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'THE MEMORIAL TO THE LATE…

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THE MEMORIAL TO THE LATE MR. DAVID DAVIES. IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY. On Friday afternoon the ceremony of unveiling the statue erected in memory of the late Mr. David Davies, deputy-chairman of the Barry Railway Company, one of the great pioneers of the Barry Dock, took place. The ships in the dock were rigged out with gaily-coloured flags and bunting, which lent a festive air to the scene, and acted as a relief to the cold-dull sky overhead. A large crowd of people (many of "whom had personal recollections of the late gentleman) had assembled some time before the proceedings took place. At the time appointed, Lord Windsor, chairman of the Barry Company, followed by Mr. Edward Davies, J.P. (Mr. David Davies's son), managing director Mr. F. L. Davies, J.P., Mr. J. II. Thomas, J.P., Mr. T. R. Thompson. J.P., Mr. R. Forrest, J.P., and Louis Gueret, directors of the (Jømptmy; Captain Davies, dockmaster; Mr. R. Evans, general manager, Mr. J. H. Hosgood, super- intendent Locomotive Department; Mr. W. Mein, secretary: Mr. Williams (Bute Docks), treasurer; Mr. H. M. Bruael, Mr. J. Wolfe-Barry, M.Inst.C.E., consulting engineer Mr. G-. C. Downing, solicitor to the Company, Mr. James Bell, C.E., (resident engineer), The Marquis Guadagni, 'Canon Allen, Rev. C.J.Thompson, M.A., Colonel Page, Mr. Alderman Meggitt, Mr. John Duncan, J.P., Mr. Edwin Seward, A.R.I.B.A., Mr. E. Evans, J.P., Mr. Lewis Williams, J.P., Mr. W. H. Thomas, Dr. Neale, Dr. Lloyd Edwards, Dr. Livingstone, Dr. Powell, Dr. Kelly. Dr. Sixsmith, Dr. Bray, Mr. Thackery, Mr. Edmund Handcock, senr., Mr. Edmund Handcock, junr., Mr. Lester Jones, Mr. D. Evans (Board of Trade Superintendant), Mrs. Capt. Davies, Miss Williams (Tynewydd), Rev. J. W. Matthews, Rev. and Mrs. Christmas Lewis, Rev. Llewellyn Williams, Mr. E. S. Johnson, Capt. Whall, Mr. J. Milward, Mr. and Mrs. R. Robinson, Mr. Illingworth, Mr. L. W. Jones, Mr. Griffin. sen., Mr. Smith-Jones, Mr. Lewis Lewis, Mr. and Mrs. Dyer, Mr. and Mrs-. S. A. Williams, Mrs. Gould (Barry). Inspector Ashbourne, Inspector Rees, Mr. Wood, Mr. Hood, Mr. Butler, Mr. G. Wadham, Mr. Dominic Watson, Mr. W. W. Phillips, Mr. Coleman, Miss Evans, Messsrs. Waddell, D. Roberts, J. J. Handcock, J. H. Hosgood, R. Dyer and Mrs. Dyer, Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Robinson, Messrs. R. 0. Jenkins. R. Duncan, H. H. Powell, A. L. M. Bonn, F. Aitken, Hett, Lloyd, J. Lowdon, Pile (Penarth), Mrs. Jones, Miss E. Williams, Mrs. Williams (Penarth), Mr. W. Thomas (Barry), Inspectors Butler, Snell, and Egan, Mr. B. Bundoon (Manchester), Mrs. Pearson, Messrs. Sprent, Lewis, and R. Uwins. The statue is cast from plans by Mr. Alfred Gilbert, R.A., 9, Duke-street, Portland-place, and is of simple design, but most effective and artistic in character. It is situated pn the north side of the dock, in front of the piece of land where the offices of the Com- pa,ny will presently be erected, and it will then possess the place of honour in connection with the official promises of the company, to whose foundation and successful launching the deceased gentleman gave so much of his time and energy. It is about 9ft. high, in bronze, represent- ing Mr. Davies engaged, as he so often was, in the active work of supervising the construction of the dock. He holds in his hands an engineer's section plan, which he is looking at as though in the act of consulting it. and he is dressed in the manner familiar to all who have seen him on such occasions. THE EXPRESSION IS ABSOLUTELY LIFE-LIKE, and it is satisfactory to know that Mr. Edward Davies, at the close of the ceremony, expressed his complete satisfaction with the artist's work. It may be added that Mr. Gilbert, although a com- paratively young man, is at the head of his profes- sion, and the magnificent piece of work on Friday unveiled at Barry Dock cannot fail to be ranked high amongst the products of his genius. The pedestal, which is of grey granite, stands about 7ft, Iiigh, and is supported on a broad platform of granite flags. It bears in front the words, David Davies. Born 1818 died 1890," and on the re- verse, Deputy-chairman of the Barry Dock ar,d Railway Company." The structure may be seen ;from a considerable distance around, and from the line of railway between Barry and Cadoxton a commanding view of the work is obtainable. i PUNCTUALLY TO THE APPOINTED TIME (Lord Windsor, chairman of the Barry Dock and Railway Company, followed by the other directors and officials, made his way to the base of the statue. His lordship was at once requested by Mr. L. Gueret -to unveil the statue, and Lord Windsor complied, a 'loud cheer going up from the assembled multitude -when the enfolding wrappings fell to the ground, And the statue stood forth in the full light of day. Lord Windsor then said Gentlemen,—We are assembled here this afternoon to unveil this statue, and, to pay some slight tribute of respect to the memory of one who, I am sure, lives in the hearts, as in the minds, of every single person in- z, terested in this great undertaking. (Loud ap- plause.) It is perfectly impossible for us to give adequate expression to the deep debt of gratitude we feel for the untiring energy of the late Mr. David Davies. but we trust that this will be a permanent memorial that will remain here to be seen by all ^people as representing the feelings of the pro- moters and all others interested in the Barry Company's undertaking. It will remain to give some evidence of their great regard and reflection 1for the late deputy-chairman of this company. (Applause.) There are many of us who have stood with him upon this ground, who have been witnesses since the year 1884, when the first sod of this undertaking was cut-who have been witnesses of the time, the energy, and the know- ledge which he always gave to our service. We have seen how he could overcome the great difficultlies which naturally from time to time pre- sented themselves, and how he looked forward to ,the time when he and we all hoped this under- taking would be completed. He was, we are -thankful to say, spared to see it a great and glorious success. (Loud cheers.) We wish, in- .deed he had been spared for some time longer to see it, growing as it has grown since that .day..But it was not only between 1884 and 1889. 'WHEN THE DOCK WAS FIRST OPENED, that his energies were devoted to this great under- taking. Let me remind you also of the several years when great fights in Parliament had to take 11 place, that no small amount then of his great ,physical resources were spent in seeing this scheme getting through Parliamentary committees. We .deeply regret that his life should have been in any way shortened by the devoted attention which he gave to all the details of the work in this scheme. But the small amount I have the honour to do this afternoon, in unveiling this statue, will, I hope, be regarded as a permanent memorial of the great affection and the great gratitude we feel for the way in which he devoted his time and his strength to the Barry Company. (Loud applause.) I should only like now to express my regret, and I have a letter which will be read also expressing the re- gret of the individual himself, that he is not able to be present this afternoon. I refer to the deputy-chairman, Mr. Archibald Hood-(applause) -who would have been hear if it had not been that an absolutely important engagement of a serious personal nature prevented him from attending, and obliged him to be in the North of England. Secondly, I desire to express my great regret that the sculptor, Mr. Alfred Gilbert, R.A., is prevented, owing to an important engagement in London in which the Prince of Wales required his services', from being here to-day to assist us in un- veiling the statue which he has so nobly moulded. (Hear, hear.) Having now performed the duty entrusted to me, I ask Mr. Frederick Davies to address you. (Applause.) Mr. F. L. Davies, who was received with cheers, said Lord Windsor and Gentlemen,—I did not know when I came down to-day that I would be expected to say anything on this occasion, but I am very glad to have the opportunity of .-being present at this ceremony. All of you are -aware that I was not associated with Mr. David Davies in the earliest stages of this under- taking. But my father was—(loud applause)— and had my father lived to this day he, I am sure, would have been present here, and would have testifiêd; to Mr. Davies's indomitable pluck and energy. (Hear, hear.) My father has often told me that if it had not been for Mr. Davies's pluck ;.and hard work at the outset,of this undertaking "there would have been very little probabilty of fthis dock and these railways ever being made. I will not keep you any longer because there are others who will speak, but I emphasize again the fact that I am happy to have the chance of adding my remarks to the general testimony of Mr. Davies's worth and value. (Applause.) Mr. J. Wolfe Barry said It is a peculiar satis- faction to me, as one of the engineers of this large and most important undertaking, that I am allowed to be here this afternoon and say a few words to follow the appreciative remarks of Lord Windsor and Mr. Davies. (Hear, hear.) As one of the engi- neers, I am peculiarly able to bear witness to the value of the great services conferred by the late Mr. David Davies upon the company. His expe- rience, his judgment, his general views on, and regard for all, the interests of this great and growing work were absolutely invaluable. May I also say that, besides his great determination and admirable pluck, he was one of the straightest men I have ever had to do with. (Loud applause.) You could rely upon all he said. If he undertook a thing it was done. (Renewed applause.) I can congratulate Barry upon possessing a very striking und artistic model of the late deputy- chairman. To me, as the effigy looks upon the extended plan, it recalls many hours of consulta- tion and of valuable assistance rendered in my professional capacity. It is but a mournful satisfaction to us here upon this occasion, because, although he saw the beginning, he was not spared long enough to see all that has resulted but it is an. immense satisfaction to know that this statue will perpetuate the memory of the services rendered to the locality by Mr. Davies. (Hear, hear.) We who knew him have that feeling deep in our hearts. (Applause.) LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON. Mr. Edward Davies, who was received with cheers, said I cannot^allow this opportunity to pass without thanking you personally for this token of your appreciation of my father's services in connection with the work of the company. (Hear, hear.) It is not for me to add to the remarks that have been made, although I may confirm them. (Applause.) But I assure you I thoroughly appreciate your kindness in thus perpetuating the memory of my father, (Loud applause.) VOTES OF THANKS. Mr. T. R. Thompson moved a vote of thanks to Lord Windsor for performing the ceremony, and, in the course of his remarks, said that those of them who passed through the Parliamentary fights alluded to could not but look upon this occasion as, in one sense, the most mournful phase of their history. He saw around him many toilers for the cause, but few of them could have maintained the bodily and mental strain borne by their vice-. chairman during not only the Parliamentary contests, but in every other matter connected wi/h the undertaking. He was very pleased to see present on that occasion the worthy son of a worthy father, Mr. Edward Davies-(applause)- and he was sure they could fulfil the sincerest wishes of the late vice-chairman by rallying round his son. By so doing they would help on those who were really working for the good of the working-classes, and thus they would further their own ends by giving effect to the wishes of their departed friend. (Applause.) Colonel Page seconded the vote, stating that they were all very glad to have been present that day to assist in doing honour to that great man, Mr. David Davies. (Applause.) The vote was then put and carried with aecla- i mation. Lord Windsor said: I thank you heartily for the words in which you have passed your thanks to me for doing this duty, which I consider a great honour. Being in the position I occupy, and having been connected with the whole of the Barry undertaking, I have always felt it would have been impossible for me to have filled this position unless there had been Mr. David Davies in the earlier years who really took upon himself the great and arduous duties of chairman. Now I can only say that it would be impossible for me to retain the honourable post I hold unless I were supported by Mr. Edward Davies and my colleagues on the Board. (Applause.) The proceedings then terminated. The letter alluded to by Lord Windsor in his opening speech is as follows :— 6, Bute-crescent, Cardiff, March 1st, 1893. Dear Sir,—I have to leave home to-night, in order to render, at some considerable distance, an almost im- perative duty to a deceased relative, and it will not be possible for me to get back in time to attend the important ceremony on Friday of unveiling the statue of the late Mr. David Davies. Under these circum- stances, I will thank you to explain to Lord Windsor, my co-directors, and-all the others interested, that I am much grieved at being unable to enjoy the satisfaction of assisting at this ceremony. My views have already been cordially expressed upon the propriety of erecting such a memorial, and I need hardly further express my opinion that the labour bestowed by our lamented friend in the promotion of the Barry undertaking merits even a greater mark of our appreciation of his services than we have it in our power to manifest. I have no doubt but his enthusiastic devotion to this, matter did to some extent shorten his valuable life. Hoping that the ceremony will pass off with that success which it deserves, I am, yours truly, ARCHIBALD HOOD. W. Mein, Esq., Barry Railway Co., Barry Dock. The clerks and employes at the Barry Company's offices were granted a half-day's holiday, and the offices were turned into refreshment-rooms for the benefit of the directors and their friends, prior to the ceremony, and at the conclusion refreshments were served to all visitors who chose to avail themselves thereof. Mr. R. Culley catered in his well-known efficient manner. A half-holiday was granted to most of the employes of the firm who are engaged in connec- tion with the shipping.

A DINAS POWIS HOAX.

SHOOTING MATCH AT DINAS POWIS.

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BARRY (U.D.) SCHOOL BOARD.

'■REVIEWS. '

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'"'-"-....Jr."'C'tt.-,..""_....-PROPOSED…

BRIDGEND I0TES.

A SUCCESSFUL UNDERTAKING.

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