The Cardiff Times

LLIS0 girths, glarnagcs, aita §mp. tousKi and Orwann<>unceineT\ts are inserted free of charge, but tfcey cannot FIT IFFLI^oded to unless authenticated by the name an« address ia of Ml* '^e sfin<^er* Cards" are cl*ai £ e^ 2a. 64.each.J serertl. BIRTHS. mi se, con•1 lhe 1st instant, the wife of Mr. William Thomas, more ot surveyor. Monk-street, Aberdare, of a daughter. the Sth instant, the wife of Mr. Damel Lougher, Green remises ?> Treguff, Lancarvan, of a son. >er Ely, 5 10th instant, at Treforest, the wife of Mr. J. onginoer, of a son. ntereet ? the 13th instant, the wife of Mr. John Rowlands, ar, and 48, of a daughter. ider an MARRIAGE. the 7th instant, at St. Mary's Church, by the Rev. E. srstone I Captain Thomas Kelly, eldest son of Mr. Thomas h, aat Shipowner, Whitehaven, to Mi.v= Georgiana Thomas, daughter of Mr. W. M. Thomas, cabinet-maker, of to ti3& *°*n. I5th instant, at St. Peter's Church, Eaton-square, s. Colonel Turner, to Caroline, widow of the Hon. V,. diff. yndham Q,1Ín. ——. DEATHS. the 23rd ult., at his residence, 17, Park-place, Cardiff, tird A. Cox, EfIq. the 5th instant, at Bangor Villa, Herbert Trevor, the son of Mr. Wm. Coleman, Lland.tff Mills. t tbe «the 8th instant, at Great Frampton, Lantwit Major, lay of a short illness, Mr. Wm. Lloyd, respected by all who oon- s^itn. .wing

ppur- ps Cjrt Cardiff Crates. Uiam a the | SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 1867. nt of j ap. INSPECTION OF MINES. .way Sports for the year 18G5 of Mr. T. E. Wales, raw- Inspector of Mines for South Wales, Mr. Lionel Brough, FXx.S., Inspector for 4s.* ^0Qthsbire, Gloucester, Somerset, and Devon, ther Jqst appeared. That of Mr. Wales is dated in jfUafy, and that of Mr. Brough in March, of 18G6. n y a whole year has been suffered to elapse eeu the period of their being addressed to the !tie Secretary, and that of their appearance in >ur- }* *8 0Qe of the mysteries of the Circumlocution 6 lift* utUity may be questioned. The — would be more useful for comparison, and IIUggestions of the Inspectors more likely to im- Il tbemselves upon the public mind, were they )K the world at a period less remote from that Jie e events recorded. Prefixed to each report is a »re J** statement in regard to the coal mines of Britain. Tbe country is divided into 1.3 dis- 5' each having its Inspector. The colliers in j. ^mb^red 315,006, they raised ninety-nine Ot" Of tons of coa^- lives were lest by acci- j. one collier in every 321 employed, and U ^0S8 one Per ^0l)'^00 40,13 °°a^ | number of ooHieries was 3215. Of these, ia jQ gouth Wales, and 225 in Mr. Brough's i C" U 7^- Wales and Mr. Brough each commences his 18 5 by remarking on the increased loss of life in '» Over former years. Each of them has one »' ( explosion to record, in addition to 6 ^tl°r causes deaths—Mr. Brough recording ^We^ty explosion which cost 26 lives, and explosion, whose victims t ed There is a striking parallel between t'8 0 also in another point—each Inspec- j^r°8ecutions of colliery ov/ners end managers » it/eaches of rule, appear to have been equally un- Ij^88^ Mr. Wales, reporting on the Bute Mer- L ^Uery explosion, Rhondda Valley, which took February 17, states that he prosecuted the le ^er, Mr. Fraser, for allowing gas to remain in ^fct. «, rpjje cage w^g jjenrjj at Pontypridd, by the Williams and G. Williams, Esq., and by 6^ dismissed; the latter gentleman at that time th owner of collieries in the adjoining valley." Gethin explosion, Mr. Moody, the manager, 18 under-viewer were prosecuted for man- sate). but neither was convicted. Mr. Wales k t'ecords three cases in which he prosecuted col- I^^Qagers, one at-Cyfarthfa, and one at Powell's ,tyu coilieries, for employing bays under age, ob- 149 110 conviction in either case. Similarly, Mr. '°\1 iit reports that the Grand Jury of Monmouth- i^6 *hrew out the bill against the Bedwellty who had been presented by the Coroners Manslaughter. Then Mr. Brough tells us 6 Prosecuted the proprietors for three several ?s °f colliery rules, before the Tredegar bench Urates, who in every case decided in favour t{ Colliery owner, and against the Inspector, ir°%h, after stating-tihe facts, strongly intimates HD Js opinion is unchanged, though the worship- <3Paid of Tredegar did not agree with him. In t efe is only one instance given in either report ►o^^viction being obtained, and that was on a ^Clltion by Mr. Wale*, of the manager of the < Q^nffryn Colliery, when a fine of £ o was im- 'Ovjj' Mr. Wales is careful to state that Mr. J. C. a stipendiary magistrate, was then on the though a colliery owner sat with him. Mr. is more reticent than Mr. Wales, or he ^ave enlightened the public as to the compo- the bench at Tredegar, by whom his in- were invariably dismissed; but quite t can be inferred from the facts stated, to make e than ever apparent that, at least in colliery districts, the bench should invariably be led by a stipendiary, who knows the law and t'11 t¡()t belong to the precise class upon whom he e, to adjudicate. Whatever might be-said in 40.eOf the great unpaid in districts where are kt ed a variety of interests, it must be obvious an exclusively colliery district no one but owners will be «ligible for the Bench under Vj ^Paid system, since the proximity of the pits the locality undesirable for the residence of °r other types of the wealthy class from which \N>aid magistracy are selected. The Bench, J °Fe* unless it be occupied by & stipendiary, is a Sj> *^t tribunal to try cases of prosecution of col- f, Q^^ej"s or managers by the government inspec- 6^ea to adjudicate on cases of dispute aris- ^lliery owner and the working However, a Reformed Parliament will change all that. Whatever other effect it N*6 ^Ve' noQ0 can doubt that a large working class the constituencies will involve the more Ii¡\>e introduction of the trained stipendiary ele- k^v^°a rna6'ster'a' bench. 1% thus adverted to points upon which the pQrts before us run parallel to each other, we up that of Mr. Wales more in detail. It loss of life in the South Wales collieries to "s against 104 in the previous year. The Of colliers in South Wales is estimated at » tons raised in 18G5, eigbt and a half mil- 1448 while in J&xeat Briton at large, one life was lost per 100,000 tons of coal raised; in S mth Wales the loss of life was no less than one for every 53,000 tons. While in the kingdom at large one collier in 021 lost his life, in South. Wales one in every 182 perished. This district baA a bad preeminence over every other in respect to U.lE pro- portion of lives lost, whether we estimate by the production of coal or by the number of coUierb em- ployed. Four times as many lives,, aud more, are lost here, than ill Yorkshire collieries, in proportion to the number employed. Surely these ^ac^- call for grave inquiry. The Institute of Mining Engi- neers have discussed whether there are not safer and preferable wodes of working employed in tbe North, and which might advantageously be iotrúdücr-d here, The figures of the reports before n3 seem, to indicate that it mast be so. In the course of his report Mr. 'Valêt'i t&cwtu' the explosion of May 1885, in Messrs. Shepherd A, Evans', Cwmaman colliery, as affording the only rtear case that lias come under his notice where gat; ixas been ignited bv a proper safety lamp, anri winch shews the great'danger of allowing men even to pass by with safetv lamps, where it is known that the ar is charged with gas. In remarking on a Llanelly explosion, Mr. Wales says that on gcuig to the pit afterwards, he found the ventilation weals aid the arrangements in general most defective, arid the overman was totally ignorant of his duties. This brings up a question which we have before had oc- casion to remark on—the absurdly small ounber of Inspectors. How can Mr. Wales, diligent and earnest as his report shows him to be, maintain or ever acquire, a sufficient knowledge of what is going on in the 338 diflfereat collieries entrusted to his inspection ? This case he mentions at Llanelly is strictly in point. Here was an explosion, which fortunately only caused one death, but from the state of things which the Inspector found theie, it was wonderful that a far more serious catastrophe had not happened. Yet the Inspector, from the multi- plicity of the collieries in his district, had previously been in ignorance of the state of this particular one. In fact the utmost that the most zealous Inspector can do under the present system, i3 to carefully lock the stable door after the horse is stolen, and ad- visc how other stables should be fastened in future. It is only when an accident has occurred that he is necessarily brought to the colliery, and then the best that can be done is to show how by a different management the sad result might have been averted. There is but one argument we have eeen brought against the colliers' demand for more in spectors, and that is, that in proportion as you increase the inspec- tion, you lessen the colliery owner's responsibility and make him feel that Government has relieved him from it. But the answer is, that the Government looking carefully after a man tends to make him realise his responsibility, not to forget it. It can- not be pretended that the existence of a police force makes people careless of their goods, or that the Governments inspection of schools causes the managers to feel less interest in their efE.ciency- The Mercantile Marine has reaped undeniable benefit from the system of examination of mates and masters, and emigrants have derived unmixed bene- fit trom Government inspection of .passenger ships. There is no reason to doubt, therefore, that colliery owners, as well as their workmen, would he benefitted by a more thorough and systematic inspection of col- lieries than the present limited staff of inspectors can give; and that unmixed gocd would result from an examination and certificateeof competency being provided for the managers and Giib-maaagers of collieries. Among the minor but very useful suggestions ] ia Mr. Wales' report, is, that all safety lauips- chould be provided by the colliery owner, the custom in South Wales being for the mea to buy their own, and many preferring a cheap lamp to a good one. Ano- ther is, that it should be made oompuloory cn the colliers to put in sprags," to keep large pieces of coal up till all is ready to come down., colliers are too apt, he says, to timber their stalls inadequately. They should be supplied with timber from a point near each working place, instead of having to fetch it from the top of the pit. Mr. Wales very strongly reprobates the practice in the Aberdars valley of allowing door boys, generally only from ten-to .fif- teen years, old, to travel with the trans instead of remaining stationary at their doors. Ke says it is cruel to put boys of tender age to suck work. and also it leads to the doors being neglected, from which accidents arise. He regrets that the Act prohibiting boys working underground until they are ten year-s old (or twelve if they cannot read or write) is not so strictly carried out as it ought to be. Mr. Brough's report records a most extraordinary escape from death. At one of the Countess of Wal- degrave's pits in Somersetshire, a man. named George Edwards, fell 130 yards down a shaft, by the breaking of the wire rope by which he had Just: started to descend. He "escaped with a fractured leg and some terrible contusions, but strange to say, he is now completely restored"-and Mr. Brough adds that a few months after he saw the man again at his work as a shaftsman. Mr. Brough fully con- firms Mr. Wales' statements as to young boys being employed as hauliers, before they have the re- quisite age, or the faculties of mind or bedy neces- sary for the work. He warns miners tc make use of copper in blasting, to avoid accidents, pad con- cludes by noticing a perceptible, though not ade- quate, improvement in the education of the boys who work in the mines.

Xocai Jnttlhgence. CAR&Tp? BATHa.—Number of bathers during the week ending 9th March, 1867 :-In the Turkish baths, 67; hot water baths, 55. SALMON FISHIXO.—The Criekhowell magistrates have fined Thomas Samson, valet to Sir J. It. Bailey, M.P., £ '2 and coata for unlawfully catching salmon in the river Usk NEW MONBY OXfiER OFFICE.—Amongst the offices which -will be opened aa Post-office Savings Banks on Mon- day, the let of April, is Cymmer, in Glamorgan&hire. WRECK.—The Breidablik schooner, Smith, of and for Bergen, from Cardiff, was wrecked on the J adder, on the 25th ult.; crew 6aved by rocket apparatus. Stavanger, February 28 -The cargo will probably be washed ashore from the Breidablik, Cardifi to Ber- gen, which was wrecked on the J adder, in a heavy north- west gale, on the 25th February. The materials are also eax-octed to be saved. THE WORKMEN'S MOVEMENT FOR THE INFIRMARY.— The Treasurer, W. Done Buahell, Esq., has received from the workmen employed by Mr. J. Billups, contractor, through Mr. Cooper, the sum ofjglO 2a. 3d., collected in very small BUIDS. THE CHAVPIOH,—Jim Mace did not appear at the Cardiff Police Court-on Wednosday, the summons not having been served-—Mace haa offered to fight Baldwin for the champion- ship of the prize ring, As Goss is unable, and to increase the stakes by two or three hundred pounds. CLERICAL VACANCY.—Hia Grace the Duke of Beaufort has had fall into his patronage the rectory of Mitchell Troy, with^Cwmcarvan, near Monmouth, in the diocese of Llan- daff, value JE650 per annum with a parsonage-house, vacant by the death of the Rev. H. G. Talbot, who was instituted in 1825. LLAKOAFF CATHKBRAL.—Second Sunday in Lent, March 17th.-Horning Prayer Venite, 97 Daily Psalms, 93; Te Deum, I, 3; Jubilate, 108; Introit, 82; Responses, Wesley in F Hymn, 214.—Evening Prayer Daily Psalms 96,96 Magnificat, Nunc Dimittis, "Wesley Rec.; Anthem, By the waters," Boyce; Hymn, ga.-The Litany Hymns, 161, 153, It, 11,2, 3, and last. A RBPA&TBB.—After a recent magnificent banquet, when the guests were indulging in coffee and-cigars, the following smart repartee was given by a member of Parliament for a Welsh constituency who had by some of his votes connected himself with the Adullamitew :—" By the bye. Colonel, said the querist, what sort of cigars did they smoke in the cave F' The replv was prompt and good—' Well, really, I dca t know, for I never got beyond the door.—Havetford- urext 7 el (jiaph* THE DRA:MA.-A new drama, designated Blackheath Crime, or, The Dungeon of Death," written by Mr. Dowd, of the Theatre company, is to be performed by the New Dramatic Company, at the Theatre Royal, Cardiff, on Wedneeday next, for the benefit of the Cardiff Infirmary. CIVIL SERVICE APPOZVTJCKJTTS.—Inland Revenue, Ex- cise Branch; Mr. George Morgan Furry, officer, Chepstow division, C-arditf collection, has been appointed to St. Clears division, Carmarthen collection. Mr. William Chambers, offioer, Preston, first division^ Lancaster collection, has been appointed to Ckepetow division, Cardiff e.ollection.-Civil Service Ga-ette. THE WEATHER—During the week we have had some of the severest wwuher of the winter. Snow has fallen copiously during the middle of the week, and the wind has been as cold and piercing as daring the icy season with which the year opened. Out-door work to a great extent was suspended, and serious calamities were thus entailed on the poorest classes, among whom, owing to the temporary slackness of trade, there had previously been much distress. LOCAL RAILWAY BILLS.—In the House of Commons, on Monday, the order for the oommitment of the South Wales and Great Western Railway Direct Railway Bill was read and discharged, ihe bill being withdrawn.—In Mr. V Keilly s committee the Brecon and Jtferthyr Tydvil Junction K.a;lway Bill was proceeded with, and the Great Western Railway, the Llanelly Railway and Docks, the IJ)-l'i and Qgiaore Railway, and the Neath and Brecon Railway Bills were considered and further adjourned. THE NRW MAOIST-BATHS.—We understand that three of the newly appointed magistrates have gone before the liaz,or and Town Clerk and been dulVawcrn into the office; The three are, Dr. Piune, Coi. Bill, and Capt. Johnson. The last named gentleman, being in. court on Monday as a pariy to a suit, sat on the Beach and participated in the hearing of one or two cases, previously to his own being called. CHRISTIAN BAPTISM, by Charles White, Baptist minis- ter, Merthyr. London: Elliott and Stock. This is a well written pamphlet on a. much controverted subject. On the prudence of this kind cf Uteritture there may be many opinions, but we think, if such books are at all necessary, this is one of the beet of iN kind that we have i>2.en. It is a compilation of many authors, bcth cf Baptist and Paedo- baptist views, and it will no doubt be very useful to young students who may not be able to purchase more elaborate works. QUESTIONING THE GOVBRNMBNT.—Considerable merri- ment has been aSected to be felt by the Guardian.mt the b&re idea of Col. Stuart rising to risk a question, concerning the appointment of new magistrate in the House of Commons. Whether Col. Stuart will choose to comply with the wishes of the Town Council is his own affair—-but eertain-y he wiU not be without a precedent for such a course. Ws observe that in the House of Copunone on Mondiy, Mr. Taylor gave notice of a question he will put to tbe Home Secretary, re- specting the appointment of C&pt. Churchward as a magis- trate for Dover. Thae will be nothing unprecedented, therefore, in CoL Stuart undertaking to comply with the Town Council's request. SERious CHAROE.—On Monday Dr. Krapf, the Austrian Consul, attended at the police court to. obtain a warrant against the chief olerk or deputy who has been filling the duties of the Italian Ccaisul during the temporary absence cf the latter, who had paid a visit of some length to his native country, and was on the eve of returning, when it wag found that the party whom he had ieft in charge of the office had (departed without rendering an account cr paying oyM- ths moneys received during the Consul's absence, which are supposed to have amounted to wmo hundreds of pounds. Under these circumstances the Italian Government re- quited Dr. Krapf to apply for a warrant to arrest the indi- vidual, which was granted by the magistrates. CAKTQN PRINCE OF WALPA CRICRRT CLCH.—On Friday la,it a grand ball was given at the Canton Market Hotel Assembly-rooms, in celebration of the anniverrary of the Printe of Wales's marriage (as has been customary since. that auspicious event), and a very gay affair it was. The stewards were Messrs. T. V. Yorath, W. C. Bftidoes, T. Price, W. Phillips, and D. Thomas. The purveyoi was Mr. De Wild, of the Canton Hotel, and too much praise cannet be given of his and the stewards' excellent arrange- mejite. A most recherche repast was laid out in the lower room, comprising all the dainties of the season, with abun- dance of dessert and choice wines. There were about fifty present, among whom were Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds, Mr and Mrs. Hanoook, Messrs. Brown, W. B. Brown, T. G. Reee, J. Rhys, G. Eee^J Sadler, Sadler (Bridgend), Mwsee David, Misses Williams, Miss John. Misses Jacobs, Miss Francis, Iotw F. Morgan, &c. The band, a first-rate one. led by Mr. Roberta, included Mr. E. Roberts jun., Mr. J Johnson, and E. Johns; and the programme waa rich and varied, consisting of valse, galop, quadrilles, oountry dances, polkas, &c. Dancing was kept up with untiring activity L,,itil long after the "wee hours" had set in, and w.ho:'n tho company separated, they expressed themselves as highly pleased with the evening a recreation, and heartily anticipating the next reunion. HCTK CKAFSL, CANTOX.—On Sunday lasJ, two eloquent sermons were preached by the RIW. J P. Barnett, of Swan- sea, at the Baptiet Hope Chapel, in behalf of the Sabbath school a-tteched to the church. The services were well at- tended. On Monday evening a tea meeting was hold in the schoolroom underneath, when a large number of the teachers and friends of the institution sat down to a capital tea, and to the cbapel, where a public meeting was held. The Rev. R. C Burn presided, and the Revs. N TLiiniaa and T. Thomas, and Messrs. Emery and others, addressed the meeting cm the great importance of Sabbath schools, showing what good they had accomplished, and what might be expected in future if the teachers would but manfully, prayo-frilly, and energetically go on in the work. The meeting was wound up wi'.h a few remarks from the chairman, and the singing of the Doxology. On Tuesday evening the children belonging to the Sabbath school were treated to tea and ptamcftke, and a very pleasant and enjoy- able t-zae VM spent. £ i:irri\o CASTALTV—A despatch from Ramsgate, Tuesday, states that the Jenny, from Gothenburg to Cardifi, which was assisted in there leaky, after being on the Long- sand since March 10, has commenced discharging. THE THEATRE.—During the week the performances have been 01 the uniformly superior character which has charac- terized Mr. Melville s directorship for the.} a:t p¡;:ht months. Mr. Wilstone's benefit on Friday last was the occasion of a new piece entitled Wilstone in a Fix" being performed, and a crowded house testified heartily to its success. This (Friday) evening the Misses Ross take their benefit, and th.- good opinion they hold in the estimation of Cardiff pla\ goers, will undoubtedly secure them a weii filled house. 11 we except the "stars" tberc;has certainly been no lady visit- ing the theatre of late years, who has given more general satisfaction than Miss Kate Ross, whose acting, to say the least, has been of the most talented character. Mv. Morgan Smith, a coloured tragedian, has been engaged for next week and will take the leading characters in the Slave, B'a^k Doctor, Othello, &c. He has played with considerable success at the Olympic and several provincial theatres. THE CASTLE HOTEL COMPANY, LIMITED.—Swansea is not so fortunate as Cardiff with regard to hotel accommoda- tion, as the hotels here are legion, and amongst the best in Wales. Where can an hotel be found that has hld so wide spread a reputation as the Cardiff Arms 'i The Angel, again, is well known as an excellent hostelrie and the Queen's, with its obliging landlady, is ever full. There is also the magnificent new hotel, the Ruval, which bids fair, ere long, to fulfil the expectations 01 its promoters. The grounds of "no return," as yet, are quite account- ble for, and time will remove them. Perhaps the most pro- minent cause is the fact that hotel accommodation in Cardifi is greater than the W'UltS of the public generally. The youth who was told that he was too young for a situation, replied that it was a fault that would grow less every day so with the Royal, the public wants must increase, and thus the returns and dividend must increase also. In Swansea, however, the demand for hotel accommodation is more than can be met, and private houses by the score are brought into requisition, whilst each sofa has double work to do,— The chest contrived a double debt to pfty- A bed by night, a chest of drawers by day." The Castie Hotel Company, Limited, is projected, therefore, for the purpose of supplying this well known necessity. The names of the directors are so well known to all our readers in this county that no eulogium is needed from the press to let the public know that they are gentlemen who would on no account allow their names to appear in connec- tion with any visionary scheme: on the contrary, in this case no promotion money of any kind will be paid, the scheme is launched on its merits, and the directors have not the slightest doubt as to its proving highly remunerative to the investors. The capital would at first seen large but when it is understood that it is only proposed to call up from £20,000 to £ 3.">,000, leaving the remainder in reserve, if, from increased trade, it may be found necessary to extend operations, it will be seen that the amount is not more than the claims of the district fully wan-ant.

ENTERTAINMENTS AND AMUSEMENTS. SOIREK AT AnERDARE.-This long expected treat came off on Thursday night, the 7th inst., at the Temperance- hall, under the auspices flf the Library and Reading, room Committee. Amidst many discouragements, disap. pointments, and c iunterwoikings, perseverance was re- warded with success. Perhaps tbe most serious diffi- culty that occurred was the unavoidable absence, through seriou9 illness, of Ilr. Dickson, who was to be the on!y solo singer of the evening. This, however, was soon overcome by the kindness of two other gentlemen. Mr. Daniel Griffiths, through greatly indisposed to ap- pear in public at present, kindly consented to give a song in the emergency, even without any time for pre. paration. The mention of his Dame was the signal for an outburst of applause from the audience. The other gentleman who volunteered a song, and really added good service, was Mr. Johnson, of Hirwain. The first part of the programme was chiefly vocal and instru- mental mnsic by amateur performers. The second part, devoted to dancing, commenced after a short interval for refreshment, and was under the able direction of Captain Powell. The Aberdare rifle corps band, con- ducted by Mr. Woodcock, led the dancing. A larger at. tendance was expected, yet, on the wboie, it was good. Larger assemblies are often witnessed in Aberdare, but so much feminine grace and beauty eoidona. At the time announced for taking the chair, scarcely an ap- pearance had been put in, but soon after seven parties began to arrive, and continued to come in until half- past nine, at which hour the hall was brilliantly gay. The beautiful decorations which floated in the gaslight overhead and around the hall, gave almost an enchant- ing effeot to the faiiy-like forms flitting to and fro in the merry dance. Upwards of one hundred and f. rty persuns wera present, and all seemed to enjoy the amusements in a high degree. Indeed the ycung peo- ple, especially, had resolved upon a night's thorough en- joyment. At some portions of the evening not less than sixty couples were on the hall floor whirling to the sweet strains of music. The party broke up about two o'clock. The deorations were quite aitistie, and were prepared by Mr. H. Solomons, of this town. No pains were spared by the committee to make the evening a success. How far their object was realised the thorough enjoyment of all present sufficiently showed. We hope the financial results wiil be as gratifying to the cam mittee as their labours were to the publia. Mr. E. Lawrance, of Menhir, presided at the piano. Refresh- ments were provided by Mr. Dance, confectioner, Aber- dare. VISAS PENNY READINGS.—The seventh of these readings was held, as usual, at the British Schoolroom, on Tuesday evening, the 12th inst. In the absence of Mr. Dowie, who had kindly consented to preside, had not business matters interfered with his arrangements, the chair was taken by Mr. Ormiston. Notwithstand- ing the inclement state of the weather, a goodly number assembled to witness the performance of the following programme: March, String Band; Welsh recitation, Mr. D. Ireiikini song, Mr. H. W. Hughes; English reading, Mi^s Joiies; Gipsy Glee, Mr. Morgan Llewellyn and party; reading, Mr. H. W. Hughes; song, Mr. Jones English reading, Mr. Ormiston; polka, String Band; Welsh reading, Mr. Edward Howell; song, Mr. M. Llewellyn English reading, Mr. M. O. Jones; song, Mr. -Hughes' WeLh recitation, Mr. W. Thomas; Witches' Gtee. Party; English reading, Mr. Botsid; song, Mr. M. O. Jones; Welsh recitation, Mr. D. Jen- kins song, Mr. D. Gibbon English reading, Mr, J. G.Jones: qaadrille, String Band; Welsh reading, Mr. W. Thomas; song, Mrs. Jones 1 finale, Hen Wiad fy Nhadau." The friends coiapoMng the string band had come all tfce way from Trefaerbert throagh the snow for the purpose of being present at the meeting, aud their services were given gratis. The audience seemed to feel the great obligation they lay under to these friends, which they testified in a hearty vote of thanks. There is only one more of these interesting meetings to be held here this seasoD. The committee have decided upon acknowledging the kindness of the friends who have given them their time, talentc, and tin" (many coming from a distaaae and having to pay train), free for the ,entertainment of the neighbocrhood by treatiag then: to a supper, and with this object, the next Penny Readings will be charged twopence and threepence. LECTURE AT RHYDFELKH.—On Thursday evening the 7th instant. at Ebenezer Chapel, an excellent lecture was delivered -by the Rev. R. Williams (Hwfa Mon) from North Wales. Suiject:-Foetry. He commenced by giving a poetical description of a certain river ic America-compat-itig human life to the same; at its starting point weak and narrow, getting stronger and doeper as time rolls on, bordered by all the charms of youth, adorned by the blooming trees of fortune and honour, brightened by the splendour of prosperity- sometimes s-treaming through the deep valley of adver- sity, surronnded by mountains of obstructions and difficulties, Rtill rushing on, and finally entering into a sea that's ever calm." He proceeded to show what poetry was. Many had tried to give a definition of a poet, but in his opinion nothing could excel that given by the Welsh tciads—"an eye to see uattire, a heart te feel nature, and bravery that could follow nature." He gave various specimens of Fceit-y-sacred, didactic, pathetic, and descriptive, &c. The lecture throughout was listened to with the greatest interest. The wild imagery of the lecturer—the inexhaustible supply of language at bix command—elicited the highest applause. His description of Nature was magnificent and sublime, giving convincing proof that he ((he lecturer) was one of her favourite sons, possessing all the elements of the true pnet-" thoughts that breathe and words thai burn." The Rev. John Davies, Taihirion, presided. The proceeds of the lecture go towards painting the chape). LECTUBB AT GROESWEN.—On Wednesday nigbt, the Ct i instant, a very instructive lecture was delivered at tiiis place on "Physical and Mental Labour, by the place Rev. Rowland Williams (Elwfa Mon). Caledfrya pre. siderf. LLANILTERNB PHIINY KEADINGC.—These entertain- ments took place on Monday, at the Capel acbon! Mr. James Jllmes in the chair, and Mr. Hill presided at the harmonium. Afler a few remarks from the Chairrnao, the programme was opened by Blaster Job James sing- ing a song Mr. James James a reading a song by Mis., Cstherine Jame«; a reading by Mr. Hill; song, Mr. W. L<!l\'is; a reading by Mr. Llewellyn recitation by t Master William James; a reading by Master Job James song by Miss Mary Thomas sod party recitation by Miss Matilda John reading by Gwillim ap Gwillitn a duet by Miss Jemima and GwenlLm Thomas (encored); reading by Mr. Hill; song by Mr. J. F. Llewellyn; reading by Mr. Lewis song by Miss Elizabeth John an t party; reading by Master Job James; song by Mr. Lewis; a reading by Mr. IJ. F. Llewyllin, The pro- gramme being gone through, the Chairman said that the next meeting will take place on Monday week, and that would be the last for the season. The meeting dismissed I by singing God save the QueeD." I ENNY RTAWKOLS At BLiENIJ.ECHE, RKO.S'DDA 1"ACB.< I The third of the setns of tL«se entertainments took plane at ihe Biiii.-h rot rn, under the presidency "f Mr- Jer.kin Evans. A recitation by D. Thomas, caused gieat mirth; SOP? by J. Jones; reading by J. W iiliams: glee by Messrs. Smith and Co.; readiog by Mr, Harris; trio by Misses Joues and Mo4ey rending by J. Hughes, and the meeting terminated with the National Anthem. The Chairman briefly addressed the meeting, remarking on the large attendance, a- a great encuurûgemént b the promoters of these social enter- tamrr.fnts. He could not but state that the artistes generally had acqu.tted themselves verv creditabiv, and he trusted all would endeavour to patronize every Suture meeting. The place being so remote, such meetings must be very amusing to tie residents. A vcte of thanks was proposed to the Chairman. Carried. Several other accounts of popular reading- and t oter. taiumeats reached us too late for insertion this week.

\s RAILWAY TRAFFIC RETUUH'H. 1807. l&GS I to. CWestern, week ending March 10, £ 36,705 £ G<>,8J0 1143 U^e, week ending March 9, 5,787 6,641. Vreek ending March 2 552 762 TTKE IT ^d Uerthyr, week ending March 3. 1,108 \'L,fx r*°nthshire, week ending March 9, '2.S04 i.,848 I week ending March 9,' Lit?! l.JJg I Opmore, wee.k ending March 9 701 'y'" TuBSf«y, woeii ending March 9 777 •

THE-ASSIZE VERDICTS. IN a letter published since the trial, the attorneys for Benjamin Jones hava informed the public, that the verdict of murder against him was one which "took all by surprise," &nd that they are employed in preparing to memorialiae the Home Secretary for a commutation of the sentence. It may be added, that the murder verdict in Jones's oase was not the only one which surprised all except those who, from long familiarity with courts, have learned, not to be surprised at any eccentricity of finding cn the part of a jury. In this Aberdare case, a verdict of man- slaughter and a lengthened term of penal servitude would have been considered by the public as a suffi- cient punishment; for there is evidently an infinite distance in range of culpability between a crime like Jones's, resulting from and following closely after a drunken quarrel and fight, and one like that of Coe last year, in which the victim was murdered in cold blood, with treacherous predetermination, by a com- panion to whom he had given no cause of offence. The verdict in Mr. Gibson's case, too. was re- ceived, at least here, where he is well known, with surprise as well as regret. There is no doubt that he swore stoutly to an assertion which was not true, and that he did so in spite of warnings, cautions, and assurances from others, that what he said was false. But does not all this indicate an obstinate fatuity on his part, rather than' the craft of a rascal who had resolved to perjure himself for gain ? He persisted in swearing that had Fritt$a what-if be had t n been consciously perjuring himself—he must have I known that Davies had written, and in regard to which, therefore, he could be contradicted by Jones and Davies, as well as by Mr. Llewellyn Lewis, who had, on seeing it, recognised the writing as that of Davies. One can understand a wilful infatuated man blindly adhering to his own mistaken belief, and swearing to it against such odds in a sort of self delusion; but a conscious perjurer would have been too wide-awake to lay himself open to such over- whelming contradiction as Mr. Gibson must have seen awaited him. This consideration probably affords the true explanation of the conduct of Mr. Simons, which to the Judge appeared so extraordi- nary. He no doubt felt that it was a case which was open to a very reasonable doubt" of conscious guilt; and this alone would account for his listening to the overtures :nade for a compromise of the pro- secution. Another verdict which was received here with no little surprise, was the acquittal of the parties charged with causing the death of Mr. S. W. Kelly's son, at Canton. Whether the jury in this case doubted the fact of the lad's death, or questioned the identity of the prisoners with the two men who rode over him while 'he was walking along the footpath, it is im- possible to surmise there certainly could be nothing leas than a doubt on one of these points, that would warrant the verdict given. Trial by jury, it has been often said, is the palla- dium of men's liberties. In cases like that which we have just referred to, it proves to be so. But the jury system has not the value now that it once had. The time was when Judges were corrupt and obse- quious ministers of the King-—the jury peers of the accused, were a useful rampart between the indi- vidual and unjust oppression. But the case is altered now. The Judges of this land are the highest, noblest, and purest body of men on earth. As far as it is permitted to mortals, our Judges are truly dis- passionate, impartial, uninfiaenceable by any lower spirit than that of equity and truth. The wisest jury is that which most closelyfoltows the Judge's charge in its verdicts. Of the hundreds of litigants who continually lose causes, many abuse the juries, and more blame the attorneys; but never is it doubted that the Judge has acted with impartiality as well as with intelligence. Wherever parties have the choice of jury or no yury, they usually prefer the latter. In the County Courts, in cases where it is optional .juries are very rarely called for. In police courts, in cases where the accused has power of choice, he usually elects to be tried by the magis- trate, especially if a. lawyer, rather than by a jury. In short, the jurie3 are at a discount in popular es- timation, and this Swansea assize will not raise them to par.

OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT. The position of political parties with regard to the vexed question ef Reform ï" evidently very doubtful. As the time apiproaolvea for the introduction of the Ministerial Reform Bill, the uncertainty regarding the probable success of -the, measure increases. There are rumours of further dissensions in the Cabinet, and it is whispered that there is no likelihood of any agreament on the franchise and the principle of cumulative voting. The Conservative party* holde a meeting on Friday, at the Earl of Derby's official residence in Downing-street, and there is little doubt that at that meeting it will be decided on whatipointa the ministry is to take its stand. This is all the more important, aa, should mimisters decide not to give way on this or that point, and that particular proposal should be rejected, a resignation or a dissolution must follow. It has been confidently -stated that Lord Derby will appeal to the country should his measure be rejected; btit then what becomes of his statement, that should he now fail in carrying a Reform Bill, nothing will induce him, worn and wearied as he is with his public labours, .ar;ain to undertake a similar task ? Does this mean that he will resign the premier- ship, in favour perkaps of Lord Stanley, or that a resig- nation of the whole ministry would follow a Parliamen- tary defeat ? One thing at least is oertein, that the re- sult of the step which Mn Diaraeli will take on Monday night will be in any case of immense importance, net only to the ministry, but to the opposition and the country. If the Conservatives tide over the Reform difficulty., there is nothing else likely ta impede 1 their successful grasp of the reins <if power till the end of the. session at .&U events. But will they tide over this diffi- culty ? Not if it depends on the Liberals. They, too, are to have a meeting next Tuesday or Wednesday, at Mr. Gladstonehouse and there can be no donbt, that, whatever the ostensible object of that meeting, its real purpose on the part of perhapsihe majority present, will be how bostto oust the ministry from office. Altogether, the political situation is one. of considerable interest. Her Majesty, yoti will have noticed, paid a flying visit to London again on Tuesday, to see the Princess of Wales: whereupon-the natural-exclamation was. Ah you see, the Prinocs-i was alarmingly ill, after all 7" But, to counteract this impression, we have the answer to inquiries made at Merlborough House the same day. Her Royal Highness had passed a good night, and was as well as could be expected. There is no doubt that the attack of rheumatism has been a very sharp one, and that the effects still remain, being more severe perhaps on account of the prostration from other causes; but there is no warrant for the alarming rumours that have been circulated. The Princesa, it ia hoped, will leave Marlborough House-for SandrIngham in ahsat a fortnight, Lord and Lady Fitzwilliam have set a good example to other proprietore of landed estates in Ireland. They have left Went worth Woodhouse for their seat in the troubled sister island. If other large landed proprie- tore would do the same, this would do much towards calming Fenian savagery; birt it is perhaps almost t&o much to expect it at the present time. By the way, I have heard no more lat-ly about the rcmoured inten- tion cf the Prince of Wales to have a seat in Ireland. This would be a splendid stroke of policy. It would do more to reconcile the ultra-Irish party to British rule tl an perhaps anything else which could be suggested. But is the abandonment of this project to be included among the sacrifices which Fenianiam has entailed upon unhappy Ireand ? I heartily trust not. A landowner in Switzerland has been condemned to eighteen months' imprisootnent and the Ices of civil rights for putting water in his milk. So says the Grocer; bnt we have grosser adulteration here with im. punity. Pare rrilk in London might be looked for, I suppose, with as much prosper of socees9 as the phi- losopher's stone. We pay 5d. a quart for the veriest rubbish, and this mainly becatme there ia no organisa- tion for bringing milk tip from the country, and becausa, I moreover, c':r few against adulteration is the greatest sham that modern legislation has ever produced. In tbis travelling age, and especially as the travelling season is coming on, perhaps no string would be more generally felt as a terrible blow to the community than that of the railway engine-drivera and firemen. And yet such a strike seems impending. The entire engi- neering ftalf of the North-Eastern and the Brighton companies have resigned, and it is expected others will adopt the same course. "Without entering into detail on the matters in dispute, I think it will be generally ad- mitted that two things which the men ask are fair- that ten hoars should be considered a day's work, and that Sunday should be reckoned as a day and a half. This serious dispute will be anxiously watched by the public, especially by that numerous class here who have I their residences some miks out of town, and to whom the railway is 83 mn'h a daily necessity as their dinner. Both the companies and tbe me i have their weak point, as well as their strong one. On the one hand, the m^n are very closely organised, and have an organ of repre- sentation in the Train, a penny paper of very large circulation; and, on the other har.J, they ave to dread foreign competition. Continental engine-drivers and firemen will be very happy to accept the terms which the Englishmen object to. We occasionally have some comic things from Paris, in reference to the Internationa! Exhibition. Not tbe least comic is an announcement that is gravely made, that the theatres havo been warned not to introduce anything which may give offence to foreign prejudices. Now, this is very unnecessary so far as our countrymen are oonceriaed. There can be nothing much more amusing to an Englishman at a Paris theatre than to see an attempt to represent English manners and cus- toms. It never hurts big feelings; it simply amuses him. An Englishman on the French stage is a stout, heavy man, with a low broad-brimmed bat, and big stick; be has his botilcdogu# at his bæls; he has just been eating a few pounds of bbfslth and drinking a few pints of biere; and be is going to engage in le boxe. His language is supposed to be full of objectionable words (which, happily, are confined to the lower classes); he reads no other paper but the Tiincs; and— he beats his wife. All this may appear exaggerated as thns stated, but no one who has seen much of French theatrical representations of English life will deny its accuracy. It is a pity, therefore, that our countrymen should not be allowed to enjoy the treat of such a spectacle.

LADIES' SANATORY ASSOCIATION. A meeting, convened by circulars issued oy Miss Page, of Dulwich House, Llandaff, was beid on Monday afternoon, at the Town Hall. The Mayor was reqnested to take the chair. The audience numbered about forty ladies and gentlemen, including among thp latter tha Revs. V. Saulez, h. A. Green, J. Waite, J. Fordyce, A. Ti'ley, J. Protbero; Major Page, Mr. C. Thompson, Mr. T. Waring, Mr. T. H. Ensor, Dr. Paine, Dr. Taylor, Mr. Drane. < £ c.; aKo Miss Page and a nsmber of married and single ladies of her acquaintance. Major PAGE, Laving been requested by the Mayor to explain on his sister's behalf the object of the gathering, stated that it was for the purpose of forming in this town a branch or auxiliary of the London Ladies' Sana- tory Association, with a view to disseminate among the labouring classes of Cardiff sanatory information, through the instrumentality of the excellent pamphlets published by the London society, and which could be distributed through the instrumeatality of Bible women and other agencies. It was at present proposed to limit the operations of the Cardiff association to the distribution of the admirable tracts published by the London society, which oontained popular information on sanatory matters, and to the aid that would be ren- dered by Bible women and others who were interested in the matter. His sister was ssnguiue as to the results of the institation in a moral point of view in diffusing enlightened sanatory information, not only among the poorer classes of society, but also among the middle classes. At present it? operations would be ohiefly con- fined tn the poor. The second object of the society was the preservation cf health and the prevention of the spread of epidemic diseases, so far as sanatory measures could be rendered available. To those who were unable to pay for the requisite applianoes, loans would be given of brushes, buckets, < £ re., and soap would be supplied to them. As to the requisite utensils, it was deemed advisable to lend them rather than give them, as poor people did not like to be too much under obligations, so that these things would be under the charge of those who gave them out. Then there were many other things which might follow in due oourse as the society extended and prospered. For instance, the establishment of dav nurseries for the children of poor people who were obliged to go out to work. and when the mothers were nnable to pay anyone for taking charge of them, and who would be glad to avail themselves of the assistance referred to. Another scheme which might ultimately be carried out was the instruction of young women in cooking. All these ob- jaats which they now sought to attain were of impor- tance but they must content themselves by beginning by degrees. Miss Page had visited several ladies in the town, in order to enlist their sympathy in the project; and she had the satisfaction of knowing that the asso- ciation would be enabled to earryout what they proposed to do. She had annual subscriptions already promised which amounted to £ 40, and IW in donations. He be- lieved that they would be enabled to increase their donations to X-50, and then he believed that they would be enabled to accomplish a surprising amount of good. Mrs. Ollivant had kindly promised to act as pre- sident, and other ladies were good enongh to give their names to his sister to act as a oootmittee. Gentleman of the medical profession and clergymen had also kindly offered their assistance. He concluded by reading the rules of the proposed association, and moved their adoption. The Rev. E. A., OREZN seconded the resolution. He alluded at length to the duty of the higher okttses ia encouraging cleanliness ameng their poorer neighbours, and the benefit that must eventually accrue to them- selves. He regarded sanitary reform in a moral as well as a religions point of view, making several excellent practical observations. Dr. PÁlNtt moved the second resolution, referring to his experience and observations aa a well-known advo- oate and promoter of sanatory reform. Be expressed his warm approbation of the scheme, and his sanguine belief in its beneficial effects ultimately. He moved that the following ladies be ejected as a commitwe Mrs. Ollivant, president; Mrs. Burn, Mrs. Davy, Mrs. Davies, Mrs. Green, Mrs. H01st, Mrs. James, Mrs. Nikah, Mrs. Saulez, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Webb, and the fol- lowing were proposed as a gentlemen's ceinmittee, to co-operate and aid in the movement:—Re*S. E. A. Green, D. Howell, V. Sauiez, N. Thomas, and Mr. Thomas Waring; Treasurer, Mr. Clement Lucas: Hon. Secre- tary of Committee, Miss Page. The Rev. V. SAULEZ seconded the resolution, giving his experience as a clergyman of the adtnirable effects of attempts which bad been made to improve the condition of our less fortanate neighbours and fellow- townsmen. He contd hardly over estimate the im- portance of diffusing knowledge in regard to sanatory matters among those who so frequently disregarded those natural laws a breach of which was attended with such dire consequences. On the motion of Mr. ENSOR, a vote of thanks was awarded to the Mayor for the continual kindness he evinced in matters which affected the welfare of his fellow townspeople. The MAYOR briefly acknowledged this compliment, and the meeting then separated.

RHONDDA VALLEY. BLAEWLLECHE COLLIERY STRIKE.—Thi9 oolliery is busily worked by the proprietors, Messrs. Davis and 3oosc Blaengwawr, Aberdare, and since the opening of it the trade has been very brisk. During tho past week some misunderstanding has arisen between the hauliers and Williams, the overmaa. Tho latter wants the former to make so many journeys whilst at work, instead of worim. ing per day, as has been customary in the works, and generally in other collieries hence a dispute originated, and the men are very resolute about the matter. Tfia colliers, with the exception of those that are compelled tc keep the works in order, are all out. It can be eeo. ceived that the state of matters is not very smooth between the overman and the men. Unfortunately at present there is no likelihood of any amicable arrange ment being come to. It is stated that a great many families are destitute of proper sustenance owing to the above strike. ———— GRANGETOWN. The dry weather of last week for a while made loco motion a little less difficult tban before at this place. A few days ago a brewer's dray with a load of beer stock fast in the road at Francis-square, on its way to the Grange Inn, the horse up to its knees, and the dray up to the axles, while the juice of John Barleycorn had a narrow escape from a spill. The repairing of the foetpsthg has been commenced. Mr. David has made a good job of his lot. We wish we could say so of the others that have began, whose material and workmanship are mnoh on a par. At the rate at which they are proceeding they will not be able to finish the streeta and footpaths before their leases (99 years) are expired. The lease owners seem to take advantage of the leniency of the agents of the Baroness Windsor, who are not wishful to turn them out of their property by ejectment for noa-compliatfce with agree- ment, as some unscrupulous parties have done in the neighbourhood of Cardiff. RHONDDA FACE. FOUND DEAD.—On Monday week a good deal of ex- citement was caused at Pontygwaith by the rumonr that a man bad been found dead on the road, and on in quiry it proved trne. About balf-past six in tb* even- ing the body of one John James, aged forty.nine, was discovered on the road side, about two hundred yards from the Butchers' Arms, with his head inclining down- wards, namely, down the edge of the gutter, having vomited a good deal over his sides as well as his fcoe. How the deceased eeme to lie hera ib a mystery, but he bad been drinking a little just before, hut when he left the public-hou-e he appeared quite sober, and went in the direction of his lodgings. His son gas with him, but had preceded him home. The body was can. veyed to the Horse and Groorn be^r-houce. Pootvgwaith, at which place a post-mortem examination wa.; made by Dr. Phillips, Cymraer, assisted by his a^istant; and at tbe inquest, held on Thursday, before G. Overton, E*q., coroner, the evidence shoved tbat decease! died from' congestion of the fcfein. The intestines and the other parts of the body appeared quite healthy. The deceased had beec working as a wood-cutter in Graia; P4tirhvs wood for a length of time, during which period he was much respected by all his fellow workmen, as well as thc-e wl:o bad any dealings with him. He has Itft a wife and four children tinprovided for, who reside at Rhiwdren, parish of Bassaleg, Men. The body was ic." terred last Friday at Uansrcmno parish charch.