The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

NEW QUAY CHURCH DECORATIONS. A DISCLAIMER. To the Editor of THE JOURNAL. SIR,-A report under the above heading appeared in your issue of the 2nd inst. A lady kindly told me that I was generally believed to be its author, and that five persons or so had even told her, in plain words, that I did write it. Therefore, Mr Editor, I call upon yon to exonerate me from the responsibility of its authorship. To those persons who accused me of writing it I would say a word or two. Be more certain of what you say in future, and remember that it is always wise to think twice before speaking once. And further, sir, not being myself present, I can sympathise with the feelings of the non-decorators. I am, &c., EVAN T. THOMAS. Park-street, New Quay. [Mr Thomas was not the contributor of the notice referred to.—ED.]

A DENIAL.-Re LOVER OF TRUTH'S LETTER. To the Editor of THE JOURNAL. SIR, -Lest my silence be misinterpreted by any one besides Lover of Truth as meaning consent, I confidently hope that you will in common fair- ness allow me a short space in your columns to deny in the most emphatic manner the truthful- ness of the allegations made by him in his letter of the 9th inst., bearing on the so-called certain member." On the matter of controversy between "Lover of Truth" and "The Towyii Chapel," I shall refrain, as I have done hitherto, from penning a single word, but I feel in duty bound to vindicate my character and integrity against the false and erroneous statements of Lover of Truth." About myself he asserts" A Certain Member of the ruling family (I can well afford to disregard his sneering epithets), had an amend- ment which he wished to insert, and he failed on that very Sunday night to gain the opportunity of moving for its insertion." To this I reply that although the address as drawn out by the committee was not entirely to my satisfaction, I did not fail to gain au opportunity of moving for the insertion of any amendment, and that for the simple reason that the opportunity was not sought for. How I could fail before making any attempt is past my understanding, and I must protest against his en- deavour to sustain the fifth specific charge he made against the Church by a false statement about A Certain Member." He further adds This to-day stands uncontradicted." This again is untrue, and no one knows better than Lover of Triith that such is the case. Thinking it the more honourable course to pursue, I went to him personally with the only object of contradicting the statement, and advised him not to spread the false report any further. Nevertheless, he ignores my verbal con- tradiction. As to his opinion expressed in a former letter that I could have saved him on one of the charges from being decapitated,' I only wish that I could have done so with a clear conscience. I can assure Lover of Truth that no efforts shall be spared on my part to restore good feelings again, provided he withdraws as publicly as he has made them the above false statements. Thanking you in anticipation for inserting these few lines. I am, Yours truthfully and certainly, A CERTAIN MEMBER. [As some personal explanations have been con- sidered necessary in consequence of the letter of Lover of Truth in our last issue, we allow the foregoing to appear. "Lover of Truth" may reply to this, after which this correspondence must be allowed to close.-ED.]

INTEMPERANCE AT FUNERALS. To the Editor of THE JOURNAL. SIR,—The Merthyr Tydvil stipendiary magistrate recently stated that drunkenness at funerls was very prevalent, and that he had witnessed at Cefn station scenes of the most disgusting nature. Now the Funeral Reform Association has for one of its aims the encouragement of moderation in all burial, funeral, and mourning observances. It strives by sermons, addresses, public meetings, the distribution of pamphlets and leaflets,, and by all the means in its power to influence public opinion in the direction of simple and seemly Christian burial. I shall be glad to hear from persons able and willing to help on the movement in any way. I am, yours obediently, F. LAWRENCE, Hon. Sec. Westow Vicarage, York, Jan. 16th 1891.

BRYNLLOI SCHOOL, GLANAMMAN. To the Editor of THE JOURNAL. DEAR SIR, In answer to Ratepayer's letter which appeared in the columns of the Carmarthen Weekly Reporter, for the 9tli inst., kindly allow me to make the following statements. The writer charges people with making false reports anent the state of the school, especially with reference to the last Government Report. What those charges are, he says not, so the reading public can take them at their nominal value. He goes on to say with the most innocent simplicity that the examination results of the last Government Examination were "highly creditable to the present master." But evidently the Government Inspector thinks other- wise, for be -.Rayg: The general condition of the school was very fair," and really Mr Editor, I would take the Inspector's Report before the unbiassed (?) opinion of a dozen such men as oor "Ratepayer. Then he proceeds to bolster up the professional credit of the present master, who, according to Ratepayer" is not to be in the least blamed for the present "status" of the school, and he adduced the following reasons. (1) That it was the first examination for the present master. I fail to see what that has to do with it. The master came into residence dnring December, 1889, and thus he has bad the best past of a year to work up the school. What more does our Ratepayer require ? The public will certainly expect a year's work if "Ratepayer" does not. (2) That owing to the death of the senior pupil-teacber at the commence- ment of the year, the school has been seriously handicapped in the race for proficiency. Let us for a moment examine the case. At present and throughout the year, Mr Editor, the school has been staffed for an average attendance of 190, whereas the average attendance of the school is only 140. I think that the present staff is amnle, yes, iavisn. ihe ratepayers (our dear friend "Ratepayer" among them) could well be saved the yearly salary of one pupil-teacher. So I fail to see the force of Ratepayer's" argument at all. "The results" he says "could hardly be expected to be better." Just the reverse would in my opinion be more reasonable, Mr Editor, and so the public will say too, I somehow fancy. Does "Ratepayer" think that the public of to-day are going to swallow such specious arguments, as he presumes to bring before them ? I trow not. And now, friends all! mark!! —our "Ratepayer" is going to state a fact" J! I remember hearing once that a fact was a lie and a half, and faith, sir, I believe our friend "Rate- payer's "fact" will come under that definition. Now for this stupendous "fact"(?) Here it is. "The school has earned," says he, "the highest possible grant obtainable of 17s 6d per head (considerably more than last year), and," he con- tinues, "this conclusively proves my case." But, Mr Editor, our friend "Ratepayer" has evidently never seen the New Code. That authority says, that a school similarly circumstanced in every respect to Brynlloi, can earn a grant of 20s 6d per head, so our "Ratepayer" is either greatly in ignorance, or he has for some purpose made a delibeiate false statement. But the electors, to whom he appeals with such implicit faith and confidence will find out such things for themselves, without being "gulled" by such wishy-washy arguments and unutterable logic, as our friend "Ratepayer" puts before them. He also makes much of the fact, that the school's present grant is considerably more per head t ban last year. Granted, friend "Ratepayer," but listen for a moment. rhe average grant earned by BrynIIoi School, during the years 1887-8-9 was over 18a per head con- siderably more Mr Ratepayer than the 17. 6d per head you seem to go into ecstasies about, and in conclusion, "Ratepayer" seriously advisee the electors of Cwwamman, not to be "galled by false glamours." I re-echo your sentiments "Mr Ratepayer," they are most excellent ones. The public, my dear friend, is not so easily gulled as you seem to think, or you would never have dreamt of writing the letter which appears over your assumed name of Ratepayer," and which is full of "false g] amours" to quote yourself from beginning to end. I, myself, sincerely trust that the electorate will take a little trouble, and find out facts for themselves, and pay not the slightest heed to pejple who to suit their own ends will make statements deliberately false, and in every way wholly unreliable. Thanking you for so much of your valuable space. I am, truly yours, JUNIUS."

ST. CLEARS SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION. The first quarterly meeting of this Association was held at the National School, St. Clears, on Wednesday afternoon, the 14th inst., the Rev. D. Pugh Evans, R.D., presiding. The attendance, though not large, was fairly representative of the different parishes in the Deanery. The Hon. Secretary was unavoidably absent, and the treasurer read the annnal report and balance sheet, which showed a deficiency of JE3 5s 7d in the year's account, but which was, through the generosity of an anonymous friend of the Association. naid off. &- The Rev. Mr Foster, of Prendergast, delivered a very excellent address on the difficulties and mis- takes of Sunday School teachers, and gave a model lesson to an imaginary class, both of which were listened to with marked attention. The routine work of the meeting was then pro- ceeded with, and as it was found inconvenient to hold the English Festival in Laugharne, on Whit- Monday, the date was changed to Wednesday, the 27th of May. Mrs Norton, of Laugharne Castle, very kindly undertook to provide accom- modation in the Castle grounds for the different schools, who will on this occasion cater for them- selves. A vote of thanks to the Rev. Mr Foster for his address, was proposed by the Chairman, and seconded by the Rev. T. Davies, Llangan, which was suitably acknowledged. After the meeting, tea was provided by Mrs Davies, Green Meadow. Subjoined is the annual report:— The work of the Sunday School Association for the year 1890 may be briefly summarised as follows:- Four quarterly meetings have been held and two festivals, one in English at St. Clears, and one in Welsh at Mydrim. The first quarterly meeting was held at St. Clears, January 7th, when the balance sheet for 1889 was submitted and approved of, and the annual report read. Arrangements were made for the two festivals, and it was proposed and decided that collections be made in all the Churches in the Deanery to meet the general expenses of the Association and the establish- ing of a Sunday School library, but this does not appear to have been carred out. The second quarterly meeting was held at Mydrim, on Tuesday, the 25th Match, when the Rev. David Pugh, whose subsequent illness has deprived this Association of a very warm advocate and supporter, read a paper on The Prayer- book, and how to teach it in our Sunday Schools." The discussion which followed this paper was a most important one, and the meeting was in every respect a great success. To this meeting and the two subsequent ones a box of useful books on Sunday School work was brought for the use of the members, and it would be well if they were more generally sought after at the close of future meetings. The third quarterly meeting was held at Gwarmacwydd, Llanfalltear, by invitation of the hon. secretary, on Tuesday, the 22nd July, when the Rev. D. Pugh Evans and the Rev. Mr Keo^h vicar of Ludchurcb. addressed the meeting, followed by the Rev. A. Britten, who strongly urged the necessity of securing more lay help in Sunday School work. Several important rules for the future guidance of the Association were discussed and passed, and a sub-committee was appointed to arrange the work for the festivals of 1891, viz., the Rev. W. Davies, Llan- fihatigel-Abercowin Rev. A. Britten, Mydrim; Rev. J. E. Jones, Llandewi; and Mr John Davies St. Clears,^ the subjects chosen being the lives of Elijah and Elisha, and the Church seasons. This sub- committee met several times at St. Clears, and the result of their labours was submitted and approved of at the fourth quarterly meeting held at Llanboidy, on Wednesday, the 19th November, printed reports of which have been sent to each Sunday School. At this meeting the Rev. Ebenezer Jones, of Golden Grove, delivered an address on "Distinctive Church Teaching in our Sunday Schools," and which was warmly dis- cussed. The Rev. Mr Keogh was to have given a model lesson, but although present it had to be post- poned. A departure with regard to defraying the annual expenses of the Association was decided upon at this meeting. On the proposition of the Rev. Wm. Rees, vicar of Llanboidy, seconded by the Rev. T. Davies, Llangan, collections in Church on the festival day were in future to be made, and it is to be hoped that friends of Sunday School work will prove by their contributions that the decision was a wise one. The work of the coming festivals is now fairly well advanced and with a little energy on the part of teachers and scholars the next festivals will be more successful than even the last ones were. The English festival of 1890 was held at Sb. Clears on Whit-Monday, when, after a short rehearsal in the National School, a choral service was held in the Chur.h, followed by the catechism' of the schools on the life of King Solomon, by the Rev. G. H. Harrison, vicar of St. Mary, Haverfordwest. In the afternoon the schools were catechised on the Morning and Evening Services by the Rev. D. E. Wil- liams, vicar of Llawhaden, who also delivered a very excellent address. After the service, the Church friends at St. Clears entertained the schools in the National School and Town Hall. The Welsh festival was held at Mydrim, on June 11th, when the Rev. D. O. Davies, vicar of Llandebie, catechised in the morn- ing on the life of King Solomon; and the Rev. J. Lloyd, vicar of Llanpumpsaint, in the afternoon on the Morning and Evening Services, and the schools were most hospitably entertained by the good friends at Mydrim. Both festivals proved a success, and it is very gratifying to find that the work done in this deanery is being taken up in other deaneries also • and that Sunday School work has now been recoSz'ed n the Diocesan Conference. recognized in

LACTINA" for calves prevents scour, needs no boiling, and costs one-half the price of milk. It is easily digested, and highly relished by the young animal. Apply Lactina & Co., Suffolk House, Canon-street, London, E.C. VINTON'S AGRICULTURAL ALMANAC for 1891- the 36th year of its publication—appears in its familiar form, and seems more and more to justify the title that has been accorded to it of The Agricultural Whitaker." It is full of statistics on all matters connected with Agriculture of the class that farmers and landowners are always in search of throughout the year. Calendars of farm and garden work and the breeders' tables should prove very useful. There are lists of fairs, societies, and other permanent records, and it is on the complete- ness of all these that the Almanac chiefly relies for a continuance of the great popularity among practical agriculturists that it has for many years enjoyed. There are in addition a series of valuable special articles by such well-known authorities as Sir John Lawes, Mr Charles Whitehead, Mr Thomas Bell, Mr H. Evershed, Professor Wright- son, Mr Carrington Smith, Mr Thomas Duckham, Mr G. Mander Allender, Mr Gilbert Murray, Mr F. J. Lloyd, Professor McConnell, Rev. W. J. Pope, Mr W. E. Bear, Mr G. T. Turner, Mr C. L. Douglas, Mr A. Watt, Mr C. Harding, and others. These articles are chiefly devoted to a record of the Agriculture of the year in all its phases, and will be valuable for reference. Portraits are given of Earl Cathcart and Sir Thomas Dyke Acland, so prominently associated with the working of the two great English agricultural societies, the Royal and the Bath and West." The Almanac costs only 6d., and is published by Messrs. Vinton & Co., 9, New Bridge Street, London. KAY'S COMPOUND Essence of Linseed, Aniseed, Senega, Squill, Tolu, &c., with Chlorodyne, 9jd, 131d, &c. THE DRINK OF HEALTH.-Nature demands a warm and refreshing beverage to nourish and sus- tain the system after fatigue. Those who value their health must be careful what they drink. Horniman's Tea is imported absolutely pure; the demand increases every year, owing to its uniform quality, great strengths and delicious flavour. Hor- niman's Pure Tea can be drank at all times with great benefit to health, it is "always good alike." Since the reduction in duty, Horniman's agents are supplying the best teas fournence nAr nnnn cheaper. Sold in packets only, signed W. H and F. J. Horniman and Co., originaf importers of pure tea from India, China and Ceylon. Agents:- Carmarthen, E. J. Williams, Chemist, 7 Guildhall-square; R. A. Holding and Co., 19' Queen-street; and J. B. ichards, Druggist, 16* Lammas-street. Llanelly,Rees, Bookseller. Llan- dilo, Lewis, Compton House. Swansea, Evans, Chemist; Jones, Chemist; Parlby, Chemist. Kid- welly, David, Tea Dealer. Pembroke Dock, Tucker, Commercial-row. Merthyr, Stepbens, Chemist, High-street. Borry Port, Badger, Sta- tioner.

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EISTEDDVOD AT LLANBOIDY. A very successful eisteddvod was held in the Market-hall, Llanboidy, on Monday, with a view of augmenting the funds of the reading-room, which, thanks to the considerateness of the ladies of Maesgwynne, is rendered attractive for the young people of the district, during the winter months in particular. The agriculturists and others in the immediate neighbourhood made the occasion a general holiday, and throughout the day the nicely- decorated building, which was very comfortable in all respects, was filled by an enthusiastic assembly; no leBs than a thousand nennle oennnviner the bodv b- -f of the substantial structure during the chief choral competition. Mr James, J.P., Pontygafel, presided in the unavoidable absence of Mr J. Lloyd Morgan, M. P. The conductor was the Rev D. S. Davies, Baptist minister, Llanboidy. For an accompanist the committee were most fortunate in being able to secure the services of Mr T. S. Puddicoinbe. The other officials were: Adjudicators :-Music, Mr David Jenkins, Mus. Bac., Aberystwyth; and poetry and prose, the Rev B. Thomas (Myfyr Eriilyn), Narberth; treasurer, Mr T. Phillips, Llanboidy; secretary, Mr D. James, schoolmaster committee, the Rev W. Thomas, Independent minister (chairman), Messrs Rees Davies, D. James, Thomas (shop), Isaac Thomas, (carpenter), Rees Evans (cabinet maker), John Lewis, Llanboidy, &c. AnDended is a result of the comDetitions:— Tenor solo. "Ys-n--y-- C;idj. Three competed. Prize awarded to Mr David Stephens, Jetybanal, Hebron, who was invested by Miss Thomas, Waunfawr. Recitation, Cyflafau Morfa Rhuddlan.Thrte competed. Prize awarded to Mr Wm. Thomas, Blaenffynon, Trelech, who was invested by Mrs Phillips, Whitland. Duett.—"Y Morwyr;" two parties competed. Prize awarded to Mr D. W. Lewis and Mr Edgar Stephens, Llanstepban. Mr Lewis was invested by Mis Phillips, Sweet Briar, Llanboidy. Soprano solo. "The Orphan's Song;" Miss Williams, Llanstephan, who was invested by Mr Thomas, New York, America. "Six Stanzas to the Farmer;" Mr Thomas Davies, Lletty; invested by Miss Morris, Wern. Comio Song. Six competed. Mr John Lewis Cvvmtelin; invested by Miss Thomas, Llanboidy. Male Voice Party. Llawenydd y Gwanwyn." Llanglydwen party; Mr Thomas Lewis, conductor. Bass solo, Yr Hen Hafod Elwy." Mr Morgan Jenkins, St. Clears; invested by Miss Phillips, Peuenwch. Juvenile choirs; "Deuwch Attaf Fi." One choir only sang, viz., Login. The leader, Mr David Richards, was invested by Miss Jones, Gwarmacwydd. Trio, "0 Anthem y Cynbauaf." -Two parties sang prize awarded to three from Llanstephan Mr Ernest Stephens, Lan, was invested by Miss Thomas, Castell Draenog. Four Essays on Butter Factories were received. The prize was divided between Mr Scourfield, Whitland, and Mr J. Oliver Jones. Castell Garw. These gentlemen were invested by Miss Thomas, Waunfawr. Llanboidy, and Miss Llewellyn, Cilginydd, Llanboidy. Choral competition, Briallan Gyntaf y Gwanwyn." Three choirs competed. Prize awarded to Hebron Choir. The conductor, Mr Abel Jones, Parkgwynne, was invested by Miss Powell, Maesgwynne. Song, "Cymrn Fydd." Mr E. Stephens, Lan, Llanstephan, won the prize, and was invested by Miss Williams, Maesgwynne Isaf. Quartette, "0 Happy be thy Dreams." The Llanstephan party were awarded the prize. Mr E. Stephens, Lan, was invested by Miss Rees, Carmarthen. Chief choral competition, Ffarwel i ti, Cymru fad" two choirs competed. The prize was awarded to the Whitland Choir, undpr the leadei- ship of Mr Daniel Davies, draper, Anchor House, Whitland. This concluded the competitions. On the motion of the conductor, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the chairman. A grand concert was given in the evening.

TOWY BOARD OF CONSERVATORS. The annual meeting of the Towy Board of Con- ssrvators was held at the Shire Hall, Carmarthen, on Thursday last. Present Mr J. Morris (vice- chairman), in the chair Mr J. Beynon, Trewern; Col. Gwynne Hughes, Glancothy; Rev. R. Gwynne Lawrence, Middleton Hall; Mr H. Peel, Taliaris; Captain Ll. Ll. Lloyd, Giangwilly; Mr P. Thursby- Pelbam, Abermarlais; Mr J. V. Price Rice; Mr Mere ith Price Mr A. W. J. Stokes, Ystradwrallt; Mr E. Schaw-Protheroe Mr T. Jenkins (mayor of Carmarthen) Mr C. E. Morris, Penbryn Mr H. Cadle, Half Moon Hotel; Mr Lemuel Jones, Llan- fyrnach Dr Enoch Davies, Llandyssul; Mr W. R. Edwards, Carmarthen; Mr T. Evans, Treventy St. Clears; Mr D. P. Rees, Carmarthen; Mr Cbas* Jones, Waterloo House; Mr J. D. Morse, Llandawke; Mr D. Stephens, Kidwelly; Mr Scourfield, Llan- stephan; MrJ Lewis, Rhydgymaerau Mr D. Lloyd Thomas, Tanlan; Mr D. E. Stephens, Trawsmawr; etc., also the clerk of the board, Mr W. Morgan Griffiths and Mr R. L. Williams, superintendent of water bailiffs. The first matter on the agenda was the election of chairman for the ensuing year. The retiring chairman, Mr J. Peel, Danrallt, wrote saying he very much regretted that he could not attend the annual meeting, as his doctor had advised him not to leave his room while the cold weather lasted. He was quite willing to act in his capacity as chair- man for another year; but if the board desired to see any change he would fall in with their views— The Chairman regretted Mr Peel's absence, and, having spoken in high terms of his ability to fill the P03t, moved his re-election.—Mr A. W. J. Stokes seconded. Mr P. Thursby-Pelham supported the motion, speaking of Mr Peel as a thoroughly able and impartial chairman, and saying they could never have a better man. Mr C. E. Morris proposed as an amendment that the vice-chairman be elected chairman for the ensuing year.—Mr D. P. Rees seconded, and, although the Vice-Chairman protested against being elected, a division was taken, with the result that 14 voted for the amendment and 10 against. Mr Morris was, therefore, appointed chairman, and thanked the board for his election. Mr J. Peel was unanimously appointed vice- chairman. In his usual report the Superintendent of water- bailiffs stated that during the early part of October, and nearly the whole of November, the rivers were full, and there was a good run of fish. By the end of November most of the sewin came down again, and since that month the rivers have been very low, and he was afraid a good deal of sewin spawn bad been spoiled through being un- covered, and subjected to hard frosts alternating with thaws. A fresh is badly wanted. Poaching had been prevalent. During the quarter 11 persons had been proceeded against, 8 were con- victed and 3 acquitted. Mr C. E. Morris brought forward what he described as his "annual motion," namely, "that in the Towy Fishery District the annual close season for fishing for salmon (except rod and line) shall commence on the 16th day of September, and end on the 15tb day of March following, both days inclusive." Mr Morris hoped this would be the last occasion on which he should bring the matter forward, and, on behalf of the fishermen, he appealed to the board to pass the motion, which he contended would create an interest of preservation in the minds of the men, and not a wish to break the law.—Mr D. Stephens seconded the motion. Mr J. Beynon moved as a direct negative that matters remain as they stand at present. Mr Beynon was proceeding to give figures in support of his argument, when the Chairman intervened, and ruled Mr Beynon out of order. Dr. Enoch Davies (to the chairman)—Your ruling is ridiculous. The Chairm -Ln- Whether it is ridiculous or not, it is mv rulinc. Eventually, Mr Beynon was allowed to proceed, and said that in the interest of the public the motion was undesirable, and both parties must give way to the public benefit.—Mr P. Thursby- Pelham seconded Mr J. Beynon.—The Chairman, as an impartial person, recommended Mr C. E. Morris to withdraw his motion.—Mr C. E. Morris: I legret to say that I decline (applause). A division was then taken, when there voted for Mr Beynon's motion 11, and for Mr Morris's motion 13. The original motion was, therefore, carried, and, if approved by the Board of Trade, it will be added to the bye-laws of the board. There was no other business of importance.

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LLANDOVERY PETTY SESSIONS. FRIDAY. — Before the Mayor (Mr T. Watkins, Bank), and Mr Edward Jones, Velindre. TRAVELLING WITHOUT A TICKET. Thomas Meredith, cattle dealer, was charged by Inspector Thurston, of the London and North Western Railway, with travelling on the Vale of Towy Joint Railway from Llangadock to Llandovery without a ticket.—Mr T. Phillips, solicitor, represented defendant, who did not ap- pear, owing to the precarious state of his father's health. Mr John Roberts said be was the station-master at Builth Road. On Friday, 5th of December last, be examined the tickets of those in the compart- ments of the 6 o'clock train from Swansea, due at Builth Road at 8.10. He examined the ticket of Thomas Meredith, which he held from Llandovery to Salop. He then examined those of the other passengers in the same compartment. After he had done so, he asked Mr Meredith for his ticket a second time. Defendant gave it to him at once. Witness thcnold him that he joined the train at Llangadock, and asked him for his ticket from Llangadock to Llandovery. The Clerk here pointed out that in a letter that Mr Phillips had laid before them, defendant ad- mitted all this, and queried the necessity of going through all the evidence. The Bench asked Mr Phillips if he pleaded guilty on behalf of defendant. Mr Phillips-I don't plead guilty with intent to defraud. Thereupon, the magistrates decided to hear all the evidence. Continuing, Mr Roberts said that defendant re- plied that he did not get time to get one, aud offered to pay excess. Witness refused to take it then, and told defendant that he should have offered to pay in the first place when he first ex- amined his ticket, and demanded his name and address. He examined defendant's ticket a second time, because he had received a communication as to where he had entered the train, and where he booked from. Cross-examined Where did you get this com- munication from ? —Witness asked the Bench if he must answer that question. Mr Edward Jones It was a private communi- cation. Continuing, the Witness was understood to say that he received the commnnieation from Llandovery by message. Inspector Thurston You need not say where you had it from. Cross-examination continued-I received a priva' e telegiara, and took occasion in consequence to examine the tickets. — Then you thought you would do a little detective work on your own responsibility?—Certainly not. He had seen Mr Meredith travel once or twice. Did not know whether he traded largely or not, and paid a large sum of money to the Railway Company. I am not aware that defendant had trucked six waggon loads of cattle that day, neither am J that he had a drover's pass in his pocket. If he had he did not produce it.—When you examined his ticket first you made no mention to him at the time that you wanted one from Llangadock to Llandovery P—I merely asked him for his ticket like any other passenger, and he produced it without any bather. Mr Phillips-He admitted it at once, and offered to pay the 5id. Wituess-Yes. Mr Phillips-Did he appear in any way anxious to avoid payment ?-Not after I told him. Did he look the sort of man who would try to avoid payiuent P I should not suspect him more than anybody else. Witne s was not aware that it was usual for those who carried drover's passes to travel by passenger train from Llandilo to Llandovery free. Mi John Allen, station master, Llangadock, said he was on duty on the 5th of December last. A fair bad been held at Llangadock on that day. He saw Mr Meredith on the platform. He left by the train that leaves Swansea at six o'clock. That train is not booked to stop at Llangadock. The train was due at the latter station at 7.10, but it was in before. Witness saw him enter the train. To the Bench—I dont think he wa-s there when I went from the booking office. I dont know whether he had time to take out a ticket. Dy Inspector Thurston-He might have been there before. Mr PhiIiips-He might have been in Llangadock town for all you know ?-Yes. William Wright said he was on duty in Llan^a- dock station on December 5th last. He saw Mr Meredith there, some cattle were loaded there for him. He did not know how long he was there before the train came in. He came on the platform as the train came in. Witness could not say whether be would have had time to take out a ticket, if he chose. Saw him get into a carriage. Inspector Tliurston-If he chose, he could have got a ticket?—Yes. Mr Phillips objected to this, pointing out that witness had previously answered in the negative, and that he was cross-examining his own witness. To the Bench-Defendant was loading the cattle truck, at the cattle pens, which were distant about about 200 or 300 yards, at about half-past ithree. Witness could not say where defendant had been in the meantime. He came from Jackson's the Railway Hotel. Mr Phillips said he had been there paying the men for the cattle. William Thomas Bevan, booking clerk at the Llandovery station, said he was on duty on Friday, 5th December last. He remembered a person named Thomas Phillips coming in for a ticket to the Booking Office. Inspector Thurston- What did he say ? Mr Phillips said he objected to anything he said in the absence of his client. Proceeding, witness said Phillips asked for a ticket for Shrewsbury. Inspector Thurston-Yoii asked who it was for? He said Thomas Meredith.—Witness had hardly uttered the last word, when Mr Phillips again objected, and the Bench upheld the objection. Witness He said it was for t certain person whom he named. He told me he bad just come over from the North Western Hotel at the time. Mr Phillips-I object to his saying what Phillips said. He issued a ticket for Shrewsbury. Mr Thomas Thomas, station master, Llandovery, said he was on duty on 5th December last, meeting the mail, leaving Swansea at six o'clock, due here at 7.20. He was on duty on the platform on the arrival of the train, which arrived at 7.20. He saw Mr Thomas Meredith together with others in a 3rd class compartment. A few minutes later he saw Thomas Phillips, bill poster of this town, going to the train, and handing Mr Meredith a ticket. "He knew that Mr Meredith had travelled from some station below Llandovery, and suspected that the ticket was obtained for him to travel from Llan- dovery on, and witness had reason to believe the defendant had not paid his fare coming up to Llandovery. The train was at the platform fully ten minutes, but no application was made to wit- ness, or any other station offieial for a ticket, neither did Mr Meredith or anyone on his behalf offer to pay the fare. After the departure of the train, they asked the booking clerk to whom the ticket was issued, and under what circumstances. After the arrival of the train the booking clerk said- Mr Phillips again objected on same ground as he had previously done during the progress of the case. Continuing, Mr Thomas said that from informa- tion received, he had reapon to believe tbat the Com- pany were being defrauded. He might here mention that be had cautioned Mr Meredith on a previous occasion. Mr Phillips objected again, explaining that what Mr Thomas was now saying, might be material after any conviction they might make. Mr Thomas said he wanted to explain-From what the booking clerk said he went out a^ain, saw Phillips and taxed him about the the matter on the platform. Then he (Phillips) said-- Mr Phillips-I object again. Mr Edward Jones-Never mind what he said. Continuing, witness said he charged Phillips as well, and Phillips said he had obtained the ticket for Meredith, and the both were at the North Western Hotel previously. The Bench having again reminded the witness that it was not required of him to say what was said about Meredith, Mr Phillips observed—He will sav IOn in snitfi of my objection. mol r- In answer to the Inspector, Mr Thomas said that on the 11th of April last he reported defendant before, and the case was reported to the superin- tendent. On that occasion he was left off with a caution. Cross-examined as to the reason, if he believed the Company was defrauded, why he did not go to Meredith in the train at the Station, witness said he ha-d received instructions as to how to act in the matter. The privilege of allowing those who bad cattle to travel on the Vale of Towy Railway with a drover's pass had been discontinued owing to its being abused. Mr Phillips, in addressing the Bench, ridiculed the idea that an old established customer like defendant, who paid the L. & N. W. Railway Co. between JB800 and .£900 a year, tried intentionally to defraud them of the paltry sum of 5Jd., and 1 urged that the offence was committed in a moment of forget fulness. The Bench inflicted a fine of 5s and costs. Thomas Phillips, for a similar offence, was fined 2s 6d and costs. tl DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. ( A tramp named John Thomas was fined 2s 6d for 1 being drn-nk and disorderly on the previous nighfr, about 10.15. P.S. Williams proved the charge. I There was no other business of interest.

==============: THE MAGAZINES. BlacJcivood has for leading article this month a paper on Shakspeare's Women—by one who has impersonated them," i.e., Lady Martin. The subject of this first paper is Hermione, and it is written in the form of a letter to Lord Tennyson. Lady Martin treats most exhaustively, and in an interesting and highly dramatic way of her heroine, ending by an apology for the length of the latter, and adding, "But in this tine play I have had to write of three exquisite types of womanhood—the mother, the maiden, and the friend. In what other play or story do we find three such women ? In lingering over their excellences I may have lost account of time, and .1 I ii. m1 r- rnus wearied you. in Tile UJd. saloon recent German fiction is criticised, the lately published novel by Madame von Hillern, who takes the Ammergan Passion Play and its actors as her leading theme, being afforded some space. The reviewer has nothing but disapproval to give of a book which is decidedly unpleasant and offends good taste in every way. The story called 11 A Secret Mission is concluded in a tragical, sad, but decidedly satisfactory way. It is a relief to find Roman Starowolski, weak and selfish though he was, break from the trammels of an unworthy love, and go forth to the sufferings of Siberian exile to save his brother, who had suffered for his fault, and it is a relief, too, that he should never taste the worst, but is left dead on the snows before reaching the dreadful mines. The other stories are "The Shrouded Watcher" and Madelenies Story," the latter a sad and simply- told tale. The Problem of the Slums" is another of the outcomes of General Booth's scheme and work. The writer, while giving great credit to the General for all he has done and is doing, acknowledges that the task he has set himself is something of the nature of a forlorn hope," and is encompassed with difficulties. But even if it is doomed to failure, which we trust may not be the case, it must do a certain amount in passing, and may show the way in which a more successful attack can be led and, there- fore, he argues we should neither oppose nor discourage it. A review of Froude's Lord Beaconsfield," and an able article on" TheParnell Imbroglio," and a light little piece called Doves and Ravens A Christmas-tide Fantasy," fill up the pages of an exceptionally good number of this first rate magazine. In Comhill Mr Conau Doyle's new story, The White Company," begins. The scene is laid in the time of Edward III., and the opening chapters are most promising. We are plunged into the horrors of the Indian Mutiny in the present instalment of Eight Days," the tragedies by which we are surrounded being happily re- lieved by the peculiarities of an old lady of weak intellect. Winter on Exmoor is written by one who loves Nature and knows his subject, and will be read by many, we hope, appreciatively. v Military Incident" is a short and tragical tale, with a good moral. A visit to the strange old deserted and half buried town of Perbenic, of which we may assume that few of our readers have ever heard, is described in "A Pompeii in Bohemia." The English Illustrated contains an extremely interesting article on the monastery of the Grande Chartreuse, from the pen of the Dean of Gloucester, detailing the impressions made upon him by a visit to this quiet retreat' among the mountains. He calls the paper La Grande Chartreuse, a lonely island of prayer," and describes the quiet, secluded life led by the inmates, many of whom are men who have lived gay and stirring lives in the world in earlier days. The lovers of football will find interest in Mr C. W. Alcock's paper, and in the portraits of several young men famed as players. A good, illustrated article on "Cabs and th«ir Drivers" will be found very amusing, if not telling one much that is new. In Mr Cobden-Saunderson's "Book- binding he gives a little insight into the interest- ing nature of the works, and the prints strewed throughout illustrate many beautiful and quaint styles and designs. Lighter literature is repre- sented by some chapters of Mr Marion Crawford's curious story "The Witch of Prague," and by an Australian tale, "Christmas Eve at Wanvingie." The Sun is taking a good place amongst our monthlies, and can be recommended as always containing a goodly amount of really useful reading. Mr Barnett Smith contributes a second paper on England under Queen Victoria," in this speaking principally of the developments in science of the last 50 years. Mozart is the subject of Part IV. of "The Makers of Music," by Mr R. Farguharson Sharp, who tells the story of the great musician's life pleasantly and in well- chosen language. Professor Church's "Scenes from Roman Life" are continued, and a series of papers on "The Feudal Ages" by Dr. Japp is begun. Besides these we have travellers' tales, as "Christmas in Servia," by Colonel Grant Maxwell; and "In the High Alps," by J. Brierley, B.A. Mrs Oliphant's serial tale, The Railway-man and his Children," shows a good deal of insight into character. One cannot but be sorry for the rich man, who finds his.children so unfit to take the place in society that he has earned for himself, although the fault is mainly his own. In Cassell's Family Magazine the serial tales continue to interest without unduly exciting the reader, and a complete tale is also provided. "The Stranger is a prettily illustrated ballad. In The Key-note of Dinner we have a practi- cal paper on soup, particularly turtle soup, with hints how that can be obtained and made for a moderate cost. Other practical papers are those on How to choose a New House," "The Garden in January," and What to wear in January." "The Coming Census gives us some idea of the gigantic nature of the work undertaken by our Government every 10 years, and the way in which so much extra labour is arranged and accomplished. We have to thank the same publishers for their beautiful and most attractive "Illustrated Catalogue," some of the engravings being of a very high class also for the new nart« of their "Illustrated Shakspeare," "Illustrated Book of Poultry," "Life of Christ," "Canaries and Cage-birds," and those wonderful little books of useful and scientific knowledge, "The World of Wonders" and "Science for All." From Myra & Son we have received "The Lady's Magazine," "Myra's Journal," and "Myra's Threepenny Journal," treasures to all dressmakers, amateurs or otherwise the newest fashions being fully explained and illustrated and hints given for the changes in dress that the seasons or fancy seem to necessitate. Mrs Leach's Family Dressmaker is an even I cheaper" Guide to Home Dressmaking," as for 2d. one gets many pages of close printing, many illustrations, and, besides dress, there are hints of other useful feminine subjects.

HOME CURE FOR D'EAFNESS. A book by a -L-L noted Aural Surgeon, describing a System of Curing Deafness and Noises in the Head, by which a self-cure is effected at home The Rev. D. H. W. Harlock, of the Parsonage, Milton-under-Wychwood writes:—"Try the System by all means, it is first rate, and has been of the utmost scrvice to me." Post free 4d. De Vere & Co., Publishers, 22, Warwick Lane, London, E.C. The Trustees, Executors, and Securities Insur- ance Corporation, Limited, have opened a branch office at No. 33, Corn-street, Bristol, for the West of England and South Wales District, and have j appointed Mr Henry L. Riseley, as District manager. KAY'S COMPOUND, for Coughs and COLDS. Asthma and Bronchitis are immediately relieved by it. I

-1>. L,.r" THE C.E.T.S. ST. DAVID'S DIOCESAX BRANCH. All contributions for this column shovidb^Z^Zi yJ^,°TnlSlnj S*y,Mr. Daniel Wat&ias, 13, ruildhall-square Carmarthen, and be in h-nvl bil •y ednesday in each week. "Thou 'tis needful: Lit tiIer8f,'re right P"

"Never was hood so holy but the devil (;ou]d jet his head into it." "It is a bad coat that will uofc Ut3ar How sad and unnatural to see our spiritual J le on iT1"6, ,PUbll<y n'0m our temporal officers >°; 111 P,,blllB m*r,Ii.y. This happen the other day, when t he magistrates of Barnslev n-fused anoccas.onal license to intoxicating liquors at the St. Gorges Church bazaar. So unconscious wtae tluy of their lucouguious position that the? wouhi not take t he refusal of one court, o nS renew their appucahou b-fore the whole of «be magistrates who had been present in two courts, when it was aga.n refusei. The mavor, when remmoed that he himself ,a3 to be p.-eseut. said «r ri„-rd8n U anot,ler reasou it shorld not begraLted. One of the ground* in suDporf of ths apphc-uion was the contributions of wint; and Leet that had been received by U:tz:,ai, The Church has condemned th^ dri^k ¡,:¡ífie in unequivocal terms. It has acfcnowbM.i the necessity for special and well organised t.Ct'-¡PL'] <luee work by the foruutiou of the C.E 1' S Or ilCh- bishops, our Bishops, aud the greater part of the icoaor diguitarie.-s of our Church, I verf great number of the clergy, have enrolled them- selves as its members, and proscribed >0 its oojecis ana means." Some Cburche?, and not a few we fear, are. however, d-ad ro the sin of intern- peiancc. hey are not satisfied with being imparl!^ spectators of the great fight that is wacred between our own an(-i (,tl)er teiiiperlince Societies aud the diuA traffic, but n.usf by example and preCep» Uuvw their influence and power againstPth,l Can our own Society be other than weakened in its etjislative policy "to diminish the number of dr,ok,Ujf .censes of all description" by 1actiot. aeeenTeA 'C ie'S1thn do not ^-nate to chum accept a .icense when allowed 10 pocket the profitf b'.me ot tnese are so dead to ail sense of Christian responsibility, let aiouo lav.- and order," tint hey do not hesitate to raffle thereat bottles of wiue« and spirits. Its demand for c'lbe stoppage of wilpic and dancing licences in connectbm witb public nouses," and "the withdrawing of licenses h-om grocers, confectioners, °and other mixed traders," can h irdly succeed whilst licenses for such" mixed affairs as Church bazaars, where muoic, >t not dancing, prevails, continue to b" claimed. How powerless must also be its voice against the fruits. of the traffic whils- these Churenes continue to consider its profits fit offer- ing for God. Though dead to all s,use of di.ty, blind to our Society and its policv, and deaf to Its entreaties, we trust and believe that this iast move of our magistrates will succeed II here all other agencies have, sad to relate, failed. The master of the Tiverton Workhouse com- plained at the last Board of the disgraceful sceu^ in the bouse on Christmas Day, results of the beer distributed by favour of the Board. H* spent » most miserable Christmas, an i if beer were o-iveU again to the Paapeis he could not be a party to the distribution. J The Leamington Bench has spoken out against tied houses. They could not help thinking That if intending tenants knew the red bargains upon which they were entering they would not be in so great a hurry to other occupations. No slight alarm has been caused to brewers and other owners of" tied" houses in Aston it subl' :i:b of Birmingham, by the decision of tbe ju:>ti.e:ó of the licensing division, affirming their previous inti- mation in regard to tied licensed houses. Messrs. Ind, Coope, and Co. applied for the transfer of 3 leasehold house from the present tenant to tbe Company's district manager, whi) mat he would not reside on the premises, though lie would be responsible for the conduct of the house, a bar- man being left in charge. The Bench refused the transfer on the ground that the Licensing Act laid it down that the house must be held by the responsible tenant and opcupier, 1\ bo shall conduct the business for his own profit, and not for that of other persons. The justices said they had in Aston a large number of cases of sham teuants, or persons who were not legally responsib[o for the good con- duct of the house. In its Trade and Finance article of Dec. 29th, the Daily Aews isays ALno" other depressed markets, that for b.-ewery shares has giv. n way, heavily Even Guinness and Company's stock is 3o points below ,t3 price at the en.i of 1889; Alisopps has dropped to do per cent. of its original par value; and manj other brewery and distillery 3 l°St Value as weii 118 caste in the them °n deciskm wil1 not improve • The Biistol magistrates dismissed the summons issued against the holder of a six days' license for keeping- his house open on Christmas' Day. They could not agree whether the law intended it should open or not on that day and Good Friday. A Cbelmsford publican has been fined £5 and costs for holding a "Christmas Eaffle" ou his pi c- mises. Two members of the Town Council had entered. They manage these things much better a •Sa7\lr' eD;.t ,Here the Watcb Committee decided these little irregularities, and adjudged that their brother publicans and friends must not be interfered with in their ancient pastimes We have not yet heard whether any W8muer út the Watch Committee had invested in them. Both candidates at the Hartlepool Election declared themselves in favour of giving "the people power to suppress by direct vote tTie com- mon sale of intoxicating liquors amongst them." Two firllls of local brewers have rented from the trustees of the Granger Estate—a gnat part of which is situate in the town of Newcastle-upon- Tyne-all the public houses on the estate. Several of these are wholesale establishments, otheisare hotels, the rest are either fully licensed public- houses or beer shops only. They gave a general rise of 33 per cent, on the present rents. The present tenants have received notices, dated 31st ult., to leave on or before tbe 2nd proximo. One of the tenants gave, abo ;t 12 years ago, .£I,O) ffr the good-will of his house, and has since .spent on it XI,700 in improvements. Three other, wi: hin tha last few years have spon. on their premises from XSOO to £ 1,200. All are now, however, turned out by the brewers a a month's notice, and without compensation. Will these brewers cry for compensation when the country reckons with them ? Shall they get it ? 1 KEGAROX,—A public temperance meeting was held at the National Schoolroom, TregaroTi, on Friday evening last. The meeting was presided over by the vicar of the parish, and was addressed by Mr David Ll >yd, solicitor, Lampeter and the Organising 8ecretary. Rev. Evan Joue's (C M ) was present, and briefiy addressed the audience. Several^ took the pledge at the close and formed the nuc.eus ot an Adult Branch. There is aireidv a most successful Juvenile Branch working in the parish. The Glamorganshire Joint Police Committee it their last meeting gave the Chief Constable in- structions to make a special report at the next quarterly meeting as to the effort made by the police to discover the houses where drunken men were last served. The Chief Constable was also further directed to present in future at each quarterly meeting a return of all publicans in the county summoned and convicted. What the public however, want to know is what was done by the police in those cases where offences must have been committed py publicans, but where no proceedings are taken against them. Wethereforebeiieve it wo iTd be better to have a return of all persons convicted under the Licensing -,kcts, and the steps taken (if any) against our publicans relative to each offence, Pontypridd, following the example of Liverpool, Carlisle, and other towns, has formed a Vigilance' Association to watch the publicans and the police. Forewarned is Forearmed The Brewers' Cen- tral Association propose to take vigorous action at the next general election, ami suggest the division of the country into ten electoral divisions eTeb under charge of a competent election agent. Thie Association will pay half the expenses up to £ 500 a year. The Liceitsed licitiallei-s' CaLeite Lis,) kindly informs us that when men ot position and influence, as our brewer undoubtedly are feel at last under the stern necessity of drawing the sword from the scabbard, the enemies who dare to confront them will not be able to hold their own, but be compelled to retreat in wild disorder, a consummation devoutly to be wished by every reasonable person." Wish father to the tholwht Dutch courage won't do, brother Bung. We have met before, and hope to meet until then, remember He that laughs last laughs best."

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