The Cambrian

THE SOUTH WALES AND MONMOUTHSHIRE COMMER-1 CIAL TRAVELLERS' BANQUET j AT SWANSEA. GENIAL SPEECH BY ME B. EVANS, THE CHAIRMAN. AN INFLUENTIAL COMPANY AND A GRAND FINANCIAL EESULT. Last evening the second annual banquet of the South Wales and* Monmouthshire Commercial Travellers' Association, in aid of the Commercial Travellers' Schools and Benevolent Institution, was held at the Royal Hotel, Swansea. The large banquetting room of this well-kucnrn hostelery was m )st artistically decorated, and presented a very pretty sight. The tables were remarkably well laid, the catering was excellent, and the general arrangements such as to reflect the highest credit upon Host Row. During the evening a select band of the 3rd G.R.V., by kind permission of Col. Richardson and the officers of the regiment, played the following selection of music under the baton of Mr. Bertie Davies Overture, "Bohemian Girl," (Balfe); va13e, "La Serenata," (Jaxone): selection "Bondolier; (Sullivan); ballet music from "William TelL" (Rossini); valse, "Venezia" (Desormes): selection of Welsh airs (arranged by Godfrey)- Mr. Benjamin Evans, of Temple-street and Corrymore, presided, the vice-chairmen being Mr. J. D. Llewellyn (Mayor of Neath). Alder- man James Jones, J.P.; Mr. Gwilym Evans, J.P. (Lanellv), and Mr. Lewis Lewis (High-street, Swansea). The large and influential company included the Mayor (Alderman Mason), the Rev. Canon Smith (Vicar): Sir John Jones Jenkins, Revs. James Owen, Evan Jenkins, and W. A. Clarke; Mr. William Williams, J.P. (Maesy- gwernen). Mr. R. D. Burnie, Aldermen W. Pike and H. Monger, Councillors Tutton and Aeron Thomas, Dr. W. Morgan Messrs. J. Rogers (hon. sec. >, Vi G. Davies (Chairman South Wales and Monmouthshire Commercial Travellers' Associa- tion t, Thomas J. Poulter, A. P. Allen, author of Ambassadors of Commerce," W. Nicholson. Geo. Taylor, H. A. Evans, T. L. Weldon, W. Allen (Newport), D Llewellin Evans (Newport), Robt. Parry, J. Clarke Evans, F. Halden, E. S. Swavage, W. Jenkins, — Millar (Chester), Thomas (Henrietta-street), Owen Owen, John Nice, J. H. Rosser. David Davies, David Evans (Llangennech Park), J. D. Williams, — Watts, Fred. Smith (London and North Western Rail- way). Rowland Jone^, E. Meredith Thomas (Temple-streeti, W. H. Aynsley (Temple-street), D. Meyler, Tom. T. Parsons, George W. May- hew (Temple-street). Ted Protheroe, W. James, David R. Knoyle, E. R. Lewis, David Jenkins, W. Roderick Evans, J. Bond. J. D. Williams (Penclawdd), Thomas Lewis, Morgan Williams. D. H. Lewis (Neath). W. Jenkins, S. P. WilK D. Williams. John Lewis, Daniel Phillips, David Wiiiiams (Aberdare). H. R. Boord, H. Rowe, E. A. Smith. P. G. lies (Hon. Sec. Grocers' Associa- tion). J. H. Gwyther (Vice-chairman South Wales a.nd Monmouthshire Commercial Travellers' Asso- ciation), Herbert Morgan, Isaac Jones. B. Jones, E. Evans. A. W. Fowke, John Jones (Cardiff), H W. Hansard (Aerated Water Manufactory), H. Trusoott (Mount Pleasant House), Charles Fell, Daff Davies, Fred Allen. (Aberdare) D. S. Davies (Llandovery). D. Evans (Llanelly). Evan Jones (Merthyr). Hugh Paton (Neath) Dr. David Arthur Davies Messrs. John E. Blackhouse. — Huddleston, J. G. Davies (Neath). A. T. Jones, E. A. Curtis (Town Clerk of Neath), T. R. Davey. A. James, G. Driver, Thos. Jones, P. Shuttlewood, J. Stuart. T. Rees, James Brown, E. Roberts (Neath), W. D. Davies (Llanwrda.), Jno. White (Temple-street), W. Weaver, W. W. Moore. J. C. Sladen, Wm. Edwards, W. R. Hockin (Bristol). Dr. J. Evans, J.P. Messrs. W. Edwards, J. D. Hughes (Nichol-street), T. Williams (Aherdare), Alfred Davies. David Wiiiiams, T. Evans. W. H. Roberts (4. Walter's- terrace). H. W. Hicks (Walter's-terrace), Wm. Thomas (Gloucester Buildings), J. P. Hitchings, H. M. Grose (Temple-street), Thos. Yorath. Wm. Owen, LI. L. Howell, Montgomery Williams, Montgomery Williams, senior; D. C. Jones (Castle-square), Augustus Lewis (H.M. Inspector of Mines), Chas. Down. James Hughes, A. Paton, Isaac Gale (High-street), and E. F. Gye. After a capital dinner, The President, who was received with enthusi- astic cheers, said it was his privilege to submit the toast of her Majesty the Queen. No persuasion was needed to commend the toast to an assembly of loyal British subjects such as that was. For his own part he should drink the toast the more heartily because he knew how ready the Queen was to help every charitable cause, and that among the host of charities which she befriended the Commercial Travellers' Schools and Bene- volent Institution wa.s one. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm, the company singing God save the Queen. The President proposed H. H. H. the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family." He said that in drinking this toast they could not forget that there was one no longer with the Royal Family but whose health most of them drank at the last banquet. If they were to think of the uncertainty of life and the recent hIs of the Royal Family, they could not look upon this toast as an idle array of words. Their interests as a people were bound up in the welfare of the Royal Family and the succession to the throne. He was sure they would all drink from their hearts to the continued health of the Prince of Wales, who. he believed, had succeeded his father as patron of the Commercial Traveller's School, and who. like his mother, was a bene- factor of the Association. The toast was received with enthusiasm, and the company sang God bless the Prince of Wales." Mr. W. Williams. J.P.. (Maesygwernen) who was wall received, submitted '"TheClprgy and Ministers of all denominations." He said this was the first time it had ever fallen to his lot to propose this toast. The clergy and ministers were a body of gentlemen who did a great and good service in the country, and to whom they were all deeply indebted. He coupled with the toast the names of Canon Smith, the Revs. James Owen and E. Jenkins. Canon Smith, in responding, spoke in high praise of the Commercial Travellers' Association, and of the noble objedithey had in view. The Rev. James Owen said it had been a pleasure to him for many years to number amono- his most intimate friends some commercial travellers. He had been interested in hearing accounts of how they spent Sundays in different towns, the services they attended, and the sermons they heard, and he had not heard of a commercial traveller who was not equal to passing a verdict upon any sermon. (Applause and laughter.) He had also noticed that there had been any reference to business in the sermon it had been somewhat resented, for a minister was supposed to know nothing about business he lived outside the circle of trade, and had nothing to do except talk on Sunday! As one intelligent labourer said to another, The minister 'as nothing to do except to walk about in 'is best clothes on every day. to go about naving tea with old ladies, and to talk on Sunday, while we 'as to work away 'ard every day." But however ignorant a minister might be of business, he always heartily appreciated and sympathised with institutions of the kind the commercial travellers had established. The Rev. Evan Jenkins. in responding, said that evening gave evidence that the sermons which the commercial travellers heard were put into practice. They provided for their widows and orphans, and he thought that compassion and kindness to the widow, and brotherly feeling towards all, were very important parts of our Christian religion. As far as the service of the ministry of all denominations, and all sections of the Christian Church, was concerned, he thought the conntry could not possibly dispense with it. No community could stand upon what was known as expediency, or what was called physical forces. I Life must be based upon love and trust in some- thing higher than ourselves. He thought he might claim that our religion had a most humanising power in our land. The rev. gentle- man thanked the company for the assistance he had received from them, and for the way in which they had drunk the toast. I Mr. R. D. Burnie proposed The Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces, when he spoke in praise II of the present condition of these forces, of the great and glorious deeds they ha 1 done in the past. and expressed the confident belief that they I would be found as courageous and a3 intrepid in the future as in the past. He coupled with tae toast the name of Lieutenant-Colonel Pike. Colonel Pike responded in a very practical speech, in which he eulogised the present Govern- ment upcn their attitude towards the army, navy and reserve forces. He had been connected with the volunteer movement ever since 1859, and in order to prove its importance in Swansea he only had to sav that they had a fine, commodious hall, the Drill Hall, in Singleton-street, which was useful for all kinds of meetings. (Applause.) Mr. Gwilym Evans (chairman of the Carmarthen- shire County Council) snbmitted" The Mayor and Corporation of Swansea." This he did in a speech in which he alluded in terms of praise to the objects and the workof the Association, and spoke of the great pleasure it afforded him to see that Mr. Ben Evans had recovered from his recen illness—a pleasure, he was sure, shared by all in that room. (Loud applause, in which some of the company rose to their feet and cheered lustily.) The Swansea Corporation was an important body, whose civic chair had been filled by men who were capable of managing their own business as well as that of the public- such men as Sir John Jones Jenkins and Mr. William Williams (Maesygwernen), who were the pioneers of the tin-plate trade of South Wales. He coupled with the toast the name of Alderman Mason (Mayor of Swansea.) Alderman Mason was warmly received on rising to respond. He said he had no hesitation in saying that men aspired to the office of councillor who did not think of the responsibilities, but. having got in the Council, they found the responsibilies were very large. The man who conducted his own bnsiness in a business- like way could be depended upon to do the same with the public business. That had been his ex- perience. When he entered the Council he said I am going to manage the affairs of the Council in the same way as I manage my own," and he hoped he might fairly claim that view from the burgesses of Swansea. When he accepted the office of Mayor, he had in his mind one important thing which he was anxious to carry out success- fully—the Bath and West of England Show, (applause), and he hoped he had been successful in his efforts. (Hear, hear.) He also made up his mind that he would be Mayor for all sections. (Applause.) He did not believe anyone should accept such an important office as that of Mayor if he intended to act for one section only. They had only one chief Magistrate, and he ought to assist every section as much as possible, without drawing any distinctions. That he had always endeavoured to do. The President, who was again accorded a most enthusiastic reception, then rose, and said:— Sir John Jones Jenkins, and gentlemen the toast of the evening, which I have the honour to propose, is "The continued pros- perity of the Commercial Travellers' Schools, and the Commercial Travellers' Benevolent Institution." This toast falls to my lot as Chairman—a position of which I feel myself quite un worthy; and, but for the strong claims of these excellent institutions, which I may say I have thoroughly at heart, nothing could have induced me to preside to-night, not even the kindly expressions of the committee, nor the genial pressure of my friends, Mr. W. G. Davies, the energetic honorary Chairman, and Mr. John Rogers, the indefatigable honorary secretary. I consider I owe this complimest not to any merits of mine, but bo the importance of the textil induafry with which I have the pleasure to b. associated. No doubt, in Glamorganshire, other industries are better represented-represented by many of the gentlemen who have given us the support of their presence to-night; but if you go to Lancashire or Yorkshire, you will find, if I may be forgiven for saying so, that the textile industries an after all the mainstay of the national trade. I had hoped that this toast would have been proposed from this chair by the chief: magistrate of the greatest city on earth—for. as many of those present know, the Lord Mayor of London is not only a Welshman, but has, on previous occasions, presided over some of the annual festivals of thes^ institutions. However, gentlemen, although we have this evening to deplore the absence of our distinguished country- man, the Lord Mayor, we are honoured to-night by the presence among us of many distinguished gentlemen, and we have been encouraged by kind letters and subscriptions from Sir H. H. Vivian, Sir John T. D. Llewelyn, and others, who, but for Parliamentary or other pressing duties, would also, I believe, be present at this dinner, I would avail myself of this opportunity of acknowledging the debt of gratitude Swansea owes to those leading local gentlemen, to whose enterprise is due the prosperity of our town. Without such men, Swansea would still be a fishing village, or. at most, a seaside resort, Instead of that, we are a prosperous community, and, in the large number here gathered together, I read the promise of substantial help to the funds of these deserving institutions. My only misgivings are for myself, lest I should fail in doing justice to their claims. (Loud cries of "No, no," and cheers.) But, gentlemen, if I can read the hearts of those present here to- night.—and I think I can,—you do not care ao much for good, speeches—though I can promise you some good ones by and bye—but your chief you some good ones by and bye—but your chief anxiety is to know what is being done for the widow and for the orphan, and to help in carry- ing on the work for another year. And so without further preface, I will read you some particulars I have gathered as to the work of the two institutions for whose benefit we have met. They may be familiar-to some of us, but to others I venture to think they will be new. The first of the two charities, the Benevolent Institution, is for the purpose of giving annuities of £ 50 to dis- abled commercial travellers, and annuities of £ 30 to travellers" widows. Most of the JE50 annuities are of the nature of old age pensions, and. in proof of the arduous life of the commercial traveller, it is a significant fact that 55 is the limit of age at which an old age pension may commence. To show the position of this institution, and its utter dependence on annual subscriptions, I may ad^that, a few years ago. it was actually undar consideration to reduce these annuities, moderate as they are, in order to meet the pressing claims upon the funds,-a step only obviated by the extra efforts of this and similar provincial associations, the growth of recent years. At the present time, there are more than 300 pen- sioners on the funds, and, since the association was founded, 430 annuitants have been relieved at a cost of £ 130,000, who otherwise would have been in distressed circumstances. (Loud and continued cheers.) The Governors have no white elephant, in the shape of a We building, to keep up, so that the bulk of the money subscribed is for the direct benefit of those interested. I must not omit to say that commer- cial travellers themselves are by far the largest subscribers to this Institution, as well as to°th-» Schools. The Sohools are under a distinot Board of Management, and they are provided for the benefit of the orphan or necessitous children of I commercial travellers. They give a useful com- mercial education to 349 boys and girls betwaen 5 and 15 years of age, at an average cost, in- cluding board, clothing and instruction, of £23 a year—or, including offioe charges, buildings and repairs, of £28 a year—a very modest amount. To these schools very many commercial travellers are subscribers, and, to encourage this mode of self help, their children have certain advantages j as to age of admission over those of non- subscribers. To support these two Institutions, the sum of £20.000 annually is required from voluntary subscribers alone. S* much for figures. Now. gentlemen, as a Kjn of business, when I am asked to subscribe to anything—and you all know that such applications are tolerably frequent.—I am always glad when I find that the desired results are attained with efficiency and economy. Looking at the small expenses of management of these two Institutions, and the satisfactory nature of the pension scheme, and the high standard of the education given at the schools, I am bound to say that these two charities are thoroughly well and economically man- aged. (Cheers.) And there may be some here to night who. like myself, always ask themselves the question. What claim a certain charity has upon them personally. In this instance, the answer lies in considering the character and career of the Commercial Traveller. Some months ago, Sir Michael Hicks Beach, the distinguished brother of Lady Llewelyn, at a dinner for the same same worthy object, in the City of Bristol, drew an amusing comparison between the arts of the politician and those of the commercial traveller. If I go wrong, I shall doubtless be corrected by some politician or commercial traveller present but, as far as I recollect, the chief requisites for both, in Sir Michael's opinion, were an unlimited gift of the gab, plenty of cheek, a tolerably thick skin. and an invincible conviction of the super- iority of his own wares.—(Laughter.)—Now, I am aware that Sir Michael used much more Parlia- mentary linguage, but, if you will cross his t's and do this i's, you will see I am not far from th e mark. I do not understand much about politics, but I have had pretty extensive experience of commercial travellers and, if the politicians pre- sent will excuse me, although I own to a certain amount of resemblance, I think the comparison is some vhat hard on the commercial traveller. I think a more correct resemblance has been hit upon by my friend Mr. Allen, of London, who honours us with his presence here to-night. In his book, which I have had the pleasure of reading, he calls commercial travellers the "Ambassadors of Commerce. As an Am- bassador is entrusted with the affairs of the nation to which he belongs, so is the commercial traveller with the interests of the house he repre- sents, and this trust often makes him the judge in delicate questions. Many a successful business man has owed his credit in the past, and partly owes his position in the present, to the wise and generous use of discrimination by the com- mercial traveller, and the advice he has given to his firm, founded upon the knowledge of the business habits and abilities of young men be- ginning the struggle of life. Those who are behind the scenes know that the commercial traveller is born, not made. (Applause, loud and lengthened.) In Mr. Allen's interesting book, The Ambassadors of Commerce," he mentions a firm which, out of hundreds of men in their employ, could not find one to send out as traveller. Like -ambassadors, they are picked men, difficult to find, and difficult to re-place. (Loud cheers.) The resemblance is obvious in their power of diplomacy, their regard for etiquette, and the business value of their social qualities to those they represent. But the resemblance holds good in other important points. Ambassa- dors and commercial travellers are alike in their occupation, inasmuch as that occupa- tion is opposed to the attainment of old age or to the practioe of thrift. Both are exposed to a mental and physical strain which requires men to be in the prime of life both have to be up late at night writing their des- patches both have to make a good appearance, and to exercise a lavish hospitality for the benefit of those whom they represent; and both are most careful not to seek any personal advantage from the connections they form. Gentlemen, if yon think of their arduous labours, and the risks and dangers of their employment, you will be eager to subscribe handsomely to these splendid institu- tions, which provide security for the later years (if they survive) of the less fortunate among them, and an assured prospect to their widows and children, if they succumb. If you think of the inevitable inroads upon their incomes, you will admire the prudence and forethought so many of them display; and if they are prevented from soliciting outside subscriptions themselves, lest they should appear to use their em- plover's connection to their own advantage, it is all the more an obligation upon us to come forward to help them to help themselves. These, gentlemen, are a few of the facts and arguments which may induce you to help forward the ca.use of these charities to-night. More will doubtless be put before you by the gentlemen who have kindly come to Swansea to represent them, and whom I shall ask to respond to the toast I am about to propose. It only remains to say that I trust you will, by your contributions, make this meeting worthy of the town of Swan- sea. In London lapt year the dinner for the Benevolent Institution produced no less a sum than £2,350, that at Leeds JE2,106, that at Bir- mingham £1,800; and, coming nearer home, that at Bristol realized £550, and that at Cardiff £400 -local results upon which I hope we in Swansea shall considerably improve. Gentlemen I now ask you to join me in drinking prosperity to the Commercial Travellers' Schools and Benevolent Institution, coupling with that toast the names of Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Poulter, and Mr. A. P. Allen. [The speech was frequently interrupted with enthusiastic applause. J The Secretary announced, amid a scene of great enthusiasm, that Mr. Ben Evans, (the President) had subscribed £100. There was another round of applause when it was stated that Mr. Evans had collected £430. £25 had been subscribed by Mr. J. D. Llewelyn, Neath £ 25 by Aid. James Jones, and, conjointly collected by these two gentleman, £50: £10 10s given by Mr. Gwilym Evans, and £2? by Mr. Lewis Lewis. A number of other subscriptions were also an- nounced, making a total of £1,000 to the funds of the Association. The Secretary read a telegram from Mr. Alfred Machin, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Schools to :—"Mr. B. Evans. Hearty wishes for successful result of your kind efforts to-night. South Wales during last three years has done g-rand work for Institution." A tele- gram from Judge Gwilym Williams conveyed hearty good wishes, and the fact that his Honour subscribed annually two guineas. Mr. Nicholson, on behalf of the Schools, tendered his best thanks for the opportunity afforded them of being present. On behalf of himself and his colleagues, he could say that they immediately fell in with the wishes of the Board of Management in London to visit them on this occasion. It had been a source of great pleasure for them to do so. This was his maiden visit to Swansea, which was not so well-known to him as was North Wales. He was delighted with the ride through Wales, notwithstanding that they had to pass through "Lanore." (Laughter and cries of "Landore.") But be was perfectly sensible that all the smoke and dust and dirt meant industry, and was what they expected to meet in so flourishing a district. So much had been said about the Schools, so much had been done by them as Welshmen for Londoners, that he was at a loss what to say. His associations with commercial travellers were very pleasant they brought up memories of long ago, and as he saw new faces around him he was reminded that he was an old hand "on the roai "-of 50 years standing, in fact. He quite agreed with the remark of their esteemed President, that a commercial traveller WLS "born and not made." He came there to recognise the interest which they had shown in the Commercial Travellers' Schools, and the great and valuable services they had rendered them. He was sorry to say, however, that during the last six years they had lost at the rate of 200 annual subscribers per year from their list. But that could not surely apply to Wales, fo r they had shown that evening the deep interest they took in the Association. Why, out of be- tween 40,000 or 50,000 commercial travellers in the United Kingdom, theirs ought to be one of the most glorious institutions in the country— (applause)—second to none, not even to the Masonic body. Theirs was an institution strictly its own, confined to commercial travellers, and no money could bring a child, other than that of a commercial traveller, into it. When they looked upon the distress which so frequently fell upon families by sudden death or accident, the importance of their institution was forcibly and strikingly demonstrated. It waa quite true that a commercial man's hand was always in his pocket; there was a generous tendency in his heart to be always doing good. (Applause.) Why was it that the Association was on the downward grade when it held out such advan- tages? Swansea had done nobly, and such meetings as that were bound to stimulate them to renewed exertion, and would undoubtedly influ- ence men to join their ranks. (Hear, hear.) Their schools were no ordinary schools, because every child was carefully looked after by the Board of Management. There was no institution in London more closely supervised than these schools. Every attention was paid to the food, clothing, and sanitary arrangements. Nearly £1,000 vas paid some time ago in improving the sanitary condition of the schools, and last year a still larger sum was expended in the same direction. This showed that they were not niggardly with the money at their disposal, but that they were anxious, and rightly so, about the health and lives of the children committed to their care. He should like to see the importance of the schools recognised more by those who were trained there and had left. A short time ago a gentleman at Nottingham—he was one of the principal architects of the United Kingdom—rose at one of their social festivals, and said he was brought up at the Commercial Travellers' Schools—(applause)—and he showed that he was not ashamed of the bridge which had carried him out into life. At the present time they bad several boys enjoying the £75 a year scholarships at King's College, several in the Church of England as ministers, and also in the Scotch Church. One boy had passed through nine forms, and was now the highest but two of the tenth form in King's College. (Applause.) These were instances that went to show that the future welfare of the boys was not lost sight of by the managers. They were so trained that they could become, as many had become, wealthy merchants of the city of London. He (Mr. Nicholson) hoped that the good example which Swansea bad se; would not be lost sight of by other towns. If they could only get the commercial body to take up the Institution as they ought to, as their own noble Institution, there would be no need for these extraneous efforts to raise money, but they would have plenty in hand to extend the work. They had 42 acres of freehold ground which they could build upon, and, instead of having only 325 children in the schools they should have 600. They required JE9,000 a year to carry on the Institu- tion properly. He again sincerely hoped that what Swansea aud Welshmen had done for them would be followed by other towns. (Applause.) Mr. Taylor bore testimony to what had been stated by Mr. Nicholson. It would be a great pleasure to the Board of Management to hear of the very handsome result of the efforts made by their worthy chairman. (Hear, hear). He ap- pealed to those present to pay a visit to the schools the first opportunity they had, when they would see for themselves what was being done. Mr. Poulter also responded in a very interesting speech, in which he gave a brief sketch of the growth of the Association, and the untiring efforts that were put forth by the committee- men and others, particularly Mr. Daff Davies. While Mr. Poulter was speaking, Sir John Llewelyn entered the room, in company with his son, and was vociferously ap- plauded.] Mr. Poulter said they were very glad to see Sir John among them, for his family had been interested in the Association for some time, Sir Michael Hicks Beach having presided over one of their meetings at Bristol a while ago. Having referred to the advantagesof the Association, the speaker said their chairman had told them that it was supported mainly by subscriptions from commercial men. Thelt was not quite correct, for their receipts from that source did not reach JE4,000 a year, and they would see by the report recently circulated that subscriptions old and new amounted to less than £5,000. It was obvious that an institution which spent at least jE10,000 a year must have help from some body other than its own. It was to the wealthy merchants of this great country that they looked for help in time of need, a time which was never likely to cease, so he hoped that the assistance which had been rendered to place the Association in its present state would long be continued. (Hear, hear.) The present was the best year they had ever had, and he was happy to say that there was every prospect of their income reaching something like over £15,000 or jei6,000 a year. (Applause.) With the sums invested but not capitalised, they had something like £ 44,000—a very proud position to arrive at in so short a time, and mainly due to special efforts such as Swansea had so nobly made. He had to thank the Cambrian Branch of the Association for itstenterprise. Mr. B. Evans had told them he had hoped for a better man than himself to fill the chair that evening. That could not be. They could not have had a better man than Mr. Evans, who had rendered them a service they were not likely to forget. Mr. A..P. Allen, author of the" Ambassadors of Commerce," also responded, and said he read with great pleasure a little time ago a paragraph in a trade paper that Mr. B. Evans had returned from Egypt in excellent health, and that his first public occupation would be of a philanthropic character—to advance the interest in, and increase the funds of, the Commercial Travellers' Schools and Benevolent Institution. They were delighted to see Mr. Evans back in Swansea in such excellent health, and it was their fond hope that he would remain so for a very long time to come. (Hear, hear.) In conclusion Mr. Allen appealed to them to accord the Association that support which it so richly deserved, and reminded them that It is the liberal hand that maketh rich, and that he who with-holdeth yet tendeth to poverty." Sir John Llewelyn was loudly applauded on rising to propose The Town and Trade of Swansea." Having apologised for his late ap- pearance, he said the Travellers' Association was one which had his most hearty sympathy, and he was desirous of doing everything he could to promote its interests and to sup- port the Chairman in his kind endeavours to place them on a sound footing. (Applause.) Referring to the town and trade Sir John said Swansea had a great future before her, fostered as she was by all her commercial men, and by none more than by the Harbour Trust, the experienced chairman of which he was glad to see present. He coupled with the toast the name of Sir John Jones Jenkins. Sir John Jones Jenkins, in responding, said he was glad of the opportunity to be with them that evening. When he heard that his friend, Mr. B. Evans. one of Swansea's leading tradesmen, was to be chairman, he thought he would accept the invitation if only to recognise the position he (Mr. Evans) had attained in the town. He had shown his capacity in business, as chairman of such aHarge company as that, and as a speech- maker. He (Sir John) had listened to many speeches, but he had heard few more forcible and more to the point than Mr. Evans had delivered that evening. (Applause.) Swansea, he was glad to say, had lately taken new life her commercial prospects were bright, and every- thing pointed to a most prosperous future. The members of the public bodies devoted themselves with commendable zeal to their duties, and the results were very gratifying. The Harbour Trust had an income which, if properly ad- ministered, was bound to benefit the town and district. (Hear, hear). Councillor Tutton also responded. Mr. John Rogers submitted the toast of The Chairman." He said he wished the task had fallen into abler hands than his, in order that it might be done justice to, but it was a consolation to know that in an assembly such as that, in a town like Swansea and among busines men, it needed no great amount of eloquence, and no personal influence or position, to ensure a hearty reception to the name of Mr. Benjamin Evans. (Applause.) For nearly a quarter of a century he (Mr. Rogers) had been one of the "Ambass- 'e adors of Commerce," and he had, from the com- mencement of his career, the pleasure of business relationship with Mr. Evans-ill fact he now looked upon him as one of his best friends. He was a keen business man; punctual in his engagements, for he studied the time of the travellers as much as bis own, and honourable and straightforward in all his transactions. He combined two qualities not always found together in one man—he was a thorough man of business and a true gentleman. (Loud applause.) For upwards of 30 years he had watched the marvellous growth of Mr. Evans's business in Temple-street, and he could now honestly say it was one of the sights of the town. Mr. Evans had not only done good to himself and to the town, but notably to his employees, many of whom were very old bands, and were likely to be- come still older in Mr. Evans's service. They worked under the system of payment by Jesuits, so that each person felt he had a share and interest in the great business. Mr. Evans was a benevolent, although he was a very unostentatious mau. He never refused assistance to really deserving cases of relief, and he was respected and admired by all who knew him. In conclusion, Mr. Rogers spoke of the energy Mr. Evans bad thrown into the work in connection with the banquet, the success of which they felt was assured as soon as they knew be would preside over it. (Applause.) The toast was received with great enthusiasm the company heartily singing "For he's a jolly good fellow," cheers also being given for Mr. and Mrs. Evans. The Chairman, in returning thanks said :-Sir John Llewelyn, Sir John Jones Jenkins, Mr. Mayor, and gentlemen, my first acknowledgement is due to you, and to my esteemed friend Mr. Rogers for the kind but much too flattering remarks made about me-(Cries of "No, no"),—and words fail me in thanking you for the hearty manner in which you have acknowledged my slight bnt very imperfect services to night. I wish someone more worthy of the honour was discharging the duties which appertain to my position. (Cries of "No, no" and "Impossible.") I feel grateful to you, however, that you have not allowed the charities to suffer for want of effort (applause) and I am glad that, by your generous support, and by the assistance of those who, unable to be present in body have been with us in spirit, so substantial a. sum has been realised at this second annual dinner of the South Wales Branch of the Commercial Travellers' Association. I thank you all very much. Mr. Tom Taylor proposed "Success to the South Wales Branch of the Commercial Travellers' Association." He said Swansea had scored a grand record, such an one as far and away surpassed Cardiff. He coupled with the toast the names of Mr. W. G. Davies, Mr. Rogers, and Mr. Bakhouse, who had worked hard and zealously on behalf of the cause. These gentlemen suitably responded. Mr. Davies in a very interesting speech, said the object of the Association was to foster fraternal and benevolent feelings amongst its members and the commercial body in general, and to render pecuniary assistance to any members in extreme cases who desired aid, &c. He touched upon the relief the Association had afforded, and referred to the indefatigable efforts of the secretary, (Mr. Rogers). Mr. Morgan Williams submitted "The Visitors and Mr. James (Worcester), Mr. Miller (Chester), and Mr. Hocken (Bristol) responded. Mr. Thomas Jones proposed the toast of "The Vice-chairmen," Mr. J. D. Llewellyn (Mayor of Neath), Alderman James Jones, J.P., Mr. Gwilym Evans, J.P., and Mr. Lewis Lewis, High Street, of whom he spoke in terms of high praise. Mr. Lewis Lewis returned thanks, and congratulated them upon the success of the Meeting, due to the energy and tact of the chairman and the officers. The company broke up just before 12 o'clock, having spent a very enjoyable time. During the evening a programme of vocal music was gone through and much enjoyed.