The Carmarthen Weekly Reporter

Bankyfelin Notes. In the list of certificates awarded to success- ful scholars at the Old College School, Carmarthen, last week we are pleased to observe the name of Master J. T. J ones, of Warwenallt, as being the winner of a certi- ficate for excellence in shorthand. Master Jones being such a juvenile tyro at this fascinating art, it is gratifying to learn that his first efforts have met with such unqualified success. We have inspected his phonographic characters and consider them models of neat- ness, accuracy, and elegance. This is an art which should be included in the curricu- lum of all schools. Its study is not only fascinating and interesting, but it inculcates industry, perseverance, quickness of appre- hension, and improves the memory to a marked degree, and initiates one into the secret niceties of language. To any young man intending to embark in a literary profession or commeicial career we strongly advise its acquisition. What comical fellows those Cockneys arc indeed An individual in the neighbourhood unable to decide where he should spend his holidays wrote to a Londoner who had been to that pleasant sea-side resort —Margate, for a description of the place and this was the reply lie received MARGATE AS A HOLIDAY RESORT. "DEAR IR.- Yon could chrose many worse places to spend a ho'iday at than Margate. I do not say tlrat you would get any rest there, but yon would get plenty of recreation It is a jumpy ticklish sort of place, in fact cvertbing seems to be on the more It is ?ery lively, too, and there is no doubt that the "vast population" which the place contains makes strenuous efforts to place itself on familiar terms with each visitor, and there is no doubt that this effort has a marked effect on the majority of the visitors. The only drawback to the place is that owing to the vast population to which I have referred, it is utterly impossible to obtain a private bedroom anywhere in the place; in fact, every visiter is compelled to share his chamber with one or more of the inhabitants. Now, if these bed-fellows behaved like other individuals it would not matter so much, but they don't. They never feel sleepy, and at night they make a point of feeding, drinking, steeplechasing, nnd playing nil sorts of games, and sleep is out of the question. You have to stand this the whole of the time that you are down there, and in my case some of them insisted on returning to town with me. Barring this. Margate is a very lively place to spend a holiday. Yours fraternally, H P. P.S.-Lemc-n juice IS n ,ery good thing to take the freckles off." -0- A few miles from here lives a man of an extremely economical turn. Now, if it is within the realm of jiossibility, he will so thrive as to make a shilling into eighteen pence. He says he looks the troubles of life squarely in the face and he is determined to live. Now, the other day his hawk's eye alighted on a paragraph in a paper known as the Exchange and Mart. "Ah 1" says he, as he read the advertisement, here's a splendid tunic for 2s 3d. Well here's a bargain As he is a man who earns his daily bread by the sweat of his brow, he thought this a splendid piece of light apparel for the coming sultry weather. So the money and the order were forthwith forwarded to the dealer. Five days passed and no signs of the coat. His eagerness to see his new spec" was intense. He was sitting at breakfast one morning and was lifting a spoonful of porridge from the basin it was within an inch of his mouth when a knock shook the tenement. Down dropped the spoon with its contents and lie ran to the door. Ah here 'tis What?" demanded his wife, somewhat surprised. Why, the tunic now, half a minute," he said, as he cut the cord and opened the parcel, Oh d-, look look and what d'yer tkink it was ? Why, a soldiers' old scarlet tunic He says lie thinks the Exchange and Mart a fraud. --0- A dead and oppressive silence fell over the eisteddfod at St. Clears last Monday evening. Some of the people turned ashy white—some were shivering from fright at the presence of some object that had just entered—it was only Eos y Clocs -0- Y mas rhai beehgyn. ddim yn rahell o arJal Bankyfelin, yn ceisio d?nu serch y merched stynt drwy ddweyd wrthynt faint o atian sydd ganddynt yn y bank, a faint ccgeffylau sydd ganddynt yn yr ystabl gartref. Und druein o bonynt, nid yw merched glan Bankyfelin a'r ardil yn mynecl i gymnieryd en twyllo trwy y sothach dwl yna. Dyna dro ddijjwyddedd i fachgen pan yr oedd yn myned i ryw farm yn y nos i roi tro am y merched. Yr oedd y merched yn meddwl cael ambell i gusan a chofleicliad ganddo. Ond 0 y fath ddychryn a siomedigneth gawsanf, oherwydd y geiriau cyntaf a glywsant gan my lord cedd, fod ganddo bump o geffylau yn yr ystabl gartref, a r'un faint o gi-ooiiis yn fdrych ar eu hol; ae fod ganddo bum' cant o hunnau yn y bank. Dyna ffasiwn odd ogaru, onid £ ? Ond ri chofiodd y llanc ddweyd wrthynt am ti holl gyfoeth. Y mae ganddo fwlsyn eto yn ei feddiant, mor benwan ag ef ei huiisn ac efallai y bydd ganddo fochyn neu 16 neu ddafai yn ei ftddiant pan yr aiff yriO nesaf. Ond— Gwell iddo fyn'd i brynu ruoeh, A defuid, a riâ. tewicn, Nag i'Jdo geisio denu serch Y merched a'i lol wirion We arc much delighted with a dialogue wo heard at the concert last Friday evening, entitled Profi gyfeillioa it was gone through dramatically and effectively but this is nothing in comparison with a lively" dialogue" that took place the other evening between two persona. No. 1 proved con- clusively to Xo. 8 that the latter was not one of his pretended gyfeillion," but one of his bitter gelynion." A man has little or no conscience who can face you with a big lie It would be a rather difficult matter to make some people apprehend the meaning of the word conscience We regret to understand that Mr Albert Davies was not successful at the St Clears eisteddfod. However, the members of his choir acquitted them- selves in a manner creditable to Mr Davies, and he is to be complimented upon his first debut at an eisteddfod. We hope that this will not have a discouraging effect on Mr Davies' musical abilities, and we wish him better success next time. -0- The audience at the eisteddfod were entertained with some nmus:ng scents in the course of the evening, which evoked side-ppiitting laughter. One conductor marched np to the stage triumphantly, much elated with the success of his choir, to receive lis trophy, the bag cf coins." lie gripped the bag as if it were a Koh i-hoor, and shook hands triendiy with its presenter. He then confronted the audience, dangled the purse ex- ultingly/aiid smiled But really the conductor's ebullition was too much for the exasperable feelings of those who knew that Mr So-and-so had been down <; polishing up this conductor's choir, and their ire was vented when this Mr So-and-so's name resounded through the building whereat the natural smiles of the conductor changed into a broad sardonic grin, and to avenge himself he made use of his skill in cricket by flinging the purse into space. He tried to catch it as it descended, but he didn't, and down went the purse, and the brass lay scattered over the stage This was followed by a loud explosion of ironical laughter, which was still continuing when the conductor, after having collected every penny, got up and executed a couple of dances-somethirg like a mixture of a war-dance and an Irish-jig, and he finished up and few off the stage in a Highland fling -1;- The Secretary's error in announcing the name of a successful competitor was the next item to cause some amusement. The name of the wrong young man was pronounced, snd up he marched on air." The shock, indeed, was rery great, and he staggered a little when the puree was placed in his hands but. he gradually Tallied and made his way back to the gallery. But. (Ill lor the youtig tenor was hardly seated in the gallery, when a hue and cry was made for him. The Chairman pacitied the excited secretary by informing him of his belief in the young man's honesty and respectability, and he (the chairman) was perfectly convinced that the young man would not run away with the purse. Shouts were heard tbut he had already decamped with th-i purse (on the pretext of having tea). At this unexpected bit of the secretary was et&gpeicd, foLd he turned pale to think that the wrong man had made off with a purse con taining weil, 2e However, after a little flurry and no!se in the upper regions," somebody said, Here he is 1" But what d'yer think ? the young tenor wi-s not gciDg to be gulled to easily Sf) he said that ho would not bring back the purse, but." he ad 'ed in a coneitin.dug way, I'll halve with you So he cume down—without the purse, and gave back one shilling. Then there was a deuce of a row about the puree Someone shouted It's stole ? After a short search, howevtr, it was found, and thrown back to the tlage, amidbt the titters of the people. --0- What an extraordinary number of couples were epoouiujj on the loud from St. Clears last Monday night Why, they were thicker than the primroses on the hedges, and one could hardly see through the density of them. Yes, those wags know the best time for wooing. One young spark was so interested in them that he wasted two penn'orth of matches in trying to make out whether the couples harmonised according to the balancing laws of nature. A sad accident happened to one of these galiai t young men -one of King John's type, ysr know—why I he actually broke a p: ir of one and sixpenny braces and lost t-Ao ehirt s'uds and a colJar stud in trying to impress upon the negro lips of his Aneliner "-about six feet of flesh and bone—the burning temperature of his affection foi her -0- The grand treat given to the inhabitants ac well as the congregation of the chapel, by Mr and Mrs Davies, Waui;bricks, was quite unsurpassed for its excellence and sumptuosity, and we doubt v, hcLher such an enjoyable treat was given here before. After such a display of liberality Mr and Mrs Davies should be held in the highest esteem and admiration. 'Twero well for the inhabitants if there were more of these philantbropically-disposed ladies and gentlemen resident in the locality. AQUILÆ.

Social Tea and Concert at Bankyfelin. Through the laudable munificence of Mr and Mrs Davies, Waunbricks, a most enjoyable repast was given on Friday afternoon, at the Bankyfelin ( hapel vestry, to the members of the congregation, the villagers, and their children. The tables were sumptuously and luxuriously adorned with exotica and variouj flowers. The striking feature of the taMes were the various artistic lorms into which the butter had been made by the skilful hands of Mi<s Thomas, Pontcowin. Amongst several forms of flo wers and uther articles made of butter was a beautiful Arum li'y, whitch for its striking reEembUnce to the original lily could not be surpassed; indeed, these beautiful and exquisite imit&tkns were naartellously and cleverly executed and reflected the highest credit upon Mies Thomas's skill and ingenuity. The richneis and sumptuousity of the repas recherche could not, but have satisfied e»en the most epicurean tastes A large supply of different kinds of cake, preserves' confectionery, fruits, and other delicacies, were spread in a tasty fashion. Tea commenced at three o'clock, and when the tables were chared it was half-past six over two hundred people having been regaled. After tea was over a qu&ntity of sweet- meats and other bonbons was distributed amongst the children by Mr Davies. Waunbricks. Here's another instance of Mr Davies's praiseworthy philanthropic qualities he presented eath widow resident in the village with a pound of tea! Amongst those lulias who rendered invaluable assistance in the working and serving of tea and the preparations of the tables we noticed Miss Evans, Clogyfral; Miss Jones, Warwenallt Missis Thomas, l'ontcowin Miss Harries, Plas Miss Thomas, Golden Lion Miss Phillips, Sheaf Inn Mrs Walters, Mill Miss Jones, Pwllygravel Miss Davies, Waunbricks Miss Walters, Plasnewydd and Mrs Morris. Amongst those who partook ol the tea we noticed Mr and MIS Davies Rev J. B. Thomas, pastor Mr Davies, Plas; Mr Jones, Pwllygravel Mr Jones, Warwenallt Mr T. Davies and Mr C. James, Smith Arms Mr Thomas, Penline; Mr Rowlands, Bankyfelin; Mr and Mrs Davies, Pembroke Dock Mr Edward", Fox and Hounds Mr Phillips, Sheaf Inn Mrs Davies, Factory; Mr Davies, Wern, &c. (Lack of space will not permit of our enumerating more names ) The concert cornruenred fit 7 p.m and there assembled a large and appreciative audience. The Rev J. B. Thomas presided, and distributed prizes to those whom he considered deserving of a priza in the theological examination held last week. The prizes were gtuerously given by Mr Thomas and Mr Charles James, Smiths' Arms. The fol'owing competitors were successful First Class -Miss Gwladys Thomas, Plas and Miss Bessie Davies, Bankyfelin (equal). Junior Class1st, Miss Mary Richards, Ty. newydd; 2nd, Miss Bessie Davies, Plas. The Rev J. B. Thomas, in the couroe of his remarks, eulogised with wdrm enconium Mr and Mrs Davies' munificence in providing such an excellent and sumptuous tea, and referred in laudatory term. to the generous mar.ner in wnich the widows had been treated he had much pleasure in proposirg a very hearty vote of thsnks to Mr and Mrs Davies, which was humorously seconded by Mr Davies, Plas, who also referred in glowing terms to Mr and Mrs Davies's bountifulness. The vote was carried unanimously. The Rev J. B. Thomas feeing compelled to leave, Mr Jones, Warwenallt, was unanimously voted to the chair, and the following excellent programme was then proceeded with, the accompanists for the evening being Miss Jones, Pwllygravel; Miis Bessie Davies, Smiths' Arms; and Miss M T homae, Golden Lion:—Recitation Mr W Davies, Factory; solo, Mr D Phillips; recitation, Miss Maggie Walteris solo, Mr Dan Davies recitation, Miss Annie Davies, Factory chorus, Children's Choir recitation, Miss Martha Davies, Factory solo, Miss Nanno Walters, Mill dialogue, "Profi cyfeillion," Plas Friends; solo, Mr Albert Davies; recitation, Miss Elizabeth Walters, Mill; duet, Muses Bess and Bessie Davies recitation, Mr D. Phillips; solo, Mr J. Davies; Factory recitation; Miss E. Davies, Factory quartette, Mr Albert Davies and friends piano solo, Miss Thomas, Golden Lion, Carmarthen recita- tion, Miss Bssoie Davies solo, Mr B. Phillips; solo, Mr Alcwyn Jones; reaitation, Mr J. Davies, Factory chorus, Children's Choir recitation, Miss Maggie Phillips quartette, Mr J. Walters and friends recitation, Miss M. J. Davie#, Waun- bricks recitition, Mr H. Lewis, Plaspant quartette, Mr T. Davies and friends recitatirn, Miss Mary Walters, Plasnewydd; solo, Mr Albert Davies recitation, M;ss A Thomas, Plas quartette, Mr Howell Jones and party dialogue, Metsrs W. Phillips and David Jones chorus, "Softly roam gentle night," Ladies' choir, con- ducted by Miss Jones, Warwenallt; chorus, Plas friends chorus, Dewrion feibion Gwalia," Male Yuice Party solo, Miss M. A. Jonea, Pwllygravel. Eveiy item was well appreciated, and the conceit was a perfect euccees. At the conclusion, Mr Rowland* moved a vote of thanks to Mr Jones, Warwenallt, for presiding, which was duly seconded, and carried unanimously. Good Friday will le memorable for the unprecedented bounleoua treat given to the inhabitants and members of the chipel by Mr and Mrs Davies, Waunbricks —a benefartor and benefactress whose names have been and will be held in the highest esteem and veneration.

Ferry side Gossip. It gives m3 unspeakable pain to have to revert once again to the vexed question of the improve- ments of the Ferry. But there is an opinion abroad that I am simply parleying with the question, and that the result will be the utter annihilation of the village from the map of the holiday seeker. There are a few villagers who crow over my woikly con- tributions with all the ferocity of bintam cocks and they moan with unutterable groans over the presumed slaughter of the place by the hands of a penny-a-liner. What bosh some of our bumptious bumpkins are capable of given genesis to The Press can narer destroy the Tillage but it will aid it in getting that which the critics so far have refused it-improvement. Every old institu- tion in the place, owing to the apathy of most of the people, who reap the greatest benefit, has fallen into disuetude. There is no longer a Regatta held in the place, as in the days of yore. and its death can be attributed to none else but a number of business people, who declined to give the hauntling sufficient nourishment. My object and motives are as palpably plain as the dawn of day to diagnose and remedy the diceise which paralyses the whole village. I therefore have no apology for intruding myself upon the public. The lover of the beautiful and the true cannot but look at the state of the church, at the state of the school building, at the state of the churchyard, and at the state of our public walks, and thø sands, with a pang and a blush. To expose the evil is its most sure and efficacious remedy. Such has been the world's history. Indeed we are getting popular here at the Ferry. The other day the s'ory of this place had reached to London, and, would you believe it, Reynold's Newspaper was poking fun at us ? Last week again I fird our names emblazoned on the pages of the Temperance Chronicle. The letter which I reproduce appears in last week's issue of that magazine. PROPORTION OF PUBLIC-HOUSES TO POPULATION DEAR SIR, -The Rev J W Horsley, afi 11 a man of Kent," is evidently staggered at the report of the Reigate Police District with regard to the above. One public-house, to 140 up to lû4 inhabitants. I have just returned from a very pretty fishing village in South Wales (Ferryside) the population is 600 and the public-houses G, one to every 100 We had two splendid meetings there, as anyone resident can testify. The fishermen and others are eager for the work, and yet the Vicar, who told me he wae a 13 years' abstainer, stands back from the people there. They possess two chapels and a church. The Noncon. ministers are active, and their places well attended—the Church vice-versa. Gentry and tradespeople, church folk, are ready of help, and yet, by one man's indifference, helpless in the matter. Would that the C.E.T.S. would draw out a circular on "the intense importance, for the welfare of the Church and the good of the nation of the recognising by the clergy, young and old, that the Parochial Temperance Branch is the bulwark and stronghold of the parish church, and a sure Church defence, and post a copy to every clergyman in England and Wales. Yours truly, T. R. 0 -0- A splendid place for story-telling and speechifying is the Ferry. It does one's heart good to watch the facial contortions and nible genuflections of some of the chaps as they relate their foolhardy tricks and foolhardy escapes at the Corner Theatre. I have listened during Eastertide to some hilarity-turning speeches, varying from such topics as the painting of the fowls for the sale to Un .ffirail, un egl/cs, un plwy'" Why the dramatic effect was wonderful, and would do credit even to an Irving. On the latter subject the lecturer proved to hia own infinite delight that the Church of England as at present constituted, existed in the time of Jesus Christ. A good idea, and a most poetical one as well, was that when he said that our own Ffirad was married to St. Ishmael's Parish Churchyard, but it was most wicked of an old wag to retort that it WIS a pity he did not go to live with his wifo, if he was married to the churchyard. -0- We have, at present, two splendid local football teams—the East Tigers and the Irish Rangers. On Good Friday a game was played on the Bqnare, When a few octogenarians displayed their agility to the huge delight of a large namber of hot croes bun eaters. The goal posts were quite a novelty, viz., two windows of a certain public house. It was a pity after such splendid playing that the result was nil-no broken windows. On Monday the combatants again met and tried conclusions on the Pal recreation ground The gamo was most exciting. There were hundred of spectators con- spicuous by their absence. The goal posts were a few twigs, and the handle of a lawn roller. Result: I limping limb, 1 broken thumb, 1 bad chest, and 2 slight colds. Brivo-I bays. They are so pieased with their exhibition, that they have decided never to play again. Never I no, never I The Ferryside Cricket Club has lately joined the Carmarthenshire Cricket League, ard are at present busily engaged in arranging fixtures for the season. -0-- A Temperance Society has just been formed in the place. That is the reason, so I am told, why a certain gfntleman-a publican —ha? trained his dog to fetch the daily paper from the bookseller's shop, and do other sundry messages. He is afraid he went be able to employ a servant-hence the canine pupil. It would not be a bad thing-would it now ?—to teach himto draw a pint of beer. This precocious dog is at present on board ship. -0- The latest intelligence just received by me is that the carcase of a drowned kitten has been washed ashore just below the Lifeboat house. It is reported that the Improvement Council will open this season's campaign by demanding an inquiry into this domestic tragedy. The village cannot allow the last solemn rites of a decent burial to be given the poor wretch until a verdict shall be arrived at. Until then L'ejtiiiescat in pace on the sands. CORRESPONDENT.

Priory Congregational Chapel, Carmarthen. THE TRUST DEEDS. 10 the Editor of tlic Carmarthen Weekly Reporter. Sir.Will you kindly allow us through your columns to call the attention of the public to a misrepresentation of our views on certain clauses of the abote deeds In particular, we wit-h to contradict the rumour that is being spread to the effect that we have interpreted clause 25 as implying the reversion under certain conditions of the land bought for chapel-building purposes by the Ptiory Congregational Church from the Rev D. Cadvan Jones. After carefully perusing the deeds, and especially clause 25, we wish it to be known that we have hitherto distinctly refused to express any opinion whatever as regards the clause in question. By this time, however, we ore very pleased to be able to state that we have strong reasons for believing and publishing that the object and purport of this clause is to protect and guarantee the Priory Congregational Church against any right or claim, present or future, to the land on the part of the Rev D. Cadvan Jones. This interpretation of the clause obviously clears the Rev D. Cadvan Jones of all the imputations rumoured against him as regards claims to the chapel or the reversion of the land upon which the chapel is built. WILLIAM ROBERTS T. WEDROS JONES, M.A. (Rev) J. HARRY Old College Schcol, Carmarthen, April 4th. 1890. -o-

L LANSADWR N. QVEII twenty young farmers from the counties of Carmarthen, Cardigan, and Merioneth were attracted to the agricultural session of the University College of A Vales, Aberystwith, which terminated last month. One of the seven Carmarthenshire men was Mr Henry Williams, Llansadwrn, a brother to Mr Llewelyn Williams- not the Gold King, but the journalist. WORK COMES EASIER When the system has been refreshed and stimulated by a cup of Uadbury's Cocoa. For the morning meal, the noontide luncheon, the after-dinner drink, the supper solace. For 01.1 and young, for rich and poor, it is a perfect beverage, and is a nourishing food as well as a delicious driuk. "Absolutely pure, there- well as, fore best."

LLANDEBIE. ENTERTAINMENT AT THE CONGREGATIONAL CHVRCII.—On Saturday (the 21st of March) the members of the above Sunday School gave its first entertainment on a week day (having previously given one on a Sunday afternoon), when a capiul programme was gone through, and which would bi a credit to any school of longer standing to perform. The littie place where the church meets was packed, and wo are sure that one and all were satisfied with the manner the recitations and singing was gjne through. The ch-sir was taken at 7 o'clock punctually by Mr W. Stephens, and the meeting terminated at 9 o'clock. Appended is the programme :-Hymn 0 Tyred Arglwydd Mawr," the Con»regnlion recitation, Peahn 150, May Lewis i recitation, "Ieau'r Bugail Mwyn," jBessi" Efnns recitation, "The little Black," Torn Harris Lewis; recitation, 11 fawr o'th amscr," Thomas Dalies song," Ddaethoch chwi at lesu," The Choir; recitation, "Yr afon fach," Getta Evans recitation, "Y Btchgenyn Bach," Harriet Walters; recitation, Yr Ysgol Sabbothol," David John Evans song, Edrych a'r leau," Walters and party recitation, May Mackay; recitation, "Dirwest," Margretta Walters; recitation, "Y Gobeithlu," Sarah Jane Evans ;song, Wyres fach Ned Puw," Katie Williams recitation, Os deiaf byth yn ddyn," JamCi Davies recitation, "Duw yn dad," Bessie Evans; song, "Y Fam a'i phlentyn," T. Davies song, Mair Magdalen," D. Thomas and party dialogue, Y Pin ar Nedwydd," Harnet Walters and May Lewis recitation. Cofi--i fod yn fachgen da," Llewellyn Evans song, Cofid bur orchymynicn Duw," M. A. Davies and party recitation, Yr angel gwyn," Ma.y Lewis song, When there's lov-i at homo," Arthur Davies song, Mae'rlesu'n caru," The Choir; recitation, Y ddau blentyn," Getta Evans song, Beth yw hawddfyd?" Katie Williams; recita'ion, "Y bwthyn bach y'm magwyd," Harriet Walters; recitation, Now the day is over," Getta Evans song. Hyfryd dy fy Nhad," Walters and party recitation, Gwalioddiad i'r Yrsgol Sul." M. A Davies song, "Y mae pob peth yn dda," The Choir recitation, Maggie Griffiths; song, G"lad y delyn," M. Davies; dialogue, Gwisgo adar," M. A. Davies and Lizzie Davies song, "'Rwvf vii disgwyl," D. Thomas and party: recitation, "Gwaed Iesu Grist." John Davies; song, "Y bachgen dewr," a Rhyfel gri," David Thomas son?, Codwny lluoedd," T. Jones song, Beth yw udgorn glywai'n Seino," The Choir. DYFED'S visit to Llandebie to deliver his lecture on The Land of the Pyramids was almost a popular demonstration. The natives of the famous preacher-producing village know a good man when they find him.

FERRYSIDE. BAPTIST Cll.!LPrL .-Anniversary services were held at the above place on Sunday and Monday evening last. The sacred edifice was crowded on Sunday evening. The preacher for the occasion was the Rev W. Morris, F.R G.S., Trcorky.

W HITLAND. INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL CONTRACT. The managers at their meeting on Thursday signed the contract for the new school buildings with Messrs Rowland and Lloyd, of Trealaw, from plans prepared by Messrs Griffiths and Jones, architects, Tonypandy and Pontypridd. GOOD FRIDAY.—Services were held at St. Mary's Church at 10.30 a.m. and 0 p.m., and in the country churches in the morning. The Nonconformists, who have for some years past held a united singing association on Christmas Day, instead of the usual tea and literary meetings, held the latter this year on Good Friday. C,

PONT A RDU LAIS. FUNEKAL.— The funeral of the late Mr David Hopkin-, contractor, Pontardulais. took place on Saturday afternoon at St. Teilo's Church. The Rev J. W. Jones, vicar, officiated. THE METHODISTS held their annual Cymanfa Ganu at the Goppa Chapel on Monday, Mr T Davies conducting in his usual excellent style, The following choirs took part-Goppa, Hermon. Libanu (Pontardulais). Gowerton, Gorsenion, Llangennech, Llwyn Hendy, Bettws, Brynamman, and Amman- ford the presidents were, morning, the Rev. L. Rhystycl Davies, Brynamman afternoon, the Rev. Daniel Williams, Llwynhendy and evening, the Rev. Thomas Richards, Hermon, Pontardulais. Folt PRINTING of every description, send your orders to the 11 Reporter" Office. Cheapness, Neatness, and Dispatch.

XARBEllTH. R THE SUNDAY SCHOOL in connection with the Congregational Chapel held its annual tea r, meeting on Good Friday. Tea was provided in the schoolroom, under the supervision of Mr D, -it W. Morgan, the superintendent, and the lady teachers. After tea a public meeting was held in the chapel and addressed by the Revs L. James, Brynbank W. Davies, late Horeb J. Williams, Brynsion Nicholas, Pontypridd; and Davies, Templeton. The usual services were held in the parish church. COCOA is more than a mere stimulating and refresh- ing drink, it is also a nutritious food, and one of the most precious gifts of nature sustaining and invigorating the system probably more than any other beverage. The Lanctt refers to Cadbury's Cocoa as the standard of highest purity at present attainable in regard to cocoa." No alkalies used.

THE REV H. Plan: HUGHES assured his audience at the St. James's Hall, London, the other day, u that if they did not know Welsh here they would have to learn it in heaven JUSTICE DAY put his foot in it the other day. This is what the Rev Eynon Davies has to nay in last week's Celt :—"It is not to the Gospel and schools that the praise is due in Cardiganshire for the white gloves at the recent assizes, but to the squire—the penny-half-penny justices, who dance polkas at country balls and hunt rabbits in the vales of Teivy and Aercn These are the stars which spread the light in Caidiganahire. Let no one doubt, for Justice Day, who spent 24 hours in the county, say so Justice Night would be a better name for him." THE USES OF THE FIDDLE CASE. No doubt," writes a correspondent, the most unobservant male has remarked how of late years the number of young ladies carrying violin and banjo cases in the streets has increased, and perhaps he has ascribed the custom to the very quick nitt-cli of musical education. Quite by accident it has been revealed to me that many of these cases are not used for the transport of instruments, but are employed by their owners as hand bags, in which groceries, vegetables, soiled linen, and even coals can be carried without any loss of that fetish of middle- class matrons and maids." "YIl HAUWR" for April contains an excellent portrait and biography of the Rev J. P. Williams, Landore, the editor of Sereti Gj/mru. Mr Williams was born at Llangefni 16th November, 1840, and was one of the first six students admitted into the Llangollen Baptist College. Of these three—Mr Williams, Dr Owen Davies, Cwmavon (the editor of "Christmas Evans's Works"), and the Rev Waldo Jones, Blaenclydach-still survive. Mr Williams' first charge was the church at Bedwas, Monmouthshire. He removed thence in 1867 to Brynmawr, and in 1876 to his present church. He is an ardent educationtst, and has sat for years on the Swansea School Board. DEAFNESS AND NOISKS IN THE HEAD, cured a the patient's home. This Illustrated Edition also treats on the cure of Catarrh, Bronchitis, Asthma, Extreme Stoutness, Indigestion, Dyspepsia, Rheuma- tism by Medico-Electricity.—4d C. D. BRIGHI, Publisher, 8, Tavistocke Plaoe Louduu, W.C.

Water-street Chapel, Carmarthen. EISTEDDFOD AND CONCERT. An eisteddfod and concert was held at the Schoolroom of the above place of wurship oil Good Friday, in aid of the Sunday School. The eisteddfod was a new venture in the history of the church in the memory of most of its members, but as for the concert it has become an annual event. The eisteddfod commenced at 12 a.m. The committee had been fortunate in securing Councillor J. Lewis, J.P., Johnstown, as president of the eisteddfod, whilst the duties of conductor were admirably fulfilled by the Rev J. Harry, Old College School. After the President's address, the following awards were made :— Solo for boys under 16, "llh wym wrth dy wregys," 2s 6d J. D. Treharne, Priory-street. Solo for girls under 16, Llances fechan o wlad Israel," 2s 6d Miss Frances Mary Thomas, Richmond-terrace. Contralto solo, 0 rest in the Lord," 5s Miss May Jones, Cambrian-place. Duet (Soprano and Alto), Y ddeilen ar y Ili," 7s 6d Miss Evans, Llanpumpsaint, and friend. Tenor solo, Y Llong a'r goleudy," 5s Mr W. Phillips, White Mill. Juvenile choir, Fall of Bacchus," £ 1 10s: Elim Choir (conductor, Mr D. J. Jeremy). Quartette, "Blodeuyn bach wyf fi mewn gardd," 15s Out of five parties not one were deemed worthy. Soprano solo, Peidiwch tori'r blodau," 5s Miss Evans, Plasygwer, St. Clears. Duet (Tenor and Bass), Gwys i'r gad," 7s 6d: Messrs T. Evans, Bwlchnewydd, and W. Jones, Trelech. Bass solo, Merch y Cad ben," 5s: Mr David Jones, Trelech. Chief Choral, ")Iai," .£.J. Two choirs competed, viz., Union-street (conductor, Mr D. N. Jones), and Glantowy (conductor, Mr W. Jones). The prize was awarded to the first named. After Mr D. Davies, Emporium, had proposed a vote of thanks to the President and Conductor for their services, which was seconded by Mr Oliver Jones, and these gentlemen had responded. Hen Wlad fy Nhadau" was sung, the solo being taken by Mr W. Phillips, White Mill. This brought the eisteddfod to a termination. C, In the evening a grand concert was held, when Mr D. Thomas, F.T.S.C., Bridgend's difficult work entitled The Wise King" was performed by the Chapel Choir. The president for the evening was Mr H. B. White, our genial mayor. The rendering of this difficult work by the choir reflected great credit on the conductor (Mr T. Caeralaw Jones). The different parts were taken by Messrs Ben Morgan, W. T. Rees, J. Davies, Lloyd Jones, and H. Williams, and Mrs Thomas, Mrs Nicholas, Misses Lettie Lloyd, Blodwen Thomas, and Helena James, who one and all did their work admirably. The accompanist was Mr H. S. Jones (Ap Caeralaw). After the usual votes of thanks, the audience dispersed, after having spent an enjoyable day. The secretarial duties were performed by Mr J. Martin Davies, Glannant-road, who performed all his onerous duties in an admirable manner.

The Bankyfelin Squib. To the. Editor of the Carmarthen Weekly Reporter SIR,-Thank you, Mr Editor, for correcting me. I am sorry my first letter was a violation of news- paper correspondence. It was an error of judgment based upon a comparison of the expressions used in the letters of Mr W. and Agricola." Upon a careful perusal of tho epistles in your i recent number anent Chokey, and comparing them with Agricola's writings, they present such a similarity that I am forced to confess I believe them to have emanated from himself, and that his friend only acted tho second, and lent his name thereto without giving a thought to its attendant responsibility. Otherwise how can he reconcile his previous behaviour with the signed letter, as I have it from good authority that after the meeting raferred to was over, he spoke very pointedly of his friend's interference; besides, how was Chokey informed of the incident if. as ha says, no notice was taken of it ? I consider such dealings a bit inconsistent, and tend to stamp his letter as a blind, > rather than a substantial argument, and is similar to a man hissing his dog uu uua men scolding it for obeying. However, they have become con- spicuous, and the cat has slipped the bag nicely, I and clearly explains the drift of Chokey's letter I and its relations with Agricola's." I It is, no doubt, a fine acquisition to see on( ( f name in print, but, fearing the shock might prove disastrous to my fragile system, and other obvious reasons, I wish to reserve it at present, and refrain from saying any more now. Dear Chokey, now dead, expressed in his will, To take up his cudgels, and drive his old quill And now I give warning to friends and to foes, His brief I'll continue, so boys here goes. Ha ha I AzriGola," we've got him at last, I see him all trembling in terror aghast His pills being coated with acid and slime, May tickle the vulgar, but not the sublime His language unfolded, deprived of the blade, Bespeak of a writer of an exuberant grade. His arrows are blunt, and his aims are not straight, He is caught in a net of numberless plait; Composed of the fragments cast off his own feet, Interwoven and finished with colours complete And now is gazetted at Chokey's canteen, Waiting a moment to discharge his own spleen. Poor Chokey, with catapult tied in a knot, Took aim through the keyhole, and hit the right spot; Surcharged with confusion, he clenches hia fist, The squib is exploded in vapouring mist ¡ Ilis body is wriggling in agonized pain, Oh what a condition for mortal so vain. The sudden combustion unfurled his headgear, His hat took a flight like a kite in the air His cranium so narrow, and membrane so thin, Revealed to the world it was boiling within His nostrils inflatsd, and all in a rage, Resembled a parrot in a furious stage. Our village alive in uproarious ado, The asinine tribe gambolling to and fro, Are roaring with laughter, and growing quite fat, When reading the tale of our hero's cocked hat. The clodhoppers, too, have a nut now to grill, And have raised him the name of Agricola, the Quill." Fanny "Agricola," eo fertile and prim, Disturbing a meeting to suit his own whim His conduct, when censurad, he quibbles a-bye, Phrased with contempt, triod to prove alibi. Be careful my friend, choose topics more fine, And cease with transgressing our laws most divine. The confab is over, the diatribe won, And peace is the order with Chokey's old gan My name will, however, remain as a myth, Yn ddiogel a dirgel, o r golwg am byth. For lending its columns to grievance impart, The Weekly Reporter I'll press to my heart. CHOKEY'S CHUM.

Squib Bankyfelin" eto. Be:h yw'r cynhwrf mawr a'r cloehtan Glywaf yn yr ardil 'nawr, Tybied fed cadwynau rhyddid AVedi syrthio'n sarn i'r llawr Ac fel tanllyd ager-beiriant lIEd newyddicn rhwysg i'r WJsg, Crcgi Chokey a'i gwmpeini, Dyna arncan brwnteu tag. O! 'r fath fwstwr ac ymrafael Sydd am Bankyfelin Squib, Rhwvgir mariau pob adeilad Heb attalfa yn Ad Lib Bullets Agiicola svrthia Ar fynteioedd cryf a gwan. A'i gyd-filwr, hyll drwg-djbip, Gwaedda acw, There's your man." Crachnt lypa, rhod y hywyd. Erglyw genad lIais y wlad, Rhodia lwybr rowy arddsrehog, Gwna dy noddfa uwch sarhad Yiuresyma fwy a synwyr, Cofia ddiwedd erchyll Cain, Paid a mwrdro dy gyfeillion, Dod dy g'eddyfyn y wain, Ffrwyn cymdeitl-aj wedi methu Csdw gafael ar y ddau, « Erf) n gysur yn y rhwygia I I Am nad v'i-.t ond pebyll clai; Cymhwysedig i r fldiu adyn Sydd a'i gwenwyn ar fy hynts Fyddai cerfio ar eu p-?nau, Cwd o fwg a each o wynt. Cyhuddedig," pad dy glecian, Rbo dy flute ar frig i hongian, Hcfyd, Agricola beinvan, i Attal bellroh dy aeeordian SIue eich aaethau wedi hof/en, Gylch fy mhen, y Uwch, a'r pentan, I Eto'n mliell yr y'ch 0'. gaflan Lie y tarddodd Chokey lillan Ac os myiiwch chwi yn mhellach, Rhof fy syniiad yn gadarnach "Rwyf yn hollol cydymdynu (iyda Ohokvy'a Chum ,'i aQ C'Axt'i^ 1

The Great Need of the Age Is some scientifically arranged preparation which will cope effectually with the prevalent diseases of this country, which will be certain to do good when fairly tried, which will be equally adapted to the needs of the merchant and workman, the professional man, and he who wins his pread by the sweat of his brow, the student, the clerk, the factory hand, the miner, and the roadside labourer. It should be, toe, such a pre- paration as contains no injurious ingredients, and which may be tnkeu with impunity by the weakly child or the delicate lady, as well as by the stronger constituted man. Such a discovery would deserve to be called the Perfection of Medicinal Preparations, and would be, indeed, an Invaluable Boon to Suffering Humanity. This much-needed Boon has been found, tried, and proved to be satisfactory. It is Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters, the vegetable tenic. This world- renowned n.edicine is strongly recommended for affections of the chest, Debility in any form, Depression of Spirits, etc. It is sold in bottles, 2s 9d and 4s Gd each. See the name GWILYAI EVANS" on Stamp, Label, and Bottle, as there are numerous imitations. PROPRIETORS QUININE BITTERS MANUFACTURING Co., LIMITED, LLANELLY, SOUTH WALES.

LLANSAINT. EISTEDDFOD.—On Saturday a most success- ful eisteddfod was held at the Methodist Chapel in this little village. The day was beautifully fine, and a great concourse of eisteddfodwyr attended. The Key I). G. Owen was president, and Mr Tom Price, G.L., Merthyr Tydfil, adjudicator. The chief choral competition was the anthem, l'wy sydd fel vr Arghvydd (u Who is like unto the Lord ") l>y T. Davies, Ebbw Vale, and five choirs, viz., Kid welly, Llangendeirne, Trimsaran, Carway, and Llansaint, sang. The prize was given to Carway Choir. Three male voice parties competed on Meibion y Bryniau (" Sons of the Hills"), by Dyfed Lewis, the Kidwelly Male Voice Party taking the prize. In the evening a concert was held, at which Councillor Alfred Stephens, Kidwelly presided.

LLAN GADOCK. MR MEURIG JAMES. -Young Wales is to the fore even in Milan. In the Milan Musical Gazette we read of Signor James, who took part in a pianoforte recital by a celebrated Roman pianist, Signor Gonzalis. The Welsh signor is none other than our old friend Mr Meurig James, of Llangadoclc and Swansea, who swept everything before him at the Royal Academy before proceeding to Milan to study under Quaranta, with whom he has spent two yeors, and hopes to make his debut at La Scala in a couple of weeks. On the occasion mentioned in the Gazette he had before him one of the most critical audiences in Italy, but we read that Signor James fully deserved the praise bestowed upon him and wa5 well applauded."

Joint Agricultural Society for West Wales. MEETING AT CARMARTHEN. The gentlemen who comprised the committee of the defunct Agricultural Society for Carmarthenshire met at the Boar's Head Hotel, Carmarthen, on Saturday afternoon to elect the officers of the newly-formed Agricultural Society for the counties of Carmarthen, Cardigan, and Pembroke. The Rev 11. Gwynne-Lawrence, Middleton Hall, presided, and the following were elected a committee for Carmarthenshire, viz.—Messrs J. Francis, Myrtle Hill Vincent Howell Thomas, Starling Park; S. W. Thomas, Rushmoor; E. Francis, Penygraig E. Lewis, Cillefwr; J. LI. Thomas, Tanylan; R. Footman, Hafodwen; H. I Jones Davies, Bremenda H. Davies, Typicca J. R. Thomas, Towyn; Marsh, Penybedd J. Davies, Capeldewi; Stephens, Lan J. Phillips, Caerleon Lawrence, Middleton Hall; J. Griffiths, Llwynpiod and T. Harries, Pilroath. The secretary pro tern. (Mr D. H. Thomas, auctioneer, &c., Llanllwch), was requested to write to influential gentle- men Cardiganshire and Pembrokeshire, asking them to cause representative com- mittees to be appointed for those counties. The election of president, vice-president, and other officials was deferred to a future meeting.

Determined Suicide at Llanelly. A IIAN DECAPITATED BY A TRAIN. On Saturday a man named William Thomas, aged about 40, of Gilbert-terrace, Llanelly, and employed at Messrs Buckley Bros.' brewery, was observed walking on the line about 400 yards from the Great Western Station. The 12.32 train was due to pass along, and when it was about twenty yards away Thomas was observed by the driver to deliberately kneel down and place his head on the rail on which the train was proceeding. Every attempt was made to get the train to a standstill before reaching him, but without effect, and the result was that it passed over the unfortunate fellow, completely severing the head from the body. THE INQUEST. On Saturday evening Mr W. B. Roderick, the Llanelly coroner, held an inquiry into the death of the deceased at the Railway Station Hotel.—Edwin J. Humphreys, of Seaside, Llanelly, said that lie saw the deceased walk towards the 12.32 train. He went down upon his knees and placed his head upon the rails. Witness saw the train strike him.J ohn Mathias, collier, Treherbert, corroborated, and added that he went down on the rails to see the deceased after the accident. He lived for five or ten minutes. Only the engine passed over the deceased.— Dr Roderick said that the deceased was suffering from softening of the brain.—The jury returned a verdict of Suicide whilst of unsound mind."

Sad Death of the Rev. Jonah Evans, Llansawel. FOUND DEAD ON THE ROADSIDE. The inquest on the body of the Rev Jonah Evans, schoolmaster and Congregational minister, Llansawel, who was found dead on the road near Brynmeddig on Wednesday morning April 1st, was held at the deceased's residence on Good Friday (before Mr R. Shipley Lewis, the district coroner). David Lloyd Evans, son of the deceased, said his father was 60 years of age. David Davies, a farmer, living at Bryn- meddig, said that early on Wednesday morning his little boy went out into the fields. He returned immediately and told witness that there was a man sleeping on the road. Witness then went towards the road, and saw the deceased lying, on the side of the road. Witness felt him, but found that he was stiff and cold, and quite lifeless. There was nothing to indicate that any violence had taken place. Witness at once sent over to Velinfach, a farm close by, for assistance. Thomas Davies said he was a farmer living at Velinfach. He was a brother-in-law of the deceased. He expected the deceased or some- one from his house at Velinfach on the Tuesday night, as there was a funeral of a relative of witness's to take place the following day. He saw deceased's body on the Wednesday morning. He took particular notice of the deceased. There were no marks upon him. He had not heard of his having had a conversation with anyone. Deceased had been accustomed to walk occasionally from Llansawel to witness's house. The distance was about twelve miles. Deceased complained at times after walking the distance that there was a tightness in his chest. Dr Thomas Jones Evans, surgeon, of Llansawel, said he had attended deceased professionall,y upon several occasions—on the first occasion in September last. He had a weak heart. It was quite possible that the heart had become exhausted and suddenly failed. Knowing the deceased, lie should say that it was very probable that death was caused by failure of the heart's action. The jury returned the following verdict "That the deceased was found dead on the road in the parish of Pencarreg, and that he probably died from heart decease." The jury handed their fees to the deceased's daughter. 4n FUNERAL OF THE DECEASED. The funeral took place on Saturday at Shiloh (Independent), Llansawel, when a large concourse of people were present. There were also present a goodly number of Noncon- formist ministers, who in the chapel and at the graveside bore tribute to the sterling qualities of the deceased. DECEASED'S CAREER. The Rev Jonah Evans was born in 1836 in the parish of Llanstephan. He received his education at a Swansea school, and afterwards at Davies, Rhydyceisiad's School, from which he entered the Carmarthen Presbyterian College. After a successful career there he c took charge of a school at Llanybyther, and in the '60's moved to Llansawel, where he also had a school in charge. Some years later he opened a grammar school in the old parish schoolroom, and in 1886 erected a school. He took a very prominent part in the erection of the Independent Chapel at Llansawel 1868, and worked indefatigably towards defraying the expenses incurred. He was a successful teacher, and many who are now clergymen and Nonconformist ministers received their preparatory tuition from him. It was in his school that "Arthur Lovell," author of "The Ideal of Man," received his earlier education. After the decease of the Rev E. Jones, Crugybar, Mr Evans published Cofiant Jones, Crugybar." which gained him reputation as an able biographer. Some few years ago he published a book entitled Berllan Dduwinyddiol," containing some theological essays and a few of his own sermons. The book was well received, and had a wide circulation.

.r-- LLANDOVERY. FLEltAL OF DH THOMAS.—Tho funeral of Alderman Dr Thomas, J.P., of Mile End, Ltsn- dovery, took place on Saturday. The chief mourners were :—Mr George Thomas, Surbitori, Loudon, nephew Mise Griffiths, Mrs F W. Lewi*, and Mrs McClellon, nieces Dr F. W. LewiR, Rev E. J. McClellan J. L. Thomas and Miss Ercl) n, Thomas, Caeglas Mr Giough Sttick household servants, the Mayor and Corporation of Llandovery Sir James Hilli-Johnee, G.C.B., V.C.,) Mr St Vincent Peel, Mr Meyrick Lloyd, Mr E. P. Lloyd, Mr C. Bishop; Mnjor Pelham, Captain Jeffreys Mr C. V. Pryce Rice, Chief Constable Phillips, Mr C. P. Lewis Dr S. Evans, Harwich Major Lloyd Harris; Rev L. Price, Llandilo Rev T. D. Evans. Cilycwm Rev E. Morgan, Rhandir-mwyn Rev G Evans, Llandovery; Rev D. Jones, Mrs Bishop,Dol- garreg Mr J. Watkino, Mr T. Jones, Clerk of the Peace M'ss Evans and Miss Jones, Llanfair Cottage; Dr Owen, Miss Evars, College ;Miss Jones, Yetrad Mr J. Thotncs, Town Clerk Mr Douglas Jones, Mr J. Jones, J.P., Peuyrock Mr H. Morgan, Rev P. W. and Mrs Green, Rev J. Jones, Gwynfe; Rev Ree*, Llangadock Dr Jcncs, Mr T. Phillips, mid Mr W. D. Da\ics. Carriages wer Bl nt hy the following :—Mr R. Campbell Davys, Mr St. Vincent Peel, Judge B ohop, Nlr .-)*. Ilaley, and Mr C. V. Pryce-Rice. The Rev E. Lincoln Lewis officiated at the house. A short service was held at LI: n- dingat Church,wheie Mr Lewis again rimhted. A large number of lovely and coittly wreaths were sent for the occasion. Dr Thomas was born at Lian- gadock in ItiJJ and settled at Llandovery in li^U,

KIDWELLY. FESTIVAL.—On Monday the annual Calvinistic Methodist festival for the Kidwelly district was held at the Morfa Chapel, Kidwelly, and choirs from Kidwelly, Trimsaran, Mynyddygareg, Llansaint, Llan- defeilog, Ferryside, and Pembrey attended. Mr Tom Price, of Merthyr, was the conductor, and Alderman J. U. Anthony presided at the organ. "FOR THE BLOOD IS THE LIFE. "-Clarke's world- famed Blood Mixture is warranted to cleanse the blood from al impurities, from whatever cause arising For scrofula, scurvy, eczema, skin and blood diseases, pimples. and.<ores of all kinds, its effects are mar- vellous. Tttuttsandsof testimonials. In bottles, 2s Dd and lis each, of all chemists. Proprietors, Lincoln and Midland Counties Drug Company Lincoln. Ask for Clarke's Blood Mixture, and do not be persuajed to take an imitation,