The Cardiff Times

THE GORSEDD. Picturesque inaugural Ceremony. The Gorsedd was held at 8 a.m., and early though the hoar was the circle was surrounded by a cIOíVd of imposing dimensions Jong before the bard3 arrived, The site of the Gorsedd is quite a mile from the pavilion, the circle being erected m a natural amphitheatre in the Sand- hills at the eastern end of the promenade, and it 33 the intention of the Urban Council to regain the circle permanently in its present position. Hwin Mon, tho Archdruid, was the cynosure of all eyes as, robed in his Herkomer gown and Other decorations, he ascended tha Log-aa stone

TUESDAY'S PRESIDENTS, I. Lord Mnaiyn. 2. Hertux Uobeits, M.P. 3. William. Jocca, M.P. amid the hearty cheers of hia townsmen, bat it t was observed with regret that with advancing years his voica is losing that force that once characterised it. and to-day the grand old had to be accommodated with a chair or,, the Maen LIog. It was his 76th b;rtaday, and when this interesting fact was. made known by Cadfan the Atchdrnid w,r3' at once made the recipient of many cong'ratn;ationa.. Twe've years ago, as Cadfan iem\jded to-day's" throng, when the National Eisteddfod last visited Rhyl, Ciwydtadd was t."a0 Archdruid, and was ablé, to perioral his dniia^ though 91 years J of age, and the hone v("j;3 generaily expressed that tlwfa would be sofaied to see a like age. Amoj^^J^iose supporting the Archdruid were Cadfan, Gwynedd, Watcyn Wyn, Spinther, Macchno, Gwerfyl, Sir John Williams, Sir Marchant Williams, Lord Mostyn, Professor H. H. Johnaon (of Cairo), Miss Mailt Williams and friends, Job, Beriah, T. tl. Thonns, L. J. Roberts, Ifano, Shankianci, Vincent, Awsteu, Ap Idanfryn, aai a host of Pan-Ceitic delegates, in- eluding M. Jaffrenou, from Brittany Mr E, E. Fournier and the Hon. Yv", Gibaon, from Ireland Mr Theo Napier, from the Highlands and Mr Jenner, from Cornwall. The Gorsedd was opined with the usual pic- turesque ritual, after which the Hon. Mis Bulkeley Owen (mother of Lord Kenyon) presented for tha Arehdrtrld's aceeptance the nsoal floral offering.. The Gorsedd prayer was recited by Dr. Abei J. Parry, and theu E33 Dar, with some spirited ceuillion. sung to harp I accompaniment, raised the enthusiasm of bis hearers to a high pitch. Thestaasas. epigrammatic and humorous, were written by Watcyu Wyn. Cadfan's oration this year was on the snbject of Celtic unity, and he fonnd high hopas on last week's achievements as the Pan-Celtic Congress j at Carnarvon. j Lord Mostyn, as president of the Eisteddfod J Committee, offered appropriate words of wel- come to the bards, md in conclusion read a great- ing to the Eisteddfod which he had just received from the Queen of Roumaaia (Carmen Sylva). j Her Majesty, wiring from Bucharest, said :— j Pteaatt ba a messenger ot love to the beauti- ) ful Eisteddfod, which will always remain hke music in my heart.—Carmen Sylva. The reading cf the telegram-evoked great cheers, which were heartily renewed a moment later when his Lordship, pointing to ono of the obelisks that formed the circle, said that was Y Garreg Wen (The Hoiy Stone) on which the late Queer, of England stood when as Princess Victoria she' ¡ visited the Principality Among the bends who, following the ancient enstom, ascended the Maen Llog to deliver bardic addresses were M. Jaffre- 1 non (with a. Breton onglyn), Gwynedd, Watcyn Wyn, Spintbar, and others, while memorial .references were made by Gwynedd to the late Canon Silvan Evans, and by Beriab to the late Gwyreddon. At this point her Highness Princess Louise Angnsta of Schleswig-flolstein arrived, accom. panid by her host and hostess. Mr n. R. Hughes, of Kinmael (the Lord Lieutenant of Flintshire), and Lady Flolentia. Hughes, aadalMgeparty. At her Highnesa'a own request she was intro- duced into the Gorsedd by the Hon. Mrs Bnlkeley Owen and Mis3 Caledfryn, and there received at thehanda )f the Archdrnid the degree of cvate and the bardic titla of Dwynwen." Amcjng others similarly honoured to-day were the Ilon. Mrs Lawrence Brodrick (the Lord Lieutenant's daughter), who receiveq the name of Gwen- doolen," the Hon. Miss Mary Hnghes. one of the Queen's ladiesin waiting, henceforth to be known all Mair Cinmael," Lady Mostyn of Talacro C" Rbian y Ffynon "i, Miss Isabel Tate, daugh- ter of Sir Henry Tate, Mr Owen Carraichael, son of the well known aathor Alexander Car- michaal, Mrs Cockbnrn, Ireland Miss Agnes Tracy, Dublin Mrs Cecilia Hitchcock, Dublin Mr J. Percy Treasure, Cornwall; Mr F. L. Mnspratt, ex-Mayo: of Flint, and others.

PAN-CELTIG RECEPTION, Address by the Princess. Theopeninghoarof the Eisteddfod was entirely devoted to the reception of the Pan-Celtic dele- gates, who, having spent the week at Carnarvon, I called at Rhyl on th3ir homeward journey to see the Welsh National Festival. Lord Mostyn, who presided, sat in the centre of as pretty a. picture as was ever witnessed at an Eisteddfod. On his right sat Princess Louise, and behind, on the or- chestra, the members of the Kinrnael house party, the Lord Bishop of St. Asaph, Mr W. Jones, M.P., and others, who liad participated in the Gorsedd rites, and who bad brought with them the banners, the Hulas Horn, and other pictur- esque regalia. The Eisteddfod song having been rendered by Miss Norah Meredith, The Rhyl town clerk (Mr Arthur Rowlands) stepped forward and read an address of welcome from the Council, which, enclosed in an alburn, was handed to her Highness by Mr Clews, the iittirman 0: that body. ■ Piinr-^ Louise of ScIiiesSvig-HoIsteiD. The Princess, whose rising was tho signal for I loud and hearty plaudits, replied :—" I desire to express my most sincere thank3 for the very Joyal and warm welcome you ha.ve given me here j to-day, and it is an especial happiness tome that 1 the first time I have taken part in thi3 famous national festival I should fc a vo received a a -honour of which I am most proud and very- deeplyappre- ciate.- in the neighbourhood of a placa in which I j THE EISTEDDFOD PAVILION. I have spent many happy days, full of pleasant memories, thanks to the kindness of my friends who made cuts ao thoroughly at home." (Loud cheers.) Immsdiately the Princess had spoken the sounds of pipes were heard, and a conple of Scottish pipers marched across the pavilion in front of the platform. Simultaneously the platform was ascended on the one side by the platform was ascended on the one side by the Welsh bards, headed by Watcyn Wyn, bearing a sword, and on the other by the Pan-Celtic delegates, headed by í\L Jaffrenou, also bearing, aloft a sword. The Pan-Celts represented the' Irish, Scots, Cornish, Bretons, and the Mqnx- men and a bewildering variety of costumes weie witnessed, Each procession marched to the cantre of the stage, where the Archdruid stood in solitary glory awaiting their oncoming. Having ordered the sounding of the Horn Gwlad. the Arch iruid demanded of each swora- bearer what was his mission, and was answered by M. Jaffernou in Breton that he wished tho divided sword siioukl once more Oe united. "I am here," declared Watcyn Wyn, on behalf of the Welsh nation to ask that the two swords shall be joined back to back, and thu3 remain fettered in peace forever." Watcyn's poetic INTERIOR OF THE PAVILION. nhrasos caught the fancy of the large crowd, and I when the Archdruid, holding aloft the two swords, demanded whether-peace was to prevail, loud cries of Heddwch," thrice repeated, re- sounded through the building. Ilwfa thereupon joined the swords together, and the Hon. Mr3 Bnl keley Owen deftly tied them with some col oared ribbons, Peace having thus been officially proclaimed, the several nationalities proceeded to exchange greet;ng.s Lord Mostyn, in a neat address, then gave the j delegates all official welcome on bshalf of tbe National Eisteddfod, and in doing so dwelt upon the progress made by the Pan-Celtic movement since 1897, He regretted his inability to at- tend the congress at Carnarvon last week, but he assured all of his interest in the unity of the Celts. He cordially greeted the representatives of the six sections of the Celtic race. (Applause.) Mr E. Fournier addressed the gathering 111 Irish,declaring that whatever the stranger might say, the union of the Celts had been accom- plished, and henceforth Welshmen and Irishmen would be shoulder to Bhonlder and heart to heart. (Applause.) j The Hon. W. Gibson, on behalf of the Gaelic _d- PROCESSION OF BARDS ENTERING THE GORSEDD CIRCLE. I — 1 I League, congratulated the eisteddfod on the fact J that at Rhyl the chief choral contest had one Welsh test piece, as he was sorry to note. on previous occasions such was not the case. The Mayor of Carnarvon was glad to appear there for the first time to represent the whole of Wales. He fully believed thmt the-enthusiasm of the Welsh in keeping alive tMa own language had acted as an incentive to the other branches of the Celtic race—{applause}—and he hoped they would continue to lead the way. (Applanae.) M. Jaffrenon, in the conrse of an excellent Welsh speech, said this was his fourth visit to the National Eisteddfod of Wales. The Celtic-S nations numbered four millions of people, who habitually used the language which prevailed l throughout Western Europe in. past times. (Applause.) By retaining it they retained their national character and fostered their Jove of beauty. (Applause.) Their double sword typified their unity as well as their strength, They would not use it to attack other nations, hot they wonld use it" in defence of the sacred rights of immortal Keltia. In conclusion he cried CELTS AT Td £ mTElMS<03J, r Kymru, Brittany, and Tieltia for ever," (Lond and continued cheering.) Mr Theodore Napier followed in English. Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau was.then sung in Welsh by Ecs Dar, in Irish by Miss Tracy, and in Breton by M. Jaffrenou, the refrain in each case being in Welsh, in which all heartily joined,

CAPITAL OF WALES. Speech by Mr. W. Jones, M.P. Mr William Jones, M.P., the afternoon presi- dent, in the course of an sloquent speech in Welsh said that hitherto in Wales they had been speaking loudly of their literary treasures, but doing scarcely anything to preserve those treasures. It was a fact to be sincerely regretted that they had as yet no schoolbooks in which their children could bo introduced to the litera. tnre of their country. He ventured to say that theirs was the only nation that had not utilised heir language, tradition and literature and his- tory as tho basis of the culture and education of the children. Many Welsh schools had endeav- oured to remedy this defect, but had no; been supported as they ought to have been uy their countrymen. To-day, the education oi Wales was in the bands- of popularly elected representatives, and woe be to them if they did not see to it that the rising generation were given an opportnnity to acquaint themselves with what was best iu the literature and history of Wales. Speaking of Wjalsh literature, the hon, member said that the' most notable achievement during the past year was the translation of Dante's Divine Comedy into Welsh by Mr Daniel Rees, of Carnarvon, a task of great laboriousness, bus carried out with marked ability. (Hear, hear.) Turning to music, he asked why was it that irt the chief choral contest to be decided on the morrow there was only one choir from Wales as against four from England ? One reason, he ventured to think, was that they bad 111 Wales too many other Eisteddfodau, making the choirs Ring the same pieces about half a dozen times, with the result that choral singing in Wales had gravitated into the competitive arena, whereas in North Staffordshire and other English districts choral singing was made first of all the musical discipline to the singers before competi- tions were thought of. (Hear, hear.) In con- cluding, the speakerurged Wales to find for itself a capital, (Loud cheers.) Having clincussed and dismissed the claims of Carnarvon, Bangor, Rhyl, and Denbigh, be expressed his conviction that for Wales only one town was possible as a capital, viz., the only town in Wales the name of which, with its merchandise and its mineral resources, was known the world over. (Cheers.) True,some of them might reply that that town was half-Anglicised. If so, let them see to it that it was captured for Welsh nationalism- (chears)- and to do that they must heap more responsibili- ties on that town in the maintenance of the tradi- tions and the furtherance of the aspirations of Wales, (Applause.) MABON ABSENT, Mabon M.P., one of the appointed conductors of to-day's proceedings was unavoidably absent and hiapiace was taken by Mr Tom John.

THE COMPETITIONS. Many South Wales Winners. The first competition in which an award of in- terest to South Wales was declared, was that of the contralto soloists. The Test pieces were Oh my harp imOJortal" (Gounod), and The I City of Hast" (0. Francis Lloyd). Adjudicators Dr. W. H. Cuminings and Mr David Jenkins. There were no fewei than 39entries, and of these the adjudicators heard 10. The prize was awarded to Miss Lily Faiiney, of Church-road, Canton, Cardiff, a pupil of Madame Clara Novel!o Davies, as was annonnced from the platform. In the pianoforte solo contest" Chopin's study in C minor," tho prize was won by Mr Percy Hughes, Aberdare. Prize-of £ 30 for a dramA. illustrating any event in the history of Wales, was divided between Mr Ifano Jones, Cardiff, and Miss Lifitn Amlwcb. Fourteen compositions bad been sent in. For the best specimens of educational hand- ) work in 'my material done by a class of pupils under 15 veara of age.—Prize, a gold medal for the instructor and an Eistecldfoddian shield, given by Lady Mostyn, for the dass. The winner v>a3 Mr Tom Davies, Higher Grade School. Porth, Rhondda Valiev. The adjudicator was Mr Taylor. H. M.I S. The £ 60 prize for an essay on eminent Welsh- men who flourished from 1700 to 1900 was with- held for want; of completeness, and it was inti- mated that the prize would be again offered by the National Eisteddfod Association, at the next North Yv'aies National Eisteddfod. It is interesting to note that 16 compositions bad been sent in, the heaviest of them weighing 211b. The conductor, Llew Tigid was not surprised at tile adjudication, as he thought the timo allotted to the preparation of such an etsay on such a subject ont to be at least ten years. (Laughter and applause.) Recitation, "Moria Rhaddlan," first prize, Mr ll, R- Davies, LUnfairfechan second prize, I Miss Maggie Jones, Ysbytty, near Bettwsyeoed. -r-

THE GENERAL SECRETARIES, Mr H. A. Til by. I Mr J. W. Jones. I The prize offered for a novel, descriptive of I' Welsh life of tho present dav, was withheld for want of merit, although 11 compositions had been received. The adjudicators on this were Mr Llewellyn Williams, M.A.,B,C.L.t and Mr Caleb Rees. B.A. For the be3t selection of baskets made by school children, Master Teddy Evans, Carmar- then, obtained the prize. ¡ Best relief map of Wales and chart or map showing the changes wrought in the Welsh coast by encroachments and recessions of the sea since 1300, Mr E. M. Morris, Pwllheli, in- vested by Princess Louho. Tha adjudicators upon the song Y Baledwr were Professors J. Morris Jones and Berw. Ten compositions were sent in, and the prize was divided between Gwili and Mr Eilir Evans, of Cardiff. 'I Children's choir contsst, 40 to 60 voices, prize £10, test pieces "NawidCywfur (Treharne) and Dos Wanwvn Dos" (David Lloyd). Five choirs sang, viz., Liverpool, Bangor, Rhos (Bethlehem), Rbos (Jerusalem), and Holywell. Winners, Plant y Pentre, Liverpool," Everton Village. Welsh tweed, suitable for lady's costume, and fancy Welsh flannel Prizes offered by Lady Eva WyndhnmOuin. The winders were Messrs T. Williams and Sons, Troviaw. Her ladyship's prize for Welsh shawl or rug went to Messrs Hughes and Sons, Denbigh, and that for Welsh blankets to Moaara Eawards and Sons, Lampeter, In the quartette contest, the test piece for 1 which was Pinsuti's In this hour of softened splendour," Mr W. H. Prothero's party from Llanelly deservedly came off victorious. The adjudicators were Messes Francis Lloyd and D. Er-ilyn Evans. Translation into English of Ystorya oe Carolo iilagno," from the Red Rook of Ilergost, Mr Robert Williams, Llandudno. Adjudicators, Prof. M. Jones, Bangor Powell, Cardiff and Anwyl, Aberystwyth. For the best girl's outfit of not less than'six articles, Oakley County School was declared 1 winner. Historical and critical essay on leuan Glan Geirionycd," best, Mr G. Jones (Giaa Menai), Llaniairfechan, Drize £10.. I SECOND CHIEF CHORAL. The second chief choral contest attracted but little interest, for oat of the six choirs that had entered only three sang, vi~ Gefnmawr, Bryn- bowydd (Festiniog), and Nanfclle Vale (Carnar- von.) The last named was conducted by Mr T. T. Powell• There were two test pieces, viz., "The Storm," (Dr. Parry), and an nnacccm- panied piece, In vo,in you tell yonr parting lover," by Mr Emlyn Evan3. The adjudicators were Dr. Cumcoings, Messrs Dd. Jenkins, Emlyn I Mr A. Rowlands) Hon. Sec. Mr J. Pierce Lewis, Hon. Sec. Evans, and Francis Lloyd. Winners Nantlle Vale. Dr. Cumminga said he had been adjuaicating at eisteddfodau at intervals for 50 years—(applause) and he bad never heard better singiDg than to-day. (Applause.) He congratulated them upon the change which bad taken place. At one time it seemed as if the choirs that made most noise carried off the prize^, bat now they bad come to the conclusion that art ahonld have something to do with it. (Applause.) They had to-day had an example of what could be dona in that direction by careful study. Mr D. Emlvn Evans described the singing of the winning choir as a most artisth rendering. For a translation into Welsh of an extract from Lowell, Mr O, E. Walters, Llandovery, divided a £ 5 prize with another competitor, whose name did not transpire.

EVENING CONCERT. MR EMLYN EVANS' NEW WORK. Successful First Production. In the evening Mr Herbert Roberts, M.P., presided over a csncsrt, the initial part of which was devoted to the first performance of 3VIr D. I Mr D. Emlyn Evans. Emlvll Evans' new oratorio, Captivity," by the Eisteddfod Choir of 300 voices, conducted by Mr Wilfrid Jones, accompanied by a grand or- chestra, led by Mr Horace Hnselden, The ar- tistes were Miss Maggie Davies, Madame Annie Grew, Mr Marldwyn Humphreys, Mr David Hughes. In the miscellaneous programme items were contributed by the successful choir, Nantlle Vale, and by Miss Bessie Jones, the harp soloist. There wae a splendid attendance, and the new oratorio was brilliantly rendered. In the course of his presidential address Mr Herbert Roberts, M.P., said that the scene wit- nessed that evening was living evidence that the Eisteddfod remained a great power in the National life of Wales. (Applause.) In spite of all changes that were taking place their national institution retained its grip upon the mine and spirit. (Cheers.) Fears were expressed that the musical element in the Eisteddfod would over- shadow its literary side, but he had not the slightest fear ofany honest rivalry between these two artB, so, long as there was a determination to maintatu only the very best, and highest in musical effort and performance. An interesting feature that evening was the first petformsknee of an oratorio composed by one of their most gifted musicians. (Applause.) He could nt|t avoid the feeling that for some time they had in Walesrestcd their musical distinction to toofaranexteat upon mere vocal talent, and it was high ticia-that the. national genius found expression in someorisina! production, which would- take its Dlace besides the masterpieces in the world's ^musical compositions. (Cheers*) The subject t^of the oratorio) tbef;Cftptrv}ty of tha Jews, bad aiwayssttrred the hearts of Welshmen, The national li fe of Wales had passed throngh roaDv similar phases of the experience that fell, to tha ;lot of .thechildren of Israel, for they had been Tkept in isolation for many centuries, bat now they had emerged with new hope, broader sym- pathies, and a wider outlook npon human affairs. I (Applause.) He despised with all is heart any- thing that could be called the self-exaltation of a nation, bat be thought they hadia right in Wales to-cling to the love of their native land and to the hope that there were great things before them—(applanae)—and in the glow and radi- < a.ncy of that hope and those aspirations heaaw the figure of music playing a great part in the | develo99Mnt-of the national life. (Appta«ee^

r SECOND DAY. Chief Cheral-Mid-Rhondia Second. The second day's proceedings in the pavilion were in the morning under the presidency of Lord Keynon, who was supported by Mr Herbert Lewis, M.P., Mr W. Jones, M.P., Sir T. Marchant Williams, and others. LLANTWIT VARDRE HARPIST. The pedal harp prize of X2 offered for playing 1 fiia Danse de SyJphes" only brought forward I fine competitor, viz., Mr Tom Bryant, Llantwit V ardre, Pontypridd. Mr Francis Lloyd, in giving the adjndication, expreaaed regret at the absence of other competitors, especially on the national instrument of Wales. However, while hoping that there would be an improvement in regard to the number ot competitors in the future, there l could be no question as to the ability of the competitor who had appeared before the audience. (Applause.) Possibiy his fame bad deterred others from entering. For reproduction of crewel work of the 17th or 18th century on linen and specimens of eeclesias- tical embroidery, the prizes were awarded to Miss Frances A. Jones, Port Dinorwic. For an em- j broidered panel suitable for screen or cllsbion- first, Esme Bullick, Pistyll, Holywell; second, Mr T. D. Jones, Rhyl. For embroidery on linen in one coJocr—Eamo BntJick, *-ToiyweiJ. MUSICAL ADJUDICATORS. C. Francis Lloyd, Mug. Bac. Dr. W. H. Cumminga. --I SPEECH BY LORD KENYON. Lord Konyon, the morning president, then de- livered his presidential address, being greeted with cordial cheer3. In the name of the county he wished the Eisteddfod overy success and wel- with cordial cheers. In the namo of the county be wished the Eisteddfod every success and wel- come. (Applause.) He thought they night very well extend the welcome in a very hsacty manner to those who travelled all night, starting at midnight from South Wales and who would perhaps have to spend another night on the return journey, to take part in the proceedings. (Cheerp.) He hoped that in two years' time, when the Eisteddfod should have returned to North Wales,they would be able to provide some Welsh choirs to compete for the great prizes at these gatherings. (Loud cheers.) It was a, sad thing, whatever the reason, that only one Welsh choir was to compete in that day's great contesfc. (lear, hear.) It might be due to local difficul- ties in getting the men together to practice or some other difficulties, but he maintained that it was more innate in Welshmen to sing than it was in any other body of men likely to compete with them, and therefore easier to get choirs to- gether. (Hear, hear.) They .0 have 1 bean able to present more thau L;.J competitor on the harp. (Hear, hear.) The Eisteddfod was the embodiment of all that was best in them as I Welshmen, where they lost all diffelences of religion and politics, and united for the common good of all. (Loud cheers.) ART. Mr A. Taylor, adjudicating on drawings of groups of models received from competitors under 15, said the exhibits were disappointing, bottor work being seen every day in the schooTs of Wales. Of those sent in the beat was that of I Master Georgie Maclean, Pwllheli Schools. Miss Winifred Hartley, Bangor, was the author of the best original study in black and white of a life-size head. Hand-made man's linen 3hirt, Miss Elizabeth Thomas, L/aneliy. Flannel petticoat, Miss B. Richards, Carmarthen. Pocket-handkerchief Richards, Carmarthen. Pocket-handkerchief with initials, MrH Hudson Jones, Ruthin. Silk frock for child, Miss Bella Coy. Smocked dress, any materia!, Miss Priscilla Quin. Hand- knitted stockings, Miss Annie Evans, Carmar- 1 then. Ladies' long ribbed stockings, Miss Mary I Evans, Llanelly. Band-knitted gloves, Miss A. E. Jones, Lianidloes. Specimen of lace. Mrs J W. E. Knowiea, London. Knitted Cardigan jacket, Messrs Hughes and Son, Denbigh. Speci- men of church lace work, Miss Litchtas, Pant Asaph. BOTANY. Dr. Daniel], Edinburgh, delivered the adjudi- cation on botany subjects, and the aadience be- coming somewhat impatient, gave expression to their feelings by stamping their feet. The con- ductor, Llew Tegid, jocularly remarked that be never thought botany was such a popular sub- ject, but it would be well if people restrained their applause until the close of the adjudica- tion. (Laughter and applause.) I For the best collection of plants mounted and I named of the flora of any Welsh district, the prize was awarded to Miss E. M. Wood, Higher Tranaoere. For the collection of ferns indigenous to Wales pnd classified by the competitor, the award was in favonc of Mrs J. J. Jones, Llan- ( elly. For collection cf wiid flowers, Mr A. D. Jones, Llandesai. For collection of farm weeds, arranged, etc., Mrs R. S. Rowlands, Pensarn. ESSAYS. The Eisteddfod Association offered a prize of 125 and a meda;, value £10, for a history of The Pervedd Wlad (The Four Cantrevs), till the Statute of Rhnddlan, 1284." Five composi- tions were receivsd, and the award went in favour of one of the most successful Eisteddfod competitors of recent years, viz., Mr A. Morris, schoolmaster, Newport. Mon. The E4 prize offered for au essay on the genealogy of Owen Glvndwr's mother was with- drawn for want of merit in any of the five com- positions sent in. There is evidently no scarcity of englynwyr in Wales, for no fewer than 106 stanzas were re- ceived in response to the offer of a guinea for an englyn on the east wind. Eifed and Eifionydd divided the prize between Eifion Wyn, of l'ort- madoc, and Dewi Medi, Llanelly. SEVERE TEST FOR TENORS. The tenor solo competition, always a popular event, was followed with very keen interest. Of the 61 competitors, three only were selected to sing in the pavilion, and of these two were from South Wales—Mr W. Todd Jones, Treorky, and GwiJym Taf, Maesteg; the third, Mr Oavid Ellis, being from Cefnmawr. Two test pieces were selected, but one only was sung in the final —viz., the recit. and air. "Through the Forests, from Weber's "Dor Freischntz Dr. W- M. Cummings, who with Mr D. Jenkins adjudi- cated, said that the test piece had evidently been selected to test not only the candidates vocal ability, bat also their mental capacities, WEDNESDAY'S PRESIDENTS. (1) Lord Kenyon. (2) O. M. Edwards. (3) Herbert Lewis. H6 was bound to say that in most cases they had utterly failed to appreciate the poetry and the mnsic. Speaking of Mr Todd Jones, the adjudi- cator said be had a charming voice, and m a, smaller room would have made a very much better effect. The second singer (Gwilym Taf) had more ability, or. perhaps, more experience, but he was not content to let nature alone. If nature had given anyone a nice voice it was a pity to try and alter it. In these days both male and female singers thought that in sinking, if they were to show any feeling at all, it could only be done by imitating the goat and bleat. (Laughter.) He advised singers to avoid,as they would poison, that terrible trembling in the voice called vibrato," The prize went to the third singer, Mr David Ellis, announced as a pupil of Mr Wilfred Jones. Wilfred Jones. The soprano solo competition was equally in- J teresting, 54 contestants appealing at the pre-, liminary trial. There were two test pieces, Let the Bright Seraphim and Pwy Sy*nv Myn'd j'w fagn Ef (W. Davres). Dr. Cum. mings declared that he bad not for along day heard so many line soprano voices. The winner was Miss Jennie Ellin, Cardiff, trained by was Miss Jennie Ellin, Cardiff, trained by MadMBQ Clara. Novello Davies. The baritone-solo contest, recit. and air, "It must be so and •' Pout forth no more unheeded prayers" (Jeptba) and UFy Ngweno fwyn" (DavicLEvans). prize divided between MrGeorge I E. Llewellyn, Port Talbol, andMr Tom Lewis, Hengoed,

AFTERNOON MEETING. ¡ Speech by Mr Herbert Lewis. Mr Herbert Lewis, M.P., who presided tn the afternoon, said it gave him great pleasure as a Welshman, a native of Flintshire, and a resi .dent of Caerwys, the old home of the Eisteddfod, to witness its success at Rhyl. The Eisteddfod had done much to unite the nation year after year. It brought North and South together, and ?e-united under the-wing of Wales, the mother- J land, the, scattered members of the Celtic race. It- was to the -Suadfty echopt and the Eisteddfod that the preserva- j tion of their language was chiefly due. He trusted that the practical suggestions made on Taesday by Mr Wm, Jones for the promotion of the studv of Welsh history and literature would be carried into effect, and that they would have a revival of the study of Welsh classical authors, However dearly the Welsh langnage might be cherished, it was for them to remember that nationality was not limited by lauguage, that there wore more Welsh hearts than Welsh tongues, and that there was a still wider circle of those who sympathised with all that was good in their distinctive national lite. (Applause.) He trusted that the Eisteddfod would long remain in the face of the snn and the eve of light to be the embodiment of a pure and broad-minded patriotism, a festival of which any nation might be proud. (Applause.) Chief Choral Contest. A prize of P,200 was offered to choirs of 150 to 175 voices for t're best vendeiing of How Dark 0 Lord," from Jephtba (Handel) Come with torches (Mendelssohn) "Cwsg fy anwylyd (" Sleep, my beloved "), unaccom- panied (J, H. Roberts). Adjudicators Dr. W. H. Cammings, Messrs D. Emlyn Evans, D. Jenkins, and C. Francis Lloyd). Five choirs had entered, viz., Hanley, North Staffordshire, West Lancashire. Mid-Rhondda, and Liverpool, The last-named did not, however, respond to the can, and the four choirs who sarrg appeared in the following order 1, Mid-Rhondda United (Conductor, Mi- Ted Hnghes) 2, North Stafford- shire District (Mr James Whewali) 3, Hanley and District (Mr Jamea Garner) 4, West Lan- cashire (Mr H. Berrey). THE ADJUDICATION. MrD. Emlyn Evans said they had had a good -an excellent competition. There were two choirs well worthy of the prize—perfectly < worthy—(applause)—but the adjudicators were not going to divide the prize, because they con- sidered there was a difference between those two. I There was a best, although there was another I choir which came a good second.. Dr. Cummings said he had heard Handel's choruses suug in many lands, and he had never beard better choral singing than he had heard that day. (Applause.) Indeed, he could go- further and say he^had not heard any so good. (Applause.) Now, it was unfortunate that the choirs who sang were not all equal in their arrom; performances. The first choir—Mid- Rhondcta-<,aD¡7, Handel'" chorus extremely well, but be mnut sa,y they had missed in parts the intention of the composer. In the last movement of this piece they had a splendid chorus, Whatever is, is right." The choir missed the intention of the composer, but when they came to the part song they sang it extremely well. Their rendering of the Mendels- sohn piece was electrifying and superb. The second choir (North Staffordshire) sang the Handel piece far better, for they put mental EISTEDDFOD CONDUCTORS. (L. D. Jones (Llew Tegid) W. Abraham (Mabon effort into it, and they realised the intention of the composer. The second choir also sang the part song very exquisitely. The Mendelssohn chorus tbey took at enormous speed, and they were fully jr.ss:iiecl in doing so. The third choir sang very wail indeed, although the Handel piece and the part song were not so well rendered as by the other choirs. At this juncture a voice on the platform was heard asking. "What about number 4 ?" and Mr D. Emlyn Evans was seen whispering in Dr. Cummiogs's ear. The Doctor (proceeding) said I have been re- minded that some of my remarks belong to No. 4, and not No. 3. j A Voice in the Audience; Werq there any other ¡ mistakes, Mr Judge ? Dr. Cummings Yes—in the performances many others. We are unanimous in our opinion as to which was the best choir, and unanimous also as to the second beat. No. 1 choir (Mid- Rhondda) was the second best, and No. 2 (North Staffordshire) was the best. (Locd and I prolonged cheers). This brought the second day's proceedings to a close.

EVENING CONCERT. ANOTHER NEW WORK PRODUCED. Mr David Jenkins's Job." At the evening concert there was an audience of 6,000 or 7,000 people assembled to hear the first performance of Mr David Jenkins's new oratorio Job, written expressly for Drodaction at this gathering. The artiates S Maggie Davio3, Miss Gwladya Roberts, Mr Evan Williams (the Welsh American tenor), Mr Ivor Foster, Mr Amos Jones, and Mr Torn Edwards, with the Eisteddfod choir and a full orchestra. Mr O. M. Edwards, M.A., who presided, alltided to the general commendation with which Mr Emlvn Evans's new musical composition had been received, and expressed the opinion that on the two first evenings the Eisteddfod wouldibead- mitted to have fulfilled its proper functions. In the second part of the programme Mr Whewali, the conductor of the successful choir, was in- vested by Mr Samuel Smith, M.P., and the choir rendered several of the test pieces. The oratorio was performed under the personal direction of the composer. In choosing Job as the subject of his work, Mr Jenkins almost of necessity invites comparison with Sir Hubert Parry's successful and well-knotvn oratorio on the sam9 atibject, but in justice to Mr Jenkins it should beexplained that although the conclud- iug portion of his work has been written for this Eisteddfod, the earlier scenes were composed some years ago, before the production of Sir Hubert Parry's work. It j may further be said that their similarity exints in the title only, for in scope and treatment they are entirely difterent, 90 that the doubtful policy of Mr Jenkins in choosing this particular subject is apparent rather than real. Mr Jenkin3 is his own librettist, hnd has discharged his seif- imnosed task in this particular exceedingly well, the only disadvantage, and that ap- parently an unavoidable one, being that he ha3 laid out his work for no less than 12 solo voices, in addition to the usual chorus and orchestra. In actual per- formance, however, by duplicating thecharactera, the number of soloists may be reduced to six, as was the case last night. The performance of the work wa3 on the whole very creditable. The soloists did excellent work. Special mention shonld be made of Miss Maggie Davies's singing of the exacting soJa" Dost Thou Still Hold Fast?" of Mr Evan WilTiams in the charming sob" Blessed be the name of the Lord," one of the gems of the work, and of Mr Ivor Foster for his dramatic rendering of the part of Satan. The chorus and orchestra did good service, too, the result generally being most creditable to all concerned. To sum up these necessarily limited remarks, we are of the decided opinion that this is the best work of its kind that Mr David Jenkins has yet produced. It has the distinct advantage of not being too long, and it possesses that variety and contrast which jsso necessary to a successful work. MID-RHONDDA UNITED CHOIR. It is doubtful whether in the history of cbiof choral competitions any choir has experienced I such ill-luck in the narrow margins 'twixt the winning choir and itself than the Mid Rhondda United Choir. True, BOme notable successes have come its way, but time after time the Mid- Hhonddartea have been placed a bare point be- hind the winning choir. The nucleus of the organisation was a smaH choir formed at Moriah Baptist Church, Tonypandy, in 1898, for com psting in the small eiteddfodau in the various chapels of the district. The following year the I choirs of Moriah and Hermon (C.M.), Tony pandy, amalgamated, and the success led to the ¡ formation of a united choir comprising the vocalists of the Mid-Rhondda iiistrict. The first I competition iu which tbis choir took pa.rt was at I Pont-Neath-Vaughan in 1900, when it carried away the first prize otD5 and a gold medal. Thev came second at Llanharran, Cwmavon, Morris- ton, Mountain Ash, and Newcastle-Emlvn. In 1903 they appeared for the third time at Moun- tain Aab and won a signal victory. At the Llanelly National Eisteddfod they engaged in a keen struggle for supremacy with the renowned I Merthyr Choir, and sustained a one-point defeat. This year they carried off chief prizes at Mountain Ash and Abergavenny, but lost by one point at Rbymney. The popular conductor,, Mr Ted Hnghes, has for many years been a conspicuous figure in> eistedioddic gatherings, and has gamed dis- tinction as a soloist. A few years ago. in com- pany with Mr Ivor Foster, the famous baritone, Me Haghes was in great demand on the concert platform. His first appearance .as a competitor at National Eisteddfodau was at the last Brecon gathering, where he was selected to appear on the stage in the tenor solo competition, At the same Eisteddfod Miss Johanna Hopkins, to- gether with Messrs John Broad and Ted Hughes, divided the trio prize. His next appearance waa at Carnarvon Eisteddfod, 189t, when he and Ivor Foster, in company with the Misses Maggie Morria and Ed«hJC>A?iee, carried eft thequartette priw?.

United Counties Sho r United Counties ShoW SHALL GLAMORGAN BEADDE"' PROPOSED AMALGAMATION SOHEM Important Discussion. A largely attended meeting of the Council 10 the United Counties Agricultural Society 1\'101' held at Carmarthen on Wednesday, Mr-C- $ gan Richardson, the president, occupyIng chair. Mr J. Wynford Philipps, M.P., wrote quest-ion of adding to the prize list in the section a handsome cup open to the whole of such a value as would attract the i°reI^ breeders of the day. He was prepared t0 £ scribe 4;10 towards the cost of such a trophy- A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Philippa. the suggestion being considered a goad on decided to make an effort to collect a sc j!!# sum to secure a hanrisome cup for the The President initiated an important sion on the suggested amalgamation of ganshire with the three counties of West vV^ which now constitute the area of the s°c'% He said it was no new idea, as it wa3 coalleji plated when the united society wa3 first f° -all that they should develop themselves into a larger society by, if possible, taking in G'Sji ganshire and the remaining two counties Wales, Breconshire and Radnorshire. "Ljo move was not intended to come 1 opposition with the Aberystwyth a North Wales show—whatever they B0!5d* like to call that new show, but it was in acC-j)l ance with their original scheme. The was opportune, for the county of Glamorgan j^j had a very flourishing society, but for four 01* five years it had been"practically and had not held a show. At the Swansea ing of Welsh farmers, during the Bath and W week, it was a general subject for discussion '.jj if the North Wales Society did not put ''sei.o^ order by tnalricg itself representative of the of Wales, the United Counties Society consider an amalgamation with G]amorgaD9*jj. and form a central show for South Walt>3 He did not think such an amalgamation co& them any harm and it might da them a good. All that was suggested was that ganshire should beallowed to join, with representation on the council as was-now to Pembrokeshire and Cardiganshire, and, sibly, that the show should be held once ic e^j'; four vears in Glamorganshire, the show r0?Miit in-, during the other three years at CAYM" bto as the most convenient centre for the • counties already in affiliation. In thought that a show every four years at end, Cardiff or Swansea would be a stimnlos give a good fillip to their finances now a,) by bringing in a substantial add' to the gate money. They would ^ael>' larger subscription list, for they &\ to expect from Glamorganshire a. equal to at least one-third of their present '"VjjjJ- from that source. What would happen if .e(f not amalgamate ? They stood a great ch»p losing prizes now given at the United Agricultural Show by the various kJle'3,jel/ societies. For instance, the Shorthorn now give two prizes to South Wales at show, and it might be argued that those should not be given any longer at Cartn:J.r,,¡¡I' bnt at an open show, and he was sura great effort would be made by tbeir North XI friends, who were running the Aber.V tt Show, to get those prizes awarded at wyth io Dr. Bowen Jones Wljat about Brec0 and Rainoishire ? The President said he should like to se0$ two counties joining also, but they co0J possibly go with the show to those two c°a^ and no overtures had as yet been made bj as in the case of Glamorganshire. toil, Sir Owen Scourfield, Bart., said that way communication with those two conn1' very precarious. A letter was then read from Mr tflj Alexander, of Cardiff, the liquidator of 0 Glamorganshire Society, suggesting a con* to consider the whole matter, rtøíll Mr J. C. Yorke (Langton) and Sir M9. Lloyd, Bart., had also written approving suggested amalgamation upon certain cond M The Rev. R. G. Lawrence t'Llanarthney)^ and Dr. Bowen Jones (Carmarthen) saC and it was carried unanimously, That in the opinion of this Coa00^#^ desirable that thesocietvshould be amat with Glamorganshire, provided that an a subscription is guaianteea, and that a e°Mt mittee be formed from the Council to re i proposals made on behalf of GIELmorgang Mr Footman (Hafodwan) said they 11 hold their show at Swansea and Card« £ as Carmar then. -ePj Sir Owen Scourfield also suggested which was a large centre of population 9 j improving district. Mr J, Scourfield (Blaenwernddu) aaid like the know the cause of the failure o^ tor. Glamorganshire Society. Were they gorn^y also in trying to pick Glamorgan up agaia^tt^| The President said he believed the deathlJfj old secretary was the cause of it. The lign^flT would have a lai^a sum to hand over- stood that Pr0Pared Jil toKkain the proposed fr.ionro.oo. Jlij. It waa aiso-oecttlea to communicate ;na )■ac tion of the Council to the secretaries of exj^fu loc.i! societies in Glamorganshire, in OJ as the President remarked, that we shottf IJM imitate the mistakes made by tho Aberys,1 !/■ people." fjV- The following sub committee was confer with the Glamorganshire represedt at a time and place to be hereafter agreed namely —The president (ex officio), Me pWp man, Hafodwen, and Mr J. Scourfield- yll wernddn, for Carmarthenshire Mr ^'nJn Stokes, Tenby, and Mr J C. Yorke, VaoT for Pembrokeshire Sir Marteine L'so?" Dd. Davies, Parknest, for Cardiganshire gjm On the suggestion of Sir Owen Scou £ was decided to add new classes for We'3*1 a in the sheep section. A* August 10th was fixed npon as tlje 1905 show.

WEDDING. Price—Parry. A At St. Andrew's Church, Ktrton-iiV^L i Lincolnshire, on Tuesday the solemnised by the Rev. R. Charteria, tor of the parish, of Mr Gwilyait solicitor, Llanelly. to Miss Lucv tfy daughter of Mr flenry Parry, J,P-> Cliii, Kirton-in-Lindsey. The bride yjj away by her father, and was sisters, Misges Bertie and Lily Pacry, s p maids. Mr G. J. Thomas, M.A., ^0^.0$ the bridegroom as best man. The ser -(g j fully choral. The bride's dress was of trimmed with ivory eidelweiss lace aa geK/ blossoms. She also wore a wreath of or» jj,gij soms with a veil of old lace lent by her Her travelling dress was of blue serge jjoy with blue velvet, with hat to match. moon is being spent at Peterborough 01 don.

BABY QmRt5 QUICK CURE'. 01 Torturing Ecze by Cuticura When All ElseOld Utterly Failed. NOT THE SLIGHTEST Offool SINCE CURE. — y My baby, Owen Herbert afflicted from the age of six v?ee a loathsome running eczem»» covering his face. I took bi01 and of Victor^ Aldershot, and he was treated for three months, but got fflfl „ i<>0* and was a sickening sight t I saw an advertisement of Remedies, and got the SOAP, and Resolvent. "We noticed an tbeLJ, once, and within a mug had ceased and the sJlxoPt nearly all dried off, and ia » gpo* j>«J face was perfectly clear, I have enclosed photograph jje i*. pn he was thirteen months old* two years and four of <Jv never had the slightest beBe^ am very grateful for the &rxd rived from your tjjeJf, their, feel it a pleasure to n of„« K, known. For corroborate^ o* f statement you may ref« Mrs. Williams, 45 Michaels £ shot, or Mr. Road, Aldershot, to H mended the remedies for iKfil i which they also culike ;fi II liberty to do what you likc;.u H statement, as I should 1 a, II of the value of Cuticura. WILLIAM HERBERT No. 1 West End Road, N. Southampton. (