The Llanelly Mercury and South Wales Advertiser

PUBLIC HALL WANTED A SPLENDID SCHEME PRO- POUNDED. EXPRESSIONS OF OPINION. There is a growing feeling (writes a Meroury interviewer) in favour of the conversion of the Athenseum Hall and the Museum Room into a commodious public hall to serve as a concert room, dancing hall, and lecture room. I have sounded not a fewpublic men in reference to the question, and have found a strong feeling in favour of the proposal. The scheme, as my readers are aware, has been suggested by Mr. Tom Hughe, who hopes to have the question thoroughly ventilated at the Borough Council at an early date. May success smile upon his efforts say 1. Athenreum Square is, after all, the most central position for such a hail, and moreover, the scheme suggested would be the least costly of any that I have heard named. It would, in short, be a grand arrangement, and I fervently hope that. the Borough Council will successfully carry it through. It has, of course, its difficulties, but they are not many and could easily be overcome. The arrangement would provide a hall capable of accommodating about 1,200 people. That is just what we desire. A hall giving comfortable seating accommodation to 1,200 would meet all the purposes of Llanelly for a dozen years to come. I earnestly hope that Mr. Tom Hughes will not rest until this vastly important and highly desirable scheme is Carried through. It may be contended that the provision of a public hall is a work that should be uudertaken by a public company. The public com- pany, however, is very slow in manifesting itself, and there are, it is obvious, many reasons why a public company should be chary of embarking upon such an undertaking. These reasons do not operate in the case of the Borough Council, and it seems to me that a scheme of this sort., vitally affecting as it does the true interests of the community, should be taken in hand by the Council. It is the duty of the local authorities to provide for the healthy recreation and education of their constituents, and this is a case where the public, I am sure, would gladly back up the Council in a reasonable expenditure, having regard to the splendid object in view. Nowadays, concert promoters have only two alternatives— either to go to the Market Hall or a local chapel. Many people object to secularising chapels in this manner and much may be said in favour of the objection. On the other hand, the Market Hall is woefully unsuitable for the purposes described. As a stop-gap,it has done very well, but as a permanent provision it lias been found a miserable failure, which the public of Llanelly should not tolerate. When everything that can be done towards making the building comfort-able has been done, the results, after all, are highly unsatisfactory. Take as a case in point the recent concert under the auspices of the Choral Society. Mr. John Thomas and his committee positively slaved bard for two days with the object of making the hall warm and comfortable for the occasion, but despite all their efforts, tlle pnrposes in view were not achieved. After all that had been done, the accommodation was positively barn-like, and cold even for a barn. I have been in conversation with Mr. Thomas and Mr. Godsell on the question and both assure me that they are disgusted with the arrangements now existing, and are almost disposed to give up the great work of concert-promoting until some better arrangements are provided, The Market Hall is objectionable for the holding for concerts alike on the score of cost and that of comfort. Of Comfort, there is practically nil of cost there is no end. Why is it," said Mr. Thomas to me, that you don't go in for the scheme advocated by Mr. Tom Hughes ? The existing arrangements ought not to be allowed to go on. Compare our position with that of concert promoters at Swansea, and note the difference. You can get the Albert Hall for the purpose of an evening concert for three guineas or less. It may be loaned for a whole day for the purposes of an eisteddfod for six or seven guineas. Contrast that arrangement with that at Llanelly. It may be said that we get the Market Hall free. Do you know what that means? that it cost us ten guineas to prepare the hall for our last concert not to speak of the labour of the committee and my- self in superintending the arrangements for getting the hall into proper condition ? And after all our labottrs, the accommodation was little better than that provided by a barn." "And you believe Mr. Tom Hughes'scheme would be a solution of the difficulty ? Yes, I do, and you ought to advocate it in the Mercury. It seems to me that this is not specially a work for a public or private company, but for the local authorities, particularly as they have the Athenseum Buildings already in their hands." Mr. Godsell spoke very much in the same strain, and complained bitterly-as did Mr. Thomas-of what was termed the exorbitant charge fixed by the Borough Council for the loan of chairs. These, I feel convinced, are very general opinions, and the Borough Council will be consulting the West interests of the town if they adopt the scheme suggested by Mr. Tom Hughes, and give us a public hall on the lines proposed without delay. DISCUSSION AT THE MECHANICS' I INSTITUTION. The question of a public hall on the lines out- lined above was discussed at a meeting of the Governing Body of the Mechanics' Institution on Friday evening, Mr. J. G. Daw presiding. Mr. Evan Evans observed that he considered it the duty of the committee to discuss the scheme raised at the Borough Council for the transference of the Institution to the local authorities. Mr. Sydney Stuart observed that before consider- ing the proposal, they should be asked to do so by the Borough Council. The Committee should first of all receive proofs of the legallity of the proposed scheme. If the Council wanted their views, the Council would ask for them. The Chairman considered it would be proper for the committee to discuss the question. Mr. Sydney Stuart replied that if there had been any impropriety at all, the committee had been guilty of none, and expressed the opinion that Mr. Hopkins would have been better advised if he bad consulted the committee of the Institution before introducing the scheme to the Borough Council. The scheme suggested by Mr. Tom Hughes was then raised and Mr. Howell Bevan remarked that it was a most important one. People had bef. under the opinion that a public hall would be incorporated in the New Town Hall, and there had been considerable disappointment that it had been omitted. He was heartily in favour of such a scheme as that suggested by Mr. Tom Hughes, and he considered it to be the duty of the Mechanics' Institute to give every possible support to such a scheme. Mr. R. Stuart observed that the committee, he was sure, would gladly do all in its power to support it. It was finally decided that a meeting of the committee be called to consider the scheme.

SUCCESS OF LOCAL FANCIERS. At the Merthyr and Dowlais Poultry Show on Monday last, Messrs. Westley and Williams, Llanelly, carried away the 1st prize for Angora rabbits. In the Minore-a hen class Messrs. L. a nd R. Arthur, Llanelly, took the 3rd prize.

FISHGUARD RAILWAY BILL. I At a meeting of the Llanelly Harbour Commis. sioners held on Monday, Mr. D. W. Rees presiding, Mr. Brodie alluded to the early appearance of the above bill before Parliament and it was highly desirable that the clauses of the bill should be carefully considered by the Commissioners, as there might be certain provisions to which it would be the duty of the Commissioners to objeet.—The consideration of the question was referred to a committee.

BURRY PORT TRADERS AND THE COMMISSIONERS. Ata meetingof the Llanelly Harbour Commision- ers,Monday, Mr. D, W. Itees presiding, the chairman alluded to the bill being promoted in Parliament by the traders of Burry Port to amend certain pro- visions of the Llanelly Harbour Act. The Com- missioners were, of course, going to oppose the bill, and the London solicitors had sent down a draft of the opposition for the consideration of the Com- missioners, and the draft would also have to be carefully considered by Sir Alexander Rendel and Mr. Fowler. It was necessary to go into this question at once, as the terms of the opposition would have to be filed by February 12th. The bill might come on for hearing in March or April.—The document was referred to committee for considera- tion.

BANGOR AND BRECON COL- I LEGES. I Considerable interest is felt in the proposal which has been made that the Congregational Colleges at Bangor and Brecon should be joined and one institution formed. The views of prom- inent Congregationalists have been obtained, and the Elvet Rev. Lewis expresses himself as follows Personally, as things are at present, I feel more and more inclined towards one Theological College well-named, so that the claims of both classes could be properly met. The arts course could be taken at one of the three University Colleges by those who wished to prepare for an arts degree while others would enter the Theological College directly. But, be it by amalgamating or not, we cannot afford to let the present state of things con- tinue. The position of Congregationalism in Wales creates in itself a responsibility we can- not avoid. At present we provide more especially for one class we must provide for the other also."

A FASHIONABLE MARRIAGE- On Thursday afternoon, by licence, at St. Gaorge's Church, Hanover-square, London, W., the m-irriage took place of Mr. Georgo John Edmund Beauvoir Terrell, son of the late Mr. Thomas Hall Terrell, judge of the South Wales Circuit, and Mrs. Grace Caine, widow of Mr. Mansel Caine, of St. Donat's Castle, Bridgend, South Wales, and daughter of the late Mr. J. J. Hawkins,of Cupola House, Burnham, Essex. The ceremony was conducted by the Rev. J. Rowley, M.A., Rector of South Cokenden, Essex, a personal friend of the bride, assisted by the Rev. David Henderson, M.A., of St. George's, Hanover- square. The bride arrived with her brother, Mr. T. Hawkins, of Cupola House, Essex, who conducted her to the communion rails, and in due course gave her away. The bridegroom, who arrived some time previous to the bride, was supported by his personal friend, Mr. Iltyd Nicholl, of Connaught-sqnare, Lon- don, who acted as best man. The bride looked re- markably well in her travelling dress of grey cloth, with fur of unique design, and she also wore a steel- grey velvet toque, with steel sequin crown and large bow of petuniamirroire velvet. She wore no ornaments other than a spray of violets, the bride's favourite flowers. There were neither bridesmaids nor pages, The bride was married from the residence of her friend, Mrs Campbell,of 36,Bedford-court Mansions, Bedford Square, and after the ceremony there was no reception, owing to the recent death of both the bride's and bridegroom's father and immediately after the ceremony Mr. and Mrs. Terrell left for the Isle of Wight, where they will spend the early days of their honeymoon. The bridegroom is a brother of Mr. T. Terrell, Q.C, one of the gentleman nominated for the Liberal candidature in the Carmarthen Boroughs.

THE DEATH OF MRS. THOMAS, STATION HOTEL. PROCEEDINGS AT THE INQUEST. The sudden and lamented death of Mrs. Thomas, of the Station Hotel, was the subject of a coroner's inquiry on Thursday last. Mr. W. Buckley Roderick presided over the proceedings. Mr. H. Thomas, Station Hotel, husband of the deceased lady, deposed: The deceased has enjoyed fairly good health of recent years. About three or four months ago Dr. D. J. Williams attended her for a short time. The deceased was about the house on Tuesday last engaged in her ordinary house duties aliid appeared to be in perfect health. She did not get up yesterday morning as she com- plained of a severe headache and biliousness. She was sick and remained in bed all day. I did not send far a doctor. She has suffered from similar attacks recently. I saw her continually during the day. She took no food, but had some soda water. At about 7.30 last evening I was called to go up and see the deceased. She had just died. I was in the house the whole of the day. Edith Morgan deposed: I am servant at the Station Hotel. I have been engaged there about four months. I saw the deceased about 10.30 yesterday morning. She was then in bed and was suffering from a bilious attack. I was back and fore in the deceased's room all the day. She ate nothing, but I took in some soda water. At about 7 p.m I offered to get the deceosed a glass of warm beer if she would like it, and she said she would. I warmed a little short of a glassful of beer and added some sugar and ginger. I took that up to her and she drink about half of it. As soon as she had drunk the beer she threw up her arms and expired at once. I was the only person with the deceased at the time. The deceased never expressed a wish during the day to see a doctor. Dr. D. J. Williams deposed I knew the deceased and attended her during the months of May, June, and Jul y last. I last saw her professionally on the 31st July. She was then suffering from affections of the stomach, heart and liver and also a disease of the nervous system (paralysis of motion). I have not attended the deceased since. She was, during the illness I referred to, extremely ill, and took occasion to tell her and her husband that given certain conditions she would be liable to sudden failure of the heart. From the evidence I have heard I have no doubt that death was due to sudden failure of the heart (syncope). I do not attribute the least importance to her drinking the half-glassful of warm beer. The sitting up in bed might have caused it. I saw evidence in the bedroom of severe straining throngh sickness which would be a determining cause of the heart failure. The jury returned a verdict of heart failure.

DEATH FROM BURNS AT LLANGENNECH. INQUEST ON THE BODY. An inquest was held on Thursday last at the Nags Head, Llangennech, before the coroner (Mr. W. Buckley Roderick), on the body of Gwilym Rees, four years, son of D. Rees, butcher, Allt, Llangennech. It appears that on November 26th he went to a field near his house with some other children to play. In the field there was a heap of rubbish burning, and by some means or other his trousers caught fire and he was badly burned about the body. He was taken home in a precar- ious condition and died on Tuesday last week. D. Rees, Allt, Llangennech, said he was the father of the deceased and his age was four years. On the 27th November, W. Richards directed his attention to the fact that there was someone cry- ing and that there was something wrong in a field about a 100 yards from his house. Witness went down at once and I saw in the field another of his sons David Rees, aged 14 years, the deceased, and E. Evans, aged 3 years. Witness saw a heap of rubbish burnt out and close by the deceased was standing and D. J. Rees had taken his trousers off because they were burnt. Witness then took his coat off and put it round the deceased and carried him up to his house. Previous to carrying him to the house, he found that deceased was burnt about the legs. After reaching home he put oil on his legs and put him to bed. Witness also applied a poul- tice of barley meal and oil, but only one poultice of this kind was put on. The oil was put on several times a day. After two days Dr. John was sent for and attended deceased up to his death. D. J. Rees, brother of the deceased, said: On the 27th November last I was in a field near the house with the deceased and Emrys Evans shortly after dinner. I was working in the field. My uncle had been working in the field and had put a pile of rubbish and trash and had set it on fire and went away. I heard the deceased crying, and saw him standing near the pile of burning rubbish. I went to him and found he was burnt about the legs. There was no other fire in the field except the pile of burning rubbish. I took deceased's trousers down and called for help. My father then came and took deceased to the house. There was smoke coming from his trousers, but no flame. John Rees, Caeswddeu, Llangennecb, said: On the 27th November I was working in one of my fields near the house of D. Rees. I was cutting furze. On the previous day I had made a pile of rubbish in the field. I set fire to the rubbish in the field and stopped to see it burn down and when I left there was no flame. There would probably be some hot ashes left in the pile after the flame had gone. I saw the deceased there when I leit, he was playing with another little boy. I did not see them playing with the fire. I went away after the fire had burnt out. Dr. Hugh John said: I was called to see the deceased about four or five days after the burns had been sustained. I examined the deceased and found extensive burns on the right limb extending from the buttocks to the knee. I attended the deceased up to his death. He suffered from sup- puration and became exhausted and ultimately died of catarrh of the stomach and pneumonia, the effects of the burns. The treatment the deceased received previous to my attending him, appeared to be proper. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

I GARDENING NOTES. I INTERESTING NOTES FOR THE WEEK [BY KEMP TOOGOOD, F.R.H.S., PRO TOOGOOD & I SONS, THE ROYAL SEED ESTABLISHMENT, SOUTHAMPTON.] If any reader, who is in a difficulty with reference to his garden, will write directly to the address given above, his letter will be answered free of charge and by return post. THE VEGETABLE GABDEN. — The work of February will depend to some great extent on the weather, but we will hope that the winter is almost past. No weeds must be allowed to seed under any circumstances, though many will come into flower during the month. Dig them in, and they will then form a useful food for succeeding crops, Sow broad beans for the main crop in well cultivated heavy soil, the lonjpod section being the more productive and early, while the Wind- sors are better for flavour and general quality, Make the rows quite three feet aprut, the plants being fully six inches asunder in the rows. Beyond pinching out the tops when the beans are showing plenty of flowers, practically no cultural operations are neceesary. If black fly appear, pinch off and burn all affected tops. The first symptom of the infestation will be seen in the sooty appearance of the tips of the plants. As in the case of all beans, the supply is often checked by failing to gather the produce directly it is fit for use. No pods should be permitted to perfectly mature. Early sowings of cabbages can bo made in pans or boxes in a warm frame. Aa soon as the seedlings are large enough, prick them out into another frame in light, good soil, and admit plenty of air. When they begin to touch one another, plant them out, each with as large a ball of earth as possible attached to the roots, into rich ground. Such kinds as Express, Early Etampes, etc., are much to be desired for this sowing. Harden off frame lettuces, and plant them out towards the end of the month. Start a few seeds in gentle heat, grew large enough to handle, prick them out into frames of rich soil and finally plant them some six inches apart in the open. Every alternate plant can then be drawn for use, the remainder being left to mature at 12 inches distance apart. Perhaps the most important sowing of the month is that of parsnip. Deep trenching or digging is the one necessity for producing a good and profit- able crop. Sow the seeds in shallow drills 15 or 18 asunder, placing about three or four seeds every six inches along the rows. Hoe out weeds unremit- tingly from the time the young plants are visible, and thin out until the plants stand from 10 to 12 inches apart. Early peas should be sown freely now, provided that the soil be fairly dry. Personally, we prefer to grow them in rows sufficiently far apart to admit of early potatoes being raised between them. Two rows of potatoes to every one of peas is a good plan, as the latter serve to protect the young shaws when they appear above ground. Directly the young peas appear, dust them over lightly with soot, as a protection from slugs; and when they are three inches high, support them with brushwood, which will serve as a protection both from wind and excessive cold. Make extensive sowings of spinach, the round seeded kind being pre- ferable, in drills a foot apart, covering the seed ono inch deep. February sowings should be in fairly dry ground. The only point of great importance in the after-culture is the early thin- ning out of the plants to avoid overcrowding. The first thinning should leave them six inches apart, and later on every other plant may be drawn for use. If too much be grown, it is a very simple matter to dig the surplus in as manure; and it mill prove a profitable invest- ment even if this has to be done. Choose a sheltered border, well exposed to the sun, and make a sowing of some quick-growing white turnip at once. If very severe weather follow, the seedlings must be carefully protected. It is quite time that shallots were planted in fairly good ground. The old method was to plant them on the shortest, and raise them on the longest day. Place them in the ground just deeply enough to keep them firmly in place. Rhubarb can be raised and divided now, but each planting root must have at least one good eye or crown. Deep and rich soils, well dressed with decayed manure, are best for the crop and the roots should be planted quite three feet apart, the aye or crown being covered two inches deep only. Do not pull from the plantation until the second season. Early radishes are generally more prized than those which are fit for use when many vege- tables are procurable. Sowings may be made on spent hot-beds, in old frames or even in the open ground, provided some protecting litter be prepared. A single check spoils the flavour of the crop, and renders the flesh hot and tough. Just a very small quantity of potatoes may be planted under a warm wall, to supply the earliest dishes. Mix as much wood ashes as possible with the soil, or lay them under the sets in the drills. Plenty of mustard and cress may be obtained with the aid of a frame, and just at this time of year such salading materials are peculiarly valuable, owing to the fact tbab we genrally eat more meat in cold than in warm weather. Sow cauliflower seeds in pans or boxes in a frame on a gentle hot-bed, and prick out the seedlings very early into a rich light bed, sheltered with a frame. When large aud strong enough, the plants can be put out into rich land, it being practically impossible to over-feed the crop. Broccoli seeds can also be sown now both in frames and on a warm, sheltered south border. Towards the end of the month sow a little parsley in, rich, well tilled land, in lines a foot apart. Thin out the youug plants to three, and eventually to six inches apart, a few of the strongest of the thin- nings being planted nine inches asunder in kindly loam. Like shallots, garlic ought to be planted with as little delay as possible. Place the sloves or divisions two inches deep and nine inches apart. The first sowing of tomato seed must be made in sandy loam in pots or pans in a temperature of from 60 to 65 degrees. Some good fibrous loam should be prepared for the plants, which must be potted directly they are large enough to handle.

THE GREAT WESTERN RAIL- WAY COMPANY. The Great Western Railway Company have arranged with Messrs. Walter Hill and Company, of Southampton Row, London, to prepare and print for the Company a list of Farmhouse, Seaside, and Country Lodgings to let in the vicinity of Great Western Stations, and it is intended to also include Hotels and Boarding Houses in the pamphlet. The Station Masters at the Great Western Stations are collecting the necessary information. j

For BURNS, CUTS, BBUISES, BRONCHITIS AND SOBE THROAT, ACHES, PAINS, & STRAINS USE HOMOCEA that TOUCHES THE SPOT and soothes the aching part.

WHAT THE PEOPLE READ. I THE ISSUE OF BOOKS FROM THE I MECHANICS' INSTITUTE. Th issue of books from the Mechanics' Institution during the month of December, as compared with the issue of the corresponding month, was as I follows:— Inc. Dec. History. 33 2 Biography. 25 5 Science and Art 61 27 Natural History 18 no change Fiction 951 126 Essay and Reviews 35 8 Poetry and Drama 25 no change Religious. 21 5 Geography and Travel. 40 19 Commerce, Law, Politics 20 10 Welsh Books 25 no change Education 10 — 5 Total, 1264; net increase, 197.

r — PARKUM TEA. The New Tea. A recent discovery. PARKUM TEA. Cures Headaches. An Unfailing Remedy for Indigestion. PARKUM TEA. A Pure Blend of China, Indian, and Ceylon Growths. PARKUM TEA. Described by a famous London expert as the Best Tea ever offered to the people of Wales. PARKUM TEA. .& ZiL J. m Ladies will always find it will suit their tastes better than any other. PARKUM TEA. The most delicate person will retain it without injury to the nerves or digestion. P A R K U TEA. i A. QUALITY is the true test of VALUE. PARKUM TEA. In i-lb.) i-lb., and i-lb. Airtight Wrapped and Lead Packets; also 5-lb. and io-lb. Tins. PARKUM TEA. Ask all respectable Grocers for it. PARKUM TEA. PARKUM TEA. Should be used in every household. A New Drapery Establishment. COMMERCE HOUSE, (Opposite Presbyterian Church), COWELL STREET, Llanelly. H. EDMUNDS (Formerly of the Golden Fleece) BEGS to inform the Public of Llanelly and JD District that he has Opened the above Establishmenti With a NEW and WELL-SELECTED STOCK of I General Drapery, j Millinery, &c., | And hopes, by personal attention and good value j to secure a share of your patronage. | System of Business—"One Price and Small Profits." Note the Address:— H. EDMUNDS, t Commerce House, ■ COWELL STREET, Llanelly. COWELL STREET, Llanelly. t Special Announcement. [ OWEN JONES & CO. Havivg Newly BOUGHT the WHOLE OF THE STOCK | Of the Late Mr. IOAN JAMES, ( "LE BON MAE CHE," | AT 50 HER CENT. OFF COST PRICES, ii Now Offer the IMMENSE STOCK at Prices which have yet been unknown in Llanelly. Sale now on, and will continue 9 for 21 days. OWEN JONES & CO., "LE BON MARCHE," 27 & 29, Stepney Street, Llanelly. RHAGr-H Y SB YSI AD. CYN15MR EISTEDDFOD, 0 dan nawdd Adran Iforaidd Llanelli, Y LLUNGWYN NESAF. EMIGRATION. PASSENGERS cannot do better than BOOK with JL the Old Established Agent, HANCOCK, Agent for WHITE STAR, CUNARD, AMERICAN, UNION, SHAW, SAVILLE & CO. PASSES attended to, and all assistance eiven GRATIS. Write or call. Note the Address— W. HANCOCK, 2, Downing Street, Llanelly. CARMARTHEN United Breweries, LIMITED. + ALES AND STOUT OF THE FINEST QUALITY. 4 ————. Read what the Trade Papers say of thelB Exhibits at the Brewers' Exhibition. 1896: 1 I. BREIVING TRADE REVIEW," Dec. 1st The Carmarthen United Breweries, Limited.—Ales of splendid quality and rich, full-fiavoured Stout. The COUNTRY BREWERS' GAZETTE,'| Nov. 19th The Carmarthen United Breweries, Limited, were represented by Pale and Best Ales of splendid quality and also by "SSS" stout, which was rich and full flavoured. « THE BREWERS JOURNAL," Nov. 15th. Passing to the products of other districts, we have nothing but praise for the Pale and Mild Ales brewed by the CABMABTHEN UNITED BBEWEBIES, Ltd., whilst the SSS stout from the last-named was particularly rich and full flavoured. The above Ales and Stout supplied at the following Prices:— IN CASKS. 18 Gallons 9 Gallons 4 Gallons] I P A (Bitter Ale) 27s. 13s. 6d. 15 A K (Light Dinner Ale) 20s. 10s. 551 X X X X (Mild Ale) 24s. 12s. 6s. i S S S (Invalid Stout) 24s 12s. 6s. Highly Recommended IN BOTTLE Pints. Half-Pints. IPA 3s. 6d. Is. 9d. A K (Dinner Ale) 2.. 6..1. Is. 4d S S S (Invalid Stout) 2s. 6d, Is. 9d« fir Bottles charged Is. per dozen. Full price allowed when returned. -ORDERS PROlfPTIY ATTENDED TO-