South Wales Daily News

FERNDALE AND THE SUSPENSORY BILL. TO TTIP EDITOR. SIR,—I find by your this morning's issue that a letter has been sent from Lord Salisbury to his friend, the future (?) member for the a Division, thanking him for sending a resolution parsed at a public meeting held in this place, in which he says, "I have received the energetic protest of the Church and Nonconformist Unionists in the Rhondda Valley with great satisfaction." Will Mr Littlejohns inform the in- habitants of Ferndale where this important public meeting was held how many were present from the Rhondda Valley proper, as I presume from his lordship's letter he takes it as coining from a very populous district swarming with Church and Nonconformist Unionists." The resolution, if I remember rightly, stated the Church repre- sented 22.000 inhabitants in the Rhondda Vach Valley. Will Mr Littlejohns inf orin us how many of the 22,000 were represented at the meet- ing, and if a public meeting were called in the usual manner? Will he inform his lordship his candid opinion as to the result ? The little band of Conservatives at Ferndale will soon find the strength of their opponents if the future member intend sending any more foolish letters to his lordship.— I am, &c., March 13. LIBERAL NONCON.

THE UNIVERSITY FOR WALES. VIEWS OF MR T. E. ELLIS. M.P. A VINDICATION OF THE DRAFT CHARTER. SOME SUGGESTIVE OBSERVATIONS. [BY OUR LONDON WELSH CORRESPONpENT,) The fight around the draft charter is becoming more and more interesting. As yet the Welsh party in Parliament have not come to any clear understanding on the points in dispute. Mr Thomas Eilis, who was a member of the Shrews- bury Conference,is a keen upholder of the charter, and his views on the subject will, I feel convinced, throw much light on the subject. He readily gave me an interview, and this IS what transpired. As one who has been more or less conversant with the development of the Welsh educational system, you are no doubt, Mr Ellis, keenly interested in the controversy over the formation of the University for Wales ?" "Yes, was the reply, "I am very mudh interested. I have always strongly advocated the necessity of completing the University, and have attended most closely to the various conferences and discussions on the subject." You say 'completirg ?' Yes, completing, for the first real step towards the formation of the University of Wains was taken when the Aberystwyth University Colh-ge was established in 1872. Most Welshmen then interested in the development of Welsh higher education firmly hoped that Aberystwyth would become the one centre of higher education, and ultimately become the University. The prospect of its becoming the University largely exp'ains the marvellous and touching devotion and sacrifice of the people on its behalf." "Was not a mistake made in not adhering to that idea?" A SINGLE CKNTEE DIPOSSTBLE. "illtieli as one should desire a single University centre in Wales, the facts and circumstances of the situation have made that impossible. In ad- dressing the students at Aberystwyth, in 1887, on Welsh National Unity, I pointed out that the vast commercial and industrial interest of Wales was in the extreme South and the extreme North, and when Lord Aberdare's Committee visited Wales it was seen not alone from the fact that there were only 57 students at Aberystwyth, but from the very commercial a.nd industrial geography of Wales that it was inevitable that both South and North Wales should have a centr,, of higher education. It is now idle to spend time in vain regrets. The salient fact of the situation is that whereas tho one University College at Aberystwyth had 57 students in 1881, the three University colleges have now 650. Three centres of University edu- cation being thus established, the strengthening instinct for Welsh umty found vent in the demand for a University for Wales." Has the country recogisned that the Univer- sity for Wales was in reality being formed and developed by the establishment of the Umversity College ?" Yes, most decidedly. The subscriptions given towards these colleges, the popular interest evinced in their progress, the care taken to make their government thoroughly representative and popular, these arc evidences of the people's instinct as to the thoroughly national character and purpose cf these colleges. But beyond all, it is noteworthy that the three great denominations of Wales gave their assent to this principle by making all arrangements to get their theological students educated in Arts at the national centres. Over and above this there came the demand from Welsh educationists (I for making the University Colleges, the training colleges for the primary schoolmasters of Wales. In 1387 I strongly pressed this view upon Sir William Hart-Dyke and the Education Depart- ment-a view which was advocated with admir- able clearness by Mr Lewis Williams and other witnesses before Lord Cross's Elementary Educa- tion Commission. Since then Aberystwyth and Cardiff have been made Day Training Colleges. The Carnarvon Training College has been're- moved to Bangor, and we are in a fair way of having the primary schoolmasters of Wales trained where the ministers, lawyers, doctors, and the young men and women of Wales I generally receive the highest education that Wales can give. Thus the events of the last 20 years seem to me to point out clearly and unmis- t&koably to tho making of these colleges con- stituent and integral parts of a Wel«<Ii University." THE THKOLOGICAL COLLEGES. "Then you do not advocate the placing of the other Welsh colleges as constituent parts of the University No, on many grounds. Splendid as have been their services In many ways to Wales, still one must recognise first of all that the theological colleges are entirely denominational. They have unrepresentative popular sanction, and by their own initiative thf'y are glad to divest themselves of the task of giving instruction in arts and sciences, and aim at becoming in reality vvell- equipped theological colleges, to train their young ministers who have already graduated after a course of study with their fellow-countrymen in the national centres of higher education." "But what about the training colleges ?" Personally, I consider that the establishment of day training colleges is one of the best, if not tho best, of the educational reforms of our time. I have always thought it most deplorable that'primary schoolmasters—in many repects the most public officers in the country— should have to go through so limited and restricted a liberal education as that now given in training colleges, where pupil-teachers meet only pupil-teachers for two years, and are then sent to towns and villages to undertake the education of young children and more pupil-teachers. Now, they will have the most efficient and liberal training which Wales can give to its most favoured son or daughter at the national centres of higher education. Having graduated in Arts or Science at these centres, I hope that Govern- n:ent will provide that primary schoolmasters should be trained for a third year in the art and method of education." "But what about the college at Lampeter, which still adheres to the giving of au Arts courso ?" "I am quite willing to recognise fully the services rendered by Lampeter to the Church of England in Wales, but it is essentially a denominational college, established ajid main- tained to educate Church of England clergymen. The £ 1,600 which it draws from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, the sectarian tests which it imposes, its complete absence of any representa- tive government, and its very powers of granting degrees, are anomalies at the best, and to the majoritiy of the Wel.sh psople nothing less than an offence. My view has always been that the present position of Lampeter cannot well be changed until the question of Disestablishment is settled. To accept the claim made by Lam- peter to be placed on an equality with the national cclleges is completely out of the quea- tion, and would be angrily scouted by the vast majority of the Welsh people. Lampeter and its degrea should, therefore, be left severely alone until Disestablishment is attained. The whole position can then be considered apart from the very strong political considerations which must enter into any discussion of the position during the Disestablishment struggle." PRINCIPLE O? THE DRAFT CHARTER. Does the draft charier embody the principle that the work to be now done is the completion of tho University by Royal Charter through the union of the three National University Colleges?" Precisely so, with the additional sruarantee secured by a strong infusicn of the popular repre- sentative element in the University Court, the supreme governing body of the proposed Univer- sity." CONSTITUTION OF THE UNIVERSITY COURT. I Are you satisfied with the constitution of the University Court as it is stated in ttis draft charter Yes, certainly I believe it is far the best among the various proposals put forward. Its aim is to secure the set v LC" of the 100 best men in Wales for the government of the highest educational institution in Wales. Some of the more reckless and slapdash critics of the draft charter assert constantly that this body will have no power, and will be so unwieldy that it cannot transact its business in a businesslike fashion. I refuse to believe anything of the sort. The task which is entrusted of guiding the highest development of Welsh education, the management of the finances which will be entrusted to its charge, the intelligent enthusiasm of Welshmen fcr education, and the thoroughly representative character of the body— it is the most democratic body ever proposed for the srovarnni'-nt of a University-will, without a doubt, make it a thoroughly powerful and businesslike body. After much consideration I spoke and voted in Shrewsbury against forming an Executive Council of the Court in the charter in order to make doubly sure the certainty that the Court should be in reality, and always the real governing body of the University. By the charter the Court must at once take steps to carry on its executive business. It. will probably appoint several Ex cutive Committees, just as the County Council of London or Glamorgan—both of which bodies arto larger than the proposed Court—have their working committees,butkeep in their own hands the real coatrol and the real power. Personally, I do not ties ire that the Court of the University should be like the Coiirt ot Govet-ncrs of the University College, which devolves all its more important executive functions upon the Council, but rather that it should remain like the County Councils to which I have referred—-the supreme aducational parliament, for Wales. I see that a representation of 26 is given to the Welsh County Councils in the chatter, whilst Dr R. D. Roberts proposes in his scheme that they should ¡ be represented by oulv 16. Would not that hava S been the better plan i" PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION. "No, it would be ridiculous if the County I Councils of Wales, as Dr Roberts proposes, were invited to contribute towards the expenses of the University, that Radnorshire, with its 22,000 people and its very small ratable value, should have the same representation on the University í-Court as the county of Glamorg-an, with its half a million population, and its enormous and constantly increasing ratable value. Huch a proposition is absolutely impossible. The proposal of the Shrewsbury Conference-that 26 be appointed—was v.-ry fully considered, is generally accepted by the County Couucils, and it formed the basis for the size and constitution of the University Court. To give to the Court of Governors, the Council, and the Senate of each University College two representatives, each making a total of 36, is, I think, not one too many, and I strongly advocated that the inter- mediate and primary schoolmasters of Wales should have an efficient representation upon the Court. To give to the Crown—i.e., to the Minister of Education for the time being—13 and the Guild of Graduates another 13 is thoroughly reasonable. To a Court thus constituted I believe Wales will willingly trust the government of its University. Dr Roberts' proposed Court would uproot and destroy the present government of each University College, and would arrogate to itself the government net alone of the University, but of eacii individual University College as wel), and I cannot believo that Wales desires such a reversion of its educational policy." PLEA FOS A TEACHING UNIVERSITY. All this implies that you are strongly for a teaching university as against an examining university." "Certainly. Dr Roberts and Principal Owen, who opposed the Shrewsbury draft charter, are also hostile to an examining university, and so far as I know, Professor Evans, of Carmarthen, Mr Bryn Roberts, and Mr Divid A. Thomas. who support an examining university, ure practically alone among prominent advocates of such a pro- posal. They must feel that it is practically hope- less to secure from the Privy Council a university I of this kind, that for the purposes of meru ex- amination the London University does the work as well as it can be done, and that Wales has no case m asking for a mere examining university side by side with that of London." Do you, then, advocate residence at the university colleges as a. condition of granting degrees ? Yes, I believe in establishing many inter- mediate schools, evening classes, and a universIty extension system of teaching, so as to afford all possible local meane of education and culture, but I believe profoundly in the wisdem of making it a cardinal feature of our educational policy tc equip the national co leges by every possible means in our power, by the increase of professors, teachers, demonstrators, :lJ..>p;lratus,b.bomtcrle, and all the requisites of the highest education in arts and science, and there to draw all classes of our countrymen, the future ministers, schoolmasters, professional men, business men, and the indus- trialists of Wales. The common cnlleg-e life is in itself an inspiring, incentive, and educational training, there brmging together all classes into contact with one another, and the best teachers Wales can afford is, I venture to think, one of the highest aims of our educational work. I think it is fatuous to raise the cry that the three University Colleges—the only three really national institu- tions in Wales—are something apart from the people of Wales, for assuredly they represent Wales in its highest educational endeavour, and by strengthening and equipping them Wales is doing the very best for its educational future. Residence at an active educational University centre has already done great service for indi- vidual Welshmen and for Wales. Take the case of three former primary schoolmasters in Wales— Professor Rhys, Professor Henry Jones, and Principal Owen Prys. These, three, while labour- ing in Welsh villages, worked and saved so as to secure residential teaching at Oxford, Glasgow, and Cambridge. They took the highest Univer- sity honours, and they are now respectively Celtic Professor at Oxford, Professor of Moral Philosophy at St. Andrew's, and Principal of one of the Welsh Theological Colleges and leader of Welsh religious thought and activity. The denominations, by removing their students and their Colleges to the University College centres, were, it seems to Irle, on the right lines, and the Shrewsbury Conference by the charter only con- firms this tendency." POOR STUDENTS. But are there not many poor students who would be unable to attain the residential qualifica- tion Not so many, I think, as would render it necessary to twist the whole character of a University for Wales, or to risk the very possibility of securing a charter. The two classes most likely to bring out men of this class anxious for a degree'are ministers and school- masters. but by the very removal of the denomi- national colleges to the University College towns, and by the establishment of a day training colleges at Aberystwyth, Bangor, and Carditi both of these classes will at once reside for the necessary terms at a University College." But what about the actual students now at work, and who cannot go to the University Colleges ? "With regard to them I should say that they are few who are likely to go beyond matricula- tion, for when engaged in other work, and especially when married, the number of such aspirants for a degree is not likely to be very great, and iu their own interest aiid tho* of Wales I think the right policy is by scholarships, to place every inducement in the way c such students to secure similar advantages to those aiuv-d at and obtained by Professor Rhy?, Professor Henry Jones, and Principal Prys. A propoaal has been made that for a number of year?, say five, the University Colleges should have power to grant degrees to students other than those who have resided at a constituent I College. In his original proposal for a charter, Dr Isambard Owen made such a proposition, and it naturally commands sympathy. I think the acceptance or the refusal of such a prop3a! ought not to wreck a well-considered and thoroughly discussed draft charter, but I candidly admit I should prefer that we should adhere to the idea, of a residential teaching University from the very start, and that by further endowment and strengthening of the three University Col- leges their scholarship list should be extended so as to take away if possible every obstacle from the way of the struggling student anxious for a Welsh degree." A FKDERATION OF COLLEGES H But dOBS not the draft charter tend to form three Universities ?" "I think not. I believe the Court will be powerful and will make that impossible. The University of Oxford is a Federation of about 25 colleges, all situated within a quarter of a mile of Carfax. Each college is self-govern- ing, while the governing body of the University can meet quickly and often to decide upon plans of study and degtee requirements. Bat Oxford is a federation mainly for the rich. The Victoria University is a federation of three colleges, situated at about two hours' travelling distance from one another. The Conference obtained full information with regard to the difficulties inci- dent to that more democratic typo of a University, and in discussing a. charter for Wales took full note of the fact that the three University Collcgts of Wales are situate at dIstances which take the greater part of a working day to cover. The Conference, therefore, in order to avoid constant and heavy travelling, made guarded provision for greater elasticity with regard to the plans of study required for a degree. The enemies ot the draft charter have fastened with vulpine vigour on these provisions, but the plans of study proposed by each College, must first be sanctioned by the Senate of the University and then by the University Court, which is bound by charter to exercise due care and vigilance in making the plans of study and requirements for a degree equivalent. This is what obtains as ?. matter of course in the honours t degree in modern history and in science at Oxford. Students are examined in different periods of history and in different branches of science for the same degrae, Out the examiners are trusted to secure an equivalence of knowledge and capacity for the various classes. I think it well that the teachers should have a share in the examination of their students, but the charter t provides that no degree can be given except by examiners, half of whom are appointed from out- side the University, and I agree that the external examiners should be the same for all the Colleges. I believe, therefore, that there is every guarantee for the strengthening and the real unity of a Uni- versity for Wales." "What is your view of the prospects of the Draft Charter ?" "The Government has shown its anxiety to deal favourably and promptly with the Welsh University question by the appointment of Mr Owen Edwards as special commissioner. This report is in their hand", and they are awaiting the presentation by Wales of its proposals for a University. I take it that they ar" anxious to give Wales in this matter effective Home Rule, and I believe the work will be done and the charter obtained when Wales is fairly agreed npon It. The Draft Charter of the Shrewsbury Conference has been subinitted to all the County Councils of Wales and to the Joint Education Conference, and is being vigorously discussed by Welshmen everywhere. As against all other proposals made, it has stood the test of severe and relentless criticism very well, and it can be said of it with quite as much truth as it was said of Mr Gladstone's Home Rule Scheme that it still holds the field f

THE GRAND NATIONAL. On the occasion of the Grand National Steeple- chase, at Liverpool, which will be run on Friday, March 24th, the London and North Western Railway Company propose issuing on Thursday, March 23rd, cheap two or three-day excursion tickets from Swansea, Llanelly, Pembroke, Car- marthen, Cardiff, Pontypridd, Merthyr, New- port, Pontypool Road, Abergavenny, etc. On Friday, March 24th, a cheap one-day excursion by express train will be run to Liverpool from Newport, Merthyr, Tredegar, Ebbw Vale. Hereford, Leominster. Ludlow, and other stations. We would ref.r our readers for full in- formation to our advertisement columns.

A FIELD OF HORRORS IN THE RHONDDA. BARB ARITIES OF RABBIT COURSING. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,—As I was driving up the valley from Porth on Saturday evening my attention was attracted by the yells and howls of dogs in the distance. In a few minutes the driver of the con- veyance remarked that there was rabbit coursing in afield farther on. We halted opposite to the ground hedged off at the foot of the slope from the road, and known as the Partridge Field." I had never before witnessed a rabbit coursing match, but I had often heard it described as a diabolical diversion: In the uppermost part of the enclosure, where a sort of grand stand" was situated, a concourse of spectators stood evidently enjoying the barbarities perpetrated there. About 40 or 50 greyhounds wera ranged in a line within a c(JUIÚ" of yards in front of the spectators, each animal being held by its owner. The dugs were very restless, and now and again broke forth a chorus of yells and growls. Behind this grouji of spectators were a couple of L'oxej containing rabbits which had been imported into t the district from Carmarthenshire or some other agricultural district in Wales. A ruffian elbowed through the crowd carrying by the hind legs in his right hand one of the little creatures, which he had taken out of the box. The appearance of the little •animal aroused the natural ferocity of the dogs and made them almost mad. They barked and raved and writhed, and danced about their masters, who obviously experienced great diffi- culty in preventing them breaking off. The modern savage having advanced about 10o I yards into the enclosure turned round, fned the dogs, and whirled the a few times above his head. in order to stimulate their appetite still more. He then proceeded a little further, and liu sooner had he deposited the harmless little crea- ture on the ground than a couple of the grey- hounds bounded after it. There was no chance whatever for the poor little thing to escape. It ran ricrht up to the corner of the hedge, I and as it was making its way alongside of it, eagerly looking for some aperture to oscape, the two greyhounds pounced upon their prey. They seized their little victim, tugged at it ferociously in opposite directions, tearing its limbs to pieces and porions of tho skin away. Two or three of the sportsmen then raced down the field to detach the dogs which ware fiercely contesting for the mangled, bleeding creature. One by one the little animals were conveyed from the boxes into the •nclosure to be tortured and torn and killed to afford amusement to the heartless speotatur3 and gratify the tastes of the cruel, stone-hearted ruffians who actually participated in the diabolical proceed i ngs. I had never before witnessed » spectacle so revolting. It was in this field of horrors that the human dogs displayed, a few weeks ago, their skill of caicriing with their teeth, while their hands were tied last behind their backs, a number of big rats that had been captured in some public- house cellars and culverts in the neighbourhood. Indeed, when I seriously ponder upon some of the characteristic features of sporting societies in the Rhondda. I cannot help concluding that we have in this district a survival of the savagery of prehistoric times. Somo of the Carmarthen, Cardigan, and Pembroke fanners are, no doubt, guilty of aiding and abetting in these heinous amusements of modern barbarians, for they know very we]! the approaching fate of the hundreds of rabbits they despatch from their I farms to various mining districts in South Wales. I have been informed by several railway em- ployees that the little creatures are cruelly ill- treated by the farmers themselves. The little animals 'e packed up closely like sardines. They have no room to budge while they are cooped up. Surely something should be done by Parliament to prevent the outrageous cruelties unnecessarily inflicted upon these innocent animals. Is it not possi ble to prevail upon the landholders who rent their fields tor snch abominable proceedings to refuse the enclosures in future-I am, &c., W. RICHARDS. Treorky, March 13th.

RECENTLY PUBLISHED REPORT of the Histori- cal Manuscripts Commission contains a most interesting digest of the ancient records of the Corporation of Hereford, and seme references to the making and selling of beer, are worth notice. "Ane," Beere," and Metheglen" (a beer made from honey) are frequently mentioned from 1513 to the end of that century. At various time", from 1513 to 1550, persons were indicted for putting hops in ale, there being a law in force against the practice. Little did the magistrates of that time think that in the nineteenth century one of the most paying industries in the county of Hereford would be the growing of this so-culled "pernicious drug," and that the city itself should become famed fur the brewing of a special beer, tho" Golden Sunlight" Ale, whoso excellence and flavour should greatly depend upon the very I pick of Herefordshire hops being used in its brew- mg. Brewed only by Charles Watkins and >on, the Hereford Brewery, and sold by Agents throughout the kingdom. 13401—1190

MONMOUTHSHIRE MINERS AND MR BRACE. A mass meeting of the workmen of the Rose Heyworth and Cwmtillery Collieries was held in the Colliers' Hdl. < -wmtillery, on Monday after- noon, in connection with the Monmouthshire and South Wales Miners' Association. Mr Win. Hurley, of Cwmtillery, occupied the chair, and was supported on the platform by Mr Win. Treharne, treasurer Mr Ben Davies. the Welsh agent; and Mr S. Miles, general secretary. The following resolution was adopted: — "That we, the miners of Ross Heywortn and Cwmtillery Collieries, notwithstanding the fact that we are greatly handicapped by the action of the sliding- scale supporters, still remain loyal to the Miners' Federation of Great Britain, and pledge ourselves to uphold and support the objects and principles of the national organisation." The following resolution was then passed:- That this mass meeting, seeing that Air Abraham, M.P., has decided to entr an action against Mr Brace, the agent to the Association, for slander, and believing that what that gentle- man said was absolutely true, we as members of the Association voluntary support him (and also advise others to do so outside the Association) m defending the said action." Votes of thanks to the chairman and speakers terminated the meet- A meeting at Abevbeeg was held near the colliery on Monday evening, for the purpose of hearing an address from Mr Brace.Mr Brace went very extensively into the whole questions now before the miners of Wales, not forgetting the action that is to be brought against him by Mr Abraham, M.P., for what he was prepared to way wan the truth, the whole truth and nothing Lub the truth. According to arrangement, Messrs Treharne, B. Davies, S. Mills, W. Brace, W Davies, II. Lew's, and others met at the Afcerbeeg Station, and proceeded to Waunatlwydd, where a meeting was arranged to be held in the Iron Chapel. Those gentlemen were met near the station by Messrs Gullick, Rogers, and others, and pro- ceeded to the place of meeting, when Mr Samuel Mills, general secretary, was unanimously voted to the chair. The meeting being opened, Me Ben Davies was called upon to g-Ie an address on organisation. A similar resolution to that which WM adopted at Porth on Saturday and at Cwm- tillery that afternoon, with regard to the slander case between Messrs Abraham and Brace, was proposed by Mr Gullick and supported by Mr Brace, who said the report of his speech was per- fectly correct, and he would abide bv It oome what may. All he wanted was a free Press and a free platform. being obtained, they, as the National Federationists, need not fear the result. —Votes of thunks to the chairman and speakers closed the proceeedings. The meeting was well attended.

COLLIERY STOPPAGES AT ABERCARN AND hlSCA, As a result of the present depression in the coal trade operations have been stopped in the new seam at the Prince of Wales Colliery, Aber- carn, and 150 men are thrown out of employ- ment. A similar number have received notice at the Risca Colliery of the came company.

THE OUTBREAK OF SMALL- POX. A CASE AT MERTHYR. A case of small-pox has occurred at Merthyr. The patient is a young Scotchman named Robert McDonald. It appears that he originally came from Glasgow to Newcastle, after which he made his way to South Wales. A short time since lie was committed to Swansea Gaol, and upon being released he tramped to Resolven and other places. He reached Pontlottyn a day or two since, and yesterday he came on to Merthyr, where one of the relieving officers gave him a note of admission to the Workhouse In fir maty. Here the nurse noticed a rash upon him, and Dr Maguire, assistant to Dr Ward, the house surgeon, upon examining the man, pronounced him to be suffering from small-pox. This opinion was con- firmed by Dr V- ard, and Mr Owen, the Sanitary Inspector, being communicated with, mfasmes were promptly taken to isolate the case aud reduce the chances of p spread of the contagion. The man was removed to the Brecon-road Fever Hospital, and all his apparel was destroyed by fire. A nurse from Bristol is expected specially to attend to the case, and it is believed there is no likelihood of the malady spreading locally, as the man was only in the town a short time before he was admitted to the Union.

THE DIVINING ROD. TO THIS KDITOIT. Sin,—I see in your issue of to-day a letter from Aqua asking for information respecting the use of the divining rod, an illustration of which he has just witnessed. The subject is certainly one which falls under the head of superstition rather than science, for no one amongst scientific circles has definitely accepted the results of a diviner in their fulness. Two thing must be rCllwm bered. Some rocks, especially g'r,1Vt> and sands, wil yield water almost anvwhere under certain circumsi ancees— —— such as the presence of a thin bed of clay, which, if it is irregular, may cause a bore to be successful in one place, and a short distance away to prove the absence of water. Again, diviners are usually persons of common- sense, and it is strange, if they possess such an extraordinary power at all why they should object to be blindfolded. Yet, in most cases, when an attempt has been made co investigate the matter in the presence of scientific men, the diviner absolutely refused, as in the case at Bristol (reported by Prof. Sollas). It usually requires, too, several jotfrneys across and along the field, with the eyes carefully (ixed on the ground before the rod bent in the hands of the diviner at one of the places crossed before. The rod is held generally in such a position as to strain the muscles, so that theslightest movement causes the rod to bend without any means of discovery whether the diviner is merely the in- strument or the causa of it. It is accepted that some people are more sensi- tive to changes of humidity, but why it should attack the muscles of the arm in preference to any other part of the body is difficult to under- stand" If a flight chillines is pwduced when water is near then the rod is a superfluity which no diviner will admit. But the use of such a means of finding water is only a relic of the dark ages, when it was used for finding coal, metate, and more hidden things, so that until it is shown that other means of suggest- mg the presenù d water are enhrdy absent the case cf the divining red must b" held as non- proven.—I am, &c., F. T. HOWARD. The Crllege, March 13, 1893.

CARDIFF HEALTH COMMITTEE. At a meeting of the Health Committee of the Cardiff Corporation, held on Tuesday, there were present—Councillor Andrews(inthechair). Alder. man T. Rees, Councillors S. A. Brain, Morgan Morgan, R. Hughes. W. Munn, and Grossman, Mr F. C. Lloyd (deputy town clerk), Dr. Walford (medical officer of health), and Mr Iiarpur (borough engineer).—Messrs Alexander and Co. wrote, returning a contract fonn for the supply of wood goods to the Corpora. tion for twelve months from the 1st January, 1893, fully signed with the exception of the clausa relating to fair wages. Messrs Alexander formally declined to enter into such a covenant, stating that their workmen had for 30 years been satisfied with their remuneration, and were work- ing contentedly together. They were likely to continue doing so unless interfered with by out. side pressure such as the Council seemed to desIre to enforce.—The Chairman stated that the amount of the contract was of the value of £250 or £300 yearly.—Alderman Rees moved that the question raised in the letter be deferred until the whole matter had been dealt with by the Council. —This was agreed to. Alderman Rees called the attention of the committee to the fact that the drains in Rich- mond-road were about to be opened for recon. struction. He questioned whether in view of n possible outbreak of cholera it would be wisetc have work of that kind going on during the hot weather. The work should certainly be com. pleted before the summer came on.—It was de- cided that Dr Walford should report on the matter.—Alderman Rees said that in view of the utilisation of the Flat Holm Island for the pur. pose d receiving such cholera-stricken patients a3 might come to the port, it was important that the powers of the Corporation to deal with the bodies of those who died from tho disease should be ascertained from the Local Government Board. — The Chairman said the whole matter lay in a nutshell. It was out of the ques- tion to think of burying cholera cases on the Flat Holm, where the soil was nowhere more than 18 inches deep. They must either commit them to the sea or incinerate them in a crematorium, and the former conre was In itself very objectionable. —Alderman Rees said that this was what be had in hill mind, and they should therefore certainly know to what extent their powers went in the matter. Moreover, if unfortunately there were an outbreak in the town what would they do with the fatal cases, and the other surroundings of cholera which required drastic treatment ?—Dr Walford said that it was never contemplated to bring town cases to the Flat Holm.—Finally, Dr Walford was instructed to at once confer with the Deputy Town Clerk as to the legal position of the Sanitary Authority in view cf the steps tc be taken with deceased cholera patients, and to ascertain tho opinions and instructions of the Local Government Board on the point.—Dr Wal- ford promised to report at an early date. The Secretary of the Cardiff District of the National Association of Plumbers wrote asking the committee to nominate a member to servt upon the Council. It was referred to the Technical Committee.—Dr Walfoid r«4iusst«d tho Press representatives to state that the Sanitary Insti. tute have decided to hold their examination for sanitary officers on July 27th and 28th. Candi- dates requiring information should apply to the secretary of the Sanitary Institute, Parish Museum, Margaret-street, W.

LITERARY NOTICE.! BUNYAN'S "PILGRIM'S PROGRESS," IN WELSH. "TAITH y PEKEP.IN." YRHVFEL YSPRYDOL," a IliiiiAETHRWYUD o HAS." fan John Bunyan; gyda. choflant arweiniol o'r awdwr. Porth, Cytioeddwyd gan Junes and Jones. We have received frolD Messrs Jone3 and. Jones, of Porth, Pontypridd, a handsome edition f the works of Bunyan, translated into Welsh. The volume is beautifully printed in large clear type, and is elegantly bound. We do not reo member to have seen a more creditable proiuc» tion by a Welsh firm. To undertake a work ot this character shows courageous enterprise on tha part of its publishers, and that enterprise is sure to produce satisfactory results. understand that it is the intention of Messis Jones and Jones to issue the work in periodical parts, so as to bring it within tha reach of all. The choice 6f Banyan's sublime work for this demonstration of enterprise in regard to Welsh publications has been a most happy one. "lalth y Ptrerin la enormously popular in the PrincipalIty-how, indeed, could it be otherwise ?—and its publica- tion in the present forIn cannot fail to extend that popularity. By issuing the familial allegorical story in this rich and handsome guisa the publishers have conferred a service upon the people of Wales. That service will find it recompense in the wide circulation cf the work on which they have lavished so much pains and expense. The fact that such an elaborate work should be issued in the vernacular is a striking testimony to the vitality of yr hen iaith.

THE MURDER OF BISHOP HAN NI NOT ON. DISCOVERY OF IHE REMAINS. Mr Henry E. Martin, of Hampstead, has ree received a letter from Mr Ernest Millar, of thE Church Missionary Society, who is one of Bishop patty now (In its way to U gàllda. The letter is dated Basoga-Mumia, Decembel 8th, and its contents are deeply interesting. Tho passages which will prove of the greatest public inteiest are those in which Mr Millar describes the finding of the remains of the mur. dered Bishop Hamiiiig.toii. Bishop Tucker had reason to believe that the remains were buried beneath a ruined hut in Mumia's village, and he succeeded in obtaining the chief's permission to search for them. Excavations were made with some difficulty, and ulti- mately an old ammunition box lined with tifl was unearthed. The box contained a European's skull, which was at once, aud without hesitation, identified by Bishop Tucker's men as that of Bishop Hannington, whom they knew well. Some rib bones and also a pair 0;' boots and the top of a canteen bucket, which had belonged te, the murdered Bishop, were found in the grave. The remains were placed in another box for con" veyance to Uganda.

PROPERTY SALES. CADOXTON AND BARRY. Mr William Thomas, auctioneer, Cfjnductfdt sale of leasehold property at the Barry Hotel on Tuesday afternoon. The attendance was fair. The solicitor for lots 1 and 2 was Mt Westyr Evans. Cardiff lot 3, Mr D. R. Rosser, Pont>pridd; and lot 4, Messrs Bailhache, Sykes, and Glaciers, Newport. For lot 1. a villa residence, being 1, Windsor-road, Barry, the bidding commenced at J6500, and steadily reached £590, £600 was required by the vendor, and the iot was uusold. Lot 2, No. 1, Hilton, road, Barry Dock, known as the Victoria C Tavern, for wh iell 1. start was made at £ 500, increased to £1,125. £1,250 was the reserve 1\\J\lJllnt, and tht,re was nJ purchaser. There was also no buyer for lot*, [wlug a cottage, f\O, lA, J);tvict-"red, C:tc1oxton, the reserve money being £550. The highest bid made was £54-0.

GLAMORGAN COUNTY MATTERS. At the statutory quarterly meeting of the Glamorgan County Council to be held on Thurs- day at the Town Hall, Pontypridd, the chairman and vice chairman for the coming year will be appointed. The Technical Instruction Committee report that the schools at Ystalyfera and Port Ttlbot have bet-II commenced. The aniLary Committee notify the outbreak of snmll-pox at Neath, Swansea, Bridgend, Resolven, Seven Sisters, Aberavon, Tylorstown, and Cogar and that there are no means of isolation or disinfection in any of the above districts except at the Swansea and Ystradytodwg districts. An abstract of receipts and payments of the ClIllllcilup to Easter, lc92, shows a balance of £34.,197, of which It statement is given.

HARRIS, Merthyr. is noted allover Waies for Oil P"rtr:\it:; and Photograph" 1043 Mrs.s BKADDOV's NEW NOVEL. "All along th River," has been secured for the Cardiff Times and South Ifa/es Weekly NN¿-S, The opening chanters appear in the current\ issue. Jerome K. .Jcrof8", ifohn Strange Winter, ])1)":1, H.lIsseJl, and other famous novelists write for this favourite weekly. Secure a citjiy at once. A Magazine and New-paper combined for a penny

THE SUSPENSORY BILL FOR WALES. ACTION OF THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY. HOW CHURCH DEFENCE PETITIONS ARE MANUFACTURED. The Archbishop of Canterbury has sent a copy of the following letter to the Bishop of each Diccese within the Province cf Canterbury. He also forwarded a copy to the Archbishop of York for his information Lamunh Palace, March 13. Right Reverend and Dear Brother,—It lias, as you are aware, been my duty, in conjunction with the Archbishop of York, to consider what steps can rightly be taken by tho Church (laity as well as clergy) at this juncture for the pro- tection of the solemn interests entrusted to her keeping. We have decided that a great meeting shall be held in London, about Whitsuntide, consisting of both Houses of the two Convocations of Canter- bury and York, together with the Houses of Lay- men belonging to each Province, and in addition to these a body of representative churchwardens from all parts of England and Wales. It has been thought best that ten church- wardens should attond from each archdeaconry, such churchwardens being elected or appointed in the several archdeaconries at Easter in such manner us may be found 'ocally to be most con- venient. I have, therefore, to a-k your lordship, if you are willing to do so. to take the necessary steps within your diocese for carrying this plan into effect. You will doubtless agree with me in urging upon the clergy and others the importance of avoiding, so far as practicable, any political complexion being given to this jo:nt action upon the part of the clergy and representative laity of the Church of Eng.and. It is as a Church and not as politicians that we desire to speak and act on this grave occasion, and it is my earnest hope that Churchmen of every shade of politics may be able to take part in the proposed meeting. Thf meeting will be preceded by a service in St. Paul's Cathedral, and I will take care that details as to the date an-I placo of the meeting, together with such arrangements as are found to be possible for admission of the public and other particulars, are duly communicated to your lord- 3hip.-I remain, my dear lord, your faithful brother, EDW. CANTUAR."

CIRCULAR LETTER FtiOM THE BISHOP OF LLANDAPF. The Bishop of Llandaff has i.-sued the following 8ircular to the beneficed clergy in his diocese The Palace, Llandaff, March 11, 1893. Rev and Dear Brother,—I am sure you quite agree with me, ttiat,t thepresent tini-, w lien a. Bill has recently been introduced by the Government into the House of Commons, which is intended to prepare the way for robbing the Church of her endowments, and thereby seriously crippling her in her work, it is our duty to exhort our people not only to combine for the purpose of opposing it, but, above all, to unite in humble and earnest prayer to Him who, in His Divine prov idence, ordereth all things both in heaven and earth, that it may pleas3 Him so to guide and govern the deliberations of our legislators, that they may result in the promotion of His glory and the welfare of His people. I venture, therefore, to request that the prayer for Parliament may be regularly used in your churches at matins and evensong, and that a pause may be made lrn- mediately after it to afford your cong-regations an opportunity for secret prayer and intercessions. I also recommend for use, botti in public and private prayer, one or more of the following collects, namely, those for the fifth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and twenty-second Sundays after Trinity. Believe me, rev and dear brother, ( Affectionately yours, R. LLANDAFF.

VIEWS OF THE BISHOP OF BANGOR. Tho following letter from the Bishop of Bangor will appear in the forthcoming number of the ■Religious Review of Reviews I think the Sus- pensory Bill is far more injurious to the interests of the Church in Wales than a Disestablishment and Disendowment Biil would be. There will be the greatest difficulty in filling up vacancies, and there can be no doubt whatever that it will act as a crippling instrument for the next two year*. The open, downright stroke I can understand, but this sneakish blow is as contemptible as it is damaging."

• SCENE AT A CHURCH AT ABER- AYRON. A correspondent vouches for the accuracy of the following :— The vicar of Hentynyw, the Rev W. 0. Edwards, B.D., preaching at Trinity Church, Aberayron, last Sunday night, failed to observe the advice of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of London, who m a. conference recently held deprecated pulpit References to the Suspen- sory Bill. Having spoken for some time on the words of his text, The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord," he drifted to a vigorous denunciation of the Suspensory DHL The manner and matter of this part of the dis- course proved to be particularly nauseous to a section at any rate, of a congregation of church- men, or churchwarden of the parish was seen to make his departure in anything but conciliatory state of mind, at an early stage of the latter part of the sermon. The dramatic; protest was, how- ever in store. When the vicar concluded his address, Mr David Thomas, an elderly person well-known for his puritanical leanings, got up and in a loud tone spoke as follows:— I have one word to say before this meeting is brought to an end. I tell you, Edwards" (address- ing the vicar in the pulpit), you have not preached any Gospel to us to-night." An ugly incident, which might have led to a disruption of the service, was deftly warded off by the vicar, who quickly gave out a hymn, which was after- wards sung. There was much suppressed excite ment among the congregation. At a special meeting, numerously attended, of this chapter, held on Monday at St John's Vicar- age, under the presidency of the Rev Canon Thompson, it was unanimously resolved :— That in the onhiion of the members of this rura deanery, in 'iiapter assembled, the Suspensory Bill is unjust ir principle and calculated to brin £ serious inju'i and hindrance to the work of the Church in Y» ales.

MEETING OF CHURCHMEN AT CRICKHOWELL. On Monday evening a meeting called in defer- ence to a circular issued by the Bishop to the clergy, was held at the Clarence Hall, Crick- howell, to protest against the Suspensory Bill, Sir Joseph R. Bailey, Bart., presided over a large audience. The following resolution was proposed by Mr J. A. Doyle, seconded by Mr A. Beck- with, and carried That this meeting, being opposed to the Disestab- lishment and Disendowment of the National Church, earnestly protests against and pledges itself strenu- ously to resist the Suspensory Bill introduced by the Government with respect to the four dioceses of Wales.

'Í DOWLAIS. A meeting of Churchpeople was held at the Lesser Oddfellows' Hall, Dowlais, under the presidency of Mr E. P. Martin, to protest against the Suspensory Bill. The Chairman said he was there not as a representative of any poli- tical party but as an upholder of the Church. After a speech by the Rector of Dowlais, Mr H. W. Martin moved:— That this meeting of the Churchpeople of the parish of Dowlais, in the diocese of Llandaff, emphatically and indignantly protect against the Suspensory Bill lately introduced into the House of Commons by her Majescy's Government. It regards the measure as a mean and unworthy prejudgment of the vast question involved in the proposal for the Disestablishment and Disendowment of the four dioceses of the Established Church. It considers the Bill to be unjust, im- nwal, and tyrannical, and pledges itself to use every effort to prevent it passing into law. Mr r. Houlson seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.

THE JjATE REV C. H. SPtJRGEON ON DISESTABLISHMENT. TO THE EDITOR. SIB,—The following letter by the late Rev C. H. Spurgoion to John Bright, concerning the Disestablishment of the Irish Churcb, is of historical interest, and its publication in the South Wales Daily News would be opportune.-I am, &c., T. VI, MEDHURST. Gloyn Villa, Severn-road, Cardiff, March lOt, 1893. "April 22nd, 1868. "Dear Sir,—With my whole heart and soul I would advocate tho Disestablishment and Disen- oc" dowment of the Irioh Church. "It is in no spirit of opposition to the Irish clergy that I would urge upon the House of Commons to carry out, the proposed resolutions, for I believo them, a body, to be among the best of the episcopal clergy, and to hold evangelical truths most earnestly. But oecause they are the best of tt,e clergy, they should be the first to be favoured with the great blessing of Disestablishment. U they were all Baptists I should be none the less, but all the more, earnest that they should he at once delivered from their present invidious position, and placed where all churches of Christ sho uld be, viz., on the footing of freedom from Stake patronage and control. They are at present snpported by payments which are not theirs by the will of the Irish nation payments whjch effectually bar the door of their entrance into .the Irish heart; payments which I believe to bo hateful to God and injurious to themselves therefore, because they are mon in their own persons excellent and respectable, let it be the ceaseless object of their friends to set them where they need not incur .such rerproach or commit such injustice. They will only be called to do what some of us have ?cr years found a pleasure and advantage in doivg, viz., to trust to the noble spirit of generosity which tr-ue religion is sure to evoke. They littlf* know how .grandly the giant of voluntaryism wiH. draw the chariot when the pitiful State dwarf i"9 dismissed. 'Our Lord's kingii om is not of this world.' '•is truth is the corner-stone of our dissent, an w. f" ourselvesdeepiy tntere ated i'l the pre-'ent qu leeause the result of Mr Gladstone's resolutions will be a steo in the ^direction of freeing one of the churches from a worldly alliance which we hold to be in every case unscriptural and un- hallowed. How a faith so spiritual as ours ever came to be the tool of the State; how the Church of God ever condescended to yield its liberties to earthlv powers, is a mystery. To tear it from its too willing captivity is a task worthy of the Eternal Pi-,)v cl,-Pce-t labour in which all good men should unite. May you, dear sir, be sustained a3 the champion of the people, and as you have already lived to see many of the dreams of your youth to become realities, so may you survive to see the matters in question enrolled in history as triumphs of the right and the truth.'—Yours, with profound respect, C. H. SlTRGEON. John Bright, Esq," The above letter, with the substitution of Welsh Church for Irish Church," is most seasonable at the present time. The episcopal clergy are at present supported by payments which are not theirs by the will cf the Welsh nation—payments which effectually bar the (leor of their entrance into the Welsh heart." They are the truest friends of the Episcopal Church in Wales who desire to see her free from State bondage. For any section of the one Church of Christ to be a servant of the State is unscrip- tural and unhallowed."—I am, &c., T. W. MEDHURST.

CHURCH DEFENCE PETITIONS. One of our correspondents who has had an opportunity of going the round of a number of parishes during the past three days is of opinion that there is wholesale lying and misrepresenta- tion on the part of Church defenders in procuring signatures to petitions against the Suspensory Bill, Nonconformists have taken a proper step in some places by issuing a leaflet and having a ccny left in all houses cautioning the householders against signing any petition whatsoever that they do not understand. The blank sheet custom is very general. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,The introduction of the Welsh Church Bill has produced such consternation in Car- marthenshire ecclesiastical circles that they are moving heaven and earth by every deceitful method of getting their petitions against the Bill extensively signed. They endeavour to terrify the puoJie-Churchrnn and Noncon- formits-who have relatives buried within the Church burial grounds, of the intention of Parliament to utilise the buildings for secular pur- poses, and thereby rendering the burial grounds desolate. It has been long known that the Church hitherto has been propped up by the squirearchy and barrel crutches, and this was particularly exhibited in a certain village in Car- marthenshire last Saturday. Two petitioning canvassers hunted up the public houses lor the signatures ofl drunken persons to: the Church petition. Is "uch a scandalous proceeding worthy of the nineteenth century, Christians .having to appeal to Bacchus for aid ? However, when these bogus petitions will be presented before the House of Commons, lovers of religious equality need not despair. They will be treated there with deserved coy) t(-)i, pt. &c.. March 13th, 1393. CHURCHMAN. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,—In a certain district in North Pembroke- shire silly people are sent round with petitions against the Suspensory Bill, consisting of blank sheets and no headings. At some houses they abruptly ask the question Do you want to pull the church down ? If not, sign this." And so the unwary are trapped and the wise ones march off in triumph. A strong, clear word ffom you might possibly draw attention to this, and open the eyes of those who are handicapped in their pur- iouit of political knowledge, the weakest part of the electorate and their female belongings. Of the rest I have no fear.—I tui, &c.. March 14th. FAIR PLAY.

CARDIGAN COUNTY COUNCIL The first meeting in the year of the Cardigan County Council was held at Lampeter on Mon- day, when thero were present—-Mr Morgan Evans, in the chair, and a full attendance. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. Mr Brigstoeke proposed, and the Rev John Davies, Taincoed, seconded the election of Mr D. C. Roberts, ex-Mayor of Aberystwyth, as chairman of the Council for the ensuing year, Mr Brigstoeke saying it had hitherto b?(,n the prac- tice to make an annual change in the chair, and to select from each part of the county in lotation so as to have the whole county represented.—A vote of' thanks was accorded fo Mr Morgan Evans, Oilkford, for his efficient and courteous chairmanship ot the past year. JOINT POLICE. I Messrs Peter Jones, J. T. Morgan (Maes- newydd), John Howell, C. M. Williams, Morgan Evans, J. M. Howell, James Jarfies (Fiynon- howell), Daniel Jones (Llanon), John Owen (Blaeripennal), D. C. Roberts. John Williams (Cardigan), and the Rev L!ewelyn Edwards, w re re-appointed members of the Joint Pohce Committee. ASYLUM VISITORS. On the re-election of visitors to the Joint Counties' Asylum at Carmarthen, Mr Brigstoeke thought that the counties of Cardigan, Pembroke, and Carmarthen were deeply indebted to Mr C. M. Williams for the indefatigable trouble he had taken in respect to the assessment of the asylum. CORONER.SHIP. Dr. Abel Evans, coroner for the Lampeter district, applied for an increase on £ 22, his present salary, and the matter was referred to the Finance Committee. nNACE. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS, chairman of the Finance Committee, stated that £ 1.500 had been paid out of revenue for public works, and it was intended getting a loan so as to spread repayments over a series of years. He was pleased to be able to say that the county had not exceeded a 5d rate, and that there was a fair balance in the hands of the treasurer. THE WELSH CNIVERSITT. The Rev LLEWELYX EDWARDS, headmaster of Ardwyn School, proposed, and it was agreed— That whilst we accept as the fundamental principle of the charier that the University be a teaching and, as far as possible, a residential one, we still think that sorae discretionary power should be left in the hands of the Court to allow students to pass their examina- tions and proceed to their del!ree without residence. when it can be -hown that that residence is beyond their reach; that this Council recommends that all clauses in the draft charter tending in the direc ion of too great decentralisation shall be omitted, viz.. 43, 54, and 72; and that the constitution of the Uni- versity shall be so far enlarged as to include other colleges besides the three University Colleges of Wales. THE LAND COMMISSION. Mr PETEP. JONES moved that a committee should be appointed to arrange for evidence with regard to the tenure and occupation of land, and to other matters connected with agriculture in Cardigan- shirs, to bo given befcre the Royal Commission on Agriculture.—Mr Brigstoeke thought that a matter which should be left to the tenants them- selves.—The Council, however, agreed to the pr)- position by a large majority. SUSPENSORY BILL AND LOCAL VETO. The Rev T. LEYI, Aberystwyth, having ob- tained the suspension of the standing orders for the purpose, moved That we as a Council protest strongly against the unfair and misleading way adopted by Church people to secure signatures to petitions against the Suspensory Bill. He had no objection to Church people petitioning, but he objected to their making misleading state- ments as to the object of the petition. One person was asked, "Do you wish to reduce the salary of the Bishop to £ 150," and another "Do you wish to see me lose this field," and when those persons said they did not wish that, thev were asked to sign. (Laughter.)— Mr J. M. Howell, Aberayron, seconding the proposition, said that a clergyman in Cardigan- shire who, in his sermon, said it was an attempt to deprive Church people of their property, but before the sermon was over was rebuked by a member of his congregation for not having member of his congregation for not having preached one word of Gospel during the whole sermon."—The Rev John Jones, headmaster of Ystrad Meurig School, said, in regard to the strong terms used by Mr Levi, lie hoped the Council would notsupport them without evidence such as would be accepted in any court of law. In his district petitions had been sent about on the ground that it was unfair to Church or Noncon- formity, Mahomedism, or Bhllddism, to bind it hand and foot, thinking of killing it five years afterwards—The Rev T. Levi said that what he had stated he couid prove before a magistrate and not only that,-but a great deal more. (Cheers.)—The proposition was eventually carried without opposition, and, and, on the proposition of the Rev T. Levi, it was also agreed to express great satisfaction at the introduction by the Government of a measure embodying in a con- siderable degree the principle of direct popular veto on the issue or renewal of licences and, while the members of the Council pledged them- selves to Use their utmost endeavours to :«i(l the Government, they earnestly urged the Govern- ment to put forth its fuil power to ensure the passing of the measure into law without delay.- The proposition was agreed to unanimously, and dlf) Council rose.

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ELECTRIC LIGHTING IN CARDIFF. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,—I observe that in the interview with Mr Massey. reported in your columns last week, he appears to have again condemned the scheme that has been suggested for the utilisation of the energy of the water passing into Cardiff. If, however, his own figures, as given in the report, be examined, it will be seen that they strongly confirm the views of those who have formulated the scheme. Mr Massey is reported to have said that the whole of the water passing through Car. diff, even if its full pressure could bo taken ad- vantage of, would on'y effect a. saving of 13 tons of coal per day of 24 hours. But at 12* per ton, which is about an average price for steam coal at Cardiff, this amounts to £2,847 per annum. And bearing in mind that it is not so very long ago that we were paying as much as 18s, the figure I have given is by no means excessive. Bus a reference to the interview will show that, while Air Massey professed again and again that he was giving points in favour of the water in his calculations, he was really putting water at its worst and coal at its best. Mr Massey was careful to subtract 25 per cent, from the total energy of the water, while he calculated his coal under the most favourable conditions. It is only the very best steam coal, burnt under the latest modern high-pressure boileis, and with steam ex- panded tu u,e to its utmost limit, that will furnish one h.p. for 2ibs of coal, under conditions equu alent to those which rule when power is generated by falling water. If the coal is slightly inferior, if it is not properly fd to the boilers, the latter are net in their very best form, or the engines cannot make uso cf the full expansive power of the stsam, the quantity of coal poes up very rapidly, In central electric lighting stations it is not possible t) bav all these conditions present, even at the commencement when everything is in first-rate condition, and the consumption of coal will, therefore, moie nearly approach 51bs, the figure which, as Mr Massey is well aware, is always used as a.standard for calculations of this kin ), than the 2ibs which he has worked on. If 51 bs be takfoi as the figure representing the quantity of coal consumed for each horse's power, in one hour the amount saved to the town, if all the energy of the water could In used, wculd be £7,117 per annum. But this sum does not represent tha whole saving effected with water-power once the machinery is put up and arrangements maCe for leading the water to the turbines and carrying it away again, there is no further expenditure on the water itself but with coal every pound has to be handled from the truck or barge to tho boilers, and the ashes have also to be disposed of. This will add several hundred pounds per annum to the amount saved. Mr Massey is also reported to have said that the total energy of the water would only furnish a small portion of the lights required for the town. Yet, if his own figures be caken again, and bearing in mind the fact, of which Mr Massey should be well aware, that the whole of the lamps are oniy in use for about two hours of the 24, except in certain special districts, it will be found that the quantity of water given at the pressure named is sufficient for 120,000 lamps of 10 c.p., the standard lamp most of the companies are fitting up. I venture to think even for a town of 120,000 inhabitants, 120,000 lamps of 10 c.p. is not a bad instalment. Mr Massey is also reported to have said that it is incorrect to say that arc and incandescent lamps could not be worked from the same plant. If Mr Massey means that an odd arc lamp here and there, such as any tradesman might care to have outside his shop, can be worked from the 'same plant, he is quiie correct; but if he means that the 60 arc lamps that he and Mr Harpur propose for lighting the streets of Cardiff can be worked from the same dynamos that will be furnishing current for the small incandescent lamps that will ba used, I challenge him to show how he is going to do Jt. In every town where the street lighting has been accomplished by means of arc lamps, the have very properly been supplied with current from their own special dynamos and by means of their own special cables and my contention is that this being a necessity, for economy if for no other reason, your capital outlay must be larger than it otherwise would be, and you have, of course, a heavier interest to pay without any increasetl earning power. In a letter to a contemporary, about a fortnight since, Mr Massey declared that I was quite wrong in the statement I made that, so far as our knowledge extends at present, we are not able to charge accumulators by means of alternating currfnts. Mr Massey stated, in the letter re- ferred to, that it had long been known to be possible, and was now being done every day. I have twice challenged Mr Massey to say where outside of a laboratory, it is being done every day, but so far without result. May I also ask Mr Massey to say why he has, in his scheme, put the town to the additional expense involved in bringing the main cables all the way from Leckwith, when distribution would have been easy and coal supply cheap and con- venient if his station had beeu placed on the canal side. I may mention also that the Shoreditch Local Board are putting up a combmed refuse destructor eleofric lighting plant, from which their con- sulting engineer expects to accomplish the two- fold object of getting rid of the refuse and fur- nishing electric currents at a cost which will enable them to sell at something less than half the l.west rata that is being charged in London at present.—I am, &c., SYDNEY F. WALKER. Cardiff Electrical Works, March 14th.

THE QUESTION OF ORGANISATION. A DRAFT SCHEME. The adjourned meeting of the workmen's representatives on the Sliding-scale Committee for South Wales and Monmouthshire was held at the Angel Hotel, Cardiff, on Tuesday, Mr David Morgan presiding, and Mr T. Daronwy Isaac occupying the vice-chair. In the end the follow- ing proposals were made :— 1. That a uniform contribution of 2d per week per member be made by all colliery workmen. 2. That a lodge be established at each colliery, managed by the workmen thereof, upon Trade Union principles. 3. That the various districts or agencies be preserved as heretofore, or which may be here- after constituted. 4. That a central fund be established with a view to amalgamate the various districts. 5. That 3d per month per member be paid to the central fund, and 5d per month per member be retained in the districts or at the local lodges, according to the discretion of the majority of the members of each district. 6. That a general secretary be appointed, who shall also act as organiser. 7. 1 hat each district be requested to com nose and register a code of rules in accordance with the Trade Unions Act. On the question of redistri- bution of seats, the electoral districts for slkling- scale purposes were divided as follows The house-coal men to be given two seats Dowlais Rhymnev, Tredegar, and New Tredegar, one member Rhondda Valley, includ- 11l the anthracite district, three members Aherclaro, and Merthyr, two members; Monmoutnshirc, two members; and Ganv, Ogmore, Maesteg, and Avon Valley, one member. EMPLOYERS' LIABILITY. A letter sent out to the collieries' by the Monmouthshire and South Wales Miners Permanent Provident Fund on the subject of the Etnpioyrrs Liability Act Amendment Bill was dealt with. In the course of the letter named it was stated :—" One of the provisions cf the Bill is to prevent any arrangement being entered into bYémpoyes and employed similar to that which now exists in Monmouthshire and fouth Wales. If the Bill in its present form becomes law, there is every reason to fear that the colliery proprietors will withdraw from the society, and insure their risks in private companies. All their risks under the Act can be effectually covered for less than one-half the amount they now pay to the Miners' Provident Fund. On the present membership, the withdrawal of the owners would mean a direct lossof something like £11,000 or £12,000 per annum to the society. As this will seriously sffect the position of widows, children, and disabled members who are now receiving relief, and those who will hereafter become chargeable to the funds, you are kindly requested to take such steps as may be deemed necessary to bring this question before the members of your agency, and to ascertain their opinions and feelings on the matter, with a. view to making such representations to the Home Secretary as will induce him to insert in the Bill a clause or clauses for the protection cf miners' relief funds." It was resolved to publish a notice to the miners warning them against the tactics of the officials of tho Permanent Provident Fund. The issuing of the foregoing circular (the notice declares) was done with a view to again deprive the workmen of the protection of the proposed amendment of the Employers' Liability Act, seeing tbat they were asked to petitlO!1 the Home Secretary virtually in favour of ability being to contract out of the Act. The miners are asked ¡ not to be alarmed by the threats contained in the letter in question, and not to take any action in the matter.

SOUTH WALES COALOWNERS' ASSOCIATION. THE OUTPUT FOR 1892. The annual meeting of the Monmouthshire and South Wales Coalowners' Association was held on Tuesday at the Angel Hotel, Cardiff, Mr John Dakers presiding. Mr Graeme Ogilvie, of Messrs the Powell Duffryn Steam Coal Company, was unanimously elected chairman of the Association for the ensuing year. A vote of thanks was cor- dially passed to Mr Edward Da.vies tor his able services during the past year as chairman of the Association. Mr Dakers was unanimously elected the vice-chairman of the Association. Reports were received from the Cardiff, Newport, and Swansea District Boards on the returns of the output of coal of the several associated companies during the year 1892, these showing a total output, of 22,633.439 tons, being an increase of 531,215 tons. The subjects of the Employers' Liability Act Amendment Bill and the Coal Mines' Regu- tation.Act Amendment Bill were considered and dealt with. The appointment of Mr Frank Hilton as the associate-representative of Messrs the Ebbw Vale Company in the Association, in succession to Mr Holland, was registered. Claims for indemnity for strikes at associated collieries were passed for payment. Other matters of a more routine nature were dealt with by the meeting.

ATTEMPTED SUICIDR OF A CARDIFF WOMAN. The good-looking, fashionably-dressed young woman, Adele Hember, who last week nearly killed herself with a big dose of poison at Charing-cross Station, was on Monday, at Bow- street, claimed as the daughter of a seafaring man at Cardiff. The poor creature hovered be- tween life and death in hospital for some days, the meantime disclosing that she had been driven to desperation by the desertion of her husband. The mother turned up m court to inform the magistrate that her daughter was very sorry, and would go home with her. The old lady was bound over in £10 to see her child home.

RUPTURE CURED.—J A. Sherman, Hernia Specialist, 64, Chancerv-lane, London Book. 7 stamps Miss BHADDON'S NEW OVEL, All alone the River," has been secured for the Cardiff Times and Scruth Wales Weekly News. Tho openill chapters appear in the curient issue, Jerome K, Jerome, John Strange Winter, Dom Russell, and ather famous novelists write for this favourite weekly. Secure a copy at once. A Magazine and Newspaper combined for a nennv.

Communications have been received from Mr I-??,<- *Ml' J, U- Sa,lr,la> &irwr Cyflawnder/ Ivev .7. isotou Rets, •• OM Hand," Ac. ¡ K?i'la kLECnoxs (Perplexed).—'The election of a-- si tant overseer is governed by the same principles as other parish elections. The p >11 may be taken at any time after it is demanded, the votes are puiral according to the rating, the poll is not by ballot there can be no proxies, and after a poll has I been demanded and granted it is too late to with- draw. The expenses are payable by the candidates, who can be required to give security fur costs, failing winch the chairman may refuse a poll—at least such i> th^ custom, though we h ive never seen any good authority for it in point of law. FIUCKUOLD AND COPYHOLD (Ooiier).—reohold land is land which a ilian holds independently of any person, and subject to nothing but the ordinarv taxes of Pailiauient. Couyhold is land which h:, own., m a manor, and which he holds of the lord of the manor, to whom, as a rule. certain small pay- ments are due on alienation, and moreover the copy- holder has generally no right to the minerals. It is a relic of serfdom, and was formerly d' emed very inferior to freehold. But now, by a modern Act of Parliament, any copyholder have his land made freehold by payment of a moderate sum as compen- salion t.) th lord of the manor. SAVAGE DOG (G. T., Newport).—You will be liable if you know that your dog has a. tendency to bite peopie, even if it should bite a beggar, or a oerson who had no business. We may point out that it requires no ordinary saracity on the part of a to distinguish between a book-agent and a rate collector, and it would be obviously illegal to sample the latter. NOTICR OF ACTION (Tithepayer).—The new Act docs not allow the rector or tithe-owner tc sue until he has or attempted to give notice of his claim, and you should, therefore, promptly take steps to have the,iudciii 'nt set aside. Otherwise dishonest rectors and other persons might getting judgments rigiit and left against all sorts of people. If your sforv is correct that no sort of application for the tithes wa« made to you or your tenants, ilie judg- ment must have been obtained by perjurv, and you should prosecute. SvitRTi (Ii, A. II., Leeds).—We answered your ques- tion fully some time ago. Our recollection is that you had got yourself involved much worse than vou need have been by standing still and letting proceed- ings go forward against you, and that ycu could not now extricate yourself with Hit the aid of a solicitor We should be veiy glad to see parish lawyers, like parish doctors, for persons in poor circumstances, but there are none at present, and if you cannot afford legal assistance it is too late for mere advice on our part 1,0 extricate you, MISTAKE (J.F., Neath) -Money paid to a peison by a mistake as to the facts can be recovered again and although your account was checked and passed by various officials, that will not protect vou if you really were overpaid. But, of course, they will have to prove a, strong case. Aloney paid under a. mistake as to the law cannot be recovered. WILL(.).T.). All wills must be proved. If there is no executor named, then the next friend of th" children must take out administration with the will annexed. In your case let the aunt go into the nearest County Court office, and the thi:x can be done for about 15s, the total being nuder FILOO. R.S.O. (Tasso).—We have been gi, en to understand, and the hypothesis strikes us as plausible, that theee enigmatic Itters stand for Railway Sub-Office," referring to the fact that the postal arrangements are carried through the railway in some mysterious way, which you, as living in an R.S.O. can fathom better than we, iioNT (II. A.D.).—The Talybont to which you refer is in the county of Brecknock.

WESLEYAN DISTRICT SYNODS. TO THE EDITOR. biR, At the last Wesleyan Conference a. reso- lution was passed which allows a circuit where three ministers are stationed to send two addi- tional laymen other than the circuit stewards to the district synod. These laymen will have to be appointed at the March quarterly meeting in each year in some cases there will probably be some half-dozen names proposed for the two places. Dr Rigg has thought in this case to send out about 1,000 crcnlars to superintendents, ministers, and others, instructing them how to take a vote. The elaborate instructions fill nearly a column of the Methodist newspapers. It does eeem strange that quarterly meetings, composed of members of Parliament, magistrates, alder- men, and county councillors by tho hundred, are unable to take a vote in a simple matter like this without:it pastoral letter from the president. But, sir, Dr Rigg has kept in the dark his real object in this letter. The memorials committee, the strongest committee of th", con- ference, advised that the vote should be taken by ballot, as is the case now when Jay represents- j tives are elected to attend the conference, and he does not like to trust the quarterly meeting with the ballot. However, the quarterly meeting has the absolute right to vote in the matter its own way, and no one has any more right to interfere than has the Mayor of Manchester, and thera is no doubt that where more nominations are mada than the required number the mode adopted by the district synod, at once the most simple and perfect, will be extensively used.—I am, &0., A CONFERENCE LAYMAN. March 11th.

UNITARIAN CHURCH, PONTYPRIDD. TO THE KDITOE. Str,—As secretary of tho above-named Church permit me to correct the report published m your issue of to-day, uuder the heading of The Churches,1' wherein it is stated that tho Rev W. Griffith?, B.D., Ph.D., has received an invita- tion to become the pastor of this Church. The report is premature inasmuch as the appointment of a permanent minister nas not hitherto been considered by the Church.—I am, &c., JOSEPH M. THOMAS. Pontypridd, 14-th March, 1393.