Llais Llafur

YSTALYFERA CELEBRATES GWYL DEWI SANT. COUNTY SCHOOL GATHERING DDRAIG GOCH'S NOTABLE EVENT Nowhere in South Wales was St. David's Day more fittingly celebrated than in Ystalyfera, and all those who were privileged to take part in the proceedings dr Friday, will, it is safe to say, not forget them for many years to come. On Friday afternoon the teachers and pupils of the Ystalyfera County School gave a Welsh concert at the Coliseum, at which there was a large and interest- ed audience. Mrs. Taliesin Lloyd, who occupied the chair, obseived that the concert was the first of its kind given by the County School, and cordially congratu- lated those who had arranged and taken part in the proceedings on the results of their efforts. The programme, which included choral selections, songs, re- citals, etc., was rendered in excellent manner, and reflected great credit on all. Welsh airs and poetry formed the major part of the items. During the afternoon, Mrs. William Thomas, Pant- teg, distributed the Central Welsh Board certificates, won by the pupils, and excellent addresses were given by the Revs. Ben Davies, Pant- teg, and John Davies, Wern, the for-, mer urging the students whilst study- ing the literature of other countries not to neglect the literature of their native land. The Rev. John Davies gave a short historical review of the patron saint's career, and in a very eloquent perora- tion emphasised the spiritual aspect of the celebration of St. David's Dav. The musical items of the programme were oonducted by Mr. Ben Jones, B.A. The Ddraig Goch Society's celebra- tions in the Church Hall on Friday evening wera of quite an ambitious or- der. Councillor D. W. Davies presid- ed over a' large and enthusiastic I audience, and a very pleasing pro- gramme was gone through. The items included Welsh choruses by the mem- bers of the Guild, and penillion singing by Miss Thomas, a clever little girl of 14, from Glanamman, whose singing was greatly enjoyed, being encored 9n every occasion. Further penillion were contributed by Mr. Telorydd Nicholas, of the Wern Fawr, whose efforts aroused great en- thusiasm. One of the chief features of the evening, however, was the presenta- tion of the Welsh version of Dr. Naun- ton Davies' oomedv of Welsh village life, "The Welsh Wizard." The parts were taken as follows: Myrddin (the tailor), Mr. D. J. Williams; Josia Jones, Mr. John Davies Morgan Mor- gan, Mr. H. Wade Evans, and Nan (daughter of Josia, in love with Mor- gan), Miss Bydia Nicholas). All carried out the respective parts in a highly creditable manner. The guest of the evening was Mr. Thos. Jones, M.A., secretary of the Welsh Insurance Commissioners, who, in the course of a very lofty and well reasoned address, spoke of the many difficulties to be faced in the attaining of anything like unity in the life of Whiles. The problem before them was the harmonising of the oonfiicting in- terests, the conciliation of the interests of industrial and rural Wales, of sec- tarian antagonism, of employer and em- ployed, and the subjection of all in- terests to a spiritual influence. They should also co-operate to combine the utility side of life with the beautiful and help to solve the housing problem. Professor Jones was very heartily thanked for his services, and in reply- ing expressed his pleasure at finding the spirit of Welsh Nationalism so strong in Ystalyfera.

I TARRENI MEN AT I FOOTBALL. I INTERESTING BENEFIT MATCH An interesting football match took place on the Pontardawe Athletic Ground on Saturday afternoon, the teams playing being representatives of the main district hauliers employed at the Tarreni Colliery. The purpose of the match was the benefit of Mr. "Ted" Hopgood, one of the hauliers who was hurt some time ago at the colliery, and a crowd of about 1,000 persons as- I sembled to witness the encounter, which was of an exciting and enjoyable character. The teams fielded as fol- lows Main Team.—Fullback, Tom Evans; threequarters, Dai Davies, Lewis Evans Will Harries, Jim Lewis; half-backs, Will Jones, H. Watkins; forwards, Ben Morgan (capt), Dai George, Dai Powell, Phil Jones, Will Francis, Tom Morgans, George Francis, Jack Jones. No. 2 Team.-Fullback, S. Barns, Ted Hamer, Billy Bach, G. Thompson, W. Lewis; half-backs, Dai Davies, T. Davies; forwards, Llew. Jones, W. Griffiths, J. Evans, S. Harding, T. Jones, J. Roes, Rees Jones. The Main team played against the wind in the first half, Ted Hamer kick- ing off for the No. 2. The Main full- back fielded and after running past two players kicked the ball to midfield. The No. 2 backs now tried a bout of passing, but were baffled by Will Jones, who intercepted nicely. Jones went down the, field in fine style, but he was brought head foremost down to mother earth. A knock-on was then made, and from the 'scrum' Jones again got the ball, passed it to Will Harries, who in turn gave to Jim Lewis, who sprint- ed past a few of the opposing forwards and scored a splendid try, which evoked loud applause from the spectators. The attempt at goal from a difficult angle failed. From the kick-off Will Harries re- turned the ball to touch near the No. 2 twenty-five. Ouring the next few minutes Dai Davies, the Main half was conspiouous for some brilliant headwork "Dai" picking the ball from the very feet of the players made some very fine plunges, which carried play close to the line, and at this moment an- other score for the Main seemed pro- bable, but the situation was saved by Llew. Jones, who headed a fine rush. This carried the game to the centre. After some more exciting rushes on both sides .the whistle was blown for half-time, which found the hardy hauliers blowing and puffing like "part- ing horses." During the interval some appreciative member of the crowd threw some oran- ges into the air, and some of the play- ers caught them with far better success than when they had attempted to catch the ball during play. When the game was resumed the No. 2 men adopted the aggressive, and the play was very fast. Both sides made some strong dribbling rushes, and the No. 2 obtained a try which was hotly disputed by the Main players. They held that one of their side had touched the ball first. Again during the at- tempt at goal the Main were said to charge too soon. The result was that the No. 2 had another kick which was this time, successful, an award which was keenly resented. From this time on- wards play was rather evenly divided, but skilful tactics, which both sides were evidently capable of, was impoe- sible on a field with nearly six inohes of mud covering it. Nevertheless every- one who witnessed the game thoroughly enjoyed it, and what was lacking in tfootball was made up in acrohatic comedy. The humorous exclamations of some of the players provoked loud laughter. Someone has suggested the raising of a football team from amongst the whole of the workmen at the col- liery. If this idea is fruitful I think there would be a team at Tarreni fully capable of beating such teams as Pont- ardawe and Ystalyfera. r 4 6 0 TARRENITE. —————

Colonel H. B. Hanna, aut..Or of "Can Russia Invado India?" etc., died at Petersfield. Part of his fame lay in the fact of his being a Liberal. Despatches from Nogales, Mexico, state that the revolutionary leader, GeneraJ Carranza, over the Benton affair, is reported to have stated that the United States is being made the catspaw of England, whom he chara-ccrises as the world's bully. Intervention in Mexico (says the Central News), the General de- clared, would inflame* the whole of Latin America. )

GARDEN TOOLS ??r? L?9 E?* JN?? i jt jj N ?t\a JB L.??j?  SEASON 191?. ???   LI 0 yd & Sons Are now showing a Well-Selected Stock of Garden Tools of every description for the present Season, including— Garden Spades from 1/6 Galvanized Fencing Wire Digging Forks „ 1/11 Barbed Wire 14/- per ewt. „ Rakes and Hoes, all Garden Barrowg ar en arr ,Shovels I sizes „ Shears from 3/6 Extending 1 roll's Wood, 12ft. Pruning hears. 1/3 long from 1/- Pruning Shears and Bill Hooks j Special low prices for 50 yard Wire Netting, all sizes and rolls Galvanized Netting meshes I Wire Also a Large Stock of General Ironmongery and House Furniture D. LLOYD & SONS Ystalyfera & Ystradgynlais ESTABLISHED 61 YEARS.

————— M»M ————— Dublin Metropolitan Police are to be awarded a month's additional pav for extra, duty during the recent Labour troubles. Good for Murphy's lambs! The Mines Bill, establishing a, nine hours working day for mechanical workeTs in mines, was vetoed by the Belgian Parliament. ——————

W A. WTLLTA MS. Phreno!oei«t can be consulted daily at the Victoria I Arcade (near th<r MarketV Swztxm SAVE MONEY BY Paying a Visit to H. J. POWELL S Clearance SALE I Bey's Overcoats from 3/6 Youth's „ „ 4/fI Men's „ 12/11 Winter Stock must be cleared regardless of cost to make room for Spring Stock. H. J. Powell Clothier, etc., Wers & Commercial SL YSTALYFERA vV Pianoforte & Organ Tuning; REPAIRS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION First Class Work, Moderate Charges PIANOS TUNED PROM 3s.6d. N JAMES TARR Craptti Terrace, Ystalyfera GARDEN NOTES. With the Spring comes the desire- for fresh garden produce. It is now j.nst time to plant broad beans, shallots, and such heavy plants aswill stand the frost of the next couple of months. < < This year will be the first for Howell" Chemist, Ystalyfera, to stock seeds, which means, of comrse, that they must- b. fresh. All seeds at the mtablishment of Howell, the Chemist, are guaranteect fresh and sound, and are obtained" direct from the actual growers. Place not your trust in growing seed& Half of which are only weeds, For the motto up at Howell's reads s. Fresh Garden Seeds, Sound Garden» Seeds. Wetek Baanel and Wool Stores, LONGTON HOUSE, Herbert St., Poitardawe, Stockings e-fQ8t" o. the Skwtoot rtettce, I Oct. per pair. Pest Pro* Send for patterns and price lists for alt kinds of Wool and Flannel. Note Address— J. W. MORGAN, Pontardawe & Seven Sisters; Printed and Published by Llaif Llafur" Co.. Ltd. Ystalyfera. in the County of Glamorgan, March 7th.. 1914.

SPECIAL THIS WEEK- I Ladies' Blouses 1/6" I SEE WINDOWS. The Finest Selection of Ladles' Costumes (Black and Coloured) In the Valley. J. T. OWEN COMPTON HOUSE, Ystalyfera.

YSTALYFERA NOTES. DOCKERS' UNION MEETING. A public meeting under the auspices of the Dockers' Union was held at the Playhouse (kindly lent by Mr. Wm. Coutts) on Saturday afternoon, when peeches were given by Messrs. J. Wig- nall, and V. T. Hughes, officials of the Union, who were supported by Mr. W. -C. Morgan (secretary of the Ystalyfera branch). Mr. John Griffiths, a veteran trade unionist, presided over a very large attendance. Mr. Ben Tillett had been advertised to speak, but owing to -unforseen circumstances was unable to put in an appearance. The Chairman, speaking in the ver- nacular, said that years ago trade unionists were compelled to hold meet- ings in secret on the mountain sides, » bnt to-day they were in a position to bold meetings anywhere at any time. He hoped, if there were any non- Unionists present that the meeting would have the effect of convincing -them of the necessity of their becom- ing members of a trade union. (Ap- plause. ) Mr. J. Wignall, senior organiser of the Dockers' Union, apologised for the absence of Mr. Ben Tillett, but he pro- mised that he would make amends for the disappointment in the very near future. He suggested that the future of the Labour movement was full of difficulties, ard the year 1914 would te.st the loyalty of every member, no matteT what trade union he belonged to. The struggle between Labour and —Capital was becoming more intense and more bitter, and they realised that the closer they came into touch with the "problems the more real became the need of closer and solid organisation, aiot only amongst the men who made tip the movement but also between the various Unions. (Loud applause.) The Socialist and Labour movement was be- --coming more cohesive, and there wpq .a broader outlook on the part of all connected with the movement than -ever before—and there was a greater need for it. I Referring to the deportation of the nine South .African Labour leaders, the I -icpeaker 4-aid he felt confident that Smuts ard Botha were neyt acting upon ¡ their own initiative in the master. TWh i were under the thumb of capitalists who controlled South Africa, and they were compelled to do what their mas- ters said they had to do. Dealing with the poverty question the speakers said that the Labour and Socialist movement was out to kill poverty, and there was no reason why poverty should exist at all. He some- time wondered how men took things so quiet, in face of the grinding pover- ty and degradation they had around them. The workers would have to work out their own sa lvation. Mr. W. T. Hughes also spoke, and the meeting terminated with votes of f thanks to the chairman a.nd speakers. AVET T -TCXOWN RESIDENT'S DEATH I The death iocurred during the week- end at his home at Clifton-terrace, Pantteg, of Mr. Joseph Bow en. De- ceased, who was over 70 years of age "was for a groat many years engaged at local collieries, and was working at the Varteg when he retired some time ago. Latterly he has kept a small grocery and reneral business. He is survived by a widow and an up-grown family, one daughter being the wife of Mr. Wm. "George, a popular local musician. WOMAN IN THE PULPIT. I A 'arg..n congregation assembled at the English Gonglish Churcli om Sunday •evening, when the pulpit was occupied Tby Mrs. James, who is now in charge I as minister of the English Congrega- tional Church, Ystradgynl ais. Mrs. James delivered an excellent sermon which was very greatly appreciated by all present. I "HOCKEY" DANCE RESULT. I It is mterestmg to learn that the Hockey Club dance held last week at the church hall, realised upwards of £4 for the funds of the club. Although the funds are in a healthy condition, this sum will be of much assistance in the future operations of the club. I FORMER POSTMASTER RETURNS. Many of our readers will be interest- ed to learn that Mr. John Reynolds. who for many years was postmaster of Ystalyfera, and who retired from the post some years ago to take up farming in Pembrokeshire, has now returned to the old home, and is living in the very house he left. Many older residents will dou btless be glad to renew their friend- ship with Mr. Reynolds and Mrs. Rey- nolds. YSTALYFERA FAIR. I Great preparations have been in pro- gress during the week for the holding of the annual Ystalyfera fair during the week-end. The proceedings com- menced on Thursday, when during the afternoon, the flannel merchants were busily engaged in disposing of their wares, and in the evening a larger crowd assembled to enter into the full enjoyment of the variety of attractions provided. It is expectr-d there will be a large influx of visitors from other parts of the surrounding district. MEMORIAL MEETING. A memorial meeting for the late Mr. John Evans Alltygrug-road, who passed jaway three weeks ago, took place on Saturday evening at the I.L.P. Insti- tute. The meeting had been arranged by members of the local branch of the I.L.P., who were desirous of placing on record their appreciation of the life and work of the deceased comrade for Socialism in the district, and it may safely be said that the meeting was in I this sense a thoroughly impressive one. The attendance was not very large, a fact dt,e probably to the wretchedness of the weather, yet a fairly good num- ber of members and sympathisers as- sembled, those present including the widow and other relatives of deceased. Mr. T. R. Samuel presided, and in the course 'of brief remarks referred to the sterling qualities of deceased, whilst Mr T. C. King, president of the branch, delivered a warm tribute to late com- rade's self sacrificing and enthusiastic labours for social justice, and calling upon the members to maintain their fight fcr the right, gomg forward in all the virtues. Others who spoke were [ Messrs. J. W. Givens, E. T. Richards (ex-sec re! ary of the branch), J. Howells and IV. Jeffreys. A very impressive and inspiring meeting was brought to a close by :81 tho.<:e present standing to express their sympathy with the be- reaved family. DEBATE. 1 Thore was a good attendant at the weekly meeting of the P.S.E. Society at the Institute on Sunday, Mr. J. W. Givers presiding, when a debate took place on the subject ''Nationalism v. Anti-Nationalism." Mr. Isaac Shepherd took the affirmative and Mr. W. S. Collins the negative. It will be remem- bered thnt the debate had previously taken plice at a meeting of "Y Ddraig Gocli." and the speakers differed little from the original arguments. Mr. Shep- herd was careful to distinguish between ^Nationalism and exaggerated patriotism and advocated the same Nationalism whilst at the same time favouring a universal Brotherhood of Nations. Briefly, Mr. Collins argued that Nation- alism was merely exploited, by capital- ism, and said that true Nationalism was impossible under our present sys- tem of society, whilst under Socialism it would not be necessary. An animated but thoroughly excellent discussion fol- lowed those contributing to the even- ing's debate, including Messrs Tom C. King. Rhys Hughes, T. Morgan, G. A. Greenwood, J. Samuel. D. J. Jonas, J. Davies, I. Liphshitz, T. S. Williams, W. J. Davies, a,nd the speak- ers briefly replied. No vote was taken but it was apparent that Mr. Collins had the support of the larger number of those present. PANTTEG ANNUAL CONCERT. J On Thursday and Saturday, March 19 and 21. the Pantteg Choral Society conducted by Mr. Geo. J. Evans, will give two grand performances of Han- del's oratoria, "Samson," when the leading roles will he taken by Miss Blodtven Lloyd (soprano). Miss Nora Hall (contralto), Mr. Dd. Brazell (bass) and Mr. Ben Ivor (tenor). Miss Carrie Jones, A.L.C.M., Godre'rgraig, will be the accompanist, and a full orchestra led by Mr. C. A. Morgan will assist. Arrangements are being made for the running of convenient trains and 'buses up and down the Valley after the cqn- <-ert. SPORTING NEWS. The h;rge number of residents who made S vansea their Mecca on Monday is proof that there is a very strong sporting fraternity in the district. The remarkable hold football and boxing have upon the popular mind at present was testified to by the fact that nearly 20,000 people paid Is. each to view the Wales v. France International Rugby game, and the huge crowd whioh as- sembled at the Drill Hall, Swansea, to witness the 20three-minute rounds con- test between Dai Roberts (Caerau), and Willie Farrell (London). That the Lon- doner was declared the winner on points was a decision which keenly disappoint- ed most present, although it was ad- mitted on aJI hands that Farrell was the best of the two. Y stalyfera Hockey team met with a reverse at Abercrave on Saturday being defeated by five goals to three. "NEXT WEEK" ARRIVED "AT I LAST." The name of the colliery situated be- low the Ystalyfera Works has been changed, and its appellation now is, "At Last!" It is expected that the; work of developing the vast tract of coal bearing lind will he taken in hand at (See, and I understand the pro- moters of the scheme, Messrs. Davies, of Abercrave, are prepared to sink a huge sum of money in order to make the colliery one of the largest in the district. It is stated, on gecd authori- ty, that no losp, -( han £70,000 is to he expended in connection with the initial work, and that the exploration of the land will cause a wave of prosperity to flow over the district. It is anticipated that, within two years' time 400 to 500 men will find employment, and trades- people are beginning to hope that Ys- talyfera will experience busy times un- like anything they have had since the closing of the old Ystalyfera Works. Now that it is certain there will be a further incursion of people to the neighbourhood, the Pontardawe R.D.C. would be doing the people of the dis- trict a good service by going forward with the whele of the housing scheme, erecting the other 62 houses for which they have taken land and are paying ground rent, and considering the ad- visability of building at least another 1CO houses in addition. I PREMIER CINEMA. One of the finest pictures yet seen in the district was screened at the Pre- mier on Monday, Tuesday and Wednes- day evenings, which depicted the inner life of the Russian peasantry, and had the pleasantly sounding title of "Czer- mowska," a word sufficiently difficult to test/the sobriety of the average per- son. "Sparrows." a drama full of human pathos, showing as it did how seamstresses earn their poor living by working incredibly long hours in in- sanitary rooms, was a fine sermon, and was watched with interest and none could but feel sorrowful at the scenes depicted. ,The continuous performan- ces on Saturday evenings have caught on, and have proved to be very con- venient as patrons are enabled to ob- tain a full entertainment at hours which suit them best. During this week end a. missing title picture is being shown, and the person selecting the most appropriate title, in the opinion of the judges, will be awarded Eloo. Many humorous pictures are being screened, and the special- Fair pro- gramme is of a first-class character. GWILI AT PANTTEG. I The members of the Pantteg Mutual Improvement Society enjoyed a treat on Tuesday evening when the Rev. J. Jenkins (Gwili) headmaster of Gwyn- fryn Academy, Ammanford, gave in in- teresting and instructive lecture on "Bob Lewis," the hero of Daniel Owen's novel, "Rhys Lewis." There was a large attendance, and the Rev. Ben Davies presided. Prior to the lec- ture, Miss Maggie Hutchings gave a recitation, "Gwyl Dewi," specially composed for the occasion by "Ap Cledlyn," and Mr. Luther Evans sang a solo, the words of which also were composed by "Ap Cledlyn" and the music by Mr. W. George, F.T.S.C. Stanzas were recited by "Ap Cledlyn" and "Tarrenydd." At the conclusion a hearty vote of tha nkg wa. proposed by Mr* D. W. Jenkins, seconded by Mr. Daniel Hopkins. CHAMBER OF TRADE SMOKING i CONCERT. [ By anoversiglit a report of the smok- ing concert held at the New Swan Hotel, under the auspices of the Cham- ber of Trade, on Fob. 19th, unfortun- ately. did not apnear in our last issue. The function was most successful, and in every way the proceedings were en- joyable. Mr. G. Griffiths, C. and C. Bank, presided, and the toasts submit- ted were "The King," by the chair- man; "Chambers of Trade," by Mr. Joseph Davies; "Visitors," Mr. David Lloyd; "Artistes," Mr. Hy. Morgan, and "Hostess," br the chairman. Songs were given by Messrs. Noah Isaac, Geo. E. Davies, E. Temple Evans, H. Wade Evans, T. A. Hughes. E. T. Nicholas, J. W. Page, W. D. Rees, Dd. Wil- liams, D. J. Williams, and recitations by Mr. D. W. Jenkins. Mr. T. Samuel, R,A.M., Garnos, was the accompanist. Mr. W. H. Blakowav carried out the secretarial duties in an excellent man- ner and the proceeds were highly satis- factory. A meeting of the Women's Labour League took place on Thursday last, and an enjoyable evening was spent in reading and discussion. Mrs. Morris provided refreshments, Mrs. Moore and Mm. Jeffreys having done similarly the preceding week. Mr. Edgar Chappell's meeting, organised by the W.L.L. will be found reported in another column. PLAYHOUSE AND COLISEUM. I Both these amusement houses pre- sent excellent programmes, special at- tractions being announced for the week end in connection with the fair. At the Coliseum the chief item of note is a variety turn provided by Miss Ethel Entwistle, a vocalist of great charm and power, whose singing has called forth hearty applause each evening. The star film picture for the week-end is a stirring film play, "The Girl and the Gangster," and six other really pictures are screened. At the Playhouse a week of magnificent pictures con- cludes with "The Tragedy of the Masked Ball," a film play of highest merit, which ought not to be missed, and three humorous films simly bring the house down. GURNOS BOY PROMOTED. u I -? I Many readers in the Gurnos district of Ystalyfera will be interested to learn that Mr. Thos. E. Thomas (youngest son of the late Rev. Benj. Thomas, Gurnos), who has for some years been the stationmaster at Credenhill, near hereford, has been promoted to fill a similar post a+. the Midland Railway Station, Brynamman. Half-yearly meetings will be held at Jerusalem on March 15th and 16th, when the Rev. D. S. Owen, of Llanelly, will be the special preacher. -————— ..811

For 4 Dyspepsia I If you could t\ only over- t < L come the f ( deficiency of t &. gastric juice < in the diges- tive tract, VFTw you would < readily dispel one of the most com- mon causes of dyspepsia. ???"?   s ??%??  ?< Dyspepsia Tablets more nearly accomplish this than anything we know of. The action of Rexall Dyspepsia Tab- lets is mild and will not cause the slightest discomfort to the most delicate constitution. The whole purpose of these Tablets is to relieve the distressing con- dition attending dyspepsia and Indigestion, and to strengthen and fortify the digestive organs. Rexall Dyspepsia Tablets are 061d with our guarantee that we will refund your money if the resnks are not perfectly satisfactoiy. 1/- and 2/- Sold in this vicinity only by- J. M. ROBERTS, Dispensing Cbemsi, COMMERCIAL STREET, YSTALYFERA.

The widow of R. L. Stevenson, left estate valued at L20,600 to her daughter. She left 20s. to her son's wife. At East bourne William Jeffrey wa-sj sentenced to 14 days for begging. He said there were 415 oonvictions against, him, and 1.200 policemen had harwil ed j him.

I. I Stomach & Liver Troubles There is nothing better than Mother ^k Seigel's Syrup for weak and ailing stomachs, sluggish liver, or inactive bowels. Experience has shown that the ■ extracts of which it is composed correct I the stomach anql liver, and restore tone I and vitality to the digestive system. < 1m MOTHER SEIGELy V .SYRUP I

Special Return Visit of "The Glad Eye" to the i- Grand Theatre, Swansea THE FUNNIEST PLAY WITHIN MEMORY. Next week "The Glad Eye" will beam upon us, and we may prepare to be happy, as the piece is a "scream" from beginning to end. The "Glad Eye" is a cure for tha hump, the blues and that "terrible all-gone feeling," so prepare to unpack your laughter box and go to the Grand Theatre, Swansea, next week. And when you see that precious pair of humbugs, Gaston and Maurice, trying to wriggle out of their self-created diffi- culties, you will be unable to repress that, mischievous joy that insists on bubbling up at the sight of other people's mis- haps, especially when they are caused by deviating from that strict line of virtue which you and I are in the habit of pur- suing. Thus, my brothers, is a strict moral 1 essoin enforced); so you see you really must go. Like me, when you do go, you will ac- cept the peaceful opening of the first act in perfect good faith, even although you have been told you are to see a faroe, because of its charming simplicity it is so grateful and comforting. Dear old Mr Galipaux and his trustful daughter ap- pear so happ30 at the breakfast table, and the old gentleman's pride, when finding hia son-in-law's name in the local paper, is so refreshing, and his discovery that he, too, has been honoured by a paragraph, seems so natural that you feel no resent- ment, but smile good-naturedly, as you would on such an occasion. Then Mauirice appears, and the paragraphs are shewn to him, but he doesn't enthuse worth a cent. That's why you immediately be- come interested in him. Lucieame Bocard is a. woman who thinks things out. She is staying with her hus- band Gaston, at the country house of M. GaJipaux, and having doubts about her husband's behaviour when away from home, she causes enquiries to be made which confirm her suspicions. Her method of punishment is unique. It takes the form of heavy bills from milliners and dress makers. In this way she gratifiea her weakness for being the best dressed woman in her set, while he haa to pay for all. But Lucienne keeps her know- ledge of her husband's little trips to Paris entirely to herself, never accusing him, or seeming to disbelieve his ex- planations for absence. Gaston and Maurice invent a little story about a balloon trip for a day or two, when really they intend to have a gay time in Paris. Suzanne, the wife of Maurice Polimas, is genuinely concerned about her husband's safety, but Lucienne, not believing the story of the balloon trip, only pretends to feel anxious, and after the departure of their husbands, she tells Suzanne there is no need for concern, and explains matters. After a couple of days, the husbands return, having spent all tKey took with them, but no one appears to be at home. Then they accidentally learn that the balloon. by which they were supposed to be making a trip, had been blown many miles out of her course. They must therefore go away again before they are seen, but they are without money, so they help themselves from the safe, and their attempts to leave the house with- out discovery cause s hout upon shout of hearty laughter, but they manage to make a narrow escape at the end of the second act, but not before they have learned many lessons. Their impudent return in Act III. with the exclamation) "Home again" causes a scream of merriment. Incidentally, the eoene in which the credulity is imposed upon by a supposed medium and certain mai-tifestations which talco place in the library, are intensely funny, and so too, are the interviews between "Kiki" of the glad eye, with M. Galipaux, the medium, and latterly with Maurice, in which she makes it quite evident that she plays the glad eye business for all it's worth, and it should be worth a great deal at the Grand Theatre, Swansea, next week, and the opportunity of seeing the merry farce should not be missed. There will be a matinee on Saturday at 2.30.