The Cambrian

CAPITAL AND COUNTIES BANK The sixty-fifth annual report of this Bank appears in our advertising columns. It affords striking evidence of the stability and enormity of the concern, and the progress it is making every year. The Swansea branch of the Capital and Counties is in Temple-street, with Mr. Frederic Edwards as manager. The annual meeting of the shareholders was held on the 19th inst., when the directors' report and accounts were adopted. The report stated that the gross profit for the twelve months, after provision had been made for bad and doubtful debts, paying income tax, and deducting rebate on bills current, amounted to C443,660, and that after deducting 9246,616 for general expenditure (including1 directors' allowances and annuities to retired officers), E197,044 remained as the nett profit, to which a balance of £ 83,719, carried for- ward from June of 1893 has to be added. The total for division was thus £ 230,763. From that amount bad already been deducted the dividend at the rate of 16 per cent. per annum declared in January last ( £ 78.800), and the directors now de- clared a further dividend for the past six months at the same iate percent., which absorbed another £ 80,000. After appropriating £ 25,000 to reduc- tion of cost of premises and £ 10,000 to officers superannuation fund, there remains zC36,963 to be carried forward to next account. During the year new branches have been opened at Fore-street, E.C., at Bishop's Waltham, and at Chatham, while arrangements are pending for establishiflg branches at Ipswich and at Grays. Mr. Wm. Garntt. M.P., has been appointed vice-chairman of the bank in the room of Sir Gabriel Goldness, Bait., who retains his position as a director, he having been re-elected at the annual meeting, together with Mr. Wm. Williams (Swansea), Mr. J. T. Smith, and Mr. E. Henty. The authorised capital of the Bank is X7,500,000, of which £ 5,000,000 is subscribed, the amount paid up being £ 1,000,000. The reserve fund stands at £ 750,000.

NEATH. NOTES AND NEWS. [BY NUNQUAMJ. The Neath Football and Athletic Association have decided to make a cycling track on the Gnoll Ground, and a further proposal is on the tapis to secure the additional land adjoining, and now in the possession of Mrs. Andrews as tenant. Personally, I am very pleased to learn of this enterprising movement on the part of the committee. Those who have held the reins of government in sporting affairs have for the last few years exclusively proved themselves altogether devoid of enterprise which is essential to success in any movement. In the event of the proposal mentioned at the beginning of this paragraph becoming un fait accompli, the association will have done at least one thing to justify its existence. At the same time I am by no means pleased with its laxity in regard to the holding of athletic meetings this season. The rise has been taken out of the association even by such a small organisation as the Briton Ferry Wheelers, who held successful sports on the Gnoll Ground, while il find that on Bank Holiday another private venture is associated with the same ground. Surely if a private committee can run sports at a profit, the association can do the same. What the Neath Association wants is enterprise—that which is actually they have been utterly devoid of up to the present. Last week I was able to say a. few words in favour of the Neath Cricket Club. I am also sorry that I cannot do so this week. On Satur- day last Swansea were encountered at the Grnoll Ground, with Creber, Bancroft, and Dr. Cameron away. It is well known that cricket is a most uncertain game it was believed before the game commenced that Swansea would win. I am not concerned directly with the result1; and I must condemn the execrable fielding of the Neath eleven. In fact it was too bad for words. At the very outset of the Swansea innings, when E. W. Jones and D. Thissen hit freely, the home eleven seemed to become demoralised. And they went from bad to worse. The Swansea fielding was none too good, Geoghegan being the worst offender, but, as I have already intimated it was almost perfect compared with that of Neath. In the Bridgend match the latter fielded admirably. We can excuse failure in batting and bowling, but not in fielding. The only scorers worthy of mention on the Neath side were Sam Clarke and Dudley, while of the visitors D. Thissen with 82 (surpassing the Neath total by one run) and E. W. Jones, with 41, werf the cream. Swansea won by six wickets and 79 runs. And they fully deserved their victory. Quite a mild sensation has been caused at Neath this week by what has happened to Michael." Mr. D. J. Michael came to Neath about five weeks ago. He had purchased the business of Mr. Arthur James, architect and sur- veyor, Neath. Some years ago Mr. James had served as an assistant to Mr. Michael, who then carried on business at Abertillery. When nego-I tiations were opened, Mr. James had no idea that his former employer had leanings towards in- sanity, and the business was disposed of because the former had resolved to go abroad. Mr. Michael's stay at Neath produced many amusing, but, withal, sad incidents. He at once commenced borrowing money, and it is within my own per- sonal knowledge that one cheque was returned marked Refer to drawer." Other attempts at "raising the wind with which I am personally acquainted were made by him, and in at least one instance, be was successful. Those who came into contact with him could not help being im- pressed with his strange doings and sayings. I distinctly remember him flourishing a cheque for £ 1,000, and hearing him say Yesterday I was comparatively poor, but to-day I am a millionaire. I have made C2,000,000 over the colliery I have purchased at Waunailwydd." It is now common knowledge that Michael was arrested at Swansea, and that he was charged at Bow-street on Satur- day with having obtained instruments to the value of S40 under false pretences. He admitted his guilt, but stated that inasmuch as he had made 99,000,000 in a fortnight, he could easily afford to pay. In the end, poor Michael will probably be sent to an asylum. 'Tis a sad case. ITEMS.—The Mayor, a number of the Corpora- tion, and friends enjoyed an outing at Southern- down on Thursday. The arrangements were admirably made by Mr. James Allen.-The evils of excessive drinking were painfully illustrated by the death of Mrs. Bowden, who lived with her husband, the landlord of the Crumlyn Lodge Inn, Britonferry-road. This poor woman drank herself to death on whisky and gin. The cause of death, as stated by Dr. E. V. Pegge, was delirium tre- mens and exhaustion. Verily, an intensely sad eiid.-By-tbe-way, Mr. Coroner Cuthbertson is by no means satisfied, because he holds thai the police must have been acquainted with the habits of the man and wife, and a report should have been made to the deputy chief constable. I learn from a trustworthy source that the license holder has been under notice to quit for some time Skewen has produced a fighting lady, in the per- son of Margaret Jane Rosser. That good lady went for P.C. Qnartley like a man a few days ago. The constable sought the protection of the law (he was too much of a gentleman to forcibly return the compliment), and the result is that Margaret is having a rest in Swansea gaol. A special meeting of the Llantwit Lower School Board was held on Wednesday, under the presi- dency of Mr. Edward Law (vice-chairman). The other members present were the Rev. R. O. Evans and Mr. D. Rees. The Clerk (Mr. Edward Powell) stated that the only business before the Board was to consider the Department's suggestion that the membership of the B oard should be increased from five to seven. There were, he said, resolutions standing in Mr. Law's name, recinding the notice reinstating Mr. Brown, and appointing a successor out of the applications already received. Those resolutions, said the Clerk, could not be moved because thev were not in order. Mr. Law could srive a further notice of motion which conld become effective when the new Board came into existence. Mr. Law moved that the representa- tion of the Board be increased to seven members. Mr. David Rees seconded, and the motion was unanimously adopted. After some further deliberation Mr. Law decided to adjourn the motions standing to his name to the last ordinary meeting of the present Board. Mr. Rees asked what was the salary advertised in connection with the proposed new head teacher. The Clerk replied -9 £ 120, jE20 less than the salary paid to Mr. Brown. Mr. Rees Yes, and there were 56 applicants for trained teachers. SCHOLASTIC SUCCESS.—Miss Annie Hunkin, of Neath, on Saturday last in London, passed the higher examination of Trinity College in pianoforte playing. Miss Hunkin was prepared by Mr. Arthur Heig, Mus. Bac., R.A.M. CHARGE AGAINST A JNEATH ARCHITECT.— When Detective-sereeant Ferret arrested David John Michael, said to be a mining engineer, on a charge of obtaining.C40 worth of scientific instru- ments by false pretences, the prisoner at once admitted the impeachment. But I shall have no difficulty in paying for them," he added, as I have made a fortune of nine millions during the last fortnight out of some mines I bought." Prisoner was remanded at Bow-street police-court, London, on Saturday. Michael was arrested at Swansea last week, and handed over on Friday into the enstody of officers from the Metropolis. It was then remarked that he appeared strange in his manner; and from Neath we learn that the same opinion has been formed there, where he was better known, he having recently purchased the business of Mr. Arthur James, a Neath architect. Only a few days before his arrest he had boasted at Neath that he had purchased a colliery, and had made a profit of £ 2,000. FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR. BRIGHT.—On Monday afternoon the remains of Mr. John Bright, formerly landlord of the House of Lords, Neath, were interred in Llantwit Cemetery. The mourners were :—Mrs. Bright (widow), Mr. Tom Bright (son), and Mrs. Bright, Mr. Mark Bright (son). Mr. Phillir) Evans and Mrs. Evans (daughter), Mr. and Mrs. Gough {daughter), Mr. and Mrs. Farrah (daughter), and Mr. Prewett. Many beautiful wreaths were sent by members of the family and friends. The Rev. A. F. Evans (rector of Neath) touchingly performed the funeral ceremony. Mr. Bright had lived in Neath for 15 years, during which time he had won much respect and high esteem. He died at the age of 54. NEATH SCHOOL BOARD.-The monthly meet- ing was held on Tuesday, Mr. William Cribb presiding. The architect (Mr. J. C. Rees) reported that satisfactory progress was being made with the erection of the new schools. The wood block flooring was being laid and the heating apparatus would be commenced next week. A cheque for JE500 was drawn for the contractor. It was agreed to grant Mr. Philip Thomas the use of the schools for practice for a concert, the proceeds of which are to be applied to the School Library and Museum.

LOCAL NEWS. SUCCESS OT A SWANSEA YOUNG LADY.—We are pleased to announce that at the recent open competitive examination for the Reed scholarship at Bedford College, London, Miss Florence E. Lowes, daughter of our respected townsman, Mr. Frederic Lowes, auctioneer, was awarded the same. The scholarship is the value of X21 10s. per annum, and is tenable for three years. Miss Lowes, who is only 18 years of age, has done brilliantly, the number of marks attained by her for the various subjects being very high. She is being educated at Queenswood School,London, the lady-principal of which is Miss Ethel M. Trow, youngest daughter of Mr. Thomas TMV, an old Swanseaite, and for many years chairman of its first School Board. RICKS ON FIRE AT GOWER.-On Friday even- ing a destructive fire broke out at the rick yard at Scurlage Castle Farm, and before the flames could be extinguished about X300 worth of da- mage was done. THE WRECK OFF Gowpp.On Saturday the body of another member of the crew of the ill- fated ketch Three Sisters was washed a3hore at Oxwich Bay. MIDLAND RAILWAY ALTERATIONS IN AUG. —The 1.45 p.m. (l'uesdays only), Sheffield to Milford Junction, in connection with North- Eastern train to Hull, will be discontinued aiter August 15th. DEATH IN A FIT.—Mr. Wm.-Rees, aged 62, of Cefn, Bonymaen, on Monday evening had a fit, and expired a few hours later without regaining consciousness. CORPORATION COMMITTEE.—It was reported at a meeting of the Works Committee on Tues- day that tne Local Government Board had sanctioned the borrowing of £ 3,330 for the purchase of land at 35, Castle-street, for street improvement purposes. FOUND DROWNED. An adjourned inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of Alfred Cock, who was found in nearly a nude condition, drowneel in the North Dock, was held by Mr. Talfourd trick, deputy-coroner, on Tues- day morning. Lamplighter William Prater de- posed to finding a coat, from which, thinking it had been thrown away, he took 8J. and a dis- charge. Questioned by a juror, lie denied finding the clothes on a Mrs. Jacob's doorstep, and also stated that he did not see two women about. In reply to the foreman, he said that he had not made a statement to the effect that if they had not found a body in the nock they soon would. The jury returned a verdictof "FoundDrowned." ELECTRICAL POLES IN SWANSEA STREETS.— Councillor W. Watkins at a meeting of the Swansea Streets Committee on Tuesday remarked that be was astonished that the Traction Com- pany had been allowed to place their poles right along the middle of Alexandra-road, and thought it the bigurest blunder they could make to allow it.—The Surveyor said in his opinion it was no blunder, as sufficient room was allowed on each side for vehicles.—Mr. Griff. Davies said that when the time came he preposed to move a vote of censure on the sub-committee who bad dealt with this subject. But the biggest blunder was when the company had been allowed to place poles in pavements only 4ft. wide. UNIVERSITY OF LONDON.—RESULT OF THE MATRICULATION EXAMINATION.—The following are the local candidates who qualified by private study, and whose names appeared in the list of the University of London matriculation examina- tion, just issued:—First division.—S. S. Ball, Cardiff, H.G.S.; Edmond L. E. Bardier, Cardiff, H.G.S. and I.S.; J. A. Barker, Caerleon, C.; J. Bennett, U.C., Aberystwith; Rose L. Benns, Norwich John LI Davies, Alderman Davies' Schools, Neath Levi T.Davies, Swansea H.G.S.; Joseph H. Lloyd, Llandilo C.LS.; Trevor J. Matthews, Swansea G.C. Hamilton E. Quick, Swansea G.S.; William H. Shaw, Swansea G.S.; D. Mary Thomas, I.S., Llanelly; Idwal Edward Williams, Swansea G.S.; Thomas G. Williams, I. and T.S., Llii,nelly. -Second division k. Thomas Davies, Llandilo G.S. J. H. Jones, Swansea 1. John M. Lewis, Ystalyfera C.S.; Thos. C. Merry, Swansea H.S.; Adeline B. Thomas, I.S.,Llanelly; Emma Wiedhofft, The College, Swansea; George Victor Wilson, I.S., Llanelly. STRANGE DEATH OF A SWANSEA LANDLADY. —An fnquest was held on Saturday on the body of Mrs. Ellen Sullivan, of the Cork Stores, at Greenhill, Swansea, who was found dead in bed, after falling about whilst in drink. The husband (Thomas Sullivan) and Sarah Carroll, servant at the Stores, gave evidence, showing that the de- ceased had during the day been to her brother's public-house, the Masons' Arms, and returned rather the worse for drink. Some hours after- wards she slipped on the stairs in trying to get up to bed,land the servant then helped her up. Afterwards she found her lying on the bed dead. The medical evidence showed a clot on the brain, caused by a blow, and the jury returned a verdict of Accidental death." HOWELL'S SCHOOL.—SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS. —A meeting of the governors of Howell's Glamorgan County School for Girls was held at the sohoolhouse, Llandaff, on Tuesday afternoon, Lord Tredegar presiding. The report of the examiner appointed to conduct the recent exam- ination for six Howell's scholarships was received, and the following children were elected :-The Misses D. E. Edwards (Caerphilly), M. 0. Williams (Talgarth), at present a boarder in the school; M. Shaw (Mountain A-h), M. C. Williams (the Rectory, Dowlais), Mabel Walton (Trullong, near Brecon), and L. J. Abbott (Bridgend).. Thirty-eight candidates presented themselves for examination, and 19 reached a creditable standard of proficiency. The scholar- ships entitle to free board, lodging, and washing, with tuition, for the term of one year, renewable from year to year for five, or in exceptional cases six years. The governors have discretionary power to make a grant for clothing in addition. The prizes will be awarded at 2.30 on Saturday afternoon next. There are vacancies for boarders in the school, who can secure all the advantages of the school as regards tuition and board fo the sum of X20 per annum and tuition fee. Girls leaving the school will be entitled to compete for valuable exhibitions tenable at places of higher education. Further particulars may be obtained from the clerk, Mr. C. R. Waldron, solicitor, 96, St. Mary-street, Cardiff. SWANSEA EVENING CONTINUATION SCHOOLS. -On Monday evening, at the Paris-Welsh Exhi- bition at the Dumfries-place Technical Schools, Cardiff, Mr. Lewis Williams, the chairman of the Cardiff School Board, presided over the fourth of a series of conferences on education, the sub- ject now for discussion being, Evening Contin- uation Schools, and How to make them Attrac- tive." The principal speaker was Mr. C. H. Wvatt the clerk of the Manchester School Board, and the attendance also included Mr. A. G. Legard (Her Majesty's Inspector for Wales), Mr. W. L. Daniel (of the Merthyr School Board), Miss Brock and Mrs. Freeman (of the Swansea. School Board), and a large number of teachers. Mr. Wyatt gave an interesting address, and in the ensuing discussion Mrs Freeman illustrated the hardship of the 17s. 6d. limit by citing the fact that owing to this limit Swansea was last year deprived of £427, which, had it been ob- tained, would have come to swell the salaries of the teachers. In Swansea the evening schools were very popular, and the Board had received a petition from 100 women to start one in one of the outlying districts for women only. This was done, and there the women learned to read and write, so as to be able to correspond with their children who had gone abroad. She advo- cated physical culture in the schools. DANGEROUS CUSTOM. A WARNING TO MOTHERS.—At an inquest held at Swansea on Monday, on the body of a babe of 15 months, named Dorothy Maggs, the father, Mr. A. E. Maggs, of 51. Malvern-terrace, explained how the child was strangled in bed owing to the band of its nightdress being secured to another band and tied to tha head of the bedstead to prevent the child falling out of bed. They had brought up six children previously, adopting the same plan.—A Juryman said he thought it a very wrong thing to bind a child in any way in bed. It would have been better if the child had fallen on the floor. He spoke as the father of a family, and he thought it a very wrong thing to do. In his idea there was gross neglect. He should like to hear me- dical evidence.—Dr.Rawlings said that something of the kind indicated was a common practice amongst parents when children were restless. The danger would have been minimised if the waist- band had been tighter. The child was safe if its hands had not got underneath the band.—The jury returned a verdict of Accidental death." SUDDEN DEATH OF A LLANSAMIET TRADES- MAN. On Monday morning a sensation was caused at Llansamlet, by the sudden death inthe street, of Mr. J. Gregory, a grocer and general dealer, of Birchgrove. It appears that the de- ceased, who was of excitable temperament, had just had a "row" with the manufacturer-Robiette —of a patent medicine with whom he bad done business. Both appeared to be excited,and Robiette is alleged to have given deceased a push with his open hand. Mrs. Thomas and Mrs. Robiette in- terfered to prevent a scene, and deceased went away. k few minutes afterwards he rusHed an- I I I I I grily up the roact towards mr. KODiette s nouse once mere, and then was seen to suddenly fall to to the roadway. Neighbours went and picked him up, but he never rallied.—On Wed- nesday Mr. Coroner Strick held an inquiry into the circumstances attending the sudden death of David John Gregory. Mr. J. R. Lloyd watched the proceedings on behalf of Mr. Robiette. Mrs, Grpgory, the widow, having given evidence, David Price detailed the circum- stances attending a controversy deceased had with Mr. Robiette, and to seeing deceased, a quarter of an hour after Mr. Robiette left him, fall down and expire. Dr, Jones of Llansamlet, said as the result of a pos-tmortem examination, be and Dr. Patterson found deceased suffered from an en- larged heart. It was a chronic case of heart disease, and death was due to that cause. A ver. diet of "Death from natural causes" was returned. GAZETTE NEWS.—(Bankruptcy Acts, 1883 and 1890)—Receiving Orders.—Henry Green, Hosea- terrace, Landore, Swansea, station master Edw. T. Jenkins, Windmill-terrace, St. Thomas, Swan- sea, coal merchant; John Irving. Mountain-road, Brynamman, Carmarthenshire, butcher. SWANSEA LADEN SCHOONER LOST. The schooner Little Dor: it. of Fowpy. from Swansea to Lowestoft, was wrecked off Walton-on-Naze on Tuesday evening. The crew were rescued by the lifeboat and landed on Wednesday. THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD. -The Welsh National Eisteddfod was continued at Cardiff on Friday. The event of the day was the chief choral competition, for which the Port Talbot Glee Society, conductor, Mr. D. Phillips; Mor- riston Glee Society, conductor, Mr. D. S. Evans Barry District Glee Society, Mr.D. Farr, and the Mountain Ash Male Voice Party, Mr. Glyndwr Richards. First prize, X70 2nd ditto, £10. The test pieces were "Jesus of Nazareth," (Dr. Jos. Parry), and the unaccompanied Hushed in Death," (Miles). Sir Frederick Bridge was the adjudicator, and he awarded the firt prize to Barry, and the second to Mountain Asu. The Eisteddfod concluded on Saturday. MUMBLES RAILWAY COMPANY TO BE SUM- MONED.—At the meeting on Thursday of the Glamorgan Roads and Bridges Committee,a num- ber of complaints were received as to steam being emitted from the engines in use on the Mumbles Railway, to the danger of persons driving, some of whom had had narrow escapes in consequence of their hor.,es being frightened. On the motion of Mr. Blandy Jenkins, seconded by Mr. F. H. Jotham, it was decided to issue summonses against the Mumbles Railway Company. GIRL BURNED TO DEATH AT THE MUMBLES. -On Thursday in last week, a young woman, named Thomas, aged eighteen years, residing in Bay-street, the Mumbles, was warming some bees-wax and turpentine, when it boiled over and enveloped her in flames. Whe she realised her danger she ran to her mother, but she was terri- bly burned before the flames could be extinguish- ed, and died on Thursday night from the effects of the fire and shock. SIR. JOHN LLEWELYN AND THE TITHES BI L L.-In reply to a resolution from the Swansea Liberal Association, expressing its entire disap- proval of the Clerical Tithes Bill," Sir John Llewelyn said he was sorry that a measure which he regarded as one of justice and equality, should be treated in a hostile party spirit, by the local association. The secretary of the SwanseaLiberal Association proceeded to argue the question at length with Sir John, who, in reply, contended that the measure was one of justice. He framed his opinion partly on the report of the Royal Commission as to the grievance, and partly on words of Mr. Gladstone in 1866, deprecating the allowing of small differences of opinion to pre- vent the application of a remedy to a, universally admitted grievance. SWANSEA LUNATIC CAUSES A SCARE.—Some sensation was caused at Swansea on Wednesday by a rumour that a woman had murdered her child and attempted to drown herself. It turned out that the only ground for the report was a statement by a demented woman named Annie Lilley, who was found in a barge in the North Dock, shouting, I've drowned my child, and when it is dead I will jump in on it." Inquiries n showed that she had no child with her when she went in the barge, and her two children were found at home in bed. She was conveyed to the Workhouse as of unsound mind. OUTING AT GLYN-NEATH.—Mr. D.G.Phillips, undertaker, of Wellington-street and Singleton- terrace, Swansea, following the example set by his late father, many years ago, gave his em- ployees and a few friends an outing on Monday last. The party numbered about 20, and were conveyed by brake to the Angel Hotel, Pont-neath-Vaughan. Mr. J. H. Jones, of the hotel, laid a sumptuous dinner, which was very much relished by the company. After dinner, Mr. J. W. Gamage, in a few pertinent remarks, thanked Mr. Phillips on behalf of the company for the excellent outing he had so generously given them. The company afterwards dispersed in various directions, some playing cricket and the usual games, whilst others went for a stroll to view the famed waterfalls, for which Glyn- Neath is noted. Among the company were Mr. D. G. Phillips, Mr. J. W. Gamage, Mr. Joseph Harries, Mr. A. Puntan, Det.-Sergt. J. Lewis, Mr. Frank Jones, Mr. Geo. Tarr, Mr. Walters, Mr. N. Tarr, and others. The day was, in every respect, a delightful one. The return journey was made about 7-30 p.m., reaching home about 11 o'clock. DISTRESSING FATALITY IN SWANSEA.—Aw AGED MINISTER'S DEATH.—The Rev. D. M. Davies. of Talgarth, was knocked down and run over by the Mumbles train at Rutland-street, on Saturday afternoon. He was severely injured, bled profusely, and was conveyed to the Hospital in an unconscious condition. He was 91 yearsof age, and from the first his recovery was regarded as hopeless. It was found necessary to amputate the left leg just below the knee, but the opera- tion, shock and the injuries were too much forthe venerable gentleman, and he died on Sunday. He was the oldestCongregational minisr inWales, and was held in the highest esteem. The news of the distressing occurrence caused the profoundest regret.-An inquest was held on Tuesday.—The housekeeper of the deceased said he was 91 years of age, but he did not look more than 65, and was in perfect health. Heileft home on Saturday morning for Swansea, where he intended staying for nine or ten days, thinking it would do his hearing good.—Further evidence was given showing that the deceased took a cab from the Midland to the Victoria Station.—Llew- ellyn Lloyd, guard on the Mumbles Railway, said he was staioned at the terminus to prevent people crossing their line to enter the Victoria Station whilst they were shunting past the gates. He stopped the deceased from crossing onca, and told him to wait till the train had passed. He then turned to stop a:trap from crossing, when he saw deceased cross the line. Deceased stopped halfway across, and the train caught him and knocked him down between the lines. Deceased could see the train, and if he had not hesitated could have got safely past. He was dot touched by the first carriage, but as he tried to get out the second went over his legs.—The medical evi- dence was that deceased died from rib injury.— The jury asked n. number of questions as to the methods of shunting.—A verdict of Accidental death" was returned.—No blame was attached to the officials. The jury, however, directed atten- tion to the desirability of shunting operations being so performed as not to blook up the entrance to the L. A N.W. Railway Station. LORD SWANSEA'S ESTATES IMPORTANT SALE.—On Friday week last, at the Royal Hotel. Swansea, Messrs. Chinnock, Galsworthy, and Chinnock, the well-known valuers and land agents, of London, offered for sale by public auction portions of Lord Swansea's estate, situate at Mumbles, Llangyfelach, and the Vale of Neath. There was a large and influential attendance, and the bidding on the whole was fairly spirited. Among those present we noticed Messrs. David Richards, Wm. Jenkins, J. B. Thomas, D. Thomas, Tirdeunaw; J. Jenkins, Brynwilach; T. W. Williams, Neath; Wm. Williams. J.P., Maesygwernen; W. J. Rees, F. H. Glyn Price, W. Sims, Quentrall, Llew. Davies, John Johns, Fred. Meager, J. Davies, Ynys- forgan; Sir Robert Morris, Edward Strick, (solicitor), Wm. Evans, J. M. Leeder, J C. Woods (solicitor), T. W. James (solicitor), E. H. Plant, John Roberts, J. Peel, G. Isaacs (solicitor), John Dyer, J. Roberts, Morgan Davies, W. James. A. Davies, Philip Rogers, J. R. Lowes, Beor (solicitor). E. F. Daniel, F. E. Tunbridge (auctioneer), Griffith Thomas, Morgan Davies, and Dd. Robert. Particulars of the pro- perties appeared in our issue of last week. Ques- tions having been aaked by Mr. T. W. James, Mr. J. C. Woods, Sir Robert Morris, and others, the sale was proceeded with. Lot 1, several free- hold enclosures of pasture, arable, and wood- land, at the Mumbles, about 17a. 2r. 7p.. was sold to Mr. F. H. Glyn Price (Duke of Beaufort) for 21,500. Lot 2, freehold land at Mumbles, about 2a. 3r. 20 p., was also bought by Mr. F. H. Glyn Price, at £300. Lot 3. 23a. 5p. of cliff and arable land, between Langland and Mumbles, and known as Rain's Torr, was sold to Mr. Ivor Vaohell, Newport, for £ 2,600. The Lletyrafael estate, Vale of Neath, was withdrawn at £ 12.010. The Llangyfelach estate was withdrawn at £ 30,000, when some of the lots of the estate were put up gfparately, at following re-ult. Lot 5, Peny- bank Meadows," This was purchased by Mr. Williams, Landore, for X200. A freehold ground rent of X3 10s. per annum, was withdrawn at £100. Lot 7, situated on the roadside at Pont- lasse corner, comprising a stone and slate built dwelling house, with two enclosures of pasture land, was purbasedi by Mr. T. W. James for £ 280. The adjoinining enclosure of arable land comprising 39. 2r. 16p., was withdrawn, only ZCIOO being offered. A range of ten cottages known as Vivian-row, was bought by Mr. Wm. Thomas, of Liangyfelach, for the sum of £ 600. Lot 10 consisted of two enclosures of arable and pasture land, comprising about 4 acres 1 rood 30 p^les. Sold to Mr. David Hughes. Pontlasse, for £ 120. Lot 11 was an enclosure of arable lnnd. comprising about Sa. 26p.. Sold to Mr. W. Thomas, Llangyfelach, Odynfoel Farm, com- prising stone ar.d elate built house, with farm buildings, together with 35a. 8r. 38per. Sold to Mr. D. Thomas, Llangyfelacb. The other lots were disposed of for the following amounts :—Lot 13, £ 600; lot 14, £490 (Mr. Wm. Williams, Maesygwernen) lot 15, zEl.570 (Mr. T. W. James) lot 16, withdrawn lot 17. £ 3,150 (Mr W. J. Rees) lot 18, C]OO; lot 19, minerals withdrawn. The amount realised at the sale was over £ 12,000. The Light Wines of Germany, so appreciated in the Summer Season, are in favour with the Medical Profession. Zeller," from the Moselle district, is a wine light and palatable, and guaranteed absolutely pure. At the exceedingly low price of Is. a bottle, it is generally considered to be of wonderful value. It can be obtained of all W. & A. Gilbey's 3,000 Agents throughout the country.

ABERAVON AND PORT TALBOT NOTES AND NEWS. LBY RAMBLER.] The Port Talbot Glee Society were not success- ful at the National Eisteddfod, notwithstanding a Cardiff contemporary wrote of their singing as creating "wild enthusiasm," and the writer added on his own that they sang magnifi- cently." So much for the literary critic's opinion. Certain it is, however, that they sang very well. and highly delighted the crowd, but evi- dently not the adjudicators. One member of the party—Mr. G. T. Llewellyn- covered himself with glory. He won the baritone and bass solos with comparative ease, and secured other prizes, and his reputation has certainly gone up in the musical world. The Mayor of Aberavou (Councillor H. Wood) secured first prize and three specials for his bob- tail sheep dog at the Bridgvnd dog show the other day, and also won a third prize for a bull terrier. It is not generally known that his wor- ship is a dog fancier, but ho is, and has secured a great many prizes up and down the country. There is something radically wrong with the Court House, at Port Talbot. At present one has to craiie his neck forward to-its utmost capacity to hear the evidence of the witnesees, aud the ejaculations by the chairman to speak up, gets quite irritating in its frequency. Of course, as a rule witnesses will persist in addressing the Bench in conversational tones, but for all that, the court is certainly not a good one for sound, and something will have to be done to remedy it. Situated as it is, right in the midst of a couple of railway stations, and abutting on the mam road, does not help the difficulty either, and no doubt a mistake was made in erecting it so close to the main thoroughfare. The Margam School Board took the wise precaution to set their block of schools some 50 or 60 yards off the main road, and a similar precaution ought to have been taken in regard to the new station, but the idea no doubt was to make station street as imposing as possible. What a sorry plight cricket is in in the dis- trict. It is simply deplorable that a district like Aberavon and Port Talbot, with a population of close upon 20,000, cannot raise a respectable club. Absolutely no interest is taken in the grand pastime, and young fellows of the district loiter about when they could be developing muscle on the cricket field. There are plenty of young men who would take to the game if it was only possible to get hold of a good organising secretary with cricket enthusiasm, but as long as the tradesmen and others of the district stand aloof, nothing will be done, and the youth of the town are thus allowed to idle away their spare moments on street corners. When are the Town Council going to take into consideration the question of providing seat ng accommodation at the beach. The west side of the Victoria road could also be greatly improved by the putting down of seats on the open space running alongside of the road. At present no eu- couragement whatever is afforded to visitors to frequent the beach. It is true the Corporation have a great many irons in the fire," but the matter of making the town and beacb attractive should be pushed on with all haste in view of events which are tak ng place in the district. The united choir of the Parish Church of St. Mary and the Welsh Church of St. Teilo had an outing on Tuesday last to Langland Bay. We are given to understand that the flotation of the Port Talbot Colliery Co. has fallen through, as the necessary money was not sub- scribed. This is bad news, but wo hope, for the interest of the distiict, that a flotation of a company will not long be delayed. The Aberavon Court House his been made spick and span for the reception of the County Court Judge and solicitors attending the court, and the comfort has been greatly increased thereby. PORT TALBOT COLLIERY COMPANY, LIMITED. a —This company has a capital of f,75,000 in 7,500 ordinary shares of £10, of which 6,000 shares have been offered for subscription, and 1,500 shares subscribed for by the shareholders in the Sandhill Boring Company, Limited. The com- pany acquires an nnder-lease of about 2,500 acres of mineral property situate at Port Talbot, Glamorgan, and will sink and equip a colliery with coke ovens thereon. The property will be sub-leased to the company by the Sandhill Boring Company, Limited. PORT TALBOT INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS. A meeting of the governors of these schools was held on Tuesday afternoon at the schools in Station-street, when only three members were present, viz., Mr. J. M. Smith (in the chair), Mr. R. W. Llewellyn, and the Rev. Hy. Morris. The Headmaster (Mr. W, Barry) reported that the proposed addition of benches to the laboratory would necessitate the removal of the stove from its present position, and he suggested the heating of the buildings with hot water apparatus. To equip the school throughout with this means of heating would coat JE80 to 985. It was decided to leave the matter, as also the provision of room for storing the bicycles of the the scholars, to the Management Committee. A number of accounts were passed for payment, and the reading of some uninteresting (to the general public) correspondence was dealt with. ABERAVON COUNTY COURT. FIRST SITTING. The first sitting of a County Court at Aberavon was held in the Council Chamber on Wednesday week by his Honour Judge Bishop. In deference to his Honour's wishes there was no public ceremony. In the absence of the Mayor (Councillor H. Wood), the Town Clerk (Mr. tfarmaduke Tennant), before the business of the Court proceeded, formally welcomed his Honour to Aberavon. He thanked Judge Bishop for acceding to the prayer of the memorial of the inhabitants which was presented to the Lord Chancellor and himself some time since. It had long been felt that a County Court sitting should take place in the district, where he understood a large number of the plaints came from, and in the present day, as his Honour was aware, the people seemed to think that law and justice was a commodity which they thought ought to be brought to their own doors as every other commodity was. He heartily welcomed his Honour to the town and he hoped that it would not only be an advantage to the litigants but to the professional gentlemen attending the Court, and he hoped further that it would cause no inconvenience to his Honour to appear there. Mr. E. T. Evans, solicitor, said that on behalf of the advocates practising in the district he wished to express their thanks for his Honour's kindly concession. His Honour said he was much obliged for the welcome extended to him. He had only come there at the instigation of the Lord Chancellor, and he hoped that a sitting of the Court there would prove a convenience to the litigants in the district. '1 he business of the Court was then proceeded with. CLAIM FOR HAY-R. E. Marendav, of Court Farm, Port Talbot, sued John Leyshon of the Ship Inn, Aberavon, for C4 4s. Od. for hay and chaff supplied. Mr. E. T. Evans appeared for the plaintiff and Mr. Jestyn Jeffreys for the defendant, and his Honour non- suited the plaintiff. ABERAVON COUNTY POLICE. MONDAY. Before Mr. Edward Knox (in the chair), and Messrs. H. Wood (Mayor), and Charles Jones. How INKERMAN WAS WON! ANOTHER VERSION.—A married woman of Taibach, rejoicing in the martial name of Mary Ann Wellington, and residing at "The Barrack," but better known as Inkerman-row, answered to the roll-call of defendants at this court, on Monday, at the instance of a robust Welsh- woman, named Ann Davies, charged with assault and battery on the person of the aforesaid Mrs. Davies, on the 26th June last.—Mr. Edward Powell, solicitor, Neath, appearpd for Mrs. Davies, and Mr.T. J. Hughes, solicitor, Bridgend, was aid de camp to Wellinjrton.—The history of the battle-ax the history of fights generally is-was the outcome of a somewhat long-standing feud between the contesting parties, and on the memorable 26th June the battle was fought and won on the plain of the local Inkerman, at Taibach. About 8.30 that morning skirmishing took place, but the parties did not come within striking distance. A couple of hours later, how- ever, Mrs. Davies challenged Mrs. Wellington, who was at the moment in her garden looking after the welfare of some swine, to come to close quarters, but Mrs. Wellington wanted to fight in the open, and at first declined to be ambushed" but her warlike spirit got the better of her, and she went to meet the enemy fully armed with a common table knife and a stone, after the manner of a David and Goliath combat, only that Mrs. Wellington's stone was much larger, and of course there was the further equipment of the knife. Mrs. Davies retreated before the advance of Wellington, as Napoleon did years before, and sought shelter behind the door of her house, which she closed. Wellington came on in gtomi, haste, burst the door open, seized her enemy by that always handy appendage in female warfare, the hair of the head, and then, according to the evidence of eye witnesses, struck her several blows with the knife, felling her to the ground welping in her own b.'ood. Friendly reinforcements came up, and Mrs. Davies was rescued, and Wellington in the hour of triumph gave up the fateful knife, and the scene of blood- shed and carnase was over and the battle lost and won. The mere matter of ct sts was deferred until the 24th July, when the Court of Summary Juris- diction, after a patient hearing, awarded the vanquished £1 17s. 6d., and in passing, we venture to say that no second edition of Inker- man could have been fought more cheaply. ANOTHER ASSAULT CASE.—John Jones, collier, of Abergwynfi, next stepped into the box, charged with assaulting Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas, a married woman, of the same place.—Mr. E. J. Evans represented the defendant.—Mrs. Thomas' story was that on the 15th inst. she was peacefully sitting in her kitchen when, without any warning, the defendant walked in, seized her by the throat, and beat her with a poker. It was a poker, too—none of your common kitchen pokers. It was an instrument which would have done duty very well for a crowbar. The injuries inflicted by this formidable weapon were, how- ever, very slight, as no trace whatever of them was visible on the visage of Mrs. Thomas, and she made no pretence of showing them to the Bench. Defendant, so the evidence went, calmly walked out of the house and dropped the poker in the street, but he must have recovered it again, as he produced it in court as evidence on his behalf, stating that Mrs. Thomas had thrown it after him. The defence was a total denial of the assault, and as the complainant did not bear a particularly clear character, the Bench dismissed the case. LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD INQUIRY. Col. W. A. Duuit, an Inspector of the Local Government Board, held an inquiry at the Council Chamber, on Tuesday morning, in reference to the proposal of the Town Council to borrow a sum of JE423 for the purpose of carrying out cer- tain private street works in town. Hi- Worship the Mayor (Councillor Henry Wood) Aid. Walsh (Deputy Mayor), the Town Clerk (Mr. Marmaduke Tennant), and the Borough Surveyor (Mr. J. Roderick) were present to meet the Inspector. The Town Clerk briefly explained the scheme, and the Inspector, after putting a few questions to the surveyor, closed the inquiry, and subsequently visited the streets included in the scheme.

PONTARDAWE. LBy OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT]. STRANDED THEATRICALS. — On Tuesday, about a dozen ladies and gentlemen of the theatrical profession, arrived here by the 1.20 p.m. train from Swansea. It appears they were bound for Craig-y-Nos. They had either been wrongly informed that this was the next station to the castle, or had got mixed in the Welsh names of Penwyllt and Pontardawe. On realising the fact that they were about 13 miles away from the object of their desire, they looked round for refreshments in the nature of luncheon or dinner. They tried all the principal hotels, inns or taverns in Pontardawe, but one and all could not supply them. What must they have thought of the catering of the local hotel keepers ? Such is not the way to get strangers to visit the little village on the Tawe. A good hotel well managed is undoubtedly required at Pontardawe. DISTRICT COUNCIL. — (Thursday;—Present,— Messrs H. Lloyd (chairman), M. Price, Daniel Jones, A. W. Samuel, Rhye Williams, D. Lewis, John Johns, W. Percy Player. Dr. Thomas, the Medical Officer of Health for the Eastern Divi- sion, furnished his report for the past 3 months. The Council decided to apply to the Local Govern- ment Board for permission to borrow £8,000, to carry on the amended sewerage scheme for Pon- tardawe.—The seal of the Council was affixed to the agreement with Mr. Player for lighting Cly- daeh with the electric light. VOLUNTEERS.—On Saturday about 50 of the A Company of the 3rd Glamorgan left for a week's training at Minehead. Captain Hedley and Lieut. Jenkins aacompanied the men. CRUELTY TO A HORSE. At the Police Court, on Friday, T. Williams, haulier, was fined £5, and £2 2d. costs, for cruelty to his horse. It seems the horse had a gaping wound in one of its legs, and the defendant burnt it with hot irons. The flesh had been burnt to the bone, aud the animal had to be destroyed. BICYCLE ACCIDENT.—The child of Mr. T. Davies, James-street, was knocked down by a cyclist on Saturday last, and picked up in an un- conscious state. The child ia reported to be making satisfactory progress. SCHOLASTIC.—The undermentioned pupils of Mr. Astley Samuels, Tanyrallt School, were successful at the June examination of the College of Preceptors. Second class, first division Thos. J. Thomas and Tom Evans; second division, Arthur Stewart Thomas. Third class, first division: Reginald Benson, Edgar Benson and Llewellyn Thomas. The subjects taken at the examination were Scripture, English, history, ereography, arithmetic, algebra, euclid (books 1-4), Latin, French and drawing. A. Thomas, distinction in Scripture; R. and E. Benson, distinction in arithmetic, algebra and euclid; Llewellyn Thomas, distinction in euclid. There were no failures. The second class candidates' certificates exempt them from the following preliminary examinations: The medical, dental, pharmaceutical, veterinary surgeons, etc. ATHLETIC SPORTS. An athletic meeting took place at Pontardawe on Saturday. The arrangements were carefully carried out, although several spills occurred. A cyclist while riding through the streets collided with the! trap of Mr. E. Bevan, Trebanos, and was severely injured. He was promptly attended to by Dr. John Jones, Clydach. RESULTS. Half-mile Bicycle Handicap Novice Race.—1, Jacob Thomas. Pontardawe (10 yds.); 2, E. J. Evans, Pontardawe (scratch). Half-mile Bicycle Handicap (open).—1st heat, C. E. Jenkins, Catford and Pontardawe (66); 2nd heat, C. E. Baker, Pontardawe and Shampton (70); 3rd heat, J. Nixon, Liverpool (25); 4th heat, F. W. Barkaway, Ferndale (68); 5th heat, Harrv Prickett, Cardiff Catford (54); 6th heat, R. J. Griggs, Cardiff A.C. (58); 7th heat, Charles Parker, Cardiff 100 Mile (63). Final: 1, R. J. Griggs 2. C. E. Baker 3, C. E. Jenkins. 100 Yards Flat Handicap.—1st heat, Jack Davies, Swansea A.A.C. (13); 2nd heat, H. G. Hoskins, Pontardawe A.C. (14); 3rd heat, F. T. Clark, Swansea A.A.C. (12j); 4th heat, C. R. Lundie, Cardiff (10); 5th heat, W. J. Trew, Swansea A A.C. (Hi) 6th heat, E. W. T. Stroud, Swansea A.A.C. (12!). Final: 1, W. J. Trew; 2. C. R. Lundie 3, Jack Davies. One Mile Bicycle Open Handicap.—1st heat, Jack Thomas, Pontardawe (200); 2nd heat, D. Phillips, Skewen (200); 3rd heat, F. Barkaway, Ferndale (125); 4th heat, H. Prickett, Catford (95); 5th heat, R. J. Griggs, Catford (110); 6th heat, J. Rees, Llandrindod. Final: 1, it. J. Griggs; 2, D. Phillips 3, H. Prickett. One Mile Bicycle Handicap (novice).—1st heat, E. Holbrook, Cardiff National ("cratch); W. Jenkins, Glanamman (30 yds.); 2nd heat, D. Joseph, Pontardawe (12); T. Martin, Pontardawe (25); 2rd heat, U. Williams, Glanamman (15); F. Hollyman, Mountain Ash (25). Final: 1, U. Williams 2, D. Joseph 3, Hollyman. 440 Yards Flat Handicap.—Final: 1, Trevor Benson, Swansea A.A. (30 yd.); 2, H. J. Hoskins, Pontardawe (41); 3, Jack Davies, Morriston (30). Three Mile Bicycle Handicap for the Francis Challenge Cup.—1, E. Nichols, Pontardawe (scratch); 2, Jack Thomas, Pontardawe Cycling Club (235); 3, D. Joseph, do. (270). 1,000 Yards Flat Handicap.—1, A. Moxley, Neath F.C. (50 yd;o.); 2, J. Saunders, Llanelly (45); 3, W. T. George, Tirydail (58). Two Mile Open Bicycle Handicap.—1st heat, Baker, Southampton and Pontardawe (245); J. Nixon, Liverpool (78): 2nd heat, D. Phillips, Skewen (380); C. Jenkins, Catford (245); 3rd heat, F. W. Barkaway, Ferndale (245); E. Nicbolls, Pontardawe and Cardiff (140): 4th heat, F. Hollyman, Mountain Ash (350) T. A. Dallinsr, Defiance C.C. Final: 1, D. Phillips 2, C. F. Baker 3. C. Jenkins. Sack Race.—1, D. Lewis, Pontardawe; 2, T. Davies, Pontardawe. AN UNFORTUNATE SEQUEL. During the course of the afternoon two men named James Jenkins and Edward Thomas were set upon by four men in the Pontardawe Inn and severely beaten and kicked, both there and in the street. Jenkins was very badly knocked about. On Monday four men, named Daniel Rees, Edward Rees, John Jones and William Jones, having been arrested by the county police, were taken to Swansea and remanded. fFoR FURTHER DISTRICT NEWS SEE PAGE 8.J

A MOST DELICIOUS LEMONADE. Eiffel Tower Lemonade is mnde from the finest lemons, and the great advantage is that it is partly manufactured in Italy iu the midst of the lemon orchards. The lemons are taken direct from the trees to the factory to commence their transformation into Eiffel Tower Lemonade. A 4d. bottle of Eiffel Tower Lemonade mal-:es 2 gallons of delicious Lemonade. If you cannot get it from your Grocer, send 4jd. to G. Foster Clark and Co., 4,048 Eiffel Tower Factory, Maidstone, for a bottle.

ST. ILLTYD'S CHURCH, PEMBREY Its History and its Architecture," by Mr. Edwarc Roberts and Mr. H. A. Pertwee. This is a well-written and reliable work it is vrofuselv illustrated, and should be in the hands of all interested in Church history. Order at once.

t- o CHESS COLUMN- [EDITED BY SELAH.I do In state array the foemen wend their way, To battle on Colssa's field." All communications for this department should be addressed to the Chess Editor. CHESS RESORT. SWANSEA COUNTY CHESS CLUB.—Tenby Hotel, Walter-road. Meets on Saturdays from 7.30 to 11 p.m. Visitors are welcomed. Closed until October 1st. SOLUTION TO PROBLEM by H. BRISTOW. Key move—B—R 1. No Correct solution received. TO CORRESPONDENTS. ERICK WESTBURY (Birmingham).—Beg to thank you again for your problem which, having tested, have much pleasure in publishing this week. Think it a very good one and shall be glad Of more from the same stock. N.)B.-Your remarks on the game between Fillsbury and Lee accepted with best thanks. I can hardly see the force of your suggestion for move (4) Kt-K 2. With regard to move (24) Kt x Kt, I think you are right, at the same time JDY impression is that the foundation of the weakness of the game lay in move (3) P-K Kt 3, and although it was replaced by the B this piece was of no service afterwards. From that move Pillsury directed all his plans. He saw at once its weakness, and his every move afterwards is evidence of his foresight. PROBLEM-By ERICK WESTBURY, Birmingham. BLACK (8 pieces). WHITE—(5 pieces). White to play and mate in two moves. Solutions are requested, and Problems will receive our best attention, with early publication if found worthy. Post cards will do. The Editor would be pleased if a few of his amateur chess friends would try their hands at problem-composing, and favour him with the results. Don't be afraid of failures we all improve by practice. It is an invigorating mental recreation when a wet day necessitates the bicycle taking a rest. Game in the late International Tournament between Showalter and Schlechter. If any of our chess friends can point out the particular move which lost Showalter the game we shall be pleased. WHITE (Showalter). BLACK (Schlechter). 1 P-K4 P-K4 2 KKt-B3 QKt-B3 3 B-Kt5 P-Q R 3 4 B x Kt QPxB 5 Kt-B3 B-Q B 4 6 Q-K 2 Q-K 2 7 P-Q3 B-K Kt 5 8 P-K P. 3 B-R4 9 B-K 3 P-B 3 10 Kt- Q 1 Castles 11 P—R3 Q-Q3 12 P-Q Kt 4 B-Q5 13 Q R-Kt 1 Kt-K 2 14 B-Q2 P-K Kt 4 15 Kt-K 3 B-B 2 16 Kt-B 4 Q-Q 2 17 R-Q 1 Kt-Kt 3 18 P-B 3 B x Q B P 19 BxB Kt-B5 20 Kt (B 4) x P P x Kt 21 Q-B 2 Kt x Q P (ch) Position after Black's 21st move. BLACK. It is said that an International Chess Tourna- ment is to be held in Paris next summer.

MUSICAL NOTES. BY "PUR-LAIS." [Correspondence on musical matters is invited. Address "PURLAIS," The Camrbicm, Swansea.] The second choral competition at the National Eisteddfod on Thursday was good, and, as the .adjudicators said at the time, was superior to that in the chief choral competition on Tuesday. The Swansea Ladies' Choir creditably acquitted themselves on Thursday in carrying off the first prize in the ladies' choir competition. There is no question as to which of the five competing choirs was the best, the rendition of the test pieces by the winners being good and meriting the praises lavished by the adjudicators. This competition proved to be the best of the series of choral contests in the Eisteddfod. The Treboeth juveniles did well in securing the second prize in the juvenile choral competition of Thursday, when twelve choirs fought for premier honours. This combination have sweet voices with a little "luck" would have won top lace. Will these youngsters develop in the course of a few years into competitors for the chief choral? Swansea wants a representative badly. The Swansea Cymmrodorian Male Voice Party did not shine in the competition on Friday. The victors-Barry-sang- well, while the runners up —Mountain Ash-also sang in good style. On the whole the male voice competition was a long way from being up to the standard of the national gathering; indeed, better singing is heard at minor meetings than that heard at Cardiff last week. Caniadau'r Ysgol Sul" is the title of a little collection of tunes for Sunday Schools that was published this week in book form by the composer, Mr. John Hughes, G.T.S.C., of Landore. The tunes are very sweet and are admirably suited for Sunday Schools where the juveniles predominate. Evidently Swansea does not lack musicians who are gifted with a talent for writing good music.

THE PROPERTY MARKET. LOCAL SALES. At the Royal Hotel on Tuesday afternoon, Mr. James (of Messrs. James and James, auctioneers, Swansea), offered for sale copyhold property at West CroEs, Mumbles. Two eemi-detaonea villas known as Nos. 1 and 2, Bay View, and a uortion of copyhold field were first, offered in one ?ot but were withdrawn at £ 2,000. The villas were then offered in a different lot, but were withdrawn at £ 1,500. The attendance was good, tut bidding was slow. The auctioneer remarked that the lots could be bought any time at his office by private treaty.

MARINB EXCURSIONS. Our advertising columns contain particulars of the cheap and de- lightful excursions run by the Brighton."

DRAUGHTS. EDITED BY MANNINGHAM." 'In friendly contention the old men Laughed at each lucky hit or unsuccessful mancenvre Laughed when a man was crowned, or a breach was made in the King row.—Longfellow, Evangeline. TO CORRESPONDENTS. All correspondence intended for this column should be forwarded not later than Tuesday evening, so as to insure insertion in the same week's issue. Secretaries of clubs are cordia ty invited to send us reports of matches and meetings, or any other matter of interest to players generally. H.G.T. (Swansea).-The person mentioned in your communication has not been a con- tributor for some time. P.C.F. (Aboravou).-Always delighted to hear from you. I SOLUTION TO PROBLEM 225. Black Men on 6, 9,10, 16 and 20. White Men on 13, 17, 18, 31 and 32. White to move and win. 32 27 19 26 18 15 24 27 16 19 31 22 10 19 17 14 27 23 20 24 22 18 White wins. SOLUTION TO PROBLEM 226. I Black Men on 16, 21 and 26. Kings on 11 and 19. White Men on 20, 22 and 30. „ Kings Oil 10 and 23. Black to move and win. 11 15 15 8 8 12 12 17 20 11 23 16 30 23 Black wins. PROBLEM 229.—By Mr. F. C. REIGLER, London. BLACK. PROBLEM 230.—By Mr. R. W. GIBSON, Liverpool. BLACK. GAME 114.—" DEFIANCE." Seleoted from the Martins v. Yates match <rames. Yates' move. 11 15 25 22 5 14 18 15 17 22 10 6 23 19 9 13 26 22 11 18 15 10 13 17 9 14 24 20 14 17 22 6 22 26 6 1 *27 23 11 15 21 14 2 9 20 16 17 22 8 11 32 27 10 26 25 22 12 19 15 10 22 18 15 24 31 22 7 10 23 16 9 13 15 22 28 19 8 11 22 18 26 31 10 6 25 9 4 8 30 25 10 14 18 15 13 17 5 14 22 18 7 10 27 23 31 26 Drawn. I 29 25 1 5 23 18 14 17 16 11 6 9 18 9 3 7 19 15 26 23 W. AND I." During the late James Wyllie's first tour through America he paid a couple of visits to Hartford, Connecticut. In the course of the second visit the chess editor of the Hartford Times had a sitting with the whilom Herd Laddie," and, under the heading W. and I. thus recounts his experience with the champion One day last week Mr. Brown, a member of the Hartford Chess and Checker Club, favoured us with a call. He was accompanied by a portly personage, who remindei ug, not exactly of the fine ould Iri-h gentleman," but of a bluff, good- natured Scotchman. He was introduced to us as Mr. Wyllie, the checker champion of the world." Then it was that the checker skill, which had lain dormant in our boots since our boyhood days, when we felt that we were some punkins" on a checker-board, strutted forth yearning for more glory. And what an excellent chance for glory. The checker champion of the world stood ready to give us glory or give us healthy recreation. The champion didn't look as if he could whip all creation, and we fondly reckoned that if we could got him scared he was our mutton. But how to scare him was the sonundrum. Finally, we asked him if he did not consider himself the Goliath of the checker world but his modesty prevented an answer. If we could only have got him to assume gigantic proportions we were calculatiner to get into David's boots and then taunt him about that little affair the Bible tells about. That would have fetched him, we guess. Being unable to bring this about, the only thing left was to go for him with his own weapons, and vanquish the Scotch gamecock at his own game. Not having any checker men handy, we placed eight pawns, two rook. and two bishops on the board, and Mr. Wyllie having done the same. we were ready for the affray. We had the Blfecks, and shoved a centre man first. The Scotchman timidly pushed a man on the left side. "Ah. ha," we thought, you're a gone coon. We can whip anv man at checkers who plays a fide game." We moved again, and so did he, and to all appearance the game was even. Could this he the champion of the world P We felt a glow of pride at the idea of holding the king of checkers in check. We swelled with admiration at our prowess. Yes two moves on a side, and the game still even. If our antagonist had not been playing a side game we might have been tempted to call it a draw. And as it turned out, we wish we had. At that point the game could have been drawn-by mutual consent or a span of horses but three or four moves later it couldn't have been drawn by a team of elephants. Reason. Wyllie moved up •a piece where we could take it. We thought it was an oversight, and magnanimou-ly pointed out his error. He was too magnanimous to take it back, and 1-ft it there. Thirking we would not permit a descendant of the land of Wallace to outdo one of George Washington's countrymen in a deed of generosity, we refused to take it, and shot a Bishop across the board, attacking one oi Wyllie's Rooks. The champion settled back in hi chair and gazed at us in astonishment. We felt flattered at the look. It was a tribute to genius. But our enthusiasm was dampened a moment later when he replaced the Bishop, and pointing to the man "en prise," said "jump." Very well, we thought, i!: he wants to sacrifice a man, why', we'll take it. We did BO. Then he moved up another for us to take. Well, we thought, if he wants to play a game of give away, we are his man. So we jumped again. Now it was his turn to jump, and we made him play leap-frog over four of our men. As soon as he saw that we had the best of him on give away," he settled down to checkers asain, and the change gave him the best of it. From this point to the close all we tried to do was to get a King, and we gained our object with ridiculous ease. All the champion* in the world can't skunk us at checkers. If Wyllie hadn't led us into a game of give away." we might have won that game of checkers. Just so.

THB SWANSEA DOG Smow.-This great show will be held at Mumbles on August 7th.

I FASHION NOTES. LB-r MESSRS. BEN EVANS AND CO., LIMITED, SWAIqSICA.1 Comparatively few women look really well on a bicycle, and we think to a great degree it is their own fault. There is no reason why each bicycle should not fit its own particular rider, in which case we should see fewer hunched-up figures, with knees reaching to the chin every time the pedals come round. Some women think there is an extra amount of safety in sitting very near the ground, but this really is not so and the effect of a low seat is anything but becoming. We think on the whole there are as many well-dressed folk as ill-dressed ones. Neatness is of primary importance-neatness with utility. A well-poised sailor hat, or close-fitting toque is necessary, and a skirt that is intended more for wheel than for ordinary wear. Say what French folk will, a really well-bung, somewhat short and some- what skimpy skirt is just as good for biking as their hideous culottes. The skirt and jacket should be of a colour that does not show dust, heather mixture, grey or fawn, but not navy blue. The next important point is the chausture. This always should be irreproach- able. Very neat brown stockings and brown strapped shoes are nice, and so are black ones. but boots are not good for cycling. They constrict the ankle too much. As for shirt and jacket, we think these depend entirely on TWO CYCLING SUITS. the taste of the wearer, but, of course, the coat should match the skirt. If no coat is worn the blouse should be very carefully adjusted, and the belt perfection, either sewn or safely pinned on to the skirt. A skirt that appears as an inflated balloon is a very dread- ful affair. The ordinary shirt, well cut and fitting is too well known to need description. Here are two costumes, with little coats over blouses, which may prove useful for summer touring. Number one is of fawn-coloured cloth, not too light in colour. This you will notice is a divided skirt, and shows you the best example of its kind for those who think they can bicycle better in this kind of skirt. It is very full, and is hardly discernible as divided when walking, especially as it can be buttoned together underneath if desired. Round the skirt are two little bands of white cloth, and the little bolero jacket is ornament- ed in the same way. The other dress is of grey covert coating and the smart little coat with its short basque is turned back with white, and machined with grey silk. The low- cut waistcoat is ornamented with little gold buttons, and a soft silk tie of crimson silk is worn. The soft grey felt hat worn by the second girl girl is very light and durable as well as becoming for anything like a tour, especially through the rainy lake districts. But if the French women do not know how to dress themselves becomingly for bicycling they do understand how to make themselves beautiful for the bain de vier. A Frenoh fashion paper gives every sort of advice for BATHING DRESSES. this costume. Black or navy blue are the colours most recommended for bathing dresses, outlined with white and red braid, and though they declare many folk wear little corsets of ribbon with whalebone busks. they do not consider them very healthy Here is a picture of a very pretty bathing dress and another for a little girl. The dress for the mother is of dark blue serge. The full knickerbockers are made with a tight band below the knee, the blouse long, buttoned in front, and held into the waist by a straight belt. The big sailor collar forms large revers, framing a flat vest of white, striped with white mohair braid this trim- ming is also seen on the collar, and at the edge of the sleeves and the blouse. This dress can be made out of four yards of serge and twenty of braid. The cap worn is of blue foulard silk spotted with white, lined with mackintosh. The little girl's dress is mther nice, and is made of white serge, the full tunic hanging from a square yoke embroid- ered with thick navy blue wool. The tunic is gathered on to the belt and is so held in place. The belt and little straight knicker- bockers are both embroidered to match the yoke. A great many French women wear an artificial fringe of naturally curling hair, in order to withstand the terrible trial of complete immersion!" It is not wise to allow one's own hair to get wet, as salt water renders it sticky and unpleasant. The caps made of waterproof-lined foulard are best, brought round the head and tied in a knot in front, with pointed ends. It is also desirable to wear bathing shoes, as the perils of the deep admit of stray crabs, stones, sharp shells, and all sorts of things.