South Wales Daily News

GENERAL INTELLIGENCE. THE LONDON SCHOOL BOARD. Lord Sandon has resigned his seat on the London School Board. CHARGE OF EMBEZZLEMENT. H. C. Booth, a Harrogate dealer in oil paintings, Was committed for trial yesterday on a charge of em- bezzlement. THE GREAT WESTERN DIVIDEND. It is stated that the Great Western Railway dividend is announced at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum, carrying forward X18,300. A COLLIER KICKED TO DEATH. At Wigan, yesterday, at the inquest on the collier Who was kicked to death on Saturday night, the jury advised the use of the lash as a punishment for the Practice of kicking, so prevalent in Lancashire. THE MARRIAGE OF THE MARQUIS OF BUTE. The London papers of yesterday confirm the an- nouncement made in our columns on Monday, that a Patrimonial engagement had been entered into between the Marquis of Bute and the Hon. Gwendaline Howard, el(iest daughter of Lord Howard of Glossop. THE ARTISANS AT WOOLWICH AND THE WAR OFFICE. A large meeting of the artisans of Woolwich Arsenal Wag held yesterday evening, to diseuss the case of a carpenter who had been dismissed for refusing to obey an order respecting fines. The meeting decided that tne fine could not be enforced. A deputation is to be liIent to the War Office. ASSOCIATED CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE. The Associated Chambers of Commerce passed a Solltion yesterday expressing alarm at the progress Of railway amalgamation and control by railway com- panies of canals. Resolutions were also passed asking e committee to enquire into the property and income- 3X' and appointing a deputation to wait on the anceBor of the Exchequer.

FRANCE. *ERSAILLES, Wednesday.—In the Assembly to-day 10 Minister of the Interior presented a bill empower- the Government to prosecute and punish all or tvf58 a8ahist the rights and authority of the Assembly the Government. „ THE LATE LORD MAYO, ovj Admiralty steam-yacht Enchantress has been II Procee<l immediately to Suez, there to meet t j] Glasgow, and to receive on board the body of and Lady Mayo and family. Lord Mayo's Pains will be conveyed to Ireland for interment. at tu stated that Lord Northbrook, Under-Secrerary g the War Office, and who filled the office of Under- Jfretary for India, has been appointed Governor- ne*al of India. «Wn!VOrQan seventy, named Blentford, was burnt to h last night, in her room in Hanover-court, Cripple- London. A gentleman was killed last night at Aldersgate-street ;a t; 0n of .the Metropolitan Railway, throngh entering Yln which was just starting. je erday, at Cumberland assizes, the Rev. John llngs was tried on the charge of obtaining 10s. on jj fP^etences from the Rev. C. H. Gem, of Penrith. acquiUed aU e*ocluen'' defence from the dock, and was buiiS? me» employed at Palmer and Co.'s irou ship- teceivU? ^ar< Harrow, numbering two to three thousand, hoUr the masters' reply yesterday, adhering to the *USA of payment. The men have met, and re- Work on the hour system. Corn^, atmual dinner of the Associated Chamber of 6Jce was held last night at the Westminster CHICH6 'T0^' London, Mi. S. Lloyd presiding. Mr. ^inisf8^ter Fortcscue, who responded for her Majesty's pr°Sl) said this year had been one of unexampled **ectionlty> which had been especially developed in con- the I„H Wl.t" railways and shipping the progress of ir°n g, .er **ad heen marvellous. The fleets of British tfoe env^S !a?nc'aec^ during the last twelve months were or^* He much regretted the danger ling the Anglo-Fiench Commercial Treaty. er sPeeches followed.

Jfmpetial tjavlinmeni HOUSE OF COMMONS.—WEDNESDAY. The Speaker took the chair at a quarter past twelve o'clock. THE CANADIAN FISHERIES. Mr. B. DALRYMPLE gave notice that on Friday next he will ask the Secretary for the Colonies, whether any measures had been taken to prevent collisions between American and Canadian fishermen in the North American waters during the North American fishiug season. THE GAME LAWS. Mr. HARDCASTLE, in moving the second reading of the Game Laws' Amendment Bill, stated that he was quite prepared to concur in the motion which had been put upon the paper for the purpose of referring the measure to a select committee, in case the House should assent to its being read a second time. The objects of the Bill might be stated in a few words. He did not think it in accordance with the public interests or the cause of morality that the offence of poaching should be looked upon as differing from the crime of larceny, and if this Bill were passed, in future all the game in England would be considered by law the property of the occupier of the soil, and persons who stole it would be dealt with in the same way as other individuals who were guilty of lar- ceny. The interpretation clause contained a game list, which differed in some respects from previous lists, but he wished it to be understood that he was not at all wedded to the items of which it was composed. The fourth clause he regarded as the most important. It was one that made game the property of the occupier of the soil, and consti- tuted poaching a larceny, for which offenders were liable to imprisonment. He proposed to introduce a clause, taken from the Act 24th and 25th Vic., cap. 96, and give the same powers to the police with reference to game as they now possessed with regard to tame animals. He also in- troduced clauses relating to game agreements, and pro- posing to abolish the present license to shoot game, and to introduce a new clause, one which should also relate to the buying and selling of game. It was proposed to repeal the whole of the Act of the first and second William the Fourth, cap. 2, which dealt with definitions of game, and fixed certain close times. He also proposed to repeal certain less important Acts, among them Mr. Colyer's Act with reference to the killing of hares, and one clause of the Larceny Act. He had been told that he would be unwise to interfere with the present state of things which, on the whole, was working well, but he denied that this was the case, as was proved by the increase which had taken place in the number of poachers, which had swelled from 2,500 in 1859 to between 10,000 and 11,000 in 1869. This he regarded as a serious evil, and he believed that the principle he asked the House to adopt in making poaching a larceny, would have a salu- tary effect in bringing about a remedy. Mr. STRAIGHT seconded the motion, which, he said, received his concurrence, mainly on the ground of the proposal contained in the Bill, whereby game was to be made the property of the occupier. Tlm-e were, however, certain provisions which he considered open to criticism, and he certainly thought that if rooks were to be made game, there was no reason why the protection of the law should not be equally extended to sparrows and cock- robins. One respect in which he thought the measure would do good, was to be found in the tendency, by mak- ing poaching a larceny, to remove the poacher from the atmosphere of romance, by which in the minds of the general community he had commonly been surrounded. Mr. WEST objected to the large powers the bill pro- posed to confer on the justices of the peace, by enabling them to deal with cases of poaching as they did with ordinary cases of larceny, and to send offenders whom they might convict to gaol without the intervention of a jury. Such a power, he thought, would only add to the suspicion sometimes expressed that the country magis- trates, as landowners and game preservers themselves, were liable to bias in the administration of the game laws. Sir H. SELWIN IBBETSON, without pledging himself to the details of the measure before the House, thought it right that the question involved should be considered by a select committee, to which, if the bill were read a second time, he proposed to refer it. Mr. JMCLAGAN objected to the proposal to include wood pigeons and rabbits in the list of game, as the proposition was at variance with the wishes and desires of tenant farmers at large, and with the interests of agriculture ge- nerally. He also deprecated the extraordinary powers it was intended to confer on the justices, and expressed a hope that the whole matter would be fully considered by the select committee. Mr. CLARE READ said the objections he entertained to the measure were so strong that it was only because he understood its reference to a select committee to be the only chance the House had of ensuring an enquiry into the subject of the game laws that he should refrain from op- posing it at the present stage. He did not know a grievance it proposed to remedy, and he was sure the poaching fra- ternity were not a class of persons likely to be influenced by any fine-drawn distinctions between poaching and larceny. He said the Bill rather aggravated than re- moved' the grievance, of which the farmers complained, by adding to the list of game, while it gave them no remedy against the preservers of game, or the damage in- flicted by hares and other vermin. Furthermore, though the Bill made it a larceny for the man to pick up beyond his own grounds a bird he had shot, it made no provision by which a person should be punished for shooting another man's game without picking it up, or driving his neighbour's game on to his own land. Altogether, the measure was so monstrous, that if any hon. gentleman moved its rejection, he felt bound to support the amend- ment. Mr. CARNEGIE moved the omission in the motion of all the words after that" and the substitution of words re- ferring the whole subject of the game laws to a select committee. Col. RUGGLES BRISE seconded the motion. Mr MUNTZ regretted that the amendment just moved prevented him from moving the rejection of the bill, to which he entertained decided objections, not only on the ground of the powers it gave to the country magistrates, but for its inefficiency in not providing a remedy for ac- knowledged evils. Mr. BERESFORD HOPE was opposed to the over preser- vation of game, especially of that detestable vermin ground game, but he thought the fourth clause of this Bill, which aimed at making game the property of the occupiers was highly objectionable, and that it would be a gross injustice on the man who expended a large sum of money on the rearing and preservation of pheasants to say that his next door neighbour might be at liberty to entice them on to his land and there shoot and appropriate them. Mr. BRUCE was of opinion from the tone of the debate, that the question which was practically at issue on the present occasion, was as between the advantages of a general enquiry into the subject of the game laws, and a limited enquiry into the details of the measure before the House. In the event of a general enquiry, there would be all the advantage attending a comprehensive investigation of the entire question, but this would be coupled with the disadvantage that the great length of the enquiry would preclude any practical legislation for two or three ses- sions to come. The advantage of referring the present Bill to a select committee would be that it might be speedily considered and made the subject of legislation. Still, there were difficulties, which had been pointed out in the course of the debate, and he thought that upon the whole the wisest course would be to adopt the amend- ment, and have the whole matter thoroughly inquired into. After a few word from Lord C. SCOTT, Mr. HARDCASTLE expressed his willingness, in obedience to the apparent wish of the House, to withdraw the Bill in favour of the reference it was proposed to make of the whole subject to a select committee, and after some fur- ther discussion, in which Mr. T. Collins, Mr. Dickenson, Mr. Gell, Mr. Anderson. Sir H. Selwin Ibbetson, Mr. Bromley Davenport, and Mr. R. W. Duff took part, the motion for the second reading was negatived, and the amendment agreed to without a division. MARRIAGE WITH A DECEASED WIFE'S SISTER. Mr. T. CHAMBERS, who presented a large number of petitions in favour of the Marriage with a Deceased Wife's Sister Bill, moved the second reading of that measure without comment. Mr. TALBOT, after presenting petitions against the bill, moved as an amendment that it be read a second time that day six months. He expressed his surprise that the hon. and learned gentleman who had moved the second reading of the bill should have done so without saying a single word in favour of the measure, specially seeing that the majorities by which the principle of the bill had been affirmed from year to year in that House had been gradually on the decline. The hon. gentleman went through and replied to the various arguments used by the promoters of the measure, and concluded by expressing an earnest hope that it might be long before a measure so objectionable on religious, moral, and social grounds, would receive the sanction of the legislature. The amendment was seconded by Sir H. SELWIN IBBET- SON. Mr CLAY spoke in support of the measure, and stated that at a meeting he had attended, when the question was put to the vote, the whole of the women present with five exceptions, held up their hands in favour of the Bill. Mr. GILPIN was also in favour of the measure. Mr B. HOPE stated that the Bill had been three times rejected in that House since 1859; that the wire pullers, in behalf of the proposed alteration of the law, were for the most part those who had already broken it, and that the principle of the Bill was strongly disapproved by a large majority of the people. Mr. Serjeant SIMON supported the bill, as also did Mr. RICHARD, in an energetic speech. Mr. GATHORNE HARDY opposed the measure, pointing out that the marriages it was proposed to legalise had always been against the law, and arguing that if they were permitted, not only would they be solemnised in violation of the religion of the country, but the result would be highly prejudicial to the moral tone :f the people. The debate was continued by Mr. MELLY, Mr. EAST- WICKE, and Mr. T. COLLINS. Mr. T. CHAMBERS replied to the objections urged against the Bill, and was followed by Lord JOHN MANNERS and Mr. MAGUIRE. On a division the numbers were, For the second reading 186 Against 138 Majority 48 SOCIETY OF FRIENDS MARRIAGE BILL. The Society of Friends Marriages Bill passed through committee. PUBLIC LANDS AND COMMONS. Leave was given to Sir CHAS. DILKE to bring in a bill for the better security of the public lands and com- mons, and the bill was afterwards read a second time. NEW WRIT FOR FLINTSHIRE. A new writ was issued for Flintshire in consequence of the appointment of Lord R. Grosvenor to the office of Vice-Chamberlain of Her Majesty's household. The House adjourned at 5.45 p.m.

CARDIFF. GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY.—Messrs. L. L. Dillwyn, M. P.. and Richard Bassett are proposed for election as directors of the company, at the next half-yearly meeting. IRELAND IN CARDIFF.—We beg to remind our readers that this admirable dioramic and musical entertainment will be under the patronage of the Mayor to-night, and that a portion of the proceeds will be devoted to the In- firmary. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE..—The monthly meeting of members cf this chamber, which should have taken place yeslerday, was postponed for a week, in consequence of the absence of the President at the meeting of the Asso- ciated Chambers in London. REFUSING TO PROCEED TO SEA.—At the police-court yesterday (before Mr. G. Bird and Mr. Alderman Price), Frank Tichi was charged with refusing to proceed to sea in the Alhambra ship of Liverpool, after signing articles. The captain, Layero Pero, said the prisoner ran away on the 26th January.—The magistrates ordered him t) go aboard.—William Watts was also charged with refusing to go aboard the Rival of Invernes, after signing articles. Remanded until Friday. IMPORTANT CASE CONCEALING POWDER ON BOARD A SHIP.—Richard Cockle, junr., was charged with having powder in his possession, and not giving notice to his captain of that fact. Defendant had been steward on board the Fusilier (s), and she left Penarth on the 11th February for Caen. When she arrived there the vessel was searched, as usual, by the Custom House officers, who found nine cases of gunpowder in the defendant's berth, and in consequence of the captain not having stated this, the vessel was fined 500f. The captain was not aware of its being on board, and the prisoner never told him he had any. The Bench fined him R5 and costs.

NEWPORT. THE RECENT ACCIDENT AT MR. FIRBANK'S WORKS.— We learn that Chas. John Sampson, of Jones-street, one of the men injured at the late accident caused by the breaking of a crane at the Tunnel-yard Works, has died from the injuries received. CATTLE MARKET, WEDNESDAY.—There was a fair sup- ply of stock in to-day's market, although the importation from Ireland, which usually augments the number to a large extent, was considerably limited. Beef was more plentiful than at any previous market since the Christmas cattle show, and there was a good supply of store beasts. Cows and calves were scarce. Some capital pens of fat sheep were shown but by far greater number were for store purposes. Mutton is very ucarce and this accounted for the high price asked. Pigs were in good supply and demand, selling readily. Business ruled inactive con- sequent upon buyers being disinclined to purchase at pre- vailing high rates. Quotations ruled as follows :—Beef nd. to Sid. per lb. mutton from 91d. to lOd. per lb pigs from 9s. 6d to 10s. 3d. per score. DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND ASSAULTS.—A DISGRACE- FUL CATEGORY. At the Borough Police Court, on Wednesday, before the Mayor and Mr. Charles Lyne, Mary Donovan was charged with creating a great distur- bance in the streets, as proved by P.C. Williams. Defendant admitted that she broke a window. Fined 10s. 6d. or 14 days.—Michael Donovan was again charged with assaulting Esther O'Brien, a woman whom he was fined on Monday for assaulting. After they left the court, the defendant followed and abused her. Ann Mahoney gave evidence, to show that all defendant did was to release his wife from the clutches of complainant. Defendant said he would leave it to God to judge between himself and the woman, and would take any judgment the Bench chose to impose. Fined 10s. 6d.-Richard Burrows was charged with being drunk and disorderly yesterday at two o'clock in the morning, as proved by P. C. Evans. Fined 5s.—Margaret Aplin was charged with as- saulting Mary Cummins, by biting her in the street. Fined 5s.-J ohn Desmond was charged with being disorderly and breaking ten panes of glass in the house of Henry Warn- kin. The Bench adjourned the case until Friday, in order to give the woman an opportunity to repair the damage.—Ellen Dundas was charged with assaulting Annie Jones. Defendant presented a sorry spectacle owing to a black-eye, which complainant admitted she had given her. Before deciding the case the Bench wished to hear the charge against William Scobell for assaulting Ellen Dundas. It appeared that the defendant lived in the house of the mother of the girl Jones. The Superin- tendent said the house was the most disorderly place in town. A witness, named Bartlett, gave evidence on behalf of the complainant, and said it was the most brutal assault she ever heard of, and the language was horrible. Scobell was sent to Usk for two months with hard labour. The complaint against Dundas was dismissed.—Annie .Jones was next charged with assaulting and beating Ellen Dundas, after Scobell was apprehended. The com- plaint was substantiated by Mrs. Bartlett, who appeared very excited. Defendant called a witness, named Hawkins, who was under the. influence of liquor. Fined 20s. and costs, or one month's imprisonment. The Bench told Dundas not to give any provocation to these parties, and then, if she was molested in any way, the Bench would see that justice was done to her.—Andrew Neville was charged with assaulting his wife, who now desired not to press the charge. It also appeared that defendant had assaulted the police. Fined 16s. 6d., or 14 days.— Julia Kennedy was charged with assaulting Mary Power, owing to a desire on the part of defendant to get com- plainant's husband to go out with her drinking. After hearing the evidence of Ellen Davies, the Bench fined defendant 5s., and bound both over to keep the peace. PRESENTATION TO LIEUT. S. Goss.—A very gratifying testimonial has been presented to Lieut. S. Goss, in re- cognition of his valuable services to the Volunteer cause. The presentation consisted of a gold pencil case and a hand- some silver cup, which bears the following inscription:— Seventh Mon. R.V. Corps. Presented to Lieutenant Samuel Goss (a silver cup and gold pencil case) by the members of the Corps, in token of respect for his untiring exertions on behalf of the shooting funds." Knowing the energy which Mr. Goss has invariably shown in all that appertains to the great Volunteer movement, we can venture to say that a more worthy recipient of a testimo- nial could not be found. COAL STEALING.—Mary Drew was charged with steal- ing coal, the property of the Tredegar Coal Company. P.C. Rawlings proved the charge, who saw prisoner yes- terday morning on a truck on the dock. Prisoner had been several times previously cautioned, and was committed for trial as an habitual thief. Mr. Baker, the agent of the company, was bound over to prosecute.— Emma Paterson was charged with receiving coal, which it was alleged had been stolen by two boys named William Hunt and William Connor from the Risca Coal Company D. P.C. Comley stated that on Monday last he was on duty on the west side of the dock, and saw two boys on truck No. 185 throwing coal down. Evidence was given to show that the woman received it. The Bench commented strongly on the conduct of women like prisoner who were the primary instigators of the crimes committed by these little boys. Committed for trial.

SWANSEA. TRADESMAN'S BALL—This pleasant social gathering, which has been so long looked forward to, took place last night, at the Music Hall. To the music of Mr. Cook's splendid quadrille band, dancing was kept up with great spirit, and was only interrupted by the excellent supper provided by Mr. Williams, Castle Hotel. A STIPENDIARY MAGISTRATE FOR SWANSEA.—Great unanimity of opinion prevailed at the Corporation meet- ing on Tuesday with reference to this subject. The public at large have been calling very loudly and for a very long time, for the appointment of a stipendiary magistrate in this borough. Undoubtedly the administration of justice would be much facilitated and an equitable adjustment between litigants always ensured. CORPORATION PROPERTY—The Mayor announced to the adjourned Corporation meeting, on Tuesday, that the Great Western Railway Company had accepted the offer of the Town Council, as to the lease of the land they had been negotiating for, adjoining the new dock. His Wor- sbie further observed that he thought it would be quite advisable to observe the 27th inst., "The National Thanksgiving Day," as a holiday in Swansea, and he hoped the tradesmen of the borough would do all they could to second his efforts. ASSAULTING A CONSTABLE- David Davies, a young man about twenty-five years of age, was brought before the County Magistrates yesterday, charged with unlaw- fully assaulting P C. 36 at Ystalyfera, on the 17th inst. The evidence for the prosecution tended to show that the policeman was requested by the landlady of Ystaiy- fera Hotel to turn the prisoner out, and, upon at- tempting to do so, the latter struck him heavily on the forehead with a large stone, which almost stunned him. Drs. Rees and Thomas attended him. They dressed the wound, which was much contused, and in giving their evidence they declared that it was their deliberate opinion it was marvellous thatfatalconsequences had not followed. The stone which the prisoner had thrown was a sharp, flinty, jagged one, and weighed alsout two pounds. The Bench sentenced the prisoner to six months' hard labour. ————

COWBRIDGE. POLICE COURT --At this court on Tuesday before Mr. Hugh D. Burgh Thomas, and Mr. Thomas Llewellyn PS Chalk, charged William Williams with cruelty to a horse. Fined 2s. Gd, and 11s. 9d. costs PIG STRAYING.—Evan Howells, Penylan, and Miles Jenkins of the same place, were charged with allowing their pigs to stray on the highway. Each were fined 6d and costs. DRUNK AND RIOTOUS.—David Lewis, Llantwit Major, was charged with the above offence on the 8th instant, at Lantwit, was fined 5s and 8s 9d costs. AFFILIATION CASE.—Mary Arnott charged George Bendle, Bute Works Llantrissant, with being the father of her illegitimate child. Ordered to pay 2s. a week, 10s. midwife from the time of application and costs. MARKET.—This weekly market was well attended. Mutton was in good demand, the average price being lid per lb. beef rather slow at 7d. per lb. Live stock in good demand at average prices.

ABERDARE. STATE OF TRADE.—It is currently stated that the Gadlys works will pass into the hands of the new proprietors on the 2nd of March next The works are said to be paying an excellent per-centage at present. The story is revived that the Aberaman works are likely to resume work at an early date. There seems to be a greater probability of such a desirable event taking place than at any period since the stoppage. Repairs are being made, and this fact gives countenance to tho report. INDISCRIMINATE THANKSGIVING.—A story is told of three puddlers who were crossing the Merthyr mountain a few days since In the distance they observed a well- known benevolent gentleman approaching them. At once they adopted a scheme to get money. One pretended to the gentleman, on his approach, that he had just been badly hurt in the works, and that his companions were helping him home. The gentleman enquired their ad- dress. One was given which appeared satisfactory. He put his hand in his pocket, gave the poor fellow half-a- crown, and proceeded on his journey. The rumour is that the puddlers got drunk with the money, and the moral is, that charity to be useful should be discriminate.

TREORKY. AN EISTEDDFOD. At the recent meetings at the Tabernacle, the chair was occupied by the Rev. E. Gurnos Jones, and the adjudicator was Mr. D. Brython- fryn Griffiths, Aberdare. The principal prizes in poetry and proze were almost entirely swept away by Bryn- fab" and Dewi Araul." Yhe Tabernacle Choir was successful in the principal choral competition, and the same choir with that of Siloh Pentre carried the others. Treorky is soon to have an Eisteddfod on a very large scale, in connection with the British School.

NEATH. WEDNESDAY'S MARKET.—The supply of home cattle was exceedingly limited to-day; a very few fat beasts were offered at prices averaging from 12s. to 13s per score. Several fat pigs and porkers were penned, and a moderately brisk sale was effected, the prices ranging from 8s. 6d. to 10s. per score. Sheep appeared to be alto- gether out of the question, only 15 being brought to market, and lid. per pound the price set upon them. The genial weather induced a larger number of persons than usual to attend the general market. There was a very scanty supply of fresh butter at Is. 5d. per lb., and salt at Is. 3d. BRITISH SCHOOLS.—The Nonconformist ministers, and delegates from their various churches, recently held a meeting at Zoar Chapel, to take into consideration cer- tain conditions proposed by the managers of these schools, upon which they would consent to a re-opening of them, and which were to the following effect:—1st. That the schools be conducted in every respect in accordance with the provisions of the Education Act. -2nd. That previous to being opened the premises be put in proper repair, and afterwards maintained in good condition. -3rd. That the trustees and managers have power to enter and inspect the premises whenever they think proper.—4th. That a rent of £20 per annum be paid to the trustees for the use of the schools.—5th. That if a School Board be estab- lished and the conditions be not carried out, or if the trus- tees desire at any time to occupy the schools themselves, the agreement to be null and void. The committee con- sided that these conditions could not possibly be complied with, and resolved That the present committee should be requested to convene a meeting of the society for the purpose of electing additional members, to form an effec- tive working committee, and that they then take proper steps for re-opening the schools.

BRIDGEND. LECTURE -Dr. Yellowlees, medical superintendent of the County Asylum, delivered an interesting lecture in the Town-hall on Wednesday evening. The title was a Recent Tour to Switzerland and Italy." The attend- ance was good. The lecturer dwelt first upon Switzerland and its many interesting features, reserving for a second lecture his visit to Italy. BOARD OF HEALTH.—At the fortnightly meeting of this Board, the Rev. D. Roberts presided; also present the Rev. E. Thomas, Messrs. Brown and W. Thomas. The Surveyor reported that the Gas and Water Company had broken the arch of the main sewer in laying down their pipes through the town. The Board adjourned the matter in order to censult their solicitor, and it was sub- sequently agreed to proceed againt the company for damage done. No other business of importance was transacted.

ABERYSTWITH. ACCIDENT. On Monday evening, as Mr. Pugh, of Pencwm farm, near this town, was returning home, accompanied by his wife, the horse which he was driving took fright in Great Darkgate-street, bolted, and upset the trap, throwing out the occupants Fortunately, neither Mr. Pugh' nor his wife were much hurt.

TREDEGAR. NARROW ESCAPE.—A young man named David Jones, employed at the works as fireman, was nearly smothered to death on Tuesday. It seems he was cleaning one of the boilers, when the gas overpowered him. One of the men outside went in with a lamp, and saw the poor man quite senseless. He was ultimately rescued, and lies in a precarious state,

PONTYPRIDD. HAVING A DOG WITHOUT A LICENSE.—At the weekly sessions on Wednesday, before Messrs. E. Williams, W. Prichard, and Major Lee, Thomas Jones, broker, residing at Ystrad, was summoned by the Inland Revenue, for having a dog without taking eut a license for the same. The case was proved, and defendant was fined 25s. the mitigated penalty. PUBLIC HOUSE OFFENCE.—Morgan Richards, landlord of the Prince of Orange Inn, Dinas, was summoned for allowing drunkenness in his house, Mr. Simons defended. P.S. Wise who prosecuted, said on the night of the 27th ult., late, he went into defendant's house when he saw 14 men and women drinking. A conversation was going on about fightiner. This conversation on the men going out developed ino action. Several of them were drunk. He (witness) called the attention of the landlady to the fact. Cross-examined: Did not say he would be up with de- fendant again, at any time. For the defence Mr. Mike O'Bryan was called. He said he was in the house when the Sergeant came in; he was sober, and had been so since he arrived in perfidious Albion. The house was punctually closed at half-past 11 o'clock, but those who remained did so to hear the harp. This witness flatly contradicted the officer's evidence, and further stated that he was quite sober, as his weakness was pop." The Bench considered the case proved, aud fined defendant 10s. and costs. UNLAWFULLY WOUNDING. Tlioni,,ts Rees, a youngman, a collier, was brought up charged with unlawfully wound- ing Wiliam Jenkins, haulier, Llwynypia. The com- plainant had his face enveloped in a cotton bandage. An offer was made. by prisoner's friends to pay all losses and costs, to which the Bench assented. After ad- journing, the parties returned and acquainted the Bench that the matter had been adjusted. PIG STRAYING. Evan Hopkins, Llantwit Vardre, was summoned for allowing his pigs to stray on the highway. Defendant said it was the result of a pure iocicteiit but he was fined Is. a pig, with costs. ASSAULTING A WOMAN.—Griffith Davies was charged with assaulting Mary Hale, the landlady of the Golden Age." Fined Is., and costs. THE WELSH LANGUAGE IN COURT.—Some difficulty is occasionally experienced in our petty sessions in conse- quence of some of the litigants and witnesses declining to give their evidence in English. Sometimes the Superin- tendent officiates, sometimes Sergeant Thomas, and lately Mr. Owen Morgan, a strong philo-Gwalian, has filled the role of interpreter. Mr. Morgan has qualifications for the post which makes it, perhaps, desirable that the court should secure his services as the official interpreter to the court. We have no doubt that his ability, in this respeet, and his conscientious desire to perform the onerous duty occasionally entrusted to him, will commend him to the Bench, should they decide upon availing themselves of the services of a standing interpreter to the Court. THE NINE HOURS' SYSTEM.—The men working in the Chemical Works of Messrs. Chivers, Todd, and Chivers, Pontypridd, presented a request to their employers, in favour of adopting the week of 54 hours, an advance of 10 per cent., and an alteration of the pay day from Tuesday to Saturday. Mr. J. Chivers and his manager, Mr. Williams, met his hands on Tuesday, to discuss the mat- ter. He at once granted the first and last requests, but as to the advance, pointed out that under existing cir- cumstances such a proposition was inexpedient, as several contracts now maturing were based upon the present rate of wages. He, however, was anxious to meet the men as far as possible, and would confer with them at a subse- quent meeting, The nine hours system will come into operation at the establishment on the 1st of March.

CARMARTHEN. THE SCHOOL BOARD.—A special meeting of the above Board was held at the Town Hall, on Wednesday, for the purpose of adopting a series of bye-laws which a committee had been appointed at the last meeting to draw up. The Chairman read a memorial from the Dis- senting ministers of the town, giving various reasons why they were opposed to the compulsory attendance of children at schools which were for the most part de- nominational Mr. Hughes, after statiug his views at length,' moved the adoption of the first bye-law, which provided for the compulsory attendance at some school of all children between five and thirteen, living not more than a mile-and-a-half from a school, five days per week, except such children as may be able to pass the 5th standard between the ages of 10 and 13. Mr. War- ren briefly seconded the motion. The Rev. W. Morgan said that as he did not agree with the payment of fees in denominational schools, and was opposed to compul- sory attendance. The Rev. Joseph Evans was also opposed to the adoption of the compulsory clauses, and advised delay, in the hope that denominationalism would soon come to an end. Mr. Smith said he was pledged to the compulsory principle, which he believed both the teachers and parents wished to see car- ried into practice. Mr. D. Lewis pointed out that by adopting compulsory attendance, the board would go against the wishes of the Nonconformists and also of the Church party, and although in favour of the principle he thought it ought not to be put into operation at present. The Chairman thought it was the duty of the Board to act promptly and vigorously in carrying out the Act, and that could only be done by adopting the compulsory clauses. The bye- law adopting compulsory attendance was then agreed to by four to three. The second bye-law providing for the pay- payment of fees in Board Schools, and denominational schools, was proposed by Mr. Hughes and seconded by Mr. Warren. The Rev. W. Morgan moved an amendment, admitting only of the payment of fees in Board schools. Mr. Smith seconded the amendment, which was supported by Mr. D. Lewis and the Rev. J. Evans, and adopted by 4 to 3. The remaining bye-laws providing for the ap- pointment of an officer, defining his duties, &c., were soon disposed of, and the whole were accepted and ordered to be printed.

PEMBROKE DOCK. THE DECOY AND MERLIN.—These gunboats, whose de- parture from the dock was reported in the South Wales Daily News, have arrived at Devonport, in charge of Navigating Lieuts. O'Connell and Phillips, and under convoy of the Buzzard, Staff Commander Brown. They experienced very heavy weather off the Land's End, and the Decoy, when entering Plymouth Sound, broke her eccentric, and was obliged to anchor. She was after- wards towed into the basin at Keyham.

LLANTRISSANT. LITERARY INSTITUTE.—A very able lecture was deli- vered at the reading-room of this institute on Tuesday evening, by the Rev. T. D. Jones, of Llantrissant House. Mr. Vivian, of Mwyndy, occupied the chair. The rev. gentleman took for his subject Luther and the Re- formation," and was listened to with great interest by a large audience. We are pleased to state that the lectures which have been delivered in connection with this insti- tution have been the means of making it more generally known, and have tended to increase the number of mem- bers. A valuable addition will soon be made to the insti- tute, as we are informed, a large case for the accommoda- tion of books has just been placed in the reading-room. Funds for that purpose have been liberally contributed, the latest subscription being one of JE5 from Major Vaughan Lee, of Lanelay.

TREHERBERT. NATIONAL EDUCATION LEAGUE.—A meeting of the Blaenycwm branch of the League, was held at the Blaeny- cwm chapel, on Tuesday evening, the chair being occupied tyy the Rev. J. W. Maurice, in the absence of the chaii- man of the branch. The subject under discussion was Mr. Dixon's motion, which the meeting was unanimous in supporting.

MOUNTAIN ASH. A COLLIERS' MEETING.—A meeting of colliers and hauliers engaged in the Navigation, Deep Duffryn, and Lower and Upper Cwmpennai collieries was held in the Allen's Arms' long room on Tuesday evening, to take into consideration the mode the masters have adopted to pay the men, which they complain is not acccording to the award of the arbitrators. The hauliers, unfortunately, refused to resume work yesterday, hence the colliers of the pits are at a stand. LECTURE ON AUSTRALIA.—A lecture on this subject was given on Tuesday evening, at the English Congregational Chapel, by Mr. Farr, of Cardiff.

GLAIS. A Concert was given at Zion Independent chapel, Glais, by the choir of the chapel, assisted by the ehoirs of Hebron, Calfaria, and Goshen. The chair was taken by the Rev. Mr. Rowlands, Llansamlet. The proceeds were to go to Mr. T. J. Rees, at present preparing himself for Brecon Independent College.