The North Wales Weekly News

Disestablishment. RECTOR OF LLANDUDNO ON THE BILL. The Rector of LJian/diudno, 1n a Sitatement of his reasons for opposing trie Wefsh Disastab- iismmemt Bill, says. I consider that this Bill will do serious mischief to the Church in. aics. to me Welsh people, to the Church in England, and' to religious life and WIOlrk among the Eng- lish people generally. In affairs 01 State we tueial winn tilings as they are to-day and are likely to be to-morrow, and not with things as they were un the past. Considering things. as they are today, the Church in and, in consequence, \Vcl.n religious life, gains by the complete and perfect entity of the Cnurch in the Weisn and English portions of the country. The ministry of tne Church in. NVales. gainis in streingftn by keeping the doors to positions as widely open as the conditions of our religious life admit, and the Church, in England also gains by, and has always bean ready to. use, those peculiar gifts of the Celtic genius which Wales, no less thian Scotland and Ireland, n.ä.5 been able to supply. No one maintained with greater lucidity and force the inestimable advan- tage that the religious life of Wales derived from English religion and theology than, did the isn L late Dr. T. C. Edwards, Principal of the Uni- versity College of Wales, and subsequently of the Welsh Presbyterian College at Bala. But there is nothing in this Bill so. clear as the en- deavour to isolate completely the historic Church of the country in such a manner as to weaken and mpoiverish it, not onlly as regards its material resources but much more with re- gard to what is infinitely more important to. its worik, well-being, and influence for good'—that is, the free and unconstrained communication, intercourse, and, participation in the life of what we consider the greatest and purest branch of the universal Church. Injury will be done not to. the Church in Walles only if this Bill or anything like it be- comes law, but the national life of WTales will be impoverished and degraded. After all deduc- tions have been made, the Church in Wales, has enriched and elevated the national life to an ex- tent immeasurably beyond: any other influence, religious; or social. The provisions of this Bill will not eliminate or abolish religious discords, which unfortunately exist in the country. If we are, to take them at their word, the promoters of this BiJ.1 intend" it not to. weaken but to strengthen the Church in Waileis,, and it has been proved that she is at present, according even, to the unsatisfactory test of statistics, the strong- est religious body in Wales, and certainly the most growing, leaving out of account other ele- ments which, make for influence. There are much greater questions at issue be- tween the Church and the Nonconformist bodies than those involved in endowments and preced- ents, or n anything which any Act of Parlia- ment can solva. For the last two decades one of the most hopeful signs for Wales has been the mannier in which public men differing from each, other as to their religious and poilitical opinions have been learning to co-operate with perfect cordiality to the great benefit of the cotuntry in social and educational matters, and in fact in everything which helps forward the welfare of all classes. This ha-ppy intercourse with public men of various political and religi- o.us opinions has been my pleaisant and valued pri vilege for a quarter of a century, and it grieves, me to tfainlk that at a time when we are working together in Wales with a growing har- mony for the good of the country an effort is being made to bring about what will only accen- tuate that which is undesirable and unprofitable and which will mar the progress of that which makes for the highest good of our (religious and national life.

Various Views. VICAR OF COLWYN BAY. The Rev. Canon Roberts, Vicar of Colwyn Bay, writes:-—The truth has dawned, and is gaining ground rapidly, that to. take away Church property is not an. essential element of what is called religious equality." An, official of the LiberatiooisC Society stated last week in the" Liverpool Daily Postthat the endow- ments were really quite a secondary matter. And it that the Rev. Evan Jones, Carnar- von, is also that way inclined. It is now being realised as never before how very small the en- dowments are and how difficult it would be to turn them to. a better account than the use that is made of them. by the Church, and for which they were intended. I believe the Government would be glad to get this vexatious matter dis- posed of by a compromise with the Church on. the lines of diaestablishment without disendow- menit, or practically so. But I do not suppose anything will be done just yet; but if ever the question is taken up seriously I am of opinion it will be in. the direction of placing all religious bodies in vVlalels on the same footing in the eye of the liaw, without depriving them of any of their property. If the, Church has really a higher legal status tl-iaii, the other religious bodies I would welcome some plan whereby they OOUlld be, raised to share the same status. MR. HENRY LEWIS (BANGOR). If the Church is to. be disestablished it is difficult to. think how it can be brought about om more generous terms than- those contained in Mr Asquitfb's last Bill. Comparing it with the pre- vious Bill, this contains two improveiiients, and ba'.h in favour of the. Church—that the cathe- drals should be retained by the Church, and that the benefactions should be retained from 1662, instead of 1704. REV. DR. SPINTHER JAMES. I am satisfied with the Bill; it is just and generous, and I trust the Government will carry it through, and not allow, it to partake of the fate of its, predecessor. REV. JOHN WILLIAMS, late pastor of Prinices-road GalvinisftiQ»«Metho» dist Church, Liverpool, said he considered the Bill a most equitable and moderate measure. Mr ,Wil,lilams also remarked that Mr Asquith's speech was excellent in tone and spirit. REV. T. CHARLES WILLIAMS. It is clear to all that it learns to mercy's side, which,, I think, is a virtue. The friends, of the Establishment will, be very iiii-advised if they refuse this opportunity of a settlement with those whose great, and perhaps only, Objection to the Church of England is its connection with the State. REV. THOMAS LLOYD, COLWYN BAY, Secretary of the English Congregational Union of North Wales. I do. not think the Bill doesi full justice to the Welsh, nation: it is too. generous to. the Anglican Church. I should prefer the released revenue, to. be more largely devoted to. the relief of rates for education, even elementary educa- tion. REV. DR. OWEN DAVIES, CARNARVON. Some, no. doubt, will be dissatisfied with the liberal terms to the Church of England, but the great bulk of Nonconformists are not over anxi- ous about minute arrangement in these matters. What they have set their hearts, upon., and what they must have sooner or later, is complete reli- gious equality. I believe, the bulk of Noncon- formists will not grudge the terms, for their de- sire is to set the Church of England doing its own Christian, work. on the same COlffimonl ground as all other churches dlol it. REV. D. STANLEY JONES., CARNARVON. I should not like to, express my opinion of the Bill before I see. the text of it. Judging from the Primfe Minister's speech, it is a good Bill, and gives very generous terms, to the Church and the establishment of a Wielsh Council makes it a great improvement on the Bill of 1895. No- thing short of sending the Bill to. the House of Lords will redeem the Government's pledges to Wales. j REV. D. REIES, CAP EL MAWR. I think it a very fair and moderate Bill—not extreme in any way. There axe, undoubtedly, some points that could be amended, and ought to be amended. The Church people ought, in my opinion, to be very well satisfied. PROFESSOR J. M DAVIES, iBiala-Bangor Indelperndrent College, Bangor. The Bill appears to me to. have been con- ceived in a wise and generous spirit, with due regard to. all the iiiiteirests, involved. Free Churchmen who., so far as I am able to judge, are deeply concerned to be fair in this matter, will hail with pleasure its "liberal terms; and Episcopalians, not a few, who, though averse from dise.stablishment and disendowment, yet see clearly that it is inevitable, will, I feel sure, find in the present measure an opportunity of obtaining for the Church they love the best terms ever likely to. be offered to. her. M'R. LEWIS HUGHES, AMLWCH. The Bill means a fight to. the finish, and no one knows this better .Jhan Mr Balfour. It is the greatest mistake in the world to suppose that Wales is indifferent or apathetic on this ques- tion. I am amazed- at the dubious tone of some friends who write on this question. Even the very cream of the Church, lay and clerical, are heartily in favour of the measure. REV. CANON EDWARDS, Rector of Aber, widely known by his ffugenw of ",Gwy-i,Qd,d -.Ltet the State beware that it hurts not itself by infringing upon the inherit- ance of God. When a Church and everything belonging thereto, is consecrated, man gives up his right and title to his Maker, the same as Solomon did at the consecration of his temple, and no. other man has any right to turn any property dedicated to. God to any other use. MaTI. has no further interest in it. or right to it than that of seeting that it is faithfully applied to the purposes for which it was given. Sir Richard Webster, speaking at Southampton in November 1885, said The money and tithes of the Church were never given, by the State, but by the owners of property, for the purpose to. which they were applied, and you have no more right to take them than you have to. put your hands in my pocket and take my hard earnings out of it. Such being my view of the question,, I need not trouble my head about the prospective use they intend to make of the stolen property, but I cannot help thinking they are counting their chickens before they are hatched." REV. JOHN WYNNE JONES, Vicar of Carnarvon, writ,-s:-I do not think anyone takes the Bill seriously. Personally, I look upon it as a mere gallop up the avenue. REV. WYNN DAVIES, Formerly of Everton-brow, Liverpool, and now pastor of Twrgwyn Chapel, Bangor, says:—Like the Licensing Bill, this again is splendidly mag- nanimous to. the other side but Welsh people, in their desire to arrive at a just conclu- sion of the vexed question), will never complain of its excessive .generosity. We ask1 for nought but a perfectly equitable treatment of church and chapel. The new Bill liberally strives, to gain that end, and deserves well of its oppon- ents. Seventy-five out of every hundred of the Weilsh people are as one man for disestablish- ment. DEAN OF BANGOR. The Prime Minister's explanation for the pro- visions of his Bill was certainly lucid but his defence for its principles was exceedingly weak. He was splendidly wrong in his history, his facts, and his inferences. The assertion that taking away its scanty income would be, a bless- ing to. the Church sounded, to. me like heartless mockery. It is not suggested that a similar treakrnent would be a blessing to any other reli- gious body. The Bill is based on the. denial of a distinction between meum and tuum. It pro- fesses to. be generous, in that it does, not deprive the clergy of their income during their lifetime but it reduces the majority of parishes into poverty on the death of their present incum- bents. Unlike, the Irish Bill, it grants; no facili- ties to, make provisions for the future by means of compensation. All the ancient voluntary gifts of our pious forefathers are swept away, and it will be necessary to. begin afresh as in. the days of St. Deiniol, our first bishop in Bangor. In- stead of enlarging it "curtails the liberty of the Church. At present, because, we wish it, the re- presentatives of the four Welsh dioceses form a part of the Convocation of Canterbury. Under thi.s Bill they will be forcibly driven out against the will of Welsh Churchmen. It would very seriously cripple the largest and most influential religious body in the Principality at a time when complaints are. heard.. on all hands that indiffer- ence to religion is on the increase. Embittered relationship between Churchmen and Noncon- formists would render the prospects of re-union, more and more hopeless. Thousands of poor Churchmen and Churrchwomen would be de- prived to. spiritual privileges which they have enjoyed and valued all their lile. It is a truly mischievous measure. REV. EVAN JONES, President of the National Council of Evanr gelicai Free Churches Looking at Mr Asqiuith's Bill from the point of view of the Free Churches, I consider it fair and even generous. I am not sorry that the Es- tablished Church s to. retain the cathedrals, &c. From the national point of view, the promise of a National Council, though for a limited pur- pose, is in the right direction. Possible its solence concerning curates will cause the great- est noise. The. Bill is worth fighting for. & RECTOR OF ABERFFRAW. Taking the Bill as. a whole, I consider it a good one.. I am heartily in. favour of the great principle underlying the measure—the freedom of the Church from its present system of State control, and I am also ready, as a Churchman,, to surrender for commoni national purposes, a large portion of the ancient endowments now devoted to. the service of my branch of the church, but I am not prepared for a harsh scheme of disendowment, and I shall be ready to. advocate such amendments in, the measure, as may be desirable in the fair and just interests of the Church to. which I belong. Until I have had the measure fully before me" I cannot indi- cate these amendments, in detail. REV. DR. OLIVER, HOLYWELL. I hail the Bill with the utmost satisfaction. Undoubtedly it is, a very generous measure to. the Church of England. I hope. the Government will make every effort to. pass, the Bill into law at the earliest possible time. REV. RHYS J. HUWS The Bill, I believe, is a fairly just one. Its terms are generous, in regard to. the national prosperity, so long controlled by the Church; institution the unfettered freedom which the loss of its previleged position demands. Socialist as I am, I am glad that the cathedrals will still belong to the Church, for no. religiously-minded Nonconformist would care to. see, these sacred

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Two Notable Clergymen. A FORMER VICAR OF PENMAENMAWR. The funeral took place on Thursday, at the Dwygyfylohi Cemetery, of the Rev. J. A. Howell, Vicar of St. Bede's, Liverpool, who died in Lon- don, on Monday, after a considerable period of illness. The rev. gentleman was in his fifty- sixth year, and was < the Vicar of Penmaenmawr for fourteen years prior to 1895, when he re- moved to. Liverpool, on being presented to the living of St. Bede's. Among the mourners were his two brothers, Major Howell and Mr W. Tudor Howell, barristor-at-law, one time mem- ber for Denbigh Boroughs his two- sisters, Mrs Protheiroe, widow of the late Archdeacon Proth- eroe, and Mrs Thomas, of Bom-bay; his widow and her father, Qjunon Roydp, of Penmaenmawr and his cousin the Rev. J. Howell, Vicar of All Saints, Derby. The late. Mr Howell was the second son of the late Archdeacon Howell. The clergy who officiated at the service, which was choral, were Canon David Jones, Vicar of Pen- maenmawr, and his two Curates, Revs. J. Rich- ards and T. Jones, the Rev. J. F. Reece, Vicar of Llanrhos, and Rev. Mr Wilkinson, Curate of St. Bede's. The churchwardens and some members of St. Bede's congregation were present, and many Penmaenmawr parishioners, who desired to pay this token; of respect to their former Vicar, who had done an excellent work in their parish. UNUSUAL INCIDENT AT LL AN BAD RIG RITE. Amid every manifestation of respect, the funeral of the Rev. Jenrkym. Davies, B.A., Vicar of Llanibadrig, took place at the Parish Church- yard of Llanbadrig. The Rev. Owen Evans, M.A., Curate-in-Charge of the parish, conducted a short service at the Vicarage. The opening sentences of the Burial Service were read by the Rev. J. Lodwick Davies, Vicar of Brynrcroes, Pwllheli, whilst the Lesson was, read by the Rural Dean, the Rev. D. Jones, Rector of Llan- fachraeth; and the prayers by the Rev. T. Wal- ters, M.A., Rector of Llanfechell. The Ven. John Morgan., Archdeacon, of Bangor, read the service at the grave. The chief mourners were —Mrs Davies (mother), the Rev. W. R. Cramp- ton. Davies (brother), Mrs Herbert, Mrs D. Dav- ies, and Miss Hettie Davies (sisters). A large number of clergy was present, besides those who officiated. As the funeral procession was wending its way to the churchyard, which stands above the rock- bound coast of Cemmaes Bay, two. steamships were observed coming up the bay, and, doubt- less, observing the mournful procession, came to a standstill opposite the churchyard, and at no great distance, stood like silent sentinels on the water for s,om,e little time. On Sunday last the Rev. Dayid Jones, M.A., Vicar of Penmaenmawr and Canon-in-residence at Bangoir Cathedral, paid a tribute to the de- ceased as an old colleague at Menai Bridge, and as Curate-in-Charge of the Welsh services at the Cathedral for nearly nine years.

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Holiday Music. To THE EDITOR OF THE Weekly News. Sir1,—It was with great interest and pleasure that I read the leading article, entitled Holi- day Music," which appeared in the last issue of your popular journal, which. I may add, has been my favourite holiday paper during my -regular visits to North Wales for the past ten years, Music, as you properly say, is an im- portant factor in the success of a seaside resort, and I hope it may not be regarded as an im- pertinence if I set forth some of the thoughts which have been stirred within one by the read- ing of your bright and suggestive article. Let me at once admit that those thoughts have not got themselves into orderly array up to the pre- sent, but perhaps I may be permitted to. jot them down, just as they come. In the first place, a word to the vocalists. Whatever may be said of the orchestras and con- ductors,, it seems to. me that the singers are the spoilt darlings of most audiences. I may be wrong, but it appears to. be the case, that the vocal soiists nave found this out and are begin- ing to take a not quite fair advantage of the favouritism shown towards them. However, not to go too deeply into, this knotty question, let me say at once what, in my humble opinion, are the principal demands,1 with which a vocalist should comply. To my mind, those principal demands are. three in number. In the first place the sing should have a good voice. In the second place, the music of the song should pos- sess real melody. And, thirdly, the words of the song should be worth listening to and worth remembering. There is no lack of good voices amongst the singers of the day. but I do wish that, instead of choosing publishers' songs," which they are fee'd for singing, our vocalists would, give us songs with good music and good words in them. Words worth listening to and remembering very often contain a moral cleverly concealed. After all, the highest art is to con- ceal art—" Ars SUlmma est celare artem." Songs of this type are chosen by such masters of the art off singing as Sir Charles S.antley, who practi- cally introduced to. popularity the now familiar song Father O'Flynn." Other bright songs too seldom heard are Stephen Adams' Nancy Lee," John Peel," and tc Simon the Cellarer." Then there is a whole wealth of Scotch songs, such as "Annie Laurie," The Bonny Banks of Loch Lomond," and others whose names will suggest themsellves to the minds of a wide circle of readers.. Turning to another set that are too much neglected are some of the best songs out of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas;, with their pithy words of wisdom. Folk Songs ought to be cultivated, but if cultivated should be done well and not merely caricatured.. I love the old songs of Wales, and regret that so few of them have been adequately translated into English. One. word of warning. Singers should choose songs whose words are not only fairly worth listening to, but have none of those needless in- versions of adjectives and nouns-evi,dences of the so-called poetic licence which shockingly disfigure much of our English verse. I liked the way in which you touched upon another delicate question, the musical tastes of your summer visitors. Truly, it must be difficult to cater "(bolTrid word !)■—for such a variety and diversity of tastes, and for my own part I do not envy the lot of the seaside conductor. His perplexities must be something terrible, when be finds some critics demanding "serious" tnuisic and others clamouring for light music at one and the same time. Well, the thing has been done in North NVales before to-day, and it can be done again. Dear old Riviere reconciled the apparently irreconcilable. He succeeded, where so many men, in a like position have failed, in meeting the wishes of everybody, and those who would succeed, in the same way must adopt the same methods. If this be done, those visitors who like serious music can have their Wlagne.rian harmonies, and those of them who prefer light music can have their Riviere, Johan and Sullivan1, and both schools of thought can have their Mendelssohn, and Beethoven. Much more could be written on this topic of Holiday Music," and I hope that abler pens than mine will join, in- the discussion. In conclusion, let me thank you for your timely remarks and at the same time cordially wish the" Weekly News the continued prosperity which it so. richly de- serves, as one of the best conducted weekly journals in Wales.—Yours, &c., MUSICAL VISITOR.

Where is Colwyn Bay ? To THE EDITOR OF THE Weekly News. Sir,—Might I be able to insert the following letter in. your valuable paper? During the past fourteen days I have been reading in London and provincial papers the number of hours' sunshine' registered at various seaside resorts. But alas such a town as Colwyn Bay has not even been mentioned, but yet Llan- dudno;, Rhyl, Bangor, &c., which are, I believe, on, the same coast, are very prominent. If we are to make Colwyn Bay a flourishing seaside resort we must do, as other places-advertise. What is our Advertising Associationi doing in the matter? Is it not their duty to see to this? I do not know of any seaside resort so. little known as Colwyn Bay. Yet the inhabitants are always grumbling that no. one comes here, and is it to. be wondered at? Surely, a small adver- tisement in the provincial towns, such as Bir- mingham, York, Sheffield, Leeds, and Manches- ter would remedy this. For once anybody has visited here they are delighted and come again.; for who could wish for a better place and sur- rounding district ? Trusting something will be done at once for the benefit of the town.—Yours, &c., A WTELL WISHER.

8 Welsh Folk Songs. An instructive and entertaining event in con- nection with the Liverpool Welsh National Society took place in the Royal Institution on Friday evening, the gathering being the last of the session. Having for his object the enlistin.g of interest in the Welsh Folklore Society, Dr. J. Lloyd Williams, of Bangor, gave an address on Welsh National Melody and Folk Songs," in the course of which he sketched the history of Welsh music. Welsh musicians, he said, were the last to form collections of national melodies, and the work did npt begin until the middle of the eighteenth century. For a hundred years after 1742 they had on record only harp melo- dies with English and not Welsh words. Folk songs, because known by everyone, were not written dOlwm, and there was now a wide field of research open for students and enthusiasts. The chair was occupied by Mr Harry Evans, F.R.C.O., and the lecture was beautifully illus- trated with solos and part songs by members of the Clifton Glee Party.

Spring. Hail, glorious Spring, for all the world Awakes at thy behest, The flowers now no longer sleep In their deep wintry rest. The birds are on the budding branch To sing their glad refrain, Rejoicing at new life and so- Let us take hope again The daffodils are striving now Their petals to unfold. Till fields that once were bare and sear Are now like sheets of gold. Glad time of resurrection great, Of flower and leaf and tree When every voice of nature then Rings out in sympathy. GWYNNETH T. FURNISS.

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Abergele New Post Office. The Abergele new Post Office was opened to the public on Monday morning, and to com- memorate the auspicious event a grand dinner was held at the Harp 'Hotel, presided over by Mr. D. R. Goodyear, postmaster of Rhyl and District. Others present were Miss Jones, Penr sarn Post Office; Miss Bond, Abergele; Messrs J. Hughes (Chief Clerk at the Rhyl office), O. Owen (Abergele postmaster), W. Roberts, Hine, Stead, Hope, J. Percival, Williams, R. Roberts .Y (Holywell!), Tom Hughes, J. Hughes-Jones Bleddyn Roberts, Whittle, D. Roberts, D. J. JiOl1.es (Llangernyw), T. G. Morgan,, Moss Jones, H. E. Thomas, H. P. Lloyd, D. Davies, W. M. John (Rhyl), Ted Jones,, T. Furnish, D. P. Wil- liams, R. H. Hughes, Charles Taylor, W. Stur- gess, Joseph W illiams, Alfred Davies, Evan Ro- berts, J. G. Rodgers, S. E. Jones, D. W. Vaughan, ,M. R. Jones, D. W. Jones (Llan- gernyw), E. T. Roberts (Llangernyw), W. Ro- berts, and B. C. Williams. The President read the following telegrams which had been sent and received during the day:- To the Postmaster-General, London.-Sub- postmaster and staff at Abergele on the occa- sion of opening the new Post Office beg to as- sure the Postmaster-General of their loyalty, and take the opportunity of congratulating him r' on the erection of so commodious and complete a building." The Postmaster-General replied as follows:- Mr. Owen., Sub-postmaster, Abergele.Much appreciate telegram from yourself and staff, whose well-being I hope new office will pro- mote.—Sydney Biuixton." A similar telegram to the one sent to the Postmaster-General was also sent to Mr. F. E. Adams, Postmaster of Shrewsbury. Owing to lack of space and time, I much re- gret being unable to give full particulars of the speeches made during the evening. The toast list was inordinately long, so long, in fact, that it had to be considerably curtailed. This is how it went:—Pianoforte solo, Mr. T. G. Morgan. The King, Queen, and Royal Family," by the President. Song, I had" to come down for nails," Mr. H.E. Thomas. Song, Chwiifiwn Faner, Mr. Alfred Davies. The Postmaster-General," by the President, who said: that Mr. Sydney Buxton without doubt excelled any other previous Postmaster-General. Song, Poor John," Mr. Moss Jones. The Presi- dent," by Mr. W. Roberts.. Song, My Baby," Mr. B. Cybi Williams (encored). Mr. Goodyear, in responding to the toast of The President," said that he felt it a pleasure to. work with such a staff of men and women, as those of the Rhyi district. It would surprise; rhost of those pre- sent to know that although he bore an English name he was at least half a W elshman. for his mother was a native of Llanrwst. (Applause.) He was sorry his mother had not lived long enough to see him Postmaster at Rhyl. How de- lighted she would have been! Mr. Goodyear then gave a highly interesting story of post office i work in the Abergele district during the last century. In conclusion, he congratulated the. Abergele Post Office staff on their good behavi- our and efficiency. They were not all_total ab- stainers, perhaps, but they knew their duty and took care of themselves. (Loud applause.) Song, The Ship that never returned," Mr. Ted Jones. Our Postal Staff," by Mr. H. E. Thomas. Mr. Orwem, in responding, said that although he had onily been in Abergele twelve months, he had felt very happy indeed. He hoped to remain here for many more years. (Cheers.) The staff was everything he could wish for. Of course, they were sometimes, subject to complaints and criticisms—sometimes fairly, and often enough unfairly. Nevertheless, they all appreciated healthy criticism. They were not by any means perfect, but he was fully satisfied that they did their best. As regards efficiency, there really was no comparison between post offices of for- eign countries and the British. (Applause.) He endorsed what Mr. Goodyear had said of Mr. Sydney Buxton as Postmaster-General. He was the best he had evetl known or even read of. (Loud cheers.) Song," Idaho. Mr. Moss Jones. Pianoforte solo., Master Hubert Williams. The remainder of the toasts were as follows:—" The new Post IOffioe," by Mr. J. Hughes-Jones. Our Guests," by Mr. D. Davies. The ar- tistes" (what a croiwji!), by Mr. H. P. Lloyd. H The Host and.1 Hostess," by Mr. M. R. Jones, who' said. that Mr. and Mrs. Williams were de- servedly respected and well known as first-class caterers. Nothing he could say would add to their poularity. (Loud applause.) Then the church clock struck one., which was a respect- able way of telling us to. go. home, which we did after singing" God save the King." SEARCHLIGHT.

Chester Cattle Fair. There was a greater supply of stock on Thurs- day than at the last fair. The fair was very well attended, and a good clearance was made. Prices ruled much the same as at the last fair. Prices:—Milch cows, £ 16 to £ 20 barrens, ^12 to ^14; bulls, /10 to £ 16 1 heifers, £ 9 to ^12; stirks, £ 6 to £ 9.

edifices torn from their historic traditions. This is an improvement on the 1895 Bill. So, also, is the Council of Wales, provision. I cannot con- ceive that the provisions of the Bill will serious- ly cripple, even in a financial sense, such a wealthy Institution as the Welsh Church but it will enormously enhance its spiritual force, and will enable it to adjust itself to national needs and aspirations. Welsh Nonconformity is not of the sturdy type it used to be, and its wealthy middle-class adherents have all but lost the Puritan fervour and aggressiveness of the fathers. It is, however, more, tolerant than ever it was. The Church,, on the other hand, is be- coming more and more national, and democratic, and when the fact of establishment is done away with, the attitude of Wales to. the Church will, I believe, be greatly changed,. The times are ripe for this great measure of religiouls freedom, and by making co-operation between the re- ligious communities easier1 it will add greatly to the fighting power of the great army which has to wage the battle of the faith against the blatant infidelity and indifference of the age. CARNARVONSHIRE CONSERVATIVES. Speaking at the annual meeting of the Carnar- vonshire Constitutional Association on Saturday, Cbil. H. Plait presiding, Mr. H. Lloyd Carter said that as that was the first meeting held by the party sinice the introduction of the Disestab- lishment Bill it wias but right and proper that they should record their emphatic protest against the Bill. (Cheers.) The Bill had been promised by the party in. power in the first, then in the second, and third session, of Parliament, and it had been eventually introduced in the fourth, and what was also., he hoped, the last session. (Hear, hear.) Was the Bill going to- pass? (iGries of No."). They as Unionists did not believe that it would pass. They considered it to be sheer waste of Parliamentary time to discuss it no,w-(c-h,e,ers),-but at the sŸ'me time it would not do to allow the measure to proceed one single step further in the House of Commons without their recording their protest against it. (Cheers.) Meetings were to be, and were being, hald by the Radical party in the Principality in support of the Bill, and. unless the Conservatives of Wales passed some resolution it would be said on the other side of the border that there was practical unanimity in favour of the Bill. He desired to draw attorn 110.11 to- the fact that by the Bill the four Weilsh dioceses, were to be dis- established by law and by the same Bill to be established by law. (Laughter.) This was a paradox. He challenged the correctness of the Prime Minister's history when introducing the Bill, for long before the reign of Henry the First the Church in Wales and the Church in England were one and the same branch and had continued so ever since. Having, if they could, robbed the Church in Wales of its endowments, one would imagine that the diastablishers would allow the Church people to. settle for themselves whether they should forego; their birthright, handed down to. them along the centuries, and continuing a part and parcel of the province of Canterbury, or to. be converted willy-nilly into a small religious body. That was denied them. Was it fair; was it right? (Cries of "No.) Mr. Carter, in. conclusion, proposed, That we protest emphatically against the introduction of the Welsh Disestablishment Bill, and sincerely hope that all Unionists in the United Kingdom will offer their most strenuous opposition, to. it." (Cheers.) Sir H. J. Ellis Nanney, in seconding the re- solution, heartily congratulated Mr. Carter upon his restoration to. heiaJlith, and thus1 be enabled to rendier the party his valuable assistance. (Cheers.) As a thorough Churchman,, and one who had. been attached to the Church through- out his life, he seconded the resolution with all his. heart. He hoped that they would all stand together and be unanimous in sending from their various meetings, resolutions of protest against the Bill in order that their friends in England might see that they were taking time by the fore- lock. (Cheers.) The resolution, was seconded by Mr. Evan Jones (Talysarn) and carried unanimously.