson baize, the sections between the buttresses giving the idea of panois, which (tf they may be so ca!!ed) were relieved with Japanese bannerats. whiJst the cornice was chamber-coloured ponge sitk, relieved with Indian grasses and bouquets of nowers. Against the buttresses were draped mtrrors, surmounted by emblazoned sbietds. The statuary also was very noticeable, figures, ma!e and female, representing seasons, being employed toiUunnnate the scene with the subduedthght of many-coloured fatr!y!ampa which were placed iu their stony bands. There were also central chandeliers here and there. The oil-paint- ings which permanently embellish the ha!t were made to Jook festive, and addnd, so to say, to the number of military faces seen in "he mirrors. The dado approximately matched the cornice; the roof, too, Wqs a wonder. The tie-reds were festooned in graceful folds of pongw sitk, sea-green and coral being the alternating cotoura of the festoons, which were draped back to the waUs with taoe curtains. Mr W. F. HuDey's admirable county baud was enaged to play the dance music and occupied the ptatform. The stewards were—Mr D. Abraham, Dr. C. B)dd!f, Mr J. Craig, Cot. P. R. CressweH. Mr W. L. Dame!. Mr R. R. Duvis (hon. secretary). Mr Thomas Davies, Mr Gilbert W. Davies. D". T. J. Dyke. MrW. Edwards, Mr C. Evan-<, Mr W. Grimths. Mr Thomas Gnmtha, Mr R. J. Gunson, MrR. Harrap, Mr David Jame?, Mr G. C. James, Mr U. R. James, Mr F. T. James, Mr D. T. Jenkius, Mr J. J. Jones, Major L. P. Jones, Mr D. W. Jones, CoL Rees Lewis. Mr E. P. Martin, Mr H. W. Martin, Mr W. M. North, Mr H. D. Pearce, Mt J. Plows, DrJ.M. Probert, Dr. J. M. Rees, Mr H. T. Richards. Mr E. H. Short, Mr Gomer Tuomas, Dr. Ward. Dr. Webster. Me C. Wiikins, and Mr Dd. WiUiams. The masters of the ceremonies were as fotiows -Mr J. Jt.)ews, tjo!. JL. n. Uressweli, Dr. Webster. Mr Pearce. Co'. Lewis, Mr Frank James, Dr. J. Probert. Mr R. R. Davis (who carried out the onerous duttes of hoc. see. with accustomed courtesy and abHity). The ladies' committee, who had charge of the supper arranKèmentsand rendered various services andcontrtbntionainkind.was as foi!ows:—Mrs CreMweH, Mrs G. C. James, Mrs T. Evans, Mrs Boddoe, Mrs Hamb!y. Mrs Reea. Mrs J. B. Evans, Mrs Probert. Mrs Jones (Ha.vod). Mrs Lawrance, Mrs C. H. James, Mrs Frost, Mrs Harvey, Mrs Penrce, Mrs L. P. Jones, Mrs Trehame James. Mrs Grimths. Miss Davies, Mrs Edwards, Mrs Biddle, Mrs Francis Davi-t, Mra W. Harris, Mrs L). WiHi:U]Q9, Mrs Cocker. Mrs George Martin, Mrs Leigh (Lia.nva.bon). Mrs D. Jones (Dowtais), Mrs Cotc!cugt), Mrs Gnnn, MraSarvis, MrsLipsett:. Mrs D.).vius, Bryntirion; Mr l-hrrap. Mrs Micbae!, Mrs Ward, Mrs ..H. W. Martm. Misses James, Mrs W. W. GriSths, Mrs L. Evans, Misses Lewis, Mrs Abraham, Mrs W. Evans. Mrs Jones, Ardwyn: Mrs Fred. Wilkins. Mrs E. P. Martin, Mrs V. Simons, Mrs Albert Hirrii' 'Mtqs Laura Thomas, Miss Cresswe)!, Mrs Kirkhouee, Mrs D. A. Thomas. The Marquis of Bute also contributed. The ladies were asststed also in the work of taying the tables, and in other matters, by Miss Deury, Misses Harrap, Webster, C. Evans, Martin, G. C. J}tmE-8, Cresswet), Jones, Jpnkins, Pant; Messrs E. J. Fryer, D. C. Harris, W. B.< Harns, S. Martin, Gilbert) Harrap, Ward. Dancing commenced soon after eight o clock. I The following is a list of those pr<Ment!, accord!ng to the names endorsed on the tickets. Whera no dezcriptionof costume is given, evemng dress ta implied. I Mr Abraham, Pencoedcae MiM AUday. Mertnyr. Mr W. H. Beddoe, Caerphitly Mr Fred L. Beddoe. Merthyr; Mr Ernest Bid die. Merthyr. Miaa Edith Biddle, Royal Navy Miss Maude Biddle, Circassian slave Mr Joe Bernasconi, captain of Lancers. Miss Clark, Morriston Mrs Cocker, 15. Conrtland' terrace Miss Cocker Dr. A. Coleclougb. Abercanaid; Mrs Coleclough, Miss A. Coleclough Hon. G. Carew, Trey Castle. Aberdeen Dr. F. P. Skimngton Cress- weH, Cardiff Infirmary Colonel and Mrs Pearson R. Miss Buy a Broom. Miss Mary Davia. High.strect; Miss Drnry, Bryn- glas, Merthyr Mr Tom uavies, captain Royal Navv Mr Fred. W. S. Davies, CardiS, omcer of French Miss May Evans, Dowlais Mr E. D. Evans. Penyr- heol Mrs Christmas Evacs Miss Evans, Duchess of Devonshire Miss Marjorie Evans Mr Herbert Edge. I ShifnaJ. Salop mess uniform Mr H. T. :Edwards, Bisca Mr W. R. Edwards. Fedwhir Miss Edwards, ) Fedwhir HMis", Nancy Evans, Iscoed, ypathia Mrs T. Evans, Merthyr Miss Alice Rvana. Mr W. GntBths, &o!icitor Mr Robt. Gunson, Mr and Mrs W. Grimths, Pencae Mawr; Mr P. F. Grimths, Lloyds Bank, Dowlas; Miss Winifred Grifnths. Dowlais Miss M. Gt(65ths, Aberdare Mr Robt. McGhie, Troedyrhiw Mr D. T. George, Mer- tbyr; Mr Montague H. Grover, Pontypriod; Mr Llewellyn Grover, Pontypridd, lieutena.nt. Mr J. T. Ha.rMp, Gwa-unf?rren, Romeo; Miss Harrap, Miss Florence Harrap, Misa MarytHarrap, Mr D. Cope Harris, I mess uniform; Mrs'L F. Harvey, Cefn Miss Harvey, Misa Edith Harpnr, Mr R. C. Harrison, Dowlais Mr W. Lewia Harris, Abercanaid Mr F. H. HuMnan. Hanishen, Hana the Boatman Mrs Hurman. Miss Hnrman, Arb; Miss Maud Hurman. Buttercup Mrs T. B. Hir-3t, Dowlais Miss Hirst, Mr T. B. Hirst. Mr Walter H. Jones, Aberdaro; Miss Gwtadys E van'Jones, DowlaM, uniform of the King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment; Dr. Howard Jonea, Dow. lais Mr and Mrs D. R. Jones, Dowlais Miss Gwladys Jones. Mr and Mrs Gwilym James, Miss James, GwaelodyKarth Mr F. T. James, Mr R. C. Jenkin, Hirwain Major L. P. Jones. 3rd V.B. Welsh Regi- ment Mrs L. P. Jones, Spanish lady. Mr F. E. Kanthach. Cefn Mrs Kochs, CardiS Miss Kocha. Miss L. Kochs, Miss A. V. Kochs, Miss Daisy Kendrick, BtrchSeld, Birmingham, Quakeress Miss Frances Kendrick, classic. Mr and Mrs Edward Lawrence. Merthyr Miss Flora Lewis. Castle-street, Mr T. Young Lewis, Lloyds Bank; Surgeon-Major Leckio, Pontypridd, uniform Mr W. P. Lipsetc. Morthyr, mega uniform, Srd V.B. Webh Regiment; -Miss K. R. Lloyd, Bridgond Colonel D. Bees Lewis, Miss A. Lewis, Plaa Penydarren Miss Rupert James, Plas Peny- darren Miss Maria Mwis, The Mardy, Aberdare Miss Annie Lewis. Mrs Lipsetit. Miss Bessie Matthews. Swansea Lieut. G. Torater Martin, Dowlais. omcer Srd V.B. Welsh Regiment: Mr Stanley Martin. Barrow-in-Furness Mr Stuart Martin, Dowlais; Miss Morgan, Aberdare: Miss Dottde Mann. Cefn; Mr W. M. Macdonald, step dancer Mr W. T. G. Marsh. Merthyr Vale Mr J. LL Morgan, Bryntaff, UandaS Miss L. M. Morgan, Merthyr, Duchess of Devonshire Mr E. P. MarMn, Dowlais, Monmouthshire Hunt Club Mrs E. P. Martin, Miss Martin, Miss S. Martin. Miss Primavesi, Cefn Ca,pt. Probert, uniform Mr and Mrs H. P. Daviet Phillips, Gelligaer Mrs H., D. Pearse, Cefn Lieut. H. P. Davies-PhiUips, mess uniform Mr J. Plow! Miss Maude Rogers, CHanyravon, Cefn Mr Thos. Rees, Ynysgored: Mrs T. Rees, Madame La Pompadour Miss Jessie Pasley Roberts, Pontypridd, Folly; Mrs Rooney, CardiB; Mr R. Rooney, CardiB, London coster; Mr S, Rooney, jun., Cardiff; and Mr R. J. Rhys, Aberdare. Miss Samuel. Pencoodcae Misa Stephan, Epping Forest; Mrs W. Spickett. Pontypridd Mr F. Sydney Simons, Selim Mr Vazie Simons. Cefn Mrs Vazie Simons Mr Htrry H. Southey, Mephistopheles; and Mrs C. Simons', Hollies. Merthyr. Mr F. Trump, Rhymney Mr Howell Thomas, MiM Thomas, and Miss May Thomas, Merthyr Miss Madge Thomas and Mias FIorrie Thomas. Tyiagwyn, Men. Dr Viret, Philip of Spain. Miss Ethel Williams, LIandilo, Carmen Mias May Williams, Handilo. Folly Mias White, Merthyr Mrs Webster, Brynglas, Merthyr; Mus Webster. Miss Price Williams. Swansea Mr F. ,K. S. Williams. Pengam. CardiN Mrs? Williams, Pengam. Cardiff. Mr f. G. Williams, Pengam, CardicP: Miss WilHama, CardiS. Boadicea; Miss B. French-Williams, witch Mrs Williama, Noath; Miss Hilda Williams, Neath, white cockade Mr J. H. Williams. Bridgend, man-of- war's-man Mrs J. H. Williams, Dr. and Mrs Ward, Mr F. Carlyle Williams, Merthyr.

A WONDERFUL TELEGRAPH LINE. The telegraph line from Skrinagar to GHgtt. over the Raidiangxr and Burztl Passes, in Ca.sh- tBere, K compioted. The distance is only some 240 mi)es. but the attitfdes cro'ssed are very great —frnm 11,000 feet to 15,500 feet—and the physical <li<EcuIttes encountered during its construction have been greater than in any previous under. taking of the kind by the Indian Government. The work of maintenance tn so exposed and thinly inhabited & region is cornM!ponding!y arduon?. On the summit of Rajdi.Angar Pass the snowsometimea acoumal&tea to the depth of Uh.. <tnd reaches 18ft. on the top ot Bnrzi! P&ss, which is 13,500ft. above the sea. the poles are of deodar, 30ft. long, are of unusual strength, and placed within ahorti distances of e&ch other. In some parts the wire is of solid homogeneous steel of abnormal tenacity, Sto withstand the wind pressure and the liabthty to be coated with snow and ice, when it forms a rope of snow several inches in diameter. The ground has been chosen to minimise the danger from avalanches, landslips, and mad Mooda. For two. thirds of the distance the country is absolutely barren, so that the working party in charge has to be rationed as wetl as s}teoiaUy clothed from the observing stations. Everything has been done," says the Indian Engi,necr that will help to render their services fmoient and their solitary hfe during th6 months they are cut oK by the closing of the phases as bearable as possible." In thi.s way it ii; expected that a regular service wiM be maintained with this the most outlying portion of her Majesty's Indian dominions. 1

CARDIFF. ST. STEPHEN'* DINNER TO THB POóB.-On New Year's Day an exceltent dinner <f roaat beef and plum padding was given to nearly 200 of the aged and deserving poor of this district. Amongst the helpers were the incumbent, Mrs and the Misses Russet!, Dr. Percy Evans a.nd Mrs Evans. Mrs Bernasconi, and aavera) members of the congrega- tion and of Mrs Barry'a staff. The catering was done by Mrs Barry in her usual satisfactory style. Later a. tea, followed by a. distribution of sweets, nut?, a.nd oranges, was given to about 150 poor children. It is intended shortly to give a dinner to 100 of the unemployed deserving men of the docks. JEWISH INSTITUTE.—A social evening took place at the institute, St. John's-square, on Wednesday, when a most enjoyable evening was spent. The Srst part of the programme consisted of a musica) entertainment, when the foUowing ladies and gentlemen kindly gave their services —MrW. Ke!iy, Mr C. Squires, the Miaaes Samuels, Marmont, and Waster, Master Styman, Mr Nathans, Mrs J. Samueis. Miss N.mce Samuels. Mr Joe. Cohcn, and Mr yons. A dance completed the evening's enjoyment. Mr PhU PhiUips acted a9 chairman. The programme was arranged by Miss A. PhiHips and Mr A. Cohen. NEW POST OFFICE FOR RoATH. —A new town sub-oSce has been opened at Roath Patk, Cardiff. and money order, savinga bank, insurance and annuity business, will be conducted there from 8 o'clock a.m. uati! 6 o'ctock p.m. dai!y. R.A.O.B. FuNERAL.—The funeral took place on Monday of Bro. Wm. Jewel!, ofPenarth, when the brethren attended in goodly numbers. The following omcers were present :—Bros. Sam brook, Weslaoott, D'aper. Price, Nicholas, Herbert, and others. The whole of the funeral expenses were borne by special subscription in the Order. NEW YEAR'S TREAT.—Oti Wednesday evening Mrs Henry White, the wife of the poplar representative of the Cathays Ward on the Cardiff Town Counci!, entertained about 300 children of the poorer classes of the Cathays district to a tea and entertainment at the Crwya- road Board SohooL Mr Councittor Robert Hughes presided. On leaving, thanks to the foresight of Mrs Henry White, each chi!d was presented with a toy from a huge Christmas tree, oranges, and other eatable! DiNNER TO Poop CHILDREN.—Canon and Mrs Thompson continued the distribution of dinners to poor children at St. John's School, Cardiff, on Wednesday. Over 400 were supplied with a good mea!, consisting of roast meat and vegetables and plum pudding, an:t whan these had Bnished a further batch of 70 were regaled. A number of wilhng helpers ab!y assisted and attended to the wants of the children.

LLANELLY. INTERMEDIATE CoLLE&ES.—The school manag- ing body of the Hanel'y Intermediate Colleges have petitioned the county governing body to approach the railway ccmpatliea with respect of obtaining special railway rates for scholars attend- ing the schools from a distance.

PANTEG. R.A.O.B., LORD NKMON LODSK.—Tho nrat annual dinner in connection with this lodge, which is one of the strongest, in South Wales, was given at tbePanteg Hotel on Tuesday night, when about 70 sat down to a splendid spread ) provided by Host E. Rowhmda. A smoker was held afterwards. Dr. J. O'Keefo presiding. A number of BuKs from Newport, Cwmbran, Pontnewydd, Pontypbol, and Blaenavon were present, and the anair proved a great success.

FERNDALE. SMO&IN& CONCERT.—A successful smoking con. cert under the auspices of tha Rhondda Each Conservative Association was held at the Com- mercial Hotet, Ferndate, on Tuesday evening. and was wen: attended by members of both political parties, Dr. Hamilton occupied the chair, and an interesting address on current political topics waa defivered by Mr John Littl.-jobn8.

BOARD OF GuARMANS.—The n<'St MiMting of the guardians for the Union was he!d on Wednesday, when oub of 53 wetnbefS ,as many as 52 were present:, including t1'" six iady UMmbGrs, who were accommodated withsoftts on the chah-man'.s right. Mr L. Ciark, I J.P., Talygaru. chairman of the oid board, was unanhnousty elected chairman, and Mr E. H. Davies, J.P., vice-chairman. Considerate dis. cussion took place with reference to the election of members, a resolution being proposed that Mr Cule, Pontypridd. and Mr Evan Evans. TreM-ky, be elected in thai! capacity.—Mr Wm. Evaus, Lla.ntrisant, moved an amendment that no co-optativa nfembors be appointed: but on a divj,iQA..CtOA_W- I carried by 38 to 14.—Mr Stephen Vivian there' upon appealed to Mr Evans to withdrawn bit amendment so that the resolution be unanimoaaly adopted.—Mr Evans, however, declined.—Mt Bircham, the Local Government Board Inspector, addressed the board at some length, congratu- lating it upon the introduction of the tady element.—Committees were then elected. all the ladies being added on the cottage homes corn" mittee and the house committee, white the foUowing were elected assessment committee :—* The Chairman. Messrs E. H. Davies, J P., Wm. Davtes, W, JpfFreys, Evan John, J.P., W. Lewis, James Richard.s, Samuel Evans, Jametf Davies, W. Anthony, J.P., Daniel Bryant. and D. Pen wick. LLAN\voNNO SCHOOL BoARC.—The Hanwonno School Board met on Wednesday at Pontypridd, under the presidency of Mr Henry Abraham, when a letter was read from Lord Aberdarw replying to the request of the board that ha shou)d occupy the seat on the board rendered vacant through the death of Mr Idris WiMiams. His lordship wrote that be was obhged to spend much of his time out of Wales, and would be unabte to attend protracted meetings but if, in the face of these and other dtiBcuIties, the board were desirous that he should take the seat, with the view of becoming chairman rof the new board, and also, if possible, of preventing a contest, he would be wilting to try the experiment for year.—On the motion of Mr E. Janes, seconded by the Chairman, it was decided to elect Lord Aberdare to the vacancy.

ABERCAHN. C<)NORM.—-On Tuesday evening a concert in conaect-ton with Garw Congregational Sunday- school was given in the PuMic-ha!), there being a largo audience. The event was a decided financial success, whilst the artistes, one and &U, acquitted themselves in good style. The artistes were Miss Bailey, R.A.M. Miss Lillian Jones. R.A.M. Mr John Walters, R.A.M., go!d medalift and Mr Gwi!ym Richards, R.A.M. Miss Fugle, of Bristol, and M'ss Edith Jonea. Abercarn, were the accompanists.

MOUNTAIN ASH. BALL AT DCFFRYN —The annual servaiits' I)all was held on Tuesday evening at Duffryn. The hall was opened by Lady Aberdare dancing with Mr Mattocks, the butter, and Lord Aberdarc dancing with Mrs Brasington, the housekeeper. The Hon. Misses Bruce, Mr and Mrs Muie Mackenzie, Miss Napier, Miss Harcourt, aud Me Richmond were atso present. Mr CaUaway officiated as M C., and Mr W. Whitcombea-tmud was in attendance.

BILLIARDS. W. MITCHELL v. C. DAWSON. This spot-barred match of 20,000 up, on levd terms for J3500. was resumed in Manchester oz Wednesday, the recommenctag tot:<s being :— Dawson, 3,555 Mitchell, 2,927. In the aftetnoon ptay was monotonous all through. Dawson, however, increased his advantage. The play at night was of a higher standard, the breaks all round being bettef than m the after' noon. Dawson made a)i the play at the start, Mitchell doing nothing until near the end, when he made several nsefut contributions. Closinc totals :—Di<.wson, 5,001; Mitchell, 4,219. J. ROBERTS v. E. DIGGLE. AttheArgyitHaI), London, on Wednesday, these professionals resumed their spot-barred match of 24,000, Roberts conceding 9,000 start. The overnight scores were:—Diggle, 11,600} Roberts. 5.717. Scores at the cloia stood Diggte, 12,148 Roberts, 6,001,

FOR THE SENSATION NOVFAL An extraordinary story has jost b&en told by < student to the head of the Paris Crimuiat Depart mont, and is repeated by the TelcY1'{lph.'s correa- pondentj to the foitowin? effect:—" Some ye&rt ao the young man's sister died axiddenlyib theit home in the country, and he now asserts that b< k'Hed her by introducing a. noxious f?s throuRh W tube into her bedroom, as she lay asleep. Th< student explMus that he yielded to a. homiodat impure, :md that ho 1'as made this confesisiott through the dread that he may be tempted to do further mtsohief. Doubts are entefta.ined as to his sanity, but the inve.tigition which !S being he!d into the caas so far leads to the itnpresaio!: that the girl was really ki)!ed by it poisonous gas.*

THE TIN-PLATE TRADE. THE POSITION AT LLANELLY. Aa already announced in these columns, the wage-rate ditSeu!ty in the tin-plate trade at Danelly hM been settled on different) lines at various works, but among the thoughtful opera. tive* the absence of joint action ia much iepJored, and steps may be at an early date to retrieve the error. MEETING AT YSTALYFERA. A large meeting of tin-plate workmen, repre- senting tbo G'!won, Gurno?. Yniscedwyn, fstatyfera. and Ynysmudw Works was held at the long'room of the Smiths' Arms on Tuesday evening. The chair w:ts taken by Mr Thomas Morgan. Ystatyfera. The meeting was one of a teries which have already been held with the nbiectJ of discussing trade questions in view ot the tituation forced upon the men by the action of the employers in dfmanding abatements on the total output of each of the above works, and which, on M average, amounts to a concession of at least 10 per cent. Notices of termination of contracts are pending in alt the works, and in a few instances the period of notice has already come to Mt end, and the employees are kept on "day by day." A considerable MMant of feeling was displayed by the Different speaker", and by far the greater number were antagonistic to conceding to the demands of the employers.—Mr Fh)l!ip Evans, Xstalyfera, was in favour of the whole of the tin- plate works of the ama)gamating together. Mtd that a general meeting of the district should ke piace to dtscuas the situation, and that what- ever the result of that meeting shou'cl be, action thould be taken accordingly,-Mr D. Williams, !Tnysymudw. desired to impress upon them the importance of conceding. If once the concession were yielded, he was strong'y of opinion that the standard ac&te nou!d never ba regained. He MnphaticaHy agamst working a single <heetwithout remuneration.—MtHerbertGrtfBths, \;ilwen, atso urged that no concession should be tiveo< but rather th&t they should oppose it: by every mean!! in their power.—Expressions ,f opinion representative of the diSerent works were also given hv Messrs Robert D,\vies, Andrew Lewis (Gi)wen), John Davies. David Williams. Da.vid John. Alfred Wdliama, and Daniel Daniel Rees Hewollyn and Evan Thomas (Yniscedwyn), Thomas Rees, David Samue). and Tom Jones (Ystaiyfera), and David Wdtiama, Joseph Gape, Luther Rees, Rees Davies, and R;)es B. Rees (Ynysmudw), and the tone of most of the speakers was strongly against yieldtcg the concession asked for.— !*)na!!y, the fo!!owing resolution wa.s adopted :— That a district meeting be held at Ystaiyfera )n Saturday. January 5th, at 5 p.m., when legates from the whole of the works should be summoned to attend. Further, that Mr Tom Philhps, LlaneJly. and Mr Henry Daviea, Cwm- nOD (T)n-p!ate Union omciats), be requested to attend and tender tbtir advice in the face of the ,"sent criaia."

"THE TBH?D Vot.UMB" is & 6rst.c1aas sensa. tiona.1 story, wholesome, thriUin?, and fuH of move- ment, by Fergus Hume. The opening chn.pt.fM &ppen.r in the Cttfftt?ytTHeK <Mn? ?oMt? !F<t{« }f«*<? ?M't of j?tar?y, ?aMry? ?

RUSSIA AND THE PAMIRS. AFGHAN AGGRESSION ALLEGED. ST. PETERSBURG, Tuesday.—The 01flcial Gazette of 2'MfAea<<Mt, in an article to-day, protests against what it terms the erroneous statements made in the Times -of India" concerning the advance made some months ago by Gen. Youoif into the Pamirs, and points out that since 1883 the Afghans have been persistently guilty of aggression in Roshan and Shipnan regions of the Famira. The aggressors fired upon the Russians, whose protection bad been sought. In the mean- time General Yonoff had despatched a message to Cabul demanding that the Afghans should be ordered to retire to the left bank of the Pandja. The Ameer complied with this request, and, the Afghans having obeyed, his Highness ordered General Yonoff to withdraw to the Murghab, forbidding the Shiquanians to follow him. In conclusion, the Ojftcial Gazette expresses the hope +hl' the Russian and British Governments will succeed in finding a remedy for the present situation, which is intolerable to theRQSsian military post in the Pamirs.-Reuter.

STRENGTHENING THE NAVY. TWO MOST POWERFUL CRUISERS. The Admiralty have definitely decided on the armament of the two new cruisers Powerful and Terrible. E<ch will carry a crew of 8M oSBoors and men, which is greatly in oxce&s of the number carried by any battleship afloat. The vessels of the Royal Sovereign class, the largest battleships aBoat, carry a complement of 730 omcers and men each. This largo number of mn will not, however, be any too many to work the groat variety of guns and torpedoes with which these vessels will be armed. The armament will be the most effective yet supplied to any vessel anoat. It will consist of two 9'2-inch breech-loading, 12 6-inch quick-Bring. 16 12-pounder 12 owt. guns, one 12-pounder 8-cwt. boat's gun, one 12 pounder Scwt Seld-service gun, 12 5-pounder Hotchk'ss quick-nring guns, and nine Maxim machine guns. There will also bo supplied 20 Whitehead torpedoes, for use with submerged tubes, four of which will be built into each vessel. It is not expected that these vessels will be ready for sea for three years.

THE NEW REGIME IN RUSSIA. DISMISSAL OF ANOTHER GOVERNOR-GENERAL. The Daily News Vienna correspondent tele- graphs :—Governor-General ArzeNski, of Wilna, who is feared and hated by the Poles for his inconsiderate treatment of them, will be dis- missed and succeeded by Baron Modem. Other changes will also take place. The paper Czar of Cracow states that tho Governor-General sent a protest against the pardon of Catholics concerned in the affair of Kroze o the Czar, who wrote on the cover, It sha!! ba so all the same." In a circular addressed by the Czar :o the Governors the desire is expressed that no one shall be dis- missed from the service of the State or trans. ferred on account of nationality or religion.

RELEASE OF SPANISH ANARCHISTS. BARCELONA, Wednesday.—Twenty-seven Anar- chists who were imprisoned at the time of the outrages some months ago have been set at liberty, and most of them have left Barcelona. The public regard their release with some uneasiness. —jRMttcr.

CANNIBALISM IN POLYNESIA. FEAST INTERRUPTED. AplA, December 27th.—Serious diaturba-ncea have taken place here, and the collection of taxes for the year has not been attempted. A native has been sentenced to death, and several others have been imprisoned for killing three blacks. They were preparing to eat bodies when they were sirrested.-BeWer,

SWANSEA POISONING CASE. DRANK A BOTTLE OF CHLORODYNE. Early on Wednesday morning PoHee-sergeant Lewis reported that a clerk at the Hafod Isha Works named W. H. Grove, living at Beach- street, called him up and asked him to fetch Dr. Chartes, as he had potsoned himself. He went into the house and found Grove in bed, and he volunteered the information that he had drunk a bottle ofchlorodyne. He hadboubt the bottle that day, as he had not been feeling well, but what cansed him to empty the bottle he could not say, and he did not see his mistake tilt after he had swallowed it. Dr. Charles, on arriving, gave Grove an emetic, and then he was removed to the Hospital, where he is progressing favourably. Dr. Charles thinks the taking of the overdose waa merely a foolish freak.

THE LOCAL COUNCILS. LLANSTADWELL (PEM.) PARISH COUNCIL.—Mr Anthony James, clerk, has been elected oha.it- man Mr W. H. Hoyd, tnapector of shipwrights, vice-chairman; and Mr John Skone, tai)or, treasurer. HUNDLETON (PEM.) PARISH COUNCIL.—At a meeting of the couuci!, Co). Saurin was elected chairman; Mr John Morr!\ farmer, vico- chMrman Mr W. H. Jones, treasurer; and the Rev. D. H. Hoyd (a member of the counci!), hon. o!erk. LKTTEBSTON (FEM.) PARISH COUNCIL.—The first meeting was held on Monday, when the Rev. B. Thomas, Baptist minister, was elected chatrman, Mr Mathias (Great Letterston) vice- chairman, and Mr Arthur Grimths, Prospect- place, treasurer. NitWQUAY URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. The nrst meeting was held on Monday. Mr Thomas Davies. Post-omce, occupied the chair. Ib was resolved that Mr Thomas Lloyd, Board School, be appointed chairman of the council, and that Mr John Jones, butcher, be vice-chairman. LLANELLY RURAL PARISH COUNCIL.—The first meeting of the above council was held on Tuesday evening at Felinfoel School, and there was a large attendance. Mr Jenkins, Cwmfelin. was unanim- ously appointed chairman of the connol. Mr Jenkins is a Liberal and Nonconformist. NANTYGLO AND BLAINA DISTRICT COUNCIL.— The {irst meeting was held at the board room, BIaina. under the chairmanship, pro tern., of Councillor B. Williams.—Alderman G. R. Harris was elected first chairman of the uuuncil, and Councillor W. Gregson vice-chairman. BURTON (PZM.) PARISH COUNCIL.—The Brsb parish council matting was held on New Year's Eve. Sir Owen ScoorSeld, Bart., C. and Ch. was elected chairman; Mr John Ciarko, vice? chairman; Mr W. Morria, treasurer; and Mr George Prout. hon. clerk. Sir OweaScoorneId is not a member of the council. ABEBAYRON RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL.—The first meeting of this council was held on Wednesday. Mr John M. Havoll was unani- mously elected chairman, and Mr John D. Jenkins vice-chairman. On the motion of Mr D. Rees, New Quay, seconded by Mr Joshua Lewia, it was decided to exclude the ex-omoo element. LLANARTH PARISH COUNCIL.—The first meet- ing was held on Monday night, all the members being present. Mr Morgan Evans, J.P., was unanimously elected chairman Mr WtUiam Evans (Ffynonrees), vice-chairman Mr J. D. Lewis, treasurer; and Mr Rees Rees, the assistant overseer, secretary. LLANTWIT VARURE PARISH COUNCIL. The 6rs6 meeting of the parish council for Llantwit Vardre was held on Tuesday evening, when Mr W. Chubb, schoolmaster. Beddau, was elected chairman; Mr H. S. Daviea, clerk; and Mr Tbomaa Williams, Hoyds Bank, Pontypridd, treasurer. CwMtRAN DISTRICT COUNCIL.—The first meet. ing was held on Tuesday evening. Mr F. W. Raford, J.P., was unanimously elected chairman, Mr John Parry being appointed vice-chairman.— A committee was appointed to inquire into the best means to be adopted for the preservation of public footpaths, and also to obtain improved regtstration facilities for the district. It was pointed out that the registrar lived atTydu, the inhabitants being put to great inconvenience in registering deaths, &c.-It was resolved to communicate with the superintendent registrar on the subject. CAKRLEON URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. The first meeting waa held on Tuesday evening. Col. Mansel, J.P. (chairman of the old board), was voted to the chair, and the preliminary business was transacted. Then the election of chairman was proceeded with, and the choice fell upon Mf John Lawrence, J.P., and tins was followed by the appointment of Councillor T. Parry, J.P., as vice-chairman. It was further resolved that all the members of the council shall compose the streets and lighting committee, and that Col. Mansel, J.P., the Rev. D. Bevan Jones, Councillor Parry, and Messrs D. W. Jenkins, J.P., and W. Williams, constitute the finance committee. Mr Webber, of the National Provincial B:tnk, Newport;, was appointed treasurer. MERTHYR URBAN CouNon..—The first meeting of the Merthyr Urban District Council was held on Wednesday, under th<) chairmanship, pro <€Mt., of Mr Thomas Jenkins. C.C., J.P.—Mr H W. Lewis proposed for the chair Mr T. H. Bailey, general manager of Messrs Hills' Plymouth Company. — Mr Joseph Owen seconded the proposihon, which was carried.—Mr D. W. Jnnes was elected vice-chairman.—Mr Wills moved, and it was agreed, that tbo additional water supply committee (of the whole board) take up tha whole of the work appertaining to tha water suppiy, construction of waterworks, etc.— Three havtng been returned unopposed for Merthyr Vale. it became necessary to decide upon their pe.-tcd of M-rvioe reaptictively—three, two. and one year. The final voting resulted in the order as follows: —MLnjor Bell (three years), Mr W. Lewis (two years), and Mr Roberta (one year).

LADDERS.—Ladders tor builders, painters, plaa- terors, farmers, private use. CottreU'-< oM-estaMished J?Ma?ar. B??s?.jMat?. ?!ep!MM <ta2. ? us

BARRY AND CADOXTON GRAND SACRED CONCERT.—At Bathe! English C.M. Chape!, Cadoxtoa, a sacred concert was he)d on Wednesday evening, Mr GrifBn, Barry, presiding. The vocalists who provided the sp'endid programme were;—Miss C. Edwards, L!ew Ebbwy (Cardin), Mrs Petty, and Mr Gwyuna Walters. Mou. H. de Boer executed twoviohnsoios with considerable success. Mr W. W. Davies was the elocutionist, and Mr Tom Da.vies the accotnpa.nist.

NEWPORT. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—The Newport Board of Guardians sat for nvo and a half hours at its nrst meeting, and etected chairman and vice-chairman and select committees. This was the whole of the business. THE INFIRMARY.—At a meeting of the directors of thia institution on Wednesday, Dr. Marsh was elected an honorary sutgoon in the room of the late Dr. A. W. Loveridge.

DINAS POWIS. HiaHWAY BoABD.—Thts board met on Wednes. day, under the presidency of Mr D. T. Alexan- der.—Mr Robt. Harry attended, and eaid that with regard to the alleged encroachment com- mitted by him near the highway in the village of Dinaa Powia he had a deed in his possession showing that the land m question had been en- closed by a fence which separated bis property from the highway.

RISCA. SCHOOL BOARD.—The monthly meeting was held on Tuesday. Mr E. A. Taylor chairman.— It was decided to hold a special meeting on the 13th inst to consider certain matters relating to the new schools, which are now added to the Risca. School Board, and the clerk's remuneration tor the extra work imposed upon him.

COWBRIDGE. RUN OVER AND KILLED.—An inquest was held at the Bear Hotel, Cowbridge, on Wednesday— before Mr E. B. Reece—on the body of Mr Evan Daviee, of Lambothery Farm. As reported in our cotumns, the deceased was returning from Cowbridge on the 18h December, when he WM thrown oS his horse, and a 'bus belonging to Mr W. C. Chick, Cardiff, drove over him. He was taken back to the Bear Hotel, and had been attended to by Drs. Moynan and MilJer, but gradua!!y grew worse and died on Sunday evening last.—Evidence was given by the brother (Mr T; Daviea), Mr T. Thomas, the landlord, and the driver of the 'bus, who said it was a very dark night, and saw nothing of deceased until he felt a, jerk as if the 'bus had gone over him.—After hearing the evidence of Dr. MiHer, the jury found "That the deceased died from the eSeots of injuries received by falling oS his horse and by a 'bus running over him. and tbah he died on the 50t:h December at the Bear Hotel."

CAERPHILLY. CANTATA.—On Tuesday evening a cantata, entitled Christie's 0!d Organ," was performed at Tonyvelin We!sh Baptist Chape), CaerpbiHy, by the chape! choir, under the leadership of Mr WiJtiam Watts. Mr Joan Morgan. Brynbyfryd, presided, and Mr W. W. Williams. Board Schools, assisted as reader. The several solos and choruses wero i)!ustrated by a. magic'Iantorn, manipulated by Mr WtHiam Evana, naval engineer, Caerphitly. The singing of the choir was excellent, and the entertainment was thoroughly enjoyed. The proceeds will bo devoted to the Sunday-school Fund in connection with the above place of worship.

SWANSEA. TECHNICAL AND INTERMEDIATE SOHOOL.—Our readers wHt see from our advertisingcolumns that the Swansea Intermediate and Technical School for Boys wit! bo opened on the 22nd inst. at the 0!d Grammar School, of which the governing body has obtained poasession. The notices explain that the object of the governors is to pro- vide a Brat-rate education, equal to that of the best schools in the:country, at a moderate coat, white in addition to the usual curriculum of a 6rst grade schoo). special provision ia made for technical instruction in various subjects, to be taught practically by the governors. It will be open to all bovs of good character.

PEMBROKE DOCK. WATCH-NIGHT SERVICES.—Watch-night services were held as usual at St. John' Church and Westey Chape! on New Year's Eve. At the church the Rev. Silas T. Phillips (vicar) occupied thoputpit, and at the Wes!ey Chapel the Rev. F. A. Smith (pastor) was the preacher.

'PORTHCAWL. CHAMREROF TRADE.—The month!y meeting of the chamber was hekl on Tuesday, Mr George S. Jones presiding. A letter from the General Post- master was read, acknowledging the receipt of a communication from the chamber of trade re a letter despatch from Porthoawl in the evening. It was decided that the question of down !ine train improvements be placed beiore Mr Adye, and that Mr Wilson be deputed to place the matter before Mr Adye on behalf of the chamber. Mr E. Evans, C.C., gave notice of motion that be would ask the chamber at the next monthly meet- ing to adopt a resolution—inviting the Gta- morgaashire Agricultural Showito visit Porthcawl in 1896. FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR W. JONES.—Tho remains of the !ato Mr W. Jones were interred at Newton Cburchard on Wednesday afternoon. There was a large following. Much respect was shown the deceased's memory. Rev. Mr Jones omciated at the church, aldo at the graveside. Beautiful wreaths, crosses, and nowers were sent by a number of relatives and friends

PORT TALBOT. SAM OF WORK.—On New Year's Day & sale of work and coneo supper, in connection with the Primitive Methodist Nww Chape! Fund, were held at the Victoria In;;t.itnte. The stat!, which was very prettify deco'ahed with useful and fancy goods, was opened by M'a<! Annie Da,vis, Pentyla, and a brisk i-ate took during the afternoon and evening. A good company was also present at the supper,

NEW YORK PRICES. rMCTKR'S TELEGRAMS.! NEW YORK, Wednesday.—Money easy. Sterliu, Exchange steady. The feeling at the opening of Stock Market to-day was far from cheerful en' gagements'< of gold for abroad being larger thaa expected, caused pressure and short selling, movement for some unassigned reason being heaviest in sugar trust; decHnea, however, were largest in Grangers and Phi!ade!ph)a and Read< ing, the iatter reneottng the slowly growing con* viotion that there is no alternative between fore* closure and a heavy cash assessmClnb. Market closed weak. Cotton opened easier and declined during the early business, then impioved, but again gave way !ater, and closed barely steady; spot quiet. Cotton oil quotations are nominal < crude, 24c. yeHow, 28c. Petroleum a dull market. Lard declined a)! day with few re-actions, and closed weak; spot steady. Wheat advanced for awbila on large purchases, then weakened and declined and closed weak spot weak. Fiour dul). Corn has had a declining market and closed weak; spot dut). Sugar dull at late rates. Coffee ruled generally 6rm all day, an spot steady. TtO closed easy and 15e. lower. Iron dull and un* ahanged. Copper nrm. Ja.n2 Dec31 Ca.H Money U.S.Gov. Bonds Ip.e 2p.c axcha?geonLondon.Mda.y'isMt t.87'? 4.87? Ritto.Ca.Me Transfers..?. 4.S9 4.88% Exchange Pa.ris, 60 da.ys' sight 5.16% 5.16% Exchange on Berlin. Da.yst. 98 A 98? Four per Cent. U.S. Funded Loa.N HX% 114% Western Union Telegrtt,h Shades 81% 87 Atchison Topeka,& S. Fe 4'y, 4% Do Do. 4 p.c. Mor 64 65 Do. Do. 5 p. Income.. 17 17% Baltimore & OhIo. 621,{, 611,ia Ca.na.d& Southern Shares 48% 48% Ca.nadia.nPa.cino 58 59 Centra.! of New Jersev. 88t/4 89 Centra.lPa.ciScSha.rcs. 13% 13% Chesa.pea.ke & Ohio Common: 17 17% Cnica-go, Burlington <& Quincey.. 69% 71 Chica.go&North-Western.Ord 95? 96% CMca.gf'&:N. Western Preferred. )42 142% Chicago Milwaukee, und St. Pa.u! 55% õó'Æ- CMea.eo&RockMa.nd 61% 61% Cleveld,Cln.,Ch.,&?t:.Ls.Ord. 38 38? Oeta.wa.M & Hudson ?. ?Z& 1?5% Dpmwate Laokawanl\ i66% 1601..i1 DotverA: Rio Gt9.ndeSha.rca 10'y: 10% Oouver Preferred ?.?. 55?: 3? tttinoiaCentralSha.tet 82 E3 f?a.t:e Shore &Michif:a.nSoMthen) ?'4 l35 LouisviJIe & Nashville Shar;,s 53¡¡ 55% Michigan Central Shares 95 96 Missouri Kansas, tmdTMns 13 13 Missouri Pacific I I 26, 26Á New Tork, La-tca Brie, <& n 9% lrf¡J Ditto,Second Mort.pa.se Bonds M? M% New YorkCentr&l<& Hudson Rtvei 97? °< ewYork OntMlo&Western.Ord ]t,3/a 15'¡¡ orthernPa-oSe Commcn ..?.. 3% t orthernPMtCc, Preferred 1?% 1'' Norfolk <& Western P?efe'.Ted 18? <'? Ohio a.nd Mississippi Or< Stores Pennsylv,.tiiiag,nd PhH&de:phia. 5Oí 51 P!n!a.delp):ia. a.nd Reading Sha.ree ?'? 13% Phila.deIphia&Reading5p.c.l3tIne 22% 22% Do. do 4 p.c, M?r 74 74;? UnionPa.eiBcSharea 11 11% Wa.'ba.sh St Louis, & PaciHc 5Y. 5 Wabash St Louis &1. Pref. Srs 1311, 15% COTTON AND PRODLICE M A Itli 1 TS. Cotton, d&y's receipts a.tU.S.ports 39.M 33,000 Cotton, da.y'a rec'pta a.t Gulf ports 79,1),)0 li,tMJ Cotton, day's export to Gt BritMn 59.0 '0 46,000 Cotton, dy's expt to Continent.. 54.1) 1, i 30.01i-' Cotton future Fob. delivery. 5,50 5.B Cotton future Apl. Del ery 5.43 5.60 Cott.on,midd!iBguptt',ndNoWn)th of? 8j? CoLto?middiingNewOr! !?. 5f', 5% Patroleum, crude New Fork b.o, i.'A' Pet.roleum, sta.'drml WhH.er- York S7 0.70 petr<t)eum, sh'd white PhiIallelphial 565 F' 65 Petroleum, Pipe Liae Certa Feb 95 94% Spit?a 01 Turpentine 27? 27? La,rd, WHcox's S;'ot. 7.10 7.7% l'a.ow,PnmeC'!y. 4% 4% Sus;a.r,fa.irreKningMuMo'?os.. 3% 2% D-. 96 p.o, Cent.rifuga.1 'I Corn, New taixed.Westsmap.t.. 52' 63% CornfatuTeit Feb. 51'? 5?% Corn futures May. 51? 52% Spring Wt)ea.t, No. 1, snot. 'lO'l, 69% Whea.t, red win'fr. o<[ the a )')t i1 61% Wheat. (leliy-ry Feb. 60 60% Wheat, de ive v May 621 &2 ConeeRicNo.7. ?5% :5'? Coifee, Rio, No. f,ow Ord Feb ;3.60 13.60 Cogee;ditto Apl delivery ]3.30 13.00 Flour, ox Sta.teShippingbr.mda.. 255 c.55 Iron, No. 1,Colt-ness ;9.0.) Tin, AUiMalian 13.35 ]3.60 Copper 10.0 10.8 Steel Rails. .a 22 Freight Gt'a.in Liverpool 9j' a'n' !8 2'? ) 2lfd FreKht G'ainstea.m?rsjL. <n l%d l%d Fre!ght Cotton teHverpool 7-6t Silver Bul!ion 59? 60 Whea.t.Chieag Ma.y delivery. 87? 5M, Silver Bul!ion 591. 60 Whea.t.Chieag Ma.y delivery. 571/, 5M, Corn. Chicago, Ja.n delivery. 47% 48% < Tupentine.?vauniih. 25'/4 26%

ATHLETIC GROUNDS FOR LLANELLY. The work of Ikying the tt-.tck n. the HaItWAj Athletic Grounds has now been commenced <): earnest, the tender of Mr Henry Rees for JBt5t having been accepted by thedirectors. Th< grounds will be opened at Ea.ter-timp.

"THK PITMAN'S DAUGHTER."—Tho is tie Liblo, of n. powerful new minh)!; story of love and mysteq from thapea of J. Monk Foster which now a.pne&n of the ttirdi§ Times (md ,$oM</t Wales Weekly ivews AiNiagazine,nd N,4wspaper in oite HALL CAINK'8 NEWSTOBY, "TheMa.hdi"ji taJe of love a.ud heroism, is now appearing in th< cardiff Ti-, <fd Soitth iVaZes Weekly Bews. Don'< miss this new stery by the author of the Manxn'o.r THE TnmD VoLUMK is a first-cias'i sensa tional story, wholesome, thnUing, and fnU of move- ment, by )'e]s:ua Httme. The opening cit a-ptcrs appetH in the Oardiff l'imes and South Wales Weekly New oO Saturday, January 5th. C. BttANUAUKR & Co.'M Cil'cul¡\r-Pointed Pen< neither scratch nor apurt, the points being roanded b; a. new process. Assorted Sampte Box for seven 6.ta.ntm to the Works. Birmu)p;hMn 1227 J (T,oo Jrnfc for GF lassiticatiall. fjB?O be Let, with imMedia.to possession, the Aah- JL burnhatn Hotel, Pembrey.—Appty BucMey Bros., Lia,neUy. 1059 RAPERY.-Wanted, :<. Younc Lady to 7etve through \Ve!ah.—Apply, with full p,,trtictilar-, t.i M. GriBSths, Ewcnny Sh.)p, Bridgend. 57,1 A PPKE?T[CH wanted fot-the iMmcouge?ttmat ?TL be able ? .,pea.tc We?h..?App!y DKn!? '?omM lr99JPOD&.ç. XtaottHr. ent