South Wales Echo

I South Wales Notes. THE meeting of those who are desirous of aiding in the formation of the Cambrian Society for South Wales and Monmouthshire is to be held this afternoon in the Cardiff Town-hall, and will, I hope, be well attended by many people, and with good results. The outline of the plan has already been made sufficiently public, and a very general concurrence in its objects has been ex- pressed. If the movement now meets with as much active support as it has energetic good wishes, the results ought not to be long in doubt. THE Newport tramcars deserve a passing word of comment. Some of them would make, I should think, a capital subject for a valuable archaeological debate. These, no doubt, are worthy of respect, and, as I am always inclined to look upon the very ancient with veneration, I will not pick them to pieces. Indeed, I need hardly give myself much credit on that ground, for they look as if in a very little time they would save me the trouble by falling to pieces of their own accord. Some, I have noticed, are not in this condition, but they appear to have been im- ported ready made and ready named from the district of Epping Forest. It certainly has a singular look to see tramcars plying between the High-street and the docks of Newport with Epping Forest," "Waltham- stow," and "Chingford, announcing—not indeed their destination, but their starting point. Between the two classes of cars- the rickctty in name and the ricketty in frame—the traveller has a peculiar choice. Second-hand tramcars may be cheap, but they are not elegant. A CORRESPONDENT has written to me on the subject of the want of the board school ac- commodation at Absrllechau. For the last year or two the Llanwonno Board have had it under consideration to open a school in Aberllechau, but, as yet, nothing has been done with the effect, as my correspondent points out, that scores of children are thus far destined to suffer from the lack of educational advantages. At the last school board election, several of the candidates made brave promises of the reforms which they were going to introduce as soon as they were seated at the board. Their memories, however, seem to have been only of the usual election type, and the beautifully complete promises crumbled away until "they left not a wrack behind." If the matter is neglected much longer, my z!1 correspondent declares that the consequences will be very serious, and the prospects of the children permanently affected. This should not be. THE singular agitation continues among the gas consumers of the Rhondda Valley against what they deem the exorbitant price which they have been charged by the gas company. Circulars have been distributed among the tradesmen of the valley request- ing them to make preparations to be in readiness to carry out the resolution recently passed by the Chamber of Trade, to discontinue the use of the gas. Friday next is the decisive day, and they are then to cut off the supply. A large number of them have gone to the length of laying in a store of lamps, and at the present moment there seems to be every probability that at least those who signed the petitions sub- mitted to them will act in concert. The affair is naturally creating a considerable amount of excitement; and judging by what I have seen and by the enthusiastic manner in which the movement has been carried for- ward, I do not think a settlement is proba- ble, unless there is a concession in the matter of terms on the part of the gas authorities. In the Rhondda people have a way when they put down their foot of keep- ing it down, until the cause for the pressure is removed. In connection with the visit of the Boun- dary Commissioners to Carmarthenshire and the depositing of the official map of the pro- posed divisions with the clerk of the peace, I have heard several complaints as to the incon- venience arising from the fact that all the county business is transacted at Llandovery. The boundary question is a matter in which the whole county is interested, and yet if anyone wishes to inspect the official map (which may be supposed to have been sent to the clerk of the peace mainly in order to secure its being placed where it would be convenient of access to all interested persons), he is obliged to make ar pilgrimage to the extreme end of the county in order to do so. Nominally, the office of the clerk of the peace is at Carmarthen. There is a small room on the ground floor of the Shirehall, Carmarthen, which bears on its door the legend, "Clerk of Peace," but it is only opened at time of assizes and quarter sessions and on some other rare and uncertain occa- sions. Anyone-wishing to see any f the- county documents deposited inside this door, must either stand outside for a month or two in a condition of vigilant expectation, or must open up some more or less complica- tated negotiations with head-quarters at Llandovery. IF the visit of the Boundary Commissioners lead to no other result than that of directing pointed attention to this anomaly and dis- regard of the public convenience, it will have achieved no inconsiderable end. The door, however, seems to be officially and legally, even if not actually, hermetically closed, as I am informed that some years ago the lord-lieutenant of the county tried and failed to get the quarter sessions to direct that the clerk of the peace's office at Carmarthen should be made a reality, as it used to be during the time of previous holders of the office. The effort was unsuccessful because Mr Bishop was able to show that by law he was only required to reside within the county. If there is no way of securing a better state of things at present, it is to be hoped that when the lord-lieutenant is next called upon to fill uptheoffice of clerk of the peace, he will make it sine qua non of the appointment that there shall be an open office for the custody of county records at the county town. After all, the value of records de- pends upon people being able to refer to them and a reference through a wooden door is by no means as clear as might be wished.

CARDIFF death-rate higher than last week The highest weekly number for more than three years! No less than 24 deaths from measles in the town in one week These are, indeed, serious facts, and the Town Council, as the urban sanitary authority, have taken up the question none too soon..Again, Cardiff has the unenviable distinction of being with regard to its death-rate the highest on the list of the 28 great towns. Our report states that in the borough of Cardiff there was a further increase in the mortality last week, for the deaths numbered 67, against 62 and 46 in the two previous weeks. These 67 corresponded to an annual rate of 36-0 per 1,000, and was as much as 11'1 above that of the 28 great towns. In fact it had the highest death-rate, the one which approached nearest being Preston, with 34'8. It is very evident that in the last 14 weeks, with two excep- tions, the mortality was excessive, and in some of them it was especially so. The total of 67 deaths caps all, and was the highest weekly number for more than three years. Measles was again on the increase, and was fatal in 24 cases, against 16, 4, and 10 in the previous three weeks. These 24 produced alone a rate of 12-9. There were besides two of whooping cough and one each of scarlet fever and diptheria. All these zymotic diseases yielded a rate of 15'1, which was the highest zymotic rate in England and Wales. Infant mortality was severe, as 21 deaths were those of children under one year. It is not likely that next week's record will show much improvement, and it is not to be wondered at if Cardiff people are becoming scared at the ravages made by measles, which has been more than ordinarily fatal during the present epidemic. It behoves parents to exercise the utmost caution and vigilance the danger attendant upon the disease being caught at school being very great.

At the meeting of the health committee of the Cardiff Corporation yesterday, the report of the Medical Officer dealt with a subject of much interest to the inhabitants of Cardiff at the present time of high death rates-the disposal of house refuse. Dr PAINE says that as regards that portion of the refuse which is burnt, it is done by a process of slow combustion, that certain moisture is distillated, over which constrains some decomposing animal matter in solution and being carried away with the smoke into the surrounding atmosphere causes an offen- sive smell. Dr. PAINE says the pro- cesses of sifting and burning the refuse ought not to be conducted near dwellings or in any proximity to a public thoroughfare. He suggests that as the land used by the Corporation for refuse purposes is closely adjacent to the river, barges might be used to receive the accumulations composing the refuse stacks, and by means of a steamer might be towed only into the Bristol Channel. After some discussion the committee decided to ascertain the cost of a steamer for the purpose referred to. As it is now agreed that many diseases are propagated by germs which float in the atmosphere, it is quite possible that some of the unhealthiness of the town is due to the way in which house refuse is now dealt with.

THE LOCAL COLLISION CASE. I Both Vessels Blamed. In the Court of Admiralty, London, on Tues- day-before Mr Justice Butt, with Trinity Mas- ters-the action of the owners of the Tintern Abbey v. the owners of the Anatolia was con- tinued, This was an action to recover compensa- tion for the injuries sustained by the plaintiffs' vessel in collision with the defendants' steamer, which was wart heard on Monday.—Mr Justice Butt, in giving judgment, said that in this case the parties in both vessels heard the whistle of each other ten minutes before the collision took place, and the first thought that crossed his mind was that there should not have been any collision at all. The two vessels met at right angles, and in his opinion the collision was brought about by the violent anu inconsistent porting of the JL intern ADoey. First she ported, after hearing the whistle of the Anatolia then she starboarded for some time, thus altering her S.W. position by at least four points. Desiring to get back to her old semth-west course, the Tintern Abbey hard-a-ported, and then the collision took place. She was going at a reckless speed through the foff which prevailed at the time, and as she had not stopped in time, she was to blame for the collision. But could the court hold the Anatolia blameless after this decision^? She 'was equally bound to stop and reverse, but she failed to do this, and therefore the court found, and the Elder Brethren agreed with him, that both vessels-were to blame.

THE IRISH LAND LEAGUE. I Mr Matthew Harris, presiding at a meeting of the National League in Dublin, on Tuesday afternoon, said that unless the Government took steps to protect the people of Ireland more effectually against landlords, and give them some permanent footing in the country, it might be- come necessary to say to Mr Gladstone that, with the country at their back, they would issue another no rent" manifesto, which the Govern- ment would be powerless to prevent. Mr Har- rington, M.P.. announced that since the last meeting 1;883 had been received, and grants to "the amount of £ 123 had-been- given to evicted, tenants..

I CARDIFF CORPORATION. I The Health Committee and the Disposal of Refuse. I The Medical Officer's Recommen- dation. A meeting of the health committee of the Cardiff Corporation was held on Tuesday at the Town-hall, the ex-Mayor (Mr R. Bird) in the chair. There were also present Messrs D. E. Jones, Jacobs, Lougher,1 Morgan, James, Rey- nolds, and Watson. The Medical Officer submitted the following report of the dispostl] of refuse matter at the scavenging depot:— The means adopted at the present time to meet requirements may be divided into two stages—(1) The action taken to deal with refuse when it is brought to the station and stacked. (2) When these stacks are broken up for the purpose of being sifted, and the ¡ residue submitted to the process of combustion. As regards the first stage, the daily average number of loads of refuse collected throughout the district is pro- babiy about 80. A plot of ground is selected that gives space for a layer of about 12 to 18 inches in deptu for each day's accumulation, and this, before being spread, is picked free from rags, bones, earthenware, tin ware, with other solid substances that would not undergo decomposition. each day's accumulation being de- posited on that of the preceding until the stack reaches 0' the required height. The rags and bones ar; sold, while the earthenware, tins, &c., with other solid matter, are used to fill up the excavations that exist in the surrounding land when these were used as brick- works, These stacks consist of ashes, unburnt coai, with some amount of animal and vegetable matter such as comprises the refuse usually collected from houses. If any of these loads contain an undue proportion of animal matter, such as fish, <fcc., as would be likely to become very offensive during the process of dec imposi- tion, care is taken that such be well covered with ashes and other dry matter as would prevent the noxious gases permeating through these. The stacks tuen remain untouched for a period of 18 months or two years, when they are broken up for the purpose of being submitted to the second stage. When this is done,much of the material composed in the stack has a dark loamy appearance. Upon taking a sample of this and exposing it for the purpose of dessication it was found to yield 31 per cent. of moisture, The matter composing the stacks is then sifted through a worked by an elevator. The ashes and more pulverise i matter that pass through this sieve are mixed with liihe for the purpose of making m ortar, and sold to the builder. As regards the residue that is to be burnt, this is done by a process of slow combustion, and the moisture I just alluded to is distilated over, containing some decomposing animal matter in solu. tion, and being carried away with the smoke into tee surrounding atmosphere, eaus'ng the offe1 sive smell that has recently been brought to your noticj. Thia atmospheric pollut"on is at all times disagreeable, and, under exceptional circumstances, may be prejudi- cial t'. the public health. Then, as regards the mortar that is m .de from the ashes to which I have alluded, upon inquiry I find that complaints have sometimes been made that when this mortar is used an offensive smell is temporarily given off, but not to :t great extent.1 have thus shown that the processes here alluded to ought not to be con- ducted near dwellings, or in any proximity to a public thoroughfare. Although it is no part of my duty to suggest the means by which this refuse matter may be got lid of different from that now adopted, it has occurred to me that, as tne Janci is closely adjacent to the river, barges might, be used to receive the accumulations composm the stacks, and, by means of a steamer, might be towed to some convenient spot, and deposited in the Bristol Channel.—H, J.PAIXE, M.D. Tho committee entered into a lengthy discus- sion of the report, and ultimately instructed tho superintendent of the scavengers to ascertain the cost of maintenance of a steam hopper for the purpose of carrying the refuse into the channel.— In consequence of the unsanitary condition of Wells-street, Rolls-street, and Blackstone-street. gulley grids were ordered to be put down for the purpose of draining off the water.

BOARD OF TRADE INQUIRY AT SWANSEA. At the Guildhail, Swansea, on Tuesday morn- I ing, Mr J. C. Fowler, stipendiary, sitting with Captains Beasiey and Pakison as nautical asses- sors, held all inquiry into the stranding of the steamship Olaveaga, of Swansea, on a rock off Sables a'Olonne, France. Mr Edward* Strick appeared for the Board of Trade, and Mr Law- rence for the captain. From the opening state- ment of Mr Strick it appears that the Olaveaga, a schooner-rigged steamship, left Penarth Dock, Cardiff, on the 13th November last, carrying a crew of 13 hands and laden with 750 tons of coal, and bound for Sables d'Olonne, FrancS. She drew 13ft. Sin. forward and 14ft. aft, and seems to have been in good condition. The master, Mr J. P. Stephenson, according to his evidence, had. amongst others, an Admiralty chart of the bay of Biscay, and had visited Sables d' Olonne several times. Having left, Cardiff on the 12th of November the vessel proceeded safely until about 5.45 o'clock on the evening oi the 15th November. At that time she was abreast of a point on which, at a distance of about two miles from them, two lights could be seen. Soon after six o'clock it was the captain's watch, and he and the second mate were on the deck. An able sea- man named Davidson was at the wheel, and another seaman Drake was on the look-out. The Olaveaga was then steering a south-south-east course and going at full speed. Although the weather was fine, it is said that it was rather hazy on the land, yet that the shore lights were very clearly seen. They proceeded on their cour, e until they saw two red lights on the south-west. They then hauled up until the two lights were in one, according to the Admiralty instructions. No pilot being seen, they now slowed the engines, brought the ship first down to half speed, and then to dead slow- keeping the two lights in one. At 6.40 the Olaveaga suddenly struck on a rock at the entrance to the harbour, the tide then being at half ebb. Soundings were taken, and it was found that there were five fathoms of water all round the snip. The vessel now began to make water rather freely. The engine-room fires were soon put out, and' by this time the ship's boats were lowered and the .crew had got into them, and shortly afterwards reached the pilot boat. In ten minutes or a quarter of an hour after the Olaveaga struck, she filled. The crew remained by the ship until she was under water, and then pulled away.—Several witnesses having been called, the inquiry was adjourned.

THE DEATH OF A CHILD FROM ALLEGED NEGLECT. On Tuesday afternoon an inquest was held at the Police-station, Dowlais, before the coroner (Mr Thomas Williams) touching the death of Francis Hughes Mainwaring, aged 26 months. Sarah Mainwaring, a single woman, residing at 3, Pant-road, the mother of the child, having been examined and other evidence taken, Dr. Cresswell said that about three months ago u man, whose name he did not know, came to him and said that an illegitimate child, which was put out to nurse with a woman named Phillips, in Caeharris, was being shamefully neglected. Witness at once went to Caeharris, and saw both the women and the child, who was in a weak condition. He told Mrs Phillips what he had heard, and advised her for her own safety to bring the child once a week to the surgery." She did so regularly, only failing to do so on one occasion. He prescribed cod liver oil, and for a time the child seemed to revive. On Friday morning he learned from Mrs Phillips that the child was very ill, and when he went to the house the child was dead. On Sunday afternoon-52 hours after death—he made a post-mortem ex- amination of the body, which was in a very emaciated condition. The lungs were diseased, but with this exception all the organs were healthy. In the stomach, which was also in a healthy condition, some food was found. From the result of this examination be had no hesita- tion whatever in saying that death had been caused by chronic disease of the lungs. The coroner having very carefully summed up, a verdict of Death from chronic disease of the lungs was returned.

A LLANDOVERY SLANDER CASE. In the High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, on Tuesday, before Mr Justice Wills and a common jury, the case of Bradbury v. Timson, which was commenced on the previous day, came on for hearing. It was an action to recover damages for alleged slander, the main defence being justification. The plaintiff for- merly carried on business at Liverpool and Birkenhead, afterwards at Uttoxeter, and Tean, near Cheadle later on at Brighton; and was subsequently a manufacturer of sheep dip powder at lilandovery. The defendant is a tra- veller in the employ of Mr Cooper, manufacturer of a similar powder at Berkhampstead; and the complaint against him was that in that capacity he had called upon Mr Bradbury's customers, and represented the plaintiff as a swindler, his powder as rubbish, his works as being small, and that anybody who dealt with him would throw his money into the sea.—Mr Finlay, Q.C., and Mr Archibald represented the plaintiff Mr Kemp, Q.C., and Mr Houghton being counsel for the defendant.—Evidence having been given on be- half of the plaintiff's case, the court adjourned.

The steamer Blanchard, from Grangemouth for Gibraltar, landed at PlymouthonTuesday morning the crew of the schooner Said, of Guernsey, bound to Leith, which was run down by that -steamer in, 3he English: ChannoL l$ustnight.

BIRTHS AND DEATHS IN CARDIFF. Further increase in the Mortality. The return of the Registrar-General for the weekending Saturday last (10th January) shows 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 6,376 births and 4,255 deaths. The deaths were equal to an annual rate of 24-*9?per 1,000. The rates of mortality in the several towns, arranged in order from the lowest, were as follows: -Bolton ig-o I London 25*0 Brighton 191 Bristol. 26'0 Sheffield 19.6 Birkenhead 26"3 Bradford 20'4 Liverpool 27*5 Derby 20.4 Hull. 27'5 Leeds 20'5 I Newcastle on. Porfcsmouth. 21'3 i Tvne 27'o Sunderland — 22'1 Norwich 28 0 Salford 22*2 Plymouth 30.2 Halifax 2^-3 Wolverhampton 50-3 Nottingham a-? Manchester 30.a I-T, Leicester 31"0 Blackburn — 23-2 Preston 34'3 Birmingham 23-7 Cardiff 3&-0 Oldham 23-9 j li) the nrmcipai zymotic diseases 572 deaths were referred in the towns, equal to a rate of 2'2, the towns with the highest being Cardiff 15-1, Newcastle-on-Tyne 5-1, and Halifax, 3'4 and those with the lowest—Birkenhead 0'0, Ports- mouth 0'4, and Brighton 0-5. The highest, death-rare per 1,C00 from scarlet fever were, Halifax and Leeds 1-1 from measles, Cardiff 32"2, and Leicester 4'2; and from fever Newcastle-on-Tync 1-0. In the borough of Cardiff the number of births registered last week was 95, as compared with 106 and 57 in tho two preceding weeks. These 95 were equal to a. rate of 51 "3 per 1,000 0; the population—estimated to be 97,034 in the middle of this year. 'j'h,t shows a growth of 3,565 on the total of last year. There was a fur- ther increase in tlio mortality of our bo- borough, for the deaths numbered 67, against 62 and 46 in the two previous weeks. These 67 corresponded to an annual rate of 36'0 per 1,000, and was as much as 11'1 above that of the 28 great towns. In fact it had the highest death-rate, the one which approached nearest was Preston, with It is very evident that in the last 14 weeks, with two exceptions, the mortality was excessive, and in some of them it was especially so. The total of 67 deaths caps all, and was the highest weekly number for more than three years. Measles was again on the increase, and was fatal in 24 cases, against 16, 4, and 10 in the previous three weeks. These 24 produced alone a rate of 12'9. There were besides two of whooping and one each of scarier, fever and diphtheria. All these zymotic diseases yielded a rate of 15.1, which was the highest zymotic rate in England a.nd Wales. Infant mortality was severe, as 21 deaths were those of children under one year, and there were rive which referred to adults who had attained 60 years and upwards. There was one death due to violence, three were recorded on coroners' certifi- cates after inquests, and four persons died in the public institutions.

COLLISION OFF START POINT. A Schooner run down by a Newcastle Steamer. A collision occurred late on Monday night off Start Point, between the steamer Bianchlanci, of Newcastle, 900 tons register, and the three-mas- ted schooner Scud, owned by Mr Philip Gavey, of Jersey, which resulted in the loss of the latter vessel. The; which was commanded by George Wallis, oi Jersey, left Plymouth on Monday, about rnid-dny, with a cargo of China clay for Leith. The Blanchlan was from Grange- mouth with coals, bound to Gibraltar for orders. The Scud, about half-past ten on Monday nignt, had reached twenty miles above the Start Point. The captain and most of the crew were below asleep. The night was fine and clear, though without moon; and, according to the statement made by the crew of the Scud, they sighted the steamer coming down outside of the schooner, the Blanchland's starboard light being clearly visible for a considerable time before the accident. The lights on both vessels were all burning brightly, and if each had held her course they would have passed all clear. Lucock, the mate of the Scud, states that when the steamer was within a short distance of the Scud she ported her helm and showed her red light. Lucock then, hoping to avoid the collision which seemed inevitable, put his-heim hard down. The result was that the steamer cut into the star- board side of the schooner amidships with such tremendous violence that the bow stove in a boat which was lying on the main hatch in the centre of the deck prior to the collision. Captain Wallis and the rest of the crew of the Scud, alarmed by the mate's shouts, rushed on deck, and were just in time to see the bow of the Blanchiand crashing into their vessel's side. Their only boar, was useless, and seeing that the schooner must founder in a few minutes, they ju aped on to the bow of the steamer. The Blanchiand had barely time to back clear of the schooner when she sank. The steamer put into Plymouth on Tuesday, and landed the crew of the Scud. Captain kVLillis, who injured his legs in scrambling on board the Blanchiand, was removed to the hospital.

r_ EXTRAORDINARY RESURREC- TION IN THE FOREST OF DEAN. Buried by Mistake. Turning up after 20 Years. At the usual fortnightly meeting of the West- bury-on-Severn Board of Guardians, on Tuesday, a case of an extraordinary nature was mentioned by the clerk. In the year 1859 a person named Mary Broad, a pauper lunatic, was removed from Cinderford to the county asymm at Gloucester. Some years afterwards (in 1866) a sister of the person named received a communication from the authorities intimating that the pauper, Mary Broad, was dead. A son of the living sister was at once despatched to Gloucester with a con- veyance, and having satisfied himself that the deceased body was that of his aunt he brought the corpse away with him, and the body was interred in the parch churchyard of Ruardean. A few days since a letter was received by the nephew, Mr James Cannock, who is still residing at Cinderford, from the head of the medical staff of the county asylum, stating that a female pauper, named Mary Broad, who was admitted in 1869 was dangerously ill, and that she was not expected to recover, and if there were any relatives who desired to see her before death they were to attend at once. Mr Cannock im- mediately proceeded to Gloucester, but the gentleman who wrote the letter being from the institution at the time, he was unable to see the person who claimed to be his aunt. As a further complication, the relieving officer who knows all the circumstances of the case is away at the Isle of Wight for his health. He has been communi- cated with, and the matter is being investigated by the officials.

CARDIFF PARLIAMENTARY DEBATING SOCIETY. The weekly meeting of this society was held at the Town-hall on Tuesday evening, the Speaker (Mr De Gibbons) in the chair. The adjourned debate on the Liberal Policy in Ireland Was resumed by Mr Ve,ll (North Warwickshire), who charged the Liberal party with responsibility for the crime and outrage prevalent in Ireland.—Mr Carl Hansen (Orkney and Shetland Islands) followed in a vigorous speech, reviewing: the past history of Ireland, advocating Home Rule, and approving of the action of the Liberal Government. —Mr. F. Bullen (East Somerset) denounced the Irish and general policy of the Gladstone Government. Mr Samuel Evans (Glamorgan- shire) replied from the Liberal Ministerial benches, and traced the discontent of Ireland from a period long antecedent to the assumption of power by Mr Gladstone.—No Conservative rising, Mr T. C. Howe (Wenlock) followed on the Liberal side,—Mr H. Bird (Denbighshire) sup- ported the amendment, and Mr H. Payne (Ijon- don University) announced his intention ot voting for the resolution.-The debate was continued by Messrs Sankey, Jones, and Hams, and was summed up by Mr J. Andrews (Liberal Premier), who introduced the resolution. A division vvas then taken, when the voting Was as follows-I;,(), the resolution, 48 amendment. 38; majority for Liberals, 10. The Premier announced that the subject for next week was a resolution dealing with merchant shipping.

I A STRANGE LAW CASE. A curious action will shortly be tried ii. Dublin, a Munster lady seeking to recover damages, laid at £ 3,000, from a Roman Catholic clergyman for refusing to administer the sacrament to her.

The will of the late Thomas Cope, of the firm of Cope Brothers, tobacco manufacturers, Liverpool, has been proved> and amounts to over £ 182,000,

THE VICAR OF SWANSEA AT NOTTINGHAM. 1 Presentations; from his late Parishioners. A crowded meeting of the parishioners of Holy Trinity, jNotuingharn, was ii on Tuesday even- ing in the mechanic's large hall to bid farewell to Canon Allan Smith, on his acceptance of the vicarage of Swansea. Mr Wadsworth presided, and having spoken of the able manner in which Canon Smith had worked the parish, and his admirable powers of organisation expressed the fervent wish of the congregation for his success in bis future more Important work. Mr Snatcher, churchwarden, then presented the rev. gentleman with the congregation's testimonial, consisting of a silver tea and coffee service enclosed in an oak case, and a purse, containing over fifty guineas, together with an illuminated address. Four other presentations followed. The Sunday teachers gave an illuminated portrait album, with a photo of each of the Sunday scholars, and a travelling bag; the day school teachers an easy study chair and the young men's discussion class, a framed portrait of the members grouped, each present being- accompanied by an illuminated address. All the speakers dwelt on the zeal, devotion, and kindliness of the late vicar, and especial reference was made to Mrs Smith's labours in the parish. Auld Lang Syne was sung after the tirsr presentation. Canon SMITH, who was most enthusiastically re- ceived, assured the meeting that they could have given nothing more useful and more valued by his partner and himself than what they had chosen. He went on to thank the congregation for their unity and co-operation with him during his fourteen years' ministry. The change now occurring had been carefully weighed and made the subject of earnest prayer, and it was simply and entirely because he believed that it was the will of God that he had been led to accept the vicarage of Swansea. It was encouraging in the great work that he had before him to know that they would pray foi him. He looked upon his new work as a wider and more impor- tant sphere of labour, and this belief had led him to accept it. Enumerating the principles of his work, he laid stress on the motto, Actions speak louder than words."—He had always tried to show his people that he prac- tised what he preached. In conclusion he recom- mended all his friends to make their next holiday in the west, where they would find a pleasant neighbourhood beyond Swansea smoke, and all Nottingham visitors would be welcomed. The proceedings lasted till a late hour.

MURDER ON THE HIGH SEAS. 'Ih trial of Wm. Ranscher and Ferdinand Koelpem for the murder of a seaman named Jansen on board the American ship J. F. Chapman, was continued at Bow-street, London, onTuesday. Henry Brandit, a seaman, one of the crew. gave evidence of the ill-treatment received by Jansen. He had been 22 years at sea, but never saw such a punishment as the lashing-up inflicted. On cross-examination, witness said he had once complained to the captain of Jansen's conduct. Arthur Evans, a Welshman, who joined the ship at San Francisco, gave evidence of se"ing both prisoners strike Jansen on the night of the 9th October. Jansen was on the look-out. Witness had to relieve him, Koelpein told him he was not to do so. Jansen fell on the deck from weakness. Witness testified to seeing him lashed up. When he was taken down prisoner said he would be all right presently. After evidence of arrest had been given Sir James Ingham expressed his intention of sending the prisoners to America for rial. _r:4"4>

FATAL ACCIDENT AT HUDDERS- FATAL ACCIDENT AT HUDDERS- FIELD. A Servant Shot in Mistake for a Burgiar. A fatal accident occurred on Tuesday morning at Lockwood, a suburb of Huddersfield, through the incautious use of firearms. A widower named Thomas Walker Holmes, who has been for 14 years employed in the Huddersfield Bank, was awakened this morning at his residence by hear- ing a noise downstairs. He went down, taking a revolver with him, and as he descended the first flight one chamber accidentally went off, alarming the inmates. Holmes called out, asking who was there, and receiving no answer, fired again. On proceeding to the kitchen he found his house- keeper, Mary Blackburn, a woman 45 years old, lying on the floor. She had been shot in the right eye, and died before assistance could be procured. Holmes was under the impression that burglars were in the house. He is greatly respected in his neighbourhood as a steady, industrious man.

DEATH FROM SUFFOCATION AT DOWLAIS. On Tuesday afternoon, Mr Thomas Williams, coroner, held an inquest at the Dowlais police- station respecting the death of an Irishman named Thomas Line, 38 years of age, whose body was found in the manner described in our impres- sion of Monday.—Ellen Cabill, residing at 28, George-street, deposed that the deceased lodged at her house. He was a fireman at the boilers in the new works.—William Morris Lewis, an engineman, said the deceased worked at the boilers belonging to his engine. On Sunday night he discovered him lying dead across one of the boilers. One of these boilers was supplied with gas from the furnaces, and it was across this one that he found the deceased.—Dr. Cresswell said he had seen the body, and attributed death to gas poisoning.—A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was then returned.

GREAT FIRE AT SCOTCH OILWORKS. At six o'clock on Tuesday evening a fire broke out in the refinery at the Walkinshaw Oil Com- pany's works, near Paisley, and quickly spread to the numerous large oil tanks adjoining. Each tank contained thousands of gallons of whale oil, and they caught fire one after tne other, each exploding with a tremendous report, and the flames darted upwards many hundreds of feet. The greatest consternation prevailed in the country around, and fears were entertained for the safety of the workers, only one of whom, how- ever, was subsequently ascertained to have been injured. The damage is estimated at 212,000 to £ !4,000..

POLITICAL AMENITIES. Mr Satchell Hopkins, president of the Bir- mingham Conservative Association, on Tuesday received a letter from Mr Richard Tangye, a'J' dressed from London, # in reference to Hopkins's statement in his letter to Mr Chamber- lain concerning Mr Tangye. The latter says it is false, and continues: You have given another illustration of the truth of Sir Hicham Cross's observation that there is 'alyin? a^road.' One would have thought that the Tory party in Birmingham had had to eat humble pje enoUgh of late in connection with those lying slanders without you, their president, needlessly placing yourself in the pillory along with the retailers of false statements."

THE FATAL QUARRY ACCIDENT IN CARNARVONSHIRE. An enquiry was held bv the Carnarvonshire coroner on Luesday into the death of the six men who were iiilied by a fall of earth at Dorothen Quarries, Pantile, on the 29th ult. Mr Owen, quarry manager, attributed the accident to water from the 1\ antlle lake, which is on a higher level than the quarry, percolating to the back of the and forcing the earth out. A verdict of 4-ccW&ntal death" was returned. The bodies have not been recovered.

I CARDIFF. THE CORPORATION OF LONDON having required the premises of the Bankrupt Agency Association, 29, Ludg:1te.hiH, E.C., for city improvements, the Alliance Clothing Company, 33, 8t. Mary-street, beg most re- spectfully to inform the inhabitants of Cardiff and neighhoiuhood that they have taken over the whole of the above company's stock, comprising Hobson and 'Coo's stock of clothing, (;eorgo Oliver's stock of hosiery and ties, and ,Strauss Bros.' stock of fancy goods for immediate sale at a trifle over one-half the originalin- voice cot. Sale now proceeding at the Alliance Cloth- ing Company, 33, St. Mary-streot, Cardiff. 2W EXPERIENCED VETERINARY SMITH (Jo.eph Peare) shoes every class of horse tt the Cardiff Horse Exchange,near the Custom House. A trial solicited.232E AT 79, ST. MARY'S-STREET, CARDIFF, for the next few days, good woollen or merino Rocka May he had at Is 2d per pair, three pairs for 3s. Sewing^and knitting machines as usual. 211

The London Gazette announces the appointment I of the Marquis of NormanbyaaG.O.B.

The Nile Expedition, j I [REUTER'S TELEGRAM.] I CAIRO, Tuesday.—Arter reaching Meteninew General Stewart's brigade will probably ope" communication with Khartoum, but will not push on to that place until the arrival of Geneøl Earle, who is expected at Metamneh at the end Of February, after taking Berber. [" TIMES" TELEGRAZI.1 1 1 ALEXANDRIA, Tuesday.—The Khedive has If ceived a telegram from Lord Wolseley reporting good news from Khartoum, and adding th** Gen. Stewart is due at Metemmeh on the 16th insfc ["STANDARD" TELEGRAMS.] I MERAWAI, Monday.—A messenger from Berti I has come in. He reports that the Robahat andi Monasser tribes are gathered near Salamat. They l have sent to the Mahdi for reinforcements W| oppose our advance, but the Mahdi has replied that he cannot spare a force to aid them at present. CAIRO, Tuesday.—Although it is scarcely possi- ble that the news could have yet come down to Korti, a rumour is current here that a portion of General Stewart's column has arrived at Me temmeh. General Stephenson is preparing fof his trip up the country. He leaves on the 23rd innt., and will be absent at least a month. Man)' here still believe that an advance will be made from Suakim; so as to open the road down from Berber for the return of a portion of the force by that line. I ['* DAILY CHRONICLE" TELEGRAM.] I HANDAB, Monday.-Thefirst wing of the Black Watch Highlanders arrived here to-day. TheY had no casualties on the river, and are in god health and spirits. I

COLLIERY ACCIDENT IN SWITZERLAND. ["" -LAILY NEWS TELEGRAM.] GEN-EVA, Tgesday. -Four miners were suffocated I yesterday in..a coal inine,at Utznacb, canton of I I St Gall, by the sudden outnurst of firedamp.

FRANCE AND THE EGYPTIAN DEBT. I I r" DAILY CHRONICLE TELEGRAM.] I BERLIN, Tuesday.—The teiegram irom LonQotl published by the Paris Tempi, announcing the counter proposals of France for the settlement of the Egyptian question, is considered, in well in- formed circles, to emanate directly from the Ferry Cabinet.

FRANCE AND ALGERIA. I Activity at Toulon. I I [" DAILY NEWS" TELEGRAM.] ( MARSEILLES, Tuesday.-All the -,tepmers--tile Franco, Beam, Cachur, and Provence—now at Toulon have ben ordered to hasten their depar- ture. Kach will take 400 tons of stores and war incitericl, and will start next Thursday for Algeria. They will embark 5,000 meu. Work at Toulon goes on day and night. Forty-five wagons, each loaded with 100,000 cartridges for the Expeditionary Corps, arrived to-day at the Arsenal from the National Manufactory.

I FENIANISM IN AMERICA. I I [" DAILY NEWS'' TELEGRAM.} NEW YORK, Tuesday.—There is little chance ot any dynamite conspiracy revelationa. Short will be charged before the police magistrates with the .ass., ult (,ri ly,andphelan will probably(, eny all know- ledge of Short's motive. Short will not bo obliged to testify at all. Kearney cannot be brought into the trial save as a witness, and Phelan's charge about the dynamite on board the British Queen is wholly irrelevant. Theonly way in which the Kear- ney charge can be investigated is for the British authorities to substantiate Pheian's statements, aad demand the extradition of Kearney.

I DISESTABLISHMENT. I To-day's Times says :—" It is assumed by the Liberationists, without proof, that the extension of the franchise will increase the proportionate number and weight of their partisans, and give them, when the question of disestablishment is fairly raised, a majority in the House of Commons. All assumptions with respect to the politi- cal results of the recent addition oj two million new voters to the electoral body must, in the circumstances of the case, be doubt- ful but in this particular matter there seems less room for doubt than usual, and the probabilities, so far as we can measure them, are entirely adverse to the contention of the Liberationist Society. The agricultural labourer has not been subjected to any rtf the influences which have worked in favour of the principle of disestablish- ment."

RUSSIA AND THE AFGHAN j BOUNDARY COMMISSION. j I [«« TIMES TELEGRAM.] 1 CALCUTTA, Tuesday.—A Chinese envoy has arrived at Khatirianda on a complimentary mission, bringing presents to the King of Nepaul. A Lahore newspaper states that the Russian agents h Calcutta are two military officers named Ibrahmieff and Mosmiensky. The Indian Government has received no confir- mation of the report telegraphed from England that Russia intends to withdraw from the Afghan Frontier Commission. To-day's Morning Post says:—" It is stated that the Government of St. Petersburg refuses to sentf its representative to meet Sir Peter Lumsdan foe the demarcation of the Afghan boundary, unless the escort of troops accompanying tile British Com- missioner be previously withdrawn. The country will watch with anxiety whether her Mai esty'a Government will consent to undergo this humilia- tion. In the eyes of every Central Asian race such a proceeding would be interpreted as an act of vassalage on the part of England, and a recog- nition of Russian supremacy which would receive but one commentary throughout the eastern world."

IMPORTANT SPEECH BY SIR CHARLES DILKE. Sir Charles Dilke presided on Tuesday evening at a meeting of Liberal electors of the electoral district of North Kensington, which Mr Firth, his colleague in the representation of Chelsea, is to contest at the next general election. Sir Charles 41luded at some length to the passing of the Franchise Bill, and the character of the redistribution scheme. The latter was so large that it would effect a revolution which would enable them in future to obtain any further measure of redistribution that might be necessary or desired, while one result would be to destroy the Conservative partyintheold sense, and make it a rival democratic party, seeking, though perhaps by different modes, the support of the democracy. Another effect of this great scheme of political' reform would be to hasten the final solution of the land question, and secure a large measure of local government reform generally. Turning to the question of our foreign and colonial policy, Sir Charles stated that there was no foundation for the rumour circulated by the papers that Germany was endeavouring to negotiate a pro- tectorate over Zanzibar, and expressed the opinion that there might be necessity for the modification of a portion of our policy, forced upon us by recent events.

MEDICINES, ELASTIC STOCKINGS, CHEW DRUGS, AC., by parcel post, under lib, 3d. K*' Stockport,