Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

NEATH AND DISTRICT BILL-POSTING CO. I ADVERTISING CONTRACTORS. Owners of all the Principal Hoardings in NEATH and District. For Terms, &c., appiy:- Manager, 45, London. Road, Neath.

IiA SOLDIER i I writing from the trenches says:— 15 The 4 HercsJd of WiJes* is a wsekiy i vi-ettly cor-,ifort

MR. TRUEMAN AGAIN. Brinleys, Ltd., and Their II Books. At the Neath County Sessions on FL day, Cleimnt Robert Trueman brought a series of sum 1110115as against Brinley's, Ltd., Windsor-road, Neath, for not keep- ing on the registered premises of the com- pany a register containing the names and addresses o £ directors and managers ox the company, and against Bnnley Rich- ards, as secretary of the company, illr wilfully committing the offence. Mr. Trueman oontended that the office Was nothing but a lock-up shop. with plate on the door. He had culled repeat wily but failed to get an answer. Mr. Shipton: On the two occasions we have been brought here for not allowing von to see the books, the summonses have been dismissed ?—Y os. Do you remember on the last occasion in this court I informed you that the books were at your disposal for as long as you liked?—Yes. Do ycu remember seeing a book on the 1 Sth at the regi sf<- red office? Quite di=tinot.lv, but I only had a cur sory glance. It was absolutely barefaced nnt ruth to say that I was there for one- and-a-half hours. Mr. Shipton: Do you, because Bnnley Richards was not so well versed in the law as yourself, have the impudence to 'ook at other pages in the book to which you were not entitled to access' Trueman: I was endeavouring to find out whether certain shares ,dlic!) formed imit of the estate of Brinley Richards had been assigned to a Tom Brown. Mr. Shipton admitted that a technical offence had been committed on one par- ticular day, and the Bench imposed a fine of is, Mr. Shipton: There are two defendants; they will pay 6d. each. (Laughter.) Mr. Truman: Is there any for the in- former? (More laughter.) Other summonses on the sheet were withdrawn.

OVERCOME BY EMOTION! At Neath, on Friday, David Jones Davies, headnuister of the Melyn Schools, summoned Thomas Edward Thomas, col- lier, Melinerythan, for ns-ault and using indecent language. Mr. Shipton prosecu- ted. and in detailing the story of the assault made a pathetic reference to the complainants' son. Major Davies, who was killed at the Front. This overcame the complainant, and the hearing was suspended until Mr. Davies recovered. Mr. Davies apologised to the Bench, re- marking that it had touched him on a tender spot. Giving evidence, Mr. Davies said de- fendant called at his school on Monday morning, and asked him to promise that he would not beat his son it he came late to school. Witness said lie could not make such a promise, and defendant became abusive, used most filthy lan- guage, and struck him in the chest. Defendant said he went to the school to the headruaster a simple question, and alleged that he was not treated proi>erly. He denied the assault and the use of in- language. The headmaster's story was corrobo- rated by two seliooll)o.vs-P,,(-rtie and ili-id Jaclu;on-and two assistant teachers. Defendant said he went to the school to protect one of the eleven motherless children. He was a coliery examiner, and his reputation bore inspection. The Bench imposed a fine of €2.

STRANGE CONDUCT. I There was an exciting scene during the hearing of a case at Neath County Sessions on Friday. It appears that a man named Uwen Harries was refused admission by the janitor, according to the custom of the court, whilst a case was proceeding, when he became abusive. Police officers ordered him to desist, and eventually there w a struggle in the corridor. Women and children became hysterical, and two women were knocked down the passage steps and tainted away. P.C. Jones, ot Melincourt. was roughly handled hy Harries, and had his overcoat completely torn off his hack, The scene sent women shrieking, and it is without parallel. Later Harries, a collier, now living at Bonymaen, was brought before the court charged with persistent cruelty to his wife, Matilda Harries, Burnside, Neath. His face bore evidence of the struggle in the corridor, and bis demeanour quiet. Mr. Windsor Williams, who prosecuted, said the parties had been married nine years. The husband had a violent temper, and had never provided a home for her, but Lived with his mother. Complainant said defendant had (wn continually cruel towards her, threatened to cut ber throat with a razor, and locked her out. Defendant from the dock pleaded with his wife to return to look after him and the baby, but she refused, and the Bench granted a separation order, and fixed maintenance at 15s. a week.

PAINS ALL GONE AFTER 12 MONTHS' TORTURE. Mrs. G. Marshall, of 3, George-street, Balsail Heath, Birmingham, sends a letter full of gratitude. She writes:— Two weeks ago I sent for a trial box of Baker's Backache Pellets. After I had taken these I got a box from Boots'. They are truly wonderful. My pains are all gone, after twelve months' torture. I shall recommend them to all who suffer." Baker's Backache Pellets are a positive cure for Backache, Lumbago, Sciatica, Iheumatism. Gravel, Dizziness, and all Kidney Troubles. Get a box to-day from your chemist. Can now be obtained at all Chemists, Bootfi" 555 branches, and Taylor's Drug Stores, Is. 3d. per box, cr post free, in plain wrapper, direct from Baker's Medicine Co., 1, Southampton- ftW, London, W.C. Trial box free for two stamps.

NEATH BOXER BEATEN. I At the Lynn Institute, Cardiff, on Thursday night, J. Shaw, Newport, beat Sergeant Jenkins in the fifth round. Kid Wilson, Cardiff, beat S. Baker, Neath, flWr ten rounds. Blackbarrow beat Erie .Tones. Pontypridd, over six rounds, and W. Morgan, Ferndale, beat A. Beynon, Tylorstown. on points orer 15 rounds. The referees were Mr. J. T. Hulls and Mr. C. Barnett.

COKE STEALING NUISANCE. I There were 19 cases of fuel stealing from the naight"rhood of Llansamlet at Neath County Sessions on Friday. Supt. Ben Evans said the womein were a nirisanoe to the management, and they even stole the coke out of the furnaces. It had kept two policemen busy watting and preventing the thefts.—A fine ot 20s. was imposed in fitch caaa.

I PRINCIPAL SALMON I 25 Years' Service at the Swan- sea Trainin,g College. I On the iast day of the year Prirwupal l David Salmon attaiiis his silver jubilee as principal of the Swansea Training College, and all educationists in Swansea and the public generally, will accord him hearty congratulations on this happy occasion. Doubtless opportunity will he taken hy his host of friends of marking the event in some suitable way. Of the thr?e principals who have laboured at j he College since it was founded in 1872, by the British and Foreign School Society, Mr. Salmon has had by fa.r the longest tenure of office. Alfred Bourne, the first principal, direc- ted affairs for the short period of 1872- tS75, and David Williams followed with 1.5 years' service, being succeeded by the present Principal in January. 1892. Principal Salmon started life as a re- porter at the age of 17, and distinguished 1 himself as a journalist and author in London before coming to Swansea, 2- years ago. At thai time he was editor of The Teacher." Some of his books, mostly on academic subjects, are world famous. His most successful work was-" Longman's i School (Iranun 1 r," published in London, and twice adapted for the United States, where the origin;)! edition,a.1so circulated for India and New Zealand, and it was! c-c-t for, examination for India land further India. As a sequel j he brought out ix);tgman'.s School Cora- position." which enjoyed an exceedingly) good sale. Another notable work of his was a book Ull Joseph Lancaster, tne founder of the monitorial system of edn- cai-io: which has been elaborately illus- trated. His literary activities in Swan-1 sea have been devoted to ancillary articles on the results of his researches into the history of education.

I POISON IN THE COD. A somewhat extraordinary story was related to the Coroner, Mr. Lewis M. Thomas, at an inquest at Neath on Fri- day afternoon concerning the death of Wm. Parter, aged 37, of Masheld-road, vL iyncrythan, who died the previous day alter eating a Lish supper. Dr. O'Flyn said he had been summoned to attend deceased and his mother, \,hen a relative met him on the way and said. Hurry, Doctor, William Parter and his mother have eaten some fish, and they're very bad." He administered an emetic, and ascertained that they had eater, some salt codfish for supper, and became ili almost immediately. The man re»overed | and went to work that night in the Melyn j Tinworks, but he was brought home a few hours later by some workmates and died in the course of the day. Deceased was a very quiet man, and never complained. All he told witness was that he had a nasty old tishy taste in his mouth and throat. Witness said the case was a serious one, and was, of opinion that death was due to ptomai ne poisoning after eating poisoned fish. Tha mot her was also in a bad condition, and was now suffering from acute bronchitis. P.S. Michael said he made inquiries, and discovered that deceased's nephew had purchased a pound of salt cod fish, and this the mother and son had eaten for supper. The jury returned a verdict in accord- ance with the medical evidence.

BEACH MYSTERY. I At Britonferry on Tuesday afternoon, Mr. L. M. Thomas, district coroner, in- vestigated the circumstances attending the death of William Phillips, aged 14, of 87 Xeath-road, Britonferry, whose dead body was found on the beach at Aberavon on Sunday. It was stated that the lad had been missing from home since Dec. 18th. and was last seen alive at Pyle. The doctor expressed the opinion that the body had not been in the water more than twelve hours, and on the instruction of the coroner, an open verdict of Found drowned was returned.

A CRYNANT WILL. Mr. David Marks, of 1, Gould Tree, C'rynant, wh-o died on the 21st January IMt. left estate valued at ?741 gross, with j net personalty M72. Probate of his will j Jaaõ been granted to his widow. l

NEATH GIRL'S FATAL BURNS. Mr. L. M. Thomas, district coroner, and a jury investigated on Friday the sad cir- cumstan-ce3 connected with the death of Mary Elizabeth Be-es, agl-d 15 years, who succumbed from the shock of extensive burns on Thursday. Accordrng to the evidence, rl c('a¡;:p.rl and her married sister, Mrs. Williams fell asleep before thp kitchen ifre. The latter was aroused by a piercing shriek, and saw her sister run- ning about the kitchen with her clothing in flames Thomas Evan Rees. a brother, hearing tha screams, ran downstairs and threw a bucket of water over his si-ster, extinquishing the iliimes.-Dr. Prall de- scribed the burns, a.nd'aaid death was due to shock.—A verdict of "Accidental death due to shock following burns" was returned.

MUMBLES. Christmas Day was spent. very quietly at tilf, were held in the morning at the Parish Church and the uTIO-Uo Cii*i,}>€.LS.

LANDORE. I A 6inging festival was heW ? Caer-'j] salem, Landore, on Christmas Day. T" were large congregations throughout the day, and the singing under the conductor- ship of Mr. J. P. Rogers was of a high standard. Mr. J. Morris presided over j the morning service, I&r- ThOel- Mathias in the afternoon, and Mr. W. Davies in the evening. Mr: Horace Samuel presided at the organ. t A 6uCOO&3ful eisteddfod w as held at I' Dinm Chapel, Landore, on Christmas [ Day. The adjudicators were Mr. W. J. Williams, Mr. Thos. Evans, and Miss M. A. Johns. Mr. W. Clement presided. The awards were: Recit. under 10. C. Jehu; recit. under 16, T. Edgar Thomas, L. A. Thomas, M. L. Lewis; refit.. adults. Mr. Jaoob Johneon: solo under 10, Tom James and G. Johnson; solo, girls under Hi, Olwen Thomas, M. L. Lewi s, and K. M. Evans; solo, boys under 16, J. Ivor John; sol% open over 50, Mr. W. Harris; con-  tralto. Mm. M. Daniels; soprano, Mies S. | Davies; tenor, Mr. Tom Davies: baJ Mr. || T. M. John; duet, Mr. D. Morgn an? Mr. T. M. John; trio. Mr. T. Davies and iriend-s; champion solo, Mr. W. James; wit. Mr. J. Asaph Davies; freehald draw- ing, May Thomas; essay under 14. G. Joha and C. Smith: bakebton bread, Mno. W. Hughes; hymn composition. Mr. W. j; James. [P Printed and Published for the Swansea Prees, Limited, by ARTITUB P À RNELI:; HIGHAK. at Leader Builditiga, ftwaoeea. Î I ]

TALE OF THREE DUCKS. At a special Ystradgyniais Police Court on Friday David Davies, Cwmgiedd, Richard Powell. Penybont-ruad, and Wm. Davies, Glan ley-terrace, were charged with stealing three ducks, the property of Charles Davies, .Station-road. Mr. D. J. Clarke, Swansea, defended. ¡ Inspector Williams gave evidence to the effect that the defendants had been seen with dogs on some fields near the prose- cutor's poultry coop. He subsequently tra.coo their footprints in the.snow. Defendants denied the theft. Davies, who had been previously con- victed. was sent to jail for three months. The other two were, fined S2 each.

"BONT" HERO FETED. I An enthusiastic meeting was held at Goppa C.M. Chapel on Friday evening, when Corpl. Ben Davies was made the re- cipient of handsome gifts on the occasion of hie visit home. Ben Bach," as he is popularly known, has had marvellous es- capee, and has been in hospital a few times. He looks, however, the picture of fitness just now. Mr. Llewelyn Bell pre- sided. and addresse6 were delivered by the Rev. Lemuel Jones (pastor), Messrs. David Hughes (Cwmdwrgi), Noah Davies, Ed. Davies, Wm. Thomas, and David Jeffrey Williams. A splendid miscellaneous pro- gramme was rendered, to which the Cwrn- felin Male Voice Party and the best of local artistes contributed.

¡THE SCROLL OF FAME. II West Wales Officer Promoted to Captain. Staff-Sergt. I nee. R. I.C., attached to the Roy.alField Artillery, has won the Mili- tary Medal for gallantry in the field and for performing arduous duties in extreme dimculty. Official information has been received that Pte. Dd. Thomas, Welsh Regt., son of Mr. and Mrs. George Thoanns, 2. Orchard-street, Carmarthen, has been killed in action. He was 22 years of age. Lanoe-Corpl. W. Phillips, son of Mr. T. Phillips., Pantteg, Cwmbach, St. Cle-ars, has been awarded the Military Modal for gallantry in the field. He won the decora- tion on the, 25th anniversary of his birth- day. News is to hand of the death of Lieut. Harrington, son-in-law of Mrs. Harries, Tregwyut. lie gave up a Government 'appointment in British Columbia, and on- listed in a Canadian unit. Great sympathy ;is felt for the. widow and her son. Private Edward Hughes, 17, Eversley- [ road, Skettv, died aj: his home, on Christ- mas Day. Private Hughef; enlisted early in the war, but a month ago was ordered home to resume his occupation in a local works. A week ago he was taken suddenly ill with pneumonia, from which, despite the best medical attention, he never re- covered. The news has just reached Clynderwen of the death in action of Mr. Jason Peters, son of Mrs. Ann Peters, Bethesda Cross. The young man was an Able Seamai* in the Royal Naval Division, and before joining he lived at Abertridwr. Great sympathy is felt for the widowed mother who only nine months ago lost -on.. Lieut. Albert Lloyd Rees, son of Mrs. Rees, Y Fron, and the late Councillor J. Roes, an ex-mayor of Llandovery, has just been promoted captain. One of his brothers, Lieut. Cyril Rees, died on active service in the Dardanelles. Another brother, Lieut. Ivor Rees, is at piMen't ID Frar?. Captain Rees was offered promo tio:" ? hich he has now accepted, 12 'months ago. The. death has taken place, two days be- fore he was awarded the Military Modal for conspicuous hravery, ot Gunner Evan James, sun of Mr. Thomas James, Star- terrace, Cwmgorse. His oiffcer, writing to the parents, says* "I remember speaking to him two or three days before the I battle, when he laughingly told me that he would not like to miss the battle on any 'account. Such was the spirit of our men. At a critical stage, of the tigb t lie worked his gun and brought, up ammunition for it with complete coolness and utter dis- regard of danger." i News has-been received in Pembroke of the death of Mr. Lester John Griffiths, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Llewellyn Griffiths, of the Stenoi ]?> -rwcry. He went to South Africa some 13 years ag(>. Aftt,,r service with the Colours in German'East Africa, he joined the South African Infantry. He was taken ill, and passed away on the 8th, at the age of -30. His only surviving brother is Mr. Neville Griffiths, of Milton. One of his brothers. Private Os'xmrn Griffiths, was killed at Loos, and another, Pte. Dudley Griffiths, in hospital On Christmas night the vestry of the Philadelphia Baptist Chapel was packed 'to its uttermost, the occasion being the unveiling of a magnificent roll of honour, containing the names of 25 of the boys" from the chapel who have joined the- Colours. Mr. John Roberts occupied the chair. Mrs. Elias Thomas. Manselton, 'performed the unveiling ceremony, and in a very apt address paid glowing tributes to the courage and manhood of our soldiers. Mr. William Thomas, on behalf of the cliureti, presented Corpl. Evan M. Evans with a handsome Morocco leather pocket wallet. In returning thanks, Corpl. Evans spoke of the spirit of his comrades that wei-, left, that" victory must be ours." A miscellaneous programme was contri- buted to by Mr. Tom >fumphreye, Mr. Morgan John (who had a highly trained party of juvenile voices to assist). A character sketch, entitled Days of the Week," performed by seven little girls, under the guidance of Miss Blodwen Morgan, was splendidly given. Mr. Tom Evans, Mr. John Phillips, and the pastor (Rev. D. Pryse Williams) also spoke. The Welsh National Anthem was then sung to terminate the proceedings. Pte. W. J. Thomas, Pontardawe. (Wounded.) Sergt. E. Jones, Gorseinon. (Killed.) Second-Lieut. D. A. Thomat, Morriston (Given a icornmi ion). Pte. T. Willshire, Ske wen. (Died of Wounds.) Cpl. Harry Chalk, Pontardulais. (R.E. Tunnellers.)

I VICTIM OF GAS. I I Death of Ex-Deputy Cierk of Pontardawe Guardians. The death took place at, hie home in Herbert-street, Pontardawe, on Saturday morning, of Private Roger H. Edwards" eon of Mr. Edward Edwards. Deceased, I who was only 27 years of age, had acted until 1913 as deputy c?rk to th? Pontar- dawe Board of Guardians. He then em;- grAtMl to Canada, and when war broke out he was among6t the first to respond to the call of the Mother Country. He I proceeded to France with the Canadian forces, and after undergoing hard fight- ing for some months, he was caught in the first discharge of gas emitted by the enemy. After lying on the battlefield for sev- eral hours he was picked up and sent to one of the London hospitals for treat- ment. About twelve months ago he had sufficiently recovered to return to Pontar- dawe, where he has stayed since with his family and friends. He bore his long ill- ness with remarkable fortitude. Mr. Edwards was an extremely well-known ajid popular figure in the Valley, and through- his genial and kindly disposition he had e»deared himself to many. Prior to leaving for Canada he took a keen in- terest in the Pontardawe hockey and teu- nis clubs. Much sympathy is felt for the I family in their bereavement.

A BIT OF HISTORY. A few days ago, there was issued a Gov- ernment publication which had a reference to Colbren, the tiny village situated high on the bleak moors at the junction of the Swansea and Dnlais Valleys. The ehie-f noint r.f interr- the reference, however, vwir, rue u¡;" the name of the village was spelt '<"V»l brcy\ but. "ó Coolhrcm," a. fact wii'h afcims to invite same com- ment. Every Welshman knows that in Cymric, the word Colbren" is meaningless. It signifies nobbing. The villagers have long realised this fact, and about two years ago ollorts were made to trace the source from which the name had sprung. On the one hand some -wf)pie held that the original name of bhe village was. Givnllech, for it stands on the ancient Glvnllzcb estate of the Price family. But it was argued, on the other hand, that the hamlet had pre- | viously been known as Coelbren. Now the insertion of the fit "e" makes aU the difference in the world to the name. Coelbren is good Welsh; it can be inter- pr"bed as meaning the casting of lots. There waa good ground for assuming that this was the- origina.l name of the village, inasmuch a-s it has long been held that this device was adopted for the selection of the site of the village ch urch, and it wm ultimately decided to ask the authori- ties to allow the name to be so changed The Government announcement re- ferred to at the outset would seem to indi- cate that the request has been acceded to. and probably the station, post office, etc., will be altered accordingly. It is particu- larly interesting^ that this victory for Welsh philology should have been secured at. Coelbren, for it is one of the most ancient spots for many miles around. Near at hand a.re the remains of a. Roman settle- ment. The church is one of the oldest in West Wales (dating back to the thir- teenth century), and its living is one of the msot lucrative. The very fine Henrhvs Falls, on tKe River Lleoh, are about half a mile from the village.

I VICAR JOINING THE COLOURS The Rev. R. D. Hughes, M.A., B.D., the vicar of St. Luke's Church, Poulton, who is joining the Colours, in addition to his scholastic and clerical attainment, is & very successful musician. He was edu- cated musically under Dr. Roland Rogers, organist of Bangor Cathedral, and for 10 years was himself the organist of St. David's Church, Bangor. He gained the distinction of a chief musician of the Na* tional Eisteddfod of Wales under the title of Pencerdd Arvon." His father was editor of Gwalia." The Rev. Mr. Hughes is a brother of Mrs. J. Evans Jones, Skewen. I

TWO PAIRS OF SHOES. I In the uniform of a soldier, William I Morris Jones appeared in the dock at Neath Sessions on Friday, cSarged with I obtaining two pairs of shoes by false pr»- tenoee from Alfred West, Taibach. Supt. Evans said accused represented himself to be a wounded soldier, and on receivin g the shoes left the district. He was appre- hended at Skewen. Accused was remanded in custody until Monday.

"PLYGAIN" AT PEMBREY. I On Christmas Day, at 6 a.m.. the annua] Plygain." or Cwrdd Gweddi," was held at Bethr-I Welsh Methodist OhaprT. Pembrey. Notwithstanding; the early hour and the ]1 inclement weather, the cbapel was crowded. Plygain" has been held for upwards of I 100 years at Bethel*

L2,000 FIRE DAMAGE. A serious fire took place at the Ynisced- ) wyn Tinplate Works, Ystradgynlaio, m the early hours of Tuesday morning. The roof of the tin-house caught fire just before midnight, and by three o'clock it was completely burned down. The Swansea Fire Brigade and the local police, under Inspector Williams, worked hard for a number of hours, but were greatly handi- I eapped for lack of water. Damage esti- i mated at close upon £ 2,000 was caused, sud the machinery in the building was destiowed.

MUNITIONS TRIBUNAL. At the South-West Wales Munition Tribunal at Swansea on Friday after- noon, Mr. Vaughan Edwards presiding, A furnacemau In a controlled works ap- plied for a leaving certificate. He said he was, a married man, and for the last six months had enly worked <ui average four days a week through no iault of his own. He left there three weeks ago, and was now employed at another work. Now engaged as a behinder, he worke-d full time. The President: Didn't they ask you for a leaving certificate when they took you on?—Yes. The President remarked that it was a dangerous thing for them to take him on when he told them he had no leaving certificate. The firm was not represented at the tri- bunal. The leaving certificate was granted. A woman employed at a controlled es- eetabliehment was aka-rged with presenting herself at the entrance while under the influence of drink. She had sent a message to the court to the effect that, as she had to come by train, she would not arrive till 4 o'clock, and the court waited nearly half an hour for her. Evidence of a policeman was being taken when defendant arrived. He and another officer (a sergeant) told how they had seen defendant present herself at 10.15 p.m. on November 21. She was staggering, and appeared to be under the influence of drink. She admitted to them that she ought to have been in at the 2 o'clock shift, but said she had slept in the train after it arrived at the station. An attendant in the mess-room said that defendant was at I a.m. brought in by the sergeant. She was under ti e influence of drink. Defendant was sworn She said slit was supposed to go in on the afternoon shift, but missed her train. Sle I it d ii ffor. ing from a cold, and had already lost one train that week, and that evening fell asleep wliile in the train. She contended that no one complained that she was not in a fit state to work. A conaable told her she would not be able to work that night. Even then he did not charge h-or?, with drink. Answering the President, defendant said she was a "staunch teetotaller," and that all she had that afternoon was half a pint of barley wine. By Mr. Reardon: She had been told that barley wine was a very good thing for a cold. The manager told her she was not to work on that ahift. The President said the evidence was overwhelming that defendant was under the influence of drink. There was no doubt in their minds at all. They would not inflict a heavy fine, because that would be penalising others who were de- pendent upon defendant. You women," said the President, "are doing excellent work in this national orisie; but I don't think some of you appreciate the dangers you run. Will you give up the drink?" Defendant: Certainly, air. President: For your own sake, and for the sake of that little boy you broiigbt here last time, if you want to be a good mother, give up the drink altogether. Hoping that this will prove a lesson bo yoursolf and to others, we obal4 fine you only 10s., and will give yoti a month, to pay-

MISS ASQUITH ENGAGED. The engagement is announced pf MiEs Elizabeth Asqaith and Mr. Hugh Gibeon, of the American Embassy in London. Miss Asquith. who is the ex-Premier's younger daughter, has taken a keen in- terest in war-time charity matinees, and has distinguished heraelf as an elocu- tionist and a speaker. Mr. Hugh Gibson will be best remem- bored for the gallant but unavailing fight: he made for the life of Miss Cavell after she had been condemned to death by the Germans.

DEBADGED MUNITIONERS. Concerning the notice of the withdrawal of war service badges and certificates to semi-skilled and unskilled workmen in munition factories the Ministry of Muni- tions emphasises that the general con- sideration was the supply of fit men for general serivce under 31. No man will be called np except after 1 consultation and by agreement with re-, sponsible ofifcers of the departments con-, eerned, and the Ministry of Munitions urges all men affected to remain at their, posts in munition works until they are called upon <

f\H DIS¡¡'r. tJ A n'?p' U h \r!H I Local Sfieidents of the Fnofival. tuu-is mo mi tig opened somewhat threatening, but as the morning wore on the sun broke out brilliantly, a.nd, with the exception of a couple of sharp, short sjiov/ers, the day was a p-orfeci oiio tor holiday purposes. As in former years, sacred services v ere held at the various places of worship'in the morning and were well attended. The p<. rks, sands and open spaces FWI) thickly peopled, Victoria Park aud the Recreation Ground present- ing amnmted scenes. The streets in the evening, however, were co-t so greatly fre- quented as in former years, ac"iint-at-ile in no small measure to the inroads made by the demands of the war upon the male section 01 the communiLy. The police had comparatively little to record in the way of casualties or any eases of a serious description over the festiv e period, and, on the whole, the peace and order maintained in the town v.as of tue most gratifying character. On Christ-mas afternoon there was a football match at the VItitli Fjpid fen Swnn- sea Town Association team and the Royal living Corps, several thousand witnessing the game which was fought out in an interesting manner. Some of the cinemas were open, many availing themselves after tea of spending an hour or two at these places of atasoment. Little was given in the way of cheap railway travelling facilities, hence the number travelling on the Great Western Railway on Christmas Day was exceed- ingly small, and the train service was only that obtaining on a. Sunday. At all the public institutions Christ- mas Day was spent in the customary fes- tive way. The Wor khou.se, Cottage Homes, Orphan Home, and Swansea Hos- pital were particularly bright on this occasion, everv ,ute-utioii being giren to ma-ke the siuroundiurs quite w-ith lulotid-e. At the Swansea Orphan Homes, a very mjoyahle Christmas was spent. Thanks -the officials, the place was prettily Jecorateu, and the children enjoyed them- selves immensely. There were not many visitors, tho most interesting being a number of the old girls. A carolsenice ancl organ recite,1 was bejd at St. John's Chui-chj Swansea, on Sunday everting, the art'stes being: Miss Betty Powell, Master Tievor Ojgbura, Miss G. Jones, a.nd Messrs. J. E. Fry and I). J. Hanson. The organ, reci-tal was given by Mr. Ivor Davies. A very happy Christmas was spent at ;-he Cottage Homes, Cockett; according- to Tie children it was the very best they had ver had. In the morning they were visited by Councillor Wm. Owen, Mr. 3all, and Mrs. Kelly, who presented jackets of fruit and chocolate, and al-so a tew penny to each of the. children. chairman of the Visiting Committee pre- at dirtier. In the afternoon Mr. fctfreys, Mr. A. Freedman and Father Harrington arrived and helped to ajimse :he children. A pretty concert was given n the evening by the children. Mr. G. rhomas (Gendros School) presided.

I CLYDACH. M..1". D. O. Wtil1am. eecrotary of the Distress Fund. was recently made the rre- cipient from Mr. David R, of Venetia, llearPittsburg, U.IS.A., of a donation of money .for alleviafting any distress arising out of the war amongst the widows aild dependents of local soldiers and sailors, and amongst disabled soldiers and sailors. Mr. Williams distributed the greater por- tion as Christmas gifts. The donor emi- grated from the neighbourhood to Aonerica about 25 years ago. He was a son of the late Mr. Thomas Rees, who many years ago resided at the Tramroad-eid-e, Cly- dach, mechanic at the Grai gola-Mer-Vhy r Collieries. He is a brother of Mrs. Daniel Williams, Allfwen.

I NEATH. Christmastide at Neath passed without unpleasant incident. The spirit ot tide was everywheimanifest. llorue- 'comings were many, and Neath had its fair quota of soldier and sailor ons. The religious observances wore well at- tended. Despite the Christmas pressure, the public were well served by the post, office officials, the outside &taff ha,ying i been considerably augmented by female « postmen." There was no limit to the orga-ui nd effort to make Christmas Day a pleasant j memory at the war hospital. There were floral arches erected in each ward, and the scheme of decoration was lavisli and effective. The thirty convalescent soldiers at the Laurels Red Cross Hospital spent a de- lightful Christmas. The commandant, Mrs. Moore Gwyn, offered a priw for the best decorated ward, but the decorations baffled the judges, and the commandant can-to to the rescue by giving a prize to each ward. In the evening the matron presided over an impromptu concert. As usual, the Christmas dinner at the Cottage Homes, Bryncoch, was given by Mr. J. E. Moore Gwyn, J.P., Duffryn, but owing to indisposition the donor WM unable to be present, and he was deputised by Major Williams (son-in-law). Mr. and Mrs. Morris Sair, the master and matron, worked had to ensure the children a bright and happy Christmas. AT THE WORKHOUSE. The spirit of Yulotide was well main- tained. The Christmas dinner was pre- sided over by Mr. W. B. Trick, J.P. Mr. O'Neal, the harpist-, was engaged for the day.

I SKEWEN. I Ghristmastide at Skewen, as a rule, is one of much activity with the churches of all denominations, and this year was no exception. Among the visitors was a sprinkling of men in khaki and blue, on leave. On Christmas Eve, at English Wesley, there was a performance by the chapel choir of the sacred Qantata H Emmanuel," Mr. Henry Reason conducting and Mr. George Taylor being the accompanist. A | stringed orchestra assisted. The celebration of the sacred festival was ushered in by a Plygain" at several churches, including Hermon, Gorphwysfa, and. the Parish Church, fol-1 lowed in the latter by an early celebration and the prescribed services of the Nativity, At Gorphwysfa competitive meetings were held both afternoon and evening for Juveniles and adults respectively, Mr. Richard William* presiding at both. The adjudicators were: Afternoon, Messrs. Hy. Davies and D. F. Davies; evening, Messrs. J. Clement W. J. Stephens, and H. Davies. Accompanirt. Mr. Arthur Owen. I" At Bethania the pastor, the Rev. S. Evans Gealy, presided over a miscel- me,(-t i ng. A d ji-i d laneous meeting. Adj udicators, Mr. Ben J. Davies (LIen- Bach) and Mr. William Davies; accompanist. Miss E. A. Dnvios. The chief feature was a prize for the best hymn tune tn ill. memory of L.2 lute Aid. ,:0. Howell, J.P. Mr. Ben J. Davies (Lkw Bach) was adjudged tho winner out <>( 14 competitors by Mr. T. Hopkin Eraos, Mus.Ba. the meeting at Herinon was presided over by the Rev. John Beynon (pastor), the adjudicators being Mr. Joseph Jones (Ehedvdd Samlet.) and Mr. J. G. Rosser (loan Du'^ ais). The accompanists were Miss Bronweu Bevan and Mr. D. A. Own. At Horeh Mr. Johuy Davies was in the chair, tlie following adjudicating: Litera- ture, Miss Ceinwv n Morgan art, Misa Siioox; music, Private W. J. Williams, L.T.S.C. The latter, on his joining tho Colours and- on his marriage, was pre- W by the RRv. T. MorgaJi. on behalf of tJK dnirch, with a marble timepiece, thus recognising his long services as organist. Mr. T Thomas was aeco-mpanist. At Tabernacle there was a mcrniug ser- Vkfl, the pa.-tor (Lhe Rev. J. Evans Jones) delivering an appropriate sermon. At the evening competitive meeting the paster presided. The adj udicators were Mr. John Rees, Llansamlet, Mr. Thomas James, M.E.. Mr. David Griffiths, and Mr. Saml. .Jones. The accompanists were Misses Olwen Jones and D. Evans Jones. Mr. x.;van U;:Xi2f" dJ0ir captured the chief choral prize. An interesting innovation wa? a competition in mining questions, Mr. Gwyn 'i,! n (' ta?in? t0 first a n t I' Johnny Davies the second prize. At Calfaria Mr. Francis Rees presided.. the adjudicators being Mr. T. L. Ree,s and Mr. Llewelyn Richards. Mr. T. Baggridge was accompanist. At the Salvation Army Ha-ll a cantata was given by the young people of the local corps entitled Santa Claus is Coming." Mr. George Thomas presided. -e was a parade and route march of the local V.T.C. company in the morning, in charge of Sergeanr-Major M. G. Cole, the battalion band 1 ba remaster, J, Richards) being in attendance.

MORRISTON. j l Here war. a crowded audience at tha Forward Move nen- Hall, Morriston, on Xmas night, when a new war drama en- titled A Royal Thief, specially written for the occasion hy the Rev. William Jones, was performed by the Church Dramatic Soeiety. The Rev. Wm..Tones has, during the, past few years, written a numlnu" of Biblical dramas whiehhav l,,n performed by the Forward Move- ment Drama iC Society, and which have been well reoeive.d by the public, his ,f Esther, the Beautiful Queen" in parti- cular proving a great success. In this year's production, which depicts the aiR-ie.nt Kaiser." Ahab, King of Israel, punished for violating sacred treatjes, thE" author enhanced his reputation, the per- formance being admittedly one of the bet-1 ev..r presented locally. The various scenes were well enacted. Mr. Dau D. Thomas c t with great success in his im. personation of Ahab. Miss A. Jones, too, proved a moqt capable performer in tha role of Jesebel. As King's Councillor Mr. Lewk> played a difficult roie with marked su<-ee.-e. N?both &nd EL Lij" wr6 both ably imp rson??d by the author. whilst Mr. Gwilyui Jones and Mr. Geotrge Gates did exceptionally well. Misses Lily Jones and Miss Dorothy Yelland ably ae- f companied, whilst the secretarial i were admirably cr.rrk*i cut by Mr. Geo, Gates. At Carniel, Mo "iston, on Xmas mora- ing devotional servioe was held when an a da dees vca given to .the children on "The Babe of Bethlehem by the minister, the Rev. M. G. Dawk u s. In the evening a very successful competitive meeting was held. In the absence of Mr. M. Beea Jones, Mr. J. T. Ricuiards presided. The adjudicators wore: Music. Mr. Evan Llovd, A.C. recitnticn, Mr. T. R. John. Accompanists, Mo^srs. Wm. Thomas, A.V.C.M., and Jas "homas. The duties of treasurer and secretary were carried out by Mr. D. C. Jones and Mr. A. Lathiean respectively. The awards were Recitation (under 12). 1. Kate A. Jolin; 2, Brinley Jones. Solo (under 12), 1, Willie t Willia-nis-, 2,  ( I Williams; 2, Matie A. Griffiths. Recite- tion 02 to 16). 1, Hannah Phillips; 2, Anie M. Phillips. Solo (12 to l(i), 1, A. M. Griffiths; 2, May Hughes. Spelling, 1, David R. J.>hn; 2, Richard Williams. Soprano or t rier John D. Phillip. Quartette, divided between John D. Phillips and party and Evan John and pa.rty. Recitation (over 16), divided be- tween Morris James and Tom Jones, II Bema-H. William J. Williams. Penillion. William Jones. Choral, divided between 'j partite conducted by Miss Lizzie Hughes j and MI. H. Lathiean. EISTEDDFOD AT CALFARIA. J A very successful eisteddfod was held at Calfaria on. Xraas evening. Mrs. David Harris (Crown Villas), presided over a large gathering. The adj udicators were: Music, Mr. W. D. Evans, A.C.: rfeitatioii, Mr. Wm. Phillips. Accompanist, Mr. E. [ Phillips. The secretarial duties were ably carried ont by Messrs. Dd. Williams and 1 Mr. E. Phillips- The awards were: Piano- forte (under 11), 1, Selina Cook; 2, Mabel 1 Clarke. Pianoforte (udner 15), 1, Selina Cook. Solo (hoys under 14), Tom John. Solo (girls under 14), 1. Selina Cook; 2, Mary John. Solo for children, 1, Idria Jones. Recitation (boys under 14), 1, R. Mort; 2,. W. Mort. Recitation (girls under 14), divided between Maggie and Bessie Davies. Araeth, Mr. John Davies. Coutralto or baritone, Mise Blodwen Phillips, Plasmarl. Soprano or tenor, J. Simon, Glyncorrwg. Solo (over 40),. Mr. Evan 11 ill. Open recitation, W. Harris. Choral, District Party, conducted by Mr. R. Morgan.