South Wales Echo

Uitsnwss bbrtsst5. JYJ-ESSRS JPELL AND CO., MANUFACTURERS & AUCTIONEERS, 3, CASTLE-STREET (late Angel-street), CARDIFF, Will SELL bv AUCTION, without reserve, all kinds of GLASS. CHixA, MAJOLICE, JET, and EARTHEN- WARE, every Evening at Seven o'clock, SPECIALITIES IN DINNER AND TEA SERVICES. 208 Private sale during the day. Inspection invited. THIS is called an age of Philosophy, because enlightened people everywhere demand reasonable grounds for whatever belief they are asked rIo accept. The whole sense of this paragraph is con- tained in the following lines "The Alliance Clothing Company, of 33. St. Mary street. Cardiff, are Bona-fide Manufacturers of Cloth- ng, their Factory being at 44, Commercial-street, London, and their Branches at 77 and 78, High 3olborn 29, Ludgate-hill 33, High-street, Islington 142. Shoreditch. and 29, Silver-street. Hull. There- ore can afford to sell from 25 to 35 per cent. less haD ordinary shopkeepers, however large way 01 ansiness they may be in." All our Clothing is labelled in plain figures with 'is proper description, trusting nothing to our Sales- nan's knowledge of Fabrics. Unlike other Houses, ve tell the Customer all we know about our Cloth- ng, and give A LEGAL GUARANTEE with every s, le, is evidence ofour sincerity. This guarantee "feature vas but recently introduced into our business system. )ur customers who have heretofore found our simple vord about goods sufficient, may not care for the written guarantee, but we give it all thesame, be- cause we want to establish relations of perfect con- idence with new customers: besides, the register lumber of the guarantee ticket is an index to the late and details of each transaction, and useful for eference. We anticipate a very severe winter, and onseauenWy a large trade in winter overcoats. We iiave therefore devoted to that department an im. mense stock to itself, varying in prices from 14s lid :0 50s. We need not remind our customers that we are the originators of the new system whereby the money is returned to customers who are not satisfied with what "hey have purchased. This svstem was introduced by is in 1864, and we firmly believe is one of the Secrets if our Great Success. THE ALLIANCE, MERCHANT TAILORS & JUVENILE OUTFITTERS, 105a 33, ST. MARY-STREET, CARDIFF. AT the present time Clothing so much de- motes the position of the wearer that to be :11 clad or clothed in garments that are badly made and fitted at once conveys an im- pression unfavourable to the wearer. It is, wherefore, of great importance that all who itudy appearance should be careful to make cheir purchases only from such houses as make Style, Fit, and Quality, combined with economy, their leading features. Winter especially requires that change in our attire which is so necessary for the due protection of our health and -comfort. It is, therefore, of great importance that we should be supplied with overcoats and other warm clothing, not only at a moderate charge, but also fashion- able and well made, as well as being selected from materials of modern design and durable jharacter. To these important requisites MASTERS and COMPANY have especially ievoted their attention, and the reader may iepend upon being supplied with all he re- quires at either of their establishments. Every person to whom economy is an object should certainly inspect their stock before purchasing elsewhere. The position occupied by this firm in the markets as the largest buyers of clothing in Wales or the West of England enables them fre- quently to secure goods at such prices as defy competition, it being an indisputable fact that the tradesman who can buy largest must buy on more favourable terms than the smaller buyer. There can be no surer indi- cation than an increased trade that the public duly appreciate fair dealing, and that the efforts of MASTERS and COMPANY to supply goods of sterling value at the lowest remunerative profit have been fully recognised is proved by the result. 102e LADIES who have learned Scientific Dresscutting, have no Dressmakers' bills this Christmas.— Scientific Dresscutting Association, 21, Angel-street, opposite Cardiff Castle. 540

WB have on several previous occasions re- ferred to the very heavy death-rate of Cardiff, and to-day our readers will notice that in the REGISTRAR-GENERAL'S returns Cardiff is in the unenviable position of highest on the list of the 28 towns reported on by the central authority. In some previous weeks Cardiff has only been exceeded by Preston or Norwich, both well-known to be unhealthy towns but last week even those places were exceeded. The death-rate at Hudders- field, the lowest on the list, was 20 per 1,000; at Cardiff it was 34'6 whilst the mean rate of the 28 great towns was 25, Cardiff thus exceeding the average by 9 '6 per thousand. This is indeed a serious state of affairs, and it behoves the sanitary authority to take some steps in the direction of making Cardiff more healthy. Our cor- respondent who sends the returns says the excessive mortality is to some extent due to the fact that the town suffered so very severely from the principal zymotics. These were fatal in 20 cases, and included 16 of measles, and one each of diphtheria, whooping cough, fever, and diarrhoea. These 20 cases yielded a rate of 11 "2, which was the highest zymotic rate. Measles in the three previous weeks were credited with 4, 10, and 4, and during its present outbreak there have already been 97 victims to it. Such is the record, start- ling enough to rouse the authorities to do something with a view of ridding the town of such a notoriety as it now possesses.

j WHAT may be termed a burial scandal, though it has nothing to 4° with the Church, has recent^ taken pkwe in Pem brokeshire. It is generally supposed that a coroner's inquest is held "on the body," and to make good this view of the law, the jury, as a rule, proceed to view the body. But an inquest has been held at Kilrhedyn, in the parish of Llysyfran, Pembrokeshire, the body with regard to which the inquest was being held having been buried on the previous day. It seems that about three weeks ago a man hung himself in the parish named, on a Saturday. Notice was duly given to the coroner, who appointed the inquest to be held on the following Wednesday. But the coroner on that day went to another Llysyfran, near Fishguard, a dozen or so miles distant from the Llysyfran at which the jury were waiting for him. On the coroner finding out his mistake, he instructed the constable that he would ap- pear at the proper Llysyfran on the Friday, but the neighbours of the suicide would wait no longer, and decided to bury the body, as decomposition had set in, and the corpse had become very offensive. When the coroner appeared on the scene the jury could not "view the body," and therefore, as the chief-constable of the county stated at yesterday's quarter sessions, no proper inquest had been held after all. The magistrates decided that the matter be referred to a committee to inves- tigate, Lord KENSINGTON remarking that it was decidedly a disgrace that no inquest was held till after the man was buried.

A BURIAL scandal in the true sense of the word has taken place at Grimston. The vicafr of that village has shown his bitter z!1 antipathy to Dissent, and his contempt of the law as laid down in the Burials Act. The intolerant reverend gentleman refused to allow a grave to be opened for the burial of a child of a Mr Holmes, a Wesleyan. The villagers of Grim- ston apparently do not stand in much awe of their spiritual master and pastor," for, roused to indignation by his bigotry and want of sympathy with the bereaved father, jthey burnt the fjvicar's effigy on the village green; and the parish clerk, who seems to have had a better knowledge of the rights of Dissenters than his vicar, dug the grave in spite of that gentleman, and the interment took place yesterday. The vicar has proba- bly not heard the last of the affair.

THE CLUB NUISANCE AT SWANSEA. Meeting of the Watch Committee. I The monthly meeting of the watch committee of the Swansea Corporation was held at the Guildhall on Tuesday. The Mayor (Mr W. Williams) presided.—On the recommendation of the head constable, a vote of thanks was given to several persons for valuable services rendered the police in extinguishing the fires which had re- cently raged in the town. Mr CHAPMAN desired to call the attention of the committee to the number of clubs which had of recent years been opened in Swansea. At pre- sent, he said, any person can sell excisable articles by just going through the form of getting up a club and writing to the Inland Revenue authori- ties, who had no power to refuse a licence to a club. He believed it was the duty of the watch committee to take cognizance of this state of things, and he suggested that it was the duty of the council to take some steps with a view of soliciting further legislative action on the matter.—The Mayor agreed with Mr Chapman that the present mode of conducting clubs made them a nuisance. Many of them were quite unnecessary, and a great injustice to respectable licensed victuallers.—Mr Chapman would like the question to go before the council, and he offered to put a notice on the agenda of the next meeting. —The Mayor suggested that a communication be sent to the Home Secretary on the question.—Mi- Lewis asked Mr Chapman if he wished to stop all clubs.—Mr Chapman replied that he did not. He only wanted to abolish all the bogus clubs. All clubs should, in his opinion, be licensed in the same way as public- houses, and then they woulcfcbe under the super- vision of the police. Ultimately it was resolved, on the motion of Mr CHAPMAN, seconded by the MAYOR, That in the opinion of the committee, further legislation was desirable as to the licensing of so-called clubs, and that the attention of the Home Secre- tary be called to the matter with a view of all clubs selling excisable articles being placed under legislative control."

ANOTHER MEETING OF THE CABINET. A meeting of the Cabinet Council has been summoned somewhat unexpectedly for this (Wed- nesday) afternoon. It is understood that the forthcoming Cabinet Council was arranged before Mr Gladstone's de- parture for Hawarden on Saturday afternoon, and that it was then understood that the Pre- mier's attendance would not be necessary. It is understood that important communica- tions have been received at the Foreign Office from Berlin and Paris. Lord Derby arrived in town on Tuesday even- ing from Tunbridge for the purpose of attending the meeting. Lord Granville dined with Count Munster, the German Ambassador, on Tuesday evening, and great importance is attached in political circles to this meeting.

TIPPERARY ELECTION. Mr Patrick O'Ryan, the candidate selected by the convention last week to represent Tipperary, writes :—"The gathering was duly convened and thoroughly representative. If a mistake has been made what guarantee has Tipperary that it will not be repeated. But no mistake was made, and the cry now raised is a mere quibble. Whatever the result, the cry is disastrous. It impeaches and strikes a deadly blow at the Parliament of the people. The man who raises it is guilty of a grave crime against his country. However, he adds, he is not a stormy petrel, and should there be a way honourable o himself and his supporters to bring abuut that union so vital to his country's interests, personal considerations would not in- fluence him ahair's breadth.—Mr Parnellis on his way to Thurles to preside at the convention there to-morrow. Mr Parnell, M.P., arrived at Dublin on Tues- day evening from London. The hon, gentleman, who looked very tired and pale, was almost en- tirely unnoticed, and drove at once to his hotel, where be had a long consultation with Mr John O'Connor, of Cork, whose rejection for the re- presentation of their county by the Tipperary delegates had brought Mr Parnell over to Ireland. Mr Parnell leaves for Tburles early this (Wednesday) morning. A Tipperary correspondent says :-A National League meeting was held here on Tuesday for the purpose of selecting delegates to attend the county convention at Thurles to-day, and was largely at- tended. The six original delegates who voted for O'Ryan at the late convention were rejected by a majority, and six new delegates, all of whom are favourable to O'Connor, were unanimously elected.

THE CHANNEL SQUADRON SCARE. The Pre^s Association Plymouth correspondent telegraphs on Tuesday night:—The Northumber- land sailed to-day for Portsmouth, where Admiral de Horsey will hoist his flag on board of her. The Agiucourt and Achilles will leave Plymouth on Friday. In reference to the orders recently issued, it is pointed out that although the Secre- tary to the Admiralty states no change has been made, and mentions the 7th as the day of sailing, yet the official order issued on Thursday last state that it was intended the Plymouth division should leave on the 9th. Many men were granted leave uutil the 7th, and some until the 8th.

THE DEATH OF THE. BISHOP OF LONDON. I I The Prelate's Last Sermon. (FROM A PHOTOGRAPH BY THE LONDON STF-fiO ,)PIC COMPANY.) ) — The Right Rev. John Jackson, D.D., Bishop of London, died on Tuesday morning at the age of 74, at his residence, the Palace, Fulham. The cause of death was heart disease. For some months it has been evident that the venerable prelate's strength had been gradually giving way, and at a recent visitation at St. Paul's Cathedral he expressed the conviction that he should not live long. In the Upper House of Convocation he had been provided in the last two sessions with a reclining chair, and when in the House of Lords recently he had been noticed to sit supporting his head on his hand. with evident signs of weakness. A visit to Gloucestershire in October seemed to benefit him, and up to last Sunday evening, when be greached in St. Paul's Cathedral, he gave no sign that the end was so near, the only noticeable weakness being in his voice. It was during this, his last, sermon that a dis- turbance was created by a fanatic named Freund, who shouted and created a noise during his lord- ship's address. The bishop remained standing while it lasted, and when the man was ejected he proceeded with his sermon. Previous, however, to attending the Cathedral he walked to Fulbam Parish Church to morning service, and on the way was seized with acute pain in the region of the throat. It quickly passed away, however, and he partook of luncheon after service with excellent appetite. He retired to rest shortly after ten o'clock on Sunday, but at 20 minutes past 4 a.m. his valet was aroused by the loud ringing of his master's bell, and on proceeding to his lordship's apartment he found him seated in his arm-chair in his dressing gown. He complained of great pain in his left side and chest, and seemed in great agony. Dr. Sibley was sent for, and Miss Jackson, who had been aroused, directed that poultices should be applied, which gave him relief. Dr. Sibley subsequently approved these measures, and recommended his lordshipto remain in bed during Monday, and that someone should sit up with him at night, saying, however, there was no im- mediate cause for apprehension. Miss Marion Jackson sat in her father* dressing-room during Monday night, whence she occasionally looked into the bed-room; but at half-past five she noticed that, although her father's face was unaltered, he did not seem to be breathing. Placing her hand on his heart she found that pulsation had almost ceased. She at once summoned assistance. Restoratives were applied, and Mr Woodhonse, a local practitioner, was fetched, but when he arrived ten minutes afterwards the bishop had breathed his last. Dr. Sibley also arrived at eight o'clock. In addition to three un- married daughters of the Bishop, there were Mr. Tatham (a married daughter) and her husband at the Palace on Monday night, and other relatives arrived during the day. The funeral will take place at Fulham Parish I Churchyard on Saturday, when the late bishop will be laid with his wife in a grave adjoining that of Bishop Bloomfield. The ceremony will be of a private character. THE QUEEN APPRISED OF THE EVENT. During the day, the flag on Fulham Church was lowered half mast. Intelligence of his death was telegraphed to the Queen, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and other dignitaries of the Church. I PULPIT REFERENCES. Prebendary Lees, preaching on Tuesday after- noon at St. Paul's, on the celebration of the Epiphany, commenced his sermon by saying that it would be unseemly to enter the cathedral pulpit that afternoon and make no reference to the awfully sudden loss which had fallen upon that church and diocese, and of which all of them must have heard but a few hours before. The lamented death of the Bishop of London created a void which must be felt by everyone, but it was especially to them there, as he stood so recently in that place, and was the last to stand there. Occurring also as it did at the festival of the Epiphany, it served to remind them more forcibly than anything else could of the reality and solemnity of those truths which this season proclaimed, and of which to him it had, indeed, been a reason of mani- festation. Might those truths ever be so present and so precious to their minds and hearts, that when their call should come to pass in like manner within the vale, it might be to behold the manifestation of the glory of God to their own eternal life. I At Westminster Abbey on Tuesday afternoon, a slight allusion was made to the bishop's death by Canon Westcott, who preached. The Right Rev. John Jackson, D.D., Bishop'of London, son of Henry Jackson, Esq., merchant, of London, born February 22, 1811, was educated at Reading School under Dr. Valpy, whence he proceeded to Pembroke College, Oxford, where he graduated in 1833, taking first-class honours, and gained the Denyer Theological Prize. From 1836 till 1846 he was head-master of the Proprietary School at Islington, and during part of that time incumbent of St. James's, Muswell-hill, in the parish of Hornsey. He was appointed rector of St. James's, Piccadilly, in 1846, chaplain to the Queen in 1847, and canon of Bristol in 1852 was a select preacher before the University of Oxford in 1845, 1850, 1862, and 1866 preached the Boyle Lectures in London in 1853, and on the death of Dr. Kaye in that year was made Bishop of Lincoln. On January 4, 1869, he was translated to the see of London, in succession to Dr. Tait, who had been raised to the primacy. Dr. Jackson is the author of some sermons and charges and of a popular pamphlet entitled The Sinfulness of Little Sins." We are indebted for the above portrait to the Pallllf all Gazette. -u_

CARDIFF BOARD OF GUARDIANS I We have been requested by the clerk to the Cardiff Union to give publicity to a circular which has been addressed by Dr, H. J. Paine to the joint cemmittee of the union workhouse and Ely Schools, upon the subject of the application of Dr. Sheen for an increase of salary. In the course of the circular, Dr. Paine says:- The hospital department at the end of 1883 consisted of ten wards, with an extra building, then called The Refuge,' but now fitted up for the reception of cases of infectious diseases, the whole capable of accommodating 130 patients the average number of cases under medical treat- ment then being 127. Dr. Sheen's salary was fixed in 1881 at L170 a year. The number of sick under medical treatment in the house greatly increased, so that it became necessary in the early part of last year to materially increase the extent of hospital accommodation. For some time I have frequently visited the sick wards, and have always observed that the treatment and care of the sick has been highly satisfactory. I may here mention that a few months back I received a communication from Dr. Mouat, Local Govern- ment Inspector, stating he was directed to visit the Cardiff Workhouse, and invited me as chair- man to accompany him when he made his inspec- tion this I did, Mr Bircham was also with us his inquiries were most searching, and occupied upwards of three hours. At the termination of his visit, he expressed to me that he was highly gratified with the whole of the hospital arrange- ments, that the sick were exceedingly we" cared for, and that the institution would compare advantageously with any union hospital in the kingdom these remarks I brought before the notice of the board at its next meeting. The aggregate number of cases under medical treatment, on the 1st of January in the present year, was 245. The total cases coming under the treatment of your medical officer during the year 1884 were 1,359, the daily average being 174, and the weekly number of fresh sick cases admitted 43. The average time each patient remains under medical treatment is 46 days. The present re- muneration of j*>ur medical officer is £ 170. Dividing this sum by 1,359 gives 2s 5 £ d as tho remuneration per head for each sick patient, In addition to these duties, your medical officer has to examine at his daily visits all inmates admitted into receiving ward before admission into the general body of the house. He has thus to make a daily visit, additional visits being required when urgent cases are under treatment. He has also to attend the Ely Schools. As regards the latter establishment, I have for a long time considered it highly desirable the two establishments should lie ssparate appointments."

CARDIFF PARLIAMENTARY DEBATING SOCIETY. This society resumed its meetings on Tuesday, when the Premier (Mr J. Andrews) introduced a resolution to the effect that the policy pursued oy Mr Gladstone's Government with regard to Ire- land deserved the approval and support of the house and the country. Mr George David (member for Dudley) to lowed upon the other side, and moved an amendment attributing the disloyalty and crime in Ireland to the policy of the Liberal party. Mr Manning (member for Waterford) dealt with the subject from the point of view of an Irish Nationalist, and dwelt parti- cularly upon the tyranny and injustice practised by English officials in Ireland. Mr W. N. Gronow (member for Merthyr) replied to the preceding speakers, and while regretting the coercive part of the Liberal policy, claimed that at all events the Liberal attempts to ameliorate the condition of Ireland by land acts and other measures were much better than the constant coercion practised by Conservative Governments. No Conservative rising, the debate was con- tlnued by Mr Gausden (Liberal member for North Leicester), and Mr E. Grogan (member for King's County), and the debate was adjourned at ten o'clock until Tuesday next.

FAITH.—A hospital doctor, having prescribed for a patient struck down by fever, places a thermometer under his arm to gauge his tempera- ture accurately. On returning a few hours later the physician inquires, "Well, how are we getting on?" receiving the unexpected reply, "Oh, doc- tor, the drops have not done me any good, but the glass tube has given me immense relief!"

BIRTHS AND DEATHS IN CARDIFF. Another Increase in the Mortality. The return of the Registrar-General for the week ending Saturday last (3rd J anuary) shows that in twenty-eight of the largest towns that in twenty-eight of the largest towns in England and Wales, each containing 70,000 persons or more, and of which Cardiff is one, there were registered 6,887 births and 4,195 deaths. The deaths were equal to an annual ate of 25'0. The rates of mortality in the several towns, arranged in order from thelowest, were as foliov/s Huddersfield 20.0 Plymouth 20.0 Portsmouth 21'2 Derby 21*4 Bristol 21'8 Halifax 21-8 Sunderland 22-0 Bolton 22-0 Hull 22-2 Sheffield 22'4 Birmingham 22-8 Bradford 22-9 Leeds. 23-9 Leicester 24-8 I London 21-9 Brighton 24'9 Nottingham 25'2 Manchester 264 I Blackburn 26'4 Birkenhead 26.4 Wolverhampton 26"6 Liverpool 28 1 Salford 2§'8 Newcastle on- Tyne 29 3 Prsston 32 5 Norwich 32 9 Tardiff 34*6 Prsston 32'5 Norwich 32 9 Tardiff 34*6 To the principal zymotic diseases 375 deaths were referred in the towns, equal to a rate of 2'2, the towns with the highest being: Cardiff 11'2, and Newcastle-on-Tyne 4-1 and those with the lowest Portsmouth 0-4, and Brighton 0'5. The highest, death-rate per 1.000 from scarlet fever were, Halifax 1-4, and Newcastle-on-Tyne 1'4 from measles,Cardiff 8'9, and Leicester 2'8. In the borough of Cardiff there were registered last week 106 births, as compared with 57 and 82 in the two preceding. That was the largest weekly number in the past 53 weeks, whilst the smallest m that time was 53, or just half. The 106 were equal to an annual rate of 59'1 per 1,000 of the population, estimated to have been in the middle of last year 93,468. There was again another increase in the mortahty of the borough, for the deaths amounted to 62, and in the three previous weeks the numbers were 4,652, and 58. These 62 deaths comprised 29 males and 33 females, and corresponded to a rate of 34'6. That is a very extraordinary high death- rate, and it is but seldom exceeded. It- was as much as 9'6 above that of the 28 great towns, aud our borough occupied in the last week the unen- viable position of having the greatest death- rate among them. This is to some extent due to the fact that it suffered so very severely from the principal zymotics. These were fatal in 20 cases, and included 16 of measles, and one each of diphtheria, whooping cough, fever, and diarrhoea. These 20 yielded a rate of 11'2, which was the highest zymotic rate. Measles in the I' three previous weeks were credited with 4, 10, and 4, and during its present outbreak there have already been 97 victims to it. Of the 62 deaths, 20 of them were those of infants under one year, and five referred to adults who had attained 60 years and upwards. There were three deaths due to violence, five were registered on coroner', certificates after inquests, and five persons died in the public institutions of CsrdifF.

VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE. Shooting Competition at Aberdare On Saturday afternoon the members of the shooting club held their customary match at the local targets but owing to the drizzling rain the scoring was very indifferent. As usual the ranges were 200 and 500 yards, seven shots at each. The dinner in connection with the event took place at the Railway Bar on Monday, under the presi- dency of Captain Phillips, and a substantial repast was provided by Mrs Oxenham. At the close the prizes were distributed, and we append a list of the highest scores :—Pvt. W. Richards, 59 Pvt. J. Shannon, 56 Pvt. W. Arnold, 54 CoL-Sergt. E. Shannon, 52 Capt. Thomas Phillips, 52 Sergt. John James, 51 Pvt. D. Davis, 50; Pvt. Morgan Thomas, 50; Corpl. I Howell Phillips, 49 Pvt. W. H. Jones, 47 Sergt. R. Lihvall, 47 Corpl. W. Oxenham, 44; Major F. R. Hewell, 43 Sergt. D. Walters, 40 and Pvt. W. Hei'.zman, 37.

SOMETHING LIKE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE.—A Yankee bicycle-dealer has utilised the happy thought of presenting a pair of crutches and a box of court-plaster to each purchaser of a bicycle. He to monopolising the trade.

THE OPENING OF THE HIGHER-! GRADE SCHOOL AT CARDIFF. I Mr Lewjs Morris Expected. I In connection with the visit of Mr MundelIa to Cardiff on Tuesday to distribute the prizes to the University College students and to open on the following day the higher-grade school, Mr Lewis Morris has intimated his intention to be present at the public meeting in the Queen-street hall and, at the Mayor's banquet, Sir Edward J. Reed has expressed a similar purpose. Sir Hussey Vivian will be present at the banquet and, it is hoped, at the meeting also. It is feared the health of Mr Henry Richard will prevent his coming down.

NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD OF WALES. I list of Prizes in the Arts Section. j The pavilion and arts committees met at the eisteddfod offices, Aberdare, on Monday evening. The proceedings of the pavilion committee were of no public importance. The arts committee completed their list of prizes which are as follows:-For the best original oil painting for the best original water-colour for the best original crayon for the best (set of three) design of Chrismas or New Year cards for the best (landscape) photograph for the best specimen of quilted patchwork counterpane in Welsh flannel for the best painted ornamental trade sign; for the best metal fire-stand for the best ornamental work in leather; for the best collection of geological fossils found in Welsh mines; for the best carved oak bardic chair; for the best life-sized portrait bust of any Welsh personage; for the best por- trait medallion of any Welsh celebrity for the best specimen of stone curiosities; for the best specimen of wood curiosities for the best orna- mental letter-cutting in stone; for the best original architectural design of a monument; for the best hand-painted folding screen; for the best hand-knitted woollen stockings a special prize of £ 7 7s was given by Mr Willett, on behalf of his firm (Messrs Willett and Wake- ling, architects and surveyors, Merthyr), for the best original or water-colour painting landscape from nature. The thanks of the committee were unanimously given to Mr Willett for his liberal offer. As the official programme is on the point of being published;it is earnestly hoped that those desirous of patronising the national institution by giving prizes in any of the departments will kindly place themselves in early communication with the secretary, Mr J. R. Lewis. It is satis- factory to know that all the committees are doing their work in a thoroughly harmonious manner with the sole aim of making the eisteddfod of 1885 a grand success.

NEATH TOWN COUNCIL. I The monthly meeting of the Neath Town Council was held at the GuildhaIl; on Monday afternoon, Mr Edward (mayor) presiding.—The I Town Clerk read the minutes of the committee appointed to consider the parliamentary schemes, together with the surveyor's report, the latter being a comprehensive description of the different schemes affecting the borough, with suggestions. It appeared that if each of the schemes received parliamentary sanction, vessels entering the harbour would have to pass no less than four bridges. The harbour commissioners thoug-htthat scheme No. 4, that of the Great Western Railway Company for a junction between their main up-line and the low-level line, might safely be allowed and en- couraged. There appeared to be a difference of opinion in the committee upon this point, but the majority favoured the views of the harbour com- missioners. The commissioners were of opinion that the scheme of the Rhondda and Swansa Bay Company fcr crossing the river by means of a viaduct ought to be strongly opposed, an opinion in which the committee of the council thoroughly acquiesced. With regard to the bill of the Neath Water Company for the construction of a reservoir on the land of Mr Charles Evan Thomas, of the Gnoll, the Clerk was directed to ascertain whether the company were disposed to sell the undertaking to the cor- poration, and if so, upon what terms; A reply had been received from Mr Pole, the secretary and manager, that the company were not desirous of selling the works, but that they would con- sider any definite proposal by the corporation for the purchase thereof.—The Mayor moved the confirmation of the minutes of the committee, which was seconded by Mr Alderman Gwyn, but an amendment by Mr Councillor Charles to defer the matter until after the meeting of the 26th inst. was carried. A letter was read from Mr Howel Gwyn that he could not approve of the plan for the erection of a hall at a cost of;63,000, and he thought £5,000 should be expended.—A long discussion ensued.— Mr Counciller H. P. Charles moved-" That Mr Alderman Gwyn be respectfully informed that the council has taken his letter into considera- tion, and do not fell themselves justified in adopting the L5,000 plan, but that the council still hopes Mr Alderman Gwyn may be induced to look with favour upon the alternative scheme." Mr D. Davies moved an amendment— That the L5,000 plan be adopted." Mr Bartlett seconded. The motion was carried, and the pro- ceedings shortly after terminated.

COLLIERY DISPUTE AT MACHEN j C^ir Caerphilly district mining correspondent writes :-The agitation which has been pending at the Pentwyn Colliery, near Machen (and owned by Messrs Woodruffe), for some time past, was investigated by the appointed arbitra- tors, in accordance with the desire of the Caer- philly Miners' Delegate Association. On behalf of the men, HvIr Isaac Evans, Neath, member of the joint sliding-scale committee, and Mr Farr, Bedwas, officiated Mr John Richards, manager of the Rhos Lantwitt Colliery, Caerphilly and Mr Brooks. Risca Colliery, watching the interests of the company. The principal matter for con- 1( sideration was the price to be paid for the working of the coal, the miners con- tending that the same rate should be allowed at the colliery as that paid for the same seam at adjoining collieries. After much discussion and deliberation the following re- solution was unanimously carried—" That the company pay the miners per ton 2s 6d, with 17 per cent, added." The other matters in dispute appertaining to the general working of the undertaking were also definitely settled, the ratio of prices allowed being considered an equivalent of that allowed throughout the district. The decision of the arbitrators has given every satisfaction to Caer- philly Miners' Association, and the men have resumed operations under most favourable ¡ auspices.

THE LLANTWIT COLLIERY, CAERPHILLY. I Our Caerphilly mining correspondent writes :— The suspension of operations at the Lantwitt and Black Vein Colliery, near Caerphilly, on the 1st inst., when nearly 100 hands were thrown out of employment, is at present principally attributed to an accident which occurred to the underground winding engine, the necessary repairs to which are approaching completion. To-day (Wednesday), in all probability, the change of management will definitely take place, the future supervision of the colliery being entrusted to Mr Beacham, of Yorkshire. It appears that a large number of ths miners have resumed operations, and I hear on good authority that there is at present every prospect of the future success of the undertaking, which not only possesses f-ome of the finest machinery in South Wales, but is also the largest colliery in the neighbour- hood. Mr Roberts, the chairman of the com- pany, has been in attendance at the workings for some time past, and I hear that some extensive alterations are being brought to an issue.

THE CWMGLO COLLIERY DISPUTE. Our Caerphilly mining correspondent writes'•— The men employed at the Cwmglo Colliery, near Bedwas, still remain on strike. The dispute 11M been taken into consideration by the Caerphilly Miners' Delegate Association. The district secre- tary, Mr L. Miles, was recommended to communi- cate with Mr John Jenkins, Llanvabon, member of the sliding-scale committee, forithe purpose of obtaining his services to intercede on behalf of the miners with the company. On Monday afternoon Mr Jenkins attended at the colliery, when he met a deputation of the men, who briefly stated their complaints, which are in reference to the duration of the dismissal notices enforced by the cuinpany, and the prices and allowances in connection with the working of the colliery. It is antici- pated that Mr Jenkins will hold a consultation on Wednesday with Mr James Thomas, Ynishir Colliery, Rhondda Valley, Mr Edmund Thomas, J.P., Tygvvyn, and Mr Thomas Thomas, Bed- was, directors of the company, when some defi- nite arrangements, it is hoped, will be mpde,

The Nile Expedition. t n f DAILY TELEGRAPH TELEGRAM. 1 KORTI, Tuesday.-I learn that one of the pri- soners stated he was at Metemneh four weeks ago and saw four of Gordon's steamers lying along side the bank at Shendy. The story, if true, must mean that Gordon is on the outlook for the relief column. One battle with the Mahdi, and the end of the enterprise may be achieved within a fort- night. Unless the rebels resist before Metemneh, our arrival there will practically mean the relief of Khartoum. ["STANDARD" TELEGRAM.] URTI, -i-uesciay.—The reports of the prisoners are that Metemneh is occupied in strength by the Mahdi's army. Some put the force at 2,000, others 5,000. The rebels have thrown up an entrenchment, and are prepared to receive us. The prisoners admit that the whole of the population to the south are now favourable to the Mahdi. (h DAILY NEWS TELEGRAM.l KORTI, -^U4S(lay.—A native report-declares that the Gakdul welk were jn the hands of a hostile band a few days behre General Stewart's dash on them. [" DAILY CHICUI:" TELEGRAMS. 1 ilOKTl, Tuesday.-The firt, division al tb. Naval Brigade are to proceed to Gakdul. They will start on Thursday, taking a Gardner gut with them. Three companies of the light division of the Camel Corps will escort the convoy, which will leave for Gak- dul on Wednesday. It is not yet known whether Sir Herbert Stewart will accom- pany the convoy, or wait until Lord Wolseley starts later on. General Stewart assured his chief that there is plenty of forage to be obtained all along the route to Gakdul. He lost only twenty camels on the march to Gakdul and back, and not a man fell out of the ranks. It is believed that General Stewart's report to his chief will have the effect of expediting the general advance. GENERAL EARLE'S CAUP, Monday. — Major- General Earle formally assumed com- mand of the river force to-day. The squadron of Hussars, just arrived with the remainder of the mounted men, went out a con- siderable distance to-day. The whole district seemed entirely deserted, and no trace was found of a hostile force. The cavalry proceeded as far as the Terai cataract, ten miles from Han- dab and within four miles of the fourth cataract. Some officers ascended a hill known as Jebel Hulkeh, and made some capital sketches. The South Staffordshire Regiment commenced building a zareba, to-day. They will advance to a new camp which has been specially selected for concentrating the various infantry regiments as they arrive.

-===- The French in China. THE PROPOSED EGYPTIAN CONFERENCE. —— ..i; i France and the Powers. -i [REUTER'S TELEGRAM.] PARTS, Tuesday.—At the council of ministers this morning General Lewal, the new Minister of war, laid before his colleagues his plans for the conduct of the campaign in Tonquin, and the organisation of the expeditionary corps, which is to be sent to join the French forces already there. In order that the operations may be brought to an end before the rainy season the reinforcements will start with the least possibla delay. Six thousand men will leave Algeria noxfe week, and a like number will be despatched in February. General Negrier is following up hi8 success, and hopes to reach Lang Son at the met of the week. A tabular statement respecting the health ot the French troops in Tonquin during the month of October, shows that 520 men were admitted to the hospitals, and 36 died. Nothing is known in official circles in London which would justify the persistent reports to the effect that France will shortly declare war against China. As a matter of fact it is believed no such declaration would be made without the previous presentation of a formal ultimatum to the Chinese Government, and the first news of such a step would almost certainly come from Shanghai.

GERMAN ANNEXATIONS IN ZANZIBAR. To-day's Times, commenting on the reported German annexations in Zanzibar, says It appears from an official statement printed in the Berlin newspapers that the German Government have not the least intention of challenging these rights of ours or of championing the preposterous claims of Herr Luderitz. At the same time, we have had fair warning that such claim may at any time arise in quarters most embarrassing to us if the Government are not careful to show how far our rights extend and whither they must be carried in view of j Imperial neces- sities. The resources of English diplomacy must be, indeed, small if they cannot regain the advan- tages we possessed till quite recently at Zanzibar. There, as elsewhere, vigilance, prudence, and energy are needed if we are not to see opportuni- ties slipping away from us which we may never have a chance of recovering.

PONDOLAND PROTECTORATE. [" TIMES TELEGRAM.] DURBAN, Tuesday.—The High Commissioner has notified the establishment of a British Pro- tectorate over the Pondoland Coast between Cape Colony and Natal. It is understood that the recent proclamation of the Imperial authority on the Zulu coast extends up to the Portuguese boundary, as anything short thereof would leave the door open for endless mischief and failure. Yesterday President Krugermet the chief military authorities of the Transvaal State in Belona prior to leaving for the western border, to meat Sir C. Warren. President Kruger exorted the officers to do everything in their power to prevent a conflict and any encroachment over the frontier. They fully endorsed this policy. Sir C. Warren's reception at Kimbsrley was most enthusiastic

THE MONETARY CRISIS IN VIENNA. f" DAILY CHROJITLQLE" TELEGRAM.) VIENNA, Tuesday.-Two of the three large firms in the hards of the birothers Ischenkel have filed their petitions to-day. The bankrupt firms are, Hefron Brudey ischeakal, of Leitmeritz, Boheinia; and Herren August Ischenkel, Sohne of Boimisoh, Leipa, Bohemia. The liabilities of Brader Ischenkel are egtimmted at 3,223,000 florins; assets, 4,4171000 florins. Liabilities of August Ischenkel, 2,652,000; assets, 3,620,000. The creditors will suffer little, if at all.

At Cardigan sessions on Tuesday, William Phillips, New Quay, was fined £10 for making a false representation for the purpose of obtaining a master s certificate in the merchant service. Accused had got hold of the certificate of a man named Phillip Phillips, who died 30 years ago, and went voyages as master, having altered the Christian name. Suspicious were aroused, and the accused was called upon to give up the certifi- cate on returning from a voyage. He then applied for a renewal of the dead captain'P certifi- cate, and was prosecuted by the Board of Iracie I for having made a false representation. KAT'S COMPOUND OK LINSEKD, Aniseed, Senem^ Squill, Tolu, Jcc, With Chlorodyne. 9i<J, H ft Chemists,