The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

ASSAULT BY A MUSIC HALL ARTISTE. At the Manchester City Police Court, Thomas Taylor, a music hall singer, was charged with assaulting Peter Ratcliffe, a joiner. Complainant) said thab, seeing the defendant striking a cripple outside the Royal Hotel, lie remonstrated with him, when the defendant struck him with his stick on the head, knocking him down, and then kicked him. The blow with the stick caused a serious- wound, and complainant had to go to the infirmary to have it dressed. < The cripple, a fruit hawker, named John Farrell, said 110 was waiting outside the hotel to see hi^ aunt, Miss Nellie Farrell, the well known vocalist, and was about to speak to her as she left the hotel with the defendant, when the latter struck him in, the face, knocked him down, and broke his crutch. The complainant interfered, aud the defendant then assaulted him. In cross-examination, witness said he was a rein- tive of Miss Farrell's husbaud, but he did rtofckuow" that she had been divorced. He onlySiitended to speak bo her in a friendly way. Tho defence was thab the complainant and his witnesses were aitnoy- ing Miss Farrell, und that they commenced the.- attack, and Mr. Pat Feoney said he saw the cotn- plainanb sbrike'defendanb with a stick. The magistrates lined the defendant 00s. niid* costs, and ordered part of the money to be giveu> to the complainant. ■

IliUAi CITY CORRESPONDENTS. CONSIDERABLE excitement has been created in the ueil>«>urliooti of Eltham owing to a report; thab Michael Carroll, aged 40, has given himself up tojustico at Sydney for the murder of Juno Maria Clousen, in Kidbrooke-lane, between Black- licath and Well Hail Farm, some 17 years ago, and lot which crime the son of a locat tradesman (Pook) was tried and acquitted. Carroll' tale id very circumstantial, and he asserts that at the time of the tragedy he was working ab Woolwich. THERE is a rumour that the occasionally strained relations between the proprietor of a London evening newspaper and the editor, who sustains himself in his many conflicts with the conviction that he has a Divine mission, have reached a criti- cal point. Doubtless there is no truth in this. But thereby hangs a tale, which is at least well worth repeating. A friend of the inspired editor, meeting him in the street, asked him how things were going. 41 Well," said the editor, I am all right with God, but I don't know how I stand with Tate Brady." Tate Brady is, of coarse, not the name of the proprietor, but it will serve. THB Government statist of the colony of Victoria calculates that the Australasian populations will reach 100,000,000 in the course of another century. There is ample room for such expansion, seeing that the area of Australasia is 3,000,000 square inilt)a-otily 750,000 square miles less than Eutu;)e, .">i>0,000 less than the Dominion of Canada, and 30,000 less th*» the United States. India, with anarea of 1,300,000 square miles, has a population of 200,000,000^ while the British Isles, with an area of 121,000 square miles, has a population of 3^,000,0u0. What is called the English-speaking race is at present under 120,000,000 and, ealcn- lating the increase in Canada, the United Slate*, J and South Africa (where the territorial area- favour such expansion) at the same ratio as the Victoria tsiat,ist assumes for Australasia, British civilization should be represented a hundred years hence by 64)0,000,000 or 700,000,000 of the world's inhabi- tnnts, without counting the subject race*. This would be the history of Roman civilization repeated vu a far grander scale. TUKRE are some men who have a mania for pir- listing in their love suits in spite of something voi.se than the discouragement of a flat refusal, Others, from mercenary motives, continue to per- seeule their victims with the full consciousness that they can never be accepted. as a husband, but in the hope that a compromise will be offered hy the (tayiiienb of a sum of money to induce them to go auroatl. Itisprobabte that Charles Adimore, the foreign cabinet-maker, who figured in the dock the other day. belongs to the firist of those two elnxrtt: He has already been imprisoned for six nuinl lis in consequence of his pressing his attentions iu spite of the repeated rejection of theiH but lie ha* emerged from gaol and renewed them with undiminished ardour. In fact, his mania seeing ratli.ii to have been increased than diminished by his im-arcerabiou, for it was stated in the evidence referring to this second charge against him that he had expressed himself determined either to have Miis' ( larkson for his wife or to kill her. He has [mml ordered to find one surety for the sum of fifty p "11..1" L.) keep the peace for six months, which, in his ease, will probably result, as on a former o I ;I-; .n, in imprisonment for that term. If he ",I.dd c iiitinue, however, his persecution when he 1" "III; IlJOre set at liberty, it Ie to be hoped that inquiry will take place into his mental condi- tion, an the most effectual way of protecting Miss Chuk son. WHKK the hero of Disraeli's novel found that Lord Monmouth had left him no more than £ 10,000, he had a serious talk with Sidonia on the choice of a profession; and, diplomacy having been quickly rejected, I have decided," said "Coningsby I will try for the Great Seal." Had lie been an American he might have hoped to win the honours of either career, like Mr. Jay and Mr. Phelps, the first and the last Chief Justices of tho United States. John Jay had not only been "Commissioner" to Great Britain for the peace negotiations in 1782 before he was placed at tli Jiead of the American Bench, but in 1791-95 huH •both the chief justiceship and the post of Envoy Extraordinary to this country. British diplo- matists, however, have in their time played many parts, as we are reminded by the nppoin! menb uf Sir Thomas Wade to a professorship at Cam- bridge. Sir Thomas began life as a soldier. His "|>redecessor at Peking wad first of all a surgeon. Lord Lyons, sailor, diplomatist, and sailor again, h still fresh in men's memories. Our Anibassndor afc Parid has been Viceroy of India the depart ing Viceroy has been twice Ambassador. Lord Duf- ferin may. also boast a trifle of judicial experience, liaving onbe assisted to make a court at Lincoln's Inn, and honorary function which he was enabled to discharge as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lan- caster. Long ago Sir Henry Wotton was Ambas- eador to the Republic of Venice and afterwards Provoeb of Eton. IT is now regarded as pretty certain that the day* of the existence of the Metropolitan Board of Works, as it is at present constituted by law, are Nonabered. If that feeling were not generally pre- valent, the public would certainly demand ( bat there should be much better safeguards against the erection of incongruous or objectionally lofty buildings on the borders of our parks than any which appear now to exist. In reference to the proposed buildings at Albert Gate, Mr. Kelly put certain questions in the House of Commons the other day which led to some explanations from Mr. 'Tatten Egerton, on behalf or the Metropolitan Board of Works. It is unnecessary to enter into details as regards the latter, for whatever they may be worth the fact remains that the erection of the buildings in question met with no serious opposition from the body meeting in Spring gar- dens, of whose proceeding-s so much has been hoard lately. Mr. l'lunket, under all-the circumstances of the case, aeema to have only one course open to liim as First Commissioner of Works, and that coarse be is evidently resolved to adopt. It is 8aid that the buildings will be of monstrous height, 80 high indeed that Mr. Plunkeb, rather than timely submit to their erection, will give instruc- tiona, in the interests of the public, for the erect ion lof a wall hard by, which will not only shut out any view of Hyde Park from the windows of the in tended tnaosions, but also materially obstruct the light. There is reason, however, to hope that it will Dot be necessary to adopt this heroic remedy, for there is a disposition, I are glad to learn, on The part of those persons engaged in the under- c'taking to modify their plans. A CASE of coercion" in England was brought: to light in the course of hearing certain evid<-nee -at, Maryiebone Court; but it does not appear that much sympathy was shown for the person against whom the law was put in force. William (lay, like so many people in Ireland, was greatly in arrears with his rent, and it would seem that l.hi«-1 financial state of affairs led to the necessity for taking legal steps to have him ejected from his; quarters at Kentish Town. Mr. Uay, unfor toaately for the warrant officer of Maryiebone Court, took a severe view ef the whole proceed- and when he found one day on his return Itome that his furniture was in course of removal into the street, ho showed not only a lamentable; disregard for the property of others, but a deter- minatiou to resist constituted authority almost! worthy of a person under the influence of the League on the other side of St. George's Channel. Air. Gay's powers on the occasion appear to have bow fully admitted by the three antagonists whom be encountered, so fully, indeed, that Lhe magis- trate who dealt with the case, Mr. Newton, sen- tenced Gay to three months' imprisonment. The 'punishment for the assaults committed appeals severe only by comparison with that inflicted in another court a day or two ago on a brutal hawker name.} Osborne. This man, who was charged with unlawfully wounding an aged woman, the keeper of a publichouse, was sentenced by the Recorder to three month's hard tabour only, th<>ii(.'h Osborne kicked her with his heavy boots, by his (.)) :<.) mission, and, as a poker stained with her LI.¡ was found to the room where she was unexpectedly attacked, there is much reason to believe that a murderous assault was made with it also.

A telegram from Cape Town states that tlx) j Matabeles have concluded a treaty of peace and jUttity with England.

[AU, BIGHTS r.KSKliVKDj. THE BANK OF CALIFORNIA. ) BY PRENTIGE MULFORD. (Continued from our last issite.) I Why don't you call me a goose and be done with it ? Forgive me, John," said the girl, her manner suddenly .shading to tenderness. I know it's not pleasant for you to hoar this. I don't want to pain you. But you're going away—going out in the world among men, hard, cold, merciless men—yes, and women, too—wolves who'll devour you alive." She advanced and laid her hand on my shoulder. The movement seemed almost unconsciously done, nor had I ever before soen her show such feeling. For a moment her reserve and habitual control vanished. She continued 44 John, the real reason I said this is because it was forced out of me. It was because you are going away from me, perhaps for ever, and I Then she did what none had ever before seen grown-up Blanche Sefton do. She. turned aside. I knew she was weeping. Here was a pretty go. Why, the girl loved me And, of course, I loved her—had loved her for year.s, had looked upon her as among the impossi- bles, uuconquerables, unattainable. Here was the "Empress," the majestic iceberg, melted into tears. Here was the heaven I had never dared aspire come to earth—my earth. Here was the last drop in the cup of bliss to make Eastport more '3-»-iraVo than ever to me—and the Ann Mary /inn to sail to-morrow morning, my traps all on board, mj- chest stowed with clothes, and the interstices nller.1 with tracts and devotional books, gifts from my numerous aunts—I was wealthy in aunts then—all of whom were glad I was going away. I did not act in the conventional lover style. There was no kissing nor clasping. I wa3 as- tonished—more, I had sense enough to respect the girl's emotion. I felt intuitively that she had her- self never dreamed of being betrayed into such an avowal. There ssem times, conditions, circum- stances occasionally coming into combination to more human natures in deeper and lower depths than those who are moved ever dream exist in them. Blanche's hand had dropped from my shoulder. We stood a little apart. I felt I must say some- thing, and so I made that stupid and commonplace remark Why, Blanche The tears were being forced back, and I could feel the Blanche of old also coming again and re- suming her former self, and sway over self. John, let's go home," said she. She took my arm. We walked back through the now quiet and deserted street in silence, and Eas.sed through the ever half-opened gate. We alted on the old door stone but for a moment. Her eyes and mine met, but in a half-averted glance. I took her hand, and, venturing a timid pressure, said Good night, Blanche." 44 Good night, John." I passed out of the gate, and in the thick foliage above rung the incessant affirmation and contra. diction j41 Katy did Katy didn't J CHAPTER IIL SEPARATION. All Eastport was astire next morning to see the Ann Mary Ann off. Eastport's single long wharf was crowded with relatives and friends of those departing—relatives Íi; the most proper term, for this was a long settled community, dating its first planting but twenty years after the landing at Plymouth. The names of the first settlers were still the predominant ones, both in our village and the towns," as we called the exclusively agricul- tural villages a few miles back in the country. Eastport was the harbour for these their commer- cial city on a very small scale. Every old family could trace some degree of consanguinity more or less remote with every other family through mar- riage, perhaps, in this century or the one preeed- ing. It was no idle throit £ upon that wharf, attracted by mere curiosity. There were fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, aunts and uncles, first, second and third cousins, grandfathers and grandmothers, sweethearts and wives. The sailing of a whaler with a score of townspeople on board was no new thing, but the mission of those leaving in this case was different, and the seventy on board represented as to life and enterprise, the very elite of the place, myself excepted. I had shipped before the mast, and coming on board about nine in the morning, dressed in my best, had been immediately pounced upon by Mr. Pell, our second mate, and ordered to "take offthem duds and turn to in my working toggery." So I buried my broad-cloth suit in my chest, bade it adieu, and making my appearance on deck in white duck trou- sers and a flaming red flannel shirt, was ordered by Mr. Pell to catch the ship's pig, roaming then at will about decks, and clap him In his pen." Mr. Poll was a tall, gaunt, tough, hardened man with one eye, and a hand and arm tanned by expo- sure to tropic suns to the colour of mahogany. He seemed all bones—working bones, and the one impossible thing for Mr. Pell to do, while awake, was to sit still, and the next impossibility with him was to allow others to sit still, if it was in his power to prevent them. Mr. Pell belonged to one of our second-class families. There were first and second-class families in and about Eastport, and a certain unnamed, un- talked distinction always existed between them, and had so done for generations. More than one of the older families could produce well attested evi- dences of lineage with the aristocracy of the mother- land, and no change of fortune or station could ever rid them of a certain bearing savouring of blood and pedigree. They might go before the mast, serve as boat steerers,leanl the trade of cooper, the principal mechanical calling of the place, but the maimer ever clung to them. Now Mr. Pell was not one of these. He prided himself on being a common man-a very common man. Anything in the least degree bespeaking puttin' on airs," as Mr. Pell expressed it, was very repugnant to him. The Pells had always lived in an unpainted frame house on the" back street," and in their sandy back yard pig weed seemed to grow more luxuriantly than elsewere. The shore Pells fished and dug clams for a living. The sea Pells would rise to the position of second mate, seldom any higher. As boys the Pells learned almost in their infancy to chew tobacco. At the dis- trict school they received the hardest whippings with the most unconcern. This was Sam Pell, second mate of the Ann Mary Ann, and I was one of the ancient house of Holders, scampering under his orders after an obstinate pig, and all this in full view of various members of the proud Holder family—and not only the Holders, but the Talmadges, the (Osbornes, the Westerbees, the Hillyers, the Carys,\the Wickhams and the Rysr.ns I caught the brute at last by the hind legs, which he worked to and fro with the vigour and regularity of a piston-rod, setting up at°the same time a squealing that rose far above the rest of the clamour and directed every eye upon myself. Mr. Pell, I think, enjoyed this, and to prolong it took no notice of me and sent no cue to my assist- ance, though a «h >"t time previous he had found u' time and ODp" .'k, ry few minutes to give additional eii ding this marine boar chase. In the midst of ih:* "culous situation my eye fell on Blanche iding by a wharf-post, a little apart' '.t Her face wore an expression of e was some latighinp* and guffawir uu.i.ig .wd.and occasionally mock direct1 <.vcc-; • JIlt to me in nautical phraseology per oavieation of the unruly a r-u.ivised me to -'I a., v.sr v hard down," while a third I >■. spanker, wear ship an-: climax was reached ■ raised the whaleman s • o she blows!" Tlie boys i a sense half sailors, w ) to sea. The •*«.¥r>bft)v ooaji'e penetrated us were in the strictest sense greenhorns." We came to know the ropes," sometimes earlier than we could read. Our principal sport was that of going aloft on the ships as they lay at the wharf. We knew also of the strictness of the sea discipline, and .that from the moment the foremast hand went over the vessel's side he was the slave of the officers. I knew this full well. Indeed, I was afraid of Sam Pell. I had heard stories of his hardness and cruelty to sailors. He was one of your 44 knock down and drag out mates, and he revelled in this reputation, i in his present treatment of me a foretaste of sv; in store during the voyage. He might not beat me, but an officer who is down on a sailor can make his life uncomfortable in a hun- dred ways; and I felt that Pell was down on me." Mr. Pell on this occasion had, it seemed to me, heaped the cup of indignity upon me to overflow- ing. That is from my point of view. From that of a sailor and an oiFicer the case was entirely dif- ferent. As to maritime law, custom, usage, all the right lay on his side. It was his place to order, mine to obey. I was in a temper-not the temper of cool bravery, which, having counted all costs, determines what to do and adheres to such deter- mination. Mine was the temper of -a lunatic. I let go the pig's legs and walked towards the gang plank. Go back to your duty roared Pell. All Eastport was looking at me. In theatrical parlance, I had the whole stage to myself. I said nothing and stepped upon the gang plank. Go back to your duty," again roared Pell. He stepped between me and. the gangway and laid, his hand on my shoulder. I brushed it off contemptuously. He grabbed my hair and swung me half round. I struck him in the face. Mr. Pell knocked a-mo down. At that moment Capt. Lauring came out of the cabin. What's all this about ? he demanded, as his eyes fell on the situation, then presenting itself. Mr. Pell had been struck a pretty hard blow. It was new to his experience to be struck by a fore- mast hand. He was as much astonished as angered. 44 That whelp there," said he, "refuses duty and has struck me." What! Refuse duty and strike an officer before the ship's clear of the dock ? cried the captain. Holder, take your chest and traps ashore. You can't go on this ship." 441 don't want to," was my reply. No words back, young man, so long as you're on this deck," replied the captain. 44 Mr. Pell, Bee that this man's things are put on the wharf directly." I walked ashore and my luggage soon followed .me. So I left the Ann Mayy Ann, in full view of my townspeople. I did not remain upon the wharf. I walked and kept on walking. I knew not, cared. not, whither. I left the village and went into the forest, with which Eastport is thickly surrounded. I found myself going past two beautiful lakes—our skating ponds in winter-then over a salt water creek crossed by a bit of bridge. Mile after mile so I travelled on, reckless, angry, ashamed, dis- couraged, despairing, flitting from mood to mood, from resolution to resolution. Oh, if I could but live in these woqds-live on walnuts, bark, leaves anything-sleep under the trees without discomfort, that I were not fettered and a slave to a house, a table three meals a day and the thousand necessities with which man has burdened himself. That I were as independent ,of these people about me as were the ducks I startled from the salt water ponds near the beach. I found myself upon a high point of land at the harbour's entrance—full six miles from the wbarf (in my unnoted wanderings I must have travelled twelve.) I looked up. The Ann Mary Ann was before me, about half a mile distant in the main channel, with every sail set that would draw, and as the watch bowsed away on the main tack I heard coming over the water the strains of tho old sea song with which I was familiar 44 Oh, the bully boat's a comin', Don't you hear her sails a hummin' The Ann Mary Ann was a pretty sight in her cloud of white canvas, and the life, animation and joyousness apparent on board might have mocked me, but for a thought which suddenly flashed upon me. I said aloud to the departing vessel: I'll be there before you, my fine fellows," and I knew I should. But how ? CHAPTER IV. SCRPRISE. Well, what are you going to do now ? asked my mother with that-expression*which to me said so forcibly 44 Oh, this impractical, inefficient son of mine. 44 Lam going to New York, bag and baggage, to- morrow," I said. "Don't be alarmed, I shan't hang about home, and I shan't trouble you for many a year to come." I intended going to New York with the general purpose of escaping Eastport, which now was for me unendurable. What, definitely, I should do when there, I knew not-save that in some way I should get to California. Of money my store was very slender. I was casting myself on the broad uncer- tain sea of chance.. A boy came to the house with a note for me. It read: "Meet me to-night after dark were we last talked. BLANCHE SSFTOX." All day I kept aloof from the village. At night I went thither. The girl was there now, all her- self, calm and self-possessed. 44 John," said she, "I am going to ask of you a favour—a great favour. WIU you grant it ? 44 Anything you ask," I said, impulsively. t4 Anything is a big word. What I ask of you may not be so easy to grant as you imagine. I want to put something in your hands. What, you are not to know until you have left this village, for I feel that you will leave, and that very soon. What you receive from me I want you to use as I direct. That is all. Can you promise me that ? I was eager enough to promise. The thought of Blanche Sefton's asking of me a favour—something apparently of more than ordinary importance, the I reflection that she deemed me worthy of a serious trust-compensated for all I had recently suffered. She put in my hands a sealed packet. "Remem- ber," said she, not to be opened until you are in New York, and when opened its directions to be implicitly obeyed." 441 promise," was my reply. 44 That's a good boy," she said. "Now, let me kiss you." And she did so. Kissing among the young people was in East- port a regular business. At their parties all the plays had kissing as their grand aim and end. Indeed, the play seemed merely as a pretence for the kissing. I had never looked with much favour upon these indiscriminate osculatory melees, and when forced by circumstances, I had taken part in them, it was always with a feeling of indifference -almost disgust. Still, I supposed that it was the thing to do, since it was a part of the life around me. I had noticed that Blanche Sefton never participated in these "plays." Blanche was not a kissable girl. I shall not attempt by any of the numerous hackneyed phrases to describe my sensations at that moment. They v nld go astray of my mean- ing. The time, the r i tee, the circumstances, the withdrawal from the i'.r.ecdiate range of Eastport's j petty gossipping, ir^t liesome sphere, seemed to place me in another v _.i ld, whose standard of life, action, motive and impulse were entirely different place me in another v _.i ld, whose standard of life, action, motive and impulse were entirely different from this. In that seemed to feel Blanche's purity of soul and d< pth of affection—a nature luxuriant in every de •* ment of being, capable of a tempestuous abandonment, yet capable also of perfect control at fi.y moment of ecstacy. Ex- ternally it was but tne i assure of a rich pair of lips, but if there be with, us other and finer senses than our material on: these seemed in that mo- mentary contact to e, i>s b and retain a portion of the intellectual and ?: i ual richness and nobility of that girl's being. i r did her act make me bold or presuming. On tr e contrary it seemed to bring me a realization of respect almost amounting to reverence for Blanche Sefton, which I had never felt before. It seemed to me as an inspiration to become more manly, more courageous, more ener- getic not the inspiration of a moment, but one to remain by me many a year after. Her caress, too, had in it something of motherhood, something I longed for, but found not at home, something which every man needs as a protection protection against degradation. To be Continued i«t" i ,,1.

DEATH OF MRS EDWARD DAV1ES, PLASDINAM. We deeply regret to announce the death of Mrs Edward Davief, of Plasdinam, Llandinam, which took place at Liverpool on Saturday. The melan- choly occurrence was to some extent unexpected, as the deceased lady was in the prime of life, and the news will create widespread grief and regret amidst a very large circle of relatives and friends. About a fortnight ago she left her home at Plasdinam, being accompanied by her huBband, Mr Edward Davies, to proceed to Liverpool for the purpose^ of consulting some physicians there, but at that time no one had any idea that the malady from which she suffered was of an acute or dangerons character. Sir W. Roberts, however, who was called in in conjunction with other physicians, found that the disease was in a very advanced stage, and the result only gave a fall confirmation of the accuracy of his judgment.

SCHOOL CHILDREN'S TREAT AT YSTRAD. Friday last was looked forward to with much delight by the children attending the Ton Board Schools, Ystrad. About three o'clock no less than 1,200 chil- dren bad assembled together, each carrying a mug, suspended to their necks by a ribbon. The children were neatly attired, and looked clean and respectable. Preparations were made for some hours with zeal and care. About 3.30 all were admitted, and were duly marshalled to their respective departments. A plen- tiful supply of tea and cake was in store for them,and the children helped themselves liberally to the good things provided. The following were very active in seeing that the wants of the little ones were satisfied Mrs Howell; Mrs Jones, Dyfodwg House; Mrs Price, YstradRhondda School, and her assistants; Miss Jones, Merthyr; Miss Whitmarsh, Ton girls' school; Misses Maggie Howell, Weston, Jones,Clarke, Roblin, Pugb, Adams, and Bella Jones, Ton Revs. W. Jones, M. C. Morris; Messrs W. G. Howell, R. T. Jones, J. B. Price, Davies, Jones,Griffiths, D. Borath, Jones, jeweller, Ton, and a host of others. The visi. tors were Mr and Mrs T. John, Llwynpia; Miss Harris, Trealaw Schools; Miss Jenkins, Pentre; Messrs G. Jones and W. Lewis, Higher Grade Schools; I W. Glynfab Williams, and others. In the evening a grand display of fireworks was witnessed by some thousands of persons, and much delight was afforded to the spectators. This was followed by another sumptuous repast, which was done full justice to by a numerous company. The whole of the arrangements were carried ont most satisfactorily under the direction of Mrs Howell. This bdiug over, a musical entertainment was held. The children belonging to Ystrad RhonddA School, to the number of 200, shared in the feast with the other children at Ton School To see so many chil- dren enjoying themselves was å. treat in itself. It is pleasant to think that heads of families are alive to the tact that education has much to do with their personal welfare. For many yeais they have been opposed to educating their children, but now matters have undergone a change. -The head master of Ton School (Mr R. T. Jones) is entitled to the best possible praise. He has worked with energy in training the children towards proficiency, ^heir beautiful finging w&3 heard by many thousands at old Siloh Chapel, Pentre, some months since. Mr Jones' kind-hearted nes9 is well-known, and adds lustre to hianame. Mrs Howell and Miss Whitmarsh are also deserving of great praise, lor they did all in their power to make the treat an enjoyable one. The day will belong re- remembered at Ton.

Pontypridd County Coart. Thursday and Friday last, before Judge Gwilym Williams. DREW v. JOHN.-The plaintiff was a greengrocer at Pandy, and defendant a farrier and blacksmith at Trealaw. Plaintiff took his horse to defendant's forge on Friday last, and while there it was alleged on plaintiff's behalf that he became restive, reared and backed up against a heap of old iron, and that a piece penetrated its hoof, causing lameness and con- siderable depreciation in the value of the horse.—On the part of the defendant, it was contended that there was no beap of iron near the shop where this could have happened.—His Honour, after bearing consider- able evidence, non-suited plaintiff.—Mr W. R. Davies appeared for plaintiff, and Mr Rhys for defendant. RAhRIS v. HOLLY.—Plaintiff and defendant wfre both publicans, borne parties had made bets with defendant on the result of a foot race at Treforest, and these bets had been placed in the hands of plain- tiff.-The result of the race was disputed, but plain- tiff paid over the monies in his hands to defendant, and now sought to recover the amount belonging to the other parties, alleging that he had repaid them.- Mr Llewellyn, who appeared for the plaintiff, con- tended that plaintiff was merely a stakeholder, and had a right of action.—Mr Rhys, who appeared for the defendant, contended that plaintiff was here a betholder, and not a stakeholder, that the affair was void altogether under the Betting Act, and that plaintiff could not recover.-His Honour gave judg. ment for defendant, with costs.

EISTEDDFOD AT BEDWAS. On Wednesday evening an eisteddfod was held at the Board Schoolroom, Bedwas, near Caerphilly, which was very tastefully decorated for the occasion with, among other emblems, a large banner placed over the stage with the Crown of England and the letters "V.R." worked on it. Over this was a large portrait of our most gracious Queen, with the word "Jubilee" placed beneath. The chair was taken by Mr J. Morgan, Caerphilly, and the adjudicators were, music, Mr T. Llewellyn ("Trialaw"), Lisvane; and poetry, &c., Mr W. Cosslett ("Gwilym Elian"), Bedwas. Miss Llewellyn. of Lisvane, acted as ac- companist, and Messrs G. Rowlands andT. Cosslett, both of Bedwas, officiated as hon. treasurer and hon. secretary respectively. Amongst the competitions were the following:— For the best rendering of "Jerusalem, my Glorious Home," the prize, £ 2 10s, was awarded Mr Coleman's Glee Party, of Caerphilly. For the tenor solo. "Mentra Gwen," the prize was divided between Mr D. Howells, Caerphilly, and Mr W. H. Davies, of Machen. Duet, "Martial Spirit": winners, Messrs Howells and Rees, Caerphilly. Soprano Solo, "The Miller's Daughter": Winner, Miss Sallie Howell, Caerphilly. Contralto Solo, "Flee as a Biri": Winner, Miss Sallie Wasghington, Caerphilly. Bass solo, "Gogoniant Gyroru" Winner, Mr W. Rees, Caerphilly There were a large number of other prizes of minor importance awarded, and the meeting, which was crowded throughout, passed off successfully.

POETYPttlDD LOCAL BOARD. The fortnightly meeting, which was also t'f c monthly and annual meeting, of the Prntypr: i l Local Board, was held on Thursday afteit c. the 26th instant, when there were presei,, I Rev D. W. Williams, M.A., Fairfield, Messrs J James, Jabez Evans, H. T. Wales, M. CuV, D. Rowland, D. Leyshon, J.Roberts,andW.W. Philips; J. Sprague, deputy clerk aLd E. Rees, survey Ir. Mr M. Cule was voted to the chair pro tew., Mr W. W. Phillips made the usual statutory declaration as a new member, aud took his seat. ELECTION OF CBAIKHAN On the motion of Mr M. Cule, s'c. nded by Mr LeyshoD, it was unanimously resolved that tin- Kev D. W. Williams be re-elected chuiiujan ef Ut Board for the ensuing year. The Rev D. W. Willirtriis thereupon took t < chair, and thanked the Board for tae honour Rgui. conferred upon him. ELECTION OF COMMITTEES. The following committees were, on the motion ofMroJames Roberts, seconded by Air Leyshou, then appointed :— Lighting Committee.—Messrs H. T. Wales?, B. Jones, J. James, J. Roberts, D. Rowland, G. J. Penn, W. V. Rees, and Jabez Evans. Bsiblic Works Committee.—Messrs M. Cule, G. J. Penn, J. Robertt-, J. James, H. T. Wales, W. Phillips, D. Leyshon, and Jabez Evans. Finance Committee.—Messrs G. J. Penr, M. Cult?. J. Roberts, J. James, B. Jones, H. T. Wales, D Leyshon, and Jabez Evans. MB W. V. BlUts' COMPENSATION CLAIM. Mr John James repotted, with respect to tho pavement dispute between the Board and Al i- V. Rees, ironmonger, High-street, that biwgli aid Mr M. Cule had seen Mr and Mrs Rees, and rrt,y due consideration as to the claim for oompenMti vn for damages done to tbeir premises, they had o.>u:e to an amicable arrangement for settlement l;y paying £ 65 as damages, and f;25 as costs incur re. by them, Mr and Mrs liees agreeing to removo the obstruction, and giving up all cbim to the p.iv> ment. It was moved by Mr Leyshon, seconded by Mr W. W. Phillips, and carried unanimously, thai th arrangement come to be confirmed, and t' nt i cheque for .£90 be drawn in favour of Mr and Miv. liees in settlement. CAPTAIN WILLIAMS AND THE BOARD AGAIN. The Deputy Clerk submitted the engros'ine of the conveyance from Captain Williams < f ny piece of ground fur the widening of the Kh^i.oJ t Bridge, and the statement showing the anx iK.t, due for purchase money and interest, less tbX, to be £ 308 10s. It was resolved to issue a cheque for the au o::i:t named. A plan was handed in by the Great West* 11:. Colliery Ccrnpany showing the position in v ie;, they proposed placing the range of steam piors over PantygraigweD road near their Tymawr ¡..i. Mr Leyshon moved, Mr Cule seconded, and it wa* carried, that the plan be approved of, itld that the Board permit theoompany to lay the s as described, subject to the auuual payment of the nominal rent of one shilling, and also the comply to pay the cost of an agreemf-nt to remove t:.o pipes when called upon to do so by the Board. THK FBBK LIBKAKT. The Deputy Clerk read a letter from the Local Government Board requesting to befurmshed with proofs of the adoption of the Free Library's Act in Pontypridd, acd also a copy of the resolution of the Board autborising the application for sanction of the loan, together with the plans of the pro- posed new building. He stated tbat the itenid asked for were being prepared, and woulj in d.. < course be forwarded to the Local Government Board. CLOSING OF A PUBLIC FOOTPATH. The Deputy Clerk conveyed a suggestion tht.t the fact relating to the closing of the foohpurh along the side of the old feeder fro n tha Berw Bridge and Glynooeh Mill stiould be communicated to the National Footpath Preseivation Society. The burveyor was ordered t.4 asoertain the fa; relating to the same, and thtt the Clerk should write to the secretary of the Society named in ac- cordance therewith. THE LOCAL SOyEENMSNT BILL. A letter from the Association of Local Board" in England and Wales as to the provisions of i hI" Local Government Bill was referred to the publi- works committee for their consideration, with in. structioiis to report thereon. A DISPUTED LIABILITY. '*• •• .•/». •» » 'ffnn'yTwiifiTrT' The Deputy Clerk read a letter from Messrs. Morgan and Rhys, solicitors, on behalf of the Tte- forest Tinplate Company, with regard to Long-rotv, Treforest. It appeared that the Surveyor served notice upon the owners of property in the street named to pa v I.' > channel, &c., and the liability was disputed on thei: part. It was resolved that an appointment be mnde with the parties interested to meet the public works committee on Monday. THE BUTII DOCKS BILL. It was reported that the 23rd Clause ef the Bute Docks (Cardiff) Bill had been withdrawn, but tW Local Government Board required to be furnishe i withactpyof the resolution passed sanctioning the Board's intended opposition to the p.oposed claupe, so that their sanction might be given i I) pay the costs incurred out. of the General District Rate. j THE PROPOSED ARCADE AT PONTTPRIDD. A deputation oomposed of the directors, secre- tary, and architect of the Pontypridd Arcade Company attended before the Board, and handed the consent of Mr Thomas Evans and Mr William John, the adjoining owners of property, to the company bringing forward the line of building* proposed to be erected by them in St. Catherine- street to the present line, and asked the Board to consent to this arrangement. They also asked the Board's approval of the plans deposited by the company. It was pointed out, however, by th« | Board that the plans did not show the required space at the rear of each of the shops. The deputation having withdrawn, the surveyor, in reply to Mr Leyshon, said that he computed the space shown to be one-third short of that required by the bye-laws. On the motion of Mr Rowland, seconded by Mr Robertas, it was resolved that the Board give their con sect to the company bringing forward their proposed buildings to the inner line of pavement. It was also agreed, on the motion of Mr Roberts seconded by Mr James, that the plans be passed without requiring the company to provide addi- tional space at the rear of the buildings. z, PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS IN STATION-STitEST. Mr Leyshon stated that Mrs Roderick, of the Wheat Sheaf, had informed him that she would be prepared to give up the baileys in front of her houac to the Board, provided the latter would give her J610 for the same, and would also pave and channel in front of her hoase. It was moved by Mr Roberts, seconded by Mi James, and resolved that the public works commit- tee be asked to inspect the premises, and recom- mend wjhat should be done. I ANOTHER DIFFICULTY WITH MB LEYSHON. Mr Leyshon reported that the committee a pointed had failed to see Mr Leysbon with respe< < to the stops between High-street and Lewis-street but be had seen him that day. and thought the, would be a difficulty to come to an arrangemen with him. Mr Jabez Evans moved that Messrs Leyshon ai d James be a committee to see him with a view to satisfactory settlement. This was seconded by Mr Cule, and agreed to. The Medioal Officer's and Surveyor's reporrr- t having been read, the proceedings terminated. t v r

COLLISION IN THE CHANNEL. LOSS OF TWELVE LIVES. A collision resulting in the loss of 12 lives oci curred about ten o'clock the other morning betweett the iron screw steamer Moto, of Newc.tstle-on-Tyne, Capt. Digman, from Bilbao, for tho TYIIC, with iron- ore, and the (sailing-vessel Smyrna, of Aberdeen, Capt. Thomas Taylor, from London for Sydney,. Now South Wales, with a general cargo. The vessels collided u1 tho Needles, Isle of Wight,, during thick weather. Capt. Digmau and hia brother, tho chief mate, were on the bridge of the Moto, whilst two men were at the w heel. They isaw the Smyrna approaching with full sail. The engines wore aL oinje reverse. and Lho Moto Was almost stopped, but a collision could not be averted. The Moto struck the Smyrna near the main riggillg", the laLLer sinking in a few minutes. Three of tlifl • steamer's boats having been lowered, 18 men were saved.- Tlie pilot of the Smyrna, Mr. Colby, ol London Capt.. Taylor, of Aberdeen tho Chird^ mate, Mr. Fowler the carpenter, the cook, and seven able seamen were drowned. Tho Moto had her bows stove in, btifc having a watertight bulk. head, she reached Southampton.

THE ISLE WORTH TRAGEDY. At Brentford Petty Sessions, Sarah Ellen Proctor- was brought lIpfor fiiial ozaiiiiiittioi, oi, the cliai-ge. of having murdered a young woman named Charlotte Whale by striking her on the head with a washhand jug, at their lodgings in Warton-Road. Isleworth. Mr. Sims now prosecuted on behalf of the Treasury.—Evidence was given of Lhe prisoner and the dec-used having quarrelled, and the former having said in the train, "Charlotte, I don't think you havo been truo to me," to which the deceased replied: "I wiii. You shall cAnie to tho sania- place as me and live, and we will sleep together. I will see if we can get work, and we will alsa- work together." Proctor complained of nob boin j well, and at leading Whale purchased a cup of tea for her. — Mrs. Callow, the landlady, was re- called, and the prisoner asked her if she did nob sleep with lId and tLe deceased on the night) in question instead of with her husband. Witness replied in l ie negative.—llenry Callon said thatJ. the prisoner was ill in bed the day before the mor- der, and was waited upon by the deceased. When witness saw the prisoner after the murder she said she had owed the deceased a grudge, and that she- knew she would swing. Witness asked why she.- had not committed the crime before, an-I she said, "We might as well have the trouble as other- people."—-Prisoner denied these statements.—Tha* woman who did not raise her head during th& hearing, aud still seemed ill, was eventually com- mitted fur trial at the Central Criminal Court. She had nothing to say, aud did not call witnesses

GREAT FAILURE OF A SOLICITOR. IIEAKTllKNDINO SCENES. A Cambridge corresjMXtdonb says a petition !nb< bankiuptry has been tiled Against Mr. Ephraim Wayman, who for many years has held the position of clerk to Lhe borough magistrates of Cambridge- and agent to tho Conservative party for the Easb and W est Divisions. Mr. Wayman was the head of Lhe respected firm of solicitors of that rllune, an. enjoyed Lho greatest public confidence, so tliat large sums of money had been passed into his hau l for investment. Owing to the recent disappear anco of Mr. Charles Turner, a prominent local «o!: citor, public confidence became "shaken, and there has been a very considerable run upon Mr. Way- man, which he appears Lo have managed to meet until April 10, when he lefb for Brighton, witf, the alleged intention of enjoying a short, rct-ti. Hi., liabilities are said to amount to £ 100,000, and aI, lie appears to have been realising all available-pro- perty his assets are not expected to be large Disastrou-1 consequences are likely to follow fnuu the failure coming so close upon that of Mi. Turner, whose estimated deficit was £:!O,!)OG. Several bankruptcies have already resulted, other. being hourly expected; and the county coionc-i* has investigated.the case of a farmer named Phv pers, of Chesterton, who committed suicide hearing of the failure. The scenes at the office have I,. heartrending.

A jrinn from Venice states thab the En" and Empresrl of Brazil has left there for Mi' ( nander Chadwick, Naval Attache to the Ui I States Legation, has returned to London- from the Continent. •

THE FORGED BONDS FRAUD. At the London Bankruptcy Court, A ifien Wes- ton, of Dover Street, Piccadilly, was brought}. before Mr. Registrar Linklater for public oxamina- tion. The bankrupt was brought up in charge of two warders from-Ponton vi))e, liaving recently been sciii,eiiced to a term of eighLeen months' hard labour for conspiring to obtain £31),lIiJII by false* pretences, and with conspiring to utter forged bonds of the Hamilton and North-Western Railway Company of Canada to the amount of £:JJ,flOO. In reply to Mr..HoweH, who stated that no accounts, had been filed, the bankrupt stated that during- the last two years or eighteen months he hat I speciH lated on the Stock Exchange. He hud alno an. action pending in respect of a reversion to £ 13,000, and he borrowed money on that. He had justt come from a prison cell, and his memory was nob very good, having had other things to think of. He had had a small quantity of furniture, which he had given to a Mr. Thompson, whose presenb address he did not Eftow. The bankrupt stated at first thab he had given it away in September last but upon being told that he had stated he hact' given it away in July, he stated that he gave it. away some bime lasb year. He had racehorses, and-, also carriages lasb year. By Mr. Befus Where were yon born ? In America. I was six years of age when I lefb America, and could nob have had any capital. About two years ago, after the sale of the reversion, I took Mospey Hall, Epsom. The rent was JE250 a. year. I kept servants, and had three or four horses. I also had a pony carriage. What was your capital at the time? Ready money. That we have already heard about. Whab was, your actual capital? From the reversion and from the lawsuit. I ask you again what money you had, bearing i. mind t )):< tat the time the action had goneagainsbyou, to enable you to keep up this large establishment) with carriages and horses? I had X2,000 ready money, which I won on ft 1101" 0 in the Cambridgeshire. Who from? I do not. remember. Somebody at Boulogne. You won £ 2,000 from a man at Boulogne, an-I you do nob know his name. Very well. Now yois assumed the name of Baron de Loanda? I did not assume it; it, was a mere nickname. Had you any right to the title of baron ? That I refuse to answer. The public examination was adjourned sine diep. the proper accounts not having been filed.