The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

MOTES OF THE WEEK Mr. David Caradoc Evans, whose studies of Welsh lifo in this month's "English Review" is causing considerable consternation in Welsh and literary circles, and who is hailed by the London Press as the new interpreter of Wales, is a Cardiganshire man, whose home is Rhydlewis. His uncle is Dr. Powell, Newcastle-Emlyn. Mr. Evans began life as a draper's assistant, and served his appren- ticeship at the Market Hall, Carmarthen. Older residents of the town will remember his father as the late Mr. William Evans, auctioneer and estate agent, Towy View-terrace. The family is distantly related to Mr. John Hinds, M.P., Blackheath. It is very unlikely that the majority of Welsh- speaking people will agree witn Mr. Evans's pictures. His stories are grim and bitter, told in perfect English and splen. didly constructed. And while he admits their bitterness, he maintains they are faithful por- trayals of life in West Wales. The London evening Star" com- menting on them says: "A passage from one of his articles shows that he does not shrink at horrors in "bis attempt to be real. The story is of an old woman who had starved herself to purchase a pre- sentation Bible for her minister. He enters the house to find her lying on the floor. There was no movement from Nanni. Mistar Bryn-Bevan went on his knees and peered at her. Her hands were clasped tightly together, as though guarding some great treasure. The minister raised himself and prised them apart with the ferrule of his walking- stick. A roasted rat revealed itself. Mistar Bryn- Bevan stood for several moments spellbound and silent; and in the stillness the rats crept boldly out of their hiding places and resumed their attack on Nanni's face. The minister, startled and horrified, ,fled from the house of sacrifice.' A man who is prepared to write of his native country and his fellow-countrymen," says the "Star," "like that is surra to be seriously challenged as to the truthfulness of what he says." Mr. Evans declares that he was almost grown up before he learnt English. I left the Board School," he says, at the age of thirteen. Alv first schoolmaster was Mr. J. N. Crowther, a gentleman of truly remarkable literary instinct, and a keen student of the psychology of his pupils. But unfortunately for me he left the village when I was about ten, the remaining years in school I learnt nothing." Mr. Evans expects to publish a lohg novel, dealing with Cardiganshire life, later in the year. It is to be called "The Children of Isaac." Some. Welsh members are very fond of referring to the voice of Wales." Mr. Llewelyn Williams is always talking about it; he and his brother members in this county are not in agreement as to what that voioe is, and people in this district have lately been diverted by the argument between them. Mr. Lloyd George has brought the Welsh party to heel at the pistol point, but the member .for Carmarthen Boroughs remains actively hostile. The thirteen Welsh members, he .said, have decided to sulk in their tents. Do not trouble to save their face, he urged, but hark to the authentic voice of Wales as expressed at Rhyl and Cardiff." There is a dis- agreement as to what is the real voice of Wales. Mr. John Hinds, with his characteristic sledge- hammer emphasis, tells us to listen for it among the waters of Llandrindod, but Mr. Llewelyn Wil- liams tells us to expect it at Rhyl and Cardiff. We suggest that the true voice of Wales may be heard at the elections and when last it was raised it spoke so emphatically against the Welsh Church Bill that the Welsh party and the Government dare not give Wales another chance to express itself by the same means. A gang of political Nonconformists cannot anl does not reveal the mind of Wales any more than the noisy anvil can express the views of the man who is hammering it. Both Mr. Towyn Jones ana Mr. Llewelyn' Williams have good cause to know the "authentic voice of Wales'' from the list- time they fought for their seats, when each member, in spite of frantic appeals for an increased majority, went back to the House with a majority reauced by nearly a thousand votes. It is a fortunate thing that the Government in their conduct of this war are not faced by an Opposition which is inclined with anything like the spirit which animates the \Velsh party against the Church to-day. 1 hanks to the hearty and loyal co-operation of that Opposition it has been able so to command the superb and unconquerable resources of British manhood as to escape so far the appalling. consequence of its own shortcomings before the war broke out. We trust, however, that the Government will have acquired sufficient gold of wisdom in the fire through which it has passed not to try too far that manhood, as it is in danger of doing in its promised control of alcohol. By all means let the Government bring to an abrupt stop any excessive drinking which in certain industrial centres interferes in the making of war munitions which ought to have been ready long ago, but we believe that to place the manufacture and isale of alcohol under Government control is a huge blunder. ?o.- the nation the example of its King should sug- gest an adequate and complete solution of the prob- lem. Said Mr. Towyn Jones at Carmarthen: The Downmg-atreet latchkey of the Archbishop of Can- terbury had proved to be the periscope of a hostile submarine which had been stealthily constructed for the purpose of torpedoeing the Welsh Church Act." Wo are not surprised to read that he immediately went on to say that the Church stood to gain in the two years between January 1st, 1913, and January 1st, 1915, at least £ 454,840," and that the Postponement Bill would give them another £ 100,000. Upon this plan Mr. Towyn Jones, when the Government is out of power and he himself loses his £ 400 a year, will be richer than ever. If he does not 'believe it let him look through his periscope, pipe into his latchkey, splice the main torpedo tube and kiss the boatswain. His knowledge of naval construction is on a par with his knowledge of the Welsh Church Act. A writer in the Seren" suggests that there should be nine months' guarantee of postponement of the Welsh Church Act after the close of the war and not six months only, for fear the Opposition m'l repeal the Act and reoapture the Establish- ment. The writer's words imply an admission that the Welsh Church Act is so unpopular that if sub- mitted to a general election it would be repealed. So it would. Last week we suggested that the Town Council should take steps with a view to getting Carmarthen recognised as a garrison town, as it was some years ago. We are glad to observe that the corporation have been in communication with headquarters of the western command at Chester making application that Carmarthen should continue as a training centre for soldiers, as the troops now quartered in the borough will leave shortly to go under canvas. The reply from Chester was not definite, but Lieut.-Gen. Sir James Hills-Johnes, V.C., G.C.B., who is in- teresting himself on behalf of the town with the matter, has received a letter from headquarters stating: We will do all we can for Carmarthen, which I personally look upon as a very good train- ing place on account of the railway facilities." This is encouraging, and gives cause for confidence that the advantage of Carmarthen as a permanent mili- tary centre will ultimtely be recognised by the authorities. There is a history to the Pontalltcafan Bridge. Some 70 years ago, Tomos Ddolwen, together with his son Jacki'r Ffwrne, .got the contract to build this bridge. Half-a-dozen or more of the neighbouring farmers unhesitatingly, on account of Thomas's character, went sureties for him. It is said that Thomas trusted his son Jacky, who afterwards built man) heftses which he saw falling in his own fairly Ion,, lifetime. The filling was not properly done. Anyhow, the rain fell up Tregaron way and all the way down, and the Teivy roared through the Cavan and the bridge went. Then came the trial of these sturdy farmers to finance the next bridge. It nearly ruined them. When it was done Lloyd Davies, Blaendyffryn, got their money back but the carting, and their own and servants' labour all went. The death of Dr. Wm. Thomas Edwards, of Car- d;ff at the advanced age of 93, after a foremost career from his .studentship to the presidency of the British Medical Association, nearly 30 years ago, recalls some bygones. During his student days he lodged with Mr. Lewis from Conwil (brother of a former coal merchant there), who lived also to an advanced age, and lived after retirement in the big- gest house in his street, to which the children gave the name Ty Mwyaf conspicuously on it. Dr. Edwards, whom he described in the highest terms, lodged with him until he took resident office in the University College Hospital. Dr. Edwards was writing his name at the top in the third lists of the then young University of London, almost exactly a hundred years after his great-grandfather William Edwards, the self-instruoted, was instructing the whole world in bridge-building by his object lesson at Pontypridd. The bridge, which still stands, was his third trial. At the last meeting of the Newcastle-Emlyn Guardians, it was decided to appoint a small com- mittee to ascertain the expenses connected with the upkeep of the workhouse, with a view later on to transferring the inmates to some other institution, the mover considering, quite naturally, that it would be much cheaper to pay for their keep elsewhere than than to keep the establishment going. Unfor- tunately, there are many difficulties in the way other than the Local Government Board red-tape. The local establishments have already their full comple- ment of inmates, and perhaps the Newcastle-Emlyn Guardians would have to send theirs as far afield as Aberystwyth. This would mean expense, and it is juet possible that even then they would not be open to take urgent oases at a moment's notice, and such things do occasionally nappen. The Guardians, however, might be able to deal with these details ani the like satisfactorily. Mention was made the other day in a contem- porary of a goose 19 years old which was especially overwhelmed with household cares at this spring tun". A correspondent tells u that he remembers being told many years ago that in a three-lives lease of a. farm somewhere near Pencader the gander was playfully put in as the third life. The other two lives finished and then the gander's life became very precious, and though the bird became very emaciated, he still lived on for some scores of years. We wonder if this tradition remains about Pencader? It was on a Wednesday afternoon—the local half- holiday, and tne coal merchants were preparing to leave their premises after having finished entering up their books. A customer brought his cart for a load of coal. The merchant asked him to step in- side the office. The customer having done so, the merchant locked him inside and went for his brother merchant to show him a fine bird he had just caged. Merchant No. 2 came in hot haste to see the specimen. When opposite No. l's office window he saw the customer in a red-hot rage inside and also saw the joke." That is how I deal with these late birds," was the "black knight's" cool remark. It is gratifying to learn that all anxiety about getting the necessary funds for the Church House new in course of erection in Nott-square for the parish of St. Peter's, has disappeared. About a month' ago the Rev. B. Parry Griffiths made a special journey to Liverpool to interview the trustees of the estate of the late Sir Alfred Jones, a Carmar- then man, and after hard pleading succeeded in getting a promise of £ L,000 towards the cost of the Church House. This magnificent donatjon; together with some £ 600 already collected, should ensure a really commodious building. A local wag, who is always veracious, rushed into i-Ea office on Wednesday morning ,to tell us that he 1 ad just heard the cuckoo. He went on to explain that there could be no mistake about it because he wis passing a jeweller's shop at the time! r The value of the umbrella taken from a local place of worship last Sunday was a guinea. The one4elt behind (by mistake I) was a half-crown touch. 'Twas ever thus. Quite a romantic history belongs to the Hetty Ellen," one of the ships built in Llanelly in the good eld days. She was sold to Cardiganshire owners, and was for years skippered by Captain Davies, of New Quay. It fell to her lot to take out to Zanzibar the yacht and boats that were used by Dr. Living- stone in his memorable journey up the Zambesi. A soldier at the front recently sent home to his wife in a neighbouring town the decorated tin box which Princess Mary had sent to him at Christmas time. He called her attention to a mark on it not far from its edge. It had been in his pocket when in action, and this mark had been made by the point of a German bayonet. f What a Government it is that is against the State recognition of religion but is quite ready to see the State take control of the beer industry! Mr. H. M. Fraser, Carmarthen, saw three swallows at Johnstown and one at Pensarn on the 12th inst. THROUGH THE SWINGING DOOR. I notice the papers say nothing about it and I understand that oven at the meeting not all the facts were explained. For instance, who is it that had charge of the business? That is not clear at all. The public are not i allowed to understand too much of what goes on in the inner workings of the council. That's true. A little more light on many sub- jects is sadly needed. One thing, however, in re- I gard to this particular matter is clear-no one had a right publicly to make such a statement about any 'I fir-n, even if it were warranted, which I feel sure it is not. Especially as that firm were hot asked if they could do it, which I understand is the case. If that is so, it makes it worse. It is most unfair. Besides, what price a working man speaking for other workmen in that fashion? Bad form. Of course, the job was very well done. Oh, I've no doubt at all about that. I suppose you know the real meaning of the business? Indeed, I do not. You have only to ask ———

Mrs. Alan Davies-Evans has arrived home from British East Africa. Mr. Alan hopes to arrive home in the autumn. The Unionist agents of South Wales held a con- ference at Carmarthen on Saturday, and were later entertained to luncheon at the Ivy Bush Hotel by Mr. Alfred Stephens, J.P., the prospective Unionist candidate for West Carmarthen; who also provided* them with a motor trip to Tenby.

A list of subscriptions to various war relief funds are unavoidably held over till next week. THE winner of the champion class at the shooting match in Pendme on Saturday, April 10th, was Dan James, 4th Welsh Regiment, stationed at Car- then, son of T. James, Lan Farm, Pencader RAINFALL RECORDS.-At Golden Grove Gardens: April 7th, 0.61 inches; April 8th, 0.02; April 9th 0.00; April 10th, 0.22; April 11th, 0.21; April 12th' 0.00; April 13th, 0.02; total, 1,08 inches.-F. Sur- man. A meeting of Unionist agents in South Wales was hold at the Ivy Bush Hotel, Carmarthen, on Saturday, under the chairmanship of Mr. A. G. Harries, Lampeter, who was appointed president tor the ensuing year. 'CHRIST CHURCH.—At this church on Sunday even- ing last, the Choir gave an admirable rendering of "Thinks be to God" (Messiah). Mr. W. Baxter Brookes, F.R.C.O. (organist), ably presided at the organ. A powerful sermon was delivered by the Vicar (the Rev. Griffith Thomas). WILL. Mr. John Davies, of 49, Lammas-street, Carmarthen, retired farmer, who died on February 24, left estate of the gross value of £ 2,052, of which the net personalty has been sworn at £ 2,031. Testa- tor left all of his property to his wife for life, with power in certain circumstances to draw upon the capital and subject thereto, upon trust for all of his children or their issue in equal shares. RINK PICTUREDROME. -Carmarthen people need no reminder that the best in pictorial representa- tions are provided by the Management of the Drome. An exceptionally strong programme is being shown during the latter part of this week. For the first part of next week the principal drama will be The Naked Truth," a genuine up-to-date drtima, by special arrangements with the Gaumont Co., London. During the latter part of the week amongst the pictures to be depicted is the "Southern Blood," a thrilling melodrama of telling situationsT A large number of other pictures have been billed, including the latest war films. PRESENTATION. At the close of the Carmarthen Borough Police Court on Monday, P.S. Phillips, who retired from the police force on March 4th, was presented with a handsome clock by the Mayor (Aid. John Lewis) on behalf of the members of the borough constabulary.—Head Constable A. K. Mayall, in asking the Mayor to make the presenta- tion, said^it was only a small token of their appreci- ation, and he hoped the sergeant would not look upon Its intrinsic value, but as the expression of the feeling of every member of the force. He further hoped that the sergeant would be spared for many years to enjoy his well-earned pension, and that he would benefit from the extra leisure time which was now at his disposal. Throughout the whole of his 31 years' service there had not been a mark against him.—The Mayor, in presenting P.S. Phil- lips, with the clock, also spoke highly of him.- The Sergeant suitably responded, and thanked them for their kindness. INSURANCE.—There was a. meeting of Insurance representatives of this district held at the Park Hotel, Lammas-street, Carmarthen, on Friday after- noon last, when there were present: Mr. Dunn Wil- liams, Mr. Wm. Jones and Mr. Stephens (Pruden- tial), Mr. T. Evans (Liverpool Victoria), Mr. T. Llewellyn, Mr. T. Bowen and Mr. J. Davies (Pearl), Mr. D. Llewellyn (Law Integrity). Mr. J. Gregory (Britannic), and Mr. W. Rees (Royal Liver). The chief business was to hear an address by Mr. G. M. Evans, the organizer for the National Union of Life Assurance agents. Mr. Evans delivered a masterly address, and spoke of the many advantages of a body of workers forming themselves into an union. It was unanimously decided to form a local branch, and become affiliated to the National Union. Mr. Dunn Williams was appointed chairman pro tem; Mr. T. Llewellyn, secretary; and Mr. T. Evans, treasurer. The meeting then adjourned until Fri- day night, the 23rd April. I YEOMANRY SPORTS.—The Pembroke ieomanry held their regimental athletic sports on their Regimental Parade Ground at Cawston on Easter Monday, in beautiful weather, and some exciting raoes were witnessed. The following were the winners of the vaiious events:—Team Race (one officer, one ser- geant and 12 men), distance two miles in drill order: 1. "B" Squadron (captain, Sergt. C. Evans). 440 Yards: 1. Sergt. D. Evans, B Sqd.; 2, Sergt. C. Evans, B Sqd.; 3, Pte. J. Lewis. A Sqd. 100 Yards (open to the brigade): 1, Pte. W. Harris, A Sqd.; 2, Sergt. D. Evans, B Sqd. Tug-of-War: 1, A Squadron. Boat Race: 1, Gun Section; 2. B Squad- ron. One Mile (Open) for Col. Spence-Jonas' Cup: 1. Pte. D. Jones, B Sqd.; 2. Pte. E. W. Davies, B Sqd.; 3, Pte. S. V. Evans, C Sqd. High Jump: Divided between Pte. Morgan, Gun Section, and Pte. Cyril, C Squadron. Height, 5ft. lin. CABMABTHEN COUNTY COURT.-The Carmarthen County Court was held at the Shire Hall, Carmar- then, on Saturday, before His Honour Judge Lloyd Morgan. K.C.—An application for the discharge in bankruptcy of David Morgan Lewis, formerly carrying on business as a builder at Cwmblawd Mills, Pontyberem, was made by Mr. J. F. Morris, solicitor. It was stated that the petition was filed in October, 1913, and that debtor had paid a divi- dend of Is. lid. in the JE. Mr. H. W. Thomas, the official receiver, said he had been specially asked by the creditor to oppose the application. His con- duct had not been satisfactory, and it was one of the most unsatisfactory oases he had had to deal with. Debtor's father was a bankrupt in 1896, but had had his discharge. The offences in that case were practically identical with the offences in this. No books were kept, nor any record of anything. In this case debtor had been barely three years in business. His Honour said he was not prepared to grant the discharge at present, and he would, therefore, adjourn the matter.—Mr Thomas Roberts, lyrbach, Llanarthney, sued Thomas Jones, Bryn- afon, Llannon, for the sum of £ 14 2s. 2d, amount due for stones alleged to have been supplied by the plaintiff. Mr. W. D. Williams appeared for the plain- tiff, and M. T. Howell Davies defended. The plaintiff stated that the defendant in December, 1913, called at his house and informed him that he intended building two houses. He asked if he could have stones for the houses, and the price was agreed at 7s. 8d. per perch. Cross-examined, plain- tiff said he knew within a few days that the haulage of the stones was done by the contractor for these houses. The defendant refused to pay because under the contract it was the duty of the contrac- tor to supply stones. The contractor had got into difficulties, and was now a bankrupt. Evidence in support of plaintiqff having been .given, Mr. Howell Davies, on behalf of the defendant, said it was clear from the evidence of the contractor that ac- cording to the contract the stones were to be pro- vided by the contractor. His Honour reserved judgment.