The Cardiff Times

PECULIAR PROCEEDINGS AT CARDIFF. An Inspector and His Examinations. At Wednesday's meeting of Cardiff Property and Markets Committee, held under the presi- dency of Alderman D. E. Jones, the Clerk reported that Assistant Inspector Jenkins, of the Weights and Measures Department, had again failed to pass the Board of Trade examination, and he had asked for an extension of time in order to try again. The CHAIRMAN said that the inspector was appointed on condition that he passed the exami- nation within six months. There were six sub- jects, and in his first examination he bad failed in the whole lot. He was then allowed another six months, and failed again in four months. Councillor WHITE This gentleman was ap- pointed over the head of a duly cer- tified inspector, duly certified by the Board of Trade. The voting was equal, but the gentleman who occupied the chair at the time-and I say it with all due respect— Mr Ex-Counoillor W. Lewis, absolutely refused to pursue the ordinary course and give his oasting vote. He insisted upon the vote being retaken, and the consequence was that someone who had at first voted for a duly authorised and certified man then voted in favour of Mr Jenkins, and the appointment was made. The terms of the advertisement had been ap- proved by now, and we laid it down that although the man might not be an actually certified man, he must pass his examination within a limited time. The appointment was made in favour of a non-certificated candidate, and he failed in his examination in six subjects, even including the most elementary of reading and writing. He was again granted another period of six months, and had again failed. Under these circumstances -and I think I have stated everything plainly and truly-I certainly feel that the time has arrived when the appointment ought to be adver. tised. What I say is this, that it is not fair to other candidates, and even if the gentleman who is most intimately acquainted with him were present I should make precisely the same state ment. The public have to be considered as well as the candidates. The CHAIRMAN: It is most unsatisfactory. Councillor E. THOMAS: I have been told privately that the conditions of examination are different to what they were some time ago. I should like to be satisfied on that point, for if it is so there would be fair ground for arguing in favour of giving him another trial. If the condi- tions are harder than when the others passed then we have a precedent for one other trial. If that is so I shall ask en that ground that the com- mittee give him another six months. The CHAIRMAN I haven't heard. I am not aware that the conditions are harder. Councillor WHITE I feel justified in moving:- That having regard to the conditions of the en- gagement, and the fact that Mr Jenkins has again failed to satisfy the examiners, notwith. standing the further period of six months given him for the purpose, he be given one month's notice to terminate his engagement." Councillor W. EVANS seconded the proposition, Councillor THOMAS moved as an amendment that further time, up to the next examination, be granted Mr Jenkins. There was no seconder. Inspector Major, head of the Weights and Measures Department, stated that Jenkins had passed in reading and arithmetic, but had failed in mathematics, writing, physics, praotica verification of weighing and measuring applianoes, and he had also failed in regard to the require. ments of the Act. He did not think there was any marked difference in the examination now to what it was two years ago. A few minor things might have been added, but he did nob think the examination was any harder. Jenkins's hours of work were from nine to half. past five, so that he had had plenty of time to attend to his studies, and eight days before the examination he bad allowed him to remain at home altogether in order that he might complete his studies. Councillor White's motion was then put to the meeting and carried. It was further decided that the vacancy should be advertised.

A ROYAL AUTHOR. The Marquis of Lorne, who wields a very faerie pen, has just enriched the lore of Windsor Castle by wnting a book entitled, The Governors of I Windsor," which is a hiehly interesting addition I to the Royal records. The Mar- quis is essentially, like all the Camp- bells, a very scholarlytman, but his book of poetry, published several years ago, was a thought too high for the masses, <*( and ib is under- stood that the Royal family do not encourage his Pegasian flights. AT.. I. THB: MARQUIS OF LORNE. I .'U WHO UCRJ.3 TCIJ much of the Maiqu'.s nowadays. As a younger man he was full ot promise, but he made too dis- tinguished a marriage, and he is said to feel acutely the distinction drawn between himself, the scion of a hundred Scottish Chiefs, and the morga; •'■'C descendant of a petty German prince- dom.

OVERLADEN CARDIFF STEAMER At Liverpool Police Court on Wednesday, Captain Wm. Benjamin, master of the Cardiff steamer Iolo Morganwg, was charged at the instance of the Board of Trade with overloading his vessel wjiilst trading between Hoelva and Garston with iron ore. A Board of Trade snrveyor stated that, taking into account the quantity of coal consumed on the vogfcge, the vessel must have baen overloaded ab Huelva to the extent of about two inches. Defendant's sol citoi- admitted that there had been a nominal infringement of the Act; and a penalty of 408 and coat", amounting to £2 15s, was imposed.

When the author of Rule Britannia "-samr of the tag that for a thousand years had braved thebattte and the breeae it wu in reality oalj six years old.

| Abergavenny Eisteddfod. A SUCCESSFUL GATHERING. BY MABXGWYN. Despite the number and variety of attractions that tempt the holiday-seekers, the eisteddfod, it is satisfactory to us as Cyinry to know, still holds its own as the principal pleasure of the more refined and intellectual of our people. And of all eisteddfodau that have been heid during the present century there are none that can for a moment compare with those that have tended to make the name of Abergavenny as famous among the cultured classes as it is among the lovers of pretty scenery. People of the present day, when thousands of us go momentarily mad over a big choral or band competition, are apt to forget that 40 or 50 years ago the eisteddfodau ot the Cymreigyddion Society at Abergavenny did more for the encouragement of the national sentiment in Wales than any other institution that has ever existed. Those were the days.when huge prizes—sometimes of the value of £ 70—need to be given for literary works relating to the past history or culture of the Welsh people. Those prizes used to be got up by subscription, and frequently a dozen ladies and gentlemen contributed the sums that made up one great prize. It is interesting to recall that Thomas Stephens' great and erudite "History of the Literature of the Kymry (Mr Stephens always speUed it with a k "). and the treatise on "Trial by Jury in Wales a History," were among the works that were brought out through the agency of these subscription prizes, and they are among the most important works dealing with Wales in the English language. Another feature of those gatherings was the long and elaborate addresses that used to accompany the adjudications of the Chevalier Bunsen, Dr. Meyer, and other great scholars—addresses that were afterwards printed in the journals of the great learned societies throughout Europe. Musical competitions at the great eisteddfodau consisted for the most part of oontests in harp playing. At one of the meetings—I think it was the one at which Thomas Stephens won the prize for*the treatise on "Trial by Jury in Wales "—no fewer than 10 harps were given away as prizes. Choral compositions occupied only » low place on the programme, and the ohief prize rarely exceeded JB10 it was more frequently jB5, and for this sum—now con- sidered laughably insignificant—choirs from Dowlais and Rhymney and other places used to struggle as hard as they do to-day for J3100 or more. The eisteddfod has vastly changed sinoe those good old days, but who will say that change baa been for the better ] For the pockets of the promoters the eisteddfodau of to-day are m- finitely better than those of the past, but is the work they accomplish in any way fit to compare with that which was turned out 40 or 50 years ago ? I hardly think it is. To-day there is not a single literary competition on the pro- gramme of the Abergavenny Eisteddfod, but in other directions I am glad to notioe indications of a return to the good old customs that were so rife when Gwenynen Gwent was the heart and soul of the Monmouthshire Eisteddfodau, and when the old giants, John Williams (ab Ithel)»and Thomas Stephens, were shining lights among the literary men of Europe. After the bright days of the Abergaveuny Eisteddfod, which I have all too briefly sketched, there came the inevitable period of darkness and inactivity, followed, as such periods must be, by a return of brightness; but the light was so different ftom that shed in the old days. What I may call the present-day eisteddfodau began thirteen years ago when the colossal prize of £100 was offered in the choral competition, the test piece being Handel's The many rend the skies with loud applause." Six or eight ohoirs competed for that prize, and as a proof of the interest that was awakened by the eisteddfod it is worthy of mention that no fewer than 1,600 people from Dowlais alone were present. That day saw the decline of the old style of choral singing, and it served to advertise the eisteddfod at Abergavenny as much as the great literary contests used to do. Since then the eisteddfod has been little else than a succession of competi- tions—and tremendous competitions most of them have been too—in music. Only once, namely, in the Jubilee year, has literature found a place in the programme, and it owed its place on that occasion in the main to the exertions of that per- haps erratic, but nevertheless grand and patriotic old hero, Father Ignatius. Since its revival in 1882 the Abergavenny Eisteddfod has been held annually, with only two breaks, due to local causes. The picturesque situation of Abergavenny, coupled with the popularity of the eisteddfod, has always served to make the gathering attractive in the eyes of the multitude, although truth compels me to say that it has been only too often wretchedly mismanaged, prelimin- ary and final solo competitions being mixed up in the most provoking confusion. The Committee of Management is practically the same as in past years, but there is one notable change—Mr E. Martin, who from the very start has been one of the joint honorary secretaries, is so no longer, his place being taken by Mr Henry Pryer. The other secretary, Mr Henry U. Evans, remains. The conductor is the same, Mr Thomas Allen, who has engineered the ten previous eisteddfodau with more or less success. The adjudicators w' e Mr George Riseley, the conductor of the Bristol Orpheus Society, and organist of Bristol Cathe- dral Mr Daniel Evans (Eos Dar), the well- known penniUion singer from Mardy, Ferndale, and two local men, viz., Mr C. C. Caird and Mr Warr, A.R.C.O. The eisteddfod accompanists were Mrs Clara Novello Davies, conductor of the Welsh Ladies' Choir, and Mr Bert Restall, Aber- gavenny. The eisteddfod treasurer was Mr Samuel H. Faoey. The weather on Monday was truly glorious, the warm stin shining out with a brilliancy that rø- minded one of a July morning, while the breeze tempered the heat and served to remind one that spring has not yet left us, though the sun would seem to point to another conclusion. The morning trains brought crowds of excur- sionists into both the Great Western and London and North-Western Railway Sta- tions, and very soon it became a mat- ter of extreme difficulty to pass with ease through the somewhat narrow streets of the pretty little town. These same streets were prettily, if not profusely, decorated with banners and streaming pieces of bunting, the tricolour of the Union Jack being very prominent. The Market Hall, in which, as in past years, the eisteddfod was held, was also most tastefully adorned with flags and bannerettes. As Mr Joseph Bishop. late district superinten- dent of the London and North-Western Railway, who had promised to preside at the eisteddfod, had not arrived at the time when the competi- tions were announced to begin, it was very wisely decided to proceed with the competitions so as to avoid a crash of work later in the afternoon. VOCAL QUARTETTE OOMFttTmON. A prize of JM was offered to the soprano, alto, tenor, and bass vocalists who would give the best interpretation of Sullivan's quartette, Brightly dawns our Wedding Day. Of a fairly large number of entries that had been received three parties were chosen to sing before the audience in the eisteddfod. The rendering all round was decidedly above the averare. The adjudicator said that the first party had given a fair rendering on the whole, but had unfortunately got sharp. The second party sang somewhat slower, but the rendering was unquestionably better from a musician's point of view. The third party was pat out of the competition by reaeon of the tenor having lost himself. The second party must therefore be awarded the prize, an announce- ment received with loud applause. The winners were Miss Alice Davies, Miss Elizabeth Jones, Mr Isaac Williams, and the Rev. D. Davies, Congregational minister, all of Llanover, the home of that princess among patrons of the eisteddfod, namely, Lady Llanover (Gwenynen Gwent). PIANOFORTE SOLO. The substantial sum of £2 was offered as a prize to the child under 16 years of age who would best play on the pianoforte Beethoven's Rondo Grazioso. No. 1, op. 5." The selection, a by no means easy one, broughtoutno fewer than 13 candidates for the prize, and the contest was watched with considerable interest. The adjudicator merely announced the winner, who turned out to be Miss Bessie L. George, Tredegar, a little lady who has already made her mark at previous Abergavenny and other eisteddfodau. When she ascended the platform to receive the trophy of her victory, the adjudicator said she had done exceptionally well, and she wonld, doubtless, do still better as she grew older. Her parents ought to be proud of her. r OONTBALTO SOLO COMPETITION. The setting in C of "Maiden fair have a care, by Blumenthal, was selected as the teat piece for contralto soloists, of whom eight had entered. The smallness of the entry was somewhat dis- appointing, remembering that the pr;ze was £2 and that the test piece, though requiring con- siderable attention, was not particularly difficult. The adjudicator said that he and his fellow- adjudicators bad had considerable difficulty in arriving at a decision, particularly as regarded the fifth and eighth competitors, who were so nearly equal that nothing was left for it but for them to divide the prize. The winners were Miss Kathleen Evans, Pontypool, and Miss Agnes Williams, Cardiff. The award, although pro- bably fair enough, was not nearly so exhaustive as could have been expected. The second singer gave a most artistic rendering of the test piece, and she possessed a voice that with a little train- ing will make her a fine singer. VIOLIN SOLO COMPETITION. A prize of £2 was offered for the best per- formance on the violin of the final" Allegro" from Handel's Sonata in A by children under 16 years of age. There were only four entries, and the prIZrl was awarded to Master Wilfrid Bevan, of the Silver Grill, Abergavenny. The competi- tion wae taken almost as soon as the Market Hall was opened, and consequently very few people heard it. It is worthy of mention that Master Bevan was successful at the Brynmawr Eisteddfod a fortnight ago. nDAL HARP BOLO COMPETITION.—SWUOUB OUTBREAK Or DISORDER. The outbreak of disorderliness among the audience seems, unfortunately, to be an insepar. able part oi the proceedings at the Abergavenny Eisteddfod. Year after year it has taken place, and it is not likely that we shall have a better stat* of things until there is a radical change in the method of conducting business at the eisteddfod. From 1 to 2 o'clock the officials of the eisteddfod partake of luncheon, and the audience are, to speak plainly, left to enjoy themselves as best they can. For the last three years the tenor solo campetition, in its preliminary stage, has been taken at this period, one adjudicator only re- maining to weed down the score or so of com- petitors to some two or three. However necessary it may be for the officials to have their lnnoheons, it is simply outrageous that some thou- sands of people should have to listen to A drewqr snpwsion of ooMfltT. OjLepfnte. they will not listen, and the result is that they resort to conversation to pass away the time. The hubbub becomes general, and the singer end savouring to make himself beard is forced to shout, and thereby fails to do himself justice. For this reason the tenor solo competition at Abergavenny is rarely or never worth listening to. It was so on Monday, and it had been so for two or three years previously. The tenor solo competition was not concluded when the harp contest was taken. This competition was some- thing new on the Abeigavenny programme, and it is much to be regretted that it was not con- ducted under conditions that would have secured for it the attention that it undoubtedly deserved. The prize was two guineas, and the test piece was an arrangement of Handel's Harmonious Blacksmith." There were five entries, and four I of the competitors came forward. Control over the audience having been lost during the waste of time over the preliminary tenor solo competition, no attempt was made to get quietness restored probably if such an attempt had been made it would have been unsuccessful. Every one of the competitors had to play amid a din that made their performance inaudible to aU who were more than a few feet from the eisteddfod platform. The inability of the audience to bear what was going on on the platform only increased the hubbub, and it was really pitiable to watch the competitors endeavouring to proceed with their work as if oblivious of what was going on all around. The last of the competitors was a young lady, but even the sight of her could not arouse the better nature in the audience nor quell the disorder. She struggled on bravely, but had not got more than halfway through when the roar of a multitude of people outside the hall, followed by the blare of a brass band that was momentarily approaching nearer and nearer, simply overwhelmed the poor girl, and to those among the audience who could see her fingers move among the strings of her harp with. out hearing any sound proceeding therefrom, were under the impression that she bad stopped j altogether. Suob, however, seemed not to be the case, according to what the adjudicator after- I wards said. The people outside having got tired of applauding the band that had by this time ceased playing outside, the adjudicator was enabled to give his decision. Mr C. C. Caird said it was most deplorable that the competition had been so sadly interfered with by the disorder. To most people it might seem impossible to arrive at a decision as to the merits of the different competitors, but evenlbefore the noise of the braes band had come upon them, the adjudicators had heard enough to enable them to decide the destination of the prize. There was no doubt at all that the last player, the young lady, had excelled in the competition. The winner, Miss M. Herbert, Pontypool, was invested amid loud applause. CHIKF CHORAL COMPETITION. An extraordinary amount of interest was centred in the chief ohoral competition, and the Market-hall was crowded to its utmost capacity from about 3 o'clock until the close. The reason for this was not far to seek. In the first place there were six entries—an unusually Targe number for an Abergavenny corn petition. Among the six was one that came from the western part of the Midlands, England, namely, the Shrewsbury Choral Society. Somehow, in spite of our ad- mitted supeiiority in the world of ohoral singing, we feel somewhat uneasy when we learn that an English choir intends to compete at our eistedd- fod. This is probably due to the salutary lesson that was taught us at the London National Eisteddfod, and at Rhyl a f-w years afterwards, and was in itself sufficient to invest the Aber- gavenny competition with peculiar interest. But there was another, and perhaps a still greater reason, for the manifestation of the public in- terest. The entrance list included the Pontypool choir, which was successful at' Brecon last sum- mer, and the Builth choir, which claimed to have been unfairly treated on that occasion. It will be remembered that the award at Brecon was followed by a lengthy and not altogether pleasant controversy in this journal between the supporters of the two choirs, and it was then evident that when next they met the struggle would be one of the bitteresj nature. Nor did the prospect of a meeting between Builth and Pontypool exhaust the reasons for the extraordinary>interest shown in the struggle. The BeallfortObolr, who were success- ful at Brynmawr a couple of weeks ago, were also among the entrants, and were not without hope of snatching another and far moresplendid victory. The fact that the test piece, AH men, all things sing to the Lord," was the same that had been chosen at Brecon and Brynmawr, afforded the choirs a splendid opportunity of fighting their battles over again, and Pontypool were not insensible of the importance of gaining a victory that would mean so much to them-and to Builth and Shrewsbury and Beaufort. It should be stated that there were three prizes, viz., £50, £20, and JB5, the first being supplemented by a gold medal to the conductor. It was exaotly 3 o'clock when the Shrewsbury Choral Society mounted the platform. They were conducted by Mr Watkin D. Phillips, and it must be said at once that they made a most respectable appear- ance on the platform. It cannot be said that their performance was such asg confirmed one's dread of an English victory. It was, to use a forcible but expressive term, ragged" singing all through. There were some fine voices in the choir, but tha want of compactness and the great speed at which the chorus was taken made the performance on the whole a somewhat com. monplace affair. The Builth and District Har- monio Society, conducted by Mr Evan Evans (Llew Buallt), were next toarreat attention. They excelled in the very points in which Shrewsbury failed, their compactness being wonderfully good. The voices were excellent, and the singing from first to last was as clear as it was majestic. Every- one must have felt that the performance of Builth was one that challenged the opposition that could not defeat it. The Pontypool and Abersychan Choral Society, conducted by Mr Walter Prothero, sang third. Mr George Riseley gave the award. The greatest difficulty was in awarding thellbird prize, beoause all the choirs except two were pretty well on a level. The third prize must be awarded to Brynmawr, No. 1 choir (conducted by Mr Swales), the second to a choir that had come a very long distance to compete, namely, Shrewsbury, and the prize to the Builth Choir, BBASS BAND, The brass band competition had been held about noon in the Abergavenny Castle Grounds. Only four bands competed, and the adjudicator, Mr A. R. Seddon, of Derby, announced that two of the performances were so nearly equal that he bad no option but to add the first and second prizes together and to divide them. The successful bands were the Tillery Colliery Band, conducted by Mr W. J. Griffiths, and the Blaina Lancaster Baud, conducted by Mr Tom Morgan. The two bands thus receive jB28 between them. SOPRANO SOLO. It speaks volumes for the high state of pro- ficiency among our soprano vocalists that no fewer than 13 of them should have come forward to sing that terribly difficult aria With verdure clad." The adjudication was short, simply declaring that the popular verdict was the correct one. Miss Beatrice Edwards, of Cardiff, is to be congratulated on having oxcelled in such a contest. The prize was £2- HALE VOIOB DUBT. There were nine entries in the male voice duet competition. Gwilyra Taf and his ftiend from Maesteg were the winners. SECOND CHORAL COMPETITION, Mr Henry Leslie's Lullaby of Life was the test piece in the choral competition for ohoirs numbering between 60 and 90 voices, the prize, being oneofd620and a silver medal. Only one choir came forward, viz., that from Newport, conducted by Mr G. H Edmunds. Eos Dar in giving the award said that the adjudicators had decided to give the prize as a mark of enoourageinent to the choir, although the committee had left it optional whether the prize should be awarded or not. BASS SOLO. The difficult solo, Why do the nations so furiously rage together," was the test for bass solo. The prize was awarded without comment to Mr Robert Hughes, of Land ore, near Swansea. TENOR SOLO. The Sailors Grave was the test piece for tenor soloists. The prize was awarded to Mr W. T. Williams (Gwilym Taf), Maesteg. This concluded the proceedings. During the afternoon there was a fete on the Castl((Grounds.

EISTEDDFOD AT RUDRY. The third annual undenominational eisteddfod was held in a large marquee near Rudry Church on Monday. Mr James Powell, Brad- ford Cottage, Caerphilly, presided. The adjudi. cators were: Music, Messrs Jaonb Da vies, Cardiff, and Wm. Thomas, Treorky, Rhondda Valley conductor and literary adjudicator, Mr Wm. Cosslett (Gwilym Elian), CaerpbiHy drawing, Mr Elias, Bank House, Caerphilly needh-woric, Mrs Llewellyn, Post Office, Rudry; accompanist, Miss E. M. Jones, Abercarn. There were on the platform Messrs Charles Tamplin, J. L. Jedkins. W. Williams, Titus Lewellyn, and Mr Fred J. Renfrey, secretary. The following are the result of the competitions — Solo, Blackbird — 1, Miss Annie John, Aberoam 2, Miss Lily Lewis, Rudry. Contralto solo, But the Lord be mindful of His own (Mendelssohn), Miss Annie John, Abercarn. Pianoforte solo, Ash Grove" —1, Miss Bessie Williams, Risca; 2, Miss Gertrude Thomas, Bedwae; 3, Mr W. Davies, Nelson. Recitation, M Napoleon's Grave," prize divided between Miss Sarah Mary and Miss Edith Enoch, Caerphilly. Reci- tation, Dinystr Jerusalem." prize divided be- between Mr Ophney Enoch, Caerphilly, and Mr W. D. Owen, Tylorstown. Solo, The Holy City," the prize was awarded to Miss Mabel levies, Bassa'eg, out of five competitors. Essay, The Best Means of Providing a Free Library and Reading-room in a Small Parish," the priz^ was awarded to Mr Edmund Evans, Aber Valley.) Best bag, Mrs Thomas, Treforest. Mr David Richards, Bassaleg, won the love letter prize. Englyn, "YrEryr," won by Mr David Gould (Dewi Aur), Badwas. For the best pair of gentlemen's stockings, divided between Mrs Ophney Enoch, Caerphilly, and Gwendoline." Debate, Federation v. Sliding Scale," divided between Messrs D. W. Owen and Wm. Thomas's party. Best child's frock. Miss K. Jones, Maoben. Pencil drawing, Caerphilly Castle best, Mr Edgar Charles, Burchill, Caerphilly. Violin solo, Men of Harlech," won by Mr Arthur Williams, Pontymister. The prize of 15s was awarded to Mr Lewis Morgan. Rudry, for the bestpair of hand.made scythe handles and a pair of Welsh hayrakes. Tenor solo, Baner ein Gwlad," Mr Willie Davies, Porth, Rhondda Valley. Whistling quartette. "Menof Harlech." won by Machen Party. Chief choral competi- tion, for the best rendering of And the Glory of the Lord (Handel); the prize of jB12 was awarded to the Bassaleg Choir, who sangfinely, under the conductorship of Mr Alexander Davies.

For the last 15 years the Qvm0 b«UMf«rtted her own sboa 1-

Mountain Ash Eisteddfod ENTHUSIASTIC PROCEEDINGS. Glorious weather favoured the great eistedd- fodlo event at Mountain Ash on Monday. A capacious pavilion, erected for the committee by Mr Pugsley, Newport, in the Poplars Field, afforded an accommodation for an auditory of 10,000 people, and, extensive as ib was, it by no means exceeded the pressing requirements of the day. The arrangements for the undertaking were carried out by a strong representative local committee, of whom Dr. E. P. Evans, J P., was chairman, and the treasurer, Mr D. Harries, Mountain Ash, whilst the onerous secretarial work was capably discharged by Mr D. T. Evans, Mr E. Lewis, Mountain Ash, and Mr T. Williams, Penrhiwoeiber. The outlay in connection with the venture was com- puted at £500, towards a considerable part of which the inhabitants pledged themselves to guarantee. There is little doubt, however, that the guarantors will be in the happy position of having to find nothing towards any deficit, as the officials computed during the day that there would be a substantial profit. The nett proceeds will be applied to the endowment of the Mountain Ash Cottage Hospital, which is being built by the present Lady Aberdare. The platform itself was a large structure which had been erected gratuitously for the committee at the instance of Major Walter Bell, J.P., Mr James Davies, Mr Rees Price, and Mr Mtller. The stage was florally decorated, and the pillars throughout the hall were adorned with emblazoned shields, whilse the canvas spaces on the sides of the big tent were relieved with the names of eminent Welshmen. There were also In memonam" references to the late Lord Aberdare and the late Mr J. W. Jones. whose local works are fresh m the memories of most people in the looality. The presidents dunng the day were Lord Aberdare in the morning, and Mr W. Little, J.P., in the afternoon (the announced presidents. Mr A. G. Ogilvie, Suffolk, and Mr F. Cory Yeo, Swansea, not being able to be present). The conductors were Mr W. Abraham, M.P. (Mabon), and the Rev. B. Evans, Gadlys, and the adjudicators were as follows :—Vocal-—Dr. Roland Rogers, Bangor Mr E. Minshall, Lon- don and Mr T. Maldwyn Price, Welshpool. Brass and file bands—Mr R. Stead, Hucldersfield. Needlework—Right Hon. Dowager Lady Aber- dare and Mrs W. Morgan, Maesy- dderwen. Wood-carving—The Hon. C. L. and P. G. Bruce. Water-colour painting- Signor Paggi, London. Ambulance competition— Dr. KvanJonea, J.P., Aberdare Dr. R. W. Jones, J.P., Dr. A. Evans, Pontyridd. Amateur pho- tography—Mr J. L. Schander, Cardiff. -Freehand drawlOg-Mr A. Morgan. Literature—Mr H. W. Southey, J.P. Recitation — Rev. B. Evans, Gadlys. The accompanists were Mr E. T. James and Mr H. W. Long. Preliminary Vests were held in several of the competitions at appointed places outside the pavilion. The eisteddfod song, Hen Wlad," was ren- by Mr Griffiths Davies, R.A.M., Mountam Ash, and was enthusiiastcally joined in by the audience. LORD ABKRDARE'S ADDRSSS. Lord ABBBDABB, in the course of his presiden- tial address, remarked it had not been his inten- tion to have taken part in any publio function so soon after the great loss he had sustained, but having been informed of the inability of Mr Ogilvie to be present, and seeing that the object of the eisteddfod— or rather the object of the fund on whose behalf the eisteddfod was inaugurated— was one with which he was very olosely and intimately interested, be felt he could do no less than consent to occupy that position, which he considered an honour. The Cottage Hospital, be considered, was a most necessary institution in an industrial community like that. Just prior to bisleaving Neath, his wife, now Lady Aberdare, received a legacy, and, thought he, this money would do nicely to pay the expenses of their removal from Neath to his new place of residence near Winchester, but she, like every other good wife, had a will of her own, and said No, it shall go to erect a Cottage Hospital at Mountain Ash.' (Loud cheers.) Against her decision be could say no more. (Laughter and cheers.) During the remainder of bis address, bis Lordship intimated that he hoped when Lady Aberdare and himself came to live at Mountain Ash they would be as much liked as the Dowager Lady Aberdare and family. Mr Wm. Beavan read an englyn to the presi- dent. Pr. E. P. Evans, J.P., moved, and Caradog (Mr G. R. Jones, Cardiff) seconded, a vote of thanks to the president, which was agreed to and acknowledged by his Lordship. COMPETITIONS. Juvenile Choirs.—The test piece in the juvenile choir competition was, Mark the Merry Elves" (Dr. Calcott), and the prize, £10 and a gold medal, givun by Mr J. A. Davies, Ebbw Vale, for the successful conduotor. Nine choirs sang, and the award, declared by Dr. Rogers, pronounced # the victorious choir to be the Foolmw Minstrels, led by Mr Berkeley-Angell, who was invested by Mrs Jones (Caradog). Welsh Worthies. —The adjudication by Mr D. Tudor Evans, Cardiff, upon the essay, "Why and how should the Memory of departed Welsh Worthies be perpetuated," resulted in the prize of £3 (given by Dr. E. P. Evans, J.P.), being awarded to Mr Yorwerth Edwards, Rhymney. Water-colour Painting.—Prize, 2 guineas, given by Mr D. T. Phithps. Signor Paggi forwarded a written adjudication, awarding the prize to Pen Oarmel. Soprano Solo.—Six competitors for a. prize of 2 guineas, offered by Mr E. T. James, for the best rendering of "0 chwi sy'n caru Duw" (Dr. Joseph Parry), the honours being awarded to Miss Edith Rowlands, Haverfordwest. Tenor Solo.—Prize, 2 guineas, given by Mr L. Herbert, for the best rendering of In Native Worth," (" Creation.") There were eight com- petitors, of whom Mr David Evans, schoolmaster, Aberdare Junotion, was successful. Historical Paper.—There was only one com- petitor tor the prize of one guinea offersd by Mr H. W. Southey for the best paper on The Discoveries of Human Remains in the Interior of the Old Parish Church, Llanwonno," viz., Mr J. Lewis, Mountain Ash, and the adjudicator, Mr H. W. Southey, in his award, now read by the Rev. B. Evans, gave him the prize. Mr Lewis was invested by Mrs Price Hughes. Contralto Solo.—" The Valley of Shadows," in E, was the test piece in this competition, for which 15 competitors entered. The prize of two guineas was given by Mr E. Jones. Mr T. Maldwyn Price, in awarding Miss Edith Maud Jones, Dowlaia (pupil of Mr Harry Evans, Dowlais), the honours, said he expected the young 'lady would become a very great singer. Miss Jones was invested by Mr J. Christopher. Freehand Drawing (numerous entries).— Mabon read the adjudication, awarding the prize of oneguinea, given by MrD. Thomas, in class A, to "Taliesin in Class B, to "Amateur," and in Classs O. to Columbus. MaleAlto Solo.—"Onid oes balmyn Gilead,"in D flat (Owain Alaw's Jeremiah," prize 1 guinea, given by Mr D. Morgan, w*s awarded to Master J. Webber, 10, High-street (pupil of Mr J. Ii. Morgan Harris), who received it at the hands of Mr Luther Eynou. Map Drawing, &c. (boys and girls under 16 years of age), Prize was awarded to" Ivanhoe." The award for writing and spelling gave the honours te Master Willie Jenkins aud Misg Gwen Williams. Pianoforte Competition—Class A.—Dr. Rogers gave the adjudication. The prize went to Miss Maud Hayward, Merthyr, who was invested by Mr Morgan Morgan, J.P. Bass Sola—A prize of two guineas, given by Messrs Novello, Ewer and Co. Mr Maldwyn Price reviewed the performances and gave the prize to Mr Tom Lewis, who was invested by Miss Llewellyn. Ambulance. — Dr. E. P. Evans, J.P., ad- judicator, awarded the prizes offered by Mr Alfred Davies, Hampstead, as follows :—1st (:S2), England and party 2nd (30.), Hendreforgan, Ystalyfera 3rd (£1), Welsh quMtetce and 4th (10s), J. Jones and party. Mr W. Little presided at the afternoon meet- Quartette Competition.—Prize 3 guineas, given by Mr W. H. Harford. Five parties competed, that of Mr Evan Rees Evans, Dowlais (pupils of Mr Harry Evans), being successful. Mr Evans was invested by Lord Aberdare's daughter, the Hon. Miss Margaret Bruce. Pianoforte Solo, Class B.—The prize was awarded Miss Edith Maud Rowlands, Ponty. pridd. Recitation.—" Pen Carmel," prize j61 Ie, given by Mr J. Williams, Mountain Ash, divided between Messrs J. S. Rhys, Rhymney, and James Davies, Vochriw. Drum and Fife Band.—Marching Competi- tion.—1st prize, £2, 3rd Glamorgan, leader Mr J. Gregory, Swansea; 2nd, j31. Llwynypia, leader Mr Evan Stephenson. Selections "The Bohemian Girl," 1st prize, £10 and a B flute, and a baton for the conductor, 3rd Glamorgan, led by Mr Gregory 2nd, £5 and a side drum value £3 10s, awarded to Cyromer, led by Mr Lewis Davies 3rd, £2, Birchgrove, Mr D. H. Lewis 4tb, :£1, Mountain Ash, leader Mr S. Coslett, CHIEJT CHORAL COMPETITION. Intense interest was manifested in the ohief choral competition. The test piece rendered was Put off, 0 Jerusalem (Dr. H. Parry), the one prize in view being £100, with an ebony baton for the successful conductor. Dr. Rogers gave the adjudication. He awarded the prize to Merthyr. (Cheers.) Mr Dan Davies was invested by the Hon. Miss Margaret Bruoe. Male Voice Competition.—The 1st prize was £25. with a gold medal, also a medal for the best recitative singer, The prize was carried off by Nantymoel, conducted by Mr J. Phillips. Brass Band Marching Competition.—The 1st prize was won by Llanelly, conducted by Mr Mr Samuels; and the 2nd prize was given to Ysguborwen, conducted by Mr T. C. Edwards. Brass Band Competition.—The 1st prlZ" was hken by Llanelly, conducted by Mr Samuets 2nd prize, Ysguborwen, conducted by Mr Ed- wards 3rd, Ferndale, conductor Mr J. Ryan 4th, Vochriw, conduotor Mr R. Dawson.

BURIED ON HIS 107th BIRTHDAY Wm. Sutton, the well-known pauper centen- arian, has just passed peacefully away in the Infirmary Ward of the Isle of Thanet Workhouse, and the funeral takes place on Wednesday—that being the 107th anniversary of his birth. The old fellow has been an inmate of the Union over 40 years, and has been in receipt of an Army pension of Is a day for 54 years, having been discharged from the 5th Dragoon Guards in 1841. He has bad three wives and 17 children, who have scattered them- selves in many parts of the world. He has been the talk of the neighbourhood for many years, and baa had many notable visitors. Although an invalid for some years pasb, Sutton retained bis facnltiee rem«rfcabtet?eU uprto within a few days

Easter Vestries. «■ ST. JOHN'S, CARDIFF. The Easter Vestry for the parish of St. John the Baptist, Cardiff, was held on Easter Monday in the vestry of the parish church, the vicar, the Rev. Canon Thompson, presiding. There was a large attendance of parishioners, including Mr W. A. Sergeaunt and Mr T. H. Stephens, church- wardens; the Revs. D, H. Griffiths, Lancelot Lewis, and T. Reynolds, Dr. C. T. Vachell, Messrs Thomas Reynolds, E. J. Coleman, George Knill, J. Hettich, Major E. M. Bruce Vaughan, Mr Jesse Williams, Mr Boulton, Mr Padfield, &c. The statement of accounts for the past year was presented by the churchwardens, and was as follows :— Receipts for the year (collections) E666 Voluntary offerings in lieu of Church rate JB174 Total £?4õ Expenditure—curates, church, and sundries '0" B728 Balanceinhand JB12 On the motion of Mr COLEMAN, seconded by Major BRUOE VAUGHAN, the accounts were unanimously adopted. ELECTION OF CHURCHWARDENS. The VIOAR reappointed Mr W. A. Sergaaunt as his warden for the ensuing year, and in doing so remarked that the wardens of St. John's had never been turned out of office, Mr Sergeaunt having held his position before he (the vicar) oame, while Mr Stephens was appointed shortly after be came. On the motion of Mr COLBMAN, Mr Stephens was re-elected as people's warden. THE LATK SEXTON. The VIØAR referred to the death of Mr Job Cook, who for a period of 17 years was sexton of the church, and proved himself a most valuable official He proposed the following resolution respecting the deceased That a minute be entered in the vestry book expres- sive of the regret of the parish at the death of its late sexton, Mr Job Cook its appreciation of his long and faithful services, and its sympathy with the widow and family in their loss. The resolution was seconded and supported by Mr T. H. Stephens, Mr Sergeaunt, Mr Padfield and Councillor Gerhold, all of whom bore testimony to the efficient and zealous manner in which the late sexton had discharged his duties. The motion was unanimously adopted. THE NEW SEXTON. The VIOAR stated that he and the church- wardens had appointed as successor to Mr Cook, Mr Wm. Allen, who would also fill the office of parish clerk. There could be no doubt that the appointment of sexton rested in the hands of the vicar and churchwardens, and in making the selection that had been made they had acted in the best interests of the parish. Mr Allen had for 22 years been a faithful servant of the church, and he had shown bis fitness for the joint offices to which he was now appointed. Dr. VACHELL moved the following confirmatory resolution :— That this vestry approves and confirms the appointment by the vicar and churchwardens of Mr Wm. Allen to the office of sexton, recently vacated by the lamented death of Mr Job Cook, and tha.t a record of the appointment be entered in the minute book of the vestry. Mr PADFIELD suggested that the two offices be divided, and that Mr Allen be appointed vestry clerk and Mr Edward Cook, son of the late sexton, be given the post of sexton, whereby be would be enabled to assist his widowed mother. A discussion followed. in the course of which the VIOAR ruled that the appointment having been made, the vestry could not override the same, and any amendment on the subject he would decline to put.—The resolution was accordingly carried nem. con. THE NEW ORGAN. The VIOAR referred to the gift to the church of the new organ by the Rev. Cyril Stacey, who, since the erection of the instrument, had died. It would be a very improper thing if they forgot to allude to so great and valuable a gift, and therefore he moved :— That this vestry at its first meeting after the erection of tbe new organ desires to place upon record its warm gratitude, a sentiment shared by the whole body of parishioners, to the late Rev. Cecil Stacey, M.A., the generous donor of that magnificent instrument, and further to express its sincere and respectful sympathy with the members of the family in the bereavement they have sustained by his death. Mr STEPHENS seconded the motion, remarking that Mr S.;acey was curate of the parish when he first came to it. He had always shown tbe deepest possible interest in the church, even after he left Cardiff. Mr COLEMAN and Dr. VACHELL supported the resolution, which was carried unanimously. This concluded the business of the meeting. The VICAR mentioned that the communicants at St. John's on Easter Day numbered eight short of a thousand. ST. JpHN'S, CANTON. The annual vestry meeting of St.' John's Parish, Canton, was held on Monday, the Rector (the Rev. Alec Henderson) presiding over a good attendance. Dr. Evans and Mr W. Symonds were re-elected churohwardens, as were also the whole of the sidesmen, with the substitution of Mr Smith for Dr. Richards, who has retired. The Rector said that their gracious and generous reception had helped him considerably In his work. Referring to a suggested enlargement of the parish church, he thought it most desirable, their present accommodation being far too small. Mr Halliday had prepared a plan by which they could at a pinch seat 1,000, the approximate estimate of the cost Of the extension being £2,500. He hoped they would endeavour to carry the extension out, Mr W. R. Wilks, the organist of the church, having been granted an increase in his salary of J610 per annum, the meeting concluded with the customary votes of thanks. ST. CATHERINE'S, CANTON.—The vioar (the Rev. Joseph Baker) presided over the annual vestry meeting on Monday, which was largely attended. Dr. R. T. Pearse and Mr J. W. Hill were re-electfed churohwardens. The Vicar stated that the building debt of JE500 last year bad been cleared off, and they began the year with £4 odd to the good. ST. MARGARET'S, ROATH. An Easter vestry meeting for the parish of St. Margaret, Roath, was held in the village school- room, Roath, on Monday forenoon, the Rev. F. J. Beck, v car, presiding, there being also present Messrs C. H. Williams and E. B. Reece, churoh- wardens D. R. Williams and G. W. Hodkin- son, assistant overseers.—Mr Williams and Mr Reece, people's churchwardens, submitted their accounts for the past year. those of the latter showing that the receipts were JB549 16a 7d, and a balance in hand of over £40. The special offertories amounted to j6157 7s 2d, and the general to £1821Ss.-Ml' Williams and Mr Reece were reappointed churchwardens for the ensuing year.—The Vica-f mentioned that the number of communicants on Sunday was 840, a satisfactory increase on the number at the corresponding period of last year, in spite of the fact that at Easter time, and now more than ever, many parishioners left town on a holiday. He also brought forward the subject of the salary of Mr Scott, organist, who has served the parish faithfully for 22 or 23 years, and suggested that it be increased from J670 to £100.-00 the pro- position of Mr C. H. Williams, seconded by Mr E. B. Rpece, the salary was raised to £ 100.—It was moved by Mr O. H. Williams, seconded-by Mr D. R. Williams, and agreed to, that a volun- tary Churob rate of 2d in the £ be made.—A vote of thanks to the vioar concluded the proceedings. ST. GERMAN'S, CARDIFF. The Easter vestry meeting of St. Geiman's was held in the church vestry on Monday morn- ing, the vicar, the Rev. Mr Ives, presiding, he being supported by the churchwardens, Dr. Sheen and Mr George David. The aaoounts were pre- sented by Mr David. They on the whole showed that the year's collections have improved, and the church has contributed B155 to special objects, a sum nearly double that which was expended last year. The vicar again nominated Dr. Sheen as his warden, and Mr George David was again elected people's warden. The following gentle- men were selected as sidesmen ;—Dr. H. Vachell, Mr Nott, Mr Jenkiue, Mr Ward, and Mr Stephens on the vicar's side, and on behalf of the people Messrs Jewell, A. O. Kirk, Pouncey, P. Knight, and Bonner were appointed. The vicar and churchwardens paid tribute to the excellent services of the organist, Mr Ruins, and that official with the choir was formally thanked, on the motion of Mr Kirk.—The Vicar shortly addressed the meeting, and said they had every reason to be thankful for the progress the Church had made in that part of the town. The rev. fentleman also thanked the Churoh for their faster offering, which amounted to £ 83 9s 6d. Mr Nicholas," of Llanishen, a former church- warden, who now resigned his appointment as a sidesman, was thanked for his services to the church since his connection with it. In a letter tendering his resignation Mr Nicholas mentioned the idea which had already been mooted, of erecting in the church a memorial to the late Bishop Smythies, who was mainly instrumental in the building of the church, although he was not in Cardiff when the edifice was opened. The matter was referred to the next meeting of the ohurohwardeus and sidesmen. Dr. Sheen stated that they owed about JB300 on the Clergy House Fund. and they had a small balance in band on the Clergy Maintenance Fund. ALL SAINTS'. CARDIFF. The annual vestry meeting in con. nection with the parish of All Saints was held in the St. El van's Vestry. The vicar (the Rev. A. E. H. Hyslop) presided, sup- ported by his curate (the Rev. W. R. Compton Davies).—The Vicar, in submitting the accounts, said that if ttwy had had three communicants more on Easter Sunday in AH Saints' and St. El van's than they had, they would have had pre- cisely twioe the number they had at Easter five years ago. The balance-sheet was tbe best he had known since he had been connected with the parish. In 1892 the receipts amounted to £ 176, but this year the sum reached at least j6185 14s 6d, some accounts being still outstanding, so that after paying all liabilities they had a small balance In hand.—Mr J. T. Wallbridge was appointed lay elector for the parish, Mr J. H. Mallett was appoiqted the parish warden for the coming year, and Mr U. C. Parsons vicar's warden. The sidesmen were appointed as fol- lows :—Mr T. Hughes, Mr R. Taylor. Mr Joseph Hall, Mr T. Rhodes, Mr W. Williams, Mr A. J. Coles, Mr Charles Wallbridge, and Mr H. Knight. ST. SAVIOUR'S, ROATH. The Easter vestry for St. Saviour's parish was held on Mondny morning at St. Saviour's Churoh, the vicar (Rev. J. E. Dawson) presiding. Mr Gleeson (the secretaiy) presented his accounts, which showed a balance in hand of 10s lid. These were adopted. The vicar appointed Mr Walter Thomas as his warden, and Mr Win. Gleeson was ro-elected people's warden. The vicar appointed his sidesmen as follows ;—Messrs W. J. Whiston, J. Goodman, Hill, J. Bailey, G. William*, and T. Palmer and the followhwrwere-1 elected people's sidesmen :—Messrs Wm. Evans, Stark, Barnard, Knight, O. Start, and H. H. Turner. WHITCHUROH. The Easter Vestry was held on Monday, the Rev. J. T. Clarke (vicar) presiding. Mr C. M. Morgan was appointed vicar's warden and Mr E. Jenkins parish warden. The following were appointed sidesmen :—Messrs Sharpe, Evans, Foxall, and Knox. Mr Henry Lewis was re- appointed chapel warden for Tongwynlaas, with Mr John Thomas as sub-warden. Votes of thanks were passed to Messrs Gay and Heme, the late wardens. ST. FAGAN'S PARISH CHURCH. The Easter Vestry of this church was held on Monday at the Plymouth Arms Hotel, St. Fagan's, the Rev. Wm. David, the rector, pre- siding. Mr Robert Forrest, J.P., was appointed vicars warden, and Mr R. Roper was elected people's a warden. The accounts showed a good balance in hand, of which £ 20 will be deposited in the Metropolitan Bank, it being intended at » future date to erect an organ chamber. NEATH. Held at the Parish Church on Easter Monday. Archdeacon Griffiths presiding. Mr R. P. Morgan and Mr J. Fear Davies, J.P., were re-elected churohwardens, and Mr Hopkin Jones, J.P., was appointed diooesan elector. LLANTWIT. Held at Llantwit Parish Church, under the presidency of Archdeacon Griffiths. Mr R. Phillipps, Penrhiwtyn, and Mr Walter Rice Evans, of Eaglesbusb, were reappointed church- wardens, and Mr John James, Post Office, Meiyncrytban, was chosen diocesan elector, SWANSEA. The various Easter Vestries were held at Swansea on Monday. In nearly every case the churchwardens were re-eleoted, while the business was uninteresting. At St. Mary's (the parish) Churoh the vicar presided, and he appointed Messrs D. M. Glasbrook and John W. Lloyd his wardens, while the Mayor appointed Messrs J. W. Morris and E. R. Daniel his wardens. Thirty sidesmen were also appointed. LLANGYNWYD (MAESTEG). At the annual Easter Vestry, held in the-porch of the parish church at Llangynwyd, tbe Rev. Stephen Jackson, vicar, presiding, Mr James Barron, J.P., O.A., was nominated as the vicar's warden for the ensuing year, and Mr Morgan Maddook, Oetn Y dfa, was nnanimously re-elected as the people's warden. The accounts were read. and there was a balance in hand of £5, although the year commenoed with a deficit of £1 125 Ud. TENBY. The reotor, the Rev. George Huntington, M.A., was for the first time in 27 years compelled by indisposition to absent himself from the Easter Vestry on Monday, and bis Worship the Mayor (Mr W. H. Richards) presided instead. There was a very large attendance. BRIDGEND. The Easter vestry was held at St. Illtyd's, Newcastle, on Monday, under the presidency of the vicar, the Rev. David Davies. The vicar again nominated Mr Thomas Stockwood as his warden, and Mr T. Lloyd Edwards was re- appointed people's warden. The vicar stated that the last year was undoubtedly a red letter one in the history of the churob, as the restoration of the cbanoel had been carried through at an expenditure of about JB2,400, and a new organ had been erected, which had cost nearly JB400. A oordial vote of thanks was tendered to Mr T. Stockwood, who has for many years acted as warden, and taken great interest in tbe ohurcb The usual Easter Vestry was held at St. Mary's, Nolton, on Monday, the Rector (the Rev. F. W. Edmondes) presiding. Mr T. G. Smith was unanimously re-elected church- warden. The Rector made the gratifying state- ment that the whole of the debt on the church bad been paid off, and that j650 had been paid, and another £3 promised towards the building of the tower. ST MART'S, CARDIPP,—The annual vestry meeting in connection with St. Mary's parish was held on Tuesday afternoon at the Parochial Offices, St. Mary-street. The Rev. G. A. Jones (tbe vicar) presided, and there were also present the ReVs. H. A. Coe, J. W. Ward, and A. Chadwick; Messrs Edwin Dobbin and H. J. Thatcher (churchwardens), C. Jones, J. Hurman, and E. Howell (veskry clerk). The accounts having been submitted and adopted, the Chairma.n nominated Mr Edwin Dobbin as his warden, Mr Jones proposing the re-election of Mr H. J. Thatcher. Ibe proposals met with unani- mous acceptance.—Mr Dobbin proposed that the usual voluntary Church rate should bo l%d in the £ for the ensuing year, saying that it bad been necessary for their requirements in the past, and they might take it that it would be so in the future. This was seconded by Mr Thatcher and adopted, the latter gentleman at the same time taking the opportunity of thanking the meeting for re- electing him churchwarden. He said that the town was considering a scheme for taking over by the corporation the duties of overseers and uniting all tbe parishes into one. That would make a difference in the duties of churchwardens, perhaps, before another year was out, and he thought that there were one or two things to be cleared up. There was, for instance, the Old Cemetery. A sum of money wae in hand somewhere for putting the walls in repair, and he thougbb they should try to get it. The walls were in a dilapidated state, and he hoped that the money would be obtamed before then duties as regarded the ground ceased —Mi'Dobbin also spoke on the same question and Mr Howell, replying to a question, said that there was a sum of B40 in hand. It was decided to ask the churohwardens and Mr Howell to endeavour to obtain the money from the party who had it in hand to repair the walls. Mr Edwin Dobbin and Mr H. J. Thatcher made sympathetic references with regard to the ill-health of the vicar. Mr Dobbin remarked that there was a very strong feeling and anxiety on account of the vicar's health, the congregation thinking that it was due to him to take more rest, hoping at the same time that he would benefit by it. The Vicar thanked the gentlemen for the kindly remarks they had made, and said that the churchwardens aud many others who were not present had worked harmoniously to make their services interesting. The meeting then terminated. ST. ILLTYD'S (CARDIPP). The G. W. Hanford presided at the annual vestry of St. Illtyd's Church, Cathays. on Easter Monday evening. There was a good attendance. The aooounts for the year were presented by Messrs G. Fellows and Fred W. Brett, churchwardens, and were very satisfactory. Several parochial agencies had been assisted, and £10 given to the building fund of the sister Churoh of St. Teilo. It was now decided to give further help to the parochial clergy fund, there having been an addition to the clergy staff. Messrs Fellows and Brett were re-elected vicar's and people's wardens respectively; and Messrs Caple, Griffiths, Day, and James were appointed sidesmen. The organist, choir-trainer, and choir were thanked for then services, and a hearty welcome extended to the new curate, Rev. E. Blennerhassett. ST. TBILO'8 CHCBOH, CATHATB. — The annual vestry was held on Monday night, the Vicar (the Rev. G. W. Hanford) in the chair. The offer- tories for the year amounted to JB245 176 6%d. whilst the expenditure wail £248 odd, leaving £3 adverse balance. Mr E. Silcox was re-elected vioar's warden, and Mr H. Gillett people's warden. The following were appointed sides- men :—Messrs P. Deacon, B. Winfield, A. W. Spencer, Cadwallader, John Williams, and John Thomas. LLANDAPF.— In accordance with ancient custom, the vicar attended at the Cathedral on Monday to declare that Mr Evan Lewis had been nominated churchwarden by the parishioners, and that he had pleasure in re-appointing Dr. Arthur as vioar's warden. LLANISHEN,—The Easter vestry meeting was held in the sohoolroom on Monday. The church accounts, showing a satisfactory balance of £5 lis lid, were passed. Mr Fcancis Wride was I re-elected parish warden, and Mr W. Henry Lewis was appointed vicar's warden. The vicar (Rev. W. Dovey) thanked the churchwardens for their services during the past year, and also tendered his sincere thanks to the parishioners for their Easter offering. BRITON FERRY.—The annual vestry meeting was held on Monday morning, when the state- ment of accounts ww read and adopted. The following were appointed ohurchwardens :-St. Clement1. Mr M. G. Roberts and Mr George ScaJe St. Mary's, Mr W. P. Roberts and Mr W. Sallis St. John's, Mr T. Morgan and Mr T. Parker St. Thomas, Mr T. R. Benjamin and Mr J. Gower. NEWTON NOTTAGIC.—The above vestry was held at Newton on Mon/day evening, Rev. W. Jones. rector, presiding. Mr Thomas Wilson, Danylan, was re-appointed vicar's warden, and Mr William Elias, parish warden. The sidesmen re-appointed were Messrs Charles Rodman, W. D. Lodge, Fred, E. Vivian, and Eustace R. WiUiams. Porthcawl Church—Messrs George, Oliver, J. Brooke, Sheppard, Charles Dalby, Franois Rogers, and James Pearce (senior) were re- appointed sidesmen. BBDWAS. At the annual vestry, held on Monday, the, Rev. George Thomas, vicar, in the chair, Mr Rees Davies, Tygwyn, was re-appointed by the vicar as his churchwarden for the ensuing year, and Mr Wm. Haines was unanimously appointed parish warden. The following were appointed sidesmen—Mr Edward Lewis, Mr Edgar Harris. Mr Edgar Lewis, Mr David Hendy, aud Mr George Cofey. ST. MELLON'S.—At the annual vestry meeting on Monday, the old ohurchwardens—Mr George C. Williams, of Llanrummey Hal), and Mr Richard Allen, of Ty-to-maen—were re-eleoted. The following were elected sidesmen—Mr Porter, Mr Perry, Mr Wit mutt), and Mr Ft nek. PKNTTBCH PARISH.—The Rev. Heury Williams, tbe vicar, presided. Mr J. L. Wheatley (town clerk of Cardiff) was elected vicar's warden, and Mr David Evans, Cefncolstm, parishioners' warden. Six sidesmen were appomted. The churchwardens' account showed a balance in their favour of £4. A vote of welcome was passed to the new vicar on the motion of Mr Wheatley, The desirability of an improved heating apparatus was considered. ST. MAJWL'S CHURCH, GABALPA.—The Eastet vastry in connection with this chnroh was held on Monday, the Rev. John Davis presiding. Messrs W. Thomas, Oakridge, and J. H. Harding, of Monachty, were re-elected churchwardens, and Messrs W. J. Edgar Thomas and M. Purnell were chosen sidesmen. ST. MASK'S, NEWPORT.—The annual vestry meeting of St. Mark's parish was held at the schoolroom, Queen's-hill, on Tuesday evening. The vicar (Rev. T. L1. Lister) presided. The accounts showed that the offertories for the year at St. Mark's Church amounted to B348 1.5s 0%d, and at the Marshes-road Church to j663 16s 9d, showing a slight increase in each case. The total receipts for the curacy fund, including a grant of &00 from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, was jMll th 6d. Mr A. Mawsop, vicar's warden, retired after servinsrfor thtea fciste* nominated Mr W. Hitchcox in his stead, Mr R. T. Martin was re-appointed people's church- warden, and Alderman H. J. Parnall was elected lay elector for the parish. The sidesmen for both churches were appointed. There was a deficiency on the working of the Mission-house, and it was resolved to vote JB20 per year from tho general fund to that acoount.

ORDER OF GOOD TEMPLARS. The Grand Lodge of Good Templars held its second day's sitting of its annual session on Toes- day at the Guildhall, Cambridge, Grand Chief Templar Malins presiding. Dealing with the officers' reports, the Grand Lodge adopted that of the Grand Chief Templar, in the oourse of which a scheme was cordially agreed to for raising £ 2,000 by means of 8,000 5s shares, of which three-fourths were announced as subscribed before the sitting closed, to payoff debts on the Templar Office buildings at Birmingham, and the Templar Orphanage, Sunbury. The report of the Orphanage Committee was adopted, stating that six children had been admitted during the year, and 57 are now sheltered there. Telegraphic greeting were received from the Lodges of Ireland and Londonderry and reoipro- cated. A special resolution, proposed by Mr Edward Wood, J.P. (London), and the Rev. H. J. Boyd (Sheffield) heartily congratulated Grand Chief Templar Matins on the completion of 25 years' service in the chair of the Grand Lodge, and in the world-wide influence he has exerted on temperance reform. At an open sitting in the evening four important resolutions on politi- cal action were debated and unanimously passed. The first, moved by Brother Skinner (Grand Electoral Superintendent), rejoiced in the name of over 100.000 members, that the Government has introduced the Intoxicating Liquor Traffic Local Control Bill, heartily thanked the Chan- cellor of the Exchequer for his able and eloquent speech in its support, earnestly called upon the Government and members of Parliament to use all possible means to secure the passage of the Bill during the present Session, and upon all temperance, moral, and social reformers to support it, and adopted a petition to Parliament in favour of the Bill. The second resolution, moved by Mr Guy Hayler (Northumberland), reaffirmed with increasing emphasis the Grand Lodge poliey of supporting only Parliamentary candidates who will trust the electors with the power to veto the liquor traffic and to offer strenuous opposition to the return of liquor sellers. The third resolution, proposed by Councillor Vorley (Leicester), rejoiced at the election of 500 Good Templars upon the newly- formed parish and district councils and town and county councils and other bodies. The fourth resolution, moved by Grand Chief Templar Malins, regretted the efforts being made to municipalise the liquor traffic, deolanng such proposal pernicious in principle, and that it would be disastrous in its consequences, implicate the entire community in carrying on an essen- tially evil traffic, change a vulnerable private monopoly into a specially protected publio monopoly, and create a common financial interest in the perpetuation of the liquor traffic. On Wednesday, at Cambridge, the proceeding* of the Good Templar Grand Lodge began with an early morning breakfast, this being the sixteenth annual reunion of the Preston Club. consisting of those members of the Grand Lodge who were present at the Preston session in the year 1872 (the first great national gathering of the Order.) About 30 were present, and nearly all gave brief addresses, letters being read from many absent members. The Grand Lodge began the third day's sitting in the Guildhall, and telegraphed a cordial reply to the message received from the Grand Lodge of India, in session at Lucknow. The principal business of the day was the election of officers to constitute the Grand Lodge Executive for the year,and eight were chosen, leaving one election for completion on Thursday. Bro. Matins was unanimously re-elected Grand Chief Templar, for the 26th year in succession; Bro. Skinner (Kent) Grand Electoral Superintendent; Bro. Sutherland (Middlesex), Grand Secretary. After contests between several candidates for each post, Bro. Guy Hayler (North- umberland) was chosen Grand Counsellor; Sister Mrs Walker (Yorkshire), Grand Vice-Templar; Bro. Councillor Vorley (Leicestershire), Grand Superintendent of Juvenile Templars Bro. F. R. Harris (Cambridgeshire), Grand Treasurer and Bro. Rev. J. C. Reskelly (Gloucestershire), Grand Chaplain. The Grand Lodge con- tinued the discussion of officers' reports, and adopted the remaining sections of that of Mrø Browne (Grand Supt. of Juvenile Templars), which gave the total juvenile membership at 43,843, and of Grand Secretary Sutherland, showing the adult membership to be 55,316. The report of Grand Electoral Superintendent Skinner was also passed, in the course of which it was stated that over 500 Good Templars had been elected to Parish, District, Town, and County Councils, and members were urged to strenuous efforts in sypport of the Government Veto Bill, The report of the Executive Committee was also adopted, including resolutions passed by them deprecating discussion of proposals in the measure called the United Temperanoe Bill, as tending to indicate difference of opinion instead of that unity necessary to secure success of the Govern- ment measure, A concert was held at night in aid of the Templar Orphanape,

A CARDIFF CLUB CASE, Magisterial Proceedings. Thomas Crabb was summoned at Cardiff Police Court on Wednesday for unlawfully selling beer by retail at No 4, Stuart-street, contrary to sec- tion 3 of the Licensing Act of 1872. Mr W. H. Andrew (deputy town clerk) prose- cuted, and Mr George David defended. The 6rst witness called was P.C. Wheeler, who spoke to going to 4, Stuart-street on the 6th of April, and on entering the passage saw a doorkeeper. He then went into an. other room fitted as a bar. Crabb was behind the bar, and said that he was manager. Seven men were also there sitting down with "sleevers" of beer in front of thain. Each ot the men was asked by Detective Gretton if he could produce his card of membership, and they all replied that they were on the file. On going through the file witness found only five cards corresponding to the particulars given Gretton by the seven men. He seized four bottles of Irish whisky, four of Scotch, one bottle of gin, one bottle of port, one bottle of sherry, one jar containing brandy, ten and a half-dozen half- pint bottles of beer and stout, and four 18 gallon casks of beer full and three partly full. Witness described the rooms up and downstairs, and said that on the lower window outside were the words, Marine C!ub," painted in large letters. For the defence MrSGeorge David called tbe secretary of the club, David Shaw, who produced the certificate of incorporation of the company. His connection with the club dated from May last, when Jeffries, the secretary at that time, left. In consequence of the oonvic- tion of Crabb he summoned a special general meeting of shareholders of the company, and the club was reorganised. Until his appointment on the 6th of March the minute book had been neglected, and there was no record of the members having shares allotted to them whatever. At the special meeting Crtbb was appointed steward at a salary of 30s a week, he (wtneas) being eleoted at a salary of 15 s a week. The system adopted with reference to the money was that Crabb was to make entries of the receipts in what they called the till book and then hand it over to be placed in the bank. Crabb was authorised to make small payments for sundries, such as postages, &c., and that was all. He did not know if there was any agreement regarding the tenancy): the place. The landlord was Mr Thomas Williams, out be could not say where he lived. Crabb did not have the slightest interest in the club otherwise than as a member, neither did he. Witness was a travel!er in plated goods for Kendal and Dent, London, and was not connected with the liquor traffic. Thomas Crabb, the manager, was next called, and said that he had occupied the position since 1893. He did not know of any agreement regard- ing the tenancy of the premises. The rent he had been told was 25 P. month. He did not order liquors, andthe club, as far as he was concerned, was carriea on in the same way as it was before the reorganisation. He did not receive one penny piece profit out of the concern. He kept possession of the club from the time of his conviction until the 6th of March, but received no money for it. He was not master of the situation, and lived on his savings during the period the club was closed. This was the whole of the evidence tendered, and the Stipendiary, having con- sulted with Alderman Rees, said that the circumstances were to a high degree suspicious, and fully justified the course the police had taken in instituting the prosecution. On the other hand he did not think the evidence snfficiently strong to warrant a conviction, and therefore the summons would be dismissed.

A PROPOSAL. SHE I wouldn't marry the best man living ? HE NC—h—?r—perhaps not; but—ah—that is really no obstacle to your marrying me

ANÆMIA IS SIMPLY DKPLETKD BLOOD. If the blood is made rich and healthy by the aid ot pott's Emulsion ansetnia will be speedily cared. Scottrs Emulsion cures all blood diseases, such as, scrofula and atoeropttcHaa. Italwtcre^teahealthyflsshapdfgrea

{ Two children at Liverpool have died from jk effects of eating vermin polson.,L jr Mrs Lynn Linton never went to school t Ir f first book was written at the age of 24. ■ To the conquest of Central Africa by Fralrf L ( This is the latest thing in the way of toasts France. The death is recorded, at the age of 33, of Harry Pitt, assistant editor of the Bin/iimp* *t>og Daily Mail. *•« wi The Board of Trade has sanctioned the appS j^ tion of the cable-haulage system to the New tramways, with certain slight modifications. U&g The Ounard Royal Mail steamer Lu arrived at New York at 10.31 p.m. on Fri# j*foi the passage taking 5 days 18 hours 42 minutes. fPfttti The new torpedo boat destroyer Stu underwent her official speed trial on the Clyde: *4fn) Thursday, and attained a speed of 29% knots. Nh«; A Sioux City (Iowa) gambler, Jack Kerry, ran away from his home in Ireland 14 yd M ago, has inherited jB60,000 by the death õf fe&rra father. Mr A. J. Balfour and Sir Evelyn Wood b* accepted invitations to the annual dinner the Newspaper Society to be held in London' May 8th. »e h The late Mr R. L. Stevenson's executor is his way to England, and brings with him last works of the novelist, intending to a .1 for their publication. *&ect A veteran in the fruit business says at W 150,000 fruit trees will be planted in WaBtf Michigan this spring. A large percentage jfetcc! them will be peach trees. Jreau While a number of workmen were engaged 1 sewerage works at Melbourne the River burst through a tunnel which wa3 connected for J the works, and drowned six of tbe men. J hi th It is announced from Paris that tbe Allemaid Joru Committee for the organisation of a LaboJ demonstration on May Day has voted na*" mously in favour of the principle of a gen* strike. *t« „ The boring for coal which is taking place n* Bentlev, Suffolk, has now reached a depth of » feet. The lower chalk has been penetrated, *| IsLf the upper green sand formation is expected to' shortly reached. j* An English shipowner is about to proceed W a steamer to search the shores of the Straits J Gibraltar and the neighbouring coasts in ordef| try and discover the wreck of the lost craW th« Reina Regente. *<)<> Reporting on the "Oyster Scare," Dr. Thort Thorne says be cannot avoid the conviction tW shell-fish from Cleetborpes and Grimsby muat». some oases, remain under suspicion as ha*" *»f< contributed to the diffusion of disease. Twenty per cent, of the inmates of tbe S*jj Prison at Charles town, Massachusetts, are habitf> Uie opium-eaters, and the Governor says that it is tho I to impossible to prevent the smuggling of drug into the prison. gPj James MoBride, aged 50, who works iri*Jj Rl^ quarries at Sixteen Acres, Massachusetts, shot <" Did instantly killed Julia Rocbefort, aged 35, and tj>* j*!is fatally shot himself. Jealousy is supposed to h* been the cause of the crime. The cost of the recent prolonged frost to Birmingham Water Department in repair's roads and relaying mams will exceed £ 15,*Jic There were burst pipes in 176 roads. The to* number of burst pipes was 1,675. The Pans police have just arrested a bef named Remshager, who had obtained I sums of money from rich foreign residents it Paris by pretending to be deaf and dumb. a matter of fact he speaks five languages nuenMy A Massowah despatch says that the mhabitaof of Adowah having applied for Italian proMT tion. General Baratieri has been authorised provide for their defence by stationing a natif force among them, and utilising local reeourO^ for that purpose, It appeals from a Board of Trade return j0* issued showing the loss of life at sea that on11* 218,317 persons employed in British mercb*^ Sin ships m 1893 there were 1,792 who lost their 1''f by drowning or other accident. This give* Kail proportion of 0'82 per cent., or 1 in 122. At a meeting of the Tiverton Guardians i. L ^fei reported that a labourer's wife, named Tho ft°se had sold her son to some gipsies for 2s, that the father of the child, who was lying ro had acquiesced. The Guardians said the legal action they could take was to stop the door relief the family had been receiving. t'dc relieving officer said the boy went with the c willingly. J In comparing tbe register of magnetio turbatious at Washington from January to .YfJ 1892, with his observations of sun spots made*; j?** Catania, M. Ricco has found that m eleven turbations, seven are produced on the occasion?'. the passage of an important spot in the neif^ bourhood of the central meridian of the sun. The Brighton magistrates have again disf|| guisbed themselves by giving a man five d»ys J0n hard labour for being found sleeping in an if? pipe. These are the gentlemen whose mrfj terial zeal in sending a destitute woman to for being unable to pay a tine for not sending bjj child to school has just been so effectually damp" by Mr Asquith. The death is announced of Mrs F. A. Bridf' W who was well known as Miss Elizabeth Stirling! V>n a composer for the organ of some repute. í: |o was in her 76th year. Nearly 60 years ago 811 tbe played before a number of eminent experts fife: pedal fugues, three-pedal trios, and other coi^ positions. It is stated that she was one of tB* **« first organists in the Metropolis to play Bacb Wo pedal fugues. Va There is a little Imperial trouble brewing in Ttfc off Burmab, in fact, a similar trouble, and arisrtjj lit from a similar cause, to one in Africa. attempt to fix the boundaries of a Buff** State between French and English territory; ipt in Burmah is producing most uncomfortabl" Mi friotion amongst the members of the commissio** *»r and as a consequence it has been determined f < place a British garrison at Kengtung.. There is a likelihood of the Kildonan Gol" Mines in Sutherlandshire being fairly tried at early date. The County Council are advertisi'H • for 20 men with experience in gold-digging work claims during the months of June, Jul/. I August, and September. The Duke of Suthe^ £ land, on whose property the goldfields are, ? expected to go north at an early date to cotf^ ? plete the arrangements in connection with th* Council. J Some interest has recently been aioused the statement that an American writer bP sold a million copies of his books. But point of rapid sales France leaves EnglaOjj and America hopelessly behind. A very shoP time ago M. Georges Ohnet, the celebrated autbj of The Ironmaster," published a new w "The Lady in Grey." His publishers state tb*: t in a few weeks tho story has gone through 0* | editions. The reopening of the choir of Bristol O&thedr*^ j after a thorough restoration, is to be celebrate" by an octave of special services, beginning e4 ( Sunday, May 5th. The preachers are to be Arohbishop of Canterbury (on the afternoon tf, Monday, May 6th), the Bishops of Gloucesf 1 and Bristol and Derby, the Deans of GlouoestØ Worcester, and Bristol, Archdeacon Sinclair t Canons Body. Jacob, and Barnett, and the Re*' i J. C. Welldon. The Iltlh and 13th Bengal Lancers, who h»*' distinguished themselves in the Chitral advao^ for dash and spirit, are the crack regiments °! Bengal. The former has for honorary colon0 the Prince of Wales, and the latter are called thE Duke of Connaught's Own" because the Du^' is their honorary colonel. Another regimen^ says the Pall Mall Gazette, that has distinguisbfIV itself is that of the Guides, and of this also th* Prince of Wales is honorary colonel. The Law Journal refuses to credit the stoff that Sir Edward Clarke has offered co defend 14' Otfoar Wilde at the Old Bailey without a fee. JG is clearly, it says, contrary to the etiquette of tb* Bar for counsel to defend any prisoner for than the minimum sum recognised by old' established usage, except by request of tb* presiding Judge. Nor does it find Mr Oso»f Wilde's a case in which a nominal fee could properly be accepted. Messrs Geo. Edward and Sons, Baohanall" street, Glasgow, have received instructions froØ the Marquis of Bute to make and fit up in 1111' tower of Mount Stuart House, a quarter chimin# clock, to chime the Westminster chimes on fouc t', bells, and strike the hours on a larger bell—fl** bells in all, weighing about 30 cwt.—with t"o illuminated dials, each about seven feet diameter! oast iron skeletou frames, glazed with white op*' glass, and black chapters and minutes. An old agricultural labourer named Georff* Pettit has met with a fearful death at WollastoBj near Wellingborough. When harrowing a field be seems to have got in a ditch under a hedge tø order to light his pipe. In striking the match h* ignited the dry grass, which immediately enveloped him in flames. Being unable to g" out of the ditch he was burned to death. Bit clothes were completely destroyed, his body.. charred and blackened all over, and the hedff* was consumed for a distance of 30 yards. On Friday a case of some topical interest carne before the Eighth Correctional Tribunal in Paris. Mr Robert Sherard had entered an action fot criminal libel against Mr MfUMrthy, of the British Consulate in Paris, who it is alleged on sundry publio occasions accused the plaintiff of being not only an associate of the prisoner Oscar Wilde, but guilty of offences with which the latter stands charged. The court and precincts were crowded with English residents in Paris, the witnesses on both sides being numerous. Though as full of resolution and aa great glutton for work as ever, Sir John Millais bat greatly, almost startlingly, aged in outward appearance of late. The influenza marked hiin for its own, and played havoc for a long while with the great artist. His hair is no* silver white. Sir John loves to smoke a clay pipe when he is at work, and can scarcely lay it aside when his studio is thronged with visitors. Bfi* I brother is a water-colour painter, and one of hi! Mons great on dogs and dog shows. That such men as Mr Hyndman, the leader of the Social Democratic Federation, and Mr Xeii Hardie, M.P., the leader of the Independent Labour party, HbouM essentially disagree up Ii" the iiiutual pulverising point might be expected from the character of the men and from tbe teachings of experience. Mr Hyndman say" that Mr Hardie, in his evidence before the Select Committee on the Unemployed, made himself a world.wide laughing stock. It is likely enoogb that Mr Hardie may reciprocate the oomplimen* with interest.