The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

Facts and Fancies. "What is this thing?" asked a man who was inspecting a music emporium. That Y Oh, that's used on violins. We call it a chin-rest." "Gimme-one!" exclaimed the visitor. S-pose it would work on my wife ?" .,Do, you know why I am going to whip .you, Arthur?" No: dad; why r" "Be- cause you hit a boy smaller than yourself." "Oh, I thought it was p'raps 'cos I'm smaller than you." "I don't like women who gossip about others, do you?" "I should say not. Now there's Mrs Green. She's always telling mean things about her neighbours. And Mrs Hunter talks perfectly dreadful about her friends. Thanls goodness, I never say anything about anybody!' Little Girl: "Please, have you a sheep's head ?" Facetious Butcher: "No, my dear; only my own" Little Girl: It won't do. Mother wants one with brains in it." "Miss Worth," he said, "do you think I would be justified in pressing my suit?" "Oh, I don't know," answered the young woman, with a cold, metallic ring in her iroice;" the trousers seems to be a bit baggy .at the knees but the coat looks passable." When she was an actress in the theatws she got £ 40 per week; and now in the moving pictures she gets £ 100.' "Well, a woman must want at least E60 a week compensation to be kept from talking." Harry and Charlie, aged five and three have just been seated at the nursery table for dinner. Harry notices there is but one orange on the table, and immediately sets -up a wail that brings his mother to the scene." Why, Harry, what are you crying for?" she asks. "IBecause there ain t any orange for Charlie." Lawyer: You say that you were walk- ing behind this woman, could not distinguish her figure because of the cape she wore, saw nothing of her face, and yet knew that she was a very pretty woman. How do you account for that?" Witness: "Well, I could see the faces of the men coming towards me." "Corne on, Bill," whispered the old burglar in disgust. "It's no use wasting time here." Don't you think those lovers will get off the steps soon ?" (queried the new burglar. "No. I just heard him say that was the last kiss. They'll be an hour yet." Mistress: "Isn't it dreadful, Jane, about these Zeppelins? It wouldn't be so wicked they only destroyed munition works." Jane "Yes, mum. But they 'adn't ought to do that neither. They knows puffiekly well as we wants all the ammunitions as we can get." ,„ Extract from lecture by N.C.O. :— "Your rifle is your best friend, take every care of it; treat it as you would your wife rub it all over with an oily rag every day." A lady sent her servant over to the house of a sick neighour. Mrs Smith," said she, "sent me ower tae speir hoe vet- husband was this morning." "Very bad indeed The doctor says he may die any minute," was the reply. "Ah weel," said the wpman. "1.11 better wait a woe while; I've nae other thing tae dae the noo." The lady bank clerk had completed her first week and an acquaintance asked ner how she liked the work. "Oh, it's beautiful," said the girl. "I'm at a branch where nearly all the people wo know hnve accounts, and it's so nice to see how little money some of your friends have in the bank." The woman of the house reached the conclusion that the attachment of the policeman for her cook must be investi- gated. lest it prove disastrous to domestic discipline. "Do you think lie means business, Bridget?" sho asked. "I think he does, mum." said-Bridget. "He's begun to complain about my oookin', mum." The ocean liner wns ml I me like a chip, but, as usual in such instances, onp pas- senger was aggressively, disgustingly healthy. "Sick, eh?" he remarked to a pale-green person who was leaning on the rail. The pale-preen person regarded the "healthy one with all the scorn I lie could muster. "Sick nothing!" he snorted weakly. "I'm just hanging over the front of the boat to see how the captain cranks it."

From the Papers. Mr. Lloyd George's cook was married from 11, Downing-street, to an Australian soldier, who is home wounded, having one hand badly smashed. The mnTiage took place at Pimlico and the newly-married -couple afterwards returned to 11, Down- 'ing-street. .Mr. E. T. John, M.P., has received news as to how his son, Lieutenant Yorwertli John, met his death at the front. From Second-lieutenant Dan Williams, a fellow- officer in the 1st South Wales IVrrderers. has come a letter which says: "You son was in the same company us myself, and was killed, with a sergeant while going his round of the trenches. I think it must "have been a large trench mortar which killed both. I knew your son well at Pem- broke Dock before we came out here, and I can assure you we feel his loss most ■deeply. Of the five officers who set out on this tour of duty I am the only one who returned unharmed. Three were killed, and our captain wounded, a marvellous Providence saving me." Sir Owen Phillips, who took the oath and his seat in the House of Commons last week as member for Chester, returns to Parliament after an absence of five or six years. In the meantime lie has changed hIS political views, and from being a Radica] has become a Unionist. He first 'entered Parliament as member for South- ampton in 1906. In that Parliament he was one of three brothers, neither of them 'being Jess than 6 feet 4 inches high in his stockinged feet. The other two are Lord 'St. David's and Colonel (now Major- <3eneral) Ivor Phillips, who sits for South- ampton The Board of Education has issued a return dealing with school attendance and employment in agriculture. The number of children excused for agricultm \1.1 employ- ment in county areas from September 1st, 1914, to January 31st, 1915, was 1,588 boys and 25 gorls, of whom 54 boys were 'between eleven and twelve, 884 "boys and one girl were between twelve and thirteen, and the remainder between thirteen and fourteen. The num- ber excused from Febrmry 1st, 1915, to April 30tli. 1915 was 3,705 boys and 106 girls, of whom 49 boys and two girls were between eleven and twelve, 2,156 boys and thirteen girls between twelve and thirteen, and 1,012 boys and 72 girls were between thirteen and fourteen. The total number shown by the present return as excused on January 31st, 1S16, is 7,934 boys and ninety-two girls, of whom 143 boys and one girl are under twelve years of age. 4,280 boys and thirteen girls are between twelve and thirteen, and 3,511 boys and seventy- eight girls arc between thirteen and fourteen. The Bishop of London has issued a state- m-ent as to the object and methods of the National Call to Repentance and Hope, Its effect, he says, is not to be produced primarily by the beating of big drums or the oratory of mission preachers; each diocese is to revive itself in its own way Each diocese will form its mission Council, which will decide how best to sound this call of rep'entance and hope in every town and village within the boundaries of the diocese. As chairman of the Central Council, he has been invited to visit most of the dioceses in England and Wales he- j fore Easter to keep the Central Council in touch with the diocesan councils. P-re- sumably in every diocese, the Bishon of London adds "the clergy will be gathered together for retreats or quiet days during the spring and summer; each parish priest will have some sort of parochial prepara- tion of confirmed and communicant mem- bers of his flock for a spiritual effort in the autumn beyond anything they have ever made before but after that similarity of method will probably cease." A telegram from Bukharest states that the Qu'een Dowager Elizabeth (" Carmen Sylva") died last week. "Carmen Sylva," the poetess Queen of Roumania," was probably better known in Wales than ail.Y other foreign potentate. Her books were read eagerly throughout Europe. ThoLt-tl an Austrian by birth, she spoke Rumanian like a native. She founded all manner of institutions by which the natural talents of her country and its resources, almost dead when her husband began his reign, are now flourishing. One of her ideas was to use the Rumanians' talent for em- broidery as a commercial asset for the country which, by the time it had freed itself from the Turkish yoke, was almost bankrupt. "Carmen Sylva' opened a workroom where the peasants could obtain materials for their embroidery and sell it at a fair living wage. The work wa-s then sent abroad and the profits divided among the workers. She also opened shops where peasants could sell their work, which in eludes carpets, rugs, homespun", chair coverings, table cloths, clothing of all kinds, and crockery. What is not sent to Germany and Austria is disposed of at home. Hundreds of peasants have been able thereby to free their land from debt, to buy more, to rebuild their cottages, and to educate their children. She took keen interest in the Welsh Eisteddfod when she visited this country a few years ago, and was all honoured guest at the national gathering at Llandudno. On St. David's Eve the "Immortal Memory of DewSant," was celebrated under the unprecedented conditions at the front. In one of the British camps a number of enthusiastic Welshmen assembled to observe the time-honoured ceremony. Captain the Rev Peris Wil- liams (Wrexham), chaplain to the forces, occupied the chair, and was supported by students of "Welsh Colleges and by men who have been mentioned in despatches. Tn his add.ress he referred to the debt of other nations to Wales and the Welsh in various spheres. When he referred to the great services rendered by Mr Lloyd George the boys cheered to the echo. Professor John Owen, of Bala College, who is engaged in a Y.M.C.A. hut, delivered an address on "The beauties of Welsh scenery," which was illustrated by lime- light views—the "lighting order" not ex- tending so far. A choir drawn from Welsh regiments, and from Welshmen in English regiments under the baton of Private Iago Jones, of Treorky, sang popular Welsh airs, including "Asligrove," "March of the Men of Harlech," "The Land of mv Fatheirs," etc. Hymn tunes including Aberystwythwere also sung. The first call to married men was posted on Saturday. The proclamation calls groups twenty-five to thirty-two to the colours—that is, men between the ages of nineteen and twenty-seven. It applies to men who attained nineteen in August. The proclamation, which is headed, "7th March. 1916, Army Reserve," notifies to all men who have been enlisted and passed forthwith to the Army Reserve, classified in the above-named groups, that they must report themselves on "such date and at such place as may hereafter he directed for the purpose of rejoining the army." The publication of the notice in the parish in which the last registered place of abode of a man belonging to any of the groups is situated must be deemed sufficient notice, notwithstanding that a cony has not been served on him personally. The date on which the groups will begin to be called up is April 7th.

DINAS KAWDDW7, Concert. On the 3rd March a concert arranged by the Male Voice Choir was held in aid of the. Red Cross Society's funds at the Council School. It was pre- sided over by Dr John Jones, J.P., Dol- gelley. whose kind service^ now as at all times are much appreciated. There was a large attendance, and the varied pro- gramme provided an enjoyable evening. The secretarial arrangements were in the hands of Mr Robert Evans of Brook- terrace. Mr Baldwyn Jones directed the concert with his wonted homeliness and skill. Once more gratitude is due to the accompanist, Mr E. H. Jone*, and Telynor Mawddwy for their gratuitous services. After a patriotic address from the chair, Mr H. R. Humphreys and Mr Egryn Hum- phreys opened the concert with "Cwlad y Cedvrn," and the high standard set at the beginning was maintained to the end. The former soloist its widely known in the Dinas and was given a cot-diit reception. Mr Egryn Humphreys was warmly ap- plauded on his first appearance in the dis- trict and the charm, both of his singing and manner, was one of the outstanding features of the evening. The Misses Roberts, of the Buckley Arms Hotel, to- gether and individually, were received with remarkable enthusiasm. and Miss Ella Steadman was exceptionally fine as usual. Interspersed with the other items were recitations of a topical nature by Mr E. D. Jones, and penillion singing by Mr J. Pugho Jones and John Roberts. Cwm- cewydd Choir, under Abiah Williams, sang "Trewch. Trewch y Tant" splendidly, and the two songs sung by the Ladies Choir, under Mr Evan Davies, especially the humming arrangement of "Lluyn Onn" were particularly sweet and impressive. The Male Voice Choir, under Mr El. D. Joiur>. won the admiration of all. and the tripping measures of boatman, row," as well as the finer harmonies of "Y Delyn Aur" were sung with verve and ex- pression. A vote of thanks to Dr John Jones, to the artistes, and to all who helped to make the concert so distinct a success was proposed by Mr Baldwyn Jones and carried unanimously.

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I Welsh Fusiliers and St. David's Day. I "Somewhere in Wales" there ;s a brigade of Royal Welsh Fusiliers training assidu- ously to maintain the traditions of the tamous regiment on the field of battle. Officers and men suspended temporarily the-r daily ronton to celebrate St David's Day, an event which is ever honoured with i becoming ceremony by the frincipality s oldest regiment. There was to have been ] a march past of four battalions in the morning, iirigadier-general Owen Thomas taking the salute; but on account of the | climatic conditions the ceremony was can- s ceiled. However, the 18th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers (2nd London Welsh), with its excellent brass band and drums, did a short route march under the command of Lieut.-colonel Ivor Bowen. Every officer and man wore the leek in his cap, as also did every member of the other battalions in the brigade. The inhabitants of the countryside' and neighbouring villages turned out in force to watch the march of the battalion which, by the way, has sent over 700 men to the rront and is still splendid unit. After the completion o" the march the men were given a holid; j and there was no further celebration till the evening, when the brigade held a dinner, at which the recent regimental customs were rigidly observed. During the evening the richly-caparisoned goat of the 18th Battalion, attended by four drummers, paraded the. dining hall, and to the roll of the drums every officer and guest who had not done so previously had tc mount his chair and eat the leek. Colonel Wynne Edwards (commanding the 21st Royal Royal Welsh Fusiliers) presided, and among the guests were General Sir Henry Mackinnon, K.CB., Major-general Donald (until recently commanding the Rhyl Reserve Centre), Brigadier-general Owen Thomas /commanding the 14th Re- serve Infantry Brigade), the Bishop of St. Asaph, the Lords-lieutenant of Denbigh, Flint, and Merioneth, and the Rev Colonel John Williams. Mr. Lloyd George wired to say that urgent public business pre- vented him from being present. At the conclusion of the dinner a short toast list was gone through. The toasts honoured were" St. David, proposed by Brigadier- General Owen Thomas; "The King" (ccilonel-in-chief of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers), and "The Prince of Wales," proposed by the Chairman Shenkin ap Morgan," propos-ed by Lieutenant-colonel Ivor Bowen in & witty and humorous speech; "Toby Purcell and His Spurs," proposed by Major Breese; and "Royal Welsh Fusiliers at Home and Abroad," proposed by General Mackinnon. General Mackinnon mentioned that the regiment was new of greater numerical strength than the whole of the British army commanded by the great Duka of Wellington in the Peninsular War. Responding to the regi- mental toast, Captain Wynne-Edwards, of the 2nd Battalion, gave a. brief summary of the deeds done by the 1st and 2nd Battalions in the present war. For the entertainment, of the men Qf the brigade a concert was arranged follewed by male voice choir competition. Five choirs eompet-ifl and the winners were the 18th Battalion (2nd London Welsh) Choir), conducted by Bandmaster Ellis. The adjudicator was the Organist of St. Asaph Cathedral.

ST. DAVID'S DAY IN LONDON. DEMONSTRATION AT THE LONDON OPERA HOUSE. St. David's Day in London for 1916 will not soon be forgotten. Over 1,000 ladies were about selling flags, postcards, etc., for the benefit of the Welsh troops. Londoners brough the small Welsh flag (th Red Dragon) by the thousand, so that on the streets aiid-iii trains nearly every per- son wore the Welsh colours. The great rally at the London Opera House at night was one of the biggest events that has happened in the history of the London Welsh community. This building, the largest available in London, with seating accommodation for over 3,COO people, was packed. The chair was taken by Lard Harlech, who was supported by Mrs Lloyd George, Sir Francis Lloyd and Lady Lloyd, lord Justice Eldon Bankes and Lady Bankes, Lord Lisburne, Major Robert -for.- and Dr. Lynn Thomas, of Cardiff. There were several members of Parliament present, including Mr. John Hinds, M.P., Mr. Haydn Jones, M.P' Mr. Ellis Davies M.P., and Mr. Timothy Davies, M.P The band of his Majesty's Welsh Guards was a great attraction and the immense aud.-3.uce was delighted with their perform- ance. It was their first appearance in public, and London Welshmen and Welsh women gave the Band and the Conductor a cordial reception. The singers were Mr. Ben Davies and Mr. Ivc¥e Foster, who are always welcome at- London Welsh gather- ings. One item that was received with much cordiality was "Comrades," by a glee party from the second battalion Welsh Guards. The performance was encored. The Welsh boys from the Tower of London sang "The Soldiers' Chorus," which was equally well received. The meeting was in every way a huge success; but keen dis- appointment was felt at. the absence of the Minister of Munitions and of well- known members of the House of Lords and i of the House of Commons. It. is well known that Mr. Lloyd George, is hard at work and finds little time for leisure in these strenuous days; but his presence at this gathering would have encouraged his countrymen to do even greater things in th:- future in the celebration of their national day. The Committee, of which Dr D. L. Thomas was chairman; Mr. Phillip Williams, treasurer; and Evan Richards, and Mr. H. Pughe Roberts, hon. secretaries, is thoroughly representa- tive of all Welsh societies in London and of all parties and creeds.

CWYL DEWI SANT AT PRESTON. The fifth annual gathering of the Preston Cymdeithas Cymmrod rrion, to celebrate St. Davids Day was held at Preston on March 1st. Mr. Edward O. Jones, late of the Welsh Colony in Pata- gonia. occupied the chair, and was. sup- ported by Messrs. D. W. Davies, honorary secretary, and J. Ross, Ithel Owen, and others. Letters of apology for unavoid- able absence were read from Dr. E. Roes [Jones, M.D., D.F.A. (medical officer of health for Blackpool), who is president of the Society Mr F. Llewellyn Jones, Mold and Private D. Laurence* B.A. (now with the A.S.C. in South Wales). The Trea- surer (Air. Jenkins) was also away, he having been recalled to the navy on im- portant service. A company of about 140 had gathered, including some sixty or seventy Welsh soldiers of the R.F.A., now in Preston, and an enjoyable evening was spent. To the soldiers, as guests of the Society, Mr. Ithel Owen extended a cordial welcome. In an inspiriting address. lie spoke of the national spirit of Wales that had manifested itself in literature and song, and now, roused by the trumpet call of battle, was sending its best and bravest sons in thousands to strike for freedom and right. The way Welshmen of all stations of life, peer and professor, poet and peasant, had rallied to the flag was another glorious page in the nation's history and one of which they were all proud. (Hear, hear). Driver Thomas, B.A., in reply said it was a pleasure to them who had come to Preston from all parts of Wales, to find in this town a means of celebrating Gwyl Dewi Sant among their own countrymen. Mr. Rees said he was sorry it had not been possible to get into touch with all the Welsh soldiers in the town, as the Society would have liked to. do. During the evening, as will be seen by the appended programme, a glee party composed of Welsh soldiers, sang several favourite airs, and their contributions, with those of the other artistes, were re- ceived with great applause. At an in- terval refreshments were served by Mr. Edmunds, and fla-rs and postcards were readily sold by the Misses Gwen and Phyllis Edwards, in aid of the national fund tor Welsh troops. The programme read:—Unawd ar y berdoneg (pianoforte solo), Driver F. A. Powell; anerchiad y Cadeirvdd (Chairman's address), Mr. 1\1. O. Jones: "Myfanwy," Parti Meibion Cymraeg (R.F.A. Welsh Glee Party) can {song), Miss George; "Gwlad y Delyn" (Land of the Harp), Mr. J. D. Morris "Codwn Hwy!' (Sailor's chorus), Pnrit Meibion; "O, Na Byddai'n Haf o Hyd" (O, that Summer be for Aye), Driver Daniels; impromptu speech com- petition. winner Driver Thomas; deuawd, "Gwys i'r Gad" (duet, "Call to Arms"), Driver Daniels and J. D. Morris; alaw Cymraeg (Welsh air), Gunner Christopher; "Comrades in Arms," Parti Meibion; can (song), Miss George; "Martyrs of the Arena," Pnrti Meibion; deuawd, "Y Ddau Forwr," Gunner Daniels and J. D. k I I Morris; can, "Marguerite," Gunner Gardner. Various favourite Welsh choruses were sung by the party. At the close Mr. A. Evans read the following englyn,:— 0 Sir Fon i Forganwg y daethom I Breston fach—ddydd Dewi Sant I Mor o gan-doniol ymgom Cawsom gyda eiu doniol blaiit. Among the soldiers present were several from this locality. It was impossible to obtain a complete list, but the following names may be of interest:—F. W. Powell-, CLirdiiT; S. 0. R. Jones, Ruthin; S Furber, LlanhilSeth, near Newport; WIlliam Lpy. slion. Neath; William Davies, Rhymney; Elwyn Goos. Porth; W. Goodhall, Aber- tillery; G. Tennag, Mountain Ash; H E. Gardiner, Cardiff R. Roberts. Denbigh; Ernest Chanter, Merthyr; W m. Morgan Johns, Pontypridd; Henry John Cowley, Mardv; W. Jones Ruthin; T. J. Roberts, Ruthin; R. Jones, Pwllheli; R. M. Wil- liams, Llanrwst; W. D. Christopher, Moun- tain Ash; Bombardier Jenkins, Penygraig; T. G. Davies, Llantwst V.; Dunkinson, Ram; J. Rae, Dinas Powis; C. Barnes, Cardiff; O. Jones, Anglesey L Smith. Monmouth; A. J. Bowen, Ponty- pridd; J. Lewis, Henllan; Geo. R. Roberts, W. Hargent, Porth; J. Phillips Whitland; T. Batten, Waunlwyd; R. S. Arnott, Pont- ypridd and J. Williams, Aberbeeg.

ABERAYRON. London To-Day Other Impressions. I wentqdoivn to Westminster with a man who had no wish to see the House, but who, when he stood in the outer lobby, was interested in tracing EngLsh history along tlie effigies of the King>j aud Queens which make the embroidery of the entrances to the various corridors. But to me the atmosphere had, and always has had the fasc.nation of the opium den to its devotee. There, in the inner or Members lobby, I first saw Mr Parnell in the year 1880. He was just passing through the Lobby, a man about 5ft. 10 incheii high, fair, or, as it appeared then almost ruddy complex:pn; an athletic's step, fragile but muscular. His head was baldening above the fore- head, but he wore a shock of hair behind his ears. With him was Mr Joseph Biggar, a man whose hate was as un- questioning as hi!3 love; whose fearlessness and inflexibilit.y of purpose made him a great political force; a man who could speak for flvfc hours for the purpose of obstruction. a whole "House" grinding their teeth with ferocity; a man who in 1875 "espied strangers" for the same obstructive purpose, and all the occupants of the various gallerier, had to retire, in- cluding the Prince of Wales who happened to bo in the House. That was the sinister fun. They were two great patriots fighting against 656 Members of Parliament for the unshackling of their beloved country from the merciless tyranny of landlordism. I remember how I loved them and how I would have liked to make obeisance to both. Later I hated both, with the hate of vengeance, for they reduced the magnifi- cent Liberal majority of 1880 to impotence; and did not Mr Parnell, during a sitting of one of the sessions of the 1880-55 Parlia- ment have the unpardonable audacity to move "that Mr Gladstone be not heard?" Again the wind has veered and I hold that they were two of the greatest Parlia- mentary heroes of the nineteenth century, for they saved their people at all oosts. Dr Johnson is reputed to have said that "patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel." It his been, and can be, and is; but the patriotism of the Land League aimed at and secured the emancipation of P. race. The pursuance of that cherished object took those patriots and their friends to plank beds, solitary confinements, and tcaffolds. There was but little room for successful •scoundrelism in their patriot:sm. It was in that Lobby that I met Mr John Dillon, whose personality possessed a spell of its own. He came to be considered by large sections of the English people as the embodiment of everything that was brutal and sanguinary. „ But the popular image was grotesquely inaccurate. He was tall, thin, frail; a physique that seemed to require only a touch from one of the ills which flesh is heir to to shrivel up. I remember vividly his long narrow face, his delicate features, his coal-black hair which increased the pallor of his com- plexion his dark tranquil eyes. Ah, they were men "who were ready to fight and ready to die" for the deliverance of their country, It will take an earthquake to settle the land question Mr Parnell," someone ¡,aid. Then we must have an earthquake" was the reply. But Mr John Hugh Edwards has come for us and there is a real thrill of com- radeship in his grip. There is no man who enjoys the delights of the hour more keenly, whether it be addressing 3,0C0 people in a Public Hall at Aberdeen or discussing a municipal trifle at a meeting of Aberystwyth T'ovahi Cbuncl, or taking his friends along the corridors of the House of Commons, and even into spme of its forbidden sanctums, or preaching from any pulpit. He has the capacity for finding the life that is there around him amusing and sufficient. I would judge that he enjoys society and solitude, work and play, a dinner, or an all night's sitting. There is no one in whose brain the ardours of the Celt glow more ruddily than his. He can write and he can speak; and he is beyond all others the one to show a friend the House. He has no engagement to keep in exactly ten minutes after you meet him. He does not hurry on for the first respect- able chance to cut you, or to consign you to the Strangers' Gallery because there is no room in the Speakers' Gallery, where you might have the audacity to expect the Member to converse with you from over the seat. He is prodigal of favours and accommo- dations and delights. He give!> all he has, and there is nothing left for you to wish for. We have just been to the smoking room and had coffee, and were introduced to every man who was there. In our triumphant march to the distinguished Strangers' Gallery such people as Mr Henderson and P.W.W., whom we casually met, had the honour of being introduced to one of his best friends." If we hap- pened to encounter Mr Asquith or Mr Balfour. the contact would have produced the (same result. It was deliriously deVghtful, the more so, because it presented so sharp a contrast to the usual perfunctory dog-1 ed-by-a-chain services rendered in similar conditions by many of the Weljdi Members whom I have met in those same precincts in my time. I remember no reception that was so lavish and so gratifying that so much made all the House yours as well as his. The ne-t best thing to it was the ex- oui-iite old-world patronage of the late Sir Richard Temple, to whose care I was once consigned by Mr Willis Bund. -1

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Early Trout Fishing. [By EDGAR S. SHRUBSOLE], 7 Is the angler living who, gazing on a trout stream in the early months of the year-when it is running fine after a. spate, yet still remains fairly bank-full, when the welcome sun has warmed the air, the whole countryside is awakening fr,om its winter's rest. the birds are busy and the trees and busher* are bursting into green glory—has failed to realise how ideal the fishing conditions are ? Should an angler refrain from fisbinga. stream then well knowing it to be a bona-fide early and a legally "open water?" We ask these questions because March is here, certain trout waters are "open," and once again we hear murmuru of remonstrance con- cerning early trout fishing. We are told that it is not sportsmanlike. In consider- ing the subject we can, fortunately, bring to bea r upon it some claim to being a sportsman as well as considerable ex- perience of trouting-waters throughout the British IsleK. It -*s in connection with such experience that the first point arises—in favour, we think, of early trout fishing. The remonstrance emanates chiefly, if not entirely, from the ranks of those anglers whote fishing occurs in waters that are not early and whose efforts have not been extended farther afield. The trout are not in fit condition to be basketed from the waters they fish before, say, May, and they rush to the conclusion that the angler who baskets fish from any other waters as early as March is not a sportsman. They presume that neither can the trout in those waters be in fit condition. We are not akne in asserting this to be an erroneous conclusion to arrive at. The crux of the matter is, of course, the condition of one's quarry. A bona fide early trout water is one in which the greater bulk of the fish are in fit condition when an early start is made at angling for them. Our experience satisfies us there arc waters in the British Isles in which such conditions obtain- notably in Wales—and it is quite sports- manlike to banket trout from them as early as March. Let there be no mistake. A water is not early because here and there a trout in it is in condition. The bulk of the fish must be in condition. In every trout water there are a few fish in condi- tion in March, or even in February, exactly as there ate a, few out of condition in every trout water at all parts of the seaspn. We are not forgetting the fact that certain waters are" oDen" early which should not be, and we give place to nc angler in the unqualified condemnation of those who fisli such waters before the bulk of the trout are in fit condition. This, however, should not, and does not, bar an angler from basketing trout from a bona fide early water and still be a sportsman in the very best sense of the word. If further evidence than that of condition be necessary to prove that cer- tain water;, are early it is forthcoming in the fact that in many cases they provide sport during March, April, and the early part of May only. For the remainder of the season they are of little 0: no value to the fly-fislier; and we are only concerned with him in cur remarks. The murmurs of remonstrance concern- ing early trout fishing in some quarters develop into emphatic objection on the part of those who declare trout to be so "ravenous" in March; "they will rush at anything," and in this connection also we are told that it is not sportsmanlike to basket them in such conditions. Thij I objection would certainly have weight with us if it were absolutely correct and did not emanate, in many cases, from anglers who, given the chance, eagerly avail themselves of "the duffer's opportunlty" when tho May Fly is on the water and the trout are bulging in every diwetion as the mad feast proceeds f AYe are not prepared to admit that the trout are "ravenouu" on bona-fide early waters. It is quite true that on all waters the trout are ravenous while getting into condition: but on waters such as we have described as bona-fide early water:, it certainly has not been our experience that the fisl; will rush at any- thing." We willingly admit that they, in favourable weather conditions such a" those described in our opening remarks, will fed freely and we are under the impression that is the time to angle for trout, or anv other fish when they will feed. Surely our* critics (lp not wish us to fish for trout only when there is little or no chance of catching them? That, indeed, would be even more absurd than the methods of tho dry-fly bigot who cats only over a rising fish With reference to our remarks about May Fly fishing, we do not wish it to be thought that we condemn angling while the May Flv is "up." Nothing' of the sort. We then fi-h ourselves! But, in support of our case in favour of early trout fishing, we most emphatically assert the trout feed an freely then, and far more frequently, than they feed in the month of March. Hence any objection to basket- ing trout from a bona-fide early water in the month of March because they feed freely cannot obtain, or the same objection must be applied to trout fishing when the May Ply is "up." To apply it in either case were extremely foolish. On these ea*, trout waters it will be noticed that, as a rule, the fish feed only during the middle part of the day, say from eleven until two. As the season advances the time is extended, earlier and later: but it is not until May has well advanced that, the much-prized evening rise occurs: and, personally. We have never been successful in our efforts to basket trout on the flv very early in the day at any nart of the season. The trout fisher in March or April is well, advised to make the most use of the short time in which he has a chance of sport. Rise or no of natural fly. he should continue to fish and with no use of natural fly he will. we presume, be fishing wet-fly" style, with L the orthodox, throe flies- on. his cast. At any rate. he should be; because, whatever they may do later pn, trout feed beneath the surface quite freely in the early part of the season and frequently when no sign of a rising fish is to be seen. And that reminèH us of a valuable "tip." The early trout fisher—wet-fly style—should fish his flies well sunk. Of course, if there be a r.se of fly land the fish are accepting the tit-bits on the surface dry-fly tactics may be adopted with profit to the basket; but on the whole, even with a rise of natural fly and the trout feeding cn the surface, the wet fly is the moi*e deadly lure. Our reason for this is that early trout fishing, for the most part, occurs on waters that favour wet-flv methods rather than dry-fly tactics.. Take for instance many of the Welsh streams. They rise among the mountain;, and for the most part pursue their entire course through more or less mountainous districts; and it should be noted that where they do not do so they are not early waters and) do npt iconic under present consideration. The angler has no more use for the dry-fly on the bulk of these waters early in the season than a toad has for a side-pocket. Later on the foater may be given a trial, but not at present. Another matter of interest in ronnect on with early trout fishing is that the fish arc nlorp generally distributed over the water. There are everal reasons for this, the chief probably, is that the winter'N floods bring down with them a gqadJy store of food for I the fish and t is carried in the water irrespective of where that water may be j flowing. Another reason, and one which rightly concerns the angler, is that where strong floods have occurred last | season'?, "Fes" for fidi may be silted up. Pocysped cut, or otherwise affected for the worse: while new lies" may have been formed in which the fish will locate them- selves and feed later Oil when they have ttJed down. At present they have not settled down. Whatever may 1:1, the cause of this more general distribution of the angler's quarry early in the season, he will do well to accept the fact not neglect to cast his flies in every -A- likelv-lookinsr spot. While perfectly aware that it is tread- ing on dangerous ground to advise anglers concerning the flies they should i-il-,(" we venture a remark on the subject, and sub- mit a cast whi h, in our hands, has proved successful. It is a mistake to use much larger flies early in the season than one would use later on. They may be slightly larger in a full water, but being so does not invariably enhance their killing ;r-ow«r«. Nor should thov be fished less skilfnllv. our contention being that the | trout are 1\0 mere "silly" at this time of The year than at any other time. though the*- may feed more freely. In the front mnk of early trout flies, we unhesitatingly nlace the March Brown nnd the very dressing- of it for Welsh waters i, as follows :-Boch-, fur from a Time's ear. spun on orange silk twist, and picked out with a needle point here :>nd there to -expose i be orange colour slightlv wiivs. from a j younc narrridpo; ta'l. two fibres from | si,me hackle, dun coekr. That is the tan flv the first dropper beinr i blue dun ond the top droplet- a dark olive dun. Trv "hi" oast and may It bring you "tight lines."

SCHgeL ECONOMY IN CARDIGANSHIRE. The following appeared in the" SdlGol- master". The Card re Education Committee, like many other authorities, is bent on economising, though tlie report of its meeting at Lampeter on 3rd February does not reveal much attempt to discover whether there is a wise and a foolish economy. Mr e. M. Williams, to whom we have previously called attention- ill this column, proposed that small schools with an average attendance of less than fifteen should be closed, and that children living beyond the three-mile limit should be conveyed daily to the nearest school. It is interesting to notice in another part of the new spaper (the "Cambrian News") which repoits this matter thut the C hair- man of the Merionethshire Education Committee, in congratulating Sir (). M. Edwards, the chief inspector for W ales, on his new dignity, made the statement; i that the boys brought up in rural upland schools almost invariably proved more i successful than those in the lowlands. Now Cardiganshire lial, many rural uplands schools serving districts that are sparsely inhabited and difficult to reach, and it is only a few weeks ago that we were all reminded that one such school had fash- ioned the mind of that great Celtic scholar | Sir. John Rhys. Yet Mr C. Mi. Williams, wholly ignoring the educational issues involved, would close these small schools, not because they are inefficient, but because th.p average cost per scholar is too high. We rejoice that the proposition was defeated. Mr William;, was more happy in a second proposition which recommended tb0 appointment of a com- mittee to attempt some amalgamation of Council and Church schools in towns and villages where all the scholars could be accommodated in one building. This will arouse many fears and some suspicion: but with careful handling it might lead t, to considerable saving without injuring the scholars' education in any way. It is not the first time such a proposal has been made but if ever there was a time when such a compromisp could be made it is purely now. Mr Williams is keen to save We are equally keen. provided no educational loss is involved, and we look to Cardiganshire with some hope that here ti, ev may find some solution of their ^difficulty. I

PARIS HOUSE, DOLGELLEY. SPRING-, 1916. Owing to our early purchases, we are offering » choice variety and exceptional value in i NEW SPRING MILLINERY. Special Show Days throughout this month. We invite inspection. W. A. MEREDITH

LLANAFAN. St. David's Day.—Ar, usual the annual Welsh festival was celebrated with enthusi- asm by the children of the Council School. The Red Dragon was hoisted on the flag pole and the school was prettily decorated for the occasion with flags, evergreens, and flowers and every child sported a leek. Addresses were given on varrous patriotic subjects. The national and allied flags and the local roll of honour (which was decorated with laurel leaves) were saluted and a memorial tree planted in the play- ground. In the afternoon an entertain- ment. consisting of Welsh songs, recita- tions, competitions, etc., was held. Literary and Debating Society.—The annual St. David's supper and concert were held by the members of the Society on Wednesday evening. About fifty-five members sat down to a sumptuous repast I kindly provided by the Chairman (r R. LI. Jones, Dolfor). The room had been profusely and tastefully decorated with flowers, evergreens, flags of the allied nations and Wales, and art stic drapery. The tablets, laden with delicacies, and charmingly adorned with vases of flowers, were presided over by Mrs Thomas, Tyny- bedw; Miss Edwards, Dolfor; Miss Jones and Miss Owen. the latter having arranged the flowers. After ,supper a miscellaneous entertainment was g:ven to the company by various members of the Society. Addresses were given by the Chairman, I who feelingly referred to the twelve mem- bers absent on war serv ce, Mr H. H. Herring, and the Rev D. A. Thomas. The Glee Party, conducted by Mr J. Jones, Dolauafan, sang several pieeas in first class style. Recitations were given by Miss B. Hughes, Mr R.ichard Jones, Mr Joseph Davies. Miss M. Bonner, M'ss Mary Evans, Mitss M. L. Parry, L. M. Edwards; impromptu verses by Mr G Parry; songs and duetts by Mr J. Jones, Dolauafan Miss Bessie Hughes, Miss Doris Evans. Mr W. R. FANi-ardi, Mr D. B. Edwards. M'ss Annie J. Evans. Mr J. D. Jones, Mr W. J. Evans, Mr Tom Fvans, Mr Edward Evans, and Miss M. Lyke. The accom- nanists were Miss A. Parrv. Miss B. Hughes, and 1\1i:;I\ M. Edwards. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Chairman (proposed by the Rev D. A. Thomas and seconded by Mr H. H. Herring for his kindness in giving the excellent supoer and for his serivceM- as well as the other officials, during the -son. Mv J. Hughes proposed and Mr Herbert Hughes sec- ouded a vote of thanks to those who had taken nrt in the enterta;nme11t. and to the ladies who helped in the ijpTwr arrangements. Mr Thomas Fdwards pro- posed and Mr .T. Evans swxmdod a vote of +Vinks to Mr He-^p" Miss Parrv. M^s ;'lw.,td:;L Afr J. H. Edwards, and Mr G. ITii-lie- for decorat'ne- the room. A vote of th^nkr* was also -ro-n,ed lhv Mr J. Jones fn Miss L-yko for lend'no- the ,"nstrnmer»+.. After an enio^ablo evening th» nT-ner^d- inrrc ter™na+^d «ho>-t]v aftor midnight by singing the National Anthems.

I.T.ANII,ATR Debating Society.—An interesting con- cert was held on Friday evening under the auspices of the Debating Society. Mr Davies, P.C.. took the chair in the absence of the Rev O. H. Jones, B.A., B.D., when the following programme was gone through — Short address by the Chairman gramophone selections. manipulated by Master Willie Morris; solo, Miss L. Jones; dnett. Misses S. Evans and S. James; solo, recruiting song (composed by P.C. Davies) Willie Jones: solo, Mis3 R. Evans; solo, Miss S. James; impromptu speech, prize divided between Miss J. Richards and Mr T. Thomas; solo. WTillie Parry; recitation, Miss Olwen Jones; tsolo, T. Thomas; best programme for next season, Mr Edward Lloyd; best wit. Mr Morgan Edwards; quartette. T. Thomas and party, and re- citatipn, Miss Olwen Jones. After a vote of thanks to the Chairman. "Hen Wlad fy Nlhadau" was) Sung, led: by Misfc M. S. Lloyd, which brought a very pleasant evening to a close as well as an instructive session. Sessions.—The monthly sessions were held on Friday before Morris Davies, Esq., presiding: R. J. R. Loxdale. E'q., and Dr Edward Roberts. The police returned a notice served en two women living at Devil's Bridge calling on them to show cause why distress should not be issued against them for refusing to pay the fine and costa, imposed on them for having neglected to fill in the forms under the National Registration Act. A distress order was granted, subject to a week's postponement. A list of farmers who had j applied for dog exemptions was presented. Consideration of the list was deferred for a month in order that all who had not applied should d,o so and it was intimated that those who did not apply would be prosecuted.

OBTAINED IN THE FOLLOWING TOWNS. Cardiff.—Messrs. Ernest Joyce and Co., 37, Westgate-street; Messrs. W. H. Smith end Son, Strand House, Penarth-road; Wyman and Sons, Cymru House, St. Mary-street. Swansea.-Messrs. W. H. Smith and Son, Railway Bookstall; Mr. George Williams,. Alexandra-road; Messrs. Wyman and Sons, 69, High-street. Merthyr Tydfil.-Messrs. Wyman and Sons, Railway Bookstall; Mr. D. Bowen, 109, High-street. Dowlais—Mr. W. Jamea. The Printing House, North-street. Senahenith.—Mr. D. Williams, 138, Com. mercial-street. Porth—Mr. A. Fudge, stationer; Mr. W. R. Thomas, 36, Pontypridd-road. Ynysybwl.—Mr. D. Rogers, newsagent. Blaenclydach.—Mrs. A. Bevan, 151, Court-street. Ferndale.—Mr. J. T. Burrell, 67. Dyf- fryn-street. fryn-street. Tylorstown.—Mr. Charles Powell, news- agent. Pontygwaith Mr. Theophilus Thomas, Stationers Hall. Treorchy.—Mr. G. R. Protheroe, 207. High-street, and Mr. Evan Evans. 214. Park-road; Luther J. Morgan, 114, Bute- street. Tonypa-ndy.-Messrs. J. Howell and Co., Briwnent House. Maerdy.—Mr. E. E. Jeremiah. 60, Maerdy-road. Clydach Vale.—Mr. T. C. Davies, stationer. Ynyshir.—Mr. D. B. Davies. Recheb House. Aberdare.-A,lr. L. Thomas, 8, Burn- street, Cwmamman. Caerau.-Mr. Griffith Thomas, 11 and 12. Caerau-road. Pentre (Rhondda Valley).-Mr. D. C. Morgan, Post Office, Llewellyn-street. Treherbert Mr. David Evans, 26, Bute- street. Carmarthen.—Mr. W. J. Lewis, 28, Richmond-terrace; Mr. C. H. Carpenter, newsagent; Messrs. W. H. Smith and Son I 3, Queen-street; also at London. Mesrs. W. H. 'Everett and Son, 1-1, St. Bride-street, Ludgate Circus; Messrs. W. H. Smith and Son, 186, Strand; Mr. Evan Morris, 130, Theobalds-road, Mr. Evan Morris, 130, Theobalds-road, Holborn. Liverpool.-Messrs. Conlan and Co., 6, Crosshall-street; Messrs. W. H. Smith and Son, 61, Dale-street. Clhester.-Messrs. W. H. Smith and Son, 7, Boughton. Birkenhead.-Mr. Thomas Swift, News- agent, 21-23, Bridge-street. Shrew sbury.-Mess.ra. W. H. Smith and Son, 21, Castle-street. Birmingham. — Mtdwtd. Wyman and ^SUMJS, Bookstall, SnowkiU.

musio Mr. J.Chas.McLean. F.R.C.O (Formerly pupi of Sir Walter Parratt 81M Sir Frederick Bridge, etc., at the Royal College of Music, London). Lessons in Organ, Piano, Singing tI: Theory PORTMADQC ABERDOVEY, and MACHYNLLEI visited during theTeek 3, Queen's Terrace, Aberystwyth. j339 Mr. Charles ranchen, Organist and Choirmaster, fet. Michael's Parish Church, Aberystwyth Hon Local Examiner (Scholarship) R.C Jtt, receives pupils for SINGING, ORGAN, PIANOFORTE. FLUTE & HARMONY. 20, New Street, Aberystwyth. Next Term begins on Jan. 17th, 1916. Arthur C. Edwards, MUS. BAC. (Oxon.), F.R.C.O., Organist and Choirmaster- oj Holy Trinity Church bometvme Deputy Organist of LZandaf fCoAho&oi gives lessons in ORGAN, PIANOFORTE, SINGING (LadiM or Boys voices), and all branches of Musical 1 heory. Pupils prepared for Examinations For terms apply at Clyde House, Queen's- road, Aberystwyth. Mr. Edwards is arranging to visit Lampeter on Wednesdays. j98 EDUCATION. MEITHRINFA, rrcparatory School for BoyN NORTH ROAD, ABERYSTWYTH. Principal Miss TROTTER. Boarders received. Prospectus on application. Next Term begins May 5th, 1916. BARMOUTH. COUNTY SCHOOL, BARMOUTH. Headmaster: EDMUND D. JONES, M.A. Staff: JOHN LLOYD, M.A. W. A. BEDDOWS, B.Sc. W. B. WILLIAMS, B.Se. Miss L. M. M. ADAM, M.A. (Senior Mistrem) Miss MARY DAVIES, B.A. Visiting Teachers in Drawing and Painting Cookery, Shorthand, and Music. Prospectuses, etc., on application to R. LLEWELYN OWEN Clerk. DOLGELLEY. The County School, DOLGELLEY. ( The Dolgel!ey Grammar School) Dr. Ellis' Endowment, A.D. 1666. Boarding & Day School for Boys Excellent General Education and Training provided. with special preparation for the Universities, tbi Civil Service, and Commerce. Boarders received at the Headmaster's TTnnty For Prospectus, Fees, etc., apply to the Headmaster Dr. Williams' School, DOLGELLEY. Endowed High School for Girls. (Bearders and Day Pupils). Preparation for the Central Welsh Board, Oxford Local Examinations, London and Welsh Matriculation and University Scholar- ships. There are three leaving Examinations ten- able at places of Higher Education, which are awarded annually upon the result of the year's work. The Buildings and Grounds are excellently adapted to secure the health and comfort of th* girls. A large new wing was erected in 1910 to meet the demand for increased accommodation. TENNIS. HOCKEY. NETBALL. BADMINTON. Fees :—Boarding, f26 per annum; Tuition, 9Z. For Prospectus, apply to the ? Headmistrem or to D. Oswald Davies, Solicitor, Dolgeliev. Clerk to the Governors. -c EDUCATION TOWYN. Towyn County School rpHE SCHOOL BUILDINGS are laree and commodious and include tlie ordinary Class Rooms, Music Rooms, excellently- equipped Chemical and Physical Laboratories, Science Lecture Room, Workshop, Kitchen, and Laundry. The Headmaster's House is specially arranged for the accommodation of Boarders, also arrangements are made with one of the Masters tor the accommodation of Girl Boarders Pupils are prepared for the Universities, Profession and Commercial life. SUCCESSES DURING 1911. London Inter B.Sc. London Matriculation 4 Wales Matriculation College of Preceptors, Medical Prel. 2 Central Welsh Board. Honours Certificate Higher Certificate 1 Senior Certificate 11 Junior Certificate 19 Pitman's Shorthand, Advanced Grade 1 Pitman's Elementary 1 Associated Board of R.A.M. and R.C.M. Higher Division 1 Lower Division 3 Trinity College of London. Junior Division 9 Preparatory I Rendel Exhibition, zelo. County Exhibi- tion, XIO. Entrance Scholarship into Cardiff University, £15. During the last thirteen years, schoIarahipe to the value of S3,645 have been gained by pupils direct from the School. For Prospectus, Boarding Fees, etc., apply to the Headmaster, or to E. J. EVANS, Towyn. Clerk to the Governef