The Pembroke County Guardian and Cardigan Reporter

PREACHERS FOR NEXT SUNDAY. St. Mary's.—8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 6 p.m., Rev. J. H. Davies, vicar. Three p.m., service for men. St. Thomas-11 a.m., and 6 p.m., Ven. Arch. Hilbers. St. Martin's—11 a.m. and 6 p.m., Rev. A. Baring-Gould. Prendergast.-B a.m., 11 am., and 6 p.m., Rev. D. Akrill Jones, rector. Uzmar,ton.-ll a.m. and 6.30 p.m., Rev. John Phillips, rector. Catholic—11 a.m. and 6 p.m., Rev. Father Woolfrey. Bethesda.-ll a.m. and 6 p.m., Mr. Arthur Lewis, of Nottingham College. Hill Park (Baptist)—10.30 a.m. and 6 p.m., Rev. John Jenkins, pastor. Albany (Congregational).-ll a.m. and 6 p.m Mr. R. Sinnett. The Tabernacle (Congregational.)—11 a.m., and 6 p.m., Rev. Nicholson Jones, pastor. Ebenezer (C.M.).—10.30 and 6 p.m., Rev. \v. Mendus, pastor. Moravian.—lia .m. and 6 p.m., Rev. S. L. Connor, pastor.

HAVERFORDWEST. Mr. J. R. Edwards (eon of the late Rev. D. Oliver Edwards) commenced hs ministry last Sunday in Kenyon Baptist Church, Brixton, London. There were excellent congregations both morning and evening. Police Clialiges.-P.C. Charles Davies, late of Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock, has taken charge at the new Police Station at --akin, and will have his duties confined to Hakin and the surrounding district. Lamp-post Knocked Down.—A horse in cart bolted in Cartiett on Saturday night and ran into the lamp-post on Cartlett Bridge, com- pletely knock.ng it over and smashing the glass top. The gas pipe was, however, uninjured. Scotchwell.-Thc nesting place for the Royal swans at Scotdnvell is to be enlarged. The ex- isting place is'much too small, curing the past week a number of trees have been cut down near the entrance. Much sympathyi s expressed with the Rev. J. H. Davies, vicar of St. Mary's, who this week buried his aged mother at St. David's. The de- ceased lady, who had been ill for a considerable time, passed away on Friday last. Rugby Club.—On New Year's Day the town Rugby team suffered defeat at the hands of the Neyland pack after a close game. The ground was in a very bad condition, but the homesters made a plucky fight, and some pretty play was witnessed. On Thursday next the Club are at home to the Welch Regiment fifteen. A meeting will be held at St. Mary's School- room, Haverfordwest, on Tuesday next, at 7.30 p.m. in connection with the forthcoming C.M.S. Exhibition to be held in April next. Speaker: W. O. Garrett, Esq., Assistant Secretary from London. All workers and sympathisers in- vited. The Late Mr. W. Davies, West-field.—Mr. H. J. E. Price handed to the Roose magistrates at Saturday's Court the following letter:—Dear Mr. Price,-Will you please express to the Roose Magistrates my thanks for their kind resolution of sympathy with me on the death of my dear husband? I have also to thank you and the other officials of th* Court.—Yours very truly, Mary A. Davies." Obituary.—The news of the death of Mr. Falkener Lloyd Mathias, son of the late Mr. Henry Mathias, of Hill Street, was received with profound regret. The deceased qualified as a solicitor in 1890, and went to reside in London soon after. He entered the Courts, and at the time of his death was second clerk in Mr. Justice Kekewich's Chambers. He leaves a widow, but no family. His remains were inter- red in Highgate Cemetery, London, on Saturday last. Tramp Charged with Theft.—At the Shire Hall on Monday morning, before the Mayor (Mr. I. Reynolds), Win. Phillips, of no fixed abode, was charged with stealing a grey flanel shirt, value 6s. 6d., the property of Mary Ann Thomas, of Camrose. The shirt was taken off a hedge on Saturday. P.C. Llewellin said from informa- tion received he made enquiries and traced the defendant to Hayscastle Cross, where he found him in a barn wearing the missing shirt. De- fendant was remanded until Saturday next. St. Mary's Church.—On New Year's Day Sir Erasmus Philipps (father of Lord St. David's), canon of Salisbury, visited St. Mary's Church with Lady Philipps and parcook of Holy Com- munion at the mid-day service. They showed great interest in the sacred building. On Sun- day morning the vicar read to the congregation a sermon preached by Sir Erasmus Philipps on October 4th, 1908, at Salisbury Cathedral on the joys of Heaven.—On Sunday evening the Rev. Norman Parcell (curate of Prendergast), deliv- ered an interesting sermon to a large congre- gation. Whist Drive.—On Friday evening last another enjoyable and successful whist drive was held in St Marys Schoolroom when the arrangements were entirely carried out by Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Rogers (Barn Street). There were about 60 per- sons present, and play was continued until a late hour. Refreshments were served during the evening. A letter was read from the vicar (Rev. J. H. Davies) regretting his unavoidable absence owing to a family bereavement. The prize winners were as follows:—Ladies.—1st, silver cup given by Mrs. Morris Owen, won by Mrs. Hewitt; 2nd, silver top scent bottle given by Mr. James Price (Lansdowne House) won by Miss M. Barham; booly prize, Mrs. A. J. Rose. Gentlemen.—1st, leather pocket case, given by the Rev. J. Henson, won by Mr. S. Bowler; 2nd, silver pencil case, given by a friend, won by Mr. F. Gibbon; booly prize, Mr. A. J. Rose. Presentation to Excise Officer.-During Mr. Hewitt's stay in Haverfordwest as Excise Offi- cer he has won the good opinion of all with whom he has had business by the unfailing tact and consideration he has brought to bear in the discharge of his duties. In the Old Age Pension work these traits have been tspecially marked, and the old people have been dealt with in a kindly and respectful manner that has done much to enhance the value of the pension. Some of Mr. Hewitt's friends thought they could not allow him to leave Haverford- west for his new and more important sphere of labour in Scotland without some tangible expression of their appreciation of his many good qualities. A complimentary dinner was accordingly laid in the Salutation Hotel on Monday evening, when the Mayor (Mr. I. Rey- nolds) presided over a small, but representative gathering. After the repast His Worship made a presentation to Mr. Hewitt from his Haver- fordwest friends of a silver cigarette case suit- ably inscribed. Mr. Reynolds said Mr. Hewitt had made many friends in Haverfordwest by his geniality and the courtesy he had shown in carrying out his work, especially with the old people. Mr. W. T. Davies, C.C., endorsed the Mayor's observations and wished Mr. Hewitt every success in Glasgow. Mr. L. H. Thomas also spoke, and Mr. Hewitt suitably acknow- ledged the honour which had been done him. Smart Set at St. Thomas.—There was a good attendance in St. Thomas Schoolroom on Tues- day evening, when an enjoyable social was held. Tea was provided under the supervision of the following ladies:—Mrs. Hilbers, Mrs. Reynolds, Mrs. J. Reynolds, Mrs. Brigstocke, Mrs. Rowe, Mrs. Stokes, Mrs. Nicholas, Mrs and Miss Evans. Later in the evening the Neyland braart Set delighted a large audience with their excellent entertainment. Attired in their pretty scarlet costumes, they gave the following programme of new songs and chorusses under the leadership of Mr. A. E. Rees, while Mrs. e^' A.L.C.M.. carried out the duties of accom- r! nt T,Part !•—Opening chorus, "Take your Set; humorous selection, "Song r.naiAle'" Mr- s- Evans; song, "Will he t a v.° P°°>" Miss Herbert; song, "Who Mr. G. Thomas; song, "I want somebody to iOVe me,» Miss Powell; song and chorus, Three for Jack," Mr. A. E. Rees; Burlesque song and chorus "Bond Street Tea Walk," Miss T. Herbert; humorous duet, "Mingle your pretty eyebrows (with mine)," Miss T. Herbert and Air. A. Jenkins; song and chorus, "Red Wmg, Mr,■ G. Thomas; song (humorous), "Tobermore, Mr. A Jenkins; song (humorous), Miss Powell. Part II.-Gipsy Trio character, "Three Gipsies, The hisses Herbert and Miss Powell; humorous selection, "All through a little bit of bacon, Mr. A. Jenkins; song and chorus, "Poor little fly," Miss Her- bert; solo, "Longshoreman Billy," Mr. A. E. Rees; duet, "Chick,chick," Miss T. Herbert and Mr. S. Evans; humorous selection, 'The moving job," (encored), Mr. G. Thomas; duet, "Pretty Polly Hopkins," Miss Powell and Mr. A. E. Rees; character song, "Softest of the family," Mr. S. Evans; Gipsy Chorus, The Smart Set. Winter Assizos.-The Assize business will commence on Tuesday next before Mr. Justice Pickford. At the time of writing there is only one criminal case for trial and probably another criminal case will be added during the week. Albany.—In the absence of the Rev. Owen Jacobs, who is suffering from a slight attack of influenza, the pulpit on Sunday last was occu- pied by Mr. R. Sinnett in the morning, and in the evening the Rev. Lewis Williams, of Tiers Cross, officiated. St. David's, Prendergast.—The usual monthly service for men was held in St. David's Church on Sunday afternoon, when tne Rev. Norman Parcell addressed a large gathering of C.E.M.S. members and others. On the first Sunday in February the Rev. Stephen Jenkins, of Oxwich, an old Prendergast boy, will take the service. Bethesda Chapel.—On Sunday last the pulpit at this place of worship was occupied by the Rev. F. C. Tucker, of the Midland Baptist Col- lege. At both services there were very fair con- gregations and Mr. Tucker, who has recently assumed the oversight of the Church at Honey- borough, preached appropriate sermons for the New Year. Golf Club.—The monthly competition for Dr. Henry Owen's Challenge Cup was played yes- terday on the Racecourse, Mr. Martin Rogers re- turning the best card.—Scores :—M. H. Rogers, 105-48-57; W. G. Douglas-Willan, 111-31-80; A. W. Massy, 109—27—82; D. Jones. 113-30-83; M. E. Morgan, 107-20-87; G. E. Carrow, 137- 48-89; W. Howell Walters, 110—16—94; F. T. Brown, 118-21-97; R. Robinson, 118-19-99; H. D. Williams, 116-17-99; F. A. Scott, 116-14-102. Death of Mr. Harries, St. Martin's Crescent.— The death took place early this morning of Mr. Harries (whose family was formerly con- nected with the Swan Hotel) at his residence in St. Martin's Crescent. Mr. Harries had attained the great age of 90 and was able to get about up to a comparatively recent date. He was a member of a well-known Pembrokeshire family, the Harries's of Brimaston, and farmed suc- cessfuly at Slade for many years, being a noted dairy farmer. His wife, who pre-de- ce^sed him, was a Miss Gwyther, sister of the late Mrs. Emment. who successfully carried on the Swan Hotel for many years. Religiously, he was a Calvinistic Methodist. He had one son in the medical profession who died some years ago, leaving a widow and one daughter.

NOLTON HAVEN. Temperance Society.—The annual tea and en- tertainment in connection with the above Society were held on New Year's Day. The weather was all that could be desired. A large concourse of people came together, which proves beyond all doubt that in the neighbour- hood of Nolton Haven the work of the Temper- ance Society has been successful. The tables were beautifully decorated. The presiding ladies were Miss Lettis Owen and Miss Winnie Canton, who were assisted by a band of willing and cheerful helpers. Nearly 200 sat down. In the evening an entertainment was given, pre- sided over by the Rev. W. J. Evans (Penuel, Roch), whose witty remarks and practical words of advice were highly appreciated by the large and attentive audience. The temperance choir was under the leadership of Mr. John Davies, secretary of the Society, while Miss Lizzie Can- ton, with her usual good style, presided at the organ. The programme was a very interest- ing and enjoyable one, and was particularly well rendered.

CRUNDALE. Wednesday, the 30th ult., was a day to which the children of the above place looked forward. It was the day on which the school treat was to come off. In spite of the severe weather a good number came together, and while waiting for their least the elder children amused in snowballing. At three o'clock all were in their respective places. Besides the teachers and caretaker were Miss L. J. Llewellyn, a former teacher in the school and Miss Wilcox, Popton, who rendered great assistance in looking to the needs of the little ones. After tea the children gave a short entertainment, consisting of recitations, dialogues, songs, etc. One pupil displayed considerable abilty in playing the mouth organ and stepping at the same time. Before leaving three nearty cheers were given to the Council Manager, Dr. Henry Owen, of Poyston, for giving such a grand treat. On parting each child received an orange, bun, crackers, and a new penny. Among the child- ren present were some who had left within the year, and it was to them a joyful re-union. It seemed as if their school days had returned with all pleasant memories, and one boy was induced to remark, "Let us make the best of it boys; we are in school once more."

WISTON MAN'S SUDDEN DEATH IN SYDNEY. Our Clarbeston Road correspondent writes:— "This neighbourhood was shocked on Wed- nesday by the news of the sudden death of Mr. Edgar James Butler, in Sydney, Australia. Mr. Butler was bred and born among us and was very much respected. He had only just returned from New Guinea to Sydney, when, strange to say, he unexpectedly met his uncle who had come to the city for business, and who liv'ed some hundreds of miles away. Each was overjoyed to meet the other, and appointment was made for meeting the next day, when Mr. Butler would make arrangements to accompany his uncle (Mr. Wm. Thomas, late of Wiston) home for some holidays, but Mr. Butler failed to keep the appointment, and in the course of the day Mr. Thomas had a telegram asking him to come to Mr. Butler at once. He went and in his presence his nephew passed away. His many friends in Haverfordwest will be sorry to hear of his death, as he was well known there, having been in Messrs. Eaton Evans and Williams's offices for many years before emi- grating to Australia. We deeply sympathise with his sister, Mrs. Davies, the Station, Letter ston, and his brother, Mr. W. Butler; .also with the family at Wiston. A very strange coinci- dence is the fact that his mother died only about a week before.

BIG FIRE LAST NIGHT. DARK STREET CONFLAGRA- TION. ONE HOUSE GUTTED. And Liverpool Arms Practically Destroyed. Brigade Helpless for Forty Minutes. WAITING FOR WATER! Popular Indignation. FRIDAY MORNING. 'In the early hours of this morning one of the worst fires that have happened in Haverford- west for many years occurred in Dark Street, and all who were present at that unfortunate scene were loud in their condemnation of the Haverfordwest Town Coupcil for their criminal neglect in exposing the town to such terrible risks as were shown on this occasion to be of utial nightly occurrence. The fire broke out in the front first floor sitting room of the house occupied by Mr. Fred Williams, in Dark Street, and quickly involved the whole room in a blaze that burst out through the bay window. This was about 12.30. Mr. Williams' brothers, Jack and Albert, who reside with him, at once gave the alarm and the fire bell was ringing at 12.35. The Brigade were on the scene in a few minutes and had their appliances connected at 12.45. Then commenced the most anxious experience it is possible to imagine—a house blazing fiercely with everything ready to grapple with the dread fiend except the water! It is diffi- cult to write calmly of such a scandalous state of affairs. The Brigade were waiting for 20 minutes before there was any sign of water. Then came a little trickle that made their efforts look ridiculous. The force was not suffi- cent to carry the water into the first floor, and the firemen had to expose themselves to ser- ious risks before they could get the water into the building at all. It then transpired that the reservoir was almost empty, and on learning the state of affairs Councillor Hugh Thomas ran down for his motor car, and RUSHED OUT TO THE PUMPING STATION. Here he roused the engineer out of bed and ordered the pumps to be set to work. This was done as soon as possible, but it was close on 1.30, an hour after the outbreak and 45 minutes after the arrival of the Brigade before there was an adequate supply of water. It is incon- ceivable that such a condition of things should have been allowed to exist even in a town where the people are exceptionally tolerant of official delinquencies. It is an insult to one's intelli- gence to suggest that it is a necessary evil, and the townspeople should now resolutely refuse to be fooled with any longer by a Town Council that has once more failed in its public obliga- tions so ignominiously. As a result of this morning's fiasco, two houses were practically destroyed, when the fire might have been con- fined to a single room. More than this, it was clearly seen by all who were present that the town is, under present conditions, exposed to A TERIBLE DANGER. It needs no vivid imagination to picture what might happen if a fire broke out at some of our shops, for instance, and there happened to be a favouring wind. With a delay of nearly an hour such as took place this morning, the fire might very easily get quite out of hand and involve a whole street. As it was the spread of the fire was prevented only by the substantial construction of the two houses, and the fact that the roof of the next house to lee-ward was lower and thus unconnected. If, after this experience, the town allows itself to be put off with anything less than a constant supply of water throughout the 24 hours. It will deserve the calamity that sooner or later is bound to result from the farcical and child- ish methods now obtaining. The house where trie outbreak occurs adjoins the Liverpool Arms in Dark Street, and is fac- ing the back of the Temperance Hall. The tenant is Mr. Fred Williams, hairdresser and commission agent, who was away at Tenby, where he has been residing for some time. In the house there also lived his sister (Mrs. Aikenhead) and her two children, as well as his two brothers Jack and Albert Williams. The front room on the grouid floor is used as the barbers' r;hop, under the management of Mr. Coniff, who, with his wife and child, lodged at the Liverpool Arms, which is kept by Mr. and Mrs. George John. Next door on the High Street side lives Mr. Allen, tailor, and then Mr. Charles Davies As the wind was blowing in that direction very strongly at first these people were naturally very anxious about the safety of their own houses, and at one time it did seem as though they would also be involved. The origin of the fire is A MYSTERY. It broke out in the sitting room as already stated. The inmates of the house had fortu- nately not retired to bed, so were all able to leave safely. With the help of people who quickly arrived on the scene many of the ar- ticles of furniture from the ground floor were rescued in a more or less damaged condition, but everything in the upper floors was com- pletely destroyed. When the fire bell rang Mr. Carter, Hill St., was quickly on the scene and dashed off for waterman Richards, who lives in the upper portion of the town, but in the absence of any sign indicating his place of abode, Mr. Carter was for sometime unable to find it, and thus precious moments were lost. WILLING HELPERS. Among the earliest arrivals on the scene were Mr. Sidney J. Rees and Mr. Francis Phillips, who helped to get Mr. John Davies' horse out from the stable adjoining the burning building on the Mariner's Square side, the animal being in a very frightened condition. There was, however, not much danger to this building, as the wind was blowing in the opposite drecton. As already stated the Fre Brigade arrived and had everything ready at 12.45. At that time the flames were bustling out of the bow-win- dow and that room was like a furnace. Whilst waitng for the water the firemen, several civil- ians, and the police assisted in removing the furniture from the two houses and conveying it to Mr. John Cole's premises. Among others prominent in this work were Mr. Fred P. Green, Mr. Lambert Baillieux and Mr. Sum- mers. The last named worked like a trojan, but several times exposed himself to unneces- sary danger seeing that no lives were involved. Inspector Evans, Sergt. Parry, P.C. Jones, and other constables were most indefatigable in their efforts to render assistance. SM.iLL MUSTER OF FIREMEN. Capt. Harry Roberts had charge of the Brigade, and there were with him tcrgt. John Morgan, Engineer Gibbon, Firemen George Lewis, Tom Davies, T. Saies, John Thomas, T. WToolcock, and R. Griffiths. Hon. Capt. R. T. P. Williams and Secretary S(hn Lewis were also present, as well as Councillor H. J. Rogers, the ex-captain, who could not refrain from taking just as energetic a part as when he used to so skilfully handle his men. One very remark- able scene was noticed by a few when the lead over the bay window melted and descended like rain into the road in a shower of glistening drops. This did not deter Summers from rush- ing back into the building for more goods and chattels. He seemed, however, to bear a charmed life. At five minutes past one, when the first sign of water came, the upper portion of the house was a mass of flames, and it was then seen that nothing could prevent the fire spread- ing to the Liverpool Arms. As before stated, the first flow of water was barely sufficient for the men to get one hose to work. In order to do this they had to mount ladders placed against the walls opposite and play directly in- to the window. But this position became I untenable and Sergt. Morgan, after being nearly roasted, had to retreat. At 1.10 the second floor fell in and added to the conflagration. The flames had for some time been bursting through the roof and at 1.20 this fell with a crash. Even now there was no proper supply of water, and it was not until about 1.30 that anything like a force came on This was after Mr. Hugh Thomas had, as already stated, motored out to the pumping station and got the pumps work- ing. When the roof fell in the firemen were able to play into the gutted building from lad- ders put against the front of the house. They also directed their efforts to the Liverpool Arms as much as possible. The whole of the roof of this building was well alight, but directly the full pressure of water came on it soon made itself felt. Not, however, before the roof had been practically burnt out, and the whole of th0 house from top to bottom is more or less of a wreck from water and debris. Mr. Fred Williams' house is, of course, completely gutted. It belongs to Mrs. Ellis, widow if the late Mr. Phillip Ellis, whilst Mr. Harold T. James, The Brewery is the owner of the Liverpool Arms. The fire was practically got under by two o'clock, and much praise is due to Capt. Henry Roberts and his men for the admirable manner in which they fought the flames directly they were in a position to do so.

-0 MISS KATIE THOMAS'S CONCERT. Remarkable Success. The Masonic Hall, Haverfordwest, was crowd- ed on Thursday afternoon and evening on the occasion of a first class matinee concert given by Miss Katie Thomas, who again proved her- self to be one of the foremost artistes of the day. The programme, which was practically the same both afternoon and evening, was al- together of a very high class order, and those who were present felt indebted to Miss Thomas for providing them with a treat such as they have rarely, if ever, been able to enjoy in this county. As will be seen by the programme, Miss Thomas herself undertook a very large share of the work and it may safely be said that every time she appears on a Haverfordwest platform she enhances an already very high reputation. In the vocal portion she won spon- taneous and enthusiastic encores for her superb renderings of some difficult pieces, while too much praise cannot be given lor her wonderful dramatic recital. She kept the audience literally spell-bound from start to finish, and during some of the more affecting passages one could have almost imagined that the dropping of the proverbial pin would have created an unplea- sant disturbance, so wrapt was the attention of the audience in their endeavour to catch every phrase and gesture. Longfellow's "Robert of Sicily" was especially a remarkable perform- ance, given with wonderful effect. And so on, through the whole of a long and exacting re- cital Miss Thomas played on the feelings of her audience and never failed to win a responsive note. One could not help feeling that we should like to see her more often on our local platforms. In the musical portion of the pro- gramme she was well supported by the other artistes. Her sister, Mrs. Oliphant Goldie, proves that she is no exception in a talented family. Her accompanyng left nothing to be desired, whilst her songs at the piano carried the house by storm. Mr. Ivor Foster gave im- mense pleasure with his items, being enthus- iastically encored every time, and Mr. Holland Wade was also a success. During the after- noon Master Tom James presented Miss Thomas with a lovely bouquet from Lady Philipps, of Picton Castle, and another was presented from an admirer. In the evening Miss Thomas received other beautiful bouquets from Mrs. Ernest George and another admirer, and one was presented to Mrs. Goldie. At the interval the Rev. Baring Gould, St. Martin's, for the restoration fund of which the concert was given, very tastefully voiced the thanks of the audience to Miss Katie Thomas and all who assisted. The following was the pro- gramme :— Part I.-Song, "Honour and Arms," Mr. Holland Wade; pianoforte solo, "Overture to Amasis," Mrs. Oliphant Gpldie; prologue (Pagliacci), Mr. Ivor Foster; cavatina, "Bel raggio lusinghier," "Dolce Pensiero" (Semi- 'ramide), Miss Katie Thomas; song, "Love's Coronation," Mr. Holland Wade; song, "Thora," Mr. Ivor Foster; song, "Speak but one word," Miss Katie Thomas; duets (a) "The Swing Song," (b) "Trot here and there" (Veronique), Miss Katie Thomas and Mr. Ivor Foster; songs at piano (a) "Master and Man," (b) "Won't you come off to the Zoo?" Mrs. Oliphant Goldie. Part II.—Song, "Glorious Devon, Mr. Ivor Foster. Dramatic recital by Miss Katie Thomas.—"Robert of Sicily" (Longfellow), "As you Like it," Act: III., Scene: 2 (W. Shakes- peare), a part of the forest, enter Celia, Rosa- lind, Orlando; three ballads of the fan (a) The Pompadour fan; (b) An old fan; (c), A Lesson with the fan; "A Parable of Nature" (M. Irving); "A Scotch Wooing" (Jerome K. Jerome): 'Incident of French Camp" (R. Brown- ing): "Delilah," (R. Kipling): "Three Fishers" (C. Kingsley); "The Wife Who Sat Up" (G. Grossmith).

-:0: HAVERFORDWEST BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of the Haverfordwest Board of Guardians was held on Wednesday at the Union Workhouse, Mr. S. W. Dawkins presiding over a small attendance. The half-yearly revision of the St. David's list, which was to have taken place at this meeting, was postponed owing to the omissipn of the required notice from the agenda. It will come on at the next meeting. A request from Mr. Joseph and Miss Ada Thomas that they should be allowed to give their annual Christmas treat to the inmates was granted. A letter was read from Mr. Allgood, Cardiff, inviting the Board to appoint delegates to the Conference shortly to be held at Cardiff on the subject of land values. A member suggested that the letter should be allowed to lie on the table, and the Clerk re- marked that any member who was appointed would have to go at his own expense. The Chairman said he did not suppose any of them would feel sufficiently interested to go. Mr. J. Bowen thought they ought to if they were interested in the rates, which were very high. They were all of the opinion that pro- perty which had been increased in value by efforts other than those of the owners ought to be rated; and this would relieve the burden on agricultural land. He would propose the Chairman. Chairman: If he feels keenly on the subject we might appoint Mr. Bowen. Mr. T. G. Lewis: I think he has already been appointed a delegate. If the Chairman will go I will second that he be appointed. The Chairman intimated that he could not see his way. In reply to a question Mr. Bowen said he would go if appointed. Mr. Bowen was thereupon appointed, on the motion of Mr. J. Ll. Davies.

ODDFELLOWS DISTRICT MEETING. A meeting <if the Haverfordwest District of the I.O.O.F., M. U., was held at the Loyal Cledyy Lodge Room, Haverfordwest, on Tues- day,. The Prov. G. M., Bro. J. M. Simpson. Cleddy Lodge, occupied the chair, and the Prov. D.G.M., Bro. H. Jones, of the Dungleddy Hall Lodge, the vice-chair. The last retired Prov. G.M., Bro. J. Evans. Menapia Lodge, sup- ported the G.M. The following deputies were present:—Cleddy Lodge, P.P. G.M., Bro. W. Gibbon; P.G.'s Bros. J. D. Hancock and J. W. Phillips; Dungleddy Hall Lodge, P.P.G.M.'s Bros. T. James, W. Lewis, and W. R. Davies: P.G. Bro. A. Lewis; Star Lodge. P.G. Bro. T. Brock; Menapia Lodge, P.G. Bro. T. Griffiths. Bros. W. M. Thomas and J. Oliver, Cleddy Lodge, attended as visitors.—The accounts were presented and passed. The question of Compulsory national State Insurance was put before the meeting by the G.M. Bro. Simpson, and discussed, after which Bro. James proposed, Bro. A. Lewis seconded, and the meeting unanimously 'adopted a reso- lution strongly opposing any such proposal. On the question of the best way to celebrate the Centenary of tiie Unity in 1910, Bro. A. Lewis proposed and Bro. W. Gibbon seconded that the lodges comprising the district be asked to join in an united demonstration in Haver- fordwest, the Lodge Secretaries to ascertain if the same is favourable to their lodges.—Carried. Bro. Gibbon congratulated Bros. James Griffiths and Rogers on their appointment on the Pensions Committee. Bro. Simpson, Cleddy Lodge, was elected de- legate to the A.M.C. at Bradford. G.M. Simpson duly installed the D.G.M. Bro. Jones as G.M. Bro. Brock was installed as D.G.M. The newly stalled G.M. presented the P.P.G.M. Jewel to Bro. J. Simpson, the retiring G.M., prefacing the presentation with a few- well chosen remarks to Bro. Simpson's very great efficiency as G.M. Bro. Simpson thanked the meeting for the presentation.

ST. MARTIN'S CHURCH DOCTRINE. Sir,—Except for its mischievous plausibility the letter in your last issue over the name of "Deacon John" is hardly worth an answer. Your correspondent poses as a Calvinistic Methodist deacon-a representative of the stric- test and most puritanical religious sect, and in this "Deacon John" makes an unlucky choice. A Methodist deacon tolerant of prayer for the dead is utterly inconceivable. Indeed, "Deacon John" admits much more than he thinks when he says: "Although we do not pray for the dead." But let me ask—why not? Deacon John"" since you are tolerant of the Romish practice. Why not be as brave as you are tolerant i Then in reference to the Rev. R. J. Campbell of the City Temple. That noted -i•«-. £ > is the minister of a Congregational Church which is independent of all external authority. The minister has only to account with the members of his own church. The Free Church Council. with which it may be affiliated, is only an ad- visory body. Hence the Council is not Mr. Campbell's bishop as "Deacon John" erroneous- ly supposes. A Calvinistic Methodist deacon, of course, would not betray ignorance on this point. I dare say "Deacon John" knows very well that even if the members of an Episcopal Church were desirous of 'advancing' towards Romish practices, the Clergyman cannot, with- out unfaithfulness to his ordination vow, and disloyalty to the King, the constitutional Head of the State Church, accede to that desire. Further, the members of a Church, as by law established, are bound by the 39 Articles, and cannot, legally, even desire the introduction of Romish inovations into their form of worship. The clergyman is under a solemn obligation to disregard any such desire. The authority in this instance is external to the constituent parish. "Deacon John" has yet to learn that to be tolerant of an irregularity is not the mark of high character. In so far as he betrays ig- norance of things commonly known, he merits the pity of Yours, etc., VERGER BILL.

SANITATION IN HAVERFORDWEST Inspector "Ruining the Town." SO SAYS DR. HENRY OWEN. The quarterly meeting of the Perrot's Trust- ees was held in the Council Chamber, Haver- fordwest on Monday, when the Trustees pre. sent were: Dr. Henry Owen, Messrs. R. T. P. Williams, James Rowlands, and F. P. Green. with the Clerk( Mr. J. W. Phillips), and the architect (Mr. D. Edward Thomas). QUESTION OF A LEASE. At a former meeting Mrs. S. B James, St. Martin's Crescent, applied to the Trustees to re-build a garden wall between her property in Dark Street and the Picton Castle property. Mrs. James holds a lease on her property and the question of taking this over was discussed. The lease has 13 years to run, and Mrs. James replied to the Trustees stating that she was quite willing for the Trustees to take up the lease on the condition that they refunded her the sum of £12, which she had expended at the request of the urban authority in drainage. The Trustees now decided to adhere to then offer to take up the lease, but they declined to go to any outlay in the matter. THE ROYAL OAK. With reference to the Royal Oak, Dew Street; the House Committee recommended that Mr. Wm. Evans be offered these premises at a rent of Z12, he to undertake all the repairs and pay rates and taxes. Mr. Evans, however, inti- mated that he could not accept those terms, but he offered L10 a year. Eventually it was decided that Mr. Evans should be granted the Royal Oak at ClO lus. a year, he taking the lease for 21 years and keeping the premises in repair. l'he Committee's report was confirmed. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE- CHAIRMAN. On the motion of Dr. Owen, seconded by Mr. F. P. Green, Mr. Edward Eaton-Evans was reo elected chairman. Mr. Joseph Thomas was also re-elected vice-chairman on. the motion of Mr. R. T. P. Williams, second "d by Mr. James Rowlands. The following members were elec- ted to form the house committee :—Messrs. Joseph Thomas, James Thomas, R. T. P. Wil- liams, F. P. Green, T. E. 'James, James Row. lands, and the Chairman. "RUINING THE TOWN." The Trustees next considered a report by the Architect on work which the Sanitary Inspector had considered should be done to the property in Dew Street. The Architect now recommend- ed what work he considered should be carried out. Dr. Owen: This Borough Surveyor is ruining the town. Mr. Williams: I am sorry I don't agree with you. I think he his helping to save the town. The Chairman: We don't kick against the pricks. Mr. Williams said the Surveyor reported that these yards in Dew Street were in an unhealthy condition owing to the fact that the surface was broken up, with the result that dirty water lodged there, and this bred disease. "It seems to me," added Mr. Williams, "that so far from ruining the town, the Sanitary Inspector is only doing his duty in calling on us to make good its canitary condition." Dr. Owen: You are in the swim. (Laughter). Mr. Williams: Xo, I am not. But I have to face the Local Government Board. Dr. Owen: The Surveyor has said there is a tremendous fall, and how can water lodge there? The Architect pointed out that the concrete was broken up. Mr. Williams: We are endeavouring to make the town a healthier place in which to live. Dr. Owen: It is an old town, Ni-tli old pro- perty, and the Surveyor doesn't care to what expense he puts it. Mr. R. T. P. Williams moved that the work be carried out, and that the Trustees invite tenders. He also proposed that the House Committee report to the March meeting as to whether the rent paid for these houses in Dew Street is fair and reasonable. Mr. F. P. Green seconded, and the resolution was carried. "ENCLOSURE" NOT "WAR MEMORIAL." On the payment of a small bill in respect of the enclosure of the war memorial in High Street, Mr. R. T. P. Williams remarked that the Trustees had no power to spend money on a war memorial." He suggested that they call it the High Street Enclosure." Mr. James Rowlands then moved that this be done, and the alteration in the name was made.

ALBANY SUNDAY SCHOOL, HAVERFORDWEST. OPENING OF A NEW BUiLDING. On New Year's Day the Albany Congrega- tional Church opened their new Sunday school- room. The new structure is erected on the site of the old one, adjoining the chapel, and both inside and out is a very pleasing building to look upon. The design is quite picturesque, and altogether agreeable, being in this respect a pleasant contrast to so many Free Church Chapels and Schoolrooms, the appearance of which is so often repellant rather than attrac- tive. The front entrance facing and adjoining Hill Street, is sufficiently striking to attract attenton, but if we might be allowed to make a suggestion the addition of its name on the front elevation would not mar its beauty, but would serve the useful purpose of distinguish- ing it from its next door neighbour—the Dragon" Hotel. The schoolroom is 46 feet by 27, provides accommodation for some 250, and has a gallery at the end. It is well lighted with windows that will provide good ventilation, and the floor is wood-blocked. The style of architecture is a modern combination of Renarssance, Gothic, and other periods of English work. Messrs. D. Edward Thomas and Son. Victoria Place, Haverfordwest, were the architects, and the builders Messrs. Rees and Young, Narberth, whilst the painting and var- nishing was carried out by Mr. George Harries, Shipman's Lane, Haverfordwest. Previous to the opening of the door, a short service was conducted outside. After the sing- ing of a hymn, and the reading of a Psalm by the Rev. J. Michael, the architect, Mr. D. Edward Thomas, handed the Rev. Owen Jacobs a golden key with which to open the school- room door. A short service was afterwards conducted in- side. The interior, which had been prettily decorated by a number of ladies, bore a very comfortable and inviting aspect. Scriptural phrases, such as Suffer little children to come unto Me," Feed My lambs," The Lord is my shepherd," were hung about the walls, s well as festoons and evergreen, while on the platform were some late chrysanthemums. Rev. Owen Jacobs presided, and was supported on the platform by the Revs. E. Nicholson Jones, W. Mendus, S. L. Connor, J. Michael, W. Rey- nolds, and Garro-Jones (Milford Haven). The chairman gave an interesting address on the words, Mind, muscle, and money," after which the Rev. S. L. Connor offered a dedica- tion prayer. A vote of thanks to architects, builders, and decorators was proposed by the Rev. E. Nicholson Jones, seconded by Rev. W. Mendus, supported by Rev. Y\. Reynolds (Wesleyan), and heartily carried. A public tea followed, at which the tables were presided over by the following ladies:— Mrs. Edward Reid, Mrs. D. Edward Thomas, Mrs. and Miss Saies, the Misses Jenkins, City Road, Mrs. John Williams, Portfield, Mrs. William Thomas, Portfield Mrs. James Phillips, Bridgend Square, Mrs. Alfred James, and Miss Maggie Lewis. "— THE PUBLIC MEETING. In the evening a public meeting was held in the new schoolroom, which was crowded to its utmost capacity. The chair was taken by the Rev. Owen Jacobs, and in addition to the local ministers present were Mr. Saies, Mr. David Thomas (Sunday School superintendent), Mr. James Rees, and Mr. Edward Reid. An instructive and very eloquent address was delivered by Mr. Williams, Carmarthen, who said that the church had made its noblest and best paying investment by erecting that new building. The churches had been very slow to recognise that schools had been their best investment; it had taken a long time in this country to follow the magnificent lead which our countrymen aoross the Atlantic had set in Sunday school work. He had read that 95 per cent. of the church workers came out of the Sunday Schools, and 75 per cent. of all the churches in the land started as Sunday schools and ultimately developed into churches, and that in spite of the fact that pastors and parents only gave something like 10 per cent. of their time and attention to Sunday school work. While the status and dignity of the day school teacher had been raised, no corresponding effort had been made by the Sunday schools, yet the Sunday school work was the noblest to which the church had ever set its heart, l'lle churches of to-day were recording their converts by the hundred by the the score, by the half-dozen per quarter. Was there any work more despairing than to cal- culate the result of the revival missions which used to take place in this country and other countries. He had seen the returns of the Baptist denomination, and they gave a dismal account of the year's work. It was not an easy matter to make converts of men whoee lives had been blurred and stifled by the ac- cumulated sins of many years. It was not an easy matter to awaken a stifled conscience. It would take a God to do it. What a different thing it was when they came to the life of a child, when the ideas were viviu, the imagina- tion alive, and the material plastic. It was an unalterable law that unless they were add- ing to their church members, as a business man made new customers, they were going back. A church that was not making some con- verts every year was losing her hold. The children came to Sunday school Sunday after Sunday fresh with the very innocency of Heaven itself. Their mind was as plastic as the gentle dew, and with that incalculable gift to every church, there came the Divine mandate "Feed My lambs," and it was at their peril as a church that they despised that. The mistake which churches had made was that they had imagined that children came to them from the Devil. That was a libel on the life of the hild. The children of the Sunday schools were in the Kingdom. It was time for the congregationalists to look to their laurels, because their returns showed a decrease of 14,000 in their children, and that in spite of the fact that the congregationalists were in th-e very forefront of Sunday school work. He re- minded the teachers that they did not come to the Sunday schools to entertain or amuse the children. Their mission was to instruct, pri- marily to build character. Let them teach the children the beautiful stories of the New Testa- ment, and the moral would come later. The teachers should leave their books at home, nse their mind and their own sanctified common- sense, and be red-hot enthusiastic. Don't be afraid to be called a fanatic; it was the fanatics who were the salvation of the human race. Rev. D. Garro-Jones followed with a forceful address on the Bible as the Sunday school text book. During the evening solos were contributed by Miss Agnes Phillips, Mr. Phelps, Yr. Mr. George Lewis, a duet by Mr. James James and Mr. Jack Edwards, a cornet solo by Mr. J. Lewis, and a quartette by Mr. James James. Mr. Jack Edwards, Miss Agnes Pirillips, and Miss Annie James. On the motion of the Rev. J. Miokael, seconded by the Rev. E. Nicholson Jones, a vote of thanks was passed to all who took part.

ROOSE PETTY SESSIONS. FREYSTROP BURGLARY. Shire Hall. Saturday.—Before Messrs. J. Howell Walters (in the chair), J. T. Fisher, 0. H. S. Williams, A. W. Massy, G. E. Carrow, J. S. Roberts, and S. W. Dawkins. LICENSING. Mr. Thomas Jenkins, of Lawrenny Ferry, ap- plied for the transfer of the Anchor Inn, Hook Quay. He was 21 years of age and had been living at Lawrenny for seven years. Mr. Ernest George, Market Street, Haverford- west, said a notice had been served on the police, but it was not done by him personally. D.C.C. James said he had no objection to admitting serving of the notice, but it was only served on him last Thursday afternoon, and consequently he had had no opportunity of making enquiries into the applicant's charac- ter. This could not be considered a case of urgency, as the house had been unoccupied since Michaelmas and the applicant had not taken possession of it yet. The Benh adjourned the application for proper notice to be given. Thomas John, Barnlake, Neyland, a naval stoker, was summoned for being drunk and disorderly at Neyland. P.C. Bassett proved the case. D.C.C. James said defendant was home on leave at the time. Nothing was known of him before. Fined 5s. inclusive. AN UNWELCOME VISITOR. John Phillips, formerly of the Boot and Shoe, Camrose, and lately employed by Mr. Hughes, farmer, Freystrop, was charged with breaking into the house of a blind man named John Thompson, of Freystrop, and assaulting his partially blind daughter, Fanny Thompson. Prisoner, who had been admitted to bail, pleaded not guilty and was undefended. D.C.C. James prosecuted. Fanny Thompson stated that on Christmas Eve she left the house securely fastened when she retired to bed. Just before three in the morning she heard someone walking about downstairs. The footsteps sounded in the pas- sage, the parlour, and then in the kitchen. Then they came up the stairs, and into her father's and another bedroom, afterwards into hers. She felt some one commencing to pull the clothes off her and she then shouted out to her father that there was someone in her room. She sat up in the bed and pushed the person's face back from her. The face had no whiskers. After she had shouted out, the person said, "It's all right Miss Thompson," and left the room, and went downstairs. Going to the window she again heard the man speak in answer to what her "father said to him, and she recognised the voice as the voice of the defendant. By defendant: She had never head any con- versation with him but had heard him speak- ing to different people near her house. She therefore knew his voice, and was quite possible the man who entered the house was defendant. Mr. Thompson, a feeble old man. said when his daughter called to him, he went as quickly as he could. But he could not move as quick- ly as he used to, or defendant would not have been able to get away so far. When witness got to the head of the stairs, defendant was going out by the door, which he unfastened. Witness called out that he knew him and he would hear further about it. Defendant came back and asked what was the matter. Witness told him he had broken into the house, and was recognised by his voice. Defendant then said he had only just come from town. P.S. Parry said that on Christmas morning he went to Mr. Thompson's house and found the boards which had been nailed up outside a back window had been broken away suffi- ciently to allow a man to enter. Bottles had been removed from the inside of the window and placed on the ground outside. There were no footprints clear enough for identification as tle ground was too hard, and in the garden j ground had been tramped all over as tnough by a drunken man. He saw defendant, who denied that he was at Thompson's place at all that night, and said he reached his own place about daylight. Phillips went into the box, and said he went to the Traveller's Rest on Christmas Eve for a raffling. He then went on to Clareston with Joe Sutton and a man named Kelly. He did not know what time they left Clareston. He left Sutton at Freystrop Cross and went on home. but never went on the road towards the Thompsons' at all. He was never near there. Cross-examined: He had beer that night, but was not drunk. He had not drank any- thing for twelve months before. He and the 1 others were at the house of' Martha Dalton that night and were refused admission. He did not threaten to kick the door in, but was un- able to find his way out of the yard and was shown out by a lantern. lie denied aitogetner that he had any conversation with Mr. Thomp- son that night. The magistrates retired, and on returning the Chairman said they were quit-e satisfied pris- oner was guilty. He would have to go to prison for two months' hard labour. AFFILIATION ORDERS. Ada Rowlands, Freystrop, applied for an order against J. H. Davies, Johnston, in respect to her illegitimate child. Mr. W. J. Jones ap peared for the applicant. An order for 3s. per week for 16 years was I granted with costs. An order for 3s. per week was also granted to Mary Jane Smith, St. Lshmael's. against I John Mathias, of the same place.