The Cardiff Times

AN ARBITRATOR DECIDED UPON 1 I Decision to Resume Work. I The men were not long in selecting their representatives to meet the employers. The consuitation with the directors lasted from j three o'clock until shorty after six. The deputa- tion from the men were as follows:— Mr John I Gardner (secretary of the Trades' Council), Mr T. Davie3, Mr Tom Taylor, Mr J. Norton, Mr George Norman, and Mr T. May. In the evening, in anticipation of the report by tiie deputation, there was a large at- tendance at the Queen-street Public HaN. On the platform were Mr John Norton (chairman), I Mr George Norman, Mr Thomas Phillips, soli- citor, hon. member of the Dock Labourers' Union, of Cardiff, Mr Green (secretary of the • Union), Mr Robert Harris, Mr Edward Thomas, Mr T. D tvies, Mr T. Taylor, Mr Tom May, &c. j The Chairman, Mr T. Davies, and Mr Garuner gave a detailed account of their interview with the directors of Messrs piller. Their statement in effect was that fines were henceforth to be abolished altogether, the whole question of wages (including overtime) to be referred to arbitration. No man shall take the place of another unless the I 1!111ceessor rece "es tbe same wages as the man whom be has succoeded. Improvements are to be made in the ventilation, and the manager only j shall have power to suspend or discharge any j employe. Furthermore, the manager shall state I' his reason for so doing, the man shall have an opportunity of answering the charge, and no man shall be discharged or persecuted because of his I connection with the strike or the union. Mr T. TAYLOR strongiy urged the men to resume work on the conditions proposed. He believed they would win in the end all the points I they really c'ued for. Why should they remain idle a week or a fortnight pending that decision ? I The arbitrator suggested was Mr Alderman I David Jones, the ex-mayor. He bad worked for bim for years, and be assured them they ) could trust him to do what was fair between man and man. The directors had already conceded tbe most vital points. In reply to several questions, the CHAIEMAN explained that some of the men who understood the points in dispute would take care to furnish the arbitrator with information. Several persons in the body of the hall expressed impatience at the too indefinite character of the terms proposed. Mr GKOROE NOBKAN urged them to accept the j basis 01 negotiations agreed upon that day. It was too much of a drop to expect a big firm like; Spiders' to give in on all points at once. So far, j the men bad trusted their leaders-let them trint their leaders a little further. It was all very well to complain that their em- ployers had been exacting, bat where was the man without fault ? If such a man existed in that. room he wished he would hold op his band tbttt all the others ought gaze oa the wonder. (Laughter.) Did they not all wish to be for- given ? Then why Dot forgive their empL/ers, and bury the past. Ha concluded by proposing a formal resolution approving of the appointment of Aiderman David Jones as arbitrator. Mr ROBEBT HARRIS seconded, remarking that he had been 16 years in Spillers' employ, and bad only been fined ouce. The motion of Mr Norman was put (no amend- ment being proposed), and carried unanimously. It was then decided that the men should re- turn to work on Wednesday. A question arose as to when bobblers should go to work, and it was decided that they should please themselves in the matter—commence on Tuesday if they so desired. A vote of thanks to the bobblers concluded the proceedings.

On Monday the customary miners' holiday was observed, and in many cases meetings of the men took place. Perhaps the most important of the gatherings was that at Merthyr, where Mr D. Morgan delivered a trenchant address on various mimng questions.

NOTICE TO TERMINATE CONTRACTS AT FERNDALE. Amass meeting of tbe miners employed at Messrs D. Davis and Sons' collieries at Ferndale and Boriringailc took place on Monday morning at tbe Aseemoly-hall, Ferndale. Messrs W, Ellis, Ferndale, and CDhomas Roderick, Bod- ringailt, presided. The advisability of renewing the present siiding-scaie (wbich terminates on the 31st inst.) was discussed, and the following resolu- tion was unanimously adopted :—" That this meeting resolves to give six months' notice from the 1st day of January, 1890, to terminate all contracts." In the meautime a deputation of workmen will wait on the masters, with the object of formulating a new scale.

MASS MEETING AT MERTHYR. A mass meeting of Cyfarthfa, Plymouth, and Dowlais colliers was held on Monday morning at tbe Circus, Merthyr, workmen engaged in the two first-named places largely predominating. The cbair was occupied by Mr David Morgan, South Pit, Plymouth. Mr THOMAS THOMAS gave a report of tbe proceedings at the Newport conference, and the attitude generally adopted by the delegates from a distance towards the local representatives who had attended that conference. He touched upon the sliding-scale question, the consideration of which bad not permitted the local delegates to give, as others did, an unquali- fied vote for the eight hours' movement, not be- cause they were against the principle, but because they wished to secure the alteration in connection with their own scale. Mr DAVID MORGAN, Aberdare, delivered an exhaustive speech on matters pertaining to the Conference at Newport and the revision of the sliding-scale. Enough, lie said, bad been ad- vanced by his friend Mr Thomas in reference to this subject, yet he must add that be had nevar been in a, conference at which such sarcastic re- marks were expressed towards the delegates of South Wales. It was stated in effect that South Wales was the ruination almost of the miners of the country. It was said that they were working such long hours that it was tbe means of taking the trade of the north country. He denied that, and he mentioned that tbe South Wales miners did not work on an average more than 54 hours per week. He adverted to statements which had been made by Mr Rawlinson, before a public meeting in the Forest of Dean, that the leaders ot South Wales were leading Welshmen to ruin, and that Welsh- men were, under the circumstances, in a position which was not creditable to themselves. He bad gone so far as tc describe Welshmen and the leaders as cowards. (Shame.) To be sure, Mr Chairman, it was a shame. He contended that the ancient history of Wales and the struggles which took place in connection with trade at Aoerdara in 1871, at Mertbyr iu 1873, and in South Wales generally in 1875, when for live months 50,000 workmen, who were ill ecuipped for a long fight with the employers, wore sufficient to prove, if proof were needed, that such an imputation WAS quite unfounded. During that great fight of 1875 tdere was nothing on the record against them, uut eveu that a chila went into a shop and took a penny bun. (Ap- plause.) He did not believe in fighting a man in his absence, and be would rather have met Mr Rawlinson ia the conference, but the chairman of the conference stopped him from doing so. (Shame.) Therefore he hoped the representatives of the Press would let him know what he said there that day. (Applause.) Mr Morgan went on to refer to the case of the hauliers of Aberdare Valley, He did not yet know whether there woula be A strike of niglit hauliers in the Aber- dare Valley, but they should mark that if they were fighting in Aberdare for justice, it was quite as right for them in tbe Mertliyr Valley to support them in Aberdare as vice versa. At present night hauliers did not get as mucu wages per day by óJ or 7d as the day hauliers, and what they said at Aberdare was that if tnere was any difference at all the night hauliers should be paid better than the day hauliers, (Hear, hear.) Ii the figbt did go on lie hoped they would uphold their frIends in Aberdare, and let them a succesaful battle. They wouid, of course, be quite willing to hear a word 011 tbe slidiug-8cale. The sliding-scale committee bad met at Cardiff, and lie was sorry to sa r they were not so united as they should have been. He proceeded to read from the draft revised scale. Referring to clause 4, that the wagea shall be regulated by the sliding-scale, based upon the average selling price of coal, as asc<3rtained and from time to time certified by the accountants," he pointed out that the employers wanted to alter "selling prices" to "net selling prices." By putting this word "net" in they permitted of deductions in respect of discount, and what not, which meant on an average about 91 per ton. Mr Morgan went on to say that he proposed that the word "net" should not be in at all, but be was sorry to say he ba.d no seconder of bis pro- position. (Shame.) They proposed an amend- ment, and said they would put the word "net" in, but when they were going to give instructions to the accountants they would then define what the deductions shoula be. (Shame.) He uext touched upon clause t1, having reierence to tbe standard of wattes. He contended that there ought to be a levelling up of the standard, more especially in justice to Plymouth, Cyfarthfa, and Dowlais. The employers said "No," and wanted to strike that out in favour of the old clause. He had asked the em- ployers if they could give him a reason why tbe Merthyr employers must get their labour say 15 per cent. less than in the Aberdare Valley. They could not give any reason. He maintained there was no reason why they in Mertbyr should work for lower wages than the colliers did at Aberdare. (Applause.) There was another clause upon which debate had arisen. It related to the question ot a maximum and a Juinimum rate. He AID not believe in a maximum and a minimum. He was willing for them to take a share of the bad times as well as the good, but what be said at present was that he wanted more wages for the workmen because he thought they did not get a fair share from the employers of what was got from the coal. An opinion was unanimously expressed that the maximum and minimum stipulation be taken out ct the agreement.

MEETING OF COLLTERY OWNERS. A very largely attended meeting of the associa- ted coalowners of South Wales and Monmouth- shire was held on Monday at the Angel Hotel, Cardiff, under the presidency of Sir W. T. Lewis. The state of matters in regard to the sliding-scale joint committee conferences was reported, and the owners expressed tbe utmost satisfaction at the course pursued by and confidence in the owners' side ol the sliding-scale joint committee.

MECHANICS ANCTCOLLIERS AT BLAENA YON. Oa Monday morning, at the White Horse Assembly-rooms, Messrs W, Abraham, M.P., and P. W. Raffan, Pontypool, addressed a crowded audience ot colliers, iron workers, See., upon the question of eifcht-hours' system and trades unionism. Mr John Howelhl presided. Mr Raffan, with much perspicuoasness and force, advocated the principles of trade unionism amongst themon. The great London strikes, he said, have taught labouring classes a lesson in its con- nection that would not be forgotten. (Applause.) If the dock labourers bad been victorious surely the miners of South Wales ought to be quite as successful.—Mr Abraham, M.P., then spoke. Referring to the eight hours question, Mr Abra- ham said tbat tbey have in this matter to contend with the speeches of Lord Salisbury. If tbe Premier understood the question, then be was fighting against the interest of the working classes. If, on the other hand, Lord Salisbury was a friend of the working classes, he was quite ignorant of tbe subject under consideration. (Hisses.) He (Mr Abraham) had carefully studied the question, and found that the greater number of fatal and non-fatal accidents occurred in districts where the hours worked were the longest. Again, a greater number of accidents occurred in the latter part of the day than tbe early part of it. The reason was obvious. The men after toiling for eight hours were tired and weary, and were apt to be more neglectful than in the earlier hours. He nrged all workmen to adopt unionism, and cited from rules in force at the Rhondda district. — These extracts were greatly approved of.—Another meeting was held at Horeb Baptist Chapel in the evening, when the same speakers addressed a large and appreciative audience on tbe tithe and labour question.

MERTHYR AND ABERDARE COLLIERY OFFICIALS' ASSOCIATION, The ordinary meeting of tbe members of the Merthyr and Aberdare Valleys Colliery Officials' Association was hold on Monday afternoon at the assembly-rooms of the Bush Hotel, Merthyr, under the presidency of Mr D. E. Davies (Dewi Ma bon), Cwmamaa, Aberdare.—Mr R. SDape, Merthyr Vale, was elected president for tbe en- suing year Mr Howell Davies, Aberdare, and Mr W. Green, Plymouth, were elected vice- presidents Mr W, Hughes was re-elected treasurer, and Mr J. L. Thomas secretary. Tbe council was appointed aa follows Merthyr (6)—Messrs D. Morgan, Mertbyr Vale Edwin Morgan, Merthyr Vale; H. R, Jones, Dowlais; John Davies, Bedlinog; W. Thomas, Abercanaid; J. Davies, Plymouth. Aberdare (6)—Messrs W. Phelps, E. Pub, Nantmelyn D. E. Duies, Cwmaman; P. Phillips, J. Hugbes, Abe man T; Thos. Reea.—It was decided by a vote of 36 to 10 to meet in future once a month.—On a former occasion an exhaustive paper was read by the President-elect upon" The best kind of safety lamp for general and firemen's purposes." He bad incidentally observed that since the ap- pearance1 of the Mercier lamp, which was the first to meet the requirements of the new act, Mown I Thomas and Williams, Aberdare, had introduced one of a somewhat sinjfiar type, with one or two very necessary improvements.— The discussion upon tbe paper was now continued, Mr Snape said he was glad to find so many bad coincided with him in bis high opinion of the Thomas & Williams' lamp.—Mr Williams (Messrs Thomas and Williams) afterwards made a short statement respecting tbe several kinds of lamps made by his firm.

MEETING ATABERDARE, In the afternoon of Monday, a mass meeting was held at the Market-ball, Aberdare, when Mr Thomas Williams (Cwmbach) presided. Ad- dresses were delivered by several representative workmen and Mr D. Morgan (miners' agent),and a t resolution was passed supporting the night hauliers I in the Aberdare Valley in their contention for the I same rate of pay as the day hauliers.

EBBW VALE, I At the general meeting of the colliers of Ebbw Vale held at the board room on Monday, it was decided that the agent and committee should stand at the top of tbe different pits, and request tbe non-union men to join tbe federation. It was also decided unanimously to increase tbe wages of the miners' agent, Mr T. Richards, for his past useful services.

NEW COLLIERY AT ABERDARE JUNCTION, Cutting the First Sod. The rumours of impending colliery enterprises in the Pontypridd district, which have for some time past been prevalent in South Wales mining circles, were on Saturday morning last in part fulfilled, when the first sod of a new pit was cut in tha neighbourhood of Aberdare Junction. It had already been definitely known that the land had been taken by the Dowlais Iron Company, and that a pit was intended to be sunk there some time or other. It now appeares that the site of tbe proposed new pits is on a meadow adjoining Craig Evan Leysbon, and the taking extends frcm the boundary of the Albion Colliery, Uilfynydd, in Taff Valley, to Nehon Village, and embraces tho minerals under the estates of Lechwen, Garth, aud Craig Evan Leyshon. There will be two pits; the North Pit, tha sod of which was cut by Mr Martin, of Dowlais, and which will be named after bim, and the South Pit, the sod of which was cut by Mr-G. T. Clarke, of Dowlais, and which will there- fore be designated tha Clarke Pit. Both shafts will be 22 feet in diameter and about 700 yards deep, The contract for sinking has been let to Mr W. U, Beith, of Ynysybwl, who will commence opera- tions this week, having undertaken to complete his contract in two years. Mr Beith will immediately employ 160 men, who will ba divided into several shitts. In addition to the gentlemen named there ware present at the ceremony Sir W. T. Lewis, Mr E. R. Martin, of Dowlais; Mr Henry Martin, Mr W. Jones, J.P., Navigation House and Mr W. R. Baitb, the contractor, who were subsequently entertained at Navigation House.

RHONDDA MINERS' ASSOCIA- TION. 1 Meeting at Ton. f A representative meeting of this association was held on Saturday at the Windsor Hotel, Ton, under the presidency of Mr George, National Colliery, Rhondda Valley. Thirty-one collieries were represented.—It was resolved that the Forest Level miners should prepare a list of the prices adopted at their colliery, and submit it for consideration to the association or the delegates, and then, if approved of, the list should be sent to the masters of that particular colliery for their signature to ba placed on it. Should the pro- prietors decline to sign tbe document, the work- men shall obtain the services of the agent, Mr W. Abraham, M.P.—A delegate repre- senting the Treharris miners submitted a report d the statement of the dis- pute which had occurred at tbat colliery, and stated that the men were quite pleased respecting the agreement wbicb bad been effected through the instrumentality of Mr Abraham. The dispute was in reference to the prices paid for working the 4-feet seam. Subsequently a discussion arose on the question of obtaining a list of prices applicable to all the various collieries belonging to the association and other districts in South Wales. It was resolved— That this meeting recommends the adoption of a general list of prices paid for all items of labour, in- side and outside, at the various collieries throughout South Wales, and that the Ithondiia Miners' Associa- tion fonn a committee at once for tbe preparation of the proposed list, and that the various secretaries of the works committees forward a copy of the list of prices now in vogue at the respective pits to the district secretary previous to the meetm¡!; of tbe general committee that will shortly be appointed.

RAILWAY MEN AND THEIR GRIEVANCES. Meeting of Taff Vale Clerks and Agents. A meeting of station agents and clerks employed by the Taff Vale Railway Company was held at the Welsh Harp Assembly-room. Pontypridd, on Suuday, when upwards of 130 persons were present from all sections of the system. The object of the meeting was to procure united action among the men, and discuss the various grievances —wages, Sunday duty. overtime, & Tue gather- ing was of an enthusiastic nature, and great indignation was expressed at the wages now re. ceived by three employes in general. A committee was organised to wait upon the managers of the compauy with a view of obtaining redress, and several resolutions were put to tha meeting and unanimously carried. It was generally remarked tbat the existing state of things could not alto- gether bo attributed to the company, and that the course now adopted by the men would be received with all consideration. A vote of thanks was cordially accorded the press for the able manner in which the grievances complained of had bean ventilated. A meeting of railway men took place on Sunday afternoon at the Coffee Tavern, Mountain Asb, to form a branch of the Railway Workers' Union, recently started in London. Tbe Chairman, in bis remarks, dwelt on the great need of combination amocg railway men, and complained of the action of the Amalga- mated Society in associatiug with their trade union expensive benefit societies and refusing to allow men to join the former without the latter, thereby makiug. the contributions too heavy for the majority of railway men. Remonstrances bad been made. but to no purpose. Another trade union society then became necessary, and the Railways Workers' Union was inaugurated. It was being well supported, and already counted 30,000 members. It was decided to form a branch ot the Railway Workers' Union. At tbe close of the meeting a number gave in tbeir names to be enrolled as members.

COLLIERY FIREMEN. Important Meeting at Porth. A largely attended meeting of tbe firemen em- ployed in the Rhondda Valley, convened by cir- cular, was held on Saturday evening at tbe vostry of the English Congregational Chnrcb, the subjects down on the agenda being (1) the present scale of wages (2) the number of hours on duty (3) customs at each colliery as regards the fire- men's duty (4) the ad visibility of forming an association of firemen.—The Chairman suggested at the outset that the first matter they should take into consideration was the last on the agenda. Those in positions above and below them had combined to further their respective interests and he thought they all firemen could do no better than form an association on tbe principle of defence, but not defiance. (Hear, hear.) A motion to form an association in the Rhondda district was then formally made, seconded, and unanimously agreed to.—A question was raised as to whether house-coal firemen, as well as steam-coal firemen, should be admitted into membership and a resolution was carried without opposition that house-coal men be admitted aDd that they could afterwards decide whether they should form a separate association of their own.—A chairman, vice-chairman, secretary, treasurer, and 13 committee men having been appointed, the other matters on the agenda were referred to them,

SLIDING-SCALE COMMITTEE. A meeting of the sliding-scale joint committee of the associated collieries of South Wales and Monmouthshire was held on Saturday at tbe Angel Hotel, Cardiff. Sir W. T. Lewis pre- sided, and there were present on the owners'side Messrs C. B. Holland, E. Pó Martin, A. Hood, E. Jones, William Thomas, and W. Gascoyne Dalziel, secretary and on the workmen's side, Mr W. Abraham, M.P. (in the vice-chair), Messrs J. Evans, David Morgan, P. Jones, T. Griffiths, Daniel Jones, M. Weeks, George Howells, T. Davies, T. Isaac, P. Rees, and L. Miles, secre- tary. The committee had a long sitting con sidering the proposed amendment of the sliding- scale, the matter being eventually left to a future meetiag. A correspondent writes :—The first discussion was about some of the new clauses introduced by the workmen, more especially with reference to the prevention ot employers victimising the work- men. A lengthy discussion also took placo reo specting the word "nett in the sentence" nett selling price f.o.b." This discussion continued until the adjournment, when the employers' representatives might in the interval discuss the whole of tbe clauses by tbemselves. At 3.30 they resumed the sitting, when the Chairman inti- mated that tbey bad decided to entertain some of the clauses and amendments, and on tbe other band some would bave to be struck out altogether. The workmen's representatives then retired for upwards of an hotir to discuss tbe employers'propositions, and the ultimate result was that they (the workmen) modified several of their first deplands, but clung to the most impor- tant clanus of their first draft. Upon again re- assembling, the workmen's representatives having placed their objections to the employers' proposi- tions, and the modifications to their (the men's) first draft, tbe two parties failed to agise, the employers adhering to their opinion that six months notice must be given to terminate the old scale, whiist tbe men argued that tbe month, by their constitution would satisfy the law. The meeting then broke up, with the understanding that the workmen will arrange for another dele- gate meeting as soon as possible to discuss tbeir affairs. It WM manifest by both parties that thef were anxious to arrive at an agreement, but were sur- rounned by difficulties. Iu the first place the employers believe that the men's demands are excessive. The men, on the other hand, are com- pelled to adhere to their draft, and to their promises to co-work with the English miners at the commencement of 1890—failing their agree- ment with the masters.

THE CARDIFF TRAMWAYS. Deputation to the Directors. On Saturday the chairman and directors of the Provincial Tramways Ccmpany, who sat at Mr Hern's Office to receive deputations of the men and inspectors of the Cardiff branch, gave t'teir decision on the points in dispute. They promised that all their men should work five days a week, with an hour and twenty minutes for meals. On the Canton section the average hours worked per week will be 71 hours 4-0 minutes: on the Richmond-road section, 72 hours O minutes; and upon all the other trali routes, between 72 and 73 hours and on the 'bus routes as near as possible 72 hours. With regard to the men whose re-installa- tion was part of the petition, it was decided that George Steadman should be taken back, he having satisfied the directors that he had not acted with a fraudulent intention. The other men who were dismissed from the employ of the company, it was agreed, should not be again taken on. It was also decided to appoint a new manager. Other details were left for further consideration. The men's secretary, Mr A. P. Preston, thanked the London directors for the patient manner they had heard the men's grievances, and for the prompt rediess obtained. The half-yearly meat- ing of the men's association will be held next Sunday, when mutual congratulations will no doubt be indulged in at the success which seems at last to have crowned their efforts.

DURHAM MINERS' WAGES. 10 Per Cent Advance Accepted. A meeting of the Durham Colliery Workmen's Federation Board was held in the offices of the Miners'-hall, North-road, Durham, on Saturday morning, to bear the result of the ballot taken by the several associations of enginemea, cokemen, mechanics, and miners as to whether the advance offered by the coalowners should be accepted or rejected. The result was as follows For accepting the advancs of 10 per cent, on all classes cf colliery workmen- .29,910 For rejecting the offer 8,84-3 Majority for accepting .21,067 10 the short time allowed to the workmen for the ballot, 33,755 voted, and the result was deemed most satisfactory. A telegram was despatched to Mr Crawford, secretary to the board, and to Mr Guthrie, secretary of the Coal- owners' Association in Newcastle, announcing the result. The advances will date from to-day and Monday, 9th December, respectively. By the acceptance of the owners' uffer, we are informed that too miners will receive wages 25 per cent, above the basis of 1879.

CARDIFF PITWOOD MEN AND THEIII GRIEVANCES. Another strike ha broken out at Cardiff among the men engaged in discharging pitwood at the Bate Docks. They number 150, and, as in the case of the similar occurrence a few weeks baclr, the points of dispute are wages and overtime. They are at present receiving 6iper ton, and they demand 6d, in addition to which they ask for extra pay for discharging fore- peak and lazarettes, and for general cargo. They contend that with respect to night work they should be treated as the foremen, who receive 4 6d extra. Lastly, they demand that they should be supplied with the weights, in order that they may insure proper payment. It is not expected that this strike will be of long duration, but that a compromise will be speedily effected. The strike of pitwood men at Cardiff has been promptly settled,after very little parley, "wing in no small measure to the action of Mr Gardner, secretary of the trades' council. The men's de- mands, which are understood to mean an advance of about Is 6d a day, have been practically con- ceded.

THE PENTYRCH FORGE. The Pentyrcli Forge is shortly to be re-started by a Dudley company for the manufacture of galvanised iron. The management has been offred to a local gentleman of great ability and wide experience in the production of iron and tin plates. A foot-bridge is about to be thrown ACROSS the Taff near the Portobello Inn, connecting Taff'S Well and Pentyrch. Petitions have been largely signed on both sides of the river, and great pressure has been brought to bear upon the authorities. It is a source of much satisfaction that this long-felt want is at length to be supplied.

THE BRISTOL STRIKE. Our Bristol correspondent telegraphs that on a dcMn vesseU on Saturday perishable and other goods were landed by clerks and crews, who were guarded by police. All cargoes that arrive are being ordered elsewhere. Reports are current that the strike plays into the hands of the middle men, who wish to prevent foreign labour. The Dockers, Riverside, and General Lxbcarers' Union have agreed to a levy of 3 i per day per man for the strikers.

IHE BIRCHGROVE STRIKE, Although this strike has now been on for three months, all attempts at a settlement have proved futile, and employers and empltJyé, are as far as ever from coming to an amicable arrangement. Mr Hodge (Stepl Smelters ASSOC1 ation), Mr J. Hcpkin John (Industrial Times), Alderman Free- man (mayor ot Swansea), and others have endea- voured to being the dispute to a close, but for some reason or other without success.

Strike at Brynmawr. On Saturday the men working in the new slope of the Havod Colliery brought out the whole of their tools in consequence of the proprietors (Messrs Powell and Daniels) refusing to give them an advance on the present scale of payment. The new slope has not long been starred, but already, Considering the small number of hands employed, a good deal of coal has been sent away to the order of Massrs Cory Bros., of Cardiff. The men sadly complain at the rate of wages paid them (Is 5d per ton), whilst on the next field the men are paid a much larger wage. The agent of the men will endeavour to see the proprietors to-day (Monday) with a view to effecting an amicable settlement. South Wales Enginemen, Stokers, do., Association. A special meeting of the executive council of the above association was held at the Victoria Hotel, Poatypridd, on Saturday last, when Mr Whitcombe (agent) was present. He reported that the stokers at Abernant and the fanmen and stokers at Lletty Shenkin had failed to get 6d per day advance, lately conceded by the Powell Duffryn to their stokers. The council unani- mously resolved that the men give their em- ployers notice to terminate contracts, the associa- tion pledging itself to assist the men in every legitimate way. It was reported that the Wernddu enginemen were now working on the old terms pending the decision in the way suggested by Mr Whitcombe, such decision to take effect from the time of restarting. In reference to the question of eight hours on Maritime winding engine it was resolved that Mr Whitcome be instructed to attend to the matter forthwith in conjunction with Mr Abraham.—It was also thought desirable to ask Mr Dalziel why the enginemen, stokers, &c., were not mentioned when the last 2 per cent. advance was granted the colliers as from the 1st of October, the consequence being that several collieries had refused the enginemen, &c., the advance from the 1st of November because these classes were not mentioned in the press.—The meeting, after considering several other matters, and complimenting the agent on his energetic action on behalf of the association, adjourned.

A NEW ENOCH ARDEN. Considerable excitement prevailed in Green- wich and Deptford on Saturday in con- sequence of the unexpected reappearance of a man believed to have been drowned at sea thirty years ago. The man in question, William Henry Parker, arrived in England two or three weeks ago, and has since been busily engaged in searching for his 'wife. On Saturday he succeeded in discovering her whereabouts, only tv find, however, that she, believing him dead, had married a respectable mechanic, and was the mother of a grown-up family. As may readily be imagined, his unexpected appearance in the family circle caused a great amount of consterna- tion. His wife, notwithstanding the lapse of years, BECOON'ISKD HIM IMMEDIATELY, both by his voice and personal appearance. It appears that in the spring of 1857, Parker shipped in a vessel called the William and Mary as a common seamen, for Quebec. On the return journey, in the month ot August of that year, Parker one evening was observed to fall overboard. Boats were lowered and every effort made to save him, but he could not be found, and it was fully believed be was drowned. The captain, on the arrival of the vessel in London, reported his death, and his supposed widow mourned for him as dead, two years afterwards marrying a brass- finisher, with whom she is now living in East Greenwich, and by whom she has a family of five grown-up sons. Parker states that ON THE NIGHT HE FELL OViCRIOAltD be drifted some distance from the vessel before the William and Mary could lower her boats, and was finally. picked up by a Portuguese vessel bound for South America, where he was landed. He baa bad an adventurous career, at one period being forced into the service of a pirate. At another time he was unconscious or delirious with the fever at Palermo, no one know- ing who or what he was, while on yet another occasion he was taken prisoner in the American civil war while running the block- ade with provisions for the South. He found his way to the gold fields, and is now worth a. fair amount of money. Parker gives no explanation of his failure to oommunicate with England. He believes that his wife has been happy with her second husband. A solicitor has been instructed to make 90MO amicable arrangement in this strange affair.

I Monmouthshire Winter Assizes. Mr Justice Stephen arrived at Monmouth on Saturday from Gloucester by the 11.25 a.m. train, aud was met at May Hill station by the High Sheriff (Mr J. A. Bradney), the Mayor (Mr W. Hall), and a posse of police. His lordship attended St. Mary's Church at 3,30 p.m., when the vicar, the Rev Wentwortb Watson, officiated. The business of these assizes was commenced at the Shireball, Monmouth, on Monday, before Mr Justice Stephen. His lordship was accom- panied by the high sheriff (Mr J. A. Bradney), the high sheriff's chaplain, Rev J. T, Harding, and the under-sheriff, Mr M. Edwards. GRAND iUBT. The following gentlemen were sworn on the grand jury :—Sir Henry Jackson, Bart., fore- man Messrs A. D. Berrington, S. C. Bosanquet, H. W. Buddicombe, W. F. Batt, G. Griffin- Griffin, D. W. Jenkins, A. C. Jones, R. H. Oak- ley, R. T. Roberts, C. W. Wilkinson, A. Addams-Williams, C. T. Wallis, G. Willis, .1. T. Price, William HOILL (mayor of Monmouth), Lieut.-Col. Davies, Major Cowburn, and Dr A. Davies.

The Newport Infanticide Case. His Lordship, in charging the grand jury, said tbat none of the cases in the calendar WAS of any considerable importance or curiosity. There was, however, one case which certainly was a very singular, shameful kind of case. It was that of a woman named Cantwell, who, as far as the calendar went, was charged with feloniously and with malice aforethought killing and slaying her infant child. That was not in precise terms a charge of murder, although it contained all the elements of murder. That was not the indict- ment which the jury would have to consider. If it had been necessary to do so, he would have directed that an indictment for concealment of birth should bo framed but he was happy to find that tbe clerk of indictments had already prepared such an indictment, the only one which could legally go before them, or which they could refer to the petty jury. The case was a very singular one. A police-officer went to the house where the prisoner lived, said to her that he beard she had lately bad a child, and asked to see it. The prisoner said, "Very well," and going upstairs produced the body of an infant from a large box beneath the bed. On looking subsequently into this box the bodies of two other children were found, and each of these three children appeared to have had its skull fractured right across. These were circumstaucas as suspicious as anything possibly could be. The policeman said there was a bad smell in tbe room, and this would lead to the conclusion that the fact of tha bodies beinsr there must have been known to the woman and thejsister who slept with her. No one, however, was able to prove that she was pregnant; she refused to be examined, and therefore tha fact, if it was one, of recent birth could not be proved. Two of the three bodies had been kept so long apparently that it was impossible to say whether they were born alive. In one instance it was impossible to say what was the sex of the child. Upon the whole MATTER, all the essential parts of the story rendered it impossible even to prove that the child was born alive, or being born alive, that it got its death from the fracture of the skull; nor was there anything to show how this particular child's skull was fractured. There was no doubt ground for very great suspicion, but there was absolutely nothing, as far as he could judge from tbe depositions, tvhich would enable them to find a bill for murder. There was nothing to show tbat the woman was a mother, or that the infant was born alive. If there was murder —and there was not one, but three murders—he was afraii justice was defeated, because there was no evidence on which the grand jury could refer it to the common jury, nor was ttiere any evidence for the latter—whatever view they might take of the matter—of convicting the woman of murder. It could hardly be imagined that a woman would keep three dead bodies I immediately under her own bed except with the object of concealing the birth of them, and the jury would be certainly justified in saying that she had concealed the bodies. Therefore, they would find a true bill for concealment of birth. The only other case to which his lordship referred was tho charge against a man for attacking his wife at Pontypool. It would be for the jury to consider whether he really did assault his wife, either with intent to murder her or to do grievous bodily harm. He seemed to have made use of murderous expressions towards her, but his lordship did not attach great weight to such things, because when a man was ill-using his wife, or anyone else, he was apt to say a good deal more than be thought at the time. The jury would consider the case, and find whatever bill they thought right. 10 REGARD to a case against Frederick Burgham and WM. Finn, two youths charged with assaulting a girl of 10, his lordship said a curious blunder bad been made, the accused having been improperly before quarter sessions and the indictment quashed. As it had been quashed, there was a practical difficulty in trying the case at those assizas unless the young men and the witnesses attended that court from motives of curiosity. The grand jury then retired to their duties. Mr Ram, for tbe prosecution in the case of Margaret Cantwell, afterwards laid before bis lordship the depositions of a witness (Mrs Waldron) who HAD made a statement of very con- siderable importance. The witness was too ill to attend. His Lordship directed tbat the grand jury should be recalled, and informed them that the accused woman had told the witness that the infant had lived. But no data was given, nor was it ciear which infant was referred to. That was all the statement amounted to, and it was the very narrowest kind of bridge from a state of ignorance to a state in which they could convict a person of wilful murder that he had ever hap- pened to meet with. If the prosecution sent that witnoss before the grand jury, they must state what amount of weight they attached to it. The grand jury afterwards returned a true bill against Cantwell for wilful murder. His Lordship gave soma whispered directions to the clerk of arraigns. After luucheon, Mr Ram submitted to his lord- ship that on the decision of the grand jary and the absence of the material witness, the trial should be postponed until next azzizas.—Mr Bailhache, for the defence, opposed en theground that the particular witness was suffering from affection of the heart, and would probably suffer as much from excitement three months hence as at the present time. It was not by any means certain either that tbe evidence was admissible. —His lordship said tbe thing which pressed most on his mind was that evidence was discovered which unquestionably bad led the grand jury to find a true bill for murder. Under these circumstances both sides ought to have opportunity for con- sidering their position in regard to a totally new accusation in the greatest crime known to the law. It was a misfortune, no doubt, that there should be such a change in the accusation at the last moment. Because he bad directed the jury to find a bill for concealment, he felt that as soon as he was asked not to try the case he must concede the application. Under the peculiar circumstances of tbe case, he thought tbe prose- cution should allow the woman out on bail.—Mr Bailhache said tho woman was in the poorest of circumstances, and could not get bail. HIs Lordship then asked Mr R. Cooke, surgeon, to explain tbe exact meaning ot the language ot the doctor's certificate in regard to Mrs Waldron. The certificate was to the effect that Mrs Waldron was suffering from cardiac valvular incompetency," and could not stand excitement. —Mr Cooke ultimately undertook, at his lord- ship's direction, to return to Newport, visit Mrs Waldron, and report as to her condition next morning. The court then proceeded with

THE TRIAL OF PRISONERS. LOOTING THE EMIGRANTS' TRUNK AT TRKDEGAB. Edmund Ryan, pensioner, was iudicted for receiving J650 and a box, the property of Patrick Mead, at Tredegar, on the 23rd July.—Mr Daniell prosecuted; prisoner was undefended.— The prosecutor, his wife, and children decided to emigrate to America, and had the fifty sovereigns in a trunk. The last night of their residence in Duke-street, Tredegar, appeared to bave been spent in a general carouse. The Meads did not find out the loss of tbe £50 until they reached America. Then it was remembered that the prisoner and bis wife bad spent a lot of money in Tredegar on the day after the departure of the Meads, buying clothing and boots, redeeming things from pledge, paying rent in advance, and crowning the expenditure by telling a watch- maker, from whom the prisoner purchased a 35s watch and chain, that he had drawn money from the Post-office Savings Bank. AU the coins ten- dered by prisoner and bis wife consisted of sovereigns. Julia O'Hern, a neighbour, said she saw prisoner take a purse from his wife's pocket, connt the money in it into bis mouth, and replace it. Another jewelltr, from whom a second watch was purchased the same day, saw a handful of 20 sovereigns in prisoner's hands. The prisoner's wife pleaded guilty to stealing the money before tbe magistrates, aud bad been sentenced to a term of imprisonment.—The jury found prisoner guilty, and he was sentenced to four months'bard labour. ALLEGED CRIMINAL ASSAULT AT CHEPSTOW. Frederick Henry Kingsford (14), Arthur Price (16), and Albert Bodenliam i16j, were indicted for a criminal assault on Laura Grail, 15 years of age, at Chepstow, on the 22ad August.Mr Daniell prosecuted; Mr Cranston defended.— The prosecutrix, who is in the service of Mr Sharp, farmer, Chepstow, was sent on an errand by her mistress to a. houl!e about a mile and a half out of the town, and on her return met Bodenbam, who offered to carry her parcel. The other laja followed, and outraged her.—The defence was that the incident partook of the romping between country lads and lasses, and that nothing in the nature of an assault occurred. —The accused were found not guilty, and were discharged. THE ALLEGED PONTYPOOL OtJTEAOK. Mr Morgan Phillips, barrister, made an appli- cation to his lordship in the case against Frederick Burgham, 15, Collier, and William Finn, 16, collier, for criminally assaultiug Harriett Day, ten years of age, at Pontypool, that tbe trial might be taken at the next sessions, when a new indictment could be taken. The accused were committed for trial BT quarter sessions, and the indictment was quashed, as it appeared erroneous.—His lordship gave leave for the prose- cution to take whatever course they thought proper. OUTRAGING A CHILD AT LLANVRECHFA. William Lovejoy, a steel worker, aged 32, was indicted for attempting to outrage Lucy Row- lands, aged eight, in the parish of Llanvrechfa Upper, on October 20tb. Mr Ram prosecuted, and Mr Attlay defended. Prisoner attempted to establish an alibi, but the Judge "aid be could not believe bis 8tatement.-The judge found prisoner guilty, and he was sent to prison for 12 months' with hard labour A RUFFIANLY WIFE BEATER AT GRIFFITKSTOWN. Samuel Hadley, a steel-worker, aged 46, Griffithstown, near Poutypool, was indicted for attempting to murder his wife. Elizabeth Hadley, on October 15th.—Mr J. M. Phillips prosecuted. —Prisoner went to his bouse in a very evil temper, commenced to quarrel, then knocked his wife down, kicked her, dragged her about by the hair of the head, and then attacked and beat her on the bead with a pair of tongs, inflicting DO le"3 than 12 scalp wounds. He admitted the attack, but said he was greatly provoked by bis wife.— The jury found prisoner guilty of wounding with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm. He had been previously sent tol2 months' imprisonment for an attack on his wife, and he was now sentenced to seven years'penal servitude. The court then adjourned.

The Newport Infanticide. The only case remaining for disposal at Mon- mouthshire Assizes on Tuesday was the indict- ment on the capital charge of murder against Margaret Cantwell at Newport, in August last. Mr Justice Stephen on the previous day directed Mr R. Cooke, surgeon, to proceed to Newport and make a special report as to the condition of Eilen Waldron, tbe witness whose evidence was pitched at the court at the last moment, and after the grand jury had retired, by the lawyer acting for the Crown. The witness was certified to be suffering from cardiac valvular incompetency, and this phrase the surgeon had been cailed to assist his lordship in reduoing to the average human compre- hension. When the court assembled on Tuesday morning, his lordship enquired what was the result of tbe surgeon's mission. Mr Ram said that Mr Cooke had visited the witness in company with the solicitors on both sides, and found that she had no heart disease as such, but that she was suffering from aggravated hysteria, probably accelerated from the recent loss of a child. It was thought that the hysteria would DISAPPEAR by the time the next assizes cama round. TIM witness stated that Hannah Cant- well, a sister of the accused, had also made A statement to her that the child was alive. The evidence therefore became all the more essential, and he thought in the interests of the prosecution she should be heard. Mr Bailhache, for the defence, regretted that the prosecution had seen fit to tell his lordship what Mrs Waldron had said, because, as he was informed, she bad since qualified the statement, and it was now entirely different from what Mr Ram bad represented it to be. He again urged that it would be a great hardship if the prisoner was detained in custody for another throe or four months, and hoped care would be taken to bring the circumstances to the knowledge of the judge who presided at the next assizes for the county. His Lordship said bo felt it was nobody's fault that this statement was not made before the magistrates in the usual way. It was a mis- fortune, but the circumstances of the case were the most extraordinary in every respect. He felt that be had no alternative but to postpone the trial until the next assizes. Whatever light had been thrown on the case caused questions of the very gravest, kind to arise. He was sorry that the accused woman should have to be kept in prison a long time—that was if her friends could not get bail for her, and he had no doubt this fact would be considered when the trial took place. He would take care, as soon as it was settled which of his colleagues was appointed to tbe circuit, that he would mention to him the peculiar circumstances of the cases. Mr Bailhache expressed bis thanks to his lord- ship for this act of gracious consideration. His Lordship offered to assent to bail being taken if a reasonable amount of surety could be obtained. If any person took an interest in the prisoner, and was charitably disposed towards her, it would give them an opportunity to save her from imprisonment until the next assizes. The accused woman was then called into tho dock, and informed by Mr Lyndon Moore, her solicitor, of the decision to postpone the trial. The recognisances of the witnesses were then enlarged until next assizes, and the business of the assizes terminated.

SAD SUICIDE OF A CARDIFF TRADESMAN. Overwhelmed by Domestic Affliction. At the Roatb police-station, on Friday even- ing, Mr E. B. Reece, district coroner, held an inquiry into the circumstances attending tbe death of William Smith, aged 52, a newsagent, late of 141, Clifton-street, Roath, who was found in an unconscious state hanging from a boam in a shed at the rear of his house on Friday afternoon. The deceased was the father of the boy who is now lying in a dangerous condition at the infir- mary suffering from the effaces ot tha revolver accident that took place oniy a few weeks ao. P.C. (12) Gadsby deposed tbat be was called to the house about two o'clock, where he saw the deceased suspended from a beam as aforesaid. He at once cut the rope, and immediately sent for Dr Maurice Evans, of Newport-road, who pro- nounced the man to have boen dead for some time. Robert Smith, a lad of 13, said that be saw his father, who since the death of his mother had lived with bis uncle, Mr Fry, of 41, Ordell- street, go into tbe bouae, which has been tenant- less for several weeks, shortly after nine in the morning. Not seeing him leave, be got over the back wall, when he saw bis father banging from the ceilirg. He called for help, and P.C. Gadsby soon arrived. Dr Evans testified to death having been almost instantaneous. The testimony of subsequent witnesses revealed a sad state of things. The sudden death of the unfortunate man's wife, followed so soon by the terrible accident to the son, they were of opinion, tended to develope melancholia,which,eventually, must bave unhinged his mind. By the direction of the coroner, the jury re- turned a verdict to the effect that the deceased bad committed suicide whilst of unsound mind.

POLICE AND THE PUBLIC. Scene at Haverfordwest. AT the Haverfordwest petty sessions, held at the Sbire-hall, Haverfordwest, on Monday—be- fore the Mayor (Mr T. J. White) and a. fuli bench of magistrates—22 persons were summoned for letting off fireworks, &c., on the night of November 5th. Amongst the list of persons charged were several little boys between nine and twelve years of age. The cases excited the greatest interest, and the spacious hall was crowded to excess during the bearing of tbe charges, which occupied about three hours.—Supt. Francis prosecuted on behalf of the police.—Most of the defendants appeared, and some admitted the offences with which tbey were charged.—The bench retired to consider their verdict, and on their return into court the Mayor said that tbe charges against Henry Adams, John Dixon, and Charles Rees bad been, in t be opinion of the bench, entirely disproved by evidence. With regard to the other charges, they had unanimously decided to dismiss them. (Loud and prolonged cheering.) After order had been restored, the Mayor added :—The bench also wish me to say that for the future they hope they will not have brought before them children of such tender years as some of tbe defendants whose cases wo have just heard. At the conclusion of the Mayor's remarks there was another outburst of cheering, which was continued notwithstanding the efforts of tbe constables to suppress it. Groans for the police were also given. James Harries, labourer, 63, was summoned for being drunk in High-street on Saturday night, 23rd of last month.—Defendant denied the offence.—P.C. 30 deposed to seeing the defendant falling down in High-street, Market-street, and Upper Market-street, where he then apprehended bim and locked him up.—Tha bench dismissed the charge, remarking that tbey considered the police were not justified in taking anybody into custody unless they were incapable or guilty of riotous behaviour.—The decision cf tbe bench was again received witb loud cheers,

MRS MAVBRICK, Christmas are at Woking. The honorary superintendent of tbe Red Cross (deserving unconvicted prisoners' defence) Asso- ciate, 41, Clerkenwell-green, recently applied to tbe Home Secretary for permission to supply the female convicts at Woking Prison and tbe male convicts at one of the smaller prisons—about 1,100 or 1.200 in all-with a Christmas dinner, to con- sist each of lib. plum pudding, one pork pie, roll of white bread and butter, one pint ot coffee, lib. of seed cake, one orange, one apple, and half a pint of nuts (unknown arti- cles in prison), accompanied by a Christmas letter of a moral atl!1 elevating tendency, the proposal being a small Christian effort to cheer tbe lives of a few prisoners at that festive season and which he 'thought would have a good and ennobling effect upon them." He also offered to send to each of the warders a small Christmas present. The Home Secretary has replied tbat" whilefulJy appreciating the motive which prompted the offer, be regretted that, having regard to all the circumstances, be would not feel justified in acceding to the application." No difference is made at Christmas in the food of the prisoners. The gentleman above referred to is now organising a distribution of Christmas food, with new and cast-off clothes, amongst neces- sitous wivea and children of men in prisou, and invites co-operation and assistance from any persons willing to help.

JUSTICE WillS ON THE TREAT. MENT OF PRISONERS. Mr Justice Wills, at Leicester, on Friday, called attention to the disgraceful treatment of prisoners at Leicester Castle. He said he was painfully surprised to learn that prisoners waiting for trial were confined in boxes which were only 2ft. by 1ft. 8in. It shocked his senss of justice that prisoneis should be rendered miserable in such places—in cupboards in which no lady would hang her dress. It must be done away with, as it was intolerable that human beings should be ahat up in boxes which were unfit for the accom- modation of dos.

SUICIDE OF A MAGISTRATE. The Press Association's Buckingham corres- Sondent telegraphsEarly on Saturday Mr Richard Proctor Greaves, J.P., of Grove Hill. Buckingham, shot himself dead in a closet of his house. He had appeared to be in a desponding state of mind for sopae little time past. He was a large landowner, a well known agriculturist, and held mallY important positions in the DISTRICT, —

ST AMDHEW8 DAY. Caledonian Dinner at Cardiff. The third annual dinner of the Cardiff Cale- donian Society was held on Saturday evening at the Lesser Park-hall. The hall was comfortably filled, and the peculiar heartiness and good fellowship which always distinguish such gather- ings were conspicuous throughout a very pleasant evening. Lieutenant-Colonel Guthrie occupied the chair. Throughout the dinner the Scotch element was naturally prevalent. The soups were cockileekle aud Scotch broth; "codlin', skate, and maybe berrin'" followed; then came tho" chieftain of the puddin' race," the haggis pheasants an' paitricks came next; while the sweets were served under the designation tuith- some bits." The menu was covered with happy and appropriate quotations from the poets. Mr Hunt's catering was marked by its usual excel- lence and completeness. Dinner being over, the royal toasts were drunk, after which Dr Campbell proposed "The Army, Navy, and Reserve Forceq.C,iptain Vaugban and Capt. Pomeroy responded. Mr JAMES WACGH gave "The Land of Cakes." It was best for a Scotchman, he said, to turn his eyes and thoughts sornotitnei to his native land. Love of country, whether it was a principle, A sentiment, or a fact, deserved recognition, and was capable of the highest good for national life. (Applause.) Mr JOHN GUNN, who responded, said that to his mind it was one of the best phases of their national life that while they bad a harmonious whole,their various nationalities not merely main- tained, but asserted their peculiar position relatively to the British Empire. (Hear, hear.) There were higher ideas than those which centred round a river or a channel and separated nation- alities. While he trusted that Scotchmen would maintain all that they enjoyed, be hoped they would not forget their duty to the town and county in which they lived. He sometimes thought that they sounded their trumpets too long and too loud, but he hoped that they would show that they contributed their share to the development of their adopted town, and that they would join with Welshmen and all true men in the promotion of all that was noble and honour- able within its walls. (Loud applause.) The CHAIRMAN proposed the toast of The Caledonian Society," giving a brief account of I its objects. He was glad to sny that the Scotch independence of character and the manner in which they were taught their trades lod to their very seldom being in need of assistance, and the society consequently had not to expend much money in relief. (Hear, hear.) He concluded by paying a warm tribute to the women and mothers of Scotland, to whose influence ha considered Scotchmen owed most of their best character- istics. (Applause.) The toast was drunk with enthusiasm, and, in response, Mr Bruce Lovie stated that, during the year, £1 19s 6d had been expended in relief, that the balance at the bank was nearly £120, and the expenses were more than met by the yearly subscription?. He noted as a curious fact that in the case of two of the principal Cale- donian dinners held that night in England, the chairmen were connected with Cardiff. The Marquis of Bute was presiding over the Scottish Corporation of London, and Colonel Hill, M.P., at the Bristol dinner. (Applause.) Mr DAVID DUNCAN toasted Kilted Scots the World o'er." It was a peculiarity, he said, in the character of Scotchmen that they never forgot a brother Scot, and on that night many of them throughout the whole world were thinking of those who were separated from them and were hving far away from their native land. Mr MACKIE responded. Mr Low briefly proposed "The Land we Live In," and paid a glowing tribute to the music and literature of Wales. The Mayor of CARDIFF, who was well received, responded. He spoke on behalf of another land of cakes, bakestona cakes, and if he had any claim to be present that night it was because he was born in Yorkshire, on that broad road to which references had been made that evening. (Laughter.) He had noticed that Scotchmen bad the knack of finding certain places where there was something to be got hold of. It had been said that they were fond of breaking down mono- polies, but be was afraid they also liked to make them. It was not the beautiful scenery of Wales that brought them down, although much had been said of their love of mountain, valley, and meadow. HE thought that they admired more the muddy flats of Penarth-road, (Loud laughter.) They called upon Wales to give up their treasures, and then carried them away on waggons with thistles upon them. He didn't blame tbem, only they should let the Yorkshire men have a stiare. (Laughter.) Wales bad done much for them, and be prayed that they should live long and be happy in the land in which they lived. (Applause.) The CHAIRMAN announced that be had received teleerams containing good wishes from The Macintosh and Lord Bute. Dr PATTERSON proposed "The Visitors." The toast of "The Lasses," proposed by Mr Murrie and responded to by Dr Buist, junr., and of The Chairman," proposed by the Mayor, concluded the list. The proceedings terminated by the singing of Auld Lang Syne."

EISTEDDVOD AT PONTYPRIDD. The principal attraction on the miners' holiday on Monday in the Rhondda district was an eis- teddvod on an extensive scale, held in the spacious market-bail of Pontypridd, and promoted by the members of the Tabernacle Baptist Church in that town. Me J. Blandy Jenkins, J.P., of Llan- barrati, presided, and the Rev J. R. Jones, of Pontypridd, proved a most efficient conductor. The adjudicators were Poetry, Air T. Williams (Brynfab), Pontypridd; music, Mr Maldwyn Humphreys, R.A.M., London, Mr G. F. Live- sey, and Mr Edtfard Williams, R.A.M., Lon- don, A native of Pontypridd. Tho ball was crowded to its utmost limits. The following were the twards Contralto solo, Onid oes balm yn Gilea.d." The prize, 10s fad, was awarded to M. g, whose name did not transpire. Band of Hope Choirs com- petition, Jerusalem my glorious home." The prize, two guineas, was awarded to the Mountain Ash choir, conducted by Mr Humphrey Harris.—Syiwedydd, Llansamlet, represented by Mr fl. J. Roberc., Ponty- pridd, won a prize of 10s for all ode on Cynulliaduu y Croestfyr,i(t. "Soprano solo competition, "The Children's Home, Six competed. Best, Miss Polly j lowlands, Pontypridd.—Harp solo competition, Sweet ilichard," Aneurin Jenkins, Hopkins- town. Tenor solo competition, Y Gadlef." Best out of 13, Dewi Dar.— Choral competition. t, Happy we." prize £10, Only ona choir entered for this competition, viz., the Ponty. pridd United Choir, conducted by Mr James Chick, and which the adjudicator declared bad given an excel- lent rendition of the piece, and had won the prize. (Loud cheers.) The prize for the duet was awarded to Miss Polly Rowlands and Dewi Dar. Bass solo competition, Consume them all." Best out of 13, Mr J. Richards, Cap Coch. Trio competition, Bedd y Dyn Tylawd," Mr Benjanain Harris and party, Mountain Ash. Tha Itev D. Onllwyn Brace won the two guinea prize for the beat stanzas in memory of the late Mr Noah Morgan, Pontypridd.—Pianoforte solo, "March of the Men of Harlech." Prize divided between Mr William Morgan, Dowlais, and Master John Morgan, Pwllgwaun, Pontypridd, who also shared the prize for playing a pianoforte piece on si-ht4- Two brass bands competed for the guinea prize offered for the best processional rendering of a March," and the award was given in favour of Ferndale, conducted by Mr Howe. Brass band competition, The Heavens are tellinsr," prize B7. Three bands competed, the best befng In the Mountain Ash Band, conducted by Mr Shaw, but the president generously presented each of the other bands with balf a guinea each. Next came the chief choral competition, in which great interest was centred. The test piece wasthe" Hal- lelujah Chorus," and the prize JB20, Four choirs c m, peted, aud Bang in the following order :—Pontypridd United Choir (B5 voices), conductor, Mr James Chick Ynysybwl United Choir (130 voices), conductor, Mr J. Davies (Cerddor);Penydarreil Choir (100 voices),conduc- tor, Mr Dan Scourfleld Abercwmboy United. Chair (140 voices) conductor, Mr Thomas (Alawglan Ceynon). The adjudicator (Mr Maldwyn Humphreys) charac- terised the competition as all excellent one in all respects. He had no hesitation in awarding the prize to the Ynysybwl Choir. (Loud and prolonged cheers.) The successful conductor was then invested amid applause, and a guinea was presented to each of the others. In the evening a concert was held, at which there was a large attendance.

MADAME PATTI AND THE "RUSTIC" OPERA, Just before Madame Patti left Wales for America she summoned Mr W. F. Hulley, of Swansea, to Craig-y-Nos Castle for the purpose of presenting through him to the members of the Rustic Opera Company souvenirs of their recent performance at the castle. It will be remembered that a few weeks ago the members of the local opera company were invited to produce the joint production of Mr Hulley and Mr Searle before the diva and a distinguished company. So delighted was she with it, tbat she immediately presented to Miss Flynn, the leading actress, a valuable brooch, and the promised every member of the company- about 50, including the orcbestra-a souvenir of the visit. She has kept her promiso in the most handsome way. Mr Hulley receives a very valuable pin, composed of dia- monds and other precious stones; Mr Siedle and Mr Crews beautiful diamond rings. Some of the other members have presents only a little less valuable, while the remainder have gold PINS in tbe shape of a hoop with words round the circle stating that they are souvenirs of the visit to Craig-y-Nos. The value of the presents is estimated at at least JB150. Madame Patti is having a bijou theatre built at the castle, and on her return from America it will be opened with the production of Mr Hulley'a more POPULAR opera, The Coastguard.

CARDIFF ANITAMERICAN LINERS. The Liverpool Journal of Commerce says :-A project is on foot, it is stated, to make Cardiff a final port in the Transatlantic trade. With this object in view, it is gravely asserted that a gentle- man connected with a large American shipping firm is at CARDIE in order to arrange for the establishment of a regular line of steamers between that port and the United State*. At present the scheme is somewhat vague, but the idea entertained is to run steamers fortnightly between Cardiff and New York. The conclusion of the arrangements will be largely dependent upon facilities being afforded in the way of dues, berthing, Customs arrangements, and railway conveniences. We have A very vivid recollection of the last line of steamers it was endeavoured to establish between New York and Cardiff. The Bcbeme did not at that time pay. It may now, owing to altered conditions, but we doubt it. Cardiff is a grand port for the tramp business, but as for sending ocean liners there, it is rather anticipating the march of circumstances. It may come to this in time, but not in our time. Cardiff i. quite right to pfepftrO foe the next generation.

LIBERALISM AT CYMMER. Mr A. J. Williams, M.P., and Dr Enoch Davies on the Tithe Fund. On Monday evening the quarterly conference of the Liberals of the parish of Llantrissant was held at the Old Chapel, Cymmer. Mr Arthur Williams, M.P., occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance of representatives from all the polling districts in the parish. In the evening a Liberal meeting wa3 held at the New Chapei. Mr W. Phillips, of Hafod, presided, there was a large attendance.— Dr Enocb Daviee, who was heartily re- ceived, gave au address upon che tithe question. The farmers of Cardigan, he said, considered it very inconsistent in Non- conformists to pay voluntary tithes to sup- port an alien Church in Wales'. (Hear, hear.) He came there to beg their material heip, because tha parsons and the Ecclesiastical Com- missioners had not carried out these sales of late in a fair and legal, not to say a Christian, manner. According to the best authorities, these gentlemen had broken the law in order to crush out, if they could, the last atom of Nonconformity. The parsons had distrained upon every bit of food and provender for a small tithe, and had for a sum of L2 or £3 exercised their authority to the extent of J350 worth of goods. (Cries of "Sbame.") There were five cases now pending. They them- selves were poor, and he appealed to all Noncon- formists and Liberals in Wales to assist them in fighting a common cause. (Applause.) MI JOHN DAVIKS proposed,— That this meeting expresses its deep sympathy with those tenant farmers who have made such a spirilefland courageous protest against the payment of tithe for the support of the Established Church in Wales, and pledges itself to do all in its power to assist them in defending themselves against harsh and vindictive legal proceedings. THE resolution was carried with enthusiasm.—Mr Arthur Williams, M.P., in a forcible ad- dress, said that it was not enough to defend the tithed Welsh farmers from distraint. The Welsh members and the Liberal organisations which represented the people should set op foot a wide, proper, and determined national move- ment. (Applause.) It was by small subscrip- tions from Is upwards from workmen and small tradesmen that the funds for making this prac- ticable should come. He hoped they would be able to have a conference at which all classes, from their member to the labourers in each county could be represented, to assert their rights. (Hear, hear.) The conference would have to put forward a proper statement of what they claimed to be the rights of the Welsh people, and he hoped that this association would take care that throughout the length and breadth of Wales there should be made a protest under its protection, so that the poor tenant farmer should not be dealt with unfairly, and that it should be made in a proper, law-abiding, and orderly way. (Hear, hear.) He had intended keeping the £10 which he originally meant as a donatiou to the Tithes Fund as a contribution towards this object. But ha had decided that evening to split it up in two and give 25 to Dr Davies in aid of the defence of the Welsh farmer. (Applause.) -Oll the motion of the Rev D. Eiyu Jones, seconded by Mr John Thomas, a vote of thanks to Dr Davies was unanimously carried.—A similar compliment to the Chairman closed the pro- ceedings.

SWANSEA FREE LIBRARY. Proposed Extension. The first meeting of the newly constituted public library committee was held on Tuesday afternoon, under the presidency of the Mayor (Aldermm Freeman). There were about forty members present. THE ELECTION OF OFFICERS. On the motion of Alderman Chapman, seconded by Mr P. Rogers, and supported by Mr Hartland, the Mayor was unanimously elected chairman.—Alderman Jones proposed that Mr Hartland bo re elected senior vice-chairman, but Mr Hartland declined to take the OFFICE because of his intended departure from Swausea..—Major Lewis then proposed that Messrs J. C. Woods and R. D. Bnrnie be the vice-chairmen, and at the same time referred to the loss the library would sustain by the removal of Mr Hartland. The institution never bad a warmer supporter or a stronger friend than Mr Hartland, whose activity, attention to the work, and courtesy to the members he highly eulogised. —The Mayor suggested that the vice-chairmen should be elected separately, and on the two names being submitted in this manner, Mr Woods was elected senior and Mr Burnia junior vice-chairmen. Mr J. Thomas was unanimously re-elected lion, secretary, Mr Islay Young hou. treasurer, and Mr J. Defiett Francis bon. curator of the art gallery. THANKS FOR SERVICES RENDERED, The Mayor thought it due to the late senior vice-chairman to say how much the members of the committee regretted his departure FROIYJ Swansea. No one had taken a greater interest in the institution, and he was sure Swansea would severely feel his loss.-Aldermau Chapman said Mr Hartland deserved the thanks of every in- habitant of the town for the services he bad rendered, and he moved that a very cordial vote of thanks be accorded to Mr Hartlaud for the services ba has rendered in the chair and vice-chair of the free library committee.—Major Lewis seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously.—Mr Hartland expressed bis ap- preciation of the vote passed. He then alluded to the great influence for good the free library must have, and said the more it was developed, and the more the public made use of the advantages it offered for the advancement of culture of every description, the better the town would be in every nespect, and the higher it would rank amongst the boroughs of the kingdom. Mr Hartland added that the committee might take other stepa to make the library more useful. He understood the University at Cardiff was prepared, if requested, and arrange- ments made to guarantee a certain small sum, to supply them with lecturers on scientific, literary, or historical subjects weekly in the institution. A methodical course of lectures might very easily be arranged without interfering with any existing scientific classes in such a way that solid and valuable information might be given the people in a popular and inter- esting way. If the committee took up that suggestion, he should be glad to give £10 109 towards the guarantee fund.—Alderman Chap- man seconded, and the motion was carried. THE DAT OF MEETING, It was decided that the meetings ba held tbe first Tuesday in each month at 7.30 p.m., at the library buildings.

THE SUNDAY-CLOSING AOT, Another Prosecution at Swansea, At the Swansea poiice-ccurt on Tuesday, Ebenezer Edwards, landlord of the Neath Arms, Morriston, was summoned for committing a breach of the Sunday Closing Act on the 17th ult. P.C. Thomas said he visited the inn at 4 p.m., and found tbera three men, who said they had come from Glais. While he was taking their names two more men entered, and the laudlord before serving them only asked where they lived, and received the reply "St. Thomas." The three men first found in the house were called, and they said they had occasion to go to Mortiston on busi- ness a person connected with the Diamond Drill Boring Company having appointed to meet them there. He, however, did not do so. It transpired that the other two men could not be traced, as neither the constable nor defendant had taken their names. The Stipendiary said, in regard to the three men from Glais, there was evidence that, though they had not travelled three miles, they were travellers within the meaning of the act as set forth in a recent decision. The men bad business in the neighbourhood, and, therefore, with a liberal stretch of the doctrine which he (the Stipendiary) tried to lay down the other day, they might say they had business to perform which would take some considerable time, and were therefore entitled to assume the character of bona-fide travellers. Such being the case, the landlord was relieved, so far as the three men were concerned, from all liability. But then came the question of the two men who said they came from St. Thomas. With respect to them there ap- peared to be a great want of care and diligence on the part of the landlord in admitting them. He ought to have entered their names in a book or on a sheet of paper, for by his neglect to do so all clue was Ion as to their whereabouts, and so they could not be found to prove the accuracy of their statement. Defendant had with respect to them neglected to carry out the precautions stipu- lated in the Act of Parliament, and would be fined 40s. Mr Smith, who defended, asked the stipendiary if he gave judgment on a question of law or fact. The constaule had an opportunity of getting the men's names and addresses as well as the land- lord. If his worship decided on a question of law, then he (Mr Smith) would ask for a case. The Stipendiary said Mr Smith might be able to construe a point of law out of the decision.

WALES AND LOCAL OPTION. The Merionethshire Temperance Association has been taking a plebiscite of the county on the question of the liquor traffic. The number of inhabited houses in the county is 10,904, and the papers of questions which were submitted to the residents were, with comparatively few excep- tions, returned filled up in whole or in part. Several, however, replied to only one of the two questions submitted. The following IS the tabu- lated result:— 1. Are you in favour of giving the ratepayers the power of deciding, by direct veto, the num- ber of licenses to be granted within the district ? Yes, 6,476 No, 186 Neutral, 312.-2. Are you in favour of the prohibition of all licences for the common sale of intoxicating liquors? Yes, 5,531 No, 662 Neutral, 463. In looking over the returns for each parish, we note that the most thickly populated slate Quarrying districts are as decidedly in favour of local option, and even of prohibition, as are the more sparsely inhabited agricultural parishes.

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS EXTINGUISHED, At Waterford city oourt, on Tuesday, Mr C. P. Redmond, proprietor and editor of the Waterford News, was sentenced by two resident magistrates to a further term of two months' imprisonment, making a total of seven months and 14 days, for publishing articles of an intimi- datory nature against cattle dealer* And a land- lord.

THE LATE MR T. A. WALKfcfc Memorial Service at Barry. The bmployé of the lata Mr Thos. A. Wa held a memorial service at the Barry Missio on Suuday afternoon. The hall ra^,m" black, ana a beautifully-designed ..morjag] £ .i screen had been put up behind the reading- The building was densely crowded, auinae8Cjal the men being unable to get admiaston. Dp hymns werti sung with mucli effect by » choir. Mr E. D. Jones presided, and the °R° jjgy-. servica was conducted by Canon Allen and J. Price. After prayer and singing Rev» «je. Allen addressed the assembly. He describe Waiker as a man of great strength of cbara Sucb a life as Mr Walker's had not been h*e vain. It was a high and noble Christian jg0 for every one of them. The Rev. J. spoke. d t0 Mr LEWIS WILUAMS, who had been a5. 5 J^R speak on account of his long friendship with Walker, delivered an address which crsat%e(l profound impression, many present being Ul°Í\1r to tears. In tha course of His remarks g Williams said: We mest to-day under shadow of a great sorrow. One whom th- Pr unite in describing as one of the greatest rue.I^gj; this century has been summoned from our ui' as It SGem, to us, all too early, leaving tbousaB behind to treasure a thrice biessed memory. So when a good man dies, For years beyond his ken The light he leaves behind him lies Upon the paths of nieu. Of such a combination of strength and etllene skill and courage, honour and truthfulnei! patience and energy, history furnishes few striking illustrations (ban the life of ^0fne(| Andrew Walker. His monuments are 'n £ l?a| such, as the Manchester Examiner said, "kings might cjvst, aud covut in vain, and w only fulness of time will bring to greater Per.u0 tion and power of blessing. With all massive strength of that character, at times S t stern, yet "he was so lovable." was the darkest hour that has dawned upou t0 homes of the widows and orphans for many a *0°ij year. It was frequently asked to what c'lur{L Mr Walker belonged. He belonged to all w loved the Lord Jesus Christ. The øer: isms of the age ho could not tolerate. If tbf Master spoke to-day, be would say of him aS 0 Nathaniel, "A Christian, iudaed." mission halls on every works have their mim3'0. and evangelists selected from Anglican, aud Methodist Churches alike. That which IDOs marked Mr Walkei'a life was his love of tb8 Word of Few laymen wore more COI1 versant with its hidden teachings. His IO for tho Word was strongly evinced by. t deep interest he took in the Bible societY; always presiding at the annual meeting at tb, works, where frequently as much as £50 a y was raised. Ho. too, was a mau of l'rayer— in bis own household, and 110 one wbo shared those devotions will ever forget how, morninft aP f eve, he used to plead for the Divine protection it the men on the works. His prayers were x;1od of praise and petition. Seldom was he happl than iu leading the Sabbath evening prayer ui0e ing at tho mission-hall, and few men could rePe,9. from memory so many of tho choicest hymnsoftu various Christian Church hymuals. Many a t.IIJ16. when the dactors had given up as hopeless serlO", cases in the hospital did he gather three or four godly men for prayer, and to-day many, art the tokens in spared lives on the works of to effectual fervent prayers of righteous mlOn. g! found time in the midst of that busy lifa to conduct a large Sunday school, examining scholars on the previous Sunday's lessoOi delivering au address at the close, beside ducting the men's Bible class. L'ke Carlyle, afl intense hater of shams, his religion was that of bl5 Master's—tba religion of everyday life which b brought, but not ostentatiously, into all tba pertained to business as well as worship. It wal deep, earnest, aud practical. His men we re him not so many hands, so many machines, bo« so many souls. He could not do too much their physical or moral welfare, providing, as did, hospitals, schools, colfee taverns, READING" rooms, recreation grounds, etc, which the men sl! valued that to-day Walker's uavvies" are verbial as men who did an honest day's work ffl an honest day's pay, and as a sturdy navvy apt 1 remarked on Friday last—" There's not a Kia a mongst the thousands of us that did not 1°' and trust our master." The whole congregation stood for some til119 at the close in silent prayer for the family.

"HOME COLONIZATION." This was the subject of an address d livered on Tuesday evening in tha West-gr0*. Schoolroom, Cardiff, by tho Rev Herver" V. Mills, author of Poverty and the There was a good audience, presided over*?' Dr A. C. E. Parr. Mr Mills having passed1 review the ancient methods ot relieving the poor, dwelt at length upon tha poor ia&s' Of these he manifested the inherent vicioueness, their degrading influence upa those brought under their operation, ;4n tbeir failure to accomplish that which ba tbeir cbieE aim. AU discussions to tbe relative vaiue out outdoor *n indoor relief were, he said, wide of tlJ mark; tbe initial objection was to almsgiving, tbe giving of doles was bad and mischievous. A0 principle of the poor law was to trea destitute men as the wastrels of society* and its consequence often was to make the so. Out door relief was opea to Ii objection that it tended ts lower wagaS* Waat should be given was work, 110 money. (Hear, bear.) He criticised severelt the casual ward system, declari that it degrading to good men, and the i conditions were exactly what some inferl1; despot would frame in order to Jll good men into bad. Only one 1l1 „ of relief should be offered that work. Numberless difficulties stood in tbe of giving work, and that was the system of giving doles was contin00 i In NewcastLe-upm-Tyne workhouse a system 0 employing the inmates upon useful had proved completely successful. ø Liveipool, a philanthropic effort to e[11' ploy the poor haa failed, becaus the promoters were nnable to dispose of the Pr duct of labour. The great difficulty they a I; to face was the finding of a mi* he for their product, and this cculd met only by making tbe market. *7- proposition, therefore, was to poor in home colonies, bringing together industrial villages different classes .,g workers, so that all tha necessaries of might be produced, and each v become self-supporting, as were tbe 0 nC| colonies of America and the Welsh Dutch colonies in South America at the presPIJ day. Mr Mills described the success bad attended colonies of this character 1 North Holland, and pointed to the vast traCj.a of land lying idle in certain of Great Britain which would afford '.j fields for experiment. Such colonies WoU 1 afford a reasonable and an effectu labour test, driving away the loafers. e Several gentlemen addressed the audience at e close of the lecture, including Mr Short, of t 1 Guildford-street Methodist Society; Df °(t6 of the Society of Friends, and Mr Carslake Thompson. The proceedings with the usual votes of thanks. t Mr Mills lectures this (Wednesday) evening Swansea, and to-morrow at Bridgwater. Home Colonization Society seeks to ra1 t a fund of £25,000 with which to copdu the experiment described, and towards this a of over £ 7,000 has been contributed. The sc^eI?t has won uigh approval of public men in diff*10 parts of tha country and Mr Mills's eptbiJ siastic and intelligent advocacyj strengthened the abundance of facts he brings in support arguments, must gain for his scheme the attend it merits.

WORKMEN'S SCHOLARSHIPS AT CARDIFF COLLEGE. On Monday morning a meeting of the rep; sentatives of the ten collieries owned by j Dowlais Company was held at Bryn Saion cua; Dowlais. The chair was occupied by x 6. Davies, the chairman of the works comm The deputation from tha college consisted of Richard Davies (the secretary of the appeal co mittee), the Rev O. L. Roberts, and Mr James.—The Chairman introduced the ubjactlit a few pertinent remarks.— Mr Davies Jg explained tbe object which the appeal comm^1 #hfl have in view.—Mr Ivor James detailed^ 1 success of the college and of tbe education movement in Wales during the past six year; —Mr Roberts made a strong appeal to the Jen of combine for the purpose of the formation If scholarships tenable at the college by the so and daughters of the workmen of the ten At the close of the proceedings, a resolution pledging those present to do all in their power carry out tha objects of the committee, < passed with great enthusiasm. The proposer pe this resolution stated that a contribution of penny per month from each collier eroploy 01 under the company would produce a B11AaW £ 120 a year—a sum fairly sufficient to four scholarships.

CARDIFF HEALTH COMMITTEE. Increasing Salaries. be A meeting of this committee was held Town-hall, Cardiff, on Monday, wben present Alderman Jacobs (chairman), the I*1 (Alderman W. Sanders), Drs a0ce, James, and Councillors Brain, Tro Lewis, Richards, Vaughan, and T. 0;y'ad An application for an iucrease of salary rec from Dr Walford (medical officer of health) considered, and, after a prolonged discussio was resolved to increase the salary as 106 froØl officer to the Urban Sanitary Authority r £ 300 to £ 400, and tbat the salary (»* annum) for his services as medical officer Port Sanitary Authority remain as hereto or

BABY-FARMING AT SOUTHPORf At the Town-hall, Birkdale, Soutliport,y of Saturday, an inquest was opened on tn o0 Rosine Elizabeth Norris, Oldfield. who Thursday last, this being the third of tbe C itb her in charge of Elizabeth Pearson, who, iø husband (William Pearson), was pr6 „[^eo, custody. Evidence of identity having beThe twO the inquiry was adjourned sine die. tha prisoners were afterwards charged tllt ano magistrates with causing the chlId^,juation. remanded pending a post mortem exam er :Burner.

LAMPS with Evered' Patent ups«fc in" light withont removing globe or chnnn"mnDeal** etautly go out. Ui all Ironmongers n