The South Wales Daily Post

SHE MYSTERY Of LOUDON" CASTLE. BY JOHN K. LEYS, AUTHOR OF Tragedy" The Lindsays," §c. [ALL SIGHTS BBSZBVED.] CHAPTEE XV, A CHALLENGE. IaE greater part of thatni-ht Archie MacAIlister lay dtwake. He could not forget the strange words be ).ad heard from daft Liza they haunted his mind as well-told tale of the supernatural haunts one when }b8 voiceof the narrator is no longer heard. He had ytnr no doubt whatever in his own mind that the "oarman doctor, or chemist, was keeping some one a "prisoner in the castle. Who was the blue lady And what could Brandt's object be in keeping her shut up there '< hesewere questions to which Archie-could find no nswer. He could not even make a conjecture,as to the German's motive could be. One idea, -"indeed^ did occur to him. The lady in the blue dress \«Bghfe.beiajrelative or dependent ot Brandt's vho was ^insane, and he. might be keeping her in that quiet re- to avoid the expense of sending her to an ylam. But Uris theory did not satisfy the young JJBMUA judgment. "VVas it likely, he asked that a ninn who was not rich —■ "for so Dr. Gardiner said — and who was probably of an e-on 'a! turn of mind, as most Arermans--are, 1IC(;L: zij the expense of taking /London Castle 'i:}";1:: it (or part of it) into a sfNiMPt Impair, of » gamekeeper to keep 0" .toespassers, and of summoning the precincts or the a lofty fence, in ordertokeep aiialf-witted .relative safely? It was not likely. Archie knew frery litfle»af the law of lunacy, butne did not believe •ithattbe lawcould force a man to send a relative who was mentally afflicted to an expensive private ^Asylum.; and be knew that to keep a patient at a county asylum would not cost half or a third what-the German must be spending in order to; the complete^seclnsion of the castle. Thia hypothesis, which had seemed plausible < at first sight,crumbled into dust when it was ^tested. Then what other-theory would explain the <Jfacta? MacAIlister coa'd think.of none. Many young men' in his position would bave ed over the matter for half-an-fcour,. and then, gging their shoulders, would have .set about en- joying their holidays, without troubling themselves pEntftier. about a mystery that did not concern them ibut ArChie MacAIlister had a character of his own, ^fcrich made it impossible !or him to go on his way &and forget what daft Liza had told him. In business jnattershe was eminently practical; but beneath, the Dusiness qualities he^ossessed. there lay a deep n jof romance. There was no enterprise so wild or Utopian that Ardrie..for all his shrewdness, would not "bave-ondertaken, if he-had been urged to undertake it some generous senQvrent. Added to this,. he had ^.natural love of the mysterious, and took a great ^pleasure in puttings his- wits to the proof. Yefcifc waa 1 Inot sosmnch his love of adventure, or of-theunnscal,! ithat stimulated him to solve-this mystery, aahiaj vZiatural feeling of humanity. He believed that the .old woman, crazy as she was, had been only speaking j ■the trnth when she declared thata lady had implored her to aid her to escape from the. castle ami, belie-v- jng thisrhe, being the fellow he was, conld do nothing j leas than spend his time and energy in probing. the ^mysterious affair to the bottom. But how to begin his self-imposecf task was the <TifSculty. All the cogitations of the night brought ftrim no practical suggestion. It-was hopeless toerpect that he could learn anything by prowhng.around the x»stle, for now that the prisoner bad been. discovered I' dn. the act of holding communication with a. stranger. would no-doubt be more jealously guarded than ■*wr. Gardiner cordd do nothing to help him and besides, good fellowas he was, the young doctor was of too sober and commonplace a turn of mind to be of .much use in an emergency like the present. For a -moment he thought of taking his sister Lesli&\i.uto h; s 'confidence; but on secomLthoughts he^decided thatit ?was tocjsoon to thm £ of that yet. It would only be ^excitin^ and distressmgher needlessly. If afterwards j«be could render any assistance, Leslie, he knew, Would be only too happy to do what she could. After breakfast Arete lit his pipe and saantered <once more down tbJe path. And then a new adea came into his bead. Suppose he went to a Justice of the Peace, and laid all tberfacts before him ? "•This course would. reJSwe him personally of some re- sponsibility and possible that the Justice 'rmight put the legal authorities-ill motion, and cause a .search to be instituted a*. the castle. This was. almost -too mnch to hope f or jiutitseemed a pity not tomake attempt. The name-which at once suggested itself to Mac- fillister's mind in connection with this idea was that of Mr. Spence of the High Craig. This gentleman wasa Justice of the Peace. He was well known and much respected in the neighbourhood. Having made a fortune in Glasgow, in days when fortunes were JDOre. easily como by than they are now, he had, like » wise man, declined to spend it in imitating the ex- pensive mode-of living adopted by many rich men, 6nd had elected to settle down to the quiet pleasures of a wintry life. He had been a great friend of the late minister, Archie's father and friendly inter- course still took place occasionally between the High Craig and MillhoJme. Mr. Spence was a sensible, kindly man, not very brilliant, certainly, yet by no means*a fool. His advice, Archie felt, would be 'worth having, even if he did not see-his way to ndering any activesaid in the,matter. Soibat afternoon.Archie presented himself at the "TTigK Craig. Mrs. Spence received him very kindly, land after putting sundry questions to him respecting ^his traspels, she said-that-she would.send a servant to jtaLLher hnsband thatite.had called. chap 15 '"Don't trouble Spence to come in," said I suppose he is lookina .after his roses. If it is all the same to you, I will leo and.look for him:in the garden." t: Archie was gJaŒthat Mrs. Spence did not 'offer to ^accompany him into the garden for had she done so Stt might^have found it very difficult to get a few /mmutqp' conversation with her husband in private. no idea of letting Mrs. Spence, and through ^leritBe-whole paridvJcnow whathe was about. meraway. my'hwt; glad to, see yon," said the ypmsBBidt the Hjgh'Craig^cammg^orward to meet hia >iaaitcjnrith>his s ,tedup" andfa pair cf ^traeegardBn-ehears- in ,his left hand. Mr. Spence ,11,-spare man^with lantern. jaws and sror>( y \epabBWW. lE»oiie«!OTe>iiv. Iileiwas that he might fflg £ ojr,tbe*finestjo8e» -iathe west^of Scotland—n«»t a ^afty+amhition certainly,' yefr one .which -was perhaps iotttthe^dliole better far'himself^ and his fellow-men in. the worM. ) .Aachie-and the Justice paced together dowik cuie OJ ptfev pleasant, box-bordered walks, the latter, stopping jl-gvliOMt-and thenito^chp-off a.dead spray, or prop drooping blossom^ while they talked,of various ^indifferent matters.. At length the younger man £ »pproache&: £ h&sa6jec £ which was pressing on hia ■•^Bw-tocfr-fs, Hr.: Spence-, I came here to-day nefly toask for your advice," he said. yr fherais niching-the matter, I hope ?" ^H(rt»s*>far-3s I am«-concerned; but I fear there j6-s(Haerthii^ti» mattersat Loudon Castle." And-then fr^TT^wi wwnt-on to speak of the strange soimds .which jbofcb he and hi3-sister4iad heard, the strict seclusion fittwhich the-old castle, and everyone who- inhabited the alarming, story he £ fcad heaacd from daft .Liza. t Mr. Spence regarded him, when lie had finished, ftT> «mm5a».d smile; v kj- "'AndcwbaLdo yourpropose to do ? 'rhe asked. M?* bare thought,,of putting the matter into the ds-of the polic said Archie^jrather-warmly, for ^he hardly liked the, expression on his senior's face; "f^aiid I thought yon might teil me how I ought to ^pet^abont it. There would be little, use in applying to Zjohn Thompson." John Thompson was- the repre- law- and-order at Siidenny. And just as little use in going-to the sherifr," re- i&Aed.Mr. Spence. Who do you think would listen such a cock-and-bull story as. that? I thought yorrwere more sensible than keep ahee like that in {jfoai bonnet." Bat Liza "tola me? she saw -fho lady and spoke <^ith her,.and that .the poor creature, ntreated her j^elp 1" cried Archie. chap 15 Liza! a woman • that is known to "be half-witted. She ought never to have been let out of-the asylum. "1 would not shoot a sparrow on her evidence. des, she is notoriously fond of telling crammers/ has been laughing: at yon in iier sleeve all this e, I warrant you." V chap 15 But both Leslie and I heard— --Tuts, man, I've no patience with you. The (Tcream of a parrot, perhaps—they make queer sounds iometimes, I can tell you—or a peacock, or some beast the German keeps about the place. What sheriff or magistrate would grant a-search-warrant on evidence like that, think you ? Besides, you can't even tell who should be sought for. It's ridiculous." "Well, sir, I'm scrry to say I can't agree with you," said Archie, firmly. Liza is as sane as any of us on most points—sometimesr_at least; and cer- tainly she seemed sane enough' when she told this strange story to Dr. Gardiner and me. Besides, I think the pains which the German Jias. taken-to make the castle like a prison—to shut out every stray in- i: truder, and permit 1:0 human eye to look within his gate—is in itself a most s^sprnous^ circumstance. .S- that he? wants uiet, for Ids scientific searches "is a-mere 'blind. TThtit r-.oiaelhaOns- to Soar J at Loudou Castle ? Or what rnn in Kildenny has to complairuof his neighbours into nifl printo affairs ? No reaecmable man d believe that a fence ei^ht feet high was necca to keep people fromiooking on at chemical eiperh.i-mts. But if we imagine that a lady is shut up there, the reason for the fence and the gamekeeper becomes p:a;n." The young man's words seemed tc impress the Justice. I'll tell you what I'll do," said the latter after a pause. I'll go and see this man Brandt-no: III write to him that will be better. I'll ask him to dinner, and I'll teil him over a good glass of wine that there are ugly rumours about, which his secretive ways have given rise to, and ask him in a fnendly Way not to keep his neighbours at a distance so much. You shall dine here and meet him, and hear •what he says." Archie hesitated. The plan seemed to him a very poor one, more likely to put the German on his fuard than to elTect any good purpose, ^.et it was ind of Mr. Spence to propose it; for Archie knew that he hated the trouble of entertaining people who were not really his friends. It is very good of you to offer to do this, sir, but I am certain Mr. Erandt won't come." Why do you say that ?" asked the laird, rather testily. "Because it is prt of his policy not to show him- self at any of the houses in the neighbourhood. If he did, he would have to ask people to the castle; .and I am certain he will never do that. Oh, you are a mountain of prejudice, Archie," said the other. I thought you were a reasonable man. I'll write to Brandt, he added, with some de- termination in his tone. "and tell him that a young gentleman oFmy acquaintance—I'll mention no names —will have it that his is an enchanted castle, and that somebody is imprisoned there." I do t-eg you will not do that, sir," said Archie. Why not ? I say it is only fair that the man should know what is being said about him. Don't i think I blame you. my lad. But you are young, and you let your imagination run away with you." Archie saw that it would be impossible for him to move the magistrate—who was as obstinate as a mule when he once took a thing into his head-from his purpose, so he held his peace. Let me see. This is Tuesday," continued Mr. Spence. We'll say Saturday. We'll be glad to see you to dinner at six on that day; and, if I'm not much mistaken, you'U find your adversary here, ready to laugh at your suspicions—and I confess, Archie, IH be forced to join in the laugh against you myself." There was nothing for it, Archie saw, but to accept the invitation and beat a retjgat; and this he did, heartily wishing, at the same time, that he had never entertained the idea of consulting with the owner of the High Craig. Wednesday and Thursday went by without any incident. On the Friday afternoon Archie MacAIlister received a note from Ir. Spence. The substance of the letter was this He bad just heard from Mr. Brandt. The German wrote civilly enough, apologis- ing, in the first place, for not having answered the laird's letter of invitation sooner, the reason being that he had been from home when the letter was delivered and had only come home that day. And the German hoped that lr. Spence would excuse him for not accepting the invitation to dinner, as he was devoting his time entirely to scientific pursuits, and did not, go-into society. Finally, Mr. Brandt, expressed much indignation at being suspected of keeping any one shut up im- properly in his house. Why should I do such an evil thing ? he asked. Should I not have cause to feaMhe rigour of your Scottish courts ? It is false it is a ridiculous affirmation. That you may have the proof how ridiculous and how false it is," he added, I have to beg that you, who are a high- worthy magistrate, the much-respected minister of this parish, and any other highly respectable persons you may choose, will do me the honour of visiting me as soon as possible, say to-morrow, at any hour in the morning, and see tor yourselves how calumnious these statements are." The German expressions were the only sign that the letter had not been written by a Scotchman. It seemed straightforward enough. The man could not do more. Archie was forced to acknowledge to him- self, than throw hia house open to inspection at the first opportunity. ilimT

SWANSEA POLICE COURT. -+- THIS DAY—SATURDAY. Before Dr. J. G. Hall, Mr. W. Rosser, and Mr. W, Walters. INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL CAlES. John Sullivan was ordered to pay Is. 6d. a week towards the maintenance of his child at the Indus- trial School.—J oseph Boyes, labourer, and Thomas Hancock, plasterer, were told to pay respectively £1 3s. and £2 Is. arrears towards the maintenance of their children at the schoo'.—John Isaac wa- summoned for the non-payment of £1 98. 6d due to the authorities ef the industrial School, The case was adjourned for a fortnight. MISCELLANY. Thomas Thomas, collier, of Gorseinon, Thomas Davies, joiner, of St. Thomas, were each fined for drunkenness.—Wm. Thomas, farmer, of Llanelly, was fined 5s. and costs for furious driving.—Thos. Howells and Thomas Hill were charged with deserting from the 41st Regiment at Pembroke Dock. They were remanded for a week. COUNTY BUSINESS. ALLEGED ASSAULT BY A SWANSEA BUTCHER. Mr. N.aylor applied on behalf of Thomas Couch, a guard on the Mumbles railway, for a summons for assault against John Mabe, a butcher, of Swan- sea. The guard said be was whistling the twin off, and when stood in the road, Mabe rode past in a trap and struck at him with a whip. He alsp threatened to kill the railwayman.—The summons was granted.

A HUSBAND'S TRlNGE APPEAL — «. WANTED THE POLICE TO FLOG HIS WIFE. A curious application for justice (says a St. Petersburg correspondent) has just been made before one of the police magistrates of the eity of JTovetsherkassk, which throws a somewhat lurid •ight on the present state and future pros- pects of the Woman's Right Question in Russia. "Call the next case Michael Nahokoff," cried the magistrate. 'Here, your Worship," answered a pale, nervous man, who described himself as a non-commissioned officer. Well, and what brings you here ?' asked the justice, ''The flogjiag of my old woman, your honour, to within an inch of her life." "What made you flog an old woiaan ? What right have-" But she's my wife, your Worship." "Oh, your wife. Well, -but why did you flog her so un- mercifully ?' I didn't flog her at all.* Who did, then ?" Nobody touched her; that's just where it is. I'm NOT STRONG ENOUGH MYSELF to undertake the job—ske's a tough one, is my Lookeria. Besides, I might overdo it a bit, and get into hot water, so I've come to petition your Worship to order the police to give her a sound flogging in the station-house. They understand these things better, and they'll do her to a point, the worthless old hag." "But whv should the police flog your wife ? It was not for that she married yort." Well, the priest said—Lord have mercy on his soul—the same that married us 'Ah,' he said" "I don't care what he said. What has your wife done that she should be punished ? Come now, look sharp. Well, your Honour, you see she's a mother-in- law—and a hateful old mother-in-law at that. My son died, and left his wife a widow, and I am her only protector, for my old woman hates the very ground she walks on. She persecutes her from morning till night. Last Tuesday what should she do, the old 8he devil. She gathered up all the family linen that the young one had washed—it was hanging on the clothes line to dry—she put it on her head and round her neck, and CLIMBED UP THE WATER-SPOUT right on to the roof ther8:she stood, your honour, like a monument, screaming at the top of her voiee till half the town came to gaze on her ugly features, thinking she had a screw loose some- where. And what do you think she then did ? Put me in gaol for five weeks if she didn't hold up every scrap of linen aloft and exhibit it to the open-mouthed crowd, crying Look, good Chris- tians, how my daughter-in-law makes clean linen dirty and calls it washing One woman ia the crowd then shouted out, your honour, says she—" Oh, I've no time to listen to this rigmarole. I cannot order any woman to be flogged for such things. Perhaps the clothes were badly washed, but that is a family affair." "Then the flogging must bs a family affair, too, your honour ? Get home to your work, my good man, without any further lots of time, and leave floggings to others." And the non-commissioned officer followed the advice, but not before he had fired a Parthian dart as he left the court—" Well, I've often heard it said, and I now believe it's true, if you want a job done well you'd better go and do -t; yourself, Afld I amin" And b* went.

THE CATECHIST. 1. Give in all cases tne number and xulme, of the question to which answers are sent. i. Write ca one side of thepaper only. 6, Make all propsr namas, and especially all scientific names, as clear and plain all pcssibe. 4. Semi each C'lu8tic,u and each answer on separate sheets, together with the nsms or nom de plume of the writer, though, of course, all can be enclosed in one envelope. 5. Always nan) c the book or publication from which ex- tracts are snide. 0. The r.-al luma and address mast accompany eaeh communication. ANSWERS. (164) NAUTICAL TERMS. Another list of nautical terms has been sent us for inser- tion in this column, Old Salt" will feel obliged for ex- planation. They arc Scud, sail, seams, sheet, shore, skipper, s'.orp, sound, spar, stern, stay, tack, taut, thwarts, tiller, trick, warp, watch, wake, weather, weigh, anchor, waist, windlass, windward, yacht, yard, yard-arm, yaw. Scud, to sail before a heavy wind or gale. Sail, the sheet of canvas which is exposed to the wind and gives motion to the vessel. Seams, where the ship's planks join. Sheet, a rope for con-rolhnga.nd moving a sail. fchore, a prop under a beam. Skipper, the name given generally to the master of a. small vessel. Sloop, a vessel with but one mast. Sound, to ascertain the depths of the water. Spar, name applied to a mast, boom, gaff, yard, &c. Stem, the rear portion of a vessel. Stay, a rope supporting or keeping in place a mast, yard, &c. Tackr io go against the wind in a zig-zag course, and to ehango a ship's course by shifting her rudder and sails. Taut, ti;ht. Thwarts, a boat's seats. Tiiler, a bar for moving a rudder. Trick, a sailor's duration of time in steering. Warg, to move a vessel by a line fastened at the end to an anchor. Watch, a certain portion of time for duty. Wake, the tract left in the water by a moving vessel. Weather, towards the wind, Weigh anchor, to raise the anchor. Waist, that portion of the deck between the quarter-deck and forecastle. Windlass, a machine for raising the anchor or cargo. Windward, the point from whence the wind blows. Yacht, a sailing vessel used for pleasure. Yard, a spar supporting and extending a sail. Yardarm, either half ol a yard. Yaw, a movement causing a temporary change of course. (185) BAKEKS' WEIGHT. What is understood by the term Bakers' Weight?" Are bakers obliged to use it ? HorSEWlFE. The following is what is known as Bakers Weight," which is in use in that trade: 16 ounces 1 lb of flour 7 pounds 1 gallon 14 pounds 1 peck 8 btcnss or 112 pounds 1 ewt 10 stones 1 boll 14 stones or 196 pounds 1 bar 2rJ stones or 2, cwt 1 sack A Quartern loaf should weigh 4 tbs; a bushel of flour weighs half-a-hundredweight. (1(6) FISHES OF Tiiii BIELE. What fishes are mentioned in the Bible ?-S". I)AY SCHOLAR. "Glan Towy "replies to the question ssfollows: —Beyond mention of the fact of the creation of fish generally, the Mosaic division of their species into clean and unclean, their incidental mention in Christ's history as an article of food. and of the occupation of fishing as a parabolic illustration, fish enter but little into the phraseology of the Bible, and not a single species is named, if we except the whale. TheToilowingisthelist:-Jonv.Ws fish, probably ashark,as whaleshavetoo contracted throats to swallow a man, but sharks eapable of doing so are found in the Mediterranean. Tobits's fish, probably a crocodile onychia, a shell fish; pearls, purple, a shell fish that furnished this colour; the whals. (167) VISITING CARDS. What are the established formalities or usage respecting visiting cards?—YOUXG WIFE. Governess has favoured us with the follow- ing note:— Care should be taken in the selection and design of visiting cards, as a person is frequently judged by this tiny evidence of taste. Coloured or tinted cards should never be used bevelled or gilt-edged, or any fancy design, is in the worst possible taste plain cream or white cardboard, of '.he size proper at the time, engraved plainly and simply, are the only correct cards to use. Married ladies should use a size-card between that of a Mr. and Mrs. and a Miss card. The title of whatever kind should invariably be prefixed. It is well to add the address, as it saves friends and acquain- tances much trouble this on a lady's is placed in the lower right hand corner, the receiving day, if any, in the lower left-hand corner. A written card is allowable, but not correct; better written in pencil than with ink, as the latter looks premeditated. A gentle- man's card is smaller than a lady's; in style and plainness it should follow the same rules. A married lady should always use her husband's name upon her card. The eldest daughter should prefix "Miss" before the family name; the other daughters should follow the "Miss" with the Christian name. (168) PARLIAMENTARY TERMS. So-no writest-I have written a list of Parliamentary terms as they cropped up in my reading from time to time. H^re are some: "All the talents," "Amendments," "Anpropriation Act," "Assessed Taxes," "Ayes" and Noes," "Brllot," "Blocking," "Blue Books," and" Boy- cotting." I shall thank any of your readers for an explana- tion. Westward Ho! sends us the following ex- planations :— All the Talents, a nick-name applied to the Grenville Administration. 1806-7. Amendment is the method by which the decision of the House on a question may be intercepted by submitting an alternative proposition for its con- sideration, which is partia.ly or wholly different to the original question. Appropriation Act, an Act to carry into effect the resolutions of the Committee of Ways and Means, authorising the payment from the Consoli- dated Fund of sums voted. Assessed Taxes, the land tax and house duty. Ayes, members who vote in favour of any motion. Ballot, a method of secret voting introduced into Parliamentary elections in England in 1372. The word is derived from the French ballotte, a little ball. Blocking, to block a Bill is to put down a notice of opposition, which hinders it from being con- sidered after 12.30 a.m. Blue Books. Parliamentary reports are gener- ally issued-in England and Wales—in blue paper covers, hence the term. Annual reports from some of the British departments, generally thoso on agriculture, are issued in yellowish paper. Other countries use different colours for Government and Parlia- mentary reports; which colours are invariably adhered to. Boycotting—a political sending to Coventry." The term took its origin from the manner in which Captain Boycott was persecuted by the Irish Land League in Mayo in 1880. QUESTIONS. (169) PARLIAMENTARY TZRMS. "SOHO" sends the following.—Broad-arrow, broad-bottom administration, budget, Bulwer-Clayton treaty, cabal, carpet-bagger, caucus, and cave. (170) THE AVERAGE MAN. Will any of your numerous readers give me any informa- tion about the "average nirii "? I Came across the ex- pression the other day, and do not know its exact meaning.M EDIUNTER IGO. (171) QUOTATION. I shall feel obliged if any kind reader of the Weekly Post will mention the author of the following, which I cut out of an old magazine ? Shall I, wasting in despair, Die because a woman's fair; Or make pale my cheeks with care, 'Cause another's rosy are ? Be she fairer than the day, Or the flow'ry meads in May, If she be not so to me, What care I liow fair she be? (172) PARLIAMENTARY DIVISIONS. What are the rules and customs observed in Divisions" in the House of Commons ?—Pons. (173) AUSTRALIA. By whbm and when was Australia discovered? How came England to possess it ?—ANTIPODES.

A MOURNFUL HONEYMOO There is a warning to adventurous married couples in the sad sequel which has attended an interesting wedding in Shropshire. The parties were of the age of discretion. Their united ages in fact amounted to 144 years. They decided that they would take a sea trip during their honey- moon, and, alas, the old lady was taken so ill with ilea sickness that she died during the voyage. Even honeymoons have their perils,

WENT FIVE SHILLINGS. Here is another Scotchman who had not been a day in London before bang went penny. He got on a London tramcar, and after travelling a hun- dred yards found he was on the wrong tram. So he proceeded to leave, and when the conductor demanded his penny he was so angry that he threw the coin on the ground. There was a scuffle, and the irate Scotchman sent the conductor's money and tickets eareenng about the road. For this he has had to refund Is. 4d. for money lost, and to give the conductor 5s. for his trouble. London is a terribly expensive place.

MANCHESTER UNITY OF ODDFELLOWS. NEXT YEAR'S A.M.C. SWANSEA CIIOSEN. The concluding sitting of the Annual Movable Committee of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows was held at the Corn Exchange, Northampton, on Friday, Grand Master Claverhousa Graham pre- siding. ASSETS AND LIABILITIES. The directors' report on the fifth valuation of tho asse.1-- and liabilities of the Order, which showed a deficency ole631,235, was presented by Mr. Turner (Bury). He remarked that the deficiency of the assets was gradually disappear- ing. In twenty years the deficency had been reduced by £ 712,182. Mr. R. WATSON (Nottingham) said he felt it to be his duty to point out to the meeting a practical way in which this deficiency might be removed, There were still lodges and di trl alswhich set the 38th rule at naught, and did not comply with the tables. There were also cases in which there had been departures from the tables by the payment of lower contributions and higher benefits than the tables provided. The e grew fewer in number each quinquennial period, but they wero a prolific cause of deficiency. Further, the tables were not in accordance with the data on which the valuation was prepared. Tnose tables were prepared from the data of 1860, and were something like one shilling per annum lower than they ought to be. Some years ago the Welsh and some other dis- tricts which were not paying sufficient contribu- tions for their unfortunately heavy liabilities complained that if their contribution tablet were insufficient it was not their fault, butthe fault of the directors in not putting proper tables in their hands. He advised hazardous occupation tables, which were prepared, but he had only come across one lodge which had placed itself under these table?. In some districts every new member admitted added to the deficiency of the lodge hs joined a sum varying from P-2 to £ 10. He would submit a resolution by which the deficiency might be gradually but effectively reduced. The process would be slow, and he did not expect substantial results to be obtained until another 50 years. He moved that the directors be desired to examine all cases of serious or dangerously growing deficiency, and when it is proved to their satisfaction that it is caused by insufficiency of contributions because of greater risks of occupation, they shall order such an increase of contributions or reduction of benefits as shall be proved to be actually necessary Mr. POULTEP. (Windsor) seconded the propo- sition, which was supported by Mr. BAILEY (Nor- wich) and adopted. FEMALE LODGES. Mr. CAMPKIN (Cambridge) submitted draft tables of contributions and benefits prepared for the use of proposed female branches by Mr. Watson Nottingham). The tables provide sick- ness benefits throughout life, together with funeral benefit, and for insuring annuities after 65 years of age, contributions then to cease. Mr. A. WATSON (Nottingham) proposed that the directors be instructed to submit such alterations of the general roles to the next meeting as may be necessary in regard to female lodges—that mem- bers be admitted in female courts only, that such lodges be affiliated to any or all male lodges in the United Kingdom, and that they be attached to the existing district funeral funds. Mr. MOFFREY (London) seeonded. Mr. DAYNES (Norwich) moved, and Mr. EAST- WOOD (Blackburn) seconded, That this meeting instruct the directors to prepare and submit to the next meeting such an alteration of the rules as will provide for the establishment of female lodges upon the same lines as Past Grand Lodges." Mr. GRIMES (Birmingham) seconded the amend- ment. The question was aiseubsod at some length, objection being strongly taken to females being admitted to the full membership of the Unity. The amendment was adopted by a considerable mkjerity. The deeisionpractically amounts to the reversal of the policy adopted last year. Districts will be able to establish female lodges, but they will be in reality separate societies, neither involving financial responsibility nor having financial claim upon the Order. TO WELSH RULES. The auditors stated that there had been a loss of X44 on the Welsh rules, and a loss of £64 in 1892. 4 ELECTION OP OFFICBB3. Deputy Grand Master John Diprose (North London) was unanimously chosen Grand Master of.the Order. The voting for the Deputy Grand Master resulted in the election of Mr. Orford White (Ipswich) with 289 votes. The result was received with applause. Mr. Turner (Bury) received 118 votes, and Mr. Luke (Dover) 74. Mr. Stockail (London) was re-elected Parlia- mentary agent. THE NBXT A.M.C. The voting for the next A.M,C. resulted as follows Swansea 321 Bristol 132 Richmond^ 20 Coventry 32 Richmond: 20 I Coventry J2 Mr. PSOTHEKOE (Swansea), tkanked the dele- gates for the choice, and promised them a hearty Welsh welcome.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The Board of Directors for the ensuing year was eonstitued as follows :—T. Walton (South- ampton), Sidney Campkin (Cambridge), H. Flowers (Norwich), S. Turner (Bury), E. Lukey Dover), and H. Rushton (Accrington). The sum of 40 guineas was voted to local charitable institutions.

GOSPELTEMPERANCEMISSION. DR. LUCAS IN SWANSEA. The Gospel Temperance Mission that is now in progress at the Albert Hall, Swansea, bids fair to prove a great success. Dr. Lucas, of Ontario, Canada, who is conducting the meetings is an orator of great dramatic power, and he appeals to his audienee in a most striking and vivid manner. Last (Friday) evening Dr. Lucas delivered his seventh address, and there was a large and highly attentive audience. Mr. Wm. Lloyd presided, and among these en the platform were the Rev. O. T. Snelling, Messrs. J. T. Bishop, J. M. Mayne, Dr. Rawlings, the Rev. J. II. Ingram, and Mr. W. Leed. Dr. Lucas delivered a very lengthy address, but he was able to hold the attention of his audience with the greatest ease, and round after I round of applause greeted his vigorous remarks concerning the liquor traffic. In the course of a powerful and forcible address, the rev. doctor laid particular stress upon the duties of parents with regard to placing temptation before their children. For their sake if for no o her, all should I become abstainers. Turning to speak otprehi- bition in Canada, he said that they bad not keen able to bring about reforms without much hard I work, and people declared that they had only the support of a few fanatics. But what was the fact ? At a recent election in Canada it had been I conclusively proved that they had the support of a huge proportion of the people. They had tried to ^efc total prohibi- tion, but had only succeeded in getting local option. Proceeding, the speaker gave instances of cases in towns that he knew where, sinee beer licences had been stopped, crime had decreased 50 per cent. (Cheers.) The meeting closed with the usual votes of thanks. Dr. Lucas will address meetings to-night and to-morrow.

SHIPPING. SWANSEA BAY SIGNALLING STATION. MUMBLES LIGHTHOUSE. MAY 18TH, 1894. Wind, S., light; Weather, hazy and fine; Sea, smooth. Rochefort s, Cardiff, reesived orders for Cardiff Maryland s, London, passed west Normand s, Swansea, passed west Vigilant s, Liverpool, passed west Ranee s, Glasgow, passed west Ethel s, Newcastle, passed west Amiral Cecille s, Rouen, passed east John Byng s, London, passed east Craigendoran s, Glasgow, pased east Sohvay s, Glasgow, passed east AY 1. Torquay 8, Torquay^passed east Serapis, s, Newcastle, passeci,eaat Trio a, Newcastle, passed east

FOREIGN ARRIVALS AND, MOVEMENTS OF LOCAL VESSELS. Iberia left Antwerp for Swansea 16 Livadia arrived Algiers from Swansea 12 City of Rotterdam s arrived Hamburg from Swan- sea 15 City of Oporto s left Hamburg 13 City of Belfast s left Hamburg 13 Buccaneer s passed Ushant 17 Absrmaed s arrived Valencia from Swansea 13 Pickwiek s left Genoa 14 Missouri s clearq Philadelphia for London 7 M.mnon s arrlvf Quebec from Swansea 18 Mr. J. White, Electrical Engineer, 21 Deiaford ¡ Street, Lillie Road, Fulham, writes :— I have suffered from lumbago for a very con- siderable period. I consulted doctors, but they did me no good. I was unable to continuo my employment until I used St. Jacobs Oil, which cured me in three days." Mr. White very kindly writes us that wa can make what use of this statement we like; but the facts as he relates them above are those of a straightforward, honest man, and quite sufficient to convince anyone of the intrinsic'value of St. Jacobs Oil.

"IdI¡j!uJ' SL'OI:TS~INES- [BY THE OLD ') The race between Richards and Rosser for the Bicycle Challenge Cup is not to be run for a week or two. The race was to have been brought off on Thurs- day evening last, but it was thcught advisable in view of the unsettled state of the weather to defer it until Thursday of next or the week after. Whenever it comss it can hardly fail to result in a grand tuss'e, for last Monday s race clearly proved that on present form there i" not a yard to choose between the two meu. This afternoon the Swansea first team, c ptained by Mr. H. B. Letcher, meet the next fifteen of the Swansea Cricket Club. I hear that the members of the Swansea. Harriers club mean to mke a big show at the Llanelly Sports, which are to bj held next Satur- day. Several of the crack Swanseit runners and cyclists are already in training. The Aberdare glove fight on ThursJay night came to a most unhappy and unlooked for ending. Patsy Perkins, in whose boxing saloon it wa.s that the sad event happened, has many friends in Swan- sea, and they will heartily sympathise with him in the awkward position in which he is placed. The annual meeting of the Swansea Association Football Club was held at tho Longhands Hotel last (Friday) evening. There was but a moderate attendance, but those present displayed an amount of enthusiasm which augured well for the future of the" socker' game in South Wales. The following officers for 1394-5 were appointed —Sir John Llewelyn and Lord Swansea, patrons Colonel Morgan, president; Mr. R. A. Jones, secretary; and Mr. Napier, treasurer. Mr. Clecves was appointed captain, and Mr. West vice-captain. The following gentlemen were appointed to form the committee:—Messrs. Sales, Williams, Jenkins, Wolfe, Baldwin, Bird, Hazell, Powell, and W. E. Thomas. During the course of the meeting it was an- nounced that Col. Moifui had sent the club a very handsome donation. I'm glad to bear that the club are contemplating the putting up of a silver cup for competition among the junior teams in the district. This is a splendid idea, and I sincerely hope that a number of junior clubs will be formed in the district during next autumn. Healthy compe- tition would do no end of good to the Association game in these parts. It would tend to make the dry bones live. At present there is no excite- ment: no t eal enthusiasm. Once get that, and the future of the Association game in South Wales would be assured. The secretary of the Cadoxton Cricket Club has just issued a circular stating that the affairs of the club are not in a satisfactory condition, and soliciting the support of all gentlemen interested in the summer pastime. This appears to be the last straw. It is to be hoped that many will grasp it, and show in a practical wav that they are not willing to allow the club to die by complying with the request formulated in the circular. There is no doubt that the disinclination of many members to pay their subscriptions with regularity lies at the root of the financial trouble. I hope, however, that gentlemen interested in the game will now eo-operate, and not only remove the stigma which, under the circumstances, naturally attaches to the club, but place the organisation upon a sound basis in all respects. Subjoined is a copy of the circular:—"Dear sir,—The affairs of the Cadoxton Cricket Club are not in a satisfactory condition, mainly due to the fact that we have not been able to make the sports a success for some years, and that members do not pay their subscriptions with the regularity that they ought to. At a committee meeting of tho club, held a short time ago, it was determined to wind up the affairs of the club, unless a sufficient number of gentlemen replied to this circular that they were willing to support the club and pay their subscriptions in advance. If you will do so, kindly sign the attached form, and return it to me on or before Thursday, the 25th instant.—Yours truly, J. GRIFFITH DAVIBS.' Neath, May, 1894. The executive of the Neath Cycling Club are pushing the preliminary arrangements ahead, and the list of runs will soon be submitted for the approval of a general meeting to be convened for that purpose. Mr. Gabriel, the hon. sec., has summoned a meeting for next Tuesday, when bus.ness of an important character will be discussed. Mr. George Gould, who has just left New York for Southampton, stabes that the yachts Vigilant and Atalanta will leave for England early in June, and that their first appearance as racing craft will be at Clyde Regatta early in July. Mr. Gould intends so enter the Vigilant for so many races in British waters as possible. The cricket match at Sketty to-day between Singleton and the home team should be rather a close one, but I txpect the homesters will just about manage to secure a win. If Cronin and Murphy are in anything like form, Clydaeh pro- bably won't score much against Sunnybank. Everything will depend on the visitors' batting. County cricket has fairly begun now. Two of the most important fixtures of the season which began on Monday ended in the signal defeat of Notts by Surrey, and Lancashire by Yorkshire. Gloucestershire have made a good start by defeating Sussex by eight wickets. A11 the ad- mirers of the old champion must have been elated te see him commence the season by such a vigorous innings as the 88 which went down to his credit. Much less favourable from a Westerner's point of view was the Middlesex v. Somerset match. The latter came a sad cropper, suffering defeat at the hands of the Metropolitans by 10 wiekets. Warwickshire seem to be in a fair way to make a big reputation for themselves. Their defeat of Kenton Tuesday was of amostdecisive character. The Midlanders have started their season by de- feating Notts, Surrey, and Kent. This looks like first-class county form! The Success of Gloucestershire has been short- lived, for yesterday they were heavily defeated by Surrey, the bowling ef Smith and Richardson being quite irresistible. They mowed the ^Westerners' wickets down in rare form. The Kent v. Lancshiae match was left in a most interesting position last evening, but I fancy the. Nortbeners will pull through. Somerset managed to defeat Sussex after a good fight. Two of the finest innings of the week have been made by Lord Xlawke and Breekwell. Everyone will be pleased to see the Yorkshire captain getting back into form again,whilst the applause at. the Oval yesterday showed that the popular little Surrey pro. is as great a favourite as ever.

TO-DAY'S FIXTURES. CRICKET. (On the ground of the first-named), Bwansea First Team v. Next Fifteen. Merriston A v. LIanei y A. Bridgend v. Aberavon. Llanelly v. Pembroke Dock. Sketty v. Singleton. Clydaeh v. Swansea Chureh. Neath YJH.C.A. T. Rheola. SWANSEA, AND DISTRICT LEAGUE. Clydaeh v. Sunnybank. CYCLING CLUB RUNS. Swansea Harriers to Llandiio. f Llanelly Wheelers to Gower Coast. ■ ii

The Freeman announcing the termination of the dispute between the directors and workmen on the Great Northern Railway of Ireland says it is J proved that when Irishmen are left to themselves i ts.ey can settle their disputes peaceably.

RAILWAY TRAFFIC RETURNS. (BY TELEGRAPH.] increase, DeoroMt- < « Lancashire and Yorkshire 10,109 — London, Brighton, & South-Coa»t 5,673 — Londonand North-Western 21,606 London and South-Western Great North oi" Scotland Midland 36,5*» North Staffordshire Printed and PubU~hed~Tor the Proprietors by WILLIAM LLEWELYN WILLIAMS, at Uie Offices ot the SQUXW WALKS DAXL* i]ij»h-«tro,et, Swansea.