The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian Glamorgan Monmouth and Brecon Gazette

PRINCE ALFRED IN THE EAST.—The latest rumour regarding the festivities at Agra in January next, when the Duke of Edinburgh visits India, is that Messrs. Kellner and Co., of Allahabad, have secured the con- tract for the supply of viands, and that a dinner has been ordered at a cost of f 5,000. NEW KNIGHTS OF THE BATH.—The Queen held an investiture of Knights of the Bath in the Throne-room of Windsor Castle on Tuesday afternoon. The visitors lunched previous to the ceremony, covers being laid for about forty guests, most of whom were in uniform. THE ACTION AGAINST SIR E. WAT KIN. — The case of Jacomb v. Watkin and anotner was resumed in the Court of Queen's Bench 0:1 Tuesday morning. Some further evidence was given, and a sharp conversation took place between the Lord Chief Justice and the Solicitor-General, upon which the plaintiff elected to be nonsuited. Nonsuited accordingly. MR. BRIGHT AND THE REFORM CLUB.—A requisi- tion has been signed by nearly 100 members of Parlia- ment besides about 200 other members of the Reform Club, requesting the committee to convene a general meeting of the club, in order to reconsider the recent decision which has led to the withdrawal of Mr. Bright and Mr. Foster. The Reform Club consists of 1,400 members, a great number of whom are resident in the provinces, and it is expected there will be a large at- tendance of these country members. TROUT. —Trout in the Wye are becoming scarcer every year, owing to the great increase of pike. A very short time since Mr. W. Stephens, of Hereford, who has a fishery, caught 200 pike, and in the mouth of one he found seventy-seven fry an inch long.

CARDIFF BENEFIT AND ANNUITANT, SOCIETY. ——— The forty-eighth annual meeting of the above society washeldintheFreeSchools, Crockherbtown, on Monday. The members assembled as usual at the School-room at half-past eleven o'clock, and, preceded by the Gla- morganshire Militia Band, marched to St. John's Church, where an excellent sermon was preached for the occasion by the Rev. D. Howell, the Vicar, who is one of the trustees of the society. At the conclusion of the service the members returned to St. John's School-room, where the accounts were presented to the meeting by the Treasurer, Mr. J. Bird. Lord Bute, as the President of the Society, presided sup- ported by the Mayor, Aldermen Bird and David, J. S. Corbett, Esq., Dr. Edwards, and other persons officially connected with the society. There was a large number of members present. Lord BCTE opened the proceedings with a short address, in which he alluded to the general benefit of societies like that, whose forty-eighth anniversary they had that day met to celebrate. Such institutions enabled members not only to provide for a time of sickness and old age, but led to the formation of those habits of providence and economy which were most invaluable to the community at large. There was one particular advantage attending this association, and this was that its meetings were always held in the School-room, and not at a public-house. This was a matter of the greatest importance, as the members were not led to spend their money on any but legiti- mate objects. (Hear, hear.) The society was founded by his late lamented father; its first and many anni- versaries afterwards were presided over by him and he need not tell them how much he rejoiced at being able to follow in his father's footsteps, and to preside at the first anniversary they had held since he had attained his majority. On looking at the printed statement furnished to the members he found that at the expiration of the first year their funds amounted to £33, while at the present time that fund had accu- mulated to £;3,700. This was abundant evidence that the society had prospered. (Hear, hear, and applause.) j Mr. JOHN BIRD, treasurer, then read the accounts of the past year, which had been audited and found cor- rect. Last year the number of members belonging to the society amounted to 161, and the funds invested to their credit amounted to £5,433 6s. 4d. This year the members numbered 166, and the amount invested to the credit of the society had increased to £3,700 14s. 9d. During the year 23 members had received sick pay, amounting altogether to the sum of jE57 12s. There were also three annui- tants, who had received £32. The monthly con- tributions of the members amounted to JE161 Is. Id., which with interest on the funds invested and other items had increased the fund £267 8s. 5d. during the year. The Treasurer then entered upon some facts connected with the society from its formation in 1821, at the suggestion and under the patronage of the late Lord Bute, who from its formation till the time of his death took the liveliest interest in its welfare, and after his death the members unanimously requested the chairman to wait upon the Marchioness of Bute to solicit her Ladyship to allow the infant Marquis to be appointed president of the society in the place of his much respected and most valued father. This request was most graciously complied with, and this was the first opportunity afforded to the Noble Marquis of pre- siding at their annual meeting. For many years Mr. E. P. Richards had fulfilled the duties of treasurer and steward, but on his death three years ago the present treasurer was appointed. On the motion of Mr. W. DAVIES, seconded by Mr. P. JACOBS, the accounts for the year were received and adopted. The TREASURER then read the report of the Com- mittee of Management. The report referred to the funds in hand, and suggested extending the advan- tages which the society offered to its members by increasing the pay allowed to sick members and also to the relatives of deceased members for funeral expenses. He moved the adoption of the report, and also that the necessary steps be taken according to the rules of the society, to carry the same into effect. He also moved that Mr. P. Jacobs be appointed visitor for the ensuing year. The motion was seconded by Alderman DAVID, and adopted. Mr. THOMAS VAUGIIAN moved that Messrs. P. Jacobs, J. Davies, W. Davies, H. Greenland, T. Vaughan, M. Morgan, D. John, T. Jenkins, D. Davies, E. David, W. Fifoot, and T. Abraham, form the Com- mittee of Management for the ensuing year. Mr. M. MORGAN seconded the resolution, which was adopted. On the motion of Mr. J. JENKINS, Mr. Edward Strong was re-appointed Clerk. Thanks were also tendered him for the very efficient manner in which he had fulfilled the duties of his office hitherto. The MAYOR proposed that the best thanks of the meeting be given to the Marquis of Bute for his kind- ness in presiding over the first annual meeting of the society held since the attainment of his majority." Dr. EDWARDS seconded the resolution, which was carried by acclamation. His LORDSHIP thanked them for the kind manner in which they had received his name. He assured them that the vote of thanks just passed was a great satis- faction to him, although if he had not received those thanks it would still be a great pleasure and happiness to him to occupy the position he had filled that day. His Lordship then left the chair amidst the loud ap- plause of the members. THE DINNER. E In the afternoon about 150 members sat down to an excellent repast, which was provided in the Assembly- rooms of the Angel Hotel. The chair was taken by the treasurer and steward, Mr. J. Bird, supported by the Mayor of Cardiff and the Rev. D. Howell, the vicar. At the upper table were also J. S. Corbett, Esq., Dr. Edwards, Mr. P. Bird, Mr. J. Morris, and others. The vice-chair was filled by Mr. W. Davies, the borough treasurer. On the removal of the cloth the Chairman gave the healths of the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales, which were duly acknowledged. The Army, Navy, and Volunteers was responded to by the Mayor. The CHAIRMAN, in giving the Bishop and Clergy of the diocese and the Ministers of other demoninations, said he thought that the diocese of Llandaff was under very great obligations to the present Bishop for the exertions he had made to raise the status of the diocese, to improve the tone of religious teaching in it, and the exertions he had made to extend the accommo- dation of those who desired to worship beneath the roofs of the Church of England. (Hear, hear.) In this the Bishop had been eminently successful, and he was sure that he deserved to be highly esteemed on this account alone. But he also begged to say that he had done an act within the last few days which would do more to raise the tone and character, the use- fulness and influence of the Chapter of Llandaff than ( anything else he had done during all the time he had so worthily filled the see. They no doubt had seen in their local newspapers, the Rev. Mr. Perowne, a gentleman of high academical distinction, a scholar, a divine, a Christian, and an author, had been appointed to a very important and influential position in con- nection with the Chapter of Llandaff. That gentle- man was last year the Hulsein lecturer at the University Cambridge, an author of considerable reputation, and an orator of great power; and he had no doubt that the influence which this gentleman would bring to bear in connection with the ecclesiastical arrangements of the Diocese of Llandaff would be attended with great advantage and success. On that account there- fore, as well as on others, they should heartily and warmly drink the health of the Bishop of the diocese. (Hear, hear.) On behalf of the Clergy he need only say that they were represented at the meeting by one whom they had known long, and whom they loved much, who had endeavoured faithfully to discharge the duties connected with his important office to the best of his ability, and he (Mr. Bird) was afraid far beyond his strength—(hear, hear)—and they could but wish him all success in the achievements of the objects he had in view in connection with his sacred calling. As regards the Ministers of other denomina- tions, they were also equally zealous in the performance of their duties with the dignitaries of the church to which he had referred. He concluded by proposing the health of the Bishop and the Clergy of the diocese, with the Ministers of other denominations, and coupled with the toast the name of the Rev. D. Howell. The toast having been warmly received, The Rev. D. HOWELL responded. He said Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen—I thank you very heartily indeed for your good wishes. For myself, I believe I may say that I am in perfect health (hear, hear); and the Bishop, I am also happy to say, is at the present time in excellent health. My friend the Chairman has referred to an act of his Lordship which I am sure will give the utmost satisfaction to the laity, if not to the -j entire body of the clergy. For myself, I must say that I am deeply grateful to the Bishop for having selected I am deeply grateful to the Bishop for having selected and appointed so admirable a gentleman to the canonry at his disposal in this diocese. (Hear, hear.) Not only will it add very considerable lustre to the Cathe- dral staff, for it cannot but be an acquisition to this neighbourhood to have among us a man of the highest scholastic attainments, a divine of European reputa.- tion — (hear, hear,)—and one whose pure and classic eloquence is of the very highest order. I freely admit that as a rule such honours should be conferred on the clergy of this diocese, but we all of us know that it is frequently considered a stimulus to infuse fresh blood even into a healthy system, and I cannot but feel that this will prove to be the case even with so august a body as that of the Dean and Chapter of Llandafh Let me say, in reference to the clergy of the diocese, that I think they are as well as might be expected under the circumstances (laughter) the circumstances being that they are threatened with disestablishment and dis- endowment—(hear, hear,)—at some distant period. At all events, I may console them with the information, and I am sure it will be a comfort to them to find that they have the good wishes of so very respectable and ancient a body as the Cardiff Benefit and Annuitant Society—(hear, hear)—and if I may from my humble position presume to offer a word of advice, it would be from every part of the diocese, from the Bishop down to the humblest of the clergy, that looking at .the future they should lose no time in seeking to be ad- mitted to this excellent society, that they may at all events have a small annuity provided for them in the day of their adversity. (Hear, hear, and laughter.) With regard to Ministers of other denominations, I hardly know whether I should undertake the responsi- bility of answering for so large a body of gentlemen. I believe there are 150 denominations professing the Christian religion but inasmuch as your Chairman has been pleased to lump them together, I can see no objection to my lumping them also. Therefore I say from what I know of the Nonconformist Ministers of Cardiff they are thoroughly deserving of the respect you have paid them. Let me thank you very warmly and earnestly for the manner in which you have drunk my health and at the same time let me express a hope that before the next meeting it may be my privilege to congratulate youupontli&enlargementof the basis of the advantages offered by your society to the public. From the large and almost unexampled success of this most ex- cellent institution, I have felt for some time that though it was your duty to set apart your subscriptions for the future, you have been going on hoarding up year by year for the all vantage of those who will come after you, but who will surely also be able to provide for themselves, and that you might extend your advantages to those who at present were members. I recollect i hearing it being said of a gentleman who was told that it was a sacred duty to provide for posterity h Pos- terity," said he, Who is posterity? Has ever posterity done anything for me ? Then why should I do anything for posterity?" Without adopting this principle unreservedly, I felt that you have, I may say, run into the other extreme—that you have been stint- ing yourselves to provide for those who ought to pro- vide for themselves. At all events, I will say that after the proposed enlargement of the basis of the advantages, and the increased payments which will be made in future to the sick and others, I feel quite confident that there will be a very considerable amount carried forward for the advantage of those who shall become members of this society. Having said this much, I can only again thank you for the very cordial manner in which you have received the toast of the Bishop and the Clergy: (Applause.) The CHAIRMAN next gave the health of the Presi- dent, Lord Bute. It was the first occasion that day that he had presided at their meetings, and it was also the first opportunity that he had had to preside at their meetings, and he was sure the manner in which he discharged the duties of his office must have been highly gratifying and complimentary to the members, and in return for his kindness they could but desire to drink his health with all cordiality and respect. (Hear, hear.) The health was drunk with-applause. Mr. DAVIES gave "The Visitors," which was res- ponded to by Mr. Philip Bird. The Rev. D. HOWELL said he begged to ask them to agree with him in paying respect to one to whom pre- eminently respect was due, not only for his personal qualities, but for the many very valuable services he had rendered to this excellent institution. The toast was one he was sure they would receive not only cor- dially, but most enthusiastically, and he need hardly tell them that he could only refer to their Chairman on this occasion, theTreasnrerof this Society. (Hear, hear.) For many years, as some of them were aware, nobody had been more persevering for their interests, but he could not conceal from them that he believed few members of this society could hardly ever ascertain the value of the services rendered by him to this society for the last three years. (Hear, hear.) He was in a position to know what many others did not know, what amount of thought—earnest, anxious thought—had been ap- plied by him to the affairs of this society since he was appointed to the office now so honourably filled by him, and so advantageously to them, three years ago. (Hear, hear.) He need only refer to the position of the society then with the successful position presented in this year's report, the reorganization of the affairs of this society, the manner in which the accounts were kept, the method, the regularity, and the thoroughly business-like manner in which everything connected with this institution have been carried on, he need only refer to these things in order to point out to them the admirable manner in which their excellent trea- surer had discharged his duties. He did not know any other gentleman who could, in his position, from the leisure which he now enjoyed, have devoted the amount of time and attention to the affairs of this society which he knew that their treasurer applied to them. When they remembered the position of the society three years ago and looked at the sheet placed before them that day, showing the position to which it had been brought by his care and exertions, he was quite sure that he was not only expressing his own, but that they would heartily join in expressing a hope that he might long fulfil the duties of his office which he had so ably filled hitherto, and that they might not only have him as treasurer but also as a steward of this society for many years. (Hear, hear.) The chairman's health was drunk with three times three. The CHAIRMAN said Mr. Vice-Chairman and Gen- tlemen, I accept the kind compliment you have been pleased to pay me in the spirit in which it is offered and it is no affectation on my part if I think I really deserve it. (Hear, hear.) Three years ago, when you were kind enough to honour me with the appointment which I now fill, I had not the slightest conception that such a task of trouble and difficulty had been ac- cepted by me. I am happy however to say, though I do not know that I should call it happiness, but con- finement to my house from sickness gave me a leisure opportunity to thoroughly investigate your accounts and place them in such a position as will enable any person who may succeed me in the office, which I now endeavour to fill to the best of my ability, to carry them on without any trouble and with but little difficulty. (Hear, hear.) Having accomplished that part of my task, 1 shall be very happy to continue my services to a society containing so many per- sons whose characters have been developed in the course of my intercourse with them, in such a manner as not only to command my respect and my esteem, but my friendship formany. (Hear, hear.) I am sure no one can look upon the persons connected with this association—with manliness and independence of cha- racter stamped upon them—without feeling respect for them, and I am sure a more respectable gathering could scarcely be met with in such numbers as are present at our meeting to-day. At the meeting in the school- rooms this day, we were honoured for the first time with the presidency of Lord Bute, and as it was the first time that his Lordship had been present, I availed myself of the opportunity it afforded of pre- senting some statistics connected with this society, which I thought would be of interest to him but for reasons which it is unnecessary to explain, those whom we hoped to have had there were unable to be present. Will you permit me therefore to recapitulate briefly a few of the facts and figures I presented to his Lordship, because an opportunity is now afforded of letting the public know what was the origin of your society, and what has been its progress from that time to this; what is its position now, and what are its prospects for the future. The beginning of this society was an humble one, but it had the patronage of that distin- guished and sympathising and warm-hearted nobleman, who always exercised the influence of the position he occupied, as well as his wealth, for the purpose of pro- moting the comfort, the happiness, and the prosperity of those depending on him. (Hear, hear.) It was he —the late Marquis of Bute—that nobleman in every sense of the word—who was instrumental in founding this institution, and the first meeting of its members was held in August, 1821, and the first words in your printed rules stood then as they stand now, and which I hope will never be altered, that the Most Honourable the Marquis of Bute shall be and is hereby appointed president of this society." (Hear, hear.) At the second annual meeting Lord Bute attended, and at many and many annual meetings afterwards Lord Bute as president presided at them, and he endeavoured to arrange his visits to Cardiff Castle in such a way that he might be present at the annual gathering of this society, which he was so anxious to foster. The first four trustees were Mr. Walter Coffin, Mr. D.' Griffiths, Captain Ray, and Mr. E. P. Richards. Mr. Richards was also the first steward. It was a rather important appointment, because by virtue of his office of steward he was the chairman of all your meetings. His mantle has unworthily fallen upon me—(no, no)—but I will endeavour to discharge the duties of my stewardship to the best of my ability. (Hear, hear.) The receipts of your society for the first year amounted to J654 or £55, and as I told his lordship this morning, dE25 of that amount came out of his father's pocket. (Hear, hear). From that time to this, under the fostering care of Mr. E. P. Richards, who was steward of this society 46 years, the funds have accumulated to jE5,700 as ap- pears now in the statement of accounts presented to you to-day. Mr. Thomas Charles was the first treasurer, and upon his death that excellent friend of this society, Mr. Williams, whose memory was still held in the highest respect, succeeded him and held the office for 25 years, and he zealously and unremittingly discharged the duties of treasurer. During that 25 years Mr. Wil- liams manifested his interests in this society by attend- ing 230 meetings. At 230 meetings he was present, receiving, counselling the members and paying what was due, so that no doubt much of the present pro- sperity of the society is due to his excellent manage- ment. Of the original members not more than two remain. The older ones have been succeeded by others, who have endeavoured to walk in their father's footsteps, and if they continue to walk as their fathers did, I am sure we shall have much to be thankful for. I have mentioned as a trivial circumstance that all the members attending the first assembly of this society when it was constituted, and the certified rules adopted, there are only two remaining out of the 50 or 60 that as- sembled on that day. Ofthe president, trustees, treasurer, steward, and members, only two remain, one of them is still a paying member of this society, and the other I am happy to say is receiving an annuity from it. I need not refer at any length to the advantages of this society in the presence of those who are thoroughly acquainted with its working operations, but I may mention as one element connected with this society, which distinguishes it from many other associations of a similar character, that after a certain period of life annuities were granted, and payments ceased. One of our annuitants has already received £110, and may he live to receive £110 more Another has received £126, and may he live to receive £426 At the early meeting a report was presented to you from the managing committee, and although I had not the opportunity of paying a tribute of thankfulness which they deserved at our hand upon that occasion, I will gladly do so now. It is a matter of congratula- tion that twelve of your members have been trained to watch over your interests, and identify themselves with your society and with its advantages, and when you have twelve men identifying themselves in this way with the society you may be well assured that your interests will not be overlooked, and I can assure you that these twelve persons have carefully watched the interests of your society during the past year. On Tuesday evening last, after a careful, thoughtful, and anxious deliberation of the past operations of the society, they came to the conclusion that the time had arrived when the members might receive Ss. per share, instead of 6s. during sickness, and that a payment of JE20 should be promptly made on the death of a mem- ber, instead of a contribution of one shilling from each member. (Hear, hear.) The twelve persons who have so watched over your interests, who have so identified themselves with the operations of your society as to bring forth such results deserve your thanks and my admiration. (Hear, hear.) I do not think it is neces- sary for me to make any further remarks except this, that it is by comparison that you test the position you occupy. There are other institutions having similar objects in view, and carried on nearly in the same man- ner. Let us compare results with them. My friend, Mr. E. M. Richards, the member for Cardiganshire, in a speech in the House of Commons on the subject of Friendly Societies, referred to the Oddfellows, of whom he spoke with much admiration and respect, and the Oddfellows were almost one of the best of these societies. They had, he said, f2,000,000 invested in safe security but he added they were 400,000, so that each member had his interest in the total sum repre-' sented by £5 or £6. How did we stand? Here were your accounts, certified by the National Debt Certifi- cate, which is in my possession, and can be seen by every member, showing that you, a comparatively small association, had JE5,700 invested, making not £5, not £10, not £20, not £30, but £38 for every one of you. (Hear, hear.) I am sure I heartily and warmly congratulate you on your proud position, and I venture to say that our noble Chairman might be jus- tified in making the remark when he knows that among benefit societies he is president; of one of the most prosperous, one of the most affluent, and, except- ing myself, one of the best managed friendly societies in the kingdom of Great Britain. (Applause.) I would say one thing more, and it redounds to your credit that your meetings have always been held in a room where there was no temptation to riot and dis- order. You have met in the Free School from the first day to the present, and I hope that you will continue to do so. I have again to thank you for the very kind manner in which you have received my name. (Applause.) Mr. MORRIS proposed the health of the Mayor, which was drunk with three times three. The MAYOR, in responding, alluded to his being present in consequence of being one of the Committee of Management, and had not the advantages of the society been extended, as proposed by the committee, he intended to have brought forward the subject himself. The health of the medical officer, Dr. Edwards, and other toasts, followed. The proceedings were, how- ever, terminated at an early hour.

THE HOUSE OF MERCY FOR SOUTH WALES AND MONMOUTHSHIRE. The subjoined report of this institution has just been issued In presenting their seventh annual report, the com- mittee cannot but feel thankful, that the House of Mercy at Llandaff has been permitted to go on, through good report and evil report, with its quiet, unpretend- ing work of Christrian love. In comparing their own experience with that of other institutions, as related in their respective reports, they also feel thankful, that their own measure of success, is, in proportion, equal to that of any other similar institution in the country. On the last day of the year 1867 there were eighteen penitents in the house. Of these, five remain to com- plete their period of training. Five have been sent to service and of them the committee are enabled to re- port that two are now in respectable places, and doing well one is living with her uncle, and conducting her- self properly another is married; and the last has left her place, her sister, a respectable woman, taking her to live with her. Of the remaining eight who left in the course of the year, one did so on account of ill health; one remained only a short time, and left of her own accord one was taken away by her father; another by her mother; two went away dissatisfied, but these applied again for re-admission. Of the re- maining two the committee know nothing. The ad- missions during the past year have been twenty-five. Six of these left after staying only short periods, vary- ing from a few days to two months. Four left on ac- count of ill health one left and died soon after of fever one was sent to a kindred institution. There remain therefore in the house thirteen. It will be observed here that six left only after a short stay. This must always be the case, it is to be feared, so long as there is no Probationary House to test their sincerity, before they are admitted into the larger institution, where the more regular training is carried on. There ought to be some such means in every large town, at Cardiff more especially, where the number of these unfortunates are very great. Until such means are provided the system cannot be said to have a fair trial. It is hardly to be expected that young women admitted straight from their evil course, can fall in at once with the training followed in a House of Mercy. Nevertheless, though they have no such advantage, the committee cannot but feel thankful, that their success will bear favour- able comparison with houses that have that advantage. Still, when we look at the large number of fallen women in this county, it is sad to think that so little comparatively is done for them. Our institution is the only institution of the kind in all Wales, where a regular system of training is adopted, under ladies who have been professedly brought up to the business. We may well say, what is this among so many ? From returns obligingly sent to them by the respective chief superintendents of Merthyr, Swansea, Cardiff, Neath, and Newport, the committee find there are fallen women known to the police at Cardiff, 571 Swansea, [' 350; Merthyr, 237 Newport, 158 Neath, 28. Making altogether thirteen hundred and forty-four. Of these, eleven hundred and eighty-six are to be found in this county alone, carrying on, in open day, their infamous trade. The House of Mercy at Llandaff cannot do more than it is doing already—twenty penitents fill it. What it did for the last year the following figures will show. The admissions from each place are given for the year 1868. From Cardiff it admitted 10 Merthyr, 6 Hereford, 2 Usk, 2 Aberdare, 1 Abergavenny, 1 Newport, 1 Llanelly, 1, and Gelli- gaer, 1. That is, from Cardiff with its 571, only 10 Some of these were from the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, and therefore it does not follow that they had been Cardiff women at all. From Merthyr, 6, as against 237. From Swansea, none, with its 350. From Newport, 1, out of 158. From Neath, none. It should, however, be mentioned that there are "Refuges" at Swansea, Newport, and Neath; but they do not possess any regular system of training nor does their accommodation, if we are correctly informed, exceed six or seven beds, or at most ten in any one case. Surely this must reflect somewhere that with so large a body of fallen women among us—known to the police, be it remembered—so little should be done for them. It may with truth be said that there are many hundreds more, not known to the police, in these towns, who are equally subjects for admission into a House of Mercy. But let the fact not be forgotten, that the one at Llandaff cannot accommodate more than 20 In the year before last the committee took stock, as J it were, of what they had been doing since the com- mencement and it was shown that eighty per cent, of those who had been admitted had been reclaimed that they were, and are still, restored to an honest way of living. Some are married, some are in service, some are living with their parents, and some are gone to their rest; but all with pleasant recollections and blessings upon their sojourn in the House of Mercy at Llandaff. Let the following incidents, which might be mul- tiplied, bear witness to this. A member of the com- mittee writes "I was lately going over a Roman Catholic Reformatory and House of Mercy, when one of the inmates asked permission to speak to me. She had been formerly at Llandaff, but had been transferred at her own request to the establishment where she now was. She spoke in very grateful terms of the kindness she had received, and of the great care that had been taken of her, while she was a penitent at the Llandaff House of Mercy. She told me, she would not have left it, but that she was not happy in her mind, because, being a Catholic, she had no means of worshipping in her own faith. She added, that she had gained this by the change, but was in no other respect better off." Another member of the committee sends us the following "I was called the other even- ing to see a young person, who had brought a message from her mistress, which having duly accredited, I was about to bid the young woman good evening, but was stopped by the remark, 'Yon don't know me, sir.' 'Why, no, I have some recollection of your ap- pearance, and have noticed you several times in church.' I thought you didn't. I am ——, and left the house about a year ago, and have been in respect- able service ever since. I had a letter from —— the other day-—she is married she asked me if you ever spoke to me and when 1 wrote back, I told her that though you looked puzzled like, as to who I was, you couldn't recollect, and therefore never spoke. The same gentleman adds, "that having addressed a few words of encouragement and advice, he recom- mended her to keep her own secret, and whilst thank- ing God heartily and daily for his mercies, to try and forget the past, in better efforts for the future." Before closing the report, the committee beg to thank all who have been instrumental in helping them to carry on the institution during the past year, especially the Ladies Associates for their collections during the past year. And here they cannot but regret the departure of Mrs. Montague Welby from the neighbourhood, who from the very first has been one of the institution's best friends. Their thanks are likewise due to Dr. Paine and his assistants, for their gratuitous services. JOHN GRIFFITH, Rector of Merthyr-Tydfil, Secretary.

THE IRISH CHURCH BILL.—The Irish Church Bill is to be read a third time in the House of Lords on Monday next, a.nd on Thursday week Mr. Gladstone will move that the Lords' amendments be considered.—The Owl.

ST. JOHN'S VESTRY MEETING. LORD BUTE AND THE NEW VICARAGE. A meeting of the parishioners of St. John's parish was held in the Vestry-room of St. John's Church on Monday, to take in to consideration the proposal of appropriating a portion of the churchyard alongside St. John's Church, to widen the street abutting thereon, and toauthorise the churchwardens and all ne- cessary parties to take such steps as might be required to carry out the same. The chair was taken by the Rev. D. Howell, the vicar. There were also present, the Mayor, T. Evans, Esq. Alderman Reeee; Dr. Taylor; Messrs. M. Grover, P. Davies, T. J. Waller, T. Waring, K Nash, P. Joy, J. Simpson, W. Thomas, J. H. Staniforth, C. Sankey, and C. Houghton. The CHAIRMAN read the notice convening the meet- ing. and afterwards said that the subject would be better explained by the plan which had been supplied to him by the Mayor, and which had been prepared, he believed, by the surveyor, Mr. Waring. The plan, which was the same as had been sub- mitted to the Local Board of Health by the Mayor a short time since, was then examined by the meeting The CHAIRMAN afterwards mentioned that be bad consulted with Archdeacon Blosse on the question, and he had said that it would be necessary to have the authority of the Vestry for the appropriation of any portion of the churchyard for the purposes re- quired. Alderman REECE said there could be no doubt but that it would be a great improvement to the street: the question was whether any farther steps could be taken than those indicated in the plan. The MAYOR: This one would no doubt lead to other improvements. The chapel stable could very pro- bably afterwards be obtained for the same purpose. Mr. GLOVER I suppose there are no graves in this portion of the ground ? The MAYOR There are no stones to be seen. and I do not think it is at alII ikely that there are any graves there. Mr. FLINT suggested obtaining a faculty for the ap- propriation of a piece of the yard lower down. The CHAIRMAN There would be greater difficulty there, because you have graves there to provide for. This is a much more simple matter, because there are no graves to provide for. Aiderman REECE In what state are you in with regard to the erection of a new vicarage for yourself. The CHAIRMAN Will you allow me to take the authority of the vestry to take whatever steps the churchwardens may consider necessary ? Alderman REECH There can be no objection to that; the only question is when would be the proper time to take those steps ? The CHAIRMAN If the authority is given to the churchwardens, when the necessity arises they will then be prepared- to act upon the authority given by this meeting. Mr. GROVER There will be no occasion for another meeting it is merely authorising the churchwardens to proceed. The CHAIRMAN said it was the opinion of Arch- deacon Blosse that there should be an understanding between the churchwardens and the parishioners re- specting this piece of ground, so that no objection might arise at any future time. Alderman HEECE: Then whatever authority is given to the churchwardens now they will not act upon till the proper time arrives? The CHAIRMAN Precisely. Mr. GROVER It may be as well to explain that to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. The MAYOR proposed that an application be made to the proper authorities for a faculty for appropriating a portion of the churchyard on the north side of the church, for the purpose of widening the street abutting thereon, in accordance with the plan then before the meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. M. GROVER, and unanimously adopted. The CHAIRMAN said Mr. Reece had just asked him a question with regard to the prospect they had of ob- taining a suitable site for the proposed new vicarage house. It was, he believed, already known to most of them that application had been made to Lord Bute to give or sell a portion of ground suitable to the pur- pose, and in reply to that application the church- wardens were asked to supply particulars with regard to the amount of ground required, and to suggest such sites as they considered desirable. A reply was sent, stating that the house required, according to the instructions of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, must be a detached house, and two sites were sug- gested, one of them on the east side at the entrance of Park-place, and the other site in Crockherbtown, now occupied by the old thatched house. In reply to that the following letter was received Gentlemen 26th June, 1869. "ST. JOHN'S VICARAGE. "We have had an opportunity of laying your commu- nication of yesterday's date before the Marquis of Bute, and are directed by his lordship to intimate to you that he is not prepared to consent to the alienation, by his trustees, of any portion of his property for the site of the new vicarage house.—Yours, &c., LUARD and SHERLEY. ''Iftr JV» } Churchwardens of St. John." Alderman REKCM Had you any correspondence with Lord Bute's agents? Did they require the information you stated was asked for? It appears to me very strange that so short a letter should have been written after one had been written requiring particulars as to sites and other matters. (Hear.) Did the agents write the first letter on their own account, or did they write it at Lord Bute's request? Mr. Joy: It might have been done on their own account. Mr. GpovER He does not object to the two sites simply, but to any portion of his property. Alderman REECE Thon it appears to me unneces- sary to ask the first questions. Mr. WARING said he had understood that the first questions were asked by the agents, to enable them to give information as to what was required to Lord Bute. Alderman REECE I should think so. Dr. TAYLOR suggested that there were sites to be obtained in the parish the land of which did not form a portion of Lord Bute's property. One was in Crockherbtown-a house unoccupied at present, formerly occupied by Mr. Grover. It might be made suitable for the purpose by setting it back twenty feet. The MAYOR said there was no probability of getting this property. There were some law proceedings in connection with it now pending. It would have to be sold ultimately, but it might be sold next year or not for ten years. He also suggested another site—the house occupied by the late Mrs. Vachell. Alderman REECE asked if it was necessary that the house should be a detached one. The CHAIRMAN said, if it was bought there would be no necessity for its being detached; but if it was erected it must then be a detached building. The MAYOR thought that some site in Crockherb- town would be more suitable than in any other posi- tion. He thought if the churchwardens were to apply to the proper quarter the property would be sold. The site of the present Inland Revenue office was suggested, but Mr. Wood, the churchwarden, said it would be necessary to pull the building down and it would cost £ 3,000 to purchase the property and erect a new house after pulling down the old one. On the suggestion of Alderman REECE, the first letter sent to the Churchwardens of St. John's by Messrs. Luard and Sherley was then read by the Chairman. "Gentlemen: "16th June, 1869. "ST. JOHN'S VICARAGE. The Marquis of Bute has 'received your communica- tion of the 8th inst., with reference to the site for the proposed new Vicarage house but before his Lordship is in a position to give a detinite reply to your request for his assistance, it is necessary that further details of what is intended and also with reference to the site pro- posed, if any. should be furnished. His Lordship will be obliged, therefore, by your furnishing such informa- tion.— lrours, &c., and SHERLEY. The Churchwardens of St. John." Dr. TAYLOR I take it from the tone of this letter that his Lordship was acquainted with it. Alderman REÉCE: One would think so, but I can hardly think it possible. Mr. DAVIES He has got our reply. Alderman REECE Yes, and we have got his. The CHAIRMAN The churchwardens will try all in their power to obtain a site suitable for the purpose. Alderman REECE asked the churchwardens how they were getting on with their subscriptions. Mr. WOOD replied that the Ecclesiastical Commis- sioners required them to raise £ 1,000, to meet a bene- faction of a similar amount, and this sum had been raised. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the meeting

A BOAT CONTAINING EIGHT MEN AND j315,000 IN GOLD FALLEN IN WITH.—The barque Antonio Vinent, from Swansea to Valparaiso (Messrs. Richardson owners), is stated to have fallen in with a boat's crew of eight men, with £15,000 in gold on board, saved from the wreck of the Blue Jacket, burnt at sea in February last. This sum will be forwarded to England by H.M.S. Megaera. AGENCIES are now being offered for the sale of Cassell's teas and coffees in all places not yet filled up the reputation of these teas and cotfees has long been es- tablished, as they have been in extensive use for more than twenty years. Cassell's teas and coffees are sup- plied to the public through local agents, and are in great demand, being preferred by families in all parts of the kingdom. Parties desiring the agency will learn particu- lars on application to Cassell, Smith and Co., 80; Fen- church-street. London. [1401 ADVICE TO MOTHERS.—Are you broken of your rest by a sick child suffering with the pain of cutting teeth ? Go at once to a chemist and get a bottle of Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup. It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately; it is perfectly harmless; it pro- duces natural quiet sleep, by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes "as bright as a button." It has been long in use in America, and is highly recommended by the medical men; it is very pleasant to take it soothes the child it softens the gums, allays all pain. relieves wind, regulates the bowels. and is the best known remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea, whether arising from teething or other causes. Be sure and ask for Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup, and see that Curtis and Perkins, New York and London," is on the outside wrapper. No mother should be without it Sold by all medicine vendors at Is. Hd. per bottle London Depot, High Holborn. f266

CARDIFF BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The weekly meeting of this Board was held on Satur- day; E. W. David, Esq., in the chair. There were also present: the Revs. W. Evans and C. Lewis; Aldermen Pride, Alexander, and Bird Drs. Paine and Taylor Messrs. T. Hodge, J. Evans, R, Cory, J. Cory, P. Bird. T. J. Waller, T. H. Ensor, W. T. Wright, T. L. Glaves, C. French, and W. GritHths. The Master of the Workhouse reported that during the week 54 paupers had been admitted and 57 dis- charged, leaving 314 in the house, an increase of 44 on the corresponding week of last year. The Master of the Industrial School reported the number of pauper children at that institution to be 253, an increase of 32 on the corresponding week of last year. The School Committee had met dining the week, and recommended that certain alterations and improve- ments should be made in the building. It also recom- mended that inquiries should lie made respecting the cost of a donkey engine, for supplying the boiler with water, and for pumping water for the general purposes of the house. The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the re- port, approved of the recommendations of the com- mittee, especially for the erection of a wooden fence outside the boiler house, and for the purchase of a donkey eugine for filling the boiler, as well as supply- ing the house generally with water. The CLERIC mentioned that at present they paid the Water Works Company i225 a year for the supply of 80,000 gallons; that amount would have to be continued, but they were usually in the habit of exceeding the minimum supply, and the excess over the .£25 could be saved. The CHAIRMAN said he had understood that a donkey engine could be obtained for about £25, and he therefore proposed that inquiries should be made as suggested by the committee. The remaining suggestions, which were of a minor character, were generally approved of, and the report of the committee adopted. Mr. WALLER alluded to the circumstance that at present only an old man, without any previous ex- perience, attended to the boiler, a proceeding which. be thought was fraught with great danger, as in the event of the water being allowed to get too low it would be very likely to be followed by an explosion that would blow the whole place down. A man might be employed at a salary of about 18s. a week who could attend to the boiler and the donkey engine also. The money would almost be saved in the care taken of the boiler, as he understood that the last one only was in use about five years, while with care it would last twenty. The CHAIRMAN considered it a very serious matter to employ a man at a salary of 18s. a week to attend to the engine and boiler. At present there was an old man who attended to it, and Mr. Harris fre- quently looked in the boiler-house to see that all was going right. If it was considered necessary it was such an important item in the expenditure that they should take time to consider about it. The question was subsequently referred back to the School Committee to make the necessary inquiries, and to ascertain if some less expensive agency could be employed to attend to the boiler and the engine. THE MEDICAL OFFICERS' SALARIES. The CLERK read the following letter to the Board of Guardians, signed by all the medical officers of the Union: Cardiff, June 30, 1869. To the Guardians of the Poor of the Cardiff Union. Gentlemen,—We, the undersigned medical officers of the Cardiff Union, beg most respectfully to call the attention of the Board of Guardians to the unsatisfac- tory nature of the system of payment by extra fees. We are of opinion, and we have reason to believe that opi- nion is shared by many members of your Board, that it is an anomally in principle, and in practice a source of much irritation and ill-feeling. We therefore urge the Board to consider whether it would not be better to adopt the system of payments by inclusive salaries, which is the rule in some other unions, and which has received the sanction of the Poor Law Board. It would be a pecuniary gain to the Cardiif Union of half the amount of the extra fees, and we believe it would be far more agreeable to the feelings of all concerned than the constantly vexed question ot medical bills. We are, gentlemen, your most obedient servants, John Lewellyn James Millward, David Edgar Jones, Sydney Fennell' M.D., Edward Bates, F. W. Granger, R. Lougher. The CLERK said, at the present time one-half of the salaries of the medical officers were repaid to the guardians by the Poor Law Board. He did not know whether the Board would consent to the repayment of half the salaries to include the extra-medical fees. The CHAIRMAN observed, if the Poor Law Board would consent to the repayment of one-half the total salaries in the event of the alteration being made, it would be a lessening of the burden on the Union by the repayment to them of one-half of the medical fees. The Rev. C. LEWIS It is well that wc should be in- formed on that point before we proceed further. Dr. TAYLOR suggested that a committee should be appointed to go into the whole matter, and in the mean time Mr. Stephenson could inquire of the Poor Law Board whether they would agree to the repayment of half the medical officer's salaries to include the extra medical fees. It was a very important question. Dr. PAINE referred to the Poor Law Consolidated Orders, and showed that the guardians must first go to the Poor Law Board and obtain the consent of that Board before they could do anything. The Rev. WALTER EVANS asked the clerk if the system proposed was adopted in other unions ? The CLERK It is adopted in a few unions with the sanction of the Poor Law Board. Dr. PAINE thought it was probable that in some unions where the payment was originally made in this form, they were allowed to continue the same system by the Poor Law Board but he very much doubted if any union would be allowed to revert to this system. The CLERK: I know a case very recently where the guardians, with the sanction of the Poor Law Board, changed their system of payment. Dr. TAYLOR Can the medical officers inform the Board of the names of any union where the proposed plan is adopted? Mr. MILLWARD It is adopted in the Bethnal Green Union. The CHAIRMAN Do you know whether it is adopted in any country union ? I know it is adopted in some of the Metropolitan Unions. Mr. MiLLWAUD I cannot say. Alderman BIRD asked, as it would involve the neces- sity of an entirely different arrangement in the mode of payment, if the medical officers would place their resig- nation in the hands of the Board. Mr. P. BIRD Of course they will. Dr. PAINE said these were all matters of detail, and it would be far better to adopt Dr. Taylor's suggestion that a committee be formed. There were many details which it would be necessary to enter upon, and which would be much better done in committee than by the whole Board, and the committes could then report to the guardians. But the committee could first go through the whole question, and determine what was the most expedient course to pursue, and they could then approach the Poor Law Board, and ask for their permission to alter the present system, if they considered it expedient. The CHAIRMAN It will be absolutely necessary to make some inquiries before we enter upon the ques- tion. But there was another question, was it desirable to form a committee upon the question ? Would it not better be a committee of the whole Board, so as to afford the opportunity to every member of the Board attending and giving his opinion upon it. Dr. PAINE thought it would be much better that the matter should be first discussed in committee, as by means of a small committee they might arrive at more direct results, and they would then be in a position to advise the Board what had better be done under the circumstances. Mr. ENSOR supported the appointment of a com- mittee as a preliminary measure, to discuss the details of the proposed alteration. The Rev. WALTER EVANS: What is everybody's business is nobody's business, and if we have a com- mittee of the whole board we shall have nothing done. Dr. PAINE: The Board can meet and discuss the question as a Board afterwards. The Rev. WALTER EVANS: The committee may have to meet three or four times, and this could not con- veniently be done by the whole Board. The CHAIRMAN I have not the slightest objection to a committee, but I have so often seen the recommen- dation of the committee set aside by the whole Board that I think it will be necessary to have a meeting of the whole Board upon the question. Dr. TAYLOR then moved that a committee, consisting of the Chairman, Vice-chairmen, Dr. Paine, Dr. Taylor, Mr. P. Bird, Mr. Pride, Rev. Walter Evans, Mr. Ensor, and Mr. Wright, be appointed to go into the question. Dr. PAINE That will be merely a preliminary in- quiry. Then we can have a committee of the whole Board to determine what shall be done. I beg to second Dr. Taylor's resolution. The motion was put to the meeting, and adopted unanimously. There was no other public business.

ACCIDENT TO A VETERAN.—Admiral Sir Henry Pres- cott, K.C.B., one of the few men living who were present at Trafalgar, was on Monday last knocked down by a cab, while crossing the road near Charing-cross. We are happy to state that the gallant admiral, who received the prompt attention of Dr. Julius-Levy, has not sustained any serious injury. HUNTINGDON WOOL FAIR.—This fair for the present year took place on the Common at Huntingdon, on Wed- nesday, and was certainly an improvement upon that of last year that is, in the prices realised. The quantity pitched was 2-1,95 ) fleeces, or 6580 tods 7 lbs., against 22.973 fleeces, or 5953 tods 3 lb. last year. Business com- menced briskly, and matters soon wore a lively aspect, Good tegs fetched two guineas easy, wethers 37a., ewes 36s., or an average of 38s. 4d., being an increase on the prices at Bedford fair (just concluded) of from Is. to 2s. The pitch was the heaviest since 1855, when it was 26,809 fleeces, or 6430 tods 26 lb. At the above prices a really good clea.ra.nce was effected. The largest exhibitor was Mr. Luker, of Wyton, Southoe, who pitched 1289 fleeces; the next, Mr. Rampley, of Southoe, 1213 fleeces. You say that the Lucifer Matches you use. Are the" patent" of Bryant and May"; Pray tell me, still further, why is it you choose Their best "specials,"—do tell me, pray ? 1']] tell you, most readily,—listen to me, And the fact, then, most widely make known From danger, through fire, with their matches you are free, For they light on no box but their own A. M. R.