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WEEK BY WEEK. • ( ♦ Aijierica is not alone in inventing an ink. trust. Roath also loots in. "Please," said a little girl to the shopman, "please for a bottle of ink. and mother will pay you on Saturday." .t is said that an unlimited quantity of straws .terries is a certain cure for gout. This, is a icolish announcement. We predict an alarm- ing outbreak of gout among all school chil- dren. Miitables, with its new pier, is, we learn, looking up a bit this season. Could not coach- ing trips be organised there- The roads are at least as wide as those of Jersey, where four in-hands drive in battalions. The directors of the Barry Docks and Rail- "way are about to return a visit which the trustees of Swansea Harbour paid them last year. Lloyd's Committee will also shortly visit Swansea, for the first time. Cftionel Morgan and Mr. Glascodine, of Swan- sea, are still falling out over the old stones of Gower. They had another debate last week- over an old cross—and it was adjourned, hap- pily, before coming to a division. Judge Owen acknowledged in Newport County court that he knew nothing I about betting; "but," he added, limp with pfcthoft, "the law allows it." Later, he added: "tifeffendant may be able to pay if he makes a. good thing at Ascot." One of the funniest sights in Cardiff on Friday ■wis a gang of lascars—perhaps a dozen— gathered around the wood block layers at work in St. John's-square. It was hard to tell which were the most interesting—the lascars them- selves or the crowd of natives who stood on the pavement watching them as they jabbered aud gesticulated to each other about the work that waygoing on. infirm aries are modern institutions. In olden biniefe all such places were called hospital* Old Cardiff had its "spittal," and Wales in ever so nitny districts had its "spyttys" and "spites." Iff$reconshire the word takes the very unusual form -of "spythid," in Llanspythid. /The- "spittals" of long ago were supported from the tithes, which can hardly be called voluntary gifts,-as they are a rent-charge. "On the Way to be a Millionaire" writes to 8S from the Cardiff Docks: —"An eminent specialist has just diagnosed an ailment which is very prevalent among some of the office- boys at the Docks just now as 'office fever.' It usually comes on very suddenly in the fine weather, and the only remedy discovered up to the present is a game of golf or cricket! Cap your readers suggest a better medicine?" "On her Majesty's Service" will not prevent misfortune or ward off partial poverty. One auxiliary postman in Newport must find life a weary tramp. His wife was answering to a judgment summons before Judge Owen and said that her husband earned 18s. a week.' This had to serve to keep a family of nine—one an invalid. We can believe the poor woman's story that after the day's work the postman was too footsore to take other work. A fresh attempt to deal with the problem of the habitual drunkard nas been made by the Cardiff stipendiary. On Friday he had before him a woman, with many convictions, who pleaded truthfully that she had never been cau- tioned. The stipendiary allowed her to go, with the condition annexed that if in the next few months she offended in the same way again a long term of imprisonment would follow. That woman, if she has any sense of shame left. is more likely to be reclaimed than if incar- cerated, and, besides, there is no expense attached to it. There is a pleasant reference to Mr. C. T. Whitmell, formerly inspector of schools at ■ Cardiff, in this week's "English Mechanic." .-from, the pen of the able contributor who writes over the nom-de-plume "A Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society." Speaking of the Leeds Astronomical Society, he says:—"The J venerable president, Mr. Washington Ter^dale, retires this year, and it would be idle to sup- pose that he will not be missed. But as said Virgil, 'Uno avulso, non deficit alter'; and in his successor, Mr. Whitmell. the society is most fortunate in having secured as its head as excellent a mathematician as he is a keen and enthusiastie astronomer." Caerphilly felt a sharp pain after much joy the other night. Its choirs were contesting at an English eisteddfod, and a telegram came:— "Caerphilly victorious in chief choral and male voice contest." Of course, there was a demon- stration, with a brass band and flags and coloured lights, to meet the singers home, and altogether the reception was of a kind extended to great conquerors. When it was found that only two choirs competed in the chief choral, and that Caerphilly had taken second prize, and that Caerphilly was the only competitor in the male voice contest the natives felt foolish. Then a man said, "But the prizes might have been withheld." so they cheered again, and called for another round. Canon Thompson amounted to a whole public last night. We mean the populace, of course, not the other kind of public, for the canou was the only representative of the classes and masses who turned up at the Gladstone Welsh memorial meeting. Of course, the deputy- mayor was in the chair, and a clerk kept the minutes, and two reporters were there as public recorders. But outside this necessary nucleus the meeting was composed entirely of Canon Thompson, and a very excellent meeting it was. For it was unanimous, enthusiastic, and eloquent; there were no amendments, no cross-suggestions, not a glimmer of a division of opinion. Both reporters were agreed that! they never remembered such splendid accord a public meeting, and, for a wonder, the stream of enthusiasm flowed straight ahead. Mr. James Howe has just produced a. volume of great interest to the student of the history of the Georgian Era and of Scottish life a cen- tury ago. It is a selection from the manu- scripts of Lady Louisa Stuart, the youngest daughter of Lord Bute, Minister of George III., and "the wisest, best, and wittiest of women." Lady Louisa wrote much, and burned most of what she wrote, having a. perfect horror of v print and notoriety. Belated, as it were, to jverybo«jy. she knew strange things of Queen Anne's day. by family tradition. She was the "Egeria" of Sir Walter Scott, his confi- dante, csitic. and friend. Mr. Howe promises another volume of Lady Louisa's letters, which will take up her correspondence where the pri- vately-printed correspondence edited lately by Mrs. (ClarJc, of Talygarn, concludes. After puzzling out a paragraph from this < column the Newsagent and Book- seller's Review" says:—"It is peculiar, and not a little amusing, to learn that -no Welsh newspapers, periodicals. 01 books of any kind are permitted in Russia, because the officials cannot read them, and, consequently, cannot impose the censorship. They can struggle with 'German' well enough, and the intricacies of the English language have-no terrors for them. but Welsh appals them. And yet they have words of their own a 'yard long, and an ordinary page of Russian print; is terrifying to the average mortal, while one of the Czar's five or ten rouble bills is a thing to admire and puzzle over, and hold in all conceivable positions in a vain attempt to inlke:out which is the right side up. One would have thought that a fellow-feeling would haye^commended the Cymraeg to the study of subjects-of. the Little Father; but, apparently, one cam have too much of a. good thing." A case was recently tried before Judge Owen in which a farmer claimed damages against the Great Western Railway Company for the loss of a .cow which had been run over by a train For the defence the lawyer claimed that, the gate being closed, the cow must have jumped over a seven-foot fence. This was treated as abstird by the judge, who gave judgment for the plaintiff. The other day, dining with the lawyer at. a Newport club which is much favoured by the legal profession. Judge Owen roguishly asked. "Ah, Mr. ———, what about the cow and the seven-foot fence?" "Well, judee" replied the lawyer, when the general laughter ha.d ) subsided. "some cows jump high you know." "That cow never did," returned Judge Owen. with judicial emphasis. "But judge, we don't know what attractions may have been on the other side of the fence "That cow never jumped the fence," persisted the judge, solemnly. "I never had a cow that could jump a seven-foot fence, and I am quite sure if my cow couldn't jump it yours couldn't! That ended it. I'm a trimmer from the docks, and I like & bit of sense. And I'm just as euteas others 'bout the way I spend my pence; But blow me if I can make out the chap 38 always prates 'Bout the blessings that come to ns through the way we spend the rates. If you want a. silly povel or a hlood-and-thunder story, With murderings and elopements and duels red and cory. You never need to buy 'em. though the price be but a. "d"; You can get such things for nothing, for all literature is free. But the case if very different when you break your bloomin' leg; You've got no rates to draw on—let the missus go and beg. You may have books and pamphlets as you lie upon your bed, For the rates take no,acoount of legs-they only cure the head. If. you want to ot-ndy botany, the rates 11 gire you parks, Thotigh scattered all around you you'vA$, million country walks; They're never Monomio 'bout the things that'a easy tot, F Ir. théy give museums and libraries and ever such a lot Ofi other things unnecessary, thO- in & way they're good. And if you say contrary they'll ten 7011 that you're rude. But if your ribs are broken or your longs haw got, congested The rates will send you to the deuce, they're no way interested; You may do the best yon can if you break jour bloomin' leg, The rates are not responsible—go buy a wooden per: And so I cannot understand the chap as always prates 'Bout the blessings that come to as thre* the way* we spend the rate*^ > Lord and Lady Wimborne have taken a house at Hampstead. It turns out 'that the mayors of Aberystwith a'nd Carmarthen are total abstainers. Other towns are still to be heard from. A brave attempt has been made by Cardiff tobacconu'-s to close their shops on Sunday, but it is feared the endeavour will end in smoke. A calf with two heads has just seen the light on Tycoch Farm, Llansadwrn. It only had a glimpse of the light, for it died soon after, and so did the cow. Music is th& root of discord in the St. Andrew's parish of Cardiff. Two organists have resigned, and two choirs have followed suit. This is not very creditable to some- body. One of the 'drunks" at Cardiff Police-court on Monday had a queer defence. "You have been here twelve times before," said A.derman J. Ramsdale. The woman's reply was, "Well, sir. I was born in Cardiff, and circumstances alters cases Already seven hundred applications have been received f^rom singers who are desirous of forming part of the choir of the Liverpool Eisteddfod next year, and the arduous task of testing the vocalists as to their fitness is in the hand 8 of Mr D. O. Parry. France had better cable to M. Paul Barbier to take over a new Cabinet from Cardiff. This genial and exuberant Welsh Gaul "could pick up half a dozen men at the Docks who would be prepared at ten minutes' notice to run two or three Republics together. They are already doing very well in the republic of commerce. With the cheerful recklessness of a middle- aged bachelor, Mr. William Banter suggests in the "Evening Express" how all the unmarried assistants under notice at Howell and Co.'s shop can retain their places. He says in effect, let all the young men marry the young women, and of course the notice of dismissal wouldn't apply to them any more. All we have- to add is that, as the numbers are un- equal, the alternative of dismissal is bigamy. It. is rather hard lines when a clergyman has to call' churchwardens to order for talking during his sermon. This is said to have occurred, in Swansea on Sunday morning, the pulpit being occupied by a neighbouring clergy- man, who, it is said, has since apologised for his open rebike. Apparently, the usual clergy- man was used to their little ways. We never heard of churchwardens talking in church before; we always thought they slept. There was a hot dispute at a place of busi- ness in. Barry Dock one day last week. The question at issue was, who owns the longest beard'in Wales? Several preachers' names were mentioned, and two or three clergymen. One lawyer's name was also quoted. At last a Llandyssil man said that in his native village there lives a. man whose beard is 6ft. long, and which he twists several times round his body. That man is a grandson of the genius who first invented the sea-serpent. An idea of the extent of the fishing industry in West Wales may be gathered from the fact that some six or seven hundred open sailing boats are at work when the season is at its height. The fish are caught chiefly off the South Irish coast, and the boats come from all parts of Great Britain and Ireland, some, indeed, belonging to France. Sometimes a lot of money is made. A few years ago mackerel were bought at Kinsale for ls. per 100, and sold at Neylands for JE1 per 100, the original catchers getting next to nothing. A De Dion tricycle, of which so many are to be seen in Par;s. has now appeared at Cardiff, and at once collects a small crowd when it starts or stops. It will. no doubt, be followed soon by many others, for it not only runs to perfection on the flat, but will mount the steepest hill towing a bicycle behind it. By th& bye, this motor-tricycle should afford another argument for the abolition of the toll- gate on the main road from Cardiff to Penarth and Barry, for every time it passes through the gate a toll of eighteenpence is exacted, the toll-collector calling it a three-wheel locomotive. Out cf 220 literary celebrities whose scholastic history baa been investigated by the "School World," the "largest number of distinguished men of letters" hails from Eton, which trained eleven, and from Harrow, which has given the world ten. The Harrow list is as follows:- "The Marquess of Bute, Mr. W. J. Court- ho»e. Professor of Poetry, University of Oxford; Mr. C. J- Longman, editor of 'Long- mail's Magazine'; Mr. H. F. Pelham, Camden Professor of Ancient History. University of Oxford; Sir Douglas Straight, editor of the 'Pall Mall Gazette'; and the Right Hon. Sir George Otto Trevelyan." Among the American visitors to the National Eisteddfod next month will be Mr. and Mrs- Taliesin Evans, of New York. Mr. Evans holds a high Government post, and is a Welshman whose nationality breaks out at all points, although he has never been in Wales during the 52 years of his life. But anybody from "yr hen wlad" who crosses the Atlantic finds a. friend in this enthusiastic Welsh.-American, and when the Royal Welsh Ladies' Choir were over there he almost took, charge of them. Indeed, Mr. Jacob Davies says that when he was rapidly coming to the conclusion that there wasn't a man on that great Continent who could be made a reposi- tory of faith, it was coming into contact with Mr. Taliesin Evans that reclaimed America in his good opinion. just- now the Welsh elementary teachers are interesting themselves in the question of their representation on the Welsh Central Board. The usual retting period for the first of the representative^ is at hand, and a sueceasor has to be elected. The retiring man is not a retiring man at all. That is, he is Mr. Tom John, the veteran schoolmaster of Llwynypia. and it is a. moral certainty that Mr. John will be his own successor. Mr. John was the inven- tor of the elementary teachers' representation on the Central Board, and, in recognition of this and his other substantial services to Welsh education, his election we find-unofficially-is assured, for not one of the other nominees will set himself against the ever-youthful and vigorous veteran. Even the Monmouthshire district unanimously decided to recommend its members to vote for Mr. John. "A Welshwoman" writes to the "Church Times as follows:—" Within the last thirty years it was the custom in svme- part? of North Wales at the funerals of well-to-do persons, especially the squire of the parish, to have packets of plum aad sponge, cakes folded in black-edged paper, and sealed, with black sealing-wax, placed on the sideboard- After the breakfast, which it was customary to dispense to the bidden gttests, many of whom came long distances, and before starting to church, everyone went to the sideboard and put one of each sort of cake into his pocket to take home. Many a piece of cake has come to my share, as my father not only officiated in his own parish, but was frequently present, as a friend, at other funerals. Can this custom be a survival of the 'soul-cakes'? Those were the days when scarves and hat- bands were worn, which. I recollect, afterwards made silk, dresses for my mother." "Pan Kelt" writes:—"It was interesting to notice how the familiar characters of the Welsh Eisteddfod are re-produced at the Irish Oireachtas. When the reciting compe- tition came on the adjudicators gave equal marks to the two best competitors. This created a difficulty, inasmuch as the prize was a medal, and could not be divided. It was arranged that lots should be drawn, and Car- dinal Logue invited both to the platform to take ."y blewyn cwta' from his Eminence's hand. but one of the pair roundly protested he was the best reciter, and then withdrew from the platform, and refused upon any account to return, in spite of the cardinal's per- suasion. The contumacious competitor was a Donegal man. So is the cardinal, and his Eminence's rebuke was crushing. He said: — "1 am sorry you come from my county. You are the first sulky man I have known to come from Donegal.' Should the cardinal ever come to a Welsh eisteddfod, I fear he would find many a re-production of the sulky man from Donegal." A story against himself is told by one of our moat industrious correspondents. In his youth he blew a church organ and had an inquiring mind (in which case Heaven help the organ). He bad bean told he must work the handle up and down, and watch a piece of lead hanging to a string. The lead must not rise above nor sink below certain well-defined notches cut in ton. organ. At first the blower worked on thesa lines, and then fell to inquiring why should that lead be kept just there. He concluded to eijjejiment. While the next hymn was on he ju<!t allowed the lead to soar! It rose slowly. it reached the notch, passed it, went slowly up quite an inch, and nothing occurred! The boy began to think he had been fooled somewhat b.7 hig colleague at the organ, and then-the music suddenly ceased, and for a second or so there was what reporters describe as a sensa- tion in that congregation! "Blow up!" un- scientifically yelled the man who operated the front of the organ. The boy did so. His experiment was an entire success. He knew itow what happened when the lead went up Before the budding Marconi had a chance to experiment on the lowering of the lead he was superannuated, and—the congregation breathed freely once more. Here is a note of some interest from the Lon- don "Sun" :The Celts are waking up. Scot- land has never lost hold of its Gaelic, Ireland is making a determined effort to revive Its ancient language, and now we hear of the for- mation of a Welsh Dramatic Society. This is something on the same lines as the Irish Lite- rary Theatre, for the main object of the society iiis the performance of Celtic plays, either in the vernacular or in English. The movement has gone so far that it has been decided to give the first performance in St. George's-hall in November, and the play to be presented has been selected. It will be Elphim's 'Y Bardd |a'r Cerddor.' This is said to be not so much a-definitely constructed play as a satirical skit on the absurdities of a recent eisteddfod. A ,couple of small love episodes have been intro- duced, and it is written partly in the vernacu- lar and partly in English. There is not much in the way of Welsh drama before the public, and it must be admitted that the eisteddfod and it must be admitted that the eisteddfod has not done much to foster it. They have read and eommended plays, but have done nothing to assist in their production. This wosk will be undertaken by the new society." Sunday's rain came just in time for the farmers. "It means fifty pounds in my pocket," said one of them, gleefully getting wet in looking at his crops. One Welsh Volunteer company is distin- guished by the fact that all its commissioned officers have red hair. It is expected they will be a warm lot at Bisley this year. A white swallow which has been seen in New- port-road for some five or six years has again arrived. It finds its summer residence some- where round the house of Dr. Wallace. A strike of shop assistants in Cardiff just now would make it warm for everybody. Lite- rally so, we mean, for unless the women folk can get their summer clothes they will have to go out in their winter ones. Dr. Lawson Tait. the great surgeon, who is just dead, was one of the speakers at the luncheon given when the Institute of Jour- nalists visited the Birmingham Waterworks at the Elan Valley, Radnorshire. A sexton of one of the cemeteries in the parish of Merthyr reported to the burial board that "work is busy." He also announced that "the grass is growing well, but if we don't have some rain it will grow smaller." It was very nice and pleasant of the anglers of Cardiff to make Alderman David Jones a present in recognition of his services of troutology. But it was curious that the present should be a pin. The alderman may go fishing with it. The contractor of the new Congregational Chapel at Abercynon is a licensed victualler, but one of the pillars of the Church publicly announced at the memorial-stone laying cere- mony that he had watched that no whisky had been mixed with the mortar. A boy was fishing on Sunday at Porthcawl. A minister who was passing by said, "My boy, do you not know that it is a sin to fish on Sunday?" Looking at the bait steadfastly, the boy said, in a confident tone, "I have not sinned yet, sir, because I have not had a. bite yet." Although he has been in America for half a century. Dr. W. C. Roberts, president of the Centre College, Danville, Kentucky, is a thorough Welshman. He talks and writes in excellent Welsh, and feels warm to the Princi- pality. Dr. Roberts has had every honour bestowed upon him that the Presbyterians can give. Unless some unforeseen circumstances arise, he will pay Wales a visit during the summer. Mr. J. J. Cartwright, of the Royal Commis- sion on Historical Manuscripts, states that the Laws of Howel Dda were drawn up in Latin in order that the common people might hold them in greater respect from their inability to under- stand them. Our laws at present are written in some sort of English, but they are as diffi- cult of understanding as if they were in Latin, but that difficulty excites in the public a feel- ing totally different from respect. It is well to have a definite mark to aim at. The Swansea Board of Guardians are collecting signatures to a petition which commences:- "We, 'comprising at least a sixth part of the electors.' How anyone can sign such a general and necessarily "previous" statement we fail to see, any more than we can say why- one-sixth should be the number aimed at in advance. Nor can we see, even if all sign, why a clamouring sixth should be listened to before the other five-sixths. One of the last speeches made in public by the late Dr. Lawson Tait was at Droitwich the other day, at the luncheon held in connection with the new station there. Several speakers had spoken in glowing terms of the cures effected by the brine baths of the town. Dr. Tait was in a humorous mood, and when hi< call to respond was made he contented himself by saying:—"When I came into this town last evening I wa3 in a perfect state of health. I had a bath, and now feel very much better." When the Satanella case was before Mr. Jus- tice Wills last week an article in the "Wes- tern Mail" came in for judicial observation. This is how it was reported in the "Morning Advertiser":—"Mr. Justice Wills, after perus- ing an article in the 'Western Mail' on the police-court proceedings, said: 'I agree with the "Western Mail." Professing to tell for- tunes is a sham. but there may be something in professing to read character by the hand.' We can find it in our hearts to wish that this accord between the judges and the "Western Mail" had always been so pronounced. Now, which of the two eminent men is right? Here is Sir John Stainer saying that out of the thousands of voices he has tried during the past ten years he only came across about twenty-five with really good voices. The late Sir Joseph Barnby said at the Llanelly Eistedd- fod a few years ago that he had listened in the solo competitions to dozens of. voices which fairly electrified him-voices,.wtkieli put into the shade many who were regarded in London as at the top of the profession! Perhaps this diversity of opinion is explained by the fact that, singularly enough, Sir John Stainer has never been to a National Eisteddfod. Here is an anecdote related by a clergyman at a Swansea chapel the other night:—"The Prince ol Wales, when a boy, was one day walking out with his tutor. On passing through a country lane they came across a flock of sheep driven- by. an old woman. The boy Prince—after the manner of boys—at once began to show his mischievousness by frighten- ing the animals. At this the old woman became annoyed, and proceeded to soundly rate the boy, when the tutor interfered, saying, 'You must not speak to him like that. Don't you know who he is? Why, he is the Prince of Wales.' 'I don't know, nor do I care who he is,' indignantly replied the old dame; 'but he shows his bad bringing-up' A dilemma faced the Penybont Rural District Council on Saturday. They were considering what steps to take to fill up the vacancy caused by the death of their old surveyor (Mr. Jenkins). A communication had been received from the Local Government Board stating that the appointment of a successor was in the hands of the county council. But the Local Govern- ment Act of 1894 seemed to show that the dis- trict council had the power of appointment. It was also pointed out the Cowbridge Rural Dis- trict Council recently appointed their own sur- veyor. It appears to be a difficulty not before confronted by any similar authority. The council are ptaying for more and more favour- able light, and are contending that if they pay the piper they should choose the tune. An appreciative criticism of the first volume of "Cardiff Records" appeared in last week's "Builder." By the way, we have been informed that at the recent meeting of the Camorun Archaeological Association in the Metropolis, the editor of the society's journal, Mr. J Romilly Allen, F.S.A., explained the absent of reviews of several important works from the "Archseologia Cambrensis" to be due to the fact that publishers did not forward their books to the editor for notice. Especial mention was made of the non-receipt of the "Cardiff Records" and the recent issue of Jones's "History of Brecknockshire." It seems very short-sighted policy not to obtain the opinion of the fore- most critical authority connected with the Principality, especially upon works which come directly within its scope. Sir William Harcourt was once leader of tha Parliamentary Bar, and on Tuesday (says the London "Daily News") he re-appeared on the scene of his old'conflicts. Not, of course, as counsel, hut as witness before the Lords' Com- mittee, which, with the Earl of Camperdown in the chair, is considering the Brynmawr and Western Valleys Railway Bill, a measure pro- posing to establish railway communication between Brynmawr, on the North Western, and Nantyglo, on the Great Western. To suit his convenience, the Committee had arranged to take his evidence late in the afternoon. By force of old habit, he seated himself at the counsel's table, but was soon called to the witness chair, the evidence of the gentleman then occupying it being suspended for the pur- pose. Sir William testified in favour of the Bill, having been convinced of the need for the railway when he visited his constituents lately; nor could the cross-examination of Mr. Lewis Coward shake him in the least, although that gentleman represented that the Marquess of Abergavenny, through whose estate the line is to pass. would suffer in pocket by it. When Sir William had finished his evidence, the atten- dant ceremoniously opened the peers' door for him to pass out, but he resumed his seat at the counsel's table, and watched the proceed- ings with interest, re-calling, no doubt, old associations. A Cardiganshire chimney-sweep is nearing the close of a remarkable career. He lived in former years at Adpar, near Newcastle-Emlyn. Mr. J. H. Evans, solicitor, who had a chat with Glass a day or two ago. writes:—"He says he is past 97 years old, having been born in St. Peter's Parish, Carmarthen, on May 1, 1802. He had been married twice, had eleven children by his first wife and eleven by his second. His first wife came from Crickhowell. and was a servant of Admiral Seymour. His second was from Llandovery; she left him, and has never since been heard of. Glass had four eons in the Army. Some of them were killed in the Crimea, and of all the children born to him only one remains (a son rejoicing in the name of Elijah !-a chimney sweep). He is marvel- lously active even now, has not lost his 'grinders,' and his 'windows' are not darkened; and, although he has led a wandering existence, assures me that he has never been before a court or a 'beak' in his life-not even for a 'drop too much.' He is still of a most cheer- ful disposition, but, on my recommending him the workhouse, shed tears of despondency, and said.. My friends outside will give me better diet than in there, and I have never yet failed to earn enough good food.' He says his age can be confirmed by reference to the books of j- St. Peter's Parish, Carmarthen, where he was christened. His parents were Joseph and Eliza- beth Glass, both of whom were buried in St. Peter's Churchyard (his father being likewise chimney sweepV I am sending this, hoping it may be the means of interesting some of his Carmarthen and other friends, who might draft some kind of 'old-age pension' scheme on bi behalf. He has just left here rejoicing at the prospect of meeting his friends in Fishguard as soon as he completes his long walk from here- about 25 miles. As to his good conduct whilp living at Adpar I can thoroughly confirm, but his age can be ascertained, of course, at St. Peter's He tells me that Mr. T. Jones, clerk of the peace, of Llandovery, has verified it, but of this I have no personal knowledge."
ABERTILLERY NEW CHURCH
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ABERTILLERY NEW CHURCH CONSECRATED BY THE BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE. Thp new church at Abertillery was on Mon- I day consecrated by the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of the Diocese. At eight a.m. there was the celebration of the Holy Com- munion, when the celebrant was the vicar (the Rev. H. S. Rees). The lord bishop arrived by the eleven a.m. train, and proceeded at once to the new building, which is erected on the same site as the old one. The style is late thirteenth century, and the building will accommodate 750 persona. The walls are of local stone, with Bath stone dressings, and the interior, including the arcade, is of buff Ebbw Vale bricks, with Bath stone caps, base, &c. Mr. A. P. Williams, Oak-street, Abertillery, was the builder, whilst Mr. C. B. Fowler, F.R.I.B.A., Cardiff. was the architect. The height from floor to apex of roof is 54ft. 6in. The service, which was fully choral, was conducted by the vicar, the first lesson being read by the Rev D. J. Llewellyn (vicar of Beaufort), and the second Its-on by the Rev. D. Griffith (vicar of Brynmawr). Chancellor Ollivant (son of the late bishop) read the consecration sentences. The Rev. C. E. T. Griffith (Trevethin) carried the pastoral staff. The sermon was delivered by the lord bishop of the diocese, who took his text from St. John vi., 11. In the afternoon a confirmation service was held, when 68 can- didates were confirmed by the bishop; and in the evening the Archdeacon of Monmouth preached. Services will be continued during the week.
CARDIFF'S NEW ASYLUM.
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CARDIFF'S NEW ASYLUM. INSPECTION OF ANOTHER SITE. The Commissioners in Lunacy having practi- cally condemned Maerdy Farm, Radyr, as the site for an asylum, the corporation com- mittee paid another visit on Monday to Pare Farm, which is situated about a m'le from Creigau Station, on the Barry Railway. The members of the committee were entertained at lunch at the Town-hall by the Mayor (Alderman Sir Thomas Morel), and afterwards proceeded in carriages to Pare. The land (about 150 acres) whjeh. the corporation propose to purchase is from 200ft. to 457ft. above ordnance datum, and the situation is not only healthy, but pic- turesque. The chief objections to Maerdy were that the plateau on which it was proposed to build slopes in the wrong, direction, that the subsoil consists of a stiff clay. and that the proposed site is intersected by a public road and several footpaths. These objections do not apply to Pare Farm, but some levelling will be necessary 'at the place where it is proposed to erect the asylum. Trial holes had been dug previous to the visit of the committee on Monday, and the subsoil appears to consist of a warm sandy loam. Nothing better could be desired, an I the committ-ee were favourably impressed with the proposed site. On the northern side therv is a knoll covered with trees, which would shelter the institution from th3 winter winds. Pare is about a mile from Creigau Station, and. therefore, conveniently placed in respect of railway communication. The new asylum can be drained either iuto the Ehondda sewer, which is three miles distant, or to land in the immediate vicinity, where a sewage ferm can "e made. Water can be obtained from the corporation mains, but it will be necessary to pump it to the higher storeys of the building. Mr. Harpur (the borough engineer) wa« in- structed to prepare plans and sections of the new site, showing drainage and water supply, to be forwarded to the Lunacy Commissioners for their consideration.
LLAtfDAFF POLICE-COURT.
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LLAtfDAFF POLICE-COURT. MONDAY.—(Before Colonel WOODS, presiding, and Mr. PHILIP TURNBULL.) "BOYS TOGETHER." Edgar Durston, of the Butchers' Arms, Whit- church; was charged with illegally selling beer on Sunday, the 11th inst.-Defendant appeared, and said he admitted the case to a certain extent." He had invited a friend and his wife to tea-they were "boys together "-and some of his cousins also came in.-Police-constable Toye said he visited the house about seven p.m., and found a number of men and women drinking beer in various rooms. One man. named Frank Birch, who resides at Cathays, was drinking a glass of beer, and. on seeing the constable, turned to leave the premises. Witness stopped him and asked him what he was doing there. The man hesitated, and the landlord said, "He is all right; he is here every Sunday; he has had tea." Birch said he had come to the house abput three o'clock. Durston asked Birch How's your mother? I will call and see her to-morrow." B rch then left the house. Witness saw two men named Durston and ofie named Holman. One of the former, Edwin Durston, paid for drinks for the three, and the Puritans told witness they were friends of the landlord. Birch lived at a distance 522 yards short of three miles, and James Durston 280 yards short of that limit. Edwin Durston lived outside the limit—Defendant said he was entertaining his friends, and if he had com- mitted an error he did it unintentionally. He had kept the house for seven years with never a charge against him before.—The Chairman said there was no doubt as to the breach of the law, and Sunday drinking must be stopped. —Fined 40s. and costs.—Defendant: Thank you. —James Durston and Birch were each fined 5s. and costs for being on the premises. WARNING TO CYCLISTS. William Lloyd, signalman, of Whitchurch. was charged with scorching" on Station- road. Llanishen. on June 10.—Police-constable Phillips said defendant was going fifteen miles an hour.—Mr. W; H. Puckridge defended, and I said the slope of the road put extra speed on the machine, but defendant pulled up at the bottom, where, however, the policeman did not see him.—Fined 5s. and costs. A similar penalty was imposed on three other defendants, one being further fined 5s. for riding on a footpath.
NEW BOARD SCHOOL AT PORT TALBOT.
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NEW BOARD SCHOOL AT PORT TALBOT. On Monday evening commodious new schools at Port Talbot were opened by Mr. D. Bryn- mor Jones, Q.C., M.P Mr. Edward Davies, vioe-chairmari of the Margam School Board, csoupiel the chair and briefly introduced Mr. Jones, who formally opened the schools, and con rratulated the Margam School Board upon the really splendid building they possessed. Ho urged upon the parents the necessity of getting their children to attend school regu- larly. The children should not be taken away at too early an age, as this was a great mis- take. Speaking as a Welshman, he said that ho felt proud to be present that day, as for 3 many years past Wales had been very much in the background in education. He referred to a report by a Commission on the matter. I That report had stirred Wales to its depth. and to-day they could boast of as complete a system of education as existed in any part of Great Britain Mr. Jones combatted the idea that the country was over-educated. Owing to the sexre competition by the Germans, they needed their children to be well fitted for any sphere of life to which they might be called. Major David proposed, and Mr. Thomas Jones seconded, a vote of thanks to Mr. Brynmor Jones, and this was carried with acclamation. Mr. Jones briefly responded. Votes of thanks were also accorded to the architect and oontractor. During the after- noon the Port Talbot Glee Party rendered several glees. The new schools are built in the Renais- sance ftyle, and are erected with native stone, relieved with Bath stone drek-ngs. There are two schools, to accommodate 500 children-250 boys and 250 infants (mixed). In the boys' school there is a large central hall, 80ft. by 29ft. The cast of the construction of the schools was £ 6.250. The head-master of the boys' school is Mr. James Nicholas, formally of the National Schools, Aberavon, and the head-mistress is Miss Cound, Port Talbot. f
PENYBONT EUEAL COU A
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PENYBONT EUEAL COU A The ordinary meeting of the Council was held at the Workhou^e- jr on Saturday, Mr. Griffith Edwards 1 j, r^f —A vote of condolence having with the family of the late survey<lcess<,(0 V tion of the appointment of a sU considered.-The Clerk read a lette tir Local Government Board, stating ^e .1 pointment would have to be > t county council.—Several of the p-essed surprise at this ruling. they (the rural council) had the aj> of payment of salary, and shou* e-fe"j have the right of selection.-It ""IlS [lcil ft 0- decided to acquaint the connty c0 g0ff vacancy.—Mr. Ernest M. Jenkins, K late Mr. Edward Jenkins, was apP°1 j rary surveyor.—A letter was ?l Stockwood, on behalf of Mr. R- agreeing to the suggestion of remove a barrier on the alleged r,g. \)e m Cefnglas. so that the matter (jr* fP before the county-court judge. ejpg tern Railway Company wrote agr by the decision.
FIRES AT CAEJ>IJ- ^ ^ r
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FIRES AT CAEJ>IJ- r On Sunday evening a fire br°^e premises of Mr. A. C. Watk'n 'teiy, Castls-road. Cardiff, but, fortn^ be'1* jty extinguished without any damag-. gf Mr. Watkins had stored a in the shop, and these by some fjr^ ignited. The reel was despatcn^^j-y police-station, but it was not ne f it. df4;l' On Sunday afternoon a Areh$ by a man named Leonard m t-ji#' noath the shop of Messrs. Je liams, grocers and provision ne<jr*d I Hayes. A reel, in charge of was sent to the spot, when it number of empty boxes were a „r, was extinguished in half an little damage was done. — s
CLAIM FOE WAGES
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CLAIM FOE WAGES At Ystrad Police-court °*V adjourned case in which Thoin ef herbert collier, sought to Te. of 1,0 «' wages and £ 5 damages in lie fT'-Jfu the Fernhill Colliery Compa11^ —The Stipendiary said tha' 0t 3<:t re-called had stated he w°o fird work, and stated so to the ica" g^e giving them an opportunity J of the conditions of employ fore, gave judgment for the ^aPl;*ge 'fo< costs, upon the claim for h0 plaintiff with costs upon tn pajd 1 up to the time the money —It was stated that t comoanv had naid into cour comnanv had naid into cour
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Weakn^t's and Languor quickly disappear under a course of Gwilyn E»P.HS" Quinine Bitters. It i-i purely vegetable, and tin Best Tonic ever' discovered. Bottler 2s. 9d. and 4r. fid. Avoid imitations. 41K17
SHIP OARIPEXTER'S WORK.
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SHIP OARIPEXTER'S WORK. CHABGE AGAINST A SEAMAN AT CARDIFF. At Cardiff Police-court on Saturday morning (before Alderman David Jones and Councillor E. Thomas) Thomas Davies, 29, a carpenter, serving on board the steamship Trongate, was charged with disobeying the lawful commands of the master of the above ship between the 28th of April and the 15th of June. Mr. T. H. Belcher, solicitor, prosecuted, and Mr. Joseph Henry Jones defended. Mr. Belcher explained that on the 29th of March last the defendant was shipped as car- penter. and signed an agreement, which stipu- lated that the crew were to conduct themselves in an orderly, faithful, and sober manner, be diligent in their respective duties, and obey the lawful commands of the master of the ship. This agreement also contained a clause whi:!Ii was to the effect that the seamen and firemen were to assist each other in the duties of the ship. The f.dfendant did his work all right for the first eight or nine days, but then he became refractory. On the 29th of April Davies was ordered by the master to clear the "limbers," but he refused, because he considered it was not his work. On the 8th of May the ship arrived at New Orleans, and the captain took the man before the British Vice-Consul. who reprimanded him, and told him he was liable to be severely punished for his conduct. On several subsequent dates Davies refused to do the work he was asked to do. and he was again again brought before the British Consul at Rouen. The Consul made an entry in the ship's log book to the effect that he had investigated the charges made against Davies. and that he considered he had com- mitted gross disobedience. Captain Thompson, the captain of the ship, then detailed the several duties which the prisoner had refused to carry out, viz., clearing out the "limbers," painting the steering gear and wheelhouses, &c. He considered this the work of the carpenter. Cross-examined: There were certain duties of a carpenter which were distinct and well- known. It was a carpenter's work to clear out the "limbers" or pump ways. This was labour belonging to another class of men on board the ship, under the superintendence of the carpen- ter. He had asked the defendant to paint the main rail. He did not think that was carpen- ter's work, but it belonged to the "general duties of the ship." The Consul at New Orleans did not say that he would not deal with the prisoner because he could not define the duties of a carpenter. The first and second mates gave corrobora- tive evidence. Mr Joseph Henry Jones, for the defence, admitted that plaintiff refused to perform the task he was asked to do, but contended that it was not his duty, as he was a carpenter. It was the work of able seamen, and they even- tually carried t out. Prisoner, in giving evidence, said he was a journeyman shipwright of nine years' stand. ing. He opened the hatches for the bilges to be cleared, but he refused to bale out the water and filth becaase it was not his duty. The second mate threatened him, and called him a useless article.. He attended to the pump and scoring gear, And did work which was usually performed by engineers. He had been going fcrsea for eight years, and had been asked to donTSfoS 3 Ve8Sel WhiCh he had rt«.r°+S"6^xammed: The articles were not read 1 .i. otherwise he would not have hkn^t w»mv'r^ British Consul at Rouen told him L!1JJ ? ^Utf t0 do as the captain told »ui"„aS r""s' '"■ imwionm. 4M'1 ,nd c°" 21
TROUBLE OVEB TENDEBS AT MEBTilYB.
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TROUBLE OVEB TENDEBS AT MEBTilYB. Mr. D. P. Davies, J.P., chairman, presided at the usual weekly meeting of the Merthyr Board of Guardians on Saturday.—A letter was read from the British Electric Traction Com- pany, asking the board whether they had for disposal any broken stone suitable for making concrete. The clerk was instructed to send a reply in the affirmative, and to offer a quota- tion of 4s. per cubic yard.—With reference to the agitation created in consequence of the board's acceptance of the tender of Messrs Ben Evans and Co. for the furnishing of the new infirmary, the Clerk read a letter from Messrs. George David and Evans, giving notice on behalf of Messrs. Howell and Co.. of thei> intention to issue a writ against the guardians for damages, and asking to be supplied with the names of the members of the building com mittee.-The matter was left in the hands of the clerk, who, in reply to a question, stated that the building committee had not yet nr* pared their report, and that they had arranged! to meet that day.
TRANSFER OF A LICENCE AT NEWPORT.
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TRANSFER OF A LICENCE AT NEWPORT. At Newport Police-court on Saturday Mr. W. L. Moore applied for the trans- fer of the licence of the Church House Inn, Jt Bride's, from an elder brother to Mr. Lyn Harding, who within tha past iortnight took a prominent role in a theatrical company which apppared at the Grand Theatre, Cardiff, and the Lyceum, Newport. It was explained that the Hardings had been tenants under Lord Tredegar of the inn, to which a farm was attached, for the past three-quarters of a century, but of lato the father had become broken in health, and tue licence had to be transferred to his eldest son. Embarrassments were encountered, how. ever, and the actor-son during a recent visit decided that the only way to gratify tha fathers wish to die under the old roof was to take over the management. For that purpose his wife, a lady of German nationality, whom he met in Switzerland, consented to live at St. Bride's and keep house while her hugbnnd fulfilled his professional engagements.—The transfer was approved.
CARDIFF TOBACCONISTS AND .SUNDAY…
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CARDIFF TOBACCONISTS AND SUNDAY CLOSINC. Mr. Hurcum, Queen-street, and Mr. Harman, Great Western-approach, two of the Cardiff t->bnccohists who agreed to close their shops on Sunday, have found that the movement inter- feres so much with their ordinary trade that they have again opened them. In Queen-street and St. Mary-street, with the exception of a. small shop near tha Mason's Arms, the tobac- conists' shop3 were closed, but in the outlying districts the majority carried on a Sunday trade as usual. Mr. Hurcum contends that out of 250 tobacconists in Cardiff 180 did not close their shops during the two previous Sundays, and many of his customers complained that they had to go elsewhere for tobacco.
" JIMMY " MICHAEL DIVORCED.
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JIMMY MICHAEL DIVORCED. YOUNG WIFE'S PATHETIC STORY. In the Divorce Division on Monday (before Mr. Justice Bucknill), Mrs. Fanny Michael, of Aberdaro. sued for a divorce from her hus- band. Mr. James Michael, ,t professional cyclist. on the ground of desertion and adul- tery. The suit was undefended. Mr. Pritchard, who appeared for the peti- tioner, stated that the parties were married on the 13th of March, 1856, at the Registry Office, Cardiff. It was a secret marriage, and. no doubt (said counsel), the respondent married the petitioner for her money, for her father. who had died intestate, left £10.000, of which shs would be entitled to one-third. At the time the parties thought that the petitioner would come into possession of her money when ehe was eighteen ysars of age. They lived a few days in London together, and then the wife went to Wales, while her husband went to Paris to fulfil an engage- ment as a professional bicyclist. He came back in August, 1895, and the wife saw him in London. She then told him she could not have her money until she was 21 years of age. He went away to America, and returned in 1897, and then, and at a later date in 1898, he declined to live with his wife. Adultery would be proved with a woman which the respondent mot in Cardiff, and another woman in Lon- don. The petitioner, in her evidence, said she wag seventeen yearg and a half of age when she was married to the respondent, and she was still Ullrer age. The marriage was secret. Her father was entitled to a. considerable amount of property when he died. Her husband was a professional cyclist. Both he and she thought that she would come in for a share of the property when she was eighteen years of age. They lived for a few days together in London, and she then went to Aberdare aloue, leaving her husband in London. He afterwards went to fulfil an engagement. When he came back, in August. 1896. she saw him in London, and told him that her solicitor (Mr. Phillips) said she would not come into her money until she was 21. He was very angry at that. and said he would not have anything more to do with her, and that he was going away to America. He refused to take her with him. He came back to England in January. 1897. She then saw him, and asked him to live with her, and he said "No." In February, 1897, he went back to America, and she afterwards saw a statement in the paper that he was not married, and she went over to New York to see him. He then refused to take her back. and said that he had filed a petition against her for divorce in an American court, but had withdrawn it. He returned to Eng- land in 1S98. and refused again to take her back. She went, in November, to his uncle's house to see him. and he told her that if she did not go out and shut her mouth he would punch her. She had not seen him since. Mr. W. Oxley, a private inquiry agent, said that he had watched the respondent, and in November saw him accompany a woman to a house in Cardiff. He also saw him the next day go with a woman from the Royal Music- hall to a house m Bloomsbury. One of the women was called, and spoke to adultery. Mr. Phillips, solicitor, gave evidence as to identity. The Judge then granted petitioner a decree nisi for the dissolution of the marriage.
SINGULAR STORY FROM P EM BROS…
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SINGULAR STORY FROM P EM BROS E!S IIIR0EL ALLEGED ELOPEMENT AND THEFT. At the Shire-hall, Haverfordwest, on Satur- day Matthew Wheelan, a tramp, stated to be blind in one eye, anil a young woman, named Elizabeth Lewis, of Illasguard, near Haverford- west, were brought up in custody charged with the theft of a ring. The circumstances of the case are rather peculiar. Elizabeth Lewis is the daughter of a country labourer, named John Lewis, who recently left her home without informing her father or brothers and sisters, and went with Wheelan to St. David's, where the pair lived as man and wife, and these proceedings were taken, it would appear, chiefly to get the girl from the man Wheelan and send her back to her home, where her father was anxious to see her return. The father is a widower, and the girl has for years worn her deceased mother's wedding ring. When arrested this ring was found with the female prisoner, and she and her male friend were charged with stealing it, and were on Wednesday last sent to Car- marthen Gaol to await their trial, which took place at Haverfordwest on Saturday morning.—The father, John Lewis, in his evi- dence said that his daughter left his house on Wednesday week with the ring, which belonged to him. He said, however, that it had always been in his daughter's possession since his wife's death.—Superintendent Francis gave evidence as to the arrest of the prisoners at St. David's, and stated that the female prisoner admitted that she had taken the ring with her. She had long considered it as her own.-Both Wheelan and the woman pleaded not guilty.—Wheelan said that he knew nothing about the ring; she had told him that it had been left her by her mother. -The female prisoner stated that she had always understood that the ring belonged to her.—The Bench, without retiring, asked if she would go home with her father, to which she replied in the affirmative. After Wheelan had also promised the magistrates to leave the district the case was dismissed.
MILFORD AND ITS FISHING INDUSTRY.
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MILFORD AND ITS FISHING INDUSTRY. The statement that has appeared to the effect that a company was being formed at Swansea, and would shortly be registered as The Steam Trawling, Pure Ice, and Cold Storage Company," for the purpose of estab- lishing a fishing industry at Swansea and taking a portion of the trade from Milford, has naturally caused some anxiety in the minds of the inhabitants of the Pembroke- shire port, especially since the town depends chiefly on the fishing trade. In order to ascertain the truth of the portion of the state- ment that Milford would be affected, a "Wes. tern Mail" representative interviewed on Mon- day several trawler owners and fish merchants, a.11 of whom expressed the opinion that there is indeed very little prospect of the fishing industry ever going from Milford Haven. The port is most favourably situated, and there would be no advantage for merchants to go to Swansea, as the railway rates would be the same. Besides, for at least six months in the year the Milford fleet fished within forty or fifty miles from the port; "and was it likely," pointed out a trawler owner, "that they were going to desert Milford and take their fish to Swansea—many miles further? It would be the reverse of profitable." The industry is as flourishing as ever. Last week 590 tons were sent away, and good prices prevailed. The mackerel season at New Milford has already beaten all records, and there is really more fish arriving than can be properly despatched.
WANTON MISCHIEF AT CLYD, VALE.
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WANTON MISCHIEF AT CLYD, VALE. Evan David Hughes and David Thomas, two schoolboys, residing at Clydach Vale, appeared at Ystrad Police-court on Monday to answer a. charge of releasing brakes of the coal wagons, and thus causing wilful damage to a large number of trucks, at the Clydach Vale Colliery. damage amounted to about £150. The boys were ordered to receive six strokes each with the birch, and their parents wers ordered to pay the costs. William Thomas, employed at the No. 1 Pit of the Cambrian Collieries. Clydach Vale, was charged with committing a breach of the rules on the 31st of May last.—The evidence showed that damage was done to the extent of £ 50. Defendant was represented at the trial by his father He was fined C2 and costs.
MERTHYR MAINTENANCE CASE.
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MERTHYR MAINTENANCE CASE. A collier, named William Jones, working at Mardy, was summoned at Merthyr Polics-court on Monday for neglectiiit-, to provide his wife with necessary maintenance. The wife stated that th? marriage took place 32 years ago. Thts defendant left her five years back. since when she had been on and off in the Merthyr Union Workhouse, the only money she had received from him since he deserted her b?ing a solitary half a-crown. The defendant. who accused his wife of squandering his money in drink whilst they lived together, was ordered to contribute to her maintenance a sum of 7s. per week. He declared that he would never pay.
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VOLT XTEEH FIELD lJAY ON ABERDARE…
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VOLT XTEEH FIELD lJAY ON ABERDARE MOUNTAIN. A WEAK DEFENCE. On Saturday afternoon the 3rd Voltliteet Battalion Welsh Regiment carried out SOOO rather interesting operations on Aberdand Mountain. The weather was very warm, & some of the men, especially the Mountain and Aberdare detachments, who had to c 1 j. precipitous hills in order to reach their tion on the mountain, felt the heat £ ever^jd Colonel Lewis acted as umpire, and was 3 in his duties by Captain Bannerman P Jon and Captain Bager. The general idea which the operations were conducted was 1 an invading force had landed at Cardiff, se' the Taff Vale Railway as far as Aberdare, sent forward an officer to reconnoitre the P tion and dispositions of the defending \° concentrating at Merthyr. For his protect1 he was accompanied by a strong eiC°r-*jj» infantry. The attacking force consisted r» following detachments:—Cardiff (200), Ab^J',g^j, and Mountain Ash (about 180), Pontypridd j Pentre (50). and Penarth (30), making a 'Lj, strength of about 540. The defending -d concentrating at Merthyr under the of Lieutenant-colonel Craig, consisted 01 _.), Merthyr detachment (under Major F. T. 3 Dbwlais (under Major Jenkins), Merthyr (under Captain Dowdeswell). and the Cefn pany South Wales Borderers (under 9al*0rc« Harold Jones). It was expected that this 1 would muster some 400 men, but, unfortuna j, not half that number paraded, and the ness of the defenders rather spoiled the tions. The attacking force was divided into parties, the Aberdare and Mountain Ash ments (under Major Morgan) starting ^TOtf0ff< latter place, and, according to instructi taking up a position near Twyn Gwersyllf8"^ # Aberdare Mountain, where they strong detached post, with all military Pregeflt tion to prevent surprise. Major Morgan Se. forward an officer's patrol along the VILOXI ridge to reconnoitre Merthyr and the J* bourhood. Meanwhile the Cardiff, PontyP jjf Pentre, and Penarth companies, who, the command of Major James, fortlie. prr support to Major Morgan's advanced Par^fr JV' eeeded by special train to Aberdare. p.m. Major James sent forward two a<^afd' parties, under officers, to reconnoitre to' Blaenant. Pleasant View, and Merthyr, Tb# main body advancing at an easy pace. ^ti special idea was that if the enemy Major Morgan's party, as would probably of been the case had his force been larger, James would be in a position to make a attack from the neighbourhood of Colliery. Communication between the portions of the attacking force was maintjjjfa by means of messengers and signallers. JJJ* were a number of cyclists present,$ nature of the ground was such as to B1 impossible to utilise their services to any* extent. aJ v> The orders given to the defenders capture or drive off the attacking force < fi was reported to be about -1,800 yards s" Pleasant View), taking care whilst d01 to guard against a. possible counter- coming from the neighbourhood of The attack in force on Aberdare Mounta^j^ not to be made before 6.30. Lieutenar, (l(ojo Craig sent out scouts and two gallopers 6i), if Bruce Vaughan and Captain L. P. ^otl order to ascertain the position of the e t ffi The main body proceeded cautiously a Jo* old tramway, and then Lieutenants < of Craig sent out a small advance guard > of Cefn Company along the valley to the Aberdare Mountain, and detached a towards Pleasant View, on the norther of the battlefield, in order to watch any which might come from the direction dare. Before 6.30 the firing line Morgan's party came into touch *1 defenders, and delivered two or three T° a distance of about 800 yards. Some was expressed at the Merthyr men leisurely across an open piece of ground order, but this was explained by tke tion that the main body should n0 until 6.30. Lieutenant-colonel Craig K his men well, and they gradually crept side of the mountain, taking possess! available cover, and firing whenever a glimpse of the invaders, who ,t retreated across the plateau on the su t'J Aberdare Mountain. In the mearlti company which Lieutenant-colonel cr ff f ordered to the right to check any Aberdare had secured a good position wall at Blaenant, a high hill on the W side of the field of operations. point they effectually covered a deep which lies between Pleasant View a «, cOj, dare Mountain. Three of the panies of Major James's force took y, *» tion in a quarry near Blaenant C°u for some time fired volleys, but the c° j the Merthyr men had secured effectually, and little damage would 1 jt done if ball cartridge had been use fire was returned, and for some$0, looked as if neither side would make ment. At length, however, one of]t bictriV companies advanced under a walI*^ right angles to that which sheltered but they could make very little pr.°^Tio ^$1 Major James appears to have decide 0ti0^ his way tip the valley, and ordered thr companies to advance. They oanie _cj]0) extended order, firing volleys at the a'. g on Blaenant. While this was proceedi flJ, ( Morgan had reinforced his fighting I1 {<> Aberdare Mountain, and, in face o$ numbers, the defenders were corn$ retire, the attacking party following smartly and delivering volleys <il panies and sections. Seeing the d c which his flank was exposed by the a; ^0^ the force under Major James, wJf colonel Craig brought up his res€rVfaj^ northern brow of the Aberdare advancing companies in the valley f° selves between two fires, and hastily the direction of the quarry. This ^aSLjei tion when the "Cease fire" was sou hostilities terminated. 1111191' <<' The result; as given by one of was that Lieutenant-colonel Craig. jd' small a force under his command. j# eeeded in holding Major Morgan in jjiV'tf he was successful in his tactics by fo check with one company the Cardi •$ pr'dd, and Pentre detachments °n The manoeuvres were not very int« c0$^I the spectators, of whom there was a of st rable number, or to a large portiolli 0 attacking force, who, being held in the quarry, saw little of the fighting- of them did not even fire a shot throw engagement. Had Lieutenant-colcA.^ j? force been stronger, and had he "^giorjt Major Morgan, an interesting 4? 1*#* must have taken place; bnt as operations were somewhat BATTALION DRILL AT A double-battalion drill of the sea. and Hafod detachments of the Welsh Regiment took place on Fields, Neath, on Saturday. Lieuten Trick was in command, while on Major Green. Captain Sinclair, and v 1 Jr Powell, Thomas, Bowen, and was a large muster, and the men PerI Jjftf various evolutions so creditably hearty praise from the command'^jjeBj^ Parade over, the Volunteers were VT° & refreshments, and a number of glieS iso Swansea and Neath districts were tained by Mr. Griff. Thomas.