The Welshman

THE first annual dinner of Pembrokeshire men resident in London, takes place at Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-street, on Friday, 9th March, at 7.30 p.m. Tickets, 5s each. President, Mr. W. B. Adams, F.R. Hist. Soc.; secretary, Mr. John R. Meyrick, 382, Holloway-road. A meeting of the South Pembrokeshire farmers. to make preparations for the forthcoming visit of the Land Commission, will be held at Pembroke to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon. IN our present impression two correspondents amply corroborate the statements made in this column last week, respecting the inconvenience felt in the parish of Llangain and adj acent districts from the want of a county justice. One of these writers touches on a political aspect of the question, with which we have nothing to do. It is enough for us to know that a magistrate is sadly wanted for the neighbourhood, and that a well-qualified man with whom no political or other party can find fault is to be found in the centre of the parish. We have to thank A Rate- payer for greatly strengthening our complaint. It appears that there are four parishes, and not merely one, without a magistrate and if, as our correspondent declares, Mr J Lloyd Thomas is the only resident legally qualified for the appoint- ment, the remedy for the existing grievance is very obvious. IT is important that the heads of houses in which any infectious disease happens to break out, should notify the fact to the medical officer for the district. In Carmarthen borough, for instance, the matter should be reported to Dr W L Hughes, and if a case occurs in other, parishes of the Carmarthen Union, it should at once be made known to Dr Bowen-Jones, Carmarthen. This duty is very often neglected, especially by country people, but the law provides a, heavy penalty in punishment of defaulters, and the sani- tary'authorities will be forced to make an example before long. The medical man attending a case of infectious disease is obliged to notify it to the proper quarter, but often no doctor at all is called in to see such patients. Our friends in the country parishes should take the hint in time. They have had many warnings, and it will be no use to plead ignorance of the law if they are brought into court. IT is the fault of its own inhabitants that Car- marthen is losing its place and business reputation among the progressive towns of South Wales. The large ratepayers and inde- pendent'' electors seem to be just as careless as their municipal representatives about the welfare of the town. It has long been universally recognised that nothing is to be expected of the Town Council, and yet no one attempts to form a Chamber of Commerce, a Ratepayers' Associa- tion, or any organisation which might do something to promote the interests of the borough or raise its status. No voice from Carmarthen is heard when the decline of the Tinplate industry is discussed, and nobody raises a finger to revive the weaving trade, which is fast going to the dogs. Numbers of weavers have been idle for a couple of years, and have yet no pros. pect of employment. Some must be nearly starving. Could not the leading woollen manu- facturers, from Drefach to Carmarthen and down to Lampeter-Velfrey, combine and form an association for the purpose of introducing Welsh- made cloth into the large industrial centres in England? It would only entail a little secretarial work and a few pounds spent in advertising. They could easily extend the trade fourfold, perhaps, tenfold in time, and this would serve their own interests as well as enable them to employ a far greater number of hands. But there is no man or body of men here in Carmarthen who will suggest anything or make an effort to start such a movement. Then, there is the question of where the new Welsh Uni- versity is to be located. One would think that the inhabitants of the ancient capital of South Wales would ere now have made united and vigorous representations to the authorities pleading the many strong claims of their town. As it is, the name of Carmarthen is never mentioned or thought of in connection with the University, and that is very natural, because if our people think themselves unworthy to have such an institution in their midst no outsider can be expected to think otherwise. This matter should be taken up at once. If we fait the effort | will not be wasted. The rest of Wale3 will be reminded that Carmarthen is not yet dead, and is still, in fact, something more than a geographical or historical expression. THANKS to the efforts of Mr. W. J. Buckley, M.F.H., Mr. W. Buckley Roderick, Mr Vincent Thomas, and a few other gentlemen, Carmarthen- shire is making some attempt to keep pace with the times in matters agricultural. Strange to say, the Butter Factory—which was the thing most wanted-has not been anything like so prosperous as everyone exp cted it to prove in a great dairying county like this, although there are slight signs of improvement setting in, as a few of the most prej udiced farmers of the locality have been lately converted to the cause of progress. O • the other hand, the/Stud Company promises to do an enormous amount of good in improving horse-breeding throughout Carmarthenshire, and henceforth the county may be expected to take a creditable place in producing, not only the best agricultural horses, but fine hackneys as well In at least one respect, however, Carmarthenshire is yet lagging behind the neighbouring county of Pembroke, as may be judged from the several reports we have from our friends down below" respecting block tests," "guessing competitions," and the introduction of the new weigh-bridge system. Recently, a brief reference was made in these columns to the success of the weighbridge at Fishguard, which, besides having very largely benefited the farmers and others, is paying a nice dividend to the company that owns it. This weighbridge is only one of several im- provements which that part of Pembrokeshire owes mainly to the intelligence and public spirit of Mr. J. Worthington, of Glynymel, and his son, Mr. H. Worthington, There are few people more eager than the Carmarthenshire farmers are to make the most of what they have to sell, and yet t^ey must lose money-often what would appear to them a substantial sum—on nearly every beast they dispose of to butcher or dealer. Buyers are too sharp for the farmers, and can beat them hollow in guessing the weight of an animal. This is only natural. Every man to his trade. At any rate, it is a matter of common sense, and only fair to both parties that cattle should be sold by weight, and the weight of each beast tested by some such machine and trustworthy tables as those for which the public are indebted to that clever Scot, Mr. McJannet. From reading the reports of competitions almost every week in English and Scottish papers, we have long been persuaded that the introduction of this system would be of untold advantage to the Welsh farmer. When it was found to answer so well at Fishguard, we took the liberty of writing to Mr. J. Worthington, who has kindly replied in what we consider a most valuable and interesting letter. Although Mr. Worthington did not intend it for insertion, still we have no doubt he will readily pardon us' for printing the greater part of his communication, especially as it may be of great use to a class of men whom he has always endeavoured to serve, He says: With regard to our weighbridge tor cattle, it has been I quite a success here. But other things have been weighed on it also. I had a block test for cattle which has convinced the farmers in this district generally, that they ought to weigh their cattle before taking them to a fair or selling them to the butcher. I am thinking now of having a weighbridge put up at Letterston, where there is a good monthly market fair, and I am convinced that if the farmers who have no confidence in themselves will weigh their cattle before selling them, they will benefit greatly by it. I fancy too that a sale by auction on each fair day would benefit the farmers, and the auctioneer should guarantee the live weight of each animal sold, whether store cattle or tat, A weighbridge is not an an expensive affair, and if you can induce the farmers to take shares ic it they would get, I should think, 10 per. cent. for their money. I should also recommend you to write to Mr Jannet, Woodlands, Stirling, N.B. He will send you a weighbridge cheaper and better, I consider, than any firm; and you will be surprised at their cheapness and the good they will do." Sup- pose we had only one weighbridge to start with, say, at Carmarthen. There need be no hesitation in saying that soon afterwards one would be in use at almost every cattle market in the county. When Mr Worthington says "you," he hardly means the editor of the Welshman. To whom, then, shall we consider this counsel addressed ? Where is the farmer's friend, who will come forward and say the cap fit;; him, and he is prep ired to forma weigh- bridge company ? But little capital is required, and surely this would be no bad way for farmers to invest a little money, even if they had no other object in view. Ø" The inqupst near Clynderwen and several matters are held over. Why was not the nice account of the Dolwilym Boagles sent earlier? Now it will be too late. CYl\IMRODORION. We have for some we ki hold over No 2 of the Cymmrodorion Record Series for notice. The Transactions" of the Society for 1892-93 will also be reviewed soon. THE LATE OR. HEARDER. MrB Hearder returns her sincere thanks for the many kind expressions of sym- path V aod condolence she has received from her kind friends, too numerous to reply to.-Job's Well, Car- marthen, February 15th. 1894. MR T JENKINS AND THE WATERLOO CUP.—Mr T Jenkins, The Friary, Carmarthen, who is well known for his success in breeding some smart greyhound", çill run for the Waterloo Cup, on February 21st, a first season black bitch, named Kilrosa, by Halstet! — Misty. This d ig is from Mr W G Knight's kenoel. CARMARTHENSHIRE INFIRMARY.—The secretary begs respectfully to acknowledge the receipt of the follow- ing:—Zion Chapel, Carmarthen, Xi Is; 51r. Henry Studt, 60 guineas; papers from Mr W Spurrell and from Miss Barton, St Leonards-on-Sea; fruit for the I children from Mr J Miller. Soup KITCIIFN.-The Mayor begs to acknowledge the following contributions: Mrs T D Thomas, Caidiff, Al Miss Kentish, 10s; Mr R M Thomas, Yl Mr Lewis Morris, 10s; Mr T Protheroe, Clifton, JEl Is; Mr J H Barker, £1 Is; Mr D E Lewis, j61 Is; and Mr R W Richards. J61 Is. ENGLISH BAPTIST CHURCH.—The Rev Fuller Mills, who is delivering a series of special discourses on Sun- day evenings, and wh se subject, next Sunday, was to be Betting and Gambling." requests us to state that, in consequence of the ceath of an old and much-esteemed member of the church, in Mrs C Jones, Waterloo House, he must postpone dealing with the above question until a future date, and deal with one more in harmony with the surroundings. WELSH MILITIA.- The Glamorgan Artillery recruits are to assemble April 2nd at Swansea, brigade* June 4th I to 30th, Fort Hubberstone, jMilford Carmarthen Artillery, recruits March 5th, at Carmarthen,,Mb rigade May 7th to June, at Fort P ipton; Pembroke Artillery, recruits March 5th, and brigade May 7th to June 2nd, both at Fort Hubberstone Cardigan Artillery, recruits March 5th at Aberystwyth, brigade at South Hooke Fort May 7th to June 2nd; Milford Haven Submarine Miners, recruits February 27th, corps May 15th to July 8th, both at Pembroke Dock. REV J WYNDHAM LEWIS AT BALA.-On Saturday week the Rev J Wyndham Lewis, of Carmarthen, wai the preacher selected to deliver the homiletical lecture at Bala College, and he expressed sorrow that Dr Edwards, principal, was too ill to preside. He feelingly expressed the hops that Dr T C Edwards would soon be convalescent, and be spared for many years to serve his country and to adorn the pulpit. He divided his lecture into two parts first, "The obligations of the! Principality to the pulpit," and, secondly, What must the students do in order to place their country and nation under greater obligation still to the pulpit in the future ? FIRST VOLUNTEER BATTALION WELSH REGIME,T.- Orders for the week ending 24th February, 1891:- Recruits' drill on Monday and Thurs:J»y, at 8 p.m. Signalling practice on Monday and Thursday, at 8 p.m. I The annual Volunteer dinDbr will be held at the doar s Head Hotel, on Thursday. March 1st (St David s Day), j at 7 p.m. Volunteers wishing to attend may chain, tickets (price 38 each), by applying at the Armoury before Monday, February 19th. After that date the tickets will be issued to all applicants, and the number will be strictly limited to t06-By order, G A HUTCHINS, Major-commanding.—A meeting of the committee ap- pointed to make arrangements for the dinner will be held in the Armoury on Monday next, the 19th IcSt., at 8 o'clock. LECTURE BT MAJOR JONES, M.P.—On the evening of Monday week, Major Jones, member for the Carmarthen Boroughs, delivered a lecture before the Celtic Society at Aberystwyth College. In introducing the lecturer, the Principal gave a concise account of Major Jones' eventful and successfnl life. The lecturer briefly referred to the original equality and unity of man, threw a passing. shot at kings, with their earls, duk eg, &c. (when someone humourously added." majors "), and touched upon the American declaration of independence, which was a protest against the British method of governing the colony. He pointed out, however, that whilst the de- claration of independence declared certain rights of. all white men to be equal, it allowed the negroes to be slaves. He gave an account of the life of Abraham Lincoln, beginning in a logcabin and ending in Wash- ington. He also touched upon the origin and chief events of the civil war, with Lincoln as the leading figure. A vote of thanks was proposed to the Major by Professor Anwyl, seconded by Professor Lewis, supported by Principal Roberts, and carried with acclamation. WEDDING.—A quiet wedding took place at St Peter's Church, Carmarthen, on Wednesday last, by the Rev J Daniel, assisted by the Rev J Evans (in the unavoidable absence of the Bishop of Swansea), the contracting p"rty being J Creasor, of AJattjn, Yorkshire, to Margaret Jane, only daughter of the late Rev D Lewis,, of Llangeinor, Glamorganshire. The bride, who was given away by her uncle (the Rev S Jones, RD., of Llangunnor), was accompanied by her cuusin (Miss Lewis, of Leighton House). The bride wore her travelling dress of blue hopsack, and hat to match. Several of the bride's friends witnessed the ceremony, amongst whom we noticed Mr and Mrs Johns, Mr and Mrs Palmer Richards, Mr and Mrs E J.tmes, Mrs Lloyd (The Vicarage), Mrs Dr Price, Mrs Talbot Norton, Miss Buckley, and others. After the happy even' the bride and bridegroom, amidst showers of rice, returned to her mother's residence, 134, Priory-street, where a reception was held. The happy pair left by the 1 o'clock train for the North, where thev will spend the honeymoon. BRILLIANT SUCCESS OF A CARMARTHENSHIRE MAN IN THE FAR WEST.-We have been lavoured with a copy of a beautifully illustrated book on the scenery and industries of Humboldt County, California. It is named In the Redwoo j Realm," and both pictures and letter. press have reference in (cany cases to the Excelsior Redwood Company, an almost gigantic concern, mainly carried on by Mr David Evans, who is a:so President of the Chamber of Commerce at Eureka. Mr Eans is a splendid typi of the successful Welshman. Would that our countrymen at home would exercise the spirit of those who go abroad. Mr David Evans is a native, ot this conuty. He is the only brother of Mrs Sergfc Evans, of the police-station, 8r, Clears, and cousin of Mr John T Williams, of the Grove, Llanginnint?, St Clears. He stile, to California about 40 years ago, and has only visited Wales once, that is 9 years ago, since that time.. During the above visit he placed a monument on his mother, who lies buried at Bethlehem, St Clears. This monument is one of the finest of its kind in Wales. He is the inventor of various devices forsaking and plaomgr wood—"Evans's Saw" and Evans's Endlesa Chain being valuable additions to the lumbering trade of America. He has also planned some of the largest lumbering mills in America. DEATH OF MRS. JONES, WATERLOO Hot:sr, We very much regret to announce the death of Mrs Mary Ann Jones, widow of the late Mr Cbarlef Jones, county councillor, Penrhonw, and Waterloo House, Carmarthen. The deceased lady, who died on Tuesday afternoon at her resilience, was very well known and res; ected by the townspeople of Carmarthen, and indeed all those. round the district. Mrs Jones was 38 years (,f age at the time of her death. She was the daughter ot Mr David Morgan, who was for many vears examiner of H.M. Custom House at Cardi^nn, and grand-daughter of Mr John Mathias, merchant, Cardigan. It was only about three months ago that Mrs Jones was laid up with, a slight cold, which gradually increased until it, grew more serious, and ultimately a severe attuck of influenza set in. However, the deceased recovered, and, being naturally anxious to get about again to attend to her business, she ventured out too soon. Unfortunately, & relapse resulted, and complications occurred, which. caused her death. Dr Price, Carmarthen, assiduously ?, I I I I I attended deceased ail tnrough her illness. Mrs Jones* leaves a family of four children to mourn her loss. Very great sympathy is felt tor the dear little children, who, although young, are able to appreciate their great loss. The eldest is a la 1 fifteen years of age, the youngest daughter being eleven years of age. The funeral, which will be of a pri-ate character, will take place at the Carmarthen Cemetery at two o'clock this (Friday) afternoon. CARMARTHEN FOOTBALL CLUB.—SMOKING CONCERT. —A most enjoyable evening was spent by the members of the Carmarthen Football Club and their friends at the Nelson HoteT, Carmarthen, on ThursJay evening,, the 8th inst. Oving to the unavoidable and regretted absence ot the R-kyor (Mr H Cadle). the chiir waa occupied by Mr D Griffiths, Compton House, aod he was supported on the left by Mr C H Williams, and on the right by Mr Owen Norton. Liter on Mr D H R Thomas to A Mr Norton's place, as t'Je latter was obliged to leave soon after the proceedings had begun. Mr Norton, how >ver, before leaving, did not torget to fill the company a glasses. The Chairman opened the- ooncert by a short speech, in which he said that the Car narthen Club consisted mostly of young men who promised in time to blossom into first-class players. Next year he hoped (hey would practice together a good deal and oombiua together, and he was sure they would, prove a stumbling block to some of the foremost teams. Afterwardi a splendid programme was gone through. Songs Alero given by Mr Jack Olive, Mr J E Lewis, Mr Fred W Morgtn, Mr Lnwia Giles, M.r A J Pr,ce, Mr Gwilym DAviej. Mr Bill K Morgan, Mr Tom Giles, Mr Harry Jones, Mr D J Lewis (with whist:ing symphony), and Mr Louis Rees. A splendid recitation was given by Mr Owe i Jones. Mr T Pa idicombe acted as accom- panist ia his usual able manner. Votes of thanks to the chairman and accompanist terminated the proceed- ings. GOLDEN WEDDING OF MR. AND Mas. HARRIES PILItO,ITH,-Nir and Mrs Harries. P lroath, celebrated on the 7th inst. their golden wedding. They were m'rried on the 7th February, 1841, having issue of eleven children, all living, nina beiug present at Pilroath congratulating their aged parents, the remain- ing two beinig Dr Harry Harries, surgeon in H.M. Royal Navy, and now with the fleet in the Mediterranean, and the other being the wife of Mr James Joaes, chem st, late of Lammas-street, Carmarthen, now of Cape Town, South Africa. Congratulatory speeches were made, and manv valuable presents given to Mr and Mrs Harries, amongst which was a solid silver tea and coffee service by their children. The affair was supposed to be very private, but, before the congenial meeting wa9 ended, Mr Tom Harries, who had come dawo from London especially to offer his congratulations to his parents, suggested to have their photograph, taken. together with f heir children then present, and, after some demur on the part of Mr and Mra Harries,, who did not court notoriety, they consented, and immed ately there appeared amongst them, with his camera, a representative of the well-known firm of photographers (Messrs Howells & Adams, Carmarthen), and an excellent pholo was taken of Mr and Mrs Harries, their nine children, and their husbands and wives. Mr Tom Lewis, a grandson, now a student at Cambridge, tendered his congratulations in a well- wrhteu poem, and an anonymous friend did the same. This last is believed to have emanated from the pen of a well-known and large employer of labour in Priory- street, and who under-estimates the value of his poetical productions. Mr and Mrs Harries will, I am sure, pardon the writer for penning these few lines, but at all such gatherings there is always (so Robert Burns says) A Chiel's amang ye t:\kin' notes, An', faith, he'll prent them. CARMARTHEN WATER SUPPLY.-Tho report of Mr J Hickman Barnes, C.E., 30, Church-street, Westminster, who, last week, inspected the proposed sources of water supply for C'rnoar hen, will probably be forthcoming in another week. It appears be is not likely to appreva of the Rock and Fountain scheme, and he thinks it would be a greÜer expense than the town could afford to bring water from Cwmceir. Mr Barnes likes, if pos- sible, to have water supolied without storage in tanks or reservoirs, and he evidently has an idea that the best way to have a good gravitation scheme is to go to the upper part of the river Cochea (a tributary of the Gwili), some distance above Conwil. This plan of tapping the Gwili or Cochen, far up in the hills, where there is little or no danger of serious contamination, is the old scheme of Mr George, C.E., which the late Alderman Norton always held to be the only ultimate solution of the Carmarthen water difiiculty. Mr Barnes is the engineer who has just been advising the Llanelly Local Board ou their water question. ENGLISH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.—Oa Tuesday evening an entertainment, which foruied the fourthof the winter entertainments, took place at the spacious schoolroom a,ijoin;az the above phce of worship. The*e converts are advancing in popularity with great rapidity, and on this present oceas on the room was crowded, "nd the ec,nc,)rteren up,reeded all previous, ones. A very enj nable evening was spent by all. The following is the programme Pianoforte solo,. "Falling Leaves," Mr Ernest Ba ihm song, "Anchored," Air Benjamin Thorais; song, "The City Beautiful, Miss May J nes p anoforte solo, "The Bells of Aberiovey," Rev F D Williams;, song, "Far Away," Miss 8 G Thomas; song, "Kathleen," Mr Evans; sin4, "Swinging in the Lane," M s* Pollie Jones (encored) over- ture, Rev F D Wiliam-; son*, "Are the Bairns at Home?" Miss Waters; song, "Queen of mv Heart," Mr Reeq duett, The A B U." Mr J F Lloyd and Mr Rees (encored), and Mr Lloyd responded w.th John Jones," which was received with roars of laughter recitation Mark Anthony's Oration," Mr W E Davies dialogue, Lord Tomkins." Characters Mrs Loftus, Miss Harriet Jones; Julia, Miss May Jones; Mary, the housemaid, Miss Madge Jones Jones, the butler Mr Daniel Bcrtlett; Lord Tompkins, Mr A Lloyd Davie Policeman, Mr James M Jones; TValter Rosc- berry, Mr D 0 Williams. The Rev F D Williams ably accompanied all through the evening.