The Llanelly Mercury and South Wales Advertiser

YOUNG MEFS CHRISTIAN I ASSOCIATION. The annul members' meding of the above associa- ?t \v?s held on Tuesday evening last a? t??e associa- tiot, rooms, Murray Street, Mr. T. Gee presiding, ?ter the chairman's opening remarks, the treasurm"s ald secretary's reports were read and adopted. The secretary, in his report, dealt briefly with the work of e association in general, and remarked that, although ::nea.ns of doing much spiritual good in the town. _^hey were engaged in a warfare in which no carnal *Capon could succeed, and never was it more needful for young mell to have firm, clear convictions. He oped that their life, for the coming year, would be filled with a spirit of sacrifice. The following were lected officers for the ensuing year .-Presi(ieiit;, Mr. 1:; (See vice-presidents, Messrs. A. Davies, W. H. 'Ad V r(l, J. Wesley Jones, H..Janws, Wm. Wallis, ra Aitoii, Win. Davies, and John Grifriths iioti. retary" Mr. H. Jenkins; financial secretary, Mr. R. Th Otnas treasurer, Mr, John George Phillips; remittee, Messrs. T. S. Lynch. C. Jones, F. Evans, C. Evans, E. Cole, J. Davies, Owen Davies, T. fOSt. J, Stephens, Rees Rees, E. Hirons, J. Watts, lid John Cue.

A LLANELLY APPEAL CASE. I 111 The case of Dillon v. Daniells canae on. for argn- ""?nt on Tuesday, on appeal from the LLmeHy °unty Court—before Mr. Justice Hawkins and 11', Justice Wri?ht, sitting as a Divisional Court in  Queen's Bench Division of the High Coyfc. r- Hardy said he appeared for the defendant, who iu^f ?PPeaIing from a decison of the County Court 3udge at LI'meUy givin- judgment :i!?!ast him. Ti, e action was upon a promissory note for ?50, and ret, which was given by the defendant to the P?ntiS, under th.se circumstances: Plaintiff Was bay ^e,^er in Ire]:md, and in April, 1894, he sold to "te defendant, a farmer in Wales, a certain ??'tyof!)a.y,thep!i(-eofwhichw:)s ?105, and defendant on that date gave the plaind? no °Ue.y, bat gave him as collateral security this ?laissory note for 150. The action was brought to roco, thi-i of ?50, and although there wa? ?Oence nob 0niy of the plaintiS, but on the docu- -ents '1 ,J k ?""?"'the cheqttes und bank boo -showmg tbe ?? ??? P'?'? o.'nHidet-able sums to p!ai:)?6' ??e to time after giving this security, the  County Curt judge did not appropriate thos(-, .?s he (ounsel) snbmit)ed the judge ?'"? ? ha.ve in p?tymetit of the bill, which "fiis ll* f;ct discharged by the sums paid by the de!e?'"?t.—Mr. Lush sHid he objected. There ^ras '? Point of law raised before the County Court j.??'d he was not aked to make any note.— lfrilusti,?, ? D??.-kins said it was purely a question j ? ?''??th8C)untyCourh judge how much the anfc ??''?' The appeal must be dismissed tt""? coats. Mr. Justice Wright concurred..

I y- R. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Year, 1897. LLANELLY HOSPITAL FUND. With a view to Commemorate the 60 years' reigu of our Queeii, it has been decided, with the sanction of the Urban District Council, to raise Subscriptions for the Llanelly Hospital Fund. In the first iustance, to relieve the Hospital from debt; to make necessary improvements in the Hospital; and to erect a Children's Ward. It is estimated that a sum of 92,000 will be required to do this. £ To relieve the Hospital from debt 700 Alterations and Improvements urgently required 300 To Erect a Children's Ward, with 10 or 12 Beds 1000 £ 2000 The inhabitants of Llaneily are earnestly appealed to for Subscriptions to enable the Hospital Com- mittee to carry out this Scheme. It is unnecessary to describe the usefulness of the Hospital, beyond stating that 32 Beds are now occupied, and there are many Patients waiting to be admitted. LLANELLY HOSPITAL, 7tk May, 1897.

A NEW BI)ARD SCHOOL 4. DISCUSSION AT THE SCHOOL BOARD. At a meeting of the Llanelly School Board, held on Tuesday, Mr. John Hopkins presiding, a discussion ensued on the recommendation of the committee to con- htruct a new department at Old Road, for the accom- modation of 300 boys, the premises already in existence to be devoted to girls and infants. Mr. \V. David considered that the recommendation was faulty in one particular point. In his opinion, they should provide accommodation for at least 350 child ten. Within two years, the average attendance a the Old Road Boys' School had increased from 105 to 230, and the attendance was still increasing, the popularity of the new master having, probably, something to do with it. Mr. David forcibly enlarged upon the growing districts which the Old Road Schools hild to serve and urged the Board to provide substan- tial accommodation in the first intance instead of involving the ratepayers later on in ex- penditure in enlarging the premises. The additional accommodation which he contended it was their imperative duty to provide now could be made at comparatively trifling cost, but the circumstances would be mateiially changed when the school was completed. Errors in this connection had beeu made in the past, and he asked the Board to safeguard themselves from duplicating former mistakes in the proposal now under discussion. The errors referred to were evidenced in the excess of attendance at several of their schools, and it was for them to guarantee that similar errors were not repeated. Mr. J. A. Williams justified the policy of the Board in the past, and did not consider there were data for the stricture in which Mr. David had indulged. He enlarged upon the fact that the present Old Road School hd been in existence for 18 years, and he did not think that as a Board they were justified in providing accommodation to meet the requirements of twenty years forward. Mr. H. Wilkicis supported Mr. Williams, and pro- duced figures to shew that the Board had pursued in the past a policy that was above reproach. It was significant, to say the least, that not a single boys'or girls' department had ever been enlarged in the history of the Board. A fact of that kind was unanswerable. Tiie particular point in which he thought the Board bad been wanting was in the provision of accommodation for infants. Moreover, it was a mistake to have large departments and thus render them unmanageable, and adversely affect the efficiency and administration of the school. He considered a department of 300 children large enough, and he believed H.M.I, had ex- pressed himself of that view. He believed in taking accommodation to districts as they grew, and it was obvious that they would soon have to construct a school at. the Erw. Mr. G. Blake endorsed the views expressed by Mr. Wilkius, and attributed the abnormal increase in the attendance at Old Road as being probably due to the popularity of the master. He was of opinion, however, that a school providing for 300 children would suffice. Mr. J. Thomtts did not believe in building a small school, and he quite concurred with the views of Mr. Da* id. If they took, for instance, the Bynea School, he believed they had provided that school in the convic- tioii th-t it would serve the requirements of twenty yexrs, hut he was afraid that in a few years they would have to extend it. The number of scholars now attending was 200, and the attendance was increasing every week. Mr David said that in other towns there were large schools under the direction of one head-teacher- schools numbering 1,000, 1,200, and 1,800. M r. H. Willtius replied that he (the speaker) did not refer to the three departments combined. It was eventually decided to overrule the recommen- dation of the committee, and to build a boys' school to accommodate 3[íO boys.

IJLANGENNEOH BRITISH I SCHOOL. The managers of the Llangenneoli British Schools held a meeting on Thursday last, and appointed Miss Griffiths, of Llangadock, as assistant mistress at the Mixed Department instead of Miss J. Williams, who has left to take charge of a school near Brecon, while Miss Arthur, of Llaneily, was appointed under Art. '68 to fill the vacancy caused by the removal of Miss Sophia Williams to the Resolven Board School.

MADAME ALICE GOMEZ AT I LLANELLY. This distinguished contralto artiste appeared at Llaneily on Monday evening in a concert given at the AUienaenm Hall, the other artistes being Madame Leslie Amoit, Messrs. Edsrmud Edwards, C. Emlyn .Jones, William Henley, Wyvvark Stratton, and W. J. Evans, There was not a large audience, but the eOllcclt was most enjoyable, none of the artistes being deterred by the paucity of; the attendance from exerting their best efforts for the entertainment of the auditors Our readers will be glad to that the company will pay a retum visit to Ha.ueHy in the fall of the year-

THE QUEEN'S JUBILEE AND FREEMASONRY. A great national gathering of Freemasons will take place on June lith, at the Royal Albert HaJj, London, for the purpose of proposing a, loyal and dutiful addrews to Her Majesty on the coming celebration of her long and glorious reign. H.R.H., the CJrand Master of the United Lodge of England, will preside. All the lodges of the kingdom will be represented. The Prince of Wales Lodge, No. 671, Llaneily, will be re- presented by the W.M., Bro. Jeremiah Williams, Bro. John Bourne, and others.

VACCINATION OFFICERSHIP. TO THE KDITOK. Sik,—The appointment of vaccination officer will be made by the Board of Guardians to-day. Perhaps the Board of Uuardians will excuse me for saying a word I or two therenn. In the first place, let me say I hope the Board will follow the excellent practice adopted by the Borough Council of late, and give the appointment to a man who bas none, or to one who will practically devote the whole of his time to the duties. This is not s »id in derogation of men holding other appoint- ments. No doubt, several of these will be applying, hut; in the interests of fair play, let the post be given to a man who really needs it. The appointment has been already taken from the relieving officer because one position was as much as he could properly attend to, and no doubt there is a feeling that the post should be given to one or other of the many excellent candidates who applied for the relieving officerahip. This would be a good arrangement, for in case of illness of one of the relieving officers, the vaccination officer would be able j to take on the vvork in the mentitinae. and save tht, ffoardians much worry, and the ratepayers some arnoaat of money.—Yours etc., RATEPAYER.

I LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD. I APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN. The monthly meeting of the Llanelly School Board was held at the School Board offices on Tuesday last. There were present Mrs. Evans, Messrs. J. Hopkins, J. A. Williams, H. Wilkins, G. F. Blake, W. David, and J. Thomas (Berwick). together with the clerk (M r. Ifor W. Watkins). I' THE APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN. _I Mr. Henry Wilkins proposed the election of Mr. Hopkins to the chair and referred to the fact that Mr Hopkins was one of the senior members and had done excellent work in the vice-chair during i he period he had occupied the position. He was an earnest educationalist and would, during the unexpired term, faithfully and conscientiously serve the Board. Mr. W: David seconded the motion, which was unanimously carried. Mr. Hopkins returned thanks for the confidence reposed in him. Mr. Wilkins moved the election of Mr J. A. Williams to the vice-chair, Mr. Williams being a member who had rendered most valuable services to the Board. Mr. Blake seconded in appropriate terms, refer- ring to Mr Williams as a member of great ability. The motion was unanimoixsly carried, and Mr, Williams fitly returned thanks for the honour. THE HIGHER GRADE SCHOOL. I The following tenders were received for alter-I I ations at the Higher Grade School: £ s. d. Brown, Thomas, and John 258 0 0 John Evans 276 0 0 George Mercer 259 16 0 Mr. G. Blake thought they could not do better than accept Mr. Mercer's tender, there being only a slight difference between it and the lowest. He pro- posed that Mr. Mercer's tender be accepted. Mr. J. A. Williams seconded and it was carried. NOT ATTENDING SCHOOL. Mrs. Morris, the mother of M. A. Morris, a pupil atl,the Machynis School, and Mr. Lewis, the father of M. A. Lewis, a scholar from the Dock School, appeared before the Board seeking permission to ke'-pb 'th children :d. home. Both parents had sad stories to relate of illness at home. The Board listened courteously and then requested the parents to do their best to send the children to school. THE CENTRAL CLASS. I A long discussion ensued on the appointment of a I committee of management for the central class, Mr. W. David advocating the appointment of 26 gentlemen, together with all the members of the Board as ex-officios. Mr. J. A. Williams did not consider it necessary that all the members of the Board should be placed on the committee. Mr. Blake concurred. Mr. Wilkins considered the reports in connnec- tion witt. that school most important and he did not think they had been sufficiently considered by the Board. A decision to appoint a committee of 26 wasthen carried, to contain a few parents of the scholars. The commiu ee was appointed as follows:-Major Bythway, R -vs. D. Wynne Evans, T. Johns, Ben. Evans, R. M. Humphreys, Mrs. J. Rowlands, Mrs. Maybery, Messrs. Thomas Hughes, John Innes, H. B. Pascoe, J. Clement, H. Francis, W. Y Nevill, W. W. Brodie, W. E. C. Tregoning, Gwilyrn Evans, Daniel Williams, T. Job, E. Pryor, T. Hallam, C. Mutter, W. Bowen (Felinfoel), W. H. Andrews (Dafen), and Mrs. Evans, Messrs. W. David and G. Blake, members of the Board. BRYN SCHOOL. I A letter was read from the managers of the above school, recommending oertain alterations. Mr. J. Thomas, Mr. D. Harry, and the architect, were asked to report on the question. The Rev. J. Evans was appointed to the vacancy on the com- mittee of management caused by the retirement of the Rev. J. Thomas. TRANSFER. i The Clerk read a letter from Miss H. Griffiths, Llwynhendy School, asking the Board to transfer her to the Bynea School as sewing mistress. It was decided to let the matter stand over until the time of making st aff arrangements. FIVE ROADS SCHOOL. I A half-holiday was granted the children attend- ing the Five Ro&ds School for May the 25th, on account of the anniversary services of Horeb Chapel. t THE BYNEA SCHOOL. I A letter was read from the managers of the above school slating that they had appointed Mrs. Eiztbeth Main waring cleaner of the mixed school at a salary of G. per week, and Mrs Ann Leyshon, cieaner of the infant school at a salary of 4s. per week, b 'th cleaners to find their own materials. The Bjard approved of the npp )intments. THE EVENING CLASSES. I The Clerk said that the question of payment for gas and cleaning in regard to the continuation classes held last winter, came before the Board in October. They had, however, done nothing in the matter since then. Mr. J. A. Williams said that the teachers got the full benefit of the grant. Mr. J. Thomas considered that the cleaner should be paid by the head teacher f,.r the extra work. Mr. J. A. Williams proposed that the clerk should obt an particulars from other Boards of how they dealt with the question. Mr. Wilkins s econded and it was carried. GOVERNING BODY OF THK INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL. I Mrs. Evans and Messrs. H. Wilkins and G. Blake were appointed to represent the Board on the governing body of the Intermediate and Technical School. THANK3 TO THE BOARD. I A letter was read from Mr. R. J. Edmunds con- veying the thanks of the teachers in the district for the facilities yivea them in promoting the concert in aid of the N.U.T. funds. USM OF BYNEA SCHOOL. I A letter was rea.d from Mr. J. Jenkins, Cwmfelin, applying for the use of Bynea School to hold a concert in aid of Joseph Tinnuche 011 June the 5th. It was decided that the school be granted on the usual terms. AN APPLICATION FROM THE BAPTISTS. A letter was read fl om Mr. T. Job, applying for the use of one of the rooms at the Copperworks School for the purpose of providing refreshments for visitors attending the meetings in connection with the Baptists' Union. Mr. Blake remarked that if they granted the application, they would open a wide door for others. Mr. W. David considered the application not much to grant. Mr. G. Blake felt strongly against using the t uqina the schools for I he purposes named. Mr. H. Wilkins was of. opinion that they were under an obligation to the body named for meeting the Board in the p.,st by lending the vestry of Bethel Chapel for school purposes for 18 months free of charge. Mr, G. Blake replied t,hat the "bligation had been before them once before, and they had already acceded to a request in discharge of it. Mr. H. Wilkins propose.! tli t three members of the Boaid 8tC Mr. Job and confer with him. Mr. W. Dadl seconded and it was carried. The members to see Mr. Job are: Messrs H. Wilkins, G. Blake, and W. David. J j THE JUBILEE WEEK. Idr. G. Blake gave notice that at the next meeting »f the Board he would move. "that the schools under the Board be closed for the week cosumenoing 21st of June, in commemoration of the longest reign, and tbat a communication be sent to the teachers aud inspectors to that effect at an early date." I TBEAT FOR THE CHILDREN. I Mr..J. A. Williams gave notice tht he would move at the next meeting that all the children a; tending the schools under tueBourd be given a I treat on the 22nd of June in commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee of the Queen. I AN APPLICATION. An application was received from Miss Anna J. Rees, Llanarth School Board, for permission to attend the P.T. Central Class for preparation for Queen's Scholarship Examination. It was decided to grant the application on the payment of A:2 per session. I ESTIMATE OF MONIES REQUIRED., I An estimate of monies required to the 25th of March, 1898, was submitted to the Board and considered.—It was decided that a precept be made upon the overseers of the Urban Parish of Llaneily for the sum of £3,296 16s., to meet the expenses of the Board to the 29th September next, also that a precept be made upon the overseers of the Rural Parish of Llanelly for the sum of L-1,480 to the same date.

NANSEN'S FARTHEST NORTH. I BRILLIANT LECTURE AT LLANELLY. I Oil Tuesday evening last a brilliant and graphic lecture was delivered at the Athenseum Hall by the Rev. Arthur Mursell 011 II Nallsen's Farthest North." Mr. Mursell traced the course of the Fram with a vividness that kept the audience spell-bound for over an hour, whilst his humour and his delineation of the character of Dr. Nausen were much appreciated. Mr* J. H. Rogers presided.

SAD END OF A TINPLATER. FOUND DEAD IN THE OLD CASTLE POND. INQUEST ON THE BODY. I An inquiry was held on Wednesday at the Union Inn, Seaside, before the deputy-coroner (Mr. F. N. Powell), touching the death of Mr. D. James Thomas, Albert-street Llanelly. The deceased— who was the son of Mr. D. W. Thomas, attendance officer in the service of Lhe Llanelly School Board —was much respected by many friends, and the intelligence of his distressing death has been received with pity by all. The young man was found dead in the the Old Castle Pond early on Tuesday morning, and one is forced to conclude that the case was one of suicide, the deceased having been unwell and in a depressed state of mind for some time prior to the occurrence. The evidence at the inquest was as follows Dd. W. Thomas, father of the deceased, deposed that the body found in the Old Castle Pond was that of his son, aged 29 years. Deceased was a married man. He saw the deceased alive last on Sunday evening in his (decea-eds) house. Had anybody sent for you ?-Yes, his wile and when I got there he was sitting on the couch lean- ing forward holding the back of his head with his two hands. Did you ask him what was the matter ?—Yes. What did he say ?-He said he had excruciating paan in the head. What else did he sty?-Nothin- more. Did he say anything of his affairs 1-Yes, he said that he had lost Xi 12s. 6d. on Saturday afternoon in Station road. Did he think he had dropped it 1—Yes. Where had he got this money from 1-1 suppose it was his pay. You understood it to be a part of his pay?—Yes. He had not been working very regularly for some time ?—No, not for 7 or 8 weeks. Owing to what, ill health?—Yes. Did he tell you that he was suffering from depression?—He did not tell me so, but he appeared to be in that condition. Did he threaten to do away with himself in your presence?—No, never. I ad vised him to go to work next morning and not to trouble about the lost money, as he (the father) would make that good. Did he go to work on M.-ii(iay moriiing?-Yes, he left the house at 5.30 a.m. and returned in about an hour's time sayillg that he had a turn off and there was no woik for him that day. Do you know anything of his health during the last six months ?—Yes he was always of a weak constitution. I have frequently heard him com- plain of pains in the head. Had he a medical attendant 1-1 don't know. Daniel Thomas, 9, Richard-street, sworn, said that he knew the deceased and was well acquainted with him. He met the deceased on Monday even- ing at 10.15 at the Greyhound Hotel. Deceased told him that he had been in the Royalty Theatre that evening. They were together until 11 o'clock. The deceased only had one pint of beer to drink there. Was the deceased sober ?—Perfectly sober. You went out together ? —Yes, sir. Did you accomp illY him home?—Yes, down to Murray-street. He tske, I me to come with him as far as the Congregational Ch-ipel, and I went. You left. him there?—Yes, we stood there for about five minutes, and he went towards his home. He made no complaint about his health ?—No, nothing whatever. Did he appear to be in good spirits?—Yes, very good. When the deceased left him, he understood he was going home. The deceased promised to meet him next day at the Grevhound Hotel at 2 p.m. Thomas Morgan, 71, Old Castle Road, deposed tha. he was a greaser, employed at the Old Castle Tin plate Works. He was leaving the works at 5'45 on Tuesday mo'-nin^ together with J. Isaac and H. Davies, when they saw a coat, waistcoat and cap lying on the bank alongside the pond. How far is the pond from the road?—Three or four yards. Wtien you' saw tha clothing on the bank, what did you say ?—Isaac said that something was wrong. What else did you see ?-vVe saw the face and hands of a man in the waf er. Did you know the face? --No. Who went for the police ?—H. Davies and I ran for a policeman, and P.S. Hopkins with another policeman came d -wn. Did they lift the body out?—Yes. Did you recognise the body then?—Yes. Mrs. M. A. Thomas, wife of the deceased, sworn, said that she saw her husband alive about 7.15 on Monday evening. Deceased told her that be was going down on a message to Seaside. Deceased never told her he was going to the theatre that evening. Has he been in ill-health ?--Yes; he has com- plained of severe pains about the head and body. Had he suffered from depression?—I had not noticed it, but other people had. He was very quiet on Saturday. Was he more depressed on Saturday than Sunday ?—Yes he complained very much of pains in the head on Sunday all day, and in the night. He could not sleeo at all. Did he ever tell you he would do away with him- self?—No, he never alluded to anything of the kind. How was he on Monday evening when he left you ?—He did not comp ain of any pain. What did you do on Monday evening?—I sat up until one o'clock waiting for him, but he did not return home. His body was brought home about 6 or 7 o' clock in the morning. J. Isaac, 17, Catherine-street, a greaser at the Old Castle Works corroborated the evidence of T. Morgan. P.S. E. Hopkins, sworn, said, that about 5'55 a.m. on Tuesday, in consequence of what P.C. J. W. John tend him, he went together with three constables to the pond with a stretcher and a grappling h >ok. When they came to the N.W. side of the pond, they saw about 20 yards from the bottom, lying in about 4 or 5 feet of water, the body of a man, on his back. with the feet a little lower than the head. He fastened the book to his scarf and lifted the body out of the water. Deceased was minus his coat, vest, and cap. Life was extinct when he took the body out of the water. Were there any marks on the body ?—No, sir. What did you find in the pockets 7 -l.d.. a tobacco pouch, a pipe, and a newspaper. j The jury returned a verdict of Suicide whilst temporarily insane.

I MAGISTRATES' COURT J ———— I TOWN HALL, WEDNESDAY, before Messrs. S. BKVAN, H. WILKINS, and W. S. MARSH. I DRUNKS. Daniel Davies, Cwmfelin, and Daniel Morgan, Felinfoel, were charged with drunkenness.—Fined 13s. each. I I John Evans, Llwynhendy, was charged with keeping I a dog without a license-Fined 10s. I IN CHAnGl OF A HORSE AND CART. Evan Davies, Cwmbach, was charged with being I drunk whilst in charge of a horse and car t, -Dismissed. I SEPARATION ORDERS. I Ann Jones, CwmfeJin-row, applied for a separation order against her husband, J. Jones. Mr. W. Howell appeared for the applicant. The Bench made an order of 10s. a week and a judicial separation order. Margaretta Thomas, Havelock-street, made a similar application against her husband, W. Thomas. Mr. T. R. Ludford appeared for the applicant, and Mr. W. Howell appeared for the defendant. The Bench adjourned the case for a fortnight. I RECOVERY OF A TUNE2IENT. I D. Phillips, Victoria-road, applied to recover pos- session of a. tenement from S. A Clarke, Oxen-street. -Grante,i. I AFFILIATION. I Rachel Thomas, Graenorfacb, Llanedy, applied for an affiliation ord«r against G. Davies, Tycoppa, Llanedy. Mr. D. R. Williams appeared for the appli- cant. The usual order of 2s. 6d. a week was made.

THOSE WHO LABOUR- Ii [BY GEORGE B. Wood.] The most important event of the week, to those who are interested in social subjects and their advance" ment, have been the meetings of the Liberal Federa. tion at Mertbyr on Friday last. About those meet- ings there is much to record. I shall only touch, how- ever, on those events which affect the interests of the workers generally. Of course the usual Liberal motions were passed, embracing Welsh Disestablishment, Edu. cation, and the Eastern Question. After these we had a resolution on Welsh Laud Reform and an Omnibus Resolution. I make no demur at discussing the last two in this column. They are of especial importance to workers. With the earlier resolutions, the whole Radical Demo- cracy of the country are unanimously agreed. But the position on the agenda of the Employers' Liability Bill, and of the Taxation of Ground Values, is surely unwarranted and calculated only to strengthen the hands of those who claim that these reforms are only sops to the Socialist or Trades Union Democrat, and never intended to be thoroughly given, else their place would be a more prominent one. Neither do I see how the Liberal Party can refute this charge unless they show more determination to deal with the Land Question on the lines laid down than they have hitherto done. "A thorough reform of the Land Laws" was the text of the fourth clause of the Newcastle Programme. The taxation of Mining Royalties" was eighth on the list. Here are two reforms, now put with two others, in an "omnibus" resolution at the end of the LiberaJ Federation's Agenda. They are not even given a place to themselves. Yet, they are the two most vital reforms necessary to Wales. In no country in the world is the curse of Landlordism so severely felt as in our own, and in no country is indus- try so severely taxed by Royalties. Both evils can be partly removed through the medium of a money bill. They can be placed in the Budget and the House of Lords, that cancer eating the life out of progressive legislation, would have no voice in the the matter. Why are not these things done ? Is it that the Liberal Party are not in earnest? If not, what reason can be given ? Not want of opportunity. Though this is the expression of my own private opinion, I found myself many delegates on Friday last in agreement with me. Even so prominent a gentleman as Mr. R. D. Burnie expressed his opinion as being, that if be had his way, a drastic Land Law Reform should find itself first in the programme. Among the delegates were many Land Nationalises, members of one or another of the organizations which have Land Nationalisation as their aim, and there were even a few pronounced Socialists who wished to see an Eight Hours Resolution on the agenda. One of these gentlemen presumed that the known opposition of Mr. D. A. Thomas and of Mr. John Morely to such a measure accounted for its absence. At least, the Employers' Liability question, and the Land Values Taxation question, could have been allotted a separate resolution each. There is no mistake about the attitude of the Liberal party towards employers' liability. A thorough measure, without either the "-common employment" or the "contracting out" doctrines, will have to be granted before we shall be satisfied. In both the respects, the Bill of the present Government offends. It gives, also, a further offence. It is not applicable to all trades, which it should be. Thus, it will be fought by the Opposition, and when in committee, it is to be hoped that many changes will take place in its construction. Still, it is better than no Bill at all, even in its present condition, and it may be bettered considerably before it is finally law. Evidently, Mr. Geoffrey Drage, M.P., has no good opinion of it. Speaking at Lymington on Monday last, "he criticised it, in no modiSed terms, as offering a premium on malingering, tending to increase litigation, and likely to crush small employers out of existence, stay the band of charity, and undermine and ruin friendly societies." Mr. Drage's imagination must have run away with his bead when he uttered such nonsense as this. Yet he parses for an expert! A respected contemporary, the Schoolmaster, in its last week's issue has the following comments on this question We are exceedingly glad to note that the question of boy labour in coalpits has at last been ventilated in connection with the annual endeavour to secure an eight hours day for adult miners. As the law at present stands, a boy twelve years of age, without other qualifications, may work 54 hours a week in a coalpit, which meats five days of ten hours each with a four hours shift on Saturday. Now it appears from Mr. William Allen's statement, there are between 45,000 and 50,000 boys at work in coalpits in various parts of the country. And clearly no movement for an eight hours day by legislation for adults could leave children at work ten hours. Hence those who countenance boy labour in pits and parti- cipate in the profit from that labour, expose themselves to the charge that they oppose the eight hours day for men, in order not to interfere with the existing con- ditions of labour for boys. The Northumberland and Durham miners are open to this taunt. Theirposition in regard to an eight hours day for men is that they have got it akeady by arrangement between them- selves and their employers, and they recommend the miners in other parts of the country to go and do like- wise- objecting, at the same time, to statutory inter- ference in such a matter. We hope it is not un. charitable to suggest that the existence of a ten hours day for boys in Durham and Northumberland may not be altogether unconnected with the hostility of tbe miners in this locality to Rtatre interference in this matter. I

THE STOR.11 RELIEF FUND. A meeting of the committee of the above will be held lit the Old Town Hall, Llitnelly, on Weduesday, the 19th M,-Y, 1897, at 8 p.m. All accounts should be at once forwarded to Mr. David Davies, the secretary. Town Hall, Llaneily.

I MUSTARD AND CRESS. I,AIUSTARD AND C.IIZESS. Several Llanellyites are attending the May meetings in London. The area of the borough of Llanelly is a little over 4,000 acres. The rateable value of Llanelly is between £80,000 and £ 90,000. There are 252 teachers, of all grades, in the service of the Llanelly School Board. During the week the Jenuings' Memorial Fund bag been raised to £ 1,045 13s. 5d. One of the shop assistants of Llanelly works some- thing over 84 hours per week. The Llaneily School Board have borrowed a sum of XZO,566 since the formation of the Board. The normal capacity of the six tinplate works iu Llaneily is 31,680 boxes per week. Elder James Caffall, from America, will preach at the Latter Day Saints' Chapel, Island Place, on Sunday next. The two candidates in the final tie for the heacl mastership of the Felinfoel National School were two brothers. Mr. Ernest Trubshaw, and Mr. Maybery are attend- ing the annual meetings of the Iron and Steel Institute held in London. The amount paid by the Borough Council for street lighting last year was JE1843 9s. 2d., and for public buildings C287 9s. 8d. The estimated population of Llanelly to-day is 27,207. When the Queen ascended the throne, it was under 6.000. In his lecture on Tuesday evening, the Rev. Arthur Mursell said that a more difficult task than calling another mau a fool was to prove one's own sagacity. A correspondent writing to a local newspaper wants dancing from 6.30 until 12 o'clock, refreshments, and extensive cloak accommodation for one shilling. The feature of the convivial proceedings at the dinner of the Swansea and Llaneily Law Students' Society was a whistling solo given by Mr.T. J. Williams, B.A. The Rev. J. Ossian Davies, who is removing to London, presumably, believes it is time Bournemouth people were given some variety. Bournemouth has a plethora of Welsh preachers. A correspondent writes to say that the Llauelly shop assistants have yet to learn the meaning of the word "conversazione," as the function held under their auspices a week ago was a "social evening." Many old friends of Dr. Llewellyn Bevan scarcely I knew him upon seeing him for the first time after his return from Melbourne last week. His face is now set in a framework of bushy white hair. One of the speakers at a recent hospital committee gave that institution a very good name, remarking that he had been a patient there for about five months on one occasion and was so happy there that he act- ually cried when he became well enough to leave. At the anuual meeting of the South Wales Liberal Federation held at Merthyr ou Friday, a vote of condolence was passed with the widow of Dr. J. A. Jones, Llaneily, who was a member of the Executive of the Federation. Mr. W. H. Johu, the new collector to the Llaneily Harbour Commissioners, appeared at a meeting of that body for the first time on Monday, when one of the members mistook him for the special correspoadent of i the Times. It is quite refreshing to hear that at least one of the present Congregationalist ministers at Bournemouth is going to leave for another pastorate.. There are four Independent churches at Bournemouth and there is a Welshman in the pulpit of each. At the banquet of the Llaneily and Swansea Law Students, Mr. C. H. Glascodine paid a graceful com- pliment to the thoroughness of Llaneily people. Whatever they took in baud, he observed, they could be counted upon doing well. Dr. Llewellyn Bevan, the great Australian divine* now on a visit to this country, was brought up at Park Congregational Church, Llaneily. It is to be hoped that the friends at Park Church will induce him to give them a Sunday ere he returns home. The South Wales Daily Ne-dss, alluding to Mr. Llewellyn John, the new Captain of the Llaneily Cricket Club, says he is young and popular to a degree, and on the cricket pitch, as in the football arena, his play is characterised by a refinement of style that is positively engaging. We regret to bear that the Rev. W. Walters (Talmai) has been seriously ill since Tuesday week last, suffering from an attack of pleurisy. Our readers undoubtedly will extend to him their sympathy. We are glad to find that be is now convalescent under the careful treatment of Dr. n. J. Roderiek, and we hope he will soon be restored to his usual health. The authorities of the Newport National Eisteddfod have paid a great compliment to the hon sec. of the Oddfellows' Eisteddfod held at Llaneily last Whit Monday. The other day Mr. W. B. Jones, received a communication from the Newport secretary asking foe the particulars of the system in vogue at the Odd- fellows' Eisteddfod in relation to return passes, the people at Newport having been informed that the system in question was perfect. » In his masterly lecture on Monday evening on Nansen," the Rev. Arthur Mursell told a good story of the boy who told a lie. For the untruth he was put in a corner to examine the pattern of the wall paper. Having been engaged in this task for sometime, he observed: Mamma. m*y I ask you question?" Mamma: "Yes." Nanghty boy "Did you ever tell a lie." Mamma: Yes." Naughty boy: "Aud Father?" Mamma: "Yes." Naughty boy: "And Father ,Ilamma '4 Y e uncle Timothy, and Aunt Tabitha?" Mamma: "Yes, I am afraid so." Naughty boy Well mamma, I (lotilt wa-it to go to beAven." Mamma.; "What!" Naughty boy: "I don't want to go to heaven." Mamma Why ?" Naughty boy Because it will be lonesome there. I don't know of anyone who will be there except God and George Washington." Referring to the Welsh breakfast to be given by Dr. Llewellyn Bevan in London this week during the May meetings, the Ckristan World says It will be a great function and we envy the Welshmen. Dr. Bevan, if appearances go for anything, is in immense form, and be is never better than iu an fter-dinner-speech, unless it be in the tt-I likig of an after-dinner story. To tind himself once more, after years of absence, at a table filled with bis old friends and compatriots, will stir all that is Welsh in his capacious nature, and great will he the outpouring. We publish to-day also an interesting interview' with Dr. Bevan. His morn- ing and evening sermons at Paddington on Sunday delighted large congregations by their freshness of style and their expansive breadth. They seemed flooded with the Australian sunshine and impregnated I with its buovant acmosnhere Dr. Llewellyn Bevan, once of Llaneily, now cf Melbourne, is on a visit to the old country, and he has been telling a British Weekly interviewer that he does. not believe that the average Australian Colonist has any great knowledge of English politics I doubt," he said "whether he could name more than four or five English statesmen. But that is the case in all countries in relation to the politics of other lands. The other day I was in a. bookseller's shop in Bale, and a man was showing me a group of the leading politicians of Germany. He was surprised to find that many were quite unfamiliar t-o me. Tell me, -1 said how many English politicians do you know I WLII,L be said 'there is Mr. Gladstone ,wd Lord ?'?.Hsbury, afd—Mtd well, surely, there is a J086ph oroething.' Now, do you know," continued Dr.. BeTan, 11 that that man s position is not so entirely different from ours in Victoria. For myse'f, I mn-st confess that I have no idea who is the present Home Secretary." A very absent minded, erudite, and well known divine residing at Swansea had (says the South <Fa £ cs Daily Post) to journey Llanelly-wards to preach. He was due at the house of his host about four in the afternoon. The Rev. gentleman started from the High-street station at the appointed time, and so far all was well, but when the tmhi si-3p[>ca at the siatsou which was his destination the gentleman in blactt was deep in thought, probably ojgitafcing over his sermon of the morrow, and thus the tram went, down the line and the Dreacher found himself miles away from where he wished to alight. H0 erKjaired the time of the next up train, and departed by it, but, alas! this was an express which flew past hw station, and for the second time tbe unforionate divine missed his goal. A gentleman who was mthe train took compassion on him, and to prevent another eeosreternps ask d the guard to kindly look after the divine and see that he got out at the right sfc&iton. This was accomplished but the h -use of the host was not reached till 10.30 at sight, and when all hep jE had bees gives; up of his. arrival.