Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

ABERAVON. ilr. Tom D. Jones, formerly of AbMHTO.ii, and now of Canton, Oino, writea; It may be of interest to those at home to know that the immigration of Germans to America since the commencement of the war has fallen off 75 per cent. as compared with last year.—Colonel W. li. leading manufacturer at Alliance, Onio, is a Welshman born in Glainorg&n&h.ire, and is highly respected. lie has opened the skating pond on hia estate, which is named Glamorgan. All the young people of Alliance attended t.1¡; opening, and ex- pressed their appreciation and thanks to the colonel for his kindlier Referring to the ÙL],th of Mrs. Edwards, Melincrythan. Neath, Mr. Jones, said "the Welsh people of Canton extend t.heir deepest sympathy with the bereaved family. The deceased' a son, William, is living heije in Canton.'}

• ABERGWYNFI. Arrangements have been made for re- opening of the Great Western Colliery, t)erg wvnfit, which has be/n close since December 18, 1908. This colliery formerly belonged to the Great Western Railway Co., who closed it on the ground that it did not pay. A-few years ago it was acquired by the OcSC_n Coal Company, but remained closed bccause of the failure of t'he new owners and the workmen to come to an understanding with regard to a price list. The matter was recently referred by the Conciliation Board to Mr. Evan Williams. representing the coaltvwners, and Mr..W. Brace. M.P., representing the Miners' Federation and a price list was provision- ally agreed npou between them subject to the approval cf the workmen. Mr. Vernon HarUhorn, miners* agent, reported upon the new price list at a meeting of the workmen held at Aber- gwynfi on Saturday night and the list wa" approved. The colliery will be re-opened in the first week of the new year. At the time- the pit was closed in 1908 it was employing flnn men. Probably more than that number of workmen will be required when the col- liery is re-opened, as it is understood to oo the intention of the Ocean Coal Company to considerably develop the workings. The stoppage of the pti was a serious blow to Abergwynfi, causing a jrreat deal of destitution, as it was a long time be- fore the majority of the workmen obtained employment in other collieries. Aber- gwynfi may now look forward to a pros- perous new year. s^—

 V?' • • RRY Traces of the cable on the Xeat!i-roa<i pavement will soon be lost, for cube Council bM taken the "ball by the hoi-rs" and remedied the nuisance. Stepping stones are no longer advocated. There has been many a, happy re-union in Sritonfe: y homes during the present week, vrui the khaki-clad fc-cvyi-have.without •sorp- tion bad a good reception. The recruits look exceedingly weJl and in the best cf spirits. During the Ghristmae holidays the Civic Guard, will join th* contingent, in a lougrout.e march. A-rrangemeiite are also bain? made for a "e h am fight" between the neighbouring guard's To eajx.ure Nt«:h Ca-stle will be the Ferryites' objective-not the gas wcrJtc 1:J fonwgtierw < f th, proeecu/ions (1.t last week's County Sessions, aQiopkeepeiie make an appeal TO .,o --emembp-r the time of closing. Though at all Itim5 ready to oblige a. customer who may a few minutes after closing time, the risk of be- ing fill-ed 29. 6d. and eoste takes the gilt off the profit on a tin of eardinee. An ur<ortunat«» accident befel Mr. Henry Zacliariaii, blacksmith, of Church street, on FVu'.ay k11. lie was clearing some pipes when he fell, and his arm was so badly \Vi.p.■< h1' (1 to Swansea Hosrital it W:'H fourd n«c«esjry to amputate It above the elbow. Mr. Zachariah is a mar- ried man, find much sympathy is extended to him in his misfortune. Mr. Gwilym David, who ha-s for some time past, been an eo-'stitir chemist and assayer H t the Albion Worker, hcia secured an appointment under the Blaeccavcn Com- pany. He will commeroe his d-ntiee early in the New Yeor, and will with him the beet wishes of numeroue friends. He was an ardent sn^poter of the Town Crick est Club, and for ,feve~a! years acted as official ecorer. (nf pector Morris ia "teaching the youiig idea how to shoot" in ft practical &eM.e. twice a week he is brwy with the Roy rW-ov.tct on the sa.nd6 at BagIa,n making "bnlh>" with the rifle. Several check shots have, already hden di&oovo'eti. The fkouv- m-ister has arranged for young men under TeiM uitabie age to join the Soc cte at drill. The Albion S'e&lworks recently purchased by Mr. H. Ecclee for the Brifconfcnry Steel Company, will be taken over on tlia 1st of January. The men at present employed are under 28 days' notice. But this is only A case of Off with the old, on with the new." May the works under the new UaJirm.g<snieni enjoy a flcuri'shmg existence! Miss Dorothy Griffiths, daughter ot Mr. Thomas Griffiths, New Hunter-street, Britonferry, has again accomplished a noteworthy feat, she having thoroughly nafcisfied the examiners at the recent senior Wtamination of the Trinity College of Music. Miss Griffiths is only 15 years of aOT, and exclusive of the above success, I she already holds three certifie.atc1' awarded by the Trinity College. She is under Hie tuition of Miss Gladys Gwynne, C JR. A.M., Briton ferry. jBates, the Britonferry cricket profes- omtl. who is a member of the Sports Battalion in London, received a nasty geewlent to his nose recently while having ft fame of football. Webb, the cricket professiona l, who is also a mem- ber of the Sports Battalion, has been put 1 ill charge of the canteen in barracks, and is going on well. Two of Webb's sons, both full corporals, are at tjie front. —————

I CWMAVON. The Kev. W. Evans, B.A., Congrega- l iional minister, Bridgend, lectured to the- Cymrodorion Society. Ap Nathan, and Uyfreiihon «t'W present. The reverend lecturer is a CWUJ- avon reared gentleman. Over a dozen Cwmavon young men, who recently joined the Colours, have returned to their various regimental quarters, having been home enjoying a week's holi- day. They appeared quite fit, and felt. quite anxious to get back. CHRISTMAS, 1914.—Christmas Cande and Presents in Great Variety; Patriotic [Christmas Stationery and Postcards; Cadbury"s Chocolate, Perfumes, Soaps, Tobaccos, Cigars and Cigarettes, Local Views Pcpstctirds, Bibles, Testaments, a.nd J Hymn Books in English and Welsh. _fl S. AKNOLD, "Avon Valley Pharmacy," CWMAVCN. In addition to th", brothers, Nicholas.: the following have also received com- missions as Second-Lieutenants: Mr. T. Guthrie Morgan, B.A. (the well known county footballer), who has been gazetted as Second-Lieutenant in the llth Welsh ivegiment. and Mr. Morgan Thomas (assistant master at the Council Schoolsl. received a similar position in the Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The Belgian refugees, numbering 13,' arrived at Port Talbot on Saturday after- noon, and were met by tho local officials of the local committee. They were re-i goaled by Dr H. T. Williams at Cowley's Restaurant, and were afterwards driven in motors to their temporary exceedingly cumfortabln homes at Pwlly?wlaw. where two houses have been well furnished for their acceptance. They were on T h k,, n y driven to Coedpark to receive the hos- pitality of Mr. and Nirq. Hilton Yates. i CHiii.vI IvlAS 1914.—Wines and spirits j of the Finest Quality at London Store Prices; Brandies from 2s. Gd. to 6s.; Whiskeys from 2s. id. to 4.s. 6d.; Gins from 1- lid. to 3s. '3d.; liume from 2s. I d. to Wines from 15..¡,d. to 5s. 6d. per hot tie; Hennessey's XXX Brandy, 6s. 6d., | and White," 4s. 6d.; Red Seal," •is.; Dewar's White Label," 4s. 6d.; Gold Cap," 4s.; "Johnnie Walker," 4s.; Dunville's," 4s.; Jameson's," 4<8. "Tlirm Gees," 3s. Cd.H-. S. ARNOLI\ "Avon Valley Pharmacy," CWMA^'r At the Constitutional Club, Mr. Hilton y p; presiding, supported by the Rev. Ckalnner Lindsey (Vicar of Tonna), .1 1J. Rowlands (Neath), Mr. Charles Councillor Evan Williams, Petty Officer Knott (one of the survivors from ,'Lo illiated Aboukir", tl.e Rev. Chaloner iiinchey delivered a patriotic and eloquent Kpeeeb. Excel lent addresses were "itverod by Messrs. J., B. Rowlands and t aarles Jenkins. Mr. Joe Thomas was f.'ceoiapanist to the songs and duets ren- dered by Private A. Cousins and TTarry Arnold Ceath). and Mr. Dan Jenkins Cwmavon A plensing feature of the pro- ceedings was the distribution of warm woollen comforts to its members. Thp fallowing receiver! a well packed parcel: — Petty Officer Hor^an itewis (Navv). Private J. Williams, Private W. \f. Thomas, Private Willie Roberts, Private r>es T)n"-r««. 1 ir. George Rees, and Private Thomas Davies.

GLYNCORRWG I, ] n connection with the London College of MX6i.: the following were successful at Bridgend in piancfoite playing, primary division, firt c.jMs:—Mise Carrie Welters, ?:u<?''i's Ho ei, G-LyMorrtvg. and Mi? Boa.ti? JoriCg, 16, Brick-etreett, Glyncürrwg. Both can did ate? «•«. nred a iash perc«n.t«ge of marks. In theory, Mr. T-homce S. Thomas, 8, ivorton-terra<?e, G-lynoorrwg, gained a p.-ize foa- the higheut number of marks in the County of Glamorgan, a&- curms the maximum of 103 marks j A vejy pretty wedding ceremony wae wit- nailed at St. John's Church, Giynoorrwg, Mr. jamts isunis was marr<«d to Miss Loruaaia (Lolly) David, of Norton-terrace, CilyiK.-orrwg. The bride was beautifully at- tired in cream satin and iaoe, with a wreath of orange bloi?00IDB and tule bridal veil, I calrrying- a bouquet cf lilies and white I hearthcr. The brid€^maidti were Miss (j-ladys John, Miss Adeline Roberts. and Miss Ca ^ive. ute V/kliamst, whom were at tired in pale blue sa, in, with hats to =41;tcll trimmed with white ostrich feathers, carrying bou- quets- of chrysanthemums and liliie-s, tho gift of the bridegroom, ii asters W. H. David, Lionel, G. David, and G. A. Williams acted as page boys. Mr. George David (b other of the bride) was best man, accom- padied by 11rs. Ja?k Edwarde, William. Williams, Da.vid Jones, James WiUiams, W J. D-avid and Wm. Apse? The bride wa? given <iway by her father, .M?-. Wm. Ålj. The o0icia.iae &Iergyma,n w" the Rev. Ho'ApU J'aan.in?, Vicar of GUyncorrwg. After the wedding bre&kfa?t the happy couple lft by mo?or car for London. The '?ide was attired in a. tailor-made traveling oot>- of saxe blue, with black pityture hat, trimmed with black ostrich feathers. I

GLYNrNEATH. A meeting wus held of the 'creditors of Abraham Hardman, draper, of Glyn-j Neath. The receiving order was gazetted on Novembttr 18th. Debtor's accounts I were: Liabilities ranking for dividend, i ?S(H 1. l&d.; assets, ?378 14s. Id.: div i hciency, .Et? 5s. 9d. The causas of faHurc were given as bad debts and bad trade j and a decline in the turnover, also in-! ability to collect debts sinee the outbreak of war. No resolutions were passed, and the Official Receiver remains trustee. II

NEATH ABBEY I We regret to annoujne the death of Mrs. Mary Mainwaring, wife of Mr. John J Mainwaring, Tailhvyd. Deceased had been a long sufferer owing to a paralyse stroke, The interment took place at Cutioxton. • —

NEATH. At Sunday's Brotherhood, Mir. Edwards, Neath, gave on interesting address on In- fluenoe." The soloist war. Master Dick Mor. gan, and the accompanist was Miss Bowen At Neath on ,lliy, Ben John Davies, Kentig Hill, was fined 20-s. and costs for having insufficient light at the rear of his m?or-oar. When !?topp? at Britonferry by P.S. Wa.lsh, defendan* remarked, You are pretty smart he; j I have driven the car aU over England and never been p?Il?d up bRiore." Owing to the increased cost, cf foodstuffs, UI;8 Board of Guajd^ne have dwided to grant. additional outdoor relief oil the of la. for each adult and 6d. per child. | &r. Levi James, who lla.s been popuiaily called "The Poor Man's Friend," was the mover of the resolution. Acting upon the instructions issued by the Executive of the Postal Federation, the Neath l'ostmen have decided not to depart from custom in regard to the col- lection of Christmai tJoxes. Officially recognised as part of the postmen's wages, a break in the continuity of the festive i ) custom is regarded as a possible menace I 41 the future. I-. Jeukiti6 Morgan, flannel manufacturer. Cnurch-plaoe, 1\eath, is evidently rsganled by the War Offices as an ezpert on 'iiiiti wiaek he war: forwarded a sample fQr "Thomas Atkins," on which he was t-o eipr^es an opinion. Mr. Morgan's ifcipoi-t a critical one-he found it 5i inciice 'too short, 5 ounces too light, and the collar abnormal. -No oneoomd have been more disgusted at the Huns' bombai-dm,6Et of the East Coast, of England Than. Mr, Howel Outhbertson, the venerable Neath coroner. Foa- years r)-ast he haa made Scarborough his summer re- sort, and on hearing that the magnificent hotcd in which he wae wont to stay had teen wrecked by German shells, he vowed vensreance OIl the Kaiser and his sea-dogs. A sacred concert in aid of the Belgian l-'und, was held at Orchard-place after the evening service. The programme was arranged by Mr. T. Jenkins, choirmaster. The iiayor presided. Amongst those who took part v. ere Messrs. T. Jenkins, L. Curtis (Skeweti), Grill Hill (Morriston), D. Roberts (fckewen), Miss Patty liurd (Neath), Miss Katie Narbett (Neath), Miss ililda Baker, and Miss Grace Allen Thomas (Swansea). The following is an additional list of t L, t-u Donor of furniture, etc: Mrs. D. H. Lewis. Donors of subscriptions: Miss A. White, .•J ,s:i ilibbert, Miss Hill (London), It. l'ar- minter, Esq., ilrs. D. Jones (County School), Mrs. Price (Brynglas), Mrs. Beddoe, and Mr. Sam Arnold. Weekly subscribers: Mr. T. Turner, "A Friend." Prixe Day" was observed iu all the i Council schools at Neath on Friday. I Medals, watches, books, and other prizes j for regular attendance were distributed by the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mr. Matthew- Arnold), who were supported by Aid. Hopkin Morgan, J.P., chairman of the Borough Education Committee, and other members. Part songs rendered by the scholars were a feature of the annual function. At: Aid. Davies's Schools the prizes were distributed by Mrs. R. P Morgan and Aid. H. P. Charles. j Considerable local interest Wtid taken in Klie annual prize distribution on Friday afternoon in ccnnoction with Aid. Da.vM&' -hoots. The Hector presided, and in thc- irtfunts' and girle' departments, where MLec a- the respective hesxl- mi«'re-«ee, the prizes were distributed by Mrs, R. P. Morgan. A programme cf action and -rao nations was gone through by the childrem In the boys' school, where Mr. H. Watson ia the popular headmaster, li. Wat?on ;.a tke. p,, _Iai Mr. H. P. Chai-les distributed the priaee, and the visitors were eiaLCrtained in aong by ths scholars. A National Reservist named Wm. Francis, of Ethel-street, Neath, had a miraculous escape from death on Satur- day night. Whilst on duty at the Court Sart level crossing, a passing mineral train hurled him on to the permanent way. Although semi-conscious, lie had the presence of mind to lie still, and after the train had passed over him he was dragged into a. place of safety by a comrade. Captain Davey was quickly on the spot, and had the injured soldier conveyed home. His foot is badly damaged, and he is suffering from shock. A f«atur*» at the annual distribution of p izes n connection with tie >_ounei. S ho Is in the bo, ougii was the beiautiful renderings of patriotic airs and the Allies' National n'6 by the twhoiars. In both the b-oye a.nd girl»' department*" the singing reached a Lg,j' tone 01 ean-en-Ly. lhe Mayor and A^yocem (Mr. and Mrs. Hanhew Arnold) d is tribute;! the prizes, which consisted of '■■atchee, medajs, wo. k-boxes, oameras, and bocka. Ald. ttopkin Morgan, J.l\, chair- man cf the Borough Education Goionuttee, presided, and be was supported by other ^c-j.bei^s ct the oommij.ee. There was a large atteadanoe of parents. in a.¡a of the local Belgian and Prinoo of Wales Relief Funds, a most successful concert was given ax St. Catherine's Parish riali, Neath, on Tnuieday evening. The Mayor (Mr. Matthew Arnold) presided over it large and appreciative audience. It i6 lnterest,J.,g to note tnat the arrangement of the pro-jjflmime was left entirely to little Miss E. SammeiLS with a most gratifying re- suit There were many cscores, and the audience showed warm appreciation for ill. Songa were rendered by Mis^j P. Mor- gan, Mrs. Bichords, Mr. E. Morgan, Mas A.rline Thompson, and Mies K &&mmen»; violin solo by Master G. M. Butt; pianoforte solo. Miss W. Richards; and recitation by Hiss T. Morgan. A dialogue, "The Misad- ^enttvre,' by of the Juvenile rem pie, L.O.G.T., and a Japanese 6cene. In Cherry Blossom Time," by Mies Morgan Mid party, were star iteme. Mr. Seymour 'srra.it, A.B.C.O., wa6 the accompanist. Tho Christmas vacation of Rugby Schools took place last week, when a no it enjoyable evening was spent. Several pupils produced charming tableaux, in costume, of European Nations," Belgium especially delight- ng the little Belgian guests and rccciv- n? a hearty applause. Girls of Form 1, resides pretty tableaux, gave a very lumourous sketch, Rival Relations," ill or ding a lot of fun to the audience. Supper, dancing and games ended the irogramme. During the evening a collec- ion was made, amounbng to 12s., which was handed to the Mayor tor the" l'oor Fund." Resu!ts of Christmas exams, are M Music—K.A.M., elementary division, Nellie Thomas, Gwennie Bush; teacher, Miss May Thomas, L.R.A.M. Art needlework (Oriental), Incorporatfd Society of Arts, etc., 1,ondon-2nd class honours, Violet Williams, Katie Abra- ham; 3rd class honours, Dilys Davies, Dorothy Griffiths; 3rd pass, Miss Thomas, Owenda Bowen, Trene Jones; 4th clars honours, Marjorie Hemming, a little girl 9 years old; teacher, Miss Phillips, cer- tificate, 1st class honours. Next term's worH will be that of preparation for the Oxford Local and Royal College drawing exams. Re- jpenmg January 18th, 1915. COLLIER'S RIDE. At Neath County Sessions on Friday James Nicholas, collier, Neath, was sum- j iuoned for travelling on the Neath and Brecon Railway without a ticket. Mr. jaiiic,A Revell prosecuted. According to the evidence, defendant fell asleep in the workmen's train, and was awakened by the gtationmaster at Onliwyn. He had no picket, refused to pay hts tare, and did not give his name and address. Defendant was fined 10s. and costs.

PORT lAnisOT. 1 o-day, at 2.30 p.m., there will be un-i veiled a beauutul siained glass window r at St. Theodore's Parish Church, lJort! iaibot. Tho window is m memory ot the late Mr. Ruius ixiainwaring, and is the ;irt ot his wldow. On r nuuy a mishap occurred on the Port Talbot railway line in the Bryn funnel, when a guard's van of a mineral train went ou the rail, pttiiing a number trucks with it. The permanent way was badly damaged, and the line blocked, J.J.t.u 4. ".L. #'>"J 'lIU llrt{:"l t. In the meanwhile tramc was being carried out on a loop line sauslactorily. the shipping trade at iort Talbot J Docks duiing the past week again showed an improvement, and there was an in- crease over the previous week oi* 5,95.6 i tons. For the week ending Saturur, | December 19th, the tonnage dealt with amounted to 30,5.i1 tons, made up of j 18,667 tons exports and 1,864 tons imports. The chief items of exports were coal and patent fuel to foreign ports. There were in dock on Saturday 19 vessels—12 steam and 7 sail. The commodious and comfortable Forge- road, Electric Theatre should prove the centre of attraction to picture goers over the holidays. The enterprising manage- ment have secured a fine programme which will bo sure to please his niin-ier-I oils patrons During the first three nights the chief items will be "The Great Stroke," a powerful dramatic subject in. Ihree parts: "'Lost Through Greed, Circle of Adversity/' Bunny's: Scheme," Bloomer as Reservist," War Graphic Pictures," etc., etc. For the latter part, of the week" The Little Lord j Fauntleroy will be shown in four^parts. j This fine subject will be supplemented by j tT?nuercus drama and com-?dy films, also a coupl& of up-to-date War Graphic ?' pictures. There will be a matinee on Boxing Day at 2.30 p.m.. I/O vers of emotional and domestic plays should by no mean5 fail to visit the New Theatre. Port Talb?t. this week, wher? Mr. Charles Harrington, with a firflt-class. company of specially selected a?tistes, present for the first time here a real dramatic triumph, entitled. Why ho Divorced Her," or "Madame de Moray's Secret." Tho play, which is teeming with thrilling incidents right throughout. is played in four acts, and the acting and scenery is all that can be desired. The plot and story is an exceptionally clever one, and. judging by the applause of large and appreciative audiences during 'he initial nights of the week, the play should prove a great attraction during the holidays. There will be no perform- 1 ance on Christmas Day, but a special entertainment will "he given in a-, of the Mayor's Fund for the provi<?ion of "com- forters" for the local soldiers on active ■ service. On Boxing Day three perform- ances will be given at ..r,30, 6.30, and 9 o'clock.

RESOLVEN. I It is rather a pity that while accommo- dation is ready for them, the Belgian refugee family have not arrived. Prob- ably there has been a slight misumie;- stitnding. which has occasioned the delay. News has been received from Private Harvey, who, previous to joining the Ex- peditionary Force in France, was a police constable in Revolaan. He has sent to say that he has been wounded in the head-, and is njw in Woolwich Hospital. H-w was in the Royal Ga,rrill A2tilicry, and has seen a deal of fighting. 1 Communication with some of our local men who are with the 2nd Welsh in cap- tivity in Germany iE difficult to obtain. 1 SOlUeof the relatives have not heard from I them for over six weeks. From another source, however, we have received the assurance that all the letters and parcc-ls sent from England are delivered to the owners. Mrs. Brz,.zer, of Johu-stre-c- Resolven, heard from her husband on Friday. He is a prisoner in Germany. It will be welcome newa to a host of Resolven people to know that Captain Ditmas, late of Brynawel, Resolven, 's serving with the &th Welsh at the front. A commanication from Mr. Ditmas inti- mated that he had had S0me v?ry narrow 'scapes. On one occasion he was staying in a house which was shelled by the Ger- mans, and a good deal of bomb-dropping rom aircraft wa? in progress in the dis- trict in which he was situated. He ilo wishes to be remembered to his many I friends at Resolven. ) A meeting of the creditors of Alfred j Pritchard, collier, of Resolven, was held at the OlncIil Receiver's Office, Swansea, on Tuesday. The receiving order was gazetted on 24th November last. Tne j debtor's accounts were: Liabilities rank- ing for dividend, tIO3 12s. 7d.; assets, £ 3 Us.; deiiciency, 6C94 Os. 7d. Debtor stated that the causes of his failure were the ill- health of his wife and the burial of four 'hildren and loss of work owing to an accident to himself. No resolutions were passed, and the Official Receiyer renwim i nxste-e. Tho necessity of providing lighting ?ccommoda.tion in the region of Meliii- -ourt is very painfully evident, and zl?i'e oeal o.dmlD.1stratlvo bod should feel it Incumbent upon them to have this neces- sity nrodded. It is unpleasant to walk in thM district in the evening, particu- larly if one is unacquainted with the i trict There are a large number of people living in this area. The place constitutes :i moderate sized village in itself, and it certainly merits some attention in the direction indicated. The district is an I ever-growing one, and the improvement, would be conducive to a more rapid de- velopment. There are also portions of this district which are exceedingly dangerous to traverse in the night-time, and it is to be hoped that those in authority will i <fIe that this very important feature is in-1 eluded in their programme for the New ) L" A TALL THEFT. Stealing a tree from the plantation of Colonel Edwards Vaughan, Rheola, Jed to the appearance of Ivor Thomas, Re- solven, at Neath County Sessions on Friday and WhPD charged, said hct thought anyhody could take a piece ff wood away from the plantation. P.C Jones spoke to seeing defendant1 leaving the plantation with a iar.:n tree! 31ft. long. When he questioned him. lie said let it drop, and I will give you all the money I have in my pocket. yoa shall have some more after Christmas." I Defendant was ordered to pay 10s. j| damage, and a fine of 10s. and costs.

SKEWEX. At the la-st meeting cf the Horeb Mutual improvement boclet-. presided over by Mr. J. T. Daviee, an exhaustive paper on "Handed' was read by ili. W. J. Will-ams, organist of the chapei. A vote of than is accorded him was highly closervod. I The visit of the Rev. E. it., Phillips, )f Moriah, iSeaih Abbey, to the last- meeting j of the Tabernacle Band of Hope, was mu -n appreciated. The subject of his add re^-ts j was "'I he Traimng of the Temperandfe: Suldier." A programme fnii of good things i ,\<1.s gone through. Mr. Tom Lloyd pre-, ldod- An enjoyable concert was held at the United Methodist. Chapel last, week, yre. c,idc-d over by Mr. Fred Curtis, circuit ( steward. Solca were rendered by Miss D. j: L\ ans Jones a.nd Mr. Jeffrey Jone<5, piano- forte duet by the Brothers Timar, -violin; solo by Mr. Bernard Tamar, select.ion OIl J the whittle by Mr. David Lewis. The ao ] companiets were Messrs. Taylor ar.d ] iamar. < At the recent London College of Music examination, held at the Swansea centre, Miss Winifred D. Bowen (pupil of Mr. W. J. Williams, L.T.S.C.), succeeded in J obtaining a first class certificate. This f is greatly to the credit of this clever ( young musician, and her future attain- c ments will be awaited with interest. < is a source ul graulicatiou that the I importance of our railway station 11.1G been recognised by the ofiiciais of the G.W.rC. I Ocmpany, by its being placed on a higher grade, and not as heretofore, regarded only as a station in some rural district. Mr. o William Fc^iand, the stationmajster, will henceforth belong to the ciericrJ. grade of J the company's siationma^tem. This raises 1] aim to a higher jweition in the service. No I )r,c who knows Mr. Foliand will siy but !] tiiat th-a recognition was never more richly f aevserveu. At the Tabernacle Society, Mr. Evan j u&wis took the chair, the evening being ta-ken up by a debate upon the fertile 61.1b- ject., "Does the preeent-rta-y cinema exert a greater influence for good or evil?" Mr. ithys Owen Davies took the good iiitluenze, and Mr. Lvw æ the evil influence, bach presented a, strong case. The papers were followed by a livstly debate, the speakers including Mr. and Mrs. Philip '.V'illiainB, McssM. Tom Lloyd, W. R. Lloyd, D. J. Dalies, B-A., Lewis Jones and W. Lloyd (Ty Brala). The news just published that Mr, David Hughes, BA., now of Cvynant, has been appointed to a comm issioin in the !)th Welsh Regiment, is most welcome to all the old friends of the family at Skewen. Both his father and his mother! are natives of the village, now worthy to be called a town. Young Mr. Hughes re- ceived ht early edneation at the Coed- flranc Boys' School, from whicfc he won a; scholarship at the Neath County Schoo1. It is with pardonable pride all his former friends and acquaintances have watched his brilliant career at se-hool and college, and now wish him every success as an oiffcer in the British Army. The many friends cf Mr. Harry Griffiths, J tuning student, &"n of Mr. Wm. Griffiths, Penyrhocl. will be pleased to know that he has secured an appointment a-s lecturer in aiming at the evening classes of the Gia- aiorgan County Council. He has been >eiected to sucoeed Mr. Gomer Hughee, who has joined the colours. Mr. Griffiths lias won many distinctions in the County Coun- i cil and the Board of Education examiiia-i tion& He has been privileged to travel extensively over the coal mines of the con- tinent, thanks to the traveHiDs' 5Ch)lar- ships gr.i.nfcod him from time to time by the C-ounty Council authorities. Being corner-j sant with Welsh and English, hie work as a lecturer should prove highly successful. On Stit-tira-ty evening last, at the meeting! of the "Rosebud" Juvenile Recriabite Tent, Skewen, prizes were distributed to the boys and girls who had been successful in in- treducing new members during 1914. Mr. j Richard Thomas, Chief Ruler of the Adult Tent, in presenting the awards, made an appealing speech, referring to the advice, of the late Lord Roberts, Lord Kitchener, i-nd General French. Mr. W. Davies, !>-&- rict Treasurer, and Mr. David Taylor ad- iressed the meeting, B-fec-itations were; riven by Miss Stella, Taylor and Master. Ta-lwyn Evans. Altogether some 17 mem- ,ere were presented with award books, j tud 4Z were decorated w-"tjl the Order j w as, mr),,ure(Li badge. The first prize -was- oapuired by Master A. Gilbert Thomas, while Hora-ce G. Ware, Talwyn Evang and Jam: D. Ejoion were equal for the second prize. During the year, under the guid- ance of Mr. Tern Lloyd, superintendent, the JuvenTe Tent made great strides, 84 new members being enrolled, making a total of 579 on the books.

TATBAOH. Amongst the recent musical successes of the examinations of the R.A.M^ and R.C.M., held at Cardiff, we notice the name of Miss Sallv Lovelock, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lave- luck, of the Talbot Arms Hotel, Tatbach. This promising young mrsician, who is a, pupil of the Morland Schools, Porthcawl, secured 108 marks out of a possible 110. This is the fourth examination Miss Loveluck has passed.

SUDDEN DEATH AT ABERAVCN. On Tuesday, ail; Aberavon, Mr. Howel Cuthbertson (district coroner) "l id an in- quiry into the circumstances of the> snddan death of Annie Y a bsley. a married woman, of 30, Velindre-street, Aberavon, who sue- cumbod on Sunday niorning. Dr. Ratclifre lAberavon) deposed to mak- ing a post-mortem examination, which showed that deceased's heart was in a eery fatty ccndition, and death was due to he-art disease. A verdict of Death from natural )auses was returned.

WELSH SOLDIER WOUNDED, WELSH SOLDI ER WOUNDED. Pfe. R. J. Munday, interviewed at his Poritardulais home on Tuesday, hao thrilling tale to tell of his experience at the front. He was twip-e wounded at Ypres. Separate bullets found his-right arm at the shoulder. and in the mnscle of the right leg, and each bullet that passed through Mimdr v killed a friend of his He went through the Battles of Mons, the Marne, and the Aisne un- scathed. His column withstood four separate charges by the Prussian Guards j on a recent occasion. Private Munday is well known in West Wales quoiting circles, and he was one of the foundpfS i and honorary secretary -of the ]-Iont-.nr. dulais United Association Football Club. I In connection witn tne arieravon flag- Saturday collection, we are informed that Mists Gladys C. M. Burgess aikd.A-tdss May Thomas came third on the 1 tat, the amount of their collection being £ 3 IOA. 10d.

LOCAL POLICE COURTS. AMMANFORD. Monday .Before Messrs. W. N. Jones (in II the chair), Dd. Richards. W. Llewell" vn, j Win. Williams, and B. R. Evans. i Without Light. I ithout light. For an offeneV of being in charge of a i aorse and cart at PantyfFynon without ight at 6.50 p.m., Henry Pugh, ofWernos I Farm, Tycroes, was let off on payment of iosts. Drunkenness. I I 1 I r or drunkenness, the following were dealt with: David Rees, of Rawling:road, LIandc-bi?, fined 28. 6d. and costs; Horace Smith, of tø Workmen's Rest. 5s. and I costs; David Richards, High-street, Ammanford, 15s. inclusive: Sarah Ann Rees, a married woman, Rawlings-road, Liandebie. ,s. and costs; Thomas Rees, Springfield-terrace, Garnaut, as. and costs. Fishing for Salmon, I Water Bailiff Walters summoned Win. Shearn, Undlhie, for u?awf?il? f?hing for salmon in tho Marlais riwr during*:he elo?? M'ason. Defenda.? ?Jmit'?J ? oiFpt?c?.—P.C. U?ggms spoke to seeing the defendant fishing with a rod and line from ¡I his back garden, which adjoins the river. —Defendant was fined 5s. and costs. Cruelty Cases. I A number of cases of cruel ill-treatment of horse- were heard. J. Frederick Lloyd, of Towy Stores, Brynamman, was summoned for causing a horse to be worked in an unfit state, and Henry Job Jones, an employe, was sum- moned for working the horse. Lleyd denied the offence, but Jones pleaded guilty.— P.C. Thomas said there was a large sore the size of a fivp shillings piece on the back of the animal, and amother the sizo of a florin on the shoulder. Jones stated that his master knew of its condition. When the latter was seen he told the police that he was very sorry, and asked if it could, not be looked over, because he had been summoned before and it looked so bad. He added, If you look it over I will send you a nice hare next week."—Inspector Batten, who prosecuted on behalf of the N.S.P.C.A., ?ave corroborative evidence.— Defendant Lloyd said he had ordered the horse to be taken back to the stable that morning.—Then Bench fined Jones 5s. and costs, and I,lc..v(i El and costs. Inspector Batten also proceeded against Evan Edward Evans, Lower Brynamman. on the charge of cruelly ill-treating a horse by working it in an unfit state. A plea of guilty was made by the defendant. —According to the statements of P.C. E. Davies and Inspector Batten there was a large sore of some standing underneath the saddle.—The Bench imposed a fine of I 10s. and costs.

LLANDOVERY. I I Friday.—Before Mr. D. Jones-Lowis (in the I chair). Colonel Llovd Harries, Alderman C. P. Lewis, Mr. Dd. Davies. Alderman T. Watkins, aud Mr. T. Roberts. Non-Maintenance. I David Davies, Cordon-lane, was charged with the non-maintenance of his stin I The Bench made an order of 3s. a week. j Unseasonable Salmon. I Gweny Hur!eT. a frmterer. of Swansea, was charged with having hi her 'Nioi-qa-nI, unseasonable salmon. — Mr. Morgan Griffiths, Carmarthen, appeared for the Carmarthen Bay Fishery Board. He said I that as their worships were aware, the salman season this year had been a very poor one, and the Fishery Board was doing all in their power to protect the fish, not only in the interest of those who followed it as a sport, but also those who got their living by ashing. The ma^ruim penalty was ?P.—Water PaUiS William Deans deposed that on the 2Uth of Novem- her, about 5 p.m., he was on the platform I of the railway station at Llandovery. He 'I saw a sack on a trolley. He had his sus- picion as to the contents, so be asked defendant, to whom it belonged. Did it belong to her? She replied "Yes." He asked her what was in it. Slie said, Pheasants aud rabbits. He asked if it wasn't, salmon, and she replied Yes." He obtained nermission to look,into it. and found four salmon (produced).—The Chair- man Were they salted.— Nn, I salted them afterwards. They hej been caught, he ¡ thought, about three'day? previously. ]lei a?'d defendant where she had them from. She fa id. A man in the tawn." and that she had given 4s. for them. He then charged her with having uncdean salmon. Slwtlwn said that the man who caught there asked her to try and sell them for bim. He took possession of three.— Defendant, who said her husband"wa.s &t the war, cried, and admitted the offence. She w as lined 5s. each fish and costs, 6d. She was allowed time to pay at tho rate of 5s. per week.

SWANSEA. t Friday.—Before Mr. IT. A. Chapman, Dr.] Nelson Jones, and Mr. John Rees. j I' Young Woman's Lapse. Elsie Ford (::j\, singlf- was chargpd- with Ii being drunk and incapable in Temple- street. Cautioned and discharged. i I Pay or Go Down. j  James Shm'?y Paundprn ?3), P black-I Isinilb. was brcnght up in respect of I arrears in maintRnanca of his wife, 11-:?i,izabeth Ruth Saunders, and children. I imounting to < £ 11 8s. He was Ordecoo.tA ?ay or go down for two months. 1-1 The Captain's Dog, t-aptam V alarrei was summoned foj allowing an unmuzzled dog to be on boar* his ship, s.s. Juan, on December 16th. i Superintendent Roberts sa.id that tht captain had sailed the night before, btrt through the Consul had pleaded guilty, tiiid sent money for the fine to the court; The Bench inflicted a fine of 20s. in, elusive. Saturday.—Before Messrs. J. H. Bússet and F. E. Beer. Under the influence. ivicnard iveest CJk). a tin worker, tfM charged with being drunk and disorderly on the G.W.R. Station at "ndore.-Fint;d 7s. (kl., or seven "C Riotousness. Mary Daviee (22) and Elizabeth Jan« Tample were charged with riotous com duct in De-la-Beche-street on Friday night.-The cases were adjourned for on# month to see how they would behave. Remanded for Escort. Frederick H. Seary. described as a smith's striker, of Mumbles, was charged with being a deserter from the 277th Bat- tery, 8th Brigade, of the Royal Field Artillery, stationed at Bulford Camp, on December 1st. Defendant, who admitted the desertion, was remanded, on the application of the police, to await an escort. uion-i iurn up. Thomas Harris, tinworker, Gorseinon, was charged with being drunk and disor- derly and with twice not appearing tlj answer summonses.—Fined 7s6d or serelij dayis. Monday.—Before Messrs. R. Martin, Wiat Williams, and Hyam Goldberg. The Drunk List Charged with being drunk and disi orderly, Wm. Daley (47), a labourer, was sent down for one month. Thos. McBurney (28), master mariner, was fined 10s. John Williams (41), a smelter. wall charged with being drunk and indecent in his behaviour in Neath-road, Rafoo. —Fined 10s. or 7 days. Mary Sullivan (39), was charged with riotous conduct in High-street-Seni down for one month. Coal from the Barge. Margaret Rees (65), and Kate OTShea (47), both married women, were charged with stealing and receiving a quantity of coal value Is. from a barge in the canal, Landore, the property of Messrs Vivian and Sons, on Saturday, December 21st. Margaret Rees was sent down for one month, and Kate O'Shea was fined 10s or 7 days. At the Bazaar. The two casm of larceny from Messrs Wool worth and Company's 6hop on Deo* 12th, who were remanded a week ago, again came before the Bench. The de. fendants were Elizabeth Ann Brown, 4U, who was charged with stealing two coLe larches value Is., and Margaret Daviet^ 25, who ws charged with stealing a nuniber of articles value 9s. 10M. Both were married women. Mrs. Brown was bound over in the sum nt tiO for 12 months, whilst Mrs. Mar4 garet I)aviee was again remanded for am week for inquiries, she having sriven a wrong address. It was Sunday. Norman Edmnndsen t;38), an electrician, rharged with being in the Rutland Arms Hotel during illegal hours, on December -,X, t b, was fiT- 20tli, was fined 20s., or 14 days. Keep to .the Left! "William Jamc3 (36), a haulier, sum4 moned for driving a horse and cart on th* wrong side of the road, was fined 10s. Thomas Eastman (32). was fined 5s. fo? riding a bicycle on the wrong side of t-lis road. Must Payor- Walter Sharp, commercial porter, wa# summoned in respect of t2 12s. 6d. arrears in the maintenance of his wife, Elizabeth Sharp!—The Bench made an order to pay within seven days, or go down for cm month. Tuesday.—Before Messrs. J. W. Jones, J, Devonald, Richard Lewis, T. I*, Cook, aud David Meager. Beer. Charged with being drunk and inm,t-o. able. George Clist (41), a labourer. wai fined 10s., and John Silgolberg (46), a so* man was fined 5s. Charged with being drank and d I, orderly, Mary Jane Taylor (41), a married woman, was fined 78. 6d. or 1 days, and Eldare J. Eliasson (22), a firei man, was fined 7s. fid. or 7 days. I oariamari Masemee. John naw (Z4), a ciriver, who appearp.4 in t1,r- dock in the familiar khaki, waa charged with being an absentee from tJl. Canadian Royal Rifles. He was manded to await an Juvenile Cases. Arthur Phillips, aged 12. was again brought before the court on the charge of stealing as bailee, the ram of ft 4d. the monies of Charles Hawkins, on Now} 18th. Phillips was to-day sent to the Bony* maell Industrial School until he jo-lil years of age. I on txiensions granted. I- Jtixveusion* were granted ro Tile \Jamer*>H Hotel fcjf extensions until 3 a.m. (JU Christmas Night, Thursday January 14th, ane, January 21st, the oerasiohs respeoi lively being a staff re-nnion, a dance fo. the Belgian Relief Fund, and a danc4 arranged by the Swansea Commercial T.-avellpr, -ks,oc-.atioir, for the Prihcfc- oJ "Wales' Fund.

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