The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

THE CENSUS AND REPRESENTA- TION. ARTICLE III. To resume my tale, I proceed lastly to institute a comparison between the Celtic and the manufacturing districts. First, I find that Cornwall with a population of 322,589, which is decreasing, has seven members, one of whom sits for a borough made up somewhat after the fashion of grouping which finds so much favour in Liberal eyes, while Northumberland, which has a population of 506,096, au increase of upwards of 70,000, has only eight, and Durham, with a population of 1,016,449 has only 15, or just over double that of Cornwall, though the population is more than three times the amount, and instead of decreasing, has increased by nearly 140 000' Next I take all Wales, excluding Glamorgan, and I find that the aggregate popu- lation of the 11 counties is 831,767, with 20 mem- bers, whereas Warickshire which has risen from 737,339 to 805,070, has only 14. To agravate matters nine out of the 11 Welsh counties show a decrease, and though there is an increase in the other two yet the whole 11 taken together has decreased nearly 20,000- We will examine a little further. The great increase in Waricksbire is due to Birmingham and Aston Manor, and this is what we find. In Birmingham the Edgbas- ton Division has a population of 67,682 the West, 69,508; the Central, 59,099 North, 62,948 East, 65,683; Bordsley, 82,863; South, 70,334. It will be observed that each returns one member. Reversing the Welsh process, where, though two counties have gained, the 11, taken as a whole have lost. I find that though two of these divisions have lost, yet that the whole has risen from 436,971 to 478,117. Finally, Aston Manor has risen from 53,842 to 68,639. In Wales, Angelsey, with a population of 50,079, has one member; Brecknock, with 57,031, has the same and so has Cardigan with 62,596 but Carmarthen, with 130,574, hait three members, or about 44,000 to each member; and so has Carnarvon with 118,225, and Denbigh with 117,958. My list closes with Merioneth, with one member for 49,204 and Flint with two, with 77,189 so that the aggregate of 662,848, which is decreasing, boasts of 15 members, as against the eight ever- increasing Birmingham. I have taken the counties alphabetically in order to compare them with the eight Birmingham Divisions, but the three remaining counties Montgomery, Pembroke, Radnor, would have proved equally serviceable, because they numher togother 168,919 inhabitants, a decrease of 12,143. and have four members. But then there is this essential difference, Bir- mingham is a great stronghold of the Liberal Unionist Party, while Wales is the citadel of the Sectarian Separatists, and Birmingham may rest well assured that she will never obtain a recognition of her undoubted rights so long as it is possible to bolster up a Separatist Govern- ment by artificial means. And now we turn to Ireland. In the first place we find that Leinster, with a population of 1,195,718, a decrease since the last Census of 83'371, has 28 M.P.'s, while Lancashire, with a population of 3,926,798, an increase of 472,360, has 57, so that, with more than three times the population, she has only double the members and the West Riding with a population of 2,441,164, an increase of 265,873, has 37, so that with more than double the population, she has only one-third more representants. Similarly, Munster with 1,163,994, a decrease of 162,121, has 25 members, so that the two together with a population of 2,364,712, have 53 members, which is 16 more than the West Riding with a larger and ever-increasing population. Again, Ulster, Munster, and Leinster have together 3,982,589 inhabitants who are represented by 86 members, 26 more than Lancashire, which has almost an exactly equal population. The cases of Ulster and Connaught taken together are not 80 glaring. We will now descent a little more into detail. But first I would remark that it is evidently true that the mental condition of the Englishman and the Irishman are, as has often been said, essentially, different, because the Englishman, as we have been told on high authority, does not require an adequate representa- tion if he reside near the seat of Government. But with the Irishman it appears to be exactly the reverse. This would seem to be proved, because in the county divisions of Middlesex the average population is 53,000 per member, in Surrey 57,000, and in Kent, nearly P3,000. In Leinster it is 43,000, and even this average, low as it is, is due in a great measure to Dublin and Wexford with their 150,215 and 111,536 respectively. Dublin is the great stronghold of the loyal minority outside Ulster, and moreover is the only county which shows an increase, i.e., 4,587. If these were omitted we should find the average as low as 33,000 per member. The proper everage for each constituency is 56,000 for each member, so that every man calculate for himself. It is, of course, impossible to maintain mathematical accuracy, but it is possible to avoid grotesque anomaly, glaring incon- latency, gross and flagrant injustice. I find that Carlow, with one member, has 40,899 in- habitants. Kildare, with two divisions, each with a member, has 69,988. Kilkenny, with a total population of 87,154, has three members, one for each of the two divisions and one for the decaying borough of Kilkenny, whose population amounts to 13,323 (I do not suppose that anything 80 monstrous exists in our representation, save Galway and Newry), so that Kilkenny, with three members, has an aggregate population of 87,154, whereas she should have 100,000 moie. Next we have King's County, two divisions, 65,408 Queen's County, two divisions, 64,636; Weatmeath, two divisions, 64,028 Wicklow, two divisions, 61,934. These 19 divisions, including the borough, have an aggregate population of 641,748, with 20 members, their proper number being 11 and they have decreased 70,000 in the last decade. In Munster, not to go too much into detail, Waterford has two divisions for a. population 70,507; also one member for Waterford Town, which has .only 27,623 inhabitants. But it is very obvious that Waterford Town and County together fall far short of the fair proportion for two members. Coming to Ulster, we have Fermanagh with two divisions for 74,037, and in Monaghan we have the same for 86,089. Also in Leitrim there are two divisions for 78,379, and Galway has four divisions for 197,254; seeing that this is much below the proper average, it is also a decrepit borough with a population of 16,g42 and a decrease of 2,229, so that the two combined would not at the present moment furnish the full quota for four members, which is 224,000. It may be observed that Galway itself has decreased 25,520, without including the borough. These are the most flagrant instances, but Many a little makes a mickle," and out of 87 divisions onlv 29 attain an average of 50,000, while only i5 reach the required standard of 56,000. Compare the county divisions of Lancashire. North Lancashire has 4 divisions, but the average population to each is 64,000 (so that the representation of many parts of Ireland as compared with Lancashire is exactly double) South-East has eight divisions, and here the average is 73,000 South-West has seven, and the average is almost exactly 70,000. The total population (excluding of course, the boroughs) is 1,644,494, and the members are 23, whereas they ought to be 29, Here, again, the truth of the proverb, Many a little, is mani- fested. It will be observed that the Leinster population, even including Dublin and Wexford, with exactly the same number of members, has only 903,499 inhabitants, Dublin City being omitted. This is a strong reversal of justice: Again, in the West Riding there are in the Northerii part" five divisions .with an average of 60,000 individuals to each elector. In the Southern eight divisions, with an average of 70,000, ilud in the Eastern part six divisions, with an average of 56,000. If we take the boroughs the case is the same. Sheffield has five divisions with an average of 65,000, Salford three with an average of 66,000, and Manchester with six with an average of 75,000. Why did Manchester a declare herself T(,ry ? So in Leeds there is an average of over 70,000 for each of her five members. and in Liverpool there is an average of 65,000, While Oldham has two members for 183,871, the combined representation of Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, and Newry with 183,365 inhabitants, consists of five ™e™bevs. And it cannot be too often insisted upon that in the long and dreamy monotony of Irish decay there are only four poiuts of relief—Dublin City, Dublin County, Londonderry, Belfast, the latter alone being striking, while in the English instances the reverse is everywhere the CHse save occasion- ally in the Central Districts, where the loss consequent on the substitution of warehouses and other purely business premises for dwelling is more than compensat(:- for by the suburban increase, and is, in fact, indicative of increasing prosperity. I am well aware that in a thoroughly adequate reconstruction mure than one district in England, even in the heart of those communities which are most flourishing, would be deprived of its representation* nor am I ignorant that the change would not always conduce to the immediate benefit of my Party. But I would scorn to assist at a game of beggar my neighbour, having my country for stake. There are two races in the British Islands utterly distinct in origin, interest, and aims from the dominant people, races which have always been distinct, from the remortest ages, and always will be distinct, races which may be absorbed but which can never be conciliated. We face a very serieus crisis, a time when no man seems to have any fixed opinions, when every- thing is doubted, everything is to be changed, and nothing considered stable. Hence arises a party which baa no fixed views, no determinate policy, not even the most ordinary business capacity, but who seek, each one, their individual ends or crotchets. To do this, being utterly reck- less of the future provided that they can air their own nostrums, they appeal to the passions of the ignorant by the most extravagant exaggeration. I will not go further. Devoid of the most ordinary statesmanship of the most elementary ideas of government, their sole object is to obtain a majority at any cost, to endeavour (because they seldom succeed to carry out the crotchets which each considers infallible. At their head (one can- not call him lender) is a man who without a tittle of statesmanlike ability (it is one of the evil omens of the day that he is called the '■ greatest living Englishman" and the"greatest statesman of the 19th century") is marked out by the nature of things for his position. No greater danger could possibly befall this country. The whole of the last 25 years shows that, while capable in the highest degree of exciting, he is utterly incapable of governing, and that the result of bis accession to power would be, as before, anarchy at home and ruin abroad. Under his foreign policy the peace, the hononr, the safety even, of the Empire is not safe, from week to week. But such is the nature of ignorance that all his countless blunders, blunders infatuate and sublime, are powerless to undeceive his dopes, or rather, in fact, as fast as they are undeceived, another horde of the ignorant are discovered by those whose business it is to support him as leader for the furtherance of their own ends. But the great centres of industry and population are beginning to understand things aright, are beginning to see the absolute necessity of a businesslike and orderly Administration as against the wild theories of vain and selfish crotchet-mongers. Farther, they are beginning to see, at present perhaps dimly, that our safety in the not very distant future lies in the consolidation of our Empire before the war of tariffs and the war of races, pressing upon one another for the liberty of expansion, begins, and will refuse to play from the very commencement into the hands of their rivals at the bidding of effete and expiring nationalities.—Yours, &c., C. G. COLLETON RENNIE.

SOCIETY AND PERSONAL. The position of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, is unique in more instances than one. For example, although he is the seventeenth of his title, he is the only one who has witnessed the coming of age of his son. Again, he stands alone in celebrating his silver-wedding. Next, he is the first to be a grandfather, and, further, but one Prince of Wales before him attained a jubilee. # It is stated to be the wish of the Queen that the Duke of Clarence and the Princess Victoria, after their marriage, at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on the 27th of February, shall return to the Palace through the Henry VIII. Gateway, down Castle Hill, passing through High- street, Park-street, to the top of the Long Walk, entering the Quadrangle by the York and Lancaster Towers. The Royal guests attending the wedding will also return to the Castle. The Duke of Clarence and Avondale and Princess May are to sit for their portraits, to the Austrian painter Heinrich von Angeli. The artist has already been summoned to London. The "Court Circular," under date of Osborne, December 27, contains the following:—"Their Royal Highnesses the Duke of Connaught, Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein, Prince Henry of Battenberg, and Prince Albert of Schles w ig- Holstein, went out shooting yesterday. His Royal Highness Prince Christian met with an accident, causing injury to one of his eyes. Mr Lawson, the Queen's oculist, was summoned from London. His Royal Highness Prince Christian is progressing favourably." = The Press Association's Cowes correspondent telegraphs:—"The injury sustained by Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein is more serious than would appear from the brief paragraph in this morning's "Court Circular." It seems that the Royal party, which included the Duke of Connanght, Prince Christian, Prince Henry of Battenberg, and Prince Albert of Schleswig- Holstein, were shooting together in the Royal preserves at Osborne on Saturday, and had nearly finished, when a shot from the Duke of Connaught's gun struck Prince Christian, and three of the pellets entered his face, one pene- trating the ball of the left eye." There is no positive knowledge as to whose shot it was that caused the mischief, but circumstances point to I the Duke of Connought. The accident was the result of a glancing shot from the bough of a tree. The Prince is progressing favourably. I .¡,. The remains of the Duke of Devonshire, who died on Monday of last week, were interred on Saturday afternoon in the church- yard of Edensor, the pretty model village near Chatsworth House, the Derbyshire seat of the Cavendish family. Rain fell in the Peak district on Saturday afternoon bnt this did not deter a large number of the tenantry, neigh- bours, and friends, assembling to pay a tribute of respect to the Duke's memory. The simple tastes of the late Duke iuduced the members of that family to carry out the arrangements without any ceremonial display. The procession left Catsworth House at half-past two, the Derbyshire tenantry walking at its head. Immediately behind them, drawn by four black horses, with the hearse, through the glass sides of which the coffin, surmounted by a beautiful wreath placed thereon by Lhe members of the family, could be plainly seen. The coffin was of polished oak, and bore the following incrip- tion William Cavendish, Duke of Devon- shire born 27th April, 1808 died 21st Dec., 1891." Following the hearse were the chief mourners, the gentlemen walking, with the present Duke at thuir head the ladies found protection from the rain in carriages. Depu- tations representating the Derbyshire clergy, y 11 various Local Boards, the Derbyshire Magistracy, the Ulverston Board of Guardians, of which the late Duke was for 53 years Chairman, the Cor- poration of Barrow, local political societies, and the tenantry of the Holker, Eastbourne, and Bolton Abbey Estates. The grave which was in the earth, lined with evergreens, was situated, according to the expressed desire of the Duke, immediately next to that of Lord Frederick Cavendish. A largea,nutnber of beautiful wreaths was placed on the grave at the conclusion of the ceremony, sent by the following, among others The Queen, the Corporation of Sheffield, Derby, Barrow, and Eastbourne the tenantry on the Lancashire, Derbyshire, and Yorkshire, and Sussex estates the household servant the Irish tenantry the officers and the staff of the Furness Railway Company the Barrow Col- liery Company, and the Earl of Feversham. # On all sides the greatest sympathy has been ex- pressed for the Marquis of Hartington in the affliction which has fallen on his house through the death of his father, the aged and respected Duke of Devonshire. Both in science and politics the Cavendishes have long figured as leaders in the land. It was a strange coincidence that while the Duke of Devonshire was lying dangerously ill al Holker Hall, his college rival, the ex-Bishop of Worcester, should also be laid low on a bed of sick- ness. The duke was plain Mr William Cavendish, of Trinity College, Cambridge, in his student days, and the prospective bishop a member of St. Cats. There was a close contact between them for the senior wranglership, which Philpott won but in the examination for Smith's prize Cavendish turned tiie tables and came out first, a position which he further improved by coming out BiT, ahead of Philpott in first-class honours in the classical tripos. To his brilliant record is due the affection and respect which has always existed between the duke and his alma mater, and one which prompted Cambridge University to elect him Chancellor on the death of the Prince Consort. Mr Ritchie appears to have thoroughly re- covered from his recent indisposition. On Saturday afternoon he left Victoria Station for Brighton, where he intends to remain for a short rest previous to entering on his official duties. Colonel Sbadwell H. Clerlce. Grand Secretary of English Freemasons, died on Christmas Day of con- gestion of the lungs. He was buried at Norwood Cemetery on Wednesday last. From India comes the news of the death at the age of nearly 90, of Govrishanker Udayashanker, ex-Dewen, or Prime Minister, of the State of Bhow- nugger, who is described as probably the last living link between the India of the beginning of the century and the India of to-day. During his period of office, which terminated in 1879, he intro- duced a system of education, reformed the police and judicial organisations, and generally led the State along the path of progress. # Among the many Royal personages abroad who have already signified their wish to be present at the wedding of the Duke of Clarence and Avondale with the Princess Victoria Mary of Teck, an the following:—The King and Queen of Denmark, who will probably be the guests of the Prince and Princess of Wales at Marlborough House the King and Queen of Wirtemburg, the King of the Belgians, and the Empress Frederick and her daughters, who will be on a visit to the Queen. It is expected that those members of the reigning houses of Europe who cannot attend will be repre- sented by the senior members of their families. A Committee has been formed by Lady Wolverton and Lady E. Biddulph with the object of presenting Princess Victoria of Teck with a ladies' gift on the occasion of her marriage. :II: A pleasing story of Browning's courtesy is related by Mrs Andrew Jrosse. It appears that when he was in Rome the poet's son had hired a room in a neighbouring house in which to exhibit his pictures. In the temporary absence of the artist, Mr Browning was doing the honours, the room being half filled with fashionable friends. The poet was standing near the door, when a visitor, unannounced, made her appearance; he immediately shook hands with the stranger, or tried to do so, when she exclaimed," Ob, I beg your pardon, but please, sir, I'm the cook. Mr Barrett asked me to come and see his pictures." "And I am very glad to see you," said Mr Browning, with ready courtesy. "Take my arm, and I will show you round." # Sir William White, her Majesty's Ambassadjr at Constantinople, died at Berlin on Monday afternoon at half-past two. He arrived on Thurs- day morning to spend Christmas with his daughter, who has been married for about two years to the Secretary of the Swedish Legation. Sir William was suffering from influenza at the time, and was attended at the Kaiserhof by Professor Leyden and Dr. Struck, the latter of whom used to be physician to Prince Bismarck. He seemed to have got over the attack Monday morning, and the doctors hoped that he would soon be able to leave his room, but shortly before noon weakness of the heart became perceptible, and death ensued in two or three hours. The Archbishop of Canterbury has left England for a month's visit to Algeria and North Africa. We regret to record the death of Dr. Harold Browne, late Bishop of Winchester, which took place at Shalles Bitterne last week. Edward Harold Browne was a son of Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Browne J. p. and D.L., of Morton House, Bucks. He was educated at Eton, where he was to be seen constantly on the 4th of June, in Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he was twenty-fourth Wrangler in 1832, In the following year he took the Crosse Theological Scholarship and likewise carried off the Tyrwhitt Hebrew Scholarship and was Norrisian prizeman. He wa.i ordained deacon and priest in 1836 and 1837 by the Bishop of Ely (Dr. Allen), his title being his Fellowship of Emmanuel, where he was a successful tutor. In 1840 he became curate of Stroud; and in the following year successively perpetual curate of St. James and St Sidwell Exeter. In 1843 he was appointed Vice-Principal and Professor of Hebrew in St. David's College, Lampeter, where he first made his mark, and soon afterwords a prebend of St. Davids Cathedral. In 1849 he became vicar of Kenwyn and a prebend of Exeter, and from 1854 to 1864 held the office of Norrisian Professor of Divinity at Cambridge. In 1857 he was nominated vicar of Heavitree and a canon of Exeter and in 1861 was consecrated Bishop of Ely in Westminster Abbey by the Arch- bishop of Canterbury (Dr. Longley) assisted by the Bishops of St. David's (Dr Thirlwell), and Worces- ter (Dr Phillpot), in succession to Bishop Turton. The lappointment was very popular at Cambridge, where he was often Select Preacher, and he did a wonderful work (writes a clerical correspon- dent) in organizing, with the assistance of Archdeacon Emery, the unwieldy diocese of Ely, establishing Archidiaconal and Diocesan Confer- ences, and being everywhere in the four counties of Cambridge, Huntingdon, Bedford, and Suffolk, supporting by his presence all who worked hard, of whatever school of thought. On the death of Bishop Wilberforce he was translated to Winchester, and on the vacancy in the Metropolition See caused by Archbishop Tait's death, he was offered Canterbury, but declined it. The deceased prelate was in the commission of the peace for Cardiganshire, was Chancellor of the Order of the Garter, and married in 1840, Elizabath, daughter of Dr Clement Carlyle, by whom he has living four sons and one daughter. The greatest event during his tenure of the see of Ely was the thousandth commemoration of the consecration of Ely Cathedral, which was cele- brated with great ceremony. Sir Love Jones Parry, Bart., of Madryn, Pwllheli, was buried at Llanbedrog, on Thursday last. The funeral cortege was nearly two miles long, and was attended by most of the magistrates and members of public bodies. The estate goes to his sister, Mrs Jones- Williams, of Craigle, Llandudno, for life. Lord Dynevor will shortly leave England for Egypt. :Ii< :Ii< A marriage has been arranged between Mr Logan Stewart, of the 7th Hussars,—eldest son of Capt. Stewart, of Alltyrodyn, and Eveline, second daughter of General the Hon. Sir J. C. Dormer, K.C.B., Commander-in-chief of the Madras Presidency. The marriage will shortly take place. At the rent audit of the tenants of Llanilear estate, held on Thursday of last week, the agri- cultural tenants received an abatement of 10 per cent. for the half year ending Michaelmas last. The abatement was made unasked for, and came as a sudden but pleasant surprise to the tenants present. # # Mr Gladstone's 82nd birthday was celebrated on Tuesday in the usual way in the village of Hawar- den. The bells of the parish church rang merrypeals, and the village post-office was all bustle through- out the day. The right hon. gentleman's absence at Biarritz made a perceptible difference in the number of telegrams received at Hawardcn, but, all the same, the volume of messages by post, telegraph, and hand was considerable, and there were a number of birthday presents.

CARMARTHEN. RAFFLES were held in several of the public- houses of the town on Christmas Eve. COUNTY PETTY -There was no court at the Guildhall on Saturday. CARMARTHEN SOUP KITCHEN.—Mr D. P. Morgan, Hon. Sec., begs respectfully to acknow- ledge the following subscriptions :—Mr D. Lloyd Jones, Barwick Yeovil, E2 Mr Protheroe, Clifton, £ 2 Mr. H. Lloyd, Ivy Cottage, Abergwill, t2 2s. TRADESMEN'S BALL.-We hear that it has been decided this year again to hold the tradesmen's ball on the 21st of January, 1892, and as the number of tickets is limited, an early appli- cation should be made. BOROUGH POLICE COLIP.T. -This Court was held on Monday, before Mr C. W. Jones and Mr J. Lewis.-All application of Mr Joseph Spurry, for an occasional license to sell liquor in the Assembly Rooms on New Year's Eve and New Year's morning, on the occasion of a ball, was granted as was also the application for the temporary transfer 9f the license of the Harp Inn, Lammas- street, by Mr Wm. Thomas. FOOTBALL Carmarthen Wanderers v. Llanelly Wem Junior*. This match was played on Saturday (Boxing Day) on the ground of the former, and ended as follows Wanderers, 1 goal, 3 tries, and 3 minors Wem Juniors, nil. The tries were obtained by H. Lewis (3) and Fred. Morgan (1), the former converted. A match was played on Christmas Day in a field behind the Railway Tavern, Lammas-street, be- tween the Royal Oak Rovers and a Picked Team, and ended in a win for the former by 2 trios, 2 minors to 1 try. Referee, Mr James Davies, Aberavon. 1ST V.B. THE WELSH REGIMENT. Orders having been issued to mark all the great coats the same number as the new accoutrements, members of the H. and 1. Companies are re- quested to send their military great coats and capes into the Armoury with as little delay as possible, so that the order may be complied with; (2) All members who have rifles in their possession are requested to return them to the Armoury forthwith for inspection, and to be kept in store during the non-shooting season, agreeable to Volunteer Regulations, 1891. By order, G. A. HUTCHINS, Captain Commanding. PARK Y VELVET GRAMMAR AND SCIENCE SCHOOL.—At the recent terminal examinatisn of this school, several book prizes were offered for competition, with the following results: The history prize, open to the whole school, was won by Miss A. Timothy; and the mechanics prize, open to this year's students only, by Miss Barrett. All the other prizes were limited to the classes preparing for the College of Preceptors' Examinations, the winners being — In Latin, D. J. Lewis and D. Iwan Davies, equal in Algebra, D. J. Lewis in History, Dixon Hearder; in Geography, Emrys Thomas and E. E, Isaac, equal; in junior Geography, Gerald Griffiths. ANNUAL MEETING OF ODDFELLOWS.—The fifty- fourth annual meeting of the Carmarthen Dis- trict of the I.O.O.F., Manchester Unity, was held in the Loyal Merlin Lodge Room, Blue Boar Inn, on Monday afternoon, those in at- tendance being Prop. G.M. John Thomas, in the chair; Prov. D.G.M. John Evans, in the vice- chair P.P.G.M. Wm. Evans, prov. correspond- ing secretary. Delegates: Merlin Lodge, P.P.G.M. Wm. Pugh and P.G. Thomas Evans, P.S. Wayne Lodge, P.P.G.M.'S David Davies, Wm. G. Pugh and David Williams, and P.G. Thomas Rees and N G. J. Jones Ship and Castle Lodge, G.M. Thomas John Goleu Cymru Lodge, V.G. Thomas Gibbon and John Gwynne Howell; Clazton Lodge, P.G.'S R. Rets, Herbert Williams and Jas. Thomas Abercorran Lodge, P.G. George Maddon and Wilkins Begelly and Kilgetty Lodge, P.G. W. Lawrence and Thomas Morgan, treasurer. The amount of levies received was jEl2 118 8d. A vote of condolence with the bereaved relatives of the late Mr Mackenzie Thomas, general manager of the Western Mail, who had taken such a lively interest in Oddfellowship, was passed on the motion of P.P.G.M. David Williams, seconded by P.P.G.M. Wm. Evans, P.C.S.— Prov. Deputy G.M. John Davies Evans, Merlin Lodge, was elected G.M., and P.G. John Thomas Griffiths, of the Goleu Cymru Lodge, was ap- pointed Prov. D.G.M. for the ensuing year.—It was decided to hold the half-yearly meeting of the district at the Begelly Arms, Begelly, on Monday, June 27. A capital dinner had been provided by the licensee of the Blue Boar (Mr. F. J. Cottrell), and the catering gave great satisfaction. TEMPERANCE. —The weekly meeting of the Car- marthen Total Abstinence Society, was held on Sunday evening last, dot the Tabernacle Chapel Schoolroom, Mr Gwilym Samuel, presiding. There was a crowded attendance. Addresses were delivered by the chairman Mr Joseph Thomas, weaver, and the Rev. Joseph Evans, of Swansea (formerly of this town). Miss May Jones rendered a solo very sweetly. Rev. T Mortimer Green closed the meeting by prayer.— A committee meeting was held at the close of the meeting to appoint new officers for the ensuing quarter, &c., but as only some four remained, the appointment of the officers was left until the annual meeting, to be held at the Water-street Chapel Schoolroom, on New Year's evening. THE OBSERVANCE OF CHRISTMAS DAY. —In the course of an excellent address on the Nativity," by the Rev J Morris, at St. John's Welsh Church on Christmas evening, the rev. gentleman said he was glad to see such a fair congregation present, but the presence of the young men and the young women that worshipped in that Church on Sun- days were conspicuous by their absence that even- ing. He hoped they had not joined the giddy multitude singing low songs about their streets and in other places in the town that day. They, as Churchmen, kept Christmas Day as a Holy day, notwithstanding they were taunted it was popery to keep it so. He maintained it was better to sing praises to God than the low songs he heard about the streets that day. CARMARTHEN SOCIAL CLUB.—A merry party of fifty, consisting of members and friends, met on Christmas Eve, at the above place to partake of their first annual supper, catered for very sum- tously by Mrs Tipping and her able assistants, the Misses Evans and Holt, of the Lion Royal Coffee Tavern. The chairman of the evening was Mr Thomas (late of Nant), supported by Mr O. Jones and Mr J Webster. After justice had been done to the good things provided, the com- pany assembled were beguiled with a list of songs the excellence of which would satisfy the most exacting. Mr G R Lewis favoured with Rather, Fleny, long ago," and gave two or three dances Mr H Jones, "The song that reached my heart;" Mr T Jones, Patrick mind the baby and Old Brigade Mr W Jones, The Old armchair" Mr W Davies, Death of Nelson" Mr W Thomas, Ten minutes too late Mr W Evans, "Over more, and funny things" Mr G Davies, character song and recitation Mr P R Lewis, Barney, take me home," and recitation, Women of Mumbles Head Mr Bennett gave five songs, and many others filled up a long pro- gramme. The now celebrated recitation by Mr Gomer Davies, proved one of the features of the evening, the elocution and acting powers of Mr Davies being of a high order. Mr E Isaac and T C Davies ably presided at the piano, which was kindly lent by Mr Colby Evans. Warm votes of thanks were given the chairman for his kind services and contribution, and to Mr Griffiths and Mr Colby Evrns. The chairman was delighted to be among them., and expressed a hearty wish for the repitition of a similar treat very soon. Messrs H Jones and J D Davies were responsible for the arrangements. ERRATUM. The appointment of Mr W. Lewis Hughes as medical officer for the borough of Carmarthen was for three years, and not one year as reported in our columns last week. CARMARTHENSHIRE INFIRMARY.—The secretary begs respectfully to acknowledge the following amounts :—Mr Henry Lloyd, Ivy Cottage, Aber- gwili, donation, t2 2s Fine from Welshman Office, ls Mrs Maclean, Mount Hill, 10? 6d Tabernacle Independent Chapel, Llandilo, per Mr R G Price, P,3 15s Anonymous," Llan- dilo, 2s Holly and laurel from Dr. Hearder, for Christmas decoration Box of clothing and toys, from Mrs Wood, Dysgwylfa, Sketty, Swansea Christmas pictures for the patients, from Mr Car- penter, the Station Pictures, from Mrs Barker, Green Hall Mr Howell Evans, an in-patient, El 10s Fine from Welshman Office. SCHOOL BOARD. -A special meeting was held at the Guildhall on Wednesday evening, the members in attendance being Principal Browne, vice-chairman, in the chair, Rev. Prof. Jones, Mr T. E. Brigstocke, Mr Thomas Thomas, and I Mr W. L. Hughes. On the motion of Mr Hughes, seconded by Mr Thomas, it was decided to accept the tender of Messrs J. and Daniel Jones, contractors, for the erection of the new Pentrepoth Infant's School, and for effecting the necessary alterations to and improvements at the existing buildings, for the sum of R1471 17s Od, subject to the approval of the Education Department to the conveyance of the new site being duly executed, to them entering into a satisfactory contract with two substantial sureties for the due execution of the work .to the satisfaction of Messrs Morgan and Son, the architects of the board for the time being. The I other tenders came from the following I contractors :—Messrs Brown Thomas and John, Llanelly, £ 1510 12s Od and Mr William Evans, Fishpond House, Carmarthen, R1590 Os Od. On l the motion of Mr Hughes, seconded by Mr j Thomas, the best thanks of the committee were tendered to Principal Evans for the able manner in which he had acted as chairman of the board during his term of office. This was the last meeting of the old board. The new one will meet on the 13th inst.

LLANDYSSUL JOTTINGS. By <-PUCK." Matters political are, superficially at least, at a stand still at present. When political warfare digenerates into personal hostility then the man of sense leaves the field to the bumptious ignoramus. It were well perhaps to note that it takes two to make a quarrel. Matters social are in full-swing. Recently a Social Union was established here for the pur- pose of promoting special intercourse and develop- ing latent talent. The Society meets under the presidency of Mrs Jones, Gelly, and several interesting meetings have already been held, a brief summary of which is as follows :—Addresses On Education," by lhe Rev. Thomas James, M.A., "On teaching and teachers," by Miss Minnis,. On Music," by the Rev. W. J. Davies, and discussion on "Is marriage a failure," and "Town v. Country." This week the evening is to be occupied by Miss Lizzie Thomas, with a paper on Is novel reading beneficial." As a matter of course this Society has encountered a considerable amount of opposi- tion, having been dubbed the Match making Union, etc but a visit to the meetings always induces "Those who came to scoff to remain to pray." Doubtless, next session will see a large increase in the number of members, perhaps too a better selection of subjects for debate, which, to say the least is certainly desirable. Christmas Day was spent as usual, that is to say, nothing was accomplishd save tackling the goose and plum-pudding. During the course of the afternoon "teafights" were held in con- nection with the Sunday Schools of the Estab- lished Church at the National Schoolroom, of the Independents at the B lard Schoolroom, and of the Unitarians at the Porth Assembly Rooms. The only incident of note at the National Schoolroom was the smashing of a few panes of glass by a gentleman in closing a window. After the tea and cake had been disposed of, the several places were clcared out and the evening was occupied by eutertaiumeuts. At the National Schoolroom songs were given by Mr William Thomas and party, by Mr Tom Jones and by several of the c'liluieu who alsu recited several pieces, farces Happy again," and The stolen Princess were also psrfnrmed. Finally the audience was entertained by the comical performances of a pmall troupe of juvenile christy minstrels. The chief features of a similar entertainment at the Porth Assembly Rooms were a pianoforte duett by the Misses Jones and by Misses Grace Janes and Lee Evans, several songs by the children, a solo by the Rev. W. J. Davies, a couple of pieces by the Llwyn male voice party, a dreary Welsh Drama (!) and a play Wanted a wife." It is rumoured in connection with the latter, that several of the would-be brides were so prostrated by their rejection that they have not even yet recovered. The rowdyism which characterized previous meetings was this year conspicuous by its absence, the rowdies being excluded by a charge of 3d for admission this securing a quiet evening. The Independents held their meeting in Zion Chapel, songs, recitations, dialogues, and choral pieces, were very satisfactorily rendered. It is a matter for regret that all these meetings are annually held on the same evening, whilst Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and New Year's night, might also be very suitably chosen for such entertainments, each being under existing arrangements a dull blank. Perhaps those responsible will see their way to a better arrange- ment in future. The scavenger and Inspector of nuisances have been quite lost sight of in the town lately. We hope they are not laid up by any of the pre- valent diseases.

NEUADDFAWR FOXHOUNDS. This pack met on Monday, December 28th, at Tyglyn Aeron, New Bridge, and found directly close by, in Major Lewes' young coppice, bolting away over the top towards Cilcennin, leaning to the left through the dingle for Pencnwc, Penwern, and into Ffoselig plantation. Here the red rambler dodged and made in and outside the covers several rings, and shaking his pursuers by a little check, which was very welcome though only 20 minutes going, we had some bellows to mend and second wind to get. The bye-roads and turf were terrible about here, the result of the late frost and rain. The nags were knee deep in the yellow clay every stride, but thanks to our quarry, he got us out by piloting us over the heatherly bog to Cefengar. Thence leaving to the left over Tirbach, he crossed Aberystwyth road to Rhiwlas Issa, pointing for Bethania, but swerved and crossed Penuwch road, and paddled over the fens and hills straight to Tri Chrug. The hunting was now grand, being on open ground, hounds sailing like a flock of wild geese, each hound taking the line in turn- Pob ei ya Ilanw'i le Ar aswy ac ar de Mewn eiliad on wnai alw Yn groew, Dyma fe." He crossed the Talsarn and Aberystwith road and ran parallel with it for half-a-mile, and re- crossed it at Gwarallt and skirted Ralltgoch dingle, then turned to Penlan, by so doing, had to cross the road the fourth time, leaving Gelli to the left went for Cilbwn. The line now became more zig-zag, and music better as the vale was reached. Sailing the river Aeron with the hounds close on his brush- Yr afou oer ei chol I'r fodfedd ar y ddol, Gymmerodd y bytheuaid "Fel h wyaid ar ei ol." He proceeded to Llanlear, and in the thickets there hanged a good while, and made a ring round Blaenwern then crossing Llangeitho road to Penwern, and left the Lampeter and Aberayron road just above Temple Bar for Wernfeilig. Here the red rover turned very short to the left, and re-crossed the two roads simultaneoasly at Bryngoleu finger post to Blaenpant, to see the bard (Cerngoch) at Penbryn (as one of the field remarked) for a Epitaph but- Y bardd a droes yn elyn, A bloeddiodd, Tali-ho.' And the wily. visitor turned short and retraced his course, and made a semi-circle round Temple Bar and over Penwern to Llanlear, thence down the meads along the river, and about 100 paces below Brynog Bridge, took the water and was rolled over on the banks the other side- Ca'dd cwn y Neuaddfawr" Y fuddugoliaeth 'nawr, 0 dan ei traed 'roedd Madyn Yn llerpvn ar y llawr." Found at 10 minutes past 11 a.m., finish half past one. The pack divided at Penwern, few hounds took a fresh fox and ran it to ground at Pencwuc wood before the first was killed. As the meet was not chronicled the attendance was not large, and at the finish the master divided the odds and ends to those in the pig skin. T. Jones, Aeron House, Dowlais, got the mask, and D. Richards, Penlone, Aeronian and others got the pads, and Jenkins, Blaenplwyf, E. Jones, Hafodygors, have to win theirs on a future day. TRI CHRUG.

THEATRICAL FIRE. Aladdin," at the Royal Theatre, Gateshead, on Saturdav, an alarm of fire was raised, caused, it is stated, by the carelessness of two young men in the side balcony, below the gallery, who are reported to have been smoking. Those upon the stage endeavoured without success to pacify the occupants of the gallery, and in the panic which occurred 10 lives were lost, the victims being principally children. Manyothers were injured. One girl died of fright in the pit. After the accident a number of roughs took possession of the stage, and some of the actors' costumes were stolen.

WAUNIFOR, LLANDYSSUL. SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT.—The generosity and popularity of Mr and Mrs Lloyd are so well known to many of our readers, that it is needless to dilate here upon their numerous excellent qualities. Among many other acts by which they have won the affection of all classes in the vicinity, not the least noteworthy their kind- ness in providing an annual treat for the members of the St. David's Sunday School. This school met at the above mansion on the afternoon of the 22nd of December, marching into the front and singing a song. The smiling faces of Mr and Mrs Lloyd and all the family greeted them at the door. The first start were the races on the green for the children, and the adults had a game of football in the adjoining field. Among the strangers present were the Rev W. J. Jenkins, icar, and Rev E. P. Jones, curate. When night dropped its dark curtain on the scene, all retired to the house to partake of the good things which were provided in a most plentiful and withal tasteful manner. When the tables were cleared, forms were placed to seat as many as possible in view of the coming entertainment, and the room,which had a platform at one end,had been tastefully decorated for the occasion. Thechairwas occupied by Rev W J Jenkins. Prizes were dis- tributed in books, which were handed to the successful members by Misses Francis Caroline and Margaret Gwladys, Bowen Lloyd and Master Camble, Ivor, Duncan and Gwyan Bowen Lloyd. A lengthy and varied programme was gone through, including a farce entitled, our Houle of Commons." A party sang under the leader- ship of D EThomas, and another under W Jenkins; solos were given by D Jenkins, S.D.C., and Jenkins, also J Jenkins and J Jones duetts by W Jenkins and J Thomas, and Elizabeth Jones and M A Evans recitation and poetry by D E Thomas. The Rev W J Jenkins and Mr T. Williams, Troedrhiwgoch, made brief and appropriate remarks on the occasion, the latter the oldest member of the Sunday school.—Mr Lloyd, during the course of his remarks, said that he wished them to read their Bibles carefully, and every time they would open it they would find something new continually.—Rev W. J. Jenkins proposed a vote of thanks to Mr and Mrs Lloyd, which was seconded by the Rev E. P. Jones. -The singing of a hymn, "Dan dy fendith," &c., brought the proceedings to a close.

MYNACHLOGDDU. CHFRCH SERVICES, which were well attended, were held at this Church on Christmas Day. The sacred edifice had been prettily decorated by Mrs Griffiths, Mrs and Miss Young.—On Sunday moruing, December 27th, two young meu were admitted to) the Church hy baptism. The vicar officiated, and the Sacrament was administered by immersion.

PONTARDL- LAIS, On Christmas Day a tea meeting was held at the Public Hall, by the Libanus Calvinietic Methodists, and a competitive meeting in the same place in the evening. Sports were held at the football field in the afternoon.

WHITLAND. The third annual Christmas United Singing Association was held as usual. The morning service at 10 a.m., was conducted at the Nazareth Baptist Chapel, when the Rev. W Thomas, F.S.L. (Lond.), Whitland, presided. Mr John Powell (Eos Cynwyd), Treharris, Glamorganshire, led the singing, which in the morning was chiefly for the children. The afternoon meeting was held at Bethania Methodist Chapel, Mr Howell Davies, Whitland, presiding. This meeting was chiefly for delivering addresses to the young. Each Sunday-school afterwards resorted to their own Vestry-room, to partake of the bounteous supply of tea and cake, etc., which had been pre- pared for them. In the evening the meeting was held at the Tabernacle Independent Chapel, and through the indisposition of the Rev. D Jones, Baptist Chapel, the president-elect, the Rev. David Evans, Independent minister, Whitland, presided. Addresses, very suitable for the occa- sion, were delivered by Mr Scourfield, School Board Mr John Owens, Spring Gardens Mr David James, Rev. W Thomas, Rev. J. Davies, and Mr Howell Davies, Whitland. The attend- ance and singing throughout the day were exceed- ingly good, and reflected great credit on the different sections of the Association.

EGLWYS CUMMIN. CHRISTMASTIDE. The poor of this parish, as well as those of Pendine, have been thought of this year again by Mrs Jones, of L'anmiloe, who kindly distributed some warm articles of clothing, as well as beef for Christmas Day. This kind lady takes great interest in the district. The old Parish Church of Eglwys-Cummin has lately I y been made very comfortable for holy worship, chiefly through her liberality, and on Christmas Day services were held both morning and even- ing, with carol singing the Church being nicely decorated with evergreens.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC. We desire to call the attention of our readers to the advantages offered by the Scholarships of the Royal College of Music, Kensington Gore, London, of which H.R.H. the Prince of Walrt is the Founder and President. Preliminary Examinations for 15 Open Free Scholarships will be held on Feb. 3rd in various local centres throughout the United Kingdom. The Scholar* ships will be allotted as follows :—Composition, 1; Singing, 3; Pianoforte, 3 Organ, 1 Violin. 1 Stringed instruments, 2 Wind Instruments, 4. They are each of the value of £ 40 a year, and entitle the holders to a systematic free education in music, and are as a rule tenable fot three years. In some cases maintenance is added. Further information and forms of application can be obtained on application to Mt George Watson, Registrar, Royal College cf Music, Kensington Gore, London. S.W.

BIRTHS. DwR1CK"ew?6 nber 22n^' at 2> Croft Cottages, Little Water-street'• Carmarthen, the wife of Mr George Derrick clerk, G.W.R., of a daughter. LK\viS —December 24th, at 5, Jubilee-place, Cat* marthen, the wife of Mr Henry Lewis, butcher, oft son. MARRLKGE.& THOMAS—MILLER.—On the 26th ult., at the Parish Church, Cenarth, by the Rev D. He Davies, vicar, Samuel Thomas, of Carmarthen, to Elizabeth, only daughter of the late Andrew Miller, Adpar, Newcastle Emlyn. DEATHS. EVANs-On the 14th ult., at White Hall, Brechfa, Jane, widow of the late Henry Evans, bootmaker, of Abergorlech, aged 28 years. Deeply regretted. EVANS.-Dec. 22nd, at Birgwmbacb, near Brechfa, after a long and painful illness, David Evans, in his 69th year. LEWIS.-On the 25th ult., David Lewis, Court Mill, near Llandyssil, and formerly of Carmarthen, aged 55 years. LLOYD. -December 29th, at 11, Buckingham Place, Carmarthen, Elizabeth, wife of the late Mr Lloyd, butcher, aged 64years. THOMAS. — Dec. 17th, at Taicyd Farm, near Brechfa, Anne, daughter of the late Darid Thomas, Forest Farw, aged 70 years. WILLIAMS.—December 28th, at Cwmffrwd, near Carmarthen, Mr Thomas illiams, black- smith, in his 84th year.

irift, which we hear so much denied tiecessary in almsgiving as in the n about, i^ements of life, and if it were a larger observed in Church collections and little cunds, and applied to the relief of buildi of immediate poverty, personally, thein intimate knowlege it were better a though no results could be tabulated. Is the unknown element which is effective, ist as a personal force when least conscious is most potent.