The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

SUNDAY SCHOOL EVERY DAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT BOY AND GIRL SCOUTS. (BY A PARENT). Are you a parent who looks with distrust, if not with open hostility, upon the splendid Scout move- ment for boys and girls? If so. you are one of those for whom this attempt at briefly summarising the aims and methods of the young Scouts is specially intended. Do me the favour of following my story for a moment, for it is of vital importance thai you should give the subject your most sincere and urgent consideration. You loye your own little boys and girls ,cry dearly, as I do mine; and if there is anything in this wide world that yo<i hope, it is that. they will grow to be strong- and heaithy, clean-minded, intelligent, God-fearing men and women. Perhaps you do not go to chapel -or church yourself, or perhaps not regularly as you might; and possibly you have not seen the inside of a Sunday School for years; but you take care that your chiidren go every Sunday. Why? Because you want them to grow up Chris- tians. Now. I am natafruid to declare that the Scout movement for children is the best Sunday School that ever existed. It is a Sunday School for every day and not for one day In the week. Mind, I am not disparaging Sunday School. On the contrary I think Sunday School so good for children that I want the children to have it every day; and here it is. It you prevent your children from joining the Scouts you shut thcra in from the very thing that will water and feed the beautiful little seed of true manhood or womanhood whieh is implanted in the soul of every one of tliejm. You might just as well transfer all your plants from the open garden to the kitchen and expect them to thrive on the one shatt of sunlight which conies in through the south window. The Scout movement, is the well-kept, well-planned garden where boy and girl character will spring up 'in full luxuriance and health. You, perhaps, think that enthusiasm is carrying me away, but I think I can convince you that what I say is nothing but the plain, undecorated truth. Scouting for boys and girls h not a training for militarism. It is not an organisation for cultivating the taste for soldiering in boys and girls. It is one of the finest inventions the world has ever seen for moulding the character of the young, and the napie of that splendid character who first thought of It. even had he never seen Mafeking, will never be forgotten. It is a movement that has spread all over the world with the rapidity of a prairie fire. It is helped and encouraged by the most devout and the most enlightened people in every country. Scouting has taken the boys and girls of eyery civilized country by storln, and that for the simplest of reasons—because it has gripped their imaginations. Nothing in the world will more pro- foundly 'move boys—and girls too—than to let them imagine that they are playing a part. Some of the most beautiful things that children have ever done— and some of the wickedest too—have been prompted by the suggestion that they were playing the part of a hero or a brigand or some adventurous charac- ter Scarcely any locks or bolts that, were ever made could prevent, a boy from escaping to the fiel's and joining his companions in a game of pirates. There never was a sane boy or girl born, who had not a ruling passion for this great game of make-believe. Now, the wonderful idea that came to Baden- Powell was to throw this world of make-believe wide open to the children. Let them come in and play 'to 'their hearts content—but under a wise and healthy system of discipline. High and low, ticli and poor, are equally welcome. There is no pass- port for entering, but there is one for remaining: that of good conduct. Baden-Powell has seized that, mastering instinct in boys and girls to play at being something, and fashioned it into a machine for moulding chacaeter. He has converted the picture,que and fascinating waste into a wonderful garden. Now let us see what kind of blooms are cultivated there. First of all, a Scout's honour must be above sus- picion. If a Scout says. "On my honour it is so," that means that it is so, just as if he had taken a most solemn oath. Next he is "taught the meaning of obedience..No boy or girl can remain a Scout unless lie is obedient and loyal to the King, his parents, his officers, his country, and his employers. Nothing must interfere with his carrying out. an order given to him by any of them, and he must defend their reputation and allow no one even to speak ill of them. His duty ranks before everything, and he must do it before anything eise, even though he "gives up his own pleasure, or comfort, or safety to do it. He must be prepared to save life, or to help in- jured persons. And there is one exquisite pearl among the many gems which he is taught to love, and that is that he must try his best, to do a good turn to somebody every day. No Scout can be reserved or "stuck up," or a snob. On the contrary, lie must look around among his companions, find out how they are getting i n, and help them if they want help. Like "Kim," the boy or girl Scout is a "Little friend of all the world." The Scour is courteous: polite to all, especiallj to women and children, old people, invalids, cripples, etc. He must be a friend to animals, and defenc them, and he must never accept a reward for being helpful or courteous. tie is taught to bo cheerful under all conditions and not to whine or frown or complain at his lot. He must smile and whistle and be a merry little soul. If he ventures as far as swearing the penalty is hideous: he is to have a mug of cold water poured down his sleeve by his brother Scouts. Poor littie chap! The Scout must be thrifty, and regular saving of pennies is an important rule. He cannot join the Scouts unless he has a certain sum in the Bank. Now, teil me, good .parents, would you like to see your children modelled on lines like these? You may say that they are already taught all these things at home, but you must remember that. a boy will often be influenced more by the examples of his fellows than of his elders. Character is formed in tho home, but to a very large extent it is formed in the street. Even if your boy or girl are well trained, how many thousands of little mites are there whose home training is of the saddest? And you, minister of the gospel, whose daily and anxious prayer Ïr for the children, does not this Scout law appeal to you? If all the boys and girls in the country belonged to the Scouts, as in years to come they may, what becomes of your hooligan? He does not come into being at all. Of course, there doubtless are and will be failures, incor- rigibles, but they wiil rank as exceptions. Will yoJ. not help a movement that at the very least entices boys and girls to join the splendid game of neigh- bourly love, and of "doing unto others?" But the game bristles with other splendid points. There is the passion for open air and exercise; the practice of that great "discovery" of deep breathing —what amounts to a religious exercise in the East— map-drawing, cooking, ambulance, and nursing. Second class Scouts, among other things, must be able to lay and light a nre, not using more than two matches; cook a quarter of a pound of meat and two potatoes without cooking utensils other than the regulation "billy": have at least sixpence in a savings' bank. The first class Scout, in addition to the ability to Undergo certain athletic tests (provided the doctor consents), must have at least a shilling in the bank, describe or demonstrate what to do in any two of the following accidents:—Fire, drowning, runawiy carriage, sewer gas, iœ-breaking, or bandaga an injured patient or revive an apparently drowned person. He must also be able to cook satisfactorily two out of the following dishes:—Porridge, bacon, hunters' stew; or skin and cook a rabbit or pluck and cook a bird. He must also be able to use -in axe for felling or trimming light timber, or as an alternative produce an article of carpentry or joinery or metal work, made by himself. He musr be able to judge distance, size, numbers, and height. Not by any means the least and certainly not the last of his qualifications is the important one of rapid and instinctive observation, which is the foundation of all mental training. How atrophied this faculty is in men was shown the other day by a professor at a German University, who asked his class of students whether in a. certain passage which they passed through several times a day there was a window and what it was like. Every single stu- dent said the window was there, and described 'r in his own way, whereas there was no window there at all Boy Scouts are encouraged not to smoke; they are taught the art of health, which is, after all, very simple, especially if begun in childhood. They are told how to be .clean, to keep all their five senses in good working order, and they must cultivate a sixth if they can. They must be clean-minded, merry, and practice good will to everybody. Vicious habits of all kinds are held up to ridicule and con- tempt. A Scout boy or girl is a minature "handy man," if the term may be applied to both. They grow up useful to themselves and to others, self- reliant, ready for life's fight, and never at a loss. In Carmarthen the girl Guides (the troop numbers 24) are in exceptionally good hands. Dr. Williams has given them (and the boys) a thorough course of instruction in ambulance. Seven of the girls have been awarded the ambulance badge and 27 efficiency badges have been given out. Two of the girls have been examined and passed by the assistant Scout- master (Mr. Lewis) in signalling. Every Friday the girls have been going to the Infirmary, where Miss Ditcham has been giving them lectures fen nursing, aided on two or three occasions by prac- tical demonstrations on a patient. And what is io be the result of this training upon our coming men and women? Not to make. soldiers of them as many suppose. They will separate and move off on the various paths in life that are waiting for them just as boys and girls always have done, but don't, you think they will be splendid men and women? Some may turn to soldiering of course, but will they not be infinitely better soldiers? The Scout movement at Carmarthen is under the general authority of Lieutenant-General Sir James Hills-Johnes, V.C., G.C.B., and Sir James Drum- mond, Bart., C.B., who are commissioner and presi- dent respectively for the county and borough, and is controlled by committees. The committee for the boys consists of the following:—Mr. T. W. Barker (president), The Rev. D. J. Thomas, The Rev. Gwilym Davies, The Rev. G. A. Edwards, The Rev. Waldo Lewis, Mr. Walter Lloyd (mayor of Carmarthen),. Mr. John Crossman (ex-mayor), Mr. E. V. Collier (Sec. Girl Guides). Mr. John Francis, Mr. E. S. Allen, Mr. W. E. Williams (hon. trea- surer), Mr. Walter Snurrell, J.P., Mr. A. R. Davies, Mr. A. Gery. Mr. Lewis Giles, Mr. D. Howell Thomas, Captain Leslie. The boy Scouts are trained under the direct supervision of several adults who are treated as officers, namely: — Scout Master Basil 1. Morgan, Jesus College, Oxford; deputy ditto. Wilfred E. L. Lewis, St. David's-avenue; Captain "A" Co., Fred. G. Humphreys. Iving-st, Captain "B" Co.. Spencer Morris, Esplanade; Cap- tain "C" Co., J. H. Davies, St. Catherine-street; assistant do.. W. Griffiths, Model School; Chaplain to Troop, the Rev. E. D. Aldred Williams, Bryn- celen, Avenue. The Girl Guides are under almost precisely simi- lar rules. Their officers are Miss Armstrong, Oak- lands (Scout-mistress), and Miss V. Williams, Ivy Bush Royal Hotel (assistant scout-mistress). The committee are the following:—Mrs. T. W. Barker (president), Mr. E. V. Collier (hon. secre- tary), M rs. Walter Lloyd (mayoress). Mrs. Gery (Ferryside). Mrs. E. R. Williams, Mrs. J. Crossman, Mrs. D. J. Thomas, .Mrs. Thomas Thomas. Miss B. A. Holme, Miss Clarke, Mis Ditcham, Dr. E. R. Williams. Some other ladies have consented to act, but have not yet been elected.

MR. LLOYD, GLANSEVIN. To the Editor of the JOURNAL. Sir.—Mr. E. P. Lioyd, the genial and warm- hearted squire of Glansevin, held his rent audit last week at the Castle Hotel, Llangadock, and follow- ing the custom he has adopted since the agricul- tural depression of years ago, charged only the same rent aa he did then. being the nett less the abatement. At the contest in April last for mem- bership of the Llandovery Board of Guardians, through the circulation of false and malicious state- ments, he was defeated, but so highly did his fellow guardians think of him, that he was afterwards unanimously co-opted. Amongst the damaging rumours, all absolutely untrue, then circulated was one to the effect that in the case of the woman Herbert, whose husband was imprisoned for poach- ing, Mr. Lloyd voted against granting her relief. As a matter of fact, there was no division, and she was granted per week. Lie Xo. 2: That Mr. E. P. Lloyd adjudicated on the cases of the Her- berts in November last, and was for convicting them. What are the facts? Mr. Lloyd was not present at that sitting, as the following letter from the magistrates' clerk at Llandovery clearly proves: June 3rd, 1910. Dear Mr. Lloyd,—At the Petty Sessions held at Llandovery on the 12th November last, the following magistrates sat:—Messrs. D. Jones- Lewis, J. C. V. Pryse-Rice, C. P. Lewis, J. Haley, L. Roderick, and Col. Peddar. You DID NOT SIT on the bench that day. On that day the cases of illiams v. Evans and Herbert for trespassing in pursuit of game, for night poaching, and for assault were tried. Defendants were convicted.— Yours very faithfully, THOMAS PHILLIPS. E. P. Lloyd, Esq., Glansevin House, Llangadock. Lie Xo. 3: That Mr. Lloyd was the enemy of the poor. o one has beeu kinder or moe generous to the poor and needy. No reasonable appeal for aid has ever been made to him in vain, as many, if they care to speak, can prove to-day. Lie Xo. 4: That he was bigoted in his views and helped no deserving cause. He has readily sub- scribed substantial sums to Gosen Chapel, the Con- gregational Chapel, and the Baptist Chapel. He aleo attended and subscribed one guinea at the opening services of each. He subscribed £100 to- wards Bran Bridge; £50 towards Carregsawdde Bridge. The greatest point where sympathy, how- ever, should be extended Mr. Lloyd, was the fact that he was only just beginning to recover from a painful illness at the time of the election. Thanking you in advance for insertion.—I remain, yours etc., "FAIRPLAY IS A JEWEL."

LOCAL NEWS. MILLINER* FOR THE HOLIDAYS.—Messrs. J. Davies and Son, Cloth Hall, Carmarthen, are now shewing a large stock of Trimmed Millinery at very low prices. (350 COUNTY GIRLS' SCHOOL.—Elsie Jones, a pupil of this school, and a daughter of Mr. R. O. Jones, late of OATi House, has been awarded a bursary of £ 30 a year for three years as the result of a scholarship examination at the Royal Holloway College. DEATH.—We regret to announce the death of Mrs. C. E. Barney, 39, Upper Water-st., Llanelly, daughter of the late James Rees, moulder, Carmar- then, who passed away on the 10th inst.. at the age of 43 years. Deceased leaves to mourn their loss a husband and one daughter. The funeral took place at Llanelly on Thursday last week. CARMARTHEN STUDENT ORDAINED.—On Monday last the ordination services took place of Mr. K J. Griffiths, who has just completed his ministerial training at the Carmarthen Presbyterian College, as minister of Bethel Welsh Congregational Church, Aberdare. The services during the day were well attended, the chapel being crowded to overflowing. Sermons were preached and addresses delivered by well-known ministers and members of the chapels in the localities. ACCIDENT.—On Thursday (yesterday), an accident of a somewhat alarming character- occurred in King-street. A G.W.R. motor-car was passing the drapery establishment of Mr. D. Compton Griffiths, when it encountered a horse brake. In avoiding the vehicle, the motor-car cams in contact with the blinds of the shop, and knocked the iron supports away, and badly rent the blind. CARMARTHENSHIRE INFIRMARY.—The Secretary begs respectfully to acknowledge the receipt of the following:—2s, 8d., from Infirmary box, at Browns Hotel. Laugharne; periodicals, from Mr. R. M. James, Bridge-street; Miss Snurrell, King-street; Miss G. Lloyd, 33, The Avenue; Mrs. Morris, Coomb; Mrs. G wynne-Hughes, Giancothy, and Lady Hills-Johnes; fruit, Mrs. R. G. Price. Priorv-street; fruit and vegetables, Mr. Williams, Penlan. WINTER ASSIZES.—The "London Gazette" con- rains an Order in Council which states that the King orders: (1) The County of Carmarthen, the County Borough of Carmarthen, the County of Pembroke, the Town and County of Haverfordwest and the County of Cardigan, shall for the purposes of the next winter, assizes be united together and form one county under the name of the Winter Assize County No. 6: (2) The said winter assizes tor the said winter assize countv shall be held at Carmarthen. PLEASANT SUNDAY AFTERNOON SERVICES.—The first "Pleasant Sunday Afternoon" service in connection with Lammas-street Chapel was held on Sunday afternoon last, when the new pastor (the Rev. Dyfnallt Owen) delivered a helpful address on "The Ladder of Life," to a large attendance. Dur- ing the course of the proceedings solos were sun" by Miss May Watts, Miss Phillips, and Miss H J. Jones, while Miss Rowena Thomas. Morley-street, recited very sweetly. A very pleasant time was spent.—At the usual evening service Miss Rav Evans gave a sweet rendering of "Efe a sych dagrau ffwrdd." LOCAL STUDENT ORDAINED.—On W ednesday last, Mr. Albert Evans, who has just completed his course at the Presbyterian College, Carmarthen, was ordained pastor of the Gellygrug Congregational Chapel, Abertillery. Amongst those who participated in the services were the Rev. Professor D. E. Jones, Carmarthen (representing the Presbyterian College), and the Rev. PI. T. Jacob, Peniel, Carmarthen. During his stay at Carmarthen Mr. Evans made him- self deservedly popular, and his sterling qualities and capacity as a preacher will do much towards gaining him the esteem of all with whom he comes in contact in his new sphere of labour. SACRED CONCERT.—The Myrddin United Choir (conductor Mr. D. X. Jones), which intends com- peting at the Bank Holiday Eisteddfod to be held in the Park on August 1st next, gave a sacred con- cert at the Assembly Rooms on Sunday evening last. Mr. John Crossman (ex-mayor) presided over a large and appreciative audience. Delightful items were excellently contributed by the following artistes:- Soprano, Miss Phyllis Lewis; contralto, Miss May Matthews, L.R.A.M. tenor, Mr. Luther Jones: bass, Mr. J. D. Jones; violinist. Master Harold Harries; elocutionist, Miss M. J. Francis: with Mr. T. S. Puddicombe at the piano, the proceedings went off with the greatest eclat. A silver collection was made to defray expenses. OUTING.—The members of the St. Peter's Young Men's Bible Class spent a very enjoyable day at the Mumbles on Thursday of last week, where they journeyed in a saloon by the 8.15 a.m. train. They were accompanied by the Venerable The Archdeacon Evans (vicar). A splendid luncheon was partaken of at the Yacht Cafe. after which the secretary of the class (Mr. C. R. Wiliams). who was responsible for the excellent arrangements, made very appropriate references, and on behalf of the class expressed their appreciation of the Archdeacon's kindness towards them, and the keen interest which he has always taken in the class.—Mr. C. H. Portnell also spoke.— The Archdeacon thanked them, and said he was always pleased to be amongst, them, and he hoped they would enjoy their outing.—The party reached about 9.30 p.m., having spent, a very happy day.— The Archdeacon would be pleased to see any young men joining the above class any Sunday at St. John's Church at 2.30 p.m. RANK HOLIDAY EISTEDDFOD ENTRIES.—The -eis- teddfod to be held at the Park on August. Bank Holiday next is likely to prove as great a success as its predecessors. The entries are rapidly filling Ill. and there promises to be keen competi- tion in all the events. The chief choral competition has so far attracted eight choirs, viz.. Aberaman. Briton Ferry, Dvffryn Teify, Carmarthen United, Pwll, Dyffrvn Gwili. Myrddin United, and Skewen. For the male voice contest there are eight competi- tors, viz.,Cannarthen Orpheus, Swansea, Bargoed; Barry. Pontardawe, Aberaman, Abercarn, and Bar- goed Teify. Three choirs have elected to rty con- clusions for the prize to be awarded to the best ladies' choir, and they are Carmarthen, Pembroke Dock. and Gwendraeth—while two local choirs and one from Trimsaran will do battle—in sound—for the glee prize. There are excellent entries in all the classes for duetts, solos, etc. With such a magnificnt list of competitors, some excellent sing- ing should be heard, and a veritable musieal treat is expected. OUTINGS.—The annual "outing" of Penuel and TTammas-street Sunday Schools took place on Thurs- day in last week, when the united schools journeyed to Aberystwyth, nearly a thousand people taking advantage of the trip. The Lammas-street School was taken charge of bv the able superintendent Mr. J. Thomas, 33. Richmond-terrace, and Mr. W. Jones, Fountain Hall-terrace, while the Penuel School was "skippered" by Mr. Owen Jones, Dark- gate: Mr. Williams, Riohmond-terrace, and Mr Jones, ironmonger,-Bridge-street (secretary). Lunch and tea- was partaken of by the Lammas-street School at the Market Hall, while the Penuel people indulged their respective fancies as to meals. The day—which was gloriously fine-was spent in boat- ing, bathing, driving, motoring, etc. and provided a most enjoyable time.—The students of the Old College School, Carmarthen, took their annual out- ing on Tuesday last, when a large number drove in ing on Tuesday last, when a large number drove m trakes, etc., to Llanstephan. The party were ac- companied by the popular principals, the Revs. J. Harry and J. B. Thomas. Until the evening—when rain fell—the day was beautifully fine, and a very pleasant time was spent. GIRl. GUIDES.—The Girl Guides met together at St. Mary's-street on Saturday at 2.15 o'clock, ac- cording to previous orders. Miss Armstrong had arranged that the troop should go to a field to practice drill and take tea in the open. As it threatened to rain they decided to go to Bridge- street Schoolroom instead for the purpose of prac- tising fire drill. On arriving there, they proceeded with the first item on their programme, namely. dragging insensible people across an empty space. Some of the girls impersonated the insensible people. This having been carried out satisfactorily, the troop was divided into two parties, under Miss Armstrong and Miss Williams (Ivy Bush) respectively. Miss Armstrong's detachment were supposed to be sh'i1: up in a burning house, while the other party played the part of "rescuers." According -to orders, after the girls had been either helped or carried down- stairs on stretchers, the smallest girl was lowered out of a window by means of a rope. All having been "rescued" Miss Armstrong's party t'cuged places and they played the part of "rescuers." All this was carried out very satisfactorily, nd accord- ing to the system drawn up for the use of the Scouts. After tea the girls practised a iltt.. drill with their staves. They returned home at 5.30 p.m. after spending an enjoyable afternoon. CRICKET.—On Saturday last the Carmarthen C tic- ket Club played a team chosen by Mr. W. J. il- liams, Portiscliff. Ferryside, at Carmarthen. The visitors went in first and knocked up a total of 72, but the match had to be abandoned when the home- sters had a tale of only 8 runs to their credit, owing to the fact that a heavy fall of rain made further play impossible, and the match ended in a draw. After the match Mr. Williams kindly entertained the members of both teams to tea at the Bour's Head Hotel. The following were the scores:—Mr. W. J. Williams' XI.: R. H. Linn. c Lewis, b Thomas, 9: W. E. Phillips, b Williams, 11: W. Falcon, b Melhuish, 23: R. Evans, run out, 1: R. Lewis, b Williams, 2: G. Lewis, 11 D. Thomas, 2: T. W. John, b Melhuish, 2; S. Slocombe. b D. Thomas, 0; B. Evans, b Melhuish, 0: G. Morris, not out, 2: W. T. Morris, c Williams, b Melhuish, 4: extras, 16: total. 72. Carmarthen XI.: L. R. Thomas, not out. 2: D. Thomas, b Falcon, 1: C. White, b Falcon, 0; extras. 5; total, 8.—On the Grammar School pitch, on Tuesday evening last. a match was played between the "old Maridunums" (or "old Grammarians") and the town team, re- sulting in a win for the former by 38 runs. The re- spective scores were:—Old Maridunums XI.: W. H. Marsden, c W. J. Roberts, b J. R. Melhuish, 6: L. R. Thomas, b D. Thomas, 7: H. C. Lewis, b J. R. Melhuish, 0: Guy Morris, c, T. B. Arthur, b W. J. Roberts, 1: P. Lesis, not out, 36: T. H. Jen- kins, c T. B. Arthur, b W. J. Roberts, 0; J. T. Davies, c Askew, b W. J. Roberts. 4: L. C. Gower. b J. R. Melhuish, 8; T. B. Arthur, not out, 4; extras. 27: total, 91. T. Marsden and G. Crossman did not bat. Carmarthen Town: J. R. Melhuish, b S. Lewis, 3; J. W. Falcon, c G. Morris, b L. R. Thomas, 0; W. J. Roberts, c T. B. Arthur, b S. Lewis, 18: H. Lewis, c T. B. Arthur, b S. Lewis, 9; D. Thomas, run out, b S. Lewis, 11: J. Shenton, c H. C. Lewis, b S. Lewis, 0: E. W. Réf's, b L. R. Thomas, Lewis, b L. Lewis. 0; E. W. Rees, b L. R. Thomas, 3: H. Ask, run out, b G. Morris, 3; Treharne, not out, u; H. Thomas, b, 0 extras, 4; total, 53. Ox the occasion of the shop assistants' outing to Pcndine yesterday (Thursday), all the shops were closed in the town. This act of kind consideration on the part of the employers is much appreciated. LAWN TENNIS.—Carmarthen v. Oystermouth: The return match between these clubs was played on the latter club's ground—adjoining the Langland Bay Hotel-on Thursday in last week, in delightful wea- ther. Carmarthen again won by 5 events to 4: 11 sets to 11; and the games 107 to 105. The scoring was as follows:—Ladies Doubles: Misses Harries and Jones (Carmarthen) beat Misses Watkins and Taylor, 4—6, 7—5, 6-2: lost ro Misses Hayes and Slater, 4-6, 5—7: Misses Phillips and Thomas (Carmarthen) lost, to Misses Haves and Slater, 4-6. 2—6: and lost to Misses Watkins and Taylor, 1—6, 3-3 (un- finished). Gents' doubles: Messrs. Bellsham and O'Sullivan (Carmarthen) beat Messrs. Nash and Davies. 4—6, 6-4. 7—5, lost to Messrs. Smith and Cave, 8-6. 1-6, 4-6. Messrs. Davies and Jones (Carmarthen) beat Messrs. Hayes and Morgan. 6—2, 6—2. Messrs. Nash and Davies, 4—5, 6-3, 7—5. Messrs. Smith and Cave, 6—4. 6—3. The party afterwards adjourned to the Hotel where a delight- ful tea had been prepared by the ladies of The homo team. PERSONAL.—The many friends of Mr. Benjamin Evans, son of Mr. James Evans, borough sanitary inspector, Morley-street, will be pleased to hear of his recent success in the entrance examination for the London and Provincial Bank. Ltd. Mr. Evans-who is at !,resent engaged in the educacion department of the County Offices-sat for the exam- ination at Cardiff this week. and as a result of his. pass he has been appointed to a vacancy in the Berinondsey branch of the Bank. Mr. Evans, who is deservedly popular among a large circle of friends and acquaintances, was coached by Mr. Fred- Hardaker, headmaster 01 the Priory-street National School, to whom the success of his clever young pupil will cause great gratification. EX-CARMARTHEN CHOIR-MASTER'S FEAT.—Tjte many Carmarthen friends of Mr. James Morgan, some time heaximaster of the Priory-street Boys' National and Practising School. Carmarthen, and organist and choirmaster of St. John s Church, will be interested in the following paragraph which appeared in a recent issue of the (Flint) "County Herald" :—"We are pleased to record an interesting incident con- nected with Mr. James Morgan, the headmaster of the Church of England Schools. Mr. Morgan com- menced three years last month the duties of organist and choirmaster of St. Mary the Virgin Church at Halkyn. which has entailed his walking to and from Halkyn each Sunday. He completed last Sun- day his 1,000th mile in the performance of his duties and has signalised his work by not having missed a single service during the three years, traversing the distance to and from Bagillt to Halkyn during all weathers. Mr. Morgan is to be congratulated upon his accomplishment, which shows the devoted interest he evinces in the duties which he has carried out so regularly and uninterruptedly for the .benefit of the choristers and the musical portions of the services at the church. Owing to his marked tuition the church possesses one of the finest choirs in NortTi Wales, and this is generally recognised by musicians. The church where Mr. Morgan officiates as choirmaster and organist is situated on the estate of the Duke of Westminster, and was built bv the present T>uke's grandfather. Mr. Morgan, who was well-known in Carmarthen as a singer of repute, still "Keeps up his connection with the "divine art," and has been very successful at various eisteddfodau in North W ales. He won the tenor solo three years in succession at the Chester Boxing Day Eisteddfod, beating the "star" singers of North Wales. Cheshire and Lancashire. He is looking forward to paying a visit to Carmarthen during the National Eisteddfod next year. when he will be eagerly welcomed by a host of friends and admirers. News of his further success will be received with delight.

NEXT OF KIN WANTED. To the Editor of the JOURNAL. Sir,— \Vould it be troubling you too much to inform me if you know of any of the next of kin of the late Mr. John Hughes, a farmer, or otherwise in possession of land and property in the neighbour- hood of Laugharne, South Wales. He left home some 40 years ago, and migrated, to the North of England as a carpenter with an architect, after- wards came to London, and then, some 20 years ago, he went back again to Wales to claim his birthright. A law suit followed, which he won; but after all never took up the estate. He died some 14 years ago at the age of 59, and left his only surviving SQIY, so far as is known, the enquirer, William Hughes, of the above address, sole legatee; but he has not been able to get at the exact facts. Therefore, if you could enlighten him at all upon the subject, the said William Hughes would indeed be greatly obliged to you. Thanking you very much in anticipation of a reply.—I remain, yours very truly, W. E. POWELL (For Mr. William Hughes). 65. St. Thomas'-road, Victoria Park, South Hackney, N.E.. July 12, 1910.

THE TREATMENT OF PIT PONIES. To the Editoc of the JOURNAL. Sir,—The question of the treatment of ponies and horses in coal mines has recently come very much to the front. A lady has drawn my attention to an article in "Justice" of June 25th, signed "Gwalia," and the statements in it are so horrifying that I am bringing the matter to the attention of the Home Secretary. The writer of the article has obtained his information from a collier friend," and he asserts that cruelty of a frightful character is practised upon horses underground. If ail the statements are true, then the colliers are less to blame than their employers. He says :— "The Companies bring pressure to bear upon the men to break previous records of output, and the men in turn are driven to put pressure upon the horses, and. owing to the overworked condition of the horse flogging has to be resorted to. True it is that occasionally a humane official will report a haulier for his cruelty and police court proceedings are instituted against the man, but this is simply adding insuit to injury. "That thousands of pit-horses commence work witn the first shift of men on Monday morning and continue to work until Saturday, only being allowed to rest, while they feed. And when they are given a respite from toil—from Saturday afternoon to Monday morning—the stabling accommodation is so inadequate and filthy that their condition cannot be' such as to give a reasonable expectation that the men, having records to break, can make them go the pace without resorting to brutal flogging." He further states that the tracks along whictt the horses have to drag the loaded trams of coal are too low for many of them to stand erect, and frequently the poor brutes are forced to drag their burdens along plaoes quite nine inches less than their height. Many of the animals are stated to be so scratched, torn, and bruised by contact with the rough roof. that they are "masses of festering sores." many of them work with the ailment known as "Greasy heel, and the breasts of many of them are covered with a mass of sores caused by the caking of dirt on the inside of the colfar. There are ether serious statements, but the above will suffice. Surely a public investigation ought to be made at once into the truth of these statements? —I am. faithfully yours, ^THE EDITOR OF THE ANIMALS' GUARDIAN." 22a, Regent street, London, S.W. 15th July, 1910.

THE CORONATION King George on Tuesday last signed a Proclamation ng the Coronation for the month of June next year. The Proclamation mentioned no date. that being a matter which will be settled early in the coming year. His Majesty's Proclamation further appoints the committee to which will be trusted the task of <|-awing up suggestions in connection with the arrangements for the ceremony. The Proclamation was gazetted yesterday (Thurs- day I, and will be read to-day (Friday).

KIRKDALE ELECTION LARGE INCREASE IN UNIONIST MAJORITY., The result of the by-election in the Kirkdale divi- ;?rA Liverpool caused by the death of Mr. cArthur. L nionisr. was announced at 9.30 on Wednesday night as follows: 4 a*-) 4,268 -Mr. A. B. Cameron (Lab.) 3,427 Unionist majority. 841 to.onel Kyffin-T-ayior „on the seat as a Unionist Tariff Reform, and Protestant candidate. He is a brother of Mr. Austin Taylor, former M.P for the Taa;L!°iteLivetSLn' 3 °f Archd^« As compared vviih last election the figures show-- Decrease of total poll 570 Increase of Unionist vote ]P4 Decrease of Labour vote 494 Increase of L nionisr majority 618 1 mai

"ABSURD" QUESTIONS MASTER ON CENTRAL WELSH BOARD PAPER. I The headmaster of the Pembroke Dock'countv school (Mr. Trevor H. Jones] strongly criticised the English paper set for the Central Welsh Board examination at. a meeting of the governors, and eventually that body decided to .support him in a protest to the Central Welsh Board. Mr. Jones stated that the paper was much more difficult than in previous years, and said that to give as. subjects for the essay "Evolution" and "The Principles of ^hakspeanan Tragedy" was absurd for children of fifteen or sixteen. Another question, "What do you know about English essayists, from Lamb to R. L. Stevenson" it feeemed to him, would not be out of place in a degree examination. The question that he most objected to, however, was, "Show bv means of brief notes you acquaintance with seven of the following characters which occur in English literature: Griselda, Prospero, Alan Breck Stewart, Squire Wester^ Mark Tapley, Clarissa Harlowe, Imogen. Bob Acres, Captain Costigan, and Jonathan Oldbuck." Squire Western came from "Tom Jones," a book which, if he had it in the school, he would keep under lock and key; and the same appiied to Clarissa Harlowe. What would they think of an examiner who set questions like that ? In Uie discussion which followed Mr. S. B. Sketch (chairman of the Pembrokeshire Education Committee) said that he would rather see the pupils fail than'.read these books. ill. W. Smith asked if thev could assume fw moment That the Central Welsh Board would to anything immoral; and Mr. Sketch remarked a, it was quite possible the board had not seenrE" paper. LI. The Rev. W. PoweIl-But they are responsible it. as The Headmaster read a letter of protest he I written to the Central Welsh Board, and the gov' nors decided to support him in his protest.

IRHOSAIRMAN C ANT. GYDA'R DELY.N.On Thursday, the 14tk inst.. at Betliania Chapel, Rliosamman, Eos Dar and Mr. Tom Davies (Telvnor Amman), Aberdare, together with well-known local "penillion" singers. gave a lecture and concert combined on the above j subject. The chairman was Mr. John Llewelyn (pastor). The proceeds were in aid of Mr. Gwilym Davies, Waunhen, Cwmgarw, who has suffered from ill-health for a lorfg time past.

BURRY PORT CRICKET. —Burry Port v. Pon tv berem. -These two teams met at Burry Port on Saturday, to play their second Leagufc fixture. The game at Pontyberem resulted in a draw, and a large crowd were present to see the return match played. Burry Port won th toss, and elected to bat first, but they did not fare well at the commencement, three of their wickets being down for 12 runs. C. T. Williams (the captain of the Burry Port XI.) changed the aspect, of the game when he went to the wickets, being ably supported by D. M. Davies, who played stylish cricket. The skipper carried his bat out for 40 runs, and D. iVx.^Davies did likewise with his score of 15. It was a .great pity that the game had to be abandoned at this point, due to rain, as it looked all odds on a win for Burry Port, the score being 88 runs for six wickets.-Next Satur- day Burry Port will journey to Felinfoel to plav their return League fixture.

Mr. Williams, of the Castle Hotel, Llandovery, has successfully reared two fox cubs, which are perfect specimens of vulpine grace and beauty. He has also a pair of sparrow-hawks, one of which is allowed to fly freely about, occasionally spending days away from the cage, to which it invariably returns sooner or later. One feature at. Llandovery College is the founder's requirement that Welsh, as an instrument of literary and phililogical training, should have a. prominent place in the teaching. The whole tone of the col- lege has been influenced by this provision, and the interest in Wales and her history, which has marked the best pupils, has qualified some of them for valuable public service. Dale, Milford Haven, has been made a base for the present naval manoeuvres, and for some time His Majesty's ships Yanguard, Collingwood, Bellero- phon and Swift have made Dale Roads their head- quarters. The whole of the Atlantic squadron of twenty super-Dreadnoughts, Dreadnoughts, and first- dasf cruisers, with attendant craft, were there throughout J uesday, and presented a magnificent sight. The most striking is the leader, Lord Nelson.

PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT. IMPORTANT SALE OF A VALUABLE FREEHOLD FARM. LLOYD & THOMAS are favoured with instruc- JLj tions to offer for SALE by AUCTION, at. the. hv Bush Royal Hotel. Carmarthen, on SATURDAY, the 20th of August, 1910, aU that de-sirable Freehold Farm, known as PENPARK," St. Clears. Full particulars will duly appear, and in the meantime may be obtained of the Auctioneers, 5, Quay 8troet, Carmarthen, or of Messrs. MORGAN GRIFFITHS, SON & PROSSER, 3D2) Solicitors. Carmarthen.

DEATHS. BARNEY.—July 10th, at 39, Upper Water-street, Llanelly, Mrs. C. E. Barney (daughter of the late Mr. James Rees. moulder, Carmarthen), aged 43 years. THOfAS.-At Ty Tringad, Aberystwyth, on the 14th inst., Mary, daughter of the late Thomas and Elizabeth Thomas. Ty Newydd, Tanerdy, for quarter of a century a trusted and trusty friend in the homes of the late Rev. Professor David Lewis Evans. Presbyterian College, and of his. dhildren Gaorge E)yre and Catherine Powell Evans.

The following extraordinary behaviour of a blackbird is guaranteed to be perfectly true. It may be put down to coincidence, but here it is. A few weeks ago this particular blackbird took it into his head to tap several times at the upstairs window of Mr. Havard, Masons' Arms, Llanstephan Road; then flying back across the road and repeating the operation several times. Within a. few days the younj- son of a next-door neighbour died suddenly. The bird was then lost sight of for some time. but one recent Sunday morning he returned and re- peated the performance. On the Monday morning camo the sad news that at the very time of the birds" appearance, a. near relative had died suddenly. No more was seen of him, until a few days ago he Hew in at the open window, and would not be driven out of the room, where he now remains well eared for, but still looked upon as a harbinger of had news. The Bishop of St. David's, one of the ablest cham- pions of the Church in Wales, has issued a direct challenge to the Government which they will find it very difficult to evade. The House of Lords has amended the Census Bill by inserting a provision for ascertaining the religious profession of the people. It was opposed by the Government Peers, atKi Lord Crewe stated that it would not be accep- ted by the House of Commons. But why? The Bishop of st. David's in a letter to the Press has pointed out that the Welsh Church Commission was appointed to report upon the extent to which the people of Wales and Monmouthshire'avail them- selves of the provision made for their welfare by churches of various denominations, and that the late Prime Minister asserted that such information was necessary for the proper consideration of any Welsh Disestablishment Bill. It is believed that the figures presented to the Commission of Nonconformist ad- herents were in "hopeless confusion and statistically worthless, and, if so, H follows that the Commis- sion ha" no evidence before it sufficient to determine the point in dispute. The Bishop of St. David's now challenges the Government, when they come to liive their reasons for refusing the Lords1 amend- ment. to say "how they can reconcile with their primary principle of trusting the people a refusal to u 1 low the people in Great. Britain, as in Ireland, an opportunity of giving for themselves, for what it mav be worth, in the Census schedules, the informa- tion wfeich the Government in 1906 deemed neces- sary for Wales, and which the Royal Commission appointed to obtain it is not in a position to fur- nish."