The Cambrian

NINETEEN SOVEREIGNS STOLEN Ex-soldier Arrested on a Llanelly Charge. Detectives Davies, of Swansea, and Dunne, of Llanelly, effected the arrest of an ex-sol- dier in the upper part of Swansea on Wed- nesday afternoon, and apprehended him without any scene being created on a charge of having stolen nineteen sovereigns from the premises of Messrs. Buckley's brewery, Llanelly, the previous day. It appears that the alleged theft was com- mitted whilst the cashier (Mr. Eynon) was answering a telephone call, and accused made off with the golden pile lying on the desk in the office. The man arrested is not known to the Swansea, police, and is not a. native or resident of either town. Part of the money alleged to have been stolen was not found on the man, and the police are endeavouring to locate it. PRISONER BEFORE THE MaGIS- rr"r!L* Puvata William lteaby, Cardiff, of the Royal Lancashire Fusiliers, was cnarged at Llanelly on Thursday with stealing £ 30 from the office of Messrs. Buckley Bros.. Llan- elly. J Detective-sergt. Dunn stated that on the previous day, in company with Deteotive- sergt. Davies, Swansea, he arrested Denby at the Malsters' Arms, Carmarthen-road, Swansea, and charged him with the theft. Prisoner was not t-h-en wearing his uniform. He stated that a mistake had been made. and expressed the opinion that witness had got the wrong man. Witness searched him sub- sequently at the Swansea Police Station, and found two matches, a chain, and JM 6s. On going into the cell a second time, having for- got Denby's boots, he found CS. On the way to Llanelly he asked if the police had any evidence, and subsequently admitted that he took the money when under the in- fluence of drink. ^Tne case was adjourned until Wednesday, l>enby being given an opportunity to find bail. It .seems that the prisoner had been stay- ing III Swansea, and on Tuesday took train to Llanelly. At Landore he entered into conversation with a fellow passenger, and on arriving at Llanelly they both rode, in a hansom to Market-street and parted. Pri- SOC^r Was subsequently seen in the brewery j yard and tiw? <?ntra>no«e to the office. Sonio time later JB20 was missing from the table in the cashier's office, and suspicion fell upon Denby, who was traced to Swansea by P.S. Dunn and arrested as stated above.

diss TEIFY DAVIES. Chat-with the Hoody-Manners Contralto. N'l Teify Davies. C.A.M., who takes th, in "Carmen," SLebet in mi-i Lasarilio in "Maritana," is o' puw^v welsh srentage, ana although, rv.;«:ing, almost a neophyte '"tSnghsS ». is rapidly making a name il-I hers, n he profession. She is the contralto p; "ia donna with the opera com- pare now performing at the Grand Theatre, Swansea. "ij is not often that the Welsh eien-nt is > conspicuous in class opera com- pain "Vi it is therefore gratifying to note tha.t in :Jt!S Tefy Davies, R.A.M., 11 We have the perooflifi^ation of a high standard of merit in mUSlC and elocution. She studied at- the Royal Academy 'or three years "Oder Mr. A. Oswald and other masters of smgmg, and received lessons in elocution fiom Mr. Ian Robertson, brother of Mr. Fotb"" Robertson. Miss Davies gained five medals at the Academv, and entertains we highest opinions of Madame "Blanche Afarch-i, to whose able instruc- tion in music and singing, and sound advice about her prospects, Miss Davies at- tributes licr "lusical success. For two years intadai-ae Marchesi imparted to her the skill and finesRe needed to fit her for the opera stage) and strongly advised I er to take to opcra Madame Blanche Mar, chesi is the daoghter of Madame Marchesi, of Paris, who trained Melba., Calve, and other celebrated °pera singers. Miss Davies, completing her musical and litsrary s^^ies, undertook concert work, and her "ebut in Swansea in the polioe concert c|)l,ple of years ag0 pro. claimed the faC* Jt she was a singer cf the best type. being on that occasion en- cored twice aft# song. She h;is sIqcj then bam in gi*"a ^tnand fcr Welsh festi- vals and concep, and fast waek at Porth proved a grea^ ^cess. Fading Miss Davies at home 7^ Tuesday, a chat re English opera i11'1"5 proved very inter- esting. ÑIisB Teify Da vies stated in the iflt>9Tview a "'Daily Post" reporto-r had with her that she believed the interest of the provinces in opera was rapidly ^^easing. Swansea is the only Weish town visited by this com- oany, and the appreciation of the audiences testify that there are of lovers of the opera, despite the nuinber of counter at- tractions. Miss Davies thinks the Welsh are opera devotees. Mr- Manners, in his lectures last season on the musical profes- sion, stated that the Welsh people had the best temperament for and next in order of precedence the Li. Scotch, rid English. The South of Znglaud MIPS I'avies considers is not so enihusiae;. ab" •' singing as the North.. i

Welsh International Fifteen fChosen. The Welsh Dcion Selection Committee met. at Oairdiff on Wednesday earning, a.n.i picked the following team to represent Walm at Cardiff on Ba,turd3-Y week: — WiA-LEiS.—Back, Ceoirge Davies (Swansei.); I three-quarters, Dam Bees (S-waiieea) rijrht centre, li. T. Gaba (Oardiff) left centre. W. Llewellyn (Newport), right wing. E. T. Mor- ETaji (London Welsh), left wing; half-backs, li M. Owen (Swansea, inside, nn<i R. Jones (> waasea, outside); forwards, W. Josepn wansea), A. F. Hamtiing (Ijond-oai Welsh:, r,01^8 (Aberdare), C. M. Prifcchard (New- P«rtJ, j j. Hodges (New-port), Harry Wa.tkius t? W- IVeiii (Cardiff), Gr- Travers (Pill Harriers). foikKwing -were selected as reserves:— i T3 ^°ung (Cardiff); three-quarters, l.i, 8 (Ixxmioai Welsh), and, F. -r- ^snaea), right or left centre, C. Biggs (Cardiff) right wing, W. J. Trew (Swan- sea), left wing; haif-baeks. D. Gent- (Glouoes- SL v W- Jo^> first re- T._ Gibbs (Penaa-th) (for Jonee) second J0'™1'6*' J" F- ^)ni«i a 1 i*7 Thomas (Penygraig), T. Evans (Llanelly) W. Taylor (Bridgend). ju<5e. Douslae is the touch-

NEATH NOTES. rrir Evan Roberts and N oath Town Council. A Fertile Field for the Gospel of Love! To my leadens one and ill A 1-iiapliy and 'pmsper'Gus New Year. --+- -+- AllKl just- ano.tiher word The vcar will ine just what you make it. You may say tha.t. that is a very debatable point, but you. just usize it up thoroughly, and you will find it vaiy ne«iy correct. and you will find it vaiy re vAy correct. ..4>- I have written so frequently in these coiunins about had trade, Una*, repetition can- not ba but monotoiiouiS. c:I ø Bu really things are bad. Ycs, the old gentkenan wiw has jnwt "taken his book" has If it us a les^aicy of bad waa-e, altliougli in ISeath a,nd district Ifhttters are not nearly so bad a6 at t.ndiff a;:d New- 1 wa» diking to a very old 'iihabituit of Neath a few days ago-a gentleman, of wide experience and t.iuwl—ana he told me that t-Ktde in Neath and district never got i-ecliy very bad; t.he low water matfk :;i ha-rd tiiiK^s was never reached, as was the '.J<k"e in OOIlJû plaoes. So if experience tmches, Me may .soon expect an i-niprovenient in the middling" bad t.unes we have now with ns. Meantime it is gratifying to find helping hands .ytix?tabed forward. In the mst place let me deal briefly with )JT Olb -no. Johnson, of the Victoria Theatre. The thought- struck this gentleman that, the chiud/ren of the Cot-tage llomes, the boys of Segur l^ef-orrfKiton, and the inmates of Ute, WorkhQU8e, would like to see his panto- mi.m.e Aladdin. So with the pertr ioii of the respc<3t.ive authorities he invited them, ana they came, and were delighted with the performance given on Sat-urday last- Mr. Johnson completed the afternoon's pleasure bj jiretesming the children with oranges and Wtlts, wnd the grown-u with pipes Wcco muff. I 1- Now we come to the treat to the lefomia- tqry boys, given by Mr. and Mrs. Gibbins of Cart hmoi\n. Tlie boys were provideel ,vit.h an exoellent- dinner on the goood old English line's, and later in the week Mr. W. Thomias (Welsh eoanedian) organised a con- cert, which passed off very successfully. The following artistes took part Lizzie Lewis, Master Arthur Thomas, M. W. 1 hoanas, Jno. Ijew-if-, John Williams, and Ceo. Goggeridge (accompanist). And last, but not least, the thumping treat to the poor children of the town. Wondrous sights were witnessed at the Gwyn Hall, on 1 liffeday evening, when about 1,000 po-oi- cliildren were given the treat of their lives. A bountiful tea was followed by an eiitertiinmont, which iricludtxl the old yet. ever-new drama of Punch a.nd Judy; the distribution of oranges and apples; and best of all a visit from. a. N'al Father Cliristmas (the Ivev. Fra.nk Joshua) who crowned the delight cf the ymingsters by d.ist-i-ibuting a thousand toys. The proceedings were opened by the Rector (the Rev. A. F. Evans, M.A.), in a bright Jii-tle speech. He was supp-orted by the Hevs. Edward Morgan, Frank Joshua, D. • Hopkins, ard o-tbers. At the cle. of the rector's speech grace was sung, and immediately the ladies at the various tables became very busy. It was a t-reat to see the hungry youngsters at "work." The ca- pacity d'sph^ed by some of them was sur- prising, nay even "alarming." After tea- the chair (which was hardly sat in) wa.s taken by Mr. J. E. Richards, who, "armed" with a policeman s wlnstle, and a showman's rattle was conspicuously successful in aekFiur to the n{)i.. and frwiic. The Punch and Judv ex- hioition was much enjoyed, this important pa-rt. of the entertainment b,'ing given bv the well-known lr. Pony Moore, and Mr. Harry Hayes, of Swansea, i'r. Moore also gave a solo on ,he banjo, and a capital r-ndcriucr of a aughing song. Before Punch went off the platform t,lic the chairman shook ht,nds, and the latter is having a medal struck to commemorate this u-aique event, which is practically coterminous with the surrender of .1 ^hur- Att«r the distribution of fruit, the children in relays were admitted to the pJatform, where Father Christmas, in tradi- Miii-y, gu.\o i-jr everyone u, t-uv. The iunction was to tlie \oung folks and their friends a In.ppv one from first to lift, a.nd friends a one from first to lift, a.nd words cannot 1> found to sprees t<he thanks of the thousand little quests to. Lily homaiS (the initiator of the generous enter- to Mr. R. WilHanus, the treasurer; to a-i 7) i' Town Clerk, the auditor; 1 ,-J j 1 r ladies and genblvmcn v.-lio woriced and gave so ungrudgingly. ^!r. Eran Roberts will viWt Skewen next w^k ana Neath a few days later. Seats [wnl be_ naserval for tiie members oi th' N ea/t-h 1 own Co^inci!. (;t —3 my dog- is dead." Ln-aeect: I am scwry to h-ear that. Did lie aw of lus own accord ?"—Overheard in a N-eiiitii hostelry a few nights ago. A certain young man has fo- ( week been getting himself di4ike-<l hv ™fcjna- orga-msed attack on i-he waiy and un ufP' enwind.ng (.'hvisrtnias and ifew Year's hoxo-. 1 lty. too. It is time for someone u> explain the di- gesting action of the Neath crowd towards lr. W. M. Doug-las OIl Saturdav 1 <1"lt,. Do not let it be taken ft". one moment tint I agree with the baiting of referee. I don't hut I do object to the statements in some newspapers to the eifeot tli.it Mr. l)-:>ugl,s w mobbed; for no 6uch i)<n,pp€[lw] thi :<Yi^ progress Mr. Douglas, who waf too slow to follow it. gave demons Avnich a section of the speoftators disapproved of; ¿J.lld t.}¡tey, yery wrongly, no doubt, hooted him. and at times cheered him ironicl ally. XVlien the game was over a few bovs folhwetl him to the Bird-in-Hand, shouting and booing. Admittedlv this was regret.tab'e enough, but when certain Eastern scrips try to magnify the offence 111 a way which cannot but injure the Neath Club, it is quite time for someone to step in and tell a plain truth- ful, unvarnished tale. There were one or two amusing incidents in the Neath Bankruptcy Court em Tuesdav. incidents which will easily bear reference in this column. One who has been "fortunate" to attend such courts in a. position ohher than, thai of debtor, cannot- fail to have impressed by the "fact" that in every ■c-a*'1 we_ have the statement: "The fur»*far<> claimed by bankrupt- wife." strange^ passing strange that when *i>rcspfot-ive;' bankrupts enter in the °,f ^«tri-nonv. the nifi't'her. father, uncle, gpindfa&ber aJ- mo«t invsv,riably pnrchiee tne furniture and presient it to t<he hride. 1 is just one exception, and tMt ^'Here the bride buys the furmtnre ot iier own savings. No wonder, tlJef1, t ie r.-rnark of Mr. R.egi.rn.r Oh-a.rles 1X1 t TOSday It would be refreshing to find one ii,pt owning his own furni- mrc. n I H<? <ynrn> from the farm, a trusting un- sopbist.v-Uod young man. And he s-ttled in Aberavon, where the P&licv of the ljeop]e !s like unto that obtaining in Lai He had bsen done unto. etc. iut LJarol'HJ. And The thought the f;:tme would h.-wen at Aberavon. L'nluckv fellow k The,v did him down, and on Tuesday be found hnnsdt m the Bankm,>tcv Court <1 had a-w,ays found people honest, 'in Llandilo." he told the Court. "and I thought the people of Aooravon WOTT' the same. I trusted t hem flic ^m" ^ut this voung man from the country had preferred his dad over other croditoiis, and the learned Official Receiver, i 1 persistency pnculi.ar to him. wanted to know why. And he, after a time-! ?°t ti>e aaitswecr ho lesist expected. It wa6 tins; lleoanse my father is nearer to me t han else." "Now I am perfectly satis- lied. replied the Official Receiver. "I am glad of that," the debtor was undorsifcood to murrrmr. 'Inhere has Ixeai a great deal of gplntteriT,r °'*cr the boys' match at Neath. Lnferl; ,n. f>t<sly I was unable to l>e jjxvsert' be-jge l Was lying lselpless in the toils of t.ie ^einon influenza, and therefore am Dot in poajtion to criticise "MerlinV nobe6, as I s xould like. But- judging from the r' from Trh-a-t I hear all ^around nie, must have errod in being 11 apologist for Swansea's crusting defeat. <- There are y wh,) imaging that 1 the Neath jostioes have given Air- t- R. I rue- bv: „ At Glamorgan Quarter Sessions- on Vmb- day James Burford (37), collier, presnmed rather too much upon the innoceooe of the jury. He was caught in Mr. E. C. Curtis's fowl-house at Neath, clinging to a loadly- quackmg (iuck's neck. He now told the court he went to the fowl-house to drive away two dogs which were worrying the birds. ° "Are you in the habit," asked Mr. Ivor Bowen. who prosecuted on instru,.tDS from Messrs. Morgan and David, Neatb, "of going about, in this way protecting other people's property?" Prisoner, who effusively assured the court he was tefiing a true duck story, was found guilty and sentenced to iwo months' hard labour. At Neath Bankruptcy Court on Tuesdav Michael Lannen, of 15, Queen-street, milk vendor, had liabilities of £ 56d Is. 8d., and deficiency £ 522 15s. 2d., and alleged as cause of failure "less by opening up a branch business at Maesteg and Blaen- garw." 111 man at Maesteg, who was supposed to send m a daily statement, did not do so for three months. The furniture belonged to his wife. The Registrar It would be very refresh- ing to see some bankrupt now who had fur- niture of his own. (Laughter.) The case was adjourned, debtor being or- dered to supply accounts. Coedfranc Council met at Sliewen on Tufts. day night, Mr. William Lloyd presiding. A vote of sympathy was passed to Mr. John Newall Moore, Longford Court, in his serious illness.-Tiie Architect of the Free Library presented plans.—Re Moore town Bridge and Cwrtyclafdy Crossing, Neat,h District Coun- cil referred the question back, and intimated that unless 1 he parish was prepared to givo up the crossing the District Council could do nothing.—It was resolved to again defer tho parish meeting another month in consequence of revival meetings, and to obtain further information. A letter from Neath District Free Church Council, calling attention to the increasing prevalence of Sunday opening of shops, Waft deferred consideration of, as doubt was ex- pressed as to whether such carne under the Council's jurisdiction. In anticipation of the opening of the Free Library in March, it was resolved to appoint a sub-committee of seven to make arrange- ments. NEATH COLLIERY PROPRIETOR'S FAILURE. ,jt Neath Bankruptcy Court, on Tuesday, Mr. b. L. Jones, colliery proprietor, ap- prarcd io undergo his adjourned public examination. Mr. G. F. Hill appeared for the trustee; Mr. A. T. James for several creditors, and Mr. C. V. Pegge for the debtor. The Official Receiver (Mr. Thomas Thomas) said that according to the document handed in by debtor, £ 5,300 was lost in two years in wagon hire and in carrying on Gored Mer- t-hyr Colliery and the Melincourt Brick- wprks. Was not that, he asked, reckless trading? Debtor: It would not have been so if the contract had been carried out. That sum was included in the developmeflC of the pro- perty. Mr. Hill examined debtor a.3 to t varioas undertakings in which he had been con- nected. Debtor said a Mr. Nicholson promised to bring in £25,000, but really brought in JESOO. He regarded Mr. Nicholson as a partner. Have you disclosed all your relationships with Mr. Nicholson?—Yes. Mr. Nicholson is practically a creditor for -6500. and you regard him as a partner. For £500 yon make him a partner :n all the arc- Pertics you had got ?—He was going to bring in a considerable sum— £ 25,00^—but h., didn't. He, however, introduced a French gentlemsn, who put some money into the concern How mn:b money was brought i £ 5.000. These French gentlemen were indj«*i to buy shares in the company?—Yes, tlr. nd Mr Nicholson got shares of j L" face value of £ 20,000. and now of the c«ri ated value 01 £ 10,000? But I had £ 46,003 originally. The only capital Mr. Nicholson f wa" £ 5,000?—Yes. Was ,t net a rather extravagant tfT, Jones?—If it had worked out hi¡l it- would not have been. Did Mr. Nicholson pay the floi-itws ex- penses?—He paid part. He expected to he refunded, and I got some of it back,' Will you undertake to hand ove all doou ments which have passed between you ,j. I Mr. Nicholson?—Certainly. The case was further adjourne

Supposed Disaster in the Channel. It was report-ed to the shipping authorities at Penarth on Tc. iisdav bv Captain Arm- strong, of ll, ,s. Dalegarth, that when fourteen north-north-west of the Bihor" Rock, St. Bride's Bay, he passed spVio wreckage, including a li'fobelt and a lifebuoy, and later found the body of a man on a cabin door. It was then thought probable that a ship had foundered, for a considerable amount of wreckage was observed floating about. The crew of the Dalegarth tried met hods to restore life but failed, and the body was taken to Penarth mortuary. Painted on the top of the lifebelt was "s.s. Seara," and at the bottom "Iquit<*>" (d port in Bolivia). It is probable the foundered vessel is a fine steamer that left Liverpool on Sunday for a port in Soulli America. The Dalegnrth's crow afterwards sea-ched the wreckage, but found no traces of any lives.

"La Traviata": First Perform- ance in Wales, 'Un' A triumphant blaze of colour and song at- tended tho representation of "La Traviata" by the Moody-Manners Opera Co. at the Grand Theatre, on Wednesday night, and in the opinion of those who have nightly gathered at the Th--pian ,rinp during the present enga £ *?mont- Verdi's beautiful opera ranks high as the chef d'eeuvre of the reper- toire- WTicre so many inspiring and popular works are included it is difficult to single out one m particular, so different is the mood a!)(i conception of the great masters, but one thing is certain, that "La Traviata" occupies a leading place in the heart* of true music lovers, and no better performance could have been given than that by the talented and capable company on Wednesday evening. The theme is full of tenderness and joy, whir.li melts into sorrow at the close, and the gentle, but enduring "love of "Violette" is painted in such rich shades that only Verdi could conceive and pourtray. The triumph belongs to Miss Grace Nicoll, who is given in this role full scope for her powers. Her voice was never heard to bet- ter advantage than on Wednesday, and the superlative can alone express the merit of her performance, which evoked an enthusiasm on the part of the audience demanding calls again and again at the end of the Acts. And in this honour Mr. r^ Arthur, aa "Alfred Germont," shared. for while th# success mainly rested with Miss Nicoll, a considerable part rested with her lover, who woos and spurns his -love, only to be re-united when it is tOO late. Miss Teify Davies, *s "Flore !3ervoi.x:bas not many denmnds on her ability, but char- acteristically sho i"cS what is required ex- cellently. h. T. ft- Wood, as "Oeo Ger- mant"; Mr. J. ("Gaston"); Mr. Van Sachterop ("Par#n") Mr. D. Fuller ("Mar- quis") and Mr- ^in £ ("tlle doctor"), and other< fulfilled their respective roles with every credit. The chorus was powerfully ct T' ,ng, and orchestra was, under the baton of -W- ti. Frewm, everything that could be d^11" It was gratifying to find the house on Wednesday Wr,-s better in point of numbers, ■he dresl circle being fairly well patronised.

Making Money Fels-Naptha I- turns 2-id into $f6 on washday 52 times a ymr, if you go by the book. Fels-kaptba 39 WiLW4 btreet LopdenZQ

STOESSEI/3 APPEAL "Great Sovereign, Forgive": Pathetic Dispatch, Mediation Prospects: Russian Peace Movement. (Press Association Special Service). St. Petersburg, Wednesday.— General Stoessel, telegraphing on January 1, says: — Yesterday morning the Japanese fired mines, resulting in tremendous explosions under Fort Wo. 3, and immediately there- after opened an infernal bombardment along the whole line. A portion of the slender garrison of this fort perished beneath its ruins, the remnant succeeding in making its way out. After two hours' bombardment the Japan- ese assaulted the Chinese Wall, extending from No. 3 Fort to Eagle's N-eet Fort. Two assaults were repulsed, our field artillery doing much damage to the Japanese. It being impossible to maintain our hold of the Chinese Wall, 1 ordered onr troops last night to retire upon the hills behind the walL, leaving our right flank on High Hill. The greater part of the eastern front is in the hands of the Japanese. We will not be able to hold our new posi- tions long, and when they fall we shall have to capitulate. But everything is in the hazids of God. We have suffered great losses. Two regi- mental commanders—Gandourino and Se- menoff—are wounded, the hero Gandourine very greviously. The commander of No. 3 Fort, Captain Seredoff, perished in the ex- plosion. Great Sovereign, forgive. We have done a-1 that was humanly possible. Judge us, but 'oe merciful. Months of ceaseless fighting has exhausted our strength. A quarter only of the defenders, and one- half of these invalids, occupy 27 versts of fortifications without support, and without intervals for even the briefest repose. The men are reduced to shadows. (Note.—It may be stated that according to Russian law the commander of a fortress which capitulates must be brought before a special court to be examined as to whether the means of defence within his power were sufficient or whether surrender was a matter of absolute necessity.) CZAR NICHOLAS' CURT REPLY. (Press Association Special Service). Tokio, Wednesday.—The Czar has cabled to General Stoessel informing him that the Russian officers are at liberty to choose be- tween giving their parole and remaining prisoners of war. USEFUL HAUL FOR JAPAN'S NAVY. (Press Association War Special.) The Japanese booty at Port Arthur is stated to be little except 80,000 tons of coal and two months' rice rations. Of the 270 naval officers who were at Port Arthur at the beginning of the war, 180 have been killed or wounded. Many of these casualties occurred while the officers were serving in the forts. NON-COMBATANTS TO BE RELEASED. (Press Association War Special.) Tokio, Thursday.—A supplementary agree- ment concluded between the Japanese and Russians in connection with the capitulation of Purt Arthur provides that civil officials who have not served as volunteers shall be released without being required to give parole. PORT ARTHUR'S TERRIBLE STORY APPALS RUSSIA. St. Petersburg, January 4.—The depres- sion and humiliation caused by the news of the fall of Port Arthur have been succeeded by a feeling of relief that the sufferings of I the garrison are at an end. There is a disposition among the Radical section to blame General Stoessel for pro- longing a useless defence. The terrible con- dition of the garrison has appalled even those optimists who still look forward to final vic- tory. How many more hospital trains, they ask, will return to Russia with their freight of human wreckage before the Japanese are ex- pelled from the Asiatic Continent?—-("Stan- dard.") BITTER REPROACHES ABOUT EURO. PATKIN. Odessa, January 4.—The Press and the public combine io praise General- StoBssel and his garrison, but bitter reproaches are heard at the failure of General Kuropatkin to relieve the devoted fortress. He is accused of weakly throwing away his opportunities six months ago by disas- trous Fabian tactics. The papers have not a single magnanimous word for the intrepid Japanese assailants, but the public are more just and generous. —("Standard.") MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR PORT ARTHUR REFUSED. T (Press Association War Special). Wei-hai-wci, Thursday.—H.M.S. Andro- moedp, has returned here from Port Arthur not having been allowed to land her medical and other stores there. The cruiser proceeded to a small bay ten miles to the north of the fortress, where she entered into communication with the Japan- ese authorities. • The latter refused all offers of assistance in the way of medical aid or stores of any kind, and declined to allow the ship's officers to come closer in shore, the reason given that the conoealed Russian mines had not yet been discovered. The chaplain of the Andromeda is the Rev. Dd. Richards, who, as the name sug- gests, is a Welshman. He recently lectured at Cardiff. St. Petersburg, January 4.—A passionate cry for peace is being raised by Russians who are not directly concerned with the mainten- ance of the prestige of the Government and the country. Princo Galitzin, the Mayor of Moscow, in the course of a speech just delivered, de- clared that the whole of Russia was offer- ing up the prayer, "Oh Lord, grant this country the blessings of Peace." The "Nosse Dni" says that if the people propose peace, the enemy will grant terms that will be acceptable and will not conflict with the real interests of the country.— "Standard." Odessa, January 4.—Notwithstanding the crushing blow to Russia's mititary prestige, a. feeling of profound relief at the termina- tion of the tragedy of Port Arthur exists in enlightened circles. The masses are now hopeful that peace may be concluded without further carnage. Reports are everywhere current that the BaJtic Squadron is to be recalled. This is regarded as lending colour to the peace rumours.—"Standard." TOKIO'S DOUBTS ABOUT RUSSIA. Tokio, January 3, 9.40 p.m.—While ad- mitting the possibility of a revival of the agitation, it is doubted whether Russia suf- ficiently appreciates the realities of the situa- tion to justify any optimistic view. In any case Japan is quite prepared to con- tinue hostilities if necessary.—"Standard." HAY REQUIRES A JOINT REQUEST. New York, January 4.—It is suggested that the United States, as the friend of both parties, might act upon the request of either. Mr. Hay still insists that a joint request would be necessary, on the precedent of the Boer War. That the combatants would communicate through their respective allies, who might unite in a. reference to the United States, is recognised as a possibility involving a. duty which the United States would not shirk. Indeed, this country regards itself as excep- tionally qualified to discharge such a task, on account of its freedom from entangling con- ditions and its possession of a recognised policy which is approved by the world. The retention of Port Arthur by the Japanese is a rather moot point. The claim is recognised as fair, but it is set off by a possible International demand for the neu- tralisation of the place, and is complicated by England presumably taking up a position based on the possession of Woi-Hai-Wei.— "Standard." SYMPTOMS OF REVOLUTION IN RUSSIA. (Reuter's War Special.) St. Petersburg, Thursday.—The Liberal organ "Nashi Din" has received Govern- mental warning because of its harmful ten- dency. The right of the paper and of the "Russ" to sell single copies is withdrawn. Prince Turbetzkoi, president of tho Mos- cow Zemstvo, declares that representative '^titutions can alone avert revolution, now thten-

ROBERTA CAMPAIGN. Rousing Scenes at Trinity and Babe 11. "Bending" the Congregation: Evangelist's Emotion. Powerful Working of the Spirits' influence, If the shades of the dead visit the scenes where they walked in the flesh, Capel y Trinity, Swansea, must have been filled with spirits on Tuesday evening. Its wails are still fragrant with the memories of 1859. Within them occurred some of the most mov- ing incidents of the second revival, within them many of its leaders stirred their con- gregations to the outbursts which distin- guished this quickening. And here it was that the young leader, who is now shaking the dry bones and clothing them, appeared before a great audience which had assembled nearly three hours before his arrival. Early indications of the temperament of the people made one eager to see how this material would be worked upon by Evan Roberts (writes the "Daily Post" represen- tative). There seemed, by the test of sing- ing in both languages, to be a preponder- ance of English in the oongregation; one heard for the first time during the revival popular Slankey tunes, and it was the English translations of the Welsh hymns which met with most acceptance. Sae&oneg words were found instead of "Dewch at Iesu," and a remarkable sequence of refrains were "Save the Drunkard," "And the Gambler," "And the Member," and "Come to Swansea." But about seven o'clock someone had the genius to strike up "Huddersfield." The words, "Pa Dduw sy'n maddeu fel Tydi?" (Who is a pardoning God like Thee?) were repea.ted and repeated until a new note of sincerity wa.s struck. When at last it came to an end. Mr. Hill, of Clydach, jumped up and .stated there w-as something \Tong. We ha.ve been here two hours, and have had only had two Welsh prayers 2" "Yes," shouted a Cwmtwrch lad, who had been excitedly praying and speaking in the gallery, "they are quenching the Spirit up here." The wife of a South African missionary was also insistent upon the necessity for prayer above song. "I feel jealous for Cymry," she said, passionately. "Is it pos- sible that the pagaai can be got to love Jesus more than us f A little time the pagan has had to &3e Him we have heard of Him from our cradles." "Gwaed y Groes" was being sung when Mr. Roberts arrived; its refrain "Gad deimlo" quickened as he ascended the pulpit, but, following a rule he generally observes now, he stopped the singing. Of whom, ho asked, were they singing? Of God? Well, then. there must be the spirit of prayer. Let there be prayer! Onesootn came "Some at the docks asked me where Evan Roberts would be to-night. They said they would come here for 'typin o sport!' Diolch i Ti no sport is to be had here! If they have come in here save them." The evangelist's dramatic instinct was strong this e vening "The Spirit is here it is very .strong to-night. Don't you feel it?" —his fingers are quivering. a.nd clutching the air.—"It comes like the wind"—a bold sweep of the long arms.—"If you don't get a 'ben- dith' (blessing) to-night—well, I don't know know what to do!"—an helpless look of utter despair- Then there is a startling innovation. The evangelist delivered a long English address Here are its points "Have you felt the Spirit here to-night? This afternoon we had joy— a meeting full of joy. To-night we have a sense of the presence of the Lord here; have it powerfully. 'Stand still!' We want to go on, but He says, 'Stand still!' Let us all stand still. He is to get victory in His way, in His time. I suppose we wanted to have singing going on, and God said, 'No, be still.' Perhaps we wanted to receive re- sults at once. The Lord says, 'Be still and see the .salvation of the Lord.' We know now what has happened here to-night. God knows! Yes, the Spirit has been leading to-night, and it will always lead. "Can we sta-ni still, when arc to destruction, relatives, enemies, neighbours, going every moment, running, rushing? Can we hold our peace? Not in that sense! If so, we also are going to destruction. Once W) are saved we fisk the Lord to save, others. It is a. grand prool that we are saved. "Must we pray for others? 'Our Father, which art in heaven.' 'Our Father,' not Father We are connected, we cannot be separated, we are one in Christ, brethren and sisters, every one. If so we must pray for some friend, some relative. Let us see! Those that have, will they stand 7" Half the congregation got to their feet: Mr. Roberts looked surprised and asked, "Is this true? I am afraid you have misunder- stood me. I am afraid there is some hypo- crisy here." Again he put the question, this time more clearly. A few loss rose. "Thank you," he answered. "I see now what was the matter. We lack intensity in prayer. We have been saying, 'Oh, God. save this one'—and the prayer was uttered in a limp, insincere sort of way. "But how did Christ pray? With all His soul. 1 knew there was something ont of plaœ You that have, full assurance of salvation, will you stand." One here and there in the vast audience were on their feet. "Yes, yes, that is what is wanted." The evangelist looked as if the solving of the problem had greatly relieved him. Now a. strange change came over the meeting. Miss Annie Da vies, on bent knees and with covered face, was humming, "Nearer, my Lord, to Thee," and there was a. subdued accompaniment from all parts of the building. But there was an indefinable something wanting, and again Evan Roberts I looked perplexed. "Have you closed the door against conviction?" he asked with wonder. Still the meeting dragged. "Oh, but we are bound to get it. We must, must bend, and we .will, let us be as stiff as we like Then a young lady, a visitor from North Wales, poured out her soul. "I want to be saved," she cried. "I want to give up all things to Thee. Oh, my heart is hard! Break it! Bend it!" After this there came many such humble petitions, and suddenly, in the twinkling of an eye, the character of the meeting changed' Someone who was praying in the gallery jumped up and an- nounced by "Diolch Iddo" that Trinity's re- cord was not to be an empty one. After that the scenes were those which went straight to the coldest heart. They bent the most stubborn, smashed down the reserve. As contrite sinners wept their re- morse, as children prayed with running tears for parents, and parents for children, Evan Roberts grew brighter and more cheerful, until in the end he laughed out of sheer joy. The people had been bent! Their spirit had been broken! ROBERTS TO SPEND TWO DAYS IN THE DISTRICT. At the conclusion of the-Trinity meeting (writes the "Daily Post representative) Mr. Evan Roberts informed me that on Thurs- day he would be at Cwm, Llansamlet, and on the Friday at Pentredwr, and another chapsl in the same district. The full list of engagements to January 13, are as follows:—5th, Cwm, Llansamlet; 6th, Carmel and Tabor, Llansamlet: 8th, Llwymbrwydraw, near Skewen; 9th, Birch- grove: 10th and 11th, Skewen; 12th 13th, Tonna and Aberdulais. DAN ROBERTS'S APPOINTMENTS. 8fch and 9th January, Pontardawe. 10th and 11th January, Cymraer, Maesteg. 12th and 13th January. Glvncorrwg. SIDNEY EVANS'S FIXTURES. 8th a.nd 9th January, Brynmawr. 10th and 11th January, Bla.enavon. 12th and 13th January, Beaufort. YSTRADGYNLAIS MINISTERS' RECON- CILIATION. Remarkable scenes were witnessed at Sardis Chapel, Ystradgynlais, where Mr. Dan Roberts is conducting a mission. One man prayed with such intensity that his friends had to hold him down. Many sobbed like children. A touching scene was that in which Revs. W.M. Morgan,' D. J. Davies ] and William Griffiths, who have had "differ- ences," were publicly reconciled in the pul- ] Pit- i

"DAILY POST" FOOTBALL"CARTOON. An attractive innovaitdooi has been intro- danced into the footbaJl ao-lumnis of the "Daily Post" on Saturdays. Each v,-02k-end i a, simtrtiy-drawn pictorial cartoon, rcsproduo ing the salient and topical features of the match of the moment, the work of Mr. Bert 1 rh.anM £ the well-kooivii Swajjfiea t;, is 1 published* 11

ROBERTS' TRIUMPHAL PROGRESS. Prayer for Peace at Trinity Chapel. Petitions Offered Up for Ebenezer and Trinity Deacons. When Evan Roberts entered the pulpit of CapeJ-y-lranity, Swansea, on Wednesday evening, the usual pallor of his face and its fatigued look made those who had seen him break down in the afternoon anxious about the strain upon his health. The evangelist lives in. a spiritual world of his own, lights with the devil even as Luther did, and con- verses with a God so real to him as the people he meets in the flesh. Cynical critics who have used second-hand opinions to form their impressions have said that all this mystical communion with the unseen is, to put it vulgarly, "put on," that it is insincere; and even when they consider the ,s.incerity they question the sanity. Upon that matter the opinion formed by the newspaper men who have followed his pilgrimage step by step should be of some little value. Generally they have been plaoed in an excellent position to judge of his demeanour, at the reading desks right beneath the pulpit, and thev have no doubt on either point. They believe in Evan Ro- berts. Whatever the impulse, wherever it proceeds from—and that is a matter outside my province here—the leader of the revival, it is very apparent to me (writes the "Daily Post representative), realty suffers poignant pain in those distressing moments we have seen at some of the Swansea services. entered the pulpit> and leaning over its desk, v ith closed eyes, ho prayed silently. Great sighs shook his body, a.nc| those near him feared another collapse. Happily he recovered his composure, but he cast a spell of solemn silence over the people when he y, his per ed "Mac'r Yspryd vn ofnadwy nawr ("The Spirit is terrible now). His long arms were stretched out to their full length, and his sensitive fingers quivered as it being played upon by a. strong wind. Tho congregation seemed under some influence which stifled everything but quiet worship. prayers were subdued and without the ring of passion. The sound of the sweet voice of Annie Davies rose above them, the slow measured strains of "1 need Thee, Oh, I need Thee." stillness still reigned over the meeting, s arcely broken by the petition of those who asKed for the salvation of Swansea. People moved with a strange ca -1 that no noise should disturb its sanctity. It intensified wtien a Swansea solicitor made a remarkable appea.. Lend the deacons of Trinity and Ebenezer, he prayed. "Make them shake hands; make them shake hands with me personally" Another prayed, but he was interrupted by the evangelist, who had been striking his hands together in perplexity until sudden,y his brow cleared and he bounded—the word is no exaggeration—to the frnt. "I have it now Here is a ques- tion given m9 by the Spirit to ask, 'Those who are at peace with all Practically the whole congregation got to their feet. But Mr. Roberts wanted no mis- understanding, and repeated the question in nghsh. "I only wish," added regret- fully, I could see into every h^rf The people had been seated perhaps half a minute before he repeated the test. This time with j the words, "Mind what you do now, for fear I the Spirit will strike you down! Those that are at peace with everybody When itl., response was made his Ughtened as he ) ■said "They are sitting dc a mm, some'who were standing just now. Give aiercy at 6rto> j rorgive ana you will be forgiven." Tu the evangelist remarked thai- he t- lowed by the Spirit to :>&l- them to rise j say, "God, Thou knowest I am at ptace w:th all people." Some of tliean who had got up j would be afraid of saying that! J A cry for peace rr'ed th. rtcHin^ hence- forward. A young grhi situng Tr gallery J rose, crying, and .striking it's front lu f. "God make them forgive ire." she praytx.. "I have forgrven them give them strength to forgive me I ask Thee to make them i.ove me. They are in the same church as me"—a shocked "Oh, dear" from the evan- gelist—"and I am ready to s.hJggJ.o dwy- law' with them now." Her petition for peace was the forerunner otmanv others. "Hedd-.vch Heddweh^' came- insis- tent cry of the leader. "When all the cnurekes of Swansea, are united, when every member is for Christ, it will be but a short time before the town is cleansed." Mel). gang "Pa' Dduw .sy'n maddeu fel Tydi?" with tear-flooded faces. Then occurred an incident which shOok the stiffness and reserve of the most stoical A young, light-haired lad came KJishing u'p to the "set iawr, and fell at theWea J his pastor, the xtev. William James, of Ebenezer. "Pray for me; pray for me!» he m0aned. In an instant Evan Robrts was dov,-n at his side, with his arms sympathetically around him. There was a whispered col- loquy, ended by both leaping back into t.he oulpit, and the younger coming to its front, weeping bitterly, the evangelist still embrac- ing him, and laughing. "Is jmam here?" he shouted. Mam!" "Yes, my boy," came'a faint reply fr0m somewhere in the congregation. "Oh mam, mam -—.the tears. Wer being driven away by a laughter which ill alQoment infected the congregation—"I've had it. Yes, indeed! ^He has saved me j fjow beautiful it is "Yes, of course. explained Evan Ro- berts to him 5)it is heaven And Miere is 'Diolch Iddo? I have never heard the cha.nt of being sung with such joy as was shot?11 at Trinity. And amidst it, the motboerwaS on her feet, giving thanks for the bending of son's spirit. "Well done, main was her boy s Comment on this prayer of thanksgiving. The people had not recovered ffom the strain of this went, when another YO\1ng man was on his feet. "The Spirit," be "has came to me to ask^for a for Dr. Barnardo's Homes. "No," saId cberts; "but you have obeyed the Spirit- Spirit savs 'No' to me. Inere6 no coltion to be in any of these meetings." Before the meeting concluded at there were some conversions. Twice tte came wails. d "Likesoroe complaining wind ajr,ong the pines, Or great among the fretfnl ocean c4ves r g vI>" d A sick, sad sound. When the evangelist heard them he laughed with joy. For to hi^ th^y were signs that hearts beinf humbled-and the Spirit, he hol, has to be best before salvation comes- Before the service I sought hiipres- sions formed by two repr.eseDt^iv« ^1^. men who were m the "set ^wr. ■ That courteously furnished me by the Rv. A. E. Barnes-Lawrence, Vicar of St. Michael's, Blackheath, will be read with annual in L "I was greatly impressed," Said, "by the spontaneity of the service 5 tt seemed to move of ltseii without apPareiVfc leader- ship. This was as marked after t arriva, of Mr. Evan Roberts as it had betjn before. The Holy Spmt has acknowledge, I must add, felt to be supreme. The revi valist himself waited tor guidance at ev^py poiut. Hot understanding Welsh, 1 only able to know in part what he said, but when he spoke of the sufferings and l°Heliness of Christ-, his emotion was unaffected and un- restrained. d. "Of excitement, in the ordinary of the term, there was little or none. The com- ir.onsense of the huge congregation was re- markable. It »ny one spoke 'citedly, or not to edification, a hymn began by someone or otner, and t-aKefl up until the speaker wa„s no longer heard. At no point did the meeting get out of hand for a moment- "I have no doubt at all that this move- ment is of God" a.nd that it ":111 be produc- tive of untold good. As an English clergy- man, I ,iiiou. like to express my g^nse of the | courtesy and Kindness of the oiiriisters and others who made room, for me in the 'big pew,' not without lnconve.ioe to them- jelves." Dr. McCaig, of Spurgeon's Pastor? Col- eg-e, who has fceon attending the Swan&e'^ 1:-eetings, told me that the stones h0 had (v-itnessed were ^vonderful- "You Welsh people," he .said, are so well ground in the scriptures, like the Scotch!" "And the particular impression you have tomed of the movement?" lW "Well" —the Principal pondered a.whi1 "I do not. wish to have myself brought into vrominence. Again he paused, then "But vou can say I am delighted at the meetings. [-believe they we the work of God." Later in the evening the Principal was good enough to give me his written. impres- slons:- "I did not oome to Wales as a critic of the revival, but as a sympathiser, but had I been a critic I think criticism would have been disarmed by the manifest tokens of the Divine presence and PaWtT. I fed. absolutely f ersuaded that the work is of God, and I am delighted with all I have seen and heard. I think Mr. Roberts a. charming personality, modest, unassuming,* natural, evidently full of the Spirit oi. God, and full of faith and wisdom. "I am hoping that the work will spread to England; there are tokens of blessing al- ready in London. The movement will be likely to take a slightly different form in ac- cord with the genius of the people, and we shall have an English revival which, like the Welsh revival, will come from God." MEETING OF THE ASSISTANTS IN THE BIG ESTABLISHMENT. Mr. Jarvis, of Messrs. Ben Evans &t.d Co.'s establishment, saw Mr. Evan Rober .> at the residence of Rev. W. E. Prytberch on Wednesday. Visitors from Leicester and Lincoln were also waiting, who had made the journey especially to see him. Mr. Jarvis told the evangelist thai the Bible Class at the establishment had been paying for a visit from him. At first he said no, but after a prayer by the emissary from the shop, and another offered- by him- self, he said he believed he would come. He arrived just after ten o'clock, at the conclusion of the Trinity, meeting, accom- pamed by the Misses Annie and Mary Davies. Three hundred filled the dining hall, and a very powerful service was held, which lasted until 11.50. fu answer to his request for confessions many stood and said they had decided for Christ. £ fince the start of the revival, the move- ment has had a very decided influence at Messrs. Ben Evans'. At eight o'clock on Wednesday evening a prayer meeting was held dn the furnishing workroom, which about 60 attended. PEOPLE WHO WANT TO SHOW = THEM SELVES. At BabeU on Wednesday, Mr. Roberts, with arm uplifted, asked for silence. There was instant obedience, but one man at the fa.r end started another hymn. He was sharply pulled up by the mis.sinPer and stopped. Next the evangelist remarked: "I have been allowing meetings to take their own course, and I have seen people quenching the Spirit and spoiling the meet- ings. They want to show themselves, not to show God. Away with them we won't have them. You can tell at once whether a man be in the Spirit or whether he be not. We will not have any hypocrisy. I have placed myself body and soul in the hands jf the Spirit; I have prayed for wisdom and if you think me severe ,it is the severity of the Spirit. Some meetings have been spoiled so that ether meetings may be saved; and thus I learnt wisdom." HERBERT BOOTH, SON OF GENERAL BOOTH, CONDUCTS THEM. The past two evenings great overflow meetings have been heH in the Mount Pleas- cni Baptist Church, Swansea. They have be^-n Ttost successf at. The church has been to the those who have taken a prominent part is !r. H»«- Booth, the youngest son r<i No announcement of his name vrr.-tfuud?, his identity has become b;ev«Jn. p-qfiv pi twnt. Yr, ~$f. «r: r'isin.m.d from the Salvation Arr- +. M o. and he has since been chttrehes of America. T v i the London "Chris- and participate in the hksahij.- jo. al before commencing hie r«-5 ;< 1 London at Dr. Barnardo's xv, 1 i Ó Vii at his disposal some ck member- <)' the Free Church Council arrir.g < to™ Mr. Booth to continue the meeting, a', W -.ev Chapel, to-night and over Sunday. i\ is hoped that thi's chapel, a great English centre of religious effort in Swansea, may abundantly share in the bless- ings and spread them far, and with the pas- tor and many others, will take part in the meetings. CURIOUS SUBJECT FOR A LOUGHOR ADDRESS. On Tuesday afternoon a mothers' meeting was commenced at Horeb Chapel, Loughor. Most of the women were engaged in prayer. The Rev. W. G. Jones (pastor) read a paper on the question, "Is it right for a woman to pray?" "ONLY RESPECTABLE PEOPLE NEED APPLY." "Churchman" (Swansea) writes :—"It may seem a. somewhat .strange remark, but it is nevertheless true, which was overheard in Park-street outside of Trinity Chapel, where Ev-an Roberts was holding a mission service. This was the remark: "Do not admit anv- body but only respectable people" and it was made by a prominent member of Trinity Chapel. "If that's the sort of Christians attending Mr. Roberts' missions, and taking active part therein, then all I can say is that the mission will be of no use at all. Mr. Ro- berts, if I read the reports in the newspapers correctly, is a real servant of the Master, and he has come amongst us to seek and to save those that are lost, apart from any res- ptH'tabilit-y whatever. Such hypocrisy. "One would imagine by the statement Qiade by that Pharisee—because he cannot be any other—that Christ Jesus can only save those who are respectably dressed. Away, I say, with such hypocrisy, and make room for ser- vants of Christ, who have lights to .shine. Then, and not till then, will our chapels and churches flourish. Do not judge a man by the coat he wears, or by what he gives to collect-ions, because very often there is a true Christian heart beating under a poor coat, I while the man who wears broadcloth has no true Christian heart, but is looked up to in I the synagogue on account of what ks gives ¡ to the collections, etc. "Such false Christianity in our midst is i. stumbling block, and such men should f*- weeded out, and true disci ',L the m%k and lowly Jesus appo! 1; fill t1.4h. I places." i SPARKS FROM THE GREAT i-a?IE. ) A Chicago journalist, over in En ar> other business, but commissioned while 01 the spot to write up the revival, was in Trinity on Wednesday evening. He was deeply impressed with the meeting. The cab dn which Mr. Evan Roberts was driven away after Wednesday evening's meeting met with a mishap in Oxford-street. The horse slipped on the wooden blocks and fell. The evangelist and his companions got out and walked. The Vicar of Cockett, Mr. Hugh Edwards, of "Young Wales," and Mr. Boyne, a Nor- wtich missioner, were present at the Babell meeting. The London "Evening NewBu has been sensationalising the Swansea revival. They sent down a special corresgondent and this is the sort of stuff he turned vut: "So strong is the opposition to the revival by publicans and others, whose busriness has been virtually ruined, that poLce fears of a riot are only too well justified. Drunken- ness in the streets is now almost unkrxwa. though there are startling exceptions." is comment needful? At a Loughor meeting a young man said he had worked well for the Devil, and asked God to help him to work more for His Saviour who did not want "stragglers." Boys aged from six to twelve years of age held a revival meeting all to themselves at Horeb Chapel, Loughor, this week. They had all t.ho hvmns well in memory.

Corporation Bill: Important Con- ference, An important conference was held on Thursday between the Parliamentary Com- mittee of the Swansea Corporation and the V^ling traders and manufacturers of Swan- sea, rosPecting the Bill to be promoted in the next, session of Parliament. The manu- facturers -00 others included Col. J. R. Wright (Messrs. Baldwins), Mr. Chas. Eden (Messrs. Vivian an^l Sons), Mr. J. R- Leaver (Swansea Chamber or Commerce), Mr. E. P. Jones, secretary, and Mr. Joseph Hall. The manufacturers passed a resolution opposing the Bill, and the conference dis- cussed the clauses at some leycth.

Swansea Extensions Almost Completed. At Swansea Electric Lighting Committee Ion Wednesday, the Surveyor reported that Messrs. Dick. Kerr and Co. had completed nine miles and 28 chains, single tra^k, of the tramways extensions, leaving about 66 chains or two-thirds of a mile to complete. The Chairman said in two esses the con- veyanoe of certain strips of land had to be rexecuted otherwise there was no cause for rexecuted otherwise there was no cause for delay other than bad weather. As to when the cars would be running, that would de- -pend upon when the Council decided upon the agreement of lease with the Tramways Company. Deputy Clerk said that the agreement was stipulated to come into operation from the date the Board of Trade passed the line. Mr. Corkerked whether any section ooold be started before the wfocie was approved, particularly the Brynmill section? The Chairman: That is a point that will be decided, but really it is the agreement that blocks the way. The Postmaster-General wrote that-ilm cost oi removal of wires and telegraph posts con- sequent on the new tramways was £2J3 in addition to M quoted in July last. This cost must be borne by the Corporation.

Mr. Morgan Hopkin Attacks Deputations. Alderman Watkins: You proposed it. Mr. Hopkin I did, and I am very pleased you have a chairman able to read a paoer. The resolution was agreed to. t Mr. Morris asked if the committee could be supplied with a copy of the "Electrical Review." The Chairman replied that in other towns the auditors did not even allow a copy for he officials. At Wednesday's meeting of the Electric Lighting Committee of the Swansea, Corpr. ation, Mr. Sinclair presiding, The Chairman said there was a meeting of the Associated Municipal Electrical En- gineers in London on January 14th, nd asked ion to attend. Mr. Hppkin: What is the business? The Chairman replied the general busi- ness of the Association. Mr. Hopkin: But we don't get a, report of these meetings. The Chairman: Yes. Mr. Hopkin next vook exception to what he described as "functions which are more or less ornate." He had been to some, and they generally developed into dinner par- ties and picnics. On the last occasion mem- bers peregrinated from Sheffield to Notting- ham and other places. Mr. Corker thought that as Mr. Sinclair gave his services he ought to be allowed to go. The Chairman said he was to read a paper before the Council. Alderman H. Watkins: There's some- thing to be gained in all these things. Mr. Hopkin proposed that the chairman attend, and observed to the chairman: "I hope you don't think me personal in what I said." The Chairman: Not a bit.

Municipal Orchestras A Hint to Swansea. The Incorporated Society of Musicians in conference at Manchester on Thursday' discussed the progress of music during the nineteenth century. Mr. Cruickshank Burnley, while recognis- ing the genius of the old composers, held that no preceding century had produced so many great musiicions. It was now, how- ever, to be feared that the art of real melody was disappearing. Professor Prout (London) said the reason was everybody wanted to do something which had never been done before. The three chords, tonic, dominant and sub- dominant, did not suffice for our young com- posers. People were afraid to be natural for fear of being common place. Mr. Stratton, the chairman, vigorously condemned the encore as a blot upon our concerts. Artists ought to be content with the recall, which was a sufficient testimony to their success. General agreement was expressed with these views. Mr. Midgley, Bradford, initiated a di. cussion about "Municipalities and Music." lie declared that for the rate o^ a farthing in the £ a big city tould have an orchestra of 30 performers for six months, giving, with two soloists, concerts three or four nights a week in the central hall and its ward halls in turn. The benefit to the community and to musicians would be immense. tTSSSL" 1 ■ .—-a

Neath Town Council. Neath Council met on Thursday, the Mayor presiding. The minutes of the Charity Committee showed that the funds were as follows — Late Mrs. Rees, £3.50, and other charities, £ 296; total, £ 647. The Committee recom- mended that. P,600 be lent to the Urban Council for their Housing Scheme at 3.! per cent. intereGt. £ 20 had been placed at the disposal of the Mayor, in addition to the half-year's interest on Mrs. Rees' legacy, for distribution among the poor. Mr. Jones asked if it were legal to lend money in that way? Town Clerk Y, eg. Ald. Charles advocated lending more money. There was the £ 2,000 for the hos- pital that would not be wanted for some time. It would be better to lend that to the town for 3-k per cent. than keep it in the bank at 2 per cent. The question was referred to the Audit Committee. Head Constable -reported an act of gal- lantry on the part of P.C. Thomas, who had stopped a runaway horse. A gratuity of 10s. 6d. was voted. P.S. Higgins wns reported to have passed the examination of Inspector of weights and measures. It was decided to make him a 4th class sergeant. la regard to a communication from the Progressive Society, complaining of the j nt,t-ning of public-houses on Mayor's Sun- day. the vv atch Committee r«sc<?rt alnad that special precautions -were taken that day. The Council appointed Messrs. Charles, J. R. Jones, and Glass to attend the unem- ployed conference at Cardiff. A communication irom the Free Church Council re Sunday opening of shops was re- ferred to the Watch Committee. Tenders were reeeived for roads and sewers in connection with the scheme for the housing of the working classes, as fol- lows: H. Hatcher, Mount Pleas- ant, £ 874 17s. IcC: J. W. Thomson. Briton Ferry. £ 608 5s. lOd. Barnes. Chaplin, and C'o., Cardifr, £ 633 Os. 7d. Sidney Thomas. Massp-street, £ 779 5s. 5d. Waring, Cole and Waring. £ 823.4s. 2d. and Thomas Elias, 27, Mary-street, £ 641 19s. 9d.. The tender of Mr. Thomson was accepted. ,JaJ

Swansea's New Tram Leases. Draft copies of the proposed leases to the Tramways Company of the new tramways inj tho borough have been circulated amongst the Council members. The Brynhyfryd sec- tion comes- under the Tramways nrK' the j remaining sections under the Light Kail\v;;y.j Orders.. Regarding the latter the rent to Le paid by the company is to be as followsAn amount equal to the intor<2st A-ilich the Cor- pcration have to pay on capital jjroperty ex- pended ill construction, together with 'i-r ther sum equal to 3 per cent., and in th, event of the company paying interest on capital expended cn thf existing tramways j and proposed light ran ways, amounting to 6 per cent., the company to pay to Ine Cor- poration a Sl,m 0(lual to 1 per cent, per annu'11- "'nh regard to the Brvnhyfryd section the rent paid is to be as follows For the first seven years of the lease a su n J equal to 5 per cent, upon the capital expend- ed for the next seven years 6 per c?nt. and for the remainder of the term 7 per ot.nt' In both instances all rates, qharges, assess- ments, impositions, and outgoings in respect of the tramways and light railways to be paid by the company. Other clauses provide. for the pro- per cleaning and efficient lighting of the cars, and without consent of the lessors the company must not carry '•any goods or animals other than par- esis not exceeding 561bs." in weight, and pas- sengers' luggage and goods required for the purposes of the lessees undertaking, and will not during the 6aid term hereby granted, without the previous consent in writing of C, the lessors, display upon any post, standard, or bracket any advertisement or notification ,on whatsoever other than notic-es relating to the stopping of cars." Electrical and no other motive power (except in cases of emergency) is to b-e used. ol The usual covenants to repair are inserted and the Corporation ha-e power to stop ti e service for a reasonable time to allow of public processions, etc. In the case of j Morriston section the company are. to work this from the Corporation electricity SUpply, and the following are the prices to be charg-1 ed for the whole supply of elec- trical energy: T>or a minimum of 200,000 units per annum, l^d. per unit; for the next 150,000 units, 1 3-l6d. per unit; h': the next 150,000 units, l^l. per unit; for next 150,000 units, l i_'i6d. per unit lKj for the next 150,000 units, 1^* Per y\ji the extra number of units over the 200,CW must be supplied in the same year in order t.) get. the reduced scale of c!?argrs. In the case of the light railways re-entry is to take place if the rent 1E, 40 days in ar- r.ear, and in the case of the grynhyt"ryd sec- tion 30 days. I PROVISION OF WORKMEN'S CARS. In the General Light Raihvavs Order there ig a, clause providing *or W orkmen's cars, and it is hoped that- sow" arrangement can be come to by which » r°Vr'nant will be intro- duced into the les extending the hours of this Service. Solrie arrangement for transfers from one section to another or "through tickets" 18 also thought desirable-

Recruiting returns Df the 41st District f°r i-heycar ending Sept. 30th, I9f^» show tbat 2,214 recruits presented them- selves for the Army, 2,895 for the militIa" and of tbeSe 694 were accepted for the aiVY, 1 and 1,850 for the militia. For the pat quarter the total presents for the army were 872 and 660 for the 'i*. 0* these 209 Were fina"y approved r be for the mili-Üa.,