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.;, AMMANFORD JOTTINGS.
AMMANFORD JOTTINGS. There have been removed from our midst, since the last jottings appeared, two much respected old inhabitants, and both with a suddenness which brings to every mind the uncertainty of human life. Mr Williams, of the Cross Inn Hotel, in spite of crippled legs looked, when I last saw him a week before his death, hale and hearty. He was even out of doors forty-eight hours before he succumbed to a complication arising out of an old disorder. His well-known figure will be missed from the settle where he used to spend most of his time, and many a thought of sympathy with those he has left behind will fill the minds of those hosts of friends he had made in Ammauford. The other death was even more sudden. Mrs Morris, of Brynflin, was on her way home from chapel, when her niece who was some way in front of her happened to look back, and saw that the poor old lady had fallen. She had been seized with a fit, which finally carried her off to her eternal rest the same night. Her son, Mr David Morris, is in India, where he holds a post of great emolument and responsibility on the State rail- ways. His retirement and return home were fast approaching, and it will be sad news indeed to him when he learns the loss which has befallen him. The Bettws Church Choir had their annual treat to Swansea and the Mumbles on the 20th uh. About 30 adults and children availed them- selves of the vicar's hospitality, and in spite of the weather had a most enjoyable outing. # I find that the communication with regard to the water question, which recently found its way into my jottings, has raised the wrath of the gentleman who supplies a contemporary with re- marks wise and otherwise on Ammanford topics. Personally, I can approach the question with an open mind, and I think now that both sides have made their statements a public meeting should be called where, if exaggeratiens of facts are in- dulged in, the public may have an opportunity of judging which side holds the correct view. I 0 pass by the very personal attack made upon the jotter" by the writer as quite ontside the question. My friend who supplied the entire matter for the jotting expressed his own views only (as I thought I had made clear), but in the paragraph on which the jotting was founded the writer gives his own views, and if he was in- cluded in the. sweeping charge made by my friend he has himself to thank for his rashness. He may be reminded of an old Quotation apposite to his rushing in. It is certainly my duty as correspondent of your paper to give vent to any grievance which may arise, and I trust that duty will be always performed fearlessly and justly. *m'* The same scribe falls foul of me on account of a jotting about the police. I am proud of the opportunity afforded me by the report of the proceedings at Llandilo Police Court on Saturday last, to offer them amends for the blame I cast Upon them. I gave the report as it was given to me by a truthful and trustworthy citizen, and on the face of it there was a great neglect of duty. As the facts turn out, the police were very well employed on that Sunday, and more power to their elbow say I. Still it is a scandal and a shame, put it which way you will, that the most important street in Ammanford should be infested nearly the whole of that day-the day of rest-by dozens of inebriated sots. The fact is in all its bareness that we want more police in the neighbourhood; the beat of the two constables stationed at Amman- ford is far too large. The village is, I am vexed to say, not the law-abiding place it used to be, and the risk of culprits getting out of a scrape in Ammanford, while one constable is up at Penygroet or Derwydd, while the other is up at the Butcher's Arms, is far too great. I say that Ammanford is now important enough to have two policemen constantly on the spot, and a respect- able police station to book. The day is not far distant when Petty Sessions will become a necessity, and then I suppose the much needed local magistrate will be appointed. Alderman Richards, Councillor Jones, Mr Phillips, of Prcyrhyn, and the vicar of Bettws, are, I believe, all qualified. Has no one influence enough with the Lord Lieutenant to get one of them appointed ? To return to the Sunday drinking. If I had my own way 1 would close every public house on Sunday entirely by law, and make the law observed, or I would open them as in England. I can hardly believe that my fellow countrymen are worse blackguards than the English, and that, therefore, the public houses must be closed on Sundays as a public nuisance, but if the state of affairs, is as bad as the supporters of the Act aver, I am in favour of making it impossible for men to get drink for the purpose of getting drunk as they do at present. The truth is, the Act is a good one, but the enforcement of it is a perfect farce Make it so stringent that a man found drunk on Sunday shall go to gaol for a month without the option of a fine, and that Cwmamman and Llandebie folks shall not come to Ammanford to drink, and vice versa, and I would bless the Act. # Now I have dismissed the subjects over which the correspondent of your contemporary has ex- pended his ire. He has thought fit to tender me some advice. I would advise him to be more careful in his reading, more intelligent in his construing, and more charitable in his inferences, and then he may become a worthy mouthpiece of Ammanford feeling. V There is a talk about some athletic sports to be held in connection with the cricket club in August. If the handicapping is done by a reliable man some days before the sports come off, and the course is better kept than it was on the last occasion, they will probably be a great success. You shall hear more of them as soon as they emerge from the Cimmerian darkness in which they are at present enveloped. I ain requested to call attention to another Ammanford nuisance. It appears from a recent police case that there are two common lodging houses in Ammanford, which have no licence as such. Now, in addition to the encouragement, these places give to mendicancy, the concealment they may afford to dishonesty, and the insult they frequently offer to decency and cleanliness, every now and then the frequenters give a loose rein to their thirst, and as a consequence scenes occur of no great advantage to the surrounding crowds of men, women, and-sad to say-children. One of these occurred on Saturday night last, and was of a more than usually revolting character. The offender has been in trouble here before, but was punished so lightly owing to the tender- heartedness of the police that he was rather en- couraged than otherwise to fresh exploits. Some of the inhabitants, I am asked to say, seem to have an interest in keeping this plague-spot in our midst, and among them some who ought to know better and are more than suspected of act- ing as they do out of spite, vi-oh pudor If this is true, I have no doubt the police will again find a champion over this wretched business. V The unsavoury subject of common lodging houses brings me to another I have had in my mind for a long time that of drainage. Ammanford is a fast growing place, and the aanitary arrangement are at the best faulty. Should an epidemic spring up in the place, the result would probably be, with the facilities for disease (especially if the story about the water is true), that the place affords, a decimation of the population. This is a most important subject, and if the water people are in earnest, I would suggest petitioning the Local Government Board to constitute Ammanford a Rural Sanitary Authority, and to lay before it a complete scheme for water drainage and lighting. There is no drainage at present, except what the gravelly soil naturally affords. There will be great difficulties in the way of a good scheme, but they are not insuperable, and the risk run for want of one is too great. Now I appeal to the champion of the new water scheme, if he is a real lover of Ammanford, as I am, to link the two matters to- gether, and call a public meeting to discuss them, or, if he wont join them together, to at once call a meeting about the water, and I will call one about the drainage. I would rather the honour rest upon another's shoulders. Some are sadly lacking in it. There is to be an open air fete for the Primrose League on August 15th, in a field kindlylleiit, by Mr Davidson, of Wernoleu. The details have not yet transpired, but I am told that there is to be a tea, and a band has been engaged. Only members are to be admitted, so I must make in- terest with some of my friends for a good report of it. # I am glad to see some one calling attention to the state of the Amman. It was a disgrace to the Court of Quarter Sessions, and is more than that to the County Council. The magistrates did know what their duties were, and did them fairly well. The County Council seems to be more or less a debating society for crotchet-mongers. I hope when the novelty of their position wears off some of our representatives will take the pollution of our rivers in hand. The idea of extensive and adequate (save the mark !) filtering apparatus be- ing prepared at the Tirydail works amuses me. Go to any of the offending works, and they will tell you it is impossible for their refuse to reach the river. Something more than filtration is necessary, and I hope Councillor Jones will con- sult his duty before his interest at Tirydail. IOTA.
: LLANDOVERY HORTICULTURAL,…
LLANDOVERY HORTICULTURAL, DOG, AND POULTRY SOCIETY. The third annual show of the above society was held in a field adjoining the Old Castltf, on Tuesday. The number of entries were nearly 1,208, exceeding those of last year by about 200. The quality of the exhibits, too, were of a better class, notably, in the cottagers, the judge, Mr Muir, remarking what an improvement there was in this section. The exhibits were- all under cover, in spacious marquees erected} fts in pre- vious years, by Mr Smart, Cardiff. The weather was beautifully fine, which drew a lar £ e*«ancpur»e of people to the show. A better place thartttie one selected could not have been chosen for hold- ing it, the scenery alone from the Old Castle and the river Bran being well worth the price of admission. Great praise is due to the committee for the admirable arrangements they made. Special mention in this respect should be made of the bon. set. Mr J. M. Sinnett, who has, since the commencement of the society, given hi* services free. The judges were Flowers, gardeft produce, honey, Mr J. Muir, Margam Park, Port Talbot; dogs, Mr George Bapet; poultry, Mr J. Martin pigeons, Mr J. F. Harvey cage birds, Mr J. Martin. The band of the 1st V.B. Welsh Regiment, under the conductorship of Mr J. Jones, Carmarthen, played a fine selection of music during the day, by the kind permission of Col. Wilson, Capt. Hutchins, and officers. Appended is the PRIZE LIST. FLOWERS.—NURSERYMEN AND OPEN. Collection of stove or greenhouse plants—1, Captain Mansfield, St. Clears; 2, J Speck, Llanelly. Exotic ferns-Captain Mansfield. Roses-J Speck. Epergne of cut flowers-I, Miss Bruton, Yeovil; 2, J. Speck extra, Mrs Evans, Vicarage. AMATEURS WITH PROFESSIONAL GARDENS. Collection of eight planta, in or out of bloom- Captain Mansfield. Coleus-Captain Mansfield. Dahlias (double), 18 blooms, 6 varieties-J Speck, Llanelly. Carnations, 12 blooms, 6 varietieø-J Speck. Asters, 12 blooms, not less than 6 varieties—J Speck. Gladioli—1, David Morgan, Llanelly. Petunias 1, John Pile, Johnstown; 2, Mrs Bishop, Cwmrhythan, Llandovery. Pausiee-l, J H Abbot, Neath; 2, John Pile, Johnstown, Carmarthen. Liliums—1,WD Davies, Llanwrda; 2, Captain Mansfield, St. Clears. Cockscombs—1, Capt. Mansfield 2, DR Lewis. AMATEURS WITH PROFESSIONAL GARDEERS. Collection of six plants in pots 1, David Morgan, Llanelly; 2, Miss Jones, Ystrad, Llan. dovery. Geraniums-David Morgan. Roses-I, W D Davias; 2, A Williams, Neath. Basket of flowers-I, John Pile; 2, Miss Bishop. Fuschias—1, David Morgan; 2, MissE Williams, Gollen House, Llandovery. Dahlias, double—1, John FT1§2, David Davies, Ynyswcn Factory, Llanddeusant. Dahlias, single-I, F W Lewis, Llandovery; 2, D Morgan. Carnations I, F W Aylwin, Neath; 2, John Pile. Picoteea-1, John Pile, Carmarthen. Exotic ferns—1, Miss Jones, Llandovery; 2, Mrs J M Sinnett, Llandovery. Balsams—1, F W Lewis, Llandovery. Holyhocks-1, F W Lewis, Llandovery; 2, F W Aylwin, Neath. Gladioli-D Morgan. Asters—David Morgan, Llanelly Cemetery. Begonias—1, David Morgan, Llanelly Cemetary; 2, Mrs J M Sinnett, Llandovery. Marigolds—1, Miss Jones, Llandovery; 2, John Pile, Carmarthen. COTTAGERS. Collection of window plants 1, Miss Polly Davies, Llandovery; 2, William John Pugh, Llan- dovery. Basket Of wild flowers-I, Miss Polly Davies, Llandovery; 2, John Jones, Llandovery. Fuchsia in pot—1, J Roderick, Llandovery; 2, Miss Polly Davies, Llandovery. Geranium in pot—1, Mrs Jane Jones, Llandovery; 2, Miss Polly Davies, Llandovery. FRUITS AND HONEY (Open). Black grapes-I, CaptaW Mansneld, St. Clears. Pine—2, J Speck, Llanelly. PeacheiB-I, Captain Mansfield. Nectarines—1, Captain Mansfield. Plums—1, James Jones, Llangadock; 2, J Speck, Llanelly. I Red currants-I*, Mrs Bishop, Llandovery; 2, J Watkins, Llandovery. Black currants-I, David Davies, Llanddeusant; 2, Mrs Morgan, Llandovery. Gooseberries-1, F W Lewis, Llandovery; 2, David Edwards, Gas Cottage, Llandovery. Dessert apples—1, W H Houghton, Neath; 2, F W Aylwin, Neath. Cooking apples—1, Herbert Davies, Llanwrda; 2, F W Lewis, Llandovery. Dessert pears—1, James Jones, Llangadock; 2, Mra Bishop, Llandovery. Tomatoes—1, Captain Mansfield, St. Clears; 2, W D Davies. Collection of fruits- J Speck, Llanelly; 2, James Jones, Llangadock. 61bs honey in lib glasses—1, Thomas Lloyd, Cilmery Station; 2, F Lansdown, Stowe; 3, A Hamer, Knighton; v h c, T Pritchard. Bucknell Station, Salop. Glbs honey in comb or sections—1, Thomas Lloyd, Cilmery Station; 2, Thomas Pritchard, Bucknell Station; 3, John Denhirst, Panpinton; v h c, H J Edwards, Brampton, Herefordshire. (Cottagers.) Red currants—1, Miss Jones, Llanddeusant. Black currants—1, Miss Jones, Llanddeusant; 2, Evan Lloyd, Llanwrda. Gooseberries—1, Evan Thomas, Llandovery; 2, James Lloyd. Motbvey. Apples—1, Thomas Hughes, Llandovery. Collection of fruits-1, Evan Lloyd, Llanwrda. VEGETABLES.—AMATEURS AND GENTLEMEN'S GARDENERS ONLY. Collection of vegetables (grown from seeds sup- plied by Messrs Sutton and Sons)-I, J T Griffith, N. P. Bank, Llandovery; 2, D Morgan, Llanelly; 3, Dr Thomas, Llandovery; 4, F W Lewis, Llan- doveiy. Collection of vegetables (to be grown from seeds supplied by Messrs J C Wheeler and Son)—1, J M Sinnett, Llandovery; 2, Mrs J M Sinnett, Llan. dovery; 3, Miss Bishop, Cwmrhythan; 4, D A Davies, Llandovery. AMAI-JBUR8 WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL GARDENERS. Broad beans—1, David Edwards, Gas Cottage, Llandovery 2, David Davies, Llanddeusant. Frenoh beans (runners)—1, David Morgan, Llanelly Cemetery; 2, David Edwards, Llan- dovery. French beans (dwarf)—1, W D Davies, Llanwrda 2, F W Aylwin, Neath. Red or white celery—1, David Morgan, Llanelly Cemetery; 2, W D Davies, Llanwrda. Long carrots—1, Daniel Morris, Priory-street, Carmarthen 2, David Morgan, Llanelly Cemetery. Short carrots—1, F W Lewis, Llandovery; 2, David Morgan, Llanelly Cemetery. Table cabbage—1, M Walters, Llandovery; 2, R J Jackson, Llangadock. Cucumbers—1, A G Browning, Llanelly; 2, David Morgan, Llanelly Cemetery. Cos or cabbage lettuce—1, J T Griffith, Llan- dovery 2, Dr. Thomas, Llandovery. Leeks—1, Daniel Morris, Carmarthen; 2, J M Sinnett, Llandovery. Winter sown onions—1, David Morgan, Llanelly Cemetery; 2, John Harries, Carmarthen 3, David Edwards, Llandovery. Spring-sowa onions—1, D Morris, Carmarthen; 2, David Edwards, Llandovery. Spring suwn parsnips—1, David Morgan, Llanelly Cemetery 2, William Simon, Llandilo. Cauliflowers-1, William Simon, Llandilo; 2, F W Lewis, Llandovery. Peas—I and 2, J W Morton, Llanwrtyd. Kidney potatoes—1, D Morris. Carmarthen; 2, J Lewis, Llangadock; v h c, J Harries, Carmarthen. Round potatoes—I, John Harries, Carmarthen; 2, Daniel Morris, Carmarthen. Garden turnips—1, J M Sinnett, Llandovery; 2, A Brick, Llanwrtyd. Vegetable marrow—1, W Davies, Llanwrda; 2, Dr Thomas, Llandovery. COTTAGERS. Broad beans—1, Mrs Mary Thomas, Llangadock; 2, Evan Lloyd, Llanwrda. French beans (runners)—1, R Thomas, Llan. dovery; 2, Evan Lloyd., Llanwrda. Red or white eelery-1, G Williams, Llandovery; 2, D Havard, Llandovery. Long carrots—1, D Jones, Llanwrtyd; 2, I D Havard, Llandovery. Short carrots—1,1 D Havard, Llandovery; 2, John Morris, Llanwrtyd. Table cabbage—1, Mrs Mary Thomas, Llan- gadock 2, John Jones, Queen-street, Llandovery. Cucumbers-I, John Morris, Llanwrtyd; 2, R Thomas, Llandovery. Cos or cabbage lettuce—1, George Williams, Llandovery; 2, Joseph Owen, Llanwrtyd. Leeks—1, Evan Lloyd, Llanwrda; 2, Isaac D Havard, Llandovery. Spring-sown onions—1, D A Davies, Llandovery, 2, nioan Lloyd, Llanwrds. '[ Winter-sown onions-D*nlel Roderick, Cyng- hordy.. • Parsnips—1, David Jbnes, Llanwrtyd Isaac D Havard. Peas—1, Daniel Roderick, Cynghordy 2, Mary Thomas, Llangadock. Kidney potatoes—1, Wm. James, Llangadock; 2, Thomas Jones, Llandovery. Round potatoes—1, George Williams, Llan- dovery; 2, Thomas Williams, Llandovery. Rhubarb—1, George Williams, Ltaftdovery; 2, David Thomas, Llanwrda. 3Turnipi, garden-I,A-Brick, Llanwrtyd ^,R Thomas, Llandovery. Collect!on of vegetables—1, A Brick, Llanwrtyd; 2, J Owen, Llanwrtyd. DOGS.S;J!OTJNG DOGS. Foxhounds, couple—1, T H R Hughes, Lam- peter; 2, M P Lloyd, Llangadock. Greyhound, dog—1, Hooper, Saundersfoot; 2, Wm. Davies, Swansea; 3, E Davies, Pontardawe. Greyhound, bitch—1, D J Hallesley, Merthyr; 2, James Jones, Llangadock; 3, D R Thomas, Caersws, R.S.O.; Setter, English, dog or bitch—1 and 3, James R Hughes, Carmarthen; 2, Tom Steadman, Dinas Mawddy, Merionethshire. Setter, any other breed—1, W J M Herbert, Cardiff; 2, R J Beavan, Swansea, Pointers—1, Thomas Williams, Briton Ferry; 2 and 3, J R Hughes, Carmarthen. Retriever—1, L Reynolds, Dowlais; 2, J Rey- nolds, Swansea; 3, J- Sharpe, Preateign. Spaniel, over 28lbs—1, George Morgan, Neath; 2, E Birtwhistle, Saundersfoot; 3, William Filton, Penarth. Spaniel, under 281bs—1, George Morgan, Neath; 2, William Filton, Penarth. Fox terrier, smooth—1, W V Howell Thomas, Carmarthen; 2, John Jordan Jones, Carmarthen 3, W V HoweU Thomas, Carmarthen. Fox terrier, wire-haired—1 and cup, Hugh Hop. kins, Llandilo; 2, Gilbert Eadie, Builth. For terrier puppy, rough or smooth, under 12 months old—I, W V Howell Thomas, Carmarthen 2, Edward Gainage, Swansea; 3, C Dacre Tyler, Llandyssul. Sporting puppy, any breed, single entry, under 12 months old on the 30th day of July, 1889-1, A H Clarke, Port Talbot; 2, W V Howell Thomas, Carmarthen; 3, Isaac Sarvis, Merthyr. NON SPORTING DOGS. Mastiff or St Bernard, dog or bitch—1 and cup, John R Johns, Swansea; 3, James Chalmers, Swansea. Colley—1, George J Rosser, Neath; 2, R H Trewoeks, Pembroke; 3, W T Jones, Neath. Sheep dog, any other variety—1 and reserve, Dr John Griffiths, Tenby; 2, Dr John Griffiths, Tenby. Dandy, Irish or Scotch terrier—1, Geo. Mayall, Herefordshire; 2, John Calderwood, Aberavon. Bedlington or rough terrier—1, F Roberts, Cardiff; 2, D Rees, Neath. Pug or toy dog—1, W G Barron, Port Talbot; 2, D Parry Thomas, Pontypridd; 3, D Davies, Swan- sea. Bull dog or bull terrier- 1, John Harries, Well- field-road, Carmarthen; 2, J F Harvey, Swansea. Welsh terrier-1, W J M Herbert, Cardiff; 2, W V Howell Thomas, Carmarthon. Non.sporting dog or bitch-2, David Galloway, Swansea. Selling class—1, J Young Davies, New road, Llandilo. POULTRY. Cock or hen-Dorkings, any variety—1 and 2, John Harris, Carmarthen. Brabmas, any variety—1, S W Thomas, Swansea; 2,1 F Thodoay, Ware. Cochins, any variety—1, George J Rosser, Neath; 3, I F Thodoay, Ware. Plymouth rock, any variety—1, S W Thomas, Swansea; 2, T R Cooke, Chester. Black reds, game—L and cup, John Powell, Eardisley 2, A H Simms, Treharris. Brown red game—1, George J RoFser, Neath. Game, any variety—1,A H Simms, Station Hotel, Treharris; 2, J Sivell, Tregil, Llandilo. Hambnrghs, any variety—2, John Williams, Llandovery. French, Polish, or Malay—1, S W Thomas, Swansea; 2, R"Clark, Tarporley. Minorcas or Leghorns—1 and 2, A G Pitts, High- bridge. Any other distinct breed-I and cup, Lot Wake, Bridgwater 2, George J Rosser, Neath. Duck or drake, any variety—1, Reggie Charles, Neath 2, H Yardley, Birmingham. CHICKEN CLASSES, HATCHED IN 1889. Dorking. Cochin, or Brahma, cockerel or pullet— 1 and 2, John Harris, Carmarthen. Game, any variety, (cockerel or pollet-J, R Williams, Llanelly; 2, J Morton, Llanwrtyd. Any other distinct variety, cockerel or pullet— 1, Thomas Henry Batt, Bridgend; 2, Geo. J. Rosser, Neath. LOCAL CLASSES CONFINED TO LLANDOVERY UNION. Cockerel and pullet, any variety—1, W E Williams, Llandovery; 2, John Southgate, Llan- dovery. Duck and drake—1, not awarded; 2, David Rees, Llandovery. Gander and goose-2, Edward James, Glandwr, Cynghordj. SELLING CLASS. Cock and hen—1, George J Rosser, Neath; 2 Thomas Jones, Llangathen. PIGEONS. Cock or hen (pouter)—1 and 2, R Pike, Swansea. Magpie—1, J Heynes, Redditch; 2, G W Brown, Cheltenham 3, Thomas H Batt, Bridgend. Nuns, any colour—1, JB Leeder, Swansea; 2 and 3, R Pike. Swansea. Jacobins, excepting owls—1 and 3, Alfred E Gould, Newnhara-on-Severn; 2, J B Leeder, Swansea. Tumblers, any variety, but short-faced—1 and 3, Thomas H Batt; 2, W H Powell, Shrewsbury. Antwerps (short or medium faced)-I, H Yardley, Birmingham 2, G and T Holloway, London; 3, Thomas Henry Batt, Bridgend. Any other variety—1, R Pike, Swansea; 2, H J Evis, Bridport; 3, H Yardley, Birmingham. Any other variety—1 and cup, T B Leeder, Swansea; 2 and 3, J Pike, Swansea. SELLING CLASSES. Pair of carriers, barbs, pouters, or Antwerps—], R Pike, Swansea; 2 and 3, F H Glynn Price, Swansea. Pair of any other variety—1 and 2, Daniel Harris, Taibach. CAGE BIRDS. Norwich canary-1 and 2, R H Treweeks, Pem broke. Yorkshire canary—1 and 2, R H Treweeks, Pembroke. Canary, any other variety—1, William Thomas, Bridgend; 2, Richard Gwyther, Cardiff. Goldfinch-1, James Wakeman, Llandovery; 2, R B Lyddon, 27, Redland Grove, Bristol. British bird, any other variety—2, William Edwards, Llandovery. SELLING CLASS. Best single bird—1, William Edwards, Llan- dovery; 2, R B Lyddon, Bristol. • MISCELLANEOUS. Prizes presented by Mr D Lloyd Jones for the best kept garden—1, E Lloyd, Dolgarreg Lodge; 2, Joseph Owen, Station Cottage, Llanwrtyd. Three window plants—1, Joseph Owen, Llan- wrtyd. Cotton shirt, white or coloured, men's size, made by exhibitor-Divided between Miss Mary Anne Thomas, Llandovery, and Miss Mary Nicholas, Llandovery. Pair of knitted stockings-1, Mrs Anne Jones, Llandovery; 2, Mrs Elizabeth Thomas, Llandovery. Pair of knitted socks-I. Mrs Freeman, Llan- dovery. Loaf of home-made bread—1, Thomas Jones, Llandovery; 2, Isaac D Havard, Llandovery. SPECIAL PRIZES. Silver cup, given by Mr Price, jeweller, Llan- dovery, for the best pen of game fowls-John Powell, Eardisley, Herefordshire. Silver cup, given Ly Dr Lewis, L-laudowery-Lot Hake, Bridgewatei. Silver cup, given by Mr Richards, chemist, Llan- dovery, for the best pigeon in the sbow-R Pike, Swansea. EXTRA PRIZES. Best collection of honey, prize 103, Denbirst and Co. Best bouquet, 5s, Mansfield. Honey, A Hamer, Knighton.
--COUNTY COUNCIL CONFERENCE…
COUNTY COUNCIL CONFERENCE AT CARMARTHEN. i — '■ THE RAILWAY RATES. A meeting of delegates from the County Coun- cils of Carmarthen, Cardigan, and Pembroke was held in the Guild-hall, Carmarthen, on Monday, to consider abjections recently advanced by the above bodies to railway rates. The gentlemen present were :-For Pembrokeshire Mr Stokes, Teaby Mr Coram, and Mr J. B. Bowen, Llwyngwair. For Cardiganshire Mr Levi James; and for Carmarthenshire Colonel Gwynne-Hughes, Glancothy; Mr Henry Norton, Carmarthen; and Mr D. ParryLlanelly. Mr Frank Impey, of Temple-Street, Birtninghan, was in attendance. Mr Stokes wat elected to the chair, and gave an account of the action taken by the Pembroke- shire County Council and other similar bodies throughout the country, with a view of opposing the new revised classification and schedule of maximum rates and charges which the railway companies had put forward under the Railway Rates Act of last year. Mr Frank Impey also gave a resume of what had been done by both sides, and went into detail with regard to the effect of the proposed rates. In the course of the conversation which ensued, he stated that under the Act the railway companies were to prepare new rates, and, in consequence, they had looked rather too well after their own interests. It was further stated that objections had been prepared ag*|fB0$the Great Western, Pembroke and Tenbyv-London and North Western, Manchester and Milford, and Cambrian Railways. It had igg d by Mr Henry Impey that the objections would carry greater weight if all the public bodies throughout the counties of Pem- broke, Cardigan, and Carmarthen joined in the objections, and hence this meeting of representa- tive The Chairman, in reply to a remark by Mr Levi James, said that the new Act gave to the country a power that it had never been possessed of before, in that it was given a voice in saying whether the railway rates were reasonable or not. Mr Frank Impey said there was no doubt that the Board of Trade would hear all the objections which might be urged against the Act. If, however, there was any inclination on the part of the Board of Trade to refuse to hear the repre- sentations of the traders, they could bring parliamentary and other interest t,) bear upon them, and make them give the question proper consideration. The Chairman moved on behalf of Pembroke- shire, Mr Norton and Mr James seconded on be- half of Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire respectively, and it was agreed to That in view of the fact that the railway com- panies have formed their revised classification and schedule of maximum rates and charges in excess of the statutory powers hitherto possessed by them, GGPEAFC^ MI -FUCOEFS g»f the present charges, and tfflft 'Aon propoled charges would be injurious to tie commercial, mercantile, and agricultural interests of this country, this committee, represent- ing the County Councils of Carmarthen, Cardigan, and Pembroke, recognises the necesity of a strenu- ous and united opposition being offered. Mr Bowen next proposed, Colonel Gwynne- Hughes and Mr Levi James seconded, and it was resolved :— That the committee recommends the County Councils of Carmarthen, Cardigan, and Pembroke to join the association of which the Lord Mayor of London is the president, for the purpose of farther concerting common action on all such points as are of common interest to these counties, and that Mr Frank Impey, of Birmingham, be em- ployed to represent the oounties of Carmarthen, Cardigan, and Pembroke, at a cost of .£50, to be divided between the three counties. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the meeting.
LAUGHARNE ECHOES.
LAUGHARNE ECHOES. } F R' (BY ABERCORRAN). Laugharne, Wednesday. MIDSUMMER VACATION. On Friday last the National Schools at Laugharne were closed for the midsummer vacation. In the afternoon the scholars gave a very pleasant and interesting entertainment, under, the able management of the master,— Mr W. H. Saer. The Rev W. H. Harrison presided, and several of the parents were present. After the programme had been gone through, the rev. chairman presented the prizes (110 books) and certificates to the scholars.—The schools, he said, had done remarkably well, and it would be a pleasure to those within, as well as those without, to hear of the present excellent state of the schools (applause). After a few appropriate words of encouragement to the scholars, the rev. gentleman proceeded to distribute prizes for good conduct, general proficiency, regular attendance, etc. Prizes (dolls) for sewing Z5 were given by Miss Julia Wilkinp, and Miss Huband (Infants' Mistress).—The following programme was then gone through, and several of the items evoked considerable applause :—Part I.: Part song, The Coral Insect," Scholars; recitation, Young Loch- invar," H. L. Bevan; solo, "The miller of the Dee," T. H. Davies; reading, Nat. Ricket," Mr Saer; part song, I'll try again," Scholars recitation, The Ballad of the Oysterman," W. F. Smith; solo, Vacation comes To- morrow," A. E. Brown; glee, The Fisher Boy" Scholars. Part II.: School song, Fragrant Air," Scholars; solo and chorus, The stormy winds do blow," H. L. Bevan; recitation, "The Fireman's Wedding," T. H. Davies; trio, "Little Eva," Scholars; recit- ation, "Saturday Night," A. E. Brown song, Vacation Song," Scholars; reading, 11 Trea- 0 sures of Knowledge," Mr Saer; glee, Fair FJotf. decks," Scholars; finale, God save the Que&n.* At the conclusion of the of the entertainment Mr Saer proposed a vote of thanks to the Rev. D. H. Harrison, for the able manner in which he had disciplined them that afternoon. The rev chairman was, he continued, always ready, always willing, and able to do everything in his power to assist them (applause) The Rev. W. H. Harrison having suitably responded, the scholars sung God save the Queen," and the proceedings were brought to a close. THE SMACK "NAUTILUS." Last week I wrote stating that the smack "Nautilus" of Laugharne (Captain John Thomas, master), had stranded on the Oxwich sands, and fears were entertained that the vessel would become a total wreck. I am glad to say that those fears were premature. The vessel floated with the spring-tide, having sus- tained little or no damage, and the cargo was all saved. THE YACHT RACE. i Around this forthcoming event very con- siderable interest is apparently centred. Several yachts are entered, among them being the Ranee," of Tenby, and this event promises fair to eclipse anything yet achieved by the committee. I am informed by Mr T. Richards, the hon. sec., that he has not realised any difficulty in obtaining subscrip- tions this year, in fact, subscriptions are being sent in unsolicited. A full report of the Regatta will appear in our next issue. IMPROVEMENTS ON THE CLIFF. The improvements effected on the cliff- referred to by me in our last week's issue— will prove a boon to the public, and, now that the ball has been opened, we may possibly bear that others are anxious to emulate Mr Kaye's example. The lamp to be placed at the gateway leading to the Lady Kaye's residence will be a great improvement, and will be much appreciated by the general public. MUSHROOMS. Great expectations were fostered that the long spell of dry weather recently experienced would result in an extraordinary crop of mushrooms. The gentle rains duly succeeded the heat, but our hopes and anticipations have scarcely been realised. Up to the pre- sent, at any rate, there has not been the exceptionally heavy crop anticipated. FUNERAL. On Wednesday, in the burial ground of the Congregational Chapel, the mortal remains of the infant and only son of Mr J. R. John, of Brixton, near Laugharne, were interred in their last resting place. The Rev. Gwynne Jones, D.D., officiated, and the funeral was an exceptionally large one. We. tender our sincere sympathy ito the bereaved parents in this their hour of trial.
"THE GOLDEN -WEDDING."
"THE GOLDEN WEDDING." Sir Francis Doyle in his volume of Reminis- cences tells us that on July 25th, 1839, he attended Mr Gladstone's wedding at Hawarden as his best man. Catherine Glynne and her aister Mary, both beautiful women, were married on the same day, the first to William Gladstone, the second to George Lord Lyttleton." Friday last witnessed the 50th anniversary of this inter- esting event, which was celebrated by a grand reception in the rooms of the National Liberal Club. This magnificent building was profusely adorned, and presented a brilltint appearance. Floral decorations met the eye on every side, the beauty of nature being enhanced by the. twinkle of variegated lamps amongst the foliage. The terrace was covered with coloured canvas and lit by electricity. Platforms were erected for the accommodation of the guest of the evening. The Blue Hungarian and Mr Godfrey's bands contributed to the pleasure of the entertainment, and more solid enjoyment was provided in five rooms set apart for supper. At half-past nine o'clock Mr Gladstone entered the room, followed by Mrs Gladstone, leaning on the arm of Lord Oxenbridge. The party ascended a platform, and Lord Oxenbridge, as chairman of the committee of the Club, proceeded to read an address of congratulation upon the celebration of the Golden Wedding of acknowledgment of the work of the eminent statesman and of good wishes for the evening of life. Lord Oxenbridge then presented the address, enclosed in an album, to Mr Gladstone. In returning thanks, Mr Gladstone dwelt at some length upon the friendly feeling that had prompted the celebration, and of the kindness shewn to himself, feeling, "as it were, drowned in an ocean of kindness," and that it would be vain labour to find words in which to develop that sentiment." Touching briefly on the political aspect of the meeting, he referred to those present as representatives of a Party devoted to the promotion of Liberal principles, principles not of destruction, but of improve- ment. In conclusion, Mr Gladstone expressed a fervent hope that not only his hearers, but that all English citizens might be enabled to employ the gifts with which they were endowed to the service of a country that expects every man to do his duty." The album containing the address is illustrated. The address is written on five pages, ornamented by drawings of various works of Mr Gladstone's political life a view of Hawarden figures of Homer and Dante views of Edinburgh, and the Houses of Parliament. The last page is embel- lished with a scene familiar to us through the current coin of the realm; the actors have, however, exchanged their parts. St. George, who has figured for so long as the patron saint and type of England, appears to have adopted the role of dragon, and endeavours to prevent the escape of a young lady labelled Erin," while Mr Gladstone, got up as St. George, endeavours to assist the refractory maiden's escape by knock- ing the dragon on the head with a timber-felling axe. The album is a handsome and well-bound work of art, and must have coat the members of the Club quite Is a head. The National Liberal Club is a remarkably fine building, and is fitted with every appliance that comfort and luxury can desire; possibly this may account for its being affected to so large an extent by the class of member whose primary consideration is the excellence of his dinner and the cosiness of his arm chair. These gentlemen have been terribly put out by the preparations for last Friday's gathering. Driven out of their most cherished corner by an army of carpenters and florists, and only allowed to re-enter their own house by payment of a guinea, they were loud in their denunciations of the scheme that turned the Golden Wedding, in which all England is interested, into a monetary concern they may comfort themselves the performance was a brilliant success. The only point in Mr Gladstone's speech to which we take exception is the use of the motto England expects every man to do his duty a motto signalled from the masthead of the "Victory" on the 21st October, 1805, when, under full sail and in silence, she bored her way into the centre of England's enemies; enemies whose avowed object was the subjugation of England, and who, within nine years previously, had used Ireland as a stepping stone for the attainment of that object.
LLANDOVERY.
LLANDOVERY. POLICE COURT. At the Llandovery Police Court on Friday-before Col. Jones (in the chair) and Mr George Jones, Ystrad, a young tramp, giving the name of Thomas Stokes, was charged by P.C. Thomas Williams with assaulting Mr William Williams, landlord of the White Swan Inn, on the previous night by throwing stones against complainant's house, and doing some damage in the passage—Mr Williams deposed that as he was going up an archway in the neigh- bourhood of his house, about 10 o'clock on the previous night, he saw defendant there. He asked him what business he had there, whereupon the lad replied, No business of yours." He pointed out to him that he was on his premises, and went back to the house, where a woman was drinking a glass of beer. He asked her if the lad under his archway was her son. She replied that he was, and asked what business of witness' it was to enquire. He then told her to drink up her beer, and go out quick upon which she commenced making a row, and said she was mistress of the house. Thereupon he ejected her. The lad then shouted to his mother to assault him with a knife, and commenced throwing stones. Witness now attempted to catch the boy, and with the object in view followed him up the road, but failed. Later on after he had thrown some more stones, he followed him down town, when the defendant ran into the barber's shop and closed the door after him. Complainant then gave him in charge to P.C. Thomas Williams. The bench inflicted a fine of 5s I including costs.
HORRIBLE AFFAIR AT CARMARTHEN.
HORRIBLE AFFAIR AT CARMARTHEN. A MAN'S HEAD CUT OFF BY A TRAIN. A shocking discovery was made on the Great Western Railway between the Carmarthen Junction and Carmarthen Town Stations on Saturday night. As the driver of a goods train. was coming towards the Town Station at about ten minutes past eleven, he felt the tender of his engine, which was in front, give a jerk. It struck him something had got on the liue, though he did not dream it was a human body, so on getting into the Town Station he examined the wheels of the engine, but did not find any marks on them. He reported the fact at the station to the driver of an engine which was waiting to go out to the Junction, whereupon he went out slowly and carefully, holding a light over the line in front in order to see if there was anything on the railway. About midway he saw something by the side of theline, and getting down to examine it, found on the side farthest from the river, the headless body of a man, the head lying on a sleeper between the rails some few yards from the body. Information was at once given to the police and to the official surgeon to the railway company (Mr J. Hughes), who were quickly on the spot, and the latter ordered the body to be con- veyed to the Town Mortuary. On its being put there the body was found to be that of a man of be- tween sixty and seventy. Besides being completely decapitated, one arm was torn off, and the shoulder crushed. On him were some papers, including receipted bills and a memorandum from a Cardiff firm named Downing, bearing the words To James Ward, Ivy House, Canton, Cardiff." Inquiries were at once set on foot by the police, with the result that on Monday morning in- formation was received as to the man's identity, and in the course of the day the body was identi- fied as that of James Ward, of the Caledonia, Weston-street, Swansea, and late of Cardiff. THE INQUEST was held on Monday night before the Coroner (MrJ. Hughes), and a jury of which Mr J. P. Carter was foreman. The Coroner, in opening the inquest, said it might appear strange to them that though that man met his death in the county, an inquest was held in the borough. The facts of the case were that between eleven and twelve o'clock on Saturday night a body was found on the railway, and the surgeon to the Company-that was him- self—was sent for. When he got there he found a body much mutilated on the rails with the head separated from it. The question was what to do with the body. There was no mortuary in the county, and it would be an absurd thing to wake up the cottagers in Pensarn to take in a body which must have remained in the house for two days, and there was no law to compel a publican to take in a dead body for two days. So he thought there could be no better way of disposing of it than placing it in the mortuary in the town. He (the Coroner), therefore, was solely responsible for its having been brought into the borough, and he accepted that responsi- bility. Mary Ward said that deceased was her husband, and his age was 69. While at Cardiff he was a schoolmaster, and then a clerk in an office, and he last kept a beer shop, the Caledonia, in Weston-street, Swansea. Deceased was always a sober man. They came. from Cardiff to Swansea to live about two months ago. For the last three or four months deceased had seemed strange in his manner. He seemed different to what he used to be-he seemed to be troubled and miserable. He, however, never gave any reason for this though she asked him. 0 She knew he had lent money which he had not been repaid, but she was not certain that that was the reason. They were in comfortable circumstances. She last saw deceased on Friday week, after breakfast, on which day he said he was going for a walk. He left the house, and she expectcd him back that day. She, however, had not seen him since. On the following day she received a note from him posted in Swansea, in which he said that he had taken some money to help him on the way-he did not say where he was going to-and that she might never see him again. As he was very changeable in that way she did not- lay much stress on that part of the note. She could not say how much money he took with him as he had the management of the money until the last fortnight. About a fortnight ago she asked him to allow her to manage the money as she did not know how matters were going—she did not understand how he had so little money in the cash box, and he agreed to it. She heard nothing more of deceased until that day. She did not make active enquiries about him, being afraid of offending him if he heard of it. as she had offended him previously in April, by making such enquiries when he had not come home until late. Although, she did not make active enquiries, she went herself last Sunday to Cardiff to try and find him. She went to places where she thought he was likely to be, but failed to find him. Mary Ann Williams, waitress, at the Temperance Hotel, Carmarthen, said the deceased had been a lodger at that hotel. She had been away for some time, but when she came back on Tuesday morning he was there. He left on Saturday morning about eleven o'clock, saying he was not coming back. She saw him again about seven in the evening near the Gaol, when he said good evening to her. He was tnen going down the Castle hill. He seemed quite cheerful all the time he was at the hotel. Alfred Tucker, Davies-town, Pensarn, engine- driver on the Great Western Railway, said that on Saturday evening at 11.5 p.m., he left Carmar- thbn Junction with an engine and seventeen trucks for the Carmarthen Town Station. When about half way between the two stations he noticed that the tender of the engine-which was in front-jerked in an unusual way. He was then going about 13 or 14 miles an hour. He supposed a stone had got on the line, and on reaching the town station he examined the engine to see if there were any marks on it, but there were none. An engine was waiting to go out to the Junction, and he then told the driver, William Bright, that he thought he had run over something about mid-way on the way in. It was a dark night, and he could not see on to the line in front of the engine. William Bright, 38, Richmond-terrace, Car- marthen, engine-driver on the Great Western Railway, said he took a tank engine from Car- marthen Town Station to the Junction on Saturday night at 11.15 p.m In consequence of what Alfred Tucker had told him he went out very steadily, and held a light over the buffers on to the line in front of him. He saw some- thing on the line by the Fogman's Hut, looking like a newspaper, so he stopped the engine ana got off to see what it was. He found the body of a man lying on its back on the farthest side front the river. The head was cut off and lying be- tween the rails. Witness went on to the Junction, and told the signal man what he seen. There is no public crossing at this place. P.C. J. Rees, county police force, said he went about twenty past eleven to the railway between the Junction and Town Stations. He saw there the body of the deceased lying across the foot- way, the body being at right angles to the rails. The head was lying on one of the sleepers. He searched the body, and found cn it besides other articles, two letters and a newspaper. He assisted to convey the body to the Mortuary. P.C. E. E. Burnhill, borough police force, said he further searched the body at the Mortuary, and found on it 4!ù. in coppers and other small articles. The Coroner, in summing up, pointed out that there was nothing in the evidence to contradict the assumption that the deceased accidentally went on the railway, and met with an accident by falling under the train. So also there was nothing to contradict the assumption that the deceased might have gone there for the purpose of destroying himself. That was within the bounds of possibility, but he doubted if there was sufficient evidence to satisfy the jury of the state of the deceased's mind. It would, he thought, be sufficient if they stated that he died from an accident while trespassing on the railway. The evidence was quite clear on the point that he was not run over by any negligence on the part of any of the drivers. A verdict of Accidental death while trespass- iug on the railway was returned.