The London Welshman

Notes from South Wales. (From our Special Correspondent.) "Welsh Counties." A communication recently appeared in the Press dwelling on the need of renewed spiritual activity and the importance of prayer. It was signed by the Archbishop of Canterbury. In this communication, reference is made to the welcome revival going on amongst the churches of "the Welsh Counties." Why "Welsh Counties?" Surely, even the Archbishop of Canterbury knows that Wales is a distinct nationality, and ought to be so acknowledged in official communications such as the one alluded to. The Archbishop might have written the churches of the Principality of Wales," even if he did think it beneath his ecclesiastical dignity to write of "the churches of the Welsh nation." A Welcome Sign. A feature of the recent visit of Princess Christian to Carmarthenshire and Cardiff was the number of Welsh mottoes and Welsh national flags that were displayed. Even at cosmopolitan Cardiff, the two principal mottoes were in the ancient language of Gwalia, whilst the Union Jack and the Welsh national flag flew on the same mast above several of the public buildings. The Welsh concert at Highmead, Llanybyther, was also a noted feature. Every one of the performers was of Welsh extraction, and every item sung was Welsh. Indeed, it is doubtful whether there has ever been an im- portant concert given in Wales that was as purely Welsh as this one. Such a graceful recognition of the attractiveness of Welsh national music by prominent people, merits the very best thanks of all who are interested in the growth of Welsh nationality. Welsh Industries. That the Welsh Industries Association has done, and is doing, splendid work, is obvious to all who have watched its movements and progress. At a very largely attended public meeting held ac Swansea the other evening, it was unanimously decided to hold an exhibition in connection with the Association at that town later on in the year. Similar exhibitions have already been held at London, Liverpool, Bristol, and Cardiff. As a result of the Association's good work, there has been an increased demand for Welsh fabrics, and large quantities of Welsh goods have even been sent to Vienna. This means the development of native industries, and all who have witnessed the commercial decay of so many small Welsh rural towns will rejoice at the possibility of renewed life and activity being imported into their midst once more. Simultaneous Services. A feature of the new Calvinistic Methodist Forward Movement Hall at Penydarren, Merthyr -by the way, some excellent work is being carried out under the auspices of the movement in question-is the ceiling. It is so constructed as to be sound proof, it being the intention of the promoters of the movement to hold Welsh and English services simultaneously. A Rising Welsh Artist. Mr. Bert Thomas, of Swansea, is a young Welshman evidently destined to become a very prominent artist. His topical sketches and cartoons in the local evening press have attracted much attention, and now Mr. Thomas has been successful in getting a half-page illustration accepted by Punclz. The editor of the famous humorous journal in question is not in the habit of publishing anything inferior, so that Mr. Thomas's success is very marked indeed. Rhondda Cymmrodorion. The Rhondda Cymmrodorion has had the honour of welcoming many distinguished Britishers, including the Lord Chief Justice of England, General Warren, and ofhers, and now I hear that General Buller has promised to pay a visit to the Rhondda in the ensuing summer, as the guest of the same Society. It is very evident that the Rhondda Cymmrodorion is a real live body, and it is to be heartily con- gratulated upon its enterprise. "Tea and Coffee Sold Here." A good story is being related in West Wales. It appears that outside a coffee tavern in a town of the district alluded to, was affixed the notice, Cymry, dewch at y Cymro." A number of Welsh visitors entered the coffee tavern and asked the assistant in Welsh to be supplied with some food. But the assistant did not understand them, and eventually the proprietor himself, who was in the same dilemma, explained that he had bought the notice from a man who told him that it was Welsh for "tea and coffee sold here Uandrindod's Popularity. It is evident that Llandrindod is rapidly increasing in favour as a health resort by prominent people. In last week's "Visitors' List," for example, I notice the following names Commodore Loggin, R.N., Portsmouth; Rear Admiral Ryle, Bournemouth; Sir R. Green Price Capt. Byrne, Kinnersley Castle; Com- mander Gurney, R.N., Lowestoft; Admiral Gissing, St. Leonards, and many other well- known personages. If the King could be induced to visit the Mid-Wales spa instead of going to Homburg, there is no doubt that the popularity of Llandrindod would become greater than ever. It is difficult to understand why King Edward should be continually patronising a German spa, seeing that the waters of Llan- drindod are quite as good, if not better, than those of the foreign resort. Many Happy Returns. Lord Tredegar was 75 years of age on Friday. His Lordship is an exceedingly popular noble- man. He is proud of his Welsh ancestry, and his great kindness and consideration to, men of all parties and creeds has made him universally beloved. As is generally known, Lord Tredegar is one of the survivors of the Light Brigade who took part in the famous charge in the Crimea war. He had a thrilling experience in that heroic incident, and saw his brother officers shot down on all sides while he, fortunately, escaped unscathed. By the way a statue of Lord Tredegar is to be erected at Cathays Park, Cardiff.