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--40-HOUSE AND LOBBY

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-40. CARMARTHENSHIRE HUNT…

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-40. CARMARTHENSHIRE HUNT WEEK "THE GONDOLIERS AT THE RINK. EXCELLENT RACING AT POINT-TO-POINT MEETING. The Carmarthenshire Hunt week has been resusci- tated, and, although, during tne fifty years or so, which have elapsed since society last met for a round of society events in the county town, there re mains to-day much similarity between the two. This week, for this is Hunt week, the old town has been filled with a very welcome number of ladies and gentlemen from this and the neighbouring counties. As they did half a century ago, so do the majority no "rrive by road. But with this difference; then they drove in "four-in-hands"' and other coaches, whereas to-day they travel by motor-car; the trains then were slow and inconvenient, so few availed them- selves of that means of transit; now railway travel- ling is both luxurious and convenient, but motor- cars offering a. more ready means of getting about, those who can make their journey s in this way. So it comes a-bout that this week there are not the large number of people staying over night in the town. In the old days practically every suitable house had every available room occupied by visitors. To-day the necessity of remaining over night does not exist. Yet it is satisfactory to learn that there are a large number of visitors in the town, and a great/ demand made on the accommodation. There is again a difference in the race meeting, a two-flays programme giving way to one, but to make up the deficiency we have this week the Point-to-point Races. The Hunt Ball goes along merrily and is quite comparable to the old, so are the opportunities for hunting. These things are all very well, but where are the signs of progress? One is to be found in the theatrical line. It was never given to the old school to go to the Rink and witness a first- class amateur operatic performance. Such then is a meagre comparison. Probably the new has its draw- backs compared with the old, so it has its advantages but apart from all such comparison, Carmarthen shire rejoices at the re-inauguration of the old happy Hunt week, and hopes there will never be occasion for another revival. The resuscitation in the main is due to the active interest taken in the Hunt by Sir Owen Philipps, K.C.M.G. (joint master of hounds), and Lady Philipps, Coomb, and the strong support they received from Mr. R. H. Harries (joint M.F..L1.) and Mrs. Harries, the Croft, and the mem- bers of the Hunt. To the untiring energies of the joint secretaries, Mr G. S. Protheroe-Beynon, Tre- wern, and Mr. John Francis, Myrtle Hill, is the success of the week's programme to be attributed, and to the wholehearted enthusiasm of the residents of the county and neighbourhood is the accomplish- ment due. PERFORMANCE OF THE GONDOLIERS. We .believe that the arrangement to include in the programme of the Hunt week a performance by the Carmarthen Amateur Operatic Society must have proved eminently satisfactory both to the members and friends of the Hunt and to the society itself. To the latter it must have been an added pleasure to perform before an entirely new audience and to the visitors we trust it was a pleasure and. we hope, a pleasant surprise, to find what talent the town was able to command. We are not in a position to say how the present effort compares with previous ones, but we feel sure that at any rate in the performance of the Gondoliers, the Society maintains a full average of their usual ex- cellence. The chorus never was better, except per- haps in a better balance of parts on one or two occasions; in any case it was so good that nobody wished any better. Carmarthen has always shone (going back for years to when there was hardly an- other operatic society in the oountry) in the chorus work of its operatic performances, and in spite of a certain scarcitv of material has manasred maintain I a very high standard of excellence. "The Gondo- liers 1, gives special opportunities for good singing and good dancing-in fact one can almost imagine the two to have been the main excuse for its crea- tion by the author and composer—what plot there is being decidedly, judged by the Gilbertian standard, bald and lacking to an extent in the subtlety of oharacter-drawing which places Gilbert and Sullivan opera so very far apart from other so-called light opera of modern times. "The Gondoliers" in fact, somewhat resembles modern musical comedy, and for that reason at times gives the feeling that it could have been "cut" with advantage in parts. The opera is essentially spectacular; everybody in it can sing well and dance and move about grace- fully, and is brimming with animal spirits, and in so far as the players can reach that standard they are successful in presenting it. The work offers an exceptional opportunity for the chorus without any special difficulties in the cast, while its bright choral numbers and charming dances make it very welcome to audiences. It is not, however, in our opinion a work which possesses the supreme attractions of several others of the same group. It provided a very good start-what we hope is the start-as a standing item in the programmes of future Hunt weeks at Carmarthen, and as we have said its rendering by the Carmarthen Operatio Society must have been eminently satisfactory to all concerned. We have already referred to the work of the chorus, but we must add that its rendering of the "Cachuca" chorus was a pleasure and a joy to be remembered for a long while. The melody and richness of voice revealed in this chorus and the grace and vigour of the dancing placed it far above the average of amateur efforts, and, in fact, stamped it-with all respect to a talented body of principals—as the finest item on t'ne programme. The success of the chorus indeed began from the start when they were recalled for the chorus, The merriest fellows are we," a compliment which by the by was largely to the credit of the soloist, Mr. Tom Jones, whose excellent dancing and sinsrin.g as "Antonio gave in tial life to the performance on Tuesday night. The parts of Tessa and Gianetta were respectively taken by Miss May Matthews and Miss Enid Wheldon, and in both instances in a manner which could hardly have been improved upon. "Tessa," the more attractive part of the two. gave Miss Matthews abundant opportunities of displaying her excellent voice and natural dramatic ability, and both she and Miss Wneldon threw into i .{;"L their acting just that element of gaiety and aban- don which the parts demanded. Miss Matthews's rendering of her chief song "When a merry maiden marries" was first-class, and brought her a hearty recall. A similar compliment was paid Miss Whel- don for her admirable rendering of that most try- ing song, Kind sir, you cannot have the heart indeed Miss Wheldon achieved the difficult task of investing her part all through with interest and charm and of saving it from occasional monotony. Two admirable partners to these ladies were found in Mr. Dan Bartlett and Mr. P. Ll. Roberts, who took the parts of Guiseppe and Marco respectively, and did it in a manner which would have done credit to professional players. Mr. Roberts is a new comer to the Society; he has a powerful and melodious tenor voice and acts well. On this occasion he sang well. danced and moved about with grace ,and had all the requisite fun. Mr Dan Bartlett, comparatively a beginner, is to be con- gratulated upon having proved himself worthy to be placed in the first rank of amateurs. j.ie has the advantage of a rich, melodious voice, clear enuncia- tion and a style which is strong and refined. His hands and feet do not worry him or the audience, he has plenty of humour and shows a complete ab- sence of effort. The four players we have men- tioned formed a splendid quartette, and were responsible for the greater share of the interest of the piece. Especially was this so when they were associated with Don Alhambra, a character which found a very able exponent in Mr. Harry Reeves. The part was evidently one after Mr. ReeVes's own heart, and certainly was one calculated to show him at his best. The flavour of its humour lost nothing in his hands, and his singing of the "Shadow-of-doubt" song was deservedly encored. In the other section of the opera-one is prompted to think of it in two-the interest was well sus- tained by Mrs. Hubert Cooke, Miss Winnie Stephens, and Messrs. Hubert Cooke and A. R. Davies. Miss Stephens's acting and singing as the Duchess did her very great credit, especially as, if we understand aright, she has never taken part in anytihing of the kind before. The entrance of this quartette and the scenes allotted to them are very charming and beautiful, and in this instance Miss Stephens can claim a large share of the credit for making them so. One always expects Mrs. Hubert Cooke to be graceful and sweet on the stage, and we were not in this case disappointed. One of the nicest numbers in the opera was the "Bury, bury' duett between her and her husband, Mr. Hubert Cooke, who, as "Luiz," was admirable. The singing and acting of Mr. and Mrs. Cooke afforded much enjoyment and pleasure. Mr. A. R. Davies presented the Duke of Plaza-Toro as a frivolous and aristocratic old trifler, and did it ex- tremely well; in fact, it would have been difficult to find anyone to do it better. A few words are due to those who took minor parts, and it is pleasing to be able to say that t'ney ranked as minor only in the sense of being small and not because of their rendering. The Misses Irene Williams. Gwynne Lewis, and Gwladys Isaac sang and acted very nicely, quite as well as we have seen it done in some professional companies, and an equal mead of praise is due to Mr. W. D. Tnomas and Mr Ll. Arthur, who as "Francesco" and "Giorgio." did all that the parts required of them. A special compliment must be paid Mrs. T. W. Francis, who completely justified her choice as "Inez," the old foster mother. Mr. E. V. Collier's scenery was one of the best things on the stage, as it always is in these operas, and he ought to be, as producer of the opera all round, very proud of this production. Mr. Harold Malkin, F.R.C.O., was again the musical director, and proved himself as able and capable in his department as ever. Mr. T. S. Puddicombe, at the piano, wa& again the accompanist to the Society, and again proved himself invaluable and resource- ful, even in giving light where there was no light. Mr. F. W. Watts was organist, and did his work very well. Mr. F. G. Humphreys still carries on the secretarial work in the face, sometimes, of many discouragements. and bearing many burdens for which he deserves the eternal thanks of the Society. The other officials were: Assistant conductor, Mr. G. B. Isaac; hon. treasurer, Mr. J. P. Lewis; assistant stage manager, Mr. I. J. Nicolls (who always ren- ders invaluable help in getting the stage ready for the performances): assistant secretary, Mr. R. C. Nichoie. Tne orchestra was oomposed of Messrs. Jones's Band, assisted by a number of lady and gentlemen amateurs, forming altogether an admir- able combination. Last, but by no means least, it is a pie irtu e to compliment Mit-s Gwladys Thomas, cf the Emporium, who arranged all the charming dances of the chorus., Miss Thomas must be very gratified by the success of her efforts, and it is a pity she could not herself see how charming the dances were. POINT-TO-POINT RACES. The Point-to-Point Races were this year very appropriately run over ground including part of the Racecourse, the winning-post being at the grand- stand. The weather was delightful and the large attendance witnessd the finest racing probably ever seen on the course. There was quite a orowd of motor-cars on the field. Amongst those present were Sir Owen and Lady Philipps and party Miss Lloyd, Bronwydd; Mr. and Mrs. Delmc Davies-Evans, Pen- ylan; Mr. B. Davies-Evans, Bwlchbychan; Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Harries, and Mass and Master Harries, The rou; Mr. Morgan Jones, Llanmilo; Mr. F. Dudley Drummond, the Misses E. and K. Drum- mond, Miss Llewellyn, Penllegaer; Major Woods and Capt. Leet, "Hafodneddyn; Co', and Mrs. Gwynne Hughes, Glancothi; Mr. W. S. G. Morris, Ystrad- wrallt; Capt. D. Gwynne; Capt. and Mrs. E. C. Jennings, Gellideg; Mr. G. S. Protheroe-Bevnon, Trewern; Mr. D. Prothcroe, M.O.H., and Mr. E. S. Protheroe, Glyntaf; Capt. E. C. Harries and party, Bryntowy; Mr. Kenneth Walker, Llanfallteg; Col. J. D. Lloyal, Pare Heuri; Mr. L. B. Blake, Pwllywhead; Mr. and Mrs. W. Picton Philipps, Llan dilo; Mr and Mrs. Alfred Stephens, Broomhill; Mr. Evans, Loves Grove, Aberystwyth; Major Glascott, ■Saundersfoot; Mrn. Grisinond Philipps, Cheltenham; Mr. H. L. Puxley, Lletherllestri; Capt. Linton Adjutant 4th Welsh (Territorials); Mr. C. W. R. Stokes, Tenby; Mr. Pryse-Rice, Llwvnybrain Maior Harford, Falcondale; Lieut. Pugh, D.S.O., and Mrs. Pugh, Mount Pleasant ;Mr. G. Stepney Gulston, Paro Henri; Mr. and Mrs. H. Morgan Griffiths, Lime Grove; Mr. J. W. Bishop, Llanelly: Mr. Mansel Lewis and Miss Lewis, Stradey Park; Capt. Hughes Morgan. Tenby; Mr. G. S. Carver, Wenallt; Mr. T. Lewis, Brynglas; Mr. D. Williams and Mr. Gordon Williams, Ivy Bush Royal Hotel. Car- marthen; Mr. G. E. Bowen, Ramsey House; Mr. T. Thomas, Velindre; Mr. H. Smart, Mountain View; Dr. and Mrs. Thomas, Whitland; Capt. Powell, Sarnau; Mr. Shipley Lewis, Llandilo; Mr. W. V. Howell Thomas, Carmarthen: Mr. John Francis and Mr. D. Francis. Myrtle Hill; Mr. Percy Thomas and Mr. J. Thomas, Derliys Court; Mr. J. Richards, Pantathro; Ir. and Mrs. J. F. Rees, Carmarthen; Mr". Olive, Boar's Head Hotel. Carmarthen; Dr. and Mrs. Bowen Jones, The Friary, Carmarthen; etc., etc. The officials were:—Stewards. Mr. R .1I. Harries, M.F.H., Sir Owen Philipps. K.C.M.G., M.F.H, Capt. D. Gwynne. ür. W. V. H. Thomas, Mr. R. R. Carver; Mr. G. Protheroe-Beynon, Mr. Delme Davies-Evans, Mr. Kenneth Walker, Mr. E. S. Protheroe, Mr. W. J. Williams, Mr. D. G. Protheroe, Mr. E. H. Morris, Mr. W. S. G. Morris, Mr. J. W. Bishop, Mr. Kenies Lloyd, Mr. G. H. StricK, Capt. E. C. Jennings. Judge, Col. J. D. Lloyd. Clerk of the scales, Mr. W. V. H. Thomas. Starter, Mr. J. F. Rees, M.R.C.V.S. Hon. secre- taries, Mr. G. Protheroe-Beynon and Mr. J. Francis. As mentioned before capital racing was enjoyed, but the most popular win was unquestionably the esteemed Master's in the members' race, and this was amply demonstrated by the great cheer which went up from hundreds of throats when Mr. R. H. Harries appeared to be presented with the cup by Lady Philipps on the steps of the grand-stand. Her ladyship in a few well-chosen words heartily con- gratulated the Master on his splendid win, in a grand race, and Mr. Harries returned thanks in a typical sporting speech, in which he expressed the hope that next year somebody else would come for- ward with a better hoi-te. Let us have sport and win races on our merih. concluded Mr. Harries amidst a deafening roar of applause. Lady Philipps a'so presented the stakes to the winners. The course was an mcellent one, over fine hunting ground, and a fair test for a hunter. The first part contained some beautiful banks, and the second part, after the grand stand, had some e' big ditches, to on the whole only really good hunters had any chance of reaching home safely. The start was at Bracty, going over to Nantrhebog, over five banks on to Nantyci and Maesyprior, finishing at the grand stand—distance about 3g miles. Appended are the results:— OPEN RACE (iver about 3miles of fair hunting country, open to Members of all Hunts in the Counties of Carmar- then, Cardigan, and Pembroke, Officers of the Army and Navy, and Farmers over whose land the said Hounds hunt. Horses to be ridden by Members of the Hunts or their Sons, Officers of the Army and Navv. or Farmers or Farmers' Sons over whose lands the said Hounds hunt. Weights, 12st. 71bs. Winners of any race once, to carry 71b&. extra; twice. lOlbs.; and three times, 141bs. Winner to receive the entrance money ,witJh B5 added. Winner to allow the second horse £2. The third horse to save his stakes. A Certificate must be give by a M.F.H. or Master of Harriers ■f 1 .=■ r.. -1 k- V. A '■ L- J that the horse nas been fairly hunted at least 10 times during the season 1912-13, and four timee in 1913. Mr. G. Lort Stokes' "Squarnog,' aged. 13-0 Mr. G. Lort Stokes. 1 Mrs. Harries 'Happy-go-Lucky II. 13—7 T T Mr. W. P. Roch. 2 Mr. J. H. Howell's "Safety, 13—0 n/r m Mr. J. F. A. Lewis. 3 Mr. T. G. Phelps "St. Petrox," 12—7 ™ n TT rr Mr- B- J- Rees. 0 Mr. R. H. Harries, M.F.H."s, ''Warwick,* 12~7 Mr. G. B. R. Harries. 0 Miss Hutchinson s "Ginger Bisauit, 12—7 Mr. J. TJ. Hutchiiipn. 0 Capt. Watkin Williams" "Tenby," 12 7 AT T ^r" Gibby. 0 Mr. J. I'rancis "Nancy. 5 yrs., 12—7 Mr. Gwyn Anthony. 0 Betting—6 to 4 on Squarnog, 2 to 1 agst Happy- go-Luck, 5 to 1 Safety, 10 to 1 bar three. Squarnog made the running until crossing the lane, when Ginger Biscuit went on, followed by Squarnog and Happy-go-Lucky, until three fences from the turning for home, when Happy-go-Lucky, Squarnog and Ginger Biscuit led the field. This order was maintained until four fences from home, when Happygo-Lucky and Squarnog drew out, and in the good race home Squarnog won by five lengths. Safety be;ng a good third. FARMERS" RACE. (Prizes given by Sir Owen and Lady Philipps, of Coomb). Open to Farmers and Farmers' Sons residing in the district where the Carmarthenshire Hounds hunt, to be ridden by Farmers or Farmers' Sons who earn their living by farming only. Weights for 6 year old and aged. 12 stone; 5 year old, list, 7]bs.; 4 year old, 11 stone. In addition a winner of a race value £ 10, or a cup of that value to carry 7lb-s.; twice, lOlbs.; three times, 14lbs. extra. Winner to receive JB6; second 'norse, L3; third horse, jBl. Mr. J. H. Davies' "Springbok," 11-7 -\f T I_ A Owner. 1 Mr. John Anthony s "Turtle Soup,' 4 yrs., 11—0 -*»• T Mr.G.Anthony. 2 Mr. John Carver's "Sir WTilfrid," 12—0 XT T-. c ™ M1"- Jack Richards. 3 Mr. E. S. Phillips' "Princess.' 11—0 Owner 0 Mr. J. Thomas' "Pixie," 11-0 Owner. 0 Mr. S. Lewis' "Lady Killian," 4 yrs., 11-0 T Mr. Gordon Williams. 0 Mr. John Williams "Rannerdale," 4 yrs., 11 0 Mr. Thos. Hughes. 0 Betting Evens Sir Wilfred. 2 to 1 Springbok and Turtle Soup, 10 to 1 others. The field got well away, but in the early pait Springbok and Sir Wilfrid soon asserted themselves, and alternately made the running the whole distance, followed by Turtle Soup and the rest of the neld. At the bank below the cnapel side of the stand several of the field refused and were consequently cut of the running. Springbok and Sir Wilfrid aade a ding-dong race for home, and a magnificent race resulted in Springbok beating Sir Wilfrid by half a length, one length dividing second and third. MEMBERS' RACE. Over about, 3 miles of fair hunting countrv. open only to Members of the Carmarthenshire Hunt. Horses to be ridden by Members of the Hunt or their Sons, or Officers of tne Army and Navy, or Farmers or Farmers' Sons, over whose lands the said Hounds hunt. No paid servant or any person who has ever ridden for hire will be allowed to ride. Weights, 12st. 7Jbs. Winners of any race once to carry 71bs. pxtra; twice, lOlbs. and three times. 141bs. All horses must be regularly hunted with hounds during season 1912-13, be fairly ridden through the run, and not to leave the hunting fie'd under four hours, unless for some valid excuse. In addition all horses must have hunted four times with the Carmarthenshire Hounds after January 1st. unless laid up trough sickness or accident. All hores to bo bona fide the property of the Member not later than January 15th. 1913. A certificate will be accepted from a M.F.H. or Master of Harriers, towards qualifying for this race, mentioning the number of days hunted with his hounds. The winner to receive a piece of Plate presented by the Ladies of the Carmarthen. shire Hunt; second horse, JB2; third horse. £ 1 Mr. R. H. Harries, M.F.H.'s, "G.B. 13-0 T, Mr. W. P. Roch 1 Mrs. Kenneth Walker's "Coster Boy," 13-3 Mr. Gwyn Anthony 2 Dr. R. L. Tnomas' "Hooligan," 12-7 Mr. J. G.Hutchinson. 3 Mr. E. C. Harries' "Oliver," 12-7 Mr. J. R. Harries. 0 Capt. Watkin Williams' "David Evans," 12-7 Mr. E.Gibiby 0 Mr. D. Dai'ies-Evans" The Doctor IV. 12-7 Owner. 0 Betting—Evens Coster Bov, 2 to 1 G.B.. 3 to 1 The Doctor TV., and 10 to 1 others. Six started, but the running was between G.B., Hoo'igan and Coster Boy. At the fourth fence The Doctor came to grief. The order referred to was maintained througrout the course, the t'nree first- named going for all they were worth, in splendid style. It was a ding-dong race from start to finish, and there-is not the least doubt that the best horse won. Up to the water jump it was a neck and neck affair, and no one knew which would win. How- ever. the old horse showed his staying power, and G.B. won a beautiful race, well ridden by Mr. Roch. HURRY SCURRY RACE. For Horses, Coba, or Ponies, the property of Far. mers, or their Sons, who get their living entirely by Farming, and over whose land the Carmarthen- shire Hounds hunt. Catch weights, 11 stone. Winner to receive L6: second horse, 95; third horse. £1. I Mr. S. H. Anthony's "Mona" r Mr. D. D. Anthony's "Betty Wyn" 2 Mr. Jones' (Bertihllwyd) "Sir Ralph" a Mr. J. T. Thomas* "Pixie" Q Mr. R. Rees' "Al" Q Mr. E. S. Phillips' "School Girl" 8 Un Inursday the Hounds met at Mydrim for the final hunt of the season, and there was a good attendance. On Thursday night the Hunt Ball was held at the Assembly Rooms. To-day (Friday) the week's excellent programme will close with the Hunt Steeplechases at the Racecourse, for which there are excellent entries. -0-

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NOTES OF THE WEEK.