The Cardiff Times

TheCrowning of the Bard IMPRESSIVE BARDIC CEREMONY. Brynmawr Minister's Success. The ceremony of the crowning of the success- ful bard, one of the two principal events of the Eisteddfod on the bardic side, was not reached until 3.30 m., two hours after the scheduled time. At this hour the great pavilion was crowded, and great anxiety was evinced to ascertain the nameof the author of the success- ful poem. The prize offered was a silver crown and a cheque for £21, for the best poem, not less than a thousand Imes,on Ednyfed Fychan, describing the romance of the life of one of the Welsh princes. There were nine competitors. The platform having been cleared, the Arch- druid Dyfed and his retinue of bards took possession thereof, and presented a charming picture as attired in their robes of many hues they formed in a crescent-shaped group, with the bardic chair, now vacant, in the centre. The trumpet was sounded, and then Dyfed in stentorious tones demanded Silence," and called upon the adjudicators, Cadfan, Gwynedd and Gwili, to deliver their award. Cadfan and Gwynedd at once stepped for- ward, and the former explained the absenceof Gwili with the statement that he was away on his honeymoon. ,,< The adjudicators, he said, were absolutely unanimous in their verdict. Cadfan com- mented briefly upon the merits and defects of each of the nine poems sent in. and eventually announced that the prize must be given to the poem sent in by" Einon Ap Gwalchmai." The Archdruid commanded the successful poet to come forward, and presently, in the far end of the hall, the poet revealed himself in the person of the Rev. W. Crwys Williams, minister of the Welsh Congregational Church of Rehoboth, Brynmawr, Breconshire. Amid the strains of See, the Conquering Hero Comes," and the loud plaudits of the audience, Mr Crwys Williams was escorted to the platform by Tryfan and Tudwal, and placed in the chair. ] Is There Peace ? J Then the Archdruid unsheathed the great r Gorsedd sword, and thrice demanded, Is I there peace ?" The loud responses of Heddwch (peace) which followed were-ap- I parently satisfactory, for presently the sword I was sheathed, and the bard was crowned amid enthusiastic cheers by Lady Roberts. I The winner was congratulated in verse by a host of bards, incuding Dewi Fychan, Olian- der, Tawe, Morien, Cynfor, Pedrof, Pedr Hiv, and Ala-fon. Mr Dd. Evans sang the crowning song, and the ceremony was concluded with a fervent rendering by the audience of the Welsh Na- tional Anthem, Eos Dar being the soloist, and Mr Taliesin James, grandson of the author of the anthem, playing the harp accompaniment. The Winner's Career. The Rev. W. Crwys Williams settled at Brynmawr 12 years ago on the completion of four years' course of study in arts and theology at the University College of North Wales and the Congregational College, Bangor, better known as the Bala-Bangor College. He was born in 1875 at-Clydach, Swansea Valley, and commenced to preach when 17 years of age at Pantycrwys Church, receiving his preliminary training for his .ministerial career at the late Watcyn Wynn's Academy at Ammanford. In 1899 Mr Williams married Miss Grace Jones, of Menai Bridge, a near relative of the late Sir Hugh Owen. Mr Williams longsince established a reputation as the author of some of the finest epic poems in the Welsh language. This, how- ever,is his first triumph at a National Eistedd- fod, and it is interesting now to recall that last year at the London* National Eisteddfod his poem was placed second to that of the winner of the crown prize, viz., Mr W. J. Griffith, of Cardiff. Possibly Mr Crwys Williams has secured more trophies at provincial Eistedd- fodau than any of the younger bards of Wales." He possesses no fewer than nine bardic chairs. He has been twice chaired this year, viz., at the Meirion Eisteddfod at Dolgelly last New Year's Day, and at Abergavenny Eisteddfod last Easter. The crowned bard takes an active part in public life, and represents his town on the Breconshire Education Committee. He was the recipient of numerous congratulations on his success yesterday.

"Wholesale Plagiarism COMPETITOR FOR CHAIR HONOURS. Adjudicators and their Critics. The Archdruid presided over the annual meeting of the Gorsedd Association to-night, when there was a large attendance of leading bards.. Attention was called to recent attacks upon the Gorsedd and Eisteddfod adjudicators, and particularly to a contribution which appeared in the Liverpool Post and Mercury" on Saturday last. The essence of these charges was said to be that in one instance a prize had been awarded, presumably at a National Eisteddfod, for an essay lifted in its entirety, and translated from a published work, and that for an important poetical subject a prize had been awarded, again presumably at a National Eisteddfod, for a composition made up entirely of extracts, lifted from various other published poetical works in Welsh. A long and animated discussion arose on this. Pedrog said that the first charge might be true without necessarily reflecting (as the writer" evidently intended it should reflect) upon the capability of the adjudicators. Even National adjudicatorscould not be expected to have read every essay ever published in Wales. The charge was a reflection upon the honesty of competitors, but not upon the fitness of adjudicators. Wholesale Plagiarism." Dyfed (the Arcbdruid) took the same view. He said that this year an ode had been,sent in for a chair competition which containod several extracts from previously published works-of different bards. This wholesale plagiarism, was regrettable; it showed dishonesty on the part of the competitor, not incapacity on the part of the adjudicator. Elphin concurred. s were, he said, not-supposed to be omniscient. What was required was to ascertain definitely whether these charges which alleged in- competency in adjudicators were or were not levelled against National adjudicators, or whether they only applied to small local com-, peitive meetings. If the' latter, ? the 'Gorsedd* had nothing to do with them. If the fOl"tt1.: they constituted sufficient grotmd for inquiry by the Gorsedd authorities. After a long discussion Gwynedd moved, Cad van seconded, and it was unanimously resolved that the Gorsedd Recorder be in- structed to write to the editor of the Liver- pool Daily Post and Mercury," asking his correspondent to publish the names and par- ticulars necessary for verification, or alter- natively to supply these and promised proofs in support of the charges to the Gorsedd Recorder, in which case careful investigation into the charges would be made. Sorsedd Examiners and Examinations. Madryn and Towy raised the question whether official examiners in Gorsedd degree examiDAtions should conduct c1a.sses in the precise syllabus for which they were appointed examiners. It was pointed out that this raised the ques- tion of internal examiners, and the recent University scandal respecting the late French examination was quoted. After a prolonged discussion the Recorder was instructed to write to all the examiners appointed intimating that the Gorsedd took it for granted that they would not give personal assistance to candidates during the period in which theywere the official examiners of those candidates. The new regulations for examinations (already reported) were approved, and the new constitution in its entirety was ordered to be printed and circulated among the members.

The Eisteddfod System. OREAT LINKINlTuP PROPOSAL. Speech by Sir Herbert Roberts. COLWYN BAY, Wednesday Night. The opening of the second day's proceedings • of the National Eisteddfod of Wales at Colwyn L Bay to-day lacked the enthusiasm that marked yesterday's inaugural ceremonies. The crowds S-during the morning were absent, sunlight and golden sands proving irresistible as counter at- taactions. Later, however, the attendance improved so much that in the afternoon the fcereølony of crowning the successful bard was ^performed in the presence of an audience of r eighfcor nine thousand people. There were vexatious delays during the morning, and midday was well past before the proceed- ings within the Pavilion were well under .■ weigh. Llew Tegid and Llifon were again the conductors, invaluable assistance being ren- dered them by Mr Llew Wynne, the stage It director Sir J. Herbert Roberts, M.P., in his presi- deniial address at the morning session, said it i.-was a peculiar pleasure to him to take the chair at a National Eisteddfod at Colwyn Bay, for sit was in his own county and in his own con- stituency—(cheers)—and they were met in a town in which he took an abiding interest, and j which in its reception of the National Eistedd- fod had risen to the height of a great occasion. (Applause.) The Eisteddfod was not only a i stately monmnent of the past—it was a living t fact of to-day, and its source of life and energy lay embedded in the unchanging characteristics I p-of oar race. More than that, the Eisteddfod was the expression in spirit and in essence of hrimt was noblest and best in our national > thought and life. He did not know what might be the future of the Eisteddfod in regard to its form, but in regard to its spirit and principle lit would live. (Load cheers.) He expressed a hope that the National Eisteddfod might become more systematically and closely linked with the innumerable local eisteddfodau that were held throughout the year in all parts of Wales. He eahotdd like to see a programme laid down by National Eisteddfod in music and litera- tore, and that programme carried out and made a- common sphere of work and study by all the branch eisteddfodau in Wales. (Cheers.) Sir Watkin wirnamn Wynn, Bart*, of Wynnstay, presiding over the afternoon pro- ceedings, spoke humorously of the incidents ,of the petition of Colwyn Bay for the present Eisteddfod. He heard at the Llangollen meet- ing two years ago two objections raised against the proposal. One was thatCohryn Bay walla seaside town and that it would be difficult to get the people intothepavition when there was the sea to look at. (Laughter.) Their experi- ence on the previous day, however, scattered that objection to the wind, for they had then what was declared to be a record attendance on a first day of any Eisteddfod of recent years. (Cheers.) Thesecond objection wasthat this was a rainy district. One of the committee, a bold man, speaking at Llangollen, guaranteed that if the Eisteddfod came to Colwyn Bay they should have fine weather. (Laughter.) Well, they had got it, and there wasevery indication, happily, that the fine weather would continue for the whole week. (Loud cheers.)

ADJUDICATORS' AWARDS. Arts Section. Artunydd Penygarn gave some interesting information about the paintings in the arts section. Many of the still-life pictures by amateurs, he said, were of a high level of execution, showing that the students in the schools of art in Wales and elsewhere were sending in work which .was of substantial merit. The prize for the still-life painting in oil or water colour was divided between Evan and Colston." It hadeen decided to awarda special prize to Fairmead." It ? transpired that Colston was Master Clifford /^Morgan, of bw Vale. r The prizes offered through the Brabazon Employment Society were awarded as follow -Smyrna.rug,21 yards—1, John Jones, Union Infirmary, Glanadda, near Bangor Smyrna rug, one yard—1, Charles Denny, Holywell Workhouse crochet lace—1, Lizzie Gilbert, Wrexham Workhouse worked tray cloth— Lizzie Gilbert; Indian dale, Wrexham Workhouse best example of any kind of basket work—1, John Tcrndale. Painting and carving, painting in oil or water colour, still life.—1, Wellesley Cottrell, Glan- conway. Plants and flowers from nature in water- colour, six studies—1, Miss Dorothy G. Kirk- man, Swansea. Wooden spoon and fork—1, William Rees, XJanbrynmair. Light and shade drawing from the cast—1, J. T. Evans, Newcastle Emlyn. Group of four models, confined to students in any school of art or art class—1, H. J. Donellan, Cardiff- Needlework, bunch of flowers in silk—1, Miss Frances Jones, Portdinorwic. Literature and Recitations. Short story, depicting Welsh life and intro- ducing original characters, who lived in Den- bighshire during the 19th century-I, H. Pen- maen, Rhyl. Welsh .recitation.—A little stir was made by the Rev. Wynne Davies, Bangor, in his ad- judication on the recitation by ladies of R. J. Rowland's Ymsom Morfydd yn Nghastell ei thad." Two competitors appeared on the plat- form. He said that every one of the 13 who came before him in the preliminary test was below the standard of the National Eisteddfod. He divided the prizes, giving half to the first > and half of the rest to the second. (Hear, hear and laughter.) They must. he said, insist upon the high standard of the Eisteddfod. (Hear, hear.) A guinea was awarded to Miss L.J. URoberts. Llanrug, and half a guinea to Miss Bessie Edwards, Rhos. There were nine competitors for the hand- !book of Welsh poetry for children in the ele- ^mentary schools. The prizes were divided be- tween JVIr W. Williams, Machynlleth, and f,.c Arnold," whose identity did not transpire. Descriptive article on Colwyn Bay as a summer and winter health and pleasure re- sort—Mr Mark Meredith, Liverpool. Monologue, Paul in Arabia"—Mr E. Wynne Roberts, Manchester. Libretto in Welsh, suitable for an opera, for a treatise on The influence of the Romans Tn the language, civilisation, and heredity the Cymry," there were four competitors, and the prize of £10 was divided between Mr iEdward Jones (Iorwerth Ceitho), London, and r Coel," who did not disclose his identity. t Sir Herbert Roberts had offered a prize of £.50 for a history of Denbighshire on the model of the Victorian county histories. Two papers were received, but the prize was withheld for want of merit. Llew Tegid made the announcement that eight had sent in treatises on Twm o'r Nant, containing biographical and critical notes upon this life and works, together, with selections ^from his songs and interludes. They were all of high merit, but the composition of the Rev. > D. D. Williams, Mosside, Manchester, far out- j. classed the others in its matter and construc- tion, and the prize was awarded to him. He i hoped the manuscript would see the light of • day as a book for use in the schools. (Hear, |hear.) Vocal Sele Contests and Compositions. Tenor solo—Mr Ä. R. Lewis, assistant; f master, of Pentrepocth School, Morriston, tv,Swansea. Mr Lewis was an unsuccessful com- .^petitor for the tenor solo at the Llangollen [-Eisteddfod two years ago, and it is interesting t'to note that the vocalist who defeated him then was in turn defeated by him to-day. Mr Arthur Rees Lewis, the winner of the tenor solo competition, is a pupil of Mr Trevor Evans. Mr Lewis is an assistant master at Pentrepoeth Schools, Morriston, and secretary of the Morriston Nursing Institute. He has won several local prizes, but had been hitherto practically unknown as an Eisteddfodwr. Mr Evans was quite confident of his pupil's suc- cess. Probably the keenest competition of the day took place for the contralto solo prize. The I first prize went to Miss Maggie Jones, Police Station, Pwllheli. In giving the adjudication Professor Dr. Evans said he had listened to 32 contraltos, and he had heard some remark- able singing. Briton Ferry Organist. Musical compositions—Out of 36 who had sent in compositions for a song for any voice Professor David Evans announced that the best were those of Mr Afan Thomas, organist, Briton Ferry, whose work the adjudicators had no hesitation in placing high above the others in more than one respect. Barry Dock Winner. An indication of the increased interest taken in Wales in instrumental music was the fact that ia the open pianoforte competitions there were no fewer than 72 candidates, and out of. these 32 were actuallypresent at the preliminary test. I heard them all play," said Dr. Coward in giving the adjudication, and so ex- cellent were the performances that at the close I felt not a bit bored or tired." Three of the competitors were selected to play on the plat- form, and there were, said Dr. Coward, at least half a dozen who at the preliminary test re- ceived but one mark below these. The contest was a very fine one, and showed an improve- ment upon similar contests which he (Dr. Coward) had heard in past years at the National Eisteddfod. For all round excellence, the prize was awarded to Miss Gwenllian Davies, Barry Dock, who was invested by Sir Watkin Wil- liams Wynn. Miss Gwenllian Davies is only 16 years of age. She is a pupil of Mr J. Morgan Lloyd, Barry, and last year was publicly presented with the Royal Academy of Music and Royal College of Music associated advanced grade certificate by the Lord Mayor of Cardiff. Miss Davies is the daughter of Mr Jonah Davies, of Newiand- street, Barry Dock. Blind Soloists. A new competition introduced into the pro- gramme was that for blind soloists on any musical instrument with the exception of the organ. There were seven entries and two appeared on the platform, namely Mr Llewellyn Williams, Brynteg, Wrexham, and Captain Howell Williams, formerly master of one of the Elder Dempster fleet of steamers, and brother of Mr John Williams, conductor of the Eistedd- fod choir. They were a pathetic couple, the former being partially deaf as well as blind. Dr. Coward, in giving the adjudication, said they had heard a most interesting competition between two blind men, one of whom was also partially deaf, and it was a remarkable experi- ence to see a pianist having to use an artificial device to hear his own music. Both men played very well, and Dr. Roland Rogers and himself had decided that the case would be met if they divided the prize, and asked some lady or gentleman in the audience to be pleased to double the prize so that the men uld have two firsts. It was announced that e desire of the judges would be met by Mrs Gamble, of Colwyn Hay. Pedal harp competition—Dr. Rogers gave the first prize to Miss Nancy Morgan, of Aberdare, and a consolation prize was awarded to her brother, Mr Taliesin Mervyn Morgan. Miss Nancy is only 11 years of age, and this is her first appearance as a National competitor her brother i3 three years older. Both are pupils of Mr Tom Bryant. of Cardiff. In the orchestral hand competition only the Wrexham Orchestral Society appeared, the absence of Aberdare and Pontypridd Orches- tras being a great disappointment. Dr. Coward adjudged Wrexham worthy of the prize.

WELSH FOLK-SONGS. A Return to the Old Culture. Sir William Preece presided over the annual meeting of the Welsh Folk-song Society. Sir Harry Reichel, Bangor, wrote, Welsh aspir- ants to musical honours may soon begin to recognise in the national folk songs a nobler I form of art, and one making far more demands on the artist than the third-rate sentimental song—the delight of the British-Philistine and the shame of the British artist." Several delightful samples of Welsh folk songs were rendered by popular vocalists. Mr Percival Graves said many Welsh folk songs could be found both in Ireland and America, though probably now unknown in the land of their origin. Sir William Preece, in his address from the chair, related how 33 years ago he visited Edison, the great inventor, at his home near New York. When Edison communicated to him his idea of the telephone, Sir William at I once said, Mr Edison.if what you say is true, then it will be possible to reproduce the human voice." Edison closed his eyes without reply- ing. but a month later, on Sir William's return to England, he received from Edison the first gramaphone ever constructed. The annual report showed that the society was now sufficiently sound financiaDyto justify its offering a substantial annual prize at the National Eisteddfod for collections or render- ings of Welsh folk music. Mr Llewelyn Williams, M.P., in discussing the report, said he thought there was a real danger lest the new culture, so extending In Wales, should lead people to forget the older culture of Cymru, for this was as true in music as it was in bardism, and he thought the study of folk music might act as a corrective to this deplorable tendency. The neport was adopted.

CLEVER EBBW VALE BOY. One particularly interesting award at Colwyn Bay on Tuesday ,as showing the -encouragement which an Eisteddfod success can confer upon young and undeveloped ability, was a prize I given to a youth of 15, Clifford Morgan, for a I design for a leaded light window suitable for a public building. Morgan is the-son of a work- ing collier at Ebbw Vale, and at the age of 12 first attracted attention by winning a prize for juvenile painters at Swansea Eisteddfod. A subscription was promptly raised among the steelworkers in Ebbw Vale, and young Morgan was placed under tuition. Last year at the Lon- don Eisteddfod Sir Alma Tadema,who was one of the adjudicators, drew special attention to Morgan's work. He was described on Tuesday by I Mr Taylor, the director of the art exhibition, as a born colourisfc who wanted tuition in drawing. At the Eisteddfod yesterday he divided the first prize with another competitor for the best still life painting in oil or water colours.

DISTRESS WARRANT. I Against Captain Braun. BRITISH STANDARD SEQUEL The Board of Trade inquiry into the loss of the ss. British Standard had a sequel at Cardiff Police Court on Wednesday. The inquiry, it may be remembered, lasted 10 full days, and the judgment, given a fortnight later, occupied l the Stipendiary (Mr T. W. Lewis) over two hours and a half in reading it. The Court found there was presumptive evidence that the cause of the loss of the British Standard was wilfully put into opera- tion by human agency in some manner of which there was no reliable evidence to indi- cate, and that the loss was caused by the wrongful acts and defaults of the master (Captain Paul Braun) and the chief engineer. The certificate of the master was suspended for 18 monthsand hewas ordered to contribute 1,000 guineas towards the costs of the inquiry. The chief engineer's certificate was suspended for 12 months and he was ordered to pay 50 guineas towards the costs, while the third engineer was censured. Captain Braan Summoned. At Cardiff Police Court on Wednesday Capt. Paul Braun was summoned before the Stipen- diary (Mr T. W. Lewis) to show cause why a distress warrant-should not be issued against his propertv for the non-payment of the 1,000 guineas. Mr Ivor Vachell (Cardiff), who appeared throughout the inquiry, again repre- sented the Board of Trade, and Mr L. H. Hornby (Newport), who also took a prominent part in the inquiry, again appeared for, and was accompanied by, Captain Paul Braun. Addressing the Stipendiary, Mr Vachell ) said he could imagine no reason at all why the distress warrant should not be issued against Captain Braun. He (Mr Vachell) had express instructions from the Board of Trade to press for the issue of the warrant, especially in view of the evidence given on the tenth day of the Board of Trade inquiry. when Captain Braun in his evidence proved that he was a man of very considerable means, indeed. He (Mr Vachell) was asked to submit that in this case there was incontrovertible evidence of negligence on the part of Captain Braun in connection with the loss of the British Standard, that he did not try to save her, and that he actually returned with the express in- tention of sinking the vessel, because, in his opinion, she was not sinking fast enough. The money ordered to be paid towards the cost of the inquiry had not been paid, and no excuse had been advanced so far as to why it should not be paid. Question of Appeal. Mr L. H. Hornby said he had been acting for Captain Braun, and had beea away from home, and only returned last Saturday. That was why no communication had been made to the Board of Trade. He might ten his Worship that papers were now before counsel with in- structions to serve notice of appeal on the finding of the Court. He could not find any authority that that in itself was sufficient reason why the distress warrant should not proceed, but it was very unusrtal that orders were sought to be enforced | as long as an appeal was In fact in existence. He could not go so far in this case as to say that the nppeal was in existence, because the notice had not been served. "It was a fact, however, that papers were before counsel. With regard to the further question, it was common know- ledge that the finding of the court below was that Captain Braun had the means, but he thought he could satisfy the court that he could not pay the sum. It was perfectly true that there was a list put in by Captain Braun which, speaking from memory, put his total assets down At £14.000. Mr Vachell: £15,367. Captain Braun's Property. Continuing, Mr Hornby said he thought it was about £14,000. At any rate. he had par- ticulars of the whole of the property belonging to Captain Braun, which, together with the £4,<XX> which, as his Worship would remember, was duo on a promissory note, and the furni- ture put down at a very high value, made up a total of £14,000.. The majority of the docu- mentz^atod deeds in-connection with the whole of the property were placed with Messrs Lloyds Bank, Cardiff Docks, and the remainder of them with the North-Eastern Banking Co., South Shields..He had letters from both banks showing the securities which they held, and he had opposite these securities put the cost-price to Captain Braun. The majority of them were steamship shares, in connection with which no dividends had been paid for some time. It was almost impossible to say what valuercouid be on them. A certain portion consisted of house property at Pen- arth, and the -total of these properties came to £9.030 odd, which, together with the £4,000 referred to, made a total Captain Braun informed him, and was prepared to substantiate it on oath, that be had tried to realise these securities, but could not-do so until the overdraft was paid. He was, there- fore, in & position that he had no roeans to pay It was difficult for him to sug- gest what his Worship should do, but, suppos- ing the warrant was put into effect the result would be, leaving out the judgment, notwith- standing the fact of the appeal, that this man, with his livelihood taken away, would have his home sold up, and notwithstanding he had property placed with the bank, which he could notat present touch, but at some future time might be taken up. He submitted, at any rate, that the order should not be made now. The Stipendiary The Court has made an order, the order has not been complied with notice of appeal has not been given, and I' appeal has not been made. I. therefore, con- sider it my duty to order a distress warrant, and it will be executed forthwith.

PORT TALBOT SHIPMENTS. CardiffChamberofCommerce Point Mr Trevor S. Jones presided at the monthly I meeting of the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce at the Exchange on Wednesday. A communication was received stating that the public trustee proposed to visit Cardiff on Wednesday, November 2nd, when he would deliver a. lecture on his duties. The Chairman stated that in J line last, when he gave the particulars of foreign exports, the secretary of the Port Talbot Dockland Railway Company questioned his statement. The figures were those which the Chamber obtained month by month from the statistical department of the Customs. They had now received a letter from the acting-principal of the statistical de- partment of the Customs, in which he stated that as separate figures relating to shipments from Port Talbot were not available in that office he was not in a position to check the accuracy of the statement that there was a gain in May, 1910, over that of 1903 of 32,427 tons, but he was informed upon inquiry at the Dock Company's office that it was a mistake to say that such was the case. He had ascer- tained that Brown's Export List does not contain particularsJof all coal shipped within the limits of Port Talbot. Further, the Collec- tor of customs there had reason to believe that the figures supplied to Brown's Export I List included, apparently, those for bunker as well as cargo coal. Under these conditions I and for reasons mentioned in a letter dated "■ June 11th from that office, it was not to be ex- pected that the figures of the Customs returns would agree with Brown's List." Apart from the consequences of delay in forwarding docu- the consequences of delay in forwarding docu- ments to that office (a matter which had been I now remedied), he-was satisfied that the official j figures were correct, and as those were prepared figures were correct, and as those were prepared from documents supplied by shippers as [ directed by law, he could not recommend that the arrangement suggested should supersede the present practice, for which there was legal authority. The Chairman remarked that their sugges- tion was that figures should be obtained from the Port Talbot Dock Company. He added that it always appeared to him that their figures, as appearing in the monthly statement, were most erratic, sometimes showing a big I increase and sometimes an equally large de- crease.. j—————————1

FISHING AND TAR-SPRAYING. Usk and Ebbw Complaint. Brecon Town Council met-at the Guild Hall, Brecon, on Tuesday, the Mayor (Mr W. Mor- gan) presiding. A communication A was read from the County Council respecting a con- ference of representatives of the County Council and other public bodies relative to the Development and Roads Improvement Fund. The Mayor was appointed as the representa- tive of the Town Council. A letter was read from the Usk and Ebbw Board of Conservators calling attention to the serious damage done to the fishing in certain rivers owing to the tar- spraying of roads, and expressing the hope that when the Council had roads in the neighour- hood of the river Usk or tributaries they would decide to use distilled tar for sprayingor something else not injurious to fish. The question was referred to the committee. Dr. D. V. Rees (the medical officer) reported an outbreak of measles-of a mild type—in the borough, and, in order to check the spread of the disease, it was determined to close those schools which in the opinion of the medical officer should be closed.

WELL-KNOWN ENGINEER. Mr Cuthbert A. Brereton. Mr Cuthbert A. Brereton, for many years associated with Sir John Wolfe Barry in various engineering schemes, died on Monday, at his residence, Meadowbank, Cambridge Park, Twickenham, after a comparatively, short illness. ) Mr Brereton, who was a Norfolk man, was i 60 years of age. His first important appoint- I ment was that of resident engineer to the Llynvi and Ogmore Railways and .Porthcawl Locks. Later he was connected with the Lewes and East Xrrinstead Railway, as assistant engineer, and with the London Inner Circle Railway. From 1893 till last September he was in part- nership with Sir J. Wolfe-Barry, and with him was prominently concerned with the con- struction of the Barry Docks and Railways, the Middlesbrough Docks, Surrey Commercial Docks, and the new bridge across the Thatnes at Kew. Recently he had been in business on his own account at 24, Queen Anne-street. He had also undertaken—with his partner-work for the Caledonian, North Eastern, Metro- politan, Metropolitan District, and other rail- ways, and had done a good deal of engineering work of various kinds for the Government of Natal. The Whitechapel and Bow Railway, parts of the Great Northern, and Piccadilly Tube, and other important engineering under- takings have claimed a good deal of his pro- fessional attention. He was a lieutenant-colonel of the Engineer and Railway Staff Corps, a member of the Council of the Institution of Civil Engineer., and an associate of the In. atikutio of Naval Architects.

OLD CARDIFF TRADESMAN. The death occurred at his residence, 58, Clive-road, Canton, on Saturday evening, of Mr Samuel Grey, in his 82nd year. The deceased gentleman, who was one of the oldest tradesmen in Cardiff, and was the father of Councillor William Grey, was born at Glaston- bury, and came to Cardiff in 1849, where he started in business as a butcher at James-street, Docks. At that time the sea came up to this point, and the deceased often recalled the fact that pilot boats used to come and anchor outside his shop. About 1880 he removed to 164, Cowbridge-road, Canton, and after having established his business there retired and handed it over to his son, Mr (now Councillor) William Grey. It is interesting to note in pass- ing that the latter has now retired, and that the business is carried on.by Councillor Grey's son. The deceased took no active part in public life, but was a lifelong Non- conformist. He was one of the earliest members of the old Bethel Baptist Chapel in James-street, and subsequently at Mount Stuart-square, being a deacon there for over 30yeaqs. After he removed to Canton the deceased .became a member-of Hope Bap- tist Chapel, %asfor 15 years a deacon there, and latterly an elder also. The deceased leaves a widow, two sons, and two daughters to mourn his loss. His sons are Mr-Samuel Grey.. of Bir- mingham, and Councillor William drey, of Cardiff, and his daughters are Mrs John Ciceri, of Newport, and Mrs Captain W. West, of Car- diff.

WEL8H-AMERICAN OCTOGENARIANS. Y Drych records the following deaths :— William W. Morgan, Oak Hill. Ohio, who passed away on the 16th ult. in his 83rd year. Deceased was a native of Cefn y MHgoed, Cardiganshire, and was bom thereon Septem- ber 15th, 1827. His parents emigrated to the States wben be was ten years-old. He was brought. up as a carpenter at Pittsburg, and occupied important positions in the States. During the American. Civil War he was en- gaged in business and for over 15 years he was postmaster at Oak Hill. He was the oldest Qfficer of the Oak Hill Congregational Church and was noted for his hospitality to the minis- ters of all denominations. His wife, who was a native of Carmarthenshire, had pre-deceased him two years or so. John B. Lewis, Scranton, died in his 81st year. He was a native of Carmarthenshire, having been horn at Tanyrheol, Rhandirmwyn. He worked in the lead mines in that district until he was twenty years of age, after which he worked for some months at Hirwain and Dowlais, returning afterwards to his native Slace, where some two years later he married [argaret Thomas, of Femhiw, in the same dis- trict. In 1872 they emigrated to the States, where he occupied a prominent social posi- tion among the Welshmen of Scranton. Mrs Margaret Davies, New Cambria, Brush Creek, Mo.7 died in her 82nd year. Deceased was a native of Breconshire, the widow of John G. Davies, to whom she was married before leaving Wales in 1852. Thomas M. Jones, South Bethlehem, Pa., a native of Penclawdd, Gower, who died in his 41st year. He leaves a widowed mother, a widow, one child, as well as four brothers and five sisters. Thomas H. Lewis, Ossage County, Kansas, in his 88th year. Deceased was a native of Philadelphia in Carmarthenshire. He left Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire, for the United States in 1855. Mrs E. Le Roy Woolworth, Elm-street, ytica, in his 63rd year. Deceased was the daughter of the late Mr Evan R. Jones, of Glan Conwy, Carnarvonshire, who emigrated to the States some half a century ago.

SWANSEA COUNCILLOR. Councillor Robert Dommit, of Swansea, died in the early hours of Monday. He was 48, and had undergone several operations, and his condition had for some time been regarded as hopeless. The deceased was for 30 years employed at the Graigola Fuel Works, and was a prominent Trade Unionist. He was a member of the Dockers' Union, and since 1890 bl-d been a member of the Executive Council of that body. Deceased was a native of Cardiff, where he was born 47 years ago. He entered the Swan- sea County Council in 1902 as a Labour repre- sentatives, and was an active member of some of the principal committees. He was also a prominent member of the Swansea Trade and Labour Council, an earnest Christian worker, and a prominent temperance reformer.

Newport & Free Labour. BIG CLAIM AGAINST CORPORATION. We are informed that Messrs Houlder Bros., steamship owners, have decided to make a claim for £10,000 against the Newport Corpora- tion in respect of the recent labour troubles at N ewport docks, when Messrs Houlder Brothers' Indian Transport was loaded with general cargo by free labourers, who were housed on the Federation ship Lady Jocelyn. The Corpora- tion have-already agreed to pay Mesrs Houlder Bros. the sum of EI,000 in respect of the delay in loading the Indian Transport while the arbi- tration proceedings were being held in London. The EIO,000 claim is in respect, of the alleged inability of the Newport Watch Committee to protect the first batch of free labourers who were imported into the town, and on other grounds. The claim is to be referred to Sir David Harrell for arbitration.

FARMER AND- WOMAM. At Aberdare Police Court Rees Rees, an ex-Guardian and District Councillor, re- siding at Penydarren farm, Rhigos, summoned Bessie Henerbury for assault. There was a cross-summons. Complainant said he was a farmer and owned certain huts, in one of which defendant and her hnsband lived. They had got into arrears for rent.and he had a conversation with the husband. On Monday week he called at the hut adjoining defendant's, when Mrs Henerbury came in and charged him with saying something about her. She-struck him twice on the body and nose, causing the latter to bleed. She then picked up a chair and he put her outside. Complainant was cross- examined and denied using indecent remarks to the defendant. Both summonses were dis- missed.

£3,000 TO GLOUCESTER INFIRMARY. Mr William Crawshay, of Hyde, Newnham, Gloucestershire, iron and coal master, J.P. for! Gloucestershire, a member of the well-known, family of Crawshay, of Cyfarthfa, who died | 11th July last, aged 70 years, second son of j; the late Mr Henry Crawshay, left estate of the gross value of 2s 4d, of which the net personalty has been sworn at £&3,656 19s 4d. Probate of his will, dated 16th November, 1904, with four codicils, has been granted to Mr Henry William Bruton, estate agent, of Bewick House, Gloucester, and Mr Arthur John Morgan, contractor, of Rock House, Ruspidge, Newnham. The testator left £3,000 and 150 £20 Ordinary and 150 £20 Preference Shares of Henry Crawshay and Co., Ltd., to each of his sisters, Catherine Hermione Brazier Creagh and Constance Maud Crawshay £3,000 to his niece, Emily Frances Mansfield £2,000 each to his nephew, Richard Crawshay. and Miss Florence Barclay, of 17, Montpelier-terrace, Cheltenham £2,000 upon trust for Judith Scrivens £1,000 each to his nieces. Alice Maud Rogerson and Mabel Hughes 100 x20 Ordi- nary Shares of Henry Crawshay and Co., Ltd., to Arthur John Morgan £250 in addi- tion to professional charges to Henry William Bruton as executor his gold watch and seals, his guns and ammunition to John Washington Brazier Creagh, of Creagh Castle, Donerail, Co. Cork. £3,000 to the Gloucester Infirmary. £1.5CO to Edwin William Morgan, colliery clerk, of-Ruspidge, Newnham. JE505 to his solicitor, John Samuel Bradstock. JE500 to his nurse, Frederick Henry Henley, if still in his service. £300 to his late servant, Kate Baghurst. £300 to Richard Macartney, of Cinderford, physician and surgeon, in testimony of my grateful remembrance of his many professional and friendly services." £100 to George Frederick Morgan, formerly colliery manager, of Forest Lodge, Ruspidge, Newnham. £100 to Francis Gassriot Washbourn, retired bank manager, of Newnham. £50 to each of his servants, Annie Weaving, George Bowdler, and Joseph Newman, if re- spectively still in his service. jE50 each to his housekeeper,Elizabeth Prosser, and her four daughters, Eva Ethel Prosser, Lillian May Prosser, Cornelia Winifred Prosser, and Nora Prosser, and at the discretion of his executors, a suit of mourning each, and to the said four daughters of his housekeeper, in equal shares, a house recently purchased by him in Higb-Ftreet, Newnham. The residue of his property he left equally between his sisters, Agnes Dennis, Catherine Hermione Brazier Creagh,and Constance Maud Chawshay, his nieces, Frances Crawshay, Charlotte Guise, Emily Frances Mansfield. Eva Gwendoline Toller, Muriel Margaretta Talbot, Dorothy Crawshay, and Irene Lisa. Crifcvshay, and the said Edwin William Morgan and Arthur John Morgan.

E3TATE~0F £ 110,000. SWANSEA BENEFICIARIES. Mr Daniel James Woodman, of 4, The Manor Way, Blackheath Park. S.E., formerly for many years a partner in the firm of Messrs Woodman and Hambidge, fruit merhants, of 2 and 3, George-lane, Eastcheap. E.C., who died on the 11th August last, agod 78 years, left estate of the gross value of £110,283 12s 6d, of which the net personalty has been sworn at £106,490 15s 8d. Probate of his will, da ted 22nd December, 1900, with two codicils has been granted to Mr John Nott Viner Leeder, soli- citor, of 231, Oxford-street, Swansea, Mr Ernest Holtham Leeder, surveyor, of Red House, Mount Pleasant, Swansea, and Mr Robert Blake Budden, insurance broker, of 43, Ceryton-road, Ealing, W. The testator left to his widow, Mrs Rosamund Anne Woodman, £200. his household and personal effects and leasehold houses, 3 and 4, the Manor Way, absolutely, and a life interest in a trust fund of £30,000, with remainder as she may appoint by will, if still his widow, in a sum of £10,000 and the balance to follow the trusts of his residuary estate; JE500 each to John Nott Viner Leeder, Ernest Holtham Leeder, and Forrest Bertram Leeder ;« £ 2,OCOtoCharles James Wilkinson Pimbury, of 3, George-lane, E.C., for his kind an unvaried attention and assidu- ous care in keeping the accounts in connection with various family trusts £1,000 to his ser- vant Elizabeth Goulding, whether ip his ser- vice at his decease or not in grateful acknow- ledgment of her kind attention and long and faithful services jELOOO each to Edward Her- bert Armitage and John Henry Woodmansey, solicitors, his medical attendants, Leonard Stokes and John Brett Cumming, for their kind and considerate attention at all times £1,000 to Guy's Hospital, London, to found and endow a bed there to be called" Wood- man's Bed a number of bequests to Lon- don charities. MR WM. LEWtS, PENCELLY, £1,020. Mr William Lewis, of Garth House, Pencelly Brecon, who died on the 27th February last lf:t;,te of tb.-9. vot.,1,IO 14s 2d. of which the net personalty has been sworn at £826 2s 2d. He named no executor or residuary legatee of his will, and-'i^tffcers of- anndnistra- tion, with the will annexed, of his property have accordingly been granted to his widow, Mrs Eliza Lewis, of Garth House, Pencelly, Brecon. MR AARON TOVEY, NEWPORT. Mr Aaron Tovey, ofThe Hollies, 140. Caer- leon-road, Newport, who died on the 30th January last, left estate of the gross value of £988 2s 4d, with net personalty £903 10s 7d,and probate of his will has been granted to Mrs Annie Tovey, oi 73, Mansel-terrace, Swansea, his widow. RHYMNEY RESIDENTS Will. The will has been proved at Llandaff of Mr Howell Howells, Tredegar Arms, Rhymney, who left an estate of the gross value of £1,474, with net personalty amounting' to £1,259. Deceased bequeathed the whole of his estate to his widow, and on her demise directed it to be equally divided between his three daughters, Jennie, Sophie, and Katie. Mr Samuel James was for many years the shipping agent for the,Marquis of Bute's col- lieries, and was well-known in Cardiff Docks, having been associated with the coal trade during the period of its-most rapid develop- ment. He was connected with the Nixon's Merthyr Colliery, and was associated with the late Aiaw Goch, the father of the late Judge Gwilym Williams. He subsequently became manager of the Crown Preserved Patent Fuel Company, and in later years controlled the sales of practically all the coal raised in the Marquis of Bute's collieries. MR SAMUEL JAMES, CARDIFF. Samuel James, 164, Newport-road, Cardiff, who died on July 19, left estate of the gross value of £2,577, with net personalty £2,445. He directed that his house and effects should go to his daughters, Mrs Annie Merchant and Miss Annie Maria James, and that the residue of his estate should be divided between them and his Son, Mr Chorlton James, architect. MR P. W.LIITIR— £ 25,189. Mr Patrick Walter Mcik, M.I.C.E., of 16, Victoria-street, London, S.W., and of 22, Ryder-street, St. James's, S.W., a well-known railway and dock engineer, formerly head of the firm of Messrs Thomas Meik and Sons, of Edinburgh, and of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, resi- dent engineer on the Forth Bridge construc- tion, who was responsible for the Burntisland Dock works, the Ayr Harbour extension, the Bedlington Water Works, the new dock and harbour works at Seaham, Durham, the dock and railway works at Port Talbot (South Wales), and the new King's Dock at Swan- sea, consulting engineer to the Calcutta Port Commissioners and the Rangoon Port Commis- sioners, who died 12th July last, aged 59 years, son of the late Mr Thomas Meik, of Sunder- land, Newcastle, and Edinburgh, left estate of the gross value of £25,189 19s 5d, of which the net personalty has been sworn at£17,217 9s 5d. Probate of his will, dated 19th May last, has been granted to his brother, Mr Charles Scott Meik, M.LCJE., of the same address. The testator left £5,000 to his brother, Henry Hunter Meik. to J. Claude Pollock Muir, £1,000 each to his god-daughters, Ada Urqu- hart and Elizabeth Nichoison, his interest in the effects of 16, Victoria-street, S.W., to his brother. Charles Scott Meik £250 each to his assistants, Henry Robinson and Richard Morris JE50 for distribution by the secretary as the committee may directa.mongs,t the ser- vants of the Royal Thazpes Yacht Club. The residue of his property he left to his brother, Charleston Mcik. MRS E. 8. MYNORSTRADNORSHIRE. Mrs Ellen Gray Manors, of Barland Walton, Radnorshire, who died on 1st June last, aged 76 years, widow of Mr Robert Baskerville Mynors, left estate of the gross value of £5,269 13s lOd with net personalty £ 4,?93 7s 5d, and probate of her will, dated 13th July, 1904, with two codicils dated respectively 24th December, 1904, and the 12th April, 1905, has been granted to Mr Edward Hugh Whitehead. The testatrix left jE5 per annum to Sarah Mills, £50 to Freder* ick Oram, an ancient book Bartholomeus-de Proprietatiburerum," supposed to have been printed in 1495 by Wynkyn de Worde, to her daughter Elinor, and to her she also left her diamonds and certain pictures add plate. She left £10 to her coachman, William Price £ 10

t GLANDULAR I SWELLINGS "ENTIRELY CURED IN LESS THAN A FORTNIGHT." Sufferers from Glandular SwellinO ) Abscesses, Tumours, Ulcers, Boils, sor I i Eruptions, or any kindred co Plsillt" T di should at once profit by the Mr Organ. He writes; You will remember I wrote to you 5000 { time ago asking advice, as I was suffering Glandular Swellings in the neck, and you to, me to give Clarke's Blood Mixture a tri*1" f I got one of your Us cases, and I am pleaflea to tell you it entirely cured me in less tbaP fortnight. I was advised by my doctor to > the glands operated on, but I am thankful & think I did not go under the operation. Tha.n- ing you for your advice. (Signed) C. ORG AN,30, Rann-street, Ladywood, ham." THE REASON Clarke's Blood Mix to" effects such wonderful cures is because it is only medicine which thoroughly drives on all impurities from the blood. Remetl for the Blood is the Life," and Skin sAd k Blood Diseases, such as Eczema. Scrofula Scurvy, Bad Legs, Abscesses, Boils, Pimply Sores, and Eruptions of all kinds, Piles, | Poison, Glandular Swellings, RheumatlSIØt [ Gout. &c., can only be permanently cured hy i purifying the Blood. Clarke's Blood MixW* has stood the test ior 40 years, and the Pro" prietora with confidence solicit sufferers to fft9 j it a trial to test its value.. | A £ J[ff 3 £ CK !^KjB |jj BrAYiTilHHB » nr^ Y f ^MIMlr if THE WORLD-FAMED REMEDY FOR ALL | SKIN AND BLOOD DISEASES. | j It 9d per bottle, and In eases containing *{« times the quantity lis. Of all Chemists Store* (Refuse Substitutes), or poet fre*^ receipt of price direct from the proprietors, Lincoln & Mtdi^nd Counties Dsoo 0* LINCOLN. -¡¡¡ (.:

THE OPEN COUNCIL. Gobo.—Yon will find the quotation, She-sP^Jp! yet she says nothing, in Romeo and JoU6*1 Act II., Scene 11. Steward.—The Lord Mayor of Birmingham doesj receive an official salary, but he is provided "¡' carriage, horses, and the necessary servants. oai salaries are paid the Lord Mayors of M es and Liverpool, and there is a proposal that 01 should also be done at Birmingham. tJS Cross.—On the death of Edward VI., in 1553, Jane Grey was proclaimed Queen, but her nonJ»JjJ- reign lasted only a few days. Mary I. reigned v0^ 1553 to 1558. Auction (Coal).—We are afraid you cannot get- of the bargain, and our advice to you is to pay f;, j Promissory Note (A.E.).—The proceedings were cidedly irregular, and we would certainly 'b1 > you to get a fresh one drawn up and witnesm- some independent person. As to such a II amount, why not get it drawn up by a solicitor v Patents (Nemo).-We know of no book on the Oll Lf ject^and we can onlv advise you to write dirs?\ to-tne parties likely to be interested in tile part10 lar thing. tho" Common (Arfryn).—It is impossible to answer tb question- properly without knowing what the toms-of the Manor are, but upon the facts as wo think you are entitled by possession to the of land enclosed, and your landlord will of co<w*J, not interfere in the matter, which is one you and the Lord of the Manor. Bastardy (Trebor.)—The child can be registered any surname, but you wilt have to disclose to registrar such particulars and.such informatto he requires. Club <Trebor).—If you could send us a copy of lease, or at least 6f that portion of the lease j relates to the extension, we shall be better abl« advise you upon this point. » y io-Asslstant (Cymro).—We do not think his condue such as would entitle you to waive the tjfyj months' notice, nor entitle you to give h'Pjj week's wa^es in lieu of notice. The.o^jy .cQurSC-.y^ faff as we can see, is to clear turn out wHen.^r three months' notice is up. T.M. (a reply from Forr-,thought"),—No investments enn be given by letter. Small sa*^E should not be invested iu mines or in secar' liable to sharp trade fluctuations.

Weston Beach Mystery- Hp?sr_^— EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST. At Weston-super-Mare Police Court on nesday Dr. Craddock, coroner, held an.inqtl on Walter Bird's Eye Smith (51), of NewP^ whose body was found on the beach at K0* stoke on Monday. William Henry Smith, draper's assistan^A Wood-lane, London, said the deceased, was-single, was his brother, whom, he had 0,9 seen for 18 months. Deceased was a 'drape^ assistant with Messrs Davies, of NewpJ' Witness believed he was in a good positi and knew of nothing likely to upset his meD balance. tt. George Radford, joiner's machinist, NeWPØ said whilst sitting on the rocks near the oo Pier on Monday he noticed the body of a in the water. Witness telephoned t° *xt.f police, who came and took charge of the bo" Nellie Keen, waitress at Huntley's Restaurant, said deceased had been stopPSJ there since the previous Tuesday week. dP-f was alone. Witness last saw him on SUXl evening about 6 o'clock in the balcony- was always bright and lively. Constable Dunster, who removed the r?!# to the mortuary, said deceased's keyless watch had stopped at 11.8, and it had not tb" down. Witness found half a sovereign io waistcoat pocket, and a tobacco pouch j- cigarette case. too-, Arthur Martin Gwilliam, furnishing assio vo spending holidays in Weston, who had > deceased for four or five years, said he savP. every day until Monday last, and he was ch6^, ful and bright on Sunday whilst walking fIJ" the sea front. Deceased told him he wa$ the turning to Newport the following day by 11" 9 o'clock boat. Deceased did not seem t'o 06; short of money. Witness could throw no hS on his death. gf Dr. Porteous said there were slight sup^ flcial wounds on the head and face. The eye lid appeared to have been torn away- j# the lobes of both ears, but these injuries we not sufficient to cause death. He attribU death to drowning, and he thought øI occurred twelve hours before the body foundf. Thp Coroner said the deceased had rec,e^gjr., received two letters from two different sons, to whom he had"written for money• r, dated September 4th, said it was impossib' comply with the request. The other, from 159, Commercial-street, Newport, out date, was to the same effect, but exp\p the hope that the deceased would be ab*». f. manage. The Coroner said in view of the let*61 • appeared to him to be a case of swcidle_ Of The jury, however, returned a verd10 Found drowned."

DECAPITATED ON THE LINE-. 00 A tragic discovery was made at ){II 01, Saturday, when the dead body of » rx*?Z(p& i about 40, most respectably dressed, was t> on the railway near Mold. The bead^j, completely severed. On the body were numerous visiting cards, containing the Charles Roberts, Local Inspector of Mutual Life Insurance Company of Ne* Exchange-street East, Liverpool. The r believe this to be deceased's name, hu making inquiries. At the Embankment Station Radway on Saturday afternoon, the drJ^ train observed a man either leap or f»" the platform immediately in front 0 tb8 motor carriage. It was impossible to train in time to avoid an accident, &P man was run over and both legs severe*i igi'v the trunk. The shocking occurrence btØ nessed by a number of passengers aSS^ie on the platform. As quickly as man was extricated and conveyed to ^o Cross Hospital, where he died. Decca^ was well dressed, was about 30, f31, in height. Nothing was found in his clow* assist in establishing his identity.

'1' sl '-=i! "8. j- $:. rouge, FOR Made by Gailahe1', Ltd., LO)t L

,il: the shading well in the Mozart piece. The con- tralto entry at the bottom of page 10 was very good, and the soprano climax was capital, but lacked just the note of triumph. In 0 Wild West Wind one of the sopranos came in a bit too soon, and they were all sorry for it, for it spoilt the rendering absolutely. The adjudicators had agreed unanimously upon the verdict, and he was sure the audience had done the same. The second prize went to .Rhymney Gwent and the first to North Staf- fordshire. The Winning Choir. The North Staffordshire Choral Society, which has over and over again beaten Welsh choirs at the National Eisteddfod, was formed nome years ago, with the late Mr James Whewell as conductor. It was organised in 1901 in order to compete at theMerthyr Eisteddfod. and on that occasion it beat such excellent and well-known choirs as Rhymney and Pont- ic ttyn, conducted by Mr John Price; the Mountain Ash Choral Union, led by Mr Glyn- dwr Richards and some six other choirs. The following year at Bangor this choir again won the prize, beating Barry, Blaenau Festiniog, Shrewsbury, the Potteries, and the Blackpool Choirs. Again in 1904 they defeated Hanley, West Lancashire, and Mid- Rhondda, and in 1906 at Carnarvon North Staffordshire won the first prize, and the Llanelly Choral Society, led by Mr John Thomas, the second. Flushed with their success at Eisteddfodau, the choir recently added to their laurels by performing at home such masterpieces as Elgar's Gerontius," Delins's Sea Drift," and the Mass of Life," &c. The Career of Rhymney Gwent. The Rhymney Gwent Choral Society was formed about four years ago, when Mr Daniel Owen assumed the conductorship. The choir competed at Swansea and at Rhymney two years ago, when the prize was divided between this choir and the Rhymney United Choir. In the year 1906 the mate portion of the choir, assisted by others, went up to London and sang before the King. who expressed his delight at their achievements. Mr Daniel Owen, the con- ductor, is a native of Rhymney. and is an official in the colliery under the Rhymney Iron and Coal Co. For over 20 years he has con- ducted mixed choirs, whilst for 14 or 15 years he has controlled male voice choirs. His efforts have been attended with signal success, for he carried away the laurels at two" Nationals," namely, at Merthyr and Mountain Ash. The secretary of the choir is Mr Owen Evans.

per annum to her maid, Eliza Powell; and ^1* residue of her estate she left to hoc Willoughby Baskerville Mynors. PENARTH PIER MASTER'S WILL* Mr Henry James Vellacott, pier maste* Penarth, and a director of the Penarth Fj* Co., Ltd., who died on the 2nd July last, 57 years, son of the late 4Captain VellaCfrJ K.N., left estate of the gross value-of £ 114. Js 3d with.net personalty nil. Probate of hiff* has been granted to his widow.