The Pembroke County Guardian and Cardigan Reporter

-> Wo do not hold oavaalvee svspoueibls for the opiniona expressed by eorrerpocdente in thic column. Whore letters signed by a com de plume. the aame and addrasa of the sender mun b3 furnished, not fcr publication, but as a guarantee of good faith. Unless this rule is complied with. leftere cannot be* accepted Correspondents are requested io write CD one I side of the paper only.

fet. Ma»tin's Chinch Iheoiogy. To the Editor of the Pembroke County Guardian." Sir,—I have been thinking over the doctrine complained of as taught in St. Martin's Church, Haverfordwest, and though in our chapel we do not actually pray for the dead, still we line to think of our dead, and talk of our dead. and we believe our dead are not really dead. We would be very much shocked if our minister told us that their souls were as dead as their bodies. We dont think that. We think they" witness our warfare here. We look forward to joining them again, and continuing the comradeship interrupted by death here. Charles Wesley's hymn "Let saints on earth in concert sing is invariably selected by cur minister for funeral services; and the hymn of our childhood, Here we suffer grief and pain," I have heard him repeat at many a sick bed. At our society meetings he tells us what Dr. Salmond, and Dr. R. H. Charles, and others, think of prayer for the dead; and he hints that even deacons do not study the be- liefs of people who lived before the Hebrews, and therefore are not in a position to give an opinion on what they (in their conceit) feel so certain about. He says the religious ideas in the Bible are coloured by the religious ideas of the Sumerians and Samites; but I only read Barnes. Matthew Henry's' Commentaries, and Ysboniad Ysgol Sabbothol," and they had never heard of the Sumerians. Our minister is a great reader. Then again we don't go to Confession; but we recount our experience (profiad) in the Society, and that is really making a confession of your trials and temp- tations, and our minister encourages young members especially to do this, and he assures them of forgiveness. They do not do more than this at St. Martin's, and if the vicar in- vited his members to give their profiad (ex- perience) in the Society and refrained from using the word confession," which to the ignorant sounds papist, it would not shock anyone. When he contrasts Canon Betohing's definition of the Holy Sacrament with what a writer in the Sign says, he should admit that though Dr. R. J. Campbell, of the City Temple, approaches very near to Pantheism and Agnosticism in many of his views, the Free Church Council—his bishop I presume— does not stop it forthwith." I am leniently disposed towards the worshippers at St. Martin's, and the vicar only carries out the wishes of his congregation. I take a great interst in the 9 articles of the Church of Eng- land. They are sound, and require study, and our Cyffes Ffydd," i.e., the Calvinistic Methodist Confession of Faith, is based upon the 39 articles. We are all "advancing." In some of our chapels we chant canticles and psalms, and even use a Litany, and the audible recitation of the Lord's Prayer by the whole congregation is what we dearly love. Old deacons used to think that an harmonium in chapel was copying Rome, and called it "offerin y diafol." But we are getting more enlightened, and I hope more tolerant. It is 1 great calamity to be uncharitable and igno- rant ag well. DEACON JOHN.

Educational Neglect in Pembrokeshire. To the Editor of the Pembroke County Guardian." Dear Sir,—It is now a generally acknowledged fact that there has been very considerable extravagance in the administration of the Edu- cation Acts in Pembrokeshire, with very un. satisfactory results, and* still Mr. Brewer lately boasted that thousands of pounds less had been drawn upon the rate in Pembrokeshire than in Cardiganshire. He said also, We can show the lowest rate, with the exception of two counties, in the whole of Wrales." In another part of the report Mr. Griffiths, the vice-chairman, contends that Mr. Rees had definitely indicated some places where they were extravagant, viz., in administering the Act. Cardiganshire Education Committee cannot be said to have treated their teachers and schools generously, therefore with Mr. Rees's statement of extravagance in administration on he one hand, and Mr. Brewer's contention of economy of rates on the other hand, tho schools in Pembrokeshire must have suffered, and must have been neglected. Little wonder the attendance in Pembrokeshire is the lowest in Wales. To make the schools more attrac- tive they must be well staffed and equipped. Moreover, great is the pity that the members of the Education Committee do not endeavour to footer a better feeling between themselves and the teachers. Greater h'¿J:1y would mean greater efficiency.—I am, etc.. A WELL-WISHER.

The Presentation to Mr. T. Morgan. To the Editor of the Pembroke County Guardian." Sir,—It was not possible for a very large number of the subscribers to my testimonial to be in attendance at the presentation on Wednesday, the 16th inst. With your kind per- mission, sir, I would, therefore, now express my heart-felt thanks to all those who contri- buted to the handsome testimonial with which IT was then presented. I thank, alike, those in our own country and neighbourhood, as well as these beyond the sees, for their kind- ness and generosity. It is most gratifying to me to be remembered by those whose friendship and good will I esteem, as well as by the old boys" of the school, nearly 3,000 of whom have been under my care. This consciousness of good feeling that exists will always be remembered by me, and be a source of satisfaction and delight. Thanking you for the insertion of this letter i'l vovr next issue.—I remain; yours faith. fuIl; T. MORGAN.

The Royal Christmas. The King and Qneeil and other members1 Oi the Royal family spent Christmas at Sandrmg- hani i* their usual homely manner. Their Majesties had with them the Prince and Princess of Wales and their six children, Princess Victoria, and a small party of guests. which included Prince Arthur of Connaught, the Marquis de Several, and Sir Maurice Holr.mann. Their Majesties received gifts and grefetings. The weather, though dull and cold, was bracing, and their Majesties ap- peared in excellent health when they drove out to the morning service at Sandringham Church. The church, like the Royal mansion. had been beautifully decorated. There was a family dinner party in the evening.

SOCIALISTIC IBKAli, The aim of the present writer is to endeavour to chain some of the fleeting thoughts which come and go, and which when thought of as having visited us, and the cold reception S0, often given to them, we long to be the reel- pienta of a return visit, to which we feel we would pay the homage due to these illustrious visitors. We' are willing to subordinate our- selves to many powers, but when we are visited by the greatest power known, that power in- carnated in the form of .deas, we scarcely give it a passing thought; and yet- this power has been the means of the uplift of humanity, There is no progress apart from ideas. This power has lifted the man of the senses, and cf the sensual into the man of the intellect, aJd of the spirit. Emerson has said: Hitch your waggon to a star, Ideas .say, Come up a little higher." Their language is only under- stood by those who fain would rise. Their greeting is felicitous to the man who is bent on rising, and though he falls m his attempt to do so, they are ever ready to inspire with new hope and courage to try axiin. These little messengers are ever faithful to their message. No matter what is our social status, our education, our wealth, we are all in need of progress. Fur often we think of the poor, a.; if they alone were in need of progress, but on close examination, this is all delusion; all have been weighed and found wanting. The aim then of the present writer is to hand on to the young people of our country a few ideas, which it is hoped will help to create a larger vista of the possibilities of human life. No seriously minded young person, who but must feel that there is something wrong some- where, and that something urgently needs being done. Vie must see that there is too j muen discord, too much suffering, too much struggling for the bare means of subsistence, and too much of intolerable living when there should be fellowship and love..We must all have felt at some time or other that we are not where we might be. These little visitants come to us very much like the comets when they appear m oar solar system; they come into our mental system and spend a little time there, and then they are off again. Sometimes they throw light over the w..ole range of human activity; at other times it is only when the m'nd is fully awake to their presence is re- cognised, for they are visitants of a far off world. Young men, hitch your lives to these little visitants of the new order, for they speak the language of progress and goodwill. They are the advance sentinels of the new age, and although they come to us from the wide universe, yet their language is the same. To them there is no respect of persons. To Tories and Liberals, Churchmen and Nonconformists, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, their cry is the same. Come up a little higher. To the Tories they speak of progress and reform, of human advancement and social brother- hood. Pull down your false ideas of national r grandeur, your temples of war, and your palaces of privilege. Your worship oi society and your loathing of the strata of labour. And to the Liberals they speak as plainly. Come cut of your half-way houses of com- promise, and half builded castles. Destroy your plasters and palliatives, for the sore is open, and must be dealt with by the drastic hand Away with your stupefying ether, which clouds, the eye and dulls the brain of the son of labour, disabling him from seeing the true remedy of reform. Don't think that you arc easing the kicks of the landlord by polishing his boots. To the Churchmen and Nonconfor- mists they speak of greater latitude and free- dom; of mutual co-operation and the burying of externals in the effort to establish princi- ples. To the rich they speak with emphasis. Come down from your little pedestals of rank and station. Your world is aitogether too limited and selfish. Your outlook is not wide enough, and your point of vantage is too low. Come down from your assumed platform oi superiority and learn of us, and we will teach you a better way, a way of life, of fulness of life. You have now reached the height of your ambition, and yet you are only just off the ground. The pedestals on which you stand are situate in caves, and the heaven which you see is only the roofs of the dingy caverns. You feast lavishly, and live idly. Your lives are a sham, and too often like whitod sepul- chres. You are wearing out an existence when you ought to be living. Your thoughts are cramped upon class, and blue blood, when it ought to be on humanity. Your highest re- creation is that of torture and brutality. You are satisfying your savage instincts upon the sufferings of the brute creation, wlici) you ought to be annihilating the ape and tiger in your natufe. Your tables are full of viands, and your cellars of wine, and you have not lifted your finger to make them so. But new these little visitants come to you and they tell you that you are only co-equal with God's other creatures, and your co-citizens have merits equal to yours, and instead of acknow- ledging this voluntarily you will be forced to do so. The day of the uplift of humanity has dawned, and you will be shamed out of your apathy and selfishness. But what have these little messengers to say to the poor. To those who are down under the burden of adverse circumstances, and who have never felt the thrill of a harvest of material blessings. For they sojourn in a pit where there is no sun- shine, save a gleam which will break through (no matter what obstacles are in the way) wherever man 1'5 found. Men are there of for- lorn hopes, of crushed and blighted ambitions; the children and the young people arc there who are so promising until the dark, drab, and prosiac and enervating environments of absolute want and privation overcome them, young men and maidens are there with the sires who have formed the life blood of our nation. Yea, our fathers are in bond- age. and our young men are growing up to be bond slaves. To these the little messengers speak with pity and with inspiration. It may be that they speak to these people through a reformer who has been inspired with their message, and he comes tand tells them of a life towards which they might strive, which will blossom forth on every side with all the charms which they will feel to be life-giving. He may inspire them to arise out of their sordid views, and enable them to realise in mind the possi- bility of reachng the land of freedom and pro- mise, and when he thinks that he is about to see his ideal realised, to* his sorrow lie finas that at least, lie has only aroused a nation of slaves, who at the first trial call for the flesh pots of Egypt. They know nothing of freedom, of independence, cf striving after striving, and battling with the foes which oppose progress. At the first sight of trouble they lose heart and the would-be reformer has to lead them back into the desert of discipline. This has been the history of the past, but it should not always be so. The people as a people can never go back to the former bondage, once they have been inspired by freedom. The wilderness is not an end, and it is only the means which will bring about a glorious fruition. The people must die as slaves, but the children shall live* as freeborn sons of the wilderness. The desert shall see the rebirth of a new nation, and the independence cf tne desert air shall nerve the desert child to victory. The coarse casket of Egypt shall break in the desert, but ths jewel shall shine in the land of freedom. The reformer will also die, but the ideas shah have found another medium. The dreamer shail gi ,-0 way to the man of action, and w ITave them speaking again, and \v;- he„r oi hie and happiness of homes, homis wherein men may dwell and live. They are apepaling to the young men to-day, and 127 are telling them to lift .up their ideals for the- end of things is not reached yet. Huraar.itv has no finality. Come up from the viiaerness ci discipline and trial, for there a. threat things in sto.e for you yet. i or bear your demoralising pandering 'to the possessors c: wealth, and rcccgnise the wealth of life in your brother. Come up and recognise taat trie highest end of man is not to labour. Labour is only a means, fulness of life is the goal, Li.f .s valuable not for what it owns, but it is,-and the satisfac- our wa-,its could easily be supplied if it were not for the exploitation of that whicu is produced by labour. Aye, and if it- was not fcr tne exploitation of human life itself. Lastly, our Ihtie visitors comc to us cad they tell us that we are created to live to brouse upon the wealth of the world which nature lavishes upon it. We hear men speak of this wilderness world, when everything in nature points to the untruthfulness of the statement. It is only a wilderness in the realm of human life, where greed and competition have taken the place of leva and co-operation, and it is only so long as the young men and women of our nation wills it, will it be so. Nature itself is calling us upward. Come up young men from under the lash of the taskmaster and the sweatee R3 up, and the world will re- sound with the songs ef your freedom.- The armies of the past, prophets, poets, and re- formers will sing hosannas, for have they not heralded the day of your coming. The voices of the caves of the dungeons of the wilderness call us to be true, for they have been m.ade sacred by human suffering.

CLY:l, ER NE;J A R I Ll L T!j SHOW. The 24th annual exhibition in connection with the Clynderwen Agricultural Society was held on Tuesday, the 22nd December. Favoured with excellent weather the gathering was well attended, aid those present were able to v-o ness some good competition. The introducih a of a shoeing competition added to the interest of the show. This form of competition has not taken place at Clynderwen for many ycais. The judge, Mr. Isaacs, Carmarthen, remarked that the competitors turned out some of the best workmanship in England. He regretted that the, competition was not conlincd to a certain district, and suggested that in future j this should be done. A competition for hunters over country (banks and flies) was an innova- tion of the President, idr. Protheroc/.Beyuon. and gave general satisfaction. The horse parade and the jumping were, as usual, great attractions. Certain classes caused a little dis- appointment-, but, on the whole, the show may be considered a success. the sum of £ 21 was? taken at the gate. Too much cannot be said in praise of the work of the secretary, Mr. 11. -Morris, chemist, who, both before and on the day of the show did a' in his power to make it a success. The other officials of the day were oourteous and obliging, and gave every assitance when required. The officials were: President: Mr. G. Protheroe-Beynon. Trewern; vice-presidents: Major Broinneld, D.S.O., Tog. fynydd; Mr. D. G. Prutheroe, Dolwilym; ?a r. A. Boyle, Clynderwen House. Treasurer: Mr./ J. James, Dyffryn. Judges: Fat stock, sheep, cattle, and roots: Mr. Mathias, Kingston; Mr. G. Morris. Rose Cottage, Miiford; dairy pro- duce: Miss Davies, The Creamers, Lampeter; poultry: Mr. H. Rees, Springfield, Haverford- west; garden produce: Mr. L. Jensen. Lydstep Haven; shoeing: Mr. Isaacs, Carmarthen; cart horses: Mr. Griffiths, Castlecenlas, Letterston; Mr. Harries, Garreg, Kidwelly; hunters, cobs, and ponies: Mr. D. G. Anthony, Gardde, Kid- welly; Mr. H. M. llarrise, Nine Wells, Soha; eggs, honey, bread, and pudding: Mrs. Protheroe-Beynon, Trewern; Miss Protheroe. Dolwilym; dead poultry: Mrs. Evans, Blethers- ton Mrs. James, Dyffryn. Stewards FatStoek Messrs. J. Howells, Penpark, and W. H. Thomas, Tyhen; live poultry: Messrs. G. Gib- bon, Trewynt, and P. James, Pwllquarre; roots and garden produce: Messrs. J. James, GiL vachwen, and J. Thomas, Llwyndyrws; dairy produce: Messrs. D. Thomas, The Dairies, and Edward James, Dyffryn; cattle and sheep: Messrs. W. James, Longford, and J. M. Evans, Bletherston; carters: Messrs. H. James, Ffynon- brodyr, and G. Leonard, Clynderwen; shooing: Mr. Richard Narbett; hunters, cobs, and ponies: Messrs. G. Protheroe-Bevnon, A. BoyI J. Gibbon, Vaynor, H. Lewis, Cilaufach, J. James, Dyffryn. Officers Time keeper: Mr. G. Gibbon, Penlan; field committee: Messrs. J. Howells, Penpark; J. James, Dyffryn; and J. Williams, Llandre: veterinarv surgeon: Mr. T. Williams, M.R.C.V.S., Whitland. FAT STOCK. Fat Pig (open to farmers only)—1 and* 2, L James, Pwllyrarian; r, J. George, butcher. Fat Pig (open to cottagers not keeping a cow)— 1 and 2, J. Thomas, Glasfryn; r, Mrs- Jenkins, Narberth Arms. LIVE POULTRY. Cock or Cockerel, Dorking—1, J. Morris and Son, Lanhwnt. Hen or Pullet, ditto—1 and 2, G. Gibbon, Trewynt; vhc J. Morris and Son, Lanhwnt. Cack or Cockerel, Plymouth Rock—1, W. Hinds, Narberth; 2, G. James, Millbrook; vhc, J. Bushell, Walton East; he, T. Harries, Clar- beston Road; he, G. Gibbon, Trewynt. Hen or Pullet ditto—1, W. Hinds, Narberth; 2. G. James, Millbrook Lodge; vhc, G. Gibbon, Trewynt; vhc, T. Harries, Clarbeston Road; he, J. Evans, Redstone. Cockerel, any pure breed hatched in 1907— 1, D. Edwards, Brynderwen; 2, W. Hinds, Nar- berth; vhc, A. Thomas, Coach and Horses; vhc, T. Hay, Pembroke; he, Jones and Thomas, Crymmych. Pullet, ditto—1, G. Gibbon, Trewynt; 2, J. Bushell, Walton East; vhc, T. Hay, Pembroke; he, W Hinds, Narberth; he, Jones and Thomas, Crymmych. Cock or Cockerel Leghorn, any colour—1, Jones. and Thomas, Crymmych; 2 and lie, A. Thomas, Coach and Horses; vhc, J. Evans, Redstone. Hen or Pullett, ditto 1, J. Evans, Redstone. Cock or Cockerel, Wyandotte, any colour— 1 and c, T. Harries, Clarbeston Road; 2, J. Morris and Son, Lanhwnt; vhc, J. LI. Bushell, Walton East; he, J. George, Butcher. Hen or Pullett, ditto—1, J. Edwards, Bankv- fclin; 2, T. Harries, Clarbeston Hoad; vhc, J. Morris and Son, Lanhwnt. Cock or Cockerel, Indian Game—1, W. Haver- son, Whitland; 2, Jones and Thomas, Crym- mych; vhc, J. Morris and Son, Lanhwnt; he, W. James, Longford; c, J. LI. Bushell, Walton East. Hen or Pullet ditto—1, W. Haverson, land; 2, vhc, and c, Jones and Thomas, Crym- mych; he, J. Morris and Son, Lanhwnt. Cock or Cockerel, Buff Orpington—1, J. Aston, Mill Inn; 2, J. Griffiths, Plasybrodvr. Hen or Pullett, ditto—1, G. James. Mill- brook; 2, D, Edwards, Brynderwen; vhc, W. James, Langford. Cock or Cockerel, any pure breed-1, J. Lewis, Narberth; 2, T. Harries, Clarbeston Road., Hen or Pullet, ditto-I. T. Owen. Woodfield Cottage; 2, T. Harries, Clarbeston Road. Pair of Pure-bred, Cock and Iten-I, G. Gibbon, Trewynt; 2, J. Morris and Son, Lan- hwnt. Drake and Duck, Rouen—1 and 2, J. LI. Bushell.. Walton East. POULTRY-DEAD AND TRUSSED. Fat Goose—1, H. James, Fxynonbrodyr; 2, B. Davies, Llwyngwydd; 3, Mrs. Gibbon, Vaynor. Pair of Fat Ducks—1, Mrs. Hancock, Robles- ton; 2, J. LI. Bushell, Walton East; 3, Mrs. Merriman, Cilrath. Poir of Fat Fowls—1, Mrs. James, Longford; 2, G. Williams, Llandissilio; 3, Mrs. Gibbon, Vaynor. Fat Turkey-I, Mrs. Lloyd, Pendcrry; 2, Mrs. Howells, Penpark; 3, Mrs. Lewis, Milton. DAIRY PRODUCE. Pot or Firkin of Butter, not less than 151 bs.— 1, Mrs. Howells, Penpark; 2, Mrs. James, Long- ford; 3, Mrs. Hughes, Vron. 31bs. of Butter, plain rolls of 16ozs. each, not ribbed—1, Mrs. Howells, Penpark; 2, Mrs. Phillips, Rhosgoch; 3, Mrs. John, Portispark. Welsh Cheese (one cheese not less than 281bs.)—1, Mrs. Lewis, Milton: 2, Mrs. Brown, Coynant; 3, Mrs. Howells, Penpark. 31bs. of Butter, plain rolls of 16ozs. each, coloured with "Oleo" Butter Colouring—1, Mrs. Howells, Penpark; 2. Mrs. Phillips, Rhos- goch; 3, Mrs. Lewis, Milton. EGS, HONEY, &c. Basket of 6 Egs, White 1, J. Phillips, Weary Team; 2, Miss Edwards, Brynderwen; 3, Miss Edwards, Manchester House. Basket of 6 Eggs, Brotfn—1, Mrs. Merriman, Cilrath; 2, Miss M. Edwards, Brynderwen; 3, Miss James, Cilvachwen. 1 lb. Jar of Liquid Honey—1. D. Lewis, Gleii- view House; 2, J. Phillips, Weary Team; 3, M. Sheen, Llandissilio. lIb, Jar of Granulated Honey—1, D. Lew s, Glcnvicw; 2, T. Evans. Llandissilio. Loaf of White Bread—1, Miss A. Whec.'er. The Rectory; 2. Mrs. Howell, Penpark; 3, Miss James, Gilvach-,ven. Six Oatmeal Cakes (Baia Ccireh)—1, Mrs Jenkins, Llandissilio; 2, Mrs. John Vronhaul. Plum Pdding-I, Mi;; A. Wheeler, Login: 3, Mrs. Jones h. PwQOTS. Twelve Yellow Mangoids—1, H Lev,as, lem. pleton Farm; J 2, H. Lewis, Templeton; r, J Gibbon, Vaynor. Twelve Ewedes-7, J. Williams, RuN-n: 2. W. Williams, Clynderwen Farm; •< D. Davies, Blaenpistill. GARDEN PRDU'iE Twelve Round White P0ta.t )c- -1. W ITatnesr I 2, W. Thomas, Llanddcui; 3, G. Pro:l:er."i: Beynan, Trewcrn. Twelve White Kidney Potatoes—1. J. Eynon, Narberth; 2, Mrs. Eynon. Narberth: i, W. Thomas, iiftnddewi; r. W. James, i onghuvl. Twelve Coloured Kidney Potatoes 3, T. Sheen, Narberth. Six Potato Onions—1, G. Bcvan, Penycwm P.O.; 3, T. Phillips, Cilla 1;1I:J;} Grov-. Six Seed unions—1, W. Thomas, Llanddewn; 2, T. Jones, Tenby; 3, J. Thomas, Llanddewl. Six Leeks—1, W. Thomas, Handdewi: 2, G. Protheroe-Beynon, Trewern; 3, Mrs. Eynon. Narberth; r, J. Eynon, Narberth. Six Red Carrots—1, G. Protheroe-Beynon, Trewern; 2, J. Griffiths, Trewern; 3, T. Phillips, Cinnamon Grov. Six Parsnips—1. W. Thomas, Llanddewi. Six, Apples, Cooking—1, J. M. Evans, Blether- ston 2, W. Thomas, Llenddewi. Six Apples, Eating-I and 2, W. Thomas, Llanddewi; 3, G. Bevan, Penycwm P.O. Six Bec-troot-1, T. Eynon, Henllan Lodge; 2, G. Protheroe-Beynon, Trewern; 3, W. Thomas, Llenddewi.

me îO | The Lancet says :— j | VAN HOUTEN'S j | COCOA | 11 yields a maximum pro- I | portion of valuable I 1i food constituents | and what is of more I importance still, these 1 are presented in a I condition more easy 1 of digestion and I assimilation." | BEST & GOES FARTHEST. >o8Q.V. J

-f., p C i-I R iN LONDON. A biting easter: oIl Christmas day serv-t to remind .miners that the weather was some-, hat in mg with the jubilee fes- tivaL lucre wajni.■ ray of sunshine, and seemed that ill .« Umcsc; of things there me. oeen a sudd.: 'transformation in their climatic ^conditions > make them more fully m accord Widi the .riod of the calendar. On vnr.-auas Day therare no special attractions m j/onclon. i: hos^ersens who are in tl^ are, hurrying gome family circle in the course of theirraveb across the Metro- P" \'x "l0 miv.ng -rcise before returning to their nomcs to 0.103 of ereaturo comforts. he nand ox St. Ja?|s Palace, it is strange to relate, does not pro the great draw it did in m:cl and late Victoh days, and winch manv notable artists ho ih-picted. In those days a heavy rainfall, o;Vv.:i inches of snow would not deter thousandomig to the Parade. Yes- cio.y ,ne Gren.m: ^uurds band discoursed popular airs, bht oi Sally in our alley" and such like did not em to brighten the souls- of the small gatiing of persona standing- around. It would un that this fixture, which serves as a delight; those in past years, fails to be appreciated the present generation. At must of the f'avm-s services were held, as also at the p»o!pui chapels. In recent years Nonconforms have adopted the Christ- mas festival for nreh purpose, and at al- most every disse-ng place of worship the' church's mornmgerviee is a function of the- greatest possible 'portance. GIFTS FROM h.L. KING AND ROYAL FAMILY. The hospitals uhe Metropolis received front the King and aeen and the Prince and Princess of WJS many presents of game, sweets,, and toysA gift of pheasants from the King provided i the least appreciated item in the menu of o Christinas dinner at Dread- nought HospitaJjreenwich. Another hospital favoured by th/eceipt of Royal gifts was St. Mary's, Padding.

ON LLANHOWL PARISH CHURCH, SOLVA. PROlSED RESTORATION. The Parish lurch of Llanhowel is of great historic mtere Arehicologists unanimously agree that it ars definite marks of tho 12th century, but j>bnhly it dates back to a much earlier periodJt is situated 1.il. a remote part cf I'embrokeire, the nearest town being I Haverfordweswhich is 14 miles distant. The population oitle parish is about 120. Tilo in- habitants an Jor, and are engaged entirely in I agriculture. Mr. Collier)* Carmarthen, the architect en- gaged on thehurch, says in his report :This Church is ahost interesting one, of a very early date. lere have, of course, been many additions an alterations from time to time, but generalise Church as it now stands is without a lubt of Norman work." Of the state of th{building lie reports:—"The roof is in a very ad, and even in places, dangerous i state. The in has gone in through the brokep I slates, and e woodwork has, in consequence, perished inlaces, especially in the Chancel." I From thi.rchitee:t's report it may been seen I in what a mientable stato the old Church is. The estinui cost of repairs is £ 210. This- sum does not Pk very large on paper, but it is really a fdnidable sum for such a small and poor paristo collect. Towards this sum there are z270 in-iand, being P,52 made by a bazaar, and LIS cdec-ted from house to house. With this efturt-he resources inside the parish have been exhaled, and now a most earnest appeal for help j made to friends outside the parish. Without feir assistance, the restoration which is so gyelly needed, must be indefinitely de- layed. N4tli the start already made by the parishiortfs, and the hoped-for generosity of good peode outside the parisn, the Vicar sin- cerely Ilpes to be in a position to start the work in bes pring of next year. Contributions, however small, will be most thankfuly received and acknowledged by the followin{:—Rev. Hugh Evans, Llanhowel Vicar- age, Sova, R.S.O., Pern.; Mr. John Reynolds, Treglenais, Croesgoch, Letterston, Church- warden", or the amount may be sent to Lloyd's Bank, St David's, Pern., made payable to the Llanhowcll Restoration Fund. The vork is highly commended by the Very Rev. Dean of St. David's, who writes:—"The Chiirco. of Llanhowell is in great nced of sub- stantial repair, and the Vicar deserves hearty -ipp)rt in his efforts to make the building fit and decent for the worship of Almighty God. I warhly commend this most necessary work."

THE LEADING TALKINC MACHINE House in WEST WALES. Large stoc of all the best and latest Wakes in DISC CYLINDER & RECORDS. Aecf»ssori<"i of :111 kinds. Grajaaphoi1^ alld Phonograph repairs of any description e-Ict cuted on the premises. County orders attended to imrÚediate1y. CATALOGUES POST FREE. CKM2BRI7SN PHONO. CO., 13. ALEXANDRA ARCAPS- SWANSEA- 4ial5. Success OF NOBEL'S AMMUNITION 'IN SOUTH. WALES. AUGUST. Clay Bird Shooting Competition, at LlnoTth, Cardiganshire. First Prize won with EMPIRE SMOKELESS." EMPIRE SMOKELESS." Clay Bird Shooting Competition at Cn.!1Œüych Arms. First Prize won with EMPIRE SMOKELESS." Clay Bird Shooting Competition, at Gorsgach, near Llanyl..)-tlier. First, second, and third Prize won with EMPIRE SMOKELESS." NOBEL'S AMMUNITION, Unequalled for Reg'dwiti/ and KpHabilUy, Can bp, obtain-'d from all- Gunnmkers, (Jnd Ammun'ton ■ dealers. NOBEL'S EXPLOSIVES CO., LTD. Kingsway House, Kingsway, London,'We J0-.

| WISitEis a LAST. Tiirribl1; Storms. } The snow Inch we bud i-ceii promised over the Christmas holiday* arrived early on Sun- day it ornmg, arc. el i.e people were about i3 £ ;•' und was cevcivd to a depth of a couple f o: ir.ehes, cspcc'-ihy m hilly districts. There was a very o in Bridgend md in the neighbouring 'li"I; valleys of ILd- CUmorgan. The hiihs Maesteg, Ponty- cymniev, and Og'.non- \vere covered with roveral inches of E\.t\. 11\ There was also a h"sivy fall in Merthyr and disfrie!, and the oo<h:j hills are th:ck!y vered. rhe first f,11.}1\ of ;>u- whiter in Rhc:c(: Valley presented a ;o>u-r- s:rje sight. There was a con.?dv?r:jbto fall at Porthetr.' 1. The syren at the Nash blasts at frequent intervals throughout ;ho <hy. In the Port Talbot the weather was bitterly cold, and snov. for some hours, but little remained in tiie towns. The moun- tains in the Avon district, however, are all covered with snow. In the \vestern Valley~ of Monmouthshire tne average depth of ,,i,,v, was three inches. On the hills in the Aberdare neighbourhood snow fell to a depth of a foot. In the Peak district the ground was covered to a depth of several iociaes, and snow, ac- companied by lightnine. continued to fail throughout the day. Many of the country i,, ,H, \1" were rendered impass:tb!« owing to heavy snowdrifts created by a •••'r<,ng east wind. "No fell in London doing the night, hut during the there w-t« a considerable fall. A oceiitred in Yves, ..Somerset, and attained a considerable dentil in the valleys and a goo.j depth on the hiiis. Reports coming to hand from all parts cf The country bear testiio..Uy to the exceptional severity of the blizzard which commenced in the United Kingdom on Sunday, and in many parts still shows no sign of moderating. No districts apepar to have escaped the visha. tion., which, by many correspondents, is pared in its extent and effects with the memor- able blizzard of March, 1891. As was then the case, many towns have been completely isolated owing to the dislocation of the railway service, and in the present instance, exceptional incon- venience has been caused by the interruption cf traffic following so closely on the Christmas j holidays. Fortunately, the fatalities due to the storm are few in number, and although several casualities have been reported at sea, where the storm his been severely felt, they are also happily unattended with loss of life. In London snow fell without intermission from an early hour on Tuesday morning and, after ceasing for a short time in the early evening, there was a renewed fall at night. Suburban traffic was completely disorganised, railway and tramway companies finding it quite impossible to run to schedule time. As, however, is usually the sase, the effects of the sT/oinn was not felt so severely in the Metropolis as in the provinces, reports from the North being especially serious. THE SCENE AT CARDIFF. Cardiff and district were vited on Monday night by one of the severest snowstorms ex- perienced for some years. Commencing at about 10 o'clock, the storm continued unabated throughout the night. Traffic generally was delated. trains being late from all directions, and the tramway service made a very late start. In the country districts the drifts arc very decp-in some places between 3ft. and 4ft. The minimum temperature registered at Koath Park between 9 o clock on Monday morn- ing and 9 o'clock on Tuesday morning was 24.8deg., or 7.2 degrees of frost. At 9.30 the temperature had risen to 29deg.. or 3 degrees of frost. Between 700 and 800 men were at work on the streets. About 160 of these are of the un- employed, and all those in the scavenging and public works department are engaged. Snow ploughs were out at an early hour to clear the p.ncipal tram lines, and several of the cars were also fitted with ploughs, and kept the track clear. The salt and grave] mix- ture made the road between ilte lines tlio only part where anything like a thar: was noticeable, a.ncl drivers of vehicles hailed the cleared track with joy. for the rest of the roadway was, if not impassable, at any rate very hard going. Reports come from all directions to show that the conditions prevailing in and around Cardiff were also those in other districts, and the effect was to stop outdoor work 01 all kinds in every direction. t Work at the Cardiff, Barr", and Perurth docEs was almost completely at a standstill, so far as the loading and discharging of cirgoes was concerned, owing to the s/iow storm,• The coal tips, almost without oxee/tion, were in a work- able condition, but the eavy snovfall on the sidings- made it very difficult, nd in many cases impossible, to mcVfi the laden <vagons down to the tips. In consequence, except in urgent cases, work was suspended'for the day, and attention was chieiy given to preparing things for a re-start as soon as possible.. Shipping movements during the snowstorm were exceedingly difficult, the blinding snow causing captains to rctllain at anchor rather than risk damage through collision or other circumstances. Holiday-makers returning to work were de- layed, and business houses had this additional inconvenience to combat. But those who de- pended on outdoor employment will have to bear the greatest burden, and it is feared that, unless there is an immediate break-up in the hard weather conditions', the prevailing distress will be very considerably accentuated. TERRIBLE WEATHER IN SCOTLAXD. TRAINS SNOWED CPo Reports from all quarters reaching Glasgow on Tuesday night show that the snowstorm is the worst experienced for years. Snow lies 30 inches deep in various districts, and trains and tramcars are in many cases embedded. The Irish mail was snow bilked, and 110 train service exists further north than Mon- trose. Many towns and villages must remain isolated for days even if the sr.cw ceases. A Berwick correspondent telegraphs that in consequence of the East Coast route being so badly disorganised in the North, the Edin- burgh and London Expresses will all travel by the western route. The seven o'clock slow- train from Berwick to Edinburgh could get no further than 16 miles from the town, and the passengers were brought oa.-K to Berwick, having taken nine hours to do 30 miles. The first train from Dundee to Arbroath ar- rived at Arbroath at six o'clock, being 12 hours late. Several snow-ploughs ar? now embedded on the Lne, blocking the permanent way for all traffic. A Stonehaven correspondent t;-legraphg that the two Loudou-bound train s now bound out- side Stonehaven in the early hours of Tuesday morning were still embedded a late Itour in the aftcvnooi1. Surfacemen were acting as food carriers to the passenger, V::1O teiusecj to leave the carriages. Funerals are being delayed, especially :11 the country districts, while marri-ges fixed for the present season will probably n ive to be post- poned. At noon on Tuesday Aberdeen was entirely isolated. The tramear servicswas stopped, end telegraph and telephone communication greatly injured. The blizzard is the severest -experi- enced in the district for m:1r. v years.. Local reports will be h nnd in another column. PiTY THE BILL'S. To the Editor. Sir,— >Iay I once again sol: y-ur -mialny ind co-operation on behalf on out ;C;ifhered friend; the hinb? Scraps of every description fr-m the kiU-hcn, especially meat' bones, are most acceptable, and a vessel of water is quite a boon—birds suffer greatly from lack of water. A cocoanut cut in and suspended by means of a string will attract tits, and pr-r vide a splendid food during the winter weather. Suet may also be hung ill the same iiiannc.,r.-T-- am, etc., L. M. CARE. Hon. Sec.. Royal Society fcr the Protection of Birds.

Miss Weston and the Saiiora. THE KING'S APPRECIATION. Miss Weston has received the following grac- ious letter from His Majesty the King:— Sandringham. December 23, 1908. Dear Madam,—I write by command of the King, to send you His Majesty's best thanks for your letter, and for the Report and copy of your book, which accompanied it. The King further commands me to say that nobody is better aware of, or more thoroughly appreciates, the great work you have done for the British Sailors, and for their wives and children also, than His Majesty is, and he thanks you sincerely for the same. I am. by the King's command, sending you a signed photograph of His Majesty, which he wishes you to accept as a small token of his gratitude to you for your noble services. I am to add at the same time. His Majesty's fervent hope that you may yet be long spared to your country, to carry out the great work to hich you have given so many years of your li/e. I remain, dear madam, Yours faithfully, D. M. PROBYN, General. Keeper of His Majesty's Privy Purse,

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Twelve Shallots—1, W. Thomas, Llanddewi; 2, T. Morris, Bryncelyn; 3, G. Protlieroe- Ceynon, Trewern. SHEEP. Yearling Ram—1, J. Thomas, Penrallt; 2, Hughes Bros., Ffynoniago. Lamb Ram— 1 and 2, Hughes Bros., Ffynon- iago. Ram, two years old and over- 1 and 2 (divided) C. Driscoll, Whitland, and H. James, Pcntgafel. Pair of Ewe Lambs—1, J. Thomas, Penrallt; 2. Hughes Bros., Ffynoniago. Pair of Yearling Ewes—1, J. Thomas, Pen- rallt; 2. C. Driscol, Whitland. Pair of Aged Ewes—1, C. Driscoll; 2, J. lioiias. CATTLE. Heifer cf the Black breed, not exceeding three years-2, J. Thomas, butcher. Bull of Black breed, under 15 months—1, Hughes Bros., Ffynoniago; 2, E. Hughes, Castelgarw; 3, J. M. Evans, Bletherston. Cow of the Castlemartin breed, in milk, or to calve within three months from the date of show—1, H. James, Pontygafcl. Cow, of any breed excpt Black, in milk, or to calve within three months from date of .:how—1, W. Evans, Sodstone; 2, G. Protherco- Beynon, Trewern. CART HORSES. Mare for agricultural purposes, that has pro- duced a foal, or shall produce a foal next season, the property of a bona-fide tenant far- mer, or a farmer who owns his land, and whose bnly livelihood is obtained by farming the same-l, J. Thomas, Penrallt; 2, J. Williams. Maesydderwen. Suckling Cart Colt or Filly—1 and 2, J. H. Thomas, Great Hill. Yearling Cart Colt or Filly-I, D. Howe!is, Glandy Cross; 2, J. Davies, Penrhyw. Two-year-old Cart Colt or Filly-1, J. H. Thomas, Great Hill; 2, J. Hancock, Roblestone. Three, Four or Five-year-old Cart Mare or Gelding—1 and 2, J. Phillips, Caerlleon. Team of Agricultural Horses, to be shown in Calt-I. J. Phillips, Caerlleon: 2, J. H. Thomas. Great Hill. SHOEING. Shod Hunter—1, H. Morgan, Cwmpen; 2. W. Morgan, Cwmpen; 3, T. Evans, Wolfscastle. Shod Cart Horse—1, H. Morgan, Cwmpen; 2, W. Morgan, Cwmpen; 3, W. Harries, Whit- land. HUNTERS, COBS, AND PONIES. Welsh Mountain Pony, 12.2 or under, to be driven in Show yard—1, D. Davies, Blaen- pistill; 2, H. Rees, Springfield. Hackney, 2 yearsa nd under—1, H. Rees, Springfield; 2, S. Thomas, Pantdwfn. Hackney Brood Mare—1, D. Davies, Blaen- pistill; 2, W. Jones, Corner. Cob, over 13.2, and under 14.2, adapted to harness, to be driven in the Show Yard, speed and action to be taken into consideration—1, J. Evans, Pelcomb Hill; 2, J. Thomas, Pen- rallt. Pony 13.2, or under, adapted to harness, to be driven in the Show Yard—1, D. Davies, Maengwyn; 2, W. Williams, Clynderwen Farm; r, D. Davies, Blaenpistill. Highest Jumper over a naked gate and block wall—1, H. B. Gwyther, Mariner's Hotel; 2, F. 1 Howell, Treweilwell. Cob or Pony, 15 hands or under. adapted to harness, to be driven in the Show Yard, open only to Cobs or Ponies that have not pre- viously won a first or second prize at this or any other show—1, B. Evans, Cidigili; 2, D. Davies, Blaenpistill. Three-year-old Hunter, to be led in the Show Yard-1, Mrs. Protheroe, Whitland; 2, C. Howel, Treweilwell. Pony 13.2 or under, adapted to harness, to be driven in the Show Yard, open only tu Ponie3, that have not previously won a first or second prize at this or any other shoiv-1, D. Davies, Blaenpistill. Hunter, Mare, or Gelding, four years old and upwards, to be jumped over banks and flics- 1, Evans, Haverfordwest; 2, LI. Gibbon, Vaynor; r, Mr. Phelps, Oresselly. Hack, 15 hands or under, to be ridden in Show Yard-1, F. Howell, Trewelhvhl; 2, A. Jenkins. Greenwell Park. Jumper, over banks and flies, open only to Horses that. ha' e not won a first priz3 at pre- vious Jumping Competitions—1, A. Jenkins, Greenwell Park; 2, G. Jenkins, Lower Ray- thog. Jumper, any age, over banks and flies, time to be taken into consideration by the Judges- 1 (divided) G. Jenkins, Lower Haythog. and A. Jenkins, Greenwell Park; 2, H. B. GwYtlle-r, Mariner's Hot:?!. Haverfordwest. Mare or Gelding, of any height, adapted to harness, to be driven in Show Yard by a. lady 1, S. Thomas, Pantdwfn; 2. D. Dil vies, Blaenpistill. Performance. over a country (banks, flies,, etc.), open to Hunters who have been hunted in the three counties—1, Mr. Phelps, Creselly; 2. G. Jenkins, Lower Haythog; 3, Evans, Haver- fordwest.