South Wales Daily News

100-MILE CYCLING CORPS ROAD COMPETITION. Every arrangement was made by Lieut. Fitt. of Swansea, for a team of cyclists of the 3rd Glamorgan Rifle Volunteers to compete for the challenge cup offered by the authorities on Saturday, September 26th, but they were pre- vented from carrying out the ride on that day owing to the extremely bad weather that pre- vailed, and it was postponed till Saturday last. Although the weather did not look very promising in> Swansea at 5 a.m. on the 3rd, Lieuts. Cariyle, Madge, and Kendal, with Timekeeper Ganz, were at the General Post-office by six o'clock ready to see that all the men carried the stipulated extra weight (a pouch containing lOibs of lead), rifle, side arms, &c. At 6.27 Lieut. Fitt star ted with Sergt. Perkins, Corporal Adams and Cyclists Sandry, Williams, John Geen, Read, and Gulliver. Before reaching Llan- dilo, via 1 onuardawe, the riders were all wet through, and on their arrival at 9.30 the state of the machines indicated that the first 26 miles had not been ridden without encountering a fair quantity of mud. After a hasty breakfast the order to march was given at 10 o'clock, and the team rode out to one mile beyond Llanwrda, during the nine miles in 55 minutes, which, con- sidering the state of the roads and the weight carried, was a creditable pace. Messrs John Vaughan, Phillips, and Herbert Davies met the team at LlalldIlo and rode with them during the next 64 and 38 miles respectively, the former rendering valuable aid by rid ing forward to prepare meals and checking the weights and time at the different turnmg points. Lland^.o was a-ain reached at 12 o clock and after a brief halt to allow the men to refresh themselves, the word of command was given to ride to Carmarthen, 15 miles distant. Ine men, riding well throughout, covered the distance in lhour 45 minutes; and whilst tele- grams were J^'ig despatched they eagerly par- tooK of soup, which iiati been provided at the Ivy Bush Hotel. 2.2o a start was made for the return journey^ and all went well till within about nine mues of Llandilo, when, unfortu- nately, the first accident of a series occurred. Owing to the menj nding too closely together, a couple of them collided, with the result that one of the machines was rendered unrideablc. After walking several niles, a blacksmith was found, who, with con,,Ider,%ble difficulty, succeeded in making the broken machine once more all right Had it not been for this unfortunate breakdown, and the serious delay caused a second accident that occurred soon a Llandilo, Swansea would cer- ,ta;n,y h^0,ro^fl*d }jy 7 o'clock at the latest.. Garnant to Swansea were with "lud and -tones, whiuh, g 'the dense darkness and the tram nness made the rldlug B0 hard that the last xb h,f l hours to accomplish. At half- past nine rode u tQ t,;0 G P O Swansea, « good -Order, and were heartily eheered by had assembled to see the finish of what, taking into necount the state of the roads and the weather, must be looked upon as a verj g' .p, °j?nance. The cyclists were VH Mr hnish by Lieuts. 'Cariyle and Kenda n^, timekeeper, the machines, arms, w .g bemg inspected and passed as correct for tne last time.

NEWPORT CYCLISTS AT CHURCH. Thp contingent of iv™ t 1 1 went to Peterstone CU„^T E cyclists wh.ch „ri an ,„ri ,!lurcli on Sunday afternoon 1,UF^ LLAL OF ??r-' vioo Pvelinw pi f*vPor' Safety Cycling Club, f'n Mr C 5 and a group of unattached S fC/tv Ch?b and £ hlU' J-P" president of the Safety Club and honorary capUiii of the New- Por drive tii orse t«rn-out he used 011 hlS imed bv l,i U'OU-h a ^en counties, and accompanied^by 1 s Wlle and family> heade'd the reached Peteiston'e :a.' en,i°y^e "d,, Cardiff cyclists, 150strom"n^ ,n vance of the the sacred edifice r., «" 1 ne service was hearty, laro-e'Thp place of and the collection heading them. At CastlJ^' f }? J):,s and the Newport men f;lrftw^ls vvere said, mishap shortly before KV'Tt W 1 iourney was, however °l°ckt\ ;oul !var7d from Cardiff, accoSnan A borul^ alighted from the tran u 1 'wom.a?» +lhad to the Newport sideifnl.fl1 had brought them a dispute! The man f i ^httVlng blow and she fell. woman a off the box in a second tr Phlllli,s. waf suasion in favour of the ? semi-magistenal

100-MILE ROAD RACE FROM NEWPORT. 1 vfGr,^?P"n*'16 roac* racei arranged r j- v- -lar.tt t-l e Newport Safety Cycling c'11!3' ?u<r; je starting point being the end of the Maran oad) Newport, and the turning point being Eroeoilt jn ordei. ma{-e up the distance__ ie route was via Pontypool-rpad, thence to Uov, 011 to Raglan. Abergavenny. Cnckhowell, and to the turning point. Seven competitors star erj) four controlling pneumatics, and the rest solid tyi-e machines. Mr Townsend let off the solid tyre men at 9 o'clock, and the pneumatics, being penalised thirty minutes, at 9.30 a.HI. The competitors were:—Pneumatics, Trevor Phillips, J?. (J. Sergeant, W. Proud, and George Thorny tyre, -C. Frederick, W. Bowen, and xl. XJavies_ The roads were in good condition, ann the light and wind at the start favourable. hs previous highest club record (on a solid yre) is 7 i10urs 52 minutes. Pneu- matics doing the distance under 7% hours will be entitled to a gold tnedal and to a silver medal if reaching horn under 8% hours. Solid-tyre riders will be entitled to similar honours if cover- I ing the disttiiee respectively in eight and nine hours. Sergeant was the first to arrive a,t Brecon at 1.5, rIdIng frestl and Strong. He was followed five minutes later by Phillips, who, 11 & to ride a machine weigh- ing 50 pounds, was suffering from cramp, and re- tired.. as and Bowen, on solid tyres, arrived m-puindid format 1.18. After a rub down an g Refreshments the return journey commenced, Sergeant leaving at L20, Thomas ..nd Bowen following at 1.30. Inp Durin„ "°"3eward journey a strong head- w,nd ^faedcofnfcered. and what was gained on the ou V ui Avas lost on the return. Ser- geant a est at Newport, having covered mu « nrS R m 7 hours 37^ minutes, and Thomas- °wen followed after an interval together thetr time being 8 hoiVs 17 minutes. Sergea k'0'd inedal by 7% minutes, but vvms a T l "edal. Thomas and Bowen will also be awarded similar trophies.

;¡; -¡w ROATH IIARITIERS. OPENING OF THE SEASON. On Satur ay last these harriers opened their seaso. o cross-country run from head- quarters, i Roath. The rur/was in every way CCri ,nlor> wi ln a^°ndance and weather. H. ^0,ntcd "hare," and was allow S, Vir.ijU Srace. Commencing to lay paper p,tm d^e OVer the brook, he continued u^Yiar'p tra^k« r°ad, and after climbing the J 1 hut 'ifi-pr across country towards Llane- fields'he turned off toThf''of Plou&^d V. „,r nf .U he n!?ht, and, crossing the fnndp ,1 t0p of St- Mellon's Hill, once more • ss country towards the flats, coming load once more through the PottenfjL^ne^ 0" the hounds arrivii g ,.u„ raca e captain gave the word to go, un home -resulted in the pack TmI TTiT u'thc' following order J. A. Metcalfe i. lox R> G Laws (the vice- captain), S. Jacob, V D. Hailey, W. E. Stephens, A\. Thomas R. Ambrose/'W. Wil- S?T*™ inn Tl G- B- Marshall, and J. R. St 5 efPtain, T. W. Ninnes, who his attention to the brought.up the rear. Havi^ ^cUi4°d "The club again met at headquarters, and after having e0nr-aiwf J T tbo ^a catered for by Mr ?*,i J v 'vn/eil<ira' meeting was held, Wil in c^neert, which concluded shortly after 10 o clock It has been decided to glw medaltothe attendant the club's runs.

THE WEATfl-EI-),, AND THE CROPS. [FROM MONDAY S MARK.IJANR EXPRESS."] rr, W PJ e hfaVy ra^1' Thlch commenced falling Th,^dneS^y nig^und ^hich lasted all through fi WGeL %S seen a rapid clearance of W d £ The I \13W English wheat for September are estimated at 4-13 240 nrs as compared with 780,071 qrs. in September last 2 a"d, P"Cf' Ih'ch opsned at 41s level, closed at about 5s decline on the month. The ln poria1 average has been artificia]ly depressed by forced salesm certain districts, but there is scarcely any good milling wheat to be had under 35s and up to.42s is paid for anything of weight and quality ma reasonably dry state. Old wheat is held for 42s to 44s per qr„ but there is very little to be had anywhere. The London average is 36s 2d I he market for foreign wheat has been very irregukr. American red winter has de- clined 3d on the spot, 6d for November delivery, and also for December. No. 1 Californian has fallen 2d per cental m Liverpool. On the other hand, fane Indian wheat is quite steady, while the ordinary to inferior Calcutta sorts are 6d dearer on the week. Russian and Australian wheat commands quite as good a price as it did a week ago, nor do we notice any disposition to take less money for ^j^han. The spring corn trade has been marked by an improvement of 6d p&r quarter m oats, and by decided firmness for malting barley, while grinding barley and Indian corn have fallen 6d per quarter. Maize has been weakened on the spot by the depression in for- ward and cargo wheat. Linseed, at 42s, is selling better than a week ago. °

THE GREAT CURE FOR CORNS — MundayL- Viridine-StW further testimony. A Chemist writes Will you send me a bottle of your Viridine ? It is for my own use. I get plenty of corn cures of the same colour, but none of them appear to equal yours. Ne incurable until he has nt t u Vln,din.e- thousands liave been cured, some Proprietor, J. Munday, Chernjst,l, fligh-street, Cardiff A* NATIONAL BLESSING.—Just fancy' Our "SWT c°nvinced. that Rheumatism, Gout Sciatica, and Lumbago will only yield to the no tent power of "Lewis's liheumatic Essence." N.B.-It is irnloossiblo for an external application to strike at the ilphv l ewU' U So procure without &eSe»o^

CARDIFF. STEALI.VO A DUCK.—At the Cardiff police- court, on Monday—before j 'r Paine and Mr R. Bird—William Garrett (40) was charged with stealing a duck, value 3s, the pro- perty of Richard Carter, poulterer, St. Mary- street, Cardiff, on Saturday night. An errand boy in prosecutor's employ, who saw prisoner concealing a duck under his coat in front of the shop, gave evidence, and prosecutor stated that a man who saw the duck taken from the slab had had that morning to go to London. When asked to come into the shop and taxed with the theft prisoner offered to pay for the duck. Witness did not wish to press the charge, but said he must do something, as he had suffered much of late from petty thefts of this description. Pri- soner pleaded guilty to picking up the duck, adding that as he was walking with it in his hand towards the shopkeeper so as to ask the price, he was pounced upon by an assistant.—Mr McKenzie said there was nothing of serious character against the prisoner.—He was sent to gaol for seven days, Dr Paine saying that the magistrates were inclined to deal leniently with him. AN UNFILIAL SON.-David Gorman, 27, was charged on remand with assaulting and wounding Julia Donovan, his mother, on the head and mouth with a 21b. weight, at 62, Millicent-street, on the 26th ult. Mr T. H. Belcher appeared to defend, ifosecutrix to;day changed her story completely, and stated that she had aggravated her David, who had always been a good son to her.—Dr Paine expressed himself as astounded at the change in the evidence, and remanded the prisoner for another day in order that medical evidence could be called. MORE SHEBEENS." Thomas Stanley, of 17, Millicent-street, was charged with sell- ing beer without a licence on Sunday, the 27th September. P.C. Gouge proved the charge, saying that he saw no fewer than 45 persons enter and leave the premises on the morning of that day. and on entering he found a large quantity of beer and spirits. Defendant, who has been twice previously con- victed, was fined J65 and costs, or in default sen- tenced to a month's imprisonment, the beer and vessels seized to be confiscated. Harriet Shannon was convicted of a similar offence at Evans' Buildings, Canton, and fined £ 3 and costs, or a month's imprisonment as an alternative.

LLAJN I)AFF. TRESPASSING IN SEARCH OF GAME.—At the Llandaff petty-sessions on Mo"clty-bc-fore Mr Franklen Evans and Mr R. C. G." Dornford-a number of young mm appeared in the dock to answer charges brought against them of tres- passing in search of game on grounds over which Mr Henry Lewis. Greenmeadow, holds the right of shooting, and belonging to Lord Windsor, en Sunday, the 20th. The names of the defendants were as follows :—Morris Dowley, Henry Parfitt, Evan Wilde, George Powell, John Powell, John Hitchings, and William Osborne, labourers, all hailing from Llantrisant.—Mr L. Reece ap- peared for the prosecution, and Mr J. H. Jones for the defence.—After hearing the evidence, the Bench were of opinion that the cases were proved against all except Ilitchings, the case against him being dismissed. The other de- fendants were fined 40s and costs.-The whole I of the defendants, with the exception of Hitchings, who was released, were next charged with being on Lord Windsor's property at Pentyrch on the same date. A similar penalty was inflicted in this case, or in all £4 10s 4d each.

PENARTH. JIJI.ECAL REJIOVAI. OF GOODS.—At the Penarth police-court on Monday—before Messrs J. S. Corbett, James Ware, and L. W.)od- G. Warren, labourer, was charged with illegally removing his furniture from his home in Brook-street, Uadox- ton, ho being at the time in arrears with his rent. Mr F. P. Jones-Lloyd appeared to prosecute. John Willizilfs, rent collector, said there was 12s due for rent. When he went to Collect it on the 21st September, he found the house c.mptv. The front door was locked. He went to the back door and found it open. The key of the front door was upon the chimneypiece in the kitchen.— Josiah Evans, a carpenter, who was employed on a building near the house which defendant had left, said he saw a furniture van at the door a little before six on the morning of the, 21st September. He saw a table and some chairs brought from the house and put in the van. -John Williams said the furniture would realise, if sold, from £ 5 to ;S6.-The defendant said he was aware the rent was owing, but he had been out of work for five weeks. He had gone to Llantwit Vardre, and tb ere found work at a guinea per week. He would pay the amount so soon as ho could get it together.—He was ordered to pay 22 16s, including the costs. ;Cl was paid nto court. ASSAULTING THE POLICE.—William John Moss was charged with assaulting P.C.Solomon outside the Wenvoe Arms Hc.tel, Cdoxton. The officer said the defendant WAS drupk and creating a dis- turbance He requested him to go away, where- upon he turned round and struck him in the eye and several times on. the chest. He behaved like a madman.—Sergeant Rees said the defendant had twice been in prison for similar offences-- once for seveti days and once for 14 days. He had also been to gaol for two months for assaulting his mother. irled, 20s and costs, or 14 drys' hard labour. UNLAWFULLY LEAVING A TPAM.-rrederick Gibsou was charged with leaving the 1.10 train from Cardiff it the Penarth railway station whilst it was in motion on the 12th September.—Charles Attwell said the train was coming into the station at its usual speed. When he asked the defendant why he had jumped out of the train, he said he was in a hurry.—The defendant now stated that he came from Cogan in an open compartment with an employer of the Taff Vale, who was the worse for liquor. He had a dog with him. There were two gentlemen in the carriage who had pipes in their hands, but they did not smoke. The employee was very abusive. He was afraid of the dog, and that was why he hurried to get out.—The Chairman said it was a very dangerous practice, and they must do their best to stop it. He would have to pay a fine of 10s and costs.

NEWPORT. UNSEASONABLE SALMON.—At the Newport borough police-court, on Monday—before Messrs H. J. Parnall and T. P. Wansbrough, magistrates—Samuel Sully, fisherman. was summoned for taking a salmon without being properly licensed, and furthei-ed charged with having a salmon in his possession for sale. Mr George Burge, fishmonger, Commercial-street, was also summoned for exposing a salmon for sale during the close season.—Mr Horace Lyne, solicitor, prosecuted on behalf of the Usk and Ebbw Board of Conservators, and Mr Lyndon Moore, solicitor, represented the defen- dant Sully. —James Tiley, assistant to Mr Burge, stated that he was in the shop on the 24th ult., when Samuel Sully's son brought in a salmon.— George Taylor, water-bailiff, said that he ques- tioned the defendant about the salmon which was sold to Mr Burge, and he admitted that his son had found the fish on the mud, and that his wife had taken the fish and sold it to Mr Burge. In answer to Mr Moore, witness stated that defendant said it was Martha Sully (the defendant's sister-in-law) who sold the fish. —Mr Lyndon Moore contended that the case had not been proved,.there being no evidence to show that the salmon was ever in the possession of defendant.—The Bench said that the salmon was sold by the agents of the Sullys, but there was no evidence to show that the fish was in the possession of defendant, and the cases against Sully would therefore be dismissed.—Mr Burge admitted exposing the fish for sale, but pleaded ignorance of the law, which makes the present time a close season. The Magistrates' Clerk said it was. the duty of fish- mongers to become conversant with all laws relating to the sale of fish.-Mr Lyne said the Act had been in force for 20 years.—The Bench fined Mr Burge 20s, including costs.

LLANELLY COUNTY-COURT. JUDGE BISHOP WELCOMED ON HIS FIRST APPEARANCE. His Honour Judge Bishop, who was recently transferred from the Mid-Wales Circuit to the Western district lately covered by his Honour Judge Beresford, made his first appearance at the Llanelly county-court on Monday. Upon taking his seat, supported by Mr Registrar Lloyd Morris, Mr w. W. Brodie rose, and, addressing his Honour, said that in the absence of the senior practitioner in the town he would like to express the satisfaction and pleasure of himself and other members of the profession upon Judge Bishop's appointment, and hoped that he would long continue to sit on the bench. -The Judge, in responding, expressed thanks for the goodwill manifested upon bis appearance. He felt that he had rather a difficult task to per- form after the very able manner in which the duties of the office had been carried out by Judge Beresford but he trusted that, with the assist- ance of the officers of the court, aided by the professional gentlemen before him, they would be able to administer justice properly and fairly, and with unbiassed integrity.—His Honour then proceeded to deal with the business of the court.

ADVERTISING TENBY. A largely-attended meeting, composed of in- fluential residents and^ leading tradesmen of the town, was held in the Town-hall on Monday for the purpose of considering the advisability of ,4 ti forming an association for the purpose of increas- ing the attractiveness of the town and advertising it. The Mayor (Mr N. A. Roch) presided, and the attendance included the following:—Miss Charter, Rev G. Huntington, M. A. (rector), Messrs T. A. Rees, R. Lock, C. W. R. Stokes, M. Mathias, Thomas, A. T. Lewis, James Rogers, W. Belt, T. Belt, —. May, J. Merryman, J. Merriam, J. Leach, John Evans, J. G. Evans, C. Farley, —. Grabham, J. Gilford, jun,, —. Jeffries, —• Hodges, —. Crockford, E. Watson, J. Griffiths, Dr Knowling, Dr Reid, Dr Hamilton, and Mr Rogers.—His Worship having explained the object of the meeting, remarked that he had always found but one opinion expressed about Tenby—that it was the most beautiful of all watering-places.—It was unanimously agreed to form an association, and the qualification for a member of the committee to be JS2. Before the meeting separated, upwards or £ 50 was promised. A vote of thanks to the Mayor closed the meeting. meeting.

"TOBACCONISTS COMUENCING. "-IUd. Guide, 3d -Tob¡tcconists' Outfitting Co., 186, Euston-rd., Loudon UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF SOUTH WALES AND MONMOUTHSHIRE. Session 1891-92.—Professor A. C. Elliott, D.Sc., will give the Introductory Lecture of the Session on Wednesday evening, October 7th, at 8 o'clock, at the College. Subject: "Recent Advance is Engineering." Admission troa MU

INDIGNANT.—We cannot take on ourselves the grave responsibility of advising you to leave your home. We can conceive of circumstances where u father's conduct may be such as to forfeit all parent: claims upon the filial allegiance of his children ou before deciding that your case was such a one ve should want to examine carefully into the circumstances arid hear both sides. We strongly recommend you to pause before taking such a "etious and, perhaps, ruinous step. Is there no minister or clergyman whom you could consult ? ZENO (Horse-breaking). -Probably someone has oeen trying to deceive you. We know of no licence that is necessary to practise the art and mystery of horse- breaking. A veterinary surgeon, of course, stands on a different footing, and has a regular scientific qualification.

THE WELSH LANGUAGE AND MEDICAL DEGREES, TO THE EDITOR. SIR,—The Welsh language has of late been coming into mere prominence, and.1 am very glad to find that the Royal Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons in Ireland have now adopted the Welsh language as one of the optional subjects for the medical preliminary examinations in general education. This is the first time in the history of the profession that the Welsh language has been recognised and placed on a par with the French, German, and other languages. When over in Dublin for my diploma in State Medicine and Public Health I was asked by eome of the professors why the Welsh did not patronise the Irish colleges and hospitals more generally. The only reply I could give was that the Welsh students, owing to their nationality, were under the impression that they would not be so well treated in Ireland as they are by the English and Scotch Colleges, As the tendency of examinations is to become more difficult, the recognition of our language by the colleges in Ireland will be hailed with delight by many a Welsh lad, as it will enable him to de. vote more time to the other subjects which are required to be passed. It may be interesting to future candidates to know that at the last ex. amination a portion of the Welsh Bible was given, with grammar questions thereon.—I am, &c., ROLAND WILLIAMS. Burgeon. Holyhead, Oct. 3, 1891.

A WARNING NOTE FOR THE BARRY SCHOOL BOARD. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,—It is reported that there are 300 applica. tions for the head teacherships at Holton-road (Barry) new school. I hope, in justice to 297 of these candidates, that merit and not personal considerations will influence the minds of the Board in their choice. It is said that the actual nominees have already been selected for each post. Whether this is correct or not it is premature to state, but if rumour proves true on the election day it will be iny duty to communicate certain facts to you, sir, which will place the Board in a very unenviable position.—I am, &c., Oct. 5th. A CANDIDATE.

ABERDARE VALLEY UNITED LIBERAL PARTY. TO THE EDITOR. SrR,-I am sure you will agree with me that something: should be done, and done at once, towards re-uniting the Liberal forces at Aberdare and also at Merthyr—I am now speaking for the Aberdare section of the borough. At the election of the junior member the forces got all scattered abroad. Ever since nothing has been done to bring these scattered forces together; still every Liberal is quite prepared to fall in and join the Association as soon as the re-union of the forces has taken place. I have spoken to a great number of people living in different parts of the district. The answer one and all give is that they are ready they are only waiting for some- one to move. What I want to know is, who is to take the first step? Even as things are now there is no danger to be expected from the Conservative side, but if the Liberals of the boroughs will allow matters to remain as they are to an indefi. nite period, I would not be certain then that we would be iree from danger. I say, Don't delay in bringing the forces together." We want to organise the forces. We want to discuss and to assist each other to understand the importaht questions that are brought forward continually. When an association will be next established at Aberdare I feel that it ought to be based on a sounder footing than before. The district should be divided into about 25 wards, each ward to send so many representatives (to form an association of the united Liberal party), in proportion to the number of Liberals living in each ward. I fancy if an association were established on a basis of this kind all would be well. Let some one move in the matter. The need is pressing. What has become of the officials of the old Association ? Is there no life left in them ? If not, there are plenty who can take the lead. I say again, let some one move. Let him convene a meeting a preliminary meeting—in the town. I am confident he will be well supported. Every- thing is ripe for it.—I am, &c., REFORMER. Aberdare, Oct. 5th.

PORT TALBOT INTERMEDIATE SCHOOl^x TO THE EDITOR. SIR,—Looking over a file of 1å\e South Wales Daily News at your office in Fleet-street, to-day I came across MrF. Baldwin's letteranenttheabJve. I am one of the competitors, and on visiting the site I also made request, amongst other things, that a competent assessor should be appointed, and, as I suppose, in common with the other com- petitors received a printed postcard in the affirma- tive as to the assessor. I have not yet heard the result of the competition, save that which I learn from Mr Baldwin's letter and the following ex- tract taken from the Glamorgan Gazette of the 25th ultimo, and which my sister in Llantrissant, as is her custom, sent to me on the 1st inst., and which came to my hands just seven days aftsr publication. Here it is :— The Intermediate Education Act.—Port Talbot Schools. There were no less than 21 designs received for the above schools, and two Welshmen have secured the premiums offered by the local committee for the best and second best designs. Mr T. P. Martin, of Swansea, has been fortunate in being placed first, and he will receive a premium of £ 10 10s, and should the County Council and Charity Commissioners approve of the design, lie will also have the superintendence of the erection of the schools, which carries with it an emolu- ment. The author of the second best design was Mi Robert Williams, who will receive a premium of:210 10s The last named gentleman was recently successml in obtaining a premium for the second best design of the Ystalyfera Intemediate Schools. On reading the above, I at once wrote to Mr Tennant, asking for particulars, &c., who, how- ever, has not yet had time to reply. Neverthe- less, I hasten to say that, if I am correct in sur- mising that my design is one of the selected ones, and if the unfairness complained of by Mr Bald- win has taken place, I will do all I can to get the matter set right. First, by absolutely refusing a premium under such circmstances; second, by joining the other competitors in asking the com- mittee to reconsider so grave a matter, and tc appoint at once:a responsible assessor and third, I will loyally abide by the decision of any honest, capable architect. So much, Mr Editor, on that head. You will observe that the extract from your contemporary goes on to say that I gained the second premium in the Ystalyfera competition. To me this is aD agreeable surprise. Allow me to briefly recount the part I took in that adventure On June 20th drawings and report, were sent addressed to the honorary secretary, Ystalyfem Intermediate School, Swansea Valley. On July 13th I received them back with the following note, dated from the Glamorgan County Council Offices, Cardiff, and proceeding Dear Sir.—I am requested by the Ystalyfera Inter- mediate School Committee to return you your designs for a school with thanks. They have not been selected for execution. -I Pm yours truly T. MANSEL FRANKLEN. Robert Williams, Esq. Thinking a few particulars desirable I wroti accordingly, and received on July 16th the follow. ing, dated from the same place Dear Sir,—I know nothing of the adjudication of the competition for Ystalyfera School. The local Com- mittee sent two designs to the County Education Committee, of which one was yours. The Committee preferred the other your envelope was then opened and I was directed to return yours to you. The othei envelope was not opened, but returned sealed to thf, local Committee. I do not know whose designs are the ones preferred.—I am, yours truly, T- MANSEL FRANKLEN. To Bobt. Williams, Esq. The next item was a note in the Building News for July 21st, stating that the Intermediate Education Committee, Ystalyfera, in an open had selected those of Messrs Wilson and Aloxham, of Swansea, and that thosewere the Council aPProvec* ky the Glamorgan County The discrepancy is not of great moment in this, and the decision may be perfectly just, but, granting this, surely, the author of the second premiated design should be acknowledged as such, and which acknowledgment should not be left to a chance paragraphist somethree months after date I Mal-decisions in architectural competitions are now becoming notorious. Only some two years since my design was "unhesitatingly "placed first by the assessor in the competition for th« new offices for the Frome Board of Guardians yet it was rejected for one bearing no recommen- dation from the assessor. Many practitioners- and their number is on the inerease-htve to start thiir practice without a single client or friend,and,depending solely upon their own merit, have to fight their way through a maze of compe- titions, most of which are promoted by public bodies, such as boards of guardians and school boards, who (as they may honestly think), in the interest of their constituents, undertake all sorts of technical decisions, and for which, as a rultS they are altogether unfit. My letter is long, but bear with me, Mr Editor. Something must be done. Perhaps, after all, Hen Wlad fy Nhadau will lead the van in ac architectural competitive reform. May I suggest a line? (1) Let every architect rigidly abstain from accepting a commission or a premium unless h. is satisfied that fair play has been done. (2j Whenever an architectural competition is to take place, let the promoters request the nearest local society of architects (who know the material and peculiarities of the neighbourhood) to appoint an assessor who should, in consultation with the promoters, draw up the conditions and parti- culars. (3) The assessor being a man of known capability and strict integrity, let all sides loyally abide by his decision. Intermediate education will do much for Wales, it will bring out native talent, the individual possessors of which ma be otherwise po r, but the training of whom "will avail little unless a sense of right pervades the councils of local and other bodies who so offm form the channels through which God-given talent9 flow to the service of lmnwnity.-I am, &c., ROBlmT WILLIAMS. 8, John-street, Adelphi, London, W.C. Oct. 3rd., 1801,