The North Wales Weekly News

Colwyn Bay National Eisteddfod. MR. ERNEST RIHYlS ON THE LITERARY SECTION. Writing in the Manchester Guardian," Mr Ernest Rhys says — All and every person and persons that in- tend to maintain their livings by name or coloiur of minstrels, Rithmers or Barthes, shall be and appear before me the said day and place to shew forth their learnings accordingly." So runs the proclamation of an Elizabethan Eis- teddfod, to be held at Ciaerwys, the Monday next after the feast of the blessed Trinity," in the year 1568, which is called to mind by reading the, list Off subjects proposed for next year's Eistedd- fod at Colwyn Bay. Denbigh was one of the five shires named- where open proclamations were- to be made in that year, amd Denbigh na- turally makes a considerable figure in the re- curring national fete of 1910 as a subject where- on competitors shall show forth their learnings. The best prize offered in the list, indeed, is that in the general prose section ( which is labelled, rather restriatively, "EsSiays") for the best English history of Denbighshire-, viz., -C50, given by Sir Herbert Roberts. There is a prize of .f io, too, for the best collection of Denbighshire folk-lore, and another of five guineas goes for a historical novel of Welsh life, with original characters who lived in the same shire during last century. A Colwyn Bay holiday handbook, which also, appears, is one of those things that are inevitable in such a list, but that need not be literature. Five guineas seems small enough for anything that can fairly be called a novel. Why not a short story, from five to ten thousand words? Seven are offered for another dealing with Mool- gwn Gwynedd and his times—a good romance theme. Outside fiction you have the foilfawing subjects that touch many points of the literary compass: The best and fullest collection of the unpub- lished work of any Welsh bard who flourished in the Tudor period, together with a short life of the poet and critical notes uipon his works. (Prize £ i 5). The origin, history, and. development of the Celtic branches. (Prize, ^"15-) The influence of the Romans upon the. lan- guage, civilisation, and heredity of the Cymry. (Prize _"12.) Critical essay on the. works and genius, of Llerw Llwyfo.. (Prize £ro.) Welsh handbook on elocution. (Prize £10.) Twm o'r Nant and his times, containing bio- graphical and critical notes upon his life and works, together with selections from his songs and interludes. (Prize CIO.) The best collection of the folk-lore of Den- bighsihire. (Prize /io.) Handbook containing short biographies and selections from the works of deceased Welsh poets. (Prize Zio.) The effects of the latest researches into science and philosophy upon the theological ideas of the Cyimiry. (Prize ;CIO.) All but the second and the last of the above are to. be written in Welsh the others are op- tional. In the section, of poetry the chair ode subject is Summer—Yr Haf the crown poem, Ed. nyfed Fychan the cywydd, The. Angel the loiversong or tale, Deirdre —ra welcome at- tempt to naturalise an Irish heroine in. Welsh verse. A set of lyrics, on village life. does not strike one as quite the best of all possible open inducements to the lyric muse. But then, one resents the comparatively second-rate place ac. corded to lyric verse in the category, seeing that there Lies the real vitality of Welsh poetry at this moment. The lyric poet deserves a gold crown at least, and a handsome solatium besides. One genuinely sped and inspired Welsh Lvric is worth many awalau." For the set or chain of eng- lynion Welsh Valleys" and for the single etnglyim "Dawn" are the titles chosen. An excelh lent item closes the section;—a handbook of orig- inal poetry for schools. But surely the competi- tor in this case must not write alii the original poems himself, for eighteen at the least are sti- pulated for, and the prize—five guineas! The select piecesi, verse and prose, set for translation are well varied, but no Irish, Breton., or allied Celtic writers or writings are included. Nor is there in the wlholie programme any direct bid for Welsh wit and humour. The flow of wit at a typical Eisteddfod is notorious, but this is usually outside the official bill of fare, the more the pity. The drama, interlude, and comedy, the ballad, the humorous emglyn or other epi- gram, the immalicious satire, the parody—none of these are represented. The Committee will reply that they could not represent everything; they have not covered the ground by any means badly as it is.

The British Bicycle in India. As showing the great popularity of the Raleigh bicycle in our dominion's beyond the seas, it is infterestirKg to note that the manufacturers have recently received a large order from India for bicycles intended for an important Volunteer Rifle Corps in that country

Llanrwst and the Nation's Defenders. BRILLIANT ENTERTAINMENT ON BEHALF OF THE SOLDIERS' AND SAiILORlS' HELP SOCIETY. DELIGHTFUL PROGRAMME OF TABLEAUX AND MUSIC. On Thursday, April 15th, a large amdience assembled at the Church Hoiuise, Llanrwst, when a grand entertainment was given. The programme consisted of tableaux inter- spersed by songs, and choruses, with a short part for lantern slides,, and the proceeds were in aid of the funds of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Help Society, of which Mr.'W. B. Hiailhed, J.P., the promoter, is the District Head. The arranigiements for the tableaux were in the hands of Miss Jelf Petit, assisted by Mr. J¡e,llf Petit. The former had taken considerable pains, in procuring suitable costumes for the various figures, with the result that each tab- leau gave an excellent representation, of the original picture; whilst Mr. Petit had trans- formed the spacious platform into a huge picture frame, which, with the dtapings of different hues, added materially to the effect upon the figures- Mr. Watling was, the master of ceremonies, and explained the items as presented; whilst Masters Huigh and Edward Watling, dressed in military and naval costumes respectively, acted as curtain raisers. The musical section of the programme was 1I1 the capable hands of Mrs. Watling, whose selec- tion of suitable songs and choruses was much appreciated. The chorus consisted of the following: — Sopranos: Mrs. Williams;, Stationi House; Miss Jones, The Bull; Miss Williams, Bradford House, and Miss Thomas, George-street. Con- traltos Misses Edith Kershaw, Williams', Skillicorn, and Berry. Tenors: Messrs. J. Jen- kins, Humphrey Roberts, and M. Williams. Bass: Messrs. Norman Rogers Jones, John Jones, Harry Williams, and J. 0. Jones. The soloists were Misses M. E. Roberts and Thomas, Messrs. Maurice Williams and David Griffiths. The first part of the programme was as fol- lows:—-Pianoforte duet, Mrs. Watling and Master Hugh Watling chorus, Men of Har- lech," the choir; tableau, "Chemy Ripe," Miss Tiny Fox sollo, Miss Thomas; song and chorus, The dear little Shamrock," Mr. M. Williams and choir song, Love, the Pedlar," Miss M. E. Roberts; tableau, "Love and War," Miss Helen Glasispoole, Messrs. C. T. Alilardi, T. Latimer Jones,, and A. Lloyd Griffith; somg," Trule till Death," Mr. David Griffith chorus, Bilue Bells of Scotland," the choir; talbeaux, "Caller Her.rin' Miss Gab- rielle Gilasspoole; sOllo, Miss Roberts. Part II. Chorus, The Marseillaise," by the choir. Lantern slides: Battle scenes, from the time of the Black Prince up to the present day, also, showing the old time Man of War and the present-day Dreadnought. The lantern was manipulated by Mr. Qaradoc Mills, Mr. HaLhed explaining each item. Part III. Chorus, The M'instrel Boy tableau, The Doctor," Miss Tiny Fox, Miss Hill, Messrs. T. Latimer Jones, and A. McFar- lane song, "Alone on the Raft," Mr. Maurice Williams; song, Bwthyn Bach Melyn," Miss Thomas; tableau, The Bachelor's Reverie," Mr. A. Lloyd Griffith, Miss Livermore, Miss Willmer, Miss Morgan, Miss Petit, and Mrs. Barker; song, The Veteran," Mr. Davxl Griffiths. Then came the tableau, "The British Empire," in three scenes. Scene 1. Eng- land, Scotland, Ireland and Wales Mr Charl- ton., Mr. McFarlane, Miss Leta Jones., and Miss Eililia Morris, accompanied by a song, Land of Hope and Glorv," Miss M. E. Roberts. Scene Iil. The Colonies "-C,aniada, Mr. A. Morrley Jones; Australia, Mr. W. J. Roberts; India, Mr. Arthur Parry; South Africa, Mr. D. G. Wilson; chorus, The Empire Flag." Scene II. Britannia and her Colonies," consisting of the grouping of Scenes 1. and II. with Miss Petit as Britannia., making an excellent finale to an interesting programme, the choir rendering Rule, Britannia," in good style, followed by Hen W, ad fy Nhadau and God Save the King." On the motion of Major Priddle, seconded by Colonel Gee, a hearty vote of thanks was ac- corded Miss Petit and Mr. Petit, also to Mrs. Watling, Missi Hill, and Mr. Caradoc Mills, as well as to. others who had kindly assisted. [IWe deeply regret that although, this report was forwarded in good time by our Llanrwst Cor- respondent, it was by some means mislaid, which is the only explanation why it did not .appear in, our last issue.]

.■ J..WIM HI 88t( »■ Anglesey and Carnarvonshire Agri- cultural Society. Major Lawrence Williams presided on Friday at a meeting of the subscribers and supporters of the Society at B.angor to receive a deputation from the Bangor Traders' Associations, who are willing to guarantee a free site and a sum of ;640 in prizes providing the next show is held in Bangor. Mr Lamb, Secretary of the Bangor Trades- men's Association., formally made the offer, which, was accepted with thanks. A long discussion followed the reading of a letter from Mr Parry Jones, Secretary of the Society, intimating his intention of leaving the country shortly, and tendering his resignation. The resignation was not accepted, but at the request of the meeting, Mr John Prichard, Ban- gor, the former Secretary, agreed to act as Sec- retary for the present It was found that the free site guaranteed by the Bagor Traders' Association was in. Penrbyn Park, a portion of which Lord Penrhyn had kindly placed at the Association's disposal for the pulirposes of the show. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Lord Penrhyn- ,Lord Penrhyn was elected President, and Mr Thomas Williams, Llysilew, Vice-President of the show, wihch it was decided to hold on the 20th of August. Omi the motion of Captain Stewart, a com- mittee was appointed to consider the position of the Society, the members being afterwards elected as follows :—Mr Pritehard, Llwydiarth Esgob Professor Winter, Captain Stewart, Mr Lewis Morris, and Mr Gardner.

Carnarvonshire Police. IS DRUNKENNESS INCREASING ? At the annual meeting, on Thursday, Colonel 0. Lloyd J. Evans was unanimously elected chairman, in succession to Mr T. W. Griffith, of Llandudno. It was reported by the Chief Constable (Col. Ruck) that during the last quarter there had been a decrease both in indictable and non-indictable offenlces as compared with the corresponding period of last year, only two. of the crimes re- ported being regarded as of a serious nature. There was also, a decrease in the number of tramps relieved. DRUNKENNESS STATISTICS. M.r Jones Morris inquired of the Chief Con- stable if he had seen the Blue-Books with regard to the state of drunkenness in the country. In reply the Chief Constable said that he had not perused the reports, but as far as Carnarvon- shire was concerned he thought he could say that drunlkenmess had decreased here. Mir Issard Davies believed that in the Blue- Books Wales figured badly. Mr J. R. Hughes": Have we here anything to do with the whole of Wales? Mr R. Jones Roberts described drunkenness statistics as unreliable, because the standaïrcI adopted by the police in summonong for that offence varied in different places. In some cases persons were summoned, whereas in others they woulld not be even, looked at. DEPUTY CHIEF CONSTABLE'S PAY. The Comimittee was asked to approve of the appointment of Superintendent William Rees (iConway) to, act as his deputy should the neces- sity arise, the appointment carrying with it an addition of ^10 to his annual salary. 'Mr lones Morris moved, and Mr Henry Parry seconded, that extra pay was only allowed when the Deputy Chief Constable actually discharged the duties of his chief. As an amendment, Mr J. R. Hughes moved, and Mr Allanson Picton seconded, that the ap- pointment be made in the terms asked for by the Chief Constable, and several members supported this, and described the other course as one which was not honourable towards an experi- enced officer. Mr Jones-Morris expressed his astonishment to hear the advance advocated by persons who. at the next meeting of the County Council would probably be tilting at certain institutions in the county. He would not grudge paying the- Deputy Chief Constable for the extra work he performed. By a majority of 19 against three the Chief Constable's application was confirmed. COLLECTION OF SCHOOL FINES. A letter having been read from the County Education Authority requesting that the police should in future be permitted to collect fines anv fees inflicted on parents in non-attendance cases, the Chief Constable hoped that in view of the ,rnu,ltif,airiou,s duties already performed by the police, and, the fact that the new duty which it was proposed to impose upon them would take them away from their beats, the application would not be entertained. Mr John. Hughes moved that the education auithoritv be informed that their application could not be entertained. Mr Issard Davies pointed out that unless this was conceded the education authority would have to appoint an officer and pay him. Mr Allanson Picton. regarded the fines for non- attendance as legal penalties which ought to be enacted by force of law. Mr Jones-Morris contended that the police had no, more right than he had to enter a man's house and demand money without proper auth- ority. It would be competent for the Education Committee to proceed by means of a warrant, as in other cases. The Chief Constable observed that the ex- planation of the whole matter was that there were large arrears in the Pwllheli division, and the police were still waiting for a cheque from the Education. Committee. ur By a majority of two, it was resolved to, com- ply with the Education Committee's request.

The Associated Board of the R.A.M. and R.C.M. In the recent school examinations of the As- sociated Board of the Royal Academy of Music and Royal Cbllege of Miusic the following pupils of Miss, R. Hovey, B.A., Pfemrhos College, Col- way Bay, satisfied the requirements of the Board Higher division., distinction, pianoforte: Annie D. Cullwick, Clarice P. Holmes, and Mabel Robinson. Higher division, pass, pianoforte: Phyllis H. Cooper, Dorothy Edwards, Amy Fisher, Mildred E. J. Massie, Lilian, A. McCoiwen,, May Piddjuck, Alice M. Sutcliffe, Kathleen Watt, Florence WiLLatt, Dora Willatt, Annie M. Wilson, Lilian Wright, and Mary Yeoman. Higher division, pass, violin.: Kathleen Aickerley. Higher division, pass, singing: Marjorie A. Barker. Lower division, distinction, pianoforte: Emma Blamires and Annie T. Smith, Ijower division, pass, pianoforte: Dorothy Cooper, Rasolind A. M. Hutchinson, Edith D. Jones, Amy Norbuiry, Gladys S. Store, Muriel M. Wallis, and Dorothy Woodman. Elimentary division, pass, pianoforte: Kath- leen. J. E. Deakin, Annie Dootson, Jessie Hal- litt, and Elizabeth M. Holland.

LINGERING COUGHS And old-standing Chest Troubles. CURED AFTER TWENTY YEARS' Mrs. Joel Chapman., Wardhedge, Flitton, near Amp thill, Beds., J."OT over twenty years I suffered dreadfully from bronchitis and asthma, which was attended with nasal catarrh and blood-spitting. I thought I should never be any better, but one day I tried Veno's Light- ning Cough Cure, and was relieved after one dose. I could breathe freely and naturally through the nose, the blood-spitting was at once stopped, and I am now quite cured." Vends Lightning Cough Cure can be bought for g}4d., is. 1T/3d., and 2s. qd, everywhere, and is a perfect cure for coughs, colds, and all chest and lung troubles. I

Calvinistic Methodists' District Meeting. A District Meeting of the Calvinistic Method- ists was held at Hermon Chapel, Colwyn Bay, on Thursday evening, and was very successful. The first meeting was held at six o'clock, and was presided over by Mr Henry Jones, of En- gedi Chapel. The following representatives were p,resen,t:-M,o,chdre. Mr Edward Jones Sion, Mr Rowland Williams and Mr Daniel Davies; Hermon, the Rev. Thomas Parry, J.P., Mr Pugh. Mr David Jones, Mr J. H. Roberts, Mr Ellis Williams, and Mr J. D. Jones; Engedi, the Rev. Robert Roberts, Mr Henry Jones, and Mr Hugh Davies; English Presbyterian Church, the Rev. John Edwards; Rhiw, Mr Francis Hughes, and Mir Alun Jones; Bethlehem, the Rev. T. M. Jones, Mr Evan Owen, and Mir Thomas Jones Coiiwyn, the Rev.Lewis Williams and Mr Edward Roberts. Arising from the minutes of the previ- ous meeting was the decision of the District Meeting to make an appeal to the churches of Moriah and Sion to, consider the adrvisabilitv of proceeding to elect a minister for those churches jointly. A communication from the Monthly Meeting was read desiring representatives of the District Meeting to be selected to visit the vari- ous churches and espouse the cause of the 'Chapel Auxiliary Fund. The following gentle- men were selected for that purpose: -Mochcke, the Rev. Evan Hughes and Mr Rowland Wil- liams Sion, Rev. Owen. Evans and Mr Edward Jones, Mocbdre; Hermon, the Rev. Tudno Wil- liams, M.A. (Denbigh), and Mr Edward Ro- berts Mtoriah, the Rev. Robert Roberts and Mr S. Jones (Bethlehem) Croesengan., the Rev, OWleill Fouilkes (Bethlehem) and Mr David Jones (Moriah); Colwyn, the Rev. De Charles Evans, F-R.G.S. (Trefriw) and Mr Pugh; Bethlehem, the Rev. T. M. Jones and Mr Henry Jones; En- gedi, the Rev. R. Roberts and Mr Evan Owen (Bethlehem) Preswylfa, the Rev. John Edwards and Mr Pryce Williams Rhiw-road, Mr He.-rrv Jones. With reference to the bazaar to be held, at the Town Hall, Llandudno., in September, on behalf of the English Presbyterian cause in Llandudno Junction, a report of the ladies' com- mittee was heard, and it was ultimately decided that all the local churches be requested to send delegates to the next executive with a view of assisting the cause. The annual special meeting of the district will be held at Bethlehem at a date to be fixed, and to hear thereat reports from all the churches as to the progress of the cause in every church, and to appoint nominees for the Monthly Meeting for final selection as delegates to the Quarterly Association, and for the vari- ous committees. The society meeting was held at 7.30, and was presided over by Mr Henry Jones. The Rev. Robert Roberts "opened with prayer, and Mr Daniel Davies, of Sion, de- livered a most impressive address upon "Private Devotion." The eyes of all were riveted upon Mr Davies while he delivered his exhortations. The Rev. T. M. Jones, the Rev. John Edwards, and the Rev. Lewis Williams spoke upon the address, which they praised in glowing terms. A social followed in the schoolroom, the follow- ing ladies presiding over the tables -.Nfrs Dav. ies (Gas Cottage), Mrs Push, Mrs Owen fLlys* Aled), Mrs J. H. Roberts, Vlrs Ellis Williams, and Miss Lottie Owen. The latter lady also presided at the beautiful organ during the meet- ings in a remarkably able manner. Mr Edward Roberts, Llys Iorwerth, Colwyn, was the secre- tary, to whom much praise is due for the suc- cess of the gatherings.

Colwyn Bay and the King's Forces. LAST WEEK'S MAGNIFICENT MEETING. The public meeting held at-- Colwyn Bay last Wednesday evening in connection with the Ter- ritorial Army proved a remarkable success, and great credit is due to the organisers, notably County Councillor J. M. Porter and Captain T. H. Morgan, the Chairman and Hon. Secretary respectively or the Local Committee. That the meeting was the means of arousing an excep- tional degree of public, interest was proved by the rush made on Thursday morning for the Weekly News," the only paper containing a report of the proceedings. We have received many compliments upon the .smartness shown in bringing out such a full exclusive report early in the morning following the meeting. In addition to the admirable speeches we should like to re- cord some of the letters received by Captain T. H. Mtorgan. The Member for West Denbighshire wrote: — House af Commons, April 20th, 1909. Dear Captain Morgan, In view of the important question to be con- sidered in the House of Commons to^morrow you will recognise that it will be impossible for me to attend the meeting to be held at Colwyn Bay in connection with the Territorial scheme at which the Lord Lieutehant of the county is to preside. It is not necessary for me to assure you that I am in. full sympathy with the object of Mr. Hal- dane's policy, namely, to secure an efficient army for the purposes of home defence. The success of the scheme depends upon locat interest and support, and I have little doubt that the county of Denbigh will take a leading and an honourable part in the promotion of a poilicy which I believe will be found in general harmony with our national sentiment. Believe me to be, yours faithfully, J. HERBERT ROBERTS. The Rev. Thomas Charles Williams, of Memai Bridge, who was prevented from attending by the Calvinistic Methodist Association meeting and the preparations for his visit to America, wrote: I am glad to hear from all parts that this movement is being .taken up heartily by OiUIr young people. Whilst I am, and shall always be, a hater of war and of aggressive militarism, I still mainftain that it is the duty of every true patriot to prepare himself to defend, if neces- sary, the interests of his own country." Letters also came to hand from Mr. Haldane (Minister for War), Lord Mostyn, General Sir Charles Burdett (Chester), Mr. Eliis Jones Griffith, M.P., Sir Charles McLaren,, K.C., M.P., Mr. H. D. McLaren, M.P., Mir. J. Herbert Lewis, M.P., Rev. Thomas Parry, J.P., Rev. 'Thomas Lloyd, Miss Crosfield," Rev. John, Griffiths (Vicar of Old Colwyn), the Hon. Laurence A. Brodrick, Mr. A. Hammersley Heenan, Colonel Thomas Gee. Dr. Crautord Matthews, of Dunvegan, Colwyn Bay, wrote: I had hoped to be present at the meeting to-night to do my small share towards making it a success. Unfortunately, I am unable t°L}XixP':reSefrtt' As an °'ld Volunteer, and as one who has served no the South African campaign, the Territorial scheme appears to me to be a very distinct advance on our old Volunteers, and as such it deserves the support of all the men of suitable age throughout the country."

Built by the King's Cycle Makers. There is something about the sound of this which will appeal to all cyclists: the idea of roding a cycle identical with that supplied to His Majesty, or the Prince or Princess of Wales, must appeal to many of King Edward's loyal subjects. Messrs Humber, Limited, have issued a hand. some illuistrated catalogue of their new ): models, and it is a booklet which should be in the possession of every cyclist who is to-dav actually riding a bicycle. It illustrates many of the special features which, have made the Hum- ber unique, but, of course, many of the items in the Huimiber are confined exclusivelv to this famous machine, and it is this point which places Humbers always in a class quite by themselves. A copy of this booklet will be seat to any of our readers who will forward their address to Humber, Limited, Coventry, or call at any of the Humber depots or agents. S.