Barry Dock News

ST. DAVID'S DAY CELEBRATION AT BARRY. INSPIRING ADDRESS BY MR. W. LLEWELYN WILLIAMS, M.P. THE WELSH A CULTURED RACE. FORMATION OF A WELSH SOCIETY FOR BARRY. Heddyw y mae Cymry'r byd, Yn unfryd, heb un anfri, Yn cydgwrdd er cadw gwyl Eu hanwyl, dduwiol Ddewi; Ac mae awen beirdd ar dan, A chan, yn diddan doddi. Some years having been allowed to elapse Bince the last public celebration of St. David's Day took place at Barry, a movement was set on foot with the view of reviving the same this year, the effort being attended with a remarkable degree of success, a largely attended, representative, and enjoyable social re-union taking place at the Romilly Hall on Thursday evening last, when the gathering numbered upwards of 100, comprised, with but three or four exceptions, of Welshpeople hailing from all parts of the Principality. The hall was tastefully and effectively arranged for the occasion, and decorated with bunting, flowers, and suitable national and patriotic mottoes, an uttractive feature of the proceedings being the large number of ladies in attendance, and, appro- priately enough, conversation was mainly confined to Welsh, there being scarcely a Cymro or Cymraes present who could not converse as freely in the mother tongue as in yr iaitlt fain. Thanks to the efforts of the ladies' committee, refreshments were handed round and much enjoyed, and solos, including penillion singing to harp accompani- ment, were rendered by Mr John Devonald (Merthyr Vale) and Mr R. T. Williams, Mr Ben Jenkins (Gilfach Bargoed) being the harpist. Daring an interval an able and inspiring address was delivered, in Welsh, by Mr W. Llewelyn Williams, M.P. for Carmarthen Boroughs. Mr J. E. Rees occupied the chair, and Mr Williams, who is a former resident of Barry, received an enthusiastic reception, and was frequently con- gratulated during the evening upon his election to a seat in the House of Commons for a constituency in his native county. Mr W. Llewelyn Williams, M.P., in the course of an eloquent address on Welsh Nationality, which roused the audience to a high pitch of patriotic fervour, referred to the marked tendency in the direction of national unity in Wales in the present day. It was, he said, a remarkable fact- a fact that every Welshman ought to feel proud of —that the Western Mail, a Tory newspaper, the leader of the Tory Press in the Principality, the other day suggested and strongly advocated the granting of the freedom of the City of Cardiff to Mr Lloyd-George, one of the leaders of the Radical Party in Wales, in recognition of his political services to his party and to his country. (Cheers.) As education and enlightenment advanced, national and political narrowness and bigotry receded, and the recent action of the Western Mail was an eloquent, tribute to that fact. (Cheers.) Having alluded to the important part which the national language had played in the fostering of nationality and patriotism amongst -,Pl e '1'11. ._c?:Jj thafr Wales was the most democratic and yet the most cultured nation of the world. There was a danger, however, that as Wales became more educated she would become less cultured, but this could be averted by a preservation of the Welsh language —by making Welsh the language of the home, the language of religion, and by having Welsh taught in the day schools. (Cheers). It would indeed be a real tragedy if the Welsh language, which had survived 80 many centuries of tyranny and oppression at the hands of the Norman, the Saxon, and the Englishman, should be allowed to suffer and to die at the hands of Welsh people themselves. The most eminent men in Wales in literature, in poetry, in education, and in politics were those who had risen from the people, such as Islwyn, Ceiriog, Watcyn Wyn, Goronwy Owain, Principal Rhys, Principal Robetts, Tom Ellis, and Lloyd George. (Chears). Mr Williams added that his brief experience as member of the House of Commons had convinced him of the same dis- tinguishing feature in relation to Parliament. He had heard many able speeches in the House during the past fortnight, but none better than those of the Labour members, and certainly none better than a short speech delivered by John Ward, a former resident of Barry, the representative of the navvies, who had gained the admiration of the whole House, even that of Mr Chamberlain him- self, who probably did not believe in any of the opinions expressed by John Ward—himself one of the people, and as such was admired. (Cheers). On the proposition of the Rev Morgan H. Jones, B.A., curate of St Paul's Church, Barry, and Merthyr Dovan, seconded by Dr W. Lloyd Edwards, a cordial vote of thanks was passed to Mr Williams for his excellent address, and in reply Mr Williams expressed the opinion that no one should be appointed to a public position in Wales unless he could speak the Welsh. (Cheers). A vote of thanks, on the proposition of Mr Edgar Jones, M.A., seconded by the Rev Ben Evans, supported by the Rev D. H. Williams, M.A., was also passed to the ladies' committee, and to Mr D. Arthen Evans, the energetic hon. secretary, for the efficient manner in which the whole of the arrangements for the gathering were carried out. At the suggestion of Mr Edgar Jones, it was unanimously decided to form a Welsh Society (Cymdeithas Cymreigyddion) for the Barry district.

CONFIRMATION SERVICE AT BARRY DOCKS. In the presence of a large congregation the Right Rev the Lord Bishop of Llandaff performed the rite of confirmation upon 112 candidates (70 males and 40 females from the parish of Cadoxton, one from Llandaff, and one from Penmark) at St. Mary's Church, Barry Docks, on Wednesday even- ing last. Previou to the ceremony the Bishop delivered an an able and practicable address to the candidates. The service was a hearty and impre- sive one.

To MOTHEES.—Mrs Winslow's soothing Syrup has been used over fifty years by millions of mothers for their children while teething, with perfect success. It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately. It is pleasant to taste it produces natural quiet sleep, by relieving the child. from pain, and the little cherubawakes '*as bright as a button." Of all Chemists, Is lid per bottle. MR. ANDREW CARNEGIE.

OPENING OF BARRY PUBLIC LIBRARY. THE GENEROUS GIFT OF MR. ANDREW CARNEGIE. INTERESTING FUNCTION BY THE EARL OF PLYMOUTH. HIS LORDSHIP ON THE USE AND PURPOSE OF READING. In the presence of a large and representative gathering, comprising members of the public bodies, clergy and ministers, representatives of the friendly and trade societies, public institutions, and the general public of the town, including a numerous attendance of ladies, the new Public Library, situated on an eligible and central site at the junction of Holton-road and Tynewydd-road, Barry Docks, which has been erected through the generosity of Mr Andrew Carnegie, who contri- buted P,8,000 for the purpose, was formally opened for public use last Thursday afternoon, the inaugural ceremony being performed by the Right Hon. the Earl of Plymouth, the Lord Lieutenant of Glamorganshire, who was supported by Major general H. H. Lee, R.B., J.P., Mr J. Lowdon, J.P., Mr D. W. Roberts (chairman of the Public Library Com- mittee), Mr J. A. Manaton, J.P. (chairman of the District Council, who presided at the opening proceedings), Rev T. Pandy John (chairman of the Education Committee), Mr W. Hallett, J. P. (chairman of the Penarth District Council), Mr Sam Thomas (chairman of Penarth Library Com- mittee), Mr J. C. Meggitt, J.P., Dr P. J. O'Donnell, Mr W. Paterson, Mr S. R. Jones, Dr W. Lloyd Edwards, Mr R. T. Evans (members of the Library Committee), &e. Owing to the unpropitious weather which prevailed, the interesting function was shorn of the intended outdoor proceedings, but the noble Earl was presented with a handsome designed and chased gold key, bearing a suitable inscription, by the architects of the building, Messrs Hutchinson and Payne, A.A.R.I.B.A., London. A meeting was held in the central reading hall, which was filled to overflowing. On entering the building, Councillor Manaton, as Chairman of the District Council, introduced Mr T. B. Tordoff, the clerk of the Council, and Mr J. Roch, the librarian, to the Earl of Plymouth, who then made an inspection of the building. The Chairman (Councillor J. A. Manaton), in welcoming the Earl of Plymouth, said this was the first public building, with the exception of the schools, erected in the town, and the people of Barry were greatly indebted to Mr Andrew Carnegie, through whose generosity such a hand- some structure had been provided. Mr Manaton explained that this was part of a fine set of municipal buildings which it was intended to put up on the same site. He was glad that Barry had been honoured by the presence of Lord Plymouth that day, not only in his capacity as lord- lieutenant of the county, but also as chairman of the Barry Railway Company and past-president of the Public Libraries' Association. (Cheers.) T h 0. 'P,irl 4- 1 t, 11 11 —on*watfress the gathering, was accorded an enthusiastic reception. His Lordship expressed his cordial thanks for the kind words which the Chairman had just uttered regarding himself, and also to the District Council and Library Committee for the honour they had done him in asking him to take part in the opening of this handsome public library, which was worthy of the town, worthy of its generous donor, and worthy of the noble purposes to which it would be applied. (Cheers). It was quite true, and not unnaturally, that they had given him credit, for the deepest interest in the welfare of Barry. He had watched its growth since it was a mere cluster of cottages, and upon the marvellous growth of the town he must con- gratulate those in authority, and commend their energy in obtaining for Barry such splendid public buildings, which were necessary for the welfare and culture of the inhabitants. A resolu- tion of thanks would be passed that afternoon to Mr Carnegie, and he desired to associate himself with that vote by saying how much they were all indebted to Mr Carnegie for the munificent gifts he had made in all parts of the country towards the erection of public libraries. (Cheers.) Some- times they heard criticisms of the money spent upon these institutions. He did not mean that any criticism had been passed upon the gentleman who with such liberality gave of his money for this purpose, but rather criticism as to the use to which these libraries were put. Sometimes fault was found for raising the full library rate to maintain the building, but his lordship felt confident that although the best use which could be made of such an institutipn as this depended ultimately upon the desire of the inhabitants for opportunities which such a free library as that at Barry gave to them of reading widely and prosecuting their studies in different directions, and making such use as they could of these facilities, it would be poor policy if no provision were made for these wants until there was such a public clamour for it that much valuable time'and opportunity had been wasted waiting for this loud and general expression of desire on the part of the public. They would an agree that they should proceed with more courage, and be pioneers of what was going to be for the use and benefit of the people. He would, therefore, venture to congratulate the chairman and members of the Barry Council for taking ad vantage of Mr Carnegie's generosity in providig this important institution for the town. As to the question of reading and its uses, his Lordship would say that it seemed to him a waste of time to go into statistics as to the class of books which were taken out of the library, forming, for instance, the 60,000 odd volumes which had been read at the Barry library last year. The class of book read was not really the point. What was necessary, in the first place, was to cultivate a taste for reading. Let whoever would of the young people of the district, of either sex, take up the volume which best attracted their interest and attention, even though it be of the lightest character. The committee and the librarian would see that the works in the library were not of such a nature as to do harm to the reader. (Cheers.) In this way a taste for reading would be cultivated, and the reader would be encouraged to seek for further information in those subjects which he most required for instruct- ing himself, and thus they would attain to the great object of encouraging youth to take a legiti- mate interest and pride in these libraries. His Lordship expressed a hope that the library would also be used for the study of history, more especially British history. He could conceive no more useful study than that of the history of one's own country, without a know- ledge of which no one was capable of satisfactorily discharging the duties of citizenship, by the selection of those to whom were entrusted the control of the destinies of our great country. It would, therefore, be better for the future of Great Britain and its dependencies if this section of literature were more generally cultivated. (Cheers.) Having declared the building open, Lord Plymouth concluded his address by thanliing the architects for the beautiful key which they had presented to him as a souvenir of this occasion. Mr W. Paterson, at whose suggestion Mr Carnegie was originally approached by the Library Com- mittee, with a view to obtaining a grant for the erection of the present building, proposed a resolu- tion conveying the hearty thanks of the towns- people of Barry to Mr Carnegie for his genercm gift of A8,000 for the erection of the Public Library. Mr Paterson congratulated Lord Plymouth upon his recent elevation to the dignity of an earldom, and having remarked upon the phenomenal growth of Barry, said it was fitting that Barry should be the first place in Wales to approach Mr Carnegie for a grant for the erection of a town library. (Cheers.) Mr J. Lowdon, J.P., in seconding, said he hoped and believed that the new library building would be an enormons benefit to the town. The working classes, he said, had a great deal of power placed in their hands, and consequently a great deal of responsibility. It was important, therefore, that they should have every facility to obtain a complete knowledge on the great questions of the day, so that they might use their power and their votes in the best possible way for the general welfare of the community, The Library Committee had been at great pains to make the best selection possible of books, and to raise the tone of reading of the townspeople; and he was pleased to state that their efforts had been attended with a great deal of success, (cheers.) Public libraries had sprung up rapidly in Japan and China during the past few years, and Great Britain should at least keep pace with the enterprise and progress of oriental countries. The resolution was carried with acclamation. I BARRY PUBLIC LIBRARY. Mr D. W. Roberts, who was described by the Chairman as the bulwark of the Library Com- mittee. having been chairman ever since its establishment, then proposed a vote of thanks to Lord Plymouth, who, he said, had always taken the deepest interest in elevating, refining, ennobling, and encouraging the taste of the people. He congratulated his Lordship upon his recent appointment as president of Cardiff University College, and referred to the deep interest taken by the public in educational matters at Barry. The public libraries he described as the working man's freehold, and it was gratifying that at Barry the industrial community fully availed themselves of the advantages afforded by this institution. (Cheers.) Rev T. Pandy John seconded, and spoke of the close affinity between the acquirement of know- ledge and the efficient discharge of skilled and unskilled labour. 1 The Chairman, supporting the vote, expressed regret that the Countess of Plymouth was unable to be present that day. In reply to a hearty vote, Lord Plymouth reiterated the pleasure he felt at being present to take part in the opening of this new library. Dr P. J. O'Donnell, proposing a vote of thanks I to the Chairman, said the town of Barry was only ENTRANCE HALL AND STAIRCASE. in the third year of its existence as a local self- government when, in 1891, it was decided toadopt the Public Libraries' Act, and a ballot of the ratepayers resulted in 393 votes being cast in favour of the Act, and 87 against, the total number of ratepayers at that time being only about 500. Mr S. R. Jones seconded, and Mr Manaton, in reply, paid a tribute to the architects, builders, and clerk of works for the efficient manner in which the building had been carried out. Mr Manaton also made an appeal to the public for gifts of good books for the library. Nearly the whole of the penny rate available was necessary for the maintenance of the library and three branch reading-rooms, and there would be only about B25 a year left for the purchase of books. This concluded the proceedings, and having partaken of tea at the invitation of the District Council and Library Committee, the visitors were conducted over the new buildings, which were also opened for inspection by the public in the evening, when several hundreds took advantage of the opportunity. There was an unprecedented rush for books at the new library on Saturday, over 650 books being issued from the Lending Department. DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW LIBRARY. The Library forms part of a group of municipal buildings which, when completed, will include Municipal Offices and Town Hall, and is placed in prominent position in Polton-road, the principal thoroughfare of Barry. It is well set back from the road, leaving a wide open space in front, which it is intended to lay out as a garden. The design for the whole of the buildings was chosen in open competition, but the library portion of the scheme has been carried out first. This building alone does not give a true idea of the effect of the scheme as a whole, which will form an imposing facade to Holton-road when the remainder of the municipal buildings are erected. The Library is a spaciously planned building, with a wide open entrance hall and fine staircase. From the hall, the lending and reference libraries and the news rooms are approached, and a large room conveniently situated at the side is to be used as a museum and collec- tion of Japanese curios, lent by Miss E. P. Hughes, M.A., is to be placed here. The Lending Library, with top and side lights, is arranged with stacks to give accommodation for 30,000 volumes. The space for borrowers is directly off the hall, with a counter 30 feet in length for indicators and for book service, and so arranged with entrance and exit doors ao;, to allow of a free circulation without inconvenience to the borrowers. The position of this room, and the arrangement of it, gives the librarian and atten- dants complete supervision of the reference library and the news room, which are adjacent and communicating. The Reference Library is pro- vided with accommodation for 4,500 volumes and seating for 16 readers, and is amply lighted from the top and fide. The News Room is situated to the right of the hall, and contains an area of about 1,375 square feet, with accommodation for 60 readers, in addition to news paper stands for 52 persons, and a portion of this room will be reserved for magazines. Adjacent to the news room is the newspaper filing room. A wide stair- case is provided to the first floor, where there is a large Committee Room, which for the present is to be used as a Council Chamber by the Urban District Council, with a large waiting room adjacent. A Reading Room for Ladies is situated in the front at the head of the stair, and separate lavatory accommodation has been provided. The caretaker's apartments are on the second floor, with a separate entrance on the left hand side of the building, and private stair and lift communicating with ail the floors. In the basement, which is well lighted, is the repairing room, staff room, and lavatories, heating chamber, and coal cellars. The buildings were designed and erected under the supervision of the architects Messrs C. E. Hutchinson and E. Harding Payne, A.A.R.I.B.A., of London. Mr Watkin Williams, of Cardiff, was the builder and Mr G, Sanders, clerk of the works. The heating apparatus has been erected by Messrs John Williams and Company, of Cardiff. The Acme Wood Block Flooring and Paving Company, of London, have supplied and fixed the wood block flooring and the mosaic and terrazzo flooring has been supplied and laid by Messrs Diespecker and Company, of London. Messrs Brawn and Com- pany, of Birmingham, have supplied the whole of the door furniture and the North of Ehgland Furnishing Company made and fixed the oak bookshelves, tables, and furniture from the designs of the architects. The chairs for the Council Chamber, supplied by Mr P. E. Gane, the Art Furnisher, Queen-street, Cardiff, are of a very commodious pattern, made of solid oak fumed, with under framing to give them additional strength. The backs have an insertion of hide, and altogether the chair is thoroughly up-to-date, and although only a small price it is a thoroughly good article. The arm chair for the chairman is made in carved oak, and upholstered in crimson velvet, which gives it a distinct appearance from the rest. The chairs are particulary suitable for the place they occupy, and their design and quality are a credit to the well-known house of Mr P. E. Gane.

ALLEGED HIGHWAY ROBBERY AT CADOXTON. YOUNG MAN SENT FOR TRIAL. William Barry, aged 21, a labourer, of Hunter- street, Cadoxton-Barry, was committed for trial at the Assizes, at Penarth Police Court on Wednesday last,' by Dr Howell Rees and Mr W. Hallett, on, a charge of highway robbery.—The evidence showed that about eleven o'clock on Saturday night John Collins, a rigger, was returning up Weston Hill to his home at 20, Robert-street, Barry Docks. He was under the influence of drink, when a young fellow came up. snatched a bottle of beer from him, and 30s from his pocket.—William Watkins, of 55, Weston-street, Cadoxton, said he saw the accused take something out of Collins' pocket on Saturday night. On seeing witness Barry said, Keep your mouth shut. he is carrying."—This was corroborated by Harry Webb, a greengrocer, of I Holton-road, and Police-sergeant D. Phillips proved arrest, stating that when be charged Barry with the offence he professed to know nothing about the affair.

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF RECHABITES. The annual meeting of the Cardiff Juvenile District of the Independent Order of Rechabites was held at Cardiff on Saturday week last.—Bro. E. J. Curtis, D.S.J.T., gave an able report, and a statement by the J.D.S. showed a membership of 1,081, and a funeral fund amounting to j6358, an increase of 56 members for the year, 23 having been transferred to the adult lodge. The auditors drew attention to the exceedingly low rate of mortality (the total number of deaths for the year being two), and to the fact that the interest on investments was more than twice sufficient to meet all claims.

ABERTHAW. "THESE PIERCING EAST WINDS are very trying to me, I dare act face them said a delicate young man a few days ago. "Nor could I" replied his friend, until I took a course of Gwilym Evans' Bitters last year. It has braced up my system wonderfully. Try it without delay."—See advt.

MS. GRUNDY'S JOTTINGS. The traffic receipts on the Barry Railway, including the Vale of Glamorgan Railway, last week amounted to 116,448, an increase compared with the corresponding week of last year of 94,417. Aggregate increase, £ 9,395. County Councillor Gwyn Morris, Barry, has given notice to move at the next meeting of the Glamorgan Joint Standing Committee, that repre- sentation be made to the Prime Minister and Home Secretary for amendment of the law as to clubs, providing adequate police supervision and regula- tion as to hours of closing. Overheard outside a local hotel — Seafarer Pat, will you have a drink ?-Pat (coming nearer): What's that ?—Seafarer (thinking his mate would accept the invitation): I'll see you to-morrow.— Pat Aye, good-night. « In spite of the corporal punishment regulations in vogue, Councillor W. R. Lee alleges that a large number of canes are being used by the teachers of the Barry district, and at the last meeting of the Education Authority he proposed that the sticks" be collected and confiscated. Dr O'Donnell made a counter suggestion that they be placed in the museum of the new Library. 9 » At the rear of Holton-road there is, as most of my readers know, a large quarry where rubbish is tipped. Already it is proposed to utilise the site for swimming baths and gymnasium, accident hospital, with convalescent grounds surrounding, and bowling greens. One of my correspondents is aggrieved because a skittle alley has not been suggested. Anything else? • The Old Age Pensions Bill, issued last Tuesday, provides for a pension of 5s a week to every British subject over 65 years of age who has resided in the country for 20 years. A conviction for an offence involving penal servitude or 12 months' hard labour will be followed by forfeiture of the pension. ♦ At the grand assault-at-arms, held this week at Cardiff, in aid of the funds of Nazareth House, Councillor Peter Wright, of Newport, formerly of Barry, had an exhibition wrestling bout with Police-sergeant Stevens, the councillor throwing his opponent quite easily. Mr J. G. Swift MacNeil, K.C., the Nationalist M.P. for Donegal, will be the principal speaker at the St. Patrick's celebration dinner at Barry Docks on the 19th instant.. ♦ Mr E. J. Curtis, Cadoxton, has been appointed superintendent of the juvenile lodges of the Cardiff District of Rechabites for the fourth year in succession. Mr David Davies, M.P., has purchased the Hotel Cambria, Aberystwyth, and the building will be used as a, college for the training of Calvinistic Methodist ministerial students. Good news The inhabitants of the Barry district will be pleased to learn that the work of making the upper portion of Tynewydd road, Barry Docks, was commenced this week. The Welsh gathering at Barry on the evening of St. David's Day was in every respect an unqualified success. "Cardies" were an easy first in point of number. • A Bill giving the suffrage to every man of full age, with a three months' occupier's qualification, is backed by Messrs Cremer, W. Abraham, R. Bell, T. Burt, Fenwick, J. Johnson, J. Ward, Maddison, and J. wilson. The proposed qualification for lodgers is six months, and the register is to be made up twice a year. A workman applied for a summons at Barry Police Court last Friday for "insult." The án ex.1;}_:Q."ed that he had be.!t.cl";tfäboüt" i »" Both at the opening of the Public Library, and at St. David's Day gathering of Welshmen at Barry last Thursday, musical selections were rendered by the High-street School Boys' String Band (under the conductorship of Mr W. M. Williams), whose pleasing executions elicited the warm admiration of the Earl of Plymouth at the close of the opening ceremony at the Library in the afternoon. W At last Friday's sitting of Barry Police Court, only one person was charged with drunkenness. The defendant was a young single woman, and being her first offence, the case was dismissed. It was amusing to watch quite a number of juveniles march into the new Library at Barry Docks after the opening ceremony last Thursday with books tucked under their arms for exchange. A greed for knowledge seemed to captivate the youngsters. Mr D. W. Roberts, the chairman of the Barry Library Committee, in seconding a vote of thanks to Lord Plymouth last Thursday afternoon, very happily described the Public Library as the free- hold of the working man. The Ponarth Lifeboat Station having been discontinued, the local committee have transferred a financial balance of 2223 Is lid to the funds of the Barry Lifeboat branch, and 2100 to the Parent Society. ♦ The total expenses of Mr W. Brace, M.P., in connection with the recent Parliamentary Election in South Glamorgan, amounted to £ 2,239 14s 8d, and those of Colonel Wyndham-Quin, C.B., to £ 2,088 Os 3d. A little girl named Lizzie Edwards, aged 13, daughter of Mr John Edwards, 134, Phyllis-street, Barry Island, suddenly left home on Friday week, and, notwithstanding enquiries made by her parents as to her whereabouts, she was not found for eight days, when she was discovered in an out- building at the rear of an empty house, close to where she lived. The child, whe was in a state bordering on starvation, had been more than a week without food. ♦ Mr John Vowles and Mr Charles Mock, of Braunton, North Devon, the former 81, and the latter 85 yeara of age, are at present on a visit to relatives at Barry Docks. They are well-known bell-ringers, and as such have carried off a large number of prizes. In addition to the new candidates announced in our last issue, Mr W. Fowler has issued his address for the Dock Ward for the forthcoming District Council Election, and Mr J. J. Williams is again a candidate for the Holton Ward. It is not yet known whether there will be a contest in the Park and High-street Wards. The Board of Trade returns show that the imports for last month amounted to £ 47,528,835, against £ 42,844,937 in February last year, being an increase of £ 4,683,898. The exports for the month were E28,781,123, compared with 425,269,063, an increase of £ 3,512,060.

THE CARETAKERSHIP OF BARRY LIBRARY. To the Editor of the BARRY DOCK NEWS." Sin,-While holding no brief for the parties conoerned, yet I should like to state that to my mind it is a bit strange that Mr Crockford was not appointed as caretaker of the new Public Library. He has served the Council most efficiently for many years, and on every occasion, up the present, when change of premises took place, was requested to continue in office. This time no such request was made. Why ?—Yours truly, INQUIBER.

OUR SAILORS. To the Editor of the" BARRY DOCK NEWS." SIR,-Will you permit me through your columns to make an appeal to the public for gifts of magazines, illustrated papers and literature of all kinds, carriage paid, for distribution amongst thi- sailors visiting the port, for which T wouK very grateful ?—Yours faithfully, tc 'br-l- "vv*. W. WARREN. The Missions to^e-;D0i;k view-road, .B.aX7^ck8-

THE FURNISHING OF BARRY PUBLIC LIBRARY. To the Editor of the BARRY DOCK NEWS." SIR,-Please allow me to express my astonish- ment,.if not indeed my indignation, at the action of the Public Library Committee iu sending to Cardiff for the carpeting required for the floors of the new Library, without even giving an opportunity to local shopkeepers, who are large ratepayers, to put in tenders. Having had many years' experience in the business, I have no hesitation in stating that the carpeting supplied to the Library could be obtained locally at Is or Is 6d per yard less than was actually paid for it.- Yours faithfully, RATEPAYEB.

THE CANDIDATURE OF THE REV. T. PANDY JOHN. To the Editor of the" BABRY DOCK NEWS." SIR,-I read your comments in last week's Barry Dock News, on the forthcoming District Council Election, in which it was stated that the Rev. T. Pandy John had again been chosen, by the unanimous vote of the members of his church with one exception, as candidate for the Castleland Ward. This is obviously an error, and being the exception referred to I consider it is my duty to lay the facts before the public, and allow them to judge for themselves. On Monday evening, the 26th ultimo, the annual members' tea of Holton-road Baptist Church was held, when about half the members of the church, comprising a majority of ladies (and non-voters) were present. During the proceedings, without any previous intimation, a deputation from the Progressive Electoral Committee, was introduced to the meeting (without the sanction of the members, which was a direct violation of ths church rules), with a request that the church should relieve their pastor of his promise not to seek re-election. I objected on the ground that the interests of the church had suffered owing to Mr John being unable, in consequence of his duties as councillor, to devote the time and attention necessary to his duties as pastor. Notwith- standing my protest, in which I expressed the feelings, not only of myself, but of many other members of the church, a show of hands was-- called for, and the alleged unanimous vote Was declared to have been given, whereas, if a ballot were taken of the whole of the members, I am quite certain that a large number would express themselves in the same manner as I have done. These are the facts, and I am sure none will attempt to controvert them. In justice to my- self, and to the members of the church generally. I would ask you to give this letter the same publicity as was given to the comments last week. —yours faithfully, F. J. CRATES. Corner of Evans-street and Spencer-street Barry Docks, March 6th, 1906.

CARDIFF. MESSRS THOMPSON AND SHACKELL. LIMITED.— The directors of Messrs Thompson and Shackell Limited, Queen's Music Warehouse, Cardiff, have deoided to pay an interim dividend for the half- year ended 31st December, lSGiS. at the rate of 6 per cent. per annum on Preference shares and & I per cent. per annum on Culinary sharea,