The Cambrian

HEN ARFERION SHIR GAEB- FYRDDIN. DARLITH DDIFYR AC ADEILADOL GAN WATCYN WYN. ANNOGAETH I LENORION I GOFNODI EU HADGOFION. Nos Wener, wythnos i heno, yn y Sefydliad Breiniol, traddododd y bardd-bregethwr, y dar- lithydd, a phrifathraw Coieg y Gwynfryn, sef Watoyn WYD, ei ddarlith ddyadorol newydd spon < flaen cynhuiliad lluosog o aelodau Cymdeithas Gymreig Abertawe. Y cadeirydd oedd Mr. Lleufer Thomas, ilywydd y Gymdeithas. Dechreuodd y darlithyad drwy grybwyll yr hen air Cymraeg a ddywed mai 11 (JOIIEU COF, COF LLTRB," yr hwn, meddai, aydd yn eithaf gwir. Cwynai, ac nid heb achoB. ein bod ni fel cenedl wedi bod 111 dra esgeulus gyda chofnodi pethau, megis hen storiau, hen draddodiadau, hen ymadroddion, a hen arferion o bob math. Dichon," meddai, "fod mwyafrif ein cenedl yn cyfrif y pethau hyn yn bethau rhy ddibwys i son am danynt, a rhai dynion call yn eu hystyried yn bethau dwl, ac yn meddwi mai bendith yw eu gollwctg i golli o'r cof, a pheidio son am danynt mewn ilyfr. Dicnon mai ein diffyg addysg- yn fwy na'n diffyg sense sy'n cytrif am y diffyg hwn yuom fel cenedi. Yr ydym yn teimio'n bar sicr m&i'r dynion mwyaf cyffredin sydd yn gwybod mwyaf am hen nodweddion gwledig, a hen arter- ion ardaloedd, ond y dymon mwyaf dysgedig sydd wedi ootnodi mwyat o nouynt-eu lioffiou gwerth- fawr hwy ydynt o feusydd gwenita y werin a'r bobl gyffreain. Yr ydym wedi ciywed y bobl gyfEredm yn fyriych yn chwerthin am ben dyaged- igion a doethwyr y wlad yn hoii am ahwd fSwcs' hyn. DirrTS ADDYSG, NID DlFFYG SENSB T mae cymaint o aense gan y dyn cyffredin a'r dyn dysgedig, ond tod y dyn dyagedig wedi cael tense i ofalu am 1;811.8e, fel graa am ras- Arferion cyffredin oenedl yw ei hanes mwyat anghyffreoin a chywir, ac y mae darlun calon cenedi l'W weled yn amlwg yn ei hitrferion. Dylem fod yn ddiolch- gar i ddynion aydd yn cymeryu traffertti i gofnodi y pethau cyffredin sydd yn digwydd yn y cylch- oedd lie y maent yn byw. JiSIl hyn mewn mwy o fri yn ein hen lenydcuaeth nag ydyw heddyw, a hyny, feaJiai, am fod yr hen lonorion yn ddosoartb o ddynion mwy dysgedig a gwrteithieaig, ac yn weledyddion mwy ciir, /i,'U cymeryd gyaa'u gilydd, na llenorion y dyddiau hyn." Credai'r dariith- yda fod DTFODIA.D T BBIF-TSOOL I GYMRU a'i heffeithiau ar ein Uenorion yn dechreu creu eyfnod newydd—tebyg i'r hen, feallai. Y mae genym yn awr lawec dyn da, dysgedig, clir ei bell, a pheil ei olwg, yn dechreu croniclo pethau cyffredin hanes, ac yu creu dyddordeb ileot yu y cymdeithasaa yma, ac ya crea ymctiwil a medawl yu yr a«iod»u, a ptie celem y cymdeithasau i fy w fwy llwyr ar eu hadnoddau eu hun<iin, byddent yu ateb dyben ea bodolaeth yn well eto. Beth pe cymerai an o fechgyn liygadog a thalentog Abertawe i grynhoi banes arferion Abertawe o fewn cylch ei aylw ? Byddai yn benod ddyddorol I'W darileo, er te allai na fyddai poo aduod ynadi ddim yn gredyd i'r dref! Betb pe byddairhywun araJl yn cymeryd arno i gofnooi geiriau cyffrediu ac ymadroddion poblugaidd y strydoedd yma a gofyn i ryw Brmter eu hargraffa? Beth pe cymerau rhyw gerddor at gopio caneuon yr heoiydd am again mlynedd, i gael cyfrol o 41 Swansea Meloaiee," i'w throsglwyddo i'r oes a ddel r GaUai lienor a thipyn o fynd ynddo, wneyd ei ffortiwn wrth gasglu storiauambell bentret." Wedi datgan ei facn yn grffredmoi fel yna, a dangos pwyoigrwydd a defuyddioldeb yr ymgym- eriad a cnario i weithrediad ei awgrymiadau, daeth Watoyn Wyn at ei destyn. Ond cyn deohreu'r gorchwyl o grybwyllo, dywedudd y buasai yn ada. ganduo pe bUiioSai wedi cadw crouioi oycon o rai o arferion bir Gaerfyrudm yn ei oea 9t, ac o fewu ei gof at, yn lie gorfod caisio eu gaiw i gcf fel byny ar ol idd eu haner fyiiod i dadanooll. Ond gan nad oedd wedi gwneyd, oviaiai grynhni yuhydig y nosoa hono a dan yr sagas bobiogaidcl mai gwell hwyr na hwyraob," yr hyn hetyd, debygem, oedd esgus y rhai hyny ddaetoant i fewn tra'r oedd y geiriau yn cael ea lleraru. Gan ddechreu gydag arferion y gwyliau a'r tytahoraa, cawson yn gyntai oil, AEFBBION T CALAN. Yr arferiad o fyned o gylch a "Blwyddyn newydd dda," foreu dydd calan, oedd yr un fwyaf bobiogaidd a bendithiol, holl arferion y flwyddyn gron-i blant tlodion y air. Y cof cyntaf, a'r ayniad cyntaf oedd ganddo ef am enill jtrian oedd ei fod yn enill mwy ar ddydd ealan nag ar holl ddyddian eraill y flwyddyn gyda'u guydJ, &c ei fod yn codi yn foreuach ac yu gweiihio'n galetach i wneyd hyny hefyd. Yr oedd y bwciod wedi e'i taifa o'r awyr i gyd, ac yntau ag ofn neb na dim arno oud yr ofn y buasai hwn a hwn o'i flaen yn y ty ar ty. Os buasai gobaith &11 chwech ueu dwllt yr oedd perllan yn Qael ei p naratOL Afal coch ar dair coea bren, A Choron o geiya ar ei ben, A Box, a Rhosmari. a Thyme, on'te, T I J ea ^re^nu a'u plana yn eu lie I lygad a chalon blentynaidd y bardd, Roedd y Berllan fach fel rhyw Eden ardd! Yna wedi oyfeirio at arferiad yr hen fenywod tlodion i fyned o gylch dranoetb, a'r arferiad gan rhai teuiaoodd i roi pice yn galenig yn lie tocyns, dywedai y byddai n bechod i feuywod fyned o gylch foreu dydd calan am yr yatyrid eu gweled 111 awWC, a cbawsent eu meUdithio, ond nis tfwyddau beth Oedd y rheswm fod gweled menv w foreu dydd calan yn carlo y syniad o anlwc, os nad mai ceiaio eu dysgu I warchod ?artref ar ddeoiueu y flwyddyn fyddid. mnwiD NOS OALANGAUAf gyda hwyl yn hoii g^ginan y wlad, a chyda llawer o chwarea difyr. Khocdid tw ba mawr o ddwfr ar ganoi y gegin, a theflid haner dwsin o afalau mawrion i'w ganol, a gwaith y plant oedd eu codi â'u danedd heb help y Uaw. 'Boedd llawer nwn o waeddi A llawer iawn o stwr, Wrth weled un bron boddi Yn dod i'r lan o'r dw'r A dyfroedd yr ymdrechfa Yn Ilanw ei ddwy foch, Ond dan ei ddant yn ddyogel 'Roedd wad o afal cooh!" Taag arall oedd Tg AFAL A'R QAJTWTIIL." Rhoddid preu croes tua dwy droedfedd o hyd wrth gortyn o dan y llofft, ag afal ar un pen, a chetyn o ganwyll y pen arall, a chan fod yr afal yn an mawr, a rhaid ei ddal a l ddaoedd, a'r pren yn troi ar y cyffyrddiad cyntaf-gorchwyl twym oedd hwn! 'Roedd ol y frwydr danllyd Yn fynych ar y foch, A'r gwallt fel llwyn o eithin Cyn dal yr afal coch!" I orphen, eisteddai y bechgyn a'r merched mawr o gylob y tan i dori cnan, a thaflu cnan i'r tan, ac os tasgai y gneuen oyn fflamio yr oedd cariad newydd i'r ferch neu y mab hyny cyn diwedd v d wvdd\ n. A cheid llawer ergyd doniol gan y cnau, a llawer screch ddoniol gan y merched wrth eu gwylio wrth oleu'r tan ar nos galangauaf." Rhoddodd y darlithiwr bwyslais neilldnol ar yr ymdrech i barotoi difyrwch fel hyn er mwyn cadw y plant ar yr aelwyd gartref, a chredai ef ea bod yn cael e. hesgeulaBo yn yr oes hon i ormodedd yn y cyfeiri*^ hyny, gan m*i allan ar y strydoedd y'n gwelir yn rhy ami y dyddiau hyn. Diohon," meddai, 1'fod fT*n Jr "en ddyweuiad adnabyddus— Mae heno'n noa clyngauaf A bwci ar bob canfa," rywbeth i wneyd, a chadw'r plant mor gryno (rartref, a pharotoi difyrwch yr aelwyd iddynt. Yr wyf yn oofio rhywbeth am rai ya gwisg0 sheeten wen i hula of an ar blant, a dynion o ran hyny, adeg calangauaf." „ Er cymaint y e-rem roddi yr oil o. r ddarhth ardderchog, ni wi a gofod ganiatau i ni ragor na chrybwyll y gweddill o'r arferion a ddesgrifiad mor fyw a digrif. Ciedwn beth bynag, y bydd iddi gael ei chyboeddn'n gyflawn yn y Geninen npsaf, yr hon, pe M. chynwv-»ni ddim ond y ddarlith ben oeiddo Watcyn Wyn, fydd yn lawn gwert h y swm a delir am y rhifyn i nnrbyw Shir- gar teyrnerarol. Yr arferion ereill a pha rat y cyffyrddodd pedriynt y rhai ypglyn a'r Nudolig, megvs Cana'r Warsel" o'r byn yr oedd dwy don,"neu dwy aJaw, Y Fari Lwyd yn cael eu oann yng Nghwmamman. Ceir y dwy don a ebymaint o'r geirian a dil\í'r awdwr, yng Can a thelyn," a r-,r.ff-yd gon Mr. Be i Parry, Abertawe yn 1895. Difyr hetyd oedd arferion y Priodacao, y Hwyta P^chod," a'r Uympitan yngl.vn a'r angla idau, y ffeiriau a'r cariadon, y owrw baoh ne ) y meth, y bastai, ac, yn olaf, T CirvrAREUON, y rhai oeddynt yn amrywiol, ac, ar y cyfan, yn bar lluosog yn ol ei gof cyntaf ef, 'Roedd chwareu pel, a chwarau col, A chwareu ci a caath, A chwareu hec a cham a naid, A neidio wrth y llath. A rhedeg. rhas, a thaflu bar, A cherig man a mawr, A Uawer math o godwm gaed I dreio nerth y cawr. 'Roedd chwareu mamgu ddall, a whic, A niclo o ach i ach, A rhai o'r merched oedd yn gwic, I ehwaren cerig bach. 'Roedd gwlyb neu sych, a bya mown cap, A blewyn cwta caa, A llawer ffordd y dyddiau gynt I wneuthur dyn yn was. 'Roedd bwoh mewn llwyn a bon a blan, Neu ddau glop pinan bach, A chwareu am fytyuau man Yn llawn difyrwch iach. 'Roedd pedair camp a'r hugain gynt, Yn mysg y Cymry gwar, 'Roedd mwy na phedwar ugain, oedd, 0 gampau yn Shir Gar. Mae'r campau difyr wedi myn'd 'Does dim ond un yn awr, A rhedeg ar 01 hono i gyd Mae'r bechgyu, fach a mawr; Aeth dyddiaa vhwareu gyda'r gwynt, Ac aeth y gwynt i'r bel, A'r bechgyn cryfion maed o wynt Yn cicio, doed a ddel. "Dwy'i ddim i lawr ar chware, Mae chware ynddo'i hun- Mae chwareu da yn iechyd, Ac yn ddifyrwch dvn Ond pan)n son am claware, Mi gredaf fi fy hun, Fod pedair camp ar a again Yn ganwaith gwell nag un. Gwnaeth y llywydd, yn ei ddull ysgolheigaidd ei hun, gyfeirio at amryw o'r hen arferion. Wrth gynyg y bJeidlais o ddiolehgarwch i'w gyfaill Watcyn Wyn, crybwyllodd y Parch. Peter Hughes Griffiths at rai o hen arferion ereill ag a garai gael desgrifiad o honynt. Eiliwyd gan Mr. J. Davys-Thomas, ac ar ol cefnogiad hyawdl gan un o wyr Morganwg, cymerodd Watcyn Wyn y cyfle, wrth gydnabod y bleidlais galonog, i anog, eilwaiih, y lleaorion ieuainu i ymarfer k chofnodi arferion eu hoes. Felly daeth i derfyn un o'r noaweittiiaa mwyaf difjrus ac adeiladol y mae'r Gymdeithas wedi gael hyd yn hyn.

BARDDONIAETH. "Ar y FordaitF, Barddoniaeth fwyn a c'aynorthwyol er y gellid geirio yn well mewn man neu ddau, megys "affernaa." AR Y FORDAITH. Ar y fordaith—mordaith bywyd, Hwylio yn nghanol cyni mawr; Seren olen y Gogleda-fyd Welir a'i harweiuiol wawr Pan f'o gwenyg aor cynddeiriog Gylch fy enaid yn ymwau, Ac uffernau'r dyfnder llidiog Am ty nghalon brudd yn can Ha! mi welaf fad ac engyl Yn ei rwyfo dros y dou, Ac yn nesu at fy ymyl I fy nghroesaw iddo'n lion 0 mi ganaf ber-gerdd weithian Tra b'o Cariad ar y bwrdd, Bendigedig os wyf drumn Ni ddaw aflwydd i fy nghwrdd GWILYM ELLI.

CAN Ar briodas Mr. JOHN THOMAS a Miss RACHEL 1 HXJGHKS, Babell, Cwmbwrla. i. Hyfryd y w rhodio hyd feusydd pell, A chalon wrth galon yn glynu A chalon wrth galon yn glynu Breuddwydio mae serch am gyfnod gwell, Heb eisiau hyd fedd ymwahanu Disgwyl paradwys yw oywyd serch, Paradwys priodas mab a merch. it. Cerdded fu John ar hyd lwybrau y ddol, A'i fynwea mor ysgsfn a'r awel, Gwenodd ei wyneb cariadlawn yn oil Ar gariad mynweaol ei Rahel: Syllodd yr haul ar ddvfnder eu serch, Prysurodd i uno y mab a'r ferch. III. Darfu'r breuddwydion, gwawriodd y dydd, Mae cariad yn gan o lawonydd, Wrth weled y fodrwy yn tystio bydd Yn cadw y ddau gyda'u gilydd Boreu anwyiaf y ciead gan serch, Yw boreu priodi mab a merch. IV. Hardd ydyw modrwy, ond harddaoh yw Y bywyd a chwbry o'i chwmpas, Gan gariad yn ieuanc, dan fendith Duw, Yn aros fel boreu'r briodas Erys y nef ar aelwyd eich serch, Tra fyddwch yn caru fel mab a merch. T. W. DAVIES, B.A. Coleg Aberhonddu.

PRIODASGERDD I Mr. W. MABON DATIES, C.C., D.C., P.O., Glauaawddaa, Llangadeg. I. Mae swynion saethau cariad Yn denu pob dyn call I ddod at alior Hymen Un waith ar ol y liall; Aeth Mabon o Glansawdde, I adael gweddw-dod ffol, Drwy glymu march o Gwynfe Yn gynes yn ei gol. II. Mae deddf yn argraffedig, Ar galon pob rhyw ddyn- Sef ffrwythweb, Iluuaogweb, Mae dau yn well nag un Ba Mabon yn bar ffodus, Wrth ddewii; liii Ion, Siriolach merch ni chawsai Pe chwiliai'r byd o'r bron. in. Pob cwmwl gaffo'i dafla Fel niwl o flaen y chwa, Haul llwyddiant fyddo'n gwenu Bob dydd fel boreu ha'; A'r plantos, fel rhyw engyl, Yn chwareu gylch eu traed, A. theini o hiliouaeth Y gwir Frythonawl waed. IT. Boed iddynt bob llawenydd, Cysuron rif y dail, Ga.n harddllllwybrau rhinwedd, Fel hadau Adda'r Ail; A dringo i anrbydedd, Yn uwch, yn uwch o hyd, Ises byddo enw'r ddau-ddyn Yn fyw hyd angladd byd. v. Fe'u hunwyd mewn priodas 0 flaen hen allor serch, Y fcdrwy briodasol Waseth wraig yn wir o'r ferch; D'wysoges mwy nrddaaol Ni feddai'r breiniol lys Na Cath'rine, pan rodd Mabon Y fodrwy am ei bys. VI. Llewyrohed bywyd Mabon A'i fwyn g/mbares gu, Felflereu oleu eglur Yn y ffurfafen fry Yn ngolen'r cariad beiddiaf Ddywedyd 'nawr heb goll, Fod Maboa hael a Cath'rine Yn sawri Cymru oil- PELAGIUS.

The "Corriere della Sera," the leading journal of South Italy, states that an aged hermit, who died' at Jerusalem, in 1879, left behind him certain Hebrew documents which hirf relatives were unable to decipher. Learned Hebruists have lately had an opportunity of reading them, and one of the documents re- cord that—"Peter the Fisherman, servant of Jehus'. Son of Mary, thus speaks to the people in the name and by the will of the Lord." And the epintle ended, HI, Peter the Fisher- man, in the name of Jesus, and in the nine- tieth year of my life, have decided to write these words of love, three Paschs after the death of my Lord ond Master Jesus Christ, Son of Marv, in the house of Bolier, near to the Lord's "Temple." The savants and the London Bible Society are said to believe the MS. dates from the days of Peter, and the hermit's heirs are being offered a large sum for it. THE MOST NUTRITIOUS. E P P S s GRATEFUL-COMFORTING. COCOA BREAKFAST AND SUPPER.

FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS. ABERAVON AND PORT I TALBOT. NOTES AND NEWS. [BY RAMBLJltR." J Last week I referred in my notes to what seemed the antipathy of the South Wales Electrical Power Company to moving in the matter of introducing electric light in the district, but I have since observed in the local press that our Bridgend neighbours have actually closed with the company for a supply of electric current to their town. In view of Aberavon's projected new gas works, what is their position in regard to electric lighting? These proposed new gas works will cost in round figures £ 12,000, and if the Town Council resolve to take on the electric light they will have to bear the cost of lay- ing the necessary underground cables, un- less, of course, they allow the South Wales Company a free hand in the matter, and it is worth while considering whether Aberavon ratepayers would not be considerably betten off were they to allow the company to do so. To say that the Corporation would derive a profit from purchasing electric energy from the comDanv and reselling it to private con- sumers is purely problematical, simply by reason of the fact that would-be private con- sumers of the electric light at present can al- most be counted on the figures of both hands. The company would, no doubt, be able to se- cure more consumer* because they could af- ford to sell the current more cheaply. To my mind, the ouly point which ought to weigh with the authorities is whether or not the public lighting of the town could not be carried out far more economically by elec- tricity than it is at present by gas lighting. £ 600 a year is a very high price indeed in lighting a small borough like Aberavon, and I should imagine that if the South Wales Company took it on it could be carried out at nearly half the cost. L60 a year would be saved at once in lamplighter's wages, to say nothing of the large annual expenditure in ma'ntles, etc. It behoves the Council to con- sider the matter in all its bearings before they rush headlong into another capital expendi- ture of £ 2,000 or 23,000 in laying electric cables with a new gaa works loan of £ 12,000 staring them in the face, to say nothing of that L12,010 on the construction of the bridge over the Avon and other important projects looming up large in the immediate future. Another statutory meeting of the Council to consider the Ystradfellte water scheme is to be held on the 12th inst. I wonder if it will turn out the fiasco which the first meet- ing did. The majority of the Council seem determined to press home the scheme this time, but they have many pitfalls yet to en- counter, especially the ratepayers' meeting, when a poll is almost certain to be demanded and canvassing, if I mistake not, will be ex- ceedingly brik. The minority in the Coun- cil who are opposed to the scheme is an in- fluential minority, this cannot be gainsaid, and no stone will be left unturned to defeat the scheme. I am prepared to admit at once that the scheme is a costly one, but what scheme for insuring to the town a plentiful supply of water is it proposed to rear, up in its stead? Are the Council prepared to rest content with the terms which the Margam Urban District Council are prepared to give them? If they are it is a fatal policy. Some years hence the composition of the Margam Urban District Council may not be so favourable to Aberavon as it is to-day, and what would happen? Aberavon might wake up one fine summer morning and find their supply com- pletely cut off. If Aberavon are content to rest with the assurances of Margam at the termination of the present agreement the Council will be entirely in the hands of this Council. I am not arguing thus in favour of the Ystradfellte scheme, but simply to point out that it is absolutely imperative for Aberavon to place themselves in such a position that they may be independent of Margam water should prohibitive terms seek to be imposed later on. At present, if the Ystradfellte scheme is abandoned no other scheme has been evolved by the opposition. What make the Margam terms seem insecure is due to the fact that the Margam Council have al- ready offered to supply works in their dis- trict at a cheapeoIl rate than Aberavon, and, of course, it is a great inducement to other projected industries to construct their works on the Port Talbot side, rather than in the borough for Aberavon could not hope to com- pete with Margam when they are themselves charged by Margam a higher rate than works on the Margam side. If it were possible to obtain clauses in the Ystradfellte Water Bill limiting the cost of water to Aberavon to say, 4d. per 1,000 gal- lons ,this no doubt would be a cheaper mode of procedure than by joining in the scheme as promoters, but this would be strenuously opposed by the Neath Urban District Coun- cil and would perhaps entail a good round sum in Parliamentary charges, with the pos- sibility of Aberavon's wish not being grati- fied. Parliament would, no doubt, fix a maxi- mum scale and the result of opposition to the Bill would result in the Neath Rural District Council charging the maximum price. Of course, there is always this to be considered, the Neath Rural District Council are not promoting their Bill for charitable purposes, and they are not likely to send emptyaway any reasonable offer to take their water, and the question for Aberavon ratepayers to con- sider is which is the cheapest and best thing to do to join in the promotion of the Bill, or to petition for clauses as to the supply of water to them in bulk, but these clauses must clearly show that the water can be obtained at the highest rate of computation not more than 4d. per 1,000 gallons, or Margam would still be the dictator of terms. Can this be done? That is the question, and a vital one for the Town Council's advisers to advise upon. At the recent Intermediate Law Examination of the Incorporated Law Society, Aberavon and District was represented by Messrs. C. Cook and Lewis M. Thomas, both articled students in the Town Clerk's office. Both gentlemen passed with credit. Mr. L. M. Thomas is the well- known versatile Aberavon centre three-quarter. Besides these gentlemen, Mr. T. David, 8eD of Major D. R. David, of Port Talbot, alno passed the examiuation. I heartily congratulate the students in gaining this distinction, and thus adding honour to the district to which they belong. Matters ecclesiastical are awakening in Aber- avon. On Wednesday a special service was held in the Parish Church of St. Mary's in celebration of the introduction for the first time in its history of a suipliced choir. The Vicar, the Rev. D. H. Griffith-, conducted the service, and Rev. Canon Roberts preached the aermou. There was a tall congregation, and the service, which was fully choral, was much enjoyed. ABERAVON COUNTY POLICE COURT. Monday. Before Messrs. G. H. Davey (chairman), J. A. Jones, Charles Jones, and T. Gray. Applications.—Philip David, collector of cott- age rents for Miss Talbot, applied for an order in ejectment against Francis Cbappell in respect of a cottage at Dock-street, Port Talbot. After service cf the n-ual notices had been proved, a warrant of ejectment was ordered to be issued.— Mr Moses Thomas, solicitor, also made an application on behalf of Edwar,i Methsaleh Jones, of Abergtvyufi, for an ejectment order against Harry Webb. A warrant of ejectment was ordered to issue in this case also. Matrimonial Troubles Again. Margaret Hopkins summoned her husband, William Hopkins, to shew caue why an order of maintenance should not be made against him. Mr Powell appeared for the wife, and Mr. Trevor Hunter defended.—Tho case was adjourned from a previous court to see if it was not possible for the parties to go together again, but this happy state of affairs was not realised. The parties had agreed to separate, and the question the Bench was aeked to set tie was the amount of the order. After proof of in^rv-.s. this wail settled at 17s. 6d. per week, the wife to have the cnetody of the three children. Mrs IIttry Jane James, of Cwnnvon, for whom Mr E. T. Evana appeared, also obtained an order of 158. per week agai,St her husband, Dd. James, for desertion. This was also an adjourned case, James having left the neighbourhood before he was personally served. Evidence was given by neighbours that they had seen defendant on the road" since the service of the summons. Cruelty to Animals.—Stephen Harris, a farm labourer, of Port Talbot, and Owen Jenkins, farmer, of Tydraw Farm, were summoned— Harris for working a horse in an unfit state on the 16th January, and Jenkins with causing the horse to be so worked. P.S. O'Neil said that on the afternoon in question he saw the defendant Harris in Station Road, Port Talbot, in charge of the horse, which was drawing a load of ashes. The animal was pulling more on one side than the other. Witness examined the horse, and found a raw wound on the shoulder as large as a five. shilling piece, from which matter was oozing. In witness's opinion the wound was an old one. He advised Harris to take the horse out, as it waa not fit for work.—Corroborative evidence having been given by Constable Richard Gammon and Inspector W. Haythorne, of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Harris was fined 10s. and costs, and Jenkins 40a. and costs. A Trivial Assault.—Mary Mile3, a married woman, of Bryn, summoned David John Jones, a young fellow of tlie same place, with assanit- ing her. It appeared that a squabble aroae in the "Royal Oak," Bryn, between defendant and complainant's husband, and the wife turned up on the scene and had an angry altercation with Jones in the hotel, and the latter took hold of her arm. The case was dismissed. Stealing Coal.—Joseph Evans, a oollier, work. ing at the Great Western Pits, Abergwynfi, was fined 40s. for stealing lOd. worth of coal from the "boilers." Constable John Evans proved the case.

=========== NEATH & DISTRICT. (By Our OWN COKBBSPONDKNT.] COUNTY POLICE COURT.—Friday. Before Messrs. W. Leyton, Wm. Jones and Waa. Howell. Llaasamlet Furnaceman Fined for Theft.— George Williams, turnaceman, Llansamlet, was charged with stealing a quantity of chaif, the property of Mr. George Henry Goivett, con- tractor, to the Cape Copper Works Co., and also with stealing a number of sacks and some tar- paulin, belonging to the said company.—Mr. W. H. David appeared to prosecute, and Mr Edward Powell to defend.—Defendant, acting on the advice of Mr. Powell, pleaded guilty. Evidence in support of the caarge was given by Mr. Gorvett and by P.C. Morgan, who cleverly traced the missing chaff. Mr. David said the Company wished to compliment the officer for the ingenuity he had di,pltyed.-The justices fined Williams, who had hitherto borne an excellent character, 40s. and costs. Alleged Theft of a Hammer. George Dougherty, labourer, Glyn-Neath, was charged with having stolen a hammer, value 2., the property of Richard Williams, contractor, at the Silioa Works, Pont-Neath-Yaughan, on Friday January 16th.-After hearing the Ovidence, prisoner was asked to plead, and he replied that he was not guilty. The prosecntor wouldn't pay him all his money. They quarrelled, and he took the hammer for protection, He had been in the Army, and had suffered from sunstroke at Singapore.—The justices held that Dougherty had no intention 01 stealing the article and dis- missed the case. YOUNG MEN IN TROUBLE. The Neath County Jastioes-Alessrs. W. Leyson, Wm. Jones, and Wm. Howell-had before them on Friday a case of alleged house- breaking. The prisoners, charged with breaking and entering Caewern Cottage in the afternoon of the 25th inst., and stealing there- from £ 3 in gold, and 8d. in copper, and a silver watch and chain, were James Harris, collier, and Arthur Brooks, labonrer and the prisoners who were alleged to have received the Ølonel and artioles, knowing them to be stolen, were Samuel Griffiths, Charles Elliot, colliers, and James 0 Howell, labourer all the prisoners belonging to Neath.—Mrs. Phillips, wife of William Phillips, coachman to Mr. Edward Davies, Caewem, deposed to leaving home at three o'clock, return- ing an hour and a half later, and missing the money and the watch and chain. She identified the watoh, bat was doubffal of ttie chain.— Prisoner Harris That's the same chain as we took from there.—Mrs. Philiips said that an entry had been effected through a small window at the back of the premises, which had been closed up. Gwenllian Pnillips, daughter of the last fitness, said she saw the two first-named prisoners aear the house on the afternoon on the 25th.—Edmund Levi, pawn-broker, Fabian-street, Swansea, said a man, giving the name of James Phillips, carao into his shop Jaat Wednesday and pledged the silver albert produced for 2a. 6d. He aaid he lived at 11, Charles-street, Aberavon. That n¡ was the prisoner Samuel Griffiths.—John Davies, 1 assistant to Messrs. Freedman, College-street^; Swansea, deposed to a man coming into the shop and asking witness to pledge the watch, whiott his ather had given him, for 15s. The mall, who was the prisoner Samuel Griffiths, said that hia name was Henry Phillips, of 11, Charles-atreet, Aberavon. Witness gave information to the police. When the constable arrived, the man who had tried to pawn the watch said that a bandy-legged man outside had sent him in. P-C, Phillips, Cadoxton-juxta-Neath, arrested Harris and charged him with stealing a watch and ohain value R9 3s., and X3. He replied, "Brooks and I were together. Brooks opened the window at the back of the cottage and assisted me in turough tho window first; and he followed. He took the watch and chain and then went upstair3- anu. came down again and showed me three sovereigaa. He gave me half of the money. On bton,iay Brooks and myself and Elliot went up the eoal bank. Brooks planted the watch and chain in a hole in the wall by the junction."—On lloflday witness received Brooks in custody from the Llandaff police and conveyed hist toi Witnesa then charged Harris and him jointly. Brooka eaid It's all put on me. Harris broke the window and got in. He came out and handed me the money and the watoh and chain. the watch and chain and went away with the money."—Harris and Brooks, in reply to the Magistrates' Clerk, each said that they not want to say anything.—Harris and Broohks were each committed to the Assizes.-Gri ths, Howell and Elliot were then tried on the charge of receiving.—P.C. Enoch Evans, of 8«va«8eai proved arresting Griffiths and Elliot at blessrs. Freedman's shop at Swansea.-MosegMendelsohn, another Swansea pawn-broker, deposed to llowe coming into his shop on Wednesday in last week aid trying to pawn the watch produced. Witnes8 refused to take the watch. Whan Howell went outside he was joined by Elliot. -Prisoners wre committed to the Assizes.-B.ii was forthoolulng only in the case of Howell. The other four accused were removed to the cells. ASSAULTING A PUBLICAN. At the Neath Police Court on Saturday, John Flynn, a fhh salesman, of 8, Limekiln-court, was charged with unlawfully wounding Jameq Hobbs, landlord of the V-ictoria Hotel, Neath, by striklnI him on the head with a quart glass bottle. A wound one and a half inches long was iDflicted. The Bench reduced the charge to one of assault, and the defendant was fined 3OH. **} costs or one month's gaol. He was removed *° Swansea. MORRISTON BUTCHER FINED. At the Neath Borough Police Court on Monday —before the Mayor (Aid. H. P. Charle."), Mr. Hopkin Jonet, Mr. J. Fear DaVies and Mr. F. J. Gibbons—Isaac Jones, a butcher, of 56, Woodfield-street, Morriston. was summoned for cruelty to five calves. It was stated that the defendant brought the calves to the Neath Market at eleven o'clock on the morD- ing of the 29th ult., and left them without or bedding. At eleven o'clock at night Chief Constable Lewis and Polic^Cnspeotor Jonea found tbe animala in tbe Market^nd had them removed to the stables of the Full Moon public house. The defendant had made various excasos, amoflg8* these being that he hqd been in the habit of leaving animals in the Swansea, Market, where the authorities had officials who looked after them. He also said that he bad auito intended to telegraph to Neath so someone to look aft r the animals, but he had omitted to do so. The Bench fined the defendant Ll 16s. 6d., including costs. DEATH OF A CHILD. County Coroner Cathbertson he]d an inquest at the Town Hall. Neath, on Monday, touching death of Beatrice Williams, the 16 months daughter of Elizabeth Ann Williams of 45, Penydre, Neath. Dr. Whittington said the deceased child was brought to his surgery on the previous evening. She was suffering from pneumonia, and he told the mother to tab« child home at once. He had not seen tbe child before she was brought. to his surgery on the previoDB evening. The jury returned a verdict of death from natural causes. NEATH BANKRUPTCY COURT.-Toesday (Before Mr. Registrar Charles). Re D. T. Lewis.—Debtor, who previously carried on business as a grocer and provision merchant in Winrisor-road, Neath, attend-d for further examination. Reviving to Mr. Reea (Deputy Official Receiver), debtor a iid*he received a eum of nearly C34 from Mr. Harciiniz, draper, Woodfield-street, Morriston, with which he paid out certain executions. It was not money derived from his business. and be therefore bad not entere 1 the sum in his cash account. T h,) Deputy Official Receiver said the debtor's accounts were obviously inaccurate, and were quite unreliable. Amended accounts should be presented. He asked the Registrar to adjourn the inquiry. The Registrar granted this applica- tion, and tne debtor was directed to furnish full acoounts for the last three months' of his trading. Re David Thomas, Grocer.—Debtor carried on business as a grocer at Penydre, Neath. He had prepared an amended cash account since last court.—The Deputy Official Receiver said this account was of little value.—Mr. A. Russell Thomas, who appeared for the debtor, asked that the examination should be closed.—The Registrar said that the accounts presented were most incomplete, and his estimates were of little value. The Court would certainly not encourage the carrying on of trade without any books at all. The case would be adjourned until the next Court. Re Samuel Ernest Mitchell.—Debtor, who had been in business at Skewen as a painter and decorator, presented a statement which showed liabilities E146 15s. 8d., and deficieacy £ 119 3s. 2d. Causes of failure were alleged to have been miscalculation in estimating*for contracts, and high rate of wages.—The case was closed.

BRITON FERRY NOTES AND NEWS. [BY OUR OWN CORRESPONDXNTl RELIGIOUS MISSION. The long-looked-for ward-to fortnight's mission has commenced this week. and evangelistic services are being held in the various Welsh chapels of the town. The mission was organised by the local branch of the Free Churches' Coun- cil. The Rev. Mr. Roberts, Corris, who is especially adapted for this kind of work, is the miasioner, and has nightly succeeded in attract- ing large congregations, though, unfortunately, they comprise comparatively few of those for whose benefit these series of meetings are intended. Nevertheless the inspiring addresses, delivered with much power and eloquence, will not be made in vain if it intensifies the religious conviotiona and adds to the enthusiasm of those who have so nobly brought about this good work in the town. The English-speaking portion of the inhabitants will be provided for when the well-known brothers, Revs. Frank and Seth Joshua, will next week adopt their own particular method of preaching and singing to the multitude. CHARITY. Mr. John Lewis, the energetic secretary of the Charitable Purposes Committee, writes asking me to remind readers of The Cambrian" that an excellent programme will be given by the Baglan Party at the Neath road Board Schools on Saturday next. BRITON FERRY DEBATING SOCIETY. The King's Speech was the subject under j discussion at this Society on Wednesday last. It being a Parliamentary night. Councillor A. J. Jeffreys assumed the role of "Speaker of the House. An amendment to the speech from the throne in reference to its South African policy was moved by MrJ. G. Davie*, seconded by M r R. J. Hughes, and supported by Mr. H. H. Huntf-r, while it was opposed by Capt. Hunter, Mr. R. J. John, Mr. Fred Williams and Mr. Trevor Hunter. After a somewhat uproarous discussion the amendment was carried by a narrow majority. THE GROWTH OF THE DISTRICT. It is said that large plots, of land are being secured in the neighbourhood of Court Sart for the purpose of erecting a great rurnber of cottages in connection with the new colliery. This suggests that the prospects of the sinking operations are eminently favourable. -=-=-

The New Supper Beverage. MAZAWATTEE Perfect Purity Highest Quality COCOA I

PONTARDULAIS 'By THz DRu]D"! CONCERT AT THE PUBLIC HALL. On Thursday evening in last week, a splen- did c-onceit was given at the Public Hall by the .oholar's attending the Llandilo Talv- bont National Schools. There was an excel- lent attendance, and the various items in the programme. was well received. The fol- lowing was the programme: Prologue, "Wel- come," S. A. Davies; chorus, "To the tap of the drfum." scholars; ng and chorus, "Boot black brigade," Isaac Hugh Evans and boys; action song, "Japanese Fan," scholars; song. "When I was young, you know," Gwen- nie Jones; chorus, "Sleighing song," schol- ars; tambourine drill," girls; song and chorus, "She's so shy," Lizzie Handford andi scholars; recitation, "The Quack Doctor," James P. Reynolds; solo and chorus, "Angel of Hope," Miss Bertha Harris and scholars1; song, "The Auctioneer," Ma Id wyn Davies; dumb-bell drill, boys; duet, "You shant' play in our yard," Gwennie Jones and Lizzie Handford; good night drill, eight infants. Many of these items were deservedly ap- plauded and encored. The concluding part of the programme was taken up by the per- formance of Clementine Ward's bright com- edietta, "The Fumble, Sale." The various characters were well sustained by the follow- ^.ng: —Husbands: Masters A. Bolch, W. Lewis, D. D. Davies, M. Downing, W. A. Da- \Tie. T. Davies. Wives: Misses Lizzie Hand- |prd, Gwennie Jones, Mabel Downing, D. H. Lewis, and L. Richards; Betsy Muggins, Miss Gwenllian Jones. We heartily £ °ngratulate Mr. W. Joliffe Harries, the ■^admaMer, and his energetic, staff, on the Success which attended their efforts, and they are to be complimented on the good pro- gmimr,ae set before the public. The concert, which, as will be seen, was of a miscellane- ous character, was one of the best of the kind held locally foil a long time past. The ao- cOraparLists, Messrs. Richard Jones and Sam- uel J. Reed, discharged their duties in, a Satisfactory and efficient manner. The con- eept was repeated on Saturday evening, when the same programme was gone through before a crowded audience. PARISH COUNCIL MEETING. The ordinary meeting of the Llandilo Talv- hoix-t Parish Council was held on Saturday evc,niiig at the Boartd Schools, Pontardulais. In the absence of the chairman, Mr. Thomas ^&vie», through indisposition, Mr. Tom Jen- kins, vice-chairman presided, and there were present: MessT3. David Francia, Thomas Thomas, Thomas Davies, John Morgan, Dd. Thomas, Dd. Lewis, John Griffiths, and the (Mr. J. Roberts). Mr. Thom-ars Davies (Penyrheol, on behalf of the footpath sub- cowmittee, reported that the work had been thoroughly well done, and that the wicket had been firmly pnt down. The bill Jor the path wa« accordingly passed, though JIlr. John Morgan wanted a sub-committee, to diamine the work. Goppa House Sub-committee.—This matter ^8 adjourned till the next meeting.—Mr. David Lewis gave notice of motion- that un- jfisa this work be done next week, a contrac- tor be appointed to do the work of the Parish Council. Cheques were signed to Mr. John White, Js. 9d.; Daniel Davies, £ l 7s. 10d.; Thomas "organ, £ 7; and S. Cole, £ 1 Is.—With re- gard to the encroachments at Birch Rock tun- it was reported that the barbed wire com- Plained of had been removed.—Mr. Davidi kfcwis proposed and Mr. John Griffiths sec- onded, that the sub-committee appointed to deal with the encroachments, should visit the 'oad altered by Mrs. C. Evans to see whether she had carried out the demands of the Par- ish CounciL-The Clerk was also asked to write to the Penderry Parish Council, and »|k them how they proceeded in the matter of encroachments.—The Surveyor to the Dis- tnct Council reported that Meesrs. T. Wu- liams and Sons had stated that they had had the consent of the Duke to raise a hedge lbo yards in length, so as to form an enclosure to make a reservoir for storing water for the boilers at his new colliery.^—Resolved that this matt&r be left to the District Council to deal with next Tuesday. Mr. Thomas Thomas gave notice of motion that he would call the attention of the Council to the state of the footpath to the Old Church, and Mr. David Lewis will also bring forward the con- dition of the Tynybonau David Lewis proposed, and Mr. David Francis sec- onded, that the clerk write to the Rev. Wil- liam Morgan, B.A., vicar, asking that gen- tleman for an explanation of his continued absence from the meetings of the Council.— It was announced that the next meeting would be held on Friday evening, March 7th. —Mr. David Thomas gave notice of motion that he would bring forward the question of fixing upon a convenient spot as a station for the payment of outdoor relief for the paupers of Pontardulais.—The Clerk was asked to write to the County Council to ask them to fix up urinals along Swansea-road.— Mr. Thomas Thomas proposed, and Mr. John Griffiths seconded that two loads of ash be put by the pump at the police-stition, the clerk to superintend the work.Tiiere had been a lot of unnecessary talk during the proceedings, and Mr. David Lewis got up and proposed that Mr. John Morgan be considered a nuisance.—This unique and perhaps face- tious proposition, brought that worthy coun- cillor again to his feet. He wanted to know whether the Parish Council wished to con- sider him personally, on did they wish to label those electors who had put him there with that stigma. Mr. Morgan further al- leged that one meeting of the Council had been held to which he had not been sum- moned at all.—The «tb pr mpmhpr from I Penyrheol, however, said that he had had notice of every meeting.—The incident then ended.—A joint meeting was held, when Mr. I Tom George, district councillor, attended.— Mli. George gave a detailed account of the progress of the Caercerrig Bridge negotia- tions with Mr. Lucas, and also of the en- croachments of Lliw Common, by Messrs. Thomas Williams and Sons.-Mr. Thomas Davies, Penyrheol, having called the atten- tion of the Council to the state of Mason's- road, Gorseinon, from the West End Hotel to the Colliery Works, a lively meeting was at length brought to a close. I MECHANICS' INSTITUTE. The annual meeting of the Pontardulais Mechanics' Institute was held on Saturday last at the Reading-room. Mr. Thomas Da- vies, Birchgrove House, chairman, presided. The report of the auditors (Messrs. David John Davies and Thomas J. Christopher) was received. The subscriptions of the various works were read to the meeting and compari- sons were made. Teilo Works, it was re- ported, had not paid in the accounts for the past year, though these are due quarterly. A sum of £33 9s. lid. was voted for disposal in the deposit account of the institute, which now stands at L!70. Messrs. J. Roberts, Tom Davies, and Isaac Davies were elected on the committee to represent the outside public. The representatives of the contributory tin- works, etc., elect their own representatives at the various branches. The fyalf-yearly sale of papers, etc., will be held henceforth on the first Saturday in January and in July. The nr-t sale for 1902, however, will be held on Saturday afternoon, February 15th, at 4.30 p.m. This concluded the business. BILLIARD TOURNAMENT. Lust week a billiard tournament was played at the Station Temperance Hotel, between teams representing Gowerton and Pontardu- lais cueists. There were one or two exciting games, and some good "breaks" were made. Ultimately the homesteis won by 22 points. Full scores:- Pontardulais.—Stanley Davies, 96; Evan E .Hosea, 60; A. F. Looker, 100; T. J. Chris- topher, 100; Arthur Bowen, 100. Gowerton.—Tom Williams. 100; D. A. Jen- kins, 100; E. Edwards, 65; W. Anthony, 98; G. W. Davies, 71. The return match will shortly be played at Gowerton. SILOH CHAPEL. On Sunday and Monday last half-yearly preaching services were held at Siloh Con- gregational Chapel. The officiating minis- ters were Rev. William James, Swansea; D. Lloyd Morgan, Hope; and H. Seiriol Wil- liams, Pontardawe. There were good con- gregations and eloquent and impressive ad- dresses were delivered. The collections also reached a gratifying figure. WEST MERTHYR COLLIERY. A report of a dinner giyen to his workmen and friends, by Mr. Hopwood, manager and part proprietor of the West Merthyr Colliery, has been held over till next week.

THE NATION'S COAL RESOURCES, THE LATE LORD SWANSEA AN EXPERT ON THE SUBJECT. The question of our coal supply has been brought so prominently before public eye during the recent war that a brief re- count of the result of inquiries made in pre- vious years cannot fail to be interesting to the younger generation of readers, says Mr. Henry Davies in "The Science and Art of Mining." As far back as 1789, Mr. John Wil- liarns, mineral surveyor, in his "Natural His- tory of the United Kingdom," dealt with the question of the limited quantity of coal in Great Britain. His observations, although of a highly intelligent character, were some- what crude owing to the paucity of his ma- terials. The question was dealt with also in the early part of the last century by two Scotch writers—Sir John Sinclair and Rob- ert Bald. Dr. Buckland, in his evidence be- fore the Parliamentary Committees of 1830 and 1865, and in his "Braywater Treaties," also dealt with the subject in an interesting manner. But it was not until the publica- tion of Mr. Stanley Jovon's book on the coal question in the year 1865, that the general public began to take any sericus interest in the subject, which had, however, been en- gaging the attention of experts, such as the late Lord Armstrong, Mr. Hull (the eminent geologist). Mr. M'Culloch, Mr. Hopwith, the late Lord Swansea, and others. These wri- ters had dealt with the matter mainly from a geological or commercial point of view, but Jovons dealt with its arithmetical aspect, and collated the opinions expressed by the wri- ters who had preceded him. Jevons accepted the figures of Mr. Hull in reference to the remaining available supply of coal, and on that basis contended that if the rate of in- crease in production which was then taking place continued the quantity of coal avail- able would he exhausted in 110 years. At the same time he explained that he did not think the increase would be maintained. It was in consequence of the agitation roused by John Stuart Mill and others on the ground of Jevons statements that the Royal Com- mission of 1366 was appointed.

Mr. C. T. Ritchie has introduced in the House of Commons the Government's new Licensing Bill. The first part of the mea- sure, he says. aimed at reducing drunken- ness. The Government proposed that a pen- son drunk and incapable in the streets might be arrested without any delay for a summons to be issued. Any person drunk whilst in charge of a child under seven years of age would be liable to a month s imprisonment. Both married men and women would be liable if to get a separation order in case of habitual drunkenness on the part oi the wife or man respectively. Grocers and other licences over which justices hitherto had but limited control th« latter, served control. All clubs would have to be and no cI«b would be allowed to supply liquor under a penalty of £ 50 or a month s imprisonment in, i L ,? fir s'reref y fead a second time. CADBURY'S Cocoa. ABSOLUTELY PURE, THEREFORE BEST. or any foreign admixture. Most Sustaining, Refreshing and Invigora- ting, CADBPBY'S Cocoa t Refreahin and Invigora- is "aperfect food." and is 4k described by theLatwetas representing "the stan- dard of highest purity." When asking for Cocoa, insist on having CADBUBY'S (sold crily in Packets and Tins^ asothef Cocoas are some nbetitoutiad for the sake of extra nrotiY

EAST CARMARTHEN. LLANDOVERY. LET OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] LADIES' CHORAL SOCIETY. OPERETTA A GREAT SUCCESS. If novelty indeed is the 'sine qua non" with which to catch the public taste nowa, days it was provided in abundance by the members of the Ladies' Choral Society at the Drill Hall, on Thursday evening in last week. This society was formed at the opening of the winter season through a happy sugges-tion of Miss. Perkins, of Tonn. Thanks to her energetic efforts, and the ready response of several young ladies to her appeal, an ex- cellent choir of about 40 voices was enrolled. Ever since their residence at Llandovery, Mr. and Mrs. Perkins and family have ever been foremost, pecuniarily and otherwise, in aiding any object which tended to promote the welfare or to raise the ancient borough of Llandovery from its lethargic state. Tlie spacious hall on the present occasion was densely crowded with an enthusiastic audi- ence, amongst whom were the elite of the town and neighbourhood. The Society placed on the stage an operetta entitled "The Spanish Gipsies," the music of which was composed by Mr. Charles Vincent. M.D.. (Oxon), whilst the libretto was written by Messrs. Edward Oxenford and Victor Bede. The initial portion of the entertainment con- sisted of miscellaneous items contributed by some well-known eisteddfodic prize-winneis. The opening was a duet "Excelsior" by Miss S. Davies and Mr. D. J. Davies, which was rendered in effective style. Mr. Ivor Morris next gave "The Englishman" in his usual telling manner. Mise Davies then treated the !audience to excellent renditions of "Alone on the Raft" and "The Better Land," and Mr. D. J. Davies followed with "The Holy City," which was brilliantly sung. The final item in the first part was a comic song entitled "The Whistling Thief" by Mr. Ivor Morris. The SOlig gave plenty of scope for Mr. Morris' inimitable caprices, and afforded a great deal of merriment. Loud calls for an encore were made, but much to the chagrin of the audience, the appeal for a second contribution proved futile. The operetta was then proceeded with. The scenis represented a vineyard, comprising grapes, oranges, and various fruits, and was exceedingly pretty. Amidst this were the grape gathereri--assuniingly engaged in their vocation—and dressed in pretty costumes of flowered muslin, with large garden hats, trimmed with roses and foliage. The effects was most bewitching and artistic. The sy- nopsis of the operetta was a scene laid in Spain during the period of the grape harvest. A band of maidens are at work amid the vines, and true to their national characteris- tics are full of life and merriment. Their mid-day rest is enlivened by the arrival of a troup of gipsies, who sing and dance to them. One of the troup tella the fortunes of several of the maidens, another sings a legendary ballad which appeals to the loyalty of its hearers, and condemns the intrigue with enemies of their land; the disastrous consequences likely to ensue upon such a pro- ceeding are forcibly expressed in the words of the ballad in question. At the conclu- sion of the ballad the maidens return to their work, while the gipsies disport them- selves in various ways, some resting, others preparing their meals, etc. The introduc- tion was a chorus by the grape gatherers, with solos by Lola and Inez. This was bril- liantly rendered, and at its conclusion a bolero dance was admirably accomplished with grace and ease by Miss Muriel Thomas and Miss C. G. Major. The opening scene soon placed the assembly in raptures and an- ticipations of a rare musical treat seemed in store, which, it is pleasing to chronicle, were fully realised. The recit. "'Tis well with those," was next rendered by Lola in splen- did style, and the succeeding chorus, "Soft as the Music," was well sustained by the grape gatherers, the solo being again bril- liantly taken by Lola. The semi-chorus, "The Noontide Sun," by eight of the gatb erers, was sweetly rendered, the music in thik being exceedingly pretty. Subsequently the gatherers gave the full choral recit., "Here come the Gipsies," which again was done full justice to. Then entered the gipsies, headed by the Queen, singing as they ap- proached, "The Merry Gipsies,' 'to the ac- companiment of triangles, tambourines, cas- tanets and gongs. They were attired in ap- propriate gipsy garb, of red, yellow and blue colours, with black zouaves, bearing gilt coins around. The Queen's costume was. particu- larly realistic, being composed of a crimson Cashmere skirt, black velvet, also a corselet with a white, muslin apron trimmed with gold fringe. She also wore an Oriental sash, bearing coins and guards. Esmeralda after- wards rendered the song entitled, "The for- tune teller," in a most commendable manner. sustaining her difficult part to perfection, and an encore was demanded, which was re- sponded to. During its rendition the grape gatherers were told their fortunes, the fair maidens accepting the prophecies for good or evil quite unabashed and with a good grace. Some of the future forebodings predicted created intense laughter. A pleasing change in the piece was the succeeding gipsy ca- chucha dance, which was excellently accom- plished by the gipsies. Zelrina next gave her legend "In the years long ago. The solo was a very difficult one, and hardly ad- aptable for a soprano voice, on account of the low notes which it contained. Nevertheless, although suffering under such disadvantages. Zerlina gave a telling interpretation ot legend. The duet "See all around, by and Dolores was another success"" bution. The chorus, "The day « slanting west," was afterwards sung gatherers, and during its rendItion gipsy camp life was depicted in most realistic fashion on the stage. A large ron Was fixed, and the gipsies disported themselves in preparing the meals, e1 his, clever performance created favoura e comment from the audience. -^ie. ,!ia ^^orus was en- titled, "The fairest day, which again was capitally aceomhshed. Thus concluded the operetta. The pi^e brilliant^ sustained and there waa,5P a J moment or a hitch throughout. The conductoress (Miss Wil- liams. of Llangammarch) deserves high com- mendations for her careful training of the choir. Thiswas apparent throughout the rendition, The solos and choruses were splendid and the dancing was performed with such ease and graco as to reflect credit those who participated therein. The music was exceedingly sweet, and contained ea c y airgi. The principal characters were sustained1 by the following:—Grape T 1rv ATfr'S'—(soprano), Miss Marion ^'oyd-VVatkins; Inez (mezzo-soprano), Miss oophie Williams: Dolores (contralto). Miss Gwladys Rees. Gipsies.—Zerlina (mezzo so- Prano), Miss M. A. Price; Esmeralda (oon- tralto), Miss Prytherch. Miss Watkins had a most difficult part to sustain, rendering no Iws than three solosi. Right well, however, did she accomplish her task, her rich soprano voice being heard to perfection. Miss Gwladys Rees, Miss M. A. Price, and Miss Sophie Williams, as Dolores, Zerlina, and Inez, also upheld their respective parts with great credit. Miss Prytherch, as Esmeralda, the Queen of the Gipsies, had also one of the principal parts to enact. Her acting was perfect, and her singing has never been heard t obetter advantage, and in fact Miss Pryth- erch's all-round excellence tended materially to promote the success the operetta attained. The following composed the choruges-- Grape Gather,-rs.-Miss Perkins, Miss Price, Miss Bull, Miss Juniper, Miss Wilcock, Miss M. A. Davies, Miss J. Wall, Mise S. Jen- kins, Mise Rouse, Miss Elsie Thomas, Miss Muriel Thomas, Miss Anthony, ?tIi L. A- Davies, Miss Barrett, Miss Richards. Miss M* Stephens, Miss Alice Jones, Miss Katie. Thomas, Miss C. J. Major, Miss M. Bellman, and Misa Amelia Thomas. Gipsies.—Mrs. Travers Perkins, ^.rn'1' Perkins, Mrs. Gruffryd Evans, Miss *al^, Miss A. Jones, Mis* Minna Jones. Clau- dia Davies, Miss Laffertv, Williams, Miss M. A. Jones, »ntl Williams and Miss M. Jouee. The entertainment terminate with the singing of the National Anthem, the solo be- ing splendid rendered by Miss M. Lloyd-Wat- fcins. Mrs. M. H. Nichols, of the National Schools performed the duties of accompanist in her usual capable style. The draping of the stage and the interior of the hall, in -—————————————— —* which the artistic eye was abundantly in evi- dence, was gratuitously performed by Mr. W. Jones, draper, Alma House. On Friday evening the operetta was Tf! peated, by special request. FUNERAL OF MRS. MARY JONES. The mortal remains of the late Mrs. Mary Joneo, of King s-road, in this town whose death was briefly chronicled in our last week's issue, were interred in Llandingat Church- yard on Wednesday last, amidst everv mani- festation of sorrow. The funeral was" lately the^Rev T E D" Eurof WaIt^> and e Rev. T. E. Thomas were the officiating fVrW I-" /e h°U3e' wfai!st the Ee7- Gruf- fvdd Evans (curate) conducted the bursal service at the church and grave. JOINT MEETING OF THE DISTRICT AND lOv\N COUNCILS. The Proposed Isolation Hospital. Heated Di30nssiofl. •<»« election of an isolation hoapjta' f-> on m outbreaks of infectious dJe^ ?/X"r tnct. There was a full was noticeable that the project'^ad ev-'Ld considerable interest in tha loealtvM James Rees of T-jlirurth ui. Mr. the District Council meeting^ the chair. At the ouM Ih n ,v?ted *> fthyblid, objected to th.' of the ut that th('1 notice only con. -el a meeting of the. District COuneil. On CV,lfnaPI)ealed U>' Mr- Thomas WinJa^ case LU1h' re.i:>ullve<- ^at such was not the com'mitt speaker, had move*] aj- committee ineeHm*- « au <-110 Monday (a rpport of which OQ th" P^vious dropped.—Aid D Tg 6 ^onsequentiy proposed that the J committee passed on MnndT/d°' -One of the membe^T^I be vision objected, on the members of the District r«, I many present at 8nch Z" ci 11 or J. R. James, Springfie'd fWt- that the Diti,ict Council, quitt, apart from the Town Council, had decided to erect 1 ,H- a, aDd further resolved to ask the latter body to co-operate in its er^ti^n He nrnnfl6? ^'efore that the OorpoSSS'S whr&d(meutheir Part' He faQed ?o comnltln(Tm £ er9 of the ^strict Council' complained.—Councillor John fjvan.% Old Change House, questioned from a leeal stand point the erection on the nr-fvr^Ji ■* sanitary grounds.—Councillor Phi U in? Picton ViUa, stated tbat they had asked the medical officers opinion on the point and he had replied in its favour.—This Dr. R0e- ser (who was present at the meeting) sub- stantiated, stating that Dr. Berryman and himself were in accord on the point.Con- siderable discussion took place a* to the suit- ability of the spot suggested, Mr. John Wil- 1 lams, Tirypentre, stating in reply to a ques- tion, that it was quite a quarter of a mile from the, Girl3' Intermediate School, and therefore far enough from that institution, and also the town.—Mr. John Davies, Aber- llechach complained that full particulars as to the proceedings already referred to had not been sent to the members of the District Council. He felt certain that some of the members did not know, in fact, what had really previously been done.—Mr. W. M. Davies, Glansawdde, retorted that it had been determined ea the previous Friday to erect an isolation hospital. He was of opin- ion that it should be carried out in co-oper- ation with the Town Council. He remarked that if it was necessary to have bridges to save people's lives it was certainly necessary ta have a hospital. He pointed out the con. veniences in having the building erected near the town. It would be near the doctors who would consequently have better opportuni- ties to attend to the patients. He moved that both bodies co-operate in its erection.—Mr. John Williams seconded the proposition.—In reply to Mr. Davies, Rhvblid, Councillor D. T. M. Jones (Mayor) said that, with refer-* ence to Mr. IJar.w' statement that no person could be compelled to enter such hospital, byelaws could be provided, in accordance with the requirements of the Local Govern- ment Board.—Mr. placed be- fore the meeting an opinion expressed by & medical man at a meeting of the Sanitary In- stitute, with reference to the corrugated iron buildings, which was to the effect that such temporary buildings were more expensive to maintain than permanent buildings, and quite unsanitary, on account of the varia- tions which occurred in the temperature.— Llwynwormwood Mansioa was again sug- gested, but not entertained, as it was gener- ally held that the trustees would not sanc- tion a letting for such purpOws.-Very heated ,Twordy" passages passed between the mem- bers from time to time, which at one. period seemed probable would result in the Town Council withdrawing entirely and proceed- ing, if necessary, with the erection on their own account. Better counsel, however, latet prevailed, and a very lengthy deseantatioix resulted in a decision to co-operate in the building of the hospital. It was alsc resolved that a committee representing each Council should be appointed in proportion with the ratable value, to confer as to a con. venient and approved site. PRESENTATION TO THE REV. H. IVOR JAMES. Induction Services. On Wednesday, in last week, the Rev. H. Ivor James, the recently appointed pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Chapel in this, town was formally inducted to the pastorate of this chapel. Preaching services were held at which the Revs. Hughes, Mountain Ash.; Humphries, Felinfoel; and Daviee, Login; delivered eloquent and powerful dis- courses, which were listened to by a. latP and attentive audience who attended frtom, all parts. In commemoration of Mr. James' acceptance of the pastorate, the members got up a subscription list and therefrom pro- cured a costly massive drawing-room marble clock and rosewood cabinet. The clock was supplied by Mr. D. T. Morgan, jeweller, Llandovery, and bore the following inscrip- tio-n: -Presented to Rev. H. Ivor James, by the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Llandovery, on the occasion of accepting the call to the pastorate of the above church, January 29th, 1902." The cabinet was obtained from Messrs. Ben Evaiia and Co., Swansea. The presentation was handed to the rev. gentle- man by Mrs. James, of Mount, as the senior member of the church. DEATH AND FUNERAL. Another much respected inhabitant passed! peacefully away on Thursday in last week, in the person of Mrs. Rachel Evans, the be- loved wife of Mr. Thomas Evans, of Castle- street. Deceased had been in failing health for a considerable time Past- Her genial dis- position and integrity of character had won a host of friends who sympathise with the be- reaved widower at the severe blow which he fias sustained in loemg such a. true and lov- ing partner in life. The funeral, which was of a public nature, took place on Monday last and was a jV1 rePresentative one. The composition of the solemn cortege clearly showed the great esteem in which the de- ceased ha" neld in the borough. Lland- ingat P'ace of interment and the Rev. Gruffydd Evans (curate) officiated both at the church and grave. The Rev. D. Eurof Walters, pastor of Salem Chapel, conducted an appropriate service at the residence of the departed prior to the corpse being conveyed out. Mr. W. Jones, of Alma House, was the undertaker. OMISSION. In our report of the presentation to Mr. and Mrs. M. H. Nichols, of the Nationat Schools, we omitted stating that the gifta were supplied by Mr. S H. Price, jeweller, Llandovery. A PPROACHING FASHlv •• VABLE M.YURr,\OK Lla/idoveriKu«i ar-- «■; present intciested in tbro approachim; 1" = —go of Dr. J. S. Kosser, M.n., of th "nri Mi", Aijiji r Uoyd- Wfttkins, the •• bioi'man