The Carmarthen Weekly Reporter

OARMAHTHEN I UADRR THE SEARCH-LIGHT. "Come, come, and sit you down you shall n^Ltudge, You shall not go, till I Ret you uy a glass Where you may see the iuinost part of you." SH A EES PEA BE. A Water-tap Inspector and a practical foreman labourer are two of the latest needs of the official world. At this rate, half Carmarthen will soon be officials supported by the other half. We shall each of us keep an official of our own. • There is a growing doubt in many people's minds as to whether the approach ing holiday is Whitsuntide or Christmas. A certain young man who bought a straw hat and a blazer during the hot week in April was seen last Saturday trying to swop them for a chest protector and a pair of cork soles. The Carmarthen Volunteers are a lm anxious to know when they are likely to be paid the shooting prizes which they won last autumn. It is rather a peculiar state of affairs to be giving score for prizes and nine months credit at that. Soon, the arrangements will be made for the next competition and at this rate of going it will be rather difficult to get up enthusiasm over "prizes" which have such an unsub- stantial existence. Two little boys were going along the street the other day, and were conversing about a certain British general. One boy appeared to be an authority on the per- sonal apearance of the celebrity. ■"lies c great big fat man said the youngster -just as fat as Alr-. As fat as rr. remarked the other awe-stricken is well, I never thought of it." Wild horses won't tear from me the name of the respec- ted burgess, who seemed to be regarded as the standard of obesity. But the boy who made the comparison has the making of a great author in him. There is nothing like a concrete illustration. A militiaman was holding forth to an admiring crowd of small boys in Lammas- street a few hours before the departure for Popton last week. We're going out to give the Boers socks he said. This possibly was a sly hit at the "poor stocking less Dutchmen" of whom we have heard. But a glance at the militiaman's substan- tial understandings would convince the on- looker that it would be a far more serious matter if he started to give the Boers the boot. The county magistrates had on Saturday to deal with an application for an exemp- tion under the new Vaccination Act. Of course, the magistrates granted the exemp- tion it is difficult to see how they could do anything else as the law stands. If the applicant says that he conscientiously be- lieves that vaccination would be preju- dicial to the health of the child, he is" en- titled to the exemption. This simply means that anybody who asks for an exemption gets it. It is a stupid law—an idiotic law. But it is the law and the province of the magistrates is to carry out the laws—not to make them. A magistrate has no right to refuse a license, because he does not believe in drinking (It is necessary some- times to emphasize this point). if a justice is not prepared to carry out the law as it stands, he ought to retire frm the bench. Anti-vaccination does not flourish in Car marthen. There have only been two or three applications for exemptions since the new law came into force. Carmarthen is progressive enough but we do not regard novelty as progress. Carmarthen people are not prepared to teach law to the lawyer or medical science to the doctor. Anti- vaccination may be a true gospel but it involves the assumption that 99 per cent. of the medical men know nothing of medi- cine. I should not like to say that 99 per cent of the farmers know nothing about farming, or that 99 per cent, of the teachers knew nothing of education. Miss Elsie Jenkins, a little twelve-year- old girl who is making a name for herself in the Metropolis and neighbourhood, is a member of a Carmarthen family. This young lady, who is described as "the" child vocalist" has lately taken a prominent part at patriotic and other concerts, held at the Alexandria Hall, Plumstead, and else- where, under such distinguished patronage as that of Sir John Puleston, Col. Hughes, M.P., the Lord Mayor, etc., etc. Accord- ing to the notices of the concerts, she has been most succesful (and deservedly so) at her numerous engagements. Miss Jenkins is a grandniece of Mr James Jen- kins, boot and shoe maker, 32, Water-st., and none will be prouder to hear of her success, in keeping up the reputation of the Principality and of Carmarthen, than will her Carmarthen friends. The matter of bathing accommodation has again been discussed by the Chamber of Commerce. As things have been going on of late, it is rather dangerous to hint that anything more is needed which will cost money. But if we cannot have better accommodation, we can at least insist on 1 some slight regard to common descencv. If people nust bathe in the river, there is no need for them to come out whilst in classical costume and promenade along the public footpath by the riverside for a quar- ter of a mile or so. This is quite as dis- graceful and as uncalled for. as it would be in King-street. It is now established that the Borough Police have jurisdiction in the county, so the excuse of this happening on the other side of the rin-er won't hold water. One prosecution would stop the evil for that v season at any rate. This would do the community more good than using the ener- gies of our zealous police force in roping in unmuzzled dogs. A boy who smashed part of the fountain in the Park last week was discharged with a caution. If cautions were, however, administered with a good Xo. 3 cane, there would be no more wilful damage for a good twelvemonth. Ko; I have not given my opinion on the Asylum drainage dispute, although asked by several friends. Those who ought to be authorities regard it as a toss-up," what the Local Government Board may do when it comes to an enquiry. I could verv easily stuff myself with the case and grow ponder ously dogmatic. But nobodv knows any- thing about it. Even the Local Govern- ment Board fences with the subject. How ever, no matter who eventually will have to pay the piper, there is no doubt of one thing-the Asylum ought to be drained immmediatelv. Something really is going to happen. New pipes have been laid in Mill-street. Now that this part of the town has been discovered by Corporationism, there is no saying what piay happen. People freauenting the Recreation Ground complain of being turned out at 8 p.m. This is ridiculous in daylight. Besides, the bye-laws adopted fix the closing of the gates in May at 9 p.m. and the opening at 6 a.m. The Park Committee should see to this. I have received from 461 Sapper A. Evans, of the Royal Engineers Telegraph Battalion, Lord Roberts' Field Force, South Africa, a couple of copies of the Friend (Bloemfontein). The advertisements and proclamations in two languages must remind Carmarthen people of many bilingual notices issued in the it Principality. The correspondents who edit: the paper appear to be given to a withering sarcasm. Says one, If you come with a company they will give you coffee. If you come alone they will snipe you. By this you may know the Loyal District." The sender of the paper is, of course, our townsman, Mr Arthur Evans, whose letters from the front have as vivid word-pictures thrown those of the professional war correspondents into the shade. I have also to thank some unknown friend who has sent me a copy from New Zealand of the Oiaro Daily Times, which contains an account of the departure of the contingent thence for Scuth Africa. Major Francis and Yajor Davies figure prominently on the roll of officers and there is not much presumption in surmising that they are of Welsh extraction. At St. Matthews (Anglican) Church, Canon Richards (another Welshman evidently) took a prominent part in the service at St. Joseph's Reman Catholic Cathedral, Dean Mackay (a Scot), and Father Ryan (Irish, of course), and at the First Church (Nonconformist), Rev A. Norrh (English), and the Rev J J Lewis (Welsh), all commended the volunteers for fighting in a good cause. It is not a sectarian or a party question evidently out there. .¡č The petition to the Bishop of Swansea asking him to remain at Carmarthen has been very largely signed in the parish. We all know what petitions are worth. Some members of the congregation would prefer that the Bishop remain and others think that it is not exactly the thing for the vicar of a large and important parish to have a very large portion of his time occupied in duties outside the parish, and for which he receives additional remuneration. There are two views of the question, and, of course, everybody has a right to adopt whichever view he chooses. But nobody can tell what is the view of the large majority, unless a full meeting of the congregation is called, and a vote taken on the question (by ballot, of course). An opinion so taken would be worth something. Now I know as a matter of fact (and we all know) that th,; petition contains the signatures of individuals who have been amongst the readiest to express dissatis- faction at the vicar's plurality of appoint- ments. We all know very well how the thing is done. Somebody brings you a petition, and says, Do you mind signing this? How many have the backbone to say no," if they honestly differ from the prayer of the petition ? Besides no member of a Church likes to run the risk of having in after years a pastor whom it is known Ù he wished to see elsewhere. Such a situation is extremely awkward in any church. Besides numbers of the signatories may have thought that the petition would be of a very little weight in the matter, as the Bishop might do what he considered better without being much moved by such appeals. At any rate some prominent Churchmen had the manliness to refuse to sign the paper. One man went further. "No," he said, ;t I won't sign it, but if you put down £ 5 each to increase the Bishop's stipend here, FH do the same." The offer was not closed with. If it ii really desired to ascertain the views of the congregation let a plebiscite be taken. Petitions are no good. Any influential person promoting a petition asking the Bishop to go could get plenty of signatures—and possibly to a great extent the same signatures as those which figure on the present document. On Monday the water was turned off in Blue-street for the best part of the day. The ratepayers used to be warned of such things but ratepayers now are not worth consider- ing. They are simple the stupid donkeys whose sole use is to bear the burdens on their shoulders. The decision of the Town Council now is that they won't take the fairs from the streets until they are compelled to do so— pretty honest, at any rate. The Council was greatly influenced by a "petition" received from some 475 people (of whom perhaps 3°0 were townspeople). What value is to be attached to petitions I have already shown above in referring to another matter. If anybody got up a petition for the removal of the fairs from the streets, I have no doubt 1,000 signatures could be got to it. Nobody doubts that. Mr J F Morris, who supported the petition, said Whatever my own opinions may be, I surrender them to the great mass of the persons I am sent here to represent." A very good principle. But Mr Morris (and other members who went on the same lines) may possibly be mistaken as to what arc the opinions of the great mass of the persons they were sent to represent. At best they only know the opinions of a couple of score of the tradesmen in Priory-street and neighbourhood. But there are 900 voters in the Eastern Ward, and the majority of these have given no opinion. As a matter of fact, the petition was not brought to the general bulk of the ratepayers to sign. This is not exactly the way in which one arrives at the honest opinion of a Ward. However, I agree that the ratepayers have a right to their say in the matter. But the ratepayers as a body are pushed into the background by the handful of people who can buttonhole the Councillors, and bring more or less pressure to bear on them. It may be that the ratepayers as a body wish the present fiithy rowdy savage state of things to continue. Well if the petitioners really want an honest expression of opinion let them call a meeting of ratepayers, and abide by its decision. If they wish to get at the opinion of the town, and not simply to promote their own case, let them do that. Xobody can then grumble at the result. The Vater Tap Inspector will not be killed with hard work. He won't have to mend leaks-simply to report. A man with a wooden leg could inspect the taps in 50 town houses in a day. As there are about 2,000 houses in Carmarthen, this would mean 40 days work to go round the whole town. Now the same house would not want inspecting more than once in six months, so we arrive at the result-that at the very most the water tap inspector would have about So days work in the year, or six and a haif days a month. Paid only Zi a week, he would be having about 13s a day for his J; work Figures are deadly things. Messrs John Lewis & Co's (of Comm rce House) great retiring sale commenced on Friday last. The sale is genuine, and all the stock must be cleared by a specified time, as the premises have been taken over by the London and Provincial Bank (next door). The stock is new, and was bought before the recent advance in prices, so that the public can buy on advantageous terms. This is no lot of stuff bought for sale purposes, but a genuine clearance sale of new goods. -X- Some people want to charge the Sports Committee more than ^21 a day for the Park, because the Committee make a handsome surplus out of it. Even if the surplus were not for public purposes, what has that to do with it ? It is the hard work of the Committee, the advertising, the prizes, etc., which make the affair a success. Suppose a gardener hired a plot of land at £ 10 a year, and made ^300 by growing L, flowers and plants and vegetables on it, would the landlord think he had a claim on the £ 300 ? Suppose I bought a penny copy- book and wrote a story on it, which I sold for a guinea, would the stationer want half a sovereign for the next copy-book? People who argue as to the profit made by a hirer or purchaser have a very poor idea of commerce. Now that Mill-street is opened, the Corporation can improve it if they wish. Years ago, the street sloped down to a gutter in the centre. This was primitive, but tolerable. But now it slopes away from a ridge in the centre to the houses at each side. So it really is carefully arranged to flood houses and to keep the roadway dry. Good old Corporationism 1 It is to be hoped a saner method will be adopted of draining the street. The Surveyor's claim for extra remuneration for the extra work in connection with the water mains is coming on at the next meeting of the Council. As Mr Barnes is paid several hundreds for the engineering of the Water Works, and as there was a Clerk of the Works paid for looking after the renewal of the water mains, and as the Surveyor is to get extra remuneration for the Water Mains, the Recreation Ground, and all the rest, is it too much to ask what his ORDINARY remuneration of £ 180 a year is for. Just for curiosity's sake, let some Councillor tell us. The Council is in a generous mood at present, so nobody will be surprised at anything they vote. The ratepayers "— who are of such importance when it comes to maintaining filthy streets—don't count in money matters. x* Carmarthen, as I have always contended, is in want of a few good slander actions. The want is likely to be gratified. Trade jealousy leads people to place themselves in dangerous positions but it is more than people can be expected to stand-to be accused of fraud and dishonesty. Tradesmen should remember that they are not coster- mongers or editors of newspapers. ALETHEIA.

r^3SE53S23E5!3^SaSE5aBK5m»aBSSaemSIHSeBSBSeB Death of Mr. J onos, Carmarthen House, Carmarthen. It is with sincere and unfeigned regret we have to announce this wook the death of Mrs Jane Jones, the beloved wife of Captain John Jones, of Carmarthen House, Dark Gate, which sad event took place on Friday evening, at eleven o'clock. Mrs Jonos was in the enjoyment of good health up to Now Year's Day, when she was suddenly attacked with a pain in one of her knees. It was at tho time not thought to bo anything serious, but the following day it became so painful that !-he had to keep to her bed. Her medical attendant, Dr E. R. Williams, was confident of her recovery, but she was attacked by a severe bout of bronchitis, which, working on an already weakened frame, proved too much for her, and after an illness of four months, she peacefully passed away at rho time stated, in the presence of all tho Carmarthen members of her family. Mrs Jones was born in Carmarthen on February 15th, 1829, and was, therefore, in her 72nd year, but previous to her fatal illness, she was so active and nimble in executing her business that she would do credit to many people half her age. By her amiable qualities, her geniality, and kind- heartedness, she had during her long business-life made hosts of friends and acqnr.intanc-s, who will hear with sincere and heartfelt sorrow of her decease. She leaves to mourn her loss Capt. Jones (widower), three daughters (Mrs Davies and Miss Jones, Carmarthen House, and Mrs Booth, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia), and two sons (Mr W. H. Jones, of the Daily Telegraph, London, and Mr A. J. Jones, Park Stores, manager of the Carmarthen Weekly Reporter); and who by her death have lost a true and worthy partner and a devoted parent. What makes the event more sad is the fact that Capt. and Mrs Jones was within a few years of celebrating their golden wedding, having been married at St. David's Church by the Venerable Archdeacon D. Archard Williams on the 2nd December, I800. The deceased lady was a faithful member of St. David's Church, up to the timo that Christ Church was built, when she and her family decided to worship at Christ Church. The funeral, which was public fur men only, took place on Thursday afternoon, just as we were going to press, the interment taking place at &t. David's Churchyard, tho Rev Lewis Davies, curate, officiating, in tho absence of the Vicar (the Rev T. R. Walters, M.A.) at Convocation.

LLANFYNYDD. MAGIC LANTERN ENTERTAINMENT. On Tuesday evening, in the above National Schoolroom, a capital magic lantern enter tainment was given by the Schoolmaster. Mr Fred Smith. He not ouly manipulated the slides, but delivered the lecture. The subjects included "John Gilpin's Ride," the Queen's Diamond Jubilee," and u-aijy others of a humourous fancy. The Vicar (Rev J B Williams) was chairman, and there were p; eSent a large number of parents and friends. Mr Smith, in an ab!e speech, explained his intentions, the next winter, the laulern being his own personal props r:y, to give a great number of exhibition?, including microscopic and photo illustrations, all children never absent nor late for certain periods to have free t ckets. They will thus receive useful learning of all kinds in a pleasiut: manner. It m gic lanterns and microscopes were compulsory in all schools, they would be far better than many ideas in the cole for schools. Mr Smith last winter conducted a solfa-class, open to all the parish, fr, e of cLarge, thus proving his great practical interest in the welfare of the children in and out of school.

Whitland n ra",d District Council. MONTHLY MEETING AT THE PARK HOTEL. The annual meeting of the Whitland Rural District Council was held at the Part; Temperance Hotel on Friday. There were present Mr T. Davies, Llanglydwen Mr T. Evans, Llanfalltcg Mr Morgan Phillips, Eglwysfairacherig Mr B. John, Llandis- silio Mr Levi Davies, Llanboidy Mr G. 0 Lewis, Eglwy scymyn Mr E. James, Cil- maenlhvyd Mr Benjamin Thomas. Pendine Mr John Williams, Ilenllan Mr J. Adams Lewis, Llanboidy Mr W. Howells, Ciifig Rev W. Thomas, Whitland Mr J. Lewis, Marros Mr John James, Llandissilio Mr John Davies, Castledwyran Mr J. Thomas, Llangan Mr William Thomas, Egremont Mr Thomas Lewis*, Llanboidy; together with the Clerk (Mr John Thomas) the deputy- Clerk (Mr Henry Lewis) the Surveyor (A-li Rees Davies) the Sanitnry Inspector (Mr J. Morgan Thomas) and the Medical Officer of Health (Dr Creswick Williams). Mr T. Evans proposed, Mr W. Howell i seconded, and it was unanimously carried, that Mr T. Davies be elected chairman foi the ensuing year. It was agreed on the motion of Mr Wm. Thomas, seconded by Mr E. James, that M Thomas be elected vice-chairman for the en- suing year. APPOINTMENT OF CLERK. The next business was to appoint a clerk in the place of Mr John Thomas resigned. The Chairman said that they were very sorry to lose the services of their clerk. He had been a very faithful servant during the long period he had been connected with that body. He had been perfectly correct in his accounts, as the auditor had repeatedly tes- tified. Moreover, he had enjoyed the con- fidence of the public no man in the district had enjoyed the confidence of the public to a greater extent. He was perfectly reliable and straightforward; and he would not de- viate from his duty to please the Prince of Wales or to please a pauper. They were sorry indeed to lose him but they were glad to hear that there was a movement on foot amongst the public to testify their appreciation of his valuable services during so many years-something that would go down to future generations, and that would be looked upon as a great testimony to his services to a former generation. They could not overestimate the value of his service. He had a sterling moral character and a high Christian character which regulated all his acts. The Chairman felt sure he was only expressing the sentiments of the whole Council when he said they were very sorry to lose Mr Thomas's services. In Mr Lewis the Chairman thought they would find a very worthy successor. To use a homely phrase Mr Lewis was a chip of the old block." He had been brought up under the guidance of Mr Thomas. He was well versed in all the work which Mr Thomas had done and the Chairman hoped he would be elected unani- mously, and have health and strength to do the work for many years. The Chairman was positive that Mr Lewis's election would be quite unanimous. They knew Mr Lewis per- sonally, every one of them. He was not a stranger to them and they had perfect con fidenee in him, so that they could trust him to carry out the duties of the office. Mr G. 0. Lewis said that as the oldest guardian with the exception of Mr Thomas, of Pendine, he would like to endorse every word that the Chairman had said. He had always found Mr Thomas steering the Coun- cil and the Guardians in the right direction. He knew that they would have a very good successor in Mr Lewis and he should like to have the opportunity of proposing Mr Lewis as clerk to the Council. Mr Benjamin Thomas I beg to second that. The Chairman asked if there was any other proposition. There being no other proposition, the motion was carried unanimously. Mr G. O. Lewis asked what about the salary ? It was decided that the salary should be at the same figure as before— £ 30 a year. The Chairman I beg to congrautlate you Mr Lewis on behalf of the Council on being thus unanimously appointed and the only advice I can give you is In his steps." Mr Lewis I am very much obliged to you for the honour you have done me in electing me in such an unanimous manner as clerk to this Council. I can only promise to do the duties in such a manner as to give you satis- faction. Thank you very much. The Chairman said he hoped Mr Thomas would come down occasionally with Mr Lewis. They hoped Mr Thomas would not be a stranger now they would like to see him there sometimes. Mr Thomas said he hoped he would come down occasionally. THE FLOODING OF WHITLAND. The report was then read of a committee which had conferred with Mr Wood, the G.W.R. representative, regarding the flood- ing of Whitland. The following were the recommendations of the Committee 1. That Mr Wood's suggestion that the Council should provide sluice doors for the Railway culverts, provided the Railway Co. undertake to do all the necessary labour in connection with the fixing up of the same, be agreed to. 2. That the Railway Company be asked to provide additional culverts under the rail- way at Parkrhydycwrt. 3. That the Pembrokeshire and Carmar- thenshire County Councils and the Narberth District Council be asked to co-operate with this Council in getting the road near Eglwys fair Church raised, and culverts made under neath so as to prevent its being flooded. 4. That the well near the Park Hotel be ventilated. 5. That the Parish Councils of Llangan East and Llanboidy be recommended to adopt the Lighting Act, 1833, with a view to the lighting of the streets of Whitland. The Chairman said it was the duty of the Parish Councils to attend to the lighting. •fu nsh Councils sometimes interfered with the work of the District Council but 1?S ™heJ-e work" He understood that the Medical Officer objected to the ven- tilating of the well. The Medical Officer said they were simply wasting money 011 these wells. They had better go m for a gravitation scheme at once I Everybody wanted that it was only the question of cost which was the objection. They could borrow money for a long number of years (40 years probably) at three per cq|t., so that the annual expense would not < COuld not P°ssibIy recommend the sinking of any more wells. inJ^f ^kitland Postmaster wrote complain- tothl m \"ger Wh\ch had recently occured to the Blaenteg rural postman's life on the occasion when the road was Hooded between Danybont and Alltybailey. u-iTJ!16 ,Chair™a,n said this would be dealt with along with the rest. It was agreed that the recommendation of the Committee be adopted, and that the Committee be re-elected. PENDINE STAND PIPES. The Sanitary Inspector said he had visited -Pendine and he recommended that another pip^ be Place(i ner Benjamen Williams house. That would serve a good number of people who lived in that neigh- bourhood. 6 Mr Benjamin Thomas concurred. ter)he Chairman You aSree fo-day (laugh- Mr Benjamin Thomas I always agree when it is in reason. The Chairman You are both very inde- pendent. The Inspector We have a standpipe at N arberth we can get for 14s Mr Benjamin Thomas There is one there we can get for nothing, The recommendation of the Iinspector was adopted. Mr William Lewis, Pendine, wrote to say that he would decline to pay the water-rate as the supply was 270 yards from his house. The Inspector said that a Mrs Lewis who was well within tHe 200 yards limit. Other people said they would not pay except she were compelled Mr G. 0. Lewis said that they ought to watch this lady, and to summon her if she took water from the supply. The Inspector: I can't stay there all the night. But she is liable as she is within the distance. SANITATION. The Medical Officer reported that on the South side of the road near the Whitland Board School, there was a gutter leading to a culvert at the entrance to which there was a large stone, and the drop between this and the adjoining wall was so great that the spot was dangerous to traffic. On the north side there was an open gutter frequent com- plaints were made as to the accumulation of stagnant water 'there, and decomposing vege- tables and animal matter. Attention was also called to the condition of the gutter on the south side of Whitland Station. It was agreed to instruct the Surveyor to attend to these matters as soon as posible. THE LLANBOIDY QUARRY. Mr R. M Thomas, Carmarthen (Mr Rocli's solicitor) wrote asking whether the Council had proceeded with the opening of the quarry, or whether they had given it up. Mr Levi Davies They are going on with the work it is very promising so far. It was decided to return an answer accor- dino-lv. TENDER ACCEPTED. It was decided to acecpt the tender of William Lewis and Sons, blacksmiths, Ponty fenny, at £1 9s 9d for making a gate at Nantyrallwyn (Llanboidy) ROADS. The Surveyor reported as follows — I beg to call once more your kind atten- tion to the open gutter on the east side ot the road between Whitland Station and Eglwysfair Church, which is not only very injurious to health, but is quite danger- ous. I would respectfully ask your per- mission to get it flagged over or to divert it into the adjoining field and then fill up the gutter altogether; something must be done. Also please let me have your instructions as to the Whitland Abbey culvert. It ought to be built in course of next month. I have got some gravel ready. It will take three tons of limestone which we had better get at once. Then comes the question, How is the traffic to be managed while the culvert is being constructed ? It was decided to invite tenders for the work at the Whitland Abbey culvert. The Surveyor was directed to bring in an esti- mate for the job required near the station. PENDINE CULVERT. The County Council wrote stating that the application for a grant towards the con- struction of a culvert at Pendine would be considered at the January meeting. Rev W. Thomas said that these applica- tions could only now be so considered so as to get into the estimates for the year. THE PENDINE FLOODS. The Clerk to the Carmarthen Rural Dis- trict Council (Mr Rowland Browne) said that the culvert on the boundary between the parishes of Laugharne and Pendine had eitner been stopped by the Highway Authori ties, or the Highway Authorities had acqui- eseed in such stoppage and the landowners were therefore justified in asking that the authorities should re-open it. Mr Benjamin Thomas I should like to know when it was stopped. Rev W Thomas It was stopped before the existence of this Council. Mr Benjamin Thomas And before my existence too (laughter). WENALLT ROAD. The Surveyor was requested to report to the next meeting on the rondition of the Wenallt road, Cilmaenllwyd.

The Muzzling Order in Wales. A PROMISE OF ITS EARLY REVOC i- TION. In the House of Commons on Monday, Mr Lloyd Morgan (M.P. for West Carmarthen) asked tho President of the Board of Agriculture whether he had caused inquiries to be made by inspectors employed under the Board of Agriculture to discover whether the Muzzling Order had been efficiently carried out in the county and borough of Carmarthen whether he would state the result of enquiries; and whether he hoped to be in a position to re-.olio the Order at an early date. Mr Long: Reports Lave been made by my inspectors from time to time of the mode in which tho Muzzling Order has been enforced iu the county and borough 01 Carmarthen, and may, I think, be regarded as satisfactory. Ihe answer to the concluding paragraph is in the affirmative. DOG MUZZLING ORDERS REVOKED. The London Gazette of Tuesday night con- tains three Orders of the Board of Agriculture which revoke the following Orders of 1899, viz.:—29th August, theBreconshire (Muzzling of Dogs) Order of 1899 1st September, the Breconshire (Muzzling of Dogs) Order of 1899 (No 2): 29th August, the Carmarthen- shire (Muzzling of Dogs) Order of 1899 an d 29th of August, the Glamorgan (Muzzling of Dogs) Order of 1899. The new Orders which revoke the the Orders of the dittei named above came into operation yesterday (Thursday).

Lampeter College Sports. The annual athelic sports, held in con- nection with St. David's College, took place on Wednesday week on the school cricket ground. Events were as follows 100 Yards Flat Ricu.-Ist, T B Williams 2nd, Hugh Williams and W Z Jones. Time, 10 3-5sec. High Jump.—1st, T Felix 2nd, Hugh Williams. Jump, 4ft. lliu. Putting the Weight.—1st, W A Davies; 2nd, L T P Jones, 29ft. 5in. 440 Yards Flat Piace.-Ic-t, T Felix 2nd, W Z Jonee. Time 60sec. 300 Yards Handicap.—1st, T B Williams 2nd, E LI A Jonkius. Throwing the Cricket Ball.—1st, L T P Jones; 2nd, J G Deighton-92yds Ift. One Mile Race.—1st, D F Hughes 2nd G A Green; 3rd, J B Abel. Time 5cniu 1 lsec 300 Yards liandicap.-Ist, T Felix 2nd, T B Williams. Time 3-5sec. Long Jump. — 1st, W A Davies 2nd, Hugh Williams—18ft lin. Half-mile Haii(licap.-Ist, W J Jones; 2nd, Folix. Time, 2 min, 1 lsec. 120 Yards Hurdle Race.-Ist, Hugh Williams 2nd, J B Abel. Time, 20sec. 1 l' Tug-of-War.—Old Building Company (Captain D L Davies). E Rowland. 2nd, D F Hughes; 3rd, W A Davic.s. Consolation Race.—Arthur Griltbhs. Immediately after the sp r s the prize- were distributed by Mrs \V. In^lis J; ties Derry Ormond, in the College hall.

F E Ii R Y S I D E PRESENTATION TO P.C. JoSKPII MoUGAX.— At a tea held at the Presbyterian ChurLh, Llanelly, on Tuesday last, P.O. Joseph Morgan, late of the Docks, Llancllv, was presented with some valuable legal books by the Presbyterian Sunday Sehool and Guild. Several prominent members of the Chuich testified to P.C. Morgan's zeal and usefulness, wishing him on behalf of their Society every success in the futnre. P.C. Morgan suitably acknowledged the gift, y io which he said would be a frcqueat reminder of the time, both pleasant and edifying, he h ad spent amongst them. 0

Wclfch Volunteers in South Africa. EXPERIENCES ON THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION. THE HARDENING PROCESS. SOME NEWS ABOUT THE CARMAR- THEN BOYS. HUMOURS OF CAMP LIFE. ERASERBURG ROAD CAMP, April 17th. The Special Correspondent of the South Wales Daily News writes as follows :— For the past five weeks the Volunteer Service Company of the Welsh Regiment have been encamped at Fraserburg Road, guarding an important bridge on tho lines of communication. The bridge spans a river, which for the greater part of the year, is perfectly dry, but after heavy rainfalls such as we have experienced several times lately tho liver comes down with a rush from far off hills. Save along the the banks of the river, the Gamba by name, and of two other rivers, or more correctiy river beds, which join it near by, the Biker Water and the Lion Rivers, where the wood-pigeon and the black cap build their ne3ts in thick growing mimosa bushes, save along these banks the eye rests upon mile after mile of the flat vegatationless country of tho Great Karoo, rising into kopjes now and again and finishing on tho uortn. and iciith by high mountain ranges, which, cutting a sharp jagged horizon sixty miles away, seem to recede and advance, advance to apparently half the actual distance, in the telescopic atmosphere. The Great Karoo is not an ideal spot for an encampment, as the Volunteer Company of tho South Wales Borderers at Ketting have found out, but of all places along th9 lines of communication Fraserburg Road is by repute the best and healthiest. Com- pared to Ketting, it is a paradise. For Ketting has no inhabitants, no station of importance, no stores, no public bar. Even fresh water is at a premium, aLd the Borderers have to mount guard over two bridges, one of which is seven miles distant from tho camp. Fraserburg Road, how- ever, possesses a few inhabitnnts and a station, which bursts into life once or twice a day when the mail stops for luncheon, and the passeegers crowd wito the dining-room. And passengers of varying importance pass through, from Sir Ferestier-Walker and the Duke of Marlborough to Rudyard Kip- ling, who, instead of joining the remainder of the passengers at lunch, stopped on the platform chatting merrily to the Welshmen and Winston Churchill. Prisoners and wounded pass through too, prisoners who declare that 500,000 British are wanted, and wounded who are glad of their wouuds, some of them to be out of the hardships of tho campaign. Fraserburg Road has recently risen to the dignity of possessing a day school, which WjS opened to-day for the education of the jhildren, mos:!}' black, H tout here. This is the life we see. The life we lead is euftirely different. It is calculated to harden one and fit one physically not only tor tho fr"r,t but for any job in the old onntry. Each morning at G o'clock there is physical drill or bayonet excercise. Break- last, dry bread and coffee until a few days ago, follows. At 9.30 the company starts out for a long route inarch or attack formation, ending in charges up kopjes or outpost duty, the two former somewhat heavy work, under the burning sun of South Africa, and across the hot, stony Karoo and the dusty roads. On the first few marchc-s a good mnny men fell out. but gradually acullinatiser-1, the company is able now to march long distances in full march- ing order without a man falling out. In most respects now they arc fit for the front, and the relieving party is daily expectcd. For orders have been received for the Volunteer Company of the Welsh to hold themselves in readiness to join the regiment at an early date, and the regiment is sadly in want of a draft after its depletion at Driefontein and "Paardeberg. When Sir Forestier-Walker passed through a few weeks ago lie expressed surprise that the company had not alroady joined the regi- ment. Five weeks on the lines of communi- cation have been very useful for trainiug purposes, and Captain Pieton Evans, assisted by two able subalterns and a colour-sergeant .)f untiring energy and of largo experience, has utilised them so well that tho men hayo been got into splendid coudition. So far only two have been in hospital, but Phillips of Carmarthen, is now fit to rejoin the company—indeed, has by all accounts gone to the regiment with D. section. Cooksley, of Cardiff, one of the itretcker-bearors, had to be sent to Cape Town Hospital a few days ago. Otherwise the health of the men issplondid, Amusements are plentiful in camp lately. Two camp fires have beim held, attended by the lnaabitauts, and in the lurid glare of a bonfire the vocal talent of the company has been freely excercised. Amongst the singers and reciters were Captain. Evans, Lieutenant Gaskell, Corporal Charles, Corporal Bell, Lance-Corporal Phillips' Privates J Lewis, Tobias Williams, Court', Landers, Beynon, Harris, Morgan,'Huntley, Wignall, &c. Private Quinn performed some of hia clever sleight of hand trices, and the principal item of each programme has been a stump speech by Theo Rogers, a Carmarthen man,1 the humourist of th company. In the first speech ho dealt with tho meat which we had perforce to bury instead of eat one day; and Ír: the second the experience and complaints of the Volun- teer Company were amusingly recounted. On Saturday last a football eleven of the South Wales Borderers came to play the Welsh in Association. The Association players amongst the Welsh are few and the Borderers who played the game scientifically, won by 13 goals to 1. ■J> y bood liidaj was observed as a sacred day, and in the morning divine service was con- ducted by Captain Evans in the schoolroom. On jEaster Monday Mr Coetzee, the pro- prietor of the stores and the bar, very kindly got up sports, in which members of the company and civilians took part. Some good races were seen, and they resulted as tollow.s :— ✓ ards. — 1, G. Common, 3rd Welsh Card ill; 2, II. Nott, 3rd Glamorgan. Putting the Weight Private D. Quin, 3rd Welsh, Dowlais, 28ft 7in.; G. Comilloll, 28ft 2in. 220 Yards-I, Private F S Coppock (3rd Welsh, Cardiff) 2, G. Common. Long Jump.—1, J. Common, 16ft, 6in. • 2 Mr G. M. Coetzee, 16ft, lin. HO Yards-I, F. S. Coppock 2, A E John 2nd Welsh). One Mile Race.-i, L H John (1st Welsh Llandilo) 2, J Lewis (3rd Welsh, Aberdare) • 3, Slocombe (3rd Welsh Cardiff)). Taree-legged Race.— I. D E Owen and James (1st Welsh) 2, L II John and Bugler Hayter. The final event of the day was the tu^-of- war, between teams repres?nti;, ™ the ° 1st Welsh and the 3rd Glamorgan (Right-half Company), and the 2nd and 3rd Welsh (Left- half Company). After a good pull the Left-half Company won. Eastertide under canvas was pleasant enough, even it we did miss the. hot cross buns, tiie ii,viid ai.(i cne trs to the sea. eoasi and too \\elis, and the gaily coioured new frocks of charming <ia*:sels that stroll through Webh country bines. CARMARTHEN Printed and Published by tha Proprietress, M. LAWIULIHCK, at hor Offices 3t Blue-atreet, FBIDAT, May 11th, 19".