South Wales Daily News

DEATH OF REV. D. THOMAS, CYMMER. Welsh Congregationalism has lost one of its best-known ministers in the death which took Biace on Saturday, of the Rev. David Thomas, ymmer, Rliondda Valley, at the age of 61. Mr Thomas was confined to his room during the whole of the winter, but strong hopes were entertained of his eventual recovery, and, at the last meeting of the East Glamorgan Congrega- tional Union, one of the brethren, coming from Mr Thomas's sick room, d^ci'.red that the rev. gentleman was in hopes of able to resume his ministerial duties in M/irch. In view of what has happened, this little reminiscence is full of melancholy. His father is even now alive, a hale and hearty old man of 90 years, and dwells at Nantgaredig. m Carmarthenshire. The reverend gentleman came to Cymmer from Dowlais in 1878. As a preacher, his name Was f ami Kir through Wales, and his services were ir great request at special and annual gatherings. At one time he filled the office of chairman of the East Glamorgan Congregational Association, and a few years ago he was one of the splected speakers at the annual meetings of the Welsh Congregational Union at Wrexham. He leaves a widow, a daughter, and a son, the Rev. Afaon Thomas, Congregational minister at Dolwyddelen, Carnarvonshire, and considerable sympathy is felt with the bereaved family. Quoting from a sketch of the rev. gentleman which was published some yeats ago, we find that the Rev. D. Thomas was born in the year 1834 at L'anddarog, Carmarthenshire, and brought up at Pontarown, in the parish of Llangyndeyrn, in the same county. Subsequently removing to Swansea he was, in th" year 1352, received into church membership at Zoar. He began preaching at Rainab, Llandyfeiliog, and after some training at the preparatory school at Kidwelly, Mr Thomas entered Bala College about the year 1856. Three years later he left the college, and in Auguet, 1859, was ordained minister of Hermon, Ystradfellte, where he spent four years. In May, 1863, he accepted a call to Abercanaid, near Merthyr, and remained there six years, leaving in June, 1869, to undertake the pastorate of Gwern- Jlwyn Church, Dowhi; His departure for Cymmer took place in 1878, and therefore bis pastorate of the church at that place extended over 17 years.

BASSALEG. PERMITTING DKUNKENNKSS. At Newport Jouuty Police-eourt on Saturday, Edward Jones, landlord of the Rhiwderyn Inn, Uaasaieg, was summoned for permitting drunkenness on his licensed premises; and Wm. Cliffe and Frederick Williams were summoned for being drunk on the said premises. At 9,50 on the evening of the 2nd inst.. P.C. Charles .Tones went to the inn and found Williams I' asleep behind a table with bis head hanging down almost between his legs. Cliffe was staggering about the taprcom, and fell down on his back helpless in the iriddle of the floor. The land- lord'sson shook upWilliams and turnedhim out of the taproom, and the landlord himself, who followed, said it was nothing else only their wickedness, and that they had just come in drunk. "-The Bench remonstrated with the young fellows, and fined them each 5s. The son ot defendant gave evidence as to stopping tap on the men at 8.45 because they were qua.rrelling.- The Bench, in consideration of 22 years' good character, inflicted a fine on the landlord Qf 20s and costs, but did not endorse the licence.

SWANSEA. ALLEGED THKFT OF A SEWING MACHINE.—At the Swansea Police-court on Saturday a married woman named Jane Mitchell, of no fixed abode, was charged with having failed to answer to a summons charging her with the larceny of a sewing machine, as a bailee, on the 15th ult. Prisoner was remanded till Monday.

MERTHYR WAR OF WATER RATES. I RATEPAYERS GOING TO THE LORDS. A public meeting, called at the instance of Mr Dan Thomas, Alderman Davies, and others, was held on Saturday night at the Tem perance- hall, Mertbyr, for the purpose of considering the 20th clause ot the Merthyr Water Bill, which provides i for increased charges against occupiers and out. tage owners. A petition against the clause, extensively signed, for presentation to the Lords' Committee, was exhibited and received additional signatures. The attendance was moderate. Alderman D. Davies was chairman, and other platform seats were occupied by Mr Dan Thomas, Alderman Evan Lewis, Mv Atkins (Dowlais), Mr John Lewis (Penydarren), mem- bers of the urban district council; Mr J. W. Lewis, C.C., Mr Watkin Moss, C.C., Mr John Jones (Glannant), Mr Arthur Daniel (Troedy- rhiw). Dr. J. W. James, Mr Thomas Thomas, Mrs Emma Williams, Mr David Evans. Mr William Lewis (Treharris) a.nd Mr J. Roberts (Merthyr Vale), members of the urban council, were unable to attend. The Chairman recalled the action already taken by the urban council of Merthyr, aod after several financial allusions, observed that under the new Bill it was proposed to construct a new reservoir, which, he hud no doubt, would be a great boon to the parish at large. But it was also proposed to borrow the sum of not Jess than £ 120,000, and he trusted that if this work was carried on they would have a very different reservoir to that of the Noyadd, which was nothing but an old riddle.—Mr Dan Thomas, who was well received, gave an analysis of the effect of the altered charges as proposed, and said the nett relief that the big companies would get was £ 1,808 19d 4d, which was to be saddled upon the ratepayers. He proposed, "That this public meeting of ratepayers and electors of the parish of Merthyr emphatically protests against any increase being made in the water charges now in force, especially having regard to the fact that such increased charges will unjustly fall upon the poorer section of the community, whilst the larger and more wealthy ratepayers will be relieved to the extent of nearly £ 2,000 a year. This meeting calls upon the representatives of the people to resist to their utmost the efforts of those who seek to impose a new ad increased scale of water charges. Further, that Messrs Wm. Lewis and Dan Thomas be asked to convey this resolu- tion to the House of Lords' Committee dealing with the new Water Bill.Mr Arthur Daniel (Troedyrhiw), Mr J. W. Lewis, C.C., Mr Atkins (Dowlais), Alderman Evan Lewis, and Mr John Lewis supported the motion.—The resolution was passed unanimously.

THEATRE ROYAL (CARDIFF). Mr Oscar Wilde's masterpiece, A Woman of No Importance," will pay a return visit to the Theatre Royal, Cardiff, this week, commencing this evening, and the many playgoers who showed their appreciation and delight with this clever piece of dramatic literature at its nrst visit will once again have an opportunity of seeing the talented author's greatest dramatic work. The piece has come from the Haymarket Theatre, London, by arrangement with Mr Beer- bohm Tree, and it is staged by Messrs H. H. Morrell and Frederick Mouillot's company, which includes Miss Lingard as Mrs Arbuthnot, and Mr Frederick Mouillob as Lord Illingworth, and it is worthy of note that this is precisely the same company that will revive A Woman of no Importance in London. When Mr Oscar W'Ide's "An Ideal Husband was produced in London every- one was on the tiptoe of expectation. They were not disappointed, and the play received their approbation. It was a success, a marked success, and had A Woman of No Importance never been written, An Ideal Husband would possibly have been the greatest play of the age. Mr Wilde will, no doubt, again write good and excellent plays, but, like all great authors, he has produced a masterpiece, and can never hope to write anything better than "A Woman of No Importance." It is a work of remarkable quality. With his thorough knowledge of society, the author has drawn with an artist's toach his comedy characters life-like, without either strain cr caricature. His aristocratic old ladies are delightful he knows his dowagers and their foibles iutimately, and his society butterflies, as represented by Mrs Allonby, express cleverly and cynically what is clumsily said in real life. In a recent criticism the World says The one essential fact about Mr Oscar Wilde's dramatic work is that it must be taken on the very highest plane of modern English drama and furthermore that it stands alone on that plane. In intellectual calibre, artistic compe- tence-ay. and in dramatic instinct to boot- Mr Wilde has no rival amongst his fellow workers for the stage. He is a thinker and a writer they are more or less able, thoughtful, original playwrights." Many are they who can endorse this opinion, and even Mr Clement Scott says there is nothing so well worth seeing as A Woman of No Importance." Each of the members of the company is thoroughly acquainted with thedelicateart needed for the representation. Besides Mr Mouillot and Miss Lingard, the com- pany includes Mr T. L. Law, Mr C. E. Simpson, MrLeyton Cancel lor, Mr T. N. Walter, Mr J. H. Beaumont, Mr H. Crocker, Miss Maud Bertrame, Miss Miene Mouillot, Mrs Henry Kitts, Miss Muriel Johnson, Miss Beatrice Homer, and Miss Rose Ralph.

GRAND THEATRE (CARDIFF). Mr Charles E. Dering's new and original drama of military interest, The Road to Fortune," will be staged at the Grand Theatre. Cardiff, this week by Mr G. Howard Watson's selected company. The play, which contains many striking incidents, deals with a tale of the King's Dragoon Guards, and has been played before that regiment with the greatest success and enthusiasm. The drama has been played for over 500 nights by this company, and has been pronounced by all who have witnessed it to be the most accurate and brilliant representa- tion of cavalry life they have seen. New scenery, painted from photos of the Guards' barrack quarters, will be introduced, and new uniforms and accoutrements of the King's Dragoon Guards will also be used. The chief characters will be depicted by Messrs James Rogers, Eric Hudson, Nurman McLeod, and Miss Marie Craig, Miss Grace Lester, Miss Ethel King, and Miss Nelly King.

THE EMPIRE (CARDIFF). The chief item on the programme of the Cardiff Empire this week is a turn by the remarkable Selbinis, a troupe of acrobats and bicyclists, whose sensational feats on the single wheel, the bycycle and tricycle, have puzzled thousands. The other items, which are also very good, include Bishop and Ricardo, the horizontal bar eccen- trics the Arlotti troupe Mr J. P. Curlett. the Belfast boy the Sisters Millar, duettists the Avrignys, in a Japanese juggling display Paul. the pedalonomist; and the McConnell Family of superior vocalists.

THE EMPIRE (NEWPORT). Here Carl Hertz, the greatest illusionist and wizard of the present generation, will mystify nightly the throngs of Newportonians who naturally frequent Mr Stoll's Charles-street house with his greatest of all illusions, After the Flood." The Sisters Preston, from the Gaiety Theatre, London, will also make their appearance, and are sure to win the hearts of every member of the audience during the week. Miss Jessie Preston played Jack in the recent burlesque of Jack Sbeppard in such a manner as to procure her an offer of a three years' contract, but other enagements prevented her acceptance of it. Varieties will also be given by other able artistes.

THE EMPIRE (SWANSEA). Mdlle. Texerkansas, an expert and delightfully clever dancer, who drew crowds nightly to the Cardiff Empire last week, will claim the premier position on the programme at the Swansea Empire this week, and following her will come Lottie Collard, a winsome and vivacious singer and dancer; the Two B!akes, the laughter-making couple; G. W. Kenway, the peerless mimic and a number of other talented artistes will also take part.

THE PANOPTICON (CARDIFF). The great success which attended the pour- trayal of the grand military production of China and Japan last week at the Panopticon, Cardiff, has induced Mr Stoll to run the same specialty again this week. The many striking scenes and incidents depicted in the spectacle, and the smart drill and exercises performed by 70 local children who take part in it, are, to say the least, remarkable. They are done with time and pre- cision that denote careful training and close attention to duty, and call forth enthusiastic applause. The pleasing interludes given by Rosina's dancers, the Sisters Edwards, and George Burnett are also much admired.

UNITED PIONEER GOLD MINING COMPANY, LD. (FROM "SOUTH AFKICA," MARCH 16TH, 1895.) The report of the meeting held this week speaks of a healthv state of things. A mine that has produced £ 100,000 worth of gold ought prima facie never to have been closed but bad manage- ment and the water difficulty overtook it, and stagnation ensued until the present company took up the concern. It is calculated that half a million tons of ore can be worked, and 40,000 tons are already stoped. It is expected that the cost of management and working will be kept so low that at least £1 per ton profit will be realised. The company is in a very satisfactory positron, and has in hand ample funds for present purposes. The shares are stand ing about 25s or 26s, and we are informed that certain developments are in progress in connection with the company which will take the shares to at least £ 2.—2232 362a

CARDIFF UNEMPLOYED. CLOSING OF THE LABOUR YARD. 011 Saturday at a meeting of the Cardiff Board of Guardians, Mr O. H. Jones presiding, Coun- cillor F. J. Beavan, when the subject of the task for able-bodied paupers was brought forward, said he considered that an opportune time for asking that the labour yard be closed. The number of unemployed was diminishing, the weather was opening, and he thought they would scarcely be justified in keeping the yard open beyond next week. He thought therefore the board should determine to close it on and after Saturday next. He moved accordingly.—Mr Thatcher seconded the proposition, which wall unanimously agreed to.

THE UNIVERSITY BOAT RACE. A COMPARISON OF TIMES. From a comparison of times made at the respective trials over the full course upon the Thames, the Oxford crew would appear to be at least two lengths the better of their rivals. On Saturday the Cantabs rowed another trial upon the flood. and, although there was practically no wind, they occupied six seconds longer than Oxford on the previous day. Where the Light Blues did badly, however, was between Putney and Hammersmith Bridges. Between these points the difference in favour of Oxford amounted to no less than 13sec., and in spiteofsomepluckywork towards the end of their journey, Cambridge were never able to entirely wipe out this disad- vantage. A comparison between the times occu- pied by the two crews shows that the Can- tabs, adopting much the same stroke as Oxford had done before them, were 13secs. longer to Chiswick Church than the Oxonians, yet they actually accomplished the distance be- tween Hammersmith and Barnes Bridge 2secs. quicker. On the whole the rowing of thit Light Blues on Saturday was pretty satisfactory, but by far the best point about it was their swing. Now and again they seemed inclined to rush forward, and this caused the boat to hang a bit between the strokes. Wauchope, however, kept the stroke tairly long all the way through.

GLAMORGAN HUNT. j I The following letter has been addressed by Mr R. T. Bassett, the respected master of the hunt, to the subscribers and tenant farmers of the district:—"Gentlemen,—I have waited to address this letter to you until after the meeting of sub- scribers to the hunt, held on Saturday. The hon. secretary has handed me a copy of the resolution passed at the meeting, and I beg to tender the subscribers my warmest thanks for the contents of the same, assuring me of their confidence and support. I confess that when the tenant farmers of the hunt presented me with an address on the 12th inst. at Cowbridge, I was entirely taken by surprise, both by the magnificent attendance of farmers and also by the promises of support and the kind expressions of good feeling that were not only accorded to me, but also as regards fox hunting in this country. No one could possibly have expected such a reception as I received, or to hear such senti- ments with regard to the hunt, as were expressed at that meeting. I neither anticIpated the one or the other, otherwise my condition of continuing to act as master would probably not have been announced, but, as I have before said, I was fairly taken by surprise. "The action taken by thesubscribersandbacked up as it has been by cordial support of the tenant farmers places me in, I consider, an unassailable position from any point, and I, therefore, willingly withdraw the stipulation I have made, and will continue to hunb the country as I have done for the past nine seasons, viz., entirely on my own responsibility and assisted by such contributions as the subscribers may think fit to furnish. I cannot let the occasion pass without again thanking the tenant farmers for having thus supported me at a very critical moment. And by so doing, allow me to assure them that they have made me not only the most grateful, but also the proudest, M.F.H. in the United Kingdom.—I am, your obedient servant, R. T. BASSETT. Crossways, Cowbridge, March 17th, 1895." -_n

MR ACLAND ON NATIONAL EDUCATION. On Saturday afternoon the Righb Hon. A. H. Dyke Acland, M.P., Vice-President of the Council, laid a memorial stone to celebrate the rebuilding of the larger portion of the Woolwich National Schools. Mr Acland said that in these days of crowded populations and much poverty the more they could make their schools bright and healthy places the more they were doing for the benefit of this and future generations. Many people thought the Education Department was a mechanical institution, and that there were no human beings inside it. That was not so, for the officials took a deep personal interest 1U their work, and every word of encouragement they received helped them to become more elastic, to get rid of red tape and TO BECOME MORE HUMAN IN ALL THAT THEY DID. His task and that of his colleagues was to preserve the balance tairly and evenly, whether among Church, Nonconformist, Roman Catholic, or board school. The department, he was con- vinced, deserved the respect and even the admira- tion of those who were interested in the work of education in this country. After all, the State was the people, and it was on their behalf that the department distributed the sum of £ 6,500,000 annually. He hoped the department would con- tinue to have the hearty co-operation of school managers and teachers. Without it their work would be worthless, but with it education became one of the noblest and worthiest tasks which anyone could undertake, and one which was well worthy the devotion of a lifetime. (Cheers.)

A NOVELIST'S POLITICS. Mr Rider Haggard, the novelist, was on Satur- day adopted as agricultural and Conservative candidate for East Norfolk, on the motion of Mr 'I Clare Read. seconded by Mr Chancellor Blofeld. After delivering a speech on general politics, he said that among the measures he would advocate for the relief of Norfolk agriculturists were the I appropriation of £ 60,000 of the land tax raised in I the country towards local rates, the subjection of foreign barley to import duty unless crushed, and the application of the tax to old age pensions. Pure beer, he added, should be relieved of a proportion of taxation, to be put on impure beer. Foreign flour should be taxed in the interests of our millers, and railway rates should be equalised. ) Foreign meat should not be sold as British. ) Rates and taxes should be made to press more j equally on realty and personalty. Public-house property should not be confiscated without com- pensation. The policy of the Government he designated as one of disruption of the empire, stripping the Church of her possessions, uprooting that ancient tree the House of Lords, and, in short, playing the part of the unjust steward in the parable. I

LORD THURI,OIV'S AFFAIRS, PROCEEDINGS IN THE APPEAL COURT. j it The Appeal Court on Saturday dismissed the I appeal of the Official Receiver against an orderbv Mr < Registrar Linklater refusing to adjudicate Lord Thurlow a bankrupt, and extending the time to enable the debtor to lodge a proposal for a scheme of arrangement. The Master of the Rolls said he could not understand why the Official Raceiver should attempt to hasten the adjudication. The Official Receiver was an officer of the Court, bound to act under its directions, and no doubt) the defendant had a right to interfere with the administration of the law. Leave to appeal "to the House of Lords was refused.

LOCAL LAW, ROBINSON v. SWYNY.—On Saturday, in the Court of Appeal, presided over by the Master of the Rolls, the hearing of the appeal of the defendant m this co-ownership action, arising out of two charter parties between the owners of the sailing ship Parkdale and the Compagnie de Boleo. under which she was to carry coals from Cardiff to Santa Rosalia, and on the return voyage a cargo of copper ore to Swansea or Liverpool, was resumed. The arguments had not concluded when the court rose, and the further hearing was put off until Tuesday.

TAFF VALE RAILWAY. RESIGNATION OF THE GOODS MANAGER. We learn that Mr John Jones, secretary and goods manager of the Taff Vale Railway Com- pany, haa been compelled to resign his position as goods manager on account of ill-health, and Mr James Tilley has been appointed in his place.

BILLIARDS. JOHN ROBERTS v. C. DAWSON FOR £ 200. The 24,000 up, spot-barred, match, which has been in progress between these players at the Argyll-hall, Regent-street, London, was on Saturday advanced another stage, and at the close of the day's play the respective scores were :—Dawson, 15,733; Roberts, 11,381.

HOCKEY. ENGLAND v. IRELAND. This match, which took place on the Richmond Athletic Ground, on Saturday, was the first international contest ever played in England. The turf was in grand condition, and some fine individual play on either side was noticeable, the Irish wings perhaps playing a slightly selfish game at times. At the finish the scores read :— England, 5 goals Ireland, nil. -■

——————— „ I For the few days just before the moon a ( eclipse Vesuvius was especially lively, hurling forth incandescent matter to a considerable height. OH, SWEET RELIEF.-Cures coughs, colds, asthma, bronchitis. The most reliable remedy icr the above, and all complaints of the lungs and throat is the "Coltsfoot Elixir," a balsamic elixir prepared from coltsfoot, senega, horehound, squill, honey, &c. Velypleasmt; suitable for the child and adult. Sold by all medicine vendors at Is lid, 2s 9d, and 4s: 6d a bottle, or post free from manufacturer, Morgan W. James, Chemist. Llanelly. i liousands of bottles are being now sold through agents and direct. 1339 THS GREAT CORK FOR (JOHNS.— Munuay.s Viridine—Still further testimony. A Chemist writes :— Will you send me a bottle of your Viridine ? It is for Viridine—Still further testimony. A Chemist writes Will you send me a bottle of your Viridine ? It is for my own use. I gee plenty of corn cures of the same colour, but none of them appear to equal yours. No one oucht to say his corns are incurable until he has used" Viridine." Thousands have been cured, moftt of whom had suffered for over 5CTjaars. Bowato of mitations. Sold in bottles 13,-by pest Is 2d, by the proprietor, J. Munday, Chemirt 1 High-street Cardiff ana all Cheir^ts 1079-

CARDIFF. OBITUARY.—We greatly regret to have toreoord the death of Mr Douglas Tracy, the genial advertisement manager of the Grand Theatre, which took place on Saturday morning after an j illness of less than a week's duration. The cause of death was pneumonia. MEMORIAL TO THE LATE REV. FATHEB BUTLER. -The new pulpit at St. Paul's Church, Tyndall- street, Cardiff, which was presented to the church by Mr John Stack in memory of the late Rev. Father Butler, was formally opened on Sunday morning by the Right Rev. Bishop Hedley, O.S.B., of Newport and Menevia. The pulpit, which is of ornamental Gothic with Italian marble shafts, bearinsr a niche in the centre containing a figure of the Word of God, has been erected by Mr A. B. Wall, of Cheltenham, and is considered to be a special work of beauty. A QUIET DAY FOR SHKBEENS.—The Cardiff police only made one shebeen raid on Sunday, and this was at 14, Mary Ann-street, from which house P.C. Wootton seized a 4.gallon cask of beer on tap and two empty casks. PARK HALL SERVICE.—There was again a crowded attendance at the popular service held in the Park-hall on Sunday afternoon. Dr. Edwards, J.P., presided, and the address was delivered by the Rev. J. D. Watfeers, M.A. The choir rendered the anthem, Not Ulltn Us," and Miss Cosslett sang the solo, "Be at Rest." It was announced that Sunday next would see the close of the services for the present season, and that on this occasion there will be an orchestra and vocal quartette. Principal Edwards will deliver the address. PRESENTATION. Last week an interesting gathering took place at the Imperial Hotel, Bute Docks, for the purpose of presenting Mr John Arthur Jones with a gold watch and an illuminated address (in album form), together with a ring for Mrs Jones (as a mark of esteem upon his promotion to a partnership in the firm of Messrs Watts, Williams and Co.) by the mem- > bers of the staff, foreien agencies, and officials of the United National Collieries, Ltd. Mr W. H. Williams occupied the chair, and made the presentation in most felicitous terms The health of the recipient was drunk with enthusiasm and with musical honours. The proceedings were greatly enlivened by vocal and instrumental music.

BARRY AND CADOXTON. ALLEGED WOUNDING—A prostitute, named Bridget Commons, was Arrested by P.C. Rees Evans on a charge of unlawfully woonding a young man named Wm. Burchill at a house in Gueret-street on Sunday afternoon. The injured man was conveyed to Dr. Livingstone's surgery, and on examination it was found that the blow had caused a wound extending to the bone. Prisoner will be brought up at Penarth Police- court to-day (Monday).

MYNYDDISLWYN, SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION.—There are 12 nom- inations for nine seats. The last day for with. drawal is Monday next, and the polling (if a con- test) for 25th instant. The election is being fought on dei-iominational grounds, Mr Jno. Powell, Newport Union, being the returning j officer.

| ABERCARN. URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. -The election for a I member to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr T. Taylor, in the North Ward, is fixed for the 25 inst. The following are nominated :—Messrs Alf. Bowen, Jas. Edward, and Robt. Parry.

BLAENGARW. PRESENTATION.—Mr H. L!. Davies, cashier of I the Ocean Colliery, who is leaving this place for South Africa, was presented with an address and I a purse of gold on Friday last, at a meeting held for this purpose at the Workmen'a-ball. Dr, G, Evans presided.

LLANGADOCK. OBITUARY.—With regret we have to chronicle the death from pneumonia, complicated with bronchitis, of Mr J. E. Rees, Brynawel, Gwynfe. Deceased was only taken bad last Sunday week, and died on the Thursday following. The funeral j takes place to-day.

NARBERTH. SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION. Friday was. the last day for receiving nominations for the triennial election of Narherth School Board. The Church party have had a meeting, and decided to euppoit the candidature of Messrs W. E. Jenkins and J. W, Thomas. The following are nominated Messrs R. Ward, D. Fisher. James Owen. J. R. Lewis, John Irving, W. E. Jenkins, John Jones, W. P. Morgan, Henry Rees, J. W. Thomas, John Roberts, and the Rev. J. A. Thomas.

LAMPETER. ST. DAVID'S COLLEGE SPORTS.-The annual athletic ^sports in connection Jwith St. David's College were held last week, under the presi- dency of the Principal, the Rev. John Owen. The weather was not very bright, but there was a good number of spectators, and the competition was in some instances very keen. Mr W. D. Thomas, fhe champion of last year, as was antici- pated, carried off the majority of the prizes, in fact, taking as many as seven firsts. At the conclusion of the sports Miss Davies-Evans, Highmead. distributed the prizes to the success- ful competitors. THE NEW SHERIFF OF CARDIGANSHIRE.—Mr David Jones Lloyd, of Gilfachwen, has appointed Mr David Lloyd, solicitor, Lampeter, his under. sheriff.

CWMDU (BRECONSHIRE). LIBERAL iklEICTING.-Oii Friday evening Mr Wm. T. Lee, I.C.L.A., secretary of the Brecon- shire Liberal Association, addressed a meeting at the school, Bwlcb, on current political questions. Rev. E. Ll yd, Cwmrhos, presided. On the motion or the Jrrssicieut, seconciect oy mr d. Parry, Talyllvn, a cordial vote of thanks waa passed to Mr Lee for his address, and also for his efforts in the county of Brecon to further the cause of the Liberal party.

MERTHYR. DEATH OF MRS ftOBERT.- The residents of Merthyr learned with much regret that Mrs Probert, wife of Dr. Probert, J.P., Pentrebach, Merthyr, died at her residence on Saturday. MEETING OF CREDITORS.—A meeting of the creditors of Henry Drury, fruit and general dealer, 31, Mount-street, Abergavenny, was held on Friday at the office of Mr W. L. Daniel, official receiver. The gross liabilities were esti- mated to amount to J3229 18 6d. and the assets to £ 30. Deficiency explained, 2199 18s 6d. It appeared from the Official Receiver's observations that the debtor commenced business six months ago at Abergavenny without capital, and that previously he bad carried on business at Llanelly, Breconshire, and also at Hereford, and that be had been trading in the name of F. D. Smith. SCHOOL BOARD. The first meeting of the newly-elected Merthyr School Board was held at the board room of the Merthyr Workhouse on Friday. Mr Isaac Edwards presiding pro. tem. Mr W. L. Daniel was unanimously elected chairman. Alderman Davies was elected vice- chairman. The election of chairman of committee I was luon pruueeuou wivii. A letter irom tne Education Department, dissenting from the terms of a resolution passed by the board upon the subject of scholars being excluded from the advanced schools in the event of three days' unexplained absence during the month, was referred to the school attendance committee. Miss Alice Townsend was appointed an assistant at the Georgetown Girls' School, and Mr J. Jenkins was appointed clerk of the works at the new Treharris Schools,at a salary of £ 2 per week. Cnrnu FYDD.—A meeting of the local branch was held at the ante-room of the Temperance-hall on Friday night, Rev. J. Thomas,[president, in the chair.—A paper was read by the Rev. D. Price, Tabernacle, on Home Rule for Wales," and an interesting discussion followed. THE MYSTERIOUS CASE OF DROW.-ilNG.-The I coroner has forwarded a certificate enabling the relatives of the deceased man John Davies, of Dowlais, to inter the body. The inquest will probably be held to-day (Monday.) I INCREASE OF WORKHOUSE INMATES. -On Satur- day at the meeting of the board of guardians, Mr John Rogers presiding, it was stated by Mr Pearcev, the master, that the inmates numbered 401-an increase on the figures of the correspond- ing period of last year of 76.—In answer to Mr H. W. Martin, he said the total capacity of the house was for 440.

ABERDARE.' COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION.—Mr J. H. James, Brynhyfryd. has expressed his intention of con- testing the Gadlys Ward.

HIRWAIN. PRESENTATION,-Last week a meeting of the members of Mount Pleasant English Congrega- tional Church -and friends was held under the presidency of the pastor, the Rev. E. Jones, for the purpose of presenting Mr Dunning, one of the oldest members of the church, with an oil painting in recognition of bis valuable services to the church. Daring the service Councillor W. Williams, J.P., Bryncynon, read a most interesting paper, giw the history of the formation of the English cause at Hirwain in 1864. Messrs J. Morris (clerk of the Aberdare School Board) and D. M. Richards (Aberdare), two old members of the church, then spoke, and the presentation was made by the pastor. A number of songs, etc., were well rendered during the evening.

CWMBRAN. NEW J.P.-Col. -T. Jacob, chairman of the Llanfrechfa Upper District Council. qualified ns a magistrate and took his seat at Pontypool Police- court on Saturday.

NEATH. PLOUGHING MATCH.—The annual ploughing match, under the auspices of the Neath, Briton Ferry, and District Ploughing Society was held on Saturday in a field at Glannant Farm, near Neath. Sixteen teams toinpeterl. The following were the judges Ploughing—Mr W. Thomas, Eglwysnunydd, Margam; Mr D. Evans, Rock Farm, Cowbridge; Mr T. Rees, Garth Farm, Morristson; Mr H. Moule, Cefn Farm, Llan- samlet. Horses—Mr Rees Thomas, The Hall, Pyle; Councillor W. B. Trick and Mr David Thomas, Cefn Deri. Hedging and ditcliiilg-Mr T. S. Colvile and Mr D. Thomas, Cefndon. Mr T. H. David, Angel Hotel, was the hon. secre- tary.-In the evening, a company, numbering 50, sat down to an excellent dinner at the Full (Moon Hotel, provided by Host David Morgan. On the removal of the cloth Councillor W. B. Trick was voted to the chair, and an enjoyable list of toasts, speeches, and songs was gone through. INQUEST.—County Coroner Cuthbertson re- sumed the inquest at the Glamorgan Hotel, Melincrythan, on Friday, touching the death of David Richards (25), of Mount Pleasant, who was run over by a journey of trams at Eaglesbush Colliery on the previous Tuesday.—The jury found a verdict of. Accidetital death," and added a recommendation that the management of the colliery should take into consideration I as to whether the employment of a rider could not be discontinued.

SWANSEA. PRESENTATION TO A JODIt',gALIST.-On Friday night about 30 P.essmen assembled at a banquet it the Cambrian Hotel for the purpose of taking a farewell of Mr Herbert Morgan, who leaves the town to take the editorship of the Glamorgan Times at Pontypridd. Mr David Davies presided, and presentations were made by Mr W. W. Moore, on behalf of the Pressmen in the town, and by Mr Carver, on behalf of the staff of the Daily Post.

CARMARTHEN. THE Gnu.s' INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL,—At a special meeting of the county governing body on Saturday, Mr Gwilym Evans in the chair, the question of starting a girls' school at Carmarthen, in temporary premises, came up. It was agreed that the premises formerly occupied by Mrs Maries Thomas in Quay-street as a private school should be approved of as temporary premises. It was also decided to advertise for a head mistress at a salary which had been already fixed. It is intended that the school shall com- mence operations about Eagter. THE HUNT STEEPLECHASES.—At a meeting of the race stewards, held at the Bosr's Head Hotel, Carmarthen, on Saturday, it was unanimously resolved to hold a one day's meeting on the 18th April.

GARDENING NOTES. The season is advancing and the land is still bound up with frost, though, we hope, a change is near but even after the change comes it will be some time before we can estimate the damage done by the frost. We I expect, all have losses to deplore among the roses. The weakly plants will probably succumb, and, as the stock in the nurseries will have suffered in a like manner, there will not be much chance of filling up, even if it was desirable to fill up, so late in the season. But those who grow roses on their own roots will be safe, as they will break up from the base, ev, n if the tops are injured by the frost. Evergreen shrubs will have suffered considerably, but nothing can be done in the way of pruning or cutting back till the sap rises and 'A can see where to cut back to. Wallflowers seem all withered up, but pansies, violas, most of the hardy herbaceous plants, being sheltered by snow, will be safe. If pur- chases of hardy plants have to be made the spring is a good season for buying in such things as phloxes, delphiniums, pyrethrums, perennial sunflowers, double geums, &a. Border carna- tions and pinks may also be purchased in March and Apnl. Old plants of Mrs Sinkins and other border pinks may be pulled to pieces, and the pieces, planted firmly in new positions, will soon get established and they will flower during the summer rather later than if they had nob been planted so late, but pinks for cutting are so useful. I divided a lot of Her Majesty pinks last March, and had a beautiful lot of blossoms for cutting. This is the best white pink the flowers are large and very fragrant. I expect hollyhocks, especially old plants, will Buffer a good deal from the cold, but those who raise a few seedlings every year will have plants enough. I expect old lavender bushes will disappear, and lavender is very sweet to have in the garden. Young plants may easily be raised from seed, sown in March, or cuttings wi'.l strike, if inserted firmly in a sheltered, shady spot. Replant box edgings, and turn or dig over gravel walks and put into shape for the summer. Repair turf on tennis lawns. Dig up daisies and other weeds. The frosty weather has delayed the planting of fruit trees and bushes, but if carefully planted and mulched with manure fruit trees may be planted with safety up till the end of March and if I had planting to do I certainly should not put it off till another season. It is true, of course, that fruit trees planted in March will not bear this year, even if we buy what are termed bearing trees. No young tree ought to be per- mitted to bear fruit till it has had time to estab- lish itself and make some growth. It is only discounting the future to permit your trees to bear till they have been planted at least two years and a tree planted in March will get its roots to work in the sweet friable soil at once, and though it may not make much wood first season, it will make roots and be in a better posi- tion the following year than the tree planted next auturnn will be. Hence there is an advan- tage m planting now over waiting till the autumn. But it will b9 advisable to set about it at onoe, as soon as the frost goes. If any pruning- remains to be done, get it done at once. Pruning may be done during frost without injuring the trees. We are not likely to have much more severe weather now. The winter dressing or lime-washing of fruit trees should be done before the buds start. If any apple trees are infested with American blight, make up a strong solution of soap, 6 ozs. to the gallon, and brush it well into all the cracks and crevices. Petroleum is frequently recom- mended for this purpose, but I have seen trees injured by its use, and do not recommend it in its crude state, and the soa.p wash is just as effective, and even cheaper, than the petrclelm. In these days, when everybody is trying to turn an honest penny, there is no reason why the cottager or allotment-holder should not grow asparagus. It is one of the few things of which there is no present likelihood of a glut in the market. It is easily packed, and the carriage to any of the great towns in the North would not be a ruinous affair. The ground should be deeply trenched and liberally manured. If there are any heaps of rubbish about, place it in the bottom of ¡ the trench. It is not necessary to plant in beds. j If the whole of the laud is in good condition, set it out in rows from 2ft. to 3ft. apart; the latter distance is the most suitable. Draw drills 2in. deep, and sow the seeds thinly. When the young plants are up thin to 15 inches, removing the weakly plants, and leaving the strongest. Another way is to sow the seeds in drills 1ft. apart, and transplant in April the following year, in rows 3ft. apart and 15 inches in the row. The first year after planting lettuces ¡ or radishes may be sown between the rows of asparagus. Annual top-dressings will keep the plants strong and in good condition, and there is no reason, if judiciously managed, why an asparagas plantation should not last 40 or 50 years without wearing out. Fetch up arrears of planting and sowing. All the early crops may go in as soon as the land works freely. There will be no greens of any account this spring, so sow at once cauliflowers and cabbages, under glass if possible. Sow a pinch of white and red celery for the first crop. There is abundance of work staring one in the face now. Now that the severe winter has gone, pot off all the autumn-struck cuttings. They will do on shelves near the glass. It is a good plan to put up a few temporary shelves to bring on the young stuff in spring. They may be slung from the rafters. Zonal pelargoniums, which have for the time being done flowering, may be cut down and the cuttings put in. Such plants will be useful either to plant in the beds I or to grow on in pots for blooming next winter. i Repot ferns, reducing the balls if the soil is f close. Young healthy plants may be shifted on entire without breaking up. Maiden-hairs J may be divided to increase stock. Sow seeds ? of sub-tropical plants, such as Acacia lopbantha, i solanum*. and Gibson's castor oil. They are useful i for forcing groups or to dot about the borders j to loru. background. Petunias, verbt-nas, ] balsams, lobelias, etc., may be sown now. Show ¿ pelargoniums should have the stakas put ? to them shortly, to put them into shape. Straggling plants of ail kinds should be i shortened back and re-potted as soon as the buds break. Give liquid mannre to plants coming into | bloom. Sow Chinese primulas for the first lot of } plants. Cover with paper or moss, and keep < close till the seeds germinate. i The bed may be made up now, and as soon as j the heat is steady, at 80 degs. or so, set out the f plants. It'saves time to buy the plants, and they are not very expensive. A couple of plants may be bought for the price one would have to pay for a packet of seeds. According to the reports which are daily reach. ng me, there have been many losses among window plants, but such things as fuchsias, cam- panulas, and calceolarias should be s'-Afe.-Coftage Gardening. --=

BANKRUPTCY OF A SWANSEA SOLICITOR. The v ljourned public examination in bank- ruptcy of Mr Charles Norton, solicitor, of Swan- sea, wa3 to have taken place on Friday. He had not, however, filed the accounts the examination had been adjourned to enab!e him to obtain, and so the examination was adjourned till next Thursday.

During the season which is just closing South Australia has exported about 600 tons of butter, worth about £ 45,000 to £ 50,000. Scarcely a woman is to be seen^any where .(says ft fashion writer) without her bunoh of violets, real or artificial.

WALES V. IRELAND. -0(> BIOGRAPHIES OF THE WELSHMEN. LARGE GATE, SPLENDID GAME. VICTORY FOR THE WELSH- MEN. NOTES ON THE PLAY. [BY OLD STAGER."] 011 Saturday, at Cardiff, the chosen champions of Ireland met the representatives of the Principality, and decided the last of this season's geries of iuber-country matches under Rugby Rules. Both countries having in their two previous engagements failed to win a match, this contest was minimised in importance, the result—except it be a draw-but gaining a third place in the championship for too; winners. As the leading country of the year is said to have secured the Calcutta Cup, so the lowest on the list is described as having won the just as unreal wooden spoon." Less than a week since confi- dence was displayed that the Welshmen would end the season with a win. Then it seemed certain the Irish Union would not be able to send numerous of their most reliable players across the Channel, but on Friday evening, when the team arrived at Cardiff, this opinion was considerably qualified, for the fifteen is far and away the best combination which has done duty for them during the year. Leaving out the giant Jameson, who has not got himself into condition this season, and Lucius Gwynne, injured since Christmas-time, but two absences remain to be chronicled—to wit, the burly O'Connor, the veteran captain, and Tuke, the one down with influenza and the other electing to play for his club (Coventry) in a 9cup tie. Collateral form cannot be regarded as indicative of success in International games, and as Ireland played such able men as James Lyttle, one of last year's "invmctblea," and has the advantage of being able to enlist the services of a clinking half and fellow clubman to partner Magee, it was questionable whether their fifteen was more than the veriest trifle inferior to that originally selected. On the other hand Wales, usually fortunate in being able to play the whole of their men-considered by the Union Committee to be her best-had to make two changes in the most popular seleotion of the rear. Graham, one of the finest forward leaders of the day, has bad the misfortune to be suffering from an abcess on the leg, and on Friday his medical adviser pronounced him unfit to under- go the ordeal of so trying a game. Outside the team there is not in Wales a scrum- mager nearly his equal, so that his loss could only have been expected to be a severe one. But this was not the only difficulty, an even mor,) serious one being the interfer- ence of the excellent combination behind. Cardiff's hqst half-back, was forced to cry off his engagement on Saturday morning, and with one of the finest players in his position in the four countries being a mere spectator of the match, the services of Morgan, the sturdy little Llanellyite, who was the only reserve half on the Union hst. were requisi- tioned. Unfortunately, Morgan has been laid up for several weeks, and though otherwise his promotion would have met with fairly general approval, it was feared that the.Union Committee would pass him ty and give preference either to Mat Hannen, of Newport., or Jones, the Aber- avonite, who created widespread surprise by his really ndini^ble display in the recent Lancashire v. Glamorgan match. A change was also though possible in the order m which the reserve forwards had been picked, it being held by those who witnessed his use- fulness to his side in the last International that Fook, the sting of the Newport scruin- magers, should be given preference to A. M. Jenkin, the Swansea captain. Contrary to general expectation the Match Committee held no meeting, andMorgan and Jenkin took their places in the team. In Eastern circles the non-action of the members of the Match Committee was severely condemned, it being non-explainable why they should have ignored the undoubted claims of Pook, a possible excuse that he is inferior in weight not finding appreciation. Under these circumstances a victory for the Welsh team, confidently anticipated until Friday night, was rendered extremely problematical. Sheer folly would it have been to predict their being returned the conquerors of the more fortunate Hibernians. So open were the chances that rash indeed would be the layer who wagered guineas to pounds on the result. The afternoon was brilliantly fine, and the ground being in surprisingly good con- dition, in face of its wretched state but a week since, there was every reason tor warranting the hope that the game would be fast and open, and a spectacular display infinitely superior to the previous International contests of the season, all of which, excepting that at Swansea, having been fought under adverse conditions. Large crowds arri ved by the many excursion trains run to the town from all parts of South Wales and the West of England, and for quite a couple of hours before the kick-off-timed for 3.50 thev were trooping .into the park. The long wait was pleasantly minimised by the presence of the celebrated Ferndale Brass Band,which played the following selection of airs in its usual excellent style 1-Tvlarch "W.tshington Greys" Graffule. 2—Lancers.. "Kiss in the Kin# Wright. 3—Selectio n "L'Elisir d' Amore" Donizetti. Dr-Valse. Love's Messenger Round. 5-Recit. and air. Death of Nelson iJraham. (Trombone solo). 6-Selection of National Airs. "Gems of Erin" Round. 7—Fantasi a Jupiter Dawson. 8-Selection of NatioualAirs" Gems of Cambria" Bound. By three o'clock the stands otLier than the grand stands were comfortably filled, and then, half an hour before the advertised time for commencement, it seemed likely thab the gate wou!d nearly approach, if not equal, the record one in Welsh football. Soon after- wards the players quietly entered the field, and were not observed by the crowd until Mr Goldie, the well known Cardiff and Swansea photographer, got his camera into position in front of the Racquet Court. When the Irish players entered the enclosure they did so to the strains of St. Patrick's Day -additionally appropriate as well, as the anniversary of Ireland's patron saint is at band. Gould, the veteran captain and the oldest International, taking part in the match, preceded the Welsh fifteen, as did Forrest the visitors, the sons of Cambria being received with equal enthusiasm, and being saluted with the Welsh National Anthem, "Hen Wlad fv Nhadau." J The teamil were constituted as follows: Ireland-Back, *J. Fulton (North of Ireland); three-quarter backs, *S. Lee and *W. Gardiner (North of Ireland), *T. H. Stevenson (Queen's College, Belfast), and A. P. Gwynne (Dublin University); half-backs, *Louis Magee and M. G. Delaney (Bective Rangers); forwards, *A. D. Clinch, *T. Creane and *E. G. Forrest (Dublin Wanderers) (capt.) -N-E. If. iVAellwaitie and *James H. Lyttle (North of Ireland), *A. A. Brunker (Lansdown),,t *H. C. M'Coull (Albion), and *C. V. Rooke (Monkstown). Wales-Back, *W. J. Bancroft (Swansea); three-quarter backs, *T. W. Pearson (Cardiff), *A. J. Gould and *W. L. Thomas (Newport), and *Owen Badger (Llanelly); half-backs, *R. B. Sweet-Escott (Cardiff) and D. Morgan (Llan- elly) forwards, *A. W. Boucher, *W. H. Watts, *J, Hannen, and *H. Packer (Newport), Frank Mills (Cardiff), *C. B. Nichol (Llanelly), *E. George (Pontypridd), and A. M. Jenkin (Swan- sea). *01d Internationals. Referee, Mr C. B. Holmes (Midland Counties Union), POSITIONS OF THE PLAYERS.

THE GAME. I But six minutes after the half-hour Referee Holmes-as usual, in immaculate yet practical dress got his men in array and gave the signal to start. Ireland won the toss and elected to play from the river end. Boucher kicked off, the ball going into touch at the 25 flag, and so necessitating another kick. This time a grand effort was made by the Newportonian, and the ball fell but a couple of yards from the goal mouth. Fulton received and got in a screw kick almost to touch and a few yards beyond the 25 line, when he was knocked over by Boucher. Morgan secured, and though rushed by "lie opposing forwards managed toscrewsplendidly ) into touch. A scrummage followed the line-out, and the Welsh backs handled the ball from a pass by Morgan. Escott was given the leather, and in a trice Badger had possession and Eut in a capital kick. Gardiner was ampered in returning, and a scrummage following Escott passed out wonderfully cleverly, and each of the three-quarters handling Thomas looked like breaking past Stevenson, but passed to Gould, who was jumped upon by Lee before he could seize an advantage. From the next scrummage, too, the Welsh forwards got the ball, and this time Morgan initiated a pretty if still ineffective series of passes. Play was on the Irish side of the tield when after rushing a loose scrummage Rooke and Clinch started a dribble, which Pear- son failed to stop. It was fortunate Badger was at hand, or Rooke, who had fielded the ball, would have had a clear way to the Welsh line. After the following scrum- mage, Wales were penalised for off-side play, Swpeti Escott ipparently being the offender. The position being a fairly favourable one near the 25 line, the the ball was placed for Brunker, and he came rather near to landing a goal, Bancroft conceding a minor. Following the drop- out Wales almost immediately got into their opponents' territory, aud thanks mainly to the capital play of Sweet-Escott and Morgan at half Pearson fairly beat Gardi- ner, and then. trying the dodge so successful at Swansea in the English International of run- ning up to bis .man and then punting over his head, looked all over a scorer when he just touched the boundary line, this being the narrowest squeak for scoring up to now. The Irish forwards resorted Jto wheeling and did all in their power to break up the scrummages quickly, but except on rare occasions they failed when they got through to take the ball with them, for Sweet-Escott, time after time, dived and literally picked the ball from thefeet of such demon dribblers as Rooke,Forrest, and Lylfele. On the other hand, the Welsh forwards succeeded in playing to their backs even better than their most sanguine supporters expected them to do, and it was only by dint of almost confining themselves to defensive work that the Irish three-quarters kept Wales in and around their 25. Rooke had got through a scrum finely, when he was tackled by Badger, and the ensuing serum ended in Louis Magee being penalised. Boucher took a shot for goal, but the bali fell shorb and untrue. The Irishmen, their forwards now gaining the better of the Welsh eight in the loose, had got halfway to the Welsh 25 when they were again penalised for off-side tactics, and this time Boucher dropped for touch, the ball landing on the Welsh side of halfway. Fast and exciting continued the play, and Arthur Gould proved of inestimable service by screw kicking to touch. Mills then came into prominence, and a kick-a long one-of Fulton's was prevented gaining touch by the Cardiffian, who started a dribble far into the Irishmen's territory. Lee got possession, and after a strong burst put in a high punt, and bad almost got his men on-side when Arthur Gould secured the ball and got rid of it very adroitly. A fair catch was made, however, from Gould's kick, and Brunker's services were again enlisted to shoot at goal. This time again he failed, but this shot, too, was not far from registering a score. Then the Irishmen made full use of Rooke's great services as a roving commissioner and as he succeeded in beating down the Welsh halves, the visiting forwards began to do smart work in the open, and it was now the turn of the Welshmen to have to guard their position. Right well did they do it, for play had been con- fined to their quarters for fully ten minutes, the attack being desperate and the tackling of better class than that usually exhibited by the Welsh backs before. After monotonous and yet sterling and downright gruvelling forward play Creau burst past Forrest, and scored on the extreme edge of the left wing. Brunker's shot at goal was a miserable failure. The drop-out did not alter the complexion of affairs, and the Irish forwards, now so often being able to thwart the Welsh pack feeding their backs, Delaney and Magee passed out to their centres, and Gwynne, had he been a trifleless carefully watched, would have had opportunities of showing his goal kicking abili- ties. Then was seen a really brilliant incident such a one as has not been seen in any International contest since Wales defeated Scotland at Rae- burn-place two seasons since. The Welsh forwards, though they were beaten, and badly beaten, in the loose rushes, caught the Hibern- ians napping, and sent the ball out in really splendid fashion. Morgan dexterously scooped it up, feigned to run, and then passed to Sweet Escott, the Cardiff half exercising rare judiciousness in baffling his opponents by aiming to pass to Arthur Gould and then throw- ing wide to Thomas. The Oxford three-quarter made a dash as though going for the line, and then transferred in equally good style to Arthur Gould. The veteran, after drawing around him Lee and Gwynne, passed to Badger, who in the nick of time threw to this wing. All tins took place only a few yards beyond the Welsh 25, and amid boundless enthusiasm Pearson sprinted round Gardiner and outdistanced Fulton and scored a really magnifi- cent try behind the posts. Loud eheering signal- lsed the fact that Bancroft bad put Wales two points ahead by goaling. Oross-coimtry kicking fol- lowed the restart, and this ended in favour of the homeside, Bancroft cleverly finding touch, but only a little beyond half-way. Lee at tbis stage was forced to retire, and the Welshmen brought out Boucher from the pack. Close and exciting play followed until half-time. HALF-TIME SCORE O. T. M. WALES 10 0 IRELAND 0 1 2 Forrest restarted, the ball bouncing on the touch line, and being taken over by Morgan just at the spot where it had landed from Boucher's initial kick of the game. A scrummage followed the drop out, and it was evident that the second moiety would be as determinedly fought out as was the first halt. The ball was allowed to travel but a few yards from the spot where it had gone over the line, the scrummages lasting longer and being duller than those in the first half. Ftorn one the ball was sent out to Gould, who being tackled put in a short punt.iGwynne receiv- t ing, and, though not observed by the crowd to make his mark, he was allowed a fine shot at goal, but his kick was charged down. One and all the Welshmen played with vigour, the Llanelly man's defence at the rear of the scrum, being only equalled by that of his partner. did his best to sweep the Welsh forwards off the ball without success, though the home pack signally failed to seud it out behind. Yet another cessation-the third in the match—took place owing to Delaney having had another crack on his knee while endeavouring to neutralise a wheel started by the Cambrians. Lee, it should be noted, had just returned, and after a few minutes' attention from Dr." Lewis, Delaney, who was characterised by the Cardiff trainer as "a rare plucked 'un," resumed his place at the rear of the scrum. With spirit did the Irishmen now play up, and once more the game became of absorbing interest. A rush, headed by Rooke, Crean, and Lyttle, was stopped by Escott, who headed a dribble, and Mills out-distancing him, swept the ball on. Gould observing an opening ran straight down field, and was inches only off the ball when Gardiner fortunately scooped it up. Jenkins, however, was at hand, and he collated Gwynne before he could rid himself of the ball. From the ensuing scrummage thelrishrnen,Rooke and Orean still leading the way, kicked the ball to Bancroft, and the Swansea custodian now marred an other- wise capital performance by resorting to gallery" play. He tried to dodge at least two men, with the result that he was tackled by the mighty Lee, not, however, before he had trickily passed to Arthur Gould, who, being opposed by Gwynne, passed to Pear- son, this hardly wise play taking place within half-a-dozen yards of the Welsh line. Fortunately the Cardiffian did not try to do other than hold the ball, or disastrous consequences must have ensued, for the Irishmen were in a body swooping down on him. Morgan sent out the ball to Gould front the scrummage, and touch wasfound nearly in thelrishmen's 25. HereDelaney was again hurt, and this time he followed Lee's pmple, and left the field but his absence was, like the tall centre's, not for long. Grandly did the Welsh forwards now play. They fairly and squarely beat their rivals even in their opponents' particular style of play, and were it not for the unusually strong defensive powers of the Irish backs their line would have been in a critical condition for fully a quarter of an hour. Once Fulton got the ball from a too hard kick of one of the forwards, but though he had ample time his return was a wretched one. Then in midfield Morgan passed to Escott, the latter passing out wide to Gould, and this ignoring of mechanical passing by throw- ing over Badger's head was all but successful, for Pearson, getting the ball from his captain, ran down the touch line and then put in a short punt, but the ball went into touch. Soon afterwards Arthur Gould got p, fair opening in front of goal, and about 30 yards out shot for goal, the ball rising beautifully but ffoing a little out of a straight line. Fulton conceded a second point in defence. Ire- land. by clever work of Magee's, had only once got past half-way, when Bancroft, by a clinking kick,changed the. venuointo close proximity to their I goal. Mills, Wallace Watts,and Hannen now did a splendid bit of work, and must have scored, for they !lad passed through Ireland's defence when the ball was kicked over J; h •? j touch-line in goal, a minor only reward- ing an excellent attempt. Almost imme- diately after the drop-out Stevenson and Gwynne between them carried play just a little beyond half-way, when Arthur Gould considered he bad another opening for a drop at goal. His kick was a beauty, but the distance was too great, and the Irishmen rustling out, Packer made his mark on the edge of the touch-line, about six yards on the Irish side of the h^lf-way. Gould directed the ball to be placed fot Bancroft, but the full-back found the angle too difficult. Again Ireland relieved, and it seemed as though scoring was not likely, for though Magee and Stevenson got into Welsh land Bancroft proved far too good for them, and twice sent them back further into their own ground than where they had travelled from. LI. Thomas was not strong in defence, and it wasforUmatethat Bancroft had luck as well as skill to aid hnn. The play deterior.tted in quality with its slackening in speed, and both sides now seemed tolay themselves out more to prevent scoring tb*vn to score, The game ruled in favour of the GJTmru, and Mogee, making a mark a couple of yards from his line, put in by design a short kick, thinking he was going to initiate one of the much-talked-of "irresistible" rushes of his for' wards. Mills, who had all through played a great game, got the ball and kicked after being tackled so well that Fulton was knocked over by Ernest George before he could kick. He, however, claimed a mark, and was allowed it, but the drop afforded only. temporary relief, and the Welsh forwards were pressiW hotly when, after an ineffective free gained by Ireland, Packer made his mark in very by Ireland, Packer made his mark in very much the same position as before. I Once more was the ball placed for Bancroft bub a foot out from touch, and had the ball not moved before he reached it would scarcely have gone without effect. Clinch and Crean were leading their comrades across tbf touch-line when Brunker got off-side, and from the succeeding scrummage the ball was sent to Pearson, and he put in a capita kick which sent the ball into Fulton's hands, and the Irit h custodian did the one neat thing in his dcy's performance, by kicking when pressed by a bunch of forwards. A pMS from Morgan to Gould gave Bancroft possession through Pearson, and amid cries ol "Drop a goal Bancroft," the old international punted high, and ran along the touch line- out of the field of play. Fulton escaped danger for Nichol was on the ball by making his mark- But a minute or two afterwards Bancroft bad another chance, and this time the manoeuvre waS more successful, and well deserved to have ended in scoring, but a minor only was gained. Proul this point on Wales did all the attacking, bat try as they would they failed to cross, and it grand game ended in the narrow but amply- merited win for Wales by 5 points to 3, FINAL SCORE G. T. K. WALES 1 0 5 IRELAND 0 1 2

RESULTS UP TO DATE. Wales won 5; Ireland, 3; drawn, 1. RESULTS UP TO DATE. Wales won 5; Ireland, 3 drawn, 1. The following are the results of the previoU* matches between Wales and Ireland :— 1882.—Dublin. Wales won by 2 goals, 2 tries, tf nothing. 1884.-Cardiff. Wales won by 1 goal, 2 tries, to nil. 1887. -Liverpool. Wales won by 1 dropped goal, 1 ttjt to 3 tries. 1888.—Dublin. Ireland won by 1 goals, 1 try, to nil. 1889. Swansea. Ireland won by 2 tries to nil. ]890.—Drawn. One goal each. 1891.—Llanelly. Wales won by 2 goals (1 dropped) W 1 dropped goal, 1 try. 1892.-Dublin. Ireland won by 1 goal, 2 tries, to nil. 1893.-Idanelly. Wales won by 1 try to nothing. 1894.—Belfast. Ireland won by 1 penalty goal, 1 minor, to 2 minors. 1895.-Cardiff. Wales won by 1 goal, 5 minors, to 1 try, 2 minors. THE SEASON'S INTERNATIONAL MATCHES. Points Played. Won. Lost. For. AØÅ I.-Scotland 3 3 0 17 1 2.—Englan d 3 2 „ 1 23 ..15 3.—Wales 3 1 2 15 ..21 4.—Irelan d 3 0 3 6 27 TIMED TO THE TICK. 3,25.-The teams got their faces immortalised. 3,33.-The bhoys from the Green Isle, led by six-foot-three Forrest, step out from the 'fad side of the stand, band playing" St. PatrioWl Day in the Morning (which is literally true. of course), and amid cries of Erin-go-bragfc." 3.35-Gould leads the scarlet-clad Welshmen* amid vociferous cheers, and band strikes upobotat of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau." 3.37.-Boucher kicks off to touch, and anothtf attempt ordered. 3.4i.-Welshmen over centre line with a rusb. 3.50.-Round of passing by Welshmen, PearsoC kicking to touch over Fulton's head. 3.55.-Ireland rushes over division line. Sweet' Escott pluckily dives at feet of forwards and saves. 3.57.-Ireland granted free, and Bancroft touches down. 4.3.-Free for Wales. Boucher kicks W touch. Delaney injured. 4.10.—Ireland score a try. 4,15.-Play inside Welsh half. Brilliant passing, Gould breaking through and handing to Badger, who threw swiftly to Pearson. MIll- hillian beat Fulton and round behind the iiosts. 4.17.-Baucroft takes easy place. Feverish excitement. Ball over A goal Tremendous enthusiasm. 'Good old Tommy!" "Played, Wales "Goinandwin!" 4.25.—Half-time. 4.33.-Ireland kick off to touch. Play in Welsb 25. 4.45.—Mark by Gwynne for Ireland. A good position. Drop kick charged down. Relief fot Welsh spectators. 4.54.-Gould tries shot at goal. Minor. 5. 3. —Gould tries another kick from over balf. way. 5.10.-Ireland being pressed. Lost all theit devil." Half-backs and Forrest playing wttll all their force. 5,13.—" Time Wales won

THROUGH GREEN SPECTACLES. [BY TUKFOIti.] e Although as a result of the match we h&* dropped from Mio proud position of champions the inglorious possession of the wooden spool" think it will be conceded us that .our defe* the encounter was not the result of any inferiority on the play. On the whole the was a very even one, but any advan"8^ certainly appeared to me to be on the Ireland. Nearly three-fourths of the ^j was fought out. on Welsh ground, and Irelat\ should have scored three times in the first tweø. minutes. On the other hand, it seemed tbpl the Welsh try, magnificently obtft'11 1 :is it was, was wrong, for fi'oni position the second pass—that from Gould Badger—was forward. Then Iceland had frees of positions far more favourable than ChORd Wales, and had not our place-kicking been^ miserably off either of these should, under nary circumstances, have been converter. -j^ accident to Delaney also told against us, and Leo was also iu the head. The Welsh three.qaartprf certainly a grand line, and as far as com^biin 0% went beat the Irishmen well, but the the latter did not suffer in compart sou.. -jog sidering that our forwards were P' \e* the latter did not suffer in comparison. jøø, sidering that our forwards were p1øoY le" a wheeling game, and did DOT the ball out at all so, frequently^ 4

MR COBORN IN A NEW ROLE. HE POSES AS THE AMATEUR MARTYR. In the Court of Appeal on Saturday Mr Charles Coborn, the music-hall artiste, appeared to make application in his action against the Palace Theatre for alleged illegal dismissal, which was recently settled in that Court) by all imputations being wittidrawn on both sides, and the entering of judgment for the defendants on the amount of damages. Mr Coborn now asked that the ease should be re- beard, because he bad not consented to the com- promise.—The Master of the Rolls interposed that he suggested a compromise on applicant's behalf and to save him from paying the whole of the costs.—Mr Coborn I want to proceed with the case for the sake of other people.—The Master of the Rolls Don't you be a martyr for anybody else we shall have to protect you against your- self.-The application was refused.

SOU fn WALES & MONMOUTHSHIRE ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL LEAGUE. A committee meeting of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Association Football League was held on Saturday evening at the Grand Hotel, Cardiff, Captain Lindsay presiding, when it was decided that the Junior Cup tie—-St. Margaret's v. Rogerstone Juniors—should be replayed on Saturday next in consequence of a dispute, and that the secretary of the association (Mr C. Axtell) should arrange the Newport Ground, if possible, for the fixture. The Senior Semi-final (Western Division), Aberystwyth v. Rhayader, was arranged to be played on the 23rd inst. on the ground of one of the teams, to be amicably arranged between the clubs, the visiting team to receive expenses, and the s emi-final (Eastern Division), Newport v. Barry District, was arranged to be played on the 30th inst. on the Cardiff's Club ground at Roath. The Senior Final tie was arranged to be played at Swansea an the 6h April, and the Junior Final an the 20th April.-An application was read from the West of England amateurs desiring a fixture asrainst South Wales and Monmouthshire on April 16th or 18oh, but it was not thought advisable to offer a guarantee, and a match was not arranged. The correspondence was, however, handed over to the Cardiff Club, who most probably will play theui at Cardiff on one of those dates. This evening the Cardiff Association Club will be dealing with a communication from the Preston North End Club, who wish to change the date of their fixture with Cardiff from April 27th to April 6th on account of the postponed league fixtures. In all probability arrangements will to have this carried out.

RHONDDA VALLEY. DISTRICT COUNCIL. -A meeting of the Rhondda Urban District Council was held at the Public Offices on Friday, Mr W. Jenkins, J.P., presid- ing.—The Medical Officer, in reading his annual report, stated that the death-rate tor last year, I which was 15 per 1,000 per annum, compared favourably with any other district in the kingdom. —A letter was read from the Pontypridd Council suggesting the appointment of a joint water engi- neer to report on the water system of the district, and after some discussiou the council considered they knew quits as much about the water capacity of the district a any engineer could tell them.—A committee was appointed to consider the advisability of taking over the four burial boards in the district.

PONTARDULAIS. GUN ACCIDENT.—A rather serious gun acci- dent happened to a collier named Evan Bevan, 21 years of age, residing at Brynlhw Cottage, Pontlliw, on Saturday afternoon. It appears that Bevan, together with friends, went out to I the garden behind the cottage, John Bevan carry- ing a gun. After shooting at some birds the youngest of the party, D. J. Mathias, aged 1St took the gun and began playing with it, thinking it was unloaded. The charge went off I lodging in the lower part of Evan Bevan's abdomen. Dr Griffiths, of Pontardulais, was sent for. He does not anticipate any immediate danger, unless blood poisoning takes place. THEJPRUSSIAN CHOIR.—This excellent choir has been delighting Pontardulais audiences during the past week. The singing, costumes, and the views were -ilike good. TIN WORKS. — The Glamorgan Tin-plate Works are still closed. They ceased operations just about Christmas.

REMARKS. As was popularly expected it would be, tW game Was, not excepting the Engltsh match, tW most excitmg and brilliant of this year's series. It was almost throughout fought at break-neofe pace, and it reflected to the credit of the Welsh- men that they were so well trained as to be the stronger at the finish of the 80 minutes' gruelling play against, judged as a whole, a bigvt and stronger fifteen, and a fifteen which proved to be an infinitely better combination than that sC narrowly beaten by England at Dublin. As a mere spectacle the play was worth a louj day's journey to witness, and one of the inov dents was an example of what is styled tb8 Welsh style of play, snch as has not been presented by an International teaJl? since the visit of the Welsh invincibles to Scotland a few years ago. The victory was a narrow one, and the result, though the winnerS were on the attack during the greater part of tb* time, hung in the balance from start to finish- The victory was gained by the importation of devil into the skilful play of the majority of the forwards, must of whom had had experienc< with eaoh other in the pack. Though it wa1 feared that Wales would suffer, and suffer greatlfl from the absence of Selwyn Biggs and Graham, It is only just to acknowledge thac the substituted mea proved a notch above the popular estimate- Morgan, though he has been absent for sever** weeks from active participation in the gaØ1t', played by no means an mferior gam* to that of his usual form. In the opening stage- he put in numerous clinking bits of play, aO" showed that he could exercise discrtY tion in parting nvith the ball, while, ll his defence alone be considered, bf was worth playing. He was not as smart round as Selwyn Biggs, who would have shone io this kind of game, if many. Jenkin, too, did surprisingly well, though he at times ) evidence of not being as cool as an International player should be, for he got his side penalised fOJ palpable infringements. It would be absur to compare him with Graham, but thill he was doing his best was apparenj and no one can do better. That he did 1201 last bang up to time like Morgan is no i eason fog complaint, for neither man could hf ve antic1' pated being called upon to turn out. Of the oj<* International Mills, Wallace Watts, and Nichol were the pick in the order named, Mills eittitlivo himself to be included amongst the h8 of really great forwards and though several oJ the Irishmen were oftener prominent, there WO not a man on the field who contributed nearly 00 much excellent work. Escott's play was rhe best at half among the four, and this is awarding him highest praise, for Morgan and Magee well undoubtedly clever. Among the three-qullrteP Pearson shone most, and leaving out slip in the first half, his exhibition WO well nigh faultless, Arthur Gould WIN in one of his happiest veins, and though big performance was not the best of the yeaf* it came very near to being so, and was good deal better than that in the matched with England and Scotland. In the splendid'? obtained try gained by Pearson— one very difficu' and almost impossible to stop-tli 0welsh captain had ahand. and exhibited his cleverness v* drawing around him Lee and Gwynne, th6 opposing centres. His kicks too were invariably well conceived, and though he did n( t do muf" tackling, he did not shirk his opponent?. If bd decides that this year will be the last for him an International he wi!J withdraw with a repufca' tion of being the most famous ali-n und pl»ye' that ever donned the Welsh Union's jersey- Badger, when Ireland had the the open rushes—and they had a decided lead this direction for a considerable time-proved tb he is a consistently expert tackier, and the in which he held Rooke repeatedly after he h&°" brushed past the- halves elicited frequent ap- plause. It may be regarded as carping (witicigo when it is said that Llewellyn Thoff^jj was the one weak man on the e)s side. He seemed unwilling or unable to play ø to his reputation, and his avoidance of work ^*5 soon observed by the Irishmen, who concentr^^ their attention upon his wing, and made alniO« every gain on his side Of the field. consequently had more than his fair silord to do, and that he did it excellently j no mitigation of Thomas's defection. AS( Swansea, when it was plain lie was stale," now he appeared unfit, and the fact that b* played so recently as Wednesday last for Keb' College against Bristol, 'pay account for tb^ Without being prejudiced m favour I Norman Biirg", it can safely be said th1 if tho Cirdiffian had had Thonia^ opportunities he would have responded to the with far greater advantage to his side. To pare Bancroft with Fulton -,i,(,uld be to colul)od .'in almost perfect full haclc with one nearly sistsntly med;ocre. Tne match was one wl'1^. will long be remembered as one of the most Q? of International contest.