The Cambrian

SWANSEA. COUNTY COUNCIL, SUNDAY TRADING. MANAGEMENT OF MARKET. A meeting of the Swansea County Council was held at the Guildhaii on Wednesday. Present: The Mayor IMr. W. Watkins,), Aldermen J. Aeron Thomas, John Griffiths, W. P. Wearue, Gwilym Morgan, J. M. Mayne, W. Evans, f. Bradford and D. Harris. Councillors M. Tutton. K. Martin. Griffith Davies, John Harvey, M. Hopkin. R. Fender, W. H. Mill, W. H. Spring. W*. Williams, J. Skidmore, John Tucker, Dr. O'Sullivan, Braham Freedman, Capt. Sinclair. W. Pike. W. Williams (Wern), Thomas Freeman, Roger Thomas. Hon. Uclo Vivian, Dr. Rai- lings, F. Merrels. D. Williams, J. H. Lee, W. Abraham, E. G. Protlieroe, D. Matthews, Town Clerk iMr. John Thomas), Surveyor {Mr. Bell). Deputy-Clerk (Mr. H. Jevons). A communication was read in connection with a conference at Dublin, on Saturday, of the Municipal Corporations' Association, and the Mayor, ex-Mayor and Town Clerk were elected to represent Swansea. A letter was read from the Secretary of the Swansea Hospital, asking for the use of Vic- toria Park on June 5th, for the annual fete and gala. The principle of acceding to the application was adopted, hut the question was referred to committee. A letter was read from Mr. J. W. Causton, Secretary of the Swansea Free Church Coun- cil, thanking the Corporation for its action in regard to Sunday trading, and expressing the hope that every effort would be taken to prevent unnecessary trading on the Sabbath. Other similar letters were read. THE LATE MR. MASON. The Mayor moved a vote of condolence with the family of the late Mr. A. Mason, J.P. He said Mr. Mason served Swansea faithfully and long. He was an experienced, capable and zealous man of business, and in all public questions was thoroughly independent and conscientious. Mr. T. Freeman seconded, and concurred with the tribute paid the late Mr. Mason by the Worshipful Mayor. THE CORONERSHIP. A deputation, appointed by a public meet- ing at Cwrubwrla, attended with a resoiu- tion urging the Corporation to appoint a bi- linguist as Coroner. The hey. D. B. Bicnards (Brynhyfryd) acted as spokesman, A resolution from Morriston was also read urging the appointment of a bi-linguist. Mr. W. Williams (Wern) said a similar re- solution was passed at Laadore on Monday evfjiing. Communications were read from the Swan- sea Medical Society and the Incorporated Law Society, the one advocating the appoint- ment of Dr. Rawlings and the other of a legal man. The General Purposes Committee recom- mended the acceptance of the resignation of Mr. Edward Strick as borough Coroner. It also recommended that Mr. John Viner i Leeder be appointed Coroner. The Town Clerk reported the resignation of Alderman Leeder of his seat on the Council. A long discussion arose on the mode of procedure to be adopted in appointing a new 'coroner. Eventually it was decided to pro- ceed de novo with the election of a candidate by 22 votes to 11. Dr. Rawlings then with- drew from the Council, and the Town Clerk announced that the candidates were Drs. Rawlings and John Evans, Messrs. Viner Leeder, T. N. T. Strick, and J. Moy Evans. On the first ballot 12 voted for Mr. Leeder, 9 for Dr. Rawlings, 7 for Dr. Evans, 4 for Mr. Moy Evans, and 2 for Mr. Strick. The two lowest dropped out, and on the second bal- lot 13 voted for Dr. Evans and Mr. Leeder, and 9 for Dr. Rawlings. The last-named fell out. and on the final ballot Mr. Viner Leeder was elected by 19 to 15. BWAXSEA AND DISTRICT LIGHT RAILWAYS. Mr. R. Martin moved that the Corporation apply for an order for the construction of the above. There could be no possible advantage in allowing the Traction Company to carry out tne extensions. It would certainly render the Corporation's position more difficult and disadvantageous. Captain Sinclair seconded. Alderman Aeron Thomas asked to be allowed to see the draft order. He hcartiiy agreed with Mr. Martin that they acquire the tramways as early as possible, but he wished to point out that the Traction Com- pany had agreed to allow the Corporation to purchase the new extensions at the time that they purchased the present extensions. He did not think it politic to embark upon a. costly scheme when there was a better course open to them. He suggested that the draft order should be sent to all the mem- bers. so that they might thoroughly examine it. The Hon. Odo Vivian said that before they allowed all their streets to be given over to tramways they should carefully and serious- ly consider the matter. There might be some hidden point in the order; he believed there was. Still, he advocated further de- lay and consideration, and he would much like to see the Corporation on more amicable terms with the Traction Company. Alderman G. Morgan said many of them felt sore over the rejection of the Triple Scheme, and they were loath to see the town lose what was unquestionably a very good proposal. He had every confidence in the sub-committee. Mr. Tutton said Swansea was not essential- ly a carriage-riding community, and it was of the first importance that they should possess a complete system of tramways. The Corporation should control that system as much as possible. They were bound to be in a better position to come to terms with the Traction Company if they obtained the order sought for. Mr. Martin said Alderman Aeron Thomas was under a misconception as to the offer made by the Traction Company. The resolution was carried almost nem con. PROPERTY COMMITTEE. The Property and General Purposes Com- mittee reported —Wednesday, 9th May.—The Mayor, the Chairman, and the Town Clerk were authorised and empowered to endeavour to settle the action Percy v. Corporation— Advertising on Market—and in the event of their being unable to do so. to pay into Court, with a denial of liability, such sum as thev may bo advised. — The Committee inspected the repairs and alterations to the central portion of the Market, and they recommend that the contractors be instructed to paint the the glass in the roof of the main area in the same way as the glass in the central portion. An estimate of the cost of this work jEo5 16s. 4d.—was submitted to the Property and General Purposes Committer and accep- ted.—The Borough Surveyor was instructed to report as to the provision of new gates at the Orange-street entrance.—Resolved that the salary of the Mayor be increased by £152 10s. —The specir.l committe-e appointed to con- sider the provision of music in the parks and on public occasions reported that they had made arrangements for the performance of music by the bands of the 1st G.V.A. and 3rd G.R.V. respectively, on alternate Thursdays, provided such occasions do not interfere wi'h their regimental duties, and this Committor > Dpproves of the arrangement.—Your commit- tee recommend tho acceptance of the resigna- tion of Mr. Edward Strick as Borough Coroner.—Your committee recommend that Mr. John Viner Leeder bo appointed Coroner I for the Borough. Mr. Tutton moved the adoption of the minutes of this committee. Referring to the resignation of Mr. Edward Strick as Coroner, Mr. Tutton said Mr. Strick's ser- vices had been such that they gave every satisfaction to the general public. He had t been faithful, zealous and able in the dis- charge of his public duties. Alderman Howel Watkins seconded. The Mayor moved that the Council, in accepting the resignation of Mr. Edward Strick. desired to place on record its high appreciation of the admirable manner in which he had performed the duties of the onice, and wished him every happiness on his retirement. Mr. Tutton seconded, and Dr. Rawlings supported. The resolution was carried unanimously, and the minutes of the General Purposes Committee were confirmed. WATCH COMMITTEE. The Watch Committee reported:—Tuesday, 1st May.—Letters were read from the Swan- sea Free Church Council and Mr. Charles Maggs relative to Sunday Trading.—Resolved that it be an instruction to the Chief Con- stable to stay proceedings under the Sunday Observance Act until the Town Council have considered the question. Dr. Rawlings moved the confirmation of the minutes of this committee. Alderman G. Morgan seconded, and the minutes were confirmed subject to one amend- ment. FINANCE COMMITTEE. The Finance Committee reported :—Friday, 11th May.—Upon the certificate of the Electric Engineers, the sum of £750 was ordered to be paid to the coutractor, Mr. D. Jenkins, for work executed under Contract No. 1, making the total aniomt certified to this date £5,020. —The Town Clerk reported that the Local Government Board had issued an Order con- ferring on the Council power to appoint and revoke the appointment of Assistant Over- seers. Mr. R. Martin moved the adoption of the minutes of this committee. Mr. Tutton seconded, and it was carried. WORKS AXD SANITARY COMMITTEE. The Works and Sanitary Committee repor- ted:—Tuesday. 17th April. — The Surveyor was directed to report as to the provision of office accommodation for the Health Depart- ment.—The Committee were informed that Mr. Thomas Evans, of Treboeth, claimed as his property certain land which was conveyed to the Corporation for the purposes of the Cwmgelly Cemetery; and the Town Clerk was authorised and instructed to take all neces- sary stops to assert the ownership of the Cor- poration to the land in question. — Tuesday, 24th April.—A block plan of the site of the proposed offices in Adelaide-street and Somer- set-place was submitted by the Harbour Trustees, for the purpose of settling the amount of open space which would be re- quired in connection with the new buildings; and your committe approve of the recommen- dation of the Surveyor, that the minimum amount of open space shall be 2,175 sguare feet, and that an area should be provided ex- tending from the back of the main building of the Somerset Hotel for a length of 43 feet with a width of at least ten feet.—Resolved that a sub-committee, consisting of the Mayor. the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, and Coun- cillors W. H. Mill. M. O'Sullivan and Roger Thomas, be appointed to consider and report as to the adoption of this Authority of Part 3 of the Housing of the Working Classes Act. 1890. relative to the provision of lodging houses for the working classes.—A deputation from the Incorporated Butchers and Cattle Dealers' Association attended, and requested that the person appointed to the office of Meat and Veterinary Inspector should devote the whole of his time to the duties of the office. r Alderman Mayne moved, and Mr. J. H. Lee seconded the adoption of the minutes of this committee, and it was carried. STREETS COMMITTEE. The Streets Committee reported.—Tuesday, 24th April.—An otter was received from Mr. Alfred J. Evans to pay £10 per annum for the exclusive right of employing men to search the refuse tips of the Corporation, and to e- move any substances therefrom, but your committee do not recommend the acceptance of the offer.—Tuesday, 8th May. — Resolved that a sub-committee, consisting of the Mayor, the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, and Councillors J. Harvey, J. H. Lee and W, H. Mill. be appointed to inspect certaiu rew f streets on the Brynmill and Rhyddiags Estates referred to in the report oi the Borough Surveyor. Col. Pike moved the confirmation of the minutes of this committee. Mr. Roger Thomas seconded, and it was carried. WATER AND SEWERS COMMITTEE. The Water and Sewers Committee reported: -Monday. 7th May.—The plans for the pro- posed outlet sewer at Brynmill were again considered, and the following members were appointed a sub-committee to enquire into and report upon the septic process for the treatment of sewage, and for such purpose to visit certain towns where the septic system ia in operation: i.e., the Mayor, the Chair- man, Aldermen J. M. Mayne and H. Wat. kins, and Councillors R. Martin, M. Tutton and the Hon. Odo R. Vivian.—Tuesday, 8th May.—The Engineers' report on the progress of the Cray Reservoir works was read and, upon the certificates, signed by the Engineer and the Resident Engineer, the sum of £1.852 15s. 8d. was ordered to be paid to the contractors on account of work executed; and a further sum of JB18 Is. 5d. as interest on the retention money. The total amount certified to this date in respect of the con- tract. is £19,279 153. 7d.—The sum of £45 was ordered to be paid to Messrs. G. H. Hill and Son on account of commision. making the total amount paid to them £542, calculated on the value of work done to the 22nd February (£21.682),- Your committee recommend that the wages of the following employees be in- creased:—Mr. W. Argent, out-door foreman, from 31s. 6d. to 36s. per week; Mr. H. J. Lewis, clerk, from jE65 to j375 per annum; Mr. H. McGuinnes3, junior clerk, from 10s. to 12s. per week. This Minute is subject to adop- tion by the Property and General Purposes Committee before it is submitted to the Coun- cil for confirmation. Mr. Freeman moved the adoption of the minutes of this committee. The Mayor seconded, and it was carried. COLLECTION OF MARKET TOLLS. Mr. Tutton, whilst moving the adoption of the minutes of the Property Committee, referred to the statement of Mr. Morgan Hopkin at the last meeting with regard to a receipt given to a stallholder, which he alleged only accounted for 2s. 3id., whilst the woman actually paid 2s. 9 £ d. Councillor Tutton was proceeding to speak on the matter, when Mr. Morgan Hopkin rose to a point of order. There was absolutely no reference to the collection of tolls in the agenda, and he would move that the matter be not dis- cussed until he had an opportunity of bringing the lady who preferred the charge. Mr. Tutton stated that was the fault of the agenda. There was a resolution arrived at at the Committee meeting. After some discussion, heated and other- wise, The Mayor proposed to take the voice of the members on the point of order, whether they wished to clear the character of one of their servants. It was a most serious thing to charge a man with defrauding (" Oh,' and No. no."). He hoped that Mr. Hopkin would withdraw the charge. Mr. T. Freeman thought that with such a serious charge, it would not be wise to en- deavour to settle the question that day, without the accuser bringing his evidence." Alderman Aeron Thomas said there was a great deal too much heat in the discussion. Alderman Gwilym Morgan thought it would be far better if the Property Commit- tee discussed the whole matter. Mr. Tutton remarked, during some further discussion, that the whole inquiry might have been over in half the time. Mr. Morgan Hopkin: That is a matter of I opinion. Mr. Tutton: I hope my opinion is a little more valuable than yours. (" Order.") Mr. Tutton went on to say that the woman paid 1 28. 3 £ d. for her own stall and 6d. as an out- side hawker. Mr. Morgan Hopkin: Did she get a re- ceipt? Mr. Tutton: Certainly she did. Mr. Hopkin: Where is the book to show it? Mr. Tutton, amid some confusion, was about to produce the books from Mr. War- mington. Mr. Hopkin: We don't want books sent round this table, sir. Mr. Tutton: That's the book (produced). and the woman has a receipt for every penny she paid. The subject then dropped. SUNDAY TRADING. In moving the adoption of the Watch Com- mittee's minutes. Dr. J. A. Rawling3 re- ferred to the notice of motion that ex-Aid. Viner Leeder—he was sorry to call him that —had intended to move on the subject, and thought it desirable that the Council should decide whether the precautions should go on or not. Alderman Gwilym Morgan moved, aa an amendment, that the Chief Constable should be instructed to continue the prosecutions for the following twelve months. The Mayor seconded. j Alderman William Evans, in supporting, said that there were many small places of re- freshment opened on Sunday to where young people were enticed. He fully agreed with the proposer of the resolution as to the neces- sity tor preserving the Day of Rest. Mr. Morgan Hopkin was inclined to agree with the principle of the amendment, but pointed out that many of the shops were carried on by foreigners—Italians in parti- cular—and yet the amendment would not touch them, as they protected themselves under a refreshment licence. He wanted the Council to be logical, and go for the lot. Alderman Morgan: We must make a be- ginning; they come under an Act of Parlia- ment. Mr. Hopkin: Then begin and alter it. The Mayor was desirous of having the question brought immediately to the vote. He did not think the Council should want much forcing to pass an amendment of that sort. They professed to be a Christian country, and they should uphold the prin- ciples of Christianity. They ought to keep one day holy, and he contended that it was quite unnecessary to have the shops open on Sunday. Mr. Merrells wished the members to understand that, as he was not going to sup- port the amendment, yet he was fully con- vinced of the necessity of a day of rest. But let it be by a uniform law. The law at pre- sent was not going to prevent Sunday trading totally; it was not going to enable them to make the seventh day a day of complete rest. They proposed putting into operation an antediluvian law which was only powerful enough to prosecute those who were unable to defend themselves and could not suppress the large traders. If they wished to obtain a complete day of rest they should endeavour to get a proper Act of Parliament passed. Mr. Tutton said that Mr. Merrell's arguments were simply, If you cannot do all that is desirable, don't do anything at all." (Cries of 'No.") Alderman Howel Watkins concurred, and went on to say that it had been urged that there was a certain amount of tyranny about the action of the Watch Committee, but he was convinced the tyrannising was all on the other side, for there were large numbers of small shopkeepers who kept open on Sundays in a kind of self-defence, whereas they would much prefer closing, but could not afford the small sacrifice it meant out of their poverty. In passing the resolution the Council would be protecting the weak. He was sorry the working men did not seem to avail themselves of the opportunity now afforded them of defending the Sabbath day as they should do, as he saw that already a large number of workingmen had to work on Sundays, and the time might come when the workers who were not in a position to stay at home would be called upon to go to work, whether they liked it or not. It had been said that it was an old law of Charles I.; it was far older than that. for did they not read: "Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work. for the Seventh is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God, and in it thou shalt do no manner of work." (Hear. hear.) Dr. Rawlings replied to the discussion, and read a letter he had received from the Vicar of Swansea, in the following terms:—"I am greatly interested in the question of Sabbath observance, believing, as I do, that it most intimately affects the moral and social, as well as the spiritual, interests of the people. I hope, therefore, the efforts now being made will effectively reduce the disgraceful extent of Sunday trading in Swansea. I certainly would prefer milder measures, but if all other measures fail. I am entirely in favour of enforcing the law, if no other plan can be found for closing the shops now unnecessarily open in Swansea on Sundays." Dr. Rawlings said that some of the places opened on Sundays were simply gambling dens, and he mentioned with pride that there was not a single Jew in Swansea who traded on Sunday. They kept two Sundays, and yet they succeeded. He advocated local option; that would stop not only Sunday trading, but all Sunday labour, in the interests of the working classes. In the meantime, the Council should do what it could in the mat- ter. The amendment to proceed with the pro- secution was carried by a large majority. The Parks and Open Spaces Committee re- ported :—Tuesday, 1st May.—Plans for a Band Stand proposed to be erected in Bryn- melyn Park. at an estimated cost of £70, was submitted and approved, and your committee recommend that the Borough Surveyor be authorised to proceed with the work, and also to provide the necessary music stands at a further cost of £2 2s. This was all the business of public in- terest. SWANSEA CORONERSHIP. DR. RAWLINGS AND THE VACANCY. The following letter was issued by Dr. Raw- lings — Preswylfa. Swansea, May 11th. 1900. Dear 8ir.-I am a candidate for the office of Coroner, which will be declared vacant at the meeting of the County Council on Wed- nesday next. The duties of the Coroner are. in my opinion, so grave and responsible that 1 should hesitate to think of discharging them but that my life has been spent in serious labour, and that I have had a long education in public business. I have resided in Swan- sea for nearly thirty-seven years, and have represented my fellow-citizens since 1873 on one or other of the Public Boards. I think that my public conduct has secured some measure of respect and confidence which would help me in the office I am now seeking. It has been urged that the post should be filled by a lawyer. The Coroners' Act says. Any fit person.' The most important coronership of the country—that of the City of London and Middlesex—has been held by medical men for upwards of fifty- years, and the City of Dublin has just appointed its third medical coroner. I am sorry that I cannot speak Welsh. There seems to be, judging from the ex- perience of the late coroner, no real difficulty arising in the borough from inability to speak that language; but, in order to meet any such possibility, I am prepared, if appointed, to nominate a Welsh-speaking Deputy. I shall be glad to have your support, and. if the Council thinks fit to appoint me, I will try to maintain the dignity of the office by a painstaking and kindly discharge of its duties.—I am, yours very truly, "JOHN ADAMS RAWLIXGS."

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC AND THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC. The following are the results of the Local Centre Examinations, 1900. Swansea Centre, together with teachers' names:- SENIOR GRADE. HONOURS CERTIFICATE.—Ethel R. Griffiths, violin (Miss M. M. Fricker. L.R.A.M.). PASS CERTIFICATES. — Sophia J. Clarke, piano (Mr. J. F. Fricker); Dorothy W. Davies, harmony and piano (Mr. Arthur Hey, Mus. Bac., L.R.A.M.); Florence Day, piano (Mr. Arthur Hey. Mus. Bac., L.R.A.M.); Gwiiyru Grove, piano (Mr. D. T. Williams); Constance A. Hall. harmony (Mr. Arthur Hey. Mus. Bac., L.R.A.M.); Annie B. Hunkin, harmony (Mr. Arthur Hey, Mus. Bac., L.R.A.M.); Caroline K. Jones, pianoforte (Mr. J. F. Fricker); Gladys M. Jones, piano (Mr. John- son); Maggie Junes, harmony (Mr. Arthur Hey, Mus. Bac., L.R.A.M.); Caroline M. Nettell, piano (Pendeen College. Mumbies, Mr. J. F. Fricker); Gwendolen M. Owen, piano (Mr. Donald W. Lott); Letitia E. Richard, piano (Mr. Arthur Hey, Mus. Bac., L.R.A.M.); John Walters, piano (Mr. Arthur Hey, Mus. Bac.. L.R.A.M.). JUNIOR GRADE. HONOURS CERTIFICATE. — Maria Jenkins, piano (Misj Maggie Jones). I PASS CERTIFICATES.—Gertrude H. Kibbler, piano (High School for Girls, Miss Simpson); Richard E. Launder, piano (Mr. Arthur Hey, Mus. Bac., L.R.A.M.); Raymond J. B. I Shefford, piano (Miss K. Saunders); Nellie Whitcombe, piano (Miss M. B. Griffith). 1 ELEMENTS CF MUSIC. PASS CERTIFICATES. — Ethel R. Griffiths (Miss M. M. Fricker, L.R.A.M.); Caroline K. Jones (Mr. J. F. Fricker); GwendOien M. Owen (Mr. Donald W. Lott); Raymond J. B. Shefford (Miss K. Sanders); Nellie Whit- j combe (Miss May B. Griffith); Richard R. Anthony (Mr. Tydain Williams); Beatrice Burnett (Mr. Arthur Hey, Mu3. Bac.. L.R.A.M.); Evelyn A. Colwill (Mr. Arthur Hey, Mus. Bac., L.R.A.M.); Annie Jones (Mr. Arthur Hev, Mus. Bac., L.R.A.M.); < Emelie Knecht (Pendeen College, Mumbles, Mr. J. F. Pricked Gertrude A. Leverton (Miss Stokes, AberavorO; Florence Lehane (Mr. J. F. Fricker); Edith Protneroe (Mr. Arthur Hey, Mus. Bac., E..R.A.M.); Edith M. Stokes (Miss Stokes, Aberavon); Wini- fred A. Stockwood (St. Winrred's Convent i Member of Community; Minnie P. Thomp- son (Mr. Tydain Williams); Edith Williams 1 [Mr. J. F. Fricksr). ]

SWANSEA'S FINANCES The following is the annual budget prepared by bhe accountant, Mr. Hopton, and presented to the members of the Corporation 00 Wednesday — The gross estimated expenditure for the past nine years is as followsYear ended 31st March, 1893, £96,268; 1894, £99.016; 1895, £101,789. 1896. £ 96.413 1897, £104.012: 1898..S108.513 < 1899, £108,382 1900, £108.536 1901, £113,393. The excess of expenditure over the amount estimated for the past year was £3,691 183. 5d. Amount to be provided by means of a general district rate. £57,266 h. 4d. The present rate- able value of the borough is £359,169. For the purposes of the general district rate, this sum of £359.169 is reduced to £316,092 in consequence of the deductions necessary to be made under Section 211b of the Public Health Act, in respect of railways, docks, canals, &c., which are only chargeable one-fourth of the poor-rate valuation, and, further, in consequence of compounding under Section 211a of the said Act. A rate of 3s. 9d. in the £ will amount in gross to £59,265, but in ascertaining the actual value of this rate it is necessary to deduct £5,000 or thereabouts for vacancies and for persons excused on account of poverty, and for amounts otherwise irreoover- able, leaving a sum of £54,265 as the estimated recoverable amount. It is expected that during the year, from increased rateable value, the amount required to be provided will be realised. A eeneral district rate of two shillings in the £ was made by the Council on the 10th April last. The further rate to be levied in the month of October next to pay the estimated expenditure of the several committees of the Urban Samtiry Authority, for the year to end 31st March, 1901, will be therefore one shilling and ninepence in thejE. THE WATER WORKS DEPARTMENT. The income from all sources during the year was £21,035. The gross expenditure, including £21.830 for interest and si-iking fund, was £29,511, and the loss upon the undertaking chargeable to the general district rate was there- fore jE8,476, as against £10,000 for last year. The department has this year, tor the first time, been credited with water used for flushing sewers, watering streets, &c., amounting to £1,289. OXFORD-STREET MARKET. The collection of the tolls of this market for the ten months ended 31st March, 1900. has been carried out by the Corporation. Inclusive of two months rent paid by the late lessee, the gross receipts amount to £5,721. and the payments (exclusive of interest and repayment of principal) to £1,766, leaving a net result of £3,955. Compared with the net result for the previous three years, during the tenancy of Mr. Percy, the figures are as follows :—For the year ended 31st March. 1897, rent £4000 per annum. £3,855 1898, rent £4000 per annum, £3,751 189J, rent increased for ten months £4.500, £3,937. During Mr. Percy's tenancy no amount was charged for water supplied to the Market, but for the past year a sum of £25 has been debited to this a count. It must also be taken into considera- tion, in consequence of the fire in June last, a large portion of the Market spaje has not been available, and a considerable loss of revenue has necessarily been sustained. SLAUGHTER HOUSE. The collectiua of the Slaughter-house tolls for the 10 months ended 31st March, 1900, has been carried out by the Corporation. Inclusive of two months rent paid by the late lessee, the groBs rectipts amount to £1,543, and the payments (ex- elusive of interest and repayment at principal) to £668, leaving a net result of £875. Compared with the net result for the previous three year: during the tenancy of Mr. Percy, the figures are as follows:-For the year ended 31st March, i 1897, rent £1,000 per annum, JE920 for the year ended 31st March, 1898, rent £1,000 per annum JE902 for the year ended 31st March, 1899 rent £1,000 per annum, JE932. During Mr. Percy's tenancy nothing was charged for water supply, but during the past year JE38 has been debited co this account. CRAY WATERWORKS—CANTEEN AND STORES. At the commencement of the year the COIpora- tion had expended on buildings (including the Mission HalO, fixtures, and trade utensils, the sum of £1,872. This amount has been decreased, at the 31st March, 1900, to £ 1,291, by amount transfered to depreciation and profit and loss account. The stock in hand amounted to £515, due to sundry creditors .£85, and to the treasurer £1,721. DEBT OF THE BOROUGH AND SINKING FUND. The debt of the Corporation at the 31st March, 1900, was £1.259,403, as against jEl.203,278 on the 31st March, 1899, and the amount has been raised as hereunder :— Swansea Corporation 3| per cent. Stock..£800.000 T » » 3 „ „ „ 156'll2 Loans on Mortgage for short periods at 3J acri 3] per cent 65,835 1 On Loan horn Bank of England at 3 per cent 222.855 Due to Treasurer 14,551 Total JEI.259,403 This amount has been expended as follows :— ON WORKS OF A REMUNERATIVE NATURE. —Waterworks, £578,655; Markets, £46,508; Improvement of Corporation Property, £ 35,113; Cemeteries. £14,199; Town Improvement Scheme, £124,003; Total, .£798,478. ON WORKS OF AN UNREMUNERATIVE NATURE. Streets Improvement. £131,490; General Sanitary Works..E214.531 Fiee Librarip< £18.567; Parks, £15,226; Fare Brieade, .£962; Municipal Buildings, £ 12,857; Loans Con- solidation, £37,653; Police Bud iings, £9,516;! Corporation Act, 1889, £4,437: Financial Adjust- ment, Local Gonrllment Act, 1888..615,686; Total, £4$0.925; together, £ 1.259,403, i The total interest paid during the last year amounted to £40,193, and the sum set for redemption of loans £10,451, as against £39.165 and £10,"548 respectively for the previous year. The t tal amount standing to the credit of the Consolidated Loai s Fund at the 31bt Ma-ch last was £110,492 83. 2d., and to the credit of a separate sinking fund, for loans other than slock, £38,483, Os. 4d. Tneieis aiso in the Consolidated Loans Account a sum of £17,460 Is. 4d. purchase- mor.ey of land forming part of the permanent estate of the Corporation. Credit i, taken in the loans fnnd for interest derived from investments of this amount, but the principal will remain in- tact. These sums, making in the aggregate £166,435 9s. 10d.. reduced the net dpbt of the Borough to il.092,968 as against £1,052.064 for the last year. The amounts in the various fur:da are invested in various Government S^curitie^, Municipal Stocks and Loans to Local Authori- ties. THE BOROUGH FUND. The estimated deficiency 'for the year ending 31st March. 1900. is .£2,962 15s. 9d. The amount last year was £1.051 5s. 5d. A borough rate was made and levied to rai-e the sum of £2,962 15s. 9d. on the 18th April last. Increased receipts from various sources is the principal cause of this decreased rate. EXCHEQUER CONTRIBUTION ACCOUNT. The amount received in respect of the licenses and share of probate duty transferred to l"cal authorities under the Local Government Act, 18S8, for the year ended 31st Mir'ih. 1899, was £13,376 10s. 9d., aa against .£13,008 15s. Sd. for the previous year. Out of this was paid the sum of £10.303 13s. 10d., leaving a surplus of £3,072 16s. lid., which h.is gone to the credit of the Boroufih Fund Account, as against £3,184 2s. 3d. for the previous year. The amount rpceived from the Local Government Bnard out of the Local Taxation (Customs and Excise) duties on account of the year ended 31st March 1899, was £1,909 3s. 10d., as afrainat £1.784 19s.' 7d. for the previous year. This sum has been divided and paid as followsPolice Superannua- tion Fund, £605 9s. Id. Welsh Intermediate Educition, £434 lis. 7d.; Technical Instruction, £8ô9 3s. 2d.; total, £1,909 3s. 101.

LOCAL WINDING-UP NOTICE.— The London Gozwte of Monday night states that at an pxtra- ordinary general meeting of tho members of the Carmarthen United Breweries, Limited, recently held at John-street. Carmarthen, it was resolved and duly confirmed that the company be wr.ur,d nn voluntarily. Mr. Thomas Thomas, of Myrtle Villa, Wellfield-road, Carmarthen, has been ap- pointed liquidator for the purposes of such winding-up. IIORNIMAN'S TEA invigorates in the Morning refreshes at Noon. and soothes at the Evening meal. Sold in the Swansea District by — Mr. Price, Grocer, Jwmbwrla; Evans' Stores, Morriston; Evans, Grocer, Plasmarl; Harding, Landore; Jones, 178, High-street; Davies and Co., 49, Oorse-lane, 23, Ffynone-street, and College- strect; Jones, 30, New Oxford-street; Daviea.SO.High- itreet; Honnefct, Heathfield-street; Chapman, Mansel- 'trtet; Clark, Oxford-street and Beach-street; Davies Bros., Oxford-street; J.T. Davies, Walter-road; Ilavard, Dhemist; EVaIJS. Walter-road; J. Jones,Wassail-square ind Korestfach; M. Jonell. H illh-street: Matthews, St. Belen's-roa-l furtby, Mansel-street; Griffiths and Co., 3-rocers, Bt. Thom"; J. E. Thomas. Walt«r-road; National Stores, 50, High-street; Taylor and Co., Ltd., Castle-square, and at 99, Oxford-street, 33, Walter-road, 100. and the Dunns, Mumbles; I Williams. Grocer; Moore. Brynmill; Watkins, Grocer, lib. rcrave. I "It's very h.*rd," sighed the ga3-meter: I always register, but I can't vote." Is it a crime to be a woman?" said the pretty agihitor. U If it is it is a very capital :rime," rejoined a gallant auditor. What in the chief difference between hay fever and influenza? What, you give it up! Why, one often results from new-mown hay, ^nd the other often results in pnemonia(y). Bee' The manufacturer of this conundrum is understood to have fled the country. Stupidity is to the mind what clumsiness is ;o the body. It exhibits ^ust the same fatal power of mischief in its own way.

SATURDAY". The magistrates on the" Bench this morning were: Messrs. E. Rice Daniel (in the chair), T. Davies, J. E. Boundy, A. H. Thomas and David Owen. ALLEGED BREAKING AND ENTERING. John Arnold, aged 17, a labourer, of No. 2, Midland-terrace, appeared in the dock on a charge of breaking and entering an engine- house on the Strand between 7 p.m. last night and six this morning, with intent to commit a felony. P.C. Delve deposed to being called to the engine-house, where he found the prisoner lying asleep by the side of the engine. He examined the premises, and found that the door had been forced open. Mr. Daniel, an employee of Mr. David Jen- kins, contractor, said that so far nothing had been missed from the engine-house. The only thing the police found on the prisoner was a mouth organ. Supt. Ihomas (deputy Chief Constable) said Arnold had been convicted of larceny in the Borough and of various offences in the County, including burglary. Prisoner was now convicted under the Vagrancy Act, and sentenced to 21 days' im- prisonment. The County business was then gone into. ASSAULT. Hannah Norman, an elderly married woman, of Fforest Fach, was fined 2s. and costs for committing an assault upon John Charles Hill. a young Swansea man. THE VILLAGE BULLY CATCHES A TARTAR. David Masey, a tinworkdr, of Lcughor, was summoned by Evan Evans, a collier, of the same place, for an assault alleged to have been committed on the 26th April. Mr. Henry Thompson (Messrs. Andrew and Thompson) appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Viner Leeder defended. Complainant said that because he refused to take a drink from the defendant in the Ship and Castle Inn on the date in question, the latter struck him behind the ear and kicked him several times. The defence was that the defendant, who was foreman rollerman at the Grovesend Tin- plateWorks, was. challenged to fight by Evans on the Saturday previous to the 26th, and as the latter, who. according to Mr. Leeder. was u the village bully got the worst of it, he afterwards threatened to shoot Masey. Ac- cordingly, when Masey next saw Evans in the Ship and Castle on the 26th. he caught hold of him by the collar and asked him who he was going to shoot. That was all the alleged assault consisted of. After hearing further evidence, the Bench dismissed the case. AFFILIATION. Mary Edwards, single woman, of Thre-i Crosses, summoned William J. Stevens, a Lirnelly cabman, to show cause why ne should not be adjudged the father of her illegitimate child. Defendant, who did not put in an appearance, was ordered to pay 3s. 6d. per week and costs.

MONDAY. ALLEGED LICENSING OFFENCE. The most important case that bis Worship the Mayor (Mr. W. Watkins), Messrs. Howel Watkins, F. Rocke and Joseph Hall were called upon to investigate was that in which James Jenkins, licensed victualler, of the Beaufort Arms, was summoned for keeping his house open for the sale of intoxicating liquor on Sunday, April 1st. Mr. Lawrence Richards prosecuted, and Mr. Viner Leeder defended. It was stated that about 12.10 on the date in question P.C. (74) Gammon and P.C. (24) Evans visited the Beaufort Arm?, In the tap-room they found 16 men, eight of whom said they were from Morriston. and the others from outlying districts. There were also four seamen from the 'Boston Citv," now lying in dock. Defendant, on being spoken to, told the officers that the men were travellers, and that the seamen had come from Bristol that morning. Three of the four seamen—who were not summoned by the police—gave evidence to the effect that they told the defendant they were from the "Boston City," which had come from Bristol the previous day, and was that morning lying in the Prince of Wales Dock. For tho defence Mr. Leeder submitted that defendant took all reasonable precaution to serve only bona fide travellers, but he was wilfully misled. Defendant, sworn, stated he was out at the time the men entered his house. Mr. James Whalton, whose duty it is to take the names of Sunday visitors, and Mrs. Jenkins, wife of the defendant, were called, and the Magis- trates, after a short retirement, said they had concluded that there was not sufficient evidence to warrant a conviction. Jos. Morris. 75, Duke-street, and Thoma3 Williams, 52, Duke-street, were each fined 20s. for illegal presence. Others were summoned, but as it was shown they lived outside the three-mile limit, they were discharged. DRUNK AND ASSAULTING THE POLICE. J. Edwards, Morriston, was charged with drunken and disorderly conduct and assault- ing P.C. Mill whilst in the execution of his duty. Tho constable stated that he heard the de- fendant having a dispute with a cabman near the Crown Hotel on Saturday night, and as he was using filthy language he asked him to cease. Defendant, howevar, only got more noisy, and so he took him into custody. Whilst ho (witness) was taking him to the police station defendant struggled violently, kicked him several times on the legs, and struck him a violent blow with his fist. Mr. Edward Harris admitted the offences on behalf of the defendant, who did not ap- pear, and a penalty of JE5, including costs, was inflicted. THE BLACK LIST. James Jones, labourer, whose address was not given, was fined 10s., or seven days in de- fault, for drunkenness and indecency in Margaret-street, St. Thomas. Daniel Davies, tinworkcr, of no fixed abode, was fined 7s. 6d. or ten days for inebriation and begging in Oxford-street on the 12th inst. Mary Grimshaw, a married woman, who made her 33rd appearance in Court, was alleged to have committed an assault upon Dock Constable Tasker on Saturday evening. The magistrates valued her offence at 20s., or 14 days. For drunkenness in a lane at the rear of Waltor's-road, on May 5th, Eliz. Williams, 152, St. Helen's Avenue, was fined 7s. 6d., or five days. ALLEGED THEFT BY A GIEL. A little ten-year-old girl. named Kate Davies, of 6, Liangyfelach-road, Morriston. was charged with stealing a gold brooch, valued at £10. from a safe in a shop at 138, Woodfiold-street, Morriston, on the 8th inst. Prosecutor who is a widow, and carrying on a drapery and grocery business, said that when she returned from a visit to town on the date in question, she missed the brooch from tho safe behind the counter, which she had left unlocked. Mrs. Saul, wife of David Saul, pawnbroker, in Market-street, Morriston, deposed to the defendant offering the brooch produced in pledge. Witness askod her some questions, and her suspicions having been aroused, she told her that she was too young, and refused to give the brooch back when the girl asked for it. The defendant then left the shop, and returned with a note purporting to be from her sister at Pentrepoeth. She did not. how- ever, return the brooch to the girl. but sent for Inspector Nicholas, and the latter said that when ha arrested the defendant at her home she replied that a girl named Maggie Jenkins told her to take the brooch. The case was eventually adjourned for a week.

TUESDAY. RECOVERY OF MR. WILLIAM STONE. Mr. William Stone took his seat on the Bench this morning for the first time since his recent indisposition, and he was congra- tulated upon his quick recovery by his col- leagues, Messrs. J. W". Jones, David Owen. F. Bradford and Griff. Davies, and the Clerk (Mr. Jenkin Jones). DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. Three separate charges of the D. and D." type were preferred against Elizabeth Pugh, a married woman, of No. 9, Pleasant-row. The offences were alleged to have been com- mitted on the 5th April, May 1st and 8th. Dock Constable Ashbury and P.C. Williams having given evidence, defendant was fined. 10s., or seven days in each case. Mary Ann Davies, a young woman described on the sheet as a widow, of 9 James's Court, was fined 10s., or seven days, for drunkenness in Fabian-street on the 7th inst. DRIVER'S OFFENCE. For being at such a distance from his horse and wagon in Pentre Eatyll as not to have control over the same. on the 5th inst., was mulcted in a similar fine. ABUSIVE LANGUAGE. Ellen Collins, of No. 6, Hughes'-row, was summoned by Elizabeth Keast for using abusive language towards her on the 5th inst. After hearing the evidence the magistrates came to the conclusion that there was blame on both sides, and they accordingly dis- missed the case.

WEDNESDAY. Messrs. E. Rice Daniel and David Owen— the only magistrates present on the Bench this morning—were occupied some time in considering a BAD CASE OF PARENTAL NEGLECT. The defendant, Robert Brace, a tailor, of Gendros, Cockett, was charged with wilfully 1 neglecting his four children in such a manner I as to cause them unnecessary suffering and k injury to health. Mr. Viner Leeder, who appeared to prose- cute on behalf of the N.S.P.C.C., in his open- ing statement, said defendant could not plead, as an excuse for his conduct, inability to obtain work, for he was a good workman, and could earn good money whenever he liked. But he was of lazy and drunken habits, and did not work very often. And not only did defendant neglect his children, but he also treated his wife in a disgraceful manner. The woman, who was a seamstress, was obliged to practically keep herself and the children. She several times complained to the local In- spector, and defendant, hearing of this in May, threatened to kill her if she again made a complaint. Fearing his violence, she left him, and had not since lived with him, the result being that the children were abandoned by the father from day to day, and were often found in dangerous positions, such as play- ing with tbj fire, etc. Inspector Pearce deposed to making several visits to thi defendant's house, and to finding the children in a ragged, dirty condition. Mrs. Brace, he said, was terribly afraid of her husband, as he had beaten her on several oc- casions whilst the children were in such fear of him that they would hide behind the furniture when they hjard him coming. Mrs. Brace, who looked weak and delicate, said her husband usually earned 30s. per week, but he never gave her more than 7s. She used to earn money by doing some sewing, and keeping fowls and pigs. Evidence was also given by Mrs. Thomas, a neighbour, and defendant's employer — Mr. Rees Davies, outfitter, High-street, Gorseinon. The latter stated that Brace could have had constant work for the last welve months if he had liked. Mr. H. Monger, who defended, having ad- dressed the Bench, defendant swore on oath that he had always taken care of his child- ren. However, tho Bench considered the case made out, and sentenced defendant to one month's imprisonment. DRUNKENNESS. Thomas Davies, labourer, of 5, Neptune- Court, was fined 20s., or 14 days in default, for drunken and disorderly conduct in King- street on Tuesday. DEFRAUDING THE RAILWAY COMPANY. Sarah Morgan, a married woman, residing at Mill-street, Gowerton, was summoned for attempting to defraud the L. and N.W. Rail- way Company. Detective-Inspector Buckingham appeared for the Railway Company. From the evi- dence it appeared that defendant travelled from Dunvant to Swansea without a ticket, but when spoken to by the ticket collector, she said she had only come from Mumbles- road. Defendant now pleaded poverty, but it was pointed out by Mr. Buckingham that she could have obtained a privilege ticket if she had asked for it, as her husband was then a servant on the railway. The Magistrates told defendant that she had not made her case better by telling an un- truth. She would be fined 20s., including costs. SEQUEL TO A CYCLING CLUB'S OUTING. The first ride of the season in connection with the Pontardawe Cycling Club had its sequel in the Court this morning, when twelve members of the Club appeared to answer summonses for furious driving on the Mumbles-road. Mr. Lawrence Richards prosecuted on be- half of the police, and Mr. Henry Thompson defended. P.C. Morgan, stationed at Mumbles, stated that he saw the defendants riding at a 'furious rate along the road near Liliput, and he called upon them to stop. They took no notice, however, and being mounted on a bicycle himself, he followed in hot pursuit. He succeeded in coming up with the defen- dants at Norton-road, where he found that a man named Hopkins had been knocked down. Witness asked the men for their names and addresses, but they rode on, treating him and another constable, named Roberts, who had joined him, with contempt. Later in the afternoon one of the party called at the Mumbles Police Station and tendered the names of the party as follows: —Glynn Gabe, steelworker, Swansea; John Davies, grocer; Edward Evans, collier; Thomas Beynon, collier; W. T. James, collier; Thomas Mar- tin, haulier; George Griffiths, furnaceman; Isaac Davies. collier; Lucas Morgan, as- sorter; Lewis Landry. collier; W. J. Williams, collier; and E. Jones, clerk. Further evidence having been tendered by Sergt. Dagg (who said the defendants travelled at the rate of 14 or 15 miles an hour) and P.C. Roberts, each defendant was fined 15s., including costs.

BOARD OF TRADE INQUIRY AT SWANSEA. HOW A KETCH AND TWO LIVES WERE LOST OFF THE MUMBLES. On Tuesday Alderman Howel Watkins, J.P., and Mr. J. R. Leaver, J.P., assisted by Captain Dyer, R.N., Captain Cousens, and Captain Parsell, nautical assessors, opened an inquiry as to the lossiof the ketch Three Sisters, of Car- digan, which was run down off Mumbles Head on July 5th last year. Mr. Talfourd Strick repre- sented the Board of Trade, and Mr. Griffith Jones (barrister) appeared for the master (Mr. John Tbomaand the relatives of the two men who lost their lives in her. Mr. Vanderpump was for the master and the chief officers of the s.s. Tw.-ed, of Glasgow, the colliding steamer. Mr. Strick explained that the Three Sisters left Port Talbot in July last with coal bound for Llan- granog, Cardigan. Her crew were the master and two hands, one of whom was the captain's son. She arrived at the Mumbles Roads and lay till 3.30 in the afternoon waiting for the ebb tide. Then she weighed anchor and proceeded to beat down Channel. An hour later the weather became thick, and the captain decided to put back to the Mumbles Roads, intending to remain there for the night. Shn rounded the Greengrounds Buoy when a steamer's whistle was heard. The fog at this time was so thick that the land could not be seen. The fog-horn of the ketch was kept blowing and the steamer's whistle was twice more heard, the last time on the starboud side of the ketch, which bad now reached about midway between the buoy and the head. Just then a steamer loomed up, and in a minute crashed through the ketch, cutting her in two. The master, who was steering, was jammed between the tiller and the gunwale, and alterwards he was rescued from the sea and taken on board the steamer. The two hands, however, were drowned. In his report the master of the Tweed, which proved to be the steamer in question, outward bound from Swan- sea, to Glasgrow, stated that he was on the bridge going down Channpl, the chief officer was on the look-out, and the second officer at the wheel, while the engines were going dead slow, and the whistles blowing because of the thick weather. Captain John Thomas, of the ketch Captain Peter White, of the Tweed; Mr. Kenneth Mac- donald, first officer, and Mr. Jimes Maedonald, second officer of the Tweed, gave evidence. Captain White's evidence was to the effect that when off the Mumbles Head he was going dead slow because of the fog, when he heard a fog-born and sighted a vessel on the port bow. He put his belm hard-a-port and reversed the engines to full speed astern. 4. minute or perhaps later the collision occurred, and witness attributed this to the fact that the ketch altered its course, coming across the bows of the Tweed as though she were broaching before the wind-an alteration that tho master of the ketch afterwards admitted making "because the young ones were calling out for- ward." He denied that the Tweed ran the ketch down it was more of a bump caused by the steamer's way and the force of the tide. The inquiry was adjourned till Wednesday.

MORRISTON. LIBANUS CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL—The anniversary services held at this chapel, on Sundav, attracted large congregations. The special preacher for the day was the Rev. Ivor M. Williams, Park Church, Llanelly. In the afternoon a musical service was held. Solos were well rendered by Madame Penfro Rowlands, Miss Rose Samuel. Messrs. Dd. Evans and Edw. Davies, and the Rev. Mr. Williams gave a short address upon singing, which was fully taken in by the vocalists. At the evening service, Mr. David Evans and Miss Samuel again rendered solos. Throughout the day special h) mns: chants, and anthems were very efficiently ren- dered by the choir, under the leadership of Mr. Lewiil Ooslett Evans, Mrs. S. B. Williams presiding at the organ. Liberal collections were made towards the effort made to clear the debt against the jubilee services of Libanus church at the end of the year.

GADBURVS Cocoa. ABSOLUTELY PURE, THEREFORE BEST. or any foreign admixture. Most Sustaining, Refreshing and Invigora- ting. CADBCRY'S Cocoa t Most Sustaining, is "aperfect food," and is described by the Lancet as representing "the stan- dard of highest purity." When asking for Cocoa, insist on having CADBURT'S (sold enly in Packets and Tins) as other Cocoas are sometimes substituted for the sake of extra. profit. "A Perfect Beverage.Medical Annual. I PURE-SOLUBLE. I EASiLY DIGESTED -EXQUISITE FLAVOR. B S Locoa I "Yields a maximum proportion of I "the valuable food constituents. H Easy of assimilation and digestion. I Cheaper to use in the end."— B TEE LANCET. I BEST. & e-SES FAirraEST, I Jo

NEATH & DISTRICT. rBY OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] THE FORTHCOMING HORSE SHOW. — Our readers will thank us for calling attention to the advertisement in another column of the Horse Show and Parade to be held at Neath on Thurs- day, the 31st of May. All enterprises of this kind invariably succeed at Neath. It will be seen that there are some new features introduced. It is well to empbasise the fact that the entries close on the 26th inst. FAIR AT NEATH. There was a large attendance at Neath fair on Wednesday, and business in all departments was brisk. In the horse fair the following were the ruling prices, with a good demand for all classes Good strong cobs, C25 to JE30 heavy carters, z630 to B40 colts, Cl2 to £ 20; ponies, XS to JE14. In the cattle fair figures were as follows :—Best beef, lls. 3d. to lis. 6d.; cows, 10s. to 10s. 9d. best light weight wools, 9!6d, heavy ewes, S^d.to 9d.; shorn wethers, 811. to 9d., ewes, 7Jd. to 8d. per lb.; pigs (scarce), 9s. 9d. to 10s.; heavy, 8s. 6d. to 9a. suckers, 15s. to 20s.; calves, 6d. to 7d.; cows and calves, -612 to JE17. THE LATE MR. GEO. SIMS, OF NEATH. THE FUNERAL. The funeral took place, on Saturday, of Mr. George Sims, divisional traffic manager of the Great Western Railway, whose tragic death in his garden at Ynisllynlladd, by the accidental discharge of a gun he was carrying, was fully reported in mur last issue. The place of inter- ment was Cadoxton Churchyard, near Neath, and the officiating clergy were the Rev. Benjamin Lloyd, vicar of Mountain Ash, assisted by the Rev. D. Evans, curate-in-cbarge at Cadoxton. The coffin, which was of polished oak with brass fittings, bore on the breastplate the in- scription—"George Sims, died May 8th, 1900, aged 61." The mourners were the Misses Sims (two) (sisters). Mrs. J. W. Sims, Newport; Miss Sims, Newport; Mr. George T. Sims (nephew), Mrs. Geo. T. Sims, Mr. Albert Sims, Newport; Mr. A. Parfitt and Mr. J. W. Sims, Newport. Amongst the prominent officials of the Great Western Railway who attended ware Mr. W. L. Maiden, general goods manager; Mr. Roberts, Bristol; Mr. Boucher, of Cardiff; Mr. Scaife, of Worcester; Mr. Pa$ton,cf Pontypool Road; Mr. John Rees, Swansea; Mr. E. H. Lloyd, Neath; and Mr. Campfield, Exeter; Mr. H. J. Humphrey, assistant goods manager, Paddingtou; Mr. W. Power, district goods manager, Manchester Mr. W. Sparks, district goods manager, Gloucester; Mr. Alldridge, Cardiff; Mr. Trickey, Swansea; Mr. Leaning, Cardiff; Mr. W. H. Ludford, Llanelly; Mr. Blackall, Newport; Mr. Rowed, Swansea; and Mr. Lionel Wood, Tenby. There were also present Mr. H. S. Ludlow, secretary Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway;' Mr. John David, Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway traffic manager; Mr. J. E. Griffith, general manager Neath and Brecon Railway Mr. F. W. Mortimer, Midland Railway; Mr. H. J. Vincent, Barry Railway and Dock; and Mr. A. Morgan, Burry Port and Gwendsaeth Valley Railway. D. A. Rees, goods superintendent, Swansea — Jones, estate agent, Neath; C. C. Talbot, goods agent, Llanelly; C. H. Pratt, goods aaent, Carmarthen; A. Blackwell, goods agent, Landore; E. Trick, goods agent, Neath; Mr. SimB's office staff, Swansea; Mr. Arthur Martin, stationmaster, Neath; Mr. Godfrey, Port Talbot; and Mr. W. E. Bradshaw, Tondu. Personal friends of the deceased gentleman also attended in large numbers, the. following being noticed The Mayor of Npath (Aid. H. P. Charles), Mr. Edwin C. Curtis (Town Clerk), Mr. D. T. Sims, J.P., Mr. Harry G. Thomas, J.P., Mr. and Mrs. J. H. R. Ritson, Mr. Tom Williams, Ynisygerwn Mr. William Jones, Westernmoor Mr. Walter Whittingtou, Mr. L. J. Kemptborne, Mr. Thomas Powell, J,P., Mr. J. B. G. Price, Mr. David Rees, Cadoxton Mr. T. Leyson, Mr. E. Evans Bevan, Dr. Whittington, Mr. R. P. Morgan, Mr. W. H. David, Mr. H. F. Taylor, Major Green, Dr. Lowis, Mr. Howard Hunter, Mr. Matthew Whittington, and Mr. H. S. Sutton. Amongst the wreaths, of which there was a large number, were those from the staff of the General Manager, Paddington, the goods office staff at Swansea, the staff at Neath Station, and the Llynvi and Ogmore district staff, and the following: "With sincere sympathy, from Carrie," "From Annie, with love and deepest sympathy," With deepest sympathy, from nephew and niece," To dear uncle, from George, Jessie, and the boys," From Harriet and Albert and children, Rookwood, Newport," In loving memory of our dear brother, from his sister," With deepest sympathy, from Annie, Beaufort Villa, Newport," With deepest sym- pathy, from Jessie and Fred, Glengeriff, Newport," Mr. Lewis E. Trickey in memory of a dear friend and chief," from Mr. Thomas Griffiths, Burryport. from Mr. and Mrs. Ritson, Messrs. Thomas, Cr>urt Herbert, Mr. H. E. Collins, Mrs. Thomas, Springfield, Neath, with kind remembrance and deepest sorrow," Jennie and Annie Bevan, Cadoxton-piace, in respectful remembrance from his office and staff, with deepest sympathy from Mr. W. E. Bradshaw and staff, Llynvi and Ogmore district, Mr. Oswald Jones, Plymouth, with sincere sym- pathy," Mr. and Mrs. Tom Leyson, with deepest sympathy," Mr. and Mrs. Tom Williams, Ynisygerwn. The funeral arrangements were most efficiently carried out by Mr. J. Fear Davies, Neath. SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE. ASSOCIATION MEETING AT NEATH. The monthly meeting of the Western District Miners' Association was held at the Cambrian Hotel, Neath, on Monday, when there were present the representatives of eleven thousand miners. The resolutions of the Executive meet- ing, which was held at Swansea on the 4th inst., were adopted en bloc. These included the following:—" That all lodge secretaries be called upon to ascertain the number and names of all non-unionists employed in and about their respective collieries, such numbers and names to be sent to next district meeting, and that the same be published in the district report. Further, that if non-unionists be employed at collieries in the district after the date of our next district meeting, that extreme measures shall be taken to enforce respect for the principles of Trades Unionism in the district, such measures to be communicated to the respective lodge secretaries in due course." Mesers. John Williams (agent) and W. E. Morgan (sub-agent) were appointed to represent the Association at the International Congress of Miners to be held in Paris next month. Mr. John Williams and Mr. T. Pope were appointed to attend the National Trades Union Congress at Huddersfield. It was agreed that an entrance fee of 10s. should be imposed on all joining the Association who had not been previously members of some branch of the Federation. A resolution was carried expressing the opinion that the time had fully come when the Legislature and the local governing bodies should take definite steps to face the problem of the housing of the working classes and to solve it effectively. The question of continuing contributions to the Reservists' Fund was discussed at consider- able length. It was pointed out that at some collieries a weekly levy of threepence per man and three-halfpence per boy was loyally adhered to. There were doubts in some minds as to Low I the monies were applied, and there was a con- census of opinion that periodical returns should be made to those who contributed in the way indicated. I It was stated that at collieries where safety lamps were being substituted for naked lights the men were putting forward a claim for aa advance of wages of seven and a half per cent. Mr. John Williams (agent) made a speech on current questions. Respecting non-Unioniscs, he advised that the members of the Association should not descend or ascend the sbaft with them. He advised them not to abuse their position as Trades Unionists, and said the Federation would not support acts which were done outside its rules. He urged them ta deal with employers justly and equitably now that times were prosperous, and said he believed such conduct would have its good effect in times of depression. He regretted that the men did not take steps to remove several grievances, but expressed the opinion that when the Sliding Scale was terminated there would be many things brought forward for remedy. THE REV, EDWARD MORGAN, NEATH, ON DOUBT." Recently the Rev. Edward Morgan, of the Gnoll-road Congregational Church, Neath deli- vered a timely sermon on the subject of "Doubt." The reverend gentleman named, unlike some, is in close touch and sympathy with the movement# of the times, and his pulpit deliverances have in them that freshness and life which explains in part, the influence which the preacher has over the large numbers of young men who attend the Gnoll-road Church. The text upon which Mr. Morgan based the sermon now under notice waa John i., 46 "And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see." The preacher's first tilt was at those people who say there is no such thing as honest doubt." They have never been disturbed by a single question, and the universe holds no mysteries for them. Every- thing is so clear and open and plain to them, that they cannot understand how the shadow of am" belief should flit even for a single moment over the surface, much less rest upon the enquiring soul. Such people do not, they cannot, under- stand the spiritual agonies of others. Charles Bradlaugh was cited as an example of a man whose life story would have read very differently if at a critical period of his life and thought he could have poured his questions into a sympa- thetic ear. The injudicious treatment which Bradlaugh received from a clergyman, to whom he went with his doubts, largely helped to make him that Apostle of Atheism he became. To know the life of young men is to kt.ow doubt. For to the young is to question. Youth is a great query, a huge note of interrogation, a mighty perhaps. The young man challenges every fact that faces him to show his passport. When he came to believe, he came to it via the road of doubt. People who say there is no such thing a* doubt, not only display gross ignorance of youth, but they do not know their New Testament. He made that statemeat fearlessly, for he found in the New Testament, especially among its young men where he should have looked for them, several stalwart sceptics. The Apostle Thomas was the patron saint of scepticism and they had the case of Nicodemus, and the case of Nathanael named in the text. Those that say there no suoh thing as honest doubt, know neither the life of young manhood with its unspeakable agonies of question, nor do they know the Book itself which they have taken under their protec- tion, and called their own to the exclusion of everybody else. There is a doubt that is not honest, a loud, blatant advertising, screaming Scepticism. It shouts its unbelief from the house- tops, or from the top of a barrel in Hyde Park. We have nothing to do with that kind. But that is not the only kind. In the hearts of young people there are many anxious questions being asked, and asked with earnestness and agony. The Old Testament had nothing at all, good or bad, to say of Nazareth, and tradition gave it a, bad name. Philip, ho.vever, opens up a new principle of judgment. He says 'lis nothing good has ever come out of Nazarath, but that is no proof that nothing good may. It cam easily be tested, come and see." That was the test he recommended to young men, that was the principle by which he ithe preacher) would have them solve their problems. He would have them reject authority as a cure for Doubt, and experi- ment. He knew that the usual way to meet difficulties was to quote authority. Philip would have quoted authority if he could. But he could not. The authorities were against him, and ho was thankful for that, as it gave him a better test-the test of experience. It took them past all authorities to the Christ. If a young man took his Doubt to the Church of Rome the Church would quote Authority." The authority of the Church. The Church says it is this way and the Cnurch is infallible. You must believe the Church however much what she says may insult your intelligence. If the young man goes to the Anglican Church—the Church of England, she quotes the Creed. She says the Councils and the- Fathers say it is this way. You must believe the Creeds. It may degrade your understanding, but the zenith has been reached in the Creeds, and you must accept them. Tho young man sroes to the Protestant Nonconformist Church. She quotes the authority of the Bible, and says the Bible declares it is this way, and the Bible in infallible. You must believe the Bible. It may degrade your reason, but you must swallow it, or you are an Atheist. The New Testament way is a contradiction of these. It says that you must sometimes reject authority. It says that the final Court of Appeal is your own intelligence. The New Testament pass by these infallible authori- ties, and stand face to face with the Master Christ, and looking into that fac3 from which streaun all that is best and highest in God and man, then say whether any good thing can come out of Nazareth. That is the only manly way, the only Christian way to meet Doubt. The Master does not call Nathanael a scoffer, a sceptic, an atheist, a dog. No he says Behold an Isrealite indeed in whom is no guile." The sceptic going to Christ, the Master will not speak to him of his scepticism. He will say some word which will remind him of his moments of faith. The preacher cloaed with a stirring appeal to young men to maki the experiment for them- selves, and not to accept hearsay evidence. If Christ did not answer alL their questions, thea they would have a right to doubt. The acknow- ledgment of God in Christ, accepted by the reason, solves all questions on the earthand out of it, and to every question thare wjuld be the one answer, "I have seen the Christ and my doubts have melted away." NEATH COUNTY POLICE. FRIDAY. rBefore Mr. Charles Evan-Thomas, Mr. Edward Davies, and Mr. Walter Rice Evans.J FINED AND LICENCE ENDORSED.—Catherine Bowen, landlady of the Lamb and Flag Inn, Bryncoch, was summoned for opening her housor for the sale of drink on Sunday, the 15th ult, Mr. Trevor Hunter appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Edward Powell defended. Evidence wa» given by P.C. Apsley and P. C. Daniel Jones, to the effect that the landlady's hnsband took threef pint muge, and a pint-and-a-balf bottle contain- ing beer to the stable, where there were tbrefw men, two named Evans, and one named Jones. The defence was an nbsolute denial of the constable's statements. There were two prevlon- convictions against the house, and the Bench im- posed a fine of X3 and costs, and endorsed tllv licence. SUPPORT OF A WIFE.—Ann Thomas, sum moned her husband, John Thomas, who is A carpenter, working at the Blast Furnaces, Britoi Ferry, for non-payment of monies due to hoJ" under a maintenance order. These arrear amounted to £ 8 lis. Mr. Powell appeared for the complainant. and Mr. Trevor Hunter for thl, defence. Mr. Hunter asked for a reduction 0' the order to 10s. a week. Defendant said tbar