Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
13 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
!-- ------....------Board…
Board of Guardians. The fortnightly meeting of the Aberystwyth Board of Guardians was held on Monday morning at the Union Workhouse, the members present being Mr David Morgan, Llanfihangel Upper, in the chair, Messrs Hugh Hughes, G. Fossett Roberts, B. E. Morgan, T. E. Salmon, Rev. T. A. Penry. and Edwin Morris, Aberystwyth; Rev. John Davies and Edward Jones, Ceulanymaesmawr; Lewis Richards, and John Morgan, Cwmrlieidol; W. A. Miller, Issayndre; Richard Jones, Llanbadarn Upper; James Jones, Llanbadarn Lower; E. J. Evans, Llangwyryfon; Daniel Morris, and David Edwards, Llanilar; Evan Lewis, Llan Hamminiog; Chas. Davies, Llanychaiarn; Wm. Morris, Cyfoetby- brenin; Thos. James, Trefeirig; Evan Simon, Uchayndre; and David Lloyd, Vaenor Lower, with Mr Hugh Hughes (clerk), etc. BOARDING OUT. The House Committee recommended that the Clerk be instructed to obtain 12 copies of the Order for the Boarding of Children in Unions, to be dis- tributed amongst the members of the Boarding Out Committee in compliance with the request of the Secretary," Mrs Colby. The recommendation was approved of. CUSTODY OF LUNATICS. The House Committee reported having considered the question of the temporary custody of lunatics in the Workhouse, and the question of whether the master or the relieving officer should provide supervision over the same. The Rev. T. A. Penry explained that the relieving officer brought a lunatic to the Workhouse about nine o'clock in the evening. The Master said that at such a time the Workhouse was not a suitable place to bring them to unless an attendant was brought as well, as there was no one in the House to look after such per- sons. The question was who was to secure the attendants, the Relieving Officer or the Master. The difficulty was to get attendants to come under such circumstances, when they had to bring their own food. The Master also thought it was an in- convenient hour for him to search for attendants. Mr. Salmon asked the opinion of the clerk on the matter. The Clerk said it appeared to him that in a case of emergency of this sort there should be co- operation on the part of the two officers, but there was also the question whether they had ac- commodation in the House for cases of this sort. Then, if it came strictly to the question as to whose duty it was to provide these attendants, he thought it was the duty of the Board, who should make arrangements to secure a suitable person, who would be prepared to come and take charge in cases of this sort. Mr. B. Ellis Morgan said in that case it would be necessary to have two attendants, one male and one female. The Clerk said these cases were very rare, and with a little tact in nine cases out of ten they could avoid bringing them into the House at all. i.Lr. o. m,. morgan asiceci II iney nan any rigiil to take a lunatic into the House under any circum- atances. The Clerk replied that if they had accommoda- tion they could. The relieving officer was liable to a penalty of R50 if he did not within three days after information of a lunatic not under proper care or wandering at large bring the person before a magistrate, and if the person was not tinder proper care could bring him or her into the Work- house. Mr. B. E. Morgan: Is there accommodation 1 The Clerk: That raises a great question, and one that has been before you before. Mr B. E. Morgan said he though the best way till get out of the difficulty was to instruct the reliev- ing officer in all such cases to remove the person direct to the asylum. The Clerk said there was clearly no accommoda- tion unless they had a person prepared to take charge of the lunatic at once. They could take the case of a maa of a suicidal disposition brought in at night, and the master could not find anyone to take charge of him, and he could not re- main with him himself. Should that man, when left unattended, commit suicide, they were liable to be charged with admitting a person when there was no suitable provision, and that meant no proper accommodation. Mr B. E.Morgan thought it a serious matter, and ought to be well considered. Directly the Board. stepped in in such cases there was a tendency on the grant of the relatives to shelve all responsi- bility, and he did not think they should make it so easy for them. He proposed that the matter be referred to the House Committee for considera- tion and report. Mr Edwin Morris seconded, and the proposition was unanimously agreed to. MASTER'S REPORT. The Master reported that the number in the House the first week of the past fortnight was 44, and during the second week 46. The number of vagrants relieved the first week was 15, and the second week five. The Master also reported that through the kindness of Messrs G. F. Roberts and Hugh Hughes, two members of the Board, an enter- tainment had been given at the House, and Mr Roberts also supplied refreshments. Mr John Morgan, the Larches, had sent oranges to be dis- tributed amongst the inmates, and Mr John Roberts, Dinas View, had made a gift of a number of illustrated papers. On the motion of the Rev. T. A. Penry, the clerk was directed to convey the thanks of the Board to all these gentlemen for their kindness. OUT RELIEF. The out-relief administered during the past fortnight was as followsPer Mr. J. J. Hughes, iE40 16s to 161 paupers; Per Mr, Thos. Vaughan £52 14s. 71d. to 166 paupers; and per Mr. J. Morgan, iZ50 16s. to 150 paupers. INFIRMARY REPRESENTATION. Mr. T. E. Salmon, in accordance with notice of motion, moved that Messrs. G..Fossett Roberts, Edwin Morris, and Richard Edwards be appointed as the Board's representatives at the general meetings of the subscribers to the Aberystwyth Infirmary. Mr. E. Morris withdrew in favour of Mr. Salmon, and the tmes were then agreed to. Rev. ,1 ;m Davies gave notice that at the next meeting lie would move that representatives be also appointed on the District Nurse Committee. OUTSTANDING CALLS. The Clerk asked for authority to take proceedings against any overseers during the next fortnight who were in arreais with their calls. There were several behind-hand, in fact, all the calls were outstanding. He had not had any occasion yet to take such a cc.urse, but he wanted to be on the safe side. Mr W. A. Miller proposed, and the Rev. T. A, Penry seconded, that such authority be given, and this was agreed to. TENDERS FOR PROVISIONS. The Clerk announced that he had advertised for tenders for the supply of provisions, etc., to the House for the ensuing year, and the same would be in by the 17th inst. It was resolved to hold a special meeting to con- sider the tenders on Monday next at 1-30 p.m.; THE WORKHOUSE GARDEN. Rev. T. A. Penry enquired what was to be done with the upper part of the garden at the Work- house. Some time ago a resolution was passed that the garden be divided, and that the lower part be cultivated for the use of the House, and the upper part for some course of cultivation. Mr Salmon proposed that it be let, and that tenders be invited. Mr W. A. Miller said if it would pay a private individual to cultivate it, surely it would pay the Guardians to cultivate it. Rev. T. A. Penry said this was the time of the year that they would have to appoint a gardener, and perhaps he with a few others would be able to cultivate it. Mr Miller proposed that they cultivate the garden themselves. Mr James Jones seconded, and this was agreed, to, and a committee was appointed to carry out the work. It was also decided, on the motion of Mr Miller, that the present person acting as gardener be re- appointed for another month.
» Local Government BoardJ…
» Local Government Board Inquiry. Colonel H. F. Turner, C.B., R.E., an Inspactor of the Local Government Board, conducted a public inquiry at the Town Hall, Aberystwyth, on Wednesday, relative to the application of the Town Council for sanction to borrow L2, 900 for the exten- sion of the mam outfall sewer, L550 for the purposes of a public sanitary convenience, and 4178 for the construction of a storm water culvert. Amongst those present were the Mayor (Alderman C. M. Williams), Alderman Peter Jones, Alderman T. Doughton, Councillors R. J. Jones, T. E. Salmon, R. Doughton, and I. Hopkins, Principal T. F. Roberts, Dr. A.Thomas (medical officer of health), Dr. Harries' Messrs. J. D. Perrott, Evan Evans, Rev. T. Mortimer Green, Robert Ellis, T. Griffiths, R. Griffiths Jones, J. A. Jones, E. J. Evans (chemist), Hugh Hughes (solicitor), F. Bennison, D. C. Evans, Pryse, A. J. Mughes, (town clerk), Rees Jones (borough surveyor), and H. L. Evans (borough accountant.) The application in reference to the outfall sewer was first taken. The Clerk (Mr. A. J. Hughes) said it was considered a work of absolute necessity on account of its sanitary importance. The existing arrangements were wholly inadequate, the present sewer discharging into a tidal harbour, with the result that at low tides the sewage was washed back by the incoming tides, and was deposited to a consider- able extent along the bed of the harbour. From time to time the residents of that locality had memorialised the Council to remedy the grievance as soon as possible. A previous inspector of the Local Govern- ment Board, who visited the town during the cholera scare of 1893, called attention to the necessity of extending the sewer as was now in- tended. The Council met several times to consider the matter, and ultimately a resolution was unanimously passed to instruct the surveyor to bring in a scheme to discharge the sewer near the junction of the Ystwyth and Rheidol Rivers. They selected that gpot on account of the rapid flow of water down both rivers. Mr Hughes also submitted a financial statement of the Council on the 31st March, 1899, which showed the assessable value of pro- perty within the borough to be £ 33,034. Loans had been borrowed to the extent of L53, 115, and repay- ments to the extent of R,19,082 had been made, leav- ing outstanding £ 34,033. The Council had since had sanction to borrow 43,300 for workmen's dwellings, and they had borrowing powers still available to the extent of £ 28,736. Their financial position had never been better than at the present time, and dur- ing the past ten years their assessable value had in- creased something like 50 per cent, and they felt fully justified in embarking upon these works, all of which were deemed essential. Mr Rees Jones, borough surveyor, explained the de- tails of the scheme. The sewage of Aberystwyth was at present coveyed to the sea by means of a brick and stone culvert. In summer the amount of sewage discharged every 24 hours was estimated to be 450,000 gallons, It was now intended to extend the sewer by means of cast iron flange pipes 24 inches in diameter, joined by packing and cement, and laid on a firm gravel bottom, at a gradient of 1 in 24 9 for a length of 1,370 feet, and 1 in 932 for a further length of 530 feet. This gradient was calculated to give a velocity of 150 feet per minute. There would be an average cover on the pipes of Itwo feet, and a valve would be placed at the outfall t) exclude floating material from the pipes. From ex- periments he had made he had ascertained that when the tide ebbed, the current was always straight out to sea, and so the sewage would not be thrown back upon the shore. The Inspector said he had been instructed by the Board of Trade to suggest that instead of stopping at the junction of the rivers as at present proposed, the sewer should be carried out straight to sea. The Surveyor explained that this would be im- practicable, and would mean an enormous additional cost. The pipes would either have to be carried through the stone pier to Alltwen beach, along the stone pier out to sea, or through Rofawr. There were serious objections to all these schemes, as the sewage would, it was felt, be washed back to the shore and spoil the bays, and it would mean a great expense without any material advantage. ] The Clerk said he had been informed that the ] Rheidol river had a fall of about 2,000 feet in 18 ] miles, while the Ystwyth fell more rapidly still. Alderman T. Doughton also gave evidence in sup- port of the application and said it would be practically impossible to allow a line of pipes across the mouth of the Ystwyth, as it would interfere with navigation. If the pipes were also laid along the north 1 side of the harbour, the scour from the river i would be such that they would be speedily uncovered, When the fishing trawlers came into the j harbour during a south-west wind they had to turn ] right northward and very often drop anchor, and s wneii tuey nau no rime LO UO tnat mey nau to run their boats on the shingle just where the sewer would be laid down. As to the advantages of the proposed new outfall, he might state that they had always eot a current through the force of the two rivers, which extended out to sea for two miles. Outside that there was always a current running to the north-east. He was quite sure the sewage would be carried out to sea, and he had been advocating this scheme for eight years. As to the sewage being drawn back on to the coast, he thought that was a matter of impossibility owing to the force of the current taking it northward until outside Aberdovey, where it would come under the influence of the Dovey River. This concluded the evidence in this application. Another application for sanction to borrow Z35 for the erection of a sanitary convenience at the back of the Alexandra Hall, was opposed by the Council o the University College, for whom Principal T. F. Roberts, Mr. Evan Evans, Mr. J. D. Perrott, and the Rev. Mortimer Green (registrar) appeared. The Clerk said it was a matter of regret on the part of the TowntCouncil that there should be any conflict of opinion with the College authorities, but they had agreed to submit their differences to the Local Government Hoard to be determined. Mr Hughes informed the Inspector that thousands of visitors and excursionists visited the town during the summer months, for whom no cotiveniencea were provided in any place along the promenade. The Council had received a large number of complaints as to this, and they had selected this site as the best and most convenient in the neighbourhood. The proposed building would be out of sight, and everything had been done to minimise any possible objection by anyone. Rev. Mortimer Green said the College Council also felt reluctant to oppose the Town Council. The only difference between them was that the College Coun- cil felt that of all sites available in many respects this proposed site, in near proximity to a hostel, in which 200 young ladies resided, was the most ob- jectionable. Mr Green also stated that the College had opposed 'this site ever since it was first mooted in November, 1898. He might also state that the resolution to build a convenience on this site was only carried by the casting vote of the chairman at a meeting of the Town Council, held in January, 1899. Photographs were also put in, showing that the entrance to the proposed building would be com- manded by a large number of windows on the north- front. of the hostel. Principal T. F. Roberts, Mr. Evan Evans, and Mr. J. D. Perrott also gave evidence in opposition to the application. The former said the erection of the building would be a grave disadvantage to the hostel, so grave that lie thought he would be right in saying the Council would never have accepted the site for so important a building if they had any anticipation that the adjoining ground would bq put to such use. THis was one'of the foremost places of residence for University College students in the kingdom, and its interests, therefore, were carefully guarded by the inhabitants of Aberystwyth who had rendered in the past valuable assistance towards its erection and also by the people of Wales generally. Evidence was then taken on the application for the loan for the construction of the storm overflow culvert in Railway-terrace, and also in that for the consent to a loan of R,3,197 18s. lOd. for the com- pletion of paving and channelling in various streets in the town, including a footpath to Penparke. The Mayor tendered to the Inspector the Council's heartiest thanks forhis very courteous and pain- staking hearing of the inquiry, and for the minutemoss with which he went into every detail, and he ventured to say that the Council would feel deeply obliged if he would forward his report with reference to the outfallj sewer as soon as possible, in order that the work could be carried out before the summer season commenced. The Inspector returned thanks, and stated his report would be forwarded to the Local Government Board next week.
The Twentieth Century Fund…
The Twentieth Century Fund of the Calvinistic Methodists. The General Assembly of tlfetalvinistic Methodists has decided to raise the sum of £100.000 during 1900 and 1901, as a thank offering unto the Lord for the blessings of the century just passing away, and as a means of celebrating the commencement of the new century. A meeting in support of the movement was held on Friday evening last, March 9th, in the Tabernacle Chapel. The Rev. T. Levi presided, and after the opening service by the Rev. T. J. Morgan, Bow Street, who is one of the secretaries of the fund, the meeting was addressed by the Chairman, the Rev. J. Morgan Jones, Cardiff, who, with Mr Levi, has been appointed as organizer for South Wales, and the Rev. Principal Prys, M.A., of Trevecca College, one of the treasurers of the fund. The attendance was not what might be expected, nor was the enthusiasm evolved very marked, still, a fairly good beginning has been made, and the churches in the town must set to in real earnest if they are to maintain their character in the connexion, and especially in South Wales. Attention was drawn to the great progress made by the denomination during the century. A hundred years ago the Welsh Methodists consisted only of some 20,000 members, the majority of whom were poof people, but to-day there were 154,000 full members, and 316,000 adherents, with 1,500 chapels and preaching stations. 1,200 ministers and preachers, and a fairly good number of them were rich and prosperous. This goes far to show that though this effort is the greate.t thing they have ever attempted to do, still, if they were only united, and each one did his share, there would be no diffi- culty in raising the amount aimed at. The objects of the fund were stated to be (1) To help the weak churches, of which there are a large number in the, connexion. (2) To assist the Home Mission work in North and South Wales. and (3) To reduce the debt on the halls of the Forward Movement. Already the movement is succeeding, and subscripiions to the amount of over L13,000 have been promised, and that by comparatively few persons. A sum of E3250 comes from Llandinam, zElOOO each from Principal Prys, Trefecca, Mr Evan Thomas, Birmingham, Mr E. P. Jones, Rhyl, Mr David Hughes, Liverpool, and two brothers from Liverpool; P,250 from Mr Venmore, Liverpool; Z150 from Mr. Edward Griffiths, Dol- gelley; L105 each from Dr. Williams, Drim, Pem- brokeshire, and Mr Joseph Prosser, Swansea; L100 each from Revs. T. Levi, Aberystwyth, Griffith Ellis, M.A., Liverpool, Evan Jones, Carnarvon, John Owen, Mold, J. Roberts, Taihen, Anglesey, J. Evans, Llan- fair, Owen Owens, Liverpool, J. Williams, Princes- road, Liverpool, Edward Price, Trelogan, J. Williams, Chadwick Mount, Dr. Hughes, Bala, Mr Thomas Jones, Garston, Miss Edwards, Bala, Miss Hughes, Bala, Mr Peter Roberts, St. Asaph £50 by Mr. William Thomas, North-parade, and some dozen more and lesser sums by others. Mr Levi referred to the movement again in his sermon on Sunday evening at the Tabernacle, and he hoped and trusted that there would be a liberal response when tne church would be canvassed for its subscriptions. This meeting was closed with prayer by the Rev. J. Morgan Jones.
Prudential Assurance Company,…
Prudential Assurance Company, Limited. Elsewhere we publish the annual report of this well-known Company, from which it appears that the assests of the Company at present are £ 36,832,059, an increase of P,3,232,351 over those of 1898. The premium received in the ordinary branch amounts to L3,144,464, an increase of L176,963 over 1898, and in the industrial branch £ 5,168,958. an increase of £ 208,202. The total receipts for the year reached the respectable sum of about nine-and-a-half millions. The claims paid during the year in the ordinary and industrial branches amount to £ 3,285,246. The total number of policies in force at the end of the year is 13,433,785, a number, by the way, represent- ing over one-third of the population of the United Kingdom. The claims, in the payment of which the Company has earned the reputation for great generosity, are in excess of the previous year, largely due to the great amount of illness throughout the country. The chief feature of the year however, has been the war. One sixth of the rank and file have left relatives with a claim on the Company, and 7,000 policies for a limited amount have been issued without extra premiums on volunteers going to the front. In this the Company have, of course, shown great liberality and patriotism, but no one who knew anything of its past history believed that the Company would increase the premiums to volunteers in spite of the fact that the risks are very great, and many claims were certain to be incurred, and little if any direct profit could be expected. In his address at the 51st annual general meeting the Chairman marked that the yearly epitome of the work which this great Company is doing appeared to him, and he thought it must also have struck other minds, to take it out of the category of an ordinary commercial undertaking, and to raise it to the level of a great moral and social influence. Its ramifica- tions are so widespread in every village and town- ship of the United Kingdom that an opportunity is afforded everywhere by the Company for encourag- ing thrifty habits. Amongst the people which must exercise an influence for good in a greater or lesser degree. The Company continues to grow in financial strength and popularity from year to year. Locally there have been several cases in which the Company have shown the greatest magnanimity. The local representatives are-Messrs T. H. Edwards, tho district superintendent, Milton House, Aberystwyth T. Leonard, 1, Cadwgan-place, Aberayron;" J. Williams, Idris Villa, Machynlleth, assistant superin- tendent, with a staff of twenty-five agents.
-.. BORTH.
BORTH. HIGH TlDE.-The highest spring tide occurred last week, and although considerable improvements have been made during the past month along the shore, no la mage was done. SERVICES.-Oil Wednesday, March 28th, the Wes- leyan will hold their annual preaching services. The Revs Cadvan Davies, and Berwyn Roberts, are ex- jected to be present.
ARTHOG.
ARTHOG. HAHK ANIMAL.—On Saturday week a badger vas caught in a trap in a field by Mr. Thomas Williams near the Garthynghaled Mansion. These mimals are now very scarce in this part. The inimal was kept and fed in a cage until Monday noming last, when it was killed and taken to Barmouth to be stuffed. It is now over 18 years since the last badger was caught in this district.
London Letter.
London Letter. [FKOM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. I London, Wednesday Afternoon. RUMOURS OF THE WEEK. There has beeD little to cause excitement in the political world this week. Everybody is resting after the fever of joy caused by the tidings from South Africa. But though news is scarce, there is no lack of rumours, and the gossips talk in whispers of some terrible secret which is soon to be made public. A great many people cannot find a satisfactory explanation for the speech made by Lord Rosebery in the House of Lords some time since, which Mr. Balfour and Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman mutually agreed to put down to panic. Others ask why fr. Chamberlain telegraphed to Canada and Au stralia forinformation as to the number of additional troops they could send to South Africa supposing the Imperial troope were wanted elsewhere. Everybody wants to know why our aged and honoured Queen should make a kind of triumphal drive through the streets of London on two occasions, and why she is going to Ireland. The papers are full of reports about the mobilization of French troops. WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN? Did Lord Rosebery receive a hint as to. the actual state of our relations with foreign Powers ? Was ir. Chamberlain influenced by something more than mere curiosity when he telegraphed to the Volonies ? Why should it be necessary to call forth all this expression of loyalty to the Queen ? Has anybody ever doubted the loyalty of her subjects ? Why are all these sops thrown to the Irish people ? I do not think any sane person can believe that we are on the verge of war with any European country, in spite of the intense hatred of England shown on the Continent. But there may be a possibility that the United States together with some of the greater, European Powers will interfere in South African affairs. If so would England dare them to do their worst?, PEACE NEGOCIATIONS. Presidents Kruger and Steyn have now made overtures for peace. There is, however, in the present temper of the Government, little chance of their being considered unless pressed by the great weight of authority, such as a joint note from the United States and Germany would be. It is a curious fact that unless the two South African States agree to forego their in- dependence they cannot practically offer any further concessions than those offered by President Kruger in August last, before the war began. The only logical out-come of this war from the English point of view is annexation. That is one reason why the anti-war party have so strenuously "opposed the war from the start. If the Government will not consider any overtures of peace short of the absolute surrender of indepen- dence, it simply gives one more diplomatic triumph to Kruger, for everybody outside England will then be assured that this is a war for gold and a war for territory. THE WAR INDEMNITY. So we are to demand a war indemnity from Pretoria. It may be ten millions, it may be more. Some curious problems will face the Government which has to settle the terms for peace. The vast majority of the people of this country undoubtedly think that Pretoria ought to pay a large portion of the war debt. Probably everybody except the share- holders of the Chartered and its allied Companies thinks so. But whether we annex the Transvaal or not the money will not come out of the pockets of the Boers, but out of the pockets of the English, French and German shareholders who own the gold mines. The Boers, with few exceptions, are poor farmers who have great difficulty in making both ends meet; indeed, many of them are mortgaged to the hilt and are in the hands of the sons of Abraham. If we annex the Transvaal and claim the indemnity we shall be guilty of a- breach of the doctrine of Taxation without representation, which cost us the loss of the United States in the last century. All we can do is to hope that Mr. Chamberlain and the Daily News will get us out of the difficulty. The Daily News" has acquired such a marvellous faculty for explaining facts away that we dare not doubt its ability to face this problem. THE WELSH HOSPITAL. It is rather unfortunate that the pro- moters of the idea of starting a Welsh Hospital for South Africa came so late into the field. But in spite of the fact that every individual in Britain, I should think, has contributed in some form or other to the war funds, the project is going along capit- ally, and already nearly X4,000 has been promised. A concert is to be held to-night at the Queen's Hall, when all the best known Welsh singers will take part, and it is hoped that it will result in a large surplus. The bravery of the Welsh Regiment at Dreifon- tein will probably cause a large number of persons to subscribe.
Y RHYFEL. ---
Y RHYFEL. KRUGER: A OES HEDDWCH! SALISBURY: NAC OES. Y mae yr Arlywyddion Kruger a Steyn wedi anfon llythyr at Arglwydd Salisbury parthed y priodoldeb o ystyried telerau heddweh. Dywed- ant fod gwaed a dagrau y miloedd sydd wedi dioddef yn y rhyfel hon a rhagolygon o'r boll ddinystr moesol a masnacholsyddyn bygwth deheu Affrig yn ei gwneyd yn angenrheidiol i'r ddwy blaid elyniaethus i ymholi eu hunain yn ddinwyd ac yn ngwyddfod y Trindod Dduw, am ba beth y maent yn rhyfela, ac os ydyw amcanion y naill a'r llall yn cyfiawnhau y trueni a'r difrod aruthrol hwn. Gyda'r amcan hwn, ac yn gymaint a bod amrai wladweinwyr Prydeinig yn haeru i'r perwyl fod y rhyfel yma wedi ei dechreu ac yn cael ei chario ymlaen i'r amcan bwriadedig o chwilfriwio awdurdod ei Mawrhydi yn Neheu Affrig, ac i osod i fyny lywyddiaeth annibynol oddiwrth ciddo Llywodraeth ei Mawrhydi, yr ydym yn ystyried ei bod yn ddyledswydd arnom i fynegu yn ddifrifol fod y rhyfel hon wedi ei chychwyn yn unig fel mesur amddiffynol i ddiogelu annibyniaeth fygythiedig Rhydd Dalaeth Ddeheu Affrig, ac fe'i carir ymlaen i'r amcan hwn yn unig, ac er sicrhau pen-arglwyddiaeth rhwngwladriaethol y Taleithiau, ac i gael sicrwydd na fydd i'r deiliaid hyny o eiddo ei Mawrhydi sydd wedi ymgyfranogi yn y rhyfel hon ddioddef unrhyw niwed mewn person nac eiddo. Ar y telerau hyn, ac ar y rhai hyn yn unig, yr ydyni yn awr, fel yn y gorphenol, yn dymuno gweled heddwch eto yn Neheu Affrig. Dywed y llythyr yn mbellach y bydd iddynt ymladd i'r eithaf os yw Llywodraeth ei Mawrhydi yn pender- fynu dinystrio y Gweriniaethau. Hyderant y bydd i'r Duw lnvnw sydd wedi planu ynddynt gariad anniffoddadwy at ryddid gyflawni ei waitb ynddynt hwy a'u disgynyddion. Ni anfonasant y llythyr hwn yn gynarach gan yr ofnent, tra yr oedd 3* fantais o'u tu hwy, y byddai i'r fath fynegiad glwyfo teimladau ac anrhydedd y Prydeinwyr. Ond yn awr, gan fod anrhydedd y gallu Prydeinig wedi ei sicrhau trwy garchariad un o'u byddinoedd y mae y rhwystr hwn drosodd, ac y maent yn gwneud y mynegiad hwn o flaen y byd Y mae Arglwydd Salisbury wedi atteb gan ddyweyd nad yw Prydain yn barod i gydsynio i gydnabod anni- byniaeth y Gweriniaethau, ac na wna ystyried amodau heddwch eto.
Advertising
Educational ABERYSTWYTH CO-UNTY SCHOOL HEADMASTER iq R. DAVID gAMUEL, M.A., (Cantab). SENIOR MISTRESS: £ ISS JUDITH ~JPNVART, M.A., (Vict) ASSISTANT MASTEES AND MISTRESS ME W. P EARSON JpULLER, M.A* MR. rjmOMAS QWENS, M ,1. H. HOWELL'B(LAo;dBf- MISS S. E. THOMAS, DRAWING MR. J. H. APPLETON, Cert.. Art Master. School re-opens January 16th, 1900. Pupils requiring Railway Season Tickets will please apply to me forthwith. JOHN EVANS, 6, Portland Street, ClerkjJ Aberystwyth. Business Notices y I" OWEN AND SONS, COMPLETE OUTFITTERS. PARIS HOUSE, 11-13 NORTH PARADE ABERYSTWYTH. JUBILEE 850 YEAR. 1900 To Commemorate the above event, O. k S. are making a SPECIALITY of JUBILEE SUITS, at 55s. for Cash, Worth 65s. JUBILEE TROUSERS at 16s. for Cash, Worth 20s. FOR ONE MONTH ONLY. Ladies' and Gentlemen's Waterproofs. Clerical Suits, Liveries,. Breeches, Dress Suits, Chesterfields, Ladies' Costumes, tike., &c. SOLE 1 Welch Margefcson's Neck Wear, &c. AGENTS for j Dr. Jaeger's Hosierv, &c. RUGS, UMBRELLAS, TRUNKS, BAGS, fee. OWEN AND SONS. — ESTABLISHED. 1815. — OWEN, Bakers & Confectioners, 19 & 21, NORTH PARADE, ABERYSTWYTH 4. REFRESHMENTS as usual. Late Advertisements. Rural District Cauncil of Tregaron. AUDIT OF ACCOUNTS.. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a copy of the Accounts duly made up and balanced to- gether with all Account Books, Deeds, Contracts, Vouchers and Receipts, mentioned or referred to ia such accounts of the aboved-named Rural District Council will on the 20th day of March, 1900, be- deposited in the Office of the said Rural District Council and will be open between the hours of 10 and 4 to the inspection of all persons interested until the 9th day of April, 1900 and that Hugh R. Williams, Esq., the District Auditor, will £ attend on the 9th day of April, 1900, at the hour of 9.30 in the forenoon, at the Union Workhouse, Tregaron, to andit the accounts for the half year ended 30th day of September, 1899, of the said Rural District Council. Dated this 14th day of March, 1900. J. LLOYD, Clerk to the said Council. Intermediate Education. LLANDYSSUL JOINT SCHOOL DISTRICT. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the School: Boards within the Cardiganshire portion of the above District are called upon to nominate for election, one. representative Member of the Local Governing Body of such District. The Nomination Paper must be sent to me in writ- ing, accompanied by the Candidate's written consent- to serve, if elected, on or before Thursday, the 22nd. instant. THOMAS THOMAS; Clerk to the Local Governors.. County School Office, 12, Lincoln Street, Llandyssul, 15th March, 1900. Aberystwyth Union. I THE UNDERSIGNED, HEREBY GIVE NOTICE,. that the AUDIT of the Accounts for the half-year ended the 29th day of; September, 1899, of the said Union, and of the several Parishes therein, will commence at the Board-room of the Guardians' of the Poor of the said Union at Aberystwyth, on THURSDAY, the 5th. day of APRIL, 1900, at 9.30: o'clock in the forenoon. Dated this 10th. day of March, 1900.. (Signed) HUGH R. WILLIAMS, District Auditor of the South IValesi Audit District.
Family Notices
— Biribs, marriages and Dtatbs. BIRTHS. GITIFFITH. -March 10th, at the Shoe Depot, College' Green, Towyn, the wife of Mr H. W. Griffith, of a son. MARRIAGES. MITCHELL-RowLANDS. -March 3rd, at Goginaa Church, by the Revs M. Morgan and T. Davies, Andrew Mitchell to Rosina Frances Rowlands. REES—DAVIES.—On Monday, March 12th, at Taber- nacle C.M. Chapel, Aberystwyth, by the Rev T. M Jones, Ysbytty, and the' Rev R. Gwmryn Jones, Trisant, in the presence of Mr Tom Morgan, deputy registrar, Mr John Rees, Bronwaun, Devil's Bridge, to Miss Mary Anne Davies, eldest daughter of Mr David Davies, tailor, Trisant, DEATHS. DAVIEs-March 3rd, at Caeglas, Lampeter, Mary Davies. ECCLESTo-i-March 9th, at Marine-terrace, James Eccleston, railway postal sorter, aged 42 years. JONES—March 7th, at 1, Aelydon-buildings, Barmonth, Jane Jones, aged 76 years. MORGAN—March 8th, at Bow Street, David Morgan. labourer, aged 40 years. Ri CHARDs-March 11th, at Queen-street, Ann Richard4 aged 39 years. HEEs-March 12th, at Llandovery, George, son of Mr Richard Rees, contractor, Machynlleth, aged 20' years. JoNEs March 8th, at Maesypandy, Aberhosan, David Jones. THOMAS—March 8th, at Londonderry Hospital, Mach- ynlleth, Mrs Thomas, wife of Evan Thomas, Aber- llefenny. WILLIAMS—On Saturday,' March 10th, at Fenbryn; Cottage, Barmouth, Ann Williams, widow of tho late Lewis Williams, aged 88 years. Printed and Published by the Proprietor, GEORGE REES, at the WELSH GAZETTE" Printeries, Bridge-street, Aberystwyth, in the County oS Cardigan. Thursday, March 15th, 1900.
ABERYSTWYTH.
ABERYSTWYTH. PKESBTTERIAX CHAPEL.The pulpit of this chapel was occupied on Sunday last by Mr. D. Cynddelw Williams. BACHELOR'S BALL.—This annual ball took place on Friday night last at the Lion Royal Hotel, and proved very successful. The gathering, which numbered about 60, was a select and fashionable one. The duties of M.C. were capably fulfilled by Mr R. Peake, as also was the work of the stewards whicb devolved upon Messrs H. T. Roberts, J. Vaughan Edwards, and J. C. Rea. The catering of Mr and Mrs Rufus Williams left nothing to be desired. An excellent reportaire of dance music was played by Mr Wheatley's band. B.W.T.A.—The weekly entertainment at the New Market Hall, organised by the members of the British Women's Temperance Association, was presided over on Saturday evening last by Rev G. Eyre Evans, Llanbadarn-road. Mrs. Williams and Miss James, North Parade, presided over the coffee. The evening's programme was arranged by Miss Evans, Caergog, and Miss Owen, Northgate- street, and was as follows:—Pianoforte duett, Misses Jones and Thomas clarionette solo, Mr G. Thomas song, Miss K. Griffiths; cornet solo, Mr. T. M. Evans; recitation, Miss Ewart; song. Mr G. Haydn Jones duett, Misses Williams and Thomas; song, Miss Mollie Owen. LECTURE.—On Thursday evening last an inter- esting lecture on the late Mr D. L. Moody, the renowned evangelist, was delivered at Baker-street Congregational chapel by the Rev. G. Parry, Llan- badarn. The rev. gentleman, among many inter- esting reminiscences, mentioned that he heard him preach as late as July 28th of last year in Chicago to a congregation th,at numbered'over 10.000 people, which proved beyond a doubt that the celebrated preacher was as popular in his latter as in his earlier days. As a proof of his influence over all classes it was mentioned that royalty often went to hear him in England. The lecture, which was one that dealt mainly with the work of Mr Moody, was thoroughly interesting from first to last, and should be re-delivered in all our neighbouring villages. The chair was occupied by the Rev. Job Miles. SUDDEN DEATH. -The death took place under painfully sudden circumstances on Saturday last of the clerk-in-charge of the G.P.O. sorting car- riage from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth. Deceased —Eccleston by name-started from Shrewsbury as usual at two o'clock on Friday morning last with the mail, which arrives at Aberystwyth at 6-20. He complained of illness on the way down, but was able to carry out his duties. His work over, he proceeded to his lodgings at 34, The Terrace, where his illness developed serious symptons. Dr. Bassett Jones was called in on Friday night, and found him in a critical condition, and in spite of all medical attention be gradually sank, death taking place at about 9 o'clock on Saturday morn- ing. Deceased resided at Shrewsbury, where, it is sad to relate, he leaves a widow and seven children. The body was convyed to his home on Monday for interment. THE P A:XTO SOCIETY.-An interesting and instructive paper on "Ferns for decoration was read by Mr. J. Griffiths, Penywern, at the meeting of this Society at the College on Wednesday evening, under the presidency of Mi. W. H. Colby, Carregwen. Mr. Griffiths pointed out some of the many errors of the amateur in his treatment of these beautiful plants, such as ex- posing to strong sunlight, and again placing them in draughty positions, irregular watering, and that -with water not of the same temperature as that of the room where the plants grow, and also standing pots in saucers of water, this latter condition causing the soil to become saturated and the roots to rot. Mr. Griffiths was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his highly instructive and much appreciated paper. INSURE YOUR LIFE.—A correspondent writes :— To those people who have occasions to travel between Lovesgrove and Aberystwyth, my advice to you is, Insure your life against accident, as you do not know whether you will return dead or alive. The attention of the County Council has been drawn several times to the state of the fence by the side of the road between the railway bridge y r, and Llanbadarn, but nothing has been done and nothing will be done until some serious accident occurs. On Monday evening, March, 5th, I also observed two brakes full of passengers, with drunken drivers, galloping full speed down this dangerous hill. One trap with ladies only bad to turn to Pendre farm to make room for the Jehu. Others made for Bronygof and Fronfraith Lodge. Happily no one was killed, but no thanks to the fools. Where were the police ? BIOGRAPHICAL.—In the current number of the Monthly Treasury, a magazine circulating amongst the English readers of the Calvinistic Methodists, there is an appreciative article on the work and ministry of the Rev. Thomas Levi, pastor of the Tabernacle. The article is by Mr. D. Samuel, M.A., Headmaster of the County School, and deserves being read by our readers. The article is illustrated with photographs of the front facade of the Tabernacle and the pulpit. The editor of the Monthly Treamry is the Rev. J, Glyn Davies, now of Newport, Mon, and formerly pastor of the Pres- byterian Church, Bath Street. In the February number of Trysorae'r Plant, edited by the Rev. T. Levi, the leading article is a brief but concise sketch of the late Mr. John Matthews of this town, and father of Mr. J. Matthews, manager of the N. P. Bank, Amlwch. Mr. Matthews has been dead about 30 years. He was amongst the most pro- minent deacons of the Methodists in Wales. He was twice mayor of this town, and filled that office at the time of his death in 1870. There was no movement, whether religious, literary, social, or municipal in which he did not take an out- standing position. The article has a good picture of Mr. Mathews accompanying. TEACHERS' GUILD.—A meeting of the Guild was held at the College on Saturday evening, The Principal occupied the chair. A paper by Mr. H. M. Meyler, M.A., Headmaster of the Machynlleth County School, on -1 The working of the County Schools," was read. In the absence of Mr. Meyler, the paper was'read by Prof. Foster Watson. The paper gave in a brief, concise, but very lucid way, an account of the schools and the schemes in their financial aspects, and in their working. It dealt with the differences in the various County schemes, the fees demanded for tuition, the smallness of the halfpenny rate to meet the requirements, and the doles to be obtained from the Sc'ience and Art Department. It treated of the problem of mixed classes, and the curriculum, the freedom granted by the schemes and the Central Board Authorities to each school to develope its own individuality. It urged the importance of the study of English 'Literature, and the advisability of teaching civil duties to pupils. It warned against expecting results too soon, before the school had had time and opportunities to develop. The often exorbit- ant demands of examiners came under review. Discussion on the supjects referred to by Mr. Meyler was started by Principal Roberts, who spoke admirably on the cultivation of art and literature. The discussion was continued by Profs. Foster Watson, Anwvl, and D. Morgan Lewis. It .was proposed that Mr. Meyler's paper should be printed in one of the local uewspapers, and also in the Journal of Education." A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Meyler on the proposition of Mr. David Samuel, M.A., Headmaster of the County School, and unanimously carried. BI-MONTHLY MEETING.—The bi-mouthly meet- ing of the C. M. Sunday Schools of the local divis- ion of North Cardiganshire was held on Sunday at Salem chapel, Mr. Thomas Owens, president, being in the chair, and Mr. Abraham Joel, secretary, was in attendance. At 9-30, the Rev. D. R. Williams, pastor of Salem, preached a sermon on the subjects of the Bible and modern literature and criticism. basing his remarks on Psalm cix. 18. At 11-0, a committee of nomination was selected to appoint .two superintendents to conduct in each centre the annual examination to be held on April 4th. It was pointed out that the annual general meeting was to be held at Libanus chapel, Borth, on May 23rd. A letter from Mr. D. Ellis, Little Darkgate Street, -acknowledging a vote of condolence passed at the previous bi-monthly meeting with the family. Statistics dealing with attendance, &c., during the past two months were presented. An interesting discussion took place on some printed questions dealing with the Lord's Supper. Many representa- tives and teachers took part in the discussion. At 2-0, the introductory service having been conducted by Mr. John Morgan Horeb, Mr. James Jenkins read a paper on .< The state of religion in Israel in the time of David." The children were catechised by Prof. E. Edwards on portions of the History of Christ (text-book by Rev. T. Davies, Treorkey) and Mr. Morgan Edwards, Gosen, read a paper on Practical lessons to be drawn from the Epistle of James." The president and the pastor also ad- dressed the meeting. The following brethren were- appointed to superintend the annual examination in April—Tabernacle, Messrs W. Thomas and John Morgan, Horeb; Shiloh, Messrs Isaac Jones, Bridge street, and Richard Jones, County Stores; Salem and Bath Street, Messrs R. K. Humphreys and D. Ellis: Gosen, Messrs Barclay Jenkins and David Davies, Trefechan: Pantycrug, Messrs W. Rowland, Brennau, an l Jenkin Lewis, Horeb; Saron, Messrs James Evans. MiH-^treet. and Hugh Humphreys; Horeb. Messrs Edward Morgan and R Jenkins; Ebenezer, Messrs Richard Jones, William-street, an,i R, J. Bennett, Bath-street. The next bi-monthy meeting is to be 1 at Capel Sion, in May. At 6-0 the Rev. D. R. Williams gave an admirable address on Is ther" anv weed now-a-days for the Sunday School ?" At the close there was holi'r pwnc." the subject taken being Chapter vii. in the '• Hvffordwr," on Faith and Justification, the leadership being taken by Mr. T. Owen, president, A most edifying and interesting discussion was maintained throughout. A GOOD START.—Capt. Cosens, with his usual generosity, has beaded the Mayor's Indian Famine Fund with £ 5. ROSES AND SHRUBS.—Next Friday Mr. J. E. James will sell by auction at St. Phillip's Hall, a quantity of rose trees and shrubs. ST. DAVID'S LODGE.—The secretaryship of this Lodge, rendered vacant by the death of the late Mr. David Davies, has been filled by the appoint- ment of Mr. Cocks, Brynymor-terrace. SALE OF PROPERTY.-As will be seen in our advertising columns, three handsome and neatly built houses in Trinity-road, just erected by Mr. T. Hopkins, are offered for sale. The houses are in a pleasant and healthy position, and close to the main thoroughfare. LORD LIEUTENANT'S WAR FUND.—The follow- ing amounts have been received for this fund at the N. P. Bank :—Mr. Clithero and friends, Bank Vaults, 9s.; Blaenplwyf chapel, El 6s.-9<1.; Capel Cynon, Llanfihangelycreuddyn, ZI ls. 9d. SCIENCE AND ARTS.—At this Committee which was held after the Board meeting it was resolved that the help of prominent local men be invited to suppport the.memorial to the Science and Art Department for aid towards the building of an art school in the town. DRUNKENNESS. At a special sitting ot the borough magistrates on Thursday morning, a tra- veller named John James was charged by P.C. Jones with having been drunk while in charge of a horse on Tuesday in Baker-street. He was fined 20s and costs.—P.C. Powell also charged the same defendant with being drunk on the previous even- ing. A fine of 5s and costs was imposed upon him for this offence. FOOTBALL.—The Aberystwyth College team journeyed to Cardiff on Saturday last to play the College team of that town. The fixture is a popular one, and always attracts a large gate. Roose, the popular goal-keeper of the Aberystwyth Town team and Welsh international, played for Cardiff. The game ended in a draw, neither side scoring. Aber- ystwyth were decidedly unlucky in not gaining the victory, as they pressed almost throughout the game, and it was only the magnificent goal-keeping of Roose which kept them out. EARLY CLOSING ASSOCIATION. The annual meeting of the Early Closing Association was held on Thursday evening last Mr. D. S. Edwards occupied the chair, and there was a good attend- ance of members. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year :-President, Mr. G. Ellis; vice-president, Miss Cole; committee, Misses Alice Williams, Evans, Banbrook, Davies, Morgan, and Lloyd and Messrs. D. S. Edwards, R. Benbow. D. H. Pugb, J. Benbow, Rees, F. Edwards, Llew Thomas, D. E. Jones, J. W. Jones, W. Ellis, Adams, Burden, D. Evans, and J. Hughes; treasurer, Mr. G. Bickerstaff (re-elected) hon. sees., Messrs. W. Edwards and D. C. Edwards (re-elected). Mr. O. Lloyd Williams was appointed auditor. The meeting terminated with votes of thanks to the retiring officers. SCHOOL BOARD.—The monthly meeting of the Aberystwyth School Board was held on Tuesday evening. Present, Alderman Peter Jones (chair- man), Mrs Griffiths, Mr W. Thomas and Mr T. Hall.—The Visiting Committee was asked to en- quire into the gas consumption at the School. It was resolved to allow the matter of new byelaws for school attendance to be deferred for a special meeting of the Board. Communications were read from several Boards in answer to enquiries about the Teachers' Superannuation deductions.—Mr T. Hall gave notice of motion on this matter to be placed on the agenda for next meeting. The attendance for the past month at the schools was reported to be-Board School:—Boys' 88 per cent, girls 87, infants 68. National School :-Boys 84 girls 78, infants 73 per cent. POLICE NEWS.—On Friday morning Walter Jones, North Parade, was brought up before Messrs R. J. Jones and Edward Evans, and charged by P.C. Phillips with being drunk and disorderly on the previous evening. He wts fined 5s. and costs.— James Williams, hailing from Liverpool, was brought up on Monday before Messrs J. Morgan and Thomas Griffiths, and charged by P. S. Phillips with begging alms on the Monday night. He was sent to Carmarthen for 14 days.—John Allen, a tramp, was brought up before Mr. T. Griffiths on Tuesday having been apprehended on the previous day on suspicion of having committed the offence of house breaking at Rhydhir, Bow Street, on Satur- day. The police asked for a remand until Saturday, which was granted. PETTY SESSIONS.—These sessions were held on Wednesday morning before Messrs. T. Griffiths, Peter Jones and Edward Evans.-John Jones, butcher, Northgate-street, was fined 2s. 6d. for allowing the chimney of his bouse to be on fire on the 6th instant.—Mr. E. A. Hall, Victoria Terrace, was charged by Mr. Rees Jones, surveyor, with having permitted his servant, Alice Davies, to stand on the outside sill of a window at Plynlimmon House. P. C. Rowlands deposed having seen the offence committed. Mr. Stanley E. Jones appeared for the defence. The case was dismissed.—William Mark, a porter at St James's Square, was charged by P. C. Phillips with being drunk on the highway on the 8th instant. He was fined 2s. 6d. and costs. —A fine of 2s. 6d. was also imposed upon Ellen Jones, charwoman, Penglais-terrace, for neglecting to cause her child Mary to attend school. Mr. D. A. Lloyd, attendance officer, proved the case. THH WAR.—Mr William Jones, grocer, Bridge- street, has this week received a letter from his nephew, Mr Ebenezer Jones, formerly of Aber- ystwyth, who is engaged in the South African war. Immediately on the outbreak of hostilities he joined the Grahamstown Volunteers, and has been selected as a scout. The letter was written from Hanover, and gives particulars of the invasion of the Free State. Mr Jones has also a brother and an- other nephew in South Africa. The former Mr Arthur Howell Tones was for many years a teacher at the Aberystwyth Board School and also at Totnes, Devonshire, but three years ago he went to South Africa, and secured an appointment as head- master at Klipdam. When war was declared he was amongst the refugees who left the town. He prooeeded to Modder River, and thence to Cape Town, where he still remains. The nephew (Mr Arthur Evan Jones) wasalso employed at Klipdam, and he is now at Grahamstown. BITS OF OLD ABERYSTWYTH.—On Friday last, the members of the Radical Club were treated to a fine address on Bits of old Aberystwyth," by Mr. D. Samuel, M.A. The speaker's account dated as far back as the beginning of last century, when the town was but the size of a small village surrounded by high walls which we were told were always kept in good repair. The situation of the old streets, and the description given of the old houses was so vivid that one could form a fairly exact opinion of the kind of place in which our forefathers lived. Mr. Samuel introduced into the subject several amusing anecdotes bearing upon some of the old characters, and his address was thoroughly ap- predated by the audience. At the request of the Chairman, the Rev. Geo. Evre Evans, who is now engaged on a work on the History of Aberystwyth, as told in its Court Leet Records, gave many inter- esting and amusing items, mainly in reference to the local punishments of scolds and drunkards by ducking-stool, stocks, and whipping post. LLANBADARN FAWR DEANERY.—The Rev. Pre- bendary Williams, the rural dean of Llanbadarn Fawr, held the quarterly meeting of the clergy at the vestry of Holy Trinity Church on Friday last, at 11 a.m. There were present the Revs. N. Thomas, Llanbadarn Fawr; H. M. Williams, Lled- rod A. Williams Elerch; W. LI. Footman, Holy Trinity; D. Ambrose Jones and J. E. Lloyd, St. Michael's W. J. Wiiliams, Llanafan T. N. Jones, Devil's Bridge; G. Roderick, Llancynfelin; L. Richards, Eglwysfach; G. Blackwall, Penrhyn- coch E. Evans, Llanfihangel-genueu'r-glyn R. E. Jones, Llanbadarn j M. Morgan, Capel Bangor the Diocesan Missioner (Canon Camber-Williams), and Mr. W. Godfrey, the local secretary of the Church Defence and Church Instruction Society. After the usual morning prayer and Bible reading the Diocesan Missioner advocated the formation of a branch of the Society for Sacred Study for the deanery, which was well taken by the clergy, who appointed the Vicar of Llanafan as local secretary. Mr. W. Godfrey also gave a very interesting address on the work done by his society, which was much appreciated by those who were present.
» Welsh Airs. ---
» Welsh Airs. At a meeting of the U.C.W. Literary and De- bating Society last Friday, Mr David Jenkins, Mus. Bac., read an interesting paper on Welsh Airs," of which the following is a summary. Mr. Jenkins said:— It is a difficult, probably an impossible matter to decide when the majority of our Welsh Airs were composed. Some attempts have been made, as in the case of "Dafyd d y garreg Wen" "Codiad yr 'hedydd," but no music historian has been able to find any satisfactory proof as to the time or the authorship. It has been stated that the King's harpist composed that solemn and soul stirring dirge, "Morfa Rhuddlan" after the defeat of the Cymry. This again can only be the result of pure imagination as there is no internal evidence in itself, nor any data in connection with it, to prove that it was composed at that time. The name or title proves nothing. There are similar legends in connection with the composition of others of our beautiful airs, and most of them generally more poetical than histori- cal. It seems to me that the deep heart-rending words composed by Ieuan Glan Geirionydd who lived about a thousand years after that event, has given to that melody the pathetic romance that is generally attached to it; just as a modern operatic scene, would accentuate an ancient myth, with effective words and music. As to the melody Dr. Nicholas says It is the wail of a whole nation, faint and broken hearted under a great disaster." 'Some say that' Nos Galan" dates back to the time ot tne JJruicis, anct tnat uairyau y garreg w en and Codiad yr hedydd were composed by David t Owen, but no music historian has advanced any < .satisfactory proof that such was the case. The legends about these two melodies are most t attractive in the charm and beauty of their fancy. The one respecting Dafydd y garreg Wen is most r pathetic. "When David Owen lay on his death bed, < he happened one day to fall into a trance. His < mother, who was watching him at the time, thought ] the flame of life to be extinguished. But he sud- ] denly revived, and fixing his gaze upon her, said that he had just dreamed a wonderful dream, in which he found himself in heaven, where he heard the sweetest strains that ever fell on the ears of man. He also said that he could recall the music if she would only reach him his harp. This she did, when he, wifc a glow upon his countenance, played Dafydd y Garreg Wen." Just as the last note was dying away, his spirit took its flight to its eternal home. The air fixed itself in the mother's memory, and was thus preserved for posterity." I have quoted the above with a pur- pose to show bow unreliable these legends or tales are, as it appears in one of our latest collections of Welsh airs; and contains several additions to the tradition we have in Brinley Richards' collection. There it states that a Bard lay on his death-bed, called for his harp, and played the above air, requesting at the same time that it might be per- formed at his funeral," and it was accordingly played on the harp at the parish church of Ynys Cynbaiarn, in which parish the house Garreg Wen" is situated. The latter tallies with John Parry's version in the Welsh Harper." The first implies that the mother was an extraordinary musician to be able to transcribe a whole melody while it was only played once, also to present that in such a form to another harpist that he may play it at "Dafydd' s" funeral. Handel or any other great musician could not perform a greater feat than this mother of David Owen did, and and that at a time when she was prostrated with grief at tho death of her talented son. If this is not an old woman's tale nothing is, and if this is the stuff that our Welsh historians are made of, we better have no history at all, but confine ourselves to writing novels, and wild tales. The other tradition about Codiad yr hedydd," is very imaginative, and Ceiriog treats it exactly as a Tale that is told," with that sly humour of his that is almost bewitching. It is stated that David Owen had gone to a noson-laivcn, a "merry night" at Plas-y-Borth, Portmadoc, and according to the custom at those times he had lingered at the feast until two or three o'clock in the morning. The clocks, no doubt, were to be blamed for that fact! However, daybreak over- took David and his harp while wending his way homewards. The jolly Minstrel sat on a stone- which is still pointed out by the inbabitants-to watch a sky-lark above him giving vent to its merriment at the appearance of the dawn, and there and then playednipon his harp, the air known ever since as Codiad yr hedydd the rising of the lark," Now I do not wish to detract from the charming conception of that beautiful tradition. If the tradition stated that David Owen played the air Codiad yr hedydd at the time, there would be a strong resemblance to the truth, but to say that the melody was composed there and then, is contrary to the habits of all composers, be they poets or musicians. It is in the retirement of the study, and perhaps in the dead of the night, that the finest scenes of creation has been reproduced in poetry and music. The composer takes in the wealth of scenery, in the same manner as the photographer does with his camera, but the re- production and the effect of the same in the heart and mind of the observer, takes place in the deep solitude of his soul, and bears the impress of his individuality when represented in music or poetry. I have pointed out a few of the discrepancies that are contradictory to the history of the real pro- ductions of the mind, in order to prove that many of these traditions are unreliable as to the precise period in which many of these airs were composed nor who their composers were. Mr. Jenkins dwelt further on the classification of these melodies, and divided them into four distinct rtial, pastoral, amatory, and pathetic— and sang several of them to illustrate his meaning, notably the following :—" Y Gadlys," Ap Siencyn," Bedd fy Nghariad," and Ynys Mon." The nearest approach to the Comic in Welsh, he said, was Castiau gwraig," and Hob y Derri Dando," but that element showed itself more in the words than the music. A party of the students also sang an arrange- ment by Mr Jenkins of Ynys Mon."
+ Town Council Committees.
+ Town Council Committees. HARBOUR COMMITTEE. A meeting of the Harbour Committee of the Town Council was held on Monday evening at the Corporation Office, present-Mr. R. J. Jones (chair- man), Mr. J. P. Thomas, Alderman T. Doughton, and Mr. R. Doughton.—Consideration was given to Mr. Roderick Williams' application to put up an aerial railway across the mouth of the Harbour from Rofawr to the opposite side. The Chairman believed it would be a great public convenience, and also a source of attraction.—Alderman Doughton, however, thought the proposal was un- workable, and was of opinion that the Board of Trade would never allow such an obstruction at the entrance to the harbour. The rope also, if lowered to the bed of the harbour, would be dragged along by the force of the currrent, and would be a danger to vessels entering and leaving.—Mr. Roderick Williams appeared before the committee, and said he had not yet got his plans, etc., ready, but he would have them prepared by the next meeting of the committee a fortnight hence.—The matter was then deferred for a fortnight. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE. The bills and wages for the past fortnight were considered and recommended for payment.—The plans of new buildings submitted were those of 11 z, houses facing Plascrug for Mr. T. E. Salmon, and of two houses in Cambrian-street for Mrs. Lumley and Mr. Evan Owen, and these were approved of. FINANCE COMMITTEE. A meeting of the Finance Committee was held on Wednesday afternoon, there being present the Mayor (Alderman C. M. Williams), who presided, Messrs D. C. Roberts, R. J. Jones, T. E. Salmon, R. Peake, E. P. Wynne, A. J. Hughes (town clerk), H. L. Evans (borough accountaut), and Rees Jones (borough surveyor).—The Committee decided not to renew the leases of two plots of ground, now used as gardens at Smithfield-road, inasmuch as they would shortly be required to proceed with the erection of workmen's dwellings. It was resolved to renew the lease of the field at Plascrug, which is intended to be used as an athletic ground, sub- ject to three months' notice.-The Committee de- cided to consider the question of leases in private.