The Cambrian

UNCLE ROBIN'S TOY EXHIBITION. VISITORS SURPRISED DELIGHTED. OVER 3,000 TOYS DISTRIBUTED. EXCELLENT CHILDREN'S CONCERT. Uncle Robin's first Christmas Toy Exbibi- i rhristmas Toy Exbibi- H Uncle K° '? t tbe Albeit Minor Hall. -tion was e It proved a great sue- Swansea, on doll3 atld toys of every de- ■ ee8aV-„n'"ere prettily arranged ontablea and ■ ball was tastefully decorated by I MessrsBen Evans »ui ■ MC-T%t"ce;?- picture in the Parsons, lhe scene delisted tbe H extreme, and su^ri^escribe the wonderful ■ many visitors. d not fee1 ■ array of dolls and of arranfting ■ disposed to tek«|»P- li?M. but where ■ tbetbmgS Tnbere'sa"ay. Uncle Rob,n «as ■ there's a"114 t0 secore tbe eo- fortunate some paton, a valuable, ■ operation of Mrs. T. ■ practical and zealous y ization ■ proved valuable Mr worker in good ■ tful, sympathetic an the capable ■ causes; Mrs J. treM of tbe National H »nd successful headrn Mrg_ T Edgar H Higher Grade Scboos who collected ■ John-nd Mrs. Martin ■ substantial amounts Exhibition, ■ These ladies J f competition, ■ they judged tbe on Mon- ■ and they assisted at th sincere ,thanks, and earnestly I him in next year s Ex^ltx d the highest ■ Tbe children s (Eut- ■ credit on Miss Jones Jones is a very ■ land-street s°b°°> and successful ■ talented musician. 0>enerai favourite in ■ echool-niistress, an "Nothing seems too ■ Swansea and dis y Df children, and I much for her to do on that she exer- I it is for this re^on' thetic a control over ■ cises so firm and takes this oppor- ■ her scholars, ^nc and her scholars I I Exhibition. v u- after I The ■ ene o'clock on S Watkins> Esq.) who ■ Mayor of SwanS*a ( the Mayoress (Miss lee I -m ra"?- ■ Watlcins),Mrs. Patryi, appropriate ■ Mayor d5;"7eier,.„Thlas.M.f'«"<lMr, I speech. M • • L]ewe]yn, Mrs. T. D. I Thomas, Sir John • • Brock, Mr. and I Siffiths, Mr, g E Fish an* Mrs. Cadwalladr, x • afternoon and othess attended durinc evening. distributed by the Mayoress The prizes were distr at 3.30. "Rutland-st. School, "Miss Nellie Robertson C„ff, Miss Maude j3nfcins gtre€ were awarded National Sc^ols'°eacb< for dressed dolls •firstprizes, I0s.6 Br00klands-terrace, Miss Katie Howell^ for and "Nurse," second prizes, dressed dolls National Schools,Oxford- Miss May ^rnett Nation^gged street, third prize, 5s.,t each were Consolation prizes Rutland-street awarded Miss Rational Higher School, Miss i i v.ctor-a pender, Rutland- Ztt fcW^nd Miss Minnie Morgan, for dressed dolls. l t prize, 10s. For best h"™ d*j2°nal H.G. School), €d., Master Basil Jones ( 6d ( Master 15, Mansel-street; 2n West. W. Austin (Nationa • Master Harry hury-street; 3rd g hooi),l3, Westbury- O.Dodd (National H.O.»c street, frll(,tor of these Prize~ who is to be congratulated ulrri,. Bebolars. The judge «• Mr. Prizes of books s and the following collections of^money __May Barnett, were declared the Henry Davies, National H.G. Sc Gam^ Eutland- Dyfatty Schoo! _]da wi]k.e> Nati0nal H.G. street Scboo Mumbles Board Sebool; Octavms Kmgdom j H G School; and Adelaide Cuff, » S0b00'' concert was a thorough "Hard times, come .gain no more i ? „tte "Trip. Trip, Tripping, Junior •vocal gavotte, p u{ dancei song. Scholars pina Miss jjaggie Lucas A fWe 'yttle Smmflakes," Miss Florrie and friends; a]r_ „CaUec *Miss Nellie Ed.ards"; action song, Herrin, „, hoop drill; song, r-^fVuhTMUs vfctoria Pender,. Master Walter Cole; action song, violin 8ol°,Mfl (i fi ,g Dreanl. song,-A merry .<3^4Maid." Miss Nellie Dendle; mandoline diligence M.ss Amy Loxton playing Miss Rose Tucker gave a fe w „■tab e i' fS:ssisunce. He 1 "e children had worked noM* that Miss Jones deserved the highest praise, that next year he hoped and ^e'ed^he Exhibition would be on a much 0 On Monday morning the toys and dolls were distributed, the ladies mentioned above rendering splendid service. sent to the Hospital, Cottage Horn >house, Orphan Home, Deaf and Dumb Institution, Blind Institution, the Home for Girls at Mumbles, and Miss Llewelyn s Home t cas-el, tX • Superintendent of the Ragged Sunday School .while toys »ere given several hundreds of "children to whom tickets had been given by Miss Chapman. The distribution occupied from 10.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. Uncle Robin again tenders his sincere -thanks to all who assisted him in gladdening ,-the hearts of a few thousand deserving poor children in Swansea and district. ENCOURAGING LETTERS. The following letters speak for them- selves i "MB. EDITOR-It is not my custom to write often to the papers, but on the present occasion I find a necessity laid upon me. -Uncle Robin" cannot very well speak of himself, and he has done such noble work in connection with the Toy Exhibition that he deserves much more than anything I can say. He has done noble work, and hundreds of poor ittle mites have spent a [n 7 I I -"a through the efforts of Uncle Robin in the pages of The Cambrian. The Cambrian has been known for many a noble cause it has supported during its course along nearly the whole of the nine- teenth century, but I believe it has never taken a nobler cause in hand, and carried it to so successful an issue as in its achievement in making the Toy Exhibition such a success. And what does this success of "Uncle Robin mean ? What is the significance of it? This Exhibition has far reaching results. (1) It has taught the children of well-to-do parents to think of the little fatherless and motherless, and of those who are worse off than in being fatherless and motherless. Who can fathom the influence of such a benevolent attitude on the minds of the children of the well-to-do class towards those who are born under less favoured circumstances, and nurtured without such care and parental love ? (2) It has taught the poor little children that someone cares for them. We teach them that God cares for them-that He who watches over the sparrows watchcs over them—His dear little children. It will help the little ones to understand that God helps them because He has sent His angels to scatter seeds of kindness and love. I do not wish to trouble you for more space, but let me thank you kindly for what you have done for the little ones. I hope it is only a beginning of what you will do during the early years of the 20th century and when the significance of your work will become known to the people of Swansea, I am sure that dozens of the young ladies of the town will be ready to assist you, for in assisting you they are assisting the children, and they are obeying the command of the Master who taught us lessons we ought never to forget concerning the children. Miss Jones, Rutland-street School, and her children deserve our .v u\n S-SD CAX IC-S. Their entertainment was one of the best I have seen in any part of the country. I hope your success is only the beginning of greater things you will accomplish for the welfare of the children. With the wishes of a Happy New Year to the Children's Column.-I am, yours etc., HELEN TUDOK JONES. Lyndhurst, Eaton-crescent. LETTER FROM MR. DAVID MEAGER. DEAR UNCLE ROBIN,—I thank you very much for your kind and handsome gift of toys for the children of the Ragged School. It is extremely kind of you. It must have cost you a great deal of time and trouble to have provided and carried out the distribu- tion of toys amongst so many hundreds of the poor children connected with the various institutions of the town.—Yours sincerely, DAVID MEAGER, Superintendent Swansea Ragged School. LETTER FROM MR. J. W. CADWALLADR. DEAR UNCLE ROBIN,—I gave myself the pleasure of visiting your first Toy Exhibition and Entertainment in the Albert Minor Hall on Saturday, 22nd inst. I found the hall nicely decorated, the platform gay with plants, and the continuous line of tables en three sides of the spacious room crowded with varied and beautiful toys-toys galore- dolls great and small everywhere. WThere such a "grand lot" could come from at so short a notice was to me, at first, somewhat of a mystery, but when I thought of the long list of kind donors given in The Cambrian; of the energetic ladies of your committee, and of the band of children who have worked so lovingly for Uncle Robin and his holy cause, I wondered no longer, but felt very j thankful that Swansea had such a man, who was able and willing to spend himself to bring a. gleam of joy and happiness this Christmastide to our little ones in hospital, workhouse, cottage home, or dingy street, and whose lives, at best, must be much influenced by their saddening environment. Considering the short time the idea has taken practical shape and been before our Swansea school children, the competition for home-dressed dolls and home-made toys was very satisfactory. Our children must be doing something. Girls delight in dressing themselves or their dolls. Many boys have a genius for boat building, engine making, &c., &c. Let them have a definite aim in their play-work, and a valuable lesson for life will have been taught them, and you will be gratified with the immediate result of your exhibition. I hops you will make this Toy Exhibition an annual Christmas event, and in good time invite the schools of the town to co-operate. A most pleasing part of the programme was the children's concert, under the able direction of Miss Jones, headmistress of the Rutland-street Schools. And now, dear Uncle Robin, please permit me to voice the thanks of the host of poor children who have received of your bounty and who wish to thank you from the bottom of their hearts for the pure pleasure you have given them this week.-Yours faithfully, J. W. CADWALLADR. 50, Mansel-terrace, Swansea, Dec. 26, 1900. LET fER FROM MRS. PATON. Mrs. Paton, who rendered very valuable aid, indeed, writes DEAR UNCLE ROBIN,-I feel I must write and tell you what a great success your Toy Exhibition really was on all hands I heard nothing but praise of the effort, and surprise at the very large number of dolls, toys, &c., you bad on view for distribution amongst the poor children of our town. If only the friends who so generously helped with money and toys could have seen the faces of the little ones beaming with delight in anticipa- tion of receiving the toys, they would have been amply rewarded for their kindness. I feel sure the day they received the toys will stand out for many poor children of Swansea a brigbt red-letter day. It would seem to them that at last oanta Claus, who visits the homes of rich children, and brings them such lovely Christmas gifts, had at last remembered the poor children, and had sent Uncle Robin all the lovely toys to distribute amongst them and brighten for a time their dreary, sad, little lives. It was really surprising to see the great variety of toys, dolls, books and games, as box after box was opened, and I realized how thoroughly in sympathy with the movement the givers were to have spent so much thought in the selection of their gifts. I trust that the kindly thought that prompted you to inaugurate the "Uncle Robin Toy Show will receive even greater encouragement next year than it has this, as I feel sure a movement so successfully begun will become an annual event in the town. May your funds next year enable you to give every poor girl and boy in the town of Swan. ] sea a gift of some kind. Again heartily congratulating you on the great success of l this year's exhibition, for which you have worked so energetically.-Yours truly, ALICE M. PATON. Heathfield, Swansea. Thus the Daily Leader The Swansea Albert Minor Hall has rarely presented a more picturesque appear- ance than was the case on Saturday after noon, when a toy distribution and entertain ment organised by "Uncle Robin," who con- ducts the children's corner of the Cambrian, was declared open by the Mayor (Councillor Wm. Watkins). There was an astonishing accumulation of playthings of almost every conceivable description, their number being estimated at 2,000, and the pro- ceedings were marked by the utmost enthu- siasm. The attendance of the younger generation was exceedingly large, and the faces of the children, who had anxiously looked forward to the affair, wore an ex- pression of delight. Mr. J. Brown, editor of the Cambrian. worked most energetically with a view to their entertainment, and was assisted by a committee of ladies." —. On Friday last Uncle Robin received a finely-dressed doll from Miss Hopkins. Rut- land-street School, a beautiful doll from Miss Eva Masters, and 7/9 collected by Mr. J- Walters, Hall-terrace, Cwmbwrla.

THE DANES AND SOUTH WALES, &c. [BY GOTHIC.] It wonld be imnfoessiry to sav one word in commendation of the lecture bv M". A. G. Moffat, as reported in yonr issue of the 7th in"t. One only relrrf-tq that the report appears to be very much condensed. Mr. Moffat has srone over a. fair portion of Viking reiord* dealiisr with the subject, which he treats in a clear and concise manner. A year or two I ventured, under the head- in? Stedwolaneo," to r«fer to evidence which exists of the fact tha.t t'ne Danes on"e conqnprec1 and occupied a larsre portion of South Wales. pcludine Gower. There are, however, many interesting points connected with Souhh Wales and the Da.n<"< I did n"t at that time wish to tire your readers with—(knowing as I do that readers cinnot be bothered with a perpetua recurrence to the onq sto-v. eweciallv'" if it happens to b1* a dry historic one)-It too 'lengthy communication on the subject. I now dare to think that a short reference to the matter mav be risked. It does appear to me that mtnv readers confute the seeminsr hard and fa^t lin" drawn by general historic5* which fix the date of the Danish invasion of this country. Possibly it may he correct that the first regular organised Di,,i,li invasion of this counfrv took nlao about 787. But it will never do for thoae who wish for some- thin? more th-m general statements to bn oontont with generni histories. There is not the slightest doubt that the latter ignores the records which are to be found of many migratory bands of Danes who landed in Wales and other parts of south, Irrespective of north. Britain, and who there can be as little doubt, made a home here. As a fact, the Saxons knew. for instance, the south of England long before the time general history fixes as the date for their first arrival, for we find the Romans were in the habit, centuries prior, of calling the coasts of Norfolk and Suffolk the Saxon Coasts." It cannot possibly be an accident, or the result of a desire to mislead, that so early as 505 we have recorded, in connection with Arthur, the introduction of a Dane. Bnt in 586 we have a most circumstantial account, which no sophistry, no fallacious reasoning, can do away with. Caridic was son of Wtedic ap Edern ap Padame (there were eleven brothers). The Saxons having vanquished the lot in a battle over the Severn, the latter took forcible possession of the land" of the Bethun's, who were the descendants of Glanhector, the most ancient Lords of South Wales.* I merely go into this detail to emphasise its more important following. Latterly, we read, the Saxons confederated with the Danes, and during a battle Caridic was preparing to give Kenrick the west Saxon, Gurmund, the ccm- mander of the Dans, appeared with his army, havinl'! got behind Caridic from the left side of the Severn. This necessitated Caridic's flight, and so we know that be had to cro"a the Severn and Dee, and hide himself in the fastness of the mountain district. These Danes were no new marauding party jaet landed, but evidently residenters. In the year 835. a very larjre fleet of armed men, Danes, landed on the Welsh coast," i.e., Corn- wall, and uniting" made war upon Egbert. It matters very little who the Danes united with, whether Welsh or resident Danes, the conclusion will be much the same so far as the essential matter is concerned. (To be continued.) Divi Britannici, 1675, p. 100.

SUICIDE AT COCKETT- THE IN QUEST- On Tliursdav in last week Mr. F. H. Glynn Price District Coroner, held an inquiry touching the death of Mary Ann Williams, a servant girl at Cefn Coed Farm, (West) Cockett, who was found hanging from a beam in an outhouse, by her employer, on Wednesday afternoon. William Thomas, of Cetn Coed Farm, Cockett. identified the body. Deceased, be said, was 18' years old, and bad been with him tor nearly two identified the body. Deceased, be said, was IS, years old, and had been with him for nearly two identified the body. Deceased, be said, was 18' years old, and bad been with him tor nearly two vears She had been in service before she came to him, and was an orphan. On returning irom delivering milk in Swansea on Wednesday after- noon about ten minutes past one o'clock, he found deceased hanging from a beam in an outhouse. There was a kitchen chair close to deceased. The decesed was a cheerful girl and a good worker, and continued so up to a month ago when she complained of having pains m her head She, however, went about her work asusual. On the Wednesday morning, when witness left for Swan- sea, she was quite cheerful. He knew that .he had been courting up to two months ago, and that her sweetheart wont to Manchester with another young woman. It was after that deceased complllined of pain, ill her head She was fond of the yoaae man. and bo believed she didn t like bis g 'ifg away, hut witness did not think she sufficiently grieved over it to make h^r take her own life. He had no i lea she was likely to take heCbar)e< Arthur, of Wussail-square. Swansea, said he was at Cefn Coed Farm on Wednesday working for Mr. Thomas. He last saw deceased alive in the kitchen about half-past eleven o clock He looked at her after she made breakfast, and said l* You're looking very strange what's the matter with you, Mary Ann ?" She answered- "Mvbead" She said she hadn't bepn out for a month to church or chapel, or anywhere. Witness then went to tbe field to work, and was called by n/r~ soon after one o clock. Dr Perkins of Sketty said he met Mr. Jacob Thomas, and he went to Cefn Coed Farm with P C Davies, Sketty, before two p.m. on Wed- nesday. The girl had, in his opinion, then been ('end between an hour and a half and two hours l'rom the time he made the examination, which was at 2.30. The face was cold, and there were marks of the rope on the neck. Death, in his opinion, was due to suffocation produced by the The^ry brought in a verdict of Suicide whilst of an unsound mind." THE CAPTAIN." The "Cap'^in" continues to hold the fav- ourite place it has obtained among the youth of the country. and its Christmaa number is ruadabi-) through and through. An article on Christmas in old lands tells us that "In Norway a very beautiful custom exists. Every pririco and pcam-nt alike gets; a ehcaf of corn and attaches it to the end of a pole, and leaves it so tha.t the birds may have a ChristmGs feast. In Italy all endeavour to make the Christmas dinner the chief item r>f the dav'e programme ana m Switzerland games (and especially the f^uit and sweet- meat-pelting gumo) arc tfio ctlef amuseiamit.

CHRISTMASTIDE IN SWANSEA & DISTRICT. The weather during the holidays was any- thing but seasonable. It was mild enough and damp enough for April. There were the usual outdoor and indoor attractions in Swan- sea and district, and all seem to have been well patronised. Christmas Day (Tuesday) was, of course, quietly observed. Services were held in the churches. The football match at the St. Helen's Field between Swan- sea ahd the Watsonians drew a large crowd. Several thousand people witnessed the fine game with Edinburgh University on Boxing Day. DEAF AND DUMB INSTITUTION. Prior to their departure for home during the holidays, the pupils at the Royal Cambrian Deaf and Dumb Institution were entertained to an excellent tea and entertainment. The friends who helped with gifts, &c., included Sir George Newnes, M.P., Sir John J. Jenkins, Lady Llewelyn, Mrs. Sant, Mrs. Elswurth, Mrs. Daniel (EssexVilla), MissWatkins (Mayoress), Miss Player (Clydach), Mrs. B. Evans, Mrs. Cunningham, Mrs. Picton Turbervill, Mrs. Pond, Mrs. Hodge (Kilmarnock), Messrs. G. E. Cook, Joseph Rosser, Bennett Bros. (builders and contractors), Jones, Dickinson and Co., Ltd., W. Wiliams (Maesygwernen), Ben Evans and Co., Ltd.. J. Aeron Thomas, M.P., Uncle Robin" (" The Cambrian"), the the teachers and others. Tea, cake, mince pies, and fruit were distributed, after which the party adjourned to the commodious schoolroom, where a fine Christmass tree laden with prizes and presents were exhibited. These having been presented to the children the evening closed with a conjuring per- formance by Prof. Sheldon. The adult deaf of the town and neighbourhood were enter- tained at the Institution on Wednesday evening. Between fifty and sixty sat down to a capital tea and supper. The latter included ham, beef, plum pudding, miuce pies, fruit, &c. Professor Sheldon again amused the company, and dancing was indulged in. Mr. Joseph Hall, J,P., the untiring secretary, and the Rev. J. Titus (St. Matthew's, High-street), assisted to make the evening a pleasurable and social success. THE HOSPITAL. Whatever may be the views held by alarmists with regard to the security or other- wise of Christmas entertainments devised in the interests of patients in wards, it would have been strange had the supporters and staff of the Swansea General and Eye Hospital failed to give a thought many times to the requirements of the poor sufferers who are obliged to spend the season of conviviality and good cheer under the Hospital roof. We say it would have been strange, because Christmastide has always been a happy time for the inmates of our chief philanthropic Institution. And this year was no exception to the rule. Everything that kindly thoughtfulness and sympathetic feeling could suggest in the way of making Christmas a downright good time was done by the matron and her capable staff of assistants, who are to be congratulated upon the success of their labour of love. The decora- tions were, perhaps, more extensive and effec- tive this Christmas than ever. On the walls of the wards were the usual seasonable mottoes, while the pictures were decorated with sprays of ivy and evergreen. Holly was much en evidence, as were also Japanese lanterns. In the early hours of Christmas morning the nurses went through the wards carol singing. Throughout the day the matron looked after the comforts of each patient, while there were many visitors, including Col. Morgan (chair- man of the House Committee), Aid. Howel Watkins, and the members of the medical staff. At mid-day a Christmas dinner, which lacked none of the time-honoured delicacies, I such as turkey, goose, roast beef, plum pud- ding, kc., was served up to the patients, the majority of whom gratified their attendants by pitching in without requiring much coaxing. After dinner, the male patients were served with cigars, pipes and tobacco, &c. An entertainment followed in the even- ing, when a splendid programme, arranged by the staff and a tew friends, was gone through and much enjoyed by one and all. Another entertainment took place last night, while others will be held this (Friday) and to- morrow (Saturday) evening. A concert on a larger scale will take place next Tuesday evening. THE WORKHOUSE. The day was rendered as cheerful as possible to the inmates of the house on the hill." The different wards were gaily embellished with re- minders of the great event which Christendom, was celebrating. The large dining hall looked particularly bright and pleasant, it having been very tastefully decorated with ever- greens, &c. (kindly supplied by Mr. Bell, the borough engineer; Mrs. Morgan B. Williams, and Mr. Stevens). Prominent features of decoration were the mottoes which had been cut out of cardboard, and artistically painted by the inmates themselves. They included- "A Merry Xmas to all ye Guardians and Visitors who have left your homes to attend to us this day." Several Guardians and visitors were present, amongst whom we noticed: the Rev. Gomer Lewis, D.D. (chairman), Messrs. H. G. Solomon, W. Clement, Joseph Edwards, J. W. Jones, Griff. Dovies, J. Harvey, J. F. Collett, P. Jenkins, J. Stevens,.Mrs. E. M. Williams and Mrs. Perkins; Messrs. J. Marks, Enoch Harris, and F. Drew; Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Collett and Mrs. Robinson. Dinner was served precisely at 12 o'clock, and each inmate bad with his meal a bottle of pop (generously given by Mr. Em. Thomas, cf the Niagara Mineral Water Works).. Dur- ing dinner time the Salvation Army Band rendered selections of sacred music in the yard. The tables haying been cleared, the males were supplied with oranges, apples and tobacco, while the females, received snuff, the gifts of different tradesmen in the town.. Before leaving the dining hall for their various wards, the inmates were addressed by some of the Guardians, including Dr. Gomer Lewis, Messrs. P.. Jenkins, J. Harvey, W. Clement, J. F. Collett,. J,. Stevens, Mrs. Perkins, and T. Morgan (Masteu of the House). The first speaker said be had that day been invited to an M.P.'s house to dinner, but he refused, be- cause he thought more of the poor on that day than any M.P., (Applause.) After a few re- marks from others, the inmates dispersed. Credit is due to Mr. and Mrs. Morgan (Master and Matron)., for the able manner the work was carried out. In the evening a grand smoking concert took place in the dining ball, Mr. J. Harvey (the chief organiser), presiding. Among those who took part in the interesting and varied pro- gramme were Messrs. W. Bevan (inmate), J. F. Collett. J. Powell, J. Marks, W. Clement, J. Studding, Mrs, Owens (inmate), Miss Harris, Miss Huxtable, Dock Constable Ash- bury, Master W. Harris and Miss Catherine Lewis (inmate). HOME FOR ORPHAN AND FRIEND- LESS GIRLS. I Christmas Day was, as usual, a very happy time for the inmates of Swansea's Home for Orphan and Friendless Girls, thanks chiefly to the efforts of the Matron (Miss Walliker) and her staff of assistants. The school-room and the drawing-room were ex- ceedingly well decorated by the youngstrs themselves, who showed unmistakable signs of teste and ingenuity. The decoratios in- cluded insciptbns-U A Merry Christmas," "What would Jesus do," etc. A capital dinner was provided, consisting uf geese and an ample supply of vegetables, after which a number of games were indulged in. The annual Christmas Tree will be given a few weeks hence. POOLE'S MYRTORAMA AT THE ALBERT HALL. The unique form of entertainment which has for upwards of half-a-century been asso- I ciated with the name of Poole is, to judge from the attendance nightly at the Albert Hall, in no danger of losing its charm for Swansea audiences. The visit of Poole's celebrated myriorama is always looked for- ward to with keen relish by both young and old, to whom the Christmas holidays without Poole's would be lost. But though the myriorama is one of Swan- sea's hardy annuals, it must Dot for a moment be thought that it ever makes a reap- pearance in the full dress of a former year. The management are fully alive to the fact that, to retain its hold on the popular fancy, it is necessary that a pictorial entertainment of this kind should be thoroughly up-to-date in the subjects of which it treats. At any rate, this much can be claimed for the Chas. W." Poole's exhibition. There are, of course, a few old familiar friends" in the show, but the great majority are of present-day absor- bing interest. One of the new pictures in particular is very effective. It first of all represents the battle of Trafalgar, and by a lightning change we see our reserve squad- rons performing at the recent naval manceu- vres. t Starting from JJeltast the audience is taeen on an imaginary tour to Paris and the Exhibi- tion, thence oiL to Rome, Venice and Constantinople. The last-named place leads to Egypt, and Egypt to the Soudan, where the memorable stand of Hector Macdonald"s Soudanese at Omdurman arouses enthusiasm. From North to South Africa is an easy jump, and soon we are in the thick of the war-- Nicholson's Nek, Poitgeiter's Drift, Paarde- berg, Glencoe. Elandslaagte (the Gordon Highlanders avenging Majuba), Belmont, the siege of gallant little Mafeking, the meeting of Lord Dundonald and Sir George White at Ladysmith, and other operations giving opportunities for some of those dioramic effects which the Poole's know so well how to produce. From South Africa the audience is taken to India, witnessing on the way the great battle of Santiago. Various places of historic and artistic interest in India are visited, and the return journey is then made. The variety combination is very strong and of a highly entertaining character. The chief features are the five Albano's in an excellent musical entertainment the Pooleograph, which gives animated pictures, comic and serious, the latter including the return of the C.I.V.'s, Buller's return, 4.7 Naval gun crossing the Modder River, and' The Despatch Rider Carl Renhart's impersona- tion of living and dead celebrities, including Napoleon, Wellington, Gladstone, Kruger, the Emperor of Germany and many others the Tissots (living marionettes),; the tbree Almos (horizontal bar experts) and last but not least, Milton's marvellous marionettes. There is also a splendid orchestra attendances during the week have' Tbp exceptionally large, especially on Wed_ boon in when hundreds were unable to gain Pc,div. sion. ad m ip- OLD FOLKS' DINNER AT MUMBLES. A PROJECT THAT DESERVES SUPPORT. A few Mumbles gentlemen have decided to entertain one hundred old folks-deserving poor-at dinner in the Oddfellows' Hall, on Tuesday afternoon next. The movement is a most laudable one, and deserves every sup- port. A Committee has been formed. It consists of Mr. S. C. Grimshaw, Mr. H. Morton Hedley, Mr. Smith, Mh W. Weaver, and Mr. W. Williams (The Cliff ). Mr. W. Williams is treasurer, and Mr. Gus Nettell secretary. The dinner will be followed' by an entertainment, presided over by Mr J. Aeron Thomas, M.P. It will include a farce entitled "Chizzling." The miscellaneous part of the programme will be contributed to by Mr Ritson (Organist All Saints' Church), Mrs. Fisher, Miss Naerup, Mr. H. M. Hedley, M r. S. C. Grimshaw, Mr. Max Logan, M'r. Harry Morris, and others. The dinner will be a typical English Christmas dinner, and we have no doubt it will be greatly appreciated. Subscriptions are needed, and may be sent to the secretary, treasurer, or any member of the committee. Anyone knowing of needy and deserving-old folk, should' communicate with the committee at once. Mrs. J. Aeron Thomas will preside over one of the tables at the dinner..

SWANSEA'S AGED POOR. ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION OF CHRISTMAS CHEER. The thirty-seeond annual distribution of food, &c., to the aged-poor and necessitous sick took place at the Albert Hall on Saturday aftprnoon. There were present:—The Mayor and Mayoress (Councillor Wm. and Miss Watkins), Sir John T. D. Llewelyn, Dr. and Mrs. O'SuUivan, Mrs. H twke", Mrs. Wilson Paton, Mrs. Jones Powell (Hafod),. Aid. Aeron Thoma«?, M.P., and Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Rees Harris, Councillor Thos. Freeman, J.B:, and Mrs. Freeman, Miss Brock. Mrs. Augustus Lewis. Mrs. Rouse. Mrs. E. M. Williams. Mrs. J. Williams, Mr., Mrs., and the Misses Fish. Mrs. Merry, Mrs. Parry, Mrs. C. H. Perkins, Councillor J. Harvey, Mr. J. Solomon (who originated the movement) and Mrs. Solomon, Councillor Griffith Davies, and Mr. H. G. Solomon (hon. 8eo.)., The Mayor, who presided; expressed hie fullest sympathy with the excellent work, and then Mr. J. Solomon, who met with a splendid reception, added some kind words to tbe aged folk assembled, which, it was evident, were-much appreciated Sir John Llewelyn proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the Mayor and Mayoress for their practical interest in the matter. In doing" so he referred to his personal interest in the movement for providing the old and infirm poor who were deserving with a little Christmas cheer. (Hear, bear.). Mr. H. G. Solomon had worked energetic- ally in connection with the matter, and he de-erved their warmest thanks for the manner in which be bad fulfilled his duties. He hoped the people received those gifts in the same spirit as they were given, and th-it was in the spirit of the Master. An act oi charity was Bot in the giving but in the motive, and he believtd the motive of those who bad supplied their wants that day was pure. He pointed out that the thanks were due not only to those who were giving, but to those who organised the distribution. Mr. Grig. Davies seconded, and pointed out the good work that had been done by the ladies, who had helped those who eould not help them- selves. The motion was carried with aanlamation, and the Mayor suitably responded. Mr^ Harvey moved a vote of thanks to the committee and the hon. secretary (Mr. Solomon) for their services. There was, he said, an impression that the secretary was paid for what he had done and was doing, but that was entirely untrue. The proposition was carried unanimously, and Mr. Salomon suitably replied. A very large number of Swansea's aged-poor and necessitous sick came forward to receive the customary allowance of a loaf of bread, 2 lbs. of beef, 1 lb. of sugar, and i lb. of tea. We are asked to acknowledge the receipt of the fallowing amounts from the Ward Presidents and their helpers. Indivi- dual subscriptions will be acknowledged with the balance sheet about Feb- ruary next. Per Miss Watkins (Mayor- ess), Mrs. W. T. Farr, Mrs. J. T. Harris and the Hon. Secretary (Castle Ward), £ 93 13s. per Mrs. Augustus Lewis, Mrs. T. P. Rich- ards. Mrs. C. H. Perkins, and Mrs. F. Sandry (St. Helen's Ward), £ 28 10s. lid. per Mrs. H. Wilson Paton, Miss Lalie Davies, and Miss Courfield (Ffynone), B15 Is. 6d. per Mrs. Jones Powell and Mrs. Oliver Davies (St. John's), £ 6 per Mrs. E. M. Williams and Mrs. F. J. Merry (Alexandra), £ 5 19s. Mrs. J. Williams (Dulais House), and Mrs. Hawkes (Victoria), Fb Is. Od. Mre. O'Sulli- van and Mrs. Harvey (Brynmelyn), £ 4 Is. Od. Total, JB159 6s. 5d.

GRAND THEATRE, SWANSEA QUO VADIS Mr. Wilson Barrett's great play, Quo Vadis," adapted from Henry F. Sienkiewicz's famous novel of the same name, occupies the place of Xmas pantomime at the Grand Theatre this week. It was played to enormous houses on Wednesday. The company is a powerful one, the scenic effects are elaborate and effective, and the various characters are admirably sustained. Quo Vadis should be seen by Swansea playgoers.

H There's no doubt about it. Jack is dead in love with you." You'ro sure of it, are you ?" Sure of it ? Of course I am. Hasn't he lent your young brother his bi- cycle r

Allletters to the Editor must be authenticated wr-iik the name and address of thewriter, nntnecetsarilyfoT publica- tion, but as a guarantee of good faith. We cannot insert Letters which have appeared elsewhere nor de. we undertake toreturn rejected manuscripts.

LLANRHIDIAN LOWER, PARISH COUNCIL. TO THE EDITOR OF THK CAMBRIAN." had intended not to trouble you with any more correspondence on this matter, but after reading: the extraordinary production of the Chairman in your last issue. I must ag-ain ask for a small space in your valuable paper to reply. And in the first place Mr. Jones says if he did wrongly charge me with being the author of the second letter, it is quite immaterial. Does Mr Jones mean by that, that taking into considera- tion the many mistakes he has made of late, it does not much matcer now what he says or doss ? If so, perhaps he is not far from right. I sball not attempt to follow him through the rest of his jumble. Take his recount of the repairing of a by-road, I think it will puzzle a Philadelphian lawyer to say what he means. And more than that, I must confess, that I cannot for the life of me see what shooting at hares that are out of range, repairing by-roads, swallowing camels or paying the legal calls of County or District Council., can have to do with the present matter. Perhaps Mr. Jones will explain the connection. And as Mr. Jones has very kindly taken upon himself to give your numerous readers a. history of the doings of the Council, I hope he will continue the same up to the present date, as it is its doings for the last few months that the rate- payers are wishful to, know, and which, so far, Mr. Jbnes has refused to give. But I cannot help thinking now that he has commenced the task, he will finish it. But if he still refuses to give it, or to answer the few short and simple questions which I will', Sir, with your permission, again ask bim, I shall leave it to your numerous readers to say if the epithet which he, in his anger, levelled at year humble servant, is not very applicable nearer home. I,again ask Mr. Jones, (1) Was not a special meeting of the Cbuacil convened for the purpose of appointing an Assistant Overseer ? (2) Was not a member of the Council selected for the appointment ? (3) Was a chance given to anyone outside the Council of applying? (4) What were the means adopted by the Council to ascer- tain the voice of the ratepayers on the matter ? And (5) Why did the ratepayers interfere in the matter ? And, in conclusion,. I respectfully ask Mr Jones to remember that "abase is not argument," and also that Immodest words admit of no defence But want of decency is want of sense. Your CORRESPONDENT. Dec. 26th, 1900.

WELSH (!) PLACE NAMES. A REPLY TO MR. EDWARD ROBERTS. TO THE EDITOR OF "THE CAMBRIAN." SiB.—In your issue of the 14th inst., Mr. E. Roberts would almost give one the impression that the word "Coniger," in Wales, was simply an Englishman's mis-pronoirneiation of a purely Welsh Cwning-Gaer," whereas this Wel-h is nothing more than a Cymro's adiptation of an old English word. There can be little doubt that the English "Cbney and the Welsh "Cwnincr are derived from the Latin Cuniculus "-a rabbit, but that the terminative Gare" or "Ger," so common to the United Kingdom, is really the Welsh Gaer"-a fortress, is open to doubt, although it may equate its elf therewith The following references may also be of interest to Mr. Roberts' correspondent" j Halliwell's Dictionary of Archaic and Pro- vincial words.—" Conygarthe "—a rabitt warren (Palsgrave). Mayhew and Skeat's Concise Dictionary of Middle English.—Conyngere "—a rabbit warren. Skeat's Etymological Dictionary of the En- glish language.—" Cony-Coney," middle English Coni-Conyning ie most likely an English word derived from the Latin through old French. Kelham's Dictionary of old French.—"Co-)igg ^Coney ground. ° Whitley Stokes'.—Old Irish glosses (O'Davoran) gives the word CuinRegar," and Joyce's Irish place names, vol. 1.. f. 481, says, that the Irish word for a rabbit is "Coinen" (" Cunneen "), and that a rabbit warren is "Corneas" ("Canniekere"), which occurs in 8.11 parts of Ireland. Galway has "Conicar." Limcrick-" Conigar." Kerry-" Connigar and Coimigare." Waterford-" Cnnnigar." Whilst "Lisgunnion" in Monaghan means the fort of the- rabbits, Jamieson's Etymological Dictionary of the Scotch language has a long article on the terminative "Gare-Gaire," "Garth and "Yare,' and speaks of the Scotch" Conniggaire," aud Swedish "Kanninggaerd," as enolosurea for rabbits, with a special reference to the Su-Goth Gaerd, "as meaning-the keeping or protecting by a fence. He also quotes Acts of James III. and James I., in reference to "Cunningaires" and "Cunuyngarthes." He adds: "the Gaelic Cunigcear, id., seems to be aB imported word." Promptorum Parvnlorum has Connyngere or "Conynge Erthe = Cunnicularum," and explains" Erthe" as-" Erye," and gives" Ere =to plough, continuing :—" Among the privy ur.se expenses of Henry VII., 1493, is a payment for making of the Conyngerthe pate. Horman observea that Warrens' and Conygcrs and parkes and palydde ocoupie mock gronnde not inhabitauut. In almost every county in England, near to ancient dwellings, the aarne Coneygare-Gonigree' or Coney-Garth' occurs." It will be noted that this latter extract gives a possible equation of the terminative, with a shortened Erthe." I have some recollection that this word "Coniger" was thrashed out in Notes and Queries three or four years ago, but have not time to refer to back numbers. ALEX. G. MOFFAT.

LOCAL WEDDINGS. GRIFFITHS—HA YNES. A wedding took place on Wednesday morn- ing at St. Thomas Church, Swansea., the Rev. William Evans (Vicar), officiating. The contracting paities were Mr. Harry Haynes, of Sheffield, and Miss Naomi Griffiths, of St. Thomas. The bride, who was given cway by her brother, wore a very pretty white dress with chiffon fichu. and carried a bouquet of choice hewers. She was attended by two bi-idesu-iaids-Miss Florrie Griffiths (sister of the bride), and Mips Elba Goadwig. Mr. LJew. Harry acted as beet man. The honey- moon. is being spent in the Midlands. DOLLING-POWNEY. The wedding of MiFs Edith Dolling (daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Dolling. of 9, Bi-unswick-streft, Swansea), and Mr. Gecrge Powney, took place at St. Mary's Church on Thursday morning. The bride. who was accompanied by her two bridesmaids Miss Maud Williams (niece), end Miss Edith Powney, of Aberavon (cousin of the bride- groom}, was attired in dove grey, trimmed with silk to match, tier hat being of violet velvet, relieved with white lace. The bride was accompanied by her brother. Mr. E. Dolling (of Bristol), whilst Mr. Fred James was best man. The Rev. T. Morris officiated.

RHONDDA AND SWANSEA BAY RAILWAY. Thore will be no alteration in the rumiin<>- of this Company's Passenger Trains for t!ie ensuing month (January, 1901.)

Mrs. X "Just look at that lovely hat in there That would make me look 10 years I younger." Mr. X Oh, then, I can't buy it for you It would mak3 you altogether too young for me."

VARTEG COLLIERY COMPANY LTD (68.399). a *cir)it«T'f^annn |ust been registered with T7 fi 0 m shares to acqtfire the Varteg Colliery m the parish of Cilybebyll Glamorgan, and in other collieries, mines' ian«8'f ir? and to carry on the busi- ncss of coJicry proprietors, miners, metal- lrcm' ironstone, and brick mer- chci.-t- hardwaremen, coke merchants, inaru- facturing chemists etc. The subscribers m rV £ ™as. Lower Cwmtwrch, Rr*- ;■ ,T" Griifit.hs, Ystradowen House, Cwm- mnlcJl, Glamorgan, merchant J. I6aac School House, Cwndlynfell..Jlamo^an schoolmaster D. Daniel, Penvbont. Cry- T^f'» Neath, mining engineer D. Isaac, Red Lion Hotel, L'angadook, Carmar- then, hotel proprietor Mrs. S. Griffiths, Ystradowen Houso, Cwmllynfell,Glamorgan • f n' rf, Isa»c> School House, Cwmllyn- ihe number of directors is not to* be Jess than three nor more than eight. The hrBtare-to be appointed by the- subscribers qualification. £ 200 remuneration as fixed by the company. Regis-tered by Drake Driver, and Leavei, Limited, Ros?berv- avenue, London, E.C.

f'i<! >"ou marry ?" they asked. why, the fact :s." she replied, "after I had joined the Girls' Bachelor Chtf.) and taken the oath of eterraT cpinsterhooI I rust simply couldn't help it."

SWANSEA HOSPITAL. A special meeting of the Board of Manage- me it of the Swansea Hospital was held ye;terday (Thursday) morning, for the pur- p#ie of dealing with a letter received from til; Borough Electrical Engineer re electricity fo the laundry, and, if necessary, to rescind a resolution of the Board bearing on the a1 )jeC'.t. In the absence of Dr. H. A. Latimer, the chair was occupied by Aid. Howel Watkins. There were also present—Mrs. M. E. Williams, the Rev. J. A. Harris, Drs. W. F. Brooks and Evans Col Morgan, Messrs. H. G. Solomon, Thos. Yoratb, C. Tuckfield, H. Goldberg, and W. D. Hughes (sec.) Mr. Cawthra wrote stating that he regretted it was impossible to supply the hospital with electrical energy in six weeks' time. He could not guarantee it in a sborter period The matron wrote explaining the unsatis- factory condition of things at the laundry. The laundresses were getting dissatisfied, and she feared that if they left, they would never get others, as the work was excessive, and the pay small. They could not "amddle on" much longer, and unless something was done at once she must ask to be allowed to send the things out. That would mean an ex- penditure of about £10 per week, whereas it should only cost.62 to work the laundry Mr. Solomon pointed out that the Electric Lighting Committee had had no opportunity of considering the Board of Management^ application for power within six wepkg slim r. • Tr, Since the letter sent. Ihe Electrical Engineer had replied on bis own responsibility, so he held that they should not do anything before tbe Electric Lidhtinff Committee bad had a chance of discussing the matter. If the committee liked, they could lay down a £ main and supplv the hospital with tne power in a fortnight or Mr" S?lomon on to say that he had recently been told that the National Free Wiring Company, who were serving the best part of the town, would bJ prepared to lend the necessary machinery and maintain it free of charge for about three or six months, and would guarantee that the work would not cost them more than if ther went in for a gas engine. Then, the CorponJ tion would no doubt let them have the pow« at a»cheaper rate than ordinary, becausf they would be all day and all night customers, -• WOuId move the following •— That this meeting be adjourned till a reply be received from the Electric Lighting Com- mittee of the Swansea Corporation, and that tt. e N ationlil irin- Co. be asked if they will hx the necessary machinery and maintain it free of charge for three or six months and guarantee that the cost of working same shall not exceed that of a gas engine." Mr. Tuck-field seconded on the ground that he considered it would be a retrograde step to go in for a gas engine under the circum- stances. C., Morgan moved, as an amendment, lhat the previous resolution of the Board to electrical power be rescinded f ^ri«Jalens?ne be J»urchased at once. He testified to the extraordinary state of attairs which at present prevails in the laundry and sa3d it was absolutely impera- tive that something should be done to remedy matters at once. He pointed out that thI motors alone would cost the Board £ 129 and the install.tion.of the electricity another !& whereas someone had already undertaken to supply a gas engine for £ 84. He was in toZrw°L^mg ahead in thiQ»s'but he purposes! ^as enolne would not suit their The Rev. J. A, Harriss seconded. Mr. Solomon remarked that even if th^v accepted the tender then before them the engine could not be fixed up und^r thr^ weeks, whereas the Wiring Co. would he believed, get everything ready for the power a ^ortnight. Therefore they would save adopted his resolution. Bro&k a.nd- Mr. Yorath supported Mr. Solomon, and m the end the amendment wa^ lost by six votes to three. The resolution was then carried.

SWAXSEA g^MNEE^ND JIBRBAL HOW THE PUBLIC ARE DEFRAUDED. nJh.e adjourned inquest on the bodv nf David Davies, 67' vears of nee nf M I/ Thursday morning, was at Maister's Carmarthc-n-ro;id- on 117-i- day afternoon, the Coro-ne; (Mr. J. Vinei, Leeder). The nquiry hzd been adjourned 80 that a might made. called) stated that bv the instnfp«' f she bad two bottles of merli- ciuc, from -Mr. herbalist. The Corcner he gave ycu the firsf, bottle of mcdicine, ha.d he at all ?--N'o, cir. that Mr. Thomnsan quired a,- to the yinptomi, and at this stage the Ð. of mediail18 which Dr. Jones-Piwell contained w .5"as.until he analysed it evacfc*J A JSS throw no further lieht nn +v. • con«d connected with the death f/ c]r^umstanees Kr-' tu™ A berwave deposed December ?nd ?ast Va^ on pains in the. stomach > and his V?m~ J^itness prescribed for him but depld's symptoms tT drinking In to the Coroner, witness, as a me.dic.al pract-itioner, ,aid hc, (lid not think man. He waj dropsies "an/l were weakened wifli « both lungs in the pleural ca~nti»s ^nr of fluid quite e £ pty, but ^not in "V la witness's opinion death aSea* cope, the diseased conditions rvf syT:~ being due to the condition ff thJh ZlSCer^ about the death ? unusual, tnen, Witness No. o'uV'SSI SK-ii? 'Jr never thought of pr«enbin5„™I6,dl™1mIO«'1 cine unless thev saw th* "Sff medi- sometlnng about him prevlol cTr'7' Bv Jui-or The pills death; there was sucb a of bur- over the place 0 ,ld be deaths ail over the place. fiey™Safl"n?er^el^« h"t medicino in that war suP^d to prescribe it. bnt it <M In summing up, Mr. Letder dence showed how absurd eV,1_ to waste their money bv notV^™ J people Froperly-qvalified medical men it °^Ce meant that this poor soul Wi' ES <Te & » frofuIM » *I? Public, are de- ahort English of?t I ^ot' ^pri' Si E il that 5s. has been obtained by fraud The jury found a verdict of death fro- natural causes, adding a rider i u curring with the remlrL" f

LOVE'S COMPANION. Seated at a lattice low Was a maiden fair Dreaming of an old-time lay As she bound her hair. H Sorrow I have never knOfcvn, Will it pass me by? Love and sorrow intertwine. Ah! I wonder why? Soon a lover stole her heart Love and joy are one," Sang the maiden with clelieht Sorrow there is none." But her lover, called to war, i Died on a distant shore. Love and sorrow intertwine Now and evermore. cramptquls magazine.