County Observer and Monmouthshire Central Advertiser Abergavenny and Raglan Herald Usk and Pontypool Messenger and Chepstow Argus

CURRENT SPORT. I The third test cricket match of the Reason's series of five between England and Australia ended in an jnsatisfactory manner on Saturday at Leeds. The result was a draw on account of the rain. Of the leam representing Australia it is sufficient to say that it was identical with the one that did duty at Lord's a fortnight previously, Johns, Iredale, and McLeod standing down. F. S. Jackson at first declared his intention af not assisting England, but at the eleventh hour he was induced to adopt a more sportsmanlike attitude. That left only one place to be filled wp on the morning of the match, and in view of being prepared for all eventualities, the Board of Control invited Richardson, Brock- well, Tyldesley, and Briggs to attend at Headingley, and hold themselves in readiness. Rain came to the Leeds district in torrents the night before the match began, and practically settled the last place, for Briggs was obviously more suitable to play than Richardson on a wicket affected by wet. Unfortunately the little Lancastrian was taken seriously ill on Thursday night and could not figure in the subsequent stages of the game. The first day's cricket was not particularly eventful. The wicket was of the order known as tricky, and although the Australians won the toss, they were all out for a total of 172. Worrall gave a wonderful display of determined hitting, making 76 out of 95 secured whilst he was at the wicket. He made one or two bad strokes, but gave nothing like a'chance. From an English standpoint the feature of the day was the bowling of Young, the Essex left-hander. Like Quaife, the ex-sailor was making his first appearance in ai International. On first being tried he met with 10 success, but going on a second time, took four vickets in 13 overs and one ball for 15 runs. The finding of the Englishmen was splendid. Fry, Brown, Jackson, and Maclaren all distinguished themselves greatly, and Lilley behind the sticks was at the top of his form. The English batting was disappointing, but at the end of the first day six home wckets had to fall, and the home side were within i3 of the Colonials' total. On Friday Fry aud Qiuife were dismissed without any addition to the figires. The Australians were then fairly in a Eosition of advantage, on paper; but, fortunately, lilley md Hayward came to the rescue. They reijaaind together an hour and 20 minutes and adled 93 runs, it being entirely due to their efforts that the Australians were eventually left in a mnority of 48. Lilley's innings was one of the best he ever played, but Hayward was incky, giving a couple of distinct chances. There was something sensational when the Australians went in a second time. Four wickets fell at 34, Hearne performing the hat trick, and securing for both Noble and Gregory a pair of spectacles. A rather lucky, but commendable, stand by Trumble, who was ibly assisted by Trumper and Laver, followed, and after all, England were set 177 runs to win. When Friday's play ceased England appeared to be in a winning position. They had nine wickets in hand and required 158 to win. The pitch had been im- proviug all day, and had the conditions remained un- altered, the home batsmen would probably have made light of their task. Cricket had not, how- ever, been over more than half-an-hour on Friday when rain commenced to fall. It continued steadily until about five o'clock on Saturday morning, and when play should have been resumed at eleven o'clock the wicket was pronounced not fit for cricket. There was more rain before noon, and although it soon ceased, and the umpires made several inspec- tions of the batting area, another shower occurred about two. By then it was tolerably certain that England would have a stiff battle to fight if play ,ever became possible. Providing the sun did not make an appearance, of course, the task of the home team would not be anything like an impossible on< in one respect. The dead state of the ground, how- ever, had to be taken into consideration. As the time wore on and the hands of the clock pointed to two it became tolerably certain that the Englishmen would not be capable of getting the runs in the time. All doubt was set at rest by 2.50. A heavy down- pour that started at half-past two settled the business, and the first test match ever played in Yorkshire came to a most unglorious ending. Hampshire, in the inter-county contest on Satur- day at Portsmouth, scored their first victory of the season, administering to Surrey (who were without Hayward, Brockwell, and Richardson) their initial defeat. In the end rain almost saved Surrey, Hamp- shire only gaining their six wickets' victory five minutes before time. Surrey could not recover from the bad start they had made, and but for the break- up of the weather their defeat would have undoubtedly have been more severe. With four wickets down in their second innings they were still 81 runs behind at the close of play on Friday, and when the game could be continued, just after one o'clock, on Saturday the batsmen did so little that eight were out for 118, or only five runs on. Then came the recurrence |of rain, which nearly robbed Hampshire of victory. After lunch play could not be proceeded with until four o'clock, and then Leea and Wood found run-getting so easy on the wet pitch that they added 69 runs in 40 minutes and in the end Hampshire were set to get 94 runs in 95 minutes. Risking a good deal the home team scored just fast enough to hit the runs off; and so Surrey's colours were lowered, and Hants stood triumphant. Major Poore batted conspicuously well for the victors, making 175 and 39, not out. The Midland Counties district had charge of the amateur championships of the Amateur Athletic Association this season, and they engaged the Moly- neux Grounds, Wolverhampton, to'hold the meeting -on Saturday. They were very unfortunate in the matter of weather, for the frequent rain storms -during the week rendered the path, upon which every pains had been taken, so heavy that fast perfor- mances were out of the question, while on Saturday rain fell at intervals all the morning and until nearly three o'clock, so that this must have undoubtedly affected the attendance. Much of the sport itself was intensely interesting, and the finishes in the mile and the half-mile were wonderfully exciting. In the former Hugh Welsh, the holder, had all his work cut out to beat Charles Bennett, only struggling home a yard in front, while in the half W. E. Lutyens, one of the finest athletes ever turned out of Cambridge University, had his pro- verbial in-luck in the half-mile, Tysoe defeating him in a desperate struggle by barely a yard for once. The sprint and the quarter came south, R. W. Wadsley, of the Highgate Harriers, securing both in capital fashion, while Bennett again won the four miles run, Sturgess the walk, and Paget-Tomlinson, Cambridge University, the hurdles. The Irish con- tingent were, as expected, successful in the field event, securing the High and Long Jumps, the Hammer, and Weight Putting, but the foreign .element went away empty handed, G. Houdet, the French champion sprinter, suffering defeat in his 'n hoth the 100 Tards and Quarter, and Orton, of the New York A.C., failing to retain his trophy .and honours n the Steeplechase, which went to d £ TX • 6 mrruhe person of Stokes, of the Birchfield Harriers. The previous holders who re- ^tained their titles were Hugh Welsh in the Mile Kiely in the Hammer Throwing, Horgan in the 'Weight Putting, Reahy in the High Jump, Newburn :in the Long Jump, Bennett in the Four Miles run- ning, and Sturgess in the walk. Those who were pre- sent and failed were Cooper in the sprint, Fitz- herbert in the quarter, Poole and Orton in the pole jump and steeplechase respectively, while Parkes and ■Relf did not defend their cups in the hurdles and half-mile. As a matter of fact, Poole was excep- tionally unfortunate, for he lost his pole en route, =and as neither of the other competitors in the pole jump would lend him one he had to stand by and see wis trophy won by a much inferior man. The annual inter-'Varsity cycling contest was decided on Saturday on the Sheen House Club's track, at Mortlake. The weather was windy, and P. Engleheart rode finely for Cambridge, winning two ,of the races, and finishing second in the third, but the result of the contest was an easy win for Ox- ford, who proved successful, on points, in each of three races. H. B. Fitzherbert was placed in every event. The results were: One Mile: P. Engleheart, Cambridge^ ;H. B,Fitzherbert, Oxford, 2 ;L. Martin, J tu •' J m-0n length, two lengths between second and tmrd. Time, 2min. 33sec. Four Miles: L. Martin, SX/°J\ V n e Cambridge, 2; H. B. Fitzherbert, Oxford, 3. A close race was won by a wheel, three lengths between the next couple. Time, llmin. 17 2-5sec. ^Ten Miles P. Engleheart, Cam bridge, 1; H. B. Fitzherbert, Oxford, 2 • F. J. Hey- wood, Oxford, 3. Won easily by six yards, half a wheel between second and third. Time, 25min. 4sec. Contrary to usual experience the Royal N ortheJ8, Yacht Club had a beautiful day on Monday for the second day of their regatta. But the wind proved too much for some of the yachts at critical moments, for no fewer than five of them sustained accidents. In three of the races in which the maimed vessels were engaged there were only two starters, so that these events were shorn of all interest. The 65 raters were again represented by Eelin. and Astrild. During the first round Eelin carried away her topmast, and Astrild sailed over. The 52 raters had the finest race of the day. Senga led throughout winning by two minutes from Caprice, which got second prize. Forsa, Penitent, and Moiwiing Star finished in the order given. In the match for cruising twenties Zinita broke down, and Dragon sailed over and in the race for the Clyde 20 ton one design class, Vagrant and Tigris both brokty-their gaffs, Avalon winning, with Noyra second. The inclement weather interfered little with the actual cricket in the Oxford and Cambridge match, at Lord's, on Monday, but the company present was by no means so numerous and brilliant as its customary on such an occasion. Slow cricket pre- vailed, the Oxonians—seven of whom reached double figures-conipiling 192 in four hours and ten minutes, while the Cantabs repiled with 44 for two wickets. Play in the Australian match with Notts was considerably interfered with at Trent-bridge on Monday, only an hour's cricket being possible. In this period the County scored 51 runs for the loss of a wicket. Only a slow day's cricket was witnessed on Monday at Ken- nington Oval, several adjournments being caused through the failing light and the rain. Surrey have completed their first innings for 240, towards which Hayward, who completed his 1000 runs for the season, was top scorer with 84. At Manchester, Lancashire started in excellent style when they opened their innings against Sussex on Monday, but afterwards only a poor display was given, all being out for 244. Sussex replied with 30 without losing a wicket, when strumps were drawn for the day. York- shire made a splendid start in their match with Derby on Monday, for by the close of the day's play 318 had been scored for the loss of only four wickets. Towards this J. T. Brown, of Drffield, contributed a brilliant 192, which was marred by only two chances towards the close of his innings. Cricket proceeded at Lord's on Tuesday unaer much more favourable conditions than on Monday, and the attendance was much larger. Cambridge carried their overnight score of 44 for two wickets to 241, a fine stand being made by Day (62) and Hind (52 not out) for the ninth wicket. Oxford com- menced their second innings at 10 minutes to four 49 runs in arrears, and when stumps were drawn for the day had made 174 for three wickets, Pilkington, who went in first, being 93 not out. At Kennington Oval Essex did wonder- fully well against Surrey, scoring no fewer than 342 for the loss of seven wickets. Each batsman who went in made double figures, and four reached 50. M'Gahey making 68. At Nottingham, on a difficult wicket, the Notts innings against Australia on Tuesday closed for 188, Shrewsbury (51) making the biggest score, and J. A. Dixon (46) coming next; the Australians made 106 for the loss of three wickets, Noble (46) and Trumper (31) being not out. At Derby on Tuesday Yorkshire raised their overnight score of 318 for four wickets to 432; Derbyshire were dis- posed of for 78, but did much better on following on, making 122 for five wickets R. Kenward made the best stand, scoring 31 in the first innings, and being 39 in the second. At Manchester Sussex obtained on Tuesday decidedly the better of the position in their match with Lancashire; they completed their first innings for 219, disposed of Lancashire for 110, and had made one run for the loss of one wicket on Tuesday night, so that with nine wickets to fall they only wanted 135 to win. Derbyshire had to bite the dust before Yorkshire on Wednesday to the tune of an innings and 160 runs, no one but Storer and Mr. Kennard being able to make any stand. For Lancashire, at Manchester, on Wednesday, so successfully did Lancaster and Webb bowl on a wicket which favoured them, that Sussex found it quite impossible to get the comparatively small number of 125 runs set them, and lost in the end by 29, after some excitement. Noble carried his score to 84 at Trent-bridge against Nottingham on Wednesday, and Trumper his to 85, and when both had been got rid of and seven wickets altogether were down for 234, the Australian captain declared." The Notts second score stood at 50 for five later on. When Abel, Brockwell, and Hayes were all out for 21 amongst the three of them on Wednesday, at Kennington, after Surrey had gone in a second time against Essex 132 in arrears (the visiting fixst innings having been rapidly finished off for 3*2) matters looked black for the home team. Eut a careful stand by Lockwood and Hayward then altered the appearance of matters, and the good bat- ting was kept up so well that with the score at 150, and no further wicket had fallen, danger of defeat seemed to be passing away from Surrey again with every run added to the board, and the spirits of the Ovalites rose correspondingly. When Oxford had got to 347 for eight on Wed- nesday afternoon they put Cambridge in again to get 299 in just over three hours, play out time, or be defeated. One wicket of the Light Blues was down for 52 subsequently. Pilkington did not add to the 93 he made on Tuesday, but he was top scorer for his side, though Knox played finely for 73 not out.

THE REVENUE. I j.ne receipts on account of revenue from April 1, 1899, when there was a balance of E-8,919,173, to June 30, 1899, were 25,893,778, as against £ 24,087,846 in the corresponding period of the pre- ceding financial year, which commenced with a balance of £ 10,918,422. The net expenditure was £ 26,099,477, against 924,946,479 to the correspond- ing date in the previous year. The Treasury balances on June 30,1899, amounted to £ 5,638,474, and at the corresponding date of 1898 te £ 5,799,789.

FATAL GAS EXPLOSION. I v/n Tuesday afternoon an explosion occurred at Honley Gas Works, near Huddersfield, whereby four men were killed and one injured. The Honley Gas Company were having a single gasometer, capable of holding 25,000 cubic feet of gas, superseded by a telescopic holder of 75,000 cubic feet capacity. Messrs. Dempster and Sons, of Elland, were engaged to do the work, and a number of men were cutting through the plates on the top of the holder which had been lowered to the level of the ground, when an explosion occurred. The holder was lifted bodily into the air, and alighted on its side. Five of the workmen were blown up. Three were killed outright—namely, Thomas Carter, 25, Elland; Joe Makin, 27, Elland; and Ben Pearson, 35, Milns-bridge-the fourth, Joe Binns, 27, Greet- land, died an hour and a-half afterwards; and the fifth, Ben Taylor, 30, of Elland, was removed to the infirmary suffering from a fractured thigh. Pearson was in the service of the gas company and the others in that of Messrs. Dempster. The supposed cause of the explosion was a spark from a workman's chisel coming in contact with some unexhausted gas in the holder which was being removed.

COOLGARDIE FRAUDS. I The trial of Arthur Kirby and Morris Clifford, who were indicted for conspiring with Sir Alfred Kirby to defraud persons induced to become share- holders in the Coolgardie Mint and Iron King Gold Mines (Limited) by the duplication of some 30,000 shares, was on Tuesday resumed at the Central Criminal Court. The jury having returned a verdict of guilty, Mr. Justice Darling said that although the two prisoners did not conceive the fraud, yet they had a part in it. Had they been absolutely free agents, their sentences would have been much more severe. He sentenced both prisoners to six months' hard labour.

L TIlE British Columbia anti-Japanese Legislation has been disallowed by the Ottawa Government, at the instance of the Imperial authorities. As an indication of the importance to Victoria of the rabbit-exporting industry it is stated that there are now 10,000 persons engaged in tho trade in the colony.

ROYAL VISIT TO DEVONSHIRE. The Duke and Duchess of York, accompanied by Sir Francis de Winton, the Hon. Derek Keppel, and Lady Katherine Coke, left Paddington by the 11.45 train on Monday, and travelled to Exeter, proceeding thence by special train to Newton Abbot, the nearest station on the main line to Ugbrooke- park, the seat of Lord Clifford of Chudleigh, whose guests they are to be for three days. On the arrival of the train their Royal Highnesses were received by Lord Clifford outside the station, and the members of the District Council presented an address of wel- come. They were accompanied by Mr. Seal-Hayne, M.P. for the division, whose ancestor, William Hayne, was among those who welcomed the Prince of Orange to Newton in 1688. Mr. J. W. Rowell, the Chairman of the District Council, was presented to the Duke and Duchess, after which he presented the Duke with a beautifully-worked address of welcome. His Royal Highness handed Mr. Rowell a formal reply, and within a few minutes the drive through the gaily decorated town to Ugbrooke-park had com- menced. The Royal 1st Devon Yeomanry supplied an escort under Captain Templer, and the Newton Volunteers, under Major Rowell, formed a Guard of Honour. The route through the town was lined with volunteers from all partt of South Devon. In celebration of the visit all the school children of Newton Abbot, Highweek, and Kingsteignton, to the number of about 3000, were entertained at tea on the Recreation Ground by Mr. Seale-Hayne, M.P., who also presented each child with a copy of the New Testament. Commemorative medals were also distributed to all the children of Mr. J. A. Nix, the Unionist candidate for Mid- Devon. The house party at Ugbrooke to meet their Royal Highnesses consisted of the Duke and Duchess of Somerset, Lord and Lady Churston, Sir Stafford and Lady Northcote, Sir Redvers and Lady Audrey Btoller, Sir Thomas and Lady Acland, Mr. and Mrs. Kimlyn, Mrs. Delacour, Miss K. Lister, Viscount Valletort, and Mr. Hugh Clifford.

THE TRANSVAAL. The Transvaal Raad on Monday authorised the Government to amend the franchise, according another member to all constituencies for the First Raad only. The new draft is to be submitted to the burghers for approval. President Kruger stated that the members of the Executive found the burghers as firm as a rock on the question of independence, and he trusted that the Raad would show the same spirit. From Kimberley,, the Standard corre- spondent telegraphs that arms and ammunition are being distributed by the authorities of the Free State among the burghers stationed on the frontier in that direction. TIIE UITLANDER DEMANDS. I Mr. Hofmeyr went on to Pretoria from Bloem- fontein on Tuesday afternoon. The Uitlander Council in Johannesburg has issued a declaration embodying their demands for alterations in the Transvaal Constitution. The Johannesburg police have been ordered not to carry revolvers while they are on ordinary patrol duty in the town. A letter is Published addressed by Mr. Chamberlain to M. 'ves Guyot on the subject of the scheme propounded by the latter for the settlement of the Uitlander diffi- culty. Mr. Chamberlain shows that he forestalled M. Guyot in proposing this solution to the Trans- vaal Government.

THE PRINCE OF WALES AT DALKEITH. The Prince of Wales, who opened the show of the Highland and Agricultural Society in Edinburgh on Wednesday, arrived on Tuesday evening at Dalkeith and drove from the station to Dalkeith House, where he was the guest of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch. The town of Dalkeith has during its history frequently witnessed the passage of Royalty through its streets, and on all such occasions the inhabitants have been eager to testify their loyalty. But they probably never made such a decorative display as on Tuesday. From end to end of the High-street, which leads directly to the gates of Dalkeith House, there was an abundance of flags, decorative escut- cheons, and broad strips of gaudy material, repeat- ing endlessly the crest of the Royal visitor. Short as the distance is, room was found for two extremely effective triumphal arches, different in design, but both bearing the word Welcoma." The stonework of the palace entrance was hidden in foliage, while from the battlemented summit peeped a number of small cannon-the whole design being in representa- tion of an ivy-clad Border fortress. At the station his Royal Highnes s was received by the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch, the Earl of Rosebery (Lord Lieutenant of the county), the Duke of Abercorn, the Earl of Leven and Melville, Lord Henry Scott, and the provost, magistrates, and com- missioners of Dalkeith. Provost Liddell briefly wel- comed the Prince to Dalkeith and presented him with an illuminated address enclosed in a morocco case. The address recalled the fact that during the reign of her Majesty it had been the privilege of the burgh to receive three visits from Royalty. In 1842," it proceeded, when her Majesty visited Scot- land for the first time, she made a short sojourn at Dalkeith Palace, and in 1886 the Duke of Clarence came to Dalkeith when on a visit to the Marquis of Lothian. We have also to record that anterior to these visits, when Scotland did not enjoy her present peace and tranquility, Dalkeith House was the rest- ing-place for a brief period of the Crown of Scotland, a fact which the burg has thought fit to emblazon on its seal." His Royal Highness received the address, and his equerry in turn handed the following reply of the Prince to the town clerk: Mr. Provost and Gentle- men,—Let me express to you my sincere thanks for your address and for the hearty welcome given me on the occasion of my visit to your burgh. It affords me much pleasure to be the guest of my old friends the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch, and while staying at their house to perform the cere- mony of opening the show of the Highland and Agricultural Society. I join with you in hoping that this exhibition will meet with every success. I am glad to have the opportunity of seeing Dalkeith and of becoming better acquainted with the town, which has been visited by the Queen and my dear son, the Duke of Clarence. I fully appreciate your loyalty and attachment to the members of the Royal Family, together with the expressions of good wishes for my happiness." Leaving the station, the Prince took his place in the carriage in waiting, followed by his host and hostess and the Earl of Rosebery, and drove through cheering crowds to Dalkeith House. The guard of honour was provided by the 6th V.B. Royal Scots, and the route was also lined by a strong body of police.

SOUDAN HEROES. I A county memorial is to be raised to the officers and men of the Royal- Warwickshire Regiment who fell in the Soudan campaign. Lord Leigh is at the head of the movement, and the Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, M.P., has accepted a place on the committee. A suitable monument will be erected in some public place in Birmingham, and a tablet ia St. Mary's Church, Warwick.

IN the first four weeks after the opening of the electric railway at Cairo, it is said that 80 persons were killed, and since that time the weekly average of victims is seven or eight. CHILI and Argentina believe that the way to disarm is to disarm. They have settled their boundary dis- pute, and are offering warshina for sale.

I OPERA AT WINDSOR CASTLE. I PAGLIACCI PERFORMED BEFORE THE QUEEN. when her Majesty was in the Riviera in the spring Signor Leoncavallo played some of his carspositions before her, and accepted the Queen's commands to direct a performance of Pagliacci," the opera by which he is best known, at Windsor Castle this month1. Unfortunately, Signor Leoncavallo hae fouBd it impossible to come to England, owing, as everysne will regret to leant, to an affection of his- eyes. But the representation could not be post- poned, and accordingly it took place on Tuesday evening in the Waterloo Chamber, the performers being members of the company of the Royal Opepa, Covent Garden. The artrat, musicians, and assistants, about 150 im number, were conveyed in the course of the afternoon from Paddmgton by the Great Western Railway. The orchestra and chorus, accompanied by Mr. Neil Forsyth, reached Windsor at half-past two, and at once proceeded to the palace, where a rehearsal was held in the Waterloo Chamber. Earl de Grey and Mr. Maurice Gran, two of the directors of the Grand Opera Syndicate, and the prin- cipal vocalist travelled from Paddington later, find on their arrival drove to the eastle in the car- riages which had been provided for their conveyanas from the station. Lord Edward Pelham Clinton, Master of the Royal Household, personally superin- I ended the arrangements in connection with the entertainment, and the reception of the Queen's guests. The Waterloo Chamber had been specially prepared by the Lord Chamberlain's officials. The Royal dais and amphitheatre like auditorium behind it, were draped with crimson cloth, and furnished with chairs for the Queen and Royal Family and the Ladies and Gentlemen of her Majesty's Household. The front of the dais was fringed by a low curtain edged within by vases of roses and beautiful heart-leaved miniature calla- diums, selected from the Frogmore greenhouses. The orchestra was decorated with yellow roses interspersed with maidenhair and other delicate ferns, each end of the row terminating with a richly hued croton. Groups of roses, hydrangias, fuchias, palms, and cocas filled the corners and screened the fireplaces of the Royal apartment. The Queen, attended by the ladies aid gentlemen- in-waiting, proceeded after dinner to the Waterloo Chamber, the audience, upwards of a hundred in number, rising, and the orchestra playing the National Anthem when her Majesty entered the apartment. The Queen's libretti of Le Chalet" and "Pagliooci" were printed upon white satin, bound in Garter blue, and ornamented with the Royal Arms, a separate gilt-edged card programme being also provided for her Majesty. The rest of the programmes for the Royal audience were printed upon white satin. The entertainment commenced a few minutes after her Majesty had taken her seat, the programme being as follows I WINDSOR CASTLE. By Command of her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, The Royal Opera Company (from the Opera House, Covent-garden), Under the direction of Mr. Maurice Grau, Will appear on Tuesday, July 4, 1899. Her Majesty's Servants will perform Adolphe Adam's Opera, LE CHALET. Daniel M. Cazeneuve. Max. M. Planqon. Bettly Mile. Leclerc. Conductor. M. Ph. Flon. Followed by Leoncavallo's Opera, FAGLIACCI. Tonio Signor Ancona. Canio Signor De Lucia. jen Arlequino M. Cazeueuve. Nedda Mme. Suzanne Adam*. Silvio M. Jacques Bars. Conductor Signor Mancinelli. Regisseur M. Pierre Bandu. Special scenery painted for this performance by Mr. Bruce Smith and assistants. Secretary, Mr. Neil Forsyth. There was an interval between the two operas, and at the close of the performance the Queen and Royal Family left the Waterloo Chamber. Her Majesty's guests were afterwards entertained in the dining- room, supper being provided for the artists and orchestra in the Vandyck room, and the Audience and Presence Chambers, under the supervision of Mr. Lloyd Clerk, Comptroller of the Lord Steward's Department. The company returned øubsequeDth tit London. ll.

HONOURABLE ARTILLERY COMPANY. The Queen reviewed the Honourable Artillery Company in Windsor Great Park on Saturday after- noon. The Prince of Wales, as Captain-General of the company, was in command and led the march past. Her Majesty also drove down the line, and at the conclusion of the review expressed her pleasure at inspecting the company again for the first time since 1861.

DOMINION DAY. llomlnion Day was celebrated on Saturday by a dinner in London, at which the High Commissioner for Canada presided. Lord Strathcona, in his speech, said Canada had never been so prosperous as at present, and mentioned with satisfaction that no financial loss had arisen, even at the beginning, out of the commercial preference given by Canada to Great Britain. Lcrd Aberdeen spoke of the belief held by good judges that the next returns of the trade between the two countries would show a great increase.

THE POISON BY POST CASE. VERDICT AND SENTENCE. The trial of Mary Ann Ansell for the murder of her sister, an inmate of Leavesden Asylum, who died in consequence of eating pastry received through the post, was concluded at Hertford Assizes on Friday of last week. Examined by counsel, prisoner denied that she wrote the letter signed Harriet Parish, or that she sent the cake. She admitted that she bought phosphorus paste on three or four occasions to kill rats. Cross-examined by Mr. Rawlinson, prisoner said she wrote the letter to Mr. Cooper, the insurance agent. She placed the phosphorus on a sack in the kitchen. She never succeeded in killing any rats. You never asked your mistress to pay for the phos- phorus ? Witness: No. You had a policy and a premium book, were are they ? Witness They got between some books, and I threw them on the fire by accident. Why did you insure your sister's life ? Witness: I was very fond of her, and I wanted to give her a nice funeral if anything happened. You tvere engaged to be married about that time ? Wit- ness Yes. Was that standing over until you and your young man had enough between you to make a home ? Witness: The young man did not appear to be earning enough to start housekeeping at the ;ime, and we agreed to leave it over until such time is he got a better situation. If you wanted to get ;he money to bury your sister, why didn't you claim, md why did you allow her to be buried by the isylum ? Witness: They seemed determined to keep "he body. Mr. Clarke Hall made an eloquent speech on behalf of the prisoner. He said the case against the prisoner pressed solely on the motive to get Ell 5s. insurance money. He asked the jury to say that as altogether inconceivably inadequate to make a person commit such a crime. In dealing with the similarity of the writing on the various documents and wrappers, he reminded the jury of the mistake at was made five years ago, when in France—the greatest country of handwriting experts—all the ex- perts agreed that a certain document was written by Captain Dreyfus. His lordship having summed up, the jury retirad. After an hour's absence they returned to court, and on being asked if they had come to a decision, the foreman replied: "No; can we have some refresh- ments ?—His Lordship: I cannot give any such instructions. Do you wish any part of the evidence read over to help you to arrive at a verdict? You must go back, and come to some decision. The jury then again retired, and after further deliberation found the prisoner guilty. Sentence of death was oassed.

Miss JENNY YALMORE, the well-known music-hall artiste, met with a serious carriage accident on Satur- day, at Thornton Heath, near Croydon, sustaining a fracture of the jaw. She is now progressing favour- ably. Miss HARRIET WILD, head teaoher of a Kings land Board School, infants' department, was on Saturday Sned 5a. and 25s. costs far administering excessive QdVOOnl punishment ta a bev of 3.1;. vears.