The Cambrian

ATHLETIC NOTES. (BY "Abodb "] Argus" solicits the cooperation of secretaries nnd others to make this column comprehensive atid reliable Reports of cricket matches, and ttfMM regardivo cycling, swimming, golf, 4-c., should reach" The Cambrian" Office not later than Wednesday afternoon in each ueek. Argus" sincerely hopes his appeal ivill be responded to

FOOTBALL. LLANELLY IN GOOD FORM. Bristol came another terrible cropper at Llanelly on Saturday. The visiting team was much different to that so badly beat'en at Neath a week ago, five or six new for- wards coming into the team, while Foster was again at full-back. The new forwards played a. really splendid game, their smartness in heeling being very apparent; in loose play they were not so good, but in the scrum they were pretty well equal to their opponents. With heaps of opportunities Foster and Needs opened out the game continually, but the quartette was poor, Peters being the only man to distinguish himself. The three-quar- ter line was Llanelly's strongest point, and though Samuel, at half, let his side down often by tardy passing, the line on the move was always dangerous. Arnold was again very prominent, as also was D. M. Davies, the former showing some remarkable dodg- ing. Freear assisted the winners. The dash- ing Irishman did not have many opportuni- ties in attack, though in defence he waa "all right)." He scored one of the tries. NEATH FINISH WELL. Neath did very well to go up to Treherbert and beat the League champions by a goal and a try to a penalty goal. Early in the season the verdict had gone against the Neath men, but now the team seems a differ- ent one, and (says the "Athletic News") to the followers it is a matter of regret that such form was not shown before. Taken all round they were superior to their opponents. The forwards, though not so lively in the loose, controlled the scrummages better, which gave the backs a great advantage. The latter surprised themselves by making the most of opportunities,, Lewis at centre, and Fred. Harris on the wing doing particularly well. SOUTH WALES CUP. The policy of t;he Welsh Union in putting up the old Challenge Cup for competition among the junior clubs has been very suc- cessful, though it is thought that birth certificates would reveal some curiosities among the players. Still (says the "Athletic News"), the quality of the play has been consistently good. and several individual players are likely to be seen in better com- pany another season. Saturday saw the de- cision of the semi-finals, and, as a result, Cynon Stars and Neath Excelsiors will figure in the final tie. Both teams contain players who have figured in the best of company, and amongst the Neath Excelsior team that proved successful over Tenby United was Charlie Powell, once the idol of Neath en- thusiasts. CARDIFF VICTORIOUS. Cardiff managed to defeat Gloucester on Saturday at Kingsholme, by a try to nil. Their victory was, it appears, well merited, and a good wind up to a fairly successful season. MEETING OF THE WELSH UNION. A meeting of the general committee of the Welsh Union was held at the Queen's Hotel, Cardiff, on Thursday evening in last week, Mr. H. S. Lyne, Newport, presiding. Llwyn- ypia reported Neath for the non-fulfilment of a fixture at Llwynypia. It will be remem- bered that Neath visited Llwynypia,. but refused to play the match, as they considered the home ground to be unfit for play. It was decided to ask the representatives of both clubs to attend the next meeting of the committee.-Penygraig applied for per- mission to make a presentation of an oil painting to Harry Jones, the captain of the club, and it was decided that the club's request be granted, provided no money was subscribed towards the proposed presentation out of the club's funds.—The committiee con- sidered the form the presentations to the Welsh international team in commemoration of their international victories this season should take, and it was unanimously resolved to present each of the Welsh players with a gold- medal (to cost E2) and a photograph of the Welsh team. A general meeting of the Welsh Football Union will be held on Wedneisday at the Queen's Hotel, Cardiff, when the principal business will be the consideration of bye- laws and laws of the game. The only sug- gested alteration in the rules of the game is the one which the committee has endorsed and which the International Board has al- ready passed, viz., that which makes feet up before the ball gets into the scrummage illegal, as it was until about three years ago. Mr. Livingstone (Swansea) has given notice that he will move for the annual election of a chairman of the General Committee. The proposition is understood to mean that one of the four vice-presidents should be chosen to preside over the meetings each year, and that the same officer should not serve as chairman for two successive years. Mr. D. H. Bowen has given notice to revive the question of helping necessitous clubs by making loans on security. This is on the lines of the motion introduced by Maesteg Club representatives two seasons ago. It was then defeated, but since the Maesteg Club itself has provided a powerful object- lesson in self-help. It is unlikely that the proposition will receive greater favour now than on the last occasion, when the difficulty was to agree on a definition of what consti- tuted a necessitous club. A new terror is added to football by a case in the Middlesbrough County Court, where a footballer the other day successfully sued another for J320 damages for injuries received during a match. After this no football player will be fully equipped unless pro- foundly versed in the law of assault and bat- terv, breach of the peace murder and man- slaughter, and the justifiable homicide of referees. If sport is to be conducted on strict legal (principles, an umpire will have to say "without prejudice" before calling a no- ball or giving a man out leg-before, or he may be sued for libel by the bowler or batej man. For a captain to ask a bowler to stand down may be actionable as coming under the head of wrongful dismissal. To introduce law and order and irritating refinements of that sort into the Irish games of shinty or Gaedio football would be spoilt sport. Let us have our sports free from any interference from the judicature.

4. GOLF. The Ashburnham men were heavily defeated by the Swansea Bay team on Saturday last at Pembre.v. The scores were as follow S.B.G.C. I Ashburnham. Dr. E. Reid 8 E. Trubshaw 0 E. H. Perkins 3 W. W. Brodie 0 H. Kent 0 Geo. Davies 2 H. Forester 4 A. Bevan 0 R. M. Brown 0 E. Pemberton 2 Dr. F. Thomas 3 S. B- Jones 0 John Thomas 0 A. L. Tregonning.. 0 A. O. Schenk 2 A. P. Wallet 0 J.R.Watson 4 G. Bevan 0 H. Eccles 2 L. John 0 B. G. Edwards 3 R. Hammond 0 E. T. Tuck 0 F. J. Evans 1 29 5 The side was the largest ever played by the Swansea Bay Club, and the scoring all through shows what a lot of talent the Swansea men can produce If they like. Dr. Edgar Reid's most. decisive vtctory over Mr. Trubshaw shows that the old Glamorganshire cricketer is in capital form with the golf clubs just now, and if his professional engagements allow of his competing he may be expected to make a good show in the elsh championship at Penarth at Whitsuntide. Tbe foursomes played at Pembrey on Saturday resulted in an even more decisive victory for Swansea by 25 holes to nil. The scores were as follow :— .S.B.G.C. Ashbnrnham. E. Reid a-nd t. H. e. Trubshaw and Perkins 11 W. Brodie 0 H. Kent and R. M. I G. Davies and E. Brown j""r" Pemberton 0 H. Forester and J. A. Tregonning and Thomas ••• A. Bevan 0 F. Thomas and A. U. S B. Jones and A. Schenk ••••"• 4 P. Waller 0 J. R. Watson and H. G. Bevan and L. Eccles 6 o Schenlc 4 P. Waller 0 J. R. Watson and H. G. Bevan and L. Eccles 6 o R. G. Edwards and L. K._Hammon(j and *• J- Evans 0 25 "3 I To-morrow (Saturday) is montbly bogey day at Jersey Marine. The Briton Ferry Cup, to be played for on the same day, is also a bogey com- petition. Tiie same card can be returned for both competitions on a declaration to that effect being made before going out. The draw tor the Herbert Cup is as follows:- FIRST ROUND. R. M. Brown plays A. O. Schenk. L. O. Edwards M E. Forester. R. Charles T. N. Strick. W. J. P. Player „ E. T. Tuck. E. S. Raynor John Thomas A.L.Stephens „ Dr. Hurry. E. H. Bishop R. L. Sails. G. R. Haigh M J. N. H. Powell. BYES IN THE FIRS r ROUND. A. D Perkins Dr. E. Reid. E. H. Perkins „ F. Edwards. W. H. Player J. R. Watson. R. H. Brown „ H. M. Peel. J. S. Andrew W. A. Fo. d. H. Forester A. Andrew. F. F. Card Col. W. LI. Morgan. R. E. Hughes" T. Crosty. H. S. Cook H. G. Gibbs. H. E. H. Kent Dr. F. Thomas. H. Eccles „ B Perkins. W. A Frrnihough „ R. G. Edwards. A mixed foursomes bogey competition under handicap was played at Jersey Marine during last week for a prize given by Miss Richards, of West C.oss. The carus returned were as under H'cap Mrs Elsworth and Dr. Tht mas 11 All square Mi-s Lewis and Mr H. Forester 18 2 down Mrs Bertie Perkins and Mr A. D. Perkins 23 3 „ Mrs Lancaster anu Mr R. M. Brown 13 5 „ mis Cook and Dr R. Reid 19 5 Mrs H. Thomas and Mr Feri ihough —•••••- 21, 5 „ Miss G. Jones and Mr A. L. Stevens 24 5 „ Mrs W. Reid and Mr W Reid 27 8 „ Airs W. A. Ford and Mr W. A. Ford 22 8 „ Mrs R. G- Edwards and Mr R. G. Edwards 24 10 „ Mrs Moxham and Mr T Gregor 26 12 „ The ladies hold their annual open spring meeting on April; 29 and 30 this year. The pro- gramme is a varied one, and the prizes are very substantial. Entries can be received by the hon. secretary, Miss ihomas, liruns^ic^-place, Swansea, up to the morning of the 28th inst. The following is the programme:—Tuesday: Open singles, medal play, 18 holes, open singles, 9 holes, for handicaps of 35 and over open orivmg competition. Wednesday: Open mixed foursomes, 18 holes, bogey open approaching, and putting, competition for ladies v. gentlemen.

BRISTOL CHANNEL HARBOUR OF REFUGE. NEW LIGHT|HANDDTUg[iI>H()N.ING LIGHTIEIOUSES. Mariners are once more agitating for a harbour of refuge in the Bristol Channel. Many favour Clovelly as the place for its con- struction on the grounds that since nature has failed to provide any better shelter than Padstow and Bideford Harbours in the whole of the dangerous coast from Cape Cornwall to King's Roads, and no one denies the need of something better than the dubious pro- tection of these two shallow inlets, or the limited advantages of Ilfracombe Harbour, the question resolve* itself into one of local ity; apart, that is to say, from the more serious one of ways and means. One having no interest whatever in any of the suggested sites for the proposed harbour of refuge would have no hesitation in .saying that un- doubtedly Barnstaple Bay was the most suit- able part of the coast wherein to form the needed shelter, and that the water between Clovelly and Bucksledga seemed decidedly the place for such a purpose. The bay was accessable, offered a large navigation area, and had a great depth of water close to the windward shore; it was also central, offering for that reason greater facilities of access to vessels from the east as well as from the west, whilst vessels eaught over on the dan- gerous Welsh coast could make with greater certainty of safety and much more easily for Clovelly Harbour The necessity, too, for a refuge arose mainly from Bristol Channel dangers rather than those occurring to the west of our coasts. Between Clovelly and Bucksledge there was excellent depth of water close to the shore-from six to eight fathoms g und at only a short distance he ee.r' f°r constructing costly piers" °UJ' °nly enclose shallow water, would be obviated, and material, too, it was imagined, would be ready at hand. A harbou °e ^°r the Bristol Channel was Ij.j- yp in a Parliamentary in-< 2Ul7 A-lttL *°rd in 1858> every year fresh disaj;ter^rged it to a critical stage. There were a ways Wreckg -n the direct £ u of Lundy Island, and much loss of life has taken place there, and if there had only been a harbour of refuge near, say, at Clovelly, there would not have a ii e i.* and men, because it ZY I 8 ° IF salvation of those who PT There was unquesti^°h1"ia<ie fo*the T bour of refuge between pJ /t* End, so that when a and 8 ,a vessel- was caught m a westerly gale veering to the nor'-west and north s to run, under bare poles, if n before the gale, the sailors knowing e » somewhere well to the leeward wk^1,, ey could run for refuge, and also tha vessel had not got awfully baggy under her lee, or still worse, Hartland Point, and no chance of clearing either of those places. Some experts favoured the Cornish coast as the most suitable place for a harbour of reiuge and when the question was again raIsed 1D Parliament-as it would shortly be—by Mr. Caine and Mr. Haine, perhaps the Government would grant an inquiry, but it was strongly hoped, as Tenby was too costly for such a purpose—the water being so deep t dt Clovelly would ultimately bo selected and the Jong-talked-of harbour in the Bristol v annel an accomplished fact. Official information has been received from Mr. Gerard Ba our that he has communi- cated with the ±jkter Brethren of Trinity House with respect to the navigation of the Bristol Channel, and that instructions have been given as to placing a red light on the low lighthouse near Braunton Lighthouse after half ebb, and that inquiries were being made as to Braunton Lighthouse being con- nected bv telephone. It was not considered, however, that a ^ed lighted buoy near the position of the Mlddle Ridge Buoy in the estuary at the low and Torridge or that leading lights at Appledore should be. estab- lished at the expense of the general light- house fund.

-=== AS A fAFK, PEJOONEST, AND WARRISTKP CURR f.r Pimoles, Scorfnla, Bad Legs. Skin and Blood Diabases. Pimple. and Bore: of 1:1 „)) kinds, we can witli confidence recomm,-iid Clarke,o World-famed Blood Mixture. "It 18 certainly the ftnelt Blood Purifier that science and medical skill bare brought to light Thoawnda of tmnderful core* have been effected by it. Bold ewywhew, at 2s- 9a. o«r bottle. rteware "of worthies* imltatiocs

SWANSEA RAILWAY CLERKS. BRANCH OF THE R.C.A. FORMED FOR THE DISTRICT. A well-attended meeting of railway clerks of Swansea, and district was held at the Y.M.C.A. on Saturday evening, under the chairmanship of Mr. H. G. Hannabus (G.W.R. Co.), for the purpose of considering the ad- visability of forming for the district a branch of the Railway Clerks' Association. The general secretary of the oiganisation (Mr. J. E. S. Challener), and Mr W. Hill, a member of the Executive Committee, tboth attended and addressed the gathering, Mr. Challener's remarks being upon the subject of Combina- tion—the need of railway clerks." He spok« of the utilitarian side of the work of the Asso- ciation, making reference to the questions of wages, hours of duty, duties, promotion by merit, overtime, holidays, etc., that affected railway clerks in genera], and the need of combination among the railway clerks of the country in order to have their grievances re- dressed. Such an Association, in addition, promoted fraternal intercourse in the highest sense. There was no foundation for any fear at joining such an Association, Mr. Challener urged, and went on to say that last year the organisation made considerable progress, not merely numerically and financially, but also in the sense of being of us^ to the railway workers of the country. He did not claim that great things had been accomplished by a society that had only been in existence a few years, but small reforms had been carried out such as the provision of legal assistance, pay- ment for overtime, re-arrangement of duties, and so on. The Association felt that a strong branch might be formed in the Swansea: dis- trict, where so many railway clerks were em- ployed, and it behoved them *,to join such an Association, for as soon as the organisation represented a majority of the railway clerks of the country, so soon would it be able to make felt any grievance that existed among them in the couutry. That was the ideal to which the Association was striving. (Ap- plause.)—Mr. Hill also made a few remarks, and a resolution was unanimously carried to the effect that the railway clerks of Swansea and district, having heard the claims of the R.C.A. to be quite beneficial to the clerical workers to the railways, pledge themselves to support the principles of the Association, and to form a branch of it for the district.— Daring further discussion, it was stated that 14 new branches had been formed last year, representing an increase in the membership of 62 per cent. Altogether the Association numbered some 53 branches, with a total membership of some 2,500. Mr. Challener further remarked, as an argument for the need of such an Association, that it had been estimated that no less than 14,000 railway clerks left the various companies' service for other service, last year.—The branch officers and committee were appointed, as well as the hon. secretary. Over 50 members were enrolled, and it was decided to hold the first meeting of the branch at the Y.M.C.A. on Saturday evening next.

THE HAFOD BRIDGE QUESTlOiV LETTER FROM THE HON. ODO VIVIAN. The Hon. Odo Vivian has written to Mr. G. F. Williams, secretary of the St. John's Ward Ratepayers' Association, as follows:- Dear Sir,—I am sorry that I made a mis- take in the date of the meeting of the St. John's Ratepayers' Association, noting it in my book as for the 16th. It was not until I saw a report of it in the local papers that I was aware of the mis- I am sorry I was not there, as I should have been very glad of the opportunity of dispelling a wrong impression that seems to have got hold of the minds of some of the members as to the attitude of Messrs. Vivian and Sons to the Hafod Bridge. I notice in the report of the Council meeting, which I was prevented from attending owing w an important meeting in Cardiff, that Mr. Wm. Morris used some strong terms about the opposition of V. and S. to the bridge. I am sorry that he should have done so without being fully informed of the facts. The position was as follows:- It was impossible for Messrs. V. and S. to allow the footbridge to be made at the point shown on the plans of the Bill, as (1) They would have had to dispose of to the Corporation their rights over the valuable quay. (2) Because the site proposed would have seriously hindered the berthing of ships bringing material to the Phosphate Works. (3) Because in the interest of the people they did not consider it the proper site for a bridge. So they lodged a petition in the House against it. I personally went up to London and found that—provided all parties agree—the site for the bridge could be moved outside the schedule limits of deviation. We accordingly drew up heads of an agree- ment to be entered into between the Cor- poration and all the parties concerned. We obtained the consent of Messrs. Wil- Uams, Foster, and Grenfell, and Mr. John Michael Williams to a plan shifting the site to the bottom of Maliphant-street. We then met Lord Jersey's agent on the ground, but he refused to have anything to do with any "foot" bridge, and said, "the only thing he would consent to was a traffic bridge." We accordingly prepared plans for him for a traffic bridge starting from the quay wall at the bottom of Maliphant-street on one side, to a point on the same level on the east side. We submitted this to the Corporation, but it was found impossible to make this bridge for the money estimated in the Bill, and the Town Clerk said that we could not increase this amount. Thus, owing to Lord Jersey's objection, all parties could not be brought into agreement, and so the scheme for a footbridge fell through. I am sure you win see that Messrs. V. and S. did all they could to get the bridge through, and there would have been no dIffi- culty about it if Lord Jersey had given his consent. Mr. Griffith Davies was at the Parliamen- tary Committee meeting when it was dis- cussed, and he will bear out what I say. I shall be glad if y°u it j11? known among the ratepayers of the St. Jl ohn 9 Ward. to correct the impression which has got about, and you may use this letter how you like.

THE ZOO'S INFANTS. There is some interesting infant life at tihe Zoological Gardens just now., including, among that which first saw the light at Regent's Park, a wild bull calf and a couple of pigs of rare breed. But these new arrivals have not dimmed the popularity of the two little lion cubs which arrived last month, after a voyage all the way from Uganda, and are even yet no bigger than collie pups. The, young wild horses do not seem to have borne the change of climate very well, and are anything but wild.

NEED BE NO APPREHENSION. There is probably no need for any appre- hension as to the state of your health, if you have Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters within easy reach. It puts vigour into all the vital powers, gives tone to the stomach, stimulates the functions of the liver, braces the nerves, enables the patient to throw off all despon- dency and promotes hopeful exertion. Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters is a seven-fold bless- ing of Beneficient Nature, compounded with scientific exactness for helping the vital powers of brain, nerves, and muscles, clean- sing the fount of life-for Blood is the Life —and preserving the strength to stand the common attacks o Rheumatism, Gout, Lum- bago, Sciatica, Neuralgia, and Disorders of the stomach. Beware of imitations. See the name "Gwilym E^ans" on label, stamp, and I bottle. Sold everywhere in bottles, 2s. 9d. and 4s. 6d. each, or will be sent, carriage free, on receipt of stamps, by the Sole Proprietors: The Quinine Bitters Manufacturing Com- pany, Limited, Llanelly, South Wales.

THE QUEEN'S FAVOURITE FLOWER. April of this year has brought with it a profusion of violets such as has not been known for long. In every corpse and they are blowing, in some parts so thiokly that a light veil of purple seems spread over the ground. They love the roots of trees, the ash in particular, enjoying the ^ampn^s and the shade found there. In white violets are growing in great clumps, especially by the side of little stream., the sweet wEite violet is more rare y than the purple and dog vl f o r„rrm„ a good omen that in the ye^r 0 tion Queen Alexandra's favouriteflower should have come out in such brave show to do her honour; and if April has strewn violets so lavishly- b? behind with her roses.— Country Life.

toure Is | I CARTERS I WITTLE 1 ■ iyco sm»tira. ■ Small DOM ■ PILLS 8uaU Wet *-ir Ai solutely cure Sir)c K<*ic! adie. Biliousness. Torpid Lirer. Constipa,;™? Indigestion. Furred Tongue Tbeylouchtfae Livec if* ttuy CABTEFS. if* ttuy CABTEFS. A f*w <M!M M the. togskbn& .Y817 I80nuac SOZÓOONT Sweeten the BKatfc aO 0*T, and make aU the differ p .ce b*- tween— Teeth and Bad Teeth. y*1** Teeth and TaOMr Tea*- Teeth sad VtXj Tee A. CtOfbtt ia Toilet Caia. wttfc Tm* 9ow&t.

SWANSEA HOSPITAL. The secretary (Mr. W. D. Hughes) of the hospital begs to acknowledge, with thanks the receipt of the following contributions:- The employes of C. Rowland, JE16 3s. 9d.; employes of Co-operative Furniture Co., 5s.; employes of Victoria Tinplate Works. JB11 17s. 8d.; employes of H. Billings, L4 15s. Id.; employes of R. Thomas and Co., Cwm. bwrla Works, £ 5 7s. 5d.; employes of Loco. Dept. G.W. Railway, Landore, £ 4 Is.; em- ployes of Loco. Dept. G.W.R., East Dock, £ 2 Os. 5d.; employes of J. and D. Jones, St. Helen's-avenue, 19s. 5d.; employes of W. Lane, 12s. 3d.; employes of E. Jackson and Co.. JE1: employes of Nicholas and Co., Tun- nel Brick Works, 16s. 5d.; employes of Ag- glament, Ltd.. L2 15s.; employes of British Mannesmann Tube Co., £8 10s. 5d.; employes of Parnell and Sons. 2s. 10d.: employes of LI. and T. Bullin, £2 3s. 7d.: employes of Traffic Dept. Midland Railway. £1 Is. Id.; employes of Weaver and Co.. Flour Mills, £2 9s. Id.; employes of R. P. Culley and Co., Is.; employes of Villiers Spelter Co., £5 Is. 10d.; employes of Hancock and Co., Western-street, 2d.; employes of Anglo- French Nickel Co., E2 19s. 7d.; employes of Cape Colliery, Forestfach, £ 2 2s.; employes Model Steam Laundry, 2s. 4d.; St. Teilos* Church, Pontardulais. £ 1 Is.; Dock Police (per Sergt. Couch), 3s. Id.; hospital box at Westborne Hotel, 4s. lOd.; Mr. J. B. Excell, 4s. 5d.; P. Molyneaux, 2s. 6d.; Slaughter | House, 7s 9d.; Standard W.M. Club, 4s.; Brooklands Hotel* 7s.; Mrs. Thompson, 4?; Bath Hotel. 4s.; P&ntygwydr Hotel, 9d.; Register Office (Alexandra-road). 14s. 6d.; Ffynone Club, 14s. 5d.; Argyle Hotel, 6d.

CONTAGIOUS EPIDEMIC. Sometimes from sudden relapse, or con- tagious epidemic, the system becomes en- feebled, and nerves are unstrung. At such a time, a prolonged illness may often be saved by an immediate use of Gwilvm Evans' Quinine Bitters. Its grand tonic effects af- ter influenza or fever are magical, and as a ,°, *ailing strength, low spirits. in-trftlnaV.? aD<^ chest troubles, it is afronfr+K 6' so as 0 blood purifier and H ener. Are you a victim to neuralgic c 81ck headaches? There is no grea- r spline than Gwilym Evans* Quinine Bit- ers, best remedy for Weakness, Nervous- ness, Indigestion. Flatulence, Loss of Appe- tite, Low Spirits, Sleeplessness, Chest Affec- tions, Influenza, and Impure Blood. Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters is a safe, certain, sure and rapid Pick-me-up. Don't be with- out it any longer, and keep it by you for use when vou want it. Sold everywhere in bottles 29d. and 4s. 6d. each. Refuse sub- stitutes.

At the annual meeting of the South Wales institute of Engineers last week, tne new president (Mr. T. Harry Ri4CheO made a vigorous attack on the educational methods of our schools, alleging that they were of little effect in training intelligence and fit- ting the yoottf for ft bufiineas carek-r. He also expressed regret that workmen usually objected to making full use of labour-saving machinery-

CRICKET. HAIL. KING CRICKET. "Fine weather has come, and the sun shines again From binishment during the frost and the cold, King Cricket returns for his gay summer reign, And (strange in a king) He means not to be bowled.' His sceptre's of willow, and cannot it smack! His orb is of leather, but crown he has none, And flannel, not ermine's the robe on his back, And not being bowled,' his ambition's to run. The days draw near when the ardent, all- round sportsman who has done his best to catch pneumonia all the winter,, for the simple reason that he cannot resist the at- traction of football, courts apoplexy and brain fever, because (he says) he feels hfe would be incomplete without that line old summer pastime, cricket. The footballer, having made his last appearance in the arena, has promptly retired to nurse his shins and rest his weary limbs, leaving room for the cricketer, who emerges from his enforced retirement. dons his flannels and makes those preparations which are so essen- tial if he is desirous of wielding his favourite willow to the best effect. Like football, cricket", is a national game, and, by reason of the many physical and intellectual qualities which it brings into play, deservedly a. favourite. One would scarcely credit that at one time this innocent and harmless pastime was made a statutory offence, yet such was really the case. For in one of the statutes passed during the reign of Edward IV. (in 1477. to be exact), it was described as "one of those illegal games detrimental to the practice of arch- ery." Anyone found playing was liable to (I, fine of £10 and two years' imprisonment; and anyone allowing the game to be played on his premises, to a fine of £20 and three f years' imprisonment, while the impliments of the game were to be destroyed. How things have changed aince those days! By many and queer permutations the game has at- tained to its present form, and it may be that our grandsons' grandsons will look with amazement upon the records of the anti- quated form in which we follow the sport to-day. It is, perhaps, somewhat early to say much of a definite nature as to the prospects of the local cricket clubs, but I think I may go so far aa to assert that. judging from the amount of interest centred in the game last season and the preparations now being made by the various organisations, the coming season promises to be more successful than any of its predecessors. The premier club has secured the services of a fast pro- fessional bowler, who, it is stated comes from Notts with good credentials from his former employers. Hitherto,, the Swansea Club has not been particularly for- tunate in engaging fast bowlers to assist Creber, and it is to be sincerely trusted that its choice will on this occasion have more pleasing results. The wickets at St. Relenos were by no means as satisfactory as they should have been last year, but inasmuch aa steps were taken during the winter to prevent the crowd from trampling over that portion of the field after football matches, the wickets should now leave nothing to be desired. I am at present unable to say with any degree of certainty who will take the responsible position of captain. This ap- pointment, together with the rest will, of course, be made at the annual meeting, which is to be held shortly. Practice at the nets will commence next week, weather permitting of course, and the usual preliminary encounter with the League XVIII. will come off on May 3rd. The Swansea and District Cricket League, which has done so much to popularise the game in this district, is still with us, stlrong and enthusiastic., The contesits for the hield, which is now in the possession of Clydach, promises to be, if anything, even keener and more interesting than they were last season, and this is saying a good deal, oince Oystermouth and Priorton have seen fit to sever all connection with the League, it is gratifying to find that the places of the seceders have been taken by Bryntawe and Glantawe, two new clubs that are said to be strong and vigorous. The matches played under the auspices of the League do more than create a healthy rivalry among the various clubs, they also attract spectators and otherwise arouse an interest in the game which the inhabitants ot this part of the Principality have been so slow in evidencing. In tibo course of an interesting article on the prospects of the season, a writer in the "Mail" says: HIn writing of the county's prospects for the coming season, it is in- teresting to re-call some of the more impor- tant stages in the history of the club's exis- tence. The first meeting of the club was convened by Sir (then Mr.) John Llewelyn, and held ati the Angel Hotel, Cardiff, on July 6th. 1888, tho first item on the agenda being "to consider the question of establish- ing a couuty cricket club." The late Mr. J. P. Jones. Cardiff, presided, in the absence of Sir John, and Mr. W. L. Yorath. Cardiff, was elected the first secretary, and Sir John Llewelyn the treasurer. The mere mention of some of the names of the members of the first committee will awaken memories of pleasure and sadness in the minds of the older generation of South Wales cricketers. and tihat shall be my reason for giving them: Sir J. L. E. Spearman, Bart., Llansannor Court, near Cowbridge; Messrs. J. E. Moore (Neath), E. V. David (St. Pagan's), M. S. Fulger (Cardiff). S. Thomas. (Penarth). W. H. Gwynn (Swau>e:i), • • Nicholl (Merthyr Mawr), W. Morgan (Cymmer), Tom John (Llwynypia), J. P..Tones ,1. Harry Riches, W. H. Williams, E. W. -Tones (Cardiff), L. W. Kempthorne (Neath). A. n. Morris (Cardiff), and W. Bryant (Swansea.. At fl. subsequent meeting, held at tewan-ea. Lord Bute was elected the first president, with Lord Jersey Lord Windsor, Lord ■ Sir Jos. Spearman, and Sir Huesey Vivian as vice-presidents, together with a-1 tne members of Parliament for Glamorganshire, all the mayors of incorporated towns, and ether prominent gentlemen in the county. "The first county match was arranged with Warwickshire iu 1889, on the understanding that Sir John Llewelyn would guarantee £20 for the Swansea end, and Mr. J. P. Jones a "similar amount on behalf of Cardiff. The first match played was thatt between the County XI. and Eighteen of the County, at Swansea, Mr. W. H. Gwynn being elected to captain the eleven, and Sir John Llewelyn the eighteen. The players who represented Glamorgan against Warwickshire were: E. U. David (captain), D. Tliissen, T. Robinson, J. G. Clarke. A. W. Morris, and Lindley (Cardiff), A. W. Samuel (Pontardawe), Ban- croft (Swartea), W. E. Lewis (Bridgend), Lewis Kemprhorne (Neath), and Lewis Jen- kins (Briton Ferry.) • Dan Thissen was evidently a valuable man in the team in those days, if one may judge by the minute: — 'Resolved that the secretary be instructed to write D. Thissen and offer to pay his ex- penses and do all he possibly can to get him to play. -\y j. Bancroft came into prominence at this time by being aelected first reserve for this game ,which was played in July, 1890. in the team that played Somerset later on, Swansea had seven repre- sentatives, including the late Willie Llew- elyn, of Ponllergaer." In the past the Swansea Club has been rather shabbily treated in the matter Qf county matches and it is. therefore, satis- factory to not* agitation has had the desired effect. On the 21st and 22nd July, Surrey Seconds will pay ug.a vigit and later on St. ,a will be tfhe "locale" ot a match with Monmouthshire. As these Encounters invariably prove ^oil-contested and brimful of interest, there is no doubt ili- public will not fitfi t 'J tiakf* full advan- tage of the opportunities thus afforded them of witnessing some good cricket. The Swansea Tourist Cricket Club has now completed its arrangements for this the ninth season, and instead of Devonshire, a Con- tinental trip has been substituted. The tour commences on August 9th, leaving Swansea for London, and proceeding to Paris via the Calais and Dover route. Sunday will be devotied to Notre Dame and the other churches. Monday the Standard C.C. will be played, Tuesday, the other Paris Club- the Albion C.C.—will be met; and Wednes- day will be given to a drive to Versailles, th- old palace of Napoleon, through the Bois de Boulogne, Longchamps, .the Cascades, and St. Cloud. Wednesday evening the tour will be continued into Belgium, Brussels being played on Thursday, and Antwerp on Fri- day. Mr. H. G. Solomon, who organises these tours, informs me that the cost will be about £ 10, including rail and boat fares, coach drives, busses, dinners, bed, breakfasts and attendance and luncheons on the field. The home teams intend to do their share towards making their visitors' tlrip very enjoyable, and those who are fortunate enough to be included in the party can count on having one of the best holidays possible with every detail arranged for their comfort. Those who would like to join Mr. Solomon's party should communicate with him at once. In 1894 when the first of these annual tours took place, the team was composed of the following: H. G. Solomon (capt.), W. J. Bancroft, D. Jones, E. Shepherd, T. G. Hews, Co S. Coke, J. Prescott, H. Mills, W. P. Gwynne, and F. Orchard. It was on that occasion that Bancroft made his highest score on the county ground, viz., 130. THE PROSPECTS AT OYSTERMOUTH. It would appear as if the Oystermouth cricketers intend trying bard to make the coming season more i-uccessfnl in every respect than any of its predecessors. They have already prepared n fairly good pitch (which, of course, will be improved in due course) in Underbill F-eld, while 1 iractice commenced last wefk. This early activity on the part of the officials and some of the members is an excellent sign, and on* upon whion we may base strong hopes as to the future success of the club. In the past there has been a lamentable lack of enthusiasm on the part of the members only a very few have taken nn active interest in the affairs of the sluh, and is it, therefore to be wondered at that hitherto little (if any) progress has been made ? If all the memberbs would only show some enthusiasm, I doubt not for a moment that the club would turn out a big success. In view of the fact that a small debt of £3 odd has been left over from last year, and > emptnber- ing the heavy calls upon the club's exchpquer for rent,maintenance of ground, and numerous other things, I am not surprised to find that the entrance fee has been raised from 5. to 7s. 6d. Purely no one who is a lover of the game would begrudge this small outlay, especially having regard to the important advantages that accrue therefrom It is sincerely to be hoped that the young men of of the village will wake up and rally round Skipper Colclough Net tell, who may be relied upon to do his share towards winning a full measure of sucoess. The season opens on May 3rd with a practice match, and then follows an open date, which, together with two or three other vacant dates, the secretary, Mr. A. S. Baldwin, Castleton, Mumbles, would be pleased to fill with fixtures. with good local clubs. The fixture list, which is appended will require that the members should stick well together to get through with credit. The fixture list is as follows: — 1902. Opponents. Ground. May 3.-Practice Match .Home 8.—Vacant IO.-Postal and Telegraph .Home 15.—Temple .Home „ 17.—Vacant 24.—Vacant 31.-St. Jude's Away June 5.—United Banks .Away », 7.-Penllergaer Home June 11.—Swansea Wednesday .Away 14.—Swansea Thirds .Away 21.—Postal and Telegraph .Away „, 28.-Gowerton .Home July 5.—Neath Y.M.C.A Away 9.-Swansea Wednesday .Away 12.-Melyn Home 19.-PenlIergaer .Away 24.—Temple .Home 26.-Dallygraig .Home Aug. 2.—Gowerton .Away 9.-Swansa Thirds Home 16.—Clydach Home 23.-Danygraig Away 28.-United Banks Away 30.—Neath Y.M.C.A.Home Sept. 6.-Vacant 11.—'Temple Home 13.—St. Jude's Home GOWERTON CLUB. The annual meeting of the Gowerton Cric- ket Club was recently held at St. John's Hall. In the unavoidable absence of the president (Col. Wright) the chair was taken by Dr. A. C. Davies, who said it wtiz; gratify- ing to notice so much enthusiasm among the members. The balance-sheet showed that the finances were in a satisfactory condition, the receipts forming a record. The club starts the new season with a substantial bal- ance in hand. "Ping-pong" has evidently given a stimulus to the summer pastime of tennis, as an appeal was made by several gentlemen to start a tennis section in con- ection with the club.-It was ultimately de- cided to do so. In point of numbers the club is rapidly increasing. The following officers were elected: President, Col. Wright; cap- tain. Mr. W. G. Rees; vice-captains,. Mr. T. Morgan and Mr. Fred Ellis; Second Eleven, captain, Mr. T. Morgan. Thursday Team, captain, Mr. W. A. Jenkins. Tennis section, captain, Mr. G. W. Davies, vice-captain., Dr. A. C. Davies; secretary and hon. trea- surer, Mr. J. W. Bowen. The cricket fixtures are as follow: 1902. Opponents. Ground, May 3.—Married v. Single Home 10.-Penllergaer Homo 17.-Lllanelly Seconds .Home „ 19.-PenIlergaer Away 24. -Danygraig (League) .Home 31.-Swansea Thirds (League Home June 7.-Bryntawe (League) .Home „. 14.-Clydach (League) Away 21.-St. Jude's (League) .Home 28.—Oystermouth .Away July 5.—Neath Seconds w Away 12.—Danygraig (League) Away „ 19.-Clydach (League) .Home „ 26.-St. Jude's (League) .Away Aug. 2.-0ystermouth .Home 9.—Bryntawe (League) Away 16.—P.S. Nondescripts Away » 23.—Llanelly Seconds .Away Sept. 6.—Swansea Thirds (League) Away j, 13—Open ine Second XI. and Thursday team have a few open dates. Apply the secretary. -+-

HOCKEY. Hockey has made highly satisfactory pro- gress in Swansea and district during the season just closed, considerable interest hav- ing been taken in the matches between the various clubs which have taken the place of the once famous Swansea Club which, to everyone s regret, ceased to exist last year. Of the clubs the most prominent have been Oystermouth. Swansea Carlton Swansea Cpl- tic, and Swansea Corinthians. Oystermouth takes the lead among these clubs with 17 matches played, 12 won, 3 lost. and 2 drawn. The defeats were at the hands of Aberdare, Bridgend, and Swansea Celtic. Oystermouth scored 56 goals as against 25 by their opponents. Swansea Carlton played 17 matches, of which 9 were won, 5 lost, and 3 drawn, and they scored 32 goals as against 33 goals scored against them. Swansea Celtic played 18 games, of which 8 were won, 7 lost, and 3 drawn" and scored 56 goals as against 35 scored by opponents. Swansea Wanderers have played 14 games, of which 9 have been won, 4 jost, and 1 drawn, and they have scored 42 goals us against 28 scored by opponents. Swansea Corinthians played 19 matches, won 3, lost 9, and drew 7. scoring 32 goals I against 53 scored against them.

CROQUET REDIVIVUS. It is not often that a game when once it has entirely lost its vogue enjoys such a re- vival of popularity as has been the case with croquet. A few years ago the rising genera- tion looked with the utmost scorn on what they regarded as a sily pastime associated with the crinolines and side-whiskers of the mid-Victorian period. In the garden sheds or lumber lofts of country houses might be found some rusty wire hoops and broken mallets which were relics of some postjPleis- tocene age (says the "St. James's Gazette.") Yet to-day the game thais was thought obso- lete ten years ago 18 nourishing like the new shoots of a green bay tree. It has, of course, been improved by being made more scientific, and the CroqueJt Association, which has taken it in hand can boast of more than a thousand members. Tournaments take place in all partis of the United Kingdom, and wherever the English do congregate on the Continent, while iron hoops once more adorn the lawns of country houses that were for years surrendered unconditionally to the lawn-tennis net. The croquet championships will soon rival cricket and golf fixtures in popularity, and as the game has caught on at the 'Varsities, it will, we suppose, take its place among the hotly contested events in the annual battle of the Blues. Mr. Kip- ling will have to find a scornful phrase to desoribe the croquet players, for as ladies are among its most enthusiastic votaries, "flannelled fools" will not do.

The annual census of the Wesleyan Church indicates a net increase of 8,136. and 4,620 among the junior members. >4,'

TALKS ABOUT A TRIP. [By the REV. PETER HUGHES-GRIFFITHS.] (Continued.) III. London came out in the morning wearing a heavy veil of fog. Amidst the gloom, how- ever, thoughts of a sunny South kept flitting through my mind. Sources of inspiration thus are often far away, but that matters nothing since they do exist, and their purling streams come singing that assurance past our very doors. Before the dav was out I was to journey over land and'sea, and over land again,-the "patrie" of the French, —a heart-word of that people so full of lov- ing sentiment, that even our English lan- guage with all its wealth and constant adap- tation has not yet a term to set it forth. To think over the morning meal, and roam in spirit soaring on the wings of fancy was one thing, quite another the locomotion of the mortal coil. and to make headway one had to descend from thoughts and dreams to matters of cabs and trains. The spirit revels free, with a glorious independence, but there is luggage called the body. Thick fog and a drunken cabman to the bargain form the sum of that dreary morn- ing's experiences in London. Let him that never yet has known the combination be very thankful and pray if a mysterious future hold them yet, for him to be allowed to meet them "one by one," as someone who upseij a hive, demanded of the bees that attacked him in a swarm. But troubles often come together, and editors, like the true philoso- phers that they are, publish marriages and deaths in the same columns of their papers. It is possible at this distance to regard the experiences of that morning with equanimity. But then, how the mysterious movements of the cab awed and tortured my soul. It was all quite inexplicable, till by inductive reasoning I found the man was drunk, then what a storm swept through me; if its force could have been utilised to drive that cab it would have filed itself awav in clouds of duat! As it was it made for charity, and tempted me to think that in every life circumstances may arise when a man must swear or be a hypocrite. As to which to choose, taste differs as the world of men doth show. Let the reader think what it was to sit in that cab with a journey of a thousand miles in front, and only decent time at first to catch the train, for who would calculate thus early on the machinations of bad spirits? There I sat, red and hot with rage, bending in a fever over the watch in my hand like a man that had taken a kitchen duty over a boiling egg, looking wildly out, for that watch never went so fast before; while Cabby drove on and on with even trot, giving me an idea of the vastness of London that was new to me and awful. He drove me up to several meat-markets, and every "cul de sac" in London, and to be fair to him—down again. At last an accident happened— we struck upon the station—an accident pure and simple. I put my head out of the win- dow and shouted "stop," for, like Tennyson's brook, that cab seemed oblivious of passing things, and bid fair to go on for ever. That shout awoke the echoes in the man's brain, and no wonder—it was sent forth with a force that let off gradually would have made a powerful temperance oration. However, the detonation served, the cab stopped, and the driver, so far as I am concerned, was paid off for ever. Having had my lug- gage registered and labelled (not my body this time), I took my seat in the boat-express for Newhaven. This train again sped like fury, and rent the air with a scream as it rushed along. A little over an hour and we were on the boat at Newhaven, a steamer with the same complaint, "Twenty-one knots an hour." Knots! What cared I about knots, so long as it went gently and steadily, so as not to shift the cargo. These steamers, however, never care how you land, nor how little of you lands the other side. This is not in their contract. It has been said with shrewd wisdom that the secret of good ocean travelling is to get? outside a good square meal, and having done that, to stay there. Most of the passengers honestly tried that day; but the sea was mad, and the siteamer was touched with modern ambition for aerial navigation. It darted for the skies, but like many sinuers found the task a hard one, so sank back again to play hide-and-seek amongst the swelling billows. It seemed all joy at first. The winds seemed all upgathered now like sleeping flowers ,and the waves did not show their pranks till we were well off from land, but when they began they made up for lost time, and in an hour that boat carried a cargo of misery that I do not wish to see its like again. One's thoughts returned to the morning's breakfast, quite an unusual mental movement. Most of humanity, after a good meal, take an attitude of "next. please," but it was otherwise to-day. Why should one think of the past for we had always stood for progress in these matters? But progress is an accompaniment of civilisation—civili- sation travels east to west—we had come But the gentlemen of England that live at home at ease will only swear at these attempts to solve the problem. At last land came in sight, and with it a glorious hope begun to stir anew within our hearts. France! thou little knowest how the thought of thee cheered a steamer-full of limp and miserable passengers! Their love for thee was unspeakable, and largely re- mained so, for some knew no French, while others who knew French in England, found when they got to France that there was some misunderstanding, for the natives of thafe land when you spoke to them in what you. in your fond innocence, thought was their i. own dear language, only stared in bewilder- ment and turned away from your unintelli- gible jargon with a gesticulation of despair. Then comes disillusionment, and it is well for the schools have ever been too far from life, and in this little matter it is no more possible to acquire the pronunciation and accent of the French from books and English schools than it is to acquire the Scotch accent by eating porridge. It only goes from tongue, to tongue, and must for all remain a thing of absolute contagion. The reception in France was quite Celtic in its hartiness. Soldiers, officials, and a promiscuous crowd lined the quay at Dieppe, and a dozen porters made a dash for each piece of luggage, which was carried to the customs' house. Here one was opened—not the right one. The inspector glared sus- piciously at a few Welsh sermons which I carried with me, for as someone has said, man loves what has been born of him, whether it be of the flesh or of the spirit. So much on the question of authenticity. The busy little Frenchman looked upon these sermons as if he suspected seditious docu- ments. This was, however, so much akin to the attitude of Gwalia's sermon-tasters that I did not mind. He gazed intently for a time, but suddenly a happy thought struck him. Finding he would have to begin his education over once again to decipher this wonderful language, he put another test. In short he asked me for tobacco. Is it not strange that all over the world this one thing is considered proof of a nature without guile —a love of tobacco ? In the Kaffir kraals of Africa and the Navigator Islands, in the palace of the k ing, and in the tent of an old gipsy fortune-teller it reigns supreme, and everywhere it fuses all together into a happy brotherhood. There was tobacco in my hat-box—a special stock. I opened the box and took it out triumphantly. So lucky, for everyone wants to make a good impression at first, and I had heard how polite the French people were. But. lackaday! he took it all, and never said "merci," but marked the bags and box with chalk, and passed away to look for more tabacco. Now, if the reader go to France let him take two hints. First, mind the Frenchman as re- gards tobacco, and secondly, keep a tiny bit of chalk in the pocket of your vest. It will come very handy, and save the busy little men a lot of trouble. France is a land of fraternity, and we should be kind to one another. Even in this country a great deal can be done with a little extra thought. It was only the other day that I saw a very striking example of this. It was in the train. I Near the window sat a man who moved about uneasily. Suddenly his hand went into biB pocket, not for his pipe, for it was not a smoking compartment. Through the corner of my eye I watched him. He pulled ont an oblong piece of paper, hiding it oa1"*111 he thought. He lifted his band. to hIS mouth, and his tongue came forth lovingly to touch a corner, and yet another, then again the

ft -.f The Best Proof. Experience establishes the fact that Van Houten's Cocoa is not only the Highest in Quality and the most delicious in flavour, but also the most economical in use. Buy a tin and prove this for yourself. RW qw vanlfouteif$^ocoa BL Best & goes farthest. 1

WELSH UNIVERSITY OFFICES, QUESTION OF A NATIONAL MUSEUM. FIGHT OF TIVE YEARS AGO RENEWED. The Museum and Welsh University Offices sub-Committee of the Swansea Corporation met at the Guildhall on Friday afternoon, and the fight of five years ago can therefore be said to have begun in earnest. It will be riecalled that during Aid. Howel Watkins' mayoralty the question of the lo- cality of the Welsh University Offices was before the Principality. Not only Swansea. but Cardiff, Aberystwyth, Newport, Bangor, and Carmarthen put in claims for the privi- lege of being considered, if not the capital of Wales, then the centre of Welsh education. The matter was discussed many times by the Swansea Corporation; a town's meeting j was held, and it was at length decided to introduce a clause into the Parliamentary Bill, then before the town, enabling the Cor- poration to borrow money for providing and fitting up premises for the use of the National University of Wales and the pre- serration of documents and articles of national and historical interest. The site suggested for the approval of the Court of Governors was the vacant land adjoining the Free Library, containing an admeasurement ] of 2,500 square yards. The estimated value of this land was put down at £ 8,000, and the proposal was to erect a commodious building i in accordance with plans then prepared. I These provided for registrar's room, clerk's offices, receiving and dispatching rooms for documents connected with the University, cloak rooms, museum, and a large University, hall, 35ft. by 60ft., designed in such a man- ner as to make it in every way suitable for au assembly hall in which honorary degrees could be conferred or an installation cere-1 monv held. Residential aecommodataon for the registrar was also offered, if requIred. and Swansea's claims in 1697 to have the University offices located here were, briefly, that it was the centre of the population of Wales while it was practically the only place where the Welsh language and Welsh char- acteristics were being preserved along with English ideas and customs; that it at pre- sent took the deepest interest; in secondary education, that the Royal Institution of South Wales was already located here, and that it was the metallurgical centre of the kingdom. Altogether Swansea put forward a st appeal, but so did some of the other < mentioned, and the University Court t., e- fore decided to postpone the whole m. uer for five years. Swansea's offer in regard to the offices still holds good, but the Committee on Monday decided to adjourn the museum question till the court had decided upon the sit-e of the offices.

LOCAL PATENTS. The following information, obtained from official journals for the week ended April 12th, is supplied by Mr. N. Watts,, chartered patent agen, 58, Wind-street, Swansea:- Applications for patents: Wm. Williams, Llanelly, improved chimney coal, No. 8.047, April 7th. Invention provisionally protected: Dd. Matthews, Swansea, improved treatment of copper and other ores.

GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY. AMBULANCE COMPETITIONS. The annual competitions for prizes given by the directors in connection with the Great Western centre of the St. John Am- bulance Association (of which her Royal High- ness the Princess Christian is president), have recently taken place at the following centres on the company's system. namely. Paddington. Newport (Mon.). Landore. Ply- mouth, Swindon, Saltney (Chester), Bir- mingham, and Hereford. The first prize team from each section met at Swindon on Wednesday, the 16th inst.. for the final com- petition, which resulted as follows: 1. Taun- ton; 2. Swindon; 3, Birmingham; 4, Lan- dore; 5, Plymouth; 6, Pontypool; 7, Salt- ney; &, Paddington; 9, Hereford. The Taun- tOJi team having gained the highest marks, is accordingly selected for the honour of representing the Great Wsetern Railway Company in the forthcoming inter-railwav challenge shield competition. The silver medal for the best individual ambulance work amongst the Great Western Railway Company's staff was won by R. T. Davies, Pontypool-road. The members of the Great Western Railway Company's staff eligible to take part in the competitions are those who have successfully passed the three examina- tions of the St. John Ambulance Association. Judges in the final competition were Drs. S. Osborn (Datchet), Freeborn (Oxford), and E. Trevor Shorland (Westbury, Wilts). The directors and officers take a lively interest in the spread of first aid knowledge amongst the staff, upwards of 6,000 members of whom have gained the certificates of the St. John Ambulance Association, and many instances are recorded in which valuable first aid-has been rendered in cases of emergency.

hand went up underneath the blinds that somehow were half-way down. The next operation was done with confi- dence. He pulled out a pipe, struck a match, and a cloud took him out of sight. A ladv began to cough, and when the fit was over, to protest. The man looked injured, calmly slipped up the blind, and—conquered. There- was the potent word, "Smoking," not quite straight, it is true, but it was on the window, and that sufficed. Forethought and adapta- tion will work wonders. In Dieppe, Ventwigtin, Modaue, and Gen- eva a little piece of chalk would have saved me and the bureaucrats a deal of trouble. It would, perhaps, have saved me some tobacco, too., but if my experience pays to others, it will serve a purpose. After the chalking business, we were soon in a French train for Paris. Around, were men and women tolking in their native tongue with a vivacity and gesture that be- wildered a mere Englander, and made him think he had just arrived to see another revolution. A recent writer on French life says that we are all decided upon the general French characteristic—exciteability. Re- spectfully, I beg to differ. A dozen Welsh- men, managed aright, would beat the whole Gallic nation out of the field on that point. The chief characteristic of the French is a normal vivacity-the high key at which the time of life is pitched and maintained throughout. Excitability is a tendency to swing up, and implies a lower normal plane. The French, however, are characterised by their constant vivacity, and powers not to go down, arriv- ing in France, one thought the people in the throes of a revolution. After two months they were still the same. Their fullness of life bubbling forth in a fizzing and a spark- ling conversation. It is, moreover, not the tongue alone that speaks, but the whole body. Savages are noted for gesticulation, so are some public speakers. This is not a reflection on the French or on the orator. It is explained by the surging wave of life, which perhaps civilisation tends to drain.