The South Wales Star

"BAREY^ASTAND PRESENT." (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY T*. TE AUTHOR. J The following historical sketch Ox Barry was awarded the first prize (given by SL" Morgan Morgan) at Cadoxton-Barry Whit-Monday.1 fod last year ::— There is scarcely a new district in the wholO Of Great Britain which has developed, in such phenomenal proportions, into a position of com- mercial prosperity and importance more rapidly than that of Barry. Ten years ago the population of the three sister parishes of Barry,. Cadoxton, and Merthyr Dovan numbered scarcely 500\ but through the construction and opening of Barry Dock, and the establishment of several minor industries in the neighbourhood of the same, the census of 1891 showed that a thriving community numbering nearly 13,000 persons now cluster around the largest, one of the finest, and one of the most perfect and successful dock undertakings in the whole commercial world. Before entering, however, upon a detailed description of the dis- trict in its present form, I should, perhaps, give a brief account of the three or four parishes now popularly known as Barry." BARKY AND PORTHKERRY. Having spent several years amongst the many natural beauties and acquired attractions of Barry and its district, I would with confidence venture to draw the attention of the community generally thereto. Barry, the phenomenal town of South Wales, is distant about nine miles southward of Cardiff. The origin of its name is a matter of some doubt. Some think, with Cressy, that the name is derived from St. Baroche, a hermit, who is supposed to have lived on Barry Island in the early part of the seventh century. Leland says that in his time there was in the middle of the island a fair little chapel used." To-day there is not the slighest trace of the chapel or its founda- tions. Many old delineators of our land were, as I happened to know from personal experience. gifted with whatl a phrenologist once declared I possessed, i.e., The bump ot imagination formed large." They often described the natural and architectural features of places they had never seen, and often, when haying actually viewed a place, relied utterly upon local tradition, an article of little worth. I am inclined, therefore, to reject the story of St. Baroche, and his connection with Barry Isle. If such a hermit ever existed, he, to quote Mark Twain, had not quite enough with which to make an indelible mark." I contend that Barry derives its name from one of Fitzhamon's knights-Lord of the Manor of Barry -the progenitor of the family which gave to the world Giraldus de Barri. The whole thing is clear enough besides. If a St. Baroche did dwell on Barry Isle, why should he give his name to the Parish Church which is in no way connected with him ? The church itself is dedicated to St. Nicholas of Barri, the patron of the sailors. BARRY ISLAND. Upon leaving Barry Railway Station one cannot do better than visit the Island first. It contains upwards of three hundred acres of beautifully diversified land. On the south side of the Isle is a small bay, possessing a fine stretch of sand, and here, the water being wonderfully clear, is one of the prettiest and safest bathing places in South Wales. Already the sands are studded with bathing machines, and BARRY BIDS FAIR TO BE A FAVOURITE SEASIDE RESORT at no distant date. To one who is accustomed to think of Barry only in connection with coal trucks and tips, a visit to the Island will be a glad surprise. Giraldus de Barri tells a quaint story. Says he It is remarkable that in a rock near the entrance to Barry Island there is a small cavity, to which, if the ear is applied, a noise is heard like that of smiths at work-the blowing of bellows, strokes of hammers, grinding of tools, and roaring of furnaces—and it might easily have been imagined that such noises, which are con- tinued at the ebb and flow of the tides, were occa- sioned by the influx of the sea under the cavities of the rocks." Sir Richard Hoare, in his additions to Giraldus, observes as follows Towards the southern part of the Island, on a spot called Nell's Point, is a fine well (known as Virgin's Well), to which great numbers of women resort on Holy Thursday, and, having washed their eyes at the spring, each drops a pin into it. The landlord of the boarding-house told me that on clearing the well he took out a pint-full of these votive offer- ings." This interesting well is now carefully pre- served, and measures have been taken to save it from the merciless intrusions of the advancing builder. Returning to the mainland a lovely walk can be enjoyed to Cold Knap Point (can this mean Cold Nape-a neck of land running into the sea 2) From this point can be descried a vast stretch of the Somerset coast line, the Flat and Steep Holms Sully Isle, Porthkerry Bay, and a beauteous expanse of the Severn Sea, studed with silver, sails and stately merchantmen up and down the busy channel. Across a couple of meadows and THE LITTLE CHURCH OF THE PARISH is reached. It is a new building, erected on the site of an ancient and still smaller one. Though somewhat plain it is of excellent design and sub- stantially built. It consists of chancel, nave. • south porch, and bell at western end. In the churchyard is the base of the cross still sur- mounted by the greater portion of the shaft. A church school has been built in convenient proximity to the Parish Church, the memorial stones having been laid on Easter Monday, 1892, by the Bishop of the Diocese and Lady Morgan, of Cardiff. Inside the church one is struck with the fine effect of the three deeply-splayed lancets in the eastern wall. The front is a most ancient one. If not Saxon it is certainly very early Norman, and is one of the most interesting in the country. The chalice and its cover (the decent covered cup) are of silver, and bear the date 1576. The registers of this and the neighbouring parish of Porthkerry, however, only go back to the early years of this century. Leaving the churchyard by the north stile one proceeds along the road and takes the first turning to the left, and then, after passing some most pretty thatched cottages, Castle Farm is reached. Here is to be seen a fine gateway, with porticullis groove and some fragments of walls-all that remains of Barry Castle. The castle was of pointed design, and commanded a view of a fine sweep of the Channel. The views from the farm are superb. At little farther along the road, and one enters PORTHKERRY PARK. It is a lovely place, and its shady walks, finely- wooded slopes, and enchanting glades afford countless opportunities to the votaries of the brush. Now that the immediate neighbourhood is teeming with the hard-working masses it is an immense blessing to them, and it is cheerful on a fine still Sunday afternoon to see them so thoroughly appreciate the glories of the park and the goodness of its owner. At the further end of the park stands the Rectory, occupied by the genial incum- bent of the united parishes, the Rev. Canon Allen. M.A., R.D: From the Rectory a steep and narrow path leads up to the church and the tiny hamlet. The churchyard is very neat and secluded, and very bright it looks; and the roses clustering over porch and tombs, a quiet hush lingers there. As I have already stated, it seems clear that the name B^rry itself is not of Welsh origin, but was probably derived from the Norman-Freneh- either Barre, Barri, or Barry. The Castle (the existing remains of which are now a portion of Castle Farm buildings) is supposed to have been built by a Norman knight named De Barry, who was made lord of the manor not long after the Conquest. From what remains of the building, however, it seems to have been very strongly built, doubtless indicating its character at one time as a place of considerable fortified importance. Cromwell and his Ironsides are blamed for the demolition of the castle, but their task must have been a difficult one to accomplish, especially if a garrison of any size or pluck were stationed there at the time. The position it occupied was a commanding one, embracing an undisturbed view of the coast for some distance on both sides, and from it, with an ordinary piece of ordnance, the ,entrance of, veseels into the harbour' could easily be prevented. Some of the inside w&fe,- also, are still standing, and vary in thickness from 4 feet to 8 feet, according to their position. There used to be a chapel-of-ease, immediately opposite the gateway, but it has been almost wholly destroyed, for all that now marks the spot is a mound covered with trees. It stands in the middle of a field,, and is said to be a cromlech, or burial place of an old Welsh chieftain. One distinguished member of THE DE BARRY FAMILY was Giraldus Cambrensis (or De Barry, the' celebrated Welsh archdeacon and historian), who' was born about the year 1146-not at Barry, but uncjOestionably a member of the De Barry family. Probably the ancient manor attached to the castle of Bariry was of much greater extent than the s,;tnall parish of Barry proper, for the proper name ot Cadoxton is Cadoxton-juxta-Barry, and the neighbouring island is called Barry Island, although in neither instance do they constitute a portion of the present parish of Barry. It is, therefore, apparent that the oM lordship or manor of Barry was one of exceptional extent and importance-in extent because e-f the area of the adjoining country embraced therein, and in importance because of the fact that a strongly fortified castle was built to protect the same and it is a somewhat remarkable coincidence that the principal engineer of the Barry Dock and Railway (opened in the year 1889) was a gentleman named John Wolfe-Barry, so that it is quite jjossible that, this-gentleman (although living in London), when he visited Wales of late years in connection with the construction of these great works, only re- turned to the home of his forefathers, and that he too is a, descendant of the De Barry family; lift- later times the manor, or manors, of Barry, and Porthkerry became part of the large estate attached to Fonmon Castle, the united manor being purchased about the year 1817 by Sir Samuel Romilly, the great reformer of our criminal law, and grandfather of the present owners of the Romilly estate. When a peerage was conferred upon Sir John Romilly, he took as his title Lord Romilly of Barry. The Parish Church (the old struc- ture being capable of accommodating only about fifty persons) was re-built in the year 1876-a few years before the dock works were commenced-but already it is almost too small to seat the-, congre- gation of old and new inhabitants of the district worshipping thereat, and will soon probably have to be enlarged. The plans of the present church were prepared by Mr. J. Romilly Allen, a nephew of the venerable Rector, and the building is of a solid and substantial, though possibly severely plain character. The bell of the old church (cast by Evans, of Chepstow, about the year 1640), is retained in the present building, and bears the appropriate text, Feare God." In the southern wall of the aisle is a marble tablet erected to the memory of the late Francis Romilly, com- mander in the Royal Navy, and second son of Charles and Lady Georgianna Romilly, born August 4th, 1844, wounded in the action, of Majuba Hill, Transvaal, February. 27th, 1891, and died on the 2nd of March following. Barry Island, which is situated on the northern shore of the Bristol Channel, at one time belbnged to the family of Giraldus de Barry, and. it is supposed, was so-called from the Barry family, the heads of which were lords of the island. A superstition prevailed in the neigh- bourhood at one time that the ground at Barry Island was sacred. Mr. Pennant once visited the island, when he found that the boatmen who rowed the boat took off their boots as they ap- proached it. Between the villages of Barry and Cadoxton there also existed at one time extensive ruins of a castellated mansion,, but no trace what- ever of these ruins at present exist, although, according to the Historical Notes of the Welsh Counties," portions of the mansion and pigeon house stood up to comparatively recent years. This mansion was occupied by a family named Andrews, the members of which came to this country with Fitzhamon. This property was subsequently purchased by Mr. John Bland, of Sully. Some years ago Barry Island formed part of the Wenvoe Castle Estate, but it was after- wards purchased by Mr. Treharne, a chemist, of Cardiff, who built a pier on the western side of Whitmore Bay, so that sea excursionists could embark and debark in safety. The island is now, however, the property of Lord Windsor,, the chair- man of the Barry Company, and there is every probability that much of its land will soon be covered with superior building property. I may add that in 1865 a railway scheme was promoted by an independent company to run from the Great Western Railway at Peters tone to Barry, and from Barry to Sully. In the following year an Act was passed by Parliament for the formation of ship* ping places and a tidal harbour at Barry, but owing to the great commercial crisis of 1866, the promoters were unable to obtain the necessary funds, and the scheme consequently fell through. A Bill for the construction of the Barry Dock and Railways was submitted to Parliament in 1883, when it passed through the House of Commons, but it was rejected by a committee of the House of Lords.. In August, 1884, however, an Act authorising the works was passed, and the first sod of the docks and railways was cut by Lord Windsor, chairman of the Company, in November 1884, the contracts being carried out without in- teruption until the railway was opened towards the close of 1888, and the dock itself was opened, amid considerable public rejoicings on July 18th, 1889. (To be continued in oiti- next issue.) '.wwiwiwmimui, i' jm.m.ijifl'

THE REV. ARTHUR MURSELL AT CADOXTON. THRILLING LECTURE ON WANDERINGS AT WATERLOO." A highly able, interesting, and instructive lecture on the subject of "Wanderings at Waterloo" was delivered by the celebrated Rev. Arthur Mursell, of London, at the English Wesleyan Chapel, Cadoxton, on Thursday evening, the 18th inst., the proceeds being in aid of the funds of the adult Bible Class. The chair (in the absence of Mr. Lowdon, chairman of the School Board) was occupied by Mr. W. Jose, and the audience was a thoroughly appreciative one, the remarks of the gifted lecturer being heartily ap- lauded at various intervals. After a few opening remarks by the Chairman, the Rev. Arthur Mursell proceeded with his MASTERLY DISCOURSE upon a subject which would not fail to elicit the most eager attention of the audience. After refer- ring, in amusing terms, to the alternating little- ness and greatness of fluctuating humanity, Mr. Mursell recounted various incidents connected with his first visit to the French capital, in the year 1862; and made striking comparisons between the prevailing characteristics of the French and English people. From Paris the lecturer took his audience in racy detail to Brussels, thence by coach to the scene of one of England's most thrilling and eventful of battles, on the plains of Waterloo, and described, amidst profound silence, different inci- dents which occurred during that terrible struggle, a struggle which happily resulted in British vic- tory, and the complete subjugation of THE DESPOTIC RULE OF ONE OF THE WORLD'S GREATEST TYRANTS and persecutors—Napoleon Buonaparte. The Battle of Waterloo was God's battle, a decisive battle which happily effected a complete change in the social and political character of the nations of the civilised world. (Loud applause.)-On the motion of Mr. Kernick, seconded by the Rev. J. W. Matthews (both of whom described themselves as having visited Waterloo), a most cordial vote of thanks was passed to the Rev. Mr. Mursell for his admirable discourse, and, in acknowledging, Mr. Mursell proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman for presiding, Mr. Jose expressing a hope that the proceeds of that evening's proceedings would enable the Adult Bible Class to obtain facilities for study and instruction superior even to those they had enjoyed hitherto. (Cheers.)

BORWICK'S BAKING POWDER. Pure and Whole- some. BORWICK'S BAKING POWDER. Entirely free from alum. BORWICK'S BAKING POWDER. Largest I Sale in the world. BORWICK'S BAKING POWDER. Best that money can buy.

SUNDAY POACHING AT SULLY. At Barry Dock Police-court on Thursday (before Mr. T. Morel and Mr. J. Duncan) a warrant was ordered to be issued for the arrest of Joseph Smith, of Cadoxton-Barry, summoned for trespass- ing in pursuit of game on land belonging to Lord Wimborne, at Sully, on the 14th inst.—Samuel Hodge, a young fellow of no occupation, living in Burlington-street, Barry Dock, pleaded, guilty, and was fined Z 1 and costs, or fourteen days, for a similar offence on the same date, -=-

REVIEWS OF BOOKS. The Soldier and the Monk is a charming volume, it is not at all a conventiomal book, it contains a number of stories which occupy some 370 pages, and to these are ailded a history of The Monastery of San Marco," making another hundred. It is Svdd at the low price of 2s. by Harrison and Sou, the well- known publishers of 12, Paternoster Row, London, B.C. Every- one who cares for Italy will like to have it. To all Treailcrs we recommend it, for as fiction it is excellent, and sueli fiction as this lis not at the present time a drag in the market. The author is undoubtedly one desirable to cultivate.—The /Abrarii Review, March 1893. Order direct or Uwaugh local book- se/lers.

WESLEYAN METHODISM. CARDIFF AND SWANSEA DISTRICT. The Annual District Synods of the Wesleyan Methodist Church have just been held that in connection with this district met at Swansea last week, under the presidency of the Chairman of the District, the Rev. P. Neville Andrews, who has been in the district for three years, and whose removal from Cardiff at the next Conference is anticipated with much regret. The Secretary of the District is the Rev. W. H. Clogg, who was assisted by the Rev., H. Graham Payn, of Berry. There wers 60 ministers present and 100 laymen. This is- a larger infusion of the lay element than has ever been the case before, and is a result of & recent legislation of tfoe Conference. Only one minister was absent through ill health, and one death was reported, that of the Rev. Thos. Phillips, who has resided at Aberys-twith. Questions-relating to the character and efficiency of the ministers were carefully considered. No Church is more searching in this respect. THE NTJMJBTa! OF MEMBE&S IN THE DISTRICT is 11,567, being- an increase- in the year of 543. These figures dc not include the large noi-niber of Christian people- who are communicants, but not meeting in class fellowship which at present is the condition of membership. There are 670 class leaders, 422 local preachers, and 1,680 meeting in junior society classes. An interesting and animated conversation was baaed upon this-report respecting pastoral visitation. TJtiE MENTAL AND IHEOLOGIC.r^ CULTURE OF LOCAL. P-KEACHERS- was- discussed. As th?y regularly supply so m&ny pulpits in Methodism every Sunday, and renders- splendid service to the tShurch of Christ, it is Jelfc that something ought tc-be done to help them in their studies. and the synod rejoiced* to learn thafr in several circuits of the 3i»tacit theological-classes have been formed, books Lent, papers occasionally read; and counsel given by ministers wftlneference to their.' reading. THE HOME MISSION REPORT' was- presented by the Rev. Jc-siak t Meer and was- very interesting:, and encouraging.. Aggressive work has been carried on ameng the- sapidly growing population ra the district;. Two* evangelists, Mr. Raymond Prsstun and Mr. B. G. Barker have conducted special- mission services in various parts of the district, wkich have resulted in much good. In order more effectively to reach th^people-aittd to spread scriptural and Methodist literature in the outlying parts of the District, a. Mission an4 Bible Van has beem secured it pro- vides sleeping: accommodation t»r the evangelist and colporteur, and is admirably suited for all temperance a-nd gospel outdoor wwk. It is hoped the van will visit the neighbourhood during the summer. It is proposed to work- Loudon-square Chapel on distinctly mission lines, owing to the- altered condition of the surrounding population it is expecteel that the Rev. T. W. Fawtnrop^of Penarth will take charge of this mission. The Rev. J. D. Stevens presented THE^ RETORT OF THE PROBATIONERS' EXAMINATION, which, with <the book lists, were considered highly satisfactory. Five of the young men have gained a. place in thltr Honours' Division—Revs. T. W. Fawthrop, P." Watchurst, G. W. Kettleborough, T.. Wells, and R. Whitehead. The following will com- plete their probation this year :—Revs. F. W>~ Fawthrop, B. Stanley, W. W. Corin, and T. WeRs.. After undergoing an examination by the Chair- man, they were unanimously recommended "for or- dination at the en&uing Conference, to be held icti Cardiff. The following gentlemen were elected1, as lay representatives to the Conference :-— Messrs. Alderman Goldsworthy, Alderman; Sanders, D. Williams, Buckley, and; Davidl Shepherd. The total contributions to Foreign Missions- were £2,861, being an increase of £ 74. THE STATE OF TRUST PROPERTY The report of the Chapel Committee on the state of the Trust property was presented by the Rev. James Shearman. There are 891 Trusts in the District, the present value of which is esti- mated at £ 222,017, being an increase on the year of £ 6,554. THE EDUCATION REPORT was of a very encouraging character. There are 28,278 scholars in. the Sunday Schools of the Dis- trict, with 3,015 officers and teachers. The chief increases are 3 schools, 139 teachers, and 1,47* scholars. The District, as it now is—having been constituted in 1830-^the Committee has reviewed the work of the three years, and the gains in that, period are 11 schools, 160 teachers, and 3,836 scholars. There are good advances in the number of senior scholars and scholars in Church member- ship. The day schools at Pontypool and. Tenby are in a satisfactory condition. THE TEMPERANCE COMMITTEE reported 12,744 children in Bands of Hope who are trained in the habit of total-abstinence from. intoxicating drinks, a fact full of rich possibilities. A resolution waa passed expressing great satis- faction that at last Her Majesty's Government has introduced a measure embodying the principle of Local Option, acid earnestly commends it to the- cordial and practical sympathy of the people. Four candidates for the ministry were passed owt to theiJuly Committee, Messrs. Gould, Grabb^Salies, and Schmiltner. the latter a native of the West Indies, who at present is studying in, the University College, at Aberystwith, and is anxious to return to his own country, and preach the Gospel to his own people. It must be understood that this report does not include the work of- the Welsh Churches. THE WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH IN- WAUS& HAS A BRIGHT OUTLOOKY and if it is faithful to its great to spread Scriptural Holiness in the land its-triumphs will be yet more largely multiplied.

REMARK ITEMS. WHITSUNDAY SERVICES; Choral services were rendered in,, the Parish Church, both in the morning and evening. The choir singing the Barnaby's Cathedral service in F in a very creditable manner, whilst the render- ing of the anthem, If ye love me," reflected great- praise on the Vicar (the Rev. E. Morgan), in the splendid;! way he had trained them. The text of the sermon in.the morning was St. Luke xiv. v. 16, liAnd I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another comforter, that He may abide with you for ever;" And in the evening. II. Cor. chap. iii. v. 5i ForSthe letter killeth." There was. a good attendance at each; service. RESTORATION OF THE PARISH CHURCH. We understand that about £ 250 has been collected towards re-seating the church, restoring the chancel, and sundry other improvemeats. Tenders have been received from well-knawn church builders, and it is probable the first portion of the work will be proceeded with at once. There is to be a, committee meeting vary shortly to-let. the contracts. FESTIVAL. It is not quite definitely settled whether the choiF will join the festival at Llantwit Major or Porthcawl.

Epps's COCOA.—GRATEFUL AND COMFORTING —" By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a careful ap,plioation of the fiee properties of well-selected COCOA, Mr. Epps hutS provided our breakfast tables with a delicately flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy doctors' bills. It is by the judicious use of such articles of diet that a consti- tution may be gradually built up until strong enough to, resist every tendency to disease. Hundreds of subtle maladies are floating around us ready to attack wherever there is a weak point. We may escape many a fatal shaft by keeping ourselves well fortified with pure blood and a properly nourished frame."— Civil Senice Gazette. — Made simply with boiling water or milk. Sold only in {*ackets, by Grocers, labelled — JAMES EPPS and Co Homoeopathic Chemists. London." Also Makers of Bpps's Cocoaine or Utf>Extract: Te:ike

[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] TOMY ATKINS; AT HOME AND ABROAD. — -+— A Glimpse at His Private Life. BY SERGEANT CROWSFOOT." .• VII. DISAPPOINTED. No one unacquainted with the ways of soldiers abroad can form an idea of what store they set upon letters from home they treasure them up generally in a tin box, and read and re-read them over and -over again until they know them by heart. Some men have even taken to drink to drown their feelings upon being, time after time, disappointed in this way. I once had a batman, named Brooks. A batman is a man who cleans a sergeant's accoutrements, and looks after his room, &c., for a fixed wage. This man, at one time, was very much addicted to drink, but I had persuaded him to drop his drinking habits, and took him to sleep in my private room, or bunk, with me. He had been very steady for some months, when one day on coming home from the mess at dinner time I found him quite drunk on his bed. I was very sorry for this, the more so because I knew he had to mount guard at six o'clock that evening, and I resolved that he should not leave the bunk again that day except to go on guard-mounting parade, for I knew that he could get -Bober by six o'clock, and if he went on .guard-mo anting parade drunk, why, it would simply mean a court-martial for him, and perhaps a month's imprison- ment or more; but I reckoned some- what without my host, for about four o'clock my man awoke and made in- stantly for the door. I stopped him, however, and asked him where he was going. I am going to get aome drink, he replied somewhat shamefacedly. I reminded him that he was for guard at six, but he said that he did not care if he did get into trouble. I could see that something was wrong that something had happened in his private life to upset him, so I asked him very quietly "and firmly to tell me what it was. He resisted my advances violently, and tried to get past me to the door, before which, however, I stood. "What do you mean," he cried sullenly, without, however, raising his eyes to my face let me go out I say. You have no right to stop me. I don't care if I do get into the guard-room." He was getting excited. I don't care," he stopped short for he was half crying. I saw this and I pitied him. I think he saw the look of sympathy in my face for he muttered somethihg about "letters, and mother and old people." I guessed what was wrong. His was a very sensitive nature, and he felt very much the indifference shown towards him by his parents and friends at home. I offered to write to them, but he would not hear of it. He was sober when he mounted-guard that night. From the foregoing remarks it will be readily understood that the soldier's BARRACK LIFE IN INDIA IS BY NO MEANS EXCITING. In the first place his amusements are of a very limited order, merely what he provides for himself. There are no out- side attractions whatever, and were it not for the little" flutters which the soldier procures for" himself, his life would indeed be very dull. No theatres or other places of amusements for him to go to, so it naturally follows he provides himself with them. Soldiers are not thoroughly happy unless they have some- thing to excite them. It has been said that a man is not happy unless he hunts something, and in this manner the soldier hunts after excitement. His life is spent in one long search for it. One of his chief sources of amusement is amateur acting. Of this the average soldier is. passionately fond, and conse- quently there are about three dramatic societies in every regiment, and a good theatre in almost every barracks. The officers generally have a society of their own and act together, and with the officers I have witnessed some really excellent acting. The sergeants and warrant officers also have a club of their own, and lastly the corporals and privates. But with the latter class the lack of women to take the female characters is a very great stumbling block. In my regiment they used to get men to take these characters, and I knew at least three men in my regi- ment who made very good looking females when made up." These men were termed by the soldiers Ammuni- tion women." MANY AN AMUSING INCIDENT CONNECTED WITH AMATEUR ACTING recurs to my mind as I write. I will just relate a few which may prove interest- ing. We were playing the well-known farce, The mother-in-law," and the old lady had been severely lecturing her truant son-in-law who, pretending to be very much upset, mopped his face vigorously with an enormous red pocket- handkerchief. Now the spirit gum with which he had stuck his "sideboard'' whiskers on was not of the best quality, and to the horror of everyone during the mopping operation the right whisker came off. The actor looked at it in his handkerchief for a moment in dismay but with admirable presence of mind he looked at the audience, smiled, and said •" Upon my word I have heard of women talking hair off a man's head but she has actually talked my whiskers off." The audience was satisfied with the ex- planation, and clapped loudly. One night, as Mr. Brown John in -"Done on Both Sides," I was being introduced to Mr. Whiffievf, when that gentleman was so profuse in his bowing, etc., that he backed lip5 against the table and upset it, leaking several articles that were on it as' well as the table itself, the latter being a very ancient stage property and only patched together and covered with a cloth. There being no servants in the play, several soldiers in motley garb had to make their appearance and take away the pieces. These performances were always well attended, and the audience was not too critical which was perhaps, sometimes fortunate for the actors, but in spi.te of all I have witnessed even among the privates and corporals some exceptionally good acting. As every trade or profession will be found represented in any regiment, men could easily be got to paint the scenes well, fix the stage, etc. After any successful amateur produc- tion, it was customary for the various artistes to apply to their commanding officer for three or four days leave of absence, so as to indulge a little. How far some of the members of a dramatic society, in the regiment to which I belonged, availed themselves of this privi- lege may be gathered from the following anecdote :— Gus Morris was our very good low come- dian. He bad been all over the world almost, having been ten years a sailor, and he at times drank very heavily. A few days after one of our performances Morris was wanted by someone in authority, and, after a lengthy search, he was discovered, lying on his back in the deep verandah of one of the bungalows, in a drunken sleep. All ordinary measures failed to rouse him. At length the sergeant, who was with me, declared that he knew a way of bringing him around, and, going downstairs, he shortly returned with a bucketful of cold water, which he flung mercilessly over the inanimate form. But he no longer remained inanimate, for, turning over on his face, he struck out manfully with his arms and legs, as though swimming for dear life in the sea, puffing and blowing all the while in a most ridiculous fashion. The explanation of his conduct is, of course, not far to seek. When he felt the cold water he imagined that he was in the sea. This unexpected turn of affairs so tickled my companion that he simply roared with laughter, and leaned against the wall for support. He soon stopped his laughter, however, when he dropped the bucket he held in his band on his pet bunion, which quickly turned his laughter into sadness.

ATHLETIC SPORTS AT THE WITCHILL GROUNDS, CADOXTON. Horse and foot races of an attractive character were held on Monday afternoon last, in the pre- sence of a numerous crowd of spectators, including a number of local gentlemen, at the Witchill Athletic Grounds, Cadoxton, and much credit is due to the enterprising promoter, Mr. B. Hoddinnott, for the degree of success which attended the proceedings, the various competitions being well contested, and the handicapping espe- cially gave general satisfaction. The judges were Messrs. W. M. Thomas, West Kensington, London, and Mr. Le Roy, London; starter, Mr. Gilead Brock, Cadoxton handi- cappers, Messrs. J. Jeremiah, A. W. Morgan. T. H. Morgan, H. Burbidge, and A. Chappell, Cadoxton secretary, Mr. C. Hoddinnott, Witchill Hotel, Cadoxton, by whom the arrangements were well carried out. The following were the results of the different events 100 YARDS OPEN HANDICAP FOR Boys UNDER 14 (prizes, £ 1. 5s., and 2s.).-lst, George Derrick, Cadoxton; 2nd, T. Richardson, Cardiff; 3rd, J. Pugh, Pontlottyn. Fourteen entries for the three heats. 130 YARDS NOVICE RACE (OPEN HANDICAP).— Ten competed. Prizes, £ 3, £ 1, and 10s. lst,T. J. Chamberlain, Barry Dock 2nd, F. Maisey, Cadox- ton 3rd, S. Fidler, Cadoxton. Two MILE GALLOPING RACE (OPEN HANDICAP). Twelve entered. Prizes, A 8, £ 2, and £ 1. 1st, R. Richard's (Llantrisant) Tap 2nd, T. Ben- jamin's (Pandy) Can't Go 3rd, M. Thomas's (Tirphil) Little Nancy." In the last heat Little Nancy was making capital progress, and seemed to be a certain winner, when an accident occurred, the saddle working round the animal's side, throw- ing the rider (W. Nicholas) heavily to the ground, and he sustained painful internal injuries, the lad being carried off the ground in an exhausted state, being attended to by Dr. Treharne, and after- wards sent for treatment to the Cardiff In- firmary. 150 YARDS OPEN HANDICAP.—1st, T. J. Chamberlain, Barry Dock; 2nd, W. M. Jones, Bridgend; 3rd, W. Woodfield, Cadoxton. Thirteen competed for the prizes— £ 1, £2, and £1. Two MItE TROTTING HANDICAP.-First and champion silver cup (given by Mr. L. W. Jones, Metropolitan, &c., Bank, Cadoxton), to be won three times to become the property of the winner -Mr. E. Finny's (Barry Dock) "Whitefoot"; 2nd, J. Dyer's (Barry Dock) "Polly"; 3rd, J. Price's (Barry Dock) Moss Rose." The money prizes were £ 5, £ 2. and £ 1, there being ten entries1 for it good race, the other horses being J. McCreight's (Cadoxton) Maggie Channing's Nimble Nat" Morgan Howell's (Colebrook) Polly Third J. Westall's (Cadoxton) Kitty"; Robert Harry's (Dinas) Polly Second W. Diamond's Polly Fourth and W. Williams' Welsh Kitty." There were no entries for the tug of war. The Penarth Artillery Brass Band was in atten- dance, and played a number of enlivening airs during the day.

RESIGNATION OF THE REV. J. H. STOVVELL, M.A. Al the conclusion of the service on Sunday evening iast at the Congregational Church, Barry, the pastor, the Rev. J. H. Stowell, M.A., announced his inteafcioa of resigning his pastorate of the Barry Congregational Church, and said probably his ministry at that Church would cease about the last Sunday in June. The announcement, although provocative ci much regret to the members of the Church, has YAot caused great surprised, as Mr. Stowell's announcement at the time of his marriage a few weeks since of a call from the Lightcliffe Church, near Halifax, prepared them for what has eiace transpired. At a Church meeting held whilst Mr. Stowell was away on Mis wedding tour, the whole matter was discussed by the members of the Church. Mr. J. C. Meggitt presiding, when the following resolution was carried and forwarded to Mr. Stowell That this meeting, while offering its sincere and hearty congratulations upoa your recent wedding,, and the larger sphere of usefulness which this happy event places before you. earnestly trusts-that for many years to eome your ministry of love and sacrifice may be son- tinued amongst us. While recognising the appreciation which another church has shown of your work at Barry, and sharing with ysu the satisfaction which such token must: convey, yet we shall deeply regret, far more than words can express, any decision being arrived at which will sever our connection as pastor and" people. We earnestly pray that you may be guided aright in this important matter, and that if God ssnvills it your work here-r which has already been so abundantly blessed, may be increasingly pros- perons in the future." Mr. J. H. Stowel4 comes of a well-known and respected Dissenting: family. His grandfather was the late Rev. W. H, Stowell, D.D., paster of the North Shields Congregational Church, and after- wards Principal of Sotherham College, a position he vacated to take up, the Principalship of Ches- hunt College, of which place the heafli: now is Principal Reynolds. Mr. Stowell's father was the Rev. William Stowell, Ryton-on- Tyne, Durham, and the pastor of the Barry Con- gregational Church was born in 1863 at Camden Town, London. The Barry Pastorate has been Mr. Stowell's first care of' souls, and it was after preaching there two Sundays in succession in July of 1890 that he was accorded a hearty and unani- mous invitation to become its pastor, which he accepted, commencing his-ministry in the following September. During Mr. Stowell's ministry the Church has grown and prospered exceedingly. Large sums have been raised for various purposes, and it would not be two much to say that at the present moment there is not a larger or more healthy Church, instinct with spiritual life, in the whole district. Mr. Stowell has only just taken to himself a wife from the family of one of the most respected Nonconformists oi the district, Captain Mn rrell, and Mr. Stowell's Church had formed hopes-of: still greater usefulness for Mr. and Mrs. Stowell at Barry, which, however, have been new extinguished by Mr. Stowell's resignation of the pastorate of the Church.

MR. A. J. WILLIAMS, M.P., AND THE WELSH LAND COMMISSION. Mr. A. J. Williams, M.P., has addressed the following letter to the South Wales Daily News Sir,-For more than seven years I acted as secre- tary to the Royal Commission on Accidents in Mines. In that capacity I had to arrange for a long and laborious inquiry, during which the commissioners visited, inspected, and toek a large body of evidence in every great colliery district throughout the kingdom. A royal commission, similar in its constitution and powers, will to- morrow begin its work at Cowbridge, and it may be of some service if, with my seven years' ex- perience, I state briefly what that constitution is and what those powers are. It is not a court of law for trying charges or settling disputes. It is a body of men selected for their special knowledge and qualifications to make a careful, impartial, and thorough inquiry into a most important question—the conditions, namely, under which agricultural land in the Principality, including Monmouthshire, is occupied and cultivated. As its object is to obtain information it is not bound by any of the strict legal rules of evidence. Some fear has been expressed that injustice may be done because those who may, be affected by statements made to the commission are not repre- sented by lawyers at the inquiry, so that those statements may be tested by cross-examination. My experience convinces me that this fear is un- founded. All the interests which can be affected by statements made to the commissioners are re- presented on the Welsh Commission, as they were also represented on my commission, by thoroughly competent men. Each commissioner has a right in his turn to put any question, he thinks proper to each witness. The statements and expressions of opinion of a witness can thus be tested in- formally and colloquially in a far more effective as well as more satisfactory, because less discon- certing, manner than they could be by professional cross-examination. What impressed me greatly during the inquiry of my commission was that whilst the questions of those commissioners who represented the employer, and the questions of Mr. Burt, who represented the collier, sometimes modified and often explained the statements of witnesses, they were evidently put with a deep sense of their responsibility as commissioners appointed to obtain accurate and valuable in- formation. It should also be borne in mind that when state- ments are made before a Royal Commission which affect or reflect upon any interest or any indivi- dual, the fullest opportunity should always be afforded of meeting these statements. There is one matter to which I particularly wish to draw public attention. Most of the large land- owners, no doubt, sincerely believe that the terms under which their tenants occupy their farms are substantially just and fair. They have publicly stated that they want a thorough and searching inquiry that they wish the exact state of affairs to be known. With them, therefore, there will, of course, be no difficulty. All the facts as to their estates are within the knowledge of themselves or their agents, who will thus be able to give full information to the commission. But it cannot le too widely known that tenants are now protected by the recent Witnesses' Protection Act, 1892, against the exacting and arbitrary landlord or agent, who is naturally averse to any inquiry. By this Act it is made a misdemeanour punishable by a fine of £100, or imprisonment for three months, for any one to threaten, or in any way to punish, damnify, or injure, or attempt to punish, or injure any witness for having given evidence in good faith before a royal commission. In addition to this punishment the court or (if the case is tried before a jury) a jury may award any sum it may think reasonable as compensa- tion for any loss of situation, wages, status, or other damnification or injury suffered by the complainant.—I am, &c., A. J. WILLIAMS. -z.