The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

WHATELEY'S "WHAT NOTS." ) W HITLAND. My good colleague says the Henllan-Amgoed Sunday-school Cymanfa held on Monday, the 9th inst., was, as usual, well attended. The weather being favourable, schools hailing from Whitland, Llanboidy, Capel Mair, Cwmwiber, and Henllan took part in the proceedings. Each school had its children's picnic, in addition to the adults exercise. The former were cate- chised by the schoolmasters, Messrs. Scourfield and Sampson. Addresses were also delivered by Messrs Scourfield and Phillips (Llanboidy) on Sunday-schools. The rowdy element made itself pretty conspicuous around the entrance to the gallery as the day wore on, and caused some confusion amongst the audience. Whateley's colleague is under the impression he heard a sug- gestion made that henceforth arrangements should be adopted to enforce silence at the meeting. Several sweet anthems were discoursed in the course of the day, which Whateley would like to have heard if he had been within hail. The Intermediate School subscriptions have, for Whitland, now been promised to the tune of over JE300, and the enthusiasm of the Whitlandites is worthy of the good cause. Our friends at Nar- berth dealt us more than one blow below the belt at their last meeting, which the Councillors ought to put down perhaps, but not to their credit at any rite. Let us fight the battle hon- ourably, and accept the committee's decision, whatever it may be, with as much good grace as ye can command. The third meeting was held at the Board Schools on Thursday evening, at 7 p.m., under the presidency of Dr. Phillips, as usual, but was adjourned for a week. MYDRIM. At the above large and well restored village Church, on Wednesday, the 10th inst., the Welsh Church Sunday-schools of the Deanery of St. Clears or Lower Carmarthen held their annual festival (the English schools having had theirs at St. Clears on Whit-Monday), Miss Bowen Jones, the worthy hon. sec., having made preliminary arrangements for the celebration. In spite of some heavy showers in the early part of the day, the schools had all arrived on the scene by 10.30 a.m. They were the following:—Mydrim, Llan- fihangel, Llanwinio, Llangan, Henllan-Amgoed, Eglwys-Fair-a-Churig, Llandyssilio, Monachlog- ddu, and Llanfyrnach, numbering in all about 500 scholars. After a short rehearsal (in Church) the scholars were formed into a procession, each school having its grand banner borne aloft, and the following clergy (surpliced) leading the way to Church singing a Processional Hymn :—The Revs. D. Pugh Evans, R.D., A. Britten, W. Davies, J. N. Jone, T. Phillips (vicar of Tre- garon), D. Griffiths (Monachlogddu), J. E. Jones, E. Rowlands, J. George, D. Davies (Llanybri), J. Lloyd (Llanpumpsaint), T. Davies, T. Thomas, D. Howrells, Samuel Davies, O. Davies, (Llaw- haden), and J. Davies (St. Clears). The Rev. W. Davies, vicar of Llaufihanyel-Abercowin, conducted the music as before. The Rev. J. E. Jones, of Llandewi-Velfery, was the intoner for the day (as at St. Clears), and Mr Walter Spurrell, Carmarthen, presided at the organ At 11.30 a service similar to that given at St. Clears on Whit-Monday was gone through very creditably in Welsh, the Church hymns and the anthem being those selected by the committee of the Association for the occasion. The Rev. D. Davies, vicar of Llandybie, catechised on the History of Solomon. The Rev. D. Pugh Evans, R.D., concluded with a prayer and the Blessing, thj school then leaving the Church in an inverted order to that in which they had entered. The scholars were now provided with their own luncheons at the Schoolroom, and the clergy and visitors were hospitably provided for by Co!. Howell and Mrs Howell, of Penrheol, at the Fountain Hotel, in the village. At 2.15 p.m. the scholars fell in, and were marshalled into Church in perfect order, singing another Welsh Processional Hymn, and led by the clergy in surplice, as in the morning. After a short ser- vice, intoned by the Rev. J. E. Jones, the Rey. J. Lloyd, vicar of Llanpumsaint, catechised on "The Morning and Evening Prayer" (by Palmer, and translated into Welsh by the con- ductor of the music). The Rural Dean, after another prayer, pronounced the Bendiction. The scholars were then again marched into the School- room, where a capital repast, in the shape of tea and cake, awaited them, and provided gratis by the good people of Mydrim. Col. Howell and his good family, Mr and Mrs Thomas, of Derry (with Miss Lougher), Mr and Mrs Thomas, Pantowin, and a host of other good and loyal parishioners, unknown to my colleague, loyally assisted the Rector and Mrs Britten to make the services and the day throughout a grand success. A warm vote of thanks was moved by the Rev. T. Jones (LIanddowror), and seconded by the Rev. J. E. Jones. The services passed off to the satisfaction of all, the musical portion being well rendered, and the answers coming from the various schools this time, and, on the whole, reflecting much credit on the scholars and their teachers. The catechisers had showed a com- plete mastery of the subjects in hand and much tact in eliciting correct replies. Whateley hears they suggested that in the future, as much as possible, the adults ought not to exhibit too much anxiety and undue haste in answering, but that the children ought to be allowed a fair chance and encouraged to do what they can, the adults merely stepping in and tilling up the gap in the event of the younger portion failing to satisfy the examiner. "Whateley" (had he been there) would have seconded that, as the express command of the great Master is "Feed my lambs." My colleague was very pleased to find four children of the late Mr W. Spurrell, of Carmarthen, present, and rendering material assistance during the day, viz the organist, the Revs. W. G. Spurrell, master of the Cathedral School, St. David's, hia brother (the curate of Wrexham), and his sister, of Carmarthen. Their late father had the interests of the Welsh Church warmly at heart. "Whateley" has no space to devote to the Butter Factory this week, but he hopes to advert to the subject again. V. My colleague reports, in conclusion, on the loyalty and support of the clergy at Mydrim, and he trusts that another year the Rural Dean, the Hon. Sec., and the Association will have the satisfaction of seeing the one or two parishes in the deanery, which have not as yet a Sunday- school, make a great effort to start one, and be able to exhibit their pretty banner at the annual festivals. He says he thinks they are already tired of their terrible isolation. It is really a great credit to those schools outside the deanery, who performed a journey of from 15 to 20 miles, to get to Mydrim on Wednesday last. Whate- ley's" colleague ends by giving them the usual Three cheers." ..8 WThateley begs to hud a postscript for once in justice to the good Mydriruites. The follow- ladies presided at the tea tables and provided milk and butter :—Mrs Thomas (Derry), Miss Howell and Miss Rosalie Howell (Penrheol) Miss Lougher (Derry), Miss Thomas (Lan), Miss Walters (Plasparke), Mrs Thomas (Pentowin), Miss Davies (Pannerdog), MrsJones(Gaedllegan), Miss Lechmere (Vicarage), Mrs and Miss Davies (Pant). Mrs Jones (Village), Miss Williams, and Mrs Harries undertook the work of cutting the cake and the bread and butter for the tables. The admirable arrangements were under the supervision of Mrs Britten, who even saw to the boiling of the water, as my colleague noticed that she bore evident traces of having been in the smoke. As he said before, the luncheon was provided by Col, Howell, who also, together with Messrs Thomas (Derry), Lewis (Pendine), i Thomas (Lan), Davies (Pantyronen), Thomas (Pcnian), and Roberts (Smithy), did their work well.

MANHOOD RESTORED. Remedy Free. A vic- tim of youthful imprudence causing Premature Decay, Nervous Debility, Lost Manhood, &e. having tried in vain every known remedy has discovered a simple self-cnre, which be will send FREE to his fellow-sufferer3. Address: W. FOX, 1, York- street, Southwark, London, S.E. NERVOUS DEBILITY, LOSS OF VITAL POWER AND ENERGY.—A gentleman, having been a great sufferer, will be pleased to for- ward a Physician's Prescription that cured him, on receipt of a stamped envelope.—Address W. Rose, Esq., Somerleyton Villa, Brixton, Surrey. j

AMMANFORD NOTES. The local cricket team travelled to Llandilo last Saturday to try conclusions with their Llandilo friends, and to the surprise of their supporters acquitted themselves in a most brilliant manner, both in compiling their own score and dismissing their opponents. The heroes of the day were Councillor Jones and W. W. Brodie. The start was disastrous in the I extreme, as three wickets, so I am informed, were down for four runs. But when the afore- mentioned old and well-known wielders of the willow became associated, a different aspect was put upon the situation. The two gentlemen made a prolonged stand, and whacked the bowl- ing all over the field. I have failed to ascertain, but I have an idea that the Llandiloites were not very well represented, hence their paltry total on the tirst innings, but they fairly atoned for this in their second venture nevertheless, they were well beaten on Saturday. L'andilo are a very hot lot, and will take a lot of beating. So Ammanford may be proud of their achievement. ANNUAL SCHOOL FEAST. Saturday was a great day among the In- dependents, that is, the younger portion in general. For it was the day on which that denomination of good people celebrated their annual cup of tea together. Fortunately, the afternoon was fine, and a large number enjoyed themsehes by indulging in the usual amusements on the recreation ground (so called). It is not necessary for me to detail all the amusements. The young people who were ptesent know all about it, and from their accounts they had a royal time. I hear the members of the Band of Hope at Pontamman areoing to have their tea feast next Saturday, of which we may hear next week. WOMBWELL'S MENAGERIE. The renownec menagerie, formerly known under the name of Bostock and Wombwell, is advertised to call here on Friday evening on its way to the big fair at Llandilo. Here is another chance thrown to the thriving population of this town of investing their cash. We hope that Terror the aeriel flight will not accompany this exhibition of wild animals; if it does, I am afraid Llandilo clock will not "stop short," etc. ACCIDENT. I regret to repoit a very serious accident, which occurred Sunday afternoon. Old Mrs Jones, of the Butcher's Arms, who has lost her sight for some time, was on her way to the back of her residence, when her foot slipped, and she fell on the stone paving with such force, that she unfortunately broke her thigh. Dr. Lloyd was acquainted with the accident, and was not long in attending to the poor woman's sufferings. It is thought that she will not pull through, more so as she is over 80 years of age. A.P.S. It is usual when a mayoress is blessed with an increase to her family during her husband's year of office, to present her with a silver cradle to mark the importance of the event. We hope Ammanford will duly recognise the safe arrival of a son and heir at the Mansion House.

AMMANFORD JOTTINGS. What ii going to be done about the water ? is a question that is now being, frequently asked in Ammanford. I interviewed a gentleman (who is versed in local politics) this week, to enable me to answer the question. The first of what he told me is as follows :—The Llandyfan or some other water scheme is certain to be adopted, since Mr Bircham has demanded, on behalf of the Local Government Board, that something shall be done at once. You will remember that Doctor Lloyd, of Llandilo, seemed satisfied that the local springs were amply sufficient for the supply, and also that Lord Dynevor had promised that what water was needed for flushing drains, etc. was forthcoming. The Guardians on the other hand are determined to have water from afar, and, although, I (the gentleman interviewed) was formerly inclined to I y kick against the scheme. I am now convinced that we must bow to the inevitable, as the forces against us are too strong to fight against. ..4f: Having got this interview over, I sought one or two other old opponents of the water scheme, and I found their opposition very luke warm com- pared to what it used to be, so much so that as one of them said, "it will be useless for us to fight since those who have no wells are many more than those who have, and they all want a water scheme." The next man I talked the matter over with was an uncompromising anti-scheme man, and he was very bitter against the action of the authorities in forcing it upon us. He said amongst other things that having plenty of water at our doors, it was a sinful waste of ratepayer's money to spend £2,500 on a scheme for bringing it from afar. He said, It has yet to be proved that the water we have is insufficient. We know it is of excellent quality, and we believe we have plenty of it under our feet where we now stand. The distance usually reckoned in soil, such as ours for safety from contamination, is fifty yards, and no existing well is within that distance of any possible source of danger." I must leave the matter here, merely remaik- ing that I think public opinion in Ammanford, which was dead against the scheme, is now work- ing round. The conversion is slow, but give evidence of being fairly thorough, and when the scheme is ordered to be carried out, I don't think the opposition will be very strong. # I hear that a fencing class is about to be formed in Ammanford. I am heartily glad to hear it, and wish it every success. There is far too little rational amusement in the place, and if boxing and general gymnastics were included in the scheme, I have no doubt there would be less loafing, and a great improvement in the general tone of the place. < Speaking of athletics, brings me to a feat ac- complished by a youth on Monday last. Just to see what he could do in the way of walking, he left home at 5 a.m., and before 5 p.m. he had covered slightly over 50 miles along the road. # What has become of the Ammanford sports 1 I thought we were to have some for the cricket club funds. I fear the old enterjjrisiiig spirit is dead on the cricket committee. A quondam inhabitant of Ammanford is this week celebrating an event, which it is rarely the lot of man in this short life to enjoy. Mr and Mrs Callard, senior, late of Devonia (which was built by Mr Callard), this week have completed 50 years of happy married life, and surrounded by their sons, daughters and grandchildren, are celebrating their golden wedding. One son (the eldest), who is a prosperous merchant in London (Canada), visits the old country for the first time for 23 years, and completes the family circle. I am sure readers of THE JOURNAL will join me in felicitating the old couple. The time is fast approaching when the people who have so far with impunity polluted the river Amman will be called to a strict account. I take credit to myself that my voice has been heard in THE JOURNAL for a longtime, like one crying in the wilderness against the iniquity of pouring pickle liquor wholesale into our pretty stream. The County Council and the Carmarthen Bay Fishery Conservators are at last moving in the matter. If they work earnestly, the wrong doers may easily be discovered, and I hope severely punished.

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LEAVES FROM MY NOTE BOOK. (By ABERCORRAN). Laugharne, Wednesday, Hurrah for the land of sunshine, Where a man has room to breathe; Where the sky is clear above u-i, And the veld is free beneath. Where the air is pure and balmy, Aud sets the lungs at play- Tbce are things you don't know much about, In England far away. Thus sweetly sings the South African poet with a buoyant and joyous heart, to which no doubt the pure translucent atmosphere of the "Sunny South" in a great measure contribute. To most readers, anything connected with the Dark Continent (probably owing to its vastness, and the mystery by which it is surrounded) has ever afforded strangely attractive fascination. Thanks to the persistent perseverance of that great and intrepid explorer—MrH. M. Stanley- the world of to-day has had much light thrown upon that interesting and wonderful country. Mr Stanley has opened up vast territories, and fearlessly penetrated to the very heart ;)f regions hitherto untrod by the foot of the white man. It is sincerely to he hoped that England will not be slow to avail herself of the great explorer's work. It appears that the Germans who have an eye to No. 1, are already reaping the fruits of British explorations and enterprise in :Africa. There are travellers and trandlers. The following brief and amusing definition of the country may raise a smile :-It emanated from one who, I should imagine, travelled through the country in a mourning coach with the blinds down. Here is the famous and graphic description It is a land where the flowers have no smell the birds no song the rivers no water, where all the dogs are named" footsac," and, when called by their names they run away." To some English readers (says Noble), it may come as a surprise that South African scenery, instead of being dreary and monotonous, has a fair proportion of grand and majestic as well as wondroijsly beautiful and picturesque points. The bold, towering mountains of the Eastern districts, of the Stormberg, and the Drakensberg, compare favourably with anything in Wales, the West of Ireland, or the Highlands of Scotland. The combination of hill and lake and woodland in the divisions of George and Knysna, and along the reaches of the St. John's river, bear contrast in some respects with Cumberland and Westmoreland. The jungly ravines and the dense primeval forests, where nature reigns supreme in awful loneliness," have a rare wild beauty of their own, in their deep recesses, beneath the shade of majestic yellow-woods. You may wonder for hours, so far as the tangled undergrowth will let you, the silence unbroken, save by the wind among the trees, the subdued note of a bird, or the chirp of an insect. There is a great charm in the pure translucent atmosphere of the country, in its strange yet exquisite vegetation, and in the brilliant colouring of mountain slope or forest glade under the purple light of morning, or the rosy glow of sunset— When the sultry summer noon is past, And meHow evening comes at last, With a low and languid breeze, Fanning the Mimosa trees." Even the wide-extending pastoral plains of the Karoo have a certain attraction for many—not merely as valuable sheep-walks, or for the herds of wild game occasionally met with, but from the freedom as well as the exhilarating buoyant air of the desert, and that strange sense of solitude, which is realised as one yares over the unbroken perspective of blue sky and fading distance- Where ro tree, nor cloud, nor misty mount, Appear to refresh the aching eye; But the barren earth and the burning sky, And the blank horizon round and round, Spread-void of living sight and sound," There is much roughing it, however, in an up country life. I speak from experience. It is while roughing it in a remote up-country camp, amidst multitudinous discomforts that the prodigals' thoughts turn yearningly towards the II Old Country" and at such times one realises, to the full, those many comforts left far behind, and "thought lost to sight to memory dear." We were located at Hunters' Fountain, in the Orange Tree State. The camp was but small, with shanties primitive and quaint, and the European part of the population were of quite a cosmopolitan character. It being a diamond camp, we had amongst us old diggers, who had delved for precious gems in all parts of the globe. These I diggers, under a rough exterior carried good hearts and sound to the core, and I can testify to their sympathetic response when appeal led to by by their less fortunate brothers. The digger was, naturally, boss of the show and took the cake as the aristocrat of Hunters' Fountain. It was generally accepted in the camp that Jack was its good as his master," and yet I often felt much -i in ti. amused at the frequent appearance of the liol),,()])Iiii -Ca.te -which ever and anon persisted in peeping out through the thin strata of the much-vaunted equality. For example, Mrs A. who kept a kaftir winkle (shop) looked down with supreme contempt upon Mr Z, the butcher. Mrs A's antecedents came over with William the Conqueror (so she boasted to her feminine friends), and the family genealogical tree, with its numerous branches, must have assumed gigantic proportions. Ah, me how those said feminine friends trembled before the gaze of this stickler f'T propriety, the high and mighty Mrs A. the Kaffir winkle keeper, especially when her pedigree craze was on the tapis. Mr Z, who kept the butchers' shop in the camp, was described as a gentleman, a guaduate of the University of Cambridge. The roofs of our little shanties were covered with corrugated iron, but this did not render them impervious to heavy rains. When it rained in Hunters' Fountain, it poured, literally poured, and went on pouring till further orders, oh, the deluge And then, how the dreadful thunder roared, and the vivid lightning flashed I well remember on one occasion—a terrific thunder storm accompanied by heavy rain—how the rain penetrated through the roof of my little dwelling-house, and rushed out through the door. I was busy moving my bed about from corner to corner, and making frantic efforts to dodge the downpour, but my endeavours were futile. I took a shower bath quite out of the ordinary order of procedure. But these are trifles light as air, compared with other disagreeables. What with the intense heat-at times almost overpowering-- the plague of flies, and the frequent sandstorms, life in our little camp at Hunters' Fountain was tolerably enjoyable, very Add to this the pleasure, when you "turned in at night, to find a scorpion in your bed, and a snake under your bed. There is of course a reverse to this picture—a grand reverse—but I refer just now to camp, where I spent two years of my life. Around Cape Town there are some delightful spots, The voyage to the Cape has justly become famed as one of the most pleasant and enjoyable it is possible to make, and the great ocean steamers of the Cape Lines have become celebrated for their comfort and punctuality. Provided with every necessary and every comfort, each carrying a surgeon, they touch, either outward or homeward, at Lisbon, Madeira, St. Helena, and Ascession, and acomplish the voyage to Cape Town in some- what less than three weeks. "In all the world," says Mr Fronde, in his Oceana, there is no place so beautifully situated as Cape Town.

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CARMARTHEN BOROUGH POLICE I COURT. MONDA Y. Before Messrs C. W. Jones and John Morris. OCCASIONAL LICENCE. An applicatiod from Mr J. Burgess of the Nelson Hotel for an occasional licence to supply refreshments at the dog show on Thursday, was granted. The time being from 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY ON SUNDAY. Griffith Griffiths, a militiaman, was charged by P.C. Stacey with being drunk and disorderly in Nott's Square about 10.30 last Sunday night, when he used the most obscene language. Defendant admitted the offence. Fined 2a. 6d. and 3. 6d. costs. ASSAULT ON SUNDAY. Isabella MacDonnel, wife of John MacDonnel, Brigstocke Gardens, carman, charged John Owens, Tanybank, fisherman, with having assaulted her on Sunday, the 8th inst, Mr Brunell -Y White prosecuted. Mr White having stated the circumstances of the case, the plaintiff was sworn, and said she recollected the day in question, when her own boy and three others were throwing stones at each o'her. Defendants boy str ick her. and she then took her own to the house. Defendant came up and slid he would hit her head oft', at the same time lif ing his fists to her face. She had also been subsequently annoyed by defendant, and clluld have no quietness. Witness in answer to the defendant's questions said she did not go on his pretiiiset, nor did she call him a murderer, but may have called his wife and sister bad names. The case was dismissed on payment of costs by the defendant who was allowed a week to pay. ASSAULT. Benjamin Thomas, landlord of the Blue Boar, St. Clears, who appeared in c lurt with his face badly disfigured, charged Harry Stamp, horse- dealer with assaulting him on the 3rd inst, at the Coffee Tavern, Carmarthen. Defendant admitted the offence and said If I had not hit him, he would have hit me, and before he had time to nail me I nailed him, that's all. Plaintiff sworn, said that on the 3rd imt, about 6.10. he was taking a cup of tea in the Coffee Tavern, Stamp came in and sat down close to the door. He said something to witness which he did not ca'ch. They had some words and defendant struck him. The marks then on his face were caused by the blow given by Stamp. Mrs. Anne Jones,Coffee Tavern, said that,Stamp struck plaintiff in the eye. She could not say whether either of them was drunk. Plaintiff was very civil and it was Stamp that interfered with him. Defendant (to witness) did you not hear my brother-in-law saying that plaintiff was the man who had sold him the "kicking mare" for £ 1(5 10s. Od.—Witness No. Defendant (to Bench) He had sold a j kicking mare to my brother-in-law, which he left at the Sheaf," but refused to inform my brother where he had left it, had he done so there I would have been no row. If he will stand up now, I will fight him with one hand (loud laughter. Defendant had been before the Bench 12 times before, j The last offence was in June, 1889, for using obscene language. Bench You will be fined 40s. and costs or one I months imprisonment. Defend.mt — I'll do it (striking the railing), but I would like to have 40 punches at him first. He was removed in custody. In the case of John Kalter a lunatic chargeable oil the Carmarthen Union, all application by Mr Browne, clerk to the Guardians, for a further adjournment for a mouth in order to find out his native place, was granted.

LLANDOVERY BOARD OF GUARDIANS. This board held its usual fortnightly meeting at the Town-hall on Friday, under the presidency of Mr George Jones, when there was a fair attendance of members. TREASURER'S ACCOUNT. The treasurer's account showed a balance in hand of £ 660 8s 8d. RELIEVING OFFICERS' RETURNS. These returns were read as usual. Mr Williams reported that the number relieved in his (No. 1) district during the week ending June 5th to be 208, at a cost of E26 12s 2d corresponding week last year 218, at a cost of £2() 7s Id. For the week ending June 12th 205, at a cost of £ 24 3s 4d corresponding week last year 218, at a cost of 22418s. Mr Powell said that the number relieved in his (No. 2) district for the week ending June 5th to be 181, at a cost of £21; corresponding week last year 185, at a cost of E20. For the week ending June 12th 181, at a cost of £ 20 5s corresponding week last year 185, at a cost of £1!) 5s. ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE MEETING. It was decided to hold an assessment committee meeting that day fortnight, at 1.30, to enable the ove seers to present their lists. MASTER'S REPORT. The Master reported the number of inmates to be last week 27, against 31 in the same week last year this week 26, against 22 in the correspond- ing week last year. Tramps—last week 14, against 20 in the same week last year this week 14. against 17 in the corresponding week last year. He reported that the water scheme had been completed. SIR JAMES HILLS-JOHNES' GENEROSITY. In this connection, Mr Watkins, brewer, said- I wish to refer to the excellent gift of Sir James Hills-Johnes. It is only another proof that good principle generates good act.. I am certain we are all very thankful to Sir James for having caused the new water to be taken into the work- house at his own expense, and I am certain his kindness in this matter will never be erased from the memory of the inmates. I beg to propose thar the best thanks of (his board be accorded Sir James for his generous and timely act. Mr J. R. Price seconded, and on the joint suggestion of the two gentlemen it was resolved that a copy of the resolution be sent to Sir Jaine-4. Mr Thursby-Pelham added a few words in support of the resolution laudatory of Sir James' generosity. Mr J. R. Price reported that he visited the house on the 11th inst., and found everything clean and in good order. The old inmates seemed to be quite contented and well taken care of. He found, also, that the water scheme had been completed, and was in good working order. Mr Watkins visited the house on the 12th inst. and observed cleanliness and good order. The children appeared clean, tidy, and happy. INTERMEDIATE EDUCATION. A communication on the above subject asking for replies to several questions relative to the establishmentof an intermediate education school, from the Breconshire County Council, was referred to the Llanwrfcyd guardian, it being observed that it concerned that district.

THE MAGAZINES. Blacl;'l.'ood's Edinburgh Magazine in this month's issue takes up as questions of the day The Portugese in Makololo-land," "Land Purchase in Ireland," and From Argue to Toska or the Nile Campaign of 1889," the latter being illus- trated and explained by maps. In the Fame vein, too, is the article on Jamaica," in which the island itself, its climate and resources, its people, and especially the negro element, are fully discussed. The writer endeavours to make plain to the English people what an important and valuable possession Jamaica is. For those who prefer light reading there is abundant pro- vision made first and foremost, in the three chapters in which the serial tale, A Secret Mission," is carried on, and in which a slight further development of the story is made. The present craze for, or rather revival of the powers of hypnotism, is made the subject of an impos- sible but amusing sketch, called The Strange Occurrences in Cauterstone Jail." It is impossible in our limited space to do more than mention as most worthy of attentive reading such paj ers as that oil "The last of the Rydal Dorothy's," "Romance of Two Heiresses," these being the daughters of the Earl of Buccleuch, one of whom died young, and the other became wife of the Duke of Monmouth. "A Story of the Seine is the true and pathetic tale of the drowning of four members of the Vacquerie family, one a young bride of 19, daughter of Victor Hugo, from whose poems many quotations are given, showing his affection for, and ceaseless remembrance of, this child. The Sunday Magazine contains further instal- ments of the two serial tales, which are of a kind well suited to the intentions of the magazine. Papers on Glimpses of the Cornish Coast and Majorca are contributed by Mrs Perevia and Miss Flora L. Shaw, both being prettily illus- trated. The Bishop of Rochester's sermon on "The Divine Silences" is very beautifully written and the sermons to children on Gener- osity are in the editor's usual happy style. "James MacDonell," the journalist, is the subject of a pleasing sketch by A. W. W. Dale. In Our Monthly Survey several topics of the time are touched upon in a slight, but effective manner. 2'/te 8nn is one of the newer periodicals which deserves its place, as it is always full of interest- ing and readable matter, and that from the pens of well-known writers. Dr. George MacDoiialrl's story still runs its course, and the other sel ial story makes a good second to it. Professor Church continues his "Pictures from Roman Story," at this time exhibiting Caracttous before Claudius" and in the same line are the Studies from the Romance of History," of which the seventh part appears in the present number. Christina Rossetti is the subject treated in Elspetli Barzia's Group of Eminent Women." Besides these, there are numerous complete papers-some historical and some practical—as, for instance, that on the Pre- vention of Drowning Accidents." From Cassell's & Co. we have received their wonderful Family Magazine, in which the infor- mation and instruction given is wide and varied, and amusement, too, tinds ample room in its pages. The same firm also send us their Illus- trated i-e" (Part 53), "Illustrated Book of Poultry (Part 40), "Life of Christ" (Part 5), "Science for All" (Part 5), "The World of Wonders" (Part 4), and" Canaries and Cage Birds (Part 4), which are all beautifully printed and illustrated, and should do much in disseminating useful knowledge throughout the country. The Church of England Sunday School Institute forwards to us their Church Sunday School Magazine, in which teachers will find much to help them, and every reader will gain something. "The Church Worker," published by the same, is also a valuable little magazine: ami "The Boy's and Girl's Companion provides for the juveniles a fund of pleasant Sunday reading.

TRADE REPORT. South Wales is now being visited in its turn by one of those labour troubles, which have been so prevalent in other parts of the country. Practically speaking, every man employed at the Swansea Docks is out on strike, and the whole part is paralysed. When the great London strike occurred last year, there were certain details in regard to the sub-division and distribution of work, which acted unfairly on the men, and which would probably have been rectified without the disastrous loss, which that prolonged fight entailed, if wiser counsels had t revailed in the ranks of the men. As far as we can learn the Swansea dockers have little or nothing to complain of, when their position, as compared not only with men engaged in similar employ- ment elsewhere, but with the general body of labour in the country. In fact, it is generally reported that the men have struck in opposition to the wishes of the heads of the Union in London, and it is beyond doubt that they on Monday, allowed a large steamer to remain under demurrage, when they were offered a handsome sum in addition to the ordinary rates of payment, and were begged to do the work by Mc'Orbell, one of the Unionist leaders, who is taking a prominent part in the present agitation. The men employed in loading vessels with coal earn frequently eight shillings a day, and JE2 a week is no uncommon average. Men engaged in other departments get wages varying from 30s. up to 45s. weekly. This is a very different state of things from that which existed in London, and it is greatly to he deplored that now that the trade of Swansea Harbour is undergoing a healthy expansion, and doing so I much for the benefit of the town, a dispute of this kind should be brought about by a body of men who are suffering, not from low wages, or i from want of work, but from an uneasy and excitable spirit, which is entailing very serious and lasting injury on our commerce. The metal markets show but little change from last week. Iron warrants are within a few pence of our last quotation. Tinplate bars are JE5 lOa. Od. and Ei-i, lii. (jd for Bessemer and Siemens qualities respectively. Steel rails are somewhat firmer with nnre enquiry. A limited business only is being done in tinplates, although enquiries are numerous, but 13s. 3d. a box is about the current price for 14'20. Bessemer cakes, although good brands, may command Ud more. Copper is very active, and the deliveries during the first fortnight of this month have been enormous something like 12,000 tons, and the price of Chili bars is up to £ 60. A large quantity of copper is now required for the manufacture of sulphate of copper, which is very extensively used for washing the vines in France aud Italy, where they are subject to the ravages of Thylloxera. In confirmation of the views we expressed last week on the subject of the copper stocks, we now quote some remarks made within the last few days by the Ironmonger a paper with excellent information, and very widely read. Nobody seems to know—or at all events the figures, if really known, are not plainly set forth —exactly how much copper is held by the French bankers, who took it from the Secrétltn combina- tion. In some quarters the quantity is said to be 60,000 tons. If those figures are correct, they show that heavy inroads have been made upon the stock originally acquired by the bankers, but so far as weare aware there is no reliable statement or evidence on the subject, and the total may be 100,000 tons or 30,000 tons for anything the out- side public knows to the contrary. Further, it is by no means clear that the whole of the French stocks are included in the monthly returns. Messrs Merton show a total of about 37,600 tons in stock at Havre, Bordeaux, Rouen, and Dunkirk, but they do not guarantee that these are the whole of the stocks in France. consequently the trade are quite uncertain consequently the trade are quite uncertain I whether the total of the copper in etoek and afloat on May 31st was 90,000 tons, or 120,000, or even 150,000 tons. Tin is somewhat easier, being £ 95 15s. Od to £ 96 for Straits. R96 for Straits. CARDIFF, The trade of the port has been very brisk during the past week, and the tonnage at present in port is the largest on record, amounting to upwards of 250,000,tons net register of shipping. The coal exports for the past week j amounted to 252,000 tons. The trade of the Bute Docks was as follows:-Coal, coke, and patent fuel shipments, 1.57,818 tons. Exports other than coal, coke, and fuel were 5,017 tons. The imports were 2fi,942 tons. The arrivals were 89 steamers of 118,371) tons register and 57 sailing ships of 18,074 tons register. The vessels in dock are 72 steamers of 99,893 tons register and 123 sailing ships of 60,092 tons register. There is a slightly better tone in the iron and steel trades of this district, although prices remain the same as last week. The Rhymney Iron Company, the Tredegar Company, and the Ebbw Yale Company have declared dividends. The coal tmde remains in a satisfactory condition, and the demand for steam qualities shows'no sign of abatement. The market was characterized by great activity, and buyers requiring prompt delivery experienced considerable difficulty in placing their orders. Prices ruled firm as follows, with a slight upward tendency:—Best steam, 15s. to 15s. 1 6d. good dry coals, 14s. to 14s. Od. he,t Monmouthshire, 14s. to 14s. 3d. and small, 9s. 6d. The house coal market was moderately firm. Xp, 3, Rhondda, was quoted at 14s. to 14s. 3d. No. 2, 12s. 3d to 12s. 6d. through coal, 10s. 6d. and No. 2 small, 9s. Patent fuel was in steady request at 14,. 3d. to 14s. 6d. and pit-wood was moderately firm at 15s. 3d. The coke market was quiet foundry was quoted at 21s. to 21s. Gd., and furnace at 18s. 6d. In the outward freight market steam chartering was moderately active and an average number of fixtures were reported. SWANSEA —Extraordinary activity continues to characterize the trade of the port. Heavy shipments of tinplates have again been made, bringing the shipments of the month to date up to 170,175 boxes, and reducing stocks in the same period by 32,884 boxes. The imports amout to 14,203 tons, and exports to 51i,489.tolls-total trade 70,092 tons, compared with 49,706 tons in previous week, and 44,947 tons in the corres- ponding week of last year. The shipments of coal were 41.491 tons. The shipments of tin- plates amount to 83,270 boxes, and receipt from works to 75,869 boxes stocks in the dock ware- houses and vans this day stand at 188,350 boxes, compared with 195,751 boxes this day week, and 139,255 boxes at the,corresponding date of last year. The tinplate quotations are unchanged, hut the market shows a tirm tone. Considerable business is now doin^, and many makers are booked up to the end of the year. The copper trade is very active, and Chili bars have advanced in the week about £4 per ton, being now quoted at .f¡)8 5s. Large quotations of copper produce have arrived here. The lighting of the dock offices and the whole of the harbour estate with electricity has now been completed.

A RAMBLING SKETCH OF THE FAR NORTH. The Crofter Commission, which has at last ended its labours in adjusting the rentals in the Orkneys and Shetlands, has brought into more general notice these remote isles of Great Britain, which until within the last few years have been little known or visited by their southern neigh- bours. These islands are often confused with the Hebrides on the west coast of Scotland and as a Member of Parliament replied to an Orcadian landowner anxious to push forward a bill on an Orcadian question, Few members know where the Orkneys are, and no one cares." They are thought to he dreary sea-girt islands, with unceas- ing stormy winds howling and waves dashing on bare rocks. Instead of for the most part rich in cultivation to the water's edge, comfortable steadings, and a thorough well-to-do-ness about all the people, a steady, frugal, handsome race of Norsemen, of a quite different type, accent, and names to their neighbours across the Pentl-vnd Firth. The climate of Orkney is, owing to the intluence of the Gulf Stream, milder than that of other parts of Scotland. The mean temperature is 46 degrees, and the average rainfall 37 inches. The westerly gales are severe, and are a blightin" wind to gardens. Sea fishing, tish curinj, and agriculture are the principal industries of the islanders, who, like their neighbours the Scotch, are far better educated and better read than the English of the same class. They are very musical, and sing a great deal among themselves. The violin and accordion are the favourite instru- ments, and violins have been made by some of the young men unable to obtain them otherwise. Farming is in an advanced state, and the most improved implements are in use. Barley is little down bere being much moie successfully grown. Some of the wildest and most romantic sea coast in the world is to be seen amidst the Orkneys, especially in the coasts of Hoy and Walls. In Hoy in particular, the grandeur of structure and gorgeousness of colouring to be found in the caves, rocks and cliffs, surpasses most of the rock scenery of Britain. Rising in many places to the height of 1,100 feet, looking wild and weird with their voes and gloups. The general scenery is not grand, but on a bright sunny day the sight of the numerous green islands apparently floating on the brilliantly blue sea (and the sea in the Orkneys is as blue as the far famed Mediterrean). The clouds making constantly changing lights and shadows, over all a soft blue haze half veiling the ditant horizon, softening and smoothing away every hard line, is a most lovely one as seen from the Ward Hilljof Hoy, which taking its heightu-ollly 1,600 feet—into consideration, affords a more beautiful view than any hill of the same altitude in the kingdom. On almost all the islands are most interesting antiquarian remains of Churches, Monasteries and Palaces of the old Jarls and Bishops. The beautiful old Cathedral of St. Magnus, one of the finest examples of ecclesiastical architecture in the North of Scotland, and, prior to the restoration of St. Giles in. Edinburgh, the only remaining perfect specimen of our Scottish Cathedrals. Founded by St. Rognvald, Earl of Orkney, in 1100, the east window, believed by Drydeu to be unique, is of great beauty. A particularly fine set of three large bells, being in the helfrcy-caiit in 1528- and the curfew still rings out as of old. Close to the Cathedral are the ruins of the Bishop's and Earl's Palaces, the fmnier being; much the older, and in a room of the upp r storey, of which, at midnight on the loih December, 1263, died Hacco, the last of the sea kings, t)f a broken heart, after the defeat of his Armada at the battle of Largs. The towns of Kirkwell and Kteuness are quaint and foreign looking, consisting of one long straggling street running til) from the quays, Ic, -1 It. paved with round Cottle stones, and a very narrow- causeway in the centre with flat stones. The street is so narrow that in many parts pedestrians must stand aside in a doorway to allow of the passing of the occasional cart. The famous ring of Steuness, a circle of monumental monoliths believed to be of Pietish origin, stand on a pro- montory of the same metal, between the Lochs of Stetiliess and Harray. The Lochs are excellent for trout and sea-trout fishing. The parish of Harray, famous as being entirely in the hands of about 100 "purie Lairds" or freeholders, who hold their lands by udal title. Amonnthelandtaxcs there still exist the Norwegian land tax, paid ori- ginally to the Jarls, and still paid by the land- owners to their successor, the Earl of Zetland, is, in the case of the proprietor of Rusag as much. ¡lSto 4:200 a year, in addition to all other taxes. For sportsmen there is much to attract in thtsse- islands—not slaughtering of home-raised birds,, but real wild shooting, grouse, and all kinds of wild fowl the rock pigeon and wild duck being most exciting. The Lochs abound with trout, and for sea fishing, cod and liii, amply repay the fisherman, besides the amusing silloch tishing, so profitable to the islanders, the dried fish supply- ing them with a delicacy for winter and the oil for light. Seals abound, and to watch 40 or 50 of these creatures playing on the rocks at low tide would soften any sportsman's heart against attempting to shoot them, although necessary to gain a "Sportsman's Badge." (To win this one must kill a salmon, a deer, a seal, and all eagle).

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