South Wales Daily News

OUR LQXDOif CORRESPONDENCE LONDON", FRIDAY EVENING. AN HISTOI-. -'J.VL DAY—THE GOVEBSMBST 1 LANS OF TUEKIS-I" HEcOplI — ELECTION RUMOUJ,S-THE BMHO? OK OXFORD AND CUDDESDON COLLEGE— THE I. A IE MR HENny COK-BETT. fo-morrow will be celebrated an anniversary which will be remembered in the history of India. Va January 4th, 1376, there resigned the last of the Viceroys who accepted and carried out the policy of Lawrence. Having.in the previous rear been scolded by Lord Salisbury for lus financial volley, and finding himself "t variance ou the frontier que&i/ioo ul the Home Govern- ment, h:.ving, too, been nearly four years ia India, Lord Northbrook detetcrmined to return home. In 1872 he succeeded the assassinated Lord Mayo, who, in 1868, had .v.cceeded Lord Lawrence. The three viceroys who carried out w hat is called the Liberal policy were folio ved by the poetic diplomatist, son of a. joetic novelist. The result, whether rightly or wrongly attained, is the scientific frontier. But; the scientific frontier is only the begin- ning of difficulties. Everybody is asking what we are to do. The Auieer has disappeared Into the unutterable inane." His sou reigns, but Joes not rule, and is as silent as if he were still in prison, The people appear to be disorganised. Vr-hcy welcome us when we come in force, but ponld turn against us if t'tey dared. The good yory books tell of a conqueror who went to a pastoral people. When the soldiers rntared the principal village they found no army f fight tl em, and the villagers came out to look t them. Finding no one to tight the soldiers had away again. The position is not exactly this, •It such an absence of political institutions as I Wghanibtan knows cannot be dealt with by or- dinary diplomatic means. It is stated that the Government has agreed to I iIO exactly nothing about Turkey. The Marquis If Salisbury has admitted that his plana, even if vie Turks could afford to put them into opera- Son, cannot immediately be carried out. The bsence of money is a fatal bar to auy practical action. So that the three heads of refor.n in Asia Minor remain a deal letter, and are likely Ho to r: ..am. "It is intended to move jjgain," say the Ministerialists, "when Russia has gone back across the DEmube." But what in the toeantime j being done to educate Europeans in he Turkish language and in Turkish law, so that Shey may take their places as judges, or inspectors of judges, under the scheme of the Foreign Office? Nothing is baing done. Nothing is likely to be I done. The Pall Mali, which loves not the Foreign Secretary, asks to-night if this is statesmanship ? iiimLMn [or Po jle, will be candidate for the LI- of Wight neTt election is on the face of it very i j ud. Certain it i& that ho will not be candi- date again for Poole. seat belongs on the Liberal side to Mr Charles Waring, who actually won it in May, 1874, by a majority of 123 out of 4 tota) poll of ieas than 1,300. Mr Waring won at fche poll, but lost at the bar, a petition was pre. sented against his return; the judge un- oeate.d him, and in May, 1874, another election Was held at which the Hon. Evelyn Ashley beat hhat oft-beaten millionaire, beaten again lately at Bristol, Sir Ivor Guest. But it was understood •ill along that Mr Waring should retcrn to Poole again as soon as the" preent Parliament expired, d this arrangement has sent Mr Ashley back to he constituency which he wooed unsuccessfully in ::c874. His political career has been brief, but it has fcbeen:happy. He was in his 33th year before he sought political honours at all. Ile fought one losing battle with Mr Baillie ochrane, losing his election by only ten votes, then he won Poole. The smollneis of the °ry ma)ority in 1874 is, perhaps, an explanation ,> .rhe strange circumstance that Mr Baillie -•chrane lias not yet obtained a peerage. When .n^joses the Lde of Wight, Lord Beaconsfield will, af>s> see 'us way to bringing the friend of his young Eugland days to his side again, t. George, without the dragon, is roused again. I K i°r Biohop of Oxford, who by P o ing Cuddesden, the Ritualists' college, and enouncing the English Church Union, of which e> was_one of the earliest members, has managed A the Hrgh" and Low" against him, archdeacon Denison attacks him in the Church by a letter so emphatic that it has to- parly expressed in small capitals, j is a litile too bad," Ss George thinks. Then ?• gives a circular, issued in 1857, signed by Lord o^ftesbury, the Hon. Arthur Kinnaird, Mr *W,, »nd Mr Wdbraham Taylor, aeking for J>oney to prosecute the RoIuailiset8> Arehdeacon Jenison gives the names in a list, and puts his 1)1rn. name nt the bottom as if he were on that fide in 1857. The truth is, however, that he was bng prosecuted then, for which reason he ^hampioi.s the E.C.U. now. The beat for the Church would be to disband both :ockties, and declare a general armistice. But the proposal hag as much chance of being accepted as • proposal of the Peace Society for a general 1Sarmauieut. Mr Henry Corbet, late editor of the Mark Lane ^xpress, whose death is announced to-day, was (•It*1*181* wli°, amid many ecceutricities of endeared iiimself to all who were fihe^a "0,1':lc'; with him, whether as editor of l:he -w* aS1"icultural journal, or secretary of Club. Meu smiled often over his (Th*T,naCy' i'1' were never offended by it, and '"■irttne'nt116 Wni^9 a°0' iH-Lealth enforced re- irtarler! ^rn> a testimonial wa3 at once ^ttlesfor .K1 f6llalf- Mr fon^ht many times M-I, 6 ,Ial',uer3i and made many mistakes be iv.„ tf) be the farmers' friend" was to 90st>inunit "eT" w 0ti. tVery other cl;,ss in the heresies "'p,^ i ? ,hai,to unlearn rn:,n> sfrange !its forrp f -ii '0"a'-y was unquestioned, and rtrunJc mu ma(^e itself felt when orthers him. f k 't™ are naturallv grateful 1 Iur alwavs stood by tLem#.

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE [jfXOjr OUR OWN C0UUK3P0NDENT3, HEOTER'S AGCY, 1'1\1£3'1 ASSOClAtlO-N, AND CSSfBAL nEWS".} THE EXECUTION OF MONCASI- MIGRID, Thursday.—Moncasi, the man who attempted the life of King Alfonso, will hA ATecnted at eight o'clock to MOrrow

DEATH OF MR. CALEB CUSHING- Yorx, "Friday.—The dcatli is announced of Mr Caleb Cusamg, late Minister of tire United States to Sp»m.

GAMBETTA AND THE COMMER- CIAL TRAVELLERS. PAlm., Fl.'iday. The Fi.JC''r, trying t make lítt of tlw ConllIUlrclal Tra.vellel's banq uet to. M. Gam betta at the Grand Hai;al, observes that there are > i M to fact tha.t no dining room in Parig could hold more. The Fillaro insinuates that the great majority are not Cl0„servative Ta,3raph r0sPo'' 5; er"0{ 500 to M. Paul

THE SEXATOUI^L^LK'nONS.^ PARIS., Thurs y p ° ] ]jcn;1 leaders who confidence that the Repul genatorial expect a slS"a ^tJl c|0 not contem- elections of Janua y change iu plate a3 a consequence an/ J the composition of tho Mmist y

RUSSIAN AND BULGARIAN IREIv.-Telegra„ls COSSTASTINOP .S, bodies of received here state are being concen- Buaaiana and Bulgarians are oen b trated at Derbent.

FAILURE IN THE LACE TRADE. A the' old-established The failure is announced ot ]ace u)anu. house of Messrs James H Y j £ a^,ilities are not L^rand aNf^ffihqmd^onuexpected.

ELECTION INTELLIGENCE. CAMBRIPGESMGB- LJFEERALS MEFC The committee of the 'idaj.0 for the seat on Friday to select q{ the Hon. Eliot rendered vacant by the ( ver f0r one week, Yorke. They adjourned, howevei, without making a choice.

A FARMER AND HIS DAUGHTER A DROWNED. OB Friday evening ^he^bBeIrPoJtemoutt!; a well-to-do farmer at was found in a rec&nt heavy rains. Mr bad been swollen by the rec» Qn We(lne3_ Payn and ins daughte Carver, another day night at the house of Mr ^to'cross the farmer, and to reach .Miss Payn's dead river over a wooden bi ut, • „ veiiiii.sr, and it is body was found on ilia. bridge having supposed that the plan water, and been disarranged, she his hat that her father jumped^ fonnc] 0u the edge of and umbrella having been fonna o the river.

THE HOME SECRETARY AND THE LIQUOR TRAFFIO. M, C,o«., tb. burgh on 1' riday, vhe.e ne .w,ronosal relative to the liquor que* ^tlie cn cm' for .eramtine tl.c trade in Scotland, Mr Cross ?aia way to prevent persons Parr/,1Ilii „„ i.y,ev entailed' without compensation for the h. p i; 1 It would take a strong case to :induce xarliament to say that they would prohibit that which was being legally conducted, without giving compen- sation. He had always felt himself bound to oppose certain proposals of Sir Wilfrid Lawson but as a magistrate, he would give every consider- ation to representations made by owners of pro- perty in a particular neighbourhood. He also slated that he would like very much to see the law in England for closing licensed houses in the countrv at ten o'clock, extended to bcodaud,

CLAi3i 1U IJIUU I'IUTI AT SISEF* rlELD. Some excitement has been caused amongst the owners of a large quantity of property in bheJield by the service of writs caHing them to appear before the Master of the Rolls to disclose and sub- stantiate their claims. The properties are situate in some of the principal thoroughfares of (he town, and are variously estimated to be worth from £lGO,OOO to The writs do not show the grounds for the proceedings, from whita u is^ vu- SrTcd worth, are not in possession oi wis ,i- -nv- of settlement and are anxious to diocovei n. It is stated that they claim the moperty under a deed of settlement made on the Sffie of a Mr Houldsworth, in 18W. wbegW it is alleged a life interest .was, given to 'nm. biib oQueL fv lr Houldsworth mortgaged tins m- IXl md afterwards the I-ortgagee^entered uuo oo^^sion under his mortgage powers. rre.,um m' uiM n a lon^ undisturbed possession of it, he dealt with it as if he were the absolute oWn!r. The o.vnere of property who have received tlle writs ate about GO in nunibau

THE GLASGOW BANK DIRECTORS EXTRAORDINARY DOCUMENTS. The Glasgow Evening Times of to-night says :— Not the least interesting of the pile of productions which will be placed in the hands or the court at the forthcoming trial cf the City Bank director?, in support of the charge of concocting and fabri- cating false and fictitious abstract balance-sheets, will be the original drafts of documents before and after passing through the hands of the accused. These will naturally form an important part of the case for the prose- cution, and in order to make- them more thoroughly speak for themselves,. copies have we underhand, been obtained in ratner a novel manner. The ouUnary printing method adopted in the other productions would, in many very maoerial respects, have tailed to convey their due significance and to secure, in the very minutest, detail, the preservation of these documents, a system of lithography has been employed in their reproduction. By this meaiis not only are the right fagures indicating the trae volition <* h»nlr'« rnt- alleged concocting m red ink alterations, pencil jottings, corrections, obliterations, and erasures ace very distinctly "hown.

GENERAL GRANT IX DUBLIN. The reoeption given to G-enei'al Grant in Dub- lin, on Friday, was cordi d, but the incident called forth no special demonstration of a nationalistic character..During the conferring: of the freedom of the city, a ceremony which took rjlaee at two o'clock in the. Municipal Chamber, a small crowd, collected outside the building, and upon hia exit the General was greeted with cheers; bat during hte progress through the cifry the oourse of the afternoon, no public recognition of him was made. T„ fe«hp morning hti visited Trinity College but the principal event of the day was that in the IWhall! The General having signed the roll of honorary burgesses, which now besides his own, bears the names of Isaac Butt, besides GJadstone, the Lord Mayor pre. seated with the freedom, recorded on parch- ment tramed ill a green silk case, aJ enclosed in iS oSk tf Irish manutacture. Some disappointment was felt at the brevity cf General Grant's speech in reply, but he pleaded th^ e wa« no orator, and desired merely to express nis upon hiui, spoke a few words of w^come to Ge c,ami his. oai'tv. and the meeting tuen ait jourced* Subsequently the OeuerriL iu«che' ^th tie Dufe of Marlborough at the V iceregal Lo This (Saturday] evening be will dine-wi :Vf r Lowther. Chief Secretary for Ireland, at his reii- dence in Phaiuix-park, aud on the following morn- ing will leave Dublin for I'elfast.

SHIPPING CASUALTIES. The crew of the brigantine Nina,of Portsmouth, which collided with the steamer Santander, weie I:wided at Dover on Thursday aHernoon. The royal mail steamer Mondgey, just arrived at Southampton, was in collision off Finnist-ure, on the 28tfe ult., with the steamer Glaims Castle. Both vessels put iuto Corunna with considerable damage. The French steamer Hoogly, winch went on Castillo ltocks during the fog, is a total IwsJi T The Own Brea, of Aberystwith, Aberdeen to Newcastle with ore, has been taken into Leith the steamer Stafford, with five feet of water in her hold, the mainboom and gaff broken, and the master overboard. The casualty occurred off St Abb's Head on Thursday. The Blonde, of Swansea, from Newcastle, to Sauto?, has put iuto Swansea with loss of foremast and ljowsprit sprung, and rigging and bulwarks severely damaged. The Welsh Ijir!, schooner, of and from London for Tobago, put into Raiuszate January 2nd, after having been, in collision with the Fanny, French ship, of Havre. The Welsh Girl received damage to quarter. The Fanny has anchored in the Dowap, 1 jeireT-sion, »t., from Shields, arrived at Graves- end, January 3rd, with fore compartment full of water, having been in collision with the Monica, st., from Shields, last evening, in Sea Reach. The Monica was run ashore to prevent her sinking. Frank Queen, American packet-boat, has been totally lost between Tonala and Santa Anna.

-=- Severe floods exist in various parts of Wet K"llt. The roads in places have been washed awav, and cottages flooded. CHRISTMAS PRESENTS.—What more suitable than a good SEWING M.\CUINK ? Call and see thoae of the newest designs, including KIIADSCHV S, with new patent .self-threading shutt'es and patent self-acting winders, at the. sole agent's, HKNI £ Y THOMAS, Saiat John S-square, CM-Jiff. A lot of New 4 gll;n"a. bchiI10 for t9a 6a, mukmg roomiuf UM 40" ZI-AT

DURDAR IN HONOUR OF THE EMPRESS OF INDIA. JELLALABAD, Thursday.—On Jan. 1 there was a grand parade of troops here, held in honour of the Empress of India. A Durbar took nlace in the afternoon, at which Major Oavagnari addressed the assembled chiefs in a suitable speech, assuring them of the friendly intentions of the British Govern- ment. No communication has been received, as yet, from Yakoob Khan.

THE AMEER ANDTAKOOB KHAN. CALCUTTA, Thursday. — Before leaving Cabul Shere Ali addressed a letted to the Viceroy, indicating his intention to return after laying his case before a congress of the Powers at St Petersburg. Nothing is known precisely regarding the events which brought about the recent revolution, but the power- ful Gilzai chiefs, with whom Yakoob Khan has always been a favourite, were the princi- pal actors. Looking at the position Yakoob Khan now holds, the generally received re- ports about his body and mind being wrecked by long imprisonment are certainly exagger- ated. The political officer with the Khyber column is instructed to receive any peaceful overtures in a very friendly manner, to represent that tho British quarrel was with the father only, and to promise a suspension of hostilities. At present Yakoob makes no sign, but Afghanistan is in a state of chaos. General Stewart's column is clear of the Khojuk Pass, and will reach Candahgr on the 5th. No serious opposition is expected. —Daily News. PARIS, Thursday.—The report that the Ameer of Afghanistan has fled to Baikh is not as yet confirmed at St. Petersburg by the Russian authorities in Central Asia.— ———

DESERTIONS FROM THE AMEER'S AHMy. JELLALABAD, Dec. 19.—The Ameer's army is deserting in large numbers. Yesterday some soldiers passed through Jellalabad, re- porting that four regiments to which they belonged had broken up.

EIGHT BISHOPS AND THE AFGHANWAB. In the House of Lords recently, six bishops so far forget their sacrc-i office, as to vote in favour oi the Government Afghan War policy. To be sure, the six are only the lower rank of the Episcopal Bench there is no great name among them they inelutle no man of the ability of the Bishop Wilberforce, or Archbishop lait, or Bishop Temple, or liishoT) Fraser. pre- late.-of realiynoble minds and h: arts; but still they are bishops—chief shepherds oi the iioclc of the J nnee of v.Peace or, at an >t,e, nominally t-o. -.ne names of the six are Dr Campbell, or Bangor Dr Duraford. of Chichester l)r. Lihoott, of Gloucester and Bristol Dr. Allay, of Hererord Dr. Claughcon, of St. Albans ami Dr imsil Jones, of St. David's. The remaininp bishops were absent except the Bishop of Oxford (Dr. Maclrarness), wholly voted in a minority wita vhe riyht and on the sIde of peace, justice, and religion, i he excellent Bishop of Manchester rri Ive agai,ust the war, but for illness. J he best aim wisest of the Peers also voted a^amst taa war, mchuhn? Earl Carnarvon. Earl SaaitesbuTV, Lan Derby, and Lord Lawrence. It is ueeply to be regretted that twenty-two out of the woote Bench of twentv-four Lishops were thus either Averse, or absent, or liiditieien, on an occasion of such great moral importance. In these .lays, when infidelity ran-es m various ranks of society, there are many snAs directed against the timidity aud the inconsis- tency of ministers of religion hence, it is doublv important that these should carefully avoid lav* ing themselves open to audi attacks or to anv course winch may bring dishonour on'the sacred caut.e oi Uod and of Christ. But for-a se; of bishops to vote for the Afghan War was a policv peculiarly calculated to down nijou the Church the sarcasm even of non-profassin" men of the world, to say nothing of the grief of re- ligious men. at Nottingham, the conduct of the six "shepherd elicited from the Duko of St Albans this appropriate comment I deplore that six Bishops, while they are teachiagr their flocks to pray for peace on earth and goodwill amuri;; men. 'have thought it their duty to vote for a policy which must cause grant distress and guifevinsr." A higher than any bishop—the apostle Pan; said in prospect of death, "Heuccforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which tha Lord, the righteous shall give me at that day." But how can the Bishops adopt such solemnly hopeful language in their own auticipa- tions of that day; after oublicly sanctioning the crneiwes ol an Alghan In a idition to the six Bishops who personally attended at the House to vote for the war, two other Bishops, Dr. Jackson, of Loudon, and Dr. Ma-ee, of i l'eterbwongh, "pa.ireü" in favour of it. These two. although presiding over jinj.ortant dioceses have not been disLinguished for any leading part in national progress. Dr. Magee, indeed, ig noted for his famous speech (agaimt pot-hou=o prohi- bition), that he would "rther see England fie J than England sober." Aad Bishop Jackson iss iwhapej chiefly known as the author of a little book on "The Sinfulness of Little :in3 but he approves the Afghan war! The scenes of war embrace the- greatest sins and cruelties on earth—the crushing men to fra". inents, breaking theit; backs, disembowellinghors°e and rider, dashing out brains, tlirusting in eyes the rape of women, the slangliter of tlie sick, the agea, the infant—all these are war's work And yet one of the Bishops, who supported the Afghan war, is afflicted with a sense of the sin- iillness of little SIHI1" Will he next write a book on great inconsistencies ?" And what plea of cau h raise when the Supreme m ikes iiis awful "inquisition for blood ?" These 'eni- I?-U:S aroa h,V v^ow t(> the reputation of the Anglican Church. The event is one frrai -ht with sad considerations as to the condition of the national religion.

IlEGTPROCITY AND PROTECTION. A correspondent of the Times, writing upon the above question, says If we tax the'foreigner he will have, of course, less money to spend and can buy fewer things of us; and if everything is produced cheaper abroad than here, no taxes on foreign produce would make the foreigner buy from us what he could produce cheaper himself we should simply have to become what we once were—an agricultural country, with smaller popu- lation.

DEATH STSjniE SNOW. As Mrs Ritchie, 63 years, was returning from Aberdeen to Ruthrieston she was overtaken by the storm, and was discovered dead amongst the snow. A Dundee correspondent telegraphs that a man was found in the snow near Eotluemurchus, Elginshire. He died shortly after being dis- covered. Roderick Maumillan Crofter has perished in the snow in the parish of Daviot. A tramp has been found dead from exposure at Aboyne, Deeside. The sheep manager on the farm of Culgower, Helmsdale, has been missing a fort- night, and 13 believed to be buried in a snow- wreath. Frost continues with remarkable intensity. The northern railway lines are again blocked.

6- THE WILL OF THlf LATE MR GEORGE IIENIIY LEWES. The will (dated November 21st, 1859) of Mr George Henry Lewes, the celebrated author, formerly of Holly Lodge, South Fields, Wands- worth, but late of the Priory, North Bank, Regent's-park, who died on November 20th last, has been proved !>v Miss Mary Ann Evans, the sole executrix, the personal estate being sworn under The testator gives to his three sons, Charles Lee, Thornton Amott, and Herbert Arthur, all his copyright and interest of every description in all his literary and dramatic works, and the residue of his real and personal estate to Miss Evans.—Illustrated London J\fetvs.'

CAUTION.—Messrs KECKITT k SONS beg to Caution the public against imitation square Blue ot very inferior quality. The Paris Blue, in siiuaroa (used in the Prince of Wales' Laundry. Sold in wrappers bearijig I. their Mpe ftul Trote Afeflfe 190$I

TKK DfSIMSS AND DE- PRESSION IN TRADE. —.——»——-■—■ DESTITUTION AND ATTEMPTED SUICIDE AT CARDIFF. At thevCardiif borough police-court, on Friday —before the Mayor and Mr Alderman Alexander —Richard Gardener, a labourer, living ill Comet- street, Roath, appeared on a remnmd fro:n Tuesday, chargedwrth attempting to coinmitsuicide,by taking poison. The prisoner, was remanded on Tuesday, because he appeared to have suffered from semi- starvation for so-ne time, and he then stated that on Monday morning, just prior to his taking the poison, he applied to tlx; rslievvivg officer Mr Williams, foe relief, and- Mr Williams had re- fnsed to give him any. The police-constable, Haydn, atw stated that when he visited the house he found indications of extreme destitution, and in the cupboard only a small portion of bread. Mr Williams, the relieving officer, was now in attendance, and was informed by Mr Rees, the magistrates' clerk, of the statement which the prisoner made on Tuesday. Mr Williams looked at the prisoner, and sail "This man has never ap- plied to me for relief. The Magisrrates' Clerk then asked the prisoner to explain why he made the statement he did on Tuesday. The prisoner, who did not seem to comprehend what was said, aad wlmj during the time he was in court, gazed about in a very abstracted manner, said that lie went to Mr Williams, or to some relieving officer in Cardiff, about a fortnight before Christmas, and he was then refused relief, and told to get work. Mr Williams s:1id that in his absence, his son, or his wife would be at home, and any appli- cant for relief would be told to call again, unless the person had a medical order, wheu it would be attended to at once. He had inquired at home and found that no application waa made on Mon- day from any person liviug in Comet-street. Prisoner, on being questioned, said that he did not know the name of the relieving officer, or the name of the street in which he lived. It was, however, some where in Cardiff. Mr Alexander How long have you lived in the neighbourhood ?—Prisoner About five years. Mr Alexander And yet you don't know the names of the streets about here ? —Prisoner No, I don't.—The Clerk to Mr Wil- liams Do you know the prisoner ?—Mr Williams: I do not; I have never seen him till to-day. I am certain lie has never awplied for relief.—Tha Clerk to prisoner Whom did you see when you applied for;relief ?—Prisoner A rather oung man. I was told to come again, but 1 did not no any more. Mr Alexander to Mr Williams We are quits satisfied that you did all that was necessary in going to the house aa soon as you heard about it. We are satisfied that he has not applied to you for relief, and you are exonerated from all blame. The prisoner's wife, who was in court, then came forward, and said that her husband was a labourer. During the last twelve months he had been unemployed several months. He had travelled about all parts of the district seeking work, but could not find any. He had a great dread of the workhouse, and when very destitute he received an order to go into the "house," but he only remained there one night. For a long time they had been very destitute. They were behind with their rent, and had sold all they could. Theyjjwere in debt at the grocer's, who had lately refused to supply them with either bread or flour, and they had had scarcely anything on which to subsist beyond what she had had given to her by her sister-in-law. He had tried everywhere to obtain work, but failed, except getting an occasional day's employment, but before they had been able to pay off their debts he was thrown out of employment again. They had subsisted in this way with a day's work now and again for the past 12 months. He had worked for Mr Slocombe, then for Mr Nell, but not for long. He had been low-spirited, but she had never observed anything strange in his manner. On Monday morning he seemed as well as usual, went out to look for work, audf then returned home and took the poison. He had suf- fered from rheumatism in the knee,and this "lina- ment, which was not marked poison, had been givertto him by a chemist to rub on it. It was kept in a bottle on the fireplace. The bench were of opinion that the prisoner's mental facul- ties had become somewhat deranged, from want of food, and directed him to be discharged, on the wife promising to attend to him. They direafed also the head-constable to relieve them from the poor-box, and the relieving officer likewise pro- mised to attend to them. (,] N ,mH.FORD. THE Forest of 0\ pits are still well employed, and the double s ift i now restored at Lightmoor pits, belonging to 1.1, \V. T. Crawshay. COLEFORD. THFC committee appointed for dealing with the distressed people in this town held a meeting on Friday at the Police-court, when it was stated that 150 tickets for soup and bread had been dis- tributed for this (Saturday) afternoon. It was found -.that the new applications did not exceed one-third the" old stock recipients" of charity, arising from a disinclination on the part of some persons to make known their poverty. People who have heretofore been independent on charity are found to shrink fioai receiving it in this, the only form practicable to the committee. MFMELE^ A good deal of bona fide poverty and want exists at ths Mumbles, consequent upon the stagnation of trade, and especially the very little trade now being doue in connection with the oyster fishery. The vicar and churchwardens are taking active means to cope 303 much as possible with this state of things, and have opened a soup kitchen where son.e 100 or 120 persons are relieved twice a week with some excellent soup and bread. Coals and warm clothing are urgently required during this inclement weather. Of course these exertions can only be continued by the donations of the benevolent, and the public generally are earnestly solicited to forward any sums, however small, to the vicar and churchwardens in aid of the objects in view. s SOUP KITCHEN AT LLANTRISANT. In order to meet the requirements of the many destitute families in the neighbourhood, Mr Wil- liam, of Mi.skin, Miss Blandy Jenkins, Llanharrar, as well as other friends, have caused a room to be fitted up in the New Inn Hotel to serve as a soup kitchen. The accommodation has been kindly provided by the landlord, Mr Spencer, for the purpose. Numbers of persons were provided with tickets on Friday, and to-day applications for soup will be attended to. SHEFFIELD. The Duke and Duchess- of Norfolk and I. ulv Albreda Fitzwilliam visited Sheffield on Friday, specially to enquire into the distress. They were conducted by the vicar over the sewing depot, where 200 women were at work, and expressed themselves highly gratified at such useful opera- tions. The Duke of Norfolk, who has already contributed to the relief of the distress, will attend a meeting of the executive committee to- day, He is extremely anxious to do all he can for the distressed poor, and will doubtless contri- bute further hp.]p. The Mayor's Fund now amounts to £,400. -MANCHESTER. The B'.shop of Manchester presided on Friday at a meeting of the Manchester and Salford Savings Bank. Referring to the prevailing dis- tress in Lancashire, his Lordship said he was afraid that if it coutinued.the presentor"anization would not be sufficient to meet it. He urged that the Elbevfeldt system, which was in practice ia Germany, fthould be adopted, in order to cope with the evil. BEBMONDSEY. A difficulty is apprehended between the em- ployers and their men in the BcnnoIJdsey tanner- ies. One firruhas given notice to the men of a 5 per cent. redaction of wages, and the employes are organizing to consider what steps they should take. BARNSLEY. The Home Secretary has written to the Mayor of Burnsley in respect to the distress in that place. The May or has replied that local efforts so far have been able to meet the distress, and there is no need of au appeal to the general public. NEWCASTLE ON TYNR. SUBSCRIPTION FBOM H. WADDINGTOM'. His Excellency, M. Waddrngton, Minister of Foreign Affairs in France, has subscribed through the French Consul at Newcastle, five hundred francs to tha Newcastle Relief Fund, His Excellency says "The Republican Government has not forgotten the generosity with which the people of Northumberland came forward to help France after the sad events of 1S70, and I am happy that it is in my power to testify, however feebly, to the grateful feeling of the French nation." There is a great demand on the fund. although none of the laige works are closed.

THE ENGINgERING TRADE. Oil Monday, the meeting of the London engineering firms was postponed in order to secure the co-operation of the railway companies in the proposed extension of working hours. Some masters had it cheaper to send the raw iron to Bulgium to be manufactured,and thereafter re- turned to this country. The longer working hours and lower rates of wages on the continent, it is claimed, render the proposed movement on the part of the masters imperative if they would con- tinue to compete with foreign manufactures.

LOCAL LIQUIDATIONS. fFROM FBlDAV Henry J ones, Aberdare, plasterer. John Henry Young, Cardiff, out of business, for- merly hotel-keeper. William Morgan, of Tongwyulaia, near Cardiff, Late farmer. ThomaR J. Evans, Noltou-street, Bridgend, Gla- morgan, tailor. Thomas N. Heffer, Newport, Monmouth, painter and glazier. David Clement, Llanelly, iron founder. James Thomas, formerly of CyfQg, Carmarthen, farmer, now of Cresselly, Pembroke, out of business.

IMPORTANT TO SEAMEN. At the Mansion House, before the Lord Mayor of London, the General Steam Navigation Com- pany have been summoned for the non-payment of seamen's wages. Mr Cross appeared for the complainants, and Mr Bathan represented the company. The defence was that the defendants had been caught in the act of smuggling, owing to which they had forfeited their wages. It appeared that the men were caught tilling the compnss-box with tobacco before the vessel, the Cosmopolitan, left Antwerp. Mr Cross urged that the men were allo ed to fulfil their duties, and that they had not been convicted of the smuggling.—The Lord Mayor held that the captain of the vessel could not leave the men in a foreign port, but he having told them that they would be discharged immedi- ately they reached London, he (the Lord Mayor) held that they were not entitled to their wages.— Mr Bathan said the company resisted the claim with the view of assisting the revenue and of pre- VtmlJtl

YSTRADYFODWG__LOOAL BOARD. This board met on Friday, at tite Pentre Chambers. Present—Mr Lewis Davis (chairman), Messrs David Evans, John Da vies, Edmund Thomas, Evan Davies, Moses Rowlands, David D. Joseph, Evan Evans, Idris Davies, aad Wm. Jenkins. The board agreed with Mr M. R. Williams, of the West of England District Bank, treasurer of the board, to continue his office under his new appointment as joint manager of the London and Provincial Bank. The question of a site for "liiceg was the next matter before the board. Mr Alfred Price, accountant, T^eherbert, sent a plan and specification of a building in course of erection belonging to him, at Ton, Pen- tre. The board were of opinion that neither the property nor the site would meet their require- ments. The board then visited a suitable site of 120 feet frontage, parallel with the new Siloh Chapel, Pen we, which is offered upon liberal terms by Mr Griffith Llewelyn, Baglan Hall. The clerk was ordered to write to Mr Llewelyn for his terms. The clerk was ordered to apply to the Local Go* vernment Board for the bye-laws.—The Inspector reported that he had received no reply from the landowners in reference to nuisance and drainage on their respective estates. Mr Treharne had re- plied stating that he was prepared to abate any nuisance on the estate of Mr Llewellyn.—The medical-officer's report was favourable.

MERTHYR SCHOOL BOARD. Yesterday the fortnightly meeting of this board wa« held. Present—Messrs C. H. James (in the chair), W. L. Daniel, W. Smyth, W. Bell, J. Price. and L. J. Davies, and the Revs J. M. Bowen and T. Rees.—The Clerk said he had Chat morning received the deed in respect of the loan of :3,700 from the Public Works Loan Com- missioners for the erection of the Merthyr Vale School. It was explained that the board had applied for £4,700, and that the Commissioners had granted £ 3,700.—Mr W. Bell moved that the deed b9 signed, and the seal of the board affixed. This was agreed to, as was also another formal resolution ordering the affixing of the seal to a document authorising Mr Evans, Brecon Bank, the treasurer of the Board, to receive the money. —The schools' management committee reported that they had engaged Mr Herbert Evans, for- merly assistant in the Abermorlais school, assist- ant master in Penydarren school, in the place of Mr D. H. Price. The report recommended that Mr W. James supply the ironmongery, &c., re- quired for the next six months, and Mr J. Jones, Manchester Hou3e, the sewing materials re- quired. The Committee further reported that the master and mistress had commenced their duties at George Town school In accordance with the instructions of the board, the committee had prepared a list of the school fees arrears from January 1st to November 29th, 1878. This return gave the following totals :—Aber- morlais, £,15 Os 7d; Penydarren, £34 5s In; Twynyrodin, 622 03 2d Caedra £23 2s 41 Georgetown, JS13 7s Id Abercanaid, £16 38 Orl Chvydvfagwr, JE1 0s 6 i total £192 lis l|d.—Mr W. L.' Daniel said the highest amount of arrears was in the Penydarren Girls' School.—The Rev J. Rees said there was a great difference in the proportion between some schools and others, and the teachers of the schools in which the arrears were highest ,S".ould, he thought, be written to. Two or three mem- bers expressed their belief that the people who did not- pay were the ones that really could. Those that were unable came there and applied for remission of fees. The Chairman thought some rule might be adopted, say thatafter four or six weeks' arrears the teacher was to have no discretion, but to send the parents before the board. There was no limit of time for the arrears going on? The Clerk said there was not, adding that the teachers did not like to exclude the children.—Mr Daniel said that the clerk was preparing a more complete re- turn, showing the number of children in each school.—The Chairman Showing the per-centage of the arrears upon the number in attendance.— The report of the committee was adopted, and awaiting this return, the consideration of the question of arrears was deferred for a week.— Mr Frank James, clerk of the Gelligaer School Board, wrote enclosing a copy of a letter re- ceived from the Education Department with respect to providing school accommoda- tion at Bontnewydd, as suggested by the the Department the Gelligaer Board bad appointed a committee of the whole board to confer with a committee of the Merthyr Board upon the matter, with the view of making such provision at Bontnewydd. The communication suggested that a meeting should take place at the workhouse on Saturday, the 11th inst. The letter of the De- partment stated that they had received the follow. ing report upon the subject of the proposal to build a permanent school at Bontnewydd :— Bontnewydd is close to the border line between Gelligaer and Merthyr parishes, the colliery itself being in the latter. A deep ravine separates the two, which is crossed at pre- sent only by a railway bridge. The population at present is divided between both sides of the valley, but it is uncertain on which side the greater de- velopment will eventually take place. Ic seems certain, however, that a bridge will have to be built sometime across the ravine for traffic, as the present railway bridge is only used on suffer- ance, and, of course, only available for foot-pas- sengers. I was informed that this bridge would most probably be built in a place marked on the sketch. It seems to me, then, that one school r onghc to serve for the children of both parishes, ¡ aud that at any rate the Gelligaer School Boar-d should not proceed to build without consultation with the Merthyr School Board. The Depart- ment suggested to the Gelligaer Board that before proceeding further they should communicate with the Meathyr Bo ira.—After a conversation, it was agreed that the general purposes committee should eommnnicate with the Gelliiraer Commit- tee.—Some matters of unimportance having been disposed of, the Board resolved itself into com- mittee.

RAILWAY COLLISION. On Friday morning, during a thick fog, a Iraiu of iempty carriages, standing at the suuthern or city end of the Shoreditoh station, London, was run (into by a passenger train from Broad-street for Poplar. The latter train had but fourteen passengers in it, only one of whom complained of having a bruise upon his knee. The brake-van of the empty train was smashed, and two or three carriages were slightly knocked about, being loosened in their points, but they did not leave the road. The guard was a little hurt and stunned, but was able to go home. The line was cleared in about two hours. No explanation is given as to how the accident occurred.

A CAUTION OTLILNERS. The unsettled st:1te of the weather is uot only the cause of great discomfort to those on the sur. face of the earth, but ig, or ought to be, a source of considerable anxiety to those whose duties lie beneath it. Such seasons of atmospheric disturb- ance as we are at tlie present experiencing are moments of great danger to the miner, and the ShtJIichi T'-h-ym-ph gives a warning to colliers on the subject, which they will do well to note, The whole body of air extending over-England if, they are reniituie* in a. state of great agitation. A cyclonic system has been prevailing, and during thej past two or three days im- mense waves of air have passed over us, as shown by the oscillation of the mercurial column. All the conditions point to tho conclu- sion that miners on resuming work after the holi- days must use the greatest care. Nothing can the ?.cpumu^3-tion of a thorGTigb II ventilation. Managers shoulu see that this is effi- cient,, as the safety of the pit depends upon it. Fire triers must be careful in their examinations of every working place, Ga^ will piobabiy be found in places where it has not been usually seen. Colliers m"st individually use great caution." Bet- ter to fix a few extra "sprags than suffer from a broken back, or to lose a few weeks' work than a life. If larn,3S give indication of gas, work should be left at once. It is sad to think that many mine explosions will probably occur before the close of the year just begun, most, if not all of which might be averted by the exercise of proper cau- tion, and by attention to the lessons taught by ex- perience.—Pall Mall Gazette.

STRIKE 0FTHE MIDLAND RAIL- WAY GOODS' GUARDS. DEAD-LOCK OF COAL TRAFFIC. The goods'guards of the Midland Railway, at St. Pancras, Nottingham, Sheffield, Chesterfield, and other stations, struck work on Friday night without giving previous notice, owing to the adoption of the trip system in place of that of weekly payments byhe company. The hange to the trip system was done to accelerate the working of the company, and afford a saving to shippers. The goods' guards receive from 29s to 35s a week, and, as claimed, the trip system will hardly affect the amount now paid them. At a meeting of the goods managers, held at the company's London office, it was decided to employ other men instead of the strikers, u ho were willing to accept the trip system. Owing to the strike the coal traffic on Friday came to a dead lock in Derbyshire, especially on the Erewash Valley section. The inconvenience thus caused is serious. Perishable goods on their way from Scotlaud, per express goods trains, have been stopped at I Stanley and other intermediate stations. An interview was to take place between the directors and the strikers' delegates at Derby on Friday. Later intelligence is that the goods department of the company completed arrange- ments on Friday afternoon for re-opening the traffic temporarily stopped in Erewash Valley. A deputation from the guards waited upon Mr Salmon, goods superintendent at Sheffield, and represented to him that the increase of working hours in the week from GO to G6, before they coald make overtime, would make a difference in their v. ages of about 3 a week. Mr Salmon told them that the terms would be enforced, and the whole of the guards, numbering about GO, at once gave in their watches, and struck work. Their places arc being supplied by shunters.

SMUGGLINGTT BRISTOL. At Bristol, on Tuesday, Rees Roderick, a young man, was charged with smuggling 21bs lOz of tobacco and 100 cigars on board the steam- ship Hellespont. The defendant being chief engineer, the magistrates -inflicted a penalty of treble duty and value ( £ 4 16s 6d) with costs.

COUGlis, ASTHMA, BRONCHITIS. —Medical Testi- mony states that no other medicine is so effectual in the cure of these dangerous maladies as KNAM, l.'S COTGH LOZENGES. One Lozenge alone gives ease, one or tw" at ¡ bed time ensures reit, For relieving difficulty of breath inff they arc invaluable. They contain no opium nor any violeivt druyr Soid by all chemitts, in boxes, at 1« ljd. s 9d each. 39064 HOJ.LOWAY'S OINTJFENT AND PIM.S.—A frequent cause of out and rheumatism is the inflammatory state of the blood, attended with bad <ligt>nion and general debility. A few doses of these Pills, taken in time, are an effectual preventive against gout iind rheumatism, but anyone who has an attack of either should use Hoiloway's Ointment also, tne powerful properties ol which, combined with the effects of the Pills, must in- fallibly eHeet a cure. These PHls act directly on the Woo:I, which they purify »nd improve; they also regulate the secretions, and give tone to the stomach, and thus the whole system is vigoratod, and put into a condition which enables it t<t tbww « £ 0WC«Se or check it* JwremB,

IMPORTANT INQUIRY AT SWAN- SEA. SERIOUS CHARGES AGAINST A COLLIERY MANAGER. An inquiry, instituted by the Secretary of State, took place 011 Friday, at the Guildhall, Swansea —before Mr II. C. Rothery, Wreck Commissioner, with Mr Thos. Cadman, Inspector of the South Wales disUict—into the conduct of Evan Fos- ter, cart Ificatcd manager of the Ystradfawr, otherwise tho Ystradgynlais Coiliery. Mr C. n. Glaseodine appeared for the prosecu- tion, and Mr W. R. Smith for the defence: The proceedings were instituted under section 32 of the Coal Mines Regulation Act of 1872. The Ystradfawr, otherwise the Ystradgynlais and Swansea Colliery, is a coal mine within the mean- ing of the Cord Kegulation Act of 1872. It is situated in the parish of Yatradgynlais, Brecon, and is the property of tha Ystradgynlais and Swansea Colliery Company. The two pits are from the surface, one of which is the up-cast, and the other the down-cast pit, both of which are sunk from the white vein, and reach the four- foot vein at about a distance of 45 yards from the surface. It was alleged against the defendant, Evan Foster, that he wes, by reason of his incompetence or negligence, un- fit to discharge his duties, and that he had been convicted of offences against the Mines Regulation Act of 1872, the allegation being founded on the following circumstances, that he, being manager, did not comply with the iirst general rule con- tained in the Mines Regulation Act of 1S72, by not producing or causing to be produced in the said mine an adequate amount of ventilation to dilute and render harmless the noxious gases to such an extent that the working places of the shafts, levels, and stables, in the working of such mine, and the travelling roads to and from such working places, were in a St state for working and passing therein; that he being such manager was guilty of an offence against the said Act of 1872, by reason of contravening, or not complying with the 2nd general rule there- in contained, for that such mine was mine in which inflammable gas had been found within 12 months last preceding the 9th of September. 1878. and in which a, shift of workmen was employed in 24 hours, and, nevertherless, a competent person appointed for the purpose did not once in 24 hours before the time tor commencing work, in a cer- tain part of the mine, inspect with a safetydamp that part of the mine and the readings leading thereto, or make a true report of the condition thereof, so far as the ventilation was concerned that the workmen went to work in the said part of the mime before the same and the roadings leading thereto were stated to be safe and that the said report (if any) was not reported without delay in a book provided for that purpose; that be contra- vened anti did not comply with section 33, because personal injury occurred to several persons in the mine bv reason oi explosions, and that he did not, within 24 hours afterwards, send to the inspector of the district a report specifying such explosions and the nnmber of persons injured that be con- travened and failed to comply with the 60th special rule, by not suspending, or causing to be suspended, the assembly of persons further until the danger had been removed, and the r ine restored to safety the mine being, inconsequence of the gases there, rendered unsafe. A good deal of evidence was gone into, and the court adjourned 111 to-day (Saturday).

THE GUILDFORD COLLIERIES OF MESSRS. CR A WSHA Y- Messrs Crawshay and Sons have resumed the night turn at their Guildford Collieries.

LLANDAFF MADRIGAL SOCIETY. The Llandaff Madrigal Society will hold their second ladies' night" at the Town-hall, Cardiff, on the evening of Wednesday, the 15th of Janu- ary. Some choice specimens of old music will be performed by the society, assisted by several cathedral choirs.

A SOLICITOR SENYTCTPRISON. At the Middlesex session, on Fridav, a solicitor named Parke:, who is said to have been in practice for about forty years, and to be well- known at several of the London courts, was sen- tenced to three months' imprisonment as a first- class misdemeftnant, for conspiring with a client named Amey to commit fraui Judgment had been suspended from last session, when both prisoners were found guilty, and Amey was sen- tenced to 18 months' imprisonment.

A GENTLEMAN SHOT AT IN IRELAND. Capt. John Langley, of the South Tipperary Militia, son of Mr John Lancrlev, J.P., Knocks- nure, was fired at about four o'clock on Fridav morning, near Clonmel. Bad feeling has been engendered against the father, in consequence of his evicting some tenant-. The Captain's horse was killed, and he saw two men, in black clothes, running away from the scene of the firing. His assailants are unknown. The police have turned out in force, but no arrests have been made.

THE BURTON CRESCENT MURDER. > Mary Donovan,^ who is charged with the murder of Mrs Samuel, of Barton-crescent, was re-examined at Bow-street 0:1 Thursday. Evidence was given showing that the accused had tried to borrow money jast prior to the murder, and that subsequent to the commission of the crime she was in possession of some means. It was also shown deceased's toe-nails had not been cut, although the prisoner said she had cut them. The prisoner was remanded for another week.

MR SAN KEY ""AT"NEWCASTLE. SPECIAL TELEGRAM'.] Mr Im D. aukey, the celebrated American evangelist and singer of the Gcspel, who is now on a visit to England, was entertained to a public breakfast in the Central Hal!, Newcastle, on Fri- day night. A conference was afterwards held under the presidency of the Vicar of Newcastle, the Rev Canon Martin, at which a large number of clergymen and Nonconformist ministers of the district were present. Mr Sankey will commence a series of religious services to-morrow (Sunday) in Henglers' Circus, one of the largest buildings of the town. Mr Sankey intends to visit the principal towns in the United Kingdom.

THE SERIOUS CHAnGE AGAINST A RATE COLLECTOR. The Bilston rate collector, H:nry Norah, for whose arrest the Bilston commissioners took out a warrant on Thursday night, surrendered to the police on Friday morning, and was taken before the magistrates. Prisoner's duty, after collecting money, was to enter it in a book, and pay it to the treasuier within seven day.?. The collection of various sums by prisoner was proved, but no entry ot them was in his book, nor had he nanded them to the treasurer. The prisoner was com- mitted the sessions,

ALLEGED ROBBERIES BT LIVER- POOL POLICEMEN. At the Liverpool police-court, on Thursday, tw polii-emen, John Hood and William Hough, were, with a ¡ua.r¡:J.e..storc dealer n:tmeC1 Cronan, and a shipkeeper named Edmondson, charged with steeling a bale of cloth from the ship Antiope, lying in Salthouse Dock. There were other charges against the prisoners. After evidence had been given by an accomplice named Jones, lately a borough policeman, the prisoners were remanded. Subsequently another policeman, named Davies, was charged, with Cronan and Flood, with steal- ing some cases of spirits from & ship called Delseey. Jones gave evidence, and prisoners were remanded.

THE LOCAL BANK FAILURE. ..I' AID FOR THE SHAREHOLDERS. A large meeting was held at Exeter on Friday, to organise a relief fund for the destitute Devon- shire shareholders of the West of England Bank. The Mayor presided. Letters were received, ex- pressing sympathy with the object sought, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer wrote regretting his inability to attend, and enclosing a cheque to the fund. A suggestion waa made for the creation of a fund to prosecute the directors, who were morally, if not legally, responsible for the bank's failure. The Sheriff of Devon, Earl Devon, the Bishop and Dean of Exeter, and Sir J. Kennaway were among the speakers. A committee was ap- pointed to solicit subscriptions.

THE GOrEnSIENT AND THE PRISONS ACT. OFFENDED JUSTICES. At a meeting of the Manchester justices, held 011 Friday, great dissatisfaction was expresaed at the position in which the committee of visiting justices were placed by the new Prisons' Act, they havins no real authority, the Home Secretary never consulting them, and the system of govern- ment being, in fact, complete without them. The committee reported that unless authority to act was ven, there would be difficulty in getting the justices to serve. One magistrate aakl that neither Manchester nor other committees appointed else- where had received at the hands of Government officials the courteous treatment which they were entitled to.

BRITISH MEAT IN PARIS. The Anglo-French Co-opetative Society, lately installed on a large scale in the Avenue de 1'0 pera. is endeavouring to introduce cheaper prices in all kinds of provisions. Since the opening of the ex- hibition there has been such a rise in prices that this attempt deserves encouragement, and within the last few days the society has taken a step equally interesting to England and France. It has exhibited the prize ox sent by the Prince of Wales to the Smithfieid Show, and yesterday, after having orawu a crowd of visitors, the ox was slaughtered and cut up to serve as specimens of live meat imported from England. Joints were offered to the Marshal, Lord Lyons, M. Wadding- ton, and other leading people, and the quality was considered very fine. Whether or not the society sell below the usual Paris rates, this attempt will result in excitiug emulation as to quality, which in itself will be a great point; for the Paris butchers have been getting more and more careless on this head, the inferiority of the meat adding to the dearness of the price. However this may be, the food question is. such a matter of interest that the experiment has attracted great attention among economists, aud de»erv$a to be watched

♦ CARDIFF. THE TEACHERS' TIIAINLNG AKD HEGISTRATION SOCIETT.—We have received from Mr E i vifi Seward, Cardiff, the honorary secretary of the Cambridge Local Examinations, two circula ex- plaining the objects and scope of the Teachers' Training and Registration Society, which has Lord Aberdare for its president. THE society desires to "create and maintain a high standard of professional qualifications in teachers of schools above tbe elementary by providing where neces- sary, advanced instruction in ail subjects included in a liberal education.andbysupplyinga training in the principles and practice of educational methods." They seek to establish, and have es- tablished, in London and the provinces, institu- tions for instructing and training persons above the school age desirous of becoming teherg." There is an independent examining board of high authority, which gives certificates to successful candidates, and these certificates are registered. The head mistresses of a large number of schools in Englaud have expressed their willingness ia filling up vacancies in their teaching staff, to give preference, other things being equal, to trained teachers. There are three divisions in the college, aud the course is one year for students entering the upper division, two years FOR the middle division, and three years for the lower division. INFIRMARY BALL.—The committee appointed some time since to carry out the details of the Cardiff Infirmary ball, which was iixed to take place during the present month, met at the Town Hall on Friday evening. After a long consulta- tion they resolved to abandon the ball for the pre- sent season. The reasons the committee had for taking this step, which was adopted with some reo gret, were the prevailing distress,aud the fact that arrangements had been made, subsequent.'Y to the arrangements entered into by the committee, to hold another ball on the same week as that on w, ich it was proposed to hold the Infirmary ball. THE SNOW.—Pciestrianism was somewhat dangerous in Cardiff streets early on Friday morn- ing. As the belated traveller passed along, the snow from the roofs came down in heaps, some- times accompanied by a slate or a piece of iron spo.it. Some narrow escapes from injury by these nnsshes are related. The sound of the masses of snow, as they came thundering down into the street, could be heard for a long distance. GOSPEL-HALL, EVELYN-STREET. — A musical entertainment, consisting of Robinson Grusoe," was given by the choir, en Thursday. The story was read by Mr W. P. Annear. Tne conductor was Mr W. H. Evans, and the accompanist, Miss S. A. Hook. ON January 1st, the Band of Hope children were regaled with tea, &C.. and afterwards were very much amused by a magic lantern, by the kindness of Mr J. Thatiher, optician. The even- ing's amusement were entrusted to Mr J. Powell, superintendent. Upwards of 2GO children were present, and all were connected with the Gospel- hall, Evelyn-street, Docks. STEALING CLOTHES.—At the borough police- court, on Friday—before the Mayor (Alderman D. Lewis) and Alderman Alexander—Charlotte Turner, a young married woman, was charged with stealing five shirts, three under-shirts, tnree pairs of drawer*, and a number of other articles, the property of a retired ship's master, named Pietro Sardi. Air L. T. Reece defended the pri- soner. The prosecutor formerly lodged at the house of a Mrs Clare, 27, Louisa-street, where the prisoner lodged also. A fortnight since he left the house, and went to reside iu Nelson-street. He left a chest of clothes in the charge of a Mr Bar- rachina, a lodger at 27, Louisa-street, and ou Wednesday went there and found, as he alleged, that the chest had been broken open, and the ar- ticles taken out. A daughter of Mrs Clare was called, aud she stated that she pledged the articles at the shoo of Mr Beinistein, and at Mr Barron's, and these articles were given to her by the pri- soner, but the prosecutor stood by the whole time, and consented to the goods being pledged. PIO- spcutor denied this statement. The defence was that the prosecutor was in want of food, and that lie gave the prisoner the articles to pledge in order to obtain money. Mrs Clare, the landlady, was called, and corroborated the statement for the de- fence, and the bench dismissed the case. FALSE PKETESCSS. — Percy Clitton, a man having the appearance of a sailor, was charged with attempting to obtain £1 10s from Mr Solomon Samuel, of Bute-road, outfitter, by false pre- tences. The prisoner on Thursday went to Mr Samuel, and asked if he cashed advance notes. He replied, "Yes." Prisoner then produced an advance note for 10s, signed by T. H. Moore, master of the Mary She,'pard, of London, drawn in favour of Percy Clifton, and accepted by Mr E. C. Downing, broker. He had some suspicions that the note was not altogether right, and asked the prisoner some questions. He said that he had signed .articles that day at the Shipmng- ernc", He then asked the prisoner to go \yik him to the Shipping-office, but he refused, and left the shop. Detective James apprehended him shortly afterwards, and he then admitted that he had drawn the note himself. A clerk from the otflc of MR E. C. Downing proved that there was no such vessel as the Mary Sheppard' cleared at their office. It was also stated that there was no such vessel in the Docks. Prisoner said nothing. and was committ:d for trial at the quarter- sdon ASSAULTING AN OFFICE?..—Dennis Murphy, a resident of Canton, was lined 40s and costs for assaulting Mr Cover, the inspector of nuisance* for the western district of Card;3, on Wednesday last.

GELLIGAER. GRAND AMATEUB CONCERT.— On Thursday night a grand concert was ven at the Harp Hotel Assembly Rooms, in aid of the parish church restoration funds, and was very well attended. The following ladies and gentlemen took part in the performance, viz.—Miss Harries, the rectory Mrs Jones, Bargoe 1; Mrs Finch, Bedlinog; Rev T. Kees, Beaufort; Rev David Davies, Deri; Mr Cook, Nrwport; Mr Barkers, Caerphilly; Mr Giles, Brithdir; and Miss Davies, Merthyr, as pianist, and a select glee cla;:s. Mr Barker played selections on the violin, and also sang "The Raft."

MYN YD DISLWYN. DEATH OF AX OLD PARISHIONER.—On New Year's Day Mrs Mary Rees Matthews, relict of the late Mr Thomas Fees Matthews, passe.I away in her 83th year, at her residence, the Heol Fychan Farm, Maesycwmmer, where she aud her deceased husband had resided for a great number of years, as tenants of the late and present Lord Tredegar. The deceased was nig:dg esteemed by a large circle of friends.

PONTYPIDD. DERATING SOCIETY S DINNER.—The members of the above society, which is now in its third session, assembled at the Butchers' Arms Hotel, on Thurs- day evening, to partake of their annual dinner. The chair was taken by the president, Mr A. McLuca-, while Mr Dawkins, senior, vice-presi- dent. occupied the vice-chair. Mr Williams, vice- I president, in proposing the "Pontypridd De- bating Society," com plained of the great lethargy on the part of some of the members, both old and younsr, who tnrnugh each session refrained from taking any active part in the debate. It was well known that the fundamental aim of the society was self- improvement, and if each member would but take ..is part in ttë vrk THEY MUSF, as a ùoåy m1e certain and rapid progress. He felt that they ha" an advantage of which they should all be proud-- their able president, who had for the last three years acquitted himself with such great ability and discretion. — Mr Moms, vice-president, responded, and expressed a hone that every ber would show energy and tact in "taking part in the bebates duriDg the present session.— The health of the Chairman being proposed by Mr Williams, the Chairman responded, in the course of which he said the institution of the Pontypridd Society resulted in the formation of societies ia Merthyr, Cardiff, and other places, which fact he thought ought to be sufficient to animate every member witJi a resolve to promote still further the success of the secietv. Messrs Tom Williams, J. J. Evans, C. G. Roberts, and D. Evans rendered some excellent songs, and a most pleasant evening was spent. D

WENYOE. AGBICULTUBAL COMPETITION.—At Wcnvoe, on New Year's Day, a series of agricultural com- petitions (in banking, ditching, and laving hedges) came off. The spot chosen for operations WAS St Lythan's Down. The following is a list of prize- winners Class 1 (o;;en to workmen of 50 years of age and upwards).—First prize Edward Samuels, HaJyr; :¿nd E\-au JLkin, St Fagans LK\i Miles Males, St Nicholas; seven competitors. Class 2 (open to workmen between 30 and 50 years).—First prize William Waters, St Nicholas nrI Thoma.s Thomas, Clift; 3rd Charles Graves, ST George's. Class 3 (open to men ur»der|30 years of age).—First prize John Herbert, St Lythan's Down 2nd Morgan Grant, St Nicholas: 3ID Evan Thomas, Balas. The limit with regard to district was that of the Cardiff Union. The judges were Mr Llewelyn, Yorath, St Georges Mr Thomas BciBSttt, Water Hall Mr Thoma Thomas, Weuvoe Shop. The prizes were after- wards distributed to the men by Mr Neh of Wenvoe, and satisfaction was expressed with their work. Toasts were given and responded to. and a pieasaut evening followed. Mr Tnornea WAS chairman of the ffair and Mr Wdham Xhoruas, St Bride's, secretary CALVINISTIC MKTHODIST CHAPEL.—The' annual tea meeting of the Sunday-school was held on New Years Day, when the edifice was suitabiv decorated. The tables were presided Over by Lougher, Miss Morris, Miss Thomas (Old Shop), Miss Thomas (Ballas). In the evening a literarv meeting was held, the Rev.|Wil!iam WILLIAMS, »Sti*i:let, Breconshirc, presiding. Several recita- tions aad dialogues were well rendered by Misse* E. A. Thomas, Morris, S. J. Thomas, P. John. J. Lougher, C. Lougher. M. Thomas. Messrs Jenkms, Jones, Richards. D. Evans, l'hos. Evans J. Jenkin W. Lougher, E.Thomas, W. Thomas, and Howell 1 homas. Some selections were sung by the choir, under the leadership of Mr Illtyd Williams, Amtistone Farm.

LLANTRISANT. PRESENTATION. — The teachers and scholars of the select classes of the Wesleyan Methodist Sauday School PARTOOK of tea ON Tliursdav evenimr at the house of Mr E. A. Cook, Taibot-road, when II a testimonial was presented to that gentlemnan, con&isiiug of a gold pencil case OF chaste design, aud bearing upon it a suitable inscription. Mr Cook, who WAA deeply muved, expressed himself in a seat speech. This being the ANNUAL meeting of the. schools-, the teachers were determined it should not p ss away without giving a substantial token of then esteem to one who had FUR manj years contributed financially, AAD otherwise, to further their interests. A MATCH for a fat pig was held at the Windsor Arms Hotel, Llantrisant Station, on entered, aud tbe prize vras divided between Mr New Year's Day. Twenty-five competitors J. Havden, Cardiff Mr ThursfieiiL Cardiff and Mr Evans, YSTNUL, lthondda. A dinner, pro- pared by Mr George Smith, WM AFTERWARDS pat- tak..n. ai.

SWANSEA. A SWANSEA CAPTAIN DEOWNKD.—On Christ- mas eve last Captain Be vaa, of Gower, while pro- ceeding on his voyage in command of the steamer Murton, tradiag between this port and France, was accidently drowned n'xrjt half a mile oil Long- Ships, It wonld a¡i1-;cM fr„i;u the account of the chief officer that w-hilu the seamen were engaged taking ill the fore-trysail under the deceased's superintendence, it blowing a gale at the time, he by some means fell overboard off the bridge and was dro«vned. The boat was kept in the same position as near as possible for two hours, but nothing more was ever seen of him. Captain J. Be van had been sailing out of this port for many years, and was most deservedly known and re- spected as a careful and painstaking officer. THE ENCLOSURE OF THE SANDS.—DEPUTATION TO 1ll ViviAX. M.P.—In our impression of Mon- d w week, we referred to the fact that the sands oi Swansea Bay, which have from time imme- morial been a place of resort to the inhabitants of the town, and to visitors, were in course of being enclosed for railway purposes, and we suggested the propriety of steps been taken to prevent the absorption of this opeu space. W<e are pleased to find that action has been taken in the matter. The Rev. Ely Clarke, vicar of Christ Church, has just headed an infiueiltial de- Potation, which waited upon Mr. Hussey Vivian, M,P., at his residence at Parkwern, pro- testing againsUthe course taken, and asking the lion, member to use his iuSnence in stopping this spoliation. The rev. gentleman asked, in the name of the inhabitants, the invalids who visited the Bay in the summer, the poor widows who keep lodging house, the children of the town who have always resorted thither, and, lastly, in the right of the people that this enclosure should, if possible, be stopgsd. The hon. member expressed his entire sympathy with the object of the deputation, and expressed his belief that, when mauv years ago the purchase of the rights from the Duke of Beau- fort took phce, there were no such lights in the agreement as were now claimed to enclose the ground. He promised to Luk into the South Docks Act, and to bring the matter before the Corporation, advising them meanwhile to call a. to-vns meetiug, protesting against this invasion of their rights. One great argument used by the opponents of the St. Helen's field has been that the public had the sands to promenade upon, but it is quite evident, if the to wnspeople do not look after their interests, the enjoyment of their sands will have become a tbiug of the past. CONCERT.—Certain friends staying at Parkwern, assisted by some friends from the neighbourhood, will vdve an entertainment in aid of the funds of St. Helen's new church, at the Music-hall, on the evening of the 13th inst. THE SWANSEA PILOTS AND THE HAI.;OCR .TRUST.—-The Sea Pilots of Swansea have ad- dressed a requisition to the Harbour Trust in re the reduction of the pilotage rates, as follows :— Gentlemen, —Having heard that you are about reducing the pilotage rates of the port of Swansea, we, the pilots, humbly pray you to take into con- sideration the present low state of the rates, and also the heavy expenses which we as a body of men are under in maintaining tIE. boats in a proper and seaworthy condition also, the paying of the men who work the boats, who are bound to be tho-1 roughly efficient, and cannot be dhpensed with. We think the rates of pilotage shown to us by Cant.sin J. R >sser (which is a reduction of 33 per cent) could not be divideo s to remunerate all parties Concerned only on a most meagre scale, and it would place us in the position of being bound to work the boats ourselves, at the greatest possible risk to both life and property. We would also direct your attention to the fact that our super- anuation fund would be much affected by the re- duetion, which would be a 'serious thing to the pilots "ho come on the funds in the future. We humMy submit these points to your notice iu con- junction with the fact that during the most pros- perous times no advance was agitated for by \1". Praying for your earnest consideration. We are, yours obeuieutly,—THE SEA PILOTS or SWANSEA."

NEATH. Y. ZLSH INDBPBXDEST.S.—Tbe church assembling at Mae.yrhaf held its annual meeting on Wednes- day evening and throughout Thursday, when sermons were preached by Rers. Dr Rees. sea J. B. Jones, Brecon E, Roberts, Carnarvon; W. E. Jones, Morriston R. Morgan, Aberdare J. R. William-, Hirwain and E. Jenkins, Llan- saniler. Th congregations were large, and a good amount was collected towards liquidating the remaining chapel debt. gcggg SUMMEIIFIELD CILVIT!— The anniversary Mr- vices were held on Wednesday and Thursdav. Sermons were preached by the Revs Jones, Mor- riston Jones, B.A., Brecon: Jenkins. Llansam- 10 Itooerts, Cwmavon Morgans, Aberdare Williams, Hirwain: and Rees,"D.D., Swansea. Collections^in aid of the building fund were made. IANCY rAIl, AXD BAZAAR.—On Thursdav and Friday, a grand fancy fair and bazaar, in'aid of the fund for improving the organ at St David's Church, aud providing an ornamental stone pulpit for the nave of the same edifice, took place at Alderir.an Davies' School-rooms, with all the cdat which well-directed and untiring energy, combined with skilful taste and largely extended patronage, could command. The stalls were erected in va- rious parts of the extensive suite of rooms, with that peculiar ingenuity which, "unÚer fairy fingers," compels the identity of a place to be almost forgotten iu its disguise of flowers and lace interwoven with evergreens of the season. It will be understood from this that tiie rooms were very elegantly decorated for the occas:on,but to give any- thing like a de-cription of the articles offered would be impossible,as well, perhaps, as unjust, Mrs Rees Morgan (Brynhyfrid) presided at the first st.tl], assisted by Miss Morgan, Mrs D. J. lihvs. and Miss Braine. The display was most extensive, and the exhibits generally not only oraa- mental, but practically useful, and not fig-red at fabulous prices, although the articles were of very crreat value. Stall No. 2 was preside over by lrs Kempthorne, Mrs Caul- field, Mrs Whittington, Miss Whittington, and Miss Harpham, London. The situation of this stall at the end of the centre-ro >m gave the designers au opportunity of displaying their varied ano costly wares to great ail vantage. Staii ISO. o was lield by Mrs J. E. Buckley, Mrs Roberrs, Miss Hews, Mis Johns, Mrs P. Williams ;\ii»s xvoaerts, Muss Pole, Miss Lizzie Thomas, rf-^Xiss «Jeciiiziie dhom^is, and JVXiss d^riscilla Hutchins, who were most indefatigable in Hutchins, who were most indefatigable in their efforts to realise their magnificent ^display. The Misses Elford kindly supplied a splendidly furnished Christmas tree. 14 feet in height, lighted specially with gas jets by Mr Peters, of Queen-street. It was under the charge of Mrs Elford, assisted by the Misses Elford. The dis- play was simply gorgeous. One of the chief attractions of the room was a "reality" of the old nursery rhyme—Of the old woman who lived in her shoe, aud had so many children she didn't^ know what to do." This novelty was given by Mrs J. Russell and the Misses Ilusseii, one of the young ladies sitting on the shoe in the dress of of a hundred years figo, birch iu hand, and surrounded by numberless dolls. dressed in the prettiest fashion, as her ciiilureu. The refreshment department was well attended to by Mrs Osborne Davies, Miss Ivempthonve, and IÍS8Thow3.S (S ansea). Mi J. G. Betts carried out the wlnde of the fittings gratuitously. The gentlemen WHO assisted in the b&z.tar Troeeadings were—Mr R. V. Morgan, Mr John Hit], Mr T. Brown, Mr J. C. Hallamore, Mr D. J. Rhys, Mr Robinson, and Mr E. G. Elford, Mr E. W. Pullin, having the general direction of tiie whole arrangements. Tiie Neath string band kindly gave their services, under the leader- sliip of Mr Ribbon, thus adding rnateri- ally to the attractions of thp fair." The attendance of visitors was exceedingly larce aaeh day, and tiie saccess of iJie b:1. extremely gratifying, the courteous attention of stewards j and the persistent efforts of the Inches, being irresistible. i na proposaito erect a»i ornamental stone pulpit in St David's Church wiw; the sun/ us receipts, [.1) doubt seciarr d a large number of I bazaar psrj-ir>, wl-i* n the- rgau improve only wo-tid not have the object of the promoters will, therefore, probably be realised to the fullest extent. It should be mentioned that the Archdeacon of Llandaff opened the baza-sr at two p.m. with a short address. Mrs Griffiths (Rectory) was, however, absent through illness. The Mayor, Mr H. P. Charles, seat a imndsome donation to the pulpit fund, as did also Mi Pen- drill Charles an-1 other gentlemen.

LLANWRTYD WELLS. The eisteddfod was held on Thursday, the Rev W. Thomas presiding. Mr John Thomas was conductor and adjudicator of literature and stan- zas, aud Mr D. Jenkins adjudicated upon the singing. The prize for the recitation ol The Fools," by Mv.'iyddog, was awarded to John Richards. Song—" To do everything as a Welsh- man," Mr R. Jenkins, Llanwrtyd. Stanzas on the four seasons of the year. Thalamus. A glee— Beulah party. A tune, "At night," K. Jenkins, Edfcrmoie. Treatise, "New Year's Day," Rev R. James. Llanwrtyd. Singing of Ewemiy," prize divided between Pantoelyn and LTnited Choir, Llanwrtyd. Any chosen tune—Margaret Williams, "Molwch yr Arglwydd," Pautcelyn Choir.

CHEPSTOW. SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT.—On Thursday, Mr T. Waiswright, the talented organist of St. Mary's Church, gave a concert in the Beaufort Assembly 1 looms to a large and fashionable audience. Mr Wainwriglit had engaged the services of the following professionals :—Miss Julia Jones, of Cheltenham and West of England concerts Miss Leila Harris, St. Jaraes'-hall, London; Mr I D'Arcy Ferris, Crystal Palace, Lc. Mr H. J. i Dyer, Cheltenham, Bath, kc. These were assisted j by a trained and efficient local chorus. The con- cert was successful. The "May Queen" was sung in the first part of the concert, and some mittcellaneous pieces for the second part. Mr S. G. H^yward, deputy-organist of Gloucester Cathedral, presided at tiie pi»»o Mis-i Watkins, Chepstow, at the onran Mr T, Wain wright being the conductor,

CEICKHOWELL. WATCH-NIGHT services were held at the Wes- leyan Chapel. After ringing prnyer, Icc., an address was given bv the Rev. F. C. Moseley. The last few moments of the old year were spent in silent prayer. I A SshT.cs of song, illustrative oi the life of Elijah, was lieid at the Danycastie (C. M.) l l.'hapel. Oft Wednesday evening. The singing was under tbe leadership of Mr John Jones. A com- I petition als took plaoe nn the* Life and Travels of tht" Apostle Paul." Five hoys and a little girl competed, and answered qnesiioiis put tu them by Mr L. Proaser, of Aberystwith. The tirst prize was won by Wiilie Morg.m, who made 47 out ef a possible 48 the second prize by John Thomas (4G marks).

I ABEIICARNE. THE shops were all clewed HER £ on New Year's Day, although ail t'uu works were kept going. Tiie Wesleyan's "watch-meeting" on the previous night was attended by an unusually large number of persons, and a very appropriate sermon was preached by Mr John Davies. The children attending the Garn Chapel Sunday School had their annual drawing from u Christmas tree in the afternoon. The Teetotal Association always holds a meeting on New Year's Dav, and this year the I lecturer was the Rcy H. W. Lillingtou, of Taly- I wain, the Rev E. E. Probert being in the hair. "Trade Marks" was the subject of tlie lecture, founded on the popular tola, Ten Nights in & Bar-room,Mt

NEWPORT. POLICE-COURT.—On Friday—before Mr Henry Phillips—the list business was unusually ani two df the charges were remanded -umil !\Í1.1 iay. Johanna Lehay was charged with beiti" drunk anti disorderly in High-street, as proved by 1).0. Smith. She was fiued 53. < AN AIIUSIWO ESCAPADE.—A painter, ntmed James Llewellyn Jones, who is known among his eomrad.esas "James Genteel," was charged with obtaining-, by faise pretences, a piccolo, value 25s, from the shop of Messrs Thompson aud SbackeU, of Commercial-street. Inspector Uurtis, iu apitlya ing for a remand, stated that prisoner had beea apprehended on the previous day, and the wit- nesses were not in attendance. Some difficulty had been experienced in apprehending priso'.er lit obtained the piccolo from Mr Iori", the agent cf the prosecutors, and had pledged itin the to vn foros. Information was given to the police, and he was found in the house of a man named Lanfear, and aske 1 for the instrument. Prisoner said it was gone to Rises, and mentioned where he could and it. H did not deny 11,; "in;; hvl tit" piccolo, :lU'1 said he would go to his father's house and get money to redeem it. Mr Morris went with bias to the house, and as soon as he got inside house, he bolted out at the back-djor, got over < wall, and rushed in to a house occupied by a w roan in the employ of Mr \V. Jones, uphol-terer. He asked the mistress for some female"? clothes, stating thit some one was after him for the money ha had about him, which was Because the woman re!rise i hhn, he threatened her with a revolver. The \1-0:1 was much frightened and became suddenly ill. P.O. King tracked the prisoner through the snow, and entered the back door of the hoa.-e, an i Mf Thomas went in at the front door. Prisoner was therenpon taken Inter custody, and went quietly to tbe station. The case was accordingly remanded. STRANGE CONDUCT OF A SEAMAN.—A msta named Isaac aad who is said to hold a master's certificate, was apprehended at Newport on a charge of deserting the schooner British Queen, whilst iying at the Penarth lioads. It appeared that the. prisoner is mate of the ship, and ha.d been left in charge of her whilst Capt. Ileskett went to his home in Lancashire. Not only did he desert her, but took away a larga quantity of goods which he had obtained from the snips stores. Amongst other property was a chronometer, tobacco, spirits, sails, some canvass, and other goods, in all valued at about £3:J, in ad- dition to tiie ship's boat, which being put to ssit drifted with the tide into the Newport river. It is thought that the man intended putting inte Cardiff, but was prevented doing so owing to the current. When in the r sk he lauded, and left tilt stolen property in the boat. Mr Smith, water clerk to Mr Nugent Wells, optician, secured the boat and handed it over to the receiver of wrecks. Inspector Wilcox apprehended the man ;,1 tha evening, and he is handed 'over to the Cardiff police authorities.

EBBW YALE. CHRIST CHeaCH SUNDAY SCHOOL.—The office* of this school met on Wednesday, for tiie purjwse of presenting prizes to the successful scholars. The Rev W. Hughes. M.A., vicar, addressed the scholars and teachers upon the importance of the work in which t1ley were engaged, anù exhorted them to in their efforts tc further the interest of the school. Tne Rev J. Wiliiams (Glanmor) then delivered an address. The Rev Samuel Jenkins, F.G.S., spoke on the l ormar tions of Charter." Flie supeirntendent (Mr T. Johns) red the an.,uai report of the school, which shewed a very favourable result for the past year. The number of scholars have increased, and a better state of efficiency lias been obtained. Can- sidering the depressed st&ce of trade, it WM leasing to hear that over £ 100 had been deposited in the Savings Bank by tlie scholars. Tl»e duty of handing the awards to the successful seiioiara was undertaken by Mr Samuel Jenkins and Mis* Golightly. The ceremony closed with prayas the Rev Wm. Hughes, M.A., officiating.

BEAUFORT. ENTEKTAINMENTS.— On New Year's Eve tk English Weslevans and the Primi¡;ive.Met,h"dist& held their usual tea meetings. A service of song entitled The Fight of Faith, was given at ttw Primitive Methodist Chapel. Mr W. Burcrbei. conducted, and Mr J. Roberts re&d the connection reading. On Wednesday an entertainment was Kiveu at the Barham schoolroom, Mr D. N. Phillips, Tredegar, presiding. Readings were given by Mr J. Price, Llanoilo, and Mr Gwilyns Phillips. Beaufort. The Misses C. dames and M. Cooper, Beaufort: Messrs Davies and Protheroe, Ebbw Yale and Mr T. Wfctkina, Beaufort, ren- dered the masked portion in excellent style. During the evening a prize was offered to the oat that would recite best. The two glasses." Three competed, Miss Miriam Rees being the winner. The Beaufort brass band, under the leadership of Mr Henry Wall, was in attendance. Mr George Bull was the accompanist.

LLANDOYERY. CHRISTMAS TBEE.—A Christinas tree wa-" held at the British School, on Wednesday evening, Jan. 1st, by the u.embers of the Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, whoce pastor, the Rev. T. Thomas, as [well nn the RfT. W. Gibbon, was present. Mr. and 1r3 .Tones, Mrs Evans, and Miss Morgan, kindly waited at the table, and the following frendereu acceptable service during the evening :—Mr James, Mr Ben Evans, Mr J. Jeffrey Davies, Mr J. Rees James, Mr T. Stephens, Mr n. Davica (Oxford), Mr Johnny H. Griffiths, Mr D. S, Thomas, and Miss Maggs. Several selections from Saukey's fhymns were well rendered by the choir. A great many young people were .resent,^and the tree was wefl patronised at the close.

DOWLAIS. Ox Tharsday evening all entertainment was held at Libanus Chapel, under the presidency of Mr Rees Price. The following took part in the proceedings :—Mr James Sandbrook and party, Messrs Gwilym Price and T. Thomas, MisaeS Ruth Davies, K. Evans (Eos Alma). M. Davias (Eos Fachj, ahd the Jubilee Singers of Dowiaia, The meeting passed off well.

LLANPEF EILOG. THE GOOD TEMPLARS of the village held theit first tea party and literary meeting on New Year's Day. The tables were presided over by Mrs Oven and other ladies. After tea tbe Rev. Mr Owen, vicar, was elected chairman, and Mr Johns, Carmarthen, addressed the children. At a meeting in the Methodist Chapel, the Rev. D' G. Owen. Kidwelly, took the chair, and the Rev. C. Jenkins, Kidwelly, —Lewis, Llanfynydd, aud Mr Jokns addressed a good audience.

NEWCASTLE EMLYN. LIST9BE>FOD.—The member of the Ebeneze* ( ongregational Church having agreed to erect new chapel, the present being inadequate for the required purpose, au eisteddfod towards assisting the building fund was held at Ebenezer on New Year's j ):H-. I)r. Tnom .vi^s chairmau of tile two o clock meeting, and Dr Lloyd of the six o'clock meeting. The ltey. E. A, Jones, the re- spect<1 minister of the chur¡¡, as the conductor, and the lie v. D. Adams, B.A., Haweft, adjudicator cf the compositions (prose and verse); and Mr Peters, Aberbank, of the ringing. Mr Evan L vans (Endyn Fa,j¡]) carried off the chief p: iz» in poetry; and Mr John Tnonias, student of the Presbyterian College, Carmarthen, excelled in prose. The "solos" were divided befcweea Mr D. Aaron Jones and Johnny Thomas, Newcastle Errdyrt. The chief prize for musÜ; was won by the irefacli Baptist Choir. CHARITY.—-To he many tons of coal and cnlaa already distributed to the poor by Mr Watkins and Earl Cawdor, another twelve tons willj be ri.1. ti: "e!, j £ <>«•» L. ?-.1¡ r,avie8t l-iianuiiiam. M.P. lor the Cardigan Boroughs

nrnRY POlT, SHIFTING.—Dmring December, 1878, tt<e arri Tals were 1,' vessels of 2.4 to:18 register, and 14 srddsrs vessels, tous register: th" t 2kic*its fùl the month — ,o4i> tons*, Ueiug 1-,JOl tons JeM than that of November, and 1,245 iass than the oorrespon diu-j month in 1877. Or. the whole the trade of 1S76 lias increased 10,000 tstna over that of the previous year.

PONTARDAWE. BOABD OF GUARDIANS.—Th fortnightly meet- itig of tlie board hski ou Thursday, Mr Herbert Lloyd in the chair, and Mr David Swidi in the vice-chair. There were also present Messra Gritfitk Lewis, Zepbaniah Evans, Isaac Jones, William Griffiths. Samuel Griffiths, and Daniel Wiiiiams. Several letters were read by the oierk, Mr J" B. fusberville. which were of no public interest. A cireque for W IS signed for Air Rees, the contractor of the new union.

NEW QUAY. ON Wednesday, the 1st iB<;t., a concert waa given at the ohi schoolroom by the Towvc Gram- mar Sclwnl. Mr Joshua .Tonc-s was voted to the chair, and the folio ing ladies and gentlemen took part in the exscution of tiie program* MM Hughes, tbe Misøes Jones, Messrs Dwwd Davies, Evan Val-ies, Joshua Jones, 1 >avid Elias Jones, David Jenkins, Tom Jenkins, David Itaviea, William Caradog Jones, James Jenkins, and lenkin Jones.

BARGOED. EISTEDDFOD.—A competitive me«»tingwas hell on New Year's evening at Caeisal^m Baptist Chapei, when the Rev J. rarrish. i>astor, tJOi the chair. Mr John (loan ab Deivi) ad- judicated on the poetry, and recitations* and Mr Thomas Price, A.C. (RhyUiOey> as judge of the music. The awards wire as folio was Solo for bovs under 16 years of age, "Meddwl am y nef, Richard Thomas lcibtion for girlll j under Hi, "Pa beth yw Dyi> Margaret Davise (Gelligaer), 1st prize Edith Davies, 2nd. Song. "Y Mynydd i isi" (Hughes), Air J. Phillios; Englyaion on "Ochenaid,' loan; speech on "Gas," Mr Thomas Morgan: "Yrndgorn a gâ!í" (Parry), by a choir of juveniles act less than 16 in number, with four grown-up penons, Ca.er- salem juvenile choir essay on the bi-toiy ( Jephtha, MriThoaaaa Merg&u ami Mr E. Th«ma*' duett, "Y lilowr a'r C. warelwr t H ughea^ Messrs John Phillips and J.Lloyd, flecitatioa Mae DllW yn bod"—let prize divided betweet two boys aaiued Thomas and ilhh*ni.s W. Wi'diam Morgan. Choral competition, anthem, "Gorfcleddwn yft dy iachawdwriaeth," Caema- lem choir; Mr J. Lloyd was awarded Che prbA for the best rendering of "Y gan a {joliwyd," D. Errilyn Evans. Tiie pnw itir ti e best rendering of Y seren unig" (the Lonely Star was awarie? the Bargoed party.

TAFF'S WELL. I OK Thursday evening, at Tabor Cairtniefefc Methodist Ciiaiiel, under tbe presiiiency ol kha Rev Thomas Keep, minister of the place. Mtf Rees, better known as gave so ] address on e Sunday School.' TFE Sunday School teachers and scholars of the Church of England save an entertawimei t of singing and recitations before a crowded au lu noe on Wednesday evening. The Rev T. M. Jones officiated as president, and Mrs Jones presided at the harmonium.

j More than 20 persons in and near Yerz-egnes, fe Italy,have become insane. One of them is a man, J another a girl of l' and most of tiie others young women. At certaiu times of the day they inctulss in extravagant, incoherent, and in jeoewt tallc, though they had previously bser; quiet aud veil- behaved. The outbreak is attributed to pictures i and aermora o nbelb

TROUBLES N i THE KHYBEB_ FASS. CHAOS IN THE COMMISSARIAT AND TRANSPORT SERVICES. NEGLECT OF THE TROOPS. PEf>HÁWFR, Thu-The affairs of the ( Khyber Pasa between Jumrood and Aii Musjid are as much disturbed JU they wore a month ago, when I transmitted correct in- formation .J on the subject. For tho kst three days the Pass has been closed except to strongly-escorted convoys. Abdoolah oor and his following of hillmen are driven away" only to return defiantly. Tne te.e- rrrupii line between Jumrood and All Miujia was allowed to stand for two days. On the third night it was cut, and on the fom-th night five miles were carried oft. Ine project of its maintenance is abandoned for the present. The bewildering contusion racing between the commissariat and trans- port departments, and the inevitable clashing between two divisions independently commanded, are slowly but surely producing chaos. The relations are severely strained between the military and. political elements at the field headquarters. Through fever, exposure, and insufficient; clotning, one of the finest native regiments, the 14th Sikhs, has been withdrawn from the field forces. Barely half of the men were able to march, the rest were carried. There have been 64 deaths. The 81st Regiment has been ordered back from All Musjid on ac- count of ill-health.—Daily News.

PENARTH. THE Welsh Independent; Sunday school gave its annual treat ou New Year's Day. An enter- tainment WAS afterwards held, the Rev. William Rees, Taff's Well, presiding, supported by the Rev. J. Thomas, Carmel.