The Welshman

IN some remarks made on the subject of com- mercial education last week, we referred to the examinationp held and the certificates given to successful candidates by the London Chamber of Commerce, showing at the same time that these certificates had great value from the fact that they enabled their holders to obtain situations in good mercantile concerns. For the sake of boys-and girls, too-who think of competing, or parents who think of having young people prepared for the examinations, we should like to go at some length into the variety and extent of the subjects required but to do this to any good purpose would take us too far afield, and, besides, anyone who requires a copy of the syllabus can easily obtain it from the Secretary of the Chamber, 10, Eastcheap, E.C. As re- gards Junior Commercial Certificates (to- the holders of which 300 London firms have pro- mised to give preference when employing lads), we may briefly say that the obligatory subjects include: English essay, one modern language (conversation, dictation, and composition), arith- metic (including metric system), elementary drawing, and elementary chemistry or physics. There are many optional subjects-mercantile, linguistic, and scientific. The proficiency re- quired does not appear to be very extensive, but it must be sound as far as it goes-something like that demanded in the South Kensington junior examinations in science subjects. Ex- aminations are held in May, and there are no limitations of age or sex. The fees are merely nominal. At first only young people who hap- pened to live in London received the benefit of this excellent arrangement for starting them in in commercial life, but latterly the Chamber has given every encouragement for the formation of local centres," where youths can be examined in their own town, and, if successful, receive all the advantages which the certificate confers. It may be well to repeat that the Chamber does its best to procure good situations for all holders of the full junior certificate. As already said, too much praise cannot be given to those members of the Carmarthen Chamber who are urging that body to form a local centre for these examinations as soon as may be. This district is now well stocked with schools of various grades, and, no doubt, if the Chamber once starts I the scheme, there will be found among teachers and others plenty of co-operators. We learn that a meeting of the Carmarthen Chamber has been called for Monday night, in order to con- sider whether they will take immediate steps in the matter, and it is to be hoped that we shall see an unusually full attendance, for the subject is one of immense importance to the town and neighbourhood; and it will be highly creditable as well as advantageous to Carmarthen if our Chamber should take the lead among other public bodies of the district in so beneficent and enlightened a movement as this. There is a good deal that might be added to these remarks, tut it is needless to 8ny more until our local Chamber has definitely decided on its course of action. LAST week we had occasion to say something about people who joined in the general cry for school education, but who appeared to have no genuine faith in scholastic instruction when it became a question of applying its results to their own practical concerns. Something of the same feeling may be discovered higher up in the social scale. The way in which some of the most important business of the nation is managed, even by Government departments, would appear to proceed from a belief that systematic training in any kind of work generally unfits a man for the performance of that work, that trained men are not to be trusted, and that the only way to get good results is to put them helplessly under the control of others who have had no training at all in their particular line. There is, perhaps, as little stupidity in this as in most other countries, but the kind of stupidity here referred to is peculiarly British, and has been a fruitful source of British losses and disasters. In reading a report of the debate on Army Management, which took place in the House of Lords on Monday, one cannot help wondering whether any other assembly in the world, of similar standing, could have separated, as our hereditary legislators appear to have done, without coming to the unanimous conclusion that the existing War Office system is a farce which cannot be suffered to exist long without the most imminent danger to the safety of the British Empire. Lord Wolseley may have failed to make a skilful speech and put his facts in the most convincing light, but why should rhetoric be necessary to make peers exercise the most elementary principles of common-sense? It is all very well for Lord Lansdowne to allege that Lord Wolseley might have made more of his "opportunities," whatever they were, and might have told the Government how dangerous it was to neglect this, that, and the other. No- body doubts that he told the Government many things, and found he was merely wasting words. What is the good of continuing to cry "Wolf, wolf!" merely to annoy or amuse people who have really no knowledge of the danger that may be impending, and who think that the man who cries out knows no more than they do themselves? To put the Commander-in-Chief under the control of a War Secretary who has no special acquaintance with military matters and who can satisfy himself by acting on what he thinks expert knowledge, gained from some irresponsible individual, is actually suggestive of some absurd comicality invented by Mr. Gilbert for a comic opera. Suppose this Secretary had a suspicion that some heroic and expensive measure was needed, everything would conspire to prevent his adopting it. As an able non- political writer remarked the other day: "We cannot fully trust the Government of the hour, whatever its colour, to keep us properly in- formed. Year after year the exigencies of the Budget, the political needs of the moment, have been allowed to override our most pressing military wants." Of course; and it always will be so while the system lasts. The head of a party will often, at the most critical moment, be wagged by the tail. And yet, people are I content to let the wagging head, or the half- blind force that moves it, command the Com- mander-in-Chief, whose military telescope may show him the approach of a crisis hardly intelligible to the crowd. Another point illustrating the danger and inefficiency of this system is that nobody, except from bare motives of patriotism, can feel any responsibility for disasters that have come or may come upon the nation through Army mismanagement. If the Commander-in-Chief were responsible, he would have the strongest possible motives for using all his intelligence and energy to guard against inefficiency in the Army or failure in its operations. By one serious mistake, he would not only lose his high professional reputa- tion and become a nobody, but would be banned by the whole country as the source of its mis- fortune. But now that there can be no real responsibility on anyone except the War Secretary, who has in his turn to reckon with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and "society" influences, how can we hope for ideal manage- ment of military affairs ? If a man like Lord Lansdowne blunders, he can be quietly replaced, or, at worst, bis party goes out of office, without any great loss, present or prospective, except that of the official emoluments. And as for the particular man who blundered, is he any worse off than his colleagues ? Suppose it were Lord Lansdowne, what could his worst enemies say ? j He made a grave mistake in military matters- a thing which was only to be expected at any moment, inasmuch as nobody could pretend to have ever thought that he was an expert in military matters. But with the Commander-in- Chief at the head of affairs, things would stand on a totally different footing. Lord Wolseley suggests a very simple remedy for the present j anomalous state of affairs without proposing any very violent change. Let the nation be told from time to time by its military experts how the case stands with our armaments, whether they are really efficient and sufficient, and whether the representations of those best able to judge have received proper attention. It would be easy for the Cominander-in-Chief to append a report to the annual Army Estimates that no deficiencies existed, and that the land forces of the Crown were equal to the demands likely to be made upon them. His professional reputation would depend upon this, and what he said he would have to stand by. But while a satisfactory report of this kind would give com- fort to the nation, its converse would bring down obloquy upon those who had failed in their duty. For that very reason, wo fear, no Government will sanction the measure without enormous pressure. Yet the matter is one of last consequence to the country, and it should not be allowed to rest until something is done, or, at least, attempted. IT can hardly be expected that ordinary country journalists will often be the first to seek out the most important topics and comment upon them. So it is with some satisfaction we note than an agricultural matter to which the Welsh- man called attention on Friday last has since been the subject of laudatory articles in several of the principal papers, metropolitan end pro- vincial. This is the lecture on "Manuring" delivered at Dumbarton recently by Mr. D. Wilson, D.Sc., of Carbeth. Seeing that eminent writers on agriculture take our own view of the lecture, it may be werth while to give our farming readers some details in addition to those touched upon in this column last week. Like the practical man he is, Dr. Wilson warned his readers not to suppose that what he found most successful would answer best on all lands or under all conditions. But he enunciated most valuable general principles on the subject of manuring which are to be distinguished from the more or less accidental results of personal experience. For instance, he laid down the general rule that the application of artificial manures should be so arranged as to yield a profit in the first crop, because" any money banked in the land in the shape of artificial manures will decrease at a high rate of com- pound interest." Take the treatment of crops grown in rotation. The artificials applied to the turnip or other green crop should be of the quick-acting class, and limited in quantity to the requirements of that particular crop. Then, if the succeeding corn crop requires any manuring, a fresh application should take place. Turnips pay best for such a quick-acting manure as superphosphate, rather than for bones or basic slag; white-straw crops are most in need of nitrogen; while beans and clover are most in want of potash salts; and to each its special requirements should be directly applied, as there is always more or less waste when superfluous fertilisers axe used in one season in the hope that the residue will be recovered in the next. Taking for illustration a rotation of turnips, oats or barley, grasses and clovers for hay and temporary pasture afterwards for a year, or two or more years, concluding with oats, Dr. Wilson recommended a moierate dressing of farm manure for the turnip crop, with about eight to ten shillingsworth of superphosphate, instead of the more costly dissolved bones, guano, or compound turnip manures which many farmers use. Potash has been found valuable for turnips on some soils; but farm manure sup- plies enough of it on most classes of land. As regards his own experience, Dr. Wilson has found that ten or twelve tons of farmyard manure have been more remunerative for turnips than larger quantities. The succeeding white- straw crop may not need any manuring, where farm manure and superphosphate have been applied to the turnip crop; but if does need help, a top-dnssing of nitrate of soda will usually suffice. Where farm manure is not available for turnips, Dr. Wilson suggests 5cwt. per acre of superphosphate and lcwt. of sulphate of ammonia per acre, with some potash on soils found by experience to require it. For the reasons which we gave last week, however, nothing can, as he shows, take the place of farm- yard manure. If potatoes were grown instead of turnips, a moderate dressing of farm manure, with 3cwt. of superphosphate, lewt. of sulphate of ammonia, and lewt. of muriate of potash, are recommended. If no farm manure has been used for the turnip crop, and the roots have been carted off the land, a dressing is usually desirable for the following white-straw crop, 2cwt. of superphosphate applied at sowing time and a top-dressing of lewt. of nitrate of soda later on being suggested. For the hay crop to follow, 3cwt. of superphosphate and 3cwt. of kainit, or less of a richer potash manure, may be applied early, with a top-dressing of lcwt. of nitrate of soda when growth is starting. For the last crop in the rotation, lea oats, the manures referred to for the oat or barley crop succeeding turnips, dressed with artificials only, may be used again. Dr. Wilson showed the extravagance of using compound manures for various crops, instead of the particular fertilisers needed. It would be an untold advantage to agriculture if people in every district could receive advice from men of Dr. Wilson's stamp. While on the subject of manuring, we would like to call attention to the results of rotation experiments carried out in 1900 at Quemerford by Mr E. B. Hadloy for the Calne Technical Committee of the Wiltshire County Council. In 1900, the experiments reached their fifth year, com- pleting the five-course of cropping, consisting of mangolds, barley, oats, and wheat. The most successful dressings were as follows per acre Mangolds, 4-lcwt. of nitrate of soda, lewt. of superphosphote, and 3cwt. of common salt; barley, l!cwt. of nitrate of soda, and 4cwt. of basic slag; beans, 9cwt. of kainit, and 3cwt. of superphosphate, which, however, were not directly profitable; oats and wheat, 2cwt. of nitrate of soda and 3cwt. of superphosphate or 4cwt. of basic slag. The profit from the use of these manures in five years amounted to 18 2s. 6d. per acre. The potato experiments have attached most attention in these demon- strations. The results of four seasons show that good crops of potatoes can be produced at a profit on the same land for that period with artificials alone, provided nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash are applied annually in suitable forms and proportions that 8Jcwt. per acre of artificial manure containing equal weights of nitrate of soda, kainit, and superphosphate proved more remunerative than heavier or lighter dressings; that 16 tons per acre of farmward manure gave more produce and profit than the most successful dressing of artificials; and that the maximum crops and profits were obtained with 8 tons of farm manure and 4Jcwt. of nitrate of soda or its equivalent in sulphate of ammonia. The c Ouemerford, it is to be noticed, is a heavy clay. At Lickhill, where the soil is light, the average results of five seasons show that farm manure was more profitable than artificials, partly because it helped the crops to withsta nd periods of drought. Out of various quantities of this manure used, 16 tons per acre gave the greatest profit. It is concluded that, on the land at Lickhill, potatoes cannot be grown with advantage for several years in succession with the aid of artificial manures alone. How far these results may be instructive to local farmers, it would be difficult to say. We cannot speak from personal knowledge of the land at Quemer- ford, but we all know that a great part of Wiltshire is of very rich soil, and it may be safely presumed that down here the soil is more like that of Lickhill than what is to be found at Quemerford. CROWDED OUT.-A good deal of editorial and other matter has been crushed out this week, and once more we are very reluctantly obliged to hold over our review of Trewern which will appear together with a notice of the "Cymmrodor" in next Welshman. LAUGHARNE PLOUGHING MATCH is fixed for Friday, 15th March. A good competition is ex- pected. Master Louis Anderson, of Fernhill, near Car- marthen, has passed the examination for a local clerk on the Great Western Railway. A group of medals, awarded to a field officer of the 60th Foot, was recently sold in London for £405. Among them was a Carmarthen Volunteer Medal of 1810, which fetched £ 12. CARMARTHENSHIRE INFIRMARY.—The Secretary begs respectfully to acknowledge the receipt of the following: Illustrated papers, Mr J. Miller, Parade, and Mr R. James, Bridge-street; 6s ld, the R.S.P.C.A., Newcastle-Emlyn, per Mr W. E. George, solicitor. GF,,Nrl,ROSITY. -Dr. Ll. M. Bowen-Jones, The Friary, having kindly placed his piano at the Infirmary for the benefit of the Nurses, the Matron is anxious to form a small library for their edifica- tion and amusement. Gifts of suitable books will be gladly received. Soup KITCHEN. --The Mayor begs to acknowledge the receipt of the following subscriptions to the above fund :—T. J. Harries, Esq., London, R2 2s. Miss Hughes, Esplanade, 10s. 6d.; Mrs Griffiths, Pare Cottage, 21s. the Misses Griffiths, Bryntirion, 10s. 6d. T. Thomas, Esq., Disgwylfa, 10s. 6d. CARMARTHEN EISTEDDFOD.—Those who have en-1 rolled themselves as members of the choir (con- ducted by Mr D. E. James) for competing on the glee, "Mai," at the forthcoming Carmarthen Eisteddfod, are requested to attend the practice at Bridge-street Schoolroom, on Monday evening, at 7.30 punctual. OBITUARY. Mr Thomas Edwards, weaver, Waundew Cottage, Carmarthen, died rather suddenly on Monday week, at the age of 67. He leaves a widow and eight children, with whom much sympathy is felt. Deceased was a very re- spected member of the Tabernacle Chapel. He was buried on Friday afternoon at the Tabernacle burying-ground, the Rev E. U. Thomas officiating. COMING ROYAL SHOW AT CARDIFF. Earl Cawdor presided on Wednesday at the meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society in London. Pro- gress was reported in arrangements for the annual show which will be held at Cardiff from June to July 1st next. Entries of live stock and produce close on May 16 FORTHCOMING ENTERTAINMENT AT CARMARTHEN. —To-day (Friday) and on Saturday Messrs E. and E. Dillon's Miniature Hippodrome Company will appear at the Assembly Rooms, Carmarthen, with a novel entertainment, including bioscope, ladies' orchestra, etc. There will also be a Saturday afternoon performance. For particulars, see ad- vertising columns. ROYAL COLLEGE OF Music.-At the final ex- amination for scholarships, held at the Royal College of Music, South Kensington, two Carmar- then vocalists presented themselves-Miss Bessie Phillips and Mr Ben Davies. The former succeeded in getting a place among the seven selected for the final test, and afterwards in the four, to which that number was reduced. The ultimate winner was a student in the college, whom Miss Phillips ran very closely for the coveted honour. The com- petition is open to the students of the college and to the United Kingdom, and Miss Phillips is to be congratulated upon the manner in which she acquitted herself. SUDDEN DEATH IN CARMARTHEN.—The wife of Mr Davies, tailor, Francis-terrace, died suddenly on Tuesday night, and, in the absence of a medical certificate as to the cause of death, the coroner held an inquest last (Thursday) evening, at seven o'clock, at the Town-hall. The deceased is the sister of Mr Jeffreys, gilder, King-street. 1ST V.B. THE WELSH REGIMENT.—CARMARTHEN DETACHMENT.—Orders for the week ending Satur- day, March 16th, 1901. Officer for the week, Capt. James John company orderlies. Sergt. W. Morris and Lance-Corpl. A. E. Savage orderly bugler, John Evans. Company drill on Monday, at 7.30 p.m. (plain clothes); recruits' drill on Wednesday and Thursday, at 7.30 p.m. Morris Tube Practice on Thursday afternoon and Saturday evening as usual. Rifle Club Intending members should in- timate the fact, and pay their subscriptions to I Lance-Corporal H. Berry, the secretary, forthwith. ¡ Recruits There are several vacancies. Intending members should attend at the Armoury on Mon- day evening, at 7.30.-By order, James John, Captain Commanding Detachment. WALES AND THE ROYAL STANDARD,—At the instance of Mr. Alfred Thomas, M.P., who pre- sided, a number of leading Welshmen, both Peers and Commons, met in London on Tuesday week, to consider the question of including the arms of Wales in the Royal Standard. Mr. Wynford Phillips, Mr. S. T. Evans, Mr. Vaughan Davies, Mr. Brynmor Jones, Mr. Abel Thomas, the Hon. Col. Morgan, Mr. Alfred Davies and" Mabon" I were among those present. The chairman in an able speech traced the history of the movement, and was followed bv several noble lords and members of Parliament. A coi-nmittee was appointed to further the movement. COUNTY POLICE COURT, CARMARTHEN.—Satur- day, March 2nd.-Before Alderman C. W. Jones (vice-chairman), Mr T. Parkinson, and Mr J. Lloyd. -John Jeremy Evans, David Jones, and Benjamin Thomas, were summoned for attempting to damage a telegraph wire, at Abergwili. Mr T. Walters appeared for defendants, and the case was dismissed.—Benjamin James, for being drunk and disorderly, at Pontyberem, was fined 5s. and lis. 2d. costs.—Henry Evans and James Davies, for having unmuzzled dogs, were each fined Is. and 7s. costs. —Thomas Lewis, St. Ishmael's, was fined Is. and 8s. costs for allowing an unfenced chaff-cutter to be worked.—David Morgan, the Laundry, Aber- gwili, was summoned by Inspector Easdown for cruelty to a horse. P.C. W. James proved seeing the horse unattended in Abergwili, on the 19th ult. It was in poor condition, and on examining it, he found on the near shoulder a flesh wound, the size of a 5s. piece. There was blood on it, and a swelling: it was an old wound re-opened. The horse was unfit for work. The following Friday he again examined the horse, and found another wound on the back.—Inspector Easdown cor- roborated, and the defendant was fined 2s. 6d. and 9s. costs. DEATH OF MR. D. THOMAS OF WOTTON.—The following paragraph cut from a Gloucester paper, should have appeared in our columns last week :— The late Mr. David Thomas-The funeral of the late Mr David Thomas, of Elmlea, Wotton, took place at Aberdare Cemetery on the 14th February. The officiating clergy were the Rev. S. R. Robertson, M.A., (vicar of St. Margaret's Gloucester, where the deceased gentleman at- tended), and the Rev. E. T. Davies, Aberdare. The mourners were Messrs. Howell Wynne Thomas (Pontardulais), Jenkin Williams (Glouces- ter), Gethin Jones (London), Lewis Jenkins (Briton Ferry), W. Sarvis, G. F. Sarvis, and G. H. Jones (Aberdare), C. Burton Barnes (Gloucester), E. Gethin (Pontypridd), John Gethin (Aberdare), D. Lleufer Thomas (Swansea), W. Kenshole (Aberdare), Christmas Evans (Merthyr Tydvil), and E. D. Evans. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Herbert and Son, of Gloucester. [It may be news to many readers to know that Mr David Thomas was born at Gwempa, Llangendeirne, Carmarthenshire, spent some of his earlier years at Aberdare, and after- wards resided for many years at the Springfield, Haverfordwest, and Chelmsford Villa, Roath, Cardiff. He was a staunch Churchman, and was highly respected by all his acquaintance of what- ever party. His nephew and sole executor is Mr Howell Wynne Thomas, of Pontardulais. Like hundreds of other patriotic Welshmen living out- side the Principality, the deceased was an old supporter and very assiduous reader of the Welshman for many years. FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR. PRICE.-The inter- ment of the remains of the late Mr E. Price, for 22 years master of the Carmarthen Workhouse, took place in the Tabernacle graveyard on Thurs- day in last week. There was a short service at the house conducted by the Rev. E. U. Thomas. Afterwards in the Tabernacle Chapel, the Rev. W. S. Jones prayed, the Rev. Fuller Mills spoke, and the Rev. J. C. Rees, Glanamman, read a portion of Scripture. A hymn, "Lead, kindly Ligh," was sung at the special request of the Rev. E. U. Thomas, pastor, as being one of the favourite hymns of the deceased. The service was closed with prayer by the pastor. At the graveside the Rev. D. Evans, Lammas-street, took part. The funeral, which was a public ceremony, was very largely attended. The chief mourners were Mr Arthur Price, B.A. (son); Rev. Gomer Price, Mr Lemuel Price, Garnant: Mr J. Price, Ystalyfera (brothers); Mr James Williams (chairman of Seven Cymru Co.), Ystalyfera (uncle): Mr D. L. Evans, Swansea (brother in law) Mr Arthur Price, Garnant (nephew). There were also present Mr R. White, chief engineer, Swansea canal, Ystalyfera; Rev. A. Evans, curate in charge, Loweston the Rev. William Williams, late missionary, Trinidad Mr John Williams, Penlan; Mr J. Lloyd, chairman of the Carmarthen County Council; the Rev. Fuller Mills, Mr J. P. Lewis, Mr Davies, Abergwili; Mr J. Phillips, Carlleon; Mr J. S. Williams, Trelech (guardians), and members of the Foresters Friendly Society, wearing their insignia. The deacons of the Tabernacle Chapel acted as bearers. [Mr Arthur J. Price (son), and Miss Price (sister of deceased), beg us to express their sincere gratitude to the kind friends who have expressed sympathy with them in their recent bereavement. DEEDS OF A CARMARTHEN HERO IN SOUTH AFRICA.—NOTED ARTIST AND DASHING SOLDIER.— We all know something of the progress made by our kin in South Africa, but before seeing a copy of the Veldt, we had no idea that so highly artistic a publication could be turned out in Cape Town. From the February number of this admirably illustrated magazine, we gladly extract the follow- ing paragraph: -CAPTAIN KYLE.—Captain A. L. H. Kyle has been right through the campaign with that famous corps, Strathcona's Horse, and was recommended by this Commanding Officer for the D.S.O., for his daring ride down the Devil's Knuckles in the Lydenburg district with his Maxim guns. He has also been mentioned in despatches by Lord Dundonald. Captain Kyle has now been asked by Lord Kitchener to take charge of a squadron in Kitchener's Fighting Scouts, and he is still recruiting at the Drill Hall. By his kind permission we reproduce a photo, by Messrs James Watson & Co., of a large sea-scape painted by him." [The picture refered to, judging from the engraving, must be a most beautiful and effective painting, worthy of a place in the best art- collections. Many of our readers, in Carmarthen at any rate, will have an affectionate remem- brance of Captain Kyle, whom we used to know years ago here as Mr Arthur Kyle. He has several brothers and sisters in this country, including the Rev. J. L. Kyle, Mrs John White, of Windsor Lodge, Swansea, &c. He was always a favourite, and all his old friends will rejoice that he is gain- ing well-merited distinction.] WORKMEN'S SOCIAL CLUB.—A smoking concert was held at the Club on Tuesday last. The chair was occupied by the mayor (Mr E. C. Evans), sup- ported by Mr H. Brunei White, whilst the duties of accompanist were performed by Mr T. S. Puddicombe with his usual ability. A capital pro- gramme had been arranged, and there was a crowded attendance of members and their friends. The Chairman, in his opening address, alluded to the continued prosperity of the Club, which has a membership of upwards of 120, whilst its financies are also in a satisfactory state. Amongst the company present was Mr T. Roberts, Priory-street, an old member, who has joined the Mounted Sharpshooters, and will shortly leave for the front. He received an ovation from his old friends, and the Mayor, on behalf of the members, wished him God-speed and a safe return. Appended is the pro- gramme :—Comic song, We're getting it by Degrees," Mr Percy Cairns; song, "Goodwin Sands," Mr Harry Evans; comic song, -1 The Man of the wide, wide World," Mr R. W. Ward (encored, and gave "I'm the Plumber"); violin solo, Mr Victor Jones; song, Only once more," Mr James Morgan; song, "The Old Brigade," Mr Jeremy Rees violincello solo, Mr Gustave Jones (encored, and responded); song, Across the far hills, Love," Mr T. Conwil Evans; song. "Beside the Camp Fire," Mr D. Jones; song, Brave Boys," Mr D. J. Davies song, Many Happy Returns of the Day," Mr H. Brunei White; comic song, "If your Nose turns up," Mr G. R. Lewis (encored, and gave a step dance); instrumental duett, Messrs D. and W. Jones (encored, and responded) comic song, The Scientific Man," Mr R. W. Ward (encored, and gave "The Story of a Tack"): song, "The Black Sheep," Mr T. LI. Arthur; song, "The Wreck," Mr G. T. Treharne. The usual votes of thanks to the Chairman and the artistes, followed by the singing of the National Anthem, concluded one of the most enjoyable entertainments ever held at the Club. Much of the success of the smoker is due to the untiring energy of the respected hon. sec., Mr R. Davidson.

CARMARTHEN BOARD OF GUARDIANS. NOMINATIONS. I Yesterday (Thursday) nominations for the return i of members of the Carmarthen Board of Guardians were received as follows St. Peters-Miss E M Hancocke, Mrs R M Thomas, Rev A F Mills, Mr J P Lewis, Mr Thomas Thomas (Wellfield), and Mr Jonathan Phillips. Abergwili-Mr D Davies, Rhiwdywll; Mr J G Davies, Cwmnantyparch and Mr John Griffiths, Nantmeillionog (two seats) Abernant—Thomas Pugh Pwlldu-fach Conwil-W Edwards, Tynewydd John Davies, Tyrpark; Ben Phillips, Cappodocia; Thomas Phillips, Gilfachyjestyn David Thomas, Troedrhiwesgair; John Thomas, Trialypwll (two seats). Laugharne Town-Wm. Thomas, Minerva House. Laugharne Parish—John Rees John, Brixton. Llanarthney-Stephen Stephens, Cwm, and W J Thomas, Glantowy. Llandawke and Llansadwrnen—William Morse, Llandawke. Llanddarog—John Davies, Llandre. Llandefeilog—Thomas Rees, Ystradferthyr. Llandilo-Abercowin and Llangunnock—John Wm. Harries, Llandilo-Abercowin, and Joseph Jones, Bankyffynon (one seat). Llanddowror Rev T Jones, rector. Llanfihangel-Abercowin-D Thomas, Cleifon Mill. Llangain-John Jones. Lanygors; David Thomas, Wernddu and William Williams, Llangain Factory (one seat). Llangendeirne-Gomer Davies. Maesvrhaf. Pontv- eates, and H Howells, Cwmcyndeirne (two seats). Llanginning-J T Williams, The Grove; William Evans, Pantyperchell; and Herbert Griffiths, Penddaulwynganol. Llanllawddog—Windsor Lloyd Thomas, Llwyn- sarnau. Llanpumpsaint-Thomas Davies, Pantglas, and Thomas Evans, Barnsfield (one seat). Llanstephan-G Barrett Evans. Laurel Cottage. Llanwinio—J Phillips, Caerlleon. Merthyr-David Evans, Tynewydd. Mydrim-John Davies, Glandwr, and William Thomas, Llettymarchog (one seat). Newchurch-David Edwards, Goitre-uchaf, and D E Stephens, Ferryside. St. Clears-David Evans, High-street: John Jones, Woolstone; and Joseph Morris, Sun Villa (one seat). St. Ishmael's Elizabeth Mary Gwyn, Horton Villa, and William Thomas. Trecor (one seat). Trelech-ar-Bettws- Theo. :Howells, junr., Cefn- cloch Rev W H Jones, vicar; William Thomas, Treparke and J S Williams, schoolmaster (two seats). Withdrawals must be made before Tuesday next, at 12 o'clock. Mr Rowland Browne is the returning officer.

On Monday a meeting of members of the North Cardigan Cobs Society was held at the Lion Hoi el, Aberystwyth. Mr Evan Richards, Penucha, pre- sided, and it was decided to hold a show for stallions on April 1st at Aberystwyth, when a prize of zC25 will be offered for the best well-knit cob, with plenty of bone under the knee, rising 14 to 15.2 hands. An effort will be made to secure a Welsh cob if the pedigree in the stud book is satisfactory. Messrs. William and Walter James, auctioneers, Swansea and Llandovery, offered for sale by public auction, at the Nantymwyn Lead Mines, distant about twelve miles from Llandovery, the whole of the company's extensive and valuable plant, machinery, &c, The attendance was large, amongst | those present being representatives of Sheffield, Liverpool, Manchester, Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Shrewsbury, and Aberystwith firms. The bidding throughout was of.a brisk character, v I UANGUNltOR. nu LANGUNOR. OIX XJAMBS AT A BIRTH. -On Tuesday, 5th inst., an ewe belonging to Mr. Griffiths, of Penddaulwynganol, gave birth to six lambs, of which extraordinary number four are still living, and give promise of doing well. Some of the proudest sheep farms are in the western side of the county, but can any of them beat thii record ? LLANDEFEILOG, :rn_ J. U"M<JI.J-, UF M^S.. JJAVIES, OF IJ.VX.—it is with deep regret we record the death of Mrs Davies, of Lan House, after a long illness. The funeral which was strictly private, took place on March 1st, at St. Anne's, of which Church she had been a faithful member and valuable supporter for many years. The service in the house and at the grave was taken by a dear friend of the deceased the Rev. Thomas Jones, rector of Llan- dowror, assisted by the Rev. E..Lincoln Lewis, vicar of the parish. The funeral procession was in the following oi-der:-Ist carriage, Rev. E. Lincoln Lewis, and Dr. Williams, Ferryside; 2nd, hearse 3rd, the mourners- Rev. Thomas Jones, Mr Rowland Browne, solicitor, and Mr J. Bowen, Gellydeg; 4th, the two faithful servants, Misses Maria Phillips and Anne Williams. The whole arrangements were carried out by Mr Phillips of London House, Carmarthen, most satisfactorily. The coffin, which was of beautiful polished oak, was supplied by Mr W. Davies, cabinetmaker, Lammas- street, Carmarthen. Amongst the beautiful wreaths we noticed the following from Mrs Jones, Llandowror Miss Evans, Picton-terrace, Carmarthen: Rev. Thomas Jones, Mr Rowland Browne, Mr J. Bowen, Miss Anne Williams, Mrs Margaret Jones, Miss Maria Phillips, and others. The tenants acted as bearers. TENBY. The Tenby Choral Society and Male Voice Party will give a popular concert o:, Friday evening next at the I Assembly Rooms, and the programme promises a good evening's entertainment. Mr Meurig James, the famous baritone, has been engaged. The Tenby Male Voice Party intend competing at Pembroke-Dock Eisteddfod, to be held on Easter- Monday, and is now busy rehearsing the test piece, The Crusaders." Mr D. Harrison, of Deer Park, did remarkably well at Carmarthen Races last week, winning four out of the ten events on the card. The annual festival in connection with the Congre- gational Churches of South Pembrokeshire will be held at Tenby in May next. Recruiting for the Pembrokeshire Imperial Yeomanry is still proceeding here. Over 100 have already been sent to Aldershot, and some are even on their way to the front, amongst them being Mr Richard Mason, Mr David Leonard, Mr Griff Edmonds, and Mr Jack McKelvie, all Tenby boys. The programme of the eisteddfod to be held here in July next has been drawn up, and will be issued next week. The hon. sees. are Messrs Henry Williams and J. May, and the hon. treasurer, Mr John Evans, Tudor- square. This little town is still coming to the fore. The latest venture of some of its well-wishers has been to charter a steamboat to run trips during the summer months, and, we understand, arrangements have been made for the steamer to commence running in the middle of June. There is no doubt that this undertaking will prove a great boon to the town, and swell considerably the takings on the Royal Victoria Pier. We wish the syndicate every success. Frederick Henry Morgan, second class boy on his Majesty's training ship Lion at Devonport, and a native of Havertordwest, died suddenly on Wednesday while engaged at swimming exercise on the old gunboat Swinger, used as a swimming bath. As the result of a post-mortem examination death was found to be due t'l syncope. Deceased was aged sixteen years and three months. Evan Jeremiah Jones, a wood turner, and his wife, Anne Jones, were summoned for sadly neglecting their children at Aberystwith, before the magistrates of that town on Thursday, 28th ult. The evidence showed that the little one was in a wretched state, and the male defendant was sent to prison for four months. The wife was dis- charged. SENTENCED TO DEATH —George Henry Hdl, alias Parker, aged 23, det-cribtd as a groom, was ipdiiie-i at the Old Bailey on Friday cfcarged with murd,ri, g Mr William Pearson, a gentleman farmer ot Winchester by shooting him in a London and S, uth- Western Railway carriage on January 18th between Surbiton and Vaux- ball. The jury, after deliberating fifteen minutes, found prisoner guilty, and he was sentenced to death. MILFOBD DOCKS -At Winchester House, Lond(n, on the 28th ult., Mr C. E. Newbon presided over the annual meeting of the Milford Docks Company. -After a vote of condolences with the king, &c., had been passed, the Chairman said this was the first statutory meeting since the Act of last year, and on behalf of the board and the deferred stockholders of the company, be welcomed the A Debenture stockholders to this meeting, with the full powers of proprietors, to help, by their votes and influence, to promote the interest of the dock and the development of Milford. 'I he profits of last year had not been compared with those of the previous year, because the accounts for 1900 indud-d the ex- ceptional income derived from the Paiis, and a com- parison of that sort would nil be fair. They had taken the complete years respectively, and ? hown that the amount distributed as interest on the debenture steck was improved by about 1 per ceut., including the £ 11,000 of capitalised interei-t The pr. fits for the Paris half having amounted to £ 3,478, or 17a 9d per cent., the board had quietly watched from week to week the returns from the ordinary traffic to see how nearlv it approached to the normal condition, and they found that it had in- creased by JE600, consequently the profits from the local traffic were doubled in the first half-year, and there was a very handsome advance in the second half. So they might congratulate themselves upon the continued de- velcpment < f the fish traffic. It was anticipated that that trade weald further develop rapidly, as the result of the establishn ent of the ice factory. Last year the pro- vision of an 11 Jditional ice factory was mentioned, and negotiations had been carried through so that they could now announce the conclusion of hn agreement for the provision of another ic-house. Tben there was the colliery at Johnstcne, which it was expected would have been working ere this time, but water had unexpectedly appeared in the mines, and hai, unfortunately, been the caut-e of delay. They had a Hill before Parliament to continue the powers which had been granted uod, r former Acts to build a pier and buy additionl lands Mr Thomas Wood seconded the m, tion, and the r. port and accounts were paebed. On the motion of the chair. man, Mr Thomas Wood was re elected a ciirector. -The re-appointment of Mr FietchH as auditor was carried.— A Wharncliffe meeting wttl- subs qaently hld, and after Mr Beale, the solicitor to the company, bad explained that the new bill asked only for extension for five years from 4th July, 1901, for the 'on*tiuet!on of the pier, and for three years from 1st JuJp, 1901, for the purchase of land, the B; 11 to extend the time limited for the com- pletion of the pier and w; r k< authorised by the Milford Docks Act, 1890, and the co'npul-iory purchase of certain l^nda, and for other purposes," wae approved of.

[Persons sending us announcements of births, deaths, or marriages, or paragraphs relating there- to, must have their communications authenticated by a local correspondent or agent of the Welshman.]

BIRTHS. EvA-Ns-On the 20th ult., at 5, Dawes-street, New Brompton, Kent, the wife of Mr David Evans (fitter, Chatham Dockyard) of a daughter. WILLIAMs-On the 2nd inst., at Cwmllynfe-uchaf, ■ Llansadwrn, the wife of Mr Thomas Williams of a daughter. daughter. DEATHS. DAVIEs-On the 5th inst. (suddenly), at 25, Francis- terrace, in this town, Sarah, wife "of Mr James M. Davies, tailor, etc., aged 67 years. Much respected. Jo-NEs-On the 1st inst., at 40, North-street, Clapham, London, Edith Dorothy, daughter of Mr J. Jones (and grand-daughter of Mr T. B. Arthur, Priory-street, Carmarthen), aged 6 years. MARKs-On the 7th inst., at 34, Lammas-street, in this town, Anne, widow of the late Mr William Marks, stone-mason, aged 67 years. OWEN-On the 27th ult. (suddenly), at Kellan House, Lampeter, Annie, the beloved wife of David Owen, in her 68th year. THOMAS—On the 27th ult., at Tanerdy-lane, in this town, Sarah, wife of Mr John Thomas, annealer at the Tinworks, aged 50 years. THOMAS—On the 11th ult., at his residence, Elm Lea, Wotton, Gloucester, Mr David G. Thomas, aged 73 years. Deeply regretted. WILLIAMs-On the 25th ult., at the Feathers' Inn, Llanwrda, Mr David Williams, aged 78 years. Much respected.

WHEELER'S UNRIVALLED FARM seeds of PROVED GERMINATION AND QUALITY. WHEELER'S GRASS AND CLOVER Seeds, for all soils and purposes, of the finest description, from 10s. 6d. per acre. WHEELER'S GOLDEN MELON Mangel, now recognised as the best and most nutrition8 Mangel grown, Is. 2J. per lb. Other sorts from lOd. per lb. WHEELER'S IMPERIAL SWEDE grows a great weight per acre of sound, juicy, and nutritious bulbs, the keeping quality and hardiness of which cannot be excelled, Is. 2d. per lb., 55s. per bushel. Other sorts from lid. per lb. WHEELER'S LIST OF FARM SEEDS gratis and post free. J. C. Wheeler & Son, Ltd., SEED GROWERS, Ac., GLOUCESTER. L5527 GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY. EXCURSIONS will run as mder:- INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL MATCH, IRELAND v. WALES, SATURDAY, MARCH 16th.—DAY TJR. IP to SWANSEA from NEW and OLD MILFORD, Haverfordwest, P,mbroke-Dock, Tenby, Whitland, New- castle-Emlyn, Llandyssil, Pencader, CARMARTHEN, Llanelly, &c. HALF-DAY TRIP to SWANSEA from CARMAR- THEN, Llanelly, &c. For times, bookings from other stations, WEEK-END EXCURSIONS, &c., see bills and pamphlets. 5535J J. L. WILKINSON, General Manager. ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND. CARDIFF MEETING, JUNE 26th to JULY 1st, 1901. The Regulations and Forms of Entry for Tg IMPLEMENTS, LIVE STOCK, POULTRY & FARM PRODUCE HORSE SHOEING, BUTTER-MAKING, JUMPING, TIMBERING, AND ROPE-SPLICING COMPETITIONS, &c., are now ready, and copies will be for- warded OB a specific request being addressed to the Secretary. Applications for space in the Implement Department must be made by FRIDAY, MARCH 15th, 1901. The Entries at ordinary fees for Live Stock close on MONDAY, APRIL 15tb, 1901, and for Poultry, tarm Produce, and Competitions at ordinary fees on WEDNESDAY, MAY 1st, 1901. ERNEST CLARKE, March, 1901. Secretary. 13, HANOVER SQUARE, LONDON, W. [5524 SALES" TO LET BY AUCTION, MOELFRE WOOD, LLANGUNNOCK. MESSRS. LLOYD & THOMAS will SELL by AUCTION, at the above Wood, on Monday, the 18th day of March, 1901, about 100 lots of excellent Larch Poles. Sale to commence at 3 o'clock. [5544 PEDIGREE POLLED BULLS & HEIFERS. MESSRS. LLOYD, THOMAS, & FISHER have been instructed to SELL by AUCTION, on March 19th, 1901 (Fair Day), on St. Thomas' Green, Haverford- west, 8 Polled Bulls and 2 Heifers, direct from Scotland. Pedigree at time of Sale. Sale to commence at 1130 am. TERMS-CASH. r5545 SOUTH WALES, near a large COUNTRY TOWN. CARMARTHENSHIRE. FO LET, furnished or unfurnished, a large Family Residence, containing hall, 4 reception rooms, 7 bed and dressing rooms, 6 servants' beorooms, and all necessary offices; 2 boxes, 7 stalls, saddle-room, coach-house, yard, walled garden, &c., with or without land; about 3,800 acres of good shooting adjoining the Residence (including about 500 acres of grouse moor, within a mile and a-half of the Residence, and about 300 acres of wood) about three miles excellent trout fishing. For particulars apply to John Francis, Land Agent, Carmarthen. f5422 TOWN OF CARMARTHEN. Important Sale of a valuable Freehold Public-House. MESSRS. J. HOWELL THOMAS & SON have received instructions to SELL by AUCTION, at the St. Mary's Auction Mart, on Saturday, March 23rd. 1901, at 230 o'clock pm., all that valuable and much- frequented Freehold Public-House and Premises, called THE SLOOP INN," on The Quay, Carmarthen. The House is situate in the best possible position, and probably does the largest Beer Trade in the Town. For further particulars apply to the Auctioneers, or to Mr. THOMAS WALTERS, 55411 Solicitor, Carmarthen.

I HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. THE CAEMAKTHENSHIRE FOXHOUNDS will meet on Tuesday, the 12th inst., at Rhydyceisaid, and on Friday, the 15th inst., at Login, Llangunnor each day at 11. THE PEMBROKESHIRE HOUNDS will meet on Monday, the 11th inst., at Picton Castle, and on Thursday, the 14th inst., at Broad Haven; each day at 11.30. THE TIVYSIDE FOXHOUNDS will meet on Monday, the 11th inst., at Penboyr Church, and on Thursday, the 14th inst., at Rhydlewis each day at 10.45. MR. SEYMOTJE ALLEN'S HOUNDS will meet on Tuesday, the 12th inst., at Norchard Gate; on Thursday, the 14th inst., at Cresselly Arms, and on Saturday, the 16th j inst., at Prince's Gate; each day at 11.30. AIR. LLOYD PRICE'S HARRIERS will meet on Monday, the 11th inst., at Banc, Llanfihangel-Rhosycorn, and on Thursday, the 14th inst., at Cwmrhyn, near Crugybar each day at 10.30. ——