South Wales Echo

l_\LL RIGHTS SERVED.. il I MARY ARMITAGE, The Miner's Daughter, A Story of Collier Life, BY R. T. CASSON, Author of "Philip Llewellyn" "The Life and Adventures of a Social Wastrel," "Harry Seymour' &v. CHAPER I (CONTINUED.) I One evening when Mary and Joe bad been for a walk, and were standing at the gate in the road, Mrs Enderby chanced to stroll slowly down the drive with a favourite novel in her hand, and was an unseen witness of the parting between the young lovers. When Mary got indoors the par- lour maid told her that mistress wanted her. And she's in a awful tantrum, Miss Meredith." Mary was not conscious of having given offence, but she was accustomed to the storms of passion cc, into which Mrs Enderby was wont to fly on the slightest provocation. Where have you been, Miss Meredith?" "Miss Merdith!" What did it mean? Mrs Enderby usually called her Mary. "For a walk, ma'am." Not alone?" No ma'am." Who is the young man you just now parted from at the gate?" Mary blushed ere she replied,— His name is Joseph Armitage." "Joseph Armitage? What the son of widow Armitage, who is never tired of telling folks her husband was an overman ? Ah it was he saved Cissie, wasn't it? But I cannot allow you to keep company with a collier. Mr Enderby offered him a five pound note, and he actually refused it, and in a way which made my husband think he had insulted the fellow by offering it. I have no patience with such pretended-you know the word Mary—magnum something or other. But it will never do for the instructor of my children to be seen about with a common collier. You must find another sweetheart, a little more respectable, or else-you know what I mean." Then I must leave your service, for I have promised to'marry Mr Armitage." Mr Armitage, indeed Why what's the world coming to?" A collier with a handle to his name "Ha! ha !"and Mrs Enderby iaughed spitefully. So you'd rather leave us than give him up ? Very well, then you can leave this day month, and marry your collier sweetheart, and taste love in a cottage, and so on." Mrs Enderby, with all deference and respect, I would remind you that Joseph Armitage is as respectable in every way as was a young woman I have heard of, whose mother sold nuts, sweets, and gingerbread for a livelihood, and whom Mr Enderby made the mistress of this establishment." Mrs Enderby was fairly breathless for a few minutes, but when she did find her tongue, a per- fect torrent of abuse was thrown at the intrepid Mary, which ended in the lady taking out her purse, throwing Mary's wages on the table, and bidding, her leave the house at once. In some respects Mary was sorry, for such situations as hers were scarce in the neighbour- hood. and she foresaw a parting with Joe. "Never you mind, dear Misa Mary, I heard you give the missus a piece of your mind, which I hope will do her good. Something will turn up that will make you not sorry you left us," said the parlour maid. But where was she to go? Mary was an or- phan, and had been brought np by her aunt, who had kept a dame school in the neighbouring vil- lage of Thistleburn, and who had died during Mary's residence at Langiale Hall. She would go and consult Mrs Armitage, and be guided by her as to her future movements. Joe had just come home from the pit when Mary arrive 1 at the cottage and had not washed himself. He was somewhat confused on her entrance, for Mary had never seen him in collier garb. But as he listened to her story he forgot all about his dirty face. Hce was an opportunity such as he had longed for. What was to hinder the marriage now ? He had promised to wait a couple of years, for he was but just twenty, and Mary only eigh- teen. But thers were many instances of young colliers marrying even earlier than that. Do Why give up the idea of waiting, and- Oh mother, talk to her tell her what you have often told me, that you long for her company when I'm at work, and how happy we three shall be!" h ay, Joe, Mary has good sense enough to know wliether that would be the best thing to do. Suppose Mary, you consult Mr Graham, and be guided by him?" "Oil I could not do that. I should be ashamed to mention the subject to him." 41 Then let mother du it. If Mr Graham says it will be better that we should wait a bit longer, and be separated, then I'll be content. To this Mary agreed, and next morning Mrs Armitage went to the rector, and asked his advice on Mary's behalf. "Tett Miss Meredith that I advise her by all means to accept Joseph's offer, and let the wed- ding be as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made. I have seen, in my experience as a clergyman, so much evil proceeding from long en- gagements, especially when the parties are at a distance from eactl other, that I strongly advise her to let Joseph have his way. They are both favorites of mine, and I shall not forget them when they marry." Mrs Armitage was overjoyed at the prospect of having Mary for a companion, and returned home with a smile on her countenance that set Mary's cheeks in a glow, for she felt certain that the ver- dict was in Joe's favour. I need not ask you what Mr Graham's de- cision is, but tell me what he said." Mrs Armitage complied, not forgetting the good rector's hint about a wedding present. Joe wus not yet rtturned from work, bs shift being from sixain the morning till two in the afternoon. '.Has Joe saved any money, Mrs Armitage ?' Mary suddenly asked. *ura he has.! But why do you ask ? You won t have to furnish, for this will be your home. Never mind I've saved some money myself, ani» vS e,w"1 oe many things to buy—" r or goouness sake don't grieve Joe by talking of buying anything for the wedding. He worships the ground you tread upon." P Well, mother, and what does Mr Graham say? And where ig Mary g(InO ?" Joe asked in the same breath as he came in from his toil under- ground, « He agrees with you.-and Mary is upstairs. You are early t-day. "Yes, mother; I hurried up out of the nit- Wanted to know what it was to be." A month later they were quietly married, Mr Graham performing the ceremony. His present to the young couple was a magnificent chest of drawers, made of solid mahogany, a piece of fur- niture which few colliers in that district like to be without. Joe Armitage and his young wife were as happy as it was possible to be; but there was one serious drawback to their happiness. Mrs Enderby never forgot the cutting words of Mary the night she went away. The irate lady even went so far as to ask her husband not tc allow Joe to work in one of his pits, but Mr Enderlv said his manager was not one who would brook such interference, and Joe Armitage was a favourite with the manager, who had spoken of making him an overman the next vacancy. At the end of a twelvemonth a little girl made its appearance in Joe's happy home, and on the very same day Mr Enderby was presented with a son and heir, the other children being all girls. When Mary's baby was a fortnight oid, Mr Graham called, and asked when the. child was to be baptised. Any day convenient to you, Mr Graham, so that is is not the same day as Mrs Enderby's baby." So it was arranged that the child should be bap- tised at the next Tuesday evening's service. That afternoon, a perfumed note, written by Mrs Enderby herself, ieached the clergyman,an nouncing that at1 the same time, the heir of the Enderhy's would be brought to church to be sprinkled. "Please to understand, dear Mr Graham, that there intist be no other baptisms at the same time. was Mrs Enderby's underlined post-script. As there was no other unbaptised children be longing to church people in the parish, Mr Gra- !iaIIlrittleW T2at' M,ary's clldd was specifically re- ^ie rector was not the man to to°flr 'ii (oa?.'n high positions by pan- d0K^5ver ,U'feeline:' an<i he took no steps whatever with a view to avoid the two children being baptised at once. It so happened, however, that the -Ln<.eroy folks, with their grand carriages and grander occupants, were late on arrivinff at the church, and it thus came to pass that thegreat Mrs Enderby, walking before the nurse who car- ried her baby boy, met Mary just coming out of the church. "If I believed in omens, I should think there was to be some alliance between those ohildren in the future. If it should prove so, may it be for the good of both, said the minister to himself, as he slowly walked through tne churchyard into the rectory.. (To be continued.)

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YANKEE YARNS. I AN AMPHIBIOUS ITEM. Johnny Fizzeltop is developing into one of the smartest boys in the University of Texas. What kind of an animal is an amphibious animal?" asked the professor. That is an animal that lives partly on land and partly in the water. "How about the beaver? He lives on the land and in the water. Is he an amphibious ani. mal ?" Well, if he ain't one yet, he will be one after a while, if he keeps that up." LEGAL LORE. I Kosciusko. Murphy recently passed his examina- tion, and is now a member of the Austin bar. His strong card is in getting the truth out of wit- nesses. The following is a sample of his system of cross examination. Are you a married man ?" No, sir I am a bachelor." Wi!l you please tell this court and jury how long you have been a bachelor, and what were the circumstances that induced you to become one?" MARRIAGGH LIFE. I There are people in New York who toady after the rich. The following conversation took place on a Third avenue street car: So your sister is married ?" "Yes, and she did very well-splendid. You have heard of Vanderbilt?" "Oh, yes. Did she marry into that family?" Well, yes, so to speak. She married a nephew of Vanderbilt's chief cook. He is the driver of a street-car." A LEFT-HANDED COMPLIMENT, I While the Austin City Council was in session Uncle Mose, who wished to see one of the city officials about white-washing a fence, opened the door, and stuck his head in. What are you doing in here? Don t you see that nobody but gentlemen are in here?" ex- claimed Judge Peterby, who is an aldermau. I beg pardon, boss. I didn't see nobody but you at fust, but now dat I sees de gemmans I'll jess 'scuse myself." SCHOLASTIC ITEM. A teacher, desiring to classify her pupils, put questions to them to find out how much they knew. During the examination of the son of a leading Austin politician the following dialogue oceiired You say there are three kingdoms-the ani- mal, vegetable, and mineral I" "Yes, sir." "Now, where would you put sugar?" Pa puts it in the water, and then he puts the whiskey in afterwards, and stirs 'em up with a spoon." TOTAL ABSTINENCE IN TEXAS. I HOstetter McGinnis went to Houston, one day last week, to pay a visit to Dan McGarry, the editer of the Democratic organ in the Bayou city. Just as he was leaving the depot, with his grip- sack in his hand, a negro ran in front of him, and holding up his hand, said Boss, lemme show you around de town for a quarter." I've been in this town before. I'm going to see Dan McGarry,the editor of the Houston Age," replied Hostester. Gwiuter see him, is yer? Who am gwineter show you de way back to de hotel after you has done seed him? Yer'li need somebody ter lead yer back ter de hotel, sartain." This little incident, trival as it is, is cumulative evidence going to sustain the charge so frequently made in the colums of the Texas press, that the editor of the Age habitually violates his temper- ance vows. I

WELSH n FOOTBALL UNION. I A meeting was held at the King's Head Hotel, Newport, on Monday evening, to arrange the fixtures for the forthcoming football season. Mr H. J. Simpson presided, and amongst those present were Messrs J. Bryant, Swansea; Griffiths, W. Wilkins, Llanelly; A. Duncan and W. H. Treatt, Cardiff; J. Harding, T. J. S. Clapp, C. E. Parsons, J. Bellerby, Newport D. T. Lloyd, Carmarthen G. Williamq, Pontypridd; J. Norman, Neath; etc. On the reading of the minutes a conversation arose as to the international fixture, Scotland v. Wales, being held at Cardiff instead of Newport, as recommended &t the spring meeting held at Swansea last April. A general feeling was expressed that international matches should be held in turn at the principal towns in Wales, and on this ground the Llaneliy represen- tatives supported the alteration. Ultimately a vote was taken on the subject, when the amend- ment, proposed by Mr Treatt, and seconded by Mr Norton, was carried by 10 to 3. The match consequently will be held at Cardiff. -Oil the proposition of the chairman, it was agreed to follow the practice adopted by the Scotch and English Unions, and to advance Mr J. T. D. Llewelyn, Swansea, to the position of president of the union, in the room of the Earl of Jersey, and to add Messrs C. P. Lewis (Llando- v,-ry), Horace Lytie (Newport), W. D. Poillips (Cardiff), and Jb". L. Margrave (LIun elly), to the list of vice presidents, these gsntlemen being all old international players. -Tbe committee for the eastern district was appointed to consist of Messrs Rosier (Risca), A. Duncan (Cardiff), and Mullock (Newport); and for the western district (after a ballot had been taken) of Messrs Lloyd (Carmarthen), Wilkins (Neath), and Knill (Swansea). Thefourth name proposed was that of Mr Price. Messrs C. E. Parsons and Wilkins were appointed auditors.— Several questions were asked as to the different items appearing in the balance sheet, of which the secretary (Mr Mullock) gave the details, which were satisfactory, and the accounts were adopted. A list of proposed new duties for umpires and referees was then considered. Amongst these were that the referee should be provided with a whistle, and that, when a scrim- mage was occurring, it should be within his power to stop the game if lie feared any player would bo hur; also that unnecessary delay in falling upon the ball, or in throwing out from touch, should not be allowed.—The draw for the chal- lenge enp competitions then took place. Seven out of 4-5 clubs entered, and these were drawn as f"lInws (A) Llanelly—a bye. (B>-Newport v. Neath. (C) Pontypridd v. Carmarthen. (D) Swansea v. Llaiulilo. (F:) The winner of B to play winner of C. (F) The winner of D to play winner of A. The winner of k] to PIILY winner of F in filial. A vote of thanics to uw cu.wrman brought the meeting to a close.

GREAT PEDESTRIAN MATCH AT LILLIE BRIDGE. George v. Cummings. I The one mile match for a stake of 2100 a side, between W. G. George, amateur champion, and W. Cummings, professional champion, WM decided on Monday evening at Lillie Bridge grounds, West Brompton, London, in the pre- sence of an estimated attendance of about 25,000 spectators. The match, which is the first of a series of three-the others being four and ten miles respectively—was anticipated in all parts of the country with very great interest, both men having in the past achieved won- derfnl success. Cummings, at Preston in 1881 ran a mile in 4 minutes 16 and 1-5 seconds. Whilst George has on more than one occasion beaten 4 minutes 20 seconds, his best performance being 4 minutes 18 and 2 5 seconds. The start was fixed for b p.m., and 15 minutes later the men were despatched in a drizzling rain. George, who won the toss, and had the inside station, dashed off with the lead, and was soon a yard and a half in front. The relative positions of the two men varied only in a very tr,fling degree, until 300 yards fr«m home, when Cummings reduced his pace. When another 100 yards had been travelled, George was 20 yards in advance, and he finally won easily by 75 yards, in 4 minutes 20 and 1-5 seconds, Cummings ceasing to, persevere in the race.

ALLEGED THEFT FROM A I JOCKEY. John Bull, better known amonpr the turf fraternifcv as Chippy Norton," was charged at York on Monday with stealing a watch-cbain, value 220, the property of Arthur Henry Barker, a Newmarket jockey, at York Races last week. It was stated on behalf of prosecutor, who was unable to appear, having been retained to ride at Auteuil Itaces, that he did not think Bull had a felonious intent. The bench discharged the accused, believing there was no intent to commit a felony.

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FACTS AND FANCIES. A magistrate lately suggested that it would not do to go on drowning stray dogs in the river, as so many sunken barks might obstruct navigation. TESTIMONY. "Ay, Dugald," said Dugald's friend," as ycu say, you are sober and honest, but very little of either, and not much of both." Edith asks Will you please send me a receipt for a nice home-made pie?" "Yes, Edith, we will send the receipt in the very first mail after we receive the pie." Man wants but little ear below, nor wants that little long," murmured the dude, as he care- fully cut out places for his aural appendages in his new three-inch collar. Wife (before a lion's cage, to husband): "What would you say if the burs were suddenly to break and the lion to eat me up?" Husband (dryly) Good appetite Professor (describing an ancient Greek theatre): "And it had no roof." Junior (sure that he has caught the professor in a mistake) What did they do sir when it rained ? Professor (taking off his glasses* and pausing angrily): "They got wet, sir." Jones always remembers to forget the articles which his wife tells him to buy. His memory is excellent for that. He has tried a new plan lately, and it works as well as could be expected. He writes all the things on paper, and then- forgets to take the paper. An unsophisticated young damsel, describing a recent visit of the Commissioners to certain slaughterhouses in the good old city, said, One of the commissioners turned to the owner of the slaughterhouse and with emphasis informerl him that he must have the floor consecrated at once." Simple girl The irascible old official meant concreted. Ma," said the small boy as they were taking the train out of town a few days ago, see somethin' funny when we get back.' What will it be?" inquired his mother. „T buildings will be of a different colour. Nonsense, child, what grave you that idea?' Well, pa told Mr Smith last night that when you and me went away he was goin' to paint the town red and then he wondered why his mother wouidn t let him stand up on the seat or buy him any candy. At a certain Australian hotel colonial beer is sold at threepence the imperial pint > aj* 6 local paper tells how two gentlemen were together over their glass, when one or e hazarded the opinion that at such a price the ale could not possibly be good. The remark was overheard by an old man who, in a very advance state of ineoriety, was standing at the bar en]ol" ing his cheap beer. "Not good, gentlemen, said he. Look at me for ninepence 2 I am afraid that young Featherly, who calls on you so olten, is rather a fast young man, saJ a father to his daughter. "Oh, no, he isn father replied the little brother, who was present. "What do you know about i r Featherly ?" demanded the old man. I only know, the little man ivplie«i. that I heard him ask sister for a kiss last night, and she told him he could have one if he would be quick about i«, but it was the slowest kiss that ever I saw. The parson was chaplain in the Ninth New York Cavalry during the w. The colonel was fond of leading the soluiera^hrough deep poddies at the regular drill, and the chaplain one day roj*e around a puddle, and thaffeby fell out of the regular order. The coloneE^oticed it. and at the close of the drill, when theijefficers came together, he said, witik a snee- if,,Ciiaplaill Stimson is afraid to ride through muddy water for fear of soiling his cloth ng, t will" carry him across the puddles myself." "Thank you," the 4iiiii)!3ill said but as the Government provides horses, 1 don't see any reason why I should ride on a jackass." Gentleman of the jury," said the judge on their return from the jury room, are you agreed upon a verdict; ? We are," replied the fore- man, solemnly. "What say you ? Do you find the prisoner at the bar guilty or not guilty ? "Guilty of murder in the first degree." ,l Guilty of murder in the first degree? exel\une:l tha judge in the utmost asto'iwhui'mt. "Why, the prisoner is only charged with stealing chickens. What earthly reason have you for bringing4 in such an outrageous verdict as that?" -Your honour," repLed the foreman of the jury, looking timidly over tile crowded court-room, we plead self-defence."

FATHER AND SON DROWNED. Distressing Scene. At Jersey Oil Monday, a young French gentle- man, whilst bathing, wa3 overwhelmed by 'a strong se-t. His father went to his assistance, but I botli were drowned in sight of their family on shore. shore.

SERIOUS GUN ACCIDENT. Two young men named l1 rank Oldershaw and Jeremiah laoo, were out shooting at Wolver- hampton on Monday, ^nen the giui held by Mason was accident uiy dwonarged, and Older- shaw was mortally wounded. v

FATAL ACCIDENT ON A RAILWAY BRIDGt, I voung man named John On Monday murm^ y °who was elnpi,)Ve i Smith, about 18 year.-wr'iars railway bridge, as a labourer at the |jne about half-past London, while crossing tn 7.11a.m. pas- seven o'clock was caugnc J.ree|. _ind kni)ckeci senger tram from Moorga some of his mates down. Wnen PICKED UP J mangled. He was he was found to be feail; t £ ospita!, where, after taken to St. Bartholomew F iie jiec>i lingering for some time in Meat, ■ lie died.

HORRIBLE MURDER OF A CHILD BY ITS FATHER. A shocking murder has occ ur re 1 a £ e of Blackhill, in county VV fold. It ^a^rtUt a of Blackhill, in county VV fold. It ^a^rtUt a small farmer named ^!inie'n.vjn(, been for some time bordering on insanity. S to his violent 1 1 conduct his wife sought refuge m a neighbour s house, leaving two little girls of seven and four at home. Subsequently Han'ey threw the eldest child out through the window, and then killed the youngest with a religious band which she wore round her neck. This he forced down her throat with a stick and choked her, finally throw- ing her dead body through the window. J-ne eldest child escaped unhurt. Hanley s law went into the house, but on his ask Pr i was ready to died she made her escape. J afterwards walked through the DUii: the home of M,, KfU I" and arrested him> and he is now in the county prison.

A SOCIALIST LECTURER CON- VICTED OF OBSTRUCTION. At the Thames oolice-court on Monday Mrs Amy Hicks, of 1, Navarino-road, West Hanip- stead, was charged with causing an obstruction by addressing a crowd on Socialism. A police- man stated that about midday on bunday he saw a crowd of about one hundred persons in Dod. street. He told them that no meeting would be allowed there, when the deiendant got upon a chair which was in the road. He told her that no meetings could be held there, and advised her to get down and go way. She replied, I wont." She was addressing the crowd on Social. ism, and he asked her to get down five or six timos. As she would not do so he took her into custody. At the station the defendant said, I was fully aware of what I was doing. I volun- teered to come here." The magistrate, while giving the defendant credit for good and lawful motives, said there was no doubt she had caused an obstruction in the eye of the law. She would, therefore, be bound over in her own recognizance to keep the peace for six months.

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THE RAILWAY DISASTER NEAR I WHITLAND. The Adjourned Inquest. I On Monday Mr George Thomas, county coroner, resumed the inquiry at the Yelverton Arms Hotel, Whitland, into the railway disaster near Llanfalteg, ou the Whitland and Cardigan Railway, whereby three men lost their lives. Pre- vious to the inquiry Colonel Rich, the inspector of the Board of Trade, visited the scene of the accident. Mr Jones, of Malmesbury, solieitor to the Whitlaad and Cardigan Company Mr Geo. Howell, manager of the company and Mr Walton, engineer, were present at the inquiry. The first witness examined was Dr. Vaughan Bowen Jones, of LI-inboidy, who said: Last Tuesday evening at 7.5 I was standing on my father's lawn at Gwarmac, which overlooks the Whitland and Cardigan Railway, when I observed a large cloud of steam at a spot 185 paces from where I stood. I rushed down and found an engine upside down, lying diagonally, so to speak, across the permanent way. t cannot positively speak to the number or position of the wagons and carriaeres, because my attention was wholly directed to tho rescue of John Griffiths, who was under the engine. I found him very seriously injured—mortally so, I thought. He was taken to Carmarthen Infirmary, and has since died. After the man was got out I ascertained that the other two men, Thomas Davies and Thomas Phillips (the subjects of this inquiry), were quite dead. The accident occurred on an incline sloping downwards to Crymmych, and commenc- ing about 150 paces back towards Llanfalteg. I believe the train was behind time. The line curves slightly at that spot. John Gibbon, carpenter, Cwm Mills, Llan- boidy, said he walked home from Llanfalteg along the line on Tuesday evening, and was on the scene of the accident at 6.25. James Wil- liams was with him, and they walked between the rails, stepping from sleeper to sleeper. If there had been any obstruction they would have noticed it. Evan Parry Rees, porter, who acted as guard on the train in question, said they were due to leave Whitland at 6.30, but did not leave till 6.50. The train consisted of a tank engine, running funnei in front, four loaded waggons, a Great Western saloon carriage, a third-class carriage, a composite, and another third, which contained the brake compartment in which witness was riding. There was a screw brake in this compartment, and another on the engine. There was no occa- sion to use the brake from Whitland to Llanfal- teg. The train was due at Llanfalteg at 6.40, but arrived at 7 and left at 7.2. From Llanfalteg the line was flat for about half a mile, but not very straight, and then there was a fall towards Crymmych. The train was nearly at the end of the incline when the accident occurred. They never used the brake there. He was standing up entering parcels in the book when he felt a sudden stop, and was tumbled against the side j .^omF,arfcment. The train stopped at once, and witness got out. The engine was off tha line, and the truck which was next but one to it at starting was on the top of the engine. The truck next to the engine was partly on the bank, and the third truck was also off the rails. The carnages and the fourth truck were on the rails. Witness did not know what speed they were going at when the accident occurred. He was not aware of any instructions to guards with respect to that incline and curve. He always acted as guard on that train on Saturdays, and on the 22nd they left Whitland at 7.0, arrived at Llanfalte 7.10, left 7.13, arrived at Login 7.23, left 7.24. Colonel Rich You gained two minutes on 'that journey. By Mr Jones We were late leaving Whitland because the Great Western down express was 17 minutes late. By tne Coroner: An omnibus takes the pas. scugers on from Crymmych, and there was nothing to cfltoh there. I)«7LfLR°Jberts> Permanent way inspector on the Vhitland anc Cardigan Railway, said he had been employed in that capacity for ten years. The line had lately been relaid with steel rails. He usually inspected the greater part of the line once or twice a dny. On Tuesday last he rode on the engine of the mail train from Crymmych at 4.30. His men were working there about three weeki ago. Witness was at Llanfalteg when the acci- dent occurred, and ran to the spot in about six or seven minutes. The engine was completely off the ro;!w,, and one pair of wheels of the first and tlnrdwagons were "ff the mil'. The second wagon was quite off the road, whue one Wagoll and the carriages were oil the llUl<. Four pairs of rails were damaged, seven rails were bent, and one broken. The first mark of the engine getting off the road was a mark on the sleeper at the sixth rail from where the engine lay, the outside of the curve having been pressed out. There were six pairs of rails between this mark and the place of the accident. Two pairs of rails were un- damaged, but the sleepers were marked, showing that the wheels had run on the sleepers. Tha other four pairs of rails were bent, and the sleepers completely destroyed. There was no mark on the metals where the engine left—it must have jumped. His men had not altered the road, put it to rights, or packed it up betveeu Llanfalteg Station and the place of the accident since it occurred. It had not been touched. Charles Jeffreys, who was in charge of the Great Western break-down gang which from Neyland at; the -ene pleven o'clock on the same nighV'. aRht it got off the position of the. en?.ne, nn tmi the rails on the r.K^ ^(mndj and w.,s then forced embankment, t yiVrds further on. where it "3 »« ft. '■ The .ru« looking towards Crymmvoi. The second trucii was mounted on the tank of the engine, and rhu third truck was close by with its leading wheels off the rails. He thought the accident was canqp.) hy ti.e train travellil at a high rate nf ',¡:lee;¡: There was no doubt that the engine was jumnino' along, and leaped or jumped off the rails at the point of the accident. He indc-ed „ > r /«'.u»' gear at the first notch, and the regulator wa. wide open, indicating full teatn. Ji6 i?^0n,fr accident was caused by the P .j o v do you account for tha passenger car- nages being uninjured ? R Witness There are some things like mysteries, and this seems to be one. It was something like an overruling Providence protect. ing the passengers. By Col. Rich I know the wheol base of the engine and its length—11 feet. The engine is not calculated to run steadily with such a tram as it had that night at a high rate of speed. I have had experience in driving, and I wonid not like to have driven that engine and train. The trucks behind would be likely to make it worse-to box tbeengiiie and kick it off the i° i i.i nk- it was the speed and not the trucks that forced the engine off the road, on -i "^ones "• I should think they were going cO miles an hour. I cannot say 30. It is a mere supposition. Col. Rich The time table allows 17 miles an hour, which is the highest rate of speed. The Coroner Would they not be likely to run faster down hill ? Col. Rich No doubt thev do that. Col. F. H. Rich, of the Royal Engineers and Inspector of Railways for the Board of Trade, sworn, said I have this morning examined the scene of the accident, and particularly that part of the railway just before the place of accident, and it bears no appearance of having been altered. The line is quite new, and ap- pears to be in very good order. I can only attribute the accident to the train having been run at considerably greater spee than the time allowed on the working tmie ta I should say from the effects of the acciden^t the speed was from 27 to over 30 miles an • The engine that drew the train was a tank engine of short-wheel base, 11 feet long, and iver^ springs, and such a oue as is not caicula steadily at such speed. Its unsteadiness further aggravated 'in my opinion y loaded waggons which were coupled on behind it, and in front of the passenger carriages. The position that the engine and waggons were found in after the accident, together with the destruc- tion of the permanent way, are in my opinion in. dicative of speed such as I have before stated. Mr J. B. Walton, M.I.C.E.. and engineer to the Whitland and Cardigan Railway, said that from the level crossing at the Llanfalteg Station in the direction of Crymmych, there was a length of four chains of straight, or horizontal line, then a falling gradient one in 93, measur- ing seven-and-a-half chains; then a rising gradient of 1 in 165 for 4! chains, and a further rise of 1 in 58 for 4 chains. The next eight chains were level, and then a descending gradient of 1 in 77, and the accident happened about 10 chains' length down this gradient at a distance of just over half a mile from Lianfalteg station. He thought the engine left the r^ils owiujj to the speed. The Coroner: For that high speed the men in charge of the train would be responsible? Colonel Rich The driver would be. The stoker would be able to do nothing. Witness The driver knew the line well. I always considered him an experienced driver. I bavo IsnQWA Wm fow of Ay* yQWt íWJ. ¥ considered him thoroughly reliable and a very intelligent man. Mr George Howell, secretary of the Whitland and Cardigan Company, produced the working time table which showed the rate of speed between Whitland and Crymmych Arms to be 16 miles an hour, with 12 minutes for stoppages. No one is allowed on the engine but the psrmanent way inspector. The driver, Thomas Davies, had bean in the employ of the company for nine years, the last five years as driver, and he I always re- garded as steady and trustworthy, and thoroughly experienced. The engine was thoroughly over- hauled in the Great Western repairing shop at Neath last April at a cost of j3182. He had had experience in railways, and could only attribute to accident to the high rate of speed, for which, of course, the blame would rest solely with the driver. The Coroner: Have you had any complaint as to the state of the line ? Witness: No, I have heard nothing. Colonel Rich It was originally a light railway, but now it is much heavier, though the same rate of speed is observed in the time tables. That 18 in favour they should be able to run easier. The Coroner: You seem to be all of one mind that the cause of the accident was the high rate of speed for which the driver is responsible. Colonel Rich The train was not fit to run at a high rate of speed. The Coroner: But it was suitable for the rate in the working time table, and that relieves the company of responsibility. Thomas Hopkin Evans, Llanfalteg, a fitter in the employ of the Whitland and Cardigan Com- pany, said that he last examined the damaged engine on Sunday, the 23rd August. He examined it carefully and thoroughly, and found it sound in every respect. The j-ry briefly consulted in private, and agreed upon a verdict that Thomas Davies, the driver, and Thomas Phillips, the stoker, were accidentally killed. No rider of any kind was added to the verdict. The inquest upon the man Job Griffiths, who died in Carmarthen Infirmary, will be held next Thursday. REPRESENTATION OF MERTHYR Proposed Conservative Candidate. There is a rumour to the effect that a committee of Conservatives at Aberdare are likely to ask Mr W. T. Lewis to come forward as a candidate in opposition to the sitting members, Messrs Richard and James, but, as was pointed out by a correspondent some little time since, there is little likelihood of his venturing to appear in the field.

NEWPORT WATERWORKS COMPANY. The Proposed Sale to the Corporation. At the half-yearly meeting of the proprietors of the above company, held at the offices, Stow Hill, Newport, on Monday, the Chairman (Mr John Lawrence), in moving the adoption of the report and statement of accounts, referred to the negotiations which the Corporation of Newport had made for the purchase of the concern. The town clerk, he said, wrote intimating that a com- mittee of the corporation had been appointed to consider the desirability or otherwise of acquiring the waterworks, and they wished to know whether the company were inclined to sell their property, and if so, on what terms. The chairman stated that a reply was forwarded to the effect that the directors were not prepared to recommend to the shareholders the disposal of their property to the corporation. This reply had been considered curt by some, but he could not help thinking that as the con- cern was now iu such a sound condition the directors would have been faithless to their trust had they adopted any other course. If the town council, however, chose to approach the matter in such a way as would lead to business, it would be the duty of the directors to call the share. holders together and take their opinion upon the proposal. The Chairman then referred to the unsatisfactory state of the water during a few daYK of last spring, and gave it as the opinion of an eminent analyst that it arose from decayed vegetation. The storage supply WM now ample for a population of 50,000. During the year the capacity of the reservoirs had been increased from 109 to 141 million g i lions, 214 new services, yielding B150 annually, had been supplied, and ttio fcptp.1 income of the six months was £ 5,565, against £ 5,205 for the corresponding half of 1884. A bve-wash had been constructed at the Paut-yr. Eos Reservoir, at a cost of -2600, which would prevent any flood-water passing into it.—Mr Gratrex seconded the adoption of the report, and it was carried, and the usual dividends were ordered to be paid for the half-year, namely, 4 per cent, on the ordinary stock, 3 £ on the new shares, and the guaranteed interest on the prefer- ence stock.—Mr Cole, one of the oiigin^l holders, asked when the arrears "f i(ilvto the amounting to £ 13,000. would b6 ah said it was original shareholders. but it could not be hoped to pay it c>tt son.o^s w'ere in a position to done until ^un, dividend ou the present LTSr ""IT" t on to the increased population, the directors would be able to recommend the payment of something by way of instainieut.-The usual vote of thanks concluded the business.

MR CHARLES MAJILTON AT CARDIFF THEATRE. -■'■|iii''is of the Cardiff Theatre Royal are tm ive;;k occupied by » company selected by Mr Charms Majilton, who are playing a farcical comedy new pretty well-known, called the Gay City," with a laughable burlesque named "Chums" as an alter piece. The ttirea acts of the first piece-the author of which is Mr Sims enfolds some ludicrous incidents ill a I arisiau hotel, and in the Champs Eiys^es, the auveiitures of a baby-that important factor in complicated comedy just now—forming the ground work of all the tun and confusion. Two city clerks, hailing from the Old ICent-road, who, according to the story they give out, are bouud for the Orkney Islands on a pleasure trip, go to Paris instead, to see life for a few days at the Mabile and similar resorts. The wives, whom they think to deceive, one of whom carries her baby, make a similar trip, and by a coup de theatre, the two couples are brought together in the same hotel. Then the great baby complication ensues, the ehild passing through many hands, and being again and again lost, just a.s the distracted mother is on the point of regaining possession of heryoune treasure. There is no exaggeration lD tlat description of the play, which says that it egins with a breeze, merges into a cyclone of Jp which carries everything before it, an important taX S™. UI Mi» Louie Appl«bv'» Euialit, a £ rt and livelv waiting maid—who has a great deal pert and live y impossible to speak too highly. Tn fchTehMac er of ZtcharMi Whiffen, the most «.w M' Alfred River, makes a decided hit, his Catch-word, where are iny spectacles ?" being the signal for shouts of laughter. Mr Charles Majilton has nothing to say, but, as all play-goers know, he can be suc- cessful without opening his lips. His limbs, as usual, are everywhere, one of his most effective movements being to throv. his foot over his partner's head in the dance which concludes the piece. The burlesque is, if possible, more amusing than the piece which precedes it. It is remarkable also for the performances of Messrs Dean and As:hmore, one of whom actually sweeps the floor with the other.

NEWPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. At the monthly meeting of the members of this chamber, held on Monday at the offices, New- port, Mr William West presiding, the Secretary reported that he had received a reply to a letter addressed to Sir George Elliot, Bart., M.P.» ing hiiimo receive a deputation on the subject of changes at the dock for the night shipping of coal, but that this reply merely promised that the letter should be laid before Sir George on his return from the continent. On the motion of Me Richards, seconded by ^r Nichols, it was decided to keep i.he matter by further correspondence.—Mr Grierson, Of the Great Western Railway Company, wrote that he was making enquiries as to the „' ceding a later toain than the mail between Cardiff and Newport, and would communicate again when the matter was further advanced.—The chamber resolved to co-operate with he Glouces- ter Chamber in getting the 5.45 p.m. train from Paddington accelerated on its downward journey, so as to save half an hour on the time now occu- pied in getting from London to Gloucester and Newport.

Nineteen degiees of frost were registered on Monday morning at Kingussie. The potato wop bw irretrievable damage,

SERIOUS ACCIDENT TO COL DILLWYN, M.P. Inspection of the 3rd G.R.V. At the Swansea Cricket Field, on Monday, the members of the 3rd Glamorgan Rifle Volunteers underwent their annual inspection. The men met at the headquarters in Singleton-street and, about 550 strong, marched down under the command of Major J. Crow Richardson to the cricket neld. Here they were formed into line, and Colons Dillwyn, M.P., assumed command. 0 a Colonel Tucker, of the 41st Regimental Dis- trict, riding into the field he was received with a general salute. The men then commenced to march past in columns, but as the band struck up the horse ridden by Colonel Dillwyn began to prance, and it soon became evident that it was unmanageable. It swerved rapidly round and bucked, and the colonel was thrown off, falling heavily on his right side, wa1 observed to turn over on his face, and there he lay as if insensible. A rush was immediately made by several of the excited bystanders, and Sargeon.Major Hall, who was close by, proceeded to examine the colonel. Colonel Tucker, too, dismonnted, and went to render assistance, and a messenger was sent to Quarter-master sergeant H. D. B. Dillwyn (the son of the com mandant), who had just left the field. The unfortunate gentleman lay on the ground about ten minutes, and he was eventually carried off to the pavilion. Here he remained nearly an hour. The result of a hasty medical examination shewed that he was very severely shaken, and fears are entertained, considering the advanced age of the sufferer, that he has sustained serious injury. At first, after his removal to the pavilion, he Was conscious, and conversed freely to those around him but later on he became somewhat delirious. The location of the injury was difficult to dis- cover the colonel, however, complained of a pain in his arm. Surgeon-Major Hall thought it advisable to have the patient removed to the ( hospital, where there were better facilities for making a more minute examination. He was ac- cordingly carried to a cab (bis state being such that he could not walk) and conveyed to the hos- pital. The horse on which Colonel Dillwyn was mounted was one hired from a livery stable, and has been used to military movements. The colonel is a first-class horseman, but yesterday it was evident from the moment the band struck up that he had not got .the animal under proper con- trol. As it grew restive, it is thought the sputs must have touched it. Hence the accident. But perhaps the fact that the animal has a sore on its mouth may to some extent account for its conduct. After a delay of about a quart :r of an hour, Major Richardson assumed command, and the inspection was resumed, the various movements being gone through in an exceedingly creditable manner. Colonel Tucker, after presenting a good conduct medal to Sergeant-Instructor Gregson, I and congratulating the men on their praiseworthy appearance, and the perfect manner in which they executed their movements, said I need scarcely gay I am deeply grieved at your commanding ofiicer being unable to be present to-day, and at the cause of his absence. I only hope he is not seriously injured. SWANSEA, MONDAY, 11.25 P.M. At the dinner which followed the inspection general regret was expressed at the accident, and with earnest hopes that the colonel might speedily recover, These wishes also prevailed amongst people of all shades of opinion in the town. OuCol. Dillwyn's arrival at the hospital he was attended by Dr. Griffiths (the family doctor) and Dr. Hall (the regimental surgaon), It was evident that the patient had sustained slight concussion, for his mind frequently wandered. His side is covered with bruises, but owing to Iiii aversion to having his tunic removed it was im- possible to Ascertain whether any of the small bones were fracture j, though from his ability to raise his arms it is thought none are broken. Mr K Dillwyn's condition, though serious, QPerin his age (71), is not thought At 11 to- night he was removed to Heodre^"lan in a car* riage kindly placed at h«« disposal by Mr Edward Strick, Mr H. I>* y"» Griffiths, aud Dr Hall a.coo"°pa»ylt''Sr

STOPPAGE OF A RHONDDA COLLIERY. Our Trecrky reporter writes :—The notice tt terminate contracts which the employe- ol Tynybedw C lliery, Ystrad, the property of Messrs Cory Bros., Cardiff, received on the 1st August, expired on Monday, and the under- ground workmen, numbering about 300, all brought out their too!s. Nothing is known as to the cause of the stoppage.

A MERTHYR GHOST STORY. A remarkable ghost story ia now going the rounds at Mertiiyr. Not long since the wife of a local resident died. and her child was handed a over to the care of the deceased woman's sister-in- law. Matters went on favourably until one night, when, it is said, the sister-in-law beheld,or fancied siie saw, the form of the dea l woman standing at the end of the bedstead as it in the acc of appealing for the child. The husband of the sister-in-law was not then present, but Oil a subsequent night, after he had been iuiornied by his astonished wife of what had ocjurrjd. he waitd with his wife for a certain hour. Then they heard the door of the bedroom upstairs opened and shut three times. They made no pretence of searching for theghost, but ran out of the house. Tiie child, which it is supposed has been the object cf this nocturnal visit, has now been handed over to the mother of the deceased young woman.

THE SWEDISH VICE-CONSULATE AT CARDIFF. I rl We are informed that in consequence of the growing importance of Cardiff as a resort of Swedish and Norwegian shipping, his Majesty the lung of Sweden and Norway has dete rn lined to raise the vice-consulate at this port to tha rank of a salaried. vice-c msulate, sending a native of these countries to be his representative. The post of vice-consul has been held by Lieut.-Col. E. S. Hill, C.B., since November, 1878. M. da Bjornstjerna, tho Consul-General, has visited Cardiff, with the special object of personally thanking Colonel Hill, on behalf of his Excel- lency the Swedish and Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, for his services, and to intimate to him that it is the intention of his Majesty shortly to confer upon hinn'ft'very signal mrk of his approval. M. de Bjorostjeraa has spent; few days in the district iiritthit- the vice- consulates of the neighbouring ports, during which time lie has been the guest of Col. Hill.

THE STRAY LION'S FATE. A sudden and melancholy ending has befallen the lion Sidtan» ° sc' lmPrudentiy broke away from his cage hast week and took to inhaling the sea breezes on the beach at St. Br^vin l'Oc^an. His keepers spent three days scouring the country m search ot him, but without aoy result Sultan, however unfortunately for |),;lllse]- Wa-; observed on Friday roaming about the beach hy three bathers who happened to have guns in their possession, having com- out on a shootbv excursion, preparatory to which they were en- joymgaswim. Alarmed at the extraordin.<i apparition of the leonine wanderer they ran lor their guns, and discharged a voiley of slugs u:i.i shot at the unlucky beast. Sultan succumbed I his wounds in a short time, and was borne away from St. Brévin in a cart, amid the wonder of the inhabitants.

"VIRIDINE" is a certain cure for Corns > beware of imitations. Mdlle. Marie Mulier, Amstci dam, writes:—"I bought a bottle of yoa; /'mtl1i' Viridine' some six months ago in Paris, WillCt cured me, and as I am a principal dancer, yo know my i'<'c are my living. Thebottie I bought did th-i >erv -•> you recommended it, but I bought anoth-i' 0:1') :d,I" wards which was Jotyed, and no As 1 ,van" bottle of genuine for a friend of mine, who is ",?af., mad with pain, wilt you please send me oil? Sold only in bottlesac Is, by post Is 2d. fr >■" day,Chemist Cardiff, and all Che.nisn. Printed and Published by -Úle- Pl'mu:t.. DAVID DUNCAN & SONS, at their steam Prmtmfl I Works, 75 and 76 St,Mary-str«ec and N^>stp:ate.str<5c4 I 1 io the WWIl os Quota, in