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Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru

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9 erthygl ar y dudalen hon

LAYING OF THE FOUNDATION-STONE…

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Dyfynnu
Rhannu

LAYING OF THE FOUNDATION-STONE OF THE NEW TOWNHALL, BRIDGEND. On Wednesday last, the foundation-stone of the above Mali was laid by the Right Hon. John Nicholl, M.P The expense of the building will he defrayed bv voluntary con- tributions from the inhabitants of Bridsrend and the neighbour- hood, who have most handsomely come forward with the laudable object of providing a suitable structure for the accommodation of Ihe inhabitants of this thriving and increasing and district. From an early hour. the principal streets presented a scene of the greatest life nnd animation—nearly all the shops were closed., and a general holiday kept by all classes. In fact, the events ot the dav will be considered an era in the history of the town of Bridgend. The old Hall, which had withstood the storms of nianv years, has just been levelled, to make room for the new and commodious structure now in the course of erection. During the early part of the day. the members of Ihe Druids, Ivorites, nnd Oddfellows societies, were seen husiiv engaged in preparing for the procession, which was got tip"' and managed by Mr. Super- intendent Carr, of the Rural Police. At about eleven o'clock, the procession marched a considerable way out of town to meet the llight Hot: Gentleman, who enme that morning from Merthyr-malfr. The following was the order of the procession :-Firsr came the Rev. Robert Knight, the Chairman of thrf Building Committee, who has noblv contributed his pecuniary aid and his great personal services, towards the () rp,ed tl-e project, log-edit r with the following gentlemen, who formed the Committee, and whose active exertions in the matter deserve the highest praise:—Messrs. Win. Morgan, John Randall, William Llewellvn, Phdlip Price. Wm. Edwards. Walter Hibbert. Stephen Collier, and s,iii,tiet Cox. Then followed the most influential gentlemen, professional men, and tradesmen of Bridgend, and others, who have taken an active interest in the erection of the building—amongst whom were, the Revs. John Harding. Charles Knight, Samuel Jones, Henry Brown, ike &c. Then the archi- tect, Mr. David VauRhaii, of iJonvdstone, and the builder, Alr. Wm. Ravuer, of Swansea. The Cardiil band, led by Mr. Quelch, then followed, having been especially engaged for the occasion: they played several lively airs, in very good style. The workmen employed on the bui'ding followed in a most orderly manner. Then came the members of the Ancient Orders of Druids, all of "Whom were dressed in the costumes peculiar to their order. headed by their officers, viz., the steward, secretary, and grand arch druid. and two supporters, in the costumes of office, fol- lowed by the host," also in lue garb of ofiiee. Then came the Ivorites, followed by the Oddfellows, many of whom carried their respective flags, consisting of the white, blue, scarlet, gold, and purple degrees, with the usual patriotic mottoes. On some of these we observed moltues, such as 11 Do unto others as you would they should do unto you 1, Let Truth and Justice tri- umph Faith, Hope, and Charity Friendship, Love, and Truth, &c., &c. The boys and girls of the Bridgend National Schooi brought up the rear. When the procession had arrived as far as the residence of the Rev. John Hmdirig, tley halted, and waited for Mr. Nicholl, who arrived in a very short time, and was received with great cheering, waving of bats, and the most livtly demonstrations of joy, to which the Right Hon. Gentleman most heartily responded, and the band struck up, See, the -Conquering Hero cltmes." He then accompanied the procession, which returned in an order reverse to that in which they came out of town. The various persons forming the procession then assembled upon the ruins of the old Towohall, and around the place where the foundation was laid. Mr. Nicholl, together with the Rev. Robt Knight, and several of the gentlemen of the Committee, then proceeded to the place which had been dug as a foundation, over which Mr. Rayner had provided a platform for the accommodation of the ladies, but the majority 01 the intended fair occupants prudently contented them- selves to view the proceedings from the various windows of the surrounding houses we say prudently, for had they occupied the platform, they would have been greatly incommoded by the pressure of the crowd, all of whom were anxious to view the "grand stone," as it WHS lowered down, arid other portions of the ceremony. After the cheering with which the Right Hon. Gentleman was greeted, had subsided, while descending into the foundation, he placed several coins in the groove prepared under the stone, and also a brass plate, containing an inscription, most tastefully engraved by Mr. Bonnett, of Swansea, of which the following is a copy:— "The foundation litone of this Townlmll (erected by subscription) was laid ov The Right Honourable J NICHOLL, D.C.L., M.P., on the,13ih day of September, 1843. Building Committee:- Rev Robert Knight, Chairman, Mr. John Randall, — Samuel Cox, Philip Price, — Walter Hibbert, — William ifdwaids, — Stephen Collier. David Vanghan, architect^ William Rayner, builder. After the whole had been covered with mortar, which Mr. Nicholl smoothed with a trowel, the foundation-stone was lowered, and struck by him once or twice with a mallet. After this cere- mony hud been gone through, amidst much cheering, the Right Hon. Gentleman stood on the adjoining bank, and addressed the assembled multitude in a very eloquent speech, to which, we confess, we are unable to do that justice which we could wish, owin<T to the tremendous pressure of the crowd, and other incon- veniences inseparably connected witb open-air reporting.—Mr. Nicholl spoke nearly to the following effect Ladies and Gentlemen,-I rejoice most sincerely in this vigorous attempt to provide for the increasing wants, comforts, and instruction of tiiis thriving town. (Hear, bear). I also most sincerely congratulate you on the success which has at- tended the united efforts of all classes of the community, to carry on this ifood and creditable work. (Great cheering). Every person must rejoice at, and applaud the great and public objects which you wish to carry into effect by this building. ( Hear, hear). May the work be continued, and carried on to completion, with the same energy, unanimity, and with the same absence of all party feeling. as it has hitherto been. (Cheerf). May no evil feelings—may no blckerwgs-mav no dissension intrude themselves into this Hall; but may science, and peace, and good- will rejoice therein, in hours of social innocence. (Loud cheers). May justice be administered with firmness, impartiality, and mercy, under its roof. May the weak-inny the innocent-may the rjuiet—:nay the peaceable, ever find ready protection and security against the overbearing, disorderly, and violent. (Hear, bear). May justice be administered in the Courts of the new building-mav they never he used as instruments of oppression, cruelty, or wrong. May they never be scenes where dissension is hatched, but may the authority of law and justice be main- tained by the unpaid Magistraci" of Glamorgan May the cells be chambers, where the old and hardened in crime will feel the pangs of remorse, and return to his former senses, and where the young in crime may be brought to a sense of shame, and induced to seek forgiveness from their Maker. In short., may the good Providence which tvns everything to a good purpose: look with favour on this undertaking, ami bless its handy-work.—(Tre- mendous cheering, which lasted some minutes). The Rev. Robert Knight, on being loudl.v called for, said"- Gentlemen,—After the very eloquent atfd f'erling address which' the Right Hot. Gentleman has just delivered to you on the occa^ sion, I feel that I am guilty of great presumption in saying it word I cannot help thanking him for the very able manner in which he has expressed his feelings and sentiments. (Cheers). In common with all my good friends, the gentlemen and trades- men of Bridgend, I feel proud to see this foundation-stone laid and as far as my bumble endeavours can assist in the completion of the work, nothing shall be wanting on my part. (Great cheering), Mr. Nicholl then came forward to propose three cheers, and one cheer more, for the Rev. Robert Knight and the Committee of Management, which was heartily responded to. The procession then proceeded to the Market-place, where upwards of six hundred buns were distributed among the boys and girls of the Crid^end National Schools. The workmen en- gaged on the new building were also plentifully regaled with ctcrto da. THE DINNER. This was the grand demonstration of the evening. Soon after three o'clock, a most numerous and respectable company met at dinner at the Wyndham Arms inn, the house of Mr. Belterton. Nearly 1111 the gentry, professional gentlemen, and the most influ- ential tradesmen of the town and neighbourhood were present. The little town of Bridgend has seldom witnessed such an assem- blage; to quote the language of one of the speakers the as- semblerl town of Bridgend" were there. The tables were well supplied.and tile dinner and the manner in which it was served up did infinite credit to the worthy bost and hostess, whose re- putation for such performances is well established. We heard I several gentlemen express themselves highly delighted. Ati seemed to vie with each other in endeavouring to contribute their quota to the pleasure of ibe evening, and if we may judge by his countenance none seemed to enjoy the convivialities 01 the evening better than the Right Honourable Gentleman who presided, and who appeared to be in excellent health and good spirits. The Chairman wao supported on the left by the Rev. John Harding, Mr. Edmond Traherne, &c. &c., on the left by the Rev. Robt. Knight, the Chairman, and other gentlemen members of the Committee of Management. Mr. Jones, of Hall, occupied the vice president's chair. The Chairman having called upon the company to charge their glasses," proposed as the first toast The Queen, and may God bless her," which was drunk with three times three, lhe band, which most admirably performed its duties during the whole of the evening, struck up God save the Queen." The Chairman then said, that the propriety of separating hus- band and wife had been frequently discussed in that neighbour- hood. He was not then going to enter into that political question, but all would agree that it would not do to separate Prince Albert from the Queen. Since his first arrival in this country the Prince had called forth the admiration of all. and all must acknowledge that he had faithfully discharged his duties in that point for whicii be was specially called. (Cheers and much laughter.) The toast having beeh"drunk amongst great cheering, the band played a •' German watiz." The Chairman said, that having proposed the father and mother, he would next propose •' The Priric ol Wales—their own Prince;" and he would take that opportunity of saying, that though out- rnges had taken place in a neighbouring counts, he would say there were no people more loyal and attached to the throne than the people of Glamorgan. He (the Chairman) was told in Lon- don. that he must not show his face in Wales-(lnughter) hilt he was litippl 10 say, that in spite of the London reporters, in spite of the London press, Wales had not. lost its character tor loyally. The toast having been drunk amidst much cheering, the band performed Rising sun," and Ab Shenkin The Chairman then gave The health of the Duke of Wel- lington, the hero of a thousand battles, and the British Army," with which in the absence of Captain Davey, the hero of Cassey —(laughter)—he would connect the name of Corporal Harding -( cheers and laughter). Drunk amidst cheers after which the band placed British Grenadiers. The Rev. J. Harding returned thanks in a most humourous speech, replete with genuine wit. He thanked the Chairman and company for connecting his name with that of the Duke of Wel- lington, but he took some credit to himself, and thought be was not altogether unworthy of that honour. The Rev. Gentleman then kept the tables in i continued roar of laughter, by making references to the time when he and the Vice-President served in the Volunteer Corps of Yeomanry, or some similar volunteer service, when thev marched and counter marched from Aberga- vennv toCrickuowell. He would not tell the company what they did, but what they ought to have done. However, he would say. that in one vear they met to eat and drink eight times, so that if unabl" to serve their couutrv in one way. they did so in another. (Laughter.) He had served both in "the infantry and in the cavalry. (Cheering and laughter.) Himself and his companions in arms had then been the saviours of the country, and would again exhibitequal bravery whenever called upon, whether against Rebecca" or anv other foe—(laughter) but what added most to their glory was, that they received nothing but honour. Hnlf- pay they had" not received—full p»v they had not even heard of. No pay bad been their portion. (Cheers and laughter.) The Chairman 1 hen proposed 11 The WTooden Walls ol Old En- gland," with which he would connect the name of Commodore Sir C. Napier, than whom no man was more ready to serve his conntry. The band struck op Hearts of Oak." The health of the Lord Lieutenant of the County'' was then proposed by the Chairman. That distinguished individual, he sain, was always read y to come forward and aid all projeots having to do with the interest* of the ooonty. The'Chairman tiwn re- ferred to the Lord Lieutenant's liberal contribution towards the erection of the Town-hall, and to the Bute Dock*, &c. Drank with three times three. The band played "Glamorganshire March." The Chairman then proposed the healths of the Coonty Mem- bers, Lord Adare and Mr. Talbot, who were members of dis- tinguished old families, and all would agree that those two possessed, in an eminent degree, the virtue of their ancestors, whether viewed as landlords, neighbours, or public characters. Drunk amidst much cheering. The band played, Of a noble race was Shenkin." The Rev. J. Harding returned thanks. He was treasurer of two charitable societies, and had never applied for their support in vain to either Lord Adaie or to Mr. Talbot. The Chairman then gave ''The Rev. Hobert Knight, and the ztii.liiweiiie(' Committee of Management." The Chairman bighl v complimented the Committee of Management for the able manner in which they had performed their duties.-Drunk amidst loud cheers. The band p)aved When order in this land commenced." The Rev. R. Knight returned thanks in an eloquent speech, and proposed Ihe health of the Right Hon. Gentletpan in the chair, and may he continue hanpilv to reside amongst us for many years." Drunk amidst tremendous cheering. "The band played Auld Lang Synr." The Chairman returned thanks in an appropriate speech. The Chairman then proposed "The heath of Mr. Edward Traherne," who returned thanks in a short and appropriate speech. The band played Ar hyd v no The Rev. Robert K.ni|»ht thesi said the Chairman called upon him to propose, as the n^x11 oast, 4' The hea 11!1 or Lord Donraven, without whose donation of ;,f)\ll., besides the ground and other donations, the new buiiding could not he erected." Drunk with three times three, after which the bsnd plaved "St. Patrick's dav in ihe morning." Mr. Randelj briellv returned thanks. I The Rev. J oh ti Harding proposed The health of the Vice- President." He was glad to see an old fellow-soldier in the vice chair. (Cheers.) The hand plaved The March of the Men of Glamorgan." The Chairman gave as the next toast, "The healths of Mr. Vivian, the Member for the Western Boroughs, and of Sir John Guest, the Member for Merlin r, both of whom he (the Chairman) had found to be taithtul allies in all things relating to the interests of Drunk with :hree times three. The band played a Welsh melody. The Chairman again proposed the health of the Vice-Presi- dent, Mr. Jones, of Hail, who returned thanks in an appropriate and verv humorous speech. The band played Llwyni." The Rev. C. Knight said, that the Chairman wished him to propose a toast, and he chose "Tha healths of the Ladies of Glamorgan, with Lady Dunraven at their head." Drunk with three times three. The band struck up. "Heaith to all good lasses." r The Chairman next proposed, The health of Mr. Vanghan, the architect," by whose skill and exertions the details of the building had hitherto been carried out. He would couple with his name that of Mr. Rayner, the contractor for the building." He knew neither of those gentlemen, but from what he saw aud heard, he was confident they deserved thanks. Mr. Rayner returned thanks on behalf of Mr. Vaughan, who was absent, and himself. He hoped the superstructure would he completed in as creditable a manner as tlie foundation had been laid by the Right Honourable Chairman. The band played Mason s Apprentice Tiie Rev. J. Harding, in a neat and appropriate speech, pro- posed, Mrs. Niciioll," the Chairman's tad), to whom, in con- jnnction with the family of Merthyr Mawr. Bridgend was chiefly indebted for its National School. Mrs. Nicholl stood conspicu- ous in everv good thing. The Chairman returned thanks in an appropriate speech. The band played "Glamorganshire lass." The next toast was, The land we live in," which was drunk with cheers; after which the band played Happy land." The Revs. J. Harding and Robert Knight then proposed respectively, Good evening," and Prosperity to the town of Bridgend." Bolli gentlemen urged the necessity of making ex- ertions to get ill" more funds towards the new Hall. The band played, "Speed the plough after which the numerous patlv separated, highly delighted with the hilarity and conviviality of the evening.

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GREAT MEETING OP FARMERS.

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.-FAIRS IN THE ENSUING WEEK.

Family Notices

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COUNTRY MARKETS.,.....

SWANSEA. FRIDAY, SEPT. 15.…