The London Welshman

FAREWELL DINNER TO THE REV. PEDR WILLIAMS. On Tuesday, the 2oth tilt., at the Molborri Restaurant, under the auspices of the Caleb Mortis Cliib—which is composed of Welshmen in the London Congregational Ministry—a complimentary dinner was given to the Rev. W. Pedr Williams in view of his leaving London to take up the pastorate of the principal Congrega- tional Church in Durban, Natal. Mh Pedr Williams has laboured in Lower Clapton for sixteen ) ears with marked success, and is not Only greatly respected but also sincerely loved by all His brethren. And the dinrief was arranged to give his compatriots ari opportunity to show their appreciation of him and also to wish him well in his impottant new sphere beyond the seas. The chair was occupied by the Rev. To Morgan Gibbon, of Stamford Hill. Letters of apology for absence were read from the Rev. W. Justin Evans, Chairman of the London Congregational Union, who was kept away by family bereaVeriientj and from the Rev; E. Griffith Jones, B.A., of Balham, who had to fulfil a long-standing engagement. Short ad- dresses were given by the Chairman, the Revs. H. Elvet Lewis, Thomas Nicholson, T. Eynon Davies, and Owen Thomas, M.A. All spoke ili the highest terms of the sterling qualities of the guest, and whilst regretting his departure, con- gratulated South Africa most heartily because it had secured the services of such a great preacher, a man with a decided message; Mr. Pedr Williams, in replying to the good wishes of the Company, said that he felt the call to Durban was the call of Divine Providence. He was going out to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and not to settle any South African pro- blems. He would always remember that gather- ing the kindness and good wishes of brethren with whom he had lived and laboured for many years was precious at all times, but particularly so now that he was going so far away.

WELSH DISESTABLISHMENT. The Manchester Guardian of Thursday last contained the following statement, written by its London correspondent "The position of Welsh Disestablishment so far as the Government is concerned is, I am informed on very high authority, .definitely decided. It will, subject only to unforeseen possibilities, be introduced and carried through in the course of the present Parliament, and according to the best calculation now possible it will be the leading measure of the fourth Parliamentary Session. For reasons which cannot at present be suggested, it is considered not improbable that the Bill can be pressed through even the House of Lords. In any case, when the Liberal Government comes to appeal to the country at the end of its first Parliament, it will be with a complete and an approved measure of Disestablishment and I )isendowment. It is, of course, too soon to discuss the lines on which such a measute will be laid, nor can one suggest by whom it may be int oduced. Mr. Asquith has already fathered one Welsh Dis- establishment Bill. He will naturally be interested in seeing Disestablishment an accom- plished fact. For departmental and other reasons Mr. Herbert Gladstone may well be entrusted with the Bill. For national reasons Welsh Liberals would be glad, and English Non- conformists would agree with them if the conduct of the Bill through the House of Commons were handed over to Mr. Lloyd-George."

To those of our readers who have to come to town, we recommend Noon's Hotel, 69, High Holborn, W.C., as a most comfortable place to put up at. Recently, owing to increased business, adjoining premises have been acquired, which fact alone speaks for its growing popularity. In the restaurant, 330 dinners are served up daily, and the catering is of the best. Noon's Hotel is not unknown to visitors from Wales, for it is much sought after by those who have once stayed there. It is patronised by the choirs from Builth Wells, Wrexham, and Port. Talbot, who always make it their favourite rendezvous,

THE ST. JAMES'S ELECTRIC BATHS York Street, Jermyn Street, W, Old Established and Well Recommended. Ckctrlc Eight, fjot Jltr or fjydro electric Batb. REMOVED FROM 61, JERMYN STREET, W.

Football Chat. ["By PEL DROED."] London Welsh F. C.—The London Welsh F. C. are going vety strong of late. Having succeeded in defeating Bristol; they met Cam- bridge University with the Utmost confidence, and their supporters had the great satisfaction of seeing them win over the Vatsity meri. it was a riv st creditable performance, and has greatly enhanced the i-eputation of the London \Velsh in English football circles as a clever and Well-balanced side. On SatUrdays the London Welsh met NofthamptOrij and a particularly keen contest wds witnessed. Both sides were well matched, and each strove hard to scofe; On one occasion j Miles nearly got over fof Northampton, and Maddocks was only pulled down a yafd from the Northampton goal. As it was, the match ended in a draw. South Wales Matches.—Cardiff inflicted a big defeat on Swansea last Saturday; 15 points to j. It was the third defeat this season of the All Whites at the hands of the Cardiffians. The teanls are to meet once again ere the sedsori terminates, viz., at Swansea. Newport won a Well-merited victory over Leicester. The Usk- siders showed something like their old true form. Aberystwyth Association Cliib defeated, a Shrewsbury team, and are now strong favourites for the Welsh AniateUr Cup. The Aberys- twythians play a very pretty Soccer game Wales v. Ireland.—Scotland defeated Ireland very decisively on Saturday, and supporters of Welsh football have now strong hopes that the representatives of the Principality will be able to defeat the sons of Erin in the forthcoming encounter at Belfast, and thus secure the great distinction of winning the triple crown two seasons in succession. This distinction would- constitute a record in the history of British International Rugby Football, for neither of the four nations have yetsecured such a great triumph. Gwyn Nicholls.-It is stated that Gwyn Nicholls, the captain of the Welsh International Team, will definitely retire from football after the Wales v. Ireland match. A similar statement was made last season, but the famous player turned out this winter again, as we all know, and it is quite possible that he will play, for yet another season or two.

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF NORTH WALES. Permanent Building's Fund. The President of the College, the Right Honourable Lord Kenyon, has received an in- timation from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Right Honourable H. H. Asquith, M.P., that he will include in the estimate for the coming year a grant of ^20,000 towards the fund which is being raised to provide new buildings for the University College of North Wales, at Bangor.