The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

MOUNTAIN ASH. DYFFRYN SCHOOLS.—A meeting of the joint com- mittee ol the above schools was held on Wednesday morning at the Coffee Tavern, under the presidency of Lord Aberdare His lordship, in referring to the recent Government examination of the schools, said that the girls had passed an admirable exam- ination, the percentage being 97; but the boys had not being so successful, having failed in arith. metic. the percentage in that subjhct being somewhat low. The matter of regulations for the management of the schools was, on the motion of the chairman, defeired. In reply to communica- tions from the clerk respecting the poundage system, letters were read from the Powell Duffryn Company and the Penrhiwceiber Company. The former stated that they could not guarantee that the workmen's pence would be kept back in the office before consulting their men. The latter replied that the money would ba kept back as usual. No reply bad been received from the Messrs Nixon but the noble Chairman said that Mr Bell had given him to understand that as soon as the men would decide to leave their money in the office as hitherto there would be no difficulty with the Messrs. Nixon.

Y GAU GREFYDDWR. Eistedda yn fawreddog ar ei sedd, Yn debyg fel gwna Rabbi cyfiawn, doeth, A'i frithfarf ddisgyn yn gudynau llaes Gan guddio mynwes sydd yn orlawn o Genfigen, malais, enllib, digter, brad. Mae hunanoldeb yn gerfiedig ar Ei drem fawreddog ac arglwyddaidd eft A thrawsarglwyddiaeth ac uchelaidd raib Yn t'wnu allan o'i olygon pwl, A chythreuligrwydd yn ei weniad sydd Fel gweniad dieflig un o engyl coll. Mae'n eistedd yn hamddenol ar ei sedd, A'i ddeheu law yn hwylus triniai'i farf Ymgroesa'i gliniau mewn mawreddus drefn, A lleda'i hunan gydag urddas cawr, A gallech dybio wrth ei olwg ef Fod cread cyfan 'n ol ei air yn troi- Ac Ba ddaw haul, na Iloer, na seren mwy I'r golwg bythoedd heb ei genad 0 Ymleda'i dalcen diwallt o fy mlaen Fel darn o anial, diffaeth, crasboeth, llwm; Ac mor ddirinwedd fel na thyfa byth Un blewyn bychan i'w gysgodi ef. A mynych twyllwyd yr ymdeithydd blin Pan oedd ar drengu gan ei syched tost Gan adlewychiad dyfroedd oddi draw, Ond erbyn cyrhaedd yno, och y siom- Dim ond halenawg grystyn sychlyd oedd. Mae natur eto yn y dynsawd hwn Fel wedi tyngu y myn dwyllo pawb; Mae'r olwg batriarchaidd arno sydd Yn enyn ynom ryw ddisgwylliad mawr, Ar argraff gyntaf ar y meddwl yw Fod talent, dysg, athrylith, a phob dawn Yn gorphoredig ynddo ef yn nghyd A braidd na thybiem fod dwyfoldeb nef, Ac ysprydolrwydd y tragwyddol fyd Yn llanw'r fynwes hyd yr ymyl, nes Mae ar ymdori'n genllif dros y lie. Ond mawr y siom a deimlir ynom pan I fyny cwyd, gerbron y dyrfa gain Mae'n disgwyliadau'n cael eu colli'n llwyr- Mae'n syrthio'n fyr o'r hyn dybiasom ni Ei fod fel dyn, ac fel areithydd myg. Tywyllwrh a fantella'n drwchus len, Fel tew gyfrodedd gylch ei feddwl pwl. Rhyw swn anghydsain yn ei ddolef sydd, Mor dra aflafar, a phe roid ynghyd Roll ddiscords cread i wneyd anferth lef, A thraidd dirgry^iad trwy'r clfenau oil Gan nerth ei oergri annaturiol ef; Ac ni ryfeddem pe bai'r meirw yn Dychrynu gan y rhuad crchyll hwn. Sain gwag heb synwyr ac heb sylwedd yw, Fel tingciad symbol, neu sain efydd cras- Ac fel y d'wedodd y pregethwr doeth- Gwagedd, gwagedd, gwagedd yw y cwbl oil, Ac esgor mewn mawrhydi wna a'r DDIM. Mae ef, a drychfeddyliau yn estroniad ilwyr, Ni wyr am allu meddwl ronyn fwy Na wyr yr epa am faintioli'r haul. Nis gallodd un idea wthio'i hun I'w gyfyng enaid bychan, ef erioed, Gorachaidd enaid rhaid yn awr i mi Gael benthyg y chwydd-wydr sy'n mwyhau Dwy fil au wyth o weithiau er cael gwel'd Am unwaith, yr agosaf peth i ddim. 0 fawredd bychan rhaid fod gallu IoN Yn anfesurol, ac yn mhell tu hwnt I amgyffrediad mwyaf beiddgar dyn Yn myd Y pethau bychan herwyddmae Y bach dywodyn sydd ar fin y mor Fel mynydd mawr yn ymyl enaid hwn; A digon rhwydd mi dybiaf gellid rhoi Deg mil o honynt ar orseddau gwych I eistedd mewn mwynhad ar gopa pin. Fe soniodd ein Gwaredwr Sanctaidd, pur, Pan ydoedd yma'n rhodio yn y cnawd Am feddau gwyngaledig, oedd yn bod Y cyfnod hwnw yn ei amser ef Oedd oddi allan oil yn wyn a glan, U Ond oddi mewn yn llawn aflendid brwnt.l* 0 esgyrn ffraidd, a phob drewdod cas. Mae beddau wedi 'u gwynu eto'n bod, Mae hwn yn un o'r ffanau aflan hyn I ddyn ymddengys yn goneddus deg, 11 y 11 Yn llawn daioni, a rhinweddau byw, Yn sanct duwiolaidd ar y seithfed dydd, Fel angel nef yn ngysegr Sanctaidd Duw, Ond oddi mewn mae'n llawn o anian frwnt, Gythreulig, ddeiflig, o uffernol ryw, 0 nwydau creulawn, ac afiachus dras, 0 egwyddorion bryntion, masw, cul, Rhai, byddai cwilwydd ar ellyllon coll Eu harddel, fel yn eiddo iddynt hwy. Mae hwn ar brydiau yn ymdeithio'r wlad 0 amgylch ogylch, gydag anferth faich, Cycbwyna'n foreu ar y cyntaf ddydd ('Nol cyfrif Moses y cyfrifa'r bardd), Yn llwythog o drysorau China bell- Trysorau, wrth fodd calon gwragedd glan, A merched gwisgi gwlad y cenin ynt, Ddymunawl ffrwyth, pe na bai China draw Yn dda i Ddim ond dy gynyrchu di Ceit folawd cynhes gwragedd Cymru wen, Tra haul yn llwybro yn awyrgylch nef; Mae rhyw atdyniad yn dy felus rin Sy'n swyno'u henaid i dy garu di. Yn araf teithia'r crachfasnachydd brith, Ac ymsymuda'n mlaen o dy i dy Yn wenau drosto oil, o glust i glust, Mewn llawer man derbyniad cynhes gaiff Os bydd # yn rhywle 'ddar y ffordd. Mae'n cario hopran o faintioli mawr, Yn Uuwn ystraeon ac o chwedlau gwneyd,- Mae'n gwybod pobpeth fu, y sy,' neu ddaw; Mae bron yn hollwybodol hanfod byw Ei hoffus waith yw hela budraidd druth, A chwilio am storiau gwrachaidd brwnt, A lloffa celwydd ac anwiredd noeth, A chasglu parddu am ei frawd a'i chwaer, A phob aflendid gwrdda ar ei rhawd, Yn gyfnewidiad am a gaiff, mae ef YD gwasgar enllib hyd lanerchau'r fro A thaenu malais a thrachwantau'r cnawd. A phob cynhenau ac hystyngiau blin, Ac fel y falwen, gedy ar ei ol Lysnafedd drwch i Dodi'r ffordd y daeth. Fe dyngodd unwaith yn ei erchyll ddig Y mynai ddial ar Weinidog Uuw; Ei fantell dynodd gydag hewyd mawr, A thorchai lewys am ei freichiau preiff. Ar ffrwst dechreuai luchio gydag hwyl Ei danbelenau yn ufeliar poeth j Ya llawn o frwmstan y genhena gerth, A ffrwydrawl ddefnydd gwlad yr haner nos. Gan dybio'n sicr rhoddi bythol daw, A selio'i enau yn dragwyddol fud. Ond Duw gastella beunydd gylch ei saint, A diogel ydynt rhag yr haint y dydd, A rhag y saeth eheda'n ngwy II y nos; Duw cadarn Jacob yw eu noddfa hwy. Ti archragrithiwr penau'r cyfnod hwn Ymddiosg o dy ragrith gyda brys- Mae'th dwyll a'th hoced, a dy weniaeth hell O'r diwedd wedi ganfod gan y byd Ni wiw it mwyach ffugio dcwiol wep, A gwyneb hir fel asyn ar y Sul. Gwybyddir bellach y gwahaniaeth sydd Rhwng bref y ddafad, ac ysgrech y blaidd, Tydi fab uffern ac etifedd gwae, Mae'r farn ar ddisgyn ar dy goryn moel. ,,y Diwygia, dychwel, gad dy aflan ffyrdd, Cyn goddiweddir di gan gyfiawn farn 'R hwn bia dial, a'r hwn hefyd dal. ASSYNIUS POLLIOS.

Pontypridd Police Court. WEDNESDAY—Before Mr G. Williams, Stipendiary THE ALLEGED TRUCK CASES.—The case against the proprietors of the Collena Colliery was called, but neither party appeared. ASSAULTING THE POLICE.—Gabriel Davies, Llan- trisant, was fined 10s for assaulting P.S. Tamplin. Benjamin, son of Gabriel, charged with attempting a rescue, was discharged. VAGRANCY. -Wil I iam Jones, of no abode, was charged with sleeping in the Park Works, and committed to seven days, where, the Stipendiary remarked, he would have to work whether he liked it or not THE SUPPOSKD DUCK-STEALING AT LLANTRISANT. —PRISONER DISCHARGED.—Edward Howe, charged on remand, on suspicion, with stealing 3 ducks, the property of Margaret Lewis, Croft-yr-haidd, was discharged for want of evidencs against him. DAMAGE.-Robert Lanaringham, Hopkinstown, summoned for damaging a wall, fined 2s 6d including costs; Thomas Davies, ditto, fined 5s. Thomas Thomas, Llantwit, summoned by P.C. Osmond for damaging underwood, was fined 5s. DRUNK AND RIOTOUS.—Howel Sims, Ferndale- fined 10s and costs; William Phillips, same place, 5s; Lewis Morgan, Tylorstown, 10s and c>st.s; Richard Merryman Tylorstown, 10s; James Gibbon, Pontypridd, 5s and costs. ALLEGED FALSE PRETENCES AT TREHERBERT.- Owen Gibbon Edwards was charged with obtaining' food, raiment, and lodgings by false pretences at Treherbert. Evidence was given to show that the defendant obtained lodgings, &c., on the pretence that he had been employed as a weigher at a neighbouring colliery. Adjourned until Monday. THREATENING A SERGEANT.—Thomas Edwards, Porth, was summoned for threatening to be the end of Sergt. Tamplin." The sergeant had searched the defendant's house in connection with a poaching case, and it was stated that the defen- dant made use of a threat at Pontypridd. He was bound over to keep the peace. PETTY THEFTS.-William Davies, Cymmer, charged with stealing 251bs of coal, value one penny, was fined 5s including costs; Richard Jones and William Addis, labourers, Pontypridd, were charged with stealing 561bs of coal, the property of the Taff Vale Railway Company, from Tymawr siding, were fined 20s including costs. A charge against Addis for stealing timber, value Is, was withdrawn.

MR. GLADSTONE AND THE LORD MAYOR Mr. Herbert Gladstone, M.P., sends for publica- tion the following copiesof telegrams addressed by the Prime Minister to the Lord Mayor on the subject of the Mansion House Fund for the Defence of Property in Ireland December 6.—Your lordship's received. My first impression is that the reasons which prevent our par- ticipating may possibly, in this case, prevent our ad- vising but I will write to Ireland and ask, that you may hear on Thursday." "December 8.—Irish Government concurs with me in my first impression. We believe the association to be a justifiable movement; but advice from us as to English aid involves many other considerations, and would we think be more likely to do harm than good. Your lordship will probably treat this as confidential." "December 13.—I have not the terms of my last communication before me, but you are free to quote it if needful, or to mention that I told your lordship that your decision either way would not embarrass the action of the Government." "December 13.—I have seen the telegram. Your lordship is at perfect liberty to quote it if you wish to do so." The Lord Mayor addressed a letter to the Duke of Marlborough, enclosing report of the proceedings of the meeting held at the Mansion House, in aid of the Property Defence Association, and requesting his Grace's co-operation as Lord-Lieutenant of the county of Oxford. In reply the Duke says that in compliance with the Lord Mayor's request he has directed the clerk of the peace for the county to have copies of the letter forwarded to the magistrates, and to arrange for the opening of a sub. scription account. He adds But in taking these steps I must be permitted to observe that it is somewhat singular that the Property Defence Asso- ciation, which has maintained a struggling existence in Ireland for more than 12 months for effecting the very objects which your lordship so justly con- siders to be now so important to the sefety of society in that country, and through a period in which dis- affection was not less rife than it is at present, should only at this eleventh hour have attracted the valuable support of the Mansion House, with the incidental ap- proval of the Prime Minister. And I must be further allowed in giving effect to your lordship's wishes to guard myself from the implication that I place any faith in the expedient of a voluntary agency, however justly it pleads, supplying the forces which are requisite to sope successfully with the state of disaffection and resistance to law, either active or passive, into which the country haa been allowed to degenerate. The following letter has been addressed by the Lord Mayor to the Governor of the Bank of England,as a member of the Mansion House Committee De- fence of Property in Ireland. -Mansion House, London, December 22.—Dear Mr. Grenfell,-It has been brought to my notice that a question has been mooted as to the objects for which the fund at the Mansion House is being raised. It appears to me, judging from letters which I have received from the largest subscribers, that the object is adequately de- fined by the heading of this letter. I should have hoped that the responsibility of the committee as to the wise disposal of the money would have been suffi- cient. I would refer the inquirers to the article of the Irish correspondent of the Times of December 3, from which I would quote the following words: To uphold the rights of property against organised combination, to defend and to sustain freedom of contract and liberty of action.' That the machinery is in existence, and can be applied to this end, was fully explained at the meeting held here, and that so influential a com- mittee are satisfied would appear to be an unques- tionable answer. In consequence of Christmas time intervening,it has been found impossible to re-summon the committee earlier, but on the 3rd January the committee will again be in session.—Believe me, yours truly, J. WHITTAKER ELLIS, Lord Mayor."

KING KALAKUA'S RETURN HOME. A correspondent writes At 3 p.m. on the 29th October last the city of Honolulu was electrified by the sudden announcement, The Califarnian steamer is telephoned off Diamond Head,with Royal Standard flying Hurry and excitement took possession of the town the last touches were put to the decora- tions e^oresses rushed to and.fro the crowd surged towards tne wharf and in half-an-hour the esplanade was thronged with carriages, riders, and pedestrians. The three Russian ships of war in port—Afrika, Vestnik, and Plastoon-had dressed ship superbly,had manned yards.and now, as the Australia is entering the harbour,the guns thundersalvoes of welcome. Then the lines of sailors that cover the yards of the war ships send forth cheer upon cheer. The King is now sepn. hat off, and bowing to. the people on shore. There's the King," is the cry along the wharves, and as the tug cilmes near shout upon shout and hearty hurrahs rend the air. The King lands at Fors- ter's Wharf, which is tastefully decorated with palnic, ferns, wreaths and flazs. Over the entrance is the welcome E hoi E Ka Lani! OHawaii no Ka oi (Return, 0 King Hawaii is the best !), and at the landing stands on either hand the old Hawaiian symbol of Royal authority, the Puloulon -a cross about four feet high, surmounted by an orb, with a lighted torch on either arm of the crossbar. After being greeted by his Ministers and chief officials with addresses of welcome in English and Hawaiian, the King with his suite entered some carriages and proceeded to the palace, accompanied by the royal Hawaiian band and 'military companies. Along the entire route through the city, which waa decorated by means of arches, standards, strings of flags and festoons of plants, the King was greeted by the cheers of his people. A large pagoda-like arch, with gaudy draperies and numerous banners and lanterns, was the special work of the Chinese in Honolulu, who shewed their enthusiasm by the following mot- toes: Aloha Ka Moi! (Greeting to the King !); Hookipa Ka Keiki o Ka Aina Pua "(Welcomed by the Children of the Flowery Land !) and Kni lima Hawaii me Kina!" (Hawaii and China have joined hands !) Throughout the whole length of the route standards had been erected on both sides, bear- ing Venetian banners in two colours, and strings of Hawaiian flags were hung across the streets from pole to pole, which were wreathed with ferns and other greenery. Nearly all buildings were likewise decorated with flags and mottoes. After passing under the last arch at the palace gates, which bore shields with the names of all the countries visited during the tour round the world, the King was re- ceived by the Queen and the other members of his family and household. On the Monday following, a procession pnssed before the porch of the palace, where the King stood, comprising all the societies and bodies of Honolulu, the various schools with over 1,000 children, and delegates from the other islands of the Archipelago. In the evening a torch- light procession, organised by the fire department, in which several hundred men took p",rt, passed through the palace grounds. The engines were gaily decorated with coloured lanterns and festoons of ferns and maile wreaths. At the same time a general illumination of the city took place, great bonfires blazed high up on the sl pe of Punchbowl Hill, whilst the harbour was made bright as day by the electric lights displayed from the Russian men-of-war.

NOT A DREAM. Under this beading the Spectator publishes a letter from Mr. A. J. Duffield, who writes from the Savile Club, narrating some remarkable incidents, the veracity of which he guarantees. He says: Some time ago I spent a Christmas on the south-east shore of Lake Saperior, where I made the acquaintance of one whom I will call Job Spring. We became friends, and I lived in his house for nearly a year. I had thus ample opportunity for knowing him. He was of very humble origin, a native of the north of Ireland, and quite illite- rate. Spring emigrated to America, and eventually went to Lake Superior, and became the captain of the Franklin Copper Mine, on Portage Lake. At this time he fell sick of a fever, and would have died but for the merciful interposition of a lady whose husband was a director of the Frankin Mining Company,and whom I will call Mrs. Adams. She found Captain Spring miserably lodged, and she had him carried to her own house, where she nursed him, and otherwise looked after him until he recovered his health. More than seven years elapsed between this time of his sickness and the event of which I am now to tell of. It occurred during the Christmas-time, when I lived in Captain Spring's house. One evening he came into my room in an excited state, looking like an actor playing the part of a madman. 'I want you,' he said, to write a letter for me, and to take notice and remember everything I do and say this right.' The letter which I wrote at his dictation was as follows December 22nd. Dear Mrs. Adams, — I send you by to-night's mail 2,000 dol., which I hope will arrive safe, and be of use to you. Please let me hear from you on receipt. (Signed) JOB SPRING.' Having written the letter, and packed up the dollars, we both went to the village to mail' the money, which, with the' letter, was de- spatched that night to Mrs. Adams, who was then living more than a thousand miles away. On our way back home my friend's mood entirely changed. He became hot with rage, and swore that if those 2,000-1 ol. did not reach their destination in safety,he 'would pursue the thieves who stole it to perdition.' All through that night tn had no sleep and no rest, and the next day he spent alone, keeping aloof from everybody, and smoking a great deal of tobacco. The next morning, that is the 24th, he brought me a letter, which he requested me to open and read. It was as follows Dear Captain Spring,—I write to tell you that we are in great distress. We have sold every- thing we could to buy bread, and now we have no bread, and nothing to sell. Mr. Adams is very ill, our two sons, Willie and Joe, were killed in the battle of Gettysburgh. and we are all alone now if you can help us, do, and God will reward you,-at least, such is my hope, for we may never be able to do so ourselves,—Your friend, Lucy ADAMS.' On reading this aloud, my eccentric friend burst into a loud laugh; he then nearly knocked me down by a blow on the right shoulder; he leaped over the chairs, and at last be seized me by the arm and carried me into the neighbouring fields of bright snow, to tell me that 'she had got the money.' He was just as mad to look at as he was on the evening when he came into my room to ask me to write the letter to Mrs. Adams. He then told me that he had seen this lady on that evening, sitting alone in a house with nothing is it- no fire and no food. She was looking very calm and quiet, just exactly with the same face she had when she nursed me in the fever Thereupon he sent off 2,000dol.—that is certain; it ia also certain that the captain's letter and Mrs. Adams'1 crossed each other. The money arrived safely in due couse, and I leave the readers of this story to draw their own conclusions from these strange, but not, I am thankful to say, absolutely uncommon facts."

'D' CHRISTMASTIDE il the RHONDDA YALLEK, Christmas has come and gone, with its mixture of solemnity and gaiety, and though it fell on a Sanday this year, the festival and its succeeding day seem to have been thoroughly enjoyed by the majority of the people of this district, Sunday was fairly quiet in the streets, and doubly quiet as compared with Saturday night's revelries and crowding. PONTYPRIDD. Thousands of people went from here and from the Valley to Cardiff by train on Saturday, the crowds on the railway station platforms being enormous. At the services at the various churches and chapels of the neighbourhood, on Snnday, references were made in the sermons to the festival of Christmas. St. Catherine's Church, Pentypridd, had been very tastefully decorated for the occasion. On each side of the chancel window was a large gilt cross, bearing the inscriptions, on one Glory to God in the highest," and on the other, On earth peace, goodwill to men." Over the alter were the words, Unto us a Son is born," and the super- altar two vases of beautiful flowers and a cross, upon which was the superscription, 0, come, let as adore him." Around the chancel were other suitable mottoes and adornments, while the reading desk had been prettily decked with holly, berries, and evergreens, by Miss Julia Thomas, the lectern had been similarly treated, with the addition of a berried cross on white swansdown, by Miss Rooke and the pulpit tastefully adorned with variegated holly, &c., by Mrs Richard Williams, and Miss Jones (Cloth Hall), the font by Miss Monk and Mrs W. Williams; and Miss Emily Jones (Cloth Hall), Miss Beaaie Jones (London House), Miss Alice Lougher, Miss Dawkins, Miss Thompson, and Miss Morris (New Inn), with the Rev. H. Morris, and Mr W. Williams (organist) rendered valuable aid in decorating other parts of the church. The pillars had been festooned, and the whole edifice presented a neat and very tasteful appearance. The leaves and holly were given as usual by Mr Lenox, and others, and, as the church is cold, the decorators feel thankful to Mr Morgan, the assistant overseer for the use of the vestry-hall for their preparations. There was an early celebration of Communion in the church, on Christmas morning, and the services throughout the day were well attended. PORTH ANNUAL EISTEDDFOD. This gathering was an eminently successful one, though, perhaps, financially not as great a success as last year's. There were crowded audiences, and the programmes of the various meetings were gone through in a highly creditable manner. The chair was occupied by Mr John Williams, Hafod. The conductor was the Rev. G. Thomas, who admirably fulfilled his duties. Adjudicators :—the poetry, recitations, addresses, Rev. J. Ceulanydd Williams (Merthyr); music, Mr. D. Lewis (Eos Dyfed), R.A.M., London. There were on the platform besides the officials named the energetic and efficient secretary, Mr T. Howells; Miss E. M. Grove, of Maesteg, the pianist; and others. The Chairman having opened the proceedings with a brief address, bardic addresses followed. There were only two competitors for the prize of 7s 6d offered for the best rendering of the alto xolo "He was despised," Miss Ann Jones, Upper Boat, being declared the victor, but a second prize Trae given to Miss Mary Jane Thomas, Caerphilly. -Ceulanydd next adjudicated upon the com- petition in composing four verses upon Beth sydd yn gwneuthur dyn yn ddyn," (What makes a man a man ?), for which a prize of 5s was awarded to Bobby," whose name did not transpire.—The prize of 91 for the best essay on Hynodion Pum' Llyfr Moses (the notable things of the five books of Moses), was divided between Mr Liewelyn Williams, Porth, and Mr Benjamin Thomas, Fern- dale.-There were eight competitors for the prize of 5s offered for harmonium playing; Mr David Lewis, Trecynon, Aberdare, being the best, was duly invested.—Eight competitors of various sizes and ages gave as many recitations, more or less dramatic, of Y Diluw," the prize, 5s, was awarded to Rhydderch.-Singing the tenor solo, Y Gan a Gollwyd," prize 10s 6d. About eight sang, and so close Was the oompetition that the adjudicator requested two of the competitors to go over the piece a second time. In giving his decision the adjudicator said the singing on the whole was grand. (Cheers.) Prize awarded to Cwilym Bryn Cerdin (Mr William Hopkin, Mountain Ash.)-The Cymmer (Congregational) and Salem, Porth (Baptist) children's choirs competed for the prize of 30s, and a copy of Blodwen tc the conductor, given for the best rendering of Dos i'th ystafell a gweddia." The singing of both choirs was good, but the trebles of the Cymmer were harsher than those of Porth, and to the latter under the leader- ship of Mr Thomas Williams, the prize was awarded amid a great cheering.-Next came Ceulanydd's adjudication upon the verses to Galar mab ar ol colli ei gariad," (a Lover's grief after losing his sweetheart,") for which a prize of 611 was offered. The adjudicator remarked that several of the competitors had in their songs described a lover's grief after the death of his sweetheart, but the majority had described grief for the loss of a sweetheart whom someone else had stolen. (Laughter.) The prize was awarded to Marcus," who proved to be Mr Benjamin Thomas, Ferndale. — Then followed the second choral competition, the rendering of Yr Arglwydd sydd yn Teyrnasu (the Lord Reigneth), by John Thomas, for which a prize of L5 to the choir, and £1 to the conductor, was given. Three choirs bad entered, but the Penygraig choir did not answer the call, and the field was left to Cymmer choir under the baton of Mr Taliesin Hopkin, and Porth choir, led by Mr Owen Lewis. In the first named ohoir's rendering, the adjudicator said, the trebles led off flat, whereas the second had the voices well balanced, kept better time than the other, and, in short, Porth choir deserved, and obtained, the prize. This brought the first part of the programme to a close. After an hour's adjournment, the second meeting was commenced with a splendidly rendered song by Dewi Dar, Mountain Ash.—The adjudication of Ceulanydd on the Pryddest to the Pentecost," (prize .£1), showed that there were three composi- tions sent in, of which that of Arthur," whose name did not transpire, was declared to be the best.—The prize of 10s 6d for singing the bass solo, Why do the nations r" was awarded to Mr Jonathan Morgan, Cymmer, the only competitor, who as the adjudicator said barely deserved it. (Laughter.)—Two girls entered for the recitation of Rhyfel a Heddwch (Peace and War) and the prize, 4s, was awarded to Miss Margaret Jane Jones, Porth.-The competition in singing the duett Mae Cymru'n barod," was confined to two parties, Messrs John Lake and William Williams, Aberaman, being awarded the prize of 12s.— Though there werp several Englynion'' to the Cardiff Exhibition sent in, the prize was withheld for want of merit. In cont,ection with the adjudication of Cenlanydd on Englyn i'r Gweithiwr" (Ode to the Workmen) there arose a little episode which will probably cause a little ebulition of feeling in local bardic circles. The adjudicator said that one englyn, about equal in merit to the best, seemed to him very much like something that had been published before, but if it was original, the prize was to be divided between "Ap Gweithiwr" and "Chwarelwr." Neither put in an appearance, but, by-and-bye, a gentleman ascended the platform, and said he represented Ap Gweithiwrr," who was usually known by the title of Dewi Heulwen." He (the representative) knew nothing of the originality or otherwise of the^ englyn, as he had only been requested by the absent bard Dewi Heulwen to represent him on the occasion. The adjudicator said he was sorry for the representative, but he considered it his duty to declare that the englyn was a stolen one, for it had recently been published in a book entitled "Mil o Englynion," and was the composition of Eilir Aled. (Cheers and hisses.) The representative expressed his regret at the conduct of Dewi Heulwen, and especially his having drawn him into a trap. The englyn which Charelwr's signature was attached was as fol- lows :— Anturiwr yw'r gweithiwr, tarian gwledydd, A gwladwr pur, dyddan Nawdd y byd, mynyddau ban Ei oror dry yn arian." The englyn which Ctnlanydd declared to be plagiarised read thus: Ein Niesin gymwynaswr foria'i fyd Dan fawr faich yw'r gweithiwr; Etc efe, dlotaf wr, Fu yn Adda'lI fonecldwr." Before passing to the next subject, it may as well be mentioned that it was Dewi Heulwen who offered the prize for the above englyn. A Cymmer party sang the Soldiers' Chorus," for which a prize of zC2 was offered, and they were awarded that amount. A five minutes' address on Chwaeth" (Taste) came next, and though the only competitor, Mr Richard Evans, Ferndale, failed to complete his oration in time, he was declared deserving of the prize, 5s, for his pluck. (Cheers and Laughter.) The eisteddfod concluded with a grand choral competition,—singing 0, father, whose Almighty Power,prize zC12, and 93 to the conductor. Cymmer and Porth choirs were again pitted against each other, and the singing of both choirs was very good. The adj udicator said the Cymmer choir kept good time, but the trebles again tended to flattening the highest notes, such as the E natural and the G in the opening Prayer, and they might have sung it in just a lighter manner; but their rendering of the second part was masterly, the time being excellent, and the fugue being well worked up, though he thought they might have introduced to advantage a little more rallantando in the end. Porth choir sang the first part better than the other choir, and observing the "pia" more correctly; but the trebles in this choir also tended to drag in some parts, and push the word Judah unduly; while the bass was not sufficiently clear with the E natural; while not observing the points, they seemed too anxious to strike the second bar of the upper block in page 3. This choir sang with a rallantando at the end, and he liked that. After carefully weighing the merits of the choirs-the difficulty with the Prayer in the first, and with the second in working out the points—he could not conscientiously do otherwise than divide the prize between the two choirs. (Loud cheers ) In the evening there was a grand concert, in which the following artistes took part: Sopranos- Miss Lizzie James, Mountain Ash, and Miss J. Hopkins, Cymmer; contralto—Miss M. J. Jenkins (Morfudd Rhondda) tenor-Mr D. Lewis, Eos Dyfed, R.A.M., London basso--Mr ldris Thomas (Llew Gwalia, Porth); pianist—Miss E. M. Grove, Maesteg. The chair was occupied by Mr W. H. Matthias, Porth. LLWYNPIA EISTEDDFOD. This eisteddfod was held on Monday. The adjudi- cators were :—Music, Mr E. Hughes (Llechryd), Swansea the poetry, essays, &c.,Dyfed, assisted in the adjudication on the principal essay, by Messrs R. Thomas, and J. Price, Clydach Vale, and W. Williams (Gwrtydd), Tonypandy. The Rev. J. R. Jones was the conductor. The programme consisted of the following :-Singing "Baner Rhyddid," prize 7s 6d, nine competed, best Mr D. John, Llwynpia; rendering How vain is man," prize, one guinea 4 competitors best, Mr W. James, Aberaman. Recitation of the Cywydd, Y Gwir," prize 5s, five competitors, prize awarded to Mr James R. Davies, Llwynpia. Solo bass, "Aninaa'r dysgyblion;" 6 competed, prize 7s 6d, given to Mr John Lake, Aberaman. For essays on The best means of preventing Explosions in Mines." the first prize, 3 guineas,, was awarded to Mr M. Thomas, Penygraig; the second prize, 91 lis 6d, to Mr J. W. James, Blaencwm; and the third prize to Mr E. Davies, Cwmaman. Singing, The same old story," from Almanac y Cymry, best, Mr W. Bryant and friends The prize of 1 guinea for the elegy was awarded to the Rev. Onllwyn Brace. Singing Mai," prize awarded to Gilfach Goch choir, led by Alaw Myrddin. Onllwyn Brace obtained the prize of 10s 6d for the lines on "Ac ni bydd nos yno." Solo, 0, ruddier than the cherry," prize 21s; best, Llew Rhondda. Englyn, hir a thoddaid to Garfield, prize 5s, awarded to Dewi Wyn o Essyllt. Singing, "Gorymdaith y milwr," best, Gilfach Goch party, under the baton of Llew Ogwy. Englyn to "The Workman" best Mr D. J. Rees, Trealaw, singing, Ar lan'r Iorddonen," prize, half-a-guinea, awarded to Miss M. J. Miles. Epitaph to the late Mr J. Jenkins, prize, 7s 6d, awarded to Awel," whose name did not transpire. Address on lawn ymddygiad mewn eisteddfod," best Mr J. Morgan, Penygraig. Pianoforte solo "Breuddwyd y Frenhines," prize divided between Miss M. J. Jones, Llwynpia, and Ymgeisydd," Treforest. Essay on the Bible as an elevator of the masses, best, Alarch Ogwy. Choral competition, "Gweddi Habaccuc," (J. A. Llcyd), prize c615, and a gold medal; two choirs competed, best, Jerusalem, Llwynpia, led by Alaw Gwendraeth. There was a grand concert in the eveeing, in which the following artistes took part: Llinos Rhondda, Mr H. Lee, Maesteg; Mr T. Felix, Ton, Mr H. W. Hughes- (Ap Arwystl); accompanist, Miss Priestly, Tonypandy; chairman, Mr J. Price, Cwmclydach. YSTRAD. Christmas trees and bazaars were held at the English Baptist and Wesleyan chapels, Ystrad on Monday. At Heolfach Calvinistic Methodist chapel, the At Heolfach Calvinistic Methodist chapel, the annual literary meetings were held. At the morning meeting speeches were delivered on the importance of augmenting the success of the Sunday School. The programme of the afternoon meeting comprised rocitations by little children interspersed with stirring songs by Miss Teg wen Rees, Mrs. Jones, Messrs. D. Evans, Aneurin Lewis, and the Band of Hope, under the leadership of Mr D. Evans, and an address by Mr D. Evans, Bodringallt. House. In the evening a competi- tive meeting was held, the competitors being numerous. The Revs. Rees Morgan, Llwynpia, adjudicated the essay, recitations, &c.; E. Rees (Dyfed), Cardiff, the poetry, and J. Davies, Peny- graig, the music, and Miss W. Evans, the cuffs. The meetings were presided over by Messrs. D. Evans, M. E., E. Richards (Cilynys), and Jonathan Rees (Nathan Wyn), Ystrad. PENTRE EISTEDDFOD. A very successful eisteddfod was held at the Pnblie Hall, Pentre, on Monday. The adjudicators were :—Essays and poetry, Bryufab music, Mr T. Davies, G.T.S.C Ebbw Vale. The conductor was Mr Elias H. Davies, Baglan Chambers. The following prizes were awarded:—For the best rendering of "Yr eneth dlawd," &c., 7s 6d., awarded to Miss Sarah Ellen Parker, Heolfach.- Choir singing, Their sound is gone out," a prize of 95 to the best:—The following choirs competed: Soar, Cwmpark, Horeb, Treorky, and the Bod- ringallt Choir. The prize was awarded to the last- named; conductor, Mr Wm. Williams.—A prize of 7s 6d wa9 awarded to Mr Gonier Jones, Pentyrch, for the best address on "Punctuality," four com- peted.-Choral singing, Worthy is the Lamb," prize £15. The following choirs competed:— Bethania, Treorky, and Bethel (Cwmpark), and the Cwmpark United Choir. The last was best. The conductor was Cerddor Ebbwy.—A prize oi t2 2s was awarded to the Rev. Onllwyn Brase, Ystaly- fera, for an elegy in memory of the late Mrs. James, wife of Dr. James, Pentre.-A prize of £ 3 was awarded to the Rhondda Reapers, Treorky, for rendering "The Reapers' Chorus." The conductor was Mr David Mills, Treorky.-A prize of 15s was awarded to Gwilym Elian, Caer- philly, for the best epitaph to be placed on the tomb of the late Mr John Thomas, fireman, Maindy Colliery. A prize of 4s was awarded to Mr J. Lewis Jones, Trecynon, Aberdare, for the best recitation of The Storm at Sea." For the best essay on The essential qualifications of a Sunday School Teacher," a prizo of 12s was awarded to the Rev. Onllwyn Brase, Ystalyfera. Nineteen essays had been received. In the evening a concert took place, when the following artistes appeared Llinos y Dyffryn, Maesteg Miss Mary Evans, Pentre Mr D. Davies and Mr T. Davies, Ebbw Vale; Mr D. Howell (Hywel Cynon), Aberdare, assisted by Mr J. R. Hosboris and his Little Folks." The pianist was Mr D. Rhondda Davies. THE TREHERBERT EISTEDDFOD. The annual eisteddfod in connection with Carmel Chapel was held at the Public-hall, on Monday, and was as usual a success. The adjudicators were the Rev. W. Morris (Hhcsynog), Treorky, on the poetry and compositions, and Messrs Ap Her- bert (London), and D. W. Lewis, Brynmawr, on the music; conductor, Rev. W. Morris; accom- panist, Mr D. 0. Jones, Treherb rt; secretary, Mr Rhys T. Williams. The principal i'ems in the programme were: adjudication < n essays on "St. Peter"—twenty-four competitions had been re- ceiv- d, the best being that of Mr E. H. Thomas, Nantciredig, Carmarthenshire. Com pet tion on reciting ''The train is gone, by children under 16 years of age. Seven boys competed, the best of whom was Morgan Hugh Jones, Treherbert. Four competed on singing Nazareth" (Gounod). The prize was awarded to Mr Noah Wil lim Ticherbcit. Twenty poetical compositions (40 lines) had been received on the scriptural phrase, < > haul aros." The ptize was awarded to the Rev. D. Onllwyn Brace, Ystalyfera, Swansea. One choir, that of Noddfa, Treorky, conducted by Mr W. Thomas, entered the competition for a prize of jE4, and jEl to the conductor for singing Gwir vw'rGair" (Owain Alaw), and was awarded the I prize. This brought the morning's meeting to a, close. The afternoon meeting was opened by Mr Ap Herbert singing The Wolf" in capital style. Adjudication on epitaphs to Mrs Gwenllian.M organ. None deemed worthy of the prize. For the best essay on the Post-office, prize divided between Mr J. Evans, Felin Wen, Carmarthen, and Rowland Hill." Five competed in singing the tenor solo, Llam y Cariadau" (Lover's Leap), by R. S. Hughes, of whom the best was Tom Felix, Ystrad. Eleven competed in reciting D'od dy Gleddyf yn dy Wain," the prize being awarded to Stephen Lodwig. Four parties competed in singing the duet, Y ddau Awenydd" (The two Minstrels), by Emlyn Evans, and the best were Messrs Tom Felix and William Thomas. For the best elegy to the late John Richards, Treorky, the prize, out of 14 competitors, was awarded to Dewi Wyn o Essyllt, Pontypridd. The last event was a grand choral competition-rendering "Worthy is the Lamb (Handel), for which a prize of dE15 and a gold medal to the conductor was offered. Four choirs competed, namely, Noddfa, Treorky, con- ducted by W. Thomas Tynewydd, conducted by D. Davies; Bethania, Treorky, conducted by Rees Williams; and Cwmparc, conducted by John Davies. The prize was awarded to Cwmparc choir. In the evening a grand concert was held, in which the following artistes took part:—Soprano, Lily Rhondda, Treorky; contralto, Miss Jenny Ryan, Treorky; tenor, Mr David Davies, Tynewydd; bass, Mr Ap Herbert, London; violinist, Miss Jenny Ryan; accompanist, Mr D. 0. Jones, Tre- herbert. MOUNTAIN ASH. There were early services at both churches on Sunday. There was no special attraction on Monday. CAERPHILLY. After the school treat there was a musical entertainment in the evening at Bethel Independent Chapel, the Rev. D. Richards presiding, and Mr Williams leading the choir.

PONTYPRIDD ASSESSMENT COM- MITTEE. This committee met at the Workhouse, on Wednesday, present: Mr Josiah Lewis (in the chair), Mr E. H. Davies, Mr A. Cule, Mr H. Jackson, and Mr D. Leyshon. TAFF VALE RAILWAY ASSESSMENT. Mr Morgan, assistant overseer for the parish of Llanwonno, reported that Mr Stephenson's arbi- tration in the appeal of the Taff Vale Railway Company against the assessment of the line had resulted in an award with which he (Mr Morgan) was not satisfied. Mr Spickett replied that he took it that the award was final. Mr Morgan: He has only valued the main line, and we say the Rhondda Branch is too low. The Clerk said that Rhondda. branch assess- ment was increased, but the company held that the main line had decreased in valuation, and Mr Robertson, their secretary, urged that the decrease on the one was equal to the increase on the other. Mr Morgan But we say that the decrease is a great deal more by the arbitration than the increased assessment of the Rhondda branch. The matter was adjourned. HOUSE PROPERTY. Mr W. Williams, solicitor, Pontypridd, appealed against the assessment of his residence, and asked, through Mr Morgan, that it should be reduced from .£35 to .£25. It was stated that the houses near it were assessed at the same sum, but as the assistant overseer considered that .£30 would be a fair valuation, that sum was fixed. THE COUNTY COURT TO BE RATED. Mr Spickett stated that a short time ago—on the 15th of July, he thought—a gentleman called upon him, saying he was going about the country on behalf of the Government to assess Govern- ment properties with a view to their paying a quota to local rates. A sum was suggested by him as the proper valuation of the County Court House, Pontypridd. He (Mr Spickett) did not now remember what that valuation was, but this morning he had received a letter asking the Board to send their consent to it. The com- mittee had been told of it at the time. The Chairman: Well agree to it. YSTRADYFODWG VALUATION. Mr Prothero, greengrocer, Ferndale, appealed against the assessment ot his house, which had been advanced in the last list from £17 10s to £26. Mr John Thomas, of the same place, appealed under similar circumstances. The assistant overseer, Mr Idris Williams, re- marked that there was said to be a conspiracy at Ferndale to try to reduee the valuations by appealing one after the other. (Laughter). The committee said the matter would be inquired into, Mr Williams would go to see the houses, and if they were of less value, the Board would deal with the assessment at their next meeting. Mr Williams said there was nothing in the supplemental list calling for special attention. Collieries were rated the same as before, only that there was a difference in the output. The total rateable value was advanced £5,400, the present rateable value being £215,359. Some property had been reduced by the overseers and himself. The list was adopted. This was all the business.

PONTYPRIDD. TEA AND ENTERTAINMENT.—On Monday, a tea meeting followed by a succesful entertainment, took place at Seion Chapel. MONTHLY MEETING OF BAPTISTS.—The monthly meeting of the Pontypridd district of Baptists was held at the Tabernacle, on Wednesday evening, and Thursday, when sermons were delivered by several ministers. VESTRY MEETING. A vestry meeting for the purpose of electing three members to represent the Ecclesiastical district of Glyntaff on the Burial Board was held at Glyntaff School-room on Thurs- day, when there were present: The Vicar (in the chair), Messrs Penn, M. Cule, R. Rogers, and Calvert. The retiring members of the Board, Messrs Chivers, Bassett, and Rogers, were unani- mously re-elected, and Messrs Tolfrey, and Jepson elected auditors for the year. ENGLISH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.—On Thursday evening the teachers and elder scholars of the Sunday School connected with the above church held their first tea meeting, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. After tea various matters concerning the school were discussed, and arrange- ments made for carrying on the work during the coming year. The Superintendent announced that the school had been opened for 15 Sundays and that the average attendance was 111, which was considered very favourable for a start. Mr T. Jones, Coedpenmaen schools, Mr W. Spickett, and Mr D. J. Hopkin were respectively re-elected superintendent, secretary, and treasurer. PONTYPRIDD ACADEMY.-The half-yearly examina- tion of this school, so efficiently conducted for the last six years by Mr E. Dunmor Edwards, M.A., was held on the 19th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd inst. The classes, twenty in number, were examined in Latin, Greek, French, Geometry, Algebra, Arith- metic, English Grammar, Geography, English History, Book-keeping, and Commercial Knowledge. The leading place in the senior division this year was taken by J. Griffiths, T. Leyshon, John David, and Evan Evans. In the junior division those who secured the place of honour were A. D. Thomas, John Williams, W. D. Ashton, G. G. Mathews, and J. T. Cooke. The next quarter will commence on Tuesday, January 3rd, 1882. HIGHWAY BOARD.-The ordinary meeting of this Board was held on Wednesday, at the Union Work- house, when there were present: Mr Josiah Lewis (in the chair), Messrs Thos. Jones, T. Morgan, and M. Cule. 31 days were allowed to the contractors to complete the work of metalling the roads.—Mr Griffiths (surveyor) placed before the Board tracings of the proposed railway near Hendre- forgan and Tonyrefail. It was pointed out that one proposed bridge was planned to have only 15 feet span this led to some conversation, Mr Lewis urging that Tonyrefail would, by-and-bye, become a very important place, and they should take care of the road, and look to the future. (Hear, hear.) The Clerk said they had better insist upon the maximum span. This was agreed to.—A communi- cation was read from the Bridgend Highway Hoard applying for zC124, being this Board's moiety of the cost of erecting Pwllyfelin bridge. It was decided to give £82.

TREFOREST. BAZAAR.—A fancy bazaar in aid of the funds of the Wesleyan chapel, was opened on Thursday afternoon, and promises to be a success. The bazaar will be continued on Friday.

MARDY. COLLIERY ACCIDENT.—On Monday, when three colliers were employed in repairing the roadway at the Mardy Colliery, the roof and sides collapsed, and for four hours the men were buried by the rubbish. William Davies, 54, suffered a com- pound fracture of the leg, with severe injury to the spine. But faint hopes are entertained of his recovery. The others, David Roberts and Thomas Richards, apart from a rude shock to the nervous system, though covered with several tons of rubbish, suseained but few injuries.

TREALAW. DEATH FROM OLD AGE, ACCELERATED BY WANT.— This was the verdict of the jury at the inquest held on Tuesday, before Mr T. Williams, deputy coroner, upon the body of Elizabeth Daisy, aged 70 years. It was stated that a constable had found the deceased lying on a bundle of straw in a windowless hovel. No doctor had seen her, and it was believed that she had not had proper nouirish- nient. Jury and coroner warned the deceased's son that he bad narrowly escaped being com- mitted for manslaughter, and they severely censured him for his conduct.

NELSON ODDFELLOWSHIP.—On Tuesday the half-yearly meeting of the Pontypridd District of Indepen- dent Order of Oddfellows, M U., was held in the Royal Oak Inn, when the following delegatos were present:—P.G. Henry Williams, P.P.G.M. D. Rowlands, P.G. Daniel Williams, P.S. Thomas Jones, P G. Edward Evans, N.G. R. Toms, N.G. Thomas Evans, P.G. J. Richards, P.G. J. H. Davies, and P.G. William Hutchings. Reference was made to the coming A.M.C. at Cardiff, next Whitsun week, when it is hoped that the district will attend. D.G.M. Isaac James was appointed Grand Master, and P.G. J- H. Davies, Porth, appointed Deputy-Grand Master for the ensuing period.

Y GOLOFN GYMREIG. Y Gohebiaethau i'w danfon i'r Golygydd MR. COSSLETT COSSLETT, (CARNELIAN), PONTYPRIDD.

TABERNACL, PONTYPRIDD. At y Golygydd. Nos Fawrth, Rhagfyr 27ain, traddod- wyd darlith yn y capel uchod gan y Parch. D. S. Davies, Bangor, ar Y Wladfa Gymreig yn Mhatagonia." Etholwyd y Parch. B. Davies i'r gadair, gau yr hwn y cafwyd aner- chiad da a phwrpasol ar yr amgylchiad. Mae Mr D. S. Davies wedi bod yn aros yn Pata- gonia, ac felly yr oedd yn traddodi oddiar brofiad o'r hyn a welodd, glywodd, ac a deimlodd. Mae Mr Davies yn gyfarwydd iawn a'r mudiad gwladychfaol er ys blynyddau, a dangosodd tra yn traddodi y ddarlith odidog hon, ei fod yn feistr ar ei hoff bwnc sef y Wladfa Gymreig. Ymaflodd y darlithydd yn ei waith gyda gwresowgrwydd, a chadwodd y gynulleidfa wrth eu bodd yn ystod yr amser y bu yn traddodi. Mewn gwirionedd mae hon yn ddarlith ardderchog iawn, a dangosodd y darlithydd ei fod yn Gymro twym-galon, a'i fod yn caru llwyddiant ei genedl. Er mwyn cael gwir amgyffrediad o'i ddarlith mae yn rhaid ei chlywed, a charwn i bob Cymro gwladgarol fynu ei chlywed. Ar y diwedd cafwyd anerchiad byr, ond tra phwrpasol, gan y Parch. L. Humphreys, Abercanaid, un o'r fintau gyntaf a aeth i'r Wladfa. Gofynwyd rhai gofyniadau ar y diwedd, a chafwyd atebion boddhaol gan y darlithydd. Nid oedd y cynulliad mor lluosog ag y dymunasid. R. GWYNGYLL HUGHES.

According to the Polituche Correspondenz, the Rus- sian Budget for 1880 shews a deficit of 98,000,000 roubles, part of which has been covered by the issue of 30,000,000 in paper money. The expedition to Cen- tral Asia and the preparations for war against China figures for 267.000,000 and the fortifications in the military district of Warsaw for 700,000 roubles. William Moore, 40, described as a gentleman, waa on Friday charged at Bow-street with obtaining a diamond pendant, value P,300, of a firm of jewellers In Holborn-circus. Prisoner produced the card of a gentleman known to the firm, and thus gained their confidence, representing that he was about to sell an estate and realise £ 5,000 by it, and wanted to present the pendant to hi* wife. He was remanded. The convict Benson on Friday petitioned the Home Secretary, for the fourth time, for some remis- •ion of his sentence in consideration of his services In the exposure of certain members of the detective force, and on condition of leaving England. The American statistical bureau reports the ag. gregate tonnage of foreign trading vessels which entered New York last year to have been 7,611,282; Baltimore, 1,502,713 Philadelphia, 1,391,312 and Boston,1,347,447. The exports from New York in the corresponding period were 388,441,664dol. from Baltimore, 76,220,870dol.; from Boston, 58,023,587dol.; from Philadelphia, 49,612,195dol. and from New Orleans, 90,249,874dol. The imports at New York reached a total of 543,595,398dol.; at Boston, 68,609,658dol.; at Philadelphia, 35,961,292dol. at Baltimore, 19,956,256dol.; and at New Orleans, 10,842,254dol. Captain R. F. Burton and Commander V. L. Cameron are about to undertake a journey of ex- ploration in the country lying at the back of the G. ld Coast Colony, and the Council of the Geographical Society have accorded them a loan of instruments to -.ble tham to make ecie^tigc observations.

ESir Charles Dilke and Mr. Firth will address their constituents in Chelsea Vestry Hall on Tuesday, January 31, 1882. In accordance with the promise made some time ago by Mr. Childers in the House of Commons, a report has been prepared and handed into the War Office giving full details as to the honours due to regiments on account of the services performed by them in the campaign under General Wolfe in North America, and that steps are shortly to be taken to add the words "Quebec" and Louisburg to the distinc- tions now borne on the colours of those regiments which are shewn to have taken part in these actions. It is understood that it has been finally arranged, with the sanction of the Secretary of State for War, that Sir William Muir, who has held the appoint- ment of Director of the Army Medical Department since 1874, shall retire on aRpecial pension on April 1 next, and be succeeded by Surgeon-General T. Craw- ford, M.D., now principal and medical officer in India. The appointment held by Dr. Crawford is to be filled by Surgeon-General Sir A. Home, who was the princi- pal medical officer of the Ashantee expedition of 1873-74. On Friday a working man applied to the magistrate at the Thames police-court, stating that he had drawn the first prize in a Christmas club held at a public-ho lse in the neighbourhood. The prize con- sisted of a goose, two bottles of wine, six bottles of spirits, 50 cigars, half a ton of coals, and a box of matches. He bad three witnesses to prove that he had fairly drawn it, but the landlord refused to give it to him. Could the magistrate help him ? The magistrate replied that the whole affair was illegal, and he could not interfere. According to intelligence from Constantinople the Mussulmans of Eastern Roumelia and Bulgaria who were sent to Siberia during the late war by the Russian courtsmartial have addressed themselves to the Porte, describing their sad situation and soliciting the intervention of the Turkish Government. Said Pasha has handed their petition to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, inviting him to claim their liberation in virtue of the treaty of peace The Glasgow police have discovered a large number of forged notes for one pound on the Royal Bank of Scotland. The spurious paper has been in circu a- tion for sixmonths, and all efforts had failed to trace its source. Acting upon information the police visited the lodgings of a foreman lithographer named Clunie, where they found a number ot the ba j notes and a large assortment of api>i';i"Cc.s used in the pin- cess of photo-lithography. l.LWle was apprehended. The Liberals of W«»t Cheshire claim a tain of 1,003 votes on the revis) -1 of the renter. The regiatti 1CM 1882 of county vo.IS for Lancashire has been com- pleted. The i> <• ctae in Suuth-east Lanca-hire'i» 104. At the Loo Mansion House an elderly luaU namedThon;"» iir«oks w^s charged, on Friday, w.t.t embezzling iarge sums, exceeding in the aggn, ate i 00, to Messrs. Le Gros, Thornps nil a. xl C, y whom- lie had been employed as traveller for 20 years. For 13 of these years it was proved th" prisoner had appropriatt d motif v that had been piiid by various firms, aud he jiai considerably Complicated his accounts by rndeav.>ur- ii,g to conceal his defalcations by distributing p;>y- ments made by one iirrn to reduce the nidebtedm-.ss oi other firms which were still more in arrears. lie WAS oommitted for trial.