The Cambria Daily Leader

I Sun Rises 6.48, Sun "Sats 7.49. Lighting-up Time. 8.19. j High Water 9.20 a.m., 9.39 p.m. j King's Dock 41ft. oin. ?.m.. 40ft. 4in. p.m. ? ? To.morrow, ?< a.nu, M.26 p.m.

THE RATES. I! TH E RATES. The Swansea Corporation Budget Committee met this afternoon pre- I urnahly to fix tho amount of the new rate. As tho situation was Left at the. nd of the Finance Com- mittee meeting on Tuesday evening, reductions had been made by which the rate for "old Swansea" would | be about 13s. 3d. in tho £ We II trust that at least ways and means will be found to knock off the odd 5d. for it will be a very. serious business for Swansea even with a II rate of that- figuu. We suppose 'I that the addition of wages rendered necessary to meet the fallen value of money made it inevitable that the new rate should be heavy. War bonuses or increased wages must be paid for by some one or other. OtM point we will plead in con- nection with this phenomenal in- crease in the rates: for a tightened grip upon the expenditure that -can be regulated. Some members of the Swansea. Council appear to be sensitive to public criticism, but we. are sure they will agree with us that, in view of the new situation that faces the town, a public journal is more than justified in, calling foi the strictest economy. There are a hundred and one things we would; all like to see done in the new Swansea. Not a year ago, we were dreaming great dreams about the grandeur and dignity of the Swan- sea. that is to be, and all kinds of schemes were in the air. The only thing to do just now is to postpone these proposals until the money situation has regulated itself, to run the borough as sparingly possible, and to put off all work that is not absolutely essential for the convenience of the town. For the effect of the new rate will be felt in every household. In all probability it will mean higher ren- tals for those who now pay an in- clusive. figure; and, generally, it will mean dearer commodities all round. Tradesmen will be com- pelled. to -meet t-he new burden by putting it upon the consumer. And the worst aspect 'Of all, with rs). gard to the increased rate, will be its forbidding consequences upon the settlement of new industries in the town. The Budget Committee this after- noon may be able to give us soni4- agreeable surprises. Our readers may remember that on Tuesday, Mr. Ashrcolc, tha. Borough Trea- surer—and he ought to know—de- clared that the estimated expen- diture submitted by the various committees bad gone "beyond all bounds." Tho sum of R33,000 was knocked off as a result of that day's work; but stiil we are I-ef t with an approximate rate of IBs. 5d. in the £ We believe the Budget Com- mittee can serve us better thai t-his.

BOURLON WOOD. I A project is afoot to erect a memorial to the Welsh Bantams who in 1917 took Bourlon Wood. We hope that Wales will take it up with enthusiasm, and that. upon the blasted hill-top where so nwnv Welsh lads fell, for ever, there wiil be placed a token of the love Wales cherishes for her dead sons. Welsh regiments happened to do a great deal of the wood fighting of the war. The Swansea Battalion," as part of tlr Welsh Division, had its first taste of a big engagement bt Mametz, and the Fusiliers next ex- perienced the horrors of High Wood. But there were few exploits so sanguinary in their consequences as the fight for Bourlon, where the Welshmen attacked, not once or twice, but seyon t-"Yxws, before they occupied the wood. The writer and another Swansea journalist were over the ground in October last. After a year of the healing power of Nature, the wood had st;n t,he power to terrify the spirit, so suggestive was the scene of the ordeal through which our brave men had passed. Upon the highest point of the wood, as a memorial for ever. it rests with us to see that the heroic deed is perpetuated.

THE COLLEGE. I We ventured to protect, in our Editorial Notes of Saturday last, against, tho way in which the Special Committee appointed by the Uni- versity Court of Wales bad endea- voured to .whittle down the im- portant project relating to Celtic proposed for the Swansea. Univer- sity College. We are therefore glad to see, that at the University Court yesterday, that point of view was taken up with vigour, and that there were many expressions of opinion to the effect that In Swan- sea there should be a great school of Celtic. It is a shameful com- ment upon our lack of provision for Celtic that advanced scholars have no option but to study at the Sorbonne in Paris! We make a great fuss of the assertion Ot our nationality, but it is in mattern like these that we will best prove our bona fides. Swansea is so situated that Celtic ought to be a very important part of its uni- versity work, and we sincerely hope that the college authorities will press their propesais and improve

I CONCRECATIONAlISM. I THE SWANSEA MEETINGS I MEMORIES OF THE PAST j I (By, Rev. T. Gwyn Thomas, Britonferry). I In view of the approaching visit of the South Walee Union, it is interesting to recall cervices which Swansea has rendered to English Congregationalism. Its part in thn larger Union of England and Walefi has Jieen a notable one, for it has provided two chairmen, the -first being the Rev. Thomas Jones, some.timoj Welsh minister at Morriston, and sulxse- fluently of London, Melbourne, and Swansea, to whose memory a tablet was recently unveiled at Walter-road Church by Principal Griffith Jones, D.D. The poet Browning, attracted to Bedford Chapel by his preaching, ha, testified to the impetuous eloquence" of the orator, the liberal humanity of the religionist, tho bright and glancing sur- face manner, the 1 horough earnestness, a sensibility quivering through that rich and flexible voice, and an illumination of intellect in every expressive feature." Not a few have detected echoes of i6 silvery tones in the speeches of his dis- tinguished eons, Sir David Brynmor Jones and tliG late Principal Viriamu Jones. Swansea's second chairman of the Union," the Rev. Dr. Thomae Rees, minister of tho Welsh church at Ebenefcer, had well deserved the honour by reason of his services to English Con- gregationalism. Yet a third, Welshman, who spent tho opening years ot his English ministry at Castle-street," is the Rev. J. Morgan Gibbon, who occupied the chair in 1913-11. while Dr. Herber- Evans, who entered upon his ministerial career at Morriston, filled the same di6- tinguished office in 1892. It must not be forgotten that a Swansea boy/ Dr. Griffith John, was invited to the chair several years ago, but did not see Jrig way to leave hig groat work in China, even for the highest honour his denomination could confer. But his resting place at Sketty will be a plfcce bf pilgrimage for generations. Sunday school workers should derive on- couragement and inspiration from his testimony that it was his Sunday Schoof teacher at Swansea who taught him to think. So that the town's place in the evangelisation of the Eastern world is one of which it may well he proud. I PAST VISITS. Xne congregational Union of England and Wales has visited Swansea on two occasions; in 1871, when the Rev. Thoe, Jones. tlion minister of Walter-road, was chairman, and Dr. Dale, of Birmingham, preached the Union sermon; and again ita. 1890. under the presidency of the Rev. Thomas Green. M.A., of Ashton-under- Lyne, when Dr. Berry wa« the Union preacher. Still, neither Swansea nor Cardiff wan tHe first Welsh town to enter- tain tho Uni<m. for the assembly was held at Abera-.ii-o in 1859. On each of these occasions the meetings left certain very notable impressions, whiah have been an inspiration to English and Welsh Con- gregationalists throughout the years. The cervices rendered by Swansea ministers. Dr. Rees, and the Revs. Do-nia, tnin Williams, and W. Einlyn Jones, of Morrktoa, in the foundation and support of English causes in South Wales were of the utmost valua The two first named in particular laboured long and success- fully in providing for the needs of the English-speaking population. They were heartily supported in their efforts by enlightened and generous-hearted men, who assisted in laying solid foundations; for the excellent wor k that has been carried on in that direction ior the 80 yeam. I THE UNION. The South Wales Congregational. Church Aid Society wae formed at Cardiff in 1860, among its firltt chairmen being Messrs. W. D. Wills and Samuel Morley, lif-P,, and Dr. Rees. The South Wales Congregational Union was formed at Britonferry in 1899, when the Church Aid Society was amalgantated with it. Swan- sea provided the latter with several I chairmen, in addition to Dr. Rees, during the 39 years of its separate existence, namely, Mr. W. Robinson Smith (solicitor), Lord Glamtawe, Mr. W. Wil-I ljams, J.P., and Councillor J. Griffiths, while the Revs. Evan Jenkins, T. Sinclair F,vanti, and W. Oyfodwg Davies, and Mr. Thomas Jones, J.P., have occupied the c^iair of the Union. The services rendered by Messrs. Richard Martin, J.P., and Richard Lewis, I.P., and others have* greatly assisted and heartened the| ohurchee. j I CHURCHES IN THE DISTRICT. j There are in the town and the imme- diate neighbourhood, including Landore nd Morriston, 11 Welsh and 15 English churches. In the Welsh churches there is a roll of membership of over 5.000. and nearly 4,000 Sunday scholars; in the Eng- lish churches a membership and Sunday scholaw roll of nearly 4,000 each, making ap aggregate church membership of close upon 9.000, and between 7,000 and 8,000 scholars. Several Swansea mi niters ha ve held- their present pastorates for long periods, ranging from 27 to 38 years, ilie senior, being the Rev. J. "Nfatthei". who settled at Fabian's Bay in 1881, preceding by one year the Rev. Eva.n Jenkins, formerly of Walter-road, wh9 retired in 1916 after a pastorate of.341 years as colleague and afterwards successor to the Rev. Thomas Jones. Mr. Jenkins was one of the. two or three Welshmen who represented the Union of England and Wales at the first International Council in 18M, when he contributed a brilliant paper on TJ»e present direction of Theological thought I in the Congregational Churches." THE OFFICIALS. -1 Within more recent years the arduous diitim of the secretaryship of the South Wales Union have been discharged with unfailing devotion by the Rev. D. J. Thomas, of Carmarthen, who succeeded the late Rev. David Evan?, of Burryport, father of the late Jieut.-Col. D&vid Bryn- mor Chiles-Evans, D.S.O.. R.A.M.C.. whose name is included in the longhgnours roll of Caterham School, and of whose services in eoitnection with the war Swansea is so justly proud. For many years the duties of treasurer have been discharged by Mr. J. C. Meggitt, J.P., of Barry, whose many services, not only to South Wales, but also in the councils of the larger Union? cannot be too highly estimated. The Union has visited Swansea on sev- eral occasions, and will again be its guest I riext week, when it meets under the presi- dency of Professor John Evans, B.A., of Brecon. His guidance will lack nothing of tact and geniality, and his gifted mind will not fail to make the address from the chuif a deliverance worthy of the oc- casion. An interesting feature will be the Tisit of the minister of the City Temple, Dr.Fort Newton, to deliver the Union ser- mon on Tuesday evening, and address the Conference on Wednesday morning on The Churches and the New Bond with America." It will be.a source of satis- faction to the delegates, meeting at St. Ilaixl's Church, that the Rev. W. Pedr Williams has declined the invitation to a London pastorate. Swansea's ministerial ranks have re- c^j ved several notable accessions during recent years, and the outlook encourages the belief that the great future which by common consent, awaits fhe town in civic, commercial and education aifairs. will find its spiritual leadership and religious activity worthy of the large opportunities which nmUiuIv with the yearc-

TOWN TALK. A gentleman was geen in the Recreation Ground last night wearing a straw hat. Is he the iirat? -:0:- Tlie stall-holders on Swansea Sands are beginning to erect their stands for the coming season. -=0:- It is suggested by a correspondent that the S wansea shop asssitnnta may poll" on the question of a s-trike. • -:0:- Mr. Dan Griffiths, a well-known poultry fancier, of Fforestfach, had 113 eggw from five white wyandottes during March. ';1 —- ro■ The 'plane that flew over Mumbles and Swansea on Thursday afternoon created quite a stir. Although it flew at a rery high, altitude the motor could be heard plainly. — .-OJ— Some people are easily perplexed in Port Talbot with so many elections. In tho West Ward there are three elections at the week end, and ten candidates solicit your suffrage and support." — :0:— A Sketty demobbed," when asked if it was very hot out Macedonia way,, re- plied Hot! Why, it was so hot that I had to hurry up when washing an hand- kerchief before it dried in my -:0: Some time ago a statement Was festwd to show how working-class expenditure was likely to be reduced by 4s. weekly by. < April or May Well, April is h. Much of a movement in the direction of a red no- tion yet — s>.— A well-known young busin?ax m&n  ga??ed in High-street wM misain? f:l h isu&l train from Mumhl on Fn<tay? morning. It is rumcured that he ?a do- tained by tho necessity for preperinf iho  "s brcakfaat. -:0:- Swansea's reduced rate will be heavy Enough, in all conscience, btlt the rate- payers may find consolation ia tihe f, f,, tha.t there are several Welsh boroughs, and many in England, where the call will be a heavier one. ,> If you find a Swansea, business bore al14 there in charge of a junior clerk, it doea not follow that the principal is ill. In many cases he is -putting in a few hours on his allotment. The zeal of W? d&yo has not abated in the slightest. ? -:0:- We shall man see. the housing oehomeati of Swansea and district put in hand, an44) the activity in the building trade should^ do much to lessen unemployment. Th: Town Hill scheme, we may hope. will bet nearing eofinpletkxn by the summer of 1921.r --=0:- A London newspaper, refsrri-ng to tho Swanma clerks' strike, gives the follow*! ing: Here I am." sky* the Tomm Clerk of Swansea, doting onice-boyla work. bafe 1 can't hope to cope with the quantity to| be done." That will make the real office* f boy feel proud. < -:0- One of ouT staff paid a rieit to Deep Slade on Thursday evening, and the place, looked quite deserted, the only indication of life being the watchman on deck. TWOI or three youngsters, who had walkeip from Gowerton, were eeen making theiV way homewards. v The most businesslike meeting of 8; Swansea Corporation body for some time was that of the Housing Committee Oil,, Thursday. There was a good deal to ha*, done, but under the skilful guidance o £ | Mr..Percy Molyneux they got on with iV'; in commendable (style. -:0:- He had been having the worst of an ai gument on the coal question and thaf; islttmUon gmPtM-ly;' ami other passenger on the car heaved a atghi| when he manfully admitted: The mo I know, the more I know how little know!" And the conductress aireetljg* chirped Uplands!" -:0- A correspondent who sayp he watehea, the shops pretty closely stater that he haw not for a long time seen such a show sausages as is displayed in the town jus aow. He thinks there is some mystê about it. No mystery at all: Besides*' lots of people are not looking for sausagea,' just now, but are turning'their thoughtaj Gowerwards where the lamb comes fro A well-known Swansea business man had a very heavy week's work, what witb* allotment and other jobs, but he atteDdedi the Sunday morning servica at his place Of- worship as usual. He did his beet to eo? quer a feeling of dM-wemees, but in epite? of his efforts he was hardly a?ata whe? the collection plate was held in front e? ?: him, and was even himself etartled aa h? -wmi-corociously exclaimed: Seson! J —: o; — £ The question was askad a few dagv ngrt as to whether the allotment holders "ro,- quite so enthusiastic this year, now fchaii; the object of defeating the U-boats is IW- 4 conipliebed. Judging by the number eft ladies that were working the allotments' at the Mumbles on Thursday, it seems that the males are vary lacadaisical in their work. Perhape we will sea an im* provenient with the longer avoaings. § There was an interestiag family gaiilher* ing on a Town Hill allotment yesterday. Husband and wife were hard at work with spade and fork, and near by the young hopeful" was feeding a bonfire with the rubbish. We hear that the ladsj is spending a few extra hours in bed to- day aaa result of the experience. It is day ok a?. that her next effort will con- aist of the shovelling in of a Im of eoall -:0:- Æ Some of Swansea's enthusiastic wood. rollers are finding it hard to wait far the official opening of the bowling, season. So anxious are they to get at it"! after at long period of comparative inactivity. that their walks round the parks of an evening, though ostensibly for recreation and fresh air purposes, really resolve themselves into visits of inspection and admiration of the rinks on which they] hope to shine during the coming raontbon -:0- The eyes of Swansea are upon the com- ing Guardians' election, and seldom has such interest been displayed in the fight for places. An interesting candidature is that of Mrs. Owen, wife of Aldennan Will Owen, the retiring chairman of tfca Board. Mr. Owen does not seek rs-slec- I io hae bo6n Iii,?q tion, but Mrs. Owen, who has bean his partner to a very special degree to this phase of his public work, will have the support of many of her husband's friends. —:<:— The struggle which is proceeding on the Gower coast reminds us of the stranding of H.M.S. Montague on Lundy Island in 1906. The Swansea passenger steamer Brighton made a special trip on the day f following the disaster, and she en-" countered heavy weather on the way down channell, for rain, wind, and tide were against her, and a report reached Swan- sea that the Brighton had foundered! But she stuck it, and lived to do her bit in the war. -:0:- That little affair on the Gower coast ia causing eome trouble locally. A Swansea man met a couple of old friends on Wed. nesday evening, and consequently arrived home rather late. When asked for an ex- planation, he replied with a graphic de- scription of how the good ship. after a ter- rific struggle against odds, had at last got to her native home—the sea. When the wife opened last night's I-rfiader." how- ever, she had the truth of the-, story, and the storm which broke and developed its full fury when the errant one got home ta tea '&all MkVfealy to be soon-lorgotton- j fi