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A GALE ON SATURDAY BUT IDEAL…
A GALE ON SATURDAY BUT IDEAL WEATHER ON MONDAY. HOW OUT OF EVIL CAME GOOD. THE FINEST RACING EVER SEEN IN WELSH WATERS. FULL DESCRIPTIVE REPORT. The Swansea Bay Royal Regatta of 1896 is over, and after making all necessary deduc- tions it must be pronounced a great success. It was ideal regatta weather, the finest yachts in the world were in competition, and there were tens of thousands of spectators assembled. This result was all the more wonderful seeing that the day fixed was Saturday, when the weather was so bad that a postponement had to take place until Monday. As a rule, an event postponed is an event marred, but this did not apply to the Swansea Regatta, for the whole programme was gone through on Monday as if no adjourn- ment at all had taken place. Indeed, there was one great advantage which accrued from the compulsory postponement, for without it close inspection of the famous yachts by the naturally curious crowds would have been impossible. As will be seen from the descrip- tive account given below, the yachts which had anchored off the Mumbles on Friday night, were compelled during the small hours of Saturday morning to seek shelter in the Swansea Docks, where on Saturday and Sunday they attracted many thousands of people, grateful for the chance of seeing such a noble fleet at close quarters. But an anxious time was spent on Saturday morning. It was known that the Emperor of Germany's yacht Meteor, as well as that of the Prince of Wales' Britannia and all the best craft were due to race at Penzance on Monday. The question was would they stay at Swansea ? Fortunately, the committee managed the negociations admirably, the Penzance Regatta being postponed, and the yachts consequently remaining at Swansea to race over Monday. Throughout the treat- ment meted out by the yacht owners to the Swansea Regatta was exceedingly generous, and it is very gratifying to learn that they retain such pleasant recollections of their visit to the Bay that they may be expected to come again next year. The accident which placed the Meteor out of the running was a piece of very hard luck. By mistaking the mark boat she lost several minutes at the start, but despite this, she. was closing fast upon the Ailsa, the leading boat, when her topmast was broken. At that moment the Meteor looked all over a winner, and the general opinion is that had it not been for the accident the gold cup would have become the possession of the Kaiser. Still, the Ailsa's performance was a capital one, and no sports- man can begrudge her the victory. From the start she was brilliantly handled-better so than the Britannia, who lost time on every tack as compared with the winner-but luck was also very much in her favour. The Satanita put herself practically out of the race, by going far astray in making for the Pwlldu mark boat on the second round, whilst the Caress was, as had been expected, com- pletely outclassed.
WATCHING AND WAITING.
WATCHING AND WAITING. It was the day before the great event-the Friday before the Saturday, when the Swansea Bay Royal Regatta was to take place. The yachtsmen of the Channel had been jubilant for months. Friday they were in ecstasies, simply. The sky was clear, the sun was warm, a good stiff wind blew, and our bay looked as it never looked before—and, the Meteor, the Britannia, the Satanita, &c., were due here. Everybody was anxiously expectant. A rumour circulated in the morning that the Britannia had been seen down Channel had the effect of sending a couple of hundred people to the Mumbles. The rumour was wrong, the expectant ones were disappointed. That the boats would be off the Mumbles Head by four p.m. was regarded as a dead certainty. A few, however, were sure two or three o'clock at the latest would see them. They included the Mayor (Alderman F. Bradford) Captain Dahne (German Consul), W. F. Smith (Regatta secretary), Johnsrm, Mr. T. P. Martin, Mr. P. Shuttlewood, Mr. A. Michael, and Mr. W. Ll. Thomas. They arrived at the Bristol Channel Yacht Club at the Mumbles by the 12 train from Swansea. No one seemed to know what their business was. Probably they wanted to be the first alongside the Royal yachts. When asked whither they were bound, Captain Johnson said they were simply bent on a little pleasure cruise--nothing more and nothing less. They boarded the Challenger consciously proud of the fact that they were the first to set out to meet the yachts, and they complimented each other upon their tact and forethought! But little did they dream what was in store for them. They not only failed to see the yachts, but the less experienced sailors among them' suffered from the mal de vier sensation, and succeeded in getting into Swansea only when 11 o'clock had come round and after much trouble. In the meantime the expectancy and curiosity of the people had been keenly accentuated. Crowds lined the foreshore hundreds dotted the hills overlooking the bay, and every yacht that rounded the Mumbles Head was subjected to speculative criticisms. By 7.30 p.m. upwards of twenty yachts had entered the bay. They presented a pretty picture, enhancing the beauty and symmetry of the bay to an extent considered almost impossible. Every yacht was as smart as she could be, with her beautiful sails going up, burgee and ensign flying in the breeze of the loveliest evening that could possibly have been provided for the eve of a great event like the Swansea Bay Royal Regatta. On the Thursday it had rained heavily, but what did it matter ? On the Sunday the wind might blow a hurricane, but what would that matter? Friday was delightful, and so would Saturday be. Had we not had four months of dry, fine weather ? Was a change to set in on the day of the great event, about which we had talked so muck, of which we had hoped more ? Certainly not And Swansea people shook hands with themselves over their good fortune. OMINOUS SIGNS. At about 8.30 p.m. on Friday the writer left the Bristol Channel Yacht Club — where all was gaiety and ex- expectancy—for Bracelet Bay, and climbing the hill near the Inner Sound gazed down the Channel. Here he sat for nearly an hour. In that hour sickening suspicions were roused within him. The rumbling and moaning of the sea grew louder and deeper; the curtseying and bobbing of the yachts under the Read- which half-an-hour previous had been slow and graceful—became more vigorous and brisk; the Mixen Bell's tolling lost its cadence at each toll, and the mist which bun,, over the waters on the Devonshire side of the Channel grew thicker and nearer. At mid- day the wind, which had been fairly brisk in the morning, died away somewhat, and the only doubt which arose in the people's minds was whether there would be enough wind. There is always that doubt in yachting forecasts —that and the lesser fear of having too much- without which, however, yachting would be no fun at all. But as the writer sat on the hill in Bracelet Bay miniature squalls struck his face, each succeeding one stronger and longer than the other. The wind was rising, and quickly, too. The outlook grew more suspicious each minute. At nine o'clock it became as clear as phosphorous that we were in for rough weather. The wind blew quite fiercely into Bracelet, and the receding tide t laughed revengefully. Anxious eyes peered through binoculars down the Channel, but not a sail could be seen. The Challenger was steaming up off Pwlldu Point. Her captain, like an old war-horse, scented the battle in store for them, and so put on all steam to reach the Mumbles before rude Boreas became too turbulent. Rounding the head in fine style, the tug dashed toward the flotilla of yachts that were being tossed about, and tootled a loud tootle, which could have been heard at Swansea. To those on shore the tootle seemed to say Hip, hip, hip, hurrah, the yachts are coming j but it was nothing of the sort. An old Mumbles dredger remarked to a crowd of people on the Cliff Road Thees't can go home, for thee'l see no yachts to-night, and if thee'st stop here thee'st '11 get wet." It was not raining just then, but half-an-hour afterwards the rain- clouds opened and huge drops fell. It was the commencement of a storm which dashed the cup from the lips of thousands of people. A STORMY NIGHT. So fierce did the storm become by the morning that the flotilla of yachts under the Mumbles Head were forced to run for the Swansea Docks. The bay was like a boiling cauldron the waves chased each other like mad horses. The coasting vessels that had anchored under the Head since Thursday evening were safe. Had they gone on their passages they would have been caught right in the teeth of the storm. Perhaps they would not have survived it. Their captains knew that a storm was near, and sought safe anchorage until it blew over. But where were the yachts all this time-the Britannia, the Meteor, the Satanita, the Ailsa, the Isolde, the Caress, the Saint, &c. ? Ask the captains, and they will say they were beaten and battered about in the Channel as they had never been before. The Ailsa, the Isolde, the Caress, and the Saint were forced to make for Milford Haven. The others continued the journey, under the charge of the Knight of the Cross and another tug. They arrived off the Mumbles Head at about twelve o'clock on Saturday morning, where they found shelter until day-light. It was impossible for them to stop there longer and they were forced to make for the Swansea Docks, followed by the smaller yachts. Thanks to skilful handling the South Dock was entered without any damage being done, except that the Satanita met with a slight mishap which displaced some of her handrails. The crews were dead beat; the storm had thoroughly exhausted them, and even had the day turned out one of the finest it was clear they could not have raced. The storm of wind and rain continued, and by eight o'clock it was generally known that the much-talked of Swansea Bay Royal Regatta had been ruined, for that day, at any rate. The excursions by land and sea had been rendered practically useless, although it is calculated that about 7,000 people came to Swansea. It was a bitter disappointment, the most bitter Swansea has ever experienced. We had worked hard and long for the Royal Regatta; the members of the Committees had been so energetic and unselfish; the public had been so thoughtful and generous. And to have it all spoiled by a storm of wind and rain after four months of gloriously fine weather. Any other day and we should have welcomed the storm; it was welcomed by thousands, we have no doubt; but it was unfortunate that the first break in a phen- omenal spell of phenomenally fine weather should occur on the day of all days that we wanted fine. The people took the blow struck at them in good heart. They saw it was no use crying over spilled milk, or trying to control that which was beyond human power. The consolation Swan- sea people had was one which did them credit. It was that they had done their duty. No one could have done more. That knowledge enabled them to bow their heads to the inevitable with more grace of heart than they would have otherwise. The members of the Regatta Committee seemed to have had all life knocked out of them when they first met on Saturday morning; but they soon buckled to. Captain Smith hurriedly convened a meeting, which was well attended, and after a slight discussion it was decided to postpone the regatta and a deputation was appointed to wait on Lord Lonsdale, whose magnificent steam yacht lay near the Britannia in the South Dock, and ask him to use his influence in getting the yachts to race on Monday. The result of the interview was received at about 12.30 a.m., and when it was made known the utmost enthusiasm prevailed. Lord Lonsdale, on behalf of the captains of the various yachts, said he was quite willing that the boats should race on Monday, and so the Swansea Bay Royal Regatta was postponed till that day. INTERESTING NARRATIVE BY COL. PIKE. Colonel Pike, who, with Colonel Mock and Mr. Arthur Smith, came round with the tug from Kingstown, describes his trip as follows The Knight of the Cross arrived at Kingston at 8 p.m. on Thursday, having left Liverpool at 8 p.m. the previous day. The party witnessed a grand race, and the tug was all ready at 8 p.m. for towing the yachts to owansea. The yachts, however, were not ready at this time, and this is unfortunate, for had they left at this early hour they would not have had such a heavy sea, and so strong a wind to contend with. However, at 11 o'clock the yachts were all ready, and the Britannia, Satanita, Caress, Isolde, and Corsair were disposed off behind the tug. The course was S.lW., and the wind was blowing from the south-west till about half- way to the Bishops, the sea rising all the time and the wind gaining in strengh. By this time it was daylight. At this point Col. Pike's entry in his diary is Only wish we were round,' and he adds the significant remark, Two out of five turned up for breakfast.' When about six miles north of the Birhops the Cardiff pilot boats No 50 and No. 70 were sighted, an extraordinary fact when it is learnt that no Swansea pilot boat was spoken even after the Mumbles Head was rounded. At 2 p.m. they were abreast the Bishops with a heavy head, the boats rolling .awfully, but it was fine and clear. The vaehts were off Skomer at 3.45, and they kept close ill. The Satanita here set her forestaysail, Caress and Britannia setting staysails and tiae wind was south, and all ° the crews were the Britannia set sail, and the Isolde also set her canvass. At this point several large warships and a torpedo fleet was sighted; also the Cardiff pilot boat No. 11. The course was then S.E.iS. Off St. Ann's at 4.25 ten more large warships were sighted, while soon after the Meteor was caught up in tow of the Evange- line, having her topsail, foresail, and jib set. Off here there was a heavy beam sea, and the behaviour of the yachts was quite a sio-ht When off Caldy the Isolde's tow rope parted. The crew of the yacht were very smart. They took in the jib and forestaysail and immediately got a jib-headed trysail set, and then sailing by the wind and heading up the 0 Channel her master quickly got hold of a new rope, which the captain of the tug very smartly passed to the Britannia, behind which Isolde had been towing. Half an hour was occupied in this work, and the success with which it was accomplished in such rough weather speaks volumes for the skill of Capt. Gough, of the Knight of the Cross. Then without further incident the yachts passed the Helwicks, and steered a course to the Mumbles Head. When off Langland, how- ever, the towrope of the Isolde again parted, and the captain decided to sail on round the Mumbles. Great difficulty was experienced on board the tug in picking up the Mumbles Light owing to the rain, accompanied by a south-east gale. Long before this point was reached it had been fully expected to find a Swansea pilot boat. Indeed, one was expected off the Worm, and none being found there it was deemed an absolute certainty that one would be found before the Mumbles Head was reached. None, however was forth- coming, and unaided the yachts got into the outer roads about three-quarters of a mile east of the Mumbles Light. Here flash lights were shown and hooters blown from 12.30 till nearly 2, and as these were quite ignored, it was finally decided to advise the Britannia to bring up, as the yachts might do better on their own chains than on a tow rope. This was done and, the other yachts casting off, they dropped anchor and rode till daylight, when the .Challenger gave the yachts a lead into dock." THE YACHTS. The Britannia, Meteor, Satanita, and a crowd of smaller yachts lay in the South Dock and South Dock Basin, and were visited by thousands of people on Saturday and Sunday. It rained heavily all day Saturday, but on Sunday it was fine, and everything promised to be all right for Monday. The Britannia, Meteor, and Satinita were,of course, the centres of attraction, and created the greatest admiration. They are magnificent boats, wcrth going miles to see. Appended are some interesting particulars concerning them:— The Britannia, designed by Mr. G. L. Watson, was built at Glasgow by Messrs. Henderson, who have turned out other such famous craft as the Valkyrie and Meteor, also by the way, designed by Mr. G. L. Watson, and in her first season met with an extra- ordinary amount of success, as will be seen by the following record:—Number of starts, 43; first prizes, 24; other prizes, u; total prizes, 33; total value, £1,572, which, by the way, did not include the Royal Alfred Challenge Cup (value R100) or the German Emperor Challenge Cup (value X150). The Britannia has a record which has never been equalled by any yacht, and it is more than probable that when the returns for the present seascn are made up she will have another four-figure innings to her credit. As a matter of fact, with her prizes in the Mediterranean she is well on the way towards the coveted amount already. The Britannia is under the command of Captain Carter, one of the best skippers that ever handled the tiller. Carter has associated with him Mr. William Jameson, of Iverna fame, one of the best Corinthians that ever stepped on board a yacht, and the two, in combination with a picked crew, are well nigh invincible. The Meteor was built this present season for the German Emperor by Messrs. Henderson, of Glasgow, Mr. G. L. Watson, the designer of the Britannia, being responsible for her lines. In appearance she greatly resembles the Prince of Wales' cutter, though she has a rather prettier stem and a noble cut off counter, while she is considerably larger than her predecessor. It may be mentioned that from the truck of the topmast to the water-line on which she sails she measures 168 feet, while the boom to which her mainsail is laced is over 100 feet in length. The Meteor's crew is composed of 39 Englishmen, three Scotchmen, and one German. Captain Gomes, who commands, is an Englishman, and was in the service of the Emperor on the Thistle, which was the first Meteor, and is now known as the Comet. Mr. Charles Day Rose's big cutter the Satanita is the hard weather boat of the fleet. When the stormy winds begin to blow this fine craft, which was designed by a Southampton draughtsman, Mr. J. M Soper, can show the way to the fleet, but in light winds she makes a very poor show. Visitors to the regatta had no difficulty in distinguish. ing Satanita, which has a rather stunted looking stem as compared with the spoon bows of the other big racing boats. Satanita, it will be remembered, ran into the second Valkyrie, owned by Lord Dunraven, at one of the Clyde regattas, a couple of years ago, and sank the unfortunate America's Cup challenger. Mr. A. D. Clerk, who then owned the big cutter, has since retired from yacht racing. Mr. Rose, the owner of Satanita, is also the owner of the twenty-rater Penitent, Penitent, which was also designed by Mr. Soper, who is now busily engaged laying down the lines of another big boat for Mr. Rose to take the place of the Satanita next season. Mr. Rose, after the failure of Valkyrie in the America's cup races last season, issued a challenge to the Americans, but owing to the strong feeling among yachtsmen that Lord Dunraven had been badly treated, he withdrew it. By the way, a peculiarity about all Mr. Rose's boats is that they are named after his well-known race horses. The only big Fife designed boat is the Ailsa, which, when it came out a couple of years ago, gave promise of making the Britannia take a back seat. She was not so successful last season, but this year the promise has been fulfilled. Young Willie Fife, Ailsa's designer, is more at home with 40 raters, and his Isolde is one of the best racing boats that ever floated, as she last year won over £ 1,000 in prizes for her owner, Mr. Peter Donaldscn, a well-known Clyde yachtsman. The Saint, Mr. F. B. Jamieson's fine 20 rater, which has been defeating the crack Niagara so often during the season, is really a miniature Isolde, being built on the same lines, on a reduced scale, of course. Niagara is a second year's boat, and has done fairly well, although in light weather she is no match for either the Saint or the Penitent. MONDAY. A great sigh of relief went up from all Swansea when Monday came around. The weather was delightfully fine, with a fairly brisk breeze. It was an ideal yachting day, and some grand sport was looked forward to. The Ailsa arrived in Swansea on Sunday evening. Swansea Bay was simply charming on Monday morning. The yachts were astir early, and by 9 o'clock the bay was studded with craft of all shapes and sizes. The Meteor was towed out of dock by Lord Lonsdale's steam launch Evangeline, whilst the Knight of the Cross took charge of some of the others.
--THE CHIEF YACHT RACE.
THE CHIEF YACHT RACE. A GRAND STUJUGGLE. It was nearly -10 o'clock when the com- mittee boat, Knight of the Cross, returned from towing the Britannia and Satanita into the bay, but no time was lost by the members in making a final start. We followed close in the wake of the Scotia, which was crowded with well-known local people. Rounding the Pier Head we were brought face with a grand sight, the like of which had never before been seen in the Channel. So accustomed as we are to the varying grandeur of our bay, to the panoramic scenes it assists in creating, I little dreamt what was in store for us this morning (writes ThI Cambrian representative who accompanied the yachts around the course). In the centre of the bay coursed the Britannia, Meteor, Ailsa, Satanita, and Caress, getting in order for the great race. They looked magnificent—like huge swans with wings outstretched- Thither were yachts of all colours and clubs con- verging in dozens and scores, like an immense flock of seabirds skimming the azure waters, their sails like silver and white satin in the morning sun. From under the shadow of the Mumbles Head slowly and gracefully appeared a couple of dozen skiffs and dandies —all of which bore evidence of having been on the slips quite lately-as lately as was compatible with having paint and varnish dry. And here they all were, scores of them, within a radius of three miles, silently gather- ing around the graceful monsters that were soon to try conclusions, as smart as they could be, with their sails going up, burgee and ensign flying in the breeze of the loveli- est morning that could possibly have been provided for the Swansea Bay Royal Regatta. Isn't it a pretty sight ? said the ladies on the Scotia, Westward Ho, Britannia, and the fifty and one pleasure and other boats—and it certainly was, a fact which even veteran yachtsmen, accustomed to such sights, were quite enthusiastic in admitting. The Swansea Pier, the stretch of golden sand reaching to Blackpill, and the Mumbles Hill, were dotted with people, and the whole spectacle as viewed from the sea was striking in the extreme. The most bigoted Cardiffiian who had the good fortune to gaze upon it will, I am sure, acknowledge it. What the people on shore thought of the scene on sea I will leave to another correspondent. I must come to the event of the day, the race for the handsome hundred guinea cup, presented by the town of Swansea. The members of the Regatta Committee, many of whom went out on the Knight of the Cross, the Scotia, and Challenger, included :-The Mayor (presid- ent), Col. Pike, Messrs. Griff. Thomas, Col. Mock, R. Hodgens, Sir Robert Morris, Lieut. Thomas, J. Vye-Parminter, J. Thomas (Town Clerk), R. Lindley, J. C. Richardson, James Madge, E. H. Bowers, E. Williams, T. P. Richards, E. C. Nettell, G. H. Hemmen, R. L. Sails, H. H. Meager, Capt. Pearse, Capt. Johnson, Capt. Nserup, F. F. Meager, H. W. Hansard, E. W. Carlyle, H. Chalk, H. J. Morris, W. Mason, J. Jones, T. P. Martin, R. Heard, G. Shaddick, A. Mason, S. P. Wills, W. Cox, Capt. Rosser. S. Andrews, G. B. Haynes, W. Bowen, Capt. Symmons, J. W. Simpson, L. Thomas, D. R. Stephens, F. E. Williams, G. Andrews, Talfourd Strick, Lieut. E Elias, R.N., C. N. Buchanan, F. (Jory leo, J. M'Bryde, B. Evans, T. Elford, E. Bath, R. Beck, D. Morgan, the representatives of the Swansea pilots, the committee of the Bristol Channel Yacht Club, the representatives of the Press hon. treasurer, Mr. T. W. Islay Young; hon. secretary, Captain W. F. Smith, together with many friends. Most of the ladies went out in the Scotia, Britannia, and Brighton, and very fascinating they looked in their white dresses, white in order to harmonise with the pearly enamel of some of the yachts and their snowy white Lapthorn wings. The Challenger was used as the start boat, and she left the South Dock entrance at about 9.30 a.m. to take up her position off the Green Grounds Buoy, On board of her were Col. Pike (the officer of the day), Mr. Dixon Kemp (official starter and time-keeper), Mr. Ganz (jeweller, Swansea, assistant time-keeper), Capt. Johnson, Lieut. Llewellyn Thomas, and Mr. Elijah Williams. The marks had all been well and carefully laid by Capt. Smith and Capt. Johnson, who were out as early as five o'clock fixing them by Azimath compass, which guaranteed each mark being in its proper position, especially as the day was fine. THE START. At 10.30, the advertised time for the start, the interest among the spectators in the bay and on shore was intense. The race was for yachts not exceed- ing 65 linear rating. First prize Swansea Town Gold Cup, value 105 guineas. Second prize—Members' Cup, value 25 guineas (pre- sented by Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn, Bart., M.P.), with £ 25 added. Name. Eiar. Owner. Club. 6 Rating H.I.M. the Meteor Cutter 101'9 Emperor of K.Y.C. Germany. Ailsa Cutter 100-11 A. B. R.U.Y.C. Walker,Esq. Satanita.. Cutter 99'6 C.D.Rose, Britannia Cutter 96*8 ^p^ncL of Wales. Caress Cutter 67"0 W. H. R.T.Y.C. Walker,Esq. Course No. 1. Twice round and distance to No. 1 Mark Boat and back. Shortly after 10.30 the Ailsa, Satanita, Britannia, and Caress were admirably placed for the start—for which they had been manoeuvring for some minutes. Ihe sailing instructions were—" The starting and finishing line will be between the East Green Grounds Buoy and mark boat moored hali-a- mile E.S.E. from that buoy." That was clear and definite enough, but it seemed to puzzle the sailing master of the Meteor, who had as pilot on board Mr. Griffith Fox. The gun was fired, and immediately the yachts manoeuvred to get away. Ailsa was the first to come up to the start boat, and rounding very cleanly she set out on the race off to wind- ward with mainsail, jib, foresail, and topsail set. She was followed in order by Britannia, Satanita, and Caress-but where was Meteor? asked the onlookers. She had unfortunately mistaken the mark, but promptly recognising her danger, she tacked round and made for the committee boat. Lord Lonsdale, who was on board Meteor, seemed very much upset at the mistake. Mr. Fox cried out, I say, you'll have to remove that mark boat before we come back, or there'll be no water for us." Those on the Knight of the Cross made no reply, but gazed at Meteor and her crew in surprise and admiration. Lord Lonsdale grew irritable. Is there any member or the Committee on board," he shouted. "Yes," was the reply, and Mr. Fox repeated his remark. Captain Smith is on that boat, my lord," cried Pilot Rees. "All right, was Lord Lonsdale's response, and away went Meteor. Captain Smith was spoken, or rather shouted, to, and his reply was, You've nothing to do with that mark; you ve got to pass here." The irritation of Lord Lonsdale became more evident. Why on earth don t you send someone on board who knows some- thing about it," he shouted. "You have a pilot, and the sailing directions," was the retort. And then Meteor crossed the line amid the cheers of the onlookers. The times taken at starting were H. M. s. Ailsa 10 30 45 Britannia 10 31 25 Caress 10 31 50 Satanita 10 31 50 Meteor 10 37 50 The spectators sympathised keenly with Meteor over her mistake. It meant much to her with such opponents as were pitted against her. By the time Meteor had passed the mark boat and put out her spinnaker the other boats bad got well ahead on the S.S.E. course towards Port Talbot, while, to make matters worse, the wind seemed to fall away for a moment. At any rate, it left the sails of the Emperor's boat inauspiciously limp, and the spinnaker not a quarter full. The crew were as busy as bees, the captain could be heard giving his orders, and in a couple of minutes they had caught a regular capful. The sails filled, the spinnaker swelled, and the boat bent her prow as though she meant business. And she did, too. Caress was overhauled when about two miles had been covered, with Britannia and Satanita only a few lengths ahead. The captain of the Knight of the Cross smiled. She's going to win this race," he said. In spite of her false start she is gaining on the others." The Ailsa was doing grandly. Keeping out of the course a little so as to feel the use of the spinnaker, she defied the efforts of all her opponents. Her admirable manceuvering was emulated by Britannia and Satanita, as were also her tactics when the ebbing tide began to make itself felt, by "pushing them down out of their course," as put by Pilot Rees. Slowly but surely Meteor crept on her opponents, and taking the wind completely out of the sails of Britannia, she passed her with com- parative ease. The mark at the end of the three miles course was rounded as follows:— H. M. s. Ailaa 11 13 15 Satanita 11 14 10 Britannia. 11 15 10 Meteor n 15 55 Caress n 16 10 The next run was of seven miles to the Skerweather Lightship. The Ailsa came along in fine form, increasing her lead on the others. The other three were in close attend- ance on each other, and presented a magnifi- cent sight. Every inch of canvas was out, the boats daghed the water aside and over them, and the crews worked with every enthusiasm—an enthusiasm which seemed to take possession of the yachts. The Sker- weather was about two miles away when Meteor overhauled the Satanita, with Britannia in close attendance and Caress far behind. The times at the Skerweather were: H. M. s. Ailsa 11 43 0 Sataniti 11 44 45 Britannia 11 46 15 Meteor 11 46 50 Caress 16 48 20 The next course was from the Skerweather to a point off Pwlldu, a distance of seven miles, N. f W., with the flood running down Channel. Meteor made what appeared to be an unusually big tack around the Sker- weather, and it lost her about forty seconds. The other yachts, particularly the Ailsa, tacked magnificently, and as they made for Pwlldu they presented a picture rarely seen in these parts. In making for PwUdu the boats left each other to an extent which excited the curiosity of the spectators, and showed that considerable difference of opinion existed among the captains as to the tacking necessary to gain wind and time. For instance, when nearly half-way across the Ailsa suddenly turned her head directly down Channel. Meteor was following closely in the wake of Ailsa, when she also made a sud- den tack, in the same direction. No sooner had the swan-like craft headed down channel, when a crash was heard, and away came the bowsprit, which carried away the top-mast of the jibboom, while the gaily-coloured red and white ensign, bearing the Imperial arms, glided slowly down the sails, fluttered a moment as though caught in the breeze, and then fell into the sea on the lee side. Meteor had met with an accident which put her out of the race, to the keen regret of the thousands of spectators who were intently watching the race. It was, indeed, a thousand pities. The Emperor of Germany's English built and English manned racer gave every indication that she would win the race, de- spite the clever manoeuvring of Ailsa. At any rate, one thing was certain, viz., the struggle would have been made far more "exciting but for the unfortunate and un- avoidable accident to Meteor. Unheeding the regrettable incident, the other yachts continued their way, Ailsa still maintaining her lead. While Ailsa and Satanita tacked near the centre of the course, Britannia kept on toward Mumbles Head, and it was the opinion of many that she made too big a reach for the Pwlldu Point. That it did not improve her position may be gathered from the times at which the boats rounded PwUdu Point H. M. S. Ailsa 12 40 25 Britannia. 12 42 27 Satanita 12 44 52 Caress. 12 59 30 As the yachts made for the start boat, distance from Pwlldu five miles, Ailsa leading, the wind from the land caught their sails and took them along at a spanking rate, with every inch of canvas stretched to the utmost, and with the handrails under water, presenting a spectacle which the thousands on Mumbles Hill will not soon forget. So strong did the breeze become that the sails were eased off and spinnakers set, a piece of work which the crews performed with surpris- ing agility. As the boats passed the mark boat the spectators cheered lustily. The times were H. M. s. Ailsa 1 12 6 ]Britannia 1 15 1 Satanita 1 17 2 Caress 1 34 40 1 The second course was commenced amid much enthusiasm, loud cheering, and tooting of hooters. The boats kept their positions, and rounded the Skerweather thusly:— I H. M. s. ,T Ailsa 2 8 0 Britannia 2 11 30 Satanita 2 14 6 On the course to Pwlldu, Ailsa, by superior handling, again improved her position. The boats passed the mark boat for the second time in the following order:— I H. JI. s. Ailga 3 36 32 Britannia 3 42 40 Satanita 3 44 52 Caress. 4 29 7 Ailsa had now practically won the race, but notwithstanding this the run to Port Talbot and back was watched with keen interest. Ailsa ran with a confidence born of success, and her crew responded to the cheers of passing passengers with joyful heartiness, not for a moment, however, neglecting their work. On the home journey considerable tacking had to be done, and the crews seemed to make it a point of showing how clever they really are. Certain it is they gave magnificent exhibitions of yacht handling. As the boats passed the winning mark cheers were raised, hats and handkerchiefs waved, the hundred and one craft in the bay dipped their ensigns in salute,and the steamers tootled congratulatory tootles, to all of which the crews of Ailsa and Britannia responded with true British cheers. THE FINISH. The following is the result of a truly grand race-the like of which had never before been witnessed in the Bristol Channel:- H. M. S. 1. Ails& 4 33 45 2. Britannia 4 42 34 3. Caress 5 30 15 4. Satanita 4 55 43 Ailsa allowed Britannia 3 min. 35 sec. and Caress 37 min. 50 sec. Britannia allowed Caress 34 min. 23 sec., while Satanita allowed Caress 37 min. 25 sec. THE OTHER RACES. THE LADIES' PRIZE. 2"7~YACHTS exceeding 52 and not exceeding 65 linear rating.—Ladies' prizes (presented by. the Mayoress and ladies of Swansea); 1st prize, a cup, value 50 guineas; 2nd, £ 20. Start at 10.44 a.m. Course No. 1. Twice round. Isolde Cutter.. 66.0 Mr. Peter Donaldson. Coraair Cutter 64.0 bi r F. W. L. Pophani. These yachts had a good start, Isolde lead- ing. The times were :— START. H. M. S. Isolde 10 45 0 Corsair 10 45 40 PORT TALBOT. H. M. S. Isolde 11 20 30 Corsair H ^0 38 SKERWEATHER. H. K. s. Isolde 11 57 0 Corsair 11 57 30 PWLL DDU. H. M. s. Isolde 1 0 25 Corsair 1 2 17 MARK BOAT. H. M. S. Corsair 1 33 14 Isolde 1 34 24 On reaching the Port Talbot mark on the second round Corsair carried away her top- mast, and retired from the race. This caused much disappointment. Mr. Popham's repre- sentative on board was Dr. Poss Hughes, who has acted in this capacity for the past two years in the Mediterranean and on the south coast of England. He is a Swansea man, and it was largely due to his efforts that the yacht entered. Many years ago he used to race in Swansea Bay, and amongst his crew are some of those who used to sail with him in Swansea waters. 11 e loss of the race, while it was well in hand, through an accident, was a keen disappointment to Dr. Hughes. á.- YACHTS not exceeding 36 linear rating; 1st prize, X5; 2nd £2 10s. Start at 11.45 a.m. Course No. 2. From starting boat to No. 1 mark boat off Port Talbot, back to No. 2, thence to No. 3 mark boat off Mumbles Head, three times round, finishing off No. 2 mark boat, 30 miles. Cigarette.Cutter.2.50(old).Mr Alex. G. Moffat Hilda Cutter — .Mr W.H.Tregoning Barbet Logger 2.35 -Mr F. Milbura Ranee Split Lug 2.52 .Mr C.R. Vickerman Ranee 1 Barbet 2 Agatha 3 Itild,a 4 On time allowance Barbet won. a.-YAcHTS exceeding 10 and not exceeding 30, under Y.R.A. 1895 Rules, length and sail area, recognised cruisers. First prize, Empire cup, value 20 guineas 2nd, £ 10. Start at 11.15 a.m. Course No. 2. Same as No. 5. Enid Cutter. 10.15 Mr P. Morel. Alektor. Cutter. Mr L. J. Kempthorne Fawn Yawl. 10.65 Mr Llew. Thomas. Enriqueta Yawl 19.85 Mr R. Hodgens. Coudor Cutter. 15.42 Mr J. C. Richardson. Enriqueta 1 Condor 2 Enid 3 Fawn 4 Alektor ••• ••• >•■ 5 An exciting race between Enriqueta and Condor. ^——— 7.-SKIFFS. First prize, L7 10s.; 2nd, X4; 3rd, X3; 4th, £ 2 5s.; 5th, £ 115s. 6th, 91 Jos. Eight to compete, or the three last prizes will be withheld. Start at 3 p.m. Course No. 2. Starting from No. 2 mark boat round the course once, distance from No. 2 mark boat to No. 3 mark boat and back. Name. No. Owner. Pathfinder 195 J. Lloyd. J. M. M 189 J. Morgan. Thomas and John 133 A. Johnstone. W. H. B. 21 M.Jones. Fleetwing 162 Capt. D. Evans. Snake 174 Ditto. Scorpion 141 Ditto. Emmeline 14 W. Burt. Ca-mbria 208 C. G. Bennett G. S. B 186 Ditto. perseverance 187 James Gammon. *ear Not 180 William Morgan. ••• 27 D. Williams. Stranger 172 T. Hewett. Emmeline 1 J.M.M. ••• i Fear Not o G.S.B. 5 Fleetwing c Perseverance « w.ii.B ? Cambria 8 Stranger 9 Thomas and John 10 G.S.B. was disqualified. 8.—PLEASURE AND SAILING BOATS.—Half Deck-First prize, £3 10s.; 2nd, J61 lOs. 3rd, 108. Open Deck-First prize, X3 10s. 2nd, £ 1 10s. 3rd, 10s. Five to compete in each class, or prizes rearranged and reduced. Start at 3.30 p.m. Course No. 2. Start from No. 2 mark boat, thence to No. 3 mark boat off the Mumbles, twice round. Fay Half Deck Mr H. Eccles Mona Half Deck Mr C. H. Sutton Petrse Half Deck Mr D. Hammond Meta Half Deck Mr A. Hutton Wild Deer. 1 Mona 2 Fay 3 Annie Jane 4 Petrse 5 These races were efficiently carried out under the superintendence of Mr. Bowers and Mr. Llewellyn Thomas. THE 'LONGSHORE SPORTS. These events, which begun after the big yacht race had concluded, were watched by thousands of people who lined the promenade and sands. The results were as follow :— CORACLE RACE.—1, J. Lewis, Carmarthen 2, David Elias; 3, David Lewis. There were in all 12 entries in this race, which was one that caused a good deal of interest. Mr. E. A. Owens had charge of the arrangements. ONE MILE AMATEUR SWIMMING MATCH.- In this event there were five starters, Doherty winning easily. Result .—1, W. Doherty; 2, J. Rees; 3, F. Morgan. 100 YARDS Boys' RACE.—1, Mannon 2, Hopkins; 3, J. Bowden. 120 YARDS MEN'S RACE.—In this event there were eight starters, the competitors hailing from all over South Wales. The result was :—1, D. Hopkin, Llanelly; 2, D. Morgan, Swansea; 3, Stanley Jones. SHIP AND HOBBLERS' BOAT RACE (four-oar). —This race caused keen interest, and resulted as follows :—1, Highland Maid (R. Jones) 2, Village Belle (D. Harris) 3, Whitby (Robert Smith). FOUR-OARED SHIP AND HOBBLERS' RACE.— 1, May (J. Gwilym); 2, Lily (P. Fender). Other events that excited considerable interest from the "Shore were the aquatic Derby (won by A. Crapper) and the duck hunt. In the evening there was a fine display of fireworks near the Pier, which were watched by several thousand people. The marquees, merry-go-rounds, and the various itinerant shows, &c., along the foreshore and promenade did a splendid business.
[No title]
a FOOTBALL OATS 1 ABS0LUTEIIT FOOTBALL OATS CYCLE SALMON BEST- FOWLERS LUNCH TONGUES > EXHIBITION APRICOTS ASK EXHIBITION SALMON GROCERS. PRINCES LOBSTER PRINCES LOBSTER
. NEATH AND DISTRICT.
NEATH AND DISTRICT. NEATH FAIR.—This fair came off on Wednes- day, but in consequence of the wet weather, the business was limited, and the quality of the horses indifferent. There was but a short supply of cattle and sheep. BATHING FATALITY.—Whilst bathing on Friday afternoon in the Neath river, near the fe:ry crossing, a young lad, aged 12, son of Mr. Cox, Ferry Boathouse, was carried away by the strong flow of the tide and was drowned. WHEATLEY'S HOP BITTERS, THE BEST OF ALL NON-INTOXICATING DRINKS. Unequalled. Consumers will kindly note Label on Bottles, as this is the only guarantee of purity. SALE OF A RESIDENTIAL ESTATE.-Mr. W. Harry Rees, auctioneer, Neath, on Wednesday, the 29th, conducted an important sale of a resi- dential estate of about 55 acres, called The Darren, situate about li miles from Neath. The attendance was large and influential. The F R y 1^s advantages were fully described tin™ .(uc^loneer, and after some spirited compe- + Was Rocked down to Mr. Howel ?' s?hcitor. Neath, at £ 3,400. The liamt LaaCthn&mtliematter was MR' TOM WIL" hams, Neath. NEATH CONSERVATIVE CLUB. The half- l r °Vbe Neath Conservative Club L, Mr ^rU p eveninS. under the presi- dency of Mr. J. E. Moore, J.P. Amongst those present were Messrs Herbert Sutton, chairman of committees Ernest Grar.t, vice-chairman and J. H. Moore.-The Secretary (Mr. E. F. Dyer) read the half-yearly report, which showed a con- siderable increase in membership, and that the institution was in a very flourishing condition. A discus-ion took place respecting registration matters, and all lodgers were asked to see that their names were on the list. JONES (BRYNCAWS) V. NEATH DISTRICT COUNCIL.—An action took place at the last Glamorgan Assizes by Mr. Jones, of Bryncaws, against the Neath District Council, for os of water and for an injunction to restrain the A ?nn!?^ f°r using water from Cilfrew and Aberdulais. The action was settled upon the plajntiffs withdrawing and paying the costs, subject to the a-sessment by an arbitration of the amount due for irrigation purposes. Mr. ,PavJ53' Swansea, sat as arbitrator at the Castle Hotel, JSeath, on Wednesday. Mr. Jeffries, of Brecon, represented the plaintiff, and Mr. Powell appeared for the Council. Mr. Davies, after hearing evidence respecting the alleged loss of water for irrigation purposes, adjourned the hearing. The award will be given before the 1st of September. DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEA DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEA DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEA DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEA DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEA Ton can tell it by its Supreme Delicacy. NEATH BOROUGH POLICE. MONDAY. [Before the Mayor, and J. Fear Davies, D. T. Sims, and T. Teague, Esqrs.] DRUNKENNESS. James Clement, carriage trimmer, Griffith Griffiths, tinman, and Morgan Davies, labourer, were each fined for drunkenness, the two former 5s. and costs, and the latter 10s. and costs. The latter was also fined 20s. and costs for assaulting P.C. Jones. SURETIES.—Emily Mort, Glamorgan-street, applied for sureties of the peace against Elizabeth Hopkins, also of Glamorgan-street. Complainant said defendant called her names, threw dirty water over clothes which she (complainant) had on the line, and aimed a jampot at her little boy. She was afraid of the defendant.—The Bench ordered defendant and her husband to be bound over in the sum of L5 to. keep the peace for 6 months. NEATH COUNTY POLICE.—FRIDAY. [Before J. B. Paddon (chairman), Edward Davies, M. G. Roberts, and Wm. Jones, Esqrs.j DRIVING WITHOUT LIGHTS.—-Wm. Howellz, of Neath, was summoned for driving a brakø, at Crynant, after sunset, without lights.—P.C. Llynch gave evidence and the defendant pleaded guilty.—He was fined 5s. and c >sts. CHARGE OF GAME TRESPASS.—Thomas Lewis and Edward Davies were charged with being on lands of Mr. J. E. Vaughan, and, as alleged, in pursuit of game. The defendants are colliers, and had coma on the day in question to Resolven to get work. They were met in the evening on the highway by P.C. Martin at R solven, who searched a handkerchief carried by Lewis, ana found a hare thcrdn. It was quite waim. They said they had bought it of a ma i at the Vaughan Arms, Res Iven. He had seen defendants troing towards the preserves in the afterno)t).-Tiic-y were fined 10s. and costs each, or in default seven days' imprisonment. ALLEGED ASSAULT AT BRITONFERRY.— Patrick Flynn summoned Alfred Barnett for assaulting him on Saturday nignt. Tue parties live near each other at Briton Ferry, and are connected by mariiage. Mr. Edward Powell (Messrs. Cuthbertson and Powell) aopeared for defendant. The complainant said lie was a labourer, and on the night in question he was returning home about eleve.i o'clock at night. In passing Barnett's house he called him, and on returning was laid hold ot by the throat and accused of owing defendant money. Defendant had told Mr. Samuel, a foreman at the works, that complainant owed him muney. He dil not drag defendant out of his house, or try to pull his tongue out. There had been no money transactions between them. A fine of 40s. and costs was inflicted, or in default one month's imprisoiimeilt.-T,ie accused is the man who, at the recent assizes, was charged with man- slaughter, and discharged on his own recognis- ances. LAD CHARGED WITH THEFT. William McAuliffe, a lad 10 years of age, was charged with stealing 5-. from a purse at the Rolling Mill Inn, Britonferry, on the previous Saturday. Complainant said she left her purse on the table in the kitchen, and went to speak to a neighbour On her return she missed 5s.—The lad now pleaded guilty, and, after being strongly admonished, was se :te^ced to receive three strokes with a birchrod. The costs were remitted.
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« — ENGLISH CONGREGATIONAL…
« — ENGLISH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, LANDORE. CHURCH, LANDORE. ORDINATION OF A NEW PASTOR. I The ordination services of Mr. John Williams, Brecon College, as pastor of the English Congregational Church, Landore, in succession to the Rev. D. C. Harris, who a few months ago left Swansea to take the pastorate of a church in Tredegar, were held on Monday last. Mr. Williams is a young man, and comes with a record of successes achieved at his college. His ordination took place in the afternoon, when the scrvice was attended bya very large and represent- ative gathering. Amongst those present were the Revs. R. Thomas (Siloh), J. Phillips (Carmar- theii-road),IE. Jenkins (Walters-road),T. S. Evans Castle-street), D. Jones (Cardigan), Ivor Jones (St. Paul's), F. Samuel (Zoar), D. Evans (Burry- port), E. O. Evans (Danygrraig), D. C. Joseph (Sketty), R. O. Hughes (Plasmarl), Davies (Alaw Maelor, Landore), and several students from Brecon College. A letter was received from Dr. Morris, Brecon, regretting his inability to attend the services and referring in most laudatory terms to Mr. Williams's college career. The service was opened with a hymn, followed by reading a portion of Scripture and a prayer. The customary questions put to a minister on his ordination as pastor of a church were put by the Rev. D. Jones, Cardigan, step-father of Mr. Williams. These questions dealt with his conversion, his decision to preach, and his views on the doctiines inculcated in the Scriptures, Regarding baptism, he believed it to be only an outward and visible sign of inward operations." Aftpr the new pastor's reply, the Rev. D. Jones announced that the church at Zion's Hall Pembrokeshire, where Mr. Williams had been a. member, had sent him a cheque as a token of their esteem and admiration for him. The ordination prayer was then offered by the Rev. R. Thomas (Siloh), after which the Rev. John Phillips (Carmarthen-road), delivered the oharge to the minister. His text were the words: But ye that preacheth, speaketh unto men to edification, exhortation and comfort"—I. Cor., xiv 3. He dealt with the province and sphere of a Christian minister, and in the course of hia remarks referred to what he said to be a present day tendency to convert ministers into priests, and to another tendency to exaggerate mere preaching, and to undervalue pastoral office. Despite what was to-day said as to the waning power of the pulpit, he (Mr. Phillips) thought that one of the greatest of the present needs of the world was a strong true Christian ministry. The great power of the pulpit in past Wales was the secret of the present-day position of Nonconformity. Ttie afternoon meeting was closed with the Benediction. The evening meeting was opened by the Rev. R. O. Hughes, Plasmarl. The ev. Evan Jenkins gave an address on the Christian Church. He based his discourse on the words Where two or three are gathered together in My name there am I in the midst of them Mathewxvin., 20. In the first place, Mr. Jenkins said, the Church existed for its own sake in the edification of its members and in the second place, for the conversion of the world. It was for this two-fold purpose that the Church was founded, and for which it was preserved, and in its efforts to fulfil that lofty mission it was assured by its Divine Founder that the gates of Hell should not prevail against it. The preacher ridiculed the ideas of some regarding the exceptional spiritual privileges and power supposed to have been invested in Peter and stated, and strengthened his statement by quotation, that that exclusive power supposed to have been invested by Christ in Peter was invested in similar teims to the Church as a whole. What made a Church was the presence of Christ. It was from a false conception of the Christian Church that sectarian divisions and stiife onthe one hand and sacer iotal- conception of the Christian Church that sectarian divisions and stiife onthe one hand and sacer iotal- ism with its terrible machinery on the other uand, had ansen. One true conception of the I Christian Church would have enabled it by this time to have regenerated the world heathenism would long ago have disappeared and the Dark Ages would never have taken place. The distinguishing features of a true Church were faith in Christ, and Christ's presence with His people. There were two inferences taken from that conception of the Church. In the first place, since Christ came into the world to establish a Church, it was eviJent.y His will that believers should organise themselves into Churches. The second inference was, that since Christ had conferred upon the Church the full powers which were supposed in some quarters to be the sole possession of ecclesiastical dignitaries and authorities, what sort of men and women should ita members be ? And, in conclusion, the preacher exhorted his hearers to a eon, eorated obedience to the teachings of Chrl.,t.The Rev. T. S. Evans (Castle-street) then delivered the usual charge to the church, counselling sympathy love, oo-operation, and unity.—The Benediction brought the services to a close.
SWANSEA SCHOOL BOARD.
SWANSEA SCHOOL BOARD. MONTHLY MEETING. I T, A monthly meeting of the Swansea School Board was held at the offices, Dynevor Place, on Wednesday afternoon. Present, Alderman David Harris (chairman), Aid. G. Morgan. Messrs. Joseph Rosser, Christopher James, W. Watkins, J. G. Kirby, Rev. Father Phillipson, Rev. A. A. Mathews, and the Clerk (Mr. Halden). SCHOOLS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. miT^P m^0LManagem^nt and Education Com- mittee minutes were To appoint, remove and transfer teachers and assistant teachersAuthor- ise the sealing of pupil teachers' articles receive resignations, increase salaries, give and withdraw notices terminating engagements, and make aH other necessary changes in the staff of the Board Schools to appoint four unpaid monitors; to accept the resignations of the following teachers Miss Williams, Cert. Assistant Pentrepoth School, girls' department, and Lvdia Geen, 2nd year P.T., Terrace-road; to rescind Minute No. 6698 (16th June) of this committee adopted by the Board (24th June), and to authorise the engagement of assistants, Article 68 to amend the scale of salaries for male trained cert. assistants to authorise the entering into an arrangement with the committee of the Swansea Training College in respect of the management of Brynmill School, and to appoint managers under section 15 of the Elementary Education Act, 1870 to adopt a scale of salaries for male cert. assistants, Central Higher Grade Schools, boys' department, and to fix the salary payable to two cert. assistants in that school; to authoiise the payment of salary to the head teache's Kilvey School, in accordance with the Board's scale; to adopt a scale of salaries for assistants, Article 68; to increase the scale of male untrained cert- assistants; to School Central Higher Grade School and to award prizes on the results of examination in elementary science. re8Uits 0 Mr. Joseph Rosser moved for the confirmation of the minutes of this Committee. Mr. J. G. Kirby seconded. Principal Salmon moved the rejection of the following minute That minute No. 6698 16th June, of this Committee, adopted by the Board 24th June, 1896; minute No. 2212 be rescinded and that the pupil teachers who failed to pass the Q.S. Examination last December, and were not eligible to sit again, be engaged as assistants under Article 68, as the Chairman of Committee and Clerk may determine." Mr. Salmon said the objections which might be urged against the employment of teachers under Article 68, applied with double force against the engagement of the particular teachers referred to. They had failed to pass the Queen's Scholarship Examination at least twice and that must prove one ci two things, either that they were incompetent as students or lazy. In any case it was not to their interests to employ these teachers. They had to think of the interests of the children, and if it was not to their interests to be taught by teachers who could not pass the Queen's Scholar- ship Examination, it was clearly the Board's duty to dispense with their services. These teachers, if they remained in the profession, would never get beyond the lowest scale of salary, and the effect of their retention upon other teachers and upon themselves would be very detrimental. They ought to stimulate the teachers to do good work, but if they saw unqualified^ assistants engaged, one cardinal fact in stimulating them would be removed. Mr. J. G. Kirby seconded. The Chairman said the intention was to engage these teachers at X20 per year, instead of 440. That was penalty enough for thpir inability to pass the examination. Besides, failure was often due to accident. Principal Salmon: Not when they try two or three times. The Chairman They are fairly good teachers, and if we can get the same value out of them when paying £ 20 as when paying P,40 a year, we should try and retain them. The Clerk and the Committee will investigate their cases, and if any of them prove to be inefficient they will be dismissed, of course. Mr. Kirby But are their services required ? The Chairman That will be inquired into. Ald. Morgan supported the minute. The pre- sent was not an opportune time to increase the salaries of teachers, and if they could get efficient servants by paying them JE20 instead of X40, they ought certainly to do so. The amendment was lost, only three voting for it. The minutes were confirmed subject to a slight amendment. SCHOOLS BUILDING AND SITES COMMITTEE. The Building and Sites Committee's minutes were: To confirm the action of the sub-committee on stores in ordering various stores and the execution of small repairs to confirm the doing of certain work and to authorise the execution of repairs and the purchase of certain goods for the various schools to accent a tender for tha erection uf St. Thomas School to accept a tender for painting Cadle, Cwmbwrla, Penllergaer and Tirdeunaw Schonls to accept a tender for colouring Aberdyberthi-street School to accept a tender for glazing to rescind this committee's Minute, No. 3931 (6th May, 1896), adopted by the Board. Minute No. 2218 (24th June, 1896), and to adopt a revised scale of payments to care- takers to appoint a caretaker to Brynhyfryd School; to accept a tender for the removal of galleries, providing new floors, and supplying new desks, iirynhytryd infanta' department; to confirm the action of the clerk in visiting the Education Department in respect of the opening of Brynmill School; to authorise the caretaker to lent a house, Brynmill School to authorise a payment of zClOO on account to the contractor, Brynmill School; to accept a tender for the ventilation of the Central Higher Grade School, Dynevor-place; to confirm the payment to the caretaker for extra assistance, Central Higher Grade School to confirm the acceptance of a tender for a galvanised corrugated iron cloak room, Cwmrhydyceirw; to accept a tender for the alterations, &c., Danygraig School to authorise the commencement of the work of erecting the new school at Llangyfelach; to appoint a clerk of works for the new school at Llangyfelach to authorise the substitution of another site as Manstlton School ? to authorise the preparation of plans for a new school at Manselton to accept a tender for partitions, Morrist-m Schools; and to appoint a clerk of works, Danygra'g School. Mr. Christopher James moved the confirmation of the minutes of this committee. Aid. G. Morgan seconded. Mr. VV. Watkins objected to the Board continu- ally going to London for architects. There were several very capable architects in Swansea, and it was not right that they should be continually ignored. The Rev. Father Phillipson was surprised that local architects were not asked to send in designs for the Manselton Schools. The Chairman said it was very desirable when building large schools to employ experts. The same commission was paid to London architects as to Swansea architects, and they always knew that the work would be well done. The architect they engaged was an expert in school building, and the Board was fortunate in securIng his services upon the terms they did. They ought not to sacrifice the interests of the rate- payers for the s Ike of a few local gentlemen. Mr. Christopher James concurred with the chairman. Let t'lem take the Higher Grade School as an example of local architecture. They really did not know where they were, and it was impossible for them to say ;vhen the patching and repairing would cease. The architect they engaged for the Manselton Schools knew his work well. He had made a speciality • work ha<* already done for them justified them e:.gating him whenever possible. Principal Salmon What did the last competi- tion cost tlie Board. The Clerk: £ 120. An amendment moved by Mr. W. Watkins that the minute re the engagement of Mr. Lawrence as architect for the Manselton Schools was lost, and the minutes of the committee were confirmed. TRUANT SCHOOL COMMITTEE. The Rev. A. A. Mathews moved the adoption of the minutes of tviis committee. He said he had just come from Llandovery, where he attended the prize-giving at the College. He was sure the B jard were delighted to hear of the success of a son of the late Dr. W. Morgan. He had taken firat class honours in natural science at Cambridge, and had been a student at Llandovery. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Joseph Rosser seconded, and it was carried. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE COMMITTEE. The Rev. A. A. Mathews moved the adoption of the minutes ot this committee. Mr. W. Watkins seconded, and it was cirried. FINANCE COMMITTEE. The Finance and General Purposes Committee's M")Ute$ Were :-rrO authorise the insurance of Jjrynmill S :hvol at Elo,ooo; to autbor.se the clerk to apply to the Education Department for sanction to borrow to cover the cost of the erection of St. Thomas's School, for furniture, and all other incidental expenses to authorise the chairman to sign the statement of accounts for the half-year ended 25th March last; to authorise the payment of salaries for July and August, and to authorise the sealing aiid issue of precepts upon the rating authorities for the total of £ 12,500 towards the expenses of the Board for the half-year ending 25th March, 1897. Ald. G. Morgan moved the adoption of the minutes of this committee, and referred to the inciease that was taking place in the teachers' salaries. He hoped, therefore, the Board would be as economical as possible. The Chairman said the increase referred to was due to the opening of the Brynmill SC1.0018, and to the automatic increase in the scale of the teachers' salaries. Ald. Morgan concurred, and said that as a mn ter of fact the expenditure of the Board in otL r directions had decreased. Mr. Christopher James pointed out that the increase was partially due to the increase in the number of children educated by the Board. The minutes were confirmed, and the meeting terminated.
BRIDGEND.
BRIDGEND. STEALING HORSE HAIR.—John Grant Mackay, a well-known character, was committed for trial at the assizes for stealing a quantity of horse hair, the property of Mr. W. Howell, J.P., Pen. coed. "As A SAFE, PERMANENT, AND WARRANTED CPRE for Pimples, Scrofula. Scurvy, Bad Legs, Skin and Blood Diseases, Pimples and Sores of all kinds, we can with confidence recomineud Clarke's World-famed Blood Mixture. "It is certainly the finest Blood Purifier that science aini medical skill have brought to light." Thousands of wonderful cures have been effected by it. old everywhere, at 2s. 9d. per bottle. Bewa-e of worthless imitation. 8674 USING OBSCENE LANGUAGE.—Wm. Emery, of Bridgend, labourer, was summoned by Mr. J. H. Williams, assistant justices' clerk, for using indecent and obscenelynguage towards him.—Mr. T. J. Hughes prosecuted.—Emery was fined at the court some weeks ago, and he accosted Mr. Williams afterwards and said he hal bzen charged too much. and use ) disgusting language.—The Bench now fined him 95, including costs, or one month. NON-ABATEMENT OF NUISANCE. —Mrs. M. C. Brogden. of Porthcawl, was summoned by the Porthcawl Urban D strict Council for not abatiug a nui-ance at her laundry adjacent to Caroline- street, Porthcawl.-Mr. E. T. David appeared for the Council and Mr. T. J. Hughes for Mrs. Brogden.-Mr. Hughes submitted that the notice served upon his client was bad. It did not state what works were to be carried out, nor did it specify the nuisance now proved. The Bench upheld the objection and dismissed the case. SELLING ADULTERATED MILK. William Rees, of Newton, milk seller, was fined Xi for selling adulterated milk. Mr. Hughes defended. „r „T ASSAULT ON A SCHOOLMASTER.—Wm. Warren and Alfred Marsh, labourers, of Heolycul, were fined £1 each for assaulting John Evans, a schoolmaster, of the same place. OPPOSITION TO A LICENCE.—At the Bridgeud Police-court, on Saturday, Mr. Scale (instructed by the Licensed Victuallers' Association) applied for an occasional licence for Thomas Roach, of the Masons' Arms, to sell intoxicating drink in a field on August Bti"k Holiday, on the ociss:on of the Licensed Victuallers' Sports.— Mr. T. J. Hughes (instructed by several promi- nent ratepayer-) strongly opposed the application. After a snort consultation tue Bench granted the application.