The Cambrian

'iU. RIGHTS RESERVED. J THE YULE LOG. THE SPELL OF THE MISTLETOE. Among the Celtic nations the mistletoe was • JUi object of veneration, and at the festival 'Of the winter solstice the Prince of the Druids himself cut a bough of it. The people "Were assembled, and then were led to the ^oois by the priests, who drove in advance j<)f the company two snow-white bullocks. When the oak tree was found which bore the mistletoe the plant was cut with a golden eickle and the bullocks sacrificed. At present it is the custom for the young • men to carry out the doctrine taught by the Scandinavian myth and print a smacking kiss on the lips of any maiden thoughtless • enough to stand beneath the suspended mistletoe bough. But for every such kiss one of the white berries of the mistletoe must be removed, and when all the berries have been kissed away the spell is broken. SUPERSTITIONS OF CHRISTMAS. Probably no season of the year has more old-world notions associated with it than Christmas. Here are a few of the super- stitions still seriously regarded by some people. If a hoop falls off a cask on Christmas Eve there will be a death in the family ere long. If the fire burns brightly on Christmas morning prosperity may be expected, but if it smoulders adversity will come to the family. If one eats a raw egg for the first food on Christmas morning strength to carry heavy weights and to do great deeds will be the result. If a light is allowed to go out on Christmas Eve there will be a fatal illness in the house. After the Christmas dinner shake the tablecloth in the roadway and you will have luck for twelve months. Bread baked on Christmas Eve is supposed never to become mouldy. Our vener- able friends in the country, who have generally a wealth of weather lore, and gravely shake their wiee old heads at the prospect of a hard winter indicated by an unusual profusion of berries on the hawthorns in the autumn, tell us that when Christmas Day falls on a Monday we may expect good but windy weather the rest of the winter. Spring appears to be overlooked by the prophets but the summer will be stormy, and there will be many battles among men, and great mortality among cattle. What happens when Christmas Day falls on a Friday—ominous day !—we are not told, but no doubt the elements and all the agents of < evil are uncommonly lively for twelvo months afterwards. SOME SAD CHRISTMASES. Christmas, which should be, and usually is, ( the maddest, merriest day of all the year, has -sometimes been reddened by bloodshed and blackened by tragedy. One of the most barbarous of the persecutions against the Christians was begun by Diocletian on Christmas Day, A. p. 303, when a church in Nicodemia filled with Christians was ordered by him to be set on fire. Every way of egress was barred, and not a single worshipper escaped the flames. Yuletide in 1066 was a melancholy time in England, which, nevertheless, always cele- brated it with the utmost eagerness. For Harold, the last of the Saxons, had fallen before the Norman Conqueror, and on December 25th of that year William the Conqueror was crowned in Westminster Abbey. The occasion was signalised by the slaughter of a huge crowd of Anglo-Saxons outside of the church, through a mistaken idea that they had risen in revolt. Exactly two years later there was an uprising of the malcontents in the northern counties, who hoped to throw off the Norman yoke. William marched in person against the rebels and directed a universal slaughter. His men surprised several garrisons and put them to the sword. Neither age nor sex was spared, and every house in the disaffected regions was razed to the ground. It is said that over one hundred thousand men, women, and children perished on December 25th, 1068. ► It was on Christmas Day in the year 1170 that Thomas a Beckett, the greatest English cleric of his day, ascended the Cathedral pulpit at Canterbury, and preached what may be called his own funeral sermon. The sen- tences he made use of so angered Henry II. that he let fall those fatal words If any- body loved me he would rid me of this turbulent priest." Four knights took him at his word, and on December 29th they slew the prelate before the altar of St. Benedict in the northern transept of Canterbury Cathedral. On December 25th, 1384, John Wycliffe died as he was about to preach his Christmas sermon. One of the saddest Christmases known in London was that of the year 1663. The Great Plague had stricken the city and the people were dying at the rate of a thousand a • day. THE SACRED THORN OF GLASTON- BURY. Six miles north-west of the quiet little • Cpiseopal city of Wells rises a lofty peak r called by the Celtic natives of West Britain a "tor." It is conspicuous for miles around, with the tower of an ancient chapel on its top, and with a neat little country town and the ruins of a noble old abbey. Sufficient evidence remains to shew that the abbey was of vast proportions, occupying in all sixty acres of ground. It was founded by Saxon kings, and further endowed by the Normans and Plantagenets. The grand chancel and its fine chapels were built in the finest style of later Norman architecture, but now little more than crumbling walls and pillars testify to the once great beauty of the abbey. The porch of St. Joseph's Chape], however, is in a fair state of preservation. Outside there grows the famous Glastonbury thorn, ■ that blossoms but for one day in the year, • and that Christmas Day. This tree has a strange history. During his long journey from Palestine St. Joseph of Arimathea. visited the district, he and his twelve companions having been sent by St. Philip the Apostle to convert the theu heathen nation of Britain and to cast out the Druid superstition. St. Joseph and his followers found their way to Glastonbury, then known as "Yniswytryn." They were all a-weary, *,nd arriving on the summit of the hill, Joseph, who was using a hawthorn stick as a walking-staff, stuck it into the ground and it burst into bloom. The present Glastonbury thorn is an offshoot by continued grafting of St. Joseph of Arimathea's walking-staff, and year after year it blossoms at Yuletide, though at other seasons it in no way differs in^appearance^from the ordinary thorn tree. THE ORIGIN OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS. The practice of carol-singing is drawn from the very first ages of the Church. The word is derived from cantare, to sing, and rola, an interjection of joy. Though applied now almost exclusively to Christmas festivities, carolling may mean the singing upon any occasion of festival or rejoicing. Carol-sing- ing is frequently referred to in the Apostles' meetings, but the custom did not become a universal one until the fifteenth century—a ,collection being printed in the early part oT \the sixteenth. We are indebted to the Purik^ for the introduction of a religious flavour to the carols. They were opposed to all customs connected with the Established Church, but, finding that of carol-singing too firm to be uprooted, they contented themselves with directing them into a channel of their own. There are many specimens of the carols of a remote date, one being on exhibition in the British Museum. It is said to have been written in the thirteenth century. Many of these old chants were very gruesome. We give a familiar one of the seventeenth century To-itav vou mny he aHn" near man, With many a thousalld pound To-morrow you may he a dead man, And your" corpse laid under the ground." >.And another, in its literal form, ran thus: "A, my rlere 8011, sayd Yary, A, III v derc, Kiss thy modor, Jhcsu, "With a laughying chcrc." Perhaps the most graceful one is the following: Tell us, thou checre and heavenly tongue, Where is the Bahe that lately sprung, Lies the lily banks among ? The rhymmy was never smooth, and it is to be wondertsf at thai the verses could be set to music.

Master d' Arcy Rutherford, a son of Mr. G. W. Rutherford, of Marine Villa, Mum- bles, has obtained a Choral Scholarship at Trent College, Derbyshire. He was pre- pared for the examination in school •-ubjeets by the Mi.sft.js Potts, Bryn Haubg

CHRISTMAS^SELECTlois. j There is to-day in all the world no land in which the great Christian festival of the year I ia not celebrated in some way — simply, perhaps, by the missionary among the heathen in some far-off jungle, or with all tho elaborateness characteristic of it here in Merrie England. Wherever Christian civili- sation stands supreme, the day of the nativity is not only a day of "peace and goodwill to men," as announced by the heavenly hosts, but of good things alike for the great and the lowly. It is a day on which piety and fun and frolic and entire jollity of heart merge together without calling forth a sour look on anybody's face. "Sweet spicy odours fill the air, From Christmas greens on wall and stair." There is a holiday look to everyone's home. Even the plainest rooms are gay and fine with their wreaths and festoons of holly and pine. Merriment reigns supremo all over the Christian world on the anniversary of our Saviour's birth, and everywhere the spirit of the Herald Angel's words animates loving hearts, and makes labour light to willing hands. When the Yule log burns upon the hearth, With carol, chime, and Christmas cheer, A fire should kindle in each soal To gladden all the coming year; A flame to brighten heart and home, And shine as well for other eyes, ¡ Fed by good deeds which still glow on When dim and cold the Yule log lies. No life so poor but it may know A spark of this divinest fire. No life so beautiful and rich But still, flame-like, it may aspire. Then kindle Yule logs far and wide To burn on every happy hearth, Fit symbols of the faith and love That purify and bless the earth. The brightness and happiness of the season seem to pervade the whole of life so thoroughly that plain, every-day duties are completely swept out of sight by the oncoming tide of pleasures, which grow dearer to us all just in proportion as we devote our time to the real work of making others happy; not happy | for Christmastide alone, but as we gather up the good of the months just past, and crowd this good into lives that otherwise would not be overlaid with pleasure, and we must try to bestow the pleasures which will gain in strength through the months to come. "Heap on more wood, the wind is chill, But let it whistle as it will We'll keep our Christmas merry still 1" Somewhere in the dreams of all mankind there is a Golden Age. In the Golden Age, as they fable it to themselves, men are gracious and good and thoughtful of those j who love them, because they want to be rather than because they ought to be. Does not the spirit of Christmas time prefigure it ? How much of grace is instinct in the hearts oi mankind, how very far the mission that began on earth nineteen centuries ago has progressed towards fulfilment, is seen with each recurring Christmastide. Then is dis- closed, if but for a week, if only for a day, the spectacle of men responsive to the message of "goodwill" from no perception of duty to be done, but because it is the very thing they want to do and at last have time to do. The will of the heavens discharges itself in no blinding, unearthly radiance; it clothes itself in the warm earthly sunlight of the natural human affections flowing forth in the natural, unforced human way. There is some disagreement as to the origin of Christmas Day. The legend runs that in the earliest period of the Christian Church some communities of Christians celebrated the festival of Christmas on January 1st; others observed it on the 6th of that month. In some of the Eastern Churches it was kept about the time of the Jewish Passover, near the end of March. There is also some evidence of its having been observed on September 29th, being the Feast of Taber- nacles. In the year A. D. 325, when the Emperor Constantine legally established Christianity in the Roman Empire, Christmas was observed at the beginning of the new year, while in the Eastern Church it was celebrated on January 6th. Pope Julius eventually effected a com- promise, and the 25th day of December was established. These historical statements have been called in question by some, but John Chrysostom, the eloquent preacher at Con- stantinople in the fourth century, confirms them. All the year round the Christmas holly is biding its time in the lonesome wood. When the snowdrops come and the jonquils blow, when the roses bloom and the lilies shine, we have no need of holly. But the winter winds blow, the streams are ice-locked, the fields are deep in snowy silence, and over the vast white world the golden bells of Christmastide are ringing loud and clear. How lofty is their message; how sweet their chorale, as they remind us of that old night in Bethlehem when the angels brought heaven's greeting to earth. The woods where the holly grew tough and staunch and thrifty arc quiet, but out of their peace they are sending something most precious to the crowded streets and the busy towns and the rushing, laughing, wistful, vehement, over- flowing life of the people in hamlet and city at Christmastide. Somehow, the holly says "Merry Christmas in accents more tuneful than speech. It is itself a song without words. We loved it when we were children, and if we have lived until grey hairs we love it still. j And Christmas has enjoyment in it, even: though we live, as it were, in the past. Don't shrug your shoulders, or turn away dis- heartened, saying there is no merriment in the world for you, that merriment is only for the young or for the fools. No, no, don't say that; it's a bad thing to look down on merriment. Of course, there are some kinds of mirth which arc worthy only of all your scorn, and rightly so, but innocent mirth and merriment is good for each one of us, and we should cultivate it rather than shun it. Let us try and have a merry Christmas. And the best way to gain this for ourselves is to deserve it by the simple, easy action of making others happy. By way of an ending to this column you might do much worse than read and digest the following few "Don'ts" for Christmas. There is sure to be something among them that will appeal to you, and that may help you to add extra enjoyment to your Yuletide happiness. Don't think that you are too poor to keep Christmas. You can't be so poor as all that. Don't spend so much over Christmas that you can't get even with the butcher and grocer until March. Don't give presents that are a pleasure for ten minutes and a burden and a worry for ten years. Don't give your wife something she doesn't care for just because you want it yourself. This don't works the other way just as well. Don't forget that a basket of fruit or a box of flowers is just as nice a present in many cases as something that will last a good deal longer. Don't try to find the price-marks on the gifts you receive. If the gifts are worth having they mean something above £ s. d. Don't check off each gift you reoeive against each present that you gave and calcu- late whether you made or lost. Christmas ia not the time to be any smaller or meaner than you oca h«.\p.

In connection with the demand of tlhe Swan- sea Corp ration for intercommunication with the National Telephone Company's evstem, a formnil acknowledgement of the demand has be.ii received, and the matter is now under the consideration of the company.

POLICE BAND BUMPER CONCERT. Fine Singing at the Albert Hall. In nearly every respect the grand concert organised by the Police Band at the Swansea Albert Hall on Thursday walll rank as one of the most successful in the history of the or- ganisation. The vast hall was packed with an appreciative audience, and the fare pro- vided was first class. The band itself, under the able baton of Mr. Wm. Courtney, dis- tinguished itself in three admirable selections, and when all the parts are filled there is no doubt the band will be one of the best in Wales. Even now, under difficulties, its tone and attack reflect infinite credit upon the bandmaster and the men themselves. The vocalists were Madame Sobrdno, Madame Hannah Jones, Mr. Whitworth Mitton. and Mr. Barry Lindon, and all acquitted them- selves to perfection. Madame Sobrino. who was a big success at the National Eisteddfod, gave "The Jewel Song," a song by Grieg, and another by Co wen, and established herself a favourite at once. Madame Hannah Jones was in her u6ual grand form. albeit suffer- ing from a cold which affected her upper re- gister. Her songs were all cordially re- ceived. Mr. Whitworth Mitton, a tenor with a beautifully clear enunciation, gave '0 Vision Entrancing," and "Nirvana," with suc- cess. He appeared slightly nervous in the aria. Mr. Parry Lindon was, however, the favourite of the evening, and lit is doubtful if he ever sang better in his long career. '•Biff Ben," a Welsh song, "The Wonders of the Deep," and "Drinking" were his num- bers. and his duet with Mr. Miittsn brought down the house. There was a pretty duet by the two ladies, and a quartette bv the lour artistes, beautifully rendered. Mr. David Richards' accompaniments were, as usual, up to the h ghost point of daintiness and distinc- tion. The hall was prettily decorated, and the floral decorations and palms were a re- freshing oasis in a desert of humanity.

REV. J. ALBAN DAVIES. Pile of Presents from Cwmbwrla Admirers. Lots of presents were given by the people of Cwmbwrla to Rev. Alban Davies, B.A., late curate of St. Luke's, now vicar of Talley, Carmarthenshire, and to Mrs. Davies, in a meeting specially convened in the. Friendly Societies' Hall, for that purpose. They in- cluded a roll-to-p desk, presented on behalf of the church, by Mr. Howells, sidesman Has- tings' Dictionary of the Bible, on behalf of the Sunday School, presented by Mr. Charles Cole, sidesman a purse of gold, J350, pre- sented, on behalf of the church, by Mrs. Dr. Hubert Thomas; a lovely illuminated ad- dress, with pictures of St. Luke's Church, Swansea Castle, and Mumbles Pier, presented on behalf of the church by Rev. A. Evans, Waunarlvvvdd, "to remind you of the glorious davs when we struggled towards goodness to- gether hand in hand" a handsomely framed fJroup of portraits of the Church Council (32), presented on beltalf of the Council, by Mr. John Thomas, sidesman; another framed group of photos of the Young Men's Guild, presented on behalf of the Guild by Mr. W. J. Harris a solid silver salver, presented on behalf of the church to Mrs. Davies, by Miss Williams; a gold pencil case. presented by Mrs. Ann Evans; an umbrella, the gift cf Mr. Thomas, the road surveyor, presented by one of the smartest parishioners, Mrs. Jane Lewis, who has just completed her 95th year. The total amount collected was J384 2s. 5d., from 403 subscribers. Tea had been provided for visitors, and when Rev. Dd. Roderick, vicar of Cockett, took the chair, the hall was crowded. On the platform were Rev. C. Chaloner Lind- sav (St. John's, Swansea), Rev. J. Michael (Cockett). Rev. A. Evans (Waunarlwydd), Rev. W. Evans (the new curate at St. Luke's), Dr. Gomer Lewis, Messrs. W. P. Davies (choirmaster), and G. Lewis. Letters of apology for non-attendance, and expressive of good wishes, were read from Rev. D. Watcyn Morgan (Llangyfelach), Rev. W. Watkins Jones (Christ Church). Rev. J. Seldon Morgan (Holy Trinity), Rev. Dd. Wil- liams (Clyda.ch), Rev. J. G. Mathias (Killay), Rev. D. "Morgan Jones, Councillor T. Dry- den, Messrs. Joseph Hall. J.P., J. W. John- ston. J.P., J. Jordan, J.P.. P. Richard, and F. H. Glynn Price. Addresses appreciative of the late curate's work were delivered by the Chairman, Rev. C. Chaloner Lindsay, Rev. J. Michael, Rev. A. Evans, Rev. Dd. Jones (for 33 years pastoi of Cwmbwrla Congregational Church, Dr. Gomer Lewis, Rev. H. Thomas (Baptist minis- ter, Swansea), Mr. D. R. Thomas late choir- master at St. Luke's), Mr. H. C. Jeffreys, Rev. J. Phillips (Congregational minister, Carmarthen-road), and Coun. Dd. Griffiths. "You have always found me truthful," said Rev. Alban Davies, in reply. Do you really expect me to say I am sorry to come here and receive so many beautiful presents? You won't expect me to say I'm sorry, will you? (Loud laughter.) He would never <orget Cwmbwrla: he was taking with him three living testimonials, three little children— born° in Cwmbwrla. (Applause.) "It has been said that on the Guardians T have always been kind to the poor; I couldn't really be otherwise." (Applause.) Nonconformists and Church people could, as they had at Cwmbwrla. work well together in many things, without sacrificing their principles. (Loud applause.) He thanked them for all their kindness and encouragement. Clergy- men required a great deal of encouragement. He had done his best, but no man could work too hard for the Lord Jesus Christ. The presents showed their affection for him. "You love me I know you do I defy you not to love me; but this I say, that your love for me is simply a reflex of my love for you. I have loved everyone in Cwmbwrla." A musical programme was contributed to bv Miss Banfield, Miss Levshon. Messrs. J. p" Davies, and J. I/ewis. Mr. W. H. Hall provided gramaphone selections. The accom- panist was Mr. Dd. Lewis. R.A.M. -I

Two Divorce Cases. In the Divorce Court on Friday, Mr. Fran- cis Savile Barton, a gentleman of indepen- dent means, of Chalfont, St. Peter's, Bucks, was granted a decree nisd because of the> mis- conduct of Mrs. Mabel Marv Barton, with Mr. Arthur Robert VerschoyLe, stated to be living in the same neighbourhood. Counsel stated that the marriage took place in January, 1889, at the Chapel Royal, Kensington. In July of this year Mrs. Bar- ton went to Germany and the corespondent was away at the same time. Subsequently she was at Felexstone, where it was alleged tha, the co-respondent visited her. Later still, she wrote to her husband from Lon- don stating she had stayed with co-respon- dent at an hotel. Costs were given against the co-respon- dent for £250, an amount agreed upon. Petitioner will have the custody of the two children of the marriage. In the Divorce Court on Friday Mr. Wm. Grenyille Smythe, J P., Deputy-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, of Elkington Hall, Louth, sued for divorce fro n Mrs. Anne Lille Smythe on the ground of her adultery with Mr. A. W. Hollenborg, an American. The suit was undefended Counsel explained that a suit was brought last July, when Mr. Maurice Fitzhardinge Barclay, son of the late Bishop of Jerusalem, wius the co-respondent. The jury could not then agree upon a verdict except that they found petitioner was not guilty of cruelty. It was proposed not to proceed any further against Mr. Barclay, but to rest the case on the adultery with Mr. Hollenborg, the evi- dence having been given as to respondent and Mr. Hollenborg staying together in London and Paris. Petitioner was granted a decree nisi be- cause of respondent's adultery with Mr. Hol- lenborg. Mr. Barclay was dismissed from the suit without costs, ru.d the petitioner « rdered to have 1 he custocy of the. two children of the marriage.

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Patti and the Poor. On Thursday the aged poor of Abercrave, Ystradgynlais, and Ystalyfera, about 250 in number, received their annual gift from the trustees of the fund established a few years ago on the proceeds of concerts given by Baroness Cederstrom at Swansea, and Brecon for the purpose. Messrs. H. J. D. Alcoek, the agent, accompanied by Dr. Thomas, Ys- talyfera, and Rev. E. L. D. Glaidey. trus- tees, attended at the Church Schoolroom, Ystradgynlaj,9, and the Wern Schoolroom, Ystalyfera,, to make the presents. At Aber- crave 5s. was given to each, at Y.stradgynlais 4s., and at Ystalyfera. 3s. 6d. Needless to add, the recipients were extremely grateful, and wishes of "long life ..nd happiness" to the benevolent prima donna were earnestly expressed at each placc.

■ 1 —" i' Swansea Creditor's Meeting*. The first meeting of creditors re Harry Sil- verstone, late of 3, Gladstone-buildings, and 65, Oxford-street, Swansea, draper, was held at the Official Receiver's office, Alexandra- road. The gross liabilities were returned at £ 659 expected to rank, £ 650 assets, £ 29 deficiency, £ 625. The causes of failure were attributed to competition in trade, heavy ex- penses, and maintenance and heavy trade ex- penses." First meetings were also held in re Ed- ward Down, 22, Tunnel-terrace, Blaengwynfi, and Arthur Gharles May, Landore Inn, Lan- dore, commission agent. In the former case the gross liabilities were returned at JB95, and the assets JB1; and in the latter gross lia- bilities, JE173, and assets L4 5s. The Official Receiver remains trustee of the respective estates.

CLAUSE'S; BLOOD MIXTUREJ i This Famous Medicine will cleanse the Blood from 8lJ impurities from whatevc cauHarising. A safe remed3 for Eczema, Bad Legs, Scrofula, Blood Poison, Sores of all kinds Boils, Eruptions Ulcers, Glandular Swellings, &c. Of all Stores &c Forty years' success Beware of imitations.

The" Appointed Day" at Llanelly- The Board of Education have again post- poned the, appointed day for Llanelly Dis- trict Council to take over the control of ele- mentary education, which is now fixed at February 1st. The announcement was made at a meeting of the Finance Committee of the Council on Thursday. Mr. Guest remarked that the Board of Education were making the Council pay for the resolution for which the chairman (Mr. D. J. Davies) was respon- sible, refusing to raise a rate for the main- tenance of Voluntary Schools unless they were placed under public control. The Chairman replied that the Council had already gone twice to the expense of advertising the ordpr of the appointed day. It mav be stated that the Board at first urged the Council to take over their powers under the Act as early as possible. It was agreed that the appointed day should be the 30th of September. The Board very reluctantly granted extension of time until the 1st of December, and the order was advertised. Without giving any reason for it at all, the Board of Education extended the time without application, until the 1st of January. In the meantime, however, the Council had passed their no-control no-rate resolution. The Clerk wrote to the Board pointing out that the Council had gone to the expense of advertising the order, and asking them to bear the cost. Witthout a word of explanation the Board has now again postponed the appointed day.

Well-known Swansea Trader in Collision. The Press Association's Graveeend oorres- pondent telegii.ifphe:—A serious collision oc- curred off Gravesend at Thursday midnight, between the steamer Acacia and the steamer Warkworth. The former sank almost immediately, and the following are missing:— Chief-engineer Wood, Second-engineer Donaldson, and a sea- man named Anderson. I Lloyd's, reporting the- collision, flays :—The Acacia was of Aberdeen, from Grays for Hull in ballast, and the Warkworth is of New- castle from the Tyne. The Acacia foundered, i .HlJrd three men are missing. The Warkworth f pnoceeded up the river. Extent of the I damage unknown. WARKWORTH WELL-KNOWN TO SWANSEA. (Note.-The Warkworth is well-known at Swansea. Docks, being a frequent trader to and from France.)

Death of Mr. T. Powell, Brynteg*. J Mr. Thomas Powell, J.P., died at his resi- dence, Brynteg, Neath, on Thursday morn- ing. He had been in an unconscious condi- tion for days. Deceased, who was in his 77th year, had had a remarkable career. His father and he were connected with the famous Neath Abbey Iron Works, and were famuiar with that grand old institution in the height of its prosperity. About 1846 both father and son went to France, where they established famous engineering works at Rou n. The deceased gentleman saw much of the trouble incident to the Revolution of 1848. Again in the course of the Franco-German war he ha-1 a, score or so of German officers quartered upon him at his house. His father d:ed in 1846. Deceased did not return from Franco to live in Wales until 1873 Fourteen rears ago he married Miss Griffiths, daughter of tlx-, late Rev. Daniel Griffiths, of Zoar Tndepen- dent Chapel, Neath. The late Mr. Towell was a Nonconformist and a Liberal, p.nd in both capacities he exhibited depth of principle and conviction, and honest fearlessness. He was a county magistrate. MWDIMWWPMW .)

I Swansea Valley Railway Smash. I An accident which fortunately did not n- volve any loss of life, but caused considerable damage to property, took place at Ystradgyn- lais Station on Thursday morning. About 11 o'clock a goods train was shunting at Gwaunclawdd Colliery siliiigs, near Aber- I crave Station, and the brake-van was left bv itself on the man line. By some means the van started running and travelled at a ter- i rific rate down to Ystradgynlais Station, a distance of three miles away, and ran into 1 the cattle-dock where a number of wagons weie standing, and collided with a loaded truck of hay, both vans be:ng smashed to atoms and two other cattlte vans were over- turned on to the main line completely block- ing it. breakdown ganct from Brecon, under Mr. Stephens, M.R. Loco. Dept., soon Arrived, and by 4.15 the road was cleared. I Mr. Manton, M R. district manager, and Mr. 1 Denby, secretary, N. and B. Railway, atsf, < came on the scene. It was fortunate that the accident did not occur a few minutes later i as a passene^r tram from Swansea was due at Ystradgynlais at 11.48. and the Hi no being a single one the consequences wokild have I been appalling. mmmm———— —— I

WHAT A TIMELY USE WOULD DO. I When Dyspepsia holds its cruel sway the undigested food lies like a big lump dn the j stomach, causing intense pain and a sensa- tion of heaviness. Fermentation ensues, generating sour wind. wcith local irritation. The power of tluis dread tyrant is effectually broken by takiwg Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bit- ters. The name "Gwilym Evans" must be found on the label, on the stamp, and on the bottle, to ensure its being genuine. Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters is sold in bottles *2s. 9d. and 4s. 6d. each, by all Chemists and Stores, or wall be s-!it, rarriage free, on re- ceipt of stamps, direct, bv tlhe Sole Pro- prietors. Quifine Bitters Manufacturing Com pany, Limited, Llanelly, South Wales. 4f'1 V1

Mrs. Price Huglier,, whose lualth has been unsatisfactory, is spending Christmas at Adeiboden, Switzerland.

Neath Gunners' Annual Dinner. The annual dinne.' of No. 7 Company cf the lot Glam. Artillery Volunteers wis Held at the Camibrian Hotel, Neath, on Thunslay 1 is I evening. Lieut. Morris presided. Mr. L. è. Thomas- proposed "The Imperial Forces.— Lieut.-Col. Gardner, in responding, baid Le was sorry that requiting was slower and the periodical lowering of tin standard was a sure indication that the physique of tho nten was not being maintained.—Captain Giegor (Swansea) albo responded.—Captain A. Rus- sell Thomas then submitted the health of No. 7 Company, which he de>crib)d ;s one of the best companies in the country.—Lt. Morris, in responding, alluded to the grati- fying strength of -No. 7 Company. A cause for congr ltulation was tliat they had in Sergeant Instructor Buttle an excellent offi- cer and deservedly popular.—Smgeoa-Capt. Davies followed with "Long lif3 and pros- perity to Colonel Uardn:r. "-Colond Gard- ner, in responding taid he hoped that cn tlie occasion of the visit of the King to Swansea next year to bo able to take a large body of men 'there. On the previous vint of the King—he was then Prince of ^ales— the Volunteers took an important part in the preservation of the lines of route. Then the Volunteers acquitted themselves very creditably, and he doubted not that they would do so again. (Loud apidause.)— Captain Gregor then gave the toast of '•The ,Allied Force—the Rifie Volunteers.—Capt. Hunter responded.—Ex-Lieut. Evans and ex-Bandmastev Trick made suitable res- pouses.—Mr. A. J. Jeffreys then Mubiinitcd the toast of Surgeon-Captain Davies, whom he described as an excellent officer—one who, although he entered the service late in life, was devoted to duty and of great service to the Volunteer movement. (Applause.)— Surgeon-Captain Davies Lvnorousiy res- ponded.—Lieut, CI tike gave "The Visiting Officers."—Lieut. Thomas (Swansea) res- ponded.—Colonel Gardner then presented ^prizes to tlioso wl'jo liad been suec*ossftil 'in the carbine competition: — Corpl. T. .Jon0. Trumpeter Green, Bdr. Perkins, Ser- geant-Major Phillips, Sergt. D. J. Morgan, (junner v'. hetton, Guni.ei J. Moit, Gun- ner E. HaAiies, Sergt. W. Jones, Bdr. Bart- lett, Gunner Roderick, Trumpeter Thomas, Gunner J. Whetton, Trumpet.T J. Phillips, Bdr. Griffiths. Gunner C. Mallett, Corpl. Taylor, Bdr. Rus-sell, Gunner J. H. Ca^e-, Gunner T. Woodcock, Gurjier W. Jones, Grnner T. Mori, Gunner T. J. Evans, Gun- ner Case, Gunner T. Bennett. Gunner M. Hooper, Gunner B. Thomas.—Dining the evening an excellent music il programme was rendered by Lieut. Thomas, Messrs. W. Walters. J.* Jones. Robert Hughes Land ore), — Albert (of the Prince of Wales Theatre), G. John, E. Case, anJ D. Bey noil (accom- panist.

IDONT COUCH I R KEATIfJG'S LOZENGES* i EASILY CURE 1 I THE WQ.1ST COUCH.! raj One eives relief. An increasing tfS sj!e ot over SO years is a certain 83 fa to* of their value. Sold in 13jd. jg| Misses Bonnett's School The annual distribution of prizes to the pupils attending the Misses Bonnett's School. Walter-road. Swansea, took place in the Al- bert. Minor Hall on Thursday, when the Rev. St Id on Morgan. M.A., presided over a large attendance of the relatives and fronds inter- ested in the children. Mrs. Harold Thomas. Llwynderw, handt-d the prizes to thc scholars successful in general subjects. htnguages, drawing music, and for general improve- ment. The lorowing programme was gone through with marked smc'-ess: Pianolorte duet. Winnie David and Winnie Thomas: song, "Wyken, Blyken and Nod'; sketch, "The Auctioneer" kindergarten g«»u\ '"The Huntsman' fan drill; song. •■Lullaby'; scene from ''Alice ia Wonderland '—The Mad rartv" kindergarten game, "The Post- man" sketch, "The Panic (Tun dr 1] by the boys, and an old English caroll The Na- tional Anthem brought to a close a mo>t or,- joyable little entertainment, which was ev:- dent proof that those attending the M'sse.s Bonnett's School receives careful and com; tent tuitiou.

PRIZE DAY I Speeches and Distributions at the Grammar School. I Addresses by Messrs. Brynmor Jones and Leg-ard. The annual prize distribution and speech day at Swansea Grammar School took place; on Thursday afternoon, the Mayor pres:d ng over an audience which completely filled the I large hall. Supporting ihis Worship on the platform were Mrs. Kate Freeman. Miss Brock, Mass Benger. Mrs. Aeron Thomas.Mrs. Rd. Martin. Mrs: Wm. Walters. Mrs. Lleufer 1 ho mas. Miss Mock, Dr. Eben. Davies, Rev. Jas. Owen. Messrs. John Powell, J.P., m. Walters, J.P., Rd. Martin, D. Lleufer Thomas, Col. Morris, Robinson, and Prin- cipal Trevor Owen. The Mayor expressed his nleasure in being i present, and to find the work going on so Cfcocelflently. He wished the school every success. Letters of apology were read from the Vicar, Messrs. John Bevan, .erun Thomas, and others. The report for the school vear 1902-3. as read by Principal Trevor (h-en, stated that the. attendances for the Xmas term. 1902. were 212, for the Easter term 220. Summer term 217, an average of 216 for the year. The inspectaonal reports of the Central Welsh Board praised the general tone and discipline of the schools, and three boys obtained the honours certificate. 17 the senior, and 13 the junior. W. W. Morgan took h s B.A. at London. H. R. Clement his B.A. at the Welsh University. A. S. Roach, Inter. B.A.. Lon- don, 2nd division A. R. Macgs oNailed a Civil Service clerkship (51st out of 1.345). C L. Trick {.1st place), and R. M. Tuomas. Society of Art- examination in German. A boy may now remain tdl he is 19. Thanks were accorded to Mr. Wm. Walters and Col. Morgan for a new cricket pavilion and pitch. Principal Owen concluded his report by thanking the staff for their excellent work. Mrs. Freeman then distributed the prizes amidst constantly recurring applause. The dhief were the honour certificates of the Cen- tral Welsh Board, which went to D. T. Hughes, Dd. John Morris, and Rd. Morns Thomas. A loud burst of cheering was ac- corded R. A. Pritchard. who took the senior certificate with no less than eieht distinctions. Mr. D. Brynmor Jones. K.C., M.P.. said he had come specially from London to be pre- sent, and it was a deep pleasure to escape from the din and storm of the senate and forum, and seek in Swansea academic repose. (Applause.) He referred to the old Normal College, indelibly printed on tihe minds of Swansea people with the name of Evan Da- vies. It was there he was coached bv the late Wm. Williams, and there his two bro- thers. both of whom. alas. had paid man's debt to nature. Addressing more partmu- larly those boys who were about to leave school, he said he qnito agreed with Prin- c pal Owen in his remarks regarding the ten- dency of parents to take the boys away at too early an age. but, of course the reasons weighing with parents were not always ob- vious. What were the boys to do during the next five or six years, when they were acting, as it were. on probation? Mr. Jones rave them some good advice to regulate rules of conduct towards parents and towards them- fselves. He hoped their Ie sure would not be taken up whol'ly with athletics, over-indul- gence of which would not onlv dauiae■■ l is physical, but stunt his intellectual health. The Aristotleian dictum that "virtue lies in a mean" wns the best possible idea to Keep in one's mind. He advocated nadinc. not newspaper and magazines, but good books. Very few people read good books, and in say- in~ so he hoped they w()luld not think him undulv cynical. He pleaded with them to read the really great books. He concluded his speech wiith an exhortation to utilise every moment. He complimented the princ pal on his excellent report. He hoped the boys would not forget the teachers. The latter were not given as much credit as they de- served. especially in Wales. Mr. Jones also congratulated the governing body. He hoped the changes indicated by the Act. of 1902 would not diminish the sphere of tihe school's usefulness. Mr. A. G. Legard, M.A. (chief inspector of schools) followed with a ne-it speech. He congratulated Swansea on the progress being made there in education, and on the example set to other towns in the admriiable buildings erected, especially pointing out that they fulfilled the three great essential to health in the provision made for fresh air. pure wa'ter, and warmth. He went on to refer to the long history of the grammar school and speaking of intermediate education in the d:strict and the advance it was making said there seemed to be an edifice wanted to crown its work. and he would be glad to know that a nucleus was being provided in the establishment of a technical college. (Cheers.) Thanks were accorded the masters on the motion of Mr. Sldrrow, seconded by Mr. Robinson.

Prize Presentation atMissGarlick's -ne day of the dance and prize distribution in connection with Dumbarton House School, Swansea, over which Miss Garlick pres:des— the s-hool was never in such a flourishing condition as at present—is perhaps, to the majority of the pupils, "the" day of the whole year. Dances and songs are all perfect, pretty frocks are donned, and the healthy, happy crowd of children gather in the Shaftesbury Hall, where the function is held. TL.pre thev were on Thursdav evening, to- gether with a number of old pupils and par- ents who evinced considerable interest in the excellent programme arranged for their de- lectation. There were ten items, all different in character, and all quite deserving of the applause they created. Previous to the dis- tribution of prize-books bv the Rev. J. H. Watkin Jones, the two tiniest children in the school landed a lovely bouquet of choice blossoms to Miss Garlick. The rev. gentle- | man said that this was the fifteenth year he had attended her efforts. There were no educational troubles, there was no crisis in that schoo1 they were taught divimtv. and it showed that scripture could be gone through, without disturbing people's fee line. He had presided last year over the Oxford examinations and was glad to see that so many oi the Dumbarton girls entered and had "don? well. The whole business of edu- cation, remarked Mr. Jones, is that of learn- inc-r the grace of exactness, not only in edu- cational matters, but also from a moral standpoint. He thanked Miss Garlick. on behalf of the p^^y,, for the kindness and patience she invariably shows to her scholars and thtri proceeded to distribute nearly one hundied prizes to the must successful pupils Afterwards light refreshments were served, and the time from then, on to midnight was devoted to danoing, much to the delight "f all present. Toe priz: list WI 10" as follows:—English Marjorie Excell. Hilda Isaac. Aainie Puddi CGIL:L". Lornti Murtin, Rcht. Vaugfhcm and Bc.y l'owell; Franch,—M. Excvll and Essie f.m.dy: drawing—H. Isiaa; aul] Ailhur-; pavidison: sewing—Lizzie North, L. Marti,, Lmily Phillips and iclet Rowland: aticmd ;,ni e (1 yv.iv)—Lily Davies, M. Excell, W. R. and F. Corker. R- v;!je {,aid Cicse Dman. R Howells, Mav Wast. n. V. Rowland. Miriam Davidson. R." Vhu.gG.fn, "V*. Rowlamd. Miliar- Jones; two t-.rm°-E. Lundy. Freda Wil- :1\11< L. North. B. Powell. Cytill Excell S.illie Aike:he:• d.'D.isy Williams. Mary Slup fi'ard, L'ar::a. Ea.herford, W. PmidicDmbe. Glvn'Powell, Stanrey EdwarUs. Adela Hughes- and Ediel Jenkins ;o:te term— Ma: garet Gibbis. Ldiith Tii can a*. Miry Puddij mbe, Li:. Lmv drv. Emily Phillips. Iv't^ Wats Nellie ■JFor-'an. Maud Ki&socu. Drills. Fioirie and iioiiie Tlhranias, Mary Br.ttc, Muriel Fryer. IhIn; Watkin. Reekie Thomas. Nancy Joiies, Edvvin Ruch. Evelyn Worsley.

IXSrRE YOUR LIFE. -r ASure your life against the attacks of .dis- ease by taking a course of Gwilvm Evans' Quinine Bitters. This preparation is The Best Remedy of the Age for Weakness. Ner- vousness. Indigestion, Low Spirits. Sleep- lessness. Influenza, and Chest Affections. A promising future has often been clouded through the breaking down of the bodily health Timely use of Gwilym Evans' Quin- ine Bitters, and a fair trial, always gives sat- faction to all, for it makes- the weak strong, and strengthens the nerves to withstand many ailments. Gwilym Evans' Quinie Bitters. Sold everywhere in bottles 2s. 9d. and 4s. fid. each. Sole Proprietors: Quinie Bitters i Mrnuf.mtnring Company, limited. Llanelly, South Wales-

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS BUDGET. In this column we giro & budget of games and fun-provoking id»'?^u which will afford the children plenty of amusement at their Christmas and New Year parties. They are all easy and mirthful, and can in many instances be readily altered to suit the requirements of the children playing them. BLOW IT OCT-.— Put a lighted candle in a candlestick on the sideboard or the mantel- shelf, and send each player blindfolded to blow it out; the spectacle of a stalwart youth vigorously puffing away a couple of yards from the candlestick delights his young brothers and sisters immensely. SCISSORED ANTMALS. — Plain white paperr scissors, and pencils are the implements, and the guests are allowed a few minutes in which to cut out any animal they may choose from the paper, and add eyes, ears, and other necessary decorations with the pencil. But one trial is allowed, and there must be no preliminary sketching. The animal must be scissored right out of the paper. "IMITATION'—If you want a mirth-provoking game, send one person out of the room and tell him he is to guess the name of the game from the actions of the guests. Let him in, and when he sits down they sit. If he walks to a corner of the room, they accompany him; where he looks, they look what he says, they repeat. Sometimes it takes a really clever person a quarter of an hour to guess that the name of_tha game is "Imitation." THE "GERMAN BAN'D."—This is a highly enter- taining and mirth provoking game. Those who participate sit in a circle, each individual simulating the performance on some particular instrument, while the conductor, st mding in the centre, appears, to all intents and purposes, to be leading his band with the aid of a violin. His aim is every now and then rapidly to bandon his violin and take up the movements of one or other of the performers, who in turn must adopt: the violin the conductor has laid aside, and failing to do so a forfeit is demanded. A piano accompaniment is a great addition to tins diverting game. BBOWXIE FOOTBALL.—The "football is an egg- shell which has had the egg blown out and Brownies painted upon the shell. Boundaries are marked upon a long table by stretching tape around the edge, the two ends being the goals, Two captains are chosen from among the players, and they in turn choose the contesting- teams, which need not necessarily consist of eleven players. The players stand about the table, and the members of each team blow the eggshell towards its goal. Regular football rules are used and the count is the same as in football. The moving of the "football" must be done entirely by blowing the eggshell, and in doing this no player is allowed to leave his place. Hn-T THE THIMBLE.—All the party but one person go out of the room, and t'tu uiit left in it alone places a silver thimble somewhere in the room where it can be Seen without the necessity of moving anything at all it may be placed high up on a picture-frame or a gas- bracket, or it may be put low down on too bottom shelf of the book-case, or on a hassock, or even inside the fender, or on the hearth-rug the one indispensable circumstance is that iC shall be visible without anything having to be touched. The party outside come in when called for in a troop, and scatter themselves about the room, not touching anything, but looking around amidst the bric-a-brac for the thimble, and as each individual perceives it he or she quietly sits down. It is most amusing, first to the hider and then to those who have discovered the little object, to see the rest of the young folks hunting aimlessly about the room, not noticing perhaps for several minutes a good- sized object which there is nothing to prevent them from seeing at a glance. THE GEOGRAPHY GAME.—The Geography game, which consists of each person in the party putting cJown as many names of towns, moun- tains, rivers, &c., as he can remember, beginning with each letter of the alphabet in succession, fixed time being allowed for each letter, is more amusing than might appear, and instruc- tive to some degree also. There are two or three ways of playing games whifh require and also improve a little knowledge of history. One of the players thinks of a character in history, and the others have to discover who it is by asking questions, to which only either "yes" or "no" may be answered. It is mucli easier to discover the person intended in this way than might at first be supposed. A "MODEL EVEVIJCG."—This game is much ap. predated by young people, but it is rather a "messy" game. The table is covered with » large piece of oilcloth. A pound of clay is given to each player and a simple wooden tool, and he is instructed to make an animal in a certain space of tinw-some allow an hour, soma two. He is not allowed to choose his own animal; he has to draw a slip of paper with the name of an animal written on it out of a little bag, which is offered by the hostess to each in turn. In the centre of "the table are a bowl of water and a few dusters, so that the hands can be wiped from time to time. At the end of the game some very curious models are produced, and a prize is given for the best animal. Birds, fishes, and men are sometimes given as models, as well as animals; but the latter cause the most amusement, as sometimes one cannot guess what they are intended for. A PRACTICAL JOKE CLUB. — A very amusing game is the X Y Z Club. The fun consists in the admission of new members to the club. Half-a-dozen or so of those who have played before or been otherwise let into the secret sit in a solemn row along one side of the room. while the new member waits in the hall outside till they are ready for admission. The head of the club opens the door and questions tho would-be member. "Do vou wish to become a member of the X Y Z C'lub ? "Yes. please." "Do you promise to conform to all the rules "Yes." "Then come in and sit down." The new member sits on the last chair of the row, which should be in readiness. The head then produces a box of preserved fruits or some such dainty and a fork. In solemn silence she lifts out the delicious morsels with the fork and puts one into the open mouth of each member in turn until she comes to the new one. The mouth of the new member is open, waiting for the approaching sweet, which she naturally supposes is to be bestowed upon her. But when her expectation has reached its highest point the bead of the club pops the delicious morsel into her own mouth instead of the new member's, who can only join in the roar of laughter and acknowledge that it was a splendid "take in." If there are several new members desirous of admission, they must wait outside and be summoned one by one, their curiosity, of course, reaching burning-point as they bear the sounds of mirth from within. No one will enjoy nie sufferings of a fresh victim more than the last new member. THE BAZAAR GAME.—This game is a good sub- stitute for a Christmas tree, and is even more interesting to the children, as they are allowed to choose their own presents. Three little stalls (prettily decorated tables will do) are erected in the drawing-room one stall confined to sweet- meats, another to toys, and a third to dolls only. Several young girls—of, perhaps, fourteen or sixteen years of age—dressed in caps and aprons, or in fancy costume, preside over the stalls, and give a really bazaar-like appearance to the room. As the children enter the drawing-room they are each presented with a little penny purse containing toy money, which may be obtained for a trifling cost at any fancy bazaar. Each child receives the same amount of this imitation money—say, a shilling, a sixpence, and a three- p T.ny-piece. The articles on the stalls would be marked Is.. 6d., and 3d., and the hostess wo aid see that three articles were provided for each child. The value, of course, is purely f]. titious, and the toys cculd be as cheap and simple as possible pennv toys often give quite as much pleasure to children as expensive and elaborate ones. The excitement and delight of the children in thus being able to choose aud purchase their oven presents is unbounded*

■J—U — u 3BB> At a meeting of the directors of Weaver and Co. (Ltd.), Swansea Flour Mills, hold on Monday morning, it was resolved to declare an interim dividend of 3 per cent. on the Preference Shares, and 25 tier cent, on the Ordinary Shares for the ids moires ending 31st Dei-emler, 1903, to be payable 011 1st January.