Barry Dock News

MR W. SAUNDERS AND HIS WELL OF WATER.— We have received a letter a week from Mr W. Saunders, The Croft, Moors, Cadoxton, with reference to certain uncharitable and uncalled-for remarks which have been published in a contem- porary with reference to his private well of water. We fully sympathise with Mr Saunders' remarks, but regret we cannot publish the letter, inas- much as his criticisms refer to remarks which were published in a paper over which we have no con- troL-ED. B.D.N.

THE RECENT RATEPAYERS' MEETING AT HOLTON. To the Editor of the BARRY DOCK NEws." SIR,-In your issue of last week you report me as having said that the clerk personally was to blame for not answering the secretary's letter sooner. What I, of course, meant was that the Local Board and not the clerk (through whom the Board acts) was to be blamed for the manner in which our representation was treated, as everyone well knows that the clerk can only act at the sug- gestion of the Board. Yours &c., THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MEETING.

LOCAL TRADE AND THE WATER CART. To the Editor of the" BARRY DOCK NEWS." SIR,-Allow me, as a tradesman and ratepayer, through the medium of your columns to thank t te members of the Local Board for the resolution ] issed at their last meeting to send the water cart through the streets of the district during the coming dry weather. I also venture to express the hope that no shopkeeper will refuse to con- tribute towards the cost of watering those of our streets which are yet private, for the quantity of dust which continually percolates in our shops, and damages our stock, is so great that the small amount which each will be asked to contribute will be but a trifling acknowledgment of the benefit which will accrue to us. Yours truly, DAVID LLOYD, (Messrs Lloyd and Co., Clothiers, &c.) Main-street, Cadoxton, April 21st, 1891.

THE WAY OUT OF DARKEST HOLTON. To the Editor of the BARRY DOCK NEWS. DEAR SIR,—With reference to the very general and valid complaints which are now being made on the subject of the sanitary arrangements, or rather the total absence of such, in the above district, in the interest of the public at large, I think you will agree it cannot be too generally known that the occupiers themselves have a really substantial remedy in their own bands, if they only knew it and would take advantage of it. Under 38 and 39 Vic., cap. 55, sec. 43, on any cause arising for complaint on account of the removal of house refuse, &c., by the proper person, notice thereof, in writing, should be given to the local sanitary authorities, and if the same is not removed within seven days after such notice, the local authority responsible for such default is liable to a penalty of 5s for each day of default after such seven days, recoverable before the justices. For this I take it the authorities would have their remedy against their contractor, and so it would not affect the fates. If the occupiers, then, have in future reason to complain, let them not hesitate for a moment to give the necessary notice, and follow it up, on default being made, and I am convinced that the authorities, rather than face a host of substantial claims, would not be slothful in seeing the scavenging carried out in a more efficient manner. I myself can instance cases of shameful negli- gence on the part of the persons responsible for the removal of refuse. Yours &c., Cadoxton, F. P. JONES-LLOYD. April 18,1890.

THE MORALITY OF THE "BARRY DOCK NEWS." ro the Editor oj the "BARRY DOCK NEWS." SIR,—All lovers of morality are placed under a deep obligation to you for the position you have taken up from time to time re the drunken and immoral practices which are now becoming so prevalent in our district. I for one sincerely nope you will continue to sound your trumpet until the indecent scenes and abominable practices which are allowed to disgrace our streets are put down. Your article on the Morality of Penarth some weeks ago was timely. It is to be greatly de- ploted tfliat such scenes as you alluded to should be permitted to blight a town which boasts so much of its respectability. I do not think that all the blame rests with the ministers of religion. No doubt they are far from being perfect, and sometimes fall into that sin of silence when they should speak out and denounce theft, in- temperance, and impurity. From my knowledge of the religious leaders at Penarth, I can assure you that they are not altogether indifferent to their great responsibility. Some of them, at least, are very active, and are doing noble work. Why should this, however, be left to ministers ? Are not all the deacons and members of Christian churches equally responsible ? I maintain that all who call themselves after Christ are of necessity pledged to do their utmost to spread the purfe teachings of the Gospel, and dis- countenance every form of evil, be it theft, in- temperance, impurity, or land-grabbing. If your clarion will succeed in arousing the Penarth friends to greater activity, the Barry Dock Neics will have done a great work. I cannot endorse your sentiments exactly in reference to the vigilance of the police. I fear that they are sometimes in too much sympathy with those who violate our laws. Still, with the combined efforts of, both Christians and police, this plague can be stayed. It was a great satisfaction to me to read your note on the Dramatic License in last week's issue. It is not fair to the public that men like Mr Louis BarnetL and others who pose as public benefactors should suddenly without (as far as I have seen) given any public notice of their intention .to ob- tain a license of this kind, thus precluding the public from expressing their opinion on the matter. We cannot believe, notwithstanding what Mr Rees told the Board, that buildings of this sort are erected for the public good; they are nothing but private speculations for the purpose of duping the hard-working man of his wage, to which his wife and children have a stronger claim. When we chink of. these and the large number of others who frequent them, we are tempted to ask, with the prophet Isaiah— Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread, and your labour for that which satis. fieth not ? It is to be much regretted that chief constables lend the weight of their influence to the sale of intoxicating drinks when they well know that dens of infamy and hotbeds of crime are always clustered around the public-house Certainly these public officers who are paid for keeping order and seeing that the law is respected should, above all others, be the very last to bolster up a traffic which our magistrates and judges have repeatedly declared to be destroying the com- forts of home, robbing the peace of families, and filling all our gaols and workhouses. A short time ago Justice Fitzgerald said that Drink is a besetting crime—a crime leading to nearly all other crimes — a crime which they might very well say led to nineteen-twentieths of the crimes of the country." Still, in the face of this declaration, here we have several chief constables, whose names must remain in ob- scurity, stating it as their unanimous opinion that the sale of intoxicating liqnors does not tend to create disorder. This opinion, fortunately for us, the Local Board entirely ignored. This clearly shows in what direction the wind blows, and expiains, to a great extent, the antipathy of the police force to temperance legislation We shall look in vain for the administration of the law while chief constables themselves are out of touch with it. We are glad, however, that this is not the case with the chief constable for Glamorganshire. At the last meeting of the County Council, Cap- tain Lionel Lindsay, in his report, told the Council that strenuous efforts were to be put forth to arrest the progress of illicit drinking, adding that he would welcome any help given him by the temperance party. It is, therefore, mooted by the advocates of total abstinence that a com- mittee should be appointed for this district to act as a vigilance society, whose work will be to watch the drink traffic, and see that publicans, as well as drunkards, are properly dealt with. I hope, Mr Editor, that you will again, in the interests of the community, speak out against the granting of a license for the sale of intoxicating liquors at the coming sports at Cadoxton. What is "an evil utterly dangerous to the good tastes and morals of those who frequent the music hall" must also bean evil to those who frequent the sports field. To be consistent with their action last week, we shall expect the members of our Local Board (who may, or may not, be connected with Whit-Monday's proceedings) to protest against the introduction of drink. To our knowledge these sports, and especially the intoxicating liquors sold in connection with them, have been a source of incalculable evil to our district, and driven more than one person to an untimely grave, for which the committee, and even the magistrates who encourage these practices and grant licences, are morally responsible. It is to be hoped that this year our justices will exercise those powers conferred upon them to deal with this traffic unin- fluenced by any consideration but that of doing what is right. The office is not only one of honour, but a position of grave responsibility-" Knowing that your Master also is in heaven neither is there respect of persons with Him." April 16th, 1891. JrVENTS

INTERESTING MASONIC PROCEEDINGS AT RHYMNEY. HONOUR FOR A CADOXTON-BARRY GENTLEMAN. PRESENTATION OF AN ORGAN TO THE ST. DAVID'S LODGE. On Thursday, the 16th instant, the installation ceremony in connection with the St. David's Lodge, No. 2,226, took place at Rhymney. The W.M. elect (Bro. J. J. Williams, I.P.M., 1,098, P.G.S.D., of the Royal Hotel, Cadoxton-Barry), was presented by Bro. D. F. Pritchard, W.M., to the Installing Master, Bro. Captain S. G. Homfray, D.P.G.M., who then proceeded to instal Bro. Williams according to ancient form; after which the W.M. appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year as follows, namely:-Bro. D. F. Pritchard, I.P.M. W. Lloyd Marks, S.W. Fred. C. Williams, J.W. Rev T. Theophilus, chaplain Roger W. Jones, treasurer G. T. Evans, secretary; J. Randall, S.D. J. Llewellyn, J.D. T. Acland, D.C. T. Edwards, I.G. G. Golding, P.M., organist; G. Seaborne, I S.S.; D. Bevan, W.S.; and J. Aish, Tyler. At the close of the lodge the whole of the brethren assembled at the Royal Hotel, where a recherche banquet had been prepared by Host Williams. Bro. J. J. Williams, W.M., presided. At the termination of the banquet a very pleasing ceremony took place- that of presenting the officers and members of St. David's Lodge, No. 2,226, with a beautiful organ. The D.P.G.M., Bro. Captain S. G. Homfray, in a neat little speech on behalf of Mrs Fred. C. Williams, of the Royal Hotel, made the presentation, which was received with acclamation. The organ bears the following inscription on a silver plate:- Presented by Mrs Fred. C. Williams, of the Royal Hotel, Rhymney, to the officers and brethren of the St. David's Lodge of Freemasons, No. 2,226, Rhymney, in commemora- tion of her 21st birthday, and of the year of office of her father-in-law, Bro. J. J. Williams, as Worshipful Master. April 16th, 1891." A most hearty vote of thanks waa accorded Mrs Williams for her kindness and generosity to the brethren of the lodge. The officers present on the occasion were :-Bros. D. F. Pritchard, W.M., P.(;.S.W. of Works Roger W. Jones, I.P.M., P.P.G.S. Board J. J. Williams, S.W., P.G.S.D.; W. Lloyd Marks, S.W.; W. Pritchard, treasurer; Fred. C. Williams, D.W., P.G.St. John Randall, D.C. G. T. Evans, I.G. Giles G. Golding, Ph. against P.P.G.D.; J. Llewellyn and R. Snedulk, stewards; Nicholl Bradlev, Ph. P.P.G.J.W. T. Aish, Tyler: T. JSd wards, T. Acland, B. Rees, T. Thomas, J. H. Phillips, John Powell, J. T. Millett, J. Jones, senr., J. Jones, junr., D. B. Jones, G. H. Randall, J. Aurelius, T. Lewis, E. J. Williams, Daniel Williams, George Seaborne, Lewis L. Fine, T. Bon Yendoll, Sidney J. Phillips, M. Roberts Jones (Barnston), A. H. Stowell, Fred. R. Stone. The following were the visitors in attendance :— Brothers Captain S. G. Homfray, D.P.G.M.; W. Watkins, P.M., 1,573, P.P.G.S.W. John Lewis, P.M., 1,098, P.P.G.S.W. R. A. Forsyth, I.P.M., 683, P.G.D.C. W. H. Richards, W.M., 1,098, P.P.G.St. J. P. Fowler, P.M., 1,098, P.P.G., Spt. Works; James Gicur, P.M., P.P.G.P.; C. Lloyd Phillips, P.M., 1,098, P.P.G.A.D.C. Benjamin Phillips, S.W., 1,098 D. L. Davies, S.D., 1,098 W. North, J.D., 1,098; James Johnston, D.C., 1,098; R. H. Spencer, St., 1,098; W. Griffith, 1,098; D. W. Havard, 1,098; Carl A. G. Vergin, 1,098; James Samuel, 1,098 G. Deane Burdett, P.M., 1,098 J. E. Webb, 1,098; G. F. Harris, P.M., 110, P.P.G.D.C. S. Sandbrook, P.M., 110, P.G.P. Duncan McDonald, J.W., 110; J. S. Jones, 110; G. Hazell, S.W., 1,429, P.P.G.P.; D. E. Davies, 1,429; George Senior, 1,429; W. Collett, 1,429; L. Rogers, 683; R. A. Carr, 683; J. H. Taylor, 36 J.P.M, 1,573, P.P.G.S.B. H. V. Trump.

MISCELLANEOUS ENTERTAIN- MENT AT CADOXTON-BARRY, An enjoyable entertainment of a musical and liter- ary character was held on Wednesday evening last at the Wesleyan Chapel, Cadoxton-Barry, under the presidency of Mr L. W. Jones, manager of the South Wales Union Bank, Cadoxton. The sacred edifice was well filled on the occasion, and the programme was gone through in a very efficient manner, the. general result reflecting credit upon all concerned. A special word of praise, however, is due to Mrs Lewis, Hendrewen Villa, for her valuable and energetic services in promoting the success of the entertainment, and the hearty vote of thanks accorded that lady at the close of the proceedings was a well-deserved one. A similar compliment was bestowed upon the chairman. The proceeds were for the benefit of the funds of the "church. The following was the programme :— PART 1. X Pianoforte soio miss warn Song—"Sailinsr"_ Mr P. Wesley Jones Song-" Merry Zingara" Miss Cissie Lougher Duet-" Y ddau Lowr Messrs James and Evans Recitation-" Bells of Innisfare .Miss Foster Song-" The Postman" Miss J. Lougher Pianoforte solo Miss Lewis Duet-" Howell and Blodwen Mr R. Lougher and Miss Lougher. Duet-" Higgle-de-Piggledy" Misses Ward and Jones Song—" Bonny Mary Lee (encored) Mr J. Michael PART 2. Pianoforte Duet Misses Lewis and Ward Song—" Mi gollais y tren Mr Evans Recitation—"The choir and the bonnet Miss S. A. Jones Duet-" The old bachelor Mr J. Michael Song—" Have you seen my dolly?" Miss Nellie Howe Recitation—"Voiceless chimes'" Miss Foster Duet—" Mj'upretty Page Mr Lougher and Miss J. Lousrher Song—" Y Widw fach lan Mr P. Wesley Jones Song—"Tit for tat Miss Cassie Lougher Finale "God save the Queen." The accompanists were Miss Lewis (East Barry), Mr T. Davies and Miss Ward (Cadoxton.)

INTERESTING PRESENTATION AT EAST BARRY. An interesting presentation ceremony took place at the Barry Hotel, East Barry, on Wednesday evening last, whep Mr G. H. Taylor, stationmaster at Barry Dock, was the recipient of a handsome dining room clock in honour of his recent marriage. Mr W. R. Lowe presided, and the presentation was made by Mr Patrick Harley, stationmaster at Barry, who made a few remarks highly befitting the occasion. Amongst those present at the meeting were Messrs H. Richards, J. Haywood (guard), A. Mason, W. Reynolds, T. Wallcc-r, I. Griffiths, G. Baker, and J. Grant, all present expressing hearty wishes for the happiness of Mr and Mrs Taylor, and trusted they would value the clock as long as they lived as a mark of the esteem in which they are neld by the em- ployees oT the Barry Railway Company.—Mr Taylor, in responding, thanked the subscribers generally for their handsome gift, and said he felt it was more than either he expected or deserved. At the same time he hoped to merit their good feeling. (Cheers.)—Messrs Haywood, Reynolds, Richards, and others having spoken, the health of Mr and Mrs Taylor was drank with enthusiasm.—Songs and recitations followed by Messrs Reynold*, Mason, Grant, &c.—The proceed- ings throughout were very pleasant, and afforded a gratifying indication of the harmony which exists between the employees of the Barry Company. 1

OUR VARIETY COLUMN. WOODSTOCK BYE-ELECTION.—The result of the election for Mid-Oxfordshire was declared on Wednesday afternoon last as follows :—Mr G. H. Morrell (C.), 4,448; Mr G. R. Benson (G.), 3,760. Conservative majority 688. MR STANLEY IN SOUTH WALES.—Mr H. M. Stanley arrived off Queenstown on Wednesday last in the Inman steamer City of New York, and afterwards proceeded for Liverpool. He arrived at Neath yesterday. THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BARRY COMPANY.—We are pleased to be able to announce that the Lord-Lieutenant of the County (Lord Windsor) has promised to give an annual subscription of j325 to the Glamorganshire Rifle Association. MIDNIGHT MARRIAGES.—The minister of the parish church at Campbelton complains that his people call him out at peculiar hours of the night-time to celebrate marriages. He has often officiated at midnight, and, of 117 marriages which he has celebrated in the town, 29 took place before six o'clock in the morning. PLACES OF WORSHIP ENFRANCHISEMENT BILL. -In the House of Commons on Wednesday after- noon last, Mr S. T. Evans (G., Glamorgan M.) carried the second reading of his Bill for purchas- ing the leaseholds of places of worship by 218 votes to 110. THE AMERICAN CONSULATE AT CARDIFF.— Major E. Rowland Jones has resigned the position of United States Consul at Cardiff, and rumours are revived as to the probability of his being in- duced to consent one of the Welsh constituencies for a seat in Parliament. WHICH WAS THE BLACKEST, THE POT OR K ETTLE ?-A poor boy has just been had up before t !:e Folkestone magistrates for using bad language in the street. The magistrate (Colonel de Cre- spigney) told the lad he ought to be "devilish well flogged," and fined him 19s, or six days' im- prisonment. THE SALVATION ARMY HOME COLONY.-General Booth has paid £10,000 for the Hadleigh Farms, near Southend, which are to form the nucleus his home colony. The estate contains the fine old ruin of Hadleigh Castle, which is the subject of one of Constable's most celebrated paintings. We hope that the General will religiously preserve this interesting relic of baronial England. It is the most picturesque object on the northern shore of the estuary of the Thames. HANDSOME BEQUEST TO A DESERVING CAUSE.— The late Mr Elizabeth Orr Bell, widow of Mr David Bell, of Craigmore and Blackhall, who died at Blythswood-square, Glasgow, on the 12th in- stant, has devised and bequeathed the whole of her means and estates, after payment of certain legacies, to General Booth on behalf of the work of the Salvation Army. The amount falling to the General is fromJB60,000 to £ 80,000. HONOUR TO A WELSH MINISTER.—The Rev. T. Eynon Davies, the popular pastor of Finsbury Park Congregational Chapel, London, and a native of Cardigan, has just been offered the pastorate of the largest Congregational Chapel in Scotland, that of Glasgow, the salary offered being over £ 1,000 per annum. The rev. gentlemen has de- clined the offer, but will preach at the Scotland Chapel in the course of the preseut year. THE KNOCK ME DOWN TENDENCIES OF WHISKY, WINE, AND BEER.—Dr L. Brunton has reminded a Parliamentary Committee of experi- ments which have shown that intoxication by beer or wine makes a man fall on his side, while whisky has a tendency to bring him prone on his face, and cider or perry, taken in overdose, throws him prostrate on it is back. PROSPECTS OF A DISSOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT.— In Ministerial circles the belief in a dissolution in the autumn is growing. The position will then be unusually favourable. The Government will have accomplished all their more difficult work in con- nection with Ireland, and they would be able to go to the country on a programme of moderate and rational social reform. FICTITIOUS MONEY ORDERS IN CIRCULATION.—-It has been notified that fictitious money orders are in circulation, headed Brighton, Sussex, C.O., No. 3,799. To these are now adedd others headed Watford, Herts, C.O., No. 1,536; «nd, no doubt, further additions will be made. Tnadesmert and others should, therefore, be on their guard as to money orders tendered for payment of goods. THE GREAT WESTERN'S GIGANTIC RAILWAY PROJECT. -The great work of altering their broad guage to narrow guate will be carried out by the Great Western Railway Company in May, 1892. They are aheady making provision for the event by the alte: ntionsin their rolling stock and the conversion of many engines at the Swindon Works. It will be a costly undertaking, though attendant wi h enormous results. The outlay is estimated at £ 2,000,000. MINERS FINED FOR GOING ON STRIKE.—At Wakefield on Thursday week last 550 miners, em- ployed at Park Hills Colliery, were summoned for leaving work without giving notice, because one of the engine men was incompetent. After a con- sultation, it was agreed that the men should pay JB100 for compensation, and JB40 costs, and that byegones should be considered byegones by all parties concerned. THE NUMERICAL STRENGTH OF WESLEYAN METHODISM.—The following completed returns of the census of Wesleyan Methodism were made on Thursday last :—Membership in Great Britain, 424,303 on trial for membership, 28,095 young persons in junior classes, 62,416. The net con- nexional increase is 686. The totals foi South Wales are as follow :—Cardiff and Swansea dis- trict membership, 10,887 on trial, 672 junior classes, 1,644, or a net increase of 424. South Wales district membership, 4,693 on trial, 683 junior classes, 812 a nett increase of 55. North Wales district (which by some peculiar arrange- ment, includes Stockton-on-Tees) membership, 13,451 on trial, 1,572 junior classes, 2,611, or a nett decrease of 23. The Bristol district shows the following results :—Membership, 9,117 on trial, 470 junior classes, 884.

BARRY AND CADOXTON DIS- TRICT CRICKET CLUB. COMPLETE LIST OF MATCHES FOR THE SEASON. Date. Club. Where played. May 9th-Cardiff Conservative Working Men's— [Cadoxton. 16th—Cardiff 2nd Cadoxton. 23rd-St. Mary's Cardiff. 30th—Rhymney Cadoxton. June 6th—Penarth Penarth. 13th- Mackintosh. Cadoxtou. 20th-St. Paul's Cardiff. 27th—Cardiff University.Cadoxton. July 4th—Mackintosh Cardiff. „ 11th-St. Paul's Cadoxton. 25th-Cardiff University Cardiff. Aug. lst-Taff Vale Cardiff. 3rd—Rhymney Rhymney. 8th- Penarth" Cad ox ton. 15th-St. Maryis Cadoxton. 22nd—Taff Vale Cadoxton. 29th—Cardiff Conservative Working Men's— [Cardiff. Sept. 5th.-Cardiff 2nd Cardiff.

VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE. No. 11 BATTERY. 2ND GLAMORGAN ARTILLERY VOLUX, TEERS' BATTERY ORDERS. Cadoxton-Barry, A/iril 17, 1S01. Parades for the ensuing week as under — Monday, klYth— Uarbine Drill tor recruits. Tuesday, 28th—Gun Drill. Wednesday, 29th-Gun Drill for Recruits. Thursday, 30th-Carbine Drill Friday, May lst-Gun Drill. Hours of Parade, 7.30 to 8.30 p.m. All Tunics are to be returned to store at once for alteration to new pattern. Carbines will be issued during this week. By order, (Signed), J. JUST XIANDCOCK, Captain, Commanding Battery.

OUR PULPIT SKETCH LAST WEEK. In the pulpit sketch published in the Barrii Dock News last week an error occurred. The first three lines in the second column of the sketch should have been placed at the bottom of the column and not at the top.

THE WANT OF A POSTAL SER- VICE AT MOULTON, LLANCARFAN. IMPORTANT LETTERS FROM MR A. J. WILLIAMS, M.P., AND THE GENERAL POST OFFICE. PROHIBITIVE OFFER BY THE AUTHORITIES. THE INHABITANTS OF THE DISTRICT ARE JUSTLY INDIGNANT. The following letters have jast been received from Mr Arthur J. Williams, M.P., and the General Post Office with reference to the recent application for a postal delivery in the village of Moulton, in the parish of Llancarfan, and the arbitrary conditions laid down by the Postmaster General in his reply have been received by the inhabitants generally with feelings of justifiable indignation and disappointment:— House of Commons Library, April 10, 1891. Dear Edward John,—In December last I forwarded an application from the residents at Moulton for & postal delivery. I have just received the enclosed reply, but as I don't know whom to send it to, as the letter requesting me to make the application is at Coedym.vstwr, will you let them know the contents of the letter? I think the attitude taken by the Post Office is most unreasonable. It is a great department which is making a va-t profit, and the refusal to afford facilities of any kind in rural districts unless & guarantee of wdrking expenses is given, is both im- politic and unjust. I shall be glad to hear whether they would like me to say this. I certainly shall bring the matter up if I have a chance on the post office estimates. Very truly yours, (Signed) ARTHUR J. WILLIAMS. General Post Office, London, 9th April, 1891. Sir,-Referring to your letter of the 3rd of Decem- ber last, applying, on behalf of the village of Moul- ton, near Llancarfan, for the establishment of a postal delivery in the district, I am directed by the Postmaster General to inform you that very careful enquiry has been made on the subject, but it appears that the expenditure which would necessarily be involved in providing a service as desired would be out of all proportion to the revenue from the very limited amount of correspondence which would benefit, and it is regretted that no arrangements are practicable in the direction indicated at the sole cost of the Department. In the event, however, of any person interested being prepared to enter into a guarantee to pay the difference between revenue and expenditure further enquiry shall be made with the view, if possible, of meeting the wishes expressed by the residents in the matter. The amount of the guarantee would depend upon the frequency of the service, and the extent of the district which would be included in the delivery. It is estimated that a delivery on three days a week for Moulton, and the district around Llancarfan, now unserved, would cost about jE19 a year, while the revenue from the letters would amount to about 29 only. The guarantee, therefere, required under such circumstances would probably amount to not less than jElOayear. It should be added that in the event of a guarantee being provided, the payment due under it for thte year should be made in advance in accordance with the practice usually followed. Should the correspondence increase credit would be allowed for such increase in computing the amount to be contributed for the second year, and so on. I have the honour to be, sir, Your obedient servant, (Signed) EDWARD GELIX Arthur J. Williams, Esq., M.P.

SOCIAL GATHERING OF UNIONISTS AT HOLTON (BARRY "T > DOCK.) Xfft. INAUGURAL DINNER OF THE BARRY BRANCH. ,11, ADDRESS BY MR. R. BRIDCUT, CARDIFF. The inaugural dinner connected with the Barry Branch of the Unionists' Association, was held oa Wednesday evening last at the Branch Rooms, Hol- ton-road, under the presidency of Mr C. A. Mison, of Cardiff, who was supported by Mr R. Bridcut, the Conservative Agent at Cardiff, Messrs Baker, Bosley, Langley, T. W. Jopes, J. Randall, Penarth G. W. Mortimer, Holton Griffin, Cadoxton W. Sutton, R. Miller, Macleod, W. Collins, and F. Timlett, Car- diff together with about sixty members of the new branch, which has just been formed by Mr James Jeffreys, of Arcot-street, Penarth, having in view as its main objects the enlightenment of working-men upon social and political subjects. The dining tables' had been very prettily arranged for the occasion, and the repast was thoroughly enjoyed by the company. After dinner the Chairman, in the course of an. address, spoke of the objects of the association, and said that the branch at Barry Dock (already number- ing nearly 250 members) had every prospect of be- coming a very strong and influential one. He them proceeded to strongly condemn the practice of gambling amongst members, and said that although game rooms would be provided, he trusted the managers would neverpermit gambling on the premises. (Hear, hear.) The members should have in view the object of making the branch a credit to the neighbourhood, and said that any profits which would accrue from the receipts would be disposed of, either by means of a dividend amongst the members, or by the distribu- tion of a sick allowancein case of necessity. (Cheers.) A convivial programme was then gone through, and songs were contributed, amongst others, by Messrs. J. W. Jones, E. Gee, T. H. Thomas, J. Grav, &c. During the evening Mr R. Bridcut was called upon to deliver an address, and on rising was received with great applause. He said that was the second occasion on which he had visited the Barry district. He first visited Barry about eighteen months ago, when it was merely a village, but now it was a great commercial town and port, working hand in hand with the sister port of Cardiff. He felt convinced that associations of this description tended materially to create in reality that union of hearts so necessary and beneficial to the common weal of their common country. (Cheers.) The electors of the country would soon be called upon to engage in a great fight between unionism and the foe of disintegration and dissension. The union of working-men \Va., tTery desirable in the present day, and he believed the present Government had contributed more towards bringing about a pros- perous state of things than. any other Government during the present century. The main object of the politics and statesmanship of Lord Salisbury and his Government was to confer the greatest good upon the greatest number, and always had in view the desira- bility of legislating for the just demands of the work- ing-classes. (Applause.) At the forthcoming general election it would be their duty as intelligent and reasoning working-men to consider, first of all, what were the elements of good government, and, secondly, whether the members of the present Government had discharged their duties in accordance with the princi- ples thus involved, the cardinal points of which were peace abroad, prosperity at home, reduced' taxation, and healthy reform to all, especially to the industrial classes. (Cheers.) He would invite his hearers to consider whether such forms of government had been secured to the country in the past five years. During this period, he poi.ited out, the country had enjoyed pure and unalloyed peace and unexampled commer- cial prosperity. He claimed, therefore, for the Con- servative and Unionist party that they had at least been a progressive party. Mr Bridcut went on to refer to the valuable services rendered to the country during the past five years by such eminent statesmen as the late Mr John Bright, Mr Joseph Chamberlain, Lord Hartington, Sir Henry James, and other mem- bers of the L nionist party, who had earned for them- selves immortal fame as patterns of true patriots, having proved faithful to the Conservative Govern- ment during the entire period ever since the alliance commenced. The splendid statesmanship which the present Government had displayed had, Mr Bridcut added, established a feeling of confidence towards England by all continental nations it had given the British working-men regular work, increased wages, and general improvement in the conditions of labour. (Applause.) The policy taken up by Lord Salisbury had also tended tonarrow the gulf between capitaland labour,land he considered that such a Government was justly entitled to the confidence and support of the country at large. In these circumstances he would ask all working-men to give their support at the forth- coming general election to those parties which repre- sented the constitutional and unionist principles of British politics. (Loud applause.)