The Cambrian

LATEST NOVELTIES AT BEN EVANS AND COMPANY'S. SOME BEAUTIFUL GOWNS, HATS, BONNETS, &c. Expectation, however high, is always more than realised at the great house in Temple-street, Castle Bailey-street, Caer-street, and Goat-street, Swansea, made famous by the name of Ben Evans and Co., Ltd. It does not matter in the least what department yon may favour with your patronage (though incidentally one purchase at Ben Evans and Co. is certain to lead on to another, because a perfect gown must be worthily Crowned by a perfect hat, and ao on) a creation of Uen Evans and Co. is always a thing of beauty. Mid the nearest approach to a possible joy for ever, seeing that its long life is ensured by the beat of materials and workmanship, and to the 1aat day of its existence it is of a distinguished quite unapproachable smartness, which sets fearer in the prond position of being beyond «ntioiBm. A.t the present moment the writer's of Ben Evans and Co. in general ■as been specify claimed by Bome uniquely 1 u creations in gowns, hats, bonnets and ttantles. Imagine, for instance, and then grow Enthusiastic in yonr turn—a very beautiful French (?own in satin foulard, white with a black Scrawl, the bolero bodice edged with lace, and Covering a handsome belt of floral chène. It is exceedingly beautiful but then so is another French grey tea gown with hand embroidered collar, and trimmed with stitchings of white silk and cream lace. Perhaps it would be as well to explain that their buyers have only just returned from an important *ieit to the leading ateliers in Paris. They Cave large orders for the latest and best Parisian and Continental novelties, and the People of South Wales and the West of England are now offered these novelties. The magnificent j •how-rcom on the second floor is a veritable ladies' < Paradise just now. The display of novelties is as Unique all it is lovoly, and should on no account be missed. And now we will pass on. There are numbers of lovely muslin jrowns. Here is one of -straw colour, trimmed with white lace insertions. Near at hand is a gown -a fawn silk cot £ le handsomely trimmed with insertions of oriental silk velvet. Then there are Bilk gowns in cream and pale blue, profusely and chastely trimmed with lace insertions, white pique tailor- ttade coats and skirts, a huge assortment of pique anq drill costumes in white, cream and fancy 8tripes, &c. One could easily grow enthusiastic over such works of art, but our female readers Ocnid not possibly do better than go and see them. In the Mantle Department there are numbers Of lovely garments—all of the latest and the best. A few words about the hats and bonnets. They are beautiful in the extreme. Let '118 give a few samples. Here is a French model bat swathed with blue chiffon covered With crocheted horse-hair lace and peone flower*. Another French model hat is Composed of lace brim, edged straw, handsomely trimmed with large white tips and tulle, and handsome buckle. Then we have the Belle of llewYork" and "Lady Roberts" hats-very dainty and very novel. In bonnets the Lady White" is particularly charming—white straw crown with passementerie front trimmed slightly With black and white osprey and sequin wings. The Lady Buller" in crinoline and tnacan over white tulle, trimmed with jet wings aud handsome black and white paradise osprey. The Lady Churchill" is a lovely bonnet of white and tuscan crinoline, the front being entirely composed of pale pink French roses and black and white osprey. Yj In the handsome Show Room devoted to the millinery—it is unquestionably one of the finest thow rooms in the kingdom-is a stand of flowers —hydrangeas, Mareohal Niel roses, gloire de Dijon, lilacs, pansies, ■ palms, strawberries, frapes, cherries, &c. They are beautifally arranged, and they look so fresh and rich. You go up to them and gaze at them with beaming eyes and longing lips. Yon feel strongly tempted to help yourself. And while you stand gazing and admiring you probably learn, what you are loath to believe, that the exquisite lowers, strawberries, grapes, cherries, &c., are —not natural Oh yes, there are many things *t Ben Evans and Co.'s just now that you must •ee to believe. And having seen them you will •orely purchase. And having purchased you Will Iboat assuredly be pleased. In conclusion we ought to make mention that, in anticipating the relief of Mafeking, a window in Castle Bailey-street has been most fcrtietically dressed with badges, war mottoes, Medals, large photos of the leading officers at the ^'ent, and a host of nseful articles in Khaki, the -hole window is beautifully set off with flags and tricolor ribbons.

LOCAL PATENTS.—The following record to Jda.y 12th is supplied by Mr. N. Watts chartered latent agent. 31, Queen-street, Cardiff Gloucester-road Chambers, Newport and 58, ind-stre-t, Swansea.—Applications for patents I~~Frank Bradly Smith, Port Talbot war puzzle, 8,283, 3rd May. William George, Dinas •Appliance for boring- shot holes for blasting in '•ollieriea, &e., No. 8,376, May 5th. Lewis *\<ikias, M>rthyr Ty'lf:1 liaitnber motor inclus- ion valves, No. 8,437, Way Sih —Invention ProvHoi.aUy prosect'd George Philip Houston, Haven, sieam Lo st.

THE FATE OF MAFEKING. WAITING FOR NEWS. The suspense is painful. Yesterday all sorts of rumours were afloat, that MafekiDg had been relieved, that it had fallen, &c. But nothing definite. In some parts of the country great rejoicings took place in consequence of a report that Baden Powell had been relieved. When the good news does come Swansea will bold a general holiday. The Mayor has decreed it.

'/(.r columns are open to the intelligent, discussion of nl qursuunr of 1tI¿ important public IH.Jtu1"e, bat, of course 1t .6 understvoa fhut w" du not necessarily endorse the 1,ieU."¥ of our Correspondents. We cannot insert letters ichich have appeared ilseichere, nor in we undertake to return rejected manuscripts. Alliettersto the Editor must be authenticated with the name and address of the writer, not necessarily for publica- tion, butas 11 guaranteeof good faith, RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, TO THE EDITOR OF "THE CAMBRIAN." SIR,—Time once was when it was ronsidfred irreverent and impious to tamper with Holy Writ where the text was admitted to be faithfully translated. But Unitarians. Theists and others have no compunction whatever in rejecting or receiving any part at will if accordant with their conscience. The confused aspect of the case is, however, their consciences are frequency at variance, so that unity is absolutely destroyed and no court of appeal exists for final decision. The change in attitude towards the received text is labelled as development, advancement and I know not what, whilst the former days of reve- rence are branded at once as snper-titious, and down for pity? Moreover, scientific religion is asked for and is persevered with. What would the Lord have thought of this in His days ? What would His illiterate followers (and thousands more since, and also many in our day) have thought of it? But I have forgotten development, etc.. (?) is the order of our day, and with whose authority I don't know. Unless freedom isdeed is to be converted into a contemptuous licence, or tolera- tion is to be objectionably travestied, Mr. Jones must allow the line has to be drawn somewhere. Again, verbal inspiration is ridiculed; certain Scriptural passages are dislained, whilst funda- mental truths once considered precious are quite reversed, and denied to have any real basis. Evolution takes the place of many Scriptures the Higher Criticism proceeds with its pruning knife, until the reverent student of the Word is appalled, and left with just a fragment here and there, and this it is said has no pre-eminence, and all this by supposed friends (enemies one would say). But is the change for the better? Mr. Jones says it is. We deny that, and believe there are thousands more who scout his hypothesis. But some of the most intellectual converts. Mr. Jones cries, to the latest phase of belief and thinking are on his side. We answer Vox Populi is not necessarily Vox Dei, and cite in proof: once justification by faith had its many and in- fluential opponents, but the numbers and influence were not correct. Thousands oppose their oppo- sition in our day, and rightly too, as one hopes it will continue. The line of demarcation between Mr. Jones with his Unitarian followers, and his orthodox friends who bow with reverence to the entire Word of Truth is exceedingly great, and unless respect for the Scriptures is to become disrespect, and utter denials to take the place of loyalty, it must remain so. however painful. The decision of thousands to-day, without compromise in respect to Mr. Jones' tenets and supposed advancement, is that degeneracy marks it, retrogression really characterises it, and its issues—who can tell — but open rebellion to even the author of the Scriptures? (See 2 Tbess., ii.).—Yours, etc., WM. EVANS.

SUNDAY TRADING AT SWANSEA. TO THE EDITOR OF "THE CAMBRIAN." SIR,—It is exceedingly gratifying to the Christian portion of the community of Swan- sea to know that the Watch Committee have at last taken a step in the right direction in prosecuting petty shopkeepers for keeping their shops open on Sunday for the sale of their goods, and it gave me very great satis- faction, when reading one of your notes in last week's paper, to know that we have at last one newspaper in Swansea which is not afraid to stand by the Watch Comjnittee, and endeavour to do all in its power to assist them in their noble work. I call it noble be- cause it will, if they adhere to their proposi- tions already laid down, be the means of preventing hundreds, nay, thousands, of children, and young people, too, from dese- crating the Lord's Day, which every child in any civilised town ought to be taught to revere. Those Councillors who do not fall in with the views of the Watch Committee, somehow or other, do not (or will not) grasp the situa- tion, and say what will the poor widows do if they are compelled to close their shops? This is only a kind of loop-hole out of the question whereby the bigger shopkeepers may be allowed to keep open their shops, because they will naturally contend that if the poor widows are allowed to open their shops, they, too, must be put on the same level, and be granted the same privileges. The Jaw on Sunday Trading has never been revoked; then I say let the police continue in their work of prosecutions, and bring as much pressure to bear as possible. Then I feel sure that the day will not be far distant when all shops will be closed. No one has mora sympathy for the poor widows than I have, but my con- tention is to serve all alike, and if children and young people must have sweets on Sun- day, they will get them on the Saturday, the same as they do any kind of drapery, etc. One Councillor went so far as to say that High-street was very quiet on a Sunday even- ing. Any stranger to the town could say different to that. What with fried fish and chipped potato-shops, confectioners' shops, etc., opened, and boys and girls chasing each other in and out, it is more of a kind of modern Babylon than a quiet(?) street. Be- sides, look at the attractions in these shops, games of rings, draughts, etc., and yet in the face of this we have a statement that every- thing is conducted properly. I believe the same Councillor stated, too, that no further folice wero required in Greenhill district, shall, however, not make any comment upon that, but morely ask the question whether, in law-abiding neighbourhood, such as Green- hill is supposed to be, six houses could be completely demolished in Well-street without someone doing the work? And wny were there no prosecutions? Simply because the number of police stationed there are quite inadequate to the work of such a large dis- trict. Lint U8 hope, however, that the majority of the Town Council at next Wednesday's meet- ing will uphold the Watch Committee in their action to suppress this ever-growing evil, and say that they will not be governed by a few shopkeepers, who have only their own ends to serve.—I am, yours, etc., A CHURCHMAN. Swansea, May 10, lOOO.

-♦ MONMOUTHSHIRE SUNDAY CLOSING BILL. TO THE EDITOR OF "THE CAMBRIAN." SIR,—The Committee of the Central Asso- ciation wish to express their appreciation of the hearty response to their appeal on behalf of this Bill made early in February. It will be interesting to their friends to know that up to the end of April the Sunday Closing peti- tions to Parliament outnumbered those pre- sented on behalf of any other measure. There were 737 petitions, and of these 556 were in favour of the Monmouthshire Bill. As the Sunday Closing Bill for England includes the county of Monmouth, all the petitions may be counted as in support of Mr. Spicer's Bill. Only nine petitions have been presented against the Monmouthshire Bill, and none whatever against the Sunday Closing through- out England. We wish, however, to draw the attention of your readers to the great need there is for continued and increased exertions on behalf of the Bill, in view of the Committee stage and its passage through the House of Lords. The lamentable speech of the Marquis of Salisbury in that House on the 8th inst. shews that great opposition has still to be over- come, and that it would be unsafe for the friends of Sunday Closing to relax their efforts. The Prime Minister's speech would be more depressing but for the well-known fact that a large number of his supporters, both in Parliament and in the country, do not share his views. In spite of his opposi- tion. there is good ground for hope that the continued influence of all friends of moderate Temperance reform will secure the passing of the Bill this Session. The three Temperance Bill?—the Children s Bill. Mr. Spicer's Bill, and Mr. Roberts' Sunday Closing Amendment Bill for Wales— which have passed the Second Reading this Session, are closely allied. It is very largely on Sundays that children are sent to the public house for liquor, and for this reason the Central Association cannot but take a deep interest in the movement for its sup- pression. This Session these three Bills will probably stand or fall together, and the efforts on behalf of one will help the others. We trust your readers will see the impor- tance of concentrating their efforts on these most moderate, but really useful, measures. Everything depends on what is done during the next few weeks. We make a special appeal to ministers and other church workers to exert their best influence with Members of Parliament for active support. Sunday Closing Petition forms, tracts and leaflets for circulation, and full information on the Sun- day Closing question, may be obtained from I the Secretary of the Central Association (Mr. J. Woodford Causer) at these offices. He will be glad to arrange for speakers at meetings and to help in other ways. On behalf of the Executive Committee, we are, yours faithfully, ROBERT WHITWORTH. T. ALFRED STOWELL, M.A. WILLIAM YOUNG, B.A. Hon. Secretaries of the Central Sunday Closing Association. 14, Brown-street, Manchester, May 14, 1900.

MISS LANGDON'S FANCY DRESS BALL. THE COSTUMES, ETC. Perhaps there is no social function held in Swansea year by year in which more interest is centred than in Miss Langdon's fancy dress ball. For months before it is due to take place, which is generally about the beginning of May, the event is eagerly looked forward to by the young people of Swansea, and each year adds to the popularity, owing to its being invariably most attractive and enjoyable. And the one held on Friday even- ing at the Albert Hall was as great a social and artistic success as any of its predecessors. The hall, which lends itself admirably to the purposes of a dance, was taste- fully decorated by Mr. F. C. Eddershaw with variegated art muslins, Japanese lanterns, fans, etc., whilst here and there along the walls mirrors were placed. In the first part of the evening the floor- which had been put into splendid condition for dancing under the supervision of Mr. Phelps, Swansea Public Hall Company—was occupied by the juveniles. There are few prettier sights than that afforded by a number of children, attired in picturesque costumes of different colours, going through the evolu- tions of a dance, and one could not watch the youngsters on Friday evening gracefully glid- ing in and out of the crowd of dancers, up the hall and down again, keeping step with the music of Mr. W. F. Hulley's orchestral band all the time, without being surprised as well as delighted. The practical value of the work being done at Miss Lang- don's dancing classes was apparent at a glance-in the well set-up bearing, the grace- ful, easy carriage, and the animated appear- anc.) of the juveniles. Some of the costumes were exceedingly well got-up. Miss Marion Daniel looked very nice in the picturesque costume of a young lady of the 14th century. The same may be said of Miss Dorothy Solo- mon, as Little Dame Dresden," whilst Master Gussie Schenk made a very good Turk. The adults carried on the dancing after the juveniles had departed, about 9.30 p.m. The costumes of the older ones were on the whole very handsome, and some were worthy of special mention. A most striking costume was that of Miss M. H. Davies, for it bore the names of all the victories British arms and British pluck have won over our enemy the Boer, and also the names of the command- ing officers. Miss Harris came in a costume principally made up of the Union Jack. Miss Nellie Brader, as "La Gainsborough/* looked charming in a white satin gown, silk shawl, and large black velvet hat with plumes. Miss Gertrude Evans (Cwmdonkin-terrace) came in a khaki costume, with bandolier and helmet complete. Miss Hilda Williams looked very pretty, dressed as a dancing girl of Damascus in cream with gold trimmings. Miss Cissie Hulley was charmingly attired as a Salvation Army lassie, and Miss Dolly Halden made a dainty Pink Domino. Miss Winnie Smith was a great success as Ogden's Cigarettes," as was also Miss Gwen Jones in the costume of a Geisha Girl. The Misses Langdon, both of whom looked carefully after those present, came in mourn- ing-black silk relieved with jet—on account of the recent death of their father-the late Mr. Martin Langdon, who, by the way, was in the service of the G.W.R. for about 48 years, but who had been living in retirement some time before his demise. The following are the names of those pre- sent, and the characters they represented:- LADIES. Miss Owen, Polly put the kettle on." Miss Enid Owen, Tina. Miss Gladys Merry, Dutch Peasant." Miss Gwen Merry, Gipsy Girl." Miss Gladys Averil Davies, Hungarian Girl." Miss Hilda. Williams, Dancing Girl of Damascus." Miss Marion Daniel, Lady XIV. Century." Miss Harries, Union Jack of old Eng- land." Miss May Holmes, Dutch Peasant." Miss Ada Lucas, Harvest." Miss Tila Huleatt, Lady XVII. Century." Miss Blodwen Jones, British Empire.' Miss Elsie Eley, Forget me not/' Miss Gwen Jones, Geisha Girl." Miss Barbara Jones, Buttercup." Miss Fay Jones, Forget me not." Miss Mabel Richardson, Normandy Peasant." Miss Beatrice Matthews. It Queen of Roses." Miss Marjorie Watts, Folly." Miss M. Luris, Violets." Miss May Jones, Zingara." Miss Redgrave, Summer." Miss M. Thornton, Lydia Languish." Miss Millv Rees, French Maid." Miss Duicie Davies, Directoire 1830 Period." Miss Ethel Jones, Dancing Girl." Miss Halden, Pink Domino." Miss G. Halden, Pierrette." Miss Ada Jones, French Maid." Miss M. H. Davies, South African War." Miss Agnes Fowler, "Gipsy Fortune Teller." Miss Dorothy Solomon, Little Dame Durden. Miss Phyllis Williams, Tina." Miss Lydia Davies, Music." Miss Myfanwy Davies, "Red Riding Hood." Miss Daisy Thomas, Spanish Gipsy." Miss Ethel Thomas, H Tina." Miss Nellie Jones, "Violets." Miss Daisy John, Red Riding Hood." Miss Brader, A la Gainsborough." Miss B. Brader, "Flower Girl." Miss G. Brader, It Cherry Ripe." Miss Davidson," The Sea." Miss Addie Elcock, Early English." Miss Sims, Summer." Miss Jones, "Violets." Miss Daisy Rowland, It Summer Flowers." Miss Florence Davies, Girl Graduate." Miss L. Davies, "Dancing Girl." Miss J. P. Hopkins, La Poupee." Miss May Rogers, Forget-me-not." Miss Minna Morgan, Bridesmaid." Miss Ronnie Jones, "Little Bo Peep." Miss Olwen Jones, Cook of Hearts." Miss Sims Red Riding Hood." Miss Lizzie Daniel, Marguerite." Miss A my Lewis, "Poppy." Miss Hilda Kneath, Summer." Miss Millicent Kneath, Spring." Miss Winnie Smith, Ogden's Cigarettes/' Miss Cissie Hulley, Belle of New York." Miss Geen, "Princess Lara." Miss Nora Evans, Dora." Miss G. Evans, Lady in Khaki." Miss Chapman, Milan Butterfly." Miss Daisy Chapman, Queen of Clubs." Miss Morris, Poudre." Miss Ida Lowe, La Gitana." Miss Williams, Winter." Miss Shuriff, Poppy." Miss Gwenda Williams, Daisy." M ss Penrose Thomas, Poudre." GENTLEMEN. Mr. G. Davies, Clown." Mr. E. Davies, "Naval Officer." Mr. C. Harris, Cricket." Mr. H. Harris, Imperial Yeomanry." Mr. Archie Laurence (Birmingham), "Court Jester." Mr. Cyril Thomas, Courtier." Mr. Glyn Thomas, Knave of Hearts." Mr. Bert. Davies, "Tennis." Mr. Willie Davies, Chef." Mr. Stanley Davies, Evening Dress." Mr. Ewart Davies, Evening Dress." Mr. G. B. Brader, Windsor Costume." Mr. Fred. Elcock, Jack Tar." Mr. Horace Sims, Tennis." Mr. Fred. Rowlands, The Royal Page." Mr. H. Rowland, N.S.W. Lancer." Mr. Harry Davies, Courtier." Mr. C. A. W. Schenk, "Turk." Mr. W. W. G. Davies, Evening Dress." Mr. Percy Hulley, "Pembrokeshire Yeo- manry Cavalry." Mr. S. Luris, "Man of War." Mr. Jack Brader, Ace of Clubs." Mr. Aubrey Watkins, Turk." Mr. C. E. Organ, Evening Dress." Mr. H. B. Jones, Summer's Ideal." Mr. E. Naerup, Soldier Jim." Mr. R. S. Walters, Windsor Courtier." Mr. Gordon Langdon" 3rd G.R.V. Cyclist." Mr. J. Owen CNeath), Blue Windsor." Mr. Fred. Williams (Neath), Blue Wind- sor." Mr. T. Randall Lewis, Pierrott." Mr. L. Collwyn. Lewis, Evening Dress." Mr. Sid. Harris, Evening Dress." etc., etc., etc. ===== SWANSEA SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. EXCURSIONS FOR 1900. An excellent series of excursions has been arranged by the Swansea Scientific Society for 1900. On Saturday. June 2nd, a botanical excur- sion to Penllergaer Gardens and Woods, will take place, by kind permission of Sir J. T. D. Llewellyn, M.P. Sir John and the Rev. R. Jackett will act as guides. A brake will leave the Royal Institution at 1.45 p.m. Those who intend joining in the excursion should communi- cate as early as possible with Mr. TerriH, St. George's-terrace. On Saturday June 16th, there will be an ex- cursion to Penwvllt, guide, Mr. Cantrill, of the Geological Survey Department; Wednesday, June 20th, to the new works now being carried on at the Swansea Docks, guide, Mr. A. O. Schenk. Excursions have also been arran?t*d to Gower, Bridgend, and Southerdown, with Mr. Tiddeman, F.G.S., as guide, and to the Cray Water Works, with Mr. R. Wyrill as guide.

MISS MAUDE MARSHALLSAY'S CONCERT. On Wednesday evening, at the Albert Hall, Swansea, a errand concert, under the patronage of Miss St. Lpger Grenfell, was held for the benefit of Miss Maude Marshallsay, a Johannes- burg refugee. There was a fairly large and fashionable audienoe, and the programme, which contained several choice morceawx, was much enjoyed. A trio. Novellette" (Gade), by the Misses Fricker, Moss and Muckle, was cleverly executed. Miss Marshallsay sang "Orpheus with his lute" with considerable expression and effect. Then followed a violin solo, Mazouka (Zaryehi), by Miss Florence Moss. Miss May Muckle won enthusiastic applause for a violon- cello solo, (a) Au bord du Ruisseau," (b) La Korrigane." With the lifting of her bow phe shewed herself a performer of rare ability. Miss Muckle has sfarcely crossed the borderland that separates girlhood from womanhood; hut she already stands possessed of a strong and moving tone, a commanding technique, and, above all, the full feeling and understanding that mark the born artiste. Miss Muckle, in the second half of the programme, chose to be heard in (a) "Serenade" (Sherbert, (b) "Spinnelied" (Popper), when she again delighted the audience. Miss Moss also won high encomiums for an enquisitely executed violin solo. Miss Marshallsay's rendition of "Daddy has gone to the war" (music by Miss Florence Fricker, was good. Miss Fricker, A.R.A.M. A.R.C.M., was the pianist, and she shewed her strength in aU the items she assisted at. The trio by Gade is a task not lightly to be undertaken, but Miss Fricker commands her key- board with such authority that the task had no terror for her. In (plain tones she manipulated the piano with delightful accuracy and address. Mr. W. H. Jones gave a few recitations in fine style, and Maskelyne and Cooke's animated war photographs concluded a very successful concert.

THE TRADE OF THE PORT AND DISTRICT. SPECIAL REPORT BY OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. SWANSEA, THURSDAY. The coal trade of the port during the week was unusually dull, and as the exports in the corres- ponding week of last year were the largest on record there is a heavy loss. The exports, how- ever, show an increase. The arrivals of tonnage were little more than half those of last year. Tho"e in ballast amount to 18,319 tons, as against 31,864 tons the previous week, and 32,408 tons last year. The imports inolnde- from France, general; Hamburg, grain Belgium, general Holland, general; Spain, iron ore; Cape of Good Hope, copper ore and regulus New York, general. The coal shipments include-France, 12,361 tons Sweden, 1,530 tons Holland, 2,510 tone Germany, 2,780 tons. Patent fuel-France, 6,900 tons Russia, 2,400 tons Turkey, 3,000 tons. The general export trade was most satisfactory^ the clearances of tinplate and general goods amounting to 9,440 tons. This includes-- France, 1,580 tons Italy, 1,300 tone Holland and Belgium, 2,050 tons Germany, 500 tons Straits, China and Japan, 3,000 cona and New York, 1,000 tons. The shipments of tin and black platpsat this port last month, compared with April last year was—Russia, 5,130 tons, as against 913 tons Norway, nil—45 tons Denmark, 339 tons-90å tons Germany, 1,651 tons—2,173 tona Holland. 3,228 tons—1,610 tons Belgium, 692 tons—732 tons France, 2,197 tons-1.179 tons Portugal 250 tons—861 tons Italy, 849 tons—678 tons • Austria, 226 tons—279 tons Greece, 2 tons~ nil; Straits, China and Japan, 750 tons-nil Siam, 32 tons—nil; United States, 2,531 tons— 2.680 tons total, 17,877 tons, compared with 12.058 tons an increase of 51819 tons. IMPORTS—COASTWISE.—Pig-iron, 2,733 tone scrap steel. 475 tons blende ore, 205 tons tinplates, 169 tons steel rails, 75 tons pitch, 400 tons gas coal, 380 tons gypsum, 80 tons building material, 614 tons grain, 1,160 tons potatoes, 214 tons sundries, 1,256 tons. IMPORTS FOREIGN.—France, general, 443 toDR; Hamburg, wheat, 755 tone Belgium, general, 503 tone Holland, general, 80 tons Bilbao, iron ore, 1,920 tons Port Nolloth, copper ore, 1,356 tons regulus. 1,888 tons New York. general, 120 tons. IMPORTS, 14,850 tons and exports foreign 44.311 tens compared with 10,822 tons and 75.885 tons respectively last year. EXPORTS FOREIGN.—Coal, 22,571 tons. patent fuel. 12,300 tons and tinplates and general goods, 9,440 tons.

BOARD OF TRADE INQUIRY AT SWANSEA. [Continued from Page 6.] On Wednesday Alderman HowelWatkins, J.P., and Mr. J. R. Leaver, J.P., assisted by Captain Dyer, R.N., Captain Cousens, and Captain Parsell, nautical assessors, resumed at the Guildhall, Swansea, an inquiry as to the loss of the ketch Three Sisters, of Cardigan, which was run down off Mumbles Head on July 5th last year. Mr. Talfourd Striek represented the Board of Trade, and Mr. Griffith Jones (barrister) appeared for the master (Mr. John Thomas) and the relatives of the two men who lost their lives in her. Mr. Vanderpump was for the master and the chief officers of the 8.8. Tweed, of Glasgow, the colliding steamer. John Brighton, chief engineer of the Tweed, produced the log. showing the orders he received from the bridge just before and after the collision. Murdo Morrison, able seaman on board the Tweed, corroboratel1 pre- vious evidenoe to the effect that the ketch must have broached up in the wind, notwithstanding that Rhe was only going two knots an hour against.. strong tide, and thus came across the Tweed's bows. This was all the evidence for the Board of Trade, and then Mr. Strick submitted the questions of the Board of Trade. Mr. Vanderpump then called evidence on be half of the Tweed Mr. Alexander D. Wilson managing director of the Phoenix. Asbestos Manu- facturing Company, of Glasgow, who was a pas- senger at the time on board the Tweed, spoke to the fog, to the Tweed going dead slow in con- sequence, to not hearing foghorns from any other vessel, the sighting of the ketch as she was cross- ing the Tweed's bows, and only a ship's length off, and so close that though everything was done it was impossible to avoid her. Just then he saw the man lit the helm of the ketch let go the tiller The Three Sisters,he said.really stiuck the Tweed, which was jlc.ing- full speed astern, the blow beinv; a very gentle sort of rub. Every effort was after- wards made to save life, and nothing more could have been done to avoid the collision. Mr. Nicholas Smellie, another passenger, gave similar evidence, after which counsel addressed the court, which then adjourned till yesterday.

IMPORTANT PROPERTY SALES AT SWANSEA. THE MANOR OF PAVILAND SOLD TO MR. GRAHAM VIVIAN. Mr. Ernest Leeder conducted two successful sales of property in the commodious banquetting hall at the Hotel Metropole on Wednesday after- noon. There was a very large attendance, including amongst others :—Sir Algernon Lyons, Messrs. B. Evans (Blackpill), Philip Richard (Cockett), Samuel Thomas (colliery proprietor, Loughor), J. Rosser (colliery proprietor), Upton Strick, J. Thomas (Surveyor), R. W. Beor, C. B. Jenkins, T. D. Williams (solicitor, Llanelly), Griff. Mergan, Samuel Thomas (colliery proprie- tor, Morriston), Holland (Cwm Ivy, Gower), J. Gordon (Paviland, Gower), W. Beynon (Burry Green), Chas. Bevan (Overton), Ge< rge Richards (Middleton), George Rees ('"King's Head," Llangennith), Philip Rees (Llaugennith), John Hughes (Porteynon), T. Davies (Pilton), David Hughes (Ship Inn, Porteynon), E. W. Bowen (Bibby and Sons, LiverpooJ), J. Davies (Hardingsdown), Elias Thomas (Morriston), George Beynon (Middleton), Francis Clement (Monksland), — Lewis (tinplate manufacturer, Gorseinon), Dr. Nelson Jones (Swansea), — Pritcba-rd (metal merchant, Swansea), John Thomas (Gorseinon), Evan Thomas (Loughor), Nurthmore Jones (Llanelly), S. N. Powell (auctioneer, Llanelly), and Richard Jeukins (Swansea). The Auctioneer first submitted the Manor or Lordship of Paviland, comprising the free- hold farm known as "Paviland" with farm- house, outbuildings, and about 364 acres of sound arable and pasture land." In a few remarks Mr. Leeder said the farm, which was situated in the Parish of Rhossily, had been brought into a splendid state of cultivation by the present tenant, Mr. Gordon. The place was noted for game, in fact the sporting-rights were well worth Is. per acre. He admitted that it was 17 miles from Swansea; but he would point out that a provisional order bad been obtained for a light railway to Gower, and soon or later it would be constructed. Bidding started at .63,000, and steadily rose to £5,000, at which figure the property was knocked down to Mr. Graham Vivian. The Auctioneer next offeied up together a free- hold farm, known as "Pilewell" (otherwise "Heath-Hill,") situate at Rhossily and six freehold fields known as" Daniel's Hill." Both the farm and the fields were sold to Mr. Samuel Thomas, Loughor, for £1,200. PROPERTY AT LOUGHOR. Mr. Leeder then submitted for sale various properties situate at Loughor. The King's Bridge Inn" (rack rental JE70 per annum) and two freehold buildings were sold to Mr. Lewis, Gorseinon, for .£500 and £250 respectively. Two freehold thatched cottages, with gardens and premises, were knocked down to Mr. Roberts (tenant) for £80; a freehold cottage to Mrs. H. Howell (Cross Keys) for £112 10s. the Red Lion Inn," a field, and three plots of building ground, to Mr. John Thomas (Gorseinon) for £900; Fernal Uchaf Farm to Mr. Pritchard (Swansea) at JE550. A number of freehold fields, plots of ground for building, cottages, &c., were sold, record prices being realised. The buyers were Dr. Nelson Jones (Swansea), Mr. Samuel Thomas (Loughor), Mrs. Parry Davies (Loughor), Mr. Philip Davies (Nortbgate Hotel, Llanelly), Mr. Evan Thomas (Loughor), Mr. Wm. Phillips, Mr. Northmore Jones (Llanelly), Mr. Wm. Harris (Loughor), Mr. D. Rees and Mr. Arnold. FORTHCOMING SALES. It will be seen by advertisement that Mr. Arthur S. T. Lucas, auctioneer, &c., of Rutland- street, will offer for sale by public auction, at the Marine Hotel, Mumbles, on Monday, May 21st, the leasehold dwelling-house, No. I, Rock-terrace, Church Park; and also leasehold properties at the Hotel Metropole on Wednesday, June 6th. Oar advertising columns also contain particu- lars of a sale of ironmongery to be conducted by Mr. David Roberts, Heathfield-street, at No. 1, Wind-street, Swansea, on May 22, 23 and 24.

THE HERO OF MAFEKING. Self-reliance is the ability to act on your own hook—to be able to see what is the right line to take according to circumstances, to use your own intelligence, and act on it." "Discretion, according to some people, is readiness to back out of a job if you see there is any danger in it." "I don't mean that, I mean by discretion, sufficient cool-headednees to see how, by using your pluck and self-reliance, you oan go into the danger and get through it all right." These are two definations of character given by Colonel Baden-Powell, in his little book on Scouting," which was immediately translated into German for the use of the German Army. The proof-sheets of it were revised by the Colonel while he was actually besieged in Mafeking, and, in addition to its great value as a millitary hand- book, it stands as a record of his own character —for the hero of Mafeking is essentially himself a scout, possessing all the necessary qualities, and himself exactly fitting the romantic idea, which the name of "Scout "carries with it—a man of exceptional courage and resource. That is just what Colonel Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell is; and he is more besides— a first- class sportsman and polo-player, a first-rate shot, an admirable actor and einger and writer, and an artist of great power. And with all this he is, what all raally great men are, modest and kind- hearted. Such is B.P. the man whose name is in the mouths of all of us as a. household word. What wonder, then, that in a recent message sent out from the besieged town, held by him and his gallant companions so bravely and so long, one of the war correspondents should use language such as this We have learned," he says, "that Pretoria is pressing Snyman to try and take Mafeking and then get south to help the Free Staters. They want him to explain the cause of the delay. He has been for four months 2.000 yards from the town with a large force. Why has he not taken it? Snvman can't say; the thing must be Providence. We know why old Snyman hasn't done it. It is because he can't. No doubt it is Providence; but we don't forget Baden- Powell." "B.P." comes honestly by his wonderful qualities. There is a dash of Nelson's blood in his veins, and two of his immediate progenitors —his father and his maternal grandfather— handed on to him the mind of a thinker, and the heart of a fighting-man. heart of a fighting-man. The father of Vol. Baden Powell was, from 1827 to 1860. the year of his death, Savilian Professor of Geometry at Oxford. He matricu- lated from Oriel College in that University in the spring of 1814, and graduated B.A. in 1817, with first-class honours in mathematics. In 1820 he was ordained to the curacy of Midhurst, and in 1821 obtained the vicarage of Plumstead, in Kent. On becoming Professor, as mentioned above in 1827, he resigned his living, and devoted his time to literary and scientific work. He was twice married. His first wife was Charlotte Pope (who died in 1844), by whom he had three daughters and a son, Baden Hy. Powell, Judge oi the Chief City of Lahore, and a writer on Indian Law and Land Tenure. His second wife—who is still living—was Henrietta Grace Smyth, daughter of Admiral Wm. Hy. Smythe, by whom he had five sons and one daughter.

LLANDILO [BY Ova OWN CORRESPONDENT. PETTY SESSIONS. rBefore Messrs. H. Peel and L. N. Powell.] John Jones, of Tirydail, Ammanford, labourer, was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Llandebie, on the 13th. Defendant did not appear, and was fined 6s„ and 9s. costs. Benjamin Thomas, of Cwmy-vyrldil, Talley, was summoned by Arthur Edward Cruse, one of Her Majesty's Officers of Inland Revenue, for keeping a carriage without a licence. A nominal fine of 18. was imposed. W. R. Jones, of Myriddian House, Sarah Jane j Williams, of Angel Hotel, and J. W. Jones, of Gwilly House, were fined 10s. each for allowing j their dogs to be unmuzzled. James Thomas, High-street, Ammanford, car- penter, was fined 16s. 6d. for being drunk and disorderly at Llandebie on the 5th inst. Lewis Llovd, of Llandebie Village, labourer, was fined lis. 6d., including costs, for being drunk in tho Red Lion, Llandebie. Thomas Morris, of Nantglas, Llandebie, collier, was fined 11s. 6d., including costs, for the Ratae offence at the Golden Grove Arms, Llan. debie. The following articles have been received by the Llandilo Ladies' Committe for collecting com- forts for soldiers in South Africa :—168 pairs of socks, 153 mufflers, 108 helmets, 75 shirts, 61 cholera belts, 30 pairs of drawers, 26 tam o' shanters,ll Carriiean jackets, 17 pairs of mittens, 330' pocket handkerchiefs, 5 pairs of boots, 7 vests, 2 waistcoats, 3 pair of slippers, 2 chest protectors, 25 pair of boot laces, 2 dozen studs, 16 towels, 18 pillows, 44 d'oyleys. 1 box of cliooolate, tobacco, cigarettes, pipes, writing paper, envelopes, indelible pencils, magazines. The-e have been devided among the 5 Llandilo volunteers, the Welsh Regiment, the South Wales Borderers, the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, the Iinpeml Yeanamy, and the Welsh Hospital. The depot is now closed, but anything further will be gladly received by any of the kdics of the co tn mitt ee, of which the hon. secretary i, Mrs. A. Lewis Thomas, Caegias.

[ WESLEYAN SYNOD AT | SWANSEA. During the present week the Syrnd of th Wesleyan Churches in the Cardiff and Swansea District has held its annual services in the Wesley Schoolroom, Swansea. The gatherings have been large and interesting, and many mat. ters of importance have been considered and arranged. On Tuesday the session wis pastoral, and mat- ters peculiar to ministerial character, discipline and work, were attended to. The Chairman of the District, the Rev. William Maltby, presided, and the Rev. Gilbert Menedus was elected secretary. The Revs. Wm. Harrowclough and Joseph H. Blanch had died in the district during the year, and obituary notices of them were read. Many testimonies were borne to their excellencies, both as Christian men and Ministers of the Gospel. The Rev. William Hunter, who has done excel lent service in the foreign field and at home, was granted permission to become a supernumerary Much sympathy is felt for Mr. Hunter in the bereavment he has suffered through the African War, his son having been killed in battle. The usual Conversation on the Word of God was earneft and heart-searching. The nu merical returns, the report of which preceded the Conversation," were, on the whole, encouraging. The results of the examination of the Proba- tioners were deemed satisfactory, two of the brethren, the Revs. T. Miller, and the Rev. John D. Lamb, B.A., being placed in the honours list. Among the ministers appointed to attend the conference to be held at Burslem in July were the the Rev. T. F. Rawlins's, of Swansea, and the Rev. S. H. Phillips, of Mumbles. On Wednesday many of the leading laymen of the district joined the ministers, as stewards and representatives from the several circuits. The at- tendance was very large, and a great deal of im" portant business was transacted. In the course of a prolonged conversation on Home Missions, and matters relating thereto, it was decided to secure the services of the Gospel cars," which are doing such splendid work in different parts of the country. Two efficient Evangelists will he in charge of this car," and they will move from plaoe to place in the district, holding services, conducting missions, and selling Gospel literature. This movement is being heartily and substantially encouraged by Mr. John Cory, of Cardiff. As to the "Twentieth Centary Fund," a suggestion was made and seemed to meet with the approval of the meeting, that there should be a week's self-denial in its interest. The scheme is so vast, and its objects so worthy that it needs and merits the utmost effort to make it a trium- phant success. There is increasing proof that many are making constant endeavour in the spirit of self-sacrifice to further the interests of this attempt to extend the kingdom of God. The election of gentlemen to be members o. the Representative Session of the Conference excited, as usual, keen, though kindly competi- tion. Mr. C. W. Slater, of Swansea, was elected by a very large vote, the other members chosen being Messrs. C. A. Willis, Newport, C. W. Lawrence, Pembroke, H. Wallis, Cardiff C. Foster, Abergavenny; and Alderman Sanders, Cardiff. At 1.15 p.m. ministers and laymen took luncheon at the Mount Pleasant School-room, kindly lent for the occasion. The Rev. T. F. Rawlings presided. In acknowledging a vote of thanks to himself and the deacons of his church for the use of the room, the Rev. Jas. Owen expressed his pleasure at being present with his Methodist brethren, and rejoiced that with unfaltering fidelity and growing love they in common held Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. The Representative Session further unanimously passed resolutions in favour of the Bill for preventing the sale of liquor to children, the Monmouth Sunday-Closing Billland Lord Peel's report. The pastoral session was resumed on Thursday morning, when three candidates for the ministry were examined and recommended to the Confer. ence. The examinations was ably conducted by the Rev. T. F. Rawlings, the Chairman having requested him to take charge of it. Before the close, hearty and sincere thanks were tendered the several hosts who had so kindly entertained the ministers, also to the Chairman and other officials apon whom special responsi- bilities had rested. The public services held in connection with the Synod have been greatly appreciated and fraught with much blessing, the Rev. Owen Watkins being especially thanked for his excellent sermon at We&tey on Tuesday evening. Mr. Watkins will, we are glad to hear, be in Swansea again on the 24th of June, for the Sunday School Anniver- sary at the Wesley Chapel.

MUMBLES. OYSTERMOUTH CRICKET CLUB. We Tnotice that the members of the above- named organisation have taken advantage of the last few fine days, to turn out and practice at the nets. Evidently they mean to be prepared for the work that is before them this season. The club is still in the Swansea and District League, and we understand a bold bid is to be made to secure the championship shield. The prospects of the club this year are pretty rosy, taking all things into consideration. The Oyster- mouth ground is beautifully situated, and, with plenty of rolling, Ac., could easily be made one of best (if not the best) in the district-of course, the St. Helen's Field excepted. Then again, the. club is fortunate in possessing capable officers. The captain—Mr. R. E. Gold-is one who has the in- terests of the club much at heart; and, in ad- dition to being an excellent all-round cricketer and a good sportsman, he is very popular amongst the members. The vice-captain is Mr. J. L. Clough, a capable batsman, who was captain last year. Messrs. J. L. Bowen and J. Venables Crisp are joint sees., whilst the hon. treasurer is Capt. Allen. The selection committee consists of the following gentlemen, in adition to the officers mentioned above the Revs. A. Borrows and T. O. Phillips (curates of Oystermouth), Messrs. Baldwin, A. E. Ellis, J. Grove, S. M. Hawken, H. Morris and Gus. Nettell. We believe that with one exception, all the old members are available this year. d The one excep- tion is Mr. G. LI. Hay, who acted, as secretary to the club from its commencement (thret. years ago) up to about February this year, when he left the village for Swansea. The departure of Mr. Hay mean a great loss to the oluh, for not only was he a most indefatigable secretary, but also the most successful bowler they had. We trust that a good bowler will be found to take Mr. Hay's place, and that the club will take a more prominent position this year than they have in past years. The following fixture list has been arranged :— Date. Opponents. Place. June 2 ..Swansea. 3rd XI Home 9.St. Jude's* Away 16 .Clydaoh* Away 23.SwanseaPost Office Away 30.Gowerton* Away July 7.Swansea 3rd XI* Away 14.Neath Y.M.C.A Home 21.. Penllergaer Home 28.. Clydaoh* Home Aug. 4 Gowerton* Home 11. Vacant 18.Pontardulais Home 25.St.Jude's* .Home Sept. I.Swansea Post Office Home 8..Pontardulais Away 15.Neath Y.M.C.A.Away Denotes League matohes.

AMMANFORD. CHURCH PARADE. On Sunday last the Llandilo oorps of the 1st V.B. Welsh Regiment journeyed to Ammanford by special train, leaving Llandilo at 9.45 a.m. Many civilians accompanied them, and on reach- ing Tirydail there were hundreds at the station. The service was held on the ground in front of the church, and was conducted by the Rev. J. Jones, and by the chaplain, the Rev. E. Thompson-Jenkyns, who delivered an eloquent sermon on an appropriate test. After the ineet- ing, the volunteers paraded tthe streets of Ammanford, and afterwards returned to the church scoolroom, where they were supplied with sandwiches and !:1iAc>ral waters. The were after- wards marched to the station, and returned to Llandilo with the above train at 1.30 p.m.

J SALES BY AUCTION. 1 Mr. Ironmongery, at Swansea, May 22, 23 &, 24 ¡ Mr. ARTHUR S. T. LUCAS. Leasehold Dwelling-bouse, at Mumbles. May 21 Freehold and Leasehold Properties, at Swansea June 6 Mr, D. MORGAN. Household Furniture, &c., at Llandovery May 23 Messrs. FRANK LLOYD, NUTTALL <St Co. Horses, &c., at Crewe May 23, 24*25

LOCAL FIXTURES OF FORTHCOMING EVENTS, FRIDAY, May 18. "The Private Secretary" at the Grand Theatre, and to-morrow evening. SUNDAY and MONDAY, May 20 and 21. Anniversary Services in connection with Mount Pleasant Chapel. Anniversary Services in connection with Rbydd- ings Cal. Meth. Chapel. THunsDAY, May 24. Display of Fireworks at Mumbles Pier on the occasion of the Queen's Birthday. TUESDAY, May 29. Anniversary services in connection with Countess =of Huntingdon's Church at the IAlbert Hall. Sermon by Dr. Talmage. THURSDAY, May 31. Neath and District Horse Show and Parade, at the Corporation Field, Neatb. May 30 to June 4. Bath and West and Southern Counties Society's Show at Bath.

LOCAL NEWS. SWANSEA. RHYDDING'S CALVINTSTIC METHODIST CHAPEL.—Anniversary servioes will be held in connection with this place of worship 011 Sunday and Monday next. The pulpit will be occupied by the Rev. Peter Griffiths. MEMORIAL BAPIST CHAPEL. — Yesterday (Tbursday( evening the Rev. J. Woolcock, D.D., delivered an extremely interesting lecture on Thinking," in aid of Mr. James Davies' candi- dature for admission into the Manchester Baptist College. COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS' ASSOCIAION. — The Swansea Division of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Commercial Travellers' Associa- tion held their first meeting at their new head- quarters, Hotel Metropole, Wind-street, Swansea on Saturday. They were welcomed by the ma- nager, Mr. Dixon, and an enjoyable evening was spent. QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY AT THE MUMBLES.— The Queen's birthday (May 24) will be celebrated at Mumbles in fine style. With characteristic enterprise the British Electric Traction Company have arranged for a grand display of fireworks, and the snlendid band of the Third G.R.V. will play on the pier. A special service of trains will be run. Given fine weather there should be a huge crowd at Mumbles on May 24th. WEDDING AT SWANSEA.—A very pretty wedding took place yesterday (Thursday) at the Walter-road Congregational Chapel, the contract- ing parties being Mr. Richard Dorrell, commer- cial traveller, Walter-terrace, Swansea, and Miss G. L. Rees, daughter of the late Mr. Daniel Rees, chemist, Higrh-street, Swansea. The officiating minister was the Rev. E. Jenkins, pastor of the church. The [presents wero numerous and costly. ACCIDENT ON THE MUMBLES-ROAD.—A pair of spirited horses attached to a brougham be- longing to Mr. Dd. Glasbrook, were frightened by the MumbJes train (yesterday) Thursday after- noon, near Blackpill. The coachman and the occupants of the carriage—a little girl and her governness-were thrown out, and sustained somewhat serious injuries. The horses were not stopped till they reached the Slip. TERRACE-ROAD (C. M.) CHAPEL.—The half. yearly meetings in connection with this place of worship were held on Sunday, the officiating minister being the Rev. D. M. Rees, Tredegar, who preached stirring addresses in the morning, afternoon and evening. Special hymns were rendered by the choir. MOUNT PLEASANT BAPTIST CHAPEL. — ANNIVERSARY SERVICES.—At these services on Sunday and Monday next, May 20th and 21st, the preacher will be the Rev. John Thomas, M.A., Liverpool. Collections will be made in aid of the Debt Fund. The present debt, including the balance of mortgage on Madoc-street Chapel of £400, and of the loan from the Baptist Building Fund, in behalf of Gorse Lane Chapel of £120, amounts to JE573 7e. Id. An earnest appeal will be made on Sunday and Monday for liberal con- contributions. It is the intention of several friends to give the same amount this year as last, when JE174 6s. 9d. was collected; and it hoped that many will be disposed and able to increase their gifts. The Rev. John Thomas, of Liverpool, is a most powerful and eloquent preacher, and where- ever he appears large crowds flock to hear him. When be was at Mount Pleasant Chapel last year hundreds were unable to obtain admission. Those desirous to secure seats on Sunday and Monday next should go very early. BATH AND WEST AND SOUTHERN COUNTIES SOCIETY.—The Bath meeting of this old estab- lished Society will be held from Wednesday, May 30th, to Whit-Monday, June 4th, inclusive, and it will be a most extensive one, the horses, cattle, sheep, pigs and other live stock and farm pro- ducts, totalling up to over 2,000 entries. The exhibits of implements, machinery, carriages, &c., will be some thousands in number, and in sub- stantially erected gallerias there will be exhibi- tions of pictures and collections illustrating art- manufactures, &c. There will be a working dairy on an elaborate scale, where explanatory demonstrations and butter-making contests will be held daily. Among other attractions will be a poultry show, a flower show, shoeing and milking competitions, and daily musical performances by the splendid bands of the Coldstream Guards and the Royal Marine Artillery. There will be daily parades of the horses, cattle, ,&c., in the large ring, over looking: which a grand stand has been erected. A special feature in the programme will be a series of competitions for harness horses, pairs, tandems, and singles, to be driven and judged each afternoon in the large ring. Special efforts are being made by the Society and the Local Committee, to render the exhibition note- worthy in the long series of annual meetings which the Society has held, no less a sum than .£3.500 being offered in prizes. Further particulars will be found in our advertising columns. THE NATIONAL BAZAAR.—The Princess Alexis Dolyorouke would be glad to hear from anyone who would send donations of flowers or plants to her Flower Market on the 24th, 25th and 26th inst., at the Great National Bazaar, which is to be held in Kensington to celebrate Her Majesty's birthday. Some part of the proceeds are to come to this fund. The Princess takes this opportunity of thanking the Duchess of Sutherland, the Marchionesses of Northampton and Camden, the Marquises of Normanby and of Abergavenny, the Countesses of Ilchester, of Dundonald, of Wilton, of Caledon, and of Listowel, the Ladies Brougham and Vaux, Lady Eden, Mr. Alfred de Rothschild, and Mrs. Joseph Chamberlain for their kind promises of flowers also Messrs. Gerard, Green. Piper, Brooks, the Floral Depot, and Ambrose et Cic. of 87. Mount-street, Grosvenor-square, the latter having kindly undertaken to do the whole of the decoration of the interior of the market; Letters or post-cards on the subject should be addressed to the Primcefs. or to Miss Serena. hon. secretary of the Flower Market, at 47, Brook- street, Grosvenor-square, London, saying which day any flowers are kindly being sent. Mr. George S. Aspinall, hon. secretary of the Entertainments Committee has written a patriotic song, and Messrs. Houghton are publishing it free. giving 5,000 copies, and as many more as may be required, until the closing of the bazaar. Lady Faudel Phillips is president of the refreshment room, and will gratefully receive anything intended for this important department.

— LLANDEBIE. LLANDEBIE U.D. SCHOOL BOARD. The ordinary meeting of the above Board was held on the 8th May. The following members were present:—Mr. W. N. Jones (in the chair), Rev. R. GwynDe Lawrence, Messrs. W. Phillips, Thomas Evans (Garnfawr), William Stephens, Thomas Evans (Thornhill), Capt. Thomas, and Mr. 0. J. Jones. MAESYBONT SCHOOL.—It was resolved that a tender of caretaker be accepted, subject to a surety of £250. It was decided to advertise for assistants for Saron and Cefneithin Schools, with a salary commencing at £75, and increasing at the rate of £210s. annually, until the maximum of £90 is reached. Tile School Board rate of lid. in the £ was ordered to be levied. It was resolved tnat Margaret Jones be allowed to leave Ammnnford School foithwith ather request, and that a successor be advertised for. It was decided to take legal proceed ngs ae^inst certain parties for the non-attendance of their children at the Ammanford Schools.

Most certainly Experts and Analysts should be believed when they say that WHEAT- LEY'S HOP BITTERS is the best Temper- auce Drink. To be hud of "Wine Merchants, Bottlers, Grocers, etc., everywhere.

I NEATH NOTES BY WATCHMAN. —— "THIRDLY." I must be excused tor again referring to what I now find is by common consent regarded as the blunder of the Neath bcnool Board, in the mattes of oo-opt ng a member to succeed the Rev. lather King whose departure from the town watt in some q.narte:» so much deplored. This is Only "thirdly, "and as there are ministers of the gospel concerned, bey will have no fault to find with such divisions. My readers will remember the story of the tou^h old English Puritan, whose sermons were of blach pr -digious length that it was by nu means unusual to hear him interject "SeventeentLiy for we oiu?t hasten." We are only at ■"uiirdiy. BENOMINATIONALISM. A shrewd and intelligent observer of current eventR points au" that the g -hool B^ar l. in thf "ten it ha" taken, has exhibited one of the worst featnr"s of thf denominationalism some withirf the School Board and some who are without 60 stronsrlv condemn. If Father Kin>r wa'" elected by thp Roman Citholi^s and the members of the Constitutional Club, that surelv dofs not a"ive them the right to the watchful pare of tie School Board to secure them (regardless of the rate- payers) a con'inuance of representation. The religionists nRmea, who combined stl('I'e8!1fuIlT to effect a certain purpose, have no claim what- ever to have their representation so carefully cnarded. The matter should have been left to be adjusted (if adjustment was deemed necessary) when the time of election by the ratepayers came round. THE COPING STONE. And to crown all I am informed that many devout Ca'holic- regret that their new priest should have been put in what" they reyaH a,8 an undesirable po-ition. further, that Father Oogbe, himself, would have been "lad to have been spared the nnblic attention which bis been directed to him. Like many another, hf nrobably feels that membership of a School' Board will not help him in b's work aa Catholic P'iest in a country town. and I am told thnt he has 1,pen said to have d.clarod that he would preferred to have been left to pnrsne the even tenour of his way. In the CTPnt of Father O^srhe eventually not nceptine the post to which be has been 00- opted. it will be most interesting to watch the actions aid works of the School Boari. Perhaps the members will then strain their optics to dis- cover an eligible Catholic layman. Or thoy mijrbfr look to the other branch of the allies—the Constitutional Club. A STARTLER. Notwithstanding the farot of the secret of my identity being kept to myself-a sewt ceases to be a secret if it is confided to even one other—Tmust confess to havine been a little taken aback when there was banded in at mv door a handbill, the contents of which set forth that I (Watchman), who had suddenly disappeared from Neath some ycara aaD." bad b..e'1 "discovered" by The Ca mbrian. It certainly bad not entered into my mind (havinp- no prospect of ever being: a candi- date for the Neath Town Council), that I should come b..fore the public through the medium of a handbill. It only shows what may possibly lie in store for others who are quite as honest and in- dustrious asmvself. I am pladthat The Cambrian- contented itself in savinsr that it had discovered me. No disclosure is made in recard to the costly expedition which was fitted out for the pnrpose of discovering: me. and of the other equally costly expeditions which were started to hunt for the first one and for #>ac'b other. No it is the prand result, the much desired consummation only which i", stated with such deliehtful frankness. An unassailable proof that I have been dis- covered is in the fact that I communicate weekly with my friendly, and in some ca^es unfriendly, readers, bv means of these notes. May we AU round learn to respect each other. THE WARNING BELL. There will be lively times at Neath the day or the night Head Constable Kilpstrick's Bell—(a capital B, if you please, Mr. Printer, because the Bell is a big one)—is set ringing. The old town will shiver with the shock and the clangour; and the inhabitants will rush to and fro in hot baste, and if an alarm comes during the hour of slumber, many prosperous citizens will be seen in the public streets with a deficiency of garments. A rare humourist is Head Constable Kilpatrick ? I oan imagine how he now gloats over the prospect of having- the townsfolk of Neath fairly scared for once. POETRY AND PROSE. I am told that, leaving out the poetry and the humour, the object for which the bell has been fixed outside the Borough Police Station is to alarm the distant police and civilian helpers in case of fire. Returning to poetry, I am as- sured that it is the intention of the Head of the Police Department to add to the notes of triumph when the news of the relief of Mafeking is re- ceived, the strokes of his bell, which it is ev- pected will drown all other sounds. I ought to have said that Head Constable Kilpatrick intends to lead off, and not to add to the demonstrations of others; and as he is certain to do it most efficiently, all others who had intended to rend the skies with vocal and metallic jubilations, mÍirht spare themselves the effort. The bell referred to will mlike quite enough noise for a town of the Bize of Neath, and wa ought not to rou-e the envy of Swansea, and Cardiff. NEATH AND DISTRICT HORSE SHOW AND PAE.ADE.—This event will take place on the Corporation Field, Neath, on Thursday, May 31st- Valuable prizes are offered, and there are classes for driving, riding, trotting, &c. Entries close May 26th. Full particulars may be- obtained of the bon. secretary, Mr. Ellson Allen. LETTER FROM A NEATH MAN AT THE FRONT. TOBACCO LIKE GOLD DUST. Private Edward Jones, son of Police-Sergt. Jones, of the Neath Borough Police, and tb. caretaker of the Neatb County School, who is one of the Reservists of the Welsh Regiment, writes from Springfield Camp, ne&r Bloemfontein, to his parents at Neath. After expressing his delight at having received letters and news- papers from bome, he proceeds, We are now in General Pole-Care w'e Division. He addressed the Regiment on parade yescerdav, and said he was proud to have the 41st. Regiment under him. as he knew of their gallant work at Rietfontein Modder River and elsewhere, while the Regiment was with General Kelly-Kenny. Hetuldusto be ready for the road, as he expected to get into action again within a few days. This is a grand country; great plains, but plenty of plains, which run into each other in a queer way. It is & difficult country to act on the offensive in, but very easy to defend, owing to the character of the country. I can hardly believe that this is my old regiment. I know very few of them.. Traces of their hard work are on their clothes and kit. They had to get new trousers h-re. We are about 850 strong. Rees, of the Falcons son was inquiring for me at Norval's Pont, but I did not see him. There is a great number of soldiers here ot all branches, more than I ever saw before. Weare out in the open. No tents one blanket and waterproof sheet. As it rains so heavily folks at home may guess what we have to put up with on outpoBt duty. Patrols day and night. Hard work in oamp too, cutting down trees for firewood, and carrying water, and doing much People at home make a great mis- take if they think we are having high times out here. It is difficult to get paper to write on I bought a lot at Cape Town, but the rain destroyed it all. Good news has just come in that some kind soul at home has sent each of us an ounce of tobacoo. It is a grand smoke. It is very hard to get tobacco out here. I cannot spend any money out here cannot even buy a laatch. There are a lot of Neath boys here. The next battle will probably be a big one, and very likely the last, as the Boers say they do not want Pretoria smashed Up. If I get into action, I think I shall give a good account of myself, as my shooting is as good as ever. It is very trying to write out here on the veldt, amongst swarms of flies, ants, and other insects, all contending for the plump Welshman of the regiment. All these insects are going strong. My kind regards to the Rev. Ebene&er Jones, the Police, and all my friends. Will you kindly send me a bit of tobacco in a tin ? tobacco is like gold dust here. I have not had my clothes off sinne I left the ship. I have 160 rounds of ammunition to carrv and in addition to thi., I now have a fine beard to carry as well. THE CAMBRIAN is sold BV »V TT TMUU G°d H^mm^kStaA1, Post Office, Samuel Denms' and Mrs Hopkins'

"Maud is a timid girl;" "Yes, she'd jump even at a proposal." Curate (imparting religious instruction): ;,ow' laith is believing what somebody elie teJls^you to be true. For instance, I am go- ing to have a leg of mutton ior dinner to-day. Do you beheve me Chorus cf boys Yes, sir." Curate: Well, that is is.iih." A fp-v weeks after, the Diocesan Inspector came, and alighted upon the very question. • Who can tell me what faith means? With eager purpose one small boy held forth Lis hand. Well," said the Inspector, what is faith?" Eager small boy: A leg of mutton, sir."

L- of some seven thousand is still reported on -the South-East. If Buller could have nego- tiated the Drakensberg mountains, this force knight have been caught or dispersed. It looks more or less easy on paper, but the Drakensberg range is a natural fortress which hundreds can hold against thousands. The Biggarsberg passes have happily been taken. They are less formidable, and being situated, not on the frontier of our territory, but well Within Northern Natal, their capture could -only indirectly assist an advance through the Drakensberg into the Orange State. No doubt, however, Buller is making for the "Transvaal, and is co-operating now, though a long way off, with Roberts. In that case, some of the hardest fighting of the war lies before him, unless the Boer forces which he might expect to meet are largely depleted by the call to defend Pretoria. Proceeding north, he may ere long pass Majuba Hill. It is a iittlo difficult to realise that the historic disaster involved the fate of only about half battalion; and had a fourth of Buller's pre- eent force been then employed, the war of 1881 would probably have been the last be- tween whites in South Africa. The aspect which the campaign has come to assume affords justification for the removal of restraint in the discussion of the question of settlement. Lord Salisbury had already informed the world that the independence of the Republics must cease. Except as to this general principle, the first official intimation of the Cabinet's decision was made by Mr. •Chamberlain on Friday, to an audience which, needless to say. greeted it with enthusiasm. Heading it, Messrs. Kruger and Steyn will find themselves bereft of whatever hope may have lingered as to a weakening of the "never again" policy. The territories to whiclfc autonomy was granted under political condi- tions that have been violated, must and «hall be fully incorporated in her Majesty s dominions." Those dofinito, uncompromising words have been delayed, as some think, un- duly. We do not think so. While the etruggle was obstinate and bitter, good sense demanded a certain reticence as to the future. however assured the result. The collapse of the organised Boer resistance in the field is now seen to be a matter of weeks, and though possibly Pretoria itself may be held for some time, the end becomes not merely assured, hut obvious. The Queen's troop may invest Pretoria, occupy Johannesburg, control the railway to Delagoa Bay, and commence the work of rehabitation of the large and loyal population that will no longer be known as Outlanders. For an indefinite time, the Colonial Secretary announces—and the in- evitable hardly needs the formal intimation —the administration of each of the "States must be that of a Crown Colony. Probably 88 many as fifty thousand troops will be main- tained in South Africa for five years, and possibly twenty thousand for a further de- eade The problem of the war must bring another in its train, but whereas the solution of the one means suffering and death, the answer to the other will be found in the fuller and nobler life which is the glad heri- tage of every people absorbed into the Empire.