The Cambrian

"CHAPERONES." Swansea Musician Analyses "Atticus"' Music. Mr. Donald Lott's Appreciative Criticism. In co-nnvx-tlon with the fovtlid ming pro- duction of "ICIhiaperones," tlhle new light < per- etfct. by Mr. (J. A. McLaren ("Atotiouis"), the following interacting letter from Mr. DOIIHIIU1 W. Ixrtt, the well-known' Swaints«n musiicreui, has been received by us:—"Mir. MeLareni, with .,Ill piodijicer.s of ait founts, whettiier large or small, has tliv.it rJituraH anxious fee'liiaig us to the reception of his work by the public, u>nd he most kindly, at my suggest:! .n, calkd ami played oven :hÚ;. opeiieitto "Uhaperi'.sies." I wux, therefore, enuioHed to he':ur itlhe music calmly mid apart from !tb\.>, excitement of a. first production, litiiocgh wiltih the disad- vantage of not having all the voice ) 'arts, aaid I nLw venture to ru_ ad' a. few imipreM iors. Many would doubtless expect to fluid the music too imitative of other sltyles, filer Mr. MoLcuvn''s vtMttuircs 'iu iliwt paKi'dakw ioranch tiiitenit.xinmtuk't. To suidiL it- miiglht bo wvll Axiid, ««iii eaiip'ha.tiicailly—iach ,■< r.io.t the case. His muBic of distinctly of the En^lihih sityl^—tCicstyle M'i3<:dli, «!«.••■! •many native eo-mii! S'H3 (yiyung ones especially) Uiiiak it wv.ll to avoid. ■ >Mir. McLarcim's miuc-ib. is of til;e n.ef.odivitas iLiIiccO of SiUnndtvie acid Edward Gcffir.i:i, wiiliout any pi' uian-ism of their pers: ;ul tij I Its. The tin- troductioa has a very piquaiil: vpuniing of cha,rnuing iL«.h:es le.idiaig to tine th&n.rs of the Duett (No. III.) with a rosump- tion of the opening subject, and is interesting, the form being clear and concise. The mit. and ballad for tenor should prove a warm favourite, Mr. McLaren has here happily shown his real style, and the quaintness of the old world atmosphere is admirably de- picted in the ballad, which yet shows C011- mjndable modern touches harmonically." After touching upon the Glee "Youth's a time of Roses," a.nd the "ambitious" duett, both of which Mr. Lott refrains from criti- cizing in detail, owing to the absence cf the voice parts, but both of which he considers "melodious" and "excellent," the writer refers to the Patter Song "with its very taking lyrics," and concludes wit-hs tying "that Mr. McLaren's bright and engaging music will meet with an enthusiastic reception is all assured fact, not only on its own strong merits, but also by !C.hôOI1 of the artistes who will be responsible for its interpretation next Monday." 1 1 1 Such an appreciation is naturally greatly valued by the author-composer, and gives nn added fillip to the first performance at St. Gabriel's Hall, on the 28th inst.

Improvemsnt of Gower Ponies. A meeting for the purpose o.f considering a proposed improvement of the breed of ponies on Fairwood Common, was held at Kill ay, on Tuesday night. Hon. Odo Vivian presided, and many commoners attended. The Chair- man said it was for these present to decide whether they would form an association of their own. Mr. Beor said there was plenty of mom on the common for the improvement of the breed of ponies, and Mr. E. Jones, of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society, said that Welsh ponies wore looking up. A stud of them bid been formed in Ire- land, and the foreigners were also buying them. The Chairman referred to the great pro- minence given to Welsh-bred animals in avii- cles, and he suggested the formation of an association, with about Ss. per annum sub- scription to start. They could have a show confined to ponies on the common. Mr. F. Meager said that if they registered their ponies the prices now fetched would be doubled. The time had arrived to improve matters. Mr. Wm. Jones (Kittle) moved the forma- tion of an association, and Mr. Chas. Wil- liams seconded. The resolution was carried, and the following officers were select xl — President, Hon. Odo Vivion; viee-pv eident, Mr. Iltyd Thomas; hon. veterinary surgeon, Mr. Stuart: secretary, Mr. Hy. Kneath; treasurer: Mr. F. F. Meager; and an in- fluential committee. j

Snub for Winston Churchill, Th.' Parliamentary correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" states that it is under- st.fH>d that in the forthcoming Session Mr. Winston Churchill, Mr. Ernest Beckett, and Sir J. Dickson Poynder will no longer re- ceive the usual Government "whips." The other Unionists who are similarly treated are Mr. Gibson Bowks, Mr. T. W. Russell, and his two Irish supporters.

"FEAR THE WORST." Japan Wants her Proposal Re- considered. A massage recelived through Renter on. Monday afternoon, at 4 p.m., states "There itS no change in the situation in the Far East, wlilich remains critical. Japan, not having accepted the reply of Russia, will now pro- ceed to reque.-t a re.oiiMHhiration of the hit- ter's proposals." If this means anything it means that Russia has been asked to accede to Japan's requests, failing whidh there is every reason to apprehend the worst. The mesftge, in fact, seems a cautiously-worded intimation of the despatch of what may be ati ultimatum.

Japan's Finances Healthy. Tokio, December 22.-It is absolutely un- true that Japan is attempting to borrow money in New York. Her financial position is most favourable. The specie reserve in the Central Bank amounts to 113,000,000 yen, plus some 40,000,000 yen in London Moreover, the bank's note-issuing margin is 55,000,000 yen, and will be larger after the New Year. The Treasury has three capital funds, amounting together to 60,000,000 yen, besides some millions in London remaining from the bond sale of 1902. Finally, there are large sums lying idle in all the banks throughout the country.—^Tinies." Writing in the "Daily Telegraph," Mr. Ben- nett Burleigh writes that the opinion in r( rt Arthur is that there will be no war before the spring, but that the Russians profess the utmost confidence in their .bility to tackle Japan singly He also believes that Russia does not want war—at present. In a rear's time, however, she will be immovable. JAPAN'S ARMY RESERVE READY. Nagasaki, Saturday.—A Tokio authority states that the political barometer is falling rapidly, and that many prominent men con- sider the chances (.f war to be much greater since the receipt of the Russian reply, about the terms of which extreme reticence is still maintained. The Army Reserve men here are being warned to hold themselves in immediate readiness.—"Daily Telegraph."

HOW ENGLAND HELPED JAPAN. Secret History of the Purchased Warships. The "Globe" of Tuesday published the fol- lowing :—Many different versions iave been lately published of the circumstances attend- ing the recent purchave of two battleships from Chili by -he British Government, but the undermentioned account of the nejotia- tions may be taken as being stricdy authen- tic. When the two ships, Constitution and Libcrtad, first came into the open market, the British Government was approached by the agents entrusted with thfir sale with a view to their purchase. The offer, however, was declined foi various reasons, notably, on &c- count of their acquisition interfering with the Admiralty's shipbuilding programme. For the same reason Japan likewise declined ( to buy them. The progress of events in the 1 Far East, however caused the latter Govern- 1 ment to reconsider their decision, Ind nego- 1 tiations for their purchase we're begun. The A Japanese Government, however, did not show 1 suihcient readiness to bring the bargain to a < conclusion, and stipulated that payment for the ships should be made in instalments I covering a considerable period. While those 1 negotiations were proceeding the Russian Government suddenly made a firm offer for the ships, amonnting to J31,800,000, to be paid in cash within 24 hoars. The occasion was extremely critical. The acquisition of these fine ships by Russia would have seri- ously interfered with the balance of naval power in the Far East, and woild have Hn- stituted a serious menace to our ally. "At this psychological moment," adds the "Globe," "our Government acted with statesmanlike decision and promptitude, and to the intense relief of Japan they were im- mediately acquired for the British Navy."

Not Just Yet! Sunday was the day set apart by the Peace Soceiry for spec al sermons on and prayers for peace. In many Swansea places of wor- ship the society's invitation was accepted. At the Friends' Meeting-hocee. Mr. P. Eles- mere spoke on the words "Let us go even now unto Bethlehem," and remarked tfliat the angels song "Peace on earth, good wcl' to men," had not yet been understood by the Church of God. A Presbyterian said to him, "Your ideal is too high." "Is it higher than the teaching of the sermon on the Mount?" he had replied. He believed in hdgh ideals that the Church of God should Bead people up to the idea! of t he New Testament. They were doing dt they would find to-day, in all sections of the Church, men who belonged to the Peace Society. Peace was praeticable, as were other ideals

Swansea Assessments; Litigation Avoided. Swansea Assessment Committee met on Monday, and among other appeals decided was that by the Swansea Harbour Trust in respect of their new offices and premises. At the last Guardians meeting the Committee were given permission to appear at the Quar- ter Sessions as respondents in this appeal, but the Chairman (Mr. Glynn Price) then inti- mated that there was a prolxaibilitv of settle- ment without going into Court. On Monday, Mr. Eve, the expert valuer, attended, and the rating was reduced from £1.080 to JB960 gross and JB900 to jB803 11<"1:t ratable value. It is « expected that this will meet the views of the appellants. Other appeals were:—527, Neath-road, lately the Trewyddfa Inn, Mr. Evan E. Bevan, appellant, nett rating re- duced from £31 to JB15 5s. Od. Crown Inn, Woodtfield-str.eet, Morriston, Mr. David D avies. appellant, £68 nett rating confirmed Mansel Arms, 9, Cwm-road. Mr. Thos. Fran- i cis, appellant, j338 nett rating confirmed 19, Strand, late the Brecon Arms, Mrs. Emma Thomas, appellant, nett rating reduced from jB26 to £12: 15, Gower street, Mr. John Harvev, appellant, rating reduced from JB40 2s. Od. to JB50 10s. Od, nett: Swansea Im- provements and Tramways Company's pro- perties, two appeals. £7.147 gross and £3.7.57 nett in respect of tramways, etc.. and .€2.924 gross and £2,334 nett in respect of railway,

Morriston Quoiters* Annual Meeting-. The only thriving sporting institution at Morriston is the United Quoit Club, which held their annual githering on Saturday evening at the new Drill Hall Councillor David Matthews, president of the- club, was chairman. The Chai-man, having given the Royal toast, the secretary, Mr. James Jones, lead the. annual statement. The club hod kst but one match during the season,' and that at Llanelly, and had again topped the West Wales Letgue thus gaining tho Shield four times in five years, and running second to Llanelly on the other occasion. Further, the captain, Mr. Wm. Joseph, had won the distinction of Welsh quoiting champion. The club had also added to :1.1 success by building tho new ground at a cost of JE51 8is., with tan additional £ 40 6s. 2d. for the pavilio.i. Yet the club could still claim a balance in hand and a membership of 250. The toast of "The Club" was honoured, a.nd Mr Richard Buck- land alluded to the players' sucees- and urg- ing them to maintain it. Mr. Win. Jcsopn responded. Their success was due in a con- siderable me-wuro to the good feeling exist- ii:g. This was the mainstay of the Swansea 1 F cot bill Club, and it applied alí-ll to the I United. Mr. Edwin Jon.-s, vice-captain, also replied. Mr. II. D. Williams eompli- mented the club, players, and officials cn the work done. Councillor D. Harris pro- mised his assistance, and Messrs. J. Mere- dith, T. R. Williams, and G Roberts ?dso 'I spoke. Sonsrs were sung by Messrs.anus Jones, WT. G. Thomas, Willie Ro s, Evan Evans, and Will l>a\ies. Mr. Betbnel Grif- fiths presiding at the pianoforte. Thanks were accorded the Swan-ea Football Cl.ib for assisting the ch.b by playing a match at Morriston," and Colonel J. W. Williams was also thanked for the use of the hall.

SWANSEA EMBEZZLEMENT CHARGE. Swansea Chair Frame Maker Committed. At Swansea, in Wednesday, Alfred Batchelor, chair frame maker, 99, St. Helen's Aven/ue, was summoned, at the instigation of Alfred Edward Sweet, for embezzling sums of 17s., 10s., and £2, the property of tie Swansea Electric Chiir Works Co., Ffynone lane. Mr. Picton Evans was for the prosecu- tion, and Mr. Vaughan Edwards defended. Mr. Evans said defendant was till recently in the employ of the Company as foreman, and part of his duties was to sell goods manu- facture on premises, and collect money from customers. Wm. Rosser said he carried on business as the Swansea Electric Cbtir Works Co. De- fendant's duty was to enter into a day book all sales made. His suspicions were aroused that the accounts were not accurate, and he caused inquiries to be made. As a conse- quence of these inquiries, he taxed defendant. He warned him to think before he spoke, and to consider well that the truth would Vie best. After a little hesitation defendant made a statement^ and the summons was issued. Mr. Vaughan Edwards: At one time de- fendant held a very high place in your esti- mation?—Yes, I placed every confidence in him. In fact, he held an irreproachable charac- ter?—As far as I was aware of. Cross-examination continued, witness said he had works also in Gower-street, and these were totilly distinct from the Ffynone works. A diary was kept. in which everything was supposed to be entered. He was not sup- plied with a cash or receipt book. Defen dant employed his own staff, and was en- titled to sell goods in any quantity, pnd also to purchase what was required in small qran- tities. He would have to pay out of his own pocket for odds and ends. It was true the Ffynone-street premises were let to defen- dant, who carried on business there entirely on his own. He denied any arrangement with defendant as to si taring profits, al- though adn itting a conversation in which toe offered defendant a fresh start. Daniel Jones, the Cambrian Furniture Company, St. Helen's avenue, produced re- ceipts dated July 11, 17s August 1. JB4; October 17. JB3; and on October 24, £3. signed by defendant. Cross-examined He had always found de- fendant straight. Thomas Batchelor 17, a son of defendant, said the initials on receipts produced were his. He received the money, and handed it over to his father. Alfred Edgar Sweet, cashier, had exam ined the books kept by defendant, and had ascertained that on July 11th there was no entry there of goods sold 9s. On August 1st he received only £3 10s., instead of £4 as shown. On October 26th defendant paiel £4 instead of the £6 received from the Cam- brian. Cross-examined He knew defendant used to make payments out of his own pocket now md then Defendant pleaded not guilty. Mr. Edwards said the case was one most i lifficult, to prove. Defendant's conduct, pre- nious to and after the charge was that of an loneet man. He came from Manchester to ae served with the summons. The account vas a matter of debit and credit, and Batdiie- or was a partner in the firm under peculiar circumstances. Defendant was committed for trial at the text Borough Quarter Sessions, and was al- owed bail in a personal recognisance of £25.

English Ex-M.P.'s Queer Death. New York, December 17.—Mr. Jerome, District Attorney, has taken up the case of the death of Mr. Drucker, and his defective staff is at work securing evidence as to the manner in which the former British member of Parliament came to his death A woman with whom Mr. Drucker was intimately ac- quainted is now being sought for. The de- Icetives have a letter from her, and it is be- lieved she can contribute materially to lie unravelling of the mystery.—Central News.

End of "John of Cowers At Swansea Unitarian Church, on Sunday evening, Rev. Tudor Jones concluded his re- ligious story, "John of Gower." The serial has lasted some weeks, and has evoked the liveliest interest. Mr. Jones' last chapter left the yojng preacher at Glasgow, after some measure of success had been achieved, but an invitation from John's patron to visit Oxford found the youthful evangelist pioceed- ing thither. He laboured on and was on the fair way to success wihen a. bicycle acci- dent laid him low. This, acting upon an over-wrought constitution proved fatal, and John passed away. aged 35. Mr. Jones' description of the death-bed scene was very touching, ^nd the language clothing it wa6 as fine as anything in the "novel." The epilogue saw John's son fol- lowing in his father's footsteps, and hundreds of young men and women rising rp to follow the religion of a "natural" Nature, built uDon a sensible and logical b.1S!S, ''the mighty current which will flow all over the land, gathering stiength as it goes, sweeping ig- norance and superstition away on the face of its waters, carrying in the boat humanity to ever deeper, grander seas of thought, feel- ing. love and service, so that at Dast the Isles of "Bliss will be reached."

Swansea Salisbury Money Club. A large company sat down to dinner in the Salisbury Constitutional Club, Swansea, on Thursday evening, under the auspices of the old established money club. Mr W. Howaiid presided, and he was supported by Messrs. VViniam Evans, A. Abbott, C. W. Gulliver, W. Walters, R. Walton (secretary), W. I horuton, E. C. Poole, J. Grant a.nd others. After doing justice to the excellent re-pnst, Mr. W. Walters gave the tewt of the "Money Club," which he said was the backbone of the Salisbury Club. Mr. R. Walton (secretary), in reply, alluded to Mr. Walters' assistance to the club, and said that daring his (Mr. Wal- ton's) secretaryship, some £7,fX!J. bad changed hand's. He then deck-red a dividend of 10s. per si ho re, amid applause. The chairman s-oke of the secretary's work, as did Mr. J. Jones, boat builder, who gloried in the fact that they "were all Jcey Chamberlains now." Mr. C. W. Gulliver, in proposing the toast of the "Conservative dmb and Cause," said that Dulwioh aind Lewisham proved conclu- sively that the country was with Mr. Cham- berlain, who was actuated by the highest and most patriotic motives in his crusade. He was confident his policy would win the day. (Applause). Mr. A. Abbott (chairman j of the Salisbury Club), in responding, paid a tribute to the money club as a factor in hold- ing Conservatives together. Thanks to Mr. Wad'dington, the Conservative cause was never stronger than it was at the present time. He had both youth and experience, the latter having been gained in a town second only to Swansea- (laughter and applause.) The best they o' lild wish liim was a successful general election. (Applause). The next toasts were those of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and j Secretary. Mr. W. Howard, iu responding for the first, prided himself on the fact that he was a Conservative working man. Judg- ing by the success of Mr. Ghambsrlfian's ■policy, the bulk of the working men of the country were Conservatives, too. Mr. Wm. Evans" followed in eloquent strain, and Mr. R. Walton received a very cordial reception wilih musical honours im acknowledging the complimenUwy references to him, and Messrs. E. C. Poole, Geo. Bowen, J. Grant, also ) spoke. The oratorical part of the programme was interspersed with musical contributions bv Messrs. Magga (gramophone), J. Lynch (who was in splendid voice), Samuel Lewis, C. Pound (in violin solos and clever card tricks), Jlle Bateman (the smart local o m- ique), Geo. Lloyd and W. Cun-an (artistic baritone and biss respectively1, Jj/k Jones, and several otlurs. Among the. toasts was that of the steward and stewardess, and to which Mr. Davenport responded. The vote was well deserved, as the "spread'' was most enjoyable.

At Swansea, on Tuesday, Wm. Walsh (13), 53. Scyborfach-street, was fined half a crown for stealing yixpenny worth of coke from the Cwmfelin Tinplate Co. that morning.

ANTHRACITE TRUST PROSPECTUS, Will be Ready in a Few Days. Hearing that. the chairman of the anthra cite syndicate (Hon. G. Ketppel) was in Swansea, a representative oi the "Daily < Post" waited upon him at the Hotel Metro- pole on Tuesday, where he was staying, and learnt that the syndicate had all but com- pleted prepaiations for the issue of their iie>w company. "Is it true that a certain large colliery has withdrawn, as stated in the papers the other day ?, asked the reporter. "No colliery has, or could, withdraw on which we have agreed contracts and paid option deposits," was the reply; "but it has b^en deemed advisable by the syndicate to weed out certain properties which on < on- sideration were not teemed to be up to the standard required by thsni for their amalga- mation." "Has any underwriting been done jet .J" "No, because the figures are not yet «.m- pleted, and until they are it would be mani- festly impossible to" und ,1take any under- writing. It is anticipated ihat the draft prospeotus of the new company to be formed to complete the purchases agreed by the syn- dicate will be ready in a week or ten days, and that the new company will be issued by the end of January or the first days :n February."

WHAT SAYS BILL ADAMS? Kaiser on the Waterloo Victors. Berlin, Saturday.—At Hanever, in response to a tosst of his health, the Emperor rephed "in a very ion! voice':—"With cordiei thanks I raise my glas-s, and would express the desire that every one of VOll may follow me as I turn my eyes to the past aid drink to the health of the German Legion 'n re- memlbr ince of the incomparable deeds which, in conjunction with Blucher and the Prus-s-aiis at Waterloo, aived the English Army Torn destruction.—("Times.") The same journal, in commenting on this utteran??, characterises it as an absurd over- statement."

MESSRS VIVIAN'S CAPITAL Chancery Division Sanctions a Reduction. The action re II. H. Vivian and Co. (Limited) came before Justice Buckley in the Chancery Division of the High Court, on Saturday. Mr. Buckmaster, K.C., said it was a peti- tion by the company for the ) educ- tion of its capital. The necessary resolutions had been passed. As the reduction affected ¡ the liability of the shareholders in respect of the shares they held, it was pointed out by his lordship when the matter was previ- ously before the court that the consent of those shareholders was necessary in order to get the scheme through. The matter accord- ingly stood over, though a huge majority of the sliareholders had expressed their assent and none had dissented. They now had the assent of all the shareholders with the < xcep- tion of such as it was proposed to redeem, and all those had assented to the redemption with the exception of three, whom thev had been unable to see. Under these circum- stances, he thought the court had jurisdiction to sanction the scheme. The company was incorporated on the 28th of July, 1897, with a capital of £140.()()(), divided into 24,000 r re- ference and 116,000 ordinary shares of jEl each. The whole of the ordinary shires had been issued and 9,187 preference. All those issued were fully paid up. The proposed reduction was in consequence of a loss on the company's capital to the amount of £85,067. There was evidence that there had been a con- siderable loss on the sale of the compinv's Swansea business, which consisted of smelting and refining. There was another business at Birmingham, which consisted of the rnanu Tacture of German silver goods. The Swansea business was sold for £75.0D0 on the 30th of May, 1900, to an Anglo-French company for 50.000 £1 shares and 25.000 debentures. In October, 1901, an arrangement was made with a. number of steel companies for the sale of those sliares and debentures. There was tvi- dence that both businesses had been over- valued, as were also the flock and material, leases, and buildings at Birmingham. The Birmingham property \>S ongirally vained at £50.000, and, although £7,000 had suice been spent upon it, it was said it was now worth only £ 51,000. His Loidship pointed out that tlie reduc- tions proposed would create a liability on cer- tain of the shares of 4s. a share—that was to say, that they were to lie £1 shares with only 16s. paid up. and this, he thought could not be done without ',he formal assent cf such shareholders. He accordingly sanctioned the proposed reduction rpon the production of a document signed by the shareholders that th-fy held such shares under this new liability of 4s. per share. j «=====.

Executed at Nineteen. At Hull, on Tuesday morning, Charles Wil- liam Ashton (19), farm labourer, employed at Seampton, near Malt-on, was executed for the murder of a young girl, named Annie Mar- shall, wLo was also employed at the same farm as domestic servant. Medical evidence at the trial showed that the girl had been vio- lated, shot with a revolver, and afterwards thrown into the river. The jury recom- fended Ashton to mercy on account of his youth, but the Home Secretary declined to interfere with the sentence. MAYOR'S FINAL APPEAL TO THE HOME OFFICE. The brothers Billington were the execu- tioners, and death is stated to have been in stautaneous. Ashton passed a restless ni.ght, but lie met his end with fortitude. During his incarceration in Hull Gaol, he was visite t by a We-sleyan minister, to whom lie fre- quently expressed contrition for his crime. t As late as Monday the MayoT of Hull tele- graphed to the Home Office, making a final appeal for reprieve, but the reply stated, Ihc ¡:: w must take its course."

Garrison Tragedy at Sheerness. An extraordinary tragedy took place in Sheerness garrison on Sunday evening. It appears that a corporal of Royal Artillery, named Parvis, was lying on his bed, when Ie heard a gunner say "I am as good a man as you," and immediately afterwards received a rifle shot in the thigh. Purvis jumped up and struggled with the nian, who ran from the room. A gunner, named Pilkington, tried to stop him, but failed, and he received a How on the heid from the riflf. The assailant escaped to the wash-house and the door was secured. The police and military officers tried to induce the man to surrender his rifle, but without success. The fire hose was then turned upon him through the roof, in the hope that it would have the desirei effect, but the man discharged the contents of the rifle into his chest, p.nd died in a few minutes. Further particulars show that deceased when in the wash-house brandished his rifle and threatened to shoot anyone who at- tempted to tak- it from him. It is stated that Purvis had occi.si>n to speak to the man on Sunday for not performing tome duty, and this is suppose:! to hav been the cause of the attempt on his life. Purvis is in the military hospiMl. and is condition is report- ed to be favourable. The deceased s name is Frederick Lake, aged 29. He WJW attached to Ko. 17 Com- pany Royal Garrison Aitil'ery, atnd was cm- ployed as a blacksmith. The bullet fired at Purvis passed through the fleshy part of his thigh and then into his box at the side of the bed. Lane had been in the Army nine yeais.

A dinner and smoker, in connection with a pastime tournament of members, was held at the Salisbury Conservative Club, Swainsea, under hippy au-pices, on Tuesday evening. M'r Abbott presided, and speeches weie delivered by Messrs D'Oyley, Miers, T. Corker, Par- sonage, and J. P. J ines. Those who contri- buted to the harmony were Messrs. J. Cle- ment, W. Curran, J. Lynch, —. Muy, Tauner mild Howell.

THAT FAMOUS DOCK, Llanelly's New Harbour Opens at Last. The opening of the famous Llanelly North Dock has at last b„-en accomplislined. and the undertaking, wíhich has cost nearly a quarter of a million of money. will, it is to be hoped, henceforth be productive of considerable re- Venue. Arrangements for the opening cere- mony were fixed to take place at the early hour of 8.30 a.m. on Wednesday. Long be- fore 8 o'clock a large crowd had gathered round the entrance. The quay had been bril- liantly illuminated with electric light. In- side the dock lay the dredger "Lucy," wtth steam ready to leave. The signalmen were at thenr posts, and the gatemen all1 in readi- ness to swing open the drawbridge. A couple of the Commissioners' locomotives, with steam 've;e standing :Cé\1y near the crane waiting for wi):k, and laying outride was the Ga- KeUe, a Llanelly boat trading to France, brightly decorated, and ready to en.er the dock. The bridge was quietly moved and an informal speech by the chairman, Mr. Wil kins fol'o^ed. He referred to the difficulties, litigation, and trouble the town had to deal with in connection with their enterprise, and pxpresspd the hope that they wo'uid now over- come a'.1] obstacles. A few minutes later the Ga/elle, with Capt. Hot-es c-n the bndge, gracefully steamed in amiidst much en- thusiasm. HISTORY OF THE UNDERTAKING. The ceremoaiy of the cutting the first sod in connection with the famous LLiwedly Dock, was performed on Tuesday, Mardh 15th, 1898 —almost six years ago—by Mrs. Mavfoeiy. It wr-s thffil announced that tihe unxieitokin-g would be ope-ned in two years. Tiie pro- moters at that time, however, never for a. moment realised the difficulties tliey would have to cjntend. It is to be hoped titan their troubles are now art an end. Amongst tiao speakers on the occasion of the cut-ting of t-tie 6od were Sir John Jones Jedikins, who remarked tha dock acciomanod;iiic<n should liave been provided at Llanelly niaitiy years ago; but still, it was "never too kite to mend." At one time Llanelly possessed shipping facilities almost equal to tnose of any other port in the Bristol Chu»miel. He coci- gra-tulated the town tFpOU their enterprise in constructing the present dock, a.ntd aho upon the spirit they displayed in creating new ki- diuitries whedi old ones ditd out. He had watched tHe progress of the town with a great d-.ol cf 1 niterest during the past few years, and wished Llanelly eve;y prosperity.

CHRISTMASTIDE. Swansea Railway Excursions. Gifts to Swansea Ag-ed Poor. « Tile aged po)r of Swansea town to the number of some 550 ieceived the ••ustoina-y gifts of seasonable goodts at the Temperance Hall on Wednesday afternoon, subscribed for j by generous donor*. This was the i>5th an- j niversa-ry to the recipients, whose ages ranged over 60; one elderly dame was 98. ( The Mayor (Mr. Griffith Tiomas) presided, and was suppoit jd by Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn, Mrs. Joseph, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Solomon, Mrs. W. Tarr, Mrs Peikins, Mrs. Williams, 1 Mrs. Jacob Jenkins, and Mr. Herbert Solo- mon (hon. sec.). His Worship said he was (,nly sorry not quite so much money lad j been received this yfar as would hive been liked by those* interested in 1 he arrange- ments. Had there been more money there would have been the usual gifts of clothing', i j but he hoped that that might yet take place ] liter. (Applause.) In conclusion he wish-ed them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Yfar.—Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn said it had been h.is privilege to be present for many vecire to suopoit th good work which Mr. J. Solomon" had begun 35 years ago. (Ap- plause.) As regrrds the diminisned sub- scriptions. that he thought was due to the rumber of sim'lir institutions run on parallel lines; still he hoped the danger of ovc-lap- { ping would not prevent the work of di-tri- bution by that patent fund. (Applause.)— (Mr. Joseph Solomon also spoke md sang a hymn, the old people joining in .he refrain. t •—The Mayor proposed a. vote o.f thanks to ] the donorsi and Mr. H. Solomon, to whom their best thanks were due.—Mr. H. Solo- men in acknowledgment, .'aid distribution would take place at Old Siloh. Landore. and j Hafod School, on Thuisday, to persons liy- ing in the immediate districts.—A vote of t hanks was accorded the Mayor on the- pro- position of Mr. H, Solomon, seconded by Mr. J. Hcu-vev. The gifts were afterwards distributed, each person receiving I-5 lbs. of beef, 1b. tea. 1 Ih, lump sugar, one loaf cf bread, and a plum pudding. Lat.r in the afternoon distr:hut!<n,s to widows under 60 with large families- were made. SWANSEA RAILWAY ARRANGEMENTS. | In the railway world the present Christmas season is marked by an important :tnd desir- able change. Both the Great Western and London and North Western Railway Com- panies announce a number of cheap -excur- sion trains. In past years the holiday public have had to pay full fares. This year tickets are issued at reduced rates. The Great Wes- tern announce excursions to Killarncy, Cork Waterford. Liverpool, Chester. Man- chester Shrewsbury. North Wales. Black- pool. etc., Scotland. Cardiff (Barbarians v. Cardiff football match en Boxing Day). Leeds, Bradford. Scarborough, Sheffield, Newcastle, etc The excursions list from one day to 16 days and farts and times of departure can be sseertained from the company's handbills.— Bv the London and North Western line the travelling public this Yuletide can reach at ] specially reduced fires. Carlisle. Edinburgh, < Glasgow, and other stations in Scotland, Birmingham* and Wolverhampton, Llan- dovervfand intermediate stations. York and the North Eastern district, Liverpool. Man- chester. North Wales, etc. Full pirticulars from the company's handbills.—Tlie Midland Railway Company are running no excursion trains but between Swansea and Brynamman the ordinary service will on Thursday ;,nd Boxing Dav be duplicated, and market tickets will be issued. On the Rhondda and Sv an- sea line there will be a cheap excursion to Cardiff 011 Boxing Day, leaving at 8.30 a m. There will also be a morning excursion to Swansea. A cup of steaming hot tea and three slices of bread and butter r This was the Xmas fate provided by the Poor Children's Break- fast Fund, of which the Mayor is treasurer, and Mr. W. Nichols (Y.M.C.A.), the secre- tary, at the Ragged School, on Wednesday morning, but by the manner in which it was devoured no feast ever set before a king ccula be more enjoyable. Over 600 little mouths were fed, and the number was so great that the children, some without shoes or stockings, otlieis unwashed, though these were in the minority, and very many with no hat c-r cap to cover their dishevelled hair, Lead to be served in two batches. It was, indeed, pathetically amusing to watch the crowd ot voun esters on the top of the stone staiicase, as thev peeped with anxious eyes and pro- bably a gnawing sort of feeding in their little stomachs, into the bmquetting hall, where all was boisterous glee. Hie older of the street arahs shouted to their mates across the tables, and little Mary Jane had a word to sav to Hannah Mary over the "cup that ch-ers but does not inebriate," while tiny mites" held out their cups, like Oliver Twist, ard asked for more. At length the feast was over, and drinking off the last drops of tfa Swansea's lit-tle waifs and strays marched out feeling quite bloated out. tliough still stuf- I fing bread and butter into their mouths from feeling quite bloated out. tliough still stuf- I fing bread and butter into their mouths from j the" paper bags, is which it is handed round. The general public are none too generous in 1 helping forward this most deserving charity, though gifts are accepted in kind as well as in money, but it is most gratifying to know that 1 there" is at times no lack of helpers. Mits Owen (Miramor), Mi.ss Eva Chapman, Miss G. Owen. Miss S. Davies, Miss Jones, Miss Wvrill, Miss M. Jones, Miss E. Jones, Miss Thc-mas Mr. Dtiv Wills, and Mr. G. Tayior were those who turned up at the Ragged School at eight o'clock on Wednesday morn- ing.

I NEATH NOTES. 1 "Remember the Poor I" imu Who Dc-and Many Who Don't. A merry ('PNic.n}:¡U; and a happy New j Y e ar -4- } The first line of these notes is not anginal, Perhaps it's all the _betur for that. "A merry Christmas!" What does it mean* lo those of us who are fairlv well found in ths woild'x goods it means much. Pieoty to eat, plenty to drink. good, warm clothes to wear and something left—a good home, and the wherewithal to ke-ep it. Hut do we pause and think? Do we re- fiect for one moment upon the lots of thou- sands of our fellow-beings, less favoured than yourslves t If we did we might do a little in our immediate neighboUlhüod-a little that would bring a ray of sunshine into the ciicle of many a home—a home only in name. The poor ars always with us. Who among us this C hi'istmtiis will do just a little to make their lot more bearable? Just think Head of the household, when vour are seated at the head of the table on Christmas' Dav when you are carving the turkey, and sur- rounded by your expectant and' healthy tainilv just think tliat there are scores who have pertorce to do with the plainest of fare, or perhai?s be without even tluit. And you needn't go out of iN'eatii to find such a state of things. 1 know there are many families who are without the bare necessities of life, and who ate too proud to apply to the Guardians for assistance. So don't think wircn you have paid your poor rate you have discharged all the liabilities which a higher Power than lova lgoverrmient imposes upon you A merr- Christmas Forsooth it il be a sad one tor many in Neath. I know there are many philanthropic ladies and gentlemen in Neath who are doing their best to alleviate suffering. But many more are wanted. Meantime it is good to learn that Mr E Law is doing his sitare. Whatever one may think of Mr. Law, and whatever mav be suggested by critics, who do little good, but- talk much harm, as to liis motives, the fact remains that scores of homes will be rendered brighter, tiJi." Christmas by his gifts. I have seen myself a consignment of some 250 rab- bits, which, by tite-time these words are in print, will have been distributed among the poor of Melyn and Uantwit Lower. This making a grand total of 750 rabbits which he has given away during tlie last month or six weeks. In addition he tells me that. he will distribute on Thursday numbers of tur- keys, geese, chickens and ducks—"my old favourite—ducks"—he facetiously added. And the inmates of the Workhouse, and the children of the Cottage Homes will have a good time, thanks to the generosity of the Mayor, and Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Moore Gwrn. of Dutfrvn. I learn that in regard to the former. Mrs. Miles, the kind-hearted matron, iis making due preparation, and that tho e 1 less fortunate than ourselves will on Boxing Day have a rousing, rollicking time; while m regard to the latter, Mr. and Mrs. Sair. the master and matron, will do all they can to carry out the expressed wishes of the donors, and endeavour to give the children a glorious time on Christmas Day. A merry Christmas and a liarnv New lear! Yes, and a gentleman in the locality has j just given £150 for a brace of dogs. Peonle will be saying that "flbser",r" is getting Socialistic in his- opinions. Well, I believe in Socialism, but perhaps not of the kind that the cranks rant or. Xeath surprised Cardiff last Saturday. The surprised themselves, and their sup- porters as well. I don't know who sent it, but I can make a eiy near guess. On Monday night a postman came to my house with a parcel. '"Observer,' 'Cambrian' Office, Neath." hr:> ] said. "Quite right," I replied. "Tikl t'1S me." I took it to the sitting-room and care- fullv opened it. There were two brown paper wrappings which, removed, disclosed a fancy box. I hardly knew what do. Flashed through my brain tlie thought "I have many enemies*. It may be an infernal machine." I placed it carefully on tie table, went to the out-houso, and returned with a bucket of cold water. Then I debated with myself as to the proper course to putsue. "1 he contents may be perishable," I said, And then I reflected "I am perisliable, too." I looked at the adress. and found that the parcel was .sent from Swansea. Then I was lelieved. J knew of no enemies in Swansea. So I carefully removed the cover, and found beneath a type-written note a number of sugar pluuis. Tiie note bore the words: "In return for observations." ] put in my thumb and pulled out a plum. It was a nice sue- culent moisel, and then I thought of Mr. Howed. Well, if he has found my observa- tions as sweet as the plum, he has reason to be thankful, and so ljave 1. But a bottle of —well, never mind—would have been more in my line. j A Mr. Boycott ha.s taken the Royal Oak Inn, Melyn. It is to be hoped for"*lii:s sake and that of the owners of the inn that the public won't boyfcot him. In connection with the alleged smuggling at Skewen, there has been another an est- Edwin Dond, the fireman. Like the spirits, he is now in "bond. Some interesting developments are pro- mised. respecting the alleged false pietenees of David Thomas, now in custody. By the way, the touch of "Swedes" liave no connection with "Scandinavia." "OBSERVER." ■ 1 ■

Cwmbwrla Character's Tragic Fate. At Compass Inn, Cwmbwrla, Swansea, on Tuesday afternoon, an inquest was eld OIl tihte body of John Griffiths (41), a well-known figure in Cwmbwrla, who was picked up dead in an archway leading to the coke-ovens at the Cwmfelin Tdnplate Works on Sunday. Seth Phillips, 9, Carmarthen-road, Cwm- bwrla, said deceased was his brother-in-law, but he did not know if he ibad any fixe,] j abode. He was a tin-worker, and ot strong J constitution, but had given way to drmk, which was the cause of his roving disposd- tion. Witness last saw him alive on Satur- day w'ijen he was sober. J Isaac John Morgan, crane-driver at the | Cwmbwrla Works, last saw d<ceased aMve on Sunday noon. Deceased was in an arcii- way under a furnace, and wetness shouted to him to come out. Deceased answered "All right." Mr. Beardoe, of the works, produced a plan. Epliraim Schumach, 5, Pentre ^.styll-road, gasman, found the body about 3.30. He knew deceased well, and called, but receiving no answer, went down and d-scovered that Griffiths was dead. Deceased had been in the habit of geeng to the works. P.S. Charles Hill was called to deceased's body. 7J,d. was found dn the pockets. Dr\ T. Glasbrook Davies ma'e a post- I mortem- There was evidence of bronchitis, enlarged and fatty heart, and there was a val- vular°disease of the latter organ. Liver was also affected. Death was due to syncope, no èouLt accelerated by the place wihere he was found. The Coroner said it was clear that felloes of the class of deceased had a tendency to rove all over the works. It did the company no good, and perhaps Mr. Bardoe might have something to do. Mr. Beardoe :<t:d that was me of the principal reasons for his presence. To 1lte best of his ability he tried to ke?p all such people away, but 011 Sunday morning and sometimes at night the company we e greatly annoyed by tramps, whose habits were ilthy in the extreme. He would tell them of a case where he personally put out a man 'vho I was sleeping on a plank within a foot or so

I FISCAL MEETING IN BRYNMELIlf /1 Socialists Challenge to Mr. Waddington. t, ^'1 a<^dingtoii followed up his ^uccess- lui liscaf Jeyture at the Sliaftesburv Hall, wita another a St, Mark's Hall, Swansea, <n luesday evening. II Mr. Percy Molvneaux presided over a re. STwand at tiLe outset. said that a tiough he was a Free Trader, ne "i Th' TCT an °Ur 8ystem of free ti ^ev\ coimn £ to a pass that we V° i°°k for our food ri where else but to our great • £ J*1?"' hTar") In his own trade— vailpH h £ -"T one-aided system pre- PA^S FIR "HL0'J,HE CO»LD *'ND FISHP tanff WAhout W^g a heavy Was that fa;r. r'S'o." ULe fiscal system reared raising badly.' (CkJ^T *1, add^?tonr "who was cordially giceted, in addition to traversring much of tha ground covered dn his previous night's lecture, said that Ireland's famine wa* tie precipitating event" which led to Free Trade Replymg to Mr. Winston Churchill's recent speech, the speaker said tk,t, contrary to popular op rmon, the repeal of the corn laws was not engineered on behalf of tie working man but by capitalists, who, in fact refused the worker permission to speak on the subject on their platforms, and thev fwnt £20.000 in his own town alone iIi -buv- I ing votaig qualifications. The C'a r.nian; rising. sa. d that that meet- ing was primarily convene-d to enable the e.ec+ors °f that ward to have an opportunity of debating the question, and he did not think at fair to Mr. W adiington that he should be badgered by Socialists. who were onlv seeking notonetv. (Cheers.) He would be glad to hear anyone from the ward ask Mr. Waddington questions. Mr. Molvneaux s observations evrldentV had thejr temporary effect, as Messrs. J. Littlejohns, E. Welch. Paul Cocks. Patn-I Jones, and J. C. Davies, who wre preparting voluminous notes at the rear, subsided ior the t.ime being. An elderly gentleman rose in the bodv of j -• a. challenging some of Mr. \\addcngton s observations, oprned tihat tho Liberals and the Tories should be put in & sf. ^nd -shaken up, a sentiment wiiich e ieiU-d_ much merriment, but as the vr ° T ri ar*umen*! wras aot veiT clear, Mr. J. Griffiths (Waunwenj ascended the platform, and wished at the start to quote statastlcs from some Radical dailies, which Mr. Waddington declined. "There is the Blue Book." he said, amcds-t applause, "TOJ can quote from that if you like. tat. I refuse to accept partisan statements such as VOl( have. Mr. Griffiths then accused a "certain local firm," whicth had been described as suf- fering from the dumping of stpet bars as hav- ing made so much money in the past that now they were making a little less they were en- deavouring to coerce their men and batten on their backs. (Cheers and laughter.) it was a good thing for them that the tiinplats trade went to America. It made the masters wake up. We were to blame for losing that trade—it was really men lake Sir John Jones Jenkins, and Mr. Gilberston who had really put the States into the trade. (Laughter.) Mr. Waddington, after replving to other arguments, sadd that Mr. Griffiths' statemeitO that the loss of our tinplate trade was blessing was the strangest blessing he had ever heard of. (Laughter.) The lecturer challenged anyone to (indicate any item of the shipping or tinplate trade which Mr. Chamberlain 3 policy would injure, after M-5.fi ch Mr. J. littlejohns then ascended the plat- form and challenged Mr. Waddington to a debate on the subject on any public platform, to whkh Mr. Waddington replied that he eou'd onlv debate as between the Tariff Reformers and the Cobden cubbies, and not from a Soctaiiis* standpoint. Mr. Paul Jones asked if it would he more satisfactory if our Coknaies "dumped," to which Mr. Waddington replied t!hat that was not possible. Votes of thanks concluded the proceedings.

Dumping on a Big Scale. The composition of the cargo of the s.s. Russia, which provided food for much com- ment at Monday night's fiscal debate at Swansea, makes interesting reading. It consists of 2,000 tons of steel billets, sheets and bars, for Messrs. Richard Tho-mis and Co.. Swansea and Llauelly; 137 tons oi ingots for the Mannesrnann Tube Works, and by way of ironic set off to tlx- latter, a consignment of iron tubes (which this firm manufactures), addressed to Messrs. Cory- Bros. and Co., all from Rotterdam. As Mr. Chamberlain says, this sort of thing constitutes a grave menace to everyone of our industries. The larJj¡e Atlantic liners Micmac «• nd Cheronea are also due with American steel baa-s. And still—"All is well 1" THE DUFFRYN WORKS NOTICES. The steel smelting furnaces of Dyffryn Works are exhibiting the usual activity this week. but the bar-ioiiing plant there is at a standstill. The notices 10 terminate all con- tracts in Lbe steel-producing departments here terminate on the so;oitd day of the New Yf::ar. For the men engaged at they th.> outlook is a gloomv one. There are sufficient stocks of steel ingots 01 hand to enable the manage- ment of the Dyffryn Works lo keep their five tinplate mills in full operation for a couple of months.

Sudden Death in the Market. At the Compass Inn. Cwmbwrla, Swansea, on Tuesday evening, an inquest was held re- j lat.ive to the sudden death of a young married woman named Ashford (33), of 27, Lion-street. It will be remembered tliat, while shopping with her husband OIl Saturday evening, at the nauket, the unfortunate woman fell down with startling suddenness, and expired almost im- mediately. The husband, Samuel Thomas Ashf.ord, dock labourer, said his wife's age was 36. De- ceased had been ill for over three years with heart trouble, and had been attended by Dr. Powell. On Saturday ni^ht she was in her usual state of health, until reaching the Mar ket. After some conversation she went to a stall, complaining (f her head. A few paces furthex on she 0 fell fainting, and witness caught her. A crowd gathered, and some brandy was fetched, but after removal to a fiiend's stall, she died. Dr. Jno. Powell stated he had attended de- ceased, who was always anaemic, and suffered from a weak heart. Death was due to syn- cope. Verdict accordingly.

On Tuesday, Mr. Tregertlhea Dunn sold the three-masted barquenaine Try Ajain at the West Bate Dock. Cardiff, for j3260 to Mr. Carianes. sh.ip-master. Built iu 1868, the vassal has a len-gfoh of 95 feet, a breadth d 22 feet 1 inch, and a depth of 12 feet 9 1 ch, and has a dead-weight capacity of 260 tons. She left Swansea f r lrepoirt three or four weeks aco Wi.th coal, but on the vovage lost her chains a.nd anchor, anid was drifting wfaeO picked up by a tug. She was towed into alI. diff. and the purpose of the sale was to meet the salvage expenses. There was a representative gathering of the Swansea branch of the National Com- mei'.cial Temperance League at Grosvenor Hotel. The following were elected officers: President. Sir Geo. Xewnes, Part, M.P. vice-presidents, Dr. J. A. Rawkngs, and •Mr. Thomas Harrison; chairman, Mr. F-ed Rocke. J.P. vice-cha;rman. Mr. Edwin Fish hon. treasure-. Mr. G. P Danes: hoa. secretary, Mr. T. Fdgar Joi n assistant sec- retary. Mr. T. S. Harrison. The fo'lownc re ol 11 tion was me ed by ilr N. Pugh, seconded by Mr .Edwin Fish, and supported by Mr. J. Martin Curnow, v z "That thi;; meeting protests agaunst the pnn:ir>le of the Bills introduced by Mr Butcher and Sir Wm Hart Dyke. for tho" <-uirp -S"—fl) of providm; compensation to ruh'a^s for n n-renewal ot licenses and (?) 0' limiting the d;scretclori- a.v power of the licens nc: magistrates and, having regard to th° declared intentcon of the Prime Miraisler to introduce a HJ], early next Session deal nc with th«=e questions, this meeting earnestly can;: upon all good citizens, irrespecti-o of nart". to give to sro-eh ■unpatriotic, retrog"»'5p and dangerous pro- posals their most determined opposition."