The Llanelly Mercury and South Wales Advertiser

LLANGENNECH. I i GRAXD PERFORMANCE OF ELIJAH I The general verdict pronounced, by those I ho had the good futtune on Saturday even- ing to witness at Salem Chapel the perfor- mance- oi Ji emielssiohn's famous oratorio "Elijah was one of unqualified satisfaction, and the measure of success attained, both 1. 1 miwjea.uy ana jmaneiauy, must have cheered Gie fie-Lrts of all participants in the concert. Mr. J. Rr-es Davies, the ^hard-working con- ductor, last making for himself a name as "11 efficient- choir trainer, and his choir on Tiii4 occasion far surpassed all previous M- e;udw Seldom have wfl heard a series of choruses, entailing stieli hard vocal work, more evenly and effectively rendered. We i-eed hut mention a few to bear out our re- marks "Blessed are the men who fear HÚII," "Thanks be to God," B-ittl, we cry to Him, "Be not afraid, and d Th<?," "He not afraid," "Behold, God the Lord passed by." The chief artistes were —Soprano, Miss BJodwen Hopkins (LJinoR Morlaiis). Llansrennech: contralto. Miss Eira Gwyn, A.R.C.M.. Kettering; tenor, Mr. W. H. Protheroe, Llanelly: bass, Mr. Llew R. Bbwen, Swansea. All the artistes were de- servedly applauded, but ih fairness to Mr. Bowe-i it must lx> added that he sang under i difficulties, as he had suffered for weeks from a sore throat. Mies Hopkins and Mr. Pro- ih.eroe are luitli well known aU Llangen- nochit-es, -and it was a real pleasure to see I scanty uphold their reputations as popular vocalists. They were both in excel- lent voice, and the beautiful rendition of ''If with all voitr hearts," "Then shall the right- eous," "iTAar ye Israel," and What have I to do with thee?'' will not soon be forgotten. Miss Eira Gwj-n also has a magnificent voice, and her singing of "0 rest in the Lord" was a treat enjoyed by all. Tins was her first visit, to these parts, and we venture to predict it to-ill not be her last. Mr. Bow en sang, "Is n -t His word like a fire." "Call him louder," with creditable effect.. We T") list m of' oi Î(1:J and t'- u »vjf'i r.ardonal'le pride J It :t I v 4 x. :O:'t \:¡! L.1 v .-v. I-- mem- bers of the choir, acquitted themselves well. The Swansea Orchestral Society, conducted by Mr. W. F. Hulley, rendered splendid ser- vice, as did also the accompanist, Mr. Ceredig Williams. Sincere thanks are due, to Mrs. Thomas, of Cornhwrdd, for her unostenta- tious kindness to the various artistes it the close of the concert. — o— Wt rejoice to hear that a movement is on foot amongst the villagers to acknowledge in some tangible form the many ready services of Mr. Ceredig Williams, prior to his tour in the States in the near summer (}- ■> The Revs. S. Rhydderch, B.A., and W. Sal- mon, of Newport, preached very acceptable sermons on the occasion of the anniversary services of Bethesda Independent Church on t Sunday and Monday laet. —o- A forost lire- is, happily, a rare occurrence in this parish, but last Friday hundreds of fir trees near Alltyfran Farm, belonging to the Llangennecli Estate were burnt down, caus- ing a loss amounting to nearly £200. Were it nor for the splendid services of Mr. Robert Evans, tho loss would have been much greater. —o—■ An interesting article from, the pen of our promising young man, Mr. C. A. John, an assistant at the Cardiff Library, appears in the pages of ihe Llanelly County School Magaxh?. The- subject is "The Collier," and I the article Is, it should be, a very sym- pathetic one

I PONTYBEREM. I Mr. Thomas, from the Old College, Carmar- rhen, occupied the pulpit of Caersalem Chapel I last Sunday, and the annual collection ro I wards the funds of the college was made during the day. —o- The mining examination under the Science and Art Department, was held last Tuesday. I Elevcn students sat, and we hope that a,H ¡ will get through with honours. The super- intendents were Mr. Thomas Seymour, J.P., Griffiths. The meml.ei.'S of the Caersalem Sunday- School have decided, to have their annual tea "in suiiiiiier" this year, the date fixed as being most suitable being June 22. The coni- mittee have heen very wise in choosing a date which wc hope will suit every member. -0- Now that the fine weather has come, the Pontyberem cricketers are- out in force, and, judging from the play seen on the cricket field last week, there are strong hopes of having a good team out. We are glad to hear that they have at last decided to go in for co10uh3, and we anticipate having a sight next Saturday, when Llangennech 1st XI. will be here, the Pontyberem Seconds being away at Llanellv, plavi ng against the Intermediate School. —o— Our Church has decided to go in for "light" at last. We hear on good authority that they intend having the Church lit by gas. A com- mittee lias been chosen to report on the ques- tion, and we hope they will have it before the "Reformation."

MYNYDD MAWR. I Last Friday evening the sons and daugh- ters of Temperance assembled in good num- bers at Ebenezer, Tumble, to show their ap- preciation of the services of Mrs. Thomas, wife of the Rev. T. E. Thomas, as president of the Women's Temperance Association. Since this league has been formed in the locality Mrs. Thomas, assisted by several pro- minent ladies, has done much to popularise the .cause of sobriety among women folk Her departure to Morriston will deprive the society of one of its most faithful workers, and it is to be hoped that Morriston will greatly benefit by her experience and useful- ness. At the send-off meeting the chair was Air J. Davies, collio-iv manager, and sncectvc;' were delivered by the Revs. Rowe Williams. J. Robinson, W. Griffiths, Mrs. D.-wies, Lower Villa, id others, while Messrs Jo ha Lloyd, Tom Morgan, and other local J(-)hu i?)m selections. In spite of the grear- J]IJlirt; f drinking in these i parts. Temperance is gradually gaining ground, the churches are becoming more 1 alive to the seriousness of the situation, and the kingdom of Bacchus is tottering to its foundations. -0-- The popularity of the eisteddfod is evident on .-til hands. Never was a time when greater hmrjst was taken by young and old in both literuiy and muoifcal competitions throughout tire Mynydd Mawr district. The eisteddfod held at Tumble last Saturday was, in tho opinion of eisteddfodic experts, one of the het over held in the vicinity. Climatic con- ditions were ideal, and everything seemed to contribute to make the gathering a success. The chair was well filled by Mr H. Jones- Davies, C.C., Glyneiddan, who delivered a. most appropriate and timely address, while the music and literature were weighed by Mr Price, A.C., Llanelly, and the Rev. D. Davies, Saron. The children's choir, chief choral and champion solo competitions were the chief items of interest. These three items brought into the arena some of the best talent in the county, and the large audience there assem- bled was given a rare treat in the various performances. An eisteddfod of this kind is, doubtless) an influence for good, and every encouragement should be given to everything that induces the young people to train and utilise their faculties in pure and noble pur- suits. —o— We are told that the Tumble- Workmen's Club ia taking a rest: at any rate, its dOOlft have been closed for the last three weeks. Whether this is due to the fine weather, or to the coming of spring, we are not in a position to judge. But why should not a club, like a human-being, get a rest now and then, after a busy time? A club, after all, is simply an assembly of human-beings; at least, we are told so. <' Now that the Budget is going to tax drinkables sold at clubs, no doubt our friends will hasten to re-open, so as to give | some substantia! -aid to our worthy Chancel- lor, to enable him to carry out his great I scheme It appears incredible that this neighbourhood can go on and manage to exist j without q, club, after enjoying its genial pre- sence for so many years. The Mynydd Mawr without a club would give us a good indica- tion as t0 wb.3t the heavens would be without Ij the sun and stars. --0'- There is a rumour afloat thai we are going t < have an interesting -contest iu the next- county council election in tbe parish of Llannon. Should the rumour prove true, two persons of similar convictions will contest the seat in the Liberal interest. It is not for us to express an opinion on vhe. wisdom of such a contest, but H '-eems that some kind of settlement should, be arrived at before that time. Of course, there arc yet some months between us and election time, but it would be well for the voters to keep their wits about them, and prepare for the fray, should the inevitable happen. Should it come off, we can expect some exciting iintes, since the persons n 11 >fd prospective can- didates are their respective spheres. Age, wisdom, and experience will favour tire one: elocim n 1 learnine. and tact till" níl1(.r. Wluitc\ vriJJ transpire, we trust j tint the <:]+'co-.is "IJ he £ >uided i-o rehn*o the t. '1 ;1J:1¡:" ,t:. !11(\;r;¡i.,)' H'n.j.è' t.,) 1

1A MEMO W '1 1 WILLIAM DAVIES and SONS, 27 & 29, STATION ROAD, LLANELLY, J I Have a Special Show of their OWN MADE Bedroom and PaHotir Suites. Intending buyers of them would save pounds I 1 by buying off makers. W. D. & SONS willingly invite inspection of their goods. I I I Bedroom Suite, comprising Wardrobe, Dressing Chest, Washstand, n Towel Rail, and Cbairs, from ics los. 1 They have a nice 3 feet Bedroom Suite in Satin Walnut, H with Swing G lasses to Dressing Table, for jES. 1 Special Designs of customers can be made at the Factory at WERN CABINET WORKS. I A Large Selection of Bedroom Suites in Oak, Mahogany, Satin Walnut and I Walnut to choose from. Oak Dressers of various kinds and designs. Bedding and Bedsteads of all kinds. UNDERTAKING. Funerals Completely ————————— Furnished. PERSONAL ATTENTION GIVEN TO THIS WORK. W. D. & SONS are Contractors to the Llanelly Union. Thou bast given a banner to them that fear Thee, that it may be displayed because of the Truth." A FREE PUBLIC LECTURE Will be delivered (God willing) at GAS BUILDINGS, MURRAY STREET At 6.30 p.m., on SUNDAY, MAY 16th, 1909. Subject: The Death Agony of Samson." BY MR. EDGAR EVANS, A cordial invitation to all. All ?■ Fret-. No Collection. Please bring vmtt Bibles. BIBLE CLASS 00 Thursday at 7 30 To those who want SPECTACLES SIGHT TESTING DAILY. I Free of any Charge pJfcJHBT JHHL- n 777 ——————-———— ? Personal ?-A?t?tention. By a Fully Qualified Optician Jjj| —— I holding the Highest London -mk. Qualification. JfcJiPlk Charges Half the usual prices. I EVAN JONES, Chemist and Optician 40, STATION ROAD, LiLANEIXY.

FELINFOEL. j Anniversary aervices were held at Ad u lam Chapel throughout Sunday 'nd on Monday evening. There were large congregations at every service, and the special preachers were Revs. J. Jenkins (t vili), Amuumford, and W. EL Jones, Talybom, who prcached excellent sermons. —o— On Monday evening Mr. W. Jenkins, Adu- lam Row, met with a very serious accident. He was driving tw horses down Pelinfoel llill, when one of tlie horses was frightened by a passing motor car, und Jenkins was thrown out, and fractured his two legs. The whole mountain-side near Alltyxran Farm was in a blaze on Friday, and con- s'der able damage was done, the fire being only extinguished with difficulty. It is alleged that it was wantonly set on lire, and a substantial reward is offered for any infor- mation which will lead to the detection of the perpetrators. —o— At the. advanced age of 65, Mr J. Griffiths, Raglan Terrace, passed away on Friday morning after a long illness, and his mortal remains were laid to rest at Capel Newydd Cemetery on Monday Considerable sympathy is felt with the three. bereaved daughters. The Library has been in the handa of the painters for the last few days, and now pre- sents a most pleasing appearance both inter- nally and externally. A very special meeting of the Library Com- mittee will be held on Saturday-at 6 o'clock, in order to consider the terms and duties of caretaker to succeed Mr. M. Humphrey, who has resigned. Mr. D. Thomae, Park View, was elected on Saturday night to succeed the late Mr. B. Ellis as secretary of the Philanthropic Lodge at the Greyhound Inn. --0- Not for many years has so much, interest been taken at the beginning of a cricket sea- j son as on Saturday last, when the members of the local team re-donned their flannels, j Nearly every available player turned out, and- a splendid practice game was indulged in, the captain, H. Griffiths, selecting a team against the vice-captain, D. J. Saunders After a very pleasant game the captain's team lost by 38 runs. For the vice-eaptain's team, P. Davies was easily, the best, with 24 runs to his credit, the same player .\180 taking two wickets for 7 runs. A good start, Phil! For the losers, E. Roberts was best with the bat. The most successful bowler of the day was E. J. James, who took 7 wickets for 14 j rune. Perhaps the most interesting phase of I the match was the re-appearance of Jere Griffiths, after an absence of three years in the United States. That he has not forgotten his cricket was readily evident. He was rather unfortunate with the bat, but he was successful with the ball, taking 5 wickets for 15 runs. Âi3 a start of the season the game I was in every way excellent, and gave every promise of a highly successful season. On Saturday next a strong, side has been selected to journey to Giraant,

DAFEN. i i 1 Daren was the centre of attraction, on Tues- day last, when the Rev. T. R. Williams, late of Newcastle Ernlyn, was installed as pastor of [aseanner Baptist Chapel. There was a I large number of local and other ministers present., the special preachers being the Rev. I Cynog Williams, Heolyfelin, and T. ldwal. iloties, Drefacli, assisted by other eminent leaders, the sacred edifice being crowded, Mr. Williams is the second pastor since the building of the chapel, and we are pleased to j learn that an awakening is already evident by the increased attendance at divine worship and applications for membership. We wish j pastor and church members God's blessing, j and may the same spirit prevail between the j different sects as in the past successful niinistrv of the Rev. P. Phillips, who recently resigned the pastorate after a successful i.mitii- of over 43 years. i The schohirs of the local day school had ih'r halfday holiday for good attend— ":u:e 011 Friday A number nf C'1¡1dlC:: expelled from the borough schools are attend^ ing the above school -0- A marriage by licence was solemnized at St Michael's Church, on Sunday last, between Mr. William Chapman, aerated water manu- facturer, Llangermech, and Miss S. J. Evans, Exchange Row, Dafen. The Rev J. B. Jones, M.A., vicar, officiated. We wish them long life aId prosperity. |

TYCROES. The Rlios and Wernos Collieries are now in fu33. working order, after six months' strike, which affected between 400 and 500 workmen. A large number of these had left the district j for other spheres of labour, but have. now J returned. j -0- An united choir has been formed in the district to compete in the chief choral eom- petition at Hendre Eisteddfod in July. The. conductor- is Mr. John Morgan Anthony, and we wish him every success in his new ven- t ure —o— On Tuesday afternoon tn interest.ing core- mony was witness,ed at Hendre Chapel, viz, the unveiling of a marble tablet, in com- 1 memoration of the Rev. Dafydd Morris, Ty- j croes. The tablet has been erected on the right side of the pulpit., and was presented i by Colonel Morris, Brynffin, by whom the un- veiling ceremony was performed. The follow- ing ministers were also present and took part in the proceedingsThe Revs. W. E. Prydd- ereh, Swansea; J. Pioton. Evans, Morriston; Robert Salmon, Llansadwrn; L. Rhyetid Davies, Brynamman; W. M. Davies, B.A., the pastor; J. Oliver, Glanamman; D. S. Davies, Saron; and Mr John Harris, Pontygwaith. The senior deacon, Mr. Rees Jones, presided. In the evening a very powerful sermon was preached to a crowded congregation by the Rev. W. E. Prydderch, and several Jocal ministers were present. The Llanedv Parish Council has decided to purchase 4four Underwriter's fire-extin guishers, to be distributed in the parish. A demonstration was held on Saturday last with one of these -instnuneni.e by Mr. George Grant, Hendy.

TRIMSARAN. I We regret to -chronicle the death ■> the beloved baby of Mr. and Mrs. Willie Rey- nolds, which took place on Friday. The funeral took place on Tuesday é1t, Tabernacle —o— On Saturday evening last the I.L.P. Scouts held an open air meeting, when brief and pointed addresses were delivered by Mr. Gwilym Elias, Mr. B^n Griffiths, Mr. S. Vicary, and Mr. T. E. Davies. Mr. Henry Jones presided. -0- A branch of the I.I.P !? lo;mcd for Trimsaran, eighteen members being enrolled. A very encouraging start. Mr. T. E. Davies was elected president, Mr. Thomas Morris secretary, and Mr. Richard Lloyd treasurer. -0-- A very sorrowful day was last Monday to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lloyd, Blaengwastad, when Death visited their hOlnGand took frojii their bosom their little boy Morgan Daniel, at the age of four years. Great; sympathy, from far and. near, is extended to Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd in their bereavement —o— Since attending the convention held iu Zion Chapel, Llanelly, on Thursday afternoon. I feel convinced that the Welsh Disestablish- lHent Bill will not become an act for another' I fourteen years. j Mr. John Hodge, M.P., said, when iutro- j ducing the Unemployed Workmen's Bill in j the House of Commons on April 30, that dur- j in the ten years ended. 1906 the trade unions |j had paid. The present, very dry vvv-ather and the ) parched condition of the ground reminded ) me of the old eoupef- J Gwlaw mis Mai gos'ou na i Owl aw mis Mcho-fin a gwyd. yr osrin. j — rv.- ?;f William Lloyd info* mc-.i 4 i.< :1.it.jrd j Sguborfa.wr and Dai'r Cantwr, • the Rebecca ¡ rioters, worked at Caeduheii Pit, Trimsaran. —o-— The Rebecca Rioters, who destroped the turnpike gates in West. Wales in 1842-3, de- rived their name from Genesis xxiv. 60: "Let, thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them." —o— I was very pleased to see Mr. W. James, late manager of Penrhiwceiber Collieries, who honoured me with a visit, as well as his son, Mr. Alfred James, electrical and mining en- gineer, College Square, Llanelly, who will open an office in Llanelly shortly. Mr James is Claite an expert in the electrical and min- ing line, and I wish him every success in the 1\ western part of the South Wales coalfield. —o— I am almost disgusted by reading Monday's papers as to capital punishment respecting Foy. Ruekin, >n his Queen of the Air" (Part III., p. 168), written in 1869, said:—"The recent direction of a, great weight of public opinion against capital punishment is the last and worst instrument in the hands of the legislator for the prevention of crime. The true instruments of reformation are em- ployment and reward: not punishment. Aid the willing, honour the virtuous, and compel the idle into occupation, and there will be no need for the compelling of any into the great and last indolence of death."—T. 'E. D. t

KIDWELLY. S. L. Gravelle, sculptor, Burry Port, has re- cently opened a branch at Causeway Street, Kidwelly, near the Town Hall. Particulars supplied 011 application to the above, or to Albert Jenkins, Bryn Moria. j

t We do not hold ourselves responsible for the J opinions expressed by our Correspondents j in these columns.] i

-+-M' Carmarthenshire v. Llanelly i Education Committee Dispute. BORDER CHILDREN ON THE ROAD FIVB J WEEKS. To the Editor of the "Llanelly Mercury." Sir,—With your kind lie glad to draw public attention to theun.for- tunate grievance of the parents of the above children, who, to the number of about 130, are not attending any selwol since their ex- clusion by the Llanelly Committee on March 29th, iu consequence of the refusal of Car- marthenshire to pa.y the sum of 17s. 6d. per head We still contend ih:n. 'hpM' is no ac- ii(,?a(l We stil-I (!4.)ntend ihat.- -?;s no ic7 school suggested (Felinfoel Council School), having room for 226, had last. year 219 in average attendance. It will be seen that this will not take in the 130. We trust rhat Somj amicable arrangement will soon be made, so that our children may be re-admitted into the Old Road Schools, which have supplied our needs since school boards were formed in 1870. This question border, children is now being taken up 'by other authorities, and, surely, a satisfactory arrangement can be made wifhJJpt inflicting any hardship upon, the children. — Yours, etc., THOMAS it. JAMES, Secretary to Parents' Committee. Furnace, Llanell"y, May 5, 1909. 1

Capital Punishment APPEAL TO CHRISTIAN PEOPLE. To the Editor of the Llanelly Mercury." Sir,—I cannot refrain from writing you a letter to-day expressing, my feeling in regard to capital punishment, now again so promi- j nently brought before us in the case- of executed to-day at Swansea Gaol. To t thoughtful and Christian people, the reading in this morning's papers of the arrival of the executioners and the testing of the lows i. fo say the- least, abominable. In ijjood to deliberately kill a yuuiig 1 man of 25 years, that he may be punished for his misdeeds, brings to those who are respon- sible a terrible responsibility I am not going to discuss the question for or against capital punishment in your columns, Mr. Editor, but I suggest that all those who are opposed to this method should again petition the Government, with a vicnill to getting a change of this most inhuman practice. I cannot for the life me see, why Christian people do not stir in a matter of this kind, and compel our erepresentativec, in Parlia- ment to use their influence for a reform in this respect. I believe that if a few leaders in municipal life and ministers and clergy in Wales were to put their heads together, and arrange one or two conventions in Wales, capital punish- ment would soon be & thing of the past. Is there anyone sufficiently interested to take the matter u p 3—T am .etc.. J. ROBERTS-POWELL, Y.H.C.A. Secretary. Coldstream Street, Licaeliy, May 8th.

♦ ■ — TRIMSARAN. To the Editor of the "Llanelly Mercury." Sir,—The reason given by "Observer n for not promptly accepting my challenge is a poor one indeed. The only excuse I can find for him is that he is evidemtly suffering from a bad attack of nerves, owing to the quick and decisive defeat inflicted upon the "en- vious incapables." His remarks being plain- ly impregnated with Falstaffian boastfulness, I await the promised terrible onslaught with perfect equanimity of mind. I read with pro- fit the fable of the ass in the lion's skin be- fore he entered upon life. Believing that this letter will close the correspondence, I wish, Mr. Editor, to thank you very sincerely for the kindness you have shown me.—Yours, etc., T. E DAVIES.

QUOITS. IHciHFIELD (Llanelly) v. PELICAN (IJan- gennech). The above League games was played at LJ.ahgenn.ech. last Saturday, t.he Highfielders winning by 93 points. Scores:— Highfield. Pelican. 21 H. James v T. J. Thomas 2 21 -f). T. Thomas v. D. Thomas 16 21 1,1. i)avie8 v. J)avic 21 FranciA v. W, 7. Coslett 6 21 D. Thomas v. W. Jones 14 21 T? Wafkiii?ll Lc?wis  6 21 T. Reee v. B. Bowen 11 21 W. Bassett -v. E. Davies 7 j 168 v;; If;ö '73

JRHt iif a.. f«w ions VvJJBMf w'l> the. most h Soros. -Fxoi* WoiiMtU and Hoils. H .!m  i'-»l ?fT?f Hf> l)j fI.:1 :-kin Hr(!),jrii' ???????? ?t <:I.tns\' t he F['-? WO.T, Jnplrit\ n'}(- ,ts 11P l'jipid h di:i: "oiov-SI, s.> fi-r troubif-a insist on KX.OIN. d The Exoin CO" Gowerton, Swansea 7  ??H?anOpenBooK?aSustMof?m (BORWtC!? ) ?BAmtMPOMBtm ??? THE MOSTSATStMTOW??? ?N?RAKWePOWSER?? ?  -P- r).¡. t !è' l'; ;il)í:y .!}-it. ';i  ?-? 'í, ?.! 'nk'è ?tf-? ?.?? ?'? <.?!.tSty:.tt.?&iit.)ft.j:mt(i.. 'I