South Wales Weekly Post

ON LEAVE. THE SOLDIER'S HOME-COMING. PEN PICTURE OF THE "GREAT DAY." (By" Cycliste. ") The station platform was very bleak, very cheerlcss and forlorn at this unnatural hour on a December morning; outside all was Mack except for the few feeble lights signi- • tying the presence. of work?, etc.. 111 the dis- U-nce. We paced a.long the way patiently and in silence. The stillness was wearying, but occasionally the low rumbling of trucks beint; shunted into the sidings far up the line disturbed the cold quiet. We were not ;¡l"]e. feral the £urthermo:ot end of the plat- iorm a little knot ot WDillen sat on the hard station seat waiting uncomplainingly, and thinking of him ] how he would look, and how happy he would be to be heme again, even if only for so short a time. We turned into the Y.M.C.A. Buffet and dropped our offering into the little charity-box, and lurried our attention to a cup of hot tea. A glance at the figure slumbering on the im- provised bed, snatching a few hours' sleep before catching his train to his depot, re- minded us of the boy" we were expecting. and caused us to talk in whispers and tread I si Len Uy. Poor old chap he would not spend bis Yuletide abound the family hearth. I We emerged on to the draugirty plattorm I again, and, stimulated by the reviving tea, recommenced our promenade. The minutes dragged by, and the hands pointed to three- thrrt Y. Three-thirty on a cold winter's morning but we thought not of the wintry air, or f the keen wind and other discom- forts we, like the patient mother-watcher, thought of "him." Pie. ———— had hurriedly packed his kit and dashed for the miserable orderly-room when the O.S. informed him that he was one of the lucky ones. He had given the re- mains of th". previous day's parcel to his chum. together with his spa-re cigarettes and a fervent wish for A Merry Christma.s," a,nd now he naa.de ready for the tramp (it would be a cheerful one, methinks) across the dreary countryside to the on-e-elyed sta- tion. at A- He felt very happy and optimistic, did Pte. when he slapped hi? right-hand pocket where reposed the fabulous sum of one hundred francs (but a, portion of his hard-earned twelve mon,thti crredSi) and thought of Old Blighty and the joy of ten days' leave. Dear Old Blighty He never imagined he would look on the land he left with such fond remembrance twelve months ago, when the dirty transport nosed her way so clumsily across the murky Channel, and when he fixed hif, on Franirp, and the Huns. Twelve long months, .and now the prospect of ten long days at home. Ye gods Who could not be merry with such a comfortable prospect? He tumbled out of the train at Boulogne and fell sturdily into line with his other 4comrades homeward-bound. He exchanged good-hiunou?ed greetinga with chvers ma demoiselles and wm? hised with the >- fallow-? at Boulogne who -were mt homeward- bound, iit, who regarded, ,p^>yjlh boun d, and who gg exuberance of ocy apiri? he wen carolled Good King Wencelas ?'r as much as he couJd remem- ber of that good old ballad) in a very loud ? And haa.Mty voice. On the boat he stoutly resisted the desire to eject the rem of the (ocoa ond bpn he had consumed at the N, N 'ouine d his Y.).1. hut on the quay, and tunned his face resolutely in the direction oi England. Then a breathless scurry for the traan at Victoria, where he eluded the ubiquitous Boy Scout endeavouring to inveigle him into r-est. huts and buffets. He scrambled into the train at Paddindaxfi with a. sigh of relief, s little tired, but stlH merry and bright, and ga.ve himself up to thinking of the folks at home and the pleasure of seeing the dear faCt'>' again. Methinks he thought of "her," also, but these soliloquies we lover's, Iand, therefore, not for us to de- scribe. Half-way through the final stage of the journey he found himself nodding and gradually fell into a doze; Nature will be served, and the exhausting journey had done its work. Private awoke with a start at the Severn Tunnel, somehow or other he could feel instinctively that he was coming into old Wales,»and he hastened to scrape &ome of the mud from his sombre uniform. Father and son. \y f\ tilJ paced the platform, -and 1. and watched the minute hand creep to the half- hour a few minutes more, and we would be grasping the hand of the boy." grew visibly agitated; what father would nof I slapped him sympathetically on the back and advised Cheer up, old man he'll soon be here." Yet a. few more turns up and down the platform, and suddenly an excited ting-a-linging, and we could see the train steaming in majestically with the two headlights making it appear, like some great monster looming out of the murk. Much chattering a.nd banging of doors anx-I iGus ?a'nres at the stream of arrivals. A jovons s ho?t "Dad "?? hov His voice w?s a little husky, but his handshake, was strong and heart;-? Th? "boy" turned to me with a, cheerful emiie. "Ih)U?.. old Stick- in. the?miid he sang ) rut, and nr gave me a grip that made me I wince. A common sight nowadays, but the time is one of the happiest. The season of peace and goodwill is rendered all the more cheery hy such scenes as those. Yet a-a I slung the boy s va liso manfully across my shoulders, the little knot of women caught my glance. They were turning away soitowtuJIv; their V"\v had not arr1\ed. "One's joy is another's fotrow." 

—i-— ■" ■ I a E?w'?L??w?t?t N? IWMWRSS I I BALSAM § fCOUGHS iCOLDSl 8 Invaluable in the Nursery H P Bottles 1/3 and-3/ ffl | l (-)f all Ollemilts afl( I Stoores.

U.S. ADMIRATION OF LiG," "LEAVING THF, DOOR I OPEN." 0 "UP TO" GERMANY I NOW. I The New York correspondent of the Times ,iays Mr. Lloyd George's speech has the mag- nificent Press it deserves. It is proclaimed on all sides as precisely what was needed— dignified, firm, yet devoid of any taint of "unreasonableness"—both in Washington and in the newspapers; Th-e conviction is well-nigh universal, though by no means san- guine. that the reply from the Allies is not altogether unfavourable to further talk. The Democratic and Liberal New York World," which generally tries to reflect the President's views, writes:- Instead of closing the door. M Lloyd i George is careful to hold it open and. in effect, to invite the German Government- to submit its terms. Reducing the Prime Min- ister's speech to its simplest form. Great Brit- am will not offer peace conditions to Ger- many. but will give due consideration to any conditions that Germany may propose. This is a quite different matter from declaring war or unconditional surrender as the ex- tremists have demanded Mr, Lloyd George puts the Good faith of the Carman offqr I to an immediate test." The Republican and Conservative New York Sun writes The door is not closed to negotiation. Peace, for which humanity hungers with in- finite longing, is perhaps not far beyond the clouds that obscure Germany's first, over- ture, but it is for the Government which re- jected in 1914 the conference which would have spared Europe this horror of the ages, to define now their attitude and specify their proposals." Virtually the whole Eastern Press so far takes th-e same line. The way lies open ? the heading of the New York "Times" leader. "It is all that could be reasonably expected at this time" say;, the "Philadelphia T There is complete approval of the essential terms that Mr. Lloyd George lays down. "Militarism must go," proclaims newspaper after newspaper, and on the subject of re- paration there is a good deal of significant talk a,bout the obvious necessity of look- ing after Serbia as fully as Belgium, and there are even some sympathetic, references to Rumania, whose plight, it must be ad- mitted, has so far aroused much interest. Official quarters at Washington are depicted as being relieved that the door to negotiation is not apparently to be slammed, but at the same time they are convinced that peace is so far off as to render President Wilson's refusal to be jockeyed by the Germans into offering premature mediation a subject for self-congartulation. But, as is always the ca-se, in circumstanoes like these, it is Count Bernstorff who makes the news from Washington interesting. The German Ambassador now seems chiefly con- cerned to hide Behind a screen of vague volubility, I I. I I official and unofficial, his discomfiture at tne neatness with which Mr. Lloyd George has challenged the sincerity of his master. Two interesting points stand out from his recent utterances. The first is that the Ger- mans wish to seem, much in earnest about the prospect for a peace conference at The Hague. The reasons for this are too patent to need emphasis. The second is that he is trying to obscure the Near Eastern problem by a discussion of the Western situation and of still more general principles. The idea, it is to be presumed, is, as the "Staats-Zeitung" intimated at the outset of the peace flurry, to see whether the Balkans cannot be left for a European Conference after the war, in which Germany seems to think that she would have certain ad- vantages. As to a peace conference, Count Bernstorff querulously intimated that it would be unfair to expect Germany to do more than outline in principle the terms which shift has pre- pared for the meeting. For one thing, the Allies would not accept them. One side never accepts the initial move of the other side. The Thing that now matters I I I I.. is the spirit ot tn? bLhgerentR, and wbo can is t,]IL, E t?at the spirit of Germany is reason- able after what her spokesman said about her liking for the idea of a, League to Enforce Peace and readiness to accept universal limi- tation of aimam-lis? All this, of course, is hot openly attributed to Count Bernstorff, but it may not unfairly be taken, as indicating the pointy of view which the Ambassador has been instructed to act upon and instil. At sjiy rate, neither he. nor the "Staats-Zeitung," nor any of the organs, has dared, or will dare, unless the Allies' reply is different from what is hoped, to try and saddle us with the onus of refus- ing the Prussian olive branch; and that such should be the case i, perhaps a much finer tribute to Mr. Lloyd George's great speech than even the outspoken Admiration of the Anglo-Saxon Press, k hoth in the way m which he handled the peace question itml of 'the splendid earnest afforded by his variois declarations of our determination to i.t;t, every ounce of our strength into winning the war, as in the estimation of the great majority of Ameri- cans it ought to be and must be won.

I The weekly concert, at Danycoed Hospital was provided this week by the Graigola Merthvr Glee Party. Ady < onducted by Mr. T. Man pel ton James, the party sang several glees and choruses in a n.ost efficient manner., especially the glee "The Star of Love," which was most beautifully rendered. The soloists, all .)f whom were in fine voice, were MiFS Beatrice. Anthony (soprano), Mr. Rees Llewellyn ,'baritone), Mr. Wi-ii. Mariikv (j?a?s), Mr. T. Ma?elton James (tenor), and Master Harold Johnson (treble). The accom- panist was Miss Amy Jamas, and QUQ,rter m?ster Fnrneaux presided at what was a? most delight-fal evening to patients and ar- tistsg alike. A pretty wedding took plao? at Penuel Chapel, Lo'ighor. the contracting parties betqg- Miss Beatrice Owen. youngest daugh- ter of Mr. and Mrs. E-Vain Owen, Pontardu- bus-road, and Jr. Evan Richards, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Richards, FenyrhoeJ. The bridesmaids were Misses Bessie Richards and Annie "Richards (sisters of the bridegroom), and Miss Esther Wat- kins. The best man was Mi1. Earnest, Penry. < The bride w?s gi- a way by her brother Mr. W. H. Owen. The Rev. Edwin Wat- I kins (past-), a?a?ted by Rev. M. J. Jones. ?ou, and Rev. W. Morgan, Bryntec offi- ciat-ed. The presents were numerous and useful, including:—Bridegroom to bride black fox fur; and bride to bridegroom, gold tie-pin.

A meeting was he:d at Penuel Chapel, Loughor, in connection with the "Gvmdei- tha--i Ddiwylfiadol," when Mr. Dd. Hughes read a paper on "Penargdwyddiaeth Duw" to a good gathering. Solos and recitation# were also given by the member Ste Us v. Ed. win Watkins, pastor, pres-k.^

"NO CONCRETE OBJECT"! ) .0 I I I PRESID'T WILSON'S I VIEW. I OFFER OF PEACE MEDIATION. SOUNDING" NOTE. PRESS BUREAU, Thursday, Seven p.m. The following Note was communicated by the United. States Ambassador on December 20. 1916;- The President of the United States has instructed me to suggest to the Govern- ment of his Britannic Majesty a course of action with regard to the present war which he hopes that his Majesty's Govern- ment will take under consideration, as suggested, in the most friendly spirit, and as coming not only from a friend, but also as coming from the representative of a neutral nation whose interests have been most seriously affected by the war, and whose concern for its early conclusion arises out of a manifest necessity to de- termine how best to safeguard those in- terests if the war is to continue. The suggestion which I am instructed to make the President has long had it in I mind to offer. He is I Somewhat embarrassed to offer it I at this particular time, because it may now seem to have been prompted by the recent overtures of ohe Central Powers. It is. in fact, in no way associated with them in its origin, and the President would have delayed offering it until those overtures had been answered but for the fact that it also concerns the question of peace, and may best be considered in con- nection with other proposals which have the same end in view. The President can only beg that his sug- gestion be considered entirely on its own merits and as if it had been made in other circumstances. The President suggests that an early occa- sion be sought to call out from all the nations now at war such an 1 Avowal of their respective views as to tne terms upon which the war might be concluded, and the arrangements which would be deemed satisfactory as a guarantee against its renewal or the kindling of a.ny similar conflict in the future as would ma.ke it possible frankly to compare, them. He is indifferent as to t.he means taken to accomplish this. He would be happy himself to serve, or even to take the initiative m its accomplish- ment in a.ny way that might prove accept- able. but he has no desire to determine the method cr the instrumentality. One way would be as acceptable to him as atth.?- if only the great object he has in mind be at- tained. He takes the liberty of calling attention to the fact that theobjeds which the statesmen of the belligerents on both sidep have in I mind in th:s war are virtually the &ame as stated in general terms to their own people Each side desires to make the rights and |I privileges of Weak peoples and small statv. j a« secure against aggression or denial in the flit-ure as the rights and privileges of the great and powerful States now at war. Each wished itself to be m-ide secure In the future along with all other nations and peoples against :he recurrence of wars like I this ana against »ggressio« or selfish int-er- ference of any kind. Each would be jealous of the formation of any more rival leagues to preserve an uncertain balance of power amidtefc multiplying suspicions, but each is ready to consider the formation of a league of nations to insure peace aim justice throughout the world. Before th-iit final step can betaken, how- ever, each deems it necessary, first, to settle the issues of the present war upon term;, which will certainly safeguard the indepen- dence, territorial integrity, and political and commercial freedom of the nations in- volved. In the measures to be taken to secure the j Future peace of the world I the people and tiie Government of the United States are as vitally and as directly interested iis the Governments now at war. Their interest, moreover, in the means to be adopted to relieve the smaller and weaker peoples of the world of the peril of wron g peoples at the wor!d of tbe peri! &f wrong and violence is ?s q:Nck ?nd ardent as that of a.ny other people or Government. The States are ready and even eager to co- operate in the accomplishment of these ends when the war is over, with every influence and resource at their command, but the War must first be concluded. I The terms upon which it is to be concluded I they aire not at liberty to suggest, but the President does feel that it is his right and his duty to point out their intimate interest# in itt; conclusion, lest it should presently be too latp to accomplish the greiter things which lie beyond its conclusion, lest the situation of neutral nations, now exceedingly hard to endure, be rendered altoigther in- tolerable, and lest, more than all, an injury be done civilisation itself which can never be atoned or repaired. The President, therefore, feels nl- together justified in suggesting an imme- 'diate opportunity for comparison of views a.s to the terms which mu?t j re-ode those ultimate arranements for the peace of the world, which all desire, and in which neutral nations, as wen as those at war, are ready to p!ay their responsible part. If the contest must continue to proceed towards undefined ends by slow attrition until the one group of belligerents or the other is exhausted if million after million of human lives must continue to be offered I up uiitil on the one side or the other there are no more to offer; if resentments must be kindled that can never cool and des- pairs engendered from which there can be I no recovery, hopes of peace and of the willing concert of free peoples will be rendered vain and idle. The life of the entire world has been profoundly affected. Every part of the great family of mankind ha.s felt the bur- den and terror of this unprecedented con- test of arms. No nation in the civilised world can be said in truth to stand outside its influence or to be safe against its dis- turbing effects, and yet, A The concrete objects lor which it, is being waged have never been definitely stated. The leadpr-, of several belligerents-have. as has been said, stated those objects in general terms, but stated in general terms they seem the same on both sides. It may be that peace is Hearer than we know, that the terms which belligerents on the one side and on the other side would deem it necessary to insist upon are not so irreconcilable as some have feared, that an interchange of views would clear the way, at least for the conference, and make the permanent concord of the nations a hope of the immediatt r"fnre, and a concert of naturae named practicable. The Preside yot proposing peace he is not even oft ig mediation. He is merely proposing th; soundings be taken in order that we may learn from the neutral, nations, with the belligerents, how near the haven of peace may be for which all mankind longs with an intenee and increasing longing. United States Embassy, London. Decem- 20th, 1916.

ii BELGIUM! op WHY WE ARE FIGHT- ING. I • BONAR LAW'S THRILL- ING DECLARATION. I THE ONLY PEACE. i In the speech of his career in the House of Commons on Thursday. Mr. Bonar Law replied to some ipacificist suggestions. He said You need not remind us of the horrors of this war. If anyone has loved war for its own sake—and I hated it-if anyone has been moved by the pomp and panoply of war —he knows better now." With an eloquence the more stirring in that it was wholly unpremeditated, he spok? of our losses, of desolate homes, to which the light would never return, of the maimed and wounded in the streets. If I could see a prospect of peace to- morrow," he declared, "no man in the House would weloome it more gladly than T 11 I. r.' hon. member said, "Let us trust to the I old Liberal principle. Let us trust to the good hearts of those we are dealing with." Why are we in this war to-d»y? (continued Mr. Law). Why are we suffering the ter- rible agonies which this nation has endured It is because we did trust Germany (Cheers.) It is because we did believe that the crime which has been committed would never have been committed by any nation! (Cheers.) It is all very well to say, Let us get the terms of peace." Yes. but can you get any terms of peace more binding than the trea- ties which Protect the neutrality of Belgium? Can you come to any conclusions on paper which will give us greater security than we had before this war? Where are we to find t;hm? (Cheers.) "Germany lias made proposals of peace. On wht :>asis' On the is of her vic- torious armies. That is the basis. The hon. member who has spoken neld that if we win the victory, there will be Ooiiscrip- tion for ever in this country. But what wi!l be the position if peace is settled on the na,si. oi a victorious German arm-v (Cheers.) Is there any man in this House who has honestly considered the conditions on which this War was forced on the world, and the way m which this war has been car- riod on, who honestly believes that the I dangers and miseries from which we have &uSere<! can be cured in any oth?r way than by making the Germans realise that fnght- fulness does not, pay, and that militarism is not gOiiig to rule the world? (Cheers.) 1,1' do ask the House to think what it is we are. fighting for." Mr. Bonar JAW pro- ceeded. "We at-p not lighting for territory. We are not fighting for greitsn- strength as a. nation. We are fighting-I say it honestly so far as my conviction is co'Kerhed, and I believe it is true of every one of ii I We are nghting for two things, tor peace now and tor security for peace in j the time to come (Cheers.) When the Ger- man peace proposal comes before us based not only on German victories, but when they claijn that they are doing it 01,1 humanitarian grounds, when they consider—to put; it at the best from ttaear point of NiefA -that therv and the Allies were at least equal, let the House remember what has hap- pened lit this war — the outrages on Belgium, oiitragee by sea and l^nd, the massacres in Armenia whioh Germany could have stopped by a word- and let them realise that this war will have been fought in vain—utterly in vain —unless we can make sure that it shall never again be in the-power of a single man or group of men to plunge the WQfld into the miseries of war. (Cheers.) Peace on These Terms? I ask this question. Is there to be no; reparation for wrongs, is peace to come1 on this basis, that the greatest crime in the world's history is to go absolutely urn- punished? It is not vindictiveness that makes me say that. It is my firm belief that unless all the nations of the world can be made to realise that moral forces have to be shown in action there oan never be an enduring peace in the world. I am not afraid of my countrymen. It has been said that the troops at the front Will ftght to the end to secure what they think is necessary as the result of this war. I am sure of that. I am sure also of this—that our country- men at home who up till now have made few sacrifices, except the sacrifice of those dear to them, are determined in this matter, and if they can be made tp be- lieve-and I am sure they can—that the objects for which we are'fighting can be secured, then there is no sacrifice which they will not be prepared to makie." (Cheers.) This speech, unforced, impromptu, and most notable in its delivery, lifted the House for once into the regions of genuine oratory. THE REASON! AFRAID OF BEING. 1, DRAWN IN. I (Reuter s War SpeciaJ). WASHINGTON*, Thursday. The following statement is made by Secre- tary of State Lam,ing "American rights are being invaded On. both sides of the war. and our position be- coming increasingly difficult we are our- selves drawing nearer to the verge of war. Therefore, we are entitled to know exactly what each belligerent is seeking in order that we may be able to regulate our conduct I in the future. No nation had been sounded before the President # Xote 1 was sent, and no con I sideratiou of the German overtures or of the speech of Mr. Lloyd George came into the formulation of the Note. í The Cerman overtures I possibly delayed tor a few days the dispatch I of the Note. although it was not definitely decided to forward jl till Monday. "The difficulty of President Wilson was that any action on his part, might be eon- strued as being towards peace and as aid to the German overture. but the President has specifically denied that that was the fact I iii the Note itoelf.

"THE UNKNOWN. At Aberavon on Thursday, Mr. Willie R. T. Thomas, assistant overseer, applied for a certificate of the justices for the payment of the expenses in connection with the burial of the body of an unknown man found on the Aberavon Sands ju March last. The ex- penses amounted to JU 14.1.- noh granted certificate.

QUIET XMAS. YULETIDE IN I DISTRICT. HAPPY TIME IN HOSPITALS. Xmastide was quietly spent at Swansea, and in West Wales generally. The wea-ther during the morning was cold and s howery, but the saiii afterwards came out and bright- ened things up immensely. There was a large crowd at the Vetch Field to witness the Soccer match between Swansea. Town and the Royal Flying Corps, the latter win- ning by three goals to nil. During the day there were carol services at several of the places of worships, and at Tawe Lodge, the military hospitals, and other public institu- tions the day was happily spent. The Mayor (Aid. David Davies) visited several of these institutions during the day. In the evening several cinemas which opened did big business, and Studt' s "World's Fair" on the Strand was visited by large crowds all day and until a late hour at night. I ST. JAMES'S, SWANSEA. I The annual Christmas Carol Service, which was held at St. Tarnes's Church. Swansea, on Sunday afternoon, proved a great success, due to the capable and untiring efforts of Mr. Arthur E. Davies, F. R.C.O.. A.R.C.M., the talented organist and choirmaster. The programme ,va, a really excellent one and much enjoyed by the large congregation. Mr. Davies played several striking I selections on the organ, and Mr. T. C. Pound. violinist, also dis- tinguished himself with finished selections. Master William Curran. the favourite Swan- sea boy soprano, delighted his hearers with some bea-utiful solos, whilst last, but by no means least, the choir, in their usual cap- able manner, sang carols very sweetly. The high class training of the choir reflects great credit upon Mr. Davies. r AT WAUNWEN. I Un Sunday afternoon at fct. Mark s Parish Church, Waunwen, Swansea, the annual Christmas tarol service was held, the offer- tory being devoted to providing comforts for the sauors and soldiers from the three local places of worship who are serving w ith the Colours. There was a large congregation and an excellent programme, the selecting of which was in the hands of Mr. Fred Drew, organist and choirmaster, was gone through. Delightful solos were sung by Miss F. Mai (soprano), Miss F. Gear (wntra]W"I. and Mr. F,. John (baritone). The following carols were, well rendered bv the chfikir:— Ring Out Ye Beitt." "Poising Bright on Itolden Wings." ajid the anthem HosaYina" was also sa.ng. Mr. Drew, at the organ, rendered in iA i-mial ifllllsbed style several organ solos. I SKETTY. ) lymcat- -but far from ideal we-aahei, pre- vailed, but it made no difference to the ha?dy caToUem of the loc-il Wesley ChapeL who. under the direction of their veteran leader, Mr. Tom Edwards toured the suburb in the darkness of ea,rlv morn and sang lustily before the residences of prominent, members of that denomination, in accordance with custom. Santa Claus was also abroad, and before dawn excited children everywhere were revelling in his gifts.—Four ■- elebrations of Holy Commu- nion, starting from 6 a.m. at Sketty Church, were well attended, and it was a, pretty sight to watch the light from electric torches and lamps as mem bers of the. congregation from Coedsae&on district came down the slopes to the Lychgate before daylight to take part.—Sketty Nonconformists held a ice in Wesley Chapel, when the Rev. Elias Joseph, pastor of Sketty English Con- gregational Church. delivered a seasonable Is(-oursc. In this period of it strict ions. J happily there were none put on, decoration! as in the historical time- of 1647, and Sketty Church pulpit, choir stalk, and chancel were tastefully embellished with evergreens, chrysanthemums, and other hright flower. The choir sang an anthem, and at the morn- ing service the Rev. H. J. Stewart, B.A.. struck a joyous note when he said there had been more Christians produced in this coun- try during the last two years than ever be- fore, and. bv that. he meant there were more men who had consecrated their lives to the .great service of justice and truth than ever in its history. ABERAVON AND PORT TALBOT. lhe festive season passed on very quietly in the Aberavon and Port Talbot, district. There was a football match in aid of the local Soldiers' and Sailors' Reception Fund at tho Athletic Ground between Aberavon i and the Welsh Ambulance Brigade, at which there was a g?od attendance. Eisteddfods and sacred concerts were held at several of the local chapels, and the usual Christmas sen-ices were held at all the churches, which were well attended. Sacred concerts jn aid of charity were also held at the local theatres aad cinemas. SKEWEN. A Xmaos cantata. Emmanuel, was given a.t Wesley Chapel. Skewen, by the choir, assisted by a strong band and under the con- ductorship of Mr. H. Reason, the accom- panist being Mr. George Taylor. The chapel was crowded, and many had to stand. The choir and instrumentalists were in excellent form, and the performance was in eve-ry way a success. MUMBLES. The Victoria Hospital. Mumbles, was a scene of gaiety on Christmas Day. The rooms were gorgeo'?y decorated and every- thing went off to the delight cf all. In the evening a splendid concert was hdd. in which all the MMier? took part. The fol- Jowing soldiers "I"ndeed songs in capital sty?:— Corpl. R6a.y, IAuœ-Oorpl. Dean, Privates R. Hunt. W. Smedley. J. Steen, H. H. Webb, F. Wright, and "a recitation was splendidly given by Miss L. Navlor. During the evening a sketch, Tommy's Mad Five Minutas." was performed by Corp1. Reay. Lance-Covpl. J. Dean. Privates W. Smedley and J. Steen. It was composed hv Pte. W. *,mtdley. a.,I-,atic-nt. at the hospital. Prior to the concert the soldiers were en. tertained to supper by Mr. and Mrp. J. Cum- ming Evans. The accompanists were Miss Gertrude Eva and Pte. R. Hunt, and the c hairman. Corporal Holland. On the pro- position of Dr. L. Freeman Marks a vote of vote of thanks was accorded Mr. a.nd Mrs. Evans for their kindness. DUNVANT. 0 A competitive meetin.g took place, at Ebeai- ezer Chapel. Dunvant. ori Christmas Day, Under the presidency of the Rev. E. G. Davies (Llysifan). The adjudicators were: Music and literature. Mr. D. V. John. Gowert-an needlework. Miss :\1. Davies Springfield: fretwork. Rev. E. G. Davies: pianoforte. Mr. D. R. Griffiths, Dunvant. Messrs. J. 0. Thomas and D. R. Griffiths acted as accompanists. List of awards: Solo, under 10 (boys). Master W. Da, le. solo, under 14 (boy*). Master W. Jones: ditto, girls. Miss G. Bevan soprano, Mist Gladys Da.T)M. Dnnvant; cuntr?to. Mrs. Ohr?Ht MichR*I; tenor. Mr. En.?t Arthm j' bass. Mr. J. C. Morgans quartette. Mies ]\1. Austin and friends: mixed choir, Mr. J. c. Morgans and friends; pianoforte (under 14i Master J. Thomas ditto (under 16), Master i K. Richards: recitation (under 10), Master G. Paton; ditto (under 14). Miss Elsie Parry; ditto (adults), divided, Mr. D. J. Davies and Miss Ruth Davies; essay", Mr. T. Davies, Llanerch; poetry. divided, inir. J. R. Evais, Crwys, and Miss M. Davies, Dun- vant needlework, Miss M Bu'gess, Bryn- aeron fretwork, Mr. James Burgess dra.w- ing, Mr. Keri Richards; poetry (beginners), I Mr. W. Jones. AT THE corno HOMES. A merry time was spent by the children at I thp Ootiaigs Homes, Cockett. on OhrijrkrRas I Day. Thanks to the untiriug efforts of the Master aad Matron, everything passed off without- a hitch. The Hom-v were prettily I decorated. In the early morning MMert. W. Owen a,nd Benll and Mrs. Kelly ard friends visited t!t6 Homes, and distributed fruit, "1 chocolates, and new pennies to each child, and addressed them. During the serving of dinner Mr. Michell and Mr. James were present, and they also spoke a, few kind and encouraging words to the little ones. Later in the atternoon the chairman cf the Board (Mr Jeffries), Mr Abe Freedman, Rev Fathe.- Harrington. and Mr. Bowen came s'nd qfmused the cliidren with games, etc. In the evening the children gave their annual con- cert. Mr. G. Thomas (assistant headmaster of Gend ros Schools) presided, and Mr. Wil- lianls (bandniaster) acted as accompanist. A splendid programme of songs and recitations was gone through, and one which reflects great credit upon the efforts of the children and their tutors. I AT DANYCOED HOSPITAL. At Danycoed Hospital the day opened by a visit from Father Xmas. at 6.0 a.m. The men rubbed their eyes and wondered whe- ther t.hey were in Fairyland, but found that it was Father Xmas. accompanied by cue of the nursing staff, disguised as a, wounded "Tommy." carrying n sack with a stock- ing for each man. containing numerous pre- sent* which were a great joy to all. The soldiers had been busily engaged for weeks past in making the paper flowers and de- corations. and vieing with each other as to who would have the prettiest and most ar- tistic ward. One of the l;lrge wards was decorated in a patriotic style, whilst the other open-air ward was truly artistic, the scheme being beautifully carried out in black and yellow against a background of trailing ivv, into which were mixed hundreds of yellow roses made entirely by the patients, as were also the small black cats adorning the "Good Luck" which met one on enter- ing the ward. At 12.30, the men having aU assembled, the King's message was read by t,he commandant (Mrs. A. L. Furneaux), a.fter which a good old English Xmas dinner, consisting of turkeys, plum puddings, mince pies, etc.. was partaken of. amply justice being done to the same. Numerous toasts were then proposed and drunk. An early I tea was followed by a whist drive, the prizes being won by the following :—1st prize, Ptc. J. Jones; 2nd. Pte. Squires: 3, Lanoe-Cpi. McWillia-ms. Consolation prize. Sister Cameron. At 7.30 a most, enjoyable con- cert, was given by the patients, which was greatly appreciated by all present, and a very happy days was brought, to a. close by the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" and the National Anthem. AT SWANSEA HOSPITAL. Under the supervision of Miss Scovell. the esteemed ma,tron at the Swansea Hospital, quite am enjoyable time was spent at, that institution. on Christmas Day. The dinner. consisting of tin-key, pudding, mince pies, etc.. was partaken of by the 150 patients in t-he Hospital, the medical men on the staff doing the carving. In the afternoon an ex- cellent concert, arranged by Mrs. Jack Br-ider, was held, and this lasted from four until 6.30 p.m.. the artistes going from ward to ward. It may be added that on Thursday next there will be the Christmas tree and en- tertainment in t-he, chiidren's ward, and on | Saturday a tea and Punch and Judy" show will be provided for the children in the out- patients' department, and which will be held in the large casual ward. Y.M.C.A. MILITARY HOSPITAL. The happiest men in Swansea on -Monday were apparently the war heroes in hospital uniform. They seemed to forget their wounds and lost limbs, and threw them- selves whole-heartedly into the obsernance of the Yuletide season. At the Y.M.C.A. the i>ati«nte fared very well. The various wards had been prettily decorated, and happy scenes were witnessed throughout the day. Men in bed played draughts and dominoes, whilst their more fortunate com- rades. who were able to get to the recreation rooms, intereste d t hems rives in games of billiards, bagatelle, etc. There was a super- abundant supply of turkey, etc., and Christmas-pudding at the dinner taible, and a right down enjoyable time was spent. The Ma vor (Ald. D. Da. 'P,'l paid a, visit to the hospital during the evening, and spoke a few words ot encouragement to the soldfiere, ■ whilst various competitive, garner were in- dulged in. much to the delight of the heroes in blue PARC WERN RED CROSS HOSPITAL- -1 Patients, orderlies ana nurses had t-aken infinit.e pains to ensure the decorations being equal at least to any other similar ingtitu- tion. Friends had been generous, and the tables at midday groaned under the weight of Xmas fare and supplementary dainties, as was the just due to the many brave fol- lows for their self-sacrifice. Commandants C. A. Clee^es and Arthur Andrews were in attendance. At the close of the meal the popular matron (Mrs. Coxl was presented j with a dressing-case on behalf of the nurses and patients. That lady could not be in- duced to make a speech, but read a message from the King and Queen. Three cheers were given for the King. and the National Anthem sung. The following was then dis- patched to Miss Vivian in London "The matron, sisters, nurses, workers and patients send tbeir heartiest Xmas greetings to Miss Vivian," and later that ladv telegraphed in acknowledgement. "Kind wishes appreciated and heartliv ieciprocat-ed." At six o'clock the Mayor (Aid. David Davie,-k,) entered, and had a rousing recep- tion on rising to speak, and (writes our Sketty correspondent) his kind, con- siderate. and helpful remarks made a deep imprespion. and puiictuated with ap- plause. Mr. "Twm" Jones, having created roars of laughter with a comic ditty, Mr. Gauntlett and Quartermaster Edgar Powell proceeded to distribute the contents of a huge Xmag tree amongst nurses and patients, and every one of the latter re- ceived a substantial and useful present in the shape of a pocket book. hair brush wal- let, etc.. thanks to the kindness of Nurses Gauntlett. Stephens, and a host of■„ kind friends. Then followed all exceUent con- cert. in which Messrs. T. D. Jores and H. C. Pool played the accompaniments and gave selections, and Misses Grace Thomas, Kath- leme Harries, Messrs. H. S. Cann and Wm. Williams rendered solos in splendid style. Sergt. Abbot, on behalf of his comrades, thanked all who had assisted in making that occasion so happy and memorable. CORSEINON. A well-patronised sacred concert was held on Xmas evening at the Picture Palace, Gorseinon. in aid of the widow and eight 'hildien of Sergt.-Major R. Silk, who fed on the. French battlefield. The following: contributed Soprano. Miss E. Griffiths; contralto. Miss L. M. John tenors. Messrs. Dan Winch and Torn Hurley: baritones. Messrs. John Richards and E. Rees bass. Mr. W. Davies: instrumental quartette, Mr. Dan Williams a.nd friends violinist, Mr. Tom Parry: elocutionist, Mr. Joseph Evamh The Excelsior Glee Party, under the con- ductorship ot Prof. W. J. Bowen. rendered beautifully selected pieces. The accom- panist was Aly. J. T. Jones, Gorseinon. ?'Dr. Trafford Mitchell. M.I).. ably T)re-Ided.- The juvenile choir cf Zion Cl-rapel on Xmas evening gave a beautiful rendering of the book entitled "For the Master's Sake." Solos and duets were also given by members of the choir, assisted hy the Zion String i Ba.iid. The reader was Mr John Webb accompanists. Iil'o, Virena. Elliott and Miss i Lizzie Jones conductor. Mr. John Mov- | gan (G.M.). A.Y.C.M., to which great praise is due for the able manner in which he had trained the choir: chairman. Mr. H. Thomas. MORRISTON. Thcrj was an excellent attendance at Horeb Schoolroom. Morriston. on Christmas, night, when the Juvenile Choir, under the ccndiu torship of h. 8. Shiptom. performed mi character) Pattison's cantata., entitled "L'fc at SpA." The choir W3 well bahi?c?.l. aii d of the pret'.v c h ortises and the rendePing of the prett' choruses evoked TM?ch rppla ise. The ch-.ef c?.n-aYt?r? were taken hv Messrs. P. Isaac, I). L. Hill, Glyn Lews, p. R. Thomas, W. H. Phillips, D. Morgans, 1). Evans, T. Emrys Jones. Ivor Rees, Stanley Davies. (' Lloyd. W. Griffiths, and Miss Blodweu Jcnes. Miss M. A. Morgan ably accompanied. The chair was occupied by LNIR. W. Harding, who congratulated the choir OD the success of the production. The, proceeds were devoted to the fund to provide comforts for the soldiers of the cliirch. An excellent concert was held on Christ- mas nigh. at Philadelphia C. M. Church, Morriston, when the Juvenile Choir (under the baton of Mr. Rachard Willia-ns) perform- ed the cantata. "Hosajma 'r Plant.' Thsre g u. jx 'j '■ ^SSSSSSSSB* was a good attendance, and a handsome sum was realised for the Soldiers' and Sailors' Fund. The following took the chief parts Misses Annie Jenkins, Maud Jones. At tie .Tones, Morfvdd Samuels. Beatrice Francis, Catherine A. Jenkins. Gwynfryn Samuels, » Elmied Francis, and Mrs. Josiah Thomas. Masters Bryn Lewis. S. John. David Jones duett. Miss Lena Dia vi es and Glanffryd-John. A miscellaneous programme followed, and the following contributed :—Messrs. W. 3. Rees, Plasmarl. and Danny Rees. The Rev. D. Picton Evans, M.A., presided, and Miss S. Jenkins ably accompanied. A "Cymanfa Ganu" was held on Christmas Day in connection with Soar Baptist Church. Morriston, under the conductorship of Messrs. D. R. Williams, A.T.S.C., and Benj. Rees. The juveniles' morning serv.ee was excellent; the various tunes and anthems were sung in fine style. At the afternoon and evei-iing servioes lor adult, the choral singing was of a very high standard. Tha presidents were Messrs. T. Adams, David Williams, and Daniel Edwards. The organ- ist was Miss R. A. Davies. At Bethania C.M. Church on Christmas night the Juvenile Choir performed the can- tata, "Plant y Nefoedd. The conductor was Mr. John Dennis, and the Rev. D. E. Thomas (pastor) presided- A solo waa,-given by Mr. Thomas Bodvcombe, There was a good attendance, and the proceeds were i" aid of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Fund.

I WEDDING GIFTaI IIVJh' Let the happi- g ness of your wed- ■ I |W ding Day be crowned by m the thought that lhe Ring is n the most perfect that money 8 can buy—one of H. Samuel's If "LUCKY" WEDDING I RINGS, world renowned for H purity, value and lasting B I wear. 22-ct. Solid Gold, latest ■ fashionable styles. Sold by H weigh -t0/? ?s/? 211- I upwards. With a handsome B FREE!^fcJj Spte at •tier: f H Wedding Ring H • nd richly f> B engraved I■/jrl9B Kee er ?? ?? ?MM?  WEDOMf PRESENT* -jm WEDDING "N at next-'o Factorv Prices/ BB, HrSA?EL???? )" M?etcAaM?e? to the Admiralty 265 OXFORD ST (Under the Big) SWANSEA. i HS t Clock. ? ?<? at C??t?, Afor?yr, ?<M?cf<,?? itj 8 ? _not e??, ""Ie ? ?M C<<<<?w B R,<t??W? ? Wa<-? St.. ??K?,. £

PLUCKY CONSTABLE, EFPORT TO SAVE SWANSEA WOMAN. MIDNIGHT RESCUE ATTEMPTS. About 11 o'clock on Saturday night the police were called by Wm. Berry, 6, Owen- road, Foxhole, who stated there was a woman in the canal lock near the Old Jersey Dock, Upper Strand. Swansea. Berry had lowered his overcoat, but failed to reach the woman. P.C.'s Williams (72) and Blackmore (85) were promptly on the soene, and were assisted by Berry and Wm. McMurray, 4. Graig-street. A rope and a ladder was secured, and P.O. Williams went into the water, where he remained for nearly half an hour, but the ladder not being long enough he was unable to raise her. Eventually both were hauled up by ropes, and though the woman was alive when she was brought to the bank, and notwithstanding continuous efforts to in- duce artificial respiration, she expired upon being removed into the motor am- bulance. At the Hospital Dr. Louden could only pronounce life extinct, and the body was removed to the mortuary. Later she was identified as Mary Scottie, who had been living at 79, Strand.

"BIT THE HAND." UNGRATEFUL LABOURER AT SWANSEA. At Swansea on Tuesday, William John Beer, labourer, was charged with the theft of a purse containing 12s. 6d. from off a t a.,I),l e at a. house in Ebenezer-street. the pro- perty of Mrs. Florence May Hoskins. on Sunday last. Complainant spoke of leaving the purse containing- the money on the table. Detective W. Francis spoke of arresting defendant. He admitted being at, the house and when charged said he did not want to say anything about it. Defend3,iit now .pleaded guilty." -N C) t 9"ilt a.nd said he did not know anything of the pur&e of money. Supt. Roberts said this was a case where defendant bit the hand that fed him.' NV >t only oil this ocoasipn, but on ma;!1 v others the people at' the house (com- plainant's) bad befriended defendant. The Chairman said the magistrates re- garded the caseéts a very ungrateful one. a.nd ?ent defendant to prison for thref a.iid s?etit defedd.?atit t-,) I)r i son f(,i t b ret-

SWANSEA SOLDIER'S SAD HOME- CCMINC. The death occurred suddenly oi p'eritonitis on Saturday of Mr. W. E. Fuller, w holesale cabinet manufacturer. He was a nstive of Llaadilo. and o&mc >! a mucb-respcted f-tmily. The dec,, (Ii had been established in i-Ki-4iiieAe in the town for 25 years. He wa^ much iiked. owing to his genial and generous disjwsi-tioii. He ]c;r o»s ;t widow and two sons. Albert a.nd both in his Majesty's forces since the outbreak of war, the former being out at Salonika and the other in the R.F. A. Ernest arrived home on leave shortly before hi' father' s death. The funeral takes place at 2.30 p. m. on Wednesday from Xo. 32 Brunswick-street, for interment at the Mumbles.

%), I The Welshman's Favourite. i jMABON Sauce I I Pw As good ob its Name, I I DON'T FAIL TO GET IT. t.;v-:r«twRLAJfCR'I, St Peter St., Cardiff. I