South Wales Daily News

GLAMORGANSHIRE COLLIERS IN THE BANKRUPTCY COURT. PUBLIC EXAMINATION AT CARMARTHEN. SEQUEL TO AN ASSIZE ACTION. At the Carmarthen Bankruptcy Court on Wednesday—before Mr Registrar Themas Parkin- son William Richards, colliery manager, Loughor. underwent his public examination by Mr Thomas Thomas, Official Receiver. Debtor's liabilities were expected to rank at £ 1,258 2s, whilst his deficiency came to the same amount. The causes of his failure were said to be due to being led into becoming surety for the debt of another, and legal expenses in defending the action." The receiving order was made upon a creditor's petition, the account of bankruptcy being in noti-complianoe with the requirements of the bankruptcy notice. In December, 1893, tho bankrupt, with Isaac Owen, collier, Loughor,, against whom a receiving order had likewise been made, signed a guarantee for £1,000 at a local bank to secure an over-drafii by Mr William Lewis, colirery proprietor, formerly of Loughor. The bankniptand his co-guarantor having disputed their liability on the ground that the nature of the document was misrepresented to them, pro- ceedings were taken at the last Swansea Assizes to enforce payment of the guarantee, and judg- ment was eventually obtained. The public examination of Isaac Owen, collier, mentioned above, also took place. His liabilities were expected to rank at £1,320 03 5d, and his deficiency to;81,069 163 5d.-Both examinations were adjourned.

SOUTH PEMBROKlrSHIRE CONGRE-i GATIONALISTS. The quarterly meetings of the South Pembroke- shire Congregational Aasoeiation were held at Sb. Florence on Monday and Tuesday, the Rev. O. Jacobs, Haverfordwest, in the chair. There was a good attendance of ministers and delegates. Rev. J. Williams, St. Florence, was cordially admitted into the association. Mr J. M. Griffiths, Penally Court, was appointed to represent the association on the boards of the London Missionary Society and the Liberation Society.- The business of the morning conference concluded with 'an animated discussion on Church Defence methods and tactics at the present juncture, and the following resolution, proposed by Rv. J. Lloyd, Williams, Tenby, and sf-conded by Mr W. Griev-, Mansfield College, Oxford, was carried unani- mously :— That we, as Congregational ministers and delegates assembled at the quarterly meetings of the South Pembrokeshire Congregational Association, strongiy condemn the misrepresentation, the more or less veiled intimidation, and other unrigliieous methods. which have been recently practised in this and other districts in the matter of securing signatures to petitions against the Welsh Disestablishment and Discndovmient Bill- now before Parliament, and desire to place on record our conviction that such practices—so widely and generally resorted to and possible under the auspiceit of the clergy of the Established Church—furnish a fair practical toest of the ethical position and the religious value of the Establishment. The following ministers delivered sormnns at the public services:—Revs. D. Wallis Evans, Carew, Newton; J G. Evans, Saundersfoot; J. Williams, Car fan • O. Jacobs, Haverfordwest; W. Powell, Neyland and J. Lloyd Williams, Tenby.

BRUTAL ASSAULT ON A WIFE AT CARDIFF. Before the Stipendiary (Mc T. W. Lewis), ihe Mayor (Alderman P. W. Oarey), Dr. Taylor, and Mr C. H. Evans, at Cardiff Pohce Court on Wednesday, Edward Ryan (60) was charged with violently assaulting and wounding his wife at 24, Harvey-street on the 2nd inst. The evidence went to show that prisoner, who was under the influence of drink, quarrelled with his wife, and afterwards struck her on the head with a poker, inflicting a scalp wound. As the result of his violent conduct she also received other bodily injuries. The magistrates sent him to prison for two months with hard labour p, _n-

THE AGED POOR, TO THE EDITOR. ^SIE,—Oue cannot read the report of the Royal Commission re the aged poor without being filled with disappointment, if not disgust, to think that JilO much money will have been spent to arrive at conclusions, oc rather recommendations, many of which are already exercised with more equity than what this R. C. recommends. I am sorry that H.R.H, the Prince of Wales has by his memorau- dnrn suggested the inference that his sentiments have been muffled by some political party. 1 Puzzle: Find the party. The poor, who by their labours and toil have contributed to the stability of the State, are as deserving of support when in- capacitated by old age as others who are receiving otate pensions, and about to receive a few thousands per annum, although many of them, if not indeed the majority, are hale and compara- tively young. What is right for A is right for B, their utility being equal. It is full time that salary laws as well as labour laws should be modelled. Yes, pension and poor laws, etc. I' What if we introduced a national sliding scalet- I am, &c., ELIASAPH EDWARDS. Ebbw Vale, Mon., April 3rd, 1895. 1

LEADERS OF LABOUR. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,-The deplorable boot strike now taking place is an enigma to aH those Labour leaders who have honestly and carefully studied the development of capital and labour in those countries that are rapidly perfecting their com- petitive appliances and ranging them in battle array against the once supreme position of British industry. To the Labour leader who, by educa- tion and deep study of the law of analogy, coupled with the study of another greater and deeper Jaw which neither mastersnor men can control, namely, the Law of human development," going on the civilised world over, recognises that his responsi- bility becomes greater and more onerous day by day. He sees that the fearful and almost super- human task lying immediately in front of him is that of so gauging labour that step by step it shall become more exalted and on a line of closer social unison with capital. But how to do that consistently with the other and ever widening exegesis causes him hourly to pause, and his greatest difficulty and the trouble that causes him most anxiety is the vaoillating and uncertain temper of the men themselves. Thus tht true Labour leader—and by that I mean such a man as Mr W. Abraham, M.P. (Mabon), whose whole life is a splendid example of the principle I am enunciating, and whose greatest victory was achieved last week at the Westminster Palace Hotel, when the great threatened ooal strike was averted, mainly through Mabon's enforcement of these principles on behalf of the men, and the honourable and ready recognition of them by the maabera-bnds himself handcuffed and gagged, knowing full well that in the present state of in- ternational commerce he dare not recommend a strike, which under any circumstances is the most uncivilised wayof settlinganydispute, dis3.8trousto masters and men alike because of the glorious opportunity it gives to our foreign brethren. Honce such leaders as Mabon, Mr Burt, and some others are ever trying so to conduct their negotia- tions that, while in many cases the proved avariciousness of the masters is checked, the equally proved unreasonableness of the men's demands have been so balanoed that no benefit has been drawn by other competitive nations. Can the same thing be said of the present leaders in the boot strike ? On the other hand, is it not more likely that the class of Labour leaders to whom I have referred will, in viewing the conduct of the strike, be compelled in a sotto vooe way to say "Ars pueros educandi diiffoilis est." May I b- permitted to suggest to masters aud men that, instead of referring the questions in dispute to such a man as Mr Labouchere, whose pureness of aim is beyond question, they choose from the masters' side four trusted leaders and invite four Labour leaders outside the boot trade, say, Mr Burt, M.P., Mabon, M.P., Mr Sam YVoods, M.P., and Mr Fenwick, M.P., and let these choose their own chairman. In the hands of the four Labour leaders I have named the men can safely leave their case, while the masters need tear no other treatment from these representa- tives of Labour than their life's-work records for the men and masters for whom they more specifically act. Surely we have not quite arrived at that sad position when labour cannot: settle labour, and capital settle capital ?—I am, &c., J. WYNN. St. Mary-street, Cardiff, April 2, 1895.

VERNON TINPLATE WORKS. TO THE EDITOR. SIB,—In your report of the tinplate trade in to-day's issue of your paper you say, At the Vernon work is going on under the Board of Control's conditions." This is not correct the works are idle.—I am, &c., WM. PRITCHARD. Briton Ferry, April 3rd, 1895.

ALBION COLLIERY DISASTER FUND. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,—I bag to enclose you cheque for Bit 9a 9d, the balance (after paying all expenses) of a dramatic performance given here last August in aid of the survivors of the Albion Colliery disaster, the money to be paid directly through your fund to them.—I am, &c., M. KELLEHER. 3, Gladstone-terrace, Ebbw Vale, April 2nd.

AN EXPLANATION. TO THE EDITOR. S;n,There appeared m the South Walt3 Echo of Monday's date an advertisement in "Too late for classification," warning the public not to give credit to a certain Annie Gwenerea, and signed by Alex. Gwenerea, of 171, Eldon-street. Allow me to state that uo such person lives at the above address. By correcting the same you will greatly oblige.-I am, &c., A. HUNT, 171, Eldon-street, Riverside.

ALBION COLLIERY DISASTER, SOUTH WALES DAILY NEWS RELIEF FUND. Having, in accordance with our practice when a colliery disaster occurs in this district, opened a relief fund in aid of the persons dependent on the victims, we wish to urge, in the present instance the special claims for he1 p which are incident to the Cilfynydd calamity. No fewer than 135 widows and 350 children require assistance. The number of breadwinners killed exceeds that of any previous accident; and the need Is greater than it has ever been. In these circumstances we are sure that our readers will do their utmost. All sums forwarded us will be applied to relief of the dependents of the deceased men. Whilst it may be argued that the deceased men having been members of the Permanent Fund, a certain amount of relief is guaranteed their survivors, we would point out that it would ,not be fair to make the men's foresight and pro- vidence an argument against their dependent relatives. There is, too, the consideration that the Permanent Fund allowance is relatively small, and that the families left desti- tute ought not to be left to the bare insurance allowance. They have dr ne all in their power to help themselves, and have on that account a stronger claim upon the benevolent. In response to numerous inquiries we have to help themselves, and have on that account a stronger claim upon the benevolent. In response to numerous inquiries we have to state that should our fund, as usual, be handed over to the Central Relief Fund, it will be accompanied by a stipulation that the money shall be applied directly to the benefit of the widows and orphans in connection with the Cilfynydd Disaster, and not be simply an assistance to the finances of the Permanent Fund. :2, E d. Proprietors South Wales Daily Neivs 21 0 0 Amounts previously acknowledged 2,292 2 8 Officials and Miners of the Clewer Estate Gold Mine Co., Ltd., Pilgrim's Rest, South Africa 21 0 0 Subscribed by a few of the Surfacemen and Pumpman at Park Slip Colliery, per Mr A. J. Phillips, mechanic. 1 10 0 Subscribed by workmen of CoegnlLnt Col- liery, N.N.C., Maesteg, per Messrs U. Richards and Z. Jenkins 17 19 9 Mr Wm. Howell, Pencoed, Bridgend 7 0 9 Proceeds of Performance by Ebbw Vale Dramatic Society, per Mr M. Kellehcr 14 9 9 £ 2,375 7 11

LONDON, EDINBURGH, & GLASGOW ASSURANCE COMPANY, LIMITED. The fourteenth annual report of this company has been issued, and shows that during the year in the ordinary branch 1,153 policies were isauud assuring £ 108,568, the annual premium income thereon being 25,763. In the industrial branch 224,284 policies were issued, and in the accident 958, bringing the total number of policies issued during the year up to 226,395, and the new anuual premium income to £ 124,508. The com- pany paid in claims during the year £ 98,483, and added £ 23,700 to the assurance funds. We congratulate Mr Wm. Abraham, M.P. (Mabon), who has been a director of this enterprising company since 1886, and those who are working with him, upon the position which the company has attained, and which. in the opinion of Mr Ralph Price Hardy, F.I.A., is destined to become a very large and successful company.

AFFAIRS OF A NEWPORT PRINTER. The first meating of creditors to the estate of Arthur C. Gronovv, printor,166, Chepstow.road, Nowport, wai fix-fid to h-.h(,.Id on Wednasday at the offices of the Official Receiver, Newport. Th" debtor offstrod the creditors a composition of 7s 6d in ttift;o, payable in three instalments, but one of the principal creditors (Messrs Miller and Richards, typefounders, Edinburgh) declined to accept it. and their debt being suiffciently larre to make them virtually masters of the situation, the offor fell to the ground, and th- Official Receiver intimated that the debtor would be adjudioated and the estnte realised in the usual way. The gross liabilities wire -0609 3s 2d xpected to rank for dividend, :£539 16s 101; assets, B282 6s 10d deficiency, B257 10s. Th. debtor oommsnced business <. in January, 1893, with £50, which he borrowed from his aunt, and attributed his failure to losses on contracts and bad dibbs.

SAD ACCIDENT AT DOWLAIS. A serious accident on Tuesdav befell Mr Ben Evans, the well-known contractor,of Dowlais. He was thrown, it appears, from his horse near Rhymney Bridge, and sustained shocking injuries especially about the head. He w(!e found lying in the road insensible for a time. Afterwards Ua was carried to his home at Dowlais, where he lies still in an unconscious condition. Several doctors are attending him, but his life is despaired of.

AN OLD AND WELL-TRIKD REMEDY.—KAYE'S WORSDELL'S PILLS Purify the Blood, and as a mild but effectual Aperient are unequalled; and beyond this they brace up the nerves and set every organ in healthy action, thus ensuring complete restoration to health. In use 100 years. Sold by all chemists, 18 1 %d per box. 1075f <

CARDIFF FORWARD MOVEMENT. PROGRESS OF THE WORK. On Wednesday afternoon the memorial stones of the new mission hall now being erected at Grangetown under the auspices of the Cardiff Religious Forward Movement were laid with suitable ceremony in the presence of a large number of workers and sympathisers. This movement has been phenomenally successful, even allowing for the commendable vigour with which it has been prosecuted; and within the last few years mission "halls had been erected in each quarter of Cardiff besides in other towns. It was started by the Rev. John Pugh when he was minister of the Clifton-street Presbyterian Church, Cardiff, in May, 1891, in a tent at East Moors. He secured the services of the Rev. Seth Joshua, and the tent proved such a success that they were induced to .plant another tenb at Neville-street, Canton, Mr Joshua taking up the work there and Evangelist Howells succeeding him at the Moors. In September, 1891, they secured the hall at Clive-road, Canton, and put Mr and Mrs Ray in charge. After a time the tent at East Moors was found to be insufficient, so they erected the large wooden pavilion which was generally known as "Noah's Ark," and by-and-bye they felt warranted in building a large permanent place of worship. The result was the existence of the Carlisle-street Hall, capable of seating 1,000 worshippers, and a lesser hall which seats 400 children. The next move was to build the Cowbridge Memorial Hall, which took the place of the Neville-street tent and the temporary hall in Cowbridge-road. This hall seats 1,250 persons, and was opened in 1894, and along- side it is also a large hall for children. The la, third place in Cardiff was really the enlargement of the Clive-road Hall, which was extended to seat doubleJthe number it could originally contain, and at the present time the promoters of the movement are adding a children's hall to it. The fourth and latest is the Grangetown Mission Hall, which, like the others, has been built to the designs of Messrs Habershon and Fawckner, Pearl-street, the contractors being Messrs Knox and Wells, Bangor-street, Cardiff. The cost will be about £ 2.500. It is situated in a prominent position on the triangular piece of ground at the corners of Corporation-road and Paget-street, facing Penarth-road, and will have accommoda- tion for over 1,000 worshippers. There will also be a hall for the children. Here, as in the other district, the work was started in a tenb, and con- tinued in an iron building, and it has prospered so well that these halls became a necessity. These remarks apply only to Cardiff. In all there are 21 centres in South Wales and London, there being one at Stratford for the benefit of the Welsh people particularly. So that there are altogether 21 balls exolusive of those specialty set apart for the children. The suecess of the move- ment has proved the need for such work. The services in those places are more popular than the sombre and formal kind too common in Dissenting places of worship, aud while they are made very attractive, they ate always highly evangelicaf, and in no sense sensational. As Mr Pugh remarked, it is Gospel work." Said he, We have never found a substitute for preaching the Gospel. The Gospel fairly put and warmly pub will do its own work, aud gather the people. We compete with no one except the Devil and his evil methods." The workers in this movement also look after the hungry poor as well, especially children, irrespective of creed and place of worship they attend, and they are now putting on a trained nurse to attend to oasas of illness amongst the poor reported to them. Tbey work on strictly temperance lines. Prior to the principal ceremony of the day a religious service was netd in the Penarth-road Methodist Free Church, the Rev. Mr Pugh and Evangelist Harding, &c., officiating. Mr Hard- ing, in giving the history of the work at Grange- town, described the part the missioners there had taken in breaking up the notorious Hotel de Marl two years ago. He also mentioned that in Grangetown there was a population of 18,000 or 19,000, and only provision for about 4.000 persons, there being thus about 15,000 unprovided for.— Principal Edwards also addressed the mewing, urging the preaching of the Gospel pure and simple, quietly and without the external aids which to a great extent were u?ed in Cardiff. The Rev. J. M. Jones, Cardiff, also spoke and the Rev. Mr Pugh announced that of the 22,500 required about J6500 had bt-eri subscribed, amongst the sums given being 2200 by Mr Edward Davies, J.P. 2100 by Mr John Cory, J.P. J350 and 225 by friends 220 by Mr H. Robson, London 210 by Alderman R. Cory, J.P. Plo by Mrs Radcliffe and L10 by Mrs D. Lewis, Caerphilly. THE MEMORIAL STONES. At the conclusion of the service a large company assembled on the platform, which had been erected in front of the new building, where the memorial stones were, amongst those present bemg the Revs. J. Pugh and Mrs Pugh, Principal Edwards, M. Morgan, (Swansea), Seth Joshua, J. Morgan Jones, and J. RAes, B.A., Clifton-street Church, Cardiff, Mr and Mrs Henry Raddiffe, Councillor and Mrs S. Is. Jones (Abertillery), Mrs E. Williams (Abermule, North Wales), and Mr J. F. Fawckner (Cardiff), Evangelists E. W. Jenet (Penrikyber), A. E. Smith (Abercarn and Cross Keys), J. Harris (Elliotstown, New Tredegar), H. Harding (Penarth), R. Burgess (Cardiff), and J. E. Ray (Cardiff). There were also present a con- tingent of about 100 of the Boys' Brigade, with their fife band, under the command of Captain Ped welL The central stone was placed by Mrs Evan Williams, Aber- mule, in memory of her father, the late Rev. W. Powell; one by Mrs Radcliffe and one by Mrs S. N. Jones, of Abertillery, on behalf of Mrs D. Lewis, Caerphilly, who could not be present, each of the stones bearing an appopriate inscription. The ladies were presented by Mrs Pugh with mementoes of the occasion in the shape of ivory- mounted and inscribed silver trowels. The crowd were then addressed by the Rev. Mr Pugh, who referred to the active interest shown in the movement by Mr and Mrs Henry Radcliffe; and by the Rev. M. Morgan, who, in the course of his remark", paid a high tribute to the zeal of the late Rev. Mr Powell in that department of Christian effort. Subsequently the Boys' Brigade had a march out round the Grangetown district, and tea and open- air meetings were held. PUBLIC MEETING.: In the evening a public meeting in celebration of the event was held in the Methodist Free Church, Penarth-road, nuder tha presidency of Mr Sidney Robinson, Cardiff. There was a large audience, and amongst those present were the Revs. J. Pugh, D. Jones (Frederick-street), and Seth Joshua; Evangelists H. Harding, J. Jennet R. Burgess, and J. E. Ray, and Mrs Ray Capt! Peprel and Capt. Elmos (boys' brig-ade); Mr J. Richards, and Mr E. D. Jenkins (President of the Cardiff Y.P.S.C.E.). Addresses were de. livered by the chairman and others, all of whom commended the work of the movement to Christian men and women and in the course of the evening the choirs of East Moors, Clive-road, and Cowbridge-road Hslls rend ot-ed ,ions of sacrad music.

EISTEDDFOD AT CYMMER, AFAN VALLEY. A very successful eisteddfod in connection with the Jerusalem Baptist Ciiapel was hald at the Public Hall of the above place on Monday. Mr T. Munroe, of the Corrwg Valtey Coilieries, presided. Mr Rhedynog Price, G.T.S.C., of Cardiff, adjudicated the musical part of the pro- gramme, and Iorwerth Ddu, Maesteg, the literary. The various competitions were keenly contested, several National Eisteddtod wtnn"rs having taken part in them. After a splendid contest between the drum and fife bands, the firsli priz", Wiis won by the Cwmpark Band (Mr L. Davies), and the second by the Cwmavon Band (Mr John Thomas, A.C.). Three chons entered for the chief competition, Ar don o flaen gwyn. toedd," viz. (1) Bethauia, Maesteg (S. Davies, G. and L.) (2) Soar, Maesteg (Gwilym TSf) (3) Glyneorrwg United (E. Davies). The prize was awarded the second choir (Soar, Maesteg). Ifan Afan, Cwmavon, won in the essay oompetitiou and Mr 11. Davies, The Schools, Cymmer, was awarded the prize for the best 60 hnes of poetry. Mr Wm. Jones was the successful reciter. The soprano solo was divided between LHnos Ltyfnwy and Miss M. J. Rees, both of Maesteg. Telorydd Llvfnwy and EryrLlyfnwy won the tenor and bass solos respectively, while the baritone solo fell to the lot of Mr W. Jenkins, Cymmer. Much sympathy was felt with the hard-working secretary, Mr D. Rogers, who a few days previous had met with a serious ldn., and who was unconscious up to the eisteddfod day. In the evoning a concert was held under the presidency of Mr W. H. Plummer, Llettvbrongu Collieries. The artistes were Miss Katie Davies (Cwmavon), Gwilym Tif, Eryr Cynwyd, and Mr Wm Jenkins. Selections from The Bohemian Girl" and other works were also given by the Cymmer Band In their usual good style.

CAUTION. —IRRESPONSIBLE AND EKKONKOCS STATEMENTS, made by unqualified nerSons concerning the action of Cod Liver Oil upon the human system, are to be deprecated in the interest of the invalided oun public. Compounds and Emulsions contain only a, proportion of Cod Liver 0:3. />> de Jongh. the greatest authority upon the mode of administration and effect of Cod Liver Oil, emphatically states that the full curative effect of the remedy can only be obtained when it is administered in a pure and natural state." See corroborative opinions by the elite of the medical and chemical world, together with instructions for taking the Oil, contained in pamphlet which surrounds each bottle. Dr.de Jonah's Liglit-Brown Cod Liver Oil is sold only in capsuled Imperial Half-pints, 2s 6d Pints, 4s 9d; Quarts, ys, by all Chemists. Sole con- I signees, Ansar, rford and Co., Ltd., 210, High Holborn, London. 10AL

CARDIFF SHIPOWNERS' ASSOCIATION. IMPROVEMENT OF LIGHTS IN THE CHANNEL. The usual monthly meeting of the Cardiff Shipowners' Association was held at the Ex change, Cardiff, on Wednesday, Mr Philip Turnbull presiding. BUOYS AND LIGHTS IN THE CHANNEL, The SECRETARY (Mr W. R. Hawkins), read a letter from the Greenock Chamber cf Commerce enclosing copy of a resolution recently passed by them with reference to the buoys and lights at Cardiff. The burden of that resolution was that the Breaksea Point was insufficiently lighted, I that there were no gas-light buoys, the buoys in existence were of an obsolete type n3.all, low, wooden buoys, mostly painted black, which were very difficult to pick up at night, and even in daylight they were very frequently fouled and displaced by passing veseels-tihat the Ranee buoy was often submerged by the rush of the tide, and that the entrance channel to Penartb Dock was practically unmarked by buoys. The resolution went on to propose that the Board of TradE; be urged, in the interests of safe naviga- tion, and to bring the second largest exporting centre in the Upited Kingdom into harmony with modern requirements to move the Trinity House to erect a lighthouse on Breaksea Point, to replace the Breaksea light vessel in or near its former position to substitute l¡,.rge metal gas- light buoys for the present antiquated buoys as follows :-Ranee buoy, middle buoy, East Cardiff buoy.iWolves buoy, outfilr and inner Wrach buoys, and also to replace one large metal gas-light buoy on the south side of the entrance to the Penarth Channel, and one on the west side of Bute Channel, opposite the outer wrach buoy. Having submitted a copy of the above resolution to Trinity House, the Greenock Chamber received Having submitted a copy of the above resolution to Trinity House, the Greenock Chamber received a reply from the former body to the following effect that the Trinity House Corporation were now taking steps to improve the strength of the Nash lights, and 'that when the improvement was effected the lights would, in the opinion of the Elder Brethren, form a sufficient guard to Breaksea Point; also that if the masters of vessels would take due care to use the lead there would be no likelihood of or excuse for their running on Breaksea Point, even in thick weather. The Elder Brethren were unabie to accept the state- ment that the buoys were small or of an obsolete type. Black was. according to the almost universal opinion of mariners, the colour which was most readily distinguished. The few remain- ing wood buoys in the Bristol Channel were, they thought, effpotive, and as they wore out were being replaced by steel buoys. The statement that the Ranee buoy was often submerged by the rush of the tide was incorrect. The buoy, on the contrary, showed up well in all conditions of the tide. They did not think a lighthouse was required at Breaksea Point, for the point was onfy about five miles from Barry, which they considered well lighted, and about the same distance from the Nash Lighthouse. When the Nash Jights had been strength- ened It was the intention of the Brethren to move the Breaksea light vessel. The letter, after referring to the assistance afforded to mariners by gas buoys, goes on to state that such money as was available for improvements in the Bristol Channel was being utilised for improvements at Luudy Island, the Nash, tha Foreland, and St. Govan's, the im- provement of these being, in their opinion, more important than the establishment of gas buoys at the stations mentioned. The buoys and lights marking the entrance to the Penarth and Bate Docks were under the jurisdiction of the local authorities, to whom any application for their improvement should be addressed. A long dis- cussion ensued, the members agreeing with the opinions expressed by the Trinity House authori- ties, but at the same time it was pointed out that it was impossible to replace the inner and outer Wrach buoys, for the reason that the Cefn-y- Wrach was both high and dry at low water, and a gas buoy would naturally ground and topple over, and moreover it was the opinion of practical shipmasters that it was impossible in bad weather to even recharge the buoys. At the present time if a vessel fouled a buoy it could practically be replaced without expense to the shipowner, but if it were replaced as suggested by the Greenock Chamber by metal gas buoys the fouling would lead to great expense.—The secretary was instructed to reply in conformity with the views expressed. SCREENING OF SIDE LIGHTS. A letter was read from the secretary of the Chamber of Shipping of the United Kingdom stating that he was endeavouring to arrauge for some London shipowners to give evidence before a Departmental Committee of the Board of Trade, and that the following day, with reference to the screening of side lights, asking for the attendance of witnesses to give evidence at a 14ter date when the outpcrts would be represented. It was decided to leave the matter with the secretary to get a witness. LLOYD'S COMMITTEE. It was moved by Mr Handcock, jun., seconded by Mr W. R. Corfield, and resolved that Col. ond Sir E. S. Hill, M.P., bs re-elecied to repre- sent the association on the Lloyd's Committee. MARINERS' VOTES. A Bill was submitted, the effect of which would be to enable officers and seamen generally to record their votes in case they would be at sea on the polling day in Parliamentary elections. It was unanimously resolved that the association give its full support to the measure. STBAM ENGINES (PERSONS IN CHARGE) BILL. The Secretary reportuti that he bad written asking Sir E. J. Reed, LP., and Mr D. A. Thomas, M.P., to oppose the Steam Engines (Persons in Charge) Bill when it came before the House. OTHER BILLS. The Secretary reported progress respecting the following Bills now before Parliament :—Merchant Shipping Acts Amendment Bill No. 2, Boards of Conciliation Bills, Companies Acts, Registration of Debenture?, and the Rating of Machinery Bills. NEW OFFICES. Mr W. W. JONES reported that in accordance with instruction he received at the last meeting, he had made inquiries as to a suitable office to aocornmodafce the Cardiff shipowners, and the sub-committee were empowered to take and furnish a room in the Exchange Building. MERCHANT SHIPPING COUNCIL. A copy of the print of the Board of Trade proposal for the establishment of a Merchant Shipping Council was reported upon, and it was resolved that if the Shipowners' Parliamentary Committee eventually adopted the suggestions contained therein that the association would give them their support. There was no other business ot importance,

HEALTH OF THE LARGE TOWNS. LOCAL STATISTICS. The return of the Registrar-General for the week ending Saturday last, March 30tb, shows that in 33 of the largest towns of England and Wales, which include Cardiff and Swansea, and contain each upwards of 85,000 persons, there were registered 6,317 births and 4,751 deaths. The dearths corresponded to an annual rate of 23"4 per 1,000 persons living. The rates of mortality in the several towns, arranged in order from the lowest, were as follow Swansea 14 5 Bristol 24-2 Cardiff 15'1 Plymouth 24"5 Birkenhead 16 5 Leeds 24'9 Croydon 16'8 Liverpool 255 Halifax 17'9 Blackburn 26'2 Norwich 18'5 Derby 27-0 Nottingham IB 9 Birmingham 27 1 Weet Ham IP'4 Hull 27'9 Gateshead 20'7 Oldham — 29'5 Sheffield 21-0 I Halford 298 London. 21*1 Preston 30-6 Huddersfield 21"5 Manchester 30*8 Leicester 21*8 Brighton Newcasfcle-on-Tyne.. 21"9 Bolton 371 Portsmouth 22*7 Wolverhampton 38 3 Bradford 22*8 Burnley 42-4 Sunderland 23"! Bradford 22*8 Burnley 42-4 Sunderland 25-1 1 To the principal zymotic diseases 311 deaths were referred in the towns, and gave a rate of 1'5 no death was referred to any of these diseases in Portsmouth and afltaong the other towns the rates ranged upwards from 0'3 in Cardiff and in Leicester, and 0'4 m Leeds, to 2"8 in Salford, 2'9 in Manchester, 3"3 in Gateshead, and 3*9 in Bolton, The highest rates from eacii of the diseases were -From measles, 1*5 in Sheffield and 2'2 in Bolton from scarlet fever, 1*2 in WolvErijaiiipton from whooping-cough, 1'2 in Plymouth and in Blackburn, 1'3 in Salford, and 1'6 10 Gateshead; from "fever" 1*1 in Halifax and in Sunderland and from diarrhoea 1"0 in Derby and 1'4 in Preston. The deaths from diphtheria numbered 53, and inoluded 31 in London, and 3 each in West Ham and in Manchester. No death from small-pox was registered in any of the towns. There were registered in the borough of Cardiff last week 89 births, as compared with 102. 133, and 119 in the three preceding weeks the 89 births last week comprising 47 boys and 42 girls, and corresponding to an annual rate of 29 8 per 1,000 of the population, which was estimated to amount to 155,637 persons at the middle of last year. The deaths, which had been 104, 79, and 66 in the preceding three weeks, further dtxjiined to 45 last week, and included 29 of males and 16 ot females they were equal to an annual mortality of 15'1 per 1,000 persons living, as compared with 23*4 during the same period in the large English towns. Ainong the 45.deaths in Cardiff were included 10 of infants under one year cf age, and 7 of persons agsd upwards of 60 years, the former showing a decrease of 7, and the latter a decrease of 10, as compared with thu numbers in the previous week. One of the deaths was referred to measles, but not one to any other zymotic disease; and this death gave a of 05, or 1"2 less than the average for the 33 towns. Three deaths from violence were recorded, and 3 inquests were held during the week. Nine of the detth,Ioccurred in public institutions. Two deaths from influenza were recorded against 9, 9. 9, and 7 in the four preceding weeks. In Swansea there were registered births (27 boys snd 32 girls), which were equal to a ra^c of 317 aud 27 deaths (16 males and 11 females), equal to a rate of 14 5. or 0 6 less than in Cardiff. The deaths included 8 of infants under one year of aee, and 8 of Peon's aged upwards of 60 years. One death (winch was due to whooping-cough) was referred to the zymotic diseases, and gavA a rate of 0 5, or 0-2 more than in Cardiff. No violent death was recorded but one inquest was held during the week. One of the 27 deaths oocurred in a public 'Swansea and Cardiff had the two lowest death* among the large towns last week.

CARDIFF TOWN CLERK'S STAFF. SELECTION OF CANDIDATES. On Wednesday a meeting of the committes having in band the rearrangement, of the staS at the Cardiff Town C'erk's Office was held, the Mayor presiding over a large attendance. At tb"utset a general discussion took place as to the desirability of all Corporation cases at loeal courts being conducted by a soiicitor wholly in the duty of the Corporation, and eventually after suggestions from Councillors Brain and White. Councillior Frank Beavan moved and Coan- cillor Wm. Evans seconded a resolution, unani. mously agread to, to the effect that the com- mittee considered it most desirable that all prosecutions by the Corporation in local polics and county courts should be conducted by member of the staff in the town clerk's office. The seven applications for the vacancy caused by the elevation of Mr F. C. L!oydt late chief assistant, to the town clerk- ship of Huddetsheld, were then considered. The applicants were Mr W. H. Andrew, at present in the employ of the Cardiff Corpora- tion Mr R. Bell, Barrow-in-Furness Mr Ivor Harris, Newport Mr George A. B:ggs, Barrow- in-Furness Mr A. W. Nicholson, Cardiff Mr Henry Charles Edward?, Abergavenny and Air Charles H. Hutchings, Newport. On the Town Clerk commencing to road Mr Andrew's letter be was chceked with cries of Oh, we know his recommendations." After-- reading of the other testimonials The MAYOK.asked how many of the candidates should be selected for submission to the Council. Mr RAMSDALE I suggest one. The whole proceeding is an absolute mockery. The MAYOR If you do that you will leave the Council no choice. Councillor WHITE I object to this sort of thing. Gentlemen come here with prejudiced, biassed, and jaundiced minds in favour of one candidate. Mr RAMSDALE 1 am quite able to look after myself, Mr Mayer. I know, of course, it is quite right for Mr White te dictate to us with all hit legal lore. (Laugh ter.) Pardon me, Mr White, Iknow what I am talking about. Three candidates were then selected, the cboioe falling upon Mr Andrew, Mr Harris, and Mr Nichulson. It was further sug- gested that the names be submitted to the Council in the order preferred by the committee, and after the members had written them down it transpired that they fell in alphabetical order. The three candidates will consequently be invited to appear before the Council on Monday next, and it was agreed to make them an allowance of half-a-guinea each.

CARDIFF ELECTRIC LIGHT RECTIFIERS. It appears that Mr Sydney Walker has been writing to the electrical papers on the subject of rectifiers, and Mr Price, the engineer at the Portsmouth Central Station, replies as follows in the Electrician of the 29sh March To the Editor of the Electrician. -Sir, -In a letter re electric lighting at Cardiff, from a Mr Sydney F. Walker, published in your last issue, I was much surprised to read that the adoption of a rectifier for public lighting was denounced as a blunder. The use of lactifiers for arc lighting is not yet very extended, but I have been fortunate enough to have had four of them running for the last ten months, and I am convinced that recti- fiers are a most important; factor in the economical running ef a central station supplying current for arc lamps. Each of the four rectifiers used here will run 40 12-ampere arc lamps, and con- sidering that each lamp only requires about 1-b.p. delivered to the alternator, and that the attendance required for the four rectifiers cost about lls weekly, I think there can be no question as to their economy. This is, I consider, sufficient to justify the adop- tion of roctifiers without constdering their small first cost, the gain of using one generator only for all lighting, and the steadiness of the feeding of the lamps. My committee are so satisfied with the behaviour of these rectifiers that they are about to recommend the corporation to erect three or four more, each of 50 lamps capacity, to light another 100 or 150 arc lamps. As this is the first centra! station that has given the rectifiers a trial, and as we are so thoroughly convinced of their fitness for the work, it seems hardly right to Jet the statement I have questioned pass without comment.—Yours, &c." In the reports lately presented to the Cardiff Corporation by Mr Hnrpur and the consulting engineer it was stated that, in addition to those in use at Cardiff and Portsmouth, rectifiers were also ordered for, or at work in, Blackpool, Edin- burgh, Hanley, Islington, South Shields, and Tunbridge Wells. If, therefore, imitation is flattery, the Lighting Committee of Cardiff have some reason to feel complimented at their example being followed m so many other towns.

UNITED STATES EQUITABLE SOCIETY. NEW AGENT FOR WALES. The many policy holders in South Wales will read with exceptional intecet the report of the United States Equitable Life Assurance Society for the year 1894. An important departure is indicated in the report. Instead of including in the premium income, as formerly, the cash value of all bonuses that were taken as reversionary additions to poiiciw, and the cash value of all surrendered policies which were devod to buying paid-up policies, the premium income apparently represents only the premium income actua,ily received on the original sums assured. The practice of swelling the premium income by including the items referred to as new pre- miums has (says the Financial News) been pretty general in the United States, and there may, perhaps, be something to be said in its favour. That the Equitable is wise in discontinuing it is" however, scarcely open to question. Although the commercial depression which characterised the year 1893 continued last year, the company had a very prosperous twelve months. New business to the extent of £ 36,660 625 was actually paid for out of new business for E41,686,261 accepted only the business paid fot is taken credit for in the accounts. The total expenses, LI,635,443, compare with a total of zCl,603,787 in 1893. Commission amounted last year to £ 1.006,772, against £ 897,645 in 1893, the ordinary expenses of management shuwing a considerable decrease. With a rapidiy-growing business, an increase in the total commission paid is unavoidable. So far as can 1: gathered from the present report, the policy adopted by the society during recent years of restricting the expenditure as far as can be done without impwring the efficiency of the management is being adhered tc During the year the funds increased from £ 34,861,267 to ■838,250,081, the addition of £3,388.814 being of unutial magnitude. Five years tigo-at the end e of 1889-the funds of the society amounted to £ 22,253,799 since that dat.\ they have increased at the rate of over £ 3,000,000 a year. A revenue account item of interest is a credit of £ 316,958 gain in valuation of assets. This is a very satisfactory appreciation to record in one year. A point of great importance is that during the yeal the surplus of the society increased by more than LI,000,000 sterling. On December 31st, 1893, the surplus, on a 4 per cent. basis, nmounbed tG £6,722239; on December 31sr. 1894, it was 27.787,458, an increase of £ 1,065.219. If the society chooses to assume a 3% pi-r cut. basis, its surplus even then is over £ 5,600.000, an amount considerably in excess of the turplus shown by any other company on -1 4 per cent, valuation. Mr Wm. Triggs, joint g»ntral manager of the society for Great Britain and Ireland, is visiting Cardiff for the purpos of arranging for the farther extension of the Equitable's business throughout Wales. With that object in view, Air Francis J. Fox has been appointed manager for the above district. Mr Fox's connection with the society has been of many years' duration, extending back to the opening of a branch of the Equitable at Adelaide, in South Australia, where b, resided and managed the business for some years. Since his retarn to England he has occupied tho position of manager for the society in Birmingham, but has relinquished that appoint. mentJ in favour of the management for Wales.

NEWPORT MAN'S STRANGE PLIGHT. Charles Hethendge, a young man, was assisted up the steps into the dock at the Newport Police Court on Wednesday and allowed to sit down. Hetheridge left the Newport Workhouse on Monday morning, and by three o'clock in the afternoon be had become drunk. Later in the day he was found lying in the street with his wooden leg broken into two pieces, and holding one piece in his hand. Officers Thomas and Foulkes were assisting to eret the man to the statiou, when Hetheridge jerked the piece of lee into Thomas's face, causing a nasty bruise, ana endangering the sight of one eye. Hetheridgc met with an accident seven or eight months ago, and his leg was amputated at the Newport Infirmary, and s:nce lira discharge from the Infir- mary he has been in the Workhouse. Hetheridg* now declared that the injury was caused accident, ally. Then Bench sentenced tile defendant to 2t days' imprisonment.

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