Monmouthshire Merlin

Tvrmr-r, THE ANNUAL MOVEABLE COMMITTEE OF ODD FELLOWS. [Specially Reported.] of'o™ meetinf :°J \he m(et?bers of the vast Society Sw2? Fv.ell°/3 L' V' takeQ P,ace this week at Swansea has for many weeks past been looked forward to with anxious expectation by thousands. Had the weather 7'- Swansea would have been over- in the"rnnrso f «if8 WaS' ^owa was crowded, and rendered it n t lowing day, additional arrivals Tho /I ) « very easy to procure accommodation. J-ae delegates were arriving from Friday last, and came rom great distances. The proceedings of the Committee nave been most elaborate and protracted, but we present a Complete account of every event of interest which has transpired. FIRST DAY.—MONDAY. The delegates constituting the A.M.C. met at nine o'clock on Monday morning, at the Cambrian lodge room, Mr. Yorath's, the "Bird in Har^d." The room is spacious, and probably one of the best in the town for the purpose. The first business was to call over the list of delegates, as fellows, the Grand Master, Mr. Charles Hardwick, being In the chair :— G.M. Charles Hard wick, president; D.G.M. William Alexander, vice-president C.S. Henry RatclIffe, secre- tary P G M. James Roe, assistant secretary. Aberavon, John John, P.C S. Aberdare, Thomas Bndd, Prov. G.M., and Rev. Thomas Price, P. Prov. G.M. Abergavenny, Henry Thomas, Prov. G.M.; *Ashton -under-Ly ne, Wil- liam Aitken, P.P.G.M.; Accrington. Thomas Hargreaves, P.G. *Addingham, Joseph Firth, P.G. Bacup, Samuel Schofield, P.P.G.M.; *Bingley, Simon Wrigbt, P.P G M • Birminghan, Henry Buck, Prov. C.S., and Edwin Mason: P.P.G.M.; Blackburn, Robert Kenyon, PGM- "Rlnrl/ wood, John Belcher, P.P.G.M.: Bolton' Tnlm AW P.G.M., and James Roscoe PX' S Kfi 1^, Jarratt, P.G.M and John Schofield Pr\r plllum William Williams, P.C S,B, 1 1 r 5r £ C°n' Brighton, James Curtis Prov G R Lew's, P.C. Aflams Prnv R <S IT Cr.M. Bristol, Thomas ley, James KeUeyP^ G M P "U" ALL T IT J, I. Bury, Robert Austin, Prov. Haworth Prov. C.S., and Joseph Read, P.G r J J- S. Banyard, Prov. C.S.; Caerphillv, George .oung 1, 0v. C.S and Thomas Reynold. P.P.G M.; Cardiff Daniel Matthias, P.P.G M. Carmarthen, Wil- liam Thomas, P.P.G.M.; Cheltenham, Samuel Arties, P.O.fe.; Chesterfield, F. A. Hatton, P.P.G.M.; Cow- bridge, James Reynolds, Prov. C.S.; Denny, Patrick G. Morrison, P.P.G.M.; Derby, Thomas Prosser, Prov. G.M., and George Harrison, Prov. D.G.M.; Dewsbury, George Bailey, Prov. C.S. Dudley, Henry Insell, Prov. G.M. Durham, John Dogherty, P.P.G.M., and David Jack, P.P.G.M. Eccles, Thomas Kilner, P.P.G.M. Exeter, Henry Harries, P.C.S.; Gloucester, William BoughtQD, P.G.M. Glossop, Joseph Woodcock, P.P.G.M.; Halifax, James Priestly, P.P.G.M., and W. H. Walsh, P.P.G.M. • Hasliugden, Joseph Castle, P.P.G.M., and John Hartley' P.G.; Hereford, Fred. D. Jennings, Prov. D.G.M.; Hey- -wood, James Ashworth P.P.G.M.; Hull, Thomas Ross, P.P.G.M., and Richard Soyer, P.P.G.M. Ipswich, John Crispin, Prov. C.S. *Keudal, Thomas Huck, Prov. C.S. Keighley, James Petty, P.G.M.; Kington, Henry Wil- liams, P.C.S.; Lancaster, William Naylor, P.D.G.M.; Leeds, Thomas Barrett, P.G.M., Joseph Hawkesworth, P.D.G.M., and John Kidd, P.P.G.M. Leicester, Charles Burdett, P.P.G M. Liverpool, John Jones, Prov. G.M., and John Gale, P.P.G M.; Llanelly, Wiiliam Ace, P.G.; London, North, Robt. Dansie. Prov. G.M and James Roe, Prov .C.S.; London, South, V. R. Burgess, Prov. C.S., and J. J. Holmes, P.P.G.M.; Long Sutton, Rev, John Allen, £ „ pynn,/aomes Green- P.P.G.M,; Maesteg, Nicholas V Sw' C'8i Manchester, John P. Row! P.G.M., p pg MwH *;G M Marple, John W. Hatfield, Hirst PC w0™13 Davitis. ^ov. C.S., Thomas V GM • m'JST"™1 lamS' P G > and Howell Powell, P.G.M. Morriston, Thomas Powell, Prov. C S Nantv- glo. John Marriott, Prov, C.S • °W* H • G.M Newark, William Beech' Prov r'<! 'xr u ,ns> Thorn- Eva» P™ 0.| P.G. Newport, Davul Prosser, Prov.. C.S. Newton Heath, Robert Jackson, P.C.S.; Norwich, Samuel Daynes, P.G.M., and Bryant Allen, P.P.G.M. Oldham Henry Barlow, P.G M ,and BeDjamin Kenyon, P.D.G JH.; Oswestry, Charles Pratt, P.C.S. Pater, Henry Rees, P. Prov. G.M.; Plymouth, James Spry, Prov. C.S. Pontypool, William Henry Shellard, Prov. G.M., and George Thomas, Prov. C.S.; Pottery and Newcastle, Robert Glass, P.G.M.; Preston, John Dobson, Prov. C.S., and Richard Hornby, P.P.G.M.; Rugby, William Morton, P.C.S. Rochdale, James Doran, P G.M., and John Riley, P.G Shrewsbury, Henry Williams, P.C.S.; Southampton, Henry Glasse, P.C.S., and Greenway, P.G. Stafford, John Tucker Cox, P.G.M., Staley Bridge, Benjamin Hodges, P.G.M, St. Ives, Reuben Ginn, P.P.G M.; Stockport, Thomas Quilliu), Prov. G.M., Richard Brooke, Prov. D.G.M., and William Hickton, P. Prov. G.M. Swansea. Robert Phillips, Prov. G.M. Tredegar, Thomas Lloyd, Prov. G.M.; Ul- verstone, James S. Moore, P. Prov. G.M.; Warrington, John Houghton, P.C S. Wellington, Francis Collins, P.C.S. Whitehaven, George Shaw, P.G.M. Wigton, p°r.I1v?^)Sw P.P.G.M. Wicksworth, Benjamin Street, vel'hampton, Joseph Bates, Prov. G.M., T> T, °™a8 Collins, P. Prov. G.M. J Ystradgunlais, Wm. Llewellyn, P. Prov. G.M. OBJECTIONS TO DELEGATES. The objections to some of the delegates who claimed Seats set the Annual Meeting were firstdisposed of. The objections were first publicly read over-then the dele- gates replied, combating or denying the statements of the objectors, after which the person alluded to was requested to retire, and the validity-of the objections discussed. The filst objection taken, was that against William Aitken, P.P.G.M., who claimed to sit for AshtoD-undei-Lyne. The objection taken was that in sending Mr. Aitkin to the present A.M.C., the 73rd general law had been set at defiance, inasmuch as every lodge in the district had not been -summoned for the pur- pose of electing the delegate to be sent. Mr. Aitken, in reply, sid it had often fallt-n to his lot at these annual meetings to oppose the paltry objections raised against members taking their seats at that Annua! Meeting, but he never heard a more paltry objection than that now brought forward. Not only so, but the letter itself was not true. He need not tell the gentle- men present tlat there were little conspiracies g,)t up 'o come to those bat, for his own part, he never took notice of anything of the sort. The thrVe parti's who now made objection to his sitting as delegate were 9 aspirantsfor the honour, which it was perfectly right and perfectly le^al to do; but what he now stated was, that there was not a syllable of truth in the letter whic:! had just been read. The Rev. T. Price, without making any comment, 'Wt ou!dt rnodve that P,P.G.[ WLlliarD Aitken be requested fectly legal. G bel.eving his election per l, A,?th^m,!dfthath.ewoilld s<*ond the resolution, because he came from the same locality, and knew that there was a good deal of feeUng 0f disappointed ambition He believed hat Mr A, ken had well performed his duty —whatever he thought to be nght and he manfully spoke out-never touring the favour or fearing the frown of any man. (Hear.) ° I After a short conversation the proposition that P.P.G.M. William Aitken take his seat, was carried una- nimously. „r ADDINGirAM —The Grand Master SIFTED that the objection raised to Mr. Firth sitting as a delegate was, that he did not belong to the Addingh&m district, and therefore he could cot sit as a delegate for a-ny district to ■which he did not belong, ■Mr. Firth stated that he perfectly agreed with the ob- servations which had been made by Mr. Aitk-ea as to the paltiy objections made against delegates, ard also to the conspiracies sometimes gut up to secure the appointment. Mr, Prosser, of Newport, moved, which was duly seconded, a proposition t0 the effect that Mr. Firth be not accepted as a delegate., he not belonging to the-district which he was sent to represent. A short discussion then ensued, during which an amendment was moved, to the effect that Mr. Firth be requested to take his sent, it being contended that in small lodge and districts a proper person may not be found to sit as delegate. Upon the amendment being r, submitted to the meeting, it received 17 supporters-the original proposition between 60 &ud 70. Mr. Firth was thereupon unseated. BUTOLEY.—Simon Wright, The objection taken to this delegate was, that lie had been appointed by deputies to the quarterly meeting, those deputies having been ap- T)rpB*6<* a loi%e meeting where only two members were shall b*' general law requiring that five member? howeverPresen-t 10 constitute a lodge. The delegate had, original'pronei*e-d a ProPerly-signed certificate. The ment was iCi\on ^as to the effect that the app0^- alloived to ait—th /i amen^ment that ha should be cate had been believioS that as the certifi- plained of did not deprL Si?ned' tLe irreg!1,ariu'es com' The amendment receivedof his seat at that meeting. Mr. Wright therefore took h\a Votes~the proposition 29. KENDAL.—Thomas Hoehe. -!?TL U- ,• Hoche taking his scat causfcd a objecUon to Mr. there being many irregularities permftted fn l0" business in the Senda! district. personally to explain the nature of the objections raiipd against Mr. Iloche sitting as delegate. There were se Je ral objections, the chief of which were that the mtltiL Which nominated and sent Mr. Hoche was not legally convened, but that at a subsequent special meeting of the district it was carried that no delegate be sent to the A.M.C. at Swansea. After a long discussion, unimpor- tant to the general public, it was carried by about 65 Tote. to 30 that Mr. Hoche sit as delegate. —Two gentlemen claimed seats as delegates to rwnt this district at the A.M.C., viz., J. M. Jones Mr W r ¥,0rri8- The objection against Mr. Jones by breaking was he had aided and abetted in the mosf fln. ^e, 9wen Glendwr lodge, which was one of Jhe Uni t S"bin«iod«M in the Principality, if not in navment for n at had received £ 5 from the funds as pajment for services thug rendered. Also that he bad e deputies raarked. thus were objected tQ, not paid the sum of £ 9 lis. 3d., being pait of the seve- ral division of the funds. Mr. Jones made this deposit in the hands of the G.M., and proceeded to contend that he had opposed rather than aided the breaking up o e lodge, admitting, however, that he had not, as 0 e district, given the proper notice to convene a special meet- ing and thereat opposing the breaking up of the lodge. He further declared that the sum of £ 5 or theteabouts, which he had received, was for extra services performed for the lod^e, and not for aiding and abetting in the break- ing up°of the lodge. -Upon the proposition of the Rev. T. Price, of Aberdare, duly seconded, it was unanimously carried that Mr. Jones be not accepted as delegate. en A proposition was then made to the effect that Mr. Jones be suspended for twelve months, be having acted illegally in aiding the breaking up of a lodge. This was however withdrawn. Visitors were then ordered to withdraw, and the dele- gates, and those who had business with the Order, were given the pass word. THE POSITION OF THE ORDER. The Grand Master, addressing the assembled delegate said it never happened within his experience (and this was the tenth annual committtee at which he had been present) that they had so many objections for discussion as they had witnessed that morning and therefore when he recommended brevity as that which should charac- terize their pioceedings, it would ill-become him to set a bad example on that occasion. It had been said that precept was better than example—precept was very good, and example was very good, but precept and example combined were better still. (Hear, hear.) It was, how- ever, customary for the gentlemen who occupied the posi- tion which he now did, to say something on these occa- sions concerning the matters of the Order during the past year and therefore he supposed they would expect him to say a few words on the business which had been brought forward during the year which he held office. And it was mostgratifying to him to be enabled to state from correct dat;, tb"t the Unity was in a most pros- perous and flourishing condition. (Cheers.) It was thought that the previous year was the most successful, but in making calculations, he found that they had made more members this ye;ir than during the year previous to the Glasgow A.M.C. (Cheers.) About the year 1852 they commenced a new system of electing members they had not previously returned any persons as members but those who were good on the books, but after that date, they determined to admit as members all who were in arrears on the books, provided their arrears were not for mere than twelve months, and who should pay their regu'ar quota towards the society. In the year 1854, therefore, he found that the society numbered 231,228 members in 1855, the numbers greatly increased; and the same in 1856 and 1857, until at present they had 276,254 members—that was up to the 1st of January last, so that they may now reckon they were upwards of 280,000 strong. (Cheers.) The question may probably be asked -what had contributed to this great success? But on a little reflection they would soon discover that a great principle or agency bad been at work, which had caused an increase within the past six years of 51,213 members. (Cheers.) Previous to the Preston A.M.C., he had noticed that they had been gradually declining in members. In January, 1851, they numbered 229,049 members in 1852, 225,194, being a decrease of 3,855. In January, 1853, there was a still further decerease of 153 members—there then being 235,041 members. He (the president) firmly believed that this decrease would have been very much greater but for the alteration which lie had referred to, because previous to that time they had only recorded all members who were good on the books, and whose subscriptions were not twelve months in ar- rears. Since, however, the resolutions to which he alluded had been passed, and making due allowance for those who had left and from deaths, he found that the total increase was 51,213 since January, 1852. (Cheers.) At the Preston A.M.C., a very important alteration had been made. The means of access were rendered easy, and heavy initiation fees were not asked for. But the operation of this alteration was not only to advance the society in point of numbers, but it had done that which was more important-it had increased its security and responsibility, and had also essentially improved its position. (Cheers.) He could assure them, but for the Mrj'fi" t0 "Jhich he now referred, neither himself, nor been ahl D^nes> and oth^ members, would have flwential 1° defend *he Ullit>' against the attack of in- beaten bZ TSTU17 WOUld have been completely back uDon th 1 b?n enabled to th^ow themselves f ? rU and t0 show that they were a bodv of men who were honestly desirous of carrying out the rules of the Order. (Cheers.) He conceived it was his duty on this occasion to make known to them what had been the result of the legislation and he would here caution them how they acted in this respect, for he was aware that there was a desire to tamper with this law. He would advise them strongly not to do anything which would impair its eflicieiie Y, improve it, and perhaps it was capable of improvement, as much as they liked, but he hoped they would not do anything to impair its gene- ral efficiency. (Hear, hear.) He understood that there was a great desire on the part of some persons to esta- blish a redemption fund, instead of the initiation fund. But when he found that nearly every proposition which was made upon the subjeat was different, he did not see many difficulties in the way to the establishment of such a system. For instance, out of thirty-six amounts pro- posed for certain benefits, he found that the Huddersfield lodge thought that the redemption fee should be X6 10s., whereas another thought it should only be £ 4 10s., the average being about X6 -12s. They would perceive that in this very important question they would have two dis- tinct elements to decide:-First, whether they should have a redemption fund and, secondly, they would have to consider the financial question. It would not be a very difficult matter, perhaps, for a professional actuary to make the calculations; but then all the lodges did not pay the same sum. If the various distriets paid the same amounts, and received the same benefit, it would not be a very difficult matter to make the necessary calculations. For instance, 4d. per week for sick and funeral fund, being 10s. for the first 12 months, 5s. ever after: zElO on death, and £5 on death of wife-the initiation fee would be from 18 to 22 years of age, 12s. 2d and at 36, £ 10 14s. 8d or £ 1 initiation fee, and 10s. 3d. per annum. If sick pay, 8s. and 4s., and funeral, £ 10 and £5, from 24 to 27 years of age, 6s. 2d. At 35 years, £6 lls. 4d., or £1 initiation money and 6s. per allum. He mentioned these facts in order to show the financial difficulties in the case, and to show that they could not make a general rule to apply over so large a district and where the benef.ts received were variable. There was now another matter which gave hiin very much pleasure in making known, and that was that they had contrived at last to finish the Oddfellows' Hall at Manchester, and he could assure them that it was a most respectable building, and one which the working-man need not be ashamed of; and he believed that the Order would receive credit for the erection of so handsome a building. (Hear, hear.) But there was something more, perhaps, of even greater public importance, and that was that for once a public body of men had taken a con tract for the erection of a public building, and that building had been completed within the terms of the contract. ("Hear," and laughter.) It was said that cor- porate bodies were without souls, and would do that in their corporate capacity which they would be ashamed of in their private life. That, however, was not the case with respect to the Oddfellows, for they had completed the contract for the erection of their hall within the £ o10-lJot?granted the Order—the total cost being WUo„;S"9d* In Purcbasing the site for the office it 1 ,necessavy t0 purchase two houses and some vln, nTh°A.of which> however, had not been v' j ^toftl:u« rental, however, which they had purchased, they still received £ 44 9s., leaving a chief rent which they had to pay of about £16. He should not forget to mention to whom this happy conclusion was to be attributed-it was to Messrs. Schofield, Buck, and Gale, ivho Nvere then upon the building committee, and thi ma tr l™0!?1 lmP°rtant serviccs. There was ano- nection 'S th? a SOurce of congratulation in con- nection with the proceedings of the past year, and that was with respect to their magazine. Although, perhaps ^TJiT T16 ™ ^comings «i:h the magazin^it was satisfactory that it had been successful in a pecu- was satisfactory that it had been successful in a pecu- "ew, having realised a profit of £ 449 0s. 3d.- so that the profit realised upon the magazine last year was ery nearly sufficient to pay for the purchase of the two houses and stables adjoining. (Cheers.) There was one other point to which he would just allude, and that was with respect to the suggestion that had been made that the directors should endeavour to obtain from their bankers some security. He was glad to be able to state that upon waiting upon their bankers they found Mr. Brooks a most obliging gentleman, and he had con- sidered it more an honour than otherwise that the firm should now be asked to become more the treasurer of the Order than merely the bankers. (Cheers.) As he had before remarked, precept was better than example, and he should, therefore, be brief in his observations. The Grand Master then resumed his seat amidst much applause. AUDITOR'S REPORT. Mr. W. H. Walsh, P.P.G.M., the senior auditor, read the following report:— „ To the G.M., D.G.M., and Deputies assembled in Grand Annual Committee of the Manchester Unity rnenc y Society, at Swansea. 1 Gentlemen,—We have this day concluded the annual examination of the affairs of the Unity, and proceed to lay before you the result of our investigation. "We have much pleasure in certifying to the general accuracy of the accounts, which, together with the vouchers, we have carefully examined and proved, with the exception of one for the sum of £ 1,001 12s. lid-, for beinl i4,*8 ta^en as payment to Mr. Joshua Crossley, new nffin balance of purchase money for the site of the of th« Or6?' ?iU }nciniT7> we were informed by the C.S. the7onvel/nthat t)e receiP4 that sum was given on of the Unity,^which HT deP°ff™ £ eed chest P.G.M. Schofieli hold^fhe keyg? wisb our approbation of tbe able manner n which the C.S. has performed his duties, which have been much increased in the past year, in consequence of the collection of the building levies, the establishment and circulation of the magazine, the new postal regula- tions for books and parcels which afford such facilities to Corresponding Secretaries, and the number of parcels is greatly increasing. In reference to the banking account, Messrs. Cunliffe, Brooks, and Co., bankers, who now act as treasurers to the Order, have placed to the credit of the Unity the sum of R47 8s. 3d. after deducting their commission, £15 12s. 7d., this leaves a clear gain to the society for the past year of 231 15s. 8d. The working expenses of the Order for the past year have been X957 13s. Oild., showing an increase over the previous year of £ 67 163.03d. This arises from extra expenses of the Board, law expenses, and the gifts at the Norwich A.M.C. The balance of cash, stock on hand, nxtuies, &c., on the 1st day of January, 1857, was £ 2,672 15s. 6d., and on the same date of the present year it amouuted to £4,123 19s. 2id, showing an increase to the gross stock of the society of 21,451 39. Si(l. of this amount, £ 962 15s. 3d. has been realised by levies on account of tbe Buildin^ Fund, and the sum of £ 488 8s. 5.3d. from goods and management. This increase of profits, in comparison with f>rmer years, arises principally from the sale of the magazine. We recommend that a one halfpenny levy be made to meet the current expenses of the year. In conclusion, permit us to congratulate the members upon the flourishing condition of the Unity, and to ex- press our hope that the present year may be more pros- perous than the past. We are, Gentlemen, yours fraternally, WILLIAM HENRY WALSH, P.P.G.M., Halifax District. c. SAMUEL GADD, Prov. C.S., Lincoln District. JOHN CRISPIN, Prov. C.S., Ipswich District. Manchester, January 21st, 18.58." Upon the proposition of Mr. Aitken the report of the Auditors was received, the discussion thereon being postponed for the present. THE APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES. This was the next business proceeded with. The sub- committee is one of the most important connected with the Order, inasmuch as its duty is to scrutinize and report upon the various acts of the Directory during the past year. There were seventeen gentlemen nominated to serve on this committee, seven only, however, being required. The numbers given were as follows:-For J. Woodcock (Glossop), 69 F. Collins (Wellington), 79 R. Ginn, St. Ives, 53 P. G. Morriston, Denny, near Sterling, 26; Mr. Prosser, 24; Mr. Roscoe, 31; Mr. Price, Aberdare, 100 Mr. Howard, 12; D. Jack, Durham, 61 Mr. Pratt, 20; W.Thomas, Carmarthen, 36; J. Rey- nolds, Caerphilly, 12 Mr. Hickton, Stockport, 79 Mr. Richmond, Manchester, 51 Mr. Williams, Brecon, 10 J. Marsh, Bristol, 9 Mr. Hirst, Merthyr, 15. The seven highest, and who consequently formed the com- mittee, were Messrs. Price, Collins, Hickton, Woodcock, Jack, Ginn, and Richmond. The other committees were appointed as follows .— Relief C,),ii mitt ee.Nfr. Daynes, Norwich Mr. Street Wirksworth Mr. Collins, Wo'verhampton Mr. Adams Bristol; Mr. Thomas, Carmarthen Mr. Barrett, Leeds • Mr. Aforrison, Derby Mr. Williams, Brecon. District Committee.—Mr. Buck, Birmingham; Mr. Crispin, Ipswich Mr. Priestley, Halifax Mr. Aitken, Ashton-nnder-Lyne Mr. Kidd, Leeds; Mr. Ross, Hull Mr. Banyard, Bury St. Edmund's Mr. Reynolds, Cow- bridge Mr. Holmes, South London. Estimate Committee.—Mr. Gale, Liverpool Mr. Scho- field, Bradford Mr. Glass, the Pottery District Mr. Burgess, South London 31 r. Curtis, Brighton Mr AlIen, Norwich; Mr. Roe, Manchester; Mr. Riley, Rochdale' Mr. Thomas, Pontypool. New Laws Committee.—Mr. Hardwick, Preston Mr Roe, London; Mr. Daynes, Norwich; Mr. Aitken, Ashton- under-Lyne Mr. Buck, Birmingham Mr. Street Wirks- worth Mr. Collins. Wellington. SECOND DAY—TUESDAY. The delegates met this morning. precisely at nine o'clock, and having answered to their tiames, at once pro. cceded to business. The G.M. first called upon Mr. Daynes to read the report of the Relief Committee' which was as follows:— RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT. I.-That P.G M. Samuel Daynes be the chairman of this committee. "2.—That P.G.M B. Street be the vice-chairman of this committee. 3_—That P P.G.M. Thomas Collins be the secretary of this committee. "4. — Tjiat this committee sanction the circulation of a petition fr»m the Hull district, soliciting relief for the lodges and widows' and orphans' funds named therein, in t T by them on account of the fa ure °f the bank of Messrs. Harrison and Watson of Hull that tho sum of £ 15 be granted towards a sub- scription for the relief of such lodges and widows'and orphans' fund the sum subscribed being divided pro v-,tra among the lodges and widows' and orphans' funds apply- ing for assistance. 5.-That the attention of lodges generally be drawn to the desirability of carefully considering the manner in which they invest their capital, so that the same may be in accordance with the provisions of the Friendly Societies Act. "6.-Tbat this committee recommend the petition of the Treoda Lodge, Caerphilly district, be referred to the Board of Directors at their first meeting in the present week, such petition being to obtain legal assistance for tbe recovery-of property belonging to the lodge, and which this committee considers i-s beyond its province further to entertain. 7-—That this committee cannot entertaia the applica- tion on behalf of Brothar James Pearson, of the Trades- man's Giory Lodge, Stockton-on-Tees, in the absence of information to show the condition of the lodge to which the afflicted member belongs, and also as to the amount of sick pay, if any, he is now receiving, the rules of the lodge not being produced to this committee. ° "8 That the sum of £7 10s. be granted to the Prince Albert Lodge, Lichfield district at the same time this committee recommends the 101ge to increase the rate of their contributions until a fund has been raised, and this committee begs to draw their attention to the resolution passed as to the case of the Hull district, with reference to the investuaeut of their capital for the future. 9 —That it appearing from the petition of the Barba- does district, that the distress of its lodges had been occa- sioned by the visitation of Asiatic Cholera among its mem- bers in the summer of 1834, this committee recommends the A.AJ.C. to cancel the debt, amounting to jC14 Is. 10,1., now owing from the Barbadoes district. 10- That the sum of £10 be granted to Brother John Davies, Brychrtn, of the Tredegar district, he having been a zealous and prominent member of the Order for upwards of 30 yearsturoughout tha Principality, and it appearing that he basp-ssisted at the opening of 50 lodges, and is now disabled hy disease and old age from following any occupation. "11.—Thct the thanks of this committee are due and are thereby given to the chairman, vice-chairman, and secretary, for their attention toihe business of this com- mittee. (Signed) "SAMUEL DAYNES, Chairman. Mr. Daynes moved the reception of the report, which having been agreed to, the clauses were considered seriatim. Upon the first clause being read, Mr. Thomas, of Abergavenny, said be felt the deepest sympathy for the Widows and Orphan Fund, and he should, therefore, propose that the donation be raised from £ 15 to C20. The circumstances connected there- with were of a very painful character and which must commend itself to every gentleman present. After a short conversation Mr. Thomas consented to withdraw bis amendment, and the clause stood as origin- ally proposed by the committee, Mr. Daynes having given ft few satisfactory explanations. With respect to the §th clause, there was no objection, P.assed unanimously without discussion. Mr. Daynes explained the purport of the 6th section and moved its adoption. Mj. Aitken seconded the proposition. They had a precedent for what was intended to be done. In all cases where individuals held the effects of the unity they should endeavour to support the lodges in rescuing the tunds from them, and let those individuals, who did hold funds, understand that, if the lodges were not strong enough to exact these funds from them, the unity at least was. (Cheers.) The clause was then carried. Mr. Daynes said that, in reference to the 7th clause, the person who applied for relief was afflicted with blind- ness, and it had been considered that unless the lodge was in distressed circumstances, the lodge should con- tribute to the support of the members. 0 Hundreds of similar cases would be found if this wecedent was once established. The clause was then carried. The 8th clause was next considered, The committee recommended a gift to the Litchfield district of S7 10s. IJ exP'a^ne(i that this was a small lodge which ad been in the habit of depositing its capital with one of the principal officers of the lodge. The person became a bankrupt, and although the society had been duly registered, yet theCommissioner of Bankruptcy had ruled that as the money had been received before the passing of the last Friendly Act, the priority of claim could not be established. They now expected to realise about 6d. in the pound. The amount of the loss so sustained was not before the committee, but they thought that in order to sustain a falling lodge they should make the donation now proposed. Clause 8tb carried. Clause 9tb, carried. Clause 10th, as to the donation of John Davies Brychan, C.S. of the Tredegar district, was carried, some remarks having been made as to the great services which had been y. r* Davies in Wales, as the champion of Udatellow8hip. An addendum was proposed to be added to the clause, on the motion of Mr. Aitken, that if Mr. Davies requires further assistance at the next annual meeting, he make application again to tbe Relief Com- mitttee, which proposition, however, was thought unad- visable, inasmuch as it would be to a certain extent touching upon the prerogative of the next A.M.C. The remaining clause was carried. ESTIMATES COMMITTEE. Mr. Gale read the report of the Estimates Committee with regard to printing, binding, &c. It was agreed that the report be adopted, but that the estimates for binding (general laws excepted), be can- celled, that fresh tenders be provided, and fresh estimates be laid before the Board of Directors at the November meeting. NEW DISTRICT COMMITTEE. Mr. Aitken read the report of the New Districts Com- mittee. as follows "1. That P.P G.M. Aiken be chairman of this com- mittee. 2. That P.C.S. Buck be vice-chairman. 3. That P.P.G.M. Bayard be secretary. 4. That the Hay district be allowed to change its name to the Glasbury district. 5. That the application from the North Briton Lodge, Burton-in-Kendal, and Perseverance Lodge, Tewitfield, to form a district., cannot be entertained in consequence of its being an illegal form. 6. That the St. David's Lodge, Presteign, be not aI- lowed to form a district. "7. That the Loyal Fortescue lodge, Coningsby, be allowed to leave the Lincoln and join the Horncastle district. 8. That the Loyal St. Agnes lodge, at St. Agnes, be allowed to leave the Plymouth district, and join the Truro district. 9. That the Ward Jackson's Blooming Rose, St. Hilda, Briton's Pride lodges, Hartlepool, in the Stockton district, be allowed to form a district, to be called the Hartlepool district. 10. That a vote of thanks be passed to the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary for their attention to the business of the committee. (Signed) WILLIAM AITKEN, Chairman." The report was adopted without any discussion. TICKETS FOR THE BANQUET. Mr. Aitken drew attention to the fact of there being two prices for the public dinner, against which he had heard complaints. It was a principle, he said, which they did not understand, and which was never adopted before. Was it meant, be asked, to be a distinction be- tween broad-cloth and fustian ? (Laughter and cheers.) He should like to know if it was intended to carry out the two prices of 3". 6d. and 5s. Mr. Phillips, delegate from Swansea, explained that the 5". tickets were intended as complimentary tickets, and that they had been issued as available to the general public by a mistake. CANCEL OF RESOLUTION. On the proposition of Mr. Gale, seconded by Mr. James Curtis, the resolution passed by the Board of Directors in-April, relative to the fining of the King William the Fourth lodge, at Runcorn, for some infor- mality, was confirmed. The lodge, it appeared, had been fined a guinea for some incorrectness in filling up a mem- ber's certificate, the members' additional annual contribu- tions not being inserted therein. An appeal against the fine was made, but the decision of theoard of Directors was confirmed as above. ADJOURNMENT. The sub-committee not being ready with their report, there was no regular business before the meeting, and, on the amendment of Mr. T. Powell, adjournment was made till the following morning, a resolution having been proposed by Mr. Aitken that the subsequent business be discussed, and that the sub-committee be called in and resume their investigation after four o'clock. The meeting was subsequently adjourned at half-past eleven o'clock. THE SERMON. At three o'clock, Divine Service commenced at the Parish Church, the sacred edifice having been kindly placed at the disposal of the Deputies by the Rev. E. B. Squire, vicar—the rev. gentleman himself reading the prayers. The Grand-Master and officers of the Order were present, as was also a number of the delegates and others. After prayers, the sermon was preached by the Rev. John Allen, who had been sent as a delegate from Sutton Coldfield, Lancashire. The rev. gentleman took his text from the 133rd Psalm, the 1st verse—" Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." After the sermon the Hallelujah chorus was sung by the choir. THE BANQUET. Soon after five o'clock in the afternoon, about five hundred members and friends of the Order assembled at dinner at the National Schoolrooms, Oxford-street. L. L. Dillwyn, Esq., M.P., presided, and W. H. Michael, Esq., Mayor ot Swansea, occupied the vice-chair. The chairman was supported on his right by Colonel Morgan, and on his left by the Rev. John Allen, of Long Sutton, Lincolnshire. The company also included the Grand Master and all the principal Officers of the Order, together with the delegates to the A.M.C., and all the leading Oddfellows of the district. Messrs. Wakefield and Birt, Wyndham Arms Inn, College-street, were entrusted with the getting up of the dinner, and the arrangements were generally superintended by a sub- committee of management, consisting of P.P.G.M. David Evans, P.P.G.M. Thomas Protheroe, P.G. Henry Han- nah, P.G. Lewis Thomas, and P.G. William Dyer. The Kilvey Brass Band, who were stationed outside the building, performed a selection of music during the dinner, and between the toasts songs were given by Mr. John Jones, Mr. W. Bowen, and other gentlemen, Dr. Denning accompanying on the pianoforte. The cloth having been removed, The Chairman called upon the company to drink the health of her Majesty the Queen, observing that he need not introduce that toast to such a loyal order with any observations whatever. (Cheers.) The toast was drank with three times three. "National Anthem."—The Band. The Chairman next gave the healths of the Royal Family. There were, he said, a good many toasts to propose, so that he would not trouble the company with any remarks on this toast. (Cheers ) Prince Albert's March.—The Band. The Chairman proposed the 41 Army and Navy." He was sure the toast would be most cordially received. (Cheers.) When they recollected how much the army had fought on the battle fields to which they had been called during the last few years, they could not refuse them their earnest consideration. The troops had been in a very arduous position in India they had had to contend with great difficulties, but notwithstanding all, they had fought in a manner and with an enthu- s.s.sm which he hardly knew how to characterize properly.^ (Cheers ) The toast would at once appeal to their feelings, and he would, therefore, without further introduction, propose it, coupled with the name of his old, valued friend, Colonel Morgan. (Loud cheers.) Colonel Morgan, R.A., said he had great pleasure in responding to the toast on behalf of his brethren The army was proud of its country, and the country was proud of its army. Not long ago it was said that the army, owing to the long continuance of peace, had be- come rusty, but it had since been proved otherwise. (Cheers.) It was a general supp sition that Englishmen did not like soldiers, but the moment the necessity for their services arose, what cO)lld equal the enthusiasm with which they were supported? (Cheers.) Or what could equal the enthusiasm with which every man in the army fought ? (Cheers.) Many gave much in the cau-se of their country: some gave money, and others their infiunce; but the men to whom he alluded gave their all. (Cheers.) They gave their lives. (Renewed cheers.) There was one other subject to which he would refer before sitting down, and he did not do so without Pain. A tone had latterly been expressed that the British soldiers in India. had shown a great want of mercy. He would ask whether the company believed that to be true. (No, no.) Forkis own part, lie would strongly deny it. If any nation iu the world had been brought up with merciful ideas, it was the British nation. (Cheers.) They would meet a foe with courage, but when he was conquered they would be friends with him again, and give him the friendly hand. But he would TS *10ni was i*- expected they skould show merey ? o those who had slaughtered our eountrymen—who had put to death innocent women—or still worse, little children who were guiltless of every harm ? Were beings who committed such deeds proper subjects for mercy ? (No, no) He (Col. Morgan) said let them cutter for their crimes, but not in vengeance. (Cheers.) Mr.Diynes proposed the "Bishop and Clergy, and the Ministers of the various religious denominations." He congratulated them that they had at the head of the dioeese, a most distinguished primate, a gentleman cele- brated for his learning, his liberality, and hie conscien- tiousness as a good bishop. (Cheers.) He was not one of those gentlemen, who were content to receive the honours of an office without discharging its duties. (Cheers.) He had made himself a complete master of that languge which was so dear to every Welshman be- lieving that such a knowledge was necessary for him as a Welsh bishop (Cheers.) He was free from sectarian prejudices, and had only recently sent to the Baptist College a copy of his works, accompanied with a note written in the Welsh language as a proof of his profi- ciency. (Loud cheers.) „ The Rev. Mr. Allen, in responding, said, that he felt a a- honoured in being called upon, away from his own diocese, to return thanks for the Bishop of this dio- cese, a noble man whom he did not know personally, but one whom he well knew from his writings. (Cheers.) His worthy brother, Daynes, had well described their bishop ] to them when proposing his health, and he hoped the clergy of this diocese would still deserve to have their I names honourably mentioned at meetings like the present and that the longer they lived their hearts would be < more firmly knit to those over whom they laboured. < (Cheers.) He bad been highly privileged in being sent i as a delegate to meet them in Wales; it was his first < journey to this part of it, and he should feel highly j pleased if any humble effort which he had made had 1 deserved honourable mention, and this would amply repay him for any labour or pains which he might have bestowed in endeavouring to advance the interests of Oddfellowship, (Hear, hear.) He never coveted any other sphere of labour than among the work- ing man—it was amongst these classes that there existed the greatest amount of gratitude and kindly feel- fng, and they were ever willing to render back with their right hand more than they took with their left. (Cheers.) It was the feeling he had invariably met with in labour- ing amongst the working classes as a member of the Order, and it Was that ithich would keep him attached to them as long as they would retain him as a brother. (Cheers.) He hoped in conclusion, that if he ever me them again on such an auspicious occasion, he should not have declined in their estimation. (Cheers.) The Old Hundredth Psalm, by the band. Mr. Aitken gnve the Lord-Lieutenant and the Ma- gistrates." (Cheers.) The post of Lord-Lieutenant was one of the most important in which a country gentleman could be placed, and he was happy to find that their Lord- Lieutenant was filling his position with advantage to the county and to themselves. (Cheers.) With regard to their magistracy, they were equally meritorious. They had heard one of them that evening (Colonel Morgan.) He was glad to find that they had so good a member for the borough as the Chairman. (Cheers.) It was satis- factory to know that be had left St. Stephen's Hall, bad left the Clubs, had left the political chess-players of London (laughter) to show that be respected the working classes of his native land. (Three rounds of cheers were here given for Mr. Dillwyn.) Knowing that Mr. Dillwyn was to be their Chairman that evening he had paid par- ticular attention to his speeches in Parliament, and was happy to find that his ideas were in accordance with the great principles of progress. (Loud cheers.) Mr. E. M. Richards returned thanks. He cordially co- incided with all that had been said in favour of the Lord-Lieutenant—there was only one fault to find, they did not see him quite often enough. (Laughter and cheers.) The Chairman next proposed, amid tremendous cheer. ing, The Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Uuity." It was said that people should never judge of anything by rumour, for it was very likely to deceive. It must therefore at first sight appear that he (the Chair- man) was hardly the proper person to propose the Manchester Unity," as all that he knew of Oddfellows was by rumour. Rumour, however, might deceive if it was believed when it was heard only once or twice, but if it is heard the whole of life, they might depend upon it there was something in it. (Cheers.) In the course of his life he had heard a good deal of Oddfellowship— he had heard one unvarying report respecting it, and that report was a good one.. (Cheers.) He had heard that they always did all in their power to assist and benefit each other. (Loud cheers.) In one sense therefore he was well fitted to propose the toast he now submitted to them. He had heard of their doings, and in many cases he had heard about them from his own personal friends. Without further observation he would ask them to drink the toast with three times three. (Cheers.) The toast was drank amid loud and repeated cheers from all parts of the room. Glee, Mynheer Van Dunck," Dr. Denning and Messrs. Bowen and Jones. The Grand Master, Mr. Charles Hardwick, in rising to respond to the toast, was received with the most deafen- ing cheers. The applause having subsided, he addressed the meeting at great length, observing that if he ever felt a pleasure in enunciating the great principles of their society it was on the present occasion. He trusted they would give him full credit for heartfelt sincerity when making this remark, because he now stood before them as the chief officer of the Order, and therefore in that respect its public representative. (Cheers.) His ex- perience now of nearly seventeen years, h id convinced him that the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows is an in- stitution which demands not only the approval and sympathy, but the complete recognition of the gentle- men who moved in the highest classes of society, and that not simply because of the benefits which were there- by conferred on their fellow-men, but also because it benefitted themselves, inasmuch as it advanced the gene- ral progress of human civilization. It had been said, and that with truth, that the present age was an age of progress, and his acquaintance with the history of the country enabled him to bear his testimony to the truth of this assertion. Oddfellowship was a modern institution, notwithstanding the generally received statement to the contrary, and some persons tracing the existence of Oddfellowship as far back as Titus Ctesar. Their institution was not only what had already been intimated to them—not merely an institution of brother- hood—not simply a charitable institution, but it was the greatest insurance company belonging to the working classes in this country, or in the world. (Loud cheers.) There was no man who worshipped with more reverence and warmth the virtue of Christian charity than him- self; but in his opinion it was equally a noble act of charity, if they could render the great bulk of their fellow-men independent of that charity which would otherwise be given. The best act of charity which they could confer on their fellow-creatures was to make them independent. (" Hear, hear," and cheers.) Again, he believed their institution was valuable because it was improving the character of the people at large, and that more than any other class or institution could possibly effect. (Cheers.) The Manchester Unity professed to teach the working-classes of this country the great prin- ciple of self-dependance. All liberty which was not based on this principle was but visionary, and would be swept away but when founded on this principle—when every individual man had a voice in the institution, then no foreign enemy or internal treason could successfully combat against it. (Cheers.) But, again, it effected a vast amount of moral good by teaching working-men to lay by a portion of their earnings in the hour of health, against the hour of need and the day of sickness. When this great principle was practically exhibited, the people must be in advance of that country where no such prin- ple was inculcated. (Cheers ) He said again that they morally improved the condition of the people if they taught the working-man to depend rather upon his own exertions than upon eleemosynary aid, which, howcver administered, degraded the recipient. Again, by pre- serving ths working man from suffering the pmgs of poverty, they preserved him from falling into criiiie-he did not mean, of course, direct crime, but they preserved a vast amount of their population good, honest, and in- dustrious men, instead of falling on the parish. If, therefore, they saved twenty men from going into the workhouse, they may reasonably calculate that one or two per cent. were thus saved from the gaol. (Hear, hear.) There was no nation in the world which so detested the name of pauper as Great Britain—it was felt by the working man that the threshold once entered-the downward step once taken-they all knew how easy it was to continue that downward progress until, at last, it ended in the gaol. (Hear.) He, therefore, said that their society had done a vast amount of good in this direction. Mr. Tidd Pratt had stated that the action of their society had saved this country, and did save this country the sum of two millions per annum. (Loud cheers.) If this single fact could be relied on, he con- tended that the operations of their society was not merely beneficial to the working man, but to every man who con- tributed towards the taxation of the country. (Hear, hear.) But he would not appeal to them merely on the ground of the pocket," but on higher and more noble grounds he would state that their society was entitled to demand the countenance and support of the hio-her classes. He was firmly convinced that the action of Their society had been the means of preserving the peace and the security of this country-had also saved this country from anarchy when the continent was convulsed with revolutions. (Cheers.) The reason was not so recondite as they may at first suppose. It was simply that their society was based upon law and order, and the members were taught to obey those laws and orders. (Cheers.) lie (the Grand Master) could assure them that every member of the order had a voice in the making of the laws, and he, personally, had no more authority or power than the humblest member who lived in the cot by the side of some log or peat moss in Ireland. He could only raise his voice as a member in the making of these laws, j and his hand only counted as one. When it was con- sidered that each member, on an average, had from £5 to £10 invested in the funds of the society, it was obvious they had a practical stake in the security of their govern- ment. The Grand Master went on to state when the Queen visited Manchester some years ago, the Oddfellows were officially recognised by the authorities, and guarded the way. The Queen was heard to ask who those respectable gentlemen with white gloves and plain rosettes were,—(laughter), and when the answer given was that they were Oddfellows, her Majesty must certainly have been surprised. This fact showed the great difference between the secret societies of England and those of the continent-whilst in England her Majesty was guarded by the members of these secret soeieties-in France, the Emperor, in consequence of secret societies, could not pass along the streets without bayonets bristling, and cannon pointed. After a few further observations, Mr. Hardwick concluded his speech, amidst tremendous applause, by stating that as long as health and strength permitted, he should endeavour to represent and take the same interest in the Order as he had done for the last ten years at their A.M.C's. The Rev. F. Price (delegate from Aberdare), on rising, was received with protracted cheers. The toas% he said, which he was going to propose, was that of The County and Borough Members." The county members be said, were well known. There was the Lord- Lieutenant, who was well versed in business, but did not make much noise. Mr. Hussey Vivian was better cnown, as the friend of the working man. Mr. Stuart, f°r Card'ff',wa,3 a y°ung man, of excellent family .onnectior., who had rendered good service to the coun^ f m r ,re was Henry Austin Bruce, M.P. tor Merthyr and Aberdare, «ho, although he did not go juite so far as he (the speaker) went, politically speak- ng, was nevertheless cne of the most honest and up- r1^ u1611 House. (Hear, hear.) He was a man wrbo had done much for the working-classes—a man who Btudied their interests, and was prepared to do all he sould to ameliorate their position, socially and morally. (Hear, hear.) He now came to the last-Mr. Dillwyn —who, though not a very old, was nevertheless a very ] good member, and if it should please the Lord to give ) him health, he bore promise of being, at no distant day, 1 a prominent member of the legislature. (Hear, hear.) He thought that Mr. Dillwyn, in the course he had adopted in the House of Commons, in the question alluded 1 to, had not done very wrong. (Hear, hear.) There was howeyer, one fault which he had to fod, not only with Mr. Dillwyn, but with the whole five members for the county of Glamorgan. They were not Oddfellows. (Applause.) He would now say a word or two about Oddfellowship in Wales. There were fifty districts in the Principality, which included 292 lodges, which were composed of 24,243 members. The amount of money paid by these 24,248 members was X24,250 per annum, iT* t0 Tl"e[ sums pa'd' made a grand total of Z\ 1 in-1-, county °f Glamorgan there were 14o lodges, and 12ol members an:l the and the amount paid for sick relief, &r was £ 1,251. To this should be added the sum of 11,807 13s., given as funeral gifts- and he thought he was not far wrong in estimating the amount of parochial relief which was thus saved at £ 7,000 per annum. The Chairman briefly responded, expressing to those present that he need not tell them how anxious the whole of the members were at all times to act up to the principles upon which they were returned. He also expressed his pleasure to hear Mr. Price speak so frankly in allusion to Mr. Bruce—a man, he said, than whom a better disposed did not live, or one who had more the interest of the working classes at heart. (Applause.) Mr. Dillwyn concluded by briefly thanking them for the honour they had done him in proposing his name, in conjunction with the other Members of Parliament; and expressed his willingness to become an Oddfellow, in accordance with the request of Mr. Price, an an- nouncement that was received with loud and lor.g-con- tinued cheering. The Chairman proposed The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, the Corresponding Secretary, and Board of Directors." Mr. Roe, C.S., of London, in the absence of the Deputy Grand Master, responded to the toast in a few appropriate observations, and concluded by proposing The Mayor and Corporation of Swansea." The Vice-Chairman responded at considerable length. The Oddfellows Society, he said, had been the means of doing a vast amount of good, and he trusted it would go on and prosper—concluding an eloquent address by observing that it was the duty of all to encourage socie- tics which had for their object that which was compre- bended in the principles of Oddfellowship. Mr. Alderman Richards, after alluding in complimen- tary terms to the exertions which had been made by Mr. Daynes, delegate from Norwich, in refuting an attack which had been made upon the order by the Earl of Albemarle, some two years ago, presented that gen- tleman with a purse, containing a sum of money volun- tarily subscribed for the purpose by members of the Swansea district, in recognition of the praiseworthy manner in which Mr. Daynes had conducted the battle on behalf of the order. Mr. Daynes received the presentation with an appro- priate speech, thanking the subscribers for their kind expression of satisfaction at the slight service which he had rendered to the Order. Mr. Schofield (delegate from Bradford), proposed "The Town and Trade of Swansea," in an appropriate speech, Mr. John Oakshot, ex-Mayor of Swansea, responded to the toast in appropriate terms—spoke of the rise and progress of the town, and the happiness he at all times felt in identifying himself with anything that would tend to its further devolopment. Mr. Oakshot also ex: ressed a desire to be made an Oddfellow, an announcement that was received with loud cheers. Mr. James Curtis, (delegate from Brighton), in rising, said the toast which he had to propose was one which he had only to mention to insure it the warmest reception. It was the health of a gentleman who, so far as he had heard, had done his duty in every capacity in life in which he had been placed. It was the health of their Chairman. (Applause.) The Chairman briefly responded, thanking Mr, Curtis and those assembled f.jr their kindness. The Rev. G. P. Evans, of Swansea, proposed The English Deputies of the A.M.C." doing so in a speech of some length and much eloquence, concluding by an- nouncing that Mr. J. Hoare and Mr. Alderman Richards, in conjunction with Mr. Oakshot, would, before that day week, be members of the Order of Oddfellows, to which he himself belonged. (Applause.) Mr. F. Colling responded, briefly and appropriately. Mr. Thomas (delegate from Pontypool) proposed "The Swansea District," which was rtsponded to by Mr Robert Phillips. Mr. Hoare proposed the health of the Vice-Chairman, observing that he beaeved the greatest happiness of that gentleman s hfe ivas the endtavour to afford happiness to others. TKS YICE'^H;LIRRAAN appropriately responded. "P P-i? r> Allen proposed a vote of thanks to the Squire, vicar, for the use of the room in which they had met, as well as fur his having placed the church at their disposal. The proposition was carried by acclamation. Mr. Oakshot, on the part of the Vicar, returned thanks, having been requested by the vicar to express his sym- pathy with the order, and Lis concurrence in its prin- ciples. Mr. A'tken proposed "The Welsh Deputies of the A.M.C. which was responded to in a humorous speech by Mr. J. Reynolds, and at considerable length. Mr. T. Powell (delegate from Morriston) proposed The Press," which was respon,led to by Mr. J. Lewis' of Swansea, which brought the proceedings to a termi- nation. (Continued in the Sth page.)

THE POWER OF THE PENNY.- The wonderful efficacv of this small coin seems, at the present day, to be every- where recognized. By the statesman, as in the case of the penny postage, the penny receipt, and now the pennv stamp, which is to be used on all bankers' cheque*? W. have also our penny-a-mile parliamentary train, our pennv steamboat onr penny shoe-b igade, and even our peZ! ad.ners. This brings us, lastly, to the most potent of Til penny worths-the penny lifer,,tu-e of th, dav This like a cheap-Jack's wares, „of all sorts and sizes, and of a C3n>id< rable portion we cannot speak in the most praise- worthy terms. As a whoie, however, it is entitled to the greatest commendation and warmest support of the public, One of the latest issues, in the shape of a penny periodi- ca!, has been that of Beeton's Historian." Here is a laudable attempt to produce, for one penny a week a series of standard Historical and Biographic works. This new candidate for public favour will be, then, not an ephemeral penny worth to be rea,l just for amusement's sake, and then thrown aside, 'orn up and destroyed as useless, but a publication of permanent interest and value, to be preserved and ultimately bound into a perfect volume, as each history and biography is completed. That the numbers when read may be preserved iu good condi- tion, portfolios have been manufactured, which are easily convertible into covers for binding. We heartily recom- mend Beeton's Historian" to the notice of our readers, appending hereto the address of the publisher, from whose office likewise issue the very well known and ex- tensively circulated serials, the Englishwoman's Domes- tic Magazine and the "Boy's Own Magazine," S. O. B:t(u. 16vpouverie-street, London, E.C. [2200 "loung lea, like fair faces, need no paint." —Chinese Pr-.ne b. ^1 hose remarkable people the Chinese, paint or giosamany of their leas for foreign supply, but never use s:r h themselves, actually reducing a c.;u"'ion against the practice to a priJverb asabore. The best Teas, are from the early pickings the low coarse kinds from the older brown imperfect leaves, these latter—the Bohea Tea,-(now never sent here as Bohea) a: e wrought up into shape, and coloured to hide their brownne8: the Chinese also thus colour the better sorts prepared for England so that the common may be mixed without detection, and thus increase the Chinaman's profit. Horniman & Co., knowing that thS public prefer sterling quality before appearance import Teas without powdered colour,-pure natuca! Hud* -these thev supply through Agents in ail parts of the Iun-dora, in certified packets only: (or district list, see nJ, retiselent in this day's Paper. »*«««« DE,kr.NESI,We bear upon most credible authority, that Mr. James Itackhain Operative Chemist, Norwich,- the Inventor of the celebrated Lint for the Cure of Piles- has discovered an unfailing remedy for all cases of Deaf- ness, except from actual malformation. This is truly a ^03^mPortant eveut. So confident is the Proprietor of its efficacy, that he guarantees to send fresh supplies, if required, free of postage or any other extra charge what- ever. The price is ten shillings and sixpence, and under such conditions we should not hesitate applying imme- diately to him.—C/isp's Munady -Utiga-.ii,e.- Sent free for P.O. Order payable as above. [2201 Shensione the poet says, Tha Newspaper is a powerfa social as well as a political organ," and tbe advantage tierive(I frodi its use (in the shape of extensi "e advertising) ..Cooped She«„-Uippi s masters, both at home and abroadf « ^uer oy UOCK