The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

MAKING FOR DISESTABLISH- MENT AND WORSE. THE virulent, unreasonable, and in some cases unprincipled opposition with which the Education Bill has been received by the Archbishop of CANTERBURY and other Church dignitaries on behalf of the Church of England, and by Roman, Catholic Bishops and others on behalf of the Church of Rome, makes it almost cer- tain that in the end not only will denom- inational teaching be altogether banished from elementary schools, but the Church of England will be disestablished and dis- endowed, not only in Wales, but in Eng- land. More than this. The utterly in- tolerant and unjustifiable attitude of the Church of England and the Church of Rome-to say nothing of its foolishness -is already giving rise to vehement de- mands in large towns for the deposition of the churches from the positions they have so long and so arrogantly held. There are large numbers of people in the United Kingdom who hail with repressed delight the determination of the Anglican and^Roman bishops to relentlessly oppose the Bill and, if possible, to defeat it. Welsh Nonconformists are satisfied with the Bill, which we think is conceived in a reasonable and tolerant spirit. It is not as thoroughgoing as some would wish, but it does away with glaring in- Z, justice and is, we think, as progressive a measure as is possible at the present time. Canon HENSON hits the mark when he savs that the Bill secures Christian as against secular education for the nation. He and others will probably not be list- ened to, but there can be no doubt that the real issue raised is whether the in- tolerant rule of the churches shall be con- tinued or not, and whether the Christian religion shall as far as possible be ousted from the elementary schools of the coun- try. The more fierce opponents of the churches are in favour of a simple system of ethical teaching in elementary schools and the total abolition of everything that is now called religion—denominational and undenominational. These fierce opponents will have on their side the non- caring millions who think very little about religion, but when they do think are against the churches. There is a simple way out, namely, to build new schools free from Church of England or Church of Rome domination and to take away all imperial and local grants from every school where denom- inational religion in any form is taught. This course will cost a few millions, but the outlay would be cheap in order to have done once for all with these endless squabbles over religion, which ought to be a sacred thing. As far as we can judge, there is going to be one of those fierce and brutal struggles, of which history tells, over the Education Bill. One of the immediate results will be the general Disestablish- ment and Disendowment of the Church of England. The feeling is growing rapidly that there must be an end of the arrogance and presumption of the Archbishop of CANTERBURY and of those whom be rules —or represents. The disestablishment movement, however, will be confined to politicians and active Nonconformists. Behind them are the millions of the people who have only vague notions of ecclesi- astical power and dominance, and who look with growing distrust at the churches as the exponents and interpreters of the will of GOD for human beings. The ele- mentary education of the past forty years has not, unfortunately, increased rever- ence for the churches, and the coming- strife will, in our opinion, bring about a religious revolution far greater and more general than that which has driven relig- ious orders out of France. We have read the Bill very carefully and we think a recently-passed resolution carried by the Executive Committee of the Free Church Council very fairly embodies the chief features of the Bill, as follows :—The Bill (i), brings all schools maintained out of public funds under public control and management; (2), it abolishes theological and ecclesiastical tests in the teaching profession; (3), it secures one type of elementary school so far as controlling authority and financial support are con- cerned; (4), it relieves the ratepayers, of any responsibility for the cost of sectarian teaching. The provisions for denomin- ational teaching are quite equal to the re-- quirements of children, and we fail to see where the elements of alleged oppression, confiscation, or injustice comes in. We are not going to attempt to argue with the clergy of the Church of England or the priests of the Church of Rome. Let them fight the Bill through thick and thin to the last line of the last clause. We believe that their opposition will be to advance freedom and to bring about religious emancipation. At present, ecclesiastical systems too frequently stand for religion in the country. The priests are going to prove to the rank and file of the people that religion has nothing whatever to do with the strife, but that they are fighting for endowments, privi- lege, power, place, and for denomination- alism-pure and simple. We do not ask the readers of this paper to take our word for the attitude of the churches of Eng- land and Rome, but to think the matter out for themselves after reading the Bill, which is not complicated or difficult to understand. For generations Noncon- fomists have been forced into Church of England schools, especially in rural dis- tricts. This wrong is to cease under the Bill of the Government and the clergy of the Church of England are mad with rage. We arc not prepared to say that Mr. BIRRELL'S Bill is an embodiment of the LLOYD-GEORGE education policy in Wales, but there can be no shadow of doubt that it aims at getting rid of the condition of things that brought that policy into exist- ence, that has caused the rejection of every Conservative member of Parliament for Wales, and that has given to almost every Welsh county council a preponder- ating Liberal and Nonconformist maj- ority. We would gladly have seen the impending conflict and its conse- quences avoided. We have no pre- judice against religious teaching in schools. We are not even averse to the teaching of denominationalism under the conditions embodied In the Bill. We would even tolerate a wisely and gen- erously managed State church, but if there must be fight, then let the fight be thor- ough and to the end. If the Church of England or the Church of Rome, and there is very little to choose between them in this conflict, thinks that It is going to continue to oppress Nonconformists then it is mistaken. We have very good reasons for knowing that even Noncon- formists can object to Nonconformity that goes beyond their own. We are prepared to fight for religious freedom against all the ecclesiastical systems that ever were framed, and against all the Popes that ever existed, whether in the Church of Rome, or the Church of England, or in the Nonconformist churches. We are not going to attempt to reason with the opponents of the Education Bill. They are not to be reasoned with. All we wish to do is to induce moderate people, whether Conformists or Nonconformists, to consider the subject carefully; to form their own opinions, and then to stand by those opinions until they see good reasons for abandoning them. It is said that the House of Lords will reject the Bill if it is passed by the Commons. Will it? No- thing would suit a large number of the people of the country better. All that is necessary in order to bring about a great change in the constitution of the House of Lords is that it should obviously and definitely set itself in opposition to the declared will of the country. There never was a time when the people were less in the mood to put up with any sort of legis- lative fooling than at the present time. Even the Liberal Government itself will have to live up to its promises and under- takings. As for the churches of Rome and England they are blind and will pro- bably walk headlong into disaster. Non- conformists have paid heavily for justice and can now afford to await the issue.

EDITORIAL NOTES Mr BRYN ROBERTS, the new county-court judge, sat for the first time in his judicial capacity at the Pontypridd Court on Wed- nesday. The serious rifle-firing incident at the Aberystwyth Slaughter-house, to which at- tention was called on Monday night, ought to be carefully enquired into. Who fired the shots which put people outside in danger? Perhaps this is also knowledge which the ratepayers ought not to have. It is said that the moral tone of Cardiff is improving. We are so glad. But then what room there was for improvement! People who believe that GOD flashes lights, makes rapping noises, and plays ill sorts of pranks at revival meetings, can hold their belief. We have no sympathy with them and do n pretend to have. The Eifion vacancy would afford Mr R. A. NAYLOR an excellent opportunity of try- ing his luck in Wales once more. Just think if he were the only Conservative member of Parliament for Wales. How unlikely! Mr JOHN WILLIAMS, M.P., says that "in "Parliament there is a sort of fixed deter- "mination to settle this vexatious matter "onoe and for all. For my part, if there is "too much bother about this denomination- II alism, I shall go in for secular teaching "only." There are many more members of Parliament in the same attitude in reference to the Education Bill. One of the greatest obstacles in the way of afforesting Crown lands in Wales, as we have pointed out scores of times, is the existence of all sorts of public rights over the lands, rights of way, rights of pastur- age, rights of turbary, and other rights. Will the people agree to the extinction ot these rights in order that the land may be planted? We think not. The dust raised by motor cars is becom- ing so great and widespread an evil that an outcry is being raised against it all over the country, On roads leading into large towns life is practically impossible. As many as four and five hundred cars pass certain given spots in a day. We do not see any possible remedy. Even at Aberystwyth motor cars are becoming a very serious and growing evil. It is to be hoped that the more energetic Liberals in the Eivion Division of Carnar- vonshire will not try to rush their respec- tive candidates against the wishes of the rank and file of the electors. The rank and file of the electors must choose, or in the end there will be trouble. There is no occasion for haste. A little patience now will save a great deal of misunderstanding later on. A labour candidate is not to be run. Feeling is strong in favour of Mr D. P. WILLIAMS, an out-an-out Liberal and a man who has done good work in the consti- tuency. The running seems to be between him and Mr ELLIS W. DAVIES, solicitor, Car- narvon, also a thorough Liberal. The elec- tors must decide. An important licensing law decision was given this week in London. A West-end restaurant keeper was convicted for—as alk^ged—accepting a commission on wines and spirits which he sent out for at the re- quest of his guests. The restaurant keeper bought all his wines at a certain hotel at a lower price than he sold them to his cus- tomers. This is held to be illegal. It is anticipated that the issue will go to a higher court. Why does not the committee appointed to deal with the question of the Aberystwyth Isolation Hospital do something? We understand that there is an available site within the borough. There is surely some reason for this delay. Why has the town site not been heard of? The end will be ruin no the lodging-house keepers. All that is wanted Is an outbreak of disease at the beginning of the season. At a conference of the Independent Lab- our Party the following resolution has been carried by an overwhelming majority:—- "That party members of Parliament be in- structed to introduce a measure granting "the parliamentary franchise to women on "the same terms as men." Women would stand a far better chance of enfranchisement than they do if so many of them were not in the habit of working politically for poli- ticians who refuse them politcal justice. The Bangor Guardians have raised the salary of the Medical Officer of the Woik- house to £70. One member said the Board had made a great mistake in the matter. The CHAIRMAN dissented. He said that Bangor Guardians were not alone in their peculiar fix. Aberystwyth was similarly situated. But Aberystwyth was only offer- ing a salary of £30, whilst the Bangor Guar- dians were offering JB50. The medical men of Bangor refused to apply for the post. The Pwllheli Free Church Council has passed a resolution protesting against the present method of appointing magistrates. The whole system of making local magistrates is utterly and hopelessly rotten, but we see only one remedy, namely, the appointment of Stipendiary Magistrates. Then comes in the question whether it is not, after all, better that there should be local injustice and cor- ruption than absolute local deadness. The present system may improve. No local system at all means death. The weather during Easter week has been as bright and sunny as the most exacting excursionist could wish. There has been a great inruish of visitors who have enjoyed themselves immensely. Suddenly all along the coast there was a leap from the inacti- vity of winter to the bustle of midsummei. There will be a further interval of quietude, but there can be no doubt that Easter be- gins the visitor season. The weather th&t has been so satisfactory to holiday-makers has been viewed with something akin to dis- may by farmers. No ra-in has fallen. Growth is arrested. Pastures are bare, and hay is too dear for fodder. Lambs are dy- ing on the hills for lack of moisture. Sowing is now well advanced and rain is anxiously looked for. The financial position of Pwllheli is not satisfactory, far from it. The indebtedness appears to be out of all proportion to the sinking funds, and the sooner the situation is grappled with the better. It is a very easy matter to get into debt, but not so easy to get out of it. The total indebted- ness of the town amounts to £65,000. This is a very large sum. for so small a popula- tion. The time has come when the rate- payers should face the financial situation and make adequate arrangements for meeting their heavy liabilities. The unwisdom of not making adequate provision for the re- payment of 'debt is that sooner or later over- whelming burdens will fall upon the people. There is no occasion, perhaps, for alarm, and no ground for opposing parties. The Corporation annually publish a very scrimpy abstract of accounts. The question is whether it would not be wise to call in some accountant like Mr GRAHAM KING, who served Aberystwyth so well, and have the borough finances put on a perfectly sound footing. If this were done, every- body in the town would be advantaged, no- body would be injured, and there would be no ground for those divisions of opinion which in small towns often become so in- tense as to interfere with local prosperity. Pwllheli, it seems to us, is carrying with difficulty a load of debt which tends to be- come heavier instead of lighter. One of the Dolgelley Guardians prefers English to South Wales Welsh, which he says to the North Wales people is a double Dutch. And South Wales people are so fond of their ancient language! The Dolgelley Guardians have made a grant of JB5 to the Portmadoo Branch of the North Wales Home Teaching Society for the Blind. This Society is doing good work. The Sec- retary, Miss BESSIE GRIFFITHS, will be glad to give information or to receive subscrip- tions. The people in the district of Machynlleth who have to use the road that is often flooded ought to be relieved of their com- plaint. How is it that local governing bodies will do nothing until they are forced? The subject is "again dealt with in our correspond- ence columns. The Church of Rome and the Church of England can have any amount of religious teaching in elementary schools. All that is required from them is to leave out their distinctive denominationalism. This is what they will not do, and then they yell about Godless schools! The financial position of Portmadoc is very satisfactory, and the Clerk to the Council, Mr JOHN JONES, is credited with a good deal of the result. The town itself is not in as satisfactory a condition as the finances and it is to be hoped the Council will deal with the sewerage system. It is well to keep abreast of the times in sanitation. A very sad sequel has followed the re- ported attempt at train-wrecking at Llan- gollen, ROWLAND ELLIS EVANS, the signalman who stopped the excursion train having com- mitted suicide by shooting himself. He was greatly depressed at his failure to convince officials of the truth of his narrative. There have been no corroborations of the alleged blocking of the line. > At the Aberystwyth Town Council meet- ing on Monday last the impending addition of new borough magistrates was referred to. The members of the Town Council, in com- mittee, did not want any additional magis- trates, but in open Council they had other thoughts on the subject. We have seriously considered this matter and have come to the conclusion that nothing would really satisfy the town but an addition of at least five hundred new borough magistrates. If we had our way we would abolish the lot. One of the Manchester daily papers loses no opportunity of trying to belittle Mr LLOYD-GEORGE, whose success as a member of the Cabinet has been the great surprise of the Parliamentary Session. We are not sur- prised that he has been reticent, business-like and courteous. He has in our opinion made good his position in a way that is quite won- derful and has exceeded our expectations. The trial he has so successfully passed through was of exceptional seventy. In our estimation there is no parliamentary position he may not reach, for the oratorial brilliancy is still there. Our Manchester contemporary's be- littlement smacks of a personal taint. At the last meeting of the Glaslyn Rural Council, and also at the meeting of the Ruthin Board of Guardians, attention was called to dirty dairies and the habit of milk- ing with filthy hands. We have called atten- tion to these matters hundreds of times. There are dairies so horribly dirty in this dis- trict that it is impossible to describe them in language that would be tolerated. They are places from which toul diseases and death are distributed among the people. Until the people themselves protest against the whole- sale slaughter very little can be done. Offi- cials seem to be utterly powerless. Mr OWEN JONES, chairman of the Penrhyn- deudraeth Board of Guardians, a very lively body which has Mrs CASSON for a member, made a speech at the last meeting on the termination of his year of office. He said that he had not tried to please the guardians, but had sought to do his duty. We think he succeeded. The duties of Boards of Guar- dians are the most difficult in the country. Of course Mr OWEN JONES is eligible for re- election, but the surest way to strengthen public bodies is to elect fresh chairmen. We hope some day to see Mrs CASSON in the chair. People who do not carefully read news- papers sometimes ask how it is that houses are not plentifully supplied for the people. One reason is that wild-cat Socialists are op- posed to paying rent. On Saturday, for in- stance, at (Bradford, one of the leading Socialists suggested that a no-rent agitation, started some time ago, should be revived in London and the provinces. Another reason is that trade unions are not in favour of workmen building their houses for themselves as working men who own houses are not in favour of strikes. The direct results of these attitudes is that people who have money do not build houses and hence very ser ous hard- ships. The neglect at Dolgelley, Aberystwyth, and other places to provide Isolation Hos- pitals means all sorts of evils, but nothing can be done as long as the people believe that epidemics are cheaper than sianitary reform. At Dolgelley, for instance, there are conditions of things which ought not to exist. At Aberystwyth the ruin of a whole season is openly risked. We prefer not to give individual cases in either town as to do so raises false issues, as was shown at the last meeting of the Council. No town could have a better Medical Officer than Dolgelley has, or one who is more out- spoken, but high death rates are preferred to high municipal rates, and there is nothing for it but increased infantile slaughter. The Bishop of HEREFORD says that in its main provisions the Education Bill seems to be a just and wise one and hopes that all who care for religious peace and educational progress will discuss it in a friendly and con- ciliatory spirit. Canon HICKS states that the religious difficulty is dealt with in the Bill almost exactly on the lines of the con- cordat which he helped to draft last June. The Dean of RIPON thoroughly approves of the Bill. Canon MOORE EDE says the Bill is fitemed on lines which he has advocated. The Rev. E. F. MACCARTHY, for many years chairman of the Birmingham School Board, supports it. The Rev. H. HENSLEY HENSON, Canon of Westminster, says that the main lines of the Bill seem to him to be thoroughly sound, and on them he thinks a settlement of the religious difficulty may be rcr.ched which will be final. The leaders of Noncon- formity generally are in favour of the Bill. The Executive Committee of the National Council of Evangelical Free Churches has passed a resolution which heartily welcomes the Bill as "a sincere attempt to establish "a national and just system of State educa- tion, and as going far towards carrying out "the will of the people as expressed at the "general election." The newspapers are divided on party lines. The Labour members of Parliament are mainly on the side of the Bill, with a bias against any form of definite religious teaching. The masses of the people who are unconnected with religion do not care anything about definite religious teach- ing, with a b:as against the State Church and parsons. I ) There seems to be a growing conviction ir the minds of the opponents of the Educatioi I Bill that they will have to choose between the teaching of denominational religion in schools on the terms of the Bill, or the aboli- tion of all religious teaching in elementary I schools, as far as the abolition of religious teaching is possible. Mr. J. IBRYN ROBERTS, the member for South Carnarvonshire, has been appointed Judge of the Glamorganshire County Courts. This will necessitate another election, the first since 1892, when Mr ROBERTS, who is a Liberal, defeated Mr W HUMPHREYS (C) by 2,594 votes. Among those who are mentioned as probable Liberal candidates for the Eifion Division are Mr D. P. WILLIAMS, Llanberis; Mr E. B. DAVIES, Mr DAVID EDWARDS, and Mr D R. DANIEL. The electors themselves ought to be left to decide who the Liberal candidate shall be. There is great competi- tion for a seat of this kind. The Aberystwyth ;Board of Guardians, on Monday, decided by a majority to send a let- ter to the Local Government Board disclaim- ing all responsibility for there being no medi- cal attendant at the Workhouse after the end of the month, and leaving the responsibility and the appointment to the Local Govern- ment Board. It is to be hoped that Dr. BONSALL will attend to the sick at the work- House until the decision of the Local Govern- ment Board is made known. It is with great reluctance that Government departments supercede local governing authorities, and it is always unwise for local authorities to re- fuse to discharge their duties or to exercise their powers. It would be difficult for human ingenuity to frame a more unwise resolution than that which was carried on Monday. The whole unfortunate situation has been greatly complicated and aggravated by the officious and meddlesome interference of the Infirmary Management Committee. That in- terference is well understood. If Dr BON- SALL would attend to the sick-they ought not to be allowed to suffer-the Local Gov- ernment Board will be able to do what the Board of Guardians ought to have done long ago without any demur.

BARMOUTH URBAN COUNCIL (annual meeting), Tues- day, Apru 17th.-Pre.sent: Councillors Evan Richards (retiring chairman), H. Wynne Williams (vice-chairman), W Owen, Hugh Evans, Edward Williams, D E Davies, John Morgan, D Oswald Davies, John Francis, D 0 Hughes, R Lloyd Wil- liamst (two new members), W George, clerk R Llewelyn Owen, assistant clerk R Lloyd Jones, surveyor and inspector; John Roberts, coliector Evan Williams, fore- man; and Dr Williams, medical officer. Annual Appointments. The declarations by new memLers accept- ing office having been signed, Captain Evan Richards who pres.ded at the outset, pro- posed that Mr Wynne Williams should be appointed chairman for the year and this was unanimously agreed to.—Mr Wynne Wil- liams, in thanking the members, said he would perform his duties to tne best of his ability and hoped to have the co-operation of the Council. He did not mean to suggest that members. had acted from personal motives in the past, but he would impress upon them the need of giving primary atten- tion to the interests of the town. He con- sidered that the town was in a more satis- factory condition than it had l>een for some time, both financially and in regard to its future prospects. He proposed a vote of thanks to Captain Richards for his faithful services during the year.—Mr John Morgan seconded the proposition and said that Cap- tain Richards had devoted a great deal of time and trouble to his duties and had man- aged to keep his big children" in good order.—Other members having supported tne proposition, it was agreed to and Captain Richards, in responding, extended a wel- come to' the new members. — un the proposi- tion of Mr D E, Davies; seconded bv-Mr Hugh Evans, it was agreed to appoint Mr W Owen as vice-chairman. The committees were also appointed. School Governors. On the proposition of Captain Richards, seconded by Mr Owen, a vote of thanks was accorded Messrs John Evans and Wynne Wil- liams who represented the Council on the County School Managers..—Mr D E Davies suggested that the new representatives should be asked to make periodical reports to the Council on important questions which rn.:ght be considered.—Mr Owen agreed and said past misunderstandings might have been saved if that was done.—The suggestion was adopted. General Purposes. Mr D E Davies called attention to the shed which was removed to the space near Catho- lic Church and the Surveyor and Clerk were directed to report as to the building line.— The Surveyor was also asked to confer with the Public A\crks Committee with regard to the condition of the wall at Brynhvfryd. Financial. The Cierk reported that J3566 17s lid had been paid off the overdraft, of which JB724 16s still remained and J6225 14s lOd had bean paid to clear off old debts. The total amount paid was L792 12s 9d. He had interviewed an official of the Lo-al Government Board and discussed with him some matters relating to Barmouth. The Local Government Board re- quired the Council to pay off the whole of the overdraft this year, (but he pointed out the large amount which had been cleared and pleaded that. the Council could not be rea- sonably expected to clear ail the overdraft at once, havng regard to the heavy rates and burdens borne by the ratepayers. He did not think tliat the Council need have any ap- prehension on that matter now.—Replying to Mr D E Davies, the Clerk said the Counc-1 was divided in opinion as to the desirabilty of obtaining a loan to cover all the liabi- lities.—Mr Owen thought that 11 strct econ- omy was again observed, it would be possible to reduce the overdraft entirely during the year and he hoped the committees would be successful in minimising expenditure?—Mr Hugh Evans expressed the Council's thanks to the Clerk for his efforts in the matter.— The Collector reported having collected B162 3d 'during the month. For the year, L3,959 15s was collected, compared with P,3,9,53 14s 3d in the previous year. Mr Owen thought the Council ought to be grateful to the Collector for the excellent work he had done.—Mr Francis agreed and said the Coun- cil ought to thank the ratepayers also. Satisfactory Report. The Medical Officer's annual report shewed that there had been 34 births and 33 deaths. The death rate was 11.7 per 1.000. Thirteen deaths were over sixty-five years of age. The health of the district had been ex- cellent. There had not been a single death from phthisis. Overseers. Me esrs Martin Wilharn?, Owen Morris, John Morgan, and Wm Owen were appointed overseers and Mr John Roberts was re-ap- pointed assistant overseer. The Clerk's Appointment. Mr Edward Williams on a notice of motion moved that the present arrangement with re- gard to the Clerk's appointment should be terminated. His reason for bringing the matter forward was that he aid not know what were the arrangements. He had nothing against the Clerk in an- shape 01- fornUbut thought the time had come that new members should have a voice in regard to the arrangement. Mr George was appointeu when the Council came into force, subject tc six months, not'ee on either s de. A new ar- rangement was made about a month ago and he moved the motion in order to. give faci- lity for bringing that about.—Mr W. Owen also said he did not understand the arrange- ment. -The Chairman: Do you second the proposition?—Mr Owen replied thnt he would do so in order to have an explanation. He was not against Mr George and d'd not want to do away with him. but he should like to come to an understanding as to the arrange- ment.—Mr Oswald Davies though", the best course would be for Mr George to explain whether he would enter into th new agree- ment and whether he waived the old agree- ment.. — Mr EHward Williams: That is the reason for my resolution.—Hie Cle»k s.3 d that the new agreement could nn+ Je entered into without six months notice, but techni- calities of that sort could be wa'ved by the mutual consent of both parties. He wa aware the Council could not force him to adopt the arrangement, but having regard to the good feelings which had always existed between the Council and himself, he did not wish to raise that point and f„r- consented i to the arrangement. As far as he was con- 1 cerned, he considered the present arrange- ment a bind ng one and that the old arrange- ment had gone except so far a.s it would be l necosaary to refer to it in order to explain the terms of the new agreement.—Rop.y ng to further questions, the Clerk said the pre- sent agreement was clearer than the old one which tended more or less to caase friction, but that had been done away with and the new agreement clearly defined where his work as Clerk was to stop and ac scliiit-or to start. It would be necessary to pass special resolutions when he was instructed to do soli- citor's work as in the case of re.ement8.- Mr Owen: And are we to understand that bills are to foo presented quarterly ? The Clerk: No, at the end of the vear unless I am specially asked. I shall be simply de- lighted to get them sooner. (Laughter.) The notice having been withdrawn, Mr Hugh Evans said the Council would agree with him that the Clerk had rendered excellent ser- vices and they were obliged for the friendly feelings he had shown.—The Clerk said there would, probably, have been no need for the resolution if he was present at. the pre- vious meeting to explain. — The Chairman said he was pleased that the matter had ended so .satisfactorily.—The Cierk Ail's well that ends well. Triennial Election. Mr D E Davies, on a notice of motion, moved to petition the County Council that the members of the Urban Council shomld retire together on April 15th in every three years. Referring to the proposal of the County Council to divide the town into two wards, he said he did not think the Council should approve of that step. He proposed that for the Urban Council election there should be no division.—After discussion it was agreed not to take action until it was ascertained whether the Order would be made.—Mr Davies then pr-egpsed that there should be triennial elections for the whole Council. Hie did not do so because he was coming out himself at the next- election. (Laughter.) Similar motions had been ad- opted by other councils.—Mr Llovd Williams seconded the proposition, although having just been elected.—Mr D E Davies: That shows pluck.—Mr Edward Williams propo-ed an amendment that no change should be made, and on a- vote, the proposition was lost as it was necessary to have a majority of two-thirds. Time of Meeting. Mr D E Davies also moved that the Coun- cil should meet in the evening instead of afternoon and was seconded by Mr Oswald Davies, who said he had been reproached for not attending the meetings but it was im- possible for him to attend in Ü" afternoon. He regretted that it would make it inconven- ient for the Clerk to attend meetings in the evening.—Tlie Clerk asked th+ Ms conven- ience should not be considered, but the feel- ing on previous occasions when the matter was discussed was that the afternoon suited the generality of members.—An amendment that no change should be made was moved hy Captain Richards and seconded by Mr Francis, but on a vote the proTvosition was carried and the time of meeting was fixed at six o'clock. The Estimate. The committees were asked to meet early for the consideration of the estimate in order to fix the rpte.

BLAENAU FESIlNIOG PElTY SESSIONS. Thursday, April 12th.- Before Dr. Robert Roberts (chairman), W P Evans and Wm Owen, Esqrs. Drunkenness.—Winifred Littleton, Tany- maes, Festiniog, charged by P.C. Price with drunkenness, was, fined Is and & d costs. Drunk and Disorderly.—For this offence, Richard Jones, Gors, Festiniog. labourer charged by P.C. Price, was fined 2s 6d and 8s 6d costs; John Jones, 22, Lord-street, quarrynian, charged fcy P.C. John Jones, li and 8s 6d costs; John Evans, Penygroes, Bcth- ania, charged by the same officer, Is and 8s 6d costs; Thomas Roberts, back Baltic-plaoe, Rhiw, labourer, charged by P.C. Owen Jones, Is and 8s 6d costs. An Old Offender,—Hugh Morris Hughes, back Park-square, charged by P.C. Owen Jones, with a like offence, was stated to be eligible for the black list. Defendant de-. ciined to be put on, deserving that he would prefer entering his name in the temperance pledge book.—Fined 20s and 8s 6d costs. Assault. — Richard Roberts. Pengwern Farm. Festiniog, was charged with having as- saulted William Pritchard, manager of the Co-operative Stores at Festiniog.—Mr R 0 Jones appeared for the complainant, who stated that on March 15th, he went on Pen- gwern lands to arrange for getting firewood from Mr Evan Jones, Bala, who was there cutting and sawing timber. He came across defendant, with whom he was not on speak- ing terms owing to a dispute over an account which ended in litigation. Defendant asked him what he wanted there, complainant an- swering What- of that." Defendant called him all kinds of names and used threatening language, next brandishing his fists in his face and finally pushing him out of the place. He had been previousuy molested by defend- ant and wanted protection. — Corroborative evidence was given by Robert Jones, sawyer. —Defendant, who denied the assault, but ad- mitted ordering him off the land. was fined 5s and 14s costs and over in the sum of £20 to keep the peace for twelve months. Breach of Quarry Rules.—Evan Jjavies, Gwaenydd, and Robert Davies. Barracks, quarrymen employed at the Llethwedd Quarry, were summoned by William Owen, manager, for a breach orE the special quarry rules by ascending an incline in a loaded waggon. Mr Owen explained the danger at- tendant upon this.-A fine of Is and 8s 6d oost-s was inflicted. Ejectment Application.—An application for the ejectment of a tenant in which Mr R 0 Jones and Mr White Phillips a^eared for the parties concerned, was adjourned with a view to an amicable settlement. —

SIGNALMAN SHOOTS HIMSELF On Saturday, Rowland Ellis Evans, the sigalman who was reported to have made an heroic run to stop a train after an alleged finding of sleepers obstructing the railway at Llangollen, was suspended by the Great Wes- tern Railway officals from service until proper inquiries oould be made into his report. He was sent to Llanuwch'ilyn, near Bala, and went to stay with his uncie, who lives in a remote farm called Pontyceubren. He ap- peared much depressed after the occurrence and on Monday morning, a shot was heard near the precincts of the farm. On search being made, Rowland Ellis Evans was found fatally wounded, having just shot himself. He died before a doctor or the police oouJd be called in. It is stated that Evans was a diligent reader of sensational novels describing heroic achievements. An inquest was held on Tuesday by Mr R o Jones, coroner for Merioneth. It was said that deceased had not been censured nor suspended by the railway company. The jury returned a verdict of suicide while in- sane. The Coroner received two letters con- taining postal orders of £1 each as rewards for deceased.

On Monday, at the Parish Church of Llan- dugwydd, the marriage took ulace of Miss Bessie Williams, elder daughter of the late Mr Wm Williams, J.P., of Pontvoridd, and Mrs Williams, Lynwood, Newport, TMon., and Glanawmor, Cenarth, R.S.O., to Mr Normsn Lloyd-Hughes, only son of Mr and Mrs J. Lloyd-Hughes, of Croesawdv^ Towvn. The service was fully choral, the offic ating clergy- man being the Rev D Francis, vicar, assisted by the Rev J 0 Evans, vicar of Nevin. The bridesmaids were Miss Mabel Williams sister of the toride, and Miss Mildred Lloyd-Hughes, sister of the bridegroom.

GASTRIC CATARRH AND INDIGESTION The root of all physical weakness is indi- gestion and exhausted nerve cells when the stomach gives out innumerable troubles fol- low. A healthy stom-.ch is our best in- vestment. Mrs J W BEACHER, 24. Frederick-road, Gorieston-on-Sea, was suffering from loss of flesh, chonic indigestion and nervous weak- ness, with severe headaches. Nothing ap- peared to do her good until she took VENO'S SEAWEED TOKIC; this famous remedy ac- complished a complete cure. VENO'S SEAWEED TONIC possesses a marvel- lous strengthening jfnd healing properties. The most successful remedy for stomach, liver, kidney, and blood diseases: especially successful in female weakness and consti- pation. For purity, medicinal activity and all-round potency it has not its equal any- where. Cures permanentlv. No return. Price Is and 2s 9d at Chemists every- where.

The churches in which life-long deacons "Wield power, and to which the pastors minister are admittedly cut oft from the outside world which goes uncared for pn its way to what the churches believe is eternal damnation. The national popu- lation increases rapidly. During the last century it has doubled itself, and great as was the work of chapel-building, the Free Churches could not possibly keep pace in that form of religious provision with the growth of population. The chief work oi the Free Churches is to provide means of devotion and spiritual culture for their members. The raw material, if we may Use the term, for new members are the Congregations, who are neither within the church nor in the world outside. The People outside are what both the churches and the congregations call the Godless 1, Millions." It is not our task in this article to criticise Free Church methods or to urge fundamental changes in opera- tions. What we want to do is to show that life-long deacons and ministers are In wrong relations, to the enfeeblement of the ministry and the weakening of the churches. The Church members who Ought to rule do not rule. The minister does not rule. The rulers are the life-long deacons, who are in a position to defy the Church and to make the minister's reten- tion of his office impossible if they do not I aPprove of him. This is a power, Whether it is frequently exercised or not, ^hich should not exist. The church which should not exist. The church members themselves should hold the reins 2^ power over both deacons and minister. \his is the essential principle of religious Vltality in the Free Churches which the system of life-long deacons violates and makes impossible. The question has been asked by some) of our 'correspond|ents Ilhat is the difference in principle between ^e-long deacons in a church and a life- 0rig minister. The chief function of the beacon is to represent the members of the church and to carry out certain duties, ..Inclples, and observances in accordance ph the views of the members. In order tnat the representatives of a church, or of ay other body, may be kept in accord I '11th the people, it is necessary that fre- l^ent opportunities should be given to those who are represented to re-elect or reject their representatives. This is the way in which power and responsi- IIlity can be kept in the hands of the ^opie. The minister does not represent the church where he works as pastor. He IS appointed to discharge certain duties, as long as he discharges those duties aithfuily and to the satisfaction of the People there is no reason why he should e removed. When he ceases to give satisf action the church theoretically has Power to remove him. The point is that a minister is not a representative of the nlembers of the church of which he is Pastor in the sense in which a deacon is ^eir representative. The difference is pen in the case of a local governing body, j^e-long Town Councillors who never had 0 appeal to the ratepayers would cease p represent anybody but themselves. ^ven aldermen who sit for six years are a peakness and an obstruction in Town °Uncils. The Town Clerk, or the Bor- Surveyor, or the Medical Officer, or ^e Borough Accountant, are not repre- SerHatives of the ratepayers. They are erriployed to do certain work and as long they do it satisfactorily there is no oUnd reason for replacing them. There IS another class of permanent persons who are a curse to public life, namely, per- manent chairmen and other continuous holders of places of honour. Life-long beacons are objectionable not only on the ground that they are supposed to be re- presentatives of the church members and I ou§'ht, therefore, to come before the f! peopie at £ xed intervals for re-election or ^ejection, but they are the permanent holders of the chief places of honour in the churches and on this ground alone are a source of weakness. There is no surer Ineans of degeneration than a permanent thairman, or a permanent mayor, or a Permanent holder of any other represen- tative or honour-giving public position. Free Church ministers would be far better able to discharge their high duties efficiently if they were not compelled to IWays remember the power-possessing, Responsible, permanent, heresy-hunting, liquated, non-representative life-long bacons. The permanence of their office 'Spoils them as men, destroys them ^;s representatives, weakens them as Christians, hardens them as honour Jabbers, and makes them a source of Weakness to the churches by transferring to them the responsibility which ought., ^questionably, to rest solely upon the Church members. There are very pitiful sides of the life of Free Church ministers, due entirely to the system of life-long deacons, but we cannot well enter into Particular instances. What we have from the first tried to deal with is the system of life-long deacons, and have declined "-Ven to discuss the evils which arise out of the mistaken choice of churches, or the Personal defects and shortcomings of m- iduil deacons.