The Aberystwith Observer

THE MUSIC OF THE FUTURE FOR WALES. Wales may justly claim to possess a "Music of the Future" all its own. On the continent, as musicians well know, the music associated with the composer Wagner and the new opera-house at Bayreuth has often been spoken of as the music of the future for all the world. Aud if Wagner's music may be judged of from a single opera—that of "Tannhauser"—it is music which has a marvellous influence upon 1he minds of listeners. No wonder that in some continental cities, as Vienna, the devotion to the study of such music is marked by a fervour which it is difficult to distinguish from a purely religious fervour. The true test of all high art is that its influence upon human thoughts is a refining and spiritualising one. Such surely is a religious influence. Such. is the influence of the music that was listened to in Aberyst- wyth on Tuesday last. All listeners must have been conscious of this. They must have been enabled for once to leave un- noticed the dingy walls around them, so unfit for the dignity of public uses. Even the scanty dimensions of the space set apart for the opera-singers and those who took part in the melodious choruses, and which sadly interfered with freedom of movement and grace of action, could do no more than raise a short-lived feeling of annoyance, which was charmed away by the music which had with it a continuous undertone of appealing tenderness. But the music of "Blodwen" is not Wagner's music. It has not been imported from Bayreuth. It is truly and purely music of Wales. It is music that will live. It is music that a future Wales will listen to. For Wales it is indeed "the music of the future." Every encouragement should be given to its composer so that he shall give heed to no inducement to quit the high path he has now entered upon. The opera is in every sense the product of the Welsh genius. Its plot involves fourteenth-century incidents connected with Welsh history. Its words are the words of a gifted Welshman. Sweet and tender indeed is the fragrance of the n "white flower" blooming now over a new- made grave. It is a Welshman too who has rendered the original into English of re- markable simplicity and chasteness. The Welsh words, the English words, and the melody of music's aerial language to which both are united form a triad such as cannot be found among the reliques of olden times. Poet, translator, musician, all three, have worked for the future with their thoughts in the past. And the future will never be worthily worked for unless in a spirit of loyalty to the days gone by. Of late years this loyal spirit has not animated many of the prominent workers in Wales. Once the same might have been said of literary and art workers over the border. There, how- ever, a reaction has long been operating. This reaction set in with Sir Walter Scott's romances of mediaeval times. It was widened into the High-Church revival which commenced tearly fifty years ago, and which in many senses, as will even 0 be acknow- ledged by those who have taken no part in it, was a revival of high thought in the English Church. Certainly was it a revival of a generous disposition towards the past, without which the continued purpose of the ages cannot manifest itself in recognisable tones. The re-adoption of Gothic architec- ture, in which human thoughts and aspira- tions are so subtly arrested, for permauent expression, in carved stone, and the new welcome given to the pictured window and the art of the painter and sculptor, in the churches,—all this was a sign of a further widening of the generous resolve of the English mind to do honour to the past, by securing freedom for all that was honourable and just and holy and of good report in ancient times to have its influence perpetua- ted. The revival of impressive ritual which followed upon this—a revival which has had the effect of brightening and making jóyous the services of almost every Church in the land and which if it has led to extreme manifestations not acceptable to everyone, has done so in order that the principle may comnund itself to liberal minds that extremes must be tolerated so that there may be liberty for everything not extreme,—this revival of ritual, that is, of a form of speech designed to present the great nourishing thoughts of humanity to the minds of the many in impressive and attractive ways, is another phase.of the reaction which since it first sd in has been busily gathering up all the fragments of which the past has left to us, so that nothing which can in- fluence the human heart for good may be lost. Welshmen have not yet entered so heartily and so thoroughly into this generous revival as have their brethren beyond the Severn. They are, however, now beginning to do so. It would be very wrong to say that they have ever been unmindful of the past. They have, on the contrary, continually manifes- ted their affection towards the men of the past.. But they have done so in a confused, inconsistent, and blundering way. They have extolled their bards at their national gatherings. They have yearly on every first of March been loyal' to the memory of their patron saint. But on sectarian plat- forms, in sectarian pulpits, they have allowed another spirit than that of faithfulness to the God of the past to animate them. They have there adopted an ungenerous attitude towards the Church of which their saint was a priest and bishop they have manifes- ted an unbecoming tone towards the Church from which the bards of former days received mental and spiritual nourishment, and by which they were sustained in the high thoughts which gave nobility and immortality to their words. But the pernicious habit of spending unprofitable days in protesting against the errors of fore- fathers, and the errors of everyone bat those of the protester himself, will die away even in Wales. The delightful opera of "Blodwen" will in its way help on the good work in which, we should all be engaged of tracing the guidance of a divine hand in the history of our fathers of old. The generous sentiments given melodious utterance to in an opera, or embodied in what is spoken slightingly of as secular literature, should be matched by generous sentiments spoken in the fervid language of the pulpit and in the declamatory utterances of the platform. The monk and his beads and crucifix should not in an opera whose incidents refer to mediaeval times be noted with generous in- terest; and out of an opera, when met with on the page of prosaic history, be dealt with as though he were a dark figure of dark ages whose controlling Deity was one of darkness. This instance of the monk may seem too slight a one for so lengthened a comment; but when from the single monk who puts in a picturesque appearance on an opera scene, our thoughts are taken to the whole monastic system, the seeming incon- gruity will vanish. Our Laureate teaches as to say of all systems which have done their work in the world "Our little systems have their day, They have their day and cease to be They are but broken lights of Thee; And thou, 0 Lord, art more than they." These words may be applied to the monastic system without any departure from the reverence to the past here earnestly pleaded for. But are there many pulpit voices in Wales ready generously to acknow- ledge that the monastic system was in any sense" a light of the Divine One?" If there are the or era "Blodwen" has not ap- peared before its time; and its teaching is in harmony with the high-minded utterances of public instructors within church and chapel walls. The wish is surely not a vain one that generous lessons with respect to the past will continue to be united to exquisite music such as Dr Joseph Parry has given to Wales, and the world in the opera of "Blodwen." Charming music associated with such ad- mirable highmindedneas towards the Wales of mediaeval times as animates Mynyddog's words, is the "music of the future" that generous hearts are longing for. To the wish here expressed is united another one that the music and the ritual of our churches all through the Principality may soon be set to the same generous key, and help on that honour to our fathers in the past which is an important element in our piety towards the God of our fathers.

THE WORKHOUSE CONTRACTS. The committee appointed by the Board of Guardians to take stock of the provisions in the workhouse as compared to the quantities shown by the master's books presented their report on Monday. The deficiency amounts to about a hundred pounds, which sum the master must pay to the Board. This was the course agreed upon by the Guardians at the first meeting, after attention had been drawn to the errors. The committee have not detec- ted any evidence of dishonesty,-there being, in fact, no means of detection, even if such an idea had been entertained. We believe that the gentlemen who brought on the matter had at first no intention of doing more than pointing out the presence of certain facts, and having done so they would have been satisfied with the know- ledge that a more perfect system would for the future be observed. But this was not permitted by the contractors and their friend who indulged in "tall talk" and endeavoured to persuade the ratepayers that the goods, I books, stores, &c., were in perfect order. Such a defence being set up, and the onus I thrown on those who first took action, they had no choice but to investigate the books further, and let the result conclusively show they were in the right. The result is that the master has to pay a very handsome sum as penalty. The master's admission that he had received all the goods charged for, and his willingness to pay for all deficiences, freed the contractors. Thus the matter will prob- ably end. Bat before concluding we cannot do less than observe that the thanks of the ratepayers are due to Mr. Morris Davies for his able statement of the facts, disagreeable though the task was; to Mr. John Junes (Tre'rddol) for his manly support of Mr. Davies, and determined perseverance; and to Mr. Thomas Griffiths for publicly broach- ing the matter,-for these were the three who had the courage to do their duty to the public, however unpleasant. They were, however, silently supported by the majority of the board. It will be found when the accounts for the current quarter are issued that the cost of maintaining the inmates is very low as compared with corresponding uarters of previous years, and the rate- payers will have the satisfaction of knowing that in the future no waste will be tolerated.

PUBLIC OPINION. The issues of the bye-elections of the year have not been so decisive as either party in the State might have desired; indeed the results have been pretty evenly balanced. At the beginning of 1878 the Liberals were two ahead, that is they had won two more seats from their opponents since the general election of 1874 than t ieir opponents had managed to win from them. On the other hand the Conservatives could point to what was a much stronger .test of public opinion, namely, that they had returned far more members to the House since the general election than the Liberals. Neither test taken by itself, and considered apart from other circumstances, can be considered as a deci- sive indication of public opinion. If say six Conservative seats fall vacant, and all the six are retained, the Conservatives do not register one gain, yet the result is eminently a satisfactory one from a Conservative point of view. If one seat were lost and five re- tained, the whole five would probably be es- timated at nothing, and the Liberals would rejoice over the one, as if they had gained a great victory, even though they had just suf- fered five defeats. If an equal number of seats fell vacant on each side, or even a number proportionate to the respective strength of the two parti s, a comparison could be more justly dr vn. It happened that up to the end of Ai 1878, during the present Parliament, líi) Conservative members had been returned and only 48 Liberals. On the other hand the Liberals had won one seat during the four years, while the Conservatives out of thirteen elections this year had retained possession of the eight vacated by their own supporters, and won one of the five Liberal sea,ts. The election at Tamworth destroyed this equilibrium, if we may .call it such, in the gains and losses, but still left the number of Conservatives returned since February, 1874, more than one-third that of the Liberals, showing plainly that the former were able to keep up the present majority in the House, and consequently that they still possessed the confidence and support of the country at large. The return of the Conservative candidate at County Down election has again brought the gains and losses to the same position, but the Conservatives have won ten seats out of 51 Liberals seats vacant, while the Liberals have only won eleven out of 77 Conservative seats vacant. Under such circumstances the natural presumption is that if an equal number of seats had been thrown vacant on both sides the Conservatives would have won fifteen to the Liberal eleven. But the last few elections must be looked at in another light if we wish to get at the real truth as to the way in which the opinion of the country points. The great question at the present moment is not one of domestic policy, but of the foreign policy of the Government with regard to the present phase of the Eastern Question. On this a strong section of the Liberals, headed by Mr. Gladstone, take up an attitude in direct opposition to the Goverment, and openly declare their belief that it is the Britis b Government which are and have been the obstacle in the way of peace, in fact they are doing all they can to provoke Russia to war. This being so, it might have been thought that the elections of the year would have been fought out on the Eastern policy of the Govern- ment-that the Conservative candidates would have taken the one view, and that the Liberal candidates chosen by their re- cognised leaders would have taken the other. Even if it had been so, and the results were what they are, it would have been virtually a Liberal defeat, for they have gained nothing. Indeed if we may judge by Oxford, County Down, and other con- tests they are losing ground. But the Liberal candidates at late elections, or those parties who are responsible for bringing them before the electors, with rare exceptions, evade the question of the day. They know that if they wish to have a chance of success, they must not shew themselves supporters of peace-at-any-price, nor must they profess much admiration for Russian diplomacy. Thus the Liberal candidates of late have gone in for supporting the Eastern policy of the Government, and by so doing acknow- ledge that the public opinion points decidedly in the same direction. We do not blame Liberal candidates for this, nor do we mean to say that they are going against their convictions. When candidates ot particular views are wanted they can generally be had. If the leaders of a party in a borough kn ow that the opponents of the Eastern policy of the Government stand no chance, they find a candidate who, while giving a general sup- port on this question, holds views with them on others. This they have been compelled to do of late, and it is the best testimony as a party in Opposition they could afford that the Government and the country are at one on the vital question of our policy in the East.

An able article on Local Law Courts, reprinted from a contemporary, and written, we believe, by a gentleman of large legal experience, and well known throughout this district, is published in another column. ————— It is understood that in the event of Mr C. Marshall Griffith, who is highly popular with his party in the borough of Maryle- bonQ, declining to stand a contest at the next general election, that Alderman Sir Robert Carden will come forward in the Conservative ailment. The Conservatives of the Montgomery Boroughs are determined to contest the seat at the next election, and Mr C. J. Naylor has b6en selected as the candidate. Mr Naylor's local influence in the manufacturing towns of Llanidloes, Newtown, and Welsh- pool will give him an excellent chance, and the constitutional party are sure to use every exertion to secure the seat. The Aberystwyth Poor-Law Guardians have, it seems, refused out-door relief to an aged person, who has already lived through more than three-score years and ten. She is comforted by being told that if she did not keep a dog the relief would be granted. But if a simple enquiry were made by any authorised official he would find that the dog, for whom the aged person has great affection, has its tax paid by a friendly stranger, and that it is fed on scraps gathered from the leavings of friendly tables. Did the rich man in the gospel story refuse relief to Lazarus because of the luxurious con- solation afforded to him by the friendly dogs ? Surely the Aberystwyth Guardians do not wish it to be said that they have chosen Dives for their patron saint, and are resolved to faithfully imitate his example. On Tuesday four medical gentlemen attended the Council meeting to urge that body to prepare a more extensive supply of water for the town. The gentleman who spoke for the self-appointed depu- tation, idinitted that he had not himself been to the present source, and that he had only heard that there was a possibility of a scarcity at some future time. This was candid but not good for a scheme which at least one of the deputation—the youngest, but not the least experienced in medical matters— has at heart. Dr Gilbertson suggested that the pre- sent wt 11 should be sunk a. little but this is too simple a remedy, and could be effected in too short a time, to satisfy the wisdom of such a body of wise men as our lecal parliament

LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS. Mr R. D. Roberts, Bridge-street, has taken the degree of M.A. at Cambridge University. The steamer Aberystwyth, of this port, went ashore on Dunaverty Rock, on Wednesday. By an anvertisement in another column, it will be • seen that the Morning English Services at Llanbadarn Churah, commences during the present month. VESSEL ON SHORE.-On Tuesday morning, during the rough weather that prevailed, the fishing smack Ann." oCPortmadoc, was run ashore opposite the Belle Vue Hotel. THE ARTILLERY.—The artillery Ivilllbe dismissed on Wednesday next, and the regiment will be re- viewed on the previous day. JUNE RAILWAY ARRANGEMENTS.—The summer arrangements of the Cambrian way will eommenca on the first of June. The most important is the addi- tion of the train arriving at Aberystwyth at 11.20 p.m. NAUTICAL.—Mr. Thomas Jenkins, the youngest son of the late Mr. David Jenkins, Qaeen-street, Aberystwyth, passed his examination as captain before the Local Marine Board in Liverpool last week. PARLIAMENTARY PETITIONS.—Mr. T. E. Lloyd, M.P., last week presented petitions from Llan- ddeinol'Llannon, Nantcwnlle and Llanfair-Orlwyn in favour of the Sunday closing of public-houses. On Tuesday, the 21st inst., Mrs W. H. Smith gave her second reception at the official residence of the First Lori of the Admiralty. There were about 800 guests Viscount Emlyn, M.P., Mr Jones, M.P., Mr T. E. Lloyd, M.P., and Mrs and Miss Lloyd being amongst them. ACCIDENT.-On Thursday night, in last week, a a serious accident happened to a boy at South Dar- ren mine. By some means he got his hand in the machinery, and before it could be stopped he had sustained a compound dislocation of the elbow. Drs. Morris Jones and Rowland were sent for and soon arrived on the spot, but it was found necessary to amputate the arm. The boy is doing well. CHILBRENS SERVICE.—On Sunday afternoon, a children's festival and service of song was held at St. Michael's Church. A large number of grown up persons were present to hear the sweet voices of the. little ones singing their Heavenly Father's praises The prayers were intoned by the Rev. H. N. Grimley, and the Rev. Canon Phillips delivered a short address on the parable of the Ten Virgins, which was listened to with apparent interest bv all present. BEGGING.-At the Magistrates Clerk's Office, on Friday (yesterday), before Mr D. Roberts (maysrl, and Mr Rees, Morris Gibby, labourer, Tredegar, was charged with begging at Aberystwyth on the previous day, at three o'clock. P.C. David Jones (32) proved the case. Defendant was. dismissed on promising to leave the town. ASSAULT.—John Davies, iron work, Neath, and Daniel James, collier, Aberdare, were charged before the Mayor (Mr D. Roberts), and Mr Rees, on Friday, with being drunk and assaulting David Janes "Beehive," on Thursday, and were fined .£1 eaeh and costs, or one month's imprisonment at Carmarthen gaol with hard labour. SOCIETE CONTRE L'ABTTS DU TABAC.—The distribution of the prizes, medals, and honourable mentions, for merit in essays, will be presented in the Grand Amphitheatre of the Palace of the feorbonne, Paris, at half-past one on the 2nd June There were one hundred and nine competitors, eight of whom were English, and the remainder French.* Among the English competitors who will receive a medal, and a. certificate of honourable mention, we notice the name of Mr. Groves, of the editorial staff of the Aberystwyth Observer. CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS.—Approximate return of traffic receipts for the week ending 12th May, 1878. Miles open, 178i Passengers, parcels, &c., il.930 merchandise, minerals, and live st >ek, *l,bsl total for the week, 3,620. Actual traffic receipts for the corresponding week last year. Miles open, 178i Passengers, parcels, &c., £ 2,043; merchan- dise, minerals, and live stock, ^1)784; total fpr WPGV £ 3 827 Asrsfregate from commencement of half year to this dtte, ,666,671, last year, 66,150. AFTERNOON DANCE.—An afternoon dance was given in the Queen's Hotel Assembly Rooms, on Wednesday, by the officers of the Royal Cardigan- shire Artillery Militia, when the following ladies and gentlemen were presentLady Pryse, Mrs Charles Longcroft; Mrs Williams, Wallog; Mrs Hughes, Alltllwyd Mr and Mrs Fryer, Lodge Park Mrs and the Misses Bensall (2), Glanrhcidol; Mr and Mrs Morris Davies, Ffosrhydgaled; Mrs Richarees, Bryneithin Mrs Cosens, Cwm; Mr and Mrs Mor- gans Nantcaeiro; Mr and Mrs H. H. Oakes; Mrs and Miss Hughes, Glyn-padarn; Major and Miss Lewis Mr and Mrs Arthur Hughes; Mrs and Miss Gilbertson; Colonel and Mrs Jones Mrs Fossett; Miss Lloyd Mathias; Miss Parry, Llidiade; Miss Fryer; Miss Flude; Miss E. BoiiSall, Fronfraith; the Misses Davies,Cwmgoedwig; Miss Jones, Mount Pleasant Captain G. Hughes; Mr W. Bonsall; Mr J. C. V. Pryse, Bwlchbychan. DEATH OF CAPTAIN THOMAS BALL.—We regret to announce the decease of Captain Thomas Bail, wno for 42 years was agent for Messrs. John Taylor anct Sons in Ireland, Spain and Wales, and until j'ece y, and for many years, resident manager of t e |jl Mines, near Aberystwyth Through his kind, gentle, and meek disposition he always had many f"ends His intelligence, long^xpenence, ^^d able^bild^e3 SdmconsLntfou ^udiceNhic^distin^uished him, and his devoSn a^d loyalty to his emp^jrs^ade him a general favourite, and his loss will eter be deeply felt and lamented by his family ana numerous The deceased will be interred xn bt. Peter's churchyard, Lampeter, on Monday next. BANKRUPTCY.—In the case of Rowland Evans, of Evelyn House, Marme.te.ace, Aberystwyth, an ap- peal from the county court was heard by Sir James Baron, on Monday, in last week, in w¡nch it was sought" to set aside, reverse, or vary an order of the Aberystwyth County Court on the 4th April. Mr De Gex,Q.C, and Mr Finlay Knight, instructed by Mr G. Jones, appeared for the appellant, and Mr Winslow, Q.C., and Mr Yate Lee, instructed by Messrs Atwood and Son, for the respondents (the London and Pro- vincial bank and Mr J. W. Thomas.) It wa.s ordered that the case should go back to the county court to be reheard, with liberty for the appellant to amend or serve fresh notice of motion, find both parties to be at liberty to adduce such further evidence as they may be advised. The appeal in the meantime to stand over. On Thursday, at the Aberystwyth County Court, Mr Homershani Cox decided to hear the case at the next court. The man in possession to, be removed. THE BRISTOL AND CLIFTON PERMANENT BUILD- ING SOCIETY.—This Society, which has considerable interest in Aberystwyth, has just issued a very sati sfastory report of its 1 ith year's operations, which shews that the Society enjoys the enviable distinc- tion of standing at the head of all the Incorporated Building Societies in the Kingdom, the last Parlia- mentary Return of such Societies having shown, that the Society, with thirteen years op orations and one year's accumulation of unappropriated profit, held as guarantee a larger per ceatage to Share- holders Capital than any other Society twice its age and with double its income. The Balance Sheet showe an increase of income over the previous year of £ 6,037, and in the advances on Mortgage and other investments of £ 8,102 13s. 10d.; tile profit realised (after adding 5 per cent, interest to paid-up and investing shares) was X727 5s. lOd. The total profit -on now available for distribution amounts to £ 1,634 4s. 3d.; of that sum the Directors propose to add £ 1000. to the reserve, raising that fun 1 to £ 3000r and to declare a Bonus of one per cent, per annum for the two years, on investing and paid-uo shares, returning 1/6 in the £ to Borrowers, and carrying" forward a balance to the next yea". S sver.il public meetings have been held ill various provincial towns by the Secretary, assisted, where pra.tL,ia-ile, by one of the Directors, with every orosp-jct'of advantageou# results, the Directors deeming it desira'ose oJ extend the benefits of the Society to any district where sufficient interest is shown to ensure zealous co-opera- tion on the part of local residents and profitable results to the Society. WILLIAM ALBAN ATWOOD, L.K.Q.O. P.T.,I,I.R.C.S- -A. short notice of the oareer or tlvj a.>073 amiible and widely known member of the medical profession will, 1<.0 doubt, be acceptable and in ;eresting to those of his professional brethr.m and others whose good fortune in life it was to know him. The late Mr. Atwood was the secaad son of J. J. Atwood, Esq., Solicitor, Aberystwyth, and who still m-^iva's him! In early life he had some idea of goiiig into the Church, but being adveaturoudy incline. she attraobions of Australia on the discovery of gold there were too great to be resisted, and thither he went and re- mained some three years. This was th 3 fame of our war with Russia, when a .30 a nission in her Majesty's army, he resolved to rat am to England in order to serve his c >u i^ry in the Crimea, but before reaching home he leHu" by'news- papers received from a passing vessel that 3ebastapo! was taken and the was over. It uow becama necessary for him to seek anchor p ith ia life, and, on the advice of a valued and in^imiO) friaad he decided to adopt medicine for his profession, and entered us a. student at St. Bartholomew's. Mr. Atwood was admitted a member of Sho'R>yal CDlleg9 of Surgeons of London in 1830, and imaxj 11 itely on obtaining his diplomL coax ana -o I ,>r vate ",ice at Notting Hill, where I19 resid '4 h13 da^h, which took place at Ramsgita 01 ^aa.b'.y the 7<;h ult., suddenly from a.poplexy.-The Lxnas

BLODWEN: THE FIRST Wt..LSif OPiSIU. Dr Parry deserves the sincerest vrris.itaie of all1 music-loving Welshmen for stopping out of the ordinary paths, and producing a specimen of the art of music which n»Welshmau before hitnhag ventured -to attempt. Dr Parry has eonapo ud a WIsh Opera which will, undoubtedly, enrieh the of a inusiti> cal nation, and serve at, the same ti-n > ?o enkindle and encourage the higher duSus aa I f ,'¡iug, of the people. The opera, entitled Bl dwen, >3 oase J upon an incident ia the history of toe fV-14i in the fourteenth ceiitiry-,t p;'ri ) full of 'hrilling inter- est, being the tia Mo Waaa, ua.lijr O ven Glendwr, made the last attempt to re*w.jn their in- dependence. The Welsh w>»r la wyre written by Mynyddog, and the Ea^lish, a free tr.nslaiion, by Professor Rowlands, of Brecon College. Our readers are alrt*a<iy aware "t 'be ri.r.nent, find it remains only to state,uri-'ly, :ru tha first per- formances "passed off with Jaiv;5 ,-il the success which it is, possible to attain, ii a town of the size of our OW). In >.he aft!-r-soon the rem- perance Hail was well fiil d, the elite of town and county society,within several in 1 s,being present or represented. This is a most flattering compliment paid to Dr Parry, and is second only' 'o t,ne approba- tion Qf the Princess of Wales, who has been pi jased to accept the dedication of fcbo opera, a-i i will b8 correspondingly appreciated by hija. The evening concert was literally crowded by a Highly apprecia- tive audience. The stag-a was so;newh%t adorned with drapery, bearing various mo'toes and appro- priate devices. The principal actors—although, ss Dr Parry explainer! at the com fiencernint, there was no attempt at acting—were attired in costumes characteristic of the period when the scenes are laid. The singing of the choir w is capital, especially in the Hunting Choruses, which are deserving of a place with the best of their dasa the effect of "the echo awakening again and agiio" was charming. The warlike pieces were forcibly expressed, and the bard was well represented by Mr R. C. Jenkins, who continues to advance io power and refinement. A pretty little scene is that where "the huntsmen having sped through the valley," S;r Howell D iu seeks the shade of the holly. and sings a song in praise of Blodwea, who, for- tunately for him, happens to be on the other side of the bush, and hearing his love-sick melody, fi ids a means of delicately helping him out of his difficulty; otherwise there is no knowing wnen he could have uttered words to express his love. La the first act Ellen ef Maelor Castles is married to Arthur ef Berwyn Cattle, who is afterwards slain in battle, but not before doing sad havoc amongst the enemy. Lady Maelor appears frequently, and renders heC songs with expre3sion and pathos. Mr Lucai Williams, who undertakes three parts, is possessed of considerable ability, and the minor character9 ar6 sustained with good effect. The conoerts were conducted by Dr. Parry, and his two youthful sons accompanied on the pianoforte and harmoninm. At the present day, when some of our nation—a noisy few-are inculcating the dangerous principles Of comfortable selfisti living, and the dreaming away of life, without giving a thought to the common wealtb,-the manly and patriotic tone of the wordo and music will have their due effect. The following are the dramatis personat:— Soprano Primo—"Blodwen" (Daughter of Rhio Gwyn, supposed to have fallen in battle) Mlsg TTATTFIT DTJ Soprano Secondo-^Ellen'^ (Daughter' of ^dy Maelor) Miss GA.YwEy GpiFFI:TOS, U-C-W- Contralto—"Lady Maelor" (ot Maelor Oastle) Miss ANNIE Williams, U.C.W. Tenoro Primo—"Sir Howell" (The don Castle) Mr THOMAS EVANS, U.C.W. Tenori Seeondo—"Lady Maelor rtf61* aDa a Soldier from the Army of "Z D. HOWELL and W^DAVIES, U.C.W- Baritones—' 'Arthur" (A Welsh Warrior) "The Monk "Rhys Gwyix (Fattier of Blodwen) ..3^c J. LUCAS WILLIAMS, from the Crystal Palace Con- -n af certs, London. Basso Primo— The Bard ,Mr R. c. JENKINS, Tr late of U.C.W. Chorus—Servants, Castle Keepers, Huntsmen, Soldiers, Prisoners, and the People Accompanists, Piano—MASTER JosapH HAYD* PARRY Harmonium—MASTJR DAVID PARBT.

= THE ARK OF THE COVENANT: MR. D. JENKINS' CANTATA. On the 8th inst. a performance was given at st. James Hall, London, of a musical cantata, written a young Welshman, MrD. Jenkins, who is well-ko0^0 is this town. The cantata was very enthusiastic^ f received by a very attentive and crowded assembla.ge The composition is considered to be of great proB"se £ and to augur well for the future of its tale*1^ author. The London Welsh choir was engaged, w1 Eos Morlais, Mr Lneas Williams, and Miss Davies, and the musical score was ably interPr^f a by the far-famed band of the Crystal Palace.. critics present thought the instrumentation of tb9. whole cantata shewed great talent, and we gratulate Mr Jenkina on the great succesa he achieved.