Llanelly Star

Llanelly's Claims I recognized. Excise headquarters transfer- red from Carmarthen I Slowly, but surely, the claims of Llanelly as the most important town in the county and in West Wales are being recognized by the authorities. A few weeks ago we were able to an- nounce that the headquarters of the Territorials were to be transferred from Haverfordwest to Llanelly, and that a new drill hall was to be erected in Murray Street. The contract has been let to Messrs Benj. Howell & Son, Ltd., New Dock, and building opera- tions will be commenced almost im- mediately. Following upon this, we are officially informed that Llanelly has now been made the headquarters for Carmarthen excise supervision

Mr. Beaumont Thomas I and the price of food I At one of his meetings in Llanelly, prior to the election, Mr Beaumont Thomas contended that tariff reform would not raise the price of food, and guaranteed to make good to his work- men any increase if tariff reform was adopted. A few days ago, Mr Thomas was challenged to a public debate on the point by Mr Tudor Rees, Cardiff. Mr Thomas has replied to the following effect:— 33 & 35, Eastcheap, London, E.C. 1st February, 1910. Dear Sir,—I beg to thank you for your letter of the 29th January, but I am not prepared to accept your offer of a debate on the question. I think it is time we de- voted more attention to what is practical and less to the academic. Having some large experience of business, I am convin- ced that Preference within the Empire will be the greatest boon for the manufacturers of this country, and that can be gained at very trifling cost.—Yours truly, R BEAUMONT THOMAS."

A BURRY PORT BRIDGE. A discussion arose at the last meeting of the Main Roads Committee over the fact that the Spyda bridge over the Burry Port and Gwendraeth Railway was only fit for ordinary traffic, and that the steam roller could not be brought over it. Dr. Thomas Is it not a fact that steam rollers are ordinary traffic ? The Clerk said that ordinary in this con- nection meant ordinary at the time the bridge was built. Sir James Hills-Johnes said that it was very extraordinary that they should remain fixed foi ever and a day. It was decided to have a report from the Surveyor on the subject, and to ascertain if the Railway Company would be prepared to contribute towards the repair of the bridge.

State of County Roads, At the meeting of the main roads com- mittee (Mr. W. Griffiths,Llanelly,presiding). Mr. Delme Davies-Evans (Penylan) com- plained of the bad state of a b road near Llan- dilo,and Mr. Dudley Williams-Drummond (Hafodreddyn) said there would be trouble if something were not done to the road from Llandilo to Nantgaredig.-—The Sur- veyor said that estimates had been made for proceeding with the work in that direction. Mr. W. B. Jones (Llanelly) remarked that if the surveyor were allowed to pro- vide more metal, Carmarthenshire would have better roads. He agreed with Mr. Evans that the roads all over the county were a disgrace, but it must be admitted that the weather at present was rotten Mr. John Lloyd It is all very well for Mr. Jones to denounce our county roads. Mr. Jones Oh, at me again, (Laughter.) Mr. Lloyd Our county roads will com- pare very favourably with Llanelly roads. Mr. Jones But not with those of Glam- organ. Mr. Lloyd added that the Llandilo road had been starved for years, and it.. would take time to bring it into a desirable state. They must look to the intereets of the ratepayers before thinking of the luxuries of the rich. (Hear, hear.) It was decided to spread 600 tons of metal on the Llandilo road in question, seeing that the steam roller was in the locality.

Stabat Mater" at the I Tabernacle Mr. Meudwy Davies and his choir have never done anything better than Slabnt Mater on Tuesday night at Tabernacle This is saying a great deal, seeing that for the last 31 years they have not failed to bring before the public at least once a year a great musical masterpiece. There was a finish about this production which could not but impress the apprecia- tive audience, and the choristers scored a re- markable triumph in the great tinale- While everlasting ages roll." All the parts were in absolute harmony, there was intelli- gent appreciation of the work, and alto- gether, ihe production was one that reflected the greatest credit upon all concerned. It is to be hoped in the interests of good music that Mr. Meudwy Davies will persevere in his laudable efforts, and will continue to familiarize his audiences with the works of the great masters. A feature of the concert was the uniform excellence of the soloists, among whom Miss Lily Fairney came first in favour. Miss Fairney is a charming contralto with a magnificent range of voice, and her singing of In the Cross of Christ I glory will not soon be forgotten. Madame. M. Lewis was also heard to great advantage, the same remark applying to Mr. David Hughes and Mr. J. S. Perry. The efficient orchestra was under the leadership of Mr. William Richards, the duties of accompanist being discharged with marked ability by Miss Meudwy Davies. The arrangements were in the hands of Mr. David Owen, Annesley-street, the beau-ideal of a secretary.

Shakespeare at Llanelly. We have the pleasure to inform our readers that a theatrical treat is in store for them in the shape of a visit of the F. R. Benson (South) Company, to the ROYALTY THEATRE on Monday, Feb. 7th, for six nights. With the intelligent playgoer, the name of Benson is a household word, for during the past quarter of a century, he has paid annual visits to the chief provincial cities, with an ever varying repertoire of some dozen or more of Shakespeare's immortal works. The enthusiasm he met with, prompted him, about seven years ago, to en- large his sphere of action by starting a second Company, and a little later came the third and fourth Companies, specially con- structed and designed to visit the Halls of the smaller towns. The result of these enterprises has been success all along the line, and in a great many towns, the visit of the Benson Company is looked upon as the dramatic event of the year. The General Manager of the enterprise is Mr. W. H. Savery, and Mr. Henry Herbert, who also plays the leading roles in the F. R. Benson (North) Company, is responsible for the pro- ductions, Mr. Vivian Aldridge being Travel- ling Manager.

MR. BROOM IN TROUBLE. I At the Newport Police Court on Monday, Samuel Lane Broom, of 90, James Street, Llanelly, was fined 20s. or seven days for travelling on the G.W.R. without having paid his fare. It was given in evidence that defend- ant had in his possession the return half of a Llanelly to London excursion issued on January 20th, and a Padding- ton to Reading ordinary ticket taken on January 29th.

A POET OF THE PEOPLE Mr David Francis as a lecturer is a name to conj ure with. Under the auspices of the Llanelly Ambulance Class, Mr Francis will lecture at the Parish Hall next Friday on A Poet of the People." A crowded house will materially assist the finances of the Class apart altogether from the intrin- sic merit of the lecture. Mr Trubshaw is to preside

SUCCESSFUL WHIST DRIVE Great success attended the annual dance and whist drive held at the Parish Hall under the auspices of the Llanelly Church Institute. Mr Arthur E. Beeston acted as M.C., while the whist drive was superintended by the Rev. D J Morgan and Mr "Ernest Kammerer. The ladies presiding at the tables were Mrs Margrave, the Misses Margrave and Mrs Hand, the r secretarial duties being discharged by Mr Glyn Francis i

Tableaux at the Theatre I Last night there was a crowded house at the Royalty Theatre when a brilliant cOLce. twas given in aid of the Parish Church funds The fea- ture of the evening was a series of beautiful tableaux which would have graced any theatre. Among those taking part were Mrs. Frank Nevill, Misses Julia Lewis, May Griffiths, Enid Pascoe, Ivy Lewis, M. Morgan, D. Margrave, and Daisy Evans Rev. D. J. Morgan, Messrs. Archie Lewis, Nicholl Roderick, E. Kam merer, and H. S. Burn. The miscellaneous part of the pro- gramme included songs by Miss Daisy Evans, Miss Julia Lewis, and Mr. Arthur Brown. Recitations were given by Miss Rochefoite and Miss Daniel, while Mr. Arthur contributed a cornet solo and Mr Tom Wise a cello solo. In the fantasy Sha les of Night," Miss Daniel and Miss Daisy Evans took part with fr. Nicholl Roderick and Mr. E Kammerer. During the evening two beautiful bouquets were presented to Miss Rocheforte by Mrs. Nevill and Madame Godfrey.

Llanelly's Picture Palace. Crowded houses nightly testify in eloquent fashion to the great hold which the Picturedrome has taken of the peo- ple of the town and district. For next week there is a programme of unusual attraction. Some magnificent new pic-. tures will be shown, including a beau- tiful hand coloured dramatic represen- tation of Gaul's Hero." This alone is well worth the popular prices of ad- mission.

Bigyn School Full-up." The Bigyn School will have to be en- larged if the members continue to increase as they have done during the last few months It was reported to the education committee on Thursday that the school provided accommoda- tion for 291, while the number of children on the register was 300.

APPOINTMENT FOR A LLAN- ELLYITE. I The numerous friends of Mr. Bert Wil- liams of the Tin-stamping works will join us in congratulating him on his appoint- ment as manager of the Vernon Tin-stamp- ing works, Briton Ferry. Mr. Williams will commence his new duties next week.

THE STUD COMPANY. -0 At the annual meeting of the Carmar- thenshire Stud Co., Mr. J. Anthony, Cilfeithy, presiding, Mr. Jack Francis, Myrtle Hill, was elected secretary in succession to his father, the late Mr. John Francis; and Mr. J. F. Thomas, Pcnybedd, was appointed to a seat on the directorate. Mr. S. N. Powell said he was sorry to observe the little interest taken by people in the horses, and stated that he had tried to help by getting farmers to take nomin- ations, but they would not. He thought it a great pity to see the names of some of the directors who did not take as much interest in the company as they ought to. Mr. A. Thomas thought it was worth considering whether they could not make better use of the capital by investing it, and using the interest by offering prizes at the shows. Their capital would not be reduced then. The chairman said if the people did not want a horse they could not make them take it.

"JOHN CALFIN." This great reformer was the subject of an able and instructive lecture de- livered on Tuesday evening at Lloyd Street Chapel by the Rev. J. J. Jones, B.A pastor. There was a large atten- dance. Messrs. E. Morgan, J. Evans and T. Jenkins also spoke.

I Have you tried our large KIPPERS ? I Delicious for breakfast. JONAH THOMAS.

STOP PRESS. ?!UF" 

TWO CRICKET PROFES- .1 SIONALS. Good Prospects for next Season Taking time by the forelock, the Llanelly Cricket Club have engaged two excellent professionals for next season. Simpson is a Notts man and is described by Mr. A. O. Jones as the best bowler in the county. He is fast medium, and will come to Llanelly with a fine record. The other pro." is Holsinger, who has done notable service in Lincolnshir e. He also is a fast-medium bowler and a good bat. He has played for the county with great success. CRICKET FIXTURES. [Notices under this heading are charged 6d. per insertion 3 insertions, is. The Sandy Mounts Cricket Club invite fixtures for the coming- season.—Apply, Fred G. Williams, 37 Sandy Gate Terrace,

A Chorister at Home. Miss Polly Nash, one of the members of the Llanelly Choir touring in the States has returned home owing to an attack of illness. Happily, she is now quite well again. Speaking to a STAR representative, Miss Nash gave a glowing account of the recep- tion accorded the choir in America. We were received everywhere," she said "with unbounded enthusiasm," & apart altogether from her impressions of the country, the kindness of the people will al- ways be treasured by every member of the choir. The last concert in which I took part was at Kokomo, a fortnight ago. I was far from well then and I decided to make tracks for home. Reaching New York meant a railway journey from Monday to Wednesday. Arrived at New York I had just half an hour to catch the Lucania," on which I nrde the journey across the Atlantic." Miss Nash added that one of the greatest pleasures of the tour wa.; to meet so many Llanellyites who have made homes for themselves in the States. They spoke with affectionate longing of their native town.

Too Late for Classification. WANTED, by March ist, experienced W General SERVANT; must be strong and trustworthy not under 22.—Mrs. DAVY, Queen Victoria Road, Llanelly. TO LET, House and shop in good position Tat Walter-road, Llanelly. Apply- Wilson, Railway Station Hotel, Llanelly.

I Dressmakinl. In this Branch we are Specialists. FIT & STYLE GUARANTEED Features of Our Businessi: Highest Quality Goods, Lowest Prices, No Pressing to Buy. Our Maxim: RELIABILITY. T. R. MACKENZIE I Luton House and Arcade, LLANELLY.

TRIMSARAN DISASTER -» Proceedings by the Home Office As a sequel to the disastrous ex- plosion at the Caedean Colliery, Trimsaran, a Home Office prosecu- tion was heard at the Llanelly Police Court to-day. The defendants were Thomas William Evans, Trimsaran Cottage, Albert Jones, the Plas, and Evan Davies, New Houses,—the manager, agent, and fireman respec- tively of the colliery. Mr. Powell, Neath, appeared for the prosecution, Mr. Kenshole de- fended. Mr Evan Davies watched the proceedings on behalf of the Insurance Co. Mr. David Randell represented the Miners' Federation, and Mr. Lee Davies (from the office of Mr. W. Howell) appeared for the relatives of one of the workmen. Prosecution said that the explo- sion occurred on October 22nd,eight men being injured, of whom four subsequently died. The cause of the explosion was sparks from the Unenclosed motor firing the gas. It Was the duty of the manager to see that a proper amount of ventilation Was provided The requisite pre- cautions had not been taken. The manager was primarily responsible but they had also summoned the agent It would be proved that the Manager was in the colliery at 6 o clock on the night of the accident, and although gas was present then, gave no directions at all. The agent 111 this case was really a head mana- ger because he took an active part in the manacrement, The fireman was being proceeded against for neglect- ing to suspend work when lie must have known that gas was present in dangerous quantities. The Bench decided that general rule 8 did not apply to the charges against the manager and agent, Which would therefore be dismissed. The Bench were not satisfied as tO the agency of Albert Jones, and dIsmissed the charge against him. They found thatthe manager had not Complied with general rule 1, and fined him £ 10 and costs. A fine of • £ 2 was imposed on the fireman who had not complied with Special Rule 76.

What will Mr. Asquith Do ? I The one qrestion which is being asked in the counti y now is what will Mr. Asquith do. Will he get the Budget through first Or give priority to the question of the Bouse of Lords ? Writing to the South Wales Daily News" Mr. William David J.P., president of the Llanelly Liberal Association says The first thing to do is to deal with the Veto of the House of Lords." Mr. David Jennings, the secretary, who \Va also election agent to Mr. Llewelyn Williams, M.P. expresses the same opinion 1n these wotds :— It was significant that while in his Glas- gow speech Lord Rosebery seemed to en- tourage the Lords to throw out the Budget he counselled quite another course after he had been conferring with the King. The veto must go whatever the consequences."

THE CYMRODORION. I Mr. D. Samuel, M.A, Headmaster Illtermediate School, Aberystwyth, was J'he lecturer at the Cymrodorion meet- Ing last evening, Rev. Hugh Jones wethel) presided. Mr. Samuel deliv- ered a scholarly address on the Rev hophilus Evans, author of Drych y S r.f Oesoedd. Rev. Mr. Roberts (All ts) .id Rev. Gwylfa Roberts also took part.

Look at the silly, nervous sheep, Whose very shadow makes her leap. She never knows which way is best But always follows with the rest Don't be a timid sheep.—be wise Strike your own path and Advertise in the STAR.

More Teachers Wanted. At the meeting of the Education Com- mittee on Thursday, Mr. R. J. Edmunds made application for two additional teachers for Old-road School. These were required, it was pointed out, on account of the admission of a number of children from the Furnace district who were the subject of the border children controversy. Referring to a letter which appeared in the last issue of the STAR, Mr. D. R. Jones said the statement that the education of these children cost the town nothing was incorrect. Here was a case where addi- tional teachers were required on their account. The matter was deferred.

I Asterisks. —— Hundreds of Llanellyites journeyed to Cardiff to-day to witness the International. Spiller and Baker did not take the biscuit in the international match. The local Temperance choir intend join- ing the massed choir at the Palace next July of 5,000 voices. Mr. C. Meudwy Davies has been en- gaged for the fifth time in succession at the Festival at the Crystal Palace next July. ? -» Welshmen will learn with interest that the Rev. Elvet Lewis has published his poetic works in a new volume. A rumour reaches us that Messrs. Pugh Bros, have offered their services to Mr. Asquith as cabinet makers. # » Oh, for a bigger hall sighed Mr. Parkinson as he turned a large crowd away from the Picturedrome on Thursday. Mr. T. M. Davies, the managing director of the Stepney Wheel Co., Ltd.. is on his way out to Austrrilia, and intends visiting South Africa and India before returning. The latest. Miss ——: Have you ever been through algebra ?" Yes, but it was in the night, and I did'nt see much of the place a I have known women, says our office philosopher, who would die before they would expose an inch of stocking, but would lay bare the nudity of their minds without a pang. A lady asks us why it is that when she is dressed up to the knocker" re?dy for callers, nobody ever calls. Probably the same spirit of contrariness which brings fine weather when one has his umbrella with him. A university student advertises in a Swiss journal that he desires to give a couple of hours of coaching for examination every evening in return for supper. Especially good at mathematics, and fond of egg dishes." Local students please copy. Wales play Scotland to-day at Cardiff. Office Boy to Employer Please sir, I want to go to my grandmother's funeral to-day." Employer I can't let you go, and I don't think you will be missed, anyway, as the last time she had a funeral there were over 30,000 people there." Another blow for Carmarthen. The Excise headquarters have been removed from Sleepy Hollow to Llanelly. The Assizes and Quarter Sessions will follow by and bye, and then only the jail and the other place will be left, which are better where they are. The first ocean express which ran from Fishguard to Llanelly was that which brought Miss Polly Nash home in the early hours of Tuesday. Miss Nash was a passenger on the Lucania, and a special non-stop was run for her especial benefit. It was the loneliest railway run she has ever had. Llanellyites are in great demand as works managers. The other day we an- nounced the appointment of Mr. Ben. Williams to Teilo. This week Mr. D. W. Jones has taken over the management of the Villiers works, while next week Mr. Bert Williams will commence duties as manager of the Vernon works. Good luck to them all. A young lady not far from Cowell street got home very late the other night, and upon being remonstrated with by her ma- ternal parent, said that she had only been to town. "Then how is it sternly asked her mother, that you took an umbrella out and have brought a walking stick back ?" This probably explains how it is that an equally well known young gentleman is walking about minus his stick just now.