Evening Express

DYNAMITE OUTRAGE IN SPAIN. A dynamite outrage has occurred in Orense, where a bomb was exploded in the office of a local newspaper, the Eco di Orense." Considerable damage was done, but no one was injured.

THE KING OF THE BELGIANS. Nice, Saturday.—The King of the Belgians, with Princess Clementine, arrived this morn- ing at the Regina Hotel, Cimiez. They pro- pose making a stay of three weeks.—Central Newa.

Winding Enginemen's ¡ Wages. THE DISPUTE IN THE WESTERN VALLEYS Conference at Cardnf. A further conference between the committes appointed by the Monmouthshire and South Wales Coalowuers' Association and represen- tatives of the men. in reference to the demands of the winding engineuien in the Western Valleys of Monmouthshire, was held at the offices of the association at Cardiff to- day. Mr. T. H. Deakin presided, and Mr. W. Brace occupied the vice-chair. In the first instance the winding engincmeii demanded ¡ an increase of pay. The employers made an offer, which resulted in the men's representa- tives putting forward an amended proposal. Both the propositions were discussed on the 14th inst.. and the consideration thereof was resumed to-day. The proceedings lasted for nearly three hours, and, although the em- ployers showed every desire to come to an amicable settlement, botli sides, separated without any definite conclusion being arrived at. Whether another conference will take place appears to be dependant upon any further proposals which may be submitted.

Trade and Shipping. [ 1.■, LOCAL CHARTERING THANSAOTIONS. CARDIFF. EXCHANGE. Saturday. The local freight market continues in a very unsettled state as a result of the holidays, from the effect of which it cannot be expected to recover for some days. The following are included among the latest transactions reported: — OUTWARD -STEAMERS. Cardiff to Naples, 5s delivery Naples, 5s 700 delivery, 3,100 tons Hamburg. 4s 6d „ Port Said. 58 Bremerhaven, 48 CARDIFF.-ARRIV ALS. ROATH DOCK. Dec. 27.—Andros, s, 1.913. Xorth Sands, s. 2.253. Dec. 28,-Deerhound. s. 1,052. Trevalgan, s, 1,561, Brake, light. Themis, s. 1,927. Melrose Abbey, s, 736. Hexham, a, 1.046. Formby, s, 132. Middlesborough, tram rails and sole plates. Helen Otto. s. 902, London, light. BUTE EAST DOCK. Dec. 23.—Pallas. 50, Bristol, wheat. BUTE WEST DOCK. Dec. 27.-Saperb, 51, Bristol, burnt ore. Regina, 49, Bristol, burnt ore. Portadown, a. 77, Larlingford, broken stone. Juno, a, 374, Ghent, potatoes. Dec. 28—Lady Salisbury, a, 4, Roads, light. IMPORTS.—December 27 and 28. Bristol, Superb, burnt ore, C. Tennant, Sons Bristol, Regina, burnt ore, C. Tennant, Sons Carlingford, Portadown, s, broken stone, New- port County Council Ghent, Juno. s, potatoes, William Young Bristol, Pallas, wheat. New Cardiff Milling Co. (Limited) Middlesborough, Formby. s, tram rails and sole plates, W. Harpur, Cardiff borough engineer Foreign Fixtures. LONDON, Friday. The market tor tonnage was of a holiday character. Fixtures:- Landa, steamer, 2.900 tons, prompt, Sulina, 10s 9d new charter or any. lis 3d Hamburg. Lindisfarne, steamer, 4,300 tone, January 1— 25, Sulina to London, Hull, Antwerp, or Rot- terdam, 9s 6d. George Heaton. steamer. 2.800 tons, January 1-15, Odessa, 10s new charter. Vienna, steamer, January. Bombay. 15s one, 158 6d two ports United Kingdom or Conti- nent; Hamburg, 6d extra. Movements of Local Steamers. Wragby left Bremerhaven for Cardiff 24th. Wandby arrived Liverpool 24th. Garth left the Tyne for Boulogne 27th. Derwen arrived Theodosia 24th. Blodwen arrived Port Said 25th. Margaret Jones left Constantinople for I Odessa 25th. Gliarles T. Jones arrived Rotterdam 25th. Inver left Havre for Swansea 25th. Gransha arrived Rouen 26th. Alacrity arrived Dieppe 26tli. Romsdal left Huelva for Antwerp 24th. Euterpe arrived Algiers 25th. Ashby left Swansea for the River Plate 24th. Goldcliffe arrived Tonnay Charente 25th. Treherbert arrived Maryport 25th. Castanos arrived Biyth 26tli. Lavernock arrived Genoa 25th. Gwentland arrived Nantes 25tb. Tredegar left St. Xazaire for Bilbao 27th. Parana arrived Aarhnus 27th. Turquoise left New York for Norfolk 25th. Birkda-le left Amsterdam for Cardiff 27th. Commonwealth passed Constantinople for Sulina, 27th. Segontian arrived Patras 26th. Ordovician arrived Malaga 26th. j.* •• « 1? I II f- 2 5 £ to fc H a fc a •5 SS -r C* v sr. Satur- 1 orni'g 8 8 7 57 8 4 9~^ 9 3 day, J Kre-ng 8 30 8 J9 8 26 9 19 9 J9 Dee. 28 ( eight 54 b 32 7 34 1' 36 8 36 0 Sun- t Mom'ig 8 52 8 41 is 48 9 45 9 4b day, < Kyening 9 ]"> 9 2 9 10 9 58 j 10 0 Dec. 29 f li eight 3j 8 31 6 33 7 35 3 34 7 Mon- Momi'ir 9 -~4 9 25 V 31 10 ^4 10 25 cIr.V. j-.vaniuff 9 54 9 44 9 5J .'0 3S 10 40 I'ec. 30 Height ."2 7 30 2 32 0 3$6 32 9 Tues- ilviorui'g 10 13 iu 4 10 9 11 1 11 3 day, ■{ Evening 10 i2 JO 23 10 28 !1 15 II 17 Dec. 31 Height 31 4 28 7 30 2 31 5 30 7 "E Dock Bill. JAl'vi.aurii* Dock. tRoath Basin

Shipping Casualties, I, [Lloyd's Telegrams.] Diadem, brigantine. of Belfast. stranded on end of Holyhead breakwater early this I morning; rocket party made fast hawsers on breakwater to prevent her failing out: will probably become total wreck. Henri ette.-Astoria, Oregon, cables: French barque Henriette, lumber-laden, grounded at low water, and has sunk in the har- bour; the bottom is hard; decks under water high tide: will bold survey at once. Koningen Regentes, Dutch steamer, arrived Suez, one blade of propeller broken; enters dry dock to fit spare one.

TO-DAY'S MARKETS. MEAT. London, Saturday.-Beef trade quiet—Scotch long sides, 3s 8d to 4s 4d; English sides, 3s 8d to 3s lOd, United States sides (Liverpool killed), 3s 7d to 3s 9d; Deptford killed, 3s 7d to 3s 9d; American hindquarters, 3s 9d to 4s 2d; fore- quarters. 2s 6d to 2s 8d. Mutton trade steady- Scotch, 4s 2d to 4s 6d: English wethers, 3s 8d to -Is; ewes, 2s 8d to 2s lOd; New Zealand, Is lid to 2s 7d; Sydney and River Plate, Is lOd. PRODUCE. London. Saturday.—Sugar: Home-refined slow and unchanged; German granulated (':111 ,-firsts ready sellers 8s 5id. May-August 8s 33; beet flat-December sellers 6s 7ia. April done 6s 9^d, May 6s lld, June 7s Id, August 7s 21d. Coffee steady-May sellers 37s 9d. Linseed oil 30s to 30s 3d; rape and cotton unchanged; tur- pemtine 27s 4Jd. Hull linseed 288 9d, crude cotton 19s Wd, refined 21s. FISH. Cardiff, Saturday.—Large supplies offered for sale, but very few buyers. Prices realised were:—Live whitings 6d, headless ditto Is to Is Id, hake Is, rays and skate 6d, codlings 6d per stone; furred Australian rabbits 9s per dozen. Wholesale dealers' prices :-Bream Is 6d, ling Is 6d. pollock Is 6d, hake 2s, negrame Is 9d per stone; sprats 6s per pot. Grimsbyb, Saturday.—A very fair supply brought in by about 45 vessels, for which there was a brisk demand. Quota tions Soles, Is to Is 4d; turbot, 10d to Is 4d; and brills, 6d to 8d per lb.; plaice, 38 to 6s; lemons, 6s.; whitches, 3e 6d; live halibut, 7s to Se; and dead ditto, 6s per stone; live ling. 4s; dead ditto, 3s 6d; live cod, 7s to 8s: dead ditto, 2s to 4s; live skate. 3s, to 6s: and dead ditto. Is 6d to 3s each; kit haddocks, 166; gibbed, 20s; live dabs, 12s; dead ditto, 9s; and live codlings, 12s per box. POTATOES. London, Saturday—Although supplies to hand this morning were of a very small extent, the demand was very slow. and only a limited business transpired. Quotations:—Best Lin- coln Up-to-dates, 60s to 70s; Blackland ditto, 50s; Wisbech ditto, 60s; Scotch ditto, 45s to 60s; Scotch maincrops (grey soil), 70s: Lincoln main(*rops, 80s to 90s; Reading Giants, 45s; Blackland Gartons, 45s to 47s 6d per ton. HAY AND STRAW. London, Saturday.-Only small supplies were available this morning, and, the market being; under holiday influence, very little resulted. Quotations: -Best clover, 95s to 110s; inferior ditto, 80s to 90s; specially-picked hay, 117s 6d: good ditto. 108s: inferior ditto, 80s to 90s; mixture and >anfoin, 990s to 110s; and] straw, 28s to 40s ptt toad.

TO-DATS RACING. Hurst Park Meeting 12.45^-A MAIDEN HURDLE RACE PLATE OR 100 sovs; stcond to receive 10 fcjvs. 'J.'wi> miles. 3 10 7 Major Edwards's Shann Diiuv Mason 1 3 10 7 Mr H Escott's Kineton B;v Escott ? 3 10 7 Mr Tabor's Agnes Forager A Nightiiigali 2 Also ran Mr Irish's Fergus Belie iD Read-, Mr Young's Flamenco E Driscolii. Mr Poole's Uncle Henry (Eamesi, Mr Black's What Next ,J Walshi, Mr Capon's Designation .Lilf^rd), Captain Gordon's New Norfolk (Piggott-t. Mr Hallick's Bird forth (Mathews). Mr Hibben's Bridle (J Nightiri-galb, Mr Hibbert's lsobario (R Night-ingall'i. Mr A Singer's Li),erte (Don- nelly). Mr Yate s Austerlitz (H Baxl, and Mr Sugg's Postman's Knock (Gibbon'. Betting—2 to 1 a get Shaun 3 to 1 agst Kineton Boy. 8 to 1 a-gst What Next, and 100 to 8 agst. any other. Birdfort,h and Agnes Forager made alternata running from Kineton Boy. Postman's Knock, and Shaun Dhuf. with Flamenco and Liberty last. to the straight, when Agnes Forager went on from Shaun Dhuv, Bridle, and Kineton Boy. Two hurdles from home Shaun Dhay drew out. attended by Kineton Boy. and won by three parts of a length; eight lengths divided the second and third. What Next was fourth. Bridle fifth. Postman's Knock sixth, and Uncle Harry last. !R a cc started at 12.51.> 1.15-The DECEMBER SELLING HURDLE RACE of 10n sovs; winner to be sold for 50 sovs: second to receive 3 sovs. Two miles. 310 0 Mrs Yates's Ruby Ray Wansborough 1 3 10 0 Mr Goodson's Pinefinch Filton 3 5 11 10 Mr Escott's Muggins II W Escott 3 Also ran: Mr Hibbert's Ashling IR Nigh tin- syalP. Mr Joel's Sly Fox d'-Tr Hartigan'. Mr A Pooles's Poll Tax (Eames). Mr Dawtrey's Bucks- foot L Young'. Mr Davis's Outnass 'Masom. la r Bayden 's Anxious (R Nightingalli. Mr Marskc's Ballycoura ITuskollner), Mr Blacks Lighthand (Freemantle), Lord Rothes's Laura (Bingham1, and Lord Buchan's Manhattan Boy (Feakes1. Betting—7 to 4 agst Pinefinch. 4 to 1 agst Anxious, 5 to 1 agst. Light hand, and 10 to 1 agst any other. Ruby Ray cut. out the work from Manhattan Boy, Ashling, Anxious, and Bucksfoot, with Sl, Fox last. At the last hurdle Pinefinch chal- lengcd Ruby Ray. but failed to get on terms, the last-named making all the running: and winning by a head; six lengths separated th. second and third. Manhattan Boy was fourth, Sly Fox fifth, Ballycoura sixth. Ashling seventh, Outpass next, and Laura last. Ruby Ray was sold to Mr Jesson for 270gs (Race started at 1.21.) 1.45—Tbe OLD YEaR HANDICAP STEEPLE- CHASE of 150 sovs; second to receive 25 sovs. and the third 10 sovs Two miles. 6 11 6 Mr Gorham's Shannon Lass ..Birch t 6 11 3 Mr Davis's Full Flavour Mason t 6 10 6 Mr Bultccl's fSnarlcy Yow Piggott 3 Also ran Mr Barnett's Dodor <E Driscoll'. Betting—11 to 10 on Full Flavour. 7 to 4 agst Shannon Lass, 7 to I agst Snarley Yow. and 20 to 1 agst any other. Shannon Lass cut out the work from Fnll Flavour, w:th Snarley Yow last, to the last fence, where Full Flavour challenged, and with Mason riding a great finish, he succeeded in making a. dead heat of it; a bad third. The stakes were divided. 2.15—The COOMBE SELLING STEEPLECHASE PLATE of 100 sovs; winner to be sold for 50 sovs; second to receive 3 sovs Two miles. 11 13 Mr Hibbert's Itee Fight R Nightingall 1 6 11 13 Mr Gore's Blue Mint F Mason Z a 12 3 Mr Yates's Seaside H Box 3 Also ran: Mr Poole's Chevy Chase (Eames), Mr Colwyn's Beretta (E Driscoll). Mr Walpole's Lord Audley (Aylinl. Mr E Woodland's Little Jim II. (H Woodland), Mr Higham's Monaghan (A Birch), and Mr Gully's Mary Elizabeth (Smith). Betting-9 to 4 ag?t Blue Mint. 11 to 4 agst Free Fight, and 100 to 30 agst any other. 2. 45-The FERRY HANDICAP STEEPLE- CHASE 01 100 sovs; second to receive 10 sovs. Three miles. 5 10 2 Mr Jeapes's Snowden .Birch 1 a 10 8 Lord Lonsdale's Slingsby Woodland 2 a 11 3 Mr Yates's President.Dollery 3 Also ran: Mr Shirley's Vincent (Mr Wood'. Betting—2 to 1 agst Vincent. 9 to 4 agst Snowden.. 11 to 4 agst President, and 10 to 1 agst Slingsby. President was followed by Slingsby, with Vincent last, to the stand the second time. where Snowden went on second, and. drawing to the front entering the line for home. won by three lengths: four lengths separated tin second and third. 3.15-The KINGSTON HANDICAP HURDLE RACE PLATE of 100 sovs; second to receive 10 sovs. Two miles. 5 12 2 Mr Hibbert's Dark David R Nightingall 1 4 12 4 Mt Barclay's Gean Tree Mr Hartigan 2 4 11 6 Mr E Woodland's Golden Apple H Woodland 3 Also ran: Mr Shepherd's Jolly Roger II. IC H-oran), Mr Heysham's La Bestia (Owner), Mr Gourley's Issa (Stainton), Mr Waite's Insulator (E Driscoll), and Mr Hallick's Humerus (.Mathews:. Bptting-7 to 1 agst Dark David.

OFFICIAL STARTING PRICES. ALl published in the "Racing Calendar" and the "Sportsman." Maiden Hurdle (15).—Shaun Dhuv. 2 to 1 agst. December Selling 113i,-Ruby Ray, 10 to 1 agst. Old Year Handicap 14'Full Flavour. 11 to 10 on; Shannon Lass. 7 to 4 agst; dead heat.

The result of Percy Woodland's fall at Kempton Park is likely to keephim out of the saddle for several days.

Merthyr School Board A special meeting of the Merthyr Schoo* Board waEo held on Friday to fill the vacancy caused by the death of the late Mr. Joseph Owen. Mr. W. L. Daniel (chairman of the board) presided. At the outset a letter was read from Mrs. M. Tegwedd Williams on behalf of the Merthyr Women's Liberal Association, expressing a hope that the board would see its way clear to elect Mrs. G. C. James, it being explained that this communication had been sent without Mrs. James's cognisance.— The Chairman proposed the appointment of Mrs. James. During the term that lfrs, James flat on the hoard, he said. she was very faith- ful in her attendance, and did her work remarkably well. At the last election she was defeated by only very few votes.—The Rev E. J. Rosser Evans seconded the nomination remarking that it was quit? possible Mrs. James might have been returned last time but for the loss of some of her ballot papers — The Rev. David Price proposed that the Rev W. I. Jones, pastor of Zion Baptist Chapel be elected. Mr. Jones, he said, was an ablf man. well qualified to become a member. He did not see why the person at the head of the list of unsuccessful candidates should bp elected to fill a vacancy. In some cases il would be a very unwise plan to adopt.—The Rev. James Williams seconded.—Mr. V. A Wills favoured the election oi Mrs. James, anc urged Mr. Pricc to withdraw his amendment.— The Rev. David Price declined, saying that j* Mrs. James had any sense of honour she Nvoulcl refuse the seat.—Mr. Mi<hael Thomas thought that Troedyrhiw. where the late Mr. Owen resided, had some claim to consideration, and he proposed that Mrs. Edmunds, Mr. Owen's daughter, Le appointed.—The Rector of Dow lais, in seconding, said he thought they would not be doing justice if they ignored the locality from which the deceased member came.—The Rev. John Thomas supported the election 01 Mrs. James, not, he observed, because she was Mrs. James, but because he wished to see the principle observed of electing to a vacancy the person who stood highest of tlic unsuccess- ful candidates on the poll.—Mr. W. R. Thomas spoke in support of Mrs. Edmunds.—T'h-j Chair- man, in winding up the discussion, said the Baptist friends had had a meeting, and he had been told that the name of Mrs. Edmunds was put forward as well as that of the Rev. Mr. Jones.—The Rev. David Price: Mr. Jones's name was carried unanimously.—^The Chair- man said he had been informed that Mr. Jones had 24 votes, and there were seventeen given for Mrs. Edmunds.—The Rev. David Price: There were more than two names submitted. but there was an unanimous vote.-The Chair- man But you will admit she was supported by a large section.—The Rev. David Price: Yes. Acting upon the advice of the Rev. James Williams, the Rev. David Frice consented to withdraw tbe name of the Rev. Mr. Jones, but although an appeal was made to Mr. Michael Thomas he persisted in taking a division.—The result was as follows ;—For Mrs. Edmunds. 5— the Rector of Dowlais, Mr. Michael Thomas. Mr. W. R. Thomas, the Rev. James Williams, and the Rev. David Price. For Mrs. James. 4— the chairman, the Rev. E..T. Rosser Evans, the Rev. John Thomas, and Mr. V. A. Wills.— Mrs. Edmunds was, accordingly, declared elected.

barometrical indications. The following are the readings ciaee jkvo o'clock last evening, as given by the barometer in the vestibule Of the "Evening Express," St. Mary-street, Cardiff, which is 33ft. above saeam lea, level. p.m. Midn't. fe c.m. 5 p.m. 29^5; 1 j | '9 I 1

BOER WAfr lJ J To-Day's Wires. UEWErs ATTACK AT EAST BETHLEHEM (PRESS ASSOCIATION WAR SPECIAL.) KROONSTAD. Dec. 24. Last week's combined move to the North- east resulted in the capture of forty Boers. several also being killed or wounded. The Boers who attacked Colonel Damant's column on the 20th inst. lost over twenty killed, wounded. and prisoners. It is believed, how- ever. their losses were actually much greater. De Wet had 800 men with him when he attacked General Dartnell's column at East Bethlehem on the 18tli. The enemy charge to within 150 yards of the British lines, when they were repulsed. The Boer losses a.re x.nknown.' The blockhouse system is being gradually extended in Orange River Colony, and will soon form a serious obstacle the JJoer movements. Genera! Broadwood Returning Home. (REUTER'S TELEGRAM.) KROONSTAD. Dec. 24. General Broadwood has left on his return tome. The Capture of Kruitzinger. (.PRESS ASSOCIATION WAR SPECIAL.) CAPE TOWN. Friday. Some further details of the capture of Kruit- zinger are now to hand. It appears that for some time he had been watching in the neigh- bourhood of the Orange River with, the inten- tion of making n dash to the eouth. The strength of his commando was not more than 60. After several attempts the rebel crossed the Orange and entered the area bounded by the blockhouses and the railway lines. Colonel Doran. who had succeeded to the command of Colonel Hunter Weston's column, together with Captain Bentinck, went in pursuit, imme- diately locating the raiders, and drove them against the blockhouse line. Shortly before darkness set in. Kruitzinger hesitated for some time. waiting behind the ridge, where his force was hidden from the blockhouses. At last he. apparently, decided to make a dash. Suddenly five or six horsemen. led by Kruit- zinger, galloped down to a point half way between two blockhouses. Some of the gar- rison were collecting wood, but rushed back immediately, while the sentries poured in a hot fire. Kruitzinger, nothing daunted, coolly took oat his nippers, and, under a heavy fire, cut the strands of wire along- the railway. When -the wire WM cut the Boer force dashed through the opening, lraing eight men and some horses wounded. Kruit- zinger. on returning to pick np the wounded. was hit by a bull" but, nevertheless, he suc- ceeded in riding off. Meanwhile. an armoured train l1ad arrived, and at the same time Kruitziuger's adjutant approached one of the blockhouses with a Bag of truce, saying that his chief was lying wounded about 2.000 yards away. A search was made, and after great (fTfficulty, owing to the darkness, Kruitzinger was found. He was attended by two men, who wished to accompany him under the flag of trace. Ou being informed, however, that they would either have to return on commando or surrender they decided to adopt the latter course, at the suggestion of the leader. Kruitzinger was then taken to Naauwpoort Hospital, where he is progressing very favour- ably. Some time before his capture he was appointed Hoold commandant in Cape Colony by De Wet. Captures By Constabulary. A telegram to the War Office to-day says: — The Constabulary captured 36 prisoners at Bothaville. CASUALTIES AT DEEFONTEIN. » A telegram to the War Office to-day says:- The casualties at Deefontein were six officers and 50 men killed, eight officers wounded ,and four missing.

Yesterday's War News THE REVERSE TO M.I. Tweefontein Mishap. STANDERTON, Sunday. Details have been received here with regard ,0 the recent attack by a Boer force on a oarty of mounted infantry in the Ermelo dis- trict. Two hundred men of the 14th Mounted Infantry left General Spens' camp on the Ermelo Road on the night of the 18th inst., ml proceeded eastwards to raid a farm which was reported to be held by the enemy. Wheu the party reached the place at dawn ;he enemy were found to be moving off. The mounted infantry, after pursuing them for some five miles towards the Vaal into the hilly country, encountered Britz with at least 500 men, and were surrounded. They charged through the Boers, and fell back to a position some three miles in the rear. A sharp fight ensued. General Spens arrived on the scene daring the morning, when the Boers drew off. Our casualties were ten killed and fifteen wounded. —Press Association War Special. This action has already been reported by Lord Kitchener. The locality has been described as Tranevalia or Holland. The Mishap at Tweefontein. Tweefontein, the scene of De Wet's exploit •ust described by Lord Kitchener, lies mid- way between Harrismith and Bethlehem, in -he Orange Colony, and its topography is »minently suited for guerilla warfare. There tre numerous kloofs in which an enemy can lie concealed, of which Tiger Kloof is best known, about 50 miles from Middelburg. Colonel Firman, the officer in charge, has had a varied and distinguished military career, and is a daring and an experienced officer. Originally be served as a captain in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers; he saw service in Egypt and Burma, and when the Middlesex Imperial Yeomanry were raised, early in 1900, he was selected from the reserve of officers, and went out as captain with the Middlesex. Subsequently he succeeded Colonel Metford as commander of the 11th Battalion, and did much excellent work. Major-general Boyes, commanding the 17th Brigade, writing from Middle River in November, 1900, expressed high appreciation of the distinguished services "I)f Colonel Firman and the men under his command; and again, in January of the pre- sent year. General Boyes thanked him for his gallant leading and the officers and men under him for their brilliant success in charging the Boers in an action near Bulfon- tein. For these and other services he was some time ago gazetted D.S.O. The "Times" makes the following comment on the mishap:—With proper dispositions and precautions such a force ought not to have been easily rushed even by a greatly superior number of Boers. But. as Lord Kitchener fears that our casualties were heavy, we may be prepared to learn that in some way or other the Boers have succeeded in taking the Yeomanry at a disadvantage. The attack was made at a point where there was every reason to expect something of the kind, and where precautions ought accordingly to have been observed with particular care. Colonel Firman was guarding the head of the block- house line from Harrismith to Bethlehem, which is being prolonged to meet the Lindley line, and thus to run a barrier rightf athwart one of the districts where the Bbers still maintain themselves in considerable force. Nothing could be more natural than that they should endeavour to interrupt an opera- tion of so disagreeable a kind. War Office Statement. The War Office had up to one o'clock on Friday afternoon received no further details of the reverse to Colonel Firman's column at Tweefontein on Christmas Eve. It is. there- fore, impossible to say how numerous the casualties are. but in the official view there is no ground for supposing that all the force was either rendered hors de combat or taken prisoners. The War Office is not in a posi- tion to give a statement as to the actual number of men involved, because companies are not always at full strength. The four companies of Imperial Yeomanry forming the bulk of Colonel Firman's column may have been complete, and in that case there would have been between 460 and 470 men, but this

STOP PRESS Latest Telegrams. "EXPRESS OFFICE, 5.0 p.m. Final score: G. T. M. GLOUCESTER 1 2 0 PEXARTH 0 I a FINAL SCORE:- SWANSEA. 4 0 0 PONTYPRIDD 0 1 0 Final score:— G. T. M. TREHERHERT 1 0 CABRPHILLY 0 0 0 final score- E A "I', I 1- 020 BRIDGEND 0 0 0 Final seove. G. T. J1: LLAN ELLY 0 1 0 A LB IONS 0 0 0 I —

THE NEW ARMY CORPS. The new army corps for London will con- Isist of 1,500 officers, 35,304 non-commissioaed officers and men, 11,863 horses, and 90 gnus. It will be made up approximately of the follow. ing:— ing:— Staff and Departments: 4,296 of all ranks, 2,462 horses. Twenty-one battalions of Infantry: 23,037 of aJl ranks, 1,218 horses. Six regiments of Cavalry: 3,918, with 3,690 horses. Artillery: 3.992. with 3,651 horses and 90 guns. Engineers (including pontoon, train, and telegraph troop): 1,262, with 582 horses. Four troops of Military Police: 300, with 260 horses. The headquarters of the Fourth Army Corps will be at the new barracks, to be erected near the Houses of Parliament, to be called St. Stephen's Barracks. Seven thousand of the aforegoing will be permanently stationed at Woolwich. and the remainder at barracks in and near London. Army corps of similar numerical strength are to be formed with headquarters in Edinburgh and Dublin. Nothing official has transpired as" to the officers to be selected as generals command- ing the three new Army corps.

Anglo-Brazilian Dispute. The Brazilian Senate have approved the agreement for the delimitation of the boun- dary between British Guiana and Brazil.— Beutes.

The Police-courts. l CARDIFF. THIS DAY.—(Before the Mayor, Mr. F. J. BEAVAN. and Mr. EDWARD THOMAS.) "FIND MR. DUNN." Minnie Williams. 23, or Guy. was charged on a warrant with assisting in the manage- ment of a disorderly house at 20, Ivor-street, on December 28. The case, as proved by Police-constables Pfcipps and Chedzey, had no redeeming features in it. Prisoner, when the complaint was made against her, said, "Find Mr. DuutD; his name is on the warrant." —Superintendent Hay ward said frequent com- plaints had been received of men having been robbed in the house and turned into the street.—The Bench imposed the maximum penalty of £20 and costs, or two months. TWO MURPHYS. Denis Murphy, 21. was charged withr being disorderly and making use of obscene language in Clive-roatd on December 27, and also with assaulting Police-constable Sheppard. This was a case illustrating the difficulties under which the conscientious licensed victualler carries on his business. Mr. Harry Griffiths, of the Duke of Clarence, had forbidden prisoner to enter his house, even when sober, but. in spite of the prohibition, he went there in drink, and Mr. Griffiths, failing to get him out. called the police-constable. Prisoner returned, stripped to the waist, and wanted to fight the landlord, and. luckily for the latter, Shepherd was on the spot. Accused boasted to all and sundry in the hotel that it would take five policemen to eject him.—Fined £2 and costs, or one month. John Murphy, 37, was charged on a warrant with assaulting his wife, Elizabeth Murphy, on December 27. Prisoner came home drank, and. waking out of his stupor at three o'clock in the morning, he hit his wife on the head with a beer bottle, inflicting. Dr. Buist said, a very severe wound, but he certified that the woman was now out of danger. There was a very black record against the prisoner for previous assautls, and he was committed for six months, with hard labour. NEWPORT (County Division). THIS DAY.—(Before Colonel WALLIS and Alderman GEORGE JONES.) A NEAR THING FOR WHITE GLOVES. There was only one case on the list to-day— a summons by the guardians against a defen- dant for non-maintenance, and this did not come into court, but was stated to be adjourned. The only thing that the justices had before them was an application for an hour's extension at the Railway Inn, Marsh- field. on the occasion of a railway supper.

COLLIERY ENGINE MISHAP. 800 Men Idle at Llanbradach A mishap has occurred to the No. 1 winding engine at Llanbradach Colliery, which will have the unfortunate effect of throwing 800 men out of work for a period of eight months. The accident happened through the bursting j of the cylinder.

THE LIVERPOOL DISASTER, Funeral of Four of the Victims. The funerals of four of the victims of the Liverpool electric railway disaster took place to-day, and were of an impressive character. Thousands were present in the cemetery and along the route. The interment of Mr. Bing- ham, who was a lieutenant of Volunteers, was attended byb a large contingent of his regi- ment in uniform. The other bodies interred to-day were those of Thomas Randall, ship foreman. Robert Asbee, train driver, and James Beadon. the other passenger.

ACCIDENT AT BLAINA. Last night an aged collier, named Guiscupe Cavaenti, of 79, High-sweet, Blaina, was admitted to the Newport and County Hospital suffering from serious injuries, sustained by being run over by a truck at the top of the coal-pit where he worked. His left thigh was so badly shattered that the limb had to be amputated. His right leg and right arm were also much injured.

TWO BARRY MEN KILLED. At Barry Police-court to-day Mr. E. Llewellyn Rseee, deputy coroner, held an inquest on the body of Alberti Tali, aged nineteen, a Nor- wegian sailor, who died at Barry Town Acci- dent Hospital on Christmas Eve from injuries received by accidentally falling down the hold of the steamer Bergenlins, then lying in the Barry Graving Dock. Evidence of identification was given by John Kalirs, the chief oifficer of the steamer, and John Stanberg, a sailor, said deceased was walking along a wide beam, carrying a light in one hand and a pot of paint in the other. when he slipped and fell a depth of about 14ft. Dr. W. Lloyd Edwards said death was due to concussion of the brain and fracture of the base of the skull. The jury returned a verdict of Accidental death." William Short was a foreman mason in the employ of Messrs. Price and Reeves, who are, carrying out a railway contract between Bir- kenhead and Chester. Short left his work at Bebington on Tuesday, and was walking along a line towards Rock Ferry, where he lodged, intending to proceed the same night to his home at Holton-road. Barry Dock. to spend Christmas with his wife and family. Unfor- tunately, however, a. train came dashing along from behind, and caught Short, knocking him down and killing him almost instantaneously. Deceased was not 40 years of age, and great sympathy is felt for his widow and family in their sad and trying bereavement.

OBITUARY. The death took place suddenly on Thursday morning of Mr. John Thomas, who was well- known throughout North Pembrokeshire as a successful farmer. He formerly resided at Penfeidr, Mathry, but retired, and since then had lived at Fishguard. Mr. Thomas left Fishguard on Monday for the residence of hie nephew, Mr. John Perkins, Treveiog, St. Nicholas, and spent Christmas Day there. He retired to bed in his usual health, but on the morning of Boxing Day it was found that he had passed peacefully away in his sleep. He was 79 years of age. He was an authority on agricultural matters, a prominent Conserva- tive, and held the office of sidesman at St. Mary's Church, Fishguard. Previous to his death he had been attended by Dr. Morgan Owen.

Llanbradach Constitutional Club A very successful cor,ert, followed by a supper, took place at the Llanbradach Con- stitutional Club last evening. Mr. W. I. Vaughan, of Cardiff, mr:de a very excellent chairman. Praise is due to the steward and stewardess, Mr. and Mrs, Isaac Griffiths, late of Bridgend, for the splendid supper placed on the tables. Although this club has not been in existence very long, a sum of £3 10s. 6d. has just been contributed to Cardiff Infirmary.

Entertainment at Aberdare Cottage Hospital. Through the kindness of Sir W. T. Lewis, Bart.. a Christmas Tree and entertainment were provided to the inmates of the Aberdare Cottage Hospital last evening, the general arrangements being carried out by Dr. Evan Jones. J.P. Some former patients were also present. The tree was erected in the largest ward. and bore a number of useful articles, which were distributed by Masters Edward and Eric Jones and Miss Mary Banks.

PONTYPOOL REGISTRATION DISTRICT The "London Gazette" of Friday night contains the following: — "Notice is hereby given that, in pursuance of the provisions of the 21st section of an Act passed in the thirty-eighth year of the reign of her late Majesty, intituled 'The Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1874,' 1, Reginald Macleod. C.B., Registrar-General of Births, Deaths, and Marriages in England, have, with the sanction of the Local Govern- ment Board, ordered and declared that on and after the 1st day of January next. Llan- hilleth Civil Parish shall be detached from Pontypool sub-district of Pontypool Regis- tration District, and created a separate sub- district of the same registration district, to be called and known as Llanhilleth sub- district."

Commencing on the 6th of January. 1902, the night mail despatches from offices in the Rhymney Valley wiF be forwarded by the train leaving Rhymney at 8.5 p.m., instead of 6.25 p.m., affording one hour and forty minutes' later posting throughout the valley.*

1 Municipal Trading. PROPOSED LIMITATION. Royal Commission Suggested. A correspondent, writing to the "Times" on the question of municipal trading, says that action is now being taken with a. view to securing the appointment of a Royal Commis- sion to define the extent to which municipal trading should be sanctioned by Parliament, and a form of petition to Lord Salisbury, strongly urging that such Royal Commission should be appointed, has just been circulated among the associations representing the dif- ferent industries of the country and also among leading banks, inllurance companies, chambers of commerce, iron, steel, and engineering firms and companies, tramway, lighting, and electric companies, dock, canal, and shipping companies, Ac., with requests for signature. The movement of which this action is the outcome, originated in the read- ing of a paper on "The Cost of Municipal Enterprise." by Mr. Dixon H. Davies. at the Society of Arts, in February, 1899. As a result of the discussion of this paper, the Liberty and Property Defence League took steps which led to some 4GO or 500 petitions being pre- sented to Parliament in the session of 1899 asking for the appointment of a Committee to inquire into the development and limits of municipal trading. Mr. Balfour intimated that the Government thought a proper method of investigation would be by a Joint Com- mittee of the two Houses. This Committee, however, was not actually nominated until May 9, 1900. when the Earl of Crewe (chair- man), Viscount Hampden. Viscount Peel. Lord Windsor. Lord Rothschild. Mr. Grant Lawson Mr Hobhouse. Mr. Lewis Fry, Sir Walter Foster, and Sir William Dunn were constituted a Select Committee "to consider and report as to the principles which should govern powers given by Bills and Provisional Orders to municipal and other local authori- ties for industrial enterprise within or with- out the area of their jurisdiction." A num- ber of witnesses were examined, and at the close of the session the Committee presented the minutes of evidence taken by them. and recommended that they should be re- appointed during the next session of Parlia- ment. "The session of 1901," says a memoran- dum which is being distributed with the form of memorial referred to above, "fcas failed to give effect to this recommendation, the advo- cates of municipal trading—in fear of addi- tional disclosures of its evil effects—having managed to successfully oppose the feeble efforts of the Government for the re-appoint- ment of the Joint Committee." The pro- moters of the movement consider that the evidence given before the Joint Committee of 1900 fully justified the appointment of that body; but the evidence, they say. was incom- plete, while they find that municipal trading is steadily progressing. They are of opinion that it is essential to the commercial and trading interests, and also to the progress, of the nation that the inquiry into the character and extent of the trading of municipal autho- rities should be completed and reported on. and, seeing how Parliament has failed to re- appoint the Joint Committee, they are mduced to ask that the subject should now be taken up by a. Royal Commission.

CRANE FATALITY. Distressing Accident in Scotland A fatal accident occurred this forenoon at the Alexandra Station. Dumbartonshire, on the North British Railway. A heavy piece of machinery, weighing over five tons, was being lifted by a travelling railway crane, belong- ing to the Caledonian Company, when the chain slipped and the machinery fell, crush- ing John M'Guire. a platelayer, to death, and seriously injuring another platelayer, and fractured both legs of Mr. Allison, the station- master.

CARDIFF FESTIVAL FIXED. A Race with Bristol Cardiff Wins There has been a race between Cardiff and Bristol with regard to the musical festivals of next year. In it the committee of the Car- diff Triennial Musical Festival were in a better position than their Avonmouth rivals. Festivals showed a tendency to jostle one another for next season, and between the calls of Norwich, Leeds, Sheffield, and several others there was practically one date—the week commencing October 6. Bristol tele- graphed, We have fixed for October 6," and the Cardiff committee replied, So have we." On paper, the rub that followed was as between the Lord Mayor of Bristol and the ex-Mayor of Cardiff. It was found that the Cardiff arrangements were further forward than those at Avonmouth. and the Cardiff committee was in a position to engage artistes. &c., and now the Bristol committee is thinking A meeting of the Cardiff executive com- mittee was held on Friday at the Town-hall, Mr. Thomas Andrews (ex-mayor) presiding. The musical committee presented a report, stating that the following artistes had been engaged:—Madame Ella Russell, Miss Lilian Blauvelt, Miss Maggie Davies. Madame Marie Brema, Miss Ada Crosaley, Mr. Ben Davies. Mr. Ffrangcon Davies, Mr. Andrew Black, and Mr. David Hughes. The committee added that it was deemed advisable to engage another tenor soloist.—The executive adopted the report, and empowered the musical com- mittee to engage the extra soloist required. Mr. D. W. Evans (chairman of the musical committee) said that the chairman of the executive had suggested that when the con- ductor (Dr. F. Cowen) paid his first visit to Cardiff in connection with the festival (pro. bably at the end of January or the beginning of February) the ladies and gentlemen who had been accepted as members of the chorus at that-time should be invited to a reception to meet Dr. Cowen.—The executive agreed to this suggestion. In the course of a discussion upon general arrangements, it was stated that the arrange- ments for the orchestra were well advanced, and that the leader would be Mr. Frye Parker, who stands pre-eminent for such a position. The secretaries reported that the number of guarantors of JE50 each. who formed the executive council now reached 48. They are as follows:-Lord Windsor. Lord Tredegar, Lord Aberdare. Mr. T. Andrews (ex-mayor), chairman of the executive; Mrs. Crawshay Bailey, Madame Clara Novello Davies. General H. H. Lee (treasurer). Aldermen S. A. Brain, and J. Ramsdale (Cardiff), Alderman W. H. Matbias (Porth), Dr. J. Lynn Thomas, C.B Dr B. W. Broad. Messrs. C. P. Bell. Walter G. Blow, E. W. M. Corbett (vice-chairman), J. Clifford Cory, John Cory (Penarth), J. W. Courtis C. E. Dovey (hon. auditor), J. Duncan (" South Wales Daily News"), Philip Earl. Richard England, D. W. Evans (chairman of music com- mittee), F. Fifoot, Edmund Handcock junior- J. J. Handcock, G. T. Heald, James' Howell. James Howell, junior. Robert Hughes, Jamec Hurman, Rees Jones, J. A. Jones. W. Henry Lewis. Lewis Morgan, Francis Morris. J. R. Nicholas, F. J. Nichols, D. E. Powell. H P D. Phillips. Henry Radcliffe, Daniel Radcliffe, Charles Radcliffe, John Sankey, E Wilson Taylor. D. Watkin Thomas ("Western Mail "), Ivor Vachel, and Gething Lewis and W. a! Morgan (joint hon. secretaries). The secretaries announced that promises of a number of subscriptions had been received.

ENGLISH !ViAN'S~AMOURS. Romantic Paris Tragedy. A strange scene was witnessed on Friday evening in the well-known Lorraine Tavern, situated in the Rue des Ecoles, in the Latin Quarter, Paris. A young woman was noticed to be sitting at a table, apparent'^ waiting for somebody to appear. Presently a young man entered the room with a pretty girl on his arm, and the couple were about to seat them- selves when the waiting lady rose. placed her- self in front of the man, and. speaking- in English, said: John. you have killed me, but I forgive you. Farewell!" She then took a. glass of liquor in which, as it subsequently transpired, she had dissolved a quantity of corrosive sublimate, and before her hand could be stayed drank the contents. The unfortunate lady was conveyed to the nearest hospital, where she remains in a serious condition. She proved to be an Englishwoman, aged nineteen, born in London. The young man fled from the tavern as soon as the lady began to speak to him. The girl who accompanied him stated that she met him casually, and knew nothing of his name or his residence.—Central News.

EDUCATION IN THE NEW COLONIES "Education in the New Colonies" is the subject of an article in the "Times" by a special correspondent at Pretoria. The principle that guided the late Transvaal Government was that the responsibility for the instruction of children rested with the parents. To make a complete break with the late system has been a first charge on the Executive Council. It is proposed to divide the two Colonies for the purposes of educa- tion into "provinces." ..in each of which one "provincial" school will be established at the most important towns. The head of these schools will be responsible for the "ward" schools in the "province." Primary education. the writer holds, should be free and compul- sory, and there should be no interference with religious principles so long as they are not made a cloak for undermining the authority of the State. The British authorities at the end of last month were imparting education to nearly as many Boer children—between 14,000 and 15.000 —as the Boer Government had on the school registers when the war began, and it appears that that total will probably have been exceeded by the end of this montli.

Local. Projects. BILLS IN PARLIAMENT. Electric Supply in South Waies The South Wales Electrical Power Distribu- tion Company, which was incorporated by an Act of 1900, have lodged a Bill for introduction into Parliament next session, to repeal Section 10 of their Act, "which prohibits the erection of stations for generating electricity elsewhere than on the lands described in the schedule to that Act." Although this Bill gives no reason for seek- ing repeal of this section, the subject is fully dealt with in the preamble of a Bill which will be promoted, for precisely the same pur- pose, by the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Electric Power Company. In that Bill it is contended that the Electric Lighting (Clauses* Act, 1899. sufficiently covers the question of erecting generating stations elsewhere than on lands described in the private Acts of electric power companies, and as the new Bill of the South Wales Company expressly re-incor- porates with it the Electric Lighting (Clauses) Act, 1899, it may be taken that the same con- tention is intended to be made. The Bill also proposes to empower the com- pany to acquire compulsorily 12, acres of certain lands for the erection of a generating station in the parish of Llanfihangel-Llan- tarnum. ABEKCARN AND NEWBRIDGE GAS AND WATdR CO. Proposed Acquisition by the U.O.C. A Bill to empower the Urban District Coun- cil of AJercarn to purchase the undertaking of the Abercarn and Newbridge Gas and Water Company has been duly deposited for next session. The preamble recites that the com pany were incorporated in 1884 a,nd em- powered to supply gas an8 water within the parishes of Mynyddyslwyn and Llanhilleth, but that the company have never exercised any of their powers for the supply of water which is now under tne control of the council. By Part 2 of the Bill it is proposed to enact that the company shall sell their undertaking to the council for such price as may be agreed upon. or. failing agreement, as shall be deter- mined by arbitration under the Lands Clauses Acts. The transfer is to take place "on such day as may be agreed," or, failing agreement, on the 30th of June or the 31st of December next after the expiration of three months from the date of the arbitrator's award. Until the date of transfer the undertaking is to be i carried on by the company according to the ordinary course of their business, but as soon as may be after the transfer the affairs of the company are to be wound up and the company dissolved. The council's limits for the supply of gas are defined to be the Urban District of Abercarn and the Parish of Mynyddyslwyn, but provi- sion is made in the Bill to enable the local authority for the pariah of Mynyddyslwyn to acquire such portion of the gas undertaking of the council "as is contained within the district of such local authority." The price to be charged by the council for gas supplied by them is not at any time to exceed 5s. per 1.000 cubic feet within the dis- trict and 6s. beyond. By Part 3 of the Bill power is sought to borrow "any sum which may have to be paid to the company for the purchase of the under- taking," and a further sum of £ 20,000 for the extension and improvement of the gasworks and for working capital. All moneys borrowed by the council for these purposes is to be re-paid within 40 years from the date of bor. rowing. WESTERN VALLEYS RAILWAYi Proposed Transfer. TEXT OF THE AGREEMENT. The solicitors to the Great Western and London and North Western Railway Com- panies have jointly deposited a Bill on behalf of their respective companies to vest in these companies jo-'ntly the powers conferred on the Brynmawr and Western Valleys Railway Company, which was incorporated in 1899 with powers to construct a railway in the parish of Aberystrutli, commencing by a junction with the Monmouthshire section of the Wes- tern Valleys line of the Great Western Rail- way Company and terminating by a junction with the Merthyr. Tredegar, and Abergavenny branch of the London and North Western Railway Company. The Bill provides for the transfer of these powers upon terms contained in an agreement scheduled to the Bill. The transfer is to take effect "on the passing of this Act," and is to cover all the powers granted to the Bryn- mawr Company, exclusive of the powers of that company to raise capital by shares or to borrow by the issue of debenture stock." The Brynmawr Company are to discharge all liabilities incurred by them as an indepen- dent company, including the costs of obtaining their Act in 1899, and as from the passing of this Act the two companies shall hold the undertaking freed and discharged from all such debts, liabilities, obligations, and engage- ments. and from all claims and demands whatsoever on the part of any of the creditors of that company," but subject to the provi- sions of the scheduled agreement, of which the following are some of the clauses:- Article 1. In consideration of the obligations on the part of the two companies herein contained, the promoters hereby jointly and severally undertake that they will use their best endeavours to procure to be vested in the two companies the whole undertaking, property, and powers of the Brynmawr and Western Valleys Rail- way Company, under the Brynmawr and Western Valleys Railway Act, 1899, and, sub- ject to the necessary Parliamentary powers being obtained, as hereinafter provided, the promoters shall convey (or procure to be con- veyed) to the two companies all lands neces- sary for the construction by them (as herein- after provided) of the railway authorised by the said Act. free of charge. Provided that the promoters shall not be required hereunder to procure t > be conveyed to the two com- panies any lands other than those shown on the survey of the proposed line of railway made by Sir James Szlumper. CE. Article 2. The promoters shall discharge all liabilities of the Brynmawr Company up to the date of this agreement, including the costs of obtaining the said Act, and shall indemnify the two companies against any such liability. Article 6. In consideration of the foregoing, the two companies undertake to take effectual steps for the construction and working of the said railway by them within a reasonable time after the necessary Parliamentary powers shall have been obtained, for vesting in them the undertaking, property, and powers of the Bryn- mawr Company as aforesaid; and for that purpose a Bill shall, at the expense of the two companies, be introduced into Parliament in the session of 1902, by the two companies, or one of them, and the promoters and tba two companies shall use their be,t endeavours to obtain the passing- of the said Bill into law Article 7. With a view to assisting the pro- moters in the acquisition of the land requisite 10" the construction of the railway, the two companies, or one of them. will undertake the steps necessary for the acquisition of tl." said lands and the settlement of all accommodation works necessary to be made for the benefit of the vendors of such lands, and will place at the disposal of the promote-s th" services of their solicitors and surveyors and their respective staffs, upon the understanding that the promoters will from time to time, as the purchases of such lands are ready for com- pletion, place the two companies in funds to meet the purchase money for, and the vendor's costs in connection with. such purchases, and the out-of-pocket expenses of every description incurred by the two companies, or either of them, in connection with the acquiaiiu) of such lands and the completion of the purchase Ihereof; but this clause is not to be construed to make the promoters or the Brynmawr Com- pany liable for the execution of any such accommodation works as aforesaid, the ex- penses of which will be borne by the two companies. Article 8. Upon completion of the purchase of the whole of the land requisite for the said railway the two companies will -epay to -Ji>* promoters one-half of the coat incurred by them in the completion of the said purchase as aforesaid, not exceeding the sum of £ 1,500. Article 9. In the event of the Bill hereinbefore referred to not receiving the sanction of Parlia- ment in the session of 1902, or this agreement being otherwise rendered null and void, the two companies, or either of them, shall tot directly or indirectly oppose any Bill whi?h may hereafter be promoted by the Brynmawr and Western Valleys Railway Company for levying the powers and extending the time for the completion of the said railway. Article 10. In the event of this agreement or anything herein contained being considered to require the sanction of Parliament, then it shall be subject to such alterations m Parliament may think fit to make therein; but should any material alteration I-, made in the terms thereof then either pa.oy nhall be aL liberty to withdraw therefrom, rrd this agreement and everything there-n fon-rained shall be null and void. Lastly. Any difference which may arise in reference to any of the matters hereinbefore mentioned, or arising thereout, shall be referred to and determined by arbitration in the manner provided by the Railway Com- panies Arbitration Act, 1859.

THE QUEEN'S HEALTH. To-day's report as to the condition of Queen Alexandra is that everything is going on satisfactorily, and that there is a steady improvement daily. The Press Association understands that her Majesty, accompanied by the King and Prin- cess Victoria, will leave St. Pancras by special: train on Monday next for Sandringham

-I-- FOOTBALL. g Half-time score. G. T. M. Cardiff 1 1 o Dublin Old Wesley 0 0 0 Final score. G. T. M. Cardiff 15 0 Dublin Wesley 0 0 0 Half-time score: G. T. M. Mae3t«g 0 1 1 Mountain Ash 0 0 o Final score. G. T. M. J Newport *1 0 o Barbarians 0 0 0 'Dropped goal. Half-time score: G. T. M. Nea.t.ii 0 1 0 Bridgend 0 0 0 Half-time score. G. T. M. Treherbert 0 1 0 Caerphilly 0 0 0 Half-time score. Goals. I, Barry Unionist 5 Port Talbot 1 LLWYNYPIA V. PENYGRAIG. Match Abandoned. The Llwynypia players had not returned from their tour in time to meet Penygraig on the Llwynypia ground this afternoon, and the game, consequently, was abandoned. BRYNMAWR V. MACHEN. This match was to be played at Brynmawr. but had to be declared off, the ground being unplayable. unplayable. DTNAS POWIS V. CHEPSTOW ST. MAJRY S. This match was to have been played at Chepstow to-day, but this morning the ground

Footballers' Feast! I GENERAL PUBLIC GIVEN A LOOK IN The general public will be allowed a show in to-day's Feast for Footballers. (See announcement in another column.) The chief courses of the intellectual banquet are, of course, reserved for the Football Editions (issued at seven and eight p.m.\ and to them (if we may reveal a. secret) Mr. J. M. STANTFORTH will be a notable contributor, while "Iris" will contribute a lyrio suitable to the occasion and the car- toon.

Cathays Juniors v. Windsor United.—Played at the Barracks Field on Foxing Day. Final score:—Juniors, one goal; United, nil. Cwmbach Stars v. Tresalmen Stars.-Played at Cwmbach yesterday. Final score:—Cwm- bach, eight goals; Tresalmen, three goals. For Cwmbach the scorers were M. John (3) Bufton (3) and Rees and Jones one each. BRADFORD CLUB AND COOPER. The Bradford Football Club have a diffe- rence with Cooper, the champion sprinter from Wales, who, since joining them in 1893, has scored 103 tries and 266 goals. This season, although often selected. Cooper has ployed only five times, and now the com- mittee are giving him a long rest, and, having recently signed professional, he remains fast, though inaotive. Meanwhile he is training for the Powderliall Plate. His case is exciting great interest among Bradford footballers.

Servant's Death. STRANGE CIRCUMSTANCES. Inquest at Pontypridd. This afternoon Mr. E. B. Reece, coroner, sat at the Pontypridd Police-court to inquire into the circumstances attending the death of Mary Rees, nineteen, daughter of Joseph Rees, wheelwright, 71, Ynysyngharad-road, Ponty- pridd. The evidence showed that deceased came up from Cardiff, where she was in service, on Christmas Night, with Henry Saunders and Stanley John, and. after paying a visit to her father's house, went to see Mrs. Shinton at 17, Llantrisant-road. Pontypridd, where she became ill, and after being taken home died suddenly. Deceased's father said that he had told his daughter some time ago not to go to the Shintons, and had warned Mrs. Shinton about taking her in. Mrs. Shinton said that deceased came to her house about quarter to ten on Christmas Night, and apparently was overcome by the heat of the big fire. She said she was too ill to go home. Witness then put her to bed, antgrlept with her all night. Next morning she said she was better, but was worse in the evening, and was taken home in a cab. Before going she (witness) gave her a powder from Dr. Howard Davies. Replying to Mr. F. G. Edwards (foreman of the jury) as to why she had taken the deceased in after being warned not to do so by her parents, witness said that the girl told her that her mother knew she was there, and that she (deceased) was going to be married to her (witness's) son, with whom she had kept com- pany for four years. Dr. Howard Davies said he made a post- mortem examination of the body. His exami- nation showed that death was due to a perfo- rated ulcer in the stomach. All the organs were healthy. The Coroner said he thought Mrs. Shinton was to blame for not sending for the deceased's parents early on Boxing Day, as she was vir- tually dying then. Mrs. Shinton: I would have done so. but she told me her mother knew where she was. A verdict in accardance with the medical evidence was returned.

GALE IN THE IRISH CHANNEL Vessel Ashore at Holyhead. About one o'clock this morning, in a heavy gale, a vessel struck on Holyhead Break- water. some distance from the lighthouse. The steam lifeboat and rocket apparatus were soon on the spot to render assistance, but the captain of the vessel would not leave his ship. She is the brigantine Diadem, of Belfast, laden with China clay. The tug Sarah Jolliffe has agreed to tow her off for £100, The Diadem was successfully towed off later to a place of safety. WRECK ON THE GOODWINS The four-masted barque Mersey, of Grimstad from Santa Fe, with wheat, went ashore en the South Goodwins last night, and has become a total wreck. The vessel passed the South Sand Head Lightship at midnight, and an hour afterwards struck on the sands. In response to signals a Kingstown galley put off. but. the weather being fine, the lifeboat was not launched. Tugs went to the aid of the Mersey, but could do nothing with her. and the galley returned to the shore. The Kingstown lifeboat was then launched, and lay by the vessel till daylight. The tide was then ebbing, and one of the masts fell. The Walmer lifeboat was launched at seven o'clock, and, as the wind and sea increased and the vessel began to break up. both life- boats were run alongside, and took out the crew of thirteen hands. The rescue was effected none too soon, for the vessel was then full ofwater and breaking up fast. The life- boats returned to shore at half-past ten, the Civil Service (No. 2 Walmer) landing the cap- tain and six men, and the Sabrina (Kingsdown) the remaining six. The Mersey was a very old vessel, having been built in 1859, and was for- merly a steamer. ======

CATTLE MARKETS IN CARDIGAN. The "London Gazette" on Friday night con- tained an Order of the Board of Agricul- ture, dated December 24, which orders that from and after January 1 hext it shall not be lawful to hold any market, fair, sale, or exhibition of c-attle, sheep, or swine within a district comprising so much of the old Par- liamentary borough of Adpar as lies to the j north of the River Teify. which forms the lower division of the parish of Llandyfriog, within the petty sessional division of Penrhiw- t pal. in the administrative county of Cardi- gan. unless the premises are so paved as to permit of the same being thoroughly cleansed with water.

Naval Training College. GENEROUS GIFTS BY MESSRS E .H. AND F. S. WATTS. In 1871 hia Majesty King Edward Vn.. then Prince of Wales. laid the foundation-stone of a I noble pile of buildings picturesquely situated on the River Wensum, about fifteen miles from Sandrincrham, and designed at a cost of over ,€50.000 as a county school for Norfolk. From various causes the school was afier some years given up, and ultimately came into the market. It was purchased in June last by Mr. E. H. Watts, of the well-known shipping firm of Messrs. Watts, Watts, and Co.. 7, Whittington-avenue, London. E.C. This gentle- man has now most generously conveyed the buildings and the land to the National Incor- porated Waife Association (better known as Dr. Barnardo's Homes) to be converted into. and used as, a naval training school for the whole kingdom. Estimates for the alterations and repairs necessary to fit the structure for its new purpose amount to a further sum of £ 9,200, and Mr. Watts has further intimated his intention of defraying this entire addi- tional cost, while his eldest son. Mr. Fenwick S. IV. 4*is, also a member of the firm of Messrs. Watts. Watts, and Co., promised to fit and furnish the buildings throughout for the occu- pancy of the 400 boys, the captain, and the staff of offic-ers who will be in residence. It is expected that the whole will be ready for occupancy by the 1st of August. 1902. Mr. Edward Hannay Watts is the senior partner of the firm of Watts. Watts, and Co.. shipowners, of London, Cardiff, and Newport. For long past he has been prominent in his advocacy of the cause of the long-suffering eailor. In 1887 he was elected president of the Chamber of Shipping, and in his presidential address sketched the outlines of a proposed pension fund for the relief of the widows and orphans of deceased sailors. His recommen- dations were subsequently focusscd in a. Bill presented to Parliament. Mr. Watts is a. Northumberland man He was born in Blythe in 1830. and comes of a shipbuilding family. He joined a schoolfellow. William Milburn, in a shipowning business in Newcastle, and the firm of Watts, Milburn, and Co. were the first to put steamers in the London and Aus- tralian trade. In 1872 the house was dissolved, and the firm of Watts, Ward. and Co. estab- lished, Mr. Watts purchasing the Abercarn and National Collieries in South Walee, where 3.500 persons are now employed, whilst the output amounts to about 1,250,000 tons. Mr. Watts is largely interested and c'.osely con- nected with the most impottant marine insurance companies and clubs of the United Kingdom, and is a member of the committee of Lloyd's Register. He is, moreover, chair- man of the London and South Wales Goal Company, the Abercarn Coal Company, and the National Steam Coal Company. He was one of the original promoters of the Barry Dock and Railway Company.

On the Stock Exchange LOCAL FINANCE. CARDIFF. Saturday. Very little business has been transacted to- day. The winding-up of the last account of the year continues to almost monopolise atten- tion. The general disposition of the market is firm. BUSINESS DONE—OFFICIAL MARKINGS: COAL AND IRON. Ebbw Valte, 9fc. Norths Ordinary, zE5 18s. 6d. MINES. Ac. Chartereds. 3i, 3 15-32 (twice). FLUCTUATIONS OF QUOTATIONS-ACTUAL: RISE. Great Western Railway Five per Cent. Gua- ranteed, 161-4 to 162—5. Ebbw Vale Steel, Ac., 8i-n to 9-1. LONDON FINANCE. LONDON, Saturday (1.30 p.m.). Money is in strong request up to 4 per cent. for call loans and 3J for fixtures. Three months' bills 3i. Bombay and Calcutta trans- fers 16d., Bio and Exchange 1 9 16s., Valparaiso 141, and Gold premium 139. On the Stock Exchange business is quiet, but the tendency is favourable. Consols are 1-16 down for money, but unaltered for the account. Home Rails supported. Brighton "A" 1 up, Dover "A" 3, North Eastern and Midland Prefs i, and British deferred A, but Lancashire and Yorkshire 1 down, Caledonian Prefs i. Americans are steady. Most of the changes are in the upward direction. Dealings very restricted. Trunks also steadier. In Foreign Stocks Argentines and Brazilians are better, Spanish i up, Greeks, i down. Paris Bourse firm. African Mines, after being dull. are improv- ing on South African buying orders. AUSTRALIAN, INDIAN. Ac. Op. CI Op. Cl. Asso. Gold W.A.iNuudydroog li If1 Kroken Hill Pr 31/6 Ooregnm Ord. 2% Brilliant St. Geo. 1ft Do. Prcf 2% Champion Ili-ef. 5% 5$Parinpa Consols 26 Gid-n Hors Shoe lo-V Peakhill Goldfls 2% l)o J,iuks g Sons of GWII.li¡t 24 Great Fin-al 14,♦ W. Aus Gldfi-ls.. 1% Great Boulder 20 6 Rio Tinte 41 41% Do. P's're'nce 10% Kosslani Gt. W. 1% Do Msinreef ft Anteondt 6,1. 6% Hannan's B, Hill 3% 3t. Mount Lyell 3% Hannan's Oroya. 2% Do). North .tit Ivnnuoe 7% Boston Copper. j Kal^nrii 3% 3^, Copper Kiug. -U Do South 2 Utah 4i 41 Kootenay 4 |L» Koi 4J- Do South 2 Utah 4i 41 Kootenay 4 |L» Koi 4J- Lake View Con. 6\0 Do. Ho. 2 3 L»n. A Globe Fin. — .Tha.rsia. 5% Mason en l Barry 3% Strattons Mysore 5% Wnibi Gold 5i SOUTH AND WEST AFRICAN. l'I} Cl.' Op. a. Aagelo 7 £ 7 £ "Jumpers 5 £ Apex 8^ 8% Knight- 7-y, Ashauti 20 L«nglasgte 3% 3% Barnato Consols 2 ii 2% l") Block B J J, Bibiani Mashonolar.d Ag 2^ 2 £ Heu8.nza 4J, British S. Africa iMat'bele Gold it. 3& 3 «- (Chartered 3^ 3% IMejer A Charlt'n 6ft British GoH C't.jMo tderfoxtem. 12 £ 12* City A Suburban e% 6g Mozambique 1^ Claudes Ashanti 1 £ Now Priim-ose 4aj 4°r; Cows'd G'ldfi'ds iKigel 3^' of S. AfricaDef 8% Do Deep 1% Crown Reef 15^ 15^4 lOceaa Consoli'd. 2f.. De Beers 410 jKandfonte.n 3, Dunraveu .IRand Mines 11 10& Dui baD Hood'p't 6% !Rhodesi&. Ltd 1% East Band 8-a*- 8 £ jRobinson lOJg Fanti Consols £ new -Koie Deep 9jfc Ferreira 22ft jSaPsbury 3 Gselotig 1% (Selukwe 2,"0 Geldenhuis 7^ 7&!Simmer& Jack.. 7 L>o Deep life 11 IS. Afri. Gold Tr. 7% 7 £ Globe A rhoenix. 5-'c racsvail Gold 2% Globe A rhoenix. 5'i- racsvail Gold 2% Gold Coast Amal 7 £ Do. Derelopmt 1ft Heriot 7 .[United Rhodesia$. Jagersfontein 22ft .jVillage Maiiueef 9^ Johannesburg In 2* .|Wassau 5-Vt 5f. Jubilee 6ft .IWilloughby Co.

H TUDOR THORNLET I TUDOR THORNLEY H. STOCK AND SHARE BROJvi K, 29, WEST BUTE-STREET, CARDIFF. Telegraphic Address: "Contango." Cardiff. Telephones: Na-tl., 1,294; P.O.. 117. Special jSusiness in Mining and Miscellaneous Shares and in Unquoted Securities. Quotations and Reliable Information oa application. e9408

BOARD OF GUARDIANS. Newport. Mr. Thomas Dafield presided over the weekly meeting of the Newport Board of Guardians to-day.—The Chairman reported that he had received a letter from the Local government Board stating that the audit of the accounts of the union, and also the accounts of the St. Mellon's Rural District Council and the Magor Rural District Council, for the half-year ended Michaelmas last had been completed, and the auditor found that everything was in most satisfactory order, and he complimented the officials upon the way in which the accounts had been presented.

is considered rather doubtful in view of the work they were engaged in-guarding the head of the blockhouse line from Harriemith to Bethlehem. Originally the 34th, the 35th, and 36th Companies of Yeomanry were composed for the most part of London men, and the 53rd Company was raised in Kent, but the per- sonnel of companies changes from various causes, and it is difficult to say what percen- tage of Metropolitan men may have been in the unfortunate column at the time of the disaster. Additional particulars are hourly expected from Lord Kitchener. Fighting on the Natal Border N'KANDHLA (Zululand). December 21. On the evening of December 14 Colonel Chapman moved out from here with every available man, a maxim, and a gun, his objective being Babanango, where there was a Boer stronghold. His camping-ground on the first night was the scene of his former successful stand against Botha's army. On the following evening Colonel Chapman took up a commanding position on Babanango, and by daybreak on the 16th inst. his guns opened fire on the Boer laager. Although the enemy were perfectly aware of the movement of the column, they did not anticipate so early an attack, the consequence being that they fled in all directions. With their knowledge of the ground, this was an easy achievement, but they did not escape without the loss of a few of their number from the effects of our shrapnel fire. The result of the day's action was the capture of a quantity of cattle and sheep, some wagons and Boer families, and five prisoners.-Reuter. Barbarous Boer Leader Captured PRETORIA, Thursday. Colonel Wilson. with Kitchener's Fighting Scouts, made a night raid on the 23rd alo^g the Wilge River to the nortli-mut of Heil- bron, and captured a few prisoners and many rifles and saddles and a number of horses. Colonel Du Moulin, after a night march, recently surprised a party of Boers under Commandants Dutoit and Saul Sarenis to the south-east of Jagersfontein. The two Boer leaders and 26 men were made prisoners. Dutoit is known to have shot lately some native boys. Du Moulin's prisoners are a mixed lot, and belong chiefly to the Acker- mann, Joubert, Coetzee, Reeders, and Krogh commandos. His captures include 58 rifles, 2,000 rounds of ammunition, and 100 horses.- Central News. BLOEMFONTEIN, Thursday. Yesterday General Hamilton in the south- west of the Orange River Colony surprised Pretorius's laager, killing one Boer and cap- turing fifteen others. Thirty-nine rifles were also taken.—Reuter. Gioucesters in Action. The casualty lists announce that at Halle on the 19th the 2nd Gloucester Regiment Mounted Infantry lost one man killed and three men wounded. Heroes of the Fight at Fort Itala. It was notified in Friday night's Gazette that the King has been pleased to signify his intention to confer the Victoria Cross upon Driver F. G. Bradley, 69th Battery Royal Field Artillery, for conspicuous bravery during the fight at Fort Itala on the 26th of September. when he rescued a wounded comrade under a heavy fire and afterwards carried ammuni- tion up the hill over a space of about 150 yards swept by a heavy cross-fire. For their gallant conduct upon the same occasion the King has approved the grant of the medal for distinguished conduct in the field to Gunners W. H. Rabb, A. Roddy, and W. Bull and Driver E. Lancashire, all of the 69th Battery. Struck by Lightning. Colonel W. H. Williams, of the Royal Field Artillery, was severely injured by lightning at Winbufg on Tuesday. Presentation to Reservists. A presentation to four Great Western Rail- I way Reservists who recently came home from South Africa, of an illuminated address and purse of gold each was made by Mrs. W. E. Bradshaw in the Tondu Schools. A large and appreciative audience attended. The ad- dresses were supplied by the Western Mail Limited.

was found to be totally unfit through frost, and the Saints wired cancelling the fixture. TOURNAMENT AT MERTHYR POSTPONED. The match between the Merthyr Harriers and Troedyrhiw Seconds in the final game in connection with the tournament promoted by the Merthyr Alexandras Club, which was at first fixed to come off to-day, has been post- poned for a. fortnight. Blaina v. Tredeg&r.—ThM match WM aban- doned owing to the ground being unfit. Pontnewydd v. Cwmbran. Altrinoham v. Moreoambe.—Match cancelled, ground unfit.