The Cambrian

WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA. REPORTED DISASTER TO GLAMORGAN YEOMANRY. It is reported from Cape Town that a con- tingent of Yeomanry (Glamorgan and Glou-j cester), was ambuscaded and captured by the Boers during their retreat from Britstown, but the War Office has heard nothing of the affair. Accounts have been telegraphed of several skirmishes in the north of Cape Colony. However, the anxiety in the capital is said to be subsiding, and the announcement 11 of Lord Kitchener's deoarture northwards en- courages the belief that the tide of invasion is receding.

THE TRADE OF THE PORT AND DISTRICT. SPJiOIAi REPORT BY OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT SWANSEA, THURSDAY. Trade in all departments during the week was more or lets restricted, the holidays hav- ing practically begun at noon on Saturday. Compared with the corresponding week of last year, there is a decrease in the imports, but the exports are larger. Entries of shipping in ballast, J;.490 tons, as against 25.J25 tons the pravious week, ana 14,44c tons last year. The imports include France, pitwood; Hotland and Belgium, genera! • llamburg. general Spain, iron ore New York, gene- The shipments of coal include France, 14 LoO tons Italy, 3,500 tons Holland and Belgium, 2.G5C tons and Table Bay, 1,400 tons. Patent Fuel France. 8,810 tons Italy. 600 tons Spain, 2.2CO tons and Tunis, 1.000 tons. The onlv clearances, of general goods were: Holland and Belgium, 2CO tons Hamburg, 150 tons and New York. 509 tOilS. IMPORTS COASTWISE.— Tmplates, 1[19 tons pitch. 930 tons ga- coal. 410 to-as grain, 349 tons sulphur ore, 320 tons phosphate, 145 tons iron pyrites. 167 tons. IMPORTS FOREIGN.—France, pitwood, 2.((-.2 tons. Bilbao, iron ore, 3.250 tons. Hoi. a and Belgium, general, 100 tens. Hamburg, general, 700 tons. New York. genera., 6;/» tor s. Imports. 9,561 tons, and exports iorsign, 37,790 tons, compared with 18,440 tons, ana 32,630 tons. Last year. EXPORTS FOREIGN.—Coal. 2.4,521 ton- patent fuel. 12.610 tons and tiupi-ites ailfl general goods, 859 tons.

"F. C. G." It is needless at this time of day to intro- duce the verk of the gifted and accomplished caricaturist. Mr. F. Carrutbers Gould. Its characteristics and ability ore well-known to everyone who it at all conversant with the political h-'story of our times. "The Khaki Campaign, which has just been published At the "Westminster Gazette" office, com- 1 prises most of the caricatures and cartoons drawn by Mr. Gould during the recent Gen- eral Election, when they were of great ser- vice to the Liberal Party. The get up of the book is excellent, and Mr. Gould's hu- mour largely takes the sting out of his poli- tical attacks.

GENERAL TROTTER'S ADVICE TO MEN AND MAIDENS. Major-General Trotter recently distributed the prices to 1 he members of the 3rd V.B. Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) at Queen's Hall, Langham-place, and in the course of a speech said the Volunteers dur- ing the present war had realized the most sanguine hopes of 1heir friends. Every man and boy should be trained to bear arms either in the Volunteers or the Regular forces. He did not consider rifle clubs were of much service, but boys of fifteen sixteen, and seventeen might attach themselves to cadet corps. Ladies might be of great assist- ance as regards recruiting if they refused to encourage the attention of any young man who had not served at some period of his life in a brarch of Her Majesty's forces. The latter ..(mark was received with much ap- blause.

SLEEP. The night has come, the day is done, Sleep beckons me along. Shuts the world's door, and opens more Her world, where phantoms throng; I wist I love the garish light Not half so well as dews of night. Sweet sleep! Beneath her gentle reign Life's burdens drop away, The sore-bestead come forth again Like school-children to play; Yet, while in blissful slumbers deep. The mind can work and plan in sleep. A whisnered word—we know not whence— To counsel or to warn. Comes to enlight our inner sense. And guide us, e'er the morn. Night's mirror shows us in review What we have done, and mean to do. Friends gone before—a chosen band- Steal through Time's misty glades. Again they smile and give the hand, Thev wait us in the shades; Is Time's sad current hard to stem?- We sleep in peace and dream of them. Was one dav's brightness sullied o'er By breach of truth or trust?— Night's finger stern points, out the sore, The case to re-adjust; Should vouth essay some noble end That titan Time will be his friend. Sleep has conditions; labour brave, Can slumbers soft attain, The idle and the vicious crave Her solace oft in vain; No piliow like a record clear, Cringing to none, nor knowing fear.

IRONYT He asked for nothing, therefore bent In labour to enrich a friend; Years passed, his friend in tatters went Whilst he had ail the world to spend. He said, I crave a little thing, A quiet, unrecorded life." All hail:" they cried, and crowned him king. A ruler over realms of strife. His friend upon the highway dieci, Whose heart was panting for re;.o-vu; Whilst he who loathed its glittering pride, Sank 'neath the torture of a crown. -The Argosy. MARGARET SACKVILLE.

She—"And to think you have forgotten that this the anniversary of our wedding day." He—"Why, you must be mistaken. We were married on the :2th." She—"Oh I I beg pardon. I was thinking of my first marriage." "I should hate to have to preach Uui Hunks's funeral sermon. What ccuid any- body say in his praise 2" "Well, it can be said of him that when he told a funny story he never repeated the point five or six times to be sure he got it." "Did your wife scold you when you came home late last night ?" "You don't know what it is to have a wife who was once a school teacher. She simply made me right a hundred lines on a slate—must be home by ten o'clock.' "It's always a relief to me when it becomes time to pay Bridget her wages," said Mrs. Howeskeep. "Why is it a relief to you ?" inquired her husband. Bccause that is the only time when I feel positive that she doesn't employ me." Mrs. Neighbors I advertised for a plain cook last week, but didn't receive a single reply." Mrs. Nextdoor Take my advice and advertise for a good-looking kitchen lady, and you'll be overrun with applica- tions for the position." Manufacturer: "Have you succeeded m perfectly imitating Best end Company's goods ?" Manager All of them, sir. Manufacturer Very well. Get up a cir- cular warning the public against vile imita- tions, and put 'em on the market," Father Why did you let him kiss you?" Daughter t, W ell, he was so nico he asked me-" Father But haven't I told you you must learn to say No' ?" Daughter TTiat's what I did say. He asked me if I'd be very angry if he kissed me." The near-sighted conductor has just re- marked to the lady that if the child beside her occupies a seat it must pay full fare. 'Hie Ladv What do you mean, you loafer ? That's my husband

NOTES BY WATCHMAN. THE GREAT BAZAAR.—UNION. In my last week's notes, I made allusion to the "Century" Bazaar being a fine example of united effort. Time was, when lovers of unity used to deplore that members of the various Churches could not work together, and unitedly deal blows at tine forces of evil in the world, excepting on the platform of the Bible Society, and on the Temperance plat- form. The Orchard-place Church before the the old century expires have shown the world that grand united effort may be made, other than in connection with the two great enter- prises just indicated. I saw nearly all branches of the Church represented amongst the active workers, and it was indeed a gocd sight, and well worth paying money for. A GRACIOUS CUSTOM. I remember hearing of a gracious custom which at one time prevailed in an agricul- tural district in our own county, that when through any misfortune a brother furmer was behind in his ploughing, his neighbours would cheerfully tend their teams and ploughs, and the best of their ploughmen, and help him out of his embarrasment. That was, I would fain believe, the genial spirit which impelled the lodies t-nd gent'emen who not of Orchard-place Church, strove most strenuously to help their friends to accom- piish the end they wished. MEMENTOES. I have a few mementoes of the Bazaar which were handed to me in exchange for certain coins, but as I am told that my pur- chases do not show that I have a due appre- ciation of what is either useful, or ornamen- tal, or that my idea of the value of money is at all adequate, I will not dilate upon these said purchases. MADAME NIKOLA. I wish to make a sliglit reference to the Lady Palmist, who throughout the three days of the Bazaar, was kept to her pavilion by the incessant stream at applicants for advice. Can it be readily believed that amongst tnose who availed themselves of the skill of the gifted visitor was Mr. John Taliesin Davies, and that he spends all his hours of wakeful- ness in giving advice to others, resorted to a Palmist to learn something about himself ? I am assured by a gentleman I can trust that our talented toucitor did visit the Palm- ist s pavilion, and as he took in with him certain of his friends it has became known that various important lines were traced on his lily white hands. THE ONLY WRINKLES. It seems that the only wrinkles on Mr. John Taliesin Davies are on his hands, and these indicate the possession of goldea quali- ties, and the development of golden stores— in a material sense I mean—in both the near I and the distant future. I havo known "Our Own Taiiesin" for many years, and had much to do with him before I went abroad, but al- though I gratefully observed in him all, or nearly all. the good qualities to be found in the best men I know, I did not regard him as the possessor of those superlative virtues which make him only a iitle lower than <lil angel. But I am told by a man who came to me with tears in his eyes that J.T.D. is a man of this sublime order. The tears ] should explain were tears of gratitude (I have not had any experience of any) that a Madame Nikola should have had one of the most distinguished of our townsmen un- der her skilled observation, and with such happy results.

THE LATE "FREE CHURCHMAN," BY THE EX-ENGLISH EDITOR. The "Free Churchman" is dead. I wish to make this known. First, that our friend the enemy may breathe again. Next, that he may indulge the harmless gratification of supposing that he drove the last nail into its coffin. Who killed the Free Churchman ? I, said the A.C.P., And now its up a tree"- I killed the Free Churchman." etc., etc. My life as Editor was brief, but bright and decidedly brisk. The printer who climbed into the Editor's chair" has been compelled to climb out of it. But the time passed very pleasantly. For three months out of the six which marked its mortal career, the magazine enjoyed a quiet immunity from notice of any sort. We told our public who were born and buried, which chapel anniversary took place, on what date, etc., etc. "And there is nothing new under the sun." But in the fourth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, we collided with a well-known educational institution in the town, and things began to hum We were favoured in your columns with a letter, written in what, for lack of a better term, must be described as the screaming style. As thus:—"A dastardly attack!" (Johnson's Theatre and the Melodrama Villain ''S'blood S'death Meet me houtside the wood in a hour ") Having a magazine I was, of course able to quietly reply to these heroics as the time came ronnd. But now I am periodical- less. (The Ex-English Editor must take the resprasibility of the last upon his own shoulders). And so it comes unlonely now to pass that I am found knocking at the doors of The Cambrian Accept my thanks, in anticipation, for granting me admission. And let me say, by the way, how thcroughly we appreciate the fairness and the freedom of your paper. A manacled Religion, and Education, and Trade are not our only evils. We suffer from a manacled Press. And far worse, in my estimate, than a tied Church, or a tied School, or a tied Public-house, is a tied News- paper. But there is none of this about The Cambrian. The freedom of your columns, verging almost upon laxity, is sufficiently attested by the notes of Watchman which appear week by week. And by the way again, who is this irrepressible and quite irresponsible Watchman P It would lift a load from the heart of Neath if you could only tell us. Is he a single entity P Or are they a coterie ? Do they meet on misty moonlight nights and concoct the notes" with which we are favoured ? I really wish you could let us know. One thing is certain, if he is an individual, he is a man of opinions, rather than of convictions. At the com mencement of the controversy to which we have referred, he went for me. But, later on, he was found slating the schoolmaster. Now a man who is on both sides is on neither, and he must be a man of opinions rather that of convic- tions. There is, of course, another explanation. Was it that Watchman wished to draw the English editor ? If that was his little game, he was foiled. But he drew the other fellow, and then, sportsmanlike, he proceeded to play with the fish which swallowed the bait. If he is disposed to accept a word of kindly advice, he will, in future, adopt a definite policy, and pursue it, and give up his fishing. Bat this has taken me away from that scarlet letter. Several of my friends, after reading my replies in the Free Churchman, expressed astonishment that I had nothing to say about the style of the epistle. I must say that that seemed to me to be no part of my function. I coiiflned myself to the question between us. But now things have changed. The controversy is closed, the Free Churchman is defunct, I am a free lance, and I may now be permitted to say that the letter in question is the most remarkable, without a single exception, that I have ever read. Its most striking feature, far and away, is the number of things, beside the real issue, it was found possible to crowd into it. First, there were 4) kindly references to a London barrister. Next, a confession of hard labour in the attainment of academic honours. Subsequently, an expression of trust in the honest judgment of the Welsh people. Incidentally, a record of his experiences with Jewish and G3ntile youths, parenthetically, a learned disquisition on English, with an invocation of the "shades" of a great grammarian; hypothetically, a passing, gentle thrust at my interest in local elections; finally and conclusively, a clarion call to prove a state- ment that was never made against a department that was rever indicted. And then, somewhere in the tody of the letter, a line or two in refer- ence to the question at stake. Now this is clever. This is remarkably clever. It is the work of a diplomatist. It reveals a master in the art of not seeing. And it makes splendid reading, provided one has the Comic Muse ever at his elbow. An editor should have a sense of humour, and a certain apathy as to his own reputation. And the Celt, in this case, is deeply grateful to the Saxon for his benevolent intentions. Last week the schoolmaster tried humour. But this was not so successful. His forte, unquestionably, is hysterics and a man should stick to what he can do best. I wish to expiess my gratitude through you for that brief sojourn of mine among the scribblers. It has taught me a good deal that is useful and interesting. Among other things we (it is impossible for a six months' editor not to drop into the first person plural,) were very near the fulfilment of one of our life's ambitIOns-the ambition to go to goal. We know now how it may be accomplished. One has but to tell the uncomfortable truth about Church or State, and "instantly" tlie Powers will set about obliging him. It is the old, brutal argument, "Cry Credo, or we clap you into irons! "And Nonconfor- mity is well used to it. She was born in prison, and a host of her sons have had the stone bench of a prison, and a litter of straw as the reward of their piety. The same spirit is alive and abroad in our day as in the time of which Browning writes Full measure the gentler enjoyed the fun, As a twenty-five were tried, rank Puritans caught at prayer In a cowhouse and laid by the heels—have at 'em, devil may care i— And ten were prescribed the whip, and ten a brand on the cheek, And five a slit of the nose—just leaving enough to tweak." But we have nothing to fear from this spirit. We have everything to hope. Wnile this is tha attitude towards us we shall never become a spent force." Our danger begins when, for our Nonconformity, we are patted on the back, and when they cease to turn us out of our farms, and imprison us for going to chapel. Whoso would be a mun," says Emerson, "must be a Noncon- formist." But lie must pjy the penalty. For the virtue in must request is conformity." [BY OUR OWN COKBESPONDENT.] SERIOUS ASSAULT ON THE POLICE. At the Neath County Police Court on isox- ing Day, before Mr. Edward Davids, and Mr. T. Powell, Charles Jcne-3. alias Ciiarne Kegan, a naulier, of fckewen, was biouglii up in custody and charged with violently as- saulting P. C. Fred Evans, and P. C. George E. Williams, at Skewen. On Christmas Eve the police were called to the Peiican Inn to eject the accused. The police got him out- side where he became very violent, throwing himself on the ground and kicking iiite a madman. Police sergt. Evans read a long list of convictions against the accused, allll said the Ltnch would see from the list that he had a. very bad character. The Bench sent the accused to gaol for six months' hard labour. STRANGE BEH AVIOUR AT CADOXTON. At the Neath County Police Court held ou Boxing Day, before Mr. Edward Duvies aud Mr. 1. Powell, Fred Williams, of Lianbra- dach, was brought up in custody and chaigeu with being drunk and disorderly at Cauos- ton on Christmas Eve. It seeing that about | ten o'clock at night the defendant made an unexpected attack upon the door of one of the Cadoxton villagers. He burst in the door and threw down a table, and smashed three lamps (two of them alight). The occu- pants of the house were terror-stricken, and it is a matter of wonder that the house was not set on fire. Defendant was f-ned 10s. and costs. It was understood in Court that relatives of the defendant had paid for the damage done by him. l YULETIDE FESTIVITIES. Bands of carol singers ushered in the great festival of the year. On Christmas Eve Midnight Mass was said at St. Joseph's Cath- olic Church, where there was as usual a large congregation. At six o'clock on Christmas morning there was a communion scrvice at St. Thomas's Parish Church, and later there were two more communion services. There were also communion services at St. David's Cnurch. At the Wesleyan Chaped, the Rev. J. Hugh Jones preached an appropriate Christmas sermon. In t.he evening there was a most enjoyable entertainment at the Town Hall, under the auspices of Zoar Sun- day School, t nd the presidency of the Mayor of Neath (Councillor L. C. Thomas). All the the performers acquitted themselves most creditably. Fine weather favoured the Christmas holidays, and the crowd who at the football field witnessed the contest be- tween Neath and i-ilandilo, did not suffer any physical discomfort. There was a most successful conversazione at the Mission Hall at night. This was an inovation upon old usage, and it proved highly attractive. All the entertainers, and they were very numer- ous, were warmly applauded. The inmates of the Cottage Homes had a bountiful Christ- mas feast on the day before Christmas Day. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Moore, the generous givers of the feast, were both present, and evidently enjoyed the proceedings. There were also present Mr. Hopkin Jones (Chair- man of the Board of Guardians), Mr. H. P. Charles (ex-Mayor), and Mr. F. J. Gibbons. At the Neath Workhouse the inmates sat down to a sumptuous repast (including the pint of beer which was thought by some to be essential to the enjoyment of the feast). All except the beer was given by Mrs. Grif- fith Llewclljn as in past years. At the close a hearty vote cf thanks was accorded Mrs. Llewellyn on the motion of the Chairman of the Board (Mr. Hopkin Jones), seconded by the Mayor of Neath (Councillor L. C. Thomas) A vote of thanks was also given Mrs. and Miss Mills. Amongst those who were present at the carving were the ex- Mayor (Aid. H. P. Charles), Mr. D. R. David (Vice-Chairman), Aid. Edward Davies, Aid. W. B. Trick and Mrs. Trick, Miss Fanny Curtis, Mr. Walter Whittington, Mr. and Mrs. J. Fear Davies, Dr. Davies, Dr. Morris, the Misses Jones, 2, South-terrace, and Mr. T. W. Jcnes. THE VEXED SCHOOL QUESTION. The following is the reply which Mr. Wat- son, A.C.P., makes to a question asked by the Editor of the "Free Churchman" (now defunct), why Nonconformity is not so well represented in tho various departments of Alderman Davies' Schools as it was formerly. Mr. Watson's reply is apparently without any reserve. "Our Nonconformist pupil- teachers, as a rule, have hailed from Swan- sea. We have driven them, willy-nilly, to Church. Going to Church—shrieking out protests all the way, they have missed their trains and their teas. Missing their meals, they have fallen into an easy t'eclinc, and when their parents have eent us letters, stronger in their English than the English editor's,we have stood over tho pupil-teachers and made them as clean as ink-bottles. The English editor will easily see why it is so much otherwise." BOARD OF GUARDIANS. CHRISTMAS BEER. A meeting of the above-named Board was held last week, Mr. Hopkin Jones (chair- man), presiding, the following were also pre- sent Messrs. D. R. David and Wm. Howell (vice-chairmen), Messrs. J. H. Moore, M. G. Roberts, H. P. Charles, A. S. Gardner, J. Edwards Vaughan, C. E. Price, John Jones (Cwmavon), Dr. Thomas, B. A. Griffiths, Walter Rice Evaus, Edward Davies, S. B- Davies, LI. Howell (Aberavon), Richard Davies, Wm. Jones, Dr. Elias, Dr. Williams, Rev. J. Edwards, and W. D. Jones. Mr. B. A. Griffiths raised the question of giving the Workhouse inmates beer with their Christmas dinner. He thoaght that as they (presumably ihe Guardians) had had a good year they should not begrudge the paupers thp extra treat. He moved that beer be given. Mr. Walter Rice E:ans seconded. The Rev. James Ed wards objected, and re- ferred to the fact that such large numbers became inmates ef the workhouse through drink, he asked how they as Guardians would in future be. able to offer words of reproof respecting drink if they allowed it to be introduced into the Christmas feast. The Matron (Mrs. Mills), on being asked by Mr. J. H. Moore for her opinion, and a statement as to how the giving of beer re- sulted in years gone by, said that the giving of beer had been discontinued for many years as it was found that it creatcd a spirit of insubordination, and after the Christmas feast some had escaped from the House and subsequently had to appear before the mag- istrates. Alderman H. P. Charles approved of the giving cf beer but under proper management. He would not approve of beer being placed indiscriminately before the paupers. They should first be asked individually whether. they wished to have beer. As to the remark that persons came to the workhouse through drink, they were people who abused the drink. Ultimately the motion that beer be given was carried by 13 votes to 9. The Chairman voted against the motion. It was resolved to request the member for Mid-Glamorgan to present a memorial to Parliament in favour of the Pure Beer Bill. This was the last business, and as the mem- bers were dispersing, one of them was heard to murmur the refrain, Beer, beer, glorious beer. Fill yourselves right up to here, Up with the sale of it, Down with a pail of it, Glorious, glorious beer." WESTERN DISTRICT MINERS' ASSOCIATION. The monthly meeting of the Western District Association of Miners' was held at the Cambrian Hotel, Neath, on Saturday, Mr. T. Pope, Ogmore Vale, the retiring president in the chair. There were 56 delegates present, representing 14,000 men. Mr. Roger H. Williams was re-elected treasurer for the ensuing year, and Mr. D. Edwards, Ogmore Vale, va.- elected president. The ageut (Mr. Joan Williams) gave a lengthy report in respect to the work done by him, and by hiscolltague (Mr. W. E. Morgan) during the past month. He alluded to the slump which had taken place m the piicea of coals in the Western District, and hoped that it would prove to be only a temporary one, and that the prices would be restored lor:,mvit:i. He made a telling appeal on behalf of tue funds of the Cardiff Iufirmary, and spoke from personal knowledge of the excellent work done by that institution. The relief and the various other benefits derived from the Cardiff Infirmary by suffering humanity could not be stated in words. He felt the matter laid upon his heart and conscience, and it was his in- tention to send on iiionaay morning a guinea to the Western Mail fund. He entreated the dele- gates to take the matter up, and bring it before their respective lodges, and ne hoped there would be generally a iesoive to help the fund promoted by the paper he had named. Mr. Williams was warmly-thanked fur his clear and able report. COUNTY COURT.—THURSDAY. [Before His Honour J udge:UisllOp.] CLAIM FOR BKICKS.—Hambiet's Biue Brick Co., .Ltd., iiromwich, sued Jtirnest Jones, contrac- tor, of .Ne.it.i, lor zE45 16s. 8d., the value of bricks sold and delivered. Mr. Ivor Bowen (instructed by Messrs. William Thomas and Guest, Carnon-sirect, Birmingham) appeared for the plaintiffs, and Mr. baward Poweli for the deienoant. — Mr. J. A. Hoslord, manager of the plain.iff company, gave evidence in support of the claim, ana bricks stated to be of a similar character to these contracted for were produced in court.—The defendant's case was that the bricks were not accordiug to sample, and not up to tiie regulation chitracter.-Atter a long hear- ing His Honour gave judument lor plaintiffs with costs. COUNTY POLICE.—FRIDAY. [Befoie Mr. Edward Davies and Mr. Walter Rice Evans.J DRUNKENNESS.—The following were fined for drunkenness William Morgan, woodcutter, Pontwhaiby, 7s. 6d. and costs; Joshua Griffiths, collier, Pontwyn, 10s. including costs John Greenwood, labourer, Briton Ferry, 7a. 6d. and Ousts and J ohn Artus, collier, Reaoiven, 5s. and costs. PROHIBITED HOURS.-Hugh Prichard, sinker, and Hugti lhomas, labourer, both of Skewen, weie eacn fined 7s. 6d. and costs for being at the Burrows Lodge Inn, during prohibited Lours. REFUSING TO QUIT.-Philip Rees, a contrac- tor, of Cwmgwrach, for being disorderly and refusing to quit licensed premises was ordered to pay 10s. and costs. THROWING STONES.—Thomas Price, haulier, of Seven Sisters, was summoned for throwing stones on the highway, and ordered to pay 10s. and costs. WITHOUT LIGHTS.—For driving without lights George Wilcox, Neath, was fined 2s. 6d. and costs. For a similar offence, Rees Gethin Rees, haulier, Neath, was fined 2s. 6d. and costs. William Lewis, Melyncrythan, similarly charged, was fined 20s. and costs. RIDING ON THE FOOTPATH.—Grosvenor Hutchinson, saddler, Glyn-Neath, was fined 5s. and costs for riding a bicycle on the footpath. LEAVING A CART UNATTENDED.—Charles Cheeke, bottler, and spirit merchant, Neath, was fined 2s. 6d. and costs RETIREMENT OF AN INSPECTOR. Reference was made at the Neath County Police Court on Friday to the impending re- tirement of Police Inspector Protheroe. Alderman Edward Davies said he desired on behalf of the Bench to express regret at the retirement of so tried and valued an officer as Inspector Protheroe. He hoped he would live for many years to enjoy a retirement which had been well-earned. Inspector Pro- theroe suitably thanked the magistrates for their Kind expressions. BURNT TO DEATH. A five-months old child named Mildred Rogers, was left in her cot in the kitchen of her mother's house at Pentreffynon, Cadox- ton, on Thursday night. The mother was away only a few minutes, but when she re- turned she found the coverlet of the cot ablaze. Another child left in the room had played with matches, with the too frequent result. Dr. Elias was called in,but he could not do anything. An inquest was held on Friday afternoon, and at its close the Cor- onor (Mr. Cuthbertson) seriously reprove the mother for leaving such young children to themselves. The jury found a verdict of death from fcuffocation. AN OLD "SWANSEY" LETTER DISCOVERED AMONGST THE STATE PAPERS. The following letter, discovered amongst the State papers (domestic, Charles II., 1682) in what has been termed the National Waste Paper Office," will posses interest for most readers of The Cambrian. It has never before been pub- lished. It is stated that his Majesty King Charles expressed his satisfaction with the letter, and declared that it was better composed than any other letter received by his Secretary of State, upon his Majesty's restoration to health:- RIGHT HONOURABLE,—This his Majesties antient Corporation, prostrat at your honour's feet (by us the Portreeve and Aldermen thereof), humblie renders its most hearty and unanimous thanks to your honour for favouring us in soe high a degree with your honourable letter of the 30th of May last, whereby we were acquainted with his Majesties late sicknesse and most happy recovery. And wee humbly presume to lett your honour know that at the reading of that letter publickly among us the first part of it chill'd all our hearts with a cold icy fear upon the appre- hention of his sacred Majesties soe iminent danger. But the latter part has fill'd us all soe brimfull of joy that though wee did by bells and bonfires, and other vulgar wayes, immediatly endeavour to lett the world see some part of it. Yet wee then did and still doe want means and words to expresse the hearty and truly loyall satisfaction that this whole Corporation unani- mously receaved att the news of his sacred Majesties most happy recovery of his healthe, which wee most heartily pray the King of all Kings long to continue to his most august Majesty, togeather with a long and happy reigne over us, undisturbed by either forraine or domestick enimies. And this is the hearty and dayly prayer of this loyall Corporation, and especially of His Majesties most loyal and devoted sub- jects, and your Honours most humble and ready servants. THOS. PHILLIPS, Portreeve. JOHN BOWEN. "WILL JONES. OWEN ROGERS. MATHEW DAVIDS. JOHN HOWELLS. "Burg., Swansey, 5 die Juny, 1682." Addressed on back:—" To the Right Honour- able Sir Leolin Jenkins, Kt., hi.-i Majesties principall Secretary of State. These humblie present."

THE TAFF VALE RAILWAY. WILL THERE BE ANOTHER STRIKE ? The relations between the Taff Vale Rail- way Company and their old workmen are again strained, and there is some reason to fear that, unless tho grievances of the men are removed, the strike which occurred last August will be renewed at an early date. Discontent has raged ever since the settle- ment, and the retention of about 70 of the men imported during the last struggle, it is said, has greatly exasperated tlie old hands. When the settlement was effected the latter believed that the strangers woul-1 be got rid of within a month, and the conciliation scheme then discussed would be in operation before the close of this year. Neither event happened. Another agitation has been started, and negociaticns which have recent- ly been conducted between the men's Execu- tive Committee and the Company ended s unsatisfactorily that the Committee have placed the case entirely in the hands of the men.

BRITON FERRY. [BY OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] CHRISTMAS DINNER TO THE POOR. If, as Oliver Goldsmith said, it is a luxury to do good," the committee of the Charitable Pur- poses Fund were amply repaid for the successful outcome of their efforts on Christmas Eve. The dinner was held at the Vernon Place Schools, where about 100 of the aged and indigent of the neighbourhood sat down to an excellent repast consisting of goose, turkey, beef, various kiuds of vegetables, and plum puduing. Each ot the diners was also presented with Jib. packet of tea. Mes- sengers wera also kept busy carrying dishes of dinner to some scores OL others, whe, through their growing infirmities, were unable to be present. The following are the names of the ladies who so generously gave their time and help to such a worthy cause:—Miss Jeffreys, Mrs. Townsend, Miss Elsie Hill, Miss Morfydd Hill, Miss M. J. Davies, Miss Kate Davies, Miss M. J. Richards, imiss Martha Price, Mrs. John Hughes, Mrs. Phillips, and Mrs. Edwards. A variety entertainment, at which most of our local prominent artistes took part, concluded the day's festivities. Miss Lewis, Court Sart, and Miss Flossie Folland presided at the piano, while Mr. J. Gomer Davies occupied the chair. ENGLISH BAPTIST DEBATING SOCIETY. The discussion at this society on Friday last was based on Sheldon's buok "In His Steps." Is it practicable. The chair was occupied by Mr. Thomas Williams. The affirmative was ably led by Mr. W. Williams, and the negative by Mr. W. J, Rickard. The following took part in the de- bate :-Aflirmatlve, Messrs. R. Davies, W. H. Davies, James Bond and T. J. Davies negative, Messrs. A. Tissington, J. Walters and D. Williams. The voting resulted in a majority of four for the affirmative. STOPPING A RUNAWAY HORSE. Mr. J. Roberts, the local Prudential superinten- dent, is becoming quite an adept at catching run- away hor,es. Last Thursday a horse and trap came galloping at a tremendous speed down the Melyn-road towards the tram-car, which was pro- ceeding towards Neath at the time. Mr. iioberts saw the danger, jumped out of the car, and very pluckily arrested the onward career of the ex- cited animal. The horse and tiap belonged to Mr. D. Jones, egg merchant. This is ttbe fifth time that Mr. tuooerts has quite recently stopped the dangerous course of runaway horses. BRITON FERRY DEBATING SOCIETY. The weekly meeting of this society was held on Wednesday last, Mr. Trevor Hunter presided. In the absence of Mr. A. J. Jeffreys, who was to move That the power of licensing public-houses be transferred from the Justices to t..e Municipal Authorities," the debate was taken impromptu by Messrs. J. Edgar and J. G. Davies, who took the affirmative and. negative respectively. Messrs. B. J. Evans and H. Lewis supported the affirma- tive, while Messrs. Tom James and Ivor Gwynne supported 4he negative, which, on being put to the vote, had a majority of one. MILITARY FUNERAL. The funeral of Mr. Henry Richards took place on Saturday, the 22nd inst. A most impressive scene it was as the large procession wended its way through the main street, headed by the band of local volunteers. Much sympathy is felt for the family of deceased, who was only 25 years of age, and was much respected by many friends in the town.

SKEWEN. [BY OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] GRAND CONCERT IN SKEWEN. A most successful organ recital and concert was held on Thursday evening labt at the Tabernacle Chapel. The organist was Mr. Harry Evans Dowlais (Fellow of the Royal College of Organists). He was on each occasion well received. Amongst other pieces he played, An Overture in D," (Rossini); "Minuet" (Paderewski) "Foccata," (Dubois); Fantasia Sicdian Mariners Hymn," (Lux); Grand' Dramatic Fantasia," (Peace), being a concert on a lake interrupted by a thunderstorm Fantasia on hymn tune, Crugybar," (H. Evans)- Adante in G." (Baptiste); march, (Meyerbeer). Miss Janet Garnett, Pontypridd, double prize- winner at the National Eisteddfod of Wales 1900, was the soprano. She sang excellently the following solos: "For all eternity" (Mascheron) An Old Garden," (Temple) "Y ddinaa Sanctaidd," and "With Verdure Clad," (Haydn). The noted bass (Mr. David Hughes, London, St. James's Hall and Queen's Hall Concerts) also sang with great effect. "Honour and Arms" (Handel); "I fear no foe (Pensuti) and Y bachgen dewr (Dr. Parry). Miss Garnett and Mr. D. Hughes also sang a duet entitled Solfa," ,for which they were encored. Mrs. J. Evans-Jones was to have accompanied, but after playing the first solo for Miss Garnett, she was taken ill, and her place was capably filled by Mr. Harry Evans. The whole of the concert proceeds were in aid of the Chapel Building Fund. HOREB BAPTIST CHAPEL. An entertainment was held at the above Chapel on Wednesday evening. The Chairman and adjudicator of the recitations was the Rev. T. Morgan, Horeb Chapel awhile Mr. Thomas Richards adjudicated in the singing competitions. Songs were rendered by Miss Jennie Williams, Miss Alice Richards, Miss Ceinwen Morgan, Master W. J. Williams and Mr. John Williams recitations by Messrs. David Morgan, W. J. Williams, and D. J. Jones. In the competitions Mr. Wm. Morgan was awarded a prize for finding the word Boar in the Bible, Mr. D. H. Jones for the best speech on The Chief Wants of Skewen," and Mr. Wm. Davies for the best love letter. Mr. D. L. Davies won the prize for the best rendering of Prydain." There were nine competitors. THE CHAMPION SOLOIST AT NEATH. Among the three who appeared on the stage at the Champion Solos' Eisteddfod held at Neath on Saturday, was Mr. Robert Beynon of Skewen, who is totally blind. The test piece was, Lead, Kindly Light." Mr. Henry Evans, As. R.C.O., the adjudicator, gave Mr. Beynon an excellent name. He said the song was well-delivered, and came from the heart, but the draw- back was in his voice, which was not quite so good as the other two gentlemen who sang the piece. Eventually the nr.t prize was awarded to Mr. Aneurin Edwards, Treorky. It is hoped that the promoters of local concerts will not forget Mr. Beynon, who is not only an able singer, but an excellent organist and pianist. COEDFRANC EVENING CLASSES. The scholars of the above classes held a smoker on Friday. The whole of the artistes were even- ing school scholars. Mr. Wm. Davies, (head- teacher of the evening classes), presided, and was supported by Messrs. D.M. Griffiths, S.Edwards, M. Edwards, and G. Thomas. Songs were given by Messrs. Griffith Hughes, John Thomas, Willie Beynon, Benj. Phillips, and Tommy Davies. Reci- tations by Messrs. Trott, W. J. Williams, and Wm. Davies; accordeon solos by Messrs. Bendle and D. Nichols; addresses were also delivered by Messrs. G. Thomas and John Copp. SACRED CONCERT. A sacred concert was held at the Tabernaole Chapel on Sunday evening, for the benefit of Mr. David Richards, who has been unable to follow his employment for several months. Mr. S. T. Evans, M.P., occupied the chair, and the artistes were Miss Mary Hannah Roberts. Miss J. Evans, Messrs. James Davies, Benj. J. Davies, Benj. W. Davies, D: James Davies, W. Thomas, and Samuel Jones. Organ solos were given by Messrs. G. Baggeridge and John Davies, and an oratorio solo by Mr. Morgan Williams. A reci- tation was also given by Mr. David Rees. The duties of accompanist were ably carried out bv Mr. Tom Baggeridge. The concert was finished by a rendering of Mendelssohn to the words- "Clwychlu'r nef," by the congregation. The concert was a success, and a good sum has been handed over to Mr. Richards.

MORRISTON. INTERESTING GATHERING AT MORRISTON. There was an interesting gathering at the Tyrpenry Arms, Morriston, on Friday evening, when a smoker" was held to bid farewell to Miss Francis, the genial hostess, on her retire- ment from business. Advantage was also taken of the occasion to present Councillor Matthews with a cigarette case and holder, on behalf of the members of the Penry Cymmrodorion Society Aid. D. Harris presided. The presentation was made by Mr. Wm. Edwards, of Cwmrhydyceirw who referred to the valuable service which Mr. Matthews had rendered the society, and remarked that he had shown himself a friend to ali, and enemy to none. Mr. Matthews was ever ready to assist a deserving cause, whilst, as one of their representatives on the Swansea Council they were justly proud of him. He had much pleasure in asking his acceptance of the gift, and trusted that the recipient and his wife would be spared to enjoy a long and happy life. The recipient e who was very heartily received, replied in suit- able terms. The health of the chairman was afterwards drunk ard during the evening the Penry Male Voice Party (Mr. J. T. Davies, con- ductor), gave excellent renderings of "Comrades in Arms," "Codwn Hwyl," while songs were rendered by Messrs. J. Walters, D. Walters, Wm. Sullivan, Daniel Williams, Tom íJones (tailor), R. G. Jones, R. Joy, Wm. Edwards, Davies and Jones. Mr. J. Fitz-Rnssell (new Opera House) and Mr. Dan Williams gave recitations. Mr. Hyman Ellis Jones was the accompanist.'

LLANSAMLET. ANNUAL BANQUET OF THE QUOITING CLUB. The first annual banquet of the Llansamlet Quoiting Club was held last Monday (Christmas Eve), at the club's headquarters, Traveller's Rest, Llansamlet. After everyone had done full justice to the capital dinner served by Host and Hostess Jenkins, the second part of the evening was devoted to singing. The usual toasts were submitted, and were drunk with musical honours. Songs were rendered in the intervals by Messrs. T. Davies (Morriston), who was encored; Jack Evans (captain), L. Davies, Eli White, T. Row- lands, H. Sims, and a few selections on the mouth organ by Rees Andrew. After a most enjoyable evening had been spent the concert terminated with the singing of "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau." Mr. Tom John, Colliers Arms, ably presided. SHOOTING MATCH. The annual shooting match took place on the grounds of the Traveller's Rest on Christmas Day. Local marksmen were very fortunate in securing the chief prizes. CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICES. Services were held during Christmas Day in the Parish Church, and in the evening a capital entertainment was given in the Schoolroom bv the juveniles, which was thoroughly enjoyed. The Vicar presided in his usual manner.- Services were also held in the various chapels, and were largely attended.

SEASONABLE GENEROSITY. ME. B. EVANS J.P.. AND LLANELLY HOSPITAL. The Llanelly Guardian says :— "At the last meeting of the Management Committee of the Hospital, Mr. Allen Williams (editor of the Guardian) announcedj amid applause, that Mr. Benjamin Evans, High Sheriff of the county, bad signified to him his intention of subscribing 150 towards the funds of the Llanelly Hospital. It was unanimously resolved, on the initiative of Major Bythway (who presided), that a letter of thanks be sent by the secretary to the High Sheriff for his munificence, and that the kind donor be informed that his name had been enrolled in the archives of the Institution, and added to the tablet containing the names of life governors. We may add that this is by no means the first time for the Hospital to benefit from the generosity of Mr. Evans, and no more seasonable gift could be possible. At Thursday's meeting of the committee, Mr. Allen Williams had the pleasure of handing over the High Sheriff's cheque.

FARMER SHOT NEAR PONT- ARDAWE. POACHERS SUSPECTED. Our Neath correspondent telephones:- Yesterday (Thursday), at 4 p.m., a farmer named John Bowen, of Nantymoel Farm, Gellyonen Mountain, about three and a half miles from Pontardawe, was shot whilst in one of his fields. Poachers are said to have been prowling about the neighbourhood of late, and it is assumed he may have met a gang. Immediately on the discovery, Dr. Griffiths, of Pontardawe, and the police were sent for. It is understood that Bowen's injuries are serious.

FOREIGN TRIBUTE TO BRITISH SOLDIERS. No amount of testimony from disinterested sources to the humanity and general good behaviour of our soldiers will, we are well aware, have any effect on their traducers among their own countrymen. Ideas produced by passion and prejudice are not to be uprooted by reason. None the less, we are glad to observe how fine a tribute has been paid to our Army by Count Sternberg, a German Volunteer, who fought in the ranks of the Boers. He declares that he I- cannot think of these English officers without a thrill of emotion. Decimated, shot down like rabbits, and yet always so humane and considerate. I can only repeat that the English officers and the English soldiers have shown in this war that the soldier's trade rather ennobles than brutalises a man. This war has had its beautiful aspects, and I venture to say that never before has war been waged on more humane principles. English state-craft may be perfidious, but the English soldiery is upright, honourable and brave." We have no doubt whatever that Count Sternberg's judgment will be the judgment of history on this war, which our own Radicals try to persuade their dupes has been a disgrace to civilisation and the good name of England. X, BALACLAVA ? If M. Bloch is still anxious to prove that war is impossible, let him take the account of De Wet's ride through Springhaan's Nek, and see what he can make of it. Let him take into consideration first what were the losses of the Light Brigade at Balaclava. Of course, our Lancers, Hussars, and Dragoons there had to face cannon in front of them, besides the guns to right and left, but then, would not M. Bloch claim that the shell fire of to-day is far more destructive than in the days when iron croquet-balls were picked up on the battle-field the day after ? Rifle fire, too, ac- cording to M. Bloch-but that is an old story. It has at least been proved that under certain conditions a ride recalling in some respects the charge of Balaclava is by no means im- possible. Not that for daring we could com- pare the two charges." De Wet, after all, was riding for his life; the Light Brigade went for the guns.

COMPETITION MEETING AT CAPEL GOMER. On Christmas night a competition meeting was held at the above chapel under the auspices of the Mutual Improvement Society. Mr. Henry Phillips acted as president; Mr. Ben. Williams, secretary. Mr. W. E. Williams, Mirador-crescent, adjudicated the musical portion of the programme; and Mr. H. C. Watts the literature. Miss Williams carried away the first prize for the essay, and Mr. D. Lloyd the love letter. Mr. J. Lewis and party won the chief choral; and Mr. W. Williams the tenor solo; Miss Williams was adjudged the best on the im- promptu speech. Several other items were competed for and won.

ENIGMA. I pass o'er the land, I cross o'er the sea, I labour unseen, but no gain comes to me I never grow tired, though by blundring men My work may be lost till it's picked up again. I'm the latest and best of my race you may know; Though still young in years, as men count here below, For centuries I've waited-latent and tame- Aye ready and wishful to bring wealth and fame. Nor frigid nor torrid zone though have I seen, Yet frequently travel the two poles between. T.R.R.

OLD FALSE TEETH BOUGHT. Many ladies and gentlemen have by them old or disused false teeth, which might as well be turned into money. Messrs. R. D. and J. B. Fraser, of Princess-street, Ipswich (established since 1833), buy old false teeth. If you send your I teeth to them they will remit you by return post the utmo-t value; or, if preferred, they will make you the best offer, and hold the teelh over for your reply. If reference necessary, apply to ble-Ers. Bacon & Co., Bankers, Ipswich.,

THE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON." WHAT THEY MEAN TO THE POST OFFICE. The advent of Christmas is not regarded by the Swausea Postal and Telegraph staffs as an unalloyed blessing. To them it means a vast increase of work, with little time to get it through. Great pressure is naturally ex- perienced at the Swansea Post Office every Christmastide, but this year it was felt more than ever. Then, the work has to be done under several adverse circumstances, not the least of which is due to the lack of suitable accommodation. The need for a new and up- to-date Post Office is never felt more acutely than during Christmas, and it is to be e £ hrisfcmas comes round again the Swansea Postal Clerks and Tela- graphists will have taken up their quarters at the magnificent office now nearing completion. The travelling post offices, which run between Gloucester and New Milford, and which are staffed by the Swansea Post Office, have been exceedingly busy over Christmas. As a rule, they deal with something like 400,000 letters, &c., per week, but it is computed that during the Christmas week this number was increased to upwards of a million. A new departure which created a good deal of interest in the town was the substitution of ladies for the men who were called away for travelling post office purposes.

LOCAL FIXTURES OF FORTHCOMING EVENTS. Excursions per G.W.R. ( FRIDAY, Dec. 28. Quo Vadis" at the Grand Theatre, and following: seven nights. Poole's Myriorama at the Albert Hall, and until further notice. THURSDAY, Jan. 10. Hospital Ball, at the Albert Hall. Friday, Jan. 11, Juvenile Calico Ball. FEBRUARY 21. Grand Evening Concert at the Albert Hall MAY, 1901. Grand Bazaar in aid of the Royal Cambrian Ka,tne ^and "«» tlLGH WATKE,in3WANiS&AHARBOUIi Compiled trom Greenwood's Nauticai Almanac _-°- HIGH HEIGHTS NEAREST MIl7-DAV~ n JWATER— Prince of N. D'kd.~u'k Day of ilomh Qr'tmiun Wales Oock. J-tide .J-tido Mean Uanio. lime. Morn. Even. OiLi,. C(LL. DEC.—JAN. A.M.I P.M. F. I. F. I. ? T Friday 28 .0 1310 36 50 2 £ 8 9 22 9 2i 5 Saturday., 29u oil 41 -J) 2 27 5 21 5 19 11 Sunday 3> 0 -Oj 21 10 21 10 20 4 Monday 3i 1 11 3^ 26 H 27 11 21 11 <>0 5 luesday 1 2 lu i 43 27 8 28 2 2 2 20 8 Wednesday 2 3 IS J4 S 4 is 5 23 5 21 11 Ihursday 3 j 20 i 52l 28 0 30 3 2 i 3 22 9

RAILWAY RETURNS. RHONDDA & SWANSEA BAY RAILWAY, The following are the traffic returns for the week ending Dec. 23, 1900. as com Dared with th« NNRMA. ponding week in 1899fijoo. 1899 Wo. of Miles open 30 so Passengers (Local) £60ö £ 511 GoodatMinerttts. 1,231 1,063 Total for the Week 1,840 1.604 T 25 Weeks 40,6 9 39,964 Increase this week, jb226. increase 25 weeks, £675. Taff Vale Railway, an increase of £2,120; aggregate decrease, 25 weeks, £ 22,378. Brecon and Merthyr Railway, a decrease of £ 277; aggregate increase for 25 weeks, £ 1,145.

"A FACT." y°u your purchases at KH1 fc> THOMAS'S. The talk of all ladies now is the extraordinary value he offers in LADIES' JACKETS (a new Hia Millinery Department, as usual, gathers the people from all parts. The Very Best Class Goods at a Small cost. This suits the timna 81, OXFORD-STREET. m83- LOCAL STOCK AND SHARE LIST SUPPLIED BY MESSRS. S. P. WILLS & SON, STOCKBROKERS, 30, WIND STREET, SWANSEA. RTILWAYS. Paid. Prices Stock 78ft VlIle lJivided Stock ltlv 7lt 71i- Shares ithondda Ik Swansea Bay Ord..10 a >» £ 0. 5 p.c. Pref. i0 si 8f Stock Do. Debenture loo lOd 110 Shares Fort Talbot By. 4 DOCKS Ord. 10 5. G •> vo. 4 p.c. i*ref. 10 81 9 MISCELLANEOUS. Shares Ben Evans and Co. Ords, 1 18s 6d 19a 6d, q'» ^°- 6 P-c- l*ref. i 2za vf I? ,.?°\ 0 5p-c. Ueb. 100 106 lo« Shares English Crown Speiter Ord. 1 2i 24xd fenrikybor Colliery Ords.10 8* Stuck Swansea Corporation a? Stock 100 107 112xd „ JJo. Harbour 4 p.c. do.. 100 lOtJl 107i „ Do. &asop.e.)uxuj.do.. 100 116 119 Shares Do. Old Brewery Ord.. 10 9 10 •» 6 P-o. Pref. l(j 01 1Q Do. Uni tea fire .very Ord. 10 in! 1*2 W Uo 6 p-c-Jeref* 10 IOI 1% Weaver and Co. Ord. 10 ill 12! « "Uu* 6 P'1'*Pref- 10* 11 yuotatwu for any nuers ou application, JBDTJSK8. Thomas and Evans aud John Dyer Ord. Rhondda liailway Ord. aud Pref. H. H. Vivian an 1 Co. Shares. Taylor and Co. shares. Beu Evans uud Uo. Pref. and Ord. Anderson, Cox and Co. Shares. SiiLLEKS. Weaver & Co. Ord. aud Pret, Buckley's Deb. Meciopolitan Banks. Anderson, Cox a; Co. Swausea Harbour 4 p.c. Stock. Old Brewery Pref. United Brewery Ords. and Freis. English Crown Spelters. S. P. WILLS & SON Swansea TELEGRAMS: II WILLS. SWAN8EA." No. 184. DAVIES AND BARREB, STOCK AND SHARE BROKERS, 56, WIND-STREET, SWANSEA Telegrams, "Discretion" Telephone No. 113. Bun;Rs.-300 Ben. Evans Pref.; 100 Ben. Evans Ord.; f3JO Ben. Evans Deb.; 20 London and Provincial Banks; 8 Capital and Counties Banks; 200 Waasaa (Gold Coast J, at 6J; 500 West African Gald Trust, at 1 5-16 prem.; loO Gold Coast A.malgamated. at 15. SELLKKS.—Barry Railway 4 p.c. th rd Preference Stock Allotments; £ 400 KUondda and Swansea Bay Deb.; £ -00 Great Western Railway Ord.; £ 400 Swansea Harboui Stock.

BIRTHS MAEBIAGES AND DEATHS BIRTHS. RICE.—On the 19th Deo., at Dynevor Castle, Llandilo, Lady Margaret Rice, of a son. LYSAGHT.-On the 14th Dec., at Portskewett House, Portskewett, Mon., the wife of D. C. Lysaght, of a son. SPARROW.—On the 20th Dec., at Preen Manor, Shrewsbury, the wife of Cecil Blair Sparrow, of a son. THOMAS.—On the 20th Dec., at Maindee Hall, Monmouthshire, the wife of Wyndham Thomas, of a son. MARRIAGES. REED—THOMAS—On the 25th of December, at the Memorial Chapel, Walter-road, by the Rev. J. W. Williams, John Bowden Reed, to Lily, only daughter of the late Captain Wm. Thomas, Ffynone-street. HILL—KNIGHT.—On the 20th Dec., at Holy Trinity, Brompton, London, Tom Ashton, son of John Hill, of The Firs, Hampton-in-Arden, to Hettie, daughter of the late John Knight, of Nebley, Gloucestershire. HOWARD—JENKINS.—On the 11th Dec., at Clifford Parish Church, Herefordshire, by the Rev. W. Trumper, Howard William Howard to Elizabeth May Jenkins. DEATHS. POWELL.-On Dec. 21st, at No. 19, Bryn-road, Swansea, Edward Jones, the infant bon of David Jones and Harriet Louisa Powell. JOHN.—On the 23rd Dec., at 100, Llangyfelach- road, Brynhyfryd, John John, deacon at New Siloh, Landore. BAKER.—On the 17th Dec., at 19, Trafalgar. place, Brynmill, Swansea, Sarah, the beloved wife of Stephen Baker, aged 52 years. SIMONS.—On the 18th Dec., David Simons. 2, Carlton-terrace (formerly of Fforestfach), ag-,i 54. DORMER.-On tlie 22nd Dec., at Beckford Manor, Tewkesbury, Lord Dormer. BENSLY.—On the 22nd Dec., at 2, Gresham. ruad, Cambridge, Agnes Dorothee, dau^ter of the late Baron Edouard von Blomberg, and widow of Professor R. L. Bensly, aged 66 years. BLOIS.—On the 19th Dec., on a voyage to Australia, Charles Godfrey Blois, second -on of the la.te Sit: John Ralph Blois, Bait., agei 32 years. Printed and Published by OHGASi TAMPLIN for "TILL* Cambrian" Newspaper CorupftaT Liml'" at the ofiiCtt So. 58, V' ind-street, ~<winsia, in the County of 0 1.;u;cri(AU.—PKIDaT, December 28 9 "0.

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