The Cambrian

THE CHILDREN'S CORNER. [CONDUCTED BY UNCLE ROBIN.) I Between the dark aud the daylight, hen the night is beginning ,to lower, Comes a vause in the day's occupations That is known as the Children's Hour." All teachers are invited to send to UNCLE ROBIX, H The Cambrian," Wind-street, Swansea, particulars of anything suitable for publi- cation in connection with their schools—in- teresting personal notes about the children (with names, etc.) curious sayings, note-t Worthy examination results, etc. 19, Margaret-street, Danygraig, "Swansea, May 3rd, 1900. "DEAR UNCLE ROBIN,—I received your gift on May 1st, 1900. I am now writing a few lines to thank you for that splendid andat- tractive prize. I should advise all bojs who read "The Cambrian" to patronise Uncle Robin's column, and will myself do all in my cower to help my benefactor with regard to the Dicky Bird Society.—I am, yours respect- fully, H. CHARLTON." A FIVE SHILLING PIECE. HOW WOULD YOU SPEND IT? A five-shilling piece will be given to the boy or girl who sends to Uncle Robin, not later tban TUESDAY, MAT 15tb, the beat short accoant of bow he or she would spend five shillings. Com- petitors must cut out the form given below, fill in C&e particulars, and send it along with their com- position :— Name Age Address Name of School Attended 99 Head Mistress for Master) Witness Date Uncle Robin'g award will be final. TO SCHOOLMASTERS AND OTHERS. Uncle Robin will CRIVE A handsome prize to the OOY or girl who sends in the best report of any School concert. Schoolmasters and teachers whose concerts have not yet been held would oblige by making thia known to their scholars. RUTLAND STREET. BOARD SCHOOL. THE PATRIOTIC AND CHARITY CONCERT. In last week's Cambrian there appeared a nf a verv successful concert at the Albert SJSt the scholars of Rutland Street School. Uncle Robin offered a prize for the best report of same. A large number of reports have been sent in. and it is difficult to decide which is the best. The competitors include—Rose Jones, aged 12 Florence Awbery, aged 14 Gladys Thomas, aged 12 Miss F. Jones, 13 Maggie Jones, 12 Florence M. Down, 13 Neliie Edwards, 12 Victoria Fender, 13; Minnie Morgan, 12; Violet Jenkins, 13 Florence Richards, 12 Esther Jenne, 12 Nellie Dendle, 12 Emma Smallwood, 12; Emmie Bidder, 1 2; Myfanwy Edwards, 14; Ethel Gastavas, 11; Jane Wedlake, 13 Miss G. J3. Howells, 10 &o. Uncle Robin has selected the following as the best sent in, but the prize is awarded to Catherine H. Walters, aged 13. Consolation prizes will be sent to Kate Williams, aged 15, Emily Watkina, aged 13, and Florrie Thomas, aged 13. Rutland-street Girl's School, May 8th, 1900. "DEAR UNCLE ROBIN,—The concert which we have looked forward to for so many weeks is over at last, and we are all proud to think that we have done our best for the home of Tommy Atkins and Dr. Barnado. The relief funds have such strong claim on the pockets of people, that Dr. Barnardo's Homes have suffered. The little girls, as well as the big ones, did their best, and we were suprised to see them doing their work so coolly. They were not the least bit shy or nervous. Trip, Trip, Tiipping," The Flowery Garlands," "The hoop drill," and The Little Yaller Coon," were all given by the little girls. Some of them were in the skipping too, and the audience clapped, and laughed when the slipper of one came off, and she stopped in the middle of the rope to put it on. The pinafore dance we enjoyed practising, and the people seemed to think the tableau at the end of each verse pretty, for they clapped very much. The Merry Zingara was suug by 12 girls in gipsy costumes, and some of them spent all their pocket-money in buying coins to decorate their akirts with. The"Ambulance Maids' was enjoyed by all; the girls had a patient each to bind up, and the red cross badge was fastened on each nurse's arm. They also wore caps. The character sketches were given by boys outside the school, and we laughed very much about the donkey, and dog Toby. The boy who sanR Punohinello" sang 'Long live the Flag of Britain," at the beginning of the concert, and waved a flag while he sang the ohorus. The Kitchener Brigade was formed by the senior acholars who were armed with brooms, and assured us that so long as each girl could sweep, none need fear the landing of enemies, since they were ready to sweep them to the bottom of the ocean. God Save the Queen" ended a most enjoyable evening for us, and also, we hope, the audience. If Miss Joues had not taken great interest in the work there would have been no concert. The work reflected the highest credit on Miss Janes, who accompanied us on the piano. If anyone else played I do not think we would bave done half so well. We enjoyed practising so much that we did not mind the time we spent in the evenings, and would be willing to stay in again tc start another. I am very sorry to say that I shall be of age to leave school soon —I am your affectionate niece, "CATHERINE H. WALTERS." (age 13.) Rutland-street Girl's School, May 8th, 1900. "DEAR UNCLE ROBIN,—I am going to give you a description of our concert, which was held in the Albert Hall, on Thursday night last, May 3rd. The hall was well filled, and the concert passed off very successfully. The programme opened with the singing of "Rule Brittania," by the senior girls, who sang veay well. This was followed by an action song entitled Cherry Xtipe," also by the senior girls. The next was an action song by the little girls of standards one and two, entitled Tripping." This was prettily performed, and the audience showed their appre- eiation by well applauding it. A Merry Zingara," a song by the senior girls followed. The girls were attired as gipsies, and carried tMnbourines, which made very pretty accompani- ment to the singing. Next came a Darkie's cradle song," by Miss Gertie Reynolds, followed bY a skipping song by the senior girls. Five of the eirls carried out the drills while the others sang. Next came a very laughable character sketch entitled "Jerry Blinkum's Baby." Several boys were dressed as farmers, while two others were made up as a donkey which, of course, was the baby." This piece was loudly applauded; the audience giving out roars of laughter at the queer antics cut by the donkey. The junior girls next appeared in an action song, Flowery Garlands." The children were dressed in white and carried garlands of flowers, which looked very pretty as the children swung them to and fro. Master G. J. Hill followed with a song, "Come to Battle," which he sang very well. Next came the senior git Is with a pinafore song and dance, in which they described the uses of the pinafore. This ended the first part. Part 2 opened with a pianoforte solo by Miss F. M. Thomas, L.R.A.M. Then Miss Maggie Lucas gave the Little Yaller Coon," accompanied by the junior scholars who joined in the chorus. An action song entitled "Ambulance Maids" followed, by the senior girls assisted by the juniors who acted as patients. It was very amusing to see the little ones being bandaged up. Miss Ada Evans recited The Shadows on the Blind," and then came a hoop drill," by the junior girls with hoops trimmed with red, white and bluo. A vislin solo was then given by Master W. Cole, followed by a character sketch by Master W. T. Davies and friends entitled Punchinello." Tae next and last on the pro- gramme was an action song by the senior girls, The Kitchener Brigade." The girls were armed with brooms, and described the usefulness of that article, both to sweep away dirt and enemies. This also was a very laughable piece, and was well applauded. The concert closed with the singing of "God Save the Queen," in which both the children and the audience joined heartily. The concert was given in aid of the Daily Post Reservists' Fund and Dr. Barnardo's Homes.—From your loving niece, "KATE WILLIAMS." (aged 15 years.) Rutland-street Girl's School, May 8th, 1900 "DEAR UNCLE ROBIN,-On May 3rd, our school gave a patriotic and charity concert in aid of the Daily Post Reservists' Fund, and Dr. Barnado's Homes. Before the concert com- menced the people were anxious for it to begin. We were all very glad the people were interested in it. There was a good deal of trouble taken in teaching us our parts. We had our reward for our hard work. I should like to tell you about most of our items on the programme. As far as I can remember there were about 18 items on the programme. The concert opened with" Rule Brittania." When we finished singing it a young lad came up and sang Long live the Flag of Britain." When he had finished singing he went down and we sang Cherry Ripe." I think the people liked it, they seemed delighted. I will now tell you the items I think were the best. The little children sang Trip, Trip, Tripping," which they did very creditably. "A Merry Zingara was sucg by some of our girls, who were dressed as gipsies. They had to get coins to put on their costumes; they looked typical gipsies with their tambourines. I think it was one of the most interesting items on the programme. There was the skipping; that was done nicely too; the little children did it very nice, ar.d we all laughed when one of the little t girls while skipping was interrupted by her slipper coming off. The bigger girls were dressed r in white they had white bonnets on as well, and the did it very nicely. The French crossing was done lovely; the young girl who did it skipped in gipsy costume. The next item was the pinafore song and dance, which was done by the bigger girls they were in white with big white pina- fores on. The next was the Ambulance Maids" They looked very nice indeed, they each had a. patient to bind up they looked like real nurses in their caps, cuffs and collars, and aprons. "The Flowery Garlands" was a pretty song sung by the younger girls they had garlands of Sowers the song was about approaching summer they drilled with their garlands. There were many laughable sketches. I think that those that were present at the concert will readily agree with me that great honour is due to Miss Jones for the competent way in which she cen- ducted the concert. I ttiiuk I will draw my letter to a close now.—From your loving niece, "EMILY WATKINS." (aged 13). Rutland-street Girl's School, May 8th, 1900. DEAR UNCLE ROBIN,-Thera was a grand patriotic concert given by the scholars of our school, and I feel that I must tell you all about it. It was held in the Albert Hall, on May 3rd, and was much looked forward to. We have had a lot of practice, but mostly after suhool hours. Our parents took a lot of pains to make us look nice. But we don't mind because it was for a good cause—one half of the proceeds are for Tommy Atkins at the front, and the other for Dr. Barnardo's Homes. Miss Jones, our school mistress took great pains in training the girls to go through their action songs. The children, dresses were very pretty, but I think the prettiest ones were the gipsy girls. Their dresses were made of black velvet lined witti satin, and little satin caps covered with little silver and gold coins. The girls all eame to school on Thursday morning with their hair in plaits and curlers, and it looked very comical in- deed to see them. But at the hall it was quite a transformation scene, for their hair was out of plaits. Dear Uncle, I don't suppose gentlemen take much delight in ladies dresses, but all the same I will tell you about them. On Thursday afternoon we had a holiday we had plenty of time to get ready, but I think some of the girls were ready long before the time for starting. Everyone was pleased with the little ones, because they went through their action songs so nicely. The programme started with the song "Rule Brittania." The people were very pleased with all the items on the programme. But the things which seemed to take their eye were the pinafore song and dance, the skipping- rope dance, and the coon song. The little girl who sang the solo of the coon song wa-) only ten years' old, and I think she has a lovely voice for a girl of her age. The ambulance maids were very much appreciated; they were taking the part of nurses, showing which way to bind up a wounded hand and sling for a broken arm. There were roars of laughter when Jerry Blinkum's Baby" came on the scene. It was two boys dressed up.—I must now conclude with best wishes from your affectionate niece, "FLORRIE THOMAS." (age 13.) THE LEADERS AT THE CONCERT. The following are the name of the leaders at the concert alluded to above, and all of whom did remarkably well TRIP TRIP, TRIPPING. — Clementine Fernand,' Hilda, Allen, Lena Couch, Gwennie Reed, Annie Rowe, and May Gustavus. "MERRY ZINGARA." — Polly Phillips, Catherine Walters, Victoria Fender, and Nellie ^"SKIPPING SONG." — Skipping drill by Victoria Fender, Jennie Wedlake, Florrie Davies, and Emily Bidder. FRENCH CROSSING. —In Gipsy costume, Gildar Nicholas.—Rope Turners Catherine Walters and Nellie Dendle. Lead in skipping (juniors), Katie Kneath and Elma. Lee. "COON SONG."—Song, Maggie Lucas. Leader, Minnie Williams and Flossie Paske. "AMBULANCE MAIDS." Maggie James (binding of broken jaw), Ellen Hearne (binding of broken jaw), Delcie Renowden and Florrie Davies (arm sling), Nellie Willis and Annie Jones (eye bandage), Emily Watkins and Catherine Walters (wounded hand), Gladys Thomas and Minnie Morgan (poultice), Victoria Feuder and Nellie Bidder (head cap). „ PINAFORE SONG AND DANCE,Florrie Davies, Emily Bidder, Minnie Morgan, Victoria Fender, Nellie Edwards, and Polly Phillips^? jjan Thomas, Ethel Thomas, Ada Evans, and Ethel Crabbe.

THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA. MONDAY. I Lord Roberts was at the Vet River on Friday, and engaged yhe enemy, who were in force on the opposite side. in the afternoon General Hutton, with the mounted infantry, bluitully crossed the stream. General tan Hamilton prevented the junction of two Boer forces, having' got in among them with nis cavalry. The enemy suffered severe loss, and fled, leaving their dead and wounded on the field. The Highland Brigade played an important part, having dislodged the Boers on the right flank. General Ian Hamilton, continuing his ad- vantage, has occupied Winburg, where it was expected that the Boers would make a most resolute stand. From the western side of the wide theatre of war there is also good news. A W arren- ton telegram states that shells were bursting in the Transvaal territory on Friday after- noon. This demonstration, it appears, was intended to cover General Barton's attack upon the Boer position at Rooidam, which was fully four miles long. The enemy ap- pear to have made a good stand, but were ultimately defeated. Their trenches were carried, and they fled, leaving dead and wounded behind. Thus is Lord Roberts springing to the Transvaal in exactly the same way as he sprang at Mngersfontein, Paardeberg, and Bloemfontein. When he moves it is with the certainty of fate and the rapidity of a storm. He arrived at the Cape, and an im- patient public demanded signs of his pre- sence and genius. But he waited in silence for five weeks, and then suddenly set a series of movements in action which resulted in the relief of Kimberley, the destruction of the Western Boer Army, the capture of Cronje and his force, and the seizure of Bloemfontein—all practically in the one well-considered and impetuous sweep. Again, there was an apparent rest, and Lord Roberts was rarely heard of except when joining with kindly ease in the amenities of life in the Free State capital, entertaining the Foreign Attaches, exhorting the soldiers to temperance, and listening to the bauds which amused our new fellow-subjects. But all the while there was being formed one of the most wonderful fronts ever thought or by a commander, reaching for more than 150 miles across the northern part of the Free State. We did not know that he had begun to move on Kroonstad—the new capital of the Free Staters still in arms against us- till we were informed that in one stride he has covered half the way between Bloemfon- tein and his new cbjeetive-if this really is his presa/it objective. The Vet River, where we have now a considerable force, is twenty miles to the north of Brandfort, and just midway between the old and new capitals. Already Mr. Kruger speaks of a new capital for the Transvaal, which is to be Lydenburg, away to the north-east of Pretoria. That is doubtless an idle project inspired by his con- sciousness that our Army will inevitably be upon him before long, and that with the swing round of its flanks he must escf.pfi early if he is to escape at all. As for a des- perate resistance in that distant and moun- tainous country, be would simply commit himself to a narrow region, where he would certainly perish. Everything points to the early and sudden collapse of the still retreat- ing Boers. They have surprised us by their tenacity, and they may exhibit the spectacle, rare in the history of warfare, of a defeated and retreating army fighting a great battle. TUESDAY. All the Field-Marshall's plans have worked like clockwork. Smaldeel is held by Lord Roberts, Winburg surrendered on Saturday to General Ian Hamilton. Whether it is that the split between the Transvaalers and Free Staters bas come to a head and the stiff-backed fighters of the northern country are leaving tneir weaker brethren to their fate, or whether Cronje's downfall has set every Boer leader in a state of anxiety lest General French or some other cavalrv leader may appear on his line of retreat, the effect is the same-the burghers now run a great deal earlier in an action than they did in the first phases of the campaign. One of the lessons which the war will be found to have taught is that wonderfully effective and mobile as good mounted infantry are, directly the flank of a position they hold is threatened they have to leavo it at once. An crdinary infantry leader might hold on and take his chance of beating off the enemy under such circumstances a commander of mounted riflemen hai to remember that his horses may be captured, and to avoid any chance of this he retires at once to another position, from which he can be again moved without an assault by being once more out- flanked. Lord Roberts's battle on the Vet River was an example of this. On Monday we knew that on Saturday night Lord Roberts had sent his mounted in- fantry wide to the west, where the country is easy, and that they had crossed the Vet River and turned the enemy's right. Daylight next morning saw the Boers in full retreat, a retreat no doubt hurried by the news that Genera) Ian Hamilton had seized Winburg, to the east. No halt seems to have been made at Smaldeel; but the routed burghers seem j to have scurried back to the line of the Zand River, where Delarey, whom we last heard of at Hoopstad, is rallying the Federals. The Boers are beginning to shed their guns, a sign with them of extraordinary haste, for General Hutton captured a Maxim, and Gen. Ian Hamilton secured another one and a gun. A Cruesot gun, sent down the line from the north, arrived too late to be of any assistance to the enemy, and was taken back to Virginia., the third station north of Smaldeel, or one of the branches of the Zand River. General Botha is said to havo left the Free State, disgusted with the lack of courage shown by his troops. Of the fight for the Vet River we now have details. From Brandfort to the Vet is a dis- tance of nineteen miles, and General Pole- Carew started with Lis division at daybreak to march to the river and arrived at Eensge- ronden, the first station south of the Vet, nt about midday. Here they halted. The West Australians covered the advance, and at one o'clock discovered the enemy in the river bod, being fired on by the burghers at a distance of 300 yards. The artillery were then pushed forward, escorted by General Stephenson's Brigade, and the 84th and 85th Batteries forced the guns in the enemy's main position to unmask. Other pieces of the Boer artil- lery came into action on the British right, and tho 84th Battery was moved away to engage them, leaving our other battery alone to answer to the heavy guns in the enemy's centre. Two naval 12-pounders, two 2.4 and two 5in. guns coming successively into action soon altered the aspect of affairs, two of the enemy's guns being temporarily silenced. Meanwhile, General Hutton, well to the west, with Canadians, Australians, New Zealand- crs, and British mounted infantry, attacked the enemy at the drift by which he intended to cross. The Boers, who were led in this portion of the, field by Lucas Meyer, th" second in command of the Federal tioops, had the advantage in number of machine- guns, but our mounted men were not to be denied, and, driving their antagonists out of the river bed, crossed the river and took up a position which outflanked the enemy s right. General Hutton, during the night, sent two squadrons to blow up the railway near Smaldeel, in the hope that by doing this some of the enemy's rolling stock might fall into our hands, but the last train north- wards had left the junction on Saturday even- ing. From the right wing and the left we have satisfactory news showing that the surge for- ward of the centre of the British army is whirling back the Boers to the east and the west. Fourteen Streams, where for six weeks the Boers have fired across the Vaal at our men near Warrenton, has been evacuated, rnd the British garrison, under Colonel Paget, has crossed the river and joined Sir Archibald Hunter. General Rundle, in the east, has found the very strong position which the burghers held before Thaba'nchu evacuated, and has taken possession of it. From Wepener we have no news; but Gen. Brabant is sure to be snapping at the heels of the rotreating enemy. Like a broad arrow, the British advance now is piercing the northern portion of the Free State. From the Winburg hills our left is extended towards Boshof and Warrenton, while our right runs south-east, north of Thaba'nchu and Wepener. What Lord Roberts's next strategical move will be it is difficult to guess; the temptation of keeping the Boers on the run now they have once started must be very great, but it is probable that, having made a great bound in advance, and thrust the Boers in disorder out of two positions, they believed they could hold in- definitely, the Field-Marshal will bring up his wings and clear the country from Bloem- hof to Harrismith before the irresistible flood of British invasion rolls on again. Should it be necessary to send a. force from the south up to Mafeking, there would be no better starting-place for it than Bloemhof, for the country between the two villages is com- paratively easy. WEDNESDAY. A report that a plot to assassinate Lord Roberts had been discovered created some uneasiness on Tuesday night, but the autho- rities know nothing about it. and the proba- bility is that it is merely the revival of a similar rumour which was current when his lordship was on his way to the Cape. Lord Roberts reports that a reconnaissance reaching right up to the Zand River, on Mou- day, revealed the Boers in considerable force there. With the railway from Brandfort to Smaldeel damaged, it may, therefore, he a day or two before the next important move takes place. The line is being hastily re- paired, but the great bridge over the Vet cannot be so rapidly replaced. Still, notwithstanding the difficulty, the whole of the convoy has been got across the river, a practicable ford having been dis- covered. President Kruger opened the Volksraad in state on Tuesday. He was, he said, pro- foundly struck with the proofs given of the sincerè friendship of the people of the Orange Free State; but he forgets that many of them were so averse to the conflict that they had to be flogged to the fighting line. How- ever, they had shown a good example to the people of the sister Republic," in the opinion of Mr. Kruger, which would imply that the inhabitants of the Transvanl are absolutely ignorant of the fact that the Free Staters have in great numbers given up the contest and accepted our rule. But the Pre- sident surpasses himself when he says, We have proved by our legislation and our deal- ings with Great Britain last year that it was our desire to preserve peace." To issue an ultimatum and commence war was surely an odd way to keep the peace. Apparently he still seems to hope for intervention. There is nothing in this remarkable declara- tion showing an adequate appreciation of the desperate character of the struggle, and it is without one note of inspiration to the fugi- tive burghers. It is also wanting in the in- solent and provocative tone which his Honour was accustomed to adopt towards England. Still the President is in search of peace. That he can attain as easily as he destroyed it, and even some of his friends appear to think that he will surrender once he feels the presence of our army within his own borders. Colonel Baden-Powell's fine spirits and thoughtful humanity are as inexhaustible as bis courage and resource. He sent a cheery leport to Lord Roberts just as the citizens were going to celebrate the 200th day of the siege by horse dinners." His only thought is for others. He says the patience of the be- sieged was a revelation to him. He was the causo of it. He had heard of festivities to celebrate the relief of Mafeking, and he wants the money that would thus be expended to be used for sending the women and children who have gone through the siege to the sea- side. That is human character at its best— at once noble and gentle. Mafeking can hold cut till near the end of May, although suffering considerably. Much will depend upon the horse, so truly the ser- vant of man. In the form of polonies or in military tournaments he ministers to the more pressing and the lighter needs of the besieged residents. Lord Roberts speaks in terms of high praise of Colonel Kekewich, whose despatches re- specting the defence of Kimberley fill twelve columns of the Gazette." The principle by which this unwalled town, spread over a wide area, was defended, was to keep the enemy always on the move and constantly in fear of attack from an unexpected quarter. With the same tact Colonel Kekewich, when he learned the probable date of the arrival of the relief column, made sorties and demon- strations, which detained a large force of the enemy in his immediate neighbourhood, thus enabling Lord Roberts to deal with the Boer force in detail. Upon Mr. Rhodes, the Mayor, and others, Lord Roberts bestows the warmest commen- dation for contributing materially to the successful defence of the place." Colonel Kekewich mentions Mr. Rhodes, among others, as "specially deserving of commendation and official recognition." OUR GRAND SOLDIERS IN SOUTH AFRICA. A REMARKABLE DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH Mr. H. H. S. Pearse, the "Daily Newb" special correspondent, writes from Bloemfon- tein on April 13 a notable descriptive sketch of the grand personnel of our great army in1 South Africa. Our kith and kin (he writes) in Cape Colony, Natal, and Rhodesia, knowing well what Dutch supremacy unbridled would mtan u for them, were not likely to stand aside and watch the struggle without taking a band in it, however much the formation of armed forces was discouraged by the Government of one Colony. There is scarcely a family of British descent in South Africa that has not given father, son, or brother to the Queen's service in this cause. Hundreds of the younger ones are with Roberts's Horse (originally raised as a second regiment of the South African Light Horse), or Kitchener's, or Nesbit's. Among them are some of the best shots in the whole force. Rimingtoii Scouts—distinguished from all other irregu- lar horsemen by the bands of "tiger" skins round their hats in place of puggarees--and French's Scouts are mostly veldt men or farmers whose lives, spent on the Great Karoo or among mountain ranges where game is still plentiful, have trained every faculty that is valuable in warfare against such an enemy as the Boer. They do not live by their rifle, as the old Voertrekkers did, but they live with it as a pretty constant companion, and know how to use it most effectively, ag Rimington's troopers showed even when sur- prised by an ambush at Koorn Spruit Drift To fight beside these South African Colonists and Colonials Australia has sent her herdip^r sons from the Far West, from Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, all good riders, and nearly all skilful marksmen. One detachment is made up almost entirely of the sons of wealthy squatters—men who may some day be owners of a hundred square miles of rich pasturage, are now ready to give their lives for possession of a barren kopje in a foreign land just because they want to see the emblem of British Empire hold un- disputed 3way over South Africa. THEY SPEAK OF ENGLAND AS THEIR HOME. The Union Jack has a wider meaning now for us all than it ever had before. New Zealand responds to the call not less enthu- siastically than her sister colonies, and among the stalwart Mounted Infantry she sends are men with Maori blood in their veins, who speak of England as home, and ask nothing better than to risk their lives for the honour of the flag that has come to them a birthright. To Canada we tak^ off our hats. She has sent us, beside other worthy repre- sentatives, a regiment of infantry that wins admiration from every soldier. For march- ing, or endurance, or fighting, it can chal- lenge comparison with any battalion of Lord Roberts's army, and that is saying a great deal. Our own Imperial Yeomanry are men of similar quality. Farmers, squires, fox- hunters, gentleman jockeys, steeplechase riders, sportsmen all, and accustomed to vigorous exercises all their lives. One of them draws an income that may be reckoned at i-ometbing like £ 25,000 a year. Men who can sacrifice all that this means for the sake of coming out to light England's battles are something better than the drones of society. In our City Imperial Volunteers, too, we have the pick of Metropolitan Corps, and they are keen for an opportunity to show what they are out there for. TOMMY "-AN APOTHEOSIS. And now one word for the British soldier who in this campaign has proved himself to be a worthy descendant of the heroes who fought Albuera, Talavera Vittoria, and Waterloo. In spite of all that has been written concerning the boy soldier In recent years, there is nothing degenerate about him either in physique or fightlllg qualities. People who know "Tommy only as he ap- pears on parade at Aldershot or in Hyde Park would hardly recogmso him here. All the mechfinicnl stiffness has disappeared with the glitter and trappings of martial pagean- try. Weather-stained, a trifle ragged, and clothed in anything but the smartest of uniforms, he swings along with free- dom, erect, yet easy, a soldier and a man." The weaklings have, perhaps, succumbed r nder heaYqSTr £ !n' but of those who remain in the ranks I can con- fidontlv say that finer specimens of well- trained physique are not to be found in aij armv all the world over. They have lost all trace of softness. Their eyes, clear cold, and stern, have in them the light that no timorous enemy would care to see, and every move- ment of muscular limbs bespeaks a power to back up the resolution that sits grimly on his firm-set lips. That is Tommy" aa he marches bearing his burden lightly. "Finest Fellows m the World. But look on him in his moments of relaxation at regi- mental sports or improvised games, and he is a boy once more. In all circumstances his acquired hardness yields readily to one touch of human nature. Children seem to know this instinctively. The other day I saw two gigantic Life Guardsmen striding along the rtreets of Bloemfontein with that set deter- mination on their faces as if they saw a possible enemy in everyou3 they met. A tiny youngster, foar years old, nothing daunted by these stern warriors, ran forward, and put ins little hand into the rough palü: of one of these troopers. In a moment all the barbarian fierceness had gone. The trooper's eyes softened into a smile, and, rich an action as gentle as a woman's, he iirted the child in his arms. A foreign attache, to whom 1 was talking at the time, said "These Tommies of yours are the finest fellows in the woild." And I agreed with him. CRONJL S SURRENDER. THE BOERS WEPT LIKE BOYS. The special correspondent of the Daily News" writes from Springfontein on the attitude of the Boers before and after Cronje's surrender. All along the railway line (he says) the Boers swarmed, and every armed n an seemed strangely confident that the day of British rule in South Africa was over. Cronje will burst through the circle of steel by which he is surrounded like a wounded lion," said one young Boer to me; he will leap through and make his way into country that will suit him. And there he will turn, and God help Roberts when Cronje sweeps down upon him!" Later on, wh-m a prisoner at Burghersdorp, when the news came through that Cronje had surrendered in order to avoid being cut to pieces, the folk would not believe it. They laughed and poked one another in the ribs with the thumb, for they would just as soon have believed that the sun could fall from the heavens and leave the earth in darkness as that Cronje., the iron-willed, tiger-hearted Cronje, could throw down his arms. Had the news come that he had made a mad rush at our guns and perished with all his men around him they might have believed it— believed it and wept, and even as they wept they would have sworn to avenge him. But they would not, they could not, and they did not, believe that he, the man in whom they bad placed their faith, had surrendered with thousands of his men. But at last the truth became known. Some who had escaped from Cronje's laager brought in the fateful news, and then the stolid-looking fighting men broke down. They wept like boys. Great rugged-bearded men dashed their rifles on the ground, and spurned them with their boots, whilst down their sun and wind-tanned faces the tears poured readily. Others took the news sadly, with chins drooping on their chests, with hard, set faces, white witn passionate pain too deep for words; they stood leaning upon their rifles with hands hard gripped until one would think the tightened muscles would leave the impress of the straining fingers upon the cold steel. Others again crowded together and looked dumbly from face to face. like cattle fore- gathered to the shambles. The blow had stunned them. To them Cronje was some- thing more than a man. He was an idol. KITCHENER DEFEATED. An engineer (C. A. McMullan, Johannes- burg and Cork, Ireland) relates the following stories from the front: — While Lord Kitchener was engaged in suppressing the Prieska rebellion he ordered the destruction of a certain farmhouse. Not seeing any signs of his orders being carried out, he rode over with his staff, and found an interesting situa- tion. In the doorway of the doomed farm stood a pretty young Dutch girl. her hands clasping the door-posts, and her eyes flashing fire from beneath her dainty sun-bonnet. The Irish sergeant in charge of the party of destruction was vainly endeavouring to per- suade her to let them pass in, but to all his blandishments of Arrah Darlint; Wisha now, Acuslila," etc., the maiden turned a deaf ear, and a deadlock prevailed. Kit- chener's sharp "What's this?" put a climax to the scene. The girl evidently guessed that this was the dreaded Chief of Staff, and her lips tremblei in rpite of herself. Kitchener gazed sourly at her, standing bravely though tearfullv there, and turned to his military secretary. "Put down," he growled, U that y the commander's orders with reference to the destruction of Rightman's farm could not be carried out owing to unexpected opposition. Forward, gentlemen."—" Evening News."

ASTOUNDING HISTORY OF A MONMOUTHSHIRE BOY, HIS PARENTS TELL THE TALE. At Garnvach, a lofty and exposed part of the Nantyglo and Blaina district, at the top of the Western Valleys of Monmouthshire, a reporter of the South Wales Gazette has investigated a case of extraordinary cuffering endured by a seven-year-old boy. That the life of the child was all but despaired of during five months paintul experience is matter of very common know- ledge in this weather-beaten mining locality, but in order that all the circumstances oi the affair might be verified and made known to the general public, the pressman made a special journey to the child's home for the purpose of prosecuting the fullest enquiries. Mr. Henry George Smith, the father of the boy, lives at 94, King-street, Nantyglo, Mon., and is employed as a shunter at one of the neighbouring collieries. "My boy, Henry Georsro (indicating a rosy-cheeked lad of seven) is the elder of two, Mr. Smith explained. About the beginning of May, 1899, a restlessness was observable in his manner, but being a high-spirited child, tittle notice was taken of this, and certainly no- thing of a. serious character was dreamt of. In July, however, this condition became so pronounced that he was really only quiet when asleep. Frequently his right limbs were useless, and at last both sides were thus affected. The right arm was rendered powerless, and he had to be fed by others. called in medical aid, and were recom- mended to send the child to a hospital, but, loth to part with him, especially as we wece informed he would have to spend (according to different estimates) from 18 months to three years there, this advice was not acted upon. Early in August we took him to Somerset in the hope that a change of a^r might prove beneficial. By this time the right and arm were paralysed, and after the reviving effect of the first few days change of air, paralysis extended to the left side and the arm." "Matters then went from bad to worse. (Jwing to the younger child being taken ill, Henry George had to be removed to other relatives in Somerset. Here, again, there seemed to be a; temporary improvement on the first day, but on the second he was seized with a fit of yawning. Next morning he awoke in pain and completely helpless and speechless. For five weeks he suffered the most excruciating agony, and his cries were heart-rending. He was reduced to a mere skeleton; every bone seemed to protrude. The child's back was bowed. Four or five swellings as large as walnuts appeared at the back of his head, causing great suffering. He was a pitiful sight indeed After my return home, the reports received were not very reassuring. All nope abandoned, we decided to bring him back to Nantyglo, and towards the end of September I went for this purpose to Somerset. I found the sufferer had partly Trained his speech, but otherwise was quite ..elpless; I had to carry him in my armj like the merest infant. Several friends and acquaintances, both here and in Somerset, had persisted in persuading me to try Dr. Williams' pink pills for pale people. I had almost scorned the idea that they could possibly do any good, but reading the account of a cure in a similar case, and giving way to the pressing recommendations, I purchased a box. The ohild was given about half a pill to start, and on the third day there was a perceptible improvement in his appetite, and he seemed to Drighten in spirits. He took five boxes, the dose being increased to three parts of a pill after the first two boxes, until in November, three months after taking the first, he was upon his feet and convalescent, and had regained his faculties. Now he is a healthy, active boy, able to play like any other, and attends school regularly. The change can only be described as marvellous, considering that his case had been given up by no less than five doctors, but Dr. Williams' pink pills cured him, for he took no other medicine during the three months, after the time that I fortunately determined to give them a fair trial." In conclusion, Mr. and Mrs. Smith said that they could not but feel deeply grateful for the restoration of their little son, and m return they felt it their duty to assist in making the facta known, hoping that the case would have the widest publicity.

———— ] CRICKET. SWANSEA v. LAMPETER COLLEGE. The first match of the season was played by i the Swansea Eleven at the St. Helen's Field on Saturday, their opponents being Lampeter 1 College. The weather was fine, and the ground was in good condition. Swansea went in first, and scored 105. The scores were as follow: SWANSEA. E. W. Jones, c Griffiths, b Deighton 52 W. J. Bancroft, st Jones, b Goodridge 21 H. Creber, c Jones, b Goodridge 1 J. A. Davies. c Griffiths, b Goodridge C J. P. Geoghegan, c Jones, b Goodridge 0 H. A. Ellis, b Goodridge c C. Johnson, b Deighton 0 Dr. Reid, b Deighton 16 Dr. Cameron, b Goodridge 3 G. Benfield, not out 0 J. G. Hill, st Jones, b Deighton 6 Extras 0 Total 1C5 < TjAMPETER H. Griffiths, st Bancroft, b Creber 13 A. F. Jones, st Bancroft, b Cameron 1 I; F. Griffiths, b Creber 1 Rev. W. Home, c Jones, b Cameron 6 A. Goodridge, b Creber 4 D. James, c Davies, b Creber 0 Meyrick, st Bancroft, b Creber 0 H. M. Rideway, b Creber 6 H. M. Rideway, b Creber 6 j J. Deighton, b Creber 7 L. Jones, not out 11 W. Jones, b Creber 1 j Extras 4 j Total 49 Creber took 7 wickets for 14, and Dr. Cameron I 3 for 29. I THE WELSH CHAMPIONS. BANQUETTED BY SIR J. T. D. LLEWELYN, BART., M.P. INTERESTING SPEECH BY THE BARONET. Sir J, T. D. Llewelyn, M.P., entertained the Swansea Football Cluo at a banquet at the. Hotel Metropole on Saturday evening. The worthy baronet wished to recognise tne brilliant record of the "All Whices," and he did in lavish style. The manager, Mr. Dixon, provided a most recherche banquet, which was served in the Hotel Metropole's very best style. Sir John Llewelyn presided, and he was supported by Mr. James Livings- ton, Mr. F. C. Perkins (secretary), Mr. C. H. Perkins. Mr. W. T. Farr, Dr. Reid, Mr. W. J. Rees, Mr. D. Davies, Mr. F. T. Trower, Mr. E. P. Jones, Mr. Ernest Davies, etc., and the company included, besides Mr. Bancroft and the members of the hist and second fifteens. Mr. H. G. Solomon, Mr. E. Bishop, Mr. W, Michael, Mr. S. Rice, Mr. H. R. Knill, etc. The President, who was loudly cheered, submitted the usual loyal and patriotic toasts in felicitous terms. In the unavoidable absence of the Mayor, Mr. C. H. Perkins gave Our boys at the front," Dr. Reid responded. He said that in his capacity as a medical examiner he had sent out a good many men to the front—including army men, militia and yeomanry. Some ot them, perhaps, he had seen for the last time, but they were at the front and were doing their work gallantly. (Cheers.) In a gathering of sportsmen like that, he was re- minded that a large number of sportsmen wera at present engaged fighting tor their country. There were cricketers, footballers, and sportsmen of etery description, and they were doing their work as well, if not better than anyone else. Fields of sport were the best places for producing good men. The men that had played in their grand games didn't know funk. (Cheers.) Sportsmen had done a tremendous lot for their nation, and he considered ihat foreign nations felt the want of healthy sport. (Applause.) Thren cheers were here called for Sir John Llewelyn, and they were accorded right heartily, together with cheers for Lady Llewelyn. The presentation of the medals took place, the first team players receiving gold ones, and the second team silver medals. On each medal was the name of the player and a suitable inscription recording the player's connection with the championship season. I "THE CHAMPION TEAM." SPEECH BY SIR JOHN LLEWELYN, M.P. Sir John Llewelyn was again vociferously applauded on rising to submit The Cham- pion Team." He first apologised for the absence of th3 Mayor, who, besides being Ull- well, had important business in London. He then said he desired to welcome them very heartily to that banquet, and to congratulate them upon tho marvellously successful sea- son they had passed through. It was an un- precedented season, ind cne in which they and himself, and other old fogies had a great deal of pleasure. (Laughter.) They had been instrumental in gaining for themselves and the town some little recognition by reason of the remarkable season they had passed through. As president of the South Wales Union, he heard several criticisms from people in other parts of the country upon their marvellous season. They were almost, for all practical purposes, an unbeaten team. Only on one occasion were they unsuccessful, but the victors then had been vanquished on three other occasions, and there had not been a single drawn match, all the games having been fought out to a finish and won. The figures that had been supplied him proved their prowess to a very remarkable degree, and he was pleased to find that the returns relating to the second team were almost as excellent as those relating to the first. (Cheers.) That was full of promise for the future. The first team had played 32 matches, and won 31; scoring 85 goals and 63 tries (quite an unprecedented score in such class), or an aggregate of 586 points. Their oppo- nents had only succeeded in winning one match, and the scores recorded against them were in the aggregate 8 goals, 7 trios, or 57 points only. (Cheers.) The second fifteen had played 21 matches, won 18, lost 1, and drawn 2; scoring 39 goals and 48 tries, or 322 points, against 2 goals 16 tries, or 57 points, and, curiously enough, the first team had the came figu«e of aggregate points against them, viz., 57. (Hear, hear.) He said it very earnestly, that when sometimes second men had been called upon to play for the first team, they had seen class—(cheers)—and he thought he was therefore justified in saying that whatever happened with the first team, there were others ready to come on who would worthily follow them. (Loud cheers.) To carry the argument a little further, he men- tioned the large number of junior teams in the town, and said they had approached him for some little help. His heart went out to them, for it was from their ranks that many in that room had risen. (Heahear.) it was from their ranks they mu^! expect the men of the future, and he felt that tho organisers of those little teams deserved well of those who looked on lrom a distance, and hoped to see them sending men in the future to their ranks. lie heard many Rugby loot- ballers asking what was it that made Swan- sea football so proficient and brought them so well to the front. He referred in particu- lar to criticism he had noticed alter the last Leicester match. It was favourable criti- cism it said there was but one Bancroft in the world—(cheers)—they all knew that— (laughter;—it said that in English teams they had a very great many good forwards, but that the Swansea forwards worked so wonder- fully well together. They put down the many notable victories to the Swansea thiee- quarter line—(cheers;—and emphasised the opiuion that the English teams iiad not yet tumbled on the Welsh combination. And then it went on:—" It is said that tbe weak point is at half-back,if so, what price ours ?" (Laughter and cheers.) The fact was 1h,it the Swansea team had been well put t: aether. and well held together. He had h en de- lighted to see the combination, and to see how well balanced the team was at ? pre- sent time. Their statistics had been onder- fully gvvJ, and it was by universal consent admitted that their back was the fine-; that had ever been seen in Wales. (Cheers.) It was also a remarkable thing to him 1 o see that Bancroft was not merely, by uuivesal consent, the best football back plaviu-. bit that he also held in cricket such a pror> inent place. (Hear, hear). Mr. Livingston, r. C. H. Perkins and himself remembered Ban- croft's grandfather—the grand old cri( kcter Find the father of the team—and he (Sir .'ohn) ivell remembered him lamenting over the de- jencracy of his day, and saying how inferior ive were to those who had gone before. But lie wished he were there that day to see the Dcsition his grandson held. (Cheers.) V. :th- but flattery, he said it was a pleasure to ind Bancroft so proficient in both football and cricket, to see him play when many of t'.sm could not. and to say that they had live:: in the same age as Bancroft. (Applause.) Re- verting to the minor football teams, --he bonourable member asked them not to neglect, but to help them by giving them words of advice when they went amongst them. Those present were now the heroes of Ihose junior players, but they were as the luniors were but a few years ago. (Hear, iiear.) It was always a pleasure to see the rounger race of players filling the places of those who had gone before. Football was a rery grand game indeed, requiring, not merely keenness, but science. The Swansea players had imported that into it. and to that they owed their victories. Good temper. temperance, discipline—which was onlv an- other name for combination—and in the pos- session of these were to be attributed the victories they had so well deserved. Tr?m- ing was an admirable thing. Keep in train- j ing. That was the advice he gave them all. Discipline made the man; indulgence mad- the slave. Be the man. and then they would do good, not only to themselves and the team, but to the town by the prominence into which they brought it as the result of their football su'Ves>C5. The watchword of all truly great •^en bad been discipline, and he submitted it to them. With regard to the summer months he did not want them to play cricket if they could not. There were many splendid games and pastimes for the summer, and in these he ;ncluded swimming, cycling and quoits. (Cheers.) These all required the same principles he had referred to. They all enjoy themselves thoroughly in them, and he could only tell them that class would tell in any pursuit they might take up. One other thing wag that in both cricket and foot- ball there was no such thing as handicapping. (Hear, hear." He exhorted them most earnest- ly to take the most possible care of their health That was well worthy of their atten- tion. Mr. Livingston, Mr. C. H. Perkins and himself might not have been there—because they were getting towards the limit of the'span of their lives—without taking good care of their health. The more reasonable care they took of it, the better they would see their sons taking their places, and better encourage young men to take an active part in their noble games. He only asked them that they should indulge in the pleasures of life in a manner of moderation and reason, and that they would all live for many years to be of advantage to their fellow men and to take a pleasureable part in those noble games to which they, as sportsmen, were so thoroughly devoted. He wished them all happy lives. They had one of the best fields in Wales, and he rejoiced that Mr. Livings- von and himself wer? associated in the early days with it—(hear, hearl-thev almost lived on the field—(laughter)—and he wa.s proud to think their efforts had been crowDed by the acquisition of that magnificent ground. (Cheers.> Ke concluded by wishing them all a pleasant evening, and thanking them for the hearty way thoy drank his health just before. He submitted the toast of The Champion Team." (Cheers.) Mr. F. E. Perkins, replying to the toast. which was received with enthusiasm, thanked Sir John for his kind words. They had had a very successful season, and during the year five of their players had represented Wales in international football-at Gloucester three of the third line were Swansea men. (Cheers.) He attributed one of the greatest factors to their success to the good fellowship and good feeling which existed amongst them. There had been no unpleasantness, and they had stuck together all through. Their record last season was only apnroached by that of Mr. Bowen's year; they had never had such a record before. Again lie thanked Sir John for his kind words, and the encouragement he had given the team. Mr. James Livingston proposed "The Chair- man." He spoke in the highest terms of Sir John's sportsmanlike qualities, and declared that Swansea people ought to be everlasting- ly grateful to him for the efforts which he had made to secure for the Club th& present ground. Summarising his qualities in a sen- tence, he said he was a president without pre- cedent. Sir John n ado an excellent acknQwledge- ment. and The Press" having been pro- posed, and acknowledged by the representa- tives present, an exceedingly harmonious gathering was brought to a close. During the evening Mr. W. F. Hulley's band played an excellent selection of music, and songs were sung by Messrs. D. J. Thomas, R. Hughes, T. Davies, "Eos Tawe," etc. Prior to the banquet the "All Whites." through Mr. Bancroft, presented their trainer. Mr. Harry Ball, with a very hand- some pipe, in case, and pouch, as some acknowledgement of his services. Mr. Ball has now severed his connection with the team. TTTRF.F OTTFERS FOR THE BRAVE ) U- "ALL WHITES." A SALUTATION AT THE CLOSE OF THE SEASON. Three cheers for the brave All Whites," Three cheers and one cheer more; Their manly duty they have done, The honours of the Game they've won, And goals galore. Three cheers for the brave "All Whites," Who always hold their own; Cardiff and Newport are our friends, With whom tough Swansea still contends For Victory's throne. Three cheers for the brave All Whites," Theirs is the upright play Neither too tight nor yet too loose, Free from cheating and abuse; Fair as the day. Davies and Trew still shine Twin stars in the Football sky; Bancroft rules them well; and all Are ever on the bounding ball," Far off or nigh. Gordon and Rees can run, Little Owen is quick; Serines, Parker and Thomas do and dare, As for the rest-well, they're all there; Banks "-can't he kick? Three cheers for the brave All Whites," Who fight for Swansea's fame; To them we owe, on football fields, The honour which true prowess yields, Our Town's good name. Three cheers for the brave All Whites," Who've taught us how to win By loyal love of one's own side, Untainted by conceit or pride Of the crowd's din. Three cheers for the brave All Whites," Who've taught us that, in loss, Although we feel a passing pain, There's something richer far to gain Than fame's mere dross. Three cheers for the brave All Whites," May Football ne'er step down From the high platform where it lies, The pleasure of all hearts and eyes In Swansea town. With soul as well as voice Let the whole field now roar, As when a goal the crowd excites; Three mighty cheers for the grand All Whites," Three cheers and one cheer more.

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ATHLETIC NOTES. [BY ARG0P."I "ARGUS" invites the co-operation of local cricketers to make this column as complete and reliable as possible. He would be glad to receive dates of jixtuies and other information from secretaries of loc ■ clubs, Sc. To ensure insertion, scores of matches and any other particular s must reach "THE CAMBKiAN" Office, not later than Wednesday morning in each week, The date of the matches must in all cases be given. CRICKET PRIZES. A CHANCE FOR BATSMEN AND BOWLERS. With the object of encouraging cricket "Argus" has much pleasure in announcing that two handsome prizes will be awarded fcr the best average batting and bowling per- formances during May. All clubs in Swan- tea and d;strict-with the exception of Swan- sea. Fir-its, Seconds and Third;—are eligible. Results and particulars of Saturday matches | must reach me every Tuesday morning in j each week, and must be signed by the captain and secretary. Three matches during each month must be played. Matches played on any day except Saturday will not count. I would impress upon the secretaries of the clubs to be very careful in taking notes of the ( play of their members, and to be prompt in sending particulars to this office every week. Scores must be counted as from Saturday, May 5th, until May 26th. To ensure against the poss'bility of mistakes, the secretaries ] would oblige by sending me a statement of the month's feats by Tuesday, May 29th, to be also signed by the captains. Two prizes will be offered every month throughout the cricketing season. One batsman and one bowler can win only one prize during the season. At the end of each month photos of the winning batsmar. and bowler will be given in this column, with particulars of play, etc. All communications should be addressed to U Argus," The Cambrian," Wind-street, and marked "Batting and Bowl- 1 ing Competition." j

SWANSEA CRICKET AND FOOTBALL CLLE. ANNUAL MEETING. JE100 VOTED FOR CHARITIES. The annual meeting of the Swansea Cricket und Football Club members was held at the Shaftesbury Hall on Friday evening. Mr. James Livingston presided. There was a fairly good attendance, amongst those pre- sent being: Messrs. C. H. Perkins, W. T. Farr (hon. treasurer), Ernest Davies, Dr. Reid, E. P. Jones, Dr. Cameron, E. W. Jones, W. J. Bancroft, and others Mr W. T. Farr, in submitting the balance- sheet, said that. whereas last season they wound up with an adverse balance of 127 Ss, bd., this year they had a balance on the right side of £ 257 9s. 8d. (Hear, hear.) There had been an increase of members to the extent of 48. making a total of 305, but he considered that this number was i ot large enough for a place like Swansea, and he would like to see 500 names on the member- ship list before long. Regarding the football, Mr. Farr said that, notwithstanding the ex- cellent record of the team during the winter, ihe g ".teB had not been so large as in former years, and he believed that there was a general complaint smong South Wales clubs that the attendances had of late shown a dis- tinct failing off. There had been an increase of £ 50 in the working of the cricket, tennis and hockey sections, but this was due to the ploying of a third eleven and also to the engagement of a second professional last sea- sen. On the, proposition of Mr. H. J. Morris, seconded bv Dr. Reid. the balance-sheet was s unrrimously adopted. Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn, was re-elected presi- dent, and Mr. W. D, Trower was elected a vice-president in place of Mr. Letcher, who has left the tovn. The Chairman proposed, and Mr. E. W. .Tones seconded the election of Dr. Cameron to the captaincy of the First XI. This was carried, and the newly-elected captain made a brief speech, in which he thanked those present for the honour they had done him, and said he hoped the First XI. would endeavour to emulate the deoeds of the First XV.. without, however, losing a match to Llanelly. He proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. A. W. Samuel. Dr. Reid seconded and said he hoped to play cricket again this reason. Mr. Harold Sweet was re-elected captain of the Second XI., but the election of Mr. H. G Solomon b the captaincy ox the Third XI. was postponed. Mr. E. H. Perkins was elected captain of the tennis section, and Mr. W. D. Tower was rppointed captain of the Wednesday team. Mr. W. T. Farr was re-elected to the posi- tion of hon. treasurer, and the committee were re-elected nt bloc. with the exception that Dr. Cameron was substituted for Mr. A. W. Samuel. MISCELLANEOUS. Mr. W. T. Farr proposed, and Mr. C. H. Perkins seconded, that JB100 be devoted to charities, made up as follow: The Mayor's Reservist Fund, £ 25 (making £ 50 in all); Swansea Hospital, £ 25; Deaf and Dumb In- stitution. £ 5 Blind Institution, JS5; Orphan Hoaie, £ 5; Provident Dispensary, JE5; Cwm- donkin Shelter, JB5; Charity Organisation Society, £ 5; Prevention of Cruelty to Children Society, JE5; Lifeboat Fund, £ 5; and J310 toward the Mayor's Fund for the I Welsh Hospital. This was unanimously agreed to. In reply to a question, Mr. Livingston said the club had not lost sight of the suggested gymnasium, but the funds at present would not permit them to go on with the matter. Mr. J. T. Gwyn asked whether the commit- tee could see their way clear to provide quoits at the Cricket Field for the foot- ballers and others to indulge in this popular outdoor game, and eventually Mr. F. Serines proposed, and Mr. J. T. Gwynn seconded, that quoits be provided, and this was carried 7/fln. con. A vote of thanks to the Chairman brought ihe meeting to a close. SWANSEA'S FIXTURE LIST. Swansea's cricketing prospects seem rosy enough. A capital list of fixtures has been arranged, and all the old players, with the exception of Mr. H. T. Thomas, are avail- able. Dr. Cameron, A. W. Samuel, A. Davies, D Thissen. E. W. Jones, A. Ellis. J. R. Geoghegan, W. J. Bancroft and Creber form a. fairly strong eleven. The new professional bowler is W. Bowens, who comes from Wal- thamstow with a leputation which his friends here hope he will keep. The St. Helen's Field is in excellent condition, and we should witness some good cricket during the coming season. The following- is the fixture list:- May 12 Usk Away May 19 Newport. Home May 26 League Eighteen Home June 2 Llanelly J Home June 9 Cardiff Away May 26 League- Eighteen Home June 2 Llanelly J Home June 9 Cardiff Away June 16 Llandovery A.way June 23 Mr. Ebsworth's Eleven Home 0 June 30 Neath Away July 7 Penarth Away July 14 Neath Homo July 21 Llanelly Away July 28 Cardiff Home Aug. 4 Llanelly Home Aug. 11 Llandovery Home Aug. 18 Ponarth Home Aug. 22 Mr. Ebsworth's Eleven Away Aug. 25 Usk Home Sept. 1 Newport Away CRICKET FOR GIRLS. Among several interesting articles in the "r Girls' Realm for this month is one on cricket- for girls by Miss Eth-31 H. Rigby, who has a quiet, confident belief, not only in the efficacy of the game as a pastime for girls, but also in the ability of her sex to play it properly. Miss Rigby's article is chiefly devoted to useful hints to girls in the science of the game, and from it we make the following extracts: If only girls had as much attention be- stowed on their cricket as their more fortu- nate brothers, I am quite convinced that the majority of them would play a really good game. The result of steady play and coach- ing at the nets is proved in such schools as St Leonards, Wycombe Abbey, Roedean, and others, where it is unusual to see a girl holding a crooked bat or buttering the ball. Batting and bowling are on the whole the most interesting features of the game to the ordinary player. It is not easy to bat well certainly, but given good coaching and plenty of practice, an energetic girl will soon master tho various strokes. That which will probably cause her the least trouble is the now fashionable pull to leg. Watch the aver- age lady cricketer who has had no coaching. She almost invariably pulls all the balls to leg. Many beginners in cricket who have played hockey think the bat should be held in much the same manner as the hockey stick. Accordingly the bat is held out at some dis- tance from the body to meet the oncoming ball. Hockey players know how much easier it is to pass the ball across to the left than to right. It is on very much the same principle that the young cricketer pulls the ball pitch- ing on the right or off-side over to the left or leg-side of the wicket. With regard to the impression among boys that girls cannot shy,* Miss Rigby says: — There is a very strong impression in Eng- land that girls cannot shy," and great sur- prise is evinced when a girl is seen to reallv "• shy in a ball from the country. And vet there are, in reality, hundreds of girls to-dav who can throw in a ball, perhaps not as far as their more muscular brothers, but quite as straight, and they certainly have none of t^t. extraordinary dabbing motion usuallv attributed to their sex. I do not think that a girl can learn to throw in a ball over-arm properly i.e., combine an easy, graceful action with accurate aim, after she is 18, but a girl who has been brought up amongst boys arid has shared in their games usually picks it up from them. Shying is not, however, essential to the game. The ball may be re- turned as smartly to the wicket by means of the underhand throw, the chief thing to ac- quire being accuracy of aim.