The Llanelly Mercury and South Wales Advertiser

IBirtljs, jltarnages, and Ikatljs. BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, and DEATHS.—office, 3, Goring Place, Llanelly. A. D. Davies, registrar. Office hours: Morning, 10 to 12a.m.; except Fridays, 2 to 4 p.m., and every evening 6 to 8 p.m. BIRTHS. PARKINSON.—On the 27th inst., at Brynmor-road, Llanelly, the wife of J. Parkinson, clogmaker, of a son. LEWIS.—On the 7th insb., at Pontardulais Police I Station, the wife of Sergt. Lewis, of a son. MARRIAGES. I RICHARDS—THOMAS.—On the 23rd inst., at Caersalern Chapel, by the Rev. R. B. Jones, W. Richards, Myrtle Hill, Five Roads, to Ann Thomas, Swansea I Castle Hotel, Upper Park Street, Llanelly. ROBLIN—JONES.—On the 25th inst., at the Registrar's Office, William Roblin, police constable, to E. Gwladys Jones, 28, Nevill-street, Llanelly, DEATHS. MATIIIAS.-Ol-k the 20th inst., at Stepney-street, Llan- elly, Mary Catherine, daughter of Thomas Mathias, aged 25 years. WALTERS.—On the 23rd inst., at David's-square, Wern, Llanelly, David John, son of -Joseph Walters, aged 19 years. MORGANS.—On the 27th inst., at Lleithdy Farm, Pontyberem, Thomas Morgans, farmer, aged 37 years.

THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE COUNCIL. No one who is acquainted even remotely with public affairs in Llanelly can fail to appreciate the rare qualifications possessed by Mr. ERNEST TIIUBSHAW for presiding over the deliberations of the Borough Council and the Harbour Com- missioners, and his chairmanship during the en- suing term is certainly a guarantee that public affairs within the purview of the borough will beably, thoroughly,and effectively administered. There can be no disguising the fact, even if one were so disposed, that he is one of our best public men. During the ensuing official year there will, as our readers are aware, be a num- ber of financial negotiations to conduct in relation to the new dock and the new reservoir a class of work in which Mr. TKUBSHAW is par- ticularly proficient, his mastery over figures and his business-like habits being admittedly grea.t. I We are perfectly satisfied that under his direction the multiplex and multiform iinancial details inseparable from the undertakings in hand will be attended to with a persistence and regularity leaving nothing to be desired, for Mr. TRUBSHAW is thorough above ail things He will never accept a post; the obligations and responsibilities of which he is unable to discharge, and his conception of the duties appertaining to the position of chairman of the Borough Council is broad, exacting, and expan- sive. He will, undoubtedly, act up to that conception during his term of office. When Mr. D. W. REE8 was appointed chairman, we undertook to forecast in some degree the measure of his success in guiding the destinies of town affairs. From what we knew of his previous career on the Council, we felt convinced that he would make an excel- lent chairman, exhibiting the resource, the ability, the tact and the urbanity necessary in the discharge of the important duties associated with the position. Subsequent events have shewn that we did not miscalculate or underrate his powers and capacity. Every member of the Council who sat under his chairmanship will concede that he came up to the best traditions of the chair, and has left behind him a record of work for which his con- stituents must ever be grateful. Although what we have already said in respect of both the present and the retiring chairman is abso- lutely in accordance with our convictions, is is indisputable that the annual redistribution of honour has associated with it one unpleasant, if not painful, element. We refer to the posi- tion occupied by Mr. JOHN GRIFFITHS. It is the vogue in some quarters just now to discount the services rendered to the Council by the retiring vice-chairman. We are not infected by the vogue, and are not likely to be. We gladly recognise in Mr. GRIFFITHS a gentleman who has sacrificed an enormous amount of time in the performance of his public duties. Faithful to a degree in his attendance at the meetings—he had incomparably the best record in the year now closed—he has been fearless in his criticism and persistent in advoca- ting reforms and rectifying abuses. It is to be regretted, therefore, that the appointment to the chair on this occasion of anyone but Mr. GRIFFITHS could not fail to appear as anything less than an affront to him. We regret this exceedingly as Mr. GRIFFITHS possesses some excellent qualities, and is obviously held in great favour by his constituents, a fact to which his splendid majority in the last contest bears indisputable testimony. There can be no dis- guising the fact that the position which Mr. GRIFFITHS held as vice-chairman of the Council did give him a claim to the reversion of the chairmanship, and his fellow-members cannot complain if he appreciated the claim, and was ready to succeed to the honour to which it seemed to lead. Mr. GRIFFITHS is not to be blamed for this in the least. He naturally cherished a hope which the Council itself had planted, and as the Councillors appar- ently bad no intention of making him chairman; they had no right,even in so for as the amenities of common courtesy are concerned, to appoint him to the vice-chair. The decision of the Council to leave the vice-chair vacant this year Mr. GRIFFITHS will probably not regret, but he will no doubt resent—as he is entitled to-the omission of passing him a vote of thanks for his faithful and conscientious service in the vice-chair during the year which terminated last week.

LOCAL INTELl JGENCE. "THj RATKPAYKH."—This is a new publication to which those interested in municipal atiairs should certainly subscribe. If you want a real good Wedding Ring, the bes place is at H. KALTENBACH'S, Vaugbiiu Street, and Arcade, where, in addition, you will get a genuine present.—ADVT. A HAirt RESTORER.—We have no doubt those of our readers who tiud a Hair Colour-Restorer a matter of necessity may be glad to know that an old and world- wide iavourite-" Coudy's Fluid "-makes a most excellent hair stain, producing any desired shade, from light to dark, if used as directed on bottle.

MARRIAGE OF MR. R. GORING THOMAS, J.P., LLANNON. Mr. R. Goring, Thomas. J.P., Llannon, was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony on Tuesday to Miss Foy, of Clayhill, Enfield. In celebration of the event, the village of Llannon, containing the country seat of the family. was gaily decorated with flags and bunting, all the villagers, by whom Mr. Thomas is held in the highest respect, joining heartily in the festivities". In the evening a, large company assembled at the Red Lion Inn, at the invitation of Mr. W. Griffiths, agent to the estate, who had been requested by Mr. Thomas to extend a cordial welcome to the tenants. Mr. Griffiths occupied the chair. A splendid dinner was partaken of, and after the cloth had been removed, a series of interesting speeches were delivered, the generosity and kindness of the landlord being appropriately alluded to. Mr. Griffiths was supported by the Revs. Evan Thomas and T. Phillips, and T. H. Vivian, Esq., of the PJ¡¡,s. The loyal and patriotic toasts were submitted by the Rev. Evan Thomas, and that of the Clergy and Minis- ters" by Mr. Evans, Schoolhouse, the Revs. E. Thomas aud T. Phillips responding. The toast of the bride and bridegroom was submitted by Mr. J. Richards, Gellywerneti. and responded to by the chair- man most felicitously. C. H. Vi viall. Esq., proposed the toast of the Tenants," to which Messrs. Phillip Davies, Gors Dan Lewis, Penllwyn- racca and David Roberts, Hengoed, responded. The toast of the "Visitors" was proposed by the chair- man, and responded to by Mr. Beith and Mr. T. Davies, StumyHiH. The toast of tbe "Chairman" was also proposed and honoured, ?nd ihe proceedings l closed with the singing of the National Autliem. <>

THE LOCAL PILOTAGE. TO THE EDITOR. DEAR Stit,-Reforring to my letter in your issue of Thursday last, will you kindly correct in your next issue a few errors which appear to have crept in ? The letter in question is made to state the vessel's name as the" Arden," instead of the Advent," and the" Vepail" mentioned in same should read "Advent" also. Further, the "Arden" (i.e., Advent") is stated to have got agrouud, and failed to reach the stage on the 8th, and could not get away on the 9th. This is not so. The tug-boat got aground, not the" Advent," aud the vessel went to sea on the 9th, with the assistance of the tug.—Yours truly, RICHARD RICHARDS. 51, High Street, Llanelly.

RETURN OF MISS ELEANOR JENKINS, R.A.M. After a distinguished career of five years on the operatic stage, Miss Eleanor Jenkins, R.A.M., has re- turned to Llanelly, her native town, where she will re- main for a short time, recuperating.

OUR VOLUNTEER CORPS. ORDERS FOR THE WEEK. Orderly officer, Capt. Phillips orderly sergeant, Sergeant Paton orderly corporal, Corporal Davie.s Company drill on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.—By order, 1. PHILLIPS, Captain.

THE SECOND XI. CRICKET TEAM. ——— Mr. S. B. Bowen having declined to accept the captaincy of the Second Eleven, a special meeting of the team will be held this (Thursday) evening at Sbi-adey to elect a captain. All Secoud Eleven men are requested to line up for the purpose, and also to "sign on" so as to^qualify themselves to play in League matches.

THE PROPOSED PARK. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,-I heartily concur with the suggestion made at the jubilee meeting last week in favour of the con- version of the grounds about Trebeddod reservoir into a public park. I reckou that thousands of Llanelly people frequent this spot every week, and the local authorities would be doing a real service to the'towu if they converted the grounds into the form of a public park. Very little expense is needed. A few seats and a little fencing would go a long way towards bringing about the desired result. I hope the Council will take the hint.—Yours truly, A RATEPAYER.

THE LOCAL POLICE AT BRYN- CAERAU. The residents of Market-street, Thomas-street, and Mount Pleasaut, Llanelly, were considerably alarmed (says the South Wales Daily Post) when on Tuesday afternoon, a large body of the local police marched past at the quick." armed with murderous-looking cutlasses. Why this display of military activity? Boers, or Rebecca Rioters ? Soon the conscious cause of all the excitement arrived at their destillatiou- Bryncaerau Castle, where they were put through cutlass drill by Mr. Frank Buckley, who has just returned from two mouth's training with the regulars at Aldershot.

BEHIND SWANSEA ROAD. TO THE EDITOR. DEAR bin,—it is high time that the employees of the Borough Council paid some attention to the condi- tion of the lane behind Swausea Road. The unsanitary state of that lane is positively deplorable, the stench arising from old collections of refuse and decaying vegetable matter being intolerable. It is a very long time since the sanitary van was in that neighbourhood. Indeed, the visits of the sanitary van, generally, are erratic. I could name other streets where house refuse is allowed to remain in back lanes for days, sometimes weeks. Surely, this is a most unsatisfactory condition of affairs.—Yours, etc., RESIDENT.

I WELSH IN OUR SCHOOLS. r A LETTER FROkl MR. L. BRADLEY. I TO THE EDITOR. DEAR SIR,—A correspondent writing to you on the subject of "-The Welsh Language in our Schools," pens about as illogical aud ill-considered a letter as ever I have seen in your columns, in which, with bombastic self-importance, he seems to question my ability of judging of the necessities of our Elementary Schools, and of the conditions under which they are carried on. What I said I said publicly, and am prepared publicly to defend, but I have no desire to carryon a corres- pondence with anybody under an assumed name. I your correspondent thinks his assertions are worth anything, let him give them the support of his name, otherwise, it would be only wasting my time to reply —I remain, dear sir, yours sincerely, L. BRADLEY.

BLACK CLOTHES AND A BLACK BAG. On Easter Monday a local brewery traveller was in the Amman Valley, canvassing his customers for orders aud delivering accounts, and receiving payment for as many as his silvery tongue could win. He always carries a black bag, but does not always wear a black I suit. On Easter Monday, however, he douned the sable suit, in the first place because the alternative suit was dirty, aud secondly because it was Easter Monday. When he stepped out of the train at Ammanford, he looked for all the world like a Methodist preacher on a" bitb," the black clothes fitly harmonising with a native pious exterior. It so happened that on the same day the Methodists of the district were engaged in a great musical and preaching festival, but our friend, not being a Methodist, passed by the sacred edifice in favour of the "pubs," where he was busily engaged all the morning. At mid-day, while in search of a re- freshment house, he was met by a number of Methodist deacons, who immediately assumed that our friend was "one of the visiting brethren," and almost carried him into the vestry, where a substantial meal had been laid, and of which he, nothing loath, sub- stautially partook. In the afternoon, he was again engaged in recommending barrels and receiving payment of accounts rendered," and had completed the day's business when he was again accosted by the deacons and once more fared sumptuously in the vestry. For shame's sake, he resolved to attend the evening service, aud return home by the special late train. In the chapel he was observed by one of his vestry friends, and a solemn deputation waited upon him to introduce the service. Rumour deponeth that at this juncture the bubble burst, and that the truth was disclosed, but we dare not vouch for its accuracy.

DISTRICT ~ISTEW~S.. I BURRY PORT. EISTEDDFOD.—This event promises to be a great success. Programmes are now ready and may be had of the secretaries. ANNIVERSARY.—On Sunday and Monday last anniversary services were held at Carmel Chapel. Powerfuf sermons were preached to large congregations by the Rev. Dr. Guruos Jones and Rev. Glasnant Jones, Pwll. DEMISE.—With deep regret we beg to announce the death of Mr. Thomas Williams, Moat Farm, who. passed a way last Friday at his residence. The funeral took place on Tuesday last, the mortal remains being interred at the old church-yard. LLANGENNECH. r. ANNIVERSARY OERVICJSS AT OALKM.—A r.;e preachers at the above services on Sunday were geys, Anthony Williams, Ystrad, and W. T. Francis, Penyparc. The congregations were exceptionally large, a compli- ment to the deserved popularity of the two ministers. The chapel debt will be decreased to the tune of X80 by these services. But looking beyond monetary interests it is devoutly hoped that the stirring and appealing sermons will bear fruit in increased church membership. DIDIISE.-It is with a feeling of sorrow we have this week to report the death at the age of 16 of a young Llangennechite in the person of David Lewis, son of Thomas Lewis, Allt. He only kept his bed for a week, succumbing to a very severe attack of lung inflamma- tion. He was buried last Wednesday, at the Liangenuech church-yard, the vicar, the Hev D. Davies officiating. A very sad element in the funeral was the absence of the father and the mother, the former being unable to move on account of rheumatic fever, while the latter lay prostrate with pulmonary inflammation. We have heard since that the mother has also expired and that her funeral takes place to-day (Thursday). Much sympathy for the husband and his five motherless children has been evoked by the sad and trying ordeal.