Evening Express

BUSINESS ADDRESSES. IMPORTANT NOTICE. QIVIKG L P BusI-NEss- C. FLIGELSTONE. JJAWNBROKEE. JEWELLER, AND OUTFITTER, 110, COWBRIDGE ROAD. CARDIFF, flavini decided to fire up his Old-established WHOLE STOCK, consiatine of an EXTENSIVE STOCK of JEWELLERY. CLOTHING. BOOTS, &c., MUST BE CLEARED AT ONCE AT A BSOLUTE COST pRICE. PLEDGES MUST BE REDEEMED WITHIN THREE MONTHS. el0674 GREAT WINTER SALE. OVERCOATS ™°» 29 6 SUITS „ 35- TROUSERS" 9- LADIES'Coats 29 6 COSTUMES_ „ 526 SALE SALE SALE! IMMENSE REDUCTIONS. HURST BROS., 31, HIGH STREET, el0799 TF YOU WANT CARD BOARD — BOXES of any Shape, Sort, or 3ize, IF YOU WANT PAPER BAGS, IF YOU WANT WASTE PAPER, IF YOU WANT CHEAP ENVELOPES ■ AND NOTEPAPER, IF YOU WANT SHOW CARDS, IF YOU WANT GROCERS AND DRAPERS' STATIONERY OF ANY DESCRIPTION, APPLY TO i\V AIJKEY THOMAS AND eO. (LIMITED), C. A R D I F F. THE CHEAPEST. THE MOST EXPEDITIOUS, AND THE MOST OBLIGING FIRM IN THE DISTRICT. If you prefer to do so. send a postcard, and » Traveller shall wait upon you for tvour Ord«r. e!0741 If HYARCHERacSS uGOLDEN RETURNS 1 §U £ oi RECtSTEHEO Vfl gggl Fec-suuHt 0/ One-Ounet PaeJM. Archer's Golden Returns The P«r fact ion of Pfpe Tobacco. COO?* ";WtET. AXT) FSAGE'.TT.

Telephone Nat. 502. Post Office, 95 Telegrams: Express, Cardiff."

„ j- ARBITRATION. It is a great pity that President Roosevelt will not act as arbitrator be- tween England and Germany on the one hand and Venezuela on the other. But the whole thing is to go to arbitration, apparently, for the .British and the Ger- mans. on the one side, and the President of Venezuela on the other, have all agreed to submit their little differences to the Hague Tribunal. Not that there is any- thing to arbitrate about really, but arbi- tration is better than the happy-go-lucky manner in which Venezuela and the Ger- mans and English wage war. even when the Court is at the Hague. If President Rjosevelt had consented to arbitrate, there would have been some definite pro- mise that Venezuela should fulfil her part of the award. Under th" Hague Tribunal the danger is that Venezuela will accept the award and not trouble her head about fulfilling- it. That is a way they have of doing things in America. Like old Nero fiddling amongst the flames, President Castro goes to a ball and delights the fair ladies, while the European levies bombard his fortit and threaten to sweep hi.s country off the face of the earth. Castro is a typical Spanish South American, and if. as report speaks, he did go to a dance on the very eve of a battle he was to have fought, or is still going to fight, with the insurgents, lie is following out one of the characteristics of the Spanish blood in his veins. But, perhaps he went to the dance to celebrate the submission of the dispute to the Hague Tribunal. Mr. Chamberlain's arrival in Durban marks a real opening of one of the most remarkable pilgrimages of modern times. Joseph," we expect, is fortified with his visits to Cairo and Mombasa, two places where the results of British Government, in varying circumstances, are patent to the most casual observer. What- will Chamberlain do ? is the question that is everywhere uppermost. Will he tax the mines is what the Rand magnates are most anxious to know. In his speech Mr. Chamberlain wa3 not indiscreet enough to declare his intentions. He has gone to South Africa to learn for himself. r--

A disaster was narrowly averted in Car- diff last night. The proceedings in the boxing saloon in Womanby-street were of a character sufficiently remarkable to deserve a little investigation, for the saloon appears to have been set alight in a suspicious manner while the owner was doing his best to appease a. disappointed crowd. It is fortunate that no serious accident occurred there.

Despite all that the pessimists say, there is a good deal of grit left in the Britisher. It ma.kes the heart glow to read of the heroUui oi Captain Walker, of the I steamer Geneffe. She was discharging a most inflammable cargo when fire broke out aboard. An awful explosion was im- minent, and efforts were made to get the ship as far away as possible from con- tiguous buildings. Ca-ptadn WaJker worked like a Trojan, and when the crisis came this brave Englishman was roasted to death. He was a gallant man in very I deed. Somehow, when there is peril about, there is always a Captain Walker to do, and, if need be, to die. It is the Britisher's way.

Most London Welsh folk of the lower. middle, and the working classes a.re popularly supposed to be engaged in the milk business. Some time back. as readers may remember, grave reflections were made on the commercial morality of this important class, a subject which we merely refer to without passing any com- ment upon it. It may well be that in the milk walk, as in everything else, there are good and bad. We might even say sheep and goats, only it would seem like an attempt at a pun. A correspondent thinks the London milksoller does not rise rapidly to fortune. If so, he differs from the Cardiff variety. May this he because the London milkman is more (or less) virtuous than his oolleaguc in the local metropolis.

Mainly About People Dr. Davidson, Bishop of Winchester, is already being spoken of as a possible future Archbishop, and there is no doubt that he stands well in the running. Dr. Davidson was formerly chaplain to Archbishop Tait, and married that prelate's daughter, and he was thus brought under the notice of the late Queen, who held the Archbishop in high per- sonal esteem. After the Archbishop's death. Dr. Davidson was appointed Dean of Windsor and private chaplain to her Majesty. In 1891 Dr. Davidson was appointed to the see of Rochester, but instead of living in the county he took up his residence in Kennington. Work in London, however, did not suit Dr. Davidson's health, which remained very indif- ferent till he was translated to the Bishoprio of Winchester and the purer air of the epis- copal palace at Farnham, He is of middle height, with a. plain. thoughtful face and deep-set eyes. which are overhung by pecu- liarly heavy eyebrows. If he were in robust health there is little doabt that he would be chosen to fill the vacant throne at Canter- bury. but although he is. as I have said, much improved, he is still far from strong, and it is doubtful for that reason whether he will be prepared to face the enormous amount of work which the Archbishopric entails. Apropos of Dr. Davidson's somewhat homely appearance, a good story is told. It was at a meeting of the C.E.T.S. at Lewisham that a speaker, referring to th& bishop, remarked, "In. these days, when the activity of the Church is so much in question, our reverend diocesan could never be called an ornamental bishop." The audience saw the unintentional joke. and laughed till the speaker saw it. too. They roared aloud as the wretched man, in his efforts to correct himself, stumbled deeper and deeper into the slough. Among the audience was Du Maurier, who. avoiding portraiture, of course, drew the incident in "Punch" not long after. Mr. Robert Barr. who has .just bought back the Idler." is not only a- novelist, but also a chief of the Iroquois tribe. Tha distinction was conferred upon him when he assisted the Canadian Minister of the Interior to conclude a treaty with this ancient race. An Indian name was at the same time chosen for h'm. I'm afraid I've forgotten the Indian version of the name," said Mr. Barr once, but the English of it is the White House, a.nd it is op<?n to me to go to the country of the Iro- quoise, and take up my position as a White House at any time!" "What is your consolation in life and death?" asked a clergyman of a young miss in a Bible class that he was catechising. The young lady blushed and hesitated. "Will you not tell me?" urged the clergy- man. "I don't want to tell his name," said the ingenuous girl, "but I've no objection to tell- ing you where he lives." An Irish lady interested in the millionaire yarns sends the following amusing anecdote about Mr. Russell Sage to "M. A. P.—"It was told to me," writes my correspondent, some years ago in New York, by one of the gentlemen present at the time. About fifteen or sixteen years ago my friend and Mr. Russell Sage were fellow-travellers on one of the Atlantic liners en route to this country, and, beins old acquaintances, they, with two other New York men, kept much together. On land- ing: at Queenstown they formed a quartette to do' the city and surrounding country- The membere of the party paid one now and another again for lunch, Ac., as Americans often do. My friend Wa41 a native of Cork, and on discovering that some of the others had never seen Blarney Castle, he painted its beauties in such vivid colours that all decided they should not lose the opportunity of seeing it. A jaunting car was hired at Cork to take them there and back. On thereturn drive it fell to Russell Sage to discharge the debt. Not having smaller change than a sove- reign ("the fare ought to be about five shillings), the millionaire handed it to the carman and quietly awaited his change. But the jarvey, greatly to the amusement of the other three gentlemen, pocketed the coin. and became so vociferously eloquent in his gratitude for the American gentleman's generosity that. to the astonishment of his friends. Mr. Sage turned away and never mentioned change.' He was. it should be mentioned, well aware of the fare, as he had previously inquired of the member of the party who had paid the journey to the Castle. This tale became current at the time in Wall-street as the only time that Russel Sage was ever done.' and loud rang the praises of that inimitable financier, the Irish jarvey." It is believed that man was formerly en- dowed with more teeth than he now possesses. It is almost certain (says the "Family Doctor") that man once possessed a third eye, by means of which he was enabled to see above his head. The human eyes formerly regarded the world from the two sides of the head. They are even now gradually shifting to a more forward position. In the dim past the ear flap was of great service in ascertaining the direction of sounds, and operated largely in the play of the features. But the muscles of the ear have fallen into disuse, for the fear of surprise by enemies no longer exists. Again, our sense of smell is markedly inferior to that of savages. "Your daughter? It is impossible. Why, yon look more like twin sisters." "No; I assure you she is my only daughter." replied the pleased mother, and the polite old gentleman spoiled it all by remarking— "Well, she certainly looks old enough to be your sister." Whatever may be said, the landed gentry have been a mainstay of our authority in Ireland during many stormy centuries (writes Juctge O'Connor Morris in the "Pall Mall Magazine." It is not for nothing that the conspirators against oar rule have denounced the Irish landlords as the "British garrison," the expulsion of which would soon cause the fall of the fortress. The Irish landed gentry, 1 after having been assured by generations of statesmen that their position was secure, and that their possessions were perfectly safe. have been subjected, during the last twenty ,3eaA. to legislation, oavriae and immoral alike, which has wrought the ruin of hundreds lof the class, and is threatening it with com- plete destruction. One of the most remarkable cases of resem- blance in the world is that between President Roosevelt and Mr. Foster Huddleston. general manager of the Continental Exploration Com- pany, of Los Angeles. Mr. Huddleston is the President's complete double, his exact counter- part in form, face, features, height, manner- isms. age, and voice. Mr. Huddleston enjoyed a life of peace and contentment until Presi- dent Roosevelt began to gain fame. But peace fled with the first publication of the President's I photograph in the newspapers. Since then he has been stared at, saluted, cheered at. smiled at. and even laughed at when he denied being President Roosevelt, every time he has ventured away from Los Angeles. President Roosevelt and Mr. Huddleston are not even I distantly related. They have never had the pleasure of meeting one another. But, for all that. they are as much alike as two peas in a pod. The originality, determination, courtesy, and bonhomie of the President a.re equally conspicuous in Mr. Huddleston's per- sonality. The resemblance extends even to the manner of trimming the moustache and to the eyeglasses with their long black cord. Mr. Huddleston was totally unaware of the fact that he had a double until Mr. Roosevelt was elected Governor of New York State. Even then he failed to understand why people stared at him so persistently every time he entered a shop or a tramcar. At last the truth dawned on him. He was another man's double. And his duplicate in the flesh was a celebrity. It happened in this way. Mr. Huddleston was hurrying home from business late one after- noon when a travelling business man from Pennsylvania, who was in Los Angeles that day. rushed up to him, slapped him familiarly on the back, and exclaimed: "Hello. Gover- nor! Mighty glad to aee you. What brings you West at this time of the year?" Mr. Huddleston thought at first the man was drunk, and endeavoured to shake him loose a.nd pass on; but the stranger was not to be dismissed so easily. Come, Teddy," he con- tinued, your prosperity hasn't made you forget your old friends, has it?" Mr. Huddle- ston saw that the man was in earnest, and he inquired who he thought he was. Why, aren't you Teddy Roosevelt, Governor of New York?" Mr. Huddleston declared that ho was not. His new friend pulled a newspaper from his pocket and showed him a picture of the new Governor of New York. He never again wondered why he was continually a centre of attraction. A man who dresses younger than his years courts suspicion-or a maid.

NEW AFRICAN RAILWAYS. A message to Paris from Jibutil from the President of the Imperial Ethiopian Railways Company says that the first train has reached the station of Addis Harra.r. The Emperor Menelik will visit the Governor of Jibutil on the occasion of the fetes in connection with the opening of the new railway. A cablegram received in Liverpool announces the completion of the Gold Coast Railway (Kumasi extension) to Obnausi, the headquarters of the Ashanti Goldflelds Cor- poration, 126 miles distant from the coast port of Sekondi. The rate of progress in the construction of the line has been greatly accelerated during the past few months. The average speed of construction from March, 1901, upon the conclusion of the Aabanti dis- turbance, to the end of this year has been 100 miles in Z1 months, or five miles a month. The speed during the laet three months of this period has been twelve miles per month. The traffic has been conveyed to Tarkwa for some time past, the receipts amounting to about £3.500 per month. Traffic to Obriessi will be possible shortly after the New Year.

ANOTHER JEWELLERY ROBBERY. Georges Junker, a cook, of American nationality, wag remanded at Marlborough- street Police-court, London, on Friday charged with stealing jewels worth £200, the property of Miss Ethel Morris, viz., three gold bangles, a gold watch, two scarf pins, two neck chains, four gold bracelets. Ac., from Hagen's Hotel, Grosvenor-street. London, on the 19th inst.— Florence Baker, lady's maid to Lady d'Arcy Osborne and Miss Morris, deposed to seeing the property safe at the hotel on the 19th inat. Two hours later it yras missing. She had since seen £30 worth of the missing jewellery in the hands of the police. The same evening she saw the prisoner talking to the hall porter of the hotel.—The police deposed to finding part of the stolen property at prisoner's lodg- ings.

THE SILVER STANDARD. The prospects of trade in the Far East are anything but pleasant to contemplate in view of the steady depreciation of the dollar. When, about ten years ago, the exchange began- to tell against silver the depreciation of the dollar to something Mke 3s. 6d. was then regarded as a. serious menace to the trade of Hong Kong. The acute slump in silver, unless checked by some remedial measures which will bring about much- needed relief to the traders, as, indeed, to all other classes, will be regarded as nothing short of a real calamity by which the import trade of the Colony will be very seriously affected. Merchants who contract for orders for Chinese buyers fix the price of goods as a rule in sterling, payable at the rate of the day. The native traders, who count upon the value of their purchases at the time con- tracts are entered into, find when the period arrives for payment that the dollar is worth so much less, and their calculations leave them great losers by the transaction. It is a matter of common complaint by the Chinese that they never know their exact position as to the amount they may be called upon to pay in silver for goods ordered from Eng- land Fluctuation in the exchange is so violent that as much as from 10 to 15 per cent, is shown as an appreciation in the price of goods they order if calculated on the dollar buia. If this state of affairs is to continue it is feared that the import trade may he paralysed, as it will be rendered practically unremunerative to native buyers. These latter clamour for a stable rate of exchange, and regard the fixed value of the dollar as the only means that will satisfactorily furnish a solution to the diffi- cult question of currency in the Colony, situated as it is on the very borders of the largest silver coin-using country in the world. It is admitted on all hands that the adjustment of the local currency would be most difficult to bring about, and it rests largely with the banks and the Government to secure a remedy which would remove a serious obstacle to trade which in other respects gives promise of unlimited expan- sion—Press Association Foreign Special.

A GOOD RECOMMENDATION, The other day a committee of the Edin- burgh Town Council had before it a number of applications for the position of a care- taker. The recommendation of one of the applicants was that she had lived with a banker for ten years. She was not appointed. More fortunate was the man who applied for a similar appointment in a public office in George-street. "You will have," said tha manager, "to be prepared to answer all sorts of questions from all sorts of persons on all sorts of subjects, and do it with a smooth temper." "That's all right." said the appli- cant; "I've reared twelve children." He got the job.

BAROMETRICAL INDICATIONS. Tbe following are the reading* ginco thoo o'clock last evening, as (iven by the barometer in th. vestibule of the "Evening Express." St. Mary-street, Cardiff, which I <• ~.xtt itiovi> mean sea. leTsl. ilittn't. o a.m. Xton. ip.ru. -3: 30-01 :l|==^====q^=='==== •t| "1 1 — :Jiz=} :¡g.0\; t "5.f,

EISTEDDFODAU. Male Voice Contests at Cardiff. KEEN INTEREST TAKEN IN THE COMPETITIONS. The fifth annual Cardiff Eisteddfod held. by kind permission, at the Wood-street Chapel, Cardiff, yesterday proved a great attraction. The Mayor of Cardiff (Councillor Fjdward Thomas. "Cochfarf") presided, and was supported by the mayoress (Madame Thomas1, Councillor F. J. Beavan (the ex- mayor). and others. The chairman of the executive committee was Mr. William Harris, F.Ii.G.S.; chairman of the general committee, the Rev. J. T. Peace; treasurer, Mr. T. J. Comley; financial secretary, Mr. W. J. Dascombe; hon. general secretary, Mr. C. G. Johnson. The conductor was Mr. Tom John, Llwynypia. The adjudicators were:—Music, Mr. G. Beale, Mus.Bac. iorganist of Llandaff Cathedral), and Mr. R. C. Jenkins, R.A.M.. Lianelly; literary competitions, the Kev. J. T. Peace anrl Mr. V. V. Fenn; prize bags, the Mayoress of Cardiff and Mrs. Wall. Penarth. The accompanists were Miss Rebecca Mander, R.A.M., and Messrs. H. S. Garratt and J. D. Richards. The Mayor in his opening address said that the organisers of those smaller gather- ings should keep in mind the national gather- ing, so that those meetings should be pre- paratory to the greater event. The proceedings opened with a very fine rendition of the eisteddfod song. The Enchantress." by Miss Katie Davies, Royal •Welsh Ladies' Choir, for which she received an encore. The following were the prizes:- Children's song. "Child of Nazareth," for children under fifteen years of age: 1st. Miss Edwards. Abertillery; specials (given by the ex-Mayor of Cardiff and Mr. T. J. Comley), Miss Ruth Jones, Cardiff, and Miss Ethel Law- son, Universal Hotel. Cardiff. Recitation. "The Story of the Doll (for children under fourteen years of age): 1st, Miss Dolly Evans, Cardiff (pupil of Miss King). Contralto solo, "The Old World ana the New": 1st, Miss Anita Morgan, Cardiff (member of the Cardiff Blue Ribbon Choir). Prize bags: 1st, Mrs. L. Tucker, Redlanda. Bristol. Competition for choirs of one congregation (minimum 40 voices'. "I was glad": 1st, Salem, Pencoed (W. Lewis, conductor); 2nd, Star street Congregational, Cardiff (Ernest Holdom. conductor). Pianoforte solo (open): let. Miss Lydia Walsaw (pupil of Miss Rebecca Mander, R.A.M., Cardiff). Soprano solo, "Sweet Briar": 1st, Miss Bessie King, Cardiff. Recitation (open), Maud Muller 1st. Miss Bessie King. Pianoforte Solo (juvenile, under fifteen years of age). Guige."—1st, Miss Lily Travers, Cathays. Cardiff. Tenor Solo. My Hope is in the Everlasting." —1st. Mr. David Thomas. Pontycymmer. Humorous Recitation (open).-lst, Miss Bessie King; special (given by the adjudicator), Miss Elsie James. Cardiff. Baas Solo. Star of the Desert."—1st, Mr. John Morgan, Newport. The evening proceedings were presided over by Mr. W. A. Morgan, and there was a very large attendance. Miss Alice Lewis (winner of the John Thomas scholarship. R.A.M.) excel- lently rendered Abide with me," for which she waa aecorded an encore. Further awards were:— Baritone Solo, "0 Song Divine."—1st, Mr. D. J. Kinsey. Llanharran. Keen interest was taken in the male voice competition, the first prize for which was awarded to the Ton Pentre Choir. The Penarth Choir, of which Mr. Rhys Emns is the conductor, came second. There was only one point difference between the choirs, but the general effect attained by the winning choir was announced by the adjudicator to be the better of the two. MALE VOICE CHORAL COMPETITION AT CARDIF. On Boxing Day an interesting competition between male voice choirs took place at the Park-hall, Cardiff. Mr. T. H. Stephens. J.P., presided, and the adjudicators were Messrs. T. Glyndwr Richards. Mountain Ash; Daniel Evans ("Eos Dar"). Mardy: and W. T. Samuel. Cardiff. Six choirs competed, and the adju. dicators were unanimous in placing them in the following order, the figures after the names being the percentage of points awardedCambria Male Voice Choir (Rhondda), 92; Garw Vale Male Voice Choir, 90: Neath Philharmonic Society, 88; Ehbw Vgle Male Voice Choir. 70: Canton Glee Society, 68; and Treherbert and District Male Voice Party. 65. The chairman handed to the conductor of the Cambria Choir (Mr. David Jones) the prize of 50 guineas and a silver- mounted baton. Tbe secretary for the com- petition was Mr. D. Y. Jenkins, Cardiff. YSTRAD. On Christmas evening the annual eistedd- fod was held by the Bodringallt Welsh Con- gregational Church, Ystrad, the Rev. T. D. Jones being president. The officials were: — Conductor, the Rev. T. G. Jenkyn (Llwyny- pia); adjudicators—music Mr. Idris Jenkins (Aberfan) and miscellaneous Mr. Michael Thomas (Merthyr Vale); accompanist, Pro- fessor W. T. David (Tonypandy); secretary, Mr. James James (Penrhys). The eisteddfod was a great success, the attendance being very satisfactory. Results: — Baritone Solo. "Hiraeth" (confined): "Mr. R. D. Bodl- comhe, Ystrad. Mixed Party Competition. "Y Nant a'r Blodeuyn": Bodringallt Music Lovers (conductor, Mr. Samuel John). Essay, "The Resurrection of Christ": Divided between Mr. J. E. Jones, Oelli. and "Cyfeddach," whose name 111<1 not transpire. ContraUo Solo, "He was despised": Mrs. Hughes Clvdac!1 Vale. Open Champion Solo Competition: Divided between Miss Alice Cove, Treherbert. and Miss Morgans, Bod- ringallt. Open Recitation: Miss Jane Haddock, Treherbert. Bass Solo, "Lead. Kindly Light": Mr. John Jones, Treherbert. Soprano Solo, "Golomcn Wen": M!1!!8 S. J. Thomas, Ystrad. KeeitaUon, "Y Merthyr": Divided between Messrs. Richard Davis, Pontycymmer, and John Roberts, Gwaun- C;ie-Gurwen. Tenor Solo, "Llain y Cariadau": Mr. Tom Bonnell, Pentre. ABERDARE. An eisteddfod was held on Friday under the auspices of the Aberdare Town and Work- men's Band. A spacious marquee was erected on the site of the demolished market hall. The adjudicators were:—Music: Messrs. Tom Stephens, Rhondda, and William Thomas I" Eos Wenallt"), Aberdare. Bands: Mr. E. Gittens, Kearsley. Farnworth. Literature: "Gurnos." The accompanists were Professor R. Howells, Aberdare. and Professor Jenkin Morris, Cardiff. Mr. G. A. Treharne occupied the chair. The conductor was the genial Gurnos," who referred to the disaster wrought by the fire recently, and said that he trusted that the other elements—wind and water—would deal more kindly towards them that day. During the proceedings it was announced that the president appointed for the afternoon (Mr. W. Thomas. J.P.) was un- able to be present owing to indisposition, and a vote of sympathy with Mr. Thomas in his illness was passed. Pianoforte Solo (undH fourteen). "Fancy Fayre" (Pro- [c"or JameM. Aberdare): Mips Milly Griffiths, Cwm;m:UJ. Contralto Solo, "He Was De8pJsed": Miss Mary John, Caerphilly. Juvenile Choir Competition, "My Glorious Home": Three choirs competed—Mountain Ash. Llwydcoed, and Siloa, Aberdare. Siloa. conducted by Mr. Clement, was victorious. Violin Solo, "Emani": Prize divided between Miss Letty Thomas, Aberaman, and Mr. D. J. Maddock, Aberdare. Tenor 8010. "How Vain Ig Man": Mr. Llew. Jone8, Aberdare. Ambulance Competition: 1st, Mountain Ash Team; ind, Dare Juniors; 3rd, C'ymry (Aberdare) and Yochriw equal. Recitation: Prize divided between Miss M. A. Walters, Treherbert, and Mr. MeredI1.h Davios, Ynyshir. Eësay, "lnfluenœ of Music": The Rev. W. B. Richards, Deri. Bass Solo, "Is Not His Word Like a Fire?"; Mr. Lewis J. Davies. Aberaman. Duet, "The Sailors": Messrs. Wm. Lewis and David Thomas. Ferndalc. Pianoforte Solo: Master Percy Hughes, Aberaman. A special prize was awarded Miss Milly Griffiths. Mixed Choirs Competitions, test piece "O'r Dyfnder y Llelafs": Prize divided !J<>tween Abernant (conducted by Mr. J. Thomas) and Llv;'ydcoed (conducted by Mr. J. Phillips). Soprano 8010, "Soul's A wakeIling" Miss Theresa Tidbali, Cardiff. Brass Band Competition (Class B), "Don Pasqivale": 1st, Cory's Temperance Band. Ystrad (conducted by Mr. Bailey): 2nd. Pentre VoluntcErs (conducted by Mr. Sheridan): 3rd. Cwmaman (COnd'1ctPd by Mr. Ea.<rt.woodJ. Baritone Solo. "Hoek of Ages": Prize divided between Mr. W. Gwynne, Aberdare, and Mr..Ja.s. Evans, Dow13is. Male Voice Competition for choirs of not lesK than 50 voices, test piece "Destruction of Gaza": Five choirs competed, namely, Neath, Aberaman (Mr. ,T. Howells), Aberdare (Mr. D. Phillips), Cwmavon (Mr. T. George), and Treherbert (Mr. E. Walkir?«>. The first prize waa awarded to Cwmavon and the sccond to Treherbert. NEWBRIDGE. The fifth annual eisteddfod promoted by the Zion Congregational Church was held at the Newbridge (Mon.) Public-hall on Boxing Day. The adjudicators were:—Mueric, Messrs. M. O. Jones. Treherbert, and D. Cynon Evans, Aber- cynon; literature and elocution, the Rev. W. E. Davies, Eisca. The test-piece in the chief choral was Mr. T. Daviea s "Like the grass are all men's days." This attracted four choirs, viz., Garndiffaith, Nantyglo, Blaina, and Rhymney. the last-named being awarded the prize. In the evening a concert waa held, under the presidency of Colonel Ivor Herbert. MERTHYR. At Zoar Chapel. Merthyr, an eisteddfod was held yesterday in support of tne effort which is being made to raise the money necessary for building a new schoolroom. The Rev. John Thomas, the pastor, presided. The principal item on the programme was a choral competi- tion, in which a prize of £5 was offered for the best rendering of "Gwilym Gwent's" "Yr HaC." Only two parties entered, the Mertihjrr Minstrels (conducted by Mr. D. John) and the Zoar Glee Party (of which the conductor was Mr. John BoweaL the latter .prariug victorious.

FATAL TRIAL TRIP. Boiler Explosion on a Tug. SHOCKING DISASTER ON THE CLYDE. While on her trial trip near Greenock yesterday the boiler of the tug Tiger burst, blowing the side out of the vessel and causing it to sink immediately. It appears that the tug was being l>ut about in the trough of the sea, I and she heeled over. shipping water, which flooded the engine-room, causing the boiler to explode. Boats were put off from the war- ship Benbow. and several of the crew were picked up, but Thos. Redhead went down with the vessel. James Gordon (pilot), Engineer Dodds. and Seaman Whiteside afterwards died on the Benbow. Two others are still uncon- scious there, but an apprentice named Leighton is expected to recover. Another report says:—A shocking disaster occurred off Greenock through the sudden capsizing of the tug Tiger, and it is feared that altogether nine lives have been lost. The Tiger was a new vessel, built for the Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers, London, and was going out to adjust her compasses previous to making a trial run, those on board including a number of shore engineers and mechanics, who were engaged in looking after the machinery for the trial trip. Owing to some cause that remains to be explained the vessel, which -was of 60 tons register, suddenly heeled over and went down, and so swiftly did the catastrophe take place that there was no time to lower the lifeboat. The latter, however, served for the rescue of three men, who clung to the upturned craft until picked up. The others on deck found themselves struggling in the water, while the engineers and mechanics who were on duty below had absolutely no chance, and were carried down by the disappearing vessel. The affair occurred with such terrible suddenness that the people on board a sister tug some distance ahead knew nothing of the accident until afterwards. A steam launch from his Majesty's ship Benbow was successful in rescuing three men who had managed to keep themselves afloat, and three more were saved by other boats, which proceeded as speedily as possible to the scene of the disaster. Two, however, of those taken out of the sea subse- quently succumbed to the effects of their immersion in the ice-cold water, and one body was brought ashore. The three bodies now lie at the police mortuary, where two of them were identified as those of Henry Dodds, fore- man engineer, and Captain Gordon, the pilot. The four survivors are William Henry Frederick (sailing master), Herbert Austin (captain), both of Strood; Robert Alexander, Port Glasgow; and Mr. Morton, adjuster of compasses, Glasgow. It is not definitely known how many persons were on board the ill-fated Tiger when she sank, but the master calcu- lates there would be thirteen. In that case the death-roll would number nine. None of tbe survivors were able to account for the catastrophe. Another Greenock correspondent says:— Shortly after the tug had left the harbour the engineer in charge, a man named Dodds, went on deck and asked the pilot to put the vessel's head to sea, as he wanted to pump the fore- hold. While putting about in the trough of the sea the tug heeled over and shipped a large quantity of water, which flooded the engine-room. This caused the boiler to explode, and the tug immediately foundered. It transpired later that a Greenock engineer, who should have been on board the Tiger, missed her, a.nd his escape reduces the sup- posed loss of life by one. The following are given as missing:— John Austin, mate, of Grays, Essex; Robert Toke and James Barclay, apprentice engineers, of Greenock; and a fire- man belonging to Greenock, but name unknown. STATEMENT BY THE CAPTAIN. The captain of the ill-fated vessel, Captain A. H. Austen, states that he left the James Watt Dock, Greenock, shortly after twelve o'clock, to proceed across the Pirth of Clyde for trials on the measured mile and to adjust com- passes. There were on boa.rd a. crew of either thirteen or fourteen. Shortly after leaving the harbour the Tiger took on a slight list, and this continued on the starboard side until the Tail of the Bank was reached. The list was noted, but did not cause any uneasi- ness, as in craft of the type and size of the Tige.1"-she was 90 tone—the cumbersome machinery causes a heavy roll not experi- enced on bigger steamers. When about half a mile to the westward of the Clyde gua-rdship Benbow, and in full view of the land, the tug took a violent lurch. Those on deck had just time to give a shout of warning to those below when every man above was thrown into the water and the tug heeled over. ANOTHER VESSEL LOST. The Clyde Shipping Company's steamer Flying Phantom has sunk through the gale in the Kyles of Bute. The crew were saved.

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES IN 1902 The present year has been one of steady, uninterrupted progress for British Friendly Societies. The end of the war in South Africa has brought to a termination the liability voluntarily undertaken by the members of several of the principal societies to pay the contributions of members on active service. The extent of this liability may be estimated by the fact that the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows paid something like £10,000. Legis- latively, the year was marked by the passing into law of the Shop Clubs Act, which had its origin in the dismissal by the London and India Docks Joint Committee of certain work- men who refused to sever their connection with independent Friendly Societies outside the works shop club. Though the progress of superannuation in the Friendly Societies is being hindered by the constant dangling of promises of State pensions, an increasing number of members are providing themselves with this useful old-age benefit. The year has not been remarkable for any new develop- ments in the work of Friendly Societies. The bold launching out by the Foresters a year ago to an insurance fund and savings bank branch has made some progress, but it is too early yet to speak of the permanent success of these ventures. The following figures show the membership of the principal societies:—Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, over 1,000,000; Ancient Order of Foresters. 928,035; Hearts of Oak Benefit Society, 267,000; Grand United Order of Odd- fellows, 330.457; Loyal Order of Shepherds (aggregate). 226.321; National Independent Order of Oddfellows. 72,999; National Deposit Friendly Society, 84,000; Rational Association Friendly Society, 115,000; Ancient Noble Order of United Oddfellows. 22,029; Order of Druids, 84,000; United Ancient Order of Druids, 92,530; National Order of Free Gardeners, 74,000'; Independent Order of Rechabites, 302,000; Order of Sons of Temperance, 80,000.

SOCIALISM IN RUSSIA The Polish newspapers learn from Wilna that the newly-appointed Governor of Wilna, Prince Swiatopelk-Mirski, has received special instructions from St. Petersburg to use the I most energetic measures to combat the spread of Socialism in Lithuania. Socialism has recently made most marked progress in this part of Russia, where it is represented chiefly by two Socialist work- men's associations. One of these is the Jewish Proletarian Workmen's Union, the other the Lithuanian Polish Socialist Associa- tion. the latter being a. branch of the Polish Socialist Workmen's Party. The Jewish Proletarian Workmen's Union, which has a. very large number of adherents spread over the whole of Russia, issues several periodicals and provides for a regu- lar supply of proclamations. The periodicals and proclamations are printed either in the Jewish-German jargon or in Russian and Polish. If, is stated that the greater part of the publications issued by the Union cornea from London.

THE STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE AT MERTHY.R Active search is being prosecuted all round the neighbourhood of the Goitre Pond in the hope of revealing the fate of Miss Daniel, of Penydarren, who has been missing since last Monday week, but without success, and the hope of a solution of the mystery is begin- ning to give way to a feeling of despair.

THOUSANDS OF PERSONS Testify that Holdroyd's Gravel Pills are a posiWve cure for Gravel. Lumbago, Pains 111 the Back, Dropsy, Wind. Water Complaints, Diseases of the Kidneys, Bladder, Urinary Organs, Stone, Gout, Sciatica, a.nd Rheumatism. Try one box; if not 81itlsficd money returned. 18. 1W. all Chemists. Post free, 12 stamps.—Holdroyd'n Medical Hall, Cleckbeaton, Yorka. elQ30 1 THE NEW DOROTHY SPICED PRESSED BEEF, -21. eee foaiuL. «e60&-6

COLONIALSECRETARY MrChamberlain'sArrival at Durban. EXTRAORDINARY OUTBURST OF ENTHUSIASM. As reported in the later editions of yester- day's "Evening Express," Whatever may be the result of Mr. Cham- berlain's visit to South Africa, it will at least be impossible, judging from yesterday's pro- ceedings, to ignore the fact that it has aroused an extreme degree of enthusiasm. From the moment the right hon. gentleman arrived on the wharf at Durban, till he reached his hotel there was a continuous exhibition of frantic joy on the part of the vast crowd which had assembled to greet him, cheer following cheer, while hats, sticks, and handkerchiefs were vigorously waved aloft. The cruiser Good Hope arrived in the road- stead at five o'clock in the morning. The Governor's aide-de-camp immediately pro- ceeded to the ship in a tug, carrying mails and dispatches. It was then learnt that the Colonial Secretary and his party would dis- embark rather later than had been intended. About ten o'clock the tug Panther steamed over the bar and went alongside the warship. The sea was very rough, for half a gale was blowing, and the difficulties experienced in transhipping the party were, therefore, con- siderable. It was decided to abandon the method of lowering the visitors in a basket, and recourse waa had instead to a somewhat precarious gangway by means of which the members of the party were successfully trans- ferred from the cruiser to the Panther. As the tug steamed a-way from the Good Hope the latter's crew manned the sides and cheered again and again, while the ship's band played For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." On crossing the bar and entering the harbour the first thing Mr. Chamberlain saw was the inscription, Welcome to South Africa," written in huge letters across the breakwater. The scene on the wharf was exceedingly picturesque. The whole place was gay with bunting and floral decorations. Waiting there to convey an official welcome were the Governor (Sir H. M'Callum), the Prime Minister, the Mayor members of Parliament, and other representa- tive public men, while all around at different points of 'vantage were excited crowds. About half-past ten the tug made its appearance round the end of the wharf, and immediately the spectators broke into wild cheers and shouts of welcome. Mr. and Mrs. Chamber- lain were seen standing on the upper deck. The right hon. gentleman wore a light frock coat, brown boots, and a white helmet. He looked somewhat pale. As soon as the gang- way had been made fast, Mr. Chamberlain and his wife stepped ashore. They were greeted with a hearty handshake by the Governor, who then introduced the Prime Minister, the Mayor, and other official per- sonages. After a brief conversation the party moved out to the street, where carriages were awaiting them. Mr. Chamberlain, the Gover- nor, the Prime Minister, and the Mayor entered the first, and Mrs. Chamberlain, with Lady M'Callum, the second. Their appear- ance was the signal for a fresh outburst of enthusiasm which passed the bounds of ordi- nary cheering. A gj^rd of honour was furnished by th*j *?Taval Volunteers, add a contingent of STatal Police acted as escort. A long stretch of road separated the landing wharf from the town, and along this route many inhabitants were assembled, but it was round the Town-hall that the greatest crowd awaited the arrival of the cortege. As the carriages approached a roar of voices could be heard. Both men and women appeared to go wild with excitement, and in the closely-packed throng hundreds of children were hoisted on the shoulders of their parents to obtain a glimpse of the famous Minister. Cries of "Good Old Joe!" and Glad you've come!" could be distin- guished. The cheering was incessant. A guard of honour of the Durban Light Infantry kept a space clear in front of the Town-hall. As Mr. Chamberlain inspected the guard the band played, but the strains could scarcely be heard for the popular acclamations. The inspection over, the Mayor (Mr. Ellis Brown), accompanied by the members of the town council, escorted the Colonial Secretary and Mrs. Chamberlain into the hall. Here a memorable sight met their eyes. The build- ing was crammed from floor to ceiling. ladies filling the galleries while the body of the hall was packed with moen. When Mr. Chamber- lain emerged from the somewhat narrow entrance there was a moment's pause, and then the vast audience broke into a frenzy of cheers. For a minute or so the hall was converted into a forest of arms, waving hats and sticks, while the ladies above waved their handkerchiefs and joined with equal fervour in a remarkable demonstration. Grouped around Mr. Chamberlain and his wife on the platform were the leading men of the Colony. While the town-clerk was pre- paring to read the address of welcome it seemed as if the cheering would never stop. At last. however, it wore itself out, and the clerk read the address in a loud voice. When he came to a passage which expressed appre- ciation of the Colonial Secretary's services to the Empire there was another great burst of enthusiasm. One sentence evidently touched the audience profoundly. We," it ran, "who have lost many near and dear ones on the battlefields and in the hospitals, beg to assure you of our unqualified appreciation of your South African policy." A alight pause ensued, and then there was a renewal of the tumultuous plaudits. The address further expressed a sense of the zeal and enterprise shown by the right hon. gentleman in his endeavours to bring about a settlement in South Africa on the basis of freedom, jus- tice, and goodwill. It referred to the admi- rable administration of Lord Milner. and here again there was a great volley of cheers. The reading of the address at an end, the mayor rose, and the audience, unable to restrain themselves, indulged in another prolonged demonstration, which evidently caused much gratification to Mr. Chamberlain. It seemed a long time before silence was obtained. The Mayor, when at length he was able to make himself heard, addressing Mr. Chamberlain, assured him that the welcome which was being extended to him came from the bottom of their hearts. The right hon. gentleman's name, he said, was a household word among them, and his personality was as familiar to them a3 that of an intimate friend. He re- called the fact that Mr. Chamberlain first made his name as a successful citizen, and alluded to his striking sense of duty in coming to South Africa at this season to examine for himself the problems of the country. His coming in a ship called the Good Hope was a good omen. The mayor concluded by expressing his sense of the great privilege he enjoyed and the pride he felt in extending to the Colonial Secretary a hearty British welcome and wishing him god-speed in his mission. When Mr. Chamberlain came forward to speak in reply the entire audience once more rose and cheered till the roof rang again. During the mayor's speech the right hon. gentleman had been taking notes, and he now advanced very deliberately and quietly. The moment he appeared ready to begin his speech there was a dead silence throughout the length and breadth of the hall. In a clear, slow, and distinct voice Mr. Chamberlain said he found it difficult adequately to express his gratitude for the welcome his wife and him- self had received. They would be more than human if they were not touched by that mag- nificent reception. It was an additional pleasure that it came through the head of the municipality. After a reference to the great dignity of municipal life, the right hon. gentleman, alluding to the mayor's speech, said he had recently read that the first English sailors who came to Durban came in a ship called the Good Hope, which was wrecked in the bay. (Laughter.) For himself he had been more fortunate. It was a happy augury of his visit that he had left with the goodwill of the King, of his colleagues, and of the nation, and he was pleased that on first landing he had found universal signs of good wishes for the success of his mission. He had two objects in coming to South Africa— the first was to express on behalf of the King and his Government their sympathy for their kinsmen across the sea, and their desire to understand them better. Their object was to make permanent the new relations between the Colonies and the Mother Country which had been so strikingly illustrated during the war. To no Colony did England owe more than to Natal. If the war had' ended diffe- rently—which he under no circumstances could conceive—Natal would have suffered most. All the information and suggestions which had come from Natal before the war. promises of support, prayers to stand fast. had been amply justified. The fields ofNata.1 had been watered with the blood of its best citizens. For its heavy sacrifices it had gained the right to take its part in the comity of the Empire. The second object of his mission was to gain information, which could only be successfully and fully obtained on the spot. There were manifold complications and prob- lems in South Africa. Natal was fortunate in that it was not implicated in those problems, which were local a.nd were to be solved by local wisdom and statesmanship. In spite of this, Natal was deeply interested in the solu- tion of those difficulties. He had found here independent advice MId independent informa- tion. He would not minimise the difficulties. They could not solve questions with a magi- cian's wand, but time was the great healer, and patience was wanted. The right hon. gentleman, who was evidently touched by his welcome, concluded, bjr Buying thaA l<h5 reoep. tion he had met there would hearten and encourage him in his mission. When Mr. Chamberlain sat down there was another prolonged outburst of cheering. Although his speech was plentifully punc- tuated 'by applause, the audience seemed almost magnetised while he was speaking, bnt the vigour and volume of their final outburst showed how deeply they had been stirred by the Colonial Secretary's words. On the termination of these proceedings Mr. Chamberlain, with his wife and party, drove to the Marine Hotel, where the public luncheon in their honour was to be held. ilrs. Chamberlain, like her husband, appeared intensely gratified by the cordiality of the reception. She carried a bouquet of orchids, presented to her by the mayoress. Provision has been made to supply Mr. Chamiberlain with a buttonhole of his favourite flower every day. ft The luncheon party, over which the mayor presided, was composed of prominent repre- sentatives of the town and district. Mrs. Chamberlain and the Governor (Sir H. M'Cuftum' were preeent.-After the usual Royal toasts Sir John Robinson (former Prime Minister) made an eloquent speech in proposing the health of the Governor. He compared the state of Downing-street when he interviewed Lord Kimberley after Majuba with the same institution when he saw Mr. Chamberlain there fifteen years later. He eulogised the unwavering policy of Mr. Chamberlain.- Sir H. MCalinm, in reply, said South Africa appeared to be the scene of historic mis- fortune. He hoped that was all changed now. —The Mayor, in proposing the health of the principal guest of the day, eulogised Mr. Chamberlain's firmness and honesty of character, quoted American opinion in praise of the British Colonial Office, and pointed out how during the war they relied absolutely on Mr. Chamberlain's steadfastness. He also quoted the saying of Khama, the great Bechuanaland chief, who. after seeing Mr. Chamberlain, called him, The man who puts things right." (Cheers.) Mr. Chamberlain, on rising to respond, received an ovation, which culminated in the singing of For he's a jolly good fellow." For the second time the right hon gentle- man stood up to speak, surrounded by evidences of the most intense enthusiasm. As soon as he opened hls^lips a profound silence fell upon his hearers. He spoke deliberately and distinctly. He thanked the audience for their evident sincerity and cordiality, and expressed his gratification with the reception they had accorded him. He hoped, he said, that his visit would lmve some effect in' strengthening the hands of Lord Milner, to whose ability, firmness, and honesty of pur- pose South Africa owed so much. This remark was the sign for an outburst of fervid cheer- ing. Continuing, Mr. Chamberlain said he hoped Lord Milner would be as great in con- ciliation as he had been in maintaining the rights of the Empire. Referring to the remarks of Sir John Robinson concerning the present state of affairs in Downing-street as compared with the period immediately after Majuba, he said that was a much-abused yet most deserving institution. It was the greatest, ablest, and, above all, the purest civil service the world ever knew, and he spoke in terms of high eulogy of the whole staff. While he admitted it was a great advantage to be on the spot, still, from Downing-street it was sometimes possible to take a broader and wider view, and to look at things from an Imperial and not from a local standpoint. In the next few words he referred with evi- dent emotion to the kind remarks which had been made concerning Mrs, Chamberlain. Touching next upon the recent times of great stress and misrepresentation, he declared that at auch periods it was a great comfort to know that his countrymen in all quarters of the globe believed in his honesty of purpose. (Renewed cheers.) This was not his first visit to a British Colony, and a British audience was the same throughout the world. Allud- ing to the history of Natal, the right hon. gentleman warmly praieed the pioneers, both English and Dutch, who had won the country, quoting in this connection from Kipling's "Sons of the English" the stanza beginning In the sand drift on the veldt side." The Dutch and English, he observd. had fought in this country side by side, and latterly they had seen the Dutch and English fighting against each other in courageous rivalry. From differences there might grpw mutual respect, appreciation, and lasting friendship. When the smoke of the great war cloud had passed away might they not hope that both sides would be content to forget all that they ought not to remember, and seek to work cordially for the common good? Two proud and kin- dred raoes had come to stay in South Africa. They were kindred alike in origin and in those great qualities, love of liberty and free- dom. endurance, tenacity, resolution, inde- pendence. and self-reliance. The same quali- ties which the Dutch honoured in Van Tromp. De Ruytor. and William the Silent we loved to associate with the names of Drake, Frobisher, Nelson, Marlborough. Wellington, Pitt, and Chatham. Out of these qualities had sprung some of the greatest difficulties between such people. There must be a struggle and a rivalry. The struggle for supremacy," Mr. Chamberlain continued, "was bound to come. Neither of us was of a nature to surrender without a fight. This terrible war waa inevitable; no statesman- ship could permanently prevent it. Now the trial has come, the issue has been decided, and the British flag will be. and must be, para- mount in South Africa. If that is granted. which is freely conceded by those brave men who led the foe, what can longer separate us?" After referring to the fusion of the Scottish and English races and the French and English in Canada, he said he found reasons for hope in the fact that the Boers recently offered to send a contingent to fight against the Mullah in Somaliland, and the offer had been accepted. At the same time, they could not expect the memories of the war to be effaced in a moment. The right hon. gentleman next touched on the subject of federation, pointing out that federation implied the granting of self-government to the Colonies. He hoped that would be accom- plished soon, but it was a measure which must not be hastened prematurely. It was evident that the speech had made a great impression. On leaving the Town-hall the Colonial Secretary received another ova- tion. MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S TASK. In Natal the task before Mr. Chamberlain (eays a correspondent) will be light. A country in which the most urgent political problem is the route of a new railway can have no serious grievances to lay before the Colonial Secretary. Representations will, no doubt, be made on the question of native labour, which affects every part of South Africa, and there will also be claims advanced for compensation for losses during the war. but these will be few, and of a special charac- ter. Those who suffered for their loyalty have been liberally treated, and such com- plaints as there are come solely from certain collieries, the profits of which had grown enormously under the stress of war. There is a strong feeling that they cannot fairly be counted among the sufferers. Of the indi- vidual cases there is at least one in which the loyalty of the complainant is open to sus- picion, seeing that his sous fought against us and his cattle was removed into the enemy's country before hostilities began. These are caaes in which the sentiment of the Colony must be consulted, especially aa there is ground for belief that Natal will undertake to bear the main burden without any appeal for British help. On the question of amnesty there is practically no division of opinion. The Colonists would release from prison the rank and file of the rebels, but would not extend clemency to the leaders. These points discussed, the remainder of the visit will be a triumphal progress, and not the least interesting part of it to Mr. Cham- berlain will be the inspection of the battle- fields from Ladysmifti to the Transvaal border.

SOLDIERS' TEETH Reports of the dentistry done in South Africa give the following as a year's work of one of the dental surgeons, and, according to the "Journal of the British Dental Associa- tion," it may be taken to represent an average probably of them all:—Cases seen, 1.200; plastic fillings inserted, 1,356; extrac- tions, 2.901. The most defective teeth appear to have been found among the men of the Militia and Yeomanry of the later levies. Many of these men were useless as fighting units through dyspepsia from the moment of starting the campaign diet of tough meat and hard biscuit, as their teeth were hope- lessly bad and beyond dental treatment.

A FORGOTTEN INDUSTRY While workmen were excavating at Messrs. Morse's brewery, Lowestoft, which stands on the site of the factory where the celebrated Lowestoft china was manufactured between 1760 and 1800, they came across some of the original plaster moulds. These were in splen- did preservation, and the patterns were sharp aiclear. Some of the moulds have been diflposed of at good prices.

RUSSIAN CENSOR AT WORK The Russian Minister of the Interior, M. Plehve. has (in conformity with Statute 178 of the laws relating to the censorship of the press) forbidden the public sale of the "Exchange Gazette" of St. Petersburg. During the reign of the present Czar many of the principal Russian papers have been entirely suppressed or mined by the arbitrary punish- ments inflicted by the censors.

STEVENS' FINE BREAD. STEVENS' FINE CAKES. STl'.VENS' FINE PASTRY. BRIDAL CAKES from 10s. upwards. Gold Medal (London) for Quality.-THE NEW DOlWTIlY. the Most Fafthlonafrla BeeUuiaofc la Wales, •6602—3

"Cechfarf's" Comments My good fnend, Mr. Arthur Mee, has now joined in the cry for an old- fashioned Christmas Day; but are all the writers who pant for a fine, crisp winter holiday quite sure that it is impossible to adapt ourselves to the weather with which we have been favoured for the last four Christmas Days? We notice in children that they can have no keener pleasure than to rush about in a downpour of rain and splash into every mud pool they can find. There can be no question aa to their relishing such an experience, and it is hard to say when we acquire a dislike for the sport. When we have a muddy Christmas Day why cannot we don mud- boots, just as we do skates when there is a frost? Children can also extract any degree of fun from running before the wind, making a sail of the family umbrella, heedless, of course, of the damage to wires which the experience may entail. Some of the old almanac pictures sug- gest that children of a larger giowtk used to turn a storm of wind into a means of merry-making; for does not the older "Old Moores" depict the month of March as a period of outdoor festivities, such as hat-hunting and the like? Who is there who can tell us what is really an orthodox Christmas? A good deal of the general misunderstanding concerning Christmas weather arises from the fact that the old Christmas Day was at a later date than it has been within the memory of anyone. The old Christmas was at a time when the winter weather had become settled; but, although the date of its celebration is earlier now, the traditions of tho "old Christmas" remain associated with it. I see that Mr. Mee has anticipated me with this point, and I agree with him. Let my readers note whether twelve days hence the weather will not be much more like that which we expect at Christmas than that which we have experienced this week. Another warning concerning inefficienû fire-engine service, and this time at Bridgend. Through some disagreement between the district council of this im- portant town and the old members of the Volunteer fire brigade, the fire-engine is rusting in peaceful idleness; and when an important business is ablaze it is at the mercy of the wind, save the necessarily inefficient help which untrained, but will- ing, citizens can render, and with dis- ordered gear. It is to be noticed that the police were the first to jump into the breach caused by the resignation of the old members of the fire brigade, and this points as clearly as possible to the desirability of organising the police into a fire brigade for the town, with such honorariums as may be agreed upon, and, of course, with the consent of the county police committee. The rumour about forming a. corps of Welsh Guards is again revived. It should be remembered that when the subject was discussed during Sir Thomas Morel's mayoralty of Cardiff, the authorities at the War Office did not discourage the idea, but pleaded for time to consider the suggestion, and that it should be deferred until the stress laid upon the department by the South African War should be re- laxed. The London Daily News" has supplied that which is dear to every Government official's heart, viz., a prece- dent; and Sir David Gam's example is certainly as worthy of emulation as any that can be supplied by the "Celtic. fringe." As to stature, Wales has a fair number of tall men, and as large a sprinkling of patriots as any part of the King's dominions. Then why cannot we have our Royal Guards, seeing that we have a Prince of our own who is proud to have as an adjunct to his arms the Red Dragon of Cadwalladr? Nwnerous and capacious as are the places of amusement at Cardiff, and with a couple of eisteddfodau added to them, each place was crowded yesterday. Writing of eisteddfodau reminds me of the remarkable number of juvenile com- petitors who entered the lists at the Wood-street Chapel. If all these will remain eisteddfodwyr until they reach years of maturity, then it is clear the old institution is not likely to end its course in the near future, whatever may be the prophesies regarding it. Their ex- cellent performances in singing, piano- forte playing, and reciting suggest the idea of dividing the Eisteddfod into senior and junior sections, thus giving full play to the talents of t he adults and juveniles. This would do away with the dreary waiting we so often experience in the earlier hours of an eisteddfod day, caused by the tardy appearance of grown- up competitors. The little people are always punctual, and always eager for the fray. Yesterday, for instance, they were in evidence two hours before the com- petitions came on. The Blue Ribbon Choir are to be con- gratulated upon their performance of the Messiah" at the Park-hall, Cardiff, on Boxing Night. It was a musical treat, if for no other reason than that none of the executants had any exaggerated ideas of their vocal qualities. One hesitates to pick out any of the soloists for comment when all did so well-Mr. Carston being the tenor, Mr. Llewellyn Bowen the bass, Miss May Richard the contralto, and Miss Maggie Purvis the soprano. The latter's rendering of "I know that my Redeemer liveth" was given with great breadth and power. We profess a desire to give Handelian music a rest; but once we are within reach of its familiar strains we forget our weariness, and stay to listen until the end. It was interesting to watch the number of young people who closely followed the performance, book in hand, just as their elders did when at their age, showing that the charm of the old masters is not diminished. Is Cardiff to have its Saffron Hill? The number of Italian organ-grinders which infest the streets of the town this week is evidence that they are having a. good time here. I have before called atten- tion to their colony in Kyte-street and Buzzard-street—-ominous and not inap- propriate liames-but on Sunday last, it being a very mild day, all the families seemed as if they had organised a pio-nio in the open street, and the party had bulged out far into Windsor-road. What- ever may be the opinion of the parents about British weather, their progeny seems as if thev readily acclimatised nere and thrived well, whether on maccaroni, maternal milk, or frame food. Our Con- tinental neighbours do not know how to enjoy the fireside, or, indeed, how to build a fire as their British patrons do; otherwise, they would abandon the street on a Sunday in December be the weather ever so fine. Little as they know of English, they all know the word "cold" when asked how they are: but thev do not know the art of creating warmth, for- in their own land the hot sun pervades1 everywhere.