Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
5 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
---_--------------CARMARTH…
CARMARTH EN. MEDICAL APPOINTMENT. Mr W. Lewis Hughes, Carmarthen, has been appointed surgeon to H.M. Prison, Carmarthen, in the room of Mr J. D. Rowlands, who retires with a pension. SALVATION ARMY. The Army will hold its annual tea meeting on Boxing Day at the Barracks, and the proceeds will be devoted to- wards paying back-salaries due to the officers. Soup KITCHEN.—Mr D. P. Morgan, hon. sec., begs respectfully to acknowledge a donation of B2 from Mrs Horton, Ystrad. CARMARTHEN BAY FISHERY DISTRICT. The following four gentlemen have been elected to represent the fishermen for the ensuing year on the Board of Conservators for the above district Rev D. Cad van Jones, Priory-street; Mr James Davies, Lammas-street; Mr W. Davies, King- street; and Mr David Lewis, Brigstocke Gardens (fisherman). The following were nominated, but not elected: Mr D. Prosser, Bryndderwen Mr Thomas Beynon, St. Clears Mr David Davies, Carlton House, Ferryside and Mr W. Davies, Ferryside. A QUERY. A correspondent writes: — "I should like to know if it is legal to carry intoxicants on Sunday under cover of a sack. The reason I ask is this A certain person was very busy carrying a jar containing beer to and fro certain places on Sunday last. The jar was hidden in an old sack, and he said he could not be convicted because he was conveying the sack and not touching the jar Will Argus' ex- plain this little point? ENTERPRISE.—Messrs Lester and Co's tm works are being fitted out with electric light. We also understand that the Mayor and Mr D. E. Williams, Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, intend having their respective establishments lighted up by electricity if it is possible to procure the necessary power from the same dynamo. The above are only a few instances of the prevailing dissatisfaction with the quality and excessive price of gas now supplied to the town, and we shall, no doubt, hear of further similar move- ments should these prove successful, as they very probably will. CHRISTMAS. — Several of the Bhops, especially those of drapers and grocers, have been, as usual, tastily decorated for this festive season, and the butchers had stocked their establishments with prime meat. There was a very large market of geese on Saturday, but this favourite Christmas dish was dear in the extreme in the estimation of buyers, though the sellers as firmly stated that Is. a pound or so was most reasonable. The surplus and fresh stock were fairly disposed of at Wednesday's market, an immense quantity being despatched to Llanelly and other markets through the hands of hucksters. The weather is very seasonable. THE MODEL SCHOOLS. All our readers who know Mr T. Adams, headmaster of the boys' department at the Model Schools, either personally or through the children that have been under his care for the last nine years, will be glad to hear that he has been elected, out of a numerous list of applicants, to the post of head- master of St. Peter's Church School, Hereford, the largest elementary school in that city. The Government reports on the work done at the Model Schools, while under his supervision, will show with what great success he has taught the children here, and while regretting the loss of so able a master, we congratulate Hereford on so good an acquisition. TEMPERANCE. The weekly meeting of the Total Abstinence Society was held on Sunday evening at Union-street Chapel, which was well packed with temperance friends. After the rendering of a congregational hymn, the follow- ing programme was gone through Address, Chairman (Mr Gwilym Samuel) song, Mr Tom Evans, Slaughter House Villa address, Mr Wm. Davies, senior, Johnstown song, Mr David Jones, Johnstown; address, Mr Rowland Hughes, student, Presbyterian College duett, Miss Alice Anne Evans and Miss Anne Jones, Johnstown ;.song, Miss M. M. Davies (" Mair Arfon.") The Chairman closed the meeting by prayer. COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS. On Saturday-be- fore Messrs E. M. Davies and C. W. Jones—P.C Thomas Williams, Llanarthney, charged Wm. Rowlands, Wm. Floyd, and and Howell Davies, colliers, with being drunk and disorderly and fighting together at Yoelgastell, on the 7th inst, on the occasion of a coursing match at that village. The defendants pleaded guilty, and were fined 108 and 8s costs each. Supt. R. LI. Williams, Ferryside, charged John Goodwin, spinner John Thomas, Walter Mill and Wm. Jones, Resgar, all of the parish of Conwil-in- Elvet, with trying to catch salmon by means of light and spear in the river Duad on the 6th inst Defendants pleaded guilty to carrying alight only. P.C. Richards proved the full charge, and defendants were fined 5s and 10s costs each. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—The fortnightly meet- ing was held on Saturday, at the Workhouse, Mr J. Evans, Alltycadno, presiding. Relief: Per the four relieving officers, for the 8th week, JE142 6s 6d to 1,252 paupers, as against E151 lls 8d to 1,373 paupers during the same period last year 9th week, 9139 13s Od to 1,249 paupers, as against R145 12s 6d to 1,368. A letter was read from Mr D. Williams, Lammas-street, on behalf of Mr D. Lloyd Jones, of Barwick, Yeovil, offer- ing to give his usual dinner to the inmates on New Year's Day. It was unanimously resolved that the offer be accepted, and that the thanks of the Board be given to Mr Jones for his continued kindness. It was also resolved that a Christmas dinner be given to the inmates, on the motion of Mr E. Lewis, Cillef wr, seconded by Mr Thomas, Parkglas, the cost not to exceed 25. The Master reported that the Carmarthen Girls' Recreative Society had presented the females with jackets and other gifts, for which the Clerk was directed to send to Miss Hughes, Spilman- street, the best thanks of the Board. Permission was also granted to Miss Hughes to give an entertainment to the inmates. The Clerk re- ported the receipt from the County Council of a county rate of £ d in the £ on each parish in the Union exclusive of St. Peter's parish, and also of a Technical Education rate of d in the 2, both amounting to JM25 4s 2d. He also reported the receipt of a Technical Education rate of id in the £ on St. Peter's parish, amounting to £ 7717s 4d, but as some doubt was expressed regarding the legality of the latter precept the Clerk was directed to look into the matter. The Board then considered the quarterly tenders. BOROUGH POLICE COURT. On Monday—be- fore Messrs C. W. Jones (in the chair), John Morris, J. Howell Thomas and John Lewis- John Stafford, of no fixed abode, was charged on remand with fraudulently enlisting in the Car- marthen Artillery Militia. Company-Sergeant- Major Amos Gurney, of the Devon Artillery, Western Division, said he recognised defendant on the 14th inst, at Pembroke Dock. Defendant was embodied in the Devon regiment, had at- tended its last training in May, and had not been duly discharged.—Sergeant-Major Ketley, of the Carmarthen Militia, said defendant joined that militia on the 11th inst, under the name of John Harries. Defendant was sent to prison for one month with hard labour. Martha Thomas, wife of Wm. Thomas, Jones's Place, Quay, was charged with being drunk and disorderly at 8 45 p.m. on Saturday last. P.C. Lodwick proved the charge, and said defendant was mad drunk and molesting everyone that passed by her. He had given her a chance to go home quietly earlier in the day. Defendant (excitedly): I have never been drunk enough not to know what I am doing. If I do drink a glass or two sometimes, I pay for it and I get it hard. Chairman Yes, I beheve you are a hard-working woman. — Defendant: I like a glass of beer, but I have never been drunk. My temper gets the worst of me. The policemen are always watching me. There are plenty of holes in the town for them to watch besides the Quay. —Supt. Smith said that defendant was very drunk and violent when brought into the lock- I up. -This was defendant's 36thappearance.-The Chairman gave her some sound advice, and she was afterwards fined 10s 6d and costs allowed a week to pay. THE CARMARTHEN AMATEUR CYCLING CLUB AND THE INFIRMARY.—As far back as June last, a gum of £ 14 was handed over to the Carmarthen- shire Infirmary by Mr Joseph Isaac, Lammas- street, hon. sec. of the Carmarthen Amateur Cycling Club at that time, on behalf of the club. Up to a week ago, no acknowledgment or thanks had been received for the same. The attention of a reverend member of the committee of the Institution was drawn to the omission, and we are also under the impression that through this alleged want of courtesy the Infirmary lost a share of the amount collected at the recent carnival. On Monday, Mr Isaac received the following letter, which explains the cause of the omission: "Soulh Wales Training C>lleu'e, Carmarthen, December 19th, 1891. My dear Sir,—The House Committee of the Carmarthen- shire Infirmary were, on Wednesday last, for the first time, made aware of the previous donation of the Cycling Club made to the Infirmary in June last. By some unfortunate forgetfulness on the part of the Secretary no intimation of the recent of your gift was made to the Committee, and we learn with much regret that no letter of thanks was written by the Secretary to you and your club. You will, I hope, see that the Com- mittee, being in ignorance of such a donation, could not acknowledge it, as they would gladly have done at the time they now take the earliest opportunity open to them of doing so and they have directed me, as their chairman, to thank the club, through you, most heartily for their very generous gift, and, at the same time, to express their very deep regret that that gift was not properly recognised before. I should add that by the rules of the Institution, you, or some other accredited member of the club acting as their representative are now a "life-governor," having the priviledge of recommending patients to the Infirmary. Will you allow me to add my own persqnal regret that an act of forgetfulness on the part of an officer of the Infirmary should have deprived that Institution of another token of your generosity, as I believe has lately been the case. I am, Sir, yours faithfully, CHARLES GILBERT BROWN, Chairman of the House Com- mittee of the Carmarthenshire Infirmary." THE OLD COLLEGE SCHOOL. During the last term of the above school many excellent societies have been made very good use of, amongst which we may notice the debating class, the football, and the social and dramatic. Debating Class Our fellow school boys have, at last, become alive to the fact that during these days it is the bounden duty of every one who intends taking any public office to cultivate the powers of his public speaking to the very utmost of his ability. Each member seems to have used all his tact and ability in making the debating class what it should be, viz., one of the best and most in- teresting of all societies. It is not in any way needful for us to dwell at any length upon the enormous advantages which one may derive by attending such a society as. this. We feel proud to be able to speak so highly of the very excellent work done by our debating class this term. Many of our boys who were at first fain to evade any public speaking, have already made a good display of their rhetorical powers, and are likely to be of special service in our debates for the next session. An excellent choice of subjects has been made by the committee, whom we are proud to congratulate. We look forward with great eagerness and much joy to next term, which commences January 5th, when we hope to discuss some very interesting subjects. May they be most successful is our united wish.— Football For many terms the Old College School boys have, like many others, been talking only of football, but this term, I am glad to say that we have everything in practical form. The egg-shaped leather has been kept rolling through- out the whole term. We have a strong team with a good, hard-working, useful, and successful captain (B. J. Phillips, Green Hill Villa). We have also been fortunate to get Mr J. Vincent Thomas, an old Llandovery boy, in fine trim, to play three-quarter for the team. He has already done good work for us. In spite of the late hour of the season in which our team came to evidence, we have already been able to play a few matches with some local teams. We hope to play many more next term. The following gentlemen have rendered very good service to the team :-Messrs E. Griffiths, Wm. Williams, T. Richards, Ed. Williams (vice captain), Hector Jones, H. Jones, W. E. Morris (treasurer) and D. J. Evans (hon. sec.) Social and Dramatic Society The first Social and Dramatic Society of the above school came into existence during last term. The Society, therefore, only having just originated, we should not expect very great things from it, though its members have throughout the term shown unmistakable signs of life and activity. For their taskthis time, they took up Shakespear's tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark." On Friday last they appeared in character, for the first time in public, at the Concert Hall, Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, kindly lent for the occasion by the proprietor, Mr D. E. Williams. This gentleman is always so ready and willing to assist every good cause that we cannot help ad- miring his constant devotion and ever-increasing generosity towards every good institution. All who were present at the Ivy Bush on Friday last were treated to a threatrical display of great magnificence. I shall not dwell at any length upon the play of any of our worthy actors, for each did his part, not only to the entire satis- faction of the crowded audience, who listened to the whole performance with animated desire, but far exceeding their highest anticipation. An able critic, who was present on Friday, says that one could not help admiring the very excellent way in which the ghost (W. Roberts) appeared upon the scene, and its magnetic power upon the minds of all present. J. M. Davies as Ophelia was very real, and created no end of mirth. The three officers (T. Richards, B. Thomas, and D. J. Davies) were also well disposed to the execution of their arduous duties. H. W. Thomas was a very good old king. He stalked about with airs of a supreme head of the land. Willie Williams, as queen,' had not the boldness of King Thomas, which probably was the cause of his not speaking loud enough, otherwise Williams would have done his part remarkably well. E. Griffiths, as Hamlet,' did his part in fine style, and was much admired. Ed. Williams, as Larrte,' addressing his sister, 'Ophelia,' did not seem to have sufficeut confidence in himself, and therefore appeared as if sensitively timid. The fine rhetorical powers of R. T. Tank were at their best. The audience were forcibly struck with the excellent way in which he played his part. J. Vincent Thomas, as Horatio,' delighted the audience, who listened to him throughout with intense gratification. His homeliness drew the special attention of all present. B. J. Phillips rendered great existence throughout. He helped very much to make the entertainment attractive. At the risk of being monotonous, I shall congratu- late our worthy friends, Messrs Salmon and Jones, who kindly assisted for the occasion. The comic songs of Messrs Goodwin and Thomas were very deservedly encored. Mr Hughes, who sang a solo, was highly appreciated for his fine render- ing. Throughout it was a most interesting and successful entertainment.—AN OLD SCHOOL Boy. TREGARON. SCHOOL BOLRD.-The ordinary monthly meeting of the above Board was held on Friday evening the 18th inst., the following members being present, viz., Mr William Rees, chairman, Mr Evan Rowlands, vice-chairman. and Mr Isaac Davies. The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and signed, the Chairman pro- posed that a fortnight's holidays be given the town and Castell Flemish Schools, to commence on Monday, the 21st December (Blaencaron not included owing to the inspection not having being held), which was seconded by Mr Isaac Davies, and unanimously carried. The Clerk then read a letter from the attendance officer reporting a decrease of 17 in the average attendance of the 4 schools under the jurisdiction of the Board, during the year ended November 30th, 1891, and conse- quently, a considerable difference was made in his salary, and as the decrease was caused by sickness and other circumstances, over which he had no control, be wished the Board to reconsider the terms of same and make some allowance for the loss it had caused him The Board, after consider- ing his case, resolved to reduce the minimum average from 230 to 220, which number also will be considered the minimum average for the ensuing year. The suggestions of H.M.I, of I schools regarding repairs and improvements required to the several schoolrooms, &c., were then brought forward and steps were taken to immedi- ately comply therewith. The necessary steps to be adopted c. reappointment of schoolmaster for the Castell Flemish School," having been referred to this meeting toe consideration, it was resolved to advertise in the Schoolmaster, THE JOURNAL, and Cambrian News, for master or mistress, at a salary of .£65 per annum fixed, to commence duties on the 11th day of January, 1892 a special meeting to be held on the 6th, to consider applications and !ik,, the appointment Cheques for payment of teachers, officers. &c., &c., were drawn and signed, which terminated the meeting. LLANWRDA. COMPETITIVE MEETING. A very successful meeting of the above nature took place at the Endowed Schools of the above village on Friday evening last, the 18th inst. The chair was ably filled by the vicar of the parish, the Rev D Jones, B.A., who in conjunction with the secretary, M- J Gwrda Thomas, also conducted the meeting most creditably. Tho duties of treasurer were entrusted to the Rev J Jones, curate, who, it is needless to say, performed his duties in a very creditable manner. The adjudicators were the Rev J Williams, B.A., Llandovery, and Mr D W Lewis, F.T.S.C., of Brynamman, who, in the unavoidable absence of Mr D S Thomas, C.M., of Llandovery, kindly favoured the committee with his services, and we are bound to admit that universal satis- faction was given to the large number of com- petitors. It was feared that, owiner to the un- settled state of the weather, the attendance would be sparse, but the fine weather which broke in about two days previous to the interesting event brought with it a very large and appreciative attendance—the spacious rooms being crowded to their utmost capacity. The Chairman, in the course of his address, said it would be unwise on his part to make a long speech, as the programme in itself was an unusually long and varied one, and it was because the committee knew he would be brief in his remarks that they appointed him to the honoured position. He explained that as nothing was, as yet, provided in the locality, where the young lasses and lads could advantageously utilise their spare movements duringthe long and dreary evenings of the winter season, the object of the meeting was to affo 'd an opportunity to those who were lovers of music and literature to cultivate their talents and to bring the same before com- petent persons to be adjudged — the best of whom would receive prizes to encourage them in their devotion to the literary and musical art. He then called upon the bards to address the meeting, but as there were none present, the programme was proceeded with. Appended is a list of the success- ful competitors For the best two stanzas to "Llanwrda Church," the prize was divided be- tween Eglwyswr and Talfryn," who did not answer their names for the best poetical com- position with notes to Pentremeurig, Llanwrda," the prize was given to Air Willie Jones (" Conwil ") Gilfach, Llanwrda; recitation for children under 15 years of age: 1st, J Griffiths, Cwmeilwch, Gwynfe; 2nd, Willie Jones, Station Road, Llanwrda; soprano solo, "Ar fachludiad yr haul," Miss Thomas, Pengwarnoyadd, Llansadwrn; sight reading (Tonic Sol-fa) for children, J Griffiths, Cwmeilwcb, Gwynfe; solo, fó Mam rodd gusan yn fy hun," for children: 1st, J Griffiths, Cwmeilwcb, Gwynfe 2nd, J N Rees, Penrhiw, Llansadwrn; recitation, Yr Ystorm, for adults, divided be. tween Miss E Nicholas, Esgair, and Mr D Price, Bryngwyn, Llansadwrn; tenor solo, Neges y Blodeuyn," divided between Mr R Rees, Glanrwyth, Manordeilo, and Mr D Price, Bryngwyn; trio, "Duw bydd drugarog," Mr J Rees, Penihiw, Llansadwrn, and party; babs solo," Chwiflwn Faner," Mr J Gwrda Thomas, Llanwrda; quartett, Stars of the summer night," Mr D Price, Bryngwyn, and party; juvenile choir, "0 mor hardd yw y nefoedd wen": 1st, Bwlchyffin minstreld (D Evans); 2nd, Llanwrda United (J Gwrda Thomas); solo for old people over 50 years of age, Diniweidrwydd," divided between Mr H Rees (Ap Dafydd) Llansadwrn, and John Davies, Ffrwddllo, Llanwrda (prize given by Rev J Jones, curate); sight reading (Welsh), divided between Mr D Morgan, Cilycwm, and Mr Johnny Davies, Cwmivor, Manordeilo duett, "Y ddeileu ar y Hi," Messrs R Rees, Manordeilo, and J Gwrda Thomas, Llanwrda; party of eight mixed voices, I, Llanwrda," led by Mr D Jones, Dderwenfawr for the best composition of a Single Chant,' the prize (given by the vicar) was awarded to M r D Jones (Eos Meurig) Llanwrda. The chief choral competition was the next and last item on the pro- gramme, the test piece being Dyddiau dyn sydd fel glaswelltyn" (T Davies). Great excitement prevailed at this time, and a very keen com- petition ensued. Three choirs had entered and sang in the following order (1) Taber Philhar- monic, J Evans (2) Llanwrda Church Choir, J Gwrda Thomas; (3) Llansadwrn United, D Price. No. 3 was declared winner of the first prize, whilst the second prize was divided between Nos. 1 and 2. The result was received amidst loud and pro- longed cheering. We are pleased to say the com- mittee were highly complimented by the ad- judicators for their good taste in selecting suitable test pieces, the chief part of the work having been allotted to Mr D Davies, Sculptor The committee are much indebted to Mrs Jones, the Vicarage, for her kindness in presenting each of the working staff with a beautiful rosette, who, we are glad to say, conducted their respective duties in a pleasing manner. They also beg to acknowledge the great kindness of all the ladies who gratuitously provided them with prize bags, which were both elegant and expensive. They are also desirous of thanking Mr and Mrs Morgan, the Schools, whose kind assistance tended much to enhance the success of the evening. The usual votes of thanks and the singing of "Henwlad fy Nhadau," brought to a close one of the most peacable and enjoyable meet. ings that have been held in or around the above little place for some time. LLANFIHANGEL-RHOSYCORN. One only home my spirit knows! Sweet land, whence memory ne'er hath parted! To thee on sleep's light wing I fly." Oh! How lovely these heavenly lines touch the most tender cords of the human heart when far away in distant land. The train of thought gendered by the recollection of many a happy Christmas Day spent in joyful mirth among relatives and friends on the conic hills of Rhosy- corn, has a tendency to cast a gloom on the mind that had til! then remained pretty tranquil. The remembrance of that romantic and magnetic neighbourhood brings before the mind the old home, the old associations, and the old tales told at Christmas time. How well do I remember the time when the blood-red moon was climbing the crystal walls of Heaven, and the twinkling stars were gleaming through the boughs of the stately trees in front of that happy home, when old friends on a long winter evening sat in a semi-circle around a blazing fire on the hearth repeating story after story about corpse candles and goblins. Until now there prevails in the nooks and corners on the banks of the Clydach and Cotby some faint relics of a superstition which the waves of civiliza- tion have not yet swept away. Amongst many people who clung to the relics of the past these superstitions were held in strong belief. The corpse candle was one of the most prevalent of superstitions, and one might almost deny the existence of God as question its correctness. Many a time a corpse candle has been seen moving on slowly on its way towards the churchyard. The spectral funerals are fewer in number than corpse candles. The coffin, the mourners, and a crowd of people are clearly seen wending their way on, ana as they go they sing funeral hymns, and, as they pass, the steps of a throng of people could be dis- tinctly heard with the usual rustle when many are passing. It is said that even horses have noticed a procession or a corpse candle. Another old custom has long ago died out. People on Christ. mas Eve used to go to the Church door and listen, when the names of those who were destined to die in the course ef the coming year were believed to be whispered through the key hole. The Germans have a similar superstition on which that greatest of tale-tellers, Hoffman, has founded a beautiful story. Until very lately few were buried on the north side of the Church, no doubt because»of an old prejudice in Wales. We find in many churchyards that the south side is crowded with monumental stones, whilst the north has only a few scattered graves. Man, however abrupt, or singular, is a social creature, and nature decreed by giving n each one special traits, either good or bad, that he should mix with his fellows. So a few friends of the same feather met at Christmas time at Pantyr- Eglwys, the only house within a long distance to the Church. They were in cheerful spirits telling tales of ghosts, corpse candles, and spectral processions, and each one vaunted himself a hero in any case. However, a challenge was given to test their pluck that the best should go into the Church without light and bring away with him the prayer book from the reading desk as a proof of his fulfilling the task. A Mr Evans immediately accepted the challenge and started off boldly to perform it. It was midnight, the company waited his return, but finding him rather long went to- gether to the Church door which was open, and inside heard heavy breathing. They found the hero there not able to move and as pale as death with fright. Poor fellow, he bad something t. say of what he bad seen and heard, but did not admit that he had been terrified at all. He had heard a whisper and bad seen a ghost coming after him and detaining him inside the Church. He has gone to his long rest. D. COLLWYN MORGAN. Cwmyglo.
Advertising
LACTINA" for calves prevents scour, needs no boiling, and costs one-half the price of milk. It is easily digested, and highly relished by the young animal. Apply Lactina & Co., Suffolk House, Canon-street, London, B.C. [850
_d--RURIDECANAL MEETING AT…
_d-- RURIDECANAL MEETING AT < LAMPETER VELFREY. I A ruridecaoal meeting for the deanery of St. Clears was held at Lampeter Velfrey on Thursday, the 17th inst. Fifteen clergy wese present. Ar- rangements were made for Mr Richards to deliver a seriea of Chllrch History Lectures in the third week in January. A list of the different Church Hymuals used in the deanery was made for the Committee of Convocation. The Bishop of Swansea delivered the fol- lowing address on "Home Missions": Your Rural Dean has asked me to address you on Home Missions." The subject is a wide one, and might be considered as including organizations for carrying on Temperance, Purity, and Rescue Work, Parochial Missions, Sisterhoods and Brotherhoods, Lay Agency, &c. But, inasmuch as your worthy secretary has experienced some difficulty in arousing interest on behalf the Addi- tional Curates' Society, I shall probably be cxpected to confine my observations to the work and the needs of this excellent society. And if any word of mine can be of any help to him, I shall feel extremely thankful that I have been asked to take part in your deliberations here to-day. What is the A.C.S. ? It is a Society that, for more than fifty years, has done excellent work for the Church in providing, or assisting to pro- vide, additional clergy for your populous parishes, where, on account of the ever-increasing popula- tion, the incumbents are quite unable to minister efficiently to the whole of the people under their charge. It may be taken for granted without adducing proofs that there is at present, and has been for many years, a great and growing need, because during this century the population has been trebled, while the numbers of the clergy have only been doubled, and because the Church has cut out for herself, during the last fifty years, an enormous increase of work. New churches have been built, old ones restored and enlarged, schools organised, missions started, and mission buildings erected, and the consequence is that, although parishes have been divided and separately endowed, yet it has become a very grave and serious question how to carry on all this work, and at the same time advance the interests of the Church is new directions, simultaneously with the ever-increasing demands of the time. It is generally admitted that no clergyman can minister efficiently to more than two or three thousand people. But what do we find P One man in charge of a parish, or a newly-formed district, containing often 10,000 people and more, so closely packed together as to be, almost of necessity, nothing less than a hot bed of iniquity. What is the clergyman to do ? Alone he can effect but little good. But, with the help of one or two curates, he may be enabled to offer his people religious ministrations, which might be considered in some degree adequate. Iu such a case, the A.C.S. or the sister society, can render invaluable assistance, provided it has funds at its disposal. Such parishes as I speak of are generally too poor to support assistant curates themselves, and so are compelled to look to the societies for help. It is a matter to be proud of that more than half the curates of the country are paid by the incumbents out of their own pockets, and were it not for their liberality it is difficult to know what the Church would do. If laymen were equally liberal in proportion to their means, the Church would be efficiently served in every part of the Kingdom. If it is asked how it has come about that the Church is unable to minister to the masses in large towns and populous mining districts, the obvious answer is that for many preceding generations wealthy laymen have forgotten or neglected the obligations which attended the increase of their wealth. In fact, to find men who built churches for the people and endowed them with the tenth part of their property for the support of the ministry, we must go back to Saxon and Norman times. During the centuries that intervened between those early times and the end of last century, the impression seems to have prevailed that all that was required by the Church in the way of buildings and endowments has been provided already, and that nothing further was needed. The parochial system worked well while the population remained within manageable limits, and had our rich manufacturers and merchant princes followed the example of the old landowners, and given a tithe of their wealth to the service of religion, there would have been no call for such a society as the A.C.S. But the formation of new parishes, provided with churches and endowments, has not kept pace with the rapid increase of population. And hence the parochial system has repeatedly broken down. I admit that the sub-division of the parishes may be carried too far, and that it may often be better to work large parishes from one centre, by means of assistant clergy, rather than sub-divide them. I have one or two instances-in this diocese—in my mind where the Church would, I am convinced, be better served had sub-division not taken place. On the other hand, such an enormous parish, as instance St Mary's, Swansea, has for years loudly called for division. What can be done by the Church, under an energetic vicar and with the help of the societies, is exemplified in a striking manner in Swansea and the neigh- bouring palish of Llangyfelach. A few years ago five or six churches and mission-rooms, and as many clergy .represented the working machinery of the Church in those two parishes, whereas now, there are about thirty clergy and about as many churches and mission-rooms. Llanelly may be taken as another instance of a wonderful growth and development of Church life in recent years. There may be some here to-day who remember one church and one clergyman in Llanelly. Now counting Dafen and Felinfoel, there are about twelve clergymen officiating in about sixteen churches and mission- rooms. We may well point to these parishes with pride as instances of what the Church, with the help of the A.C.S. and P.A.S., is able to do to meet the spiritual requirements of populous parishes The Bishop then proceeded to show that, inasmuch as the in. crease of the population in towns and mining dis- tricts was mainly to be attributed to the migration of country folk from the rural to the urban dis- tricts, whither they proceeded to obtain employ- ment and maintenance, it was distinctly the duty of country parishes to contribute to the support of the town clergy, and so provide their brothers and sisters, and sons ani daughters, with those means of grace which had been within their reach before they left their homes. It was all very well for them to say that employers of labour ought to make a suitable provision for those whose labour enriched them. Many of them did—rising nobly to the responsibilities of their position. But what if they refused? Were their brethren in the towns to perish for lack of a due supply of the Bread of Life." Were they to stand aloof and remain indifferent to the spiritual needs of their own flesh and blood ? If they did, the great Master must hold them responsible. Let every incumbent of a country parish give his people one chance in the year, at least, to give to so worthy an object. His parish might be poor, still let him not be ashamed of the smallness of the collection. As the Bishop of the Diocese said in his recent pastoral:—"A very small contribution is better than none at all. No clergyman need be aphamed of seeing small results ascribed to his parish. Every clergyman ought to be ashamed to see a blank opposite his name." Another thing was that the inhabitants of country parishes were only seldom called on to give to any cause whatever. They worshipped in churches built, most of them, hundreds of years ago, and endowed by remote ancestors. There was no call for new churches or additional clergy, whereas in towns new buildings had to be provided, and the clergy maintained, not by ancient endowments, but by the voluntary con- tributions of the worshippeis, who were mostly poor people, for the rich and the well-to-do generally lived in the outskirts of the towns, and had to provide their own churches and ministry, and as often as not contented themselves with looking after themselves. But it was not a Question of town versus country. It was one of paramount importance to the welfare of Christianity throughout the land. So that while it was only right and reasonable to urge the large employers of labour to give, and to give liberally, still it was the bounden duty of each one of them to extend a helping hand to those less highly favoured than themselves, The Bishop then went on to show what great work was being done by the A.C.S.; what grants it was pledged to pay, and what bene- fits it conferred upon poor populous parishes and miningcentres; what i ncreasingdemands were made upon its funds, and how greatly is operations had been extended within the last ten years. The A.C.S., the Bishop said, is distinctly a Church Society, loyal to its principles, managed for the most part by the chief officers of the Church, recognizing no party" distinctions, but distributing its grants according to the needs of the applicants. No application is entertained which has not received the sanction of the Bishop. The theological views of the incumbent are not enquired into. All that is required is solid, substantial work. In giving assistance, the society is guided by principles no less comprehensive than those of the Church itself. In the words of the late Archbishop of York, It is as evangelical as the Church of England, as high as the Church of England, and as comprehensive as the Church of England; in faot, it aims at being the Church of England in action." Hence it can confidently appeal to the support of all loyal sons and daughters of the Church. The last published report of the society says:—"Wales has special claims for help, which have not been unheeded. One hundred and six curates in the Principality, the greater number of whom pre in mining districts, receive a consider- able portion of their stipends from the society. Their work is greatly increased in some parts by the bilingual condition of the people, which, for practical purposes, doubles the population in many parishes, and renders the duplication of services a matter of necessity." Then the report goes on to state how much the society is indebted to the Ladies' Home Mission Associations for the help given by them. And herein it is a matter for congratulation that a L.H.M.A. is in the course of being formed in this d'ocese. There are many ladies amongst us who have for years worked for the society in their own immediate locality. But there is to be, in future, a diocesan organisation, with the sanction of the bishop, and under the patronage of the most influential ladies of the diocese. In encouraging and assisting the L.H.M. Associations, the society undoubtedly shows great wisdom, for we know very well that when ladies take up any kind of work they are certain to carry it through to a successful issue. The Girls' Friendly Society may be taken as an instance of a very rapid and successful organisation. A very considerable amount of money is raised yearly for the A.C.S. by these ladies' associations, chiefly by sales of work and by the collection of small sums by parochial secretaries. It is all clear profit, and obtained from soarces which the society could not otherwise draw from. A matter for further congratulation in regard to this diocese is the adoption, with the bishop's sanction, of what is termed a scheme of co-organization, by which a Diocesan Committee is formed to assist the committee in London with counsel and advice. In this way the diocese is kept in touch with the authorities in London, and really urgent cases can be brought before thf society with greater weight. Applications for grants come, in the first instance, before the Diocesan Committee, whose local knowledge is of great assistance to the society in apportioning its grants. The plan was first started, I believe, by the present Archbiehop of Canterbury, when he was Bishop of Truro, and has been found to be eminently successful in pro- moting the efficiency and impartiality of the society's operations. I have endeavoured to put be- fore you three things :-(1) The loud call for sym- pathetic help that comes to us from populous places; (2) The duty of the rural parishes to help the town ones; and (3) The special claims of the A.C.S upon our sympathy and support. What I have said, supplemented by the observatious that are to follow, will, I hope, rouse all who are present to take a greater interest in the work of the society in future. In tha face of the persistent attacks that are made upon our Church by unprincipled political agitators, it behoves us to set our house in order, and to build up the breaches in the walls of our Zion. If we are true and loyal, each doing his work in the best way he can, the Church will emerge from her present tria!s stronger and purer than ever. Long ago an English knight, when asked for the title of his lands and honours, burled his sword upon the ground and said That is my title." It was with his sword that he bad served his country, and on bis service to his country was founded his claim to rank and wealth. Every English institution (and the Church is the oldest and most powerful of them all) must from to time show by what right it holds its position and enjoys its privileges. It must show that it has served the country well in times past. It must show that it is able still to accomplish the objects for which it exists, by adapting itself to the new wants and requirements of the people. What we want is less selfish isolation, and more concerted action, more unity and cohesion and systematic co-opera- tion. There should be a fuller recognition of Church membership—that we are members one of another, and that when one member suffers the Others also suffer with it. The idea that a man may go to his Church and enjoy his privileges with selfish indifference to the good of others, should be scattered to the four winds of heaven. We live in an age which has witnessed a very vigorous and a very wholesome protest against a purely selfish view of religion. It is coming to be gradually recognized that we have been given our means and talents, not for personal ends, but for the good of tb3 Church at large. A great novelist, now dead, in exposing spiritual selfishness,called it "other-worldliness." It is an expressive phrase, exposing as it does that selfish, self-satisfied, self centered religion, which does duty for religion pure and undefiled, and revealing it as another form of that worldliness which, in words, it is constantly denouncing. It is the express function of religion to take us out of ourdeJves-to deliver us from our- selves-to substitute for self-seeking, the love of God and the love of our neighbours. It should be the rule for every Church member to be a Church worker. There is work in the Church for which each one possesses some qualification-a niche in the fabric for each member. The charge, "Go ye and preach the Gospel," was not given, and was not meant for ordained ministers only. It was meant for all. The work of evangelizing the manses is the work of the Church as a whole, and not the work of a few. And it is a work which the Church only can do. I do not wish to say one disrespect- ful word of our Nonconformist brethren. Far from it. We are bound to acknowledge the work they have done in places that hnve not hitherto been reached by the Church. We know that their efforts in populous districts have been attended with much spiritual benefit to the humbler classes. But the dissent of yesterday cannot hope to accom- plish what must tax the energy and all the powers and resources of an Apostolic Church. What have we got our old endowments for, our parochial sys- temp, our grand our parish churches and cathedrals, centuries of tradition and varied history, and the yet-not-forfeited confidence of t ie country, if it is not to make known the truths of the Gospel-at home as well as abroad ? What have we got our Apostolic Ministry, and sacraments, and creeds for, if it be not to bring into the fold of the Church those sheep who (perhaps through no fault of their own) have gone astray? Dissent (Ido not mean political dissent, which is but another form of ignorant and intolerant faction, but religious dis- sent) has not com« into existence from hostility to the system and the teaching of the Church. It is founded upon no principle, strengthened by no traditions. It only holds its way because of the indifference and apathy of Churchmen. It cannot continue long if only the Church pursue her course with ever-increasing faith, and hope, and love. What we need is more charity, the truest test of real Christianity. This will fill the hearts of Churchmen with ardour in their Saviour's canse, and warm towards them the hearts of their separated brethren until they and we shall join together in the work of making this country in reality, what it is in name, a Christian country. To the Church, as well as to Nonconformists, the words of our Lord may be addressed, First oast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote from thy brother's eye." In finding fault with one another, we are losing precious opportunities and giving occasion to the enemy to blaspheme. Let us be up and doing. There is work for all. The work is all around thee. The well done' all before thee." What would'st thou be ? A blessing to each one surrounding me, A chalice of dew to the weary heart, A sunbeam of joy, bidding sorrow depart; To the storm-tossed vessel a beacon light, A nightingale song in the darkest night, A beckoning hand to a far-off goal, An angel uf love to each friendless soul Such would I be. Ob, that such happiness were for me." In the discussion which followed, Dr Lawrence stated that he, with many others of the laity, would be glad if the clergy gave them more fre- quent opportunities of contributing to the offer- tories, and suggested the adoption of a weekly offertory—a suggestion which seemed to meet with approval.
[No title]
"WHAT'S IT ALL A ]BOUT ?"-Messrs. Elliman, of Slough, give this title to a unique little publication brought out for the purpose of advertising Elli- man's Embrocation, but made generally attractive by its really exceptionally good illustrations. Mr John Sturgess has drawn a number of striking pictures of hunting, coaching, polo, &c., and Mr Sturgess, jun., has supplied episodes of athletics, &c., the whole covering a wide range of sport. The illustrations (19 of them) in a larger size are to be obtained separately from the former. They have the advantage that in this form their present com- mercial associations disappear, and they stand out as really capital pictures upon their own merits. II WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT ?" would be sent free for Twopence in stamps, and 19 Sporting Prints for P.O. 2s 6d or stamps 2s 6d. Sent abroad for P.O. 3s 6d, Address—Elliman, Sons and Co.. Slough. CHLORO-LINSEED," Cough Lozeuges, post free 7d. Of Chemists.
---_--------------CARMARTH…
| ABERYSTWYTH. J DORCAS SOCIETY.—Mrs Vaughan Davies has con- tribute,4 JE5 towards the nursing fund, and £2 2s towards the Laying-ip-aid purposes. THE INFLUENZA.—The epidemic is fast decreasing in this listrint. New cases are becoming scarce. FOOTBALL.-On Saturday a spirited match was played on the Cricket ground between the Conser- vative Club and the College. A well contested game resulted in the success of the College by four goals to two. POSTAL.—We are glad to find that an additional mail bag is now despatched from this Post Office by the 8.25 morning train to Carmarthen, and all places in South Wale. The latest time of posting is 7.25 a.m. THE ABERYSTWYTH HARRIERS met on Saturday last, on top of Penglaise Hill, and rose a hare on the flats of Llanbadarn. They had a splendid run of three hours northwards over Cefnhendre hill. The no-!t meet will be on Saturday next at 12 noon on Darren bank. ELECTRIC LIGHTING OF THE TOWN.—At the last meeting of the Town Council, the clerk produced a proof of the provisional order to be applied for by the Town Council, under the Electric Lighting Acts 1882 and 1888. The same was approved, and the sum of 950 being the deposit required to be lodged with the Board of Trade was ordered to be paid. PAVILION.—Application has been made to the Town Council by the Pier Company for a lease of a space adjoining the town end of the chain pier for the purpose of erecting a pavilion, but the owners and occupiers of the houses in the vicinity have petitioned against it, unless the Company will cease displaying advertizements. The matter is now under the consideration of the proper com- mittee of the Town Council. CATAPULTS,—The practice of using these dangerous toys has been too prevalent amongst the small school children of late, and it is hoped that the fine of 2s 6d each inflicted upon two boys named William Griffiths, and J. W Hughes, at the last Petty Sessions, will have a salutary effect, not only upon them, but upon all these school children who carry these missiles about them. THE CONSERVATIVE CLUB CONCERT.—We are gratified to state that the recent concert resulted in a very substantial nett balance towards the object of the Club, the exact amount of which is not yet ascertained, owing to all the accounts not having been received and paid. In the absence of Lord Lisburne, the noble president, through ill- ness, Mr T Waddingham worthily presided. THE CHRISTMAS SIGNs.-On Saturday night several shops commenced their decorations. Passing along Terrace road about 9 o'lock, Mr Fear, fishmonger and fruiterer's establishment attracted very considerable attention, owing to its enticing and rich display of most desirable commodities and elaborate decoration, and having a large bunch of holly hanging over the footway. Mr Fear deserves especial notice, because he was the first to initiate and complete his Christmas show. THB PAVING OF THE TOWN. Accord- ing to the report of Mr Rees Jones, town surveyor, it appears that a total of 13,460 yards of paving has been already manufactured in this town, to- wards which 365 tons of cement has been used. This is equivalent to two thirds of the full quantity required towards completing the whole of this great undertaking. The quantity already laid is 10,460 yards' thus leaving 3,000 yards in stock, The streets most recently paved are Llanbadarn road, North Parade, North Gate-street, Newfound- land-street, and Portland lane, and the next to be proceeded with are King-street and Penglaise road. THE CONSERVATIVE CLUB.—The Club is now permanently fixed in its new premises in Great Dark Gate-street, and all fittings and arrangements are complete with the exception of the billiard room and table. The superiority and adaptability of the new premises, now that we have had a couple of weeks' experience of them, are generally considered to far exceed any of stir previous locations. It is gratifying to notice that about a dozen new applications are already posted up on the proposition board in the new reading room for admittance into the society. This and numerons other evidences of progress afford great encourage- ment. It is hoped that the club will receive sub- stantial and material support from all Conserva- tives in the town and district, in order not only to enable the management committee to meet the expenses of their present position without dis- credit, but to afford them the meanu of organising and pursuing the woik of the Conservative and Unionist cause with energy and success. The new billiard table is being negotiated for, and we have every prospect of seeing it fixed up in a short time. The table with its appurtenances, the room fittings, &c., will entail an expense of above :£100, but liberal donations have been kindly subscribed by several influential well wishers of the Club, and notably our noble president, the Earl of Lisburne, for £20. and Mr T. J. Waddingham, Hafod, for X20. The minor subscriptions of gentlemen and members coupled with the nett results of the Christmas and other entertainments, it is hoped will soon reach an amonnt sufficient to secure this great desidera- tion without encumbrance. We have been a3ked to suggest to the committee the desirability of pro- viding a small library of entertaining and instruc- tive literature, for the use of the increasing number of young men who attend the rooms of an evening. Surely there are numerous friends who would gladly contribute books for the purpose if the matter were taken up. Complaints have also been made that instructive lectures or debates upon current topics, and weekly reunions of an invigora- ting nature have not been revived this winter. RURIDECANAL MEETING.—A ruridecanal meet- ing for the deanery of Llanbadarnfawr was held on Wednesday, the 16th, and was numerously attended, there being nineteen clergymen present. The Rev J. Pugh, Vicar of Llanbadarn, the Rural Dean, was in the chair. The chapter dis- cussed was the second of the first epistle to Tim- othy. When the devotional services concluded a very valuable paper was read by the Rev D. Owen, of Eglwysnewydd, upon the organization of Sunday schools. An important discussion and interchange of opinion and suggestions .9 followed, and it was resolved to establish a Sun- day school association for the deanery. The subject of choral services and the improvement of congregational singing was treated with, and it was determined to hold a choral festival for the deanery next year. The following gentlemen were appointed secretaries, viz. Revs W. Thomas, Holy Trinity; W. Gabe, Llanbadarn and J. Timothy, Borth, to whom all arrange- ments for carrying out the festival were en- trusted, and no doubt is felt but that through their experience and well-known interest in this direction they will bring the choral festival to a successful issue. This was the second gathering since it was resolved to hold a quarterly meeting of the deanery at the Ember sessions, and jud- ging from the attendance and the interest taken in the meetings hitherto it augurs well for the future welfare and usefulness of the Church in this part of the country. RATES. -A general district rate of Is. 4d. in the jE, and a water rate of Is. in the £ were made and signed, and the Mayor's seal affixed at the Town Council special meeting on Tuesday, the 22nd inst. LLANSAWEL. DEATHS.—We regret to announce the demise, at the age of 72, of one of the oldest inhabitants of this village, viz., David James, or as he was better known, "Daff," which sad event occurred late on Wednesday, the 16th inst., after a rather short illness, and the burial took place on the following Saturday in the parish churchyard, the Rev John Lewis being the officiating clergyman in the church, and the Rev Jonah Evans (S.M. Academy), in the house of the deceased, who leaves an aged widow and a large family to mourn his departure. Deceased was bred and born in this parish, therefore his familiar face is the more missed in this viHago where he was loved and respected by all. —It is with sorrow that we chronicle the rather sudden death of John Williams, Abercrymlyn farm, in this parish, on Friday morning, the 18th inst., and was interred in Shiloh Independent churchyard en the Tues- day following, the Rev D. B. Williams being the officiating minister. Deceased was a kind- hearted and universally respected man, and leaves a wife and nine children, of tender years, to lament his loss. LLANDYSSUL. FOOTBALL. -Llandyssul Movers v. Newcastle- Emlyn.-This game was played last Saturday, on the ground of the latter, in fair weather, in the er presence of a good number of spectators. From the kick off it was plainly to be seen which was the better team, and when" time" was called the score stood Llandyssul, 3 tries 5 minors Emlyn, nil. The try-getters were J. Thomas, J. L. Jones, aud S. B. Wililams. Mr D. George, Newcastle-Emlyn, acted as referee, and Messrs H. C. Davies and J. Bull were umpires for Llan- J dyssul and Emlyn respectively.