South Wales Daily News

OLD SWANSEA THEATRE. TO-DAY (WBDNBSDA Y) we commence a series of Sketches by Dafydd Gtvent upon The Old Swansea Theatre, the only playhouse in South Wales which may be said to have a history. One of the Sketches will deal with Edmund Kean's toilsome tramp from Birmingham to Sioansea with lids young ivife—a poicerful picture of the hardships of a strolling player's life. Another prominent figure will be Andrew Cherry, author, actor, and manager, who engaged Edmund Kean. Sketches wilZ also be given of Charles Ma-thews, the Elder, the Macreadys (son and father), Pugin, the scenic painter (father of the great Gothic architect), Ann, of Sicansea, and other more or less famous people who have been connected with the Old Swansea house. The series will comprise five articles, and tall appear EACH WEDNESDAY, The LONDON OFFICES of the South Wales Daiiy Netcs are at 46, Fleet-street (opposite Fetter-lane), where Adyertisements are received up to 4.30 p.m. for insertion in the following day's issue. The South Wales: Daily News may be obtained immediately after the arrival of the 10.45 train at the Offices. 46, Fleet-street at Messrs W. H. Smith and Sons' Bookstall. Paddington Station at Messrs Everett and Son's, 17, Royal Exchange and at Messrs Everett and Son's, Bells Buildings, Salisbury-square, Fleet-street.

WEDNESDAY. JANUARY 1. 1896. THE FIGHT FOR MARKETS. AMONG the new books just to hand is the last work of Professor SEELEY, The Growth of British Policy and to volumes of this character, by an authority like the writer named, a reader turns with peculiar interest. At the present time, more than at any former period, there is need for clear understanding aa to what British policy has been and what it should be for only by full realisation of the ultimate aim and of the influences of past events can a correct judgment be formed of passing incidents. For example, the author has, almost at the outset of his description of foreign affairs during the times of ELIZABETH and on through the Commonwealth to the years of Queen ANNE. to deal with the determin- ing effect wrought by rivalries in trade and here we are confronted at once with the all- transcending question of to-day. It is rival- ries of trade far more than any other influ- ence which stir up and sustain national antagonisms and animosities. Moreover, just as changing circumstances of commercial operations have, in the past, modified immensely the relative attitude of nations in the political sphere, so we can discern, as signs of the times now current, some changes in progress which compel expecta- tion of great changes in the near future, changes that may bring with them a complete alteration in lines of policy now pursued. Among the Parliamentary papers issued a few days ago was one describing the bounties on shipping paid by different foreign nations: here is one evidence of endeavour to wrest the carrying trade from British vessels and to get more ready entry for foreign goods into the mar- kets of British Ciloiiies, an endeavour which has been very successful in the case of Germany. The rivalry of France in the far East, her acquisition of Annam and Tonquin and her efforts to gain advantages in Siam, are but continued pursuance of a policy to outdo Britain in the trade of those potentially-rich regions the Madagascar expedition is another example and the strenuous endeavour to open out the interior between Algeria and Senegambia, with the friction that has arisen in the Niger Com- pany's sphere, are but the inevitable accom. paniment of a magnificent enterprise which is designed to make in Northern Africa a great dependency which shall be to France as valuable commercially as India is to this country. The Americans, with a fully-developed industry and a great manu- facturing interest reared to unstable propor- tions by artificial means, are carrying on commercial war with other nations—notably Germany at the present moment; are terribly in earnest to transplant the tinplate trade from South Wales and. judging from the scheme that failed, have had the idea of making all America south of themselves a commercial unit against European producers, with the astute manipulators in the States as chief beneficiaries. The invita- tion to the Central and South Ameri- can Republics did not at:ain the object of its issue, but it demonstrated what that object was-the commercial expro- priation (so far as practicable) of the European and it is an attempt which will assuredly be made again. So we might continue in a survey the world over, ending with the trade aspects of the Treaty of Peace between Japan and China. But enough has been said to exhibit the forces in operation, and to show how to this nation, with its vast manu- facturing interest, its enormous mercantile marine engaged in the carrying trade, and the many millions invested in transport facilities (railways, docks, appliances, &c.), dependent on trade continuance-it is of supreme concern that, with due forethought, ample provision should be made for defending our commercial position. We need not now discuss, though ere long such discussion will be compulsory, the effect of manufacturing competition in India and Japan. The reports as to introduction of machinery and as to independence of European labour are, as to the Japanese particularly, not a little disquieting, but for the moment these may be set aside. What it is more profitable to consider is-How best to develop the markets we now hold, and to prevent the growth of foreign com- petition therein ? If Germany, by subsidy of shipping and by specially low rates on its railways to port, is enabling its manu- facturers to place goods in our best Colonial markets more cheaply than the British manufacturer can reach them, defensive measures will have to be adopted. When Canada, through the opera- tion of the same policy, has to record in its Official Year Book that imports from Britain have been "steadily declining," but that those from Germany, France, and other European countries have been steadily increasing," it is high time for. the British manufacturer to search out the reason. Twenty years ago Canada's imports from the old country were 55% per cent, of her total Germany was but 0'74 per cent.; and France 1'78. Ten years ago the pro- portions from tho three countries were 44, 0-33, and 1-74 per cent. But in the last return they were 37'51, 3*64, and 2-12. Similar statistics from other of our Colonies might be given, all show- ing the same tendency a reduc- tion of trade with Britain and a develop- ment of tradejwith foreigners. When other nations are searching the world over for trade outlets, and are bending all energies to grasp business that now is in British hands, it is folly not to take note of the fact; to search out and, as far as practicable, nullify the means they adopt for achieving their ends; and, above all things, to so organise transport facilities that in the Colonies, our natural markets, the home manufacturer shall stand on a footing at least as favourable as his foreign rival. Due attention to commercial development would not involve departure in any degree from the Free Trade policy of this country. Differential duty schemes and all nostrums of that character are a hopeless impractica- bility. No time need be wasted in chasing such illusions. But there are methods strictly in accord with that great policy of BRIGHT and COBDEN, which has raised Britain to its commanding eminence in trade and commerce methods of monopoly- extinction, of finance regulation, of systematised emigration, and of wise administration, which would avail to pro- duce an enormous increase of business. The railway monopoly of this country, closing up the old waterways and imposing heavy charges upon British manufactures, enables the Belgian ironmaster to put his products into our market at home at lower rates than the home manufacturer can accept. That is one sphere of action for the reformer. The mail subsidies paid by our Post Office to the Liverpool liners" permit of those steamers bringing grain and other food produce from New York at a nominal rate, thus discriminating against Canada. The Post Office, again, though it would entail a loss of no more than R50, 000 a year, will not establish inter-empire penny postage, and so give the chief facility of intercourse which promotes business. The] Yankee manufac- turer can send his missives all over the States and Canada, over costly land routes, for two cents, but the British manufacturer can't get his circulars and letters over the cheaper water route to Canada at a lower rate than 2%d. Sphere No. 2 for the reformers is the arm-chair region at St. Martin's-le-Grand. A clear-oub is badly wanted there and the chief benefit would accrue to trade. Another region of action for the reformer is the mono- poly created by the Conference rates levied by steamships on certain routes. And we might extend the list indefinitely, but it is time to close. Professor SEELEY has traced The Growth of British Policy," That policy has been triumphantly success- ful. By its success we hold a seventh of the whole world have the fairest countries, a potentiality of empire beyond the dreams of the most eangvune, tbo, Oxitigh Empire is "t' :.( ,r" yet in the making. Its vigour of vitality is stronger to-day than ever before. All that is needed is to follow out the policy of those grand old Radicals, COBDEN and BRIGHT to utilise the boundless opportunities that lie 1 at hand to develop the Imperial estate and extinguish every injurious monopoly. This done, the end is assured.

IF the opponents of the Swansea triple .velieme-dust destruction, electric lighting, and tramcar propulsion-could find no better arguments than those they have advanced, it is no wonder that the Coun- cillors by thirty votes to six decided to go on with the test portion of the scheme- that for the acquisition of the tramways. We have from the first strongly advocated the making of progress with the tramway section of the scheme, while with respect to the other two sections we have counselled only reasonable delay as a wise precaution if pitfalls and possible excessive expendi- ture and disaster are to be avoided. Dr. GRIFFITHS, the leader of the deputation, however, made a mistake at the very outset when he spoke of the necessity of selling electricity at 6d per unit, while the practical electrician, who followed him on the same side, not only repudiated the statement but proved the case of the Cor- poration expert, that it can be produced at l%d, which Councillor MARTIN, in his ex- ceedingly able speech, showed is equivalent to Is 6d per 1,000 feet of gas. Dr. GRIFFITHS was also unfortunate when he spoke of the electric light as a luxury which might wait till certain other schemes had been carried out, for though the memory of the public is peculiarly short, it is not so short as to make them forget the extraordi- nary and impressive indictment he made against gas light at a recent lecture he as a physician gavek in the Public Library. While not one single reason can be urged against the tramway scheme, there are people well qualified to express an opinion who believe that something may be gained by delay in the final carrying out of the details of the other schemes. But the deputa- tion, with all its strength, failed to bring them forward, and if something better is not done at the town's meeting about to be called, there is little question that it will, instead of being a support to the opposition, prove a tower of strength to the majority of the Corpora- tion. Councillor MARTIN, in a very telling address, simply pulverised the representa- tives of the deputation with their own arguments, and showed not only that their data were wrong, but argued even greater advantage to the ratepayers than the most enthusiastic could desire. If the majority now desire to maintain the advan- tage they have secured through the weak and faulty arguments advanced by the oppo- sition, we would suggest they should accept Mr FREEMAN'S challenge to put their engin- eer to the test, either by making his re- muneration dependent on his success, or by calling in a board of the highest experts in the land to express an opinion on Mr MANVILLE'S scheme.

COUNCILLOR SKIDMORE, at the monthly meeting of the Swansea Watch Committee on Tuesday night, obtained a statement from the Town Clerk which, to those who do not reflect, may indicate that there need be no further anxiety over the question whether the ratepayers are to lose the Home Office contribution towards the maintenance of the police. The Town Clerk of Swansea is one of those careful judicial officers who can be relied on for discretion, and he gave a reply which, while apparently momentarily satisfying Councillor SKIDMORE and some of his colleagues, still, to our mind, leaves the matter as much in doubt as ever. The grant, he says in effect, has not been sus- pended. It has been received. The grant, however, is dependent on the certificate of efficiency from the Home Office. This certifi- cate has not as yet been received. Therefore, though the money has been received from the Local Government Board, it is not safe to say it is not in jeopardy, for it is quite possible, though he does not think probable, for a demand to be made for the money to bo refunded if the certiiicate of effi- ciency is not forthcoming from the other authority in question—the Home Office. This is a summary of the argument of the Town Clerk. Hence those who caused the Swansea Corporation to get into this difficulty will be wise if they are not prematurely cock-a-whoop. The position remains thus :-The Home Office, before granting the certificate on which the grant depends, and failing which it will have to be refunded, determined to get replies to certain questions, and accordingly forwarded them to the Watch Committee. The Corporation on the 25th of November passed a resolution which no one can seriously contend was a ruply at all, but nothing more than a vague statement. The Home Office at once acknowledged the receipt of this resolution but though five weeks have elapsed, and the certificate is long overdue, it is not yet forthcoming. Hence it is only reasonable to suppose that the answer has not satisfied the Home Office, and that till an answer is sent which thoroughly deals with the questions asked, the grant as the permanent possession of the Corporation is as much in jeopardy as it was when the question first arose.

PONTYPKIDD WATERWORKS COMPANY. 220,000 NEW SHARES ISSUED. A LARGE PREMIUM REALISED. A special MEETING of the directors of the Pontypridd Water Works Company was held at Pontypridd on Tuesday afternoon for the purpose of opening and acceptmg tenders for the issue of £20,000 new ordinary share capital under the powers of the Company's Act of 1892. There was an extraordinary run for shares—the capital being doubly subscribed for-and the highest tenders were of course accepted. A very large amount of premium, running far on in four figures, was realised, and this, together with the premium realised at a former issue, has placed about £ 20,000 in the hands of the company, free of interest, 'towards the cost of the new reservoir which is now in course of construction near the existing works above Maerdy. The additional storage reservoir, which will have a capacity of 200,000,000 gallons, and is five-eighths of a mile long and about a quarter of a mile wide, is expected to be completed in about 18 months. This will be the means of providing an ample supply of water to Pontypridd and the portions of the Rhondda which are being supplied by the company.

THE LONDON AND SOUTH WALES RAILWAY, OPPOSITION AT GLOUCESTER. At & meeting of the Gloucester Harbour Board on Tuesday the Secretary (Mr Philip Cooke) stated, with reference to the Bill presented to Parliament by the London and South Wales Railway, which provided for crossing the Severn at Beachley by a railway bridge, that such an undertaking would be most disastrous to navi- gation. He had been advised that their board were conservators of the estuary, and in that capacity should have received deposits of the plans of the proposed bridge in accordance with the Standing Order?, This had not been done, and the Executive Committee proposed asking for powers to oppose the Bill in Parliament, and that a memorial be presented calling attention to the non-compliance with the Standing Orders. The recommendation was agreed to, and it was further decided to call the attention of the Gloucester Corporation to the serious damage likely to be caused to the interests of the city and port by the intended bridge, and to ask them to also petition against the Bill.

THE SWANSEA STAGE. A BIOGRAPHICAL AND ANECDOTAL SKETCH OF ITS HISTORY. [BY DAFYDD GWENT]. FIRST ARTICLE. INTRODUCTORY—-EARLIEST SWANSEA THEATRES THE OLD HOUSE IN WIND-STRKKT—SWANSEA AS A FASHIONABLE WATERING PLACE- ANECDOTE OF MASTERMAN, MANAGER OF SWANSEA THEATRE CHARLES MATHEWS THE ELDER—HIS GLAMORGANSHIRE DESCENT —HARD TIMES IN DUBLIN-HIS VOYAGE WITH MONTAGUE TALBOT FROM CORK TO SWANSEA—REMARKABLE EFFECT OF TALBOT'S TOOTHCRUSII-JEMMY FOLTEBAL— "PAID THE BOAT"—MATHEWS AND TALBOT APPEAR ON THE SWANSEA STAGE—THEIK GREAT SUCCESS —MATHEWS JOINS MASTERMAN'S COMPANY. Probably no town in Wales-at least, no town in South Wales-is so remarkable for its theatrical memories and associations as Swansea. It is, I believe, a fact not generally known that between the end of the last cen- tury and the middle of the present one- as will be hereafter recorded-several persons who subsequentiy became conspicuous figures in the history of the modern drama were connected with the Swansea theatre either as managers or players. As far as I am aware there exists at present nothing whatever in the shape of a connected account of the Swansea stage. Buing convinced that such an account cannot fail to prove inter- esting to many I have attempted to do something towards supplying one by stringing together a number of facts and anecdotes, gathered from various sources, which seem to me to be worthy of preservation. The earliest building used for theatrical purposes in Swansea, of which I have met with any record was the old Town Hall, finished in 1737, that stood where the Post Office now stands. This building was lent on hire by the Corporation to amusement caterers of almost every kind, and among the rest to players and showmen. But the oldest building erected for use principally or entirely as a theatre was one in Wind-street, on the site now occupied by the Banlc. When, or by whom it was built, I have so far been unable to disoover. At all events, it seems to have been an established institution in 1795. 10 was in that year that Charles Mathews, of whom I shall have a good deal to say by and by, first saw it. Fortunately, he has left some note of it. The theatre," he writes in a letter dated Swansea, October 9th. 1795, holds JB50 at 3, 2s, and h. The manager seems a very respect. able man his circuit is confined to Wales, and he gets in general very good business. He has a very respectable wardrobe, and the business is very regular." It should not be forgotten that at this period Swansea was in the height of its glory as a fashionable watering-place. Mr Skrine, a gentle- man who viaited the town about this time, pub. lished in 1798 a Tour of South Wales," in which be thus sums up his impressions of Swansea and its salient characteristics Sw-inse,,t. both in its extent, the width of its streets, and the aspect of its buildings far exceeds all the towns in South Wales; it has of late been greatly improved. It owes much to the mildness of its climate and the singular beauty of the bay it commands. These advantage", together with a commodious shore for sea bathing, have made it the summer resort of that gay tribe of company which embel- lishes the public places on the coast of England, as well as the winter residence of many families from the less-frequented parts of South Wales, A theatre and an assembly room contribute to the general amusement, and all the resources of polished society are here at times to be found amidst the noise of manufactures and the buzz of incessant commerce." The manager of the Swansea theatre in 1795 was Masterman, of whom a very good story is told. While they were in South Wales—probably at Swansea-his wife died. He deeply felt her loss, and was extremely anxious that the burial rites should be propjrly conducted. Accordingly he directed the aad ceremonial himstlf, with as much attention to detail and regard for effect as though it had been a stage funeral. All the members of his company were invited to attend, Charles Mathews among them. Just as the procession was about to start somebody raised a knotty question of proceden,.e--Who was to follow immediately after the chief meurners? The point was referred to Masterman, who at once dried the tears he had begun to shed as a bereaved husband, and with a deep sigh assumed again the directorial responsibilities. Who is to follow the chief mourner ?" he repeated Oh, the tragedy people first, by all means Master- man was well liked as a manager, and had an excellent name in the profession. Tate Wilkin- son, the celebrated manager of the Yorkicircuit, —the Wandering Patentee "—writing to Mathews a couple of years later, says of him, "I have beard your mansger well spoken of as a gentleman-a. happy and unusual praise to a manager." The Swansea people of that day were warm admirers of the drama, and, moreover, quick to discover and applaud good acting4 A striking pmof of this assertion is afforded by the history of Charles Mathews—the elder Mathews. It is not too much to say tbat, but for their cordial appreciation of his buddmg talent, that eminent comedian would have abandoned the dramatic profession in disgust almost at the outset. Was it mere chance, I wonder, or something more, that brought young Mathews to Swansea at the critical point in his oareer ? It should be borne in mind that on the paternal side he sprang from a Glamorganshire stock. "My grandfather," he tells us, was a native of Glamorganshire, and the real family name was Matthew, which he changed for an estate to Mathews, with one t." He died leaving this property in litigation, and my father thereby lost a t "and a Chancery suit. The estate was worth JS200 a-year, and cost him about 2210 annually in law and repairs, so that its loss became a gain."J Charles Mathews himself was born in London on June 28tb, 1776. On leaving the Merchant Taylors' School he was apprenticed to his father, a bookseller in the Strand, who looked upon the theatre as the high road to perdition. Young Mathews* however bad imbibed so strong a taste for the stage by reading plays and seeing them acted by schoolboys that, after some amateur essays, he took to the boards in earnest at Richmond in the winter of 1793, and in the following March went to Dublin to fulfil a professional engagement as low comedian. His Dublin experiences, both on and off the stage, were bitter indeed. According to his own state. ment he sometimes fasted for two days, wandering about the streets for amusement when weary of practising his flute and violin at home and study. ing characters which he never expected to be allowed to act. The poor parts allotted to him gave him no chance of distinction, and to fill up the cup the manager (Daly) was not much better than a slave driver. The "TheapianjDictionary speaks of him as a man whose name is a terror to aotors." The great Kemble, who came there to play for a night or two, and to whom Mathews had been previously introduced in London, said to bim, For God's sake get out of this place as soon as you can it is no place for you to get up in." Eighteen months of hard. ship and disappointment broke the lad's health and courage he was only 18, remember-and he was only too glad to accept the offer of an older actor, Montague Talbot, who was going to London, to advance the money for his journey home. He had made up his mind that there was nothing left for him but to return to his father's shop. j In Talbot's company, therefore, be left Cork on Friday, September 25th, 1795, in the brig Defiance, bound for Kidwelly. The superstitious would have seen a good omeu in the ship's name and a bad one in the day of sailing. They had failed to get a vessel for Bristol, which they would have preferred. The voyage was not a happy one. Stress of weather compelled the Defiance to put back, and she was wind-bound for several days. On Saturday, October 2nd, they started again, and arrived at Kid wlly on the following Monday. The voyage from Kidwelly to Swansea was not without its peril. The mace sighted land unexpectedly, and the captain became frantic at the thought of being dashed on tbo rocky Welsh coast." An incident which happened during the voyage illustrates in an amusing manner the strong hold which superstition has of sailors. Talbot, who was by way of being a dandy, soon incurred the contempt of the crew by his finikin manners. One morning, alarmed by some unusual noise, he rushed on deck with a toothbrush in his hand and presently began rubbing away at his teeth, What is he doing ?" an old sailor asked Mathews. He's cleaning his teeth," was the reply. What! oleaning his teeth ? Wei), it's the firsb time I ever heard of such a nasty thing as that. Cleaning his teeth the milksop!" When, shortly afterwards, the ship was believed to be In dauger, the indignant old salt made no secret of his opinion that in the person of Talbot they had a Jonah on board. I knew we should have no luck when,I saw that lubber oleaning his teeth," he growled. It was noon on the 8bb of October when the two travellers reached Swansea. The country struck I Idatbews as '• beautifully comiwfcc," aud Owati- SEA itself.as a very pretty place and one of the largesb trading towns in Wales." They were delighted, and perhaps a little surprised, to find a theatre open in the town. The first object which attracted our notice," says Mathews, "was a play-bill: Theatre, Swansea. This evening. Wild Oats and Ways and Means.' This was a pleasant sight, Montague dressed himself and waited on the manager, Mr Masterman, talked about acting, and he asked him if he would try a night, to which Montague consented, and is actually to play Othello' this evening (October 9th). We saw the play, which was very respectably performed. The hero is Fotteral, who was in Dublin many years." Jemmy Fotteral, or Fotherel, was a daoidely eccentric character. He was an inveterate gambler, and-it follows as the night the day— always shabby and impecunious. Hazard was his peculiar weakness. In the game the phrase, Pass the box," is employed when a player has lost his right of throwing. One night, owing to the illness of another actor, Jemmy was playing the King in Hamlet." It was at Dublin, where be was a great favourite with the gallery, who were well acquainted with his little pecoadilloos. The audience, accustomed to see him in force, hardly knew what to make of the change. Having got off an important speech in a sonorous and stately, not to say ponderous, manner, Jemmy was about to kneel down with the utmost impressiveness when a wag up aloft, unable to restrain his impatience any longer, shouted, "Oh, bother, Jemmy Fotteral, pass the box, pass the box." But to return to Mathews and his friend. They took up their abode in Swansea at first at the Red Lion, an inn which at that time occupied the proud position held by. the Mackworth Arms in after years. The circumstances under which Mathews made his firsb bow to a Welsh audience, the success which rewarded his efforts to make them laugh, he has himself set forth in detail in a letter to a friend, which is interesting enough to quote here. Ib is dated Swansea, October 17th, 1795, and runs thus I am detained as usual by contrary winds. I told you in a former letter from hence that Montague was to play Othello here on Friday last, which he did, and was very well received. Masterman, the manager, as soon as the play was over, finding his performance bad been attended with so much success, asked him to play Ponruddock on the Monday. Mon- tague at first hesitated, but being much pressed at lasb consented. He at the same time asked me if I would perform Lingo, which I consented to do. Montague pleased very much as Penruddock. I played Lingo, being in great spirits, with a vast deal of applause. As the theatre is very small I felt great confidence, and went through the whole with much credit. It has given me a greater idea of myself than ever, and shows how much a performer may do when he has advantages. You may be sure I felt very proud at playing as a -;tar-Lingo for this night only Mr Mathews, from the Theatre Royal, Dublin- and this had great weight in so small a company. As much attention was shown to us as Kemble received from us in Dublin. I had paid particular notice to the getting up of 'The Wheel of Fortune' in Dublin, and gave directions at the rehearsal here, which made them look upon me with more respect. The house being extremely full and entirely attributed to our attraction, Masterman insisted on our accepting a guinea apiece, which was no unpleasing offer at this time, as from being detained Gur stock was terribly reduced. Finding the wind still foul, we were again pressed to perform, which we did on Wednesday fpr a benefit-Montague, Charles Surfaoe; myself, Crabtree and Diggory, in All the World's a Stage.' We did not consent to play any more, as we expected every hour to sail, and we think to do so on Monday morning. Their comedy wardrobe here is really capital, and I wore one or two of the best dresses I ever saw. You may expect me in London immediately." A note in Mathews' handwriting on the back of the playbill states that he made his firsb appearance at Swansea in the farce All the World's a Stage," and that his reception was very far beyond his expectations. If we may rely on the letter given above, however, this must have been his second appearance, his first having been as Lingo in The Wheel of Fortune." The Swansea playgoers at once recognised the merits of Talbot and Mathews, and bestowed increasing patronage on the little theatre accord- ingly. With the ftdvenb of these new players, blown thither by a side wind, as ib were, business began to look up considerably. Masterman and his company rejoiced greatly, and did all they could to detain the birds of passage who had brought them a taste of prosperity. With his sanguine and mercurial temperament, the young comedian only needed a short spell of sunshine to dispel the hateful notion of quitting the stage with its glamour and glitter, and going back to the humdrum life of a tradesman. That sunshine fortune favoured him with at Swansea. Under date October 21, he made his brief but significant entry I was very well received and encored in The Rushlight;' very much elated at my success. Fresh fuel." The fresh fuel" did its work. It made the fire of hope, which had been almost extinguished in his breast, flame up agiiin with redoubled brightness. After one or two more performances Talbot, anxious to oontinue his journey to London, took leave of his admirers in the theatre amidst the loudest acclamations," having declined all proposals to induce him to stay. Mathews wisely resolved to remain in Swansea. Inasmuch as the letters written by Mathews at this juncture not only describe his ownexperiences, but also present a valuable picture of an actor's life in a provincial town a hundred years ago, 1 offer no apology for quotine from them freely When tho play was over," he says-he is speaking of Talbot's valedictory performance- we spent a pleasant farewell evening with our friends. On the morning breakfasted with Mr Masterman, and had appointed 9 o'clock once more to take leave of the town. We walked with him on the Burrows, where he was giving us directions as to our intended journey, when we were met by Messrs Cooke and Bower, who came with the intention of offering proposals to us to stay. They stated that it was the wish of many persons in the town that we should remain through the season and take benefits, adding that they would ensure Montague 25 guineas and myself 20, and should the receipts of the house be less, they would make up the deficiency. The proposal was accepted, and Montague agreed to go by the mail to London that night, transact his business, and return as soon as possible or, at ail events, in a week. And I agreed to stay during the season." Talbot carried with him to London a letter from Mathews to his parents, in which he assured them that he was doing well. Needless to say, it made no reference to his recently formed but quickly abandoned intention of returning home. A week later we find him writing to his London friend in high spirits of his successes and his hopes. I think my stay here so much to my interest, and I find that in two or three weeks I am making such rapid strides in my profession that I cannot but feel very happy. I have greater confidence in playing to an audience who have paid me such flattering attention. In short, I must confess that from the bad business I have done in Ireland and other disadvantages, I bad very melancholy doubts of my success but I am now convinced of what I can do, and that I have been cruelly depressed in Ireland. No comedian ever gainedmore applause in public or encomiums in private than I have done. I have played Lingo, Crabtree, Diggory, Polonius, Doctor (' Aniinal Magnetism'), Weazel, Rutterkin, Kecksey, Hardy, and Clown, singing songs each night with the greatesb applause. 'The Rush- light' constantly every night twice, and I am sure never better reoeived. In short, I am so highly flattered that I have become too much of an egotist. I have enclosed a bill or two show them here and there. The bearer of this is A Welsh gentleman of a good nature, who is in London about law. Show him civility, will you ?" By this time Mathews had shifted his quarters to the Greyhound Inn, which he found, "full of jolly fellows. His success as a sooial companion equalled his success as an actor. I come 011 apace," he writes. "To-day I dine with some twelve or fourteen principal men of the town- vary flattering. I have not a moment to spare." On November 18th he took his benefit, playing in "The Fair Penitent" and "The Prizp," sing- ing songs, and giving imitations of London per- formers. The occasion was marked by the appearance in a leading part of Mr Moor. a local amateur. "Horatio," said the playbill, "by a gentleman for his amuse- ment, who never appeared on any public stage." It is satisfactory to know that the gentleman acquitted himself very respectably." There can be little doubt that the twenty guineas which this benefit produced was the sweetest money Mathews ever earned. A few more performances brought the Swansea season to a ciose, and Masterman and his players set out for the Carmarthen Theatre, which was also under his management.

THE GREAT CURE FOR CORNS.—Mundayts Viridme-Stlll further testimony. A Chemist writes Will you send me a bottle of your Viridine? It is for my own use. I get plenty of corn cures of the same colour, but none of them appear to egiial yours. NIII one ought to say his corns are incurable until he has used viridine." Thousands have been cured, mt)t of whom had suffered for over 50 3 cars Bewa. 1 o raitations. Sold in bottles Is, by post Is 2d, by the proprietor, J. Monday, Chemist High-street Cardiff aud ail Chemists J079

To all our readers-" Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i chwi." It is likely that at Easter a Welsh Festival will take place at Christ Church, Cyfarthfa. To-day is the anniversary of the birth of the great Goronwy Owain, who was born in 1722. The vicar of the Episcopal Church in the Welsh tinplate colony of Gas City, Indiana, is the Rev. D. J. Davies, a native of Cardiganshire. Mr J. Lort Phillips, Lawrenny," Pembroke- shire, has now definitely announced his intention of resigning the joint mastership of the North Pembrokeshire Hunt. A movement is on foot among the sporting fraternity of Pembrokeshire to present Mr Lort Phillips with a handsome present in recognition of the valuable services rendered by him to the North Pembrokeshire Hunt. The Pontypridd and Rhondda magistrates who stormed the Quarter Sessions at Cardiff on Tuesday subsequently met around the festive board at the Royal Hotel, when Mr E. H. Davies, of Pentre, was mercilessly chaffed upon his achievement. He had been a member of the Joint Standing Police Committee for exactly two minutes and a half A good deal of impatience is being shown at the prolonged delay in filling up the vacant postmastership of Carnarvon, the holder of which has been transferred to Bangor. It will be interesting to Welshmen to learn that in the official notification of the vacanoy it is made a sine qua non that applicants must be able to speak and write Welsh. General Hugh Rowlands, V.C., C.B., who retires on the 14th of March next on account of age, has held commands for over 22 years. He has had the honour to command three regiments —his old reginienb, the 41st, for ten years the 34th regiment and for 12 months the 43rd Light Infantry in Bellary, Madras. General Rowlands, who is a true Cymro, has his Welsh seab at Plastirion, Llanrug, Carnatvon. The following englyn to electricity appears in the Diwyginor for June, 1851, with the name of Lewis Ebrell, Llwydcoed, subscribed. A corre- spondent is anxious to know who Lewis Ebrill was Cain heuydd er cyn huan-tef dieitbr Fra odiaeth yw'r trydan, Chwys hynod lachus anian, Neu lif a dyr yn lef o dan. Mabon's diplomacy cannot be denied. For instance, there was the case he pub forth at' yesterday's Quarter Sessions for a larger repre- sentation for the Pontypridd division on the Joint Police Committee. He would not, he said, press it as a demand, but would rather put as a eentle appeal. And yet-wculd you believe it?— the man had actually 27 votes behind him all the time to back him up! It was his plea for sympathy, doubtless, that won for his side the extra vote that secured for them the coveted msjority, There is, it is said, a keen competition going on for the appointment about to be made by the Welsh Calvinistio Methodist3 of an agent to proceed to New York tc establish a branch of the Connexional Bookroom for supplying the Welsh American churches with denominational pub- lications. The book agent, it is stated, will also have as a part of his duty the arranging of preaching tours for Welsh ministers visiting the United States. The name of a well-known minister is coupled with the office. In Wales the book agent is the Rev. D. O'Brien Owen., Charity seems to run to organs these days. Following the announcement we made the other day that a Llanstephan Nonconformist chuteh had been presented with a harmonium, we now hear Mr T. Westlake-Alorgai), organist of Bangor Cathedral (late of Merthyr), baa been anony. mously promised a fourth solo manual for the cathedral organ, which is shortly to be renovated. The solo organ will consist of the following stops: —Harmonic flut6, 8ft.; viol d'orohestra, 8ft.; concert flute, 4ft. orchestral oboe, 8ft. cor Anglais, 8ft. vox humana, 8ft. musette, Ifb. and tuba mirabilis, Sib. Other important im- provements are also contemplated. Canon Hawkins, one of the four residentiary canons of Llandaff, has just entered upon bis 96th year, and despite his many years still keeps his residence at Llandaff, and takes part in the services. His vitality is remarkable, and his daily walk up the Stow-BILL at Newport, where he resides, is the wonder of the inhabitants. Long as is his record of years, he cannot claim to be the oldest clergy- man of the Anglican Church, for this distinction belongs to the Rev. J. Carr-Glyn, an uncle of the vicar of Kensington, who, at the great age of 97, is still a beneficed clergyman in the diocese of Salisbury. -Globe. Improved steamship communication having of late years made Weston-super-Mare a sort of transmarine suburb of Cardiff, our readers will doubtless be interested to know how that now popular and populous watering place struck the lively Mrs Piozzi (formerly Mrs Tlirale), Dr. Johnson's great friend, nearly eighty years ago. In a catalogue of autograph letters still in existenoe an epistle, written and signed by Mrs Piczzi, is offered for the modest sum of 21 5s, The following extracb is given from its contents —" Weston-super-Mare, 27th August, 1819. I feel delighted, dear sir, that you have not for- gotten me. Some ladies that I met upon the sands last night said that Sir James Fellows had mentioned my name ab gay and fashionable Bognor. This little place (Weston-super-Mare) is neither gay nor fashionable, yet full as eggs, insipid as the white on'b and-dear as an egg's penny. I tnquired for books, there were but two in the town was the reply—A Bible and a Para- dise Lost'—they were the best, however. No market, but I don't care about that." The annual handbook of the Welsh Baptists has just been issuud, and contains some very interesting information. Among other new features are the names and addresses of secretaries of vacant churches, the names of all the Welsh churches in England belonging to the denomina- tion, etc. The statistical tables furnish the following information as to the present position of the denomination in Wales :—Number of churches, 799 pastors, 491 ministers without chinrge of churches, 121 making a total of 712 ministers lay preachers, 398. During the year 4,921 candidates for membership were baptised 2,085 restored 4,928 received by Setters dismissory from other churches total, 11,934. During the same period 1,571 deaths took place, 1.498 were expelled, 4,974 were granted letters of dismissal, and 2,434 left without letters; this gives a total of 10,477, and an increase in membership of 1,457. There is an increase in each association, except the English Association for Monmouthshire, where a decrease of 16 has taken place. The total membership at present is 102,966, and the number who attend Sunday school 112,273. My d9ar "Welsh Gossip," Watcyn Wyn is not The only bard who troubles 'bout! thy lot. I could enumerate a score or more, In fact a hundred who thy form adore. And daily gaze upon thy pleasant face, Whose lines of beauty are so full of grace. Of course, a bright and prosperous New Year We all sincerely wish thee: this is clear; And trust thy pen will fill us with delight, And prove that Gossip after all is right, If it adheres to what is true and good, And helps us to acquire the:facts we should! Of Wales and Welshmen we should seek to know All that the past reveals. Pray still bestow Upon tby work the care it so much needs In faithful records of old Cambria's deeds, And let the muse sometimes burst forth in song For Welshmen love her, ever round her throng. Adieu, pro tern.. but be assured wa'll fix Our eyes upon thee right through ninety-six. SILURIAN.

NEW YEAR'S DAY. A VOICK FOR THE ASHANTI. Once more resounds the knell of parting day, A MVFFLI'il breeze rustles its shrouded bier; But clouds unfold, and stars in bnehbairay, Smile at the advanb of the infant year. Of all its hopes and fears the Old has told— With all its hopes and fears the New is here- Oh that War's clouds like Nature's may unfold, And light with smiles of Peace the shadows drear. May statesmen learn the greatness of our nam. Is not enhanced by trappings of diitplay- And that our warlike hosts can gain no Fame By slaying helpless hordes—brave tribes at bay. And may they also learn, whilst we declaro Against the savage actions of the Turk- Stronger will be our voices, if we c-ire To have no part in such, accursed work. Freemen respect the spirit of these foes; They risk their lives defending hearths and homes- Know, too invaders' paths, as Britain knows, Lead many a British son to Afric tombs.1 Then sheath the sword Slay not the Ashanti A nobler cause is ready to the 3ight— Armenia, kneeling, bleeding, wond'ring why Her dying shrieks rouse no rescuing knight. Swatuea. tWIT. D. Brans.

NEWS IN BRIEF. 1 Desertion from the Army costs ENGLATTI £120,000 annually. A child jusb born has less chance of living year than an octogenarian. At the age of 40 a man usually attains his highest weight; a woman at 50. Prince Nicholas of Greece arrived at Athens oil Tuesday on his return from England. There are at the present time in London paupers enough to fill all the houses in Brighton, The annual mortality last week in 33 great towns of England and Wales averaged 19'1. Governesses able to cycle will soon be in de- mand in Paris, such is the rage for cycling among girls. Kiel is to have an international exhibition of navigation and fisheries next year, from May to September. Traffic on the railway has been interrupted between Constantinople and Adrianople owing to a heavy fall of now. From the 20th to the 27th December there were 79 fresh cases of cholera in St. Petersburg, 50 of which terminated fatally. The consumption of coffee in France has in. creased within 30 years from one-half pound to three and one-half pounds per head. Count Ravertera Salandra, the Austro- Hungarian Ambassador at the Vatican, arrived in Rome early yesterday with his family. Coins are classed, according to their state of preservation, as proof, uncirculated," II fine," good." "fair," and" poor." Salmon eggs to the number of several hundred thousand were recently sent from Baird, Cali. fornia, to Europe for hatching purposes. Japan will hereafter manufacture her own torpedoes. She is said to have one of Japanese invention that is far superior to the Whitehead. It is stated that Alexander T. Letts, a convict in the New Jersey State prison, has managed, while still a prisoner, to swindle a prison con. tractor. The Press Association is authorised to state that Mr E. T. Cook, editor of the Westmimter Gazette, has been appointed editor of the London Daily News. Two sergeants and three gunners. Western Division, R.A., from Devonport and Pembroke Dock, will embark ab Liverpool for passage to Sierra Leone. One of the most remarkable exports of the Gold Coast is that of monkey skins. During the last five years an average of 175,000 skins have been annually exported. At the better class of Parisian cafes, writing- paper, envelopes, pens, ink, &c., are furnished to the guests free in hotels of the same city the guests have to pay for them. A company has been established in New York for the manufacture of sntaIl bombs, with which a farmer can bring down showers of rain whenever he sees clouds over his land. A!! hope has now been abandoned of the safety of the Lowestoft trawler Invieta and crew of five hands. She has been over three weeks at sea, being nearly a fortnight overdue. A beggar, whose home was burned at Spring Valley, New York, had the firemen save her mattress, in which she had hidden P,400 or 2600 in bills, besides a quantity of coin. Private J. E. Denning, depot Welsh Regiment, who was recently tried by districb court-martial for stealing money from a comrade, has been sentenced to six months' imprisonment. The sums of JS18 16S, 234 6s, and £ 21 are due to the next-of-kin of the late Private W. J. Baker, East Surrey Regiment; Gunner J. Clarkq, R. A. and Private J. Smith, Rifle Brigade. Coal dust is successfully used as fuel for boilers by a process invented by a German ned Wegener. It is fed to the furnace automatf. cally, and only ordinary chimney draught J8 J needed. An Indian known as Chief Bushey Joe dilld all Amber, Michigan, a few days ago at the reputed age of 110 years. He was an expert hunter AND trapper, and was in the woods after game ALQLOSO up to the day he died. During the year just drawn to a close 20 commissions from the ranks to second-lieuteaan- cies have been granted to non-commissiotied officers in the Army. This number compares favourably with former years. The paragraphs London papers have been pub. lishing about the Navy estimates '95-'96 being? lost are very amusing. The facts are all right, no doubt, bub the Navy estimates for '95-'9d are nothing new. They were published last February, and can be bought for 3s 3d. Maine's State Labour Commissioner has been making thorough inquiry as to the average cost of the average Maine citizen's food per day. All conditions have bean included in the in- quiry, and the Commissioner figures that it costs Maine folk just 13 cents a day for food. The Empress of Japan has almost discarded her native dress. She regards the gowns of European women as the most beautiful in the world, and to illustrate her fondness for these creations she is wearing one herself-a. genuint European frock, with a long-trained skirt. The palace of the King of Siam is enclosed is high white walls which are a mile in clrcumferc T ence. Within them are contained temples, public offices, seraglios, stables for the sacred elephant, accommodation for 1,000 troops, cavalry, artillery, war elephants, an arsenal, and a theatre. Next month Mr Villiers will have represented Wolverhampton continuously for 61 years. He will then, while a niember of Parhamenb, have celebrated as many birthdays as Mr Gladstone, and have done so without a break. While Mr Gladstone is 86, Mr Villiers is 93 years of age. The so-called "snike-stonos" of Ceylon are celebrated for the efficacy which they are sup- posed to have in curing the bites of venomous serpents. Secrecy is maintained as to the method of their manufacture, which is a lucrative business carried on by monks, who supply the merchants of India with them. Yesterday both the Liverpool Journal of Commerce and the Manchester Journal of Com- merce have been considerably enlarged in order tn. make room for a daily list of all homeward-bound vessels, either for the United Kingdom or the Continent, and a daily list of the movements of all Liverpool and Manchester sailing vessels or steamers in all ports of the world. li Cyclophil," whose information respecting the sport and pastime of cycling is always of the newest, gives the welcome intelligence that the Prince of Wales has ordered a bicycle from Messrs Humber and Co, This is a culminating point in the history of cycling as an amusement for smart people, and the Prince's sanction and example will send many a middle-aged waverer awheel.- The World. The following officers on the staff of the Western district complete their period of service during the coming year :-Coi. H. ff. Goodevoi A,A.G., Savern Defences, 24th May Captain C. E. Callwell, Brigade-Major, R.A., 9th Septem- ber and Col. W. H. Thompson, 13bh Regimental District, 4th June. Under the age clause, G. J. C. Whittington, chief paymaster, A.P.D., retires on August 7th. The Mayor of Folkestone yesterday made arrangements with commanding officers of several Volunteer regiments to quarter in various Elementary School-houses and other similar buildings 3,200 Volunteers. It has also been arranged to accommodate 600 Volunteers in ShorncliffE Camp In order that they may take part in the Easter manoeuvres, which will take place near Folkestone. Lieut.-Colonel Chard, R.E., who has for some time past been 11 Commanding Royal Engineer" in the Straits Settlements, will shortly return to England, his term of service in the posb being on the point of expiry. Colonel Chard will be remembered in connection with the heroic defence of Roike's Drift, in the Zulu campaign of 1879. His fighting companion on that famous occasion, Major Bromhead, died at Allahabad nob long ago. The World says — Monmonth not having proved a success as a recruiting centre, Sheffield is substituted. Lieut.-Colouel Dutton, who was posted to Monmouth as superintending officer, has exerted himself to the utmost to create a martial enthusiasm among the young men of South Wales but, somehow or other, it is not to be done, so he is transferred to the Yorkshire centre of industry, where the taste fnr martial glory is so strong that inconvenience is experi- enced in providing for all the aspirants who coin4 forward. The Scientific Commission which has been investigating the nost practical way of construct. ing an eleccnc railway up the Jungfrau in the Alps, have just issued their report and published it in La Nature. In this port the Commis- sioners give a most interesting account of the trigonometric and phogrammatio surveys they made from the lower station all the Eiger glacier to the summit. The distance from the first primary station to the lower end of the road will be about 3% miles. Our English love of roast beef and plum pudding at this season is shared by few other nations. In Russia the favourite Christmas and New Year food is roasb pork and boiled buckwheat; in Spain, almond soup and a dish called besugo," consi-ting mainly of a largs goldfish. The German chooses boiled pork, sauerkraut, goose, and satisages while it Holland, Switzerland, and several other countriet goose, roast or smoked, ranks first in public favour. America has one great dieh for overf festive occasion, the turkey.

igustiuss 1\.bbrtsSt5. THE SALE. jgEN EVANS and Co., Ltd., SWANSEA. GREAT WINlEK SALE. EVANS and Co., Ltd., SWANSEA, GREAT WINTER SALE. TDEN EVANS and Co., Ltd., SWANSEA, GREAT WINTER SALE. jgEN EVANS and Co., Ltd., SWANSEA, GREAT WINTER SALE. TO COMMENCE ON SATURDAY NEXT, JANUARY (TH, 1896. TO COMMENCE ON SATURDAY NEXT, JANUARY 4TH, 1896. TO COMMENCE ON SATURDAY NEXT, JANUARY 4TH, 1896. fjjjlO COMMENCE ON SATURDAY NEXT, JANUARY 4TH, 1896. JgEN EVANS and Co., Ltd., SWANSEA. GREAT WINTER SALE, 7JIO COMMENCE ON SATURDAY NEXT' THE 4TH JANUARY, 1896. gXTRAORDINARY BARGAINS IN EVERY DEPARTMENT. THE STOCK to select from is larger than JL ever. A CATALOGUE (56 pages) post free on application. BEN EVANS and Co., Ltd., SWANSEA, THE SALE. JCJEN EVANS and Co.. Ltd., SWANSEA. GREAT WINTER SALE. BEN EVANS and Co., Ltd., SWANSEA, GREAT WINTER SALE. gEN EVANS and Co., Ltd., SWANSEA, GREAT WINTER SALE, J^EN EVANS and Co., Ltd., SWANSEA, GREAT WINTER SALE. TO COMMENCE ON SATURDAY NEXT. JANUARY 4TH, 1896. TO COMMENCE ON SATURDAY NEXT, JANUARY 4TH, 1896. TO COMMENCE ON SATURDAY NEXT, JANUARY 4TH, 18%. TO COMMENCE ON SATURDAY NEXT, JANUARY 4TH, 1896, FURNITURE ESTABLISHED OVER THREE- CARPETS FURNITTJRF. QUARTER.1? CENTURY. CARPETS FURNITURE —— CARPBTS "FURNITURE uOOD. ARTUSTIC, AN CARPETS FURNITURE CARPETS FURNITURE INEXPENSIVE. CARPETS FURNITURE ——— CARPETS FURNITURE ,T CARPET* FURNITURE BEFORE YOU BUT CARPETS FURNITURE p rt R T T IT H P CARPETS FURNITURE CARPETS ^URNifU Liil OR CARPETS FURNITURE CARPETS FURNITURE CARPETS, CARPETS FURNITURE T<> CARPETS FURNITURE CO NOl iAU. TO CARPETS FURNriURE viaii CARPETS ISSSKSS T AVERTON & CO. FURNITURE J-* CARPETS FURNITURE A-RrVTrT MATCFRS CARPETS FURNITURE <^ABINE1 MA_K.J3i.Ko, CARPETS FURNITURE UPHOLSTERERS, CARPETS FURNITURE CARPETS FURNITURE HOUSE FURNISHERS, CARPETS FURNITURE CARPETS FURNITURE MARY-LE-PORT STREET CARPET* FURNITURE CARPETS FURNITURE TI. cqrnviijm CARPETS FURNITURE MKtffl, CARPETS FURNITURE BRISTOL CARPETS FURNITURE CARPETS fofsSciS THEIR SHOWROOMS, clroll !Sg5SSi°VER 0NK ACEE FURNITURE EXTENT, CARPETS FURNITURE CONTAIN CARPETS FURNITURE ARCF^T CARPETS FURNITURE LA-RGESr, BEST, CARPETS FURNITURE „T<1™ CARPETS FURNITURE CHEAPEST STOCK CARPETS FURNITURE IN THE CARPETS FURNITURE WEST OF ENGLAND. CARPETS 11 CAVENDISH HOUSE,CHELTENHAM. ANNUAL -yYINTER gALE NOW IN PROGRESS. The ENTIRE STOCK of HIGH-CLASS and FASHIONABLE DRAPERS is REVISED in PRICE. A'L REMAINING STOCK of tho SEASON'S COSTUMES, MANTLES. MILLINERY, SILKS, DRESS MATERIALS, HOSIERY, GLOVES, Ac., &c., will be marked at specially low clearance prices and exceptional bargains may be secured. Catalogue of the Sale and Patterns of Materials marked at the reduced pri: e, particulars of the ma.de- no goods, Ac., sent on application. SPECIAL SALE IN THE FURNISHING DEPARTMENT. Great opportunity to those about to furnish or partly furnish. 5753 DETAILED LIST ON APPLICATION. CAVENDISH HOUSE, CHELTENHAM. jpATON'S A LLOA KNITTING WOOLS. SCOTCH FINGERINGS, VEST, PETTICOAT, & SOFT KNITTING WOOLS. • AND THE ORIGINAL ALLOA WHEELING YARNS, Unequalled or Cycling, Golfing, Shooting, and Fishing Stockings. To be obtained from MOF.GAN C0„ THE HAYKS AND ROYAL ARCADE, CARDIFF. DINNEFORD'S MAGNESIA. The Best Remedy for ACIDITY of the STOMACH, HEARTBURN, GOUT, and HEADACHE, I INDIGESTION, And safest Aperient for Delicate Constitutions, Ladies, Children, and Infants. DINNEFORD'S MAGNESIA. STONE BROS., Sons of the late Aid. GaLna An^stusStone), COMPJ ETE FUNERAL PURNISHEBb AND FUNERAL DIRECT RS. Every requisite for Funerals of all classes. Proprietors of Funeral Cars, Hearses, ShUll- biers, andCoaches. Superb Flemish Horses, Itc. Price List on Application. Please Note the Address:- 5, WORKING-STREET Telegraphic Addres3:- "STONK HHPS., CARDIFF' 6962 TEETH.—Complete Set, One Guinea. JL Five years' warranty. GOODIU. AND Co., JO. and 56, QUEEN-STREET. Cardiff, 13041.1114 mHli CADOXTON AND BARRY .1 BILL POSTING COMPANY (LIMITED), VERK-STREET, CAD<)XTO>-BARRY. Secretary, MICHAEL DA VIES. Best Position* and Largest Connection m theiDis- trie*. 1297 Snsingss ^Dresses. AT SWANSEA. ON SATURDAY NEXT, JANUARY 4TH, The Celebrated Half-Yearly 0LEARANCE GALE FOR 1896 COMMENCES AT E DWARDS', WHEN A HUGE STOCK OF AUTUMN AND WINTER DRAPERY QOODS WILL BE OFFKREB AT PRICES MUCH LOWER THAN COST OF PRODUCTION. GENUINE BARGAINS IN SUPERIOR GOODS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS. Kindly visit this Special Sale and judge for yourselves as trie sacrifices are enormous, LETTER ORDERS receive prompt and careful attention, and executed same day with every satisfaction. Car- riage paid on all parcels 10s and upwards to all parts. E DWARDS, 93, 94, 95, 96, OXFORD-STREET, 15, 16, 17, 18. WATERLOO-STREET, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, PARK-STREET, SWANSEA, < "fi- "f, FT r ( F I R E AT MASTERS & c 0.1 29 4 30, ST. NIARY-ST., c ARDIFF. MASTERS & CO. beg to inform their numerous customers and the public generally that the Fire which destroyed their Workrooms has not affected the Shop, and that arrangements have already been made for 'I executing with despatch all Bespoke Orders entrusted to litem. 49e < ,r TO JgUTCHERS. CROSSLEY'S "QTTO" GAS E NGINES, GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. EW OR SECOND-HAND ENGINES SUPPLIED, WITH SAUSAGE MACHINES, FOR CASH OR ON HIRE PURCHASE. QUOTATIONS ON APPLICATION SOUTH WALES OFFICE .22, MOUNTSTUART-SQUARE, CARDIFF. TELEGRAMS—" OTTO." CARDIFF. 1098 I G. A. STONE & CO.. UNDERTAKERS. ESTABLISHED OVER 30 YEARS. AT TUB OLD ANn ONLY ADDRESS— 10, 11, & 12, WORKING-STREET, CA RDIFF. UNDFTR THF, MANAGEMENT 0* Mias STONE. us.*isted by an Eiffcient Staff. "tJTapbic Address "Stone, 11, Working-atreet, Cardiff.' 3e—1108

AFFAIRS OF THE LATE SIR WILLIAM DAVIES. We are informed, on what we believe to be reliable authority, that the next meeting of the creditors of the late firm of Davies. George and Co., solicitors. Spring-gardens, Haverfordwest, will be held in the Temperance Hall, Haverford- west, on Tuesday, January 21st. A full statement of the affairs of the late firm has been prepared and forwarded to the office of the Official Receiver at Carmarthen, who will, of course, have the conduct of the next meeting. The question whether or not the estate will go through the Bankruptcy Court will depend entirely on the nature of the offer the famiiy are expected to make, and whether such offer will prove accept- able to the creditors. There is a very marked feeling throughout Pembrokeshire in favour of a private settlement, and it is strongly hoped that the final winding up of the affairs of the late firm may be accomplished without) goieg iqto bank. RNPTTGR*