The Cambrian

CWMAVON. (BY OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] The services in connection with the Church Army Mission were continned throughout last week every evening at the Parish Room, and were well attended. On Sunday afternoon a childrens' I service was held, when Captain Hughes delivered a most edifying address to a large congregation and in the evening, as soon as darkness set in, an open air lantern service was held in close proximity to All Saints' Church, the subject being, The Passion, Resurrection, and Ascen- sion of our Lord Jesus Christ," the captain driv- ing the truths home with great earnestness. At the conclusion the captain delivered a brief vale- dictory address, and spoke in eulogistic terms of the kindness of the reception which had been ex- tended to them by the Rev. D. Bankes Williams, vicar, and for the active part he had taken at each of their meetings; and also thanked the inhabitants of Cwmavon in general for the kind- ness and generosity they had bestowed them during their mission in the place; and finally he hoped that the work that he and his brothers had been engaged in would again bear good results. After twelve years' work in the Valley, the Rev. Dan Evans, pastor of Zion Chapel, and chairman of the School Board, is about to sever his connection with the above church. He has accepted a call to the pastorate of the Church at Hawen, Newcastle Emlyu, Cardiganshire, and will leave in a tshort time. The rev. gentleman announced his intention of leaving to the brethren on Sunday. The reason for his decision is because Mrs. Evans and his youngest daughter are far from being weil, and their medical attendant has stated that a change in the country will be bene- ficial to their health. -L SCHOOL BOARD MEETING. The ordinary meeting of the above board was held at the Boys' Shoolroom on Tuesday even- ing, under the presidency of Rev. Dan Evans (chairman), when all members were present. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by the Cleik and confirmed. School Site Committee.—This committee re- ported that they had approached Mr. Yates with a view of arranging an inteiview with Messrs. Wright and Co., re the old Railmill, for buildingipurposes; but he had declined to do so, as they could not g..t that ground at any price. The were given to understand that the Depot" was still available. The Clerk informed the com- mittee that he had met Colonel Wright, and had spoken to him on the matter, and the same answer had been given him. It was resolved that a special meeting of the Board should be held on Friday evening to deal with this important matter. Applications.-Several applications had been received re vacancies for pupil teachers, &c., and it was resolved that a sub-committee of manage- ment" be formed—viz chairman, Rev. R. S. Morris, Rev. Lloyd Evans, and Mr. Alfred j Roberts—to deal with these applications. The application of Miss K. Havard, of Tymaen School, for an assistant, was referred to the new committee. Correspondence.—Letters were received from each of the teachers, who had received an inert a?e of salary, thanking the Board. A letter was also read from Miss Mary Lewis, applying for an increase of salary. Mr. Samuel J(,nes moved, and Mr. F. E. Jacobf seconded, that z65 a year increase be granted. Several other members were agdinst granting an increase of salary, as a scale of payment of teachers had been adopted by the Board, who shoul l adhere to that scale. On the motion being put to the meeting, only the i proposer and seconder voted for it, and it was lost. Mr. Jones thought that the Board had dealt very hard with the young lady, as she was a good teacher, and had served the Board faithfully for many years. Finance.—Mr. F. E. Jacob and the Rev- Lloyd Evans were elected to sign cheques for teachers' salaries, also to Messrs. Wright, Batter and Co. for rent and gas X36 13 10s., and to copper miners for coal, £ 5 14s. 9d. Report From Schools.—The report of the general attendance at the various schools proved to be very satisfactory, and was as follows :— Boys' School, 92 per cent. Girls' School, 78 per cent. Penycae, Infants,' 78 per cent.; Tymaen, 79 per cent. or an average of 82 per cent. The meeting terminated at 9.10.

PONTARDAWE. FORTNIGHTLY POLICE COUKT.—FRIDAY. Sunday Closing Act.—William Clement, landlord of the Star Inn, Llansamlet, was summoned for contravening the above Act on April 7th, and David John was summoned for being on the premises. Clement was fined £ 2 and John zEl. Mr. Leeder, for the offence, gave notice of appeal. Sale of Basic Slag.—John Davies, iron- monger. was summoned for not giving an invoice on delivery of basic slag, and for not supplying it as guaianteed. Mr. Vanderpump, who prosecuted on behalf of the County Council, said defendant had been on a previous occasion fined El for a like offence. Defendant admitted the offence, and Mr. Herbert Lloyd, in imposing a fine of L5 and costs, said he knew defendant was acting for a company. He did not suppose there was any adulteration, but it was known that the phos- phites varied, and after previous warning the company ought to have produced their guaranteed minimum. They had not, and the assumption was that they wished to deceive the public.

jpEVAN AND CO., LTD. The annual meeting of Bevan and Co., Ltd., house furnishers, of Cardiff and Swansea, was held at the offices of the secretary (Mr. J. E. Gunn) on Monday afternoon. Mr. Joseph Ramsdale, vice-chairman of the directors, pre-sided, the other directors present being Mr. John Bevan and Mr. J. M. Jennings. The net profit on the year's working was £ 4.302 7s., and of this £ 1,733 15s. was ab- sorbed in paying interim dividends of 7 per cent. on the Preference Shares and 5 per cent. on the Ordinaries. WTith the! balance of £2,568 12s. final dividends at the same rate were paid, and J6854 17s. was carried for- ward. The Chairman explained that the itason for carrying forward this amount was that the company were about to extend their- businessi by opening a shop at Pontypridd. Tbey started with three shops, and the four additional ones they would possess when the bianch at Pontyprild was opened had all been started without raising additional cap- ital. The report was adopted, and the retir- ing directors, Messrs. Lascelles Carr and J. Bevan, were re-elected.

One of the features of the Grand Bazaar to be held on May 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, in aid of the Royal Cambrian Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, is its purely unsect-ariau character, as stalls will be presided over by ladies representing the Established Church. the Nonconformist churches, and Jewish la- dies hava also a stall- "Egypt."

THE BIRDS' TREE. Oppi site our breakfast-room window (savs tfci author of "Birds of the Air there is a rockery, and piinted behind the rockeiy some trees, to which the birds come every day. But one tre. especially seems to have attraction for my little feathered friends, to which I have given tha above name. Do you wish to know why ? I will tell you. Because from that place of vantage they can have a fine view of the window, and what ii thrown from it. Moreover, they do not do so without reason; they are a most intelligent set of little birds. During the summer season they are not so numerous, but as winter approaches they begin to come in great numbers and during the cold season.the instant that the window sash is thrown up, down they come in all haste to get a good breakfast. Then.Hgain. there is a tine institution known as the ''Sparrow Plate," viz., O plate on which are collected all the crumbs .vid fragments, in order to upplv these little bhvls with a breakfast during the cold winter month'. > when they cannot get much off the ground. Now, I wish all my young friends—aye, and oil1 friends, too—to keep "sparrow plates," viz., for the purpose, an old one that holds plenty, and of which there is no great loss if it gets broken, "r a chipped one. It is wonderful how long an uld chipped plate will last The great number of my little chirping acquainanccs are sparrows, just wee sparrows but as the season-advances there are the more distinguished visitors—the .obins, thrushes, blackbirds, &c. Now, I have s?ell people who think themselves very tidy get up and shake the crumbs into the hearth"; but that is not proper tidiness—that is lazy tidiness. Proper tidiness would be to "gather up the fragments that nothing be lost," and save them for "the birds of the air." which neither have storehouse nor barn, and they that do so will be ampiv repaid by seeing thf pleasure they give to tilt little birds,of Svhich our Saviour has said that .V >t one of them is forgotten before God."

NEATH AND DISTRICT I [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] I DEATH OF MR. JOSEPH MARKHAM- Mr. Joseph Markham, formerly representative of the "South Wales Daily News" at Neath, and up to ten years ago a prosperous auctioneer and accountant of that town, died on Saturday at Neath, at a comparatively early age. Mr. Markham was for three years a member of the Neath Town Council. His brilliant prospects were blighted, and he, it is to be regretted, died a man of decayed fortunes. He has left a widow and several children. LAWN TENNIS CLUB. The annual meeting of this club was held at the Town Hall, on Fridav night, Mr. A. J. Pike in the chair. The hon. treasurer presented a statement of accounts which showed that an adverse balance-sheet at the beginning of the year of £3 18s. 9d. had been increased to £15 8i. 3d. (not a happy state of affairs as the meeting thought). This was due to the club not having had its annual ball, a circumstance owing to the lamented death of the Queen. Mr. A. T. Harris and Mr. J. G. Davies were unanimously re-elected hon. secretary and hon. treasurer. The ladies who had provided teas throughout the season were thanked. The question of club picnic was disenss-ed, and the matter was referred to a committee. It was resolved to increase the amount of members' subscriptions. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to Mr. Pike for presiding. SINGING FESTIVAL. A successful singing festival was held at Gnoll- road Congregational Church on Monday, under the auspices of the Glamorgan Unitarian Singing Festival Association. Choirs attended from the Rhondda Valleys, Aberdare Valley, Merthyr, Cefn. Dowlais, the Vale of Glamorgan, and Porthcawl. The Rev. Dd. Evans, Cwmbach, was the conductor, and he found occasion to frequently praise the high quality of the sinffing. County Councillor Hopkin Morgan presided over the afternoon meeting, and the Mayor of Neath (Councillor L. C. Thomas) filled the post of chairman at the evening meeting. Both delivered interesting and suitable speeches. The deacons of Gnoll-road Church were warmly thanked for the loan of their building. MAY FAIR. The Neath May Fair was held on Wednesday in delightful weather. There was a large attend- ance, and some business was done in all departments. In the horse fair the following were the ruling prices Strong carters, C20 to £40: good cobs, R20 to £ 30; ponies, R8 to jE15 yearlings, zC8 to £12 each. In cattle—best beef, Its other qualities, 93 6d to 10s 6d; bulls, 9s to 10s sheep (light weights), 9|d heavy, nd to 2 8Jd shorn sheep, 7d to 8.td lamb lid to iild; pigs, 10s to lis store pigs, 18s to 40s calves, 6d to 81; store cattle (yearlings), R6 to £ 9 two- year-olds, X7 to £11; barren cows,.£9 to Cl2 cows and calves, £ 12 to £ 16. "FAITH HEALER" AT THE POLICE COURT. At the Neath County Police Court, on Friday, before Mr. Charles Evan Thomas, Mr. Edward Davies, Mr. Walter Rice Evans, and Mr. David Davies (Briton Ferry), George M. Higgins, described as an eye specialist, was brought up in cu-tody and charged with stealing a sovereign from Sarah Edwards, the said coin being the property of Thomas Edwards, her husband, at Panteg, Ystalyfera, on the 27th October last. The prisoner, who had pre- viously at the Swansea Court been committed for trial at the Assizes on three charges of robbery, appeared at the Neath Court in charge of two Swansea prison warders. The accused lived for some weeks in Rosser-street, Neath, and became somewhat extensively known as a faith healer." Hannah Edwards told the Bench that her father was a grocer at Ystalyfera. The prisoner came to her father's shop and asked to see a dinner service. He afterwards said his wife had admired a tea service in the window, and be should like to make a present to her of it. Prisoner got witness's brother out of the way by sending him to a neighbouring hotel for an over- coat. The prisoner, who said his name was Tuomson, then asked for two half-sovereigns for a sovereign. Her mother put the two halves on the counter, and the prisoner promptly picked them up and bolted. Witness nn after him, but had no chance to overtake him as he was so fleet-footed. She had that day picked the prisoner out from amongst several others. Sarah Edwards corroborated the evidence of, her daughter, and added that she was quite sure the prisoner was the thief. Prisoner, who admitted his guilt, said this trouble had come through his having been in trouble before. He had been hounded out of three respectable situations. Mr. Charles Evan Thomas You have to go to the As-izes on the other charges. the As-izes on the other charges. Prisoner: I am not a liar if 1 am a thief. I admit my guilt. I have tried to live respectably, but I lost three good situations through having previously been in trouble. Prisoner was committed to take his trial at the Assizes. He also admitted another charge of stealing 20s. belonging to Bpnjamin Tucker, of Skewen, on the 17th November last. Prisoner professed to be desirous of buying some ham. and asked for change of a sovereign. Again he bolted with the money and got away. He was committed to the Assizes on this further charge. Prisoner was also charged with stealing postage stamps to the value of zE2 10s., the property of the Postmaster-General, from the post office at Aberamman, near Aberdare. Prisoner, who gave a denial to the charge, was remanded for a week. COUNTY POLICE. At the Neath County Police Court on Friday, charges of furious driving were prefer, ed against Daniel Absalom, and Edward Smith, both grooms, of Aberdare, and Phillip Davies, gentle- man, of Aberdare. The offence was stated to have been committed on the highway at Glyn Neath. Each defendant was fined 20s. and cost. Drunkenness.—The following were fined for having been drunk John Davies, labourer, Glyn Neath, 2s. 6d. and costs James Owen, and Evan Owen, both of Skewen (the latter had, whilst drnnk, fallen-into the caual), were each fined 10s. including costs. I No Lights.—For driving without lights, John Llewellyn, cab-driver, Neath, was ordered to pay the costs. King Evans, butcher, Penrhiewtyn, and Arthur Rogers, of Hendregyngen Farm, Crynant, were similarly fined for like offences. For riding a bicycle without lights Wm. Lloyd, of Skewen, was fined 5s. and costs. Bicycling.-Ralph Strick, Skewen, was charged with bicycling at furious speed. Mr. Hunter was for the defendant. The defendant was ordered to pay the costs. A Vagrant—John Arnold, a tramp, who had several times been previously convicted, was charged with begging at Briton F rry on the previous night. P.S. Evans prosecuted, and the defendant wa. sent to prison for 14 days. Assault. — Charles ,Pole summoned Edward Selby for assaulting him on the 3rd May. The complainant, who bore marks of ill-usage, said that both he and the defendant were hauliers at the Main Colliery.-Mr. W H. David appeared for the plaintiff.-Defendant s.id that what he did was in self defence. Complainant described the assault, and said that the defendant struck him on the head and face when he was on the ground. The defendant said the complainant was the aggressor.—The Bench said they thought the assault was an aggravated one, and fined the defendant 40s. and costs.

Recently, an intimation in these columns of the return from South America of Mr. Richard Tabb, of Swansea, brought a week or so later a letter to that gentleman from a friend ill Spain, where Mr. Tabb resided some years ago. By the mails to hand. we are pleased to note that the "Cambrian" is not only read in Spain, but much farther afield. A. short while back, we printed some amusing versions of the most familiar lines iu the English language—"Mary had a little lamb." Mr. W. R .Evans, of the Strut-here Furnace Company, Struthers:, Ohio, now sends us "The Youngstown Daily Vindicator," of May 2nd last, from which we note the following:- "A Selection from Swans^i. H A 'Vindicator' friend has ffent- the' fa] lowing communication and extract: "Struthers, 0.. April 30,1901. To the Editor of the 'Vindicator.' "Dear Sir.-Collfirmiug my telephone con- versation with you this morning, I here- with enclose a clipping taken from The Cambrian.' a paper published in Swansea. Wales. "It rather amused me when I read it, a^ i I thought it worth reproducing in ¡Ollr popular paper." The extract containing the several versions of "Mary had a little lamb,' 'is then repro- duced.

TAIBACH. MARGAM URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. The usual monthly meeting of the Margam Urban District Council was held at the Council cffices, Taibach, on Monday after- noon, when there were present: Messrs. Thos. Gray (chairman), Edward Davies, Evan: Davies, Wm .Thomas, Enoch Thomas, Thos. Jones, Wm. Lewis, J. Preston, Edward Howe, Henry "Walters, G. T. Daniel, T. Jacob, Ll! Howell, and the Rev. Thos. Howell. The re- port of a sub-committee deputed to deal with the matter of deciding what should be done in reference to the late Queen's memorial, was read, and the suggestion of the com- mittee to open a subscription list at the local banks was adopted. The Sanatorium Com- mittee presanted their report on the work of the institution. Eleven patients were now detained at the Sanatorium, and one patient had been dlschLrbNI. Tae Finance Com- mittee reported an overdraft at the bank of -El.OOO, but this would speedily be wiped out, as the bulk of the collections on general dis- trict rate had to come in. The Medical Offi- cer reported that 36 births had been regid- tV-'V" ^'1P month. The death-rate was 13.82. Eighteen cases of infectious diseases had been notified to him.—The surveyor's reporte dealt with routine matters.—Mr. Will. Lewis, one of the newly elected mem- bers, called attention to the non-lighting o'f the bye-streets of the district, but nothing was done. Apparently, the Council think that it is a wise economy to save a few gal- lons of oil during- the summer months, and the ratepayers in the street referred to have to rest content. A committee was appointed to look after the sewage farm at Brvn. con- sisting of Messrs. Daniel. Waltesr. Jacob, Evan Davies. Preston. Wm. Thomas, and the Rev. Thos. HoweH.-The report of the Local Government Board auditor on liis recent audit of thp. council's accounts was submitted to the meeting. A deputation of tradesmen residing in the district waited upon the Coun- cil in reference to a. market scheme. Mr. R. J. Richards acted as spokesman, but the Council somewhat coldly received the deputa- tion. and the matter of the provision of a market was deferred for a month.

ALLEGED ABUSE OF OUT-RELIEF. At a meeting of the Swansea "relief Com- mittee on Monday it was stated that on pay- day numbers* of persons receiving out-relief could be seen drunk, and one house was in- stanced whp-lre lived 19 persons who received parish relief, and on a Friday night they were rarely sober. It was decided to pre- sent a scheme for dealing with the scandal at the, next, meeting of the Board.

TO IRENE VANBURGH. (On her engagement to Dion Boucicault). So kind to you have been the fates On tour in the "United States," That kindly you retaliate And enter the "United State." Max Hecht in "Westminster."

LLANDILO. [By OUR OWNCORBESPONDENT., COUNTY COURT. The County Court was held at the Town Tfa-H, Llandilo, on Thursday in last week. before his Honour Judge Bishop. Thos. Jones v. Llandilo Rnral District Council. This case was awaited with much interest and the court was filled with the parish authorities and inhabitants of the parishes of Llangeithen and Llanegwrd. It involved a claim to some waste land situate in the ceutre of Velindra village, near Dryslwyn, and was preferred by Thos. Jones, a miller.aiid farmer, residing near the same village. Mr. S. T. Evans, K.C., M.P., and Mr. Marlay Samson (instructed by Mr. J. W. Nicholaa, Llandilo), appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. D. Villiers Meager (instructed by Mr. R. Shipley Lewis) appeared for the defendants. The plaintiff claimed that in September last Mr. Price, of Capel Dwr, acting uuder the defendants' authority, had entered the plaintiif a land, removed his railings, and taken down a valuable shed erected by him for his cattle. He claimed .£10 damages for the trespass and an injunction. -Evidence was giren by the plaintiff and his daughter, showing that the strip in question was the property of Lord Cawdor, and rented by the plaintiff for Is. a year, and various acta of ownership was deposed to rebutting the conten- tion that it was part of the hignway. Several interesting legal arguments followed, and the court eventually adjourned at 5.10, after a hearing that lasted all day. LEGAL SUCCESS. It is with much pleasure that we have this week to chronicle the success of a Llandilo boy in the person of Mr. Thomas Wrentworth Hughes, son of our genial townsman Tnomns Hughes^ Esq., of Tycoch, Llandilo, who at the recent Incorporated Law Society's examination passed his intermediate examination. Mr. Hughes is articled to his brother-in-law, Mr.T.G. Williams, solicitor, Llandilo.

SUFFERING PEOPLE CURED OF Indigestion. Heart Weakness. Wind on the Stomach. Anaemia. Poor Appetite. Sleeplessness. Fullness after Eating. Headaches. Chronic. Constipation. Billiousness. Backache. Impure Blocd. Kidney Trouble. Female Weakness. BY VENO'S SEAWEED TONIC A genuine bank cheque, value 2s. 6d. accom- panies each 2s. 9d. bottle. If Veno's Sea- weed Tonic fails to cure, 2s. 6d. will be paid back on each bottle without fuss or bother. The proprietors are so thoroughly convineect that Veno's Seaweed Tonic is the most sue- cessful medicine ever placed on the market, that they are willing to stand by the result. THEY WOULD NOT GUARANTEE TO RETURN YOUR MONEY IF THEY WERE NOT ABSOLUTELY CONFIDENT. It means a cure or no pay, and, remember, we do not use the words-, relieved, benefited" or satisfied, but strictiy the word "cure." A three months' treatment with Veno's Sea- weed Tonic will produce a permanent last- ing cure. It does not act upon the above»- named symptoms, but directly upon the causes which produce them, viz.: The STOMACH, LIVER, KIDNEYS AND BLOOD. It is skilfully made to act upon these four great vital organs; when these are healthy the above symptoms disappear. This it the key to the success of Veno's Seaweed Tonic- It possesses marvellous tonic and strengthen- ing power. Those who take it cannot help but notice the vast improvement which takes place in their health almost immediately if in doubt try a small bottle at Is. lid. you will be delighted with the result. VENO'S LIGHTNING COUGH CCUE stops an ordinary cough in one night, and oi^re-s chronic coughs, bronchitis, asthma, influenza, and whooping cough l-apidly. Its vast superiority over the ordinary cough mix- tures, and the different emulsions cannot be estimated. It has saved thousands of lives after they have been turned out of hospitfcla. It is a new scientific remedy, endorsed and recommended by Medical Men. CAUTION.-When you ask for Veno's remedies, see that .you get them. Avoid the shop where they try to sell you a cheap mix- ture of their own, or palm off a substitute, they will cheat you in other things. SOLD BY Boots, Ltd., Cash Chemists; D. L. Evans, Chemist, 27. Walter-road; John Davies, Chemist. M), High-street, Swansea. M. L. Bevan, Chemist, Morriston; Jordan Chemist, Pontardawe; Powell, Chemist Ystalyfera; Rees, chemist, Brynmawr. Jno. Davies, Chemist, Llanelly. Phillips, Drug Stores, Pontardulais. Ivor LLJones. Chemist; and J. D. Llewellyn, Chemist Wind-street, Neath. Olive, Chemist, Brit- onferry. G. D. Loveluck, Chsmist, Aber- avon. Williams, Drug Stores, Taibaeh. J, J. Thomas, Chemist, Maesteg. and all chpm. ists and medicine vendors everywhere.

LLANDDEUSANT. Wednesday, in last week, will remain a red- letter-day in the annals of the above Carmar- thenshire parish, as on that day was cele- brated the coming of age of Miss Davies, the only daughter of the late Mr. Davies, of Gwydre. A large number of the inhabitants of the parish and their friends were enter- tained by Miss Davies to a sumptuous tea. after which, in the evening, a well-attended meeting was held, for the purpose of Dreaent- ing the popular young lady with a S watch, an address, and a crimson letter Testa- ment, given by her tenants and friends. Ad- dresses, appropriate to the occasion, were delivered by many prominent speakers from the locality, m which Miss Davies is deser- vedly highly esteemed.

"SANITAS DISINFECTING FLUID. The Breath of the Ocean and the Pine Forest. Fragrant and Non-poisoncus. Antiseptic Wash for Wounds and Sores. Antiseptic Gargle for Sore Throat. Antiseptic Wash for Perspiring Feet. Antiseptic Wash for Mouth and Teeth. Kills Infection like Lightning-see Tes- timonials. Restores Oxygen to Vitiated Air. Spray about Rooms and Clothes. "Enjoys general favour.Lancet. In all cases of Infection and for Disinfecting and Purifying use 8ANITAS" FLUIDS, POWDER & SOAPS, use ANITAS" OIL for Lung and Throat Affec- tions, and "SANITAS" EMBROCATION for Rheumat- ism. Sprains and Vetprinary purposes. "How to Disinfect" Book free. The "Sanitas" Company (Limited), Bethna: Gretn, London, E., Disinfectant Manu- facturers (all kinds).

WISE AND OTHERWISE. He: Would you call for help if I tried to kiw you ? She:" Would you need it ? If the sun had nothing to do but shine on the truly good, it wouldn't have to get up so early- An observer remarks that the man who can't work and smoke at the same time usually smokes. You may mend a broken reputation, but your neighbours will keep their eyes on the crack. Anyone may be infatuated with his profession, but the aeronaut has the distinction of being perfectly carried away by it. "No, sir," said a passenger on a steamship ,to the captain, "I am not seasick, but I am dis- irusted with the motion of this vessel."

PONTARDULAIS. NOTES. •[BY "THE DRUID."J The dispute at Birch Rock Colliery is still pending, and at the time of writing the pros- pects of a spoody settlement appear some- what doubtful. The men struck work on May let, the reason being the alleged Injust dismiaeal of certain employes at the colliery by one of the officials. Needless to add, by thia time ,this official is one of the best hated men in the place. Over 200 men are affected by the dispute and it is sincerely to be hoped that an amicable settlement will soon be ar- rived at. Things generally go on smoothly at Birch Rock ,and the present unpleasant- ness is most regrettable in every sense. The annual parish meeting for Llandilo- Talybont, whioh was to have been brought off at the Board Schools, Pontardulais, on Wednesday evening. May 22nd. has been post- poned until May 29th. On the agenda, three questions of vital importance to local rate- payer^ appear, viz.: The adoption of the Lighting and Watching Act; the Burial Act for the Parish; and the condition of the Gorseinon water supply. The advent of the dry weather will intensify the importance of the last question, and the parish will have to take) some very urgent and practical steps in the matter. I am told that the water at GoTseinon even now is very scanty, and ex- ecrabiy filthy at that. Popular opinion has matured so, that I think the adoption of the Burial Act by the meeting is a foregone con- clusion. The light question will again pro- voke a lively discussion, and the opponents of the scheme will muster their full war strength. Let the promoters and friends of public lighting take a leaf out of their book in this reepect. The majority of the parish- ioners are for progress, so let the question be settled once and for ever at next Wednes- da.y evening's meeting. A movement is on foot to organise a public testimonial to Dr. W. C. Griffiths on the oc- casion of his recent wedding. A meeting of subscribers was held on Wednesday evening at the Mechanics' Institute, and Mr. D. Geo. Davies, Black Horse Hotel, is secretary of the movement. A medico' was never more universally popular than is Dr. Griffiths and the testimonial fund ought to assume very substantial proportions in consequence. Dr. ajid Mm Griffiths are at present spending their honeymoon in Scotland, and they are expected home by the eiid of this month. From what I am given to understand, there doee not seem at present any great probabil- ity of the annual sheep-dog trials being brought off this year. Mr. J. Roberts, the Board Sc-hoois, wno has so efficiently and en- ergetically discharged the secretarial duties for so many years past has this year relin- quished his post, hence the difficulty. Per- sonally. 1 am sorry for this, for "JUog Match Day" had become to be looked upon as al- most a general holiday in the place, and the olimb up Cefn y Drum did us all a world of good by inflating the lungs, for once in a while, with the mountain ozone. I hope the committee be able to keep up the insti- tution. The local Wesleyans have had a busy time this week. On Monday the provincial synod of South Wales Wesleyans was opened here. There were present 1 <z0 delegates—ministers and laymen, haiimg from Cardirf, Swansea, Llaneliy ,the Rhondda, Llandilo, Aberyst- wyth, Handiioes, Machynlleth, and other places. The work of the c-onference was of a routine character ,and the questions dealt with pertained to church matters, and to the Sunday School and temperance questions in as far as the denomination has jurisdiction. Preaching services were also he as follows: Monday evening.—Trinity: Preachers, Revs. J. Pritchard and R. Emiyn Jones; Caliaria, Rev. Ll. A. Jones and R. Roberts. Tuesday or«<ing.—Great temperance meeting.— Speakers: Revs. G. B. Roberts, G. O. Rob- erts, Dd. Morgan, J. Rowlands, R. vV. Jones, and Messrs. Rhys Owen and R. Eurog Jones; also an English sermon at the English Wes- leyan Chapel, by the Rev. H. O. Hughes. Wednesday evening.—Trinity, Revs. J. E. ffhomas, D. Williams, and E. B. Roberts; Goppa, Revs. J. D. Jones and W. Morgan; Carmel, Pontlliw, Revs. T. Rowlands and J. Lloyd; English Wesleyan, Rev. D. Davies. Thursday.—A "Seiat Fawr" was held at 9.30 a.m., when the following were deputed to address the meeting: Revs. D. Roberts, J. Roberts, T. Jones-, P. Jones, T. Morgan, and Messrs. Della Davies, Dd. Watkins,. and W. Lane. Preaching services were subsequently held throughout the day, the officiating min- isters being Revs .W. T. Ellis, Rice Owen, LI. Morgan, E. Isaac, T. J. Pritchard, D. C. Davies, J. Humphreys, and T. Manuel. The conference, which was favoured with ideal-' istio climatic conditions, was the first synod of the century, and the first of its kind ever held in Pontardulais. On Tuesday, at the minister* conference, it was announced that there had been an increase of 191 in the num- ber of members in the district. Three can- didates for the ministry were also recom- mended for the July examination. Their names are: Mr. Parry, of Machynlleth; Mr. Enoch Jones, Ystumtuen, Aberystwyth; and Mr. Oliver, Llandilo. Revs. Rice Owen and T. Manuel, chairman and secretary respec- tively of the synod, were present during the conferenpe, and there was also a full repre- sentation of ministers and laymen.

BOIiWICK'S BAKING POWDER. This celebrated Manufacture has been well known for nearly 60 years. When ordering Baking Powder insist on having Borwick's < Is daily used by Tens of Thousands with perfect satisfaction I. in making the sweetest Bread and Pastry BORWICK'S EGG POWDER, PORCHES. YORKSHIRE PUDDlNGil GINGERBREAD MA-

COLLI PROFFWYD. Y Linn diweddaf gwelodd Pembre nIl o'r angladdau mwyaf a wel Cymru —angiadd y Parch. David Evans, gweinidog Anibynwyr Seismg y Ue. Cafodd gystudd blin am cliwe wytunos, ond ychydig leudyJiodd neb o honom y buaeai yn ein gadael mor sydyn. (Jhwith gan ein caion ar ei ol. Yr oedd efe yn enedigol o Peutre-Eatyli, yn fab bynafy diweduarMr. ihomtt.a Evans a Air6. Mary Evans ei briod—dau u auwyliauJ y lie, ond dan yn tewt yn y Myuyddbach er'e biynyddau beilach. Cafoda Mr. Evans ei addysg yn Nghaerfyrddin, ft daeth yn ysarolor da, ac yn un o'r siaradwyr Saesneg rhatoraf feddem. Hu yn weinidog yn Rehoboth, Bryumawr, as yn Cirencester, ac anwylid ef yn lawr gan bawb. Er's ugain inlyneda bellacb, bcasai yn weinidog yr Anibynwyr Seisnig ym Mnembre, ac ymd. dracbefn gwnaeth le anwyl i'w hunan ym myn- wesau ei eglwys a'r llu ardalwyr. Efe oedd Cadeirydd Bwrdd Ysgol y lie a bu yn Yegriferydd Undeo Seising Moiganwg a Chaer- fyrddm am lawer blwyddyn; ac ni wuaeth neb erioed ei waith yn well, a hyny yn ami ar draul aberth a llafur mawr. Haeddodd yr angiadd fawr, dywysogaidd, a gatodd. Aeth tyrta anferth i waered o ardal- oedd y Pentre, Glandwr, Cwmbwrla, a'r dref. JFelly hefydo'r Caale, Llanelli, a Chaerlyrddiu. Cynhaliwyd gwasanaetb yn y ca.pel lie y gweiu- idogaethai, pun gymerwyd rhan gan y Parchn. Jona Williams, LUnelii; Jonah W dliauis, Peny- bont; P"Där Griffiths; —Watkins, Pembre; a Dyfodw sr Davics. Yr oedd yr orymdaith i fynny tuag at fynwent Caimel lie y claud^vyd ef yu olygta i'w Chofio, gyda'r cannoedd plant o'r ysgoliou dyddiol a'r ysgolion Sabbothol, a'r llu cyfeiliion ac ardal- wyr. Yng Ngharmel cymerwyd rhan gany Paichn. J. Rogers, J. H. Ree." J. Owen, Pembre, a D. J. Thomas, Oaerfyrduin, a chladdwyd et mewn bedd ym min y ffordd i'r cysegr. Gadawodd weddw a mab i alaru ar ei ol, Boneauiges o Abertawy yw hi—uu a ddygai yr enw Giles cyn priodi, ac mae y mab Brynmor yn efrydu fel meddyg, ac yn debyg o iwyddoyn fawr. Bydded nawdd y Net arn,) nt, cawsanc goiled fawr iawn. Un o'r bywydau mwynaf oeud Mr. Evani-uu yn dal i obeittuo ac i wenu o hyd. Ac yr oedd dyinder dysglaer i'w wen, a byotlai yn aros yn hir ar ei wyneb fel liaul >n wyoren Mehefin. Cyfaill aiaoceu a ffyddiawu oedd ef. Hanai o deuiu amlwg u, cbyfiifoi iawn. Yr oedd ei dad yn un o ragorolion y ddaear a'i lam hithau yn un o'r rhai diniweitiaf a cuaredicaf. Y mae eto rai gwertbfawr ac anwyl o'r hit yu aros. Yr uuig ewythr frawd tau, ynaros beilach yw Air. Kicuara Evans, manager a bydded iduo hir ddyduiau. Bu yr uiug trawd (yn y wbd hon) i Mr. Evans, eef Mr. Edward Evat>s, a'i briod, a'i cuwiorydd Mrs. Uhver Davies a Mrs. Ihomas Griffitns, yn ffydulawn iawn iddo. Felly y bu Mr. a Mrs. Thomas, Abertawy. Oud ni fu neb ffyudlonach iddo na fuaaai ei anwyl frawd William, ceuhanwr ym Madagascar, pe galjai duod 1 ymyi ei vvely. Cyntialied Duw ei teddwl pan glywo am ei golfed. Afraid yw meddwl rhoudi enwau yr holl wein- idogion cent yn yr angiadd; ond ni.gaJlwn ym- atal rhag enwi rhai:—Y Parchn. E. Jenkins, Walter-road Sinclair Evans, Dyfodwg Davies, R. Thomas, Glandwr; D. Jones, Cwmbwrla; W. James, Abertawy; D. Phillips, Canaan D. Joseph, Sketty; D. Rees, Mumbles; J. Davies, Davies, Cadle Dr. Davies, Trelech Ben. Davies, Pant-teg; D. Lewis, M. P. Moses, Gwylfa Roberts, D. Jones, Trevor Davies, Llanelli: W. Davies, Llandilo; Proff. D. E. Jones, Caer- fyrddin, &c., &c.

The Bazaar to be held at the Albert HalN at the end of this month will be by far the most attractive ever hekl in Swansea. It will represent the British Empire: Australia, Cape Colony, India., Canada, Natal, Ceylon. New Zealand, West Indies, Hong Kong, Egypt, England, Scotland, Ireland and Wale-

HONOUR TO A WELSH HARPIST. His Majesty- has conferred upon Mr. John Thomas (Pencerdd Gwalia) the honorary title of Harpist to the King.

DAN OLYGIAETH PENAR. AT EIN GOHEBWYR. I irc icnrir syhv o iinrkyiv ohebiaeth afyddo u'edi .ei hysgrifenu ar dduyj ochr i'r ddalen, ac na fyddo wedi ei harv:yddo ag enw priodol J goheb- ydd—nid o angenrheidncydd er mwyn ei gyhoeddi, OS yn hytrach y dynunir defnyddio ffvgenv:. Cyfeirier pob gohebiaeth Gymreig at y Golyg. ydd, PENTBE, SWANSEA.

Y f- GLORIAN." Cymanfa LlansamleiBraidd diweddar yw yr adroddiad. Bydd yn dda genym gael gair ar nchlysur tebyg oddiwrth yr ysgrifenydd eto. • • • W. B. Do vies.—Diolch am yr erthygl ar "Cwrdd Gwedùi mewn Pwll tHo." Dysgwyiiwn wrthyeh eto. Chwi vsgolfeiatriaid Cymreig, degroTc-cb da chwi i gytcethogi y "Gongi" a'l gwueud yn deilwug o Abertawy.a'i darllenwyr. • • • Shirgar.—Diolch i chwi am eich gohebtaeth. Ymddeiigys yn ein nesat'. • • Asaph Gljn Coth Diolch i chwi am eich gair dyddoroi. Deuwch eto, a chyffroweh ereill. Oni ellir gwneud "Congi" ddnyr o hon os cyu- i weithiwn fel Cymry liengar. Fel hyn yr ysgrifenna Asaph '— AT QLYGTDD T GON'GL GTMF.ELFT." Syr,-Y gymanfa ganu gyntaf yn Nghymrn a gynaliwyd yn Aberuar, yn 1359, gan Ieuan Ci-wyllt, yn y wedd syud arni yn bresenol. Cyn hyn nid oeda fawr sylw wedi ei daiu i fynegiant— j cenid pobpeth yr un fath. Nid oedd neb yn Nghymru wedi arfer canu yn dyner, ond yn y rhan olaf o Arabia a Dyjeisiti. Yn 1862 yr oedd cymanta ganu yn Cetn- gorwydd, Ieuan Gwyiit yn arwain: ac an- tonodd aiaf i ddod yno. Feily mi a aetaym. Yr oedd yr Annibynwyr wedi uno a Methodistiaid y dosbarth ac lei y gwyr iiawer y mae lieiaiau ar- dderchog yn y rnanbarth yma o'r wiad. Ond cafodd yrarweinydd ychyaig odtafferthcyneu cael i ganu yn ddigon gwan ar y geiriau tyner, er ei fod wedi rhodcii cyfarwyddiadau yn ei raglith ar hyn. Cryf yw arteriad drwg, olite, cud wedi caei cyd-ddealltwriaeDb, cafwycl canu ardderchog, Itc mae camadaeth y cysegr wedi gwella llawer yn Nghymru oddi ar hyny mewn modd cerddorol, pnd y geiriau wedi eu hesgeuluso yn druenus.

+ DAU FARDD—DAU DEIMLAD. Pan anrbegwyd Watcyn Wyn a gwydrau aur gan ei tvfyrwyr a'i gyteiiiion y dyad o'r blaen, clywodd'i Dewi Medi," Llanelli, gael yr un fath gan bobl ei ofal yntan. Ac lei hyn y cytarchasant eu gilyld. WATCVX AT DEWI. F'anwyl Ddewi a finnau-yn awr Sydd hen em blynydddou Yn nawn ein dydd wele ni'n dau Yn edrych drwy y gwydrau." DEW I AT WATCYX. 61 Oriawr bert, a gwydrau'r byd-ni chadwant Wych noywder ein hi'netyd; Waicyn bach, heuach o hyd Mi a wn awn bob myuyd."

OEDFA'R BENJAMINIAID. Fel na bot ti ddariienydd mewn munud o dywyllwcb, dyma'r gytrinach-g-wrando y buom or y Parchn. iJeiijamm Daviea, D.D., Trelech, a Benjamin Daviea, Pant-ceg, Istaiytera, yn pre- gethu nos Lun diweddai yug -N^hadle. ±iuasent yno er nos Saawrn yn pregetnu yn wir odidog, au yn cael cynulleiaiaoeud mawrion. Ni fydd ueu yn galw Ben. na Benjamin ar wr enwog Trelech, ond Mr., ac eroyu llyn Dr. ac m hatddodu neb y gradd yn fwy nag ete. Mae ei dair cytiol o bregethau yn aadurn I lenyduiaeih biegethwrol ein gwiad, a gwelwn fod y gyntaf—" Gair y Cymmod "—wedi ei hail argraffu gydag ychwan- egiadau, a'i bod yn gweitbu yn gyflym. Hir a dedwyddy bo uyw y tywyaog bregetuwro Dreiecb. Ni anghctir ftaiietexudrwyuu ar ffrwynau'r neiroh," ac Aroa yu y l>dytgeidiaeth. Fel "Ben' lJaVletl ) r admbycidir y bardd o Bant-teg; ac jaiuiiixi yr amryw Ben Davxsiaid sydd yng Nghymru yu ..wr, nid oea neb a wna ei wraith yn v, e,i Umg ete. mit y cofir ei oedfa gyda.'r f. Gwahangl^yiuo jU y cadie. Wei, oeud, yr oeda ynogynulleidfaoeddanferth. Ac o ran hyuny, cynuli<eid;aoedd mawrion geir yma bob S^bbatn. Gwnaeth yr eglwys hon a'i gweinidog gwerth- fa.wr, y Parch. J. Davies, waith mawr ar hyd y blynyauau. Ychydig amser yn ol codasant ysgoldy gwych yn ywyl y capei, ac nid oes ei xagorach yn y cyich. Erbyn uyu mae y goleuni trydanol ganddynt yn y capel a'r ysgoldy, ac y mae yu weriufawr. I Gweiniuog a pnobi yn gweithio yn angnerddol geir yn y Cadie. Nid ota neb a aftiwylir gan ei Dobl yn twy na Mr. Davies, ac nid oes nemawr I bobl yn fwy dyleclua i'w gweuudog nag yw pobi Cadle i'w gweinidog nwy. Llwydd, ilwyda, lawer blwyddyn I

I'R GOG Nod gywair marwnad Gauaf-yn dy gan In y Gog a gly waf A'th siriot nnllais araf, Yn odl hwn mae anadl Haf. Pwy a'i plan r Mr. Sinclair Evans a'i roddodd i ni.—GOL. ♦

Y FFURFAFEN. Angyles fwyn chwareua Ei haden wen yn rhydd, Gan wenu y tywyllweh I harddweh pur y dydd Telynau Anian chwery Eu croesaw iddo'n lion, Mae'r byd i gyd yn deffro, Y Wawr Y W awr y w hon Mor hardd ei gwedd anwylaf Ei haur guoyuau sydd Yn chwifio mewn tlysineb Yn awel boieu ddydd Mae'n awr yn siriol wenu, Yn iach, ar ben y bryu, A'i maban yn ei mynwes— Yr anwyl Foreu gwyn. Mae'n dweyd fod haul yn dyfod Dros drothwy aur ei gell; Ah wele gil ei lygad Yn nghanol cymyl peH l'r lan, i'r lan ymddyrchu, Yo loew nefol galvr, Gan wasgar ei beiydrau Yn gawod dros y llawr. Mae diluw o ogoniant Yn tori ar y byd, Ymdoni mae prydferthwcli Yn miaen o hyd, o hyd 0 gwel y cwmwigoleu Yn uofio'n hardd uwchben- Edafedd aur y wawrddyda Yn brodio'i fantell weL. Y tlws uchedydd sydd Yn myn'd, yn llawen galon, (A'i blyf yn liawn o wlith), Gan yfed yr awelon Yn uwch, yu uwch yr ii, I swyuol fro'r wyorenaa, Gan ddotio ar eu harddwch hwy, Yn netoi liwiau'r boren. 0 wybren dt-r! y mue yn hardd, Prydferthwcii nefol drwvddi dardd, Hhyw ddalen tawr sy'n llawu o Dduw, A adaeth o'r wasg anfeidrol, yw Holialluogrwydd, mewn liawn fri, Yw gwyddor ei iiyth renau hi; Arddangos Duw y bydd pob darn O'r ddalen hon, hyd ddydd y Farn. O gwel yr haul yn prysur brydferth liwio Y clvmwl gwyn—goieuni lifa drwyddo Mae r wybren fawr yn foroedd o oleum, o draetheli pell y dwyrain yn ymdoni, Mor dlos mor dios gwel acw, mewn tynerwch, I'w gilydd yn ymuoddi yn eu tegweh Y cock a'r gwyn mewn gwychder gogoneddus, Y du a'r gias yn liedu yn tawreddus- Y cyfan sydd yn ddiluw o arddunedd, Ac ar ei wyneb dawel wen tangnefodd. WBDROS.

-+- CAN DDYDDAN RHWNG Y BARDD A'R GWCW. i. 0 Gwcw, 0 Gwcw, b'le buost ti c'ydi- Cyn d 00 i'r gym'dogaeth, ti aethuat, yn fud: Ti goliaist dy amser bythetnos yn mrun, Ti ddest yn y diweud a'tu gamall. yn lion. n; Mi godais fy aden yn uouel i'r gwynt, uan feudwl bod yma dair wythnoo yu gynt; Nid unriiyw gamsynieu, paid ineuawl mor ífoJ, Ond oerwynt y gugiedd am cauwodd yn ol. III. Os oerwynt y gogledd a'th gadwodd di'n ol, Pam 'raethost ar gerduea, d'weu, pam 'roet mor fvui ? Pam na ahset lechu mewn rbywie ffordd hyn- Y'ngeiltyad Alit'rodin nell iron Gwarullt'ryn r IV. Mae gelltydd Alit'rodin yn wir yn rhy hyll, Mae Dai Penrliiwceuie'n myna >nj a l adryxi; Os dygwydd fy ngweJed, neu gly wed fy liai# Fe'rn saetha, os galla, yn sytu uan fy ais. v. Mae crydd yn byw hefyd wrth Gwarallt'ryn — Dy w n wiw l mi drtio byw'r gaua ffordu hyn Mae UWIIW fei n.aiti a'i eifen am iada- Pe galiwn ymguadiwn o'l oiwg ibl g.vadd. 171. Cyn elot ar gerdded, d'wed b'le rwvt yn myn d Eglura'r uirgeiwch i ambeil i ffryuu; Ddaw neb i uy ganlyn "does uu-uyn mor ffol, Cei etu lawn cioesaw pan ddelot yn ol. VII. 0 gadw'r dirgelwch cat heddweh fel hyn, Ftolmeb o'r mwyaf yw dweyd wrth uu-d,yn Ffarweiiwch mewn neddweb ar ddiwedu y "ol Os byw byddaf eto retumaf yn oi. VIII. Can ffarwel i tithau, efallai dros oil, Cyn ddelot ti nesaf bydd caiioedu ar goll; Bydd liawer gwranaawr yn isel ei ben. Cyn canot un gauiaa ar trigyn y pten. DANIEL JÚ.NES (y Gwaddotwr) a'i cant. HEN BROFFWYD 0 LAN Y TAWY. Mwyn yw gweled yn y Cellwl Hedd am EbrilI, ddarlun o'r uiweadar Batch. Jtcobert Tnoiuas' lianover, lu yn weinidog yn aum, Glandwr, 0 1837 hyd 1839. Pobl ryiedd am Domosiaid yw pool Siloh Robert Tbowas, inomas Thomas, a Robert Thomas dracliein. Yn itlios-Lianercli- ltugog y ganwyd y gwr hwn yn 1809. Am ei arhosiad yn Nglaudwi, uywed ei ly wgralfyud— "Ni ddygymouai y ilwch au, y nnvg deifiol, y trwst dioaid, a lleitnder yr awyr iiailt ag et." Symudodd l Raiadr üw y, ben faes John ihomaa yr emynnydd, awdwr Dyro i ni wel'd o'r newydd.' Yr oedd yn fonedd wr a boneddigaidd wrth natur aodysg a gru:s." Etc oead tad Mr. Jurman Ihomas, y cenhadwr ieuanc taientog aladd^vd CV.reaia—gur ieuauc a yla; leuboeda fel yted llaeth. Claddwyd Robea i'tomas yu Jtianover, ALynwy.

CYFARFOD Y BABELL. Pabell y cy/arfod oeud yr hen adeilad nchod mewn mwy Illig un YlStyr y Sui a'r Lluu diwtuual canys caed pregetnwyr o adwy sir ac o ddau enwad i bregetnu yu ei gYtartou biyuyadol a gwrandawyr olanerair yn uàlltll i wiando. Y Parcnn. W. Jenkins, M.A., lyddewi; W. K Pryuderob, Abertawe ii. luonias (A.), Glandwr; a J. Richards, Babell, oedd y prt-geuuwyr, aouaea cyfaifoaydd gwycinou. Da gweieu eghvysi yu torn urojt fliniau env\adu.eta yu eu aeuiOi,au o bregethwyr i w prit w>i.au. Owneler rhagor o hyn. Mae yr aciioa yu y liabtli yu bloueuo dan oial em cYUljdog mwyn Mlo. Kiouaras, a chyu- weithrediad yr aelodau.

THE GRAND BAZAAR ON BEHALF OF THE JJLAF AND DUMB INS'l ITl T10\ Sir Lewis Morris, we are informed, has very kindly consented to his poem "Silver si- enee/y beirg inserted in the bazaar handbook and he has also kindly given for sade at the tazaar, seveial copies of "Songs of Britain" with his autograph inscribed. n_-

At the Cafe Chantaiit at the Bazaar to be held in the Albert Halls at the latter end or this month, sweet music will be discoursed during the tea hour by ladios and gentlemen, and during the dinners (6.30 to 8), Iiulley's Band will play a s-Ic-etiot, of popular airs, etc., etc.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.) ABERAVON AND PORT TALBOT. NOTES AND NEWS. .1 fBY "RAMBLER,"] The recent >-pell of fine and warm weather laturally drives Aberavon and Pert Talbot peoplp to the beach, ,-nd now that the even- j ings are rapidly extending, and the road is presentable to pedestrians, the exodus from its dreary streets will continue. It is some- what a pity that the engagement of a band to play on the sands at least once a week can- not be arranged, but it appears that as the n-ajoritv JÏ the members of the Town Fand are engaged at the Tin Works, the afternoon "shifts" interferes with the arrangements, unless, of course, the' Town Council will go h the expense of compensating the men for ti e los~ of time, and this would entail a. large outlay, especially in a hand of 14 or 15 per- I former-, and just at the moment Aberavon has too many irons in the fire, and as it is hardly knows which way to turn to find funds for immediate requirements. It is satisfac- tory to note, however, that they have decided to engage the band for the WTiitsun and August Bank holidays. Messrs. T. and A. Scott, the contractors for the new steel works at Port Talbot. have secured the contract "tor the construction of the Esplanade, and dnectly the Local Government Boaial have given their sanction to the undertaking the work will be put in hand, and although it is hardly possible to see its completion this season, the Esplanade should be an accom- plished tact by the beginning of next year, as also should the work of converting the North Pier of the Dock Company into a prom- enade, on which it is proposed to expend £1,000. This- latter work, however, as I have before pointed out in this column, will be incomplete unless arrangements are made to raise the pier, which is now, during high tides and a little "wind on," washed by the waves, and for visitors to sit down on seats would be out of the question, to say nothing of the damage which might be done to the works during the winter gales. The Port Talbot Swimming Baths were quietiy opened, and with little ceremony, or Thursday last. It is furnished with a commodious public bath, some 80ft. long, and there are inr.nerDus private bath-rooms. The local swimmers and divers were busily engaged at the opting ceremony in "fi-ihiug" out the silver coins which had been thrown in the bath by md nbers of the committee. There is nothing strikingly elaborate about the building, but it is a substantial and well- arranged structure, pnd should be a great to the inhabitants. The gymnasium especially should he an aid to the develop- ment ot the muscle and sinews of the youths of the district, and a happy training ground for footballers. Miss Talbot's generosity in this matter is beyond all praise, and shows what interests, if needs be. she takes in the welfare of 1he people in 1 er immediate neigh- bourhood. The dry wtather of the past few weeks has been responsible for once again weakening the town water supply, and already it has been restricted to day use. The arrange- ments for taking an auxiliary supply from Margam are not yet completed, but the pre- sent curtailage is sure to draw attention to the matter. If the ratepayers are to pay for this auxiliary supply, sufficient water should bi- obtainable for the 24 hours. Suppose, for instance, a fire occurred at night, what would happen? The Fire Brigade are be- coming a source of expense to the rates, and this expense, unless water is obtainable to put out fins, is so much money wasted. Fires are not con*in«sd in fheir outbreak to the win- tor months; to say that the river water is obtainable is out of the question, as the Avon is likewise practically dry in the summer, i and then, again, the river does not wind its way at points of vantage .for every fire. To maintain an efficient Brigade as the Town Brigade now undoubtedly is, every facility ihc.uld be afforded the men in the case of emergency o4, procuring ivatel,, and just at present there is none where fires generally cccur-at night. A pretty laughing stock we should make of ourselves, say, for in- stance, if the Walnut Tree or the bank prem- ises were to take fire. The result of the census has shown us that like Cardiff and other South Wales towns, Aberavon has fallen considerably short of what she thought her population was. It was generally expressed that her population was somewhere between eight and 9,000, but the actual figures appear to fall short of this figure. 7,556 is the result of the census re- turns, or an increase of about 1,300 during the preceding decide, but Margam has made- up tor us. They havesincreased upward us. They have actually increased upwards of 2,000, and in round figures, Aberavon, Tai- bach and Port Talbot musters a population of 16,000, and if Cwmavon is considered in the reckoning k,0,0U0 would be reached, and the radius would be about four miles—one decent little town, if incorporation could only be brought about, and why not? I am con- vince dthat a great saving of the ratepayers' mcney could be effected by sucn a happy re- sult. Look at the indebtedness cf Aberavon and Port Talbot to-day! £ 50,000 would not square accounts, and this figure is still mount- ing up. likewise the rates and house rents. The local rates to-day are double what they were some fire or six years ago, and the point is not so much the doubling of the rates, but of the value received in exchange. Aberavon is just on the threshold of ex- pending large sums of money in roads, bridges, esplanade and gas works—all neces- sary works for the advancement of the town --and it will behave the representatives of the ratepayers to se3 that <his money is spent wisely and well. It is, and has been for years, a crying disgrace that the gas works, which ougiit to oe of great assistance to the rates, is in such a deplorable condi- tion. Look where you will, one invariably hears that such and such Corporation paid over out of their gas undertaking so many hundreds, and in a number of instances, thousands of pounds in relief of the rates Aberavon, on the other hand. altvavs pays over hundreds in relief of the. gas woiks-- a very sorry spectacle. As I have said, it behotes th" Town Council at this critical juncture to exercise their functions with coci judgment, and foresight --rerson i! differences should be sunk until, at least, the ship of municipal government is in safe waters, and the vatious schema for the welfare of the town well on their way to completion. ihf other day Aberavon people were ooin- piBining" x- they, had not an up-to-date Post Office. Now they can boast of a fuliv equipped- albeit small -office, with an elab- orate letter-box with the words "L H." er- graven thereon. Port Talbot has been left beiund here as they still sport the "V. H." The various Water, Markets, and Finance Committees if the Town Council met on Tuesday afternoon. The Water Works Com- mittee were chiefly concerned in discussing the present situation as regards the supply, which was reported to be dwindling, and the question of the' Margam supply was naturally discussed. The Town Clerk produced the agreement, which he said he had just re- ceived. It was decided to call a special meet- ing of the Council to hear the Town Clerk's views of the agreement. The Market Inspec- tor asked for an increase of salary on the ground of increasing revenues which had during his appointment, gone up to the ex- tent of frmu i;20 to JE25 a month. The ap- plication was deferred for a statement of re- ceipta and payments when the inspector took on hia duties, and those at the present time. The Finance Committee reported an over- draft of nearly £ 5,000. ABERAVON COUNTY POLICE COCHT. Monday. Before Messrs. G. H. I)avey (chairman), J. Aruallt Jones, J. Gibson Mor- ng, Charles Jones, and Thos. Gray. The Amenities of Married Life.—Mary Jones, a stylishly-dressed young woman of Abergwynfi, summoned her husband, John Jcnes, a collier, to show cause why a sepaia- tion order should not be made against him on tho. ground of persistent cruelty. Mr. Moses Thomas appeared for the complain- ant, and Mr. Edward Powell represented the erring husband. Mrs. Jones detailed her four years of married bliss, which was one long record of failures to live happily with her spouse, who would beat her and be con- tinually "nagging" at her until at last she could bear it no longer, and she determined to leave him. She was not a strong woman and his behaviour and coarse language was too much for her. There was practically no defence to the complainant's story, although Mr. Powell dragged into the case the old old question of her mother-in-law, who lived next door. interfering between the couple.—In the end, the case stood adjourned for six weeks. the defendant promising to give his wife 15s. per week in the meantime, with the view of the parties coming together again. Theft of a Bicycle Lamp.—David Hopkins, a young fellow of Taibaeh, in a fit of tempta- tion, stole the lamp of a bicycle, the property of Sergt.-Instructor C'orr, of Margam, whilst that gentleman was inside the hostelry of the Somersetshire Hotel, on the 9th inst.-Hop- kins admitted his lapse from the path of honesty, but testimonials of his previous good character having been put in, he was lEt off with a fine1 of JEl. Drunks.—A number of*'drunks closed the charge sheet.

BRITON FERRY, NOTES AND NilWS. LBy OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.1 The anniversary services of Bethel C.M. Chapel were held last Sunday and Monday. The preachers for the occasion were the Revs. Barrow Williams (Llandudno), and Joseph Jenkins (Caenewydd). English sermons were preached alternately with the vernacular to large audiences. The singing arrangements were in the capable hands of Mr. Sam. Jones, and the collections, I am informed, were worthy of the large congregations. ACCIDENT AT THE ALBION WORKS. An unfortunate accident occurred at the Albion Steel Wcorks on Tuesday. Mr. Leo- pold Gould, Ynysmaerdy-road, while work- ing at some machinery, had his hand se- verely injured, one of his fingers having to be amputated. Much sympathy is felt with Mr. Gould at the regrettable occurence. RETURN OF BRITONFERRY'S VOLUN- TEER. WELCOME TO PRIVATE DAVIES. The spacious club-room of the Dock Hotel was well filled on Thursday, in last week, when a complimentary "smoker" was held in honour of the return of Mr. Harry Davies, who was the only 'Ferryite who has served through the operations in South Africa. County Councillor Gwynne presided, and was supported by Colour-sergeant S. Clarke (Neath), Messrs. W. T. Olive, H. H. Hunter. E. Davies, E. Howells, T. Morris, Trevor Hunter, Ivor Gwynne, and J. Perrett. The toast of our army, navy, and volunteer forces was given by Mr. Edward Howells, and re- sponded to by Colour-sergeant Clarke. Mr. W. T. Olive proposed the toast of the Brit- onferry Football and Cricket Club. under whose auspices the meeting was being held while Messrs. T. H. Hunter and W. H. Mor- gan responded. Colour-sergeant Clarke, on behalf of the footballers and cricketers of the town ,then presented Private Davies with a large-sized beautifully mounted photo of himself. which had been executed by Mr. Howells, photographer, Britonferry.' After the piesentation, Private1 Davies who re- ceived an ovation, said it was impossible for him to thank those present for the kindness they had shown him. What he had done, and what service he had rendered was done for the love of his country. He thanked them heartily for the kind things that had been said that evening. (Loud cheers.) Songs were given by Messrs. J,. Howells. T. Tallamy, VV Jones, J. Thomas, J. Lewis, T. Thomas, i Hutchinson, and T. Lodwick, and recita- tions by Messrs. E. Hutchingg and W. H. Humphreys. Mr. T. Morris acted in the ca- pacity of accompanist.

NOTES BY WANDERER. No one will deny that in its beautiful surround- ing scenery Briton Ferry is well blessed- bIL- ssed m thia respect far above the average industrial towns and at first it would appear that happy indeed should he be who resides in this pictures- que neighbourhood. The worst of it is there is a lack of workmen's cottages. Mr. Harry Davies will, I think, have no need °i.- i £ s"amfcd of the cordial good feeling with o a *i-e- 1,8,8 ,^een Sheeted on his return from South Atrica. At the same time I must express the hope that, in rejoicing at the return of the living, we will not forget to ccmmeinoiate in a suitab e way the life that has been sacrificed, and who in the dawn of a promising manhood died in the service of his country. I paid a visit to Bethel last Sunday, the occasion being its anniversary services. The fame of the two preachers had preceded them and thus secured large attendances. It is unnecessary for me here to describe the eloquence, the mixed pathos-knowledge and humour of the Rev. Barrow Williams, or to recall what I heard described as the pearls of thought that fell from the lips of the Uev. M Jenkins, but there is one thing I would emphasize, namely, the unfortunate habit of preaching in an undertone that makes it difficult to catch hardly any of the first half of the sermon.

CELEBRATION IN BIRMINGHAM OF TWO TEMPERANCE EVENTS. On Wednesday, May 8th, in the Temperance Institute, Birmingham, a tea, social, and public meeting were held in order to celebrate two events in connection with the temperance move- ment, namely, the fifth anniversary of the founding of the" Temperance Ironsides by Mr. Tennyson Smith, and the lecturer's completion of twenty years temperance advocacy Walter Priesttnan, Esq., presided. Many of the leaders ot the temperance move- ment in Birmingham w;ere present, including County Councillor Joseph Malins (Right Worthy Grand Chief lemplar), Joshua Moseley, Esq. (sec., ELK A ), Pearce Derringson, Esq. (hon. Nicholas Koight, etc. Es«-J- Letters ot apology for being unable to be present, were read from George Cadbury, E.q and others. J' M ) Mr. Joseph Malins expressed his pleasure at being invited to take part in that meeting to con. glatuJate Brother Tennyson Smith on his completion of twenty years of work for the temperance caase. He wished other aposti. s like him would arise to start definite crusades such as he had done to arouse the chr stian church on this question. He said Mr. Tennyson Smith had trained a faithful company (the Temperance fwl68 earry on the crusade after their leader had been laid in his grave. Mr. C. H. Baldwin said he esteemed it a privi- lege to be allowed to move the address of congratulation to Mr. Tennyson Smith, whom he had known for many years. He said there are two classes of people in the world, the most numerous beiug those who live for themselves, ttn!: s™aller number those who live for others, and Mr. lennyson Smith belonged to the latter class who devote themselves to the good of humanity. He refeired in high terms to the it-cturet s great ability as a speaker and elocu- tionist, and s»id had he lived for himself he could h*ye amassed wealth by his wonderful recitals, bu he had preferred to serve the temperance cause, and had initiated this special crusade to cleanse the churches from complicity with the liquor traffic lor which he bad earned the best interests of the church. Mr. A. D. bkins seconded the address, which was he*; tily supported by others, and carried emhusiasticdlly. Mr. lennyson Smith said he had in London and other large Counties received many tokens of appreciation of his werk, but he naturally placed a I'lgher \alue on any recognition of his labours by his fellow citizens of Birmingham, where he TII been sure of a hearty welcome. The lecturer left the following day for a meeting in Liverpool. < j &