Weekly Mail

CARDIFF INFIRMARY NEW BUILDINGS. -0- PERSPECTIVE VIEW. • ——

gorgeous works of art. Upon the centre of the head table was a beautiful gold epergne, and a short distance down the room were two effective ornamental pieces of plate, one being a "Stork" pattern and the other a" Bittern." Ranged along the tables also were splendidly chased gold and silver cups. The tables were studded with magnificent specimens of palms, ferns, &c., from the conservatories of Cardiff Castle and Chiswick, and the whole was set off with a charming pro- fusion of flowers. The Marquess of Bute received the guests in the library, and from thence they passed up the grand staircase into the banquetting-hall. His lordship presided, and was supported on his right hand by the Mayor of Cardiff (Mr. G. A. Stone), the Hon. H. Dudley Ryder, the Dean of Llandaff, Sir G. Walker, Bart., Mr. H. Gwyn, and Colonel Picton Turbervill, and on his left hand by Lord Edmund Talbot, Bishop Hedley, Sir E. J. Reed, K.C.B., M.P., Mr. Pitman, and Colonel Lindsay. The vice- chairs wfre occupied by Mr. J. S. Corbett and Mr. W. T. Lewis, and the other guests were Mr. C. Thompson, Mr. T. W. Booker, the Rev. C. J. Thompson, Mr. F. Crawshay, Mr. Rees Jones, Mr. Franklen Evans, Dr. Hardvman, the Town Clerk, Mr. James Ware, Mr. R. W. Griffith, Mr. Clarke Burton, Mr. Jacobs, Mr. David Roberts, the Rev. W. E. vVinks, Mr. Ingram, Mr. Strina, Mr. Fred. Edwards, Mr. W. Riley, Mr. S. Parfitt, Mr. H. J. Davis, Mr. Allen, Dr. T. Evans, Mr. J. Prichard, Dr. Paine, Colonel David, the Rev. A. Jones, Mr. G. C. Williams, the Hev. A. Tilly, Mr. W. G, Cart- wright, Dr. Griffiths, Mr. E. Seward, Dr. Wallace, Alderman Lewis, Mr. Robert Bird, Dr. F. Evans, Mr. Coleman, Mr. T. Watson, Mr. L. Wood, Mr. J. H. Wilson. Mr. S. James, Mr. S. D. Jenkins, Mr. J. Bovey, Mr. W. Nell, Mr. Sneyd, Mr. Luard, the Rev. W. C. Bruce, Mr. R. H. Rhys. Mr. John Bishop, Mr. G. Phillips, Mr. Tudor Crawshay, the Rev. E. J. Waite, Mr. W. Vachell, Dr. Sheen, Mr. R. W. Williams, Mr. Louis Tylor, Major Knox, Dr. Vachell, Mr. T. E. Wales, Mr. J. Hurman, Mr. D. Rees, Mr. J le Boulanger, Mr. S.S. Howard, Mr. T. Morel, Mr. P. V. G. Robinson, Mr. J. Bishop, Mr. Wood- ward, Alderman .Watkins, Mr. F. G. Stacey, Father Richardson, M. C. H. Williams, Alderman Jones, Dr. Edwards, Alderman Winstone, Mr. C. J. Jack- son. Dr. Taylor, Mr. Ingledew, Mr. W. Adams, Mr. Foster Brown, Mr. Gueret, Mr. H 0. Fisher, Mr. Liiscelles Carr, Mr. E. Corbett, Mr. R. Allen, Mr. J. Jones, Mr. Kirkhouse, Mr.R. Hooper, Mr. O.Young, Mr. E. C. Downing, Mr. Galloway, Mr. T. Waring, C.E., and Mr. Godwin.

THE NEW DOCK. The contract for the New Dock has been let to Messrs. Nelson and Co., Carlisle, who are to com- plete the work within three years, at a total cost of £ 500,000. The undertaking is an immense one, involving as it does the excavation of two and a quarter million cubic yards of earth, and the erection of 250,000 cubic yards of masonry. All the most modern and ap- proved appliances will be used to ensure the utmost possible expedition, and the people of Cardiff may rest assured that the completion and opening of the dock will not be delayed a day longer than is absolutely necessary. The stone employed will, we understand, be taken from the Pwllypant Quarry at Caerphilly. This quarry was originally owned by Mr. W. E. Williams, who died in February, 1870, leaving real and personal property of the total value of nearly £ 100,000. A I few days after his decease the public were astonished to find that he had bequeathedeverything he possessed absolutely and unconditionally to the Marquess of Bute, with whom he had no inti- macy of any kind whatever. The apparent eeffln- tricity of the bequest is not easily explained; Out we may presume that Mr. Williams, who died without leaving anv near relative in pecuniary distress, came to the conclusion that he could not do better than leave the wealth he had accumulated to a nobleman who was doing so much to develop the resources of the county of Glamorgan. Lord Bute wis in a difficulty how to decide in regard to the legacy, but at length he resolved to retain the landed property and to place the personal estate unreservedly at the disposal of the next of kin of the deceased, offering to each of them, according to seniority, the free use of the family mansion at Pwllypant for as long a timeas they might choose to occupy it. The New Dock will be entered through the Roath Basin, and it will have a water area, exclusive of timber ponds, of about 35 acres. The lock, which will be the largest in the world, will be 80ft. in width, and 600ft. long, between the gates, and will have a depth of water over the sills of 30ft. at ordinary springs, and 26ft. at ordinarv neaps, the same depth as the entrance lock to the Roath Basin. This lock will be sufficiently large to admit such gigantic steamers as the City of Rome, which is 591ft. long and 51ft. at the beam but it will be practicable to admit even more leviathan craft than this, inasmuch as the great depth of water in the dock will allow of the basin being levelled up at any time whereby a vessel might pass in without the operation of locking. The dock itself will be 2,400ft. long and 600ft. wide, and will have a depth of water ranging from 2bft. to 35ft., accord- ing to the tide. Adjoining the dock on its northern side is a space of land to be used as a site for timber floats and timber yards, upon which it is proposed to construct timber ponds of about eighteen acres in extent. The railway arrange- ments will be of the most efficient character, and the machinery employed for the leading and discharging of vessels will be of greater power and capacity than anv hitherto constructed. Coal will be shipped by movable hydraulic cranes, which will lift the loaded wagons from the wharf, swing them round over the hatch- way, and empty their contents direct into the h )Id of the vessel. One of these cranes may, if neces- sary, be applied to each hatchway, and where this is done ships will be loaded with'much less break- age of coal and in a shorter time than at present, provided the trimming is performed with equal expedition. The following figures will show at a glance the comparative accommodation of the existing and proposed docks:- 1 WEST BUTIC DOCK. Entrance Lock: 300ft. Ion? 4,5ft-^ldebi- Depth of water at spring tides, 28tt. 8,-in. „ neap tides, 18ft. SJ-in. Basin 300ft. by 200ft. Area, one acre and a half. Inner Lock 352ft. by 38ft. Dock: Dimensions, 4,00Qlt. by 200ft. Area, 18 acres. Quayage. 8,800ft. EAST BFTE DOCK. Entrance Lock 220ft. by 55ft. Depth of water at spring tides, 31ft. by 8.}ft. „ neap tides, 21ft. by 8:11 It. Basin: 380ft. by 250ft. Area, acres. Inner Lock 200ft. by 49ft. Dock Dimensions, 4,300ft, by 300ft. and 500ft. Area, 44 acres. Quayage, 9,360ft. HOATH BASIN AXD NEW DOCK. Entrance Lock 350ft by 80ft. Depth of water at spring tides, 35ft. by 8t ft, 11 neap tides, 25ft. by 8j tt. Basin 1,000ft. by 550ft. Area, 12 acres. Inner Lock 600ft. by 80ft. Dock 2,400ft.. by 6ûÖft. Area, 35 acres. Quayage, 7,920ft. This gives a total water area in basins and docks of 130j acres, and a total quayage of 26,080ft.

COMMENCEMENT OF THE NEW WORK. The town of Cardiff was en fete on Wednes- day, and the proceedings of the day will form an important item in any history which may here- after be written of the commercial development of the port. The event which drew forth the interest and enthusiasm of the inhabitants was the inauguration of the work of construction of the New Dock for which powers were ob- tained in the last session of Parliament by the Most Noble the Marquess of Bute. Nearly 50 years have elapsed since, by the enterprise and public spirit of the last Lord of Cardiff Castle, the first dock was opened, and great indeed have been the changes which tiave taken place in the port during that space of time. THE PROCESSION. Heading the procession was the Head-Constable, Mr. Hemingway, in full uniform, riding a fine grey charger, followed by 28 constables and a sergeant' Eour deep. After these were the Fire Brigade, the steam fire-engine Fire Queen being drawn by four lorses and manned by six firemen and the driver. Following came the manual fire-engine drawn by a couple of horses and also manned by six firemen. With their helmets highly polished and their lniform in perfect order, the firemen showed :o great advantage. Next were the band of the jlamorganahire Artillery V-^unteers (by kind per- v mission of Lieut.-Colonel Hill, C.B.), under the direction of Bandmaster Davis; followed by the town crier and mace bearers, who headed the members of the corporation, accompanying whom were the Very Rev. the Dean of Llandaff and the member for Cardiff (Sir E. J. Reed). The members of the corporation present were the Mayor and Town-Clerk in their official robes, the ex-Mayor (Mr. Alfred Thomas), Aldermen Lewis, Taylor' Winstone, Evans, and lones, Councillors R. John- ston, R. Cory, R. Bird, Edgar Jones, A. Fulton, T. W. Jacobs, T. Yorath, Reynolds, V. Trayes, J. W. Trounce, R. E. Jones, W. E. Vaughan, J. R. James, J. G. Fvoger, E. Beavan, P. W. Carey, David Jones, C. J. Jackson, Morgan Morgan, S. Andrews, T. Waring, and John Evans. Behind these were the following and other persons :— Corporation Officials; Mr. F. R. Greenhill (borough treasurer), Mr. J. A. B. Williams (borough engineer), Mr. A. W. Sargeaunt (auditor), Mr. J. W. Thomas (public analyst), Mr. C. Moir (veterinary inspector), Mr. E. J. Thorp (deputy town-clerk), Mr. J. S. Smith, Mr. T. M. Barlow, Mr. R. W. Lewis, Mr. Wm. Harpur, &c. Borough Magistrates Mr. G. Bird, Mr. Griffith Phillips, — Hill, and Mr. J. W. Vachell. Consuls: Mr. C. W. Ingram (Chili), Mr. M. Krieger (Germany), Mr. J. Bovey (Greece), Mr. Wirt Sikes (U.S.) Clergy and Ministers The Rev. J. R. Buckley (Llandaff), the Rev. C. J. Thompson, the Rev. C. A. Smithies, the Rev. G. A. Jones, the Rev. V. Saulez, the Rev. A. J. Russell (St. Stephen's), the Rev. C. Jones (All Saints'), the Rev. T. Jenkins, (Caerphilly), the Rev. A. Elias, the Rev. Father Bailey (Newport), the Rev. J. S. Lidgett, the Rev. J. Waite, the Rev. J. D. Walters, the Rev. N. Thomas, the Rev. A. Tilly, and the Rev. W. E. Winks. Solicitors Mr. T. H. Stephens. Mr. J. S. Corbett, jun., Mr. W. H. Bradley, Mr. R. E. Spencer, and Mr. R. W. Williams. Medical Gentlemen: Dr. Evans, Dr. Maurice Evans, Dr. Hughes, Dr. Morgan, Dr. Richards, Dr. Vachell, Mr. J. L. Treharne, and Mr. H. R. Vachell. School Board: Dr. Edwards, Mr. J. Cory, Mr. T. Rees, Mr. Lewis Williams, Dr. Wallace, and the clerk, Mr. D. Rees. These were followed by Messrs. J. T. Barry, A. Stranaghan, E. W. Shackell, H. Thomas, S. Hall, A. Stevens, E. Crosi, J. James, Herne, W. Dobbs, W. Dobbin, S. Pady, W. Spiridion, P. Davies, E. Roberts, P. Price, W. Lewis, F. C. Webber (Post- master), H. Morley, E.Hancock. E. Seward, R. Davies, E. H. Bruton, J. F. Fawckner, T. W. H. Plain, J. Ramsdale, Richards, E. Grogan, J. Price, Hollyer, J. D. Simpson, S. Allen, T. Sessions, W. Galloway (President of the Naturalists' Society), and many others. After these came the trade societies of the town and port, which were very largely represented in each instance. Of members of the Amalgamated Engineers and Steam Enginemaker3' Societies there were about 450, the engineers being headed by the Penarth Artillery Band, and banners, whilst the were about 450, the engineers being headed by the Penarth Artillery Band, and banners, whilst the steam enginemakers were led by the band of the 16th Glamorgan Rifle Volunteers and the banners of their society, some of the members carrying models, particularly noticeable being a; nicely executed model of the Rosebud. Representing the smiths were some fifteen men from the establish- ment of Mr. C. P. Coles, several of them being in a large waggon.on the outside;of which was the motto, Success to Cardiff Docks." On the conveyance were several anvils, lathes, &c.. with the smiths busily engaged, and on the side of the wagon were specimens of iron railings and other work peculiar to the trade. Ironfounders and moulders were represented by about 80 members, who were pre- ceded by a banner wM the inscription" Friendly Society of Iron founders of England, Ireland, and Wales; Saljord branch. Established 1809." One of the most interesting features of the procession was the active operations in the process of various manufactures, and m this respect the moulders were well represented. Two large trollies jwntained portions of the plant used in iron foun<ffig. The first vehicle bore the motto, tSuScess to the New Docks," and contained among various moulding apparatus a large furnace in full glow. Some of the finest specimens of workmanship were to be found among the slate and marble masons. These societies were represented by over 50 members, who were accompanied by two trollies, in the one being blocks of marble and slate in the rough, and in the other some excellent examples of splendidly finished and artistically decorated chimney pieces, baths, and other articles. Upwards of 30 members of the Amalgamated Society of Tailors, with emblems of their trade, were followed by the railway servants with four large wagons belonging to the London and North Western Railway Company, and containing packages and cases of general merchan- dise. Bringing up the rear of these were the engine drivers and firemen, to the number of up- wards of 100, and following were about 30 of the Operative Bricklayers' Society (carrying trowels), and 70 compositors. One of the most interesting features of the procession was afforded by the bakers and their operations. There were about 150 of these tradesmen and three wagons, each drawn by three horses, one of the wagons, belong- ing to Mr. Loughs, of Canton, being occupied by a model bakery. Three bakers were busily engaged kneading dough, which was placed in an oven, from which it was afterwards drawn out in well- baked loaves. This was one of the most realistic representations In the whole affair, and had it not been for the din of the tumultuous multitude one could, with little exercise of the imagination, have fancied himself looking into a well-regulated bakery establishment. On the outside of this conveyance were several mottoes, among them being The Earth and the Fulness thereof is I the Lord's "God Speed the Plough Peace and Plenty," Long Live Lord Bute," &c. Another of these wagons belonged to Mr. James Tucker, Rotunda-buildings, Cardiff, and was drawn by I magnificent horr'as, which were the admiration of the crowds that lined the route. The wagon and horses were gaily decorated with blue rosettes and ribbons, and the wagon contained a large load of the flour from the celebrated North Shore Mills, The other wagon was filled with sacks of Mesbrs. Spiller and Co.*s flour. Immediately be- hind these was the brass band of the Blue Ribbon Army, leading the members of the Master Bakers' and Flour Dealers' Association, some riding and others walking. Biscuit bakers were represented by some of Mr. T. Stevens's workmen in a pony trap, carrying on poles immense loaves and bis- cuits. They were succeeded by a trap belong- ing to Mr. E. N. NaisL, sugar boiler, on it being the motto, Success to the Roath Dock." In the wagon were several sugar- boilers industriously plying their trade, and giving unspeakable delight to numerous urchins who followed the vehicle, by distributing at intervals among the crowd the sweet results of their labours. Following, though somewhat out of place, came another large flour-laden wagon, representing the establishment of Mr. Jacob Lewis, Llandaff. Sail- makers, of whom 35 were present, were followed by the pilots, about 50 in num- ber. The latter carried a number of pilot flags, and a large model of the "Cymro." The pilots also wore on their left breasts the red and white badge of their calling. The operative stonemasons—about 230—were headed by a banner symbolical of the five orders of architecture. They also carried finely-executed models of tombstones and other chiselled work. Forty plumbers, headed by a banner of the Salford and Manchester Plumbers and Glaziers Society, came next, carry- ing models and emblems of their trade. St. John's Temperance Band headed the boiier- makers, of whom there were about 300. Their leading banner bore the inscription "United Society of Boilermakers and Iron Shipbuilders of Great Britain and Ireland." Among the articles they carried was a model of a bridge, on which was a locomotive boiler; a model of the steamship John Boyle, model of a patent rocking bar, and several models of ships. A London and North- Western Railway Company's lorry followed, on which was a locomotive boiler and box, and several men working on them. Models of the Druid, a torpedo, and of the Ironsides (a Cardiff-built ship) were also prominent. This portion of the procession was concluded by a number of youths, the attendants of the boilermakers, carrying bits, tongs, and rivets. The carpenters and joiners numbered 76, and carried models of various kinds of the work of their trade. Members of the various societies of the town, who succeeded, formed not the least interesting portion of the lengthy procession. First of these came the Oddfellows, headed by the Tondu Band, the district officers' of the order taking precedence, some of the brethren being in conveyances. Some 500 Oddfellows joined in, and we noticed, besides the emblems of each of the lodges, their richly-decorated banners. The lodges were Castell Caerdydd," No. 1,215; "Loval Windsor," 2,575 Loyal Marquess of Bute," 4,607; "Loyal Lord Napier of Magdala," 5,603; "The Lady Clive" (Penarth), 4,787; and the Juvenile Society of Iron-street, Roath. The Oddfellows were also accompanied by the Roath Drum and Fife Band. The Hibernian Society's (300) members followed, headed by their excellent band, Mr. Michael Cochlan, conductor, and the conspicuous green banner of the order. As usual the members of the Hibernian Society were uni- formly attired, all wearing black hats and coats, and white trousers. The first banner bore the words Erin go Bragh," and on the other side United we stand, divided we fall." A really magnificent banner—a full length portrait of O'Connell, "the advocate of civil and religious liberty," with a. portrait on the reverse side of Henry Gratton, demanding Irish independence -was also carried by these brethren. They also had a third banner pourtraying St. Patrick, "the Apostle of Ireland." The Foresters (500) followed a youthful Forester in the full costume of an ancient Forester, seated on a. white pony, heading the way with some of the principal mem- bers of the order. Not to be behind their com- panions, the Foresters were accompanied by a brass band—that of the 10th Glamorgan Rifle Volunteers—which played at frequent intervals All the members wore scarves, and the several lodges came in the following order:—" Lord Tre- degar Lodge," 3,545, Court Prince of Wales," 2,821, and Court Ruperra," 3,360. Among the banners of the order was one pourtraying Robin Hood's last shot. The band of the 3rd Battalion of the Welsh Regiment, led by Bugle-Major Hutchins. also took part in the procession with the Foresters. Succeeding them were the Druids in their quaint costume. Some of the members, amongst whom was a representative Druid playing a harp, were in a conveyance which was decorated with laurels and other evergreens, and this was fol- lowed by several other Druids in their robes. The Ivorites were represented by members of the Victoria Lodge to the number of about 100, and their illuminated banner. Next came the Philan- thropies, numbering about 250, and the Shepherds, numbering 200, with their banner and crooks. The Hearts of Freedom" Friendly Society, which was only registered in December, 1882, mustered upwards of 50 members. The boarding masters (70), some on horseback, terminated the official programme of the procession, but these were followed by a wagonette of Messrs. Singer and Co., in front of which was an immense show card representing the prize medals and cups obtained by the company for their machines, an extensive assortment of which were at work in the vehicle. A like turn out. and display followed, representing the firm of Messrs. Bradbury, and in this there was a miniature engine and boiler, by means of which some of the machines were worked. A trap belonging to Mr. F. Gard, Lord Bute's saddler, and containing articles of saddlery; a trolly with a chaff-cutting machine, belonging to Messrs. Lemon and Sons; a wagon of hay and corn, the property of Mr. J. Moon one of Mr. Andrews' "Star" furniture vans, with the motto "Success to tho New Dock and ten of the vehicles of the Cardiff Milk Supply Company, with advertising vans of the Circus and Philharmonic Music-hall, brought the enormous procession to a close. THE SCENE OF THE CEREMONY. The first part of the long procession reached the spot where the ceremony was to take place at 1.15 p.m. Here was a large shed erected, with ti.t:s of seats covered with crimson cloth for the accom- modation of the ladies and gentlemen who desired to witness the ceremony. There were present here, in addition to those we have already men- tioned, Mr. Abernethy, C.E., Colonel Hill, C.B., Mr. Louis Tylor, Mr. J. H. Wilson, the Right Rev. Bishop Hedley, Alderman Elliott, Mr. J. Gunn, Mr. Moses and Mr. Nelson (contractors), Mr. J. A. le Boulanger, Mr. J. Ware, the Rev. I Chancellor Woods, Mr. T. D. Alexander, Mr. J. E. Billups, Captain Capper (Swansea), Mr. T. W. Booker. Mr. T. Callaghan. the Rev. G. A. Jones, Mr. Wales (Government Inspector of Mines), Mr. J. Hurman, Mr. Pratt (Powell Duffryn Company), Mr. Hollyer, Mr. Lundie, the Rev. Father Richard- son, Mr. L. V. Shirley, Mr. J. S. Corbett, Alderman M'Connochie, Mr. P. White, Mr. J. J. P. Burt, Mr. S. R. Baker, and a large number of others. There was a very large gathering at this particular spot, I and at all points where it was possible to get a sight of the ceremony thousands of working men I were collected. The Marquess of Bute, accompanied by Lord Edmund Talbot, the Hon. Dudley Ryder, Mr. Pitman, and Mr. W. T. Lewis, arrived on the scene about 1.30. His lordship was met by Mr. L. V. Shirley and Mr. J. M'Connochie, and was warmly cheered. Mr. C. MOSES, managing partner of the firm of Messrs. Nelson and Co., approached his lordship, and said:—My Lord Marquess,—In the name of our firm I thank your lordship for your presence here to-day, and beg your lordship to accept this handle to set in motion the machinery for starting these works, and wishing every success to the under- taking. The handle was taken by his lordship from a beautiful case, lined with velvet and silk. The handle is of the finest ivory and bears some exqui- site carving. It is thirteen inches long. At the end is the coronet of the Marquess, and around this is a wreath of thistle, which is intended to denote that his lordship is a Knight of the Thistle. Below are the arms of the Marquess and Marchioness, the Houses of Bute and Howard quartered; then a chaste band of silver, and at the head some very pretty work in feathers. The massive capping which forms the key or lever is of solid silver, and bears the following inscription:— Presented to the Most Honourable the Marquess of Bute, K.T., by T. Nelson and Co., contractors, to start a steam navvy, on the occasion of his com- mencing the Roath Dock, Cardiff, 31st January, 1883." This beautiful article was supplied by Mr. J. T. Barry, Duke-street. The noble Marquess and several gentlemen then walked along a gangway to the steam navvy, which his lordship set in motion by means of the lever that had been supplied by the contractors. The navvy at once showed its extraordinary capa- j bilities, and two trucks were speedily loaded amid r the cheers of the multitude. As soon as his lord- ship had set this machine to work, another navvy was started at the further end of the works, after a signal had been given. This ceremony having been performed amid the firing of cannon and the liveliest demonstrations, his lordship ascended to the upper part of the platform, where short speeches were made. The MAYOR said: My Lord Bute, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—As mayor of the borough of Cardiff, and on the part of the people of the town, I wish to express to your lordship the great pleasure we have in taking part in the interesting proceedings of this day. We rejoice in the fact that many thousands of persons will be employed whilst the new dock is being made; and also in the fact that when made the dock will very materially add to the prosperity of the town and trade of Cardiff. (Cheers.) We unite on this auspicious occasion in the sincere expression of our good wishes towards your lordship and your lofdship's family. And in expressing the feelings of the people for the success of the New Dock, and long life and happi- ness to your lordship's family—(cheers)—I wish to call your lordship's attention to the manner in which the trade and benefit societies of the town have come forward on this occasion, and to the cheerful way in which they have responded to the invitation to assist in this demonstration. By this the working classes have shown how heartily they join in giving eclat to an occasion which is so in- timately associated in their minds with that which belongs to the welfare and prosperity of the port. Cheers were then given for Lord Bute, Lady Bute, the Earl of Dumfries, and Lady Margaret. Lord Burn replied by thanking the mayor warmly for the expressions which he had used regarding himself personally and regarding his family. He then thanked him in the name of the Trustees as well as himself for his kind and cour- teous act in being present, as an evidence to them of his good wishes, and of those of many others, at a moment when they in their several relations to the trust property felt that they had taken a step of very great gravity. He proceeded to speak of the manner in which his own family and the prosperity of the town and port were his- torically associated, and of the intimate connection so nearly approaching identity of their interests. He expressed his sense of the desirability of the most friendly relations between those who had so much in common, and the gratification which he and the Trustees felt on this occasion in the presence of the mayor, not only in his individual capacity, but as the repre- sentative of so many others, to whom he was in this way able to offer his thanks for their manifes- tation of friendly feeling at the commencement of a work which might, lie trusted, be to the profit, not of the trust estate only, but of the whole com- munity of Cardiff, from the wealthiest trader whose- fortunes were there embarked to the humblest of those who there gained an honourable livelihood by the work of their hands. Three cheers were then given for the Marquess of Bute. As the Marquess of Bute passed down the cor- ridor he was met by Mr. Wm. Richards, who, as the representative of the pilots of the port, pre- seiifed to his lordship an address, which had been beautifully illuminated by Messrs. Daniel Owen and Company, of Cardiff, and of which the follow 1 ing is a copy:— I To THE MOST NOBLE THE MARQUESS or BUTE. I We, the pilots of the port of Cardiff. beg most respect- fully and sincerely to thank your lordship for continu- ing to exhibit the spirit of enterprise which animated your most noble father, and to which the proud position of this port is so greatly due. of this port is so greatly due, We trust that the New Dock, the construction of which you personally commence this day, may prove a source of pleasure to your lordship, and that the prosperity of the port of Cardiff may long be continued. We are unable to present your lordship with an address worded in choice language", but respectfully beg that you will accept this evidence of our best wishes towards yourself and your noble house. Signed on behalf of the pilots of the port of Cardiff, WILLIAM DAVIKS, WJULIA.M .IKXKINS. DAVID JAMES. WILLIAM SANDERS. WILLIAM BF.RKBJUY. Cardiff Pilot Office, 31st .Tan., 1833. Mr. RICHARDS, in making the presentation, said: My Lord,—I have been deputed by the Cardiff pilots to present this address, and to sincerely thank your lordship for continuing to exhibit so much enterprise on behalf of the port of Cardiff. We wish health and happiness to the House of Bute. The Marquess of BUTE said he was very pleased to receive the address, and he requested Mr. Richards to convey his thanks to the Cardiff pilots. The pilots, who were standing in the enclosure close by, then gave three hearty cheers for his lordship. Near to the scene of the ceremony a large shed had been erected by the contractors, in which luncheon had been prepared for a very large number of invited guests. At the close, his lord- ship, accompanied by Mr. W. T. Lewis, the Mayor, and Town-Clerk, walked back to Bute-crescent. There his worship's carriage was in waiting, and the party drove up to the Castle. It had been intended to re-form the procession, but this was found impractibleas the greater por- tion of those constituting the procession went to partake of refreshments provided for them. The streets were lined with sightseers from the two extremes of the town, and the prevailing fine weather enabled them to enjoy the holiday very greatly. Mr. Freke, photographer, was present at the ceremony, and took three excellent views, show- ing the Marquess of Bute setting the steam-digger in motion, and the digger performing its several I operations of raising and tipping the excavated earth. The views will be on sale in a few days. THE BANQUET AT CARDIFF CASTLE. In the evening the Marquess of Bute again entertained a large number of guests in the banqueting hall at the Castle. His Lordship pre- sided, and was supported on his right by the High-Sher'ff, the Hon. H. Dudley Ryder Sir George Elliot, Bart., M.P., Sir E. J. Reed, K.C.B., M.P., Sir J. J. Jenkins, M.P., Mr. G. T. Clark, and Signor John F. Duiros. On his lordship's left were—the Mayor of Cardiff (Mr G. A. Stone), Lord Edmund Talbot, Sir H. H. Vivian, Bart., M.P., Mr. G. W. Elliot, M.P., Lieut.- Colonel Hill, C.B., Mr. Pitman, and the Hon. Wirt Sikes. The vice-chairs were occupied by Mr. J. Stuart Corbett and Mr. W. T. Lewis; and the other guests were as follow :— Mr. James Lewis, Mr. John Boyle, Alderman Daniel Jones, the Town-Clerk, Mr. Thomas Joseph, Mr. Lucovich, Mr. Ebenezer Lewis, Colonel Martin, Mr. B. Pratt, Mr. G. H. Wills. Mr. A. R. Thomas, Mr. J. Guthrie, Mr. J. Boyd, Mr. F. C. Webber, Mr. W. B. Gibbs, Mr. James Lee, Mr. Bregeon, Mr. Harrison, Mr. Turnbull, Mr. Callaghan, Mr. C. Evans, Mr. John M'Connochie, Mr. Sneyd, Rev. Father Clarke, Colonel Lyne, Mr. F. W. Harris, Mr. J. Glasbrook, Mr. Evan Lewis, Mr. Colquhoun, Mr. A. B. Tellef- sen, Mr. T. Beynon, Mr. Moses, Mr. T. R. Thompson, Mr. P. Morel, Mr. J. R. Christie, Mr. Ronnfeldt, Mr. J. Cuthbert, Mr. John Cory, Mr. Scrivener, Mr. Biliups, Mr. Hybart, Mr. Butler, Mr. R. Strong. Mr. J. S. Corbett. Mr. Godwin, Mr. Farrar, Mr. J. C. Parkinson, Mr. Edward Williams, Mr. Geo. Fisher, Mr. L. V. Shirley, Mr. William Jones, Mr. E. B. < Holland, Mr. W. H. Williams, Mr. R. Johnston, Mr. J. Nelson, Mr. John Gunn, Mr. J. Maclellan, Mr. J. Budgett, Mr. W. H. Neate, Mr. R. R. T"dd, Mr. V. Trayes, Mr. M. Cope, Mr. Staliybrass, Mr. Strachan, Mr. M. Begg, Mr. George Hopkins, Mr. Collingdon, Capt. Fraser, Mr. J. Inskip, Mr.J. Aber- nethy, Mr. Alfred Tylor, 1Ifr. R. Capper, Mr. C. Lundie, Mr. E. P. Martin, Alderman Elliott, Mr. J. C. Brown, Mr. W. T. Rees, Mr. T. H. SteDhens, Mr. J. A. Gibbs, Mr. W. Turner, Mr. J. Ogden, Mr. H. Jefferies, Mr. T. Evens, Mr. T. Plain, Mr. H. Hooper, Mr. Du Sautoy, Mr. Woodward, Mr. Thomas, Mr. T. S. Esson, and Mr Lascelles Carr. The dinner was provided by Messrs. Gunter, of London, the well-known caterers, and did credit to the reputation of that eminent firm. The general arrangements and table decorations were under the direction of Mr. Luff, house steward to the Marquess of Bute. The exquisite floral decora- tions, which were arranged by Mr. Pettigrew, his lordship's head gardener, were supplied partly from the Castle gardens and partly from his lord- ship's hothouses at Chiswick House. The follow- ing is the menu .'— MENU DU DlXER. POTAGKS. Tortue Ciair. 1:'01 "so:\s. .BjMMion, grille, sjauce Tartare. de,3§j*s :i l'lnij/cratricr-. CROUSTISSS AUX LI NITRES. ESEALLOPES de PERDREAUX TI b PERI^ONL. KELKVK Dindon bi-uise a Lt Chiuolat.a. Languc3 de Ikeui « Selles de AI uutOll, HOTS. Becca3sines. Canards Sauvage. Asj-erge en branches. JlXTREMKrg. MayonaisoiiJ de Homard ¡¡, Ja Cardinale. Babas an Hilum. CreteM au COMPOTE (le FRUITS. ()routes II In llldienne, GLACES. CREME de Pain Emfl. EAU ùe CERISES. A local band performed a selection of music during the evening, and after dinner Mr. Barker— a young harpist of great promise, and who has already attained the position of sub-profess >:■ in the Royal Academy of Music—performed a selection of spirited airs upon the national instrument. There were very few after-dinner speeches, but those delivered were of the highest interest. Success to the Trade and Port of Cardiff" was proposed by his Lordship in felicitous terms, and suitably responded to on behalf of the town by his Worship the Mayor, and on behalf of commerce in general by Mr. G. T. Clark, of Dowlais, who on this theme, as on every other which he touches, discoursed most wisely and eloquently. THE ELECTRIC LIGHT. One of the most noticeable features at the banquets given by the Marquess of Bute has been the application of the electric light for the pur- pose of illuminating the state apartments of Cardiff Castle. The system adopted is that known as the Swan Incandescent lights. Nearly 300 of these beautiful and fairy-like lamps have been most tastefully and effectively arranged, under the personal supervision of Mr. John Stuart Corbett. The effect produced by them in the library, which for the purposes of the j these entertainments was used as a reception room, was charming in the extreme. The chastened and restful illumination showed to the greatest possible advantage the appointments of this rich store- house of learning, making it a pleasure to look upon the gorgeous bindings of the many mre books which, under the supervision of Mr. Godwin, his lordship's librarian, have been placed upon the shelves. In fact, the light is—as a gentleman well qualified tospeuk upon the subject exclaimed in the hearing of the writer—"the only known light that sluuld be used in a great nobleman's library." The lighting of the grand staircase was exceedingly brilliant, but tbe greatest triumph of the Swan Incandescent light was realisedin that crowninsmasterpiece of the late Air. Burges's art—the noble banquetting hall. Here lamps were so placed that the exquisit ely emblazoned timber roof could be seen in all the beauty of its details, whilst the artislic mural decorations were displayed to a perfection which it would be impossible to realise in any other circum- stances. Meanwhile the soft and mellow light glowed down upon the richly-furnished tables, fittingly illuminating a picture such as has never been seen in Cardiff before. The whole of the work in connection with the light- ing was done by M: W. H. Massey, on behalf of the Swan United Electric Lighting Company, aided by members of the electrical staff of the em Mai'. DINXEIL OF TOWNSPEOPLE. A dinner of townspeople, in celebration of the cutting of the first sod of the New Dock, was held at the Royal Hotel on Wednesday evening. Alder- man Lewis presided, and there were also present Councillors P. W. Carey, C. J. Jackson, and R. K Jones; and Messrs. Edward Cross, Edward Grogan, Dr. James, J. J. Hurley (architect), J. Laughland, D. Moir, J. D. Simpson, Gottwaltz, D. O'Brien, W. Hughes, Captain Jones, S. W. Allen, J. Anstee, W. Spiridion, R. A. Blake. D. German, F. Case, F. S. Lock, F. Heitzman, Peter Davies, W. Richards, T. Powell, J. Ingram, Walker, T. A. Davies, Wederall, Stone,Ralph Dawson, representative of the Western Mail, J. P. Weedon (artist, Illustrated London yetes), H. Harrington, A. Gilmer, E. J. Smith, C. Davies. Daniel Lewis, J. Price, Oliver Jones, G. Bowden, O. Churchward, James Hopkins, S. Hall, 10:. Roberts, John Williams, J. Galli, i). W. Thomas, S. Shepton, E. Stadden, J. Weaver, .J. Anstice, J. M'Gerhold, Captain S. W. Pearce, W. Anstice, G. May, S. Pady, William Lewis, T. P. Harris, Anthony, W. R. Smith, H. Tainsh, H. Sweeting, Samuel Marks, Fletcher (Theatre Royal), W. Helher, Robert Day, W. Hellier, D. Evans, E. W. Shackell, J. Mun- day, and G. C. Matthews. After the dinner, The CHAIRMAN gave the toast of The Queen," which was heartily responded to, the whole of the company singing the National Anthem. In proposing the toast of The Prince of Wales and other Members of the Royal Family," the CHAIRMAN said he wished the Prince had been I present at the ceremony that morning and seen the huge piece of machinery at work. As he was not present at the beginning, he, however, hoped he would be present at, the opening of the New Dock. (Cheers.) The C'HAiitMAN" next gave the toast of The Marquess and Marchioness of Bute and their chil- dren," which was received with deafening cheers. He said that before asking them to respond to this toast he should like to say a word or two upon the state of Cardiff past and present. He remem- bered something of Cardiff 55 years ago. It. then had scarcely a local habitation or a name. lIe be- lieved its principal streets were the Golate and the Running Camp. (Laughter.) Scarcely known beyond its own precincts, whoever thought any- thing about Cardiff? One of those obscure villages upon the banks of the Taff, with a. little coal brought down upon the backs of mules and horses! But he rejoiced that they had lived » to see it in a nobler light, and he liked to praise the •ridge that had conducted them to it. (Cheers.) L Treat honour was due to the present Marquess and his Trustees for what they had done for the town; and everlasting honour to his lordship's sire, who had laid the foundation of Cardiff's greatness. (Applause.) They had all been building upon that foundation for many years, and there were few of them who had not succeeded in erecting their little edifices upon that same foundation. (Cheers.) Therefore, it behoved them, as representatives of the trade of Cardiff, to receive that toast with all the earnestness and enthusiasm with which it was possible to receive such a toast. (Hear, hear.) The noble Marquess had sacrificed time and money for their benefit, and his lordship had that day shown that he was prepared to continue in that course by starting a new dock, which would involve the distributing among them of something like £500,000, not to mention the ultimate benefit to accrue to the port. (Cheers.) As a humble representative of the ratepayers of that town, he (the speaker) rejoiced to know that the rateable value of the town would be considerably increased by the construction of a new dock. He did not ask them to become sycophants—as some inferred that they would by treating Lord Bute with that respect to which he was entitled—but he would ask them to act the part of men, and so strike boldly out according to the dictates of their own minds, uninfluenced by any adverse criticisms. And by doing this they would be strengthening their own homes and hearths. (Cheers.) A house divided against itself could not stand, therefore, he said, as they loved their homes, as they loved their children, as they valued their trade and commerce, let them be united. (Cheers.) Let them co-operate together, and sink every selfish principle for the common good and well-being of the inhabitants of Cardiff. (Hear, hear.) He was sure that no one had the in- terest of the town more at heart than the Marquess of Bute, and that one of his greatest desires was to see the inhabitants working hand in hand for its prosperity. (Applause.) He (the speaker) felt that all that was necessary for the continued advancement of the town was unity; but, let them not kill the goose that laid the golden eggs/' (.Loud applause.) Councillor JACKSON, in proposing the toast of "Success to the New Dock," said that Cardiff would scarcely have had an existence but for her docks. From the port was annually exported about seven million tons of coal—about five and a half million he believed being from the Bute Docks, and the remainder from Penarth and the Glamorganshire Canal. With the dock which was that day commenced they would, however, be able to sltip about three million tons more every year than at present. (Cheers.) At this dock the most modern facilities would be utilised for the ship- ment of coal, and for the disembarkation of any articles that might be imported. The dock would open to Cardiff a new source by which the revenues of the town would be increased. It was an undertaking in which their sympathies must be in common, and he was sure they would heartily drink success to it, because in so doing they would be drinking success to themselves. He believed that meeting was one that represented the trade of Cardiff-not necessarily the coal trade, because there were other trades in Cardiff which were as dependant upon the docks as the coal trade itself. (.Hear, hear.) It behoved them to assist as far as they possibly could in the development of the docks at Cardiff, whether such docks were constructed by Lord Bute, Lord Windsor, or anyone else. Within the estuary of the Rhymney River and Penarth Head lay un- developed land, on which could be constructed docks with which none of those existing could compare. If anyone wished to increase the import or export facilities of the town, he believed they would all give their utmost support; but when they said that Cardiff was likely to be influenced by the construction of docks sufficiently near to take from Cardiff that commerce which otherwise would go to the port it was the duty of everyone con- nected with the town to use every effort to prevent so great a disaster. (Hear, hear.) He contended that there was ample room between the estuary of the Rhymney and Penarth Head for the freighters of Cardiff to increase their docking facilities if they so desired; and he considered that the pro- sperity of the town could only be increased and rendered secure by the construction of any addi- tional docks within those points. (Cheers.) Con- tinuing, he said it behoved them all to oppose the construction of docks at Barry, but it was not in the power of the corporation to go to the expense of so doing in Parliament without the acquiescence of the ratepayers. It lay within their power to peti- tion the mayor to convene a meeting for that pur- pose, and that was the only way in which they could secure the desired end. (Cheers.) In con- clusion, he hoped that the commencement of the New Dock might mark an era of increased pro- sperity to Cardiff, and that everyone present would benefit thereby. (Cheers.) Mr. DD. EVANS (secretary of the Eisteddfod Com- mittee) gave "The Town and Trade of Cardiff." He said there were about Caidiff the elements of a great future, and agreed with what the chairman had said, that they had only to be united in their efforts to prevent a division of the interests of the borough to secure a continuation of its prosperity. (Hear, hear.) Referring to the eisteddfod to be held there in the present year, he said he felt sure it would be a success, and would tend to bind Cardiff more closely to the Principality. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Blake, Mr. Peter Davies, and Mr. Shackell responded. Mr. RAMSDALE next proposed" The Mayor and Corporation of Cardiff." Referring to the ceremony performed that day. he said they owed a deep debt of gratitude to Lord Bute, and he (the speaker) very much deprecated the ill-feeling expressed by some towards one who had stood out so promi- nently as the benefactor of the town. (Cheers.) As for the proposed dock at Barry he thought that Cardiff could provide all the space required by the freighters for dock accommodation, and there could be no doubt that those gentlemen who were trying to take away a part of the trade were not the friends of the town. (Hear, hear.) He felt proud of their member, Sir E. J. Reed. The part ho had taken in connection with the dock question during the past week would redound to his credit, and would tend to satisfy existing interests on every hand. (Cheers.) The CHAIRMAN responded, and explained that the mayor would have been present had it not been that he was that night at a banquet given by Lord Bute at the Castle. Mr. CARKY, who was also called upon to respond, said he quite concurred in the remarks of the chairman on the question of docks. He hoped that any difference between the freighters and Lord Bute would be amicably settled, and that with that end in view they wculd meet each other half-way. (Cheers.) Mr JACKSON and Mr. R. E. JONES were also called upon to respond. The latter gentleman said that nothing would compensate them for the loss of any portion of their trade, for it was certain that if once it went it would never return.. They could be sure that the corporation would watch the interests of the ratepayers, because in so doing they were protecting themselves. Mr. Grogan proposed The Contractors Mr. Simpson The Chairman," and the latter in re- sponding gave "The Visitors," coupling wilh the toast the name of Mr. Weedon, of the Illustrated iMttdon Xews, who responded. The company shortly afterwards broke up. DINNER TO DOCK OFFICIALS. After the ceremony on Wednesday the officials of the Bute Docks spent a pleasant evening to- gether at the Windsor Hotel. Amongst those present were — Mr. Henry Lander (who was elected to the chair), Mr. David Morgan, Mr. Hunter, Mr. J. J. P. Burt, Mr. E. A. Hart. Mr. D. Edwards, Mr. T. A. Davies, Mr. J. C. March, Superintendent Edwards, and others. An excellent dinner was served, and a list of toasts was afterwards gone through. The toasts in- cluded The Queen," The Marquess of Bute," Mr. W. T. Lewis," Mr, L. V. Shirley," and Mr. T. Collingdon," all of which were received with great enthusiasm. Mr. Lewis's name was espe- cially well received, and it was stated that the meeting was unanimous in their belief that he was doing his utmost, not. only to benefit Lord Bute, but to give every consideration to the staff of officials.

THE ALEXANDRA DOCK I EXTENSION AT NEWPORT. CUTTING THE FIRST SOD. I IMPORTANT SPEECH BY SIR GEORGE ELLIOT, M.P. I On Tuesday afternoon an event occurred which has been long anticipated by the people of New port. So marked has been the success of the Alexandra Dock since its opening about six years ago that the demand has been great for more room. The Alexandra Dock Company was not slow to understand the requirements of the port, and last year it obtained an Act of Parliament for carrying out an important, extension, which would not only afford a more complete means of getting in and out of dock, but an additional water space of great capacity for the purposes of shipping coal and iron, and also unloading timber, iron ore, &c. There is no doubt that now the foundation has been laid for a large import and export trade. The geographical position ot Newport, and its rela- tion to a practically unworkedcoal area, gives it a prominence in the Bristol Channel second to none. There are so many elements in existence pointing to success the ball may be said to be at the feet of those who guide the destinies of these great commercial enterprises. It only needs to be kept rolling to bring about the greatest prosperity for the district. Sir George Elliot, with that far-sightedness which has characterised him in his movements at Newport and the surrounding district, quite understands the true state of things. It is fortunate for Newport that Sir George has taken the interest he has in these undertakings. Sir George has taken steps to acquire the Newport Dock, and will work the two concerns in a manner which it is believed will tend to the benefit of the port and the district. The new enterprise which has now been commenced is closely allied with a very important railway undertaking— the bringing of coal from the ivliondda Valley via Caerphilly to Newport. That route for traffic will be a great feeder for the Alexandra Dock. Bv the time the new line is in full operation the dock extension will, it is hoped, be ready to re- ceive the larse trade that mav the.' be done. All these point to a. great future for the port of Newport. The ceremony of turning the first sod on Tues- day was what may be designated an improvised event, so little notice had been given that it was about to take place. This seems to have imparted even greater interest to the proceedings than Ilr longer and more formal notice. As soon as ita became known the town at once awoke to the inr portance of the occasion, and the absence of for mality quite made up for any lack which might have been pardonably observed. The Mayor and Corporation responded very promptly, and so did the Harbour Commissioners, the two most influen- tial public bodies in the town. Not only these, but all other classes were to the fore, and the gathering on Tuesday afternoon was thoroughly representative and enthusiastic. The place selected for performing the ceremony was at a point considerably to the east of the existing dock, in the direction of the new lock to be con- structed, leading down to the river at a point; below where the ballast stages now are. The com- pany had made good preparation for the ceremony- A marquee had been erected, and a pathway made to the spot. Round the place for cutting the soc* planks had been laid, and convenience affordec for assembling a large number of spectators Happily the rough, stormy weather of the mornine was succeeded by an afternoon of sunshine Although cold, the weather was highly propitious and the ceremony passed off extremely well. About, half-past three the various bodies an* citizens generally assembled at the Pier-head. Si George Elliot, M.P., Mr. G. W. Elliot, M.P., Mt Abernethy, C.E., Mr. John Aird, and others cam down about that time, and a procession was forme- from the dock house, headed by the above gentle men. The Mayor of Newport, most of the mem. bers of the Corporation, the chairman and member! of the Harbour Commissioners, representatives o* the Newport Dock Company, Sir George Walker Bart., and tradesmen joined in the procession which wended its way to the place fixed for th. ceremony. There a large number of persons hat already gathered, and very soon the interesting proceedings commented. The MAYOR, in the name of the Corporation o. Newport, gave Sir George Elliot a very heart) welcome on that auspicious occasion. (Cheers.* He then presented to Sir George Elliot ft silver spade on behalf of the corporation. Sir George performed the ceremony of turning the first sod. and flung it out into the open in the midst of loud cheers, and hearty congratulation^. Sir GEORGK ELLIOT then addressed the assembly, and was received with loud cheers. He said it was with profound satisfaction that he observed amongst that hrge assembly the chairmen and representa- tives ot all the important public bodies of the town. The duty of commencing that great work devolved upon him in consequence of the sad bereavement which had befallen the chairman of the Alexandra Dock Company, Lord Tredegar, and his family. He read, in reply to an invitation to be present, the following telegram from Lord Tredegar:—"Can- not come on Tuesday. Have refused nil engage- ments just now. Hope you will have a successful day." He had also received a very kind letter from Mr. Octavius Morgan, one of the trustees of the Tredegar Estate, wishing all success to this great work; and Sir George Walker, the othei Tredegar trustee, was, he (the speaker) was glad tc say, present to show the sympathy of the noble family of Tredegar with the proceedings. He thanked those interests represented !<■:■ Imn? present that day, thereby assuring tlv-r. confidence and sympathy in that t-king, which, he had no doubt, wn": enormous advantage to the town of Newpo- to the surrounding mining and manufacturing terests of the district, and of the county at larg Speaking of dock mterests throughout the country, he said they had not proved a highly remunera- tive investment for those who from time to time found the capital for the construction of docks. He might especially allude to the enormous dock property in the Bristol Channel, the capital of which he estimated at not much less than nim millions sterling, including that which had already been expended and that now authorised by Par liament to be expended. At the present moment, and for some time past, tllisenormous capital yielded a very inadequate return. The explanation was that several of these dock works were constructed in anticipation of a development of traffic which was never realised. It was fair, however, to remark that on this side of the Channel they were some- what better off than they were on the other, although even at Newport "they had not realised all round more than 4 per cent. on their invest- ment, and even that return arose mainly from the important circumstance that they had the great advantage of having coal and iron in the im- mediate neighbourhood. But although dock pro- perty did not realise any fancifully high rate of interest, it possessed a degree of solidity and pro- gressive development which, in his judgment, should place it on a par with first-class railway stock. (Cheers.) He referred, of course, to such docks as Alexandra Docks and others not exposed to the incursions or tempestuous action of the sea, The timber trade was one to which he attached great importance, and he believed that at Newport they found a most fitting and suitable position in all respects for the largest importation of timber. (Cheers.) The Alexandra Dock Company possessed the great advantage of having a extent of land, amounting to between 400 and 500 acres, all upon the level and accessible to the noblf Csk. Newport was so situated as to have easy access to almost every important coal field in tha district of South Wales and Monmouthshire, by numerous railways possessed 01 a practically unlimited capital to give ready despatch and transit to natural products, and for all importt which may bo drawn by the facilities they give. (Cheers.) The Alexandra Dock Com- pany obtained authority to construct those works oif extension in the last Session of Parliament. They intend by the hearty co-operation of every interest in Newport to amalgamate the Old Dock with tM Alexandra Dock, and these when combined would, with the present extension, form an integral and important part of one great whole. He felt that this, far from being an injury to the town, would be a great advantage, because they would ba enabled to utilise the OldNewport Dock in a much more complete way than it had ever been possible to do, as, owing to the limited length of its lock and the character of its works, it was best suited for vessels of a certain draught and size, many of »• which could tindall the convenience and despatch at the Old Dock which were aff orded at the Alexandra Docks. (Cheers.) He hoped the exampleof unanimity and good,ill manifested that day would not be lost elsewhere. Cardiff stood pre-eminently in point of trade head and shoulders above all the rest of the dock interests in this Channel. Swan- sea had within the last two vears expended nearly half a million in dock extension, Cardiff was abottt to do the-same thing, and Newport had commenced something very nearly approaching it. When that addition to the Alexandra Docks was comr pleted it woul 1 certainly do more than duplicat' the power of exporting and importing at New< port; and with the Swansea dock extension now completed, the Cardiff dock extension authorised and the extension at Newport they had jus begun nearly doubled the power of ex. porting from Monmouthshire and Glamorganshire Traffic at Newport had increased, and the port hae increased largely during the last six or sevell years, but even if they went on increasing at the same ratio, which was impossible to expect, the accommodation they were now securing at the existing ports for all requirements would be equal to anything that could possibly arise for the next 25 years. He had no hesitation in placing on record his conviction based on the experience and observation of more than forty years, not merely of England but of Europe, that Newport, whether regarded geographically, geologically, in a ^narine scnsp, 01' from the point of viuw of railway communication, was the best situated in the United Kingdom for the manu- facture and export of steel and iron. as well as for the import of iron ore and timber. Next to New port, he placed Cardiff, and tho.s" two ports woulc always, in his judgment, hold their own against the world. (Cheers.) And he must congratulate Newport upon the demonstration it had made thai day and upon the abundant evidence of the deep intelligent, and harmonious interest manifested in the great, work of public utility then commenced To Lord Tredegar, the noble chairman of tlx Alexandra Dock Company, whose absence and the reasons for whose absence all deplored, was due the warmest testimony for his unfailing public spirit, and for the strong sympathy with the enter- prise which had done so much, and which, as he believed, was destined to do so much more for thf development of the town and trade of Newport. He heartily wished prosperity to Newport, and success to that great extension of the Alexandra Docks. (Loud cheers.) The company then returned to the tent, wherp light refreshments were partaken ol. Sir GEOKOJK ELLIOT gave "The Health of the Mayor and Corporation of Newport." (Cheers. > The MAYOR very briefly replied, and the pro- ceedings terminated with loud cheers and hearty wishes for the success of the undertaking.

THE HEAVY FAILURE OF MESSRS. CARVJLL AND CO. The failure of Messrs. Francis Carvill and Co. provision merchants, carrying on business at Gresham House. London, Cardiff, Bristol, Birming- ham, Liverpool, and places abroad, came again before Mr. Registrar Murray, in the London Cour«- of Bankruptcy, on Wednesday, on a motion mad< by Mr. M'Call, on behalf of Messrs. M'Conochie anI) Co., fish preservers, Lowestoft, to restrain th< receiver and manager under the liquidation from pledging or dealing with bills of lading represent ing 190 cases of fish, which were consigned by Messrs. M-Conochie and Co. to a firm at Sydney for whom Messrs. Carvill and Co. were the Lon- don agents. The goods were ordered by the debtors shortly before the failure, and were now on their way to Australia, but the creditors hac given notice to the shippers, and stopped the goods in transitu. The question woulc have subsequently to be decided whethe. the stoppage of the goods was good in law or not, but that could not be done until after the appoint- ment of a ustee. With the consent of Mr. F. C. Willis, who appeared for the receiver, an order was agreed upon that the goods, being of a perish- able nature, should be realised at their best price in Australia, and the proceeds put into a bank in the joint names of the solicitor to the vendors and the solicitor representing the receiver and manager of Carvill and Co., and that these proceeds should be dealt with when the question came to be de- cided whether or not the vendors were entitled to stop the goods in transit.—The Registrar made the order as agreed upon.

Mr. Frederick Archer, the popular jockey, WM married on Wednesday atNewmarket to Mias Nellie Dawson, the daughter of the well-known trainee John Dawson. The ceremony took place at At Saints' Church, which was unable to accommodate the large number of people wishing to witness th ceremony. The Rev. F. Govett officiated, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Corke, Mr. T. Jennings, junr, acting as best man. Chief among the popul& festivities was a substantial meal to the poor, an o: having been roasted whole for the purpose. Mt and Mrs. Archer left for Torquay for their honejr^, moon.