Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

To Popularise Classical Music. Interesting Project. Mr Percie G. Smith's Orchestra are embarking on a highly interesting project which ought to secure the success the venture deserves. This organisation pro- poses giving a series of performances this winter, with a view of popularising classical orchestral music in the Rhondda, to which the public will be admitted free. One composer only will be chosen for each night, and the first of the series will be held at St. James' Welsh Church, Cymmer, Porth, on Tuesday, 5th October, 1909, at 8 p.m. The composer chosen for this night is Beethoven, and a perform- ance of his Groica Symphony will be given by a full orchestra. A short address on the composer and the work performed will also be given by the conductor.

Conventual Life in Spain. We have received a long letter from Mr. Richard Moore, Tonypandy, contra- dicting the statements made by Mr. Boyer, of Ystrad, in our columns some time agp about life in monastic institu- tions in Spain. Mr. Moore declares that the statements made were biassed and untrue, and that if Mr. Boyer visited these institutions, he would come to a very different conclusion.

Sudden Death at Llwynypia We regret to report the sudden death of Mr. Edward Huzzell, residing at Gla- morgan Terrace, Llwynypia. Deceased retired to rest on Friday night at ten minutes past 10 o'clock, and at twenty past 10 had passed away. Previous' to going to bed, however, he had had a fit of coughing. He leaves a widow and two children. The interment took place on Wednesday at Trealaw Cemetery, when a lar;ge number attended the final rites. Mr. Frank Harrison officiated.

Trealaw. Anniversary services were held at the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Trealaw, on Sunday last, the Rev. J. J. Hodson, M.A., preaching excellent sermons to good t congregations. On Monday, a tea was given, and in the evening a song service of praise, entitled The Gates Ajar," was rendered by the choir, under the baton of Mr. Alfred May. Mr. W. H. Watkins presided at the organ, and Mr. Tom James, Olydach Vale, was the reader. The meeting was presided over by Mr. Rees Jones, and there was a good attendance. The harvest thanksgiving services of All Saints' Ohulrch, Trealaw, were held on Wednesday and Sunday, the 22nd and 26th ult. The service on Wednesday was conducted by the Rev. H. Williams, M.A., Llandaff, and on Sunday by the Rev. D. H. Simon, L.D., vicar of Fern- dale. The church was beautifully deco- rated. Harvest festival services were held at the Salvation Army Hall on Sunday and Monday last, the meetings being con- ducted by Brigadier Gill, Cardiff. The hall was tastefully decorated with ever- greens, the giftsi of the worshippers. On Sunday afternoon, a "recital" was given by the band. Mr. Tom John, M.A., pre- sided, and dwelt in appreciative terms of lv the religious and social work carried out ,by the ArmyN On Monday evening an entertaining programme was submitted, the items consisting of songs by Miss Maggie Williams, Mrs. Samuel, and others. Mr. Willie Miles and Mr. Fred Daunron gave a cornet duet, whilst Mr. Alf. Powell obliged with a recitation. The proceedings were presided over by Mr. J. W. Jones, Tonypandy Schools. The usual sale of fruits and vegetables followed. i

Ferndale. The members of Penuel (C.M.) Chapel, Ferndale, gave a welcome home recep- tion on Tuesday last to Mr. Trevor Lewis, baritone vocalist of the Royal Welsh Male Voice Party, on his return from the tour in the Colonies. The first part of the proceedings took the form of a "social tea, and an excellent repast had been prepared by the lady members of the church. The following ladies presided with their usual felicity at the tables:- Mrs. Thos. Davies (Morina House), Mrs. Butffton (Troedyrhiw House), Mrs. David Walters, Mrs. Edwards (Tudor Street), Mrs. Lloyd (New Street), Mrs. William Phillips, and Mrs. Dan Davies; whilst Mrs. Edwards (Fountain Street), Mrs. D. Davies (Oakland House), Mrs. J. Thomas (Gilfach House), Mrs. Thomas Davies (Duffryn Street), Mrs. Jenkins (Duffryn Street), and Mrs. J. Edwards (Ty Capel) did duty as purveyors of the delicacies. A convivial and happy time was spent around the festive board, and the eulogistic comments made on the ex- cellency of the spread reflected the greatest credit upon the ladies who were so assiduous in their attentions. After tea, a reception was given to Mr. Lewis, under the presidency of Mr. John Thomas, precentor of the church. After the opening remarks of the Chairman, bardic addresses were given by Messrs. John Lloyd Evans, D. T. Michael, Ed- ward Rees, and Councillor Tom George. The poetical effusions of one or two pro- voked hearty laughter. All referred in appreciative terms to the fine character of the guest of the evening. The follow. ing items were given: —Song, Star of Bethlehem," Miss Maggie Evans; song, Rhyddid Oymru," Mr. David Lewis; song, "The Heavenly Song," Miss Blod- wen Evans; song, Y Llong a'r Goleudy," Mr. Ben Davies; song, Alone on the Raft," Mr. W. C. Whitby. song, Milwr Gwalia," Mr. W. D. Davies; duet, Gwys i'r Gad," Messrs. W. Jones and W. C1. Whitby, quartet, Misses Maggie and Blodwen Evans, and Messrs. W. Jones and W. C. Whitby. All the con- tributions were well received and added gp-eatly to the success of the meeting. The > :0 of the evening was prevailed upor o give a song and he gave Hen Ga, c Freichiau fy Mam." This was ujv.1 ,ubtedly the "tit-bit" of the even- ing, and showed that the singer had not lost any of his dramatic fervour. His rendering of the beautiful Welsh melody was full of pathos, and the charm of his voice produced a marked impression on the congregation. Rounds of applause greeted his splendid effort, but he did not feel equal to respond. The Rev. B. Watkins, pastor of the church, referred in glowing terms to the guest of the even- ing. The visit of the party to the Colonies had been a huge success. From the reports received, the result of the trip was that the Welsh nation were held in higher esteem to-day than they had ever been before. The expectations of the ColoniaSte had been more than realised, and the party had been everywhere re- ceived with enthusiasm. Great credit was due to Mr. Wm. Thomas, the con- ductor, for the noble esample and the excellent moral tone of his character. Referring to Mr. Lewis, the pastor also spoke of his splendid character, and of the high regard they had for him as a church. They were proud to think of the success which he had attained as a solo singer of the party, a fact which had been clearly demonstrated by the great reports given him by the musical critics of the Colonies. They were very glad to welcome him home again, and hoped they would enjoy many years of his service in the, work in which he was so gifted. Coun- cillor T. George remarked that The child is the father of the man," and that this axiom had been verified in the career of Mr. Lewis. He had watched him closely since he was a boy singing alto in the church choir. In every performance given by the choirl Trevor Lewis always commanded a prominent part by dint of his genius and talent. He had often thought it was a pity that voung men like him could not be given better advan- tages to cultivate their talents in the direction they had been so nobly gifted. Mr. Lewis had through his own personal energy and perseverance made a mark, and was a credit to himself and his nation. His character wast also above reproach, and worthy of the emulation of the young men of the place. He wished him still further success I ddi-ingo, bryniau clod." 'The Rev. D. Jones, Mardy, in a few words, said how pleased he was to welcome Mr. Lewis home again. Mr. Lewis, on rising to respond, was received with enthusiasm. He said it was very difficult for him to adequately express his thanks to them for their warm welcome and kind words. The details he gave of persons he had met, who were known to, most of the members of the church were very interesting. Referring to the tour of the party, he was pleased with the reception they had from the Colonies. Their object had been to give the Colonies a taste of Welsh singing, and to bring the Welsh nation to their notice. He thought this object had been realised, and they had succeeded in creating a stronger senti- ment among the Welsh-Australians than had ever been before. He was glad to be amongst his people once again, and once more wished to sincerely thank them for all their kindness. Mr. J. R. Lewis (Alaw Rhondda) accompanied with his usual ability, and a word of praise is due to the secretary, Mr. Jonah Howells. The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to Mr. J. Jones (a, member of the Male Voice Party), of Treherbert. and Mrs. Jones for their presence at the meeting. The harvest festival of Christ Church was held last Sunday and Monday. The preachers were:—Sunday, the Rev. J. P. Griffiths, Pontypridd: Monday, the Rev. Hugh Williams, All Saints'. Llandaff. The English Wesleyan Church also held their harvest festival on Sunday last. Madame Hall-Barkway rendered solos during the services. The North Street Einglish Congrega- tional Church held their harvest festival in the morning, and a flower service in the evening. Mr. Trevor Lewis, late of the Royal Welsh Male Voice Party, sang at the floral service. Last Saturday, the Rovers R.F.C. played their first match, and defeated Rhydfelin by 9 points to nil.

Pentre. It is with deep sorrow we record the death of Mrs. Jane Thomas, widow of the late Mr. Thomas Thomas, saddler, Pen- tre, which took place on Thursday last, after a very brief illness extending over two days. Deceased, who was in her 51st year, was the daughter of Mr. Dd. Davies, one of the first deacons of Bethesda Church, Ton. She was married 28 years ago, and had lived practically the whole of her life in the Rhondda. She leaves one son and four daughters (two of whom are married) to mourn her loss. The funeral took place on Tuesday at Treorchy Cemetery and was largely attended. The Rev. J. J. Williams, Siloh (of which church deceased was a faithful member), officiated at the house and graveside, and dwelt in glowing terms on deceased's fidelity to church and Sunday School. The Rev. D. G. Evans, Bryn Seion, Gelli, also assisted at the graveside. The mourners were as follow —First carriage—Misses Mary and Catherine Thomas and Mrs. Thomas (daughters), Mr. D. Thomas (son) Mr. Evan John Thomas (son-in-law), and Miss Annie Evans (cousin); second car- riage—Mrs. Margaret Ann Evans (daugh- ter), Mr. D. T. Evans (son-in-law), Mr. D. S. Evans, Abercynon, Mr. and Mrs. John Evans and I Mr. Trevor Evans, Ton; third carriage—Mr. Sam Thomas (bro- ther-in-law), Mrs. Jones (sister-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. Tom Jones, Ynysybwl, Miss Ann Thomas and Mrs. Thomas, Cray; fourth carriage—Mr. James and relatives from Cwmbach, Aberdare, Mrs. Jones, Cardiff, and Mrs. Spioer, Cadoxton; fifth carriage—Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins (uncle and aunt), Miss Hopkins (cousin), and Mrs. John (aunt); sixth carriage—Mr. Tom Davies, Pontypridd, Mr. Yorwerth, Cowbridge, Mr. Tommy Evans (cousin), Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Evans, seventh car- riage—Mrs. Edwards, Mr. Jones, Mrs. Davies, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Williams, and Mrs. James. The funeral arrangements were conducted by Messrs. H. Williams a and Sons, undertakers, Ystrad-Rhondda. The coffin was of best polished oak with brass mountings. Harvest festival thanksgiving services were held at the Salvation Army Barracks on Slaturday to Monday last. Commander Higgins took charge of the services, which were largely attended and much enjoyed. The funeral of Thomas Slade (59), of The funeral of Thomas Slade (59), of 167, Ystrad Road, Pentre, took place on Saturday, 25th ult.. at Treorchy Ceme- ter, Messrs. George Diurnell and Richard Keen officiating. The mourners included —Mr81- Mary Ann, Slade (widow); Messrs. Robert, Thomas, Ezra, and Clifford Slade (sons); Miss Olive Mary, Slade (daughter); Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Slade (son and daughter-in-law) and two grandchildren; I Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Tew, Cwmbran (bro- ther-in-law and sister) Mrs. Mary Jones, Pontypool (sister) • Mr. Charles Slade, Cwmbran (brother); Mrs. Mary Davies, Caerphilly (niece); Mr. Isaac Hodder (cousin); Messrs. Thomas and Samuel Caerphilly (niece); Mr. Isaac Hodder (cousin); Messrs. Thomas and Samuel England (brothers-in-law); Mr. and Mrs. James Perry (cousins); Mr. and Mrs. William Perry (uncle and aunt); Mr. Thomas England, Caerphilly (cousin). The members of the Primitive Methodist Chapel were in large numbers at the funeral, and the choir was under the conduictoirship of Mr. Wm. Perry. Floral tributes were sent by Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Slade, and Messrs. Robert, Thomas, and Ezra Slade. The funeral arrangements were conducted by Messrs. Howell Wil- liams and Son, undertakers, Ystrad- Rhondda. The coffin was of best polished oak with heavy brass mountings.

Nantymoel Smoking Concert.—A smoking concert was held at the Blaenogwr Hotel, Price- town, on Saturday last, under the aus- pices of the Blaenogwr Lodge of the Pontypridd Unity, Imperial Friendly Society. Dr. D. J. Thomas, J.P., C.C., presided, and in his opening remarks ex- horted all his hearers who were not already members of a Friendly Society, to become members as soon as possible. Mr. Joshua Hawkins, the general secretary of the Society, then addressed the meeting, and stated as reasons why working men should join the Society, that it was governed by working men alone, who were selected at the annual meeting of delegates from various lodges, and that also its funds were centralised, and therefore there would be no need for any closed boxes. He claimed that the Pontypridd Unity, Imperial friendly Society, was designed and specially adapted to meet the re- quirements and experiences of industrial life. Then followed the interesting cere- mony of presenting the members who during the last twelvemonth had secured most members for the Society. Bros. Henry Jones and George Hole had earned this distinction, having secured no less than 90 new members for their lodge during the year 1908. and each were pre- sented with a gpld medal. Bro. Dunning, of Clydach Vale, in presenting the medals, remarked that there was no won- der the Blaenogwr Lodge was making such headway, when they possessed, such members as Biros. Jones and Hole in their ranks. Bros. Jones and Hole returned thanks, and stated that they would still continue their efforts on behalf of i..e Society. Bro. Henry Headon, the secre- tary of the Lodge, then rendered a general statement of the accounts of the Lodge for the past two years. The following progtramme was then rendered:—Coon song, Mr. Wm. James: song, Mr. D. E. Owen; gramophone solo, Mr. Jonas Morris comic song, Mr. Ernest Skerlock; song, Mr. D. E. Owen; comic song, Mr. Joe Woods: gramophone solo, Mr. Jonas Morris; song, Mr. Robert Davies; reci- tation, Mr. John Bromham; song, Mr. Herbert Webber; song, Mr. J. Olatworthy (Ogmore Vale); comic songs, Messrs. Wm. James, W. Rogers, and Wm. Richards. The meeting terminated with the usual votes of thanks. The concert was quite a. success and a most enjoyable evening was spent. Great praise is due to Mr. Harry Headon, the secretary of the Blaenogwr Lodge, for the flourishing con- dition of the Pontypridd Unity at Price- town. He deserves our commendation, for he has been most indefatigable in his endeavours on behalf of the Society.

Cwmparc The Evening Schools are billed" to commence on Monday next, and there is a good choice of subjects. Besides the Continuation School there will be Tech- nical Classes in Mathematics (Practical and Theoretical), Ambulance, English and Mining. The school" will this year be held in the Girls' Department, and it is to be hoped that local youngsters will crowd to imbibe at the wells of know- ledge. Dr. Barrett's Ambulance Classes are apparently going to command a success- ful season, for the old pupils are already busily doing missionary work. It is pro- posed to found a Cwmparc Brigade at an early date, and a competitive meeting is being organised to get funds to purchase uniforms. A very successful concert was held at Park Hall on Thursday evening last (Mr. Ei. Middleton, M.E., in the chair), under the auspices of Mr. Wm. Butler's Eis- teddfod Choir. The programme was a I most acceptable one, the following singers contributing:—Mrs. G. Veal, Mrs. Iorwerth Daviesl Miss Sally George, Miss Sally Jones, Miss May Middleton, Mrs. J. Roderick, Mr. D. D. Davies, and Mr. James Jones. The choir rendered the test pieces, Yr Haf" and Ar lan'r Iorddonen ddofn," and were deservedly applauded. Miss Margt. E. Breeze proved an efficient accompanist. The choir competed at Swansea on Saturday, but unfortunately failed to do themselves justice, and were just beaten by Skewen. The trip, however, was highly enjoyed in spite of the very belated return home and Mr. Tom Rees proved quite a "champion" in keeping the ladies in good humour by endless sallies of wit and rhymes with and without reason. Possibly the stentorian shouts of some of the males (notably the far- famed local basso profundo) as they passed the Soccer ground when the match with Cardiff City was in progress subsequently affected the quality of the singing. The uproar put even Bob Peake to the blush. The Cwmdare tug-of-war team has once again demonstrated the superiority of the power and might of its brawn and muscle over that of all-comers, for at Seng- henydd last Saturday, with several long and strong pulls it achieved the shekels, and incidentally beat its near and dear rivals in a strenuous final. The Treorchy last won the toss for the last bout but even with this advantage the Dare men dared 'em to pull 'em, and were invin- cible to the end. It is'the custom of a, local "friendly society" to put out a black flag at one of the windows of Park Hotel when a member is dead. It bears" the words, Brawd wedi marw ("A brother dead "). A youngster with an observant eye was observed to be in a puzzled state of mind in the family circle one evening, and eased his mind at last by asking the question, How many brothers, then, has Mr. Higgon got? (Mr. Higgon is the landlord of Park Hotel). The Rev. T. Davies, the esteemed pastor of Soar Chapel, has concluded a quarter of a century of service, and in token of the event the church and con- gregation took steps to celebrate the occasion fittingly. The efforts material- ised in a presentation meeting on Friday evening last, and with the Rev. Rhagfyr Jones, Treorchy, in the chair, the pro- ceedings were naturally attended with a refreshing" hwyl and enthusiasm. Among those present were the Revs. J. Gwrhyd Lewis, Tonyrefail; D. G. Evans, Gelli; Hope Evans. Mardy; T. G. Jenkyn, Llwynypia; James Davies, Salem (W.B.), Cwmparc; Wm. Lewis, Park (C.M.), Owmparc; D. J. Henjry, Forward Movement; and T. Tissington, vicar of Cwmparc. A pleasing programme of music and elocution was submitted the following contributing: —Miss Sally Jones, t Miss Edith Jones, Miss Ethel M. Davies, Messrs. Tom Lewis (Salem), and Isaac Lloyd. Master Idris Jones accompanied on the piano. A handsome illuminated address was presented to the hero of the evening by Mr. John Breeze in a terse but comprehensive speech. Unfor- tunately, Mrs. John Evans, the oldest member," was unable to be present owing to illness, but the agreeable task of pre- senting Mrs. Davies with silver plate (suitably engraved) was well performed by Mrs. E. Jones. Mr. Elias Meredith, a venerable patriarch of Soar, gave an affecting speech in presenting Mr. Davies with a purse of gold. Many friends spoke eloquently of Mr. Davies' sterling char- acter, and dwelt on his unassuming but thorough services in the Lord's vine- yard. 12 Bladed Safety Razors. The Ever Ready at 5/ the Gillette at 21/- Local Agent— R. T.-Jones, The Tram Terminus, Treherbert. 3

Maesteg. Garden Party.—A very interesting garden party was held under the auspices of Bethania (W.B.) Chapel in the grounds of Glan Llwynfy," Maesteg (the resi- dence of Mr. J. P. Gibbon, M.E.), on Wednesday afternoon, September 22nd, when there was a very large attendance. In the evening, a concert was held, when prominent local artistes appeared. The proceeds were towards the building fund of Bethania Chapel, which, it is antici- pated, amounted to a goodly sum. Death.—It is with very deep regret iwe announce the death of Miss Annie May Llewellyn, the 16-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Llewellyn, grocer, Maesteer. which took place on the 13th inst. The funeral took place on Friday last at Llangynwyd Churchyard. The vicar, Rev. J. Jones, officiated. Thanksgiving Services.—On Sunday last, the harvest thanksgiving services were held at St. Ma.rv's Church, Garth, the officiating clergyman being the Rev! D. Morris, B.A., Bryn, who delivered inspiring sermons. The services were con- tinued on Monday, the Rev. E. S. Roberts, M.A., rector of Coity, officiat- ing.

BITS FROM BOOKS. RAPINE & BLOODSHED IN THE BALKANS A stimulating' story of a hand-to-band fight with a Macedonian band of raiders is given in lir. A. D. H. Smith'e Fighting the Turk in the Balkans" (Putnam Brothers). He gives a glowing account of their daring raids upon sleeping villages, of burning out Bashi-Bazouks, and hand-to-hand encounters with sword and bayonet. Men of the Night they were called, because most of their fighting had to be done in the dark: I worked my gun as fast as I could pull the lever and eject the empty shells. As I fired the fifth cartridge, I saw the chetniks (the guerillas) leaping from their coverts on either hand. I jumped to my feet at the same time. I was in- toxicated with it all-the pungent smell of the powder, and the wild, savage delight in killing, which must come from some primeval strain in the deeps of our being. Suddenly the guerilla chief charged on the group of surprised Turks. The Turks began to fire wildly, and their officer, sabre in hand. ran at the oneomers with a yell: I did not recognise his words at the time. but afterwards I came to the conclusion that he must have shouted the old. old battle cry of i.siam Al-lah-Al-lah-il-il-Al-lah." Ilia pistoled him as he ran. Another askare (Turk) sprang forward after his officer. He came at me, his long Mauser levelled. My rifle was empty; it was. shorter than his, and I realised that if he ever reached me, it would be his game. My revolver was swinging loose from my neck. by a cord, and I grabbed at it. At least. I reflected, I'd get seven shots at him. Just as I raised it to (ire, I heard a cry of warning, and Andrea Iraped between us. My bullet went over his head. Without waiting to raise it to his shoulder we fired his rifle at the Turk, holding it between his arm and his body. It was a splendid shot. and Andrea made it certain by meeting his foe full-tilt. They went down in a kicking heap, and for an instant I thought the askare had contrived to get his bayonet into the chetnik. But Andrea rose unhurt, and the Turk lay still.

MAKING THE UNEMPLOYED EFFICIENT. Politicians are frequently exercit-ad with the problem of making the unemployed again effi- cient. In The Vagrant and the Unemploy- able (Salvation Army Headquarters), a num- ber of interesting-cases are quoted, of which the following, as an example, is worth reproducing: That the men received at the Hadleigh Land Colony are capable of applying themselves to work was demonstrated by the experiment which was made at Ea.ston Lodge lact winter, when, for nearly five months, between seventy md eighty men, under the care of the Hadleigh Colony authorities, were at work, directed by the landscape garden expert, improving the gardens of the Lodge. The undertaking was earned through without a single hitch, and the work was completed to the entire satisfaction of all parties to the contract. The men were originally drawn from the ranks of the un- e.'n::oyable, but had been undergoing treatment ar Hadleigh before being sent to Easton Lodge. Lady Warwick herself, writing on the subject in the Nineteenth Century, eays: Their labour was not quite so rapid as that. of the skilled working man, who keeps his nun-cles in good training, but this was due to lack of physique. Most of them, however, made up for this lack of strength by the willing and persevering spirit they shewed. The Salvation Army has, in fact. achieved a remarkable result in a short time for a class that is generally con- sidered most unpromising."

THE OOACH-DRIVERS. The automobilisr of to-day. a £ > well as the wdpctrian, doubtless feels that the motor-car is the fastest road vehicle in the world. Speed, after all. is a relative matter. Fifty yeplrs ago the mail-coaches in England terrified the passers- by as much as the gasoline and steam machines do to-day. In The Reminiscences of Albert Pell. the writer describes the ride on one of these flying carriages: They were wonderful men, those drivers, those on the mails especially, when it was warm enough and dry enough for them to exhibit their Rrival uniform. Every moving thing on the way had to clear out of the road. The guard's one short blast sent everything right and ie.t— the drovers rushed into the midst of their cattle to make a paesayc, the tremendous eix- horse Pickford's waggons sheered on one 6ide like apocalyptic monsters, the po'-chaises" scurried deferentially to their proper side, and the turnpike gates flew open with a rattle. Then came the villages, with here and there a dim light in the sick-room upstairs, and the feeble light of the change-house where, with lan- thorns and active strappers, the four fresh horses stood awaiting us. The change appeared a piece of legerdemain. The drivers frequently did not leave the box. A litrle man-Davis, I think, by name—who drove Oil the Quicksilver over the plain, would jump down, seize the reins, and then literally run up the side of the coach and perch himself like a r./iirrel on the box. He it was who taught me how a light-weight msn could relieve his arms of some of the severe drag of a puliing and racing hard-mouthed team. Tliis was by crossing one of his legs over the reins when the horses were doing good time on level ground.. Aoout. my IaM interview wi{]' a mail-driver wa.s with old Simpsoa. who drove. I think, the Lynn mail. I went down to the office in Cam- bridge at midnight, as I often did. to see the mail change and give Simpson a cup oi hot tea. The night was a terrible wintry one, and near Royston,in a SJj()wstnn. the mail went over in a drift, and poor Simpson was smothered. _n_

SIMS REEVES'S NERVOUSNESS. Sir Charles Santley, in his interesting volume Reminiscences of :1" Life" (Isaac Pitman and Sons), teils of some of the peculiarities of the f.taious singer: In the whole course of my life I have never known a man so belied; it was commonly stated that the abuse of stimulants was the sole cause of his so frequently disappointing the public by non-fuifliment. of his engagements. I emphati- cally ctay that statement; we were intimate Is-iend*. constantly engaged in the same per- formances from the year 1858 unt.. a. few months ociore he died. I v had every opportunity of knowing him intimately, and I declare 1 have never met a more moderate man as regards Either eating or drinking. When there was work to be done, I often urged him to take an extra glass of wine, as he was one of the most nervous human beings I ever knew, and I thought an extra drop would give him a touch of Dutch courage, but I never knew him to take my advice. When there was no work to be done, he was as jolly as a boy home from school for the holi- days; even then he never exceeded his custom- ary two or three glasses of claret, occasionally Burgundy. He was at all times exceedingly anxious and nervous about his voice; many and many a time he had not the courage to dress for a concert, and sent an excuse at the last moment for his non-appearance, and an hour after bitterly regretted the disappointment it would cause, not to speak of the considerable tMvujriiar* lose be himself would sustain.

JMOUNTNEY (fete J Oordlntr), 42, Royal OJWD1FF. Bird and 'Animal fro8#r*or, To the Moat Hon. The Marquis | sf Bute and the Cardiff Museum. Skint and Fare Dressed Rug-i Uned and <n ids up. Gl%i3 stskies or Clocks and Ornaaens of all statol,