Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
7 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
SOCIAL LIFE IN THE TIME OF…
SOCIAL LIFE IN THE TIME OF CHAUCER. The weekly gratuitous lecture in the theatre of the Royal Institution of South Wiles was delivered on Monday evening last by Mr. Charles E. Williams, of Llandovery, on the above most interesting subject. The chair was taken by Mr. J. Vyo Parminter, J.P., and there was a good attendance. The lecturer, who was frequently applauded, said :— There are nations of men who pride themselves upon the antiquity of their race and the purity of their language —and a very justifiable pride it is. Upon neither of these distinctions can the average Englishman congratu- late himself, but, while he is obliged to confess that he oannot trace back his ancestry to the seige of Troy, and that probably the blood of half-a-dozen races runs in his veins—he consoles himself by believing that this very mixture of races has produced those national traits of mind and character which have made Engl rnd what it is. His manners and customs, his laws, his traditions and superstitions come, not from one, but from many sources, and his speech is a blend of half the languages and dialects of North-Western Europe, and so far is he from regretting this that he thinks that the very composite nature of the English tongue makes the earnest study of it a liberal education in itself. The epoch, then, when these various and conflicting elements of race and lan- guage first showed distinct signs of amalgamation, when Celt and Jute, and Saxon and Angle, and Frisian and Dane, and Norman fused into one compact and powerful nation has a peculiar interest, and forms a most impor- tant landmark in our social history. This epoch we call the time of Chaucer, not only because it is from Chaucer's pages that we glean much of our knowledge of the social life of the times, but because he is the well of English undeflled "—because, as the Norman-French of the Court, and nobles and clergy, and the Anglo-Saxon of the masses were melting together in the glow of patriotism and awakening national life, it was Chaucer who poured the precious alloy into the mould of popular poetry and gave it the stamp of genius. I say the Anglo- Saxon of the masses, but to be more accurate, the various Teutonic tribes who had colonised the country during what we know as the Saxon and Danish invasions, pro- duced at least as many distinct dialects as there had been petty states—differences atill plain enough in the poetry of Burns, or the patois of Lancoshire or Zomerzet, but now under the control of literary English —which in Chaucer's time, subject to no such standard, they formed a Babylonist confusion of idiom, pronunciation, and spelling, which add much to the difficulty of understand- ing the writings of the period and show us more clearly the benefit which the "Father of English Poetry" has conferred upon us. Norman-French began to be the language of the English Court in the reign of Ed ward the Confessor, and after the Conquest it was the language of all the ruling classes of the law and of the schools. Students had to study L tin through the medium of French—all who wished to get on in life were obliged to acquire at least a smattering of it. Jack would be a gentleman if he could speak French." While the masses, without learning it, picked up a large number of words and added them to their vocabulary, just as we find Welshmen of to-day who cannot speak a word of English using many English words in their speech. For, perhaps, 150 years after the Conquest the No, mans were a distinct caste with but little or no sympathy with their fellow- countrymen. But, gradually, and especially after King John had lost his French possessions, when the nation became more isolated, and English monarchs thrown more upon the resources of this country. Normans began to be and to take a pride in being Englishmen, and not ashamed to learn the language of th^ir vassals. Trench, in his" S' udy of \V ords," has pointed out, as illustrating at once the social exclusiveness of the Normans and the mingling of the languages that, as no Norman would engage in such menial occupations as those of the farm- yard, we have kept the Saxon names, such as hull, calf, sheep, pig for the living animals, while, as the Saxon Churl tended them to "furnish forth the fea^t of his lord, the French names beef, veal, mutton, pork, &c., became adopted for animals when killed and prepared for food. In the middle of the 14th century French was no longer universally taught in schools. [Chaucer men- tions of his Prioresse, as a person particularly well brought up, that Frensch sche spak fill faire and fetysly After the scholeof Stratford atte Bowe."] And, about the same time, all pleadings in the Law Courts were ordered to take place in plain English. With the Norman Conquest was introduced into England that curious institution known as the Feudal System which, though it never took root in England so kindly as on the Continent, cannot he said to have become extinct until the Wars of the Roses had more than half destroyed the ancient nobility. It is not my intention, nor would it be in my power to enter fully into this point; but many of the distinctive features of the social life of the times are due to the irresponsible and almost unlimited powers of the nobles. Governing, each like a little king, in his own domain and, more often than that, not pre- tending to care for any one's interest but his own, hold- ing his possessions by the might of the strong arm, owing much of his wealth to the recognised robbery of war, he often added to the revenues impaired by his reckless ex- penditure, by forced loans from the burghers of his towns, by the torture of Jews, or even robbing merchants on the highway. He extracted money from the honest and industrious in order to squander it upon !the idle and vicious. Except when actually fighting he felt no obliga- tion to attend to anything but his own pleasure. And to that he devoted himself with all his will, careless though it might be at the expense of another, whether man or woman. To add to his importance, to keep up his state, to minister to his amusement—innocent or otherwise— and to carry out his orders, his castle was attended by a crowd of soldiers, minstrels, domestic and wandering, buffoons, jugglers, ribalds, or letchers. These retainers lived an idle and shameless life upon the extravagance of the nobility. The noble delivered to them occasioually presents of money and clothes—their livery—usually with some distinctive badge to show which lord they belonged to. They were always ready to quirrel for their lord and do his dirty work, and Henry VII. was obliged to pass a law to suppress this custom of maintenance, as it was called, and we may conclude that neither the custom nor its evils were extinct in Shakespeare's time from the string of abusive epithets which Kent applies to Oswald. "What do'st thou know me for?" says Oswald, and Kent replies, A knave, a rascal, an eater of broken meats a base, proud, shallow, beggarly, three-suited, filthy, worsted-stocking knave; a lily- livered, action taking knave a glass gaging, auperserviceable, finical rogue, and so forth. It is not easy to draw the line between the minstrel and the jugg^r. The occupation of minstrel was in itself a ▼ery honorable one, and many men of high rank became minstrels for their pleasure—we may instance Richard Cceur de Lion—but the lower orders of the profession degraded themselves by acting the part of spies, by the relation of »ossip, scandalous stories and gross jests, by performances of dancing and mummery, and—especially after the Crusades had brought them into contact with the magicians of the East-by all sorts of conjuring and sleight of hand, and what we mean by juggling in its more modern sense, originally only means one who affords amusement, &c. The juggler joculater-is really the same term as jester, and is not properly the same as the fool who, as well as the dwarf or hunchback, generally formed part of the establishment of the prince or noble. The fool proper was an imperfect-witted man, wearing the parti-coloured dress, the cnol with its cocks- comb and lonf ears, and carrying the bauble, familiar enough to us from the pages of Fun. He was a very hutnble person, haunting kitchen and scullery, messing almost with the dogs, and liable when too free with his tongue to a whipping, The fools in Shakespeare s plays generally partake of the best qualities of both fool and jester. I cannot leave the feudal system without a word °r two upon the warfare of the period. When the baron went to war, whether upon his own account or summoned by his suzerain, he was followed by all his vassals, who were bound to attend him according to the terms of their tenure, and when peace was concluded or the season's campaign over, they made the best of their fay home again and resumed their ordinary occupations. Mercenary soldiers were also largely employed jVni* banderl when the occasion for them was over. Chaucer s knight had been fighting in Prussia and Russia, Spain, Asia Minor, and Egypt. Their pay was most irregular, and if they could not get immediate employment else* ^here, they often occupied the interval by plunder and highway robbery. We find continual mention of this in the pages of Froissart, and after the constant wars that desolated France during the middle of the 14th century, these unemployed mercenaries were so numerous as to form organized bands for lawless pillage, aud had many Warriors of high rank among their leaders, so that the country was almost more unsafe than it had been in time of war. King Charles V. found himself quite doable to suppress them, and only rid himself of the nuisance by enrolling them under the leadership of Bertr ind du Gueschin for a crusade against the Moors of Spain. Cannon, though used certainly as early as Crecy in 1346 were not generally employed in this Period, and the horseman, himself and his charger in full armour, with his spear, his sword and his battle axe, was a match for almost any number of foot soldiers Unless they were English long bow-men. The art»our' la fact, had become too perfect for the weapons of the Period, and in Italy, somewhat later, where the mutual w*ra of the small republics were conducted almost entirely by mercenary cavalry—we read of one battle *n which there was only one man killed, he being unfor- tunate enough to fall from his horse into deep mud and to be stifled before assistance was rendered. In those days of fortified towns and numberless castles, sieges Were very frequent. A siege was usually a most tedious and elaborate performance. After the adversaries had arrows at one another without any appreciable effect, they would construct catapults or bombardes to hurl huge stones and burning beams of wood, and some damage Was thus done to the houses of the town, but little or none to the walls. Sometimes there would be a truce of a day or two for the besieged to send messengers for assistance. Then the besiegers would bring faggots to nil up part of the moat and try to scale the walls, those within repulsing them by casting down stones, bars of ^°n and wood, quicklime, melted lead, and in fact any- thing they could lay their hands on, and often upsetting the scaling ladder and those upon it into the mud below. -The final effort of the besiegers was usually to construct Wooden tower (on rollers) of the height of the walls. •This was moved slowly up to the town and the armed 'Uen in the tower let down a drawbridge upon the walls and engaged in a hand to hand fight. If all these Methods failed there was nothing left but to starve the defenders into submission, as Edward III. did at Calais, when the besieged found their provisions beginning t° fail, they generally entered upon a stipulation to deliver up the town within a certain number of days if uelp did not arrive. Chaucer's description of a naval illust tfF0bably that °f Sluys—is W°rth (luotins m Up goeth the trump—and for to shout and shoot Andtake great pains to set on with the sun, With grisly sound out goeth the great gun, And heartfly they hnrtle all at once. t And from the top down cometh the great stones, In goeth the grapnel so full of crooks, Among the ropes there ran the shearing hooks. In with the pole-axe presseth he, and he, Behind the maste beginneth he to flee, And out again. and driveth him overboard, He sticketh him upon his spere's orde, He rent the sail with hooke? like a scythe, He bringeth the cup and biddeth them be blithe, He poureth pees upon the hatches slider, With pottes full of lime they go together, And thus the longe day in fight they spend. On one occasion when Edward III. marched north to repel a border raid, he found the Scotch posted in so strong a position upon a hill that he could not safely attack them, and after waiting 18 days for an opportu- nity, he at last sent a herald to propose that they should fight it out on the phin-but the Scots were far too canny for this, and soon after got safely away before they could be followed—and in the war between Spain and Portugal, when the opposing armies were duly mustered and within a few days march of each other, they fixed upon a battle-field by mutual agreement, promptly proceeded there, and drew up in face of one another. It so happened that means were found to corns t.o terms of peace before the armies en- gaged, but some of the spirited knights on both sides could not go home contentedly without sending chal- lenges and having a little tilting just for the love of the thing. Such amenities of warfare were due to an in- stitution which did more, perhaps, than anything else to raise the morality of the epoch. I refer to chivalry, or the usages and qualifications of the profession of knighthood. [TO BE CONTINUED IN OUR NEXT.] ♦
SWANSEA PUBLiC LIBRARY.
SWANSEA PUBLiC LIBRARY. The first meeting of the newly constituted Public Library Committee, was held at the Central Library, Goat-street, on Tuesday afternoon. There were present —Messrs. George B, Brock (in the chair), Edward Bath, J. C. Vye Parminter, Geo. Clare, Thos. Freeman, Jas. H. Jenkius, P. Rogers, E. F. Williams, J. Coke Fowler, F. F. Hosford, David Jones, (St. Helen's), John Lewis, R Gwyn, — Brown (Morriston), — Thomas, (Landore), and J. Deffett Francis. The first business was the appointment of chairman for the ensuing year, and Mr. Edward Bath formally moved that Mr. Brock be appointed chairman. Mr. Deffett Francis seconded the resolution, remark- ing whilst doing so that every gentleman present must agree with him in the extreme regret they must all ex- perience at the retirement of Mr. Bath from the office of chairman. Mr. Bath had filled the duties of the office with so much dignity, and at the same time courtesy to every body, that they mu^t all regret his retirement When they looked at the manner in which he had dis- chared the duties of the office, for although a gentleman engaged in business, he had attended the committee meetings no less than 18 times throughout the year, they could nor, but feel indebted to him for the manner in which he had devoted himself to their interests. Whilst however eXIJressing rearer, at the retirement of Mr. Bath from the offiee of.chairman, he (Mr. Francis) could not help expressing his. gratification that so respected a gentleman as Mr. Brock, would occupy the chair for the ensuing year. The I'esolu tion was then put and carried. Mr. Brock, in thanking the committee, said that this movement had come upon him with the utmost surprise and the utmost regret. He had hoped that Mr. Bath. who had manifested so much interest in the affairs of the Library, and had fulfilled the duties of the chair with so much ability, would have again been chosen. Mr. Bath had not only been a most able and efficient chair- man, hut he possessed that which was so valuable in a chairman-brevity, but at the same time sufficient siH8:h to fully explain all details in succinct form, and which had led to the expedition of business. They all knew, however, that Mr. Bath was very much occupied—in fact, at the last election he had stated that he did not con- sider he would be able to devote the necessary time to do the work. He had, however, done so, and had been present at pretty nearly every meeting, so that he (Mr. Brock), as the deputy-chairman, had really but little to do. He should certainly have preferred, now that Mr. Bath had retired, that some younger man should have have been selected for the office of chairman; still as one Very much interested in the work—interested in the affairs of the Institution—realising the value of the work which has already been done, and believing that there was every prospect of doing much more valuable work, —he could not withhold his hand from accepting the office to which they had just appointed him. The only thing he feared was the state of his health, but he was thankful to say he was partially restored to health, and he would do what he could for the benefit of the Institu- tion. He could look back with satisfaction at having planted the foundation stone (although the Institution had not been erected by him),"yet he had helped to build round the foundation-stone of the present building, and he hoped that when the more noble institution (not the present building) should be upraised amongst us-that, however, seduously and constantly the public may be engaged in reading the books and periodicals in the reading room— that the committee would then be enabled to lay before them works which so materially helped to build up and sustain a 'noble character. He was much obliged to them for the honour they had conferred upon him. and he could assure them he would not be wanting in effort to do what be could for the interests of the Institution. The next subject was the appointment of Vice- Chairman, and Mr. Francis asked Mr. Edward Bath if he would accept this position, one which would not require so much time at his hands as that of Chairman. Mr. Bath said he should have great pleasure in so doing if he felt he had time at his disposal. But his hands were more tied than ever. His son, who was his right hand at the works, was going aw*y, on account of his health, for six months, and that would throw the whole business upon his shoulder. Mr. Francis said as Mr. Bath could not see his way clear to 'he acceptance of the office of Vice-Chairman, he would move that Mr. E S. H irtland be appointed to that office. Mr. Hartland had a large knowledge of the literature of the country, and such knowledge was neces- sary at all events on the part of the officers of the Insti- tution. They all knew that there was a large H maw to be satisfied in the shape of providing what was called "light literature" for the public but he could not help thinking that it would be vastly more for the interests of the Institution if more attention was paid to the books than newspapers, and in this direction Mr. Hartland's knowledge would be valuable. Mr. Freeman briefly seconded the resolution, which was then carried unanimously. The various standing committees were then re- appointed. The Chairman, in moving the re-appointment of Mr. J. Deffett Francis as Hon. Curator for the ensuing year said that he did not believe there was any person con- nected with the committee who in all respec's was so valuable as Mr. Francis. They all knew his generosity. He did not believe there was any individual in Swansea nor in the Principality who had given such a large num- ber of works of art of such high character to any Institu- tion. He was a gentleman of distinguished ability dis- tinguished in the highest and noblest arts. It was im- possible for him (Mr. Brock) to give expression of grate- fulness for what Mr. Francis had done for thtt library. Itws worth the expenditure of a great deal of time to inspect a few of the specimens which Mr. Francis had given to the town, and which were now on exhibition in Pennard House, Walter road. He hoped by and bye the whole of the works of art presented by Mr. Francis would be exhibited and would be seen and appreciated by coming generations, and would be the means of culti- vating and educating the love of the fine arts in future generations. More persons would doubtless visit the exhibition if it was more in the centre of the town, but the number who had visited it seemed to shew the desire for further knowledge of the fine arts. He hoped still more would visit Pennard House, so that the public may have some idea of the noble gifts of Mr. Francis. He believed that if the exhibition continued to be visited to the end of the year in the same proportion as it had been done, that no very great loss would be sustained by the experi- ment which had been made. Mr. Francis said it should be understood th it there were only some 4i2 or 415 works of art on view at Pennard House out of about 1400 which he had pre- SCMr,^ Fowler said there could be no two opinions as to Mr J Deffett Francis being the right person to be Hon. Curator of the Institution. He very much regretted fCU the committee w?re not able to display a very much larger number^of th. "<»*• «' ft? largei u Pennard House. The committee th" that with an effort they could hang about 500 altogether. They had been very much encouraged by thhbvmber :s«"aob »»dpi( v r?cehe„d t„booclobS-0 visitors within the twelvemonths, viz., up 1883, that would be encouraging, and not any large ex- pense would then have been incurred. The committee hoped soon to he able to change some of the pictures now on view at Pennard House, and to be able to get some few first-class pictures in one of the rooms. As far as the appointment of hon. curator was concerned, there could be no doubt that Mr. Francis was the right man in the right place, and he (Mr. Fowler) therefore cordially supported the proposition. The resolution was then carried unanimously. THE PROPOSED NEW BUILDINGS. The sub-committee appointed to consider the plans for a New Library reported that after investigating the income and expenditure, they had come to the conclu- sion that there would be no means available for erecting a new building, and they therefore made no recommen- Jation.^ath, jn moving the reception of the report, said f lue sub-coinmittee had separated in a very despond- ■ irit because they found, after investigation, that iftPr n <vin" the ordinary expenses there was hardly any alter p. jo paying interest on borrowed capital, surplus a k that the sub-committee should W°USnted because he thought that with a little be re-appoin it n(i a little anticipation of in- paring of the expenditur abJe dQ gomethi would be quite justified in asking the corporation to assist them on this ground. In the original Free Libraries Act only libraries, schools of art and museums were mentioned. There was no reference to art galleries. But in an amendment of the Act, proposed by Sir John Lubbock, art galleries were added, and the income was increased from Id. to 2d in the £ The corporation, having accepted these art gifts from Mr. Francis on be- half of the burgesses, ought to make provision for properly housing them without throwing the burden on the committee's Id. He thought the committee might anticipate an increase of JB100 in their income from a new assessment of the docks and works on the east side of the river,land that would bring the total to JELlol. The expenditure might be cut down to j6900, and that would leave a surplus of £261, which would be sufficient to pay interest on £6.500. He would, therefore, move the re-appointment of the sub-committee, for they could not possibly remain in the present building, which was altogether unfit for the purpose and discreditable to them as a town. Mr. Gwyn seconded the resolution, which was then carried. Mr. J. Deffett Francis aaid he held in his hand some more works of arts which he intended to present to the Library on behalf of the burgesses of Swansea, if they would accept them upon same terms as they had the others. TheM would be about one hundred, more or less, which he had been able to secure during his late visit to London, and some of which were among the finest he had ever got together. He wished to know whether the committee would accept them on behalf of the burgesses. One of the works, he might say, was unique, and he was going to send that to Mr. Gladstone. If the committee accepted the others, well and good; if not, he would present them to Cardiff. He would strenuously urge upon them to accept these works on the same conditions as those he had previously given them. This was the last gift of works of art he should ever make to the committee. The Chairman proposed that Mr. Francis's gift should be accepted, and that the pictures should be framed and glazed at the expense of the committee. Mr. Bath in seconding the motion, said that on the 1st of November, when the financial year ended, the com- mittee had a suplus of over JE400 in hand. The motion was carried. The following report of the committee for the past. year was then read :— REPORT, 1881-82. To the Mayor and Corporation of the Borough of Swans** 4 The Committee have the honour to present their Annual Report, containing full information as to the present condition of the Library, and giving details of its management during the past year. The Committee have pleasure in recording the growth and increasing usefulness of the Reference Department, the returns for which show a very tatisfactory increase in the number of Volumes and Periodicals consulted, the iss \es during the year having been 71,647 as compared with 45,106 in the prevous year, being an increase of 26,541. The additions by gift to this Department have been both large and important, as will be found on ref rrmg to the list of Donors contained in the report Several of the gifts, however, call for especial mention, viz. From Messrs. Frederick and John Margave, the Executors of the Will of the late Thomas Jones Margave. of Llangennech, and late of Nice, 1230 Volu lies and Pamphlets, being the collection of Books forming the private library of the Testator. From the late Judge Falconer, Usk, Mon., a select on of Books from his va uable and extensive library, 549 Volumes and Pamphlets. From the Trustees of the British Museum. a selection of the Museu" Publications, 179 Volumes and Pamphlets. From Mr. J. Deffett Francis, Hon. Curator of the Fine Arts, Miscel- laneous additions to the D.F." Library, 298 Volumns anl Pamphlets. The returns of the Central Lending Library and the Branch at Morriston show a slight decrease in the number of bor- rowers and in the number of volumes issued, as compared with the preceding year. The decrease is no doubt in the main attributable to the want of a Supplemental Catalogue contain- ing the extensive additions made to this Department during the past year a catalogue of which is almost ready for publi- cation, and will be in the hands of the borrowers shortly. The Committee have again to thank Mr. J. Deffett Francis for the valuable additions he has ma le during the past year to the extensive collection of Drawings and Engravings given by him to the Burgesses from time to time: the collection now exceeds one thousand Works of Art. the framing and glazing of which has been almost completed. The Committee have been pleased with the assent of the Duior to accede to the request of Air. J. L Fowler, the Stipendiary Magistrate, to "piace such of the Engravings as he may select. -in conjunction with a Committee consisting of Messrs. Edward Bath. R G. Cawker, J. C. Vve Parminter F. E. Williams, and J. Detfett Francis, Hon. Curator of the Fine Art*,—at his disposal for exhibition for two years it ein" understood that the Public may be admitted to view them at stated tiin s at a clurge not exceeding one penny." The Committee desire to express their thanks to Mr. Fowler and the Exhibition Committee for the very successful manner in which they have carried out the scheme for Exhibiting at Pennard House, the selection of Engravings lent to them from the D.F." collection. The Committee cannot conclude this Report without referr- ing to the totally inadequate conditionof the present Library Buildings, as regards space for the storage of Books, and for the exhibition of the Fine Art orks, there being little avail- able accomodation remaining should any further additions be made they would therefore respectfully suggest that the reliminaries for the proposed New Buildings for Library and Art pur oses be completed as speedily as possible. EDWARD BATH, Chairman S. E. THOMPSON, Librarian October 27th, 1882. The report was received and adopted which concluded the proceedings.
r SWANSEA YOUNG- AILUXN O…
r SWANSEA YOUNG- AILUXN O CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. A public meeting and musical soiree in celebration of the anniversary of this Association, was held ia the Albert Hall, on Tuesday evening, and a crowded audi- ence testified by their attendance and their plaudits" the interest which they ttke in the welfare of the Society. Every part of the large hall was packed bv a highly respectable and appreciative audience, and the whole proceedings passed off most s ltisfactorily The president of the Association, Mr. F. S. Bishop, occupied the chair, and he was supported on the platform by the Yicar of the parish and several other clergymen and ministers of the town. The proceedings were opened by the Rev. A. J. Parry offering up prayer, after which the secretary, Mr. W. Nicholls, read the report of the committee, detailing the operations of the Association during the year, as follow» — ANNUAL EBPORT, 1881-2. In presenting our Fourteenth Annual Report, we desire first to record our gratitude to Almighty God for the blessing of increase He has vouchsafed to the work of the Association during the past year. He has graciously owned the efforts put forth for the spiritual, mental, social and physical welfare of young men and to Him be all the praise. The hope expressed in last year's Report that a greater career of usefulness was opening out to the Association has been abundantly realized, the number of Members and Associates which stood then at 190 having now reached 335. The following details of our work will be interesting :—Friday Evening Bible Class.—This has been well attended, and we believe blessed by the Spirit of God. The Sunday Afternoon Bible Class, for men not engaged in Sunday School duties has been marked by a good attendance, which is steadilv increasing. Devotional Meetings.—The Noon Prav Meeting, conducted by the Rev. Juo. Thomas, and tl Christian Workers'Prayer Meeting on Sunday morninc ° presided over by the Secretary, have been re<*ula^f' carried on. A Young Men's Meeting and a series 'of public Bible reidings, conducted by ministers and othe- gentlemen will be commenced (God willing) on the moval of the Associat'an to its New Premises. le* Mission Services, under the auspices of a united Co mittee (of which the Members of the Young Men*" Christian Association Committee formed a part) w .S held by Messrs. Moody and Sankey, and the Bev.' T "pf Cleworth, from Sept. 1st to 18th, resulting through"th" blessing of the Holy Spirit in many conversions, and i ° the strengthening and refreshing of great numbers *f Chriscian people. Special Sermons to Young Men w 0 preached on the first Sunday in this year at many of tl""6 places of worship in the town. E lucational Classes f e ,the following subjects have been held Reading, writir°' arithmetic, book-keeping, shorthand and French nri g, for the three last named having been given by' Sir ZIT Hussey Vivian, Bart., M.P. L. L. Dillwyn, Esq. 111 p and the Mayor (T. Davies, Esq.), respectively. Sev l' Public Lectures to Members and Friends were give^lf various gentlemen. On the 10th of April, 1882 th Annual Breakfast took place, followed by a' pic-n'i Pwll-du, Bacon Hole, and Bishopston, both being much appreciated. ungs The Rambling Club made excursions to 1 Bishopston, and Park Mill, Ilston Valley and rei^hvf aD' The Rambling Club made excursions to R I Bishopston, and Park Mill, Ilston Valley and rei^hvf an, hood. The Cricket Club has played several °Uri matches, and 27 of our Members and Associate ?°° joined the Chess Club. tCS have Reading Room and Library. These are beiu" • creasingly used and at the Book Reception, held on fl*1" 10th of May last, over 200 volumes were received for fJ6 latter. Messrs. S. B. Power, E. Player, and "W n j Jones have also contributed to the stock of booka » £ • ,e now stands at 537 vols. whlch New Premises.—The committee have purchase Normal College, Dyne.vor Place, and hope they will K ready for occupation during January next. Prop will be made for a gymnasium, reading room roo 'S+°n chess, draughts, &c.; three class rooms, and' a r'^ tion ground, including fives and tennis courts. Thf oost of the freehold house and leasehold recrA t° ground, together with aU the adaptations and furni K-°Q required for the above will be about £2600 and tDlS Is this sum about £700 has been received 'or pro War Letters of introduction have been furnished to SB* of our members and associates leaving Swansea we trust this branch of our work will become in' a ingly valued. The financial statement shows an ino^r6a8j income, and a reduction of £ 31153. 5d. from the hnia of £ 85 5s. 6:1. against the Association on the 3othDCf September, 1881. In conclusion, we heartily tha fc n the clergymen, ministers, bible class condiw lecturers, chairmen, subscribers, &c., who have h i 5 us in various ways and the Press, which has so k di from time to time noticed our work. We woul In y take this opportunity of expressing our sense of th° loss we have sustained by the removal from S»»„. Messrs. S. B. Power and H. E. Fry, two old and °A friends of the Association, and at the same tim would express our thanks to Mr. F. J. Bowles of6^6 mouth, our late Hon. Secretary, for all the kind ser he rendered us. Above all, we desire to give DraJVIx° God for the guidance, grace, and strength He has «HvAn° and for the many proofs of His favour bestowed^ i„ °' us and we ask all our well-wishers to join U3 fu" prayer that God will bless our work exceeding ahun dantly above all that we can ask or think, for Risa Son's sake. The Chairman said that he was quite sure that all must feel, on looking back to the operations of the a-sociation for the past year, that they had much cause for thankfulness. For himself, he felt exceedingly era tified at being present, supported by so many gentlemen on the platform, and seeing so large an attendance Theirs was a Christian association for mutual support and they had received much support from many; but they thanked God above all for the help He had given He had been with them. God had been on their sidej And they intended that that should be their motto in the coming years. The chairman then read several pas- sages from the bible as incentives to future reliance upon God and encouragement for the future. We cried unto the Lord and He heard me, and sat me in a large place." The Lord is on my side, I will not fear," &0. The chairman then proceeded to remark that the work in which the association was engaged must commend itself to all right-thinking persons. It was entirely undenomi- national,-there was a bond of Christian union which drew them as Christsans towards each other, and which no amount of doctrinal differences could separate. An association of this kind was of the greatest advantage to strangers coming to the town they were taken by the hand, and at once associated with a band of Christian young men. Young men, it should be remembered, had minds, souls, and bodies, and therefore required change and amusement in the evening, and means for i such were provided in their association. They attached great importance to one special feature of the association. It enabled young men to meet together as acknowledged Christians. If young men came to their association they would find that the whole basis is Christianity in its practical exemplification, and they could all feel assured that nothing Jwhatever would take place prejudicial to them as Christians. The chairman concluded by stating that in June next they intended having a grand bazaar in the Albert Hall on behalf of the funds of the asso- ciation, and they hoped that they would be supported by all classes of the community. They intended to make this bazaar of a more commercial character than bazaars generally were. There would be less fancy prices and more articles of real usefulness, and he hoped the ladies esppcially would prepare for it. There was then sung a quartette, "God is a spirit" (Sterndale Bennett), the Misses Jones, and Messrs. T. W. Samuel, and James Evans. This was very effectively rendered and loudly applauded. It was followed by a song Sleeping alone on the depths of the sea. by Mr. Owen Thomas, of Neath, who has a bass voice of consider- able compass, and who sang with much taste. The Vicar, the Rev. S. C. Morgan, D D., then briefly addressed the meeting on "Christian manliness." Plato said that "man was a two-legged animal without feathers"; some said that man was the only laughable animal others that he was the glory and the scandal of the universe. Coleridge said there was in man much beast and some devil—some angel and some God." The beast and the devil can be conquered and God will reign, if only men would open their hearts to Him. He (the Vicar) believed that Christian manliness was best expressed by the word gentleman" a man full of tenderness-gentleness -doing little acts of kindness to others—acts of love and benevolence. Christ was the one man of the world. In order then to know what was Christian manliness they should see what was His character and what His teaching. He was bold and courageous—telling out the sins of the people without fear or hesitation. He was a man every way—full of sympathy and tenderness, yet of courage, decision, and firmness. He had the power to say No," which wis a most important thing for young men to imitate. Some- body had asked what was the difference between firmness and obstinacy, and the answer had beenufirmness is a strong "will," and obstinacy a strong "won't." (Laughter). But what was Christian manliness? Well, it was not manly to laugh at religion; it was not manly to laugh at the man who stood firm for God. A true man is a perfect gentleman—gentle to man, women, and children. It was not manly to be seen reeling about the streets in a state of drunkenness it was not manly to curse and swear, and make use of vulgar expressions. Christian manliness was to endeavour to imitate Chiist in all things—to do our duty to God and man. (Cheers). Mrs. Bishop-BOlo concertina. The Rev. Idnsyn Jones, of Brecon, then in a most impressive speech dwelt upon the usefulness and value of Christian Associations. He had never felt so much as on that occasion (after the very excellent singing which they had heard) the force of the expression speech is silver, and music is gold," and he really believed that speakers would have by-and-bye to sing their speeehes (laughter) and yet he supposed there must be some speeches. It was with feelings of the greatest pleasure that he took part in a meeting of that sort in connec- tion with christian young men, more especially as it de- rived a good deal of digni'y by being presided over by a Bishop. (Laughter.) There was something in these Young Men's Christian Association, which was like Noah's ark—these Christian arks would undoubtedly save a great number of the you jg ULn WilO enter in and who would associate themselves with it. How many young men wouid be saved from ruin by the Swansea Christian Association would only be known at the last great day. For his own part he liked the title of Young Men's Association, not only because he was a young man him- self, and because he intended to remain so as long as he possibly could (liughter), but because in many young men may be potentialities that may shake the world. He always liked Bunyan's description of Chris- tian, who came from the Crtyuf Destruction and entered the Celestial City. This was emblematic of these Chris- tian Associations. Many young men were rescued from destruction, and were on the road to th^ celestiil here- after. An Indian was once asked what Christianity had done for him. He answered not by word, but sathered a quantity of straw and, placing a worm in the middle of it, set the straw on fire, and after it had been nearly con- sumed plucked^the worm out uninjured, and holding it in his hand said, "I have been plucked as a worm from the burning." He would say, in parenthesis, that every mem- ber of a Christian Association was all the better for having his breast adorned with a little bit of blue. (Cheers.) He liked Christian Young Men's Association, because it aimed a blow at every kind of Christian bigotry. In London, he had lain awake of a night, and had heard the church clock strike out the hour of three in another half minute another clock would strike three —then another and another, and thus they would go on for nearly five minutes, but there was one thing common about them all—they all struck three." So these Christian Associations contained every sect of Christian—but they all held Christ as be heful (cheers), and this dealt a heavy blow at the bigotry which was so prejudicial to the Christian cause. He was glad to hear that they would soon get into their new buildings—the Exeter Hall of Swansea—where there would be opportunity for enlarged sphere of usefulness and study. He would impress upon the young men the value of study and he trusted students would get rid of the superficiality of the 19th century, and he hoped that when his dream was realized of their obtaining the College for South Wales located in Swansea many students of the Christian Association would become students of the College as well, and become a blessing to the world. There was one book which he would especially impress upon young men to study and that I was-that grand old book the Bible. There was after all no book like the bible. There was everything suited to every class. There was a great deal more science in the bible than people gave it credit for. That evclling many gentlemeu in London were drinking a toast in memory of Dr. Harvey who had discovered the circulation of the blood; but if he had been asked to drink a toast in memory thereof he should drink to the memory of "Dr. Solomon," who referred to the pitcher broken at the fountain," meaning the heart circulating the streams üf life throughout the whole bodyj(cheers.) The rev. gentle- maD in conclnsion impressed upon the young men to be workers" in every Christian enterprise. It had been said that a young mm who is idle ia tempted by a thousand devils. A young man who is industrious by but one. Why should young men be tempted by 999 devils when one was more than enough (cheers). He did hope every young man would be an industrious man, nud then he would be a useful man—doing his duty to God and humanity (cheers). Solo violin (impromptu), Mr. W. Dowle Jones. Dr. Ehenezer Davies then made a few appropriate ob- servationsexplaining the various educational classes, &c., in operation by the Association, all of which was accom- plishing good work. The Association was built upon the true foundation stone the Bible—and they held without any waivering or hesitation whatever, two fundamental principles—the sanctity of the Sabbath and the Word of God as the word of faith and the foundation of salvation. Quartette "The Village Blacksmith," the Misses Jones and Messrs. W. T. Samuels and James Evans, most effectively rendered and loudly applauded. Other songs and duetts followed. Miss Grenfell and Miss Dowle Jones kindly and ably accompanied on the piano during the evening. A col- lection on behalf of the funds of the Association was made during the evening.
- SWANSEA AND jmifilOT NEWS.
SWANSEA AND jmifilOT NEWS. Mr. A. M. Dunlip, who contested Merionethshire at the last general election, writes that he has severed his connection with the Conservative party, aud will hence- forth do all he can to advance the principles of Liberalism. The Bangor Local Board last week received a circular signed by all the medical practitioners in the district certifying that the typhoid epidemic which had made such havoc in the town bad subsided, and that Bangor and its neigbourhood were in a remarkably healthy state. At Thursday's meeting of the Bangor Local Board, a circular signed by all the medical practitioners in the d strict was read, certifying that the typhoid epidemic which had made such havoc in the town had subsided, and th it B .ngor and its neighbourhood were in a remark- ably healthy state. The Carnarvon Town Council have decided to apply t'1i1t the statue to the late SIr Hugh Owen, the permanent secretary of the Local Government Board, shall be erected in that town, and are willing to grant a ti e. His birthplace was immediately opposite Carnarvon, on tae Anglesey fide of the Menai Stmts. As at present arranged, £280 will be offered in prizes at the National Eisteddfod at Cardiff next year. The prize-list has yet to be submi'ted to the National Eisteddfod Association, but few alterations are antici- pated. A sum of £100 is offered for the best history of Welsh literature from the year 1300 to 1650. While sho jting in Lord Penrhyn's preserve3 near Carnarvon last week, the Hon. R. C. Vivian missed a hare, and the shots lodged in the leg and thigh of the Hon. Douglas Pennant, Lord Penrhyn's eldest son Mr.. Pennant was driven to Penrhyn Castle, and medical assistance was called. The injuries are reported to be s'i rht. The Marquis of Bute has promised to preside over one of the meetings at the forthcoming National Eisteddfod at Cardiff. Mr. Gladstone, Lord Aberdare, and Sir E. J. Reed are to be invited to become presidents. Prizes of the value of £ 1,200 are to be offered. The Guarantee Fund is now more than JE800, and the subscription list amounts to £500. RAILWAY TRAFFIC RECEIPTS.—Great Western Railway. For week ^nding November 26th, 1*S2, >:140074 c -res- ponding week, 1881, £ 135,503. Brecon and Merthyr Railway—Week ending Nov. 26'h, 1882, £1.4013 17s 7 corresponding week, 1881, £ 1,396 6s. 4 1. Taff Vale Railway (including Penarrh Harbour, Dock and Kail- way)—Week ending Nov 25th, 1882, :12134; corres- ponding week, ^81, 12,903 LIST OF BANKRUPTCIES, BILLS OF SALF., &C FOR THE Week ENDING NoYEMBKRSOrh. 1832.—The following has been sent us by Mr. Robert B. Reunie, secretary of the South Wales Trades' Protection Society:—In Swansea :— Bankruptcies, 1; bankruptcies annulled, 0 bills of sale, &C..2 liquidations by arrangement, or composition, 0; County Court judgments over £10, 0. In Kwihind and Wales:—Bankruptcies. 26; bankruptcies annall-d, 2; Bills of sale and absolute assignments, 213 hills of sale re-registered, 19; warrants of attorney, 7; liquidations by arrangement or compositions, 192; County Court judgments over £ 10, 552. FAILURE OF MERCHANTS.—A circular was issued on announcing the suspension uf Messrs. Bi-idulph, Wood, and J evins, iroll and tin-plate merchairs, aud ir ri-roa-iters of Liverpool, ,,1;0 tradm.* as Me-srs Town- shend. Wood, and Co., S.van,et and Hrit In Fèrry. The liabilities are stated to be £ 330.0J0. The b .ks are in the hands o Messrs. Cooper Bros, and 0.> George Street, Mansion House, L.mdou, who will prepare the statement of affiirs. On Friday be Bishop of Llandaff w is prsj 'n'ed with a portrait of himself by Lord Aberdare, on behalf of numerous admirers of the Bishop. The report ^ays thlt Dr. Olivant, who was appointed to the See of Vaadaff in 1849, has been on the Bench longer than any other Bisnop. That is true so tar as the English B-neh is concerned, hut a rehtive of Lord A'.er tare, Dr. Au-rin. Bishop of Briti.h Guiana, hils for some time Leen the Senior Bishop of the Church of England. He was appointed in 1842. THE COLLEGK QUESTION IN NORTH WALES.Beyond the unconditional offer of Mr. Hudson to subscribe £1,000. nothing has been done towards meeting the Government proposals for all 3tluC'î.lOll'11 grant ui North Waies. Mr. A-she:on-Smith has of fere 1 a &i?e condi ion il upon the establishment of the college at Ca na; vnJ. iiu' there, as elsewhere in North Wales, the utmost apathy is apparent. rhe CarnHVUII Town Oounc 1 iBve offered a site for the statue to he erected hy putdic subscript; n to the la'e Sir Hugh 0«ven, a member of the Depart- mental Commission on Eduoatiou in Walis, whose birth- phco is immediately opposite Carnarvon, on the Anglesey side of the :l1eaili Straits. FOOTBALL.—LLANDOVERY SCHOOL V. CHRIST COLLEGE, BRECON —The above match was played on the ground of tn" latter on Wednesday, Nov. 29, and ended in a very easy vicrury for LI tndoverv. On tile ball b -:ng kicked off the visitors' forwards pl-iyed splendidly and at once obtained a try. After this several others, besides nu- merous toaclles down in self-defence, wcre credited to Llandovery. The Breconians were overmatched, and despite of the repeated good runs of Rees Davies and PI ice they could not. get in the Llandovery li25 When ''no side" was called, Llandovery had scored 5 goals, 8 ties and 14 touches down in self-defence to nil Ties were obtained—by Bishop 3. Alexander D. Tozer 2. Mathews 1, D. T. Lewis 1, W. Hughes 1, R. L. Thomas 1, R. L. dones 1, W. Ha rkw .y 1. LLANDOVERY v. LAMPETER.—This match was played on the school ground and resulted, after a splendidly contested gone, in a victory for L'andovery hy 6 points to 3. Sides—Llandovery. C. P. Lewis. Back D. T. Lewi<, R. L..Tones, P. Hughes, half s. E H. Bishop, A. A. Mathews, quarters. J. C.rver (Capt.), T. H. Judson. do-vn". Ll. Morgm, E. Alexander, E. TLzer, W. Hughes, Harkaway, R. L. Thomas, forwards. Lwn- pctcr,-Back, .J. T. Jones, three quarters J. J. Davies, T. D ,vies, half s. D. Hees, quirters., D. A. Jones, Derrick. Forwards-Marsden, Ma.thias, J:. M. Jones, W. Williams, J. Morgan, Jones, Jenkins, B. D. Jones, D. Herbert. THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION AT MONTREAL.—A public meeting was held at Montreal on October 26 last, under the presidency of the mayor, at which resolutions were parsed expressing great satisfaction that the invitation to visit Montreal in the year 1881 had been accepted by the British Association. An influential committie was appointed to c3mmence preparations at once, in order to secure to the association a hearty welcome to the Dominion, fin] to arrange with the leading railway and steamboat companies for such excursions as may be necessary to enable its members to become acquainted with the different parts of Canada. It is to be hoped the municipality of Montreal will not be landed in such a disgraceful deficit as Swansea has been by its local committee- SWANSEA HOSPITAL.—The following is an abstract of the Resident Medical Officer's Report to the Weekly Board, from Nov. 23 to Nov. 30. 1882: Indoor Patients—Remained by last report, 50; admitted since, 6; discharged, cured and relieved, 7 died, 1 remaining, 48. Outdoor Patients-Remained by last report, 211 admitted since, 27 discharged—cured, and relieved, 29; died, 0 remaining, 209. Medical Officers fur the week Physician, Dr. Davies; Sur- geon, Mr. Latimer. W. C. HUMPHREYS, M.K.C.S., Resident Medical Officer. Committee who attended- Messrs. S. S. H. Horman-Fisher, Win. Stone, Thos. Hall, Thos. W. Richmond, Jno. Taylor. Dr. D. A. Davies, and Dr. Griffiths. Sunday Religions Services conducted by Rev. James Owen and Mr. Parnell. During the Week—Hy the Rev. John Thomas. Presents of books, prints, flowers, vegetables, fruit, old linen, or calico, and any useful article will be most thankfuJIy received by the Matron.—JNO. W. MORRIS, Secretary.
NEATH AXDJLTS DISTRICT
NEATH AXDJLTS DISTRICT NEGLECTING FAMILY.—On Tuesday, at the Guildhall Neath. before -he Mayor, ex-Mayor, and J. H. Rowland John Phillips, late an engine-driver, was charged with neglecting to maintain his wife and two children. The family became chargeable on the 17th July, 1877. De- fendant went away in search of work, and did not return to his family nor send them any money. The Bench sentenced him to one mouth's imprisonment. FOOTBALL. A general meeting of the members of the Neath and Neath Abbey Football Clubs was held at the Town-ball on Wednesday evening Mr. J. E. Moare (president of the Neath Club) presiding. It was felt to be to the interests of the both clubs that they should be amalgamated. Mr. Tom Williams will be captain of the united team. It was resolved to give notice to the secretary of the Welsh Football Union that in conse- quence of the step taken the Neath Abbey Club will withdraw from the competition for the challenge cup. CREDITORS Meeting.—A second general meeting of the creditors of Mrs. K. Jones was held at the offices of Mr. J. T. Davies, solicitor, Neath, on Saturday last, when the resolutions of the first meeting accepting 5s. in the pound, payable in four, eight, and 12 months from date of second meeting were unanimously duly confirmed, and a guarantee for the amount handed in to the chairman, the solicitor to the National Bank of Wales, NEATH PETTY SESSIONS. [FRIDAY".—Before Griffith Llewellyn, J. H Rowland, William Leyson, Rowland Thomas, mayor, Esqrs., and the Rev. Walter Griffiths, B.D.] TRANSFERS.—The license of the Albert Inn, Windsor- road, Neath, was transferred to Mrs. Mary Phippen the Clarence to Mr. Williun Moule; and the Half-way House, Burrows, from John Jones to George Gorvett. WAGES CASE.—John Jones, of Onllwyn, sued L.:wis Lewis, of Pontardawe, for 32s. alleged to be due for wages. Mr. Tom Williams was for defendant. Case adjourned. NONPAYMENT OF RATES. —William Jones, of the Skewen, was ordered to be committed for 10 days, unless he paid the amount of rates and costs adjudged 'against hi.n about a. month since. ° WOUNDING AT CRYNANT.— John Davies, of Crynant was brought up charged with committing grievous bodily harm by throwing a stone at the complainant. Prisoner was remanded. STEALING. David Simon, of Briton fetry was charged with entering a stable at the Graig Cottage, Briton Ferry, and stealing some leather. Mr. P. J. Charles defended. The evidence was circumstantial, and Mr. Charles applied for a remand to enable evidence in reply. This was granted. SWINE FEVER.—There were several complaints made of the existence of this fever. Several premises were declared infected. NEATH TOWN COUNCIL. The adjourned quarterly meeting of this Council was held at the Townhall, Neath, on Monday. There were present,—The Mayor, in the chair; Aldermen Gwyn, Rowland, and D. Bevan; Councillors P. Charles, R. Bartlett, F. Shilling, W. T. Lewis, J. Rees, M. Arnold, Edward Davies, and Thos. Phillips. COMMITTEES. The reports of the t, rious committees were brought up and confirmed. There was nothing special in the Gas Committee's report. The ex-Mayor suggested that the new lamps which bad been ordered should be put up as soon as possible, The manager said that they should be attended to as < 'On as he received orders. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE COMMITTEE. This committee reported that the average attendance for October 1882, as compared wi.h the corresponding period of last year, was as follows:- Alderman Davies's School. .Nov. b82. Nov. IsSl. Inc. Dec. Boys' Department 245 197 48 0 Girls' „ 172 163 9 0 Infants' „ 234 227 7 0 British School. Boys' „ 132 126 6 0 Girls' 140 119 21 0 Infants' „ 125 133 0 8 Me?yn School. Boys' „ 194 193 1 0 Gills' „ 184 212 0 28 Infants' 115 119 0 4 Melyn Village school. Mixed It 12S 162 0 36 Catholic School. Mixed „ no 102 8 0 Total 1777 1753 100 76 -l. 'I 'I.LY' Auinont-y was given to tne Scnool Attendance omcer to proceed against certain persons for neglecting to send their children to school. THE HEAD CONSTABLE'S REPORT. Neath, 4th December, 1882. To the Worshipful Mayor and Watch Committee. GENTLEMEN,—I beg to report that Police-Constable George lies resumed his duties on the 20th day of Nov. ultimo. On tbe 24th of November, a communication ad- dressed to His Worship the Mayor, from Her Majesty's Secretary of State, desiring a return of the the number of arrests and convictions for drunkenness, from the 23th September, 1881, to the 29th September of the pre- sent year, was received by nie. The total number was nine persons, one only being a resident, and the residence of the others was nosified as follows — Britonferry, two Aberavon, two CaUoxton, one Skewen, one tramps, two Tne subjoined circular letters from the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, Scotland Yard, were forwarded to me to be published early next month. It is anticipated that the publication will itiaterially assist the police in the apprehension of offenders, and the recovery of stolen property therefore. I beg to re- commend that your Committee wiil give the necessary instructions for the purchase of one copy weekly for the use of the police. Ihe resolutions passed at the last meeting have been carried out, and the summary of goods (referred to) will be found on the property book. The whole of the articles, &c.. enumerated therein are close at hand for your observation. I am pleased to inform you that my health has con- siderably improved within the month, and in the course of the ensuing week I hope to again assume my duties as your Head Constable.—I am, &c., JlHIS PHILLIPS. It was agreed, as recommended, that the Corporation should subscribe for a copy of the Police Gazette for the use of the police. THE MAKKKT. The report of the Market referred to several important questions, such as repairs. the re-letting of the tolls, and the Corporation Field The principal matters were re- ferred back to the committee to report upon. In reference to the Corporation Field. the ex-Mayor thought they were pa\ing too much. He was told by a good authority that they could get the work done for 6d. a yard. The Surveyor I wish be would do it for that price. Mr. Davies He can do it. The Surveyor: He could not do it for that price, in- cluding the trenching as well. He knows nothing about it. The sum of £ 12 was allowed the surveyor to carry on the walk on the Corporation nèld during tue current month. EXPKNDiTL'KE WITHOUT NOTICE. Mr. P. Charles directed attention to a resolution on the books to the effect that no sum beyond £10 should be expended without notice. To prevent its being a dead letter, the resolution was again revived and passed. THE HARBOUR COMMISSIONERS AND THE LATE OPPOSI- TION To THE RHONDDA LINES. The :TowII Clerk reported that he had seen the Clerk of the Harbour Commissioners on the subj-ct of the ex- pens. s of the scientific witnesses who went to London to give evidence against the Glyncorrwg and the Rnondda lines. We understood him to say that the claim sviit in was £ 235, half of which the Corporation promised to pay. He suggested, however, that as the project of the bridge for crossing the river had been defeated, some of the claims ought not to be made, as the scientific evidence was not lequired afterwards. He also stated that he could obtain no details of the charges made, being told that they could not very well be applied f ar. Under all the circumstances, he thought that if the sum of £50 were offered fhe Harbour Commissioners as a contribution towards the claim of the scientific witnesses taken to London, that amount would be a fair one. Mr. J. H. Rowland, thought the amount was very in- adequate, but he would offer no remarks then, as the matter would come before him elsewhere. The suggestion of the Town Clerk was carried. THE COUNTY COLla. The Town Clerk read a correspondence in reference to the charge to be made in future for holding the County Court, now that the hall had been painted and cleaned. Mr. P. Charles thought that, in the interests of the town, no extra charge should be made. If tLey insisted they might lose the County Court altogether. This suggestion was acted upon. THE NEW RAILWAYS. The Town Clerk next informed the Council that he had received copies of the plans of the Rhondda aud Swansea Bay and Great Western Railways. The latter, however, appeared to be the only schemes which were likely to affect the Borough of Neath and the crossing of the river. No. 9 plan proposed to diverge near Court Sart, thence across the cutting of the New Dock, and enter the Swan- sea and Neath Railway on the other side. No. 10 pro- posed to diverge at the old Melincryddan furnaces on the Neath side, thence across the marsh and joining the Swansea and Neath line near the Crown Copper Works. With respect to the Rhondda and Swansea Bay line, he did not see that it touched the borough. Their notices, liowetei, were very hazy in his opinion. After some conversation it was 010\81 and seconded that a committee consisting of the Mayor, ex-Mayor, J. H. Rowland, D. Bevan, P. Charles, H. P. Charles, and E iward Davies be appointed to examine th' plans to be lodged, and to re- port on the steps nec ssary to be taken. This was agreed to. THE COLLEGE FOR WALES. A communication was next read sent by the Mayor of Swansea to the Mayor of Neath, soliciting the co-operation of the latter, and asking him to convene a public meeting at Neath on behalf of the proposed Col- lege at Swansea that the Earl of Jerspyand a deputa- tion from Swansea would attend whenever the meeting would be called. Mr. J. H. Rowland said that he felt no interest in the porposed College. The Mayor observed that the object was evidently to support Swansea. Mr. W.T. Lewis said that their sympathies ought to be with Swansea rather than Cardiff. Mr. Howel Gwyn Mine are not. Mr. P. Charles said that, if the College was to be placed either at Swansea or Cardiff, certainly their sympathies ought to go with Swansea, from its proximity to Neath. They all had sons, and it was their interest to have a College as near them as they could. Neath would be nearer to it at Swansea, for the distance would be only six miles, as compared with 36 or more to Cardiff. Under all the circumstances, he really thought, they ought to move in the matter, and give the preference to Swansea. He begged leave to move that the Mayor should accede to the request of the Mayor of Swansea, and call a public me-ting in answer to the memorial received. Mr. W. T. Lewis seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The Mayor said that although his sympathy was with Cardiff, as he had property there, still, after the resolu- tion which had just been passed, he should call a meeting of the inhabitants, and place himself in communication with the Mayor of Swansea on the subject. THE LATE ARBITRATION. ION The Town Clerk reported that he had, after much difficulty, succeeded in getting a bill of costs in the late case of Mr. Bevan against the Urban Sanitary Authority of Neath, brought before the Tax-master, who had re- duced the amount to the extent of S195 16s. 4d., making the sum due much less than it was. An order for the payment of the amount was granted. FINANCE. On the motion of the ex-Mayor, seconded bv Mr M. Arnold, it was resolved that it be referred to the Finance Committee to consider and report whether any and what arrangements can be made for obtaining the amount, now lent at 41 per cent. on the security of the Corporation 2 tolls, at the lower rate of 4 per cent. M, „, MISCELLANEOUS. The plans of Mr. D. Williams for a house at tbe back of Albert-eerrace was passed, subject to the usual con- ditions. The sum of JE94 8s. 3d. for stone metalling was ordered to be paid to Mr. Sims. The Surveyor was ordered to bury the bodies of all dead pigs picked up on the banks of the river. The sum of L44 was placed at the disposal of the Surveyor for scavenging, &c., and several accounts were ordered to be paid. 3 » A long letter was read, received from Mr. Sutton, on the stite of the roads and pathways in the hamlet of Blaenhonddan. The writer gave a graphic description of the bad state of the pathways, and complained that, although they were taxed to the extent of JE250, not a third of the amount was spent in the hamlet by way of improving the roads and pathways. A long conversation ensued on the subject, in the course of which Mr. Davits, Mr. Rowland and Mr. Bevan confirmed the statement of Mr. Sutton and ultimately the surveyor was ordered to put the pathways in better order, and was authorised to obtain 3) tons of lime- stone screenings for the purpose. The meeting then separated.
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The quantity of opium in its various forms imported into the United Kingdom from 1860 to 1881 inclusive, has risen by irregular stages from 210,8671b. to 793.1461b. nav annum. Of these amounts 98,0721b. were re-exported in I860, and 401,383 in 1881 The funniest thing in matrimonial disputes comes from portland, Oregon. A couple produced a divorce, and now the late wife is suing the late husband for 5.000 dollars for subsequent breach of promise of marriage. o gir Henry Brougham Loch, C.B., Commissioner of Woods and Forests, has issued notice that three more ex- tensive collieries and two iron mines in Dean Forest have become forfeit to the Crown in consequence of unfulfilled conditions. The Home Office have ordered the Teify Fishery Board Carmarthen, to cause a strict watch for any cases of salmon disease in the Cardiganshire rivers. Specimens of disease fish are to be forwarded to Professor Huxley, at South Kensington. The Shop Hours' Labour League, it is announced, have made arrangements for further prosecuting their objects throughout the country as well as the metropolis and vicinity, in the course of next week sittings will be held under the auspices of the League, in Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool, and Birmingham. While agreeing that increased accomodation is urgently required by the fishing trade of the port, the Great Yar- mouth Town Council on Friday evening negatived, by a large majority, the proposal to construct a large tidal basin in connection with the harbour. The work proposed would have rendered necessary an expenditure of £45000. On Friday, at the Judical Committee, a case from India was beard, in which there had been litigation for some twenty years. and in which a dispute arose as to law costs. Sir Arthur Hobhouse, in the result gave judgment, allow- ing costs as to former litigation, and granted "12 per cent." interest from the year 1869. PRIVATE BILL LEGISLATION FOB 1883.—The following is a list, of plans applicable to this district, deposited ia the Railway Department and the Harbour Department of the Board of Trade up to the latest period allowed by the standing orders of Parliament, in respect of which it is intended to apply for Bills or for Provisional Orders in the next session of Parliament. Tha total number of Bills is 222, as against 244 last year, but there are a few duplicates, the plans having been deposited in both departments. Of these 122. are railway Bills, some being for new railways or extensions and others for additional powers, as against 135 last year; 31 are for the con- struction of tramways 8 for miscellaneous works, and there are two applications for certificates under the Railway Construction Facilities Acts. Thirty plans have also been deposited with the Railway Department in respect of Provisional Orders for the construction of tramways, sixteen in respect of gas and waterworks, and nine have been deposited with the Harbour Depart- ment in respect of various public works. A new feature in respect of the legislation for public works during next year is that 156 maps and copies of adver- tisements have been deposited in respect of applications for Provisional Orders under the E!ectric Lighting Act, 18S2.-Railways.-Bills.- Bristol and London and South Western Junction — Bute Docks, Cardiff (Railways, Storage Depots, Sidings, Running Powers, &c.)—Cardiff and Monmouthshire Valleys—Charnwood Forest—Devon and Cornwall Central (Plymouth and Devonport Exten- sion)—Exeter, Teign Valley, and Chagford—Midland, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Milford Junction Railway — Pontypridd, Caerphilly, and Newport — Rhondda and Swansea Bay (Extension to Swansea)—Taff Vale—West of England and Sonth Wales.
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Petitions have been filed against the return of the five Liberals who were elected at the recent municipal con- test at Hereford, on the ground of bribery by themselves and other persons. The Liberals have also filed a peti- tion against the only Conservative candidate who was returned. The great increase in overhead telegraph wires was dis- cussed by the sanitary authority, at Bristol, on Thursday and it was resolved to give notice to the companies who had carried them over the public streets without sanction emove them forthwith, or proceedings would be taken