The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

WOMEN'S UNIONIST AND T.R. LEAGUE MEETING AT CARMARTHEN. A meeting of the local branch of the Women's Unionist and Tariff. Reform League was held at the Assembly Rooms, Carmarthen, on Thursday, the 17th inst., to hear an address by Miss Lindsay, the organising secretary of the Association. There was a large attendance, and Mr. H. Brunei White, who presided, expressed his regret that Lady Tivertoh and Mrs. T. W. Barker were unavoidably prevented from attending. The present political crisis was a most important one, and he congratulated the Car- marthen ladies on their action in banding themselves together to meet it. Women had a good deal of influence in political matters, and it was important that they should use this influence for good inear, hear). Miss Lindsay, who was received with applause, said she strongly approved of their action in affiliat- ing themselves to "The Women's Unionist and Tariff Reform League, whose four main objects were: (1) It can help you to organise your forccs so that you mav become a real source of strength to the candi- date you want to send to Parliament. (2) It can educate people how to vote so that a good battle need not be lost for the fewwise by the many foolish. (3) It can act as your mouthpiece and send petitions, pleading your cause, up to Members of Parliament and put pressure upon them to act up to their pledges. (4) It can hold public meetings to which it can send good speakers in your interests and it can provide you with pamphlets, lectures, magic lan- terns, etc. It was necessary for them to work to- gether, and perhaps they were not as well off in this respect as their opponents. Speaking of the in- fluence which women had on politics, she said that through the women they could get at the men. In the words of King George, "The foundation of national glory is laid in our homes" (cheers). Women of the nation had the moulding of the next genera- tion of voters. She urged them to band themselves into a strong united party as soon as the election was over, and to go on visiting, not only Conservatives, but Liberals as well. They must choose their leaf- lets and subject matter to suit their aud'.ence. ought to impress upon the minds of the men that their vote was not merely a privilege, but a serious responsibility (cheers). Mr. Balfour and Mr. Cham- berlain had promised that when Tariff Reform was adopted, no heavier strain should be placed upon the working man. What they proposed to do was to take off taxes from articles they could not grow or make in this country, and to put on taxes on things they can make and grow. She applied the present Free Trade system to Carmarthen market. If they allowed the neighbouring towns. Whitland, Haver- fordwest, etc., to send their produce to Carmarthen market without paying, then they would naturally expect Whitland and Haverfordwest to follow suit. However, if they refused to do so and insisted upon payment on other goods coming into their markets, while they could enter Carmarthen Market free, then they could sell their goods cheaper than Car- marthen, and as a result the Carmarthen trade would be ruined. This was the exact position d England and protected countries. Miss Lindsay was of opinion that they could not trust America in an emergency. However, Canada could grow quite enough wheat to supply England, and at present Australia was making great strides in wheat-growing. It was of no use relying upon Russia and the Ar- gentine for corn. They would not stand by us in case of war, while the Colonies would. If we were at war with Germany and that does not seem im- probable, they should be in serious danger of being starved out. Ships which brought food into this country during war time would be liable to be sunk, and it was inconceivable that a foreign nation would run this risk for us. However, the Colonies would stand by us loyally. Speaking of the late riots at Tonypandy, she defined the actions of Mr. Winston Churchill and Mr. Keir Hardie as encjouraging revolution and riot. At the conclusion of her speech Miss Lindsay re- sumed her seat amidst applause. The meeting con- cluded with the usual votes of thanks, and the singing of "God save the King."

LLANDILO MAN'S FURTHER TROUBLES EX-BANK MANAGERS EXTRAORDINARY ADMISSIONS. At the Glamorgan Assizes at Swansea last week the action was heard in which the Metropolitan Bank of England and Wales sought to recover £1,350 from Mrs. Rhoda Thomas, as legal repre- sentative of her husband, the late Mr. John Thomas, of Llandilo, upon a guarantee alleged to have been made to the bank by the deceased as security for the account of Mr. L. H. Price, stockbroker, Swan- sea, who had since disappeared from the neighbour- hood. It was alleged that Mr. Homfray Davies, late manager of the bank at Llandilo, had, acting on Mr. Price's behalf, taken Mr. Thomas to the bank at Swansea, and there got him to sign the guarantee. The hearing lasted several days. Mr. B. Francis Williams, K.C., and Mr. Meager (instructed by Mr. J. C. Woods) appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Abel Thomas, K.C., M.P., and Mr. Marlay Samson (instructed by Mr. J. R. Wil- liams) for the defence. The pleadings for the defence were amended so as to include alleged fraud on the part of the bank in collusion with Mr. Homfray Davies. Evidence was called for the Plaintiff. Frederick W. Evans, chief acountant, Metropolitan Bank, Swansea, said that Price's account at the bank on 14th December, '1909, was £9,261 overdrawn. The accountant during most of the transactions with the bank was Mr. Bishop Davies, who was now a stockbroker. The bank would not have allowed an overdraft of £9,000 without securities, and Price must have deposited a number. Astced as to the signature on the guarantee he said it was obviously in another handwriting than that of the body of the document, but it was written in the same ink. Mr. T. W. Islay Young, the manager of the bank at Swansea, said Price, as a stockbroker, did a big business with the bank. In July Price was heavily overdrawn, and in November he was much pressed for additional securities, and brought a completed transfer of £500 Great Western Stock, with the exception that the name of the transferee was not filled in. Witness signed it as transferee. The transferor was Homfray Davies, as executor of Thomas Thomas. Price explained that he had advanced the money to Homfray Davies. Subse- quently Davies himself deposited a certificate for J3300 New Zealand Stock against his own overdraft. Ho then instructed Price to sell it, and the bank had a contract note.' Subsequently the stock was stopped and witness consulted the bank's solici- tors, when interviews tok place with Price and Homfray Davies. He was not satisfied Homfray Davies was able to furnish security for Price, and told him so, whereupon Davies sugested that a guarantee should be given by the principal bene- ficiary under the will of Thomas Thomas. Witness said he should be more than satisfied with that, because it would show the beneficiaries knew of the transaction. Davies said he would bring the princi- pal beneficiary down for the purpose of signing a guarantee for £1.350. Mr. Meager then put to witness from the amen- ded pleadings for the defence that it was suggested that on the 2nd November Homfray Davies in- fqrmed wjitnejls that securities had been stolen from his custody and possession which were part of the estate of the late Thomas Thomas deceased, of which Davies was trustee and executor and John Thomas one of the beneficiaries?—Witness: I can only say that it absolutely falsi. Mr. Meager .said it was further alleged in the amended pleadings that witness told Homfray Davies it was necessary that Davies should obtain a guarantee, signed by John Thomas, and further told him to try and get Thomas down and keep the matter quiet and not tell him what the guarantee was for?—Witness: I can only give the same answer. It, is absolutely false. On December 24th a relative of Mr. John Thomas, together with a solicitor, called at the bank, said witness, and were satisfied the signature on the guarantee was that of John Thomas. Further questioned, witness said Price dis- appeared some time this year. He found out he was not reliable in the beginning of December. Did it strike you as curious that this man with an overdraft of £9,000 should be depositing with you £1,300 of serin or stock belonging to the exe- cutors of Thomas Thomas deceased?—It was be- cause it struck me I saw Price and Davies. It would be very dishonest indeed for an execu- tor to get rid of estate for which he was acting as trustee. Did you know on the 9th December Price or Davies was a defaulter?—I did not know. Do you really say even now you don't know the estate of Thomas has been robbed of these three documents?—That is a matter which the executor must explain; I don't know. You don't know and have not known throughout that either the one or the other of these two men has robbed the estate?—How can I know? I don't know. Asked what made him not satisfied with the scrip deposited as security, he said the fact that the scrip was in Thomas's name and the" transfer in Daviess. He denied that there was any truth in an allegation that at an interview on the day before the guarantee it was stated by Davies that Price had stolen the securities from his safe, or that Davies threatened to put the matter in the hands of the police, or that it was then suggested the guarantee should be obtained in order to keep the matter quiet. That was absolutely false. Mr. Thomas John Davies, stock and share broker, said last November he was chief accountant at the bank, and on the 23rd Homfray Davies took John Thomas to the bank to sign the guarantee. Mr. Young was engaged, and at his directions he saw Davies and Thomas place the guarantee before Thomas, and said, "I suppose you have come to sign the guarantee form for Mr. Price as a ranged be- tween Homfray Davies and Mr. Young?" He re- plied, "I have." Thomas scanned the document, and witness, as he turned it over-leaf, told him tjhe important- part was the amount. Davies. pointed out the amount was £1,350, and not £1,000 as originally written, and witness made the cor- rection. Thomas then signed the document, and he witnessed the signature. Mr. J. C. Woods, solicitor to the plaintiffs, said on November 18th Mr. Young showed him the scrip and the transfers, and observing that the scrip was in Thomas's name and the transfers in Homfray Davies's, he asked under what circum- stances the security had been deposited. Mr. Young said he got them from Price, and held them as security for Price's overdraft. Witness said he thought the question would arise as to whether Davies could give security to Price in such a way as Price could use it as security for his own ac- count. On his suggestion Price was sent for. and he was asked under what circumstances he had be- come entitled to deposit the scrip. He said he had made advances to- Homfray Davies, and Davies had deposited the scrip with him. Witness said that was not at all good enough. He was not sure the bank would be able to prove its title to the scrip. Price, at his requesht, fetched, the solicitor, and, retiring with Mr. Stobo Andrew, the position was discussed, and the conclusion come to that the bank had better complete its title by registering the transfers as soon as possible, and he advised the bank to inform the companies that the bank had a charge on the shares. A suggestion was further made that Homfray Davies should be seen by the manager or Price so that it could be ascertained whether he could get a substituted security or a guarantee. No mention was made of John Thomas,- and he did not know there was such a man. Mr. Abel Thomas, in opening the defence, said a man named Thomas Thomas, a bootmaker, of Llandilo, left by his will four certificates of stock owned by him, namely J6500 Great Western Stock, J6500 Grand Trunk Stock, and £300 Grand Trunk Preference. He died in June last. and his sole trustee and executor was Mr. Homfray Davies. It became necessary that that stock should be valued for probate, and Mr. Homfray Davies took the stock down to Mr. Price's office, where he was en- gaged as a sort of profit sharer. Mr. Davies would tell them that he placed the stock in a safe belong- ing to Price, and that Price had there his London stockbroker to value it for probate. This stock had now all gone into the possession of the bank, and the estate of Thomas Thomas had been deprived of every penny of this property, worth So far as was known the deceased Thomas knew absolutely nothing of any stockbroker named Price on whose behalf they had been deposited at the bank. One of the beneficiaries under Thomas Thomas's will was John Thomas, who was a great friend of Homfray Davies, and thoroughly trusted him. If Mr. Young, the bank manager, had told Homfray Davies to get John Thomas down for the purpose of getting him to give a guarantee, Davtes was acting as the agent of the bank. and the bank was bound by what he did for that purpose. Mr. Homfray Davies would say that the document was signed by John Thomas in blank, and it was filled u, some time after the interview. "Could it be credited," asked counsel, "that John Thomas would incur this liability for a man he not know? The bank never gave him a penny in re- turn for his guarantee, and claimed that he gave this guarantee of £1,350 on behalf of a man whose account was at that time overdrawn to the extent of £9,000. The bank was at that time very much annoyed, and, afraid of their position with respect to Price, whom they had allowed an enormous ever- draft, and the maagu wanted to save his own skin. He asked them to sav that the bank knew, and their agent knew, that John Thomas was being defrauded over the whole matter. They did hot even try to tell him the truth. They did not say, I as Mr. Young said now, that these transfers were a guarantee and not actually transfers at all. Mr. D. Homfray Davies said that during a period he had a seal in Price's office on the terms of half shares of any business which he brought. He was trustee and executor to Mr. Thomas Thomas and for the purpose of probate brought down Thomas's scrip to Price's office for valuation for probate. Mr. John Thomas wished legal advice as to a deed of partnership which had been destroyed by Mr. Thomas Thomas, and Messrs. Gee and Edwards asked Mr. Thomas to sign a guarantee for the cost. This document Mr. Thomas signed in blank. Mr. Young sent for him and asked him "When will you get probate of Thomas Thomas's will?" Witness asked, "What do you want it for?" Mr. Young then produced stock transfers and said, "We have got them here." Witness asked, "Who has brought them here" and Mr. Young said, "Price." Wit- ness said, Price has stolen them out of the safe." Mr. Young said, "We must have this matter cleared up at once. It is a cerious thing for the bank." He wanted Price and Price's clerk (Ed- wards) to be brought to him. Edwards when asked, "Did you give Price these securities." burst out crying. Witness said he would have a solicitor too. Mr. Young said, "Don't you threaten me with solicitors." He (witness) had to leave the' room. He saw Mr. Price fetch Mr. Woods and Mr. Andrew to Mr. Young's room. Witness stood in the lobby of the bank for about an hour. Mr. Young came out and walked down the street with witness. In the course of conversation he IMr. Young) said, "Now, qan't yu; got John Thomas, the chief beneliciary, to sign something for us?" Witness asked, "What for?" and Mr. Young said, "To put the bank right and keep things quiet until we see how Price's affair turns out. Price has evidently stolen these securities belong- ing to you, but -people won't believe that." \Vitness told him the bank had no right whatever to the securities, but Mr. Young said they were all in order. He (witness) afterwards met Price, who said, "For God's sake, Homfray, try to please Young." Witngss demanded the securities back from the bank, but they had refused to give them. He denied that Price had ever advanced him any money in return for the securities. In cross-examination by Mr. B. Francis-Williams, witness said that prior to being connected with Price he was bank manager at Llandilo. If Mr. Price stole the script, why didn't you prosecute him?—He begged me not to and said he would see John Thomas fully covered by securities if he would sign the guarantee. In further cross-examination witness admitted he got John Thomas to sign the guarantee to protect the bank. He was asked by Mr. Young not to let Thomas know what he was signing. The Ju(|ge—You let this man sign what he thought was -a guarantee for his costs, whereas it was a guarantee to the bank-l am sorry to say I did. Mr. Williams—And you say you and Mr. Young conspired together to defraud him?—Yes. Do you know that would be a criminal con- spiracy, for which you might be placed in the dock?—I was aware of it afterwards. The Judge—You allowed thy deceased man to sign what he thought was a guarantee to you for costs whereas you knew for a fact that it was a guarantee for the bank?—I am sorry to say I did. Mr. Williams—You did that in conspiracy with Mr. Young?—Mr. Young asked me not to mention it to Mr. Thomas what it was for. You persuaded your old friend of 20 years* stand- ing that he was singing a security for £200 for costs, whereas he was signing for £1,350 tô guaran- tee a man's account at the bank?—Yes, but he was to be protected by Price with securities. You brought John Thomas down from Llandilo to perpetrate this fraud on him?—No, I did not bring him down. Witness told Mr. Thomas about a week after it was signed that it was a guarante for £1,350, but that it would be covered by securities. Mr. Abel Thomas, in addressing the jury for the defence, referred to what he described as the re- markable way in which Homfray Davies seemed in the witness-box to be confessing the truth— confessing his own iniquity, with the one excuse that what he did was done in the belief that he could get back the documents from the bank and that John Thomas would thus get back his securi- ties. That was not an excuse for the crime in law but it was for the jury to say whether his con- duct was so bad as to lead them not to believe that what he swore was the right explanation. Re- ferring to the three transfers of shares for which the guarantee was alleged to have been givn as additional security to the bank for the overdraft account of Price, Counsel described the transfers as about as bad a fraud against the estate of John Thomas as could be found anywhere. The passing of the transfers in blank was a wicked and abomin- able fraud on Homfray Davies on the part of Price. Price might be an exceedingly clever rogue, but however clever he might be he did not seem to have put Mr. Young's mind quite at rest in the matter. Counsel suggestd that the bank knew Price had committed a wicked fraud in depositing trust securities against his overdraft and that was why substituted security was asked for. It was obvious that John Thomas was grossly deceived, grossly wronged, and it ought to have been obvious %> Mr. Young that Price was deceiving him and putting before him documents to which he had no right. Counsel urged that Thomas was heartlessly and abominably defrauded, 'in this sense, that re- presentations were made to him which were untrue by the agent or agents of the bank, and that he signed the guarantee in consequence of these mis- representations. Addressing the jury for the plaintiff, Mr. Francis Williams first severely criticised the admissions made in the witness-box by Homfray Davies as to the part he swore he took in the matter, and said he very much questioned whether it was right to make attacks on men of the standing of Mr. Young and Mr. Bishop Davies, as counsel for the defence had done, on the evidence of such a man as Homfray Davies. He asked the jury to say it was probably at Homfray Davies's instigation that the things were taken by Price to Mr. Young and deposited in the way Mr. Young said. Mr. Young was a man of probity—a man of standing, occupy- ing a high position of trust, and yet the defence askd the jury on the evidence of a scoundrel like Homfray Davies-who ought to have stood in the dock—to say, forsooth, that Mr. Young had been guilty of conspiracy and perjury. Then the de- fence further asked the jury to say that Mr. Bishop Davies, who was not responsible for the bank over- draft, and who was not now connected with the bank, had committed forgery, was guilty of con- spiracy, and had come to court to commit deliberate perjury. And the jury were asked by the defence to do this on the evidence of a man who, with brazen forehead, although with somewhat palid fea- tures told the story that Homfray Davies had told in the box. It required a certain amount of bold- ness on the part of any counsel, on the testimony of a creature of that kind, to ask the jury to find on these grave' issues against the gentlemen sought to bo implicated. The Judge said it was one of the difficulties of the case, if not the main difficulty, that the man John Thomas who signed the guarantee was dead. Coming to Homfray Davies's part in the matter, his Lordship said Davies was a man upon whose uncorroborated testimony few people would like to rely. On the one hand it was said that no person of Homfray Davies's character could be believed. whatever he said. On the other it was said the most hardened villain would never convict himself of fraud openly and confessedly for the mere fun of it; and in such open confession of even the most fraudulent person one might see the same reason for supposing it to be true. His Lordship submitted certain questions to the jury, who, after about 40 minutes's retirement, gave answers to them as follows:— 1.—Was the fact that Price had deposited the trust securities, which were a portion of the estate of Thomas Thomas, with the bank as security for his private overdraft, a fact material to be known to John Thomas, who signed the guarantee?—Yes. 2.—Was that fact known to John Thomas?—No. 3.—Was that fact known to plaintiffs?—Yes. 4.—Was that fact concealed from John Thomas by plaintiffs?—Yes. 5.—Was such concealment fraudulent?—Yes. 6.—Did John Thomas acquiesce in such conceal- ment on discovering that it had been made?—No. 7.—Was Homfray Davies agent for the plaintiff in securing the signature of John Thomas to the guarantee ?—Y es. 8.—Did Homfray Davies procure such signature by fraud?—Yes. Judgment was then entered for defendant with costs, except as to the first day, when an adjourn- ment took place to enable defendant to amend the pleadings. On the application of plaintiffs, stay of execution was granted.

RHOSAMMAN M.I.S.—At the weekly meeting of this society, held in connection with Bethania Chapel on Thurs- day, the 17th inst., the following was the pro- gramme:—Papers, "Pa un ai Llyfrau ai Cyfeillion sydd yn dvlanwadu fwyaf?" Llyfrau, Mr. Tom Davies; Cyfeillion, Mr. Hezekiah Williams; "Rhai pethau nad ydynt o werth i'w dewis," Mr. Dan Williams; duett, Masters Willie P. Hicks and David Watkin Jones. The chairman was Mr. Dan Williams, Gwynfe House.

CARMARTHEN COUNTY COURT The usual monthly court was held at the Shire Hall, Carmarthen, on Thursday in last week, before His Honour Judge Lloyd Morgan, K.C. SEQUEL TO A LLANDOVERY TRANSACTION. The Offic.al Receiver (Mr. H. W. Thomas) had a motion against Messrs. William and Walter James, auctioneers, Swansea and Llangadock in respect of certain money which he claimed on behalf of the creditors in a bankruptcy case. Mr. Lincoln Reed (instructed by Mr. Pryse Wil- liams, Carmarthen) appeared for the Official Re- ceiver, and Mr. Vaughan Williams (instructed by Mr. T. W. James, Swansea) for the defendants. Mr. Lincoln Reed said that Benj. Evans, a miller, and wheelwright, carried on business at Cwm Mill, Llandovery. Early in April this year Evans find- ing himself in financial difficulties and being pressed by certain creditors—by his auctioneers and by a doctor who had provided money to enable him to have an operation performed on his wife. Under these circumstances he went" to Messrs. James and told them his position. He said that there was nothing to do, but to sell up his effects, divide the proceeds amongst the creditors, and go up the valleys to look for employment. Messrs. James acting on the instructions held a sale on the 23rd April. The sale included everything wTuch the debtor possessed except, some book debts and a small quantity of household furniture. The amount realised by the sale was JB88 2s. 9d. The auctioneers charged JB6 14s. for expenses of the sale. The Official Re- ceiver did not quarrel with uiat as apart from that expenditure the effects would not have been realised. But they had paid a sum of £30, which did not become due to them until July this year. They sought to justify that by allowing a discount to the estate. They also paid a sum of £10 due to the landlord for rent. The Official Receiver did not quarrel with that; the rent was overdue, and the landlord had a right of distraint. The balance of j356 8s. 4d. they paid to Messrs. T. Evans and John Dyer, and of that objection was maue. The debtor was adjudicated bankrupt on the 16th May. Mr. Lincoln Reed contended that the debtor had to the knowleuge of Messrs. James committed several acts of bankruptcy, and that certain creditors having been given "preferenoe" the" others had sustained a loss and that Messrs. James were bound to return the money. Mr. H. W. Thomas, official receiver, Carmarthen, gave formal evidence. He was not aware that part ofe furniture left was a valuable antique maho- gany. The arrangements were- carried out by Mr. Matthias, who usually acted for him. Had he known that the question would "have been raised he would have had Mr. Matthias there that day. Mr. Benj. Evans said that he was now a carpenter at Pontardawe. He gave evidence bearing out the statement of counsel in the opening. He had been pressed by Messrs. Morgan Rees and Davies, auc- tioneers, Llandovery, and Dr. Taylor. Cross-examined by Mr. Vaughan Williams—I told him that there was furniture to sell. I do not re- member saying that it was too heavy to take to Tstradgynlais. Mr. James advised me not to sell the furniture. Mr. Vaughan Williams—Can you suggest any rea- son why he should say so. He woifld get a com- mission on the sale. Mr. Lincoln Reed said that all the cross-examina- tionwas wide of the marie. The only question was the debtor insolvent at the time or not. If he were, then this was a "fraudulent preference" within the -meaning of the section whether it was intended to be so or not. Debtor said that when he was talking to Mr. James about the sale he was very much cut up and nearly crying. He was very cast down about the ill-luck which had followed him, although he was working hard and strong to pay his way. Mr. Vaughan Williams contended that the wit- ness's evidence was unreliable, as his mem" r- wos so bad. Therefore there was no case to answer. His Honour said that they had better hear evi- dence from the other side. Walter Preece James, auctioneer, said he remem- bered coming in on fair day and asking h m to make a sale at Cwm Mill. The debtor did not say he was insolvent or that he was going to sell up for the benefit of his creditors. The interview was very brief. Debtor said that he wished to have a sale. Witness afterwards went down to the house to see the furniture. There was a fine antique piece of furniture which witness noticed. Debtor stated he had bought it at a sale. He afterwards expressed himself as satisfied with the result of the sale. Cross-examined by Mr. Lincoln Reed—I did not know that he was insolvent at this time. I had "known debtor for years. I knew the kind of busi- ness he was carrying on. I had sold him different lots of goods and given him credit from time to time. I thought he was doing well. Mr. Reed—Had you the curiosity to ask him why he was selling up and leaving the district. Witness—I had other business. 5Tr. Reed—He told you that the mill did not pay. Did that surprise you? The Judge—That is said of every mill in Carmar- thenshire. I know that to my sorrow. Mr. Reed drew attention to the figures and pointed ouf that even if the motion succeeded the assets would not equal the liabilities, and no penny of the money in dispute would ever come into the pocKet of the debtor. Why then should he tell an untruth about it? Witness—He is drawing upon imagination. I don't know why. Mr. Reed asked witness if he held any shares in Evans and Dyer?—Witness said he did not. He could not say whether his brother did or not. Mr. Vaughan Williams-Is my friend cross-examin- ing on instructions or at a venture? Mr. Reed said that He lUiu a perfect right to ask any questions. Mr. William James gave gfmilar evidence. The debtor never suggested he was in financial diffi- culties. His Honour said that judgment would be given at the next court. If he were not there, somebody else would.

LLANSTEPHAN NOTES ON Monday evening, 21st inst., the local branch of "Merched y De" inaugurated their winter ses- sion by holding a conference over a cup or two of tea, etc. There was a good attendance, and in the evening Mrs. Lewis, Trehyddion, presided at Moriah Vestry, over the first meeting of the fort- nightly series intended to be held. Mrs. Evans, Y Giyn, and Mrs. Richards, Pencelli, delivered addresses; Miss H. Williams, The Bakery, rendered a solo, and Miss Bessie Evans, Efaildraw, recited during the evening. There was an encouraging start twelve new memtxirs being enrolled, the energetic secretary being Miss S. J. Davies, Em- porium. A lady-of-fashion writer refers to the divided skirt as a "very pretty dress." She adds: "It will not be at all surprising if we find ourselves in trousers next year." Two young ladies in 1!h*s village have already anticipated this new mode, and on Thursday night last might be seen publicly parading in frock coat, vest, and trousers, and box hat. The "bags," which were commandeered, be- long to a rather portly gentlemen, and had to be well lined with pillows to shew off the graceful form of the heroine. "I wonder if Dad knows?" —I— The advance bands of the itinerant strikers have made their appearance in the district, no less than half-a-dozen having been seen following various callings. The wanton abstention from work, and the inhuman conduct of those at home, do not help to enlist the sympathy of the country for those on trmp. Some of them are genuine, and many of them are only "Weary Willie's" under the cloak of the strike, imposing upon the generosity and fear of the people of rural walls.' The students of the Carmarthen Training College had their annual tramp here on Tuesday, 21st inst.,A and announced their arrival in single file by the old time, "Hallo! hallo! we're here once more." As their arrival was not intimated beforehand, the glories of Llanstephan day—ham and egs—were missing to the nostrils and appetite of the hungry ones; and they had each one to look after himself, and, failing something more substantial, had to be content with the lightest and scantiest of fare. The president of the reading-room and some of the members are in a go-ahead mood at present, and the whole of the members will no doubt fully appreciate their energy in providing a full-sized billiard-bagatelle table for their use. This is a step in the right direction, and will help to further in- crease the benefits which the reading-room and library has for long years conferred upon the young men of the neighbourhood.

FORTHCOMING MARRIAGE. BA YNH AM-LLO YD-H ARRIES. -The Marriage of Mr. Alban Francis Baynham, eldest son of the late Rev. J. F. Baynham, Rector of Charlton, Dover, and Miss Lloyd-Harries, elder daughter of Lt.-col Lloyd-Harries, of Llwyndewi, Llangadock, Carmarthenshire, will take place quietly at the Parish Church, Llangadock, on Thursday, Decem- ber 1st next. ACKNOWLEDGMENT. The family of the late David Davies, architect, Penrhiwllan, beg to thank the numerous friends for the sympathy and condolence extended to them under their recent sad bereavement.

THE FIGHT FOR WEST WALES WEST CARMARTHENSHIRE. Great interest was taken in the meeting of the West Carmarthenshire Liberal Association, held at Water-street Calvinistic Methodist Chapel Vestry, Carmarthen, on Wednesday, when there were about 20U delegates present. The meeting had been con- vened for the purpose of selectin g candidate conse- quent upon the appointment of Mr. J. Lloyd Mor- gan, K.C., the lormer member, as cuuury-court judge. There were no fewer than six aspirants for the candidature. During the past week or so a great deal of canvassing had been going on. and much speculation had been rite as to the one likeiy to be chosen as the standard-bearer of local Liberal- ism to figiio the Unionist nominee, Mr. J. W. J. Cremlyn. Of those who have been mentioned as the likelv Liberal candidate, there were present at the meet- ing Sir Owen Philipps, who a few days ago signified his intention not to seek re-election for/the Pem- broke Boroughs; Sir C. Courtney Mansel, Maesy- crugiau Manor; Mr. John Hinds, Blackheath; Mr. H. Jones-Dayies, Glyneiddan, Nantgaredig, and Mr. Evan Griffiths, Chelsea, each of whom addressed the meeting and submitted their names for selec- tion. The Rev. Morgan Gibobn, London, who is a member of the Welsh Church Commission, also sub- mitted his name, but he did not put in an aopear- anee. i Mr. John Lewis (Meiros Hall) was voted to the chair. Mr. H. Jones-Thomas (Golden Grove), in propos- ing the acceptance of Mr. Morgan's resigna- tion, said that they much regretted 100Hn!? such a good member (applause). If thev searched the whole of Wales they could not find a man more gentlemanly, better principled, and more consistent than Mr. Lloyd Morgaji. Mr. John Lloyd (Penv- bank) seconded. Mr. J. D. Morse (Laughare) said T I J 3udS««hip which had ben given to Mr. Lloyd Morgan was only a fitting reward for the services he had rendered to his county. The re- signation of Mr. Lloyd Morgan was then acoepted. At this stage the question arose as to whether the representatives of the press should remain. On a vote being taken the reporters were asked to retire. l £ was decided to vote by ballot, the one receiving the lowest number of votes heing" eliminated for the voting seriatim. Great excitement prevailed throughout. The result of the ballot provides verv interesting reading. In the initial voting Mr. H. Jones-Davies re- ceived 54 votes, Mr. John Hinds 51. Sir Owen Philipps 23, Mr. Evan Griffiths 20, Sir C. Courtnev Mansel 19, and the Rev. J. Morgan Gibbon 5. The name of the Rev. Morgan Gibbon was then knocked off, and the result of the second ballot was as follows:—Mr. John Hinds 57, Mr. H. Jones- Davies 54, Mr. Evan Griffiths 21. Sir Courtnev Mansel 20, and Sir Owen Philipps 19. Sir Owen was next to be knocked off, and the third voting resulted as follows:—Mr. H. Jones- Davies 72, Mr. John Hinds 64, Sir Courtnev Mansel 20, and Mr. Eyan Griffiths 18. The last name having been eliminated, the result of the fourth voting was:—Mr. H. Jones-Davies 78, Mr. John Hinds 75, and Sir Courtney Mansel 20. The next voting was between the two former, and resulted in Mr. John Hinds securing 88 votes and Mr. H. Jones-Davies 86. The final result was received with acclamation. and on the motion of Mr. H. Jones-Thomas (Golden Grove), seconded by Mr. James Phillips (St. Clears), Mr. John Hinds was then unanimouslv adopted candidate. Mr. John Hinds is a Carmarthenshire man, having, been born at Cwnin Farm, near Abergwili, a holding which is now held by his brother. He is 48 years of age, and is the son of the late Mr. William Hinds, a prosperous farmer, who married the daughter of Mr. David Jones, Penronnw, Llan. pumpsaint.1 The adopted candidate, who has five brothers and one sister, was educated at the aca- demy of the late Mr. Alcwyn Evans. Carmarthen. He then worked on the soil until 1881, when he went to London, where for a time he was engaged at various drapery establishments, and soon ac- quired a drapery business of his own. So successful has he been in this branch of business that the establishment which he opened at Blackheath in 1887 has developed into a very large concern, which two years ago was formed info fla company, trading as Hinds and Co. (Limited). Some years prior to that Mr. Hinds became chairman of "Messrs. T. J. Harries and Co., the Oxford-street drapers. He is also a director of the Drapers' Mutual" Fire Insur- ance Corporation, vioe-nresident of the Drapers' Chamber of Trade, ex.president of the Blackheath Liberal Association, 'member of the Warehousmon, Drapers, and Clerks' School, and of the executive council of the Honourable Society of Cymmrodor- ion, ex-chairman and a member of the controlling committee of the London Welsh Club, Past Master of several Fremasons' lodges, ex-president of the London Welsh Literary Union, and a member of the Charitable Aid Society. EAST CARMARTHENSHIRE. Although Mr. Abel Thomas, K.C., M.P. for East Carmarthenshire, signified his intention when he last contested the seat not to seek re-election, repre- sentations are being made to him to come forward again in the Liberal interest. A meeting of the East Carmarthenshire Liberal Association will be held at Ammanford on Saturday, when Mr. Thomas will probably submit his name and be again adopted. A meeting of the executive of the Carmarthen- shire Conservative Association was held at the Cawdor Arms Hotel, Llandilo, on Wednesday after- noon for the purpose of receiving the reply of Mr. Mervyn Peel, who had again been invited to contest East Carmarthenshire in the Conservative interest at the forthcoming election. Mr. Peel consented to again oecome a candidate. The meeting was well- attended and was most enthusiastic. Dr. J. H. Williams. Burry Port, has been adop- ted as Labour candidate for East Carmarthenshire, and has consented to fight. It is rumoured that Mr. Walter Roche, owing to delicate health, will not stand again for Pem- broke county. Swansea Borough will be contested in the Unionist interest by Mr. Villiers Meager, who is a well- known member of the South. Wales Circuit.

WELiH M.P. SWEDES THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT. SIR J. D. REES'S CANDID LETTER. Sir J. D. Rees, M.P. for Montgomery Boroughs, has addressed a letter to the chairman ot the local Radical Association intimating his severance from the party. In the course of ins letter he says:— The Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Home Secretary having already issued their electioneering addresses, I must assume that their leader will follow, and that a Single Chamber and Home Rule election is ro be rushed. The Chancellor ot tne Exchequer's persistent and violent denunciation of British .landlords cruelly misrepresent and malign a class which performs more unselfish and unremunerated public duty, and spends a large proportion of its resources upon its neighbours, than any other with which, in any part of the world, I have become acquainted. I cannot oin this Daniel come to judgment in his violent and indiscriminate abuse of members of the Lpper House, which has played an honourable and patriotic part in the nistory of our country, though 1 am convinced thar reasoned and temperate changes in its constitution are at this stage inevit able, and such changes it is willing and anxious to made. It is. moreover, impossible to conceal the fact I that it this election is rushed, and the power of the Second Chamber impaired or destroyed, Home Rule for Ireland, to which, as a loyal citizen of the Monarchy of the United Kingdom. I am op- posed. will also be rushed, nor can any man, how- ever hard he may try to wink, be oblivious of the fact that funds collected from avowed enemies of Britain abroad, now supply the sinews of war for the coercion of Britoas at home. On the fiscal question you know I have already stated on the platform, after a recent visit to Germany, that the accounts of the poverty and un- wholesome food of German workmen are fa.rv tales, and that they—whether by reason of, or in spite of, Protection—I do not know—are at least as pros- perous as the same classes in the United Kingdom. I repat I do not regard what we call Free Trade as a scientihc system which came down from Heaven. The Socialistica attitude towards private property, condoned, if not encouraged, by certain Ministers, increasingly alarms me. The poor man's mite is held by precisely the same law and title as the rich man's million, and there is no difference in principle between robbing a man or a class, and despoiling a Church or any other corporate body. Finally, I am an indifferent party man, for my country is my party, and my fellow-countrymen are my constituents. I deeply deplore that I cannot, in view of the con- siderations I have set out, continue to represent my Liberal friends, who have been kind and indulgent to the last degree, and from whom I part with the greatest regret.

GLANAMMAN I DEATH OF A FORMER COLLIERY MAKAGEE.—The death is announced at Klerksdorp Hospital. Orange River Colony. South Africa, of Mr. William T. Evans, who was brought up at Ystalyfera, and was well known as Wrilliam Evans, Pentwyn. Deceased, who was a brilliant young man, emigrated to South Africa in 1906, and was engaged as a. colliery manager. In August last he was removed to the above-named hospital in order to have a bullet wound dressed, and about a month ago it was found necessary to have one of his legs amputated. The deceased was 36 years cf age, and previous to his departure for South Africa had qualified as a mining inspector. He had been engaged while in this country as a manager at Seven Sisters Colliery, near Neath. and also at the Cawdor Colliery, Glan- amman. Deceased had also passed his preliminary examination for M.B. He was the son of the late Dr. Evans, Llanellv, the well-known eye specialist, j

LAUGHARNE NOTisS Dear Park Lane,—I have duly tapped all likely intellects here, but I can find no satisfactory solu- tion to your question as to where the "Laugh" comes in, and so we are left in the same state of mind as the menagerie proprietor when he said, "Ladies and gents, this 'ere animile is called the Laughing Hyena, but where the Laugh comes in for him, I dunno." As to the proper pronounciation of "Laugharne," I und that the task to enlighten my Brynamman friends in respect to that difficulty is somewhat easier- So if you're not joking. And fun you're not poking, I'll make it a very short yarn- Don't call it "Laugh" -arney, Or any such Blar-ney. Pronounce it as tho' it was "Larn." I raise my hat to Sir J. D. Rees, M P., and I thank heaven that there are yet men amongst us who can sink party for the love of their country. The action of this honest knight in throwing off the chains of intolerance that are now strangling the once great Liberal party has dealt the hardest blow yet given from either side to the destructive energy of the viper of Carnarvon. Surely thousands of moderate men must follow this patriot in to the political arena to uphold the unity of the Empire and the Constitution that has guided Great Britain to her present glorious position amongst the great nations of the earth. Sir J. D. Rees' letter ought to be printed and sent to every home in these islands for never have I read a more modest and vet most striking appeal to one's patriotism. The Radical papers will certainly not enlighten their readers. I notice one in part.cular is very careful about it. Our William was sent for in a terrible hurrv last week to shoe a brewer's nag. Scores have since Elnee asked me if it was the "Hind oof" that was shed- shod I mean The match between Carmarthen Grammar School and Laugharne on Saturday last resulted in a win for the School by five points to three. It was a fast game throughout, and the homesters can be c-on- gratulated on making such a good fight of it. They did exceedingly well against a good team, and it should encourage them to turn up with the captain at full strength every time, for success can- not be expected unless it is done. Loyalty is the word that should be impressed on every member. Jimmy Rowlands scored for Laugharne. and others who played first rate were Tom Roberts, Dicky Pearce, and the Captain, the latter doing one verv pretty bit of cork-screw sprinting, and it was hard luck he failed to get over. In trying to convert, the captain should not have allowed himself to be wor- ried with advice at such a moment; keep a oool 1 headland a strong hand on your team, and vou will do all right. —— A lady informed me this week that she was suffer- lng from chilblains. On my suggesting that it was rather early for them, she replied, "Oh, but I like the 'first of the season.' —I— ^o always be cheerful and bright Never grumble no matter what reason- Ihe gout, the rheu, or chest that is tight, Just "brag" it's the "first of the season." Mr. and Mrs. Willie Peel and baby have arrived from Canada, and are staying beneath the maternal roof. A Cardiff pa.I'f'r would no doubt like to specialise here,. as there are now four generations represented at Fern Hill. What is known locally as the big shoot, took place last week on the Llanmiloe Estate. I am inform- that it was the best for the last fifteen yea: Mr. Deering must be well pleased that Y, shown such sport, and Mr. John Lewis w: proud that he. has such a worthy successor. guns includtxl besides the squire and his son, v M. G. Jones, the following well-known gentlen; Capt. Lewis, Lieut. Surren. Major Mathew, Coi, Spotiswoode, and Major Congreave. The estate of the late Mrs. Richards. Broadwav House, was brought under the hammer on the 17th inst., and to the surprise of the cautious realised a price far beyond their estimates. It made the splen- did total of £ 3,095. or as I am informed by one of the most practical men this side of the county town, i:800 more than he anticipated. Mr. Wm. Jones, Landawke. purchased the house and about 20 acres adjoining for £ 1.425: the Middlings a held of about 20 acres, went to Mr. Edwards for £ 1,1<5. and the Landres Park, a field of 5 acres. went to Mr. T. Howells, Broadway. for JE:575 Two small cottages were bought by Mr. James John, Herbert's Moor, for JE120. In the first round of the Miniature Rifle League, St. Clears beat Laugharne by 751 to 738. I regret to announre the sudden demise of Mrs Saer. of Parson's Lodge Cottage, on Sundav last She was going about her usual duties when she sud- ctenly collapsed and expired almost immediately. f r :rpect0d husband' who was in the employ of Mr. Muscat for many years, every human sym- pathy is extended. The deceased was 70 years of age and was interred in the Cliff Chapel Cemetery on Wednesday, the 23rd inst. -I.. What people are NOT ,aving That the road from St. Clears to Broadwav is the best kept road in Carmarthen. That the pavements in Laugharne are a credit to it. That the District Council is going to put Hollo- way Road in decent repair this winter. That the water scheme is a success. That the "Mariners" is going to be re-named the H:nd In(n). That every other pub. is going to be re-named The Creml In(n).

LLANDOVERY ERRATA.—The verses read on the occasion of a presentation to two departing members of the Welsh class at Llandingat Church Sunday School were com- n° L y Mrs. Walters, Depot Cottage, and not Mrs. Richards, her sister, as stated in our last issue. SALEM M.I.S.-A well-attended meeting of the Salem Congregational M.I.S. was held at the vestry on Wednesday evening. The Pastor (the Rev. D. Rhydderch). president of the Society, occupied the chair. The subject under debate was "Should NVales have Home Rule?" Mr. J. Williams, 3, Col- lege-road, opened in the affirmative, and Mr. W. Thomas, stonecutter, seconded. Mr. Edgar Evans opened for the negative, and Mr. Albert Rees seconded. The following took part in the discus- sion :-For, Messrs. Saunders Morgan, Cilvcwm House; Thomas Thomas, Myrtle House. and Tim Thomas, Pantycelyn House; against. Messrs Elias Davies. Castle View; E. Williams, Westeria. and Councillor Daniel Jones, Rhosvbedw. On a division there voted for 12 and 18 against.

rHrARCHERsCHH PMMU|8sj| Fec-simO* Qm+Omur &*ket. Archer's Golden Returns tt Th* Perfection et mpe Trticn, C08L hEft r.

CYNGHORDY DEATH.—The death has taken place of Mr. Jamea Davies, Pantglas, Cynghordy. The deceased was 81 years of age, and wis a faithful member of Bethel (■C.) Chapel. The funeral, which was very largely attended, took place on Saturday, the place of in- terment being St. Mary's Church. The Rev J Harries (pastor of Bethel), and the Rev Dr. T. E. Thomas officiated at the house and at the church the Rev Williams, vicar of Cynghordy. The mourners William Jones, Pencoed (nephew); Mr. Lewis Davies Pontardawe (son); Mr. and Mrs. Davies, Pantglas (son and daughter-in-law) Mr. and Mrs. John Lewis, Fforestfach (daughter and son-in-law); Mr. Lewis Davies, Tanpal (brother-in law) Miss M Davies In ece); Mr. and Mrs. Edward Evans, Pontardawe Mrs- Phillips. Pontardawe (niece); Mr. Dan Phillips (nephew): Mr. Dan Jones. Gorseinon 'n^ohew): Mr. Tom Jones, Skewen (nephew); Mr. WiiTIam Jones. Pencoed nephew); Mr. Lewis Davies! Penygroes (nephew): Mr. Morgan Davies. Tanvpal (nephew): Miss Davies, Poet Office, Bethel (niece); Mr. Lewis Davies, Penygroes (nephew), and Mr. Darnel Williams, Pontardawe.

PYBEDD, BURRY PORT. LLOYD & THOMAS are favoured with instruc- ±J tions to SELL bv AUCTION, at fhe above place. on FRIDAY. December 9th, 1910, the follow. mg very valuable STOCK, comprising 60 PRIME CHRISTMAS FAT CATTLE. 180 FAT LAMBS. 45 FAT PORKERS. Sale to ,at One o'clock. {656

DEMISE.—It is with deep regret we Toeord the death of Mr. Barnett, Chemical House, Pensarn, who passed away on the 15th inst., at the age of 88 vears. Deceased was a faithful member of St. David's Church, where he will be greatly missed, and he also took a very prominent part in the Sunday School work. He was an employee of the G.W.R. Co. for many years, but he had retired for some years on a well-earned pension. The funeral, which was private, took place on Saturday last at the Cemetery, the Rev. T. R. Walters, M.A., R.D. (vicar), officiating throughout. WELSHMEN I AMERICA.—The "New York's great 'Welsh day" was held at Grassemere Park, Staten Island, I^ew York, on September 6th last. Mon- mouth Beach, which has a trace of a Welsh name, has several local men staying there, amongst whom are the following: Mr Thomas Davies, of Trelech, Carmarthenshire, now with Messrs. Errech and Co.; Mr L. Stephens, of Pencader, now at McCrearys, New York. At the sports, which took place on Staten Island, we are pleased to record that. in the yuoiting match the winners were Mr. J. L. Davies, TMaonpant. Grcllywen, St. Clears, and Mr. J. Dawes, son of the late Mr. Lewis Davies, Llwyncalenig, Llanllawddog. i. f OBITUARY.—We regret to announce the death ot Mr. Augustus W. Daniel, of Abergwili-road, who passed away, after a short illness, on the 18th inst., at the age of 48 years. He leaves behind him a widow and five children, to whom general sympathy is extnded in their bereavement. The deceased ha.s been a faithful workman of Mr. E. Colby Evans for the last 26 years. His mortal remains were interred 'at St. David's Churchyard on Tuesday last. Mr. R. B. Davies, lay-reader, read a portion of the Scripture at the house, and the Rev. Aldred Williams delivered an eloquent prayer. The last solemn rites at the church and graveside were also performed by the Rev. Aldred Williams. The chief mourners were: Mr. D. A. Daniel, Ferrvside (brother); Mr. W. Woozlev, Priory-street (cousin); Mr. Chick, Northampton (brother-in-law); Mr. Geo. Thomas, Priory-street (cousin); Mr. H. W. Thomas (nephew). Wreaths* were sent by Cousin William, Mrs .Edward Lester, Bert and Bertie (Northamp- ton), Mrs. and the Misses Lewis (Gellingham House), Mrs. Charlie Davies (King-street).—The widow wishes to avail herself of this opportunity of expressing her thanks to the many kind friends who have sympathized with her in her sad loss. FOOTBALL.—On Saturday last, the 19th, a "Soccer" match was played, or rather, should ba played, between the Training College and Lampeter College at the Park. Unfortunately, no independent referee could be found, so Mr. Logan, of the Training College, officiated in that capacity. The game was warmly contested, but soon after the start the Train- ing College was seen to maintain a decided superi- ority. They beat their opponents at all points, and forced two corners in quick succession. They con- tinued to keep the play in the Lampeter half of the field, and soon after the start Stanley sent in a hot shot. The Lampeter custodian stopped it, but the ball had already gone past the post. The referee accordingly awarded a goal, which was hotly dis- puted by the Lampeter men. He stuck to his guns, however, and Lampeter marched off the field. There may have been a slight element of doubt about the point, but Lampeter should have been sportsmen enough to accept the referee's decision as final. The Training College have a strong eleven this year and should have a very successful season.