The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

CARMARTHENSHIRE ANTIQUARAIN SOCIETY ENJOYABLE "FIELD DAY.' The first ''field day" of the season of the Car- marthenshire Antiquarian Society took place on Thursday in last week, when, on the invitation of Lieut.-Gen. Sir James Hills-Johnes, V.C., G.C.B., Lady Hills-Johnes, and Mrs. Johnes, some 60 mem- bers, drawn from different parts of the county, journeyed to the historic seat in most brilliant weather. A brief visit was paid to the church at Llanwrda, where, in the presence of the Rev. Ebenezer Lloyd, a rabbing was taken of the front of a stone stoop, which has a date requiring cipher- ing. The ancient house of Pentre Meurig, where Bishop Powell resided, was also viewed with in- terest. The panoramic view of miles of beautiful country which the party obtained from the top of the hill before descending into the village of Pumpsaint, was greatly enjoyed. There was a large house party at Dolaucothy to meet the visi- tors, including Mr. Meuric Lloyd, M.A. (president of the society). The ladies were most energetic in showing the visitors some of tho treasures with which the beautiful old mansion is stocked. After lunch the party were photographed by wish of the Dolaucothy family, by one of tho members of the society. Meuric Lloyd, M.A., Delfryn, had prepared an interesting paper on Dolaucothy—its Roman re- mains, and the Ogofau Gold, Mines, which was listened to with wrapt attention. Dolaucothy, the President said, stands near the village of Pump- saint, in the Parish of Cynwil Caio, which was an important Roman station, meaning "the advance guard of Caius." Nearly 100 years ago it was said that many inhabitants of the parish considered themselves descendants of a Roman colony, and prided themselves on their Roman descent, and Roman names were prevalent, there being also at that time a "Paulinus," a day labourer." A great many Roman remains had been found in the neigh- bourhood. and much more still lies unearthed. One of the several Roman roads passing from or through Llandovery, ran there to the mines at Cam and into Llanio, and to the Roman station of Llandovery would be taken the gold from Caio. Amongst the Roman remains to bo seen at Dolau- cothy are some obtained from the site of a Roman villa or building in the farm of Ynysau, near by, such as hot-air places, a stone pllette, bricks, Samian ware, glass, etc. Some 3,000 Roman coins wero found in 1762. Among the other antiquities at Dolaucothy is a gold chain (or "Torques") and pendant, which are supposed to have been made from gold obtained from the mines close by. Re- ferring to the Ogofan mine, Mr. Lloyd said that it had been opened several timeu of late years, but so far not with any permanency. It was at pre- sent in the hands of a company who hoped to test it thoroughly. Mr. Alan Stepney-Gulstone then moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Lloyd for his interesting descrip- tion of the objects and curiosities which belong to Dolaucothy, and also to their gallant host and the ladies of Dolaucothy for the manner in which they had entertained the society. The motion was car- ried with cheers led by Mr. T. E. Brigstocke, Car- ma rthen. Ladv Hills-Johnes made a gracious response, and alluded to the pleasure which they felt at Dolaucothy at receiving such a visit. The party then proceeded to make a complete survey of the treasures in the house, which are probably unique, including an immense quantity of Roman stones, fiuo tiles, querns, golden chains, rare volumes of manuscripts and printed books, frssiles, and the "Paulinus," "Talore," and "P.1,SSUS" stones, of which various rubbings were taken. Time did not permit for an examination of the gallant general's South African treasures, but the company viewed with a great deal of plea- sure the various paintings and manuscripts in the hbrary. A most interesting discovery was made a few days ago in this locality. The yiear of Caio and Mr. Arthur Moore whilst out nshing found an ancient stone—a Roman smelling pot—in a field at Wynvsau-uchaf, near Pumpsaint, which has now been added to the other treasures at Do'au- cothv. The general then showed the way to the Ogofan Gold-mino, which was illuminated with candles for the occasion and explored by the party. The mines were, unfortunately, at a standstill at the time, but the visitors viewed with a great deal of interest the up-to-date crushing plant which has been laid down there, and Mr. Loongten, the mana- ger, kindly permitted all who desired to com- memorate their visit to take pieces of the quartz away with them. Asked why tho mine was idle again, Mr. Longton replied, "They are re-arrang- ing financial matters," but he was hopeful that work would be resumed shortly. Carriages were then resumed, and a drive was made for Talley, Sir James Drummond, Bart., having kindly invited the party to inspect Edwins- ford. Crugybar villago, which gives its name to the familiar Welsh hymn tune, was passed through on the way. The party drove through the beauti- ful grounds of Edwinsiord, but. as Sir James was unavoidably absent with the Militia at Carmar- then the occupants of the breaks did not dis- mount. but nroceeded on to Edwinsford Arms to tea. After this the company gathered within the rums of Tallcv Abbev, where a descriptive paper was read by Walter Spurrell. Claiming no originality, he, however, briefly sketched the rise and fall of the noble building, shownig how it oc- cupied one of the most lovely spots in the vale. Additional remarks were made by the president, Mr. Stepney-Gulston, and others. A large bell, formerly in the abbey, is said-probably with truth, too— to be now at Exeter, where the tones of it' were heard a few days previously by the Rev. George Evro Evans, the energetic secretary of the society, who had journeyod purposely to hear lt-On tho way from tho gold mines to Edwinsford a halt was made at tho mound, which was pro- bablv a Roman station. The president observed that" he had spoken to an old labourer who had some years ago .found there certain blocks ot metal, probably bronze, and which, according to instruc- tions then given, ho had thrown back into the morass. A start was made for Llandilo shortly after seven o'clock, and the station was reached in time to catch the last train to Carmarthen.

WELSH BAPTIST ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE AT LLANSTEPHAN The annual meetings of tho Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire Baptist Association were held last week. Barlv on Tuesday afternoon ministers and delegates began to arrive for the various com- rnittoos, which were opened in the evening at 7 p.m. Tho Homo Mi&sions and Temperance Com- mittees wore held at Bethel Chapel and vestry, and the Examination and Sunday School Com- mittees in Moriah Chapol and vestry, and the General Purposes Committee in Bethany. Preach- ing serivces were also hold at Bethany. Symyrna, Llang-ain, and Ebenezer. Llangunnock on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday, confcrencos were held at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The chairman of tho association was Mr. J. Lewis. Ammanford, and the vice-chairman the Rev. Enos Georgo, Llanolly, and secretary. Rev. H. Evans, Penrhvnooch. Among the many sub- jects discussed wereMinisterial changes, the first Sunday in August; report of the committee suggesting names for the different, committees, of which there are eighteen, among thorn be'ng the Finance, Sunday Schools, Political resolutions, Homo Missions, Examinations, Temperance, Car- diff and Bangor Colleges, Building Fund, Bap- tist Union of Great Britain; Welsh Baptist Union, and committees of the conferences of tho Welsh Baptist Union, Baptist Union of Great Britain in October, and the same union in the spring. Re- ports of various committees were received. The place of next meeting of the Association was fixed; address by tho chairman; Association offi- cers for the coming* year were elected; political resolutions were proposed and discussed. The re- quest of tho church at Llanpumpsaint for mem- bership of the Association was considered; the slow progress of the church was d'scussed; the suggestions of tho Arfon Association for securing a new chapel for Welsh Baptists overy year was under notice. The widows fund was considered, and notice of motion was given by the Rev. L. Rowe Williams that "We form a committee for assisting the promotion of new causes. Gonerai matters concluded the business portion of the Association meetings. At Bethany on Tuesday evening the preachers were the Revs. Hugh Jones, Llanolly, and Job Horbert, Ponygroes; at Symyrna. Llangam, the Rev. Mr. Bassett, Ponpai^k, Cardigan and at Ebenezer, Llangunnock, tho Rev. J. Price, Vor- WIg, Cardigan. TUESDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. On Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. tho first confer- ence took place, Mr. J. Lewis, Ammanford, pre- siding. Reports of various committees wero re- ceived. Upon the reports of the Home Miss'on of the Aseociation, Principal Roberts delivered an excellent practical address on how to improve upon the present position, and his remarks upon tho subject were warmly received and apprecia- ted. Ho regretted being unable to remain for the whole conference, and especially to lose the now somewhat too-seldom heard open air preach- ing services on Wednesday night and Thursday. The Sunday school report was presented by the Chairman, who gave the results of the oral exam- ination. The examination reports of candidates I for the ministry was presented by the Rev. Mor- gan Jones, Whitland, and one of the candidates, Daniel Jones, Cross Hands, was mentioned as being exceptionally gifted, and received the maxi- mum number of marks. Several suggestions were made for getting a moro satisfactory way of ex- amining the candidates, among others being that each one should preach in some fixed church or at the quarterly meetings next preceding the exam- ination. Upon the presentation of the temperance report by the Rev. Trevor Jones, Llanelly, resolutions were passed congratulating the Government upon- the bold manner in which they attacked the drink question, and trusting that the Bill now before Parliament would soon become the law of the land. With the addition of the inclusion of grocers licenses and clubs, this was passed. The afternoon conference was opened by hymn and prayer, after which keen discussion s took place by ministers and laymen upon the question of the attitude of the churches towards persons connected with the drink traffic, and their admission into memberjhip of the denomination. Wic]^ and divergent views were exprcssel upon the matter by the Revs. Morgan Jones, J. Lewis, LlaneUy; E. U. Thomas, Carmarthen; Trevor Jones, Llanelly; R. H. Jones, Llangendeirne, &c.; Aldermen J. Williams, Penlan; J. Lewis. Meiros Hall; Messrs. J. Hinds, London; Eben Evans, Llandyssul; T. Conwil Evans, Carmarthen, and others maintain- ing that the best plan would be to proceed gradu- ally, and make 4 a recommendation to the churches that total abstinence should be expected in all new members. The following resolution was ultimately passed :That they recommend the churches to exclude in future all persons seek- ing membership who were connected with the licensing trade. If the husband held a licence let him be debarred, and, if the wife held it let her be treated similarly. Miss Trevor Jones then de- livered a brief address upon the work and claims of the Baptist Zenana Mission in India and China, and appealed to the Association for aid in further- ing the good work among the women of India and China, and showed the good work done in the matter by the churches of the Llanelly district. She also prayed God that someone would be so filled with the mission spirit as to volunteer to go as missionary among their unfortunate sisters in far-away India. It was unanimously agreed that efforts in the direction suggested by Miss Jones be made by the Association. The place of the next annual meeting was fixed at Adulam, Felinfoel. The Chairman then delivered his address, a mas- terly exposition of present day position of affairs W\ fTiu^a \°- ma^€rs spiritual, social and politi- cal. ihe subject was thoroughly and logically treated, keen flashes of humour, a pure accumu- lation of real Welsh, and passages of musical al- literation were frequently interspered in the ad- dress. During the half hour taken in the delivery, there were frequent and enthusiastic cheers given as the chairman fervently brought forth h's argu- ments, and at the end the huge concourse reached the highest pitch of excitement, repeated cheers greeting the chairman upon his excellent efforts. The heartiest thanks 'of the conference were given tor one of the ablest papers ever read to the Association. The following officers were appoin- ted for the ensuing year: -V'ce-chai rman, Rev. George Hughes, Cardigan; treasurer, Mr. J. LJoyd. J.P., Penybink; auditors, Messrs. D. Hinds, Cwnin. and Mr D Johns, Carmarthen. A series of resolutions were moved by the Rev. G. Hughes. Cardigan, and seconded 1Jv the Rev. E. U. Thomas, Carmarthen and carried unanimously. The follofving were passed: (1) That the Association of Baptist Churches in the count'es of Carmarthen and Car- digan in annual conference assembled, warmly ap- proves of the Educational policy of the Govern- ment. First, in opening all denominational train- 1TfSj c°Hegcs to all qualified applicants regardless of denominational creed, and in providing that all future training colleges for teachers, supported by public money, shall be placed on trulv nationa'l H-on1SVneCOn? -V' Un secunng in their new Educa- tion Bill real public control in all public elemen- JcWl Th rdly, in placing in all single school areas a public elementary school within the reach of every child, and so doing away with the present sectarian monopoly. This Association, however, strongly condemns the "contracting-out clauso of the present Bill, as opposed to the spirit and principle of a truly civic system of education It opposes the right of entry to council schools for the purpose of sectarian teaching, and it disap- proves of all compromise in educational matters. iurthor, it re-affirms its deep conviction that secu- lar education by the State, leaving tho teaching of 5 homo and the churches, is the onlv lo ical solution of a truly national svstem of edu- Association re-affirms its conviction unlfiqt 9 establishment, of religion by the State is unjust in principle, injurious to religion, unfair to Aonconfornysts and is at variance with fhe spirit and freedom of the Kingdom of God. The Asso- ciation strongly urges upon the Government the fact of the united voice of Wales through its re presentat.ves in the House of Commons in favour of Disestablishment and Disendowment of tho Eni- scopal Church in the principality, and that in ac- cordance with the promises .made by members of the Government, a Bill dealing with the question will be submitted in the fourth session of the Dre- sent Parliament. (3) That this Association renews its emphatic condemnation of Congo mis-rule and strongly urges upon His Magesty's Government to Con^o fLng i 0 natlve. population of the Con0o States the elementary rights guaranteed fc° £ r H?, ?.er|:nf ,T~gThe SociS nopes that. His Majesty s Government will take such decisive action, with or without the aid of the powers so as to secure in the immediate future Coneo?fndUS r4r°Thrten(4, °f lhe n.ati.ve population of Congoland. (4) That this Association warmly con- gra ulates the Right Hon. D. Lloyd George on hL brilliant success as a statesman, and of his rapid promotion to the second position in the councils of tho nation, and earnestly wish him manv years m which he can use his fine gifts in the service of his country. (5) That this Association hopes that he present Government will take a hand, either to end or amend the House of Lords to such an extent that the will of the people may be carried out in the legislation of the country. (6) ThatThS conference is of opinion that the stops that are being taken by the Baptist Union of Wales to es •XkJwrS-'0':?.1 a»<! to secure the Lilawllyir Moliant" property for the denomi'- ?oatr;,anCKltS- ?fforts> acting through its counc'l, ^ther the interests of missions, ~c, are worthy of the most hearty approval of the Association and the general support of the churches. On the proposition of the Rev. Hugh Jones, Llane'ly seconded by Rev. E. U. Thomas, Carmarthen, ap- proval was given to the effort to raise a monument to the Rev Wm. Jones, Cilymaenllwyd, one of the founders of the denomination in Carmarthenshire. 10 It was also approved that the movement for an annual series of lectures on the history of the de- nomination be given in the Welsh colleges, to- wards the cost of which the churches were asked to contribute. The application of the church at Llanpumpsaint to be received into membership of the Assoc ation was granted. This concluded the business of the conferences. In the evening there were open air services, when sermons were de- hvered to a large congregation by the Revs. Svm- n°WC™ 16 ,Emlyn' anr] E- U- Thomas, Carmarthen. On Thursday morning at 7 am two sermons were given in Bethany, when 'the chapel was full to overflowing, the preachers being the Revs. D. Stephan WHiams, Llandvssul. and R. Jones (Trebor Aled). Talynt, Cardiganshire. The ooen air services were held in the Plas field. immedla:toly underneath the stately mansion "Y Plas the residence of that eminent Welshman, Sir John Williams Bart, who kindly granted to hL, Tho'1 ;°P i tHe of congregating e. The whole surroundings were most pic- uresque. A large platform had been erected at the bottom of the field. with good overhead shel- ter for the occupants from the burning ravs of the sun, which shone brilliantly during the whole course of the meetings. The ground rose gradu- ally from the stage, and here under the kindly shades of the sturdy oaks. the stately elms, and the leafy sycamores. gathered together the hundreds of delegates and others from all parts of Cardi- gansnire and Carmarthenshire, to hear the old story delivered wth fervour and srreat zeal from tho hps of the giants of the denomination. In close proximity stand the grey old castle ruins, around and in which, many cruel and relentless battles have been waged, but the day, fortunately, has arrived when the sound of war and call to arms have given way to that blessed sound of peace, and the call to arms in the cause cf the groat Gospel of peace. Facing the congres-Htion on the field was the meandering river Towy, which all day bore on its bosom hundreds of wor- sh-ppers to the "cymmanfa." reminding one of the days of yore, centuries ago, when all the pious fathers trudged their weary way across this same ferry on their way down to the shrine of St. David's, making the now celebrated "Pilgrim's Church" one of their places of call and rest. Surrounded with Nature in all'its vernal beauty of new life and verdure, the warbling of the feathered world, the flowing and ebbing of the tide, one of the great and mysterious works of Nature, it was no wonder that taken all through, the open air services were crowned with the highest success. It was not a difficult matter for the different ministers to immediately strike the hearts of the hearers, among surroundings so emi- nently favourable, until the whole congregations were echoing with the sounds so familiar in simi- lar gatherings in years of long ago. The fervour and religious enthusiasm were strong, and manv wore the "Alleluias." "Bendigedig," "Diolch Idcto," and "Amen" that re-echoed throughout the day. The special preachers at 10 a.m. were the Revs. E. T. Jones, Llanelly, and B. Humphreys. Felinfoel; 2 p.m., Revs. Geo. Hughes. Cardigan (English); Morgan Jones, B.A., Whitland; 6 p.m., Revs. R. E. Williams, Burry Port, and J. R. Evans, Llwynhendy. Dur;ng Thursday there were over 2,000 people present The whole of the arrangements for such a great gathering, the housing of the delegates. and the provision of food, were ably carried out by the Rev. E. J. Hughes, the resident past.or. of Bethany, and the great success of the Association is his reward. Tho large number of delegates anci others present were refreshed during their stav. at the National Schools, kindly placed at the disposal of tho local secretary by the Vicar and trustees. There was ample provision of food made. and delegates were loud in i-eir praise of the hospitality extended to them by the various householders of all denominations for their sleep- ing accommodation, and the great appreciation of the village and surroundings m which the confer- ence assembled, some visitors expressing opin- ion that the spot is "quite a paradise." Let us hope that the effects of all the preaching and prayer will be to make all who had tho privi- lege of being present, worthy of the great cause of Him in whose name all the work of the davs was done, and that the immediate neighbourhood will be blessed with good effect. Among thoso visitors welcomed to conference were tho Revs. Gomer Lewis, D.D., Swansea; T. Evans, Ten by; W. Owen, Manchester. There were also present: Principal Roberts, Aberyst- wyth; Aldermen John Williams, chairman of Car- ,c marthenshire County Council, and John Lewis, Meiros Hall; Messrs John Lloyd, J.P., Penvbank; John Hinds, Blafkheath; John Johns, C.C., Park- eithyn; E. Stephens, The Grove; R. W. Stephens, C.C., Coedybrain; J. W. Harris. Pilroath; G. Bar- ratt ivvans, Glyn; John Francis, D.C., Down Farm; Rev. J. Morris, Moriah, &c.

LAMPETER GAS COIPANY.-The half-yearly meeting of the shareholders of this company was held on Wednes- day, 27th May, in the board-room at Lampeter by permission of the Board of Guardians. Professor Scott, chairman of the board of directors, presided. The accounts showed that the usual annual d;vidend of 5 per cent per annum could be paid, and a sum of £ 53 12s. 7d carried forward. The re- tiring directors were re-elected, and Mr. William Davies, Manciple, St. David's College, was re-ap- pointed auditor. The directors have reduced the price^ of ga« 3d per 1000 cubic feet, with a further rebate of 10 per cent to the users of cookers and gas engines. It was resolved to take the opinion of the company s consulting engineer as to the cost of enlarging the retort-house, and extending the rlT'mS tho f^dentiary quarter in the' Brvn oad. Ine Corporation of Lampeter requested the directors to receive a deputation; but as the depu- tation failea to appear, the object of this visit is not known. SUN-DAY SCHOOL EXAMINATION.—The result of the recent Scriptural examination of the Congregation- al Sunday Schools of the district of Lampeter, con- ducted recently by the Rev. J. T. Parry, of Cil- ccnnin, has just been made known. The following is a list of passes, and the marks given each candf date— Capel-yr-erw Cellan School Maximum SlndaTf'TV"M "• &*«>? Ae™ D»v e" 99 aandara IV Mary Lilian Jones, 100; Marram Jones, 100 David Matthew Williams, 99; Da4 Jenkins 98; Ellen Davies, 79; Sarah Davies 72- T«b n i "^am?S Jones' 96; David William's, 94- John Dulas Davies, 93. Capel Mair, Llanfaircly- FEaUTb T tTANTARD H' David L»avies, 100, Thomas John Jones, 100; Stephen Dd Jones, T inh 4nnej 94-—Standard III, Tom Jones. 100-Standard IV, Lizzie Mary Jones, 100- Annie Williams, 98; Annie Davies, 98.—Standard n" ^ano1 £ 100 iMary Jane Evans, 100; Daniel Davies, 100; Elen Davies, 99; David Williams 94 Ebenezer Llanybn School: Standard I, Jane Rees' Davfesan99 EvJ'n £ avldJames J^es. 100; Annie 96-^amla;rl TTT tu™ FraJ?C1*- 97: Robert Evans, ffans q?■ T KvanS' D^id John Mor- Standard' IV T -88; Tom Davi^- 86 J standard I\ Mary Jane Francis, 100; Daniel Evani 99; Hannah Daniel, 98-Standard V. Hannah Man Kees 100, Elizabeth Daniel, 98; Maggie Davies 9? Bethlehem, Llanddewibrefi School* Standard T MargtretT "Ks "loo! wfL illiams. 100.—Standard V John Stan^rd I Ms1" 1?°' I^th?1- Parcyrhos School: standard 1, Margt. Jane Davies, 99; Hannah Mar garetta Davies 73. M E]len wen Davies, 64; Selina Roberts, 59; Johnny Thomas, 59-Standard II, Willie Pugh, 100- Willie Edwards, 100; Hannah Marv Davies 97- Elizabeth Thomas, 96; Mary Thomas, 82; Martha Da^o, 7$ David Rees Jones, 74.—Standard TTT tinnr, v, 't Evan, 100; S.r,hH.n„Kn* £ '/(J; J: Th5n«6EviS M.C"t ^rStandard IT. Fra, Benjamin John JoL 99 jamin Jones, 92 Emmauc T « II. John Thomas. 9^^ r'T100'uarah Evans> 100; Evan Evans FvaiJf 100Panft^.Herbert. 93—Standard III, UC. inn A TA' Lampeter: Standard I, Eric Evans U ^St?XdMfrTnn^Grti' ^rfhu/hiPja^ob^^f'Johnny ^aA-ies^lOCh' Editfl Mary Thomas 100; Winnie Howells 100-Sarah Jane Evans, 100: Sa ly Roberts inn- nV -j ™ Dayies. 99; Jaok RO1»^T T, llavid Thos' &an,Wd III. fc"'l0702'. Evans, 97.-Standard IV, Rachel Davies, 100 a. rd V, Howl1 Rees, 100; John l,lo d, 100; Oliver Howells, 94.. conference of the ,Cardilanshire Eiem,ntary, School was 41dernnn T AT IT M ,large attendance. Alderman J. M. Howell, the chairman of the County Education Committee, presided, and gave an address on the changes which had been made m connects with education in Wales compared with by-gone years. Besides the various teachers from the county there were also present Mr. D C. Roberts, Aberystwyth; MVMorgan Evans, Oak- n- v.' a x> Williams, Tregaron; Mr. Evan Richards, Penuwch; Professor A. W. Scott St David s College; Dr. Hugh Walker, St. David's College Mr. J. H. Davies, Cwrtmawr; Alderman Evan Davies. Bryngeler, Lampeter: Mr. D. Jones Britannia, Lampeter; Mr. D. Teifi Jones lam' poter; Mr. John D. Owen, A letter expressing regret for being unable to at- tend was read from Principal Bebb, St. David's College. Prcv-ssor Anwyl, of the Abervstwvth L'niversity College, addressed the meeting on "The Distinctive Aims of Welsh Education." He prefaced his remarks by a tribute of respect to the memory of the late Mr. Darlington. His Majesty's Inspector of Schools, who, he said was thoroughly Welsh in mind and sympathy. He, the speaker, dwelt upon his subject from the following points of view:—1. The temperament and charac- ter of the Welsh nation: 2. History of Welsh Edu- cation 3, The Geographical Situation of Wales; and 4. its Economic Condition. The address was a masterly one, lucid, comprehensive, and sym- pathetic. A vote of thanks to Professor Anwvl was cordially passed on the motion of Dr. Walker, seconded bv Professor Scott, and a similar vote wa* Recorded to the chairman, on the motion of the lecturer. OUTING. On Saturday afternoon last, the mem- bers of the St. Peter's Church Sunday School choir, who took part in the performance of "Saxons v. Norsemen." held their annual outing. They were conveyed over the mountain in four large brakes to Pumpsaint. Shortly after arriving they sat down to a splendid tea on the lawn near the Dolau- cothi Arms, after which the party, in charge of Mr. D. F. Lloyd, wended their way through the picturesque grounds, past the Dolaucothi mansion, to the Osrofan gold mines, where, by kind permis- sion of Mr. Longton, the manager, all the machinery used in crushing the quartz and washing process whereby the gold is abstracted and every- thing of importance was shown, much to the ap- preciation of all. Every place of interest in the beautiful Cothi Valley were visited and enjoyed. Upon returning from the mines they were met near the mansion by Sir James Hills-Johnes. V.C., who appeared very pleased to see all, and ex- pressed his great delight at meeting the party, to whom the crallant General spoke warm words of welcome. Before returning, at the request of Mr. Longton, the children sang the Welsh National Anthem, and started on the homeward journey after eight, and reached Lampeter about 10 o'clock, all 'having thoroughly enjoyed a most pleasant trip. 'iC8't'.$-

FASHIONABLE WEDDING AT LLANWNEN, LAMPETER On Wednesday, the 3rd instant, ihe village cf Llanwnen, Cardiganshire, was en fete on the occa- sion of the solemnization of a very t-c ty wej^i.ig, the contracting parties being the Rev. VaiiL'tian Treharne Rees, B.A., curate of St. John's, Canton. Cardiff (son of the Rev. J. Rees, vicar of Tylors- town, Rhondda Valley) and Miss Margaret Eliza- beth Hurrhes Jones, only daughter of the laic Dr. Thomas Jlugh Jones, of Edinburgh (grand-daugh- ter of (he late Mr. William Jones, of Llwyngroes, Cardiganshire, J.P. and D.L., and great-grand- daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Hughes. of Neuaddfawr. Cardiganshire). The Parish Church was crowded on the occasion, and the school chil- dren sang appropriate hymns, under the leadership of Mr. Jones, schoolmaster. The following clergy officiated: Rev. J. Rees (father of bridegroom), agisted bv the Vicar of St. John's. Canton, Car- Vff The bride was given away by her uncle/Dr. Trevor Jones, Troedyrhiw. Merthyr. She was ela- borately dressed in a dress of ivory duchesse satin. ♦ rimmed with lace. She wore a wreath of orange blossoms with veil of Brussels lace, and carried a bouquet of white lilies and white roses. The brides- maids were Miss Verrier Jones, Troedvrhiw: Miss Rees (cousin of bridegroom), and Miss Harry. Bryn- nmmn-n. Their dresses were of pink silk, trimmed with Vah'encienno lace, with pretty white hats, trimmed with pink roses. The wedding breakfast was partaken of at Neuaddfawr Mansion, to whic i 30 guests were invited. The hapv.y couple wer" the recipients of numerous and costly presents, and left during the afternoon, amidst tokens of good- will, for their honeymoon.

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NOTES OF THE WEEK. A well-known local journalist was at Llanstephan the other day, & failed to discover the road into the village, and had to enquire for it. He had been drinking in the oratory of the Welsh Baptists. » The subscriptions towards the presentation to Mr. R. M. Thomas, the late town clerk of the borough, is proceeding apace, and the hon. secretary (Mr. James John, the new town clerk) has on his list a sum of JB97 10s. < Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire Baptists evi- dently believe in spoiling the Egyptians. At the recent conference at Llanstephan, they passed a reso- lution in favour of disestablishment, while sitting on benches borrowed from the Church School, in which they took their meals. » • An amusing "lapsus linguse" was perpetrated by a rev. gentleman at the recent Baptist conference at Llanstephan. "For many years," he said, 'they had been unable to get a 'pregethwr dirwestol' in the Association." What he meant was, of course, "pre- geth ddirwestol." ♦ On June 1st, 1795, it was ordered "Water to be conveyed in iron pipes from Fountain Hall reser- voir to Lammas-street," and on November 2nd same year "the old wooden pipes to be collected and lodged in a pond in the Backway, to protect them from the weather." • • There will be great doings at the S. Wales Train- ing College to-morrow (Saturday), when the diamond jubilee of the institution will be celebrated. A large number of old students will re-yisit the town for the great re-union that takes place in connection with the event. A presentation will also be made to tho Principal, Canon Brown. • r. 9D on 9D was written on a paper handed to a local sportsman last Friday morning. In vain he tried to puzzle it out, even when told it was a bet that had been made. It meant ninepence on Nine- pence, the latter being the name of a horse which was running in a race that day. "I'll bet you nine- pence it wins," eaid the sportsman, after explana- tions, and sure enough the horse came "home." ♦ # Three witnesses were called at the assizes on Tues- day to bear testimony to the previous good character of a prisoner. Respectively they informed the oourt, "He goes to the same chapel as I do." "He walks past my house every Sunday on the way to Sunday School," and "He attends my chapel every Sunday and is a decent and inoffensive member of it." • • The two veteran trumpeters of Carmarthen—Lewis and Jones—are growing old in the service. Middle- aged residents of Carmarthen were young when they started heralding the dread approach of Her Majesty's judge of assize, but they fulfil the duty as well as ever. This week they were complimented by a gentleman holding a high pos.tion in the county (who knows what military music should be) on the excellence of their trumpeting during the present assize. Both trumpeters have, by the by, com- pleted thirty-six years service in the militia. It seldom happens that the presiding judge over a Crown Court and the clerk of the arraigns are brothers, but such is the case on the S. Wales circuit of this Bummer assizes. Bernard John Seymour, Lord Coleridge, is commissioned to hold the assizes, and his younger brother, the Hon. Stephen Cole- ridge, ie the clerk. When opening the court at Car- marthen on Tuesday last they bowed to each other very gravely when the name of the Judge was read out in tho commission by his brother. if A characteristic story is told of tho late Chief Constable of Carmarthenshire. A year or so ago, when the old Chief had left his seventy-second year behind, he met a well-known poacher coming from the direction of some shooting he had taken in the neighbourhood of Llandilo. "Well." said Mr. Philipps, "been poaching again I suppose, but look here, ——— (mentioning the man's Christian name), don't let me catch you on my land. If I do yon won't get the Jaw, but I'll give you the soundest hiding you ever had in your life." The poacher knew the Chief would keep his word, and took precious good care to give his land a wide berth. There was a prisoner at the Carmarthen Assizes wh) made a bold bid for a verdict of "not guilty." The court was empanelling the petty jury when suddenly there was some commotion in the jury-box. "What's the matter?" asked the deputy clerk of the arraigns, and then it transpired that one of the jurymen was a prisoner in a case down for trial. xl was eoon requested to leave, and a Llanelly solicitor observed, "By jingo, the county would have had to provide new furniture for the petty jury- room if he had been allowed to sit on his own case, and there was any chance of a disagreement or con- viction." » ♦ A country visitor was the other day very much puzzled by the notice which appears at the entrances to the Carmarthen Market-place. "Dogs not admit- ted." After pondering over the notice and scratch- ing his head for some minutes, he said, with a be- wildered look, "What is the good of putting that notice up? Dogs can't read. and besides their mas- ters can't tell them not to go into the market, be- cause the dog would not understand them." A young man at the Carmarthen fair on Wednes- day was one too many for a Shylock selling fancy articles. Taking him for a country yokel, the Jew asked him twenty-five shillings for a telescope. "Nonsense," replied the purchaser. "I have a mother in tho trade." The son of Israel then called* him on one side and whispered, "As long as your mother is in the trade you shall have it for 3s. 6d." The young man subsequently refused it for a Is. There was something very refreshing in the candid w; in which Mr. Hill, a veterinary surgeon of Llanelly, gave his evidence in a case at the assizes on Wednesday. Mr. Lloyd Morgan, K.C., M.P. was cross-examining him abont the post-mortem examination of a horse, and asked if it was not usual when conducting a post-mortem examination of a human body to look at the brain. "Oh," mur- .fcinured Mr. Hill, amidst laughter, "I know nothing about the anatomy of a man." A familiar figure was missed from the summer assizes in West Wales, viz., that of Mr. C. H. Glasoo- dme, the deputy clerk of arraigns, who has been -aid low in Rome with fever. However, his friends are gratified to learn that he is now practically con- vajescent, and will be able shortly to resume his duties, which have been performed in his absence by Mr. Howard S. Stowe, a young member of the cir- cuit from Cardiff. • ♦ One of the most difficult modes of poaching to contend with is that of the gentry who drive along country roads passing through an estate well stocked with game, in a high dogcan, or open market-cart, with a smartly trotting horse in the shafts. When they happen to see a hare in a field bv the road, or, perhaps, merely when they know the field by which they are going to be a likely one, they give a signal to a lurcher who has been lying concea'ed in ther cart, and at once the dog jumps out and proceeds to scour the field, often returning to the cart with the hare in his mouth. The dog jumps into the cart :1' it is still moving, so that to all appearance the whole performance is an escapade cf the dog, and the driver of the cart, careful not to turn round as th4 dog resumes its place in the vehicle, can parade a most ingenuous surprise if he is stopped and the is shown to him. — "Country Life."

fare against the drink, a policy of incoherent and blind hitting at the enemy with the first weapon to hand. The resolution in question will prove a boomerang which will assuredly hurt those who use it more than intemperance. But apart from the wisdom of thoir methods, havo our Baptist friends not departed from the truo Nonconformist position ? Are we not told again and again that Free Churchmen rest on the Bible— that no Church has the right or the power to add to tho conditions of entrance to the Church as stated in the New Testament? Is not this the stock argu- ment brought against all ecclesiastical claims of the CIn rch of England? Ritualism is attacked because it is asserted that it has no foundation in the New Testament. Baptists base their whole position on tho commands of Christ, denying 6trongly the right of any Church or organisation to add any modifica- tion or qualification. Does the New Testament say immerse? Then immerse it must be. Did the Apostles baptise children? No. Then neither must we." And so on. Paedo Baptists exercise their in- genuity to prove that the family of Lydia or of the jailor at Phillipi contained children; i.e., they are every bit as anxious to base their claims on New Testament authority. In short the Free Churches generally adopt the New Testament as the "rule of Faith and Practice." In the face of this is one not entitled to ask for New Testament authority for this new rule? There we have no other conditions of membership than confession of belief in Christ and submission to baptism. We submit that in adding other rules as conditions of church membership, Nonconfomists are transgressing their own funda- mental position and are landing themselves into a most unpleasant inconsistency. The position is clear. if the New Testament is the absolute guide, then Nonconformists have no right to add conditions of church membership to those found there. If they admit the right to modify or add to the New Testa- ment then they concede to the Anglican and Roman Catholic what they claim. Nonconformists, when dealing with higher critics, are fond of quoting the verse in Revelations about the dangers that threaten the man who adds to or takes from the words of this Book." Are they not endangering their own position when they adopt rules others than those cf tho New Testament? "Verily their eyes have be- come dim that they cannot see." But this is more than a, question of Noncon- formist consistency. Surely Christianity means the rule of the spirit? ''Where the spirit of Christianity î, there is liberty." Christianity says, fill a man wim the spirit of Christ and let him alone. The Church that says, "Thou shalt not keep a public- house" takes us back to Sinai, to the old dispensa- tion with its negative morality and its positive for- malism. It is astounding that Nonconformists who rlaim to have tho guidance of the Spirit and who stand for personal liberty and individual responsi- bility in religion should willingly fetter themselves with negative precepts. Christianity does not say: Thou shalt not this and thou shall not that, but Love tho Lord thy God and thy neighbour as thyself," and then, having inculcated this great and all-embracing principle, it leaves tho responsibility of reducing it to rules between the individual and his maker. Once depart from this principle, and where will you end? Can you say: Thou shalt not keep a public-house," and not say Thou shalt not drink beer?" Assuredly Nonconformists would be, better advised if they clung to what they have hitherto considered to be one of their principles, viz., the responsibility of the individual to God. In 'conclusion, a word of warning to temperance reformers generally. In his wrath against the vice of drinking, the reformer forgets that there are other virtues equally as commendable and equally as necessary to true spiritual living as a distaste for alcohol. All men rejoice over the drunkard who is reclaimed, but there is such a thing as boing saved from one sin only to fall into another. We have known men who have given up drink only to become misers and live for the hoarding up of those Measures which moth and rust doth corrupt. In (JUt" op;nion their last state was worse than their ^•"st. Men who pour their wrath upon tho drunkard 3.1" in many cases such abandoned and abject slaves to 'obacco that they have long ago ruined their fipi"ous systems, and lost all claim to the supreme Utue of self-control. Other" temperaneo re- formers havo so cultivated the acrimonies of debate fi'Ht they can never speak publicly upon tho drink °r any other question without proving in every Sentence that they havo long forgotten what temper- ance in the use of language means. Many tomper- ance reformers still ho!d the delusion that temper- ancc-or rather total abstinence from intoxicating drink. for temperance has a much richer and deeper meaning-is the sum total of all the virtues. True, the drunkard's condition is a. wicked one, but how much worse is it than that of many a tee- total fanatic whose mental and moral horizon is bounded by total abstinenco, und whe, in virtue of his own teeto- tal ism prides himself that he is not like other men, or even as this publican." We believe the Master would say to such what Ho said to others of their type two thousand years ago: "The publicans and harlots enter into the Kingdom of Hoavon before you."