The Cardigan Observer and General Advertiser for the Counties of Cardigan Carmarthen and Pembroke

THE ADVANTAGES OF PUBLIC COFFEE ROOMS FOR CARDIGAN. The following essay upon this interesting sub- ject was awarded the prize at the Cardigan Liter- ary Society, and as it treats upon a movement which it is now proposed to establish in the town, we have been permitted to reproduce it for the benefit of our readers:— THE subject of the present essay is one which must be regarded with considerable interest by the pub- lic of Cardigan, as it is a movement which, if carried into effect, will prove very beneficial to the tow in general. We cannot but observe with satisfaction the efforts that are continually being made in various parts to ameliorate the condition of the working classes. Wherever we find the working classes concentrate, we will now invar- iably find in those localities societies spring up for their welfare and comfort. This is always a healthy sign, and shows a spirit of progress on the part of our upper classes, which deserves the highest eulo- gium. It shows that they are alive to the social happiness of their dependents-that they regard them as something beyond the mere embodiment of manual strength-as beings who should have their share of the happiness of life, whether in a mental or social sense. The age of slavery and serfdom has passed away, we hope for ever; and we now feel glad of the fact that employers of labour, as a rule, are to be found amongst the pioneers of every laudable movement in the inter- est of the working classes. The little town of Cardigan has not been backward in the past in ac- commodating the public with opportunities of this kind, as the present flourishing condition of the Mechanics' Institute abundantly testifies ;-and perhaps, on the whole, the best conducted of its kind in South Wales. But we feel proud, however, that such philanthropic exertions are on the1 in- crease in our midst. The formation of the Cardigan Literary Society is a valuable addition to our means of improvement, and we may now again soon hope to see the establishment of public Coffee Rooms in our town, which will combine the social with the intellectual element, and thus still further increase the opportunities for the mental culture and hap- piness of the working classes of Cardigan. Within the past few weeks, a similar Institution has been started in Carmarthen, under very hopeful auspi- ces, and we see no reason why it should not prove so in Cardigan also. There they have secured temporary rooms to make a start, but do not mean to rest satisfied with that, until they have secured sufficient funds to erect a building specially de- signed for the purpose. In order to have a proper conception of the advantages to be derived from the establishment of these Rooms, we propose to view them-first, in their relation to theindividual; and afterwards to society in general:— First: The Advantages to the Individual.- In our days, people are very prone to denounce the conduct of those who frequent public houses, and it very often happens that those who indulge in these "criticisms" have never dreamt of exerting themselves to provide a counter attraction forthem. They forget that man is a social being, and that he is naturally bent after company. The old-fashioned notion that man should shut himself up hermetic- ally from society, in order to obtain happiness, has long since been dispelled from every intelligent mind and it is now felt that to preserve a healthy and lively state of mind and body, it is essential that men should have mutual intercourse of feel- ings and sympathies. Well, it must be admitted that the public house has its attractions, the chief of which may be said to be the attraction of com- pany. We will very often find persons who are addicted to drinking, assert that the first impetus for the tavern was created not from a love of drink, but from the attractions of company. And I, for one, do not see that we can condemn wholesale the conduct of those who frequent public houses, and conduct themselves therein with decorum; it is the "abuse" of the public house that makes it a curse to many. The establishment of the Coffee Rooms, however, will do away with this necessity, and will furnish the missing link to connect the pleasures and comforts of the public house with that of a literary institution. The origin of the movement at Carmarthen illustrates my argument. It appears that a Church of England Temperance Society was established there, and that several de- votees of the" cup" were induced to join. The result of this, of course, was that they were es- tranged from the public houses, which was soon keenly felt by some of them. By signing the tem- perance pledge, they had deprived themselves of the pleasures of their former associations, and it was this that suggested to the movers the advisa- bility of forming the present Institution, which would at once replace the pleasures they felt they had lost. The working population need a place where they might feel themselves at home," free from the fetters of too much regard for habits and manners. The coffee rooms then would give them the shelter and enjoyment of the public house, un- associated with any of its unpleasantness. Again, in an economical point of view, it will be far pre- ferable. The cup of coffee will cost a mere trifle compared with what is generally spent after enter- ing a public house, so that from a pecuniary point of view, the individual would be a great benefiter by it; and supposing him to be a married man, this would better the position of his family also. Besides, when we consider the troubles and misery attended with excessive drinking to the working classes-perhaps in many instances resulting in the loss of situation, &c.,—we will at once see that any institution which would rescue them from these dangers would be a great boon indeed. In- stead of with muddled brain and dormant facul- ties, they would leave the coffee rooms with a clear head and cheerful spirit, for we all know that coffee is an antidote to drowsiness, and an accept- able refreshment on all occasions. In our foregoing remarks, however, we have taken for granted that opportunities for reading, as well as amusement, will be connected with the rooms, such as news- papers and periodicals, games of chess, draughts, &c. These things are essential to the success of the rooms first, to meet the various tastes of the community, and also to provide means for thorough recreation and amusement. When such accommo- dation then will be provided, we may fairly hope that those who now habitually lounge about our market place, and spend their leisure hours in idle talk, may be induced to avail themselves of these rooms, and thus be led into healthier and more beneficial atmospheres. The Advantages to Society.—Society is composed of individuals, and therefore everything that tends to elevate the individual will necessarily have the same effect upon the actions of the aggregate. John Stuart Mill says—" The worth of a State, in the long run, is the worth of the individuals com. posing it." For, as one writer very aptly puts it, the nation is only an aggregate of individual con- ditions, and civilization itself is but a question of the personal improvement of the men, women, and children of whom society is composd. Social pro- gress is the sum of individual industry, energy, and vice. In the order of nature, the collective character of society will as surely find its befitting results in its laws and government, as water finds its own level. Well, institutions such as these will act as a deterrent to prevent the working classes frequenting dens of immorality and ill- fame, and as such will contribute much to the moral purity of society. It is now well known that at our law courts, the Judges generally as- cribe the prevalence of crime to the evils of exces- sive drink; the punishment of crime again means taxation, and its result is thus brought to burden society in general. Would not any institution then free from the possibility of such evil tendencies be a boon to society? Yes; by placing means for pure comfort and information within their reach, they might become intelligent and thoughtful members of society. The writer was of late sur- prised to find the amount of knowledge concerning current political events possessed by two or three working men he happened to come in contact with. It afterwards turned out that they were amongst the few of their class, who march with the times; but unfortunately this cannot be said of them as a whole. The most important result of these in- stitutions, however, is their moral effect upon so- ciety the conditions of personal life and character are through them materially improved. But it must be remembered after all that these and kin- dred institutions are only accessories to help men on. Reforms, after all, can only be effected in conjunction with them by individual action, econ. omy, and self-denial.

THE ASSIZES.—The commission will be opened in the Shire-hall, on Monday next, 20th instant, before Mr. Justice Hawkins. From a Port Natal newspaper, we learn that the "Verulam" (commanded by Capt. William Lloyd, St. Dogmells), narrowly escaped being run down by a steamer, which passed her without exhibiting the usual lights. The passengers state that the captain acted in a most praiseworthy manner at the time of the threatened collision. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.-On Saturday last, before Messrs. R. D. Jenkins and T. Davies, John Diloo, a tramp, was brought up in custody of P. C. Daniel Jones (34), charged with being drunk and disorderly at Pendre, on the previous evening. Fined 5s. and costs, in default, 14 days' imprison- ment. GOOD TEMPLARISM AT LLECHRYD.—On Mon- day evening last, a meeting in connection with the Good Templars' lodge in this place, was held at the upper vestry room. A great number of chil- dren and adults assembled together. The members of the juvenile lodge sang and recited several pieces during the meeting, and in conclusion the Siece Bydawn oil yn siriol" was sung by Messrs. Davies, Penlan; B. Jenkins, Llangoedmore; J. Pierce, Llechryd; W. Davies, Bancyfelin; Misses F. Jenkins, Gate; M. Pierce, and H. Thomas. A very pleasant evening was spent. The lodge at this place is in a very flourishing condition. TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION.—The members of the Cardigan and District Teachers' Association held their quarterly meeting on Saturday last at the Board Schools, in this town. Considering the exceptional inclemency of the weather the attend- ance was large. Mr. Jones, Newport, the president, occupied the chair. The principal business of the meeting was to draw out rules and regulations for the management of the specimen library lately established in connection with the Association. A committee was appointed for the purpose and to submit the proposed rules at the next meeting. It was unanimously decided that the best thanks of the meeting be accorded to the several publishers, the principal of whom were Messrs. Laurie, Stewart and Co., and Moffat, Paige and Co., London, for presenting the Association with specimen volumes of their school publications. Mr. Ward, Nevern, in a telling speech, drew the attention of the meeting to the desirability of ex- amining the pupil teachers in the district periodic cally. He submitted the Tyne Side Association Scheme for their consideration. It was decided that the matter be fully discussed at the next meeting, and Mr. Ward, by request, consented to read a paper on the subject. After the meeting terminated the numerous specimen books were in- spected, and, judging from the notes taken, we are mistaken if the booksellers and publishers will not be benefitted by the establishment of such library. It will, no doubt, prove very valuable to teachers. CAPTURE OF A SHARK AT MILFORD.-An un- welcome visitor to our shores, viz., a shark, measuring about five feet long—evidently a young one—was caught on Friday last at Castle Pill, by Captain T. Williams, who sighted him near the shore, took a boat and succeeded in capturing him with a boat-hook. SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A PUBLICAN.-On Friday-before Vaughan Davies and Edward I. Jones-Abraham Jones, landlord of the King's Arms, Llanbadarnfawr, and Morgan Hughes, of Llanbadarnfawr, were brought up in custody charged with stealing eight fowls from Glanyrafon, near the village of Llanbadarn. About three o'clock in the morning of the 8th instant, the in- habitants heard the fowl calling out in the out- houses, and the two sons of the prosecutor went out and saw the accused there with a gun and two dogs. Eight fowls were taken away, and three others were killed in the yard and left there. Mr. Arthur Hughes appeared for the prosecutiou, and Mr. Griffiths Jones for the defence. Both accused were committed to the assizes, and were admitted to bail. BURIAL BOARD.—An adjourned meeting of this board was convened for Tuesday last, when the following members were present:—Messrs. James Williams, O. P. Davies, John Lewis, Stephen Davies, and W. Woodward. In the absence of the chairman, Mr. James Williams was voted to the chair. The meeting was convened for the purpose of taking into consideration the present condition of the cemetery walls, but owing to the smallness of attendance, and the importance of the business. to be considered, it was resolved to further adjourn the meeting until that day week. PRESENTATION.-Mr. Levi Adams, farm-bailiff to Miss Foulkes, Ffynonddofn, has presented Gethsemane Calvinistic Methodist Chapel Pem- brokeshire, with a set of excellent lamps, which were much needed The church, which is a small one, and composed mostly of the labouring class, feel grateful to Mr. Adams for his kindness. I PRESENT ATI ON.—Owing to the pressure on out space we unavoidably held over the following com- munication :—A beautiful writing case and work box combined was presented to Miss A. Lloyd, late mistress of the Board Schools, on the 31st ult., on the occasion of her leaving. The sub- scription list was limited to the head teachers and their staff only. She also received numerous presents from her pupils. CARDIGAN LITERARY SOCIETY.—Last Monday evening, the 13th inst., the ordinary meeting of this society was held at the Guild-hall, the Rev. W. C. Davies, in the chair. Owing to the debate of the previous week having lasted till a very late hour, there was no prepared programme, yet the meeting was one of the most interesting of its kind that has been held. The prominent features thereof were a paper on The characteristics of of genius," by Mr. Richardson, and a reading and recitation by Mr. Thomas. On Monday, the 27th inst., a discussion will be held as to Which is the more beneficial for man, total abstinence from intoxicants, or moderation?"—H.R.D. FOOTBALL MATCH.—On Wednesday last, a cap- ital game of football was played at Pentre be- tween the Tivy-side and Cardigan football clubs. The game was played with much spirit, and the relative skill, endurance, nerve, and successes of both sides very evenly balanced. Neither side ob- tained a goal, but the touches down were in favour of the Cardigan club, by a majority of one. The following were the players on each side:—Tivy- side—Messrs. T. R. Jones (captain), A. Saunders Davies, Grismond S. Davies, Gwyn S. Davies, E. Curre, D. Tyler, W. Tyler, C. Tyler, G. Tyler, D. S. Jones, J. M. Richards, D. Richards, J. J. Thomas, and H. Thomas; Cardigan—Messrs. J. M. Jones (captain), W. Mathias, T. Herbert, D. Herbert, E. Edwardes, D. G. Phillips, L. Clou- gher, J. Hawthornthwaite, Hall (I.R.O.), Jona- than Evans, E. Lowther, Jonathan Jones, E. Jen- kins, W. Doran, and Capt. T. Williams, Catherine. row. Mr. Thomas Thomas, St. Mary-street, was Umpire. Mrs. Saunders Davies, with her usual kindness, not only lent a field on the Pentre es- tate for the occasion, but at the close of the game regaled both clubs with a sumptuous supper. The generous hospitality of Mrs. Sauuders Davies was heartily appreciated, and when her health was pro- B>sed, it met with an enthusiastic reception. Mr. avies neatly replied to the toast, and after a few songs were given, Mrs. Davies then invited the clubs to inspect her chapel of ease, which we have no hesitation in saying is one of the prettiest and most artistic buildings we have ever seen. From the caustic tiles to the decorated roof, the chapel, we venture to say, is one of the most unique and tastily designed places of worship in the principal- ity. t BIGAMY BY A PENCADER BLACK- SMITH. MARRYING THREE WOMEN. John Davies, Pencader, was committed to Car- marthen Prison, on Saturday last, by the New. castle-Emlyn magistrates, to await his trial at the next assizes for bigamy. It appears that the pri- soner married his wife, Esther, 20 years ago, and she lives at present at the Abbey, Kidwelly, Car- marthenshire. He next married Mary Ann Forbes, of Newport, Monmouthshire, about 13 years ago, for which he served six months' im- prisonment in Usk gaol. He also was married to Elizabeth Jones, Pencader, on the 1st March, 1877, and with this woman the prisoner was living until Wednesday last, when he was taken into custody by P. C. John Jones, of Peecader. WRECK ON THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST. On Sunday night, about 12 o'clock, the Thomas J. Reed, of Massachusetts, a barque, 1580 tone register, Capt. Joseph Small, bound from San Francisco to Liverpool, with a general cargo, con- sistingof preservedrneat, potted salmon, andlobster struck on a reef near Freshwater West, at a place called the Pole, on the Pembrokeshire coast, and became a total wreck. The crew consisted of 24 all told one man was washed overboard about a fortnight ago. The rocket apparatus was soon on the spot, but unfortunately, through a flaw in the apparatus, the second mate was drowned in the first attempt to save life; two others were drowned in attempting to swim ashore, and their bodies have not yet been recovered. The remaining 20 were taken off about one o'clock on Monday after- noon, by means of a hawser from the shore, and are being cared for by Mr. Morris, of Chapel Farm, Mr. Williams, ofGupton, and the Rev. C. Wilkin- son, vicar of Castlemartin, Mr. Young, the re- ceiver of wrecks, is in attendance. Several thou- sand boxes of salmon, lobster, and other provisions have been cast on shore. PRESENTATION TO MR. W. JONES LLWYNGROES. On Friday, an interesting ceremony took place in the board room of the guardians—namely, the presentation of a gold watch, value JE63, and & purse of £60, to Mr. William Jones, of Llwyny. groes, in recognition of his invaluable services as chairman of the board of guardians for upwards of 21 years. The presentation was made by the vice-president, Rev. R. Jenkins, B.A., rector of Bettws, who, in the course of an eloquent Welsh speech, referred to the great services which Mr. Jones had rendered to the board, as well as to the arduous mannes in which he had laboured in the interests of the ratepayers as their chairman for 21 years. Mr. Jones, having received the watch and purse mad a suitable reply in English and Welsh. The watch, which is a half-hunter, self-winder repeater, bore the following inscription Pre- sented by the Guardians and Ratepayers of the Lampeter Union to William Jones, Esq., J.P. and D.L., of Llwyngroes, as a token of their respect and confidence, and in recognition of the services rendered by him as Chairman of their Board of Guardians during a period of 21 years, 18 Dec., 1878.

PENILLION I GERYG SYLFAEN CAPEL SEISNIG Y BEDYDDWYR. (Buddugol yn Nghyfarfod Cystadleuol Beth- ania, Aberteifi, Nadolig, 1878.) AR ddiwrnod oedd rag-benodedig, Ymdyrai y dynion i'r fan,— Enwogion a mawrion wroniaid, Ac ereill oedd eiddil a gwan; o weithred! 0 weithred ardderchog I 'Nol dyfod o'r dyrfa yn nghyd, Sef, gosod i lawr geryg sylfaen Addoldy i Brynwr y byd. Caed yma areithiau a doniau, Gan rai o enwogion ein gwlad; Caed yma ugeiniau o bunau, Yn rhoddion gwirfoddol a rhad y Amgauwyd dan geryg y sylfaen Ysgrifau godidog a hên; Preswylwyr yr oes sydd yn dyfod, Ddarllenant rhai hyn gyda gwên. Pwy wyr nad oedd Michael a GabrieL Ac ereill o fechgyn y Wlad, Am dro tua glanau y Teifi Er gweled raawr lwyddiant y ewa'd • A gweled y dyrfa luosog— Calonau gan gariad ar dan, Yn cychwyn adeilad i'r lesu, Mewn hwyl orfoleddus a chan. Bedyddwyr yn nhref Aberteifi, A'r nefoedd yn cydlawenhau; A Satan yn gwelwi wrth weled Terfynau ei deyrnas yn lJai., Y ceryg sylfaenoi a gonr Yn niwedd holl oesoedd y byd- Y nefoedd fendithio'r adeilad A gwenau yr Arglwydd bob prvd. Ysgol Raniadegol G. PENRITH THOMASi Abertein.

Births, Marriages, and Deaths. MARRIAGES. GrISfM-I>^™S-0n the 11th instant at Mair, in this town, by the J- Pendre, to. MISS Mary Davies, \Villiam-street both of thIS town.

Holloway's PUls and Ointment.-Influenza, Coughs, and Colds.-In diseases of thethroaS chest, so prevalent m our changeable climate, nothing so speedily relieves, or so certainly cures, as these inestimable remedies. These disordera are too of ten neglected at their commencement, or are injudiciously treated, resulting in either case in disastrous consequences. Whatever the con. dition of the patient, Holloway's remedies will restore, if recovery be possible they will retard the alarming symptoms till the blood is purified and nature consummates the cure, gradually re- storing strength and vital nervous power. By persevering in the use of Holloway's preparations tone is conferred on the stomach and frame wn erally. Thousands of persons have testified that by the use of these remedies alone they have been fStedT^ CVery °ther hS