The Cambrian

ST.ILLTYD'S PARISH CHURCH. ITS HISTORY AND ITS ARCHITECTURE. The Western Mail says:—"Mr. Edward Roberts of Swansea, a gentleman who has provided the public with many instructive and original con- tributions on place-names, has just produced a most interesting history of bt. Illtyd's Church, Pembrey, which is published in book form, and is copiously illustrated by Mr. H. A. Pertwee, of Burry Port, who has also dealt with the archi- tectural portion of the work. St. Illtyd's is, unquestionably, one of the oldest churches in Wales, and although, as Mr. Roberts says, there is nothing in the tower or aisle to show definitely any trace of work prior to th3 twelfth century, the nave and chancel appear to have been the older building. The church is noteworthy for heraldio carvings on its southern window, including the arms of the Butlers of Dunraven, the Bassets of Beaupre, and the Beauforts and Plantagenets, &c. There is a carving also representing the pierced feet, heart, and hands of the Saviour; also the nails, the only similar thing known in Wales being carved on an old oak chest in Coity Church, nsar Bridgend." Orders for the above may ba sent to The Cambrian Office, 58, Wind-street, Swansea, or to the local booksellers and newsagents.

THE MELANESIAN MISSION. BISHOP WILSON AT GLANMOR HOUSE. On Wednesday afternoon a drawing-room meeting was held at Glanmor House, by the kindness and thoughtfulness of Mrs. Illtid Thomas, when the Bishop of Melanesia, the Rev. Cecil Wilson, M.A., delivered an address on the above mission. The weather was most un- propitious. Rain fell heavily and incessantly but in spite of this the attendance was very encouraging. Amongst those present were Mrs. and the Misses Illtid Thomas, the Mayoress of Swansea (Mrs. Aeron Thomas), Lady Llewelyn, Mrs. Picton Turberville and Miss Dixon, Miss Dulcie Vivian, Mrs. D. Arthur Davies" Mrs. Eben. Davies, Mrs. R. W. Beor, Mrs. T. P. Richards, Mrs. John White (Windsor Lodge), Mrs. Morgan Davies, Miss Lindsay, Mrs. Charles Eden, Mrs. Squire, Mr. Joseph Hall, Miss Hall, Miss Richards (West Cross), the Rev. J. A. Harriss, Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Bishop, &c. The Bishop of Melanesia delivered an exceedingly interesting and instructive address in the hand- some drawing-room at Glanmor House, and it was listened to with rapt attention from first to last. Bishop Wilson is somewhat tall, with a youthful and pleasant face, and dark, attractive eyes. In the course of his address he said that the Melanesian Mission is the earlicst Church Mission in the Western Pacific, apart from New Zealand. It was suggested by Archbishop Howley to the Bishop of New Zealand (G. A. Selwyn) in 1841, and was founded in 1849. It was adopted by the bishops of Australasia as the mission work of their churches, at a Synod held in Sydney in 1850. In 1855 Mr. Patteson joined it, and was consecrated as its first Bishop in 1861, by the Bishop of the New Zealand Mission. Ia 1867 the headquarters of the mission, which till then had been in Auckland, were removed to Norfolk Island, where the} now remain. In 1871 Bishop Patteson was killed at Nukapu, Santa Cruz Group, with Rev. J. Atkin and Stephen Taroaniaro, native teacher. In 1877 Rev. J. R, Selwyn was consecrated second bishop. In 1880 the Memorial Chapel to Bishop Patteson was consecrated at Norfolk Island. In 1882 Bishop Selwyn resigned after a long illness. In January 1894, he (the speaker, who was Vicar of Moor- down), was consecrated third Bishop. The mode of working is as follows From the earliest days of the mission the Bishop of New Zealand hoped to work these islands by means of native teachers and a native ministry. To use his own words, The white corks were only to float the black net. To carry out this purpose—(l) The islands are divided into districts, each haa^ed by a white clergyman or mscrbar of the 8f9ff (2) From these districts boys are brought every year to Norfolk Island, and there, trained to be teachers of their own people. (3.) Â s opportu- ppor u- nity offers these teachers are placed at stations in their own homes, or as is often the case, on neighbouring islands. Here they are super- intended by the white clergy, and the Bishop makes a tour of inspection and examination every year. (4.) The white teachers are at Norfolk Island dring the summer months bat are now lengthening their stay on the islands, as occasion requires. There are now nearly 12,000 Christians, besides Catechumens, and adbeieots. More than 1,000 persons are baptized erery year. The college of St. Barnabas, at Norfolk Island, is preparing about 160 boys and 5J girls to become teachers At St. Luke's, Siota, in the Solomons there are 70 girl J going through a similar course of training. Bishop Wilson dealt in a most entertain- ing manner with the habits, customs, religions, superstitions and characters of the Melanesiana. The Melanesian is anything bat mathematical, but he is fairly smart at learning music, geography, history, and the scriptures. Ia Samoa cricket matches used to last a full fortnight, with a hundred each side, and not eleven as in this country. The game became such a craze that the Government were at last compelled to step in and iimit the game to a few days. It was somewhat similar with football. e ems numbered abcut fifty each, and the T fF, H KICL,ED » "ON! Ch.efs ol tab.. oot e|eoM be0MM o £ bravery or war I e achievements, but because of their gastronomic capabilities Then again paradise was possible only to the rich-those who had ^en generous in f ding b/superstition,' and thr^^d^u11 related several pathetic incidents in supportTf the statement They had no langua no literature, no religion. But they were a people not difficult to lead in the right path. Their faith in the hereafter and supernatural beings Was strong, and they invariably knew right from wrong, except as regards cannibalism. That they considered right. In concluding his address Bishop Wilson thanked Mrs. Illtid Thomas for convening the meeting at her house, and for her active, sympathetic interest in the work of the Melanesian Minion. Mrs. Thomas and Mrs. Ebenezer Davies defrayed the cost of the mission work in two of the Melanesian islands. Mrs, Davies's island was called Isabelle -In reply to Mr. Joseph Hall, J.P., Bishop Wilson said that previous to the mission there was no written language in the Melanesian Islands, but there was now. AHhough there weie only thirteen letters in the alphabet, the language Was pretty rich in words.-Mr. F. S. Bishop ^?dthaV°te of ^anks to Bishop Wilson. He Th! Weie also much indebted to Mrs. Illtyd A Ha8'" ^ear' hear.)—Prayer by the Rev. J. anri tl"88 a collectio.i brought a successfu1 invitati0n°y:f°leMrsme^ to a close. At the artook of light anH L y- Thomas the company &unty refreshments.

MR. F. ROCKE AND HIS CONSTITUENTS. A meeting in support of the candidature of Mr. Fred Rocke was held at Singleton-street Chapel last (Thursday) evening. Mr. Albert Mason, who presided over a fairly good attendance, in introducing Mr. Rocke, said he had no hesitation in saying that there was no better man in the Council. Mr. Rocke, on rising to address the meeting, had a most enthusiastic reception. At the outset, he expressed his thanks to the Cnairman for coming there that evening, and for his kind remarks. In the course of his speech, he said that during the twelve months he had had the honour of being chairman he had received the greatest consideration and attention at the hands of the members of the Council. and they had given him credit for doing his duty honestly, and in the best interests of the ratepayers, a fact which he appreciated very much. Things did not look very rosy in Swansea at present. Their expenditure had been increasing, and it would increase much more, and unless they could get an increase in their revenue they would be obliged to raise the rates. High rates, or the reputation of being highly rated, kept industries from the town, and now that competition was so keen, the matter of rates was one of great importance. The present enterprises of the Council would cost about half a million, and where was the money to come from? That was a problem they would have to solve very soon. The amalgamation of parisnes would, in his opinion, be a good thing for the town. There were eight parishes in Swansea, with seven assistant overseers. So the amalgamation of those parishes would not only mean that the work would be less, but a great saving in expenditure. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Rocke referred to the management of the Corporation's estate. He held that if it was better managed the revenue for it would be increased. If they had a live man in charge, they would get very different results. (Hear, hear.) Ia reference to the assessments, he had taken the matter up very seriously, as it was a most important one. At present, if a man who had a bit of property added a back-kitchen, his assessment would be raised in less than six mouths; but with regard to larger properties such as the Gas Works, the Tramway Co., &c., the assessments had not been touched since 1890. He believed that if the as- sessments of the Borough were better arranged they would be raised £ 50,000, and the rates re- duced from 8s. to 7s., a very desirable result. He was not very keen on been re-elected, but, he thought that with his long experience on the Council,he could render them valuable assistance. He had initiated some very important reforms, and consequently he was anxious to see them further. If they did not return him—and he had never appealed to the burgesses of Victoria in vain so far-he would only have more time to devote his attention to the development of his own business. Loud applause greeted the termination of Mr. Rocke's speech. Mr. Chas. Daniels moved a vote of confidence in Mr. Rocke, and in doing so spoke in eulogistic terms ef that gentleman. In supporting, Mr. Howel Watkins paid a warm tribute to Mr. Rocke, under wnom, he said, he had sat on the Finance Committee. He testified to the care and zeal with which Mr. Rocke served the interests of the ratepayers as chair- man of the Finance Committee. Mr. Watkins also spoke of a book beaming on rates which Mr. Rocke had got up, stating that it must have taken a great deal of Mr. Ro.'ke's valuable time and attention to work it up, as it was a most elaborate affair. He produced a copy of the book, which he invited anyone present to see after the meeting was over. In conclusion, Mr. Watkins urged those present not only to vote for Mr. Rocke themselves, but to get others to do so aS()ther gentlemen having supported the resolu- tion it was carried with acclamation. A vote of thanks to the chairman (Mr. Mason) concluded the meeting.

SWANSEA'S ILLUSTRIOUS DEAD. THE MURAL TABLETS IN NEW ST. MARY'S. [ARTICLE I .] In St. Mary's Church many a tablet glimmer? to the dawn"—the ghosts and elegies of Swansea>illustrious dead. But their resting place is no longer dark, and the marbles and brasses stand oit clear and distinct in chancel and in nave. connecting the new church with the old, and carrying the traditions into future cen- .turies. On some- of these marbles, when the moon is high and shining through the tall win- dows, there steals a silver flame along the letters —lighting them up vith something of the de- served glory that Tennyson saw stealing over the tablet of young Hallanv in his resting-place by the broad water of the- west. These is a mystic glory in many of the monu- ments in St. Mary's, from the humblest to the greatest, some of them forgotten long ago, and others romembered in local history. As you enter the church at the south porch, you encounter the mural monument to Gabriel Powell, who died in 1788, and Mary his wife, on which is curiously traced the descent of the latter to Sir Thomas Mansel, Baronet, of Margam. Next you come to the tablet sacred to the memory of Edward Jones, of this town, mariner, who died the 20th of November, 1824,aged 55 years. Reader And attend to this cold monitor. He whose me- mory it records in the paths of honest industry > 6hone conspicuous by his superiors he was re- spected by his inferiors he was beloved the virtues which adorn the human mind he knew by practice posterity will cite him as an example of rectitude unimpeachable and fidelity un- shaken." Alas that posterity should so soon have forgotten him Crossing the nave, you come to the monument to Joseph Richardson,merchant, of Cae Bailey, who was one of the churchward- ens, and who was lost in the great storm at Balaklava on the 14th November, 1854, in H.M- s.s. Prince, of which ship he was chief officer, David Michael can boast of two monuments and Edward Howell, M.D., and his children Capt. John Turner, R.N., and his wife the late Mr. Frederick Cole, whose educational work in Swan- sea is, after all, his best monument: the late Mr. S. C. Gamwell, editor of The Cambrian, are here remembered by their relatives and friends. Near the north porch is the tablet to the memory of Caroline Herschel, the wife of the late Rev. E. B Squire. She had laboured for the spread of the Gospel among the tribes of the Eastern Archi- pelago in the Chinese Empire—that most difficult and dangerous of missionary grounds. She was ( only 35 when she died in 1850. Twenty-six years later her husband's name was added to the tablet, i Over the doorway is the little marble erected by the late George Grant Francis in memory of Hugh Gore, D.D., Lord Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, in whom great learning was combined with native modesty, true piety with Christian charity, and who, dying at the age of 79, was interred in this Church on the 27th of March, 1691." The Mayor of Swansea placed the tablet in the Church to record the liberal spirit in which be founded and endowed the Free Grammar School for the education of youth in virtue and J good literature, A.D. 1682, and to commemorate the 179th anniversary when the school was re- established on the new site, the 16th September, 1853." The Herbert Chapel is now approached, under the arch which once divided off the chancel of the old church. Here, when building operations are completed, will be revealed the beautiful alabaster altar-tomb of Sir Mathie Cradok, knisrht, sometime depute unto the Right Honor- able Charles, Erie of Worcet, in the countie of Glamorgan, and Morgan, Chancelor of the same. and Steward of Gower and Kilvei, and mi ladi Katerin his wiffe." The remains of Sir Mathie i lie buried here; bat the wiffc"—the Lady Catherine Gordon, whose haud was bestowed upon Perkin Warbeck the Pretender by Iher kinsman, James IV. of Scotland—is buried in Berkshire, side by side with Sir John Strangewavs, whom she married after Sir Mathie's deatn. Under- neath the Herbert Chapel, as we learn from the mural tablets, were buried Thomas Gardiner, a grandson of Sir Wm. Gardiner, who died in 1767, at an age modestly computed, like that ot his wife, at "upwards of 80 years Richard Seys, Esq., "eldest son of Mattiie W. Seys, by Alice, his wife, daughter of Christopher Middleton, I who died in 1746 John Warner, who died in 1775, and was interred—de mortals nil nisi bon um —with ins mother-in-lawT. Tnen there is a tablet in this chantry to the memory of the Rev. Calvert Richard Jones, of Swansea, whose executors claim the Herbert Chapel. On the eastern wall of the Herbert Chapel is a monument of some historic interest. The in- scription is surmounted by an anchor and a reversed canon, crossed and draped with flags. The eoat of arms and a French eagle occupy a place at the top of the emblem, and underneath the badge of the Legion of Honour. The inscrip- tion reads:—" To the memory of Geo. Mansel Post Captain. R.N., Member .of the Legion of Honour of France, and of the Turkish Order of Nisham, conferred by the Sultan with other Turkish distinctions—second son ot Capt. Rawley Mansel, of the 63rd Regiment, descended from the ancient family of Mansels, of the Counties of Glamorgan and Carmarthen,— .vho died on board H.M.S. St. Vincent, of 101 guns, of which he had the command, on the 1st September, 1854, aged 60 years, on his return from service in the Baltic. (He was buried at sea.) Lord James Stuart erects this tablet in token of grateful recollection and affectionate respect, and desires to record his sense of the intrepid gal. lantry and untiring zeal in his country's service, and the high honour and unaffected piety, of the marked ability and rare worth of his attached and much lamented friend." Lord James Stuart, who until the passing of the Reform Bill was the member of Parliament for Glamorganshire, was a descendant of the house of Bute. In the new Herbert Chapel is row placed the stained glass window, in perpendicular frame- work, representing the Sermon on the Mount which in the old church occupied the honoured position of the East window, and was erected bv Mr. J. Clarke Richardson in memory of his wife. Here also, in the east wall, is the smaller • stained glass window, illustrating the Crucifixion, built to commemorate the visit of the Church Congress to Swansea in 1870. On the south wall of the nave are monuments to Jane, the wife of Roger Rosser, who died in 1743; to Sarah, the wife of Rowland Prichard, and the daughter of Miles Bassett, who died in 1797 to Wm. Stroud, the manager of the Glamorganshire Bank, who was drowned in 1854 to Thomas James, mariner, Elizabeth, the wife of Richard George to Mrs. Elizabeth Lewis, mother-in-law of Rich. George and last, but not least, to the Rev. Edward Jen- kins, D.D., who died in 1821, at the age of 77. Says his epitaph Cambridge and Oxford gave him birth and education, South Carolina honour and dignity." The many beautiful and historic monuments m the Chancel will form the subject of a fuither article in our next issue.

The bon. secretary of the Swansea and South Wales Institution tor the Blind and of the Roval Cambrian Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, has the pleasure to acknowledge with best thanks the receipt of donations of £ 2 2s. each to the above Institutions from the Swansea Horti- cultural Society, per Mr. J. F. Harvey, hon. treasurer. NAVIGATION SUCCESS. At yesterday's exam- ma.tion of the Swansea Local Marine Board, Mr. John Brisco, 20, Orange-street, Swansea, passed on his first trial as first mate. He was prepared at the Navigation and Shorthani School, 22, New Oxford-street, Swansea, conducted by the Messrs. J. and B. Harris..

Correspondence. All letters to the Editor must be authenticated the name and address cjtke writer, notnecessarÜy fvr pzilica tion,but as a guarantee of good faith. U'ecarmút insert letters wUich hace appeared ;l?,ew Iteri, Itor dr, Ice undertake to return rejected manuscripts.

ST. ILLTYD'S CHURCH, PEMBREY. TO THE EDITOR OF "THE CAMBRIAN." S'R. The writers of the very interesting work m St. Illtyd s Church, Pembrey, which has been -ecently published at your office, invite discussion .n your columns. They must be first congratulated on their contribution to the literature of parochial histories, and The Cambrian. Newspaper Company also deserves praise for the style is which the book has been printed and issued. As 1 know nothing of the history of Pembrey and its church beyond what I have learnt from this book, I shall confine my remarks to certain ecclesiological questions which are incidentally mentioned in it. (1) EE-ORDINATION C) OF WELSH PRIESTS.— There seems (pp. 4-5) to be some misconception in the minds of the writers about the meaning of 1. passage in the Liber Llandavensis." After quoting to prove that the church was consecrated ibout 1066 by Bishop Herwald, they then assume that the three priests mentioned, there received episcopal ordination for the first time from that bishop, although previously they had been exercis- lng- priestly functions by the authoritv of the superior of the monastery at Llanilltvd." orders and jurisdiction are thus confused. The Keltic Church, like the Latin, was in its polity episcopal, holy orders being transmitted by bishops. The difference was that while the Latin bishop exercised a territorial jurisdiction, his Keltic brother reided in a monastery under the jurisdiction of an abbot, who was generally a. priest, and sometimes even a layman. Their power of conferring orders was, however, equal. But it does not appear from the extract given that we need assume that these priests had ever received any ordination previous to that conferred by Bishop Herwald. The context, if given, might possibly lead to a different conclusion. (2) THE LADT must have existed in the latter part of the 11th centurv, for we know that Lanfranc removed the Lady Chanel in Canterbury Cathedral to the north aisle. (Walcott's Sacred Archasology." Art. Lady Chapel.) In the middle ages a chapel or altar dedicated to our Lady was so common in all churches, both cathedral and parochial, that in this case tradition is probably correct in ¡rjy,ng this name to the chapel on the north side of the chancel. The other theory suggested, viz.. that it was a chantry chapel, founded wherein to sing masses for the soul of St. Illtyd. does not seem tenable. The church was named after St. rlltyd-a Keltic saint, never I believe, admitted into the Roman Kalendar—because he was the founder. This, as will be seen below, was the Keltic custom. As Latin ideas prevailed, his position would be assumed to be that of a glorified saint, capable of being invoked, rather than one for whose soul's health the mass would be offered. It may, however, have been a chantry founded to sing masses for the soul of some local benefactor. (3) AMBET (p. 20).—Murray s "Oxford Dictionary" derives ambry or aumbnj from Latin armarium-a closet or chest. In a church it is described as a cupboard, locker, or closed recess in the wall for books, sacrmenta1 vessels, vestments, &c. An extract from Fardle of Factious" (1555) shows its use in the Dosition in which it is found at Pembrey rpon the right hand of the high aulter. that there should be an almorie. either cutte in the walle. or framed uoon it: in the which they would have the sacrament of Lourdes b?d?e' holy ovle for the sick, and the chrismatone. alwaie to be locked." In the form a mery it must not be confused W1,^ ?b a Piace for alms. TVT T? K —I cannot believe that Messrs. Roberts and Pertwee are justified in deducing the existence of a west door from the position of the figure on the cross on the rood- s. reen; itie purpose of placing the fiarure on the west side of the cross was evidently that it might be a prominent object to the worshippers in the naT(;- A crucifix, was, however, sometimes erected near the principal entrance of a church. %veil-known example is the great rood which stood in the north transept near the north door of old St. Paul's. (5) ISOLATED BAPTISTERIES.—The description of the remain" of what is supposed to be an anr-ient baptistery in the churchyard is most interesting. Baptisteries in early times were erected in the precincts of the church, being often connected with it by doors, cloisters- or Dorohes Guericke in his Antiquities of the Christian Church" (p. 106 note_9)says that a bantiCerium standing- entirely by itself is spoken of by Paulinius, Bishop of Nola. who lived A.D. 353.43I. a number of whoje letters are valuable for descriptions of the architecture of the time. Walcott in his Sacred Archa-ology. (Art. Baptistery) mentions one at Aix as being formerly isolated. That at Lnton is not isolated, but is separated from the body of the church by a stone screen a wooden screen Rets as a barner at St ppter's. Mancioft Norwich. I have been unable to fHd evidence for 1 the existence of isolated baptisteries in the Keltic Church, unless the holy wells in Corni«h churchyards, from which the water for baptism is even now drawn were formerly so used This opinion derives, some support from the fact that such wells do now exist Cornish Churches. eg., there is an open weil at the we-t end of Mad-on Church. Messrs. Roberts and Pertwee do not say if them was a weil in Pembrey Churchyard, or if thp old foundation was only a basin wh eh was only filled with water when in use. As Pemhrey Church was probably founded by 8, Ultvd himself a description of how a. Keltic church was dedicated may be of interest. It is taken from an es=ay on the Celtic Church and its Saints," prefixed to the last volump of Baring-Gould's "Lives of the Saints" CVol. XVI.. p. 67)& peculiar custom in the Celtic church was that of the dedication of a church or ecclesiastical colony. According to toe Roman visage every church must be a sbiine over a relic, and the church takes its title from the relie preserved fn it. The Celtic charc-h had its martyria, but these were exceptional. In it was customary for a holy man or woman who desired to found a Unit, to go to the spot and continue there in prayer and fastinsr for forty days and forty nights. Dunng all that time it was incumbent on him to eat nothing save a. morsel of bread and an egg, and to drink only miik and water, and that once in the day. The Sundays were excepted. This done, the place was regarded as consecrated for ever. The church, thenceforth, bore the fiJttHdtr s name. Yours faithfully, FRED BAKER. Torquay, October, 22nd, 1898. [Furtherr Corespondenee will be found on Page 3,1

BEN EVANS & CO/S MANAGING DIRECTOR. COMPLIMENTARY DINNER BY THE EMPLOYEES. PRESENTATION TO MR. AND MRS. JOHN WHITE. At the Royal Hotel last (Thursday) night, the employees of Messrs. Ben Evans and Co., Limited, entertained their able and genial manager, Mr. John White, to a dinner on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of his con- nection with the firm. The banquetting hall of the Royal was charmingly decorated with festooned art muslins, curtains and Japanese oddments, and the gathering of t-he ladies and gentlemen in the employ of the firm was an indication not only of Mr. WhIte s popularity as a manager, but also of the excellent spirit which prevails amongst the numerous depart- ments in the great Temple-street premises. Mr. W. H. Aynsley, the secretary to the company presided,, and he was supported at the cross-table by Mr. John White, Mrs. White, Mr. and Mrs. Morgan W. Davies, Mr. and Mrs. Meredith Thomas, and Mr. and Mrs. Mayhew. The heads of the various depart- ments and something like 240 ladies and gentlemen sat down to a dinner which did infinite credit to the catering of the Royal. After the cloth had been cleared, the Chairman submitted The Queen," observing that at no time in the history of the country had a greater feeling of loyalty been shown towards the Queen and the Government by all parties and all newspapers in the State than in the present crisis with France. (Ap- plause.) The toast was duly honoured, and it was followed by two capital songs, Queen of the Earth," sung by Mr. Reynolds, and Tit for Tat," sung by Miss Stephens, both songs being encored. Mr. Francis Davies, in submitting "The Firm," said he need not tell them the history of the firm, because they were all acquainted with it. In fact, they were all sailing in the same ship, and he had been sailing in it for about 17 years. He was glad to see that night a good many faces that had been in the same employ for 20 and even 25 years. The firm had in the past made wonderful progress, and since its conversion into a limited company in 1895, it bad gone on by leaps and bounds. He believed he was correct in saying that 1897 was their best year on record, and he ventured to predict Jnat, although conditions were against by the end of the present financial year, the firm would even eclipse the record of 1897. (Cheers.) In fact, the firm was bound to succeed under its present manager (applause)—who was undoubtedly a natural organiser, a champion of enterprise, and of unbounded energy. (Cheers.). Mr. White was doing much to-day to wipe out the epithet Sleepy old Swansea During all the years he (Mr. Davies) had been connected with the firm he had found the manager not only giving others a chance but pushing them forward to success. (Applause.) There was no need of a magnifying glass to see Mr. White's good qualities. He hoped he and Mrs. White would live long. When the journey of life wa.s completed, the name of their manager would remain as the name of one who was an ornament and a leading factor in the firm of Ben Evans and Co. and in the commerce of Swansea. (Cheers.) Mr. G. W. Mayhew responded to the toast. He said they would all sympathise with him in his difficult task. It was only through the incapability of Mr. White that he had to respond—not that Mr. White was incapable of doing so, but for once in 25 years he was not a member of the firm of Ben Evans and Co., but was their guest. (Applause.) If he spoke for hours he could not tell them more than they already Knew of the progress of Ben Evans and Co., Ltd. Their name —and he was proud to say it—was known through the whole of South Wales, England, Scotland, Ireland and the Colonies. (Applause.) Scarcely a week passed now without their sending goods to Africa, Italy, Melbourne and other distant countries. He felt proud that the name of the firm should go forth in the way it did but he thought- and Mr. White himself would be the first to say so—that the cause of the success of Ben Evans and Co. was the attention and civility that every customer received from the highest to the lowest of the employees. Undoubtedly, Mr. White himself had been a great factor in making the firm a success but to a large extent the success had been due to the invariable courtesy that all cus- tomers received. Only this week a gentleman who had lived in Birmingham for 14 years had come to live in Swansea. Within 24 hours of his arrival he became a customer of the firm, and he said that during all the years they had lived in Birmingham they had never received such civility as had been shown to them on their first visit to Ben Evans and Co. He would like to say that anybody could force a bad thing down people's throats, but it took a good man to sell a proper article. (Applause.) There were goods on show in their premises that were not to be found in every prominent town. And in their premises a working man received the same attention as an earl or an archbishop, and had the same value for his money. It mattered not to them whether a lady came in to spend £1,000 or 10d., she received the same civility and attention, and that was the secret of the success of the firm. An honest working man was as good to them as the best lady in the land. There was one question he would like to speak upon—early closing. (Loud applause.) He considered that the hours that the shops were open in a town of the size and importance of Swansea were a disgrace to the civilised world. They would of course like to have bankers' hours but that was a fling to which they must not look forward to. But there were prospects of something being done, whether voluntarily or com- pulsory he was not in a position to say, but that ii must be done was a certainty. (Applause). It would be altogether wrong and dangerous for one particular firm to take up a strong stand on the matter; but whatever was brought forward to shorten the hours of labour, he could honestly say that it would have the heartiest and strongest support of Ben Evans and Company, Ltd. (Cheers.) The Chairman submitted the toast of the evening, "Mr. and Mrs. John White." He said that comparatively short as had been his connection with the firm—thirteen years—it had been long enough for him to discover the sterling worth of their guest, to find out what an estimable manager he was, and what a true friend he had been, not only to himself, but to everyone in that room (Cheers). To serve — years in one firm was a great thing in the We of any workerj but t0 serve 25 years with such remarkable success, and to rise to such a position in the life of the town and in the business itself as Mr. White occupied, wf;s exceptional The Bishop of Ripon, when m Swansea, said that the reason of successes of great men in life was their steadfast adhesion to duty. (Hear, hear.) That had been the leading point m Mr. White s life, and it ought to be a great incentive to every one, from the highest to the lowest when they saw, from Mr. White's example,' the possibilities in front of all, if they were honest in their endeavour to do their duty. One of the main things which endeared Mr. White to the employees was his bonhomie He was within touch of all, and every man in the employ, whatever his position, if he had any little complaint to make, would receive his attention. Not one of the triumphs accorded to the old Roman generals exceeded in heart- teit adm^atwn the honou, th endeavoured would X that evening, and he the intrff 7 lr!i White not to look at behind IIT V^k\6 °1 the.lr Sifts, but to look the feelina- gnf f fivers, and recognise pervaded fhe lrPt and Oration that Mr. MeJelith (APPla«se.) White with S. ?,maS then Presented Mr. suitable terms followmg address, in a few To John White, Esc, w i Tii,ln o Windsor Lodge, Swansea. DEAR SIR,—\YE ing the entire staff of M! ersiSne< represent- Co8, Ltd., respectfully »»d heartiest congratulations on J'™ our your twenty-fifth year in the, comPletion of firm, and to express the hope of the years of life and health may be era* Jr}any more « We wirt to place o„ ^K^pW ciation of the Stirling qualities of energy an(2 honourable purpose which have resulted in your attaining such a high position in the commercial life of the town, and particularly would we refer to the increased prosperity of the business since your acceptance of the office of managing director, on its conversion into a limited com- pany in February, 1895-an increase mainly attributable to the zeai and ability with which you have carried out the arduous duties devolv- ing upon you. We also cherish a grateful remembrance of your unfailing kindness and courtesy to each and every one of us, the active interest you have always taken in matters concerning the welfare of the employes, and your readiness to help forward any movement for their moral or social improvement. In token of the respect and esteem in which we hold you, we ask your acceptance of this address, together with the accompanying epirgne, in the hope that in future years it may remind you of the devoted band of workers you had on this auspicious occasion. We likewise recognise the great influence for good exercised by your esteemed wife, and we trust she will accept this pearl and diamond pendant as a small souvener of our admiration and regard. Signed for, and on behalf of, the emploves. "FRÃNCIS A. DAVIES, J. GRANT HUGHES, D. E. THOMAS, D. HILL DAVIES, WM. JONES, GEO. W. MAYHEW, "FRED E. EVANS, ROWLAND JONES, "E. G. DAVIES, CHARLES REED, E. MEREDITH THOMAS, WM. it. ATNSBY, Presentation Committee." Mr. Charles Reed, the superintendent of the stables, then presented Mr. and Mrs. White with a magnificent silver epergne. In doing so, he said that a few days ago someone had asked him if he would like to be Mr. White. He should like to be Mr. White that evening, but on the morrow he would just as soon be Reed. (Laughter). No. doubt there were many present who would like to be Mr. White, but he had a great load to bear, and if they all strove to do their best without the head of the firff looking at them, it would be much easier for Mr. White. He had very great pleasure and on behalf of the employes of Ben Evans and Company to ask Mr. White's acceptance of that piecel of plate and long might he and Mrs. White enjoy the sight of it. If they and he were still alj ve, and in the good old town of Swansea at the end of another twenty-five years, he hoped it might be his pleasure to spend an hour with them, and pluck an apple or a flower from one of its branches. Mrs. Evans gracefully presented Mrs. White with a pearl and diamond pendant on behalf of her colleagues, Messrs. Rowland Jones, Bell, Davies, Hoare, Cummings, Johns, Harvey, D. E. Thomas, Wilson, Fowles, and Maggs, also made speeches of congratulation to Mr. and Mrs. White. Mr. John White, who was most enthusi- astically received on rising to return thanks, said :-Ladies and gentlemen,—Let me tell you first that I never expected this gathering- Possibly, I appreciate it all the more because of that. I accept it as evidence of your good-will sincerely and earnestly meant. I am no speaker, as you know, and, in trying to express to you my feelings now I am very conscious of the fact. You will know how I feel without any attempt on my part to put the matter in words. I am, indeed, very grateful to you for your kindness, not only in this, but in the loyalty which has been such a source of strength to me in a position of considerable difficulty. (Applause-) Anyone who stands between employer and employed is as between the upper and the nether stone, and it is not easy always to reconcile interests which must occasional conflict. I have tried my best to do justice to you and to the investors, who h»ve marked their confidence in the business bY putting their money into it. (Applause.) In 1895 we together launched out on an enter- prise, the results of which could not have been foreseen, sailed without the old skipper over new seas. The scope and character 0 the business were then entirely altered, the responsibility was great. It is a pleasure to me to think that the has been so well blessed during years ot business depression, and that we have so happily weathered the storms to-ether- 11 (Applause.) Twenty-five years means a bIg slice out of a man's life. And yet to look back to 1873 the time does not seem so long since I came frolll Messrs. W. Tarn's place in LonJOl" Then Messrs. B. Evans and Co occupied Nos. 2 and 3, Teinple-street, and employed about 30 hands, and now we have this fine building and a staff of about 500 people. I am very proud of our position to-day, and I am particularly proud to believe that I have your respect and good will. I feei it more deeply than can possibly be expressed in words. (Loud applause). Shortly after Mr. White had finished speaking, the Mayor of Swansea, Mr-1 J. Aeron Thomas, entered the room, being accorded a most enthusiastic receptIon. Invited by the Chairman to say a few ords, His Worship said he had known Mr. White for about 20 years and from the day he knew him first he had found him a plain-meanin^ • plain-speaking, straight-forward Wel. gentleman. (Applause). He had found hIm also a sincere friend. Wrhen he heard, late on Wednesday night, of the gathering, he luade up his mind to be present, for as a citizen 0 Swansea, and for the time being as the Mayor —(loud applause)—he was proud thatthey ha men of the sterling value and worth of White amongst them. (Applause.) Towns were made by their men and a few men of the calibre, of the hard work and persistent ap- plication of Mr. White, were the men *n would make Swansea if they could obtain them. He (the Mayor) "a taken a great interest in the Tetapc- street premises. He had known former employer (Mr. B. Evans) for the sa time as he had known Mr. White, a?(^1.»n^ag the greatest disappointments in when Mr. Evans went to London to noa company. (Applause.) He wished to the establishment a Swansea one, no in commerce but in capital and m in every respect. (Applause.) elusion, his Worship complimente firm upon having snch a gentleman head. It would be a dire calamity if an> p1? happened to the establishment. Both the Chairman and Mr\ thanked his Worship for the cOlUphmå tl had paid them in being present, an health of the Mayor was drunk with enthusiasm. Other toasts were "The Ladies,' P™PM- by Mr. Mitchell, and responded to by Mayhew "The Press," proposed oy i r. Fowles; and "The Caterers," propo- V Mr. Harvey. The musical programme was as follows Songs by Mr. Reynold -u'sfs Stephens, Mr. Terry, Mr. WTest, Miss Mr. Harris and Mr. Wharton and reci a a by Mr. Burton and Miss Wallis; accompanist, Miss A. G. Mayhew. The musical items were greatly enjoyed.

GOWER PETTY SESSIONS.-At the Penmaen Petty Sessions on Tuesday, before Admiral Sir Algernon Lyons, Mr. R. A. Es^ery, !^0_°nel benson and Mr, R. E. Bastock, Charles Goiuon, Paviland, for allowing a pig to be at large without a permit, was fined 10s. and costs, hor driving without lights, Philip Gwyn, isisnopston, was fined 2s. 6d. and costs.—The case ot an alleged robbery at the Welcome-to-Town, Llangcnnith, was adjourned for a month. THE CORPORATION CANTEEN AND DR. RAWLINGs.-Altierman Dr. Rawlings, addressing a meeting of the Gospel Temper- ,s ance Unionat Swansea the other evening,strongly advised the magistrates to use their great powers more forcibly against public-houses which encou- raged drunkenness. He drew the line at munici- palising the drink traffic. The traffic was wrong, and they should nut participate in it. They probably knew that the Swansea Corporation had a little business of its own—the Cray canteen. As far as he knew, the only thing that bad come out of it so far was the settlement of a matter which had long been in doubt, viz., the defining of moderation. It used to be Faid that modera- tion was anything from a thimbleful to a bucket- ful. (Laughter.) But their Birmingham friends— for it came from Birmingham, and bad been adopted by our Corporation-had defined modera- tion as being not more than three quarts. Scien- tistg informed them that one and a half ounces of alcohol—or as much as was contained in one and a half pints of beer-was the limit of modera- tion and he left his hearers to work up the difference between the ideas of the scientists and those of the Swansea Town Council. (Hear,hear.) This was all the good that had come of that ven- t re so far. He was quite sure that those who had ntroduecd the matter were actuated by the high- pst motives—to keep down the appetite for drink; but unfortunately, there was already a public- ) house in the district, and the men could go there and have as much as they required.

THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS. NOTES AND NEWS. The civic patriotism of the people of Swansea is at a very low ebb. We hope low water mark has at last been reached, and that a strong re- action will shortly set in. Here we are in the last week of October with municipal affairs "stale, flat and unprofitable," if we except Mor- riston. It is a regrettable condition of things, and reveals the enlightened burgesses in a some- what unpleasant light. And to make matters worse, one at least of the three contests is quite unwarranted. As a body the ratepayers seem callously indifferent to the town's welfare. They grumble and sulk and pout from one year's end to another. Intelligence, independence, and enterprise are conspicuous by their absence in the average Swansea ratepayer when the affairs of the town are open to serious discussion, and when an opportunity is presented of taking a step in advance in our municipal administration. At Edinburgh on Tuesday, Lord Rosebery made an eloquent appeal on behalf of patriotism, civic as well as imperial. We should like his lordship to come to Swansea and address the ratepayers on the same subject. The three contests alluded to are in the Vic- toria Ward, the Morriston Ward, and the East Ward Aid. W. H. Spring and Mr. F. Rocke Aid. W. H. Edwards and Mr. D. Jenkins, and Mr- W. Evans and Mr. D. Williams. With the excep- tion of Mr. Williams all are retiring members who seek re-election. The fight in Morriston is being conducted with much spirit. It promises to de- velop into a typical Morriston election. Both sides are confident of success, and the meetings held each evening are both crowded and enthusiastic. There is not the slightest doubt as to which is the ablest of the two candidates. As a business man and a public representative Ald. Edwards has already made himself widely known. He has a strong grasp of Corporation affairs, and is the personification of independence. In connection with the recent iisues of Corporation stock he was largely the means of saving the town up- wards of £ 30,000. He has., made no flourish of trumpets over the fact?" He has not proclaimed it from the housetops. Mr. Edwards is not seen at his best in discussions on the promotion of a Police constable, or an application of an offi- cial for a paltry increase of salary. Mr. Edwards' strong personality, keen business aptitude, and sound common sense are revealed when serious business has to be done. His opponent, Mr. D. Jenkins, has been faithful enough in his attend- ance at the Council Chamber, but we want some- thing more than mere presence. As we remarked last week, if the ratepayers of Morriston are true to their own interests and to the interests of the town, they will not hesitate to choose Alderman Edwards in preference to Mr. Jenkins. Mr. F. Rocke has issued his address to the ratepayers of Victoria Ward. We hope he will be re-elected. The town can ill afford to lose him just now. As chairman of the Finance Committee he occupies an important position, which he has so far filled very creditably. For upwards of fifteen years he has been regarded as one of our ablest "City Fathers." He is a large ratepayer, and his interests in the town are considerable. He has already fought five successful elections-one every three years of his public life. We have before expressed the opinion that Ald. Spring's conduct in fighting Mr. Rocke is altogether un- justifiable. Whether the Victoria Ward constit- uents think the same remains to be seen. The moribund Trades Council is putting forth heroic efforts to make the fight in the East Ward interesting. The speeches of the would-be labour tribune and his friends are really funny reading. NVe fear the Trades Council will not survive the struggle. For years it has been weak and totter- lllg. Even when it had a little vitality the mem- bers only quarrelled among themselves. Each One wished to be leader. Each one was jealous of the other. Councillor Wm. Evans has been a Ca-pable and zealous member of the Corporation, and it would be a reflection upon the intelligence, of the East Ward ratepayers were they to reject him in favour of the nominee of an organisation which has not even earned the right of existence. Eastsiders made a mistake in rejecting the services of Mr. George Nancarrow a few years ag-o. We think they may be relied upon not to lDake another mistake. Mr. D. Jenkins is making much of the personal exPenses question. Members who form deputa- tions to London are paid too much, and elected too often. They should not receive more than the members of the Board of Guardians or the School Board. Mr. Jenkins has no right to make the comparison. The two bodies referred to are hoiited, we believe, to 15s. a day per member. So that it is very like a case of sour grapes. At a Uieeting in support of Ald. Edwards' on Tues- dy, Ald. Tutton made some pertinent observa- tions on this question. Let those gentlemen, said r. Tutton, who were willing to accept 15s. a day g0> but he told the ratepayers that they would be Sorry if they sent them. Mr. Jenkins was in Loudon during the hearing of the Triple Scheme caSe, and he challenged Mr. Jenkins whether it Was at his own expense, or that he went to London at less than two guineas a day, and his train fare in the bargain. Mr. Tutton stated that Mr. Jenkins was paid for that trip to London. Where did the money come from ? In part directly out of the pockets of the ratepayers of Swansea, because his expenses were paid by the Gas Company, and he went up there to thwart them (the ratepayers) in one of the best bargains ever proposed for tre town. NOMINATIONS. The nomination papers were handed in on Monday ALEXANDRA WARD. JA5lEg JONES, Brooklands, retired merchant l',ln.°Pposed).—First paper Proposer, John £ riffiths seconder, Thomas Yorath Second: Jones and P- <*■ lies. Third M. V Sullivan and Rev. John Gomer Lewis. Fourth J°*ePh Rosser and Henry J. Thomas. Fifth: ?Javid Jones and George Payne. Sixth Charles Maggs ancj Qeorfre Turtle. BRYNMELIN WARD. MICHA.EL O'SULLIVAN, Alexandra-road, phy- ^ian (unopposed).—First paper Proposer, ^chael KnaVe seconder Benjamin Trerise. Second Proposer, Rev. H. J. 0 Hare seconder, Rev. Watkins-Edwards. CASTLE WARD. E. G. PROTHEROE, Calvert-terrace and Goat- street.—First paper: Proposer, Edward Strick Seconder D M. Glasbrook. Second: Griffith Thomas Iand James Burgess. Third Dr. Hall and Dr W. Morgan. Fourth: John Austin and I3.- Thomas." Fifth; J. Leary and G. H. James. Sixth Fred Webster and H. S. Geen. Seventh S"- A. Thomas and E. J. Callard. Eighth John Harvey and John Lewis (draper). Ninth J. ^Wd Davies and R. Manning. Tenth William ^ioyd and David Jone=-. Eleventh John Davies an<i Charles W. Randall. Twelfth: Mrs. Jpanie and Mrs. Elizabeth favours. Thirteenth Vr'• D. Harris and James Thomas. Fourteenth Alfred Chriswick and John Griffiths. Fifteenth A!- Challacombe and R. M. Theodore Reed. Sixteenth John Davies (chemist) and Myrddin -L>avies. EAST WARD. __T^ILLIAM EVANS, Singleton-terrace, engineer. -cirst paper Proposer, C. L. Bath seconder, Y* Rowlands. Second: A. J. Richardson and ohn Lewis. Third: Thomas Wilkes and Wm. iJavies. Fourth Edwin Nash and George ^.arkin. Fifth John Thomas and Edwin Evans, oixth Thomas Rees and John Rees. DAVID WILLIAMS, Windmill-terrace, mill- worker.-First paper Proposer, David Bevan; ^econder, William Williams. Second James H. Cook and Luke Woodward. Third G. Knill and I*- Davies. FFYNONE WARD. WILLIAM WATKINS, Ashleigh, Ffynone, gentleman.—First paper Proposer, Robert D. ^urnie; seconder, Gwilym Morgan. Second: Joseph Hall and James Livingston. Third: Albert Mason and William H. Mill. Fourth Thomas Freeman and John A. Rawlings. Fifth Griffith Thomas and Philip Thomas. Sixth: William Thomas and Alfred Thomas. LANDORE WARD. THOMAS FREEMAN, Corrymore, tinplate manufacturer (uno\> osed). First paper: Proposer, Rhys Williams; seconder, Stanley Brabarick. Second: William Williams and Thomas Williams. Third W. C. Cooper .■wid William Williams. MORRISTON WARD. ALD. W. H. EDWARDS, tinplate manufacturer, Morriston.—First paper Proposer, Geo. Rowe seconder, John Meredith. Second: Rev.Watcyn Morgan and Rev. W. Emlyn J-ones. Third: Thomas Griffiths and John Griffiths. Fourth: Joseph Davies, J.P., and Richard Hughes. J.P. Fifth: David Jones and Henry Thomas. Sixth Thomas Buckland and William Jenkins. Seventh: John Thomas and David Williams. Eighth: Josiah Griffiths and William Malliphant., Xinth: David Richard Jones and John Griffiths. Tenth W. Albert Wheel and John Howell. Eleventh r- David Matthews and Daniel Rees. DAVID JENKINS, Woodfield-street. Morriston. —First paper Proposer, William Thomas seconder, Evan Evans. Second John Owen Davies and Ebenezer Rees. Third Rees Thomas and Charles H. Jones. Fourth Mrs. Mary Jane Florence Rees and Mrs Mary Jenkins. Fifth: William Thomas and J. Joseph Rees. Sixth Evan Rees. ST. HELEN'S WARD. WILLIAM PIKE, The Cottage, Langland Bay, retired merchant (unopposed).—First paper Proposer, D. R. Knoyle seconder, W. Smith. Second J. Tucker and R. Simpson. Third D. Meager. Fourth S. F. Thompson and E. J. Watkins. Fifth: Rev. D. B. Davies and Abraham Johns. Sixth: John Skidmore and John H. Jenkins. Seventh Thomas J. Powell and T. H. Davies. Eighth George West and David Alien. Ninth: Evan Williams andArthur Morgan. Tenth T. P. Williams and John Jenkins. Eleventh: John Phillips and John Hamlin. ST. JOHN'S WARD. GRIFFITH DAVIES, St. George's -terrace, gentleman (unopposed).—First paper Proposer, Joseph Davies; Iseconder, Rev. F. Samuel- Second Philip Davies and Morgan Rees. Third William Williams and Henry Ware- Fourth: Evan Matthews and Thomas Harris- VICTORIA WARD. FRED. ROCKE, felimonger, Brynsifi.-First paper Proposer, George H. Thomas seconder, John Henry Read. Second J. Pritchard and Thomas Jones. Third J. H. Gunningham and Chas. M. Morris. Fourth Thomas C. Small and W. Gwynn. WILLIA31 H. SPRING, merchant, Malvern- terrace.-First paper Proposer, Cnas. Richards seconder, Christopher Yorath. Second Propo- ser, W. E. Lloyd seconder, John Thomas. Third Prrposer, William Walters seconder, John Bevan. Fourth Proposer, Thos. Gatiagon seconder, Henry Young. Fifth Proposer, James Williams seconder, William Owens. Sixth Proposer, James Locke seconder, Fred Price. Seventh: Proposer, David Jones seconder William Ripper. Eighth Proposer, S. Harman; seconder, James Lake. Ninth James Lewis.

SWANSEA STREETS.—At a meeting of the Works Committee of the Swansea Corporation on Tuesday, Alderman Mayne presiding, a letter was read from Messrs. Davies and Ingram, solicitors, asking on behalf of clients interested in property in Caer-street which will have to be demolished when the Corporation widen the street, whether the matter of widening is likely to be taken up by the Corporation within the next few months. They understood that the contribution of £ 4.000 by Mr. Ben Evans and Sir John Llewelyn towards the expense would have to be taken advantage of shortly or be lost, and they desired to know how this is, and if the Corporation would approach their clients with a view of negotiating for the acquisition of the old Clifton Inn. It was decided to refer the matter to the Surveyor and the Town Clerk. With respect to the widening of Castle- street, Mr. Lloyd Davies offered his property for £ 3,500. A reply that the price was too hit:h was sent.—At a meeting of the Streets Committee on Tuesday, Colonel Pike presiding, a discussion arose as to the wages bill, which was £ 160 for the wt-ek Mr W. Watkins said for anyone to men- tion the word ""economy'' in the Council was like holding up a red rag to a bull. There had been no attempt to promote economy since he bad been on the Council, and he was still at a loss to know why the expenditure was continually creep- ine-UD He believed that if a serious attempt wore made by the officials a great amount ot money could l^e saved. It was decided to refer to a sub-committee consideration of what streets should be repaired. THE CANADIAN WINTER MAIL CONTRACT.— The report that the Allan line have again obtained the Canadian mail contract is now confirmed savstbe Liverpool correspondent of the standard and definite information is to band as to the new arrangements. The contract, however, is only a tentative one, and is confined to the six months winter service. The new arrangement will come into operation on November 12th, and thereat ter a weekly service will be maintained from Liver- pool to Halifax and St. John, New Brunswick. The steamers of the Allan Line and the Dominion Line will carry the mails alternately, an arrange- ment to that effect having been Concluded between the two companies. The contract entered into will expire m May, and then a pro- visional mail contract for two years from Mav 1899, to May, 1901, will come into force. This provisional contract is at present under the consideration of the Canadian Government, and it is expected that some arrangement regarding it will shortly be arrived at. This two years' interval will, it is hoped, suffi -e for the conclusion of definite arrangements for the much faster service which has been so long under negotiation.— Canadian Gazette, October 20th. CHOICE DULCEMONA TEA CHOICE DULCEMONA TE\ CHOICE DULCEMONA TEA Ii'ourg. Fresh. Invigo rating Is. 4d. to per lb., of all Groce-3. Acceptable alike in cottage and palace.

-=:- DEATH OF MR. W, H. FORESTER, J.P. FUNERAL. By the death of Mr, IV. H. F. re?tor, J.P.. si the advanced age of 80, a t*»II-known personality has been removed from our nidst. He was in many respects a most estimable' gentleman. At one time he carried on a large asd lucrative business. In that period he contributed- very considerably to local charitable and religion works. Manv in Swansea remember the parIoll times when several good houses in South Wales went to the wall. Trade was keenly depressed, and the com- mercial barometer was at a low ebb. Mr. Forester was struck heavily, but he bore up against his misfortune with commendable forti- tude. By hard work he succeeded in retrieving some of his losses. The deceased gentleman was. born at Merton, Surrey, and was a son of Mr. Polehard Forester, who was brought up at the court of the Russian Emperor. He obti-.ned a commission in the British army, and died in the service. The late Mr. W. H. Forester w an enginser for some years under the famous Brund, and took part in the construction of the Great Western Railway between Gloucester and Milford, Subsequent?! V, he undertook the managejOent of the Yniscedwyn Iron Works a position be relinquished in order to start business in Swansea as an iron merchant. Ho was then about 40 years of age. Per many years he tepro- sented some of the most important works in South Wales, and was sole agent for the sale of, steel bars pig-iron. He was well-known in the iron trade, in which he exercised considerable influence. r p to the time of his death, he was largely interested as shareholder and director of several tin-plate works and other commercial undertakings in South Wales. At oue time he was a member of the Swansea Council, but he took little, if any, interest in public affairs. He was one of the oldest magistrates- in South Wales. He married the daughter of Mr. James Ballard, of Cowbridge. His brother-in-law, Mr. Ballard, >vas for some years in command of the Glamorgan Artillery Militia. Deceased, who was a personal friend of the late Mr.. C. R. M. Talbot, lived for twenty-five years at Sketty Park, then the property of the late Sir John Morris. Bart. He died on Monday last, after a brief illness. He leaves a widow and a large family. The funeral, which was strictly private, took place on Wednesday at Sketty, the Rev. E. .-Homey officiating. The coffin was covered with wreaths, crosses. Æc

thoughtful! reading, quoting the excellent Latin adage, lege multum non multa." The formation of this habit is obstructed nowadays, as Lord Eussell observed, by the needless and com- petitive multiplication of cheap magazines, Eensational and superficial in spirit, and tending rather to discourage than stimulate the taste for genuine and edifying literature. Those enter- prising gentlemen who flood the marke wi species of production and grow rich by it, are no by any mean, to be regarded as the champions of education and enlightenment. It isi^dee> deeply regretted that the more widely d ffused possession of the elements of instruc and the consequent need for some sort of intellectual. pabulum should have been exploited by men of 4e commercial rather than the intellectual type for purposes of their own selfish profit. Such agencies as the National Home Reading Union which seek to encourage reading of a better kind deserve every support and success. Lord Eussell referred also to the influence of the contemporary newspaper. As a purveyor of news and facts, it is impossible, he thinks, to exaggerate its importance its didactic function, however, is not so entirely commendable. People were too ready, however, to accept the opinions ot the particular" we" upon which they relied, instead of forming an independent opinion from the facts which the newspaper supplies. Speaking for ourselves, we have no desire thus J1801?., 6 right and duty of individual opinion. n e i or has by special sources of information and opportunities, perhaps, some advantage in arriving at an intelligent opinion on the various questions of the day; but every man has full liberty to differ to any extent, and, judging from our correspondence columns, this liberty is very freely exercised and expressed.