The South Wales Star

u_ AUXT MARIA'S DIARY OF THE DOINGS ROUND THE TOWNS. Mr. D. Jones, newsagent, Holton-road, Barry Dock, who has outdistanced all comers in the Holton-road Post-office Competition, was sworn in as Sub-postmaster at the Barry Dock Police Court on Thursday last. In the forty-fifth annual report of the Eccle- siastical Commissioners just issued I notice the fact that there has been sales at Porthkerrv with Barry ( £ 50) under the Ecclesiastical Leasing Acts, while leases have been granted in Cadoxton, I visited Cardiff on Thursday evening', and, as -usual, have further experience with regard to the ways of the world. I started from Barry Dock. and regret to say that I was compelled to change carriages at Cadoxton. If I had not done so I think I should have had a nice light dress spoiled by rubbing against the; coat of a coal trimmer. Why don't the -company insist on those gentlemen travelling in the proper compartments; ;;< :or. As I left the compartment one of its occupants had the audacity to suggest the look I gave the trimmer was blacker even than his coat. i,; Then I got into a smoker" at Cadoxton, because, as you know the train does noc stop there too long. and was disgusted with the beastly smoke of a Cadoxton masher. Indeed. I am inclined to think that the weather we have had of late must have dried many cabbage leaves. I held on as long as I could, and was glad to change at Cogan for Penarth Dock. Now, I am but an old woman, still I think it a perfect nuisance all this unnecessary changing. Why on earth can't the company shunt the Barry carriages en to the other line. It is fortunate for them that I don't travel that way too often. But then, never mind. I console myself with the promise that in June there will be a through connection. '1' c' a > At Cogan—no, I mean Penarth Dock-I found myself in such gay company. There was something grand at Cardiff that night, and I passed away the time admiring the way in which those dear little girls paid attention to the gentlemen who were treating them to the concert. It was late when I returned from Cardiff, and with a few of my acquaintances. I found that I had lost the ten o'clock train from Queen-street Station. Now if there is anything I" like more than another it is waiting 55 minutes for a train at such a place as Queen-street Station. Oh, those porters tee nice. They keep you walking up and down, and won't even let you go into the waiting rooms. I gave one of them a good talking to. and told him that I should jot him down in my diary. What a nice young lady travelled from Cardiff to Penarth on Thursday. Her sweetheart was with her, and when he left her at G-rangetown Station the kiss he gave her nearly threw all the passen- gers out of their seats. rl 1;. I! I learn that there has been a regular fight at Barry Dock between a couple of lady friends. The cause, r am told, was all through the Star" One of the ladies accuses the other of telling me what they had quarrelled about. How could I help it ? All items of news that reach me I have pleasure in inserting, providing the name and address of the writer is also seat. Who is that young man from Barry who has received a bundle of love letters from the girl of his heart ? She said she did not like to burn them—they were too dry. s > What's in a name Mr. Barnett. who owns that well-fitted building in Iddesleigh-street. Cadoxton, lately known as The Theatre Royal, has just re-christened it Iddesleigh-hall, and proposes letting it for dances, concerts, bazaars, dramatic performances—in fact, for every legitimate amusement. el > I am requested to ask the members of the Barry congregational Young Men's Class to turn up in large numbers next week. „ A good afternoon's programme has been arranged, at which it is hoped there will be a full muster of members. :;0: > Where was our Alderman on Sunday after- noon last. I expected him to rise to a full sense of his dignity and head a procession of the Burial Board, but the alderman was only noticeable by his absence." I :rc ¡;: The collection at the Cemetery Chapel in aid of the sufferers from the recent colliery disaster amounted to £ 1 16s. v The Barry Warrick" Histrionic Society intends giving a performance on May the 19th, | I really felt sorry for a young man one day last week. He was travelling on the Taff Vale Rail- way in a second-class carriage in company with a young lady. when the train was specially stopped at Lavernock, and lie was compelled to pay excess fare. It is said that it was fortunate for him that he had a young lady with him. ,r" Physcian, heal thyself." One evening last week I was at Cadoxton Station awaiting the arrival of a train to take me to Barry. The 6.15 Taff Vale train was ready to at irt, when a young man and his lady love were seen hurrying through the subway. Just as they reached the top of the slope the train moved away, but determined not to lose it the young gent assisted his intended into a second-class carriage. But Mr. Guard was on their track, and putting the gentleman on one side he took the lady out, remarking as he did so that if the other belong to the Barry Company he was not going to jump into the Taff Vale trains just as he liked. The guard | stood his ground, and although the train had practically come to a standstill he refused to take the passengers on board. What about the com- pany's bye-laws respecting tlife entering of trains whilst in motion ? I am told that the couple were found at Penarth Dock when the Taff Vale train reached that station. Is it true that a certain baker in Barry Dock is to be seen smoking his pipe whilst engaged making the dough ? Messrs. E. Gould and Co., of Barry, as just re- ceived one of the best assorted stock of goods for the coming season in the district. :{: 7,: It is stated that a tradesman in Barry Dock called a poor boy into his shop one day last week, and gave him a coat. As the boy was going out he was called back. and the coat taken from him, and he was sent away empty-handed. What a mean trick. A contemporary says :—These are the evil days of the Taff Vale Railway Company. Recently, the company erected an expensive footbridge at a spot where there was always a level crossing. The public footpath across the line was closed upon the completion of the bridge. This was, appar- ently, an expensive act, as the company has been obliged to restore the footway and wicket gates. As a result the bridge looks quite stupid and seems to ask what the deuce it is there for. Well, I think this appropriates the Banbury. j On Tuesday our friend the Western Mail published the folio '.wig ;— This is our menagerie paragraph. Mr. Fredk. H. Davies and Mr. Edmondes--we are glad there is corroboration-were on Varteg Moun- tain a day or two ago, and saw what they be. lieved was the first swallow of the season. Another man telegraphs that the nightingale has been heard in Buttrill's Wood, near Barry, while somebody else has sent a friend to say that skylarks took part in the dedication of the new chapel in Merthvr Dovan Cemetery on Sunday. But I might add that only a short time ago it was announced in all seriousness by a friend of mine that summer was coming, as the skylarks had been seen flying over the fields in the neigh- bourhood. A gentleman who watched a recent perform- ance of a railway man on the station, is raising a subscription to present him with a handkerchief. A correspondent writes that he heard a nightin- gale singing on Sunday night, in the neighbour- hood of Courtney-road and Holmes-street. I was under the impression that the nightingale of Holmes-street, generally sang of a Saturday even- ing, after cooling their throats at neighbouring shebeens. As persons journeyed up to the cemetery chapel on Sunday afternoon tjiey were edified by hearing the cuckoo. '■ Ala," said a bad man, he's only saluting the cuckoos already up there »= An old-fashioned wooden cradle was to be seen at a local railway station a short time since.. # > One young man got in, and a friend who saw him there says he looked quite a flower in the bud. V The Mail is responsible for the following :-It is unusual to find the Radical London Star strongly supporting an Episcopalian and a Conservative. Last night night our contemporary said A correspondent, whose information we know to be thoroughly trustworthy, writes as follows :-You scarcely do justice to your note of Tuesday to the situation at the University College of Bangor. The case is really a much clearer one than you admit. Miss Hughes's position is unassailable, and justice can only be done by the professors knocking under. Miss Hughes had made the hall of residence for women students a splendid success, and the dis- cipline she has wisely and necessarily insisted on has been unwisely thwarted by a group of inexperienced young men who are among the members of the professional staff. •T The young lady above referred to is none other that the sister of Mr. J. A. Hughes, solicitor, Cadoxton. It is stated in certain quarters that Cadoxton folk claim that 90 per cent. of the crime of Barry is perpetrated in the Cadoxton part of the district, and yet, they complain, the Lord Chancellor struck out the name of the only gentleman from Cadox- ton which was included in the lord-lieutenant's recent list of proposed new magistrates. Some of them would like five minutes with the Lord Chan- cellor. > :t Now, if I am any judge, I should say that the Barry Dock people will justly resent the above, as they lay claim to the fact that there is more busi- ness done at the Police Court for their district than elsewhere. If the number of squabbles is, any guide, I shall agree with them. The secretary of the "Garrick" Histrionic Society, requests me to note that a performance of the "Garrick" takes place on Wednesday, the 10th prox. V 1' I t: The Trial Scene," from The Merchant of Venice," and a very amusing comedy, My Wife Maid," will be performed, and after defraying expenses the irhde of the proceeds will be handed over to the Pontypridd Colliery Disaster Fund. w j A crowded house is anticipated, aud I would advise all who wish to be present at the perfor- mance to secure tickets at once. Who were the two gallant volunteers from Barry who went to Cardiff on Saturday last, and there secured the photos of two little dears which on their return journey they wore next to their hearts 001i Next time they do such a thing they must be carcful not to let the whole carriage know it sr- Colonel Guthrie and Major Thornley have a thoroughly military way of despatching business. They investigated and settled no fewer that 35 cases within an hour at Penarth Police-court on Monday. Ah, said Major Thornley, retiring from the Bench, I believe we have broken the record." Mr. William Evans, of Perth, has invented an arrangement for starting tramcars. 0, thrice blessed man!" says a friend of mine. "Let us build unto him a monument. # There if now a chance for the people of Barry Dock to wash their dirty linen, but not in public, A laundry ha? been opened this week at Holton. j What gloyious weather The Mayor of Holton was seen this week in all the glories of a new straws hat. j On Saturday the opening meeting of the season of the Barry Lawn Tennis Club will take place. Is it true that a gentleman has become such an ardent supporter of Home Rule that he has lately had the palings of his residence painted in emerald green ? Yes, it is true that the nightingale has been heard at the Buttrills, but I am told that he strongly objects to a steam whistle accompani- ment. There is to be a School Board meeting on Mon- day next. lam informed that a cycle club is to be formed in the Barry district next week under the name of The Bank Cycling Club." The name is sufficient guarantee of its genuineness, and, no doubt, its members believe in making the wheels as well as money go round. I wish them every euceess. The Cadoxton Wesleyan Adult Bible Class have been fortunate enough to secure the services of the Rev. Arthur Mursell, who will on May 18th deliver his popular lecture, Wanderings at Waterloo," at the above place of worship. Mr. J. Lowdon will preside. The prices of admission will be Is. and 6d. > If you are purchasing drapery, just remember my old friend Mr. Miller, of Vere-street, Cadoxton. Good and cheap is his motto. ,¡, I am informed on good authority that the Barry and Cadoxton Young Wales Society are organising a trip to Llantwit-Major on Whit-Monday, May 22nd. Every endeavour is being made to ensure the success of the trip to this interesting and historical neighbourhood, and if you will ta £ e my advice, you will get your tickets are early as pos- sible from the President (R;v. J. W. Matthews), Treasurer (Rev. Morris Isaac), or the Secretary (Mr. E.J. Thomas). It is to be a big affair, but the Society are anxious to ascertain the probable n.umber, in order to make the necessary arrange- j ments. I No. Uncle that will be played at Iddesieigh- r- hall on the 17th of May has nothing- whatever to do with my family. Yes. the summer is coming, and Messrs. Jotham and Sons, of St. Mary-street, Cardiff, have pre- pared their season's stock. :"[': How dreadfully behind the times some people are. Last week they so far forgot themselves as to state that there are only two resident auctioneers in the district." I know of more than two, even now. Is not Mr. C. C. Thorne, of the firm of Thorne and Young, Newport, one of the most enterprising auctioneers in the district. Not only is he a resident in the Barry District, but he has an office at the Barry Dock Chambers, Holton-road, Barry. V And there is also Mr. Edward Rees, accountant, auditor, and auctioneer, who carries on business at t 5, Travis-street, Thompson-street, Barry Dock, and at 45, Vere-street, Cadoxton.' I think I might say that he too resides in-the district. ? V What about the rival shows that are now being run in the histrionic line ? Personally I think they are making a good fight for popularity, but of course there is plenty of it on both sides. .j Jt "Now there is the society which has for its name "The Cadoxton-Barry Histrionic Society," while the other assembly are known as The Garrick' Histrionic Society." It is said that each has endeavoured to cut the other out by dates, and the latter alleged that the former found them bathing and has stolen their clothes — or their date. Whether this is the case, I know not, but it is true, I am told, that the Garrick Histrionic Society when they asked for Iddesleigh Hall for the 17th I prox., found that the Cadoxton-Barry Histrionic Society had been there before. &' Well, what have the Garrick now done.? Why II they have arranged for a performance on the 10th of May. o n t- I can only hope that both parties will settle their dispute all right, but it appears to me that the sufferers by the Pontypridd Colliery Disaster will benefit. Don't you know that competition is good. Here are two bodies doing their level best to sell tickets, and all for the same object. A j Good Old Garrick Go it Histrionic. Two to one on both. •¥ -r I learn that the Barry and Cadoxton Local Board's Bill has passed the House of Lords' Examiners, and has been certified for second read- ing- There is to be a distribution of certificates in connection with the St. John's Ambulance Class by Mr. D. Roberts A a public meeting to be held j at the Welsh Congregational Chapel (late Public- hall), Barry, on Wednesday next. I am told that it will be a grand affair. I' This is the weather which makes one think of ¡ new clothes, and of purchasing them of Masters and Co., Cardiff. A certain youmj man in Cadoi:ton was seen talking to a younjf girl in Lee-street, but when her ma suddenly appeared, didn't he run around the corner. .< Thre6 young men were heard on Monday night at the top of Weston-hill practicing a song they were going to sing. The voice of one could be heard half way down the hill, and I suppose he was trying liis lungs. V The collection at the Barry Congregational Chuch on Sunday last m aid of the sufferers by the Pontypridd Colliery disaster amounted tp £ 5 4s. 3d. .• The concert at Barry on Wednesday evening was a grand success artistically speaking, and I hope it has proved so financially. ¥ There are present in the Railway Men's Band five brothers. How long has the Barry Market-hall Company [ allowed persons to hang poster on the walls of the building free of charge. Who is the lady at Barry who, when walking out. prefers the arm of a single gentleman to that of her own husband's ? & What a curious sight ? The husband has my deepest sympathy. If such conduct continues, I shall have to say so. Beware I wonder where does the masher hail from— Frazerburg or Norton ? T would also remind the husband that, to all appearance, the masher's neck may be easily snapped, ¡ As I was passing the Cadoxton Board Schools on Wednesday at dinner time I heard one of the female teachers trying to sing, accompanied by the piano. y There is an official at Barry Dock who is a veritable marvel in the matter of names. He has just been blest with a son, who is to be named Alderman George a thing which has to do with Ben Tillett. Two young swells were heard at Sully about 11 o'clock one night this week. Why," asked a Sullyite, do you create such a row ?" "Because it is lonely, and we want to frignten the owls away sji I am informed that Mr. B. Lewis, Barry-road, gave twelve !• >aves of bread towards the tea meeting held on Wednesday last at the Market- hall by the members of the Welsh Congregational Chapel, Cadoxton. Mr. Lewis does not understand Welsh himself. but this shows that he is in perfect sympathy with the Welsh nation. Mr. David Davies, of Barry-road, gave the sugar and one pound of tea towards the same charitable object. DIN AS POWIS. I understand that Mr. D. T. Alexander has been elected a member of the Cardiff Chamber of Trade. I congratulate that body upon their choice, and can only say that if Mr. D. T. Alexander devotes the same attention to the Cardiff Chamber as he does to the Barry body there is something in store for our Cardiff friends. t: I have received the following letter from Dinas < Powis Dear Aunt Maria.-f am told that it wag ] customary in former ages for people of high standing to have amongst their serfs one whose business it was to play the fool, and to do all the ridiculous things to divert his master. Seem- ing-ly. Dear Aunt, the ancient custom still pre- vails now in the 19th century. We have a jester supposed to be a "Grand Old Man," who is still retained by a certain clerical looking gentleman, who lives in a fine mansion in the woods, to amuse the guests on occasions of great festivities. One evening last week, after being Cram-ed with drink, he called for Moore, but the fastidious gentleman feeling tired of the Mothly one, tired hisi tiresome jests, turned him into the highways to amuse the people, where one of your nephews espied him twisting his turkey-cock actions into all conceivable contor- tions. Dear Aunt this is no idle exaggeration, if you won't believe you just look for your- his great exertions to make the people laugh he has left an unalter- able twist in his i; Oh my beautiful nose." Alas, dear Aunt, for the vagaries of this old fool of ancient customs and stupid notions. When his childish amusements had got exhausted he miserably collapsed into the gutter. When one of your dear nephews, with a dozen-aiid Moore -approached the object of so much diversion, we found that it had been Cram'd until it could be Cram'd no Moore; so we assisted the frail vessel, with its cargo of mixed spice, into a neighbouring field. It is Odd the farmer came along, Yes it was Odd. He said he would have no Moore beasts in his field so he Cram'd him into a barrow and forming into a procession to the tune of, Come, brothers come, To the Mill Pond let us go, To bathe this minstrel's temples, And make them bright as yoe. So we marched along and we bobb'd along With an independent air, The people they declar'd, It was a sight so rare,. To see the old boy bowl'd along In the b-a-r-r-o-w. 1 FROM YCHTB NEPHEW. P.S.—See Moore next week. X= I have heard that there is a young man from Garland-terrace who has taken up the study of phrenology, and that he intends starting business of his own in the village. All those who are anxious about the mysteries of the future may call and be put (W) right as to their bumps. The young dressmaker who vowed to be true and faithful to a certain young man living in Mill-lane, Cardiff, had better look out. Abo the young man who is trying to gain her affections, for the gilted one has been heard to declare, Vengeance is mine." V. ✓ ;j; Our respected boot and shoe maker, I hear, has got in his spring and summer assortment of goods. 11 and all sorts, shapes, and sizes of feet can be fitted to perfection. You are invited to pay a visit. One of my nephews writes as follows — Dear Aunt Maria,—One of Mrs. G "s nieces, with a singular coincidence of the very thing .she is shouting about, says that your puns are not up to date. Ah! dear aunt, you must knock about with some great scholastic-looking dude, for such a personage you must know will leaven the whole of our family with a semblance of being clever. Is it true that there has been a rumpus over the 1 Flower Show schedule, and that there are now strained relations between two of its prominent supporters. I am told that our Mayor strongly objects to the words Ye Mayor appearing in the business advertisement of our village butcher, and that the offender was requested, in addition to supply a book full of apologies, to walk from house to house in the four parishes and erase the words. But he did not do so. Of course, I don't like telling tales out of school, but I hear that it is Gospel. I am shocked, aud think I ought to give a Dinas Powis young couple a piece of my mind, I am informed that a young man on Saturday last purchased a beautiful wreathe to place on the grave of his would-have-been mother-in-law, and the same young gent was seen in chapel on Sun- day last smiling across at his intended. What effect did the sermon have ? > & Now, look here, if you want anything- in the drapery and latest novelty line for this bright weather just call at Messrs. John James and Co's establishment, High-street, and Castle Arcade, Cardiff. PENARTH. Is it gospel that a well-known Baptist was heard saying at the Mormon meeting this week that it is a good job Penarth people are hot Mormons, as there are now no perambulators large enough to accommodate their families. I have heard of a person in Penarth who has had two sittings of eggs under fowls this year, but only secured one chicken. She told a friend of mine that she did not wish to say that the eggs were bad, but she firmly believed that the hen which had laid them had not been properly vacci- nated. >:= Who is that'toff with that pronounced suit of clothes' It does look very becoming. How is it that Penarth damsels will persist in finishing their toilette in the street. On Wednes- day evening I noticed a young lady walking down Plymouth-road. First of all she buttoned up her coat, then she had a go at her gloves, put on one, but stopped to make sure that her hair was all right. When she finished putting on her other glove I don't know. When she got out of my sight she had not completed her dressing F, 9 operations. When I was" a young lady things were different. A Mr. Sparks, of Penarth. has made a bet of £ 50 that we shall not have any rain until the 7th of May. The money is already gone, I fear. # I am told that fitting red-hot shoes to horses is a barberous practice, and that in the trade it is considered sufficient to merely make an impression on the hoof with the heated. shoe_. A friend of mine says he saw a smith not far from Penarth the other day hold a. red-hot shoe to a horse's hoof until he thought the whole thing would have been burned away. Was this done beeause the smith was too lazy to use the knife and rasp ? If this individual complained of should see this I hope he will take note of the warning given. Is it right that there is a house near Plassey- street that is rather shady, and where young men go and enjoy themselves on Sunday. What will the folks there think of that. It is rather a come- down. ::r: I heard a shop assistant in Glebe-street tell his boss he would not be dishonest for all he could see. Perhaps he wanted a rise. :I: Y,{ On Thursday night there were two women in Plassey-street gossiping for upwards of two hours. Their husbands were at work, I suppose. But that is nothing unusual. I am told that there was a nice go-in at a Morman meeting held at Plassey-sfcreet on Tuesday evening. After hearing what the Morman "elders had to say, a member of the Church of England had a set-to with them. He was followed by a Baptist minister, and I am told things became rather lively, when a Wesleyan minister stepped forward, and said he was very much surprised to see that, although nearly every denomination was there represented, they had not conducted their arguments in a Christian-like spirit, but had set to slandering and running each other down. 1 That gentleman with the highly coloured nose and huge ginger moustaohe. who spoke to a young lady in the Dingle on Sunday, without first being introduced, had better look out, or I shall be on his track. He actually spoke to me of my nieces. There is another young man that I shall have to talk to. He has a nasty and unbecoming habit of disturbing young people when they are quietly sitting together. I can tell you that there are a couple of young fellows who are anxious to keep more than their eye on you. <= PENMARK. I don't often visit Penmark, and I regret that I was not present at the last Vestry Meeting. I have been informed that there was some rare fun, and it only required the presence of the Star maa to have completed the whole affair. Hi What was the matter?" you ask. Why, have you not heard that there was some close running in the Assistant Overseer Stakes ?" It is said there was a regular go for it. But I was not there, and so can only say what I was told. There iwere several "sure ones entered, but, as you know, only one can get the prize, and the most sanguine of success was not in it at all. One of the defeated ones is said to have con- soled himself with a pipe of his highly-prized weed, and after finding consolation in a few draws returned thanks. Now, it was very shabby of those who had canvassod months before and tooked all the votes." No, there was no laughing, and it did. not all end in smoke. :à: Another candidate thanked those who had voted for him in the same way as Mr.—-Or- had thanked them for voting for him, and had^o thank them all as Mr. had thanked them. :I: But there I had better cease or I shall get hope- lessly mixed, and may get locked up. I shall go to Penmark shortly to aseertain what was the real cause for complaint. h_u.4