Evening Express

i "NOT emu." I U NOT GUlL IT." I I m I WOOD ACQUITTED. f ——— j His Story Unshaken I NEW BAILEY IN UPROAR OF CHEERS I I A POPULAR VERDICT —— f The trial of Robert Wood for the Murder of Emily Dimmock at Camden Town was conclud-ed at the New Bailey last night, the jury (as reported in a ( late edition of the "Evening, Ex- Press") returning a verdict of "Not i guilty. Mr. Justice Grantham, in the course ()f his summing-up, said prisoner had himself to blame for the position in 'vhich he had been placed. The case (bis lordship said) was the most remark- j able one in his time. Extraordinary scenes were witnessed lriside and outside the court after the Verdict. A waiting crowd of thousands of people gave way to the wildest enthu- siasm. Wood's father and other rela- tives were practically besieged in an adjacent tea shop, to which they had repaired, and. going to the balcony, Mr. Wood, sen., tendered his thanks to the Public on his son's behalf for their sym- pathy. The Last Day The last days proceedings may be sum- taariaed as follows:- 10.30 to 1.10: Wood und* cross-examixiation 1.10 to 1.30: Lunch adjournment. 1.30 to 4.30: Mx. Marshall Hall's speech for the defence. 4.30 to 6. 0: Sir Oharlee Mathews's reply. 6. 0 to 6.22: Tea adjournment. 6.22 to 7.43: Judge's summing-up. 7.43 to 8. 0: Jury consider their verdict. 8. 0: Verdict announced. History of the Case in Brief I The following are the chief dates in the sensational case:- September 12.-Emily Dimmock found mur- dered. September 16.-Inguest opened. September 25.—Rising Sun. postcard found. September ZS.-Famd=ile of Basing Sun postcard reproduced in newspapers. October 3.—Ruby Young makes a statement that postcard is in Wood's writing. October 4.-Wood taken into custody. October 5.-Wood charged with the murder. October 28.—Ooroner'g jury return verdict of murder. December 12.-Trial commenced at New Bailey. December 18.-Jury found Wood not guilty. The Final Scene. I DRAMATIC CLOSING SPEECHES OF I THE TRIAL When the sixth day's proceedings in the trial of Robert Wood for the murder of Emily Dimmock was resumed, at the Old bailey on Wednesday, the prisoner re-entered the witness-box for cross-examination by Sir Charles Mathews. the prosecuting counsel. You have never been in No. 29, St. Paul's- foad?—NO; I do not know the house. You were not there on the early morning of the 12th of September?—No, I was not there. Did you sleep with her that night?—I did not. Did you ask her to completely undress before going to bed?—It is only to you, Sir Charles. I would answer euoh questions. I should be indignant if the average man put it to me. Sir Charles: I must put it to you. Wood emphatically said he did not. Witness said he did not go home for his Overcoat that night. In the course of some further questions. Sir Charles asked, "Is your memory good?" "The walls of Brixton may have had some effect," he answered. Why did you ask Rttby Young to say she was with you on Mondays and Wednesdays? Why the Mondays?—Only that I had been drinking with the girl. Was it your intention at that time to deny that you were in the woman's company on the Monday?—Yea. I did not want anything to do with it. Wood said it grieted him very much when he found out what calling Ruby Yotrng fol- lowed. He found it out a year after he know her. "I liked the girl and I tolerated it," he added. He had never seriously intended mar- riage with her. He had given her rings, but no engagement ring. A ring given by him this year had belonged to his stepmother. She liked it, and he gave it to her Sir Charles asked if Police-constable Brooker was another of the witnesses who, according to the prisoner, had given falso evidence against him. (Brooker stated that prisoner said to him, "If it comes to a crisis I shall h3ve to open out.") "That is. undoubtedly, false," said Wood. Re-examined by Mr. Marshall Hall, K.O.: Is it possible that the fragment could be part of a three-page letter? Wood: I will leave that to the jury. Supposing it were a letter to Dimmock, would it have been necesear7 to indicate to her the position of a public-house in her own neighbourhood?—I should think not. SPEECH FOR THE DEFENCE After the luncheon Interval, during which the Old Bailey was crowded. Mr. Marshall Hall addressed the jury, beginning by hemindinc them that it was on evidence and on evidence alone that they must give their verdict. Complimenting Sir Charles Mathew on the fairness and courtesy with which he had cross-examined the prisoner, counsel said it gave the lie to the speech made the other day by a member of the Bar who ought to have known better about the Old Bailey method of the Bar. He claimed from the j::ry a verdict of "Not guilty." lie prosecu. tion's ease was that this was a premeditated murder. Was it oonoeivable that Wood, meet- ing Lambert in the public-house, should intro- duce to him the woman he meant to murder that night? All along he (counsel) had tened and listened in vain for some sugges. tion, some shadow of suggestion, of the! motive If the murder was motiveless it was the act of a rabid maniac. What evidence was there that this man ever possessed any weapon that he oould use in a crime like this? They had. no doubt, formed their own opinion of Wood's character. Was it not that it was one of over-weaning vanity? His moral relations they were not called noon to deal with. It was on these relations he had lied to the police, and they might think he bad lied on the same matter to-day. The most important point, counsel submitted, was that Nood when arranging an alibi did so in the -.ime he was with Dimmock, a.nd not in the ime of the murder. Why, he asked, ehould t be regarded that the robbery was a blind, end not the motive of the crime? Because, he submitted, the police had failed to trace the stolen property. Every point was strained against Wood, -he very weakness of the case was its danger, because they might think there was something behind it they didn't know. It was dangerous, too, in that, while his learned friend was above straining a point for the sake of the professional credit of seouring a verdict in a oaee M weak, the fighting instinct actuated the police, who would strain everything to secure their ver- dict. Scene Between Counsel Mr. Marshall Hall prooeeded to 4eal with the evidence of Sharpies and 1L. vey (two witnesses who spoke to having seen Dimmock in the oompany of a man not the prisoner on the night of the murder). In not calling these witnesses, he said, the conduct of the prosecution wae absolutely unpardonable. Sir Charles Mathews: I will not allow that to go. Mr. Hall persisted, and Sir Charles kept repeating his protest, and Mr. Hall gave way. Sir Charles said he would tell the jury what happened with regard to thoee two witnesses. Mr. Hall: I am in possession of the court. The Judge asked Sir Oharlee to postpone his explanation. Later Sir Charles again interposed, and was allowed to state that these witnesses would have been called by the proseoution if no defence had been made. Mr Hall accepted the explanation, and with- drew his suggestion of unfairness. Continuing, counsel said that aseuxming the prisoner had lied with regard to the assigna- tion letter, it took them not one step nearer the murder. It affected only his morality with which they had nothing to do. There was no evidence Wood was at St. Paul's-road, no bloodstain, no weapon, no stolen pro- I perty. The saddest point in the case was a statement made two months after M'Gowan's by Ruby Young—that poor, unfortunate, wretched woman who, no doubt, had experi- enced many moments of mad remorse—that Wood had a peculiar walk. Counsel suggested she was actuated by revenge when she made that statement. Mr Marshall Hall concluded his address to the jury at 4.40. having spoken for two houlp and a half. After a short adjournment Sir Charles 3ifathews replied for the prosecution. He sub. mitted that the woman seen by Sharpies and Harvey at half-paat twelve on the night of the crime could not have been Phyllis Dim- mock. because she was in the Eagle Public- luvao till a. late hour. and was then DOt. attired in such a way as she would wish to be when following her calling. Dealing with M'Gowan's evidence, Sir Charles said that the administration of Justice in this country was in peril if a man might not go into the witness-box a;nd give such evidence as M'Gowan had consistently given without being subjected to threats and annoyance such a* he had described. JUDGE SUMS UP FOR WOOD After the addresses of Sir Charles Mathews and Mr. Marshall Hall, Mr. Justice Grantham commenced Lis summing up. That was at 6.25 p.m. His lordship said this was one of the most remarkable trials in the annals of the criminal courts of England—certainly the most remarkable in his time. The murder must have been done by a man leading a double life. The evidence pointed to the fact that the prisoner must have been leading a double life. There was, however, no direct evidence against the prisoner at all. The case for the prosecution was bad entirely on circumstantial and presumptive evidence. The prisoner's conduct from first to last gave point to such evidence as there was against him. Himself untruthful, he had endea- voured to get others to li £ for him. Only the prisoner's conduct justified a trial of euch length. He had lied from the beginning of the case to the end. Although there was the gravest possible suspicion against the prisoner, the jury must carefully determine whether the circumstantial evidence did make euch a violent presumption of his guilt. Strong as was the evidence for the prosecution, he did not think the prosecution had brought the case near enough to the prisoner, with the exception of the evidence of M'Gowan—if that evidence were to be implicitly relied upon; but he did not think it would be enough to'justify them in con- victing the prisoner. If they thought it was Dot conclusive, they ought to give the prisoner the benefit of the doubt. His Lordship conclude Aot. 7 45. I WOOD'S EXTRAORDINARY LEVITY 8 conduct, remarkable from the nrst f01'. a man in his position, was more extraoroma..ry than ever during the fifteen min.utœ' absence. No sooner did they oogin to leave the box than Wood began rapidly to ply bis pencil, and from the direction of his hurried glances towards the bench he was evidently com- i mitting to his sketch-book the features of the judge. When his lordship retired Wood rose, the smile which has seldom been absent from nis mobile mouth broadened, and he entered into conversation with the wardem in the aocK. Next he shouted down to his brother, who came forward along with Mr. Newton | (his solicitor), and they all talked animatedly! together. Leaving them, Wood bad a walk round the commodious dock, when he espied some friends in the rear of the court. To them he waved good-naturedly. In the eourt-room there were between 300 and 400 people, and, though the cynosure of every eye, Wood, to all appearance, was the coolest man in the crowded court. Mr. Newton again approached him. and. handing him a photograph of the charred fragment of the letter, asked him to attach his signature. With a quill he dashed off his name, and Mr. Newton handed the auto- graph to Mr. Hall Oaine, who throughout the day occupied a. seat at the solicitors' table. With an aplomb which the verdict subse- quently justified. Wood, smiling to everybody quently justified, Wood, W;t  med bis wa4k whose eye be caught, continued his w&lk about the dock, hands in his pockets, main- taining this attitude until the jury returned. A moment's suspense ensued pending the entrance of his lordship. The Verdict I EXTRAORDINARY SCENES IN AND I OUT OF COURT Then followed the usual formula by the I clerk of arraigns:— Have you agreed upon your verdict ?" he asked the foreman. We have," came the orthodox answer. Do you find prisoner at the bar guilty or not guilty of wilful murder?" "Not guilty,' was the firm reply. This was the signal for a tremendous out- burst of cheering. Startled ushers in chorus Tainly shouted, "Silence!" Mr. Newton was at the front of the dock in a moment, and Wood stretched over the oaken front and wrung the hands of his solicitor. His brother. Charles Wood. never Absent throughout the long proceedings, was eloquent in deanonstr&tion of congratula- tion. "Silence!" kept crying the ushers, and his )ordship gave-thc order to clear the court. The din subsided with this threat. Mr. Marshall Hall then saad:—"I have to asik your lordship that the prisoner be dis- charged." His Lordship ajeswered with the mono- syllable, Yes." The hubbub was then resumed, and Wood turned in t-he dock. He espied his aged father in the rear of the court, and waved an affectionate salutation, which seemed to overcome the old man as the son descended the steps of the dock which led to freedom. Mr. Hall was the centre of another group, his learned friends surrounding him to offer congratulations on the success of his keen fight for the prisoner's life. Sir Charles Mathews, who left the court On concluding his speech, did not return, Mr. Bodkin alone representing the prosecu- tion. THE SCENE OUTSIDE THE COURT The scene outside the court was unpre- cedented in the modern history of the Old Bailey. It was announced in the evening news- papers that the verdict would be delivered that night, and from three o'clock onward there was an ever-Increasing crowd waiting for the result. The police endeavoured to make a way for vehicles and pedestrians, but at length had to give up the task in despair. By half-past six there was a packed assem- blage of certainly not less than 10,000 per- sons, a considerable proportion of which were females. As the hour approached when the verdict was1 expected the oonooure6 Surged in a dense mass close up to the walls of the huge building, and a number of women who were wedged in the middle of the throng fainted, and were hauled out over the heads of the others. The news was communicated to the anxious crowd when th OJ jury had retired, and from then the pent-up excitement was expressed only by the silence which fell on the great multitude. The cheers which broke forth in court when the verdict was pronounced were renewed in the street as soon as the persons at the windows in the vestibule of the court sig- nalled what was the outcome of the extra- ordinary trial. Round after round of cheers was eo lustily given that the sound could be heard in the court even before the chief actor in the remarkable drama had left the dock. Shouting Bravo and singing For he's a joily good fellow," and going nearly frenzied with delight, the people surged forward towards the great iron gates of the main entrance to the building. At one time it looked as though there would be a rumh into the court, or at a.ny rate into the precincts of the court, and in order to pa-eveiit this the police promptly closed the gates. Soon they were re-opened, and a large body of police made their way out for the purpose of inducing the assemblage to disperse. The task wae not an easy one, as. in expectation of seeing Wood. the people waited about for half-an- hour or more. The gate from which the prison van usually emerges was eventually thrown open. and a great stampede was made to see if there a glimpse could be had of the man who so recently wae on trial for his life. Instead of him Mr. Marshall Hall, seated by the aide of a lady, drove out in a motor- oar. The well-kii* wn counsel was at onoe recognised, and was greeted with a huge Shout of enthusiastic approval. Mr. Hall acknowledged the ovation by raising his hat. In the meantime the aged father of Wood was accompanied by several relatives and friends to a, coffe-house just outside the Old Bailey and at the corner of Holboni. The people got wind of this, and at onoe there was a cheering multitude shouting for a speech. So dense was the assemblage that the traffic in Holborn was held up for a time. People stood on the tope of omnibuses watcn- ing the remarkable scene, and the windows of houses in the vicinity were crowded with sightseers. wlio joined in the demonstration. Eventnally Mr. Wood, sen., with his long, flowing beard, made his appea.ra.nce at an upstairs, window. The window waa thrown up, and Mr. Wood waved his hat in response to the vociferous plaudits. A friend then briefly addressed the crowd, thanking them for their display of sympathy. Even yet the multitude could not be pre- vailed upon to go away, and hung round with the object, if possible, of seeing Wood him- self. Surrounded by the police, the young fellow shortly made his appearance at an exit in Newgate-street. He was escorted to a covered motor-car, and as he took his seat was quickly surrounded by a body of enthusiasts. who almost fooght for the opportunity of shaking his hand. When a passage for the ca.r wa-e secured, Wood, bowing frequently, was driven away amidst shouts of Hurrah!" and the waving of hats and handkerchiefs. In order to avoid any possibility of rough tregament the police smuggled Ruby Young away before the result was made known, aid other witnesses who had given evidence against Wood were afforded ample protec- tion. Ruby Young Threatened I "I HAVE LOST HOME, FATHER, I MOTHER, EVERYTHING" Miss Rub7 Youmg on more than Me occa- Bicm hM been threatened with Per6onal i violence whœ ebe has left the New B&iley. On Tuesday evening, for izwtamoe, a rush has riadft for the mo tor-omnibus upon which She was riding, and one of the three detec- tives who was with her had to strike a would-be assailant. A press representative on Wednesday saw Miss Ruby Toung at the New Bailey. She was dressed in a long black cape end a large hat, with a veil, through whicb oould be seen her pale face and bine eyes. Questioned on the subject of the rough demonstrations, she said:— "I cannot avoid it, can I? The police also can do nothing. And as for the crowds —they do no-t read the papers properly, and they think all manner of things a.bout me. But I simply told the truth. Like Wood, I have an old father, and I have also a mother, but I have lost all- home, father, mother, and everything. But let a.ny man dare to lay hands on me! I am not unprotected and unprepared. Remember, I aim quite alone, but I will fight till the end." I THE PIMLICO PARALLEL. A parallel to the acquittal of Wood can be found by taking one's memory back 21 years I to the Pimlico poisoning case. The fa.mous Pixnlico poisoning trial took place in the spring of 1886, when Mrs. Bart- lett was indicted for the poisoning of her htisband at Pimlico. With her wae associated a, rev. gentleman, but he was discharged from the case at an early stage. Sir Edward Clarke was her I counsel, and when she was found not guilty Sir Edward Clarke was accorded a. resound- ing ovation by the people who had assembled in the Old Bailey.

I SIGNALMAN KILLED A shocking accident, resulting in the death of a signalman, named John Parsons, was reported at Lawrence Hill Station, Bristol, on Wednesday morning. The unfortunate man was, apparently, walking to his work by way of the railway track, and had passed Lawrence Hill Station. When some little distance from the station it is believed that a light engine going in the direction of Stapleton Road knocked him down, and so badly injured was he that death must have been instantaneous. Polioe-sergeant Lawrence, whose attention was first called to the tragedy, reports that he Was informed by William John Faulkner, of 36, Morton-street, St. George, a porter on the Groat Western Railway at Lawrence Hill, that he had received information from John Phelps, the driver of a goods train from South Wales, that he (Phelps) believed there was the body of a man on the down South Wales line between Lawrence Hill and Stapleton Road Stations. The police- eergeant, accompanied by Faulkner, went along the railway track, and about 200 yards north of the Easton Bridge found the body of Signalman John Parsons, aged 37, late of 2, Belle Vue-buildings, Brislington. The remains were lying in the four-foot way on the down line, and the head was severed from the body. They were taken to Law- rence Hill in a goods truok, a.nd then to the mortuary.

THE CAISSON DISASTER I The inquest into the Blackfriar's Bridge I accident was resumed on Wednesday. The Coroner stated that Nielson and Buchanan, the two injured workmen in hos- pital, were quite unable to give evidence in court. Nielson was indeed in a very bad way. The coroner, summing up, said the jury would probably find that the death of the four workmen, Irvine, Grant, Forster, and Oozens was due to accidental causes, but they might append a rider recommend- ing further precautions to prevent injury to appliances. The jury found that the deaths were due to accidental causes, that no negligence had been shown. that the appliances were the best, that the existing state of engineering science prescribed and that the system adopted Was reasonably perfect, but the jury suggested that in future the hydraulic jack taps should be visible, and be protected by shields, and that the girders should be converted into box girders.

A PRINCE IN blSGRACE I According to telegrams from Belgrade pub- lished in the' evenibg newspapers fresh charges of outrageous oonduct are brought against the Servian Crown Prince. During Tuesday's sitt.ing of the Sknpshtina, too Socialist Deputy Lapshevitch interpel- la-ted the Government with regard to the conduct of Prince George. 8ome da.ys ago, the Deputy stated, his Royal Highness visited a carpenter's shop in order to make inquiries about his motor-boat, which was undergoihg repair. The master of the shop wfiz absent, and as the information volun- teered by assistants did not satisfy the Crown Prince he abused and beat them. The Deputy demanded that as Prince Georce is privileged. the Government should compensate the workmen for the injuries they had received. Yesterday the same Deputy related another instance of the Crown Prince's brutality, stating that he I had belaboured two footmen with a hammer

IDEAL OF UNIFICATION. Dr. Jameson, speaking in the City-hall at Cape Town, on Wednesday evealing, said he believed the SoutJi African States would be federated in are years. Unification was ideal, but federation was practical, In order to realise an ideal South African nationality, there must be unification, but first there must be federation and no half-way house or native franchise. Dr. Jameson said he believed the neighbour- ing Colonies would ultimately adopt the theory held by the Oape. Referring to the question of party leadership, the Premier referred to tie announcement he made at Grahamstown on November 6 of his inten- tion to resign the Premiership after the elec- tions, but, he added, he had not said that he was resigning the leadership of the parby.- Router.

HARD ON BILL To have plenty of medicines and no skill in choosing them is rather worse than having1 none at all. An old whaling captain used to carry with him on his voyages a big medicine-obert and a list of directions. One of the rules ran: For sore throat with fever give a tablespoonful of No. fifteen." Well, it so happened," explained the skipper, that when a. certain patient came to want No. fifteen I found it was all used up. So I gave the man a dessertspoonful of -.No. five,' and another of 'No. ten'; and I don't think the chap that drew up the table could have been good at figures-,or else, what's just as likely, the medicines were all shams. Either way, it was hard on poor Bill. He died in half an hour, and that's the long and short of it."

DIABOLO THE LAST STRAW The owner of a horse which would face steam-rollers or motor-cars without a tremor, but was afraid of dia,bolo spools when they descended on the soft part of its nose, was sued at Marylebone County-court yesterday for injuries it had inflicted on a little girl by running away and knocking her uncon. scious to the ground. According to the defendant's son, he had hardly turned his back when the &pool fell and the animal bolted. The horse was very quiet, and would pass steam-rollers or motor- oars without any nervousness. Mr. Morrell: But he ca-n't stand diabolo?- No, I should think not. The Judge awarded plaintiff R4 2s. 6d. and costs.

WIRELESS OCEAN TELEPHONE MT. Valdemar Poulsen, the inventor of the "undamped," or continuous (as opposed to the series of vivid sparks) system of wireless communication, has maintained since Tues- day wireless telephonic connection between his station at Lyngby, and that at Weissen- eee, Berlin. The distance is over two hun- dreu and forty miles. The results are des- cribed as most satisfactory. Mr. Poulsen, stated in an interview: "My wireless telephone between Denmark and Ire- land and America will be opened for public service during February." Mr. Egan, of the American Legation, has been officially informed by Mr. Poulsen that he would start a Transatlantic wireless telephone service in February.

TALL QUEENS Neairiy all the sovereigns of Europe cure shorter tihian their consorts. Our own King, for example, is not quite so tall as Queen Alexandra, the Kaiser is decidedly shorter than the German Empress, Queen Amelia of Portugal is a little ta,lil-er than Don Carlos, the King ef Spain is quite half a head gh<ctw thAW Qu?a Victoria Eugenie, the eœ.r appears quite &maJI besides the Czarina, and eo akid does the King of Italy, who soaawoly reaches to the shoulder of hds beauti- ful Queen. The King of Norway and the Prince of Montenegro are the only two rulers who aTe very much taller than their wives. —" Woman."

SOBER TO CHURCH OR NOT AT ALL The Vicar of Wellingborough announced yesterday that the midnight service on New Year's Eve will be discontinued, owing to the regretahle state in which many of the oongre- gataoo. come to church.

Attacked on the Road SEVEN SISTERS CONSTABLE SEVERILI INJURED A brutal assault has been committed on Polioe-constable Jones, of the Glamorgan Constabulary, at. Seven Sisters. He was found unconscious on the public highway last night. The constable, who is in a serious condi- tion, sta.tcd that he had occasion to speak to a couple of men for disorderly conduct. The two men, he alleged, assaulted him, and took his uniform, oape, and staff away. Warrants were issued for the arrest of the two men, but they had not been secured up to the time of going to press.

-=-=-= Bargoed Town-hall TO-NiGHT'S PERFORMANCE I Enterprise has given Bargoed a handsome and commodious town-hall. It is the lone effort of Mr. Llewellyn Thomas, and the open- ing to-night is being talked of throughout the Vallev To mark the ocoasion, the male voioe p-arty who recently won outright the handsome shield a.t Newport Eisteddfod, will give that very fine cantata, by W. H. Birch. "The Wreck of the Argosy." It is a Cornish tale M.R. D. HAYDU BICHAJBDS, B.A.AL, Conductor of the Cantata. of pirates, smugglers, a man-o-ww, and last, and greatest of all, love. The principal artistes are Madame Mills- Reynolds, Madome M. J. Evans. Messrs. Ivor Jenkins, G. T. Llewellyn, J. 0. Evans, J. Riohards, and D. T. Jenkins. Handel Jones and T. D. Edwards (Pontypridd) are the accompanists, with MT. Arthur Angle's baud, and Mr. D. Hay don Richards, R.A.M., will conduct. Mr. D. Evans is the hon. 'secre- tary, and Mr. James Thomas (GIYIl Elyreh) ia stage manager. About the Building The erection of the building has completed the assets of the town. It is a handsome, almost pala/tious, affair, of stone and brick. Comfort will be found by everyone inside, tip-up leather chairs predominating. The area of the building covers lioic. by 62ft., and the stage measures 23ft. by 62ft.. favourably oomparing for size with many of the big hialls.

CARDIFF POST-OFFICE Christmas Arrangements I The Postmaster-General requests the public to post Christmas cards and parcels, if pos- sible. not later than the morning of the 23rd inst.. in order that there may be no dis- appointment as regards delivery in distant towns by Christmas Day. To meet the extra pressure in dealing with mails, special arrangements will be made in Cardiff as regards deliveries and collections on Mon- day and Tuesday, the 23rd and 24th of December. The deliveries on those dates will be 7.0 a.m., 10.0 a.m., 1.0 P.M., and 6.0 p.m. in the central area of the city and Bute Docks, and at 7.30 anL, 1.0 p.m.. and 6.0 p.m. in the suburbs. Throughout each day the collections from the street letter-boxes will be made more frequently than usual, and the final col- lections for the night mails will be as fol- lows:— From street From Head letter boxes. P.O. box For the irigtat mails to Soot- land, Ireland, amd the North, MJdlafld, and South- West of England 4.15 p.m. 6.0 p.m. For general night mails to London and all pa.Tts 6.30 pm. 9 0 d m" For supplementary night mails 8.45 p.m. 11.0 p in For Soatb WaJes generally 10.15 p.m 1.0 a.ill. At the head post-office in Westgate-street late fee letters will be accepted for dispatch by the various mails if handed over the counter, up to the hours shown on the special notices exhibited in the office windows. On the 24th of December the street letter- boxes will be cleared for the last time at 11.15 p.m. for delivery o fletters, Ac., in Cardiff on Christmas Day, and at the head post-office for the same delivery the final clearance will be at 6.0. am. on the 25th inst. It would materially aid the work in the post-office if Christmas cards, posted in baches, were handed in over the public counter tied together securely, and with the addresses facing the same way.

ROBBING THE- POLICE I A few ye&rs ago a considerable sum of money, the funds of the Scarborough Police Coal Oluib, was stolen from the locker of the sergeant who was acting as treasurer during the absence on leave of the officer, and the thief was never traced. Now it is reported that a further considerable sum of money has been stolen from the offloer. It is re-called that a late chief-constable of Scarborough (Mr. W. Pattieon) declared that the town had become so free of crime of the more serious character that he could bang up his watch and chain on a lamp- post overnight with impunity a.nd find it intact the next morning. The very next day the police-office clock was stolen, the works being subsequently found on the castle hill.

NECKLACE MYSTERY A curious jewel robbery, wherebv the Berlin Court jeweller, Herr Louis Werner, was deprived of a pearl necklace valued at about ibl,fc00» has just, coina to light. The necklace, aooording to the police, was surreptitiously removed on Tuesday by an expert Frenchwoman, who visited the shop with the object of selecting some jewellery, and succeeded in securing the real neck- lace and substituting for it an excellent imitation made by another Berlin arm The neoklace consisted of 61 pearls, wcigoh4ng eighty carats., whilst the lock was orna- mented with a forty-two carat brilliant. In contrast to this view of the Berlin police, Herr Werner himself believes that the exohange was not carried out on Tuesday, but some time previously, perhaps several weeks ago, as he states the neoklace was not shown to the French oustocner.

DEAR COAL NO WORK The Glengarnock Steel and Iron Company, Ayrshire, have decided to damp out their fix iron furnaces at Glengarnock owing to the high prices of fuel. There is a belief that the company's fur- naces at Ardeer will also be damped. Six iron furnaces in Coatbridge are from a similar cause to be extinguished, and alto- got her about 1.000 men will be affected.

LIFE'S HANDICAP I "You can't help these things, you know," cheerily exclaimed a jovial individual, taking his place in the string of minor cases pass- ing before Mr. Bros at Cierkenwell yesterday. The Chief Clerk: Were you drunk yester- day? Prisoner (very cheerful): Yes. eir. Of course I suppose I'm very sorry for it; but you can't help these things, you know. Mr. Bros; Is he sober now? The Assistant Gaoler: He's evidently been drinking heavily this morning. The Prisoner (still cheery): You cant' help these Things, you know. Mr. Bros: Put him back (in- the cells) till the end of the day. He'll have recovered then perhaps. The Prisoner (still cheery, being led out): All right; you can't help-

FATHER'S QUEER IDEA I little Fred: Mother, ain't father got a queer idea of what, heaven is like? Mother: I don't know, dear. I never heard him say anything about it. Little Fred: Well, I did. He told the grocery man that the week you spent in the country was like heaven to him!

Burying the Dead r Burying .the Dead I GILFACH GOCH MOURNING It was a day of moorniing over a large area of Mid-Glamorgan on Wednesday, when the seven victims of the Dimas Main Colliery explosion on Saturday last were laid to rest in C"YnoV- Cemetery. Evidences of grief were particularly manifest in the twin villages of Gilfach Goeh. and Evanstown, for the deceased men were well known to all the inhabitants. From various other surround- ing places sympathisers oame to attend the last rites. It vnas a dreary December day. Irom morning till long after nightfall the rain pitter-pattered down. Towards two o clock people, mainly dressed in deep mourning, began to assemble in the streets of Gilfach Gocih and Evanstown, for at the hour the mournful proceedings of the day were to begin. In all the houses the blinds were drawn, and outside of Brynseion Welsh Oongrega-t-ional Chapel a black flag was hung. This gruesome symbol was, no donbt. displayed with the kindliest intentions, but in the misty gloom of a depressing winter's da.y it looked so awesome a thing that one wished it out of sight. Three of the victims lived in Gilfaoh and four at Evanstown, and it was arranged that the two processions should join at Gilfach station. A massed band, consisting of the Primitive Methodists',the Saivatiou Army, and the, Gilfach Town Silver Band, met at the top of village, where were the homes 1. of William David and J8.ioha.rxi Evans. As I the niek-sed band. under Mr. W. G. Paterson, was heard playing the Dead Mar ah from "Saul" away up the slope an affecting soene WtLi taJringo piaee outside the late home of I Johin Jenkins. Wlho was one of the oldest and most respected inhabitants of Gilfaoh I Goch. The coffin had been brought outside amd p'La.ced in the Paring rain upon a trestle in the street- Hound about gathered the friends of the deceased and choristers and members of the Primitive Methodist Ohapel. where the victim of the explosion had formerly attended. Alter a brief prayer, from the Rev. W. Whvttock, Tonypandy, the mourners sang a Welsh hymn with great reeling. At this time the most affecting scenes were witnessed in the streets of both villages, and among the Welsh hymns sung were, ■Pa^,a,m y carwn y byd" and Yn y I dyfroedid m-awr a'r tonnau." When tne procession had been fully formed at Gilfach otaiion it wae nearly two miles in length, and as it wound its sinuous course over the mcKxriand towards Glynogwr it was a strangely impressive sight. Members of the following- Friendly Societies, mostly wearing their regalia, joined in the Illeg,o:-Pr- Gaoxienere, Fore&ters. Shep- herds, Ivorites, Oddfellows, and Reaha- bites, well the members of the Gilfach Ambulance Corps, of which David John Miles was a member, and on whose coffin there was a beautiful wreath from his old colleagues. OD Oach of the seven ODMUS there was alc?o pla'? a mag'Difioont ?aath. sent by the Dilute M**n Colliery Company. It ww a. sad journey vbrough the ^ley to Glynogwr, situate about four miles from Gilfach. Many of the rela?vee were in the procesai<m on ?foVotfc, h? but othem were Mcveyed in mourning- cco^es and other vehio?. All the way the  in steady '??npour, Md the om- ddtL" n if many of the wom?uf?lk was ptUu.1. but they trudged bpa?ely aj?ng. The short December day wae rapidly drawing to a close when Glynogwr Church f^me iLf* u' aDd it ? ? qnarter past  wben the ba?ar. of the first comn passed thiwigih the gates of the churchyard.   <Hmcult m?oh for the  relays  bmrem but ?? readiness **th whic^h tbfe8 y °i had "Od??k- ti?r vo!un- tary tmk could be XPPrrlitd. Atint?rr? during the four miles' journey the massed bands had iplayed the ".De.ad March." Within the Churchyard it WM found that the seven graves had all been excavated in juite-pronmity Tbe officiating ministem •Be^8- J. C. Evam, Bryaaewn Chapel, 7d ???. Congregational Chapel, Tonyrefail; Mo?n Thomas, vicar of Gilfach, W. Herbert Jones, Baptist Church, Gilfach ;E. Owen. Preabyt?ria?ll Church. Gil- WP^ra GriMths, Welsh B?ptMt Chapel, BIaokmdl; and W. Whittook. Primi- tive Methodist Chapel, Tonypandy, and Mr. W. Furnival, a local preacher of the Primitive Methodist oonnexion. Among those present in the churchyard were Mr. Tom Lucas, miners' agent, Ogmore Vale, and Mr. David Rowlands, caehier at the Dinas Malla 0001- liery. Around each grave there gathered a largo assemblage of mourners. aod it was almost dark when the last Bad rites were simul- taneously begun. Some of the scenes wit- nessed were acutely distressing, the femaJe relatives of the victimi3 exhibiting grief of the most painful character. This was especially so in the case of Nicholas White and his son, William White. The former left several young daughters, aged between a.bout nine and fifteen. They wero golden- haired little damsels, dressed in deep mourning, and as they gathered around the graveside their wailing sobs, joined with those of their mother, were deeply affecting. In a vibrant voice one little girl shrieked, "0 God, let me see my father and mother." After the ceremony Mrs. White almost collapsed as she was led away from the grave, and she moaned, "Oh, dear, dear, what shall I do without my husband." Another female relative oried, Oh, Billy bach; oh, Billy bach," referring to William White. Just as painful were the scenes at the other graves. Among the hymns sung were Lead, kindly Light," and Jean, lover of my soul." Darkness had quite fallen when the different burial services had concluded, and the multitude moved Blowly out of the churchyard to wend their Various waye home- wards. And the rain still pitter-pattered down.

TAXI-CABS FOR CARDIFF I A London firm intends asking the Cardiff Corporation for permission to put on fifty taximeter inotoroaibe to ply focr hire in the sitreets of Cardiff. In London and other places these motor-Mbs are mucb appre- ciated, as they cover distances in much less time than the horse-ci>be. Thai the former a,re the cabs of the fuiWire there is, of course, no doubt, though their advent into Cardiff might have been delayed Lad the local cab- men inaugurated a system of sixpenny fares, as they have often been urged to do.

HANDSOME IRISH DAMAGES I At Ulster Assises yesterday two actions arising out of a fatal oollision on the Mid- land Kail way Company between an engine and a horse and trap were heard. Plaintiffs were the repreeentatives of two men who had been killed. The defence admitted negligence, and left the question of damages to the jury. In the first action the jury awarded 1100. in the seonmd action they gave XI,M and in I respect of the horse and trap £45.

CLUB MONEY MISSING A prominent official of the Portsmouth Corporation Tramway Men's Slate Club is reported to have dis&PPearecL and between £100 and J5200 is missing- There should hwtve been RZOO available for distribution to mem- bers, but all that is in hand is £ 130; while a farther sum is said to have been recovered at the missing official's bouse.

AMERICAN PACIFIC FLEET I A wireless message from the Inuisioanal states that Admiral Evams announced at a ward-room dinner on board the Connecticut, on the authority of President Roosevelt, that the homeward route of tire fleet would be by I way OIl troez. I

ELOPEMENT AT EIGHTY I Being refused permission to marry, a man aged 80 and a woman aged 72 eloped from a home fOr aged people at the little town of Dornbirn, near Lake Constanoe (Switzer-1| land). The couple were nulrried and passed a week away from the bonne. Having spent all their money, they then returned, and as they agreed to live separately were aillowod1 to re-occupy their former quarters.

LATE LORD KELVIN No definite arrangements have yet been concluded for the funeral of Lord Kelvin in Westminster Abbey. The family have not up to the present signified their approval of the request of the Royal Society that Lord Kelvin may be buried in the abbey, but it is not considered likely that any opposition from this quarter will be received to the suggestion to honour the great scientist.

YOUTHFUL HOOLIGANS I "All right! I've got to do something. I may be as well in as out.' This is the philosophy of one Philip Caswell, who was charged to-day before the Cardiff magis- trates with Dennis Hurley, youths, that as convicted thieves. they were found loitering in Bute-street, Homfray-street. and Bute- terratee, with intent to commit a felony on December 18. Close upon midnight Acting-detective Pugsley and Police-constable Gooding flaw prisoners and a third youth and wa-tched them for some time in the vicinity in ques- tion. The trio first got hold of a man and held him by the arm with menaces, and then they went away, and in a fw minutes returned. They stood in a public-house door- way at the corner of Mary Ann-street and overtook a seaman at the corner of Love- lane. The three surrounded the victim, and Caswell dealt him a violent blow. Witness caught Caswell: Gooding captured Hurley; the third got away. Caswell, when charged, made this philosophic explanation. Prisoners had previously been in trouble. They were committed for three months.

FACTORY FXPLOSION At Blaokburn early to-day the Canal Factory, an old cotton mill now used M a paper manufactory, was wrecked by an explosion of gas. Several firemen bad a narrow escape.

LION AND LAMB I The owner of a travelling menagerie waa telling a well-known caterer in London of his success in training and taming animals. "For instance," said he, pointing to a cage containing a lion and a lamb, "look at that —a picture of perfect peace!" "Yes," replied the other, "the lion looks particularly happy, but what about the lamb?" "Well," answered the showman, "the lamb has to be renewed rather often."

COLLIER'S BRAVERY I The HMjuest on the victims of the disaster a-t the Holyhead Silketone Colliery was con- cluded on Wednesday night ait Barnsley. Mr. J. H. Pickering, his Majesty's Ohief Inspector of Mines, said the girder which fell showed signs of an old fracture, and even a casual external exam-ination before it was sent underground would have disclosed a very serious weakness. The girder ought never to hiiTfl KPATI nsad- The Ooroner, in summing up, spoke in high tmms of the conspicuous bravm7 of the deputy-foreman, F?mnk Chandler, who at the risk of his life, and when he was dreadfully injured, went backwards and forwards endea- vouring to release the other sufferers, and actually caa-ried one man on hie back to a place of safety. He thought the case was one for the presenta,tion of tbe mew Edward MedaL The inspector said he would be glsui to bring the matter to the notioe of the proper authorities. The jury returned a. verdict of Accidental death," censured the manager of the col- liery, and recommended that steps be taken to ensure recognition of Chandler's brave conduct.

MID-WALES TRAIN OUTRAGES Following on the dastardly attempt last week to wreck a goods train on the Central Wales section of the London and North Western Railway between Llatrbieter Rood and Dolau. near Knighton, the driver of an up express goods train, while passing the same spot on Wednesday, noticed that sleepers had been placed across the down line. He gave notioe at the next gtajtkm, Liau- bieter Road, &nd a pilot engine was sent for. ward- The driver found the sleepers fixed &t the spot, and after removing them returned to his down coodis t.ra.in. i The down goods train then started, but on arrival at the sipoft the driver found that the obstruction had again been plaoed on the rails. Since the last outrage detectives have been busy on the spot, but up to the present have been "Unable to arrest the mis- creant.

MUSICAL TREASURE TROVE A discovery of the greatest importance and interest to the musical world has been made in Vienna by Major Hajdecki, who is well known in musical and literary circles as a connoisseur. It consists of nothing less than 20 Iiithert-o unknown letters of Beethoven and forty-eeven pages of manuscript music in the handwriting of the master himself. There is stated to be no doubt as to the authenticity of either, and an examination of the manuscript shows that the work is typical of the composer at his best. The discovery was made during a search among the papers of the family of the late Herr Barnard, the author, who was a personal friend of Beethoven. The letters bear dates between 1816 and 1823, thus covering the period of the greatest activity of the com- poser.-Gentral News.

ORPHAN'S ELOPEMENT I A curious elopement has t iLk,n place from the Rotterdam Orphanage. On Saturday the landlady of an inn here conceived a doubt whether one of two young men who took rooms the y before was not really a girl. Her suspicions were substantiated, the would- be youth proving to be a aeventeen-year-old girl, who had escaped from the orphanage in Rotterdam, had her hair cropped oloselv, and discarded the well-known red and black garb whicli is the uniform of the houee. In feminine dress the girl was brought by the police to Rotterdam with her lover, whera both managed to run a-way a.nd to jump into a canal, from which they were saved only with great difficulty.

A COSTLY MODEL I One of the biggest of German shipbuilding yards has been entrusted with an interesting order by the Emperor. It is to make the model of a modern battleship, which his Majesty will present to the German Museum at Munich. The model will be some 25ft. in length, and will be in longitudinal section, so that all parts of the construction and equipment can be clearly seen. Guns, machinery, bo liens, and electrical installa- tions will all be copied from the original down to the minutest detail, and they will be so arranged that it will be possible to see them in operation. It is said that the oost of this unique model wiU be about £ 1,500.

A VALUABLE BULL-DOG I Miss Innes Schaeffer, a well-known leader of New York Society, who lives at German- town, Maryland, has purchased for 5,000 dollars the famous English bulldog Mahomet, who has never yet. been beaten in a pnzo show. Miss Schaeffer. who owns a large number of valuable dogs, is at present build- in,g kennels at her residence, which, when completed, will have cost over 20,000 dollarc. Central News.

A omilling match for the vorM'a cha.m-¡ pionabip between W. Webb, the boid?r, and R. Trtssider TriH be rowed on the Wa\. New Zeal&nd. on February 28.-Bmt-

FROM ALL QUARTERS] ————" King Haakon and Queen Maud, with the Crown Prince Olaf. arrived at Copenhagen yesterday evening. A two-year-old child has died in Leicester through drinking boiling water from the spout of a kettle. A sheep wedgliing 4cwt., the largest ever seen in an English market, was sold at Leicester yesterday. A speed of 107 miles an hour was attained by Mr. S. F. Edge on the Brook lands motor track yesterday. lesterday the National Bank at Copen- hagen shipped £ 400,000 of gold to the fieKhebank at Berlm. The Duchess of Albainy arrived at Flushing by the night boat from Queenborough, and to-day left by, the 5.23 train for Go burg. Mr. A. M. Oliver, of the Newcastle town- clerk's office, was last night elected town- clerk of Newcaetle-oo-Tyne, in succession to Mr. Hill Motum, who resigned. Since Sunday spleiidid general rains have fallen over nearly the whole of Australia, ensuring a good pastoral season, and greatly benefiting the agricultural areas. Three hundred reindeer have been shipped from Norway to Newfou ndland and Labra- dor, in order to provide a milk supply and a.n economical means of transit. The German Emperor and the Prince of Wales have approved of a proposed ocean ya,c.ht race from Bremerhaven to Harwich, for which the town of Felixstowe propoeee to give a bond red-guinea- prise. Much concern has been caused among fishermen by the finding of a number of blind trout in the River Itchen. Tan from the roads is supposed to have caused the affection, which is causing the fish to die of starvation. The Manchester City Council yesterday decided upon the erection of an art gallery and reference library on the site of the pre- sent infirmary. The site is in the oentre of the city, and the infirmary and land b&ve been bought for £ <00,000.

To-day's Finance I BANK RATE UNCHANGED I The Bank rate to-dac is 7 per cent., &nd =<)han". LODO, Tlrarsday, 1.0 p.m. Money in fair demand at 4 per cent. Discount mtes —short and three months' Mils 6per omt. Caneoif. 'cd IrLji nd Tr&nsT<&t LA&n ? down. Home BtHs quiet. Americans are firm. TVmrtm steady. Riee: Grdixrswv 1-16 and Third Pref i. Mexican Boils naobMiged. I"brlelgzem and Mmee Quiot. PRINOTPAi, CHANGES. I Great western, Lancashire ajid Yorkshire i, Great Central "A" 4 up; North Western, District. MkUand Deferred t down. Union Pacific 14, Louisville, Mil- waukee, P«ediajr 1, Southern Pacific j. Southern e. OuMMitae Pacific, f-toei, ditto Pref t, Cheeapmbe, Kauaas, Xorfolk, Ontario, Pennsylvania ± up. Russian New i up; Peru ? de?n. Tinto 4, Antooad? ? up. De Prenntr ? GoM&eMa De?nrfd, Gold wist, Tanganyika 1-32 down. CARDLFT, Thursday, 1.0 p.m. The local Stock Market to-day was very slow in all directions. Ilple arm that the Bank rate was unchanged had a depreeeing Influence, 8IId afi easy tone generally prevailed.

RECEIVER SENTENCED ) George Moore, 54, shoemaker, pleaded guuty at Olerkemwell SesstauE yesterday to receiv- ing some silver and bronze medale, part pro- ceeds of a burglary at the premises of Bamnel George Fenton, deaJer in antiques, of Crsw>bonrne-etreet, W. The burglary took place on the night of November 21, and a week later Detective- inspeetor Bower and Detooti orgeant Lea.ch visited t-he prisoner's shop at Silver- street, Haho, and found him m possession of some of the stolen ooins. Detective4nepw.tor Bower said the prisoner carried on the business of a bootmaker, but to some extent this was a coves for receiving stolen property. Detect! ve-sergearot Gray eta-tcd that the prisoner'e crzmina-l reoord was ae follows:- 1871, twelve months' bard labour; I 1874, eighteen moBtha 1876, seven years' penal servitude 1884, ten years'; 1903, three ymrs.. He was last liberated in July, 1906. Prieoner was ordered three years' penal servitude.

FATAL FIGHT FOR MONEY An inquest was held at Horden Colliery, East Durham, yesterday on George Skews, a miner, who died after a fight with another miner, named John Richards. The men, it wae stated, had a quarrel, and decided to fi-gbt the matter out. They depo- sited JE1 each as stakes, and repaired to the sera beach with their friendB on Sunday afternoon. A referee was appointed, and in the presence of about 60 persons they stripped and fought for an hoar and a half. After 34 roun-rs both combatants fell exhausted, and Skews acknowledged his de-feat, He was taken home, but became unoon- scious, and died on the following day from a fracture of the skull and other injuries. The jury returned a verdict of "Va.n- slattgiiter," and Riohards, who appeared very weak and bad his arm in a sling, was com- mitted for trial.

POACHING AFFRAY The sequel to a desperate poaching affray in Cloverley Park, the Shropshire residence of Major Heywood Lonsdale, was heard at Whitchurch yesterday, when Thomas Young, of Audlem, was charged with nig-ht poach- ing with violence. Major Lonsdale's head keeper and under-keepers, at two o c)o<*K on 1 •eeday morning, surprised the prisoner an;l a gang of poachers netting rabbits in the park. The keeprs closed with the poachers, and a desperate affray took place. Young, who had wounds on the head, was held by Major Lonsdaje p private constable, who also was severely mauled. A large number of rabbits and nets were seised. The prisoner wae remanded.

PAT'S RUSE In a London restaurant an Irish waiter was in the habit of bringing an old gentle- man's tea, the major part of which was usually in the saucer. "Look heire, Pat," said tfbe old gentleman, "to-morrow ewaung if you bring lIly tea without spilling a drop in the saucer I will give you a shilling to yourself." "Rig-ht, per," said Pat, and the folio-win* evening he won the shilling by bring-ing the cup in one hand and the saucer in the other.

SPINSTERS' DILEMMA Belgian maidens have. awakened betimes to the danger of two important events clashing1 next year. The Stpingters' Matrimonial Club has its annu&l banquet, to which eligible bachelors are invited, fixed for June 7. At this banquet tbe chief business is the arrangement of marriages. It now &PP,-arl that June 7 is the date fixed for the provincial elections; bnt the presi- dent. of the Spinsters' Olnb has already pointed out to the local deputy that the latter date must be changed, and if he fails she will petition the Government to get the date of the elections altered. The matter is regarded seriously by the olnb, as voting in Belgium is compulsory for everybody, includ- ing eligible bachelors, under penalty of a fine.

CHILD BRANDS BABY I An extraordinary affair wae reported yes- ) terday to Brackley 'Northante) Board of Guardians. A child named Florence Oox, six years old, branded a baby on the face with a red-hot poker while it lay in the cradle, and set fire to her own clothes and those of another girl. The house committee recommended that the child be sent to a lunatic asylum. The medical officer, however, said she was morally not mentally, deficient. and should be sent to A refei-matory. But this cannot be done, as she is not old enough. The master said he wae afraid the girl would burn the house down. A special committee was appointed to con- eult with the medical officer on the matter.

FAMOUS BESSES RETURN I Besses o' the' Barn Band is doe to arrive a.t. Plymouth to-morrow, after an absence of eighteen months, from a tour round the world. The ba.nd left Bngiand on July 25. 1906. and has travelled nearly 50.000 miles and given over 1.000 concerts.

JUDGE AND JOURNALISTS On rising at Woolwich County-court yester- day his Honour #tidge Willis turned to the press repreeentativee and said, with a smile, "I wish yon gentlemen a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, and I hope you will have a nice walk on QbTwtmas Dor," I

Weather Forecast —————————— —————————— The British Meteorological Office this morning issued the following forecast of the weather likely in South Walm from 10.30 a.m. to-day till 10.30 a.m. to- morrow: Southerly and south-westerly winds, moderate, fresh; rain; mist; fog; miM.

Great Golf Match ARNAUD MASSY V JAMES BRAID The event which the golfing world has so Jong ac t-loipst-ea-tal e meeting between Arnaud Ma&sv and James Braid, the present and ex-open champiOÐt; place to-day on lie course at Deal. contest is tor a puree. privately sub- scribed, but the aspcct4g oi the engagement are somewhat different from those associated with the protonaJ exhiJxt.ion match which the goiting puonc have oeoome so accustomed to during recent years. Immediately after Aiaefy scofed hiE remark- abie victory in the oixn championship at Hoylake, it may be retailed that a. number of the leading British professionals crossed to France and tacKied jwacty in uie rrffjeh championship, at La Boulie. The irencJiman conquered there, as he conquered at HoylaJte, and a few CL-ayt3 after the settlement of the .French event Braid lssutd a challenge to the dual champion. Ri-aid named D £ al and St. Andrews as his two links, but to these courses Massy would not agree, I)ceferring Hoylake and North Berwick. Tne golfing world was greatly stirred by these negotiations, and, although the match has practically been arranged tor April next, at La Boulie and Walton Heath, to-day's contest was of the most absorbing interest. Neither of the great players have left any- thing to chance. Massy travelled from Paris on Sunday. and was a.t Deal on MOIl- day engaged in practice rounds, while Braid arrived on the Kentish links on Tuesday. The Deal course has recent-ly been added to the rota of championship greens, and is situated a few miles beyond iamous Sandwich, on the teouth Eastern line. It is at its greatest length. 3,287 yards out and 3,281 yards home- in all 6,568 yards, against the former course of 5,962 yards. The n"tin- constitutes the LABT G-OLKING OF THE YEAR —a dra-mtic closure, certainly, for it is the best, golfing item outside of tbe champim- ships. While nicol were patriotic enough to hope for a victory for Braid, sympathy was largely with Massy, who, as open chaSntpioitL. has been harassed with the various chal- lenges, not only from Braid, but otbere. Braid is 38 years of age. and Massy is M. A larce com,pa-ny of golfers travelled down from London last night in order to be present at the start of the match, whioh was 9.45 this morning. Owing to the short day, the second round was started at a, quarter to one. The Play The weather at ueal to-day was dull, and 300 spectators were present when Braid drove off. Mr. Fisher Smith was referee. Braid pulled his drive. but laid his approach dead. The Frenchman played odd throughout, and lost a hole in 4 to 5. At the second hole Massy was half stymied, but halved bril- liantly in 4. Braid won the third easily in 3 to 5, but the fourth was divided in 3. Although trapped from the tee to the sixth. Braid made a superb recovery, and, winning in 4 to 5, stood 3 up. Massy secured his first win at the next. A couple of halves followed, and, winning the ninth, £ £ aid turned 3 up Scores out:— Braid 44334455 4-36 Maaey  54535355 5—40 me tentti w-jg naJrved in t modei-a^e a, but eA ttoe next Mamv got into rougti oorartory, and nrisøáDg a throe yards putt wit-n the like, allowed Braid to stamd 4 us, landing his shot dead. The Frenchman, won the twelfth in a perfect 2. but, a brilliant 4 at the thirteenth enabled Braid to regam his leV-: of four boles. MaeaJ- won the fifteenb 4 to 6.

Racing Intelligence I NEWMARKET NOTES. I (FBOII OUR OWN OORHESPOKDMfTO I NBWMAKKBT, Thonfey. A doll morning. JUIffPKBS' WORK. Cha.loner' Candelabra (C Leader), Leader's TTIvssee (F Leader). and Leach's Qallevpot (W Madden). a good two miles over hurdles. Candelabra juror- well, and will win at Wolverhampton. The others also jump well. Gilpin's Lamiast-on <C Leader > with Medcalfe's RiKhpool and Little Phil, a good mile and three- uqarters over hurdles. The former pair jumped well. Jarrie's Dalbarco, Pitch Hill (Jarvis), and lAdy Cringle (J Jarv). a nice mile over hurdles. The lat- ter joB worth following.

OFFICIAL STARTING PRICES. PirTTMPTOJf MEETING. Middle!on St«iplecbase <41.—Jackanapes, U to e apt. Tnree Year Old Hurdle (5).—Pfirer Fern, 9 to 2 ag; Florence, 9 to 4 agst; a dead heat. Haeeoek* Steeplechase (5).— Tideway. 100 to t apt. Punch Bowl Hnrdle (SV—Golden June, 6 to 1 ago, Sabot, 6 to 4 agst; Test Match, 9 to 2 agst. Suseex Hurdle CO-—>Balkier, 11 to 10 agst; Zllpah, 7 to 2 agfct. Ovingdean Steeplechase M-Time Teat, 5 to 4 agBt; Carsey, 6 to 4 agst.

OFFICIAL SCRATCHINGS. The "Sportamsn" bile beea officially tBfriniied It7 Meesra Weatherby of the following DcrutchMIP- An enfrapemerit?—One Away and FarseL Three Year Old Hurdle Bace, Windsor—Geoerai Brown. Ail engagements in Lord VlUier'e name Garter Kaot.

In the far of West Ewell Mr Tabor received a bad cut on the forehead. In the fail of Kilida L C Joimb injured hie ooalar- bone. J. Hare, the other jookvv attached to the Alfrieton stable, it will be remembered, broke hil col- lar-bone at Gatwick early im the month.

FIGHT AT WEDDING BALL I A bitter family feud ba8 resulted in a free fight at wedding festivities at Falmouth. At the parish oburcb on Toeeday morning there was a marriage which wae followed by a ball in the evening- Some male and female relatives who had not been invited appea;red at the back entrance to the hall at about eleven o'clock and burst the door open Their presence was resented, and soon the sounds of merri- ment gave way to thoee of blows and acreame of "Murder" and "Police. As the entrance had been again closed, the police had some difficulty in gainizig admis- sion. They found men in their shirt-sleevee and women with dishevelled hair over their evening drees. One woman had her face covered with blood and one eye bruised. The police insisted on the whole of the party leaving the premises, and the dancing which was to have Lasted till the small hours of the morning had to be abandoned at 11-50.

LOST BANKNOTES I Before the Cardiff stipendiary this after noon William Charles Davies (23) was remanded on a oharge of robbing with Tio- lence fonr L5 Bank of England notes and £5 10s. in money from Thomas Vanderpoll. A man and a woman have aJready been dealt with in connection with this case, and a third man is "wanted.'

Mr. B. Fran(-if-Williams. K.C., applied to the Court of Appeal on "Wednesday afternoon that the looal appeal of Morgan v. the Tredegar Dry Dock Company should stand over till the next sittings. The court made tbe order asked for, and the caee stands over accordingly.

B?THS, MARRIAGES & DEATHS I AND IN MCMOOAM. Charge for inserting adveruasaente under this ing:—Is. for M Words and 1Ai. for B*«y Two Extra Words. No notioe of tliie description will be inowted vataas authenticated by the name and or tbe eenutar. Telegrams and teieptonuc messages cannot be aotod oa until oanfinaed in writing. MAfHUAGES, j I OOOPEB—WOOD.—Ob tte 16Ui December, at 8L Mary's, Docks, Tiinhawd B8t,m cooper to Otmr A-da gkzaboth JEL A. teow, Aboe-stteet, Docfca. OCATTCS* RAU.KNGEB.-At 8œcai Ho?e, Ot!M"t*?1 « lost., &a= Jane, b.Wvd wtte of F. 206-g-m. Funeral at St.J's Cb8ch, Twehre noon, WY. 18tt Dam..bw. rtmUaiw GOb". PAL D Jd:BO. Dob? Uth, at the 8--1,6 Hospital. Cardiff, Txnatto d; MWJiek da faooeda, Capjtaoo di Lucigo Oouo, Second Nate of the 8L Uranus. aged X. Foaeral Wednesday. Deoemtar 16th. leaves tbe Seamen's Hospital ax S.15 a.m., for at. ■twvW'e Cbweb. Utiadee-etreet. ILLF. in Mwnoritni. LEWIS.—In Irving Memory of Edward Cope LMraI, OToaod son of the late Jota I.W%S, 061 18th -December 188E—Kit will be dime.

i AUGUSTINE J. STONE, .PuNaimL dibbctob. Fenooal ftuperraetoB to Ail Ordecs. .Xat- Tai.. Cardifi, Bo. KM. ftOL-agm TeL; No. æ2., Cardlfi. TMegaame: AUVKJSTIJTE STONS. owdift. 5s WORKING-ST., CARDrff. JOHN SMART & CO., rniDBKBLraafts AND FUKT^AL FUBNISHEBfi. CEiAPfiST HOUSE IN THE TRADE. 92, BRIDGE-STREET, CARDIFF. I The CAPITAL ? LABOUR holds ■ !tp??UM?crFAJMJLY RCURNUfe ATi lonmte @tock for Immediate Wear. SWTS TO Mt?-UBE IK T?t?VE HOURS. T? C-A?rrAi. t ?ABOC&. 58 &?:. ?u<cn-M.. OM?e. XMAS PRESENTS. For the Beet Selection &t Moderate Prieea, so to BEATON'S. 14 and 16, THE MORGAN ARCADE, ST. MAHY-STREET, CARDIFF. Initiate or Naonee Engmved Free of Charge upon Articles Purchased. e4ó4.i SO EASY CAREW-S TAKE OUT TEETH. 8, QtnaHWHEEOT, OAISDEFF, RRA PCZRL e4Q6

I FAMINE IN INDIA. The Secretary for India hae received tb« foOown-og telegram from the Goveraor- GeneralTbere bae been general rain Hi Banna., which will benefit standing arope In preoarkniE tracts, ntiile m Lower Banna, the prospects ci crops mm diouxody good. Good rain has fatten m parts of Xadru, Hydei*. bad. and Central India, and light showers in Bengal, &nd Baskern Bengal, and Amam- Eleewiiere the week wae raaDleee. Last weeks rain has mneb imgxcwed the proopecte of tha i Bfirlnt crom m the Gfestral Pirnrinoee, and sinee the piuvzuuiaJ reports were submitted moderate ram baa fiafien over a considerable area in Benc&L Bain is nrocto wanted in Northern India. Teøt works, employing 6,9W peofile, are now open in nine districts of the United Provraoee of Agra and Oudh, and famine has been declared in two dintrwts. 600 persone being relieved gratuitously and in poor bouses, and 5,000 persons ara employed on test workc, m three of the Central Indian States.

THE SPOILS OF WAR. The fpoilp of war seised by Garibaldi when he assumed the djotetorsbrp at Xapiee iu 1860 will shortly form the subject of a civil action against the Italian Government, to be brought by General Eiocdotti Garibaldi and CJolonel Gurzio Oommachi, who wae one of Garibaldi 6 right hand men. The amount at stake is enormous. A enns of zi,smwo, found, in silver pieces, in the vaulte under the Soyal Palace, figures pro- minently in tbe claim. In a<idition the resti- tution is demanded of the silver plate for- merly belonging too King Ferdinand; the Museum inherited by the Bourbons from the Farneee family; the RoyaJ villae at Capodi- monte; the Pakwoe and Park mt Caserta; the Farnese PaJa-oe at Rome, and the Parneve Palaoe and Villa at Oapranola. It is demanded tha-L all the above property ehall be handed over for the benefit of the GaribaJ-diam veterarw. who number about 60,000.

A CURE FOR DRUNKENNESS Wben an intoxicated man ie locked up at Denver his photograph is taien, and the next morning he ie shown how be looked the nig-ht before. The photograph care for drunken, ness is aaid to work wonders.

WESTERN VALLEYS TRAIN SERVICE. At a meeting of the joint sub-committee ot the Eastern and Western Vaileye of Mon- mouthshire, dealing with the railway facilities, held at the eotroty oonncil offices Newport, on Wednesday, Mr. A. A. WiHiami PreRidinlg, it, was decided to send a deputatior to the Great. Western Railway Company uj aek that direct, ooannwznication should be opened up between the two valieye by meajis of a direct train service between Ldanhilletl* and Pontypool Road so as to place both valleye in an equality for market purposes. Subsequently, a meeting of the Wes- tern Valleys Railway Council wag heid, Mr. T. W. Allen in the chair. There was again a long discussion as to the stopping of what are now through trains from Newport up and down the valley ax intermediate stations. It. was decided ttaiart the clerk (Mr. T S Edwards) should request the Great Wes- tern Railway to run two trains, a fast one and a slow one. to Ab-erboag and rwllzm, and the deputation appointed on the 'tween valleys rl-rviae 111M asked to urge this upon Mr. Leaning. The Chairman was anxious that the rail- way employes should be informed that the oouncil had not asked for any additional train service on Sundays, but only a re. arrangement of the present trains.

A little girl was overheard talking to ber doll, whose arm had come off. erposing the ea-wd-ust stuffing. "You dear, good, obedient dolly! I knew I had told you to cibew your food fine, but I didn't think you would ohew it so fine as that." too Late for Classification "IT WILL INTEREST YOU" TO SEE OUR WINDOWS, 41, ST. MARY-STREET (Opposite Soyal Hotel). SOL. PIIILLIPS. THE CHEAPEST JEWELLERY FIRM IN THE CITY. FOUUD, kvx-t-?i- Do( wlilLe ?boty. ?moc ?Mt IF ?,)? -Appiy TX?D?tm, ??_ ?T5z? WANTED, «penanced N- IIci 'Cr-. ? thoroughly Oew.ed Help: load of cbaJdwe ?ood w?t-6-Appty Mi? M<M?.tL, n, li?=;, P?Z?'?- o4774z?l MILLiyBBl. — >ooag L^dy. '? '?McMe' o.vn m ordm. good eakowoman: a?ao Another for ?mo? —Appiy, stating; sUary arid futl particulars, Gwvtfaer Drapar.Taa^ e4TKtii WASTED, Niu?efy Go?MMeR-???y, with W p?c?, M- ?t._ GtyMn??<?hy ? 'üTÃNTi.D-  ?? p?. OMt?c.?r: T m?!?) :cm.-AplAy? pmm-ay 0? br 1- etM me am oe. aDd iW-. to the M?tMB '?UMtSehMt, Dm?J??c?r??!. e<??' LARCH Poles; omh"U <? e(dtMn<6—tOMMtea L solicited.-Wiliftm T??. Pantlyn-avmue, N-VP- e47Tla23 Bui wm4«d.—gi, Atb»> -iuti" •neiir. T?O L?t K- f Ttlo.'r.V". M<! <hm?tow ill i -m-at; Ko. e, liadreo-g~. OL 6d Ke IC, }hd., t?. M.; ?. XDo, "t.-?aph- M Cow. <<?S: IF Box toft at ,bO, Fred«ckia^Unat, b not claimiid"In three day will be wig to ooirvy u.peIbiea. 047621- -I TRADESMEN", Blltcbê:n;II. OUxM?.?Ct?eite -? Spr?g Tmp: WMM; wh. pood -o nc". t4 Yorra; Mela! Merchant, I^eckwiih-roac. Cantait. u:. '?tAKTBDT? sVroag. afean t.m (or Ho"r\ steep )H ttMn?-?Ap?y M, iplaaugwat-mran. 7'. T?OCK(<.—?eemsT<?c€ry a?d GXnei? BtstnEt.s. With Dwr,*il Muk Bou?d tttaohed, 50 yews' conneo^ioa; old sL,- ADd ill.J!e&Jlh CIWIII of giving uP; let £10: low rent.—H 6. imw. c.Ii8- atfihti

TONS OF PUDDING POSTED I Parcels containing plum puddings posted from friends iu England inundated the Toronto Post-of&ce yesterday. They aggre- gaited two tons in weight. The largest weighed 121b. In one delivery from Britain there were 2.700 parcels containing besidee pudding all Irorts of Christmas presents.

PAUPERS ON THE FLOOR I Yesterday at the Lambbth Board of Guar- 1 dJ?os it was stated t'b? paupers were sleep- ing on the floors of the workhouse. There was an excess of 181'8.

Wife (on the Alps. to her husbkndl: Oh, Lancelot, my darling. how lovely it is here. Husband: Why do you keep calling me Lancelot? You know my name is Harry. Wife: Oh, but a name like that doesnt suit these romantio surroundings.

I Aberavon Gasworks. I I THE CORPORATION & MANAGEMENT. I At the Aberavon Town Council meeting^on Wednesday, the town-clerk received an application from Mr. A. Bond (manager of II the gasworks) for an increase in his salary of C50 per annum, and also for £100 for services as clerk of the works during the ¡ construction of the new gasworks. Mr. J. M. Smith proposed, and Mr. D. Rees seconded, that the salary of the gas manager be increased to R175 per annum. Alderman Aaron James moved that the question be deferred for three months. The new workB, he said, were not satisfactfory, and it was inopportune to ask for an increase of salary. In the old fa?worke they produced 10,200ft. of gas per ton, whereas the new works only produced 8,404ft. per ton, or nearly 2,000ft. less per ton. They had also aii increase on their debit balance, and the general conditions did not justify an increase. The Mayor said that Mr. Newbiggins had bimself started that he was quite satisfied with the management. He felt the attack on Mr. Bond was a blow below the belt. The resolution was oarried. I