The Llanelly Mercury and South Wales Advertiser

"THE MARTYRS." SUCCESSFUL EVENT AT THE MARKET HALL. T>arii,i'iiar interest was centred in the per- formance of "The Martyrs," which was given at the Mar-kef Hall on Tuesday evening by the Llanelly Male Voice Society, under the con- ductor ship of Mr. Dan S. Evans, whose abili- 'ties are by this time well known to local 'audiences. Tnamuch as the proceeds of the ;Clveiit were to be devoted towards the funds of such an admirable institution as the Llanelly Nursing Association, which has rendered such "excellent service's in alleviating the many surferings which the human race is heir to, it- -was no wonder that the .event attracted such a representative audience. There is a particular chain) in Maunuer's -composition, "The Martyrs," which is both pleasing and descriptive,without being unduly difficult. Ephesus in the first century of the era is the scene depicted, when the .citizens sing the praises of and worship their 'patron goddess, now :pap.utarly known as Diana. The characters were represented as 'follows:—"Lycon," a Christian, Mr. Llewelyn R. Bo-wen; "Pbias," his daughter, Miss Eva Phillips-Jones, R.A.M.; "Tliasis," a heathen philosopher, Mr. Richard Thomas. A feature of the composition is the duetts for male Voices, which are admirably adapted. Three Fates" and the triumphall chorus, "Queen of Heaven victorious," -were very effectively rendered, for which The andlenf-e demonstrated their appreciation. To Air. Richard Thomas must 'be awarded the laurels of being the star of the evening, and his interpretations without exception left nothing to be desired, particularly "Come, let Us worship the gods," "Woe, woe to the fools," and the duett with Mr. 'Bow-en, "The moon 'hath raised her 'laii.ip above"; also the duett -with Miss Jones, "A night in Venice." This was Miss Jones's first appearance on a local, concert, platform, and her debut was hailed with delight. She is the daughter of the late highly-reepected Dr. Jones, and possesses a powerful voice. Her best effort was "Se Saran Rose," when she was compelled to respond. In this item she was accompanied by her sister. The choir was supplemented by a powerful -orchestra, which gave valuable assistance, "under the leadership of Mr: 'David Thomas, F.C.V., who also gave a violin solo in the mis- cellaneous part. Mr Arthur Richmond, accom- panied in an able manner. The committee desire to thank those who so •willingly assisted in the various duties that are associated with a production of this de- 'scription. Also, Messrs. Thompson and Shac- fcell for the use of their piano, Messrs. Brown, 'Thomas, and John for timber, and Mr. L. W. Adams for decorating the 'Hall; also the ,orchestra. for their gratuitous services.

FOOTBJVLL NOTES. LLANELLY, 1 converted goal, 2 tries: PONTYPOOL, nil. Llanelly played their last home fixture at -Stradey on Saturday. Pontypool being the visitors, and as a result of their victory the 'Scarlets have preserved their ground record for the season. The encounter was well con- tested throughout, and the homesters, who, OIl the day's play, were a superior combination to lontypool, fully merited their victory. During three-fourths of the game the Scarlets monopolised the visitors' territory, and so severe \as their attack that PontypooJ were compelled to utilise all their resources to withstand it. After repeated efforts the Scar- lets drew first blood. Marsh, following up a Vick by Lloyd, kicked the hall over the line, and Syd Phillips, who was pursuing him, fell on it at an opportune moment. Harold Thomas failed with the kick. The second score came as a, surprise to many of the spec- tators. Taking the ball from the serum just near the touch line, Lloyd threw out to Jones, who. threw to Davies, and the latter threw to Willie Thomas, who deceived one or two of his opponents' and scored another uneonvcr- ted try. The play in the second half was of a desul- tory character, and the players on both sides frequently fumbled the hall. Pontypool dur- ing this portion gave a splendid exhibition of their defensive abilities, and although oppor- tunities were given galore to the Scarlets they were only able to pierce the defence on one occasion as a result of a splendid effort by Evan Davies, who, receiving at fnidfield, bewildered one or two of his opponents. After running a few yards he transferred to Auck- land, and, following an exchange of passing between some of iho forwards, Phillips again scored. Harold Thomas converted with ease. From now on the homesters attacked vigor ■ously. but their efforts were of no avail.

The Love of the Princess." PRELIMINARY NOTICE. Next week's patrons of the Royalty Theatre are being provided with a special, attraction. Mr. C. Watson Mill's No. 1 Company present for the first time in Llanelly that new and beautiful romantic costume play, "The Love of the Princess," from the pen of Mr. Mill himself. The story, which is- a most interesting one, deals with "the inner life of a modern court," and cannot fail to hold an audience from rise to fall of curtain, the staging and dressing being on a most gorgeous scale, and quite "above the average, whilst the east., which is a most, powerful one all round, is headed by intiss Dorothy Haigh and Mr. Frank Harvey. Patrons must on no account miss seeing this altogether beautiful production.

Protest Against Secrecy. a Pya Un??<pSo?t <. r%? j d.H!?!. <JCU! C?yt I ——— I COUNCIL AND THE NON-PROVIDED SCHOOLS. I INDISCREET REMARKS MADE USE OF. At the monthly meeting of the Urban Dis- trict Council on Monday night, M.r William David presiding, a protracted discussion took place relative to the precept which the' Edu- cation Committee recommended the Council to issue upon the overseers to meet the ex- penses for the next half-year. Mr. H. 1). Rees, as chairman of the Educa- tion Committee, explained that the estimated amount required was £ 22,284, against which they expected to receive cE14,500, and they therefore, asked the Council to issue a precept for the year amounting to e8470. Since the estimate had been prepared, he was sorry to say that in spite of the red-tapeism of the Government departments, they had received an advice that £ 2768 15s. had been placed to their credit, but on Friday the Government officials sent them another advice reducing that amount to jB2276 18s. 8d., thus reducing the special aid grant by £ 491 15s. 4d. The question of grants was one which undoubtedly required their serious consideration. The Government had. from time to time—and they still continued to do so—imposed more obliga- tions upon them, but, unfortunately, they did Lot give them the same ratio in grants to meet such obligations On the last occasion the special aid grant which the Government decided to pay to the various authorities was fixed at i2200,000, but the demand amounted to £ 243,119, and as a result, of depreciation they in Llanelly lost in grants 9,491. Unfortunately the present Government had not given atten- tion to education grants as they had done in past years. When the reduction of the local rates was being considered, one must have re- gard to the fact that a great deal was in- fluenced by the Government grants. Had they not been in possession of the special aid grant the demand upon the rates would have to be increased by 8d. in the cE. The Committee, were, however, pleased to ask them to issue a precept this year for 2700 less than that of the previous year. As an education authority, the members felt it their duty that the Council should call the attention of the authorities, especially the members of Parliament, to the increased obligations that were growing year by year. After referring to the egst of medi- cal inspection of school children, etc., which had been imposed upon them, he pointed out that so far the Government had not done anything to improve the financial position. He asked the Council to issue a precept for £ 4235 to meet the expenditure for the next half year. The rate for the year would be equal to Is. lid. in the P-. Mr. Nathan Griffiths enquired whether the Committee had taken into consideration the claims of the non-orovided schools. He un- derstood that the Catholic School had sub- mitted a large claim against. the Committee, and also the Church of England School. He believed the matter depended upon the deci- sion of the House of Lords in the case which was fought- out the previous week. The mana- gers of the non-provided schools were waiting for it. How were the Committee going to meet, the claim? If the House of Lords de- cided against the Swansea Authority- Mr. D. JaIlles Dayies: It has nothing to do with Li S. Mr. Griffiths replied that the S^vartsea case would be on a, par with theirs. The Roman Catholic School managers contended that they did not pay their teachers the same rate as those in the provided schools, and that they did not, employ the staffs on an equal basis to the elementary schools. It was on. that basis that the Swansea case was fought out. He was pleased that the rate had been reduced by fourpeiiee in the R. With regard to the R375 which the Committee paid the three doctors and the nurse for the medical inspec- tion of school children, lie believed that, the health of the children depended upon whe- ther they were well fed and clothed. It did not matter how a child was in constitution," becanse if it were, not well fed and clothed if would not be an asset to the town. He should be glad to see a part of the amount which was being paid to the doctors devoted towards the clothing of children whose parents were notina pÙsitioIl to do so themselves. In spite of the red-tapeisni of the Government, he con- gratulated the Committee upon their efforts in trying to reduce the rates. Mr D. J. Davies: I hope none of the remarks made by Mr. Griffiths with regard to the com- parison between Swansea, and Llanelly will be reported, as they tend to prejudice our posi- tion. As far as we are concerned, we have special circumstances, because we have an agreement, with the managers Mr. Frank Vivian: We were told at the Education, Committee on Thursday that ihere was no agreement. Mr. Davies: That, is not so. I was r. mem- ber- of the Committee at the time, and there is a working agreement in force. It is true that Mr. McLovighliu denies it, but it has been acted upon ever since. M'r. Vivian: Then lot the ratepayers know the position. Mr. Davies: These indiscreet remarks in the Council Chamber will, if reported, spoil our case. Mr. Vivian: Too much has been kept within this room in the past. Let there be no secrecy about j1. then the ratepayers will not he able to say that the elaitil has been sprung u port them. I Mr. Joseph Roberts reminded Mr. Vivian that the Committee had received a, letter from the Church of En-gland School and the St. Mary's Catholic School, which had been pub- lished. Therefore, it was well known that a claim had been made. Mr. W. Bramwell Jones hoped that it. would be one of the future rules of the Council to reveal every infonnation, without any regard as to how it affected the ratepayers. It hnd now come to that. In the past. when they had discussed matters in private, they had been accused, but no one had brought any definite charge of anything having been, done dis- honourably. Still, in order that the rate- payers might see that it was necessary at times to discuss matters in private, and with a view to avoiding charges being made of things being dune discreditably, he hoped everything would he reported. Mr. Griffiths: Another convert again. Afr. Jones: Not at all I am forced to do it, and I hope that in future the ratepayers will see that the conduct of the Council in the past has been right and proper. i Mr Griffiths contended that he was at per- fect liberty to -nslc the question. Mr. Davies: But you have prejudiced the ]>ositi m. Mr. Griffiths: This is the only opportunity I have. Mr D. James Davies said he was not against Mr. Griffiths asking any question, but dis- agreed with his comparing their case with that of the Swansea Education Committee. Mr. Guest .made his i annual protest against the manner in. which 'the estimates of the Education Committee were brought forward. The two or three members of the Council who were not members of the Committee were entitled to a more complete estimate than had been given them that night. He was in- terested, in listening to the remarks of Mr. Rees, when he complained that the present Government, did not contribute the amount of aid grant they had .contributed in former years. He would like to ask what Govern- ment had in former years aiven special aid grant at all? (hear, hear). It was the present • Government that, incurred the grant Mr. Griffiths: The Labour members of the Government. 1\Ir. Guest: 1 dare say. because they do everything that is worth talking about. The I fault, he continued, was due to the gross ex- trava,gance of the Education Committees (ironical laughter). He was the only member- of that Council who took the opportunity of trying to prevent the rates going up (laughter). He would not wait until an election to state I that he was the only member that had tried to keep down the rates. The Education Com- mittee had gone in for expenditure on the I ground that for every sixpence they soent they received 4H. from the Government. Their Nemesis had arrived, and those who so gaily spent the "money now found that the Govern- ment was not in a position to be so generous as it once was to the poorer districts. The education rate for the last half-year bounded up fivepence in the e, and it was not much to crow about that it had now been reduced by threepence, because the present burden' on the ratepayers ought not to' be. The Commit- tee were also guilty of extravagance by en- couraging the attendance of children under the age of five years. The Government had altered their system of grants, having in- creased them for all children over the age of five years, and reduced them for those under that age. The theory in Llanelly had been that the larger the number of children they had attending school, the better it was for the ratepayers. The Committee made every effort to secure a high percentage, in order that -they might earn' grants. They, however, forgot that the grant only paid one-third ot the cost of educating the child. It was quite obvious that the larger the number of child- ren attending the schools, the greater would be the expenditure. The Government having discouraged this course, he would like to hear what the Committee had done? He believed it was their duty to investigate the matter at the earliest possible opportunity. He could quite understand that course being pursued in large cities, where the streets were the only playgrounds, and where the mothers had to go out to work. The schools were then absolutely necessary as nurseries for children ranging from three to five years. In [I town like Llanelly, where they had plenty of back- ground, where ninety-nine out of a hundred mothers had not to go to the works, the pro- per place for the children under five years was at home. Mr. H. D. Rees observed that for Mr .Guest. to charge the Education" Connnittee with hav- ing encouraged the attendance of children under five years of age was a stretch of imagi- nation. He defied Mr. Guest to cite any case in which their authority had encouraged such a course. If children of that age attended school, it was absolutely necessary that they; should accept them. The Committee had long ago abolished the system of paying the head- teachers accordang to the attendance of' children. They had also abolished standard seven from the elementary schools. Last year they had children attending the elementary schools who were earning only 27s. per head in grants, but since they had encouraged them to attend the Higher Elementary School they earned 50s. per head. Mr. Guest: How much more did it cost you. Mr. Rtes replied that it must be obvious to Mr Guest, who had studied political economy,, because they had not increased their staff during the last twelve months. The Commit- tee found that the .attendance at the Higher Elementary School previous to adopting the above course was not a credit to the town, and the fact that they encouraged the children to attend the ,school made the cost per head less. The staffs had not in any of the schools been increased. As a matter of fact the Com- mittee had reduced them by thre.e. or four teachers. It would be a matter of interest to Mr. Guest to know that last year about £ 24,000 less grants were paid bv the Govern- ment, compared with 1907-8. If Mr. Guest censured the Government for the medical in- spection of schools a.nd re-staffing of schools, there would be something to say. but to charge the Education Committee with useless expenditure was entirely out of place. The Chflirman confirmed what Mr. Rees had said in regard to the tendency of the Government to compel education committees to spend- more money, and also the tendency of the times to require things to be brought forward on a larger scale. During his. ehair- manship lie had on several occasions to attend conferences of the Association of Education Committees, and they had these matters well in hand. He came to the conclusion, from the discussions, that the remedy was an equalised education rate, to be eolleded by the Govern- ment. so that the wealthy towns, like Brighton and Bournemouth, which were very notorious instances1, should not be free with an educa- tion rate cf threepence in the while the working-class communities like Llanelly. where everybody had to struggle for his bread and cheese, had to pay the hish rate of Is lid in the £ It had been described by represen- tatives attending the conference as a mon- strous rate, but they in Llanelly had got so used to it. Their love for their children very often made them forget the amount, coming out of their pockets. It was subsequentlv decided to issue H pre- cept. upon the overseers for the amount re- quired.

HARBOUR LIGHTS. The highest tides of the year occurred on Sunday and Monday. Fortunately, they were not accompanied by wind, so that- no damage wa; done to anything. The Inner Harbour looked exceedingly well on Monday evening at high water, and a cummon remark was to the effect "that it was a pity we could not always have such, a depth and spread, that would admit of vessels draw ing 22 or 23 feet of water entering the North Dock. -0- Spite of the high tides, trade is poor at the North. Dock. The coal trade has not recovered from, the effects of the fear of a strike. -0- The Copperworks and Great Western Docks are busy, the former very much so, .with im- ports exports other than coal. Trade is determined to the Copperworks Dock and Wharf in preference to the North Dock, spite of the greater conveniences of the ¡ latter in the matter of size, depth, of water, and so forth, hy the lower railway rates from I it to the various works. -0- Messrs. Nevill, Druce. and Co. have also the exclusive railway entry into several works. The result, of con is a lower all-round, charge for traffic to and from the ship, and this naturally determines the dock to which the ship goes. The Great Western Railway Company also naturally favour their own dock in all traffic that can be: deaJt with there. But with, the development of Llanelly there is plenty of room for the North Dock also. and it is merely a question of a little further waiting before it will be as busy as any of theotliers. Very rarely has -a dock boon built anywhere which had a stream of success from the start. A dock may be fully justified;' but the justi- fication. must, be proved -to the coiiini-ereial. world that is to support it. and this is a ques- tion fifrlrne, and the due development of the traffic landward for which it was designed. To go no further than our nearest neigh- i hour and competitor, Swansea, the new King's Dock 1he1"0 appeal's to be in this particular 1 position at Hie.moment,

The Wesleyan -and General Assurance Society. GATHERING OF AGENTS. A .meeting of the local agents of the Wes- leyan and General Assurance Society was held at the Cleveland Hotel, Llanelly, on" Thurs- day, April 7th, to celebrate the twer^y-fifth year of Mr. David James, superintendent, Llaneilr. The subsequent proceedings were presided over by (kn:mdllor Ben Mathews, J.P., a&?is- tant superintendent. He referred to the ab- ? sence of their respected Inspector L. Gennan, He had always been with them, but old agr now prevented him hdng amongst them thi? time. Mr, Mathews said he was pleased to be present on this occasion to celebrate the twenty-fifth year of Mr. D. James's services for this office. He had been a diligent worker in matters associated with his profession. His length of services had given him a good grasp of his duties. They knew him as a man of discretion, tact, energy, and with a wide knowledge of affairs, and plenty of coiiiiiioli- sense, He had been of great assistance to his staff and the office which he had faith- fully represented. They hoped that he would have good health, and that he should con- tinue in office for many years yet, and to en- joy the handsome roll-top desk which would be presented to him. He referred to the pro- gress of the Wesleyan and General, which had entered on its seventieth year, and could show a record of most remarkable growth. It had never stood still, but, thanks to an efficient and enterprising directorate, and also to the credit of the outside staff, the policy-holders now numbered 1,304,504, an increase of 51,078 on the year, after allowing for lapses and deaths. The income had now reached the enormous figure of £ 905,939 7s. 4d. The claims during the year amount to £ 397,739 9s. 3d., making a total of £ 5,391,542 19s. 4d. The .accumulated funds at the end of the year amounted to £1,508;149 3s. 6d. The state of the Society was a. source of great satisfaction to them as agents. He hoped that these satisfactory results would be of great advan- tage to them when canvassing, and urged the agents to study the financial' position of the Society they represented. Mr. David James (superintendent) was pre- sented with a handsome roll-top desk by Mr David Davies (assistant superintendent), on behalf of the local staff. He hoped that Mr. .Tames would live fbr* a long time to use this valuable desk, which they presented to him as a token of respect and services of twenty- five years to the Wesleyan and General: also that he should sign many budred's of pro- posals. ilir. Tat-i,ies thanked them for the valuable presentation they had made to him that day. He was sorry that Mr. German (inspector) could not be present that day. He thanked them also for the assistance the agents had given liïm in working the business of the dis- trict to its present position. During his 25 years with the Wesleyan and General' great strides had been made, and he hoped that agents would during next year put in a lift le- ns ore energy, and that greater results will be attained. Mr. James referred to the death of one of the directors, and to the progress of the Society. Mr. Mathews had dealt with the figures, which were again this year very satis- factory. The Society was one of the best managed. There had been a continued de- crease in the rate of expenditure, and that was one matter which should commend and weigh with the public in making their selec- tion in joining their Society. The claims paid during the year amounted to 397,739, and since theconunene-elllent of the Society the sum of £ 5,391,342 had been paid to the policy-holders. been transferred to the Pension Fund, and also 5 per cent. to the sum assured by the industrial policies of five years in force. He thanked them all, and wished, them every success. Tyson Lloyd said lie had been an agent with Mr. James for a number of years before he cme to this district. He had al- ways found him ready to assist and do what lie could for an agent. Mr. David Thomas (Pont'irdulais) and Mr. David Davies (assistant), also spoke, and songs were rendered by Mr. Mad dock, recitation by Mr. Dan Matthews, and verses by Mr. Evan Thomas a.nd Mr. Dan Mathews. Mr. Morgan ably accompanied. At this juncture the party sat down to a knife-and-fork tea, provided bv Mr. David James, the sujierintendent. The following toasts were proposed:—"The Manager and James; "The Inspector" (Mr. L. German), by Mr. Daniel Francis: "The Host" (Mr by Mr. D. M. Davies. Llanelly. A vote of Thanks to the caterers for the able manner in which the catering was done, also to the press, and the Chairman for presiding, brought the meeting to a close. For further particulars apply tn- David Davies, Assistant Superintendent, 2 Salem Road, Felinfoel. Llanelly: Ben Mathews, Assistant Superintendent, Goed- wig, Pnutardulais: J. T. Lloyd, Assistant Superintendent, 3 Mar- garet Street, Anullanfurci; I David Davies, Assistunt Superintendent, 19 Pa.rema.in Street. Carmarthen: I David James. List net Superintendent, 59 Pottery Street, Llanelly. 7647

I I QUARTER SESSIONS. I LOCAL CASES. I The Carmarthenshire Easter Quarter Ses- I sions were held at Carmarthen on Friday, Mr F. Dudley W. Drummond presiding. LLANELLY MAN'S LAPSE. Alfred Cooper, Caroline Street, Llanelly, was I found guilty- of receiving copper, to the value of £ 2 13s., the property of the Llanelly Urban District Council. Mr. Wilfred Lewis appeared, I to prosecute.—A good "hanwtcr was given prisoner, and he was bound o\Hr to be of good behaviour. A BICYCLE THIEF. Rees Evans (35), collier, pleaded guilty to stealing at Llanelly. on January 17, a bieycle, value £ 9 9s, with housebreaking at Abernant, and also-to stealing-a, waistcoat. Mr. Marlay Samson prosecuted. A previous conviction at Neath, for stealing a bicycle having been proved against the prisoner, he was sen- tenced to three months' imprisonment- for r-ach indictmeni-uine months in all. I AN 'ABSENT HUSBAND. Annie Grant, a young married woman, was charged with stealing some articles of clothing of the value of 24 5s. 3d., hlong;n,< to William Williams. 2 Princess Street, Llanelly, with whom she and her husband lived in apartntents up to the 10th ult.—The court- asked for the prisoners husband, but it was stated that he was not present. Mrs. Grant, who came to Llanelly from Birken- head, was bound over under the Probationers' Act for six months.

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Fashionable Wedding at New Tredegar. -0- New Tredegar was all of a flutter on Wed- nesdy morning of last week. the occasion being the marriage of Miss Mabel Louise Phil- lips, the youngest daughter of Alderman and Mrs. N' Phillips, -I. f\. Brynsifi, New Trede- gar, and the Rev. R. S. Rogers, B.A., now of Mountain; Ash. but formerly pastor of Soar. Pontlottyn. The ceremony took place at Car- mel English. Baptist Church, New Tregedar, of which church the bride has been a faithful member and' worker. From early morning there had beeci great preparations for the event. The entrance to the sacred building had been neatfly decorated, and the interior of the church looked beautiful with an abun- dance of ivy entwined around the pillars and other places intermixed with hyacinths, daffo- dils and lilies, whilst over the pulpit there was a neat motto, "God bless the bride and bridegroom," these decorations being ably carried out by Mrs\ W. Ridge. New Tredegar. The interval of the waiting was passed by Miss James giviiig several appropriate selec- tions on the organ. In addition to the New Tredegar people present, there was a strong representation of the members of Soar Church, Poutfottyn. The first of the interested par- ties to arrive was obviously the bridegroom, accompanied by Mr. IK W. Jones, LIanelly, as best man. Shortly afterwards, amidst The booming of cannons and the banging of de tonators, leaning upon her father's arm came the bride, accompanied by Miss Phillips (sis- ter) and Miss Rogers (sister of the bridegroom) the whole congregation standing to pay their tributes. The Rev. R. Owen, Pwll"Llanelly, opened the service with prayer in Welsh, the ¡ Rev. D. H. Rees read a passage of scripture, and the Rev. Fred Jones performed the mar- riage ceremony, after which the Rev. J. Wil- liams (Cardiff) concluded with prayer. The congregation then joined in singing "The Voice that breathed o'er Eden." The newly- weddedconple were the recipients of many congratulations. As the happy couple left the Church Miss James played the "Wedding I' March." The party then returned to Bryn- sifi, where a reception was held. The bride's dress consisted of cream poplin de ehene, trimmed wÚli lace and silver, with bridal veil and orange blossoms. She wore a pendant and carried a handsome bouquet, the gifts of the bridegroom. Miss Phillips, one of the bridesmaids, was dressed in old rose silk, and Miss Rogers was dressed in pale blue silk. Each were a black picture hat, and wore gold brooches, and carried bouquets, the gifts of the bridegroom. The wedding party consisted I of Alderman and Mrs. N. Phillips, Mr. and ?i f the, 1)1' i cgi-4)0'1)), -Ntr. Mrs. Rogers (parents of the bridegroom), Mr. T. E. Phillips, Cefnpennar (brother of the bride), and Mrs. Phillips: Mr. and Mrs. Rees, New Tredegar: Misses T. and R. Rogers: Miss Jones, Preswylfa, Cardiff: Miss Miles, Blaen- avon: Miss Davies. Blaenavon: Miss Johns. Pwll, Llanelly: Misses Francis, Llanidloes: I Misses H. and H. Phillips, Blaenavon. Later I in the day the happy couple left. amidst the hearty good wishes of a large circle of friends, for Loudon and' Hastings, where the honey- moon is being spent. The coaches were sup- plied by Mr. T. Saunders, Tirpfs.il. Following is the list of presents:- Bride to bridegroom, gold chain;. Bridegroom to bride, pearl and emerald brooch, pendant, and silver and enamelled belt clasps. Mother of bride, household linen and cut- lery case. Father of bride, cheque. Parents- of bridegroom, cheque. M'iss Phillips (sister), dining-room carpet. Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Phillips, cheque. Mr. and Mrs. W. IT. Rees, pair of hron zc figures and oil painting. Marion, and Lilian Rees (nieces) spirit kettle. Mr. Tom Rogers, cheque. Mr. and Mrs. Adams, silver mounted pre- serve dish. Mr. and Mrs. Davies, Pwll, pair of silver photo frames. Mr. and Mrs. E. Dyer, drawing-room clock and ornaments. Mr. and' Mrs. B. Davies, case of solid silver jam spoons. Mrs. and Misses Davies, Biaenavon, silver inkstand. Mr. and Mrs. Tom A. Dyke, Cardiff, silver sugar sifter. Mr. and Mrs. W. Dredge, linen table-cloth. j Mr. and Mrs. T. Edward?. Carlton biscuit- barrel. Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel, Tredegar, chenille ) table cover. Mr. and Mrs- Greenhow. Bargoed, silver mounted fruit dish and spoon. A friend, case of solid silver teaspoons and sugar and cream. Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Hall, Newport, vase and 111 hIe-centre. Mrs. Francis and family, Llanidloes, silver- mounted sardine dish. Mr. and Mrs. W. Jenkins, silver cake basket. Mrs. Jenkins, America, piano scarf. Mr and Mrs. Jenkins. America, table-centre. I Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Jones, America, silver meat fork and tomato server. t Mrs. Jones, Bon Marche. Llanelly, table- centre. Mr. and Mrs. F. :b.nps. ??'?'.1 PÜ,'d. silver e?g-stand. Miss Johns, Pwll. Llanelly, silver-mounted preserve stand. Mr. D. W. Jones. Llanelly, cheque. [ Mr. and Mrs. J. silver sugar bow L Misses Jones, Preswylfa, Cardiff, entree dish, j Mr. and Mrs. B. A. Jones, pan oj solid sil- I ver serviette rings. A friend, fruit dish. Mr. aud MlS. E. J. 3ones, Elli-jistown, pair of vases. Mr. and Mrs. T. Llewelyn. Hengoed, case of afternoon knives and forks. Mr and Mrs. T. G. Llewelyn, silver-mounted pickle-jar. Dr. and Mrs. Lister Llewelyn, Bargoed, framed picture. Mr, Thomas Lewis, case of carvers. Mrs. Lewis. Llwyrigoleu, silver-mourned claret jug. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, Duffryn Terrace, silver flower-stand lVIr. and Mrs. J. W. Matthews, case of fish knives and forks. Dr. and Mrs Maunsell, silver but'er. cheese, and biscuit dish. Mr and Mrs Miles, Biaenavon, silver flower- stand. Rev. 11. and Mrs Owen, Pwll, Llanelly, silver toast rack. M'r. and Mrs. Z. Phillips, Biaenavon, silver- mounted fruit bowl: Mr. A. Price, dinner cruet. Mrs. T. Phillips, Biaenavon. pair of painted ¡ mirrors. Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Price. Bargoed, silver- mounted cruet and toast rack. Mr. and Mrs. R. Parry, Llanbrynmair, baro- meter. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, faucy.state fan on stand. Mrs. Rogers, table-cloth; Mr. and Mrs. F. Wilcox, solid silver flower- stand. Mr. and Mrs. Wat-kins. Bargoed. rose bowl. Mrs Williams and Miss Callen, pair of vases and set, of jugs. I Messrs. Williams and Sons, silver cake bas- ket. Rev. and Mrs. J. Williams, Cardiff, pair of solid silver serviette rings. Mrs. Hughes and famih, Pwll, Llanelly, sil- j ver-mounted frnit. dish. Maids of Brynsyfi, case of #arvers.

FOR SALE.—Stephens' Ink (the best in the market), ",arr's Inks, and Webster's Inks, Fountain Pens, Letter Files, and all kinds nf stationery useful to house or office, at lowest prices at t,bp "Mercury" Office. x28 Marke- Street, Llanelljv

tWe do not hold ourselves responsible for tb* i opinions expressed by our Correspondents m these columns.]

I I Is Nathan a Socialist? To the Editor of the Llanelly Mercury." Sii,Aiter perusing a letter from the pen of Mr. R. C. Jenkins, which appeared in your issue of the 31st ult., I observe that his last paragraph infers that Mr. Nathan Griffiths is- an "extreme.' Socialist," and that the views expressed by this gentleman are in harmony with his views as a representative of the Socialist creed.- It is a surprise to me to learn that Mr Griffiths fs. a Socialist, for "it is well known" tiiat he is not a member of the local branch of the LLP., neither, to my knowledge, does he belong to the S.D.P., two of the most advanced Socialist parties in Britain to-day. If Mr. Nathan Griffiths is an ■extreme Socialist, what accounted for his ap- pearance on a pn'&lre platform in support of the Liberal!, candidate, Mr; Llewelyn Wil- liams. during the recent tteneral Election? I gather from his actions, therefore, that his views are more in Harmony with Liberalism, than- with Socialism. It! is evident Mr. E. C. Jenkins has a false* impression of what tl,-e principles of Socialism realty are: and in his endeavour to expose tfra tactii's- of Mr. Griffiths he simultaneously tries- to convey the idea that Socialists are irreli-. gions-: I; absolutely refiste his statement whielr conveys this idea, and may prove to flim that the Socialist movement includes men and womeu of the highest religious type: but I do not dispute the fact that there are also Atheists and Agnostics itr their ranks. Wiry I does not the Liberal' Party, which Mr. R. C. Jenkins probably supports, consist of pro- fessed Atheists, Agnostics, Materialists, etc.? What does the Right Hon. John Burns think of the TSfeity7 and also* Mr. J. M. Robertson* lrl,, 1. Even that great Liberal statesman, Lord Morley, spells God WiTh a email "g," and the Executive Council of the National. Secular Society, which contains not even one Social- ist. has a. number of Liberal members I I trust Mr. R. C. Jenkins will cease to foster false notions regarding Socialism, and that lie will' devote his time' to studying' its economics ere he makes any more attempts to mislead the innocent public. Please accept, my apologies for encroaching upon your valuable space.—I am. etc.. TOM DAVIES. Hillside, Marble Hall Road, Lla nelly. April 11th. 1910.

P'onthenry Eisteddfod. To the Editor of the Llanelly Mercury." Sir,—Please allow me to contradict, the re- port of Ponthenry Eisteddfod of March 26th, 1910. In the trio and champion solo competi- tions it should have been stated that J. Brythorn Williams was the- raner of both. Also that lie won the champion solo at, Peni- brey on April 2nd. I shalt flOe greatly ohliged you if you will allow this ta appear this week.—I am. etc., J. BRYTHON WILLIAMS.

General District Rate. 2s. 3d. IN THE POrl. 17tfE NEXT HAL-F- YEAR. At the monthly meeting of the Urban Dis- trict, Council on. Monday night, Mr. William David presiding, the Clerk, referring to the General District Rate for the nexr. half-year, stated that the gross amount required to meet the expenses w a s £ 19,572. while the credits, which showed an i!lnc(t,.e <If £459 over the corresponding period of last year, amounted to £ 8267, leaving a sum of £ 11.504 12s. 9d. to lIe met by the rates. The Finance Committee had recommended that a rate of 2s. 8d. in the £ which would yield iCll.040 nett. should he levied for the next half-year. A rate of 2s 9ti in the £ w ould produce £11,.385, and 2s. lOd. £ 11,730. Having regard to the. balance in hand, the Committee came to the conclusion that a rate of 2s. 8d. in the which was a re- duction of twopence compared with the cor- responding half-year, would suffice. The ('hairman moved that the recommenda- tion be adopted. Mr. J. Walter Thomas seconded, and the- motion was agreed to.

Musical Success. We arc pleased to re-cord the success of the follow ing candidates at the examination in pianoforte playing held recently under the auspices of the London College of Mnsic at the Llanelly Centre:—Intermediate division Brinley Bowen, John Ebvyn Rees (Miss Mary Evans), Sybil Richards, first class (Miss Richards). Elementary division: Sarah Ann Williams, Bessie Davies, tirst class (Miss Mary Evans), Ethel Walters and Charles Edwards (Miss Nellie Henry). The examiner was Dr. Orlando Mansfield. Loudon. Local representa- tive. Miss Mary Evans.

PROPERTY DISPUTE. At the County Court on Monday, William Coleman and Catherine Coleman. Brvn Road, made a c-laiii-i jf E6 Is. 6d. against David Davies, West End, being the value of a party wall which the defendant had used. Mr. T. R. Ludford appeared for the plain- tiffs, and Mr. G-wilym R. Price defended. Mr. Price said there was a clause in the plaintiffs' lease which stated that "they will also permit the outer and pine-end wait of the party's premises to be used as a party wall, according, to be built against as such by the owner of the plot of land, adjoining there- to." The amount of the value would have to i be determined, in the event of any difference, hy a surveyor to be appointed by the lessor. Mr. Ludford said the surveyor had been 31)- pointed, and he had made his award. Mr. Price submitted that any dispute should be settled in accordance wilh -the terms pro- vided in the agreement. His Honour said there were always difficul- ties about these party walls. Mr. Ludford said that in this case his client 1 built upon his own land, and did not go ont- side of it.. The people who came next, were then compelled to use the party wall. His Honour observed that the lessor may have made some arrangement about the wall. I After further argument the ease was L1.d- journed until the next oourt.

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