Evening Express

>• — COMPLETED STORY. ■ < Cardiff Sketches and Romances-No 32. By J. PURCELL. TOM KENNEDY AND THE FAIRIES. We were talking one night about ghostR and the other things with which the "Society of Psychological Research concerns itself. Most of us who were plain, unimaginative Saxons or modern Welshmen expressed our disbelief in all such manifestations, but Tom Kennedy, who hailed from the Emerald Isle, warmly defended the claim of his native land to be the home of fairies and banehees and ghosts. "The one great fault in the English character." aaid Mr. Kennedy, philosophically, "is it's want of imagination, and consequent inability to put itself in the place of others, to sea both sides of the question, as it were. and, therefore, to be able to come to a logical and .just decision on any subject. Oh, yes, I know; the English are as logical as other nations, and as far as their knowledge goes will argue logically; but taking yourselves, for instance, as samples of your nation, here I find you pre- pared to deny the existence of fairies in Ireland, or, aR we call them, "good people." Bimply because you have never seen any in England. In the very same way over the question of Home but I wont taik about politics. Now, if you like to listen to a fairy story, and one of my own experiences, to boot, I shall be glad to relate it to you." "Go on, Kennedy, we'll listen—but cut it short." n, "Very well; I'll tell you everything just as it happened to me one Christmas Eve some years ago. I had been over in England for a few years then, and had gone home for the holidays. In my ignorance, I had taken up English notions regarding the existence of the faries. and contradicted my father and even. Dinny McCarthy when they said that on thit very night a lot of the 'gool people' would be about." "I'd like to see one of them,' I said, 'Im prepared to give a sovereign, to the man who can prove to me that he has ever seen a fairy, and a five pound note to the man who will show me one of them.' "Johnny McGlyn took up the challenge, and said he would that night conduct me to a pl ace where I would see millions of fairies, Johnny. I mu-t tell you, always exaggerated thing—even the length of his songs was ex- j doggerated-like the 4th of July orations in America, they took four hours to pass a certain point. Another failing of Johnny's (and I suppose the poor fellow is beyond the reach of the law by this time) was that ha never could be brought to recognise a close season for salmon. and was the greatest enemy the Fisheries Board had in Ireland. Well, on, this particular Christmas Eve Johnny set out; with a couple of sheaves of straw and a spear to kill salmon in the Cloddagh, and nothing would please him but that I should go with him. After the fishing excursion we wera to visit the fairies, and it was because he made the one thing contingent on the other that I consented to break the law. "Johnny knew already where the salmon were to be found, and in less than an hour we had bagged a couple of twenty pounders. "Being well satisfied with himself, he agreed to carry out the second part of the programme at once. "I suppose none of you ever heard of Mealiffe or the famous village of Strouneen? Well, if ever you go to Ireland, don't fail to visit these places. In the smallest cabin ill Strouneen I first saw the light. But that is a mere personai detail. and has nothing to do with the story. "Well, under Johnny McGlyn's guidance, we crossed over the style of the Drihadheen, and) made our way along the side of a stream until we came to 'Miss Clare's Flower Garden.' j This place, Johnny told me, had always been famous for the number and high qualities of its fairies. • "In the centre of the 'garden'—which had long before passed out of cultivation-was a tree, the name of which I did not know than, and have never known since. Like most other trees it blossomed every year. but unlike any other tree the blossoms were black flowers of ■n, most delicious odour. Many a time in my wanderings round the world have I thought of that tree, and the pleasure with which I •used to look forth to its annual flowering. "It was a cold night, and Johnny McGlyn, having always scorned to wear an overcoat, came provided with a night-cap in the shape of a bottle of Ardell's whiskey. We sat down under the black blossomed tree, lighted our pipes, and experimented with Ardell. We ef)uld have got plenty of water from a stream which, ran close by. but both of us pre- ferred to take the liquid neat. I was impatient for the "good people" to come. but Johnny assured me that they were not to be ordered about, and we should have to wait their pleasure. It was verv dark. and the wailing of the wind in the trees made one feel lonely. It had men fristy. too. and the crarking of the ice igi the neighbouring wood added a good deal to the weirdness of the scene. We had been waiting about an hour, and I was about to consign all the fairies and ghosts in Ireland to a place I wont name, when all of a sudden the garden was lighted up like < the transformation scene in a pantomime. I waa astonished, and held out my hand to feel if Johnny McGlyn was beside me. He was, and the t rosaic rascal whispered—"Remember ycu ere me five pounds." But I did not mind the money just then; I would at any time (if I had it) give a hundred pounds to see the game scene once more. Presently the most delightful music reached my ears, and, looking ("cr towards a corner of the garden, I saw about a thousand tiny little beings playing upon bluebells, hyacinths, tulips, primroses, cowslips, violets, and forget-me-nots. Then rose up from the ground myriads of the same little creatures in gossamer sashes and butter- fly wings, and as the music went on they began to dance in such a way as we poor mortals could never hope to imitate. They twisted in and out with a light grace, at one time seeming to be all mixed up, whilst each separate movement could be plainly dis- tinguished, and at other times arranged in lines, circles, crescents, and serpentines. Responsive to the music in every move of their little bodies, even to the glitter in their eyes, they gave me the feeling that I would give all the world to be one of them. Scarcely had this thought crossed my mind, when a lovely fairy, whom I knew by the distinction of her dress to be a princess amongst her kind, came over. and in the sweete-t tones accosted me. "Good evening, Tom Kennedy," she said, "I wish you a very merry Christmas." "I thank your Royal Highness," I replied, humbly. "I wish you the same, and a great many of them." "I believe you were just now thinking, Mr. Kennedy, that you would like to be one of us?" "Yes. yocr Royal Highness. But I am not wrrrthy of such an honour." "I know, Tom, and you smell abominably of whisky—Ardell's whisky, too. Now, why don't you patronise Connolly, like Zawell and the other-?" i "I promise, your Royal Highness, that from this night out the dh-il-I beg your ladyship's pardon-the sorra a drop of Ardell I'll ever drink again." "That's right, Tom; now, would you like to dance with me?" "Ah, I'm too big and awkward for your Royal Highness, and I don't quite understand the music. Now, if it was a jig or a reel with Tom Hogan or John Dwyer playing I'd- "We'll arrange that, Tom, to your gatisfac- tion. What ho! Sir Lancelot, bring here the two musicians named." A little fellow no bigger than the nose of an alderman came forward, bowed to her Royal Highness, and, mounting an acorn, rode away. Th?n another little fellow caii>? forward, with a fox-glovs decanter and a. harebell glass, and poured me out the smallest and most delicious drink I had ever 1.> stf.d or dreamt of. I became unconscious for a moment, and when I came to myjelf, if you believe me, I was on!y the same oize as all the others, and right amor.gst the musicians I saw John Dwyer and Tom jlogan, each reduced to the size of a hazel nut, and playing together "Johnny from the Glen." Then I jumped up. and, seizing ¡he Princess by her lovely little hand, we stepped out and danced away for hours I thought. "Are you not tired. Tjm?" she asked at last. "I could never be tired with your Royal Highness for a partner," I answered, bowing in the same way as I had seen all the others bow. "But it is time for supper, Tom," she said, "and if yon like you can have the honour of sitting besidt me." "It will be a great honour, indeed," I said; "but where is Johnny M'Glyn?" "Oh. Johnny is gone home. We were afraid that if we admitted him into our company he'd begin to sing 'Along the River Roe,' and we really couldn't be expected to stand that, you r know." "Certainly not. your Royal Highness. I I quite appreciate your point of view." At this moment supper was announced by a flapping of fairies' wings, and, with the Prin- cess on my arm. I went forward to a table nnder the black-blossomed tree. I will not attempt to describe to you tire various viands that were provided. It would be useless to try to do so, as I did not know the name of a single dish. but I can well recollect that each particular morsel and each cup of wine seemed to have the effect of raising my spirits to the seventh heaven. But the supper came to an end, after which the Princes3 supposed that we should set out for half-an-hour on an excur- sion round the world. I was only too pleased to fall in with this idea, and, mounting an acorn like the rest, we set out. It would only weary you to mention all the places we visited that night. We made a complete circuit of the globe, passing over many places and rest- ing in others. I had at that time some idea of settling down in Cardiff, and I asked the Prin- cess. as a favour, to stop there for a moment. "What," she sa.id, "on Christmas Eve?" She spoke with some indignation, but I persisted. Then she made a remark for my own war alone, but the only thing I can remember was "Cory, Spnrgeon. and Christmas beer." Since then I hav» understood something of her mearing. She refused to set foot in a place where men were iaund mean enough to object to a paupsr having a glass of beer on Christmas Day. I got back in safety from my aerial circum- navigation of the world, and woke up to find the whisky bottle empty and Johnny CcGlyn gone home." "And you've never seen the fairies sines then?" we asked Kennedy when he had finished his story. "Never," was the reply. "Yon see, on that first occasion I had not been away from home long, and had preserved some of my native innocencc. Though I have often since then visited "Miss Clare's Flower Garden" the fairies have never shown their?selves, and the havoc I havs made amcng-st the Ten Commandments must, I suppose, be the cause."

BACK FROM EL DORADO. A PROSPECTOR'S STORY OF THE WAYS OF KLONDIKE. Captain T. H. Worsnop. an alert, vigorous Yorkshireman, who is just back from the gold regions of North-West Canada, called at the "Chronicle" office, saying: "I should like to tell the British people something of what I have seen." By training, Captain Wcrsuop is a sailor, but he relinquished the saa in order to try his fortune as a prospector in the new El Dorado. He was especially anxious. to speak of the newest El Dorado, meaning a plac3 in British Columbia, called Atlin, of which we have not. so far, heard much in England. Then fol- lowed a talk with him, in which the picturesque side of gold mining, whether at Klondike or Atlin, was the main text. "Dawson City, the centre of the Klondike district, has now," he said, "a population of from 10,000 to 15,000 people. It is built on flat marshy land at the bend of the Yukon and Klondike Rivers. As regards law and order, you are as safe in Klondike as in London." "We have heard some rather lurid stories of its manner of life?" "After all, it is only a big mining camp, and, no doubt, some miners throw away their money. They find facilities for this in the canteens, or saloons, of Dawson City. You will hear of miner-s going into the town, after a spell on their claims, and just spending heapa of money." "In having what's known as a good time?" "That's uuout it. I have heard of men throw- ing away from JulOO to £ 200 in a singie ■ evening. The great card game is one the miners call 'Black-Jack.' and the aim in it is to score twenty-one points. Then there is dancing in the saloons, aud the story went that two American adventuresses had. within a year and a half, accunmiated fortunes of £ 30.000 each. Oh, Dawson City has its marvels. Since Dr. Ogilvie recently became administrator of the Klondike all rules and laws, bearing upon social order, have been put into force with redoubled strictness." "Xow. what about Klondike and Atlin as gold-bearing regions?" "Of the former enough has been said. There: is certainly plenty of gold at Klondike, and it is only those who go there and lounge about and don't work for it who say the contrary. But Atiin. which is twenty miles inside the border-line of British Columbia. had been discovered, and I went there. Whether it will prove as rich as Klondike remains to be settled. But several things are already settled. Atlin has placer gold to attract miners, it has quartz the working of which will keep them, and it is a country for the ordinary settler." "In a word, you think that Atlin may be- come a seat or gold mining very much as the Rand is in South Africa?" "Precisely. And that's why I am wishful to direct attention to it on the part of English capitalists and English workers. In my view, a man can go there with the intention of settling, and after all that is a great thing." "Tell me some of your own experiences at I Atlin." "The first pan I took out produced 4s. 6d. worth of gold, and here the stuff is in this little bottle. Six pans averaged in value from 2s. to 5s. Fcr twenty days' work, thres men took out a. weight of gold which, at £3 10,. an ounce, was worth JE750. Nearly seven thousand claims have already been staked [ off in the vicinity of Pine Cre^k. which runs from Lake Atlin towards the recently dis- covered Lake Surprise." "I suppose there is already an Atlin City?" "Well, it is laid out. The place has arisen within six months. The Chilcoot Pass has its aerial tramway, for the carriage of goods, in full working order. Tha White Pass, thanks to improvements, has also become easy enough, j To cross either pass will in future be about as simple as to go to a picnic. I leive for Atlin again in January, getting there in the early spring. If the owner of a claim does not put in an appearance by June anybody else is at liberty to jump to it." "What would be your advice to the person who thinks of trying his luck anywhere in the gold territory ? "He should have a little capital; enough to meet the expense of his journey and leave him with at least £100 in hand. He need not necessarily go in for gold digging, since trading-say keeping a restaurant—offers a substantial reward. By and bye, British Columbia ought to become a great place for tourists—a regular health resort." "Xo doubt you have met prospectors who had made their pile?" "Why. an American and his wife who left Klondike at the same time as I did were worth about £ 40.000. They entered the country three years ago. having hardly twenty dollars. They worked hard at the gold, and the claims panned out splendidly." "Has not Klondike a king among rich men?" "You mean Alick Macdonald. He was one of the first prospectors, and to-day be is so rich that he probably doesn't know his wealth."

HOW ARE THE COWS KEPT THAT FEED OUR CHILDREN ? It expends, of course, on the good or bad management of the dairv farm. Experts tell us that in many cases their condition is scandalous. The houses are badlv drained, and some not drainM at all. while the water supply is a stagnant pool. It is. therefore, not surprising that the poor animals fall a prey to disease. Their most common complaint is Tuberculosis, and P. cow mav suffer from it for some time before its coiidi- tion is recognised. The result is that our milk supply frequently contains the gvrms of this maladv and if you give such milk to your children you arc sowing the seeds of misery and death in a soil where they are certain to flourish. The iM-t and only safeguard is to give uo cow's milk in the nursery and sub- stitute HO It LICK'S MALTED MILK, which is sterilized and guaranteed free from germs. Get it from your chemist. Price 1s. 6d., 2s. 6d., and lis. A free sample wi!! be sent, en appli- cation, by il-oriick and Co., 34, Farringdon- road, London E.C. L15225 AN EXCLUSIVE PRESENT.—A DOROTHY BOX of CHOCOLATE, marked with Name, from Is. -M.. 28.. 2s. 6d., to 58.. e7000—1 PHILLIPS'S H. 6d. TEA is a Triumph of tb" Tea Blending Art. It is distinctly superior to tb» so-called finest teas." Have you tried it? e2 [

SUNDAY SERVICES. -0 LLANDAFF CATHEDRAL. THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT.-In residence, the Very Rev. the Dean and the Rev. Canon Johnson. Eight a.m. and mid-day: Holy Communion. Morning Prayer will be said at 8.45 a.m. Eleven a.m. Ordination Service): Litany; Kyrie and Credo, Smart in F; Veni Creator (Attwood); hymns, 202 and 355; anthem, "How beautiful are the feet," "Their sound is gonj out" (Handel'; preacher, the Rev. R. J. hes, vicar of St. German's, Roath. 3.30 p.m.: Smart in F; anthem, "Rejoice in the Lord" (Purcell); hymns, 50 and 49; preacher, Canon Johnson. Offertories for the Clergy Pensions Fund. All Saints'.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev. W. Compton Davies. EgLwys Dewi Sant, Howard-gardens.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morn- ing. Rev. Griffith Thomas; evening, Rev. H. Morgan (Llanbradach). St. Alban's (Blackweir).—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morning, Rev. R. Shelley Plant; evening, Rev. Lancelot Lewis. St. Dyrrig's.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachei-s-Morning, Rev. E. Leah; evening, ing, Rev. H. A. Coe. St. German's.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher?—Morning, Rev. H. A. Keates; evening. Rev. R. J. Ives. St. James's.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morning, The Vicar; evening, Rev. T. Reynolds. ° St. John's.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning. Rev. L. Lewis; evening. The Vicar. St. John's Mission. Queen-street,-Scrviceg at 11 a.m. (Children's Servi.e) and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Evening, Rev. R. Shelley Plant. St. Mary the Virgia.—Services at 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morning, Rev. G. Smallpeice; evening. Rev. W. M. Edwards. St. Michael's, Houges-row.—Services at 3 a.m. (Holy Communion), 11 a.m., and 6.30 p.m. Preélchers-Morning, Rev. F. T. Shellard; evening, Rev. G. Smallpeice. St. Stephen's. West Bate-streat.—Services at 11 a.m. (Hoiy Communion) and 6.30 p.m. preacher-Evening, Rev. A. G. Russell. Christ Church, Well -street.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher-Morning and even- ing. Rev. C. W. Lamport (rector). Baptist. Ainon. Walker-road.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Ilov. T. Morgan. Albany-road.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening. Rev. W. D. Nicholas (Treharris). Bethany, St. Mary-street.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6..3) p.m. Preacher-Morning and even- ing. Rev. AY. E. Winks, F.R.A.S. Ebenezer (Pearl-street).—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morning. Mr. Price Jones; evening, Rev. Alfred Tilly. Granjetowu.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening. Rev. J. Williams (paster1. Hopn Chapel, Canton.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.SO p.m. Preacherr-Moriiiiig and evening, ltev. T. W. Medhurst (paster). Llanrtaff-road.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.3J p.m. Preacher-Mcrning and evening, Rev. Robert Lloyd (pastor). Lonceross-treet.—Services at 11 a.m. arid 63J p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev. W\ T. Lee. Pembroke-road.—Services at 11 a.m. arId 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning. Mr. Birt; even- ing, Mr. Coleman. Salem (Roathi.—Services at 11 am. and 6.0 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening. Rev. T. T. Jones. Sitoam.-Services at It a.m. rnd 6 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Mr. Ben- jamin Evans. The Tabernacle.—Services and 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev. Charles Davies. Victoria < Eldou-road).—Services at 11 a.m. and 630 p.m. Preacher-Mcrning and evening, Rev. T. Lodwig Evans. Congregationaliat. Charles-street.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morning, Rev. J. Williamson, M.A.; evening. Rev. Silas Charles. Ebenezer (Welsh).—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening. Rev. J. Howells (Barry). Hannah-street.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachc-r-Mornitig and evening, Rev. F. R. Skyrme. Minny-stroet iWei;ji.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preaclier—Morning and evening, Rev. lliomas Hughes, A.T.S. Neville-street.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev. J. Harrop Walker. New Trinity. Cowbridge-road.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening. Rev. D. Tyssil Evans, M.A. Ricnmond-road—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.33 p.m. Preacher-Mcrnirg and evening, Rev. W. Cadwatadr Parry. Roath Park.-Services at 11 a.m., 2.30 p.m., and 6.30 p.m. (Opening Services). Preachers— Morning, Rev. John Morris; afternoon, Rev. J. A. Jenkins (registrar of University Col- leg?>; evening. Rev. J. Williamson. Stacev-road.— Services at 11 a.m. and 6.33 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening. Rev. E. Nicholson Jones. Severn-road.—Sjrvices at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Supp y. Union-, trest.—Services at 10.30 a.m and 6.33 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev. D. Roberts (Tonypandy). Woort-street.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev. W. Spurge ")n. Wesleyan. Albany-road, Roath Park.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers-Morning. Rev. A. U. Barley; evening. Rev. W. R. Maltby. Broadway.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morning, Rev. Edward Smith; evening, Rew W. H. Parr. Clar«« Gardens.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher;—Morning, Ravi W. Maltby; evening, Rev. Alfred Garland. Conway-road.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Morning, Rev. T. Miller; evening, Rev. W. Maltby. Crwys-road.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morning. Rev. W. R. Maltby; evening. Rev. R. W. Rees. Rcath-road.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. PrcacherF—Moraine Rev. W. H. Parr; evening. Rev. Edward Smith. Victoria. Park.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morntng. Rev. Alfred Garland; evening. Rev. Thomas Miller. English Calvinistic Methodist. Clifton-.treet.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening. Rev. R. J. Rees. M.A. (pastor). Freanrick-street.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev. David Jones (pastorl. Plasnewydd, Ksppoch-street.— Special Services at 11 a.m.. 2..50 p.m.. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher -Rev. J. Cynddvlan Jones, D.D. Welsh Calvanistic Methodist. Salem (Canton).—Services ai 11 a.m. and 6.30 pjn. Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev. W. Jones (Ton Ystrad'. Pembroke-terrace.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev. J. Morgan Jones. Presbyterian Church of Wales For- ward Movement Centre. Clive-roatl.—Set vices at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Rev. W. Watkin Williams. East Moors.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev. H. G. Howell. Grangetown-hall.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Mr. Edwin Burges. tfomorial-hall (Cowlridge-road).—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev. John Williams. Primitive Methodist. Dalton-street, Cathays.-Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning. Rev. W. L. Taylor; evening. Mr. li. Lethbridge ifounu Hermon—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morning, Rev. J. Miles Johnson; evening, Rev. J. Harding tfrunt 'I a-t)-. r.-STrvi.e,.A at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachcrs— Morning, Rev. J. Harding; even- ing. J. 1\I. Johnson. .'Jount, Zion.—Sarvices at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morning. Mr. J. Webb; evening, Rev. J. P. Bellingham. be\srn-road.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning. Mr. J. Hobbs; evening. Rev. W. L. Taylor. United Methodist. CatBays-terrace.— Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morning, Mr. O. OLsen; evening. Rev. G. C. Percival. S'awDort-road.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morning, Mr. J. W. Baker; evening, Rev. C. H. Butcher. P«n<ir;h-road.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morning, Rev. C. H. Butcher; evening, Mr. A. E. Pearse. Bible Christian. West. Grove Free Christian Church (Unitarian). —Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher —Morning and evening, Rev. J. Tyssul Davies, B.A.; soloist. "Mr. it. Waters." Morning subject, "Workshop of the Spirit." Evening subject, "Husk and Kernal in liogma of Hell." Additional matter relating to Sunday Services can lie inserted at a charge of 2d. per line, with a minimum charge of 6d. per inser- tion.

COMICALITIES. Friend (to former prisoner of wan: Did they treat you well? Private Bibbler :Yes; but not often enough. Mr. Ghout: All my money cannot give me health, doctor? Dr. Bolus: -No, perhaps not; but it is of inestimable value, nevertheless. It gives your physician great confidence. "Why do you speak of him as the strong man? He isn't put up like a man of great strength." "Ah! but you ought to have seen the load he carried the night of our club dinner." The fly that in July stung you on the end of your nose seventy times in a minute at meal times, is now anxious to crawl under the blankets and call you a man and a brother. First Country Boy: Wer be 'e a-goin', Jim? Second Country Boy: Ain't a-goin' no wheres. First Country Boy: Yes, you be. Second Country Boy: No, I bain't. I be a-comin' back! "Cigars for smoking," was on the card placed in the tobacconist's window. "What do you mean by that?" asked his friend. "Oh. We've got some others in for Christmas presents." Johnny (underneath): I've got ernuff! Let meup.willyer? Eddie (on top): If :yer'll give me yer jack- knife an' ten marbles ler an indemnity I'll declare peace. Old Gravely: "If you do not care to be my wife, perhaps the prospect of being a rich young widow might tempt you." Minnie (eagerly): "Oh, Mr. Gravely. If I were only sure I could trust you." "I suppose you suspect what I came for?" he said, as he prepared to ask her father for her hand. Oh, yes," repli-ed the father, you want to borrow money, but I haven't a penny to bless myself with!" And the young man deferred the proposal. She: Before we were married you declared that you would go to the ends of the earth to make me happy." He: "Well, what if I did?" She: 'I wish you would go now. I don't 1 know anything else that would make me so happy." "I am delighted," said the old friend who had called, "to find that you agree with your husband in everything, Mrs. Henpeck." "In- d"dl" answered that estimable lady. "If you will take the pains to investigate our domestic relations, sir, you will find that it is Mr. Hen- peck who agrees with me in everything." Fond Wife: "What are you so busy at?" Young Physician: "I am writing a letter to the papers, abusing Dr. Blank, the great scientist." "But Dr. Blank has never done you any harm, and you always agree with his theories." "True; but its against the rule for physicians to advertise, and I must get myself before the public somehow." She (anxiously): "Tell me quickly, dearest, what was papa's answer? Did he smile on your suit?" He (bitterly): "Smile is not the word. He simply roared." "I'm surprised, John," said an old lady, when she found her butler helping himself to some of her finest old port. "So am 1. ma'am," was the calm reply, "I thought you was gone out." — ————————————————————————— I. OUR DAILY CARTOON. SAT OX THE FENCE. AND, AFTER DUE CONSIDERATION, THE CARDIFF WATCH COMMITTEE RIGHTLY DECIDED TO REMAIN THERE. I

OUR FREE GIFT OF BOOKS TO EVERY READER OF THE "EVENING EXPRESS." We are presenting gratis to every regular reader of the "Evening Express" one of the following high-class, cloth-bound, and gold- lettered standard works of English literature: Shakspeare's Complete P.ays and Sounets; "Vanity Fair," by Thackeray; "The Caxtpns." by Lord Lytton; "Ernest Maltravers," by Lord Lytton; "Alice, or the Mysteries," by Lord Lytton; "Ivaahoe," by Sir Walter Scott; "The Scarlet Letter," by Hawthorne; "Mary Bar- ton." by Mrs. Gaskell; "Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers," by Aytoun; "Jane Eyre," by Char- lotte Bronte. The books will be given away at the rate of 24 every day until every reader has received one. Upon the top of the Second Page of the "Evening Eipress" each day will be found a, nuinber, printed in violet ink. which number will be different in every paper that is printed. Keep this number till the following day, and see if it is g.ven in the list printed bsiow. If your number is given, take it to either of our offices at Swansea, Newport, Merthyr. or Cardiff, and you will receive either of the above books. If you cannot con- veniently call, tear off the purple number and send it to the "Evening Expre-s" Office, Cardiff. with your name and address and t-.vopence towards the cost of postage, and the book chosen by you will be for warded, to your address. No person is entitled to a second book, even though ho be the holder of a selected number, until every reader has received a book. PURCHASERS of FRIDAY'S "Evening bearing the Following Numbers Printed in Violet, Ink on the Top Left-hand Corner of Page 2 are Entitled to a Book:- 333139 333,333 335869 336074 53948*: 339624 339791 339935 344079 344218 344444 344578 344312 3'9 >29 349218 349444 349578 349912 35.4144 554746 353155 355754 C56163 356666

INCONSISTENCY. Middleton: Say, old man. I wish you'd tell your wife that- Muddlewit; Sorry, but I can't. Middleton: Why not? Muddlewit; Mrs. Muddlewit and I are not on speaking terms just now. Middleton: Why, what's the matter? Muddlewit: Oh, just woman's blamed incon- sistency, that's all. Middleton: But what's she inconsistent about? Muddlewit: Why, she had her Sunday School class up to spend the evening at our hou-c a few nights ago, and sha asked me to entertain the little imps while she went to see about getting the refreshments ready. Of cour&a, I objected that I didn't know how to talk to them and amuse them, but she said she was sure it would please them if I treated them on an equality, just as though they were friends of mine who had dropped in. And now she is mad at me because I followed her advice to the letter, doggone it! and did treat them just as though they were my best friends. Middleton: But how? Muddlewit: Why. I set out the whisky and cigars, of course, and- they'd have learned to play penny ante like old stagers if sh-s hadn't broken up the when she came back.

DO NOT NEGLECT! Sufferers from Gravel. Lumbago, Piles, Paina in the Back, Dropsy, Wmd and Water Com- plaints, Diseases of Kidneys, Bladder, Stone. Sciatica. Rheumatism, and Gout, will find a positive Cure in Holroyd's Gravel Pilis. Try a Small Box, and if not satisfied your money will be returned. Price Is. lid., of all chemists, cr sent free for 12 stamps, from Holroyd's Medical Hall, Cleckheatoll. Yorks. Don't be pat off. If you cannot get them, write the proprietor, and a box will be sent next post. A Triumph of the Tea Blending Art— PHILLIPS'S is. 6d. lea. Have you tried it? It is distinctly superior to the so-called tinest teas." e2i80—3 "LINSEED COMPOUND" for Coughs and Colds. Asthma, and Bronchitis. Of Chemists only. Only Mr. J. S. Batchelor was available as magistrate at the Barry Police-court on Friday, and no business cpuld be transacted, although rhe calendar contained important cases. The Little English Liver Tonic.—Kernick's Vegetable Pills; dose one small pill; 7*d., is. lid., and 2s. 9d. per box.—Of all stores. I "LINSEED COMPOUND (Trade Mark) for Coughs and Colds, of proven efficacy, 13Jd. Sold by Chemists only. e7198-2

1 THE BAJJIfe'JI OF PERSIA. A NOVEL RELIGION. Almost within the last half-century a religion has sprung up in Persia which claims to embody tIa latest revelation of t-lie will of God to man. Although, nominally. the religion of Persia ii Mohammedanism, the country is really in a state of religious unrest, due in part to the national belief in an ever-expected Millennium, when their now hidden Imam, El Mahdi, will return to them wjth blessings in his hand-?. This unrest, the Rev. Benjamin Labarree points out in The Church at Home and Abroad (Presby.. November), has offered a ground peculiarly favourable to the spread of such a religion as Babism, which, its adherents pro- phesy. will be the religion of futures empires. A'vtady it can point to its devotees, unshaken even through bloody persecution and martyr- dora, as proof of the strength of its appeal to th.* human soul. Dr. Labarree thus briefly sketches the growth of the Babi faitli "This new religion was first announced by a gentle youth named Mirza Ali Mohammed, who was born at Shiraz in 1820. In his early youth he visited the sacred seats or Persian theological instruction at Kerbela, near Bagdad, where he studied with the learned expounders of the Shiah school. Returning to Shiraz in 1844, he1 pub forward his claim as successor to his deceased master in theology, and later as th9 Bab, or door to the true knowledge of God, and later still as the Mahdi. Believers in his claim increased rapidly, and grcT. recklessly agcTessivo in promulgating the new faith, resulting in insurrections in different parts of the country. The Government early seized and imprisened the Bab, and finally, alarmed nt the spread of the new creed, with its religious and social t heresies, it put him to death oil July 15. 1850. He met his fate calmly, abating none of his cltl;nis as a 'manifestation' of God's will to the very last. He had a singularly winsome per-, scnulity, his purity of life and gentle manners, j his moral earnestness arid transparent sincerity deeply impressing even his enemies, and con- verting soma of his guards and escort to faith in his doctrines. He left behind him numerous writings, of which the Beyan is the most impor- tant, a volume of some size, devoted to the exposition of his peculiar dogmas. It was some time after the Bab's death that the insurrectionary movements of his followers, sustained with great energy and sacrifice cf life, were put down. The defeated Babis were sub- jected to mo-t barbarous treatment. For this and the death of their prophet the leaders of the sect sought revenge on the Government by attempts oil the life of Nasr-i-Din Shah, which brought upon the Babis everywhere, guilty and innccent alike, punishments most inhuman. They finally settled down to a more hopeful a-nd a more successful campaign of secret dissemina- tion of their doctrines. Within a few years following. a prominent disciiile of the Bab, Mirza Hussein Ali, who had taken refuge in Turkish territory, came to assume the leader-1 ship of the sect. From his exile home at A era, on the Mediterranean coast, he carried oil a quiet but effective propaganda, filling Persia with his epistles, circulated through secret agents. He gradually advanced claims for him-! self higher even than the Bab's position, as the one of whom the Bab had so frequently I made prediction in the phrase, He whom God shall manifest.' He tool; the title of Beha ] Ullah. i.e., The Glory of God.' Beha died in 1892. raid was succeeded by one of his sons, since which nothing of importance his emerged in the progress of the religion. It is often spoken of now as Bshaism, and with much j reason, for the teachings of Beha have essen- tially modified the tenets of the faith as they came from the Bab himself in numerous parti- culars."

AN FiXCLLSIVE PRESENT.—A DOROTHY BOX of CHOCOLATE, marked with Name, from L'. 6d., 2s., 2s 6d., to 5s. e7000-2 A meeting of the creditors of Mary Edwards, grocer. 22, Park-street, Treforest, was held on Friday at Merthyr. The statement of affairs showed liabilities to rank for dividend amount-, ing to £252 16s. 6d., and assets available tor distribution S,36 Os. 6d. LTNUM CAT HART ICUM PILLS, digestive, corrective, and agreeably aperient, gid., 131d, Of all Chemists. e7198-7 At Cardiff Police-court on Friday William Lock was charged with living on the earnings of immorality between November 14 and December 14. The prisoner had been com-: mitted to the assizes on a. charge of robbery with violence from the person, and another! prisoner who was committed with him was his sister, Elizabeth Lock, agc-d 29. It was stated: by Police-con-table Young that it was on his; sister's immoral earnings that the prisoner lived, and the Stipendiary committed Lock to prison for three months' hard labour as a rogue and vagabond. Have you Tried PHILLIPS'S Is. 6d. TEA? It is a Triumph of the Tea Blending Art, and is distinct superior to the so-called "finest teas." e2180—1

) PRIZE COMPETITION. £ 100 FOR THE WINNER. IN TUB ABSENCE OF CORRECT SOLOTIOH C £10 FOR BEST COUPON. SUPPLEMENTAL PRIZES. i-An ORIGINAL CARTOON frcm the "Even- ing Express," by Mr. J. M. STANIFCRTM. Framed and Mounted by Mr. A. FREKE, Photographer, Ac.. 12, Duke-atraet. Cardiff. 2—Jib. Tin of ARCHER'S GOLDEN RETURNS, by the weli-known firm. HENRY ARCHER and CO.. 170, 172, and 174, Boroagh, Lou- don. S.E.. 3—TWO TICKETS for the Orchestra Stalls or Dress Circle at the THEATRE ROYAL, Cardiff, to see the CARDIFF AMATEURS. 4—TWO TICKETS Tor tlie r.alcony at the GRAND THEATRE. Cardiff. 61 6 At Mia Option ef ttie Winner*:— 7 f"HE "WESTERN MAIL" MUSIC FOLIO 8 OF 83 soyas. DUJSYS. AND SACRED 9 soLoa. 10 Or either of the following well-bound, 11 cloth-covered Standard Works:- 12 SHAKSPEAIiE'S COMPLETE PLAya 13 AND SONNETS. 14 VANITY FAIR, by Thackeray. 15 f THE CAXTONS. by Lord Lytton. 16 f ERNEST MALTBAVEBS, by Lord 17 Lytton. 13 ALICE, or THE MYSTERIES, by Lord 19 Lytton. 20 IVANHOE. by Sir Walter Scott. 21 THE SCARLET LETTER, by Hawthorn*. 22 MARY BARTON, by Mrs. Gaskell. 23 LAYS OF THE SCOTTISH CAVALIE23, 24 by Aytoun. 25 JANE EYRE, bjr Charlotte Bronte 86 8aiurday.j COUPON. MATCHES PLAYED DECEMBER 24. Coupon must reicli this office by one p.m. on thb day of play Lirectious for marking Coupon -Strike out nameof losing cluouud give point* of winner and loser. For a draw strike out neither, bni give points if any. bEND TWOPENCE IN POSTAGE STAMPS WITH EACH COUPON. MATCH. Poiutti fccored Points Scored [ by Winner. by Louer. CARDIFF V- BARBARIANS. I ABERAVON V" M ORRIS TON. NEWPORT V. WATSONIANS. LLANELLY V. TUDHOH. NAME | ADDRESS j CONDITIONS. The prize of JBIjj villi be given to the com- petitor WllO predicts tile actual scores In eacti of the matched in the appended coupon. It uo competitor succeeds in giving the actual scores, juio will be given to the competitor whose predictions are the nearest to the actual results, or, in the eveut of a tie, the money will be divided. It any of the selected matche3 are postponed or abnndoned the £100 prize will not be awarded, but under any circumstances the JE10 will oe given to the best coupon. 'the Supplemental Pnxfs will be awarded in the order given above. Competitors may send in as many coupons as they like. but every coupon must be accom- panied by 2d. in stamps. The winners will be announced on the Tues- day of each week. Envelopes containing Coupons must lie marked outside. Football Competition." No person in the employ of the Western Mail Limited is allowed to compete. PHILLIPS'S is. 6d. TEA ia a. Triumph of the Tea Blending" Art. It is distinctly superior to the to-cabled finest teas." Have you tried it? e2

"Santa Claus." ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Gifts in Kind. Welcome gifts have been received from several friends. "Santa Glaus" heartily thanks the donors, and makes an appeal for mo-e gifts. The gifts in kind already to hand are as follow: — follow: — Mr. HOPKIN MORGAN, Manufacturer, Ponty- pridd.500tbs.ofca.ke. Mr. OWEN, Manager Sterilised Milk Company, Castle-road, Twelve Bottles Sterilised Milk. Messrs. STRANAGHAN and STEPHENS, Grocers, Castle-street, Apples and Oranges. Mr. THORN, Peterstone Dairy, Richards'- terrace, Six Gallons of Milk. Mr. PEDLINGTON, Fruiterer, Clifton-street, Orans-es and Applet. Mr. TODD, Pork Butcher, Clifton-street, Pork Pies. Mr. PHELPS, Florist, Ac., Western Mail-build- mgs. St. Mary-street, Cardiff, Apples and Oranges Mr. PLEYDELL. Butcher, Splott-road, brawn. Mr. PYLB. Confectioner, Tudor-road, 281bs. cake. Mr. VOWELLS. New-street, iewt. sugar. Mr. FRANKS, Confectioner, Machen-place, Jcwt. sweets. Mr. JOHNSON, Confectioner, Tudor-road, Jcwt. sweets. Mr. FRY, Pork Butcher, Bridge-street, 100 polonies and brawn. Mr. HALL, Baker, Corporation-road, 25 41b. loaves. Mrs. COTTEY, Fruiterer, Castle-road, 120 oranges. Mrs. HALLEY, Fruiterer, King's-road. box of oranges. Mr. CUDE, Confectioner, 244, Castle-road, 281bs. of cake. The CARDIFF MILK SUPPLY COMPANY. Castle-road, ten gallons of milk. Mr. A. W. SPENCER, of the Domestic Machine Depot, St. John's-square, sends three sewing machines for the workers who are altering the clothes, and gives a plentiful supply of thread. Councillor JAMES TUCKER, corn merchant, &c.. Cardiff, 103 Twopenny Packets of Self- Raising Flour. Mr. C. H. COOPER, Fruiterer, Hope-street, cranges. Mr. R. E. JONES, Central Hotel, 100 buns. Mr. PHILLIPS. Pork Butcher, Cowbridge- road, five dozen pork pies. Messrs. MORGAN and BIERMAN, Fruit Mer. chants, Custom House-street, box of oranges. Mr. GRAINGER, Butcher, Wood-street, sixty polonies. Mr. BATTEN, Butcher. Bute-straot, 300 polonies. Mr. E. REID, Hope-street, box of oranges. Mr. C. D. ENGLAND, Rotunda-buildings, box of oranges. Mr. WITCHELL, Clifton-street, piece of corn beef and tongues. Mr. JOHN MORRIS, New-street, box of oranges. Mr. D. G. ANDERSON, New-street, barrel of apples. Messrs. BARAGWANATH BROS., New-street, box of oranges. Mr. T. STEVENS, 122, Queen-street, Cardiff. 200 buns. Mr. LAMERTON, 236. Castle-road. Roath, 100 pork pies and 100 polcnies. Messrs. LEWIS and CO., Drapers, 290. Bute- street, supply 1,000 boys' shirts and 1,000 girls' chsniises at bare cost price. Mr. BATTEN, Butcher, Albany-road, 300 polonies. Messrs. PHILLIPS and CO., Tea Merchants. Queen-street. 501bs. tea. Mr. WOOD, Baker and Confectioner, Castle- road, plum cake. Mr. WARD, Butcher, Bridge-street, 100 polonies. Mr. NAISH, Confectioner, Castle-road, Jcwt. sweets. Mrs. E. SPRRELL, Confectioner, 114, Castle- road, 261b. cake. Mrs. R. PEPPERD, Fruiterer, Albany-road, oranges. Mr. W ARRENER, Butcher, 93, Upper George- street, polonies. Mrs. A. INDER, Butcher, Upper George-street, polonies. Mrs. GUY, Pork Butcher, Salisbury-road, 100 sausage rolls. Mr. MORGAN, Fruiterer, Woodvilie-road, 120 oranges. Mr?. GODFREY, Trinity-street and Bridge- street, lcwt. cake. Mr. ROBERT ENGLAND, RedclifTe, Llandaff, box of oranges. Mr. SANKEY, Provision Merchant, 4lbs. of Tea. Messrs. CAPFER, Tea Merchants, High-street, lewt. sugar. Messrs. W. PRICE and SONS, the Cardiff Hou-e, Cardiff, two dozen boys' flannelette shirts. Mr. J. H. WEBBER, Baker, 12 James- street, Bute Docks, 25 41b. Loaves of Bread. Collectors ana their Prizes. The final collection of boxes and books will be made Cll Tuesday next. As in previous years, several prizes are offered for com- petition amongst the collectors. For those holding the boxes the first prize will be a first-class bicycle, to he awarded to the lady or gentleman whose box is found in the end to have yielded the highest total, and there wi I be prizes of varying values for those col- lecting lesser sums than the first prize-winner is able to get in. For those holding hooks the first prize will be a phonograph, with auxiliary appliances, valued at L7 7s. The other prizei offered are as follow:- RUDGE-WHITWORTH STANDARD BICYCLE (list price £20), for First Prize for collector? holding boxes, presented by RULGE-WHIT- WORTH (LIMITED), the Winner to Select her Bicycle at the Company's Denot, 108, St. Mary-street. THE ATLAS FURNISHING COMPANY (LIMI- TED), Hayes-buildings, Cardiff, SILVER WATCH. Messrs. HEITZMAN. Jewellers, Ac., St. Mary- street, a GOLD and PEARL BROOCH, value zci. Madame NUNNERLEY, Castle Arcade, HAT, value 10s. 6d. Mr. CROUCH, Jeweller, &c., Queen-stmet, a CLOCK. Mes.'ir.m?* PLANT and TAFT, Queen-street, GOLD-MOUNTED UMBRELLA. Ml'EOR';E SEC'JOMBK, liivaoe-. Xc.. Queen- street, JACKET, CAFE, or FUR (as the win- ner choose-l, value El ls. Mr. A. COHEN, 13, Bute-street, SILVER WATCH, COAT and VEST, or PAIR OF TROUSERS. Oil Paintings for Disposal. ¡ Quite a large nuinber of people have been attracted to one of the shop windows in the Western Mail Buildings during the last day or two, and some rather interesting art criticism debates have taken place there since the three pictures that Santa Claus" recently made an announcement ab' ut have been set up on show, j The pictures are: I "A CAIRO DANCER," painted by Mr. J. M. St:>niforth, who is so well-known as the Western Mail artist. "A, VIEW OF PONTSARN." by Mr. G. F. Harris, a succe.sstul portrait painter, of Llan- daiT-chambcrs, St. Mary-street. Cardiff, and also of Merthyr. "FKUIT," by Mr. Bernard Jactiuier, of Aller- "FKUIT," by Mr. Bernard Jactiuier, of Aller- lon-street, Cardiff, who has already won a name in the town for his careful craftsmanship and hi, fidelity in treatment. The manner in which the pictures will be dis- posed of may be 'earned at the stationery shop, where the pictures are on view. where the pictures are on view.

FOR SAILORS' FRIENDS. FORBIGli ARRIVE AND MOVE. MENTS OF LOCAL STEAMERS. Gemini left Plymouth for Cardiff 16th. Soleut left Plymouth for Cardiff 15th. Dunmail left Plymouth for Cardiff 17th. Rotha left Limerick for Newport 17th. G. E. Wood passed Dangeness for London 16th. Jersey left Bilbao for Cardiff 15th. Beignon arrived Sables lbth. Inver left Rouen for Newport 15th. Raloo arrived Rouen 15th. Taft" passed Dungeness for Hall 16th. Dordogne left. Bordeaux for Cardiff 15th. Moliere arrived St. Malo 16th. We 'field arrived Newport 15th. Elpis arrived Itio Marino 15th. Swainby arrived Baltimore 15th. Trunkby left Teneriffe for Delaware for orders 14 th. Skidby arrived Philadelphia 14th, Wave arrived Harry 14th. :-fewby left Philadelphia for Queenstown for orders 14th. Melrose Abbey arrived Barry 16th.

AN KXCLUSIVE PRESENT.—A DOROTHY BOX of CHOCOLATE, marked with Name, from is. 6d.. 2s.. 2s. 6d.. to f .s. e700Q—3 At the monthly meeting of the Llanelly Rural District Council on Thursday Mr. P. T. Daniell gave notice of motion to provide an infectious diseases hospital for the district. Mr. Uunviile complained of the slow progress made in carrying out the Llwynhendy water supply, and the council decided to remind the con- tractor that the work was to be completed by January 12, after which a penalty would be enforced. LINSEED COMPOUND" for Coughs and Colds, allays irritation. Gives immediate relief. e7198—4 At Cardiff Police-court on Friday Samuel Snow, 48, was charged with keeping a disorderly house at 19, Charles-street, and his wife, Sarah Snow, 49, was charged with assisting in the management. The Stipendiary committed Snow for two months, fining his wife 40s. and costs. Wonderful Medicine.—Kernick's Vegetable Pills cure headache, indigestion, nervous debility, etc.; nrl, Is. lid., and 2s. 9d. per box.-Sold everywhere. m.w.s. Have you Tried PHILLIPS'S Is. 6d. TEA. It is a Triumph of the Tea Blending Art. and ia distinctly superior to the so-called finest teas." LINSEED COMPOUND (Trade Mark) gives Expectoration without strain, 9id., 13Jd. Sold by Chemists only. c7198—3 STOP

THAT COUGH BY USING A MOST GIVES WONDERFUL •fulfil INSTANT SPECIFIC RELIEF FOR IN COUGHS, MBBBfc WHOOPING MORTIMEld C01GH- CR-UP COUCH SOL^ BY CHILDREN i — MIYTIIDF P CHEMISTS. TWO SIZES:- IfilAI UflL | TWO SIZES Is. lid. and 2s. 9d. — ^1 Is. ljd. and 2s. 9d. PER BOTTLE. Mm ■ rrrSirT" PER BOTTLE. a2662 BORWICK'S The SAKI G Money im Adft POWDER. H XMAS CARDS!! XMAS £ <ARDS!! Tr ARGE ASSORTMENT JLj' MOW QN VIEW IN THE VESTIBULE, ESTERN MAIL. 6D. BOX AUTOGRAPH CARDS (POST FREE), CONTAINING 8 CARDS, WITH ENVELOPES, IN THE FOLLOWING DESIGNS:- KIND THOUGHTS, COUNTRY VIEWS, BY THE WAYSIDE, BITS OF CHINA, BLOSSOMS, HELIOTROPE, 8WEET NATURE. I ("|S. JJOX AUTOGRAPH CARDS I, (POST FREE), CONTAINING 10 CARDS, WITH ENVELOPES, IN THE FOLLOWING DESIGNS:- POPPIES. TRES CHIC, CHOICE FLOWERS, CHOICE WARE, THE VICTORIA BOX, PANSIES. FLOWER AND LEAF. 1/6 Box A UTOGRAPH CARDS (POST FREE), CONTAINING 10 CARDS, WITH ENVELOPES, IN THE FOLLOWING DESIGNS:- BEAUTIFUL AUTUMN, LILAC, THE DUCHESS BOX. FAVOURITE FLOWERS, THE EMPRESS BOX. IjARGE ASSORTMENT OF Ij oaSE CARDS, SELECTED FROM BEST MAKERS. Id., 2d., 3d., 4d., 6d,, 9d., end 1 j- each. ORDERS BY POST WILL BE f FORWARDED ON DAY OF RECEIPT, POST FREE. Address: — I gTATIONERY DElART-,IE.NL, T, ^"ESTERN MAIL, Y IMITED, CARDIFF.

LOCAL NEWS ITEMS. The Lord Bishop of Llandaff attended at St. Paul's Church, Newbridge, 011 Friday and ad- ministered the rites of confirmation to 57 can- didates. On Friday afternoon the Bishop of Llandaff held a confirmation service at Holy Trinity Church, Ystrad Mynach, .when 41 candidates were presented. The CASTLE HAIRDRESSING SALOONS, 100. Queen-street, and 70, St. Mary-street. el Llandyssul Dog and Poultry Show wr>^ !>e!d at the Porth Hotel Assembly-rooms on Friday. There was a large number of entries. I Cleanliness is Next to'Godliness.—You get it at the Castle Hairdressiing Saloons. e7224—4 At the Sessions House, U&k, on Friday, Colonel A. C. Smith, R.E., inspector of the Local Govern- ment Board, held an inquiry as to the proposed improvement of the Cwm road. Llangibby, and the raising of a loan of JE240. The clerk of Barry District Council intimated at a special meeting on Friday that arrange- ments had been completed with the Public Works Loan Commissioners for a loan of £ 10.000.

Impurities in the Blood.—" We have seen hosts of letters from people who have received grerit benefit from the use of Clarke's Wood Mixture. It cannot be too highly estimated, for it cleanses and clears the blood from all im- purities." This i^ a, good testimonial from tho family Doctor." which gees on further to say:—"It is the finest Blood Purifier that science and skill have brought to light, and we can with utmost confidence recommend it to our subscribers and the public generally." say:—"It is the finest Blood Purifier that science and skill have brought to light, and we can with utmost confidence recommend it to our subscribers and the public generally." For Scrofula. Scurvy, Eczema. Bad Legs, Skin and Blood Diseases, Pimples and Sores of all Kinds, its effects are marvellous. Thousands of wonderful cures have been effected by it. Clarke's Blood Mixture is sold everywhere, at 2s. 9d. per bottle. Beware of worthless imita- tions substitutes. e9 COAGULINE.—Transparent Cement for broken articles. Sold everywher ■. Home and abroad. 6 Scotia Restaurant, Duke-street, Cardiff.—Finest Mincemeat at Wholesale Prices—Is. per lb. For Quantities from 71bs. to 131bs., lOd. per lb.; 141bs. and upwards, 8d. per lb. A Triumph of the Tea Blending Art- PHILLIPS'S la. 6d. TEA. Have you tried it? It is distinctly superior to the so-called finest teas." e2180—3 LINSEED COMPOUND" (Trade Mark) of Compound Essence of Linseed, for Coughs and Colds. e7199—1 IMPORTANT TO MARRIED LADIES.—Send Stamped Addressed Envelope for most Valuable Particulars and Testimonials (which are guaranteed genuine under a penalty of £ 1,000).- Beware of imitators.-A. DASMAIL, Box 387, Langdale, Walthamstow, London. Established half a century. e7104

For Boys and Girls. I Zlilrlt trie's; Club Coupon DEC. 17-DEC. 24. I desire to be enrolled a. member of the "Evening Express" Boys' and Girls' Club, aud I hereby promise That I will always be obedient to my parents, and kind to the aged and infirm. xiiat I will try and help less fortu- nate children. That I will be kind to animals. ,at I will try and do something every day to make things happy for those round me. Children desirous of joining Uncle Joe's "Evening Express" Boys and Girls' Club must carefully attend to the following instructions:- Take a. piece of clean paper, write on it your full name, your age last birthday, and your full address. [Children under six or over six- teen not admitted.] Get a Club member to add his or her signature and Club number. Get your father or mother or teacher to add at the bottom his or her name and address. Pin or paste to the paper the above coupon and send to Undo Joe, Evening Express," Cardiff. If the above particulars are not complied with no proposal can be accepted.

THIS WEEK'S COMPETITIONS. There will be two competitions this week, one for the younger children and one for the older ones. Nephews and Nieces under ten years old are requested to cut a man out of a piece of paper. They must not use a. pen or pencil. only scissors. For the best man thus cut out a book will be awarded. Now little ones, get to work and let mo have your men on or before Monday next at the very latest. Children ten years old and over must write an essay on Christmas." This is a popular subject, and Uncle will expect a great many essays, all of which will be nublished.

WHAT THE CLUB THOUGHT 07 KITCHENER. Here are two more essays. We shall print the last, and announce the result, on Monday:- Dear Uncle Joe-Your competition this week i- What I saw and what I think of the Sirdar. tie came to Cardiff by an invitation of Mr. Jrseph Ramsdale, last year's mayor, which I think was a. groat honour to the tcwn of Car- diff, a. boon which many towns would have liked, but could not get. He came down as he promised on Friday, December 2, by the five past two train, and he was met by the mayor and corporation, and the leading gentry of the ccunty, and' ihoy all gave him a hearty recep- tion. He was escorted to the mayor's carriage and driven to the Park-hall, under the escort of the Gloucestershire Yeomanry, mounted police, and brass bands. There he was pre- sented with the freedom of the borough amidst great rejoicings. It was the greatest hononr they could give him, which he richly deserved for the gallant manner in which he carried out tile Battle of Oindurman. Thousands of people lined the orotite right through to give him a hearty greeting, which they did by cheering and waving their hats, and ladies shaking their handkerchiefs from the many windows which he passed. His bronzed face and manly tigura tell us that he is a brave soldier. After tin luncheon Lord Kitchener was escorted back tm the Great Western Station, amidst the rinsiffa cheers of the thousands of people that his return. lie reached the station and left by the 4.45 train, along with aide-de-camp. General Watson, with the hearty good wishes of every- one that was there. Owing to the roi.gh woither the decorations of the town was greatly disappointing, which otherwise would have looked very nice.—From your loving Nephew, ALBERT T. BEES, aged 11 (No. 7). 72, Shukspeare-street, Roath. Dear Uncle Joe,—The Sirdar has done a great deal of good for the Soudan and England by defeating the cruel Khalifa and his follower?. The Sirdar has won two great battles, called Atbara. and Omdurman. and now the Soudan will be glad that they will be ruled by the Eritish people, and not by the cruel Khalifa any .jore. The Khalifa's followers are called Dervishes, and many years ago they lulled the great and good General Gordon at a place called Khartoum, and now tile Sirdar is going to build a college there in memory of General Cordon. The Sirdar has collected lIL nev for the building of the college all over the country, and ho has had C400 from Cardiff. The Sirdar is a brave soldier, and for his bravery and successes in the Soudan the Queen made him a lord. His title is Lord Kitchener of Khar- toum. The demonstration was wonderful. There were flags all through some of the street. and a great many people were waiting to see the Sirdar. As the Sirdar was going through the streets, he had a lot of soldiers on horses nronndliis carriage. He had two or three other men witb him in his carriage. They went np St. MalK'-street and Queen-street to the l'ark- hall. The people were cheering all the time in tha Park-hall. The corporation made the Sjrdar a freeman of Cardiff. After that was done the Sirdar went straight back to the train. Tho p6ople were cheering again all the way from tbt Park-hall to the railway station. Tie went bock to London, and now he is on his wav- to Ecr'/jit again. This is all I can say a.hont the SiIÖar and his visit to Cardiff.-I remain, vour losing Nephew, GILBERT EVANS, aged 9 (Club No. 155). Cardiff, Dec. 10.

CADBURY'S COCOA has a world-wide reputa- tion as II delicious, strengtheuing beverage, and a valuable nutritive food. The "Lancet" say* it repr<f*ents the standard of highest purity." Always Insist on having CAOBURY'S—sold only in Paotarts and Tins-as other Cocoas are often substituted for the sake of extra profit. e2 Printed oy the Proprietors, Western Mail Lin ited, and published by them at their offices, St. Man-street. Cardiff; at their offices. Castle Bailey-street, Swansea; at the shop of Mr. Wesley Williams, Bridgend-all in the County of Glamorgan; at the Western Mail Office, Newport; at the shop of Mr. J. P. Caffrey, Monmouth, both in the County of Monmouth; and at the shop of Mr. Wm. Davies, Llanelly, in the County of Cari marthen. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17. 1393.