The Cambrian

THE PEACE OUTLOOK, The very fact that the Boer leaders have apparently realised the inevitable and jour- neyed to Pretoria with a view of arranging, if possible, peace with the British Govern- ment augurs well for a speedy SETTLEMENT of the unfortunate war in South Africa- It is even asserted that there is every reason to believe that the Boers, in consultation with Lord Milner, "agreed to peace carrying with it the loss of their independence and a general surrender." If this be so, the chief obstacles to a peaceful settlement are, it seems to us, a] ready removed, notwithstand- ing the nature of the other requests the enemy are reported to have made the BRITISH Minister. These are said to number five, viz.: (1) A complete amnesty to all burghera in the field as well as the Cape rebels; (2) the taking over by Great Britain of the legal claims and liabilities of both Republics; (3) the withdrawal of the banishment proclama- tion; (4) the restoration within a shorter period than that contemplated of represen- I futive Government; and (5) the provision y Great Britain of sufficient funds to re-biiild and re-otock the Boer farms and PRENII965* These are somewhat important proposals, but not such as should cause hostilities to pro- ceed much longer. It is clear that whatever attitude is finally adopted in regard TO them, Great Britain must be allowed to dictate the terms of peace. Probably, Lord Milner, on behalf of the British Government, will not 9ee his way to accede to the of the five points without very maten amendments. At the same time, we IJlay very fairly make the Boer.3 some reasonable concessions that will have the effect of prov- i.liA ing to them that there is every desire ON part of Great Britain to grant them tho utmost freedom and privileges that are con- sistent with British security against a re- petition of further trouble like the present with the burghers of either the Transvaal or the Orange River Colony. Meanwhile it is gratifying to know that Lord Milner's instruc- tions are firm that there is to be no arJDiståce while the peace negotiations are going for- ward, lest such a concession might lead fI.he Boers to believe the British are seeking to oome to TERMSJ and not the beaten foe, past experience has shown to our cost TBA the Boers make excellent use of such arIJlís- tices for quite a different purpose.

SWANSEA'S RATES. The rates of Swansea are going up by leaps and bounds. This is not very pleassllt; news, though we suppose that a progressilo spirit on the part of any Corporation canOOt be fostered except at a considerable expend1- ture of public money, even on what s-re known as unremunerative projects. Tbe main point should be to try and see TH^ the returns from the remunerative SOURC^6 are such as will materially reduce the de- mands that must be made upon the rate- payers' pockets. In this respect Swansea is not without hope, though we must CONFE00 that the profits from the Borough estate last year were somewhat disappointing in TH^ there was only a very small improvement over that recorded in the previous year. Tbe ensuing financial year may, however, see a substantial increase, as several new properties are likely to come into the rate-books. TBE general outlook, however, is not very eP" couraging, having regard to the the Borough Accountant placed before TH6 Finance Committee last week, inasmuch as this showed that not only the Council,, bUt. the School Board and the Guardians aO annually increasing their expenditure out of all proportion to their yearly revenue. Th" nett result was clearly put by AldennsJ1 Rowel Watkins, when he said that for the coming finanoial year the Guardians pra()o tically require, aooording to the ESTIMATED £ 5.000, the School Board JE:4,000 and the Co110- cil £ 5,000 more than last year, so that, Dot- withstanding the large addition to the rat- able value of the Borough consequent upoSL the recent re-valuation, the total demand THAT IA TO be mode upon the ratepayers 2d. more than last year. Alderman WATTF"6 thought this disheartening, and most people will agree with him after the high expect, tiona that had been entertained over the nellr assessments.

THE OYSTERMOUTH W ATEB SUPPLY. The present water supply has long been a source of dissatisfaction at Oyetermoutb, but its defecte and failings were never brought into greater prominence than was the case during last summer. Numerous complaints were made with regard to the defective supply^and statements as to the alleged impurity of the water ultimately had the desired effect. Several analyses were, on different occasions, made of water taken from the reservoir at Caswell, but inasmuch as these proved of a fairly satisfactory char- acter, nothing further was done, notwith- standing the fact that it was not shown that the water was not in some way contaminated during its passage through the pipes to the consumer's houses. It seems that the water is still ir frequently of a slightly copperish hue when drawn, and all the most prudent per- sons invariably boil it before use. The water question is a serious one, and it is not surprising to find Dr. A. Lloyd Jones, the Medical Officer, dealing wfth it at some length in his annual report, which has re- cently been presented to the Oystermouth District Council. Dr. Jones points out that before the water leaves the valley bed Hit should be noticed that within a couple of hundred feet on either side of the pumping station, are the Caswell Cottage Industrial Home and the Caswell Hotel, in Bishopston Parish, both of which might be foci of mis- chief from defective or neglected cesspools and refuse heaps. Everything considered, the unpleasantly close relationship between the contribution of Bishopston and the consump- tion of Oystermoubh, shows further grounds for combined sanitary control." The Medi- cal Officer also considers that the storage at the reservoir is "totally inadequate to the population supplied, and altogether out of proportion to the abundant flow and over- flow at the foot of the hill. Two or three such small reservoirs would more fitly meet our requirements; each could be separately cleaned without disturbing the service as at present, and one would be available by night or day for fire emergency." But the present reservoir is not only inadequate, it has other defects which are enumerated in the report. Happily, the district is excep- tionally free from zymotic diseases, but the District Council, we think, should take into serious consideration the acquisition of the waterworks. As the Medical Officer observes: "If the Council once acquired the Company's undertaking, and fitted the whole works up to date, we should possess as fine a supply as ANY in the country, which in itself would be an advertisement of untold wealth to a health resort."

SWANSEA AND DISTRICT COAL MERCHANTS' ASSOCIATION, FIRST ANNUAL DINNER. The first annual dinner of the Swansea and District Coal Merchants* Protection Associa- tion took place at the Mackworth Hotel on Wednesday evening. Mr. Jacob Jenkins (president) occupied the chair, and he was supported by the Rev. Gomer Lewis, D.D., Messrs. D. Hinds (vice-president), Henry Williams (chairman of committee), J. Merri- tnan (vice-chairman), T. Corker (treasurer), J. E. Rowlands (secretary), T. B. Rowlands (assistant secretary), W. L. Morgan (F. H. Tucker and Co.), while the following colliery Owners and agents were represented:—W. Morris (Newport), Margrave and Co. (Swan- sea), Dd. Imrie, Perch and Co., and J. T. Williams and Co. (Neath). Altogether over 60 were present. A capital repast was served up by Host R. E. Jones, and full justice having been Jone thereto, I The usual loyal toast was submitted from the chair, and duly honoured. Mr. J. E. Rowlands proposed The Army ..nd Navy." In the course of a neat speech he referred to the magnificent work that had been done in South Africa by the Army, and said it had thereby enhanced its grand old reputation in the eyes of the other nations. (Hear, bear.) He also remarked that he should like to see the old Swansea Naval Volunteers revived, and in conclusion coupled "ith the toast the names of Mr. Saltern (an old Army man who had won the coveted long- service medal) and Mr. Kirkin. Both these gentlemen having replied, The toast of The Town and Trade was submitted by Mr. D. Hinds, who referred to the progress the town had made in various directions during the last twenty years or so, the new and imposing buildings erected, etc. The trade, too, was improving, and he believed that there was a good future before Swansea. (Hear, hear). lie expressed regret that the electric cars were not in the hands of the Corporation, as all monopolies should be under Popular control. Mr. W. L. Morgans, in reply, said he had recently seen an old gazeteer of about hundred years ago in which Swansea was described as "a seaside resort, situated about 18 miles by a good road to the flourishing town and port of Cowbridge." (Laughter.) Things had changed A great deal since then. Touching lightly Upon the coal trade, Mr. Morgan observed that WTOEN they could induce colliery owners gener- ally to refuse to supply private individuals With coal at the same price as they did mer- chants. and to exclude those who were not in the business of selling coal, they would have Dlade a considerable advance. (Hear, hear.) Mr. D. H. Hughes (Landore) also responded. lIe opined that if they were to maintain good trade it was incumbent upon them to remove the obstacles which were in the way. One of greatest of these obstacles was the exees- SIVELY high railway rates. The preferential rate, which prevailed in this country handi- CApped them to a considerable extent. Sugar could be brought from Hamburg to Manches- ter, via Hull, for 15s. per ton, whereas the from Hull to Manchester alone was 15/10. could be brought from Belgium 100 ™ILES to Antwerp and thence to London for LEAS than our railways charged from Stafford- to London. TheChairman, in giving "Our Association," MENTIONED that it was formed about a twelve- ™°LTH ago, with the principal object of PRO- ACTING consumers in regard to prices, and to see that people got good coal for their M°UEY XHE coalowners' ring of 1895 had TOPced them into action, and the result of the ASSOCIATIONS^ efforts was that they had in- nced at least four of the best house coal collieries to refuse to supply other than of the Association. (Hear, hear.) 1 HEY had also brought about a reduction in Prices. Mr. T. Corker, in responding, expressed the oPInion that the large attendance that everiing was a good augury of the future ^CESS of the Association. The organisation HAD started in a most promising fashion, and e trusted that they would continue on the Balne linos in the future. (Hear, hear.) lb. Merriman wished the public to distinct- ly Understand that the Association's object W*8 not to maintain prices, but, if possible, to POLL them down. Mr. G. A. Hemmings, who also responded, I rft4rked that they could not expect wonders a once and he believed that if the members !'Ould only be loyal and take a proper interest |N the Association, they would be able to do a LOT of useful work. (Hear, hear.) Other toasts were: I- The Visitors," pro- POSED by Mr. Hy. Williams and responded to J* the colliery owners' representatives Ministers of all Denominations," submitted BY Mr. D. L. Owen and acknowledged by the Gomer Lewis iand the Press." SONGS were rendered during the evening BY MESSRS. Harry Williams, Griff. Thomas, J- Lyach, and D. Morris. Mr. J. Clewtllt) acted as accompanist.

————————— I „ QLEN-SPEY Distillery, situated ia tlle finest Whisky-producing District of SCOTLAND "LU« PROPERTY of W. and A. Gilbey. This Whisky I| MADE entirely from barley, AND is kept absolutely M His Majesty's Bonded Warehouses to mature, and sold by W. and A. Gilœrs agents in everv tAw. &t le. 6d, per bottta

THE WEEK AT WESTMINSTER. BUDGET PROPOSALS. THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BILL FOR WALES. MORE PROCEDURE. The real interest on Thursday in the House of Commons centred in Mr. Brodrick's reply to the questions with reference to the peace negotia- tions. After they had been given the House settled down once more to its discussion of the procedure rules, the first taken being that having reference to priority of Government busi- ness. Several Unionists complained of the attitude of the Government towards private members, Mr. Chaplin declaring that they were reduced to mere cyphers. One or two amend- ments were disposed of before the House •turned. A SCOTCH QUESTION. The flood of questions was pretty bad on Friday. Of course, the war and the peace rumours were responsible for most of them, and Mr. Brodrick had to give an official denial to tho statements as to peace having been concluded. A considerable number of questions stood on tJ. paper with reference to the wearing of the kilt bythf Highland regiments. Mr. Brodrick stated that they would retain the kilt for full dress, and that instructions would be issued for pro- viding a kilt of khaki or some invisible colou while they were on active service, as was now done in South Africa. Mr. Brodrick added. "0 f course, the distinctive tartans of the High- land regiments will be preserved," and the remark was received with loud cheering. PRIVATE MEMBERS' RIGHTS. The rights of private members were vigorously defended by the Opposition, assisted by Mr. Chaplin, when the procedure rules again came up for discussion. The Government managed, however, to carry its rule giving priority to Ministerial business by the aid of the closure. In the subsequent discussion, Major Hasch wanted to limit speeches to twenty minutes each on Supply, but his amendment was hope- lessly defeated. BUnGET NIGHT. The scene in the House of Commons on Monday, when Sir Michael Hicks-Beach rose to make his Budget statement, was one of the greatest excite- ment and expectancy. Not only had the rumours of peace and of a diplomatic illness on the part of the Chancellor in order to defer the Budget until the Boers had surrendered increased the interest, but the financial position itself was known to be peculiar, and it was felt that Sir Michael would be under the necessity of invent- ing some new means of replenishing the revenue in order to meet the expenditure for the war. The House was crowded in every part. Both side galleries were densely thronged with members who could not find sitting accommodation on the floor of the House, and the Strangers' Gallery was filled almost bevond its capacity. Notwith- standing his recent indisposition, the Chancellor spoke in a firm and clear voice for an hour and fifty minutes. One or two passages were delivered with great energy, and the concluding passages of his speech not only shewed no trace of exhaustion, but were delivered with considerable animation. THE DKHCIT. Sir Michael had not, on the whole, a very cheerful tale. The year had not been one of great success or commercial activity or pros- perity. The value of foreign trade had fallen. Business at home shewed no diminution. Revenue receipts during the past two years had more than fulfilled expectations, and had quite upset the vaticinations of the Liberal prophets. In the last financial year the total expenditure had been £212,783,000, of which Customs yielded £30,993,000, or £93,000 more than estimated. The estimated expenditure for 1902-3 was £ 174,609,000, and the total estimated revenue on the existing basis of taxation was £147,785,000, leaving to be provided a sum of £ 26.824,000. In this estimate had been included £ 40,000,000 for war expenditure, which would provide for the maintenance of our troops in South Africa. for eight or nine months, but, did not include gratuities at the end of the war, transports, and so forth. If the war continued beyond that time there would be a further addition to the estimate, which he reckoned at between £16,000,000 and £ 17,000,000. Therefore, he asked to be allowed to add £18,500,000 to the £ 26,824.000 deficit, making a total deficit of £ 45,324,000. HOW TO MEKT IT. This deficit he proposed to meet thus: First, by suspending the Sinking Fund he would obtain 4 £ millions; secondly, by adding another penny to the Income-tax he would obtain 2 millions this year and 2! millions next; thirdly, by imposing a tax of a penny on dividend warrants and an additional penny on bank cheques and bills at sight, he would obtain half a million; and, fourthly, by imposing a Registra- tion Duty of threepence per cwt. on all imported corn and grain, and fivepence per cwt. on all imported flour and meal, he would obtain £ 2,650,000. The total estimated receipts from this new taxation amounted to £5,150,000, which, with the suspension of the Sinking Fund, reduced his. deficit from 45! millions to about 35 £ millions. To meet this he would borrow 32 millions, and he would find the rest by a draft upon Exchequer balances. As soon as ho had announced the Registration Duty on grain and flour a number of members rose and hurried out of the House. THE OPPOSITION. Sir William Harcourt, as was natural, struck the first note of opposition, and, as might have been expected, he offered the most unqualified resistance to the duty on corn. Mr. Buxton also declared against that part of the proposals, as did Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, who made it clear that his party would fight it tooth and nail. Several well-known Protectionist members, such as Mr. J. Lowther, Sir Howard Vincent, Mr. Chaplin, and Mr. Gibson Bowles, warmly i approved of the Registration Duty; and Mr. Winston Churchill delivered a long sermon on economy, in which he adversely criticised the Government. THE LATE LORD KIMBERLBY. The House of Lords on Tuesday met for a brief space, the business being short. Their lordships, however, led by the Prime Minister, paid a tribute to the memory of the late Earl of Kimberley. Lord Salisbury spoke eloquently and feelingly on the excellent statesmanlike Qualities of the Earl. Lord Spencer and Lord Ripon voiced the sorrow of the Liberal party at his death, and their lordships then adjourned. THE BUDGET. The Commons debated the question of raising a loan of £32,000,000, the resolution for which was moved by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The most important matter touched on during the evening was the extent to which the Transvaal and Orange ltiver Colonies would be able to take a share in the burden of the war. Sir Michael. was most optimistic as to prospects and the financial ability in SrVj,e future of the Transvaal to repay som?, -r money which had been borrowed for t' ( Mr. Chamberlain, Lord Milner, and btf"- agreed that a charge should be ade possible on the revenue of the colony, but t would be seen that this country, state of affairs, must make its arn^jmenU without reference to the Trf"|vaxhe new Stan?* tk*. carnal by 229 to 1'°*ttJiVnToSS' Duty was carried, and tne o^oo, beer, and spirits were reimpo • A WSXSH PKBATB. On Wednesday, in the Commons, Mr. Frank; Edwards moved the seco^ Jlea in% Local Government (Wale» and Monmouthshire) Bill, which, be said, had ce" described as a measure of Home Bu e ur ales, but which was in point of fact notlllng of the kind. In any scheme of Home Ru e he transference of legisla- tive powers would e necessary, but this bill was of a purely administrative character. The bill extended the powers of local government, and its two objects were these: In the first place to transfer to the county councils and the councils of county boroughs certain functions at present performed by various departments of the central Government, relating especially to public health, sanitation, and the housing of thb working classes; and in the second place the bnl aimed at the provision of machinery f«r tbe creation of a joint counties board. At Wf-p*s! twelve o clock Mr. Winston Churchill moved a count, there being only twenty-two members it the House. The bells were rung, and m due course an additional twenty-five members earn** jn and out again aa ROOD as the i- announced that the necessary quorum ot forty ■was m attendance ]\jr Edwards thereupon continued his speech. Mr. Herbert Roberts seconded the bill, the rejection of which was j moved by Major Wyndham Quin, who said the bili was not desired by the people of Wales. Hon. Ivor Guest seconded the motion for rejection. The motion for the second reading of the bill was defeated by 38 votes eventually.

NOTES AND NOTIONS. Madame Patti (Baroness Cederstrom) is enjoying a brief rest at her Welsh residence, Craig-y-Nos Castle. Mr. Wm. Lane has withdrawn the tender he secured for the erection of the Swansea Convalescent Home. The canvassers for subscribers to the Swan- sea municipal telephone service are meeting with a good deal of suc- cess in their work. The number of agreements already signed is 244, and 193 promises have also been given. The Swansea Grocers' Association have decided to support the Corporation in their municipal telephone enterprise and Mr. P. G. lies, the president, observed that be wished our civic fathers would display that sort of spirit in everything they took up. Local interest is centred in our sketch this week of Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, the Chan- cellor of the Exchequer, inasmuch as the right hon. gentleman is a brother to Lady Llewelyn, of Penllergaer, as most of our readers know. The Rev. Dr. Griffith John, the well-known Swansea missionary in China, has had a bad attack of dysentery, which had left him very weak. This piece of disquieting news is con- tained in Dr. John's last letter to the direc- tors of the London Missionary Society. Mr. Edward Daniel, of Rosehill, Swansea, High Sheriff for the County of Glamorgan, has appointed the Hon. and Rev. W. Talbot Rice, the new Vicar of Swansea, as his chap- lain, and Mr. David Isaac, of the firm of Messrs. Hartland, Isaac,, Watkins and Co., solicitors, Swansea, as his Under-Sheriff. Mr. Wm. John Rees, J.P., is shortly to be made the recipient of a solid silver epergne, subscribed for by the tenants of the Penller- gaer estate, as a slightt token of their appre- ciation of the interest he has manifested in the welfare of the Welsh Colony in Patago- nia. The epergne is now on view at Mr. W. Williams, jeweller, Castle-street, Swansea. The hon. secretary of the Swansea and South Wales Institution for the Blind begs to acknowledge, with best thanks, tihe fol- lowing donations: Workmen at Victoria Tinplate Works, Briton ferry, £5; Royal Liver Friendly Society, Liverpool, per Mr. H. Cutcliffe. £ 2 2s.; Swansea Schools' League Committee, per Mr. W. A. Beanland, JBl. We very much regret to state that Mrs. Adams Rawlings, the beloved wife of Dr. Rawlings, is lying seriously ill. The meeting of the Swansea Free Churches at Mount Pleasant on Tuesday evening deputted the secretary (the Rev. C. W. Causton) to convey to Dr. J. A. Rawlings (the retiring president) their sympathy with his wife and himself in her illness. Upon relinquishing his position as superin- tendent at the Southampton Docks, Mr. Jno. Dixon, late harbour master at Swansea-was entertained to a dinner and presented with a mahogany cylinder writing-table, a travel- ling companion set, and a pocket-book con- taining a cheque, and for Mrs. Dixon he was asked to accept a diamond and opal brooch and pendant. The people of Swansea (says the Cardiff "Daily News") cannot take seriously the proposal to erect workmen's dwellings on the Dyfatty Field, or they surely would not allow the appropriation of this open space without indignant protest. The Dyfatty Fiield is in the middle of a dense population, and is invaluable not only as a playground for the thousands crowded round, but, from a sanitary point of view, as an open space. There are acres of Corportion property ur- gently requiring development at the hands of the builder, and if the Corporation want sites for workmen's dwellings they can with better advantage select some of their own building sites than still further overcrowd a congested area by taking from it the only lung left. Some time ago the Swansea Corporation, acting on information that if during his visit to England for the Coronation, he were offered a place on the roll of Swansea's dis- tinguished honorary freemen, he would accept, passed a resolution offering the Cana- dian Premier an invitation to South Wales and the honorary freedom of the borough. To the great regret of the inhabitants, how- ever, the Town Clerk of Swansea on Saturday received the following letter from Mr. W. L. Griffith, the Canadian agent at Cardiff:- 'Dear Sir,-Writing from Ottawa on the 1st inst.. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, after referring to the invitation which the borough of Swansea has extended to him, states: 'It is with great regret that I decline an invitation which is made with such kindness, but there is no alternative left to me on consideration.' Mr. Percy W. L. Adams writes from More- ton House, Wolstanton, Staffordshire: -"In writing a biography of Wm. Adams the Pot- ter, 1745-1805 (reputed to have been the early pupil and friend of Josiah Wedgwood, before he-Adams-acquired his own potteries at Tunstall in Staffordshire, I have been asked to discover as many specimens as possible of his jasper (blue and other coloured ground with decoration .,as a rule, in white relief), black basalt, fine stone ware, and early printed, impressed with the name 'Adams, for describing and illustrating in the work. His jasper is often classed as 'old Wedgwood, but the name 'Adams' being impressed makes it easily discernable. We think if You would be good enough to insert this letter in your paper it would be the means of owners of this particular pottery sending me descrip- tions of their specimens, which would add to the list I already have, and so materially help to place upon record the work of this potter, of whom it has been written by emi- nent authors that so far, very little is known. Mr. T. W. R. Ritson, Mus. Bac., F.R.C.O., the talented organist and choirmaster of All Saints' Parish Church, Oystermouth, having resigned for the PURP°se of returning to his native town, Newcastle, Mr. Vernon Blount, Norfolk has been APPOINTED to take his place. Mi. Blount" (says the "Parish Marine as had good training and ex- perience, as the following facts will testify. INR! '9 .OF WESFC Pelton Church for ILM PMRFOV0^8111^ AND choirmaster of Hing- S™ H- 9HURCH> Norfolk, for three years; AND choirmaster at Brackley E CHURCH, Norfolk, where he has been YEARS- Mr. Blount studied music FOLK^N ^US- Doc., organist of Nor- .Cathedral, subsequently became organist that cathedral, his duties being to train choristers, to play at the daily servi< es, and at oratorio performances with orchestra., and on other special occasions." The new organist, who was very highly recommended by the Dean of Norwich and the Hon. and Rev. F. A. Hervey, (do- mestic chaplain to the King, Canon of Norwich, and Rector of Sandring- ham), will commence duties at the Oyster- mouth Church at the beginning of June. I The best portrait that we have seen, as yet, of Miss Dillwyn, is that reproduced in this week's "Lady's Pictorial," in which "Miranda" writes: "My readers will be interested in the accompanying portrait of a very remarkable lady, Miss Dillwyn, of Swansea, who is a novelist of no mean qual- ity, a reviewer for a well-known paper, Chairwoman of the Hospital Committee, a member of the School Board, an expert farm- bailiff, and partner in a successful spelter business. Very few women, even in THIS age of feminine progress and strenuous en- deavour, have led such full and ENERGETIC lives as Miss Dillwyn has, and in HF PTEOON business capacity she walks three 0 her office every morning, and works RWN nine till five. Miss Dillwyn ONE °, few ladies whose taste for T°BAE«° EX 6^DS beyond the dainty, perfumed CIGA e. khe enjoys a cigar, and has ILhe courage to own it. Miss Dillwyn declares that ^UIT« her., and adds with commenda Midour; 'I always emoke openly- "X 0 believe in ladies smoking in ? EN*EQIBER that the first time I MET AT.9, 14189 Emily Faithfull she WAS dressed M a;T>lue pea-jacket and had a big CIGAR M her mouth. But in her case she smoked in ord. r to obtain relief from some asthmatic or bi-o-cial trouble."

INTERESTING PRESENTATION OVER FIFTY YEARS IN THE SERVICE OF MESSRS. VIVIAN AND SONS. Mr. S. H. Michell, cashier to Messrs. Vivian and Sons, Swansea, after a service of over fifty years, has, we understand, just retired from the active duties of his official position. To mark the occasion of his retirement, and as a token of their regard and good wishes, the managers and office staff presented their revered colleague with an elegant drawing- room timepiece, richly enamelled, and bearing the inscription:—" Presented to S. H. Michell, Esq., by the managers and staff of Messrs. Vivian and Sons, Hafod Works, Swansea, on the occasion of his retirement. 31st March, 1902." Mr. Michell had been previously presented by the members of the firm, in recognition of his 50 years' service, with a handsome silver tea service, bearing the following inscriptionThis service of plate was presented to Mr. S. H. Michell by Messrs. Vivian and Sons on his retirement, after 50 years of faithful and devoted service to the firm."

OUR WEEKLY CAMERA NOTES, SOME PRACTICAL HINTS FOR AMATEURS. [By Veronica.] [The writer of this column will be happy to reply to queries on technical and business matters reiatin? to Photography, an well as to criticise prints submitted one or two at a time. Stamp or stamps for replv must he enclosed. Address Veronica at the office of "The Cambrian," 58, Wind-street, Swansea.] The stereoscopic photograph has enjoyed spasmodic popularity ever since Daguerre made possible the extended use of that ingenious mstrument by which we can imitate the relief and solidity of nature. But just now the photo- graphic manufacturer is doing his best to « T °UR ^THUSIASM in the double pictures, S° I "AY Perhaps fitly say something on tbe %•#} ARJFJT R A ^SIGNIFICANT items which graphy stereoscopic FROM ordinary photo- To take stereoscopic pictures we need two lenses placed not more than 2t inches apart on the camera front, and we must have the camera divided lengthways so that each picture falls only upon its proper half cf the plate. Those who possess a half-plate camera can easily fit a pair of single lenses (exactly equal in focal lensrth) to the front, but for others who may be purohasing a camera for the purpose there are quite a number to select from. I was shown one the other day entirely made in aluminium, taking pictures IF inches square and so neatly and lightly contrived that I verily believe a lady could hang it among the other odd bits of bijouterie which "be is pleased to sustain from her chatelaine without feeling unduly weighted down and making herself the observed of all observers by the exceeding bulk of this useful knick-knack. The price was exactly 20 guineas, and I was soiely tempted to purchase. Indeed, had I received my weekly honorarium for dispensing photographic knowledge to the readers of these pages I might have laid down-well, the first of a series of instalments on a system which saves the smoker 33 per cent. But there are other natty cameras which cost only from E2 2s. or so. The Smythe is one of them, and is an accept- able companion on one's walks abroad. It has the advantage of enabling one to take a single picture if one should so desire. One point which ought to recommend the stereoscopic method is the way in which it contrives to convert odd bits of landscaper- hopeless as subjects for single pictures-into pleasing compositions. A corner in some meadow where a few withered reeds or grasses wave against the edge of a pond, does not supply an enticing motif for tbe expenditure of a plate, but stereosoopically the little bit becomes endued with charm. Hedgerow and seashore soenea, peeps through woodland undergrowth and tangled gorse are opened ont in the stereoscope, and we see again the spots where we have idled away many a hot afternoon perhaps, and have fixed the remembrance of them with the dual lens. There is little fresh to be learnt in stereo work, but'that little is important. First, the camera must be held level. Secondly, the plates must have full exposure. The under-exposed negative gfives in ordinary photography a hard print which is perhaps endurable, hut the same defect ia stereo work reproduces the scenes in the stereo- scope white as though with snow. If full time be given and the negative kept thin there will be no trouble in this respect. The prints having been made (on a glossy paper) they are mounted in a reverse position, that is to say, the double print from the negative is cut in two and the right hand mounted on the left, and vice versa. The distanoe between tbe same point in each picture should not be more than 2l inches and it is all the better if it is 2$inohes. Needless te say also the prints mu-t be placed level on the mount. With these differences stereoscopic photography is no more difficult than the single system, ana, like the lot of tbe royal gondoliers, "IT# pleasures they are many and its privileges great." The all-convenient roller film enclosed in its daylight soool is to dominate the market this season. New cameras for films are in all the advertisements of the pressing purveyors of pbotograpbio wares, and old and favourite instruments are renewing their vouth and starting life afresh with a slim roll holder for a partner. A NEW filM of British make is shortly to appear, and then we shall be equipped from A I English-made goodsfor tourist PR-^PBY de luxe. Cnt films, too, are to have patronaere. A new cxmera P FOR their daylignt changing in an credibly simple manner, and another which I ave been using on a little expedition into the country replaces each film by the next simply by the up and down movement of a shutter. Here is a pretty pRoblem which those inclined can work ont. If the chippings at the Platinotype Coo's Works give residual platinum to the tune of £ 3,000 per annum (as stated in The Morning Post "), how many aores of paper are produced per week, and what is the return in gold sterling to the directors of the company. But is the figure E3000 official ? Like Mr. Vincent Crummies, I cannot help. wondering how these little things get into the papers. According tothe" Tatler." German officialism is down on the amateur photographer, who is enjoined to pursue his art without any intention of making money out of it, unless he takes out a lieense, for which be must pav. They look after the eternal phennig in Dentchland pretty clos"I" and now it seems the unfortunate Bnapsbotter who would recoup himself for his expense, plates or paper. by a little business, i* to be mulcted. But who—except the Kaiser, of course—oan depide what constitutes money- making bv an amateur ? I fancy the balance of most of no who snapshot for pleasure and profit combined is still a long way down on the wrong side. Those who sigh because the prized aad be- medalled pictures of our artist-workers are not theirs should lay to heart a little extract from advice to landscape folk in YRS.IT" BUT month. It contains tbe secret of tnaay A persevering worker's failure to achieve pictorial success. One more friendly or advice to the beginner. In LANDSCAPE W^RR USE only the morning and evening 1*1 • 00 °ot work from 10.30 a m. to 2.30 PF • *WA-R *HE camera during this time, V strong and the shadows too ^OR the beginner. When yon have ^*ENJR 11 <°B*ER you may do as well then as at other TIMES bnt as these bits of advice are to the beginner. I think that they will prove valuable for the time being. AMOOF THOSE WHO have accomplished the IMPOSSIBLE in photography IS AN CHIC*0* Oeorge E. Lawrence, who has added PHOTOGRAPHY TO BIG «,«>roiiautic8. He is at St. PRESENT taking a view of the city for ?ife I Preat e.ause of advertisement during .,tbcOraina, World's Pair. The St. Louis £ ?• I2 writes feetinely his 200 dollar plate n whioh the picture will be taken.

A WINDOW SIGN. THIS SIGN. in largb SIZE, it offered GRATIS to every photographic ueaier or other owner of t dark room. Names au.3 addresses wanted for publication form for entries, free. THE PHOTOGRAM. BEST OF PHOTOGRAPHIC PAPERS. EFFINGHAM HOUSE, London, W.C.

OUR NEW SERIAL A SPLENDID STORY BY THE AUTHOR 5F "DR. NIKOLA." WE have pleasure in announcing that we have secured for publication in our columns a new story entitled— "WHO KILLED CONNIE BURT?" BT GUY BOOTHBY, AUTHOR OF II DR. NIKOLA," "A BID FOR FORTUNE," "THE MARRIAGE OF ESTHER,' U PHAROS THE EGYPTIAN," "LONG LIVE THE KING!" "MY INDIAN QUEEN," etc., etc. There ia no writer more popular with newspaper readers than Mr. Guy Boofchbv. Dr. Nikola," quite an early creation of; his, thoroughly took the public imagination, and his stories have met ever since a most favorable reception. The public has looked to him for an eminently readable class of sensational literature, and has not looked in vain. It is interesting to learn that at the beginning of bis literary career, not so many years ago, he received special encouragement and advice from Mr. Rudyard Kipling, to whom he owes, as he admits, a great deal of his success. He has seen many parts of the world for himself, and the colouring in his books is mostly supplied from personal observation. Our new story will prove, we venture to say, that Mr. Guy Boothby's hand has lost none of its cunning. "WHO KILLED CONNIE BURT?" BY GUY BOOTHBY. OUTLINE OF THE STORY. o the question embodied in the title the > u.der is free to ask Who was Connie Burt I He gets to learn, however, before he has gone through many pages of Mr. °'iy Boothby's fascinating story, that Connie Jpurt was a music-hall artiste, and one the most popular of her time, and ruat she is murdered in a carriage not very far away from the building which had been the scene of many of her triumphs. The crime is a most mysterious one—and everybody knows how clever Mr. Guy Boothby is in creating an atmosphere of mystery, and what interest he is able to give to the search for the murderer. The suspicion falls—and very naturally, too, the reader will say, when he knows all the circumstances—on a young and handsome, but impecunious baronet, who had certainly been in the carriage in which the body was found, and who is believed to have im- mediately afterwards left the country. As a I matter of fact Sir Maurice Ogilvie, who I has been jilted by a wealthy girl with whom & marriage of convenience had been ar- ranged, had decided to quit the country and II make a new start elsewhere, and his inter- View v. ith Connie Bart was an innocent meeting of farewell. v Sir Maurice only learns of the murder ¡ when he has shipped before the mast for Australia, and he then realises how strong I the evidence against him really 18, and what danger there would be, if his identity was ¡ discovereJ, of a grievous error of justice. I fortunately be makes a good friend on board the ship, and on arrival at an Australian port he meets an old acquaint- ance, now in the police force, who recognises him, but, believing in his innocence, assists hit" in getting up country, where there can be little danger of his secret being pierced. The Australian scenes of the story are vividly written and very exciting. Mr. Guy Boothby knows the Australian continent, where he was born and which lie has ex- plored, and the numerous adventures of his hero are described in stirring language. Sir Maurice loses his heart for once and ail to a good woman, but just when the cup of happiness is at his lips it is dashed •side by the treachery of an envious ^omrade, and Ogilvie is arrested for murder. lie is cleared by a surprising development, now It would be hardly fair to Mr. Boothby 1.0 explain. The whole story is of a kind that compels attention, apart altogether from tbe fame of the author. ===== "WHO KILLED CONNIE BURT?" n GUY BOOTHBY. t ? Publication of this story commences in our COLUMNS ea FRIDAY NEXT, 25th APRIL, 1902. I Every Friday, One Penny. Important to those about to Furnish. Ben. Evans & Co. ARE NOW SHOWING A FIRST CLASS STOCK OF FURNITURE and Furnishing Materials. CARPETS, OILCLOTHS, LINOLEUMS. CUTLERY, ELECTRO.PLATED GOODS, IRONMONGERY, BREAKFAST, DINNER and TEA SERVICES, TABLE GLASS, &c. Also a FINE SELECTION of LINEN and COTTON SHEETINGS and SHEETS, TABLE LINEN, and Every Article Necessary for Complete House Furnishing. Ben. Evans & Co., Ltd., SWANSEA. BENNETT BROS., NORTON LIME WORKS AND QUARRIES, WESTCROSS, R.S.O Head (M&ce :—HEATHFIELD YARD, SWANSEA. Telephone No. 181. QUOTATIONS GIVEN FOR MACHINE BROKEN LIMESTONE ROAD METAL. I Do. do. COARSE GRAVEL > for Gardens, Paths and Carriage De. do. FINE „ j Drives, WHITE LIME. GROUND MORTAR. 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