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CHRISTMASTIDE. EISTEDDFODAU IN SOUTH WALES. MORRISTON. The first day's proceedings of the thirty- sixth annual eisteddfod in connection with the Tabernacle Congregational Church, Mor- riston, was held on Christmas Day. The r^«wtsra<i. :^Ved, resting address upon the Eisteddfod.- The adjuef'^ators were:—iSinging and music. Dr. e- T (Sheffield) and Mr. David Hughes, R.A.'M. (Landore); recitations and poetry, the Rev. J. Volander Jones; and conductor, the Rev. W. Emlyn Jones. Results:- Choral competition, Y Seren Unig": L'^rmel Wekh Congregational Chapel Choir. Juvenile choir competition, Sleep, gentle lady": Carmarthen-road Baptist Chapel Choir, Swansea. Tenor solo Dream Eoses": Mr. Willio Rees, Morriston. Pianoforte solo, under sixteen years of age. Lily Morgan, Brynhy.fryd, Swansea. Soprano solo, "Giver of Life": Miss Edith Jones, Landore. Baritone solo, "Tom Brown"; Mr. Morlais Evans, Morriston. Solo upon any wind instrument: Master Archie Palmer, clarionet, Pontardawe. Recitation composition competition: Mr. J. S. Davies (Eilir Mai), Birchgrove. Ec-oitation (adults): Mr. J. Roberts, Gwaun. cae-Gurwen. Duet, "The Lord is Man of War" ("Israel in Egypt"): Messrs. Ben. Thomas and Ben. Griffiths. Swansea. Recitation (children tii'ier ten years of age): 1st, S. J. Davies, u-raig, Trewyddfa, Morriston; 2nd, Tom Davies, Pontardulais; 3rd, Gwladys H. Jenkins, Treboth. In the evening the "Death of Minnehaha" (Coleridge Taylor) and Aois and Galalea." (Handel) were performed by the chapel choir (conductor, Mr. W. Penfro Rowlands). Hulley's orchestral band assisted with the following artistesSoprano, Mies Winifred Wynne; tenor, Mr. Gwilym Richards; bass, Mr. David Hughes, R.A.M. SECOND DAY. The annual eisteddfod in connection with Tabernacle Welsh Congregational Church, Morriston, was continued on Boxing Day, and was very largely attended, many being unable to obtain admission. It was estimated that there were 2,600 people present during the afternoon. Mr. T. J. Williams, Maesygwernen Hall, presided, and gave an interesting and humorous address. The following were the awards: Champion solo (bass), The Sentinel (Rim- mer): Mr. Tom Jones, Clydaoh. Violin solo (under 16): Miss Mina Law, Llanelly. Solo (girls), "Our Mother's Way": Miss Grey, Welcome-street, Morriston. Solo (boys), "A Little Talk with Jesus": Master Lewis Hart, Waunwen, Swansea. Champion solo (soprano), "Softly sighs" (Webber): Miss Vaughan Parsons, Cardiff. Champion solo (contralto), "Ask yon ruined castle Miss Agnes Thomas, Ammanford. Recitation (juveniles), "Y Gwlithyn": 1st, Miss Maggie Lewis, Chemical-road, Morriston; 2nd, Mise Susie Jones, Clydach. Cha.mpion solo (tenor), Come, gentle sleep" Sullivan): Mr.. Willie Rees, Morriston. Open pianoforte solo, "Scherzo-Caprice"; Open pianoforte solo, Scherzo-Caprice": Quartette, "Thrice happy they" (" Capti- vity. Emlyn Evans): Messrs. T. J. Francis and James Watts and Miss Rose Samuel and Miss Lizzie Ann Jones, Morriston. Recitation, "Judge not": Mr. Henry Bey- non, Swansea. Hymn-tune composition: Mr. T. D. Alexan- der, Clydach. Recitation composition: Mr. James Clement t 0§"wy)., Skewen, was equal with Mr. J. S._ Davies (Eitir Mai), Birchgrove. Chief choral competition, "See what love hath the Father and "Y Don o flaen gwyn- toedd. Three choirs competed: Cwmavon Choir. In the evening "The Dea;th of Minnehaha" (Ooleridge-Taylor) and "Acis and Galaitea" (HandeD were performed by the Tabernacle ChoiT, assisted by Mr. Hulley's ba,nd and the saane artistes as on Christmas night. LLANDOVERY. A successful eisteddfod was held a.t the Drill-hall, Llandovery, under the presidency of Alderman T. Watkins, Y Berllan. The entries were numerous, and the contests were keen throughout. The officials were:—Adjudi- cator—Music, Mr. T. J. Hughes, F.T.S.C., Llwynhendy; accompanist. Mies Thomas (Senior Cert. Trinity College, London), Rock Cottage. Llanelly; treasurer, Mr. T. Thomas, New-road; secretary, Mr. W. J. Esmond, Col- lege View. Awards;- Contralto solo, "Holy Man of Sorrows," E. J. Jones, Dolaubnane, Llandovery. Children's choral competition, "There's a. light in the valley"; three choirs competed. Prize awarded to Salem Band of Hope, Llan- dovery. Quartette, "When evening's twilight," Mr. W. Lloyd Williams and Party, Llandovery. Choral competition, March on, God's soldiers bold," Llandovery United (conductor Mr. W. Ll. Williams). Tenor aolo, "Ymaon y Cariaxilane," Mr. J. C. Jones, Rhosybedw, Llandovery. Duet, "We were boys together," Messrs. W. Jones ajtd J. C. Jones, Rhosybedw, Llan- dovery. Soprano soilo, "Yr amwisg feohan," Miss C. G. Major, High-street, Llandovery. Baritone solo, The Three Shipwrecks," Mr. Rees Jones, Dolaubrane, Llandovery. Chief choral competition, Oh God! Give me Thy Grace"; two choirs competed— Salem Choir, Llandovery (conductor, Mr. W. Thomas). Ohajnpion soloist (gold medal given by Mr. J. F. de Rees, The Vron), Miss C. G. Major, High-street, Llandovery.

I CWM. The annual eisteddfod in connection with Tallistown Congregational Church was held on Boxing Day. The adjudicators were:— Music, Mr. G. Jones, Cardiff, and Mr. Tom! Williams, Cwm; literature, the Rev. T. M. Jeffreys, Waunllwyd; aocompanists, Madame T. A. Tuck. Cwm, and Miss Blodwen Michael, Cwm (preliminary); presidents, Mr. E. D. Peters, Mr. J. Davies, and Dr. J. O. Sullivan; oonductor, Mr. A. Woods, Cwm; secretaries, Mr. G. Myles and Mr. J. A. Harris; treasurer, Mr. E. Parry; and chairman of committee, Mr. W. G. Thomas. Awards:— Solo (boy or girl, under 12): Blod-wen Owen. Reading a.t first sight: Mr. L. Hughes, Crumlin. Solo (boys, under 13): Cyril Salt, Abertillery. Impromptu speech: Mr. T. A. Tuck and Mr. J. Charles. Solo (girls, under 16): Miss Ma.ud Talbot, Cross Keys. Duet (boy and girl, under 13): Herbert Mordeoai. Cwm, and Susan Tandy, Blaina. Recitation (children, under 16): Saddle Davies, Cwm. Prize bags: Miss M. Hancock, Cwm. Duet (children, under 16): Katie Michael, (}wm, and Sarah Ann Owens, Abertillery. Tenor solo: Mr. J. Pitts, Cwm. Baritone solo: Mr. Willia.m Richards, Aber- tillery. Solo (boys, under 16): James Partridge, Abertillery. Duet (boy amd girl, under 16): J. Partridge a<nd E. A. Morgan, Abertillery. Soprano solo, Miss Sarah Ann Owen, Aber- tillery. Juvenile ohoir: Owm Young Singers (con- -duotor, Mr. J. Morgan). Contralto soto: Miss Elsie Ma.y Jcraes, New- port. Contralto solo (opto): Mre. Adajns, Aber- tillery. Four Biblical questions: Mr. L. Hughes Orumlin. Soprano solo (openfc Miss Maud Talbot, Abertillery. TNT SHIR. An eisteddfod was held at YnysMr on Obrisfcmae evening, under the presidency of Mr. W. J. Thomas, Biynawel, the vice-presi- derot being Mr. J. Thomas. The adjudicators were:—Music, Mr. D. Thomas, F.T.S.C., Pont- ypridd; poetry, Glynfab, Pontypridd; and reci- tations, Mr. J. Henry Davies, YnysMr. Accom- painists, Miss R. Maude Davtes and Mr. J. Howell. Mr. D. M. Isaac and Mr. D. Davies discharged the secretarial. duties. Mies Ma.ggie Davies (Ynyshir) sang the eisteddfod song. Chief awards:- Male voice competition, Grusaders."—Oil- fynydd (conductor, Mr. John Jenkins). Juvenile choir—Tabernacle Minstrels (con- ductor, Ivor Kemp). Solo, for girls under fifteen.—Esther Cooper, Ynysihir. Solo, for boys under fifteen.—Ivor Kemp. Open solo.—Mise Kate Parry, Ynyshir. Soprano solo.—Miss Nellie Bowen, Peny- graig. Bass solo.—Mr. D. Williams, Penygra.is. Contralto solo.—Divided between Miss Esther Cooper and Madame Lewis, Ynyshir. Tenor solo.—Divided between Mr. H. Davies,1 Treorky, and Mr. E. Francis, Treorky. Duet.—Meesre. T. Kemp and Elias Morgan. Quartette.—Madame Lewis and friends Ynyshir. RecffitatSoo.—Mr. T. Williams, Caerphilly.

ELAENGARW. The annual eisteddfod was held at Blaen- garw under the auspices of Nebo Church The adjudicators were:—Music, Mr. J. Powell Treharris; literature, Messrs. G. David: Blaengarw, and W. J. Williams, Carmarthen Training College; accompanist, Mr. Willis Rees, Cardiff University College; and conduc- tors, Messrs. T. E. Lewis, manager of the Ocean Colliery, and W. J. Morgan, manager of the International Collieries. Awards ^Piano- forte solo: 1st, J. Griffiths; 2nd, J. M'Kenzie. Girls' recitation: 1st. P. Jenkins; 2nd, A. Davies. Recitation for boys: 1st, D. J. Thomas; 2Dd, D. Davies. Solo for any voice: J. Jones. Trio: T. J. Williams and party. Children's choir: Nebo, Blaengarw. Soprano solo: Mrs. Griffiths. Tenor solo- W. Griffiths. Baes solo: T\ J. Williams, Old men's solo: 1st, M. Jo 2nd, R. Jones. Due.t: Messrs. D. J. TViilianis and Willie Rees. Recitation: D. J. Davies. Verses on the "Revival"; J. Davies. VICTORIA. An eisteddfod was held at Caersalem OhapeL The adjudicators were:—Music: Mr. Dan Thomas, Ebbw Valj, and Mr. Tom Williams, Cwm; literary, Mr. John Lloyd, Ebbw Vale. Awards: —Boys' solo, Partridge Abertillery. Girls' solo: Katie Michael, Cwm, Boys under twelve: H. Mordecai, Cwm. Girls under twelve: Blodwen Owen. Duet (boys and girls): Partridge and Morgan, Abertillery. Soprano solo: w_r* t 'V ing, Waunllwyd. Contralto solo: Miss Gertie Jones, Abertillery. Tenor solo: D. H. Jones, Ebbw Vale. Bass solo: A. Pope, Waunllwyd. Champion solo: Harry Clest, Cwm. Chief choral (three entries): Prize awarded tG Bethel Choir (Mr. John Bimley, oonductor).

GLANAMMAN. The fourth annual Gianamman Chair Eis- teddfod was held at New Bethel Chapel. The Rev. J. Towyn Jones presided, and Gwilym Wyn. Cwmllynfell, conducted. The adjudi- cators were:—Music, Mr. James Rees. Llan- sadwrn; and poetry. Gwilym Wyn, Mr. E. Griffiths, Clifton House, was treasurer, and Mr. T. Phillips, Grenig Stores, secretary. Awards:— Solo (girls, under 13): May Griffiths, Gar- nant. Recitation (under 16): L. J. Rees, Garnant, and M. Evans, Garntant. Solo (boys, under 13): D. J. Jones, Hlan- amman, and Howard Davies, Llwynhendy. Children's solo: Lottie Evans, Ammanford. Englyn Gwydderig, Gianamman. Juvenile choir: Garnant (conductor, Mr. Harry Owen). Essay: Mr. J. J. Morgan (GLanberach), GJ-an- amman, and Mr. W. T. Hughes, Llwynhendy. Soprano solo: Miss M. H. Davies, Fforest- fach. Recitation: Miss L. Morgan, Cwmtwrch Baritone solo: Mr. D. Rees, Gianamman, and Mr. W. J. Rees, Llwynhendy. Cywydd, Liygad Llwchwr Gwydderig. Tenor solo: Mr. D. James, Brynamman Verses, "Prejudice": Gweledydd, Aber- crave. Ode to Dr. Barnardo: The Rev. D. G. Jones Pontardawe. There were five competitors', and Mr. Jones s representative was chaired Chief choral competition: 1st, Gianamman Choir (conductor Mr. J. Jones): 2nd, Myinydd Du Choir (conductor, Mr. W. Williams).

LLANDRINDOD WELLS. At the Llandrindod Wells Eisteddfod held on Boxing Day Mr. D. Burry Morse (Burry Port) secured the first prize for the cham- pion eolo (£5). There were twelve competi- tors.

TROEDYRHIW. An eisteddfod was held at the St. John's- hall, Troedyrhiw, on Boxing Day. The attendance was large. The juvenile choirs produced the greatest enthusiasm, and the feeling ran high amongst the parties inte- rested. Three choirs entered, viz., Merthyr Vale, TroedyThiw, and Mountain Ash the first-named taking the premier award.

ABERGWYNFI. An eisteddfod was held at the Public-hal1 Abergwynfi. Results:—Chief choral, "Jeru- salem, fy nghartref gwiw," Bethel English Baptist Choir (conductor, Mr. Evan Jones); soprano solo, "Chwifio'r Cadach Gwyn," Miss Williams, Abergwynfi; contralto solo, "Flee as a bird," Miss Jenkins, Pontrhydyfen tenor solo, Mr. Lewis J. Hughes, Abergwynfi; solo for persons over 50 years of age, "loan," Tre- herbert; and recitation, Miss Cissy Jenkins, Blaengwynfl. The adjudicators were:—Music, ^Mr. W. James, Pontrydyfen; recitation, "Llwch Arian; conductor, Mr. J. E. Hughes, M.E., Abergwynfi.

TROEDYRHIW. The Troedyrhiw Choral Scciety gave a per- formance of "The Messiah" at the St. John's hall, before a large andienoe. The following were the chief artistes:—Miss M. B. Lewis, R.A.M. (soprano), Miss Mary Lewis (contralto), Mr. Llew Jones (tenor), and Mr. G. T. Llewellyn (bass). They were ably assisted by a ohoir of 80 voices, under the baton of Mr. J. Crawnon Jones. Mr. Trevor Bevan took oharge of the organ, and Mr. J. H. Trevor the pianoforte. An eisteddfod will be held at the hall to-day (Boxing Day).

PORTH. The Porth Harmonic Society, under the oonductorship of Mr. Rhys Evans, gave an admirable performance of Mendelssohn's "Elijah" to a crowded audience at Salem Chapel, Porth, on Christmas Day. The spacious building was crowded by a large and appreciative audience gathered from all parts of the Valley. The choruses were splendidly rendered, and gave clear indica- tion of the admirable training which the choir had received at the hands of the con-! ductor. Especial mention should be made of Be not afraid" and "Thanks be to God," whilst the "Amen" chorus at the close greatly impressed the audience. The artistes-Mise Kitty Davies, Miss Nora Mere- dith, Mr. Richard Thomas, Llanelly, and Mr. Tudor Foster—rendered their parts in first- rate style, each maintaing well-deserved repu- tations. Here, again, especial praise must me accorded the rendition of "Hear ye, Israel," "If with all your hearts," and "It is enough." Mr. Tudor Foster, in particular, captivated the large audience. Dr. R. D. Chalke, M.A., presided, a.nd Mr. William Evans proved an able secretary a.nd orga- niser. The performance will be repeated to- night (Tuesday).

TREORKY The fiftih annual festival of the Noddfa, Treorky, Choral Society, opened auspiciously on Christmas evening with a performance before a. crowded gathering of The Messiah —a performance which in point of excellence eclipsed all the previous efforts of the society, splendid though those have been, and the Rhondda has probably never before been treated to such a fine interpretation of Han- del's masterpiece. The success of the performance promisee well for to-day's (Tuesday's) concerts, when the society will attack the moat difficult piece they have yet taken up—"Judith." It is expected that the eminent composer (Sir Hubert Parry) will himself conduct the rehearsal in the afternoon and the concert in the evening. The choir, which consisted of 250 voices, was under the conductorship of Mr. William Thomas, of the Royal Welsh Male Voice Party, and their training, as evidenced by Monday evening's rendering, reflects great credit upon the conductor. A full orchestra, under the leadership of Mr. Gomer Lewis (Maesteg), contributed materially to make the performance a real success. Of the ohoir, the sopranos were notable for freshness and applied to the contraltos, while both tenors and bass acquitted themselves well. The soloists were in great favour with the audience, and Madame Siviter's fine singing, with its dramatic intensity and tenderness was thrilling. Miss Foreshaw, the contralto, used her cultured voice with grea.t effect, and Mr. Anderson Nichol sang with remarkable versatility, while Mr. Tree more than main- tained his reputation. Professor J. T. Jones. L.R.A.M., presided at the organ, and the secretarial duties were carried out by Mr. W. P. Thomas, and the assistant secretary, Mr E. T. Michael.

EISTEDDFOD IN LONDON. HIGH STANDARD OF VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC. The annual eisteddfod, under the auspices of the Methodist Sunday School Union, Lon- don, was held in the Memorial-hall, London, on Tuesday night, and was a pronounced success in every respect. There was as many as twenty-one competitions, most of which were, of course, musical. The high standard of music rendered, both vocal and pianoforte, and the keen interest manifested by the large gathering in the programme, proved that the national cult for music suffers nothing at the haIids-or tongues—of young Wales in London. Mr. Howell J. Williams, London County Council, presided, aaid Mr. T. Huws Davies, who performed the duties of conduc- tor, kept the audience in the best of humours by his witty observations between the items. The adjudicators were as follow: — Music: Mr. D. Christmas Williams, Merthyr; poetry essays, Mr. R. Silyn Roberts, M.A., Ta-nygrisiau; recitations, the Rev. B. Arbert Evans, Little Alie-street, London; accom- panist, Mr. Gwilym Rowlands. The follow- ing are the a,wards:- Map competition: E. H. James, Castle- street, London. Pianoforte playing: Miss Jeande Jones, Jew in. Contralto solo: Miss M. E. Thomas Morley Hall. Translation of English passage into Welsh: Tom Jenkins, Battersea. Tenor and bass duet: Messrs. David Thomas and John Humphries. Recitation: Miss Cassie Jones. Tenor solo: John Humphries, Barrett Grove. Poem: Llewelyn, Barrett's Grove. Hymn tune: Jewin Party. Translation Welsh to English: Tom Jen- .1 kins, Battersea. Solo: Lala Thomas (eleven), Morley Hall. Story compeition: Mrs. Tibbott, Charing Cross. Soprano Solo: Miss Thomas, Morley Hall. Quartette: Thomas Party, Hackney. Recitation: Mr. Owen Thomas, Charing Cross. Poem: T. R. Evans, Hammersmith. Essays: 1st, Morgan Owen, Shirland-road; 2nd, Tom Jones, Solloway. Baritone solo: John Hughes, City-road. Two ohoirs competed for the eight-guinea test piece Goruchafiaeth ar Angen (Evans). Winners: Jowin (chair to conductor, D. Thomas), 2, Falmouth-road.

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OUR VOLUNTEERS. COL. BRADNEY HOPEFUL OF BCTTL T 7'°" 4 CM EN T: The annual smoking concert and distri- bution of prizes in connection with the head- quarter oompanies of the 3rd V.B. South Wales Borderers was held a,' 'the Drill-hall, Pontypool, Major H. D. Gri&rths presiding over a largo attendance. Supporting him at th-3 top t¡¡,1)Je were Colonel Bradney, com- manding officer of the battalion; Surgeon- colonel S. B. Mason, V.D., late Brigade-sur. geoc-lieutenant-colonel Mulligan, V.D., Aber- syOiap- Pitten, Captain A. J. Wil- liams, of the Army Veterinary Corps; Cap- tain and Adjutant Thornton, Captain Charles, Captain J. C. Jenkins, Captain Sale, Mr. A. A. Williams, J.P., the Rev. E. Morgan, M.A., chaplain, and others. Colonel Bradney distributed the prizes, and in responding to the toast of his health said that whatever other battalions might be doing, his battalion was not on the down grade. (Applause.) They sometimes read of certain battalions, principally Metropolitan battalions, complaining of being sadly short of officers, men, money, and everything else. He did not know why this should be so unless it was that they were afraid of any new regulations which might be passed that would tend to injure tiiem. Up to the present he did not think any regulations had been made with which hie battalion had failed to comply, aad he did not look for- ward to future ills of which they knew nothing. (Applause.) He looked forward with pleasure to next year's camp at Con- way, when, perhaps, they would not have so severe a drilling as they had at the last camp. With a nominal establishment of .1,052 men, he found that his battalion had a strength of 987 at Present. They were fully up to strength, but the decrease was aooounted for by the fact that several men had retired, while 28 had joined the Militia and the Army. The losses, however, would be more than made up during the next month or two by recruits. As far as the number of their officers went, he did not think there was a Volunteer Corps with the full number of officers, and if they looked at the Army lists they would find they were better off than most batta- lions, so that they were in a satisfactory con- dition both as regarded men and officers. (Applause.) Proceeding, Colonel Bradney said that during the last week or two there had been a change of Government. Politics, of course, had nothing to do with the Volun- teers, still they watched these things with a great deal of interest, and they particularly watched any change made in the office of Secretary for War. That was an office which concerned them very much. They did not want to be pampered, nor treated as chil- dren, neither did they want to be hardly used and have impossible conditions imposed j upon them. After all, he believed that the gentleman who had just been appointed to the high office of Secretary for War had very favourable opinions of the Volunteer movement, and he believed that the treat- ment they would receive in the future would be even better than they had received in th" past. (Applause.) For his own part, he looked forward to the future with feelings of considerable satisfaction. Colonel Bradney then submitted the toast of the subscribers of prizes, and said it was extraordinary to observe the amount of money that friends subscribed throughout the country. All this was probably due to the fact that the public reoognised that owing to the existence of the Volunteers they staved off compulsory ser vice and saved people being made soldiers against their wish. He also found em- ployers of labour very sympathetic; in fact, several employers had told him that they preferred Volunteers to work under them, as they found them better disciplined. Mr. A. A. Williams, J.P., in responding, said the Volunteer movement owed its exis- tence locally to the efforts of the late Mr. Hanbury Leigh, who was the giver of prized and bugles to the whole of the Volunteers in the county. The silver enps presented by Captain Charles and Captain Jenkins for attendance at drill and markmanship were won by Bandsman A. Kays and Private G. H Rees, while the chal- lenge cup for shooting, given by the lords and ladies of the manor, was carried away by Colour-sergeant Williams. A watch given by Major Griffiths to the recruit with the best attendance at drill was woOn by Lance- corporal W. H. Johnson. Pioneer-sergeant Mark Waite, who has served in the corps for 35 years, was pre- sented with a framed photograph of himself. During the evening an excellent musical programme was gone through under the direction of Bandmaster Roderick.

PANTEG BATTERY DINNER. HOW WE SHOULD BENEFIT BY CONSCRIP- TION. Lieutenant-colonel D. E. Williams, V.D., presided over the annual dinner of the Panteg Battery at the Crown Hotel, Ponty- pool, on Saturday Colonel Phillips, Newport, the commanding officer of the brigade, was unavoidably absent, but in a letter which was read from him he said: I think we can say—not officially, of course—that we shal1 shortly be fully recognised as field artillery by the authorities." (Applause.) Colonel Phillips said he should have liked to be present if only to say a few words of commendation to the Panteg Battery men upon their excellent work. Colonel Williams, in addressing the men, said that this was the first year since their establishment that they found themselves under strength. At present they had 148 men on their books, whereas their full establishment was 161. This state of affairs must not be described as unsatisfactory when they considered that they did no recruiting during the year or took any men who would not be a credit to the battery. There was every prospect, however, that there would be sufficient recruiting during the next few months to bring the battery up to full strength. The work done during the year had been satisfactory, and it rejoiced the hearts of the officers to see how well the men behaved themselves during their train- ing at the Portskewett camp. He was assured that before long they would have their full establishment of guns and equip- ment, and that they would be reoognised as field artillery. (Applause.) They had abundantly justified their olaim to be recog- nised as such, and had proved themselves competent to handle 'not only obsolete weapons but also those that would be necessary for the defence of the country. (Applause.) It seemed now as if tardy justice would be done to them by the supply of theee guns. They had been labouring under a disadvantage for the last four or five years in not having their full equipment of artillery. During the last twelve months, and, ) indeed, during the last few years, there had been a tendency to belittle the Volunteer forces of the country, and people did not seem to estimate their services at their proper worth, but be would remind them that the auxiliary forces were the only means of keeping conscription out of the coumtry. (Applause.) Personally, he was in favour of conscription, but it had been thought for many years that the nation who devoted themselves to introducing conscrip- tion would get behind m the race for indus- trial supremacy. That idea., however, had been exploded, as was Proved by France and Germany, especially the latter. Personally, he thought that conscription was necessary for the proper setting up of the physique of the nation, for if young men were in the Army they would be certain to receive great care, and thine5! which they could not get at home for the want of monetary con- siderations. However, he reoognised that in the present state of the country they would have nothing whatever to do with conscrip- tion, and the next best thing for them to do WaB to givo every possible encouragement to the auxiliary forces. (Applausfe.) One of the greatest matters which Volunteers had to deal with was the paucity of officers, but they oould net expect it to be otherwise when they remembered how poorly the Government treated the Volunteers. It was a big draw upon the officers to keep their corps going. The otfieers had to bear the initial cost of the erection of gun-sheds, ranges and drill-halls, whereas all these should be provided at the expense of the country. Proceeding, Colonel Williams con- demned the practice of paying capitation grants, and spoke in "favour of having a block grant for the corps, inasmuch as under the present system if a.n officer dis- charged any worthless man he found himself fined 30s. per man for doing sd, as the capi- tation grant would be lost. He also advo- cated greater economy in the purchase of clothing by having one centra.l place to supply the Army and Volunteers. In years past, he continued, the Volunteers had been treated somewhat shabbily, but I they did not forget that when the call cams in 1900 the Volunteers and Militia willingly garrisoned the home country eo as to allow the Regular Army to go to South Africa. The Volunteers in the past had not had fair and reasonable treat- ment meted out to them, but he was pleased to say that in the last few minutes of office —it had been called a doath-bed repentance— the late Secretary of State for War had recommended something for the benefit of the infantry. There was no doubt that if Mr. Arnold-Forster's recommendations were oarried out thoy would be of immense benefit. Mr. Arnold-Forster had all a,long professed himself to be a friend of the Volunteers, but everything he did seemed to point in the opposite direction until he made his one last recommendation. It was too early to say what his successor, Mr. Haldane, would do for them, but he (Colonel Williams) thought that it would be very advisable for him to follow up the last suggestion of Mr. Arnold-Forster, as it was only but a measure of justice to the forces. They knew what Mr. Arnold- Forster had intended to do for the infantry, and their hope was that the Army author! ties would reooeniee in a similar manner their claim to be made field artillery. (Applause.)

BLACKWOOD. CIVILIANS AND RIFLE CLUBS. The prizes of H Company, 2nd V.B. South Wales Borderers, were distributed at the Temperance-ha 11, Blackwood, by Mrs. John Evans, Beaumont. Lieutenant Evans, 3rd V.B. South Wales Borderers, took the chair, supported by Major Birrell, V.D., command- ing the company, Mr. C. Pond, Mr. Routledge, Miss Pond, and others. Major Birrell gave his report on the company, and also spoke on tho subject of the rifle club, asking civilians to join it. Sergeant Evans took the first I prize. Colour-sergeant-instructor Ruse won the two silver cups presented by Major Birrell to the rifle club. Votes of thanks were given to the gentry and tradespeople for their support.

DOWLAIS. READY HELP FROM RESIDENTS AND TRADESPEOPLE. There was a full muster of the rank and file of the Dowlais detachment of the 3rd V.B. Welsh Regiment at the local armoury drill-room on Saturday even- ing. when the annual distribution of the detachment's and town's prizes was made by Major D. T. Jenkins, V.D. (officer command- ing the corps). The gifts were very numerous and made a fine display. In the competition for the corps prizes Sergeant John Thomas, 48 points; Sergeant J. Jere- miah, 42 points; and Corporal John James, 40 points, headed the list. The leaders in the contest for the handsome prizes presented by the townspeople were:—Corporal John James, 34 points; Private Sam Thomas, 30 points, and Sergeant John Thomas, 30 points. Addressing the officers and the members of the detachment Major D. T. Jenkins/said that it was particularly gratifying to find that the local residents and tradespeople had con- tributed so generously, if not more gener- ously than ewer before, to the prize-list. (Cheers.) He hoped in the coming year the members would maintain the liveliest interest in the Volunteer movement and attend the drills as regularly as possible. He could not but refer to the deeply-lamented death of Hon. Colonel Pearson R. Oresswell, C.B., who was for twenty years an officer of the detach- ment, and for twenty-three years more was commanding officer o.f the 3rd V.B., during which period he had rendered inestimable Rervice. A vote of thanks to the donors of prizes, Ac., was accorded.

TALGARTH. LONG-SERVICE MEDAL FOR A VETERAN. The annual distribution of prizes for shoot- ing and drill of the 1st V.B. South Wales Borderers was made by Major D. W. E. Thomas, assisted by ex-Surgeon Herbert Williams. Seventy-two men received prizes. The six best scores were as follow:—Sergeant G. F. Robinson, 44 points; Colour-sergeant J. Cuddigan, 41; Sergeant Fred. T. Morgan, 41; Private P. L. Price, 41; Bugler T. H. M. Powell, 41; Corporal A. J. Curtis, 41. After the distribution a long service medal was pre- sented by Major D. W. E. Thomas to Corporal W. Gwillim, who had served faithfully in the W. Gwillim, who had served faithfully in the company for 2Z years. Corporal Gwillim was heartily cheered by his comrades. After- wards the men adjourned to the Radnor Arms Hotel, where a smoker had been arranged. Major D. W. E. Thomas took the chair, and an excellent programme was gone through.

EBBW VALE. PROPOSED CAMP ALLOWANCES. The annual distribution of Christmas prizes in connection with D Company 3rd Volun- teer Battalion South Wales Borderers took place at the Armoury, Ebbw Vale. Lieutenant Bowler presided and distributed the various prizes. The amount collected was J355, and in kind JE30. The chaplain (tihe Vicar of Ebbw Valei, on behalf of the officers and men of D Company, presented Sergeant-instructor Garrett with a handsome silver cruet-stand. Captain W..J. Evans in his address said there was a suggestion before the Government that Volunteers attending oamp for fifteen days should be allowed pay of JE3, and those I attending eight days JBl. If those suggestions were carried out it would enable more men to attend the annual training.—Quartermaster- sergeant T. H. Richards won the first prize.—A vote of thanks to the donors was paseed. -+-

TREDEGAR. GREATLY IMPROVED SHOOTING. The annual distribution of prizes to the members of F Company (Tredegar), 2nd V.B. South Wales Borderers, was presided over by Lieutenant G. E* Allen, the officer commanding, and he was supported by the Rev. T. Theophilus, R.D., former ohaplain, and others. Lieutenant Allen referred in feel- ing terms to the death since the last gather- ing of Major J. A. Shepard. The strength of the company at the end of the year was 100. The shooting of the company during the yfear had reached a fair standard. The average points scored were 66, being eight points better than during the preceding year. There were 35 marksmen in the company, which was double the number of the year before. He referred to the great importaunee of good shooting in faoe of the changed methods of warfare. Colour-sergeant Grave- nor was the best shot during the year. He thanked the company for the loyal support they had extended to him during the first year he had been in command.—Mrs. Allen presented Corporal Northam with a gold medal offered by Lieutenant Allen for the best attendance at drill during the year. Corporal Northam was also the winner of thø prize last year.

PICTURE PUZZLES. TO HELP YOU WIN PRIZES WORTH THOUSANDS. ANSWERS. 5, Lewis Waller; 6, Hall Oaine; 7, George Alexander; 8, Czar of Russia; 9, General Booth; 10, Forbes Robertson. BIG BUDGET. 13. Coxon; 14, Beddow; 15, Yenson 16, .ASton; 17, Qhadwiok; 18, AppLeyard. IDEAS. 30, Captain Crawford had heard enough. PENNY MAGAZINE Fiftih List.—Hook, Fart-bin ghoe, Roade, Forty Hill, Seven Sisters, Singleton. PEARSON'S WEEKLY. 31, City, Wiclf, and Yarm; 32, Basin and Stoke; 33, Cargan and Lift; 34, Wath, Wem and Yate; 35, Bank, Hatoh, and Lea; 36. Lea, Ore, Rhos, and Roes. 37, Ford, Lea, Lee, Moy, Par; 38, Holt, Oyne, Trew; 39, Alves, Dent, Eye; 40, >le. ide, Kesh, Ooia, Wool; 41, Ash, Cove, Salt, Shap; 42, Aber, Elton, Hatch. MAMMOTH PRIZE. Below we give an estimate for the Births Competition:— Estimate 294,714. SUNDAY COMPANION, SUNDAY CIRCLE, AND HORNER'S WEEKLY 23, Customers or Shop; 24, Quakers. WEEKLY TELEGRAPH. Siheet 11.— my bones, but there will be a marriage (or wedding) feast at my master's house in a few days, and when 1 have eaten of it I shall be so fat (or plump; that you will hardly know me Then you will find me well worth eating." The wolf, therefore, spared his Sheet 12.— life and went away. A week later he returned, but the dog was safe within the house The wolf called on him to oome out and be eaten, but he replied, "Hark ye, my friend, wthen you catch me i aeleep again on that side of the door, don*x wait for a wedding." Once upon a time there was a. man who owned a goose. WOMAN'S WORLD.. REVISED AND COMPLETE FOR DEC. 30. Chapter 1.—Joseph was the eon of Jacob One day his father sent him to meet his brethren (or brothers), who were feeding sheep When his brothers saw him approach- ing they said to one another. Let us kill him and throw him into a pit. and we will tiay .some beast killed him." Chapter 2.—But one of the brothers, named Rueben, said, Don't kill him, but throw him into a pit." He thought that when the others were departed he would save Joseph a.nd send him back to his father. So they 1 took off Joseph's coat of many colours and put him into the pit. Chapter 3.—When the brothers were eating bread an Ishmaelite came by, and they sold Joseph to him for twenty pieces of silver •' He carried Joseph into Egypt, and thb < brothers dipped Joseph's coat in blood and sent it to Jacob. So Jacob thought he had been killed by a wild beast. Chapter 4.—The Ishmaelites sold Joseph to Potiphar, who cast him into prison, but Pharaoh saved him, and set him over hie] house and over all Egypt. And after that there was a great famine over all the face of the earth. Chapter 5.—When Joseph heard that there was corn in Egypt he sent his sons to buy; some. But when they came to Joseph they did not know him. And Joseph said, "Ye are spies," and he put his brothers into ward (or custody). Chapter 6.—Then after Joseph had tried them and found that they were true, he for- ■ gave his brothers their treatment of him, and sent them back to Canaan. The brothers returned home to their parent, and they all joined Joseph, and lived peacefully ever afterwards.

"A CHAIR OF DEFENCE" The Hon. Thomas Playford, formerly Agent-General for South Australia in Lon- 4 don, now Minister of Defence in Mr. Deakin's 1 Commonwealth Cabinet, has announced in the Senate that he has been in correspon- dence with the universities of Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney with a view to the initiation of "a course of military instruc- tion." Sydney was the only one that favoured the idea, and arrangements had been made for the establishment of a "Chair of Defence" in that university. The pro- fessor would have a salary of £800 and th a services of two assistants. The Common- wealth Defence Department would also con- tribute an annual grant for the supply of ammunition to the students. Mr. Playford added that the Government hoped one day to have a. "School of Defence" of its own. <

CARDIFF SHIPPING ALIEN SEAMEN IN OUR MERCANTILE MARINE. Cardiff clears more tonnage for foreign countries than any other port in Great Britain, and among European ports the only two which occupy a higher position are Antwerp and Hamburg. The port of Cardiff includes the Cardiff (Bute), Penarth, and Barry Docks, and in 1904 its foreign clear- I ances of steam and sailing vessels amounted to 8,324,066 tons, as compared with 7,850,947 tons at the Port of London, and 6,730,206 at Liverpool. Of this tonnage 8,136,749 was repre- sented by 5,187 steam vessels of the tramp class and 317 sailing vessels. It transported to foreign countries over fourteen millions of Welsh coal, and shipped 54,208 seamen. These facts are stated at the outset for the purpose of illustrating the exceptional position occupied by Cardiff as a shipping centre and as a market for the employment of mariners of all classes. There is no other port in Great Britain which provides so remarkable an object-lesson in the progress of t'he alien seaman in our mercantile marine, and in the great change which the opinion of shipowners has undergone in recent years in regard to the question of the relative cost and efficiency of the Briton and foreigner as deck hand or fireman. There is no circumstance more notorious at Cardiff than that the Britons who are signed on at the shipping office constitutes a compara- tively small and rapidly dwindling propor- tion of the total number. FIVE OR SIX NATIONALITIES. It is a most common occurrence to see the officer of a steam vessel picking up a mixed crew of five or six nationalities, and some weeks ago representations on the matter wore made to the mayor (Alderman R. Hughes) by a body of British seaman. The truth is hidden by of British seaman. The truth is hidden by the form in which returns of seamen engaged at British ports are published. The Board of Trade "Ijabour Gazette," for example, plaoes the percentage of foreigners of the total number of sea,men shipped at ports clearing 80 per oent. of the total tonnage entered and cleared in our foreign trade last year at just 15.0; and in a recent Blue Book contain- ing tables showing the progress of merchant shipping in the United Kingdom and the principal maritime countries the proportion of foreigners to every 100 British persons employed in the home and foreign trades is given as 22.50. In their way these figures are correct, but they have been arrived at by distributing the number of aliens over that of all classes of seamen, including even masters, engaged in our mercantile marine, and they reflect but a shadow of the actual extent to which the alien and the Lascar have supplanted the British in the stokehold and on deck as able seamen. At Cardiff abnor- mal conditions prevail in regard to foreign seamen, and for this reason the port cannot be regarded as exactly typical of other Bri- tish ports where foreigners are engaged; but the following is the summary of a return showing the number and nationality of the A.B.'s and firemen engaged at this port in foreign going vessels between July 1 and December 31, 1901, and January 1 and July 31, 1905:— t SUMMARY. July to December, 1901. Foreign. British. Fireman 45.0 per oent. 55.0 per cent. A.B. Steam 42.1 „ „ 57.9 „ „ A.B. Sail 48.9 „ „ 51.1 „ „ January to June, 1905. Firemen 56.45 „ 43.57 „ „ A.B. Steam 53.78 „ 46.26 „ „ A.B. Sail 59.42 „ 60.51 „ „ Note.—The toonage cleared in the foreign trade at the Bute Docks for the first half of this year was slightly greater than that during the second half of 1901. This return speaks for iteelf. In order, however, to prevent the deduction of errone- ous conclusions from the figures which have been given, showing a decrease not only in the number of British seamen employed since 1894, but also in the total number of British and foreign seamen, it may be advisable to explain that, although the total exports from the Bute Docks, Cardiff, increased between 1894 and 1904 from 8,130,243 tons to 10,271,018 tons, the number of vessels cleared fell from 9,907 in 1894 to 8,483 in 1904, and their regis- tered tonnage from 4,428,436 to 4,290,706. Since 1894, too, steamships trading with the port have increased in size, and this, partially, if not chiefly, explains why, during a period when the registered tonnage of vessels cleared has been practically stationary, the total number of seamen engaged has fallen from 36,072 to 30,162. FOREIGNERS' OPPORTUNITY. In regard to the causes which have led to the increased employment of foreigners hardly anything more need be said than that the shipowner has the command of an absolutely free and over-abundant supply of labour, and that, on an average, I wages are lower at Cardiff than they are at any other port in the kingdom. There are individual Shipowners in the port who employ a large traraber of Britons, but the great majority engage foreigners, and they make no secret of the fact that they do so because they find that the average alien is an efficient enough sea- man for their purposes. The insufficiency of the supply of British A.B.'s and firemen was the opportunity of the foreigner, and the present position of our mercantile marine is the ugly example of what use has been made of that opportunity. 1

ALLEGED INHUMANITY. STRANGE TREATMENT OF AN INJURED MAN. At a. coroner's inquiry at Wrexham Work- house some extraordinary statements were made. It was stated that at four o'clock on Thursday morning a. man, about 60 years of a.ge, named William Henry Williams, was found in a cabin at the Minera Limeworks naked, except for a cap on his head and boots on his feet, and suffering from burns nearly all over his body and limbs. The man who discovered him covered him with an old coat, called a fellow workman to look at him, and then left him. The badly injured man remained where he was found until 10.30 —six hours and a half-when he was placed in an open cart, and conveyed to a medical man in practice at Coedporth, who looked at him, asked his name, and wrote a certifioeate to the effect that he was suffering from burns, and unable to follow his employment. The injured man was then taken to Wrex- ham Workhouse, where he arrived about noon, and was attended to by a nurse, but not seen by a medical man until three o'clock in the afternoon, eleven hours after he was discovered in the cabin. He died a. few hours subsequently. The Coroner described it as a. most extra- ordinary oase, requiring a good deal of clear- ing up, and he adjourned the inquiry for a week.

BANGOR COLLEGE, A meeting of the council of the University College of North Wales was presided over by Mr. Henry Lewis. Resolutions were unanimously adopted recording the council's sense of the value of the services rendered to the college by the late Mr. W. Cadwaladr Davits, the senior vice-president of the college, and the late Mr. A. C. Humphreys- Owen, M.P., a former member of the council. The council approved of the action of the Day Training College Committee in taking steps to urge upon the Board of Education the withdrawal of Circular 530, Clause 5, on the ground that it created a change amount- ing to a revolution in the position of the Day Training College and the candidates desirous of entering it, and that a change of such magnitude should not be adopted until the instttutions affected had been given an opportunity of discussing it and expressing their opinion. The council confirmed the appointment of Mr. J. 0. Hughes, B.Sc., as junior demonstra- tor in chemistry for the remainder of the session. Mr. Hughes, who is a former pupil of the Llangefni County School, entered the college in 1901 as an Anglesey County Exhibitioner, and graduated with Becond- class honours in chemistry in 1905. The council also confirmed the arrange- ments which had been made by the senate for the conduct of the special examination to be held in July next for the award of an entramce scholarship of E50 offered to intending agricultural students by the Sur- veyors' Institution. The following resolution was adopted on the occasion of the retire- ment from the council of the Rev. Daniel Rowlands, M.A., Bangor, who had been a member of the council for twenty-one ye.a.rs The council desire, on the occa- sion of the retirement of the Rev. Daniel Rowlands, M.A., to express its regret at losing the services pf a member who joined the council on its formation in 1884, and to place on record their appreciation of the assiduous and constant attention which he has at all times given to the business of the council and its committees." Upon the recommendation of the plans committee it was resolved to take forthwith the preliminary steps necessary in connec- tion with the appointment of an architect for the new college buildings. The council decided that the appointment should be made by a limited competition, a small number of architects being selected to submit designs. In the meantime a public notice will be issued inviting architects desirous of com- peting to send in their nanres, though the selection will not necessarily be confined to architects who have actually applied.

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THE EISTEDDFOD* MUSICIANS "STRIVING FDa CHEQUES." QgtftlS Mr. Joseph Bennett has an article in the Daily Telegraph °a in 1905." Mr. Bennett records with tion the amaaing spread of interest aji and the growing fervour with which is, in some form or other, cultivated masses of the people, and us look, first of all, to the fields an~„ raws of music. At present these a -0jj well—how well anybody may see with attention the progress of the tion festivals' borrowed of late years the Welsh Eisteddfod, and this to the fore than ever. There is evidence to the fact that these most of which, are held in rural have revealed a previously aD6yq^jn^ degree of capacity for the accompli of elementary musical work. Every J bft such evidence is precious, for if we aT nitit' or do, anything notable in music, the area of the land must be ploughed. rowed, and sown. Then, if we faint jjfl may reap. But it is most devotttly ( hoped that the 'competition festive-13 not, like the Eisteddfod, be allowed gje#* the mercenary spirit unhappily so f^gjjt in these times. Let the people be r oi that they should contend for the ko11 winning, and not for cash Some I gave that counsel to a gathering .^r? men, suggesting that the "symbol of should be a wreath of laurel, or, D<jU of parsley. They laughed, and, 1 d°u are still striving for cheques." .J:!

GLAMORGAN AGRICCJLTUB*5, FARMERS AND THE FORTHCOMl^ ELECTIONS. Tg0* A well-attended meeting of the Chamber of Agriculture was held o» 6, day at the offices of Mr. D. T. Alexia High-street, Cardiff. Mr. Robert Forres sided, and amongst those present eI> Major Forrest, General Lee, Colonel Alderman Illtyd Thomas, Messrs. D- ander, G. Lipscomb, W. Thomas, Davies, C. J. Lowrie, Oliver q J, gan Howell, W. G. Preece, W. Emerson, y^. Yorwerth, D. Jenkins, E. Akers, R- kins, the Rev. J. Jenkins, and Alexander (secretary). Letters of y/Lgt6, for non-attendance were read from ■A$$t F. W. Gilbertson, R. Duncan, J. M. J*3, and T. W. David. A letter had been received from the pool District Farmers' Club with refe to the necessity of relieving agriculture^ of all rates in connection with iae 6ffi' tion Act, and it was resolved that D ject be put on tho agenda for discuss1 the next meeting. < jjji' Mr. W. Meyler Thomas (Ynysypl^m, ill trisant), in his report upon the ItleetlIlfcl11- connection with the North-eastern tural Federation at Darlington last Oc first thanked the chamber for the hon° » had conferred upon him in sejiding delegate to so important a ing. The meeting was most as affecting the farming There were delegates from del*" and Scotland. The speaker was the °a b0 gate from Wales, which clearly showe*# thought, that although their chamber one of the youngest, they were ahead of the times. He was especially s i. by the large number of farmers conn with the various societies, and mentioned the fact that one delegate Lancashire represented a society °* tenant farmers, representing 300,000$6 land. (Hear, hear.) He went on to sa: noll- Federation was entirely a non-party political organisation, and was antagonistic to any similar societies, nfl; sg the contrary, worked unitedly with societies. The aims and objects were tained in the letter addressed by the a of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners to meeting—that he was glad to know jjjtf farmers were combining in order to it before the country and Parliament to just grievances and make every eff°V^rjeiS seek their removal. With that view of resolutions were paseed: (1) That should be adequately represented on chial, rural, urban, and county cou that steps should be taken to secure representation; (2) that the question of _jjj- Parliamentary representation for the jjr ing interest be referred to the standing mittee for consideration and report, ø following Parliamentary programme .gjr adopted:—(1) The continuance of tho cultural Rating Act, until the whole of rating is dealt with; (2) Absolute pr^* jjjjl tion of preferential railway rates for produce; (3) better regulations for xnoto" traffic, with a view to the safety public and the prevention of dust; W education, primary and secondary, in & districts shall be more adapted to the of agriculturists, and the system of shall be eo arranged that agrictrltuaHst £ only their just proportion; (5), the pmwlaw. of adulteration of butter by fats, milk, w'9! of or other substance, and the adulteration.^ milk by any substamce, also the adulter^ of margarine by colouring matters; Pure Beer Bill. (Hear, hear.) That gramme would be submitted to all mentary candidates within the area °°Tj by the Federation, and their replies wo«t tabulated and published, so that faT^gjU generally might carefully consider -r.) before recording their votes. (Hear, JLu&t' The meeting was moat enthusiastic. jH ever the outcome might be, it was a the right direction, and if the tenant of Wales and others interested wouW work unitedly and combine in their interests, he believed there would be bos and more prosperous days in store f°r farming industry. (Cheers.) ^^0 During his remarks Mr. Meyler f°-yyrd referred to the fact that in the letter ° Onslow to Mr. Pease, M.P., his lordship the reason why in recent years the of Commons gave so little attention cultural matters was that there was so organisation amongst farmers and s° done by them to impress those who sented them in Parliament with their and deeires. Governments yielded where pressure was greatest, and in days eUfap$ these, when, year by year, Parliament less and lees time for the work of *e'ajjt3 tion, it was only those who made their known in the most importunate manner were heeded. On the motion of the Chairman, ee0°rIIjl 1 by Mr. G. Lipscomb, Mr. Thomas was wa thanked for his interesting address. Mr. Lipscomb moved a resolution congy^} lating the Earl of Plymouth and Tredegar upon the dignities recently ferred upon them by the King, and th^^jed seconded by Mr. Edward Akers and oar by acclamation. Mr. HaygarthBrown (ins>pecitor of the of Agriculture) delivered a helpful the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1°^'

CONGREGATIONAL UNLOL*- STEADY PROGRESS DURING JJ!S1 YEAR. The annual report of the Welsh gational Union will be published ehortlj^^ a volume of several hundred pages, statistical report, which covers thirteen pages, and has been compiled by statistical secretary of tho (the Rev. H. Eynon Lewis, Bryncethin). that there are 860 Churches and stations in South Wales and Mommouihshr^jt 423 in North. Wales, and 34 in the Eingga towns, making a total of 1,407, or am incv^a of sixteen. The communicants in the 41, districts named are respectively 129,929, rflyg and 4,911, giving a total of 167,181. increase through the revival up to the 31 December, 1904, was 12,026—most of "w increase was in South Wales, as the » had not at that time taken anything strong hold of the Churches of the ^ortjLj £ 0 half of the Principality. The total iner^ in Church membership was 13,831, whachs .^j there was a substantial increase irreepec of the revival. The Churches collected towards all ?etf poses, except the London Missionary and the denominational colleges, £ 193,471 6d.; towards foreign missions, £ 10,755 towards the colleges, £ 3,104 15s. l&l-! ^g0 paid, £ 37,338 16s. 6d.; debt remaining. 'J 19s. lid.; cost of new buildings, £ 63,013 06. increase in value of Church property, 16s. lOd.; total value of Church £ 1,552,978 13s. 2d.; total collections, 5s. 9d.; average per member contributed* 4s. 9jd.

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