The Cambrian

OLD SWANSEA. S01tE VERY INTERESTING REMINIS- CENCES. [BY A NATIVE.] "I could a tale unfold." Hamlet. I don't know a more engrossing subject than that of noting down in a quasi-anti- quarian way the altered circumstances of the past in regard to things in general-I mean, more particularly, in relation to places, customs, modes of life, characteristics and appearances, and comparing those of the older time with those of the present-and this, not only in its reference to matters of magnitude, but to those of smaller conse- quences, such as may be confined within the limits of one's native town. When we live beyond the usual span of life, and have sufficiency of memory left to enable us to narrate circumstances known to us personally, or imported to us in our young days by the old (and yet older ancestry, who have left us), it becomes interesting to the existing generation or, more correctly, those members of it who, from past association- family ties or otherwise-retain a regard for the place, or community, affected; and it is obvious that such references in their applicar tion must have a limited area. However striding those events may be in their alteration or improvement, when taken in their chronological order, I have often thought that the salient points come out and are more remarkable when placed in reverse; for instance, on the subject of fire and artificial light, taking as an individual case the present illuminating power of electricity as No. 1, we may place gas second, then we come to oil, candles, rush-lights, lucifer matches, flint, steel, and tinder, not to say the Indian device of two sticks. Now, how should we relish going back, in this way, through these gradations and taking up, instead of the flashlight of electricity, the old original lantern, with its horn side-lights? This is one sample only of innumerable sub- jects we might handle in the same way, and the effect produced miight be even more remarkable. So, in respect of localities, the great changes in towns, their architecture and population, the status, also, and habits of the residents when treated in this style, become a subject of intense wonderment when we come to the after-view. In what I have to say, I shall confine my observations to the town of Swanzey, now Swansea, whose name, by the way, has been played upon in various forms by antiquarians—genuine and spurious—but whose most reasonable nomen- clature might be, as I think (though I am not a savant) simply the old crude form of Seuernsea, the letter U being customarily written as V in the early days, inasmuch as "Seuernsea," litera scripta, appears in the old maps and documents as referring to the Severnsea, called in modern times the "Bristol Channel," Swansea being the first port at its mouth. I merely give this homely definition for what it is worth. In calling to mind the past and mostly forgotten circumstances of a local character, a difficulty, however, crops up in that it is almost impossible not to refer to individuals, whose position in life "then" would be in striking ontrast with thetr status "now"- the personal element, lin other words, is apt to obtrude, for many I could name, who are now to the front, were, formerly, in a very much smaller way, and had to be accommo- dated with a back seat; and "vice-versa" too, for many there are in the present day, of whom it may truly be said that they, and their forebears, had seen better times; but it is not my desire, or intention, to do eo, and in this connection I shall mention no names; the "new aristocracy," therefore, may rest tranquail amid their comfortable surroundings. Though, after all, what is there in it? The great Lord Erskine was, if I mistake not, a barber's clerk, or something of the kind; and if we look at the pages of genealogies and the visitation? of the Heralds, we see almost at a glance, the incessant ups and downs of old families, and the members of old families, the alternating depths they descended to, as well as the pinnacles they Bad reached, and we shall never cease to have dealings, I suppose, with the "black eheep." Some there are in fhe Swansea, district who can produce no genealogical tree whatever, or, at best, one with an un- fortunate blemish, which mars the flow; and, on the other hand, I will instance a trades- man, who I am acquainted with, in Swansea at this moment who is much respected, for -whom I have a high regard, and who has made, and is making, a fortune, and to whom I could impart the knowledge of his relation- ship in line to an eminent "propositus," and still this man is, I believe, entirely ignorant of a fact he might be proud of. And so this kind of thing goes on. It is the wheel of fortune, never ending in its gyra- tions. Verily the working blacksmiths of former days rise to thei eminence of the "posse comitatus" of present days, and others familiar with the manipulation of grease, oil, pitch, and fat in pristine times, now touch textiles of purple and fine linen, but again, as Mrs. Gamp says, "Where's the odds, Betsy, some 'as it one way and gome another, 'there's' where it is!" And now that I have. come to face the music, I find it difficult to decide how to mar- shal the many subjects, jumbled as they are in one's braiin in a disorderly, discordant mass, so as to place them in something like readable consecutive order;, or any other order that might carry the interest of my narra- tive. It has been said by Pascal, that "in composing a book the tost thing that one learns is to know what to put first," and by another writer of the old school that "amongst the embarrassments of story-telling there is one which, to be appreciated, must have been experienced; it is, however, suffi- cently intelligible to claim sympathy, even by indicating it—we mean the difficulty a narrator has in the choice of those incidents by which his tale is to be marked out." A great number of events must occur in the story of every -day life. of which no record can be made. Some seem too trivial, some too irrelevant for mention; and yet when we come to reflect upon real life itself, how many times do we discover that what appeared to be but the veriest trifles were the main- springs of existence! Shall we begin with the port of Swansea? It seems to suggest itself as a fitting starting point, for, originally, there can be no doubt that its great attractions as a watering-place, its tidal river, and unwonted smuggling facilities, I am sorry to say, together with its back country products, formed the basis of its important after-growth. The port. was of that consequence, at any rate, that gun- boats-very different, indeed, from the gun' boats of the present navy—were extensively and constantly employed in and about the neighbouring coast, these craft being located at SwaDsea as the citadel of operations, not only as regards the contraband and illicit trading doneand a great deal was done up the Tawe River, I believe-but as the watch- dogs of the Channel during the great French War. At the time I speak of, many happy homes in the little town were made miserable by the operations of the Press gang, the sound of whose drums and fifes usually after sunset, was often a sufficient warning to the young, Md, indeed, older inhabitants, who had even the slightest knowledge of a coasting life, to make off to some safe hiding-place. The coercion of the Press gang, whoso visits were sporadic and surprise ones, was worse than conscription, as each one se:ized was whether he would or not, marched off at once to the ship in waiting—oft-times with- out the knowledge of his parents or friends- and was not discovered for months after- wards,—sometimes not ht all. Nature seemed, even then, to place Swan- sea, i.e.. tbe Port presenting itself in the' Bristol Channel, as the one of chief i-portance-and the Government of the day took advantage of the fact in its selection as a naval station, and. centa'nly the rapidity with which it has grown from a fishing village and pleasant seaside resort to a deep water harbour and port of tho first rank, with a still progressing influence of leaps and hounds, is a. fact which shows up in a bril-* liant light the sagacity of the Government of that day, and justifies the choice. With regard to the River Tawe, we must remember that its course was, as it is now, down as far as the branch off to the New Cut. From that point it proceeded through the present North Dock (since constructed), and right away southwards with the "old borough," on the right bank, through the tidal harbour, and so out to the Bay of Swan- sea between the old east and west stone piers. When the spring tides were up, the river opposite the public quay was swollen with a very deep, broad, and extensive acreage of water, forming an inner harbour, in which the gunboats, fast craft of good sailing qual- ities, be it said, were wont to disport them- selves with the Royal ensign at the mizen. The eastern boundary of this sheet of water did not consist of wharves as at present, but of substantial sloping banks, covered on the eastern side, with greensward, and on which though undulating, anyone might take a pleasurable ramble. These banks, then of an unproductive nature, were known as "Tir Llandwr," and about and behind them were sundry pools and marshy, rough spots which, in the early days, provided good snipe shoot- ing. One large pool, in particular, sur- rounded by high dunes, and known as Pock- lington's Pool, afforded, I remember, good opportunities for model boat sailing in the summer time, and sliding in the winter. I say "sliding," because skating was a science not then much practised in Swansea. This pool, I think, must have been as near as may be the site of the Duke's ware- houses of the present day. A little lower down the river came the ferry and ferry-boat-a very necessary ad- junct between the town proper or borough, and the hamlet of St. Thomas. This ferry is more particularly referred to elsewhere. The "Tir Llandwr" land, since dlignified by the title of "The Tir Llandwr Estate," turned out on the formation of the New Cut and floating of the old river as a deep-water dock, a veritable Golconda to the lucky pur-* chaser of it. and he was the late Mr. Thomas Starling Benson, then, I think, residing at Sketty Park. The ground was in the market, and the late Mr. David Walters, if I am not mistaken, had the opportunity of purchasting it for a few hundred pounds, but it remained for a gentleman who, physically shortsighted, possessed a "longer spoon." and saw further, to secure it. I refer to the late Mr. Starling Benson, acting for his father. The annual value in the present day, with the copper ore wharves, patent slip, docks, and yards is suiiciently well nown to the rating authori- ties, and perhaps, even better to the succes- sors of the purchaser. Below this land to the south-east, I sup- pose, there was the ferry opposite the Beaufort Arms, at the back of the present Guildhall, but this leads to the subject of the "Olympian," or, perhaps, "Isthmian Games," as the G.O.M., in supporting the resolution of the House for adjournment, denominated the exploits of the "Derby Day," I refer to the Swansea Races. These we shall get to by and bye. Before going to the Swansea Races, I must clear off other subjects which seem to demand priority, a.nd certainly I think that of the Accession of our late Queen is one of them. My recollection, ihowever, is more confined to the illuminations than otherwise, for I remember there being at my home a series of long wooden shelves, in which were placed rows of tin candle-holders—these were the common arrangements for placing in the front windows of the houses occupied by the loyal inhabitants of Swansea on the night of the Coronation of Queen Victoria, and I have a. distinct retrospect of the effective nature of the illuminations thus simply created by the candles, which, however, as they burnt down, unfortunately required snipping rather frequently with the snuffers of the period. There was little or no attempt at coloured lights then-those were luxuries to come in after years. Snuffers there were for all kinds of candles, from the lowly "dips" to the aristocratic "moulds," and these instruments were, too, of various con- structions, the tip-top sort being of highly- polished steel, with a kind of round reptile- looking head, from which an incisor in the form of a cockscomb rose, and into which, by the action of the scissors, the snuff or charred part of the candlewick was drawn back, so that no objectionable "debris" fell about. These best ones were always a great attraction to the brats of the house whenever they could possibly got hold of them, as on closing the shears, they made a sharp click similar to the cocking or pulling of a pistol- triigger, whch was very attractive to the juvenile mind. By the way, frequency in this shooting practice in inexperienced hands, was apt to result in a defection of the springs, if not a "coup de grace." They were expensive toys, and clearly meant for use on swagger occasions. The candle and snuffer period was of lengthened duration, but was somewhat suddenly and effectually cut short by the general introduction of gas. Our dis- sertation, which commenced on the subject of the Coronation of Queen Victoria, seems to have culminated in "gas!" Returning to the more substantial matter, I was going to say that during the period referred to, I remember great excitement in the country, and constant discussions taking place, on the question of the rebellion in Canada, which, as it were, came in with the Queen's Accession, and a few years subsequently occurred the betrothal and marriage of hei Majesty to her first cousin, the Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha—another great topic of discussion—and, of course, of much mo- ment to her subjects, and, I may add, one of very great curiosity to the local old maids of Swansea, to whom for weeks it afforded never ceasing confabulations. It must be borne in mind,too, that the interest and anxieties of the times were much extended and increased by the tardy process of locomotion, and the consequent slow re- ceipt of news from the Metropolis, and this brings me to the subject of the mails. Though born in the time of George IV., and, therefore, privileged to brag as others do, that I am now in touch with four reigns, one of my earlieet memories does not reach further back than the "Royal Billy!" "Here comes the Royal Billy!" Such was the cry at the end of my parents' large garden, when the distant post-horn was heard, and away went the rush, I, as fast as my legs would carry me, to the front windows of the house to see the splendid four-in-hand pass down—sometimes, if late, on the gallop-the mail-coach, in fact, that brought the up-London letters from Pem- broke and Carmarthen, with the guard in his Royal red-coat and gold lace, pistols and blunderbuss, blowing his four feet of brass, the ringing tones of which were to clear the sleepy carts and obstacles out of the narrow streets beyond. These coaches were well horsed with highly-bred cattle that could "go," and had to make their time on each 10 or 12 mile stage of the journey to London, and so back again. I remember by name several erstwhile race-horses running as "leaders." "Harris the Guard," one of the staff of guards of these coaches, and known through- out the route, was one of the most gentleman- like persons one could wish to meetr-a tall, fine-featured man with ruddy complexion, whose speech and manners were in keeping, and to his care and attention many young passengers were safely and confidently en- trusted en route by the Royal Mail; he was, in fact, a general favourite, especially amongst the gentry of Carmarthenshire and Glamorganshire. and I reoollect him long after the cessation of the coaohes, when he travelled with the South Wales mails in the, G.W. Railway van. in the olden days he would have made formidable opponent to the highwaymen. w-ho did not scruple to "hold up" the mail c»ach and four even in the wilds of Wales. the wilds of Wales.

_=: LOCAL WILL. The executrix of the will, dated 21st August, 1889, of Mr. George Jones Beavan. of 205, St. Helen'6-roftd, and 41, Castle Bailey-street, Swansea, wine and spirit mer- chant, who died on tbe 25tb February, is his sister, Miss Elizabeth Smith Beavan. The testator expressed his regret that he had not retired from business after the death of his mother, and given himself up to win souls for Christ. He desired that only his immedi- ate relations should provide a cross of flowera at his funeral, and it was his wish that hiR friends, instead of sending wreaths, would give the money to the church. The estate has been valued at £ 15,468 17s. 6d. gross, including personalty of the net value of £ 11,593 19s. lOd. All the property, is left to his said sister.

MEY'S WATCH SPRING CORSETS,! thk most Shapely as well as the most in The .j,ra]de Once tried always worn. DEPOT :— RHYS THOMAS, r.1

I A WORTHY INSTITUTION. ¡ ANNUAL MEETING OF THE I CWMDONKIN SHELTER. FIFTEENTH REPORT. The annual meeting of the Cwmdonkin Shelter for fallen women took place in the Council Chamber of the Guildhall yesterday (Thursday) afternoon. The chair was taken by the Worshipful Mayor (Mr. Griff. Thomas), who was supported by Mrs. Eben. Davies (hon. sec.), the Revs. Watkin Jones and Oscar T, Snelling, Miss St. Leger Grenfell, Miss Porter (who was to give an address), Miss Fulton, and Mr. Joseph Hall, J.P. There were also present; Rev. Evan Jenkins, Dr. Eben. Davies, Mrs. Kate Freeman, Mr. Dillon (Governor of Swansea Gaol), Mr. Rundell, and many others. Letters of apology for unavoidable absence were received from Lady Lyons, Mrs. Picton Turbervill, Miss Lindsay, and several of the clergy. The annual report, which was submitted by Mrs. Davies, showed a record of much work done. Besides seventy-seven new cases taken in during the year, eight girls had been re- admitted, whilst changing situations, so that eight-five women and girls had really passed through the Shelter, which had been quite full every day far twelve months, except the fortnight the Matron was taking her holiday. It was satisfactory to find that the girls look upon the Shelter as a home, to which they may go for advice about laying out their wages and to spend their few hours of leisure. The Matron's life was a very monotonous one, but she bore it willingly for the sake of the girls, and her kindness to them was be- yond all praise. They wished it to be clearly understood that they dealt with as many preventive cases as fallen ones, though they tried as much as possible not to have them in the Shelter at the same time. It would be much more satisfactory if their premises admitted of separating the girls. They fully realized that "Prevention is better than cure," but they could not leave the shattered life without trying their utmost to lead it to Him with whom all things are possible." Their efforts had been, with God'6 blessing, rewarded in many instances. They felt that a girl must mean well and wish to reform if she be willing to go away for two years, to be shut out from the life of excite- ment which she had been leading, to the monotony of a Home. They received many grateful letters from young women thus helped. Proceeding to give some instances m which the work had been successful, the report the work had been successful, the report stated that more than three years ago they rescued a girl who belonged to a most respect- able family, and sent her to a home for two years. She had now been in service a year, and was about to be married to a very tidy man. Several other girls whom they had res- cued some years ago had married happily. During the year many little ones had been snatched from bad homes, bad surroundiugs, and some from the very brink of ruin; and they hoped that the early removal would end in their growing up pure and useful members of society. At the police court their Missionery con- tinued her dailv visits. Her work was varied. Older women as well as young girls are there charged with offences for which many have to suffer the penalty of the law, and are sent to prison, but even among these there are found g many opportunities of rendering real help, for which they are most grateful. Sometimes only a few words of sympathy could be spoken, but these were much appreciated, as was also a cup of tea, which was paid for, through the kindness of one or two ladies, who gave a little money for that purpose. Besides these they had received 16 young girls from the magistrates-three taken direct to the railway station and their fares paid to their homes-the others were taken to the Shelter and their friends communicated with. The prison was visited weekly, and they found that drunkenness was nearly always at the bottom of all this. The cry of many of these poor women, I Ob that I could give it up,' which, indeed, seems to come from the heart, makes the visitor yearn to shield them; but here is the difficult problem they are I discharged, and again they are surrounded by drinking companions. The very smell of the intoxicants even tempts them, again they tall and again they go to prison." They could not close their report without expressing their regret at losing one who had, from the commencement, given them so much help and encouragement. Chancellor Smith bad ever been a good friend to them, and they wished him many years of happiness in his new home. Their thanks were due to Dr. Rawlings and Mr. R. G. Cawker for their kind services: the few ladies which hold short ser- vices at'the Shelter; Messrs. Richards and Wedlake for a load of coal: Mr. Bonnett, Heathtield-street, for medicine; Mrs. H. S. Williams for a loaf of bread every week: Mr. Smallcombe. who had repeatedly sent vege- tables from his garden, and also for the trouble he had taken in circulating collecting boxes (his own idea) in different parts of the town, and which had realised over Jc2. The balance sheet showed that £ 168 4s. 9d. had been subscribed, and after paying ex- penses there was a balance in hand of C3. The Mayor, in the course of a. few remarks, congratulated Mrs. Eben. Davies upon the full, and he might say, very satisfactory re- port and also upon the financial position of the institution. Generally, one found such philanthropic institutions jn de very glad to note that aiiDouni was not very great, it was on the right side. It afforded him a™* 5le»Eure m°*e tbe adoption of the report and the re-election of the Mowing Lad'« Dillwyn Llewelyn, Mrs R. G. Cawker, Mrs Richard Mattbews, Mrs Jas. Owen, Mrs-Raw- lines Mrs Richardson, Mrs. J. R. Richards, Mrs Snelling, Mrs N. J. Thomas, Mrs Town- send Wood, Mrs H. S. Williams, and Mrs Arthur Eden. Gentlemen's Committee :—Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn, Captain Cohjuhoun, Dr. E. Davies, Mr Joseph Hall, Rev J. A. Harriss, Mr W. Law, Revs. James Owen and John Pollock, Mr F. Roeke, Rev. Chancellor Smith, Mr Wm. Stone, Rev. O. Snelling, Messrs. John Taylor and L. Tullocb, Mr H. S. Williams, Mr Howel Watkins hon. sec. and treasurer (Mrs Eben. Davies). Mr Joseph Hall, in seconding, said the resolution needed no words from him to com- mend itself to the meeting, as the report just read showed them how much good work bad been done during the past year. Mentioning the fact that some of the donations to the institution were so uncertain that Mrs Davies could not always rely upon them coming in, Mr Hall said that it had occurred to him that if each person in the room would give an annual subscription, however small, Mrs Ebenezer Davies and her co-workers would be very much encouraged. The institution was worked very economically, yet it was sometimes rather difficult to meet the expen- diture..11 The resolution having been unanimously carried, an address wae given by Miss Bessie Porter, a former secretary of the Young Women's Christian Association at Swansea. but who is now a missionary in connection with the South African General Mission. Miss Porter has been out in South Africa for four years, and is now home on furlough, ae it were. In the course of an interesting speech, she expressed her deep sympathy with the rescue wort be.in<T carried on at Swansea, which, h"*e all seaside towns, was a place of temptation to young women. The spe went on to say that no Christian ,ut their eye, the being -rV'S^ese things trarw tbt?y fchould recogv1** b and do their part in bringing *b*ut a better Xteoi things. She spoke of the immense usefulness of rescue work, and m entally mentioned that no young women should be sent out. to S:;nth Africa (wnere she had seen many, tuany ruioed until institutions and hom",s as they had .m England and Wales wer*; in existence. The Mayor having it this stage to leave in order to attend the matirrf-e at the C rand Theatre, in aid ci the Hogpitai, a vote of thanks was accorded bim for hie kinds**8 allowing them the *se of the room providing tea, on the motion of tbe Rev. Watkins Jone,, sc-:or<hl by the Her. Lrun Jenkins. A. In reply, his Worship expressed P*ea-

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SWANSEA HOSPITAL. QUESTION OF PRINCIPLE INVOLVED. Miss Dillwyn presided at the usual monthly meeting of the Swansea Hospital Board of Management, which was held on Wednesday morning. Included in the minutes of the House Com. mittee which were read by the Secretary (Mr. W. D. Huebes) was a reference to a letter from Mr. Law concerning the treatment of a seaman belongine to the steamship Dublin. It appeared that the man sustained a broken rib The doctor was of the opinion that the case was not serious enough to be detained, and the committee wrote to Mr. Law pointing out that the Hospital was not an institution for destitute people simply because they were destitute. The man was sent to the Sailors Home. Mr. H. Goldberg said he was not present at the committee meeting, and therefore bad not previously heard of the case. He thought the whole question ought to receive con- L, h sideration. Miss Dillwyn The House Committee went into it very carefully.. Mr. Goldberg said it seemed to him that a man with a broken rib was a fit patient. He was inclined to think there was some amount of prejudice against sailors. Miss Dillwyn: He was not excluded because s be was a sailor, but because the case was so Miss Brock stated that she had spoken to the doctor, who said a man with a broken rib could get about as well as a man with a broken arm. providing it was properly 861- Mr. Goldberg said he would bring the matter up again, and the minutes were adopted.

SWANSEA ASSESSMENTS. NEW PROPERTIES COMPENSATE FOR THE REDUCTIONS ON APPEAL. Mr. LI. Jenkins, the Clerk to the Swansea Union, presented an interesting statement to the Assessment Committee at Moday's meet- ing. It comprised a summary of the posi- tion during the year 1901-2. The total num- ber of objections were no less than 3,400, as against 211 for the previous year; the large increase being due to the valuation, which was approved in April of last year. Of these 1,992 (including 666 reduced to LS for com- pounding purposes) were reduced, as against 158 for the previous year, five were increased, 1,390 were confirmed, against 53 of the pre- vious year. leaving 13 standing adjourned at the present time. The total ratable value on the valuation, as approved in April, 1901, is put down at £517.146 8s. 4d as com- pared with the total of the old valuation of £ 443.722 3s. lOd., or an increase of £ 73,42* 4s. 6d. which represents 16.54 per cent. From this has to be deducted decreases by the committee and supplemental valuation lists £ 14 189 3s. 6d.. which reduces the total increases'to £ 50.235 Is., representing 13.3 per cent. But the deductions are practically balanced by the increases and new properties on supplemental valuation lists during nhe vear, amounting to £14,3.)5, which shows an increase at the present time over the old valuation of £ 73.570 Is., or 16.58 per cent. The total of new valuation on April 10th. 1902, aft-er dealing with objections, supple- mental valuation lists, amounts to £ 517,292 4s. lOd. The committee bAd 74 meeting? during the year, sitting approximately 320 hours. The sum of £ 2^324 19s. 7. was ex- pended re new valuation, made up of JB755 to Mr. T. Rarlinlrton Jones, JB820 to Mr. F. F. Meager, and £734 7s. 9d. 00 Mr. W. Eve, the expert valuers engaged.

LEFT WITH SEVEN CHILDREN. An inexpressibly sad death has occurred at Robert-street, Manselton. Ill but a week, Mr. Richard Frayne, a smelter in the employ of Messrs. Vivian and Sons at their silvpr works, passed away on Friday last from inflammation of the lungs, and by his death a widow is left with seven little children almost wholly de- pending on her for support. The funeral of the deceased took place on Wednesday la?t, when the deepest sympathy with the family was manifested.

SUDDEN DEATH. The Swansea Deputy Coroner (Mr. J. C. Morris) held an inquest on the body of Fredk. John Bebell, of No. 16, Rhyddings Park-road, Swansea, at the Cricketers' Hotel, on Tuesday afternoon.—Mrs. Bebell said her husband was 55 years old, and was an inspector under the Harbour Trust. He had not been seriously ill for six years, but she was told at the time that he had a weak heart. When she awoke about 6.30 a.m. on Monday, she attempted to rouse him as be had to go to work, and fail- ing, she called in some neighbours. Dr. D. R. Edwards attributed death to syncope, and the jury returned a verdict accoidingly.

i -• Botibv, your mamma tails me you art a very triffht bov, »nd she expects you to be a prest man," said Mr. Blossom, at be sat in the par Jour, •waiting for Bobby's sister. "Ma never doea Vppct nothin' right. doesn't know what g)ie's t»Ikin" about. She told pa »he tp*cted you and my sister would be married fore spring, and that wag more'n a year ago." Gentleman to village cobbier;: "Wiut's that yellow puwder you're taking to court tn'Jy, inyfriendr" Cobbler: "It's eneff — catarrh snuff.Gentleman: "Ie it any good? I"n eornewhat, troubled that way myself." Cobbler the- aif of a man who could Say morn it lit- citoser) -well, I've had catarrh for more n thirty-"vear, an' I've never took nothin' ler :t I.), 1¡â! ♦' Good morning, children," said a phyf^'fc'^ as lie net three or four little children on^t-ie.r wav to s-'hool, "and how are you this morning «\Ve dar- u't you," replied the oldest ct crowd, a boy of eight. "Dare not ten —« t exclaimed the physician; "a»d why no> "-CauM papa said that last year it coft ii.m ovev £ 15 to have you come in IWd &sk 1,;e s.-w ire '171 1 The clerv-vnian of a church, on leaving 1: vestry, saw a little girl, a fnead o. h:«, taking to a stranger. W hat "was .at- *a\ ing to vou, Madge? asked the p«rv ;■<; h«/ ume up" to the little girl. "Oh Le )v;ait.-d to knew if Mr. C- WÁf ti_\e %X '.his And what did yoa h- I "It:iid him," she said, with dignity, "that ..ere tht sreseat eocumberanct,

FIFTY YEARS A TEETOTALER. [By a Swansea Man.] It may interest some readers of "The Cambrian" if I relate my experiences of these fifty years of total abstinence from in- toxicating liquors. It was not fashionable to be a teetotaller when I first joined the ranks. Now it is the custom to think rather highly of the man or woman who has a jubilee of teetotalism. Some may think it a great thing to have been a total abstainer from intoxicating drinks for so long a perod, but I am conscious that I am only a tyro compared to some of the grand old men in Swansea and elsewhere who were teetotallers before me. We have lately lost Mr. Rogers, of De-la-beche-street, at 92; and Dr. Hall, of Prospect-place, at 87 years of age. And there are still others livng, of great age, in the town who were followers of Father Mat- thew before I became a teetotaller. When I joined the ranks many of my friends predicted for me an early death. My mother wept over me as an incorrigible sui- cide. Some said that I should go out of existence like the snuff of a candle. And they believed what they predicted. But my warneirs have nearly all preceded me in death, and I am still hearty and strong, and faithful to the teetotal cause. And I have no intention after this trial of fifty years of going back even to modera. ation in drink. Rather, if I knew that I should continue to live for another fifty years, I trust that I should be found as I am now, a confirmed teetotaller. To do otherwise would to me be like "a going back unto perdition." What of my health during that long period ? I have had illnesses like other men, but very few of them. My working days have been many, my sick days have been very few. I hardly know what pain is, though I am nearly three score years and ten. No siick headaches, no bilious attacks, no rheumatism; and yet I come from a rheuma- tic, family. My parents were both martyrs to rheumatism. And may be I shall yet be afflicted that way; but up to the present, 68 years of life, I am free from this malady. And yet I use no nostrums to stave pain off. I have a dislike to physic of every kind. I don't believe that the Almighty made us such frail creatures, that we must always be re- sorting to drugs. If we Live naturally, and now and then give the tired stomach a holi- day for the half 'y, there will be no need to keep resorting to medicines. How I became a teetotaller most frequen- ters of the old Ragged School know, for I have often told it at the temperance meetings there of a Saturday night through many years. One man is influenced to try teetotal- ism by very selfish motives, another by re- ligious motives, a third by moral motives, pure altruism. The motive is a great factor in standing firm to one's convictions. If a man turns a teetotaller merely to save money, as some do, he never can, in stress, be relied on to stand true to the principle of total abstinence. But if he abstains for the good of others, hardly any stress will make him recede fropi his first practice. I have never been so foolish as to think that because a man was a teetotaller, he was, therefore, on the high road to heaven; nor because he was a moderate drinker, he was equally on the high road to another place. Many of my best friends are by no means teetotallers as I am. And I honour them much. If they become teetotallers I should honour them a trifle more, if they were worthy of such honour. Every fresh recruit influences for the better some one who would not otherwise have been influenced at all. I never can find it in me to denounce those. who do not see eye to eye with me in this matter. Maybe they respect my practice, though they do not follow my example. To denounce a moderate drinker is the worst of policies. Denounce a drunkard as much as you like, for he is an offender against society as well as against God. Doctors are often blamed for the spread of intemperance, especially among women. They prescribe alcoholic medicines in sick- ness and, perhaps, with their present know- ledge and belief, rightly. But the worst is, that the patients keep on taking that physic, when the ailment has abated or gone, and hardly ever give it up, because they think that it is a strengthening medicine. Beyond a certain point it becomes the originating cause of ailments of a worse nature than the original complaints which led them to seek medical advice. Certain people lay all blame on the doctors for ordering alcohol in the first place, when the medicine is so agreeable and stimulating that it is continued long after the time when it should have been given up. When they are remonstrated with by friends, they fall back on the common excuse, "The doctor ordered it." Why don't we exercise our own judgments a little? V 01- taire says that no one needs a doctor after 30 except for a broken limb. Two Swansea doctors died on successive days last May, one on the 26th, the other on the 27th. One was a sympathiser with the temperance movement, but not absolutely a teetotaler. He lived till he was 76, a good and ripe old age; the other was a practical teetotaler, though, never as far as I know publicly advocating the temperance cause. Everybody loved him, and he had a kindly nod for everybody. He lived till he was 87 years of age. As a magistrate, he had often to send drunkards, both men and women, to the King's Temperance Asylum in Oyster- moutli-road. Swanseaites know these things, but they soon forget. They will not take heroic measures for themselves. They do not wish to have a real jubilee of teetotalism. „ „ E. J. WOLFE, Late Chap.am ot St. Nicholas Seamen's Church, Swansea; now Rector of Bleddfa, Radnorshire.

SWANSEA CONVALESCENT HOME. BENEFIT PERFOMANCE AT THE GRAND THEATRE. Yesterday afternoon, a very delightful dramatic and musical performance was given at the Swansea Grand Theatre by way of augmenting the Convalescent Home Fund, which, it will be recalled, was started by an anonymous donor "X" with the magnifi- cent sum of £ 10,000. The first part of the evening was devoted to a presentatIon of Mr. Clement Scott's one-act drama, "The Cape Mail"—a pathetic story of the South African War—and (the company 5? amateurs, comprising the case, gave y creditable performance. Miss Clare as "Mrs. Frank Preston," and Miss Siedle, as "Mrs Preston, sen. were both extremely good in their parts. Mr. A. E. Seidle, as "Surgeon-Major Hugh Marsden"; Miss P-tT- ker as "Mary Preston"; Mr. Frank Boyce, who was; delightfully amusing as "Mr. Quicke"; Mr. A. J. Owen, as "Bartell"; and Miss Cecile Lonnet as "Marian," all sus« i tained their parts well. The second part consisted of a concert, in which the following programme was excellently rendered: Song, "Down the Vale" (F. L. Moir), Mrs. Horatio, Watkins; solo, violin, "Concerto No 6" (De Beriot), Lieut.-Col. Lloyd-Harries; the Sarn- thaler Sextettfe, tyrolean vocalists and dancers, and the Llewelyn Sis*' j ters (by kind permission of Mr. Oswald Stoll);-recitation, Miss Hazel Thompson; song, "The Winkle's Wedding," Mr. Campbell Thomas; costume dance (ar- ranged by Miss Kate Gaydon); song, "Border Ballad" (F. H. Cowen), Mrs. Horatio Wa-t kins; humoroua recitation, "Peeing the Baby" (J. K. Jerome) Mr. F. Sargent; song, "The Matinee Hat," Mr. Campbell Thomas. The entertainment was under the patronage of the Mayor and Corporation, and there! w-,r,a present a large number of leading resi- dents, including Lady Llewelyn, Miss Gladys Llewelyn and party, Mrs. J. Aeron Thomas, Mrs. Felix Webber, Mr. T. D. Griffith#, Mrs. Bath, Mre. Picton Turbervill, Mr. aBfl Mrs. Elaworth, Mrs. M. B. Williams, Lieut. Bransby Williams. Miss Dillwyn (who is the prune mover in raising the fund above' referred to) occupied a box. as also did Lady Morn a. accompanied by her children. In fact, the circle was nearly crowded with a smart audience.

THE TRADE OF THE POtn AND DISTRICT. W.'OET BY OUR OWK COR RESPONDENT Swansea, Thursday. The trade of the Harbour during the week just closed has been very satisfactory. Com- pared with the corresponding period of last year the imports show an increase of 8,000 tons, and the exports a like amount, in all 16,000 tons. The imports are unusually varied, a good sign that all the industries in the district are in an active condition. Nearly 5,000 tons of iron and steel came to hand from home ports alone, and several cargoes from the continent. The entries of shipping in ballast 24,193 tons, as against 17,557 tons the previous week, and 21,250 tons last year. The imports include—France, pitwood, lead ore, &c. Spain, iron ore Germany, scrap iron and' general; Holland, steel bars and general; Belgium, general; Norway, flooring boards; Chile, general. Shipments of coal include—France, 25,460 tons Italy, 2,700 tons Germany, 7,460 tons Sweden, 870 tons Algeria, 1,830 tons San Francisco, 3,000 tons Chile, 1,300 tons. Patent fuel—France, 1,900 tons; Spain, 4.300 tons; Tunis, 1,250 tons and Algeria, 3,300 tons. Clearances of tinplate and general goods- France, 440 tons Italy, 800 tons Germany, 300 tons Holland 1,200 tons Belgium, 200 tons Denmark, 200 tons; and New York, 600 Imports Coastwise- pig-iron, 3,661 tons; steel scrap, 1,124 tons ingot moulds, 47 tons iron ore, 326 tons lead ore, 110 tons; blende ore, 440 tons copper precipitate, 51 tons pitch, 950 tons manure, 307 tons building material, 2,003 tons grain, 478 tons salt, j 110 tons potatoes, 256 tons sundries, 1,8S7 tons. j Imports, foreign.—France, pitwood, 805 tons; lead ore, 100 tons; general, 50 tons Hamburg, general, 300 tons Daotzic, scrap iron, 560 tons Norway, deals and boards, 711 loads; Holland, steel bars, 1,270 tons: hay, 15 tons, and general, 500 tons: Belgium, general, 450 tons; Chile, general, 1,000 tons. Imports, 20,861 tons, and exports foreign, 59,065 tons, compared with 12,332 tons, and 51,135 tons respectively last year. Exports, Foreigo.-Coal, 44,575 tons; patent fuel, 10,750 tons; and tinplates aud general goods, 3,740 tons. The shipments of tin plates at this port last month compared with March, 1901, were— Russia, 5,349 tons, as against 5,868 tons; Sweden, 7 tens—nil; Norway, 8 tons—nil Denmark, 114 tons—222 tons Germany, 806 tons-581 tons Holland, 1,968 tons-772 tonsl; Belgium. 1,076 tons—842tons: France, 1,399 tons—1,155 tons Portugal. 1,001 tons —360 tons Italy, 1,204 tons—746 tons Austria, 159 tons—184 jtons Straits Settle- ments, 642 tons-185 tons China, 380 tons— 483 tons Japau. 598 tons—236 tons Java, 158 tons—nil; Siam, 34 tons—nil; United States, 3,262 tons—1,139 tons total, 18,855 tons, oompared with 12,773 tons.

DR. RAWLINGS" BROTHER MARRIED. At Mount Pleasant Chapel yesterday the marriage was solemnized of the Rev Charles WilJialll Kawlings (a retired Wosieyan minis- ter, and eldest brother of Dr J. A. Rawlings, Swansea) and Mrs E. Morris, Cleveland-ter- race, Swansea. The R'v JameB Owen, assisted by the Rev T. F. Rawlings (Newport), brother of the bridegroom, officiated, and the bride was "iven away by her father, Mr P. Cook. She was attired in a travelling costume of grey cloth, and straw hat trimmed black, and was attended by Miss Elsie Oo«k (niece), who wore a royal blue dress and black sequined hat. Subsequent to the ceremony the Rev Charles and Mrs Rawlings left for Bourne- m. ■>. i-rievmoon will be tpent.

I sure it gave him to assist snch a. worthy institution. Dr. Eben. Davies was then invited to take the chair, which he did. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the lady collectors, the hon. medical officer, Dr. Rawlings, the hon. auditor, Mr. R. G. Cawker, and Mr. Rundell. In proposing this, the Rev. O. T. Snelling took the opportunity of expressing, on behalf of those present, sympathy with Dr. Rawlings in the sickness of his wife. They all hoped, he said, that Mrs Rawlings would soon be restored to good health again. (Hear, hear.) Light refreshments having subsequently been partaken of, the company dispersed.