The Brecon County Times Neath Gazette and General Advertiser for the Counties of Brecon Carmarthen Radnor Monmouth Glamorgan Cardigan Montgomery Hereford

SUMMARY OF THE WEEK. Our local Parliament" has this week assem- bled in conclave, and an account of their pro- ceedings will be found in another place. The meeting can scarcely be said to be very fruitful of result, but one or two subjects are perhaps worthy of observation. In the first place we were glad to find attention called to a practice which is only too prevalent in the poorer parts of our towns —the throwing of refuse of various kinds into the street. Allowed to remain there, the olfactory nerves of passers-by are very unpleasantly assailed, and the evil, by its con- tinuance and increase, brings consequences of serious moment and of a much more abiding character. Practices of this kind ought at no time to be allowed to exist, and still less at this season of the year. Offenders should be vigorously dealt with, for their own sake as well as for that of the public at large. We have before remarked on the prejudicial effect of nuisances of this kind, and the necessity for their speedy removal, and we now dismiss the subject trusting that the surveyor will give his attention, not merely to the particular locality indicated, but to other spots where similar evils exist. The alteration of fair days was another subject of some impor- tance on which discussion took place. By a majority of one only was it determined that the fairs should remain as they are at present, with this exception, that a new fair be held in October of each year. We are no advocates for change for its own sake; and on the other hand it is not well to remain in the same state, jogging on at thesameold.pace, while everybody and everything else are leaving us behind. We must keep pace with the times. The upholders of change did not forget to make use of this cry, and point to otherplaces—Hereford notably-,hichhad bene- fited themselves by making such a change. The reply was ready—that if the alteration answered at Hereford, it was no reason why it should answer equally well at Brecon. We do not know that Brecon is affected by exceptional circumstances which would tend to render a similar result unlikely. The Corporation, how- ever, appear to have burnt their fingers in regard to the market-and, being wise in their genera- tion, they now dread the fire. They have at request altered the market days, and then have been obliged to rescind their decision, and come back to the old day. It is but natural, there- fore, that they should have been somewhat chary of adopting a resolution emanating from the wisdom of the Chamber of Agricul- ture, which in its superlative wisdom" they may again wish to have rescinded. To our mind the most potent argument for the altera- tion of day is that by the present plan events of a similar kind in the neighbourhood often clash with the Brecon fair. This must be so where two different plans are acted on. The best way out of the difficulty seems to be to have a fixed day, and though then you may not be free from collisions altogether, they will not be so frequent. The mover of the resolution was however defeated. Whether the matter is of so much moment as to make it worth while for it to be again brought forward, and the sense of a fuller Board taken upon it, is a matter for the consideration of those who are more par- ticularly interested in it. We now come to another subject-one of the highest importance to the inhabitants, viz., the progress of the water-works and the consequent supply of water to the town. We had hoped to have received some information on the matter-some state- ment explaining the delay which has taken place, and an assurance that the works would be completed at a specified time, and at no distant day. Instead of this, however, a mockery of a report is received from the engineer, containing no definite information. Probably the engineer had learnt caution from his previous miscalcula- tions, for he is conspicnously silent on the subject of when the works will be completed, or as to what progress has been made. We cannot won- der therefore that some indignation was felt by some members, and openly expressed. There are very many persons in the town, besides Dr. Lucas, who would like to have information on the points to which his queries went, and who are desirous to know how their money is being spent, and when they will have the water which has been so long promised them and as long de- layed. No one present, however, apparently could answer the questions asked! How is this ? It is generally expected of committee-men that they make themselves somewhat acquainted with the progress of things and put themselves in a position to reply to questions they may naturally expect to be asked. Are not the members of the Water-works Committee sufficiently interested in a matter which so materially affects the health and prosperity of the town as to acquaint them- selves with some of these details We hope and believe that they are, and shall expect at the next meeting to find them well "primed," and willing and able to give the other mem- bers, as well as the public, the desired informa- tion. The Archbishop of Canterbury has had for- warded to him by some of the prominent members of the High Church party, a memorial, in which is set forth their views in reference to the Eucharist. This has been done avowedly to quiet the apprehensions that have been aroused, and to show that they hold doctrines as expressed in Scripture, and decided by the Church of England, in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church in the primitive ages. The memorialists repudiate the idea that any material change takes place in the elements at consecration, but they hold that the body and blood of Christ are present really and truly, but in an "ineffable and spiritual" manner under the form of bread and wine. They also repudiate the notion of any fresh sacrifice, but hold that as Christ is constantly pleading his sacrifice in heaven, so on earth the same sacrifice is pleaded in the Eucha- rist. They further repudiate all adoration of the elements, which would be idolatry, and the reverence paid to them is due only to their sacramental relation to the body and blood of Christ. As far as they have used any ritual beyond that which is common in churches, they have had no wish to introduce a system of worship foreign to the Church of England, but have sought only the promotion of the glory of God in the due and reverent celebration of the Holy Eucharist as the central act of Divine worship, and in accordance with the liberty which is left to members of the Church of England. In acknowledging the receipt of the memorial, the 9 t, Archbishop promises to lay it before the Bishops of his province when next assembled in Convo- cation. A paragraph has gone the round of the papers," to the effect that Her Majesty, having during her five years of retirement saved a large portion of her privy purse allowance, which would otherwise have been spent in Royal hospitality, is about to devote half-a-million sterling for the erection of a Convalescent Hospital. This hospital will, it is stated, be built in connection with St. Bartholomew's, the treasurer of which and other officials will be among the trustees. The site will be at a con- siderable distance from London, so that the patients may have the benefit of pure air, and, in addition to the building itself, will cost about 1200,000. The remainder of the money is to be kept in hand for the present. The Pall Mall Gazette doubts the accuracy of these statements, as they do not appear to be made officially, and says it is hardly likely Her Majesty can have saved half-a-million sterling in five years out of an annual sum of X60,000, suggesting that if it be the case it is a mistake that Her Majesty is not Chancellor of the Exchequer. If the report be true, we can only say it is a most Queenly" act, and there are few, if any, better ways in which the money could be spent. Convalescent Hospitals are as much needed as hospitals for the injured and diseased. Many patients on leaving these institutions need all that fresh air and freedom from toil can do for them; while in many cases a relapse takes place because of the want of these things. The number of insti- tutions of this kind is gradually increasing, and they will supply a want that has long been felt. The compound householder seems to have as many lives as a certain domestic animal. Hav- ing been iavice killed and buried, he has again revived, and. may hereafter give some little trouble. His resuscitation is now due to the vestry of Marylebone, which has convened a meeting for the purpose of setting forth the loss and inconvenience which will be occasioned to the parish by the abolition of compounding. Amongst those present were Mr. Ayrton, Mr. Thomas Chambers, Mr. Thomas Hughes, Mr. Alderman Salomons, and Mr. Harvey Lewis. A long discussion took place about the matter, in which the meeting was told by the member for the Tower Hamlets that the intentions of Parliament in reference to composition were irreversible, and it was better to confine atten- tion to the collection and enforcement of rates from a responsible person in respect to every separate assessment. Eventually a committee was appointed to take into consideration a scheme which in the metropolis would act in the collection of rates from houses under Y,20 per annum. The Emperor of Russia is now in Paris. He arrived on Saturday, but notwithstanding it was a brilliant day, the carriage was closed, and neither of the two Emperors could be very well recognised. There was not much of enthusiasm in the reception. The correspondent of the Daily Neius says There was nothing like crowding, and I never saw a more 'genteel' street assembly. None of the working classes had taken the trouble to come there. I did not see a single blouse or artificer's jacket. The coldness of this select audience was in keeping with its gentility. I did not hear a single cry of any kind in the Champs Elysees, and very few people indeed took off their hats at this point of the procession." Cries of Vive la Pologne were more often heard than Vive l'Empereur! and in order that it might not be thought that they were saying" Vive N apo- leon several persons shouted only Pologne!" "Pologne! t, In order to repair the damage done to a por- tion of the Crystal Palace by the recent fire, it is intended that a Grand Festival Benefit Con- cert shall take place on the 26th instant, in the Handel Orchestra. It will be under Royal patronage, and the proceeds will be devoted to the restoration of that part which was destroyed by the fire. The orchestra, which will combine all the musical talent of the day, will number, it is said, upwards of 2000 persons. The Ascot races commenced on Tuesday with fine weather and a large attendance, the Prince of Wales being amongst the visitors. The prin- cipal race-the Prince of Wales' Stakes-quite reversed the running of the Derby. Twelve horses ran, and after a good race, in which the horses changed places several times, the Duke of Beaufort's Vauban (ridden by J. Fordham), came to the front and won in a canter, by ten lengths. Colonel Pearson's Achievement (rid- den by Challoner) was second, Mr. Merry's Marksman (ridden by J. Daley) being a bad third. It will be remembered that at the Derby Marksman ran Hermit to a head, Vauban being third and Achievement being second in the Oaks. The betting was 3 to 1 on Marksman, 100 to 30 against Vauban, and 4 to 1 against Achievement. This is the second year that the Ascot has reversed the Derby running, as last year Lord Lyons succumbed to Rustic, who was third in the Derby. The Duke of Beaufort's Gomera took second place for the Ascot stakes.

RAILWAY EXCURSION.-The managers of the Neath and Brecon Railway have given early proof of their desire to meet the wishes of the public. Excursion trains are announced on Whit-Monday, and also on the occasion of laying the foundation stone of the New Independent College on Wednesday next. THE FIRE ESCAPE —This useful contrivance "made its appearance again in our streets on Tuesday last, and its scarlet smocked brigade attracted a good deal of attention. Under the superintendence of Mr. Lee, the men performed a number of experiments before several large buildings in the town. SALE OF GAS SHARES.—On Wednesday evening nineteen unallotted £ 10 shares in the Brecon Gas Company, carrying dividend from 1st January, 1867, were offered by auction by Mr. James Hall, at the Wellington Hotel. The attendance was numerous and the competition brisk, the result being that three of the shares were knocked down at £ 19 each, and the remaining 16 at £1815s. Comment upon the satis- factory state of things this indicates is quite needless. THE SHEEP MARKET.—A market for the sale of sheep and cattle was held at the New Cattle Market on Friday, the 31st ult. The number of sheep and lambs penned for sale was very large, and a great many cows and calves were offered for sale. Buyers were numerous, and many large sales were effected at prices somewhat advanced upon the previous week. The "Cardies" varied from 16s. to 22s. each, and home-reared ewes and lambs fetched from £1 5s. to X3 10s. and Y,4 a couple. Cows and calves averaged from Y, 12 to £ 14, and some very good ones were sold at 116 and £17. BALL AT THE CASTLE HOTEL.-On Monday evening last a ball took place at the above hotel, and was largely attended by the elite of the town and neigh- bourhood. The ball room was elegantly decorated with evergreens and flowers, as well as other embel- lishments, and presented a very pretty appearance. Dancing commenced about ten o'clock, and was kept up with much spirit till the wee sma' hours." The supper table was laid out in a most tasteful manner, and the table literally groaned beneath the weight of the viands, which included every delicacy of the season, and fully sustained the reputation of Mr. and Mrs. Bates as most excellent caterers. The arrange- ments altogether were most complete, and gave every satisfaction. FUNERAL OF THE LATE SIR THOMAS PHILLIPS The funeral of the late Sir Thomas Phillips, Knight, took place at Llanellen, nea" Abergavenny, on Satur- day afternoon. The proceedings were strictly private, the deceased having left written in-tructions to that effect. The funeral service was performed by the Lord Bithop of the diocese, in an impressive manner, his loidship's emotion being plainly perceptible. The pulpit of the little parish church was draped with black, and the sacred edifice was filled with parties anxious to pay their respects t,, the memory of the departed. Among those were most of the members of ihe Newport Town Couucil. The remains of the deceaspd were interred in the family vault, which is situated close to the garden wall of the deceased's ldte residence. Th* funeral arrangements were car- ried out by Mr. W. Garstin, of Welbeck Street, London. We have much pleasure in chronicling the birth of a son at Bolgoed House, during the Shrievalty of go J. W. Morgan, Esq., and are happy to hear that his good lady is progressing favourably. SUPPOSED DEATH FROM FIGHTING.-An inquest will be held this (Friday) evening (the particulars of which we purpose giving next week), on the body of a man named James Hopkins, residing in the Struet, who died on Tuesday morning last, from injuries sup- posed to have been received in a fight at Brecon May Fair, and again some days ago at Talgarth, as he has not been well since. A post mortem examination of the body will be made previous to the inquest being held. LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE INDEPEN- DENT COLLEGE.-This ceremony is announced to take place on Wednesday next, and will be performed by Samuel Morley, Esq., of London. The Mayor and Corporation will form part of the procession, which is to start from the Old College at half-past two o'clock. Several ministers and laymen will take part in the affair, and at six o'clock in the evening a public meeting is to be held at the Town Hall, when nume- rous addresses will be given. For the convenience of strangers a luncheon will be provided at the Welling- ton Hotel, at one o'clock. 0 LOCAL COMPANIES.—In compliance with a sugges- tion which has been made to us, we give in another column certain particulars with regard to Local Limited Liability undertakings, which information, we are assured, will prove of the greatest service, not only to those who hold stock in such undertakings, but also to the public at large. The list will continue to appear in our columns weekly, with such alterations as, from time to time, may be requisite. It speaks well for the public spirit and enterprise of the inhabi- tants of this district that there are but few towns (if any) in the kingdom where, in proportion to the population, so many public companies exist as in Brecon. FISHING IN THE USK.-The sport in the upper part of this river has been unusually good for the season. Amongst recent doings" we have heard of the following:—May 31st and June 1st, in Buckland Water, by the keeper (Cross), four fish, one a large one. June 1st, Mr. Robert Crawshay, three, one 181bs. one, Mr. David Brown, 13lbs.; one, Mr. S. Davies, lOlbs.; one, Mr. Newman, 91bs.; one, Captain Agg, 131bs.; one, Mr. Batt. June 3rd: Rev. Mr. Price, one, 131bs.; and on the 4th one, 14lbs. June 4th: Colonel Pearce's keeper, one; 6th, Martin (keeper), one, lOlbs., and Mr. Drabble, one, lllbs. Besides these, several others have been taken in the Glwcoed and Glanusk waters and about Crickhowell, but we have not learned the names of the captors. SALMON FISHERY CONGREss.-Considerable attention has lately been directed to the cultivation of salmon rivers, and especially to the best means of obviating the natural and artificial obstructions which so inju- riously affect our river fisheries at the present time; and it has occurred to a number of gentlemen interested in pisciculture that it would be advanta- geous to hold a Congress of Conservators and other gentlemen, for the purpose of discussing these subjects. The requisition has been signed by more than a hundred Conservators, amongst whom are Evan Owen, Builth; John Lloyd, jun., conservator, Wye, Usk, Ebbw; Spencer Walpole, Inspector of Salmon Fisheries for the South Wales District; W. R. Stretton, con- servator, Usk and Ebbw Alex. Miller, Chepstow; Robert C. Wright, honorary secretary Clwyd and Elwy and Alexander Rolls, conservator, Wye, Mon- mouth. The Congress was announced to be held yesterday (Friday) at the Council Room, Royal Horti- cultural Gardens, South Kensington, London. COMMITMENTS TO THE COUNTY GAOL.-By W. H. West and M. J. Roberts, Esqrs. William Reed, labourer, for trial at the assizes, charged with having sent a certain letter, demanding money, with threats and menaces, at Llanelly Charles Hughes, smith, for trial at the sessions, charged with stealing wearing apparel, at Llanelly.—By Evan J. Davies and T. J. Evans, Esqrs.: George Jones, collier, to 14 days' hard labour, convicted of having been drunk and riotous, at Vaynor; Mary O'Brien, Hannah Scannel, Ann lVit- liams, and Ruth Williams, to seven days' imprisonment each, convicted of stealing coal, the property of the Great Western Railway Company, at Penderyn.—By H. Gwynne Howell and Thomas Williams, Esqrs. Evan Evans, shepherd, to three calendar months' imprisonment, in default of the payment of certain monies, due to the parish of Builth, for the mainte- nance of his daughter, Mary Ann.—By John Davies, Esq., Mayor: Michael Dunn, moulder, to 15 days'hard labour, convicted of having assaulted one Isaac Ball, police-constable, whilst in the discharge of his duty in the borough of Brecon; James Man ion, tramp, to seven days' hard labour, convicted of having wilfully destroyed his own clothes whilst an inmate of the union house.—By D. E. Jones, Esq.: Mary Davies, servant, for further examination, charged with steal- ing clothes, at Llanfihangel Nantbran. BAND OF HOPE EXCURSION.—On Tuesday last the members and friends of the Band of Hope mustered in large force on the occasion of their annual rail- way xecursion. The children were this year again taken to the city of Hereford. The morning was not without indications of rain, but the party was favoured with a beautiful day and enjoyed the trip exceedingly. At ten o' clock the children met at the Shire Hall, and having been formed in procession marched to the Station with flags and banners, pre- ceded by their drum and fife band, which played some lively airs with very good effect. The train consisted of fifteen carriages, the number of the ex- cursionists being 600 or 700. On reaching the Hay Station, the excursionists were joined by the members and friends of the Hay Band of Hope and Temper- ance Society, accompanied by the Rev. E. A. Phillips. The train arrived at Hereford at half-past twelve, immediately after which the united forces walked through the city, and made the Castle Green their head quarters for the day. Before partaking of refreshments, the children were taken to see the Review, and by the kind permission of Lord Saye and Seel, were all admitted to view the magnificent Cathedral. After spending a most delightful day, the return journey was commenced at eight o'clock, and the whole of the children were brought home in per- fect safety, and, judging by their loud and long con- tinued hurrahing, as fresh and lively as when they started in the morning. The railway arrangements were excellent, and reflect great credit upon the manager, while the care and kind attention of the Company's servants was all that could possibly be desired. SIMULTANEOUS RIFLE MATCH.—During the week ending the 1st June a select number from all the rifle volunteer corps in Great Britain have been competing for various prizes offered for the highest scores. The total number to be given is 310, repre- senting a money value of 12,500. The condi- tions were that the competitors should complete the shooting between Monday, the 27th ult., and Saturday, the 1st June, the squads consulting their own convenience as to completing the firing in one day, or distributing it over two or more days. The firing at any particular range must, however, be completed on the same day. The arms to be used were the Long Enfield rifle, or the Short Enfield three- grooved rifle, Government pattern, with a minimum pull of 6 lbs. and these to be of bond fide Govern- ment pattern. Government ammunition was to be used, and the ranges to be at 200, 500, and 600 yards —seven shots at each. The shooting of our Brecon corps, the scores of which we append, seems to be pretty good, and we trust they may carry off some of the prizes :— 200 yards. 500 yards. 600 yards. Tl. Capt. P. Lloyd 4323234 3323443 3233334-61 Sergt. James Morgan 2422334 3333333 3330234-59 Corp. Thomas Powell 3 3 3 3 4 2 2 3343434 2304433-63 Jas. Mathews 4 3 2 3 2 3 2 3340343 2 3 3 4 4 2 2-59 Henry Bennett 3 2 3 2 4 2 4 3303333 4 4 3 3 3 3 0-58 Private John Brace 3 2 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3-65 M. Hewitson 3 2 4 4 3 4 2 3334423 3 0 4 3 4 3 3—64 William Bell 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4333342 3 0 4 3 3 3,3-61 J. Griffiths. 3234233 4334323 0234333—60 H. R. King3223343 3334322 4 3 2 3 2 2 3-59 612 r rom an analysis of the shooting it appears that at 200 yards range there were made 14 bull's-eye, 35 centres, and 21 outers; at 500 yards, 15 bull's-eyes, 47 centres, and 16 outers and at 600 yards, 14 bull's- eyes, 40 centres, and 10 outers. BRECONSHIRE RIFIJE ASSOCIATION.—A meeting of this association was held at the Wellington Hotel on Tuesday, when the following gentlemen were present: —Lieut.-Colonel Gwynne (Chairman), Robert Raikes, Esq., Captain Conway Lloyd,' Colonel Bridgwater, Rev. J. D. Williams, Captain P. Lloyd, Ensigns Powell, Snead, and James, and Lewis Hughes, Esq It was resolved that the following gentlemen be appointed on the Council:—The Right Hon. Lord Tredegar (Lord Lieutenant), Sir Joseph Russell Bailey, Bart., M.P., the Most Noble the Marquis Camden, the, Hon. G. C. Morgan, M.P., Lieut.-Colonel Bridgwater, the Right Hon. Viscount Hereford, W. W. Lewis, Esq., Captain T. Conway Lloyd, W. Fuller Maitland, Esq., Lewis Hughes, Esq., Colonel Pearce, K.H., Robert Haikes, Esq., Martyn J. Roberts, Esq., E. W. Seymour, Esq., Penry Williams, Esq., W. H. West, Esq., andMajor-General Wood. It was resolved that the following gentlemen be appointed the com- mittee :—President, Lieut.-Colonel Gwynne mem- bers, Lord Hereford, Robert Raikes, Esq., Colonel Bridgwater, Captain C. Lloyd, and the Staff and Officers commanding companies for the time being.— At the request of the Council, Captain Hughes con- sented to act as secretary, with the assistance of a deputy at a salary of £ 5 per annum for the first year. —It was proposed by Captain Lloyd, seconded by Robert Raikes, Esq., and carried, that Thos. Frater, Esq., of the National Provincial Bank, be requested to act as treasurer.—Capt. Lloyd proposed, and Robert Raikes, Esq., seconded, that Mr. James Morgan (Old Bank) and Mr. John Morgan (Bank, Lion-street) be appointed auditors, which was carried.—It was further resolved that the Annual Rifle Competition will be held at Llangorse, commencing Tuesday, the 6th of August next. MILITIA INSPECTION.—The members of the Brecon- shire Militia, having completed their 27 days' training, were inspected on Tuesday last by Colonel More. The men assembled in the Barrack-square about eleven o'clock, and were put through a course of drill by Colonel Bridgwater, the commanding officer, a large number of persons assembling to witness the manoeuvres. The following were the evolutions per- formed :—The battalion first of all formed in line facing towards the officers' quarters, and on the inspecting officer coming in front of the line the commanding officer, Colonel Bridgwater, presented arms, after which the battalion formed open column, and marched past in slow and quick time, closed to quarter distance on the leading company and marched past, opening out to wheeling distance from the rear company. A shower of rain here interrupted the drill, and the disperse" was sounded. After a short time, the rain having ceased, the "assemble" sounded, and the regiment fell in on their coverers in open column with the utmost celerity. They then wheeled into line and performed manu-al and platoon exercise, advanced in line, and moved in open column of com- panies from the right along the rear; formed line to the reverse flank; changed front on No. 1; left thrown back the quarter circle; advanced in direct echellon of companies from the left at wheeling distance, formed companies square, re-formed companies line on the present rear company; then formed quarter distance column, advanced, changed front by the wheel, and counter-marched by sub- divisions on the centre; formed line on No. 2, and opened column onNo. 2, then forming quarter distance on the rear company. A series of Light Infantry movements then followed, after which they assembled on reserve, and advanced quarter distance column, opened out from the rear company, and formed square two deep on the leading company.—At the conclusion Colonel More entered the square, and stated that he was very much pleased at the manner in which the men had conducted themselves, and gone through the evolutions. They had paid attention to the word of command, and had marched past exceed- ingly well. He did not think he had ever seen a regiment march past better. They had also gone through the manual and platoon exercise well, and it was apparent that a good use had been made of that Barrack-yard. Altogether he considered they did their commanding officer great credit, and he should be happy to make a good report of the battalion. He hoped their conduct had been good since they had been out.—Colonel Bridgwater replied that it had.- Colonel More then addressed a few more words to the men, telling them that sobriety and good conduct were most desirable when they were so called out, after which they were dismissed, the Colonel subse- quently making an inspection of the quarters, with the condition of which he was much pleased, stating that it reflected the greatest credit on the Adjutant (Captain Brereton) and the non-commissioned officers of the staff. —

OPENING OF THE NEATH AND BRECON RAILWAY. This line, which has been open for some months past for mineral and goods traffic, was on Monday last opened for passenger traffic. We hail the fact with the greatest pleasure, and congratulate the able and enterprising contractor, and all concerned, that their work has been brought to so satisfactory a con- clusion. Running, as it does, through a district rich in mineral resources, which it is intended to develop, the line will no doubt eventually become a very profitable undertaking, while at the same time it cannot fail to be of great advantage to the neigh- bourhood generally in a commercial point of view, opening, as it does, direct communication (without break of gauge, as at present) between the North and Midland counties and the important ports of Swansea, Neath, &c. It will be remembered that the old Welsh Midland Railway scheme was intended to connect the manufacturing districts and the seaports of South Wales on the Bristol Channel, with Birmingham, and the great manufacturing districts of Staffordshire. Had that project been carried out as originally in- tended, there would not have existed the necessity for the construction of the Neath and Brecon line, as the latter traverses most of the ground the former was intended to. There is, however, an important differ- ence in. the engineering features which characterised the survey of the Welsh Midland and that carried out by the Neath and Brecon line, as in the former there would have been an expensive tunnel, which is dis- pensed with in the present line, while the gradients are not so heavy. The main line is 33 miles in length, but the three branch lines, which are not yet com- pleted, make the whole distance 56 miles. There are five intermediate stations at Defynock, Penwyllt, Onllwyn, Crynant, and Dynevor, but as the traffic of the line becomes more developed we understand that there will be others at Cray, Aberbran, Cradoc, &c. The line is at present single, but there is ground enough for a double line, and the bridges and cattle arches are all prepared for this alteration. The bridges are very numerous, but there are no tunnels, though at intervals on the line there are several deep cuttings in sandy soil, and through rocky formations. The chief engineer of the line has been Mr. Caulfeild, and Captain Lambert the assistant engineer. The contractor is Mr. J. Dickson, of Neath, who has com- pleted the line in his usual workman-like manner. In the opening of the line for passenger traffic on Monday, there was nothing of ceremony. The first train from Brecon started punctually at ten minutes after eight, and the other trains also left and arrived' at or very near to the time stated. We trust this may be an earnest of the punctuality the company will in future observe with regard to the arrival and departure of trains, and so revive the saying which is now got somewhat out of date, "As punctual as the railway." The engines were decorated with flowers, and a large number of persons assembled to witness the arrival and departure of the trains. At Neath also a good many spectators assembled to see the departure of the trains. The first one from Neath was driven by Mr. J. Dickson, the contractor, accompanied by Mr. T. Morley, the traffic manager. All the engines and carriages are new, and are supplied by the Metropolitan Carriage Company. Considering the state of the weather, which was very unfavourable, a goodly number of persons from Neath and Brecon and the intermediate stations visited each others' towns. At Neath, the Vale of Neath station is used, and this arrangement is very convenient. In the course of the day a luncheon, given by the Company, took place at the Castle of Brecon Hotel, and was served up in Mr. Bates's usual excellent style. H. St. George Caulfeild, Esq., C.E. (Engineer-in-chief of the line), occupied the chair, and Captain Lambert, C.E. (assistant engineer), the vice-chair. Amongst the invited guests were: J. Davies, Esq., Mayor of Brecon; Brereton, jun., Esq. Eve, Esq. Wm. Roberts, Esq. (secretary), T. D. Roberts, Esq. (engineer), and A. Henshaw, Esq. (traffic manager), of the Brecon and Merthyr Railway F. Broughton, Esq., manager of the Mid-Wales Railway Holt, Esq., locomotive superintendent of the Neath and Brecon Railway J. Broughton, Esq. Isaac Davies, Esq., C.E. Captain Gordon Hughes; John Williams, Esq.; J. A. Jebb, Esq., &c. After the usual loyal toasts had been pro- posed from the chair, that of "The Army, Navy, Militia, and Volunteers," also given by the chairman, was responded to by Mr. Brereton, for the army; Mr. F. Broughton (who made out his connection with the navy in a very humourous speech), for the navy; Captain Lambert (Leitrim Rifles), for the militia; and Captain Gordon Hughes for the volunteers. The toast of the day, Success to the Neath and Brecon Railway," was proposed in an eloquent and congratu- latory speech by the Mayor of Brecon, and acknow- ledged by the chairman. The health of Mr. and Mrs. Dickson was also most cordially drunk. Mr. J. A. Jebb proposed "SuccesstotheotherRailways," andMr. F. Broughton responded. The toast of the Brecon and Merthyr Railway Officers" was responded to by Mr. Henshaw. The health of the engineering pro- fession" was coupled with the name of Mr. Isaac Davies, who responded, and proposed the health of Mr. Eve. The latter gentleman, in responding, pro- posed the health of The Ladies," calling upon Mr. Brereton to return thanks, which the last-named gentleman did in a very neat manner. Some excellent songs were sung by Mr. Eve, Mr. Brereton, Mr. F. Broughton, Captain Lambert, Mr. T. D. Roberts, and others, after which the company broke up.

PRICES OF SHARES OF THE JOINT STOCK COMPANIES ESTABLISHED IN BRECON UNDER THE LIMITED LIABILITY ACTS:- I Paid. Companies. Present B?fness jg Dividend Bone. -1- £ I'EK CENT. £ 10 All. Gas 10 18 to 1 18-181-19 25 6 Breconshire Coal t 5 E6 5s. to and Lime < 500 300 BargoedCoal. 5 350 10 S CastleHotel. 10 11 to 1 11-10 10 10 Wellington Hote 10 7 South Wales Mer- cantile 10 10

THE PERMISSIVE BILL. A meeting in support of this measure was held on Wednesday evening in the Town-hall, when Dr. Gale, rector of Treborough, and E. Grubb, Esq., attended to advocate it. J. Davies, Esq., the Mayor, occupied the chair, and the audience, which was not large at first, gradually increased in the course of the evening till the room was about two-thirds full. The Chairman, in opening the business of the meet- ing, said he extremely regretted there was not a larger number of persons present, but he had no doubt those who were there would be much interested in what Dr. Gale and Mr. Grubb had to tell them. He himself was unable to speak to them on the subject, and if he were they would not expect him to do so when there were such able advocates of the measure on the platform. He hoped all parties would have a fair hearing, and after they had heard what the speakers had to say to them, he had no doubt they would be much pleased. The Rev. H. Griffiths proposed the following reso- lution :—" That the Permissive Bill of the United Kingdom Alliance, proposing to give to the ratepayers of a parish or district the power, by a majority of two- thirds of their number so voting, to suppress the com- mon sale of intoxicating liquors, is a just measure, and ought to be made law. And that a copy of this reso- lution be forwarded by the chairman to the members of Parliament for the borough of Brecon, and for the county of Brecknock; the Secretary of State for the Home Department, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the First Lord of Her Majesty's Treasury." The rev. gentleman said he simply got up to propose the resolution. He had spoken on the subject on former occasions, and most of them knew his sentiments on that question. Time would be too precious for him to take up their attention by any observations. All they wanted was a fair and impartial hearing. They did not wish to cram people's throats with that which they were not quite prepared to receive, but they wished respectable people to study this resolution, and consider whether something may not be done to meet and counteract the frightful evils of intemperance. All were agreed that their object was a very good one, and understanding this they had claims on the kind attention and sympathy of all whom they addressed. They had none of them any selfish interests in view, but were influenced by a desire to promote the general welfare and he was sure they would agree with him that there could not be a more inviting field in which to labour than that they had selected. There were no more frightful evils prevailing in this country than those from which they suffered through drunkenness. (Hear, hear.) Mr. J. Jones seconded the resolution. Dr. Gale then rose to address the audience, and was received with much cheering. He said they were very glad to be there that night to speak to them on what they had long considered to be one of the most important questions affecting the interests of our country. Drunkenness was the great crime of England. It was not only a vice in itself, but it was the prolific parent of many other vices and miseries. The crime of England, which was greatly in excess of its population the poverty of England, which ought not to exist; the insanity of the country—four-fifths of these had been proved to arise out of the drinking customs and the liquor traffic. These were evils which called on the philanthropist and the Christian to do what they could to abate if not suppress it altogether. He was suffering from a cold, and would not detain them long, except to explain the nature of the princi- ples of the United Kingdom Alliance. He would be followed by a gentleman not only well able, but wil- ling to address them at length, and take up those points of the question which called for remark. They were all pretty well aware that there had been a temperance movement in the country for many years. Long before many of those he saw present were born, it entered into the minds of philanthropists and Chris- tians in different parts of the country, to endeavour to grapple with the drunkenness of England. They succeeded admirably. Teetotalism had not proved itself a fallacy, but a grand instrument for the lifting up of many a one trodden down by the drinking cus- toms, and for raising them to a state of comfort and affluence. But they had found themselves so much impeded by the licensed liquor traffic, that fourteen years ago the United Kingdom Alliance was organised for the purpose of bringing the public mind to bear on that traffic, and to consider the best mode of dealing with it. Those who started it were men of enlightened views.. They met at Manchester to settle the principles of action, and the decision they then came to they had never seen occasion to change. They were as follows :—" 1. That it is neither right nor politic for the State to afford legal protection and sanction to any traffic or system that tends to increase crime, to waste the national resources, to corrupt the social habits, and to destroy the health and lives of the people. 2. That the traffic in intoxicating liquors, as common beverages, is inimical to the true interests of individuals, and destructive of the order and welfare of society, and ought, therefore, to be prohibited. 3. That the history and results of all past legislation in regard to the liquor-traffic abundantly prove that it is impossible, satisfactorily, to limit or regulate a system so essentially mischievous in its tendencies. 4. That no considerations of private gain or public revenue can justify the upholding of a system so utterly wrong in principle, suicidal in policy, and disastrous in results, as the traffic in intoxicating liquors. 5. That the legislative prohibition of the liquor-traffic is perfectly compatible with rational liberty, and with all the claims of justice and legitimate commerce. 6. That the legislative suppression of the liquor-traffic would be highly conducive to the development of a progressive civilisation. 7. That, rising above class, sectarian, or party considerations, all good citizens should combine to procure an enactment prohibiting the sale of intoxicating beverages, as affording most efficient aid in removing the appalling evil of intemperance." The reason why the League had been led to take that course was this-that in all ages the traffic in intoxi- cating liquors had been a very fruitful source of the evils to which he had alluded, that Government had endeavoured to prevent these evils or moderate them as far as possible-450 Acts of Parliament stood on the statute book, all having the tendency to moderate the liquor traffic-but they had failed. In 1867 the liquor traffic was worse than it ever was. That con- dition of being worse might be calculated by the effects produced. They had more poverty, crime, drunkenness, insanity, blaspheming, and Sabbath- breakingthan at any other period of their country, when viewed with the population. Legislation having been, as far as it had gone, utterly incapable of rendering the traffic decent or tolerable, they had resolved on another plan. All that had hitherto been done was by the Government of the people for the people. The executive Government, through the magistrates, had exercised their best discretion in licensing persons to sell liquors. In 1830 the evils being great, and it being considered by the Government that there should be another way of meeting the drunkenness that existed, a plan was adopted by which beerhouses should be opened without the consent of the magistrates, for the purpose of winning the people from the liquors, the sale of which the magistrates licensed, to that which was considered less dangerous. Those beerhouses had now multiplied to more than 50,000, and were an unmitigated nuisance. Instead of any relief of the former evil they weie an increase of the mischief. Not only had they got shops and tap rooms for getting intoxicated, but the beerhouses, the licenses for which could be obtained at the excise office by the simple payment of money, and were under no control from the magistrates. As a conse- quence the people were groaning under a system they could not touch. The Government itself was not satisfied, and had promised to bring in a bill next session to endeavour to moderate, revise, and regulate the traffic. The cry of the people was, Give us the power give us the authority. Invest us with the authority of deciding for ourselves whether we want it or not." It was upon this principle they believed they should succeed. There was a vulnerable point somewhere in the licensing system, and he thought they bad discovered it. He need not tell the worthy magistrate who was in the chair what he and his coadjutors had to take into consideration before granting a license. They had to decide whether the individual applying for it was a respectable man, whether the house in which he proposed to carry on his trade was fit and proper, and whether the wants of the neighbourhood required the house. It was upon this last point that they wished the people to be consulted. All that had been done had been done in the absence of the people, and they had had no power whatever in the matter. As, however, it was an un- mitigated curse, they had had a right to complain, and to blame the executive government and magis- trates for what they had done. The Alliance simply proposed that when there was a majority of two-thirds of the ratepayers who had come to the conclusion that the granting or renewal of a license by the magistrates, or the issuing of a license by the excise would be prejudicial to them, and that it would be far better for them to be altogether suppressed, the voice of those people should be heard. (Applause.) And when that voice had been made known to the magistrates, and they had received notice that a cer- tain district had been canvassed, and that the people had voted, by a majority of two to one, that they did not want a gin-shop or beer-shop, that then the magistrates should be prohibited from granting licenses and the excise from granting beer licenses. (Applause.) They conceived that was a proposition which appeared on the face of it to be nothing but fairness and justice. The preamble of the Bill set forth that—"Whereas the common sale of intox- icating liquors is a fruitful source of crime, immoral- ity, pauperism, disease, insanity, and premature death, whereby not only the individuals who give way to drinking habits are plunged into misery, but grievous wrong is done to the persons and property of Her Majesty's subjects at large, and the public rates and taxes are great augmented; and whereas it is right and expedient to confer upon the ratepayers of cities, boroughs, parishes, and townships the power to pro- hibit such common sale as aforesaid-Be it therefore enacted," &c. If anyone would like to propose a question to them they would answer it as best they could. He believed the time was past when it was possible for teetotallers, or any other body, to go to Parliament and get anything unless it fell in with the constitutional character of their Government and the claims of justice. He believed, however, that the Permissive Bill was of that character. If people were satisfied with the present state of the law, there was no reason why it should not continue. If they thought it could be improved, and that the Bill would do this, so much the better. If they did not go so far in their views, they would help them in putting down the liquor traffic on Sundays, or in limiting the hours on which it was to be sold. It was objected that the Bill was contrary to the liberties of the people. If it were contrary to the liberties of the people, he should like to know what the present system was-whether the people had any power to help themselves ? A terrible incubus lay upon them. The money cost of the traffic was very great—60 millions sterling were spent in 1865 by the working classes alone! For every shilling spent in liquor another was wasted and lost by mis- directed industry, indolence, and other causes so that the working classes would be damnified to the extent of 120 millions sterling. It was said that the upper classes did not get drunk because there would be others to see it. It was calculated, however, that 29 millions of money were so spent by the upper classes in 1865, and that was a larger proportion than 60 millions for the working classes. When the upper classes got drunk, they did so more carefully—at their own homes. If they did so at their club-houses, they had carriages and servants to wait upon them. But poor people got drunk at the public house, and then there was a policeman waiting for them, and they were broughtbeforethemagistrates. (Laughter.) The drunk- enness of the one was seen, but not that of the other. The fearful evils which resulted from these things demanded the consideration of all, with a view to preventing them altogether or remedying them to some extent, and so far as the law would affect it. Their plan was to give the people power, to give them a voting power, and by a majority to put a stop to the traffic. They were willing to take any major- ity,-two-thirds, four-fifths, or nine-tenths, as they believed they would have almost a unanimous vote on the question. They did not do this against the liber- ties of the people, but invested them with a large amount of liberty, and on a subject connected with their interests both for time and eternity. The speaker, after introducing Mr. Grubb, resumed his seat amidst much applause. Mr. E. Grubb first of all alluded to the remark of a previous speaker, in reference to according them a fair hearing, observing that in a country like this it would be considered as a piece of impertinence, as he came with a civil message, to expect anything but civil treatment. He then proceeded to say he was an advocate for free investigation and free discussion. He fell out with no man for differing with him in his views on that subject. All he wanted was that they should hold their views sincerely. If there was any man could give him a good reason for or against the bill, there was none more ready to hear it than he was. He had been a temperance man for thirty-five years. He began it almost in boyhood, and he had been so up to the present time. He was therefore able to speak for it, because he knew its value. For the last thirty-five years he had been on the look-out for a valid argument in favour of intoxicating liquors, and he had not found it yet. If the people of Brecon would give him one they were wiser than any body else he had come across—(laughter)—and he had met with a few clever men in his time. There were a great many things people ought to be ashamed of, and drinking was one of them. Whatever people might think privately about intoxicating liquors, there was nothing about which men and women frome the arliest civilised times were so delicate about as parading their regard for meats and drinks. However well it might be, the pleasure was of the most ignoble sort. It was administered to the lowest part of our nature-it was connected with pure animal existence. Eating and drinking in itself, except for the purpose of a common and honest existence, was nothing commendable. Temperance was a duty which was binding upon all. Hunger was a well-known feeling, and they did not want it to be described. Gentlefolks, however, did not know what it was, and they were obliged to use all sorts of provocation to get the dinner out of the way. They had plenty of means to get a dinner but not the means to dispose of it. The working classes had keen appetites, and very often nothing to satisfy them. That was the difference between the two. (Laughter). Soon after he came into the town he had gone with his friend to view the beautiful scenery in the neighbourhood, and it seemed to him almost im- possible that a man should want a stimulus in a neighbourhood like that. He felt so much stimulated that the first dose was not enough, and he took a second. (Laughter.) The speaker again alluded to hunger at some length, and then proceeded to speak of the nourishment which a child received at its birth, and the quickness of its growth, arguing that as alcohol was no part of that provision, there was nothing in the constitution of the body to require it. He then went on to speak of how habitual drinking affected the human body externally, exciting much laughter by his pointed observations. It was then stated that many a man could have built a decent parish church with what he had spent in a public house. The effect of their spending so much at these houses was evident, and affected the well being of the commonwealth. Those who did so, when in ill-health, became a burden on the commonwealth, and had his diseases treated at the public expense. When poverty came, the rate- payer had to contribute towards the maintenance of such men and their families. Surely when society was so much affected by it, it had a right to put an impe. diment in the way of a man so injuring himself. The drunkenness of this county was so much a habit, and so extensively ramified, that he should not be charged with an extravagant allusion to it if he said that that might be considered a very happy family who had never had any of its members affected by it. He should consider they had escaped one of the greatest ills of life. They were not all drunkards, however, and he did not think it was correct to say they were a drunken nation. There was a great deal of drinking and a great number of drinkers, but he thought on the whole the nation must be pronounced a sober nation. There were people who thought they were going to ruin, and were almost snuffed out as a nation; but he was a little more hopeful than that. There was some enquiry some time ago as to the cause of poor men not paying respect to religious institu- tions. He believed, however, that the irreligious class was the exception; and he believed that the drunken class was the exception. The class was too numerous, nevertheless :-they ought to have none of them. It was not an exaggeration to say that the working classes spend millions upon millions in intox- icating liquors. Mr. Gladstone, in his last budget speech but one, stated that the amount spent in those liquors was 74 millions sterling, and that statement had subsequently been confirmed. After taking out the temperance men, it was found that this would allow 600 quarts per annum to each individual. That was a pretty skinful for those who had to work for a living. (Laughter.) Several instances were then given of places known by the speaker in which there were no public houses, and their condition contrasted with those that had. He then concluded his observa- tions by saying that those were his arguments in favour of the Permissive Bui. Some people thought it would not be a remedy for the evils that existed, and, even if it were a remedy, that it would not be right to apply it, on the principle that they were not to do wrong that good might come. But there was no license in their law to give liberty to wrong doing. The law created the evil, and the law must remove it. After some few other observations the speaker con- cluded amidst much cheering. Dr. Gale then proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, which was seconded by Mr. Grubb, and carried by acclamation. The Chairman having briefly acknowledged the compliment, the meeting terminated.

BRECON TOWN COUNCIL. An adjourned meeting of the members of the Cor- poration was held on Monday, at the Town Hall. J. Davies, Esq., the Mayor, presided, and there were Also present Dr. Lucas, Messrs W. De Winton, G. Cansick, P. Bright, T. Trew, J. Jones, A. A. WaltOD, J. Morris, and J. Griffiths. THE ROADS UNDER THE RAILWAY ARCHES. Mr. Morris enquired of the surveyor what the Neath and Brecon Railway were going to do with regard to the lowering of the roads under the bridges at Baileyglas. Mr. Kirk stated that he had written several timeS about the matter, but the only answer he had received was that at present they were busy with oth,.r matters. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Morris, that unless something was done in a month's time, the Board would take steps in the matter. THE SURVEYOR'S ACCOUNTS. Bills to the amount of a little over zS40, certified by the Surveyor, were passed. THE STATE OF MIXIL STREET. Mr. Walton called attention to the state of Street, and said the whole of the soap-suds and otne things were thrown out into the public streets, ana wu

BIRTHS. FOLLET.-At Ashfield Villa, Crickhowell, May 31, the wife of John Follet, Esq., of the London Stock Exchange, of a son. MORGA.At Bolgoed House, June 6, the lady of the High Sheriff, John Williams Morgan, Esq., of a son. WILLIAMS.-At the Struet, Brecon, May 28, the wife of Mr. William Lewis Williams, grocer, of a son. MARRIAGES. JAMES—JAMES.—At the Register Office, Brecon, June 1, in the presence of Mr. W. Evans, registrar, Mr. David James, to Mrs. Ann James, 'both of Pennorth, Llanfihangel, Talyllyn. DEATHS. KiNG.-At 36A, Princess-street, London, June 4, Thomas, son of Mr. Sage J. King, aged 12 months. McMAHoN.-At the Infirmary, Brecon, June 5, James McMahon, aged 35 years. WILLIAMS.-At the Struet, Brecon, June 1, Ann, the wife of Mr. John Williams, collector, aged 43 years. WILKINs.-At Springfield Villa, Merthyr, recently, the beloved wife of Mr. Charles Wilkins. WEBB.—At the residence of her son-in-law, Mr. Chas. Gibson, wine merchant, Brecon, June 6, Phcebe, relict of the late Mr. William Webb, corn merchant, aged 67 years.