The Llanelly Mercury and South Wales Advertiser

<————————— 7 "LLANELLY SCHOOL BOARD. WANTED, for the Copper Works Boys' Board VV School, a CERTIFICATED ASSISTANT TEACHER. Commencing Salary. Y,70 per annum (if lltldiog full D," L75). with an increase of L5 per annum until the maximum Salary ( £ 100) is reached. Applic?ions, to be made on Board's form (which can be obtained from the Clerk pro. ?em ), to be sent to the Clerk on or before Monday, 26th inst. IVOR W. WATKINS, Clerk (pro. tcm.). Llanelly, 7th April, 1897. Clerk (p2,.o. teiii. ) TO THE "ELECTORS OF No. 1 WARD. IJILDIES AND GENTLEMEN, I sincerely thank you for your continued Support, and will endeavour to justify the confidence you have reposed in me. Yours faithfully, T HUGHES. Richard Street, Llanelly. TO THE ELECTORS OF No. 2 WARD. LLANELLY URBAN DISTRICT. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, You have done me the honour to return <M at the head of the poll by a majority which testifies to your confidence in my intentions. I heartily thank all my 720 supporters, and beg to Assure them that the promises embodied in my address Shall be faithfully fulfilled to the utmost measure of lay ability. Your most obedient servant, ARTHUR EDGAR DAVIES. LLANELLY URBAN COUNCIL ELECTION WARD No. 2. MR. BRODIE BEGS to tender his best thanks to the 331 Electors t who recorded their votes in his favor. URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. TO THE ELECTORS OF WARD No. 2. IIADIES AND GENTLEMEN, Kindly accept my sincere thanks for MTing elected me as one of your representatives on the above Council. Your interests shall always receive lXly most careful attention. Yours faithfully, W. KNOYLE. TTTTBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTION. TO THE ELECTORS OF WARD No. 3. SADIES AND GENTLEMEN, Please accept my thanks for returning ,340 as one of your representatives. I shall do my best w perform the duties devolving upon me. Yours obediently, WILLIAM COOMBS. URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. TO THE ELECTORS OF WARD No. 3. SADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I herewith beg to thank you for having returned me as one of your representatives on the ftkove Council. Your interests shall, at all times, receive my best attention. Yours faithfully, JOSIAH DAVIES. April 7th, 1897. F. L. REES, STOCK & SHARE BROKER, VAUGHAN STREET, LLANELLY. S^YBRS.— £ 500 Swansea Harbour Stock. 20 Weavers' Ord. 50 Buckley's Pre-Pref. v X400 Buckley's Deb. Stock. 100 J. Dickinson & Ca. Pref 209 J. Dickinson & Co. Ord 50 Insoles Pref. —Llanelly Laundry Shares. Lloyd's Bank Shares. TafE Ord. at R5i. T\F.KTTRTRV —-Ml? MA CP HAIL. SURGEON J/ DENTIST, KING STREET, CARMARTHEN, SPENDS BVHgy THURSDAY at Mr. T. £ • JONES, Grocer (Corner of Market Street). Artificial supplied at Greatly Reduced Prices. Teeth Extracted to 3 h Stopped from Is. "Hours of Attendance from 10 a.m. In. Established at Llanelly over 17 years.—ADVT.

Hrtbz, JFTARRTIUJES, ANFT BEOTLJS. | BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, and DEATHS.-Omce,. P, 3, Goring Place, Llanelly. A. D. Da.vies, ??tgifitr., Of!me hours: Mocniag, 10 to 12 a.m. cept Fridays, 2 to 4 p.m., and every evening 6 to Fridays, 2 to 4 p.na., ati d every evenitig 6 to BIRTH. ■REWARDS.—On the 4th inst., at Tunnel-road, Llanelly, the wife of John Edwards, of a o;on. It MARRIAGE. ^CBARDS—MOBGAN.—On the 6th inst., at the Regis- trar's Office, Llanelly, David Richards, 44, Swansea- road, to Elizabeth Morgan, 6, Mill-street, Werti. t DEATHS. -On the 3th inst., at Halfway, Thomas Law, c°&liaainer, aged 79 years. "?-TERs.—Ou the 3rd inst., at Wind-street, HaneUy, 1) Mary, widow of W. Walters, aged 76 years. ?\lBs.-?On the 3rd iust., at Five Roads, Margaret, G ?tfe of Joh n Bavies, aged 61 years. p*'—On the 4th inst., ;at 6, Hicks-street, St. *&ul'S) Llanelly, Margaret, wife of W. Gunn, aged 40 years.

THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION. nv bllE municipal election in Llanelly this year as presented gratifying features in at least one espect. We refer to the deep-seated interest  the ratepayers in the contests conducted in tlle various wards. This is a healthy sign, < s ?Yting to an eminently satisfactory condition of "ff4i"s, a condition at once the pledge of  ef"e'el't administration and the guarantee of a ? discharge of the duties appertaining to the '? of borough councillor. From one point of '\>Jew, a contest in each ward, or in any ward, is J^onynaons with the least expensive form of local government, for these contested elections represent an element of cost which would obviously be absent if the void caused each year in the representation of the town were filled by an amicable arrangement among the gentlemen disposed to seek the suffrages of the electors. There is, however, an obverse side to all this. The indifference dissociable from the amicable arrangement described would in- evitably foster a like spirit on the Council itself, with the eventual result that the small gain registered by the absence of a contest would be speedily counterbalanced by a lax and inefficient administration of public affairs. This being the case, we do not regret the ex- penditure incurred by the local authorities in carrying out the details necessary to enable the ratepayers to express their views on the constitution of the Council, and through the constitution of the Council, on public affairs. The contests this year have on the whole been sharply and vigorously conducted. In this connection an exception has to be made in the case of Mr. BILODID,, who, as a matter of fact, did absolutely no electioneering. We imagine that the relative interest of the three contests will be accurately stated if the fight in No. I Ward is represented as having been the soul and centre of the triple campaign. There was a special interest attaching to the contest here by reason of the fact that Mr. BLAKE appeared in the electioneering amphitheatre for the avowed purpose of removing Mr. JOHN GRIFFITHS from the circle of our administrators. Mr. GRIFFITHS has not been removed. One of the surprises of the election, indeed, was the singularly weak stand made by Mr. BLAKE, as the old members were returned with handsome majorities. While in no way failing to appreciate the qualifications of Mr. BLAKE, and the ability with which he would discharge municipal duties if elected to the Council, we cannot say that we regret his failure to unseat either of the old members. Mr. To-Ni HUGHES has been a splendid public representative, having served on the Council with distinguished success for a dozen years. The ratepayers very properly concluded that he was not a man to be neglected. As we observed last week, his defeat would mean a public calamity. His intelligence, shrewdness, and experience, have served the town in excellent stead in the past, and his triumphant return to the Council is a fact eminently gratifying to all, irrespect- ive of creed or party. Mr. JOHN GRIFFITHS, having regard to his long and faithful period of service on the Council, was also entitled to a renewal of public support. We are glad to know he got it. Mr. GRIFFITHS is passionately devoted to the administration of public affairs. There is not a more faithful member of the body than he is, and if unblest with large endow- ments of culture and finesse, nobody will doubt his thoroughness, fearlessness, sincerity, and conscientiousness. In Ward II.,Mr. BRODIE, the retiring member, was the uusuccessful candidate. The Council will miss, in conse- quence of his rejection, a man of unquestioned ability, and of sterling character. He made, however, little or no eflort in order to ensure his re-election, and his candi- dature was, doubtless, to some extent, dam- aged by his connection with the Stepney Estate as local solicitor. Mr. ARTHUR EDGAR DAVIES headed the poll in this Ward with a magnificent majority. In respect of his candidature, at any rate, the public have expressed their views in no uncertain voice. We have confidence that he will justify the trust reposed in him, He is a keen business man, with a shrewd head on his shoulders, and he will be of real service on the Council. Mr. W.KNOYLE,the other successful candidate in this Ward, has valuable qualifications for Council honours. The capability he has shewn in the management of his own business will find ample scope for exercise in .the administration of public affairs. In Ward III., the retiring members found little favour wiili the rate- payers, both Mr. OWBN CHARLES and Mr. DAVID THOMAS being defeated by the new men, Mr. COOMBS and Mr. J. DAVIBS. Both the new men are untried in municipal life. Both, however, have good credentials, and we shall watch their careers with great interest. The work before the Council in the ensuing year is exceedingly heavy, and in redemption of their pledges, if not for their own reputations, the members will be expected to devote to town affairs their best and highest powers.

LOCAL INT E LIJGENCE. Grand Display of New Goods this day at MANSEL'S, Golden Fleece. BANKRUPTCY.—Ebenezer Davies, trading as Davies Bros., Brynmor-road, Llanelly, builder. New Spring Goods at MANSE'S, Golden Fleece. CHAMBER OF COMMKRCB.—A meeting of the Chamber of Commerce is called for to-morrow evening, when several important matters will be discussed. Jubilee Prints, Crepons, Dress Materials.- MA.NSEL. Golden Fleece- BnAss BAND COMPETITION.—Sergeant Samuel, Llan- elly, was the sole adjudicator in the brass baud section at Tonypandy eisteddfod on Tuesday. THE CRYSTAL PALACE FESTIVAL —Mr. C. Memhvy Davies was in London on Saturday making arrange- ments for the Temperance Fete at the Crystal Palace in July. SARON CHAPEL.—The half-yearly services were held on Sunday and Monday last, the Revs. D. Rees, Aberavon, H. El vet Lewis, and Penri Moses, officia- ting. DBCMMOND AS A CHRISTIAN TEACHER." — On Sunday evening next the Rev. Elvet Lewis will preach on the late Professor Henry Drummoud as a Christian teacher. QUEEN'S SCHOLARSHIP.—H. J. Ridley, and M. E. Joues, of the New Dock School, were successful in the recent Queen's scholarship examination, their names appearing in tie second class. PANTTEG C.C. (FELINFOEL).—The above club would be very glad to arrange fixtures for the coming season with any local junior teams. Apply to the secretary, Hopkin Evans, Pantteg-row, Felinfoel. IF you want a real good Wedding Ring, the best place is at H. KALTENBACH'S, Vaughan Street, and Arcade, where, in addition, you will get a genuine, present.—ADVT. THE GOLD WATCH is. -Had the Scarlets kept an unbroken record until the end of the season, some of their kind friends were going to club together in order to present each member of the team with a gold watch in commemoration of the great achievement. To CYCLISTS.—A general meeting of the Wheelers' Club will be held on Friday, the 9th iiist.,at the Thomas Arms Hotel, to elect captains, officers, and committee for the present season, to enrol members and arrange for opening run at Easter. All who wish to join this energetic club are cordially invited.

I BURRY PORTJQRICKET CLUB. I On Tuesday evening last a meeting of the above club was held at the Cambrian Hotel. Mr. Tom Lewis, Station Shop, was re-elected captain, Mr. Jos. I Prosser vice-captain, and Mr. F. J. Evans hon. sec. and treasurer. Mr. F. Morgan presided over the pro- ceedings.

THE CO CJNTY COUNCIL I 0 THE CONDITION OF LOUGHOR BRIDGE. I. A meeting of the Carmarthenshire Uounty Council was held yesterday at Carmarthen, Mr. W. N. Jones presiding. There was a fairly strong representation from the Llanelly district. Mr. Thomas Jones directed attention to the unsatisfactory condition of the palissades of JLoughor bridge. The question was re- ferred to the next meeting.

RETURN OF MR. AND MRS-1 GWILYM EVANS. Mr. and Mrs. Gwilym Evans returned home yester- day from their prolouged honeymoon tour.

LLANELLY CHORAL SOCIETY. All members of the above society are requested to meet at Lloyd-street Schoolroom this (Thursday) even- ing, at 8 sharp. Business importaut.

FOUND DEAD AT LLANARTH- NEY. An inquest was held at Llauarthney yesterday by the (leptitiy-coroiier, Air. F. N, Powell, touching the death of John Owen, a shoemaker, aged 67 years, who was found dead in his bedroom. A verdict of "Death from Syncope" was returned. =

THE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL. I NEW CLERK OF THE WORKS. I Mr. Daniel Edwards has been appointed clerk of the works in connection with the new iutermediate school buildings, in succession to his brother, the late Mr. D. M. Edwards.

PRESENTATION TO MR. J. W. PRICE, OF MOREWOOD'S. On Saturday evening last, Mr. J. W. Price, works' manager at Morewood's for several years, was pre- sented with a magnificent case of cutlery, carvers, etc., together with a portrait of his daughter, by the men with whom he had been associated in his daily avocation for so long a time, aud by whom he was held in much respect. The meet- ting was held in Trinity Schoolroom, a large and enthusiastic audience being present on the occasion. Mr. George Phillips, rollerman, presided, and opened the proceedings in an appropriate speech. The pre- sentation was made by Mr. James Edwards, stock- taker, who appreciatively dwelt on the good qualitiesof the recipient of the gifts. Speeches were also delivered by Messrs. D. Thomas, T. Pugh, and B. Williams. Mr. Price feelingly responded, thanking them from the bottom of his heart for their rare gifts, which he highly prized. Songs were rendered during the evening, and a most pleasant time was spent. On Saturday of next week, Mr. Price will receive a gift from the workmen at Cwmbwrla.

DOCTOR FOR MOREWOOD I S. A BALLOT NEXT SATURDAY. The first ballot in connection with the process of filling the vacancy in the medical officership of the a bove works will take place on Saturday next, when the candidates will be reduced to two. The following 1 is a' copy of somelof the >ules, The, oting papers will be kept for one week aft&< the election, so that suould ony interested person be 1 dissatisfied with the cou +|ng, he shali be at liberty to enter a protest against toLl, same, but it must bear the ¡ signatures of 20 interested persons who are over 21 years of age, on or before Tuesday, April 13th, 1897, and who have deposited L5 with the presiding officer to meet the expenses of a recount. The hours of voting will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 10th, 1897. Any paper having more than one cross upon it shall not be counted. The voting on Saturday, April 10th, 1897, will be for the purpose of reducing the number of candidates to two, and a second ballot will be held to make the finsl selection. Every vot-er is earnestly requested to read and abide by the above instructions. The candidates are:— J. EDGAR DAVIES, M.B., M.S., Assistant to the late Dr. Jones. Dr. J. L. DAVIES, Avenue Villas, Greenfields, Llauelly. E. EVANS, M.D., &c., Goring Road, Llanelly. G. P. JAMES, M.B., Goring Road, Llanelly. J. H. JONES, M.B., Festiaiog, North Wales. S. G. MORRIS, M.B., Nantgaredig. S. J. RODERICK, M.B., West End, Llanelly. D. J. WILLIAMS, M.B., Greenfield House, Llanelly. CHIEF CONDITIONS OF THE APPOINT- I MENT. (1) All employees at the works will have to con- tribute towards the Doctor's fund in accordance with the following scale :— Those earniiig 11 per week and upwards, Is. per I month. Those earning under XI per week, lOd. per month. Girls of all ages and boys, 6d. per month. (2) The Doctor will have to open and maintain a Surgery at the New Dock, and to keep a duly qualified memcai practitioner m charge of the same. (3) Should any member of the Doctor's fund at any time during his own illness, or that of any of his family, desire a consultation between the Doctor and any other local medical practitioner, he shall be entitled to the same without incurring the cost of any extra charge. (4) Three calendar months' notice on either side shall end the contract between the workmen and the doctor. (5) Should the doctor, at any time, resign, die, dispose of his practice, or in any other way cease practising, his appointment as works' doctor shall also terminate, and shall not be transferable to any other medical practitioner, even if the said medical practitioner be his partner or successor. (6) Should the doctor, at any time, be desirous of leaving home for a longer period than one week, be shall always, previous to doing so, give the Workmen's. Committee due notice of such intention, and, at the same time, submit the name of his locum tenens.

DISTRICT NEWS. I BURRY PORT. I THE BURRY PORT UNITED Ctioin.-The above choir will be formed at once. ENGLISH BAPTISTS.-The English Baptists will shortly build a new chapel. EISTEDDFOD.—The entries for the eisteddfod are flowing in. The male voice party will commence practicing this evening. MALTS VOICE PARTY.—All young men anxious to join the Male voice party should communicate with the secretaries of the Eisteddfod at once. EISTFI)DFOD.Tlie Eisteddfod which is to be held at Burry Port on Whit Monday next promises to be a great success, three choirs have already entered. CONCERT. On Saturday week last a grand concert was held at Jerusalem Chapel, when Samson was performed. The artistes were Madame Williams Penn, Miss Ada Brown, Mr. David Lloyd, and Mr. J, B. Morse. Mr. W. T. Hoare was leader of the orchestra. The chapel was crowded, and the singing of the choir was excellent. The organist was Mr. W. T. Roberts, and the conductor Mr. J. Owen. FIVE ROADS. OBITUARY.—It is with regret we chronicle the death of Mrs. Margaret Davies, wife of Mr. John Davies, Ffos-yr-Efail. Deceased, who had been weak for a loug time, passed away on 'Saturday morning, having attained the age of 62 years. Mrs. Davies, who was a very quiet and inoffensive person, was held in the highest esteem by a large number of friends and acquaintances. Her mortal remains were interred at Rehoboth bnrying ground yesterday after- noon, the otfjeiating minister being the 'Rev. J. Ll. Hughes.

r MAGISTRATES' COURT. TOWN HALL, WEDNESDAY, before Messrs. J. BEAVAN PHILLIPS (ill the chair) aud SAMUEL BEVAN. NON-PAYMENT OF POOR AND SANITARY BATKS. W. Nicholas, Morlais Terrace, Llangennech, was charged with non-payment of the poor and sanitary rates to the overseers of Llangennech. The amount was 9s, 7gd. The Bench made an order for payment. TRANSFERS OF LICENSES. I The following transfers of licenses were granted Bryn Terrace Hotel, from Gwladys Jones to Thomas Davies; British Tar Inn, from H. T. White to W. W. Jeffreys; and the Red Lion Inn, Pontardulais, from Ebenezer Bowen to Thomas Morgan. STEALING CINDERS. I Mary Elizabeth Jones, 3, Railway Place, and Alice Shaw, St. David's Lane, were charged with stealing cinders to the value of 2d., the property of the Old Castle Tinplate Company. Mr. W. Howell appeared for the Company. P.C. Tudor deposed that he was on duty near the Old Castle Works on the 25th March. About 8.30 he saw two girls looking over the boundary wall. He subsequently saw two going from the place with cinders in a bag. When one of them saw witness, both dropped the cinders and ran. He caught the girl Jones, and asked her if she knew she was doing wrong by taking the cinders. She replied that she did not know. He took the bag of cinders back to the works, and afterwards saw the girl Shaw and her mother, who said that her daughter was going against her will to pick the cinders. The Bench Is there a notice up in the place warning the public ? Witness I cannot say. Mr. Brodie Have you ascertained the ages of the defendants ? Witness Yes. The defendant Jones is 15, and Shaw 14 years of age. J. Harries, timekeeper and weigher to the company, sworn, said there was no notice to trespassers on the ground. There was a wall to the front of the works. Trespassers were continually in the habit of coming there. They had been warned time and again. It was now aangerous because ot the New Steel Works. The witness identified the cinders produced. The Bench said that they would not convict in this case. It would be a pity to slur the character of such young defendants. People in the neighbourhood had been in the habit of going to the place to pick cinders and they (the Bench) would not singls out one or two for punitive treatment. They* hoped the company would place a notice on the spot warning trespassers. Mr. Howell: I will see to that your worships. The Bench further said that they would dismiss the ease on payment of costs 5s. DRUNKS. Martha Phillips, Trallwm Cottage, Llwynhendy, was charged with being drunk on the 27th ult., in Swansea-road.-P.C. D. J. Thomas and P.C. James gave evideiiee.-The defendant, in an excited condition, made a long statement in which she said that she was not drunk and that she would defy the constable to say otherwise.—The Bench fined her 10s. including costs. —The defendant left the box threatening the police constable. 'OBSTRUCTING THE FOOTPATH. D. Kichards, Pontyredin, Merthyr, near Carmar- then, was charged with obstructing the footpath at Vaughan-street on the 25 ult. P.C. J. L. Thomas and P.C. Roblin gave evidence and the defendant was fined 5s. including costs. A WHISKY CASE. S. Lloyd, Water Street Vaults. was charged with selling adulterated whisky. The Bench did not con- vict, but ordered defendant to pay costs.

THE ASHBURNHAM COMPANY TO BE WOUND UP. GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS At an extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of the Ashburnham Tinplate Co., Ltd., held at the registered offices of the'eompany, Burry Port, on Friday last, it was resolved to wind-up the company voluntarily. Mr. Samuel Taylor, chartered accountant, Swansea, and Mr. Isaac Phillips, late director, were appointed liquidators.

COAL TRIMMERS' WAGES AT LLANELLY. EFFORTS TO SECURE A TARIFF. The coal trimmers of Llanelly, who are members of the National Amalgamated Labourers' Union, are endeavouring to secure a proper wage tariff for the port. Mr. Henry Williams, the president of the men's union, visited Llanelly on Monday after- noonfand conferred with Mr. W. Samuel, shipbroker, who, it is understood, represents the employers in the matter.

THE LIBERAL CANDIDATURE OF THE BOROUGHS. -Tlie Llanelly Liberal Association's Executive and that of the Carmarthen Liberal Association have been addiessed (says the South Wales Datly News) by Mr. Tom Terrell, Q.C., and Mr. Alfred Davies, Hampstead, two of the gentlemen who have been nominated for the candidature of the Carmarthen Boroughs. When Mr, Gwilym Evans has similarly appeared before both bodies, the merits of each will be considered for final selection by the joint executives.

JENNINGS' MEMORIAL FUND. SUBSCRIPTION LIST. MAGISTRATES' FUND. Already aiiiiouuced, Z170 5s. Mr. T. Hughes, 9,2 2s. totil. S.172 7s. GENERAL FUND. I Already announced, £,105 Is. Mr. Joseph Thomas, £ 20; Messrs. Dyson & Co., £10 10s. Mr. Joseph Coates, X5 5s. Mr. Samuel Williams, t.5; Mr. Joseph Williams, £ 5 Mr. David Francis, X5; Mr. W. Howell, £ 3 3s. Mr. G. Blake, £22s. Mr W. J. Rees, Swan- sea,, £2 2s; Rev. Dr. Rowlands, £ 2 2s. Messrs. Johnson & Stead, £2 2s. Messrs. E. & A. Samuel, £ 2 2s. Messrs. Glanmor Foundry Co., JE3 2s; Mr. Hy. James, £1 Is. Mr. S. N. Powell, Xi Is. Mr. John Thomas, Cl Is. Mr. W. Davies, XI Is. Mr. W. H. Ludford, £ 1 Is. Mr. T. R. Ludford, Cl Is. "J. W. W. £ 1 Is Mr. E. Samuel, £ L; Mr. W. Knoyle, 10s. Mr. W. Mends, 10s.; R. T. H. 10s. Mr. P. B. Mainwaring, 10s. Mr. E. W. Morgan, 10s. Mr. E. D. Pryor, 5s.; Mr. K. Lowther, 5s. Mr. W. H. Thomas, 5s. Mr. C. F. Howard, 5s.; Mr. Ll. Michael, 5s. Mr. W. Jenkins, 2s. 6d.; Mr. D. D. Rowlands, 2s. 6d. total, £ 483 18s.

THE TINPLATE INDUSTRY IN CARMARTHEN. A SERIOUS OUTLOOK. I Matters at the Carmarthen Tin Works, owned by Messrs. Thomas Lester and Co., have for some time past been in a very unsettled state. The employees have been in a chronic condition of strike, and we now learn that there are grave reasons for fearing that the works will be permanently closed. During the past few weeks the proprietors have stopped work in order to carry out some necessary repairs. This, of course, prevented them undertaking any large orders, but in order to keep the employees going they offered to let them work in the meantime at a reduced wage. This the men refused to do, and further, it is understood, declined to work even at the full 1874 scale unless they were guaranteed constant employment. This is a stipulation which the pro- prietors were unable to agree to, as it is obvious that they cannot command a regular continuance of orders. The men declared on Monday of last week their intention of strictly adhering to their decision, and now Messrs. Lester & Co. are seriously thinking of closing the works permanently, and of transferring their business to other works situated in a. more advantageous centre, which have been actually .offered them. Should they carry out their plan, it willlllcan a loss of employment for 2UO hands, who have, up to now, been drawing some XS,000 a year in wages. Five years ago, the wage-roll totalled £ 15,000. The comparative isolation of the Carmarthen Works from the coal and export centres militates greatly against their prosperity, and, in fact, it is only the personal influence of the firm which have kept them going so long so that, should j they be deserted by the present proprietors, which is s now quite possible, the prospect cf a restart will be remote.

ELECTION NOTIONS. ♦ Local Stakes: Parkum woii by many lengths in ¡ style and form seldom seen. The Guardian?s predictions of winners have sadly disappointed the sporting hangers-on of that paper. A good horse" needs no jockeying, but the jockey D i iis seat aiiyho w. needs strength to keep on his seat anyhow. The statutory meeting of the new Council must be held as soon as possible after April 13bh. Much interest is taken in the question of chairman- ship. Mr. J. Griffiths and Mr: Joseph Williams are named in connection with the honour.

THE CRACKED SOSPAN. THE LLANELLY TEAM ON TOUR. I r INTERVIEW WITH MR. GAVIN HENRY. One of my first quests on Wednesday morning (writes our sporting correspondent) was to go in search of Mr. Gavin Henry, the kind genius of the Llanelly football team. The Scarlets, as my readers are aware, had been on tour from the preceding Saturday until late on Tues- day night, Mr. Henry and Mr. J. Griffiths, treasurer and secretary of the team respectively, having been in charge of the combination during their peregrinations in the midlands. Oh, that midlaud tour! Ob, that; cracked sospan But away with these sad thoughts. Let us get to the facts of the tour. I found Mr. Henry gracious as ever, and however keenly he may have felt the iron" on Saturday, this I hasten to confess: that his cheery Stoicism on Wednesday helped me considerably to bear the burden of the crack. Despite the defeat," said Mr. Henry to me "this tour has been the pleasantest and most enjoyable I have ever shared in company with the team—and as you know I have shared not a few. When we got to Birmingham on Saturday night, we made up our minds to forget the past, on the principle that it is no good crying over spilt milk, and we settled down to enjoy ourselves. I am afraid some of us occasion- ally failed to do the necessary forgetting. I confess to yau that I did hear at times such bewaiiing6 as Mae'c record wedi myn'd' in dolorous tones. But Owen Badger shewed iu the hour of adversity the spirit of a true sportsman and a true captain. He simply would net have any regrets, and positively fell upon' anyone caught in the throes of sad reflection. Immediately after the game at Gloucester, he went up to their captain, shook him by the hand, and warmly con- gratulated him on his victory. I couldn't have done it for a crown. However, it proved that Badger is a true sportman to the core. To hark back a bit, I should state that we started from LIaneliy on Saturday morning by the 7.55 for Gloucester-28 of us, all told. We had a strong team, all being present except Darnells, who was unable to join us. Jack Evans kindly filled the vacancy. Cliff Bowen would have also come along but for an illness, the result of an injury sustained in the Devonshire and Surrey match. Unfortunately, also, two of our crack players, Ben. Davies and Morgan Williams, were not in form and had decided to stand out from the Gloucester match. It was, therefore, a rather mixed team that turned out to do service on the occasion. Had we turned out our full strength, we should have won hands down. It was, however, considered advisable to play two substitues, able and fit. rather than two exp«i-ienoed men unfit. There you have the situation in a nutshell. It was, of course, a big thing for two lads,playiug for the first time in an important match we all felt that, and it has to be conceded that they were incapable of giving satisfaction to the combination claims of the team. May I be permitted to say here that little D. Davies, playing without his colleague, did magnificently. Hsi performances on tour, indeed, have been the finest things he has done this season. The Gloucester three-quarters were very speedy and most determined tacklers. Our forwards, however, beat their's out and out, and this is a fact which leads me to the conclusion that on Saturday our tactics were rather faulty, Whenever the Llanelly line was beseiged, our forwards grandly relieved by a wheel and a burst. If this plan had been followed when we were attacking the home citadel, I believe we should have taken it time and again. However, our men essayed the charactero istic Scarlet game in attack and got the ball into the open, and the result was a series of mulls-not at all surprising in view of the disturbed combination behind the scrum in consequence of the changes in the consti- tution of the team. Misfortune also was with against us from beginning to end. Joe Davies had the hardest of hard lines. From a try ia the corner, he landed the ball against the post and the sanae thing occurred from a penalty kick with which he was entrusted. Then, there was the referee. I am not in the habit of complaining about referees, but really the gentleman who acted on Satur- day was most prejudiced in Gloucester's favour. We crossed the line three times, and even to the home spectators the tries seemed fair, and on two more occasions the whistle went as some of our men were crossing the line. If the referee at Gloucester had been as competent as the gentleman who acted at Leicester, we would have scored at least six tries. But enough of this. I must congratulate the Llanelly team oil the sportsmanlike manner in which they took their defeat. We left Gloucester soon after the match, and arrived at Birmingham about 6.30, and there a telegram awaited us from Mr. Wilkins, cheering us up, combined with an iujuiaetion to make amends for the defeat in the Gloucester match. After dinner, we made up our minds to carry out the advice to the letter. We spent a very pleasant time in Birmingham on Sunday visiting the various places of interest. On Monday we set out for Leicester, where we were splendidly received by a large crowd of officials and football devotees. Altogether, we had a most cordial reception-a reception that almost made us wish we had continued our journey thither on Satur- day night instead of I bidiiig a wee'at Birmingham. We were very much taken with Leicester, which we all considered a very fine town. Our defeat on Saturday woke us up to a seuse of duty, and we placed our best team on the field. The result, as you know, was a draw. I consider this to have been one of the finest games our fellows have played this season, with the exception perhaps of that against Newport. It was an exceedingly pretty contest, fast, open and exciting. The Midlanaers have greatly improved since they were at Llanelly. The Scarlets were very heartily received on the ground, and every bit of good play was cheered, whoever originated it. The defence of the Leicester men was most keen. On the day's form, however, we were a better lot and should, I think, have won. Thereferee- ingwas the most perfect it has been my pleasure to witness. Tuesday we spent in Leicester most enjoyabiy. We reached home at midnight."

11 A MUSICAL FESTIVAL AT 1 LLANON. The annual singing festind in connection with the Congregationalists in the L'lanou district was held ou Monday at Bethania. Three meetings were held, and were largely attended. Mr. C. Meudwy Davies, Llanelly, conducted the choirs with. his accustomed skill, this being his second visit. The Rev. E. H. Davies presided at all the meetings. The singing, which was of a very high order, was inter- spersed with several addresses given upon very appropriate subjects.

WOMEN'S AMBULANCE CLASS. LIST OF SUCCESSES. The students forming the Women' s Ambulance Class at Llauelly (under the auspices of the County Council) are to be cougratulated on the spleudid result of the examination recently conducted by Dr. D. Llewelly* Davies. The class had been held during the winter months, Dr. B. Evans giving the lectures in a masterly manner, and Mrs. Knotts making an admirable honorary secretary. The examina- tion was held about a fortnight ago and the results are now to hand. Tbe passes are as follows:— Martha Hopkius, Emily Williams, Catherine Howells, Elizabeth Watts, Annie Herbert, Mary Jane Phillips, Louise Hunter, Rose G. Richards, Mary Louisa Rees, Margaretta Edmunds, i £ ate Jones, Ldith Tudor, Sarah ltees, Anna Eveline Palmer, Mary Ami Green, Caroline Barton, Elise h euarJ, Edith lVlaud Daw, Janet Willis, Margaret Ann Jones, Marth Jane Dolling, Harriet KuottF, Ellen Couybeare, Eliza Snook. Alice Davies, Esther Jane Jones, Lizzie l Bassett, Jessie Joues, Alice Hayton, Ada Rowlands, Mary Rutherford, and Sarah Evans. First Aid— I Passed Nellie Herbert, Marie Poston, Pafctie Palmer, Elizabeth Lloyd, Emma Daw, Mary Ann Thomas, Marie Ann Griffiths, Lizzie Rees, Fanny Sophia. Storer, May Evans, and Lilie Rowlands.

A LICENSING CASE. ♦ I AMUSING PROCEEDINGS AT THE POLICE COURT. I THE REPUTATION OF BURRY PORT. At the Police Court on Wednesday (before Messrs. J. Beavan Phillips and Samuel Bevan), Herbert Trowusell, Charles Murphy, Henry Davies, Joseph Tooze, Evan Evans, John Bennett, W. Bevan, and George Bell, all of Llanelly, were charged with being illegally present at the Gvvendraeth Hotel, Pembrey, on Sunday, the 7th ult. Mr. W. Howell appeared for the police and Mr. D. R. Williams for the defence. Mr. Howell, in his opening speech, said that this was a summons brought in respect of the breach of the Welsh Sunday Closing Act. The circumstances of the case were these that on Sunday, the 7th ult., eight men went down to Burry Port- Mr. Williams objected to the eight men being men- tioned as all were not together. Mr. Howell said they were together at the public house. Mr. Williams said that the first two should be taken first. then the other two, and the last four. Mr. Howell You can object as long as you like. Mr, Williams: I am going to. Mr. Howell is taking advantage of the two men., meaning the first two. Mr. Howell: They were there at the same time. Continuing, Mr. Howell said that the police officers made inquiries and found that the men had come from Llauelly. The publicans of Burry Port had co-operated with the police since the recent cases. Burry Port was merely a drinking shop for those who came from Llanelly. Apparently in their worships' opiuion, and in his, these persons went down to Burry Port to get beer, becausc they could not get it at Llanelly. However, Burry Port should not be made a drinking shop for Llanelly. The Bench: Has any case of a similar character been here before ? Mr, Howell: The Sergeant will answer that shortly. Mr. Williams I don't think so. If so, they should be proved. Mr. Brodie It was a question giveu by the Bench. Mr. Williams: I don't object to the question of the Bench. Mr, Howell used the remark before the Bench. P.S. Morgan deposed that on the 7th of March, he went to the Gwendraeth Hotel at 4.13. When he went into the front bar he saw five men, and on the counter in front of them he saw five pints. He asked them if they came from Llauelly, and they replied they had. He asked them if they were on business, aud they replied that they had come down for a walk. He noticed four men in the back bar, and found three more in the front room. The men in the back bar had a pint each in front of them. The men in the front room had a a glass or two in front of them. Mr. Williams: Could Trownsell hear tbe conversa- tion ? Witness I cannot be certain. Witness, continuing, said that the landlord told him he thought he was justified in supplying the drink. Witness differed from the landlord. Cross-examined by Mr. Williams: Twelve men were found in the Glanmor. Ten were proceeded against and fined 5s. and costs each. This was in 1889. You were good enough to say that 12 men were present ?—Yes. Why don't you tell us that two were brothers of the landlord ?-I will explain. There was a person by the name of Cloke from Llanelly, who was partly on business, and partly on pleasure. Cross.-exitiniziatioz) continued: Hecouldn't say whether he saw Trownsell and Murphy go in and leave the Hotel. He did not put his constable to watch in the station. He was there on duty himself. He did not try to conceal anything- Because one man said that be was partly on business and partly on pleasure, his superintendent did not proceed against him. Re-examined by Mr. Howell All gave their addresses and were from Llanelly. The ten men were convicted. H. Trownsell, one of the defendants, sworn, said that after dinner they went for a walk about six or seven miles out of town. They called at a public house at Burry Port and had a pint each, He had never been down there before. They went a long walk down the country. Cross-examined by Mr. Howell: He had never walked on the road before. He went out for a walk with Mr. Murphy. He did not know any of the other defendants, nor the landlord. Mr. Brodie: What time did you retnrn to Llanelly ? The Defendant: About 5 p.m. Sergt. Morgan deposed that he found H. Davies, Tooze, and Vines at the Gwendraeth Hotel. He had a conversation with the defendants and ascertained that they came from Llanelly. This was not the first case from Burry Port. Several persons from Llanelly had been convicted for Sunday drinking at Burry Port. Cross-examined by Mr. D. R. Williams The last conviction occurred in 1889. Several persons bad been reported for Sunday drinking since, but no pro- ceedings had been taken. Davies was not served while witness was present at the Gwendraeth. He noticed some one put water in a glass. This was all the evidence called against Davies and Tooze, and Mr. D. R. Williams then addressed the Bench and said he was pleased to say that the police had uot yet discovered the other man, who gave the name of Vines. Tooze was at present in Gloucester- shire. Davies and Tooze were supplied with drink when P.S. Morgan was in the house. Nothing had been concealed from the police. H. Davies, one of the defendants, sworn, said that he met Tooze and Vines about 3.30 on Sunday after- noon, and decided to go for a walk. They went in the direction of Station-road, but subsequently came back and went in the direction of Burry Port. They called in at the Gwendraeth witness had a glass of gin, and the other two defendants had a pin? each. Cross-examined by Mr. Howell: They did not go any further than the Gwendraeth Hotel. Witness and the other defendants came home by train. Mr. Howell, landlord of the Gwendraeth Hotel, deposed that be remembered the defendants coming to his house. He was satisfied that they were travellers and be supplied them with drink. They had one glass each, although there was plenty of time to have more if they wanted. Cross-examined by Mr. Howell: If a man walked from Llanellv to Burrv Port, he considered that he was entitled to a drink. He would supply any man provided he WhS satisfied that he came from Llanelly. Many of the defendants had been to bis house before. John Cloke had called at the house previously. He was not a relative. Mr. Williams: John Cloke is not summoned. Mr. Howell: There is reason why he should not be summoned. This concluded the case against Davies, Tooze and Vines. Evan Evans, John Bennett, and William Evans, were the next three defendants called. A summons had also been issued against George Bell, who did not put in an appearance. Mr. W. Howell strongly urged the Bench to put down Sunday drinking, or Burry Port would become a very boozey place, indeed, as in the past. P.S. Morgan deposed that there were four pints in front of the defendants. They all admitted that they came from Llanelly. E. Evans, another of the defendants, sworn, said that he visited the Gwendraeth Hotel on the 7th ult., in company with the other defendants. They did not call at any house on the return journey. He might have called at the Gwendraeth Hotel on two previous occasions on a Sunday. They did not go to Burry Port for the purpose of having a drink. Cross-examined by Mr. Howell: After leaving the Ashburnham, they went to Pembrey Village. They oulv had one drink each. Mr. D. R. Will in his defence,said that the first two defendants were very respectable young men, and that they had gone for a walk to Burry Port and called for refreshments. The young- man Davies had not been supplied before the police can,e in, and that he need not have gone from Llauelly to have drink. The other defendants went. for a walk and called for refreshments. The Bench reserved their decision for a fortnight.