South Wales Echo

Cutting a Wife's Throat at Newport. MAGISTERIAL PROCEEDINGS TO-DAY. At Newport Borough Police-court to-day Joseph Leyshon, mason, 6, Constable's-lane, was charged with cutting and wounding Sarah Rees with a knife.—Police-constable Williams said he appre- hended prisoner on Saturday night on the charge of cutting his wife's throat. Prisoner replied "Wife She is not my wife. I never touchd her. The Magistrates' Clerk Did yoll seethe woman -P.C. Williams: I went with her to the house. Prisoner said she did it herself u e a -mfe out of his pocket, She cid it with this herself." Mr R. Cooke, surgeon, said the woman Rees was brought to him by the police. He found she had two incised wounds on the right side of her throat. One was three and a quarter inches long, and then there was an interval of about a quarter of an inch, and a continuation of the same wound about an inch long. The wounds were just gaping. Witness put in two sutures. The woman had lost blood. She was not fit to give evidence, although he believed she was in court. The sutures had not yet been removed. Supt. Sinclair asked for a remand for a week, Which was granted, and prisoner, wno looks younger than he is described, was remitted to Usk. i The woman Rees began to SOD, and ultimately followed prisoner out of court.

DASTARDLY ASSAULTS ON A WOMEN NEAR COWBRIDGE. At the Llandaff police-court this morning— before Messrs G. C. Dornford, Evan Lewis, and Henrv Lewis — William Naylor, labourer, was charged with aggravated assaults on Joannah Santry and Mary Ann Cokeley, on Saturday last.—From the evidence of the tw,v women and a companion named Catherine Brodrick, it appears that between ten and eleven o'clock on Saturday night they were coming from Cowbridge laden somewhat heavily with watercress, and near Sweldon Farm they lp-ard the prisoner and another man coming ai'ong shging a ribal song. The women stopped beside tfea hedge to rest, whom prisoner observing 8 he <-me up, crossed over, and in lang 8 made an improper offer tu ~-ntry. Shot up along with her companions k- go, wnd kidSg the man good night," he ,hcn caught hex and thrugt hei, TZ SV ^•■in the taking liberties with her. Twi^antry r03eup>bufc owin« to the basket of wa rcr5sses being strung round her neck she could ofc move freely, and was forced back into e hedge again. Prisoner afterwards exposed and pulled her about so much that she was neaiy faint. Sub- sequently Cokeley seized the man co'mpelled him to let go the other woman. In .eturn she received a severe blow of the fist in jj face. Fearing that the man would prevail over hem, they set up united screaming, and the priso,er' probably fearing to be discovered, went awa, The other man took no part in the assaults, ana proceeded on his way. A police officer afterwards arrested the prisoners in a lodging-house, at Ca,erau. To the constable he pleaded ignorance of the whole affair, and at the police-court he repeated his assertion denying that he knew even that he was with another man on the occasion. He added that he bad been drinking all day. The women, however, all swore to the identity of the prisoner with the man who assaulted the two of them. The bench retired for a few minutes to ide. liberate, and on returning, the chairman said, «We are unanimous that you committed these assaults. It is a most abominable thing that women cannot walk along the public highway without being assaulted by ruffians like you proved to be. For the aggravated assault ou Santry you will have to go to gaol for three months, and for the assault on Cokeley another month-four months' hard labour."—The Prisoner (laughing): All right; good day.

THE ALLEGED MURDER AT SEA. The Venue of the Trial changed to Liverpool. At the Birkenhead police-court to-doy, Air Preston, stipendiary magistrate, gave his decision in the charge against IVni. Rauscher Ferdinand Koelpein, second mate and boatswain of the American snip j. F. Chapman, for the alleged murder of a Russian Finn, one of the crew, on the 9th October, while on a voyage from San Francis to Liverpool. The allegation against the prisoners is that they abused the deceased from the time of sailing in August, and finally lashed him to the topsail sheet for two hours during a cold night, from the effects of which he died. The evidence of 17 of the crew for the prosecution extended over three days, and the prisoners made a statement denying having even kicked or struck the deceased, but admitting having lashed him up for sleeping on the look-out. Mr Preston said that since the prisoners were remanded on Thursday he had received an inti- mation from the Secretary of State to the effect that as it was probable a formal demand might be made by the Government for the surrender of the prisoners, it was better they should be sent to Lon- don inorderthatthey may be tried before Sir James Ingham, at Bow-street police-court, in accordance with the Extradition Act. It was, therefore his duty to act in accordance with these instructions and he would issue warrants for the removal of the prisoners; at the same time the depositions already taken and such witnesses as might be re- quired to enable Sir James Ingham to come to a conclusion, would be sent. The prisoners acknowledged the kindness they had received since they had been in custody, and said they were entirely innocent of the charge. Mr Preston said they could make their defence when before the Metropolitan magistrates. The hear.ng of the summonses against Alfred Thompson, chief officer, J. F. Chapman, and John de Costa, snipping agent, Waterloo-road, Liver- pool, for assaulting and threatening the police „fGcer in charge of the murder case while on i <>*rd the vessel in the execution of their duty on Criday, was adjourned till Saturdap.

-1.- I THE MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEAR- ANCE. I Mr Bradford, of Wingrave-street, Camber well, "vViose mysterious disappearance excited so :<i*ioh enquiry, was on Friday found in Walworth- and, and induced togo home. OnSaturday morning '«. jumped from the bedroom window, impaling his ,') on the railing, and injuring his head. He inw lies m a, dying condition.

'#!J THE CLAIMANT. AS A PIGEON SHOOTER. T co pigeon-shooting matches took place at the 'ràig'an.fields, Leds, ?u Saturday afternoon, k'. t*oth of which the Claimant was a competitor. ii the match with Mr Graham, of London, he .t by une bid, and ill second, with AIr fowler, the champion small-bore rifle shot of the world, he lost by six birds only. From 200 to 300 arsons were present,

Branding a Wife at Card iff. TERRIBLE ASSAULT WITH A RED-HOT POKER. At the police-court, to-d.y. before AU.nnw CoVy „d D. Thom«, « the d„Js(54),>va5ch,Wdwf 1»» >v,ie on th* 23rd ult. Mr H. Morgan Rees appeared for the defendant. Complainant, who had her « -j j Raid that on the evening of the fac? bandaged, sa^" 23rd ult she was sitting at home, when the defen- dant "came in the worse for drink. At the time a poker was in the fire, and was red-hot. He drew the poker from the fire, and as he had pre- viously threatened her she screamed out. He applied the red-hot part of the poker to her face, and she laid hold of the other end to wrest it from him. A severe struggle ensued, but he was the stronger of the two, and he succeeded in applying the red-hot part of the poker to her face, drew it down from behind her ear, and burnt her face and neck very severely. She had been married to the defendant over 30 years, and had ten children by him.—The de- fence was that the complainant seized hold of the poker to stick the defendant. He siezed hold of the poker to take it from her. In the struggle she was burnt, and defendant was also burnt on the hand.—Defendant was said to have borne a good character and the bench, under the circum- stances, only sent him to prison for one month with hard labour.

I The Earthquakesin Spain FURTHER SHOCKS IN MALAGA. I Terrible Devastation. I [" TIMES TELEGRAM.] I MADRID, Sunday.—A telegram from Velez- Malaga announces that two fresh shocks occurred yesterday, completing the ruin of the town. Advices from Jerez say that slight oscillations were felt there at an early hour yesterday. I [RECTER'S TELEGRAM.1 I MADRID, Saturday, Noon.—The official Gazette to day publishes the royal decree directing the opening of a national subscription in aid of the sufferers by the earthquake, and inviting the Cortes and provincial auth orities to contribute to the fund. The decree also authorizes the Spanish ambassadors and consuls abroad to receive sub- scriptions, and invites the public employes to give one day's pay on the 1st of February towards the fund. Committees will be formed in all the provinces to receive contributions, and local committees will also be appointed to arrange for the distribution of the relief fund. The property tax on the destroyed buildings has been remitted. The balance of the Marcia floods subscription will also be employed for the benefit of sufferers by the present calamity. The Impartial states that the King has given 21,600 the Queen £ 400, and the Infanta Isabel 2200 towards the National subscription. MADRID, Sunday, 9.45 p.m.—Fresh shocks of earthquake were felt yesterday in-several places in the southern provinces, including Losa, Alhama, Jaen, and Velez Malaga, fissures being made in the ground. Great alarm prevails among the inhabitants of Peripa, owing to the continuance of the shocks. Ac- cording to reports from Andalusia, the panic among the population of the provinces. of Granada and Malaga continues. The railway stations are occupied by whole families, who sleep m the railway vans, trucks, and carriages. The trains arriving at Granada are immediately filled with hundreds of people of all' classes, desiring to pass the night in the carriages. The town of lirantda has the appearance of a camp. All the squares and open places are filled with huts and tents, occupied by thousands of persons who are afrait to pass the night in their own houses, md who congregate round the bonfires. Religiois processions are frequently held in order to mplore the Divine clemency. The town is severelj damaged, but the Alhambra is unharmed with zhe exception of one tower, which is stated to have been slightly injured. Great distress exists in the towns and villages destroyed, and famine prevails in some places. The people encamped in the fields are also short of provisions. The bodies of the victims buried under the ruins of the alien buildings are beginning to decompose. According to reports from Alhama, the appearante of the ruins there is imposing. The town consists of two portions, the upper and lower. During the earthquake on Christmas night, the upper to,vn, situated on the side of a valley, fell upon the lower portion. Over 1,500 houses were destroyed, and more than 300 dead have already beer. recovered. It is calculated th:tt 10,000 head o: cattle were killed. Besides this, five churches, five convents and hospitals, the town hall, the prisons, clubs, and theatre were destroyed. Sevices are now held in the public square, the altar being set up in a carriage. Seven thousand persons are encamped in the fields. The engineers at Albanuela reports that the few remaining buildings are in a dangerous state, and that it will probably be necessary to blow them up for the public safety. A meeting of representatives of the Madrid press of all parties, and of all the principal clubs and literary and military societies was held here to-day, at which it was unanimously decided to support the fund in aid oi the victims of the earthquake. Severe weather prevails in many parts of Spain. The trains have heen stopped by snow, and no foreigh mails have been received here during the past three days. ["CENTRAL NEWS" TELEGRAM.] I GRANADA, Sunday.—Fresh shocks were again again felt at Vilez Malaga, yesterdny, and addi- tional damage done, the houses already tottering and cracked in all directions coming down with a terrible crash. A despatch which I have just received from Xeres, or as it is sometimes called Xerez, also states that a few slight shocks have been felt there, but the damage as yet is but trifling compared with the terrible devastation wrought elsewhere. The panic at Malaga still continues, and also at Alhama. Hunger and sickness are making sad ravages amongst the poor sufferers who are encamped in the fields. We have just received an official intimation that the Government have, with a view to some slight alleviation of the distress so prevalent at Alhama, decided to erect, as soon as possible, 800 houses, to serve as temporary shelters for the poor outcasts. But, praiseworthy as the motive is, one cannot help asking—What is this among so many PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION IN IRELAND. I At the instance of the Spanish Consul, a fund I vTSoi'un parted in Dublin, headed by Cardinal iVLcGabe with £ 10, for the sufferers in Andalusia.

THE HEALTH OF MR. GLAD- STONE. HAWARDEN, Monday morning.- Our special representative at IIawarden telegraphs On inquiry at the castle this morning I was informed that Mr Gladstone retired to rest early yesterday evening, and enjoyed a good night's repose, and- seemed much improved this morning. He did not, however, get up to attend the early ser- vice at Hawarden Church, as is his almost in- variable practice and breakfasted in bed, rising at half-pasts^ The attack of lumbago is less severe, and it ii, ed it will soon pass away with the rest the Premier is now taking. All but the most pressing official business is being transacted in London, so as to give the right hon. gentleman as much repose as possible." The weather has changed here this morning, a drizzling rain falling, which, if it continues, will prevent the Premier taking out-door exercise. I To-day is the rent audit of the Hawarden estates, and the tenantry are beginning to arrive.

Alarming Railway Accident. THE SCOTCH EXPRESS IN COLLISION. Seven Passengers Seriously Injured. The Central News Wolverhampton correspon- dent telegraphs :—An alarming collision occurred on the London and North-Western Railway this morning between Bushbury and Wolverhampton. The Scotch limited mail express, due at Wolver- hampton at 5.30, when about a mile out- side the station ran into a train of goods wagons at a great rate of speed. The driver and stoker of the mail, when they saw that a collision was inevitable, applied the brake to the engine, and then sprang off, thus saving their lives. The goods wagons were smashed to splinters, and the wreckage is now strewed over the line. The engine of the mail train was much damaged. Theunfortunate pas- sengers were nearly all more or less injured from the violence of the shocks, although none were killed. Seven passengers were so badly injured that they were removed to the hospital.

FEVER ON BOARD AN EMIGRANT SHIP. 18 Deaths. A Lloyd's telegram from Mauritius, dated December 24th, states that the Hereford, from Calcutta for the West Indies, had put in with 18 emigrants dead from fever. 1 I

EARTHQUAKE SHOCK IN THE UNITED STATES. [REUTER'S TELEGRAM.] L NEW YORK, Saturday.—A shock, supposed to be due to an earthquake, was felt yesterday in the southern section of Frederick County, Mary- land.

MR PARNELL AND THE IRISH NATIONAL LEAGUE. Rebellion against his Authority, Our special correspondent at Dublin telegraphs this morning :—In consequence of thu decision of the Tipperary National League Convention re- fusing to accept his candidature* Mr Parnell has ordered a convention to be held next Wednesday, at which he himself will attend. In a letter to- day announcing this intention, Mr Parnell says:—The importance of the step taken merits consideration by a full convention of the branches of the league in county Tipperary, less than half of which were represented on Friday, and no fewer than 40 abstained from sending delegates. A summons has consequently been addressed to all the branches of the league in the county to attend the convention on Wednesday to reconsider Friday's decision." The matter is causing the greatest excitement in the county. A large party stand up boldly for Mr O'Rvan, the accepted candidate, and will defray all his election expenses. On the other hand, Mr Parneil's nominee (Mr O'Connor) has many friends, who protest against the disregard paid to the wish of Mr Parnell and the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Cashel, and it is thought that Mr Parneil's appearance on Wednesday will cause the previous decision to be revoked. Mr O'Ryan to-day issued his election address, in which he pledges himself to yield on all occa sions unquestionable obedience to the order of Mr Parnell, and to act with the party led by him. The nomination takes place on Friday.

DETAILS OF THE UNDER- GROUND EXPLOSION. The Press Association says :-The result of Col. Majendie's inspection of the tunnel on Saturday was such as to convince the experts that the ex- plosion was camd by a small percussion bomb, probably not unlike that used at the assassination of the Emperor of Russia. The bomb would explode immediately upon Gominsr into contact with the wall of the tunnel, and its effects, so far as damage is concerned, would be entirely local, although the sound of the explosion might be heard a long distance. It is considered certain that the bomb was thrown from the train going westwards, which sustainedd con- siderable injury, and the explosive was contained in the glass or earthenware ball. The authorities incline to believe that the casing was of earthen- ware because, however much it might have been scattered by the explosion, had it been glass there would have been little difficulty in tracing the fragments, and this they have been unable to do. The dark pieces of earthenware, however, could not be so easily discovered amongst the ballast of the line until the debris had been carefully sifted, which is now being done pre- paratory to the official repoFt being presented. Colonel Majendie did not visit the tunnel on Sunday, and it is not thought likely that he will again have occasion to do so, as the damage to the brickwork is not considerable, and a further examination will not tend to assist the investigation. Several of the railway officials ( visited the scene again on Sunday, but no further discovery has been made tending to elucidate the mystery. PRECAUTIONS BY THE AUTHORITIES. I ihe various tunnels on the line are being care- fully watched, and the officials at the stations are keeping a close look out to prevent unauthorized persons entering them. About forty passengers left the damped train at Gower-street after the explosion, many evidently more from fright than from injury, as they had tickets for stations further along the line. The commissioners of police would be glad if if passengers in the train at the time of the explosion would communicate name and address to Scotland Yard, as it would materially assist the authorities in their enquiries. PROPOSED REWARD. Up to a late hour on Sunday night no fresh information was obtainable. The railway authori- ties have suggested the issue of a reward which the company would be willing to pay for the dis- covery of the perpetrators of the outrage, but it is understood that the Home Office authorities, and the police acting under their instructions, are averse to any reward being offered. A substan- tial sum was offered on the occasion of the la#t explosions on the line without effect, and it is now considered better in all such cases not to at- tempt to trace the miscreants by this means. LATEST PARTICULARS. I LONDON, Monday Morning. — An informal inquiry is being conducted to-day at the offices of the Metropolitan Railway Company with a view to obtaining further evidence regarding Friday's explosion. The signalman in charge of Charlton- street cabin at the time of the occurrence has been summoned to attend, as have also the officials in charge of the passing train, and other persons whose testimony is likely to throw any light on the inquiry. No further information has been obtained in regard to the statement made by a passenger on Saturday to the effect that he saw a person leave the eastward train at Farringdon- street under suspicious circumstances, and no importance is attached to the incident by the authorities, who consider that if the explosive was thrown from any train it was from the one travelling westward, the rearmost carriages of which show the greatest injury. The station inspector at King's Cross states that the effect of the report at that station has been somewhat exaggerated. The particles of pulverised brickwork, mortal, woodwork, glass, and earth, which were swept together and taken away on Saturday, have been spread out before one of the furnaces at Neasden, for the gpurpose of being thoroughly freed from damp. They will not, it is stated, be disturbed until to-morrow, by which time the rubbish will be easily separable, and it will be possible to closely scrutinise it. No further discoveries have yet been made.

KAT'S COMPO'TND, for Coughs and Colds, is equally serviceable for Horses and Cattle, 92d, Is ljd, 5iBd?sH §13

MONEY MARKET. I To-day's Times money article says In the li • Jey market business was very quiet. The rate for loans was 31 to 4 three months' bills, 4 to 4§. In the Stock markets the feature was an advance in American Railway Securities. In three cases the rise was two dollars and upwards. Home Government Securities were a shade weaker, prices receding about 1-16ths all round. Consols closed at 99 for money, 99 7-16ths to 99k for the February account. Home Railways were quiet, with little change except in North British, which closed at a fall of 1. The Foreign market was almost neglected, prices showing a few changes. --v

TO-DA Y'S MARKETS. BUTTER. CORK,' Monday. Seconds, 135s thirds, 90s: fourths, 51s. Kegs—Thirds, 83s; fourths, 44s.. Mild cured tirkins—mild 116s. In market, 130 firkins, 19 kegs, 2 mild. HOPS LONDON, Monday.—The remand continues on a very limited scale for all descriptions of hops, and nrices remain wthout material change from last week's quotations. L POTATOES. LONDON, Monday.—Supplies remain good, and trade remains without improvement :-Regents are quoted at 60s to 80s Victorias, 60s to 75s Magnums, 65s to 65s Champions, 50s to 65 per tor. PROVISIONS. LONDON, Monday.— Butter — Best descriptions of fjfp are 'n request. Normandy dearer, at 116s to 140s. l/rieslaml, 116s to 126s. Kiel and Danish remain at 112s to 144s Jersey, 90s to 106s. Ameri- ctn and Iri-h continue very quiet. Bacon-mode- rately active, at about previous rates. Hams unaltered. liaru quiet at late values. Cheese without change. DEAD MEAT. Lmmox. Monday.—Moderate supplies on offer, and trade continues cenerally dull at the following prices vr '• prime Scotch do., 4s lOd to 5s. o to 6s 4d- Veal- 4s t0 5s 4d. Large pork, 2s 8d to 3s 8d small do., 3s 8d to 4s per 8 lbs.

TO-DAY'S -SHIPPING. Lloyds' Casualty Telegrams. The steamer Peer of the Realm, from Alexandria, has been towed to Liverpool by two tugs with crank shaft and cylinder cover broken. The British barque Jessie Goodwin, from Demerara, is at Barbadoes leaky, and is being repaired off the harbour. The British steamer Cella, from Shields for Delaware Breakwater, has a,, rived at Halifax with machinery out of order. The British barque Peacemaker, from London for New York, is at St Thomas leaky. The barque Ella Nicoll, from Ardrossan for Val- paraiso, Ins arrived at Queenstown with loss of sails and iibboom. The British schooner Cypher, from Port Nolloth for Swansea, is at St Michael's leaking badly, and is dis- charsina: her cargo. „ The British steamer Castleton, from New Orleans for Genoa, arrived at St. Michael's on the 2oth December with her machinery damaged, but it has since been re- paired and the steamer proceeded. The United Srates ship Chesebious'h broke- adrift and went ashore in the Columbia river on December 2bth, but floated again, and is making a little water. She has been surveyed and recommended to discharge. Her cargo of wheat is slightly damaged,

THE CHANNEL SQUADRON. I The Central News Portsea Correspondent tele- graphing at noon says:—" Up to the present .nothing further has transpired with regards to the destination of the Neptune and Sultan, two of the vessels comprising the Portsmouth division of the channel squadron, or the reason of the sudden re- call of their crews, and instructions to prepare at once for sea. About two hundred men from each of the vessels were on ten days leave, and the notices issued by placards and telegrams yester- day calling upon them to return to their respective ships by 1.30 to-day. It is believed that the majority will turn up, and if they do not, at the time specified, it is not thought likely that it will bp necessary to have to call on the fiaErships to complete the vessels compliment. as the men's leave in the ordinary course of events would expire on Wednesday, and as the Neptune leaves fcr the Spithead on Tuesday morning, and the Sultan on Wednesday, there will be adequate time for the late comers. The Northumberland, upon which their admiral De Horsey hoists his flag, is expected here frum Plymouth to-morrow to turn over the crew of the Minotaeur, which is the flagship of the squadron, but now under repairs of her boilers by the officers of the vessels in question. It is not believed that the original programme of the fleet will be altered or deviated from. but that the expediting of the squadron's removal from harbour is to facilitate the getting on board of powder and shot, as the shortness of the day makes this occupy more time than ordinarily, and also that AdmiralDe Horsey, not having yet had the fleet in movement since his command, is anxious to get them together before starting on the cruise. As was originally intended, his arrangement was to meet the Asdncourt and Achilles off the Eddy- stone Lighthouse, after which the fleets dates were to have been, and are now, as there has been as yet no cancelling order:-Arosa Bay January 15th, Vigo 26th, Madeira February 12th, Gibral- tar 23rd, Palma, Majorca, March 8th, Caghzi 11th, Gibraltar 21st. [" SPECIAL TELEGRAM.] The Admiralty authorities deny that any fresh orders were issued to the Channel fleet on Satur- day, and they state that as soon as possible an official contradiction will be issued with reference to the reports as to the fleet having been ordered to prepaxo; for sea in consequence of a decision taken at Saturday's Cabinet Council. [" DAILY NEWS TELEGRAM.] PLYMOUTH, Sunday night.—Enquiries made to- night do not elicit that there is any ground for the statement that the officers and men of the Channel Squadron have been suddenly called from their holiday as the result of Saturday's Cabinet Council, and in order that the squadron may at once be despatched on some special mission. The rumour seems to have originated at Portsmouth. Nothing is officially known at Devonport of any 10 alteration in the original programme by which the squadron are to be ready to proceed to sea on Friday next.

ATTEMPTING TO RESCUE FOWL STEALERS. A Street Scene at Newport. At Newport borough police-court to-day—be fore the Mayor and other magistrates—William Williams, labourer at the new gasworks, Crindau, was charged with assaulting P.C. Browning in the execution of his duty. On Saturday evening P.C. Folkeswell, of the county constabulary, was in charge of two prisoners 'mndcuffed together, who, earlier that day, .were convicted of fowl stealing, when prisoner, who bad been waiting opposite to the county police, striped across and gave the two men a parcel, which, he said, con- tained buns. Afterwards, in Hig.street, one of the principal thoroughfares, and. T that time crowded with people, prisoner took bold of the officer, attempted to prevent him from following the prisoners, and used threatening language.— The Magistrates' Clerk (to the officer) Then the prisoners might have escaped ?- Polkeswell: Yes, easily. They were 10 or 15 yards in front of me atone time, and there was a lot of people between us.—P.C. Browning, of the borough force, went to Folkeswell's assistance, and was twice struck in the chest by prisoner.—Prisoner now said that the county officer went to his house about the missing property, and frightened his wife, who had been ill ever since.-—Folkeswell denied that prisoner said anything about this visit. The police, however, had visited the house, as alleged.—The Mayor said the magistrates could not allow police- men to be interfered with ziil struck, and as a warning sentenced prisoner to a month's hard labour,

SPORTING ITEMS. So far the Scotch football clubs on tour in Lan- cashire for the New Year's holidays have fared very badly. The owner of one of the most celebrated handi- cap winners, and on which he won a great for- tune, is now an omnibus conductor. Rumour already speaks well concerning some two-year-olds by Mask, who was himself possessed of fine speed when in training. The near fore-leg of Cyrus has given way, and as he is a horse that requires a large amount of exercise to get him in condition, it is doubtful if he will ever stand a preparation again. At Manchester, where it is said in future the horses are to be fed and stabled at the expense of the race fund, the features of the Easter meeting are a hurdle race of LI,000, and a steeplechase of 21,000. At Marden Deer Park, Caterham, Surrey, at 3 a.m. on the 1st of January, Venice, by Carnival out of Isoline, the property of the Marden Stud, foaled a fine bay colt by Beaudesert, which is the first foal of the year. appeaied in winnin-, The veteran Rocket appealed in winning colours in a Selling Hurdle Plate at Plumpton, on Friday, and once again changed hands, Mr Jodrell giving eighty guineas for him. He has had a few owners in his time. Harvester has made his re-appearance on the L- ,lJ,1 training-ground, anct. aitnougn He uauuci boots, aN ewmarket correspondent believes him to he thoroughly sound, and likely to be heard of in connection with the spring handicaps. Xaintrailles is likely to commencs wurk again in a few days, but it would be as well for mtend- ing backers of the colt for the classic races to re- member that he has several engagements in 1 ranee during the spring, for some of which he is sure to be sent to run. The Duke of Devonshire has granted the use of Saffron field, Eastbourne-a meadow of about ten acres in extent, fringed with trees and very level throughout—to the Devonshire Park Cricket Club at a merely nominal rental. A commodious pavillion will be erected without loss of time. The Christmas Cup, competed for at Haydock Park Coursing Meeting by the winners of the Old and New Years' Stakes, was won by Woman in Black, the property of Mr W. Osborne, who, with his brother John, presides over the Ashgill training establishment at Middleham. A Wick Correspondent says :—A ring plover took shelter on board one of our fishing boats lately when fifty miles out at sea, and was cap- tured, and it also was taken to Mr McKay's cooperage, but it died very soon afterwards. I cannot make out what took this bird so far from home. There were no gales at the time to account for it, and this pretty little plover is not given to flying far from the sea shore. "Ubique,"in Land and Watei-, Bays: I am authorised to issue the following challenge from the Australian amateur champion sculler, Mr W. G. Brett. Mr Brett challenges any gentleman amateur in England, America, or the world, to scull him over the championship* course on the Paramatta River for a J3500 trophy, or he will scull on the Thames course, taking or allowing 2100 for expenses, adding an additional B50 as an inducement fcr any one to go over to Aus- tralia." We may state that English amateurs do not contest for 2500 trophies, and Mr Brett should appeal to professionals. There was no betting on future events at the principal London clubs on Saturday afternoon. r The entries for the Grand National Steeple- chase, Liverpool Spring Cup, Prince of Wales's Cup, and other races to be run for at the Liver- pool Spring Meeting in March next will close to morrow. Entries for the Lincolnshire Handicap, the Lin- coln Cup, Batthyany Stakes, and other events of importance run for at the Lincoln Spring and Grand National Hunt Meeting are due to-morrow. }.-• Messrs Tattersall announce several horses to be disposed of at their establishment at Knights- bridge to-day, amongst the number being John Bright and Reprieve from the Kingsclere stable. The meet of her Majesty's Staghounds will be at Two-mile B rook to-morrow, and the Great Western Railway Company will run a special train to Slough, leaving Paddington at 10.25 a.m. On -Friday next the meet will be at Hawthorne Hill, and a special train for Windsor will leave Paddington at 9.40 a.m. e fi 17 The three-year-old filly by Mr Winkle- Polonaise, the property of Mr Bowes, died rather suddenly at Maltoa on Thursday night. As a two-year-old the filly took part in five events, but only credited her owner with the Wentworth (Post Produce) Stakes at Dcncaster, for which she walked over. For the cominsr sjason she was engaged iu the One Thousand Guineas, Epsom Oaks, and Doncaster St Leger. A general meeting of the Southern Counties' Cross-country Association was held on Friday evening, Mr T. Shore, president, in the chair. A motion by the South London Harriers to allow second teams to compete in the championship was lost. The proposed alteration in the date of the southern counties' championship gave rise to an animated discussion, and it was resolved that February 21,14, 7, and 28 should have precedence in the order named if fixed arrangements can be made with the Sandown Park authorities. The propositions that in future a conference of secre- tariesbe held tofix-thedatesofopen handicaps,with the condition that without sanction they are not to be altered, were carried. There was a large attendance, and much acrimony was introduced into the proceedings. On Friday afternoon J. Roberts, jun., and T. Taylor met at the Royal Aquarium, and signed articles to contest a billiard match of 10,000 points up (spot-barred), for £ 100, the champion conced- ing 3,000 points start. Taylor proved successful in both tosses—for choice of building and table. The match will be played at the Aquarium on Feb. 16 and following days, on a Burroughs and Watts' table. Ten pounds a side is now down to bind the match, and the remainder will have to be made good on the night of the Roberts v. Bennet match. The same pair has also entered into negotiations to contest 10,000 up, "all in,"on similar terms, to take place on March 2 next. Table and venue not yet settled.

THE FATAL RAILWAY COL- LISION NEAR LONDON. Inquest and Verdict. An inquest was held on Saturday by Dr. Darnford Thomas, at the Royal Free Hospital, on the body of Robert Benjamin Davis, the fireman who died from injuries sustained in the collision on the Midland Railway at St. Paul's Junction on Mon- day last. Mr Beale appeared for the Midland Railway, and Mr Nettleship for the Great Eastern Railway. Walter Hodges, driver of the Midland train, desposed to having started his train from Moorgate-street to South Tottenham about six o'clock on Monday night. On leaving King's Cross he saw a red light in the tunnel, and slackened speed. Leaving the tunnel he saw a white light on the signal, and another below, from which he concluded that he was to proceed. If he had seen another red light he would have stopped. On reaching the junction the train came into collision with a Great Eastern train. So far as he knew the signal was in proper working order. Wm. Ray, signalman, St. Paul's Junction, said he signalled Danger to the Midland train in order that the Great, Eastern train might pass. The first red lights should have been shown in the tunnel, and outside about six o'clock. The gas- fitters informed him that the gas in the signals was jumping, and lie gave them lamps to put in. John Nicholson, gas-fitter, said he and another gasfitter went to the signal to place the lamps. As he ascended the ladder the gas went out. He at once endeavoured to put in the lamp, and found it too large, the signalmen having given him the wrong lamp. The result was that at the moment when the Midland train appeared, he was holding the white light outside the signal, and his col- league held another below. The jury were of opinion death resulted from injuries received in the collision at the time when the signals were defective, and returned a verdict of "Accidental death."

.? HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. THE GLAMORGANSHIRE HOUNDS. Tuesday, Jan. 6 Llandough Cast'e .At 11 IUD, Thursday, Jan. B.. Llailili Li At 11 a.m. MR BIRT ST. A. JENIFER'S HARRIERS. Friday, Jan. 9 Brocastle .At 11 a.ini MR POWELL'S HOUNDS. Tuesday, Jan. 6 ..Dol-Wilym At 10.30 a.m Friday, Jan. S. Whitland for Pale As 10.60a.m THE SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE FOXHOUNDS. Tuesday, Jan. 6| Orielton Lodge At 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9 Minwear House At 11 a.m. THE PESLLERGARE FOXHOUNDS. Tuesday, Jan. 6 ..Bradbury House, Llanelly, A 10.30 Breakfast at 10 o'clock. Friday, Jan, 9—Llansaint At 10.30

The steamship Escombrera, of Havre, left Benisaf on the 11th December with a cargo of iron-ore for Maryport, and, as she has not been seen or heard of since, it is feared she has foun- dered whilst encountering one of those terrific gales which prevailed about the middle of Decem- ber. The steamer belonged to the Societe Frangaise des Steamers de L'Orient, of which Messrs Poinsdestre, Mesnier, and Cie are the managers,

DISTRICT NEWS. CARDIFF. SUDDEN DEATH.—A child named Gertrude Ann Mitchell, aged eight, died suddenly on Sunday morning at the home of her parents, 57. Wood- street. DIXXER TO IORD WI.VDSOK.— The Cardiff Conservative Club on Saturday gave a dinner to Lord Windsor. There were over 150 guests, among whom, we are informed (the proceedings were private) was Mr Harben. INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND.-The annual special service on behalf of the institution for the blind, Glossop-road, was held at St. Stephen's Church, West Bute-street, on Sunday afternoon. The lesson was read by one of the pupils of the institution, and an address was given by Mr G. F. Webb. ST. MARY'S SISTERHOOD.— On Friday an entertainment was given in aid of the above charity at Bute-lanee School. The vicar pre- sided, and a crowded audience thoroughly enjoyed a very interesting programme. A number of very little ones caused much amusement and some surprise by their clever performance. A hearty vote of thanks to Miss Webb and the other performers brought to a close a very pleasant I • evening. EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.—Under the auspices of the Evangelical Alliance, united religious services are to be held during the week at various local chapels. On Sunday afternoon a united sacramental service will take place at the Presby- terian Church, and in the evening there will be a large number of pulpit exchanges amongst the Nonconformist ministers of the town. SOUTH WALES DAILY NEWS" CHAPEL" DINNER. —A dinner inconnection with the chapel" of the South Wales Daily News was held at" the Cattle Market Tavern, Quay-street, on Saturday. Mr R. Fleet, the father of the chapel," occupied the chair, Mr E. Wheeler filling the vice-chair. On the removal of the cloth, a toast list was gone through, including The Health of the Queen and Royal Family," Success to the South Wales Daily News and South Wales Echo," The Printing Profession," The Overseers," The Proprietors," The Literary Staff," &c. The post-prandial proceedings were enlivened with songs and recitations. The catering of the host, Mr H. J. Perris, gave every satisfaction. CORPORATION APPOINTMENTS.—The general purposes committee of the Cardiff Corporation will meet on Tuesday to appoint 9 chief clerk (legal department), a shorthand and £ ener- clerl.> &c. A large number of application- fcav<; received, and the following have been sdlectadfor the office of chief clerk: Mr D. B- Malcolm, Leeds Mr A. H. Collingwood, Newport: Mr A. W. Nicholson, Harrogate; and Mr G. Rets Cardiff. For the position of shorthand clerk. Mr R. H. Hick, Bradford Mr F. C. Lloyd, Ponty- pool; Mr B. N. Parkin, Sheffield. For assistant- conveyancing clerk Mr J A. W. Power, London; Mr E. J. Ellis-Fern. Preston; and Mr D. D, Davies, Cardiff. SCIENCE AND ART SCHOO; a annual dis- tribution of the prizes and tes gamed by the students of the si C'J art school-i during the past year will m Wednes- day next, the 7th instani4 ? Assembly Room of the Town Hall, at- clock. The prizes will be distributed by r ht Rev. the Lord Bishop of Llandaff, and uair will be taken by the Worshipful the. r (Andrew Fulton, Esq.). Tickets of adn-1 va to be obtained from the hon. sec. of '»_the masters, and the chief library.. ""{''b library. FIVE GENERATIONS LIVING.—DURING few days a grandchild of Mr David 1- Cardiff, has had a child born to him. Mr LJ Evans is the son of the Rev. William Evans, Tonyrefail, who, though 89 years of age, is in the full enjoyment of health, and recently preached an admirable sSrmon at Bethaniu Chapel, Loudoun-square. The Rev. William Evans is, therefore, a great-great-grandfather, a position which it is the lot of human beings rarely to attain. EXPERIENCED VETERINARY SMITH (Joseph Peare) shoes every class of horse at the Cardiff Horse Exchange, near the Custom House. A trial solicited. 232E FIRST CHRISTMAS SHOW.—The Model Clothing Company are now showing;, at 13, Bute-street, a GRAND DISPLAY of CLOTHING, HOSIERY, HATS, &c. Christmas Cards of all the latest designs for Christmas. AT 79, ST. MARY S-STREET, CARDIFF, for the next few days, good woollen or merino socks m&y be had at Is 2d per pair, three pairs for 3s. Sewing and knitting machines as usual. 2X1 I SWANSEA. THE TELEGRAPHISTS' ANNUAL DINNER.—After our report of the speeches delivered at this dinner was despatched on Friday night, "The Health of Mr Snell," the local superintendent of the tele- graph department, who was unavoidably absent on important business connected with the tele- phone department of the General Post-office, was proposed. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm, all present agreeing that it is due to Mr Snell that the Swansea telegraph office holds so high a position in the country for efficiency. A general hope was also expressed that Mr Snell will soon be able to resume his duties at Swansea. ACCIDENT.—While Mr Thomas Davies, coal dealer and commission agent, of 9, Bond-street, was crossing the Great Western coal sidings at the Hafod, some trucks which were being shunted run over his foot, and he sustained so severe an injury that his removal to the hospital was found necessary. A SWANSEA MAN DROWNED IN AFRICA.—A telegram was received at Swansea on Saturday stating that Mr McKenzie, late of the manager's office of the Great Western Railway, Swansea, was drowned on the previous day while bathing in South Africa. Mr McKenzie left Swansea a few months ago to undertake an important rail- way appointment at the Cape, and before his departure he was presented with a purse of sovereigns. THE SUDDEN DEATH AT THE MUMBLES.—Mr E. Strick held an iuquest on Friday evening on the body of Mr Constantine Kleiser, who died under ci-rcuirstahces already reported. A verdict was returned to the effect that death was due to syncope. SERVANTS' BALL AT PARK WERN. The annual ball given by Sir Hussey and Lady Vivian to the servants at Park Wern took place on Friday night. There were about 40 couples pre- sent. The ball was opened by Sir ^Hussey and Lady Vivian, and, after a few dances, they retired. THE PANTOMIME. — Since the pantomime of Cinderella" has been produced, there have been numerous alterations and improvements, and everything being now in proper working order, it willafford much pleasure even to thosewho have previously seen it. t NEWPORT. REMISSION OF RENT.—We understand that Lord Tredegar, with his usual consideration, will return ten per cent. to his agricultural tenants upon their half-year's rent, payable at the Christ- mas rent audit. NEW COUNTY MAGISTRATES.—The names of Sir William H. Marling, Lieut.-General Barnard, C.B., and Mr Harley Rodney, have been added to the commission of the peace for the county of Monmouth. FIRE.—Late on Saturday evening, as a youth in the employ of Phillips & Son, outfitters, Com- mercial-street, was pulling down the blinds inside the shop front, they became ignited trom a gas jet near, and were soon ablaze. A large crowd assembled, the members of the fire brigade turned out, and some time elapsed before the fire could be put out. This was not done before much damage was done to the contents of the shop and also to the permanent fittings. NEWPORT BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—The weekly meeting of the members of this board was held at the workhouse on Saturday, Mr J. H. Hillier, one of the vice-chairmen, presiding. The board accepted, with thanks,,the offer made by Mr E. A. Lees, of the Coldra, to 'give the children in the Industrial Schools a Christmas treat.—A com- mittee of visitors reported upon the state of the works. They recommended that the painting of the building should be proceeded with, and that I some repairs be effected to the landing, but that the Government inspector's suggestions, recently made, be deferred for the present.-Tbe master's returns showed that there was in the house 298, or 10,in excess of the number for the correspond- ing period of last year. Two female inmates, one 70 and the other 55 years of age, had died during the week. At the Caerleon schools there were 188 children, against 187 for the corresponding week of last year. A FOOTBALL MATCH AT CHRISTCHURCH.—At the above police-court on Saturday, William J. Edden, landlord of the Cross Hands Inn, Christchurch, was summoned for being drunk himself, and also with permitting drunkenness on his licensed premises, on Boxing Day. A football match drew a great con- course to the locality of defendant's house, and Superintendent Gurney and P.C. Willmott, attracted by the tumult of noisy doings, visited the defendant's house, and found a lot of people in the house in various stages of drunken- ness. Defendant himself, who was being assisted by a waiter, was described as being ":<1 aggering drunk." Dfendant now asked Captain Gurney whether he had never made a mistake—an in- ferential way of admitting his own laches. The bench fined defendant 20s and Charles Harris, George Harris, Robert Davis, and Edward Wil- liams, who were found drunk in the house, were each mulcted in 5s.