The Cambrian

ATHLETIC NOTES. [BR "ABGOS."] All communications intended for this column should be addressed, "Argus," The Cambrian, Wind-street, Swansea.

FOOTBALL. CARDIFF V. SWANSEA. A GREAT GAME. Upwards of 12,000 people assembled at the St. Helen's Field on Saturday last to witness the Swansea-Cardiff match. The weather was beautifully fine, and despite the heavy rains of the morning the ground was in fairly good con- dition. An excursion from Cardiff was largely patronised, and the supporters of the Blue and Black Brigade" did not forget to make their presence known. Both sides were confident of success. On paper form Swansea should win by a respectable score. But paper form is unreli- able. The players entered the field in the pink of condition, and determined to spare no effort to win. The excitement was intense the cheering loud and prolonged, and hopes and fears rose and fell with each moment. Cardiff brought down a full team—including Gwynn Nicholls, Selwyn Biggs, Sweet-Escott, Huzzey, Dobson, Cornish, &c. There was not a single absentee. Swansea, on the other hand, took the field minus the services of Bob Thomas and Evan James—the J former a dashing, clever forward, and the latter one of the cleverest half-backs in the kingdom. Their places were taken by Arthur Jones and Reynolds respectively. Mr. Arthur Gould (New- port) was the referee. The game throughout was m<?9^ stubbornly contested. No quarter was asked for or given by either side. And as the struggle varied the excitement rose to white heat. Every bit of smart play, every inch of ground gained, evoked from the spectators loud cheers. It was a great game in every sense of the word. There was not a. dull moment in the whole seventy minutes played. And how did it all end ? In a draw In the second half Gwynn Nicholls scored a magnificent try. He went for the line with grim determination. It was a splendid individual effort, and deserved to end with a try. Swansea retaliated, and some pretty passing and inter- passing between Gordon, Rees. Trew and D. James culminated in Rees scoring. The angle was most difficult, and although Bancroft put in a fine kick he failed to place his team ahead of Cardiff. And then the struggle increased in vigour. First one side attacked, and then the other—but to no purpose and a brilliant game ended in a draw—one try each. Cardiff played beyond expectations. Their forwards are not such a weak lot as we had been led to believe. They are not adepts at heeling out, but they are a warm lot in the loose. Victory was snatched from the "All Whites" in the first ten minutes. Bancroft was com- pletely out-generalled. He allowed Gwynn Nicholls to play on oar three-quarters, with the result that three out of the four were severely hustled. George Davies was injured by the Cardiff forwards following up a high kick Trew ditto Rees was similarly knocked about; and David James was sent sprawling after he had made a mark. I think all this could have been avoided had Bancroft been on the qui vive. It rarely happens that the captain of the All Whites" makes mistakes in generalship but I am strongly of opinion that he was completely out-manoeuvred by Gwynn Nioholls on Saturday. The effect of the severe hustling to which our three-quarters were subjected early in the game was evident throughout the whole of their subse- quent play. The spirit and confidence which invariably characterise their play left them, and so we saw none of that passing which has made them such prolifio scorers Added to the partial break-down of the three-quarter line for attacking purposes, there was a distinct weakness at half. Reynolds played a hard, plucky game. He did some smart things; but his play lacked finish. David James was not seen at his best. On the whole, he was weak in defence and attack. Mr. Arthur Gould is, no doubt, a sportsman., I believe he seeks to be impartial. He is not competent, however, to referee in an important club match. On Saturday he was unfair—unin- tentionally, no doubt—to both teams; but the team which suffered most in consequence of his unfairness was Swansea. He allowed Selwyn Biggs and Sweet-Escott by far too much licence. The try scored by Rees should, in my opinion, heve been allowed. I do not like to find fault with the referee. His task is by no means a light one but it is very hard that one team should suffer more than the other in consequence of wrong decisions. While I am on this subject, might I ask why the Swansea Club acquiesces in an arrangement by which a Cardiffian referees in the Newport matches, and a Newportian in the Cardiff matches. Why is not a little variety introduced, and a western referee chosen occa- sionally ? We should then be able to form very useful comparisons. Such an arrangement would „ give general satisfaction. I do not altogether idea of going outside Wales for referees. That Cardiff and Newport do so when they meet is not very complimentary to the referees in this portion of the Principality. w But to return to Saturday's great game. On the day's form neither side deserved to win. I believe it was one of Swansea's off-days, and that in that respect our Cardiff friends were fortunate. The All Whites" made and lost several chances. Everything seemed to go wrong at the critical moment. There is no doubt the result of the contest will produce a good moral effect upon both teams. The return match will be played in March next, and if the "All Whites" maintain the form of the past month they should win. But sufficient for the day, &c.! Bancroft did not play up to his reputation, while his generalship was at fault. The Swansea threequarters did not shine because of the severe mauling they underwent in the early stages of the game. Occasionally, however, they broke through the Cardiff lot, onlv to break down themselves at a crucial moment. Dan Refs made a serious mistake in playing up so close to the scrum, and I am somewhat surprised that Bancroft did not notice it. I hope the Swansea backs will make amends at Newport to-morrow. ..Gwynn Nicholls was the best threequarter on the field. He played a great game. Bat for him &wansea would have scored at least three times. Sphere. defence was superb, and NichoSThe Card^^r'- ™^hout Selwyn Big8 and Escott upon played the Swansea couple." Haleree, over- the referee s indifference, Swansea would have held a distinct advantage at half-back. The forwards gave each other a severe gruelling. At the start the Swansea eight were slow. They not only allowed themselves to be beaten in the tight scrums, but also in the 1003e while they neglected to go to the assistance of the backs in the first ten minute* I have alluded to. Had Jackson, Parker and Serines, or any other three forwards, been near at hand Davies and Trew would not have been injured in the way they were. Once the home eight settled down to business, however, they more than held their own. Parker, Scrines, Hopkin Davies and Livingstone Davies were always to the front, the first-named especially. Jackson did some smart following up, but he lost his head on more than one critical occasion. Cornish and Blake were the pick of the Cardiff forwards, a heavy, sturdy lot, who know how to tackle. # The Bard in the Athletic News says On the whole the score fairly represents the game. If Swansea pressed oftener, and perhaps had the greater share of the play, Cardiff were oftener actually dangg,^ and towards the end looked the match off. The fine display of iriaafinn8,Can at once be traced to the for- wards—a fine lusty lot Thev started off with a superabundance of da8h and if at the middle of TEWFRX THETN^ANY?D- PUMPED• THEY RLE0.0VERED towards me end, and fairly surmised their own followers. Dobson, Cornifh BLAKE and Hughes were always noticeable. AJ U ? +n deliberate fouling alone MAR^N^H W L V of the last-named. The Swansea NLD dogged game, and both in the fern their old th?loose played finely, Parker prominent, closely followed by Serines «? "+ Davies, aAd Fuller. With regard ,U'l play, it was evident that the Cardiff quarters inspired their opponents with somethi™ approaching, terror. The old style of venting their endeavours was aa-ain adopted Jackson bewig pulled out of the scrummage os' tensibly to help Davies, who had been hurt,' but really for the object named. This failure of the Swansea men to trust their backs had a great effect on the game, and when, considering that the present quartette are about the best lot that ever did duty fo the club, cannot be well under- stood. The half-backs were well matched, and if Selwyn Biggs was too good for Reynolds David James was ditto for Sweet-Escott, who towards the close was effectively bottled up. Of the three-quarters. Nicholls the shining light. He seemed to play the opposing four alone, and thcept for a little kicking by Hussey at the start ■ the other three were never heard of. Nicholls's tfy was a wonderful effort, and the determination e showed in going for the line has never been flailed. Of the Swansea quartette, the wings ere undoubtedly the pick. Both Gordon and Played a fine game, and the former's effort ° Sees when the try waa scored deserved every praise. Trew, too, had a hand in the performance, and was responsible for the play that led up to it. Both the centres have done better, but the fact that the ball came rather slow from the scrum- mage must have hampered them. Both full backs did well, Thomas, if not kicking as far as Ban- croft, never really making a mistake. SWANSEA v. NEWPORT. To-morrow (Saturday) the All Whites" will imeet Newport at Newport. The Great Western Railway Co. announce a cheap and convenient j excursion, which should be well patronised. As I pointed out last week, Evan James will not turn out until about Christmas time, so that Reynolds will continue to partner David James. I hope Bancroft's men will make a big effort to win. A victory over Newport would prove that Saturday last was an off-day—one of those off- days which comes to every team. The team will be the same as that which did duty against Cardiff. Neath tried conclusions with Llanelly on Satur- day at Stradey. and were defeated by two tries to a goal. It was a good game, in which both sides showed up to advantage. The home backs brought off some very pretty rounds of passing. Charlie Powell waa the best half-back on the field. On Monday Llanelly defeated Penygraig by a fairly substantial score. Well done, Llanelly On Monday, at Cardiff, Glamorgan County defeated Cornwall County by four goals, four tries to one try. Bancroft, D. Rees, and Livingstone Davies represented the Swansea team. What has become known as the Badger case does not seem likely to end with the infliction of the heavy fine of £ 25 on the Swinton club. Every Northern Union supporter is in possession of the facts adduced at the meeting where the fine was imposed. Badger was called away to Wales to visit his sick child. The club played him against Leigh on his return, after having been absent from work the greater portion of the week. Mr. Platt, the secretary of the Lancashire Section, advised Mr. Mills, the Swinton secretary, not to play Badger, but the threequarter took part in the game. Now Mr. Mills writes to the papers explaining the full facts of the case. Badger's child was not expected to live, he says, and the Swinton three-quarter, in answer to a summons to the bedside, went away on Sunday, the 11th of September. He returned on the Friday night following, to the surprise of all the Swinton officials. While Badger was away Mr. Mills wrote to Mr. Platt stating that the man was not at work, presuming that he would be eligible to play if he returned in time, seeing that the circumstances were so exceptional. Mr. Platt's reply was that he would not advise him to play, as the committee would look upon! it with suspicion. Mr. Mills admits that Badger was played in face of his advice, but contends that the conditions^justified the proceedings. In view of the letters from the doctor attending Badger's child, and from his employers, the case does certainly seem a hard one, and there is no doubt Swinton have been made martyrs. The worst part of it is, however, that in addition to being mulcted in the sum of L25, the club will lose two points for playing an ineligible man. It is all very well to make martyrs and examples and all that sort of thing, but in circumstances such as those connected with the Badger case, a bit of mercy would not go amiss. If the Lancashire Committee, in dealing with the matter of the deduction of points, consider they have any justice in them, they cannot do other than allow the points to stand. We do not desire that they should countenance any irregularities, but we do think deliberate infringements ought to be punished, though our opinion of this matter is that Swinton have suffered quite sufficiently.- Athletic News. SWANSEA & DISTRICT CRICKET LEAGUE. A general meeting of the League was recently held at the Castle Cafe, Mr. W. J. Smith (Single. ton) in the chair. The chief business was the selection of a suitable date for the annual dinner and presentation of the challenge shield and medals to the winners, the Singleton 'Cricket Club. After some discussion, it was unanimously decided that the ceremony take place at the Mackworth Hotel, on Thursday, Nov. 17th, at 7.0 p.m. Mr. E. J. Joslyn, hon. sec. and treasurer, has communicated with the president, Sir John J. Jenkins, Knt., M.P., and he has kindly consented to be present. Several other prominent cricket enthusiasts have promised to attend, including Revs. John Pollock and H. S. Williams, Messrs. R. L. Sails, Hon. Odo Vivian, and R. Huleatt. Persons desirous of obtaining tickets, 3s. each, are asked to write to the hon. see., 23, Terrace-road, Mount Pleasant, Swansea, I on or before the 14th inst., as the number is limited. ANNUAL DINNER OF THE UNITE D BANKS CRICKET CLUB. The annual dinner of the United Banks Cricket Club was held on Saturday evening at the Castle Hotel. The President of the club. Mr. C. C. Vivian (manager London City and Midland Bank), occupied the chair, being supported at the cross table by Councillor Thomas Freeman, J.P., Messrs. F. Edwards, J. Gwynn Thomas, John Griffiths and A. C. Goddard (Capital and Counties Bank, Swansea), Mr. H. Edwards, Mr. J. T. Lefeaux (Pontypridd), Mr. Ronald Bill, Dr. Reid, and Mr. E. W. Clego (late of Oxford University). There were also present Messrs. Horsley Richards, F. Thorne, T. R. Griffiths, F. David, and F. Woodliffe (Capital and Counties Bank), Mr. J. Evans (Barry Dock), Messrs. Price, Jones and Hughes (London and Provincial), Mr. J. E. Griffiths (C. and C., Aberavon), Messrs. A. H. DeWinton, Bellingham, and Walters (Lloyd Bank), Mr. S. Gold (Mumbles), Mr. H. D. Wood (Ystalyfera), Messrs. F. W. Lewis, J. Bell, and W. P. Langdon (London, City and Midland), Messrs. T. 0. Meager, H. Carlisle, and J. H. Davies (Metropolitan Bank), Mr' W. R. H. Barree, Messrs. J. G. Evans, and R. G. Butland (Llanelly;, Mr. Ernest Davies, Mr. H. G. Solomon, Mr. Rowley Woodliffe, Messrs. G. D. Horsley, E. G. Richards, F. R. Barker, J. H. Owen, Jno. Clarke, H: C. Langman, S. E. Guilmant, D. C. Perkins, G. W. Bonner, J. Win tie, J. T. Gwynn (Daily Leader), G. Hazel, and others. Full justice was done to the excellent dinner provided by Mr. McBride, andi the chair- man, after a loyal speech, proposed the toast of the Queen, whic'I was seconded and drunk in a hearty manner. Mr.F.Edwnrds (Capital and Counties Bank) submitted the toast of "The United Banks c.C. coupling with it the names of the president (Mr. C. C. Vivian), the captain (Mr. T. R. Griffiths), and the hon. sec. (Mr. R. S. Woodliffe). In the course of an appropriate speech, Mr. Edwards said he believed that if a man was a good cricketer, he was also good at anything else he undertook, and, as an example, pointed out Mr. T. R. Griffiths, to whom he referred in terms of the highest praise. In conclusion, he congratu- lated the United Banks C.C., on the excellent season they had just passed through, and expressed the hope that next year they would be still more successful. The club were fortunate in having for their president such a thorough sportsman as Mr. C. C. Vivian, who, whether he was following the hounds, playing cricket, golf, or any other game, always showed true grit to the backbone. (Loud cheers.) Mr. C. C. Vivian, in responding, thanked those present for the hearty manner in which they had R«°^ED the toast, and added that the chief credit should bo given to Mr. T. R. Griffiths, who had so aoly captained the eleven during the past season, whilst the hon. seo., Mr. R. S. Woodliffe, was also deserving of their very best thanks for LIlterest he had taken in the affairs of vir»« °IUCH regretted the absence of the ted to NOW"' ^owcock, who had been promo- finished.^AWCASTLE-ON-TYNE since the cricket season chfers^aid it w^alwa^0 h™ loud to fnrtlioi. tVio T ys "ls earnest endeavour NESS^ of their WRVR+H^S their club. The kind- Drizes for the BAIT B^T-PRES^EN^ *N OFFERING two prizes tor'the beat batting and bowline averas-es had been highly appreciated bv averages was a great incentive to IMV>ROVPM PAYERS, and Mr. Woodliffe (hon. sec.) TWV II the hearty manner in which they bad6™* fu* toastof the United Banks C.C.. and ADD^n <4?*+ services were at their disposal foix^t^and as long as he remained m Swansea. uu Messrs. J. Gwynn (Daily Leader) T M Lefeaux, R. Bill, Dr. Reid, H. G. Solomon Councillor Freeman also spoke. Mr. Gwynn Thomas proposed the health of their popular and worthy president, Mr. C. C Vivian, whom he characterised as a good old English sportsman. The toast was drunk with musical honours, and Mr. Vivian, in returning thanks, said Mr. Ronald Bili had made a suggestion in regard to closing the banks at twelve o'clock on Thursdays. Per- haps if the managers of the various banks were anoroached they would consent to the arrange- ment which would give the cricketers more time to play their matches.. During the evening songs were given by Messrs. Ernest Davies, Galaher, Fred. David, Griffiths, Barree, Thorne, and Batland, and the proceed- ings, which passed off in a most pleasant manner, were brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem. Mr. A. Greatrex ably accom- panied at the piano.

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LITERARY BUREAU. MACMILLAN'S NEW BOOKS* Already 25,000 copies of Mr. Rudyard Kipling's new volume of stories, "The Day's Work, have been sold in the brief time that has elapsed since the date of publication (Oct. 7th), and a second issue was called for within a few days of that date. Fortunately the publishers were prepared for the phenomenal demands upon them, and no delay was incurred in supplying the^public. Dr. Moritz Busch's work on Bismarck," which, upon its appearance, created so great a sensation in England and Germany, has already run through some thousands of copies, and the demand for these secret pages" from the great Chancellor's life bids fair to become remarkable. This might have been expected, considering the many startling contributions to the secret history of European politics which it contains, as well as the drastic portraiture and opinions of the chancellor himself in connection with nearly all of those with whom he had dealings. The heavy run, both in England and the Colonies, upon the cheap one-volume edition of Lord Roberts' "Forty-one years in India continues, and several thousand copies have been disposed of since the date of publication. It is expected that as many more will be sold within the same space of time. A remarkable career for a book which is now in its thirtieth edition. Messrs. Macmillan have just published a story by an anonymous writer entitled, Elizabeth and her German Garden," which is already beginning to take a hold upon the public by means of its fresh- ness of style and subject. There is, moreover, a quaint shrewdness aud simplicity about the characters and conversations in the book which is likely to please the fancy of those—and they are many—who can appreciate these qualities. The interest in the work loses nothing in that its author prefers to remain unknown. Prof. George Saintsbury has produced in his Short History of English Literature" a book which enters upon the earliest periods of letters, viz., the Anglo-Saxon, and is brought step by step up to the present time with a light and inter- esting touch, and it must prove a desirable book to have upon the shelf, not only for reference for it is fully indexed—but for the pleasure of being read on its own account. It has the advan- tage of appearing in one-volume crown, which, although containing a great deal of matter, does not lie heavy in the hand, neither does it try the eyes with abnormally small print or narrow spacings. Prof. Saintsbury 111. hIS preface that" the substitution of bird s-eye views and sweeping generalizations for positive know- ledge has been very sedulously avoided, but it is hoped that the system of inter-chapters will pro- vide a sufficient change of historical summary as SSI from .the pen the Poet Laureate will be published by Messrs. MacMillan and Co. in October. The book will form a sequel to The Garden that I Love and In Veronica's Garden and will be issued in the same size and stvle with several full-page illustrations of Tuscan houses and surroundings for it is Tuscany that Mr. Austin has chosen lor the environment ° "^rhe^gyptian Soudan its Loss and Recovery," by Lieutenants Alford and Sword will be pub- lished immediately. Beginning with the earlist days of its history, and bringing it up to the latest possible moment of the present campaign under Sir Herbert Kitchener, the book will furnish a record at once interesting and exciting, much of it having been written from diaries and notes made on the spot. It contains, morever, some engrossing details concerning the attempt to relieve Gordon at Khartoum, and of the manner of his death there. Dr. S. Weir Mitchell, the author of In War Time Hugh Wynne," and many other success- ful novels, has written a new story entitled The Adventures of Francois Foundling, Thief, Juggler, and Fencing Master during the French Revolution." It is filled with adventure, and gives a vivid picture of life during the thrilling period r with which it deals. The scenes shift between Paris and the Provinces, following the wanderings of the erratic hero, and historic personages are pour grayed in its pages. The book gains much in that it contains fifteen illus- trations from the pencil of Castaigne. It is expected that there will be a large demand for the work on this side of the water. Mr. Stopford Brooke has, after being compelled to lay aside the work for one of a larger and more exhaustive nature in two volumes, just completed tne first volume of The History of English Literature," by various writers, which Messrs. MacMillan and Co. projected some years ago. To this series Mr. Edmund Gosse and Professor George Saintsbury have already contributed volumes dealing with Elizabethan literature, eighteenth century literature, and nineteenth oentury literature, and the" History wad only awaiting Mr. Stopford Brooke's volnmes to be completed. He has managed to dig out some examples of the earliest known Saxon and Keltic poet", Heathen and Christian, working gradually up from the rough, if poetic, Saga, to the prose literature ot King Alfred, and thence to the more monkish writing which prevaild at the time of the Conquest. Soon the author hopes to be able to complete the second volume of the series which he has undertaken, and which will embrace the period between the Norman Conquest and Elizabeth. Me-ssrs. Macmillan & Co., Ltd., announce that they will publish, in January, 1899, under the title ot The School World," the first number of a sixpenny monthly magazine for seoondary schools. It is intended that the periodical shall be of interest and help to masters and mistresses wTtg6d ln^e WOfk of secondary educa- Witu tms end m view the contents will in- clude Articles and notes upon methods of teach. ing and upon new developments of educational practice at home and abroad detailed syllabuses of instruction and lesson notes, by specialists, in the chief subjects taught in secondary schools; test-papers to enable teachers to test the progress of their forms month by month—the most widely studied school subjects will be chosen, and the questions will be modelled upon papers set in public examinations; discussion and analyses of the requirements of the various school examining bodies, and a special treatment of set books and changing demands information upon all matters affecting the work of masters and mistresses in day and boarding schools; reviews of current school literature, calendar of forthcoming ex- aminations and events, notices of scholarships,cor- respondence, &c. While the politics of secondary education will not be made a prominent feature of "The School World." all developments and decisions directly affecting the position, work, and progress of secondary schools will be chronicled, and support will be given to well- considered schemes for the organization of educa- tional effort. There will be no advocacy of the particular claims of any class of secondary school but an endeavour will be made to promote an exchange of ideas among teachers engaged in the different grades of these schools. These tters will, however, be strictly subordinated psqential object of the periodical, which is So SFAJD?practical aid in teaching. SAMPSON & NEW BOOKS. DUTCH PAINTERS OF THE XIXTH CENTURY. T Vi,' is given some account of the life of twelve representative Dutch and work Dineteenth century, with repro- painters of r pictures from originals selected bv thf»a art st3 themselves for the purpose. AUhough the work is complete in itself, other specimens STILE talent of Dutch painters of the present-day for Holland has reason to be proud S°K^„CS"SN„OS^. MA, E=sf the curator of the Plantin-Moretus Museum in Antwerp, and the biographical b«e been supplied by different writers selectedI for^ their special knowledge of the subject. t p duction of the etchings, photogravures, and other illustrations, the publishers have had the assistance of the well-known Dutch etcher. Philip Zilcken. The Edition is strictly limited for England and America. • +. ROME.—The beautiful illustrations in this costly volume speak for themselves, Rfnd hte names of their artists are a guarantee ot tneir excellence. They form an art-epitome ot the history of Rome, for they include not only exquisite productions of the masterpieces ot antiquity and of the Middle Ages; but bright and truthful scenes from the everyday Me ot Romans of the present time. The scholarly letterpress, written with that exhaustive thoroughness characteristic of German work, has been condensed, edited, and supplemented from English sources by Mrs. Arthur Bell. The authors of the German text, Dr Reinhold and Clara Schoener, have lived for something like a ( quarter of a century in Rome. They have watched the growth of the New City, and the gradual disinterment of much of the old and been prlvIege to be present at many a statelr ceremomal III the Vatican and Saint Peter s, such as will, alas, never again be seen. In a word, the book on the Eternal City now issued may truly claim to be in more senses than one unique, for it combines the historical accuracy so noteworthy in Dr. Schooner's writings, with the impress of truth only to be given by an eye-witnes of the scenes described. THROUGH TRE YANGTSE GORGES: Trade and ?-a.Te %n *Chma' by Archibald J. Little, I.R.G.S.—Preface to the Third Edition.— Notwithstanding that ten years have elapsed since the last edition of this book was published the description of the grand Gorges of the Yangtse remains as true and as fresh as on the day it was written. The outside trade of •Students and readers generally would do well to secure Messrs. MacMillan and Co.'sand Messrs. Sampson Low, Marston and Co.'a clauittel litt of new books and NEW editions, Szechuen, estimated roughly at about five i millions sterling, is still carried on by a fleet of eight to ten thousand junks,,whose crews animate the rocks and precipices of the wild scenery, their shouts re-echoing from cliff to cliff as they I toil over the broken ground. But during thee j ten years much has happened in China. The great unwieldy empire has been rudely shaken by the French war in 1885, and by the Japanese war in 1895, which brought about, the latter especi- ally, a cruel exposure of China's weakness. This weakness was well-known to residents on the spot, and should have been better appreciated and better prepared for by our politicians at home. In the following pages of my diary, written in 1883, it will be seen that I predicted the collapse that was then imminent, and demonstrated the folly of continuing our attempts to conciliate the corrupt ruling in Pekin, and the worthlessness of China as an ally, It was this pandering to the worst features of Chinese conservatism that frustrated my original attempt to open the upper Yangtse to steam. Now. at last, thanks to the determination of the Japanese and our own Government's fortunate change of front, since the appointment to Peking <> of our present energetic Minister, S:r Claude Macdoiiald, a pioneer steamer has ascended to Chungking, and the account of the voyage is set forth in these pages. LIFE OF VICE-ADMIRAL LORD LYONS, G.C.B. With an account of Naval Operations in the Biack Sea and the Sea of Azoff, 1854-5, by Capt. S. Eardley-Wilmot, R.N. (retired), author of 'The Development of Navies' 'The British Navy,' &0, witli maps, portraits and other i I lustrations. -This work has been written by captain S. Eardley-Wilmot. R.N., from docu- ments fnrnisiied to him by the Duke of Norfolk, whose mother was a daughter of that disting- uished admiral. Few officers have had a more striking career than the man more familiarly known as Sir Edmund Lyons. As a midshipman he took part with Nelson in the blockade of Toulon in 1802, and accompanied Duckworth up the Dardanelles in 1807. As a young lieutenant he lendered himself famous by his attack and capture of Fort Marrack in the East Indies in 1810, afterwards assisting in the subjugation of Java. After promotion to post rank he went out in 1828 to the Mediterranean in command of the Blonde, and took part in the attack on the Morea Castle, the last stronghold of the Turks in Greece. In 1829 he made a memorable cruise in the Black Sea, and visited Sebastopol, the first time the British flag had been in those waters. In the Madagascar he conveyed King Otho to Greece, and his services were so valuable to the new Court that the British Government then offered him the post of Minister at Athens. In this position-there appearing no opportunity for active service aftoat-he remained 14 years, his work being much appreciated by Lord Palmerston He was then transferred to Berne, and fiually to Stockholm. Whilst at the latter capital the Eastern question arose, and in 1853 Sir Edmund Lyons was appointed second in command of the Mediterranean Squadron. His subsequent pro- ceedings, which are known to this generation, form the most important period of this officer s career. In this portion is given a fuller account of the naval operations in the Black Sea and Sea of Azoff than has yet appeared. FIELD-MARSHAL THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON Soldier and Statesman, by the Right Hon. Sir Herbert Maxwell, M.P., Bart.—The great success of Captain Mahan's Life of Nelson having caused inquiry for a Life of Wellinzton' a, a companion volume, Messrs. Sampson LOW, Marston & Co. have arranged with the Right Hon. Sir Herbert Maxwell, M.P., to write a now life, somewhat on the lines of Captain Mahan s work, and more complete both as regards matter and illustration than any previous biography ot the Iron Duke. Sir Herbert Maxwell has received most kindly promises of assistance ÎroØl the present Duke and others, and will be glild to obtain, through the publishers, written partic- ulars of unpublished or little-known records likely to be of use in the preparation of the Life.' In addition to other illustrations, battle plans, &c., there will be full-page photogravure portraits of the Duke and distinguished soldiers who fought with him, or against him, including Napoleon, Soult, Ney and Bliicher,

THE LOSS OF CITY OF BRISTOL. RECOVERING THE BODIES. We have received from Messrs. BURGESS and Co. the following:—"3rd November, FV • Having been informed yesterday morning that several of the crew of the unfortunate steamer City of Bristol" which left here on September 29th for Rotterdam had been washed np at various parts of the coast round Haverfordwest, I yesterday proceeded to that town in order to secure all possible information about the sti.me. The first body was recovered on the 26th October at a place named Druidstone, and from what can be gathered is evidently that of the unfortunate second engineer Curran. This name was found inside the breast-band of the singlet, in the pockets were found A purse containing half-a-sovereign in gold and 7a. silver, also a wooden pipe, rule, and piece of ?N which was printed a kind of Roman Catno IC prayer. This body was buried by tne authorities in Nolton Churchyaid. The second body was recovered on the 27th October at Bullsla G ^R Bay and was dressed in a brown IA0* V-XV waistcoat, and a plaid cloth trousers, r waist belt and sheath, bnt in view of ITS S been in the water so long it was imposS > e identify the same. This body ° +IN Bosherton Churchyard. On the same day e above a further body was recovered at vvnite Hole Bay, also no means of identification. e was buried at Angle Churchyard. On P October a further body was recovered a Y Holt Stacks, and from a whistle bea.RING the name of L. Moran is evidently that of the unfor- tunate captain. It was buried at Castlemartin Churchyard. On the 30th October the last body was recovered at St. Martin's Haven, and on the same were found three receipts for registered letters addressed to Mrs. Mary Herbert, handy- lone Rush, Ireland. This is evidently that of William Herbert who was one of the mem bars of the crew of the City of Bristol" and was buried at Marloes Churchyard. Should any relatives or friends residing in this district wish to secure any further information we shall be glad to supply same as far as lies in our power on their applying at this office, Burgess and Co., Ltd., Queen's Buildings, Swansea."

THE HOOLEY BANKRUPTCY. FURTHER ALLEGATIONS. In his resumed public examination on Wednes- day, in laot week, Mr. Hooley made some extra- ordinary allegations respecting his election as A member of the Carlton Club. He swore that on the 18th of March, 1897, he paid a cheque for £ 1,000 to Sir William Marriott for proposing him as a member of the Carlton. He also gave a cheque for X5,000 to the Marquis of Abergavenny for the Central Conservative Fund. Later on he srave a second cheque to the Marquis, as to which Mr. Hooley said "I gave X5,000 for party purposes, and then I heard from friends that pome people insisted on my giving JE10,000 to get into the Carlton, because they said I had promised it. I said I had not, but I would rather give £ 10,000 after promising f,5,000 than give £5,000 after promising £ 10,000. So I paid." On Monday Mr. Hooley was further examined, after several disclaimers bad been made. The debtor showed some curious defects of memory but there was no sensational revelations. The cros*- examination was adjourned for a week. On Wednesday, Mr. Justice Wright gave judgment upon a motion for the committal of Mr. Martin D. Rucker for contempt of court. The motion was founded upon evidence given by Mr. Hooley to the effect that after his first examination on July 27th last, and between the first of August the date appointed for his adjourned examina- tion, he bad been approached by Mr. Rucker oil behalf of the Humber director' offering three sums of £1,000 each on behalf of three of the directors, and zC2,000 on behalf of a fourth director, to induce him to say that zC56,000, which he alleged they had received, was not in respect of the Humber Company, but of deals in other businesses. His Lordship held that Mr. Rucker bad been guilty of contempt of court, and fined him R200.

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According to mail advices from Sierra Leone Bai Bureh has sent in word to the Big People to intercede with the Governor to stop the opera.. tions which are being prepared against him. He says that he and his people wish to live at peace with their mother the Queen of ELgland.

CONTEMPORARY CHAT. The admission of LoKitchener to the hono- rary freedom of the City of London adds one mora to the long list of military men whom the City of London has honoured. During the present reign ten Major-Generals, three Lieutenant- Generals, two Generals, one Field-Marshal, and *ne a ^0mman(!er*in"C"ef have received the freedom, as well as a few naval officers—three Admirals, one Commodore, and one Captain. Many of the number attained higher rank after their admission to the freedom of the City, but the above refers to their rank at the time when the freedom was conferred upon them. This list includes, amongst others, such names as Lord Seaton, Sir Charles Napier, Lord Hardinge, Lord Lyons, the Duke of Cambridge, Sir James Out- ram, Lord Napier of Magdala, Lord Roberts, and Lord Wolseley. The "Sword of Honour presented to the Sirdar by the Corporation of London, is a striking piece of work, and worthy of both the donors and the recipient. The hilt is of solid 18-carat gold, headed with the British Lion, and the decoration'is of rich RENAISSANCE treatment, in chased and repoas86 work. On the obverse is a finely chased figure representing "Britannia," while on the reverse is that of "Justice." Lord Kitchener's monogram, composed of diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, is introduced, and the hilt is enriched with a series of decora- tive jewels, the reverse having a panel bearing the British and Egyptian flags, enamelled in proper colours. The scabbard has two massive 18-carat gold bands, the upper having, among national emblems, the arms of the City of London, while on the reverse appear, in appro- priate panels, a view of the planting of the fags on Gordon's Palace at Khartoum, and the decoration of the Bath below, the centre band being decorated with palms and mottoes, the names of the Sirdar's victories being prominently shewn. The lower end of the scabbard is like- wise of gold, and is adorned with trophies of English and Egyptian weapons, with those of the Dervish tribes beneath. The blade is of finest steel, the upper portion being elaborately damascened with gold in Oriental fashion, and the lower etched in diffrent tones. The emblems on the blade have a strict relation to the presen- tation. Our own naval officers and men will agree heartily with the conclusion arrived at by an American writer in Scnbner's as to the dangerous and nerve-trying nature of torpedo-boat work. Writing on "Torpedo-boats in the War with Spain," he says: We have learnt that the torpedo- boat service has been the most dangerous afloat. More men have lost their lives on torpedo-boats than on all the other naval ships put together. We know that this service tries the men, in nerves and muscles, more than any other, while young officers have had the responsibility of independent commands. So this service has done more than all others to improve the per- sonnel of the navy. And it is not unlikely that the most helpful part of the experience of the battleship crews was that had when they faced the black mouth of Santiago Harbour, watching for an enemy that had not the nerve to come. The draft report which Lord Peel has drawn up for the consideration of his colleagues of the Licensing Commission has now been issued to the members. It is reported that his lordship invites the Commissioners to urge the desira- bility of prohibiting by statute the sale of drink to children, and also of making the hours during which licensed premises are open on Sundays the same in all parts of England. For the rest, the recommendations will probably refer, for the most part, to the consolidation of existing laws so that the public will probably be able to know where it stands in the future, which is certainly more than it can do at present. Commenting on the announcement that the sentence on John Darcy, condemned to death for what is known as the Oakley-street murder, has been commuted to penal servitude for life, the London Evening Neu,$ says: Such a decision can only increase the just contempt which is already widely felt for the disgraceful manner in which the revision of sentences is carried out, and the prerogative of mercy exercised by the Home Office. The murder for which Darcy was sentenced was as dastardly and motiveless a crime as could be imagined; the witnesses in the case were threatened by the associates of the murderer until the trial had twice to be postponed to ensure their attendance; and when the law has triumphed and a just sentence has been imposed the crass stupidity of the Home Secretary intervenes with a decision that will do more to increase Hooliganism than anything that can be imagined. After this outrageous decision, how can we ever hang anyone again ? Will not the Home Secretary reprieve the poor man Ryan, who only murdered a policeman on duty, to gratify his rooted objection to the force ? The fate he has dreaded has already over- taken Luccheni. The crimirml anthropologists have naturally marked the murderer of the Empress of Austria for their own as a subject of scientific study. The corpus vile of the criminal will doubtless be reserved for Professor Lombroso or some expert of equal rank, but in the meantime some eager investigators have been studying photographs of Luccheni. To the eye of the ordinary observer he looks a com- monplace ruffian, but the criminal anthropolo- gist we *re assured, at once sees even in a Photograph complete asymmetry of the body. Amyotrophy of the face, neck, trunk, arm, and lpg" on the left side, is very maiked. These sticmata are the consequences of grave cerebro- spinal lesions occurring m infancy, and due to heredity, alcoholic atavism, or some disease of infancy, perhaps an encephalomyelitis or lateral sclerosis, from which complete recovery never took place. It would have been more satisfac- tory (says the British Medical Journal) if the criminal anthropologists could have recognised all these evidences of criminality befoie Luccheni had perpetrated the crime which has given him the notoriety of infamy which he coveted. The Turks are at last really and truly going from Crete. The Admirals are "urging frater- nisation between the Christians and Mohamme- dans while the Turkish Candia newspaper savs'if- relies on just treatment, seeing that it is guarded by the British We accept the compli- ment well deserved, yet with thanks, says the St. James's Gazette. If our French friends can find time to look at it, when by chance it comes in their way, their penetrating sagacity will not fail to discover one more proof that the gold of Pitt HAS again been trotting about on its accus- tomed errand of corruption. We, on the other hand, aPplyin^0U53lV? ^^ness, may not unprofitably reflect that nothing is over except the shouting. ^171 Christian and Moham- medan fraternise is a task which will not be found easy of ma^e Christian fraternise with the Christian who happens to be divided from him by a blood feud will be no easier The Turks being disposed of and the spoil divided, the Christians now return to the settlement of their hereditary blood feuds arising out of trespasses and the ensuing murders of their respective great-great-grandfathers. The Kaiser's pardonable boast that he is the first Christian to visit the tomb of David has been met with many denials. The most inter- esting of these, perhaps, is the statement that eon* nn to say that most probably the Psalmist ST in the tomb at sll! Originally it was A convent, occupied by pious Franciscans, who regarded it as the site of the Ccer.aculum, and not" until these Christians were driven out bv Mohammedans in the fifteenth century did the legend of DAVID arise. Another microbe scare! Not in our milk—but in our boots this time. A medical paper solemnly warns its readers against wearing old boots? It declares that the leather after a time HARBOURS fearsome microbes, to prey on the feet of the unhappy wearer. Therefore it counsels us to wear new boots. That is all very well for the bootmakers, but how can we be always wearing new^ots And at what particular moment does a new boot pass over the border-line into the land'of microbes ? The great majority of us would rather risk the microbes than take the advice The next horrible discovery will be that old hats produce the bacilli of meningitis, and that hilars and hosiery that are not quite new are nroductive of diphtheria, tuberculosis,black specks before the eyes, gloomy forebodings, and all the other evils pills are made to cure. It is a novel experience for an Englishman to find himself arrested as a spy on British territory. It has been enjoyed by Mr Talbot, who was arrests in Alderney because he was seen to be K2?AP5W °?E 01 01 COUR5E' had no difficulty m proving his innocence, and, indeed seems to have acted very judiciously in offering to hand over to the authorities the plates he had already exposed; but his experi- ence is a useful hint to other enthusiastic photographers. It is not wise to carry a camera in the neiglib011^00^ of British forts just now, and others who commit Mr. Talbot's impftidence may not find it so easy as he did to establish the innocence of their intentions.

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NOTES AND QUERIES. We have decided to start a column of Notes and Queries. In order to make it interesting as well as valuable to future h istorians. ire inite the co-operation of our readers. All documents sent us for inspection icill be carefully treated and promptly returned. Communications should be addressed to The Editor, THE CAMBRIAN, 58, Wind-street. Swansea.

NOTES. BEAU NASH.—Beau Xash was horn in Swansea in October, 1673. His father was a gentleman whose principal income arose from a partnership in a glass-house his mother was niece to Colonel Poyer, who was killed by Oliver Cromwell in defending Pembroke Castle against the rebels. THE LATE lIIR. J. H. VIVIAN, SWANSEA. All mourn for him, the just, the good, The gentleman rfined.- A Messing in the neighbourhood, TLe friend of all mankind. By sorrowing wort's, and sad array, I Love and respect were k now II Not in a more enduring way, Let gratitude be shown. Honour the wife and family He 1 olds so very dear; Thus we may prove his memory Most truly we revere. Loved as anotber-" Man of Ross," That memory wiil remain Selfish we mourn, for our loss Is his eternal gain. Swansea, 16th Feb., 185.. NELLE. SIR RICE MANSEL.—Sir Rice 31ansel was the son of Jenkyn Mansel, of Oxwich Castle, Gower, by Edith, daughter of Sir George Kyme, Knt. It is highly probable that the Christian name of Rice of Rhys was given to him in compliment to his relative, Sir Rice ap Thomas, of Dynevor Castle, Carmarthen, the seat of Lord Dynevor. A LUMINOUS ARCH.—The following is a de- scription read to the Swansea Literary and Scientific Society, January, 1846, and printed in its report:—"One of those rare and beautiful meteorological appearances, termed a Luminous Arch, was seen at Swansea on Wednesday, December 3rd. At half-past six in the evening, the luminous appearance of the sky above the hills in the north indicated the sheet kind of the Aurora Borealis. In a short time afterwards the segment of an arch of a bright white light was seen rising, which, in a short time, extended itself from Kilvey Hill to Town Hill, forming a flat eliptical arch of a low altitude from the upper edge and near the crown two coruscations of a pyramidal form sprang up till they reached the zenith, and after continuing for a few minutes disappeared. The light was of great brilliancy near the arch, but decreased from thence to the zenith, where it was so faint as to be lost in the sky."

All Letters to the Editor must be authenticated with the name and address of the writer, not necessarily for publico. tion,butas a guarantee of good faith.

BOYS' BRIGADES. A PROTEST. TO THE EDITOR OF THE CAMBRIAN." Sip.My attention has lately been called to the rapid increase of boys' brigades all over England and Wales. Keenly interested as I am in education, and in all questions of social reform, and realising how rapidly these boys' brigades are gaining ground, I have tried to learn wnat I can about the movement. We have had in the Salvation Army a splendid example of the effectiveness of military organisa- tion, and for young boys' with their hearts full of enthusiasm for soldiering and adventures, it is easy to see and understand why a military organ- isation would be even more attractive and effec- tive in their case than with grown-up men and women in the Salvation Army. Again the type of boy at present helped by the boys' brigade, is that type which wants help very badly-the young lad freed from the restraint of school, usually much too early, and as yet without the responsibilities and restraints of society and life. These lads form probably the class that wants most the discipline of military organisation and on the physical side the educational effect of gymnastics must be excellent for them. It still seems, how- ever, a very doubtful policy for the Church of the Prince of Peace to be doing something suspiciously like producing embryo soldiers. For those of us who believe that war is unchristian, our duty seems obviously to do all we can to put an end to boys' brigades as at present constituted. The case ia different for those who believe that war is still sometimes a stern necessity. We know it is a great difficulty to recruit for our voluntary army, and it has been urged more than once that the boys' brigades will tend to develope the military spirit, and be valuable recruiting ground for the army. Even if this is not the intention of those who start boys' brigades, it is surely desirable that the question should be considered whether boys' brigades have any tendency in this this direction, and for those of us who 00 not want anything to do with developing the military spirit our duty seems clear, that we must not help. It seems incongruous to put into the hands of young lads weapons of destruction and death, and to claim from them only the blind obedience which is necessary in an army, however desirable it may be to develope this obedience side by side with the more rational obedience to one's own conscience and the laws of our nation. I was keenly interested the other day to bear of a very interesting experiment which is being tried at Colne. It seems to possess all the advantages of its own. I will venture to give a few details. It is called the Boys' Life-Guards Brigade. A simple uniform has been adopted and the cap bears on the front the sign of peace and Christian help-the Geneva Red Cross. Its motto is I serve," and its work is threefold—to honour life, to help life, to save life. It is in connection with a Nonconformist church in the town of Colne, and all the members have to be total abstainers, but of course these are details which are not essential to the scheme. The objects as described by the founders are as follows:—" To advance Christ's kingdom among boys by teach- ing them to be obedient, reverent, helpful, to forgive injuries, to be unselfish, and at all times live peacefully." This organisation is not to be of a military character, but life-helping and life-saving drill (ambulance, fire-drill, and exercises fcr the saving of life from drowning) shall be used as a means for securing the interest of the boys, and binding them together in the work of the biigade. A Roll of Honour shall be hung in the Sunday School, and upon it shall be inscribed the name of any member who shall distinguish himself by doing a deed of true heroism, viz saving life from drowninar, or fire, or other peril." The advantages of this kind of boys' brigade seem obvious. It must be good to train boys to be skilful in saving life, and it seems a more I ideal and better preparation than the ordinary Boys' Brigades for the life of a citizen in an orderly country where war is an exception, and where the works and triumphs of peace are far more the duty of the average citizen than the work and glories of war. A great improvement has taken place in most religious communities and in most sections of the universal church, towards incorporating in religious work plans and schemes which have proved useful in secular matters. Ministers of religion have become more concerned themselves in social improvement and social progress, and this movement is full of hope. There is however, a danger lest the religious world should smk into using unworthy methods for the sake of I popularity, and power. I feel strongly that the plan at Colne is on very much higher lines and much more suitable to the work of a Christian church than the ordinary boys' brigade. There is, of course, not the slightest reason why the ordinary boys' brigades should not be turned at once into life-saving brigades. They would then form most excellent training grounds for our future citizens. Indeed in the army of life-savers and life-helpers there would be found room for even girls and women, and we might have our amateur nurses incorporated into a girls brigade. I venture to use your paper to bring before my fellow countrymen this now development in boys brigades which seems to be to be very much superior to the old lines, and as I said before, to have all its advantages and none of its dis- advantages. Further details can be obtained from the Rev. E. Leonard, Colne.—Believe me, Yours truly, ELIZABETH P. HUGHES. The Cambridge Training CollegeOct. 31st,18 J8.

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The Very Rev. Dr. McGregor, of St. Cuthbert's Edinburgh, who dined with the Queen on Sunday, is a man-of little stature, and when in a strange pulpit he is always provided with a footstool to raise him to the necessary height in the eyes of the congregation. A society has been formed, under the presi- dency of Mr. S. Stevenson-Moore, of the Inner Temple, for promoting the interests and social intercourse of Manx men and women, and those interested in the Isle of Man, resident in London.

CHOICE DULCEMONA TEA I Young. I CHOICE DULCEMONA TEA Fresh. CHOICE DULCEMONA TEA ) Invigorating. Is. 4d. to 3s. per lb., of all Grocers. The Queen" says; Most excellent, refreshiing, and bsolutely pure. FOR INFANTS & INVALIDS EAVE'S; JX>OD HAS FOR SOME TIME BEEN USED IN ITHE RUSSIAN IMPERIAL FAMILY. "KEAVii'B FOOD contains flesh and "bone-forming const:tuen!s above the average ot the best purely farinaceous "foods, so that when it is prepared according to the directions eiven with each tin it im.kes a 1ERFECT FOOD for INFANTS." MRS. ADA S. BALLIN, Editress of BABY." JJ^EAYE'S FOOD BEST AND CHEAPEST. In lib. Tins, One Shilling. A FREE INVITATION! Every reader is cordially invited to visit H. SAMUEL'S NEW CARDIFF ESTABLISH- MENT, 7. 31. MARY. STREET. It is not necessary to but,, but it will he a FEW MINUTES J<:LL PKNT to see the MANY WONKEEFUL THI>GS accom- plished by H. Samuel in the interests of purchasers. The knowledge of what can be obtained from H. Samuel is valuable, and the GREAT RAVING to te made is a STAKTLI5G REVELA ION. NOTHING IS SPARED in value, and it is quite possible to obtain from H. SAMUEL, 7. ST. MAEY->TKEET, Cardiff, similar goods at ONE-HALF THE PRICES charged at the big London Shops. BEWARE OF IMITATIONS. JLt EVERY ONE IS WELCOME, whether making a visit of inspection or for a purchase. In either case H. SAMUEL assures the UTMOST SATISFACTION. GEM RINGS.—Beautiful designs in solid Gold, Ball-marked, set with real Stones. H. SAMUEL'S prices: 4s. 6d., 6s. 6d., 10s. BETROTHAL RINGS.—isct. Gold, Hall- marked, set with Ditimi-nds, Ruhies. Pearls, Ac. H. SA M U FL',s prices I Os. 6d., 12s. 6d. DIAMOND RINGS.—Hall-marked 18ct. Gold. H. btASIVML'S prices: 2i»s., :5s. to X'iO. ALBERT CHAINS.—Hall-marked everv link curb pattern, full length, bar. swiud and dropper complete. H. SAMUEL'S prices: 4r 5s., 7s. EAL GOLD ALBERTS: 25s., 30s., 35s. "DEAL GOLD BROOCHES, 2s. 9d., 3s. 6d., X\< ;s. 6d., &c. REAL SILVER BROOCHES (Hundreds of handsome New Art Designs), Is. each. WATCHES of all Descriptions. H. SAJlUEL'j WATCHES and other Manufac- tures are famed ail over the World for excellence and cheapness. They are worn at all occnj ations, in all countries, and are found immensely superior. Many of H. SAMUEL'S Watches are worn every day underground in the mines, and dye the fullest satisfuction. Don't miss seeing B, SAMUEL'S Watches, and securing ot.e for yourself or friend. Prices from 6s 10s. 6d., 15s., 19s., 25B. SPLENDID ESGLI8H LEVERS 35s.. 42s, 52s. 6d OXYDISEB WATCHES (GUll Metal), 9s. 6d., lfs. 6d., Its. 6d. REAL GOLD WATCHT S, 30s ,4>s„ e36 95s. JjWERYTHING GUARANTEED in Quality. H. R-AMU EL's conditions of Sale prove the excellence and va!ue of the goods. A MOUTH'S FREE TRIAL allowed. If dis- satisfied the full amount returned, RAILWAY FARE PAID for all purchasers of goods to the value of 25s. and upwards who come from allY (list nee up to 30 miles. LABGE DE-SCRIP"!IVK CATALOGUE of 8,000 Illustrations and full particulars of all H. fcAMUEL'8 celebrated Manufactures Clocks, Cutlery, riate, iw.t &c., to be seen at 7. ST. MARY-STREET. Also Hundreds of TestiittODiuls from all parts of the world. Sent free to any address on application. H. SAMUEL, 7, ST. MARY-STREET, CARDIFF, And at Market-street, Manchester. Also Rocbdale Bolton. Preston, and Leicester.

NEATH BOABD OF GUARDIANS.—A meeting: of this board was held on Tuesday, Mr. Hopkin Jones presiding. A cheque was received irom the Local Government Board for t97 9s. 2d., to be paid to the Local School Board under the Agricultural Rating Act. A further letter from the Local Government Board sanctioned the borrowing- of £ 5,570 for providing an extension of-the Cottage Homes. The question of dispens- ing expensive medicines in the Glyn Neath district was again discussed, and as it was contended that on a curtailment of duties there should be a reduction of salary, Dr. Pritchard consented to the salary being fixed at £50, the dispensing of medicines to be allocated to 3Jr. Parry, Glyn ^EA^H. For the post of medical officer of health for the Cwmavon District. Dr. Williams and Dr. Roberts anplied. Dr. Roberts received 32 votes and Dr. Williams five. NEATH TOWN COUNCIL. The annual meeting of the Neath Town Council was held on Wednesday at noon at the Gwyn Hall. The Mayor (Councillor A. George) took the chair, and there were A'SO present :— Aldermen David Davies and H. P• Charles; Councillor" Edward Davies. J. D. Llewellyn, E. Bevan, Honkin Morgan, James Glass, W. B. Trick, L. C. Thomas, E. S. Phillips. A. Russell Thomas, Hopkin Jones and D. LI Davies. ELECTION OF MAYOR. Councillor Hopkin Morgan rose to propose the Mayor for the ensuing year to take the position ^■HICH Councillor George was about vaca'ing. It had been the practice of THE Council, and he saw no reason to depart from the custom, to select the senior member to the civic chair. JHe had, therefore, great pleasure in proposing that Councillor James Gla-s be the Mayor of the borough for the ensuing 12 months. Councillor J. D, Llewellyn seconded the motion. He endorsed all that Councillor Morgan had said. The vote was taken, and Councillor Glass was deelared elected unanimously, amid applause. The new Mayor, on rising, was received with applause. He said that it was the most difficult moment of his life—to adequately express his thanks for the hiph honour conferred on him. He was proud of being a native of the TOWN! and additionally proud of being elected mavor of that ancient borough. No higher hot:our could be conferred on him than to put him iQ the civic chair, I ELECTION OF ALDKRMEN Alderman H. P. Charles was re-elected an alderman, and Councillor Edward Davies was chosen in the place of Alderman J. H. Rowland (retired). The votes were unanimous Alderman Edward Davies returned thanks, and first of all congratulated the Mayor on his election. He thanked the Council for their cc n- ndence. He had worked in the interests of the TOWN for the past 16 years, and would do his best in the same direction in the future. (Ap- plause.) Alderman H. P. Charles al->o returned thanks for the unanimous vote accorded him. OIl per- sonal grounds some of the councillors might not be disposed to vote for his re-election, bnt the result showed that they recognised he had fui- filled his public duties with integrity. That course he intended to follow. (Applause). On the motion of Alderman Davies, seconded by Councillor Trick, the Mayor's salary was fixed at 56 guineas. VOTE ON RETIREMENT. The ex-Mayor moved a vote of thanks to ex- Aldermau Rowland on his retirement for his valuable services for the past 34 years. 30 of which he had been an alderman. He had been Mayor of the tovn for five times in succession. Alderman Charles seconded the motion with pleasure, tempered with regret that Mr. Rowland had been obliged to retire on account of advanc- ing age and ill-health. The towu was greatly indebted to ex-Alderman Rowland for his valuable and long services. Alderman Davies supported, and the motioa was carried unanimously. L VOTE OF THANKS. Councillor A. R. Thomas proposed, in very happy and appreciative terms. a vote of thanks to the retiring Mayor for his able services, and Councillor J. D. Llewellyn seconded. The motion was carried with applause, and the ex-May or returned thanks^