The Llanelly Mercury and South Wales Advertiser

TO THE ELECTORS OF No. 1 WARD. I LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I I am a Candidate for the honor of repre- senting you on the Urban Council. If elected, my policy, in conjunction with other members, will be- To give every facility for the working arrange- ments of the proprietors of existing and New Industries about being started in the Town. To keep a sharp look-out for opportunities of Railway Extension for the benefit of Llanelly and District. To bring about the Completion of the Forge and Ty'rfran Drainage. To support the scheme of the Surveyor for the Construction of an Embankment, which (if made) will prevent inconvenience and loss to the inhabi- tants of the Forge, Pembrey Road, Old Castle and Sandy. To compel owners to repair, and for ever main- tain, the Bulwarks necessary for the pretection of the Town Property, and the Collieries in and about Llanelly; and To do everything possible for the benefit of the Town, Port, and Ratepayers of Llaixelly. Yours truly, WeUfield, New Ro d G. F. BLAKE. I Wellfield, New Road, 23rd March, 1897.

LLANELLY URBAN DISTRICT ELECTION. I TO THE ELECTORS OF WARD No. 2. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, by an untoward circumstance, 1 tind my- self a Candidate for your suffrages. I desire to offer my services to you-the Electors of Ward II.-and trust that my ambition to serve you Will be acceptable. There are many important questions occupying the attention of the Council, aDd it will require the earnest consideration and collective wisdom of the Members to pilot them to a successful issue; such as finance on economical lines; developments on cautious bases; extensions within limited areas vigilance in estimates and costs; watchfulness in the economic government of the town, and a careful supervision of all present and future undertakings. If elected, I should have at heart the prosperity, Welfare and prestige of our town, and the incentive to guide me in my principles, aims and endeavours in the Council would be the entire benefit of the common- weal. I should have no other interest to serve or repre- sent. Your most obedient servant, ARTHUR EDGAR DAVIES. Park Street, 24th March, 1897.

LLANELLY URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL WARD NO. 2. TO THE ELECTORS. I LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, Having been Nominated in the above Ward for the Seat rendered vacant by the retirement of Mr. Richard Guest, I respectfully ask for your vote and interest; and, if elected, promise to do all in my power to further the future of the Town and Harbour. I am a thorough believer in progress, and while pay- ing due regard to economy, I shall support all Measures calc alated to improve the Town. I am, yours faithfully, W. KNOYLE. Cowell-street, Llanelly, W. KNOYLE. March 24th, 1897.

LLANELLY URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. TO THE ELECTORS OF WARD No. 2. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I beg to offer myself for re-election. When you last did me the honour of electing me, I 'aid my views upon public matters fully before you. If again elected, it will be my object to act for the best interests of the Town in the important matters now requiring attention, having, at the same time, due regard to economy. I remain, Your obedient servant, W. W. BRODIE.

TTRBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTION. TO THE ELECTORS OF WARD No. 3. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, Having been nominated as a Candidate in the above Election, I respectfully solicit your support d vote. I believe my knowledge of the Harbour and Its requirements may be of some service on the Council Ut the present time. Should I be returned, I will do 8.1y best to carry out the duties devolving upon me. Yours obediently, New Dock, WILLIAM COOMBS. New Dock, Mar. 24, 1897.

ETHOLIAD Y CYNGHOR TREFOL. AT ETHOLW Y R DOSBARTH 3. ^ONEDDIGLISAXJ A BONKDUIGION, Drwy fy mod wedi cael fy enwebu fel 171zgeisydd yn yr Etholiad uchod, erfyniaf am eich cynorthwy a'ch pleidlais. Credaf y bydd fy ngwybod- Qeth am y Porthladd a'i angenrlieidiau o ryw wasan- Reth ar y Cynghor yn yr amser presenol. Os dychwelir dwnaf fy ngoreu i gario allan y dyledswyddau a lsgynautarnaf. Yr eiddoch yn ffyddlawu, New Dock, WILLIAM COOMBS. New Dock, I Mawrfch 24, 1897.

TO THE ELECTORS OF WARD No. 3. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, r I have been nominated as a candidate I r No. 3 Ward, and herewith repectfully beg to solicit Your support. y I have been a resident of the town for nearly 30 Years and, therefore, am thoroughly in touch with the eas of the town and its inhabitants. Co am free from business or any other ties, and as a Consequence, ill a position to place myself unre servedly in the hands of the ratepayers. rn 6 improvement of the Harbour, and all matters having for their object the welfare of the town, shall v. e tny especial attention. Trusting to receive your vote at the Poll, I remain, Ladies and Gentlemen, Yours faithfully, lligb Street, Llanelly, JOSIAH DAVIES. March 23rd, 1897.

URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTION. TO THE ELECTORS OF WARD No. 1. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I have again been nominated for a seat on the above Council. Whilst thanking you for your past confidence, I shall be exceedingly obliged if you will favour me with a continuance of the same, My policy in the future will be the same as in the past— thoroughly independent. I am, Ladies and Gentlemen, Your obedient Servant, JOHN GRIFFITHS. Tenby House, Llanelly, JOHN GRIPFITHS. March 31st, 1897.

URBAN DISTRICT ELECTION. TO THE ELECTORS OF No. 1 WARD. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, Being one of the retiring Members, I beg to offer myself for re-election. During the time I have had the honour of being one of your representatives, I have always strongly ad. vocated a progressive policy in all matters affecting the Town and Harbour. Soliciting a continuance of your support, Yours faithfully, Richard-street Lla ell TOM HUGHES. Richard-street, Llanelly.

NOTICE OF AUDIT. To the Ratepayers and Owners of Property in the Rural District of Llanelly, in the County of Carmarthen. WHEREAS WILLIAM GRIFFITH, Esquire, Vv the Assistant District Auditor, authorised by law to Audit the Accounts of the Receipts and Expenditure of the District Council for the above- named District, has appointed 9 o'clock in the forenoon of FRIDAY, the 23rd day of APRIL Next, as the time, and the BOARD ROOM, at the LLANELLY UNION WORKHOUSE, as the place, at which the Audit of the said Accounts for the half-year ended at 31st MARCH, 1897, will be made. Now, therefore, We, the said District Council, Hereby give Notice, in pursuance of the Local Government Act, 1894, and the Public Health Act, 1875, that the Audit of the said Accounts will be made at the Time and place so appointed as aforesaid that any Ratepayer or Owner of property in the said District may be present at the Audit, and may make any objection to the said Accounts before the District Auditor and that a copy of the said Accounts duly made up and balanced, together with all the rate books, account books, deeds, contracts, accounts, vouchers, and receipts mentioned or referred to in such Accounts, will be deposited in our Office at 13, Thomas-street, Llanelly, on Thursday, the 15th day of April next, and will be open thereat, between tae hours of 10 a m. and 5 p.m. until the said day of Audit, to the inspection of all persons interested, who will be at liberty to take copies of or extracts from the same without fee or reward. Dated this 29th day of March, 1897. D. C. EDWARDS. Clerk. to the said Rural District Council. MARY THOMAS (Deceased). Pursuant to the Statute 2fJ and 23 Vict., cap. 35. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that all Persons having Claims against the Estate of MARY THOMAS, late of Wellfield, New Road, Llanelly, widow (who died on the 31st day of January, 1897, and whose will was proved in the Carmarthen District Probate Registry on the 9th day of March, 1897, by Henry Roger Thomas, one of the executors therein mentioned), are required to send particulars in writing of their claims to me. the undersigned, on or before the 21st day of April next, after which date the executor will distribute the assets of the deceased amongst the persons entitled thereto, having regard only to Claims of which notice shall have been received. Dated the 31st day of March, 1897. T. R. LUDFORD, Cowell Street. Llanelly, Solicitor for the Executors. LLANELLY SCHOOL BOARD. A CERTIFICATED ASSISTANT TEACHER is J' A required for each of the undermentioned Schools:— BYNEA MIXED SCHOOL. COPPER WORKS BOYS' SCHOOL. Commencing Salary, zC70 per annum if holding "D Certificate, Y,75 per annnm. Applications on Board's form (copy of which can be obtained from thf clerk pro. tern, of the Board), to be sent to the Clerk on or before 5th April next. IVOR W. WATKINS, Llanelly, Clerk pro tern. March 24th, 1897. GORING ROAD, LLANELLY. TO BE SOLD OR LET, as from the 25th March JL next, that desirable LEASEHOLD DWELLING HOUSE, No. 18, Goriug Road, Llanelly. For terms and further particulars apply to RODERICK and SPOWART, Solicitors, Llanelly. DENTISTRY.—MR. MACPHAIL, SURGEON i? DENTIST, KING STREET, CARMARTHEN, ATTENDS LLANELLY KVEKY THURSDAY AT Mr. T. P. JONES, Grocer (Corner of Market Street). Artificial Teeth supplied at Greatly Keduced Prices. Teeth Extracted Teeth Stopped from Is. Hours of Attendance from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EstablisliedzbLIaiiellyoi,erl7years.-ADvT.

iStriljs, Jltarriagss, antr IJtatbz. BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, and DEATHS.—Office, 3, Goring Place, Llaneily. A. D. DAVIES, registrar. Office hours: Morning, 10 to 12 a na. except Fridays, 2 to 4 p.m., and every evening, 6 to 8 p.m. MARRIAGES. JONKS—Lewis.—On the 27th ult., at Adulam Chapel, Felinfoel, by the Rev. B. Humpherys, John Jones, Pantteg, to Elizabeth Lewis, Penygaer. BOWEN—HOWELLS.—On the 30th ult., at Moriah Chapel, Llanelly, by the Rev. Enos George, Edward Bowen, 68, Ropewalk-road, New Dock, to Catherine Ann Howells, 26, Dolau-road, New Dock. DEATHS. JAMKS.—On the 27th ult., at New-road, Dafen, Mary, daughter of J. James, blocklayer, aged 16 years. WHITTAKEB.—On the 25th ult., at Russell-street, St. Paul's, Caroline, the wife of Henry Whittaker, fish- monger, aged 39 years. EVANS.-Oil the 25th ult., at 1, Glanmor-terrace, Elizabeth, daughter of the late David Evans, aged 26 years. THOMAS.- On the 28th ult., at 29, Dolau, New Dock, Llanelly, Lidia, the wife of W. Thomas, railway engine driver, aged 29 years. EDWARDS.-Oil the 28th ult,, at 51, Marble Hall Read, Llanelly, Dd. Edwards, builder, aged 65 years.

SIn J. J. JENKINS, M.P., ON CURRENT AFFAIRS. SIR J. J. JENKINS, M.P. for the Carmarthen Boroughs, has eventually broken his long silence on political affairs. We have wondered, time and again—and the wonderment has found expression in these columns—when the borough member intended to give us anything in the nature of a political retrospect of the time covered by his parliamentary representation of this constituency. At last, in response to [ certain resolutions submitted to him by the Llanelly Liberal Executive, he has said some- thing in relation to two important questions. The "said something" is included advisedly. This pronouncement should, no doubt, be received on the principle that we ought to be thankful for small mercies. Since Sir JOHN persistently refuses the reason- ably and just application of his constituents for an account of his stewardship at a properly- convened public meeting, there is a grain of satisfaction in the fact that in response to the healthy and vibrant Liberalism of the resolutions forwarded to him by the Liberal Executive, he is prepared t. say something in letter form. Unfortunately, the something" is not well said and even as short letters go, the communica- tion is siagularly arid and valueless—except as an exposition of the hopelessly Tory and reac- tionary principles of the member who repre- sents Radical Llanelly in Parliament. A large portion of the letter is occupied with the statement of a few elementary axioms, such as that The Cretan question is a difficult and very important one, and the Education Bill is, as you are aware, one proposed for assisting necessitous voluntary schools." It is very kind of Sir JOHN to let his constituents know this, This declaration serves a double purpose. It is an interesting revelation to his constituents and likewise a gratifying and conspicuous proof of the fact that Sir JOHN gets his information first hand from the government. After the letter which the borough member has been kind enough to forward to the Liberal Executive none of his constituents can offer any excuse for not knowing" something" about the im- portance of the Cretan questi on and the objects of the Education Bill.

A MONSTROUS REGULATION. ACCORDING to the regulati ons issued by the County Council, the polling booths on the oc- casion of the municipal election at Llanelly on Monday will not open until two o'clock in the afternoon, and they will close at eight o'clock in the evening. This, practically, means that about a third of the electors will be disfran- chised, unless special arrangements are made at the various works enabling the men on the two to ten shift" to register their vetes. We hope that an arrangement of the kind described will be made, and we earnestly submit the suggestion to the notice of the employers. The regulation is a monstrous one. It is all the more inexplicable by reason of the fact that when the limitations were fixed there were fifteen Llanelly representatives at the meeting -a fact which gees to shew that the fifteen must have been asleep.

ECHOES OF THE WEEK. —. [BY SIRIUS. APPEALS TO SCHOOL CHILDREN. A suggestion in a local contemporary of last Thursday advocating an appeal by teachers to the scholars in our elementary schools for sub- scriptions towards the hospital fund which the contemporary in question has started, opens a very wide question, one respecting which not a few comments have been made from time to time. I have no desire to say a word calculated to throw cold water upon the fund which your contemporary has inaugurated. We all wish well to the hospital. It would be contemptibly mean to be even indifferent. Good ends, how- ever, do not justify bad means, and this 1 respectfully suggest is a case where the object is exceptionally praiseworthy but the method shady and unsatisfactory. I have every desire to promote the success of the fund in question: The object is a worthy one and the effort made in its behalf should evoke our sym- pathy and support, that is, when the efforts are legitimate in range and inception. I submit, however, that it is not dignified on the part of the paper in question to make invidious compari- sons between the employees of establishments who have not contributed to the fund and those who have. This is decidedly putting on the screw; such also is the reminder to the school teachers that the pennies of the scholars will be welcome and acceptable. The latter form of the screw is even more objectionable than the first named by reason of the fact that the editor of your contemporary is a member of the School Board. I am per- fectly convinced that the compulsion of the reminder has entirely escaped the notice of your contemporary, but the compulsion is there, notwithstanding, and it is to be genuinely regretted that the reminder was made. LIFE AND PROPERTY IN WARD III. I The public meeting of the ratepayers of Ward III, held last week .at Bethania Chapel, cogently and eloquently expressed the mind of the general public, in relation to the intolerable delay in raising the embankment of the Loughor river, and thus safeguarding life and property m the Ward. Time and agaiu I have directed attention in these columns to the unwisdom and inexpediency of exposing this industrial district to the dangers of a re- currence of the terrible flood which ravaged the lower portion of the town last October. In the interests of the town estate, as well as those of the manufacturers and residents of the locality, one expected,that the Borough Coun- cil would lose no time in protecting the district from a repetition of the October disaster. It has surprised me that the manufacturers and residents chiefly affected by the wreckage of last year have hitherto been content with the vague promises of the Borough Council. At length, however, they are up and doing, and the delay of the Borough Council and the obsti- nate and unsympatheticjattitude of the Stepney Estate have been vigorously and courageously assailed. It is monstrous that one-third of the town, practically, should be placed at the mercy of every strong wind and high tide. That the Council have been beset with difficulties nobody questions. Few, however, will dispute that the Council have only perfunctorily performed their unctuous promises of last year to safe- guard, at any cost, the district ravaged by wind and tide in October last. It is to be hoped that the splendid public meeting on Monday evening last will charge the Borough Council with greater activity and volatilise the obstinacy of the Stepney Estate. NEW BOOKS AT THE INSTITUTE. Whatever may be the outcome of the deliber- ations of the governing body of the Llanelly Mechanics' Institution in relation to the pro- posal to convert it into a public library, the committee could at once adopt several of the rules in vogue at the free libraries visited by Mr. Evan Evans while in search for facts and figures embodied in his report submitted to the committee. One of these is an excellent regu- lation, and is to the effect that all new volumes, such for instance as N ansen's thrilling story and General Robert's autobiography, should not be placed on the shelves of the lending library for immediate circulation but should be accom- modated in the reference section and obtainable for perusal on the premises by application to the librarian. This is an excellent regulation which scarcely needs any recommendations outside those it obviously presents. The rule in vogue at the Institution in relation to new books is entirely unsatisfactory. New volumes are immediately sent into circulation and many months must elapse before even a small section of the readers can get a glimpse of them.

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE. Grand Display of New Goods this day at MANSEL'S, Golden Fleece. New Spring Goods at MANSEL'S, Golden Fleece. Jubilee Prints, Crepons, Dress MaterialS.-MANSEL. Golden Fleece' IF you want a real good Wedding Ring, the best place is at H. KALTENBACH'S, Vaugban Street, and Arcade, where, in addition, you will get a genuine I present.—ADVT.

MUNICIPAL ELECTION NOTES ON THE APPROACHING I CONTEST. THE POSITION IN EACH WARD. I At the time of writing, there was not a little agita- tion in town respecting the hours of voting on Monday next. As our readers are aware, the announcement appearing on the official potters was to the effect that the booths would open at two o'clock in the after- 1 -1 ? uuun, WIU MUSE etgm o CIOCK m me evening, me arrangement, it need hardly be added, is an absurd one, and if carried into effect will practically dis- franchise the whole of the two till ten o'clock shift. Ou the last occasion, the hours fixed for voting were those between noon and eight, aud this limitation worked very well. The absurd regulation issued by the County Council only goes to show how increasingly important it is that the administration of town affairs should be lifted out of the paternal and parochial limitations of the existing conditions. In other words, it is an additional proof of the necessity of the local authority taking steps to obtain a charter of incorporation. It is sinmlv monstrous that the administration of a large town like ours should be so largely under the control of the County Council, the majority of whose members are practically necessarily out of touch with a great portion of the affairs of our town. Since the above was written, it has transpired that nothing can be done to alter the hours fixed by the County Council. Mr. Spowart, who is the returning officer, has communicated with the clerk to the County Council. The result, however, is unsatisfactory, and the time limitations described have to stand. Coming to the election itself, there can be no doubt that it is evoking a great deal of public interest. Indeed, I remember only a few occasions in the past when the public mind has been so much occupied with municipal election prospects as at present. This is a healthy symptom, for the public affairs of towns where the ratepayers are indifferent to the constitution of the governing bodies must eventually get into a bad way. In No. 1 Ward the fight is being carried on with rare activity, the candidates being Messrs. Tom Hughes, John Griffiths, and G. F. Blake. It is stated that Mr. Blake is coming out with the avowed object of ousting Mr. Griffiths. In separate directions, both candidates have rare qualifications. Mr. Griffiths, however, occupies a strong position by reason of the fact that he is the sitting member, and has been a painstaking and faithful Councillor. Coming to the candidature of Mr. Tom Hughes, it ought to be received with favour in every quarter. Mr. Hughes has had a long and valuable experience on the Council, has been chairman twice, and has a thorough knowledge of municipal affairs, great and small. If he were rejected, it would be a public calamity. In Ward II., a very interesting battle is being fought. Here, there are two new candidates in competition against the silting member, Mr. W. W. Brodie. Mr. Arthur Edgar Davies, merchant, will, I venture to believe, run exceedingly well. It is not, of course, the easiest thing in the world to forecast the issue, but so far as my reading of the public mind goes, I am dis- posed to think he will poll heavily. He has ex- cellent qualifications for the honour, Shrewd, keen, and farsighted in business affairs, it would be an ad- vantage to have a man of his stamp on the Council. He has, there can be no doubt, great gifts of adminis- tration, and there is also this to be said in his favour, he has obviously no axe of his own to grind. Mr. W. Knoyle is another man with keen business abilities. His candidature is a popular one generally, and I haven't the remotest hesitation in saying that be will run well. He would, I am confident, make a very good member. Mr. Brodie, the sitting member, has strong recom- mendations to make in behalf of his candidature. He has had considerable experience, in the first place; he has already rendered good service, and he is a sound man in finance. One fact, however, is doing his candi- dature a certain amount of harm I allude to his connection with the Stepney Estate as the local solicitor. Nowadays, the Llanelly public don't take kindly to the election for muncipal honours of any candidate who is officially connected with a private estate, between which and the local authority there must from time to time be considerable dealings. Down in No. III. Ward the situation is very well mixed up. There are four candidates: Messrs. D. Thomas and Owen Charles (the sitting members), and Messrs. W. Coombs and Josiah Davies. So far as I have been able to gather, Mr. Coombs is running well, and he would make a most valuable member. Each of the others has a strong following, and a close fight is certain. A splendid meeting in support of Mr. Tom Hughes' candidature was held at Lakefield Schoolroom last evening, Mr. F. Peregrine presiding.

FROM TRIMSARAN TO THE I ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. J We have been given to understand that Mr. D. Tenant Thomas, of Trimsaran, near Llanelly, intends sailing for the Argentine Republic next Thursday week. His stay in that country will be of about three years' duration. No doubt, Trimsaran and district will feel the loss of his departure, as they will miss the services of a public man and a faithful in- habitant. Mr. Thomas has been a member of the Pembrey School Board for some time and is at present the vice-chairman of the Board.

I THE COMING FIGHT. I LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. SIR,-Now that the Borough Council election is approaching, I trust the electors of No. 1 Ward will not fail to recognise the importance of returning represent- atives who have the interests of ratepayers at heart. Our pabt experience is that we have had far too many estate agents sitting on our boards, as their main objects have been to watch the interests ot their respective estates, leaving the interests of the rate- payers, who have been the means of placing them in this position, in the background. What have the land- lords of the two respective estates on which the town stands, done to improve our streets and drainage ? Nothing, only what they have been compelled to do. What about the Forge drainage ? What has the landlord or his agent done to bring about,this much-needed want ? I leave it to your readers to answer, and also to remember on the polling day. Also, what about those roads, plans ior wmcu were deposited to the Council five or six years ago ? Have the roads been made according to those plans ? We, as ratepayers, ought to see to these things. Mr. Blake, in his address, promises many things, and things that have been done long ago by our Council. We want men to give their pledge to support those much-needed reforms that have not been done. Mr. Blake, in his address, also advocates the opening of new railways into the town. We will not have any of this shilly-shallying business. Let us send men in who are quite independent—men of convictions. I see our old friend, Mr. John Griffiths, is before us once more, and if anyone deserves to be returned, he does. Mr. Griffiths is always on the alert watching the interests of the ratepayers, and I notice, by the list of attendances for the past year, that Mr. Griffiths has attended 97 meetings out of a possible 100, and I feel sure that the electors of No. 1 Ward will not overlook this fact. Mr. Tom Hughes, again, deserves our hearty support, as we could ill- afford to lose him, apart from his long and faithful service to the town. Apologising for trespassing so much on your space.—I am, &c., A RATEPAYER. ONE MAN, ONE POST. I DEAR SIR,-I have just been reading in your paper the account of the meeting held at New Dock, with reference to the October flood, and I find it makes very good reading to any person interested in the welfare of this town, especially if read between the lines. It also bears considerably upon our approaching election. We find that matters have come to a deadlock between Sir Arthur Stepney and the Council with reference to the bulwarks, and that the Estate Com- mittee of the Council have approached their solicitor for his opinion on the legal aspect of the case, Work- ing-men and fellow-electors don't you think Sir Arthur should be readier than Sir John Llewellyn to repair the bulwarks ? Has he not more, or at least, quite as much to gain by so doing ? In your account of the meeting we are given to understand that Mr. Brodie is chairman of the Council's Estate Committee, and I have no doubt he has done his best in the matter, but some of my fellow jworking men have a shrewd suspicion that Mr Brodie, besides being chairman ot the Council's Estate Committee, holds the position of local solicitor to the Stepney Estate. I do not know how far this is correct, but there is a rumour current to that effect. We, as workingmen, always advocate the principle of One man, one trade," and Every man to his trade," and I wish to impress upon every elector to carry out this principle in the coming election by voting for men who have no interests (besides the rate- payers') to serve when sitting on the Council. My firm opinion is that we do not want any Councillors, al- though they may be ever so good, who have the least connection with any estates. We, as workingmen, have raised the hue and cry that one man should not hold a multitude of offices, and this principle has been carried out lately by the distribution of the public appointments. Let us have men of business capacities, who have the necessary spare time to attend to their duties thoroughly. Fellow-workiugmen, choose those men, and vote for them.—Yours, &c., WORKMAN. MR. BLAKE'S CANDIDATURE. I DEAR Sin,-Being a ratepayer in Ward I., and owing to some statements made this week by rival candidates, I feel inclined to express my opinion, and, therefore, request your kindness to insert the following. I refer to the statement that a gentleman who represents an estate should be disqualified from repre- senting a ward." I consider such statements idiotic, and with no good intention, and I hope that we, as ratepayers of Ward I., will not be guided-by such one- sided remarks, but study the merits, capabilities, and past reputation of the candidates. There happens to be an estate agent as a candidate for the honour of representing us on the Council I, therefore, take the liberty of referring to Mr. Blake our respected townsman. The fact of Mr. Blake's management of a large estate in the town for twenty-four years is a most important one for the ratepayers to realise, for it causes a record of straight- forward behaviour, and is, in itself, the best title to represent a ward. The experience of practical estate work is likely to be of great advantage to the ratepayers. It is also stated that if an Estate agent would be elected, he would study his own interests. How can he do so ? He is only one of eighteen members. What are the seventeen going to be about if one man is going to hoodwink them ? We cannot, with ease, forget the unfair action of the Council in giving the work of laying out the grounds of the New Town Hall without tender therefore, let us vote for those who, we think, will act straightfor- wardly.-Yours, &c.. RATEPAYER. I

LOCAL DEfTH ROLL. I MR. D. M. EDWARDS. We regret to chronicle the death of Mr. D. M. Edwards, Marble Hall Road, formerly of Llundain Fach. Mr. Edwards, who was in his 66th year, was well-known and much respected, having been once upon a time a builder and contractor on a large scale in the town. He built the market place and several other business premises in Vaughan-street. He spent many years in America. At the time of his death, he was clerk of the works to the Intermediate School governors. The funeral will take place to-day and will be of a private nature. He leaves a widow and two daughters. MR. T. LANE JENKINS. On Sunday last a prominent and highly respected member of the deaf and dumb community of Llantlly passed away in the person of Mr. T. Laue Jenkins in his 69th year.

FACTS ABOUT THE ELECTION. THE POLL WILL BE DECLARED ON MONDAY NIGHT. We are informed by Mr. H. W. Spowart, town clerk, that the poll in the municipal election on Monday will be declared on Monday night. The poll- ing booths will be open from 2 o'clock in the afternoon until 8 o'clock in the evening.

THE DIAMOND JUBILEE. I MEETING OF THE HOSPITAL GOVERN- ING BODY. A meeting of the hospital governing body was held on Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Rowland Maclaran presiding, to consider the best form of celebrating the Queen's diamond jubilee. It was decided to open a fund for the twin purpose of wiping off the existing debt and endowing a children's ward. A representa- tive committee was formed to take charge of the fund and a deputation was appointed to wait upon the Borough Council to ask them to co-operate in the matter.

JENNINGS' MEMORIAL FUND I MAGISTRATES' FUND. Already announced £ 170 5s. GENERAL FUND. Already announced jE380 9s. 6d. Anonymous £2 2s. Dr. S. J. Roderick, £ 2 2s. Messrs. H. W. and J. Hansard, £2 2s.; Mr. F. N. Powell, X2 2s. Dr. Lloyd, £ 2 2s.; Mr. Jeremiah Williams, El is. Mr. E. H. Wilson, £ 1 Is. Mr. James Daw, £ 1 Is. Mr. J. G. Daw, XI Is. Mr. A. Mee (Cardiff), £ 1 Is. Mr. D. G. Hogg, £11s.; Mrs. M. Roderick, £ 1 Is. Mrs. Mee, zEl Is. A Friend,Cl Is. W," £ 1 Is. Mr. E. Jones (Bay View), m; Mr. W. Thomas, 10s. 6d.; Mr. J. H. Gale, 10s. 6d.; Mr. Dd. James (Lloyd-street), 10B. 6d.; Mr. J. Wesley Jones, lOs. Mr. T. Roberts, 5s. Mrs. J. H. Thomas, 5s. total, X405 Is.

MUSTARD AND CRESS. Your attention is respectfully directed to the last paragraph in this columu. The Llanelly Cricket Club ball promises to be a great success. A woman was gored by a mad bull on the streets of Swansea en Monday, Mr. Harry Bowen refereed in the Swansea and Llwynpia match on Saturday. A third edition of Elvet's songs was issued last week from the office of the Liverpool Cymro. A cheap edition of Sir Lewis Morris' works has just been published. Mr. W. J. Wilson has gone on a visit to Germany for the benefit of his health. The South Wales Daily News says that Sir Lewis Morris is one of the most modest of men. Not the least interesting item in the united schools* concert was the peregrinations of the piano. Mr. W. W. Brodie is the only unmarried candidate seeking the suffrages of the ratepayers in the municipal election. Mr. C. Mendwy Davies, Llanelly, was one of the adjudicators at an eisteddfod held at Swansea on Friday last. Mr. W. J. Buckley, as high sheriff of Carmarthen- shire, attended the Pembrokeshire banquet in London on Saturday last. Mr. Hogan in his book on the Australian colonies speaks of the Rev. Llewellyn Bevan, D.D., as the Antipodean Spurgeon. The doctor question at Morewood's will be settled on Saturday of next week, when a ballot of the em- ployees will be taken. The exuberance of the Ashburnham golfers, con- sequent upon their defeat of the Porthcawl Club, is weil-High boundless. The South Wales Daily Post speaks highly of a, lecture delivered by the Rev. Elvet Lewis in Swansea on Thursday night last. A sum of £10 was collected at Park Congregational Church as the annual contribution ot the cause to the London Missionary Society. Jack Evans and Hellings, of Llwynpia, two crack forwards, were at Llanelly on Monday and offered te go on tour with the Llanelly team. Sir John and Lady Jenkins, together with their daughters, were present at the United schools' concert at the Market Hall on Monday evening. The presentation to Mr. J. W. Price, formerly works" manager at Morewood's, will take place on Saturday evening at Trinity Schoolroom at 7 o'clock. A new shop assistants' union is being formed in Llanelly. High time, too, judging from the closing hours now in vogue. Intent upon following the practice in vogue under the Llanelly School Board, the Pembrey authority are anxious to interview all the lady applicants for positions before the appointments are made. Arrangements have been made for the examination of candidates for Gorsedd degrees in view of the Newport National Eisteddfod. The Rev. Elvet Lewis, Llanelly, has been appointed one of the examiners. Mr. Eden Northmore Jones, barrister-at-law, de- livered a brilliant lecture last evening at the Law Students' Union on International Law in relation to war." Mr. T. J. Williams, B.A., presided. The Academic Gazette, in the current issue, contains a most interesting article in relation to the work of Trinity College, London, during the quarter of & century over which its labours have now extended. The Westminster Gacette says Mr. Gladstone has, be- tween the date of his birthday and yesterday, learned to cycle, and writes to a friend, 1 think I am able to congratulate myself that I have fairly mastered the machine. At the meeting of the governors of Aberystwyth College held at Llanelly on Friday last, Principal Roberts paid a most graceful tribute to the progress made by Llanelly in matters relating to education during the last few years. A funny story was told by a delegate to the Odd* fellows' district meeting on Saturday last. He said that not long ago he received, as secretary of the lodge, a certificate stating that Mr. J. James was suffering from Pantgwyn, The Rev. A. Seys Howell. of Birmingham, is one of the selected speakers for the annual meetings of the Colonial Missionary Society to be held in London in May. Dr. Llewellyn Bevan, another old Llanelly resident, is expected to speak at the same meetings. The quarterly meetings of the association of South Wales and Monmouthshire Calviaistie Methodists are being held this week at Ammanford. Among the gentlemen representing Carmarthenshire are Mr. W. Eynon, Llwynhendy, and Mr. Daniel Davies, Felinfoel. There was a third performance on Wednesday evening of the programme of music and drill prepared by the united sehools of Llanelly for the benefit of the Charities of the N. U. T., hundreds of people having been turned away on Monday and Tuesday evenings, unable to gain admittance. The Venerable Archdeacon Griffiths was happy and humorous to a degree while in the chair at the meeting of the court of governors of Aberystwyth College at Llanelly on Friday. His reply to the customary vote of thanks had a few touching references to his age and his devotion to patriotism. The Schoolmaster of the 27th ult, contains the official list of 1230 names ofrepresentatives to attend the N. U.T. conference at Swansea next Easter. This does not include the foreign delegates who will attend to represent the educational institutions of several European countries. The annual tea and meeting of Park Church took place last evening. The tea was held in the old schoolroom, the tables—which had been beautifully decorated—being presided over by the deacons' wives. The meeting took place in the Lecture Hall, and was presided over by the Rev. Elvet Lewis. The governors of the court of University College, Aberystwyth, were delighted with the accommodation provided in the Llanelly Town Hall for the half-yearly meeting held there on Friday last. One of the members said that excepting the college library, it was the finest room in which the governors had ever met. The Powers have called for reinforcements to assist in the occupation of Canea, and the additional British force will be recruited from the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, now stationed at Malta. Our readers will be interested to learn that among the Fusiliers at Malta is Sergt. Nicholl, brother of Mr. D. W. Nicholl, Llanelly. A public meeting was held the other day at Pontyeates to consider the need of light railways in the district. Several speakers declaimed on the fact that under existing conditions they could get by rail from thier district by a goods' line only, and they had-to travel as "parcels." Mr. J. L. Bowen, local agent of the Castle Line has beard from Mr. John Rees, late of Llanelly, who joined the Cape Mounted Police last year. Young Rees is now on duty about a 100 miles from Buluwayo. He was on duty not long since in hunting up some native assassins who had murdered a few defenceless white women. A sad accident occurred at Dafeu on Monday. A lad, James Ryan, aged 13 years, playing about a rail- way aiding with some friends, proceeded to hide between two statiooary trucks. Shunting operations were meanwhile, unbeknown to him. carried on and he was jammed to death by the colliding buffers. Death was instantaneous. An inquest was held on Wednes- day. Success to our choral society. On Monday they will compete at the Tonypandy Eisteddfod, and a special train will leave at 9.40. Friends of the society should, therefore, avail themselves ef the opportunity. A public rehearsal will be held ou Friday (to-morrow) evening at the Market Hall, when the competitive choruses will be rendered. We are asked to state that the final rehearsal on Sunday evening will be strictly private. Preaching the annual sermon to the Monmouthshire Congregational Union at Newport, the Rev. J. Jones Vaughan, of Monmouth, said that ministers were called shepherds and pastors, but a, better metaphor would be lion tamers, for while they stood in the pulpit they trembled, kaowisg that around them were savage beasts, ready to spring upon them and rend asunder what they ta.ught. It was the greatest miracle in the world to keep a congregation together; they were so easily offended. The Congregational Church of Liandilo, of which the Rev. W. Davies is pastor, is establishing a high reputation for the munificence of its members. The church stands in the centre of an agricultural district, where the depression is keenly felt by all classes, and yet we find that in four successi ve Sundays, the church at Llandilo collected 100 guineas towards the new Llanebia Cbapel, X,10 for the Penrhyn quarrymen, L,10 for local purposes, and 100 guineas for the London- Missionary Society! This is April Fool's Day.