The Cambrian

Pontardulais Claim at the Assizes Novel Circumstances: Alleged Forgery of Letters. Wednesday was welcomed by nearly every- body at the' Glamorgan Assizes. For days tbe civil business bad been one continual round of dullness respecting shipping shares. Man- nesmann tubes it!td but now came a real, live breach of promise suit, and that of a somewhat remarkable nature. Mrs. Han- nah Evans, voiding at Golden Grove. Pon- tardulais, the plaintiff in the action, and she was represented by Mr. W. D. Benson (instructed by Messrs. Hand-ell and Saiuiders, Llaneliy), uluie Mr. Edward Thomas, of Groves End-iov;. Pontardulais, was the de- fendant, for whom appeared'Mr. S. T. Eva:i,s, K.C.M.P., and Mr. Ivor Dowen (instructed by ML. U"lii,o,ii Dahne, Swan.-ea). The soia- lium asked for the alleged "br.'ach" was £ 1.000. It is said that in Springtime the- young mini lightly turns Lis thoughts to love, and so it was perhaps becoming that the par- ties to the present suit waitod till the harv"i time before making their amo-roius protesta- tions, for both plaintiff an I defendant are not merely well on in years—Mrs. Evan* is just over 50, while Mr. Thomas is some years her senior—but each had knelt at the hymenal altar at one period of their lives Widow and wiciower, they met in a hayfield ::t the Pentre Farm, PouUirduia: in July last, and four months later the alleged promise was made and broken, while now, despite an appeal by plaintiff in one of her letters to defendant to ibe wise and not wa"te hard-earned savings "between barristers and others, the par had come into court for a settlement ot len short-lived love affairs. The remarkable tea- tnre itbaut the case xvas the deteiice .set up, which was not merely a denial oi the promise to mairy. but the alleged tw-erv of certain letters attributed to the defendant. Anotuer interesting tit-bit in the citse wts that on one wetiasion plaintiff, in male attire, attempted to have communication with the defendant after the aid of the law had been requisitioned U1 allegation which her solicitors promptly denied at the time. The action wa- heard before Mr. Justice Philimore and a common jury. According to counsel the promise was made on Aug. 9. 1902, and was verbal. On Sept. 4 it was repeated by letter. In October de- fendant broke off the engagement. The parties had attained middle life. defendant being 67 and plaintiff 45. Thomas was a re- tired colliery proprietor, and each of the parties had a son. Defendant, conusel con- tinued, subsequently called on the plaintiff, and in the* presence of others offered marriage repeatedly to her. Plaintiff at first did not accept, not having known defendant suffic- iently lung. He called several times in August, and pressed for an answer. On August 15 he offered to relieve Miss Bevan of Bolgoed of the share of a pew rent she was I accustomed to pay defendant. After plain- tiff had accepted, a visit was made to the de- fendant's house, and he showed her every- thing about the place. Both seemed satisfied. It. was arranged that the wedding should take place on the loth October following. Mean- while defeuda m went up to Golden Grove to m the acquuntance of plaintiff' son. COPIES OF C RKHSPOXDF.NCE. The corespondent read in court, on behalf of the widow seemed to indicate that plaintiff set the ball rolling in thus direction, for she wrote to defendant, under date September, 1902, "hoping to rind you well and. happy," a.nd ajel-itig whether lie intended to come to the show. To this the following reply wa.s .lilt: — "Groveeend-row, Sept. 4. 1902. 'LW- Huinah,—Your letter to hand this uioniing.. i n<\ I am very glad to receive it, because it it he first one that I have had from you hoping it won't be the laèt. No, dear. I do not intend going to the show, but with pleasure I snail come up to see you, but to stay, 1 hope the day is not far when I shall tome up not to aeo you, but to stay with you for good I shall be there early on Saturday night, and we shall all arrange matters then. dtav Hannah, I nope we shall have no cause tt- repent. so help lis God.—From your ever- faithtul. E. Thomas. "To Mrs. Evans, Golden Grove. have told Freddy (defendant's son) that I am going to get married, but I didn't teU htm to who." When piaintiJ wrote the following:- Gc-lden Grove, Pontardulais. .a. "September, 1902. "Dear Edward,—I am writing you these few lines with regard to the matter you P:lt to nini to consider on Saturday night. On the first matter I quite agree with you: it will be wiser .md cheaper for to go without making 11 any fuss at all. A* to the second matter, I agree to your mentioned time, the middle of next month. We slull see one another a-s to uate when you know what date Mrs. Jones is gemg to leave von. The third matter—it will •be better l'( x- us to live here. It wdl be more vomloat.tb and more independent than live in a row, as I don't want 10 mix up with the '1°', That "i my opinion. I hope that t iri Vfi same. Dear Edward, voa Tf f ever?"thing in mv hand. If that is true there will be no alteration. .pi Hoping thau you and Frtnldy is alright, I remain your ever-faithful H Evans -To /M(r. Thome). Grovesend-row. Tkere waS no direct answer to this letter. Defendant called upon the plaintiff, and it was then arranged that the son of Mrs. Jones, who lodged with the plaintiff, should be given notice. On October ^6.n the deieud,i.ui wrote to the plaintiff: "Grovesend-row. 16th Oct., 1902. "Dear Mrs. Evans.—These lines I am writ- ing you to ask to let everything drop where they are. Sorry for your feelings this morn- Jng; but cheer up as good as you can. Hop- ing you will find a, better one oefors long; so cheer up.—From E. Thorn is. "Dear Edtward." plai-itiff replied on the 16tli. "ves still dear to me, I a:n surprised at you tnig morning that vou are so c-old to me. I never thought of finding you so distant, as you have always been so°lo'v:ng to me. You came to me first as a honest, straightforward to be Christian. So I took. you to be both,; but now, dear Edward, I don t know what to say 0f vou your ex- cuse this morning was chat peoDle were te'l- H,B-FreddjKS;t I,an Kit«S paying anybody. I msh u t h names then I will make them pIOvc ir Vn told me. too, tins morning that Freddys making a row with you. it wis wit! T made the arrangements and not witl. v/'j1! Deal Ed».,rd. thin. *d< £ trouble, and put yourself instead of nv> y have been worse than a tliief to me. ihe th"0lf can only steal my goods in my absence. But you have come in my pivvse.iee^and stolen) n"t even my heart, but n'y sou! out ot my I ndv I d'cn t. kmi ■>>■» .0 ..ve ai.i- "L-e-)tnur*t" 1 J*. < oeen ruined 1;1 ad ways, ana i r;u.,< death than shame. Please, Edward, think €fie matter over a rain, aad write and let me kn-ow what you intend to do. Be IK nest enough to a" that, whatever—I rom your sorrowful Hannah Eva i«. Plaintiff, a buxom, pleasant-faced, substan- tial woman, then eiiterud the wittiest box. At the outset she apologised to the Court for bar poor English. She bore out her counsel's opeiujg statement, and detailed the circwm- f^»-«#under wliich defendant met, her and the ■lavi. His name was Thomas "urist-mas r. and was 30. During their courtship they sa. _:rd^r a trte in the garden, where the sen angrily ueuia" -1 THAT WAS UD. Then a holiday trip was discussea. ED her to accompanv him, but she WJUS not un- mindful of what the neighbours would say. "People will talk aoout us." she said, and thPll defendant suggested that the diffieultv MiL"!It be overcome by securing a friend as a compan- ion. At that very moment Mrs. Davies walk- ed in. and defendant immediately said. "She will be your companion. The idea was ex- plained to Mrs. Davies, who fell in with if on one condition-that defendant would pax IK-V expenses'. The arrangement, however*, fell through, and next morning defendant went on hi s holidays alcme. He returned on August 30th. when he showed her over his house— tf-.ven the kitchen. He asked her to visit the garden, but she refused. He also showed her a cow and a pony he had bought. He said, "If you are.satisfied with wl-at you have- seen, please dirop me a note." The marriage was fixed for Oatob-e 15th. and it was arranged t that they should s-eeure the licence in Swan- sea. In order to make room for defendant', I she gave notice Lo her iodgers. LV'tr. and Mrs. Jones*. Ailer this defendant tooled: hb visits stopped, and) at last she went to his house. He was out, but she met him on tne- road. and hI" excused his conduct by saying he had been ill. She told him she was very depi essed, and after a little chat he piomisied he would coll on her the next night. "but he didn't come. And SH it went on until October 15th, lie. next day she went to his house: he saw her coining aud shut the door. "Kdvvard ^hon<a^ si;e called out. "are you in?" Ed- ward opened the door: sh" walkr-d in, a.nd a>ked for an explanation, tie hung nis lieud and said. Freldy has been making a row be- e.iuse of the engagement. and that people said she was in debt, and did not pay any- bodv. "Were voa in debt?" a-sked Mi. Ben-on. "1 'liJll\ owa a shilling, except on mortgage and that I don t call a debt." 0 The Court was then adjourned to Thursday.

THURSDAY'S CROSS-EXAMINA- TION OF PLAINTIFF. The Alleged Disguise in Male Attire. The extraordinary breach of promise case brought by Mrs^ Hannah Evans, widow, of Golden Grove Farm. Pontardulais, against Mr. Edward Thomas, a retired colliery pro- prietor and haulier, of Grovesend-row, Pon- tardulais, was resumed before Mr. Justice Phillimore and a common jury at the Glamor- gan Assizes, at Cardiff, on Thursday. Ihomas Christmas Evans, the grown-up >o:i of plaintilf, deposed to defendant in Aug- uit last, taking tea with Mrs. Evans, and the following Stmday. August 7th, witness saw ii.'>s mother and Mr. Thomas in the garden at Golden Grove. Defendant had hi., lLùnd upon plaintiffs shoulder, and witness asked wnat was going on. and defendant replied, ''Do not be nasty I intend coming here to stay, if I can get a place- to come to." Witness said he was not willing, and then defendant consoled him by saying that lie did not intend robbing lum of hi.% money, as he himself had plenty. ltnesa also depend that defendant subse- quently endeavoured to get plaintiff to go to the Wells of Aberystwyth for a fortnight s holiday. "I am not willing," said witness. Defendant replied, "It will cost you nothing, a:-? I pay all expenses." Later on witness ana his mother went up to Grove s End-row about f a penv and trap, and defendant asked them to drop a note if they were satisfied. Wit- ness. in his mother's name afterwards* wrote to Mr. Thomas a letter of which he kept a copy. The Judge: What a very odd thing to do. Why did you keep a copy? Witness explained that being no scholar he was in the habit of preparing a draft letter, and then copying it out carefully afterwards. A copy of the letter in. question was put in. and then witness said it was not in his hand-writing. Mr. Benson, who appeared for the plaintiff, asked witness whether he was sure, where- upon an objection to the question was made on the other side. Witness proceeded to say that he wrote to defendant asking him on behalf of his mother if he was coming to the show, and his mother showed him Mr. i Thomas' reply, in which he referred to the plaintiff as "Dear Hannah," and expressed pleasure at receiving the first letter from her. On the following Saturday night, defendant came to Golden Grove, and witness gave him his consent. Mr .Benson: What did you give your con- sent to? Witness I told him I was willing between him and mother. Mr. Benson: What was to take place be- tween them? Witness Marriage, sir. I In further examination witness deposed to defendant coming down to Golden Grove with the proposed marriage settlement. He was going to take it to Mr. Dahne, his solicitor. Mr. Thomas did not go to Mr. Dahne. and he was too late. Plaintiff had never attired herself as a man. Cross-examined by Mr. Ivor Bowen. junior counsel with Mr. S. T. Evans. K.C. You are goin^ to be married yourself? (Laughter.) Witness: That is my affair. You can answer that, said the Judge; we won't ask her name. Are you or have you been courting? Witness: I have been courting a lot. (Much laughter.) Mr. Bowen All at the same time? (More laughter.) Witness was then questioned as to the visits of his mother to her solicitors, Messrs. Ran- dell and Saunders, Uanelly, and he fixed the date by some preaching meetings which took place in the district. In the srarden scene wit- ness wanted to be satisfied. "Satisfied of what?" Mr. Bowen asked. I wanted to be satisfied that defendant didn't want to take anything from me. (Laughter.) By Mr. Benson: The witness had his own pony-trap, and did not want another. Jane Davies, wife of William Davies, living near Golden Grove, Pontardulais, gave evi- dence that defendant asked her to accompany him and Mrs. Evans on a holiday, and also of Mr. Thomas subsequently enquiring whether plaintiff had given her lodgers notice to leave. Mr. Benson: "Did Mrs. Evans show you at any time any letters jibe had from defen- dant ?" Witness "Yes, sir." Mr. Benson: "How many?"—"Two I have seen." By the Judge: "There were three alto- gether. She saw the two wrilten before the breach of promise of marriage." Cross-examined by Mr. S. T. Evans. K.C. "You are a most intimate friend of Mrs. Evans?" Witness "I am her friend." Mr. Evans: "Her most intimate friend?" Witness "I cannot say that." Counsel proceeded to put to witness certain accounts admittedly in her hand-writing, and also a torn envelope, three newspaper cut- tings of breach of promise cases, and the fol- lowing note anonimously received by defen- dant: "Mr. Thomas,—Please read this care- ,7; is the way Hannah Christmas will feather you one of these days." Witness admitted that plaintiff was some- times called "Hannah Christmas," but she emphatically denied ever having seen the cut tin* or the note before Mr."Evans: "Now, Mrs. Davies, will vou ccme down to the table to write soniethWfor me r' Witness complied, and when paper, pen and ink were before her she asked "What shall I write?" » The following letter was dictated "Dear Mrs. Evans,—My son Freddy told me he saw vou this morning. I am sorry I did not re- ceive your letter until Saturday evening. I cannct see you on Thursday, as I am going to Mr Dahne's house to see him to arrange a business matter and sign for money. Can vou come up to-morrow. If you cannot I promise you faithfully to see you wherever you like on Saturday night.— Yours truly, In further cros^-examination, it transpired that in a letter just dictated, and also in the "°e letters which are alleged to have been forger, -he words "Saturday/' "business," and faithfully -70 mis-spelt in the same ■way. "Now, 1 pu„ +0 you that you wrote mat anonymous note, an. three letters of September 4th, the Friday, the 16th October. J Witness: "I did not, sir Barbara, Jones, wife of Thomas Jones, who lived with plaintiff, deposed to receiving notice to leave, m order that the plaiatiff an3 Mr. Thomas might take the wVle of the i a iaid*he some of plain- tiff s letters and kept copies of them The Judge: "What made you do that 'I" Witness: "She asked me to." The Judge intimated to the Jury tHat an "OH-'1 Jro'.eM «alled. "I may point out, uis j^orasmp went on. "that in the letters which are said to be defendant's, and which you, Mr. Evans, sug- gest were written by a third person, there is, not much bad spelling. In the letter written at dictation there are one or two instances of bad spelling of a different kind, andTa good deal of bad grammar. Jane Bevan, a farm servant girl spoke to defendant coming after plaintiff. She sat in the same pew, and he told her not to say any- thing wrong about Mrs. Evans. I began to tease him, because I thought he was courting a woman at Llangennech," said witness. "What did he sav?" asked Mr. Benson. "He said, 'No: it is a lie,' witness an- swered, and said he was not going to marry the woman at LIangennech but Mrs. Evans. (Laughter.) Cross-examined, witness furtlier said that she, was keeping company with plaintiff's son oH and on Mr. Evans* Are you keeping company now?—No. Thai you £ 117? on the "off." The Judge objected to this "inm'-ecessaiy cross examination a, to witness's private ¿I !t¿dr: Mr. Evans, however, asked Mi w Beva.n u she had not had a quarrel with "Tom," and witn-erf* blurted out. "Ye<s." Thomas Jones, hus'bind of a previous wit- ness told the eoutt he could not ten his wife's writing. VûbcrL John Collier, rate collector, Fontir- (tulais. Mr. Sannder. of the firm of Ka.ndeH and Saunders, solicitors, and Mr. White, were called to prove that def-.nda.nt possessed 11 houses, but counsel for defence objected. This was plaintiff's case. With the photo uf the three letters alleg- ed to have b_e-:i forged before him, Mr. S. 1. Evans rose to open the case for the defendant, i who would. counsel said, demy ;vny promise to li arrv either verbally or written, aud mote- ever, would furtlier say that Mrs. Davies wrote the letter attributed to defendant, a.)-.d did so at plaintiff's request. Further, Mr. Thomas would be called to say that he never had ret-five'.l a 'etter from plaintiff flh- tii after the matter had been placed in the hands of the solicitors. Counsel commented on what he described as lit I impotfant dis- crepancy in the evidence for the plaint:ff. One witne^, he said, had sworn he wrote the let- ter that was said to be the only one defend- ant had received, while another witness said shr- did it. It trail -spired that the a,u.ony oil" had three additional words after the sug- gestion that plaintiff would feather the defan- dmt. "You shall see she is a devil of a woman and wins wherev-u- she goes." Continuing his evidence, -ounsel intimated that he pro- posed to ca'l Mr. Gurrin. the eminent expert in 11:1 mh-, rlt-mg. Tne Judge inttrpo-ed and said that defend- n.i' snouhi be called first. It W3k< quitei with- in the bounds of possibility tlut there was a real promise verbally, and then wi conse- quciiee of a fear of insuffir..eret evidence fct convince a jury ii, wicked attempt was baing made to support .t ^Counsel replied to the jury bluat the onus 01 the whole cose lay in the letter. and that the jury, -aft?!' hearing the evidence should re- i fuse to believe word plaintiff had said in the witness box. If such a wicked attempt to bolsttr up the c't.se was true, then judge and jury should pass the strongest possible con- demnation

———— > Defendant in the Box. I Defewlmt detailed an extraordinary story. 1 He said he and plaintiff were in the hay-field in July. About a week later they were both on the Pontardulais Railway Station and. going to Llanelly. > Mrs. Evans introduced herself by asking if he was Mr. Thomas, of Groves End. and he said he did not know her. "Don't you remember the woman in the Pen- tie hayfield?" Mrs. Evans said. "I am the mother of Tom Christmas." He still did not take much notice of her. but a.t Llanelly nlat- form plaintiff again came up and said.How long have vim buried your w ife?" Defendant said, "Twelve months next September." Then I Mr: Evans said "I suppose you will have another wife again?" Defendant replied he did not know; and plaintiff said, "You had better look for a nice woman to go in busi- ness to go t.o auctions," or something like-that. (Proceeding.)

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT Tuesday. The House of Commons, Tuesday.—The Speaker took the chair at two o'clock. ST. PATRICK'S DAY. Mr. Wyndham informed Mr. Thomas O Donnell that 425 public nouses out of a total of 918 in Dublin voluntarily closed on St. Patrick's Day this year, and the number of cases tried in 'Dublin' Police Courts on the following day was 32. against 69 on the corre- sponding date last year. CHARACTER* AND THE ARMY. Lord Stanley informed Mr. Frederick Wil- son that the substitution of a sliding bar for a fixed bar of the back sight of the new service rifle would be unsuitable for service condi- tions. He informed Mr. Arthur Lee that re- cruiting officers had received instructions to secure publicity for the recent decision to in- quire into the character of all applicants for enlistment in the Armv. "FRESH" BUTTER Mr. Hanbury intimated that the second reading of the Adulterated Butter Bill may be taken earlv next week. PERMANENT COMMITTEE ON SHIP- PING. Mr. Balfour informed Mr. Evelyn Cecil that the establishment of a permanent committee to watch shipping matters was under con- sideration. It was doubtful whether repre- sentatives of the shipping interest should be members, but the Government were not averse to an outside element. A "REGRETTABLE OCCURRENCE." Mr. Balfour informed Mr. G. Bowles that the United States Government called attention to the passage in the Venezuela Blue Book, reflecting on United States Legation at Caracas. Such an error was most regrettable.

Wednesday. HOUSE OF COMMONS, Wednesday. The Speaker took the chair at two o'clock. There were signs of unusual interest in the proceelings; members mustered in force, and the Strangers' Gaftery quickly filled. In the Peers' Gallery were the Duke of Abercorn, the Lord-Lieutenant and Lord-Chancellor of Ireland, with other peers. NATIVE LABOUR. Lord Cranborne informed Mir. Herbert Samuel that the recruiting for labourers in East Africa and Ugandi would not be author- ised at present. The Colonial Secretary said in reply to Mr. Whitley that the rate of wages paid to the thousand natives recruited in Central Africa would be subject to the appro- val of the Commission. I

EXCITEMENT IN TRINIDAD. Mr. Chamberlain, in reply to Mr. Brixton, made a statement with regard to rioting in Trinidad, which had arisen out of a demand for representative government Nine had been killed and 40 wounded. Troops were on their way from Barbadoes. THE METROPOLITAN LIFE ASSUR- ANCE COMPANY. The ordinary general meeting o*"thi's society was held on the 19th instant at the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Moorgate Place. Mr. William Grant, who presided, in moving the adoption of the report, discussed the accounts, which, he thought, were very sat- isfactory. The amount of new business com- pleted last year showed an increase of £26,299 over the previous year. The increase was due partly to the attractive tables recently adopted, and perhaps to a larger extent to the great interest taken in the society by the members. The actual claims by death were onlyq 67 £ per'cent. of the amount estimated and provided for. The assurance funds has been increased by £ 24,994, the investments reserve fund by £ 5,000, and the unappropri- ftje, balance of £ 15,142 carried forward. One or tnet most interesting features in the present report was toe reduction from 3 £ per cent, to o per cent, of the rate of interest assumed the valuation of the third series. The fall in trie "ate of interest realised on first-class securities was now accentuated bv increased jfltcome tax. ano WflS advisable" tv grovitfe ampff for the future & this respect bv ing the rate of interest assumed in tfie valu- ation. In addition to the increased strength of the reserves resulting from this the members wouM f)^ix -ri tnao xii/e iowei tnt rate o. interest- at^whirh the society valued, the larger—other things being equial—- was the margin of future profits. The report and accounts were unanimously adopted.

COMMERCE OF SWANSEA HARBOUR. Swansea, Thursday, March 26, 1S03.—The supply of tonnage in the week shows a tailing off compared with the previous week, but on the whole the returns are more favoifeable. As against last year there is an increase in imports, but a loss in exports. There was more activity in the patent fuel trid-- a large shipment being made for Algeria, and the exports of tinplates and general merchandise were satisfactory. The weather still con- tinues adverse, and many sailing vessels are still unable to leave. Entries of shipping in ballast. 19,194 tons, as against 30,762 tons the previous week, and 24.955 tons last year. Shipments of coal--France, 21,305 tons; Sweden, 1,330 tons, Denmark 840 tons, Ger- many 5050 tons, Italy 5121 tons, Algeria 1950 tQns: Russia. 1163 tons. San Francisco 2960 tons, United States 1,480 tons. Patent fuel- France 370 tons, Spain 1020 tons, Italy 400 tons, and Algeria 6400 tons. Clearances of tinplates and general goods- France 252 tons. Italy 900 tons, Holland 1300 tons,Belgium 470 tons, Batoum and Odessa. 1200 tons, New York 480 tons, Philadelphia 700 tons. Imports (cosatwise)-Pig iron, 2713 tons. steel scrap 350 tons, gas oil 300 tons, grain, 552 tons. potatoes 242 tons, blende ore 210 tons, lead ore 300 tons, sundries 1228 tons. Imports (foreign).—France, pitwood. 510 tons, general 42 tons; Spain, pitwood 1,800 tons. iron ore 1,400 tons, mixed ores 70 tons; Belgium and Holland, general 420 tons; New Orleans, copper matte 1,164 tons, copper cars 582 tons, New York, general 300 tons. Imports. 12.183 tons, and exports (foreign) 55.591 tons ;compared with 9,524 tons and 64.986 tons respectively last year. Exports (foreign)-Coal 42.099 tons; patent fuel 8.190 tons, and tinplates and general goods 5,302 tons.

LLANDILO NEWS. The funeral of Mrs. Ada Griffiths, the wife of Mr. T. S. Griffiths, manager of the South Wales Brewery, Llandilo, took pTace on Wednesday at Llanfilumgel, Aberbvthich Parish Church. The service at the house was conducted by the Rev. D. James (Baptist minister) and the obsequies at the Church and graveside were divided between the Revs Mr. Griffiths, vicar, and Mr. Hughes, '.autre, of Llandilofawr. There was a huge number of relatives present. The fUfleral of Mrs. Elizabeth Griffiths, -e of Inspector Griffiths. Greenfield House. Llandilo. took place on Thursday last. The Revs. tMr. Williams, vicar, Rev. Eynon Hughes (curate), and the Rev. J. M.A. (curate) participated in the rites. Mr. T. Parrv. cigarnst presided at the organ and p';i\ to the -Ueaa iviarcit as the corpse w-i- oeing borne to the grave. Several menu.ers of the Carmarthenshire Constabdary were jP, attendance and acted M; bearers. We are onee more on the eve of another Urban Council election at LIandito. Some 27 or 29 persons in all were nor mated fo fill 5 seats so up to th [ resent it cannot be stated that there ex: at Llandilo a dearth of candidates. Of use nominated, how ver, nine at preseflt ten iltn to run the race, i p"itchard Davies, Ship House, Carmartnen- stit., plumber; Wm. Griffiths, Cilcenoen House, Li; |o. merchant; Thomas nopl>ins, Cawdor A Hotel, hotel proprietor; J. Hampden Hughts. Red House, chemM; O. D. Jones, 35, Rhosmaen-street, printer; W. R. Jones, Myrddin House, Lingi-street, grocer; Hugh Philipps, Cawaor Arms Hotel, solicitor; Benjamin Richards, 4, Carmarthen- street, butcher; and J. Thomas Williams, Angel Inn, innkeeper. The election takes place on Monday, April 6th.

15 Buns for id. You can make 15 large, light, delicious, and wholesome buns from Id. packet of Eiffel Tower Bun Flour for a total cost of Sgd. It is so easy to use that a child can make de- licious buns with certain success. Ask your Grocer for it or send a. postcard for a sample packet., sufficient to ma.ke 15 buns, to Foster Clark and Co., 4048, Eiffel T: wer Factory, Maidstone. WILLIAM M. DAVIES, STOCK AND SHARE BROKER, 56, WIND-STREET, SWANSEA. Telegrams, "Discretion" Telephone No. 113. BU7KR3.— £ 850 Bpn Evnm Diheuture; 4 0 Pen Evatis Prefernce: £ 5C0 .Swansea Hurhot r Stock 300 Imperial Tobacco Preference; 5o ihori (Ja Kaitway Preference 5-j Kh,.n.M. Or.lin ry loo l.lijmney lion New; 130 W»ss»u (Gol.l Coast) Shares; 300 Abosso (Gold <Joa.st) Shiirei; 100 Aboutiakons SELLERS.— £ 500 Barry Deferred Stock 10U English Crown Spelters; 20 Buckley Brewerv fre ir ference Shart,s; 2 Lo don and Provincial Banks; o Capital and C .unties Banks. SI)e(lial ttisiness tnd close prices in and Welt AfriC.111 Goltl Mines bna L,nd Sharcs C. HAMILTON SHAW STOCK, SHARE & MORTGAGE BROKER, 15, TEMPLE-STREET, SWANSEA. All Classes of Stocks and Shares Bought and Sold at close Market Prices. BuYEP..—Weaver's Ordinary and reference Shares; Swansea Gas Stock; Swansea Harbour Stock. Ben Evans Ord. and Pref. Shares. ff RAILWAY RET U R N S. Gr°nt We-it.prn R«iliva,v, in in-Teas" of £ 1 1C0 aetrregH'<» illn"PA" 12 wvt>k.s. £ 25 200 London "111i N<>rlh-\V.tv.rn RnHwi-v" it de- er as? of £ 3,C00 afj-^rt s iuonase, 12 weeks, £ 12,COO. Barry Roihvav, a d >erea?e of £ 1013; aggreg-ate incase, 12 weeks zC85 (including receipts of (he Vale of Glamorgan Railway). Brecon and Merihvr Railway, an increase of E12, agrgresrate iecrease, 12 weeks, £ 256. Taff Yale Biihvay, a decrease of £ 2.276; aggregate decrease. 12 weeks, Y,7,131 A LACTIFER is a perfect substitute for Milk, and is manufactured by JOSEPH THliOjNLEY, LTD., KINGS CROSS, LONDON. AGENTS .— MESSRS. CORKER & BEVAN VICTORAIA ROAD,: SWANSEA. CUPISBJ CONSTITUTION BALLS V-/ Are an unfailing remedy Cicrite for pamphltt TESTIMONIAL. Russley Park. I have used Cupiss' Constitution Balls for the last 10 years, and have much pleasure in testifying to the good effects they have bad in improving the con- dition of Horses in training, particularly in the Spring and Autumn months. MAT. DAWSON. Dor f Greaae, Swelled Legs Cracked Heels Coughs, Colds, |Staring Coat, Influenza, giving tone and vigour, and Iceepinwlhigh-fed Hor. ses in Health, &c. For CATTLE & SHEEP in cases of Hove or Blown, Hide Bound, Loss of Appetite, DiI. emper, Epidemic, Ac- For Scouring in Calvca they are almost infal- lible. Prepared upwards of 5" year* the late FBAireit CUPISS, M.R.C.Y.8 So.(I 1l is.0:1. and3i.6dj each, 7 small 10s. 6d. or 7 '-ine 2U by Che ists nd DraggiaU. 66- Nature'* Perfect Bemedyton) t Worms. WILLIAMS- (PO IARDAW3) W ° R M L Z E J Q H S m^witlftjfe highly Valuable Remedy has Delicate ^l.dren (o The effec* UP°* Ult' kirlc i!? ?lv.en up M Incurable) la DBAR S?»NNMB' uear Llauelly, August 30th, 1872. years of a«b dauKf,ter, Emma Ann, 13 takinc oniv'th "I a Breat number ot worms by T y ree "r four of Williams' Pontardawa) lmDr?ved1X- ,H a*«lad t0 "at S., much* Worms! Variable appetite, foetid breath, aclderacti- ofPt'h« i eHSt0/naCh *Dd head« *ickness, grind- !,«?. teeth during sleep, dreams and restless- ih £ t °l countenance, stitches in the side, short dry cough, and emaciation of the body, often mistaken for decline, nervousness, slow fever, and Ir- regular pulse (afntness, sometimes convulsive fits, often causing sudden death; dizziness, more tbroat, and Inflammation of the bowels. The above symp- toms vary according to th. kind of Worms. The Lozenges contain r.ottaiuK detrimental to the Cor siltutioD, and are suitable for .Il ages. Williams' (Pontardawej Worm Lorenges an nr«_ pan- from the Original Receipt by JOHN DAVIES, m.r.P.s., chemist, 30. Hiirh *tM>» Swansea, and sold by most chemists, at 9id lolS an. -B. 9d. per box; by poat, 14 or 34 staS™ tecteu the Government stamp, on^hlch ™ engraved th* words <• Williams' Woim Lozenges ~— æ G-OUT PILLS The only remecty in the world for GOUTand RHEUMATISM that relieves and these complaints, bare, safe and eii,etual. The composition ls purely vegetable No restrain* ot diet during use. Ask for BLAIR'S GOUT and RHEOI \TIC PILLS. All Chemists and Stores, at Is. 1 Jd. and 2s. 9d per box. 16 pANCER HOSPITAL (FllEEU FULHAxrf-RGAD, LONDON, S.W. Patients oaily on their own application at rwo O'CLOCK. w Futids urgently needed for General Expenses and for the Research Department. Secretary, FREB. W. HOWELL. 48 IfjM & BELTS !■ !■ ^T<ttePaired with BIFU3- 11 H py RIVETS. Driven and I H Hi Cknched with any hamrnqj. j 1 J fj *orQ all Ironmongers, fa ti B | assorted Boxes, iin. to £ ia.,6* Jin. to ftn., Is. R unobtainable send stamps to BIFURCATED RIVET CO., LTD., 10, WOOL EXCHANGE, LONDON, E.C. 64 64 LOOUT COUGH F IKEATING'S LGZK3 J I EASILY CORE I (THE WORST COOGfil fig One fives relief. An lacressm- S3 H sale of over i>0 years is a certain M m lesiof the^vnn,e. ^SoldIa 13id. Jg| "V" Printed and Published for tlie Troprrerors by DAVID DAVIES, at the Offices, Alexan- dra. Arcade, High Street, Swansea.

GWILYM EVANS' QUIXIKE BITTERS, THE VEGETABLE TOXIC. This Preparation has been before the Public for Twenty Years, and during that period has EXAMINED BY AN- fe^rS«SCRlBED BY PHYSTC- A J • IfNDEI) BY CHEMISTS. /t-f i Prarf by people in all Sta#ion> of Life, who, after a fair trial of its efficacv and merit, unanimously declare it to be THE BEST REMEby OF THE \Gi Sold everywhere in bottles 2s. 9d..md 4s. 6d. each. Beware of Imitations. See the name "Gwilym Evans" on label, stamp. and bottle. Sole Proprietors Quinine Bit- ters, Manufacturing Company, Limited. Llrm- ellv Sout'- ales. r FREE FARMS OF 160 ACRES Healthy Clfmato Good Crops. Free Schools. Light Taxes. Abundant Water. The most progressive and prosperous Colony. Panphlots and information awn'iad gratis. For parwsulars apply to :!ie Oll.ca of the Hicfh j Cornre.iasioi.iir loroni..ua, or to Mr. \V. T. R. PRSSTO:?. Etalorration Dept.,) 7.Victoria S- I 11 Lo-.id^n. S.V/ or to the Canadian Government. "es'.ern Mai! B'siHi ft. I -I .I M.! I

AMMAN VALLEY SENSA- TION. Murderous Attack on' a Woman. Rescuers Struggle with the Assailant. I About 8 p.m. on Tuesday evening a man, George Drummond, went. it is stated, to the house of Mrs. Mary James, widow, living in Thomas-terrace, Gwaun-cae-Gurwen. He had been lodging with her for many years, and asked her if lie should come back. She refused, and it is alleged that he then hit her on the head with a hammer, and afterwards cut her throat with a razor. Mr. Thomas Williams was passing at the time, and on hearing screams for help, rushed into the house. Mrs. James told him that George Drummond had out her throat with a razor. Drummond denied it, and went towards Mr. T. Williams for the purpose of showing that he did not have a razor. Williams told him to keep back, and pushed him away. \v hiie Williams was doing so, Drummond. it is stated, pulled a razor from his coat-sleeve, and cut Williams's throat with it. By this time a man named William Howells had come into the house. When he entered Drummond and Mrs. James were struggling in the kitchen. Howells immediately took hold of Drummond and hit him on the head. Mrs. James meanwhile caught hold of Drummond s hand holding the razor. Howells prevented Drummond the razor. Howells prevented Drummond from getting up. Drummond was then lying on the floor OIl his rignt side with his hand under his head. Howells saw him draw his hand across his throat, and heard something snapping. It was then Drumniond cut his own throat with the same razor, but which Howells could not at the time see owing to darkness. Howells pulled the razor out of his hand at once. Dr. James and P.C. Thomas were almost immediately on the scene. Howells gave the razor to P.C. Thomas. The doctor examined Drummond's neck, and found there was a severe cut almost severing the wind-pipe. The doctor then went and ex- amined Mrs. James, who was in a neighbour s house. She was also bleeding freely from the throat and head. Thomas Williams was found to have a cut about 2 £ inches long, but not very deep- Drummond is in a critical condition. — Dr. James said that he had a deep cut across the throat about 4 inches long, reaching from near the ear and across the windpipe, almost severing the latter. He put in nine stiches. As to Mrs. James, the doctor said she had had a nasty gash across the throat. The doctor put in six stitches in the neck and one in the cut on the head, which had been inflicted by t)M hammer. The cut on T. Williams' throat was about 2 j inches long, and had to be stitched three times. INTERVIE W WITH THE VICTIMS. Mr. T. Williams, interviewed by our repre- sentative, said I o01118 UP the road after being in chapel, and on passing Thomas-ter- race I heard screams and shouts for help. I went in and saw Mrs. James and George Drummond struggling ln the passage. Mrs. James told me that Drummoucl had cut her throat. Drummond said, "No. I haven't got anything." Drummond came towards me, but I told him to keep off. He would have to come towards me, however, and I pushed him back by placing both my hands on his chest. My arms were longer than his. other- wise I have no doubt but that I would have been cut much worse. It was while keeping him back like this that lie cut. my throat. As soon as I felt I was cut I went out and called for assistance. William Howells went into the house about this time, and I went to look for someone to go for the doctor. I did not knovr then how much I had had, and owing to the bleeding I -was obliged to go home. r,r,-ixTiTm „ GPAPHIC ACCOUNT BY A WITNESS. On being interviewed >Ir. W. Howells, a C(llier working 111 the Old Pit, Gwaun Cae Cur wen, and lodging with Mr. Daniel Jones, Brjnhyfryd, OVmgorse, said: "I was pass- tha house of -llj- J'imes at about 8.15 p.m., .I when I heard a row inside. I soon saw, how- ever, that it was a severe struggle for life. As I approached Mrs. James and G. Drummond fell, Drummond being uppermost. The wo- man was screaming for help. I and T. Wil- liams rushed o-n, pulled George Drummond off, arid pushed him into the kitchen. I held him bv the collar of the coat and told him not to be foolish. Ine woman was now in the kitchen, and I noticed .wr forehead was cov- ued with blc-ou. Ita woman went tow.wds the back door, and Drummond went at her again and caught her by the hair. Williams and I went at him aigaan, a.nd I hit him twioe on the head with n,v fist, and Mrs. James t) en critd out tiiat he (George Drummond) had a razor ? his hand. Mr. T. Williams about this time left the house and I went a-fter him to the p^s>age aaid askitd him not to go away. Then a man came across the road with the handle of a shovel in his hand. He k; r.de<d it to me, and 1 want in and hit G-eoTge Drummond on t.ie 'head with it, and knocked him dov.-n. At this time both Mrs. JatnES and G. Drummond were scuffling in the Kitolien. As moon as Mrs. James got frw she went out of the house. I stood there watching the man and the next thing I heara was something as ,f it was snap- ping. It was then Drummond cut his throat by what transpire afterwards to be a razor. Drummond was at tins time lying on his right side with his hand under his lhead. He drew his left hand across his throat and after lie did I saw the razor. I took hold of the razor immediately and[put_itmto my pockekr' INTERVIEW WITH MRS. JAMES ,TA ME, Mrs. Mary James, who is a widow, with five children, said Drummond bolteS the door- after him, and before she knew any more he dealt her. so she alleged, three heavy blows on the head with a hammer. The next thing she knew was that he had cut her throat, and she saw the blood streaming. She held fast to his hand until Mr. Dd. Howells and Mr. T. Williams came in, and ran out as soon as S CONDITION CRITICAL. Our representative on Thui-.sd.ty morning states.—"Ih'i'ininoitttos condition cutical. Doctor fears complications. Otheis pvogi'e- ing favourably." t

School Teacher's Grave Position. At Swansea County Police Court on Wed- nesday, Blodwen Davies, of Brynwillach Farm, Llangyfelach, a little girl of ten, of very respectable and prepossessing appear- ance, entered the box and made a rather sensational application for a summons for in- decent assault against John Henry Jenkins, a master at Llangyfelach Schools. Her evidence was given hesitatingly and almost inaudiblv, but it appeared that the alleged assault took place last Tuesday week, 17th inst. A Mrs. Williams examined the child, and found that she had been tampered with. The summons was granted by Messrs. Wat- ters and D. GLsbrook.

Sad Swansea Burning Fatality. A fatal accident occurred to Mrs. Tasker, Watkin-street, Swansea, on Tuesday morning. The unfortunate woman fell in the fire, and got so severely burned that she expired shortly afterwards. Dr. Anderson was called in. Mrs. Tasker, who was 71 years of age and a widow, had suffered from epileptic fit, and this was the third that had over-taken her. She was out for a while on Tuesday morning fetching fuel for her fire. She was left alone in the house, No. 32, Watkin-street, where she lodged, at about 11.30 a.m. About 12 o'clock a neighbour came in and heard a fall in an upper room, where the deceased was. There was but a small smouldering fire in the grate, and Mrs. Tasker's face was only slightly scorched. The deceased must have been seized with a fit and fallen from "he chair. Deceased was supported by a son. She had been a. seamstress.

Guardians Half-yearly Expendi- ture. The Clerk to the Swansea Board of Guar- dians has compiled a statement showing the amounts required for the several parishes for the half-year ending Michaelmas, 1903. Tlie estimated expenditure of the whole union for the half-year ending October, 1903. is given at £ 24,008. An increase of JB550 is provided for in out-door relief, and JB100 has been added in respect of salaries. The collectors' poundage in connection with payments charged to parishes are exjDected to rank at £ 305. The amount necessary for the half- year is JB25,514, which sum is'made up in the following manner :-Clase Rural, £ 470; Cockett, £ 1,022; Llandilo-Talybont, R994 Llansamlet Higher, 2992 Llansamlet Lower, 10158; Penderry, ^332; Swansea, £ 19.546.— The Finance Comnvttee recommend the adop- tion of the estimates

Alleged Attempted Swansea Suicide. The Swansea police were c illed to a house in Carmarthen-road at 9 o'clock on Thursday morning, in consequence of ce tain rumours circulated in the neighbourhood Iliat a Mrs. Walsh, married, had endeavour., to take her life by cutting her threat with a able knife. Enquiries made by the police eliciN-d the fact that the neighbours heard screams emanating from her house, and when tliev en, Jred Mrs. Walsh was found lying prostrate 011 a sofa with a table knife in her hand. and i irks on her throat. Dr. Powell, Hafod, w, sum- moned by P.S. West, and her husbarn, who works at the Hafod Copper Works, wa- also sent for. A County Court bailiff, named Sal- mon, appears to have been the first person to enter No. 55, Carmarthen-road, where Mrs. Walsh lived. He was passing the house, and saw Mrs. Walsh standing in the passage cry ing out, and blood coming from her throat. Her husband, who was sent for later, says Mrs. Walsh had been in a depressed state of mind, and suffered from lowness of spirits. When he left her this morning to go to work she appeared to be all right. There are two wounds on her throat, but they are of no con- sequence.

AS A SAFE, PERMANENT, AND WAR- RANTED CURE for Pimples, Scrofula, Bad Legs, Skin and Blood Diseases, Pimples and fiords of all kinds, we can with confidence re- commend Clarke's World-famed Blood Mix ture. "It is certainly the finest Blood Puri- fteT that science and medical skill have brought to light. Thousands of wonderful cures; have been effected by it. Sold every- where. at 2s. 9d. per bottle.

Lengthy Mannesmann Case: Verdict. After a hearing lasting over five days, Mr. Justice Bruce and a, special jury, at the Gla- morgan Assizes at Cardiff on Wednesday, con- cluded the hearing of the action for JB200 damages for breach of contract brought by the British Mannesmann Tube Company, Landore, Swansea, against Messrs. Tunks, Ltd., en- gineers, Cardiff, who counter-claimed for £ 2,000 damages in consequence of illegal loss? Drought about by the bursting of some 21 tubes out of over 4,000 supplied.—DuringWed- nesday his Lordship directed that there could be no consequential damages claimed from the Mannesmann Company, and so the counter-claim of JB2,000 was at once reduced to £ 426 odd. The jury, after deliberating for nearly an hour, further reduced this claim to J3120. so that the finding was thus Judgment for the Mannesmann Company on the claim (which was admitted) and costs, and judgment for Messrs. Tunks, Ltd., on the counter-claim for JB120 damages and costs. Plaintiffs' costs were granted up to the day of trial only, inas- much as the action really turned on the counterclaim. The costs of the latter are somewhat heavy, and Mr. Villiers Meager, who was junior to Mr. S. T. Evans, K.C., M.P.. for the Mannesmann Company (in- structcd by Messrs. Collins and Woods, Swan- sea) obtained leave to enter an appeal on the point of law raised in the condition governing the contract. This provided that every effort to ensure good material and good workman- ship should be used, and that any defective tubes would be replaced. There was no re- quest made for the replacing of any faulty goods. At the close of the hearing, the judge, on the application of the foreman, exempted the jury from further service on juries for tlie next five years. j

it9s so easy., BE) -I%M I 1, .41 to keep your furniture looking as it ong-ht by means of YE OLIJE OAK FuRxrruae PASTE, that the housekeeper who does not use that aid to household brightness is culpably neglecting opportunities of neatness, attractiveness, and health in the home. IV 4 Is le. ML BEAR THE NAMP- IN PASTE. ||ilj because in addition to conferring on furniture an' unequalled polish, this Ktffl Pj|j|j preparation i-> a preservative. It is simple to use and leaves no stickiness NN8 behind. SuU eycry\\here. |I| JOSEPH PICKERING & SONS, LIMITED, SHEFFIELD. JM

Manselton Sudden Death. An inquest wrc- c-oaaucted at the Compass [un, Cwm'^vna, óJll the body of Rachel Lewis 22 0! 51. Robert-street, Manselton. who oied suddenly ou Tuesday.—Benjamin Lewis, a railway inspector, said his daughter M--« 5 o, dressmaker. She had been in i.toitii for about four months. Slv h<r_ oeen attended to by Dr. Ih,(. a.na ny Dr. Ormiston. Bryn- hvrryu. The complaint was first a bad cold, and then bronchitis. Just, before she died siie tliBew up two quarts of blood. Dr. Dafles was se?it for, but I115 daughter died before he came.—Dr. Davies saw deceased a mo it A ago and after death. He formed the opinion that she aon. pntnjs.s. JJl". "">e to -chtcrrhage. Had she been attended oy doctor her life could not have been saved.— V erdict in aceordanep- with the doctor's test-i- mony.

Chamberlain and Licensing Com- pensation. Mr. Chamberlain made an important state- ment on Tuesday to a deputation which waited upon him from the Birmingham and District United Air-gun Shooting Association. After dealing with the air-gun clubs. Mir. Chamber- lain spoke of the suppression of licences, and said —"I think that when a man has sunk his savings in a public-house, recognising that it is not an unlawful trade, if that house is closed for no misconduct on the part. of the man, but simply on the ground that it is not now sup- posed to be required, that man is entitled to compensation. I am not prepared to say just now from what source that compensation should come, but I feel quite sure that it is the opinion of the Government. "Daily Ex- press."

MORRISTON MEMS. The two young sons of Mr. W. J. Hanney, secretary to the 1st G.A.V. Band, and clar- ionette players in the Prince of Wales Hussars Band, proceed shortly to South Africa. There was quite a good fraction of "bechgen o' Treforis" at Dr. Rawlings' lecture upon the "Making of Manhood" at Swansea, on Sunday afternoon last. We could do with a lecture or two upon the topic at Morriston. The story of the negligence in not rolling 0 the stone on the roadway from Llangyfelach to Morriston—or perha-ps vice versa—was told in last week's budget. The "crusher" has since been engaged in the matter. An injustice to the cobbler this time. A particularly successful eisteddfod was held in the Central Hall of Llangyfelach Board School last Saturday. Very rarely is enthusiasm raised at the little village, and attractions are equally rare, but the competi- tive meeting drew a great gathering, as £ 20 was realised in admission money. The stan- dard of competition was fairly good through- out. The young generation of the town made merry at the Public Hall last Tuesday even- ing in a dance. Classes for the development of what is undoubtedly a dying art have been continually held at the minor hall, and as the "Forward Movement" has overtaken the Hall this dance was a grand finale to af- fairs terpsichorean at the building. It was a pleasant and well attended meeting. Perhaps 0 11 now the young girls of Morriston will proceed to master the rudiments of cooking and nurs- ing! An enterprising institution is the Libanus Guild. It tackles all kinds of insoluble prob- lems. Last Thursday, however, it surpasses itself by tackling that- mighty question "Was the war justifiable?" The chairman in lead- ing off said that their query had formed the topic for debate in thousands of places and institutions, but they that evenmg meant to settle the matter once and for all. Mr. D. ) R. Jenkins upheld the war as a just one. and Dr. Kemp took the opposite side, in very good papers which stuck well to the point discussed. A merry discussion followed, and a vote was taken upon the matter. The answer given by a slight majority to the above question was a negative one. Never mind, we are all pro.Boers no* A pleasant old Morriston ladv passed away after a short illness, last Sunday, in Mrs". Jane Clement, relict oi the late David Clement, manager of the Beaufort Tinplate Works. Mrs. Clement had enjoyed excellent health, was of a most lovable temperament, and continued to take considerable interest in public matters. She had reached the ad- vanced age of 82 years, was a very active Baptist at Llanelly, and was a member at Zion Chapel since her connection, with Mor- riston. which held her in the greatest respect. The funeral took place quietly on Wednesday afternoon at the Box Cemetery, Llanelly. The Rev. J. Gimblett (Zion) officiated at the house and at the church. The coffin was covered by wreaths sent by many sympa- thisers. The cortege was as follows First coach, Dr. J. B. Gabe, the Rev. J. Gimblett, and Messrs. Thomas and Jones (undertakers); second coach, Messrs. Henry Clement (son)' J. J. Howell (grandson), J. Owen, H. Davies, and W. Owen (nephews); third coach, Messrs. Daniel Phillips, D. J. Phillips, T. E. Phil- lips. J. Phillips, E. W. Jones, and D. C. Phillips; fifth carriage, Messrs. T. L. Wat- kins. W. P. Rowlands, T. Clement, and J. S. Jones; sixth carriage. Messrs. W. H. Ed- wards, JUanttI Edwards, R. G. Edwarus, and D. R. Jones; carriage, Messrs. Geo. Rowe, T. J. Davies, all" '). J. Clarke. What a hold the cause of "Sweet Charity" and the "Ferch o' Cefn Ydfa"-but especi,. the former—has upon Morristonians The pretty and pathetic Welsh domestic drama has oft been given in the past by the Bry- thoniaid Dramatic Company at Morriston, but the Public Ha!! was "sardined" with people on Saturday evening last, when it was given once gain. the performance being for the benefit of Mr. David Evans, of the Duke, who, troubled by ill-health, intends leaving for South Africa in the summer. It was a. worthy cause, and the sympathetic Morris- tonian fully appreciated its deserving nature, for between them the audience contributed just a trifle below JB60. I have never seen the hall so full. The person who secured a view I of the stage was lucky, the one who could hear the full dialogue was-well was there one present ? For one thing there was a pre- ponderance of youngsters in arms, and these, together with their elder brethren, succeeded iu lining a continual clatter. The scenery was aiso ra„m •<= actinir was distinctly good taKen all round. The story of the popular drama is well known; it was given in four acts on Saturday evening. The first act related the rejection of Jones o'r Siop by the Maid, the next pro- pounds William Maddock's scheme to inherit the Cefn Ydfa estate, the third part shows the operation of the scheme, while the final act depicts the Maid's refusal to remais with An- thony Maddock, and her return to Cefn Ydfa, concluding with the death of Ann in the arms of Will Hopkin. The combination was not at full strength, it having disbanded for sev- eral years. Mr. Dan Williams graced the boards though, and his acting was as good as ever. His enunciation of the part of Will Hopkin v Bardd was very pleasing to on- lookers. The part of Ann Thomas, the Maid, was well taken by Mrs. J. James (formerly Miss Celia Davies). Her acting was very natural. Of the other characters, the follow- ing were most conspicuous Mrs. Thomas y Fam, Miss Mav Samuels; Aifftes, Miss J. John; William Maddock. Mr. Ben-Davies; Anthony Maddock, Mr. Tom Evans; Jones o'r Siop, Mr. D. Meredith John Jacki'r Car- rivvr, Mr. Tom Williams; Penaeth y Pres-s Gang, Mr. David Morgan. Mr. Pendrill Da- vies accompanied with success.