The Llanelly Mercury and South Wales Advertiser

LLANELLY INTERMEDIATE I AND TECHNICAL SCHOOL. From the announcement in another column it will be Seen that the above school will be re-opened, after the Easter recess, next Tuesday. The boys will meet at the Atheaasum Hall, and the girls at the Wesleyati School- room, Hall-street.

OFF TO THE UNITED STATES. Miss Sarah James, of Los Angelos, California, after winter's residence with her relative, the Rev. Thomas James, Llanelly, returned to California on Saturday in the Lucania," Canard Line. There was a large tiumber of lady friends at the Llanelly Station to see her off. The booking was in the hands of the agent of the Cunard Line, Mr. J. L. Bowen, Lakefield.

THE TOWN IMPROVEMENT. I We believe the Llanelly Borough Council, sitting as committee, had under discussion on Monday last the Offer of Mr. T. J. Williams, solicitor, acting on behalf of the Wauulanrafon Estate, relating to the improve- ment of the approaches to the Town Hall, the Council kfling asked to contribute CZOO towards the work of Improvement. We understand that the Council declined the offer.

AN ACCIDENT AT PENCOED COLLIERY. On Monday last a serious accident befell Mr. John James, a collier at Pencoed Colliery, and residing at Bryngwyn-road, Dafen. James was following his Usual work when a portion of the roof fell upon him. His head received a terrible blow. His jaw bone was broken and one of his teeth knocked out. He was taken home in a precarious condition and his injuries fere attended to by Dr. D. J. Williams, who ordered his removal to the hospital.

TINPLATERS IN GLASGOW. I RETURN OF KIDWELLYITES. I The half-dozen Kidwellyites who proceeded to I Glasgow a fortnight ago under the promise of work at the tinplate worlts situated in that town returned home On Saturday last. It should be stated in fairness to the lIlen that upon arriving inGlasgow they discovered there Was a dispute pending, in which they preferred not to be concerned.

THE JENNINGS' MEMORIAL I FUND. SUBSCRIPTION LIST. I MAGISTRATES' FUND.-Already announced Y,172 2s. Sir Arthur Stepney, Bart., ztlo; total, £ 182 2s. GENERAL FUND.—Already announced, £ 550 12s. 2d. Mr. David Rees, (East London), £ 5 Llanelly Harbour Commission, £ 300; Old Road School, per Mr. R. J. Edmunds, Yl 10s. Five Roads Sehool, per Mr. J. M. Jones, 14s. 3d.; Yspitty School, per Miss McCreadie, il 8s. 6d. total, £859 4s. lid.

A FOOTBALL CHALLENGE. TO THE MDJTOR. SIR,—From what has arisen in discussion during the past week, the members of the White Stars F.C. challenge the Moonlights F.C. to play a match, either on the County Grounds, Halfway, or on Stradey (if consent be obtained), the proceeds of the match to be devoted to the Diamond Jubilee Celebration Fund, and the match to be played next Saturday week or Saturday tortnight.-Yours, etc., GEORGE JONES, Hon. Sec. White Stars F.C.

DISGRACEFUL SCENES Arr THE RAILWAY STATION. PROCEEDINGS AT THE POLICE COURT. At the Town Hall on Wednesday (before Messrs. R. Maclaran, S. Bevan, and Major Bythway) David Thomas, Old Harbour; D. Owen, Wood brook-terrace, and Wm. James, Goodwiiistown, Burry Port, were charged with an offence against the G.W.R. bye-laws on Sunday, the 4th inst. Mr. T. R. Ludford appeared for the company and Mr. D. R. Williams appeared for the defence. Mr. Ludford, in his opening speech, said that a. good many people came from Pembrey to Llanelly for the purpose of Sunday drinking and the railway authorities maintained that these people behaved themselves in a very disordorly manner. The company were determined to put a stop to such scenes on their premises. This was a case taken under bye-law No. 9 of the company. Matthew Lewis, a porter at the Llanelly Station, deposed that he was at the station on Sunday, 4th April about 8.30. He saw the defendants oil the down platform. The platform was crowded at the time. The defendants were drunk and disorderly and using very dirty and abusive language and one of them I ell down twice on the platform. Cross-examined by Mr. Williams He did not notice any more drunken people on the platform that night. The police sergeant had to interfere when they became violent. He did not report the case because he was not on duty. Joseph Protheroe, waggon inspector on the G.W.R., Sworn, said that he was at the station on the night in question. He was certain he saw the three defendants On the platform. There were about six who were using very abusi ve language. Two of the defendants wanted to fight one with the other. The platform was crowded. Cross-examined by Mr. Williams Two of the defendants use] very abusive language. He could not Swear to the language of the defendant Thomas. P.S. J. Jones deposed that he was at the Llanelly Station on the 4th of April. After the departure of the mail he noticed a disturbance on the down platform. He noticed the defendants, and the language that was used was most foul and obscene. They wanted to tight and he interfered. They were causing a great annoyance to the passengers. The Bench: You identify the three defendants as the persons on the platform ? Witness: Yes, sir. Cross-examined by Mr. Williams: These were the three that were causing the disturbances. He did not ask for their names as he knew them by sight. Thomas Bamford, Inspector in the employ of the G, W.R., deposed that there was a copy of -the bye-laws posted up at the Llanelly Station. Mr. D. R. Williams asked the bench to deal leniently with the defendents. This might be a lesson to them. No doubt they were under the influence of drink when this occurred. The Bench said that the conduct of the defendants on this occasion was disgraceful. They would fine them Xi 11s. each including costs. AN ASSAULT. u. Thomas, olle or the above defendants, was also charged with assaulting P.S. Jones on Sunday night, the 4th of April, at the Llanelly Station. P.S. John Jones, sworn, said that the defendant was drunk and he asked him to he quiet on several occasions. Witness put him down and asked for his name and address. While takiug his name, defendant struck him on the back- of his head. Mr. D. R. Wiliiams pleaded for the defendant and asked them to deal as leniently as possible with him. C:\pt. Scott said there were previous convictions against him. The Bench said this Kas the completion of the Sunday brawl and they would fine him £ 1 8s. including costs,

MAGISTRATES' COURT. + —— TOWN HALL, WEDNESDAY, before Messrs. R' MACLARAN, SAMUEL BEYAN and Major BYTHWAY. EXTENSION- Mr. D. R. Williams applied for an hour's extension of time on the oocasion of the Football Banquet at the Stepney Arms Hotel. The Bench granted the application. AFFILIATION. Rachel Thomas, Graenorfach, Llanedy, applied for an affiliation order against George Davies, Tycoppa, Llanedy. Mr. D. R. Williams appeared for the com- plainant and Mr. D. G. Rees appeared for the defendant. The complainaut deposed that the child was born on the 31st December 1898, and that the defendant was father of the child. The defendant did not appear and Mr. D. G. Rees asked the Bench to adjourn the case so that the defendant could appear. The Bench said that no doubt he was aware that the case was coming on. Mr. Rees, in reply to an iuquiry by the bench, said that he had been instructed by the defendants' mother. The Bench ruled that Mr. Rees could not act. The case was then proceeded with. The complainant said that the defendant had been courting her for the last 3 years. The Bench adjourned the case for a fortnight so as to get corroborative evidence. BRUNKS. r. Jones, 10 Woodbrook-terrace, Pembrey, was charged with being drunk on the 16th inst., on the Kidwelly-road.-He was fined 12s. including costs. Lewis Thomas, 46, Dolau Fawr, was summoned for being druuk at Trinity-road, on the 20th mst.—Fined 5s. and costs. RIDING A BICYCLE ON THE FOOTPATH. Thomas Whittaker, Pwll, Llanelly, was charged with riding a bicycle on the footpath at Pembrey-road on the 13th iiist.-Fined 7s. 6J. including costs. ALLEGED BRUTALITY TO A WIFE. Mary James, Ty'rfran, made an application for an order under the Summary Jurisdiction (Married Women's) Act. 1895, against her husband, W. James, Penygraig Farm. Mr. D. R. Williams appeared for the complainant, and Mr. T. R. Ludford for the defence. Mr. Ludford asked for an adjournment as Mr. Howell was from home, and he had only just been instructed. Mr, D. R. Williams objected to an adjournment, be- cause last week when the oase came forward Mr. Howell objected to an adjournment when he (Mr. Williams) was from home. The Bench said that the case must proceed. Mr. D. R. Williams, in opening the case, said that this woman had been treated very badly by the defendant for the last three or four years. Mary James, the complainant, sworn, said that she was the wife of the defendant. She had four children. The defendant has been bullying her and knocking her about for the last four years. She had gone away from him because she was afraid of him. This bother was commenced about 12 weeks ago when he threatened to shoot her. He sent for a doctor about that time, but the doctor did not arrive and he com- menced knocking her about. The defendant asked for money to go to town. She gave him 2s., all she had in the house and he took a cwt. of pota- toes with him to sell. Defendant said that the next morning would be the bitterest she had ever seen. The following Monday he went to town and returned and shot the dog to show what he could do. She went away from him then, because she was afraid of him. She returned to him on his promise to behave himself. Soon after this he brought a stick and threatened to strike her. On that occasion he threw her out of the house, she asked for admittance, but he refused. She was afraid of him and would not go back to him. Cross-examined by Mr. Ludford: The two younger children were with her. She had been married 20 years. She had not had peace for a quarter of that time, she could not please him in anything she did. She had done her best for him and could not do better. He had gone much worse during the last 4 months. She had been to a doctor to ask him to go and ex- amine her husband. John James, the eldest son of the defendant, sworn, said that he left home about three months ago. The Thursday before he left he saw his father abuse his mother. On that day he was in bed and the defendant told his sister that he was going to shoot his mother. His sister screamed out; and he went down stairs and took the gun away from him. His sister and mother were in the room at the time. Cross-examined by Mr. Ludford The defendant told him to go and not to enter the house again. It was 14 weeks ago since he left home. Annie James, daughter of the defendant, deposed that she left home about 12 weeks ago. At that time the defendant told her not to be annoyed, as he was going to shoot her mother. This occurred about 12 o'clock midnight. Her brother was in bed at the time, and she called him. He came down and took the gun from him. She had seen her father kick her mother. He used to come home drunk every night. She saw her father shoot the dog and he told her not to be afraid as he was only showing what he could do. Cross-examined by Mr. Ludford It washer father's dog, and she supposed h3 had a right to shoot it. The dog was not in ill-health. She saw her father kick her mother about seven weeks ago. Her father was not willing for her brother to take the gun away from him. The defendant was not drunk the night he kicked her mother. The Bench Did your father often quarrel ? Witness: Yes, sir. The Bench Did your father push your mother about in these quarrels ? Witness: Yes, Sir. Phoebe Rees, Tyrfran Villas. sworn, said that she knew the defendant James. He had often called at her house. He had told her things about this case. He told her once to tell Mrs. James that she only had a week to live. Mrs. James resided with her now. The defendant was always prowling about the house. Cross-examined by Mr. Ludford She could not say whether defendant was a bad prophet. The defendant said that she was the mischief maker in this case. Mr. Brodie Why did he say she had only a week to live ? What reason had he ? Witness I don't know. J. Rees. Pencoed-fawr, deposed that he knew both parties. Mrs. James called upon him, he went down to Penygraig and asked James the reason he had sent her out of the house. The defendant replied that she was not wanted. However, Mrs. James stopped at home and there was another row there that night. He then went down on another occasion and after he made an application for some clothes for Mrs. James the defendant gave her a suit. Cross-examined: He did not act as Mrs. James' champion. She asked him to go down to the house. Re-examined by Mr. Williams He went down to protect a woman, as he would always do. Mr. Ludford maintained that Mrs. James had not proved her case with regard to long and continued ill- treatment. If drunkenness was to be the cause of a separation order a very large portion of the women of Llanellv could bring a separation application against their husbands." That did not justify any cause unless it was of such a nature as to interfere wit,h her health or I omfort of living. Making another observation, Mr. Williams objected to the remark, as the witness was not asked any questions on the point. He asked the Bench to rule. Mr. Ludford said that he had respect for her feelings, that was why he did not ask her the question. Mr, Williams contended that it was shewing dis- respect by bringing it up at this juncture. The Bench ruled it out of order. Mr. Ludford, continuing, said that the woman had sold some of her husband's goods while he was ill in bed. The Bench retired to consider their decision, and, after a few minutes' deliberation, said that they had carefully considered the case and had decided to grant a judicial separation order under the act of 1895. James must contribute 12s. 6d. a week towards the maintenance of his wife, she to have the custody of the two children. I A SCUFFLE WITH THE POLICE. Arising out of the above case was another, m whieii the same defendant was charged with assaulting and beating P.S. John Wiliiams on the 24th inst. It appears that the sergeant was serving a summons upon James in connection with the previous case, when James assaulted him. P.S. J. Williams deposed that he went to Penygraig j on Saturday last to serve the defendant with a summons issued out of that court. He knocked at the door, and got no answer. He then went into the house, and saw the defendant sitting down in the kitchen. He (witness) read and explained the summons to the defendant. Defendant then passed him, and closed the door. Witness followed, and the defendant said, "We are only two here, and nobody can see us." Defendant then aimed several blows at him. Witness tried to persuade him not to be so violent. However, a struggle ensued, and both fell to the ground. Defendant struck witness on the head and also kicked him. Witness got to his feet for the purpose of going to the door when defendant took hold of his leg and tripped him again. Then he (witness) extracted his truncheon and struck him on the hands. Witness opened the door and went out and left the place. Cross-examined by Mr. Howell: He never offered him a seat. Defendant never told him he could read the summons. He never told the defendant he ought to be ashamed of his conduct towards his wife. He never struck the defendant about the body with the truncheon. He was not interested in the matter between the family. The Bench fined the defendant JE1 18s. 6d. including costs. I SEPARATION ORDER. 1 Mary Ellen Williams, 10, Oxen-street. Llanelly, applied for a separation order against her husband, Daniel Williams, Pontygwaith, Ferndale.-The Bench made an order of 10s. a week.

LLANELLY HARBOUR COMMISSIONERS. I THE ANNUAL MEETING OF MEM- BERS. I The annual meeting of the Llanelly Harbour Com- missioners was held on Monday last, at the Town Hall. The clerk (Mr. Spowart) announced that Mr. Ernest Trubshaw, as chairman of the Borough Council, would be also chairman of the Commissioners. I THE SUUVEY OF THE ESTUARY. The Clerk read a communication from the Board of Trade to the effect that the charges of Commander Gerard for taking a survey of the estuary would be as follows:— £ 3 a day for himself, and an assistant £5 per week a sounder X2 2s. per week. This would in- clude expenses for lodgings and subsistence, but not travelling and other expenses. I Mr. Joseph Williams asked how long it would take ¡ to complete the survey ? Mr. Fowler About two and a half months. Mr. Thompson Will it be an indefinite period ? Mr. Fowler It will depend on the state of the weather to a very great extent. Mr. J. Thomas How does the figure compare with that for the previous survey. The Chairman They are very much the same. Mr. Fowler The former one cost about C300. The Chairman pointed out that the survey was re- quired under their own Act of Parliament, and they had asked the Board of Trade to nominate a surveyor. The former survey was started in October, but as this one would be begun in June, the weather would no doubt be more favourable, and the work consequently would be facilitated. It was to be understood that un- less this official survey was made they couldn't proceed with the extension of the training walls. Mr. Fowler"said that was so. Mr. Maybery moved that the survey be taken. I' Mr. D. W. Rees seconded, and it was unanimously carried. I THE AUDIT. The Chairman observed that not much had been done with the books during the year, and he recom- mended that Mr. Cawker be instructed to audit the books up to March, 1897, making provision for a sink- ing fund, and ameuding the former balance sheet in that particular. Mr. Maybery moved that this be done. Mr. D. W. Rees seconded, and it was carried. 6 On the recommendation of the chairman, is was decided that Mr. John, the new collector, be instructed as to the books he was to keep. I TENDERS. I Tenders for timber, received from Messrs. B. Howell & Son, and Messrs. Brown, Thomas, and Job?l, ? and for stores from Messrs. J. S. Griffiths, J. R. Ball, Henry Wilkins, and E. Morgan were referred to Mr. Fowler to be reported upon. It was resolved to aelver- I tise for tenders for printing. I COMMITTEES. It was resolved that that the following committees consist of all the commissioners residing within 12 miles of Llanelly :—Docks, Pilotage,Finance, Channels improvement, General purposes. It was decided that the Dock Improvement Com- mittee consist of Messrs. E. Trubshaw. D. W. Rees, T. Hughes, J. Maybery, J. Griffiths, W. J. Wilson, and J. Williams, The Special Finance Committee will consist of the members of the Dock Improvement Committee.

A SAD DROWNING CASE. I INQUEST ON THE BODY. An inquiry was held on Tuesday last at Gellydeg Farm, Llendefeilog, before the deputy-coroner (Mr. F. N. Powell), touching the death of Arthur George Lowe, son of Mr, W. Lowe, Gellydeg Cottage, Llau- defeilog. It appears that the deceased was found dead on Sunday last in the farmyard pond. W. Lowe, Gellideg House, sworn, said that he was father of the deceased. The deceased had always been fond of running near the edge of the pond, and he had frequently cautioned him of the danger. He first missed the deceased about 5 o'clock and caused a search to be made. Mary Eleanor Lowe deposed that she was on a visit to the deceased's house. His father was her brother. She knew the deceased and saw him alive last on Sunday afternoon. He was then playing on the lawn in front of the house with his elder brother. There was no one in charge of hiin. She had never seen him playing Hear the poad. John Bowen, GeUydeg Farm, sworn, said that on Sunday afternoon, the 25th inst., he was informed by one of his daughters that Mr. Lowe's boy, the deceased, had been lost, and could not be found in Gellydeg Farmyard. He went and had a look through the pond, but without success. He then searched the grounds, with the same result. He then returned, and had another look at the pond, and after a little time, he detected something white at the bottom. He fetched a shovel, and lifted the body of the missing hild, and handed it to the father. He was quite dead. Dr. D. L. Williams, Ferryside, deposed that he examined the body of the child that day. There were no external marks of violence on the body of the deceased. He had been informed that the deceased had been picked out of the farmyard pon (I. and he was satisfied that the appearance of the deceased was consistent with the statement that the child had been drowned. He did not consider it necessary to hold a post-mortem examination. The jury returned a verdict of found drowned. —————————————————————

LECTURE AT HALL STREET CHAPEL. On Tuesday evening last a lecture was delivered by the Rev. W. Hunter at Hall Street Wesleyan Chapel on '■ Life among the Kaffirs under Chief, Boers, and Britons." Mr. J. Wesley Jones presided. There was a large and appreciative audience present on the occa- sion. The lecturer, who has been a missionary in South Africa amongst the Kaffirs, gave a very in- teresting account of their language and mode of life, dealing also with the influence the chiefs had over the people. This will be Mr. Hunter's last lecture before leaving the town in August. A vote of thanks to the chairman and lecturer brought the meeting to a close.

I ASHBURNHAM GOLF CLUB. The competition against bogey for Mr. I Trubshaw's urn took place on Saturday. The Trubsbaw's urn took place on Saturday. 'The ioHowingarethescores:— H. C. Bond receives 11 strokes—2 down W. W. Brodie „ 12" 2" F. Bond "13,, 2" IV. S. Marsh H 11" 3" D. E. Stephens,, 10" 4" D.L.Joseph 14" 4" W. B. Roderick,, 13 8" E. It. Hugrties IS 8 W. D. Rock „ 15 8 E. Trubshaw „ 10 9 O. G. Jones" 15 9 R. S. Seymour" 15 10 „ J. H. Gale „ 14 „ 11 W. Y. Nevill „ 21 „ 14 „ Mr. F. N. Powell also compatsd, but did not retur.i « li;s card.

I THE FOOTBALL CLUB. —.——— 0 I ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS. ELECTION OF SECRETARY. The annual meeting of the Llanelly Football Club was held at the Old Town Hall last night, and was attended by a large number of enthusiastic followers of the team. Anything short of a large and enthusi- astic attendance under such remarkable circumstances would have been unpardonable. Mr. D. W. Rees pre- sided, and there were also present Messrs. George Morgan, T. J. Williams, E. J. Powell, W. J. Leakey, W. J. Colliver, D. H. Bowen, J. Howell, K. Lowther, Gwynne Thomas, P. Mitchell, R. Dayies, J. A. Williams, D. R. Williams, E. Roberts, and R. M. Lloyd, together with the secretary, Mr. J. Griffiths, and the treasurer, Mr. Gavin Henry. The Chairman, in opening the meeting, said that he could only compliment the team on their perfomance throughout the season. ATTENDANCES OF THE COMMITTEE. I The Secretary then read out the list of attendances I made by the committee-men as follows Possible. Attendance, W. J. Leakey 41 39 W. J. Colliver 41 30 G. Morgan 41 29 G. Henry 41 29 J. Howell 41 26 E. F. Davies 41 17 F. L. Rees .41. 8 J. Griffiths (Secretary) 41 40 E. Roberts 33. 23 D. Griffiths 31 21 R. W. Davies .20. 8 THANKS TO THE TEAM. The Chairman proposed a vote of thanks to the team. Mr. Gavin Henry seconded, and said that the team was one of the best in the four countries. They had one blot on their record, and that was no disgrace to them. PATRON. The Chairman proposed the re-election of Sir. J. J. Jenkins, the Borough member, as patron of the club. Mr. P. Mitchell seconded, aud it was carried. PRESIDENT. Mr. T. J. Williams proposed the re-election of Mr. C. Mansel Lewis as president of the club for the en- suing year. Mr. J. Howell seconded, and it was carried. VICE-PRESIDENTS. Mr. P. Mitchell proposed the re-election of the vice- presidents for the ensuing year. Mr. D. Griffiths seconded, and it was carried, Mr. Gavin Henry proposed that the following gentle- men be added to the list of vice-presidents :—Messrs. W. Wilkins, S. Lloyd, Dr. J. L. Davies, and Gwynne Thomas. Mr. G. Morgan seconded and it was carried. SECRETARY. I The Chairman said that now they had to proceed II wi th the election of a person to discharge the secretarial duties of the club. The nominations were as follows R. M. Lloyd, J. E. Cloke, J. Griffiths. The voting 1 took place as follows J. GriiHths. 86 R. M.Hoyd. 33 J. E. Cloke 27 Mr. Griffiths was then unanimously appointed secretary. Mr. Griffiths thanked those present for the honour conferred upon him, and he would do his best for the interest of the club in the future as in the past. The scrutineers were Messrs. Arthur Anthony, E. J. Powell, and Davies Millar. TREASURER. Mr. E. Roberts was unanimously appointed treasurer for the ensuing year. Mr. Roberts thanked the meeting for appointing him to the post, and he hoped to do everything in his power to further the interests of the club in the coming year THE COMMITTEEMEN. I After the ballot papers for the appointment of cainmitteemen had been collected, it appeared that the names uf three committeemen nominated had not been inserted in the printed list; they were Messrs. D R. Williams, J. E. Cloke, and R, C. David. Mr. D. R. Williams raised an objection to the ballot being taken that night. The secretary had told him it was a printer's error. However, he thought that it was the duty of the secretary to see that the matter was carried through properly, and in a business-like manner. He thought there was some underhanded- ness in the matter. He should like to get an explana- tion from the secretary why this error had occurred. It was not business-like to carry on things in that way, and he thought it was a poor-excuse to blame the printers, as the secretary should have read the proof carefully himself. There was also another name which had been left out; it was that of Mr. Wilkins. Why was his name not put in ? Mr. J. Griffiths, the secretary, explained and said that it was not the printer's mistake, but that the blame should be attached to him. Mr. Wilkins had insisted on keeping his name out of the list. Mr. D. R. Williams said he had no business to keep the name out until it came before the meeting. The Chairman was of opinion that the committee could add to their number, and no doubt Mr. Williams would be safe for a seat on the committee. Mr. D. R. Williams insisted on the meeting being adjourned to carry the proceedings through properly. He thought it was a matter of principle. Mr. J. Howell proposed that the meeting be ad- journed and that the names of the three gentlemen be included in the list. There was one gentleman, especially, who had not been entered in the list, and who had done a large amount of work for the team. i This gentleman had written scores of letters to the first class English teams and he had done his utmost to obtain the best English teams to play the Llanelly team. He thought that the secretary should get the list re-printed and sent out to each member, then they could either fill the forms at home or bring them to the meeting. Mr. M: Williams seconded. Mr. Gavin Henry agreed with the adjournment of the meeting, but not with the expense of sending the circulars to the members. That could be done in an easier way. Mr. J. A. Williams thought it was a slight mistake, which could be easily put right. Mr. Griffiths said he was very sorry for what had occurred. It was done unintentionally. He suggested that the matter be put to the meeting for their opinion on the matter. Mr. D. R. Williams still objected, and he was of opinion that there was a clique ,in this matter, and that they were going about it in a back door way. Mr. Griffiths said there was no clique in the matter, and he would not have those remarks thrown at him from anybody. Mr. E. Rees thought it would ridicule the club if the meeting was adjourned. He did not at all approve of the suggestion. If the adjournment was carried, the knowledge of it would be carried far and wide, and he asked them to consider what English sportsmen would think of such a proceeding. He did not hesitate to state that an adjournment, in his opinion, would be very bad form indeed. The proposition was put to the meeting and carried, and it was decided to adjourn the meeting until to-morrow (Friday) evening. I AUDITORS. Messrs. D. H. Bowen and R. W. Evans were appointed auditors for the year. The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

GRAND ENGLISH OPERA COM- PANY AT THE ROYALTY- The boards of the Royalty Theatre are occupied this week by Miss Constance St. Bride's splendid company in grand opera.. The repertoire is an attractive and extensive one, and large audiences have assembled to witness the performances.

POST-MORTEM EXAMINATION OF A SWANSEA DOG. It will be remembered that some weeks ago a dog which was suspected of rabies was shot in the streets of Swansea, but not until several persons had experienced some lively adventures in the main thoroughfares. In accordance with the instructions of the Board of Agriculture, the brain of the animal was forwarded to Brown's Institution for examination, and the result which ha.s just been received by the Town 'I Clerk shows that the dog was not suffering from rabies at all.

LOCAL CRICKET NOTES. I THE PROSPECTS OF THE SEASON. I LBy SPECTATOR."] The local cricket season will this year commence early and finish late. I am not sorry on that account. On the contrary, I am genuinely glad. It has struck me for several years past that the season is unnecessarily early closed. There is no reason i at all why our cricketers should not commence the first week of May and go on until the middle of September, Thac is just what is going to occur this year. A start is, in fact, to be made as early as next Saturday when the First Eleven will meet a selected team from the Carmarthenshire League. The following week, if I am not mistaken, the premier team will journey to Newport to meet the famous Usksiders, and late in the season, as late, indeed, as the middle of September, the concluding match with Cardiff will be played. To me, these seem to be arrangements far more satisfactory than those which have bean the vogue in past years. They serve to co-ordinate the weather and the game in an eminently satisfactory degree. Llanelly will be recruited this season by a few sterling cricketers who have madtf their home in our town. I will not enlarge at greater length now on the fresh importations. I will wait until I have seen them play. The Cal-marthensliire League promises to be a very powerful combination this season. Mr. R. H. Linn has retired from the secretaryship having quite enough to do in that connection for the Llan- elly Club. Mr. J. Mentgomery has been appointed in his place, and he promises to make things hum. Ferryside has retired from the League. Garnant, however, has come in and will participate in tne contests of the season. The teams for -the match on Saturday between the Llanelly First Eleven, and Eighteen of the League have not been picked, but the League team will be constituted as from the followii-ig:- I Three from Felinfoel, three from Burry Port, three from Ammanford, three from Pontyberem, two from Llanelly 2nd XI, two from Llangennech, two from Garnant. Mr. H. W. Seymour, Pontyberem, will captain the League XVIII. The Felinfoel Cambrians would like to arrange fixtures with junior teams. Apply to the secretary. W. J. Williams, 18, Ty'rfran-villas, Llanelly.

TINPLATERS IN DISTRESS. CHARITY CONCERT AT THE MARKET HALL. HALL. The Llanelly public lined up in strong force at the Market Hall on Tuesday evening last in token of their sympathy with the distressed tinplaters formerly employed at the Gwendraeih Works, Kidwelly, and the Burry Works, Llanelly. These men. as our readers are aware, have been out of employment for a long period of time, and many of them have, no doubt, been in exceedingly straigten- ed circumstances. The charity concert which took place on Tuesday evening last was organized by a Llanelly committee and the arrangements were carried out faultlessly, thanks very largely to Mr. Joseph Roberts, the hon. sec., who from time to time has rendered splendid service in support of movements designed to give support- to his dis- tressed fellow-workers. Mr. Roberts was on this occasion aided by a strong and enthusiastic body of co-adjutors, to whom the greatest praise is due for their self-sacrificing labours. The Committee were able to enlist the generous co-operation of the leaders of the respective musical organizations, of the town, and to these gentlemen and the associa- tions which they represent, credit must also be given. As we have already stated, an exceedingly large audience assembled on the occasion, and the various items constituting the programme were much appreciated. Mr. Tom Hughes occupied the chair aud introduced the proceedings in an appropriate speech. The pro- gramme was as follows Part Song. Lullaby of Life" .Choir Song. "Cyinru" Mr. Evau Lewis Song. Carmencita "Miss S..J Davies Duet Solfa Lesson .Mrs, Lloyd and Mr. John Richards Chorus. Martyrs of the Arena" Llanelly Male Voice Party Song. Sunshine and Rain Mrs. Davies Song. The Little Hero "Mr. John Richards Quartette. Good Night, Beloved" Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Lloyd, Messrs. R. Thomas and E. Lewis Song Merch y Melinyd(I Miss Dummer Chorus. Ye Nations" .Choir Soii,g 11 0 'Rwyn Cofio "Mr. John Hughes Song Refuge of the Soul "Miss Mary James Part Song. Comrades in Arms "Llanelly Male Voice Party Song. What are they to do ?" .Mrs. David Lloyd Song Mr. Richard Thomas Song. Ora Pro Nobis "Miss Lizzie Richards Duet. O Lovely Gwalia "Messrs. Thomas and Richards Miss Maggie Morgan and Mr. Luther Owen brilliantly accompanied. The committee desire to give their best thanks to the artistes, and the choirs for their services, to Mr. T. Seymour for a donation of a guinea, and to Messrs. Thompson and Shackell for the loan of two pianofortes. ——— I

A FIRE IN ANDREW STREET. I On Thursday afternoon last as Mr. D. L. Rees, Mr. Thos. Thomas, Burry Port, aud Mr. Thos. Owen, Llanelly, were proceeding up Andrew-street, they saw I smoke issuing from the upper windows of one of the houses. They immediately entered the dwelling and informed the occupant of the danger. The sole occupant of the house was an old lady, who was powerless to cope with the flames, and the gentle- men named immediately turned to aud subdued the fire.

IMPORTANT SALE OF WORK AT BURRY PORT. ¡ A most successful and brilliant sale of work was held at the Parish Hall, Burry'Port, on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Earl of Ashburnham opened the proceedings on Tuesday, and the subsequent, business was highly satisfactory. About X,100 was taken on Tuesday.

NEW MAIN LINE FACILITIES. The following additional railway facilities will be in operation from the 1st of May :—The 6.55 p.m. train from Swansea to Kidwelly will be extended to Carmarthen on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays calling at Ferryside. A new train will start from Carmarthen at. SAO p. m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for Swansea, calling at all stations.

LLANELLY TEMPERANCE I CHOIR. Members and intending members are asked to attend the rehearsals of the above choir from May 1st on regularly, as the promoters of the N.T.C.U. arc anxious to celebrate the progress of temperance during the long reign of her "Majesty Queen Victoria in a becoming manner. They have therefore introduced music and singing of a higher standard into the movement. Among the 1,1 items for the 1st Concert arc the four national airs, viz" Welsh, English, Scotch and Irish. When the history of the Queen's long reign is written, it will be found that much of the improvement in the habits, customs, health and homes of the people has been due to a large extent to the growth of temperance principles. For the next fewVeeks the choir will meet on Wednesdays only, after wInch there will be the usual two practices a week.

MR. TENNYSON SMITH 1 AND HIS METHODS. 0 I A REPLY TO MR. JOHN WILLIAMS' LETTER. I TO THE EDITOR. SIR,-I have read in your last week's issue the letter from Mr. John H. Williams in which he constitutes himself the champion of the so- called Temperance Party," and gives vent to some hum-drum and played-out arguments of the Prohibition Party. Obviously, it is quite impossible for me to open up this whole ques- tion in your columns. It would be an easy matter to show the absurdity and incorrectness of Mr. Williams' arguments and deductions But ass these accusations can only be refuted. by hard facts and statistics (which I have no time to look up at present), 1 have requested the assistant secretary of the County Brewers' Society-who is used to dealing with these questions—to make a short reply to Mr. Williams' letter, which I trust, Sir, you will be good enough to publish. It is useless to take up your space with clap- trap quotations about War between heaven and hell," (places of which we know absolutely nothing) or to take up the Tennyson Smith style of playing to the gallery by sentimental and harrowing pictures of the effects of over- indulgence in drink (or food). Such methods do not convince any reasonable person, and only disgust the temperate man. Mr. Williams has adopted the well worn tactics of professional teetotalers ir. suppressing important words in my letter, and suggesting false ones to make them suit his arugments, e.g., I referred.to the medical opinion concerning the moderate use of alcohol, whereas Mr. Williams suggests that Ilused the word indiscriminate use of alcohol. I can only refer Mr. Williams to a shilling diction- ary to satisfy himself that these words are not synonymous. As to his language anent the filthy offspring of the trade" I am afraid he must go to Billingsgate Fish Market to find its equal. Such dodges are not arguments, and show the utter weakness of the Teetotal party. I am, Sir, yours, etc., BASIL WM. VALENTIN. MR. P. C. MORGAN INTERVENING. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,-As one interested in the question between your correspondents, Mr. Valentin and Mr. Williams, I notice that the recent letter of the latter seems to confuse temperance and abstinence, and insinuates that the trade does not desire temperance, though he expressly quotes from the pamphlet of a brewer written in the cause of temperance. Mr. Williams quotes the ipse dixit of several individuals and newspapers on drink and its consequences, and it would not be difficult to quote a like number on the other side if any good purpose were to be served by so doing. State- ments of the kind without due evidence are not proof. If prohibition obtained in this country, it is generally admitted that between two and three million people engaged in the various branches of the industry would have to seek some other means of livelihood, and the revenue to be re- placed by some other form of taxation would be not 27 millions only, but, on the basis of last year, as much as 35 millions. Mr. Williams founds an argument on another ipse dixit of certain judges to the effect that two-thirds of the crime of the country is the outcome of drinking, and he is simple enough to accept this unproven assertion, and to state that consequently two- thirds of the total cost of keeping the whole legal paraphernalia-equal, he says, to 100 millions a year-has to be set against the comparatively insignificant sum collected through the trade. The mere statement to any thoughful person is sufficient, without any argument, to show its utter absurdity, and I need not labour the point. I would only ask Mr. Williams to favour your readers with his authority for stating that the cost of the whole legal paraphernalia" is £ 150.000,000 a year or nearly £ 4 per head of population Has he accidentally added a cypher to this ? Alcohol, says Mr. Williams, is a poison. The assertion, while being strictly accurate, is, however, misleading, and is used by the writer in the present instance in order to mislead his readers. What Mr. Williams refers to is only to:be obtained of the chemist, and is never used as a beverage. When reduced by the addition of water in sufficient quantity, the mixture becomes a wholesome beverage (vide Truth about Alcohol" by the abstaining physician, Dr. Norman Kerr). Even the late Sir B. W. Richardson, the highest teetotal authority, admitted before a Parliamentary Committee on intemperance that in his opinion a person might safely take. and not be injured at all by it, 11 ounces of alcohol per day. This would equal two pretty stiff glasses of grog or half a pint of good port or sherry each day. He further taid in reference to the glass of beer taken by people with their meals, that he candidly thought it would do them no harm. So much for Mr. Williams's poison." I will only deal with one more assertion in Mr. Williams' letter, namely, that the convic- tions for drunkenness in Cardiff show an actual decrease now as compared with the convictions before the introduction of the Sunday Closing Act. He offers to substantiate his assertion if any one doubts it. If the three years ended September 29th, 1881, be taken it will be found that the number of persons proceeded against for drunkenness in Cardiff averaged 595 annually. For the three years ended December 31st, 1895, the number is 1415, equal to an actual increase of nearly 140 per cent. But if I the population is taken into account the rela- tive increase still stands as high as about per cent. My authority is the "Judicial Statistics" and I have taken in each case the average of the last three years available without any other kind of selection. What are Mr. Willi,.in,is' figures and authority P Your obedient servant, PERCY C. MORGAN. 1, Victoria Street, London. S. W. I 26th April, 1897.

A PRESENTATION TO P.C. MORGAN,LLANGENNECH. P.C. Morgan's stay at Llangeaueeh has not been long notoue-tenth as long (writes a Llangeimech contri- butor), as we would wish. His uprightness and courtesy have won for him general respect. On Wednesday last be was presented on his departure for Llansawel with a beautiful edition of a noted Welsh book. The Rev. D. A. Jones presented him with the gift at Bethesda Chapel on behalf of the leml Gobaith. Songs and speeches from several temper- ance friends helped to give the farewell meeting a. lasting impression, on all present.

I GOOD NEWS! i Allcock's Porous Plasters nave now oeen reduced to I I 7,1,d. EACH. I That's the price you shouM pay. 'here is i MO remedy like them for Lumbago, Rhcu- ft matisrO; Sciatica, Colds, Coughs, and pains 1 -Sc.;at4ica, Col--Is, Coii!Lils, an--I pains l' of 'i)-pt be su--e ai(i -et C 0 C. ft-