The London Welshman

Notes from South Wales. (From our Special Correspondent.) London's Welsh Lord Mayor. The Lord Mayor of London is evidently proud of his Welsh nationality, and South Walians note with pleasure that it is his lordship's intention to attend the morning service at St. Benet's Metropolitan Welsh Church on April 29th, accompanied by the Sheriffs, in state. Such a compliment to the Welsh language cannot but do good. Physician, Heal Thyself. When the Aberystwyth Cambrian News is not publishing twaddle about the "Cymmrod- orion medal," it generally vents its spleen on the Western Mail, and in its last issue tried to be sarcastic at the expense of some sketches that had appeared in the journal in question. But if ever there were ridiculous sketches published there, the views (?) of Aberystwyth and Barmouth in the summer paper published by the Cambrian News would come under that category. They are wonderfully and fearfully made Spring Poetry. By the way, the Cambrian News ridicules everything and everybody-except its cynical self. But it is just possible that this cynical weekly is also open to ridicule at times. Here, for example, is a specimen of its original poetry (?) as published in the last week's issue Brown mountain torrents leap from rock to rock, And swirl, and swirl in silent moonlit pools, Until they find their way into the sea From whence they have gone forth ten-thousand times, Returning always as they now return." Perhaps the editor of the great Aberystwyth oracle will explain how brown mountain torrents" can "swirl and swirl" in silent moonlit pools." If there is "swirling," how can the pools be silent ?" especially when the "swirling" is done by "brown mountain tor- rents," which are rather a big order up Cardigan- shire way. Lord Denbigh's Welsh Farms. The Daily Mirror recently contained an interesting note in reference to Lord Denbigh, Lord-in-Waiting to King Edward. Lord Den- bigh is well-known as an expert in many agricultural matters. He has an extraordinary fish-preserve (if that is the right name to give it) in North Wales. This consists of a number of small ponds, in which 250,000 trout can be brought on annually to the age of two years. The fish are kept carefully sorted, and all kinds of ingenious devices—underground channels, box-screens," sluices-allow the ponds to be • controlled separately. Lord Denbigh has used his knowledge of fish to benefit the King's gardens in Buckingham Palace-he stocked them a few years ago with rainbow trout from his Welsh farms, and at a dinner of the Fly- Fishers' Club, a few weeks later, somebody got up and solemnly toasted these new Londoners, wishing them long prosperity Has Mr. Lloyd=George Changed? This is a question often asked in Wales lately. I notice that the Sunday Chronicle has touched upon the point, and the comment is so neatly put together, that I make no apology for reproducing it in these Notes Mr. Lloyd-George, who introduced the first of the Government measures, has demonstrated how completely office changes a man. In Opposition, he was the dashing resourceful guerilla, harassing the enemy on the flank, and now and then heading an impetuous-charge on the main body. He loved nothing better than a singlehanded combat with Mr. Chamberlain, and that doughty antagonist was ever willing for the duel. Lloyd-George is up,' was a cry which always filled the House in the last Parliament, and he never disappointed those who gathered to see how he bore himself. Many a dazzling thrust did he make from that vantage ground below the gangway. Now, on the Treasury Bench he wears the air of a man burdened with responsibility. The spark- ling jest which used to set the House in a roar is missing; the biting invective is heard no more. But the less showy, the more solid qualities are being displayed in their stead. "H2 has become the earnest man of affairs, the competent administrator, the thoughtful student of urgent problems, the master of details. "And, after all, the exchange is a good one, and if the other Ministers do as well as the President of the Board of Trade has begun, the Government will stand securely in the years before it." Welshman's Appointment. Mr. David Davies, or Dewi Vychan, as he is popularly known in Welsh bardic circles, has just been appointed chief inspector and general organiser of the British Widows Assurance Company for South Wales. The Company have recognised the wisdom of appointing a Welsh-speaking Welshman for this post, a policy MR. 1). DAVIES ("DEWI VYCHAN"). which is in happy contrast to that pursued by some other companies in similar circumstances. We have pleasure in reproducing a photograph of Mr. David Davies, from a photograph by Mr. A. J. Siedle, Cardiff. Mr. Davies is well-known throughout South Wales generally as a Welsh Nationalist and bard of considerable ability. Two Important Appointments. The death of Judge Gwilym Williams and the retirement of Mr. Bircham, Poor Law Inspector, render two important posts vacant in South Wales. It is extremely important that both vacancies should be filled by Welsh speaking men, and it is satisfactory to note that a large number of public bodies in South Wales have passed resolutions to that effect. It is hardly possible that the authorities who have the making of the new appointments will dare flout the express wishes of the great majority of South Walians in this matter. An Appropriate Motto. The Merthyr Town Council have decided to adopt the following motto for their armorial bearings Nid cadarn ond brodyrdde. In English, this means There is nothing so strong as combination." The Town Council could hardly have hit upon a more suitable and inspiring motto. Musical. I understand that Miss Elsie Williams, daughter of Mr. David Williams, journalist, barrister, London, and formerly of the Western ilf all and North Wales Chronicle, has made a successful debut as a vocalist. Miss Williams has, undoubtedly, a promising career before her. Her musical professor is Mr. Ffrangcon Davies, and her dramatic training is being superintended by Miss Rosina Fillipi, a popular author-actress.