The South Wales Star

SEAMEN'S WAGES QUESTION. MEETINGS AT CADOXTON. A most determined and united effort is' being 'made at Barry, not only to prevent any further reduction, but to recover some of the ground that was lost when the reduction of a few months back was allowed to come into operation. On Friday, in connection with the steamer Wooller, now lying- in Barry Dock, offers of wages at the rate of :1.:3 17s. 6d. per month were made at the Shipping Office, but owing to the energy of the delegates of the Sailors' and Firemen's Union, under the direction of Mr. James Harrison (district secre- tary), these terms were declined all round, and the crew succeeded in being ultimately engaged at £4 5s. for sailors and £4 10s. for firemen. At Penarth Dock a similar advantage has been ob- tained in connection with the Discovery, and another vessel now in the dock, men not being found who were prepared to sign on at less than what they considered the Union wages of the port. Complaints have been made of late at Barry Dock to the effect that the Officers of the Board of Trade have not preserved that attitude of im partiality in connection with the wages move- ment that was necessary to the well-being of the Department to which they belong. It was con- tended that in certain instances they had favoured the side of the employers. Be this as it may, on Friday Mr. James Harrison, on behalf of the seamen's organisation, had an interview with the superintendent of the Board of Trade at Barry Dock, being received most courteously by that gentleman. As the result of the conversation which passed between the two, it was understood that instructions would be given to the Board of Trade officers to preserve a perfectly neutral attitude at the present juncture, and to avoid doing anything that would be calculated to cause un- pleasantness or unnecessary friction between either party to the movement now on foot. On Monday morning the ship Mysterious Star and the steamer Starlight were (as previously antici- pated) blocked" at Barry Dock owing to the attempt made by the masters to ship men under the Union rates of wages. The captain in both instances sent to Cardiff and Penarth for men, but Mr. James Harrison immediately telephoned to those places, and the men sent for did not arrive. During the morning, however, three ships, namely, the Sam Handford, Albania, and the Mysterious Star, succeeded in obtaining crews at the reduced -rates of £4 and £4 5s. per month. On hearing this, Captain Simmonds. of the steamer Starlight, succeeded in shipping at £4 and £4 5s. On Satur- day the wages paid at Barry were £3 10s. for sailors on board sailing ships, and £4 5s. to sailors on board steamers, with £ 4 10s. for firemen. Mr. Harrison maintains that no reduction of the sea- men's wages has yet been recognised at Barry. In his answer to a letter appearing in the Press from Captain Thomas Leisk. of the steamship Wooler, wherein Captain Leisk challenges Mr. Har- rison to prove that he had offered £3 17s. 6d. per month. Mr. Harrison says :— Unfortunately for the statement of Captain Leisk, many witnesses were found to prove that the sum of £3 17s. Gd. only was offered before he left the shipping office. Again, as regards the arrangement at the Federation office, may I ask Captain Leisk why he sought to engage a crew at Barry, and upon being informed that the minimum rate was t4 and £4 5s., he immediately sent to Cardiff for another crew This does not have the appearance of the crew being engaged on the 4th inst. It may be gratifying to Captain Leisk, and likewise his bogey "—the Shipping Federation—to know that the majority of his so-called Federation" men are financial members of the Seamen's Union. Captain Leisk states that I had nothing to do with the rates the crew were engaged at. yet when the shipping office yard was cleared and the men were standing at my back he actually condescended to interview me as a representative of the men with a view to securing his crew. for they had upon their arrival at Barry from Cardiff made common cause with their fellow-seamen of Barry, and were equally determined to withstand any further reduction. He then offered ,C.4 and £4 5s., but, being convinced the key of the position was at our control, we demanded £4 5s. and £4 10s. and -secured it. It is gratifying to learn that Captain Leisk and the Shipping Federation recognise £4 5s. and £4 10s. as the port wages for vessels trading on the coast of Brazil, after they have endea- voured to enforce a further reduction and suffered defeat. Matters in connection with the wages of sailors and firemen were very quiet at Barry Dock on Tuesday, the only crews shipped being those of the sailing vessels Kensington and Haddon Hall, and the steamer StafTa. In the former cases the amount of wages agreed upon was £ 3 5s. per month, and in the latter £4 and £4 5s. On Wednesday things remained in the same quiet condition. Only one steamer, the Santhold, shipped crews at the same rate as the previous day. PUBLIC MEETING. A public meeting of the National Amalgamated Seamen and Firemen's Union was held at the Picnic Hall, Cadoxton, on Thursday last, Mr. John Rees, secretary of the Barry Trades' Council, presiding. Mr. W. Sprow (organising secretary of the N.A.S. and F.U.) delivered a powerful address, supported by Mr. J.Harrison (secretary of the Barry Branch of the N.A..S and F.U.), Mr. J. Gardner (district secretary of the N.A.S. and F.LT.), Mr. T. O'Keefe (National Amalgamated Labourers' Union), and Mr. W. Copp (ex-president of the Barry Dis- trict Trades Council). Mr. Sprow, in the course of his address, said they had made good progress since the commence- ment of the organisation, and one of the chief planks was to provide better food for the seamen while at work. They had succeeded in drawing the at- tention of the First Lord of the Admiralty, Lord George Hamilton, to the necessity of preventing shipowners from purchasing and serving out pro-, visions that were unfit to be eaten. He knew cases of provisions being served out as food that had actually been condemned by the Government as unfit for human beings, and where meat which had done duty at the battle of Waterloo had been pur- chased by a shipowner and served out to the sailors in his employ. This abominable practice, said he. they were putting a stop to, and hoped to prevent anything so disgraceful again happening. He said it was only the month before last the crew of a ship had been attacked with cholera, and six out of the eighteen afflicted died, and upon the evi- dence of the medical officer the cause was traced to the rotten food on board. Touching upon the great question of wages, he said they had gained the sympathy of all labour unions, and were in a better position to demand a proper wage, and shortly would make a desperate stand to recover from the employers what had been taken from -them (the sailors) by a mean advantage. He ex- horted all to attend the meetings they intended holding over all the district, and be assured they would do all they could to make up for the many grievances to which they had been compelled by circumstances to submit. (Loud applause.) He said up to a short time ago the Sailors' Union had not been recognised as all other labour unions had but that was not now the case. They had a direct representative in Parliament, and they would make the most of their advantage. They would now clamour more than ever for those reforms which were the rights of seamen. Mr. J. H. Wilson. was a good man, and had proved him- self worthy of their confidence. He would see that the seamen's demands should be recognised, and. what was more, granted. (Applause.) A short time ago he was in gaol, now he was in Par- liament, and he would soon let the country know it. The Union had never been so well off as it was at the present time, and the benefits of being -one of its members were plain. The subscription was small but the advantages were great, and, considering this, he would impress upon those seamen not already enrolled to become members at once and participate in the reforms which were about to be accomplished. Better food, better protection against bogus shipowners, and above all better pay for their work. (Loud and continued applause.) Mr. J. Harrison, who was greatly applauded upon rising, said to put it nautically Mr. Sprow •" had come up to win'ward and took all the wind out of his sails but, he said, let them keep toge- ther and show the country they meant to get, not ■only what would be their due, but what had been 'kept back from them all up to that moment. It would not be long before they got their teeth, and when they did, said he, they would use them. But it was not by talking anything was to be obtained, but by downright practical action, and shortly, with the great help of their Union, they would secure all they had ever wanted. Although there was no denying they had received a check from the result of last year's strike, the Union since had increased in strength both numerically and financially, and, though they did not want to strike, they would do so rather than accept any- thing they considered not satisfactory. (Applause.) The analysis of a number of balance sheets of •Cardiff boats showed the wages to be but a small portion of the expenditure, and in case of any curtailment of expenses the wages should not be touched. (Hear, hear.) He denied that in insisting upon a higher wage a number of Cardiff vessels would be laid up. He said if they had a strike low it would nof' end like the last one. (Laughter and applause.) The Chairman then read the following resolu- tion :— That we, the seamen and ,firemen of Barry district, pledge ourselves to do our utmost to maintain the integrity of the National Seamen's Union, feeling convinced that it is the only means of remedying the many grievances under which we at present labour. Mr. Beaty proposed, and Mr. Bubbins seconded, and, on being put to the meeting, was carried unanimously. After a few remarks by Mr. Copp, a most satis- factory meeting terminated. A meeting called for last Wednesday night at Cadoxton was adjourned. 7:

TEMPERANCE WORK AT CADOXTON. The usual weekly session of the St. David's Lodge, Cadoxton, was held last Thursday evening, at eight p.m., in the Assembly-room of the Shaftes- bury Temperance Hotel, Vere-street, Cadoxton, Bro. B. Lewis in the chair. There was a good attendance of members, and the customary business was disposed of with despatch. The in- stallation of the newly-elected officers for the current quarter constituted the particular feature of the evening, Bro. H. Richards, Lodge Deputy, conducting the installation in a very creditable manner. During the last six months, which undoubtedly has been the most successful epoch in the Lodge's existence, much energy has been displayed by the members, both individually and collectively with the result that it is now re- cognised as one of the leading subordinate lodges in the whole principality. In connection with the Adult Lodsre a Juvenile Temple has been instituted, and we are glad to be able to record that great progress has been made since its formation, and we sincerely trust that it will still continue to grow, and that it will ulti- mately become a power of much good in the district. The following is the programme and list of officers of 1892 for the quarter ending October 27th, 1892:— 1892. Aug. 4th.—Installation of Officers. „ lIth.-Bros. W. E. Davies and T. C. Thomas responsible. „ ISfch.—Coffee Supper. 25th.—Visit of Cardiff Mission Band. Sept. 1st,.—Open Lodge. 8th.—Paper by Bro. H. Richards. „ 15th.—Sisters Davies, senr., and Wilde, junr., responsible. „ 22nd.-Pii.per by Bro. W. E. Davies. 29th.—Sisters Thomas, senr., and Attwood, senr., responsible. Oct. 6th.—Fruit Banquet. „ 13th.—Open Lodge. 20th.- Visit of Rose of Cardiff" Lodge. „ 27th.—Election of Officers. The following is a list of officers :-C.T.. Bro. W. E. Davies V.T., Sister Wilde, junr. P.C.T., Bro. A. W. Cuttriss; S., Bro. Fletcher; C., Sister Davies, senr.: F.S., Sister Thomas, senr. D.M., Sister Attwood, senr.; L.D., Bro. W. Richards S.J.T., Bro. G. II. Smith T., Bro. Katherens M., Bro. T. B. Thomas G.. Bro. Delahav A.S., Sister Attwood, junr. organist, Sister Holloway, Apart from the good done in promoting and advancing the cause of temperance in this district, it will be seen from the above that the large meetings are very enjoyable and interesting in character, and we would in conclusion like to state that our best wishes are with the lodge in their objects of social reform, and would counsel them to still go for- ward having for their motto, Excelsior."

ANOTHER SAD DROWNING FATALITY. A BARRY PLEASURE BOAT LOST. On Saturday last another sad drowning fatality took place off the coast between Cardiff and Barry. Thomas Royce, living at 33, Richmond-road, Barry Dock, with his wife, daughter, and son-in- law, who is the owner of a pleasure boat named Lucy Jane, went in it on Saturday afternoon to Cardiff for the purpose of bringing back a friend of himself and wife, named Emma Davies, to spend a few days holiday at Barry. He arrived at Cardiff all right at about three in the afternoon-an hour and a half after he had left Barry, and at half-past seven he, in company with Miss Davies, was seen to leave the pontoon and go in the direction ef Barry, and an hour afterwards they were hailed off Laver- nock Point by two Cardiff boatmen. They bad another boat in tow. The wind at this time was very strong, and there was a heavy, choppy seat beyond the point. Royce had apparently some fears whether it would be safe to attempt the passage to Barry, as he hailed the Cardiff men and inquired what kind of weather it Wi8 outside. The reply given was that it was pretty rough, but Royce, who had at that time got all his sails set, kept the boat's head towards Barry, as though he had resolved to proceed. A little later in the evening, however, he was seen heading back, apparently having found the weather too bad, and had decided to run into Cardiff. The boat was at this time just beyond Lavernock Point, dangerously near to the land, and in the middle of a heavy sea. This was the last seen of the occupants of the boat, and everything leads to the supposition that Royce was unable to get the boat round the point into smooth water, and that she crashed into the rocks, smashing in three or four feet of her port side, then immediately capsized, the occupants of course being thrown into the water. The two boats were picked up in the Upper Pool on Sunday morning by two Cardiff boatmen named Higgins and Gerrish. and brought to the pier-head at Cardiff, where they are now living. One of the boats, which is a small sailing yawl, is considerably damaged, one side being completely stove in, and several planks missing. The man and woman (Miss Davies, Grangetown) left the landing place between the two pontoons, and while sailing out seemed to be both capable of handling the vessel. They were seen to start by Superintendent O'Gorman, of the Bute Dock police force, and he states that the female stepped firmly into the boat as if she were well used to sailing, and the man pulled with no little skill. He appeared to be about 45 year,, old, and his companion some 20 years his junior. A rumour was circulated on Monday morning that both -bodies had been washed ashore at Cardiff, but on enjury the re- port proved to be incorrect. Thomas Royce was 45 years of age, and is described as a steady man, not given to drink. Miss Davies's age was sixteen or seventeen. The poor fellow and his family came to Barry Dock to live twelve months last March. Previous to that he lived in Cardiff for ten years. He was em- ployed at the Barry Graving Dock as a rigger, but had been out of work for the last two or three weeks. Before coming to Barry he worked for years at Morel's Dry Dock, at Cardiff. His wife did her best to induce him not to go to Cardiff on Saturday afternoon in the boat, but he waM de- termined to go. She wanted him to go on the bicycle. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved families, who are well-known in Cardiff and Barry Dock. Thomas Royce's daughter was married only a short time since. Writing to the South Wales Daily Newif of Wed- nesday, Mr. C. B. Fowler, of Llandaff, says :-See- ing an account of a sailing yawl and punt being picked up off Lavernock, and a few remarks as to the starting of same from near the Pierhead on Saturday evening last, I think it but right to give the following information, as it may help to make the matter clear to the authorities. I was waiting for the Weston boat on Saturday evening at 6.35 p.m., on the Pier, when a man brought a yawl alongside, to which was attached a punt with a rope. The boat was of a whitish colour, with a mast and sail. There was about one. I hundredweight of small limestones placed at the foot of the mast, evenly packed for bal- last. The man who was in her was not in any particular like a man used to the sea. He had a very pale face and black hair (whiskers, I think), more like a miller or baker than anything else. When he brought the boat alongside, a respectable- looking girl, quietly dressed—about 23, I should say-jumped into the boat. She was rather of heavy build, and carried a few small parcels in her arms. I inquired where they were going, and was told Barry. Knowing the state of the channel, having crossed over in the morning myself, it struck me as being a very dangerous trip. The man handled his oars very well, and as soon as he got out. sailed off. I noticed the girl sat on the side on which the boat was tacking, and thought to myself of the danger of this on rounding Lavernock Point. I spoke to a seafaring man near me on the pier, and he said, I would not like to be in that boat rounding Lavernock, I can tell you." Something told me that boat would not arrive safely, and I consequently took more than usual notice of the craft and its occupants. There was a foresail, but it was not in use. The boat sailed off with only a mainsail.

THE BARRY DOCK PUBLIC- HALL CO. (LIMITED). A VOLUNTARY WINDING UP. An extraordinary general meeting of the mem- bers of the Barry Dock Public-hall Company (Limited) was recently held at Pembroke Chambers, Holton-road, Barry Dock, when it was resolved that the company should be wound up voluntarily under the provision of the Companies Act. Mr. F. P. Jones-Lloyd, solicitor, of "Pembroke Chambers, was apppinted the liquidator.

OUR SEAMEN'S GRIEVANCES As will be seen from another column, an active agitation is being carried on at Barry to ensure better payment for those.who go down to the sea in ships, but few possibly know the extreme hard- ships which the average sailor has to undergo. Some of these are, of course, inevitable, and unavoidable, but others can be removed by "legis- lation and the pressure of public opinion. When one comes to understand the nature of these hard- ships. one can easily credit Mr. Clark Russell's statement that 80 out of every 100 sailors loathe their calling. Mr. W. Clark Russell, who served his time as midshipman in the merchant service, and knows intimately everything connected with seafaring life, gives a very interesting account in this month's I'dler how he came to write his great nautical tale, The Wreck of the Grosvenor." The story will be interesting as throwing a light on our sailors' lives. "It. chanced one day." he says, '• that a big ship, with a mastheaded colour, telling of trouble on board, let go her anchor in the Downs. I then lived in a town which over- looks those waters. The crew of the ship had mutinied they had carried the vessel halfway down Channel, when, discovering by that .time what sort of provisions had been shipped for them, they forced the master to shift his helm for the inwards course. The crew of thirteen or fourteen hairy, queerly-attired fellows, in Scotch caps. divers coloured shirts, dungaree breeches stuffed into half Wellingtons, were brought before the magistrates. The bench consisted of an old sea captain, who had lost a ship in his day through the ill conduct of his crew, and whose hatred of the forecastle hand was strong and peculiar; a a parson, who knew about as much of the sea as his wife a general medical practitioner, and a schoolmaster. I was present, and listened to the men's evidence, and I also heard the captain's story. Samples of the food were produced. A person with whom I had some acquaintance found me an opportunity to examine and taste samples of the forecastle provisions of the ship whose crew had mutinied. Nothing more atro- ciously nasty could be found amongst the neg- lected putrid sweepings of a butcher's back premises. Nothing viler in the shape of food ever set a famished mongrel hiccoughing. Neverthe- less, this crew of thirteen or fourteen men, for refusing to sail in the vessel unless fresh fore- castle stores were shipped, were <ent to gaol for terms ranging from three to six weeks. Some time earlier than this there had been legislation helpful to the seaman through the humane and impassioned struggles of Mr. Samuel Plimsoll. The crazy, rotteu old coaster had been knocked into staves. The avaricious owner had been com- pelled to load with some regard to the safety of sailors, and to the discipline of the Board of Trade. But I could not help thinking that the shoregoing menace of the sailor's life did not lie merely in overloaded ships, and in crazy, porous hulls. Mutinies were incessantly happening in consequence of the loathsome food shipped for sailors' use, and many dreadful disasters attended these outbreaks. When I came away from the magistrates' court, after hearing the men* sen- tenced, I found my mind full of that crew's grievance. I reflected upon what Mr. Plimsoll had done, and how much of the hidden parts of the sea life remained to be exposed to the pulic eye, to the advantage of the sailor, providing the subject should be dealt with by one who had himself suf- fered, and very well understood what he eat down to write about. This put into my head the idea of the tale, which I afterwards called The Wreck of I the Grosvenor.' I said to myself, I'll found a story on a mutiny at sea, occasioned entirely by the ship- ment of bad provisions for the crew. No writer has as yet touched this ugly feature of the life. < Dana is silent, Herman Melville merely drops a joke or two as he rolls out of the caboose with a cube of salt horse in his hand. I i. has never been made a serious canvas of. And yet deeper trage- dies lie in the stinking harness-cask than in the started butt. There are wilder and bloodier possi- bilities in a barrel of rotten pork, and in a cask of worm-riddled ship's bread, than in a whole passage of shifting cargoes, and in a long round voyage of deadweight that sinks to the wash- streak." He finishes up by saying, Professionally, the influence of the book has been small. I have heard that it made one shipowner sorry, and rather virtuous, and that for some time his harness-casks went their voyages fairly sweet. He is, however, but a solitary figure, the lonesome Crusoe of my little principality of fancy. As a piece of litera- ture. "The Wreck of the Grosvenor" has been occasionally imitated. Mr. Plimsoll. I understand, has lately been dealing with the subject of sailors' food. I heartily wish success to his efforts.

SAD PENARTH! The Man about Town of the Echo evidently did not get such a good reception at Penarth as he did at Barry the other day. This is what he says of it :—Sad Penarth Whenever we feel chastened and the hand of affliction is sore upon us we fly to thee for the austere serenity and the stillness of refined gloom which cling around thy shores Thine esplanade, bare of seats, star in t: with a stony glare the burning sun thy sea that scorns the shore and lies afar off amongst the shingles, as if ashamed thy cliffs approached by muddy in- clines in which the feet disappear and become but a memory-these are thy sole possessions and thy sole amusements Of late there have been stirrings of heart, and sundry people have said amongst each other that they would like to see the place livened up. Amongst other plans for imparting cheerfulness to Penarth was the erec- tion of a temporary theatre. I do not know that Irving would have visited it—partly because, as a matter of fact, his autumn engagements are actually completed-but it would still have been a Theatre, a place of amusement which would have for a time distracted one's mind from thoughts of suicide. Plans were submitted to the very wise and deliberate Local Board, and met with full approval. One of the members remarked that he was of opinion that only good would accrue to Penarthites from this theatre, as he knew for a fact that many, not five or six dozens, but scores, were kept from public-houses whenever there was a theatre in Penarth. And really, this sounds good logic. Penarthers ex- pressed the same opinion the applicant for the licence was called in, questioned fully approved of, and sent away with the full convic- tion that she had got the licence. And yet, when the actual time for voting came, behold no one would second the resolution, and Penarth has to go without its theatre. There is absolutely no reason assigned. It is only a determination, given as the Penarth Beach, to be miserable at all hazards. Of the Penarth Local Board I have nothing to say. My faculty for admiration is so wonderfully de- veloped that I believe it can stretch even over them I would merely ask them if they consider that it is their duty, as guardians of the public, to deny such amusements as have been found to be healthy and innocent ? Unless there is a really strong reason for this action of theirs, I cannot help asserting that there is something immoral in it. For the last three or four seasons a temporary theatre has been erected in Penarth, and no com- plaint has hitherto been made. I do not believe in the establishment of a perpetual right by the mere fact of a. yearly licence being granted but when once a Theatre is established-and this applies all round-it has a right to exist, and its supporters have a right to expect that it shall be permitted to exist, unless there be a valid reason duly ex- pressed by the governing body which has control over these matters.

WEDDING AT CADOXTON, On Sunday last, at the Old Church, Cadoxton, was celebrated the marriage of Miss M. J. John, formerly of the Royal Hotel, and Mr. J Jeremiah, butcher, Barry-road, by the Rev. E. Morris, rector. Mr. John, the bride's father, gave the bride away, and Mrs. Pearce and Miss Burbridge acted as bridesmaids. In the afternoon the bride and bride- groom left Cadoxton for Bath, where they will spend the first days of the honeymoon.

RAILWAY EXTENSION AT BARRY DOCK. GOVERNMENT INSPECTION. On Tuesday a Government inspector paid a visit to Barry Dock, and inspected, on behalf of the Board of Trade, the new railway extension works just completed between Barry Dock and Barry Stations. The commissioner, who was accompanied by Mr. R. Evans (general manager). Mr. J. Robin- son, M.Inst.C.E. (resident engineer), and other gentlemen, pronounced the works to have been carried cut to his entire satisfaction, and the new portion of the line will, no doubt, be certified for opening forthwith.

HOW TO MAKE MONEY FAST AND HONESTLY. -According to the character or extent of your business, set aside a liberal percentage for printing and adver- tising, and do not hesitate. Keep yourself unceasingly before the public and it matters not what business of utility you make choice of, for if intelligently pursued fortune will be the result. Il'inCs Merchant M aga- ine." I

COLLIERY ACCIDENTS IN THE RHONDDA, -— THE FATALITY TO AN UNDER MANAGER. INQUESTS AT TREHERBERT. On Tuesday afternoon Mr. Rhys, coroner, held an inquiry at the Castle Hotel, Treherbert. into the circumstances attending the death of Mr. David Williams, under-manager, 41 years of age, who was killed instantaneously by a fall of roof in the main level, about 100 yards from the bottom of the downcast shaft of the Lady Margaret Colliery, Treherbert, on Saturday afternoon last. Mr. Sims, Deputy Inspector of Mines, was present. — Evidence as to the identifica- tion of the body having been tendered by Mr. David Jones, brother-in-law of the deceased, Mr. David Williams, rider, employed in the col- liery, stated that he wm: standing a few yards away from the deceased gentleman talking to him, when the framing of the timbers over the crossing, or the parting, was crushed to pieces, without any notice whatever, by a fall of stone and rubbish, weighing about 20 or 30 tons. The deceased was quite dead when he was got out from under the fall.—Mr. Richard Thomas, manager of the col- lieries, deposed that the timbers smashed by the fall were in sound condition, and the framing had been erected there about nine months ago. About 28 tons of drbri.*•■ had fallen, and two of the largest stones weighed about two tons each. He had examined the place where the accident oc- curred, and found a crack in the roof running across from the main road to the cross road. The lower part of the crevice must have been visible before the accident took place. The cavity ex- tended about 15 feet, and the cavity in the roof was about four feet in height. There was a little space between the top and the lagging of the framing previous to the accident. In that part the roof consisted of bastard cliff," and was con- sidered to be very strong.—A verdict of Acci- dental death was returned. An inquiry was held at the same place touching the death of Frederick Gardner, collier, 22 years of age, residing in 24. Scott-street, Tynewydd, who sustained severe injuries while on his way out of the Cwmdare Colliery, the property of the Ocean Company, on Saturday evening last. Richard Jones stated that on Saturday he worked alone in his stall, and in the afternoon his light went out. He. therefore, went back to the double parting to have his lamp relit. On the way he met Gardner, and they heard the rumbling of some trams in the distance. They at once concluded that a journey of trams was coming down the drift. Witness re- quested Gardner to inspect the pointers of the crossing a few yards away from where they stood as he himself had no light. Hearing the journey approaching them rapidly he shouted to Gardner, who replied that he was all right and safe. Witness retreated a few yards and crouched against the side. He knew there was a manhole or two close by, but could not immediately find it, for he had no light. Some of the trams went off the rails at the crossing, and one of them struck him on the leg violently. He sustained injuries to the foot.—Walter Evans, rider, deposed that when the "journey" went off the rails he jumped off and escaped uninjured. The pointers were looked after by the shackler engaged in the drift, and they were kept perfectly rigid after being moved by a piece of iron placed between them and the iron shaft. The journey consisted of 10 empty trams, the two foremost of which kept to the rails, whilst the third went off and displaced the succeeding seven. Gardner, who was found about four yards lower down than the 'crossing, was struck by some ot the derailed trams. He examined the pointers after the accident, aand found them in proper position. A verdict of Accidental death" was returned. MJB

SHOCKING ACCIDENT IN THE RHONDDA. A COLLIERY OVERMAN KILLED. About half-past twelve o'clock on Saturday afternoon a shocking accident occurred in the Lady Margaret Colliery, Treherbert, the property of the Marquis of Bute, whereby Mr. David Williams, under manager, about 46 years of age, residing at 77, Bute-street, in the locality, was killed instan- taneously by a fall of roof weighing about 30 tons. It appears that about ten minutes previous to the accident Mr. Thomas, manager of the colliery, had been talking to the deceased gentle- man in the lodge room near the bottom of the shaft. Mr. Thomas then went out of the pit and Mr. Williams proceeded down the level to go into some of the working places in the yard seam. On the parting, about 120 yards from the lodge room, he saw a few yards away, in a heading branching in the right, the rider standing waiting for the journey." While Mr. Williams stood there talking to him five pairs of the double tim- bers, thirteen, feet in height and the same length across, were smashed to pieces by a fall of the roof, the debris, weighing about twenty tons, completely covering Mr. Williams, who was undoubtedly killed instantaneously. The news of the sad affair reached Mr. Thomas, who was engaged near the weighing machine close by the mouth of the pit, about ten minutes later, and he at once descended the shaft, and operations throughout the mine were in a short time afterwards suspended. The body of the deceased gentleman was got out from under the fall about an hour and a half after the occurrence. He had only been employed about six weeks at the pit. For a number of years previously he had occupied the post of colliery manager at the Tynewydd Colliery in the district, which he resigned in consequence of some alterations in the management of the workings. He was well known in colliery circles throughout the Rhondda aud highly respected. He leaves a widow but no children.

INTERESTING WEDDING AT PONTYPRIDD. A very interesting wedding was witnessed by a large congregation at Penuel Calvinistic Metho- dist Chapel, Pontypridd, on Thursday morning. The contracting parties were Mr. Rhys Morgan, M.A., headmaster of the Heath School, and Miss Cecil Morgan, The Grove, eldest daughter of the late Mr. Morgan Morgan, and niece to the late Mr. Thomas Morgan, J.P., Y Vron. Both bride and bridegroom are highly esteemed in the town, and their nuptials were regarded with eonsiderable interest. The officiating ministers were the Rev. W. Lewis, pastor of Penuel, assisted bytthe Rev. Vyrnwy Morgan, pastor of the English Congre- gational Church, of which the bridegroom is a leading member. The bride, who was accom- panied by her sister, Miss Lizzie Morgan, and Miss Alice Evans, wore an elegant tailor-made gown of electric blue cloth, with vest of golden- brown velvet, blue straw hat to match, trimmed with velvet and jays' wings. The bridesmaids' dresses were of pale blue Liberty crepe, trimmed with ecru lace, fancy straw hats trimmed with lace and cornflowers. They also wore handsome gold horseshoe bracelets, the gift of the bridegroom. Mr. W. R. Davies, solicitor, was the best man, and the bride was given away oy her cousin, Mr. Owen Morgan (Morien), of Treforest. At the conclusion of the ceremony the newly-wedded pair, who were plentifully showered with rice, drove to Cardiff en route for Edinburgh and the Western Highlands. The following is a list of the presents — Bridegroom to bride, gold, diamond, and 'sapphire brooch bride to bridegroom, gold monogram links. Oak secretaire, Miss Lizzie Morgan pair of Venetian etchings, Miss Alice Evans case of silver spoons, Mr. W. R. Davies, solicitor; oxidised silver inkstand, Dr. and Mr. Alfred Thomas oak and silver gong, Mr. and Mrs. Crooke. London three volumes of Browning's poems. Miss Death, Bishop Stortford silver fish carvers, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Morgan biscuit box, Mr. and Mrs. D. R. Evans, Pontypridd; silver flower stand with browsing deer and oak with branches and acorns. Morien sugar and cream stand, Rev. W. and Mrs. Lewis case of fish knives and forks, Mr. and Mrs. J. Evans, Penybryn silver and Wedgwood cake plate, Mrs. Morgan, Ystradberwg; Worcester fruit dish, Mrs. Evans, Bodringallt: silver salver, Dr. and Mrs. Thomas, Glyncorrwg; oak and silver salad bowl, Councillor and Mrs. Davies; egg stand, Mr. Edwin Morgan brass kettle, Mrs. Seaton, Gelliwastad case silver saltcellars, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, Llanfarach silver hot water jug, Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Lewis, The Grove pair Worcester vases, Miss Gwen Evans; silver butter knife, Mrs. Evans, Porth; preserve stand, Mr Thomas Williams, Llantrisant; sugar bowl and sifter, Mr. and Mrs Rogers'; bread fork. Miss Charles; toast rack, Rev. and Mrs. Vyrnwy Morgan case of silver pickle fork, jam spoon, and butter knife, Mr. and Mrs. Gwilym Hughes dozen dinner knives and forks, Mrs. Roberts, Tyvica- crescent toilet set, Mrs. Davies, Forth bread plate and knife, Mrs. Evans, Forth afternoon tea set, Miss Janet Morgan silver match box, Miss Clarke pair of silver acorn muffneers, Mrs. Lloyd Jones, Five Elms, Grassendale, Liverpool; silver toast rack, Miss M. and Miss B. Evans, The Van, Caerphilly.

BRIDGEND LOCAL BOARD. A STORMY MEETING. At the ordinary meeting of the Bridgend Local Board held at the Town-hall on Tuesday evening, the chairman (Mr. LI. Wallington) presided. The others present were Messrs. W. McGaul, W. M. Richards, D. Lewis, W. Francis, W. Powell, E. Rich, M. Davies, and T. J. Hughes (clerk). FINANCE. The balance at the bank was reported to be £49 10s. 2d. THE ENCROACHMENT CASE.—ANIMATED DISCUSSION. Mr. Powell stated that the taxed costs of Miss Talbot in her recent action against the Board amounted to £33 8s. 4d.. and that the costs of counsel and witnesses who appeared for the Board were £ 12 10s. 6d.—The committee recommended the former to he paid, and the latter account was referred to the Board for consideration.—Mr. McGaul said he would like to say a few words re- specting those costs. When the case was brought before the Board it was said that there would be no difficulty in establishing their case. It was altogether a surprise to him that they had been landed into paying those heavy costs. As one of those who opposed fighting that case out he had really good ground to speak, and he thought that for the future they should not be led into such things in the dark. The member who had the doing of that was absent, but he told the Board distinctly that the evidence that he had was so great that he had not the slightest doubt that he could establish the case. He did not oppose the payment of the amount, but he did utter a protest that for such a shadowy thing they had incurred an expenditure equal to a penny rate.— Mr. Powell said that he did not want to prolong the discussion to any great extent, but he wished to say that he was strongly opposed to it from the commencement, and though Mr. McGaul came to his aid at the close, he thought that when the pro- ceedings were commenced he alone opposed it. It appeared to him that the Board had certainly made a mistake, and he hoped that, as Mr. McGaul had said, they would profit by it in future. The argument that he used at the time, and which was pooh poohed by one or more members at least, was that the members had visited the spot, and acquiesced in the arrangement. One of the mem- bers told him (Mr. Powell) that because the Board had not done its duty on that occasion it was no reason why the present Board should not do its duty. It was evident that the Board had exceeded its duty. They had no option but to pay the bill, but he most sincerely hoped that it would be a warning to them not to take proceedings without exercising the greatest caution. Of course, the matter itself was of very little import- ance to the Board to risk so great a sum.—The clerk said that before the report of the committee was passed he thought it was only fair that he should say that he accepted no responsibility for the result of the action, nor for the action that had been taken.—Mr. McGaul said he must say that was rather peculiar ground for the clerk to take. He had heard it said that the clerk had stated that the Board had never asked his opinion. Well, he (Mr. McGaul) did not think that the clerk ought to wait until he was asked his opinion when the Board was going to rush into such a thing as that. He did think that if there any blame the Clerk ought to share it.—The Clerk said he did not accost any share of blame. He was never asked in regard to the evidence, but gave his opinion on a point of law. He was assured by the members that certain facts could be proved, but it turned out at the hearing that those facts could not be proved by a long way.—Mr. Lewis asked if there was no minute that the Committee had visited the spot?—Mr. McGaul said there was no record. He did not think Mr. Francis had eyesight for the lot of them, and he protested against it. He thought, too, that the Clerk was to blame for not saying to the Board, "You are on wrong lines"-——The Clerk: Will you kindly spy what opportunity I had of saying You are on wrong lines ?" The Board were on right Tines on the facts stated at the Board as being capable of being proved. The Board were not on wrong lines, but when the witnesses came to the point Mr. McGaul (interrupting) The Clerk should have got the witnesses together, and seen if the case was worth going on with, or if the Board should drop it.—The Chairman We are supposed to be guided by the Clerk.—The Clerk On points of law. I do not throw the blame on anyone's shoulders, but I do disclaim any blame for myself.—Mr. Francis It was reported to us that it was for the public interest.—The Chair- man We were given to understand that there was sufficient evidence to carry the case through.—Mr. Rich It is no use crying over spilt milk. It will be a lesson for the future. — Mr. Powell: We are not finding fault,, but as Mr. McGaul and I have expressed it, we hope that we shall not rush into anything of this sort again. The evidence appeared to me, as I expressed it at the time, very shadowy.—Mr. McGaul I was told that Mr. Tamplin Lewis would go into the box, and then I said there would be some weight with such a gentleman as that, but he was missing.—The Chairman It is unfortunate that we were led into this business, but we cannot help it now. It is done.—The Clerk These costs were ordered by the registrar. I attended at the taxation, and got some of the cost disallowed. —The Chairman Why was this other item referred to the Board —Mr. Powell I am sorry that only Mr. Davies and myself. were present at the com- mittee meeting, but I think the Clerk was in- structed to get Mr. Plews, or some other gentle- man, and as Mr. Plews had several other cases we thought that the charges were excessive. We noticed in the other case that the other barrister was only paid £5 10s. That is one of our reasons. Then there is another item which we objected to— the amount paid to Edwards. We thought that was too much. Of course if the Clerk—and I have no doubt that he will be able to satisfy the Board that he actually paid that sum to Mr. Plews-then I think the matter will end, because our instruc- tions to him were to go up to d610 or something of that kind, so that he was within the limit.— The Clerk Well, Sir, I am bound to say that it is a very poor compliment to me. This account purports on the face of it to have been pay- ments." Is it suggested that what is represented to have been paid by me has not been paid.' I call a spade a spade. If Mr. Hughes can satisfy the Board that he paid the sum to Mr. Plews." Is that the point ? — Mr. Powell: What I referred to was that the Clerk would be able to give an explanation why that sum was paid—not if he paid the sum.—The Clerk You may have meant that; you did not say it.—Mr. Powel 1: That is what I said.—The Clerk It was not what you said. What you did say was, "pro- vided the clerk will be able to satisfy us that he has paid that sum."—Mr. Powell: Well, I will ex- plain to you what I mean. Why was that sum paid in the face of the £5 10s. paid to the other barrister ? It appears to me that it is amounting to this—that, instead of the clerk being the servant of tho Board, he appears to me to master the whole lot of us, and, if possible, to close our mouths. He may, of course, put whatever meaning he likes upon my words. I think that the clerk should be courteous to the Board, and that he should in no way. attempt to master the Board, and, if possible, ti. close our mouths. I, for one, won't submit to it. —Mr. M'Gaul pointed out that Mr. Plews was en- gaged in other cases at the same court.—The Clerk: I suggested that a sum of £10 be allowed by the Board for counsel, but the Board said "No," and that I had better have a free hand. That was the sum I paid to Mr. Plews, and that is the sum I charged against the Board. Mr. Davies knew very well that the sum chargeable as against the un- successful party on taxation of costs was seldom the sum actually paid to counsel. I understood from Mr. Jones that Mr. Benson got ten guineas on his brief, and that he was paid 18 guineas for the day—that is, seven guineas more than Mr. Plews.—In answer to Mr. Lewis, the Clerk stated that 15s. was paid to Mr. Edwards.—-Mr. Lewis Was that the scale the court allows !-The Clerk Yes from 15s. to £ 1 Is.—The Chairman If these are payments which the clerk has made.—Mr. Powell: You must be careful, Mr.Chairman, because you say if again.—Mr. Lewis said that as the bill was according to the court scale, he did not see that they had anything more to do with it.- The Clerk It is a list of the accounts which I paid in the action.—Mr. Lewis According to the court scale .'—Mr. Powell: No, it is not according to the court scale. It is not necessary that it should be. -The Clerk: J can get Mr. Plews' brief here, which shows the amount paid to him. My office is still open.—The Chairman Mr. Powell was justified in asking for an explanation.—The Clerk pointed out that Mr. Plews did not get anything like as big a fee as Mr. Benson for the day, nor did he get as big a fee as Mr. Benson got in that case. -The Chairman Will any one more that cheques be drawn for these payments ?—Mr. Richards pro- posed and Mr. Lewis seconded that the amounts in question be paid. and this was carried unani- mously.-The Chairman I hope we shall be cautious in future.—Mr. McGaul: Not a bit of it. If it was next week you would be at it again. (Laughter.)—Tha Chairman I do not think it is fair to cast reflections upon those members who went to look at the spot, and did their very best, thinking that the case would succeed.-The Clerk Had the case been referred to arbitation it would have cost three times as much at least. THE ALLEGED OBSTUCTION. Mr. McGaul reported that in company with Messrs. Rich and Lewis he had visited the spot where it was alleged that Mr. C. P. Davies had obstructed the road. They found that the road was simply an accommodation road to the farms, and that the public had no rights in it as a cart- way, but had simply the right to pass on foot. The footpath was in no way interfered with, and under the circumstances they recommended the Board to take no further action in the matter. The Board, after a little discussion, decided upoa letting the matter drop, as the members who had been deputed to look into it expressed themselves satisfied that it was as Mr. MeGaul stated simply a private road to the farm. Mr. McGaul said he thought the surveyor ought not to bring such matters before the Board on his own authority, but the Chairman and other members held that the surveyor was quite justified in acting as he had. THE NEW OFFICES. On the proposition of Mr. M. Davies. seconded by Mr. Powell, it was deciffld that the clerk write offering £ 15 a year to the Masonic Lodge for the two vacant offices in the Masonic-hall, Adare- street.—Mr. McGaul and Mr. Rich voted against, the proposition. The Board then adjourned. -L-

RODGH ON BRASS BANDS. Mr. Justice Cave, during the hearing of f- application in the Court of Queen's Bench to pre- vent the Yarmouth Town Council from giving pecuniary encouragement to a municipal band of music, said to the applicant, It is evident your client objects to music, and there I agree with him." The Lord Chief Justice, who was also on the Bench, replied. I don't. You know what Shakespeare said, 4 The man that hath no music iu himself.' and so on." This at once raises the ques- tion whether Shakespeare was altogether as far- seeing as usual when he makes Lorenza say to Jessica that a man who did not care for music, And is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, Is fit for treason, stratagem, and spoils. Whatever may have been the case in Shakespeare's own day, it is certain that modern times have seen several men eminently great in other things who have been entirely deficient in appre- ciation of music. Sir Walter Scott could tell "Scots wha ha'e" and the "Old Hundred" from other airs, but that was about the limit of his discrimination in concord of sweet sounds," and of what is called classical music his power of enjoyment was alsolutely nil. Charles Lamb hated music as much as the greatest of human beings could hate anything, and the late Dean Stanley often confessed that music was to him a terrible bore. And yet it would be difficult to find three men less likely to indulge in treason or stratagems. The Rev. James Bramston. a forgot- ten satirist of the last century, wrote in "The Man of Taste that Music hath charms to soothe the savage beast, Is therefore proper at a sheriff's feast. Everybody, of course, cannot be a sheriff, but that is no reason why all who do not enjoy music should be dubbed as possessing something savage about them. The defect invites sympathy rather than contumely. If Mr. Justice Cave errs in net appreciating music, he errs in company which is not altogether to be despised.

CRICKET. ^—.— TONDU 2XD XI. V. NANTYMOEL 1ST XI. The above teams met for t.he first time on Saturday last on the ground of the former, and resulted in an easy victory for the home team by 28 runs. Scores t- TONDU 2ND XI. A. LJoyd, c James, b Slocombe 15 E. Hopkin, b Slocombe 0 E. Thomas, c Joues, b Slocombe 17 E. Rees, b J»nes 3 J. Jones, c Slocombe, b Jones 13 E. Whittingham, b Walton 0 T. Rees, b Jones 7 J. Hopkin, b John 8 D. Whittingham, b John 1 G. Thomas, b Jones 0 C. Ford, not out 0 Extras 10 Total 74 NANTYMOEL 2ND XI. F. James, b E. Rees 1 T. R. Walton, c E. Thomas, b E. Hopkin 7 W. Webber, b E. Rees 0 F. Slocombe, b E. Hopkin 4 W. E. Jones, c J. Hopkin, b E. Hopkin 0 W. Charles, b E. Hopkins 4 E. G. Jones, I b w, b E. Hopkin. 11 E. A. Jones, c E. Thomas, b E. Hopkin 7 D. John, c and b E. Hopkin. 8 E. Adams, b E. Rees 2 W. Hopkin, not out 0 Extras 2 Total 46 BARRY DOCK V. BARRY DOCK ENGINEERS.— A match was played on the Buttriils, Barry, between the above teams, and resulted in a win for Barry by one run and four wickets. Appended are the scores: —Engineers—O. Lewis, 1 Waddell, 0 Watson, 1 Duncan, 0; A. James, 20 A. Jackson, 25 Pearson, 2 Palmer, 9 Morse, 8 E. Gee, 0 Powell, 3 extras, 9 total, 78. Barry-Turlson 29 E. Grant, 2 E. Lewis, 1; E. Davies, 14 JH. Jones (not out), 5 G. Pratt, 8 R. O. Jenkins, 0 West (not out), 6 extras, 14: total, 79. D. Williams, W, T. Nichoils, and T. Williams to bat. Y.M.C.A. V. PENARTH A.-The third match of of the season between the above clubs was played on Saturday at Penarth, and ended, as in the two previous matches, in a victory tor the Y.M.C.A. Score Penarth" A "—W. Love, 2; J. E. James, 5 J. H. Cranston, 22; E. Kirbv, 22; W. R. Rawle, 1; C. Kirby, 4; E. Farthing, 0; H. M. Lloyd, 0; W. Seward, 0 A. H. Lee (not out), 0 A.' Stevenson, 0; extras, 11; total, 67. Y.M.C.A.—J. R. Lewis, 12 F. Hughes, 4; P.J. Price, 64; T. H. Edwards, 4; S. E. Stevens, 4 J. Grant, 10 ;tH. A. Aldridge (not out), 6; W. H. Burt, 0; H. Bain, 0 extras, 5; total, for 8 wickets, 109. J. W. Thomas and F. N. Compton to bat. BARRY CHURCH C.C. V. BARRY GAS AND WATER C.C.—Played at Porthkerry Park on Satur- day, August 6th, between Barry Parish Church C.C and Barry Gas and Water C.C., and resulted in a win by 22 runs for the visitors on the first innings. Scores: -Gas and Water C.C.: P. Payne, b Garner, 8 W. S. Llewellyn, b Garner, 0 D. Edmondes, lbw, b Munn, 1; W. McCormick, b Miller, 15 J. King, run out, 2; H. Roberts, not out, 17, not out, 13; D. R. Evans, b Miller, 0 B. S. Pomeroy. c Miller, 0, not out, 37 J. Watley, s Garner, 0 J. Dyer, c Miller, 0 T. Good- year, b Miller,] extras,9 and 4 totals,53 and 54 (for no wicket). Parish Church C.C.: Mr. Garner, c Pomeroy, b Edmondes, 0 C. H. Morris, b Edmondes, 4 Mr. Rutherford, c King, b Llewellyn, 0 Munn, b Llewellyn, 1 Went, c Dyer, b Edmondes, 4 Gray, c Goodyear, b Llewellyn, 14; Miller, b Edmondes, 0; Griffiths, c Roberts, b Edmondes, 3 Mail, b Edmondes, 0; Jenkins, c and b Edmondes, 2 Hopkins, not out, 0 extras, 2 total, 31.

X IMPORTANT NOTICE. |f Just Published, a book for Young Men. By Dr. J. A. BARNES, M.D. (U.S.), entitled HOW TO ENSURE HEALTH," On the LAWS GOVERNING LIFE, and the CAUSES, SYMPTOMS and TREATMENT of all diseases depending on Exhaustion of Nervous Vitality such as Nervous Debility, Mental and Physical' Depression, Palpitation of the Heart, Noises in the Head and Ears, Indecision, Impaired Sight and Memory, Indigestion, Prostration, Lassitude Depres- sion of Spirits, Loss of Energy and Appetite 'Pain* i» the Back, &c. la Sent post free for 2 stamps; or by letter no«+ Q "THE FEMALES' FRIEND AND ADvi'S^ Will be sent to any address on receint of rP„r„ ef Address, Dr BARNES 48 LoUSe Barnsbury, London N ros, No MORE GRAY HAIR OR BALD HVATJ O the People s Fireside Journal, this week agents, Id.; post free, 2d., from M KW All news- bsndon. W n Newman-street