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Neci Wreichion Oddiar yr Eingion
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Neci Wreichion Oddiar yr Eingion By CADRAWD. Y FOR-FORWYN (MERMAID). Wirt Sikes, in his "British Goblins," says that the only reference to the Welsh mermaids Jie had ever read or heard of, is contained in Drayton's account of the Battle of Agincoort. There it is mentioned among the armorial enaignsof the Counties of Wales As Cardigan, the-next to them that went, Caine with amezmaidsittingon a-rock." Sir John Rees, of Oxford, has not been more successful in discovering the tale of Craig y Forwyn," which I take to be in his native county of Ceredigion. He haa found in the Brython," Vol. IV., that the people of Nevyn, in Lleyn, claim the story of the fisher and the mermaid as belonging to them. To this he adds the fact mentioned in the Bry- thon, Vol III., p. 133, that a red mermaid with yellow hair, on a white field, figures in the coat of arms of the family of Glasfryn, in the parish of Llangybi, inrEifionydd. Then he discovers that a correspondent from Dowlais contributes a batch of stories about South Wales mermaids to the Brython," Vol. IV., p. 310, which were known in Pembrokeshire these he gives in his Celtic Folk Lore," Vol. I., p. 165. These are known as the Mermaids of Trevine and Llanwnda." Looking over my collection of folk lore, I came across the story of the Mermaid Rock," put into rhyme by Miss M. Davies, a native of Cardigan, who at that time was at Llanover, which she dedicated to Miss Myfanwy Pryse, daughter of the Rev. and Mrs J. Pryse, of Llanover, a translation of which by the late Nathan Dyfed may be seen in the Frythones for 1892. with a striking illus- tration. Following is the nursery rhyme of Mermaid Rock. It happened once when upon a time A mermaid fair to a rock did climb, Down on the Cardigan rocky coast, County of which all Cambria may boast; She leisurely sat in solitude there With glass in hand to comb her blonde hair. But the while she sat to deck her form, Discovered a certain sign of storm, So instantly rose and stood erect, Found the signal to be too correct; To lose not a twinkle to reach her home, Wrapped up her mirror, her brush and comb. ghe longed to ride on the rolling deep, Heartrending quite did she wail and weep For distant now were the waves from land- They had long withdrawn; she waved her hand, Hailed a fisherman to come to her side I To carry her to the ocean wide. The fisherman, as he was summoned there, Bowed to the lady with golden hair Quite mute he stood, with amazing face, For never before did one of her race Acquaint with him on his travels lone, He turned deathly pale and cold as stone. Rare sea-flower crown arrayed her head, Perfect model of the life she led Down in the regions of the deep blue sea, And a silken seaweed frail had she Her hair a cloak or necklet of pearls Which would be envied by wives of earls. Friend," said the lady of strange romance, I skip on the billow, on the wave I dance; I live in the castles beneath the sea, And all my friends are as fair as me; Fear not, good man. I will hurt thee not, Such is thy star, and blessed thy lot." Thy name is Phillip, I've known thee long, Oft have I heard thee humming a song— Song of the mermaid, which thou ne er bad at seen, This morn Itecame true—Fm called Kathleen Honoured thou art this eventful day, To have seen a mermaid and how we array." I will promise thee a prize in gold, And marvellous tales I will unfold, Where we have here together trod, Thou wilt find great wealth beneath this clod Should'st thou but carry me to the waves, I humbly implore—my life do save." The fisherman thus great pity took, He left aside both his net and hook, So gently he the fair mermaid bore, And lightly he trod the sea-beat shore, Till to the billow his burden flung, With wondrous strains of sweet music song The honest fisherman day by day Went up to the rock as she did say He daily found his own treasured prize, He lived in great mansions rich and wise Throngs from afar and near now flock To see the wonderful Mermsaid Rock. M.D. The Rhianod y Llyn," or the Welsh dames who dwell in our lakes, have no resemblance to the English mermaid, beyond that they live in watery abode. The legend of Llyn y Forwyn (the Damsel's Pool), in the parish of Ystrad Tyfodwg, also known as Llyn Nelferch, or Elferch, is a fair sample of the Welsh legends concerning these elfin dames. Amongst almost every other nation we have the superstitious belief in mermaids and mermen, dating fom a very remote period. In the excavations of Khorsabad, Botta found a figure of Oannes, a creature half a man and half a fish, identical with Dagon, who came out of that part of the Erythraeum. sea, which bordered on Babilon. At Nimroud a gigantic image was found by Layard, representing the head of a fish, the lower part that of a man. On the coins of Ascalon is figured a goddess, above whose head is a half-moon, and at her feet a woman with her lower extremities like a fish. The Tritons and the Syreus are represented as half fish and half human. Originally, the Syrens were winged, but after the fable had been accepted, which told of their strife with the muses, and their precipitation into the sea, they were figured like mermaids. An Eastern traveller, as far back as the 14th century, writes of the perils of the voyage :—" We came to the smoky and stony mountain, where we heard Syrens singing, proprie mermaids, who draw ships into danger by their songs, we saw there mauy horrible monsters, and were in great fear." Mermaid tales exists among Celtic populations, indicating these water nymphs as having been originally dei- ties of those people. As far back as the 12tgcentary we have a description of a mermaid in an ancient Icelandic work, which is described as a woman as far down as her waist, with breastsand bosom like a woman, long hands, and soft bair, the neck and head in all respects like a human being. in this country we read that a merman was taken in 1187 off the coast of Suffolk. It closely resembled a man, but was not gifted with speech, and one day when it had the opportunity to escape it fled to the sea, plunged in, and was never afterwards seen. In all the northern countries stories relating to mermen and mermaids are singularly pro- lific. One common in Sweden tells how one night, as some fishermen from the farm of Ken- nare slept in their wooden huts, the door opened gently, and those who were awakened saw a woman's hand, nothing more. They watched the next evening, and seized it. and the person who took hold of the hand was drawn through the door and disappeared. Years afterwards his wife re-married, when the man turned up again, and related how the mermaid had drawn him into the sea, and how he had lived with her under the water ever since until one day she said, To-night they dance at Kennare." Then he thought his wife must be married, and the mermaid, telling him that it was so, added Go and see your wife in her bridal wreath, but enter not beneath the roof." He went ashore, and stood some time looking at the festival, but coult not help himself from entering. Thas night the roof of the farm buildings was carried off, and in three days afterwards the fwhernitu died.
JUVENILE VICTIMS.
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JUVENILE VICTIMS. Lost in a Sewer. While playing with some companions of about his own age on Saturday afternoon on the northern outfall main drainage sewer em- bankment, near Beckton gasworks, Horace Cheeseman, aged 10, of Gooseley-lane, East Ham, fell down a manhole, and was carried away by the rush of the sewage. Search was made; for the body all day on Sunday, but it may not be recovered for several days. Fall from High Cliff. Leaving home at Seaham Harbour early on Sunday morning Nathaniel Copeland (9) went with his younger brother and another boy to gather flowers on the banks above the cliffs. While doing so he slipped, and, falling over the edge, he was killed on the rocks 100ft. below.
CAUGHT ROASTING IT.
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CAUGHT ROASTING IT. A Gilfach Goch Hen Story. Louisa Harries, Gilfach Goch,was on Monday at Ystrad charged with stealing a fowl, the pro- perty of W. Evans, of the Glamorgan Hotel. Just as defendant was roasting it for her Sun- day dinner P.S. George entered the house, and failing to get a satisfactory answer as to where it had been obtained, he took possession of the bird. Subsequently Mrs Harries confessed her guilt and said she had caught the hen whilst it was running about ao the back. A fine of 15s was imposed, and P.S. George left the court with the partially cooked bird, no order being made as to its possession.
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The body of Lewis Joseph (55). unmarried, Barracks-row, Penywern, was discovered on Monday in the Blaen Morlais pond, Dowlais, by Thomas Clark, of Upper-row, Penywern. The deceased had not enjoyed the best of health for some time, and failed to work. At 11 o'clock on Sunday morning he left the house to go for a walk, and was not afterwards seen aJive.
ABERSYCHAN MURDER .
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ABERSYCHAN MURDER Execution of Edmunds. COWED AT SIGHT OF GALLOWS. The drowsy little town of UsknestIing amidst some of the most picturesque scenery in Mon- mouthshire, was thronged with colliers at an early hour on Saturday. They had cycled over from Abersychan and district and assembled outside Usk Gaol waiting for eight o'clock, the time when John Edmunds, the young Garndiffaith collier, would be executed for the murder of the lonely, defencelesss widow Harris, at Garnwen, near Abersychan. The Garnwen crime was callous and inexplic- able-callous and inexplicable also was the conduct of John Edmunds in Usk Gaol. He maintained his nonchalant demeanour while. on the scaffold, and went to his doom without having confessed his crime. He scorned almost up to the last the spiri- tual ministrations of the prison chaplain, and when the crowd outside the gaol on Saturday morning received official notice that the young collier had expiated his crime, only one sentiment was expressed—that justice had been done, although expressions of sympathy were heard on every side for the aged father and mother. Representatives of the Press were not ad- mitted to the prison, but sufficient reliable information was soon obtained indicating that the executioners- Pierpont and Ellis— had carried out their grim work with dispatch and skill, and that the general arrangements, as supervised by the Under-Sheriff (Mr John Moxon, Newport) and the Governor of the Gaol (Mr J. W. Thorp) went off without a hitch. Edmunds smoked cigarettes all day on Fri- day and chatted lightly with the two warders who had him in charge. He retired about 8 o'clock, and passed a restful night, but it is said that shortly before daybreak he uttered a scream of terror in his sleep, and appeared to tear at something about his neck. He was aroused just before 6 o'clock,and with calm de- liberation put on the clothes he wore at the trial. He ate a hearty breakfast of bread and butter and tea, and then smoked a cigarette. His demeanour was unconcerned, and quite in keeping with the amazing stories heard at Usk as to his conduct while in gaol. He had scorn- fully rejected up to Thursday the spiritual ministrations offered him, and every credence is given to the story of his threat that if any more Bibles were taken to him he would throw them at the chaplain. JOHN EDMUNDS. I Momentary Collapse. Between 6 and 6-30 on Saturday morning the Rev. Wm. Jones, Llansoy, the prison chaplain, who had been in constant: attendance on Ed- munds, was admitted to the gaol, and after a brief consultation with the Governor, Mr J. W. Thorp, he went direct to the condemned cell. The felon received his spiritual advice with a faint smile and a nod. The clergyman prayed; he entreated Edmunds to remember 'that his last moments on earth were fleeting away, andbesoughthim to make his peace with his Maker. A few minutes before 8 o'clock the execu- tioners, who arrived at the prison from Brad- fohion Friday, interrupted the ministrations of the chaplain. Edmunds paled, his face twitched in terror as he divined the mission of these silent, austere, swift-moving men. He made a movement which drew the warders to him, but before he could develop whatever he intended to do Pierpont had gripped and pinioned his wrists behind him and it is said that then, for thefirst time, Edmunds's bravado.,callousness.or indifference left him. Fear seized him. He mut- tered some inaudible appeal, and when, a second or so later, the Under-sheriff (Mr John Moxon) and the governor of the gaol appeared at the door of the cell the culprit was in a state of collapse. He soon, however, recovered, and, it is said, smiled defiantly at those about him. Moaned on Scaffold. When Edmunds emerged from the cell, he was the centre of a small procession which, headed by the two warders, moved across the yard to the scaffold, which was erected within about three feet of the Governor's office. The walk to the scaffold was short. As he! reached the spot Edmunds shivered and moaned, and would have collapsed but for the warders. But he again regained his composure. Pierpont swiftly placed him in position, Ellis also swiftly pinioned the doomed man's legs. Pierpont adjusted the leather noose about his neck and whipped out a white cap, and the next second Edmunds had passed into eternity. With the posting up of the official notice announcing that the dread penalty had been effected, the crowd of colliers mounted their bicycles and rode away. The grim ceremony from first to last took less than a minute. The condemned man made no confession. At the inquest, held by Mr B. H. Deakin, the usual verdict was formally returned.
AN OLD IVORITE AT ABERDARE.
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AN OLD IVORITE AT ABERDARE. On Monday evening a number of the leading townsmen and members of the various Friendly Societies in Aberdare and district met at the Assembly Rooms, Boot Hotel, to present the veteran Ivorite, Mr D. Richard Lewis, of Wind- street, Aberdare, with a testimonial to mark the respect felt for him and in recognition of the services he has rendered for the past 50 years as the leader in the work of practical philanthropy, having been for over 22 years district secretary of the Aberdare district of True Ivorites, and for many years member of the executive of the Unity, and having also been actively engaged as officer and member of other Friendly Societies in the district. The chair was occupied by Mr Evan Owen, J.P.. who paid a high tribute to the work done by Mr Lewis on behalf of local Friendly Socie- ties, having had the pleasure of co-operating with Mr Lewis for many years in the work, as well as in connection with the Miners' Per- manent Fund. (Hear, hear.) Mr Lewis had also worked hard for the religious, moral, and intellectual advancement of his fellow country- men, and to further the welfare of the working classes. (Hear, hear.) Eos Dar (the secretary) read a letter from Sir W. T. Lewis, Bart., K.C.V.O., in which the writer said I am only able to repeat what I stated at our meeting preparatory to inviting contribution towards the testimonial, viz., that having had the pleasure of D. R. Lewis's acquaintance and, I may I say, friendship during many years, which have proved to me that he is a faithful, honest, and trustworthy citizen, anxious to co-operate in all good works for the benefit of his fellow countrymen-it afforded me much pleasure to take part with you and other friends in giving some practical indi- cation of our admiration and approval of the manner in which he has performed his duty during his long and" arduous life. Please convey these few words in your best Welsh to the friends present, and express my great regret that I shall not have the pleasure to listen to you and others, who are in accord with my sentiments." The treasurer (County Councillor David Hughes) having spoken, addresses followed by Messrs A. P. Jones, W. Thomas (High Con- stable), David Thomas, and John Williams. The presentation was then formally made by the chairman. Mr D. R. Lewis, who spoke with much feeling, briefly returned thanks.
KENSITITES AT CARDIFF.
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KENSITITES AT CARDIFF. Harmonious Meeting. The Wickliffe preachers had a meeting after their own heart in Cathays Park on Monday' evening, and although there was plenty of opposition it was of an orderly nature. Mr H. H. Martin, the organising secretary, and Mr Ferguson were the speakers, and it was not until the close of their speeches that the oppo- sition made itself felt. Then there was a perfect rain of questions. These came after speeches of protest had been made against the Church of England being Romanised. There were appa- rently a good many Roman Catholics in the crowd, including a fair smattering of active ladies, and they took objection to certain statements alleged to have been made by the Kensitites against their Church. There were also numerous questions regarding the mission, but, though some beat was occasionally dis- played, everything went off amicably, and the preachers were able to leave without any hostile demonstration.
[No title]
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Miss Clarice Duckham, daughter of Mr and Mrs Henry Duckham, of Newport, narrowly escaped being burned to death during the week end. Mips Duckham, with a friend, bad driven to the Newport Lighthouse in-her pony and trap for a picnic, and took charge of the prepara- tions for tea. While lighting a fire her dress, which was of light material, became ignited, and in a moment she was enveloped in flames, most of her clothing being burnt off. Her friend with great promptitude rushed her into the sea. and so extinguished the smouldring gar- ments. On Monday Miss Duckham was re- ported to be progressing very sf tisfactorily.
IThe Frowning Portals of Usk…
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I The Frowning Portals of Usk Prison. The crowd dispersing after the execution of the Aberyschan murderer, John Edmunds, on Saturday morning. (Copyright by Phil. T. Clift, Usk.) —an—» Cardiff Pastor's Twenty-fifth Anniversary. The Rev. JOHN WILLIAMSON, MA., of Charles-street Congregational Church, and the late Mrs WILLIAMSON.—(Photo by Eustace H. Simon, Cardiff.) Boy Carpenter and His Work. Our picture shows one of the lads who, at the Truant School at Quakers' Yard, are taught how to earn their own living. This particular lad has shown a marked taste for carpentry, and some of the results of his industry are shown beside him. THE NEW JOHN CORY INSTITUTE AT CARDIFF. < The building in Wellington-street, Canton, opened on Saturday. II • OPENING OF THE PUBLIC HALL & INSTITUTE AT GARNDIFFAITH. (Architect, W. Beddoe Rees, Cardiff.)
i*—* STRIKE OF GRAVEDIGGERS.
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—* STRIKE OF GRAVEDIGGERS. The town of Meaux, in France, is suffering from a strike of grave-diggers. The lady who holds the office of gate-keeper at the cemetery was the first to set the example by locking up the cemetery and handing in the keys to the I town hall. Her lead has now been followed by the gravediggers.
PEER WITH MEASLES.j
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PEER WITH MEASLES. j At the Hogarth Fair at University College on Saturday Professor Miers announced that a telegram had been received from the Earl of Lonsdale regretting his inability to be present owing to an attack of measles.
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The Neath Tennis Pavilion at the Gnoll was forcibly entered during the week-end, and a number of balls and wearing apparel are missing.
-----------:-TWO KILLED BY…
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TWO KILLED BY BIG WAVE. The Greenock ship Edenmore, 1,726 tons, from Talcahuana, arrived at Queenstown on Monday and reported terrific weather off Cape Horn. A gigantic sea broke over the ship and washed the captain from the chart room to the cabin, killing him instantly. A seaman, named Atkinson, was washed overboard by the same wave and drowned. The ship sustained great damage, the steering wheel, the binnacle, and chart house being all washed away and de- molished.
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The premises of W. Bracher and Co., leather merchants, the Hayes, Cardiff, were forcibly entered on Sunday, and 17s was extracted from a cash register. Several letters were opened, but curiously enough the postal orders contained in a few of them were left behind, as was also a parcel of leather goods which the thieves had packed up. Entrance appears to have been effected through the back window. 9
Yachting Fatality. .
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Yachting Fatality. CARDIFF BANK CLERK DROWNED. A distressing accident marred what would have been an enjoyable yachting trip of five young Cardiff gentlemen on Saturday evening. Abofit 5 o'clock Messrs David Lewis Jenkins, William Glyn Griffiths, Thomas Jones (bank clerks), and Joseph and John Ford, all living in Windsor-esplanade, went out for a sail to the Flat Holm in a yacht belonging to the Fords. Their outward journey went off all right, but when they were returning they experienced some difficulty with the wind. They managed, however, to get as far as Lavernock Point, and then they discovered that owing to the lack of wind it would be impossible to get to Cardiff that night. They, therefore, turned the yacht in order that it might drift with the tide towards Barry. During the turning, how- ever, one of their number, Thomas Jones, was struck by the main sail, which, owing to the calm, was swinging, and was knocked over- board. His companions did their best to save him. but the current at the point was too strong, and he soon drifted out of their reach, and was lost. Had there been any chance of saving him this would have been done, for there were expert swimmers on board the boat. Mr John Ford, who has saved more than one life by his heroism and excellent swimming, and about whose courage an article appeared in this paper the other day, would no doubt I The late Mr THOMAS JONES. (Photo by Dura, Cardiff.) have jumped into the water after his com- panion had he not Seen that the current was too strong for any swimmer. Mr Jenkins even went so far as to try and jump after his friend, but was prevented. The yacht cruised about for some time, however, in the hope that some- thing might be seen of the unfortunate man. Up to the present, however, his body has not been recovered. Mr Jones, who was 22 years of age, was the Son of Mr John Jones, J.P., gentleman fanner of Cwmere, Felinfach, between Aberayron and Lampeter, Cardiganshire. He was educated at Aberayron County School, and came to Cardiff from the Lampeter branch of the bank about four years aero. The yacht, which is the property of Mr John Ford, boat builder and repairer of 2, Windsor- esplanade, is built for cruising purposes. It is 38 feet in length and 10 feet beam. It has a covered deck, except for a fairly large cock pit. The deceased gentleman, it is stated, was warned not to leave the cock pit, but unknown to the others he got on the deck, a;nd when the sail swung was knocked overboard. Mr Joseph Ford, eldest son of the owner, was in charge of the boat. One of the occupants of the boat, Mr Jen- kins, who was much affected by the affair, gave a graphic account of the accident to one of our representatives. He said :—" We started from Cardiff at 5 o'clock for the Flat Holm and got there all right. In fact we landed, and were thexe abouta-n hour, and went to the lighthouse. We started from there about 8.35 p.m., intend- ing to come home to Cardiff, but the wind had died away, and, with the tide against us, we were carried towards Lavernock. The sails were no good to us, and he (Mr Jones) was helping to take down one of them. They had got it down, and Tommy and Mr Griffiths were taking it down below. Mr Jones was standing on the deck when the wind caught the main sail, and the boom hit him and knocked him over. He immediately sank into the water, and when he appeared first he was about 50 yards away, calling for help, but there was no chance of saving him. We got back to Barry about 11 o'clock on Saturday."
GOLF ON PORTHCAWL COMMON
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GOLF ON PORTHCAWL COMMON A meeting of the Porthcawl District Council was held on Monday night, Mr J. L. Lambert, J.P.. presiding. The Couhcil re-considered an application from Mr T. P. Higginson for the right of giving orchestral perform- ances on the Esplanade and greens, which they decided to grant subject to the payment of a nominal charge of 5s. A letter was read from Mrs Mary H. Gordon, the lady of the manor, stating that she was glad to find that the Council proposed to prohibit golf- playing on the Locks Common on Sun- days and to restrict it on other days. She intimated that she would be pleased to give any support to the Council should any difficulty arise. A communication was re- ceived from Mr H. E. Morley, secretary of the Chamber of Trade, conveying a resolution passed by that body endorsing the Council's action in regard to the common. The Chamber of Trade also made a recommendation that the Council should apply to the lady of the manor to throw open to the public the Wilderness." This matter was referred to a committee.
NOT DUE TO ACCIDENT.
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NOT DUE TO ACCIDENT. The death of Bernhard Gundersen (45), who lived at 17, Holmesdale-street, Grangetown, was inquired into on Monday by the Cardiff Deputy Coroner (Mr F. H. Jones). The deceased, who was employed at the Bute Dry Dock, met with an accident on April 3rd while engaged taking a propeller off the shaft. Dr. J. Wallace, the Infirmary resident medical officer, said that Gundersen died on Friday. The post-mortem showed no evidence of injury to the head or fracture of the ribs. The cause of death was primarily a cancerous ulcer on the stomach. The accident on April 3rd had nothing to do with it. A verdict of Natural causes was returned.
KING AND CARDIFF HEROES.
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KING AND CARDIFF HEROES. Messrs W. and C. T. Jones, shipowners, Car- diff, on Saturday received a letter from the Home Office, stating that the presentation by the King of medals to V. Reed, second mate, and J. Smith, seaman, for their heroism at Messina while servifigon board the ss. Afonwen during the calamitous earthquake will take place at Buckingham Palace at 11.30 on July 22nd. Smith left Cardiff on the ss. Castle Eden last Saturday for Lisbon, where the vessel will load iron ore for the States, and he will therefore be unable to attend Buckingham Palace. Reed. however, is now at Cardiff studying for his master's ticket, and will pro- ceed to london-
MOTHER PAYS.
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MOTHER PAYS. At Manchester Assizes on Saturday in a breach of promise action, Sheffield v. Coine, defendant's counsel announced that defendant had thought it right to make the substantial payment of fl-,225 and to express openly that the change in feeling was in no way attributable to any act or word on the part of the girl. He hoped her life would be a happy one in the future. Mr Tobin added that the boy's mother had found the money.
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A curious incident was witnessed in Windsor- place, Cardiff, on Saturday afternoon. A swarm of bees was flitting about QuSen-street, and eventually settled down in a tree at Windsor- place. Here they were discovered by a window- cleaner, William Beynon, Bridge-street, who promptly got the assistance of Mr James Boyce, Queen's Head Hotel, Bridge-street, a well-known local beekeeper. The pair took I with them a long ladder and a large beahive, and smartly hived the whole of the bees, but not before both men had been rather badly stung. l not before both men had been rather badly stung. <
Sir Arthur Stepney. .
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Sir Arthur Stepney. TRAGIC FATE IN AMERICA. IDENTIFICATIOITBY DOCUMENTS. Llanelly Baronet's Career. News of the tragic death reached Llanelly on Saturday of Sir Arthur Cowell-Stepney, a gentleman with documents bearing that name having been found dead at Yuma Railway Station, Arizona, U.S.A. Identification was established by means of papers in the deceased gentleman's pockets bearing the name of Arthur Cowell-Stepney, and little doubt is felt that the body is that of the well-known Car- marthenshire baronet, for of late years Sir Aathur had spent most of his time in America, having renounced his British citizenship. A Reuter's telegram from New York states that Sir Arthur wa3 well-known to the British Vice-Consul at Los Angelos, and the latter states that the baronet often visited him on business matters, but he had received no news of him since he left Los Angelos six months ago. New York, Suuday.-A despatch from Yuma, Arizona, states that at an inquest held there yesterday, on the body of the English baronet, Sir Arthur Keppel Cowell-Stepney, who died suddenly at Yuma Station, on the Southern Pacific Railway, a verdict of death from heart failure caused by intense heat was returned.— Central News. A further Renter's telegram from Yuma, Arizona, states that the evidence at the in- quest on the body of the gentleman supposed to be that of Sir Arthur Cowell-Stepney, showed that deceased had suffered greatly from heat after his arrival here, and that this, coupled with heart weakness, was the cause of his sud- den death. He had taken out American citizen- ship papers at Los Angelos in 1906. He was an etomologist and was coming to the desert this season to increase his collection of beetles. No replies have yet been received to the tele- grams sent to the London solicitors yesterday. Pending an answer the body will be held by the local undertakers. The late Sir ARTHUR COWELL-STEPNEY. (Photo by McLucas, Lianelly.) Biographical Sketch. Sir Emile Algernon Arthur Keppel Cowell- Stepney, Bart., was the youngest son of the late Sir John Stepney, who was better known as Lieutenant-Colonel Cowell Stepney, of the Coldstream Guards, who greatly distinguished himself in the Penin- lar War. The Stepneys have been associated with Llanelly since the early part of the eigh- teenth century, and their record provides fas- cinating reading. Sir John Stepney's father was known as Colonel Cowell, but by Royal licence he assumed the additional surname and arms of Stepney under the provision of a settlement of the Stepney estates. Sir John Stepney married first, on the 5th day of July, 1820, Mary Ann, daughter of the Hon. Robert Annesley, second son of Richard, second Earl of Annesley, and secondly, on the 19th of November, 1823, Eupbemia-Jemima, daughter of General John Murray, of Castle Murray, Ireland. Sir Arthur Stepney was the second son by the second marriage, and was born on 26th December, 1834. His brother, James Charles Murray Cowell, fell at the battle of Inkerman while leading a part of his own regi- ment against the Russian columns.* He lies buried on Cathcart Hill, near Sebastopol, in a grave with seven of his brother officers of the Coldstreams who all fell on the same day. The Crimea medal with three clasps to commemorate his services and presence at the first bombard- ment of Sebastopol, for the battle of Balaclava, and the final victory of Inkerman, was sent to his father and family. A cenotaph was raised in St. Paul's Cathedral by the relatives of those of the Coldstream Guards who fell in that great battle. Colonel Stepney erected to the memory of his gallant son in the church of Llanelly a cenotaph in bronze, by Marochetti, a facsimile of that i^ marble in St. Paul's Cathe- dral. Sir Arthur was connected with the Foreign Office for 20 years. He was a deputy lieuten- ant of the county of Carmarthen, and high sheriff of the county in 1884. He was a great benefactor of the LlaneUy Mechanics' Institute and the free library which has superseded it, presenting many hundreds of volumes which he personally selected with great taste. Sir Arthur was married in 1875 to the Hon. Margaret Warren, fourth daughter of George Lord de Tabley. He has one daughter, who will inherit the entailed property. Of ancient origin the Stepneys had long been a family of considerable influence when John Stepney, of Pr-endergast, Pembrokeshire, was created a baronet in 1621, 10 years after the in- stitution of that distinguished Order in England by James 1. Two of the sons of the first baronet succeeded in turn to the title and, both dying without issue, the title devolved upon their nephew, the eldest son of Thomas Stepney by his marriage with Priscilla, second daughter of Sir Henry Jones, Bart. Sir John Stepney, fourth baronet, was married to Justina Maria Anne. daughter and sole heiress of Sir Anthony Vandyke, whose wife was a grand daughter of William Ruthven, Earl of Gowrie and Lord Ruthven, who was beheaded at Stirling in 1584. Lady Vandyke is believed to have been eventually the only descendant of her grandfather and to have carried the repre- sentation of the Ruthven family into that of Stepney. By marriage Sir Thomas Stepney, fifth baronet, who succeeded his father in 1761, allied his house tp-that of another ancient » famous W elshfamtly, the Vaughans,who were descended from all the ancient chieftains and princes of Wales, and who likewise derived descent from the Royal house of Plantagenet. His wife, Margaret, was daughter and co-heiress of John Vaughan, of Llanelly, and brought the Llanelly estate to the Stepneys. The succession con- tinued in the male line until the baronetcy be- came extinct on the death of the ninth baronet in 1825. Sir John Stepney, eighth baronet, was member of Parliament for Monmouth. and for some years Envoy at the Courts of Dresden and Berlin. Dying in 1811, he was succeeded by his brother Thomas, who died without issue in 1825. Lady Catherine Stepney, wife of the ninth baronet, and daughter of Thomas Pollock, LL.D., was a leader in literary and artistic circles. She died in 1845. It was in 1871 that a baronetcy was again conferred upon a member of the house of Stepney-a direct descendant of Sir Thomas Stepney, seventh baronet of the former creation, who married Elizabeth, only child and heiress of, Mr Thomas Lloyd, of Dan-yr-allt, Carmarthenshire. Dying in 1772 his two sons successively held the titles. Justina Maria, his younger daughter, had an only daughter by her first marriage. She married, secondly, in 1788, General Andrew Cowell, of Coleshill, Berks, at one time lieu- tenant-colonel of the Coldstream Guards, who commanded the Brigade of Guards in the Irish rebellion. Their eldest son, born ip 1791, was created a baronet in 1871. By Royal licence in 1857 he had taken for himself and issue the surname of Stepney after that of Cowell, and the arms of Stepney quarterly with those of Cowell.
I SWANSEA LIBERALS ATTACKED
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SWANSEA LIBERALS ATTACKED Speech by Labour Candidate. Alderman David Williams, of Swansea, the prospective Labour candidate for the Town Division, on Sunday again addressed a meeting of Socialists on the sands. Unemployment, he said, was a menace and danger to the employed workman, and the duty of working men and Trade Unionists was to make it as difficult as possible to fill their places in the event of a strike. At present there was a strike of plas- terers in the town against, he said, the most prominent Liberals in the town,who had put in police protection to defeat the objects the plasterers had in view. When there was a strike there were no Liberals or Conservatives. They were all capitalists. He asked the work- ing men when the proper time came to forget they were Liberals and Tories, but working men, and to remember it was to their interest and advantage to have to represent them in the House of Commons one of their own class, who would know and understand something of 1 their difficulties, and who could be there to voice their own opinions and bring about a better condition of society.
LABOUR M.P. AT LLANELLY.
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LABOUR M.P. AT LLANELLY. The Magic of Socialism. Speaking at Llanelly on Sunday night under the auspices of the I.L.P., Mr James Parker, Labour M.P. claimed that Socialism would do away with ninety-nine-hundredths of the cares, worries and anxieties of life. Some of them had been to places of worship that day, and he was not going to criticise their religion. He too believed in the beauty of the teachings of Christ, but he wanted a Christianity practised which recognised human brotherhood here and now. They had been to chajfel singing beauti- ful hymns with high ideals, and had been pray- ing for what they believed to be the highest good. What were they going to do on the morrow? They were going to start out on the same old game of beggar my neighbour." Their whole system of commercial life was built on that game. Life would be absolutely unliveable if it were not for the Socialism that was in it. Let them take Socialism out of life, and life became a reflex of what obtained amongst the animals in the jungle.
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There is much to be done now in the herbw ceous borders after the heavy rains every* thing is growing freely. See that no stems break for lack of support. Some soils need considerable assistance by means of artificial food, which is best applied when the soil is weF in the shape of liquid manure. Insect and similar pests are very active, and must hunted persistently. Vegetables and Fruit. Broad Beans should have their tops cut off a leaf or two in advance oi the upper flowers- This will incite them to form larger pods, and remove the aphides, which usually infest the uppermost young leaves. Keep Vegetable Marrows well supplied with water, and, if not already done, mulch them with littery manure. If the fruit does not set, fertilise the blossoms, and pinch out the points of the strong shoots beyond the fruit. Nitrate of soda is, amongst artificial manures, the best incentive of growth when vegetable crops are making good headway, care being taken not to apply too much. Simply scatter a little on the sides of the rows, and stir it into the ground with a hoe. Two or two and a-half hundredweight is sufficient for an acre of ground. Where Peas grow tall and ordinary sticks cannot be obtained, fix at intervals of 6ft. along each side of the rows tall bamboo rods, and run soft string along them at intervals of lOin., as that will keep the Pea plants erect. Where the soil is light and soon dries, water freely, and put a mulch of long manure along on each side of the rows. When Tomato plants growing outdoors have got up a little, and are carrying two or three trusses of fruit, feeding may begin. Place a mulch of littery manure over the roots and in dry periods pour liquid manure of almost any kind freely on it. As the plants grow, the lower leaves should be shortened to about half their length, but always-at least until the last- leave a few entire leaves at the top. To obtain the perfection of flavour, the fruit should be left on the plants until it is ripe, or very nearly so. The Perpetual and the Alpine types of Stra. berries are not made as much use of as they deserve in this country. The former yield fairly large and excellently-flavoured fruits, and continue in bearing over a long period- It is possible, indeed, to have a succession of fruits from June up to Christmas. The Alpine Strawberries are similar to the wild Strawber- ries on our hedge banks. They may be planted close together on any sunny bank, around the base of fruit trees, or in any spare corner in the garden, and will continue to yield a crop of small but luscious fruits for a long time. In the Flower Garden. Hollyhock seeds sown outdoors now will produce strong young plants by autumn* These, if given the protection of a frame in winter, and planted out in March, will make grand flowering plants for next year. A number of experiments are being con- ducted to ascertain the best methods of im- proving the keeping qnalities of cut flowers. It is found that the use of sugar and some other substances, especially salt, bipotassic phos- phate, chloral, and sulphate oi manganese, in proper proportions, prolongs the life of flowers to an extent that will repay the expense. Flowers will keep fresh longer if placed under a bell glass with the rim in the water, but, of course, this method greatly detracts from theit decorative effect. Staking will now be a very important duty in the herbaceous borders. As a rule, one stake will be sufficient for very small clumps, and three and five stakes for medium and large- ssized clumps respectively. See that the stakeg are driven in so that the natural character of the plants may be preserved, and that they will be quite or very nearly hidden by the foliage of the plants, while serving the purpose for which it is used. It is surprising how soon a number of seed- ling weeds will make their appearance after » few showers of rain, and the best policy is to kill them with the hoe in tbeir infancy. Many kinds of beabaceous plants throw out young sucker shoots around their clumps Phloxes, Veronicas, and similar kinds do this, and while the work of hoeing i3 being done these side suckers must be cut off well below the surface of the soil if they tend to make the plants present a weedy untidy appearance. Hyacinths, Tulips, and other bulbs, of which the growth has ripened off, should now be lifted and stored away until planting time in autumn. Select a dry, cool place for storing. Ate°> well after the spikes of such summer-floW8r^ bulbs as Gladioli and Montbretias, and »eu stakes to all those that require them. Other subjects which will likewise require support are Hollyhocks, Dahlias, and Lilies, while, if the weather is dry. most of these will take unlimited quantities of water. Red Spider infests the leases of Violets throughout the summer months. The leaves ugf) afford a shelter to the insects, which cling to the undersides, and thus escape being washed off by showers of rain. Syringing is necessary* and to make it most effective boil two ounces of soft soap in two quarts of water for twenty minutes, and add half a pint of the liquid to one gallon of clear water, well stirring the whole as the work of syringing goes on. The best time to syringe is about seven o'clock in the evening. A light top-dressing of rich loamy compost may be given to Carnations, if judged neces- sary, but if the soil is at all light or poor a thin mulch of short manure will answer as well* Earwigs are easily trapped, but wireworms are more troublesome. The usual plan is to bury small pieces of Carrot and Potato in the bed, with a bit of stick to mark each but an easier 0 plan is to sow a little Lettuce seed thinly the surface, thinning them out when up, necessary, and, when any are seen to droopt examine the roots, and one or more. wireworms are sure to be found. Most hardy shrubs commence forming seeds as they go on flowering. To permit them to mature their seeds is to waste their energy* There should be a general cutting away of the present year's flowering shoots as soon as the flowers begin to fade in the case of all early* flowering deciduous kinds, and weak flowerless shoots in the interior parts of the plants should be cut back to the base of each to encourage the growth of stronger shoots from these pa-rtf* Rhododendrons and Azaleas are extremely prolific in the production of seed pods in clus- ters, which mar the beauty of the plants, and should be removed as soon as flowering is over. Rose Cuttings in Water. Rose cuttings root freely in water in the growing season with very little trouble. This IS an excellent way to increase stock for those whose facilities for doing so in ot,her ways are wanting or bad. Small bottles or roomy pbi»Jj with rather wide necks are best. A few sffl*'1 bits of charcoal should first be put in the bottle» which should then be filled with water. A- string may be attached to the neck of the bottle, by which it may be suspended anY" where in good light, but not directly in the sun. The cuttings should be vigorous shoots of the current season's growth, with, if poS"' sible, a little bit of last year's wood attached to the base of each, and with good healthy leases* The latter may not long remain attached, bul while they do they help to set the sap flowing and to mature the buds which will very SOon spring from the joints. Two leaves will be 00 many as may be convenient to have to eacli cutting, and there must be sufficient length o stem below the leaves to keep it quite steads when inserted in the bottle. They root quickly, and the only thing to guard agaii^t the water becoming foul in the bottle. ™ J becomes muddy or discoloured badly it she** be changed, and it should be kept pretty the same level; it will evaporate more or 'e^j in proportion to the width of the neck. loss in this way should be promptly good.
AS AT NAZARETH.
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AS AT NAZARETH. A drinking fountain has just been placed the rear of St. Paul's Church, Westcliff, Sou end-on-Sea. It is a replica of the Well of* Virgin, at Nazareth, and has been bull* accordance with the actual photograph taK_ by the Re\. A. Waller, the vicar of St. PaaTia whilst on a tour in the Holy Land. A mar £ ablet affixed to the fountain bears the ing inscription :—'• The fountain of Nazare This is a facsimile of the only fountain^ Nazareth, and that at which our Lord "^ctj for so many years of earthly life, and to wm His mother made her daily errand for *jo hold needs. Let us drink, and think ot who has promised to give the water o freely to those who ask Him. This has been erected by the Metropolitan D_rin» Fountain and Cattle Trough Association the Trustees of St. Paul's Church."
MEDALS FOR HEROES.
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MEDALS FOR HEROES. Orders have been received by Mr «^jle Chapman, works manager at the Merca Dry Dock, Jarrow-on-Tyne, and Mr pI1d McCormack, a workman at the dock, to a, re- at Buckingham Palace on the 21st inst. ceive awards from the King for keroi ^ey duct at the dock some months ago, l attempted to save the lives of workmen had been overcome by fumes.
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At a meeting of Pontypool Rural 0. Council, held at Usk, on Monday, Mr — j^tt) Charles presiding, the surveyor (IVLr rjod was reinstated at the expiration of the V 0{ of probation. The Inspector reported a typhoid fever at Llanbadoc. and th° c0p/ of Llantrisant and Croesyceiiog schools ^0<j sequence of an outbreak of chickcn-p j t' measles, respectively. The Council a widen the Pentre-roacl, Mamhilad.