Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

LLOYDS BANK LIMITED. IL Head Office 71, LOMBARD STREET, E.C. Capital Subscribed £ 31,304,200 Capital Paid up 5,008,672 Reserve Fund 3,600,000 Deposits, &c. • 118,173,859 Advances, &c. 59,439,647 OVER 880 OFFICES IN ENGLAND AND WALES. French Auxiliary: LLOYDS BANK (FRANCE) LIMITED. Offices In PARIS, BORDEAUX, BIARRITZ & HAVRE.

SWANSEA MAN DROWNED. Sad Holiday News for His Family, j The torpedoing of the Fort Talbot trader, City uf Bremen, by a Getman j submarine on Sunday brought great sorrow to a Swa.usea. home. The second Second Engineer W. Waters, engineer was Mr. I William Walters, whose, wife and two children live at 14, Stan ley- terrace, Swansea, He was one of four members of the crew, and the only Britisher, drowned Tihen the vessel was sunk by pirates. Mrs>. Waftters and her son amI. daughter, aged 15 and 11 respectively, spent the holiday out of towti, iiiid on their return at. about 8 p.m. on Monday discovered a teiegram awaiting them. It bad arrived earlier in the day, and was from Messrs. Palgrave and N-Liirphi-, Ae owners of the City of Bremen, and' announced the death of Mr. Waters. M. Waiers fainted when she realised what the telegram conveyed, and kindly neighbours uuue in and sought to soothe her grief. The son. Bert, is engaged as a telegraph messenger at the Swansea Post Office. The vessel %vaA torpedoed without warning off the Wolf Light. In addition to Mr. Waters, three other members of the crew were drowned—H. YUeborg. Xorwegian sailor, and C. Garcia and A. Owria, Spanish liremen. One of the crew stated in an interview yosterday that it was his belief that the sub- marine followed the vessel during the night and waited until daybreak to make sure of her nationality. No warn- ing was given to the crew of the City of Bremen, and the vessel sank five minutes after being struck by the tor- pedo. The submarine disap]X'ared im- mediately. Half the crew were on deck at the time. and the vessel turned turtle, engulfing four men. The captain and twelve members of the crew were picked up after being in their boats four hours, and were landed at Penzance. The steamer was bound from Port Talbot with eoala for Bordeaux. An Appreciation.—(Contributed.) I The many friends of JJ r. Will Waiters, late of I t, Stanley-terrace, Mount Pleas- ant, Swansea, who was on the City of Bremen, which wa.s torpedoed by a Cer- man .-mbanarine without any warning last Sunday morning, will always treasure t. b memory of his heroic death. They feel proud to have known and loved him. Down below in the engine-room gladly doing his duty, with no chance to escape when. the deadly torpedo shattered his ship, he waA as greast a hero as our brave soldiers in the trenches or our joUy Jack Tars on the North Sea. Inscribed on the nation's roll of honour are no braver namec; than those of our sailors who. in this our hour of need, face the terrors of mine and submarine to bring: us food from the ends of the earth. Mr. Will Wattera wa.s a typical sailor, without fear, and with a happy knack of seeing the best in everybody, and looking on the sunny side of things. He was a great reader, and quite an authority on Dickens's works. Perhaps it was from Dickens that he learned tjut;t kumour which waA the delight of all his friends. His friprtxls will alwuys think of him as Di'bdin's Perfect Sn.ilor.M His heart was kind and soft. Faithful, below, he did his duty; But now he's gone aloft. Will never from his word departed. His virtues were so rare. His friends were many and true- hearted. Yet shall Will find pleasant weather, "When God, who all commands. Shall give, to call life's crew together. The word to pipe all hands. Thus Dea'h, who kings and tars despatches, In vain Will's life has doifed: For. though his body's under hatches His soul has gone aloft. The souls of heroes die not. Young men of Swansea: if ywi could but know and realise what sorrow this ierrilac, war has already brought into the homes of Swansea, you would rush to 1'be recruiting station. Not only your King and Country need you. but the widows and orphaned children cry out to to end this Herman devilry of I torpedoing innocent, non-combatants. Who would not fight for England:- Who would not fling a life T' the ring, to meet a. tyrant's (Jird thee with thine ancient ij3 Forth! and (;od defend the right!

COLLIER BREAKS A RULE. I At Swansea Police Court. Thomas Williamt. (22). collier, was summoned for a breach of the Coal Mines Act. at the Mountain Colliery. Mr. Hy. Thompson appeared to prosecute. Thomas Jones, who attended to the cage," said that the men were lined up to enter the cage when defendant cut aeroes from the aft. seam and tried to get into th" (-age before being authorised to do so. When lie was pulled away fr4olll thf cage he became threatening. The Bench imposed a fine of 40s.

The Archbishop of Canterbury is ill j with influenza, at Old Paiave, Cantcr- burir,

GOOD FRIOAY IN THE DISTRICT. CONCERTS AND EISTEDDFODAU IN SOUTH WEST WALES. Oood Friday was observed at St. David's | and St. Joseph's, Swansea, with the time honoured ana som bre ritual of the of the. Pre-sauctihed. There were large con- gregations at both churches, and the iai- pre-Sf-ivc; service was followed with deep leverence. At St, David's the celebrant was thc R.cdor (Fa tlwr Kgerton), and lather fireeu delivered all impressive lituniiy on the Passion. In the procession ot the Blessed Sacrament four kbaki-eiad soldiers acted a,'i a bodyguard by carry- ing the canopy—a touching sight. There were services in all the Anglican, and in not a few of the Free Churches. In the evening, the Eev. J. Watkin Jones, icar of Christ Church, with a surpliced choir, proceeded through the streets in his parish, and gave short ad- dresses at various points. This was f01-: lowd by a very ulen111 service in Christ Ciiitrcli, ']'be Iva. of the Cross" Mere shown on a screen. There was a remarkably large gather- ing at. Swansea Wesley Church tor the Kev. A. W. Wardle's impressive lantern lecture, on The Way of the Cross." Miss Muri'd Pritchard sang, Pock of Ages." Miss Eisjp Phillips, (JounodV I'li e re is a Green Hill," and Mr. Davio Evans' Light ot the World and" The Way of the Cross." Miss Stratton ac- pjtnoanied. flood Friday- was, as is customary, marked by the holding of numerous ?nnuat concerts, eisteddfodau and other r.)?ic-:d and social events. Heports of various programmes appear below. Railwaymen's Concert. At the Ltith annual rea and concert in sonnection with the National Union of railwaymcn, in aid of the Orphans' Fund, in the Albert Hall, there was a large attendance. in an ante-room, a rovel scenic rail way in working order attracted many. A miscellaneous pro- gramme ii-as provided by the following artistes: Mr. D. Jones (pianist), Wesley Brotherhood Male Voice Party (conductor Mr. E. S. Fvans>, Messrs. E. S. Evans, W. Wi leocks, Misses Lily lord, Lilian Edwards, Mr. A. J. East, and Mr. H. Harris. During an interval, Mr. J. Sweeney gave an address on the orphan funds. At the end of 1913, there were 1.84.S children on the fund, costing h, for thp. year. The number of orphans had increased owing to the war, and he was glad to see thai Swansea was making a noble response. Mr. 11 y. Morton, St. Thomas, was introduced for the remark- able manner in which he and his dog had augmented the funds. Credit, is due to the organisers. Messrs. Dupree and Evans, and the stewards. "Athaiie" at Manselton. Racine's drama, "Athalie." set to music by Mendelssohn, was produced at the third annual concert of the Manselton English Congregational Church. to- gether with a miscellaneous programme. The artistes were:—Misses May Roberts. Beatrice Jenkins, M. L. Williams (Swan- sea), Mr. J. Amos Jones (Llanelly), Mrs. Hall (Swansea). Mr. John Roberts (Glanammnian), and Mr. Willie Roberts* orchestra. Mr. T. Ivor Owens, L.R.A.M., conducted, and the accompanist was Miss Gertie Thomas, R.A.M. At Sketty English Congregational Chapel Mr. Thomas Jones, J.P.. presided. The Gwent Glee Singers beautifully ren- dered several choruses, and solos were given by Miss Gladys Bromham, Messrs. Ben Johns, and Mr. J. Owen. Mr. BlwYll Daniels gave a pianoforte solo. and there was a violin solo by Miss Elsie Widgery, and a duet by Mr. J. W. Jones and Miss Gladys Bromham. Penelawdd Eisteddfod. An eisteddfod at Bethel Chapel, Pen- cJawdd. was arranged by the three Non- conformist churches in aid of the Park Hendy Cemetery Fund. The MdjudK'ators were: Music, Mr. C. Meudwy Davies. Llanelly; literature. Rev. H. J. Lewis, The Manse, Burry Green; painting, Nfr. D. A. Jeukins, Gowerfon. The officials were: Chair- man, Mr. John Rees; secretary. Mr. D. Rees; treasurer, Mr. W. H. Davies; ac- companist. Mr. P. C. Jenkins. Awards; .I. ft Airo soio, unuer j_: J. uwyn ouy; J, I Wm. J. Jenkins. Alto solo, girls under 16: 1, Rosie M. I Ree-s; 2, Lizzie J. Dallimore. Alto solo, boys under 16: Emryg Jen- kins. Pianoforte solo, under 12: L. Harding. Gowerfon. Pianoforte solo, under 16: Gwladys Thomas. Soprano solo: Miss Lily Hinds. Contralto solo: Miss M. A. Davies. Tenor solo: Mr. George Tanner. Baritone solo: Mr. Henry Lewis. Duett (open) Divided between Messrs. G. Tanner and H. Brenton, and Messrs. E. Guy and IT. Jenkins. Children's choir, not under 30: The f»chool choir (conductor, Mr. T. ±\ Jenkins. Recitation, under 12: 1, Annie Bennett; 2, Rachel Grove. Recitation, adults (open): Mr. Enos Guy. Poem: Divided between Mr. Gwilym Guy and Mr. David Davies. Essay: Divided between Mr. G. E. Wil- liams. Llanelly, and Mab y Llwyn." Best painting for school children; Doris Harry. Esther at Morriston. The drnma, Esther, the Persian Queen," was performed at the Forward Movement Church, Morriston, by the Church Choral and Dramatic Society. Though the drama had already been per- formed four times at Morriston, there was a good attendance, which testified to the impression the production has created. Mr. Naboth Francis as Hainan, contri- buted greatly to the success of the produc- tion. The Hey. Wm. Jones gave a clever impersonation of Mordecai. The King and the Court Scribe were represented hy Mr. W. Edmunds and Mr. Lewis Yelland: Mr. Uwilym Jones as High Priest, and Mr. J. John as Bithgan, too. did well. The parts of Zet-isit and Maid of Honour were well sustained by Miss Blodwen Jones and Miss Annie George; as Esther, Miss May Harris (Swansea) was all that could he desired. The strong O rchestra was con- ducted by Miss Lily Jones. Mr. George Gates acted as becretury Morriston Singing Festival. t One of the most successful singing festivals" held under the auspices of the independent chapels of Morriston and dis- trict was conducted by Dr. Caradog Rob- erte. Mus. Doc. Oxon.) The chapels re- presented were Hennon ?P<m?!assp). ??ho (Ve)indre). Ciumet (.Morri.sto?). Horcb (Morriston), and the Tabernacle (Morris- 1 ton). The presidents for the day were: 1 Morning—Mr. W. Peutro Rowlands: after- noon—Rev. 1). F. Lewis; and evening— Rev. M. U. Dawkin*. The morning service was held at Horeb Chapel. -The chapel was crowded, and the singing of the children exceptionally good. One hymn which proved very successful was Eùw'r lesu," composed by Mr. S. Shipton (MorristonL The afternoon and evening services were held at the Tabernacle, when there were large congregations. The singing reached a very high standard, and was greatly praised by the conductor. Dr. Caradoe Hoberts. In the afternoon, Narlwth and Pcrtmadoc proved most 6UceesS- ful, whilst hi the evening Catherine and In Menmriam were the chief fea- tugres. The latter hymn, it may be re- marked. was composed by Dr. Caradoe Roberts in remembrance of his friend, the tat? Mr. Harry Evans, F.R.C.O. (Liver- lat,o .Iir. ll.arry E,ans, F. R C O Praise is due to the secretary, Mr. Wm. Davies (, school master) and to Mr. Robert Richards for the sueeow. of the festival. Mrs. T. J. Davies (Tabernacle) and Mr. ..1). J. Lloyd, L.T.C-L., ably uevOJ»l>uartid. I At Port Talbot. I ''Gynaanfa Caim ?* in connection with' the Methodists was held in the morning at Grove-place Church, Port Talbot, and in the a,ftrnoon and evening at Duffryn Church, Taibaeh. The ehoir.3 were from' Carmcl, Dyftryn. Grove-place, and Saron. The conductor for the events was Mr. T. Hopkin Evans (Mus. Doe.), Neath, who on this bis first visit, to the town, de- lighted everyone. Mrs. Win. Evans pre- sided at the organ. Mr. Rhys Nicholas I conducted the rehearsals. Cymanfa Ganu at Skewen. The Calvinistic Methodists of Skewen, comprising Gorphwysfa and Harmon (.qlttl.r )(,S. held their first united annual cymanfa ganu at Gorphwysfa Chapel, Prof. David Jenkins, Mus. Bae., of Aber- ystwyth, being the oonductor. Mr. Arthur' Om-(,.ii presided at the organ. Master .1. I Islwyn Walters, Misses Sarah L. McNeill, and Morfydd Thomas recited open Psalms, The children were catechized by the chair-, man. The rendering of )he anthem "BuddngoEaeth Calfari" (Prof. David Evans. Mus. Bac.) and Drylliwyd y Delyn (hy the conductor) were excep- tionally effective. A feature of the prO" gramme was the number of tunes com- posed by local musicians. In spite of the fact that the local pits and works were in full work, the congregations were very large tltrc)uglit)iit. Itobt. W. Jonei, acted as s?crctarv. The English Wcslfyans held theirj] annual Band of Hope tea, followed by a¡ ? )nas?' laatM'n pntft'tainiufnt. | At the Parish Church, the usual Good Friday services were held, and including an afternoon Devotional Service. Fabian's Bay Concerts. The operetta. "The Crystal Queen N was performed at Fabian's Bay School- room. St. Thoma. Swansea, on Wednes- day, and repeated on Thursday in aid | the Church Funds. The various parts: were played by the the followjng mem- bersof the choir:—Misses Daisy Morris, Lih- Howells, Hilda Freeman, Mr. W. n. Thomas Master Stan Wilkinson, Erne Jenkins, Horace Samuel, Louis Payne, Misses Marion Park Maud Lay. Winnie Davies, Gwladys Samuel, Ivy Evans, Eileen (element. The choir was con- ducted by Mr. T. Morrie, and accom- panied by Mis6 Hilda Squire. The con- cert. was presided over bv Mrs. Doctor Howells. On Mumbles Pier. Despite the inclement weather, the ex- ceptional attraction at the Mumbles Pier in the form of the Royal Belgian Orchestra, drew very good crowds, the attendance in the evening, when the con- ditions bad undergone a change for the better, being especially good. The fare provided was in every way up to the usual high standard, and the band had a great, reception. The orelie.4 rt will remain on the pier over the week-end. At Britonferry. The usual morning services were held at. the churches and chapels. A if the Weeleyan Church, a tea and concert were given in aid of the trust funds. Mr. Brookfhaw presided Miss Abbott con- d?&ted a. cantata, entiilpd. The Crystal Quf?n." The cbd rafters wore ?u?ie J-?&- bud (Miss Do!!y VbbottK MiUy the Milk- maid (Miss Dorothy Coslett), firt school- girl (M.ifw Noel Martin), Prince of Slumberland (Miss Dorothy Richards), Johnny Stout (Master Walter Morgan), Tommy Thin (Master Davies), policeman (Master Willie Daviesi. first schoolboy (Master Arthur Morgani, Crystal Queen (Miss Lydia Arnold), firstt fairy fMiss Olga Hutchinson), Spirit of Fire (Miss M. Cookwell). Spirit of W;titr (Miss Dolly Martin), Spirit of Earth (Miss May T«lleui). and Spirit of Air (Miss Freda Phillips. Miss Dorothy Richards gave a patriotic song, which was well received. Pontardawe Concert. I The concert held at the Public Hall, Pontardawe. under the auspices of Taber- nacle Congregational Church, Pontardawe, was successful, and a substantial sum was realised for the Belgian refugees. Mr. John Edmunds was the chairman. The principal artistes were: The Misses Maggie Williams (Ethos), Olwen Morgan (Pontar- dawe), Messrs. David Daniel and David Davies, and Mr. T. Gunstone Jones. The Tabernacle Choir, under the leadership of Mr. U. T. Jenkins, rendered a number of choruses. Mr. T. J. Davies, A.R.C.O., gave pianoforte selections. The greatest hit of the even ing was Mr C, unst one the elocutionist. At Potitardulais. All the works were kept going as usual; business houses were closed. The usual services were held at the various ehurobes. The Public llall was crowded to bear a splendid performance of the sacred cantata, "The Cross Triumphant" hy Calfaria Baptist Chapel Choir, under the direction of Mr. Robert Jones, L.T.S.C. At Hope Congregational Chapel the annual public tea was held, followed by au eisteddfod over which Mr. James Thomas. D.C.. Llys Oowyn, presided. At St. Michael's Church "The Crucifixion" was rendered by the mussed choirs of St, Teilo's and St. Michael's Churcbes. Ravenhill Eisteddfod. The sixth annual eisteddfod was held at Calfaria Baptist Chapel. Ravenhill. Conductor: Mr. Ben Jones (Fforestfach). Adjudicators: Music. Mr. J. Clement (Fforestfach), and Mr. A. E. Jenkins (Manselton). Literature: Mr. Dan Matbewf; (Ponhnclulais), Accompanists: M issof Olive R. Jenkins and Annie J. Rowlands (ITorcstfaeh). Joint secre- taries: Messrs. F. P. Davies and Glan Jenkins. Treasurer: Mr. William ETaii?. Awards:—Solo ?Lr!s und?r 10): 1, Wmnio Morgan, Cockett; 2. Selina Cook, Morris- ton. Solo (bovs under 10): 1, Tommy Junes. Waunarlwydd; 2. Iorwerth Reee, Gendros. Solo Igirk under 13): 1 and 2, divided between Selina Cook. Morriston, and Annie ('. James, Manselton, Solo (boys under 13): 1. D. Arthur Williams, Treboeth; 2, Vincent Rees. Gendros. Solo (girls under 16): 1, Beatrice Anthony, Manfttlton; 2, Carrie Hagedorn, I x> ugh or. Solo (boys under 16): 1, D. T. Jones, Ynystawe; 2, E. Llewellyn Harry, Velindre. Recitation (children under 10): 1. Edna O. Smith, Tirdeunaw; 2. divided between M. Hilda Hodges, Fforestfach, and May Nicholas. Recitation (children under 13): 1, Herbert Mainwaring, Fforestfach; 2, divided between Cyril G. Davies. Cockett, and Willie Walters, Pontlliw. Recitation (children under lG) 1, Annie Thomas, Gendros; 2, divided between Willie Walters and May Nicholas. Consolation, prize: Elsie Jen- kins. Pianoforte solo (children under 12): 1, Elsie Thomas, Brynhyfryd; 2, Muriel John, Brynhyfryd. Pianoforte solo (children und*r 16); 1, Rowe Hard- ing. Gowerfon; 2, divided hetw('>n Edith Griffiths, Cwmbwrla, and Beatrice Main- waring, Carmartlven-road. Soprano f-olo (open): Miss Hannah Williams, Ynys- tawe. Contralto solo (open): Mrs. Davies Th ree Crosses; tenor solo (open): Mr. W. Llewelyn, Raven Hill. Baritone solo (open) Mr. John Lewis, Mynyddbach. Recitation (open): Divided between Me,ssrs. Dan Thomas, Tdan sain le t, and E. Evans, Pontlliw. Children's choral (under 14 years or age): Sweet and Low": Ravenhill Party (conductor Mr. Anenrin Jones). Octette: Ravenhill Party (conductor Mr. John Nicholas). Fforestfach Concert. The third annual grand concert was I held at Bethlehem, Cadle. on Good Fri- 1 day, when the sacred cantata, entitled. "God with Us" (Trowbridge), wae admir- ably rendered by the chapel choir, assis- ted by widely-known artistes, under the able eonductorship of Mr. D. J. Richards. Mr. C. S. Thomas. Glasfryn, presided. The miscellaneous portion of the pro- gramme was provided by the following artistes: Soprano, Madame Bessie Morris, Ammanford; contralto, Madame Lizzie Davies, Tonypandy; tenor. Mr. ?eu' Davies, Skewen' bags, Mr. D. 11. Evans. Fforestfach: ('()n)<'tit. :1.1', .Iaml'" {'lark"'1 Waunarlwydd. Mi?s L. J. ?\MD? Florc?? f<te? u?comi?nicd-

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THREE CROSSES EISTEDDFOD RECORD. There was a record number of entries at the thirtieth annual eisteddfod a.t Three Crosaes. The president, was Dr. P. lonee, Gowcrton; and the adjudicators—Music, Mr. C Meudwy Davies, Llanelly, and Mr. Jo-siah Thoma: L.H.A.M.. Swansea; literature, Mr. W. J. IoTxce,, Birchgrove, I^laneamlet. The conductor was the liev. J. C. Lloyd, Three Crosses, -.it-)d the accompanists, Mrs. A. X, JaoiK, S'.vansei, and Mr. tvor Davies, A.L.M.C., Three Crosses. 'I'b,e, a,ww-ld-s were:— Boy* solo, under 14: 1. A. wan. Dunvant; 2. (rordon Jenkins, Upper Killay; 3, Edgar tiraJiville, Waunarlwydd. lie^itation, chiJdreu under 14- 1. Elwyn Kecs, Pantyffynnon; 2 (dfvided). Brynmor Jones. .Tycroee, and Irene Thomas. loughor. Girls solo: 1, Teg-wen John, Waunarlwydd; 2. S. Cook, Mormston; 3, Katie lloskins, Dun Yau t. Pianoforte eolo, children under 14: Tiaura Bawling, Swansea Contralto solo: Meuiime Asmce TlKnnae, Amrnaniord. Open solo, any voice: Idrts Smith, Cwm- gorae. Solo, adults over 50 years- D. Evsnl,. Three Oross««. Tenor solo: Divided bteween W. R. Rees. Gowerton. and Sidney Charles. Llaiiellv. Open pianoforte solo: Divided between G. Davies Thomas, Penelawdd, and Muriel Smith, St. Thotaw. Champion solo: Madame Richards, Llaa- samlet PioRay Evan John Long. Three Croeees Soprano eolo: Mary Cornelius, Swansea. Baritone sulo: W. Lewis, Fforestfach. Recitation for adults: Miee Fr-ancis, Yetalyfera. Poetry: R. Griffiths, Bettws, Ammanford. Quartette: Mrs Beynon and friends, Gower Male voice: Gowerton. In the evening a. concert waa held under the presidency of Mr. J. T. Williams. M.P. The artistes wero Madame Sylvia Jlosgoou (Cardiff). Madame L. Davies (Tonypan ly), Mr. n. Thomas (Pofitycymmer), and Mr. Josiah Thomas (Swansea).

WAR AND THE HORSE. Naturally the war has demanded a vast proportion of the country's best horses, and a question that l**sete farmers and breeders at this time is how to en- sure the standard of future stock. A contributor sends us the following in- teresting notes on the subject:— The horse supply of the nation, which is an important part of the, military re- quirements, has been considerably weakened hy the inroad that has been made into the breeding stock by the war and other causes, and no doubt tinusual measures will be resorted to, to restore the number ot horses for riding pur- pose*. Breeders, wherever possible, should increase the numbers of good stock. Good horses erf all kinds are needed at present, and after the war the demand for home and export will, so it is conjectured, be very great. Owing to the scarcity the p ri ceis of horses have considerably advanced, and this applies to all varieties. Now is the hreedor's opportunity, and he should fnlly recognise the importance of improvement, and to substitute pure varieties, where practicable, in place of nondescripts. The thousands of moun- tain and moorland ponies found on our hills and common lands are calculated to be a national asset, and it has be-it, proved that they are the source from which all our other and larger light breeds of horses have had their founda- tion. The good work carried on by the Black Mountain and District Welsh Pony and Cob Improvement Association during the last four years is making headway tü- wards maintaining the purity of the Welsh pony and coh, and by its intro- duction of selected sire.,3 to the locality, the typt's are becoming more uniform, and the character in each breed more pronounced. In the Black Mountains. The Government, through the Board of Agriculture, have selected that mag- nificent. Welsh cob stalllion. "Young Cribin W>l»h Flyer." (vol. xiii W.S.B.) to travel the Black Mountain district as premium stallion during the season Un;), and breeders would do well to nom inate their mares to this well-bred and success- ful sire. A rare opportunity will be ojten to breeders of Welsh mountain ponies in the self-same district. Grove Ballistite (200W.s.B.) will stand at Brynaiuman during the reason. He is by the in- vincible champion, Pyoel Starlight, and therefore brother to Champion Grey- light, sold for 1.000 guineas. Five pony stallions, specially selected by an official of tho Board of Agricul- ture, will roam the Black Mountain, Carmarthenshire.

A HEARTY SEND-OFF. 71i^v wyond and third companies of pw Glamorgan Royal Garrison Artillery, who have been on duty in the local forts since mobilisation in August, left Car- diff on Tuesday by special train for Im- perial service. Major W. A. C. Tweedy WM in com- mand of the troops, the ofifcers accom- panying him being Captain A. G. Carr and Lieutenants Ware, Nicliolls, Green- way and Barnett. In the absence of a band there was a remarkable demonstration of cheering as the train steamed out of the station.

AGED ENGLISH GENERAL. General George Warren "Walker, Colonel- Commandant, Royal Engineers, celebrated hio :r,th birthday at Hath Tu-vKinv. He is in good health. General Walker en- tered the Army in 1.842, and was promoted to General in 1S85. He was formerly Chief En;rine»u' and Full lie Works tjccrvtary in JdadicU-

I VALUE OF GUNS. EYE-WITNESS GIVES WARNING. March 36. The quiet along our front has not been broken by any event of importance. The weather has been fine, with brilliantly sunny days and clear moon-lit nights. There has been a bitter win(l. which has brought the temperature down below freezing point. Of incidents the follow. ing are alone worthy of record:— On Thursday the 25th. portions of our front were more heavily shelled than usual, and opposite our centre German snipers were active. On Friday five bcmhs were dropped on Essars from a German aeroplane, one man being wounded. The hostile artillery fi re was again hea\y in places. Saturday, the 27th, was also markedly activity by tho enemy's airmen, who dropped homhs on Sailly. killing two men. A Zeppelin was seen at night north-eastwards. On Sunday, the 28th, bombs from German aeroplanes were dropped near Estaires and Hazebrouck, with but small rosulta in eac h case. Siuce mention is not infrequently made of the capture of machine-guns from the enemy, it is necessary to sound a note of warning lest more importance than is justified should be attributed to these iiiinor successes. It is be- lieved that before the war com- menced the Germans had available altogether a stock of 50,000 machine-guns, ai art. from any that may have, been turned out by their arsenals. One prin- ciple guiding its employment is that, pro- vided a gun has earned itt; kflep" or paid for its cost by the number of tha enemy slaughtered, its loss or destruction does not count. For them it has been a matter ot the exchange of a mechanism coeting a few pounds, which can be re- placed at once, for a number of lives ) which cana-jt be roplaced within a genera- tion I 500 Rounds a Minute. I A machine gun at any ordinary rat* Sros 500 rounds a minute. From th« l8eCtor of the defences of euve Chapelle. where the Germans had fifteen within a length of front of 250 yard"" 7,500 bulled I, conld have been poured in o?p. minute. in addition to tho?c from the rifles of the ir?antry manning the parapet*. What the effect of this stream of lead would have bee.,i against assaulting infantry, either held up by obstacles or advancing over clear ground at the slnw xiace alone possible to heavily-weighted eoldierlz. is obvious. German gUllh are of the Maxim type. Tl-e majority of them are built bv the Deutsche Waffen Fabrek. near Berlin, and other factories in Germany, but some of the older ones were constructed in England. Allusion has already been made to the good feeling which prevails generally lx*- tv. een our army and the inhabitants of til, district in which it is quartered. There is one direction, however, in which the kindnes* a the French, especially of th.- womenfolk of all grades of society, has been most, remarkable, and that is the assistance rendered us in the (-are of our itick and wounded Most of our clearing stations for the wounded have been estab- lished in institutions, factori es or private homes, and 'n all cases the owners, tenants, or those merely responsible for the buildings have done everything to help our medical authorities. At one place two ladies, whose private house has been converted into a convales- cent hospital for officers, have insisted on doing the cooking' themselves, because 1 hev considered that the efforts of their cook were not good enough. Many have g-inm nl) their whole time and energies to looking after the patients and attending to their wants, even to the making of barley eiigar for those suffering from coughs- On the other hand, for th-e civil inhabitants, both sick and wounded. es- pecially the Belgians, our British volun- tary medical organisations arc in eom. places doing most noble work I German Opinions. Conversation with some of the captured officers and letter educated prisoners how thrown considerable light on the views on the general situation now held by the Ger- man Army. It is freely acknowledged that Germany started the war. but. opinion seems to be divided as to whether 6ho in- tended to occupy .Belgium permanently or not. The belief is that she would not have crossed the Me use if England had remained neutral. but would have ad- vanced through south Belgium and Lux- embourg, thinking that Great Britain would have taken it the right way." While it is maintained that she desired no territory in Europe not already occu- pied by German-speaking people, it is ad- mitted that: her strategic frontier in the Vosges must be improved. The most important point of the views now held, however, and one that ninst be of special interest to Germany's ally. Aus- tria, is the frank admission that. since the latter has failed so badly in the present war and has had to be bolstered up by the armed strength of Germany, she limit pay for it and will have to bleed. These German prisoners hold that the Austrian Empire will cease to exist, and that the. Germans will give away some of its territory to Italy, and include the Ger- man-speaking portion of Austria in the German Empire, also Luxemburg. Other points are that the Germans will welcome a Grand Duchy of Poland as a buffer between themselves and Russia, will insist on Belgium joining the Genuan Zoll- verein, and on Antwerp becoming an inter- national port. A great central European confederation of Germanic peoples will be formed to include the Scandinavians. In reference to Italy, the Germans look for- ward to the good offices of the Pope, though the necessity of this is regretted, because it is not thought that Papal in- fluence is compatible with the attainment of pan-Germanic aims. There is no doubt that; these views are based on impired aoo highly-coloured newspaper accounts and cleverly edited official communiques. I Completeness of Surprise. I Among those captured at Neuve ("hapelle were many Poles, who spoko German in- differently, and were not- over friendly tA Prussia. They appeared to be deeply im- pressed with the fact that a famous Prus- sion Regiment to which they belonged should have suffered so heavy a blow, and learned with considerable t-urprife that they were not within seven miles of Paris. If there is one thing. and it has become even more noticeable during tho la.3t few weeks, which strikes those who go about amongst our men, it is that the thoaKljt uppermost in their minds is not of their own hardships and sufferings, but of the progress of the war in general and of the operations on our front in particular. The first question that a wounded man usually asks is, How far did we get ? Did wo take such-and-such a trench or position r" He may have been maimed for life, most of his comrades may have been killed, but these things concern him little in com- parison with the point whether his bat- talion or company accomplished the task assigned to them. Nothing els- matters. All those questions of hours of work and wages which have been agitating his friends at home are utterly strange to him. He accepts everything, the heaviest losses to his unit, as well as his own per- sonal misfortunes, in complete cheerful- ness, so long as he knows that we are winning. Not that the feeling throughout the Army has ever been other than on- of supreme confide.nee in the eventual result, but there is now something more than that. Every man feels that the long dreary wiuter is past, and that it is no longer a question merely of ticking it in wet trenches, under a rain of high explosive from above and in ever-present danger of a mine from underneath. He feels that the time for the realisation of his hopes is arriving, and that he is in his own word. £ <-ing to get a bit ui his kown back."

EASTERTIDE IN THE I DISTRICT. HOLIDAY CELEBRATED IN SONG I AND SPORT. Though black shadows of human folly mid crime have ( rushed out the gaiety at the world. Swansea, by all pridcncc available, seems to have had an extra- ordinarily good Easier Monday. Vnlike thnt of Friday and Saturday, the weather was delightful, and not a few amateur gardeners found ample scope for their energies in horticultural pursuit. The withdra.wal of the customary rail- way excursions had the effect that holi- day makers who would have S2>en<t money at Llandrindod, Malvern Wells, or Bristol, patronised the caterers and entrepreneurs of their own town. On the Railways. On the Mumbles Railway and at the Mumbles Pier it was not at all a bad day. A big crowd gathered at the Pier. The withdrawal of railway excursions had a slight effect, but local people used tit traink,, and patronised the Pier and the Royal Belgian Orchestra in large n urn bors. hardly fair to compare thus Faster Monday with others," we were in- formed 011 onquiry. "but still, taking everything into consideration, the day was not at all iia(i Similar report comas of the traffic on the town's tram cars. The Great Western Railway report is slightly less favourable. "Although it was a fin-3 day," we are told, "the pas- senger traffic was comparatively small. The trains which were run were well tilled; hut numbers were out of propor-i tion entirely with ordinary Bank Holi- day traffic, owing, no doubt, to the with- drawal of the usual Bank Holiday fac On the Midland, though the approxi- mate numbers of passengers were 3,000 out and 3.000 in—about the tame as last Barter; c-liglitly Ix-i-itaps, but not lauch. During the latter part of the day we were observed the repre- sentative of the L. and N.W. Wailway. and inasmuch as communication was abruptly cut off at that point, it may be aw,finled .her wero equally busy on Tues- day morning Lure of the Leather. Football had its votaries. The figlit on the Vetch Field between Swansea Town and The. Arsenal Reserves was witnessed by nearly 3.000 persons. Military Rugby matches at St. Helen's drew in the morn- ing a crowd of 2.000, and in the afternoon 4.000. Clyne Valley races engrossed another 3,000, and the country lanes of Skefcty, Parkmill and Reynoldstcn. in their early spring garb, did not allure, the town-dwellers in vain. The i-staff on the Mllmhlf's Railwav had to he considerably augmented in order to cope with the large number of pas- sengers who traveller! to the Mumbles. The chief attraction m the village was the Royal Belgian Orchestra which. under the personal direction ot Monsieur J'. R. Meny. gave two grand patriotic and miscellaneous concerts on the Pier- The programmes presented were full of variety, and included the following items:—Mar<-h. "Tlio Navy" (Pether;; ?clectiun "Welsh M?lodips" (Godfrey); overture. "Bohemian (Ji d" (13all?), indian iMtorn?zxo. 'Sasquehana' <M€ny?, march. Ha-h 01 Steel" (Colin): ?f lec- tion, Tales of Hoffman" (Offenbach), morceau, Aiiba& Printanicrc" ?Ln- combe) selection, "The Gondoliers" ?univan), which ended with the grand National Anthem of the AInps. The refreshment house keepers did a roaring trade which largely compensated them lor the had trade of Good Friday. Cymanfa Ganu. At Morris!on, 1 jr. Caradoe Roberts ex- pressed his great satisfaction with the excellent singing. In Wales only can Mich singing be heard," he said. The children's service in the morning was held ait HOn"b. Never perhaps did children ,iug more perfectly. The after- nfion and evening services were held at the Tabernacle. The work of the pro- gramme had been well mastered in the ififfef-emt churches, so that the rendering ait Tabernacle was a rare treart, and, as I)r. Roberts expressed. a fine specimen of -what. Wales can do in congregational singing. The conductors were Mr. Pen fro Rowlands, Rev. n. F. Lewis (Felindrfe), and Rev. M. G. Dawkins (Carmel, Mor- riston1. Touching references were made during the services to the late He:. W. Emlyn Jones iidd Air. Harry Evans. The annual" Gymanfa Gerddorol" (Singing Festival) of the Welsh Baptist Churches of Neath and district was held at Betliania Chapel, Neath. The pro- ceedings were ably conducted by Professor J. T. Jones. L.R.A.M. (Trcorchv). and Air. W. J. Williams, L.T.S.C., Skewen, presided at the organ. The presidents at the services were as follows: Morning. Rev. John Morgans (Crynant); afternoon. Rev. D. C. Davies (Reeolven); evening, Rev. Thomas Morgan (Skewen). The morning service was de- voted to the children, and their singing w<?5 greatly appreciated. In tact. the Mo?:- ing throughout the day reached a Y?r'1 high standard, each of the services being well attended. The Gymanfa was organised by a repre- sentative committee of which the Hcy. D. W. Hopkins (Bethania), Neath, was the chaiiman. Mr. Fred Williams (Skewen) secretary, and Mr. J. B. Davies (Resolven) treasurer. Aberavon-Port Talbot. There was a tremendous influx of \i-I tor# into Aberavon and Port Talbot, each of the three railway systems pouring trainloads of trippers into the town. The A i-wilavon beach was visited by some thousands, and an extra item of interest was the Aberavon April stock, flannel, and pleasure fair. All the fun of the isir was kept going up to the stroke of mid-night. High-class opera was presented by the Turner's Opera Company at the New Thea/tre, Port Talbot. This was largely patronised, as were the Palace Theatre, Aberavon Theatre, the Grand Theatre, the Picturedroroe, Public Hall, and the .Electric Theatre. Many visited the Port Talbot beach to I see the stranded steamer, Don Hugo. A magnificent gymanfa ganu" was held in connection with the Welsh Itapti-its of the Dtinryu A tan district. Ebenezer Chapel wa,> packed to overflow- ing, morning, afternoon, and night. Triere were t-evf»n massed choirs and the blending ot the .singing was superb. The wnductor was Mr. Theophilus Thomas Ponrgwaithi and t.he chairmen: Morn-| ing. Rev. W. Richards (Pon-trhydyfen);, afternoon. Her. Giles Williams (Cwin- avonh evening, Rev. Harris Morris (CwmavonV A successful singing festival was held at Hehoboth Chapel, Britonferry, in",con- nection with the Baptists of the town. r. W T. Samuel. l.S.M. (Cardiff). con- ducted and spoke very highly of the sing- ing. The accompanists were Miss Gladys Gwynne and Mr. E. Morris. Mr. W. Mor- ris <>alem) was chairman of the morning eervice. Rev. E. E. Davies of the after- noon, and the Rev. II. Hughes in the even- ing. Much of the success of the cyma.nfa ivaa due to the energetic work of Mr. Wm. I Jones, the secretary. There were crowded audiences at each meeting. Aberdulais. Two programmes were given hy the Baplist Choral Society. Aberdulais (under the eonductorship of Mr. Jesfyn in iitll I'or iiiiiny yar.« 11." society iuts produced a high- d; ma-ical compo^if i ,n it ha* become .¡:(i'l' an o>!ahli»hjd auntiai ('H'nL All ?i? wntr.ilHlk Lheh nir;t'ti ,\aill this i year arc to lv heartily congratulated on the success achieved, and the conductor, M i-. J t)st vn Ll. Reœ. deserves especial thanks for his unremitting attention in training his choir to such a high stage of proficiency. The artistes were the Misses Matthews and Louise Llewellyn, of Port Talbot (.soprano and contralto). Messrs. <4riff. V. Griffiths (tenor), D. T. Richards (baritone), and Jestyn 1,1. Rees (bass), and Messrs. 0. J. George, Jdris Jones, Wm. Morr's, ami Dd. Whitelcck. j Skewen. The Welsh Independents of Tabernacle j and Bethania (Skewen) and Moriah (Neath Abbey) held their 7th annual cymanfa ganu at Tabernacle Chapel, the. conductor being Mr. W. Dunn AV- iiliiiin, G. and L., Carmarthcu. The. chairmen of the morning ichildren's), afternoon, and evening (adults') meetings were the RpvsJ S. Evans l,ealt, *v. J. Evan? Jones, and E.' R. Phillips. The following recited opeii- ing psalms: Master J. H. Nathaniel, Miss Mattie Hughes, and Master Lewis. The anthems. Torriad Dydd ar (nnrll" (Dr. Parry) and Liwyddiant Seion (D. J. Morgan) were rendered with thrilling effect by the massed choirs. Mr. William Hughes took the prize for the best hymn tune (adjudicator, the Conductor). Llwrymwrthodwr had the best tem- perance hymn (Mr. James Clement adjudi- cating). Mr. Evan Joshua, of the Neath County School, catechised the children. Messrs. J. Roberts and W. Davies wpre treasurer and secretary respectively. The organist was Mr. John Davies. The choirs were assisted by a stringed orchestra. There were overflowing congregations throughout the day. The Welsh Baptists of Calfaria Chapei held their annual cymanfa. the conduc- tor being Mr. T. Morgan Jones, Merthvr. 'l*he chairmen wore Messrs. J. Roberts. David Lewis, and the Rev. J. S. Hopkins (pastor). Opening chapters were recited by Miss Sarah C. Rees. Mr. Gwilym Mor- gan, and Mr. George Williams. The ae- companists were Misses Cassie Harris, (organ), Elizabeth Williams and Miriam Iiees (pianofortes). A string orchestra also assisted, led by Mr. D. W. Prosser. The two anthems "Dewch. unwn t'in caniadau per" (D. Griffiths, G. and L., Cwmbwrla). and Tevrnasoedd y ddaear" (J. A. Lloyd) were sung with fine effect. Solos were given by Miss L. M. Howells, and Miss C. Maiden, and a recitation by Miss Blodwen James. The I ta t' secretary and treasurer were Messrs. D. Williams and Samuel Jones. Red Cross Bripade. I On Easter Monday morning the Skewen and Neath Abbey Red Cvo&s Brigade turned out for the first time in their smart new uniforms, and were inspected by their newlv-appointed commandant, fr..1. H. Cole, accompanied by Dr. Dd. Samuel, medical oiffcer to the company. Mr. Cole in a short address expressed himself moct pleased with the smart ap- pearance of the men, and said how de- lighted he was to find they were all pro- iTicnt in th? duties of such a brigade. FoUowing the inspection there was a route march along the main road to Neath Abbey and Siding-terrace. Ammanford. I Th? annual figging f<t.tivai was held atEb?nezer -t?apt?t Churcb, Amman-  ford, dpite th fact that there had been a reduction in the number of churches from witich the their is usually drawn, was a succetse. Choristers tins year caino only from Ebenezer, its branc h churches, and l'i.sgah (Peny- hank). Mr. J. Harries-Thoyias, Parcy- rhun Schools, conducted. There was a powerful rendition of the chorus "Heaven and the Earth Display," from Mendelssohn's "Athalie." the solo and tri(1 parts being taken by Mrs. E. Baeset.t, Miss S. Timothy, and Mias J. Bowen. Solos were rendered by Mr. Dd. Jenkins (Penyhank), Mrs. T. Evans (Tirydail), Madame Fowler Williams, Madame M. Nicholas, Miss Lottie Wil- liams. and Mr. W. T. Rees. The morn- ing service was devoted to the children, who were caterchised by the chairman, (Mr. J. Lewis. J.P.). Mr. Joseph Williams (Penyhank), pre- sided in the afternoon, and the Rev. J. Griffiths, B.A., B.D., in the evening. The organist was Mr. H. Williams, A.L.C.M., who wa-s assisted hy an or- chestra under the leadership of Mr. Geo. Evans, L.C.V. The arrangements of the festival were carried out by a committee, of which tlK) Rev. J. Griffiths is the chairman Mr. J. Williams (Wind- strtet). the vice-chairman, Mr. I). J. Davies the secretary, and Mr. D. Jones (Garage), the treasurer. Pontardulais. I The Calvinistic Methodists and the Baptists of the district held their annual singing festivals. Mr. Thomas Davies, G. and L., conducted the 37th annual event at Goppa C-M., for the 28th successive year: Mr. John William Thomas was at the organ, and an efficient orchestra wasl conducted by Mr. Morgan Michael, Glan-I ffrwd. A new anthem, Rwy'n ofni grvm y dwr," specially composed by Dr. D. Vaughan Thomas, M.A., Mlts. Doc.. Swan- sea, was magnificently rendered, as were also Ilandol's well-known choruses, "lie- hold the Lamb of God and We Never Will Bow Down." The presidents were Will 13,.)w ]-)own. Messrs. David Jenkins (Penelawdd), Rhys Thomas (Bettws), and Evan iiopkm (Hernion). The 1 Ith artnuai event of the Baptists was conducted by Mr. John Roderick (Aberavon), at Tabernacle. The presi- dents were Messrs. Morgan Bassett (Hendy). John Gabe (Pontardulais), and Aid. T. Thomas (Llangennech). The (hitdr?n were catechised by Mr. Edwin Da vies ?Salem), and recitations, soto?, and addresses were contributed by Misses Elsie Thomas, May Evans, Lizzie Hum- phreys, Blodwen Bounell, and M. R. Davies. and Messrs. J. S. Harry, William Thomas, J. J. Hughes. Morgan Richards, Tom II. Jo lies, and S. Bevan. The accom- panist? were Mise Emily Morgan, A.L.C.M. (I'ontardnlai) and Mr. Silas EvaM (Illontar(iiila i ) and -Nir. ,4ilas Evans Gorseinon Baptists. I The first annual cymanfa in connection with Sion Baptist Chapel, Gorseinon, and Bethania, Grovftsend, was held at Sion, Gorseinon, the cond lictcw being Mr. Gabriel Morgan and Mr. John .Mor- gan. The following presided: The Rev. M. J. Jones, the Rev. B. E. Williams, M r. Benjamin Elliott, and Mr. W. D. Griffiths. Loughor Congregationalists. The 15th annual singing tMtiya1 in c()ii- nennon with the W&t?t Congrega- bona-lists ?i I?ugb?r. Gowcrton, Waun- gmn, GroHnd. Waunarlwydd, and Gorseinon, was held ait Brynteg, on Mon- day, the conductor being Mr. J. Phillips, Aberavon. and the organist^ 31 r. W. J. H tjfrhes, W a u no rl wvdd. The chai rmen during ilie (toy were: Mr. W. Richards, I Loughor; Mr. T. U. Davies, Waungron; 1 and Mr. 1). Jones, Gorseinon. Kidwelly Methodists. The annual cymanfa ganu of the choirs connected witit the Calvinistic Churches of the Kidwelly district was held at the Morfa Chapel, Kidwelly, on Easter Mon- day. and there was a large attendance of choristers from Burryport, Penibrey, Trimsaran, Ferryside, IJansaint^ Mynydd- garreg, Llaudefeilog, and Kidwelly. The morning meeting was devoted to the juve- nile choirs. In the afternoon and evening the adult choirs sang. The conductor, Mr. E. T. Davies, F.R.C.O., of Merthvr Tydfil, highly complimented the choristers upon their renderings. Miss M. A. Wil- liams, Trimsaran, was the organist, and the Revs. D. G. Owen, Kidwelly, and Isaac I Thomas. Ferryside, and Mr. John Mor- gan. Kidwelly, were the presidents.

WOUNDED CHAPLAIN'S RECOVERY. The Rev. Neville 8. Talbot, son of the Bishop of Winchester, who was the first British Chaplain to the Forces to be wounded in the war, has now been dis- charged, and has returned to his duties. A bullet passed through his thigh, but he was not seriously injured.