The Glamorgan Gazette

AWAKE I don't know," said the REV. H. T. AKDKEWS, B.A., of St. Paul's Congregational Church, Swansea, in his lecture on Books and bow to read them," at the English Con- gregational Schoolroom on Thursday evening, "I don't know whether you have a Free Library at Bridgend if not, you ought to have one." And the audience-or a section of it-signified their endorsement of the speaker's inci(lental,bnt none the less apposite reference, by a timely cheer. The hackneyed apothegm that has been, is being, and will be inculcated on mankind says that straws show which way the wind blows; and some would entertain the belief that it would in- volve no unwarrantable expansion of the sense of the adage to take the cheer of MR. ANDREWS' audience as being reflective of the feelings of the inhabitants of the town at large. This may or may not be so. If it is so, then the people ought to lose no time in giving effect to their feelings aud having their yearnings satiated. But it is, on the other hand, quite within the range of possibility that the trend of public opinion runs in an opposite direction and in obscurer grooves; that, in short, the popular mind is repugnant to the popularization of literature and the democratization of knowledge. Jf our fellow townsmen are so cribbed, cabined, confined" in their ideas—so much the worse for their ideas. But we fear that their views on free libraries must remain a secret until a plebiscite is taken, and it remains for some person of light and leading to make his voice heard in the wilderness and agitate till the powers that be are roused from their dormancy. Most good in this world is engendered by agitating, and no worthy movement has yet emerged from the calm regions of solid theorising into the brighter atmosphere of reality without agita- ting. Therefore, let us agitate—not loudly but wisely, not recklessly but prudently; and if it so happens a few months hence that our agitation shall have been in vain, and our energies mis-spent, we may console our- selves by the soothing reflection thai, though our hopes were dissipated, our motives were tinged by naught but sincerity. Before, however, entertaining the idea that the great big public" will treat the movement n C) with scorn and contempt, we must remember what the movement is in its aim and pur- pose. Is not the popularizing of knowledge one of the salient characteristics of the age ? The most unbending of pessimists, the most inflexible of misanthropes, and the most dogmatic of cynics are bound to admit that; for it is neither a phantasmal unreality nor an epnemeral vision, but a real and a living r5 factor that is galvanizing the country— ZI) Wales more particularly—into a new life. The Free Library movement is essentially educative in its tendency. Indeed, what the system of secondary education will do for the youth of Wales, the Free Library move- ment ought to do for our elders and Wales will not be true to itself unless it takes advantage of such a golden opportunity. We know that once Cymric enthusiasm is roused in respect to any popular cause, it becomes irresistible but it would seem that the benefits that will accrue from the adop- tion of the Free Libraries Act have not been diuned into the ears of the mass of the people, or else the people of Bridgend would have surely taken steps to adopt the Act ere now.

LOCAL NEWS. DON'T FORGET that W. C. Edwards' great Drapery Sale id now on. Opposite Town-hall- Bridgend. 1258 OBITUARY.—Two old members, of the Taber. nacle Welsh Independent Chapel, have just passed away-viz., Mrs Richards, and Mrs Lewis' Cheltenham-terrace. The first-named was the oldest member connected with the chapel, and her demise will cause a papable gap in the con- gregation. CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL.-On Thursday eve- ning, in connection with the Young People's Guild-an integral organization of the above chapel—the Rev H. T. Andrews, B. A., of St. Paul's Congregational Church, Swansea, gave a very interesting and edifying lecture on "books, and how to read them." Mr William Powell presided. A COMING TREAT.—A musical and miscellaneous entertainment, including a new collection of Jarley's Waxworks with new figures and new fun will be held at the Newcastle Parish Roomey on Tuesday evening next, at 8 p.m. It promises to be a rare treat, and as the prices of admission are reasonable and the object of the gathering is a deserving one, people should attend in myriads- 1299 FOOTBALL.—The following team will represent Bridgend against Maesteg to-morrow (Saturday), at Maesteg: Back, Ivor Thomas three-quarters, J- C- Thomas, T. Emery, E. Deere, J. Jones; half-backs, Ivor .Tames and B. Gregory forwards, Davies, Pritchard, Harvey, Adams, Hayman, Deere, Morgans, and James. OBITUARY. We regret to announce the death of Mr Samuel Evans, which occurred at Bridgend yesterday (Thursday.) Mr Evans was a well- known tradesman and resident of the town. He leaves behind him a widow and family with whom are the sympathies of the townspeople. TUB RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.—Announce a dance for the 4th Febuary next. The Volunteer "hops," always well arranged and admirably managed, have been stamped with the hall mark of success, and there is no reason why the forth- coming dance should prove an exceptions to the general rule. "Tom, DICK, AND HABBY" is the title of the farcical comedy which will be performed by Mr Charles Hawtrey's famous company, originally pro- duced at the Strand and Trafalgar Theatres in London. The piece has since been played in the principal theatres in the large towns throughout the kingdom by the same company which is visiting the Town Hall, Bridgend, meeting with great success everywhere. In fact, the comedy is pronounced by Press and public to be one of the funniest ever produced. A contemporary says :_«« The play is brimful of humour, of the most pronounced kind, and few three-act farces, the modern mode of presenting this class of drama, can claim to rivet the interest of the audience, as does this latest pro- duction of the farcical comedy school. Genuine broad farce, free fromoffence,rollicking, genial, and pungent is to be found in every episode. The author has hit upon a happy theme. Confusion gets more confounded as the play progresses. The story is simplicity in itself, but upon it the author has engrafted the most racy and laughter-provoking situations. The part of "Tom" is played by that clever actor, Mr Frank Curzon, who succeso- fully pourtrayed it at the Strand Theatre, London, and a charming and accomplished actress in Miss Carrie Cronyn takes the part of Daisy Armitage." We refer our readers to the advertisement in another column. The company will visit Blaengarw on Wednesday next.

PORT TALBOT RAILWAY AND DOCKS. THE CONTRACT LET. The attention of our readers is directed to the advertisement, which appears elsewhere in our issue, with reference to the Port Talbot Railway and Docks Company. The contract has been let to Messrs Pearson and Sons, of Westminster, for £ 527,000, and the work is to be commenced at once. Port Talbot will, after the contract is completed, be in a pusition to successfully compete with Cardiff, Penarth, Barry, and Swansea, and there can be no doubt that the new venture will be a success. We refer our readers to the prospectus for further and fuller particulars. Lord Dunraven is the ehairman of directors, and Mr E. Knox, J.P., is the secretary.

THE LLANHARRAN HOUNDS WILL MEET Tuesday, Jmuary 29th, 1895, at Caerstella. Friday, February 1st, 1895, at Coychurch. At 10-30

KODAKITES. [BY SNAIr.) About the happiest and .-omfortable home in the country will soon beBridgend Work- house,—that is if Dr Rancpecommendations are carried out. Whilstalwldyto sympathise with the poor, care should ken that things are not carried too far. ;ourse there are many instances where somche inmates find themselves in their present-ion through no f.-iult of their own, but thercathers who have come to end their days inworkhouse, and have no one but themselves ime for it. If Dr. Randall's suggestions ;arried out, the Workhouse will become stable paradise. Dressing gowns and slipptam, snuff, tea, tobacco, cake and marmalae amongst the luxuries which the doctor ates, and these combined with the splen entertainments which frequently take placahe Workhouse should make a pauper's life y one. There is a man in our office whojusly thinks of applying for admission as soohe doctor's re- commendations are adopted. Mr District Councillor I Matthews, of Abeikenfig, is a clever man me tlnugs, but sometimes he says things i are not only incorrect, but absolutely thotgag. Speaking on Saturday with reference ti much debated and long delayed Sewerage me, he said the old Btidgend Local Board been "a great drag on the wheel of the Cil," meaning of course the old Rural Sanitary^ority, Anyone who has followed the subjthroughout its tortuous career, will knowi the old Local Board were most anxious togress, and did everything in their powering the scheme into being. If they had bas ably seconded by the Rural Authority, otch my friend Mr Matthews was a member, Probability is that the scheme would have bee)re than a subject for debate-indeed, it w have been an accomplished fact. Referrii thing back and fore for a twelve-month nbe very good for some people who like to talltnuch as they can about everything and anythfcut Mr Matthews should remember that int the hen that cackles the most that Itt-lie largest egg. Vtrbum sap. Where are our new magist* ? The only one who graced the Bench by hisence on Saturday was the worthy Chairman of forthcawl Urban District Council. The ot gentlemen are, apparently, content to take bononr and leave the work alone. If it is to booynised that the Chairmanship of a District Cjjl carrys with it a J. P. ship pro tern., only as ftrcn honour, the sooner it is done away with tetter. There are plenty of gentlemen on the Cjiggion who never attend to their magisterial du as it is, and we don't want any more of them. Writing of magistrates remi me of the fact that Mr Thomas Stockwood, vhas for over 50 years discharged the dutief Clerk to the magistrates with distinguid ability, has resigned office. The matter c& up before the Justices last Saturday in rivate meeting assembled, and the further c(deration of the resignation was deferred unth-morrow, when it is hoped there will be n I attendance of magistrates. Mr Stockwood's blic career has been a long and an honourabne, and he will carry with him into his retment the best wishes of all that he may 10119, e to enjoy the peace and quietness of hotbiife. That Mr Stockwood a ability and courtesythe discharge of his police-court work has not bClUnappreciated, is shown by the fact that somnonths ago he was made the recipient of a hantme gold watch and an illuminated address fronhe magistrates and solicitors practising in the Irt. 'II' The probable successor of Mrkwood will be his son, popularly known as 1r Sam," and no better selection could be mad and the best I can wish for Mr Sam is thatfe will make as good a clerk as his worthy fatht-a better he, nor anyone else, could not be. N. that the "old order changeth" there are somthings which could be improved upon. The pent mode of taking the evidence is a lengthly d. tedious one. In cases where it is not neceesarytr|witnesses to sign the depositions, it would be ood thing to employ shorthand. This is donen very many courts, and the consequence is thaaluable time is saved to professional men, the siness is ex- pedited, the magistrates get hce to dinner quicker, and the unfortunate deliiuents are not kept so long in suspense. Perhapsie new Clerk will inaugurate his succession by Inging about this mnch longed for change. # • The Primrose League ball was Sfreat success, and if the local Conservatives wdd only work half as hard as they dance, there nd be no fear about the result of the next elecon in South Glamorgan. Of course everybody joyed them- selves, and when tired and pantg after the exertions of the barn dance theyidjourned to the buffet under the gallery where they found that friend Nicholls had rovided the wherewithal to make glad the hrt of man," and other little dainties so dear tcthe feminine palate. There were some pretty 4stumes, and after careful consideration I came the conclu- sion that three ladies ran a deadieat tor the position of belle of the ball. I darnot mention names, because, if I did, I should in 1 probability have numberless curses heaped onmy devoted head, to say nothing of the sweeth(rts and big brothers of other damsels, who weld doubtless call round with a horsewhip. I wi venture to say this, however One of the bellewas tall and dark, with e magnificent figure, old she was robed in what appeared to my masaline eyes to be a pale blue and black costume. The second belle was all in black, and her dref was cut in a way which differed from all othes. Had she been a bit taller, a little darker, andmuch older, she would have been a very good liing present- ment of a portrait of the Princess of Wales which was issued with one of the Christmas ambers. The third belle was "a little dainty, pretty pet," looking simply sweet-as the girls oould say-in pink. A thorough aristocrat she looked, and is, and ehe danced with a grace that cijarmed all. I haven't mentioned any names, und perhaps instead of being three, there will e thirty girls who will consider that the above description applies to each of them. Perhaps it will be all the better for me it they do so think 0 Cowbridge has got a grievance. It is a tele- phonic one, or perhaps I should all it a non- telephonic one. It appears that t'e Cowbridge Police Station is not connected With the tele-' phone, although much smaller stations are. The Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the ancient borough of Cowbridge decided, in their wisdom, not to allow the Telephone Co to place their posts through the main thoroughfare, and this probably got the back of the Company up. At any rate the fact remains that one can telephone to a little' village just outside Cowbridge, buc cannot com- municate telephonically with the ancient borough itself. There is a remedy somewhere, I suppose, and probably the Cowbridge people:will find it sooner or later. I have had a grumble from Newcastle. Coal has been distributed, but in some cases the recipients have been people who could well afford to buy their own coal, and many deserving poor have consequently been left out in the cold. This, if true, is not as it should be. I do not know in whose hands the distribution lies. nor under what conditions the gift was made, but it seems an invidious thing that those who can afford to pay for the necessities of life should have them as a gift, whilst those who are undoubtedly poor and penniless do not receive that relief which was probably intended for them. They have got a big man at Abeikenfig. I mean big in the sense that he is for all the world the image of Lord Rosebery. I really thought I was shaking hands with the Premier the other night, and flattered myself not a little in consequence, but lo, and behold, it was an Aberkenfigite Never mind he is a jolly, good fellow, and if he is like Lord Rosebery, some ill-mannered people might say it is his misfortune, not his fault.

BRIDGEND INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL. This building is now nearing completion, and in view of that event the local committee are very anxious that it should be free of debt when opened. The cost ot the building, boundary fence, fittings, &c., will, in round numbers, be £ 4,000. The Glamorganshire County Council Technical Instruc- tion Committee have granted £ 3,000, and there are promises from local gentleinen-and tradesmen of the town amounting to about £ 400. (These include £100 from the lnte lamented Col. Turbervill, and £ 100 from Mr Arthur J. Williams, M.P., and Mrs Williams, Coedymwstwr). We should not omit to state that the Right Hon. the Earl of Dunraven most generously gave the freehold site of two acres, a gift equal to a £ 1,000. It will be seen that to have the buildings opened free of debt a further sum of JE600 has to be raised, and in view of this, some of the committee have been deputed to visit the out- lying parts of the district for the purpose of forming: small committees to canvass their- respective neigh- bourhoods for subscriptions, and as the object is a worthy one it is hoped they will meet with generous support and sympathy. When we con- sider the great wealth of the sulrouuding districts this sum seems but a small amount to raise, and it is hoped that it will be largely exceeded, so that there may be scholarships provided for competition. We need hardly dwell on the advantages offered by the Intermediate School being located at Bridgend. Many parents now pay large sums yearly for season tickets for their children to go to Cardiff to school they will soon have the advantage of having a first- class technical and classical school at Bridgend. Again, in large centres like Cardiff there is great liability to temptation in various forms, to which young people coming to Bridgend to school will not be exposed. Doubtless many other advantages will suggest themselves to our readers which we need not here particularise. The fees will be not less than £ '2 nor more than £ G per annum for day scholars, and the curriculum will embrace (besides reading, writ- ing, and arithmetic), geography, history, English grammar, drawing, Mathematics, Latin, Greek, grammar, drawing, Mathematics, Latin, Greek, Welsh, one modern foreign European language, Natural science, physics, chemistry, vocal music, drill, shorthand, &c., and for girls: domestic economy, including cookery, needlework, laundry work, and the ltoWS of health. We think enough has been said to make the people in the Bridgend Intermediate School district determined that this school shall be so generously supported by them that it will stand second to none of the thirteen schools in the county.

THE WATER QUESTIONAT MAESTEG. A meeting of the Maesteg District Council was held at Maesteg on Tuesday, the 22nd., to further consider a scheme for supplying Maesteg with water, which scheme is brought forward by Mr James Barrow. This scheme is intended to re place that brought forward by the late Board. During the discussion Dr. Thomas strongly advocated the storage of 10 to 14 days supply of water, calling attention to the fact that where the Council were in possession of data as to the quantity of water flowing from the various springs in summer and winter, he noticed a considerable difference between the two seasons and he (Dr. Thomas) considered that the scheme would be im- parfect without a sufficient storage to supply the town during the summer months. After some further discussion it was proposed by blr J. H. Thomas, and carried, that an application for an enquiry be sent to the Local Government Board, with a "iew to their authorising the borrowing of £5,000 for mains &c., and an additional X5,000 for the construction of a reservoir to hold from one million gallons upwards. Hopes were expressed that the enquiry would be held as early as possible, so as to push forward. the work at once.

TRAGIC DEATH OF MR R. HOPKIN, PORTHCAWL. A sensation was caused at the general meeting of shareholders in the National Bank of Wales, held at the Cardiff Lesser Park-hall yesterday (Thursday), by the sudden death of cne of the shareholders, Mr Robert Hopkin, coal merchant, Porthcawl. Mr Dovey, the chairman of the meeting, had only just commenced his address, when Mr Hopkin fell back, apparently in a faint. Water was given him, and medical assistance was at once rendered by Dr E. T. Davies and another medical gentleman. Mr Hopkin was carried out of the room and placed on a table. An examination proved to the doctors that life was extinct. On inquiries being made, it was found that deceased had walked very fast from the railway station to the Park-hall, and death was un- doubtedly due to the failure of the heart's action, accelerated by excitement. The deceased gentle- man, who was over 60 years of age, was a member of the old Porthcawl Local Board, but did not offer himself for re-election at the recent contest. He was a quiet, unassuming man, respected and es- teemed by all parties, and his painful death caused quite a sensation in Porthcawl.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT AT WICK. On Tuesday, the 15th inst., the children of the Sunday School were given their New Year's treat by the kindness of Miss Franklen, Sontherndown. The children, who turned up in full number, having done ample juftice to the cake, bread and butter, and jam, retired to the playground to amuse them- selves with a game of football, whilst the adult members of the school sat down to tea, after which Miss Franklen proceeded 13 distribute the prizes for the best attendance at Church and school. To each scholar was also given a book, or some other useful article, together with oranges, sweets and crackers. The little ones were delighted with the many good things given them. The Rev E. Rosser proposed a hearty vete of thanks to Miss Frankltn for her kind- ness in providing such an excellfnt treat. Three cheers for Mies Franklen were heartily given, and a most pleasant evening was brought to a close by singing the National Anthem.

THE LATE MRS WALLINGTON, BRIDGEND. -0 MEMORIAL SERMON BY THE REV. J. S. JOHNS. The Rev J. S. Johns, Pastor of Hope Baptist Chapel, preached an In memoriam sermon to the late Mrs Wallington on Sunday evening; basing an admirable discourse on Hebrews iv, 9. The Rev gentleman, after a few prefatory observations, said:—We bless the Lord to-night that we believe, and rejoice iu the belief that our departed sister has entered The rest that remaineth." She became. entitled to it 42 years ago. when, in this place, she publicly put on Christ by baptism; and she rejoiced in it as it drew nearer. In he" departure we may truly say Another hand is beckoning us, Another call is given And close once more with angel steps Tne path that leads to heaven. This belief is the chief source of consolation to our bereaved brother and to the sorrowing relatives. No words of mine can add to the power of this belief to help them to say Blessed be the name of the Lord." To each one of th3 mourners I would sincerely say in the language of Whittier- I lean my heart unto thee sadly, Folding thy hand iu mine Even with weakness of my soul beholding The strength of thiue For on thy ears my words of weak condoling Must idly fall; A funeral bell which in thy heart is tolling, (Sounds over all. I will not mock thee with poor words, common and heartless phrase, nor wrong the memory of a sainted woman with idle praise. God calls our loved ones, but we lose not wholly what He hath given. They live on earth in thought and deed as truly as in His heaven. So then will we feel her loss. We will not sorrow as those who have no hope, but will rather cherish her memory by grace and labour, and strive so that an abundant entrance may be granted unto us into that rest which remaineth to the people of God. Three leading thoughts are suggested to us by the text-that heaven is a place of rest, that this rest remaineth, that only God's people shall enter it. Of these three we select the first only to-night. Heaven will abundantly satisfy all the desires and capacities of our higher natures. We shall be satis- fied when we walk in His likeness. It will be a rest in eternal sinlessness, a rest in eternal safety, and a rest in eternal activity. Sin is the most terrible foe with which we have to contend here. We are tempted to forget God, to wander away into forbidden paths. Our hearts are prone to fix on things that do not profit. To be at rest from these will be heaven indeed. And this is one of the chief characteristics of the rest that remaineth. Each one of the inhabitants is like Jeeus, and we know that He was sinless—a lamb without spot or blemish, harmlefcs, undefiled. His blood cleanseth those who enter this rest from all sin. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Freedom from sin is one of the deepest desires of the Christian's heart. The presence of sin destroys our rest here and embitters our saddest I moments. Our departed sister tasted of this bitter- ness, but with strong crying and firm faith fleeted over its removal. The last words I heard her say were those of an old Welsh hymn taught her by her mother;— "0 Arglwydd cladd fy meiau, Cyn dydd fy nghladdi i, Yn ngweilod mor o angbof, Sydd yn dy feiddiant dy Pa fodd y gallaf sefyll Yn nydd y furn sy 'n dod, Os na fydd cladd u beiau Cyn hyny wedi bod F The redeemed in heaven rested in eternal safety. The weakness of faith here very often brings doubts and fears. We doubt our pwn sincerity; we fear the honesty of our own profes- sion of Christian; the world becomae dark; our souls are filled with indescribable agony and despair. In these dark moments the enemy whispers Thou art mine; thou art n.ine." About six weeks ago our sister was tossed on the raging sett of doubt and fear; but she so firmly grasped God's precious promises, and so vigorously fought down her doubts, that the tempter had to flee From that moment she walked firmly and confi. dently into the dark valley of the shadow of death, and feared no evil. When asked how the futnre appeared her vigorous declaration was clear and bright. Doubts and fears never torment those who have entered the eternal rest. After enlarging on the point that the redeemed in heaven rest in tireless activity, Mr John concluded: In heaven they run, and are not weary they walk, and are not faint. This ability to serve without being tired will be perfect rest. We can well imagine how con- genial such a state will be to an active and energetic spirit like that of our departed sister's. It was a pleasure and an inspiration to observe how heartily and thoroughly she enjoyed and took part in every spiritual service here amonglt men. Her whole soul seamed to be in the work. We have all lost by her removal. We have scarcely had time to realise our loss. I have lost a friend and neighbour and a most helpful listener from my congregation. As a Church we have lost a most willing, ready, and generous worker and you, my brother, have lost a most efficient help-mate but since we believe that she has gained, we will bless the Lord and say "Oh! Father, fold her in thine arms, and let her henceforth be a messenger of love between orr human hearts and thee. Still let her mild rebuke stand between us and the wrong, and her dear memory serve to make her faith in goodness strong. Then hushed be bitter sorrow in the tide of sweetest music from the other side. Transparent soul, enjoy fie rest that's given by grace. We hope to join thee soon in lleaven.

AN ANGLER'S COMPLAINT. TO THE EDITOR. Sin,-If you will favour me with a short space in your columns to reply to a letter under the above heading, which appeared in your last edition, I shall feel obliged. An Angler's" grievance, apparently, is an item in our past year's balance sheet, viz., £ 2 13s for tent and other expenses incurred at our picnic. This letter comes to me as a surprise, from the fact that your correspondent would have one believe that his letter represents the feeling of the members when he makes use of the fallowing-, I That the members don't want their money spent in picnics." If An Angler" is a member of the Ogmore Angling Association (which I think is hardly probable) I am astonished at his remarks, for at a general meeting of members, specially summoned, it was unani- mously resolved to hold this picnic and, further- more, to hire a tent for the comfort and convenience of members, and that this, with other necessaey ex- penses, should be chargeable to the funds of the Association. And, again, at our last general meet- ing, again summoned, the balance sheet was adopted without dissent. May I ask An Angler" (if a member of the Association) why he does not attend our meetings and express his views, which I should think a more forcible and sensible way of airing them. Ha would tben, probably, understand our balance sheet, and know for what reasons our money is expended. On the other hand, if he is not a member, I have no more to say in this matter as all members (which this matter only concerns) are l perfectly cognisant of the reason why the stocking 1 of the Ogmore is held in abeyance. Apologising for trespassing upon your space, I remain, &c., 5 FEANX BABTLETT, I Hon. Sec. Ogmore Angling Association.

[PRIMROSE LEAGUE BALL AT BRIDGEND. The OgmOle Habitation of the Primrose League* have been very active lately in disseminating the true Unionist principles throughout the district, and they have seemingly recognised the truth of the old adage that all work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy," and they th refore to k a brief- respite from their labours 011 Tuesday evening, and for several hours the members and their friends tripped the light fantastic toe to the accompaniment of Hutchins' celebrated band. Admirable arrangements had been made for the comfort and convenience of the dancer-P, and Messrs W. E. Walters and F. J. C. Nicholas discharged their secretarial duties with credit to themselves, and benefit to others. The %I. C.i were Sergeant Major Pratt, and Mr A. D. WtLber, and they were assiduous in seeing that there were as few wall flowers as possible, a difficult task, seeinp that the fair sex were more numerous than the sterner one. The fireplaces were beautifully adorned with pot plants and ferns, kindly lent for the occasion by the Ruling Coun- cillor, the Lady Dunraven, and the plat- form on which the musicians found a temporary resting place, was similarly auorned. The handsome banner oi the Habitation was fue pended at one end of the Hall, and placards bearing the honoured names of Salisbury, Balfour, Dunraven; and Windsor ere also prominent. Dancing commenced soon after nine o'clock. Shades of pink and blue seemed to be fancied by the ladies, but there were some charming costumes in white, cream, yellow, and green, whilst one or two ladies looked bewitching in black. Dancing wii., kept up without intermission until the early hours of Wednesday, and the ball was voted to be in every way an unqualified success. The catering was in the capable and experienced hands of Mr F. W. Nicholls. of Wyndham Street. Appended is a list of those present Sergeant-major and Mrs Hill, Miss Walters, Mr Isaac Treharne, Miss Frautz, Miss Kelly, Mrs W. Davidson, Miss Powell, Miss Evans. Mr J. P. Williams, Mr J. A. Fryer, Miss Nicholl, Mrs Booker, Miss L. Booker, Mr Conibear, Mr and Mrs J. Sinkey, Miss Perry, Miss Copland, Miss K. Copland, Miss Palmer, Mr and MrsJ. W. Lawrence, Miss Morgan. Miss Brewer Morgan, Mr Albqn Morgan, Mr W. A.. Scott, Mr E. Rees, Sergeant- major and Miss Pratt, Mr Ooheu, Mr Evan David, Mr Howels, Mr and Mrs Abbot, Miss Price, Miss Jones, Miss Cosby, Miss Davies, Miss Arrowsmith, Mr George Pitt, Mr and Mrs S. H. Stockwood, Mrs Lewis, Miss May Stookwood, Mr A. Symmonds, Mr F. Turner, Mr J. L Powell, Mr B. Morris, Mr H. H. Bishop, Mr J. Grant, Miss Turpin, Mr A. W. Powell. Miss Emery, Miss M. Thomas, Mr and Mrs R. C. Griffiths, Miss Maud Rhys, Miss Organ, Miss M. L. Organ, Miss Hopkins, Miss Dixon, Miss K. Pearce, Miss Pearee, Miss Hilda Jenkins, Mr Rhys Jenkins, Mrs Rhys Jenkins, Miss David, Mr and Mrs Ccath, Miss E. David, Miss Llewellyn, Mr Ivor Edwards, Miss Gwen Jenkins, Mr F. H. Turner, Miss Hopkins, Mr R. H. Stiles, Mr and Misses Webber, Mrs Groves, Mr and Mrs J. H. Williams, Miss Lloyd, Mr Gwilym Stradling, Mr and Mrs Riley, Mr Digby Williams, Miss Mary Llewellyn, Mr and Mrs Oliver Sheppard, Mr J. Gregory, Mr Hugo Callinbach, Miss Stockwood, Miss Dixon, Mr C. Bradshaw, Mr C. Harris, Miss Hickley, Miss S. Bennett, Miss Webb, Mr J. E. Treharne, Mr J. H. Erskine, Mr W. E. Lewis, Mr W. A. Williams, Miss James, Miss Harris, Mr W. E. Walters, Mr F. J. C. Nicholas.

PRIMROSE LEAGUE MEETING AT WICK. By the kindness of Mrs Col. Franklen, of Clemen- stone, the member of the League spent a most enjoyable evening in the schoolroom on Friday, the 18th instant. Mr Oliver Sheppard (Bridgend) presided, and explained the objects of the league. Mr Capper, a celebrated thought-reader from London, gave some very interesting illustrations in knot tying, and also in undoing knots tied by the audience. He also wrote on a black-board names that had been written by persons in the room on paper, which they folded up, and many bther wonderful experiments. Mr Gardner (Newport) then gave a speech on the political questions of the day. Mr Capper then gave a comic sketch, entitled "The Silver Wedding." This he followed by some wonderful illustrations in thought-reading, finding articles hidden during his absence from the room, touching persons that others had thought of, and restoring property to the proper owners, although he was blindfolded during the whole time. Mr Charles Phillips proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs and Colonel Franklen, which was carried with acclamation. The singing of the National Anthem brought a very enjoyable evening to a close.

ST. THOMAS SUNDAY SCHOOL, NEATH. 10 PRESENTATION TO MR AND MRS T. BROWN. A very interesting and successful meeting was held at Alderman Davies's Schools, Neath, on Tuesday evening last, for the purpose of recognising the services so faithfully rendered by Mr and Mrs Brown in connection with St. Thomas' Sunday School, when a very large number presented them- selves. The proceedings were preceded by a special tea, several of the lady teachers presiding over the trays. The chair was taken by the Venerable Arch- deacon of Llandaff. who opened the meeting by an able and lengthy speech, in which he referred in eulogistic terms to the great service that had been rendered for the past 24 years by Mr Brown in his capacity as Superintendent of the Sunday School, and Mrs Brown as one of the oldest teachers. He spoke as to the great loss the school had sustained owing to their resignation, as it was through their instrumentality, principally, that St. Thomas' School held the proud position it did at the present time. He hoped that they would reconsider the matter, and be induced to continue the work they had so faithfully rendered in the past. The Rev. Peter Williams, of Troedyrhiw (who came from Pontypridd, at considerable inconvenience to himself, to be present on the occasion) followed in a veiy interesting speech, and referred to the services rendered by Mr and Mrs Brown during the time that he was curate at Neath. Speeches were also given by His Worship the Mayor of Neath (Hopkin Morgan, Esq.), Rev. Mr Davies, Messrs J. C. Davies, J. C. Rees, D. J. Davies, and other speakers. The presentation, which consisted of a valuable marble clock and bronze, silver tray, and one volume, was then formally presented by Mrs Henry Williams and the Secretary on behalf of the teachers, scholars, and patrons of the school. Mr and Mrs Brown responded in feeling terms to the pleasure the work had given them, and how deeply they regretted their severence. During the evening songs were given by Miss Davies, :Mis McGregor, Rev. Hugh Price James, and Mr Fred Wheatley; a recitation by Miss George, and a pianoforte duet by the Misses Flory and Ethel Rees. The usual vote of thanks to the Archdeac JQ for occupying the chair terminated ft very enjoyable evening.