The Carmarthen Weekly Reporter

YULETIDE AT CARMARTHEN. The great mid-winter festival was celebra- ted at Carmarthen with the usual amount of civic and religious ceremonies. The majority of the business houses were closed from Friday-night until Wednesday morning, and at night the time-honoured waits dispensed their usual musical programme. THE MAYOR'S PROCESSION. The usual Mayoral procession to the Parish Church took place at I I a.m. Previous to starting the Volunteer Band, under the leadership of Mr John Jones, hair- dresser, Nott-square, discoursed suitable selections of music in Guildhall-square The procession started from the front of the Town-hall, and proceeded by way of Hall- street and King-street to St. Peter's Church. The Mayor (Mr Brunei White), who was in his official robes, was accompanied by the following members of the Corporation :Dr.1 Rowlands, Mr C. W. Jones, Mr J. T. Lewis, Mr T, E. Brigstocke, Mr Walter Spurrell, Mr T. Daniel, Mr E. Colby Evans, Mr William Evans, Mr D. Parcell Rees, Mr Walter Lloyd, Mr W. Vaughan George, Mr John Lewis, Mr David Griffiths, and Mr A. Soppitt. The clergy present included the Bishop of Swansea, Canon Williams, the Rev T. R. Walters, and the Rev D. T. Alban. Amongst the members of the general public present were Mr George Bagnall, Mr Thomas Thomas (Disgwylfa), Mr John Thomas, C.C., Mr J. H. Barker, Mr T. W. Barker, Mr R. M. Thomas (town clerk), Mr Thos. Walters, etc., etc. The Fire Brigade, in full u""9rn^' was in charge of the Captain (Supt. Smith), whilst the Borough Police were accompanied by Sergeants Jones and Harries, bearing the maces, P.C. Thomas Davies with the sword, and Mr William Davies, the town crier, with his full regalia. The Volunteers were under the command of Lieut. Owen Norton and Lieut. John. The following Nonconformist ministers were also presentRev A. Fullr Mills, Rev D. J. Thomas, Rev W. W. Lewis, Rev D. Evans, and the Rev E. U. Thomas. ST. PETER'S. At St. Peter's, there was a celebration of Holy Communion, fully choral, the celebrant being the Rev D. T. Alban, assisted by the Rev J. Daniel and Rev F. Jones. At 11 o'clock the usual service was held. I he musical portion of it included an anthem "0 Zion" (Stainer) who was sung by the choir unddr the direction of Mr A. J. Silver the newly appointed organist. The Holy Communion was celebrated by the Bishop of Swansea (who, also, in the absence of the Bishop of the Diocese who was absent through indisposition, preached) assisted by the Revs Canon Williams, D. T. Alban and F. Jones. ST. JOHN'S. The only special service at St. John's was a fully choral celebration of the Holy Communion at 6 a.m. at which the Rev Canon Williams, assisted by the Revs J. Daniel and D. T. Alban offiiciated. CHRIST CHURCH. The day's services opened at Christ Church at 8 a.m. when communion was celebrated by the Rev Walters, vicar of Spittal, assisted by his brother (Rev T. Walters, vicar). Another service followed at I J o'clock when the Rev T. Waiters preached and the choir under the direction' of Mr C. A. Cooke, the organist, sang the special chants and hymns. The decorations were done by the following —Chancel, Mrs Walters, The Parsonage, and Mrs John, 17, Pilton-terrace; font, Miss David, assisted by Miss Hearder lectern, Mr B. A, Lewis, Mc louse, Churchwarden, nnd Mrc T^:<- r, ouiey west windows, Mr B. A.v ,vis altar rails, Miss Pooley. ST. DAVID'S. At St. David's there was celebration of the communion at 8.30 a.m. by the Rev J. 0. Evans, followed by matius at 9.30 a.m., when the Rev J. 0. Evans again officiated and preached. The musical services at this church were under the direction of Mr Peters, Miss Cooke being the organist. The decorations were done as folows :—Chancel, Mrs Soppitt and Miss Hancocke, assisted by Mrs Davies, 59, Lammas-street font, Mrs Richards, 21, Picton-terrace; pulpit, Miss Davies, 91, Lammas-street, and Miss Thomas, Harp Inn choir stalls and reading desks, Mr C J Davies, Sheaf Inn (Church- warden) north windows, Misses Williams, Bridge-street south windows, Mrs WiMams, Cemetery, and Mrs Jones, 5, Sawmill-terrace. A gift of flowers was sent by Miss Lewis, 20, Picton-terrace. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. At St. Mary's Catholic Church the day opened with midnight mass, at which the Rev Father Polycarp was celebrant, the Rev Father Fidehs deacon, and the Rev Father Angelo sub-deacon. The music of the high mass was Mc Evoy's Mass of the Guardian Angel." The choir was reinforced by Mr James Morgan, the well-known tenor, and by Messrs Jones' string band. Miss Rees was the organist. 1 here was an overflow congregation and the Rev Father Fidelis preached an appropriate sermon from Isaiah on our Lord Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace. The chalice used in the celebration was ornamented with cameos of the Twelve Apostles and of Cheiubim and with thirty- nine gems. The cup was of gold, and the standard of silver gilt; an inscription on the bottom shows the late Pius IX. to have celebrated with it in the year 1870. The priests were attired in cloth of gold vestments, which were a present from laris. Low masses was celebrated every half-hour between 7.30 a.m. and 10.30 a.m.; and at I I a.m. Missa Cantata" was sung, the music being the Mass of the Annunciation by Beatens. At Benediction on Sunday evening, Father Angelo preached from the I text, Render to all their due. Honour to whom honour is due." The "crib"—a representation of the stable at Bethlehem— attracted many visitors during the week. THE WORKHOUSE. The inmates of the workhouse were treated to an excellent dinner of roast beef and plum pudding and the supply was unstinted, all regulations as to "allowances" being suspended for the occasion. Each adult had a pint of beer, or an equivalent amount of aerated waters and plenty of fruit and sweets was provided for the children. The dining-hall was nicely decorated with evergreens and mottoes under the superintendence of the Matron (Miss Price), and the Nurse (Miss Burnhill). THE INFIRMARY. The patients at the Infirmary were also allowed a generous diet of plum-pudding and poultry. Otherwise the ordinary routine prevailed the Christmas tree for the patients will h:, provided early in January. THE ASYLUM. At the Joint Counties Asylum the atten- dants and friends had a dance on Christmas Eve. The inmates had a special dinner of beef and pudding and Sunday rules prevailed in that all work of an avoidable character was suspended during the day. The Chaplain (the Rev Jonathan Marsden) officiated at a communion service held in the Asylum chapel, at which 35 patients communicated.

GRAND CONCERT AT THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS. The first annual grand concert in connection with Penuel Baptist Chapel Sunday School came off at the Assembly Rooms on Christmas evening. The concert was under the patronage of Sir John Jones Jenkins, M.P., Mr J. Lloyd Morgan, M.P., and his Worship the Mayor (Mr H. Brunei White). It must at once be stated that if the patronage accorded the first concert is a criterion of what may be expected in the future, the friends of Penuel will find their annual concert a means of great assistance in swelling the funds of the Sunday School. There was a large audience present, and the various artistes met with a hearty reception at their hands. As may be seen from the appended programme, the artistes engaged were old Carmarthen favourites, but we believe that Miss Marion Evans made her first appearance before a Carmarthen audience. She unquestionably possesses a first class soprano voice, and the way in which her efforts were received proved that the audience appreciated the fine renditions she gave to her songs. The following is the programme Quartette, Ti wyddost beth iddywed fy Nghalon" (Dr Parry), Misses Marion Evans, R. A.M., Adela Bona, R.A.M., Messrs Dyved Lewys, R.A.M., Conwil Evans; song, The Promise of Life" (Cowen), Mr Conwil Evans; solos, "The Silver Ring (Chaminade), and "The Years at the Spring (Hartoz), Miss Marion Evans (encored); pianoforte solo, Home. Sweet Home" (Thalbery), Mr T. S. Puddicombe, R.A.M. (encored) recitation, Comfort ye," and solo, "Every Valley" (Messiah), Mr Dyfed Lewis (encored) song, The Heavenly Dream," Miss Adela Bona song, "Myfi sy'n magu'r baban," Miss Marion Evans (encored); duett, The Sailor Sighs," Miss Adela Bona and Mr Dyfed Lewis. Part IIDuett, Let Music and Song," Miss Marian Evans and Miss Adela Bona song, "The Garden by the Sea," Mr Dyfed Lewis (encored); song, Nobody Else," Miss Adela Bona"; song, Hen gadair freichiau fy Mam," Mr Conwil Evans (encored); song, May Morning," Miss Marion Evans; song, Mari," Mr Dyved Lewis song, My heart is like a singing bird," Miss Adela Bona; quartette, The Sea hath its pearls," Misses Marron Evans, Adela Bona, Messrs Dyved Lewis and Conwil Evans finale, God save the Queen." WATER-STREET CHAPEL. A tea-meeting in connection with Water- street Chapel Band of Hope was held last Mcnday afternoon, December 27th. The schoolroom had been tastefully decorated with flags and bunting, and at the time to commence the place presented a gay appearance. The ladies who ably presided at the tables were :-Miss Bessie Davies, Emporium, and Miss Helena James, Lammas- street Miss Jones, 107, Lammas-street, and Miss Phillips, Glannant-road; Misses Griffiths, Lammas-street Miss Williams, Water-street, and Miss A. Jones, 107, Lammas-street ;and the Misses Davies, Priory-street. In the evening a literary meeting was held. The Rev Edward Davies ably presided M r Herbert Williams was the conductor, and Mr Herbert S. Jones (Ap Caeralaw) was the accompanist, both of whom carried out their duties with their accustomed efficiency and skill. Appended is the programme :—Chairman's address chorus, Ganwyd y Messiah," Children's Choir recitation, H PH be a gentleman," Ernest Jones recitation, Dorris Holden song, Ernest Glyn Davies recitation, Hannah- C. Williams pianoforte solo, Blue Bells of Scotland," Sibert Thomas recitation, Mae gen'i ddan gi 1. Mary ijwen Jones song, Harold Jones■ recitation, David Edward Davies; pianoforte solo, 1 errie Thomas recitation, Herbert John Thomas recitation, Treulio diwrnod," Gwladys Jeremy song, Gay and Happy as a King," Emrys Thomas recitation, Annie Jones; recitation, Sidney Whicher recitation, Lizzie Jones chorus, Coromvch Ef yn ben," Children's Choir song, Unwaith etto," Mary Jones; recitation, William Treharne song, Catherine Ann Williams recitation, Willie James song, Nellie Davies; chorus, Bu genyf Fam a Thad," Tudor Davies recitation, Sarah Ann Price recitation, Willie Jones song, John Daniel Treharne song, Lewis Jones song, '< 1 )owch adref, fy Nhad," Bessie Jones (encored); song, Willie Jones; recitation, Maggie Jones pianoforte duett, Jennie and Gwladys Thomas recitation, Margaret Ann Thomas recitation, Mary Ann Jones song, Sibert Thomas duett, Nellie and Maggie Jones, Prizes to the children who sold the most programmes: 1st, 2S, Bessie Jones 2nd, is 6d, Willie Treharne 3rd, is, divided, Sidney Whicher and Ema Jeremy recitation, John Jones song, Lloyd Jones chorus, Gwel Fanerau Dirvvest," Choir. After votes of thanks had been passed to the Chairman, proposed by Councillor John Lewis, J. P., and seconded by Mr John Thomas, Morley-street, and to the ladies for presiding at the tables, the singing of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau," brought a most enjoyable entertainment to its close. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most successful meetings held in the place, and it is to be hoped that it will become an annual event. FOOTBALL MATCHES. PICTON ROVERS V. PEMUREY VILLAGE STARS. These teams met on the Morgan Arms field on Christmas Day. Although the visitors were the heavier lot, they lacked in trickiness. The Rovers kept a hot attack on the Stars goal, snd Bob Parry crossed twice, and Sammy Thomas once, the three tries remaining unconverted. FINAL SCORE: G. T. M. PICTON ROVERS 0 3 0 IJEMBREY VILLAGE STARS o 0 0

CARMARTHEN V. NEATH BARBARIANS. This match was played at Carmarthen on Christmas Day before a large crowd. The ground was in a very slippery condition, and made good play an impossibility. Both it teams pressed in turn, but failed to score, the final score standing G. T. M. CARMARTHEN 0 0 2 NEATH BARBARIANS 0 0 2 I ST. PETER'S INSTITUTE v. LLANELLY STARUghTS.—The vanquishers of the Moonlights, the Starlights, were the opponents of St. Peter's on Boxing Day. St. Peter's kicked off, and at once assumed the aggressive, but a kick by Bob Roberts drove them back, aud a rush by the 0 0 Stailig-t forwards took the ball down to the line, and the visitors experienced hard luck in not crossing. Alban, however, got the ball, and put in a long punt to touch, and St. Peter's by some smart dribbling took play to the other end. Ruling the scrums the Starlights kept up a hot attack. On the change of ends, St. Peter's rushed over the line, and Will Lewis scored a t7, which D j Davies converted. The Starlights now rushed all before them, and Twinning scored an I unconverted try. This was all the scoring done, and the Churchmen won a hard fought match by two points. 1 FINALE SCORE G. T. M. ST. PETER'S 1 O O STARLIGHTS O 1 O CARMARTHEN V. ST. ANDREW'S (CARDIFF).—This match was played on the Morgan Arms field in unpropitious weather. Carmarthen started and penned the visitors in their 25 for a time. St. Andrews, however, retaliated, and went off with a combined dribble, which took play to the other end. After some scrambling play here St. Andrews kicked over the line, and Car- marthen touched down. Carmarthen then participated in some nice rounds of passing. Thomas, the Cardiff left-wing, intercepted, but was thrown into touch by D J Davies before he could get away. The slippery state of the ground and ball made the game very monotonous to watch. Both teams had hard luck in not scoring, and when the whistle blew, the score stood G. T. M. CARMARTHEN 0 0 2 ST. ANDREW'S 0 0 2

I Ecclesiastical. ST. DAVID'S At a special service held in the Chapel of St. John the Baptist, in Abergwili Palace, on Monday last, the following appointments were made by the Lord Bishop of St. David's Rev David Edward Williams, M.A., late vicar of Llawhaden with Bletherstone, Pem. to the rectory of Lampeter Velfrey, Pem. Patron, the Bishop. Rev Charles Chidlow, M.A., late vicar of Conwil Caio wiih Llansawel, Car., to the vicarage of Llawhaden with Bletherston, Pem. Patron the Bishop. Rev James Adolphus Harris, M.A., late curate of St Mary, Swansea, to the perpetual curacy of Holy Trinity, Swansea. Patron, the Church Patronage Society. Rev Reuben Eustace Jones, B.A., late curate of Ystradyfodsvg, diocese of Llandaff, to the curacy of Llanbadarn-fawr, Card. Rev John Edward Lloyd, B.A., late curate of Denio (or Pwllheli), diocese of Bangor, to the curacy of St. Michael, Aber- 0 ystwith. Rev John Lewis, late curate of Dafen, Carm., to the curacy of Llanfallteg, Carm. I Rev John Thomas Evans, B.A., late curate of St. John's juxta Swansea, Glam., to the curacy of Llanilar with Rhosdu, Card. The following appointments have also been made by the Bishop Rev David Edward Williams, M.A., rector of Lampeter Velfrey, Pem., to be rural dean of the rural deanery of St. Clears. Rev Daniel Morgan Davies, B.A., late b curate of Abergwili, Carm., to the vicarage of Tregaron, Card. Patron, the Bishop. Rev William Morgan, B.A., late curate of St. Michael, Aberystwith, to the vicarage of Llandilo Talybont, Glam. Patron, Mrs Gwyn, DyffrYll) Glam. Rev Edward James Hughes, late vicar of Llanishen, diocese of Llandaff, to the rectory of Ludchurch, Pem. Patron, the Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain. Rev James Allen Smith, M.A., vicar of St Mary, Swansea, to the chancellorship of St David's Cathedral. Patron, the Bishop. Rev John Davies, late curate of St John juxta Swansea, to the curacy of Pembrey, Carm. Rev Harold Stepney Williams, late curate of St Mary, Swansea, to the curacy of St J ohn j uxta Swansea. j.

Llandovery Christmas Market Show. The tenth annual Christmas market show was held in the corn and meat markets, Llandovery, on Wednesday week in favourable weather, and proved a thorough success. Numerically, the exhibits were in excess of last year, and some capital quality was shown. A new feature in this year's show was the live poultry competition, which created additional interest in the event, and some capital stock was seen. Mr J. Rhys James, of Springfield Cottage, performed the secretarial duties in his usual able and efficient manner. Mr J. Watkins, of the Old Bank, acted as hon treasurer. The following were the judges Meat: Mr Stephens, Llandilo. Poultry (trussed and live): Mr Crocker, of Swansea. Butter, cheese, and eggs Miss Morgans, Coedmawr; Mrs Griffiths, New Park and Mrs Perkins, Dolau. The competitions resulted as follow Carcase of beef: 1st and 2nd, Mr Henry Williams, butcher, Llandovery. Carcase of Lowland mutton Mr Howell Jones, butcher, Llangadock. Carcase of mountain wether Mr Henry Williams, Llandovery, Porker, not exceeding five score Mr Howel Jones, Llangadock. Carcase of veal Mr Eowell Jones. Fat Turkey: let, Mr Jones, Wern 2nd, Mr Rees, Talrhyll 3rd, Mr Thomas, Trallwn. Stag Turkey Mrs Morgans, Llwynhowell. Fat Goose: 1st, Mr Jeremiah Thomas, Pantglas 2nd and 3rd, Mrs Evans, Dolanhirion. Coiiple of Fat Ducks 1st, Mr Thomas 2nd, Mr Williams, Cefnllan 3rd, Mr J Thomas, Pantglas. Couple of Fat Fowls 1st, Mr J Thomas; 2nd Mr Thomas 3rd, Mr Williams, Glantivy. Cask or Tub of Salt Batter, of not less than 30lbs: 1st, Mrs Williams, Cefnllan 2111, Mr Thomas Jones, Llwynmeredith. Six Pounds of Fresh Butter: 1st, Mrs Griffiths, Brynwhith 2nd, Mrs Williams. Fresh Milk Cheese, not less than 201b 1st and; 2nd, Mrs Thomas, Llettyraflaeth. Skim-milk Cheese, not lees than 20lb 1st, Mrs Thomas 2nd, Mr J Thomas. Basket of Eggs, not less than 20 in number 1st, Mrs Morgans 2nd, Mrs Williams, Cefngevel. Live Turkey 1st, Mr Roderick, Liwynbsrllan 2nd, Dr R J Owen, Llandovery. Live Goose: 1st, Mr Thomas 2nd, Mr Davies, Cnwcdeilog. Live Couple of Ducks: 1st, Mr Evan Davies Abergwenlais 2nd, Dr R J Owen. Live Couple of Fowls 1st, Rev 0 Evans garden of Llandovery College 2nd, Mr F H. 1 erkins, Tonn. Special prizes, to be competed for by working men. residing in the parish of Llandingiit Live Fat Pig 1st and 2nd, Mr Daniel Lewis, Ochard-street, Llandovery^; 3rd, Mr Elias Jones, Garden-street, Llandovery.