Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser

DOLGELLEY. NEW BOOK—Miss Lucy Griffith, Glyn, and Arianfryn has published a new book entitled Sermons for the household," which is dedicated To the memory of my father, William Griffith, and my grandfather, John Griffith." MILITIA ENTERTAINMENTS.—During the past week the Ladies Committee continued to provide refresh- ments and evening amusements to the men of the Militia. The presidents for the week were;—Thurs- day, Misses Jones, Brynffynnon, and Mrs. Jones Parry Friday, Misses Millard Saturday, Mrs. Clarke; Monday, Misses Evans, Meyrick House; Tuesday, Mrs. Cleudon, Brynmorian; Wednesday. Mrs. Dr. Richards. On Sunday evening Mr. Kinman gave a lantern lecture, the lantern being manipulated by Mr. H. Parry Jones. Miss Ethel Griffith, A.R,C.M., alsosang Abide with me very effectively. THE CONSERVATIVES.—A general meeting of the Merioneth Conservative Association was held at the Golden Lion Hotel on Saturday, when local com- mittees and local secretaries were appointed. The local secretary for Dolgelley is Mr. E. Griffiths, Brynadda. URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. The ordinary meeting was held on Tuesday, when there there were present, Mr. J. Meyrick Jones, J.P. (chairman); Messrs John Jones, E. W. Evans, Richard Richards, Thomas Parry, John Edward Jones, John Edwards, Edward Williams, Ellis Williams, Dr. John Jones (members), Mr. Richard Barnett (clerk), Mr. William Jones (sur- veyor), and Mr. E. R. Jones (rate collector). NEW SEWER BY POLICE STATION. The Surveyor reported that the new sewer by the Police Station would be completed the next morning, and that the bill for same was presented that evei-iing. The work had been done satis- factorily. On the proposition of Mr. Richard Richards it was decided that the bill for the work be paid that night. RAILWAY FACILITIES. A letter was received from Mr. Grant, super- intendent of G. W. R. informing the Council that the time tables had already been printed, but. that he would be pleased to receive any suggestions. It was decided to ask that the cheap day tickets to Liverpool should be issued on the day that a late train could be had to return. Also that Dolgelley should be given the same facility to procure tickets to the Isle of Man &c. as Ruabon and other places. DRAIN AT THE BACK OF THE STAG INN. After an explanation by Mr. Thomas Parry as to the drain at the back of the Stag Inn and neigh- bouring houses it was decided that the Council should express their willingness to clean the Afon Fach so that the drain should be connected with it. ALTERATIONS AT SKINNERS ARMS. The Surveyor reported that he had received a letter from Messrs. Salt & Co, re the alterations at Skinners Arms, asking what view the Council was going to take in reference to the proposed altera- tions. He had replied that the plans had not been presented to the Council, and therefore could not be considered. Mr. E. W. Evans proposed that a committee be appointed to confer with Messrs. Salt & Co on the matter, which was agreed to and Messrs. E. W. Evans, R. Richards, John Edwards, and Edward Williams were appointed members of the Com- mittee. CLEANING BED OF WNION*. The Surveyor said he bad been desired to bring the matter of cleaning bed of river again before the Council. Mr. Edward Williams said that it had been passed to clean the bed of the river, and he thought it high time the work should be done, and not let any one dictate them when the work should be done. Mr. E. W. Evans asked Mr. Williams to adjourn the question until the financial statement had been considered. Dr. John Jones said there was a sum of 1912 in the bank that could be had for this project. Mr. R. Richasds also said that the County Coun- cil intended cleaning portion of it. Mr. Edward Williams agreed to adjourn. PAVEMENT AT MARIAN ROAD. Mr. Thomas Parry said there were complaints that the pavement at Marian-road had not been done, and the owner desired that something should be done to prevent the water running to the house. Mr. Edward Williams urged that the pavement sbotld be made immediately. The Chairman said that it would be better not to get the pavement done now as the finance was bad. It would better to make the improvement sug- gested by the owner at present. Mr. Edward Williams said they referred con- tinually to the financial statement, as if to say, we have something under the hat," and no one could propose anything. It was decided to make the necessary improve- ments and to leave the pavement at present. CROSBY BUILDINGS. The Surveyor said that he had reported the houses at Crosby Buildings several times, and that no improvements had been done yet. Mr. Edward Williams asked why this should be left dangling continually. He had been in the Council for 14 months and this was on then. If a poor man had a house in such a state lie would soon be forced to make alterations. Why should they differ with this ? He proposed that proceed- ings should be taken. The Surveyor said that the owner had died, and he understood that there were now several owners. Dr. John Jones said he could not see why this subject should be played with. They had asked the medical officer to report on it, and he had said they were in a dreadful state, and he (Dr. Jones) did not see why they should let the matter drag when the houses were regular death-traps, as was the case with other large houses in the town. The small houses were better. He also referred to a case of typhoid fever that had happened in one of the houses. The Surveyor said that everybody agreed that something ought to be done, but how to proceed now was the question. Mr. Thomas Parry: Serve the owners with a summons. The Surveyor: But how are we to prove the ownership ? Mr. Thomas Parry Serve the solicitors then. The Surveyor: But that would not do. Mr. E. W. Evans asked if there was any doubt as to the ownership ? The Assistant Clerk said there was not, as far as he was aware, as he had received a letter from the solicitors at the beginning of this montn asking for particulars of necessary improvements. He had sent the particulars on the 5th of June. Mr. E. W. Evans proposed that the clerk should write to the solicitors demanding immediate at- tention, and to serve notices on owners. This was agreed to. THE RIVER ARRAN. Mr. Edward Williams called attention to the dreadful state of the bed of the river Arran. He said that portion of it from Arran Bridge to the Wnion was covered with rags, socks, bedding, etc. and he wished to call the surveyor's attention to it. He wished to know who was responsible for it. Mr. E. W. Evans (jocularly): The weather, I think. Mr. Edward Williams: Yes, I should think so,. and I think we are continnally expecting the weather to do things for us, but it has not done. Mr. R. Richards asked Mr. E. Williams if he had noticed the cockle shells there (laughter). Mr. Edward Williams said he had, and egg-shells too (laughter). Mr. Ellis Williams corroborated what Mr. Edward Williams had said, and said that the river was in a dreadful state higher up, as far as Henfelim. It> was decided that the scavengers should clear the river, and that the town-crier should be sent to inform the inhabitants that those who should be discovered throwing rubbish into the river would be prosecuted. DANGEROUS WALLS. Mr. Ellis Williams called attention to a danger- ous wall at Penbrynglas, and the Surveyor was in- structed to see to it. Other members called attention to houses which were in a dangerous state, and the Street Com- mittee were instructed to visit them. SEATS. Mr. Thomas Parry asked Mr. J. Edwards whether lie had received the Parish Council's permission to put a seat on the road-side at Frongoch. Mr. J. Edwards said he did not understand he had been asked to see to it, and he did not believe the Parish Council had power to grant. Mr. Thomas Parry then asked when was the seat at Penbanc to be put up i The Surveyor said the joiner had promised it would have been up a long time ago. It was agreed that the seat should be put up forthwith. EXTENSION OF BOUNDARY Mr. John Jones as a member of the County Council said that an enquiry would probably be | made to the case of extension. Tiro County Council would support the extension as much as possible. He understood that the Parish Council had decided to employ a solicitor. Mr. R. Richards said he was thankful to Dr. John Jones for what he had said, but they could believe what they liked after. It was not worth spending money on the extension. Mr. Edward Williams said lie believed tliat" they ought to do all they could to get the extension now, as they had a majority in its favour. It was no use playing with it. and he suggested that a com- mittee be appointed to confer on the matter. Mr. Thomas Parry, in seconding, commenced to eulogise on the merits of the extension, when Mr. John Edwards rose to a point of order. It was then resolved to appoint a committee when the following were appointed:—The Chair- man, Messrs. E. W. Evans, Thomas Parry, John Jones, and Edward Williams. Mr. E. W. Evans jocularly remarked it would be well to get the speech made by Mr. Richards when the extension was first brought before the Council in support of the extension at the enquiry (laughter). Mr. R. Richards being now opposed to it. ESTIMATE OF EXPENDITURE. Mr. Richard Barnett (assistant clerk) presented the following estimate of expenditure for the ensuing year:—Sewerage, £ 75. Scavenging (in- cluding removal of house refuse), £ 80. Public lighting, £ 112. Repairs of highways, L80. IVateri g streets, £10. Slaughter-house, £40. Salaries of officers, £121. Establishment charges, £ 35. Election expenses, £ 18. Public libraries, £ 25. Instalment of loans, £ 35. Fire brigade, £12. Nuisances removal, £10. Law Costs, 9,150. Name plates, £15. Deficiency past year, £130. Total, £ 968. To meet this a rate of 3s. 5d. in the £ was necessary, the rateable value being £ 5,91.3 He also read the estimate and actual expenditure for last year which was as follows — Sewerage estimate, £ 56; expenditure, E96 14s. lid.; excess, Z34 14s. lid. Scavenging, £ 75; expenditure, P,78 15s. 5d. excess, £ 3 15s. 5d. Slaughter-house, estimate, £ 28; expenditure, £ 11 I3s. lOd.; decrease, £ 16 6s. 2d. Fire brigade, estimate, ex- penditure, £ 31 13s. 8d.; excess, £ 31 13s. 8d. Fairs, estimate, expenditure, 15s.; excess, 15s. Nuisance removal, estimate, j expenditure, P,5 19s, 6d.; excess £5 19s. 6d. Street improvements, estimate, expenditure, iZ4 3s. 6d.; excess, P,4 3s. 6d. Maintenance of roads estimate, £ 65; expendi- ture, £ 110 12s. Id.; excess, P,45 12s. Id. Salaries esti- mate, £ 121; expenditure, L125 4s.; excess, £4 4s. Establishment estimate, £ 35; expenditure, P.36 14s. lid. excess, El 14s. lid. Law costs estimate, I £ 250; expenditure, £ 174 14s. 3d.; excess, E75 5s. 9d. Election expenses estimate, £ 18 expendi- ture, £17 17s. 6d.; less estimate, 2s. 6d. Free library estimate, £ 25; expenditure, E25 18s. Id.; excess, 18s. Id. Notices of Infectious Diseases estimate, expenditure, L112 6s. 3d.; excess, £ 2 7s. 6d. Gas estimate, £ 105; expenditure, S12 6s. 3d.; excess, iP,7 6s. 3d. Loan estimate, £ 35; expenditure, £ 34 9s. lid.; less estimate, 18s. Id. When the Clerk was mentioning the Fire Brigade in the estimate, Mr. R. Richards gave notice of motion tnat they should consider what the Brigade cost, and what it brought in, as he thought they ought not to spend money on the Brigade when it brought nothing in. Mr. Thomas Parry believed they ought to be glad that there had been no work for the Brigade. Dr. John Jones said that he heard the Captain saying he believed that the Brigade would be able to support itself in future. Mr. E. W. Evans said it was evident that the way the council was going on in late years deserved 4C!3 their most serious attention. The balance against them in the bank was increasing. He believed this was due to the fact that they made every improvement direct from the rates and not from loans. He believed this to be a great mistake. They ought to face the question. Loans were not so dear as some would have them imagine. It was easy to make a table of what a loan would cost, but they ought to bear in mind that they paid interest to the bank every year, and the question came to this whether it was cheaper having money from the bank or having a loan. He believed they were going into worse trouble continually. Every small improvement meant a rise of Id. in the pound. But this was only the darkest side, and on the other side he would say that the balance against them in the bank the year before was Z228 4s. 7d., but then they had received the sum from the County Council. This year the sum of F,40 was due from the County Council, which brought the balance down to about £ 200— £ 228 the year before. Last year, too, they had paid Z117 lls. 3d. as law costs, and the loan this year would be less. Mr. John Edwards said he could not see that they could discuss the loan that night. The estimate was enough for them that night. He believed the balance against was one of the weaknesses of the Urban District Council. The old Local Board used to keep clear and generally had a balance in its favour. However there were some things in the estimate which he thought could be re- duced. There was L60 down for the slaughter- house, there would be about £15 repayment of that. Again Z80 was rather a large sum on the mainte- nance of roads when the roads were in such a good condition as they were now. He believed that it could be brought down to £40. Dr. John Jones said he believed that they ought to make the rate as low as possible, but they ought to try to clear everything. Still he thought they could do on a 3s in the P- rate. The Surveyor said that Mr. Edwards had referred to the old Local Board. He believed that the present Council had done more improvements in the few years that had elapsed, than the old Board had done in 30 years. He still desired many im- provements, but he was in full sympathy with the desire not to raise the rate. Mr. Edward Williams said he noticed that the rate- able value in 1898 was £6120, but this year it was only L5913. Was this a fact ? The Clerk: Yes, they are reductions by objection. Mr Edward Williams said he was in full sympathy with the idea of having a loan. It was only right that the future should contribute towards the improvements. They did not know whether they would have the extension or not, and they could not rely upon having it. He believed that they ought to try to do on a rate of 2s. 6d. in the P, and if Mr. Evans gave a notice of motion as to procuring a loan, he would be pleased to support him. It would be well for them to borrow L500 or so. In this way they could keep to the 2s. 6d. rate. After further discussion Mr. Edward Williams pro- posed a rate of 2s. 6d. in the pound, which was seconded by Mr. R. Richards, which was agreed, Dr. John Jones withdrawing in its favour. Mr. E. W. Evans then gave a notice of motion that no permanent improvements should be made from the rates. EXCUSAL OF RATES. Three persons having been excused to pay rates, it was resolved on the proposal of Mr. E. W. Evans that they should be informed that they would not be excused again. SUNDAY OBSERVANCE. Mr. E.. W.. Evans said he wished the Clerk to advice them at the next meeting as to having a bye-law prohibiting travelling shows entering or leaving the town on Sunday, as had been the case last Sunday.

TOWYN. THE RENT AUDIT of Peniarth Estate was held on Wednesday the 7th. The tenant farmers and others of the estate were entertained at a dinner given by Mr. Wynne at the Defn Coch Hotel, Llan- egryn. AT LAST.—After a lapse of of nine years the tablet to commerate the presentation by Mr. John Corbett, of the sea wall, promenade &c. to the public has been placed in the North End of the esplanade. It bears the following inscription :— This stone was laid by John Corbett Esquire, M.P., D.L., J.P., C.A., of Ynysymaengwyn, Towvn, and Impney, Droitwich, the 6th day of May 1899. Thesea wall, esplanades and drives were constructed by John Corbett Esquire and presented by him to the public." The tablet is of Carrara marble, and was lettered and presented free of charge by Mr. R. R. Davies, marble and monumental works. CRICKET.—By 80 runs to 35 the Towyn second eleven defeated the Intermediate School team on Saturdav, the 10th inst. This was the return match played on the prettily situated and well- kept ground to the north of the Corbett Arms Hotel. The grounds commands a fine view of the whale-shaped mountains of Talgarreg. NATIONAl. SCHOOLS.—A meeting in connection with the National Schools, &c. of the district was held at the vicarage. Present: Rev. T. Lewis (vicar), chairman, Canon Trevor, Machynlleth; Revs. W. Richards, Cemmes; R. Richards, Darowen; W. D. Roberts, Llanidloes; John Williams, Penegoes; John Lloyd) Dolgelley R. Davies, Towyn and J. R. Dix, Corris. The financial status of the schools formed the subject of the meeting, and especially in connection with the Aid Grant of the priest government to Voluntary Schools, &o., but no statistics were submitted for press publication.

BOW STREET. BAND OF HOPE.—The annual demonstration of the Penygarn Band of Hope took place on Friday afternoon. The children mustered at the chapel at three o'clock, and were there formed into a pro- cession, being marshalled by the Rev. T. J. Morgan, Mr. J. T. Rees, and Mr. D. J. Morgan, A.C. They marched through the village as far as Gogerddan Lane, and then returned to the chapel where tea was provided by about twenty-four ladies, who also looked after the wants of the guests—numbering about lZO. Afterwards they were photographed by Mr. J. Meurig Edwards. Following came an enter- I zrl tainment in which the children took part. in singing, recitations, &c. The H-ev, J. T. Morgan' presided, and addresses were also given by the Rev. W. Morgan, and Mr. J. Barclay Jones, Aberystwyth. Mr. J. T, Rees, Mus. Bac., was, the conductor. The weather was all that could be clesired, and an enjoyable day was spent.

M WELSH WESLEYAN Assembly at Machynlleth. A SUCCESSFUL GATHERING. The little Montgomeryshire town of Machynlleth has this week been the scene of much bustle and activity in the ranks of the Wesleyan Methodists, this being the first occasion on which a solely Welsh assembly has been held. We cannot do better in introducing the subject than to quote an article which appeared in the organ of the Wesleyan body, the Methodist Times." It is as follows The holding of the Welsh Wesleyan Assembly at Machynlleth next week is anticipated with great eagerness throughout Wales The other Free Churches of the Principality are showing an unusual amount of interest in the event. The presence of the Rev H. Price Hughes, together with Drs. Pope and Stevenson, the Rev. J. Hornabrook and Mr. R. W. Perks, M.P., adds greatly to its attraction. The plan of the religious services to be held has just been issued,and is rich in quality and variety. The special features are the public meeting on behalf of the Twentieth Century Fund and the centenary of Welsh Methodism, the con- vention on the lines of the President's Conventions heid during the year thoughout the United King- dom, the ordination service at which the candi- dates for the Welsh ministry will be ordained, and the oper-air service, when the Welsh Connexional evangelist and the President of the Conference will preach. The Cambrian Railways Company are providing exceptionally good travellingfacilities at a very cheap rate on Wednesday, 14th. and it is expected that large numbers from all parts will avail themselves of these arrangements." By a most felicitious coincidence the Assembly will be presided over for the first time by its founder. The need of such a bond of union between the two Welsh districts has long been felt. Ever since their separation in 1826 many have been conscious of the injurious effects of the division created, but nothing tangible was done or even attempted to remedy the evil until the Rev. H. Price Hughes, M.A., at the South Wales Synod of 1894, proposed the formation of a Provincial Synod for Wales. Considering the difficulties which had to be encountered and the lack of sympathy caused by a period of seventy years' separation between the two Welsh districts, the rapidity with which the proposal has found accept- ance is truly marvellous. We have before us the original resolution as proposed by Mr. Hughes at the Synod of 1894, and afterwards at the Synod of North Wales in 1895. It reads thus :—' That in view of the spiritual needs and opportunities in Wales this Synod is of opinion that a special committee should be appointed by the Conference to consider the entire condition and prospects of Welsh Methodism with a view to a general for- ward movement, and especially to consider whether it is desirable to form a Provincial Synod in Wales." In South Wales this was carried unanimously, and in North Wales almost un- animously. Consequently the Conference appointed a committee, with Mr. Hughes as convener. The proposal of 1895 has become the legislation of 1898. The constitution of the Assembly as sanctioned by the last Conference is substantially the same as that contained in the original pro- posal. The name Assembly, on account of its sacred religious associations in Wales, was sub- stituted for Provincial Synod, otherwise there is no change." The following quotations from the speech delivered by Mr. Hughes at the Synod of 1895 will interest many now that the first Assembly is about to be held :—" I wish to remove at the outset the misapprehension which exists as to my action in introducing this subject at the South Wales Synod last year. What I wish to bring about is the formation of a Provincial Synod on the lines of the new Indian provincial synods, which will be an intermediate arrangement between a district synod and a conference, and will enable the two Welsh-speaking districts in North and South Wales to gratify the national sentiment and secure a united Welsh Wesleyan church for Wales. What will be the practical results of such an arrange- ment ? In the first place, the Wesleyans of North and South Wales will be able to realise a sense of unity. Exchanges between ministers in the North and South Wales districts will also be facilitated by an arrangement of this kind. The interest of the Southern district in the Bookroom will also be greatly increased. I believe that its adoption will enable Welsh Methodism to do much more aggressive work than in the past. The difficulties which in past years the two districts have felt in connection with the admission of candidates for the ministry will disappear, and the ordination of the probationers received can take place in Wales. The comments of the Manchester Guardian (from which we have quoted) on the speech are equally interesting. The following must suffice:- Mr. Price Hughes, in this as in all else with which he deals, is mindful of the signs of the times. Public opinion is making for union in Wales. Himself a Welshman, Mr. Hughes appar- ently sees no reason why his own Church should not desire as ardently as Welsh Liberals all Ihe benefits which come of national unity, or should be less ready than the Roman Church to adapt itself to the temperament, opinions, and neces- sities of the Welsh people. He seems to have had little difficulty in persuading the North Wales Synod to ask the Conference to appoint a special committee to inquire into the whole subject." The Assembly, in addition to the President and the three Conference representatives, will consist of twenty ministers and twenty laymen elected by the North Wales Synod, and ten ministers and ten laymen elected by the South Wales Synod,, to- gether with the chairmen and financial secretaries of the two Synods, the Welsh editor and book steward, the lay treasurers of the two Welsh Chapel Funds, and one minister and one layman each to represent the Welsh circuits in London and Manchester. The Representative Session will meet on Tuesday, when the Welsh President will have to be elected. All the work of the Synods will come under the review of the Assembly. The Pastoral Session will have to prepare a first draft of the stations, and issue the pastoral address to the Welsh societies. The ministers who have been recommended by the Synods will be examined and ordained at the Assembly. This year the Twentieth Century Fund, and in particular the relation of Wales to the fund, will have much attention. The closing year of the first century in the his- tory of Welsh Methodism is fittingly marked by the holding of the first Welsh Assembly. In 1800 the Welsh work was commenced as a small mission, with only two ministers and only one small-society already established, and no chapel. To-day there are 104 ministers in the full work, with a church membership of 20,630, not including those on trial and junior members, and about 30,000 Sunday school scholars. The Congregationalists, Baptists. and Calvinistic Methodists were firmly established long before Welsh Wesleyan Methodism commenced its operations. The difficulties it has had to con- tend with have been very great, Its success under the circumstances and in the face of divided forces has been marvellous. The Church which has so prospered, now that its forces are united; and its. position to a large extent secured, may confidently- take up its work with a strong hope in God and the assurance that the second century of its history will be brighter than its first. The proceedings really commenced on Sunday, when there were preaching services at the Mach- ynlleth Wesleyan Chapel, the officiating ministers being in the morning Rev. D. Williams, in the afternoon the Rev. J. Felix, and in, the evening,, the Revs. D. Williams and J. Felix. On Monday there were preaching services in various parts of the district as follows Machynlleth Wesleyan. Chapel, Revs. Thomas Hughes and R..Ll0yd Jbnes;; Corris (Shiloh) Revs. David Jones and T. 0, Jones, (Moriah) Revs. Ol Evans and Peter Jones, Ty- eerrior. Revs. T. Hughes and T. J. Pritchard Eglwysfach, Revs. Meurig Jones and R. Rowlands;: Abercegir, Revs. Henry Roberts and Thomas Rowlands; Cwmllinau, Rev. Thomas Davies.. The delegates to the assembly were as follows.: Revs. Hugh Price Hughes, M.A., T.. Bowman Stephenson,. D.D., Henry J. Pope, D.D., Jlohn Horna- brook, Mr. Robert W. Perks.. The ministers for North Wales were the. Revs. Thomas Davies, Dinas Mawddwy Ishmael Evans, Llundain;, Owen Evans, Portmadoc; W. H. Evans, Rhyl; W. O. Evans, Bethesda John. Felix, Oswestry Henry Hughes, Towyn; Hugh Hughes; John Hugbes, Bangor Thomas Hughes (b) Bootle; Thomas Hughes (c) Brymbo; Edward Humphreys, Lerpwl; T. Jones Humphreys, Wydd- grog; David Jones (d) Barmouth IK 0. Jones, Manchester; Hugh Jones, Lerpwl; Peter Jones, Dolgelley; R. Lloyd Jones, Lerpwl:: T. 0. Jones, Conway; W. Caenog Jones. Tregarth R. Morgan (b) Llanfyllin; Pbillip Price, Beaumaris; J. P. Roberts, Coedpoeth P. Jones Roberts, Chester; R. Rowlands, Rhyl. The laymen from North Wales were Messrs. D. H. Davies, Dinbych; Jonathan Davies, Cor- wen; P. Davies, Lerpwl; H. Davies, Presteign; T. W. Griffiths, Llandudno; Carty Hughes, Aber- gele; E. Gwaenys Jones. Lerpwl; John Joaes, Lerpwl: J. Harrison Jones, J.P., Denbigh; J. L. Jones, Llamrliaiadr: Richard Jones, J.P.. Llan- rhaiadr; W. O. Aber Jones, Bangor; T. Lewis, J.P., Bangor: T. C.Lewis, J.P., Colwyn Bay J. Marsden,, Treffynon; W. J. Morris, J.P., Bar- mouth; David Owen, Llundain; David Owen Manchester W. Owen, Wrexham; E. R. Parry, Llangollen; H. Pejirce, Llanrwst; E.. L. Row- lands, Aberdyii; W. Williams, Dolgelley. The clergymen from South Wales were the Revs. D. Darley Davies, Machynlleth; John Humphreys, Aberystwyth; Evan Isaac, Corris; John Jones. Abertawr; Thomas Jones, Ponty- pridd; Thomas Manuel. Penygraig David Morgan, Ystalyfern; William Morgan, Aberyst- wyth Rice Owen, Yerndal T. J. Pritchard, Caerdydd: John Rowlands, Llanbedr David Williams, Trefeglwys. The laymen from South Wales were Messrs. Thomas Davies, Ferndale Delti Levies, Tyddevvi: H. L. Evans, Aberystwyth; David .Harris, -Alotin- tain Ash; W. Hopkins. Llandilo: W. Lane, Abertawr J. P. Howell, Caerdydd; Etbpard Rees, J.P., Machynlleth Gomer Thomas, Poatypridd D. Davies Williams, Machynlleth; R. Williams, Llaidloes. The candidates for ordination were Messrs. D. Meurig Jones, Abergele; E. Berwyn Roberts, Pontrhydygroes; Thomas Rowlands, Abercynon. THE REPRESENTATIVE SESSION. The Representative Session met on Tuesday to elect officers and conduct the ordinary business. The Rev. Edward Humphreys, Liverpool, was chosen president. The reports on home mission officers stated the amount of yearly collections in South Wales was Z140 8s. 6d., in North Wales £239, while in the latter case the total amount of collections and subscriptions was P-501 8s. 8d. The foreign mission reports showed income for South Wales E427 6s. 3d., and for North Wales P-1,732 Os. 2d. South Wales reported a decrease in membership for the first time during the last ten years; but North Wales reported an encouraging increase.—Figures as to education showed that the number of schools in South Wales were 103, decrease 6; number of officers and teachers, 1,071; decrease 18; number of scholars, 7,508; decrease 121. The committee was. however, of opinion that there was no falling off of Sunday School interest and devotion. In the North Wales district the total number of schools was 265, an increase of 1; the number of officers and teachers, 3,159, increase of 27: and number of scholars, 21,504, a decrease of 167, but an increase of 275 in the average attendance. As to temperance work in South Wales there were 98 Bands of Hope and 101 Tem- perance Societies. In North Wales there were 233 Bands of Hope, with a total membership of 7,960 (an increase of 476), and 241 Temperance Societies, with a membership of 7,704 (increase. 599). Both Synods passed resolutions in favour of Imperial Sunday Closing. The number of local preachers in South Wales was 84, and in North Wales- 246.. The following resolutions were passed during the day. (1) The Wreish Wesleyan Methodist Assembly, at this its first meeting, gratefuHy acknowledges the desire of the Conference to recognise the special claims and circumstances of Wesleyan. Methodism in Wales; and heartily reciprocates the wish of the conference that the union and sympathy hitherto existing between the y I Wesleyan Methodist Churches in Wales, and the other parts of the connexion of the people called Methodists established by the revered John Wesley may continue and increase. (2) In view of the fact that for several years the Welsh Wesleyan Methodists have anticipated the establishment of a Welsh Centenary Celebration Fund, the Assembly recommends to the Conference that the whole amount raised for the Twentieth Century Fund by the Welsh speaking circuits of the connexion shall be considered as the centenary fund of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Wales, with the understanding that the amount raised shall be allocated on the general principles which have been adopted by the rest of the connexion viz. 40 per cent for new chapels, ministers' houses, and home missionary purposes in Wales. 20 per cent to aid in the training of the ministry and the intellectual advancement of local preachers in Wales 10 per cent for foreign missions; 25 per cent for the Connexional Assembly Hall and head quarters in London and five per cent for the children's home. (3) Such part of Centenary Fund as is allocated to purely Welsh uses shall be administered by a com- mittee appointed by this A ssembly of which the General Secretary of Home Missions, and the General Chapel Secretary shall be ex-officio mem- bers; subject however to the terms of the next resolution. (4) The amount, allocated for the erection of chapels and ministers' houses shall be administered through the committee of the N. W. Chapel Fund and,the S. W. Chapel Fundrespectively; upon application to be made annually by those committees to the Twentieth Century Fund com- mittee of this Assembly. In his presidential address the Rev. Hugh Price Hughes said that seventy years ago Welsh Wes- leyan Methodism had reached proportions which made it necessary to have two districts. Since that time the brethren in the different parts of Wales had not met together, and he was sure that they had suffered grievously from that fact. His grandfather and many of the preachers of his day expressed regret that they never had an opportunity of meeting together such as they had that day. Those who read the history of Welsh Nonconformity would recollect that at the start Welsh Wesleyan Methodism spread like wildfire,, but it did not con- tinue. One of the causes was the tempting offers made by the British Conference to Welsh preachers (hear, hear). His grandfather was, one of those who was tempted to leave his native country, but he resisted the temptation and remained in his own land until the end of his days (hear, hear). Another difficulty was the bi-lingual difficulty, and an English solution was attempted. But it was wrong, and proved an utterly mistaken method. Ministers in Wales should know both English and Welsh, and should preach in both languages from time to time as at Llanidloes. But now they had that assembly, which would deal with the matter as a united body. God never intended that they should be all turned into Englishmen (laughter). The aspira- tions of Welshmen were different, their ideas were different, and in some respects their religious con- ceptions were different. He said that with all due respect to their mighty neighbour whose represen- tatives were upon the platform.. He protested strongly that Welsh matters should be managed both politically and ecclesiastically in harmony with Welsh ideas (cheers). They were grateful to the British Conference for the promptitude, the unanimity, the magnanimity with which they made great concessions to Welsh sentiment, and they were particularly glad to have Dr. Pope and Dr. Stephenson with them that day (hear, hear). The seventy years of division between North and South Wales had been a great calamity, but some of them had become so familiar with it that they did not regard it as & calamity at all (laughter and hear, hear). He next turned to the work of the synod, and suggested the establishment of a Mid-Wales synod, which was received with much applause. That day, he said, they were able to speak as a concrete body on behalf of their country,, and they could go to Eng- land as representatives of the United and National Welsh Methodist Church (hear, hear). He con- cluded by a warm appeal that they should think ,and speak and act in such a way that their child- ren's children might be innocently proud of them (hear, hear). Whether their imaginations had risen to the occasion or not, that day was a histori- cal day in the history of Wales, and he devoutly :thanked God that they had been permitted to meet there that day (cheers). I' I THE TWENTIETH CENTURY FUND. SPEECH BY THE REV..HUGH PRICE HUGHES. A well-attended meeting,, in connection with the Twentieth Century Fund, was held at the Taber- nacle on Tuesday night,, the new president of the Assembly (Rev. Edward Humphries) presiding. After the usual devotional exercises. The Chairman said' that before the announcement of the real business of the meeting he had great pleasure in calling upon two officials of the com- mittee, who had been appointed by both North and South IV, ales. Synods to prepare and present an address to the President of the: Conference. He had pleasure in calling upon Mr. Lewis and Mr. Felix. The Rev. John Felix them read the address, which the President had, he said, desired should be written in. Welsh (applause). It had, however, been written, in both English and Welsh. The address was as follows: Presented to the Rev. Hugh Price Huglies, M.A., President of the Wesleyan Conference- and First President of the Welsh Wesleyan Methodist Assembly. Reo". Sir, It is with much pleasure we present to you on behalf of the Welsh districts, on the occasion of holding the first Welsh Wesleyan Methodist Assembly, which was established mainly. through your instrumentality, this address, as a token of our sincere affiection towards you, and af our un- feigned admiration of your varied gifts. Your appointment as superintendent of the West End Mission in London was not only the means of introducing a new era in the history of our own Church, but also a powerful impetus to Christian life and activities within the churches,, and we greatly admired the valuable help which is rendered to you in this important sphere by the co-operation of your wise and faiihful wife. The Council of the Evangelical Free Churches expressed their appreciation of your high qualities by electing you one of its first presidents, and your great personal intluence has been of im- mense advantage to the success of the movement and to the enhancement of Christian unity and brotherliness throughout the. land. Your election to the presidential chair of the Wesleyan confer- ence by a vote so decisive gave us great satisfac- tion. You were thereby-promoted to the highest position our Church could confer, and you have added dignity to your office. You have laboured with characteristic energy and enthusiasm and we would acknowledge most "thankfully the great Head of the Church for the Divine guidance and pro- tection extended to you and for the eminent suc- cess which ha&followed your efforts during your term of office. We shall long remember the great District Conventions held under your direction dur- ing the year, the spiritual influence of which over the life of the Churches is universally felt. During your term of office the. Twentieth Century Fund was also inaugurated, which is admitted to be the most important financial movement in the history t of the Christia.n Church. We thankfully acknow- ledge the. prominent part you take in every move- ment that tends to the elevation of your fellow men, and the extension of your iieuoeiV.erV King- dom. V TO-For p,rtiCl1)rly to voiir ceaseless efforts C1 behaif cAi social puritv, peac the observance of the Lord's Day. You took a hading part- in the campaign against sevea- day journalism, and we rejoice with. sevea- day journalism, and we rejoice with Von in ike victory achieved. We ieel proud of "vl a waa-iiikuimd 'vVaisiuuan. Your grand- father, the- Rev. Hugh Hughes, spsnt his life in the Welsh ministry, and wa;: for tears the chairruan of the Sotith Wales District. Your father also was recognised as a gentleman of sterling character, and he spent his life amongst us. We cannot forget his well-known letter to you, in which he said that he would rather see- you a Methodist preacher than Lord Chancellor of England, lVc- Tejoice to know that you also take great pride in your nationality, and acknowledge your indebtedness to your nation. We pray that long, lifor may be vouchsafed to you to serve your God and you? fellow men, and to realise fully your highest aspirations. SigiaeA for the North Wales District—J. Price, John F-elix, John Jones, John Marsden, T. e. Lewi*; for the South Wales District-T. J. Pritchard, John Humphries, A. C. Pearce, J. P. Powell, and W. Davies Williams. Machynlleth, June 13, 1899. Mr. T. C. Lewis, Colwyn B-iy, then presented the address to the Rev. Hugh Pri-ie Hughes,. and said that Mr. Felix suggested that they should leave the explanation to him (the speaker). He thought that no explanation was required (hear, hear). When the suggestion was made that the' address. should be presented, it was at once unanimously agreed on both at the North and- South Wales meetings (applause). They were proud of their President, and were pleased to present him with the address, not as Lord Chancellor, but as Presi- dent of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference (applause). They were aLso proud of him as a Welshman. They had an old saying, "itateful is the man who loves not the country of his birth." Their president did love his native land (hear, hear). The Rev. Hugh Price Hughes in responding said. he greatly valued the testimonial, and that if. would be one of the most precious treasures of his family. Next to the favour of God there was nothing a man so highly valued as to gain the kind approval of his fellow countrymen (hear, hear). He was indec-ti, a. Welshman—a Welsh Wesleyan Methodist of the third generation. His venerable father who went to Heaven only last year used to say that the Con- ference would never bestow upon the speaker the honour of being president, because he was too much of a Radical (laughter). He (the speaker) supposed it was his Welsh blood that made him so demo- cratic. Professor Seeley once said that it was a peculiarity of people living in mountains that they were never satisfied. They who lived among the mountains of Wales, and breathed the fresh bracing air, must be excused if they wanted to make earth like heaven as quickly as possible. The English were rather slow and conservative,and it was the evident purpose of the Almighty that their brethren beyond Offa's Dyke should assist them to move a little more rapidly in the direction of the millenium. As far as he could, the Lord helping him, he would do so (applause). After a brief reference to his father and grandfather, he went on to say that all his sympathies and tradi- tions were with them in Wales. Although in the providence of God he was not called to be a preacher in Wales, he was none the less in deep sympathy with every good movement in the Principality. He thanked God for the great educational awakening in this country, and for the way in which they re- fused to humble themselves before the liquor trade (applause). They had a sober Sunday, at any rate, which was more than England had. The speaker went on to thank the Machynlleth friends for their hospitality, and said that the Assembly would ever remain a most grateful memory to him. He was glad to be able to turn to another Welshman and say Mr. President." Let them take out of him all he was able to do for the service of the church. In the conference at first there was a little difficulty and it was suggested that the presiding officer of the assembly should be called "vice-president." But as fhe Welsh had nothing to do with vice, that did not suit at all (laughter and applause), and finally they got it settled all right, and they had now a body which represented all the Wesleyan Methodists in Wales—all, not merely a part. They were opening a new chapter in the history of the Wesleyan Methodists of Wales for the first time in seventy years. Proceeding, he said he was very glad to inform the meeting that one of the first steps of the session of the new National Assembly had been to send their loyal greeting to the venerable Queen of the country,, and as quickly as possible they received the following: The Queen thanks the first National Assembly of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Wales for their kind and loyal congratulations" (applause). This was in harmony with the rela- tions which had always existed between the British Sovereign in our time and all classes of the com- munity. Mr. Hughes proceeded to say that he had been delighted with the ability and magnanimity that had been shown in the Assembly. A good many of the brethren had confessed that they could not speak English; he only wished that every English member of Parliament could speak it as well (laughter). He should go back devoutly thankful to God for the great honour He had put upon him in allowing him to be associated with his fellow-countrymen in a meeting of great his- torical importance, which was bright with the richest promise for the future. Mr. Hughes went on to speak exhaustively on the aims and objects of the Twentieth Century Fund, which was so well described in the address they had presented to him as the greatest financial enterprise ever undertaken by a Christian church. With regard to educational matters, he said that he was proud to see the interest taken in it in Wales. They were ahead of England already_ and they were advancing so rapidly that unless Scotland looked cut she would be left in the rear of Wales (hear, hear). The greatness of a country did not depend upon its extent of territory, but upon the intelligence and virtue of its citizens, and they should have the opportunity to develop that intelligence to the highest degree. Let them have a system of education in Wales from the very gutter to the University, so that every boy and girl could have the opportunity of attaining the highest spiritual' development. In conclusion he said that as the president of the Conference he had subscribed already more than he could afford to the English Fund, but it occurred to him that he must do something for the Welsh Fund too (ap- plause and laughter.) Therefore he offered ten guineas (applause.) The Rev. J. Pope, DD., the Hev. T. B. Stephen- son, D.D., and others afterwards spoke in support of the movement, and at the end subscriptions were promised to a good amount.

ABERDOVEY. BURIAL BOARD,—The first meeting for this year af the above was held on Tuesday week, when Mr. W. V. Thomas was elected chairman, Mr. J. D. Evans vice-chairman, Mr. J. Owen was re-elected clerk, and L. Owen caretaker of the cemetery. The burial fees were passed—to be enamelled on plate and fixed ia the eemetory for parishioners only. The following were elected working com- mittee for the year: Messrs. W. V. Thomas, J. Evans, H. Jones, and Captain John Evans. It was resolved to write to the caretaker to make the cemetery Glean and put in order—the committee will inspect the cemetery in a month's time, and report to the next board. It was resolved that the clerk was to send notice to the reporters of the newspapers oi the district, when sending to the members, so-as to have the proceedings reported.

MACHYNLLETH. A r?.niEiCA3L TEETH.—Mr. James Rees has removed from Mrs. Evans, China Shop, to Mrs. R. Jones. Fentrerhyden Street opposite the Lion Hotel. WATER SUPPLY.—In spite of the heat and drought which we have e-xperienced during the past few weeks the water in the reservoir at Esgairera shews no. signs, of failing. FisHiN-G.-Tho water-in th& Dovey is very low. A good number of anglers are- staying in the town and are having good sport with trout. The sewin and salmon are beginning to run up. Mr. Walker caught one weighing 12i. lbs. a fortnight ago. MUSICAL FESTIVAL.—The next musical Festival in connection with the Calvinistic Methodists is to be held here on the first Thursday in June. A committee was held at Camno yesterday, presided over by the Re-v. T. F. Roberts, when a large number of delegates attended. Mr. David Jenkins, Mus. liac., was ap- pointed conductor. The programme will consist of the following tunes and anthems;—" Adgyfodiad," "Tvndal, "Exeter," "Cynfal," "Eirinwg," "Wil- ton" Square, "Gest. "Iironcei.ro, lialducci/' "Belmont," ,C,,ovejaant, "Tydfil," "St. John." Anthems Yr Arglwydd yw fy Mugail," "Deuwcll ataf fi," "Gwna'n Hawen wr ieuanc."

MALLWYD SUNDAY SCHOOL MEETING.—The sixth weekly meeting held in connection with the C. M. Sunday Schools of the district of Glandyfi and Llanbryn- mair was held on Sunday last at Mallwyd. Mr. Evan Evans, Cenunes, presided. In the morning meeting, Mr. John Parry, Aberangell, delivered an excellent address on the object which should be aimed at in reading and lecturing on the word of God."—In the afternoon meeting, several of the delegates spoke on the Temperance question, and Mr. Evan Evans, catechised the children in the mother's gift, in the evening. Mr. Edward Jones, AbfnUlgell catechised the elders.