The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

LLANDILO CHRONICLE. EARLY LAMBING.—A ewe in the possession of Mr D. Thomas, Gorse, Salem, has brought forth two lambs since the 12th December. They are healthy and strong, and doing splendidly. LLANDEFEISANT CHURCH. — Evensong was held at this Church on Christ- mas day, at 3 o'clock, when the vicar (the Rev. Lewis Price,) officiated. The sacred edifice was very tastily decorated by the Hon Misses Price, Dynevor Castle, The following text appeared in the chancel, Unto u.s a child is bom, Unto 118 a Son is given." Miss Lockyer presided at the harmonium, in the absence of Mr C G Philipps. CHRISTMAS FESTIVITES. — The Hon. Lord Dynevor, with his usual generosity, entertained to supper at Dynevor Castle, on Thursday evening, the members of Llandefeisant Church choir, which we need scarcely say was much enjoyed and appreciated. Before the company parted, they at the request of his Lordship, sang six Welsh hymns, which he evidently greatly admired. Last Tuesday, Mrs I and the Misses Beresford, gave their annual dinner to all the neighbouring farmers and house- holders at Hafodneddin. The gathering was a very happy one, and all those whowere privileged to attend enjoyed themselves greatly. DEATH OF MR. NATHANIEL BJWEN.—Scarcely a house in the town has suffered so severely from the greatestof all domesticafflictiona—death— in a comparatively short space of time, as that of Mrs Bowen, the Currier's. Less than three years ago the remains of Mr D. Bowen, head of the family, were consigned to the tomb, followed in a little over a year by those of his son William. Now, again, we have the painful duty of chroni cling the demise of Nathaniel, the youngest son, a.t the age of 21, which sad event took place ou Saturday last from consumption. The deceased was held in high esteem by a large circle of his young friends iu the town, who, we are sure-, feel deeply the severance from them of one whom they loved so well. We are also certain that the inha- bitants sympathise deeply with Mrs Bowen, and the other members of the family in their great bereavement The funeral tock place on Wednes- day, and although the day was extremely wet, tiere was a very large and respectable attendance. The remains were interred in the Parish Church- yard, and the service was conducted under the New Burial's Act. Those who officiated at the grave were the Rev. Mr Thomas (C.M.), Llan, dovery and Mr Thomas Edwards (lorwerth) Llandilo. DEATH OF MB RICHARD LEWIS.—The intelli- gence of the death of Mr Richard Lewis, of New Road, and brother to Mr J. Prothero Lewis, solicitor, of this town, which took place at an early hour on Monday morning, came as a surprise to most of the townsfolk, as the deceased was seen out a few days prior to his demise, and apparently in his usual health, However, it was evident to all that old age (for he was 71) was showing un mistably its effects upon him. The deceased has been resident in the locality for about 20 years previous to which he spent most of his time abroad, and oame here to live upon his independent means. Mr Lewis endeared himself to all with whom h. came in contact, and was highly respected. He was a good musician, and no mean manipulator of the violoncello. His death creates a vacancy in the auditorship at the Savings Bank. FUNERAL OF MR. W. F. NICHOLAS.—The remains of Mr W. F. Nicholas, brother of Mr J. W. Nicholas, solicitor, of this town (whose death wa. recorded in our obituary column last week) were conveyed from Bournemouth on Thursday, the 24th ult., for interment in the parish churchyard. The funeral service was conducted by. Canon Smith, of Swansea, and the Rev Lewis Price, vicar. CHRISTMAOTIDE. — The usual Plygqin" was held at an early hour on Christmas morning at the National Schoolroom, when there was a fair atten- dance. About 9 a.m. the Volunteer Band, under the leadership of Bandmaster Howells, assembled on the Square, aud plaved admirably some appro- priate selections. Handel's Halelnjah Chorus" was a fitting choice, and was capitally rendered Very effective also they gave the fine and popular tune" Aberystwyth," by Dr. Parry. Matins were held at the parish Church at 11., the Vicar and Rev J. Evans officiating. The interior was very prettily decorated, perhaps more so than usual. Whilst there was an absence of profuseness, there waa an increased artistic taste displayed. The chancel was splendidly ornated by Mrs and the Misses Gwynne Hugbes, Tregib. Over the east window there was the test "The desire of al: caMons shall come," wrought in black letters on white ground. The south chancel window bad two crosses in gilt on white ground, between which there was a monogram "A M'' (Alpha andOmeg;.) done in white on blue ground. On the north chancel window was wrought two triangles in white bordered with holly berries. The pulpit wa" very prettily arranged by the Misses Price, the Vicarage. It bore the text Behold I bring you tidings of great joy," worked on four banners with a star of frosted holly lenves in the centre. The reading desk was done by Miss MaeArthur, and showed great taste. The Dynevor <'hapel was undertaken by Mrs and Misses Bishop, and was admirably decorated. The text over the window was in Welsh, and the only one in the vernacular It was Tywysog Tangnefedd" in red letters on white ground. Appropriate symbols were joined. The South Chapel was capitally done by Miss Roderick. The inscription was "Unto us a child is born in red letters divided between the three windows. The windows of the south aisle were undertaken by the Misses Davies, 23, Rhesmaen- street, and were very chastely ornamented. They bore the inscriptions. We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we worship Thee," wrought in white letters on moss ground, bordered with fine wreathing nud hand made flowers. Above the middle text then appeared the quotation" Agnus Dei, worked by Mr T. J. Davies (Ceitho) in gilt on a ground in the shape of a double triangle. The effecting of other decorations was also carried out by the Misses Price. Miss Davies (Bay's Hill), Misses Davies (23, Rhosmaen street), Miss Roderick (Ivy House) and Miss Humphreys (Crescent Road). DEATH OF A WOMAN FROM SUFFOCATION. — A*, inquest was held at the New Cross Ion, ne-u Cotirthenry, on Saturday (before Mr R Sbiphy Lewis, deputy coroner, and a jury, of which Mr Johu Griffiths, grocer, Cross Inn, was foreman) touching the death of Rachel Dickens, wife of Mr Dickens, who formerly lived at Blaennantymab, Llauegwad, but now of Mountain Hall. Fulg particulars are given in th? evidence. — John Harries deposed that he lived at Blaennaatymab, and was a farmer. The deceased was hid wife's mother. She was 68 years of age. She was a fairly strong woman, but used to complain of her chest. The deceased was the wife of Edward Dickens, a retired farmer.—Esther Davies said she lived at Binkyffynon, close to the deceased's residence. On Wednesday, from what she heard from a neighbour she went to Mountain Hall, where deceased lived with her husband. It was then between eleven and twelve a.m. She called out, and then heard'groaning in the bedroom, and went for Joseph Harries, Llwynarel. Harries went in through the window, and witness followed him. Mr and Mrs Dickens were both iu bed. They had u bed each side by side. Mrs Dickens was quite dead, and Mr Dickens was unconscious and groan- ing. There was no one in the house with them. They did not keep a servant. Witness noticed a srreat deal of stife in the room coming apparently from the stove by which the room was heated. They opened the windows, and witness went to give Mr Dickens some water. — Jacab Harries, Llwynarel, said he was a mason About eleven o'clock on the day in question he went to Mountain HoU» He heard -groans in the bedroom, and went in through the window. He there saw Mrs Dickens lying in bed. She was then quite dead. In the other bed was Mr Dickens, who was quite unconscious. There was a heavy stife in the room ccyning froui the stove which was warm, and had hid a;fire in it. The stove was in front of the fire place,'with a pipe going into the chimney. He ex- amined the flue of the stove, and found it unfit. It would not Jnw, as the damper was down. Evaa Jones, surgeon at Cothy Bridge, depose! that on Wednesday last he went to Mountain Hall about 2 "p.m. He found that Mrs Dickens was dead, and Mr Dickens was quite unconscious. He went into their bedroom, and noticed that there was stife in the room. He had no doubt that Mrs Dickens's death was due to suffocation from the fumes from the stove. The deceased suffered from bronchitis, and for that reason the fumes from the stove would Lave a greater effect. He found Mr Dickens quite unconscious, and breathing heavily. He no doubt suffeimg from the same cause. Witness be- lieved he was then in a fair way of recovery.—The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony. DISTRESSING FATALITY.—Instead of the members of the family of Mrs Sarah Gwillim, of No. 3, Bank Buildings, Llandilo, being privileged to enjoy the traditional Merry Christmas on Friday, their residence that day was early in the morning •itTdenJy changed into a house of mourning. About 9.30 a.m., the poor woman, wbe was 66 years of age, in descending or MScvnding T steep and narrow flight of steps entering a cellar, sustained a fall which lamentably proved fatal in a few hours. The sad event cast a gloom in the town, where she was highly respected by all who knew her. Great sympathy is felt for her sons and other relatives in their bereavement. On Saturday, an inquest touching her death was conducted at the Railway Tavern by Mr R. Shipley Lewis, deputy coroner, and a respectablo jury, of which Mr T. J. Davies (chemist), was foreman The following evidence was adduced :—George Gwillim said he lived at 3, Bank Buildings, Llaudilo, and was a railway goods clerk. The deceased was his mother. His father's name was John Gwillim. He was dead years ago. His father was a cordwainer. His mother lived with him (witness), She was sixty-six years of age. About half-past nine on Christmas morning he wont into the kitchen. He was sitting by the fire. His mother went out to the cellar, he believed, for coal. In a few minutes witness heard what he thought was her candlestick falling, and afterwards a heavy thud. He went out to the top of the cellar steps. It was dark. He found his mother lying on the step wit h her head downwards. ) They were stone steps. He took deceased up and sent for a doctor and assistance, and carried her on to a sofa in the front room. The deceased was unconscious. His mother was a healthy woman and not subject to fits. It was always dark on the steps, and they were steep. William Howel Lloyd, said he was a surgeon in practice at Llandilo. He was called in to see the deceased on the moring in question He found her lying on a coucb in her sitting-room, She was in a semi- unconscious condition. There was a contusion on the right side of the back of the head which was likely to have been the result of a fall. There were no other marks that he noticed. In his opinion the deceased died from compression of the brain as the result of a fall. The jury returned a verdict according to the medical evidence. The funeral took place at the parish church on Monday, and was largely and respectably attended. CONCERT.-On Christmas evening a concert In aid of the funds of the Llandilo Methodist Sunday School was held at the Drill Hall, when the atten- dance was large. The principal artistes engaged foi the occasion were: Soprano, Miss Julia Lewis, medallist, R.A.M.; tenor, Mr Hopkin Hill, and bass, Mr E Evans, gold medallist. The Rev D James (B) ably filled the chair. The entertain- ment opened with a pianoforte solo by Miss E A Davies, who was well received. The next item was a glee Oddiar y Traeth," by the Methodist choir, led by Mr J Walters. The rendering was good, but the singing of The Haf by them met with a far better reception. Miss Julia Lewis was, unfortunately, indisposed, and was far from being in her usual form to do herself justice. However, under the circumstances, she sang exceedingly well. Her best effort was "Mary Lee." "Arafa Don" was a song that received a creditable expo- sition from Mr Arthur Davies (New Road). Mr E Evans was. indeed, a host in himself. His fine trained voice was never heard to better advantage, and almost every song he gave quite captivated the audience. His rendering of "Honour and Arms" was a perfect performance, and he received an irresistible encore. In response he gave Hen ifon fy nain splendidly. But what quite brought down the hoube was his song," Off to Philadel- phia," which elicited a thunderous burst of ap- plause. Miss L. A. Griffiths possesses a beautiful alto. She rendered Handel's "He was despaired" with such sweet pathos as to earn the universal admiration of the audience. The two sisters, Miss Lizzie and Fanny Thomas, sang their respective songs effectively. The former won golden opinions for the manner in which she gave Mendelssohn's 0 Rest in the Lord," and the latter was success- ful in Alone on the Raft." Miss M A Thomas astonished many with the good quality of her voice. She sang capitally 'Y Fam a'rBaban;" nd the duett "Hywel a Blodwen" between her and Mr David Jones was greatly enjoyed. Mr Hopkin Hill's tenor voice was greatly appreciated, and his best song was Pinsuti's Last Watch," which was enthusiastically applauded. The duett Mae Cymru'n barod ar y wys" between him and Mr E Evans was a treat. The male voice party, under the leadership of Mr Tom Jones, sang with spirit and effect the Sailor's Chorus" and The Little Church." "Hen Alawon Wlad y Gan" was a song that received justice from Mr Morgan Thomas. Miss M J Thomas' singing of Ar y Traeth wa.s very commendrble. Master Wilfred Morgan played on the pianoforte promisingly The Rising of the Lark," and the young violinist (Master Cuthbert Thomas) did well with the bow. The accompanist was Miss Winifred Thomas, Glamorganshire Bank, assisted by Mr D Morgan, junr., Carmarthen-street. We append the pro- gramme in full:—Part I.; Pianoforte solo, Miss Davies glee, "Oddiar y Traeth," choir; song, "Tears," Miss Julia Lewis; song, "Arafa Don," MrADavies; song, Soldier Jim," Mr B Evans song, Gates of the West," Miss Lizzie Thomas song. llwthyn bach melyn fy Nhad," Mr H Hill; duett, "Hywel a Blodwen," Miss M A Thomas and Mr D Jones; violin solo, "Selections from 'Martha, Mr Cuthbert Thomas; song, "The Longshoreman," Mr E Evans; song, "Alone on the Raft," Miss Fanny Thomas; song, "Island of Dreams," Mr Hopkin Hill; glee "The Sailors' Chorus," Male Voice Party. Part II.. Pianoforte solo, "The Maiden's Prayer," Miss M J Richards song, "Y Fain a'r Baban, Miss M A Thomas; song, "He was despised," Miss Griffiths; song, '• Hen alawon wlad y gan," Mr Morgan Thomas song, Beloved old mill," Miss Julia Lewis; pianoforte solo, "The Rising of the Lark," Mr Winifred Morgan duett, Nlae Cyinru'ti bnrod ar y wys," Messrs H Hill and E Evans; song, Ar y Traeth," Miss M J Richards; glee, Yr Haf," Choir; song, rest in the Lord," Miss Lizzie Thomas; Welsh song, Miss Julia Lewis; song, "Last Watch," Mr Hopkin Hill; song, I- Y Teithiwr a'i Gi," Mr B Evans; glee, The Little Church," Male Voice Party. CANTATA.—If there is one thing more than another which the Tabernacle choir deserve credit for in the rendering of Dr. Parry's popular cantata "Joseph," it is the great success which attended its production after only a comparatively short period spent in preparation and practising. True, the composition was not laborious or difficult, but that does not minimise the praise they merit. Mr George Cobner, the leader, is therefore to be highly congratulated at the result of his labours. The spacious sacred edifice was filled by an appreciative audience, despite a counter attraction the same evening. The chair was occupied by the Rev W. Davies, who discharged his duties, as he always does, well. After a brief address from the rev. gentleman, Mr C.mielius Rees, Llanelly, gave an excellent rendering of Revenge," and was enthusiastically applauded. The cantata was then proceeded with. The characters were Joseph, Mr Teddie Evans, Brynamman Reuben, Mr Davies, Derwydd Road Station Jada/i, Mr Joseph Williams, Towy Terrace (all tenors) Jacob (baritone), Mr Walters, Ammanford King Pharaoh (bass), Mr Cornelius Rees; The Que/ 1 (soprano), Mrs Williams's, King's Head. All the churuses were, indeed, admirably rendered. The voices were good, and all the parts were well balanced and blended together harmoniously. There was no forcing and not a shrill note was heard. The best effort of the whole choir was, no doubt, the Grand Finale, which, in conjunction with the accompaniment on the organ (manip- ulated skilfully by Miss Constance E. Lockyer) was a bit of excellent singing. T. Davies and Joseph Williams as tenor soloists, sang very well indeed, but the former was unfortunately some- what hoarse. Mr Teddie Evans quite enchanted the audience. We have a few times before heard this artiste, but never in a better form than he was on this occasion. What "stormed the house was his solo descriptive of Joseph making himself known to his brethren- The audience would not be appeased without a re-appearance, and he responded to their demands to their great delight. Mr Walters fulfilled his part with ability. The reception accorded Mr Cornelius Rees was very hearty and he well maintained the good name he has earned as a bass soloist. Mrs Williams, of King's Head, poaseses as all know here, a rich soprano, but her role did not give her sufficient scope to demonstrate the quality of her voice. what she sung was admirably sung. A quartette between her, Miss L P Morgan, Mr Teddie Evans and Cornelius Rees, was beautifully given. The male voice party representing the brethren, contained a number of good singers. After the conclusion of the cantata, Mr Teddie Evans and Cornelius Rees, gave a spirited rendering of the duett, "Excelsior." which was unanimously appreciated. It should be men- tioned that during the proceeding, the chairman gave and instructive and eloquent address on the influence of music, and the moral conveyed in the incident of the coat of many colours. Miss Lockyer was accompanist throughout, and it goes without saying that she acquitted herself in a brilliant manner. In conclusion, we might observe that Mr Cobner is never more happy than when he wields the baton, and we offer the sug- I gestion that he should keep this good choir in harness, and prepare to put their merits to the test in some of the South Wales Eisteddfodic gatherings. PETTY SESSIONS. SATURDAY. Before Mr J W Gwynne-Hughes, Mr J L Thomas and Mr Samson. INTERESTING CASE OF DRUNKENNESS. P.C. Mitchelmore charged Griffith Rees, of Cwmamman, and son of Mr James Rees, member of the Llandilo School Board, with being drunk and disorderly. The case created considerable interest.—Mr T G Williams appeared on behalf of the police, and Mr C H Glascodine, barrister (in- structed by Mr J W Nicholas) defended. P.C. Mitchelmore said that on the 25th November he saw defendant about 9.20 p.m. a little beyond Maerdymawr Farm, on Llandebie road. From what he saw there it appeared a collison of traps had taken place. The defendant was drunk. Witness heard him using threatening language at P.C. Isaac. The defendant's hands were up as if to strike him. Witness caught hold of his arm, and prevented him doing so. Witness considered Isaac would have been struck by defendant had witness not stopped him. Witness remained there about 10 minutes. He heard defendant swearing and threatening Daniel Davies, but hedid not know the exact words. Witness heard defendant offering to go with P.C. Isaac to Caeglas. -Cross-examined: There was a group of people there. Witness knew the defendant. It was star light. The defendant's trap had been damaged. The horse was not with the crowd. The defendant and his father were angry with Daniel Davies. Witness did not hear of defendant trying to overtake Daniel Davies. The defendant was excited, angry, and drunk. On defendant threatening a second time, witness said he would take him to Llandilo. As witness and his brother constable were putting the horse in the trap, Davies and defendant's father were disputing, and defendant went towards them, and witness heard him saying something about knocking.—Re- examined: Witness would swear defendant was drunk. The defendant was staggering, and witness would not have allowed him to go home with the trap if it had not been that his father was with him.—P.C. Isaac deposed that he saw the defend- ant beyond Maerdy Farm on the 25th November. He was drunk. When witness first got up to where the collision took place he only saw James Rees. The defendant came up afterwards. Wit- ness told defendant he was not in a fit condition to drive a horse and trap. The defendant then went towards witness in a fighting attitude, and the last witness prevented him striking witness. The de- fendant also threatened Daniel Jenkins. He cursed in Welsh. He heard James Rees say, We have only had two glasses of brandy." Cross- examined: Witness was there shortly after 9 p.m. The defendant seemed excited. Defendant spoke to Mitchelmore in English. The defendant threatened Daniel Davies. Witness fetched a pony, and he did not see defendant went for it. Witness did not see defendant go towards the cart after he returned with pony, but be might have.- Re-examined: The defendant could speak fairly, but was staggering. Thomas Hughes, Maerdy Farm, Llandilo, said he remembered the 25th November. He saw the defendant that night on the road near Maerdy. The defendant was drunk. Defendant was galloping and whipping the pony. Shortly afterwards, witness went down the road, and saw the defendant on the road catching hold of the pony. Defendant was threatening to knock Daniel Davies. Witness went for the police. De- fendant was swearing. Witness did not see him walk.—Cross-examined: It was up the hill that de- fendant was galloping when he first saw him. When witness went down to where the accident happened James Rees was in the trap. The pony was afterwards taken out of the trap. Witness did not see James Rees fall out of the trap. Witness stayed two minutes, and then went towards home, but returned half way, and went, to Llandilo. When witness returned the second time P.C. was there. Witness heard defendant threatening to knock Daniel Davies's head. Daniel Davies, Tea Caddy, Llandilo, haulier, said that on the 25th November he wa3 returning from Llandebie. He heard a trap coming towards him. There was an accident. Witness saw defendant, and he thought he was blind drunk. Witness had no doubt he was drunk. The defeudant struck him. After the police arrived, the defendant again threatened to strike witness. The defendant swore. Witness heard P.C. tell the defendant he was not in a fit state to drive. Cross examined: When the collisicn took place defendant said, D- what is here." Defendant then got out ef the trap without any help, and got to the bead of his own mare. The defendant continually swore, and said he (witness) was not on the right side. The de- fendant stopped witness from going away. James Rees then told defendant that if witness left to knoek his head off, and the defendant knocked him. Witness stayed there about 40 minutes be- fore the P.C. came, because he was prevented by the defendant and his father to take his mare. After defendant struck witness, he (witness) left the mare, and went to Maerdy. James Rees asked his name. The defendant hie witness after Thomas Hughes left the first tiwo.-For the defence, Griffith Rees, the defendant, said that he re- membered the accident on the 25th November. He had been to Llandovery. He was not drunk. He called at the King's Head before leaving Llandilo, and bad one glass of brandy hot there. He ad- mitted he was excited and angry.—Cross-examined: Witness's father went to Llandovery on business, and witness went with him. They called at Penrock to see his (witness's) aunt. Witness had two glasses of beer to dinnei at Penrock. They left Penrock at 7.20 p.m. They did not go to Llandovery town, but called at the Telegraph Inn, Llangadock, and he had a glass of brandy. They called at the Red Lion, Caledfwlch, and he had one glass of hot whiskey. Witness did not hear his father say to P.C. that he (witness) only had two glasses that day. Witness was not staggering drunk at the King's Head. Witness saw Mr Williams there. Witness only went to the pass- age. P.C. did not tell him he was not fit to drive, but he threatened. He had forgotten mostly what took place, owing to being excited. He stopped Daniel Davies taking away his horse, and he (Davies) ran away, but came back again. Wit- ness ran after him, but failed to catch him.— James Rees, the defendant's father, said that on the day in question he was returning from Penrock. The defendant was not drunk, but was excited. The light was out, so he could not say if the de- fendant struck anybody.—Cross-examined: Wit- ness told his son to catch hold of Daniel Daviea. The defendant had threeglasses, viz., two whiskeys and one braudy. Witness thought the defendant had only water with dinner at Penrock. Witness heard his sou refuse drink at Penrock when they first got there. Very little drink effected him. A pint of beer would effect his son. Witness would swear that defendant had no beer with his dinner at Penrock. The defendant was capable of doing everything. The defendant did not go into the Red Lion. He might have had some drink there. Fined £1 I Is. 6d. OTHER DRUNKENNESSES. P.C. James Rees, Cothy Bridge, charged John Palmer, John Hurley, George Evans, and John Roberts, with being drunk and disorderly. The first two were respectively fined Its each, and the others 12s each. ALLEGED GAME TRESPASS. John Rees, game keeper to Mr Gerwyn Jones, Pantglas, charged John Lewis Thomas and Mr David Thomas, with trespassing in pursuit of game. Mr T G Williams appeared for the com- plainant, and Mr Glascodine, barrister, defended. The complainant said that on the 18th inst., he was at Pistill North farm. He saw the two defendants there. J L Thomas carried a gun. It was a rough field they were on. Witness saw a pheasant get up, and it was killed by J L Thomas, who picked it up, and put it in his pocket. Witness spoke to defendants,who were in the same field, but not together. He first spoke to J L Thomas. The latter said he had permission with the defendant, David Thomas. David Thomas said he came with the other defendant. Mr Gerwyn Jones had been in the habit of shooting over the land, and preserved it.-Cross-examined David Thomas had a stick in his hand. Witness knew defendant (J L Thomas) father's land and David Davies, and he knew the boundaries. Witness hal never asked anybody whether the field he saw tho defen- dants on was P-irt of Pistill North. Witness did not ask the servants of Lhvyncelyn. A dingle formed the boundary between tha defendant's (J L Thomas) father's land and Pistill.-Mr Glascodine, in his address to the Bench, contended there could be no conviction, as there was no proof that the game was in Mr Gerwyn Jones's posses -ii,)ri --For the defence, John Thomas, Pistill North, said there was no written agreement as to the game, but there was an agreement about the I:itid and the house. Witness gave J L Thomas consent to go.- Cro-Is-examined Witness gave consent to go over Mr Davies's land, as he had given him permission to let a friend go over occasionally. Mr Davies wanted to reserve to himself the right to bring a friand over the land with witness occasionally. Witness never saw anyone shooting over that land except Mr Davies, and thus he (witness) gave per- mission. Witness had a talk with J Rees on the day in question about 2 or 3 p.m J Rees asked i: witness had given leave to J L Thomas, add witness did not say he had not given it. Witness did no! think the keeper knew J L Thomas as he was too far away. The keeper first asked if J L Thomat- was on witness's land, as he thought it was 01 Llwyncelin. Witness remembered the two Morgan's being fined for night poaching, and wit- ness gave evidence for the defendants. He did so in favour of David Morgans, of Llandovery. What witness said was that he was with D Morgan until one a.m. Witness could not swear what the man had done. Witness would swear that he was not out with D Morgan that night. Witness paid no money to H Morgan. H Morgan put witness in court. Witness did not tell J Rees that he had given leave to J L Thomas to shoot. It might have been a little after one p.m. Witness saw someone, but could not say who it was. Witness next saw J L Thomas last week. Witness told defendant that he had given him permission to follow game over his land if it rose on anyone els 's —Re-examined Witness gave defendant leave 1 this year to shoot over his farm, aboiit 2 or 3 months ago.—By the Court Mr Davies read the agree- ment at the time on the table, but there was no men- tion of the game. Witness could not swear what was in the agreement, but no mention thereof was read out to him.—David Davies, Rock House, i Jan- fynydd, deposed there was no written agreement. Ca.so was adjourned. Each party to pay its own Costs. ALLEGED KEEPING A TRAP WITHOUT A LICENSE. The adjourned hearing of the case of Fxcise. officer John Davies against Samuel Jones for the alleged above offence was resumed.—.Richard Jones, who was in the trap with the defendent, swore that the trap at that time belouged to him, although it was now owned by the defendant, -Tue case was dismissed. SCHOOL BOARD OFFENCES. A number of cases against parents for neglecting to send their children to school were heard and dis- posed of.—Evidence was given by Mr B Griffiths and Mr T Jones, attendance-officers under the Llandilo School Board. ILLEGALLY ON LICENSED PREMISES. Thomas Evans, of Glanamman, was fined 12s. for being on licensed premises, viz., the Cross Keys Inn, during illegal hours. P.C. Nicholas was the complainant. DRUNKENESS. P.C. Daniel Nicholas charged Ystyn Williams with being drunk ,-Fined 9s. 6d. THE SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A POST OFFICE OFFICIAL. The adjourned Court to hear the charge against John Davies, a letter carrier at Llandilo, of steal- ing letters containing money, was held 011 Wednesday, before Mr Samson. As mentioned in last week's issue, Mr C. H. Glascodine, bar- rister, appeared for the Post Office (in the place of Mr J. W. Nicholas, who, owing to his brother's death, failed to attend), and Mr T. G. Williams defended.—Mr Glascodine, in openino the case. said that it was the prisoner's duty to deliver letters, and also to receive letters from persons for posting. The prisoner had to carry letters from Llandilo Post Office to Dolgoy, a distance of about 14 miles' circular post.—Mr D. W. Jones, sub-postinaster at Llandilo, deposed that the prisoner was in the employ of the Post Office as a rural postman or letter carrier. The prisoner was first employed by the Post Office on the 23rd of November, 1888 He did not know personally anything about the letters found on him. The prisoner sorted at the Post Office, and received and despatched the mails. That gave the prisoner opportunity of keeping letters. He should have brought all letters collected by him to the Post Office on his return from his round. The letters should have been in the prisoner's bag (a waterproof bag given him for that pur- 15 pose) and not in his pockets. A letter, after having been stamped with the Post Office stamp, had no business to be in the prisoner's posses- sion.—Cross-examined Witness believed that the prisoner was over 18 years of age. He (pri- s<>ner) was also employed as an assistant sorter. Every rural postman at Llandilo was not a sorter only two of the rural postmen were einplosed as such. About six rural postmen were employed. He (witness) had 110 recollection of giving the prisoner any instructions as to his duty when he entered the service of the Post Office. The hours which the prisoner worked per day were from seven a.m. till between nine and ten p.m. During that time he was an hour and a half, viz., from three to half-past four, off duty. The prisoner received extra pay for being an assistant sorter. The prisoner's wa^es were from 17s to 18s per week. A rural postman was paid about 14s per week. The prisoner was sus- pected of taking letters before the 16th. The only complaint he had against the prisoner was that he came there a little late in the morning. The prisoner was generally obliging and well conducted.—Mr F. Bluntish, a travelling clerk from the London Post Office, de- posed that, acting under instructions, he came down from London to Llandilo on the 16th December. He was accompanied by P.C. Lorde, who was attached to the General Post Office. Witness was at the Post Office, Llandilo, about 4 o'clock in the afternoon on the 11th December. When he went into the private rooci of the Post- master he saw the prisoner there. Mr Asher, the Postmaster at Carmarthen, was also there. He had a conversation with prisoner, in which witness said, Your name is John Davies, and you are a rural postman attached to this office," The prisoner replied, -'Yes." Witness said, I belong to the General Post Office, London, and in consequence of complaints of lost and delay letters passing through this office I have been instructed to make enquires." After a short conversation about delay of letters, witness asked the following questions Have you now in your possession any property belonging to the Post Office." The prisoner said, "No." ""Have you any objection to be searched," and prisoner said, "No." P.C. Lorde then searched the prisoner in witness's presence, and witness saw Lorde take from the prisoner's pockets ten letters, seven of which had been opened, and nine circulars, and also 12 penny postage stamps. Witness then asked the prisoner who owned the stamps, and the prisoner replied, that they were his own, and that he had bought them a fortnight ago." The letters (produced) were the ones which were taken from the prisoner's pockets. In an envelope addressed to Wellington and Co., Birkenhead, twelve penny stamps were found. Witness read one letter over to himself in the prisoner's presence, and then said to the prisoner, I see by this letter that there were some stamps enclosed. Are not the stamps found in your possession the same as were enclosed in the letter." The prisoner re- plied, "Yes." Witness then asked the prisoner if he opened the letter, and the answer was Yes." Witness showed the letter addressed to Wellington and Co., and asked the prisoner if he had also opened that one, and the prisoner again replied in the affirmative. In answer to a question put by the witness to the prisoner, the latter said that he had received the letter that day. The prisoner (witness said) admitted open- ing all the letters. Oue of the letters bore the Llandilo post mark of November the 6th, and the prisoner said, that he believed he received the letter on that day." The prisoner said, when he asked why he had not delivered the nine circulars, that he had forgotten. Witness then asked the prisoner, What have you got to say about this," and prisoner said, I have only been doing it for three months. Drink has been the cause of it." Witness after- wards gaTe the prisoner into custody. — Cross examined It was usual to ask questions similar to what he (witness) had asked the prisoner in cases of that sort without giving any warning.—P.C. Lorde again gave evidence similar to that which appeared in THE JOURNAL. —Mr John Asher, Head Postmaster for the Car- marthen district, which includes Llandilo, said he was present at the post-office, Llandilo, when Mr Bluntish had a conversation with the prisoner, and corroborated what ho stated in evidence.- Lizzie Davies, a servant at Caegarw, said that she recognised amongst the letters found on the prisoner one of her letters which she gave to Mrs Rees, Mountpieasant, to post. The letter contained a birthday card. On October the 13th she wrote a letter in the Llandilo PostOffice, and enclosed in the envelope with it a postal order for 5s., and a blank postcard. She took the uumber of the order before posting it.—Mrs M. Rees, Mountpieasant, said she remembered the last witness giving her a letter, and she (witness) gave to the postman, William Morris, to post.- Cross-examined She did not remember when she letter was given her. It might have been ten months ago.—Miss Rees, Pantmeredyth, said that letter found on the defendant looked very much like her handwriting, but she could not swear it was hers. In the envelope, which was iddressed to Theobald & Co., London, was en- closed with the letter about 15 stamps. She also wrote a letter for another person, and she enclosed with it 12 stamps. She put the two letters on the table to be posted by Elizabeth Howells. She did not post the letteis herself.— P.C. Isaac, Llandilo, said that he received the prisoner into custody from Mr Bluntish, 011 the 16th. Witness charged the prisoner with stealing two letters belonging to the Post Master Gen- eral. He replied I saw the girl putting some stamps in a letter, and I met a man on the road who asked me for some stamps, and I opened the letter and sold him six, but I thought to post it to-morrow."—In answer to the clerk (Mr Lew is Bishop), Miss Rees here said that she posted the letters in the early part of last month. It was shortly before she heard that the prisoner was in trouble that she wrote the letters. -This was all the evidence brought for the prosecution, and no witnesses being called for the defence, the prisoner was then formally charged, and in an- swer said that Under the instructions of my solicitor I reserve my defence." The prisoner was committed to takehis trial at the forthcoming assizes, bail being granted in the prisoner him- self £100, and 5 other sureties of 250 each. NARBERTH. On Christmas Day the Sunday School in con- nection with the Bethesda Baptist Chapel, held its annual meetings. The teachers and scholars met at the chapel at two o'clock, and formed into procession by the superintendent. Mr John Thomas, marched through the town, returning to the schoolroom, where tea was provided, under the supervision of the lady teachers. The room was nicely decorated with mottoes and flowers LLANFIHANGEL GENEURGLYN. On Friday evening, Mrs Baker, of Rhydpenau, very generously entertained the Church Choir and Sunday School teachers at tea in the Schoolroom. There were in all between 70and 80, and full justice was done to the good and choice things provided. Afterwards an entertainment was given, including songs, recitations, &c. In the absence of the vicar, the Rev. W Morgan, senior curate, presided. A most hearty vote of thanks was given Mrs Baker, who was present, for her liberality:and thoughtful- ness. LAUGHARNE. MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC ENTERTAINMENTS.— Mnsical and dramatic entertainments were given in the National Schoolroom, on Saturday and Mon- day last. The audience were not so large as we should have wished, considering the amount of time and trouble expended by those who took part in the farces. The programme on Saturday night was as follows :—Pianoforte solo, Miss Gwennie David; song, "When other lips" (Balfe), Mr William J el emy song, "The Stow away (Prince), Mr William Lanning song Punchinello," Miss Flora Morris; recitation, "Ticket o' Leave," Mr J W Davies song, "Fired,"Miss Flora Morris song, "They all love Jack," Mr William Lanning. Part II.—Comic Farce, "Good for Nothing" Man," Lady E St. Maur Charley," Mr David Tom Dibbles," Mr W Jeremy Harry Collier," Mr W C Griffith Young Mr Simons," Mr Maurice Williams "Servant," Mr William Jenkins. Finale, "God save the Qtieen.On Mon- day evening the programme opened with the farce, Rendezvous." Lucretia," Miss Harriet Fod- man Sophia," Miss A Richards 11 Rose," Miss Julia Wilkins;" Quake," Mr W Jeremy; Simon," Mr Fred Williams "Charles," Mr M David "Captain Balding," Mr J W Davies; "Smart," Master Arthur Brown and concluded with "Good for Nothing." There was a dance after the per- formance on Monday evening. TREGARON. PETTY SEHSIONK Held at the Town Hall, Tregaron, on Tuesday, the 29th inst, before Mr R J. Davies, Cwrtmawr Rev Thomas Phillips, Tregaron and Mr D. J. Williams, Pencefn.— Daniel Evans, of the Cottage, Llangeitho, labourer, and David Jones, of Pencwm, Llangeitho, labourer, were summoned by Thomas Parry, water bailiff, for using light to catch salmon in the river Ayron on the 23rd November last. Mr H. W. Howell, Aberayron, appeared for complainant, and Mr William Davies (Smith Owen and Davies) for defendants. Mr Davies admitted the offence on behalf of the defendants, and they were fined 10s each and costs.—William Morgan, ofPenpompren, C'aronisclawdd, Farmer's Inn, was summoned by David Hagitrom, of Lampeter, water bailiff, for having an unclean salmon in his possession on the 8th ult. Mr H. W. Howell appeared for complainant, and Mr William Davies appeared for defendant and admitted the offence. Fined 10s and costs.— Joseph Thomas Jones, aged 12, and David Lewis, aged 11, both of Tregaron, were brought up in the custody of P.S. Thomas Thomas, charged with having stolen a turkey value 5s from Abercoed, on the 19th inst. David Lewis, father, and Joseph Thomas Jones' mother appeared for them. William David Williams, Abercoed, proved missing the turkey, which he valued at 5s. Anne Thomas, servant at Aberceed sworn On the 19th inst, saw the two boys near Abercoed in a field running after the turkeys. In the afternoon fouud one missing. The turkey now produced by Sergeant Thomas was the one missed. P.S. Thomas sworn From information received went to the boys' home, charged them with stealing the turkey, which they denied. They afterwards admitted it and accompanied witness to Abercoed and pointed out the turkey which had been concealed, and that they intended coming for it again and sell it to buy a football. Witness then took them into custody. The parents of the accused wished to have the case tried summarily, and the two boys pleaded guilty. Each defendant was fined 2s 6d and costs, and ordered to be whipped 10 times each with a birch rod. LLANDYSSUL SCHOOL BOARD.—Great saving of rates will be the result of the adoption by this Board of the Government fee grant in aid of the cost of education, which is at the rate of ten shillings a year for each child of the number of children over three and under fifteen years of age in average attendance in each school. The Llandyssul Board have hitherto received school fees amounting to 258 11s 3d a year (the last three years average) in respect of their four schools whereas upon the same average they will in future receive in lieu thereof the yearly sum of £130. This speaks well for the Unionist Government. TITHES AND THE CHIEF CONSTABLE OF CARDIGANSHIRE. The following ridiculous paragraph appears last week in a contemporary under the heading Llandyssul: Alderman Captain Davies has just asked the committee of Llwynrhydowen Chapel for the use of the chapel to hold a meeting wherein the chief constable of the county and others will deliver addresses exhorting the people to keep the peace during the progress of the forthcoming sales." The Llandyssul ratepayers are most anxious to know upon whose authority the Chief Constable thus acts, and as to whether the same authority will allow him under the presidency of Dr Enoch Davies, or Mr Morgan Evans, to deliver in the parish a series of lectures as to the best mode of patching up Radical splits."