The South Wales Star

'FEDERATED CHAMBERS OF TRADE AT BARRY. 'AN UNQUALIFIED SUCCESS. VISITORS DELIGHTED WITH TIrE. DISTRICT. The meeting- of the Glamorgan and Monmouth Federated Chambers of 'Trade at Barry on the 1st inst. proved to be. as everyone had anticipated, an unqualified success. On every hand a hearty welcome was afforded the visitors, who in their turn thoroughly appreciated all that was done in their interest, and Barry has made its name known even wider than heretofore while the first visit of the Federated Chambers of Trade to Barry will long live in the minds of all who took part therein and helped to make it the success it deserved and attained. There has.been much talk of the visit, and many looked forward to it with the firm conviction that. with the President of the Barry Dock Chamber of Trade (Mr. D. T. Alexander) at the head of affairs the whole proceeding would add much to the prosperity of Barry. Mr Alexander, the secretary (Mr. Smith-Joues), and the Council of the Chamber of Trade worked bard in order that Barry should outdo itself on this occasion, and it is needless to say how well they succeeded. The delegates, to the number 100, arrived at Cadoxton by the train dus to reach that station at 12.30 noon on Thursday, Istinst., and they were met by-the President, officials, and members of the Barry Dock Chamber of Trade. They were given a hearty welcome, and then proceeded over the Dommon to the Royal Hotel, where Mr. F. Williams had prepared in antictpation of their arrival an excellent luncheon-which was served in his usual splendid style. A FUSE LUNCHEON A meeting was held.-at which Mr. F. T. James (Merthyr), President for the ensuing year pre- sided, being (supported by Mr. D. T. Alexander (PreHident.Bar-i-3'' Dock Chamber). Mr. E. B. Smith Jones (secretary) Mr. John Plews (Merthyr, lion, sec.), Mr. J. Coombes, Pontypridd Mr. G. Knill, Rhondda Chamber Dr. Lloyd Edwards, Burry Dock. The delegates present included Dr. Six- •• smith, Barry Do:ek 'Messrs. W. Smyth, Merthyr F. James, senr., Merthyr: F. Da vies, Merthyr; Morris, Lorrie.dthondda, Valley Chamber T. Jones, president,"Mid-Rhondda D.Lloyd, Mid-Ithondda J. Sprag-ue, Ponty-pridd; J. F. McClunc, Ponty- pridd R. Mcintosh, Pontypridd D. M. Richards, secretary, Aberdare Chamber; Thomas Thomas, Rhymney G.J, Jacobs; Rhymney J. Edwards, t president Rhymney Chamber; E. W. Davies, -Merthyr; W. II. Jones, Merthyr; H. Bailey, Mer- thyr F. W. Jones, Maesteg: E. Davies, Maesteg; A. Morgan, Abercarn E. Harris. Abercarn G. Thomas, Tonypandy J. Gale, Tonypandy J. W. McEwen, Aberdare John Crocket, Pontypridd W. Williams, Pontypridd J. Edwards, Rhymney; E. Williams, Newbridge; D. L. Thomas, -Newbridge J. L. Morgan, New- bridge; YV. Price. Newbridge: F. P. Jones- Lloyd, Barry Dock; John Jewel Williams. Tynewydd G. W. Stocker, sec., Newbridge E. Davies, Merthyr; L. Thomas, V.C., New- « bridge W. J. Farr, Pontypool: J. T. Davies, Cadoxton J. T. Dando, Cadoxton J. Moseley, Pontypool; J. L. Davies, Cadoxton E. Rees, Barry Dock E. Hughes, Cadoxton H. R. Paul, Barry Dock; W. Miller, Barry Dock; Rees Phillips, Cadoxton Daniel Jones, Abercarn J. Thomas, president, Abercarn Chamber; T. P. White, J.P., Abercarn W. S. Collins, Aber- carn: E. T. Evans, Ferndale W. F. Cuff, Ferndale E. Crould, Barry; J. Jones, Barry Dock B. H. Morris, Merthyr James Jones, Barry Dock J. H. Protheroe, Aberdare J. L. Berry, Aberdare C. Reed, president, Aberdare Chamber A. W. Newman, Cadoxton T. Harris, TPontypridd W. Thomas, Pontypridd F. Thomas, Pontypridd E. Evans, Mid- Rhondda. W. P. Fox, Newbridge; R. S. Gordon, 'Cadoxton; F. A. Taylor, president, Risca Chamber G. W. Stocker, secretary, Newbridge 4 Chamber W. Hopkins, Moulton; J. H. Reed, Aberdare; F. Hodges. Aberdare; Tom Howe, Aberdare W. Griffiths, Cardiff W. P. Lipsett J. King Price, Dowlais Leakey, Maesteg J. R. Llewellyn, Barry Dock; J. D. Polkinghorne '(Star); F. Hodges, Aberdare, &c. PROGRESS. The first business was the confirmation of the minutes of the last meeting of the Federated "Chambers of Trade, held at Pontypridd. It was then announced by the Secretary (Mr. Plews) that since the last meeting the Chamber of Trade at Pontypool had joined the Federated 'Chambers. (Applause.) FIRST SHOT FROM BARRY. Mr. D. T. Alexander opened the business part of 1 the proceedings by leading a discussion respecting the need of better railway facilities between colliery districts and the seaboard. He pointed out with regret that the. seaside resorts of South Wales were not placed on the same advantageous footing as other watering places in the United Kingdom. It was true that the inhabitants of the hilly districts had not their j ust share of the facilities for visiting the coast, and he had often exercised his mind as to the cause. In the great manufacturing centres the large population had far better means of reaching the coast than the (yesidents in the colliery districts of South Wales and Monmouthshire. Why should it be so ? He was personally acquainted with every nook and • corner along their beautiful coast from Cardiff to the Mumbles, and he was bound to say that there 'were many places of resort along that coast which were more favourably situated than the watering iplace on the opposite coasts of Somersetshire and Devonshire. (Applause.) What place could com- ypare with the beautiful sands and scenery at Barry Island ? They had the southern aspect and ^better sands, and yet the people on the other side --of the Bristol Channel pretty well got their living out of the large number of visitors yearly brought there. The reason why the residents on the coast of Wales did not share in that harvest is because the railway facilities for reaching those portions of the coast were not what they should be. There were many places to which the resi- dents of the Rhondda Valley and other industrial centres could not gain access by rail. At Barry Island, Whitmore Bay, Cold Knap, and Porth- kerry Park they had some of THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SEASIDE SCENERY OBTAINABLE, and yet the railway facilities were quite prohibi- tive, so far as the teeming masses were concerned. They should not look upon Barry as being purely a port for shipping coal; they should look upon it as a place at which they could bring their wives and little ones to spend a happy day. (Ap- plause.) He was glad to say that they were within measurable distance of a direct passenger communication from Pontypridd to Barry, and he thought it was quite time that they should urge upon the various railway companies the necessity of doing something to meet their necess- ities with respect to the seaboard generally. He asked the Chamber to support the Barry Chamber in approaching the several railway companies with the object of gaining better facilities of access to the seaside, and would IROVC- That the railway companies be approached with a view to giving greater facilities for -visiting the seaside resorts by the inhabitants of South Wales and Monmouthshire. Mr. W. Williams (Pontypridd) seconded the I resolution, pointing out that the companies on this -side of the water took advantage because there was no competition. If the Barry Company would only compete for passenger traffic along their line things might be altered. He hoped that the Federated Chambers would unanimously pass the resolution, and bring the question before the two companies, asking them to study the interests of the people, and offer reduced fares for half- holidays. (Applause.) Mr. T. Thomas (Rhymney) was of opinion that the complaints did not only apply to the Rhondda Valley, Cardiff, Barry and Newport, but right down the line to Pembrokeshire. Instead of giving one a week-end ticket for 4s. 6d. they now charged about 15s. 9d. to go to Pembrokeshire. They could not book through on the Great Western Railway, and he considered the Chambers should come down heavily on the companies making them reduce their rates throughout South Wales. Mr. J. Edwards (Rhymney) said those resident on this side of Monmouth had communication with the sea shore during half-holidays, but could only got as far as Cardiff on the return journey, and so wanted a later train run by the Rhymney Rail- way. Mr. Jones-Lloyd had pleasure in attending that meeting, and supporting the resolution. He also endorsed the remarks as to the facilities afforded of reaching Pembrokeshire. Barry would in a short time he hoped be able to offer to the residents in the colliery districts far better opportunities for inter-communication than in the past. He was sure that they all wanted to see more of each other, and their money. (Applause and laughter.) It was well known that. they could not travel as cheaply in South Wales as they could in some other parts .of the country. He had recently travelled no less a distance than 80 miles, first class return, for 3s. 4d. That would compare rather differently with the sum of 15s. charged for a week-end ticket from Cardiff to Tenby. He hoped the Chambers would do all they could TO ASSIST THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC in reducing the present high charges of the rail- way companies. Representatives of the. Maesteg, Abercarne, and Pontypool Chambers having spoken in support of the resolution, it was put to the meeting and carried unanimously. THE QUESTION OF RAILWAY RATES. A motion from the Abercarne Chamber respect- ing the question of the Railway Rates had been placed upon the agenda, but Mr. Alfred Morgan did not think any good would result by the meeting discussing it, as he understood that a Committee of the House of Com- mons was now dealing with it, and perhaps before they would be able to move in the matter the whole thing would be revised. Mr. Alexander said the Barry Dock Chamber had had the question in hand for a long time, and had taken a great deal of trouble in connection with it. He agreed that it would be better to let it stand over for the present. Mr. Smith Jones thought it would be wiser for the Federated Chambers to pass a resolution asking the Railway Clearing House to suspend the new rates, resort to the charges in force prior to Decem- her, 1892, and to refund the overcharges from January 1st of this year. He informed the meet- ing that all local tradesmen who had applied for a return of the overcharges had received them. He believed that if the Federated Chambers took up the question they would. all benefit. Mr. Griffiths (Cardiff) stated that in that town some of the traders had approached the railway companies and had been received in a very fair and honourable manner. He asked the Chambers not to go too much against the companies but to use the law of kindness. It was decided to adjourn the question till the next meeting. TO AND FROM LONDON. Mr. D. T. Alexander, in introducing the question of new and better through communication from South Wales and London, said that he had hoped that one of the members of the Barry Dock Chamber would have taken up that question. In the first place everyone would admit that they were placed in that unfortunate position as far as South Wales and London was concerned of being entirely in the hands of the Great Western Railway. He was also prepared to admit that since the opening of the Severn Tunnel great advantages had been placed at. their disposal. They could get to London more rapidly and had a great many facilities which they did not formerly enjoy. But notwithstanding that they had not the facilities which many other districts enjoyed from the rail- way companies. South Wales was entitled to FASTER TRAINS AND BETTER COMMUNICATION. (Applause.) They were entitled to a reduction in the rates also. If they compared the rates charged from any industrial centre to London and those from South Wales they would find that the latter was at a great disadvantage. (Hear, hear.) At present they could not do much as the company had a monopoly. If it were not so they would be I better served. Within the past month or five weeks a scheme had been spoken of for the con- struction of a system between South Wales and London. He felt it was their duty as far as they could to support and assist in bring about any scheme which would help them in obtaining better and cheaper means of communication with the Metropolis. Of course he spoke with a considerable amount of reserve, as a similar scheme had been formulated some years ago, and he regretted to say that so important a town as Cardiff were not alive to their own interests and opposed it. He did not think even the Corporation would take such a course now. (Hear, hear.) He bad pleasure in moving- That, in the opinion of this Chamber, it is desirable that better communication should be made between the commercial centres of South Wales and the Metropolis of London, and that it will, as far as it possibly can, support any undertaking that is projected with that object. Mr. Smith-Jones, in supporting the resolution, said they had not the facilities and means of communication which, as a commercial and industrial centre, they were entitled to. With all the great natural resources, South Wales should be far better served than at present. The Chairman said that in the past Merthyr had been very badly accommodated so far as railways were concerned. The Merthyr Chamber of Trade had invariably fought the railway com- panies, whether the Great Western, the Rhymney, or the Taff, and they had always succeeded. At the same time he thought, as had been suggested by other speakers, that they should add to Mr. Alexander's resolution a rider to the effect that the Rhymney Railway Company should be asked to run their traffic through to the Great Western Station, Cardiff, and the Taff Company be asked to run an early train from Pontypridd. The resolution was then put and carried unani- mously. THE NEXT MEETING. On behalf of the Merthyr Chamber, the Chair- man invited the Federated Chambers to hold their next meeting at that town. IMPORT AND EXPORTS I- ACILITIES. The question regarding the import and export trade facilities of South Wales brought on by the Barry Dock Chamber was adjourned for con- sideration at a future meeting, and the usual vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the pre- ceedings. THE ROYAL WEDDING. Mr. D. M. Richards, of Aberdaie. moved, and it was resolved-" That the secretary be requested to express to the members of the Royal family the congratulations of the Chamber upon 'the forthcoming marriage of the Duke of York to the Princess May." VIEWING THE DISTRICT. Shortly after three o'clock the business part of the proceedings terminated, and the whole com- pany, under the able escort of Mr. D. T. Alexander, proceeded to view the district. Proceeding down Main-street the party turned into Vere-street and up Weston Hill to Barry Dock. Every point of vantage was quickly seized for the purpose of obtaining a better view of the surrounding neigh- bourhood, while the various business premises at Holton were commented on. The visitors were loud in their praises of the splendid sanitary arrange- ments adopted by the Local Board and the fact that the authorities had determined to take over the gas and water supply was food for many, and when the Gas Worka on the Holton-road were reached not a few stood and gazed at the pile of buildings and works which will shortly be handed over to the Local Board as custodians for the public. AT BARRY. A hasty visit was made to the Market-hall, where the inviting preparations for the evening's banquet were being carried out. Many visitors flocked to the Barry Hotel, and were loud in their praises of the excellent accommodation there afforded. Through the courtesy of the General Manager of the Barry Company, a special train left Barry Station at 4.30 p.m. and conveyed the visitors around the docks and island. The train was run to the siding at the foot of the Marine Hotel at Whitmore Bay, and there the passengers were allowed to alight. Mr. Alexander promptly gathored the visitors together, a.nd escorting them to the high ground opposite Cold Knap, and there explained the various objects of interest to those assembled; nor did he fail to do ample justice to the beautiful scenery around. There was scarcely a pleasant spot which did not receive his attention, and although the time was short the visitors were given a good idea of the beauties of Barry. Re- turning to the train, the party were conveyed to the siding near the new Graving Dock, where they again alighted and had opportunities of examining the works in connection with the Deep Water Lock. Very little time was lost, and the return journey to Barry Station was completed shortly before six o'clock. THE BANQUET was held at the spacious Market. Hall, Barry. Thanks to the energetic secretary, Mr. Smith- Jones, assisted by members of the Council, the building was most tastefully decorated. The President had sent beautiful palms and flowers other gentlemen provided bunting, &c., while Mr. Griffin and Messrs. Morgan Bros. did all they could to make the place beautiful, assisting materially in the decorative portion. The catering was entrusted in the able hands of the proprietor of the Barry Hotel, and the dinner placed on the table was such as to satisfy the most exacting epicure. The tables were most tastefully laid out, while the waiting was all that could be desired. The following was the MENU. SOUP. Gravy. Mock Turtle. Salmon, Hollandaise Sauce. Turbot, Lobster Sauce. ENTREE. Fricasee Chickcn. Stewed Kidneys. REMOVES. Roast Lamb. Roast Beef. Boiled Mutton. SWEETS. Fruit Tavts. Cabinet Pudding. Jellies. Blancmange. DESSERT. The President (Mr. D. T. Alexander) was sup- ported by the Rev. Canon Allen, *M.A., rector of Barry; Major-General Lee, R.E., J.P., Dinas Powis Messrs. F. T. James, president of the Federated Chambers, Merthyr J. Beasley, general manager, Taff Vale Railway R. Evans, general manager, Barry Railway G. Fardo, postmaster, Cardiff; Captain R. Davies, dockmaster 4)r. Neale, J.P.. Barry J. Arthur Hughes, clerk to the Local Board Dr. P. J. O'Donnell, chair- man ditto W. Thomas, chairman of the Burial Board R. A. Sprent, National Provincial Bank, Barry Dock; County Councillor Frank James, Cowbridge Walter Smyth, J.P., Merthyr J. Jewel Williams, Tynewydd; Dr. Sixsmith. Capt. Murrell, B. Lewis, Cadoxton J. Coombes. J. Sprague, W. Williams, Pontypridd; H. Chappell, Wenvoe Hotel; E. B. Smith-Jones, sec. of the Barry Dock Chamber; G. Knill, Cardiff J. Crockett, Pontypridd E. S. Johnson, A. W, Morgan, T. II. Morgan, Alexander, j unr., Bryneithen J. C. Mockford, A. W. Newman, M. Laurie, Treorky L. Y. Owen, T. Parry, Holton- road F. Thomas and T. Harris Pontypridd John Jones, Hoi ton-read James Jones, ditto G. J. Jacobs, J. Edwards, Rhymney W. Griffiths, Car- diff; J. L. Davies, H. C. Griffin, sen. and jun.; J. Price, F. C. Williams, Royal Hotel A. E. Williams, Cardiff; J. Beckworth, Rees Jones, J. Millward, W. Hopkins, Moulton 0. Horton, J. E. Jones, Sidney Davies, E. Rees, R. Rutter, &.c. The Chairman having given the usual loyal and patriotic toast, LETTERS OF APOLOGY for non-attendance were read from Mr. A. J. Williams, M.P., Mr. R. Forrest, Mayor of Cardiff, Mr. Archibald Hood, Mr. E. Davies, Mr. J. Cory, Mr. T. R. Thompson, Rev. Father Hayde, Canon Edwards, Mr. O. H. Jones, Mr. J. C. Meggitt, Depufy Major of Cardiff, and Colonel Guthrie. A telegram was also received from the President of the Cardiff Chamber of Trade, regretting his inability to attend, and wishing the meeting every success. The Chairman said he had pleasure in calling upon a gentleman to propose the next toast who was associated with every good object, and all that was for the advancement of the district. He re- ferred to his. old friend Major-General Lee. (Applause.) He was sure that nothing would stop General Lee doing good work, and the district wanted more gentlemen like him. (Hear, hear.) "THE MINISTERS OF ALL DENOMINATIONS" was the toast proposed by Major-General Lee, and in giving it to the assembly he referred in very high terms to the work which the ministers of religion had done ia this district. He especially referred to the venerable gentleman who for many years has held office in the parish, Canon Alien and said that that gentleman had worked and sympathised with them in their endeavours to push ahead. Canon Allen, in responding, referred to the good work carried out in the neighbourhood by his brother ministers, and expressed regret that they were about to lose the services of a very able, good, and earnest worker, who had been called away to the North of England. He hoped that he would receive a most hearty welcome in his new sphere of labour. Canon Allen also spoke upon the great changes which had taken place in the neighbour- hood during the past eight years, and said that not long ago the places now covered with houses were quiet country lanes and pleasant spots. He well remembered the time when they could go from Barry to Sully without meeting a person. Now they had many thousands of people about, and he was pleased to say that the ministers of religion in that district all worked together. He thanked the company for the manner in which they had received the toast. The Chairman stated that on that very field he had a few years previously held a sale of farm stock. THE TRADE AND COMMERCE OF THE DISTRICT. Mr. F. P. Jones-Lloyd, in giving this toast, pointed out that Barry had not outgrown itself, as some people imagined, and that the depression of trade was not worse in the district than elsewhere. They had youth and energy on their side, and were determined to go ahead. Barry could show the way in public works to many towns that had been in existence years, and he could see a great difference during the three years he had resided there. He was pleased to say that they had taken over the gas and water undertakings, and they all believed that there was a great future in front of Barry. In conclusion, Mr. Jones-Lloyd referred to the great advantages which Barry would derive by the running of through trains. Mr. Duncan was the first to respond, and speaking of the promised through communication, said it would be of the greatest advantage to the travelling public. He hoped it would soon be brought about, and felt that if the Company's directors had to tramp over the bridge two or three times daily the through communication would have been brought about years ago. (Ap- plause.) He desired to say a few words regarding Barry as a port. It could not be said that Barry had acted in an aggressive way. Its existence was forced upon the people, and they were compelled to come there. It was said when Barry was first spoken of as a port that it would ruin Cardiff, and that all the trade would leave the latter port. Instead of Barry being the ruin of Cardiff it had been its salvation, and Cardiff had done better since Barry started than before. (Applause.) Car- diff would always go on, and he hoped to see the time when Penarth and Barry would be to Cardiff what Jarrow and Sunderland were to New Castle- on-Tyne. (Applause). It would be a considerable time before that could be brought about, but he believed they would go ahead, and once the period of depression was passed they would find plenty of money forthcoming. Of course people did not launch out their money so freely in times of depression as when business was bright. He hoped that they would see the neighbourhood in a flourishing condition, and with communication opened with the west as well as with the east. (Applause.) Mr. Beasley, Manager of the Taff Vale Railway, thanked those present for the manner in which they had received the toast coupled with his name. He assure I them that the Taff Vale Railway woul 1 always be ready to assist them in their endeavours to bring prosperity to the place. Mr. R. Evans, Manager Barry Railway, thought there had been so much written and said about Barrv during the past three years that he hardly knew what to say. In fact he thought once of, turning to a pile of newspapers and to see what had not been said. He was pleased that the company had seen the docks, and of their capabilities they could judge for themselves. They could do the ¡' work as well as their neighbours, -but whether they could do it better he would allow other people to judge. (Laughter.) It was well known that they had perfectly safe sands for bathing,and he assured the visitors that they need have no fear if they brought their families to Barry Island for a day's pleasure. He agreed with the remark that Barry had been the salvation of Cardiff because that place would never have been able to have met the increased trade, and if Barry had not come into the field the trade would have gone to Bristol, London, Southampton, or some other port, and Cardiff would never have had it back. However, he was pleased to say that they had the trade, and intended keeping it. (Applause.) HEARTY THANKS. The Chairman did not think they should allow that opportunity to pass without thanking the gentleman who had helped to. umke that day's proceedings a success. He desired, on behalf of the Federated Chambers of Trade to thank the railway managers for helping them, and parti- cularly to Mr. Evans for placing-a train at their disposal. Mr. Beasley returned thanks, and;hoped that he would be able to assist the Chamber of Trade on a future occasion. Mr. Evans also assured the meeting thai hs was very ready to assist them. "THH LOCAL GOVERNMENT, AND BODIES" was the next toast, and was given by Mr. Frank James, who dealt in a very able manner with the duties of the various public- bodies. Mr. James also referred to the excellent work which had been carried out in this district, and concluded by paying a tribute to the Chambers of Trade. Dr. O'Donnell, as chairman, of the Local Board, thanked the company for the cordial manner in which they had received; the toast, and pointed out that the Barry district had before it a great future. The authorities. had taken great (.-art- to places the locality in the front rank as regards sanitation, and it had- been referred to by the Medical Officer of Health for Glamorgan as in an excellent sanitary condition. Mr. Lowdon also replied, and referred to the educational advancement of the district. The Chairman referred in very high terms to the magnifioient block of building erected in Holton- road bv the School Board. Mr. Fardo, postmaster,, said everything he had done for Barry had been backed up by the Chamber of Trade. He knew of no other place in the United Kingdom except Bolfcon, which was to Liverpool what Barry is to Cardiff. The speaker then referred to. the great difficulty with which the Post Office had to contend. The place had grown from a population of a few hundred to that of thousanisin a few years, but he was glad to say that everyone had assisted them, and with regard to the question of the Sunday delivery of letters, Mr. Fardo said some people did not like their letters delivered on the Sabbath, but personally he believed it was the proper thing to do. Many seamen were com- pelled to leave port on Sunday, and if there was no delivery they would have to go away without the letters from their friends, while, if those persons who objected to Sunday delivery chose they could fill up a form and their own letters would not be delivered until Monday. He thanked the company most heartily for the manner in which they had received the toast. "THE FEDERATED CHAMBERS." was the next toast proposed, and this was given by the Chairman in a very able speech, and he asked the members of the Federated Chambers to accept the toast at his hands on behalf of the local members and the whole company present. The object of the Federated Chambers was such as to commend itself to every one they were work- in- for the good of all. The toast was responded to by Mr. James (President), who congratulated the members of the Barry Chamber upon what they had been able to accemplish. He urged all present to assist the Chamber, and instanced the agitation against the new railway rates as to what the .Chambers of Trade could do; they would, he said, become a power in the land. "BARRY CHAMBER OF TRADE." Mr. Smythe, Merthyr, in giving this toast, was pleased to see that the local Chamber had increased its membership and grown in strength. He also thanked them for the splendid reception they had given the members. He thought one of the best things any district could do was to form a Chamber of Trade. It would be the means of ventilating grievances, no matter with what body it arose. He believed Barry would derive much good from its Chamber. Mr. Smith Jones, replying on behalf of the Barry Chamber, thanked the visitors for the enthusiastic manner in which they had received the toast. He was pleased that they, had thoroughly enjoyed their visit, and he hoped they would come again. Mr. Smith Jones then assured the meeting that the Chamber had done all its power to further the interests of the district, and he believed that in the future they would be able to do much for Barry. 14 THE CHAIRMAN." Mr. W. H. Lewis next asked the company to drink to the health of Mr. D. T. Alexander, who, he said, took the greatest interest in the district.' Mr. Alexander was the first President of the Cham- ber, and had done all in his power to make it a success. The toast having been drank with musical henours, The Chairman, in responding, said he had only done his duty to the neighbourhood, and was always prepared to lencl a helping hand when occasion arose. He had been associated with Barry all his life, and could remember the time when he had followed a cart round and carried a sack of flour there. He had often token off his shoes and stockings and walked across to the Island. Since he had been in business he had also been associated with one of the largest families in the neighbourhood—the Romilly Family. He was pleased to have occupied the position of first president of the Chamber, and had done all he could to help them, If he had given them satis- faction he was amply repaid. He thanked all who had assisted in the day's proceedings, and hoped that they would have many gatherings of a similar character. (Applause.) This closed the proceedings. During the evening Mr. A. W. Morgan rendered several solos in excellent style, while the Barry Male Voice Party gave several selections, under the able leadership of Mr. D. Farr, and at the close the Chairman, on behalf of the company, expressed a hope that the Party would compete at the National Eisteddfod.