The Western Mail

DU. BAKNARDO'S HOMES. i ENTERTAINMENT AT CARDIFF. For some years the Cardiff workers for Dr. Barnardo's Homes have been able to maintain two octs, collecting something like zL70 per year. Dr. Barnardo has undertaken to place 1 OCO beds at the disposal of boys and girls of s0!diers whose fathers are killed in the war. and it was felt that a special effort should be nndo this year to increase the funds from the Cardiff district. With this object in view a "at-home" wa given at the Town- hall on Wednesday afternoon by the Cardiff and Canton Leagues, and, notwithstanding the unfavourable weather, it was faarly successful. Mrs. C. J. Thompson, Mrs. Tatham Thompson, Mrs, James Radley. and a number of other ladies organised what was in reality a cafe etiaiitaiit-on English lines, of course. Valuable assistance was also given by Mr. Francis Hacquoil and Mr. F. W. Hacquoil. while the visitors Were served with tea aEd by about fifty charmingly-attired young ladies. The proceedings were opened by Canon Thomp- son, who paid a high tribute to the work done "V Dr, Barnardo and to the Mioses Davies, who so quietly and unostentatiously assisted in the great work at Cardiff. The musical pro- gramme in the afternoon was under the direc- tion of Mr. Shapland Dobbs. and was contri- hued to by the Grosvenor Banjo and Mando- line Orchestra. Miss Tilly Edwards, Miss Amy Morgan, Miss F. G. Lee. MiS3 Gwen Medhurst. ?!:i? Masters. Mha M. Bee,. Mi,. A!!oway. Mi-s :)r' if ;[is,RI: ii'Y'i: a couple of gocd recitations. Dr. W. B. C. Treasure had charge in the evening, when, in addition to those already mentioned, the "Fisher" Orchestra. Mr. G. J. Beetlestone, Mr, E. B. Rees (Violin). Mr. Sidney Ham. and Miss Williams contributed songs and recitations.

GREATER CARDIFF, (RESOLUTION BY THE LLANDAFF PARISH COUNCIL: At a special meeting of the Llandaff Parish Council, held on Tuesday, to consider a reso- lution of the parish meeting with regard to the 11I"sioll of the parish of Llandaff in the Cardiff Borough, the Rev. J. R Buckley (chair- lnnl1 of the t'0uncil) presiding, it was resolved: —"That this council endorse the resolution passed unanimously by the pari-h meeting against the proposal to inplude the parish of I;II(;;tf thi1 Pos)fi:t!e 'dyi5;( request the clerk to convey to the Llandaff and Dinas Powis Rural District Council its assu- rance of support in any oction they propose to take in opposing the Cardiff Corporation Bill in Parliament. The parish council also strongly protest aainst the attempt to annex the parish of Llandaff to the borough against the expressed wishes of its inhabitants."

CARDIFF MUSICAL SOCIETY. The second onpert of the season is an- nounced to take place at the Park-hall on Wed- nesday, the 21st inst. The principal vocalists will he Miss Ada Crossley and Mr. Charless Tree, ar.d Mr. W. H. Squire lias boen engaged as violoncellist.

Like the Sun, FRY'S I)l FE CONCENTRATED I CCCOA Bpreads it" beneficent influence all over the wcrld; but, unlike the light-giving orb. it is "EYER ECLIPSED, 275 (;"1, ? Medals and b ti,?)a )om?9.—N.B.—Sold only in Tins, with gilt topt.

THE FIRST FAVOURITE. BOBS' IS UP!"

REINFORCEMENTS. I "DEATH OR GLORY BOYS" FOR THE FRONT. The Press Association telegraphsOf all tho troops that have left Aldershot for South Africa the 17th Lancers have probably expe- rienced the most adverse conditions. Snow commenced to fail on Tuesday evening, and continued throughout the night. and at two o'clock on Wednesday morning, when "Reveille" sounded, a verItable blizzard was blow- ing, with a foot of snow on the ground. After a hasty brsakfast of bread and butter and coffee the first party, consisting of 13) non- commissioned officers and men of A Squadron, paraded at three o'clock, under Major the Hon. L. Fortescue, with 123 horses. They started in the teeth of a blinding stol. for the Govern- ment Siding, the discomfort being heightened by the darkness. Once at the siding, however, the work of entraining the horses was taken speedily in hand, and they were all got into the trucks without acc:dent. The train was due to leave at 4.30, but the powerful engine had the greatest difficulty in moving the heavy train, the snow having drifted against the carriages nearly 2ft. deep, and these mounds had to be dug away before a start could be made. The second train, carrying a similar load from C Squadron, under the command of Major Ricardo. left at 5.40, and at 6.33 a third party was supplied by B Squadron, in charge of Captain Warner. The last train left at 7.30, and took th-3 detachments of men and horses from all three squadrons and the headquarters of the regiment, in command of Major Herbert. The troops altogether con- sisted of 24 officers, 500 non-commissioned officers and men, and 476 horses. They were bouni for Tilbury Docks, where they embarked in the Victorian. The remainder of the regi- ment, consisting of Captain Shaw Stewart, Lieutenant the Hon. C. Cavendish, and 100 non-commissioned officers and men, leave Southampton to-day (Thursday) on the Pine- more for South Africa. The 17th, or "Death or Glory Boys," had a wretchedly cold journey from Aldershot to Til- bury, but on arrival at the docks they were provided with a substantial )it ?al, and, in ;ft:jdth,:itti:'isnJ :t' i embarkation proceeded with much eheeriness.¡ They looked as fine and tough a lot "f fellows as one could wish to see, and both officers and men were delighted at the prospect of lending a hand in the maintenance of the Empire. The Victorian will not sail until this (Thursday) morning. The Duke of Cambridge abandoned his inten- tion of visiting Tilbury Docks on Wednesday because of the inclement weather. For the same reason his Royal Highness's inspection of the special corps of the Imperal Yeomanry bearing hi, name was on Wednesday postponed until Saturday. THREE THOUSAND TROOPS LEAVE I SOUTHAMPTON. Three transports sailed on Wednesday from Southampton, viz., the Servia, Simla, and Greek, which will between them carryover 3.010 troopB, Tho Servia takes out 545 officers and men of the 5th Royal Dublin Fusiliers, and No. 7 General Hospital, comprising eight officers and 133 men. The Simla takes 875 officers and men of the Seaforth Highlanders. 378 Cameron High- landers, a draft of 233 Royal Garrison Artil- lery and a detachment of Royal Artillery. The Greek was reserved for the Berwick, Exeter, Bedford, Brecon, Cardiff, Ashton-under- Lyne, and Northampton Volunteer contin- gents. Each of the latter comprised three officers and from 113 to 116 men. Many of the men arrived before daybreak and breakfasted on board. DEPARTURE FROM QUEENSTOWN. Tne transport tneshire left Queenstown on Wednesday for South Africa with 45 officers and 1,279 men of the 12th and 16th Lancers the Royal and Gordon Highlanders, Con- naught Rangers, and South Wales Borderers, the latter being the 3rd Militia Battalion. OTHER REGIMENTS FOR THE FRONT. The Press Association telegraphs:—The 4th (Militia) Battalion AVest Yorkshire Regiment on Wednesday received orders at Aldershot to hold themselves in readiness to proceed to South Africa on the steamship Austral, which leaves Tilbury on Monday. They are to be joined at Tilbury by a draft of 100 non-com- missioned officers and men from the 3rd Bat- talion. Another draft of 150 non-commis- sioned officers and men for the Durham Light Infantry is to leave for Southampton in the steamship Assayc for South Afrca about the 38th inst. The 3rd Yorks (Princess of Wales's) Regiment) has been warned to hold itself in readiness to proceed to South Africa at an early date. The 4th (Militia) Battalion East Surrey Regiment, now at Woking. is also to proceed to the Cape as soon as transport ar- rangements are completed. The B Squadron of the English Hussars leave the Royal Albert Docks on Saturday on the Sicilian for South Africa. o, 3 Remount Depot left Aldershot on Wednesday for the Cape in charge of Cap- tain Gunning. Xo. 1 goes out on the 25th inst in the Goorkha, and the remaining five companies will sail at early dates. The Re- mount Depots are composed of cavalry Reservists. ° canary

BIG STEEL COMBINE IN AMERICA. Pittsburg, Wedne,da,y, The long-talked-of combination of steel sheet mills of the United States h,, at length been formed. Twenty- five concerns out of 29 are represented. The capital consists of 52,000.000dols., of which 26.000.000dols. are preferred "nd 26,000,000dols. common stock. The four concerns outside the combination control 55 mills, and the combina- tion itself 160 mills. The name of the new combination will probably be the American Steel Sheet Coiii Iteuter.

Everybody is talking about it-the "Glamor- gan Times "—the most enterprising local weekly "aper published outside C.,diff. It ?.at.?np more advertisements and is a page and a hall larger than any other local paper. ?7? 1

I ilih. BALFOUR AT KING'S COLLEGE. Mr. A. J. Balfour, MP., presidtd op Wednes- day night at the King's College spccial festival dinner in aid of the funds for new scientific In proposing the toast of "The Qn&en," th-3 right hon. gentleman said:—The first toast, I need hardly say, is "The Queen," and we drink it to-day, not merely with those sentiments of loyalty which I am glad to think are never nbnt on occasions like the present, but with a feeling of peculiar sympathy for the Queen, sympathy based upon our knowledge of what she feels for ail those who are suffering in the present war, and based-even mora solidly and profoundly upon cur over-increasing percep. tion that she, partly by virtue of her high office, not tea by the universal affection, regard, and sympathy which she arouses in every portion and quarter of the vast domi- nions sub j ected to h?r ?wny, may be r?arded :duei\ed ;li:' 07h,b;d I ,?hi?h V'C b,].?g. sl!biW|Uent!y B?ve the toast of ■Kings Colnlege.

CARDIFF CORPORATION AND I THE GASWORKS. POSITION OF THE GAS COMPANY, At the half-yearly meeting of C light and Coke Company the Chairman (Mr, Chas, H, Williams) stated that, no doubt, most of those present were aware that the Car- diff Corporation were in favour of purchas- i. ng the company's undertaking. They had: asked the directors to open negotiations, but the board had declined to do m. as they fe't they couldnot be put into the position of negotiators, see'ng that they and the share- holders generally were well satisfied with their investment. Of course, if the corporation were anxious to take over the concern and would make a proper offer, then the direc- tors would give the question their amfi?l I id:,n;r.t\y: (one oh: 'l: ing directors), in seconding the motion, said he gathered from the papers that some mis- i pprehenston existed amongst the corporation committee in regard to the refusal of the directors tc negotiate. He wished some of the members of the corporation had been present amongst the shareholders to hoar what the chairman had stated. The corporation certainly understood that the reply of the gas company was a refusal on their pftrt to entertain the corporation's pro- posals. but the statements at the half-yearly meeting indicate some misunderstanding. In view of the attitude disclosed above, it seems as if a way is left open for further negotia- tions to be entered upon.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS AT CARDIFF. The Quartc?rly meeting of the Carmarthen anTl Glamorgan Congregational Union (Eastern Division) was held at Vew Trinity Congrega- tional Churoh, Cowbridge-road, Cardiff, on Wednesday. Alderman J. s('. Meggitf, J P (Barrv) presided.—The Rev. J, H. Williams (Bridgend) was apuointcd president for the ensuing vear, the Rev. J. Morris and the Rev. Arthur Daniel (Troedyrhiw) being re-elected to the offices of secretary and treasurer respec- tively.-The statement of accounts of the For- ward Movement in connection with the Asso- ciation was presented by the Rev. J. G. Jones (Penarth), and showed promises of £1,100 from the district. In the afternoon, under the presidency of the Rev. J. Williamson, M. A the Rev. J. M?s I ;dR=, interest? naper on he;irIt ing of Our Evangelical Churches.i-A discus- sion followed, in which part was taken by the chairman, the Revs. J. G. Jones, W. R. Lennox, E, Nicholson Jones, D. Morgan, and others. In the evening the customary preaching ser- vices were held, when the Rev. H. Elwyn Thomas (Newport) delivered an able sermon.

RUNAWAY WAGONS AT BLAEN- I AVON. An alarming accident occurred on the Lon- doa and North Western Railway at Blaenavo;: on Tuesday evening. The last journey of iron ore was being talien to the furnace siding oi the Blaenavon Works, and when the train hal got nearly to the top of the steep gradient near the sidings the latter part of the train, through the breaking of a coupling chai." parted from the rest, and the brake-van and four wagons loaded with ore rushed down the line at a terrific pace. Fortunately, they weru turned into the Tyre 3fill Sidings, where they collided with some stationary wagons contain ing hay. The brake-van was completely destroyed, and the other wagons badly damaged. The brakeman jumped on to the side of the road, and was uninjured.

CARDIFF TELEGRAPHISTS GbING I OUT. Reckoning all the men formerly employed in the various branches of the Cardiff Post- office there are now at the front or on their way ant 44 mell. The latest of this big batch to ¡<Jave were Messrs. D. Davies and F, Nash, of the telegraph staff, who left on Wednesday morning for Aldershot. whence they will leave for South Africa. They were pre- sented on their departure bv their col- I..g-e. with t.b,?.. pil'? and other smokin? r.Qnisite.?, and were gi?.. a hearty j send-off at the station.

RETURN OF MR. WEBSTER FROM PRETORIA. Lourenco Marques, Monday.—Mr. Webster, ¡ United States Assistant-Secretary of State for the Interior, has returned here from Pretoria, and will sail on the German steamer Kanzler for Naples, on his way hack to New Y.rk.- Reuter.

THE EIGHTY CLUB. i Lord Kimbertcy was on Wednesday elected president of the Eighty Club, in succession to Lord Roseberv.

Captain Q, G. Treharne, E.A., of :Coedrig. lan, Cardiff, has been selected to take out to South Africa a battery of 1-pounder Maxim- Nordenfe^ts on galloping carriages. On Saturday last the attendants of Pare Gwyllt Asylum presented Private John Price Brid'gend Volunteer, with a handsome pipe and tobacco, and his fellow-tradesmen rf the same institution also presented him with a service knife on his departure for South Africa. The Institute of Marine Engineers (Bristol Channel Centre) will hold their annual smoking concert in the Lesser I)arli-hill on the evening of Saturday, the 24th inst. The proceeds will he handed over to the Reserv'=ts' Fund. Toothache and Ntnr?cia. Cured YnstanHy by applying Phil PhL[Iips Toothache Cure. Easily Applied and Perfectly Harmless. "Acts like x.gic 1s, Bott!w and 6d. Tubes. Of al! Chemmte.or direct from the M.mufMturer. 24, 1 ?9t. Mary-droct, OMdiCT. A"

I THE HEAVY SNOWSTORM. I TRAINS BLOCKED AND TRAFFIC DELAYEÐ. COLLIERIES AND WORKS STOPPED. I BODY FOUND IN A BLOCK OF ICE. The heavy snowstorm which prevailed gene- rally throughout the country on Tuesday had considerably abated by Wednesday morning. Messages from various parts of the country as to the effects of the storm are coming In but slowly. The damage done generally does not seem to very extensive, while the loss of life is, fortunately, small. In Sonth Wales a great deal of inconvenience was naturally ex- perienced, and at many of the large works and collieries operations had to be suspended for some hours on Wednesday. With a change to dry weather, however, and a thaw the heavy drifts of snow were soon removed, and traffic may be expected to be in full swing again by this (Thundlyl morning. I EFFECTSDF THE STORM AT CARDIFF. The storm provided work in Cardiff for quite a multitude of "shifters," who worked with such zest that the thoroughfares and pave- ments were soon cleared of the downfall, and by ;ees:"It'iIe and pedestrian traffic was resumed. Mr. Woosey, head of the scavenging department, had'made every pre- paration for the emergency, and he won un- stinted praise on all hands for the way in which he coped with it, One hundred and twenty carts and 400 men were busily engaged in clearing the snow, and by five o clock in the morning th-a workmen's trams to the Docks were abl-e to run as usual. Most of the snow was t;pped into th., River Talf, and no mis- haps of any kind have been reported. Mr. R. Goodyer, manager of the tramway company, overnight put on gangs of men, who also worked with a will clearing the deep snow in the early hours. The thaw oompl-eted the work, and now there are but few signs of the quite phenomenal downfall. RURAL MAILS TO NEWPORT I DELAYED. Jho mail oart which runs from Newport at about 2.30 a.m. for Abergavenny and Brecon did not go out on Wednesday morning, as there was no possibility of making the journey through the deep snow. The rural mail cart which is due at Newport about ten P.M., to catch the up London mail at eleven p.m., failed to reach New- port on Tuesday night. but was brought in with the aid of four horses about six o'clock on Wednesday ,,rn,n,?, The Raglan mail cart was completely snowed up at St. Jntian's, ba? tween Caerleon and Newport. STOPPAGE OF WORK AT DOWLAIS. Senral important departments at the iron and steel works at Dowlais were in a state of enforced idleness on ";edns- day as the result of the severe mow- storm. In one or two instances only, also, were the colliery workmen able to proceed to the pits, a ud practically the whole of the Dowlais coalfield ceased operations. The local railway traffic was sericusly affected, and gangs of men were everywhere employed in clearing the lines. A locomotive belonging to the Great Western Railway Com- pany was snowe<lu¡1 near Vochriw, and the 6.30 a.m. London and North Western Railway train from Merthyr for Abergavenny was unable to proceed beyond Dowlais Top for many hours. EBBW VALE WORKS AND COL- LIERIEiS IDLE. The large works at Ebbw Vale, including col- ¡¡eries, which find employment for about 7,GOO men, were brought to a standstill on Wednesday in consequence of the storm. and traffic on the London and North Western Railway was rendered nearly impoesibie, it being two o'clock on Wednesday morning when the train due at ten o'clock the previous night arrived. The passengers were given refreshments at Beau- fort, and appear to have thoroughly enjoyed themselves. DELAY AT BLAENAVON BESSEMER WORKS. About ten inches of snow fell at Blaenavon, which for a time made vehicular traffic impos- sible, while the furnaces and Bessemer works of the Blaenavon Company were brought to a standstill until midday, the locomotives being unable to work until a number of men had dc" red the road. NO WORK AT FOREST OF DEAN I COLLIERIES. Snow began falling in Dean Forest early on Tuesday afternoon and continued for twelve hours. The very fine fiakes were ?companied I heavy gusts and biting e:[ewt; ling was a matter of extreme difficulty and discomfort, the blizzard being of a blinding nature. Snow lay on Wednesday morning ,?b?'it igi?t inches d??p, b.t in I..e. nd sheltered places enormous drifts were dis- closed. The local mails were distributed from Newnham head office on foot, mail cart traffic being impracticable. Consequently, there was a great delay in the delivery. The South Wales main line was open, though the trains were behind time. As the Forest of Dean colliers could not travel tQ their employment, the collieries did not work. Children were utterly unable to reach their schools, but the telegraph system was intact. Wednesday was bright and fine, and it was freezing hard. A BODY IN A BLOCK OF ICE. The dead body of Mr. Hugh M'Caleary, a farmer. was found in a solid block of ice in a stream on Wednesday morning near Newry. fr, M'Caleary disappeared a few days ago, and, notwithstanding a vigilant search, no trace of him could be found. He left his house to attend the wake of a neighbour. Deceased was at one time a member of the Royal Irish Constabulary. TRAINS SNOWED UP. A Hwiudon telegram describes Tuesday night's snowstorm as the most severe for nine. teen years. The passenger train on the Mid- land and South-Westcrn Junction Railway which left Swindon at eight o'clock was snowed up near Collingbourne, and the pas- sengers had to remain in the train all night. Owing to a great faU of snow on the Cots- wolds on Tuesday night a train became snowed up at Andoversford, on the Danbury line. blocking ths through route from the North to Southampton. The train was still embedded on Wednesday morning, and. consequently, four trainloads of troops, principally Scotch soldiers, bound for Southampton, were detained at Cheltenham three hours. and even- tually they had to be sent on via Temple- combe. TELEGRAPHIC DELAY. The postal telegraph authorities give notive I of probable delay to all parts of the United I Kingdom.

CARDIFF TECHNICAL I SCHOOLS. DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES Councillor J. W. Courtis (deputy-mayor) dis- tributed the prizes to the successful etudc-nts of the Cardiff Technical School on Wednesday evening at the Technical-buildings. Dumfries- place. Councillor Mnnn presided, and among those present were Professor Thompson (Cardiff University College) and Councillor Good, Two gold medals were presented, the winners being Miss F. M. Munn and Thomas E. Bayward. The two silver medals were awarded to Edward D. Hornsby and Roland W. Parry, whilst the bronze medallists were Grace Price and Lionel B. Amer. Professor Thompson read some statistics showing what progress bad been mawe by the technical school in the past ten years, the number of students having increased in that time from 1,000 to nearlv 3,rM.-Short addresses were given by the Chairman. Mr. Good, and the Deputy-mayor, the lllst-men- tioned speaker remarking that since he had been a member of the technical instruction committee he had seen with pleasure what a great amount of work Was done ?m- hol,. —The proceedings concluded with the usual votes of thanks.

ST. VALENTINE'S DAY. The old-time custom of sending valentines on the 14th of February is now almost obsolete Such is the point of decadence now reached that th? Cardiff Post-om? ofBciai. were scarcaly aware that it was a day specially marked on the calendar at all. Thre was no extra pressure of work, and not a single extra man had to be employed on the staff.

LORD DUXRAVEN AND THE DEFENCE SCHEME. Lord Danraveu h:? put down a notice on the paper of the House of Lords I, -i- -?, tion to-day (Thursday) to the recent statement of Lord J??downe regarding the Government's military proposdq.

DR. CLARK AND HIS CONSTITUENTS The Central New states, on the authority of Dr, C..ark,, M.P.. th,t the alleged meeting of his constituents at which he is reported to have been requested to resign his seat in Parliament because of his vote on the war amendment to the Address never took place.

At a meeting of the Swansea Hospital com- mittee on Wednesday the tenders for heating apparatus fcr the south wing were opened and Messrs. Ru?e)t and Co., London, provided the accepted contract at £ 859 8s. Id. Certain Bection. of the proposed work were aban- doned. Fiehing T ekle. Cartridges 69. per 100 — Chambtre. Card?, Bristol, and Shepton Mallet.

[ CARDIFF INFIRMARY. I RESIGNATION OF THREE OF THE MEDICAL STAFF. I THE DIETARY OF THE HOUSE. I ASSISTANCE FOR THE OPHTHALMIC SURGEONS. The ordinary monthly meeting of the executive committee of the Cardiff Infirmary was held at the institution on Wednesday afternoon. Dr W. T. Edwards presided There was a much jarer attendance than ordinary of he medical staff. Dr. W. T. Edwards predded. Mr. Coleman (secretary) reported that there were 83 patients awaitins admission and nine vacant beds altogether. A letter was read from Dr. Eldon Pratt (house-surgeon) tendering his resignation, and it was mentioned that two of the other resi- dent medical officers had resigned. Mr. J. Stanfield: What is the reason for three of the resident medical officers resigu- ing at the same time? The Chairman desired to give expression to the prevalent feeling of the medical board as t> the proficiency of Dr. Eldon Pratt, in whose resignation they had lost a most valu- able servant. There had been no feeling of friction or of difficulty with the management, ?fthe dctor having resigned to start his pro- fessional career on his own account. MR. J. B. FERRIER AND DR. PRATT. Mr. J. B. Ferrier said that in one of the local papers on the 8th of February an article appeared under the head. "Infirmary Com- mittee and Its Officials: Fees for Compensa- tion Act Certificates." And Dr. Pratt had h written to the pape?-an act which, to the speaker's mind, ap- peared to be a quite unneoeseary and most unwis proceeding, in face of the resolu- tion they had passed them.- Dr. Pratt wrote: "As the certificate you require as handed to me by the secretary, is one under the Work- men's Compensation Act. I beg to say that I do not sign such certificates without a fee usually of a guinei." The Chairman: If this is in the form of a complaint it should be put in the ordinary, way, and not without due notice. This is a pubiic meeting, and I think it will be more in order to bring it before the house committee. Mr. Ferrier: Ho has brought it upon himse'f by publishing the letter. Dr, Evans took exception to this, and several other medical men were upon their feet, when Mr. D. W. Evans rose to order. Mr. Ferripr, he remarked, was labouring under a misappre- hension. The letter was not sent by Dr. Pratt to the paper. Mr. Ferrier: It was signed by him. Mr. Evans: My good man. it was not signed by him. The letter was sent by him to another man, and the other mm not it in the paper. Mr. Ferrier: He is the author of the letter- it is the same thing. The Chairman Repeated that it would be more in order to bring it privately before the house eommittee-a course which was forthwith agreed to. THE DIETARY. ?- mr. rerrier had upon the agenda a notinca- t io. of his intention to report the result of the three months' dietary trial, and then to move a resolution to continue the departmental cost. He observed that the experiment, which was in operation for the three months ending the 31st of December, had, no doubt, been the means, as the figures before him showed, of exercising a very salutary check and keeping a strict account of everything that passed through the housekeeper's hands. A statement had been compiled as to the expenses incurred before and during the experiment, and- The Chairman (interposing): I am in the hands of the meeting, but this seems to be a question of dietary, which prooerly belongs to the house committee to consider and report. Air. Ferrier: But I have given notice. The Chairman thought every member of the house committee was more or less responsible, and that it should be considered by them en bloc before it, was brought there. Mr. Ferrier: Here is the result of the experi- ment-, The Chairman (again interposine): This is a personal report on a question affecting the management of the institution, and I claim that it should first be submitted to tHe house committee. In further discussion the Chairman com- plained of the difficulty he so often had of ruling from the chair, and he now sub- mitted his ruling to the meeting, whether he was supported or not. The report should come from the house committee, not from a private individual. The majority of those present endorsed that view. and the subject then dropped. Mr. Ferrier adding that, having done his duty, he now referred it to the secretary. OPHTHALMIC DEPARTMENT. A report was brought up from the medical board. recommending the honorary appoint- ment of a clinical assistant for the ophthalmic department. d.r:ld: Is it necessary? Dr. W. Taylor explained that the work was not equally divided. The senior surgeon (Dr. Tatham Thompson) did more than twice the work of the junior (Dr. Ensor). He had to do work which could be done by a clinical assis- tant in selecting cases for him. In 1897 the out-patients were divided as follows:—1897: Dr. Ensor, 810; Dr. Thompson, 1.787. 1898: Dr. Elisor, 823; Dr. Thompson, 1.784. 1899: Dr. Elisor, 677; Dr. Thompson, 1,440, and during three months he was away the number was 708. It was physically impossible to examine 30 new cases in a single afternoon. If the work were equally divided. it would not be too much. Mr. Stanfield: Has any report been received from Mr. Ensor? I should like to hear his report in the matter. Mr. Charles Thompson supported the recom- mendation of the medical board, and embodied his views in a resolution. T^ Mr. Stanfield We have had extracts from Dr. Thompson's report. We also have a right to ask for the production of Dr. Ensor'u r»r.n,t to the medical board. It was only passed by tho casting vote of the chairman. Dr. Corrigan quite agreed with the recom. mendation of the medical staff, that an assis- tant should be appointed, but thought it would b?tve come much better if they had simply :¡e a, n;:co:n:=i ahhe:a:isP I have another honorary appointment to the staff. The figures proved that at present they had three or four times as much work as they could properly do, and both of them should have assistance. There seemed to be some under-current of feeling between one or two surgeons, which he supposed was not a sub- ject to mention publicly, though it was prettv well understood through the town. If the medical board could see their way to recom- mend the appointment of an assistant to both surgeons, he thought they would agree to it unanimously. Mr. Burt: The new rules we have just adopted do not say a word about this. The new rule concerning the constitution of the staff was agreed to by the whole of the medical stoff. Dr. Williams was present at the special meet- iug of the beard called to consider the report of the two ophthalmic surgeons. The unani- mous opinion seemed to be that the depart- ment was undermanned, but there was a difference as to the way in which the difficulty should be met. There was the resolution in favour of a clinical assistant, and then an amendment was proposed to the effect that two be appointed. The Deputy-mayor said he was rather in- clined to agree with Mr. Stanfield. and would Uke to hear what Dr. Ensor had to say. They ought to have fuller information. Dr. Herbert Vachell. replying to Mr. Courtis remarked: I was in the chair, and Dr. Ensor said distinctly he could do more work. Mr. Stan1leld: I should like to see a copy of hi..I).rt. Dr. Vachell: There was no particular report It was simply notes both Dr. Thompson and Dr. Ensor wrote to read from. The Chairman considered it would be eic?eedingly unwise to come to any decision aluctmg so important a department after that premature di?u?ion. He ~™«»Uy desired th.t the ophthalmic department should go on adding to its lustre-(hear. hear)-and to that end their colleagues must act in a friendly spirit, as well as in a scientific way The whole executive was deeply interested in coming to an amicable conclusion. Mr. Thompson had no objection to withdraw. and finally did so; and. on the proposition of ?Mr. ? htannetd. the question was referred to the ;1']: committee. referred t<> the DONATIONS TO THE INSTITUTF A letter was read from Mr. Barlow (secretary1 of the Sunbeam League) enclosing a cheque for  to cover '? cost of six cots in the ?' dren s ward. Mr, James Allan wrote enclosing a cheque for 50 guineas, which entitles him to hold the position of vice-president for life, The Secretary announced that Dr. Corrigan had also sent a cheque for 50 guineas Thanks were cordially passed to the gentle- men named.

LETTER FROM MR, BALFOUR. Replying a letter received on Tuesday to a yote of confidence passed bv the Manchester Conse-vative Club in the Government. Mr A. J. Balfour ays:The council, speaking as it does in the name of all the numerous divisions of Manchester represents a body of opinion the importance of which at a moment Fke the present cannot be overlooked. It is, indeed no surprise to me that Manchester should thus show itself, not for the first time, ardently devoted to the cause of the Empire and to the interests of liberty, justice, and good government, bound up with the cause of the Empire."

A memorial bust of Mr. Gladstone, subscribed for by past and present members of Oxford University Union Society, was unveiled at Oxford on Wednesday. Influensa incream, 11 r the Coantrv, tl: Doctors My. Gwitym Eta.n?* Q?i'?e Bitters ]t The Beet Remedy. B.ttko 2s. 9d md 4s. 6d. Bewjxe of Imit»tio|i. 41617—1 I I I BUSINESS ADDRESSES, CALL OR WRITE FOB PATTERNS. THK LARGEST SELECTION OUT OF LONDON. LADIES! WE HAVE JUST RECEIVED OUR NEW SPRING COSTUME CLOTHS IN THE LATEST KHARKI AND PARISIAN SHADES, I SEE OUR WINDOWS. A PERFECT-FITTING COAT & SKIRT TO MEASURE. FROM 3 GUINEAS (MADE BY MEN TAILORS.) THE WEST END TAILORS (LADIES' DEPARTMENT), 23, DUKE-STREET, CARDIFF.

I OLD-AGE PENSIONS AND OUT- DOOR RELIEF. —— I LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS. I IR J. M. MACLEAN, M.P., INTRO- DUCES BILLS. Three Bills of interest to members of ifriendly Societies have been introduced into the House of Commons this session. At the reque.4 of the National Con- feren" of Friendly Societies, Mr. Strachey has introduced a Bill to amend the Outdoor Relief (Friendly Societies' Act, so that guardians shall not take into consideration any sum received up to 5s. a week from a Friendly Society in glanting outdoor relief, and to relieve members of Friendly Societies who receive temporary Poor-law relief of their electoral disqualifica- tion. Mr. Bartley and Mr. J. M, Maclean, member for Cardiff, have introduced an Old Age Provident Pensions Bill. The object of the Bill is stated to be the granting of pensions to deserving and thrifty old persons who have lived a life of in- dustry and care, but whoae earnings render it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for them to provide sufficiently for their old age. The Bill limits the pensions to those of 65 years of age and upwards who are in need. The Bill excludes from its benefits those who have been convicted of crime within fifteen years and those who have been convicted of drunken- i?e? within ten years. The pension may be paid in any way the local authority may decide, ex?pt that it is not to come through the guardians or its officers, and its receipt is not to disfranchise the receiver. The Bill pro- vides for three classes of pensions—first, to those who have never received Poor-law relief, 7s. per week each person; secondly to those who have provided partially in some way for their old age, a pension of 38, 6d. a week, together with an addition, not exceeding lii. 9d., equal to the weekly income derived from the amount the person has saved; thirdly. to those whose special misfortunes render them deserving of aid, though they have not been able to provide even partially for themselves, a pension of 3s. 6d. a week may be granted in cases approved by the local authority. The funds for the pension are to be raised out of a special rate, A second Bill, introduced by Messrs. Bartley and Maclean, proposes to amend the law relating to outdoor relief in sickness and widowhood, and is entitled the Outdoor Provi- dent Relief Bill. The authors of the Bill are careful to explain that it in no way takes away any of the powers or duties of Poor-law guar. dians. or reduces the riglits of the poor to relief as they now exist. The only persons it affects are those who have become destitute in one or other of the following wa's:-(a) by tem- porary illness; (b) by permanent illness; (c) by widowhood, and who previo? ?o these misfortunes have been thrifty and have done something to provide for themselves, and have not been convicted of  F°r thos* ) destitute from illness and sTtiliTl ill. after they have exhausted the benefits of their Friendly Societies and dubs. it grants outdoor relief of the same amount, and fcr- an equal period of time, to that granted to the individual by the Friendly Society benefit. To those who have saved in other ways and spent all their savings on illness and are still ill. it grants in weekly sums fixed by the guardians outdoor relief of a total amount equal to that shown to have been expended in illness out of savings. For those destitute from permanent sickness or the results of accident the Bill provides out- door relief, provided that they have main- tained themselves without Poor-law relief for the first six to etghteen months of their illness according to their age, either by Friendly Societies or their savings. For those destitute from widowhood and physically unable to support themselves and their children the Bill provides outdoor relief, provided either that before widowhood they and their husbands had not had Poor-law relief, or that thrift had been exercised in some other form, which had been expended either in illness before or in maintenance after the husband's death.

A CRIME AND A BLUNDER. I LIBERALS DISCUSS THE WAR IN PRIVATE. The Press Association t.tes that on Wed- ?. eadav afternoon a privately-convened meet- ing of Liberals, to which admission was by ticket, and from which representatives of the press were excluded, was held in the West- minster Palace Hotel to oppose the war policy. There was an attendance of between 200 and 300 persons. Mr. R. C. Lehmann presided, and among those present were the following mem- bers of Parliament:—Sir Wilfrid Lawson, Sir John Brunner. Sir W. B. Gurdon. Mr. Brvn Roberts, Mr. Channing, Mr. Lloyd-George, Mr. C. P. Scott. Mr. Maddison, Mr. S, Smith. Mr. Carvell Williams, as well as Messrs. George W. E. Bussell, W. S, Caine. Fisher Unwin, C. Schreiner (husband of Olive Schreiner), C. R. V. Conybeare, &c.-After speeches by Sir J. Brunner, Mr. Lloyd-George, Mr. C. P. Scott. Mr. Channing. Sir W. B. Gurdon, Sir Wilfrid Lawson, Mr. Schreiner. and others, the follow- ing resolutions were unanimously passed:- "(1) That this conference denounces the present war in South Africa as a crime and a blunder, committed at the instigation of irresponsible capitalists, condemns the official excuses for it as insufficient and insincere, and demands from the Government a declaration of the objects for which they are sacrificing blood and treasure. "(2) That this conference, considering the belief in a Dutch conspiracy against British power in South Africa void of foundation, and regarding the Transvaal armaments as defensive preparations due to the Johannesburg Com- pany, the Jameson raid, and the suspected complicity of Imperial officials, demands the full publication of the suppressed correspon- dence and of other nnoonsidcred ,?, 7d, rela ting to the raid. "(3) That this conference pmt?t.? a?ain?t a constantly increasing expenditure on arma- ments, which make political reform and social improvement impossible, and would regard with alarm and indignation a proposal to introduce conscription in any form. "(4) That this conference, recognising the supreme importance of a policy of peace, as affirmed by Richard Cobden and John Bright, and further asserting its adherence to the uni. form fciberal tradition maintained by Fox, Canning, Lord John Russell, and Mr Wad. stone, of supporting and stimulating the inde- pendence of small ?lationaline., z?cor?. hereby an emphatic protest against the use of bluster and vulgar insult as aids to diplomacy and declares its unwavering faith in Mr Glad- stones lrinciple that courtesy and a concilia- tory spirit should be displayed in our conduct towards ,?ll foreign Powers, and not Ie:?t towards those who are weaker than ou¡" This conference, therefore, desires to place nn record its deep sense of gratitude towards Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, Sir William Har- court, Mr. Morley. Mr. Bryce, Mr. Courtney, and all others who have during this crisis courageously maintained the true principles of Liberalism, and affirms its entire confidence in the leader of the Liberal party in the House of Commons. (5; "That it is (iegira ble to raise a substan- tial fund for the purpose of forming a per- manent organisation to enforce, by means of vigorous political propaganda, the principles enunciated in the foregoing resolution, and this conference requests the convening com- mittee with such additions as may be deFirahle to take tJ¡? necessary steps for carrying out this object."

I CURIOUS SCENE IN LONDON. I Cl--? to the Mamion House, in the thi,k fog of Tuesday morning, a colony of bats emerged I from their retreat and flitted about the he"ds of pedestrians.

I Smoke Lambert ,d ?-d Gold Lef ?. 4_i_ paehtl and 'i.. Of ail tobMeomste A D<tt<K thronthcM he kin4gdo-.

WELSH NATIONAL LIBERAL COUNCIL. AN UNPROMISING FINANCIAL PROSPECT. Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE AND THE WAR. A "Y ALUXr BOAST. A well-attended meeting of the Welsh National Liberal C..unc.l waø held at Rhyl on Wednesday, under the presidency of Mr, Jacob, Newport.—The financial position of the council waa reporter, to be unpromilling-Tbe Chairman said that to succeed they must have minimum receipts ol LSDO a year, and he ap- pealed to Welsh Liberals for subscriptions. A resolution was passed regarding with favour the publication of literature on Welsh political questions, and authorising the com- mittee to imu? a handbook on "The Weish Land Laws," by Mr. Brynmor Jones? M.?'.L Mr. Herbert Roberts. M.P., said that it wasim- portant that the country generally should be acquainted with the facts of the IV?l-h land report, and he hoped Mr. Jones would pro- ':icer a :lmr:o('hMj¡n:8;u t: slated into We)'h. (,ppl.-?.) A resolution passed by the executive com- mittee of the South Wales Liberal Federation, expressing its readiness to co-operate with the national council in organisation on the basis of a national committee, with four ubor- dinate divisional committee.. was stromrlv opposed. Mr. Brace (Abertilleryl protested against the re-establishment of their sect c.nal organisation until the national council had had a fair tnal.-Tlrs opinion was also voiced by Mr. Herbert Roberts. M.P.. who advocated complete harmony in their ranks. It would be unwise to alter the foundation of the council without testing it thoroughly. It was entirely a question of method, but to make such a change at present would be unforta. nate -aI_ t was decidea that the commit? was unab)e to recommend at present the creation of the four divisional bodies suggested in their resolution. The Cardiff Liberal Association asked that all future sub-committees appointed by the council should be s*)?cted on the basis of pro- portonal representation.—Mr. Allgood (Cur ClUJ) supported the resolution, which fell through. as it had no seconder. A letter from the committee of the London Cymra Fydd Society asking to be affiliated to the council was referred to the convention Professor Arnold Universitv) pro- posed a resolution thanking the Welsh mem- bers who had supported in regard to South Africa the policy which wa aooepted by the Welsh National Liberal Federation at Swan- sea. and urged them to persevere and advo- cate a fair and generous aettlement of east- ing difficulties, in accordance with the general feeling of the whole population affected. He said Mr. Lloyd-George was perfectly prepared to face the probability of losing his lleat. and would count it an honour to fall in & political fight for a definite object.-Alderman Raffan seconded the resolution.—Mr. Moses Walters fSouth Monmouth) spoke strongly against aggressive Imperialism, which was growing like a canker.—The Chairman said he was diametrically opposed to the general tenour of Mr, Lloyd-George's recent speechell.-The resolution was carried.

SHIPPING CASUALTIES. I LOSS OF A SPANISH STEAMER. I J.pw York, Wednesday.—The I'm-h lin., I Fournel arrived here to-day with the captain I ani crew of Spanish steamer Fr&ncisca I and her English pilot on board. The F,. 'i -?,- f ')n.d? ?d ?. l?t. 47.30 a. dl.ug, 8,10 <j W.—Central News. NEWCASTLE STEAMER FOUNDERS. I st-eamer Mignonette, which left M le"h.Ug h on Monday for Lynn. "prung a leak during the passage, and, despite the btrenuoIU ?fft "'? t' of the crew, v ater continued t<? gain until the f, were extinguished. The crew then left the vessel in their own boats, and the Mignonette f? dered off With??.rnwa on Wednesday morning. [By Onr Own Reporter.] On Wednesday morning the steam? Helene Cr?e). while docking in the Roath Basin, snuck the pier at the entrance, and damged plates on her bow. I [Lloyd's Telegrams.] I WedDMday, Colorado.-Victori. (B,C.1 t?l?,g-ph.: Colorado, fmm Juneau f< r Tacoma, cargo -oncen- trates, in tow of Lome, stranded Seymour Narrows; floated with assistance; beach-ad; damaged, but extent unknown. dam d,.an steamer Bulgaria arrived Plymouth, reports 12th inst. 50 N" 9 W.. spoke barque Cashier, of Antwerp, 'Cardiff to Table Bay. which reported ship leaky: refused assistance, and intended to sail into Falmouth. Mignonette, steamer, laden salt, sank one and a half mile south of Withernsea; crew saved. Madrikno, steamer, from Galveston, arrive,t Liverpool, reports 6th inst., spoke French steamer Fournel which ign.11?d having saved crew of .?n Italian hip; gave no name or position where crew were picked County of Edinburgh.—New York cables: Cap- tain with nine others, remain aboanl County of Edinburgh, ashore Sandy Hook; vessel reported tight; tugs cannot approach f- Ghent, herrings, wrecked Felixstowe Back. Helene Grisar. Belgian steamer docking Car. diff, struck Roath entrance, causing fluke anchor penetrate bow plate below water- line. Schooner, name unknown, snnk deep water south of Nore; crew probably landed Sheer- Cathcart Park, steamer, from GheDt, grounded Mersey; floated nndamaged Florence Pile and Michigan.—British steamer rlorence Pile. Savannah for Bremen, anchored Norfolk (Va), damaged by colli- sion with a river steamer and steamer Michigan. Minnie. Ida. Cormorant.—The three following vessels, previously referred to as overdue, were posted at Lloyd's to-day as missing, viz.; —Minnie, of Finkenwarder, which left Harburg for Berwick, with a cargo of oil- cake on the 31st of October; steamer Ida. of Tonning. which left BJvth for Bordeaux, with a cargo of ooal. on the 24th of Decem- ber last, and Cormorant, of Kragero, which left Pensacola for Bueno. Avres with a cargo of wood goods, on the 9th of August last, and have not since been heard of Spurn Head telegraphs: Three-masted turret steamer, two balls hoisted on foremast, passed up under own steam, Docteur Ollive.—Bordeaux telegraphs: French brig Docteur Ollive. which stranded, floated towed Mortagne Harbour; lightened 80 tons cargo. Arranm<>r<Rueno@ Avrea cables: British steamer ArrmIDoor, entering dock, collided dock gate: several plates bent or broken abeve water-line: temporarv repairs can be performed here. County of Edinburgh.—New York cables: County of Edinburgh, previously reported ashore, lies broadside Sandy Beach: heayv soulha8t gale yesterday; ship makine no water; masts, spars, sails intact; Merntis at vessel. Providence, smack, of Lowestoft, previously reported wrecked Felixstowe, breaking up, captain, crew saved. Palmero.—.AMehurtrh tplegraphs: KetWi Fa:. mero. of Lowestoft. London for Sunderland, wheat, went ashore thiF rnornjn ne.tr Orford Haven: if not floated next tide will become total wreck: cargo washing 001 or her: bulwarks gone; crew Raved. Sareh D3vieo, schooner, previously reported in d?9tre«*. is sife Fishcruard Harbour. Oliva. — Bordeaux telegraph*: Krpl^sion occurred aboard German steamer Ohva. fiom Barry with eras, in dork?; no damage reparted: thr. men wounded Penzance telesranhs: Vessel snnk Three St-one Ore. Pendeen. reported three-masted steamer. nalne unknown. all (!"f"W supposed drowned, unless taken off by some ""0@('1 before striking. Steamer appears about 400 tons: piece boat painted outside black, in,id, c h ocolate, small 1-g-nl !a:í). c=. no mark* on same; at low water anchor dnrjt just, .1 water; foremast funnel gone: one body brought ashore.

I EGYPTIAN FINANCES. Oairo, Tuesday-Aooording to official TeotUrn", the total revenue of Egypt daring la/rt >enr amounted to £11.415,000. and the expending* to £ 10,254,000.—Renter,

I At Nun's Pit. Hartshead. near Brighoufle I Wednesday, two men were failed by a toiU of treot.

M<.M'd<-cJ?. A:) through they .how?  enld erlv bearing and .smart" antt une of the embarkLtion dUrers ex^881 op:oion of them in teml. of b?gh pprraaii^se ?< trai':1 c()n\.yjJg the 111:1morganhlre rnen steamed in about 12.23 o 'clock. Less than ten ?"?? '??"rd?.hi??? ..?"? I ?r<??.idinhaM-an-hoartrjm'he.rarriv.U the men had been drafted off 10 qu.?t(:.r., I Cantain Picton Evans before kvivini, asked our n.re,<ath<-MW?.onb?{o{the officer, and men. their renewdtE?nha for the m.nncr.nwh?th.yh.db?tr.aKdi.j CardIff, The innkeeper w.th ''?om th«y b"d he-n Mletted. he said, were especially kind, evtn?thfmthebe-tofeverything. Hefe.? that h, men h,tli tarned out 'ery smartly, | • Mfi >.n were in xcdlellt form. LAST FAREWELLS. The Scottish B >rderers arrived in goad tinl. bat the South Wales Birdcrars were very late. Two and half-past two 0 clock camo and W'l!t and. :'9 the berth Was wanted fJr aJ,)ther vessel, at three )cock the Greek was moved to the farthest out of the extenslOlI quays. There was a goodly crowd of relatives a u. frienus on the .f. and at firit t h ere wis ?in impression amongst the mcn on board. as well ag amongst the visitors, that when the vessel ivas moved out she was oin tor good. Consequently, tl ere were cheers and singing and farewells chouted [ram ship to shove. It was soon known, however, that the boat would wait for the Wel-hniei. and the people very quickly made off for "No. 37" quay. There was only a very hort wait. for at three o'clock the tain came pUffing U:). and the nln were re. cited with a hearty checr by their fellow- ▼oyasers. Their exnericncD was that the snov; had de'ayecl them a eçup1e of hours somewhere abovo Merthyr. and they were not ;>b!e to maet the other train Sr:,m Sooth Wales a Newport. Peonle wcrj anxious to whether they had had anything to cat on the way down, and were relieved to find that refreshments had been provided at Newport. )i"ajor(:03;'¡. {aJJr Llc\O,'cli:n, ,Jajo!" II. E. Davies Major Colbert,?. Wi'.jn- Quii: Howell, and other oiffcers wer; present to meet them, having come up by an ordinary train nut there was very !iftie ceremony. Captain L'owellyn Phillips and Lieutenants Kirhv and hernia were very busy assisting the transport offic.ah—in fact, they showed prrfe. contrl11 over their men—and hy 3 35 0 the ni—i and aU their be!on~:ns-s were on the 1,4p, The order was then given for final inspection. aa-J al. the men aboard vent below. The report was satisfactory: no O!1::> was "wanted." and f,r 1001; at prevent friends. .SOME H'CICY VOYAGERS. Meanwhile a piper had j,aced the deck play-1 i r 9 C ?,r-. o' t 112 N 1 .1 :1 H tun es. a rornettb on <!crc "3e(I "H tr'ech **S?t,?? 'Au Rtvoi, b ut ll-t -A,!It Lan yne,n and songs, and the men joined in with their Ungdng. There was a touch of humour in this part of the proceed- -ome tf "he ins*. for some cf the lively souls in the front part of the vessel struck up "The Animals 'Yent Into the An: witch was taken «p verv lustily, There were a few Inst farewells and h-im.-snaKm* through the medium of umbrellas e.ween those on board and on shore. Hearty <~aeers fo:iowe(f. round upon round, and pre- ser.tiv as "God Save the Queen" was being sun the ?''?? moved away from the quay and ?* ont upon her voyage. The ??"s as the boat turned her n H own the S.1et W:L very impressive. As the sound of voices sttijlng the ?ion? A:theln ??,me floatir ??el,os? th; water there ?a<. j.ractteaUy so:.tk n?..itenc? amcn?t the P"op.o on hre. cm-r3 .t the salute and c.vu ana with th-r hats efT, But when the music er.ded thee we"c re"ewd h?e??.. spZ. e?ally 'ust" from b c nici; "-I the dp:lr; in stMmer. which had a very fine ?ffz,t.  The sun blazed forth accralntlv just ahead cf the sli p as it pointed down tow. r;ls Hurst Castle, and the Greek stood cut like a moving 8:1- houette upon the placid, but sparkling, water', Amongst the vsitor., were many South 1t.di,¡U8 who were cime to see sons and brothers gO off. One tenilcmun from Swansea f ao;"e hi son a £ 5 note as a parting g:ft, and then hb generosity so moved him that t¡H ha"-s()ycrJins found thcr ?' ?° the hands of live cf :he son's comrades. BORDERERS FROM BRECON. The active service company of the Volunteer battalions of the bouth Wales Borderers left Brecon by special train at 5.45 on Wednesday ir. irmng. their departure- being witnessed by hundreds of the townspeople. The scene al the railway station wes a memorable nc?. and ti" 'io were in tbf! I)est of spiritl?, re- c?nedam&stenthusiastic?nd.otT. now lav th ck unc?) )he ground., and the m?rch from the {)¡::(:Je a:"I;ÙE';¡ t,Tt the r; t: dfhcuitY. The Hay Vo:unteer Rand upplie?l the mu-?c. and. although the hour was ex- trtric'.?- inztn?? I)eop!e zice?InPani,d the o t through the ?tmet?. and cheered them :t ,'m, 'Il ');iitle/htSf arrangements for the departure of the men. Thi tr,i. left at 5.43. and it hul been intended that there should be a clear run through to VrKpert. but information received in Brecon snowed that tbo line at Tnrpantau was Mocked with snow, nnd that the train would be considerably delaye 1. This proved to be th case. and in addition" ballast train pre- ceding got snowed up and added still further to the delay. Throughout the journey there WlS a yeritah[e capdg!1 of snow. The wholr Jine was heavily èÓ"crd, and huge drifts had formed ;n plaN's. notably the e.pæed, bleak moorland of Dowlais Top. At Pengam and Pontsticill Junction they were wholly blocked for over (n hour at each rte.ee. and three «i:n»,< had to b nPj-ed tJ) e:<trieate the train. "Reveille" had sounded at 3,30, 80 that when the belated train arrived at Newport, at a few minutes after- ten o clock, tne men had under- gone much cold'and dircomfort. Se- ral plat- forms of admirers had, however, greeted them on their way down, and at Newport the men were regaled with hot coffee, sandwiches, tobacco, and chocolate tablets. It wi" b<> re- numbered that Captain Phillips and Lieu- tenant Kemmis (in command of the company) Hre both resident, of'<. are hoth residents of Newport, the former being a solicitor. Or, the platform was a huge crowd Of Volunteers. Om«ors. and non-commU. sioned ofhoerg, in uniform and nmfti, who greeted their erstwhile comradcs with the ut- ino,t cordiality, and as the train left gave th«m t^roe ringing cheers All the men looked fit and qrJn, despite tae youthful appearance of a few. "GOD-SPEED" FROM THE CIVIC FATHERS. A' "'?"c the D?pn" -mayor '?'?"?'??'h3fo;!ow- «?nf J te? kmim on ? the ?''?' ?c cmp()r"tion. and poople of Cardiff;- "Colonel Kealey, 3rd Battalion South Wales Brderprø. stoamshio ft?htr' Queotsto?n TM pople of c:.rdi? h?-tilv wish the officers, n.?-<-on?i.-ic..c<) cm?r-?) m2n ? yo? battaiior. God-speed, with quick and safe ?t?.-M.y? and CorR?rat?n of ?..UT Captam P:rton EvHn-. Volunteer Serv?' Company Welsh Re?me..t. steamship Greek Bouthainpton,-Aii earnest, and deep-felt God SC °Ur "fficer9 men from the ?°' C,rdift. 'Nfl,, ,.Il return soon with hono? and?ory.-Depnty-m-.yor of Card ff. •' Captain ^hililps, Volunteer Servici Com- Pany south Wales Borderers, steamshin Gro-k Soutaainpton.—Cardiff Corporation i!e-ire vou to ''°"vev to officers and non-commissioned offirers under your command the earnest hop- of the people of Cardiff for a pleasant vovage and safe return with victory and glory- Deputy-mayor of Cardiff." I COLOXEL HKALEY'S REPLY I colonel ilea ley jms sent the following reply from Queenstown:- Th 3rd South Wales Borderers thank the mayor and corporation for their cordial mes- sage— Healey, colonel." THE YEOMANRY. DEPART!V.E FOR NEWPORT BARRACKS. THE FIKST CONTINGENT. One half of the G:amorgan Company of Iinpe- rial VeoiHanry. comprising the men who have not yet been given their horses, left Cardiff by the 10.5 train from the Great Western Kailway Staticn en Wednesday morning. In full march ing order, dismounted of course, the men fell into line on the platform, ill charge of Capta;n Raynor. and entrained amid loud cheers from the couple of hundred peeple who had come to see them off. These men have now seen the last of Curd.ff, where they have he-en most hospit- ably treated for the past month, and Will travel to Southampton (lir,: ?ht, f?,?,id Newport in a week lience. Inn-much ai the men have another week to put in at New- port. the final leave-takings have, presumably, been postponed, and there was only one in. H:lIwe of a reluctant farewe:! between a Yoo, man and his sister (or sweetheart) on the plat- forin on Wednesday morning. The men were iii high ftpirits, ?in( I s??? in high spirits, and gaily waved their slouch hats oat of the windows of the carriages in re-ponsc to the hearty cheering of the crowd :1. the train moved out of the station. THE MOI NTIil) SECTION. 1 nousanos oi people assembled in the vicinity of the Drill-hall between eleven and tweV:e o (lock on Wednesday morning to wit- ness the departure of the mounted section of the Yeomanry. And now w? have seen the la-t of the sma,-t fellows who rallied so enthu>ia<tically immediately Major Wyaidliam-Quin was commissioned to raise the company that will go forth to the war wearing the badge of Morg,wwg, Mounted on their spirited ateeds, 111 their khaki uniforms and full equipment, they commanded the admiration of e' ery 8pectator, and the envy of the young men who were 111 the < rowd. The men formed up in three lilies of nineteen each, under the com. mand or Lienterba-it Marsh, and without cere- *r.ony of a.:y kind rode off through Dumfries- place and under the Taff Railway Bridge, en route for Newport. Bnt for Tuesday's fall of ■ iijw they would have paraded the principal f,treets of Cardiff, and IPlder favourable condi- tions such a parade would have evoked the greatest nth:1rlium, However, the public of Cardiff, though robbed ot au ) Citrdiff, thoagh robbed of an interesting spec- taele, will be none the lees sincere in wishing the Yoomen every good fortune on tho battle field of South Africu, and a safe rctnrn home, at the close of the campaign. At Newport Bar- nicks the men will be under strict military dis- cIpline until they "euvc for Southampton next Wednesday. M.i?r Wy.dhi--Q?i,, ,ill i.i. his company t N?,wp.?t -1? NVe&?.sday aft-. noon, ARRIVAL AT NEWPORT. The Glamorgan contingent of the Imperial Yeomanry arrived on Wednesday at Newport for the occupation of the barracks, part comics by train and a second contingent by road. They were marched to the barracks. When the first section disentrained the Brecon and Merthyr train conveying the South Wa:e3 Borderer j was in the adjoining sidins. SEND-OFF TO A CARDIFF TROOPER. At the Alexandra Hotel on Wednesday night Trooper E. Alorton Hadley, of Penarth. who has joined the Imperial Yeomanry, had a hearty send-off before leaving for the front. Air. Hadley was formerly in the Gloucester- shire Hussars. The proceedings took the form of a complimentary dinner and smoker, and a unique intuu card was submitted, "Our Guest" being depicted in full fighting rig in kLlhi. the Union Jack being abo a pramnent feature of the card. :1, Joseph Henry Jones. J.P., presided-The Chairman, on behalf of the company, presented Mr. Hadley with a sub- stantial cheque. PKESKXTATION AT MAINDY. On Monday evening a smolting concert, under the presidency of Councillor Hallett, was hed at the Muindy Hotel, near Cardiff, for the pur- pose of making a presentation to Trooper (for- merly Police-coivstable) Green, Wll0 is going out to South Africa with the Glamorgaii Imperial Yeomanry. Several complimentary 8pche:) we dlivered. Trooper Gre!l having dttrtnsthos:xyc::r9h3itnsbeenatMaind.? gained the confidence i-d r,-Ptct of the inhabitants.—The Chairman handed to him a purse of gold, a jack-knife, and combination knife, for;" and spoon, and wished him a speedy and safe return. rHMURCKKSHIRM COMPANY. A a public meeting at Hnvcrfordwest on Tuesday it was decided to give the 116 troopers of the Pembrokeshire Company of Yeomanry a bunquet at the Masonic-hall in the town. The sum of X20 was subscribed in the room, and a committee appointed to col1ec funds .n the county. A Tx-.iELY SUGGESTION. To the Editor of the "Western Mail." -mcst ot the trcopers who have joined the Glamorg.!1I Yeo. manry Company have nlrady besn treated to «end-off gatherings and other accoIIlpanirnellts in the shape of suitable souvenirs, would it not be a gracful and well- deserved compliment if the county were to iveognise the EeTVlces of the gallant major who has, with characteristic promptitude, undertaken th3 task of raising the company and worked with so much zest to lick it into "I 0 If there is fcufftcient time-and the authorities do not appear in any hurry to rit'h the Yeomanry to th" front-I would suggest that some influential people in the coulity-or, what would be better still, your- self, sir—should start the ball rolling by open- ing a subscription 1,8 ti presenting Major Wyndham-Quin with, say, a silver sword or any other a npropriate mEmcnto of the county's appreciation of his patr:othnn and zeal.-I am, de., ° RHONDDA. VOLUNTEER WAITING COM- PANIES. EARLY MOBILISATION EXPECTED. Now that the V.te?, Service Ccmpny of th' Welsh Regiment has stnrtd f:)r South Africa it i? .b,,ble that the waiting or rC.3.rve company will soon be mobilised and ordsred to Cardiff Barracks. The following are the men li. h,? b-n attested and certi- fied for ;en \;i);\coeat:(\ I teer battalions named:- 2nd VOLUNTEER. BATTALION. A Company (Mae*teg).—Corporal J. Thomas, Privates W. Griffiths, W. Williams, W. Sutton, and A. Trezise. C Company (Swansea).-—Privates R. G. H. Gale, G. H. Rees. and J. M. Jenkins. D Company (Hafod),-Sergeant A. Brown, Privates A. Spratt, G. H. Morgan, T. K:ng, D. Davies, P. Jonca, A. Matthews, and D. Williams. I i/jtupauy (Bridgend).—Privates H. Jones, L. Ace. J. Hone, and T. Williams. K Company (Neath'.—Privates A. Bennett, :\1, Lewis, F. White, and D. Williams. L Company (C'owbridge).—Lance-corporal J. Brown, Privates E. A. David, T. H. Bennet, and Jenkins. 3rd VOLIWTEER BATTALION. Captain and Hon. Major R. Hill-Male (Ponty- pridd;. Lieutenant J. C. Gaskell (Cardiff), iicr- geant A. Phiilips, A Coiiipanyg Corporals G. Davies (I Company/, and J. H. Perks (V COIll- pany), Privates J. Jones, T. Jones, and E. Paynter (A Company), C. Davies and C. Jones Comriany), C. Collier. J. Cox. W. H. Evans, W. O. Harcourt, J. L, Heward, A. N, I-aac, and J. L. Self (F Company). T. L. Howard and W. Hughes 10 Company), O. J. Davies and H. IH Company), C. Jenkins (I Company), J. Murphy. C. A. Rees, A. T. Smith, and T. Tucker lK Company), D. Williams (M Company), D. Grimms (0 Company). A. Lidyard (P Coin- )!J"). and E. Kitch (V Company). 1st VOLUNTEER BATTALION. The waiting section of the 1st Volunteer Bat- talion W'e'sh Uegiment up to the present consists only of the following three men, and they are not yet attestedSergeant-instructor Poole, Sergeant Saer, and Private Davies, all of Carmarthen. 3rd .GLAMORGAN RIFLE VOLUN- TEERS. The waiting scotian in this battalion consists of Privates D. Davies, W, H. Tucker. W. Jeremiah. W, No Davey, L, Andrews, F. VVishart, and H. Kott. MILITIA BATTALIONS INCREASED. A special Army Order was issued on Wednes- day evAiing increasing the establishment of each Uilitia Battalion ordered abroad by two additional suoaltcrns. Orders for the formation of two additional battalions, to !>;■ called the 4th and 5th North- berland Fusiliers, were on Wednesday issued it Portsmouth. On the 3rd proximo the 110 Reservists of the Northumberland Regiment who arrived at Portsmouth from Newcastle will leav? for South Africa. The Somerset Light Infantry Militia, now stationed at Portland, on Wednesday received instructions to prepare to embark for the Cap at an early date.