The Llanelly Mercury and South Wales Advertiser

OPENING OF A NEW PHOTOGRAPHIC BUSINESS. W. G. PROBERT (Formerly of Messrs. McLucas & Co.) Begs to inform the inhabitants of Llanelly and public generally, that he HAS OPENED the VICTORIA STUDIO, Vaughan Street, Llanelly, Where, by strict atteution to business and High- class work, be solicits a skare of their patronage. Athletic Groups: -FOOTBALL, CRICKET, and LAWN TENNIS. Children's Groups a Speciality. gap" Enlargements, Paintings in Oil, Water Colours, and Architecture Photography. EVAN EVANS, Public Accountant and Auditor. :-STATION ROAD, LLANELLY. Secretary:- < Llanelly Terminable Building Society, Llanelly Permanent Building Society. Money advanced on Leasehold and other Properties. Short or long terms. Easy repayments. APPLY AS ABOVE. ESTABLISHED OVER A QUARTER OF A CENTURY. For Welsh Batter and Welsh Bacon TRY D. S. PHILLIPS, Grocer and Provision Merchant 30, WATERLOO STREET, LLANELLY, .JJlao every Article in the Grocery and Provision Trade of the best quality at lowest possible prices JAMES JONES, BILLPOSTER, STATION ROAD, KIDWELLY. THE only Billposter that can post and deliver Kidwelly and District thoroughly. All work done personally. No Boys. INSPECTION INVITED. MISS MARY EVANS Teacher of Music, Having Passed all the Local Examinations ot Trinity College, London, wishes to make known that. she is prepared to Receive or Visit PUPILS for THEORY and PIANO- FORTE PLAYING. TERMS ON APPLICATION. 13, Downing Street, Llanelly. W. C. ACE, TEACHER OF MUSIC. Lessons on Violin and Pianoforte. Pupils prepared for the Local Examinations of Trinity College (Loud.), Royal College of Music, &c. Pianofortes and Violins for Side on Easy Terms. 14, WEST END. mSS NASeiE AUBREY MISSSLASGIE AUBREY; (Former Student at the Royal Academy of Music, London), gives Lessons'in Voice Training & Pianoforte Playing And is open to Engagements as ACCOMPANIST AT CONCERTS & EISTEBDFODAC. Visits Llwvnhendy, Liangemiech, Pontardulais, and Ammanford weekly. Further particulars at Marshfield Terrace, Llanelly. LLANQENDEIENE. A GRAND EISTEDDFOD Will be held in -it the above place ou MONDAY, AUGUST 2nd, 1897 (BANK HOLIDAY). CHIEF CHORAL COMPETITION (to Choirs not under 70), "Ffarwel i ti, Gymru Fad" (Dr Parry), £ 20. 2ND CBonAL COMPETITION (to Choirs not under 35), DyUdiau Dyn sydd fel Glaswellty n (T. Davies), £5. MALK VOIO: (to Parties not under 30), "Wyr Phiiistia (D. Jenkins, Mus. Rac.), X-4. MUSICAL ADJUDICATOR — Mr. DAVID JENKINS, Mus. BAC. CONDUCTOR MABON, M.P. Programmes shortly (1d. by Post), from the See.- Sir. LEWIS, Board School, Llangendeirne BURRY PORT. A GRAND EISTEDDFOD Will be held at the above place on WHIT MONDAY NEXT, •JUNE 7th, 1897. CHIEF CHORAL COMPETITION, not less than 80 voices, "Ffarwel i ti, Cymru 1lad" (Dr. Parry). Prize, 1-90 arcl Cbair. MALE VOICf COMPETITION. Cru.v.ders" (Dan Protheroe), not less thai* 40 voices. Gold Medal. CHOKAL COMPETITION, "Pwvsydd fel yr Arghvydd T. Davies). Prize, £5 ami Silver Medal. < ?T. Devie?s ) Ize, ADJUDICATORS :— Music JOHN PRICE. Rhwnuey. roetry, Conductor, &c. Hev. G. PENAR GRIFFITHS, Peutre-cstyll. Secretaries JNO. ROWLANDS, Brynygroes. ARTHUR GOWER, A.C., Pencoed. Treasurer .1. G. FINDLAY. Programmes, Id. each pti Post, lèd.

NORTH PEMBROKE AND FISH- GUARD RAILWAY. Lord Rockwood's Committee met again on Friday for settlement of the clauses of the North Pembrokeshire and Fishguard Railway Bill. Their Lordships went through the clauses witit the ,gents, and adjusted them in accordance with the decision arrived at on Thursday. All the proposals of the measure disappeared except those relating to the Letterston extension, where the promoted will get about 17 addifcional*rmles of railway. The Bill will in due course be reported to their Lordships' House for third reading.

FUNERAL OF THE LATE MRS. LEWIS, SEASIDE. The funeral of the late Mrs. Catherine Lewis, Airybryn Honse, Seaside, took place on the 27th of March. She was an old and esteemed communi- cant at St. Paul's Church. Until the day of her death she had enjoyed health beyond the natural expectation of those who have passed forescore years. She was taken ill suddenly on the Tuesday of last week at 6 p.m. Medical attendance WHS called in, but speedy unconsciousness and death supervened in spite of the attendance of the doctor and she departed this life peacefully about three hours after her seizure, in the house of her young- est daughter, the wife of Mr. Henry Evans, Airybryn House, with whom she had lived for nearly twenty years. A meeting was held on Friday evening, when the vicar, assisted by lay helpers, including Mr. D. P. Davies, Delabeche-street, churchwarden of St. Paul's, conducted a "gwyloes." The funeral was attended by many sympathising friends and relatives. Wreaths were sent by friends and relatives. A beautiful crown of flowers came from Mrs- Henshall, Wern Villa, and a cross from her sorrow- ing daughter, Mrs. Jane Evans, Airybryn. The Rev. Philip Rees, who was present when Mrs Rees died, read and prayed in the house on the occasion of the funeral, and the vioar and his three colleagues (the Revs. Philip Rees, Ivor Jones, and T. A. Jones) jointly took the senioe in Church and at the grave. For the last six yeaars the deceased was the recipient of the Queen's Bounty. It is remark- able that Mrs. Lewis leaves behiad her two sons, two daughters, 47 grand children, and 50 great grand children.

CONCERT AT THE MARKET HALL. An exceedingly interesting and meritorious concert was held at the Llanelly Market Hall on Friday evening last under the auspices of the Llanelly Choral Society, when the pieces selected for competition at the Tonypandy Eisteddfod were magnificently rendered, to- gether with a number of songs and duets by members of the choir. The audience, unfortunate- ly was not a very large one. Those, however, who were induced to be present were more than repaid for braving the churlish blast of a cold east wind, for the concert was enjoyable to a degree, the choir being in excellent form and the various vocalists being heard to great advantage. Mr. G. F. Blake presided, Mr. John Thomas conducted the choir, and the ac- companists were Miss Maggie Morgan and Mr. Luther Owen. The programme was gone through as follows:— Chorus. Of Ye Nations offer to the Lord" Choir Duet Excelsior .Messrs. D. Lloy and Evan Lewis Song CflrmetlCeta" .Mi84il S. J. Davies Song Mr. Jrjo. Biakards Duet. Tell me geutle straisger .Miss M. Griffiths and Mr. J. Marshall (encored) Song .Cymru" Mr. Bvan Lewis Song What is life ? Mrs. B.Lloyd Chorus Ye Nations" Choir Song "Dream of Home" .Airs. Thk)mas (eticored) Quartette. "Good Night, Beloved "Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Lloyd, Messrs. Lloyd and Lewis Song "Margarita" .Mr. D. Lloyd Part Song "Lullaby of Life" Oboir

QUEEREST PARISH COUNCIL IN THE KINGDOM. THE MYSTERY OF ST. PETER'S I WITHOUT. A PAROCHIAL FREAK IN CARMAR- I THENSHIRE. Carmarthenshire contains within its borders the most interesting parochial freak in the kingdom. As we all know, Carmarthen town is almost unduly proud of its prison-tho grim old castle overlooking the Towy. Until last year the prison and part of six houses nea.r it belonged to the rural parish of New- church, although the nearest point of that parish is miles distant This geographical curiosity is accounted for in an interesting manner. The lords of Carmarthen Castle in its palmiest days refused to become sub- servient to the authority of the mayor of the town in his capacity as chief magistrate, and obtained a. Royal grant under which their historic domicile and its grounds were de- tached from St. Peter's (Carmarthen);, and added to distant Newchurch. Why Newchurch was fixed upon is a mystery, because Llangun- nor parish adjoined (only the Towy interven- ing), and the castre grounds already extended to the bridge. Steps were taken by the county council some months ago to remove anomalies of this kind throughout the country for the purposes of the Parish Councils Act. The result at Carmarthen is that, if possible, the present state of thiuts is moreabsnrd than the old, What was done ? "The isolated portion could not be made part of the borough (St. Peter's), because the boundaries of a municipality cannot be ex- tended without going through an expensive Parliamentary process, and this no one was prepared to adopt. The county council simply constituted it a parish of itself, and christened it St. Peter's Without." It comprises the prison and governor's houses, four houses in Bridge-street, and (another absurdity) one back room in the Swan Inn and one back room in the Buffalo Inn in Nott- ai?cl oiif,, I?ftcic roo-cn ;,t square! Of course, this unique parochial ban- tam is entitled to its parish meeting, if not its parish council, bat the parishioners have not hitherto availed themselves of that doubtful privilege. In the event of any parishioner demanding his right under the Parish Councils Act many knotty points will have to be un- ravelled. It is not necessary to be a ratepayer to vote under this Act; lodgers can vote and act on the council. That being so, what would be the position of the lodgers and parishioners in her Majesty's prison, practically the only place <;f importance in the whole parish ? There is also the point whether the people who live at the Swan and Buffalo could claim votes in St Peter's Without, as well as Carmarthen borough, seeing that they have only a back room each situate in it. If they could, would they pay rates for the two parishes without demur ? Heaps of queer propositions arise out I of the most unusual state of things existing in the parish, and the amusing incidents which have occurred in the pnsfe fn connection with the composition of juries at coroners' inquests I held ill the prison would All a volume.

THE FOOTBALL FEVER. SOME OF THE EVILS OF THE GAME. I AN INTERVIEW WITH A MODERN I PURITAN. A well-known, well-dressed, and respectable Llanellyite called at our office on Monday, saying that he had some comments to offer in respect of the position occupied by the game of football in the hearts of the young peoole of the town. I have been waiting he observed, for soma time before saying anything, but it is time now to speak out, and speak definitely. The fact that the soispan remained uncrackod up to Saturday last may have bad something to do with me keeping silent. The sospan, however, is now gone and none of us oan offer any valid excuse for refraining to make a protest." The interviewing member of our staff asked the Puritan to proceed with the counts of his indict- ment. In the first place," was the reply, this tremendous interest in watching football matches does nothing at all to promote the cultivation of physical development among the general run of the popalation. If this was the result of the rag- ing football fever, I should not have much to say, perhaps nothing to say. But it is not the result. The great mass of people who go and witness the game Sfttwday after Saturday at Stradey have not kicked a football hi their lives, and never will This, it seems to me, is a complete and effective jeply to the claim made by followers of the game that it is a splendid faofcor in the cultivation of physical development in the country. It would be right enough if the followers played football. This, however, is distinctly what they don't do. I could understand the immense sum of moneyspent from Saturday to Saturday if the people who stumped up, had the privilege of a good healthy ran on the turf and a few hard kicks on the ball. Bat this precious privilege is reserved for the players, who pay :aohing J Let anyone else encroach upon the sacred enclosure and watch the result." What is the next count of the indictment 1" I will say nothing about the unhealthy excite- ment engenered by the game-the game I mean as it is being played so far as Llanelly ia oonoerned just now. Under proper conditions I am perfectly willing to concede that football is a healthy and manly game. It is the improper conditions that I complain of. The next serious count in that of the disorderly behaviour of the average football crowd. Football, per se, probably enough has nothing to do with this, but the extravagant oanditions of the existing vogue undoubtedly have a great deal to do with them. You read the evidence of Mr. Evans, the Llanelly station master, last week dealing with the conduct of a large section who follow the team when they go from home. It is scarcely necessary for me to say a word by way of supplement to that. As it stands, his evidenoe is damaging and conclusive enough." Anything mot-e I "Just this: that infinitely too rauoh money is spent on the game by people who can ill afford it. The average football follower practically stops at nothing in order to witness a match. He will spend his last penny. Hundreds of pounds are spent on the game in Llanelly season after season, and I appeal to the common-sense o2 my fellow townsmen to say that the bulk, of this money is ill- spent—ill-spent because the majority of the people who paid at the turnstiles oould have laid outthair money more profitably in other ways. Then,?.oo ,I there is the ill-health caused by the unhealthy t excitement of the game. I don't allude to the injuries sustained by the various players, but the foundation of consumption laid by scores of young fellows who, with colds, or weak chests, stand in the rajn and on wet turf watching the oontests Saturday after Saturday."

LOCAL FOOTBALL MATCHES: I LIANBLLY A" v. LLANGENKECH.—This match was played at Stradey on Saturday. The A" team placed several substitutes on the field. Llan- gennech kicked off and Davies mulled, the first scrum being formed in the 25. The ball came out to the A" backs, and they carried play over the centre. Soon after this, the A forwards came away with a rush, and one of their number scored a try which was converted. During the second half, Llangennech made determined efforts to equal- ise matters, but their aggresive powers were bad. The A team managed to score two more tries in succession and ran out winners by 1 goal, 2 tries, to nil.

THE LOCAL CUP TIES. I INTERESTING FOOTBALL AT STRADEY. The second round in connection with the challenge cup offered by the Llanelly Club to the junior teams, was played off at Stradey on Saturday last. St. Peter's Stars and St. John's faced each other in the first match, Play commenoed very evenly and continued so for about 15 minutes of the first half. Tiien the St. Peter's, who were playing in their opponents' 25, essayed a round of passing which resulted in Lwdwick scoring an unconverted try. After this the St. John's forced the play and almost got over. Nothing of interest took place after this until the call of half-time. In the second half the St. John's shewed up better and made things hot for their burly opponents. However, try as they would, they could not cross the line. Some passing between the St. Peter's backs resulted/in Jim Hughes soring another unconverted try. Final score, St. Peter's Stars, 2 tries; St. John's, nil. The next match was played between the Moon- lights and Pontyberem. It could be seen that Pontyberem were the stronger of the teams as soon as operations were started. The Moonlights -showed better combination, although their forwards were pushed off their feet time and again. Ponty- berem confined play mostly to the forwards. The -Moonlights' backs were now put in motion and Davies got over. Simons negotiated. Soon after the kick out Pontyberem were penalized in a favourable position. Simonsjtook the kick and land- ed a goal, but owing to Seymour touching the ball before it got over the bar, a minor only was given. Again the Moonlights brought off a rusn, which resulted in another unconverted try being scored. Pontyberem now shewed signs of improvement and looked dangerous on several occasions, but through no combination in the back division, the attempts were of no avail. The second half commenced with some interesting play. The Moonlights by superior play scored a try which was converted. The kick out saw Pontyberem going up the slope at a fine speed and one of the wing men almost got over, hebeingpushed into touch neartlieline. Pontyberem invaded the Moonlights' territory several times after this, but failed to score, The Moonlights by determined play managed to score two more tries which were left unconverted. Final score :— Moonlights, 2 goals, 3 tries Pontyberem, nil.

GOOD NEWS! Allcock's Porous Plasters have now been reduced to 7}¡.{1. EACH. That's the price you should pay. There is no remedy like them for Lumbago, Rheu- matism, Sciatica, Colds, Coughs, and pains of every description, but- be sure and get ALLCOCKK'S. ,| I

THE POOR LAW CONFERENCE. I INTERESTING REPORT BY MR. T. I SEYMOUR. At a meeting of the Llanelly Board of Guardians held on Thursday last at the Union Workhouse, Mr. T. Seymour presiding, the Chairman gave his report on the conference of poor law guardians held in London, and said he was pleased to meet there Messrs. W. Y. Nevill and Thomas Jones. The first day there were papers read by the old man and the new man. The old man was Mr. Croppell, who came from the North of England. He read almost elaborate paper on the work of the poor law guardians, and said that years ago the work was different from what it was now. The farmers had in ancient times, in order to give employment to the poor, to engage 12 men when only five were really required. This rule was at that time compulsory. Mr. Croppel was of opinion that unless precautions were taken the old system would again beoome operative. It was also mentioned that a rector in years gone by, was forced to employ as many as 60 men and con- tribute £ 100 to the rates, as well as paying these men. He (the speaker) did not know what the rectors of the present day would say to that (laughter). The question of Guardians taking too much interest in the cases from their own district was mentioned and the old man thought it was a great mistake. He further mentioned that the Guardians were not there for charity purposes, but to use the ratepayers' money as they would their own. The new maivwas Mr. Landsbery, who had lived for some time in the East end of Lon- don. This gentleman spoke a great deal on labour, but did not say much on the poor law question. The Hon. Mrs. Littleton spoke on the way the children should be treated. She mention- ed that children were taken to a cottage home, or a barracks home. She thought that the cottage home was the better, a system that would save most in the long run. Rev. D. Davies It is not more economical but perhaps more comfortable. The Chairman (continuing) said that she did not go into that question. If people adopted children, it might do good to pay a committee of ladies to see that they were taken care of afterwards. She thought the Guurdians should have control overthe children and see that they were brought up properly. Mr. W. Y. Nevill endorsed therj remarks of the chairman, and said he had nothing further to say. Mr. Thomas Jones agreed with the chairman and referred to the children of their own vrorkhouse. He had been bold by a person that he saw the children go to school in charge of a man from the workhouse. He did not like that, nor that any difference should be made between the workhouse children and other children. The Master (in explanation) said that he had lately been forced to send a man with them to school. The man did not walk along side of them, but a respectable distance behind. The children had a tendency on Thursday to go to the market, and he had done this as a precaution against -stealiog. They were also apt to beg.from their friends on the streets, and this, no dGubt, would give the house a bad name. That was why a man had been sent with them to school. Mr. T. Jones asked if a man was sent regularly. The Master: No, not regularly. Mr. D. L. Rees proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman and the gentlemen who had been to the conference. Mr, Daniel seconded and it was carried. He said 11'; tC'iild not agree with the chairman in referenoe to the Guardians taking more interest in cases from their district. He would like the chairman to with- draw his remarks. The Chairman did not feel inclined to do so and said that it was their duty to do justice in every case that came before them. The relieving officer submitted the particulars of the cases to them and then they, as Guardians, had to; take tJlem into con- sideration. If each guardian from a district brought his own case, what was the use of a reliev- ing officer 2 The Guardians^vere (tiot in a position to judge of cases until they appeared properly brought before them. He did not accuse Mr. Daniel in any way of wrong doing in cases of this kind. Mr. J. L. Thomas agreed with the remarks of the .chairman. Mr. O. Bonville said that he tried to work with the Relieving Officer in every case from his district. Mr. W. Y. Nevill proposed that the report of the chairman be circulated among the members of the Board. Rev. D. Davies seconded anàit was carried.

A LOUGHORJDTVORCE SUIT. 1 IMPORTANT POINT DECIDED ON I APPEAL. A question of somo importance was decided on Monday by Lords Justices Lindley, A. L. Smith, and Rigby, on the appeal of the petitioner in the divorce action Saunders v. Saunders from the dis- missal by Justice Barnes of his application for liberty to proceed without naming- a co-respondent. The parties were married at the registry office, Llanelly, in 1888, and there were four children of the marriage. The petitioner, a coal miner, left England in 1894, and on his return in May, lfe96, found that his wife had in the previous month given birth to a child. According to his affidavit, he ascerta,ined that she took out a summons against a man, alleging that he was the father of the child, but he absolutely denied the accusation, and on the adjourned hearing of the summons he did not appear. The petitioner did not, therefore, charge against that particular person, but he sub- mitted that under the circumstances, it was reasonable that he should be allowed to proceed without a co-respondent. Lords Justices Lindley and Rigby were of opinion that the appeal should be allowed, but Lord Smith came to the opinion that Mr. Justice Barnes was right in retusing- leave. In accordance with the opinion of the majority of the court, the order of the coutt below was discharged, and leave was given to proceed without naming a co-respondent. Mr. Priestly (instructed by Mr. W.Howell, solicitor, of Llanelly,) appeared for the appealing petitioners.

SLY'SIMPIIOVED PATENT TEUSS (4-1 prize medals, diplomas, and royal appointments awarded). Ex- perience shows that the old-fashioned steel-spring trusses necessarily press upon and often disease parts of the body that before were in a perfectly healthy condition. To those suil-ering from rupture any invention that gives positive relief is a real blessing. The following valuable testimonials prove the worth of our Special Patent Truss." Sir B. Ward Richardson, tiie eminent physician, writing to the Medical Guardian, says" Sly's truss is one which I should advise patients to try. It is one that is more comfortable to wear, always adapts itself to every movement of the body, and can be worn with every degree of comfort. It will in all cases be found effectual." In the following, the names are not given for obvious reasons—the originals can be seen on application:—"After wearing your Truss for six months the hernia failed to appear on stand- ing up without the Truss, even though I coughed, M.D." "Your Truss is more curative than any I know, M.D." Truss answers admirably; is a great improvement en the old patterns. M.B.C.S." I must congratulate you on your success your speciality alone will be recommended by me. M.D." It was worn and recommended by Sir Andrew Clark (late President of the Boyal College of Physioians) and is simple, rapid and effective. 44 prize medal diplomas, and royal appointments awarded. Partic- ularsand prices of SLY BROS. Oxford.

I TIIOSE WHO LABOUR. j — A By GEORGE H. WOOD. I The Tweedmouth Committee report on the posi- tions and prospects of employees of the Post Office still continues to excite the objections of those who are affected, or to be affected by the changes proposed therein. The .telegraphists have, or seem to have, great cause for dissatisfaction, and hWey are making themselves heard over them. Undoub- tedly, if they have any grievances, no class Of wage-earners have, theoretically, a better chance of getting them righted than the Post Office telegraph operators. I was talking to an official of their Trade Union a short while ago, and found, to my surprise, that, though the public do not hear very mueh about their doings as a Union, nevertheless, they are very strongly organised, and work, male and female, in thorough unison. No class of wage-earners hold more power than do the telegraphists. If they abandoned their work, the whole commerce of England—almost of the world-would be disarranged. A tmiversal strike of operators would cause more misery than a strike of any othe class of men. No wonder they are loudly voicing their claim to fair treatment. They know their powers, and responsibilities, and merit respect for the one, and consideration for the otber. I fancy that Lord Petirhyn must be nearly tirod of his experiment by now. At any rate, things seem to point that way. Notices were posted up at the quarries some days ago, inviting applications for work, and stating that Lonl Perirhyn was prepared to investigate, through deputation^ any complaints which might affect the workmen. At the same time there must be freedom of labour, and no attempt by any committee to interfere with the management. It is expected there will be 00 response to the offer, and that the strike, which has now lasted 7 months, will oentinue. Great distress prevails in the district. The men have issued another appeal for help. The Clarion has been devoting a couple of columns each week to the discussion of "Trades Federation." There is a case which, above all others that I can call to mind, gives strength to the plea for-, Trades Federation. Tbe Bethesda men are fightihg for the one right that labour holds dear-the rigiit of combination. They are not only fighting their own battle, they arc fighting for the great principle of the right of combination- They are fighting the fight manfully, and were the whole of the Trade Unions of the country federated, there could be no doubt as to the ultimate end. The Bethesda men would have a complete victory Now they have to rely on help spasmodically given, and this cannot guarantee them their success. I referred a oouple of weeks ago to the Norwich boot and shoe strike. The Norwich men are fighting for another principle, that of a minimum wage." So far, they have not been succes-sfnl, bu t they have approached the employers in a fair spirit, and have been answered not as to the minimum wage," but as to the wage demanded. Onoe grant the principle of a fixed minimum and we are willing to submit the amount to arbitration," they have replied. What the result will be is not to bo foreseen.

MR. TOM HUGHES AND THE DEPUTY GRAND MASTERSHIP- Mr. Tom Hughes, J.P., Llanelly, has been nominated (says the South Wales Daily News) for the office of Deputy Grand Master of the Independent Order of Oddfellows. M.U. The election will take place at the A.M.C. in the Isle of Man in Whit week, and there is every prospect that Mr. Hughes-the only Welshman on the board of directors of the Unity-will be elected, though the contest is likely to be a stiff one. It is stated that the Old Brigade —by which name an influential section of the delegates is known-will strongly support his candidature. If so, his election is assured, for Mr. Hughes is exceedingly popular among the English delegates. Wales has but once been represented in the Grand Master's chair, which was very ably occupied in 1865-6 by the late Rev. Dr. Thomas Price, of Aberdare, who was instrumental in bringing the A.M.C. for the first time to Wales, the meetings being held in Swansea in 1858.

ODDFELLOWSHIP IN SOUTH WALES. PUBLIC RECEPTION AT CARDIFF. I SPEECH BY MR. TOM HUGHES, I LLANELLY. The local branches of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows held a public reception at the Assembly rooms, Town Hall, Cardiff, on Monday evening. The chair was taken by Provincial Grand Master D. Thomas, who announced that owing to the illness of the Grand Master of the Order (t'.ro. S. Turner), Bro. T. Hughes, J.P., (Llanelly), the only Welsh director of the Order, would be the guest of the evening. He read tele- grams from several local gentlemen regretting their inability to attend. The chairman was supported by Messrs. D. Biclrards, D. Jones, (Blackwood), J. Jenkins, C.S., T. Jenkins (treasurer), and the local committee.—After the chairman's announcement, Miss Dowe rendered a song, which was followed by a selection by the instrumentalists present, under the direction of Mr. Shackleton, and accmpanied by Mr. A. C. Toone.—Following this Bro. T. Hughes, P.P.G.M. (Llanelly), addressed tho meeting. In the course of his remarks he dealt with the usefulness of the friendly societies, old age pensions, and con- valescent homes. He spoke of the progress of the Manchester Unity within recent years, and re- marked that it held a. very honourable position with respect to otiier societies 01 me same Kll,, cl. He also advocated the formation of female lodges, and spoke of the advantages which would accrue to the thousands of female workers if they became members of such lodges.—A duet by Messrs. Stokes and Suire and a song by the Misses Dowes followed, after which Mr. Jones (Blackwood) made a brief speech, in which he congratulated the Cardiff branches upon the rapid progress they were making. Songs by Miss Richards, Mr. T. Hughes and Misses Dowes followed. The Chairman then presented Brother Hughes with an album containing views of Cardiff and district as a memento of his visI it.- P.P.G.M. Beavan in proposing a vote of thanks to Mr. Hughes, remnrked that he had come up to help them whilst a, municipal election in which he was a candidate was being decided at Llanelly. This, he thought was a clear proof that Mr. Hughes worked heart and soul for the benefit of the Order. —P.P.G.M Fletcher seconded, and P.P.G.M. Bowen supported.-Bro. Hnglies replied thanking them for the honour they had done him.

For BUUMS, CUTS, BRUBBS, BKOINOHITIS Alvi) SORB THROAT, ACHES, PAINS, & STRAINS USE HOMOCEA that TOUCHES THE SPOT and soothes the aching part. j

THE TOWN GAS BILL. APPLICATION FROM THE GAS COMPANY. At a meeting of the Finance Committee of the Borough Council, held on Friday at the Town Hall, Mr. J. Griffiths presiding, a letter was read from the Gas Company asking tho committee to give them a cheque for X700, as they were a little behind in their collections.—The Surveyor said that they had not settled the Gas Company's account for the last two or three years. He had been very anxious to get the matter settled and he recommended that they pay the £ 700 as asked by the company.—Mr. D. W. llees: The matter has been deferred for the purpose bringing about a reduction.—Mr. Griffiths: It is not done yet.—Mr. D. W. Bees I suppose the council has been told it was useless approaching the company on the matter. "It was decided to give the oompany;t cheque for £ 600 and that the same committee, as previously appointed, be requested to take steps to get the matter settled.

NOVEL FRACAS AT CARMAR- THEN. At the Carmarthen Police Cjurt oil Monday, John Lewis Thomas was summoned for assaulting P.C. Thomas Davies on tbe 15tk inst. A cross-summons had bette issued by Thomas, for whora Mr. D. R. Williams, Lhtnelly, appeared. After hear- ing the evidence, the Bench announced that the sum- mons against the policeman would be dismissed, and that at a previous sitting ttic nitgistrates-of whom the chairman was not one-bad said they would send Thomas to gaol if he appeared before them again but now, however, it was decided to fine him forty shillings and costs.

ERRORS IN FOOD AND DRINK. BY A SPECIALIST. It is dawning on the public to try and prevent, or at least to arrest, disease. It is iuln-evegbtioib that Kola plays an important part, acting solely as a first-class nourishing food-it strengthens the system to resist, oppose, and to overcome the attacks of disease. You'll hear someone say: 11 So-and-so has a strong constitution"; follow that up, and you'll find that So-and-so follows the golden rule of being temperate in all things, and pays atten- tion to diet and exercise. Does he or she keep up this strong constitution by taking medicine or swallowing pills? No indeed! Ihcy have dis- covered that jprevention is better than cure. Dr. Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa, places a means in the hands of everyone to build up and maintain a sound constitution, which enables its possessor to travel his life's jouraey without the aches and pains which are in many cases preventible. Thus we come round again to sound common-sensc based on experience. Consider for one instant how hops have played such an important part in the world's history. For hundreds of years this highly- prized vegetable product has soothed and cheered mankind. What would beer be without With or without beer (better without) it is a first- class bitter tonic and a food, aud is, over and above all, what is called in medicine, a (Iiitg-etic- that is, it acts specially on the kidneys. This is within the knowledge of most people. By its healthy action on the kidneys it, in conjunction with Kola, keeps those organs in healthy working order. The amount of good done by Dr. Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa on the kidneys cannot be over-estimated. When you see a man or woman bloated, soft, puffy under the eyes, suspect some kidney derange- ment. After using Dr. Tibbies Vi-Cocoa this unhealthy, dull listlessuess disappears, and on trial you will see how beneficially Kola and IIop* have acted. Do not imagine, however, because you have a pain in the small of the back that you have kidney trouble. It may be a touch oi lumbago, due to a sudden cooling of the muscle ill that region, which will readily yield to Dr. Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa, combined with judicious exercise and temperance. All the leading medical journals recommend Dr- Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa. and Dr. G. H. Haslam writes: —" It gives me great pleasure in bearing testimony to the value of Vi-Cocoa, a mixture of Malt, Hops; Kola, and Caracas Cocoa Extract. As a genera beverage it excels all previous preparations. house should be without iL Dr. Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa is made up in ca. packets, and (Jd. and Is. Gd. tins. It can be obtained fron all chemists, grocers, and stores, or from Dr. Tibbies Vi-Cocoa, Limited, Suffolk House, Cannon-Srreet< London B.C., As an unparalleled tast of merit, a dainty samp'6 tin of Dr. Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa will be sent free OJ1 application to any address, if when writing (a post' card will do) the reader will name the LZail{!ll!f Mercury.

Sore Throats I cannot do better than V Jgargfe with U o N D Y." Sg Sir Moreli Mackenzie, M.D. W ?Gaffg:e /*???'?,T'B??/! ?  f:rcoNDY's| J Remedial FLUID. J0 -All Substitutes are inferior atld M dsetr at any price. J Insist on buying "CONDY'S." ff"