The South Wales Star

I SILVER WEDDING OF MR. AND MRS. JOHN WILLIAMS, BARRY. By way of celebrating the silver wedding of Mr and Mrs John Williams, of East View, Windsor- road, Barry, an interesting gathering was held at the Barry Hotel on Saturday evening last, when Mr Williams was made the recipient of a very handsome silver tray, subscribed for by the older hands of the boilermaking department of the Barry Graving Dock Company's works, of which Mr Williams has been the foreman from the out- set. A noteworthy incident in connection with the testimonial was the fact that only those were allowed to subscribe who had been employed by Mr Williams for a number of years, so that all the greater significance and value was attached to the presentation, which was preceded by a compli- mentary dinner, to which about fifty sat down under the presidency of Mr F. W. Chattock, assistant foreman of the boilermakers, who was supported by Mr John Williams (the guest of the evening), Messrs F. A. Fox (district delegate of the Boilermakers' and Shipbuilders' Society), J. H. Jose, H. McLeich (assistant foreman), Morris Jones, E. Jenkins, W. Fowler, W. Howell (secretary of the society), R. Griffiths, &c. After dinner, a suitable toast and music list was gone through, songs being contributed by Messrs Cockram, Dutton, Griffiths, Richards, Winn, E. Jenkins, J. Williams (No. 3), W. Ashbury, Shepherd, C. Blow, Ewart, &c., Mr Rees Jones being the accompanist. During the evening the presentation of the silver tray was made by Mr Morris Jones, the article being of an extremely handsome description, weighing nearly 22oz., and bore the following inscription — •' Presented to Mr and Mrs John Williams on the occasion of their silver wedding, by the boilermakers employed at the Barry Graving Dock. February 28th, 1894. Speeches were delivered by Messrs Morris Jones, J. H. Jose, E. Jenkins, H. McLeich, F. A. Fox, W. Fowler, and the chairman, each speaker referring in the highest possible terms to the rare degree of esteem and popularity in which Mr Williams is held amongst the workmen generally, and expres- sing the best wishes of all present for a long life and continued happiness to Mr and Mrs Williams. Mr Williams acknowledged the kindness of the company in suitable terms, amid the hearty enthusiasm of those present. Other toasts were submitted, that of The Press being acknow- ledged by the representative of the Barry Dock News. On the previous evening Mr and Mrs Williams held an At Home" at East View, and an enjoy- able evening was spent, Mr and Mrs Williams being made on the occasion the recipients of several handsome and costly presents from their friends in honour of the occasion of their silver marriage.

BARRY DISTRICT SCHOOL '4 BOARD. MORAL LESSONS AT THE SCHOOLS. The monthly meeting of the Barry U.D. School Board was held on Wednesday evening last at Holton-road School, Barry Dock, present—Mr J. I Lowdon (chairman), Mr J. Rees (deputy-chairman), Dr P. J. O'Donnell, Rev J. Price. Mr B. Lewis, Mr W. H. Lewis (clerk), and Mr R. T. Rees (the clerk's deputy)- The reports of the different committees having been passed, the indentures of Miss Ellen M. Rees, pupil teacher at Barry School, were shamped with the seal of the board, and those of Miss Mary B. Mason were cancelled upon her parents leaving the district. Miss M. J. Rees, teacher at Cadoxton Infants' School, tendered her resignation, and it was understood that Mrs Lewis would continue as temporary teacher at Barry School for three weeks. and then be transferred to Cadoxton Infants' School, pending the filling up of the vacancy, the successor of Miss Rees to be advertised for, as well as applications for the vacaney at Romilly-road School. Mr T. Ewbank applied for an additional teacher for Cadoxton Boy's School, Dr O'Donnell remark- ing that the matter was an urgent one, but it was explained there was no boy in either of the schools who was anxious to become monitor.-It was resolved to provide an additional male teacher for the first standard. The caretaker of Cadoxton School (Sidney Hesk) applied to be relieved of a portion of his duties owing to his wife's breath having broken down, and it was agreed to relieve him of the infant's school work subject to a reduction of his wages by 12s per week. Mr T. Higman's application for a temporary additional teacher for Holton-road Boys' School was referred to the school management committee. TEACHING OF MORAL LESSONS AT THE SCHOOLS. The Rev J. Price introduced a deputation (con- sisting of the Revs J. Honey and T. P. John, on behalf or the Ministers' Fraternal Association. and Messrs F. Inglis and J. Phillips, for the local branch of the National Vigilance Association) which attended to urge upon the Board the desirability of adopting a system of teaching moral lessons to the children of the schools, the deputa- tion, it being pointed out, being chosen by representative meetings in connection with the organisations referred to. The gentlemen named laid before the board arguments in support of the movement, Mr Honey remarking that although the School Board was doing excellent work in the district, still the moral tone of the children was not keeping pace with the intellectual require- ments. Fifteen thousand children died annually from the effects of tight laciag, and this was one of the subjects which required attention, as well as the cruel and obscene practices frequently indulged in by boys on the Sabbath and other times. He hoped, therefore, the board would aid the moralis- ing effect of Sunday School and domestic influence.-Mr John followed in like strain and Mr Inglis observed that if the board could help to remove the disgraceful scenes on the part of children, which shocked the eye and ear of well-ordered people on the public street, they would render good service to the community. Mr Phillips having supported the views expressed, the Chairman said the School Board fully sympathised with the application of the deputation, and said they were anxious to raise as much as possible the tone of morality in the district, and to make the children as pure in thought and action as possible, Mr Lowdon adding that already the teachers, in connection with natural history lessons, impressed the children with the seriousness of cruel habits towards dumb animals. This ooncluded the public business.

THE SUDDEN DEATH OF A SHIP'S OFFICER AT BARRY DOCK. A public inquiry was conducted by Mr E. B. Reece and a jury, of whom Mr H. L. Jones was foreman, at the Barry Dock Police Court, on Friday last, into the circumstances attending the death of Mr Joseph Edgeley, chief engineer of the steamship St. Fagan's, of Cardiff, who fell dead while engaged in conversation with Mr Frederick Moore, Park Place, Cardiff, superintendent engineer, in the smoke-room of the Barry Dock Hotel, on the previous Wednesday afternoon. Evidence of identity was given, and it was stated that deceased was 58 years of age, and lived with his wife and family at 23, Straitheirn-street, Car- diff, the circumstances of the sudden death being described, as already published in the Barry Dock News.—Dr Bray, of Barry Dock, attributed the cause of death to heart disease and the rupture of an artery, in the brain, the primary cause being apoplexy, the jury returning a verdict accordingly. I

ST. DAVID'S DAY AT BARRY. PATRIOTIC WELSHMEN DINE TOGETHER. ANNUAL GATHERING AT HARRY'S RESTAURANT. Mae dyddiau clir gogoniant 'o A llwvddiant yn aesau Cymylau'r nos ddarfyddant- Mae'r wawr-ddydd yn cryfhau; Mae blodeu rhagoroldeb, Ac urddas Cymru Sydd, Yn gwywo yn nisgleirdeb Goleuni Cymru Fydd. The annual St. David's Day dinner under the auspices of the Barry and Cadoxton "Young Wales" Society was held on Thursday evening last at Harry's Restaurant, Barry Dock, when Dr W. Lloyd Edwards, the president of the society named, occupied the chair and was supported by the Revs J. W. Matthews (ex-president), W. Williams, Morris Isaac, and T. P. John, Dr P. J. O'Donnell (chairman of the Local Board), Captain R. tDavies (member of the School Board), Mr B. Lewis (member of the Local and School Boards), and Mr Jenkin Meredith. The general company included Messrs J. E. Rees, J. Petty and Mrs Petty, Daniel Evans, J. D. Davies (secretary). Mrs T. M. Williams, Miss S. B. Thomas (who was the accompanist on the occasion), J. A. Manaton, J. Williams and Mrs Williams (Oban-street), E. J. Thomas, S. Griffiths, T. J. Thomas, H. J. Owen, James Jones, D. Howe, D. M. John, R. W. Evans, Edward Rees, Captain E. O. Evans, Misses Meredith (2), etc. A very creditable repast was supplied by the Misses Harry, to which due justice was done, and the cloth having been removed the Royal Family was loyally toasted, and Mr D. M. John followed with a recitation. The toast of The Ministers of Religion was proposed by Mr Jenkin Meredith, and responded to by the Revs. T. P. John and W. Williams, each speaker dwelling upon the good service rendered by ministers of the Gospel in furthering the general well-being of the Principality, more especially from spiritual and educational points of view. At this stage, the Chairman read a communication from the Rev. Father D'Hulst, the new pastor of the Roman Catholic Church. Barry Dock, expressing regret at his inability to be present.—Song, Llwybr yr Wyddfa," Rev. M. Isaac.—Mr B. Lewis was deputed to submit the toast of The Town and Trade," to which Captain E. O. Evans responded. -Recitation, Dr. A. F. Richards.-In proposing to the revered memory of Our Patron Saint." the Rev. J. W. Matthews delivered an interest- ing address, in the course of which, he said— Although thirteen and a half centuries have elapsed since the death of St. David, his revered name possesses a wonderful charm for Welsh people to-day. St. David was the son of Sawdde ab Cedig ab Ceredig ab Cunedda Wledig. This Cunedda was the first Ruler Wale" ever had, and that was the reason why he wac called Cunedda Wledig, which means Ruler or Piince. St. David was the great grandson of that renowned individual. His father's name was Sawdde. and his mother's name Nonn. She was the daughter of Gynnyr and Gaergawch from Pembrokeshire. According to Giraldus Cambrensis our patron saint was born in a place which was afterwards called St. David's, Pembrokeshire. He was baptised in the Bay of Clais, by Albens, Bishop of Munster, and was educated at Llantwit Major, in the College of St. Illtyd, which was then a flourishing institution containing about two thousand students. After studying hard for some time at Llantwit Major, he removed to the White House, to a school kept by Paulinus, where he spent about ten years studying the scriptures and the sciences. One of his co-students was St. Teilo. who became the second Bishop of Llandaff. After completing his educational course, he went about establishing churches for the spiritual good of his countrymen, and for the glory of God. It is said that he was the honoured means of erecting no less than fifty-three churches in South Wales alone. He spent a good deal of his time also in the monastery which he founded in the Vale of Rosina, called afterward Monmouth. The religiousness of his character, the catholicity of his spirit, and the extent of his long-suffering and patience were proverbial. He died on the first day of March A.D. 544, having attained the ripe age of 82 years, and was buried in his own monastery, in the Vale of Monmouth, by order of Maelwyn Gwynedd. He was sainted by Pope Calixtus in the year 1120. His shrine became so renowned that it was visited by pilgrims from all parts, including three kings, William the Conqueror, Henry II., and Edward I., together with his wife. Two Pilgrimages to the shrine of St. David were reckoned equal to one to Rome. Now, what lessons are there to be derived from it L" What advantage is there in keeping up an annual feast in memory of St. David unless we are stimulated in some degree to emulate some traits in that saintly character ? St. David was ruled by a strong desire for improving the condition of his countrymen. He gladly and willingly placed his noble gifts and attainments upon the altar of devotedness to the highest interests of his nation. It is most important that we should also labour to make our names an inspiritation to those who follow us. The elevation of Wales, both morally and politically, should be our lofty ideal, an ideal which is ennobling in its pursuit, and worthy in its attainment, we should work energetically on behalf of those movements which tend to the improvement of the Welsh nation. (Applause.) It is a matter of great importance to the rising generation, that the mothers of Wales, like the mother of St. David, should leave a healthy moral impression on the minds and hearts of their children. I am glad to note the eager thirst for knowledge displayed by the young men of Wales in the present day, and that our Government has become fully alive to the importance of establish- ing intermediate schools and colleges, and a Welsh University for granting degrees in our midst. It is evident that the dawn of better things is gradually breaking upon the long neglected sons and daughters of Wales. But undoubtedly, the best trait in our patron saints' noble character was the religious beauty which pertained to his life. This was the sole reason why he was "sainted" by Pope Calixtus, and placed pre- eminently over the Saints of the British Isles, and this was the reason why kings and queens became pilgrims to his shrine. If we wish to live in hearts we leave behind if we would have our names handed down to posterity, to be honoured and admired by Young Wales" of future years we must seek to emulate the noble and saintly career of St. David. (Cheers.)- Song, "Cymru Fydd," Mr J. Williams.-The Chairman, Dr Lloyd Edwards, then submitted the toast of Young Wales," and said Welsh people regarded St. David as one whom all should endeavpur to emulate. About twenty years ago an idea pervaded Welsh people that they should sink their national characteristics, and that they should imitate their English friends in everything, but they soon found that the giving up of their national institutions and their national character- istics would be suicidal to their best interests. There was, he said, a great deal in the feeling of nationalism, and was portion of a great movement which manifested itself in various parts of the civilised world. The speaker also alluded to the degree of progress made in educational matters in the Principality during late years, and said much had already been accomplished by means of the Welsh national colleges. (Cheers.)-The Rev M. Isaac, in response, said it was the duty of Welsh people at all times to join hand in hand in the endeavour to raise the standard of Wales. It was, he said, all very well to meet together once a year on an occasion like this. but many of his fellow- countrymen seemed to forget that the Welsh movement required faithful and persistent partici- pation in at all times. (Hear, hear.) Having deplored the want of unity on the part of the Welshmen of the district in the agitation for the appointment of a Welsh magistrate, Mr Isaac said he did not think the School Board had done its duty in the matter of teaching the Welsh language to the young, and it was, therefore, incumbent upon Welsh residents to express determination 1 that their natural rights and privileges should be considered. (Cheers.)-Song,'¡ 0. rnor hardd," Mr Sam Griffiths. The Three Sister Nations" was next proposed by Mr E. J. Thomas, whe, during a spirited and original treatment of the subject, said— I have baen asked to offer for your acceptance the toast of The Three Nations," and I need hardly add that by this term is meant those aggregations of individuals whom we usually designate the English, Scotch, and Irish nations. I have not a very clear notion myself of what constitutes a nation. The word to me appears to be one of that numerous class of indefinite words of which one can make almost any use he likes, and no proper or exact use at all, words which, by their smooth sound and frequent employment, are credited with some tangible idea, but which, upon closer examination, very often mean nothing. One may regard the people of the whole world as he regards the briny deep. Divisions of people are necessary for government as different parts of the sea are necessary for teaching geography and the guidance of the navigator, but there is essentially no difference between the Bay of Biscay and the sea that plays over Cantre's Gwaelod. (Laughter.) One thing is quite clear that all nations consist of human beings, but what besides constitutes the essentials of a nation is not quite so clear. I can think of only four conditions that could possibly be taken as constituting these essentials, and they are-government, locality, language, and descent. We will just glance at each of these. Grant Allen in his '■ Anglo-Saxon Britain," says—and Professor Huxley rather endorses it— Thus, to sum up in a single sentence, the Anglo-Saxons have contri- buted about one-half the blood of Britain or less. We are now a mixed race, almost equally Celtic and Teutonic by descent." This is an observation, coming from the quarter it does, I wish to impress upon the Welsh folk present, as I am conscious that Welshmen until very recently regarded an Englishman, and some may even do so still, with the feeling which one is apt to regard a foreigner and an intruder. This feeling of aversion is happily dying out. but could we but realise that they have our blood in their veins it would die out the sooner, and the better it would be for both sides. May this knowledge foster among us a sense of our common brotherhood, and let us hope that our common off-spring will take what is best from each of the funr nations, and that along with that will appropriate their initials, from the Welsh their W. from the Irish their I, from the Scotch their S. and from the English their E, and in their common langu- age of the future they will undoubtedly prove a wise generation. (Applause.)- Dr O'Donnell responded to the toast by saying that he entirely disagreed with the previous speaker upon certain points in his address. Irishmen, he claimed, possessed characteristics which were peculiarly their own, and he was of opinion that there were characteristics in different nationalities which tended to draw the line of demarcation between themselves and their neighbours. He was glad to hear it said that evening that Wales was entering upon a new period, and he trusted that new period would impress a feeling of tolera- tion towards members of other nationalities whom they found amongst them, so that religion should not be a bar against the holding of any posi- tion. (Cheers).-The next toast was that of Welsh Education," submitted by Captain Davies, who said it was easy to predict the great benefits which would accrue to the Principality by the establishment of an University. Nearly fifty years had elapsed since the great educational movement had been started in Wales by the late Sir Hugh Owen, and the only member of the original promoters who had survived to see the university charter granted to Wales was that good old Cardiganshire man, Sir George Osborne Morgan. (Cheers.) He trusted the W -leh people would make due use of the improved educational facilities now placed within their -each. Re- ferring to the teaching of Welsh to the children, Captain Davies said it was pri- marily the duty of parents to teach the native tongue in the household. (Hear, hear.) —Mr J.E.Rees. speaking in acknowledgment of the last toast, also referred to the great advance- ment made by the Welsh people in educational matters during the past twenty years, and speak- ing of the last code, Mr Rees said it was essentially Welsh, in fact. some of the teachers' association in the Principality had declared it was too grest a step in a progressive direction. -4e. st^igly advocated the desirability of tear'hi. Welsh to the young, and paid a high tribute DO the noble pioneer work done by the University College of Wales, Aberystwith. He dissented from the views expressed by Mr Thomas that evening, and said it was the duty of Welshmen DO do all in their power to preserve their nationality. (Applause.) —Mr Daniel Evans, in a neat Welsh speech pro- posed The Press," which was responded to by Mr J. R. Llewellyn, editor of the Bamj Dock News and the toast of "The Hostess," g i ve ) v.y Mr H. J. Owen, having been duly received, Mr R. W. Evans, recited The Old Hundredth." and the proceedings concluded with the singing of •• !!■ n Wiad fy Nhadau."

BARRY DISTRICT TRADES' AND LABOUR COUNCIL. The fortnightly meeting of the members of the Barry District Trades' and Labour Council was held at the Victoria Hotel, Barry Dock, on Friday evening last, present—Messrs F. Walls (presimng) and H. Fisher (provisional), Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners H. S. Rendell and G. Motton (provisional), Operative Stone Masons* Society W. Harper and J. Wheaton. National Amalgamated Labourers' Union T. Griffiths, Carriage and Wagon Builders' Society J. H. Jose and Morris Jones, Boilermakers' and Iron and Steel Ship Builders' Society J. Robins. 'Tt-neral Union of Carpenters and Joiners M. shepherd (provisional), Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants; J. Murray, Smiths' Harnmeriuen's Society J. Edwards, Bristol and Wesr of England Trade and Provident Society W P. Ciark (secretary) and Ivor LI. Thomas, Trsoerapliical Association. Mr T. S. Thomas (p> evident) and Mr J. Rees (labour representative on siie School and Burial Boards) also attended during the com- mittee proceedings. THE LABOUR FUND. In connection with the fund of the Council for the support of the labour representative on the School and Burial Boards, it was resolved to appeal to each society affiliated with the Council for sub- scriptions in support of this fund, the executive committee to draw up a circular to accompany the appeal pointing out the excellent benefits attend- ing labour representation on public bodies. EMPLOYERS' LIABILITY BILL. In reply to the letter from the council request- ing the Government to adhere to the Employers' Liability Bill in its entirety, a reply was read from the Home Secretary, promising that the council's communication would receive due attention. LETTER FROM THE BARRY DOCK POSTMASTER. A letter was received from Mr W. Arnold, post- master, Barry Dock, returning the council's sub- scription book in connection with the collection for the Nursing Association and Cottage vospital, and stating that a collection had already been made amongst the postmen in support of these funds.-On the proposition of Mr JOSH, seconded by Mr Harper, it was decided that the letter be allowed to lie on the table. THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE NURSING ASSOCIATION. Mr Robins, as a representative of the council, presented a report of the annual meeting o the Barry and District Nursing Association, recently held, and at which he was present. The report was received with satisfaction, and unanimously adopted, and a hearty vote of thanks passed to Mr Robins.

Servants wanted or Servant* wanting pHpee will find the Barry Dock Now the medhun