South Wales Daily News

CARDIFF SHIPOWNERS' ASSOCIATION. A special meeting of the Cardiff Shipowners' Association was held at the Exchange, Cardiff, on Wednesday, when Mr Philip Turnbull pre- sided. There were also present;—Messrs J. Giinn, W. W. Jones, R. S. Boyer, G. H. Wills,. W. R. Garfield. A. Mawson, E.'Handcock, jun., and the secretary (Mr W. R. Hawkins). Th, secretary was instructed to communicate with Lloyd's, pointing out the desirability of erecting a signal station on the Penarth Pier. A letter was read from the Edinburgh and Leith Chamber of Commerce respecting the Mercantile Marine Fund Expedition, enclosing a memorandum for consideration. The secretary was instructed to write the Light Dues Inquiry Committee to the effect that the association was in favour of the recommendation set forth in the memorandum, as follows :—(1) That the Mercantile Marine fund be put on a proper basis (2) that light dues be kept separate and be applied exclusively in the lighthouse service; (3) that there is no good reason why shipowners should be required to provide money for the purpose of the fund in addition to the maintenance of the lighthouso service in the whole country, which in nearly all other countries was met by a charge on the national fund, and they recommend that Parha. ment should make suitable provision to meet the charges of the fund, and also that the three national Lighthouse Boards be reconstructed so as to include a fair representation of the ship- ping and mercantile interests of the country.—A letrer was read from the Mission to Seamen, in which the Rev. C.W. H. Brcwne, B.A., askedl for a donation from the association., towards the aost of providing a mission steamer in the Bristol Î Channel. It was decided to subscribe £5 5s to the fund.—The Chairman intimated that it was his intention to give a similar amount to the fund.MrG. H. Wills. the Cardiff representa- tive of the Shipowners' Parliamentary Committee, gsve a report of th lasb few mouths' work of that committee. The association was of opinion that thyin the BristolChannelwwre insufficiently represented, only two members being on committee. —The seoretary was instructed to look into the matter, and devise means if possible by which additional representation could be secured. There was no other business of importanco.

BETTER THAN GOLD. There are bub few things in this world more highly appreciated .or eageriv sought after than gold. Why? Not'because it is an attractive colour; not because it weighs more than any other metals; not because it lengthens life. Nû. But it brings the necessaries, and, if plentiful, the luxuries of life. It gives a certain social standing to its possessor it brings friends, flattery, and smiles, and veneers ungentlemanly, or even otherwise questionable actions, and smooths pathways otherwise rough. But when the dear wife, orson, or daughter lies stricken with pain and feebleness when disease- racks the mind and body when the dear one loses that natural buoyancy, sparkle, energy, and vitality then the glitter of gold becomes almost repulsive; its useleesness brings a loathing. Mrs Bullock, of Dursley, Gloucestershire, says: "I suffered a terrible attack of rheumatism and kidney com- plaint, and failing to obtain relief, resorted to the use of Warner's Safe Cure, which I am pleased to say completely cured me, and I feel it a duty to acknowledge the good results. I 3hall never be without Warner's Safe Cure now I know its value, and shall never tire of reeowmending it. It stands unequalled. Had it bean £5 par bottle I would have i-^usidered it cheap at the price." Setter than gold.

SMASH BY A NEWPORT CAR. The extension of the tramway fysfcem up High- ttreet. Newport, has been the means of providing new horror in that crowded thoroughfare. Between two cross thoroughfares, known as and Market streets, the tram lines ar«» laid nearer the right side of the street than to the othf-r, giving a space of something less than three feet between inner line and kerb. On Wednesday a railway covered van w„s getting rid of some of its load at a purveyor's establishment, when a Lihepstow-road tramcar, eager to get to th* Westgate corner, caught the van h vw a'on8 some yards. It is alleged ihao the van man attempted to get 9 ° the way. The substantial van appeared to suffer most, losing a wheel, which waa destroyed utWly, and being tilted or thrown on to its side. Fortunately no one in the tr-mcar was hurt; but the incident was sufficiently aiarming to those passing by in the immediate vicinity of the collision. The subject of widening the road at tb» point by cribbing from the pave- ment was discussed at a recent meeting of tho Corporation, but was tabooed on the ground that as *t piesent arranged no vehicle with any prudence wou d attempt to stand on the spot. A railway lorry has however "defied the lightning with the above-named disastrous consequences

THK GREAT CUBE FOR CORNS.— Mundav.s Viridine—Still farther testimony, A Chemist writes •- Will you send me a bottle of your Viridine ? It is for my own use. I get plenty of corn cures of the SAME colour, but none of them appear to equal your". No one ought to say his corns are incurable until he Uas used Viridine." Thousands have been cured, of whom had suffered for over 50 jeare. Bewr..) of luitations. Sold in bottles Is, by pest Is 24, by tiie proprietor, J. MUIULM-. < ;I.■ ;» Cardiff Jknd £ >)' Chc:r)'ts 'P.7S

CARDIFF'S FINANCIAL CRISIS. IMMINENT DISSOLUTION OF THE OLD COMMITTEE. PERSONAL PROTESTS AND A LIVELYtt DISCUSSION. As many of our readers are aware, the resolu- tion passed at the special meeting of the Cardiff Town Council appointing a special committee to reconsider the estimates submitted by the various, spending committees of the Corporation, and which was strongly jjrotesied against at the time by various members of the Finance Committee as tending to reflect upon their ability to discharge their own partIcular duties and responsibilities, has created a good deal of dissatisfaction amongst the members of the "Finance Committee, and brought about something of the nature of a dead- lock. The matter came on for discussion at the Finance Committee's meeting on Wednesday, which was held under the presidency of Coun- cillor Brain, the other members present being the Mayor (Alderman Carey), Alderman Daniel Lewis, Councillor Ramsdale, Councillor F. J. Beavan, Councillor Ward, Councillor Evans, Councillor Munn, and Councillor Morgan Morgan. The CHAIRMAN, in opening the discussion, said they had had no report from the Council as to the estimates or as to what was going to be done. There had been a committee appointed, as they were aware, and which in his opinion was to usurp their function?, and the question arose whether the Finance Committee was going to preserve its common self-respect or whether it was mildly going to allow itself to be snuffed out. The MAYOR: A meeting has been called for 3 o'clock next Friday for the new committee to sit. Mr Grefmhill has told you that it is really neces- sary that the rate should be made without any time being lost. Councillor F. J. BEAVAN said they were in an anomalous position. The Finance Committee had been superseded so far as its duties were concerned which appertained to the revision of the estimate*. Another committee had been appointed. It was, so far as he knew—and most of their, were older members of the Council than he was-—the first time in the history ot the Council in which particular duties appertaining to a particular committee had been taken out of their; hands and handed over to another com- mittee. He thought their first consideration was, could they consistently with thair own self-respect contmue to discharge the duties of the Finance Committee, or could they come to some common understanding by which the work of the Council and shair own self-respect would not suffer ? Councillor EVANS This committee has ap- pealadto the Council times out of number for additional powers, and whenever they have done so they have been met by the chairmen of other committees objecting to giving this committee any power whatever. To my mind wo have simply beeu here as a Finance Committee to pass bills, and pay them without having any voice in the actual expenditure of the money of the town. (Hear, hear.) Councillor RAMSDALE said he could not consent to sit upon this committee if they were to be supervised by any other committee. (Hear, hear.) He thought it was a vote of want of confidence in the Finance Committee, and they ought to accept it as such. The MAYOR said there was a good deal of justification for the feeling exhibited by the members of the Finance Committee, but he was sure their sense of duty to the town would allow them to carry on their ordinary business. Perhaps good would result from the action of the Corpora- tion. The chairman objected to their being placed simply in the position of minor clerks, with power only to check bills and pay them. The Borough Treasurer stated that there was one important matter the committee must attend to, namely, the payment of the composition due on stock. The CHAIRMAN Is it your pleasure, gentlemen, that I sign this 1 (" Aye. aye.") Councillor BEAVAN We have not dissolved yet; so you still have power. (Laughter.) The MAYOR suggested that thevs hould await the result of the deliberations of the new com- mittee and afterwards ask for the same powers to be given the Finance Committee, and in case of a refusal they could then consider the advisability of sending in their resignations. If this course were adopted the busiuess of the town wonld not suffer in the meantime. He moved that they- should £ o on with the "other business. Councillor EVANS seconded. Councillor BEAVAN suggested the following resolution in preference :— That notwithstanding the resolution of the Council. this committee, in the interests of the town, feel called upon to proceed for the present with the ordinary business. The MAYOR and his seconder signified their willingness this resolution in place of their own, and it was carried unanimously.

PONTYPRIDD MISSIONARY SUMMONED. FOR NEGLECTING HIS WIFE. At the Cardiff Police Court on Tuesday, an elderly lady named Mary Jane Rowlands summoned her husband, Ed ward Rowlands, a deaf and dumb missionary, of Pontypridd, for neglecting to maintain her and her family. Mr T. Belcher appeared on behalf of the complainant, and Mr Spiekett represented the defendant. When the case was called on the Stipendiary was about to address the defendant, when Mr Spiokett. ex- plained that he was both deaf and dumb, bat that he had an interpreter present. The Stipendiary thereupon asked the interpreter to make it clear to the defendant that it was very wrong of him to write a letter to him (the Stipendiary) with refer- ence to the case, and that it would by no means prejudice him in his favour. Writing letters to the Bench was a practice that was growing very rapidly, and. would have tobsput a stop'to.—Mr Belcher having opened the case, Mary Jane Rowlands was called. She gave evidence that she was married to defendant in 1870. He was at that time missionary at the and Dumb Asylum, Cardiff. Just before har boy was born the defendant ill-used her and she lets him. When the boy was two years of age she went back to him, when defendant again resumed his ilHreatmentof her. She went back to him for the sake of her children, having both a son and a daughter to look after. The defendant on one occasion threw a heavy chair at her once he struck her over the wrist with a walking-stick. He had knocked her down on-three, different occasions, and in 1836 he upset the: table against her. She was taken ill soon aftfrr this, when Dr. Greaves, who attended her, advised her to leave her husband. She left him, and had been living with her son ever since. After she left him she received 10s a-week for fthre* weeks, but after that defendant left the-t institute at Cardiff, and she received no further maintenance. 111 cross-examination she admitted that har son and daughter had received several small sums from defendant at lengthened intervals. The son had also had a suit of clothes from him. Max Rowlands corroborated the evidence of his mother with reference to the upsetting of -table, and said that repeated applications had been made to his father to maintain his mother ,without avail. He had been helpiug to keep his .mother since 1886, and this actiiin had been brought, as it was becoming a great strain upon him. Miss Emliy Rowlands, the daughter, cor- roborated with regard to having seen her father 'knocte her mother down. It was contended that complainant was per- fectly justified in leaving the defendant, whereas, on the other hand, Mr Spiekett urged that the differences between husband and wife were mere family quarrels, and that defendant wished his to come back to him, and had asked her to do so. The Stipendiary ordered defendant to con-, tribute 15s a week towards his wife's support and to pay the costs of the proceedings, which were: to include five guineas advocate's fees.

LOCAL LAW. SECURITIES INSURANCE CO.—On Wednesday, befor Mr Justice Vaughan Williams, sitting as 'j an additional judge in Chancary under the Cam- panies' Winding-up Act, the petition of Sir E. J. Reed and others for the compulsory vinding-up of the Securities Insurance Company, Limited, earn. on for hearing. Mr Byrne, M.P., stated that the evidence was not yet complete, and his friend Mr Eady, Q.C., had agreed tha* the petition should stand over for a week. He asked the consent of the Court to that arrangement.;His Lordship directed an adjournment for a week. SWANSEA HARBOUR TRUSTERS V. CAPE COPPER CO,—On Wednesday Mr Justice Wilis and Mr !'Ju sticw Wright gave judgment in the case of the Swansea Harbour Trustees v. the Cape Copper Company, Limited, argued before them in February last. Mr Justice Wills'now delivered a lengthy and hig'oiy technical judgment, in which he auswered the various questions raised in tho case, and said the effect of the finding of the Court was that there would be judgment for the defendants, with costs. GO\VJŒ IRON AND TINPLATB Co., LTD.—On I Wednesday, in the Chancery Division of the High Court of Justice—before Me Justice Vaughan Williams, sitting as an additional judge in Chancery under the Companies Wind- ing-up Act, 1890—the petition of J. Batson and Co., of Tipton, Staffordshire, for the winding-up I of tho Gower Iron and Tinplate 00., Ltd., Pen- clawdd, Glamorganshire, again came on for hearing.—The Court granted a suspension order.

FASHIONABLE WEDDING AT TREDEGAR. On Wednesday the nuptial ceremony between Miss Nina Shepard, youngest daughter of the late Dr. Shepard, (Tk, and Dr. George Harrison Jenkins, Usk, was celebrated at St. George's Church by the Vicar of Tredegar (the Rev. T. Theoohi!us), assisted by the Rev. T. Walter Davies, B.A., and the Rev. W. Hugh Phillips. Ths bride was attired in an electric blue travel- ling dress, trimmed with white silk and jet, with white hat to match. She also wore a gold bracelet, the gift of the bridegroom. The brides- 1 maids were Miss May Shepard and Miss Marian Brown, who wore fawn crepon dresses, trimmed with pink silk. The bride was given away by Dr. G. A. Brown. J.P., and the best man was Dr. Thompson, Tredegar. After luncheon, which was provided at the residence of Dr. Brown, the j nappy couple left for London and the South Coast. The presents were numerous and costly.

I Cholera has been officially declared to have Hrofcen ont at Mecca.

.< GmLSJ FRIENDLY SOCIETY AT NEWPORT. A bazaar in aid of the excellent work done by the Newporb branch of the Girls' Friendly lSociety, and especially to provide for the cosb of a new lodge, at 19, Stow-hill, was opened by Lord* Tredegar ab the Drill Hatl, Newport, on Wednesday afternoon. The local branch waa. ^started nine years ago, and now numbers 240, including several candidates. There were a number of well-laden stalls. Besides his Lord- ship, there were present at the opening Sir Henry- Jackson, Bart., Archdeacon Bruce aud Mrs Bruce, Dr. Garrod Thomas, Dr. M. Brewer, Col., Lyne, Major Wilkinson, Captain Travers, Messrs E. Steer, H. S. Lyne, E. J. Ward, R. Laybourne, F. J. Mitchell, Arthur Evans, &c. Lord Tredegar referred to the wide- spread-character of the general society, and to the fact that her Majesty was-its patron. He •should have feared to introduce the subject if it were-not on the programme of the waxworks exhIbition-be meant the new woman. Ha took ib that none of theladies present belonged to the category of the new woman, or he—a horrible male thing—(laughter)—would not have been asked to open the bazaar. No doubt the hand that rocked the cradle rilled the world, and ■in that sense woman was supreme. He could-think of nothing in the whole world more worthy of sympathy than a girl without friends, and ha was glad to be able to assist in promoting the well- being of that society, which supplied friends to young girls wherever they might be. There were many, he was glad to know, who had been kept in straight paths and made successful in their lives through the interest displayed in them by the many friends of the society, and he had great pleasure in assisting at that function, and in declaring the bazaar open.

CHARITY COMMISSIONER AT PENARTH, Mr Rhys Williams, the Assistant Commis 3ioner, conducted a public inquiry at the National Schools, Penarth, ou Wednesday, into the local charities existing under the Charitable Truso Acts, 1853 to 1894, and the Charity Inquiries Expenses Act, 1892. Only two person- besides the learned Commissioner attended, viz., the Rev. W. Sweet-Eseott (rectors and Mr J. S. Grant, M.A. Mr W. A. Morris, clerk to the District Council, sent a message apologising for being unable to attend. The parishes of Lavernock, Penartb, and Llandough were taken, the two former being at the present time under one ecclesiastical incumbency. The Commissioner stated that in a Par- liamentary notice dated 1837 a small charity appeared, viz., that of a gift of £3--the donor, a man named Thomas alias Bach, also reported in a return made iu 1786. This sum was vested in the parish over- seers for the year to be given to poor not in receipt of parish relief. At that time (1837) the charity was unknown. — The Rev. Sweet. Ecott: Well, if it had beli iost in 1837, it is certainly now gone for ever.—Particulars of both the National schools at Penarth and Llandough were afforded by Mr Davies, schoolmaster, who was called into the room by the rector.

ROYAL 4CADEMY AND ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC. The following is the official list of successes at the local centre examinations, 1895, Cardiff Centre :— SENIOR GRADE. — Honours Certificates — Rosina Beynon. singing, Mr Harry Evans; Evan T. Davies, piano, Mr Harry Evans; Mary ll. Griffith, piano, Miss H. Hughes William Leyshon, piano. Miss H. Hughes Muriel A. Busden, piano, Mr T. Davies. Ethel G. Thomas, piano, Mr D. Scott. Pass Certifi- cates — Emmeline Baker, piauo, Miss A. M. Wood; Clara piano, Mrs'. Angle; Dora M. Burr, piano, Mr Harry Jvans; Ethel C. Collingwood, piano, Mrs Angle Esther Edwards, piano, Mr .T. E. Deacon Adeline M. George, piano, Mr Silver Marion Gratis, piano, Miss A. M. Wood Mary Howard, piano, Mr W. Scott Emily M. Jones, harmony and counterpoint. Miss Culver- well Margaret C. King, piano, Miss R. Evans, A.R.A.M. Gladys M. Newman, violin, Mr E. B. Newman Catherine A. Roberts, piano, Miss Canty Lily E. S. G. Butter, piano, Miss L. A. Frost; Olive Seaton, violin, Mr W. F. HaJley Annie M. Symmons, piano. Miss H. Hughes Masgie Thomas, niano, Miss H. Hnghas. JUMOR GRADEHonours Certificates—Edith M. Brown, piano, Mr li. La wry nee Daisy A. Jones, piano, Mr T. Jenkins, aud violin, Mr A. Angle Fanny Jones, piano, Miss H. Hughes William J. Watkius, piano, Mr Harry Evans. Pass Cutificlttes-Jane A. Cook, piano, Mr T. Davies Mary A. Davies, piano, Mr J. K Deacon; Emma J. Rodda, piano, Miss H. Hughes Bessie L. Rowe. piano, the Misses Marks Annie M. Thomas, piano, Mr T. Davies; Alice S. Williams, piano, Mr A. J. Silver.

LONDON COLLEGE OF MUSIC. CARDIFF CENTRE. The following are the successful passes awarded by the examiners at the recent examinations at the Town Hall, Cardiff :— THEORY.—Elementary—May'A.Bowen, Mary Louisa Hall (Mr W. H. Webb, Monmouth), Lizzie Ethel Evans, Martha Elizabeth Harris (Mrs Gregory, Bridgend), Blodwen Lewis. Edith Jones, Lilly Morgan (Miss Frost, St. Audries, Pen- arth), Elizabeth Bolton Morris, Thomas John King (Miss Sophie King), E. A. Symmonds, G. S. Jones, C. J. lhollla", L. Lloyd. Junior Pass—Agnes Mary Evans, Jenny Livsey (Miss Frost). E. A. Salathiel (Mis Thomas, Bridgend). Junior Honours- Rachel Maud Jones, Agaes Elizabeth James, May M'Craith (Miss Frost, St. Audries), S. E. Freeman. Intermediate—Elian Maud Evangeline Jones (Miss Thomas, Tredegar), Annie Thomas (Miss Price). Senior Pass—Sarah Gethin Rutler (Miss Frost), Mabel Benjamin, Charlotte E. Partridge (Mr F. Atkins). PRACTICAL Music.—Elementary piano—Lillian B. Trotter (Mr Webb, Monmouth), Elizabeth Crouch (Miss Rosina Hooper), Eveline H. Blackbourne (Cathedral- road School, Misses Taylor), Ernest Edwin Taylor (Miss Trinwirtli, Aberkenflg), Alice Lillian Reid (Miss E. Maud Evans), May Llewellyn (Miss Herbert, Tredegar), Gretta Gyles (Mr George Howell, Penarth), Gertrude Rees (Miss Phillips, Tredegar), Nelly Bang- ham Bagley and Kate Gertrude Heald (Miss Laird, Penrhos), Alice Mary Stratton and Matty Theophilous (Miss Harris), Gwendoline Hall (the Misses Marks, BarTow House), Annie John, honours (Miss Payne, Heir, Cowbridge), Hannah Kvans and Agnes Edwards (Mrs Evans, Treharris), Clara Gladwin, Jenny Livsey, and Lilly Morgan (Miss Frost, St, Audries, Penarth), Elizabeth Bolton Morris, honours (Miss S. King), Ethel M. Williams, honours (Court School, jBarry), Thomas James (Mr T. Jones, Aber- dare), Edgar A. Abel (Miss C. Thooia: Bridgend), M. J. Hunter (Miss Combs, Bridgend), and E. A. honours. Intermediate—Margaret Richards ^honours (Mrs Alfred Morgan, Mountain Ash), Edith • l-Gwynne Wiltsbiie, honours,'Edith Maud Osmond (Miss St. Margaret's), William Edwards, Philip 'Albert Hawkins, Emily Collins (Miss Thomas, Tredegar), William Tetley (Mr F. Lattey), Florence Eleanor Raybouid, Irene Pamela Bevan (Miss Rose Evans, Bridgend), Mary Davies (Miss Mannion), Lillian Isaacs (Mr Harry Evans, Dowlais), Margaret Ann Ash (Mr Mills, Portli), Ethel Emma Hanlcastle, Edith Laura Cape, honours. Amy Robins Bolt, Anna Hall .honours (The Misses Marks, Harrow House), Moses Bowen, honours (Miss; Minnie Moran, Maesteg), Kate (Morgan, honours, Agnes Elizabeth Ja.mes (Miss I- rost), Margaret Ann Sconrfield (Mr T. Jnrie Abei- dare), S. A. Freeman. Senior piano—Kate Rose Thomas (the Misses Taylor, Cithedral-road), John Charles Jeffries (Mrs Alfred Morgan, Mountain Ash), Gertrude Annie Evans (Mr Thatcher), Ellen B. Jenkins (Miss Laird), May McCraith, Florence Bilton (Miss FrostX F. Fisher (Miss Combs). Claudia Evans, Mary Aun Davies, Aunie Morgan (Mr Harry Evans, Dowlais). Advanced senior-Elsie Louisa Wadley (Miss Cruicksbank), t Elsie Rees '(Miss Frost, St. Audries), Jenny Evans, Lewis Powell Evans (Mr I Harry Evans). Vioux—Elementary—L. Morgan (Miss Frost). Intermediate-Marie Tomb Engall, honours, Aenes Mary Evans (Miss Frost), Florence Dora Charlicombe (Mr C. Jones). ORGAN.—Senior—John Evans (Mr Harry Evans, Dowlais). ——

FOUND DEAD ON LLANWONNO MOUNTAIN. An inquest was held nt the Brynffynon Hotel, Llanwouno, before Mr Rhys J. Rbys, coroner, and jury, on Wednesday, on the body of an unknown man, who was fouud dead on the mountain on the 22nd inst. From this evidence of Dr. Morgan, Ynysybwl, it appears that tho man would be about 40 years of age, and had been lying dead on the mountain about three months.—A verdict of" Found dead" was returned, and up to the time ot writing the body had not been identified.

PROPERTY SALES. NEWPORT. At the Westgate Hotel, Newport, on Wednes- day, Mr C. L. Barfoot, auctioneer, offered for sale several lots of freehold and leasehold pro- ¡ perty. Thorn Tree House, Park-square, was withdrawn For Herbert Villa, Gold Tops, the highest bid was £ 650, and this pro- perty was also withdrawn. Ystnid Villa, Gold Tops, was withdrawn at £ 825. A freshold residence on Queen's-hill was not sold, thHegerVe nob being reached. Two building sites on Queon's-hill were sold for £12::> ;>nd £ 200to Mr Williams and Mr H. Fiook respectively. A free- hold residence, known as Queen's-hill Cottage, was purchased by Councillor G. Greenland for £405. Two freehold cottages, situated in Mill- street, Newport, and four freehold cottag-es in I Backhall-street, Caerleon, were withdrawn, the reserve not Deing reached in either case. £35 First Preference Consolidated Stock in the Alexandra. Newport and South Wales Docks and Railway Company was soJd for £37. Torres Villa, Pentonville. and Hill Cross Villa. Caerau, were also withdrawn. Nos. 61, 62, and 63, Jeddo- street, Newport, three leasehold dwelling-houses ht at a rental of 903 per week each, were sold to Councillor T. Goldsworthy foi £692 10s. Mr Thomas Parry, auctioneer, afterwards offered for sale Penllangwyn Farm, Llantiirnani, which is copyhold, and comprises 68 acres ol pasture land, with farmhouse, &c. Mr Jones, Port, Talbot, became the purchaser of the lot at £1,235. Eleven acres of fv*<»hold pasture land I and nine acres of coppice wood withdrawn at £200.

EPPS'S COCOA. —GRATEFUL ANB COMFORTING.— By a thorough knowledge of the na tural laws \7I11ch §overn the operations of digestiou and nutrition, and by a careful application of the fine properties of well- I selectecl COCOA, Mr. Epps has provided for our break- fast and.Impper a delicateiy-flavonred beverag which roay save us many heavy doctors' bills. It is by the juchcious use of such articles of diet that a constitution may be gradually built up until strong enough to I resist every tendency to disease. We may escape many a fatal shaft by keeping ourselves well fortified with pure blood and a properly nourished frame."—Cicil service Gazette.—Made si.c.ply with boiling water or pure blood and a properly nourished fraine.Civil service Gazette.—Made si.c.ply with boiling water or milk. Sold only in packets, by Grocers, labelled- JAMES^EPPS & Co., LTD., Homoeopathic Chemists, London." Also Makers of F.pps's Cocoaine or Cocoa Nib- Extract: A thin beverage of full flavour, now with many beneficially taking the place of tea. Its active principle being a gentle nerve stimulant, supplies the needed energy without unduly exciting the system. 1310

PROPOSED EXPRESS WATER SERVICE BETWEEN, CARDIFF AND BIRMINGHAM. a WESTGATE BRIDGE DIFFICULTY: Bill E. LEADER WILLIAMS'S REPORT. COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS. (FROM A SPECIAL COILRESPONDENT-1 LONDON, Wednesday. I am now in a position to inform you that all preliminary arrangements have been completed for the establishment of a line of express steamers and barges between Cardiff and Birmingham, via Worcester, and this week the Eat I of Dudley, Sir^W. T. Lewis, and Mr McGregor, C.E., meet here in consultation upon the subject. A strong syndi- cate, representing Midland manufacturers and the shipping interests of the Bristol Channel, has been formed, with the Earl of Dudley as chair- man. Sufficient capital to begin with has been subscribed. Tho designs of Mr J. McGregor for the steam barges and lighters have been approved of, and tenders are now being invited for the construction of the vessels, the first of which is expected to be ready for a trial trip early in Augusb. Hitherto the Westgate Bridge at Gloucester has been regarded as an insuperable barrier to the passage of coasting steamers of 300 tons from the Bristol Channel to the canalised Severn between Gloucester and Worcester. It is a skew bridge of stone, with head room of only 18 feet 1 inch, and that is insufficient, as was shown by Mr Riley's experiment with the Emily, to permit ordinary coasting steamers to pass, even when fully loaded, and with mast and funnel down. If such vessels as are now employed in the coasting trade between Bristol Channel ports and France or Ireland are to be used for navigating the Upper Severn, the bridge at Gloucester must necsssarily b9 converted into a swing bridge. All proposals to that effect, how- ever, have aroused, and would continue to encounter, strong opposition from Gloucester people. They do not wish to see the upper river traffic carried past their doors, and areIat tbis moment proposing to carry new water mains over the bridge, which is a pretty sure sign that they do not contemplate or favour an interference with its present form. Further- more, the cost of raising a swing bridge in the place of the stone one would cost, according to the late Mr Marten, about 213,000. Meanwhile there is the Severn, dredged to a depth of 10 feet, at an outlay of some £ 30,000, to which Cardiff contributed £13,000, practically still a neglected river; for there seem s no reason to doubt. Mr Riley's statement that not a single ton of Addi- tional cargo has been carried between Worcester and Gloucester since the improvement in the navigation was effected. SIR E. LEADER WILLIAMS'S ItitPOItT. The Severn Commissioners and the Earl of Dudley, before committing themselves to an en- dorsement of Mr McGregor's plans, required an assurance that the Westgate Bridge would not under any circumstances prove an obstacle, also in the case of these specially designed craft, especially as they are to be built to carry 400 tons, or 100 tons in excess of the burden provided for in Mr Marten's estimate of the traffic of the deepened river. To answer this question, Sir Leader Williams was called in as an independent witness, and his report, dated March 29th, is con- firmatory of all Mr McGregor's calculations. On the point referred to him, Sir Leader Williams says There is no doubt that the Westgate Bridge, until it is improved, will necessitate the construction of a special class of vessel if trading is to be profitably carried on between Cardiff and Worcester. I have had an interview with Mr McGregor, and he gave me full information as to the vessels. I He has shown me all his drawings and a mode), and I find he has gone very carefully into the question of designing suitable barges for the Severn trade. He has also senb me a copy of one of the drawings it shows the Westgate Bridge, and it proves that even whan the vessel is light it will pass under the bridge (after lowering funnel, wheel, &c., lor which provision is made) even when there are four feet of flood in the river. Arrangements are to be made to warp the barges under the bridge by usiug a steam winch on board. It will, I think, be necessary to do a small amount of dredging on the sides of the river above and below the bridge, which Mr E. D. Marten informs me can easily be done at smail cost. At Westgate Bridge, Mr E. D. Marten informs me, there are only 47 days, 011 an average, when the vessels could not pass under light. It is obvious that, as a rule, some cargo at least would be carried, and therefore it appears that it would be very seldom that a four-feet flood would mterfere with the passing of these craft. Taking all the circumstances into consideration I am of opinion that the proposed vessels are well adapted for the particular work for which they are designed." ADAPTABILITY FOR THS COASTING TRADE. Sir Leader Williams was asked whether, if the boats were taken off the river, they could be profit- ably and safely employed in the Insh and French trade or the coasting trade generally. This involves questions which naval architects and shipowners are better qualified than an engineer to decide, but Sir Leader avails himself of the opportunity to express his opinion. He says :— While the burges are well adapted for traffic between Cardiff or oth&r lower Severn ports and Worcester, they would require alterations to the large hatchways for coasting purpose, The large hatchways will be of great advantage in giving facilities to quickly load and discharge cargoes, and, except in heavy seas, I do not con- sider there would be any risk if properly covered. Apart from coasting voyages, there are other purposes to which the barges coula be applied. By using large barges for temporary warehousing, grain and other cargo can be discharged ex-quay, and also at the came time into barges on the other side of the steamer, thus saving time, the" barges being afterwards discharged into ware- houses or waggon?. In any case, the question of developing a large trade from the Severn ports lo Worcester depends upon the trade being: carried on with energy and success from a profit- able point of view. The question of the size of: the cargo is very important. It is well known, and the constant increase in the size of steamers proves it, tbtb it is the last portion of the cargo that provides the profit. I fear that unless the trade is carried on in barges constructed mainly. with a view of carrying the largest possible cargo, ;lie proposed enterprise will not succeed." DIMENSIONS OF THE VESSELS. The dimensions of the steam barges ofi-Mr McGregor's design areLength, 133ft. beani,l 21ft. with a load draught of 9ft.at which- draught their speed will, be eight miles an hour. They wiJlbeTauiltof steel,toLloyd'srules,fitted with compound condensing engines, working at 150lbs. pressure, developing 150 horse power and they will carry 400 tons dead weight, exclusive of boilers, machinery, etc. The lighters, of which tha steam will take two or more in. tow, are to be 120ft. long by 20ft. beam, and, will load up to 445 tons. Besides these vessels, which will discharge and load at Diglis Dock, steam barges aud lighters of a dis- tinct and smaller type will be provided to run to and from Cardiff and Birmingham direct, over the Worcester and Birmingham Canal or, at least, until Mr G. W. Keeling has been enabled, to convert that old-fashioned waterway into a ship canal, at a cost of £ 600,000. The steam barges in this case will be 70ft. loug by 71/o £ u. beam, with a draught of 4-V2*t,-i carrying 30 tons, and towing: lighters of about the same size with a cargo capacity of 40 tons. CARDIFF TO BIRMINGHAM. The object of the movement is to supply facili- ties which the railway companies at present '.will' not? provide, and competition with the railways requires that transport shall be expeditious and the rates as low as they can be cut' consistently with a profit on the capital expended: On this part of the subject Mr McGregor'claims that water transport, under the improved' con- ditions he has devised, will equal the railways for the most part in speed, and outvie them in economical rates while another advantage, ofi the direct service is that to Worcester in tho one case or to Birmingham in the other, goods will be carried'trom Cardiff without break of bulk. The steam barges, with the fighters in tow, for example, make tile entrance to the Gloucester and Berkeley Canal 011 one tide. From Cardiff through to Worcester, a distance of 76 miles, will take the steamer 11 hours; with one barge in tow, 13 hours with two barges, 15 hours with j three, 18 hours. Over tho difficult navigation between Worcester and Birmingham (30 miles), with its 58 locks, 36 of them in one group, form- ing the "Devil's staircase" ab Tardebigg, it is estimated that 15 hours are required. From; point to point, the time required may. be set down at 26 hours, and it is calculated that a fleet of four vessels would be able to mako seven Journeys per month between Cardiff and Bir- mingham. mingham. -I

NEWPORT CHAMBER OF j COMMERCE. At the monthly meeting of the above Chamber, held at Newporton Wednesday, Mr MoxoniFulier, the president, in the chair, the secretary read replies drawn up by the committee as to how limited companies should be dealt with in any ¡ proposed now legislation.—The President brought up the replies in the form of a report, and, at the I' suggestion of Mr Coward, it was resolved to in- corporate a suggestion that company balance- sheets should be made out in a uniform manner so as to facilitate the work of analysing them. The other principal recommendations by the committee were that the issuing of annual balance-sheets should bs compulsory, and that it should be shown how the reserve fund was invested.—The report was afterwards adopted, and ordered to, b forwarded to th9 secretary of the Committee of the IIouso of Commons, from whom it had been sent.—With' reference to the proposed action re the increase in trunk line charges by the National Telephone. Company, the Secretary read replies from Cardiff, Swansea, Bristol, and Birmingham Chambers, and it was decided, on the motion f)f Mr C. D. Phillips, that a joint memorial bo drafted by a small committee, and sent to the other chambers for signature.—The Secretary drew attention to the fact that it was possible to speak from the National over the Post Office on trunk lino service, and said it would be a convenience if the same boon could bu given to ter-.ow;is-rvice-- The President said ho thought it would bi) a great accommodation, but doubted whether it could be dons without an additiooal fee. Mr C. D. Phillips, Mr L. Hornby, and others spoke in favour of the boon being obtained if possible, j' bub it was agreed to d?fer it until the next meet- ing, nud then to ascertain whether it could bo secured on equitable terms.—The Secretary road a letter from Mr H. Flinders re the new routo via the Rhondda Valley from Newport to Swansea, intimating that he had seen Mr Ludlow, and understood that through rates could II now bo obtained through him. With reference to the passanger service, the necessary steps were being taken by the Taff Vale Company, and in a short time the joint deputation could ¡ wait upon that company. I

CARDIFF POLICJS RETURNS. I Ihe police returns issued this week as a Parlia- mentary papi'r show t.h;»t, during th- year fciiuKl September 29th, 1894, the police force of thU boroujfh consisted of 199 men, being a proportion of 30 acres and 647 persons to each constable The growth of the foreq is illustrated by a table, from which it appears that the authori&ecl strength of the force at the tiire4 last deeonninl periods was as follows :-1871, 55 men 1831, 96 men 1891. 159 rnen. The total cost of the force was £ 16,634, being at the rate of £ 93 4s ld per constable. The inspection of the fores took placo on September 17th, when the inspector states that tho force was complete. The police offices and calls were found iu good order. The books and returns were well kept, and the management and discipline of th° force had been well maintained. 166 members of the force hold ambulance certificates. "181 !liD

Confirmed smokers who want to give up tobacco are now being cured of the habit by hypnotism.

BOGUS COLLECTOR IN THE RHONDDA. SOLICITING "AID" FOR DIGLAKE I DISASTER. At the Porth Police Court on Wednesday, Frederick Jones, alias Watts and Evans, residing- at 95, Cemetery-road, Perth, was brought up in custody. It appeared that the prisoner was apprehended on the charge of obtaining various kinds of goods by false pretence from different tradesmen at Porth and the adjoining district, but on being searched at tlit) lpolico statiou by Sergeant Gammon, who had arrested him, a couple of col See ting books, containing the namts of a larga number of local people who had sub- scribed towards the relief fund in connection with the Digluke disaster, were, found upon him. Inspector Gill and Sergeant Gammon had had' complaints about some persons having been round from house to house in the locality soliciting subscriptions,;but they had failed todetect round from house to house in the locality soliciting subscriptions,;but they had failed todetect them. The fly-leaf attached inside the cover of ¡ one of the two collecting books runs thus :— DIGLAKT. COLLIKRY DROWNING DISASTER, STAFFORD- SHIRE.—Where 76 live, ware lost. Dear friends,—We, the undersigned, beg to as>c your sympathy ill a practical manner by subscribing to the fund of the above terrible disaster.—Ou behalf of the committee F. J. Joies, 95, Cemetery-road, Biuas if. Davies, 1, Maddock-stroet, Clydach Vale S. Ellis, 2, Court- street-, Pandy D. Lloyd, 47, North road, Porth W111. Lewis, 7, Witting-street, Ynvshir. Tho police, 011 making inquiries at the variotl;4 addresses givni in the book, found that they were all bogus. The stuns collected by the prisoner as recorded in the two books amounted to about £ 30. which he admitted at the police station having illegally obtained from different persons in numerous small sums, varying from 3d to 5.:1. Ho also admitted having spent t.he money. Not a penny had been forwarded to the relief fund lil Staffordshire. Two workmen engaged at a colliery near Porth had accompanied the prisoner on some of his rounds in the neighbour- hood while he was soliciting subscriptions, thinking that the petition for aid was a genuine' one. The prisoner had visited the locality on tho day he was arrested for the purpose of buying calico,to have a shroud made for the corpse of his little child, who had died that day. It was trus that his child was dead at the time, for the police made inquiries at the address given by him. There are several charges of obtaining goods by false pretences preferred against him at Mertliyr and other districts iu South Wales. It should have been statod t hat a letter from the secretary of the Dglakp, HIjlief Fund was found 'II upon him at the police-station. He was com- mitted for trial to the assizes.

POMPEII IN BRISTOL. Oil Wednesday a bazaar was opened in Bristol in aid of the eon.pletion of the Church of the Holy Nativity, Knowle. The bazaar, which is b-iii,, held at Colston Hall, is arranged so as to repre- sent a street in ancient Pompeii, and everything in carmectioll wii-h it is beiug done upon a grand scale. The programme of entertainments is almost bewildering- in extent, and there was a good attendance at the inauguration. Lady Fitz- hardinge opened the faucy fair, which will ¡ continue to Saturday, when a cheap half-day excursion tram will he run from CnrdifF and New- port to Bristol.

CARMARTHEN SHIRE COUNTY"; COUNCIL. A quarterly meeting of the Carmarthenshire County Council was held in*,the Shir eh all, 'Car marthen, on Wednesday, Mr C. E. Morris, the chairman, presiding. A-PUBLIC SCANDAL. At a previous meeting the clerk (Mr T. Jqnes- '<solicitor, Llandovery) was instructed' to write to the Board of Trade relative to the inadequate accommodation provided for passengers crossing the ferry between Llanstephan and Ferryside.— Mr Percy, replying through the Board, said he waa the owner of many ferries, but from no part did he get so many complaints as he periodically received from Llanstephan and its neigh- bourhood. If the Council thought they could afford better accommodation by managing the ferry themselves, he would be pleased to sell them his rights. (Laughter.)— Mr Johns, (Parkethyn) described the'condition-of. things not only as a public grievance, bub a public scandal.—Mr Stevens (Coedybram) said Llanstephan was only three miles from his farm, and-yeo he was actually obliged, when getting' cattle from that watering place, to-have them jCanveyed or driven 16 miles by road. (Shame.) —Mr Johns will move at the next meeting for a public inquiry. THE BUDGET. The estimate of the receipts and expenditure for the year ending March 31st, 1896, submitted by Mr Tregoning, chairman of the Finance Com- mittee, showed that the credit balances at the end of last month totalled 84,959 5d, the less debit balances being £5(\fJ 13s 7d. The county rate in arrear levied, but not received, special county rate at 1?4d, £146 7s Id and technical education rate at %d, £53 19 s 10.1. The other receipts estimated were hrieHy-outlay on bridges, police stations, and cottages for policemen, proposed to be borrowed, £ 1,723;, cost of police stations at Burry Port and Llan- gennech, £2,223 19, lOd less toll-house money; applied m part payment, £ 1,017 9s 6d cottages-j at Llanelly, £ 408; less amounts already-' advanced, £2,981; outlay on Newcastle Emlyn Police Station, amount already paid and proposed to be borrowed, £200; exchequer contributions, licences, and probate duty, £17.193 4s lid; Customs and Excise duti!"8, £2,504 18s lid;, Tumble riots, advanced £200; justices' clerk's fees, polico fees, inspectors of weights and mea- s'¡res, &c., £1,265; Prison Commissioners, &0., £35 high sheriff, for judges' lodgings, £28; extra- ordinary traffic, J345 races proposed for county at 6d, 15s for intermediate education, at %d, including Carmarthen, £1,139163 lid for technical education, at d, including Carmarthen, £1,139 16s lid for Car- marthen borough, at 2d, J6311 9s 4d total esti. mate of receipts, £41,819 19s Id. It wag proposed to spend on intermediate education £4,599 15s lOd technical education, £4.582 6s 9d poor, £6,600; the county police, £8,000; Carmarthen police, £497; main roads, bridges, £600; coroner's, veterinaries, and analysts, £1,500; justices' clerks, £1,115; peusions, £420 grants to main roads m boroughs, £1,100; road surveyors. £500; elections, £250 general payments, £1,500. COUNTY CHARITIES. Before comments could be made on the above, Mr TBKGONING said it was necessary to know what had to be said about the charities, on which he a motion on the paper. Prof. JOKES (Carmarthen) said that in April, 1894, it was agreed that the Council deemed it of great importance for the publia benefit that an inquiry should be made mto the use made of all county-charities, and they bound themselves to pay their share of the expenses, provided the Treasury paid one-half or moro of the same. The Treasury agreed to pay half (about :£250), and now the CouueiJ, after much contention, passed a resolution to provide the other £250, or half of the expenses, whatever it may be. Mr Gwilym Evans remarking that these were a large number of charItIes which ought to be traced.—On the initiative of Lord Kmlyn it was distinctly under- stood that Carmarthen borough should contribute its quota. RATES. Mr J. S. Tregoning moved rates in all amount- ing to 7d in the £ on the county assessment, and 2d in the, £ on the borough aS36;¡Smeut. This ,m6;i.nt an increase of Id on the county.—Mr Trubshaw seconded the proposal, which was carried. TRIENNIAL ELECTION EXPENSES. The returning officer for the county (Mr W. Howel), solicitor) sent in his bill for conducting the last triennial election, viz., £q37 13<; ll%d, but after some conversation, £425 was allowed. MEETING ABRUPTLY ENDS. The Council agreed to appoint a. committee to consider the scale of the freturning officer's charges so as to assimilate the charges as far as possible with those in force for conducting the parish and district council elections, but in the effort to selecb a committee there was some dis- agreement, and, in order to prevent a certain section from carrying its motion, a number of the members suddenly left the hall, and there- not being a quorum the meeting abruptly terminated.

ROYAL LIVER FRIENDLY SOCIETY. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE DELE- GATES AT CARDIFF. The annual meeting of the delegates of; the members of the Royal Livar Frisndly Society was held, on Wednesday, a.t the Lesser Park Hall, Cardiff, Mr Arthur Waterfall Ciayton presided over a large attendance. The agenda is a very lengthy one, no fewer than 47 items being put down for discussion After discussion Mr Du Pre was elected president by an overwhelming majority. Considerable time was occupied 111 discussing questions raised \:13 to the validity of th<? elections of certain delegates, and then the report and balance-sheet came up for considera- tion. REPOKT AND BALANCE SHEET. The 45th annual report stated that the premium income for the year had amounted to 8){¡d, being an increase of £11,M3 ISs lid over the preceding year. The interest earned during the year was £47,846 9s 9%d. Of the premium income there was saved the sum of £42,458 10s l%d, a fact unparalleled in the history of the society, and this, added to the iu- terest earned, enabled the directors to place the 'sum of £90,304 to the benefit; funds of the society. The benefit funds on the 31st December, 1894, amounted to :£1,307,777, and there stood to the 'credit of the management fund on the same date the sum of 7(1. The claims paid during the year amounted to £226,993 17s 8d, or 51. 74; per eant. of the premium income. The deaths in number were 22,846, a considerable diminution as compared with the previous year. The manage- ment expenses amounted to £ 166,532, or 37'96 per cent, of the premium income. Tho number of insurances in force on 31st December, 1894,. was 1,431,522, or an increase of 30,146 over the precediner year. The number of policies issued during the year was 214,155, mchidihg 39,458 for immediate benefit on middle class. and industrial tables. There had been invested during the year i the sum of £120,200, at an average rate of jnteres of £3133 5%1 per cent. per annum. This having been taken ¡L!3 read, Mr SIMPSON (London), speaking upon it, said that lie was rather pleased with the report—that', was, with regard to the progress the society had made. A more satisfactory report the committee had been unable to present for some years past. A lengthy and somewhat Acrimonious discussion took place'concerning certain meetings held in connection with the system cf. delegation, and ultimately Mr EDMUNDS (Cardiff) moved that tho whole of the correspondence in connection with the meetings bis read. Mr WESTALL, who had got up several times previously, here rose, and with an air of disgust said that he had done. Ho had been refused a "hearing several times, and he would take no "further part in the proceedings. ("No, no.") The correspondence was then read, and occupied some time, the names of some of the persons taking part in the meeting being greeted with derisivo cries of" Db, ob." Mr WESTALL I have addressed meetings of tins description all over the country, but I intend to have anything more to say. Tho CHAIKMAN assured Mr Westall that he would be allowed to have his say. Dr. CLAnK, M.P., onoof the trustees of the society, wlw had to leave in. order to attend to Parliamentary business, then delivered an address, and in conclusion hoped that they would adopt balance-sheet. Tho meeting shortly afterwards adjourned until this (Thursday) morning.

BRIDGEND COTTAGE HOSPITAL. The foundation-stone of the Bridgend Cottage Hospital was laid on Wednesday by Mrs Turber- viii, uf Ewenny Priory, in the presence of It large gathering, which comprised the elite of the neighbourhood. The hospital, which provides for eight beds, is buiit at the corner of Station-road and Nolton-street, and is being erected at a cost of £1,300 by Mr E. Preece, ssenr., from designs by Messrs Lambert and Rees, aichiteces, Jiiiiigend.—Mr T. G. Smith, chairman of the Cottage Hospital Committee, introduced Mrs Tnrbervil!, and referred to the fact that over £1,<00 had already been subscribed, that the building was practically provided for, but they would require another £400 to furnish it and lay out the grounds.—The Rev. F. W. Edmondes, M.A., rtuul prayers, after which Mrs Turbervill gracefully performed thi ceremony.—Mr Arthur J. Williams, M.P., briefly proposed a cordial vote of thanks to Mrs Turbervill.—This was 8f-cond»d by Mr W. Buckley, J, P., and earned unanimously and Col. Tucbervill responded on bdialf of his wife.—A vota of thanks to Lord Dunravc-n, who had given the site for the hospital en most generous terms, was heartily accorded.

MELEE ON A CARDIFF STRAMBOAT. The stea-mship Glendower, of Cardiff, left Portiicawl light for that port on Wednesday, but bef-jra she left Porthcawl, several of the men, who had been ashore, got aboard and an alterca- tion ensued between them and the officers. There were several fights on board, in which the officers were struck. The men went to their respective posts, but it is anticipated the men will bo charged with the several assaults when they reach Cardiff.

SHORT STORIES by the Masters of Fiction appear weekly in the Cardiff Times and South Wales Weekly News." Complete stories are appearing from the pen of lola, G. R. Sims, Dick DOllovan, L. T. Meade, John Strange Winter, Dora Russell, Helen ¡ Mathers, an«f other*Serials, short srone. spcj.I Qdi{"leJ ami f h new* nf !!>« _tiP-I;) copy

,CARDIFF WOMEN LIBERALS. A meeting of members of the Splobfe Ward Women's Liberal Association was held in Mount Hebron Schoolroom, Pearl-street, Cardiff, on Wednesday evening. There was a large audience,, 'and Mrs T. Andrews presided.—Mrs J. Morris read a. paper on "The Origin and Development of Public Spirit among Women." She claimed political enfranchisement for women, and that they should have a share, jointly with men, in dealing with the practical affairs of every- day life.-A cordial vote of thanks was passed to Mrs Morris. Miss E. Jenkins read the annual report of the Welsh Union of Liberal Associations, and- Mrs Sjmpoll moved the following resolution That in view of the fact that no legalised system in this country is so prolific a source of social corruption as the drink traffic, this meeting urges upon her Majesty's Government the supreme necessity of pivssing forward immediately and carrying into law the Liquor Traffic (Local Control) Bill introduced by Sir William Harcourt. (Applause.)—Mrs Williams, in seconding, said the publicans and brewers were trying their best, and even praying, for the defeat of the Bill.— 'Mrs Audrews Oh, well, I don't think they; pray very often, and their opposition in that respect will nob likely be very severe. (Laughter.) —Mr Collier, sen., spoke in support of the resolution, which was unanimously agreed to,— j Mrs Gaunt gave an account of the Liberal meet- ings held recently at Aberystwyth after which Mrs Conway, Canton, opened a discussion on the proposed amendment of the Home Secretary's Bill dealing with the factories and work- shops, to the effect that no limitation] should be put upon the hours and con- ditions of women's work that was not also placed upon that of men. The restrictions already made in the past protected women for their own good, and she believed that if their time of work were shortened it would benefit women as a whole, as more women would be drafted in.-Ou the proposition of Mrs Andrews, it was agread to send Mr Johnston a vote of condolence with him in his bereavement by the death of Mrs Johnston, who for some time acted as secrectary of that association.—A vote of thanks to Mrs Andrews. concluded the proceedings.

NATIONAL CYCLISTS' UNION. MEETING OF THE SOUTH WALES CENTRE. A meeting of the South Wales centre of the N.C.U. was held at the Angel Hotel, Cardiff, on Wednesday evening, Mr John Young presiding. Licences were granted to John Jenkins, Carmar- then John H. Davies. Carmarthen; J. T. Meager, Cardiff; Henry George Parsons, Blaina; Sydney Ridd, Swansea C. H. Gwynne, New- port Arthur Thomas. Mountain Ash (recom- mended); W. H. Price, of Pontypool C.C. Percy Wilks, Crickhoweil David Evans. Car- marthen A. E. Waters, Newporb; H. W. Jeoftreys, Abergavenny F. W. Rao, Cardiff A. J. R. Hooper, Cardiff; W. Tornngton, Cardiff H. C. Lewis, Newport James Thomas, Cardiff; Lewis i L. Hair is, Newport; Ernest Langley Jones, Rbiwdenn Arthur Butt, Swansea (recommended); W. M. Phillips, Llanelly. Applications for affiliation were accepted from the Cardiff Cycling Club, the Roath Con- servative C.C., the Cardiff Harlequins' C.C. The Chairman referred to the collision between James and Harris in the recent professional race at Cardiff, aud stated that he had received two letters from Dr. Turner, the secretary of the Professional Licensing Committee, asking for an official report of the occurrence. He had sent this, and also referred Dr. Turner to the cycling papers, which contained a photographic illustra- tion of the foul from a snap shot taken at the time by Mr Townsend, of Newport. Mr Powell, the bon. sec. ot the centre, had also sent an official report. At the sub-committee meeting held recently the members had expressed them- selves strongly adverse to granting James a licence for this centre, and he thought it would be as well if that meeting came to some expression of opinion on the matter. To his mind the incident had killed professionalism in this part of the country.—The Committee agreed with the chairman that no application from James should be entertained, and, on the motion of Mr Jack Brind, seconded by Mr Pring, a vote of sym- pathy was passed with Harris, who was made the I victim of so deplorable a mishap.-It was resolved that the following N.C.U. Championships should be held during the season -Half-mile, mile. 5 milas, 10 miles, 25 miles, 50 miles, and 100 miles.

"JOHN-A-DREAMS" AT THE THEATRE ROYAL. As we anticipated early in the. week, the sterling qualities of Mr Haddon Chambers's society play, John-a-Dreams," presented as it is by a company of the highest merit, have drawn big attendances in every part 01:" the theatre during the early part of the week. A crowded heuse received the piece on Wednesday night most enthusiastically, and the various telling; situations were loudly applauded. The play is put upon the stage with every attention to detail, and the local management have done all in their power to second the efforts of Messrs Morel and Mouillot; in giving a finished representation to this very difficult drama of real life. We have already spoken in high praise of the acting, and I can only reiterate our former commendation of the finished manner in which each of the characters is presented. In several scenes the situation rises to an almost tragic intensity, and holds the audience enthralled. We understand that during the next three nights brilliant audiences are anticipated.

KING KODAK" AT THE GRAND. Big houses are also the rule at the Grand Theatre, where" King- Kodak" is running merrily, and causing endless amusement. The raise -en -;scene jis brilliant, and the witty dialoguo and merry quips with which the piece abounds keep the auditorium in a constant ripple of laughter. Mr George Walton is quite a host in himself, and his long experience as a leading comedian enables him to invest thj principal character with all those quaint and merry conceits that are" wont to keep the (people) in a roar." There is not a dull moment during the whole time his mercurial presence is in evidence. As-this is ,-pretty weU% throughout the whole piece, it may be taken for granted there ara not many of those dull' moments. He is most ably supported by the restp., of the company, every one being distinctly smart in their business. The music is bright and sparkling, and the tableaux" enchanting. There is every attraction possible in King -ICoetzik," and we are pleased to see it making such an unequivocal success. An afternoon", perform- ance takss place on Saturday. IdIftJI '111111

OUR LITTLE WAR. If we take account of all the Nigger wars we engage in, says a correspondent, Great Britain can never be said to be at peace. This one-in the Chitral Valley has given us more trouble than usual, although from first to Ifcst it has been fought by us with that short, sharp, decisive, forceful way which the British Army has. and which is chiefly due to the energy and push of our officers, who, when on duty, know nob the meaning of the word fatigue. For at least a century the tribesmen of the lulls on the passes leading out of India have brought the Empire; trouble and tribulation. They are so slow tOJ learn lessons. One day it is the Ghilzais who are on the predatory prow!, the next the Gotis, or some other wondrous branch of the Afghan II family, are discovered to have wiped out a detach- mentot troopers marching peacefully from station to MA-TOK GENERAL SIR R. CUNLIFFE LOW, K.O.B, Lliic'i'. 1). D*i £ VVJii> COKK. MAJOR HERBKBT LUlLViSV. station. Well, the arm of Britain is far-reaching, but skipping from top to top of mountain ranges like the chamois is not much m the way of Tommy Atkins's stomach, so that it is no light task we <-jssav when we begin to undertake the annihilation of a particular tribe. Naturally when these costly little campaigns are over Great Britain has always won, but it; seems to make no difference to the fanatical tribesmen, who forget with the spriiig tha severe smashing up of the previous auhimn. The General Commanding.. Sir Robert Cunliffe Low, K.C.B., is a soldiar of tho Roberts type, who spares neither his men nor himself, and 11; is difficult to imagine a more appropriate officer for this particular service. There is a curious coincidence in the fact of the two British officers wounded in one of the recent actious being brothers-in-law, Major Herbert Burney having married the sister of Lieutenant Coke, who passed so high ill his examination at Sandhurst and Woolwich, and is reported as severely hurt. Lieutenant Coke, is the son of Mrs Talbot Cokl". who has for years contributed the ladies' column to various London papers. She is said to be a facile princcps in the way of household decoration, and her advice on furnish- in has been adoptpd in thousands of English homes. Lieutenant Coke's father, Colonel Talbot Coke, commanded at Suakim for some years.

Am.: ;You EASILY TIRED ?-You should brace the nerves anil cleanse the system with KAVE'S WORS- DELL'S PILLS. They infallibly cure Indigestion, Biliousness, Constipation, and Liver complaints, allIl give a healthy tone to all the internal organs. Sold by all Chemists, Is l%d per Lox. 1075c RICH BIUDAL CAKES, frotll;Sl Is and upwards, always in stock. Two Gold Medals awarde-—T. .Stevens, French Confectioner and Bride Cake Maim- faclurer, The "Dorothy an.1 Queen-street, Cardiff.

BREACH OF PROMISE. DAMAGES MEAGRE, BUT THE COST. A MILLSTONE ROUND HIS NECK. In the Queen's Bench Division on Tuesday th& case of Giles v. Berry was heard. This waff action to recover damages for the breach of ft j promise to marry the plaintiff, and the substancS action to recover damages for the breach of ft j promise to marry the plaintiff, and the substancS of the case for the defendant was that he waa justified'in refusing to marry the plaintiff consequence of the condition of healbh in which she was. Mr H. C. Gollan was for the plaintiff, and the defendant appeared in parson. The plaintiff, it was said, was a young lady who was employed ab the Orleans Club, and tb« ( defendant was a clerk in the Post Office at "salary of 30s a week. The parties first met m July, 1892, and a correspondence followed there was a promise to marry, and the marriage was to take place in the last weak of October, 1893 bat'; the defendant refused to marry the plaintiff 0° I account of the condition of her health. The plaintiff was called, and in answer to counsel said she was employed at thf> OrleaB* Club. She first became acquainted with tb« defendant in 1892, being introduced to him at her sister's. She saw hun very nearly every nigbft aftor tl)at. j Mr Gollan Have you any cause of con-iplsiinbz. against him 2—Well, I had a bad attack of indi* gostion. (Laughter.) What is your complaint ?—Nobbing, only I had a very bad cold. (Laughter.) But he didn't give, vou the indigestion or-'tb* cold ?-No. (Laughter.) What have you brought your action for Because he promised to marry me. When did he promise to marry you?—I" August, 1892. Did he write you this letter of October lObh. from Dover? "Dear Louie,—A dreary waif morning greeted my view as I rase from mj beO on the morning of my departure for here. The tall sunflowers in a neighbouring garden were wagging their big yellow-petalled heads bilious patients. However, despite the stream ot rain, I breakfasted well, and preparing for XOf, journey footed ib through to Herne-hiil Railway Station, a distance of oue-and-fchree-quarter nnle3« if no more, with my trappings; and do you know, my darling, I was pondering in my mind many subjects. Methoughb that perhaps during, the time of my absence my darling would think of rue occasionally, and no? altogether unkindly ). nd yet methought fnrtbet that the most Hatisfactolyform to my mind-you* regard for me could take would bs to safeguard I your health. If you are seeking healthy occupa* tion for hours that you have long found to pass tediously, there are many ways of usefulness. A companion to some kind-hearted, matronly lady would bring manifold gratification. Your pre. sent task ac the 'Cri.' I view with unfeigned alarm and dissatisfaction. The afternootl was free from rain, and the expanse of sky aboV* the sea was a fairy grotto of softest blue tints, with a slight haze at the point where it descended to the sea in the far distant horizon. Now tC conclude with fondest affection from your lofioi J' WILLIAM." Witness Yes. The defendant said lie had never denied tbØ I promise to marry, and he addressed the jury* contending that the condition of health ot the plaintiff justified him ia breaking off the engage* mer.t. Mr Justice Wright told the jury that there wa3 no legal defence to the action, and the only question for them was the amount of the no legal defence to the action, and the only question for them was the amount of the damages. The Foreman, after consulting the other jurors. I said that they awarded the plaintiff 50s. Mr Gollan applied for judgment with costs.. Mr Justice Wright: Such costs as the la* w" allow. The defendant said ho was willing to pay allow. The defendant said he was willing to pay his own costs, but he askad to be relieved of those of the plaintiff, for otherwise he would tiavelik millstone round his neck for the remainder of hit life. Mr Justice Wright said that he had nopa-et to grant this request.

POLICE INTELLIGENCE. NEWPORT. A WAIF. — On Wednesday at Newport Poli^' Court, Edwin Fitzgerald, aged 12, was brough1 into court by a Cardiff school attendavoo officer, he having been found in a lodgin.bos6 in Mary Ann-streetv Cardiff, that morn'0^* Officer Trump toid the Court that t"1. youngster was one of a who "J to and fro from Newport to Cardiff, whilst at the latter town he supported youngster was one of a gang who "end to and fro from Netvport to Cardiff, aO whilst at the latter town he supported himself beggiug and soiling newspapers. The officer declared, had been neglected all his time, and the School Board now desired 'b'nuL should be sent to an industrial school. *||g magistrates made the necfessary order for detention until he reached the age of 16 years. NOT PEOVHN."—Mary Law, the wife of a sea. faring mall, was charged with stealing the surl" £ 2 17s, the money of tiamuel Hughes, of Marion-street. Mr Lyndon Moore, solicitor; apj psared to prosecute, and Mr T. Jones, solicitor, represented the w0?*'rji The case for the prosecution was that daf«Sn«a lodged ab the house of Hughes, and that she W left in the house with the children on Monday whilst Mr and Mrs Hughes went Cardiff to spend the holiday. In the cupboard iO the kitchen Mra Kughws stated that she lefl; in one cup and £ 2 17s in another cup. Th«.^l fendant was in the room in the moro' Mrs Hu^ues tooK soir<e money from the ua On returning homo Mrs Hughes found that glass door of the cupboard had been broken. that an attempt had been.made to pickthe^ Tiie cup which contained the £ 2 17s waS.eII^ild and tha money had been removed. A named Kate Climo told the Court thats defendant with a knife at the cupboard. A war was not taken out until a week after g event. The money ha.d nob been found. aød woman denied the allegation throughout, 4 Mr Jones contended that there was not sutho evidence to send the defendant for trial., Bench said that there were suspicions P? #1 to her, but the evidence was not warrant the magistrates in sending tbe case trial, tnd the ease was therefore dismissed.

ALBION COLLIERY DISASTER SOUTH--WALES DAILY-NEW RELIEF FUND.. be# Having, in accordance with our practice- a ;a colliery disaster occurs in this district," °Peli$6 relief fund in aid of the persons dependent 00 c0 victims, we wish to-urge, in the present ,nSta„;tJ the special claims for he'p which are inciden jg the Cilfynydd calamity. No fewer thillthe widows and 350 children require assistance. 0f number of breadwinners killed exceeds tb*^ any previous accident; and the need is ithan it has ever been. In these circunisW'k we are sure that our readers will do their tAIl sums forwarded us will be apph relief of the dependents of the ^deceased ""j Whilst it may be argued that the ^9C0agn$ men having been members of the Perwa Pj Fund, a certain amount of relief is%uaran £ their survivors, we would point out that it ^nt(y\ not be fair to mako the men's foresight and vidence an argument against their depen relatives. There is, too, the consider* that the Permanent Fund allowance relatively small, and that the families lefb tute ought not to be left to the bare insur allowance. They have dene all in their help themselves, and have on that- stronger claim upon the benevolent. In response to numerous inquiries we estate that should our fund, as usual, be over to the Central Relief Fund, 'be accompanied by a stipulation that the ^9 fhe shall be applied directly to the benefit ot .0 .widows and orphans in connection witb Cilfynydd Disaster, and not be simply ;|, assistance to the finances of the Permanent I v" h)ió Proprietors Soittli. Wales Daily News 21 Amounts previously acknowledged ..2,"a Officials and Miners of the Clewer Estate Gold Mine Co., Ltd., Pilgrim's Best, South 01 o^w Africa. U* Subscribed by a few of the Surfacemen and Pumpmen at Park Slip Colliery, per Mr A. N%0I, J. Phillips, mechanic Subscribed by workmen of Coegnant Col. 9 liery, N.N.C., Maesteg, per Messrs TT. RIchards and Z. Jenkins « 0 ¡f" Mr Wm. Howell, Pencoed, Bridgend 'Proceeds of Performance by Ebbw Vale ,AV9 Dramatic Society, per Mr M. Kelleher 0&

DIVORCED AT LAST. A SERIES OF LAW SUITS- In the Divorce Division on Wednesday of Beau clerk v. Beauclerk, which has sevefo trisl. been before the Courts, came on for furblot jerk. Ihe petitioner, Mrs Lvelyn de Vere siu-d for divorce from her husb*0 '.0uod- Aubrey de Vere Bsauclerk, on ~rria8e oE adultery and desertion. The i,r0upbt took place in 1858, and the petitioner th* suit which was dismissed 011 the if Jjef*5 cruelty relied ou was not legal cruelty* Wi\% afterwards an appeal against the a^g but t'ue appeal was dismissed. x\fter^a. ol petitioner obtained a decree for reatitn conjugal rights. This having been gerti^15' rendered the respondent guilty of Evidence was called to prove that the r5f^gve°°* had stayed with a woman at the ^j. Hotel, aud the President granted adecre

RACQUETS. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP*^ of With the match between H. K- F'V'erp()p, Malvern and Oxford (holder), and G. i,| u of Rugby (challenger), at the Queen s i c0tttl Kensington, on Wednesday, the anI„irIo to petition of the siugles championsh^ ° r end. As was generally expected. ■nenC, toj strong a game for his v» teran «>PP~ geCond "d winning the first gam" by 15 to 12, t1 mat0 15 to 2, and the third by 15 to 12, vVun by three games to lov_.

MR J. H. WILSON, M.P., AT ^EWP°^ A wel!-att<mded meeting of seamen^ Vdni^' th, Vulc, Hot.,1, <* 1 ■"$&„, ff. t-:i hoar an address from Mr J--H*. Mr tiii> president of the Seamen s ^'v-uleE Howe, president of tha Newport presided. f

The King of the Belgians, rrived at the name of Comte do Ravensfcein, a Corfu. A WOMAN OF TH* COMMON*, A serial story by MrO. A. ^ntyfVAni9** in the Cardiff Times and IVa Saturday next, i.jder a copy.^ ions: '80 a lipwnp ■cojnb'neil S-,?vai'-A-