Llanelly Star

I BRITISH RED CROSS SOCIETY A Branch of the above Society has been formed, with Mrs Pryce Rice, of Llwynbrain, as President, Captain Jennings as honorary secretary, and Captain D. Gwynne of Cil- gwyn, honorary treasurer. The County is divided up into districts and at the request of Mrs Pryce Rice, Mrs. Trubshaw has consented to act as Vice- President for the Petty Sessional Division of Llanelly. A Public Meeting will be held in the Assembly Rooms, Carmarthen, at 2 p.m. May 30th, when the scheme will be explain- ed and all information given. It is much hoped that all who are interest- ed in the scheme will make a special effort to be present at the meeting, and to form a strong band of helpers from the Petty Ses- sional Division. The meeting is open to all, men and women.

Telephone at the Town Hall I w It been has' decided to allow the National Telephone Co. to erect a cabinet and apparatus at the Town Hall for the use of the public. It was reported that this could be done near*the Collector's office without causing any inconvenience. The Chairman of the Estates Committee said that when it was last discussed they thought that a rent of £ S annually should be paid by the Company. That was, he thought, too high and should be reduced to half. A representative of the Company was then called, and he stated that such cabinets were in nearly all the Town Halls and Courts of the country, but he did not think that the Company paid rents. He thought that the Company weuld be pre- pared to pay commission on the takings They would give 5 per cent. on £ 6, and 10 per cent. on £ 10. The Chairman Then I think that is a fair offer.

Too Late for Classification. BEDROOM & SITTING ROOM to let JD for two gentlemen, terms moderate, central position Apply, 12 West End,Llan- elly. \V\V J ANTED experienced cook general, by W Mrs Martin John, Highmead. For Sale Pedigree fox terrier puppy; only reason for selling, size too large for show will accept one guinea. Apply, Morgan Rees, White Hall, Llanelly. 51, Albert Street 4 large rooms on ground floor, 4 Bedrooms, Bathroom Lavatory, H. & C. water, and gas throughout Coal and washouse. Apply at above address.

HIS HAT.. is shabby. Why don't you make him buy a decent one ? Very likely his Hatter fitted him to his hat. Weill fit a hat to him. T. RHYS DAVIES Vaughan Street, Llanelly.

Our Sailor King A Llanellyite's Reminiscences I (By J. MANNING O'SHEA, R.N., late Chief Petty Officer, Paymaster Department). King George will always be known as our Sailor King for the great interest which he took in the Navy. It may not be general- ly known that Prince George as he was familiarly called, was the youngest cadet Who ever joined the Britannia,' at the age of 13, when he served two years with his brother, the late Duke of Clarence. The late King brought his two sons down to the Britannia, and by special command of His Majesty, the late J. W. Lawless, Esq., R.N. -ar, uncle of the writer's wife, wrasappoint- ed Naval Instructor to the two Princes, an appointment which he held for eight years Until they became Lieutenants. The training he went through in the Britannia,' y the express wish of His late Majesty, was Precisely the same as that of any other cadet; strict discipline being the order of the day, preparatory to his being drafted to a Man of War. Here he was taught the art of seamanship, boat-pulling and sailing, fencing, swimming, &c., in addition to which he would be com- pelled to put in so many hours at school per day. Prince George was of a very happy jovial disp,sition, and soon became a great favour- ite with the other cadets. Neither was he behind the times. He took a prize for boat sailing, and also pulled in the victorious race for cadets at the Dartmouth Regatta. At the age of 15, he was promoted to Mid- s ipman, and in January, 1S80, he was appointed to H.M.S. 'Bacchante,' his first Man of War, where he served under the flag of Admiral Lord Clanwilliam in H.M.S. n~onsta.nt, accompanied by three other Men of War, H.M.S. 'Carasfort,' 'Cleo- Pa fra, and 'Tourmaline.' Prince George now llZtd his first cruise arctmd' tile world, visiting amongst other places, the West liidles, S. America, the Cape, Australasia, Fiji Islands, China, Japan, and India. This being a Training Squadron, Prince George went through all his drills and the general routine of Man of War life, such as cOal ship, clean ship, general quarters, fire garters, man and arm boats, clear ship for t lOn, target practice, gunnery and krpedo practice, and all manners and d lds of evolutions aloft. During these drills, the young Prince would take his share o responsibility by obeying and carrying Out the orders of his superior officers just as ally other young subordinate officer in the leet would do. Grossing the Equator. f"\ n our crossing the "Equatorial Line he WeIl.t through the mill just as I or any other XloVlce on board had to do. N The night before the State visit of King ePtune," the ship is suddenly stopped when aL Cry conies from Neptune himself, who es in over the bows of the ship with a Olce like a town bull, "Ship ahov." The Sl?ip alio y P answers her name Bacchante." 'What are you ?" British Man of War." Where do you come from ?" England." II Where are you bound to ?" Australia." k° ^aVe you any of my chickens on bl3ard Yes." King Neptune then comes on board and Pays his respects to the Admiral and officers, Procession being headed by the ship's and. After a friendly chat and a glass of good old Navy Rum, King Neptune de- P?rts ready for his state visit next day, but denly, all lights go out, and before you kn °w where you are, fire hoses are display- ed, tons of water come from overhead, and e novice gets his first ducking. When King Neptune is enthroned next day, the Admiral, Captain, Commander, and flcers are duly presented. j may here mention that the ship's com- Pany get a day off to join in the sport. Then c ?n?ences the fun of the fair. Each person ^° has never crossed the Line before is also hly Presented. King Neptune receives his 91esti with great humour, telling them to U°^ ll^ and take a chilly. He then ders each person to be well lathered and ? ?d, the lather consisting of soot, soft SOha and °??? ingredients. The barber's C b 'chafr ?s on a swivel and as each person is sv Ve^' the razor being a piece of old hoop iro *1 b iro to take the thickness of the lather off, ? ? then '?"signed to his friends the B ?rs in the bath below, usually turning a complete sumersault. At each end of the sail a seaman is stationed with a hose pipe, so that with the ducking from the bears and the hose pipe you get a jolly good re- ception all round. Once you get clear of the bath you can then, enjoy the fun of the fair by seeing others treated likewise. Officers, of course, get their ducking first,and everyone else in accordance to rank. Prince George not only took his dose in good part but laughed heartily at the others going through, and he well enjoyed the day's sport. It is a day that is never forgotten throughout each ship in the British Navy. Needless to say, you would never go through the ordeal yourself a second time, once you have crossed, but in every ship it is carried out. A Fiji Joke. The Royal princes were received every- where we went with great loyalty, thousands coming from all parts to see them and the fleet. Especially did Australia honour them. One good joke occurred at Fiji. The Niggers were anxious to fete Prince George and his brother with a War dance. When everything was arranged and in full swing, all the ships turned on their powerful search- lights, and the natives became so alarmed, they yelled, whistled, and shouted, most of them taking to their heels thinking the world had come to an end. The signal was made from the Admiral on shore to put the lights out immediately, otherwise, I believe, the natives would have gone mad with fear. On leaving the Fiji Islands, we proceeded to China and Japan, visiting all the princi- pal ports in the Empire. Prince George finally leaving us for England via the Suez Canal, visiting Palestine and the Holy Land, before returning to England. At the age of 19, he was promoted to Sub- Lieutenant in His Majesty's fleet. A year later, Lieutenant, when he served in several of the battleships, under the command of his uncle, Admiral H.R.H.. the late Duke of Edinburgh. King George proved himself one of ibe smartest -'Heuteijanis in the service. King's First Command. I After 8 years as Lieutenant he was pro- moted to Commander, and got his first command, being H.M.S. Thrush," in 1890. A little incident now took place which shows the grit of our present King. Every- one naturally wanted to serve with Prince George. A picked crew was selected, but on his hearing this, knowing the jealousy it would cause, he requested all the bad char- acters, a term given to men in the service who are fond of a tot extra., and overstay their leave occasionally, should be sent to him. Prince George knew the value of these men, and they were not long under his command before they learned that he was a strict disciplinarian, but nevertheless, a man whom men were proud to serve under. The Prince gave the men all the privileges the service would permit. No one ever at- tempted to abuse these privileges, and in a short space of time Prince George found to his great delight that he had one of the finest and smartest ship's company's in the service, thereby showing his influence on the men. Prince George was next promoted to Cap- tain when he commanded H.M.S. Melam- pus,' from thence to Admiral, having served through every grade in his 33 years, and throughout was one of the hardest working most popular officers the British Navy ever knew, idolised by both officers and men. GOD SAVE THE KING.

It is stated that a prominent footballer who has played for Llanelly, Cardiff, and London Welsh will shortly sign on for Sal- ford.

Changing the Market Day. ——— Is Thursday the best day? ——«.— Views For and Against. —— 6- —— A motion is to come before the Urban Council on Monday, to change the market day from Thurs- day. The suggestion has been in the air for some time, and several letters have appeared in the STAR in reference to it. One of our re- presentatives during the last few days has been making inquiries and found that opinion is sharply divid- ed for and against. I An unsuitable day. I There can be no doubt said a pro- minent draper to our reporter, that Thursday is a most unsuitable day and I felt strongly ever since I have been in busi- ness in the town, that a change should be made. Business life and business methods have been quite transformed since the days when Thursday was fixed for our market day. At that time, Wednesday was the great pay day in Llanelly, and Thursday was, of course, the only possible market day. Now all the local firms with one or two exceptions pay on Saturday & Friday." Why do you favour a change ?' Well, I don't think it was ever intended that the market should be used to the de- triment of local shopkeepers who pay heavy rates and taxes. The place is now swarming every Saturday with Jews who sell dry goods of the most rubbishy kind. If the Llanelly market were held on Wed- nesday, it would mean that these., people would have to divide themselves between Neath and Llanelly.' But what about the revenue of the mar- ket ?' This should not be the first considera- tion of the Council. It is not right to make the market pay at the expense of local tradesmen who are among the heaviest rat epayers.' Another View. I Speaking to one one of our representa- tives, a well-known local tradesmen said The proposal to change the day would be disastrous. I have no other word for it. Thursday has proved to be a most suitable day all these years and thanks to its suit- ability, we have built up in Llanelly one of the finest markets in the country, Why do you want to disturb it? What guarantee have you that the market wont dwindle with a changed day ? I hope that the ratepayers and the bulk of the tradesmen will strenu- ously oppose the proposal which is only made by a few disappointed drapers who are afraid of the competition of a few Jews. I am surprised at them Why, the whole stock in trade of these Jews could be bought up for a five pound note.'

CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH. The Sanitary Inspector (Mr. Sharpe) re- ports that 95 vessels entered the port during the past month. All were inspect- ed and all crews were found in gcod health. The vessels were distributed as follows Coastwise. Foreign. Tl. Nevill's Dock 45 6 51 G.W.R. „ 22 5 27 North „ 10 7 17 77 18 95

BANK HOLIDAY EISTEDDFOD It will be seen from our advertising columns that a very attractive eisteddfod is to be held at the Market Hall on the evening of August Bank Holiday. There will be a (-To prize for the chief choral and a champion solo prize of 4 guineas as well as other attractive items. We predict for this eisteddfod a great suc- cess.

BIRTH. SILVERSTONE.—On the 27th inst., at 35, Murray-street, the wife of Mr. Sil- verstone, draper, of a daughter.

TEMPERANCE I TEACHING. I ——— 0- -——— Deputation to the Education Committee. A deputation on behalf of the Band of Hope Union of Llanelly and District waited upon the Education Committee on Thursday, and suggested that a few teachers should be sent to the Swansea Summer School of Temperance and Hygiene where lectures on Temperance will be delivered by eminent scholars, in July—during the first week of the summer holidays. Rev. Hugh Jones then explained that if their suggestion was carried out these teachers after having been at this school should visit the different schools of the town and deliver lectures on temperance to the school children. He thought that if this scheme was adopted beneficial re- sults would follow. Dk, Johns said that if they granted what had been asked for, they would do much good. Knowledge was power, and the children should have a sound knowledge of the evils of alcohol. Mr. Simlett thought that the children needed sound knowledge on this question. Mr. Nathan Griffiths Although I am not a total abstainer, I think temperance is the best (hear, hear), and I think we should send six teachers at least to Swansea, and that we should pay their fees (5s.), and give each 25s. to meet their expenses. I have pleasure in proposing that. It was subsequently decided to send six teachers to the school at Swansea, and pay all their expenses.

BAPTIST MISSIONARY EXHIBITION. The Baptist Churches of Llanelly and district are holding a great missionary exhibition from Sept. 17th to the 25th, and they have been granted the use of the Market Hall for the event. The applica- tion came before the Estates Committee who granted it on the same terms as were arranged for the Congregational exhibition a few years ago.

Daily News coupons are invited on be- half of W. J. Davies, 8 Victoria Terrace, who has been unable to follow his employ- ment for the last 6 years through a dislo- cation of the knee. After several opera- tions he has now been recomended to Brigh- ton by a London specialist. This is a very deserving case.

The Hospital. e rr Ot"1J g¡!fi;; Annual Meeting this Afternoon The annual meeting of the Llanelly Hospital was held at the Town Hall this afternoon, Mr. Daniel Williams, J.P., chair- man of the Management Committee, pre- siding over a fair attendance.. The report of the secretary (Mr. D. G. Rees), which had been awaited with more than usual interest, showed a gain of £ 172 in the ordinary income as compared with the previous year, the figures being £ 1,667 as against £ 1,495. Out of this sum, the workmen had contributed the handsome sum of £ "966—an increase of £ 101 over the previou, year. Ten years ago there were only 38 works, collieries, etc., subscribing. Now there are 70. During the year, 385 patients were ad- mitted-an increase of 64, while no fewer than 285 operations were performed. The average number of beds occupied rose from 25 to 31. I Increased Expenditure. I As against the increased income there is to be placed a still larger increase in the expenditure, amounting to £ 327, and the sum of £ "423 was expended in the ordinary way in excess of the usual sources of in- come. One big item was the cleaning and painting of the buiicling which swallowed up £ 138. The average cost per head was £ l 5s 7d, in 1908, it was £ 1 5s. 5d., and in 1907, £ 1 5s. lOd. The last fete and gala realised the sum ¡ of £ 202, and the committee express their thanks to Mr. Studt for his continued generosity. They record with satisfaction that he has promised to organize another fete this year, to be held on August 25th and 26th. Appended is a summary of the ordinary receipts £ s d Subscriptions 96 18 0 Proprietors 289 19 1 Workmen 966 0 0 Congregational collections. 70 18 7 Paying Patients 37 1 0 Private Nursing 39 3 0 Collections 30 11 10 Donations 38 9 0 Interest 98 2 0 £1C>67 2 6

Filling up Time Sheets. 6 — The question of filling up time sheets by the labourers in the employ of the Urban Couucil was discussed at the meeting of the Roads Commiltee. The auditor had re- commended that this should be done, as was the case in other towns. The Chairman said that there was no objection to the principle, but the difficulty was that some of the men could not write. Mr. Vivian If they worked for a con- tractor in the town they would be com- pelled to fill up their time sheets or they would have no wages. It was stated that a letter had been re- ceived from the Gas Workers Union to the effect that the men would not do it. Mr. Herbert Rees Well, it is done elsewhere. The Chairman It does not mean that they are to have a penny less wages or a minute's more work to do. Mr. Simlett It is not worth while putting them to the trouble. I prefer the old system. It was decided on the motion of Mr. Willis Jones to defer the meeting,and in the meantime the committee to ascertain how many men there were in receipt of less than 24s. a week.

THE GIPSY NUISANCE. At a meeting of the Health Committee on Wednesday night, Mr. Simlett in the chair, the Sanitary Inspector reported that he had served notices on all the gipsies camping at the Old Tan Yard over a week ago, and had succeeded in getting all to remove except one, whe stated that he had lost his horse and was unable to get awav. He had placed the matter in the hands of the Police, and as soon as the horse was found the remaining gipsy would clear away.

This week 100 labourers employed under the Council were paid off.

F, Asterisks. \r I Where art thou Sermons that have been lived are the ones that make lives. 3:: Lady Stepney and Miss Stepney are going to Ascot for the season. ? • W ho broke that window in Stepney street ? We happen to know, but we take care not to divulge it. Miss Stepney is the Patron of the Llanelly Temperance Choir which goes to the Crys- tal Palace in July. The contribution of the workmen to the Llanelly Hospital is only £34 short of the round thousand. Bravo  said the worried Two years ago to-day said the worried young man, I led my wife to the altar, and there my leadership ended.' w w ? A local carpenter puts his watch under his pillow every night. He says he likes to sleep overtime o e We are sorry to learn that Dr. Harry Roberts, Greenfield, is seriously indisposed, and we wish him a speedy recovery. The great question agitating some local circles is how ever he missed the Bath races this year t Was it only a case of losing the train ? A local party climbed the Bigyn on Wed- nesday night to see the comet. They fin- ished up with three star at the nearest hostel. One of the runners up for the Western Mail tour is Miss Harding, Caerphilly, sister of Mr. Harding, of Buckley's Brewery. She is high up on the list. W ho s who in Llanelly is to be shortly published by the Williams Press, Newport. The book promises to be most interesting, and is eagerly awaited. A London reader who was in Llanelly a few days ago wishes to learn whether the London phrase Not in this hat" has caught on in Sospan town.—" Wait and see." The Mauretania has a tonnage of nearly 32,000. The new liner ,rltanic' now being built for the White Star line will be 60,000. She is not likely to be seen in Llanelly. Go where you will you can't escape the Stepney wheel. Mr. T. M. Davies who has just returned from a tour in Australia found the indispensable Spare" everywhere. Thus is Llanelly advertised. Has anyone seen a H walking about ? It was dropped in Town Hall square by an orator a few evenings ago. Gentlemen," he .said,"we want coal to 'eat our furnaces,to 'eat our ovens, 'eat our fires and to 'eat our 'omes." A Llanellyite arrived home from Carmar- then recently in a very dilapidated state. He had embarked on a coracle on the Towy, and finished up in the Towy. He vows that his next trip will be in a slightly larger craft, the Mauretania for instance. Llanellyites who admired the preaching of Rev. Wynne Thomas at the Centenary services of Capel Newydd will have an op- portunity of hearing him again as he is one of the preachers to officiate at the anniver- sary services of Presbyterian in June. Whose house is this ?' asked a traveller in the Far West of a taciturn stranger. 'Moggs.' Of what is it built ?' Logs.' Any neigh- bours near ?' Frogs.' What is the soil ?' Bogs.' The climate ?' Fogs.' What do you live on ?' Hogs.' How do you catch them.?' Dogs.' Musicians beware 1 There is a promising vocalist in the town who guarantees that he can sing Rocked in the cradle of the Deep' with such effect that he will make the aud- ience feel sea-sick f Also the solo The last Post which will make his auditors lick their programmes and rush off to the post 1 orfice.