The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian Glamorgan Monmouth and Brecon Gazette

CAEDJFF AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD LLAND^FF CATtfEDRAL SERVICES. JAW. 1.�First Sunday after Christmas Morning Servict at 11. Venite; 6, Hajea. Proper Psalms; 8, 9, 11, Tallis Farrant and Monk. Te Deum; 16 and 17, Kelway. Bene- dictus; 3, Tucker. Introit; 205. Respouses; Gi bbons Hymn, 240. Afternoon Service tt 3.30. Proper Psalms; 12 u., 13) Aldrich, Monk and Humphreys. Magnificat; 7. Monk Nunc Dimittis; 2, Goodson. Anthem, Arise, shine," Elvey. Hymn, 168. Litany and Sermon tt 7 o'clock in the Evening. Hymns. 197, 142 part 1st, 10. THE Ibv. D. HOW:I,L will preach two sermons at St. Andrew's Church, on Sunday, January 1st, on which occa- [name] collections will bt made at the close of morning and evening service toward defraying the expenses incurred in recent alterations and improvements. THE CARDIFF ARTLLERY VOLUNTBEBS.�We under. stand that arrangementshave been made for the members of the Artillery Voluntee. Brigade to assemble for "church parade," on Sunday moring. They will afterwards attend Divine Service at LlandalCathedral. WORTHY OF I.VTTATI,,q.-Last week Col. Rous, of Court- yrala according to his us\] liberality, treated all his work- men and their wives with sumptuous dinner at his mansion. Col. Rouse's liberality is nt confined to his workmen only, but to the poor of his wn and the neighbouring parishes, Michaelstone Le Pit, St. Andrews, Caerau and Leckwith. Coals, blankets, wearing aparel have been distributed among them during the lust week. Lord and Lady Tredegar.re entertaining a seloct party of friends at Tredegar-house, d'ing this fjstive season. W. HAWKER HUGHES, "¡;q., scholar of Jesus College, son of the Rev. James Hughes,-ector of Llauhilletb, Crumlin, has succeeded in obtaining airist-class in the Oxford Middle Examination, namely, Modeiticus. W. S. CABTWBIGHT has bAl 0flered 1;2000 by the Belgian Government foi liis steeple-clker Penarth." ROWEL CCTlIBBRTBON, E^( has been elected coroner for the Western Division of Glamganshire, vacant by the death of his much respected father. Air. Morris, deputy sherifij presided at the court opened in lie Neath town-hall, on Wed- nesday, for the purposes of eleclu � but although the names of several gentlemen had beer.mentioned as probable can- didates, there was no opposition SOUTH W ALBS COLLIBRY CMPANY (Limited).�At the half-yearly meeting, the followi- report was submitted by the directors The directors IlImit a statement of accounts for the half-year ending Sept. 2 showing a profit of 91470 103. The directors recommend t shareholders to sanction a dividend at the rate of 10 per ct. per annum for the half- year, which would amount to £ "i) 2s. 6d., and to cany the balance of £ 721 16s. 6d. to a rei-ve fun,j for contingencies, and future equalisation of divider. Since the formation of the company, the directors ave acquired properties embracing altogether 1658 acres 'freehold and leasehold minerals, most advantageously conned for beneficial work- ing. The colliery has produced 1*) tons of coal per week lince Sept. 24 last, and as soon as ditional houses can be erected the directors calculate the hduce will be much in- creased.-Crawlhaw Bailey, Chain\K"_plie report was adopted, and the dividend recommen-j declared. The com- pauy bad in their bankers' hands, oSept, 24, no less than jB7645 3s. 81. THS PBOPOSBD UNIVKBSIXY JOB ALBB.-The following letter appeared in the Timet of ^nesdav:�"Sir,�An 'Oxford Resident, in his letter in ti of Saturday, has stated from his personal knowledgil-bat at several col- leges *t Oxford all the expenses of maiiflance an(j education can be covered by £ 80 or £ '9o, and at so« balls by £ 60. The alleged necessity for a Welsh University grounds of eco- nomy is therefore fully answered. ,The"trograde clamour' for an University for Wales is jwthing 1, than the silly old cry of Wales for the Welsh. In the days of progrees and locomotion let not the Principal be deprived of the advantages of education at Uxfor. and Cambridge, now most accessible to her higher cses: let her at either of these ancient seats of learning, culti- vated scholars of England; let her conte^jjij t|iem the palm of classical and mathematical profhlcy. iet j)0r vul, off her dust in an enlarged arena of comptiOI)j and 8how herself superior to those whom, at the great»ats of British scholarship, she seems, in a narrow-inindedy for a Welsh University, to fear to encounter. The movetlt will have no weight in Wales. I write as a resident Welluao It origi. nated with a few unimportant persons; but Iv do not allow the public to believe that Welshmen in generire so blind to their own interests as to share in the contra notions of these would-be patriotic nobodies.�I am,t)ir,y.g obediently, A NOK-RBMDBKT OXFORD M.A. 11 Vale of Clwyd, Dec. go." THB LATB MR. D. HOWELLS.�Our obituav,f last week contained the death of a young man, who, fr<$j,jg simple honest faithful virtues, had brought about him number of friends. As a vocalist he had obtained a loc^-eputatiou, and his connection with the Cathedral choir at I,DAFF had extended over many years. His remains were intel 00 Mon. day last, in the Cathedral grounds. The service the occa. [name] was special, being conducted by Archdeacon os90 and the Rev. Canon Morgan, the musical portion of service being that known as Purcell's, Mr. Wilkes presitl at the organ, and a very large nuuibev ot persons being -sent in the cathedral. On the conclusion, the choir prieJ the corpse to the grave, where the beautiful funeral Rice was intoned by the Rev. Canon Bevan, the choir couclijg tlie ceremony by singing the concluding strains o^u-cella Funeral Service. � � TUB IBFIBMABY.�The treasurer of the infirmary D, Bushall, Esq., has received jBl Os. 9d. collected at. Irnark Church; also 94 4s., collected at the Welsh Raptistlape]j Cardiff; also, 1;6 6s. 9d., collected at the offertory in tidaff Cathedral on Christmas-day; also £ 8 Is. 3d., trom .rnor Quaglieni, being one-half of the proceeds of a perform.. at his equestrian exhibition. On Sunday, the 18th inst., Mr. W. D. Bushel), A Fellow of St. John's College, Cambridge, was admitt^ Deacon's Orders by the Bishop of Ely; and on Sunday st the rev. gentleman took the morning service at St. Jus Church, and afterwards assisted at the celebratiou of the y communion. FIRB.-On Saturday night, about 12 o'clock, a police ( ttable on duty in Bute Terrace, observed smoke issuing h' the shop of Mr. Frederick Painter, fishmonger. The pi being locked up for the night, he had to awake some of t neighbours, and having procured the key obtained adniittaiK In the back room behind the shop he found a number of o bags on fire, and on proceeding up stairs he found bags on fii there also. But little damage was done as plenty of assIst ance was at hand. It is supposed the sacks caught fire fron In the great heat of the oven, the adjoining premises being bakehouse. I RUBAWAT CAB HOBBS. -On Saturday evening a norse in a hansom started off at a furious pace from Bute Terrace, passing through Whitmore-lane and over the Custom House Bridge into St. Mary-streef, where the space being wider he had more room to continue his career, eontinuintfupthe Street without meetiu. � anything to oppose him he naaaed on UN»*-W«» «*e of the cab stand, where the wheel bavin? caught against the stone base of the gas lamp in front of the Town-hall upset the cab and brought the horse to a stoppage No accident beyond damaging the horse and cab occurred, although at the time numbers of persons were pass- inn uo aud down St. Mary-street and through Whitmore-lane. FATAL AOOIPBHT,�On Saturday night about 10 o clock, a mariner named Evan Rees, formerly residing in Havelock- street Temnerance-town, was standing at the Pier Head neai the Old Sea Lock, when he accidentally fell over on the ground beneath, alighting on his bead. Canal Constable Dix saw the accident and immediately ran to his assistance. He was picked up in an insensible condition and died almost imme- diately after. With assistance he was conveyed home and Dr. Pratt. sent for, but skill was of no avail. He leaves a large family and a wife far advanced in pregnancy. On Monday an inquest was held at the Town-hall, before K. L. Reece, Esq., coroner, when a verdict of accidental death was returned Deceased was highly respected, as he had for many years been an inhabitant of this town. BUBO-XABY.�On Monday night some person or persons broke into the house of a man named Wilijam Ridler, a sca- venger, and stole from it a number of articles of wflaring apparoi, a silver watch and guard, 8s. 9d. in money from a drawer, and a pair of trousers with 10s. 6d. in the pockets. Tills RICTOBY O. LLANTBISSANT.�Our readers are aware that this valuable and important rectory, which in- cludes a vest and increasing mining population in this county, besides the patronage of several other incumbencies lately became vacant by the death of the rector. The m inner in which the vacancy would be filled was a matter of deep anxiety to those interested in the spiritual welfare of the Welsh, The living is in the patronage of the Dean and Cnapter of Gloucester, and strong efforts have been used in very influential and even episcopal quarters to secure the living for 4iffereut favoured candidates, Under these circum- stances the Ddan resolred to put an eud to unseemly com- petition in a matter involving such solemn consideration, and he has done so in a manner which, under the blessing of God, at once provides for the best interests of a populous district, and secures perfect harmony in the chapter. Instead of leaving the patronage to be decided by vote, lie has chosen to accept as his own option," whilst, at the same time, he bestows the living on the Rev. Powell Jones, of Loughor, in Glamorganshire, who speaks and preaches in the Welsh language, and is most acceptable to the people. The decision gives general satisfaction. The canons recognise the 4is- s-j terested sacrifice of the dean's turn of private patronage for the good of the church on behalf of a clergyman of whom he had no previous knowledge except what concerns his public aunistrations as a laborious and acceptable minister of Christ. i The people of Wales will also regard the appoiutuaent as a proof that their spiritual interests are not uncared for in the distribution of patronage by the Dean and Chapter of Glou. cester. The appointment to Llantrissaut, like the recent appointment*to Cardiff, is calculated to raise the character of the Church of England iu Wales, where it has been so sadly depressed by the apathy of patrons, both lay and ecclesias- tical, not understanding the character or necessities of the poople.Record.. A GftASD Voj,psxBBB COKCBKT is anuouced for Wed. nesday evening next, the 4th iust., at the Town.hxH Assembly Room, under the influential patronage of Ool. Hewett, Lieut.- Col. Hill, Major Pa^e, and the Officers of the 3rd Glainoigau Artillery; Lieut.-Cvl. Clark, Majors GorJon, Bassett, and Booker; Capt^ David (ot the 18th/, and Oapt. C- W. Daviil and Officers of the 16th Rifle Volunteer Corps, 1 be vocal- ists engaged are Miss Susannah Cole (ot the principal London Concerts), taprano Mr. G. OHord (of the St. James s Hall Concerts), tenor; llr. J. Hewson (of the R'yal Colosseum), baritone; and the instrumentalists are Sig. Paggi, Mr. G. F. Davis, Mr. W. Lewis, aud Mr. J. Wilkfs, A.R.A., the ^agth of .the orchestra being further augmented by the Band of thtJ ^oth Glamorgan Rifle Corps, under the leadership Qt Mr, W. Hockstoil The profits of the entertainment will be devoted to the funds of the 1 -th Rifles- the pioneers of the Volunteer Movement in our locality, and a corps that has pre- served its >ndividttaiity throughout many trials aud difficul- ties. For this aloDe they deserve the hearty support of our leading families aud their felloe townsmen, whilst we have little doubt their brethren-in-arms will be found with them on this, as on every other occasion, shoulder to shoulder." The exertions of the committee to secure fhe mo»t ample accommodation for their patrons will be ereatly facilitated if tickets are secured before the day. THE AMPHITHEATRE has been crowded throughout the week with delighted audiences: the horsemanship may have been equalled, but never surpassed, and the trained steeds have" done everything but talk." The witticisms in the ring have told well with their general and local allusions but the principal attraction is the new pantomime entitled O'Donoghue; or the White Horse," a legend well known to the readers of Moore's Irish Melodies. If the story is a little burlesqued, it is excusable at Christmas-time, especially when its results are a graceful Columbine and an energetic Harle- quin. We have not space to describe the sceuery with which this Christmas piece has been elaborated-it is equal to any of the metropolitan theatres, and has commanded admi- ration and applause from crowded houses during the entire week. As we cannot describe the sceuery, it would be unfair to devote space to the transformation and the wanderings of Clown, Pantaloon, and Dandy, who (keep the after-plot alive in a :thorough business-like style with good old-fashioned pranks, such as secured the fame of a Grimaldi and his subor- dinates. The comfortable and newly-fitted boxes (private and public) are beginning to be appreciated by the Cardiff people, and the early hour at which the performances termi- nate are an additional inducement for papas and mammas to give a seasonable treat to the younger branches of the family. THIN SHEBT IRos.-A recent American nail brought over a letter, addressed to the Birmingham Journal, written on iron rolled so thin that the sheet is only twice the weight of a similar sheet of ordinary note paper�the letter stating that as the plate lBJin. thick rolling in September by Messrs. John Brown and Co., of the Atlas Works, Sheffield, was pro- bably the thickest ever rolled, the writer sent this specimen, manufactured at the Sligo Iron Works, Pittsburg, U.S., as the thinnest. The :iron. was said to be of exceeding fine quality, and tested by one of Holtzappfel's guages, the thick- ness of the sheet is found to be the 1000th part of an inch. A sheet of Belgian iron, supposed hitherto to be the thinnest yet rolled, is the 666th part of an inch thick, and the thickness of an ordinary sheet of note paper is about the 400th part of an inch. The statement that an American iron manufacturer had succeeded in exeeeding us in the manufacture of thin iron, has naturaiiy ieti to attempts in this country to ascertain the thinness lo which British iron can be rolled, and during the past week Messrs. Alurral and Stothert, the metal brokers of Cardiff, liave submitted to us some sheets, which, it is claimed, surpass the American specimens both in quality and thinness. The plates are less than the 1000th part of an inch in thick- ness, and a plate 8in. by õ-iin. weighs 2dwts. 14 £ grs. only, those shown us beiug without the slightest flaw either at the edges or elsewhere. They are manufactured by Messrs. T. W. Booker tind Co., of the Melingrittith Works, near Cardiff, and are one-tenth thinner and lighter than the Amarican plates to which such consideration has been given. Samples of puddle wire-rod and fencing wire from the same works surpass that of most other makers. A specimen of the thin sheet may be seen at our office.

THE CLOSE OF 1864. ANOTHER year is drawing to a close, and with its termination reflection steals on the imagination. Christmas is over and gone, carrying with it the joys and sorrows of millions of God's heavenward-trained children. The close of each year is an important event, full of weighty material for every thinking mind, preceded asit is by a festive season which, from tts peculiar nature, seems to raise man in the Christian scale. Christmas, to those who are free from care and poverty, comes like the visit of some good genius, elevating the moral character, making man better, wiser, and happier and its halo falls like a mantle of suow upon the rugged earth, covering with angel purity ttie dark spots of corruption which disfigures the true aspect of nature. It is a period when brethren meet together to relate their experience of the world-how they h ive suffered by man's duplicity, or have been raised by the hand of kindness. But it is also a period when the poor, the way-worn, the hungry, the half-starved, the ill-paid of our crowded cities crouch around the few smouldering embers still kindled in the grate, and feel the jealous pangs cf envy running riot in the hearts as their keen scent sniffs in the savoury odours which issue from the oft- opened portals of their mo; e fortunate human brother. The close of the year is the period when the man of money balances up his accounts, and finding himself a richer man, carries to his next year's capital a large addition of this world's goods. It is the period when the tradesman is called on to look more closely into his position, to ascertain whether he is solvent or no. It is a period when all who have taken an active part in any public movement, look back to see how far their own cause has surged onward in the stream of tiiri". It is a period of importance to the old, to the young, to the rich, to the poor, to the fortunate, to the unfortunate. To the statesman it is an epoch in the world's history that has planned or tested the success or failure of some national measure. To the local politician it forms another stage in the development of the re- sources of some particular spot, and shows whether the town has advanced or retrograded under the sway of the existing municipal government. And thus, step by step, sliding from the general to the particular, we are naturally led to look around and cast a retro- spective glance at our own town, and from a few of the facts, which as public journalists we see week by week passing before our gaze, gather an augury of future success or failure. I:) In the beginning of 1864 the one object that occu- pied public attention and private speculation was the magnificent scheme which was rendered abortive not from its own inherent weakness" but from the en- vious feelings of companies, individuals, and the authorities of other towns. Before the Committee of the House of Lords the promoters of that measure ailed to convince the committee that an undertaking so vast would infallibly contribute to the well-being not only of the inhabitants of the town, but the active labourer�the working bees in a large colony of hives �without inflicting injury on others; and when it fell the expressions of discontent were general, and all who had not supported the measure were regarded as enemies to the prosperity of Cardiff. To some extent they were they t-ought for what they considered Would be beneficial, and if in the prosecution of that �jbject they did not etreat at the proper moment, o»- 1 k'ow their weight in the opposite scal<» when they V the race was be ng lost; that doubtless arsse .411 over-anx ety to carry their own alteration to the ipralplan, and not from a desire to have the plans fp according to their own wishes or none at all. rte subject of the supply of gas and water agitated I% j^inds of the inhabitants from a late period in lajear's history to some months in the present, and aught we know the question remains the same no\it was. The accounts for the gas are pa d for to ^ie terms of the disPuted contract, and the jatened over charge for water remains in statu ?w0- for a time one of our local politicians raised a < against the inanity of the Corporation in av.lnjjSt a piece of laud which would have formed an. 1D?^nt addition to the lower end of one of our Pfmcilgreets. The subject has been for months aiscuaa^one of our most important committees, wno .m consider it best to recommend the Cor- to take lef?al in the matter. i l this» &reat excitement was caused by the f a m wt £ 600 h d been thrown away upon the 7\ Remises; this particular lease being not H ,was written on- The excitement tvQvnCTan^ by the fact that personalities were !la nf haIQ1X?d up 10 the case> but for the pur- P ?«nd rs the lease aPPears to be of marketable 13 acce('ted on it as upon other S mo8imilar nature. The last question of any local molt ig the queati,)n of & New Dock Suie?-0 ;wPlf:oraPrel)ensive as the last, but still r- i the mineral resources of the valley, i -fillet for their produce at our port. Compare Vt year, the mineral export will not be foun excesg( while sufficient has been done to s 11 our available means of shipping this produce ha put requisi £ on Occasiona y and owners of vessels find it necessary >murrage, and this is abundant proof that U niore_sive meang for ghi ing were at hand, a larger e. trade would be the result At present som inhabitants are asking the question wi 1 ration oppose the new scheme. t*rom what is no pregent there is only one point on which opposition taken�the divergence of the town sewer, 0f this sewer will in- terfere in the construe pr0p03ea dock, and ifc�wAU Ttre it beyond the boundaries of Cardiff into those � Then comes the In its vitality the �q ;d ble vi our and an improved moral pervades the aspect of our streets, while m the of buslneasgenera\\y, few years will have surp/ 0ae of*the riu. cipal builders a few weeks gtated publici/that sufficient bricklayers coul^fc be obtained. A^0. ther fact is as palpably to every person walking through the str-eets^ n0 house remains empty that can be called ii ^abitable condition. There are, however, one or t^^aeKs,�our g&61 is full, and our pauper list is Iltly on the increase. There is, however, a redeemin^ture�that no where is heard the cry of distress, ore picture of miserf and want presented to the eye the same disgustiIg forms that meet the travellein the lanes aid alleys of our larger and more c,ey� packed towis. Cardiff is a rapidly rising town, its prosperity dJ. pends on the shipments of t e ral produce of tie neighbouring locality; unless 't\.aiiable resourtfs are continually on the increase if>xpansion will )e cramped and tne impetus given Kommercial entJ> prise will be checked by the wantf acco^i#<$at>n for an extending intercourse with o,r countries. :lie one great feature appears a heat support to he New Dock scheme. �Cardiff Stanttj

CHRISTMAS CHURCH DECORATIONS. The manifestation of reverential feelings exhibits itself in various ways-a bequest for chruch endowment-a life spent in carrying out in its many ramifications one or more of the objects contem- plated in the establishment of any system of religion. In the pride exhibited in the adornment of the House dedicated to Him who implanted in the mind of his image the desire of worship. The Indian sets aside a particular spot for the exercise of his devotional feelings; the Mahometan looks with awe on the house of prayer, and carefully abstains from even casting a stain on the floor with sandaled feet; the Christian, not only looks with veneration on the build- ing dedicated to the worship of the Creator; but, as his system of religion points out certain periods in the year, marked by some event in the life of Him who offered himself a sacrifice for many, to be re- garded with more than usual feelings of reverence; so the day on which that Saviour was born, is looked upon as one of the most joyful periods in the Christian era�one which calls for some particular manifestation both outwardly and inwardly. The Jews regarded the Feast of the Tabernacle as one of theirjmost particular festive gatherings, and decorated their tents with flowers and fruits. The Christian regards the birth of the Saviour as the grand event of the Christian era, and some of them mark that period by a desire to ornament with a few cheering devices the sacred building devoted to the worship of the Creator and Saviour. There is something peculiarly pleasing in this desire to decorate our sacred edifices. Cold and fatigue are braved by delicate hands unused to toil and hardships, and many an hour is occupied in a work for which perhaps the silent thanks of a few is the only recompense. It is a feeling akin to the strewing of the graves of departed relatives with flowers, and deserves every encouragement; and, that it is spreading year by year, is good evidence of the deep-seated religious feelings existing in the hearts of the lay portion of our congregations. LLANDAFF CATHEDRAL As the principal ecclesiastical structure in the locality, has received from the hands of the ama- teur church decorators a considerable share of at- tention. Foremost in this good work are the ladies of the congregation, Miss Olivant, the Misses Williams and Blosse, assisted by a numerous band of other ladies; and foremost among the group of gentlemen, who have been instrumental in giving a warmth of tone to the cold blocks of masonry, is Lieut,-{Jol. Hill. The decorations of holly, ivy, &c., have been but.sparinglyintroduced, compared with the space which required relief; but the effect of the whole of the decorations on the entry of the visitor is particularly pleasing. No effort has been made to place ornament for the sake of changing the appear- ance of the interior, but care has been taken to make each part serve some purpose in the general design. The lofty arches of the columns separating the aisles from the nave have each a band of ivy and laurel carefully fitted to the fillets, while the capitals have pendant foliage of a lighter character. The font is covered with a hollow octagonal dome, surmountod with a cross worked in flowers and moss, strings of the red berry of the holly serve to decorate it, while bands of the gold-edged holly I surround the rim and the base, forming a pleasing contrast to the pure Bath stone. A bed of moss form the ground for the pedestal to rest on. The ornamental details of the splendidly carved stone pulpit has received some delicate tracery; minute bands of myrtle and box entwine between the columns and the arches, while the balustrades are wreathed with ivy and holly. The Bishop's throne has also some ornament, and bears in the front a cross, worked in moss and flowers. The choir and organ are tastefully decorated with variegated holly, while the gas-burners are gracefully covered with evergreens. Behind the communion table is a large flat surface of moss, in the centre of which is worked in ecclesiastical characters one of the usual mottoes of this season, "Peace on Earth." Immediately over this, concealing a por- tion of the beautifully painted chancel window, is a cross worked, as the others, in moss and flowers, surmounting the motto, Unto us a child is born." Beneath the window, on each side, are the entwined circles, symbolical of the Trinity. Over the com- munion table the three arches are filled in with exquisite and appropriate paintings in oil; thus shewing the work of restoration to be progressing, both in the interior and exterior. The various tombs are also gracefully draped with laurel. The Lady Chapel is embellished with holly, yew, and laurel. The pulpit is very prettily decorated, and the arches over the communion table are filled with small branches of holly and fern, The tomb of the Rev. William Bruce Knight, M.A., is almost concealed by the drapery of laurel and ivy. The various portions of the original Norman structure still remaining unrestored are ornamented with evergreens. The design of the entire mass of decorations is pretty and effective; the object being to relieve the eye from the monotonous effect of the stone, and bring out in stronger relief the richly carved details of both nave and chancel. ST. JOHN'S. As the leading church, the extent to which the de- corations are carried is larger than any other each of the pillars in the spacious nave has a band of holly and ivy twirled round it in a spiral form. The capitals of the columns are sligthly ornamented with leaves. The fronts of the galleries are festooned in the same manner, and every gas burner presents an array of leaves and berries; the mottoes this year being entirely confined to the chancel. The spacious nave has received a mass of floral decoration, not equalled in preceding- years. The font is very prettily orna- mented, as well as the reading desk and pulpit. The chancel is very richly decorated, the columns have similar spiral bands to those in the nave; the capitals are also wreathed with holly, while bands of laurel are carefully worked in the fillets of the arches. This could not be attempted in the nave, from the great height of the columns. The east end, with the beautifully painted window, presents a very pretty appearance. Bands of holly surround the window, and are continued over the communion table. On each side of the window is worked one motto, the letters being separately placed on the wall, and tastefully formed with leaves of ivy and laurel, the text being, Unto you is born this day, within the City of David, a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord." And over the arch of the window another motto equally appropriate, Good tidings of great joy and on each side are stars, worked with the same material, enclosed in circles. From the spacious i character of the building, there is ample room for a very large mass of decorations without giving to it a crowded or unsightly appearance but from the green tone of the glass windows on the south and north sides, the best effect is undoubtedly obtained when the gas is lighted. This is another instance of the praiseworthy exertions of the ladies. We have been informed that the decorations are principally due to the Misses Grover, R. L. Reece, and Scale, under whose directions and assistance the various' mottoes, &c., were executed and placed in their respective positions. Too much praise cannot be accorded to these ladies for the taste displayed in the design and the points seized on for ornamentation. ST. MARY'S. The decorations here are very simple in their character. The gas-burners on the pulpit, the clock in front of the organ gallery, have received some ornament. A few sprigs of ivy and holly dispersed here and there keep up the remembrance that it is the Christmas season, but no attempt has been made to decorate the building, although the Norman archi- tecture afforded abundant opportunities for so doing. ST. ANDREW'S Is very prettily decorated with ivy, laurel, and yew, while holly berries are plentifully used to relieve the green tone of the leaves. The pillars separating the nave are ornamented with bands of ivy worked in serpentine form up the columns, with true artistic skill. The principal seat of decoration is the chancel�here mottoes and designs are very plentiful, and give abundant testimony that much time as well as skill have been spent in the decoration of this place for Christmas time. On the West ends of the chancel, facing the nave, are the very appropriate mottoes�" Unto us a child is born," "Untous a Son is given," worked with much taste in ivy leaves. Beneath are the mottoes�" God manifested in the flesh," and Emanuel, God with us." On the South side of the chancel is the motto worked in the same foïm-" On earth peace, goodwill towards all men." The pulpit choir and gas burners are very prettily "decorated with laurel and ivy, while bunches of the hoiiy berry are judiciously intermixed. The font has also received some decorations of a similar character. The chief point of attraction is the East end of the chancel. The sides beneath the large window are appropriately ornamented, while a motto worked with great care in ivy leaves is placed over the communion table the letters are plain, but well- formed, and the whole is a. work of some considerable skill. The text chosen is I am the root and off- spring of David, and the bright morning star." The design is both pleasing and appropriate. There is no crowding to produce effect, and the peculiar style of the architecture of the interior present many points on which decorations oould be placed. Those have been judiciously selected by the decorators, to whose patient industry the change in the appearance of the interior is due. The entire mass of decorations have been carried out by j the efforts of Mrs. J. and Chas. Sankey, the Misses Alexander, Todd, and others, and the son and daughter of the indefatigable churchwarden, Mr. I Bevan. CHRIST CHURCH, SPLOTLANDS. This unpretending little church was not behind others in Christmas decorations. The Misses Stothert were, we believe, the principal ladies of the con- gregation who gave their time and skill for the purpose of "dressing the church." This they accomplished most tastefully. The selection and arrangement of the decorations were free from everything that could offend the most scrupulous conscience�nature's 1 gifts�the holy, the ivy, and other evergreens blended together, con- tributing to produce a most pleasing and happy effect. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, CANTON. This modern and insufficient building, which in its half-finished state appears, externally, in ruins, has received some very pretty ornaments in the shape of floral decorations. Like most of the other churches, the principal object has been to adorn the East end. In the centre is the window which, at the present, forms the chancel window, and is divided into three lights. The entire glass is covered with some material to partially exclude the light, on which are worked in elegant semi-trans- parent characters, three very appropriate mottoes. The design is unique, and the effect excellent. It is the only transparent design yet attempted here for our churches, and reflects the highest credit on Mr. Harris, the schoolmaster, to whose taste and skill not only this is due, but also the carrying out of the other portion of the decorations. The texts selected for the mottoes are,�"Emmanuel, God with us,"� Unto us a child is born,"�" The Prince of peace. Festoons hang gracefully over the communion table, and by the side of the window. In the arch on each side of the window are two other mottoes, worked with leaves on red cloth, "Alpha" and "Omega," surrounded with double triangles of holly and laurel. The massive pillars running along the aisles are prettily decorated with bands of holly and yew bound spirally round them, while the plain capitals of the columns are adorned with wreaths of evergreens. The pulpit, the reading desk, and the font, have each received some attention. The organ, at the western end, is, however, left unadorned. Again the ladies of the congregation have been very conspicuous in their assistance. ROATH PARISH CHUECH. The decorations here are chaste, but without de- sign; the heads of the pews are each ornamented with a bunch of holly, ivy, and yew. The gas- burners are also trimmed" up in the same manner, but neither festoon nor motto is allowed to detract the attention from the more serious part of the service. PENARTH CHURCH. This ancient parish church, which has been for ages a landmark, a beacon and a steering point in the Bristol Channel, will ere long become a thing of the past, and will survive only in the memory of "the inhabitants, or in a photographic view of its now decaying proportions. Early in March it is to be pulled down to make room for its successor, a very handsome and commodious structure, to be built at the sole expense of the munificent Baroness Windsor. As it was the last opportunity, this aged building was decorated with more than usual interest and care. Un- der the superintendence of the Rector's wife, assisted by a few of the ladies of the parish, everything was done which good taste could suggest to ornament the interior in the manner suitable to the festive season. The walls were variegated with tasteful designs, among which we especially noticed the following :�In front of the singing gallery, Emmanuel, God with us;" over the porch door a cross with the words Righteousness, Peace, Mercy, Truth," and at the altar a screen bearing in the centre the sacred monogram 1. H. S.; on each side of it the words God, Man," the whole being surmounted by a taste- ful cross. The general effect is pleasing in the extreme. ° CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS AT NEWPORT. The Christmas decorations of the churches at New- port are particularly chaste this season. We may especially notice the Maindee church of St. John's which is fully decorated with evergreens, and em- bellished with texts of Scripture and emblematic symbols, the whole arranged in beautiful harmony. This church was decorated at the Choral festival, held about three months ago, and elicited general admiration; but we consider the present arrange- ment of the evergreens more effective. Much credit is due to the taste of the ladies, who, with the respected minister, undertook the task. The stained glass east window, given by the family to the memory of the late Thomas Powell to Trinity church, New- port, was sufficiently completed to be uncovered on Christmas Day. CHRISTMAS TO THE POOR. CHRISTMAS DINNER AT THE UNION WORKHOUSE. Tie inmates of this house (273 in number) were regaled with the usual Christmas dinner of roast beef, plum pudding, and beer and tea for those who preferred it. The house was visited at the dinner hour by the Mayor (James Pride, Esq.), E P Richards, Esq., Mr. & Mrs. J. Bird and party, Mr. Rutland, Aid. David, Mr. R.J. Todd, Mr. Whiffen, and others. The visitors made the following complimen- tary report to the master:�"It is our pleasure again to report that the Christmas dinner provided for the inmates of the Workhouse and Refuge, is of the best possible description was well cooked, and appeared to be very much enjoyed by the recipients they all seemed grateful for it. The house was in excellent order." Aid. Alexander sent a liberal supply of tea, sugar, snuff and tobacco for the old snd infirm inmates. Mr. Rutland also sent tobacco and snuff. The wife of Dr. Pearse, the medical officer of the Union, treated all the children in the nursery with buns and sweets, and tea and sugar for the old women. CHRISTMAS AT THE ELY INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS. No doubt the public will be glad to learn something of the proceedings which took place at the above- named institution, on the occasion of the return of this joyful season. The kind-hearted guardians (ever watchful of the interest of these poor children) having given their permission for the dinner, &c," the excellent master and matron (Mr. and Mrs. Harris) proceeded to carry it out with a zeal and energy which deserve the highest meed of praise. No one could scarcely wish to sit down to a better dinner than that to which the children of the Ely Industrial Schools sat down on Sunday last. The roast beef and plum pudding were of the best description, which, no doubt, Mr. Alexander can tes- tify to. This gentleman, with his two daughters, came over to see the children enjoy themselves, and took great interest in the whole of the proceedings This is only one of the many instances in which the name of this truly good gentleman has been asso- ciated with the welfare of these poor children. But he was not only a spectator�he sent a large hamper of apples, sweetmeats, &c., to be distributed among the boys and girls, who, we are sure, will long re- member Mr. Alexander's kindness. On Monday, likewise, they sat down to a good sub- stantial tea. The cake for this was made by the matron herself, and was of excellent quality. Among those who waited upon the children we noticed that excellent lady, Miss Jenner; also, Rev. A. Jenner, W. Alexander, Esq., the two Misses Alexander, the master, matron, schoolmaster and mistress, the cook, nurse, the industrial trainer, and other of their friends, and we need hardly say, they all had as much as they could do for a time to keep them a-going.' The capacious dining-hall had been de orated for the occasion, and looked very beautiful indeed. Among other mottoes were the following :�" God save the Queen," Long live our Chairman," "Prosperity to our Guardians," Success to our Schools," Faith, Hope, and Charity," May God bless our Chapla n," Hurrah for the beef and pudding." After tea the children enjoyed jthemselves by various games and gymnastic exercises; while, at intervals, Mr. Williams, of Bridgend, kindly played several beauti- ful pieces upon the harp, to the great delight of the juveniles. This happy day was brought to a close by a distribution of oranges and sweetmeats among the children (kindly sent them by Messrs. Flint and Alexander), and by several appropriate addresses from the master and others, with many good hearty cheers for all who had in any way contributed to their day's enjoyment. CANTON.�SEASONABLE BENEVOLENCE. 220 poor men and women of the hamlet, principally aged, were entertained with a capital dinner, con- sisting of beef, pork, geese, fowls, plum-puddings, at the expense of Mr. Thomas Toms, and four or five other friends, ship brokers, &c., at the docks. Messrs. D. W. Jones, Francis and Yorath, together with Mr. Toms, Captain Kinall, Mr. D. Thomas, Mr. Giddu, Mr. H. Reece, and several ladies, officiated as carvers and waiters, and the poor recipients were most enthusiastic in their acknow- ledgment of the entertainment. Much praise is due Mr. and Mrs. Cranston for the excellence of the dinner, and the way it was brought to table. After the humble recipients had departed, a select com- pany sat down to dinner, and spent the remainder of the evening in a very sociable and agreeable manner. GRANGE-TOWN NATIONAL SCHOOL. One of those social meetings, which are now be- coming so general in this country, took place on Monday evening last in the Grange Town Nationa- School. For weeks before it had been publicly anl nounced that the children of the school intended to give an entertainment in music and recitation 5 and long before the hour announced for meeting, a larg* concourse of persons was congregated outside the door, anxious to participate in the evening's amuse- ment. The task would be hopeless to attempt a description. One hopeful sign in the meeting was that there appeared to be a marked improvement in the conduct of the children over that of a former occasion, and a growing earnestness and zeal mani- fested by the parents and friends present in favour of a moral and religious training. Thanks were due to Messrs. Briggs & others, for the excellent arrange- ments in carrying out the entertainment, and for the assistance they afforded on the occasion. Space will not allow us to enumerate the many other friends who favoured the meeting with their presence nor can we speak too highly of the taste and energy displayed by Mr. and Mrs. Ellis, by whom the school was taste- fully decorated, and an excellent supper provided for the members of the night school and the several assistants. The Rev. V. Saulez took the chair, sup- ported by the Rev. T. Parr, curate. CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. The weather for the last few days has been, what pleasure-seekers could only wish it to be, fine, dry, and keen. A temperature a few degrees below the freez- ing point gives zest to the various games which cha- racterize a, Christmas holiday, and serve as a powerful aid to the alimentary organs of the juvenile portion of the community in digesting the store of rich materials which had been crowded into the stomach. Perhaps in no period of the year is the keen dry frosty air so much required; and the amusement of the period are more thoroughly enjoyed when a dry hard ground presents no obstacle to locomotion, than when it is covered with snow. Christmas this year hts, from the fineness of th'e weather, been almost exceptional, and the power of enjoyment seemed without bound. The holiday observed for the two days following Christmas-day must have been highly appreciated by those whose occupation keeps them for a great portion of their time confined to the shop' the office, or other in-door employment. All over the country the holiday on Monday was to a great extent universally obtained. In our own town the whole of the principal tradesmen closed on both Monday and Tuesday. The banks and post-office closoo on Mon- day at one o'clock. SOPHIA GARDENS, For some days it had been known that the miniature lake at the lower end of the Sophia Gar- dens was frozen over, and Boon after breakfast on Monday morning hundreds of persons found their way thither to try their skill in skating over its frozen surface�the more humble of the juveniles contenting themselves with a slide. Numbers of the gentler sex strolled through the garden walks, stop- ping to admire the group of icicles hanging like branches of crystal from the fountain jets, appearing as if water, while playing, had been suddenly frozen, and the liquid stream been converted instantaneously to slender sprigs of crystal. THE CIRCUSES. Later in the day, when exercise had lost some of its charms, throngs of people wended their way to Quaglieni s Circus and the Amphitheatre. Being a day performance, the preponderance was on the side of youth, groups of five and six being carefully chaperoned by the Mater Familias, Papa being on the occasion a supernumerary, to be put anywhere but in front. As a Christmas show, for children nothing can equal an equestrian entertainment. Children always delight in feats of horsemanship, be- yond any other kind of exhibition, especially when a pantomime is to be introduced. The doors both at Quaglieni's Circus and the Amphitheatre at the Music Hall were besieged by hundreds long before the time fixed for the opening, and very soon at the circus every available spot was occupied by clusters of merry sparkling eyes interspersed with an almost equal number of more sedate, but perhaps more boisterous juveniles of the other six. Gallery, pit, boies, and stalls presented a sea of heads, and the proprietor reluctantly was at last compelled to say, There's no more room The loud clapping of hands by the children shewed how heartily they enjoyed the entertainment: the pantomime being all that could be desired. The most popular foundation for the Christmas Pantomime of 1864, have been the old nursery rhymes which the oldest of us have listenedtoyearsago; and, while the public at "Astleys" are applauding, perhaps, in a more legitimate sphere The cat in the cupboard, and she can't see me," or The lion and the unicorn fighting for the crown," at her Majesty's," the younger scions of our own locality are equally loud in their plaudits at the spec- tacle of "Ride a cock-horse to Banbury Cross." On this day the whole strength of the company did their best to render the entertainment pleasing to young and old, and strangers were astonished at the daring and graceful male and female equestrians. The circus in the evening was equally crowded, and numbers were unable to obtain admission. The en- tertainment at the Music Hall, though perhaps not quite so fashionably attended, was well supported, and at each performance there was a "crowded house." The riders and the clowns did their best and as at such times human nature is not inclined to be hypercritical, they succeeded in drawing down repeated bursts of applause. Here again the per- formance was of a character well worthy of a visit, and many country cousins will return home with a long tale of what they saw and heard at the circus. It is somewhat unfortunate that at a time when the town is crowded with visitors, and a large por- tion of the inhabitants free from toil, that no other place of amusement was open. There is, however, a pleasing feature, that though the police court was closed on Monday and Tuesday, but few cases of any importance were reported at the police station, and the streets were not made the medium of exhibitions of drunkenness. As far as the holiday itself was concerned, everything passed over remarkably well;" and though the season was one' when the temptation to joviality is greater than, usual, the Monday and Tuesday were observed much more soberly than would have been expected a few years ago.

THE CARDIFF WAITS. 'â� j' < "Mueic hath charms," the poet writes, i': ç: To soothe the savage breast;" Oh if he heard the Cardiff waits, He would be soothed, I'm bless'd Their cornet, fiddle, flute, and harp, Dis-played their best endeavours, From double bass to double sharp, With demi-semi quavers -r *1 v .T.'jJV.1 I love to hear the cornet's tones, By an experienced player, Proclaim the charms of 'Jenny Jones'â�� Sweet spirit, hear my prayer t' The violin I like full well, When two strike up together, My own blue belle, my pretty blue belle*â�� All in a hat and feather The flute, to please us, never fails- Its notes are rich and meliow List to 'God bless the Prince of Wales'â�� For he's a hearty good fellow Our ancient harp hath charms for me, Whene'er T hear its tinkliu'â�� Y Verch o' Sker' Byw byth bo hi'â�� Of noble race was Shenkin!' In rousing us tbey take delight, Our rest aud comfort scorning 'Twas ten o'clock one moonlight night'â��â�¢ We won't go home till morning Though some may at their visits carp, The young esteem them favours, FlOm double bass to double sharp, And demi-semi qui:vers Cardiff, Dec., 1864. Typo.

M. Mocqnard is said to have left a fortune of seventeen millions of francs £780,000. The death of the mother of tho late William Makepeace Thackeray is announced. The New Exchange at Birmingham is to be formally opened by Mr. Scholefield, M.P., on Monday next. CBUELTT TO A Fox.�The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, have instigated proceedings against Thomas Henry Hari isou, landlord of the Glohe inn, at Hyde, and a man named J. Etchells, for cruelly ill-treating a fox' It seems that three weeks sillcP Harrison bought a fox for 15s" and got up a "meet" at his tavern. When the fox was turned out its off hind leg was dangling down when it had run the length of two or three fields the dogs came up, but they durst n it face it; but Etchells turned it off again, and there was another hunt, after which Etchells cau.rht the poor animal by the tail and carried it back to the Globe. Harrison was fined £ 5 and costs, and Etchells 40s, THE ST. PATRICK S BCBIAL SOCIETY, at Liverpool has been placed under the care of "a receiver," in consequence of the revelations made during the progress of a County Court investigation. Its income" amounts to £ 40, >00 a year; but during the last five years a printer has received between £3,000 and £4,000, and the president (the Rev. Patrick Pht- lan, a Dissenting Minister) £1(10 per annum, besides which he occasionally acted with a man named Judge, aR medicai inspector, for which they charged excessive fees. Mr. Treaty was appointed secretary at 8s. per week, but his salary ha- bienat least £ 400 per annum, with house-rent, coals, an 1 gas in addition, besides extras." THe frauds were disco\ "reù by a newly-elected committeeman who was cashiered t. i- a writteu communication "injurious to the interests of the So. ciety," but the Court has ordered his reinstatement. UTILIZATION OP SEWAGE.�A number of noblemen in. cluding the Dukes of Sutherland, Marlborough, Wellin-ton Rutland, and Manchester, the Earl of Clarendon, and Lord Ebury have appended their names to the following resolu- tion �"That the pollution of rivers by house sewage al¡.1 b\ other matteis is a seriomevii, affecting most injuriously the hfealth and wealth of the popul ition. We, the undersi 'meu ate therefore anxious that the se^-ase oi towns should be utilized on our respective estates, and generally ao tar a- jjDssible.

ROATH. MEETING OF RATEPAYERS On Tuesday some bills were put into circulation call- ing a public meeting of the ratepayers of Roath, at the Four Elms Inn, on Weduesday evening. At the time ap- pointed for taking the chair (eight o'clock), only a few persons had assembled, but shortly afterwards, nearly 20 persons being present Mr. O'Rourke was called to the chair. The point of dispute between the ratepayers and the Local Board was a resolution passed at the last meet- ing of the Board, making the payments for the private improvements in the Plucca-lane district payable by the whole Koath district, instead of by the particular district benefitted by the improvements, and which Lad been previously promised by the Board. The Cnairmaii first explained the objects of the meeting, and dwelt at some length on the proceedings of the Board. The majority ot the persons present were entirely of opinion that it would be unfair to tax the whole district for the ra" ment of what was a benefit only to a particular district, when all the other portions of the Roath district had paid severally for their own private improvements, drainage, &c.�Mr. Bright (appearing nearly the only one on the opposition side) declaimed against objecting to the payment of L 75 annual rent to the Cardiff Board of Health for permission to drain into a sewer.�The Chairman thought they were getting wide of the point, and urged the necessity of confining tbe discussion to the point specified in the notice calling the meeting, which he again read.�Mr. Bright repeated that it would be but fair that the i-75 should be paid for by the whole district.� I he Chair- man thought the rate illegal.� Mr. Bright thought, if the rate was illegal they had no occasion to trouble themselves, but they could simply refuse to pay the collector when he called for the money. He should strongly advocate that a committee be appointed to look into the general busi. ness arrangements of the Board, and the way in which the money was expended. The Chairman again called the attention of those present to the object of the meet- ing, when one of the ratepayers wished to know if it was not a meeting of the ratepayers to discuss the affairs ot the parish 1-The Chairman again reiterated the point which the promoter had in view in calling the meeting� which was to discuss matters relative to the general dis- trict rate.�Mr. Bright attempted again to make some ob. servations, but the feeling ot the meeting was against him and he sat down.�Mr. O'Rourke alluded to the resolution passed at the last meeting of the Board of Health for that parish in opposition to a previous plan to divide the Roath district into sub districts, and each of these had paid their ^are for the expense incurred in draining, &c., their particular district, until they came to the Plucca-Iane distiict, when the Board had resolved that the payment for the same work in that district should be levied on all the ratepayers. This he considered mosi unjust. He then alluded to the market, and the way it had been managed by the Board. He contracted to build the mar- ket for the sum of £1000; he should have done so sub. stantially and well had it not been for Air. Ensor and several members of the Board, who persisted in making alterations of an expensive nature in the plan which brought up the amount about £ 50 more As it was on the whole, both then and since, too much money had been spent on the market, and bad such not been the case it would have been a paying affair. H« further stated that there was a clause in the lease in which Lord Tredegar can be compelled to take the market if the Board ot Health determined to give it up. �Mr. Bright very strongly questioned this statement. but the Chairman was positive that such a clause existed. � Mr. Jones, one of the ratepayers who formed a deputa- tion to the Board some time since, stated that the Board had pledged to him tba' the expenses incurred iu the Plucca-lane distiict should be paid for by the owners and occupiers in that district. They had, therefore, broken faith with him, besides it was a most unjust and iniquitous tax.�Mr. Johns supported Mr. Jones with respect to the pledge given by the Board about the payment re- specting the Plucca Lane district. � i be Chairman con- sidered it not only unjust, but the Plucca Lane peo, Ie had done it themselves. Lord Tredegar would have had the sewers constructed on the charge of £5 fur each house, but they felt they could make better terms with the Cardiff Board and re-olved to have their sewers con- nected with the Cardiil drain. He also charged llr. Pearson and Mr. Daniel Thomas for having gone out of their way to serve themselves, they having property in that district, Mr. Phillip Thomas complainod of tbe heavy charges made on the ratepayers and the little work done for it. He alluded to the disgraceful state of the streets in Splotlands Several of the ratepayers took the same view, and a long desultory conversation fol- lowed, which was brought tu a close by the Chairman calling their attention to the object in view by summon- ing the meeting.�Mr. W. John then proposed, and \1 r.. Iiays seconded, the following resolution: ihat this meeting protest against the resolution passed at the last adjourned meeting of the Board of Health and consider it unjust in principle, illegal, and a shameful violation of the pledge given to them when the question of the Private Improvements in tbe sub-district of Plucca Lane was first introduced bj the Board." The resolution was unanimously adopted �A discussion then followed on the money expended by the Board, and the little that appeared to have been done, when Mr. W. Rees proposed, and Mr. D. Howell's seconded another resolution that a committee be ap- pointed to examine the receipts and expenditure of the Board for the last 12 months, and report to a future meeting." The committee was afterwards named to consist of Mr. O'Hourke. Mr. V. Trays, Mr. R. Jones and Mr. Thomas �i he usual vote of thanks was passed, and the meeting separated.

A SCCLLBE s RACK for .41100, be!«een Geo. DreMitt of ( helsea, and Jonn VI. Mackuii.ey,ot Ru hino .d, fu.m Puiney to Mortlake, caiue oti on W ednesday. Won easiiy by Divuiit. lile Rev C. D..ViABSTON, of S;. Aiarj s, Mary let.iiue, to be tile tuiure editor ut The Churchman s I euny ALontklg Magazine. A CBBISTMA8 PARTY of fi e persons nearly h st then lives at Rradfoid on Tuesday by poison. They had UiiM� helUUire powder, instead of yin^er, awo, g sotm warm ale, unit so. n .nter the whole oJ them showed *juip:t.u.» oi iiuviug uen jiuisoned. Medical aid was piocttireu, ;md happily iu ibt course of the day all but one was out of aauger.