Evening Express

I THE WELSH LEAGUES I C. AND D. R. U. I School and Ex-Schoolboy Rugger I GATES DECREASING THROUGH EIGHT HOURS ACT. I BY SPOKES. I SERIOUS PLIGHT OF SENIOR CLUBS. E have reached a crista in the history of Welsh Rugby. It is no exaggeration to say that the majority of the cirubs in the mining districts of Glamorgan- shire are IJOW in such a. serious financial con- dition that unless the unexpected Happens this will be their last sea.son. Undoubtedly, the main cause has been the Eight Hours Act, for among many of the senior clubs of the Glamorganshire League a gate of X2 10s. is now considered the usual order of thing's—clubs, mark you, which in the past would have found fault with a. home gate of JE20. Of course, when the longer days comer and it is possible to arrange for later starts in the ma-tches there may be some little improvement. but I am afraid my fears ere shared by mamy of the league officiate, that it will then be too late to save the lives of some of the clubs. I earnestly hope that the Welsh Football Union will at once see the gravity of the position and investi- gate fully so as to see if financial assist- ance at this juncture would lessen" the danger. To allow the Rugby clubs of our valleys to col Lapse one after the other means ulti- mately ths relegation of the carrying code throughout Wales to a back seat. Let the valleys go, and ultimately yon will And that the coast towns of Cardiff, Newport, Swan- sea, and LJfcnelly will also suffer. Llanelly has this season evidently recoc- Tused this truism, for out of the four great clubs named the Tinplaters are lending the greatest encouragement to those clubs termed "second class." What has beoome of the suggested Welsh League? Has the idea been abandoned? Patriotism and aelf interest should help to 1 FHOTO, BAKU BROS. E. KELLY (Merlin Stars, Pomypxidd), clever inside half. a coming great pley- the drawing up of a scheme which would be I ac-ceptable to all the clubs We have reached the crisis, and it behoves the Welsh Union, as the governing body, to take immediate action to save the sufferers. Kurt her it is the bounden duty of Cardiff, Newport, and Swansea, to render their help in the formation of a scheme which will be acceptable to adl, and which probably may once again rouse Itugby interest in our valleys.

MONMOUTHSHIRE. I Brynmawr played a. rattling1 good game at Iianelly and it is likely that the Hillmen will be seen at Stradey more frequently in future. Pill Hatrriers are invariably unhicky on Boxing Days. Crtimlin—through the death of a Viaduct official—disappointed them this time. A good gate was lost, and, an Pill's funds are fearfully low, the Dockers are to be commiserated with. Next week league games will re-commence in earnest.

CARDIFF AND DISTRICT RUQBY UPIIGN. I iUlollVUigU. ¡,u., rexerev in we <_ara ur tjaet v. Barbarian match reported that no incident occurred which merited the ordering off of any player, the Union's information from eye-witnesses proved conclusively that ill- temper and fouling end even fisticuffs were slyly indulged in throughout the game. The "Union's decision, drastic though it is. is merciful and mild to what may be expected in fat are oases. Garth did not fulfil their league engage- ment with Romilly at the Sophia Gardens, and in consequence the Philosophers benefit by two league points. Ernie Hill, the inside half of Canton Wanderers, is still playing as brillianty as ever. He is oce of the gamest ia.ds I have run across—just the lad Cardiff Reserves should train on for the Premiers. My friends the Tramps probably wo'n't thank me for giving this hint to the Reserves' com- mittee! It appears \hat the game between Garth and the Fruiterers lasted but 53 minutea, but I that the shortage (vide reteree) was due to the disinclination of Garth to continue the ga me. The Banana Boys have. therefore, been granted the league notches. The Christmas transfers granted were J. Gent, Penarth to Romilly; W, Francis, Canton Institute to Canton; and W. Colline, Grange Harriers to Cardiff Barbarians. Canton were rather unlucky in not draw- ing at Maesteg— they were only beaten by a goal. By the way, tj*, Dervishes had intended taking a red-hot team down. includ- ing their old playars now in the Cardiff Premiers—Bobby Williams, W. Jenkins, and Boyo Brooltman. but the Cardiff Committee felt that it was not wise for any of the fifteen to turn out in view of the expected stiff match with the Barbarians, and, there- fore, the trio did not turn out. The meeting of Birchgrove and Whitchurch, is, in the locality, the greatest event of the' season, for the clubs are the greatest of rivals. Whitchurch -won by twioe over the line, but Birchgrove gave a surprisingly good show. By the way, Whitchurch are not as strong as they should be, and will need con- siderable stiffening if they are to make a good fight in their coming match with the Cardiff Reserves. Bad blood was in evidence in the Whit- church v. Pentyrch game on Monday. When a oouple of players—one from each side,- were ordered off, rival sections of the crowd endeavoured to get both to renew their bout of fisticuffs. Players, it is alleged, also joined in the discreditable scene. The referee, wisely sizing up the feeling existing, felt that real sport under the circumstances was impossible, and he, therefore, stopped the game. At the time there was no score. Penylan are haying one of their most we- cemful seasons. ?h Tourists have proved more than a match for several English clubs, and jgst at present thetp is not a team in Wales that the Cardiff men could not give a good account of themselves with if we accent three or four of the leading organisations. Cardiff Thistles after their little internal rumpus have settled their differences, and the side is now, if anything stronger than ever. So it should be. with such a capable akipper and genial fellow Spenoer at the helm. Cardiff Bast aak me to state that they were not the worst offenders m the Roath Park battle. We were not the Barbarians!" writes Secretary Evans. Merlin Stars (Pontypridd) paid an unex- pected visit to meet St. Peter's Old Boys. The latter, however, obliged by gathering to- gether a scratch team of twelve players. The gallant twelve at the Sopihia Gardens actually won by 9 points to 3 points. The passing movements of St. Peter's re splendid. In the mcon d half M erl i'n .1t..d their taotios, an-d did better by ruehina St. Peter's have a fine lot of tlrree-quartera. Skipper Hayes, as usual, dropped a goal, and Eames showed his speed on the wing by pooriag a fine try, which Carrol (the finest for- ward on the ground) converted. Harwood, the skipper of Cardiff 'Quins, has resigned, and has been transferred to Romilly. Other changes notified this week are Germain, Quins to Fruiterers; Pat Brien and James M'Oarthy, Windsors to Thistles; and R. Gleeson, Rovers to Canton. Alf. Vearncombe, of Cardiff Thistles, has been playing for hie club for the past five eeaaons. Although he is a, rattling good for- ward. be has just upset his clubmates by Bearing Ms flrat try. j Birchgrove piuckaly stock together, although Abes not yet mm kmatdh. Cardiff tt-T. ba.ri- (second League; on Boxing Day aotouarMy defeated Birchgrove by 14 points. Are the Barbadians seeking promotion to the IfcaJQett Cup? .The charity match at Toff's Weil between Cardiff District v. Garth, Pentyrch, and Taff's Well ended in a draw. A. fair sum will result from the mutoh for the widow and family of the late Mr. G. W. Dicks. Pike assis.ted. the District, and played a great ga.me. As usual, Canton Wanderers loyally rallied round the Union by sending a, big contingent of players, under the leadership of Skipper Hube- Harding. The seqruel to the scene in the Whiteburch v. Pentyroh mate his that E. Stevens (Whit. church) and Llewellyn (Penityroh) have been suspended for a month, and Evans (Pen- tyrch) has been given a rest for two months. Pentyrch were also cautioned. Rightly or wrongly, Pentyrch are gaining rather an unenviable reputation. Referee G. M. Smith acted with promptitude in ending the match. His advice to a couple of Payers inolined to fisticuffs was, "Now, lads, there are plenty of men earning their living by fighting, so it's not in accordance with Tl was Unionism that you should give a free display of your prowess." Cardiff Easit put up a wonderful perform. ance at TaJyw.Mn, where they be?.t the aspi- rants for a position in the Mcwmouthsaire 8eonior Lea4N by 7 points to 6. The EASL were cha ed a? being 2choolboys when they took the neld. and they looked little else when compared with the Talywain giants. The chatting ceased when play was well com- menced. The midgets caused first anxiety and then chagrin. At half-time Talywain led by z tries, but after that it was East first and the homesters nowhere. Mosie" scored a fine try ,a.nd Buck Wallace dropped a great goal. The bright thing of the match was the sporting conduct of the spectators. They oheef-ed the winners after their win, and en route to the dressing-rooan raised cries of "Good old Oardiiff." The East were poorly represented. Badger Brian, tte half, and Sexton and Niel the forwards, were absent. Wattie Davies and Buck Wallace, the two centres, were in grand form, whilst Sullivan and Holmee, the wings, were red hot in attack. The pick of the forwards were Johnson, J. Coles, a,pd A Mahoney. I CARDIFF V. PONTYPRIDD BOYS. fomtypTidd boys a«fe not up to their usual ..tF=,F r this ?ea&on. Cardiff, on the other hand, have a great pack of forwards ajid some backs of great merit. There are, how- ever, some weak spots in the Cardiff team which, undoubtedly, could be strengthened For instance, two inside halves were ohosen, a.nd an outside balTof the brilliance of Attiey -as not selected. Tnis is inexplicable, for, although the two halves did the mechanical work well, the outside half who played was palpably out of his place. The Cardiff centres are very weak, but Cornish, on the win?, is a wonderful player. He had on Tuesday to get the ball as best he oould, but he was the outstanding figure cf the math. The Cardiff forwards were strong enough to get the ball from almost every scrum, whilst the weakness of Pontypridd is shown by the fact that Cardiff's full-back (Edwa.rds) played nplevel with the three-quarters, and had practically nothing to do. Surely, the Car- diff committee will in their next team include Affley—-he. is brilliant in any position. Edwards might, too, be drafted into the centre. I RHYMNEY VALLEY OLD BOYS. uargeved entertained Tredegar Hihs on Christmas Day, ajid ran ont winmers by 11 paints to nil. Con Lynch was in his oest ?m He scored twbc?. Of course, S. M'Carty, too, had a, hand in the getting of tries. Probert's kicking was excellent. D%ri w^iat.to Abertyaswg for a league game, but the appointed referee did not appear. The game was, however, played as a, league con- test, but Deri have since lodged a protest against t.he whistling. The result was a draw of 1 try each. The next league meeting will be held at the Royal Hotel, Ribymney, on Monday next, a.t 5.60 p.m. sharp. PONTYPRIDD-RHONDDA RUGBY UNION. mysyrywi maintained their ground record on Christmas morning against Ii, rqoderaw Union team by 11 points to 3. The gate obowed the huge Ru?by enthusiasm of th? district when it is petaxtmoered that there has been no wwk t&MLUy for three weeks past. The Un.io.n has a meeting on Monday at the headquarters. All clubs should be repre- mmted. Players who were S6Ited' to t?ay for UM Union and did not turn out at Ynysyfcw.l will be dealt with. Mr. A. Potter would be pleased to arrange matches between, a Union team, Cilfyaydd aind Ferndale. Tylorstawu, Dimas, Tonyrefaal. and Abea- cynon had nothing on during the holidays. RHOMDiDA FINAL DECIDED. BAD LOSERS. After meeting in match after match with no tangible result beyond drawn games vic- tory has at last gone to Rhydfelui by a try over Treorky. The medals are now in the possel-oion of the victors of the eonipetitioii. The ground at Tylorstown was as bad as it. couM be. and, added to t" Mr. J..Austin, I the referee, did not a;rrive. After a lot ot rsu.aaion the secretary cf the league was induced to hold the whistle. The big crowd b&Ued 9=kA dittirely from Treorky. Mud was ov« the ankles. Treorky were in gore straits early em, but about a dozen penalty kicks sa ved them. It was due entirely to the Rhydfelin ups that victory came, for they shoved Treorky off the ball in five out of every sdx scrujns. Sep. Morgan's try just betcire half-time wa.s splendid. Just alter ten min' play the referee properly ruled a pass as forward. Same op the Treorky players then absolutely lost control, and their language was most disgraceful. They threatened to strike the referee. He ordered a. oouple off, but before their names oould ba secured the crpwd broke on the MA and menaced the wtiistler. This tar- miiivafted the game, but, as the referee was proceding from the field, clods were thrown, and he had a rougoh time. More will be heard of the matter at the league meeting. Stone, Dan Williams, Burley, Cox, Phillips, Chris. Drams, and Bird were the beat for Rhydfelin, whilst Tom Jonas, Emrys Davies, George Evane, and Knapgate were in great form. for Treorky. No. lad3, act as sports next time you loee. RHONDDA AIOD DISTRilCT OLD BOYS. -routyprla(i au isiacxa railed to journey to Trebanog. This was a great loss to Bonog's boye. The league OClmmittee have been asked to deal with the matter. Last season's champions, Oilfynydd, failed to reach Glydaoh Vale on Christmas Day until 4.50. This meant a. loss of jE4 to the Cambrians' money baig. More work for league committee. ¡ Tre-herrbert Athletics met the ex-schoolboys, and defeated the second division chem-pions by Z. tries. Over 500 t-pootators were present. For the Athleticc Tom Hibbs played a really class game, whilst J. Lewis and D. Jones scored tries. On the other side Skipper

LYDNEY LET IN AT PONTY." A skater tried to cross a. "pool." To slide across and win; Aas there was a, ORA-CR! a SPLABR! That skater got "let in." Po-utypool defeaited Litbity an Christmas Eve. CoiwiiU was the best lad on the field, followed oioeely by htis fegovs. Rich and Pitman. Rhydyfelin and Ponty All Blacks played a charity match on Monday. The weather was vile, and the only available baJl was carried away loag before time by the river. Pomtyipirtdd Reserves amd Tonyrefail were point-hunting last Monday. A capital crowd witnessed a Ane open game. The Reserves were the heavier, and won by 3 tries. Sevan, Corai, Stone, and To well were the choice of the winmers; foT the visitors T. J. Williams, the inside half, gave a wonderful display. Now, club secretaries, why do you not all carry out the rule and send along the results to the league secretary? You prefer paying the fine, perhape! T. J. Griffiths has resigned the secretary- ship of Cambrian Lacis (first division). His place has been filled by D. Sampson, 97, Clydiadh-road, Blaenolydoch. WlbBt is the matter with Aberojwon ? It is difficult to UilJöe the strings of the money bag? League oommittee will want to know. W. Watts is becoming a great favourite as whistler. D. J: Williams, the Tomyrefail inside half, is the sroaUeet qr in the league. Only oixtem so" o aoum fist. mb. and ia Secrretary QamlHit's apiwiooi is the cleverest inside half in the beagiie. Tbranlw to ReifeTee WWI Owen for gettjmg, the Tylorstawu, ground so fit under eucn wretched weather conditions. Plem/ty of woirk for the next leacue meeting. Kick-off at six p.m. Time" will be called at eleven p.m. A general meeting will ,be held to postponed fixtures. BRIDGEND AND DISTRICT LEAGUE. The league game between the Riders of Cefn Oribbwr and Alaesteg Rangers was of very sholrt duration:, due to the late a/rrival of the Rxngei s, who had a bi^eakdown en route. One of the hors-es of "The Pride of the Yalley" absolutely refused to do its share of the graft at Ty Cribbwr Hill. "Ma.Tsburg' DaN-ies ti-i-W adl ?c,rti ?f llill. Davies tiled all scrte of persuasion on the poor animal, but met with no encouragemenL Tho wise quadruped was, therefore, removed/ a.nd the players acted as the motive power. The journey took the greater part of Christ- mas Day. Luckily, they were met on the return journey at Tondu by the break which con- veyed the Canton team to Bridgend, other- wise the break and the fifteen 'esses" would be still on the road. li,he game was ehort and poor, although the young Mae«tcg f-eir- wards shone. The eight in future seasons ought to provide splendid material for their senior town club, notably W. J. Thomas, Bo.) Eiy. R. Rees, and Dick Evane. Dick Shadlimg is a half with a career in front. Horrors! In the three-quarter line was absolutely out "Cash" Llewellyn. "Cash," despite weight of years,'—I i-ememoer hi-m over a quarter of a century ago as a player—showed that he oan yet pila-y well, and is as good at appeal- ing to the referee as ever. Mar,z,harg," Morris, a,nd Sutton were good, and Ben Bowens made no mistake at back. The try i u-It fixes up the Rangers' superiority. The Riders lack the enthusiasm so characteristic of their club in the past, and only succeeded in muster- ing thirteen players. The Eight Hours Act gets all the blame, but I fancy the committee are finding what a mistake they made by not fostering the juniors in running a second team. Then, again, what has beco,me of "Shoni" Smith, the ex-school- boy international, the young Brothers DOWTI, and lots of other premising youngsters? Just, look them up Hon. Soc,retary Wat,kins, and pension off some cf the old 'nns. It does se-im a pity that such sports a": George and I SAILORMAN," PENARTH'S CHRISTMAS TOUR. %alorman Penarth goes inJtmd, and secures a fine tusk (value three points) at Coventry. But, alas! he meet- that dreadful Leicester Tiger, and tosee the tusk to it. Pona,rth won by 3 p-oin<ts at Coventry, but lost by 3 points ait Leicester. Joe Butcher, Dick Watkins, Jaolj a.nc Joe Hold, Dai Morgan, Ikey Downs, Sid Jenkins, Ho.)d. "Mdo' R?e? are not better supported. and Where's "Whitey"? Surely, lie has not for- got ten that he is captain. The Babes of Bridgend (Reserves) took on the smart Eryncotmu team with the object of relieving them of their record. Brynoetiun created a sensatjen by defeating thsm 'oy 16 points. Both were at full strength, and a bright game was 'witnessed by a big holiday crowd. Bryncethin deserved every point, and this is pleasing, as the club is composed of old boys who won test season's medals. Not a single player is yet out of his teens, and the firtiifrc of the club ie assured. The Brothers Watkins, A. Ta.tohell, J. Richards," sttwi W. Davies are young forwards of gifelat dash and oLeverncss. Tomm-y Pugsley is maintaining the family reputation in magnifloent style at half, and Brother Percy Pugsley, Jack Cooper, and Hon. Secretary Len. Roper make a formidiiible quartette. Eddie Thomas is a great back. The Babes were humiliated, and after the first quarter of an hour th-sy were out of the hunt. W. Corns defended gamely at back, ?nd Dai Marks, in th? t,hxecquartcr iine, endeavoured to pull the team tc?t?e?. W. Morgan, a.t half, wa? at times very clever, but, the ops were lacking in dash and resource, only young Clronow, brother of the international, showing any cleverness. Of course, Shiney's" face was like a Chinese puzzle after the match. Bryncethin, on Monday defeaited Cardiff Lutoiis by 13 points. The weather was vile, but the hon. secretary had had tickets printed, and 300 had been sold, hence it was a financial success. Jack Cooper was in great farm. I may mention tha.t Eddie Thomas, besides being a great back, is the Leading tenor of the renowned male voioe party. Brynoethin's record is:—Played 12, won 8, drawn 4, lost 0; points 124 for, end only 3 against. RHYMNEY VALLEY SENIOR. I No league matches were played in the I valley, and only one friendly between Pont- lottya atnd RJiymney United at PontLofctyn. The bomes,ters took on the mautch ae a. soft thing, and did not, therefore, turn out full strength, whilst the visa-tore were reinforced by Howelk, Perry, S. Jones, and Lewis L?wis. In consequence, from the out- set, Rhymney had the best of matters, a.nd won mucih to the surprise of those who thought it was all Lombard-street to a, china. orange on Pontlcttyn. Nine points to nil. M'Vicaxs quite pleased the Tredagax team by his smart pla.y at Bridgwater on Monday. LLANELLY V. SWANSEA BOYS. I As is invariably the case, the- juvenile Tin- platers wera completely outmatched in physique by the young all Whites. Size and weight, as is always the case in boys' games, triumphed, and the scarlets were beaten by 2 tries. One of the scoreq-that gained by that cap- aole player Fischer-shoukl not have been allowed, for the final transfer was palpably forward. Youxig Llanelly played like heroes, their pluck was wonderful, and the way they tackled their burly opponents and turned time after time defence imto attack would have been creditable to the premiers of Stradey. The other try gained by Swansea wis the outcome of a smart movement by Fred Bancroft. This bearer of the historio name, d.oul>tk"sly. will, in a few sea-scos, uphold in senior footbail-I the traditions of tue great Rugger family. SCHOOLBOY RUGGCR. I unfortunately the bad weather during the holidays prevented the full programme of inter-town and town trial matelic-e being car- ried out. Still, although the chief leagues have not been pitted against each other, there will be no difficulty in selecting one of the best Welsh fifteens we have had. Eraglaod, I learn on reliable information, will be extra strong this yeas in the match which takes place at Cardiff on March 12. Tbe strength of the Bristol boys has been proved by their defeat of Newport. Exeter, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Leicester, and Bir- mingham have also at present great town teams

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. T. J." (GHfa.cb Goe-h).-Inkentionally fall- ing down in a scrimmage merits a penalty. H, Lewis (Pontypridd).—The touch-judges are certainly to assist the referee, but your deduction, that the referee is OOlUld to accept their decisions regarding goal-kicks, is not correct. The referee is sole judge, and has absolute power to over-rule both touch-judges, but it is seldom, indeed, that a whistler gives "no goal" when both Umpires agree that a. goal had been kicked. It would, however, be useless to appeal against the decision of the referee. Shopper (Bargoed).-The secretary of the Welsh Wednesday League is Mr. E. H. Edwards, 26, The Hayes. Cardiff. Dervish (Caxdiff).-There is no reoord of the results. The threes in the South African match were C. F. Biggs, R. T. Gabe, E. G. Nicholls, and J. L. Williams.

ASSOCIATION CODE.1 ^— Treharris Still Unbeaten I SOME HOLIDAY REFLECTIONS I O-DAY we kick-off for the second half. Wihat has the first been like, gener- ally speaking? If all who are directly connected with the game were asked, I'll guarantee that five out cf every six would liave, first of all, an nricoin.plimeratary v*»TT» ra vlr q Knn.t, t Vlrfa wAA,t.hr-/1'. ..I. With cause, too. Several clubs, in the aitlumn, entered, Lipon engagements, the ful- filling of which was known wouJd require a good income. Heavy "out" expenses require good home gates to make accounts balance. Given decent ordinary weather, big gates were an a&sct whiuh could be relied UIJQn'l But the dreadful weather during part of the first half must have hit &ome oli?bs pretty hard. However, there are four months ,eft. four months when the days will week by week increase in daylight, and improve in weather. There is plenty of time for the expensive clubs yet to finish up on the right side. Another pretty unanimous grievance, dur- ing the short days, is the Eight Hours Act and its effects. That, however, has to be accepted, as in the case of the wather, with the bec-t possible grace. But I have a few remarks on this topic for another issue—if I do not include them to-night. Probably of all the Southern clubs, Treharris has easily the ftnestalnd most satisfactory tale to tell. To my huge disappointment, I was una,ble to see the iamons whites. I had been looking forward to seeing their game with Merthyr, and I am certain that Dr. Dunbalt will at once admit that my reason for inability to accept his iinvitation was perfectly aati-sifactory. At the same time, I do regret missing that game. With such a. level y day it was not expected that anything but a record gate would assemble. And so it was. The takings were easily a rec{)lrd," and, in addition, the homesters had the further satisfaction of bagging two more Western League points. Would they lose their unbeaten league record in the return g-tme on Monday? Tiiey did not. But a draw was the best tihey could do. Again I was not able to see t,he match, so can enter into no details of tifee play. But, again, the atate was a record, not only for Merthyr, but if the figure I have heard is correct, it is the top mark as I yet icr any ordina-ry club fixture in South Wales. The final last year at Tonypandy beat, it, but a "final" is a different thing Whatever it was tole income would be very welcome, fc'r Merthyr, with the otmers, could I very well do with it. I The drawn game at Merthyr seems to fore magnificent match for the Welsh cup- tie, but not being on a holiday the early kiick-oif may reduce the gate to be shared by the two duhs. Before leaving this topi? let me acknowledge the correction d the editor's onicial ?lerthyr correspondent re I my remark about gjass houses." No offence was intended, and, in my ignorance, the humour of the thing- appealed to me. 'l:bat'c; all. Under similar circumstances my friend would surely have felt as I did. Here's to our meeting soon—probably a.t the cup-tie. Green's benefit matcih was duly brought off C,.rce.n*,s ben,c?lit matI ol  ear that a, veay good on Boxing Day, aiid I near that a very good game wa.s provided by the West End and the Island, the former winning. But the wretched weather sadly affected the attendance, and liodess a huge number of tickets were sold •beiorehand 1 am afraid that the veteran will not, benefit so handsomely as he should or would have done. Pleasing accounts of the reteree reached-me, ana i heartiiy congratu- late Mr. Canter on his successful manage- ment of the game. In the ,afternoon. on the same ground, tihe match in the English Schools Snield Competi- tion between the schools leagues of Barry and Cardiff was brought off. The valin and the heavy ground, especially in the lower half, Were against good play being antici- pated, but, nevertneiess, an enjoyade game pated,. Pd. Cardiff scored &rst. chieny by a. fine individual run from baif-way by Wood- mau, the centre Ibrward, who used his brains, and other things, well in the long dribble, and finished -up with a shot into the net. Just for all the world a gcod imitation of Clem Allan's goad in the international at Preston last Easter. Barry equalise4,soon after, and the rest ot the game was a struggle for the winning; Point, But it didn't come, and the teamE will now have to re-play at Ca,rdiff. Taking the game through, a. draw is by 110 means an inequitable result. (Pardon my dragging in that adjective. But it is getting fashionable. Like "opportunism" was last year). It was the first i-inie 1 had seen either of the teams. After the big win of Barry over Aberdare, ami of Cardiff over Plymouth, I can only assurme that neither team wae flit its best on Monday. Glamorgan clubs have been Tisiting Pfcm- hrakesliire with mixed results. Leaving the teams as such alone, friend Charley Pfcnoh seems to .ha,V» been, adding to hia reputation as a goal-getter. IfF'hii whcoldays be- v-as ajbout the most dlan,gerous foiwa-rd of his time, and I am pleased to note that be is preserving his skill. If all the gi-owh-aip pro- ducts of the various schools leagues could be I traced what a recommendation, footbally, it FYFE, captain of the Ton Pectre Soccer team. A man off many parts, and all well played. would be for those organisations. Yet, after all, the main idea of the schools league is not to develop a race of footballers. That, however, is by the way, although the result is the same. The meeting of the two leaders of the South Wales League on 3tonday provided e, bag attraction at ■ Cwmparo. Mardy v. Cwmparc is always interesting, but in the present posi- tion of the league, this match was more so. Cwmparo further improved their position in t'he table, and can reasonably he pardoned if visions of a trophy begin to creep into their &lumoors. From now to April wdU be a. good race between the two neighbours from opposite aides of the mountain aw-a-y up the Rhonddas. I must get up there one of these fine &dturday&-Af we have any. Ton Pentre did well in th. Western League ma.tch with the Reserves from Bristol, and Aberdare are to be gympaith-leed with in having a holiday match postponed through unfitness of the ground. My greetings far the New Tear to aU, and in the concluding stages of the raioes for the many oops and league trophies and medale, may the best teams win. Four months is a longish time, and the leaders at present must not eWflely rely e upon the "birds in hand ,Some more "in me bush" must yet be oa?u?ht.

SKATING FOR HEALTH BENEFICIAL TO OFFICE WORKERS. Roller _skating for health and pleasure" is the title of an interesting treatise just published at the price of a, shilling by Dr. J. Williams, floor manager of the Clifton rink, who explains hovr the exercise refreshes the bTailu and almost unconsciously stimu- lates the body to exertion. Not only is it conducive to grace of carriage. but to those engagefl in .& sedentary ooou?pation it ]? a.n exoett?nt remedy for obesity and indigestion, and it is valuable by way of preventing and curing curvature of the spine, bent backs, protruding shoulders, and hiips, which are merely the forerunner of actual deformity. Then, a?aAn. young people who are growing fast often acquire weak ankles .d flat feet. These p-ersoms especially should take up the exorcise, which gives the foot its elastic step and the whole body its springy gait. It is also beneficial in cases of chronic rheumatic conditions of the joints in the early stages, and has a wonderful effect in toning up a nervous system. The book ateo dea,ls with the first steps of skating, simple and advanced figure movements, and skating itn couples. An instructive little book, with diagrams, has also been published by "The Magician," Limited, 128, Holbcrn. London, E.C., at 6d. on the art of roller skating.

NEW TpHEATRE, CARDIFF. DECEMBER 27th, at 2 Mid 7.15, p ANTOMIML- JJICK WHITTING-TON. DAVIES'S REGISTRY BOOK- ING OWPKXB. EMIGRATION SPECIALIST, CHARLES ST. •GtSJKff. U.S.A. AnsTRALlA. N. ZJ:.U..Un. 8, ANtlCtA. [OtibkBAi.

Air Rifle Notes. By BULL'S-EYE. CARDIFF AND DISTRICT LEAGUE. LL the talk prior to the opera. ing of a. season. is the pro- blematicai subject of the .1 various clT»h«' form. ;I,ni it, i is very rarely that the is very ra.rely ?; ? majority of theee sanguine anticipations a-re realised, out in the case of the Car- diff and Dieti-iot League this season, it can be eaie-iy euna that the exception has been tihe riil a, for the preaeuHt high standard of form has never been better. The returns in ail matches have been excellent, and much a&ovc tiie average anticipated, while some wonderf ul. tall scares have been retufrned by the Ciiainpions. The competition, has-been most tceeiE. and the difference in many a stubborn nas very suuim, Wiuiie there has also been a large number of drawn batties. The pride of place for this half is occupied by the cHampiio*niS, and right well do the V lotoria deserve the honour. Starting off with a couple oi 361s. they improved on this by a coupde against the Tudor, but following tueir miitoh with the Do-n" they were not seen to so great, an advantage, and fell to as low as 3ou, when the Duke of York all but did the trick. Vheir one loss has been to the Adelphi, and, with ail due respect to the "Li jokers great performance, it is question- alble whether the champions would not have keipt their sheet clean had an official referee ueen present. There were many claims dur- ing the match, and the liuck on each occasion that Rule 20 was put into force rested with the Adeiphi. Personally, I am not in favour or tins rule that allows CI., man to have another shot in coses whare the captains can- not agree. It is a rule that allows too much scope, and is oftentimes taken advantage of by a marker. But I am wandering from the subject. With regard to their record, the Victoria barve 26 points out of a possible 2o, and an average per match of over 371. This latter could have been much better but lor tue Met tuat with their continual success the taann were prone to take things easy. Though they have done well for the first half, they will have to do better "now, as the majority of the teams are showing improved form eacn week. In the position of mnners-up come the "good old Alberts." and there is no team iu the league that begrudges them the honour. They aie five points behind the champions in the matter of averages, and three points behind them in the table, Tney were unlucky with the draw for position, and were called upon to meet the Atlas ahd Vic- toria for their first two engagements, Botn these they lost, while a couple of weeks later tfredr luck was again out in only being abole to effect a diraw against the. Duke of York. They scored well in all three matches but not quite so gocd as their last season s form. Since the drawn engagement they have won right along the line, and with their best score of 376 they have been most consistent, with au average of over 366. Next im order of merit come the Adelphi and Tudor, who tie for third place with 20 poirats each, whale in the averages but five poinrts divide the pair for tihirteen matonee, the Adeiphi living the best of matters by just a fraction. The Adelphi have ever siiince rcheir formation been quite a first jraniK team, but it is only this season that the Tudor have come to the front. They have alwavj been a fair team, good for 350 or so, but this year they have excellc-d themselves. With their lowest scolre 348, thear best is 377, when they beat the Adelphi after a fine con- test by a point. Three other tota.ls of over 370 have also been returned by them, one the memorable 372 when they shared the points with the Atlais. Their losses have been to the Victoria, Albert, and Splott Conserva- tive, whilst they also drew w .tih New Park Literal. This match they oughf to have won, but they took matters easy, and at the finish were somewhat lucky to draw with 348. Their average is 364.38 against an average of 360.15. The Adelphi have been good and bad at times. They started off in promising fashion, winnin.g the first four matches, but then, with 366, they fell victims to the Albert. Then followed two losses against the Tudor and typictt Conservative, both matches being lost by a point, and on the last match of the half they again went under, the Duke of York winning by 361-355. Three o,ld stagers who have found competi- tion hotter than ever are the Atlas, Splott Conservative, and the Duke of York. All three have been scoring well, and axe quite up to tiheir average of former seasons. The Atlas, with 375 as their highest, have totalled 4,692 points for 13 matches, an average of 360.92. Splott Conservative have 4,672 for tihe sa-me nuraber of matches. Their highest is 367, while tfceir lowest return is 336, when they losi to the Coldstream. This was the occasion when, with only ten wa-nted to. win, the Conservative found themselves a man short. The "good old Duke" owe their, per- haps, lowly position to a run of bad luck tlhat dogged them during November, when, althougih they scored well, they lost sdx matches in succession. Only once have they reached 370, and this, their drawn game against the Albert. Their total stands ait, 4,664, an average of 358. "-e remainder of the other clubs have also done well, particularly the Coldstream and tba Napier, who, though not winnmg ma' ithatpjies. have always beea scoring well. The Mlo'wm? the records of the four leading t, for the &r?t half of the season YICTOBIA. -Points.- League For. Against. Pts. Co!œt.rea.m 331 353 2 Alter), 561 366 2 Bam-v Dock 369 24.. 2 I,Ud r ? 3g4 3 ro Ù. = 2 Don. 5M S!9 2 Atlas m m i 'th?ee Horse Shoes No ]patch 2 New Park Liberals 3Qfr 343.. 2 Duke of York. NO 359 2 Adeiphi 37t ;73 — Th J 2 Engineera. 37! 352.. 2 Caerph.Ily Total 4,833 4,619 26 Average for, 371.77; against; 355.30. ALBEIIT. ,-Po.bnts- League Per- Against. Pts. Atlas 360 387 0 Victoria 366 381 0 Three HoTse Shoe No match. 2 New Pajk Liberal J68 J43.. 2 Duke of York. 310 370 1 Adeiphi 37,7 Z66 2 Napier 5S9 331 2 Engineer t S# 352 „ 2 Caerphilly 360 351 2 349 2 Barry nock Con 3S3 -• 351 2 Tudor 372 .357 2 Spiott Conservative Yi6 •• 359 2 Don. 360 0 2 Total. 4,761 4,277 23 tA Terage for, 366.25; against, 329. TUDOR. -Poin-ts- League For. Against. Pts. Splott Conservative W 36i 0 Don 555 353 2 Atlas 372 372 1 Victoria. 364 383 0 Three Horse Shoe No match. 2 New Park Liberal 348 348 1 Dllke of York. 373 364 f Adeiphi 377 376 2 Ka.pier 367 352 2 ■Engineer$75 545 2 Caerphflly w 327 2 Coldstream 364 368.. 2 Albert 367 312 0 Barry Dock Con. 369 366 2 Total- 4,7S7 4,682 20 Average tor, 364.38; against, 360.15. ADELPHI. —Points— League For. Agadnot. Pts. Jfopfar 353 3M 2 MO i CawpMny. 364 346 2 Coldstream 358 146 2 Albert 366 370 0 Barry Dock 354 349 2 Tudor 376 377 0 Splott Canservafctre 364 366 0 Don 373 359 2 Atlas S74 364 2 Victoria 373 371 2 Three Horse Shoe Jvo match. 2 New Park Liberal 368 353 2 Duke of York 356 361 0 T.W 4,742 4,688 7. K Average for, 364.77; against, 356.77. XMAS SHOOT. The Christmas Prize SIhootin connection with the Engineer (Cardiff) Club proved a great succees, a large rrnmhnr of members competing for the sixteen prizes altered. The flowing were' the first eiglnt in the com- petition :— Score. H'cap. TL score. W. PUgaley 92 5! 07i S. swiett 90 6l 6^. ft Godfree 84 11i.- 9 B. john 89 6 •• 65 D. J. Warren 91 3i 94i F. Waldrea 88 6J 94i ?. Brunt M 3? 94? t = 93? J. Hart rees, scratch, was llt-h with a soore of 93, and F. Williams was 16th, but managed to carry Away a ciricketu

CAMMED AMOCtATtOM LEAGUE. 1_ I CARDIFf' ASSOCIATION. QUI. _1 This week's engagements in title LB-rdiff Association league brou,ht the first half of t,he programme to a. conclusion, and, with a fine win over the Canton Institute, the leaders in the table are the Gasworks, who a.re five points ahead of tfheir nearest rivals. They have been most consistent throughout, ret/urning well over 300 in ewery maAcb, and have only loot one point as yet. in-ere have been many close finishes, but their tail have always justified tihe confidence reposed in them. llhedr present lead practically assures ithem of the championebip. This week their opponents were Birohgrove, and the "Oogn-try. men" suffered a. defeat by 310-305. As the scores indicate it was a weU contested match, and the beotter side won. The rurmars-up, Bcwlaie, defeated Victoria Institute by six. Huxtable shot well for the losers, returning a. possible against 32 by E. Tucker, while for the winners W. Tucker and W. Sullivan returned 33's. In their match at Penarth the Dowlais lost to the P.S.A. men, the soores being 312-306. Thomas, Pickford, Stevens, and Pawley shot well for the winners, and E. Tucker returned 34 for the lo..se.r. This win improves the P.SJL's position, wt they will have their work to fireish imnnere-up. AgoinM, Oogon P.S.A. laat week the sea6iders nearly came a oropper, the Ctogandtee holding the cracks to a couple with 304—306. This scare was a marked improvement in Oogan scoring, and they can congratulate themselves on such a fine effort to defea,t their neighbours. Ista.ndoug'li were visitors to the Settlement, and came away with the poimts. Neither side was in form, both failins to reach 300, the scores beiim 298-294 in favour cf Llandoutfh. W. Jonea and J. Powell were the best of their respeetite sides, each returning 3.). GaD88 XdberaJs at ltoaM to Bimb* 4pjar«, siati LG&& to 9" 9Mf kot J8IQ

FRED DYER AND YOUNG BASHAM MEET. I DYER. BASHAM.

Fred Dyer v Basham I PRINCIPALS WEICH 'IN AT "EXPRESS 1 OFFICE A select party of local sportsmen, whioh included Captain Evans, adjutant of the 1st Monmouthshire Battalion, and Mr. Harry Marks, Oardiff, attended at the Evening Express" office this morning, the occasion I being the weighing in of Fred Dyer, Cardiff,- and young Basham, of Nowport "Af who are the principals in the chief event of the boxing carnival at the -Dmill-hall, Newport, to-night, when the pair meet in a tep-round contest for £2.1 aeide and a purse. Both men were well under weight, Dyer, who was aittended by his brother Joe, scaling 9st. 91b., and Basham, who had BQyo Dria- coll with hiim, scaling 9st. 71b. Of the pair. Dyer is the better known, though to-night is his debut as a profes- sional. Though only 21 years of age, he is a.n all-roujid athlete, and has trophies for swimming, boxing, running, walking-, and siJngi11 g. IUs best performajicee in the ring h,ave been two contests when, as an amateur, he knocked out Fred Delaney in one round, and won on points from Walt Griffiths, Aber- dare, both fights taking place at Mountain Ash. In the amateur championships he a.lso put up a great exhibition, winning his heat against Smith, of St. Pancras, and then losing on POD<ts to Grace. He was somewhat handicapped in these rontests by the fact that th-sy were only three-round affairs, and this distance is far too short for Fred. Basliam has appeared once before the public, in Septemiber last, when he knocked J out Boxer Bryan. of Newport, in three rounds. For to-night's fight Dyer has trained quietly at Cardiff with his brother, while Basham has been in charge of Boyo Driscoll, who, with H. Workman, will appear in his corner to-night. Dyer will be seconded by his brother Joe, W. Thomas, Dan O'Connel, and Eddie Carsey, and the referee will probably be MT. J. E. Dunning, London. I After the weighing-in on scales, which had been lent by Messrs. Avery, Cardiff, both men agreed tha.t. though not stipulated in the articles, soft bandages oould -be worrr if desired. The proceeds of the carnival are in add of the funds of the 1st Monmouthshire Battalion.

WELSH V. NELSON. I X4,000 Purse Offered for a Fight I Mr. Harry Marks has cabled to America offering, on behalf of a sports syndicate, a R4,000 purpe for a match to take place between Battling Nelson and Fred Welsh in England. Whethar this amount-whieh in Yankee money xo^ans a 20,000-dollar purse-will tempt Nelson remains to be seen (says the "Sports- man"). The "Battler/' if all reports are true, is anxious to make another trip to this side, and Welsh is so eager for a cut at the Dane that if the last-named is satisfied with the terms, which quite sarpaes anything pre- viously offered in the Old Country, the men should oome together. Although the cable sent to Nelson reads "fight in England," thia does not necessarily bar Wales.

Why Not Fourth Belt for Wales? To the Editor of the "Evening Express." Sir,—I re joice over the decisive victory of Tom Thomas, now middle-weight, champion of England, and the holder of one of Lord Lonsdale's beautiful belts. When Jimmy Driscoll brings the feather-weight champion- shiip Ibe,ltt ihere-and who doubts. that he will? -,tlhere will be three here. Pretty good for Wales, I say! Isn't there a hfiavy-weight in the land of the leek to bring home a lourth belt? Seaman Hayes, who will contest for the championship with Driscoll, should be easy -for Jiimmy. I beait the seaman twice when I wias a (feather-weight, two years ago. The second time I knocked him out in the fifth round. So I think we may safely count on t;he third toeilt, anyhow. I find I am called on to box exhibition bouts very often mow that I am officially the lights weight champion of England. I went to Glasgow a few weeks ago. Dutblin, Belfast, <&nd all the bdg cities in Engtond axe asking 'for me. But I am quite free to say that I don't like exhibition work. But there are some pleasant features in being a cham,pion- My trip to Paris was due to one of them. A genitleman, who backed me in my fight with Summers, sent me a. cheque for oBW, teiLin.g me he wiSlh.ed me to buy:foœ my. self something that would be a pleasant momenito. I (knew what I wanted, and I went straight to Paris to get it. I intended to buy bronze figures of the Boxer and the so- called Gladiia/tor, and I spent hours and hours in the Lonivre trying to make up my mind that they weTe juet what I most wished, before I realised that my heart was not with them, but witih the perfect woman, who has the honour of a room to horEelf-Venus de M'ilo. My htat is off to the great sculptor Phidias, who had the brain to conceive and the hand to chisel her in enduring ma.r.ble. over two thousand years old, and titiil able to quicken one's blood! It wasn't easy to find a companion to euch a paragon, but in the end I selected Le Beveil, by Philippe. It is an utndrnped figure of a woman with her arms over her head, stretching herself as she stands on her toes. The conception is a. beautiful one, and the modelling of the whole figure is sincere and truthful. I wias told afterwards that Queen Alexandra liked the figure so much that she procured the marble original for her private drawing-room. The promoters in Paris talk of getting over a good American boy to meet me at "WondeT- land," in that city. Over heIX. there are rumours that Packey MacFarhvjd will ooone here to get a fighi with me. "That would be very pleasant. I would like to beat him again. As for Baitttaig Nelson, the light- weight champion of the world, it is said in America. that he is really willing a.t last to meet me. It may be that tihis country will be the scene of the battle between, him and me. I certainly hope so. From far-off Australia, too, there comes a proposition, to fight. I have just received a, cablegram from Mcintosh, the girea-t promoter, offering me 25,000 win. loISe, or draw, and two return tickets if I will go to Australia and meet Johnny Summers again. I could not afford to go eo Bar (for so lit/tile, however, and hawe "add so. If Nelson will meet me I will put off an-y o.ffer, no matter how advantageous, in order to meet him. If he will meet me in America, I will go there, but what I would rather do than anything else is to meet him in Wales. Hore is where I would like to fight for the world's championship.—I am, FRED WilLSH, Pontypridd, (light-weight Ghomipiofn, of England). Cardiff, December 31st, 1909.

GREAT BOXING CARNIVAL. DBILD-HALL, NEWPORT, TO-NIGHT. TEN-ROUND CONTZST between FRED D ?t Cardiff, and YOUNG ?Ag??M, of Newport, for So35t a-side and a Puree. In THE$ij)G at 10.0 p.m. TEN-HOUND CONTEST between MUXBOK OBAINGER, Cardiff, aOff TWIGGY DAVIES, Ponty- pridd, for a Purse. In the Ring at 8.15. Reserved Seats, 10s. 6d., 5e., and 'is.; Unreserved, 2s. Tickets can be obtained from Measrs. Wadley and Sons, 21, OommeTcial-streeti and the Adjutant, Drill-hall, Mow Hill, Newport; and of Mr. Harry Marks, 7, Coldstream-terracs, Cardiff. 4678

Miniature Rifle Notes By -22 rM the advent of 1910 I suggest to the locaJl clubs a new method of scoring. In the past the W.M.R.A. rnles htave allowed "-that aU shots whioh touch or break the line shaill be awarded the hagObar value." I now, however, has reached such I a high standard with raindatem rifles that 1- Ur. D. E. Lewis, Mountain ASh Conatnftu- t&onail OlTib, represents the Glamorgan League MR. D. E. LEWIS. [PHOTO, TYNAN BROS., JERSEY, on the executive council of the Welsh Minia- ture Bifle Assoeiaiion. it should be worth considering wft-etther it would not be advisable in future to commit only "all im" abots. Ties would be greatly reduced and a much higfiier standard set for shooting. In the past the Weldh Mindatuire Bifle Aago. oiation has had cause to be thamkful to the oiubs for providing the necessary accommo- dation for periodical competitive meetings, but the arrangements made by the ToodiU club for the meeting oil Boxing Day reached the high-water mark of excellence. Thanks to Mr. W. Leat, the accommodation for visi- tors was enlarged for the meeting, and, although the weather was wretched, the ooan- aatAMrt were aoog and sorofortaMa. Pro- f- Toodba at pMeent b««s tb«, I most coamplete range in South WaJo-a. faot on wtoicih Messrs. Leat, Allen, Eiley, and officials of the club cam pride themselves. The feature of the meeting was the mag- niflceant sihooitinig of W. Butson. The popular Ogmiore Vale man figured in every prize list, and put on a score of 99 out of 100 in the rapid firing competition—a marvellous per- formance. In the local competition Butson and Mar- tyn (AEaesteg') tied for second place. The tie shoot resulted in each of them scorin-g 99. Another tie shoot, limited to five shots, resulted in tihe scores again being equal- 49 eaeb-a,n,d in desperation the rivals "tossed ■for it." It was a record one for a single day's meeting, and was in direct oon/trast to previous Christmas meetings. Every club in the Bridgend District Ijeague was repre- sented., whilst competitors were present from such far away places as Carmarthen amd ChepeUnv. For the second year in succession Boucher fMaesteg) and Butson (Ognnore Vale) firnd pl-aoes as representatives cf the Bridgend League in the final for the Association cups. Bolley (Miaesrteg) amd Davies (Southerndown), who got in last year, have been displaced by Martyn (Miaesrteg) and Thomas (Brym). Butson finished second last year, and his chances for winning onitrigTut at Ohepstow are greatly fancied. The "88" oompeMtixm organised by the Association has oaaght on, aind instead of monthly com/petitions the aseociation pro- pose to hold one every Port/night. Targets for 25 yards ranges will be used OIl every range, amrf, gene-rally speaking, competitors wiJ[ be credited with the higher value in cases of doubtful shote. The first eompeti- tion will terminate on Janu-ary 15, and another aeries will ootmmenoe on January 17.

Billiards. By JOHN ROBERTS. I l PROBLEMS.-No. 13. Problem 13 represents the balls in a, de- cidedly awkward position, yet, if well handled, the stiff proposi- tion before us can be solved in a way which leaves a good game on. The baulks are as shown in the diagram, neither of the object balls are quite touching the left side cushion, and we have to decide what is the best stroke to play. The solution of this problem will appear when our next is published. The Solution of Problem 12. Our t w e 1 fth problem isj solved by placing the oue ball slightly to the i right of the centre spot of the d" and playing a, short 'jenny" into the left middle pocket. Impart strong left side to the-cue ball, and play with sufficient strength to leave the red nicely in the middle of the table below the oentre pockets, and in an ideal position f a break. A good deaJ of pnwtks f i

I Minly Cross-Countryl I By HARRIER. N cross-country circles the Christmas holiday season is usually a eilactk time. This year, however, thanks to the many handicaps organised, interest in the sport has been maintained, and the turn- outs otf the various clubs have been, if anything, rather above than below the average. The holidays having been safely passed, the racing meimibers will now be settling down to steady work in view of the By the detach of W. TJzziell, which took place last week, the Roath Harriers have lost not only-a mogt promisiailg runner, but one of the most popular of their members. Some weeks ago UzzeU had a flail, and, as the outcome of a scratch, ibllood-poisoniinig set in, followed by a, isevere attacik of rheumatic fever, to which he succumbed. Although only 21 years of age, eeverai successes had fallen to his lot Among others he carried off the second prizes in both the Carton and Grange Marathons. Some fifteen members, of the Roatlh club, as weJil as mainiy other athletee, attended his funeral on Tuesday. The chief event of the year in the Gatihays' Hairier Club is, undoubtedly, the animal han dicap run off on Christmas mornings The enltry for last Saturday's race was well up to the average, and the handicapping gave ■general! satisfaction, although, a& is always the case in every club, there were a few grumblers, who comeddered themselves badly treated. Perhaps the best performance of the day was that of the brother of the winner, W. J. Francis, who was some seasons ago one of the mainstays of the club, but who on Satur- day made only ihis second appearance in three years. In 1906 he put up a course record of 45min. 2sec., a time which has never since been beaten. In Saturday's handicap W. J. Francis, with the aid of a. useful 4min. et-art, finished second. Fast time badges were won by E. Francos, T. Harry, and V. Williams, and tihe handicap resulted as fodlows:— ■■ > Actual Handicap Start. time. time. M. S. M. S. M. S. E. [flnamois 3 30 47 40 44 10 W. J. Franeis 4 0 49 6 45 6 J. Parker 3 45 49 16 45 31 D. Promeds Sch. 45 45 45 45 T. Harry 1 15 47 35 46 20 h Ballinger 4 30 51 15 46 45 V. Williams 1 15 48 10 46 55 N. Gye 6 0 53 31 47 31 F. Ohorley 6 0 53 32 47 32 Oatheys Wesileyam Hatrriers had the best muster of the season for their Boxing Day Perob,a,se from their headqiuartens at Roath Park. Pa-por was laid over the usual course to Three Arches, Llanisthen, Lisvane, Lane- dairne, Penylan» and home, a distance of about 8i miles. Two packs were sent out, the fasts giving the slows some 15min. start, a eanceesion which proved just a little too much. About (hiailf a mile from home the fasts J Sightted the slow pack, and a. fime effort was i mads to get on terms. P. Barnes, t1 Mabear, and H. S. Pryce (captain) were able to withstand the challenge, and arrived home in the order named, A. Viggers, S. J. Male, and Fred Yeoman (fa.sts) following a few seconds later. Cwmbran Penywain Harriers held a most enjoy aibde run over their new course on Christmas mormittg, a fairly large number turning out, including most of the araoks, Notiwithistanding the fact that, owing to the recent rains, the course was in an exceedingly heavy condition, a fine performamce was put up by the young Welsh international Ern Paul, who did the course, which is just under seven miles, in 3min. As so few races have yet been held ovep thus course this time must not be taken as unbeatable, but it will probably not bt excelled this season. T. Elsmore, quite one ol the fastest men in the club was over a miinute behind on Saturday, and, judged bj his runining, Paul's performance seems extra I gocd. G. Powell, who finished third, proved that his Newport experience has done him good, but the most welcome improvement was shown by the captain,, W. Appleby, who seems at last to have found his old form. After having faced the photographer tht St. Saviour's Harniers held their annual han- dicap on Boxing morning from headquarters, C. V. Sederman, W. Titt, P. Baker, and W. Witt laying the paper over the usual seven miles course, which was in many parte under water. The handicap resulted in a win for A. Ban- bury (6min.), who finished well ahead of W. Waite (Smiiin.); S. Morris (scratch) was third. S. Morris, 49min. IQsec., V. Ailliame, 49min. 45sec.; and T. Harry, oOmin., were awarded fast time badges, the standard time being 50min. A monster run is usually held each Boxing Day at Bristol under the auspices of th« Bristol Harriers. The Pontnewydd club had intended sending a team, but, owing to slack- ness of work in their district, only two mem- bers made the journey, viz., D. Spanswick and C. Barnaby. L' The race was a. 4i mile road one, and was taken, part in by Bristol and Abertillery. Spanswick finished fourth, receiving a gold medal as his award. Barnaby was well up. but sus.tained an injury to his foot, which will prohaibly keep him out of the field for some weeks. Newport Hondeiis ran off their annual han- drioaip on Boxing Day, a. good number of mem- bers taking part. The trail layers, under the dtreectioun of the captain, W. Emerson. did their work well, and no difficulty was experienced in finding the way over some exceedingly sloppy country. The race proved rather an easy wdn for W. Thomas, who, with five minutes' time allowance, get home some two minutes ahead of that improving runner, E. A. Davies. J. Meyriok won the badge presented for the fastest time, doing the course rn 44mia. 55sec. The following were the first nine in the handicap AotuaJ Handicap, time. time. M. S. M. 8. W. Thomas 49 35 50 35 E. A. Davies 45 0 52 30 W. D'ixey 47 2 53 2 W. Naiil 49 3 53 3 W. Stt-e.wart. 46 17 53 17 J. Howelis 46 0 53 30 W. J-ohin-son 45 8 53 38 G. P0we11. 45 14 53 44 J. Morris 46 49 63 49

I CWMBRAN'S INTERNATIONALS. lNST PAUL, for a man of only two sea- sans' experience of cross-country running, has had a remarkable career. When only seventeen years of age he finished sixth in th,, Welsh Junior Championship at Swan- sea, when his club carried off the honours. Last year he occupied the same position, in the senior race, this time at Oaorleon, after having finished second out of a field of 110 runners in the open Marathon race organised by his dub, being defeated only KJAnBMOBflB. STEAD. PAUL. [PHOTO, W3RESK35, DEBBT. Sir tfce Wdeib cfcooupfoa. T. Arthurs, e w" sedeobed to represent WaJes last season art, Derby, and finished third for his country. his clubmates—Stead and Elsmore -being the only Welshmen to defeat him. P?ml is a^ain in ham?s thM year, and Ila,ul i =ke things hot for everybody in the championships. TOMMY ELSMORE, who is one of the idols of the Cwmbran crowd, has been connected with the Cwmbran Harriers since its fooma- tion, and is one of the most consiGteJrut members connected with the club, and being, without doubt, one of the most natural runners in the Principality. He first came into prominence in the Cwmbran Marathon race, when he finished fifth out of the field. Being the secon-d Cwmbran man home, be thus secured the silver cup kindly given by Sir Clifford J. Cory, M.P. He also ran well the previous season at Swansea, when he helped to bring home the Welsh Junior Championship. He has won several Marathon races, and also won t-he mile in Blaenavon last August off a low mark. but his greatest success was in the W elh Senior Championship last season when he finished fifth out of the field, and was first man home for hie olu.b. Por this fine per- formance he had the honour of represeut- ing Wales in the international ra.<:e at Derby last season, when he finished second for the Principality. He has several other good petttoirmancee to his credit, amid beint very young we shall, no doubt, again set his name figuring prominently in the Ovrm. bran liartiers ranks for many years ta come. EDGAR STEAD, whose career has been liven in these columns on a previous occasion, is another of tihe Cwmbran stalwarts, and has done much to hiing his olub into the front rank in the Principality. He carried off the Welsh Junior GhamipiomslhAp at Swan- sea in 1908, and represented Wales that year at Paris. Last season be finished well up in the Senior Qhamupdomslhip, and was agalin capped, this time figuring in the Welsh team at Derby, where he was the first Welshman to finish. This season he is in bet-ter form than ever, and has a great chance of carrying off the honour ooveted, by all Welsih cross-coumitry ites—the Senioif Cluampikmeihip.

CARDIFF MARKERS' TOURNAMENT It is not otfiten that here in Wales billiard I entjtuuedaet/i are afforded, the opportunity 01 j witnessing a game on the green eiouh by exponents Ahoime every shot is tliougnt out and played with that "anlt a.nG accuracy wtuieh are known oruy in rare uusuuiots by th-a averatge amateur, but during tne next two maaiths tins opportunity will oe afforded nigntly at the annual tournament, whictn commences ait the Kium- me: Uatel on Monday e\?uin? next. lu pre- vious U)urnameaw me play Has ueen 01 a bigh stamauxd? and bl'S toppÆg the <*n- tury have been frequent in the various heats. In addation to all last year's competitors, were are two fresh entries makwig a total oniury of ten who wail contest utiie toumia- Inent on tthe Amerioan principle. iia tiuB year's tounnameut, tor which prizes to the vaAue of ZM are gTrveUt Artnur Llewellyn, the Wel$h ohiamipion, is again placed on the scratch mark, and has to cou- OE40 various handiLcaps, ranging trom 315 to = 11Q the heaits, which are aOO up. NeXlt to tihe ecratciL man is placed G. Tuxwortn, the: wianer of the toandioap for the past two years, who receives 35. having been brought back 46 tor his win last year. 'i'liat fine ex- ponent, T. Carpenter (Central Conser- vative Olub). the junww chamipion of Waies, figiuTes next on the haudicap, being in receipt of 70. which is 20 less than in pre- vious years. Several other dtlteratioinj have been made in the handicap, as compared with last year, the most noticeable being an extra. M given Ketre, of title Ceii<ti\ai Hotel, his matrk now being 200. The two newcomers to the handicap this year have be(m treated generously, Pitt, of Barry's Hotel, figuring <m the 150 mark, and Davies, of the Central Club, on the 130 mark. Wioth Tegard to the competitors, Llewellyn Tux worth, and Carpenter are essentially top of the ta-ble players, the remainder being all-round players, especially Hammon, who is a wonderfaf hazard striker, and is at this style of play considered one of the best of Wales. Two men who are likely to go well in the handicap are Clifford and C-overiey. Both are fine, all-round players, and the former has the advantage of playing OIl his own taible, which should mean at least fiflty points. Altogether them are 45 heats, one of whiioh will be played off nightly. As was the catse last year, the chief of the early matches is that between Llewellyn aind Carpenter, who play off on Monday week. Previous meetings between tbe pair ended with honours even, Carpenter winning in 1906 and Llewellyn last year. The younger man's play has improved considerably during the past year, and, despite his reduced handicap, is likely to make the best of the others play hard to beat him. The full handicap is as undet: J. A. Llewellyn, Welsh clbampion scr. XWJC" G. Tux worth, Penarth' .35 T. Carpenter, junior Wetsth champion 70 A. B. Hlammian, Royal Hotel, Cardiff 120 W. Davies, CtTal W.M. Club, Cardiff. 130 F. H. Clifford, Rummer Hotel, Ca.rddSF. 130 J. Ooverley, Angel Hotel, Cardiff 140 W. Fitt, Barry's Hotel, Cairdiiff 150 D. Rees, Central Hotel, Cardiff 200 A. Turner, Exchange Restaurant, Cardiff 230 The opening match on Monday is between Davies and Pitt, and on Tuesday Llewellyn meets Turner. )

SENGHENYDO. Senghenydd were at home to Park United (Barry) on Boxing Day, and gained another splendid victory, the visitors being defeated by 4 goals to 1. Both teams suffered from, absenteeedsm, Barry being three short of their usual team, and Senghenydd played thiree I. reserves. The Senghenydd outside men re in splendid fettle, and each scored a goal. The I pick of the homesters were Kixkham, Carter, II William*, Dare, aad ThooiiBA,

Our Boys' Brigades. WHAT THEY ARE DOIKQ By THE VETERA*. I ———— COUTMA STEK Roberts had & pleasant function to per form at Gabalfa the other evening, the occasion being the presentation of a gold medal to Assistant Soaitt- master H. Lewis, of the Gabalfa Boy Soouts. The presentation took place a.t the St. Mark's Church Parish Room. There was a. oa/pital muster of Scouts present. Represen- tative patrols turned up also from Pontypridd and Aberbridwr. The 10th Cardiff (Conway) Troop of Boy Scouts gave a Christmas feast to poor boys on Wednesday evening. Puddings, cakes, and other good things—the gifts of the lade-were distributed to the poor boys, who were hr-ought in from all quarters by the Scouts to spend a ha-ppy evening. A miscellaneous programme of instru- mental and vocal music, arranged by Caiptain. Peck, was given during the evening. Songs, Ac., were rendered by the lads and their friends. and th,e, handbell ringers gave a dis- play with the bells. Various move.ments and driil were gone through, and altogether a. capital time was spent,. Everyone, including the little visitors, were delighted with their evening's erntortainmenit.. The hon. secretary of the Cardiff Scouts troop is btr. Rupert Lewis, Greenmeadow, Cardiff, and the assistant hon. secretary is Mr. T. Robert, junr., Shirley-road, Cardiff. A oompa.ny of the Church Lads' Brigade is being formed at Maesycwmmer. A most encouraging etart was made the other even- ing, wheifc a lantern lecture was given by Major Vaugthan Cleves, of Cardiff. The Rev. J. A. Williams, who presided, impressed on the parents the necessity of their lads joining the proposed company, which would be for their physical a.nd moral welfare. Lieutenant G. 8. Campbell, of St. John's (Cardiff) Company, accompanied the lecturer and manipulated the lantern. Some little time ago a new company of the Oh'll'I'ûhLads' Brigade was enrolled in a distant palrt of Canada. I am told that as soon as it wa-s known that a company was formed, it was wonderful to realise what a, number ct ex-brigade members had emigrated to Canada, ajid who now came forward to offer their services to heLp in the formation of the company- Having passed through, the ranks, their services were a. great help to our Canadian comrades. Owing to the holidays, I am unable to give the list of officers and companies in the Llanaaff Regiment Church Lads' Brigade this week as promised. As soon as the list is completed, it wall be published in this column. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. 11 O. L. D. —I-NYSICAI IMMITLG'.—MT. Eugene Sandow, Londion, has been appointed honorary director of physical training. Head- quarters intend issuing a lengthy report on Mr. Sandow's sctheme shortly. "H. C." (,Oarclitf).-Tole 9th (Oudiff) Boyle (Brigade. Printed and published '1)Y Thomas Jones for the jim. prietors, at 68a, St. Mary-street, In the City of Car- diff; by James iNoTmpn, Castle-street, Swansea; v E. G. Williams, Glebeland-street, Merthyr Tydvil; the shop of Mr. Dayid Williams, Brid,,end-4n the County of Glamorgan; by Jabez Thomse. High-street, Newport; at the shop of Mr. Caffrev, Monmouth—both In the County ot mou, at the shop of Mr. David John, TJXB the County of Ca rthen; at the "E?eniit "31 Oaioe, The Bu?Mk. Brecon; and at the e b t.?*? HowMd Lewis, Bu?th—iB taIe County of SATOBDAY? JANUj?RY 4 'i;?"

chaimfpions, the soores being 264—309. J. R. Thomas and D. BlMott were top scorers for tihe winners with 34 eadh. The .Radicals have experienced some ill-luck with their members during the first half, and I wish them better luck this half. Ln their maitch against the Gasworks, Canton Institute showed improved form with 297. With a little more confidence I feel sure they would cause trouble to some of the etronget clubs. At the Settlement St. Paul's were the visitors, and ought to have bagged the points. The Settlement led up to the ninth man, when Toogood gave his side a lead of two, but W. Vowles let his side down badly, and thus turning a win to a loss. The Penarth score of 290 shows a, grreat drop from their shooting earlier in the season. Next Week's Fixtures. DIVISION I. Birohgwve v. Victoria Institute. Canton Institute v. Penarth P.S.A. Oogan P.S.A. v. University Settlement. Grange Liberals v. Grange Gasworks. St. Paul's v. Liandougb. Dowlais (Iabye). DIVISION* II. Hannata-ptreet, v. Comet-street. Dowlais Seocmd v. Grange Gasworks Second. St. Paul's I*C. v. Penarth P.S.A. Second. Saltmead v. Victoria Institute Second. St. James's and Settlement Seconds Cbyee). All matches at the first-named institute.

quired to make these short "jennys" with reasonable accuracy, but. as in the present instance, they are so often "the game" that I time spent in mastering them is sure to result in marked improvement. — JOHN ROBJiRTS. I