The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

ST. DAVID'S DAY CELEBRATION AT STAFFORD. On Friday evening, March 1st, the Welsh residents of Stuftord and their friends gathered at the Congregational Schoolroom, Martin-street, to celebrate St. David's Day with a supper and entertainment, the arrange- ments for which had been left in the hands of a committee with Mr John Williams, Eirias (late Old Colwyn), as chairman, and Mr W OPritchard, Gas and Electric Dept. (late of Grnig, Bangor ), as hon. secretary. The meeting was opened by Mr Tom Harris, Carnarvon, singing "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau," all present joining in the chorus. A varied programme was gone through, to which the following contiibutedr-Mr Tom Harris, Mrs Bradwen Harris, Misses G and M Harris, and Mr Arthur Harris, Carnarvon; Miss Amy Morris, P^nvgroes Miss Owen and Mr Tom Owen, Stafford Mr J Morgans, Barmouth and Mr Ll T Edwards, London. Readings upon St. David's Day were given in Welsh by Mr Tom Williams, Ruthfn, and in English by Mr W 0 Pritchard, Mrs Harris contributing an englyn upon the occasion. At the interval, all sat down to a good supper catered for by Mrs Maylott. After supper, the toist of St- David was proposed by Mr John Williams, who spoke upon the patron saint, and was responded to by Mr W O Pritchard. Mr D E Jones, postmaster (late of Bangor), i in proposing the tpast of Wales, reviewed the I progress of education in Wales during the last decade and the advancement of the Welsh as a nation, and their contributory influence in the Government of our connt.y, this toast being ably responded to by Mr Tom Williams. After supper, the second part of the pro. gramme was gone through, the accompanists being Miss Harris, the Rpv. George Watson, M.A., and Mr Ll T Edwards. The first prize for reading an unpunctutated piece in Welsh was gained by Mr Tom Williams, and for an impromptu speech In English on An Egg," Miss Buttery. The respective adjudicators were Mr D E Jones and Mr E R Davies (late of Newtown ), ( draper. Mrs Pratt presenting the prizes. ¡t A vote of thanks to the Chairman was pro- posed by the Rev G Watson, seconded br Mr J E Evans (late of .Wrexham).—Mr W O Pritchard proposed a further vote of thanks to the Congregational friends for the use of their room, which was seconded by Mr T Harris. The sii ging of the National Anthem brought a very enjoyable evening to a close

I Cardiganshire County Council Elections. Appended is a list of results of the elections for members on the Caidiganshire County Council which took place ou Satur- day in the divisions where there were con- tests. A list of the unopposed returns appeared in last week's issue. New Quay—Mr Evan James Davies, Glyn, the sitting member (L), 139; Capt Jenkin Thomas, 11, Park-street (L), 127; Mr Evan Lewis, Evans Hall, (Ind), 8; majority for Mr Davies 12.4 Aberayron—Mr John Davies Davies, Feather's Hotel (L), 160 Mr Francis Evans, Glanmor House, the sitting member (L), 105 majority 55. Llanfairclvdogau-Col H Davies-Evans, Highmead (C), 165 Mr D Saunders Davies, Bryndulas, the sitting member (L), 113 majority 62. Talybont—Mr Edward Evans, Neuaddfawr (L), defeated Mr Bunce Morgan, Glanfread (L)' with a majority of 42. The sitting member was Mr Edward Jones, Elgar (L), who withdrew his nomination. Taliesin-Dr John James, Fagwyr Filch, the sitting member (L), 130; Dr D 0 Williams, Trerddol (C), 65 majority 00 Llanllwchaiarn-The Rev William Griffiths, Maengroes, retiring alderman (L), 83; Mr EvanLewis, Soar, the sitting member (C), 79 majority 4. Llan wnen-Mr J C Harford, Falcondale, retiring alderman (C), 99 Mr David Evans, Ffynonfair, the sitting member (L), 88; miianr^ystyd—Mr D Morgan James, London House (C), 155; Mr E J Evans, Cnweybarcut, the sitting member (L), 115; majority 40. Llanwenog—Mr D Martin Jones, New Court Shop, Llanybyther (L), 178 Mr Herbert Davies Evans, High Mead (C), 147; majority 31. Llandyssul (North) Mr Jenkin Jones, Pantmoch, the sitting member (C), 119 Capt. William Davies, Rhydowenfach (also an old member of the Council) (L), 105: majority 14. Llandvssul (South)—The Rev T A Thomas <L), 203; Mr Charles Lloyd, Waunifor (C), 191 majority 12. „ Cilcennin — Major Price Lewes, Tyglvn Aeron, the sitting member (C), 166 Mr John Edwards, Cefngwyn (L), 76; majority 90. Nantcwnlle (retiring member, Dr Evan Evans, Greengrove)—Mr W Jenkin Lloyd, Blue Bell, Nantcwnlle (L), 140; Mr Evan Rees Lloyd, Penblodeuyn (C), 69; Evan Davies, Parcau Bachjlnd), 15; majority for Mr W J Llangoedmore — Mr5* James Stephens, Glanolmarch, the sitting member (L), 145 Mr B T Davies (Ind), 78; majority 67. Aberporth Mr Thomas Watkins, Rock- lands, Cardigan, the sitting member (I,), 85 Mr Joshua Hughes, Rhosgadairnewydd (L), 80; majority 5. There were three elections at Aberystwyth, the fourth representative, Mr D C Roberts, having been returned unopposed for No. 2 Ward. Mr Roberts has been returned unop- posed since 1895. In No. 1 Ward, Mr R J Jones (C), the sitting member, was opposed by Mr T Doughton (L), and the result was declared at the Ysgoldy, as follows:- Doughton 173, Jones 142, majority 31. In 1901 Mr Jones beat Mr Robert Doughton, who then sat on the Council, by a majority of 74, and three years ago was returned unopposed. In No. 3 Ward, Mr Roberc Ellis (L), the sit- ting member, was opposed by Mr J T Davies (C), and the result was declared at the Town Hall as follows :—Ellis 215, Davies 164, major- ity 51. Mr Ellis was returned unopposed in 1904 and in 1907 was elected by a majority of 22 over Mr T E Salmon, in 1898, by a majority of 29, and in 1895 by 7 over Dr Beddoes. In Ward No. 4, Mr G Fossett Roberts (C), the sitting mtmber, was opposed by Mr Edwin Morris (L), and the re suit was declared at the Council Schools as follows :-Roberts 267, Morris 192, majority 75. Mr Roberts was elected at a by-election in 1905 when he defeated Mr William Thomas by a majority of 94. Speaking after the declaration of the poll, Mr Fossett Roberts said that the result showed that the ratepayers believed the election was not necessary in that ward and if it had been left to them they would have said so. Unfortunately, a few political extremists opposed to him forced that elec- tion upon him and that was why the expense was incurred. He was sorry to say that he had to contend with great difficulties in the campaign. An attempt was made to get rid of him by ministers of religion whom he thought would be better employed in greaching the Gospel, leaving politics alone. te congratulated the electors on showing that they were able to form their own opinions. (Hear, hear). It will be seen that the Liberals gained a seat at Aberystwyth and that Conservatives gained seats at Llanwneu, Llanrhystyd, and Llanfairclydogau. The Liberals will have a majority of twenty-four on the Council, having thirty-six members against twelve Conservatives. The returning officer was Mr H C Fryer, the late clerk of the peace, who after the close of the elections will sever his connection ;with the public work of the county.

LLANON St. David"s Day.—The Independents heid their annual concert on St. David's Day. The T D Thomas presided and "Powys" acted as conductor. The meet- ing opened with a short address from the Chairman, and with some recitals of poetry by "Powys." The programme, which was entertaining and instructive, was as fol-loii-s:-Pia,noforto duet, Misses Lily and Maggie Hughes; party, Gwyl Dewi.Sant;" party, "Laughing Song," recitation; "Willie a'r Fegin," Mary J- Thomas; duet, Bessie Lewis and Maggie Hughe?; adroddiad, "Monvyn ei Mami," M M Evans; trio, "Mary of Argyle," Misses M A Davies, F Jones, and B Lewis; recitation, "PlentvnEdífeiriol," D J Evans; recitation, "I'm a Mother," Maggie Hughes; recitation, "Yr Hen Lane," John Davies. followed by this im- promptu from the chair:- "Mae'r arweinydd wedi tewi Pan glywodd am briodi," and with this retort from the Conductor— "Rwyf fi yn hen lane yn byw yn y sir, Does arnaf eu liofn os coeliwch y gwir, duet, "Doggie." Lily and Maggie Hughes; recitation, J L Evans; party; party of boys; song, Maggie Hughes; duet, Liiy Hughes and Nellie Davies; song, Miss Davies, Aberystwyth; recitation, John Davies; song, Mr David Jones, Llanrhys- tyd (encore song); song, Maggie Hughes ladies' party led by Miss JenkinSj Millet; song, M iss Evans, Ce!cennin; recitation, Mr David Jones, Llanrhystyd; song, Capt Jenkins, Miliet Park; song, Miss Davies Aberystwyth; recitation, Miss M A Davies; flute and pianoforte trio, Miss H Jenkins and D Jones and friend ladies' party led by Miss Jenkins; story, "The Three Friends," Misses L Davies, F. Jones, and M A Davies; song, Miss Am- elia Evans, Cilcennin; recitation, D. Jones, Lianrhystvd: duet, Misses H Jen- kins and M A Lewis; recitation, Miss 31 A Davies; finale, "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau," Capt Jenkins, Millet Park. Between the first and the second part of the programme a drama entitied Two Christmas Eves" was very creditably performed by the following:—Misses H Jenkins, M A Lewis, Clara Jenkins, Florrie Jones, Maggie Hughes, M J Davies, M A Davies, and J Messrs D Arthur Jenkins, D Jones Davies and D Lambert Jenkins. The ac- companists for the evening were Mrs Davies, C-larovine; Miss Thomas, Llandys- sul and Misses Jenkins, Picton House. This village should honour Dewi Sant in a befitting. way, as it is now generally be- lieved that Llanon is the birth place of our patron saint. We have here until this day, Capel Non, Ffynon Non, Delw Non, and Neuadd Non. I)eath.The death of a well known in- habitant, Mr John Jenkins, Llansant- ffraid, took place on Monday. The de- ceased was eighty years of age and was buried in the Parish Churchyard on Wed- nesday, the Rev D Lewis officiating.

CAPEL SION Competitive Meeting.—A competitive meeting was held in the Chapel on Wed- nesday night, February 27ih. The com- petitions consisted of poetry, sinking, re- citations, were confined to the young people of the neighbourhood- A long programme was most excellently gone through. An additional item in connec- tion was a. written examination held a week previous in the Biblical subject: prescribed bv the Calvinistic Methodist body. The results were made known in the evening. Praise is due to the ytoung men w ho organised the meeting, and to the young women who provided rosettes. The chairman was the Rev R H Edwards; the adjudicators were the Rev D Lewis, Capfel Dewi, and Mr J Arthur Jenkns, Aberystwyth; the secretary, Mr Thomas J Morgan, Gilfaehgoch; the treasurer, Mr W Pugh, Penceln, The usual vote of tbmliks were moved and seconded by At- derman Evan Richards and Mr John Jones. The ginging of "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau" brought an enjoyable meeting to a close.

It is stated that Mr John D" Rocke- I feller is planning to give another enor- mous amount for educational and phil- anthropical purposes. The amount i« stated to :be £ 10,000,000 that the Standard Oil monopolist pronoses to bestow in this manner. j. t

NOTES FROM ABERAYRON. There were three elections which inter- ested our people. It would have been a regrettable event, to say the least, to turn out Major Price Lewes at the pre- sent juncture. It is customary among some people to jeer at the railway project. Others are confirmed sceptics. They cannot beiieve unless they see. It is said that Thomas the Apostle, who stood for ocular demonstration, was an indispensable character among the twelve. It is given to some people to dream and plod in hope. They are even more indis- pensable. The Ottoman Prince, who sat moodily on the shore of the Hellespont, im- agining that there was a continent be- yond that sea, saw the rays of the moon arching the distance. At that moment he crossed the sea, ere long he found the means to take his body across. That was the beginning of Turkey in Europie. It would be just as cynical to turn out Major Price Lewes as to turn out Mr J. C. Harford. They. stand or the Otto- man Prince. They believe that it is quite reasonable to expect that the rail- way plans, conceived by so much effort and reared with so much patience, may attain to practical execution. We are exposed to the taunt that there is a rail- way psrospect opened out every three years, just when an election comes. We are reminded of the late Mr D. Davies, Llandinam, who, on more than on one occasion, exploited a railway scheme at the hustings. We have to put up with sneers and taunts and ironical thrusts in the side, and go on following up the thread of this hope till it vanishes into nothingness, or till it develops into a pair of steel rails. Evidently the electors like people who live by faith when they cannot convert it into works to order. They have allowed Principal Bebb and Messrs Morgan Evans, J M Howell, and Walter T Davies to go back to the Coun- cil unopposed. They have elected' Major Lewes, Mr J. O. Harford, Mr E. J. Davies, and the Rev W Griffiths at the polls—all men who have been identified with the railway scheme. Yes. Mr E J Davies has been re- turned with a majority over the two other candidates. This is significant when it is remembered that the heads of two hierarchies had decreed that he must go. We must have a man of another sect." That was the grand election cry that failed. The would-be Arbiter of the unknown with an infallible emphasis has said: "No, you will not see Davies back." The electors have not been jockeyed or cajoled. Proficiency in County Council work cannot be attained in three years, nor in six years. When an arduous apprentice- ship is successfully worked out, it is a pity that the apprentice is not allowed to become an improver. Captain Thomas is an honourable man and would be a welcome addition to the County Council. The contest was precipitated with no high municipal purpose, and while many will be sorry that Captain Thomas failed, many of the same many will be glad that Mr Davies won. In the Urban Council District of Aber- ayron, Mr John Davies, of the Feathers' Hotel, challenged Mr Francis Evans, the sitting member, chiefly on the point that the previous election, with three candi- dates, was not decisive. The result was a surprise to his opponent and to himself. A majority, of fifty-five was not dreamt of. The common surmise was that it was to be all but a tie. In estimating the causes that led to this result, it is conceded pretty generally that Mr Davies's own chivalrous, gener- ous and upright character accounts for much of his success. A very ill-advised squib emanating, it is believed, from his own people, had the very opposite effect to that intended. If licensed victua'lers do better Christian work than temperance Christ- ians, we shall always witness the spec- tacle of the people, believing in the former rather than in the latter and act- ing accordingly. Mr Benjamin Gold, of 2, Princess- street, Aberayron, died at his residence on Tuesday, the 5th inst., aged eighty- nine years. He was a native of Bex- ieigh, near Tiverton, Devonshire. He came to Cardiganshire to act as agent and gardener for Captain Vaughan, of Brynog, about fifty-five years ago, and for a period of time he resided at Green- grove, Ystrad. About forty years ago. he came to Aberayron. He leased a field from the Monachdy estate, near the Upper Bridge, which he converted into a nur- sery. From here he supplied all the fruit usually produced in house gardens to the town and district and supplied thou- sands if not millions of all kinds of trees- -saplings. When cottagers got to under- stand partly the art of gardening, his occupation was gone. Ho laid out the woods, now in a flourishing condition, around the neighbourhood of Brynog, at Ffosrhydgaled. near Aberystwyth, and at many of the mansions of the county. He was a great temperance advocate, and judged men and things from that stand- point. He was an inveterate reader of the "Cambrian News" for more than thirty years. He leaves a widow and two daughters, viz., Sarah, married to Mr David Lloyd, stonecutter, and Polly, married to Mr D. A. Davies, chief engin- eer s.s. "Dunraven," and son of ex- Sergeant David Davies (Cardiganshire Constabulary). Mr Wm. Williams, draper, died at his residence at 5. Greenland-terrace, Aber- ayron, on Monday, the 4th March, aged fifty-three years. He had been suffering from a form of heart disease for about two years. Previously, he was one of the hardiest and strongest men in the town. He was a man of unique person- ality, with distinguishing features, which lent themselves to a silonbette, both physically and mentally. He was the treas- urer of the Reading Room and did his work with characteristic thoroughness and reserve. He had been the repres- entative member of the Urban Council on the Board of Managers of the County School from its establishment and heie too he was devoted to the duties with a vigour and bluntness quite his own. Un- der somewhat rough exterior, he bad a warm heart. He loved birds. He was one of my earliest friends, and constant, fatlifnl, and true to me.

LLANFAIRCLYDOGAU Inquest.—Dr Abel Evans, the coroner for the Lampeter district, held an in- quest at Coedfoelallt, Llanfairclydogau, on Wednesday, the 27th Feb., into the death of Evan Davies, of that place, farmer, whose tragic death had occurred in the course of the previous night. The jury were Messrs Jonathan Williams, Pentre (foreman); David Jones, Factory; Owen Davies, Weaver's Hall; John Jones, Pandy Wm. Williams, Islwyn; David Davies, Pantmeiniog; John Leworthy, gamekeeper; David Jones, blacksmith Walter Jenkins, tailor; John Jones, Lampeter, and Thos. Thomas, Lampeter. —Mary Davies, a daughter of the de- ceased, said she last saw her father alive about six p.m. on the previous day. He was then at home and in the kitchen. Witness left home at that time and did not return until about nine p.m.. Her father was not then at home. He had not returned when witness and her sister went to bed about 10.30 o'clock. When they got up in the morning, they observed the outer door unlocked and deceased's shoes were not to be seen as usual in the kitchen. She went to the neighbouring farm and enquired if they had seen her father, and Joseph Rees, the tenant, re- plied in the negative. Witness' brother came there from Talfan, Cellan, and they came to the conclusion that deceased had gone from home to a friend at Llangei- tho, as he was sometimes accustomed to do without telling them at home. Wit- ness went out at ten a.m. to search for I eggs and saw deceased hanging to a line in the bing of the cowhouse. Wit- ness went to Joseph Rees, their neigh- bour, and gave information.—Elizabeth Davies. another daughter of deceased, gave similar evidence and the jury after having been addressed by the Coroner, brought in a verdict of suicidal death whilst of unsound mind.

t EDITORIAL^ NOTES The sparse attendance at Cardiff ftlnerals is said to be caused by the order 'gentlemen only." There are not Plou gh gentlemen in Cardiff to attend H the funerals! • « The Archbishop of YORK forbade a ^^ar borough Vicar to address a Wesley an lrVfteting in the town, and the Vicar ac- ^dingly stayed away. This is what is ealled Christian charity! No wonder Ollconformists demand disestablishment. The PREMIER has written a letter in ^vhich he declines to receive a deputation 1(>m the Anti-Women Suffragists. We Not surprised. We never doubted j I at there are women who do not wish I ° be enfranchised. Why. there, pre; I ^°iOen, who claim to be sane, who I Anally work politically for pa l imine; I ary candidates who declare that they are I to women's enfranchisement. I lat more does anybody want? I i 1 i — r The Thaw trial in America has ousted justice and glorified burlesque.) There does not seem to be a moderately clean; person in the whole wretched crew. # « In London only about half the rate- payers took the trouble to record their votes at last Saturday's elections. This indifference is the great peril of muni- cipal life. The people do not care what happens. The indifference is quite as great in small towms as in large cities. The members of the Aberystwyth Board 05 Guardians are of opinion that bastards should be compelled to maintain their mothers! An intelligent and pocket- saving body the Aberystwyth Board of Guardians. It might have been thought that illegitimate children had suffered enough at the hands of their mothers without having to maintain them. » < Women's suffrage is looking up. The PRIME MINISTER, in reply to a letter from the Secretary of the Dunfermline "W omens Suffrage Society, writes:—"I will with much pleasure give my sup- i "port to Mr. DICKINSON'S Bill when it "comes before the House of Commons." This may not mean much, but it is something. The fighting women are evidently not injuring the cause for which they are striving. a- The other day, the DEAN of Ripon said that the great n'ational system of educa- tion ought to be a. single, and not a dual, system, and that they were making the Church too much of a denomination, and one which was setting itself constantly against the national will. This is a view of the situation that is far too much overlooked. We have never understood the Church's refusal to let the people govern themselves or Its eagerness to treat itself as merely a denomination. It is said that famines in India are not caused by lack of food, but by lack of the means to buy it. The population live so near the brink of destitution that the slightest failure sends them into the abyss. The reason for this immanence of starvation is over population and not drunkenness. The poverty of India- sober India—is far more intense and wide- spread than in this country. Perhaps the cver-iiicre'asing population of this country has far more than drink to do with poverty. < < < A grand-daughter of the late JOHN BIUGHT is refusing to pay income tax. Women are manifesting in many ways their sense of the injustice under which they live. We are with women -;ii their strife and we do not care what dire con- sequences may arise out of it. The greatest thing of all in national life is freedom. We do not believe in com- pulsory "virtue." There is no such thing. After the County Council elections last Saturday, Wales is very much where she was before. There have been changes here and there, but they have very little political significance. A negligent mem- ber may have been replaced as at Aber- ystwyth, or a popular candidate may have been elected as at Dolgelley, but Wales mainly stands where she stood before and the nationalist fight will continue. We wish the educational phase of it was over. The women who are fighting for politi- cal recognition are being opposed by women who are in favour of their non- enfranchisement. We are glad of this opposition. It will justify those women who have adopted what are called violent mbasures. We do not believe that women will be enfranchised until they have made legislation and the adminis- tration of the law impossible. They can do both and they will have to do both if they mean to win. If half a dozen men are joined together in any enterprise, they cian be called "Messrs So and So," or they can be called "So and So, Esqrs," but if half a dozen women act together they cannot be dealt with collectively and unless it is known whether they are married or not cannot be dealt with individually. Something ought to be done in these days of women's activity to get newspapers out of this difficulty. Will not some of the leading women take up this point? It is of more importance than might be thought. The suggestion to prevent women from acting as barmaids is against the in- terests of women and it is to be hoped will never be adopted. A demonstra- tion of women suffragists was held at Trafalgar-square on Saturday, when the speakers made pointed reference to the proposals for the 'abolition of barmaids in terms strongly unfavourable to the sug- gestion. Women must be as free as men are free and must take all the conse- quences and run all the risks of freedom. There is no half way position. Women must either be free or be enslaved. » « Socialists write rubbish—utter rubbish. One of them in a daily paper, last Mon- day, said, "No one disputes the fact that "in a country of great wealth there "should Jw. work for all and a living wage "for that work." If the foregoing ex- tract means anything, it means that the people can multiply themselves to any extent and that the means of existence will also be multiplied, but this is not the fact. A ten-acre field has limits of production. The creatures in that field I are not limited in their powers of pro- duction, so that sooner or later destitu- tion supervenes. Whether the field in ¡ extent is ten acres or ten thousand mil- lion acres is of little consequence. < Mr. DICKINSON'S Bill to enfranchise women will come before the House of Commons on Friday (to-day). Mr S. T. EVANS will move "That this House, being "of opinion that the government of the "country and of the Empire should be "in the hands of men, declines to discuss íí a measure the ultimate result of "which would be to transfer such gov- "ernment into the hands of a majority "constituted of women." And why is the government of the country to be in the hands only of men? And why are women taxed if they are not to rule? More im- portant still, why do not men bring them- selves into the world and so demonstrate their independence of women? » Mr HEMMEKUE, the Liberal member for East Denbighshire, is said to he drawing up a Bill intended to extend considerably the provisions of the Corrupt Practices Act. The drain upon members of Parliament in requests or demands for all manner of subscriptions is well known. Mr. HEMMERDK aims at stopping this effectually. His proposal is to make elec- tion expenses date from the day of the last election in any constituency and to include every thing exeejpt the cost of public meetings and IiteratuTn. I The need for a measure of this kind 'is un-I questioned. The performances in the Carnafvon Boroughs for many months be- fore the last election would alone be ample justification for the measure. j Mr. REES, the Liberal member for the Montgomery Boroughs, is still asking questions in the House of Commons— hosts of them. The "Western Mail" sayis that the Conservatives in Cardiganshire won a seat by the return unopposed of Sir E. WEB- LEY PARRY-PRTSE for Llangoedmore. Is he a Conservative ? # # The best two-power standard for armaments would be a five-hundred million reduction of the national debt of this country. This does not seem to have struck the armed-to-the-teeth idiot. • • • Wales has won another rootball match. What is the cause of these successes? Is it Sunday closing, or Radicalism, or sheer superiority over the miserable Sais? Nominations of candidates for seats on the Aberystwyth Board of Guardians will be found in another column. Mrs. J. T. DAVIES, wife of Councillor J. T. DAVIES, has been nominated in wards three and four. The newspapers announce that it has been decided to accept no tenders for the construction of the Panama Canal, as the work is to "he undertaken by the United States Government. The chief engineer has resigned. We hope the news is true. The construction of this canal by the United States Government will pro- bably kill Socialism outright. Mr PICKFORD, K.C., has been appointed a judge in the King's Bench Division in succession to Mr. Justice KENNEDY, the new lord justice of appeal. We are astounded. Why, there are at least a score of Welsh barristers who are fully assured of their own greater fitness for the office. What we want is justice for Wales! < Whatever may be done to patch up the Welsh Church Commission its failure is complete without regard to order. The CHAIRMAN has been foolish. The sooner the wretched display is brought to an end the better. We cannot see how either Conformity or Nonconformity can be benefited by the evidence, however voluminous. Mr. JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN has been secretly removed from Birmingham. He is going for a sea voyage, or he is going to the South of France. He is still re- covering, and it is announced that he will before long resume his political life. No letters will be forwarded to him. The mystery about him is very great. We think that the paragraphs inserted in the papers are for his own consumption. Somebody has discovered that votes for women means guns for women. Why not ? Surely there is no more wrong in murdering women than men? If war is good, it is good for women as well as men. If war is inevitable why should women be exempted? All that women ask is equal justice with men. They do not ask for privilege because privilege means slavery. •* Mi.s TANNER, of Bristol, says that "as "long as the franchise is denied to tax- paying women a vital injustice is done "to the community. For the vote is "the seal and completion of citizenship "and its possession is the only ultimate "safeguard against bad government." There are some male idiots who agree with the foregoing statement only as it ap- plies to men. After the speeches at the Dolgelley Saint David's Day dinner we expect that only wise and progressive candidates will be chosen on the Council at the forth- coming election. Sanitation of the most approved kind will be the rule in future and an isolation hospital is a sort of dead certainty. Ah, if Dolgelley was only as sanitary as it is beautiful, and the mem- bers of the Council were only a.s wise as they are confident, we should in future have nothing but praise for the quaint old town. The "Western Mail" on Monday said: "People who believe there is any reality in the silly cry of "lvales for the Welsh "would have been disillusionised if they "had looked in at the Cardiff Cymmro- "dorion dinner on Saturday night. The "beautiful new dining-hall of the Park "Hotel was filled, and the diners com- "prised men of many nationalities." Of course. Everybody knows that at Cardiff a Welsh person is one of the rarest of creatures! The funny thing is that our contemporary should make the confession. Lord Powis at the last meeting of the Montgomeryshire County Council, said that the members very often discussed a matter and postponed it, seemingly not having the courage to make up their minds on important questions. There are other local governing bodies in the district equally lacking in decision. The fences have to be very numerous in order to enable the members to sit upon them until they know on which side it would be safe to climb down. Wre are glad that Lord Powis spoke out for once. More humbug is talked about tree- planting in Whales than about any other subject, perhaps, except the employment of barmaids. There have been some quite unnecessary tree-planting experi- ments in Wales* There are scores of landlords in Wales who can téll the academics of Bangor College more in five minutes about tree-planting than they can learn in twenty years. This has been made quite clear in a recent letter published by Mr. W. OOBNWALLIS- WEST. Churches, chapels, 'and schoolrooms are not as clean or as well ventilated as they ought to be. This is a fact gen- erally acknowledged. Professor ARNOLD, who has been making this statement at Bangor, has got himself into very hot water, but he does not seem to be at all repentant, and even when he was told by a Baptist minister that he did not be- lieve a word that had been said, he did try to back out. The man who chews tobacco all through a religious Service in church or chapel is sure to leave a very dirty corner. An interview with experienced church and chapel cleaners would reveal some very objectionable practices. Dirt in a church or chapel is not a whit less dirty than dirt in a pigsty or a sewer.

I NEWCASTLE EMLYN Drunk in Cl-iar-,e.At the Police Sta, tion on Saturday, before Dr J. Powell and the Rev W. Powell, Bridget Alton, pedlar, Stockport, was charged with hav- ing been drunk in charge of two children under the age of seven years. Defend-, ant was sentenced to one day's imprison- ment. St. David's Day.—The only celebration of St. David's Day was that by the I students of the Grammar School who held a dinner at the Cawdor Hotel. A large number attended and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The catering by Mrs Thomas l was all that could be desired.

CROSS INN, NEW QUAY Entertainment.—On Tuesday, February 26th, tie village of Cross Inn was enlivened by an entertainment of no mean order. This enter- taimment is an annual event and, as a matter of fact, the great event of the year. As usual it was given by the Band of Hope children of Cross Inn Church. The labours of the Rev D Sinnett Davies, carate, were amply rewarded, not only by a lengthy programme, but by a large and appreciative audience. The Council School was kindly lent by the Managers for the occasion. The chair was taken by the popular neighbour, Mr Thomas Davies, Rhydalen, who commenced the proceedings with an interesting address. The conductor was the Rev D Sinnett Davies, who performed his duty with his usual ability. The address from the chair was followed by poetical addresses bv Mr D N Jones (Ap Nicol) anr) Mr Evan Jones, Green Hill Bong, children's choir; recitations by Griffith Harries, Llewellyn Davies, Dany Davies, Tom Davies, and Evan Richard Davies; song, Martha Thomas dialogue, '• Y Teiliwr a'r Crydd," Dany Jones and James Davies; recitations by Hannah Mary Jones, Maggie Davies, Maggie J Jones, Myfanwy Thomas, Kate Rees, Hannah Jane Thomas, and Ellen Harries; song, Mary Sarah Thomas recitations by David Davies (Allen View), Johnnie Thomas, and Dany Thomas Jones dialogue, II Gweni a John," Maggie and Tom Davies duet, Myfanwy and Hannah Jane Thomas recita- tion, May Davies dialogue, Y Ffynon a'r Barel Gwrw," Ellen and Elizabeth Harries; song, Maggie J Jones recitations by Willie Rees, Willie Davies, James Davies, and Evan Thomas; dialogue Yamocio," Lizzy Thomas and Ellen Thomas; song by a party of five Voys, whowere the following—David John Evans, Charlie Rees. Evan Maclaren, David Davies (Llwynbelig), and David Francis Jones recitations, Martha Thomas and Lizzy M Jones duet, Griffith Harries and Llywellyn Davies; dialogue, "Treohu'r Doctor," Ellen Thomas (an invalid), Mary Thomas (the invalid's mother), David Francis Jones (the doctor), ani Evan Thomas (a messenger boy) song, Willie Rees recitations by Katie Jones and Mary Elizabeth Evans; song, children's choir dialogue, Y Ddwy Fam," Ellen Thomas and three others song, Mtiy Davies recitations by David Davies (Llwynhelig) and David John Evans song, party of eight little girls dialogue, Sarah Gwaralltryn a'i Mheistr," Katie Jones a David Davies (Alan View) duet, Martha Thomas and Lizzy M Jones recita tion, Twr Babel," Ellen Thomas; song, Mary Thomas recitations by Lizzy M Jones aod David Francis Jones duet, Katie Jones anri Mary S Thomas dialogue by Sarah Davies and Ellen Thomas duet, L:zzy M Jones and Martha Thomas recitations by Ellen Thomas and Mary Thomas song, Mary Thomas dialogue, Y ddwy forwyn," Sarah and Ellen Thomas trio, Evan Richard Davies, Willie Davies, and David Davies (Allen View); recitations by Hannah J Rees and Jane Har- ries duet, L'zzy M Jones and David F Jones dialogue, 11 Rhanu'r deiseB," Mary Elizabeth Evans, Hannah Jane Rees, and Mary Thomas song, Lizzy M Jones dialogue, Hen Forgan a'i wraig," E Thomas and Sarah Davies song, Children's Choir dialogue by S A Thomas, E Thomas, and Sarah Thomas action song, Jolly little cobllers," David Francis Jones, David Davies (Llwynhelig) Dany Thoe. Jones, and James Davies trio, by S A Thomas, E Thomas, and Sarah Thomas action song, Goodnight," by a party of eight girls. In the competition for the best witticism, the prize was divided between Mr James Thomas and Mr Evan Jones. In that for reading aright an unpunctuated paragraph, the prize was awarded to Martha Thomas. The adjudicator was_ Ap Nicol." A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated an enjoyable and success- ful meeting.

CARDIGAN Blank Sheet.—There were no cases down for hearing at the Lower Troedyr- aur Sessions on Tuesday. The magis- trates present were Lewis Evans, 0 Bey- non Evans, D B Davies, E Bowen, and T Morris, Esqrs.

LLANDDEWI BREFI HORSE SHOW AND RACES. The annual show and races were held in a field kindly lent for the occasion by Mr John Davies, Pant, on Wednesday of last week. The following were the events :— Pair of front shoes nailed on that day—1, David Jones (jun), Llanfair Bridge; 2, Ben Jones, Llanfair Bridge. Carter, foaled in 1906-1, R S Rowland, The Garth 2, D L Jones, Esgerhendy, Tregaron. Carter, not exceeding three years old-I, E R Lloyd. Penblodeyn; 2, D L Jones, Esger- hendy, Tregaron. Carter, any nge-1, J Davies, Llwynrhys, Llangeitlio 2. E R l loyd, Penblodeyn. Collier, any age, not exceeding 14-3 hands high—1. B Williams. BIaentwrch; 2, D L Jones, Esgerhendy, Trecaron. Colt or filly, foaled 1906, adapted for riding or driving-1. J Williams, Gwrdy, Llan- geitho; 2nd, J Davies, Pant. Cob or hackney, shown in hand, not exceed- ing two years old—1, John Lloyd Jones, Glan- rhocca. Cob, shown in hand, not exceeding three years old—1, D Morgans Cefnfais, Llangeitho; 2, B Williams, Blaentwrch. Mare or gelding, any age, shown under saddle—1, Stephen Morgan, Parkyrhydderch, Llangeitho; 2, W Davies. Goyallt, ditto. Pony, not exceeding 13 2 hands high-I, J Lewis, Bryumain 2, D Rees, Brechfa. Mare or gelding, adapted for riding or driving, shown in hand-l and 2, D Morgans, Cenfais, Llangeitho. Show in harness-I. Stephen Morgnn. Park- yrhydderch 2, DMorgan, Nantymedd, Llan- fair. Trotting p'ttch for ponies not exceeding 13-2 L W iaiifs, Cefyngair 2. John Jones, i.\ IIv-mly D Evans, Bristol House. Trotting MHU It for colts and fillies not ex- 1, E R Lloyd, Pen- hlivi<;v>i 2. D D tvies, Pant 8, T Jones, Pant- l'h, Llmgeitbo. Open flat race -1 and 2, C Le Brun Powell, Brynygog 3, R S Rowland, Garth. Trotting match open to horbes that have not won a first, price previous to this nteeting-I., E R Lloyd, Penblodeyn 2, Lleuast, Cribin 3, B Evans, Llanfairfach, Llanfair. Open handicap trotting match—1, Lewis, Sunny Bank, Llansawel 2, Lloyd, Pen- blodeyn 3, B Evans, Llanfairfach. Foot mce- 1, J Lloyd Jones, Glanrhocca 2, D Davies, Pant. Foot race for children under 14 years of age —1, W Jones, Factory 2, Dan Davies, Pant; 3, J D Griffiths, Pentrebwlen. Foot race for children under 12 years of ;ige —1, Dan Davies, Pant 2, E Davies, Tv- newydd, and B Lewis, BryniiiaeD.

NEW QUAi Singing Festival.—The annual singing .festival of thfe Congregationalists of the place and district was held at the Towvn Chapel on St. David's Day. The conduc- tor this year was Mr. Ivor Davies, C.M., Towyn, who performed his duties admir- ably. Singers from Towyn, Maenygroes, Xanternis, Wern, Penvdae, and Bryn- rhiw.galed were present. The accompan- ists M ere—Morning, Miss Myfanwy Parry, Towyn, and Mr D. N. Jones, Maenyy- gi-oes.; afternoon, Miss Annie Davies, Towy-n, and Miss M P Reese, L.L.C.M., TOWfJlj evening, Mi-s S. A. Thomas, L.L.C.M., Towyn, and Mrs. Griffiths, Maenygroes. At the morning service which wa.s mainly for the Mr. J. W. Thomas, Wern, presided, and Mr Jenkin Davies, Nanterni-, read a paper on the subject "O enau plant bychain a rhai yn sugno y perffaith "joliant." The following songs were gone through —"Ei Adael Wnes i'r Iesu," "Dyddian Hyfryd," "Dring i Fyny," "Gadewch i blant bychain ddyfod ataf fi," "Mi rvnaf ddweyd am Iesu," and "Tu draw 1 1 wn y storm." The children were also catechised by the Rev PI J. Edwards, Brynrhiwgaled, in the history of Samuel. The afternoon meeting, which was very largely attended, commenced at two p. Ill. In the unavoidable absence of Mr D. O. Rees, J.P., Tymawr, the chair was taken by the Rev. D. M. Davies, Towyn. The following s-ongs were sung: Castle Rising," "Propior Deo," "Gwyhfe," Carnarvon," "Mariners," "Aberhir- aeth," "Maine," and "Anfeidrol rym v caiiad." The evening meeting, which was presided over by the Rev W. Grif- fiths, Maenygroes, was uncomfortable full, many failing to gain admission. The eongs gone through were "Llandeblig," ¡' "Danville," ':St. Chrysostom," "Ivor," aAberteifi," "Clod," "Y Delyn Anr,J' "Cwmavon," and the anthem "Dysg i mi Dy Lwybrau, 0 Arglwydd" (Professor Edwards, Pontypridd). Addresses were delivered .during the services by the Revs. E. J. Edwards, D. M. Davies. J. M. Pry thereby W.- Aerwyn Jonep, Mr. J. C. Jones, Llaiiarth, and an interesting and instructive paper was read in the afternoon by Mr D. Jones, Maeny- groes, on the subject "Pob Perchen An- adl Molianed yr Arglwydd." The sing- ing of this year surpassed that of former years and great praise is due to the local conductors who have toiled unceasingly during the last months with their various choirs. This was the first time Mr G. Ivor Davies appeared as conductor of a cymanta, but probably not the last. A collection was made in the evening ser- vice when a good sum was realised. Success.-The many friends of Mr. D. Orton Thomas, Gwalia, New Quay, will be pleased to hear that he has passed the entrance examination to the Londpn and Provincial Bank. He was a pupil of the New Quay Grammar Fcliool loid is but one out of the many successful pupils of this school. Scholasitc.—The many friends of Mr. J. Kenyon Davies, Guild Hall, New Quay, will be pleased to hear that lie has been suooesful in passing the London Matricu- lation examination. He has also passed lately the senior Central Welsh Board and was therefore exempted from the Welsh matriculation. This speaks well of Mr. Davies who is a pupil of the Llan- dyssul County School.

LAMPETER Weddings.—At the Register Office on Friday, March 1st, by licence, by the superintendent registrar, Mr. J. Ernest Lloyd, in the presence of Mr. E. D. Rees, registrar, Mr Evan Davies of Maedlwyd, Cwmkjchpant, Llanwenog, was married to Miss Hannah Oliver, Penrheol, Cwm- syclipant. On Saturday, in the same office, by the Superintendent, in the pre- sence of Mr. David Evans, registrar, Mr. J. Edwards, Beiligwyn, Llandyssul, was married to Miss Rachel Davies of Ccfn- rhuddlanissa, Llanwenog. Obituary.—The death took place very suddenly on Wednesday last at Artryn, j Bryn-road, of Vera, youngest cjaughter of Mr W. Lewis, C.M., at the age of thir- teen months. The funeral took place 011 Saturday last when the Bishop of Swan- sea., assisted by the Rev. J. D. Lewis, Pencarreg, and H. Rosser, curate of St. Peter's Church, officiated. The boys of the Council School acted as bearers and the funeral was a most impressive one. Among the beautiful wreaths sent were ones from the tprhers of the Lampeter Council Schools, Miss E. G. Williams, Temple-terrace; Mr and Mrs T. Richards, Ardwyn; Master Harry Baldwin, Mr and Mrs Jones, Britannia Stores; and Miss Lee Thomas, Buckingham-place. Great sympathy is felt for the parents in their bereavement. Generosity.—Dr E, Evans, M.B., B.Sc., has just presented the Young Men's In- stitute with a dozen pictures to hnng up in the billiard room. f Shiloh.—A meeting of the Literary and Debating Society was held on TueE- day evening, the Rev W Adams; B.A., presiding. The subject for discussion was "That it is an advantage to preserve the Welsh language." Mr E. J. Morgan, Hope House, opened in the affirmative, and Miss Emily Edwards, Dolwen, took the negative side. The following also spoke, viz., Messrs A. E. Edwards, D W Davies, Croft, D. J. Megicks, Harry Edwards, Martin Morgan, L. O. Jones, Dr. Evans and the Rev. T. LI. Roderick. The affirmative side won on the vote be- ing put. St. David's Day.-At St David's Col- lege, as usual, St David's Day was duly observed on the 1st of March. At eight a.m. holy communion was administered in the College Chapel, and a Welsh ser- vice was held at eleven a.m. The special preacher was the Rev T R Jones, vicar of Gianogwen, Bethesda. The annual din- ner was held at one o'clock under the chairmanship of the Rev Principal Bebb, D.D. In the evening a social was held in the Hall by the students. Mr Jenkin Jones, senior scholar, presided. A mus- ical and miscellaneous programme was gone through in which tne following took part:- Messrs Pugh, Francis, Greg- ory, Jones, Delahay, and Martin, students of S.D.C. Solos were also sung by Mr D B Williams. A farce, composed by one of the students, was also performed. The following took the various charact- ers, viz.—Messrs Parry, Johnson, Ed- munds and Phillips. Mr Bertie Jones, J.P., acted as stage manager. A plea- sant evening was concluded by the sing- ing of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau" and" God Save the King." Football.-A match under Association rules was played on the College Ground on Wednesday between the second team of St. Davids College and Llanybyther foot- ball team. During the play, one of the Llanybyther ptayiers-Mx Morgan Wil- liams-was hurt and had to leave the field. Lampeter College won by two goals to nil. Hockey Match.—A match was played 011 Wednesday on S.D.C. Football Ground between S.D.C. hockey team and the U.C.W. Aberystwyth. The weather was- very fine and the match was witnessed by a very large number of spectators. Lam- peter won by five goals to one. Obituary.—The death took place 011 Wednesday at Mile End, of Mrs Esther Davies, widow of the late Mr Samuel Davies, grocer, at the age of sixty-five years. Mrs Davies had been ailing for some time and was well known and greatly respected by a large circle of friends. In conjunction with her hus- band, who predeceased her two years ago, she had been carrying on a large business as grocer and general merchant at Mile End. She leaves four children to mourn her loss, namely, Mr David Davies, chem- ist, London; the Rev Evan Davies, Rog- iet, Newport; Mrs J M Edwards, Upper Bank; and Miss Jane Davies, Mile Mid. Much sympathy is felt for them. The funeral will take place on Saturday morn- ing, when the remains will be interred at St Peter's Churchyard.

ABERAYRON St. David's Night.—At a meeting of the Literary Society, held on St. David's night, the attendance was meagre. The members of the staff of the County School had left for a short half term holu day. No English member, or English speaking Welshman, nor any of their cousins of the class known as "Die Shon Dafydd" put in an appearance in honour of the patron saint of Wales. Mr W. G. Griffiths, secretary, in speaking to a vote of thanks to the speaker of the evening, passed some severe strictures on the want of courtesy which this conduct implied. Mr. D Pennant James, solicitor, pre- J sided, Mr J M Howell spoke on the "In- fluences of Poetical Literature on the character of a Nation." A vote of thanks to the speaker was accorded on the motion of the Rev J Jay Jones, Baptist minis- ter, seconded by Mr W G Griffiths. Mayor's Banquet.—On Friday night, the 1st of March, Mr W L Thomas, chaiiC man of the Urban Council i entertained the members of the Council and officials •at a dinner given at the Monachdy Arms. The loyal, patriotic, and 01 her toasts were given and received by a wide range of speakers, and a very pleasant evening was spent.

————N——PHW—— TREGARON ■ Death. ■— On Tuesday morning the death took place at Picton House, Pen- tre, of Mr David Jones, late of Plasbach, at the age of sixty-six years. The funeral will take place on Saturday. EISTEDDFOD. A successful eisteddfod was held on Tuesday evening at the Wesleyan ChapeL The Committee deserve praise for their enterprise, for the prizes were such that are not generally offered at loc^l eistedd- fodau. It proved successful both in at- tendance and also in competitions, and its success is greatly due to the energetic efforts of its Secretary (Mr E J Thomas, Cambrian House). The chief attractions of the evening were the champion solo for men, the open recita- tion and also the choirs. For the former, nine competed, one of them coming from Llanwrtyd Wells, another from Ffaldy- brenin, another from Tre'rddol, two or three from Lampeter and others. For the open recitation, six competed, and there were also five choirs. Tne meeting was well attended and good order was maintained throughout, the large aud- ience being kept in good "hwyl" from commencement to close (although the eis- teddfod lasted for six hours) by the COB- ductor (Mr T Jones, Post Office). The president was Dr Lloyd, J.P Llys Einon, who opened the meeting with a lew well- chosen words of comfort to all competitors and impressed upon all present not to be narzow-minded, but to keep their minds open and think the adjudicators did what they considered honestly to be right. He also urged those who were beaten to go home and determine to 20 forward and try again, narrating for their encouragement to the story of King Bruce and the spider. The Committee was fortunate in securing the services of the leader of the Mountain Ash Choir, Mx H T Glyndwr Richards as adjudicator of music; also of Mr David Davies C.M., H Biaenafon, of literary productions'; and of the Deputy Archdruid Oadvan as poetry adjudicator. The accompanists for the evening were Misses Jenno Jones, The Emporium, and Norrie Jones, Post Office. The following is a list of awards:— Recitation for children under 15 years of age, seven competed—1, Master David H John Jones, Picton House, Pentre. Solo for boys ander 15-1, Peter Davies Cae- H tydur Blaencai on 2, Willie Rees, River- H side, Doldre. Open recitation, six com- peted and the prize was divided between Mr David Roderick, Lampeter, and Mr H W D George, Penddol. Solo for glrlfg uD.¡ H der 15. This was an excellent competi- H tion in the Adjudicator's opinion. Seven competed and each of them fully deserved the prize. The marks each had out of a possible 50 were 45, 44. 43. 44, 42, 41, 40 respectively, so by a small margin the prize was awarded to the first who was Miss Jane Jenkins, Glen Cottage, Dol- dre. Quartette, Mr Morgan Jones, Dol- fawr House, and party. Three verses on "loan Mynyw," Mr Richard Davies, Blaencroesfechan, Blaencaron, was ad- judged best out of fourteen competitors. Open solo for women. This competition did not create so much excitement as the men's competition. Three competitors came forward and the prize was awarded to Miss Maggie Jones, Pontrhydfendi- gaid. Ysgrif ar "Cartref." Ten com- positions were sent in and the prize was awarded to Mr Dan Jones, Garden-view, Tregaron. Recitation to those who had not previously won a prize, Mr D. Enoch Evans, 10, Chapel-street. This item also created a good deal of interest. It was the competition for persons over forty- five years of age who gave the best ren- dering of "Ton y Botei." The prize was taken by Mr E Wnen Evans, Gwalia House, Tregaron. For answering six questions on general knowledge, the prize was awarded to Mr Llewelyn Davies, post- man, Tanrallt. Champion solo for men, Mr Alfred Ernest Williams, Llanwrtyd Wells. The witticism prize was divided among Messrs W D George, Well-street, Doldre; E' J Thomas, Cambrian House; and J Davies, Dewi Brefi. The last item was the party of twelve the test piece be- ing "Y Gwlithyn." Five competed, two from Tregaron, Dewi Brefi, Biaenpennal, and Deri Ormond. The prize was div- ided between Dewi Brefi, led by Mr David Morris, and one of the Tregaron parties, led by Mr W D George, Penddol. After the usual votes of thanks were passed, the meeting terminated bv singing, of "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau."

LLANDYSSUL Success.—-Three pupils of the County School have succeeded in passing the Lon- don matriculation examination in the second division, viz., Kenyon Davies, John Hughes, Llanlhvni, and David John Jones, Lincoln-street. The Manure Heap.—-The manure heap jj{ near the Wilk's Head Hotel has now been 1 removed! H Cantata.—A well-attended cantata || was performed in the Porth Assembly M Roóms on Wednesday evening. The first I portion of the programme was taken up § by vocal music, the second portion being allotted to the performance of the can- tata in which the following took part:- Mr W Evans, Miss Jennie Jones, Misses Bessie and Ida Jones, Mr W Evans, the Choir, Mr D B Davies, Mr Tyssui Evans, Mr Fred Davies, Master ESnrvs Lewis, Miss Hannah Jones. Miss Martha Griffiths, Miss Rachel Griffiths. Master Rhys Lewis, Miss H Jones, Master W. Percy Davies, Mr W Evans, Miss Lizzie A Jones, and Mr W Evans.

ST. DAVID'S DAY IN ENGLAND The Manchester Welsh National Society oe ebrated St, David's Day by dining to- gether under the presidency or Mr Augus. tus Lewis, the guest ot the evening being Mr Osmond V\ iliiams, the member lor Merioneth. ] Responding to the toast of Wales, Mr Os- j mond Williams said that Welsh peop e I' did not love Shakespeare the less because they loved Dafydd ap Gwiiym nioie. j Welshmen had much to be proud 01. They were proud of being descended from j tha,t great Celtic race ot which Matthew |; Arnold said the Weigh were the purest, | the most numerous, and thereiore the j most interesting of its descendants. Pen- j I nant, again, spoke of their valour and |! tenacity of liberty, telling what a splen- 1! did fight they made against the Romans, j1 more than once driving back their legions. ¡;: They had clung to their rocks for many j. centuries after the Romans had gone, and a- kepit their independence against a nation 8' twelve times their number. When they lost it, they did so maimy through their f; own divisions, and did so to the most i*: warlike of English kings—Edward 1. Since then Wales had influenced Eng- land through the Tudor sovereigns, and through her eminent artists, poets, I bishops, and others. Looking at the pre- sent Ministry, one of the most eminent members was Mr Lloyd-George. Among philologists they had Professor Rhys; among poets, Sir Lewis Morris; among painters, Sir Edward Burne-Jones. There seemed to be a certain dominant element in the lives of small nations like Wales, which larger nations had not, and it was } a strong feeling of nationality. (Hear, hear.) He instanced aneient Greeoe. With all their national patriotism, Welshmen were also proud of the great Empire of which they formed part, They shared the spiendours of England, just as much as it the golden coronet of Llewelyn was on the head of his lineal descendant. The Worcester and District Welsh H Society also dined together on St. David's B| Day under the presidency of the Rev ffl Edwin Lewis, rector of Hampton Lovett. m The company included Mr and Mrs John H Eiias Jones, Bala, and Mr Thomas Bj Jenkins, Pencader. Mr M. D. Price §j proposed The O!d Country" in Welsh fl which was received by the company sing- w ing "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau." Mr 15- I Thomas, Droitwich, proposed the visitors I and coupled with the natnes of Mr J. h Mason, an Englishman, and Mr W. P. M Camp-bell, a Scotchman. Mr Campbell, jj responding, expressed his admiration of 8 tho education methods of Wales, as wed as its scenery and people. He had made over 100 ascents of Snowdon and had married a Welshwoman. When he first met her he could not speak Welsh and she H could not speak English. They, however, a arrived at a happy understanding and he M scarcely knew whether to attribute it to Hf the dogged perseverence of tie Scotch or the remarkable adaptability of the Welsh. A musical programme in which most ot of the items were Welsh was gone through and a pleasant evening was spent, m

I stood the Librarian having the power t<t su8t £ est non-circulation to the Com- ft4! ^ittee, or to hold back an objection- I able book until the Committee met, but I that the Librarian should be able to 1 withdraw from circulation any book I that does not meet with her approval I 's 'so extraordinary an arrangement i that it is very difficult to believe it I can have been deliberately made by I sane men. In Mr. SAMUEL'S first | Speech there were faint indications of I Simmering light, and at last he made I up his mind to face the ridiculous I avoaval which could not well be longer | avoided. The ratepayers will see at a I glance the absurdity of the situation J and will no doubt appreciate it. J A FALSE SCENT. I Mr. GIBSON moved That in future I no subject shall be referred to a com- I mittee until the principle involved I has been discussed and settled in I open Council; and that no committee I shall have power to act until author- I ised by resolution of the Council, I after the Committee has reported on I the matter submitted to it." In I the course of his introductory speech I 1-fr. G Irs SON referred to some work I that had been done in the Lion Field j by the order of a Committee before I the work had been sanctioned by the I Council. Notwithstanding several 1 statements to the contrary, the fact I Undoubtedly remains that work ordered [ by a Committee was carried out before I the Council had decided that it should I be carried out. We are not going to I be trailed on the false scent over which I Mr WILKINSON, Mr C. M. WILLIAMS, [ and others went full cry. As was | pointed out quite clearly more than I once, the course pursued in reference I to the work in the Lion Field was I only an instance which illustrated the j principle, and was not the principle | itself, as the speakers know full well I and could not help revealing. One of [ the Standing Orders provides that I no committee shall have power to I II act in any matter unless specially j .'1 authorised to act by the Council." I The ratepayers will see that the motion I proposed by Mr. GIBSON goes much I further than the Standing Order and, I if adopted and acted upon, would have I done much to put an end once for all I to the irregularities which are now a I very grave danger to the community. I Perhaps this was the object that the I majority did not wish to see achieved I by the proposer of the motion. It is j surely right that the principle ol any I proposal should be discussed and set- j tled in open Council before being re- I ferred to a committee. It is further I surely right that no committee should I have power to act until authorised by [ a resolution of the Council after the j committee has reported on the matter j submitted to it. Mr. PETER JONES I suggested that the matter should be j left open until the return of the TOWN I CLERK, so that they might see if the j standing order could not be strength- I ened. The motion was not even dis- I cussed by those who voted against it, I nor was Mr PETER JONES'S suggestion I accepted. The Blind Following voted I against the motion without reason or I argument, and befooled themselves to I a far greater extent than they are yet j aware of, although they were far from I happy in their mechanical unity. A I great deal was gained on Tuesday by I revealing that neither justice, nor com- I mon sense, nor fair play—and so much is supposed to be thought of fair plav I —qounts with the Blind Following. J They caught a whiff of a red herring I in the Lion Field and away they went J and the motion was lost, but it remains I and, like the General Purposes Com- I mittee, will most likely see a day of j resurrection. Something that has I often been denied was made very plain I On Tuesday—far plainer than is likely I to be comfortable for those who have I tried to pose as patterns of jmmacu-! j lateness. TEXIS COURTS. J A short time ago it was agreed to I Provide some' tennis courts for visitors. I WEhether the provision was wise or necessary we need not now discuss. ( Money was spent on them and last I Tuesday they were let to the Waterloo j Hotel Nobody may be to blame. I The idea of the Council in the first i instance was to provide a tennis ground | tor visitors generally, and not to make j profit, or to meet the needs of the | Waterloo Hotel or any other hotel or | lodging house. By the act of the Council on Tuesday It has frustrated its own act. The object of providing a tennis ground was not to let it to the highest bidder, as even Mr. C. M. WILLIAMS must know, but to provide something for visitors which it was believed they needed. We believe it would have been wiser to have handed quite nominal rent in order to have carried out the Council's intention than to have let the ground to any hotel which means the practical exclu- sion of everybody who does not stay at it. The question is not one between this and that applicant, but between the object of the Council in providing the ground and the result of their let- ting it so that the object aimed at cannot be realized. The ratepayers may rightly be willing to provide tennis I the and tht applicant, h-ut between courts for visitors, but what do they think of this arangement which reveals the tennis ground project as nothing ( more than a case of very doubtful! Inunicipal trading. n'c do not think a less defensible course was ever taken than to spend the money of the ratepayers in providing tennis courts for visitors and then to let them to the Proprietors of an hotel who have a Perfect right to the sole use of what i they have paid for. This performance I 's as easily seen through as a tennis racket. There are, indeed, glimmers light in the Town Council proceed- ings, and by the first-of next November the ratepayers will be ready for abso- ■ute openness and fair play