South Wales Daily News

NEW BAPTIST CHAPEL AT CAMBRIDGE. rp, rr [SPECIAL TELEORA3T.1 Stowell Brown, of Liverpool, president of the Baptist Union, on Wednesday IT>" f spacious new Baptist chapel, just erected Ju /ld,ge-,afc a ca<t of over £ 6,000, more than f of v\ hich have already been raised,

[FROM OtrR OWN CORRESPONDENTS, BEOTER'S AMSCrr, PBESS ASSOCIATION, AND CENTHAL RUSSIAN AND BIUTISH INTER- ESTS IN CENTRAL ASIA. RUSSIAN OVERTURES TO CHINA. ST, PETERSBURG, Tuesday. — The St. Petersburg Gazette publishes an article, in which, it says that Russian affairs in Central Asia are in a critical condition, demanding immediate attention. In order to parry the blow intended by England, it advises the Russian Government to begin by demanding of China to cease suing for the restoration of Kuldja, and to immediately open Western China to Russian trade and consuls. It also advises that the line of the Amoo Darya should be strengthened, which could best be done by the occupation and fortification of Mtrv.

MONMOUTHSHIRE. The court opened on Vi eduesdav morning at 10 o'clock, when Mr Granville Somerset, QC., the deputy-chairman, took his seat on the bench, and was accompanied by Mr G. R. Greenbow- Relph, Mr Edward Lister, Mr O. A. Wyatt, Col McDonnell, Mr E. Prothero, and Lord Raglan. The usual formalities in opening the court having beeu cone through, the following gentle- men were sworn on the grand jury Mr Henry Griffiths. Pontypool, foreman "Messrs John F AngeL Charles W. Blackmore, D. L. Davies | Richard B. Evans, A. J. Harris, W. Lloyd' I Henry Lewis, Sydney Morgan, W. L. Pratt, James Price, Frederick Phillips, T. Phillips^ Togarnah Rees, R. A. Rennie, W. Simmons Thomas Taylor, J, F. Williams, and James Edwards. In delivering the charge to the grand jury the learned chairman congratulated the county, through them, upon having a calendar with a less number of prisoners, and less in serious offencesf than is usually the case at this perio 1 of be year. From a criminal point of view every- thing during the last quarter compares favourably with the previous three months. According to the testimony of the chief constable tc the court ou Wednesday, there had been less aporehensions for petty dfenoos during tbe quarter than befrop. Still, there were 2'J cases that would be submitted to them, but none of these were charged with personal violence. Since further powers had been given to magistrates in petty-sessions to inflict punishment in cases of this sort, th3 nuuiberof pri- soners sent for trial for committing aoteof personal violence had dimiminished. sm it was a matter for serious congratulation that nothing had oc- curred of such a! nature in a county where such t bAAo ciall nrevalent. < Hit of thp liafc of 90 prisoners, two persons were accused of ] keeping a disorderly house, two oases of false I pretences, two cases of breaking into houses in the day time, one charge of a serious nature, viz., that of killing a sheep and carying away a car- cast, and the other 13 charges were for latcony of a more or leas serious description. The learned Chairman prooeexied to point out tiie leading points in the important cases, so far as the duties of the grand jury were concerned. He first noticed the case of keeping a disorderly house, and stated what the law Considered was a disorderly house and thought that after hearing. the facts they would have no difficulty in Pending the cnae fur trial.. In alluding to the sheep stealing case the learned Chairman expressed the opinion that there was prima facie evidence to jnitifv the grand jury in sending that prisoner before the court. Otiier cases were briefly alluded to, and the grand jurv dismissed to their duties. OBTAINING MONEY BY FALSE PRETENCES AT NEWPORT. William Saunders (33), carpenter, was indicted for obtaining by false pretences, from Aaron j Joseph Jacobs, the sum of J39, with intent tc de- fraud him, on the let October last. Prisoner pleaded guilty. Mr Lawrence, for the prose- cutioa, mentioned that the prosecutor recotn- mended him to mercy, and nothing was known against his character. He waa a married man, with a family, and bad been locked up for more than a month. The Chairman said the case was a serious one, and cases in which money waa obtained on a fraudu- lent bill of sale were becoming frequent. The sentence of the court was that he be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for nine calendar months. THEFT FBVM A FELLOW LABOURER AT ST. MSLLONS. Robert North (20) was indicted for stealing four half-crowns and a pocket-handkerchief, the pro- perty of John Carroll, at St. Mellons, on the 19rh November last. Sir Herbert D. Croft prosecuted. Prisoner pleaded not guilty, but subsequently in- formed the court that if he was let off he would pay the money back. The facts were simple. Prisoner had slept with prosecutor, and in the morning took opportunity to take the money, which was wrapped up in a pocket-handkerchief. To Police-constable Adams prisoner had admitted that he had previously been convicted by court martial, and had undergone 12 months' imprison- ment. This was not formally proved. The jury found prisoner guilty, and recommended him to mercy. Owing to the failure of proof of a ore- vious conviction, the court acted on the recom- mendation of the jury, and imposed e sentence of six months' imprisonment, THEFT OF A WATCH AT NEWPORT. William Henderson, a sailor, was charged with stealing a watch, the property of Luke Berryman. a sailor on board the Rosebnd, on Friday last. the 27th December. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. Mr Boddam prosecuted. The evi- dence of Mr Chamberlain, superintendent of the Alexandra Dock Police Force, stated that the loss of the watch had been reported to him, and sub- sequently, on passing Mr Goldstein's pledge shop, he was called in and informed that prisoner had offered a watch in pledge. The watch answered the description given to him, and he thereunon det.aine 1 prisoner until prosecutor came, and then he identified the watch. These facts were again deposed to. Prisoner asserted that he bought the watch in London for JOS. Prosecutor had also missed £1 12s in money from bis trousers pocket, which lay in his berth. He had also telegraphed to the maker of the watch, who gave the correct number of the watch. The jury found prisoner guilty. Sentenced to nine calendar months' im- prisonment in Usk Gaol. THEFT AND FALSE PRETENCES BY A CBXMIST'S ASSISTANT. Walter Willi .ms, a lJero, and described as a chemist's assistant, was indicted for feloniously stealing money from W. E. Sheppard, of the Castle Inn, Marshes-road, on the 17th November. To this charge prisoner pleaded guilty, He was secondly indicted for unlawfully obtaining by false pretences from Samuel Little, outfitter, a hat, with intent to defraud him of the same, on the 15th November, ISiS. To this indictment prisoner pleaded not guilty. Mr Cleave prose- cuted. The evidence indicated that prisoner is an American would ter:n a smart nigger. He represented hiirself to be desirous of studying for the medical profession, and was making arrangement with Mr Robert Cooke, surgeon", with this object in view. When he went to the shop of prosecutor he stated that he was gaing to Cwmbran to resist the doctor in a post mortem examination, and hence wanted a lighter j at than the one he wore. Upon this representa- tion ke was supplied with the hat. The jury found the prisoner guilty. The Chairman stated that the court had received a very bad character of him. but. as there was no previous conviction proved he would be sentenced to nine calendar months' hard labour. llILLS ICNORED. The grand jury ignored the the bill of indict- ment against Edgar Watkins, 2G, carpenter, for feloniously stealing a watch from Samuel Smith at Newport, on the 29th Or'ober; and also against Samuel Lawrence, for feloniously stealing wood, the property of Phillip Jenkins, at Masor, 01: the 3th November last. KEEPING A BAWDY HOUSE AT NEWPORT. George Smith, a working brewer, and Caroline, his wife, were indicted for unlawfully and knowingly keeping a house of ill-fame at New- port.—Prisoners p!?aded not guilty, and the woman exhibited indications of modesty and di- tress the disgusting revelations in the case pro- ceeded.—Mr Ham, instructed by Mr C. R. Lyne, deputy town clerk cf Newport, prosecute, The house kept by prisoners was of the worst type, and the learned Chairman asked the learned f-onnsel t 'c-e t:) details as much a" pogbj. Both prisoners were aware that men came to the house with girls, and the proceeds was paid over to them. The female prisoner alleged that all that she received was "her rights,' aud she had kept one of the girls when one of the witnesses was ill. The Chairman de- clined to take any more of the details. Inspector Curtis described the nature of the house, and what he had witae-sed there. The prosecution was in- stituted by the Cori>oration of NewDort. The jury found prisoners guilty. In reply to the court, Inspector Curtis stated that the woman had been previously convicte ) a robbery with vio- lence. Tiie Chairman sentenced each of the prisoners to 12 calendar months' hard labour. PLEADED GUILTY. David Lewis, Bowler (30), collier, pleaded guilty to unlawfully stealing stockings from Sarah Ann Evans, at Aberystwith, on the 6th November last. Mr Ram, who prosecuted, stated that prisoner had been previously convicted. Sen- tenced to six calendar months' hard labour. Frederick Dolbey iii). labourer, pleaded guilty to felonio sly breaking into the house of George Theobald, at Llangstone, on the 23rd November, and stealing therefrom bread, butter, and other property. He also pleaded guilty to attempting to oreak into the house of John James at. Penhow. Prisoner alleged as the cause of the offences that he was starving. This was proved not to be the case. He v as sentenced to 10 months' hard labour. Elizabeth. Thompson (28), married woman, pleaded guilty to stealing sundry articles of apparel from Mary Sharrem. at Newport, on the 9th December. Mr Maadv, who prosecuted, I proved two previous convictions, and the court sentenced her to seven yeais' penal servitude. > Catherine Evans (21) pleaded guilty to an in- [ dictment charging her with feloniously stealing a pair of boots from William Charles, at Aberga- venny, on the 20th October. Julia Kenefick faG) I married, was also indicted for the same offence, but pleaded not guilty, Mr Boddam having opened the case to the iurv, the learned Chairman uireoted a verd'.st of acquittal against Kenvfick, but dismissed her witu a warning. Evans was sentenced to two mouths iabour. ROBKERT FROM P'CRSOV AT BEDW^XLTY. Mery Brian (231 single woman, was in bote ■ fo- feloniously Slfalnijj Ss from ^ultirnr,. an aged man, at Tredegar, on the loth November. Mr Smythies prosecuted. It appeared tliat Sullivan had been dnnting in a house where prisoner was. She asked him to stand a quart of beer. This he refused to do, and then prisoner put her hand into his pocket, and dre w out his money. To this he did not consent, but he threatened to give her in charge if "he would not return hi money. He information to the police. Prisoner contra- dicted herself in her statement to the police. The jury found the prisoner guilty. Sentenced to three months' hard labour. THEFT BY A RAILWAY SERVANT AT ABERGAVENNY. Thomas Morris (35!, railway porter, was in- dieted for feloniously stealing a sack containing a quantity of potatoes, v.due 17s, the property of William Williams, at Abergavenny,on tlie loth November. Mr Lawrence prosecuted. The court considered that prosecutor was much to blame for having signed for articles that he had not received. A previous conviction was proved against the prisoner. The court took a merciful view of the case, and sentenced prisoner to 18 calendar I months' hard labour. THEFT OF A SILVER WATCH AT TREDEGAR. Patrick Collins, an aged looking man, was indicted for feloniously stealing a silver lever watch, the property of James Lloyd, at Bed- weiity, on the 30th November last. Mr Maddy prosecuted. Prisoner pieaded not eruiitv. Prose- cutor had gone to his work at the Wiiitworth pits at 'I'red^gar, and left his watch in the cabin along with his clothes. He subsequently found that it was stolen, and he found the watch &t Mr Wintermantle's, jeweller. He identified the watch as his property. Prisoner asserted that the watch was his, and that he got it in exchange for another watch at the Greyhound Inn, Tredegar, but he could not say wiio the man was from whom he had it. A witness swore that prisoner never had a watch to exchange. He was found guilty, and sentenced to four months hard labour. THBtT OF MONEY AT NEWPORT. Richard .Morgan (25s), labourer, pleaded guilty to feloniously stealing two purses and about £ G 10-i, the property of Ann Lewis, at the borough of Newport, on the 24th of November. Mr Law- rence appeared for the prosecution. Prisoner pieaded griiity. No previous offence was known against him, and the court sentenced him tc five calendar months' hard labour. ANOTHER THEFT OF A WATCH A NEWPORT. John Manchip (27), labourer, was indicted for feloniously stealing from the jterson of John Becket a silver waVh and a bat, on the 20th Octo- tober, at Newport. Prisoner oleaded not guilty. Mr Pritchard prosecuted,and Mr Lawrence defen- ded the prisoner, Toe case was that prisoner had in- terfered in a row at Newport, and in:1 scrim- mage that ensued, the prosecutor lost his watch. Accordmg to the evidence of Emma Young, she saw Mauchip tak? the watch from Beckel. but her testimony was not corroborated. Another wit- ness, named Edmunds, who was present, asoerted in cross-ex immation that she did not believe pri- soner did take the watch. After a patient hear- ing, the jury acquitted the prisoner. ALLEGBU DEXTEROUS MODE OF THEFT AT ABBRGAYEXNY. Geore Hugb.es (2S), a turner, a respectable- looking man, "as indicted for feloniously stealing the sum of two shillings, the moneys of Wiilia-u Ja.r.es G-imblet, at the Guildhall Tavern, Aber- gavenny, on the 23th Oct., 1S78. Mr Lawrence prosecuted, and Mr Ram defended the prisont-). Pri- soner pleaded not gnilty. According to the evidence of the prosecutor, he had placed some money on a sbe!f at the back of his bar. Pthonor had gone in to some refresh i.ent, and he caught him in the apt (Of tak iua uff a fehitunic troHJ a row tahil- KngB by Trrerfns of a stick which had a substance like birulime om the end of it. He accused pri- souer ot what he had Kts;>ected he had done, and then missed two shillings from the shelf. He ma le a grasp at the stick, and on breaking off ib. end he found this "gluey" substance on it. 1'q was baadeJ to the police-officer, and had sinei been lost. Coins were found on the prisoner which bore the marks of me sticky substance on them. The learned Chairman remark- i^hat one of the mam links in the chain of evil, ncr'waa wanting, and he put it to the learned ecun-el for the prosecution whether, in the face of tnby L) c&uld proceed further. After a consultation, tW foreman, Mr Frost, thought tiie jury would lilet to see the end of tLe stick and judge of the sub- stance on thf; end of it. After this observation, the learned Chairman directed a verdict of ac- quittal.

LOSS OF NEARLY 100 LIVES. I EXPLOSION ON BOARD A STEADIER. Lloy d's agent at Hong Kong reports destruction ky a gunpowder*explosion of the steamer Tokush- I hot Maria, from Osaka, on October the 2Stb, when off \r3nda. fiiglity-three passengers and a crew of 12 were lost. Another account places the number of passen- gers at 56, and the crew at 14. The casualty is attributed to the bursting of a Wikr.

THE KAFFIR WAR. MOBILISATION OF REGULARS, VOLUNTEERS, AND NATIVES. J (.SPECIAL TELEGRAM. 1 8 from Natal state that matters are r, ?0a*iug to a head, and immediate hostili- The regular troops were all "led at the front, as well as over 3,000 af J? f3, A force of volunteers and a force Cefv .ou'; 12,000 natives had been mobilized, •^as tKa^°i assumed a submissiv e tone, but "ought to be merely manoeuvring for delay, arrangements were defective Var/i If a/^e Frere's ujtimatiun has been for- •lapee a' n° ^urt^ier ti,ue would be allowed to

SHIPPING CASU ALTIES. The schooner Rangatira, of Wcufortl, 93, Kohoe lnaater, bound from Newport to Wexford with 8' in^° Milford on Wednesday with iore- rouds on both sides carried away, and foresail Jtiauisail split. i 'leCampenero, from Demerara, has irrived at *fJe^n°o1 crew °f the Louisa, from aT, i es' f°r England, which vessel was anctoned with nine feet of water in her and the ThPSrl e<^ on Christmas Day, in 45 N. 23 \V. 1;he ^evoushire, ss., arrived at Liverpool, from iladelpllla, experienced heavy weather on and 12th December; had decks Ti hoats carried away. Afr■ 1.c^()ri^°> French barque, from Cadiz to S £ emT put into St. Thomas on 31st of in distress, with spars and rigging gone.

Belief -Thl OINTMENT AND PILLS. — Sure *ervoug jiffw."?;8 ail(i enervated suffer severely from kpi'.ite tl«B ons when storms or electric disturbances &»«* pai,?s .Neuralgia, pouty pangs, and readily r'^II to a delicate system, inay .iar(. rubbing- this Ointment upon the The Pin » s *>e«>n famented with warm Scrihorj ijy thp i3' "ecasioually in the doses pre r free 'ructions, kt?op the digestion in order, **np<iveTi3tle(i v, /'enltiiy bile, and regenerate the Wu'roucriii, a«-in-u i ric-»ei- materials, resulting from •tronicest food—wanting which the ile.'icati find ™ab.y soon :'n^ into feebleness, and u't to raaintaifi existence.. cit and Pim ar« reiutdiaa. (. >1 c," ',T

RUSSIAN TROUBLES IN ASIA MINOR. ST. PETERSBURG, Tuesday. A telegram from Titlis announces that a revolt has broken out among the recently-annexed Adjarts, originating in their refusal to pay the tenth part of their crops to the Russians, on the ground that they have already paid it to the Turks. A member of the Medilis and Grela Aga, assistant of Icherif Bey, have been killed. ——-—

THE RUSSIANS IN EASTERN ROU- MEL I A. BERLIN, Tuesday.—The Russian Governor in Eastern Roumelia is reported to be per- severing in his action agamsu the proper execution of the stipulations of the Berlin Treaty respecting that province, and it is be- coming more and more apparent that Ru^a will not evacuate it until she is compelled to do so by the joint action of the Poneis. Standard. ,Tmi

SERIOUS STATE OF CONSTANTI- NOPLE. PESTH, Tuesday Sight.-We have.received many telegrams from Constantinople dnrmg the day, and all point to the serious state of affairs tl.»re. The lower classes are said to be almost in a state of open revolt, and all the money-changers who. have not been arrested have closed their shops. Vmly Tuesday.—It cannot have escaped attention that alarming news is periodically and most methodically sent abroad. The contemplation of such a arms and counter- °!arms cannot but excite lypwioB tliat party mauceuvres have a good deal to do with them.—Times.

THE BULGARIAN ASSEMBLY. SOFIA, Tuesday.-The number of members of the Bulgarian Assembly, wlucais to meet at Tirnova on the 18th January, will be -90.

THE PRINCE OF BULGARIA. BERLIN Tuesday Night.-The notables of Bulgaria meet on the 18th of January for the election of a Pnuce. The Prince of Battenberg, the Czar's favourate candidate for the throne, is now m Be.rJin» anf' according to information, has decided not to accept tfie doubtful honour if the choice should fall upon hiui.—Dauy hews.

THE CHINESE EMBASSY AT ST. PETERSBURG. Sr. PETERSBURG, Tuesday.—The Chinese Embassy have arrived here. It consists of six persons.

THE PLOT AGAINST KING AL- FONSO. MADRID, Tuesday. — The brother and counsel of Moncasi were received to-day bv the King and the Princess of the Asturias. The King .told them that the decision rested with the Ministers in Council. Though many petitions for a reprieve have come, it is generally thought that the law will take its course.—Daily J\'ews.

AN ARCTIC EXPEDITION ICE- BOUND. ST. PETERSBURG, Tuesday.—Intelligence I has been received that Professor iNordengk- iol'.l's steamer Vecra, engaged in Arctic ex- pluratiou, is ico-bound on the Siberian coast.

THE COST OF THE TURKISH WAR. Sr. PETERSBURG, Tuesday.—The Busski Pranda calculates the expenses of the Russo- Turkish war at two milliards of roubles.

REFOHMS IN TUltKEY. THE BRITISH DEMANDS. The official correspondence respecting reform.! in Asiatic Turkey was published on edne*da\ I'ht It OJ■ens with a long despntcn from Lord Salisbury to Sir A. Layur.d dated August 8th, 1S78 confirming a statement of tUe reforms whicu ar' m^hed in Asiatic Turkey, and the reasons for requiring them, and instiucting Sir A. Laj u,rd to endeavour to obtain a formal agreement in re- gard to them. The points on vymcu Lord Salis- bury desires & specific. undertaking roia thc Porte are three-The institution, of the Gen- darmerie in the Sultan's Asiatic provinces, organised and commanded by Europeans; the institution of central tribunals in .the most im- portant Asiatic towns, having mnsdiction over the lo-.ver coarUs each having a European lawyer attached; the appointment of a collector in each vdayet, accountable for the revenue of the province, charged to abolish farming and intro- duce ten-year settlements at tbe earliest date, this officer to be generally an European. 1 urJier, it is desirable that the van and the judge shall hold office during geod behaviour for a certain number of rears. Sir A. Layard replies to tins dispatcu, August 21st, enclosing a mte verbale, which he has placed in the Grand Viziers embodying the substance of Lord Salisbury's despatch. Sir A. Layard says :-Tlie general im- pressionl derived from my conversation with „he Grand Vizier is that a good deal of resistance will At first be made to some part of the reforms especially that relating to the appolntj.ient o Europeans to the central tribunals, but t.hey will j- *i1(- acccnU'l -,n principle, ^vi^- v,Vl! not, he considers, come from KSafv«t Pasha, but from a paity in the Council opposed to'all reforms, and admitting increased iiiuvopewi influence, On October 24, Sir A. Layard encloses to Lord Salisbury the Porte's reply to the note z'.rhile, lU.!llS dispatch Sir A. Layarci says; It is unnecessary for we to describe at any length to your lordship's the difficulties with whicii I have had to contend in obtaining this, answer. There is a strong jparty in the Alinistry and amongst pefcsorts of influence in this country which reso- lutely opposes alj interference of foreigners in its internal art airs, and which has looked upon the reforms demanded by Her Majesty's Govern- ment as a violation of the sovereign rights of the Sultan and the inde- pendence of Turkey. have reason to believe that foreign intluence has been employed very energetically, and not without some effect, to. encour;;e and support this opposition. There iris been the usual dilatonness on the part of the Porte in the transaction of all matters of business and tbe official forms which are necessary iu carrying through a matter o th.s np Sice. The aiuwer has .been constan y SS&m iu 6. VM he h!s*Mlbtohie tailuonco to ore. veut 1 "tt^rther uufavourahle retuiii^h Ho does not, however, attiiou.e an j £..1' the reply is 8atisfact.ory..1"01' his. vVw, pa.rt. suirit -i!:tv,'in' a desire to act upon }lic «e Sm '-ia s»f vet's "°et expresses tne readinobs of the Q reforms generally, with certain g. O.U,ber BH tier. i. be views rntf Xily. and »<Us SSTttX '1'be Port, tod central council of administration fo* tUo corps ofgendarmerie, on which European officers of standing sliall be placed. Sir A. Wd that this suggestion came from the bulu;1" The alteration which the Porte suggesta-.w the judicial reforms also meets Sir. A. L y „ proval, and bis general opinion is tha, tb £ |. ish modifications are reasonable. Lord bal^ ry, in a dispatch dated December 4th,says concessions exhibit more jealousy of pi„R„ sistancothan circumstauces warrant. l*iev they apijear to contain sufficient of the of an effective reform to justify Government in accepting them as an adequateui-. stalment. The vagueness of the promise giving the ogicials aecurvty of tenure is demurred to by L:>rd Salisbury, who acknowledges the chthcaity of checking tbe Porte's action in such matters, All international veto is out of the question. A v^tc) vested iu Her Majesty's Government alonei is un- de.^Srabie. AssucQiUg that forina,i security head is unattainable, itd place uiu.st be jJuP.P ie^ by the vk'ilaucs of friendly Powers, bucti an obligation would be specially incumbent on England, who, in performing it, will be insisting on a treaty as weU as tendering friendly counsel. Lord Salisbury expresses himself satisfied, on tne whole, with the disposition of the Porte, and con- siders there are gratifying signs that the teacnin^ of recent events has not been lost upon tne Turk- ish Government. TLa late appointments to Syria and Crete show that the Sultan has given dne weight to Sir A.Layard's advice. and is sincerely de- sirous to break with former ruiuous precedents. The liuancial embarrassments, Lord Salisbury admits, interuose grave obstacles to the establish- ment of an effective gendarmerie, but he urges that a beginning should at once be made in one or two provinces.

A fanner, named Cherry was draped from his liorso by four men, aad robbed near lnwmycompton, on Wednasday* 1

INCIDENTS IN THE KYUER PASS. THE GOVERNMENT OF THE KURRUM VALLEY. WEAKNESS OF THE GARRISON AT CANDAHAR. The following has been sent by the Indian Office for publication :— From the Viceroy, 1st January. 1879. Road between Shergai and Ali Musjid temporarily stopped by a party of about 30 Kuki Khels, yesterday. One camp follower killed. Troops ordered out, but road cleared by Jesailchies before their arrival. Telegraph opened to Ali Musjid, and being pushed on to Lundi Khana. Good road being made through Pass. Stoppage did not last more than an hour. Camels coming in freely for transport. 350 went through Pass for Jellalabad yesterday, and 200 the day before. No news from Cabul or Koob Khan. fiRoberts at Hazarpir, about to enter Kliost, with small column. Attempts to organize resistance seenv to have failed, and the Ameer's governor ift carrying on admin- istrations by Robert's orders. Stewart reports good carriage road over Gorazin and Khojeck. To-day he is con- centrating his force at Takipul for final ad- vance on Candahar. The most reliable reports place the force at Candahar at three or four weak regiments and a few hundred Ghazes with no artillery, or means of defend- ing the town. ———

FOUR AFGHAN MURDERERS HANGED. HAZABriR, Tuesday.—At 11 o'clock this fore- noon, four Afghans, belonging to the Jaji Maidan tribe, have been executed close to the head-quar- ters camp. They were convicted, on the clearest evidence, of the cold-blooded murder of three of the camp followers at the Darwaza Pass. The scene of the execution was on the northern side of the branch of the Kurrum river. The ground here slopes very gradually, and rice fields ex- tend to the bank of the stream. The day was lovely, and the mountains around, with snow- covered summits, glowed in the bright sunshine. The news of the execution had spread, and large numbers of the natives had gathered on the hills, which rise on the other side of the river bed, to witness the scene. The gallows was formed of three telegraph poles. The prisoners were in rags, and looked thorough scoundrels. They glowered sullenly round, but evinced no fear. They were escorted to the place of execution by a company of the 21st Punjab Native Infantry. They submitted without the slightest resistance to being pinioned, and died almost without a struggle. The execution is expected to exercise a beneficial influence among the surrounding tribes; but though all admit the necessity of the severe measure, there are some who, looking to the vindictive nature of the Afghan character, think that their friends will not be contented until they have exacted reprisals. After the execution a Turi who had been caught plundering was flogged he did not utter a cry, and appeared, in fact, to treat the matter with perfect unconcern. Another Turi, also condemned to bo flogged, shouted to the men on the scaffold that their deaths would be avenged. He was taken off under an escort. The four men who were hanged all belong to the Khost district, through which we are to advance two days hence.

THE GLASGOW BANK DIRECTORS, THE OFFICIAL INDICTMENT. There are 17 charges in the indictment aeainst City of Glasgow Bank directors. The principal accusations are, falsehood, fraud, and wilful im- position, fabrication and falsification of balance sheets, for the purpose of concealing? and mis- representing the true state of affairs, with intent to ^defraud the members of the bank and the public and uttering the same durinpr many years past. Several of the directors are further charged with embezzling the amounts overdrawn by them in there accounts, by having taken advantage of their position as directors, and overdrawing their accounts without giving adequate security. Finally tlisir are charges of theft or embezzle- ment of bills, amounting to over £23,000, which they had received for collection, but which they, ic is alleged, had sent, or caused to be sent, to the London Joint Stock Bank, there discounted, and appropriated the proceeds.

¥ DINNER TO TH!3; POOR OF ABERAVON. New Year's Day'^in Aberavon was given ovpr to "St. Holiday" in a most complete manner. The tradesmen of the town locked their doors and put up the shutfers of their establishments, while within it may be supposed that jollification and enjoyment reigned supreme. The duty of feasting others as well as feasting ourselves is happily fully recognised by the benevolent at this season of the year, and it I'. as practically demonstrated at Aberavon, on Wednesday, that this sentiment largely prevails there. The spacious Public-hall |u atei-street, which a dav or two before served a more auspicious, but i'-0 lne:;I,s more interesting purpose, w, s on this occasion devoted to the accommodation of upwards of 150 of the necessitous poor of the neighbourhood, V/ho had assembled to r.^rtalce of the hospitality of the popular mavor, lur T. W. •Jenkins. 1 he tablesjwere plentifully laden with roast beef and plum pudding, supplies of which had also been conveyed to those less fortunate per- sons whose absence had beau occasioned by ill health and other causes. The proceedings were enlivened by the. introduction of music, Mrs T. h Griffiths presiding at the piano, while solos were sung by Messrs David Williams, J. Jones, .1. H. 1 age, and others. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair at the cross tables, having near linn the Mayoress, Mfs Jenkins, Vr mle the leading inhabitants of the ulacc arranged themselves on either side. Amongst those present were Aldermen David and Evans Councillors.T. Jones,Eeece,Thomas, Mr Tennant, town clerk-R- v D. Lewis, vicar — Johns, curate; M. Hopkins Independent minister; Father McOIement Dr Daniel, Mr D. Lewis, Mr W. S. R. Jackson', Mr Smith, &c. The cloth having been cleared, The MAYOR gave the "Health of the deserving poor," in the course of which he termed it a. duly of those who had it in their power, to help and assist such as might be unable, especially at this season, to provide qreature .comforts for them- selves. He pointed out the difference between the deserving class and those upon whom kindness was thrown away, and expressed his personal gratification at being able to afford a little comfort to the former. This had been the custom, he said, £ Jl. -.1.. f ♦ ■.>L WIORC wueiii'tttu un; civic ear\ir, though some of his predecessors bad exercised the privilege in different forms and uiays. The custom had been instituted by Alderman Daniels, and he called upon that gentleman to respond to W toast. Alderman DANIELS replied 111..t, it alw«tyh afforded him considerable pleasure to assist the needy AS far as it lay within his power. Although this parish was perhaps much better off than many others in the county; still a dinner such as they had all partaken of was a most acceptable enter- tainment. The MATCH theu gave The Bishop of the dio- celie",aud clergy of all denominations." The too.;¡t was acknowledged by the Bev David Lewis, Father McOIement, and the Rev M. Hop- kins. Mr McClement spoke of the good feeling which existed amongst the representatives of the various denominations, and paid a tribute to the amount of quiet work performed by the Dis- senting body. Mr M. TENKANT, town clerk, proposed "The Board of Guardians." Although, he said, the poor had been so well provided for that day, througu the hospitality of the Mayor, still such an enter^aiument did not suffice for their dailv wants. The were well cared for by the gentlemen whose health he had the honour of proposing, whom he might allude particularly to Alderman David, a most sble advocate of the cause of the poor. Alderman DAVID, whose name was coupled with tne toast, expressed pleasure that Mr Jen- kins had continued a custom which their worthy friend Alderman Daniels inaugurated some few years ago which custom, he said, would exist as long as the Corporation of Aberavon might exist. (Applause). A great deal of distress at present prevailed throughout the country, but thanks to the excellent management of those at the head of the large works in the neighbourhood, as well as the men themselves, the suffering was not so severely felt as in Manchester, Sheffield, and many other places. He had certainly seen while on the board of guardians a great deal of poverty, for the perraauent relief afforded in the Neath Union was larger in proportion than that given in any ether union in the United Kingdom and this he WM unable to account for, unless, as he believed, it should be ascribed to the forma- tion of Poutardawe Union, and the addition of Llansamlet to Swansea. Of course, it was not considered a. respectable thing to come upon the parish for relief, but still it must be 1 remembered that in doing so they only availed themselves of a provision allowed by law. Alderman DANIELS gave "The Health of the Mayoress in most felicitous terms, which The MAYOR acknowledged, and the proceedings concluded with" God save the Qneeu."

With the expiration of the year 1878 the custom of awarding good conduct gratuities to solders has been abolished. r'c.E,d' WORTH liNOWING. The Medical Journals highly recommend" Da vies' Alkaline Seiiae.' o*ving to its superior properties of becoming ajkalhio dtritiz effervescence, wlrtch render it iiirfivatlod for Bilious Constitutions, Indigestion, constipation, and iropTjtHies of the Blood. In Bottles 13 and 2s. Order of Cftcfnigtg. 5 14 COUGHS, ASTHMA. BKONCIIITIS.—Medical Testi- mony states that no other medicine is so effectual in the cure of these dangerous maladies as KKATING'S COUGH LOZENORS. One Lozenge alone gives ease, one or two at bed time ensures rest, For relic ing difficulty of breath in they are invaluable. They contain no opium nor any violent druar Sokl by all chemists, in boxes, at Is ljd. 23 9d each. 3COM FITS.—EPILEPTIC FITS OR FALLING SICKNESS.— A certain method of cure ha3 been discovered for this distressing complaint by a physician, who is desirous that all sufferers may benefit from this providential dis- covery. It is never* known to fail, and will cure the most hopeless case r. '1 all other means have been tried. C' Full particulars i;) be sent by post to any person free of charere. Address, Mr Williams, 10. Oicford- terraoe. Hyde P&rk.. faatfUn^ W

THE SOUTH WALES COAL I AND IRON TRADES. STOPPAGE OF THE 0LDDUFFRYN COLLIERY. PARTIAL STOPPAGE AT MIDDLE I DDFFRYN COLLIERY. BLOWING OUT AT SIRIIOWY. THE MELINGRIFFITH AND PEN- TYRUH WORKS. As will be seen by an advertisement in another column, an application was made on Wednesday, in the High Court of Justice—before Mr Justice Hawkins, sitting for the Vice-Chancellor (Sir C. Hall)—by the official liquidators of the West of England and South Wales District Bank, who are creditors to Messrs Thos. W. Booker and Co., the proprietors of the Pentyrcli and Meliiigritfith Works, to the extent of unsecured, for an order to wind up the affairs of the company. And subsequently Messrs William Turquand, London, Edward Guatavus Clarke, Bristol, public ac- countants; and Mr Henry Jeffries, Ynis, Pen- tyrcli, the resident director of Messrs Booker and Co'a works, were appointed provisional and official liquidators. This apDlication was not entirely unexpected by the directors of the company, who held a long meeting at the Melingriffith Works on Tuesday, and Mr Jeffries, the manager, left Cardiff for London by the first train on Wednesday morning. The £20,000 unsecured is believed ta be the amount overdrawn at the bank since the formation of the company. The West of England Bank are share- holders and debenture holders to a considerable I amount, their secured assets in this respect reach- ing £.300.000. The effect of the order for windii.g- up the concern will not have any material results at present, and the works will probably be earned on under the direction of the liquidators until they can be disposed of and the appointment of Mr Jefferies as one of the liquidators is to some extent a guarantee that the works will be carried on as usual. The closing of these works would have a very serious effect upon the district. aarly 1,000 men would be thrown out of ernploy- ment, and as the depression in the coal, iron, and tin-plate trades extends all over the country, the men cannot be transferred to other localities. This matter has been frequently considered by the proprietors of large works, and many of these works have been carried on for the sole purpose of affording employment to hundreds of hands who would otherwise be left destitute. The Melin. griffith and Pentyrcli Works are among the oldest in the district, and until recently were worked successfully. The extensive liabilities incurred are said to have solely arisen from the depressed state of the tin-plate trade, which has now ex- tended over many years. Recently the collieries in connection with the works have been carried on at a loss, and this has added to the burthens already incurred. The last few weeks have shown an increase in the demand for tin-plates, and it was hoped that under careful management and with economy the work would again become a profitable undertaking. SIRHOWY. The blowing out of the furnaces progresses steadily. The flames from the first ceased on Wednesday riiorning, and the second commenced blowing off at mid-day, and on Thursday the last will follow suit. By the end of the week, the entire range of furnaces, coke ovens, brick kilns, and lime kilns will be nearly cold, and over 200 persons will he struggling against the fate that has deprived them of the means of subsistence. MOUNTAIN ASH. Notices have been posted up at the Navigation and Deep Duffryn Collieries, at Mountain Ash, and also at Abercwmboy colliery, stating that the Coalowners Association in Monmouthshire and South Wales have determined to terminate the Sliding Scale agreement at the end of six months, which will expire June 36th, 1879. No notices have been put up at the Powell Duffryn Collieries, in the Aberdare Valley. The men do not know what is the reason for this, but it is stated on good authority that the company have withdrawn from the Coalowners' Asso- ciation. The Middle Duffryn Colliery has been consider- ing for the last fortnight whether they would stop the colliery altogether or not. Ultimately, they have come to the conclusion to keep open eight or ten working places. This will throw about 100 men out of employment. The Old Duffryn Colliery has been stopped eutirelv. throwing about 80 men out of employ- ment. The last two collieries are under the Powell Duffryn Company. Notices have been put up at Abernant Collieries, stating that the company expect a reduction in the workmen's wages if other firms in South Wales will secure it. The colliers are working more regularly than they have been, but their earnings are very low. PENGAM. At some of the pits in the district notices have been put up that the existing terms under the Sliding Scjile Committee will cease at the expira- tion of six months. The men look on this with great distaste, as they cqusider that the existing state of things is far preferable to what it was before the Sliding Scale Committee was formed.

CRICK 1ST CLUB DINNERAT CARDIFF. The first annual dinner of the members of t!Je cricket club in connection with the telegraphists of Cardiff was held on New Year's Eve, at the Canton Market Hotel, when some 25 members and their friends sat down to a n excellent repast, pro- vided for them by the hostess, Mrs John. After dinner the chair was taken by Mr Sterling, the secietary of the club, and the vice-chair was occupied by Mr A. Davies, the captain. The toast of the Queen and the Royal Family hay- ing been proposed by the chairman, and drunk in silence. Mr S. Davies proposed the Army, Navy, and Volunteers," remarking that although unfor- tunately they had no representative of the former present, still they had a woithy member of the vol. unteers, in the person of Mr Roberts, who responded in a suitable manner. Mr Crane, in proposing the toast of The Postmaster of Cardifi, and the Superintendent of the Telegraphs," said that the appointment of the superintendent of the teie- graph department of Cardifl had been but recently made, and that they were all deeply gratified at the appointment having been made from their own staff. Mr Bazeley had been with them for so many years that no person could have been better qualified by experience for the position. The kindness of the postmaster to all the staff was so well known as to become a proverb, and they trusted they should see both him and Mr Bazeley at the next dinner. Mr Sterling, in responding, after referring to the loss that they had sustained by the recent, death of Mr Cross, said he quite agreed with Mr Crane that the election of Mr Bazeley to the vacant sup- erinteudency was one that met with tha views of all, and that he was undoubtedly the right man in the right place. The thoughtful courtesy dis- played towards the staff by the postmaster of Cardiff on all occasions was sufficient evidence that in him they had a friend. Mr 11. Baker, in proposing the toast of the evening, namely, success and prosperity to our Cricket Club," said that although at the present time their club was but in its infancy, still it v. as plain to all, that towards the end of the last season they were im- o".nsidrr."„b'y, and these wh.~ had be iter, themju the past year, had bettor look to their laurels for the future. The self-sacrificing way in which the captain had striven to advance the in- terests of the club, and pleasing all, in spite of the manifold difficulties he had had to contend against, was worthy of the warmest recognition, and the skill and dexterity displayed by the secretary in the management of the undertaking was worthy of the heartiest thanks. He trusted that the health and strength gained in the' ex- ercise of the noble game of cricket woujd enable them all to bear better and kinder feelings towards each other, and assist them materially to discharge their daily duty with efficiency.—Mr S. Davies. the captain, in replying, said they were progressing very satisfactorily, and that every time they played a match their score ahowed a considerable increase. The top score made by Mr Dyer, and the admirable bowling of Messrs Parish and Bullock, was such as to show, at all events, that they had some good men in the club.—Mr Sterling also ably responded, and said that it was a matter of great gratification to find that, after all the trouble they bad gone through in floating the club, they were at last enabled to sit down to dinner together. Prizes for the best attendance, bowling, and num- ber of runs, were then distributed to Messrs Davies, Parish, and Dyer, amidst loud cheering. Tile remaining toasts were "The Cardiff Staff," proposed by Mr Dyer, and responded to by Mr Phillips "The Ladies," proposed byMrWalkley, and responded to by Mr Bullock "The Visitors," proposed by Mr Stirling, and replied to by Mr Perkins; "The Hostess," and "The Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Mr A. Gibbon very kindly and efficiently presided at the pianoforte, and songs and recitations were capitally rendered by Messrs Dyer, Parish, Walkley, Perkins, W. Jones, Horwood, Baker and others.

TRAMvVAYS AT OXFORD. The consent of the Oxford Town Councillors was on Wednesday given with only one dissen- tient to the introduction of tramways into the city, the scheme providing for the laying down of about five miles of rails, The promoters have agreed to contribute £2,000 towards the co-t, estimated at £6,500, of widening Magdalen Bridge, which crosses the Cherwell at the east and of the town, and have also agreed to run workmen's cars not to exoeed one halfpenny per mile. The consent of the local board has also to be obtained.

THE DluiD^ DINNER AT OXFORD. RECIPROCITY AND PROTECTION. The annual dinner of the Oxford Druida took place on Monday evening, in the Town Hall, Oxford, the chair being occupied by the noble Aichdruid, Mr Wa'd, who was supported by the Earl of Jersey, Sir W. Harcourt, M.P., Mr A. W. Hall, M.P., Mr H. Morrell, Professor Bur- roughs, Captain Chapman (of the brigade depot). many aldermen and councillors, and about 600 of the brethren. The toast of "The House of Lords was responded to by the Earl of Jersey, who, referring to the present commercial depres- sion, remarked that the remedy spoken of was Reciprocity, but that which was only Protection in a fancy dress was not to be depended upon, Mr Hall also said that reciprocity, or protection, WAS an almost unmixed evil.

KERSICK'S DANDSLION CONDIXENT.—A highly approved breakfast beverage. Wentworth L. Scott, Esq., F.C.S., author of "Foou its Adulteration* and th« Method of Detecting thew," writing- says "Your pre Mration is e«rtaitiiy a tuteets M rugards composition %nd flavour.—Sold by ail ChetuisU aud Qrocer, w tins at GA, tOd, and U 04 6ft«A« I

SWANSEA SCHOOL BOARD. A meeting of the school board was held on Wednesday, Mr T. irew presiding. There were also present the Revs. Canon V. ilson, Canon Richards, Dr Walters. B. Williams, and E. Jones, Messrs W. F. liichards, J. Naysmitli, E. Roberts, W. Stone, C. Y. Crabb, J. Davies, and T. Phillips. The first business was t' c rccaption of the re- port of the schools' management committee, which recommended that the articles of E. A. Davies, late pupil-teacher at Trinity-place Board School; the appointment of managers for Civai Board School; the appointment of a mistress for the same school in the infants; department, The llev J". WILLIAM'S, in moving its adoption, said they had received a first-chss recommenda- tion on behalf of Miss Sheppard, whom they re- commended for the ("nn School, from Mr Williams, the principal of the training college. Mr W. SRONE seconded the motion, and the report was adopted. The schools building report was next read. and, on the motion of Mr Naysmitli, seconded by Mr E. Huberts, was adopted without dicU8sion. The CHAIRMAN stated that he had received a letter from the Rev. S. C. Morgan, vicar of St. Mary's, stating that a deputation from the mana- gers of voluntary schools would wait on the Board that morning. The board agreed to receive the deputation. The finance committee's report recommended the payment of a large number of bills, including a sum of JB500 to Messrs Walters aud John, for Plasmarl School. The report stated that a sum of £2,500 would be required to cover the expenses of the board to Sentember, 1879, distributed as follows:—Council, £2,?13 Is 5d; Penderiy, JE75 13s 6d; Clase, extra municipal. JE135 7s 6d; Llansamlet, E15 17s 7d— £ 2,500. Mr W. STONE, in moving the adoption of the report, regretted that tha rate would be somewhat in excess of the previous one. It would amount to 2i in the Since the school board had been in existence the rate had never before exceeded 2d iu the There had been certain increased expense.? in connection with the C'.vm and Ynys- tawe schools. The committee had gone into the matter carefully. They had not lost sight of the depressed state of tiade, but there was no alterna- tive to the making of this rate. Mr W. F. RICHARDS seconded the motion, and said some items had been struck out, aud onlv those that were absolutely necessary had been al- lowed to remain. The report was adopted. The report of the Local Authority and School Attendance Committee was next read. It stated that charges had been made against two children's officers, named William Evans and John Lake, to the effect that they had not devoted the whole of their time to the services of the board. The committee had investigated the matter, and found that the charge against Lake was unfounded. Evans was asked either to resign, or to give his whole services to the board. He had sent in bis resignation, whichthad heen received. The Rev, B. WILLIAMS, in moving the adoption of the report, said the charge made against Lake was that lie was keeping a small shop in High- street. He (Mr Williams) objected to the word "charge," inasmuch ag the public might think it was something serious. The word charge was not correct. The Rev. Dr. WALTER? Make it allegation." (A laugh.) The Rev. Canon RICHAKDS And the man who brought it may be called an "allegator." (Re- newed laughter.) The report was adopted. The CHAIRMAN said he had seen a very pathetic paragraph in one of the local newspapers—he be" lieved the Cambrian, in which it was stated that some poor child had had to pay 5s in the police- court, and it was alleged that it was a great hard- ship. He had investigated the case, and had found that it was no hardship at all. The man who was summoned was getting Gs a day. The Rev. Canon RICHARDS said he objected to receiving lawyer's letters on a Christmas Day, but on the 25tii of December he received a letter from the Clerk of the board. Personally, he had never received anything but courtesy from the Clerk. The latter wrote and asked him for some school documents under Article 117a, and he (the speaker) had neglected to do it. The Clerk wrote to him again, not only asking him for it, but "requesting" him to inform him why he did not do so. He (the Canon) objected to that. It was inquisitorial. He did not think it was right that the managers of voluntary schools should be asked for reasons. If he had reasons as thick as black- berries he would not give them. He wanted to kuow whether the Clerk had received instructions to write in that manner ? On another occasion he had received a letter from the clerk in reference to some niatcer, iu w hich the latter stated he had been "instructed." He wrote back to the Clerk asking who had "instructed" him, when the latter said it WIUI simply a form. The matter then dropped. The CHAIRMAN proposed that the schools building committee be instructed to negotiate for a school site at Worlds End, Wassail-street, and Frog-street, as the co'nmittee might think best, and that they receive full power to purchase." He thought they had better take the matter up at once. Tne Rev Canon WILSON objected to Wassail- street, as the proposed site would be within a stone's throw of his own (St David's) school. He should not iiive his sanction to it. The CHAIB-JIAN said it was the Act of the De- partment, aud not their Act. The Rev Canon W ILSON said if they stuck to Frog-street he would not object, but if they at- tempted to go to Wassail-street he should oppose them in every possible J.1e could. He ararued that this school site was not a necessity, no complaint had been made of want of accommodation in that neighbourhood. The board had already set aside the authority which had been referred to. He contended that in choosing this site they might also set" aside that authority in this respect. If they adopted this site they would have their schools not 300 yards apart from each, viz., York- street, St. Davids', and the Board School. They contemplated spending nine or ten thousand pounds in a school which was really not called for. There was no necessity for it, and, as far as he knew, no one had ever asked for it; and he proposed that the clause referring the power to the committee to purchase be omitted. The public ought to know how they were spending their money, and he thought they ought to do it openjv. The CHAIRMAN said lie did not think it policy on the part of the board to discuss every question on its commercial basis, that was, to state what they were to pay for one or the other thing. As far as the bo ard was concerned, the world might know everything that transpired, but he did not see the necessity of going into details. With recard to the requirements of this particular neighbourhood the matter had been long before them, and they had settled it, in fact, they had only staved it off till now in consideration of the excuse involved. The Rev. Canon RIFHARD3 seconded the amend- ment. and asked, seeing that the matter had been staved off so long, whether it could not be staved off a little longer, taking into consideration the heavy charges on the rates. The Rev. Dr. WALTERS thought that the powers of the Department had been magnified to a very great extent. He thought it was optional with that board whether they acted on the instructions of the Department or not. That board was the local authority in Swansea, and if thev refused to provide a new school, he doubted whether the De- partment e, uld compel them to do 80 He snp- ported the amendment. The amendment was then put to the meeting and was lost, and the re- solution v as carried. At this stacre the CHAIRMAN intimated that the board would be happy to hear the rem&iks of the I deputation. The Rev S. C. MOR-AN, Vicar of St Mary's, said they were there that morning as a deputation from a meeting of the managers of voluntary schools, held iu the National schools in Oxford- street, at which the following resolution was passed That this meeting has heard with re- gret of the action of the Swansea School Board in appointing their inspector to sign the "Child's School Book" in the Voluntary Schools of the town and district. This action is, in their opinion, calculated to impair the good feeling with which the school board and managers of Voluntary Schools have hitherto worked together, to lead to expenses which must fall upon the rates, and cannot be carried out without considerable difficulty and injury to the Voluntary Schools. Tiiey would therefore res- pectfully request the school board to reconsider this appointment, and to take steps for securing the co-operation of the managers of each Voluntary School in 'carrying out the desired object. 2nd, "Tht the following gentlemen be requested to be a deputation to wait upon the school board at their meeting to-morrow (Wednesday) to support the above resolution :—Tbe Rev S. C. Morgan, the llev E. Clarke, Mr F. S. Bishop, and J. Trev. Jenlcin. It was not with any feeling against the the school board, or against the work of the board in Swansea, that this resolution had been parsed, but they thought that the action of the board with regard to the appointment of an inspector to sign the Child's Book, might imperil the good feeling existing between thernand the board. He for one wished that good feeling be go on still. He thought that the ( resent inspector had almost more than he could do, and it would be found in time that it would be impossible for him to perform his extra work. He thought that this was an unnecessary interference with school work, and that the work might be done by the teachers. The Rev. ELI CLARKE said he quite concurred with all the remarks of the previous speaker. Mr J. T. JKNKIN also addressed the board, and said that the deputation and the meeting were of opinion that the proposed appointment would pro- duce great inconvenience. He thought that by allowing the head-teachers of the school to do the work it would obviate the inconvenience, and the work would be done better. If the head-teacher performed those duties it would BAve expense being thrown into the rates. Mr BISHOP said that the deputation represented unauiraouslyj the Voluntary Schools of the town, and they simply requested the board to consult with the;managera of the Voluntary Schools as to the best means of carrying out this necessary work. The CHAIRMAN said they had no power over the head-masters. They would naturally say, "If you impose extra duties on us we must be paid for them." They would thus have demands from Voluntary Schools, and if they paid those teachers, of course they must pay their own. The Chairman assured the deputation that the matter should have their serious consideration, and he hoped that the conclusion they would arrive at would be for the best. Under any circumstances, the trial would be only for six months. The Rev. Dr WALTERS remarked that two months had already gone. After further remarks the deputation thanked the board for the kind reception they ha.d given them. Mr JAMES NAYBMITU moved that the resolu- tion passed at the meeting of the 6th of Novem- ber Lst, whereby Mr Frederick Cole as speci- ally deputed to sign the Child's School Books, be rescinded. He thought it was an unnecessary interference with the action of the managers and teachers of Voluntary Jscb«v*' "1 ably conducted for early the greatest Satisfr. V I R« tin tittMietet ftfck'' •'•-loci; Co ne t&OUKM WW mvru ueue tiie i-ATLY | was an ungenerous slur cast upon the teacheni and managers of Voluntary Schools. He challenged the members of that board to name any teacher in those Voluntary Schools who could not be trusted to fill up the book. The whole scheme, in his judgment, savoured of jealousy on the part of that board.—After far- ther discussion by Mr Naysmith, Canon Richard? (who seconded the resolution), the Rev. Dr. Walters, and Canon Wilson, The Rev B. WILLIAMS said he bad heard no argument that day which had not been presented at former meetings at the board-room—nothing to convince him that they had taken a wrong posi- tion. He was for leaving the matter to stand for six months, and at the end of that period he should be prepared to re-cmsider the question, He concluded by moving the predous fluestion, remarking that they had discussed t ie question twice over. Mr C. V. CRABBE seconded the previous ques- tion. The resolution was then put to the meeting, and was lost hy seven votes to five. This concluded the meeting.

CARDIFF SCHOOL BOARD. THE WELLS' CHARITY SCHEME. The usual meeting of the Cardiff School Board was held on Monday, when there was present Mr Batchelor, in the chair, Mr P. Price, Mr T. Ree3, the Rev. Joseph Waite, Mr John Cory, Mr Lewis Williams, the Rev. G. A. Jones, awl the Rev. C. J. Thompson. FINANCE—THE BANKING ACCOUNT. Mr CORY gaid he was glad to say arrangements had been made with Mr Evans, Brecon Old Bank, for opening an account there, on the usual terms of 8 per cent, commission. The Clerk read a formal statement, from which it appeared that while the payments last month amounted to lis 9J, the bills for payment this month amouuted to £2,344 Cs 3d. In the latter sum there was iucludd a sum of on the Adamsdown contract, and a sum of R800 on the Wood-street and South Church-street con- tracts. Cheques were signed accordingly. WOOD-STREET BOARD SCHOOL. The CHAIRMAN intimated that it was intended to opsti the Wood-street Board School on the loth of January, and it was desired that the Mayor of Cardiff should be present on that occasion. The board agreed that an invitation should be sent to the Mayor and Corporation, and that the arrangements necessary to be made should be left to Mr Price and Mr Pees. GENERAL BUSINESS. In the room of Alice Marks, who since her ap- pointment to be assistant-mistress of Frederica- street School has got married, Miss Sarah Jane Jones was appointed. Miss Jones, who served her apprenticeship under the Ruabon School Board, had a good certificate from a professor at the Baptist College, Llangollen. It was resolved to invite tenders for the supply of school books for the next 12 months, the Rev. G. A. Jones remarking at the same time that he understood companies undertook such work. THE NEW SCHEME FOR WELLS' CHARITY. Mr LEWIS WILLIAMS gave an outline from the SQuth Wales Daily Nens of the draft scheme drawn up by the Charity Commissioners for England and Wales, for the management of this charity. He said a copy had been received by the to wn clerk, and that might- be expected at the town clerk's office. Now he thought it was about six months ago since this waa under the consideration of the board, who then decided to send up an applica- tion to the department, recommending that the school board should be the educational authority for the ad mi idstration of this charity. He be- lieved—the clerk would correct him if lie was wrong—that the school board received a letter acknowledging receipt of this communication, as well as an intimation that the school board would receive some further communication. But, as a board, so far as he knew, none had been received. The Clerk said he had received a letter stating that the papers had been sent to t he town clerk, where they could be inspected. Mr WILLIAMS proceeded to say that so far as appeared t'.e governing body. when complete, would consist of 13 persons, of whom one shall be ex-officio, nine representative, and three co- optative. The mayor for the time being would be the cs-officio member; and of the representa- tive members two must be chosen by the Cardiff School Board, two by the borough magistrates, and five by the To, n Council. Now, according to the report held in his hand three governors, Mr R. O. Jones, Mr Corbett, and Dr Edwards, had been appointed. He did not think that was right, not until the scheme had received further consideration. The Clerk said it was legally necessary that these appointments should be made. Mr WILLIAMS remarked that although he did not think the school board could do anything to modify the scheme, he still thought that authority should give some expression of opinion that two was not a proportionate number of representatives for the board. Considering that they were the educational authority, he thought they ought to have a' larger number than two allotted to them. He thought they ought to have at least three, and five would not have been too many. The CHAIRMAN said the scheme might have been communicated to the board in sufficient time to enable them to consider it fully. The Clerk mentioned that a notice had been posted no outside the door of the tonm-hall. The Rev C. J. THOMSON said the members of the town council and these of the school board would elect representatives of the same kind. The CHAIRMAN suggested that the clerk should be instructed to write that the school bo:.rd objected to the constitution proposed, so that the hoard would be able to defend their own int*re«ts did the time come when it would Do ncccssary tor them to do so. It might be. for instance, "that the Corporation thought very differently from Mr Lewis, that they thought one representative from tho school board, on the new management, quite enough. Mr REES said the notice was not sufficiently public, and after some further discussion, in which most of the members took part, The CHAIRMAN remarked that he should like to sec three representatives from the Town Council. v". The Rev. C. J. THOMPSON pointed out that very likely the representatives of the different authorities named would represent the same class and interest. He was quite aware that perhaps, in the popular view, the school board was the great educational authority in the town but, on the other hand, there were the educational in- terests of voluntary schools, and he thought it would be only fair if one representative from the managers of those schools were appoints J. If any objection was sent up to the Department he should like to see that put in. The CHAIRMAN said the managers of snch volun- tary schools were represented ou the school board, and by men who were deeply interested in the denominational system—so called the voluntary. The Rev. C. J. THOMPSON urged that the in- terests of the managers of the voluntary schools wera not represented at the board, since they were in a hopeless minority. The CHAIRMAN said he wa3- always disposed to listen to the minority. As a matter of fact, the whole of the last election turned upon the question of denominational or board schools— when a majority was returned in favour of the latter. He thought, however, these managers would be perfectly justified in on their own account asking for one member. It was ultimately decided that the clerk should write to the Charity Commissioners informing them that the school board wished five represeata- tives on the new board of management.

DOUBLE MURDER ITS FRAJNUE. On Sunday last, at the village of l reneut, in the Department of the Par de Calais, a young mar named Colin, who had separated from his wife and had gene to Paris, sud :el1!v returned and murdered his wife's sister and a workmaa with a sword, and so fearfully injured his wife's brother that h« is expected to die. His wife escaped from him. The murderer was secured.

THE NEW LOHD MAYOR OF DUBLIN. Sir John Barringtou, D.L., was, on Wednesday, inaugurated Lord Mayor of Dublin for 1379. The procession was imposing, and the weather being fine, thongh cold, it was witnessed by large crowds. At the meeting in the council chamber, the Lord Mayor remarked that the last year had been a momentous one, and had ended in gloom. The Royal Family were mourning the loss of one of Her Majesty's daughters—the amiable Princess Alice, who had given her life for her children. The country, too, mourned the great de- pression of trade, He could not refrain from alluding toolle or two puhlic events. He thought the country much indebted to the Prime Minister, who guided the affairs of the nation. (Applause.) He was sure that thers was no one present who would not admit that through bis agency he had brought peace to Europe. He had struck off the shackles of most of the political prisoners, and laid the seeds of denominational education by passing the Intermediate Education Bill. (Applause.) Before long they were to be honoured with the presence of the greatest general of modern times, ex-president Grant. (Applause.) He hoped to have the honour of tendering him the freedom of the city. He further expressed a hope that during the coming year the city might be favoured with the- presence of the Prime Minister, when the Cori oration would accord to him wi.h pleasure what they had accorded to an ex-prime minister, Mr Gladstone. Subsequently a telegram was read from General Grant, at Paris, stating he would arrive in Dublin on Friday morning. It has been arranged to ) recent him with the freedom of the city early in the day, and in the evening he will be a guest at the Mansion House banquet.

DOCK LABOURERS' STRIKE AT HULL. The shipping business of Hull is greatly im- peded by a strike among dock labourers, who object to their wages being reduced from sixpence to fivepence an hour. The shippers assert their intention to send to Sheffield and other large centres for men to take the places of those on strike. The iathrenders' wages have also been reduced one penny per hour.

The wedding of the Duke of Connaught and the Princees Louise of Prussia seems to be fixed for the 13th of March. e "RCKWBS' BRISTOL CELEBRATED BrruB AK Is and other ALBB are to be obtained on the shorteet notice from the AAIAT AT CARDIFF, GEOt-cx THOMAS, 9, WOTRAO- STRsaT; the Agonts at Newport, J. VaugiIJLK,Commbrcial- STRKET; OT the Agent at Chepstow, J. W B. POINTING, 22, ST. MAUY-STRKET. These Aies are hignly recommended by mediciLlmcn as swtableror invalids. 30027 TnE SKrf. -Tlie ALBION MILK and SCLPHTTR SOAP is beautifully white, and the purest and most puri- fying of Soap, giving to the skin a smoothness and lustrous elegance that is most remarkable, End t ikinp away all pimples, blotches and roughnaz,& The materials are choice-can be used with advantage in ail mild affections of the skin." Loowet. -1 It is the most agreeable and elegant preparation for the skin that I know."—JAMES S'l ARTIN, Surgeon to St. John's Hospital, London. It is specially nice for children.Pr. J. EVANS, State Apothecary, Dublin. It has leceived mort „ 'nonials, medical and otherw ise, than all the othei t rnbined. By all chemists, Iu tablets 6d and is niaitui' tXfonUtrcet 1LKJ4& Iroif its to 401**

GLAMORGAN. WEDNESDAY.—(Before Mr R. O. Josris and Mr C. W. DAVID.) [LARCISNY AT NEATH. Elian Hancock (28), charwoman, pleaded guilty to stealing a shawl of the value of ns, the property of Catherine Jenkins, Neath a cloth jacket, the property of Catherine Jane Jone6 aud a waterproof cloak of the value of 5s, the property of Mart ha Rees, at Neath, on ihe 25th of November. She was sent to prison for two months, with hard labour. NO BILLS. The Grand Jury threw out the bill against Mary Smith for stealing £3 10s, the money of and from the person of Benjamin Kees, at Neath, on the 27tk of November.—The Grand Jury also threw out the bill againtt Mary Carter for stealing a sum of money from the person of WiJlialU Charters, at Swansea, on the 2nd of November. ALLEGED BOBBERY FROM THE PERSON. Mary Anu Thomas (27), and Anne Fowler (50), both sinle women, were indicted for stealing a purse and £5, the money of, and from the person of Johu James, at Swansea, on the 9lh November, —Mr David Lewis prosecuted, an 1 Mr Davies, Swansea, acted as interpreter.—The prosecutor, while walking through one of the streets in Swansea, was accosted by the prisoners. Thev went to a public-house, and subsequently Thomas put her hand in his pocket, took the purse from it, aud then both prisoners ran off. The evidence as to the identity of the prisoners was not sufficient, and the jury returned a verdict of not guilty. AN OLD OFFENDER, Thomas Davies (2G¡, cullier, pleaded guilty to feloniously breaking and entering the dwelling- house of Edward Harris, and stealing therefrom a quantity of wearing apparel of the value of JS5, the property of Edward Harris, at Llangyfelach,on the 8th August also with feloniously breaking aud entering the dwelling-house of Evan Walters, and stealing wearing apparel of the value of S5 10s, the property of Evan Walters also with feloniously breaking and entering the dwell- ing-house of Griffith Hopkins. and stealing articles of wearing apparel, of the value of £4 10s, the property of Griffith Hopkins, at Llangyfelach, on the 3rd September. The pri- soner had been previously convicted at the Cardi- gan quarter sessions for bousebreaking, and other convictionsjfor felony had'been also previously re- corded against him. The learned Chairman said that he was one of those men who, for the safety of the public, it was necessary to confine for a long time, and the sentence of the court was that he should undergo ten years' penal servitude, and afterwards seven years' police 8uper,woIl. STEALING A RUG. Charles Jones, a labourer, pleaded guilty to stealing a rug, of the value of loj, the property ot John Richards, at Swansea, the th Nov. A previous conviction was proved acains: him, and he was sentenced to six months' imprison- ment with hard labour. ALLEGED LARCENY. f Aune Johns, a you:;g married woman, WM in- dicted for stealing two aprons and a turnover shawl, of the value of 10s, the property of Richard Davies, at St. Thomas', Swansea, on the ::1:1 November. Mr Brynmor •] ones prosecuted, anu Bo'.ven Rowlands defended. The articles were placed Oil a clothes lin?, on the 21st November. They were missed at night, and on the day follow- ing the prisoner pledged them with Mr Freedmr.u, of Swansea, who was only person who identified the prisoner. Mr Bowen Rowlands made an eloquent defence, on the possibility of Mr Freed- man being mistaken, and the jury returned a ver- diet of not guilty. LARCENY AT SWANSEA. Margaret Owens, alias Margaret Davies, 28, pleaded guilty to stealing a flannel shirt, a black shawl, andiotuer articles, the property of David Davies, at CWlll, Bromhill, on the 2nd November. A previous conviction was proved, and she was sentenced to three months' imprisonment and hard labour. ROBBERY FROM THE PEnso. Kezia Hopkins, a uuddle-agtui v, o:n\n, living at 01 leas tie, Bridgend, was indicted for ;:ealing £3 of and from the parson of David Harry, at Bridgend, on the 22nd October. Mr Brynmor Jones prosecuted, and Mr Fifoot defended the prisoner. She was found guilty. anJ sentenced to six months' imprisonment, witb hard labour. ALLEGED FRArD AT SWANSEA. Thomas Jones Price, an auctioneer, carrying on business at b. ansea., was indicted for that he, while a bailee, on the 17th of April last, fraudu- lently appropriated to his own use the sum of 1'52, the money of John Lovett, and ho was also ill- dicted for stealing it. The grand jury, at tue last Swansea sessions, found a true bid against the prisoner, but, being to > late, lie not then tried, aud the case was remanded b the present sessions. Mr B. Francis Williams prosecuted, the prisoner being defended by V. r Bowen Row- lands. It appeared from the opening statement of Mr Williams, that a man named Alpas, re- siding at eath, was the o» ner of some bouses at that place, which v.re mortgaged to the Margam Building Society. As the payments to the society were not kept up re- gularly, the mortgagees entered upon possession. Subsequently, the owner, Alpas, wanted to raise some money on the houses in order to pay off the mortgage. He then instructed the prisoner Price to sell tlie houses, and the sale was duly adver- tised.and took place on the 17th April. Aluas instructed Prier to sell the houses, bu: placed upon ihem a reserve bid of with instructions that the houses were not to be sold unless that sum was realised. Among the persons v ho attended the sale John LOïct, the prosecutor. The bidding dil not reach £600, and the houses were knocked down to the vendor, adr Cuthbertson, as ooltoitoi £ &» tl." Miwaina Building Society, at- tended too sale, aud one of the conditions of the sale was that the deposit should be paid to him. When the sale, or, rather, no sale, was concluded Mr Cuthbertson left the room. Subsequently Mr Lovett offered for the houses, which, with the consent of Aluas, was accepted, and Luvett paid to the prisoner the sum of by way of a de- posit. Priee gave Lovett a receipt for the money. Had the offer been accepted duriug the time of the sale, the deposit would have been to Mr Cuthbei-tson. Au arrangement was entered int > by which the pur- chase should be completed between Lovett and Alpas on or before 15th May. Before that be mortgagees foreclosed aad sold the houses, and then Lovett applied to the prisoner to be refunded the money whico he had pail him by way of deposit. Tne application waa refused, then pro- ceedings were taken in the County-court, but that process failed, and after repeated refusals the pre- sent proceedings were commenced. It, however, appeared that when the case was brought before the Neath magistrates they dis:dsed it, but the prosecutor was bound over to prosecute at the quarter-sessions. It was also admitted that the money had been tendered to the Building Society, but they had refused to take it, as it did not form part of their debt, and that the prisoner was not a bailee to the prosecutor, but was one for the man Alpas, who refused to prosecute. The Learned Chairman, when the opening state- ment of Mr Williams had been completed, stopped the case. He considered that the defendant had a perfect right to retain the money pending any action between the two vendors, the mortgagees and mortgager, and that after then he might have retained the money without any felonious inten- tion, and there was nothing to show that he in- tended to appropriate the money io his own use. The case was one for a civil, not a criminal Dro- ceediug. Mr Williams then declined to offer any evidence ani I the prisoner was discharged. The court then rose. SECOND COURT. I (Before Mr J. C. FOWLER and Mr J. LXWB). FALSE PRETENCES AT BRIDGEND. Ellen Murphy, H;, a domestic servant, was I found guilty of obtaining, by false pretences, from Walter PI wards, a jacket of the value of 8s, his pro;*rty, wfth intenL to defraud, at B!i.1::6nd, en the 29th June last. She was sentenced to six weeks' hard labour. FALSE PKETENCES AT C.1RDIFF. Richard Woolf, 40, formerly a county-court bailiff, was indicted for unlawfully obtaining, by ccrtn.in false pretences, of Mur -aret Rees, the°sum of 5s, the moneys of RosserR-es. with intent to defraud, at Cardiff, on the 10th December. Mr Jeffries prosecuted, and Mr Henry Allen appeared for the defence. The priuouer, on the 10th December, went to the house of complainant and I alleged that he had an execution from the Cardiff County Court on her goods but that he would withdraw on 1.0s being paid, The wife of com- plainant becoming much alarmed went to her landlady, aad borrowed 5s from her in order to get rid of the bailiff. The prisoner at first refused to take the 5s, but finding no more money could be obtained, he took 5s, and left. Prosecutor subsequently found that no execution had been issued against her, and then that the prisoner was now in no way connected with the County-court. She applied to the police, and a warrant was granted for his ap. prehension. The jury found the prisoner guilty, and he was sentenced to four months' hard labour. SIlEEP STEALING. JohnPevan, a labourer, was indicted for steal- iug a sheep, the property of George Guy, at Llan- madock, on tbe 7th December. The prisoner was found guilty, and sentenced to nine monihs' im- prisonment, with had labour. STEALING MONEY. Catherine Clark (23), was indicted for stealing a purse containing certain money, the property of. and from the person of Antonio Pescau, at Swan- sea, on the 10th December. She was found guilty, and sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment, with hard labour. The court then rose.

BRECONSHIRE. The trials of prison-rs commenced on Wednes- day, before the Rev. Hugh Bold (chairman of the court) and Sir Robert Smith. The following sentences were passed :—William Jones, for theft at Talgarth, one month's hand labour; Join Pendry, for embezzlement at Llaueily, three months' hard labour; Reuben Kvaus and David Lewis, for housebreaking at Llaneliy. nine months" hard labour each. Mar- garet Williams, indicted for theft at Hay. was acquitted,

QUARTER SESSIONAL COURTS AND THE NEW PIU80 ACT. At Bedford quarter-sessions, on Tuesdiy, < resolution was passed calling the Home Secret ary\ attention to the extreme limitation of the àutiel of the visiting committee of the prison now undei central control, and declaring that the elaborate machinery provided for performing their dutiei is, to a great extent, unnecessary. It was reported at the Dorset quarter-sessions that the Secretary of State declined to grant any compensation for the 56 cells of the county prison. This announcement created great surprise, foi the county had intended to erect an industrial school with the proceeds. The magistrates of Warwickshire, assembled in quarter-sessions, discussed the operation of the new Prisons Act, and severely condemned tbr new regulations in regard to the education and the exercise of prisoners. Lords Norton and Leigh, Air Newdegaw, and the Recorder of Birmingham expressed similar opinions, and a report embody- ing their views was adopted. The materials of Cambridge borough gaol have been sold by private tender for about £2,000, by order of the Home Secretary. The remains of Robert Browning, hung two years since for mur- der, were exhumed on Wednesday morning at five o'clock, and deposited in a fresh coffin, and re-in- terrea in the county prison. Only a few bones hau resisted the action of the lime.

A NEW LOCAL BANK. The Westenl Daily Press of to-day (Thursday), announces the formation of a new bank, to be called the Bristol and West of England Bank (Limited)..The capital will be £1,000,000 in shares of £20 each, and the first issue will con- sist of fifteen thousand shares. The Mayor cd Bristol is at the head of the provisional com- mittee. The company is formed to acquire the most desirable portion of the business of the West of England Bank. The new bank will have its headquarters at Bristol, aud will h.. ve branches at Bath, Pridgwater, Cardiff. Exeter. Glouces- ter, Kingsbridge, Newport, Peaty pool, Swansea, TAuntou, and Torquay. The s;>ecial featma are—li ..ited liability, an efficient audit,, specia arrangements as to reaerve fund, aud nc dirccto. to be allowed an overdrawn account.

BRYNjiAWFToCAL BOARD. The monthly meeting uf the above board wa held, on Wednesday. Present—Sir George Hicki (chairman), Messrs T. Hope, Daniel Lewis, Dd, Morris, Dd. Tbomas. T. Watkins, Dd. Watkins, Win. Evans, David Morgan, A. E. Evans, Mr Juo. Thomas (clerk), Mr J. Wilson (collector), and Dr C. P. Skrimshire (medical officer). A discus' sion ensued as to the Ciydach-street watercourse, and it waa resolved for a committee of the whole board to me-t on Wednesday and visit the spoi. With regard to the overflo w on Sir Dd. Parry's premises, the Chairman sa.id there v. as a large hole iü the main sewer. A new self-acting grate was ordered. The Surveyor reported tuat an explosion had occurred in one of the gat mains in W orcester-t-ueet, blowing up portions of the pavement. Several members, said it could not have been coal gas, but sewage gas. The gas mains had recently been tested. It was resolved that tne should be tested agaui.

THE DEPRESSION OF TRADE AND Tiii, DISTRESS. THE RESTRICTION OF GUT-TUT AT THL 1 IN WORKS. LACK OF WORK AaiOXGST THE RARlUSTEilfe. 100 APPLICANTS FOR RELIEF AT TREDEGAR. TREDEGAR. During tlie past week or so the furnaces at Tre- degar Works have been damped down, to allow of repairs being done, aud to cleau out tlie flues. Tuis temporary stagnation, coupled with the ex- isting depression, Luc, reduced the men employed in the iron depajtment to a state bordering on starvation, and Las resulted in the men making application to toe parisn authorities for rdic;. The relieving officer has no power to grant relief unless a medical certificate is produced, show- ing that the applicant is unable to work, and the men were therefore advised to attend the board the guardians and state tneir case. The b ;ard sat on Tuesday instead of Wednesday, this week, in order to close the accounts in time fot the visit 9£ tqe auditor, and on that day upwards of a hundred puddiers and others of the iron making hand* tranq>ed it to the workhouse, and n deputation of five bd an interview with the board. —The Chairman (Mr .Matthews) received the deputation most courteously, but regretted. that the board could do no more tiian offer tiie lwuse. -1r L. P. Gravenor road from the Poo: Law Act, and suggested that steps be taken to assist the men under the present very trying circum- stances.—Sir T. Thomas, of New Tredegar, Mr Y\ i JdowsoB, and other guardians having spoken, the deputation withdrew, on being given to un dcrstand that the earliest opportunity would be taken to alleviate their immediate wants." CARDIFF. Among the whole of the prisoners who stooc committed for trial at the Glamorgan Epiphanj Sessions, and were in the custody of Major Kaox. the governor of the county gaol at Cardiff, not om was iu a position to retain counsel to defend him From Swansea there was only two defended cases, 80 that the barristers on the circuit had r'è ,,11y very little to do. The calendar contained the names of a larger number of prisoners whe had been previously couvicted, and who aheged inability to obtain employment as the cause of their offence. Oi the 45 prisoners who stood com- mitted for trial 21 had been previously convicted. CARMARTHEN. The stagnation of trade is felt Her. in this agri- cultural district, though the distress is by no means so acute as in other parts of South Wales. ;tl u, a coimuersLut- amount oi injigeuce tr. ■ 1.- m Carmarthen, audit has been increaseu by the late severe weather. Differences of opinion exi.-tel as to whetaei the distribution of souo ar of bread alone was the most preferable. Those who hare undertaken the relief work have decided t give both aoup ana bread. 'Pickets are sold at the rate of one penny each, which entLle the h older to a quart of soup and a proportion%U quanttty of bread. Anotae feature in tne move- ment is the providing of dinners for poor children. This project is carried out by young men and women, who Wve divided the town into districts, and are collecting Is subscriptions. The first dinner was g-i ven on Monday last, and the second will be on 1 riday. About 500 urchins were fed on Slonday. The principal movers in both tbe soup kitchen and the children's dinners are the Mayor (Sir R. W. Richards;, and the ex-Mayoi (Air Alderman Thomas Thomas), who are verjr ably assisted by the ladies ho started the market coffee Utah ana the school of cookery. LYDNEY. The uncertainty AS to the ultimate issue of tbt tin plate notices no longer exists, and but for an u-iiortunate accident a few days ago to the egg boiler the several departments would doutlew have continued operations with the new year. The puddiers will suffer by the absence of employ- ment for several weeks, the breakage affection only these men. It may be mentioned that notices in question announced that after the expi ration of the tenr. named the stipulated conditioDf between masters and men must be on the day tI day basis. The workmen complain of tiie fetter ing conditions for reducing the output of plates. CINDEE FORD. The coal trade of this neighbourhood it characterised by animation. The advanced quota- tion of Is per ton came into o^ieration on Wednes- day. The exceedingly mild weather with which the new year opens may affect the trade never- theless, for a few months to come, a good share of orders is likely tc find their way to the Forest. -OLDHAM. At a conference of the committees of employes and operatives associations held on S' outlay afternoon, at Oldham, it was agreed on the part ] part of the operatives that the reduction o- 5 per cent be submitted to. Tlie whole tit tiie miHe will probably presume v ork by Monday next. The strike has lasted five weeks, and it i. calcu- will probably presume vork by Monday next. The strike has lasted five weeks, and it i. calcu- lated that the loss in wages is £60,000. 1 hi injury to the cotton trade has been great, aud tin trade of Oldham is in a deplorable condition. BLACKBURN. Th? unemployed in Blackburn number aboil 15,000. The board of guardians have oi>e»ied provision store for the puroo»e ci dis;>en&iu £ relis in kind instead of money. Two large concern have stopped for an indefinite period, and t* otiier mills arc preparing for a similar stoppage Within a few days 800 more looms will be brough to a stand. TRADE IN AMERICA. One of the K e. York papers lias been ser.diw a reporter round to the principal hotels ti impure as to the state of bu.si«es->, and the uiMWii- uious testimony of tiie hotel keepers is ttu* the business men who are their a the present condition of trade as being dec.oe.hj more hopeful than it has beeu for a long t;uie. In consequence of the depressed state of trade, Sir Gerald < Wring ion, of Godrington Park, J Gloucestershire, has remitted, this Christ,uat> If pr cent uf the rent of his tenantry.

II CHSISTHAS PBF.SKST3.—What more EUUABK than a good KKWIKO MACHINE Call and see those of th* newest lksœus, including iiaASnuav s, witii new p:>teal shuti c-s &1.tll'akt¡t st-tf-aetii* wio'.ei*, ai j it>i sole agent's, HKSAY THOXAS, ftuat Jolm's syuar^ GaniiS. j A lot or New 4 guinea Ma chutes for £ 2 125 6«, rnvktHf I room for tlie Wtuuer MM5btaes, 4o0..7 Tlii

hn us ^comes noticed. At length 1 mthft ,,n. '0 lnun".e#J: the good peopfe carrying _nf. ,lon,' ,a,1'| th« result in the end is a new to kJfm I; r m an<* ready-money enough 3he fjilir'-l" f°a v, ee^c or I often frustrated Jar +W,\l u FP^y> bnt f was little uBe, 4hav wo folks f the mission knew to ir-t ie ° ,e,il upon, they never seemed »Dna '•^eir .P3^ experience, but upon the sa^ipH a meULf ot ^)e present case. I aceoro- • t- we.j-knowfi honorary member of the > ,^IS,SIOn to «• Mission Rocm in Gray's HAHV 'I one Sunday morning. "I t< enow what we (shall do (for singing," said harm^vT^ 8i^«r, who i3 unwell, ploys the JWrhino ,Q4.I' m appeal to the audience, -jYiivd diere 11 be some one araong the "j come thore who can supply her -J e\ And so it turned out for his appeal ^ugni forward a shabby genteel young fellow, played Moody and Sankey's hymns remark- rvi^\v'.e"- This led, after questioning him, and ainmg a plausible account of his misfortunes, m ^JF 'leiK^n° ^!11> ,)ut it was trouble and thrown away, for we after .vards discovered at he was an incorrigible religious" dodger. In tne country, these chaps generally travel in pairs, and take up their place, in the porch of a church ^r ctiapsl, in summer, or just inside in winter, a Jn rai"?°'tlie congregation as they leave au £ o hftieS tJ0f thdr destitute appearance, TV f keur devout aud reverent demeanour. ti.ee is very common in some parts of Wales. My next article will be on Gri-ddling," and will Ctfniaia an account of "singingtramps."