The North Wales Weekly News

Carnarvon Education Authority. BETTWS-Y-COED AND THE SCHOOLMASTER. THE INSPECTOR'S REPLY. Mr. D. P. Williams presided over the meeting of the County Education Committee at Carnar- von on Thursday. The other members present were Dr. R. Arthur-Prichard (Conway), Mr. Hugh Owen (Llandudlno Junction), Mr. Robert Roberts (Llandudno), the Rev. O. G. Owen, the Rev. Ceidiog Roberts, Rev. W. Lloyd, Mrs. Jones (Ceridwen Peris), Dr. R. Owen, Messrs. W. J. Parry, J. Issard Davies, Maurice Jones, J. R. Pritchard, R. O. Jones, j. E. Roberts, C. Humphreys, Abel Williams, William George, G. H. Roberts, R. E. Jones, G. Jones, R. J. Roberts, Edward Roberts (ex-H.M. Inspector), and J. T. Jones with the Secretary (Mr. E. R Davies), and the Assistant Secretary (Mr. David Thomas). Mr L. J. Roberts (H.M. Inspector of schools) was also in attendance. SYMPATHY. A vote of condolence and sympathy was passed with the Chairman of the Authority on the death of his wife. TEACHERS' RESIDENCES. A return was submitted shewing that there are 99 teachers in. the Ctoimanittee's employ who reside more than a mile and a half from the schools at which they are engaged. The matter having been considered at some length, it was resolved that all teachers in the employ of the Committee be required to observe the regulation with the exception of those who obtain special permission from the Chairman of the Staff Com- mittee to reside at a distance from their school. THE BETTWS-YJCOED SCHOOLMASTER. On behalf of a public meeting of ratepayers held at Bettws-y-Coed, Mr. W. T. B. Corns for- warded a resolution expressing unabated con- fidence in Mr. Rowland, head master of the Council School, in the face of the recent _mis- uniderstanding with the Education Commit,tee, and desiring the Committee to' reconsider his case if possible in public. There Was a recom. mendation by the Staff Committee that as the case had received every consideration they re- gretted their inability to reopen the matter. Mr. William George feared that the proposal might be looked upon as somewhat curt and peiemptory. Though he recognised that the de- cision come to in regard to Mr. Rowland was a just and liberal one, be did not think that the Committee would desire to stand in the way of a public inquiry. The Secretary submitted a petition, Purported to be signed by 90 per cent. of the parentis and ratepayers of Bettws-y-Coed, strongly desire that Mr. Rowland should be reinstated-. Mr. L. J. Roberts, His Majesty's Inspector of Schools, whose adverse criticism of the state of the Bettws-y-Coed School had' given rise to the friction, wrote to refute a statement recently made by Mr. Rowland that it was at the request of the Education Committee that he visited the school. The statement, like others which did not deserve notice, was absolutely without foundation, as he merely visited the school in the ordinary course. It was stated that he had described the school as one of the rowdiest in the county." Though the found serious fault with the discipline, the vulgar adjective quoted did not appear in his report. He had visited practically all the schools inl seven counties in Wales, and the fact remained that the discipline at the Bettws-y-Coed School was the worst he had ever seen, and it would have been derelic- tion of duty on his part not to have called at. tention to it. His opinion was confirmed by an independent report made by the drawing mastei for Wales, and he understood that this was not the first time that Mr. Rowland had found fault with inspectors' reports. By his intemperate be. haviour, Mr. Rowland had failed to. gain the support of the teachers, who. would be the first, and rightly so, to defend one of themselves from injustice. The officials of the National Union of Teachers had sent him (Mr Roberts) a special message expressing regret that one of their body had behaved so unfairly towards one, whom the teachers had always found to be just. He main- tained that his report was a fair and just one. He merely did his duty in writing it, and he was not ashamed; of having done so. (Hear, hear.) The Chairman confirmed the Inspector's state- ment that it was absolutely incorrect to say that it was after an interview with him (the Chair- man) that a visit was paid to the school. Mr. Edward Roberts, ex-His Majesty's Inspec- tor of Schools, expressed his belief that the re- port was a perfectly fair one, describing the condition of the school exactly, and as the in- spectors had always found it. In seven out of ten points Mr. Rowland was an efficient teacher, but in the other three he was certainly very backward, his drawing, discipline, and order having always been weak features. Had the writing of the report rested with. him (Mr. Ro- berts) he would have done exactly the same. (Hear, hear.) M&. Wm. Gleorge moved that the petitioners be informed that the Education Authority would raise no objection to an independent and public inquiry into all the circumstances by the Board of Education. The Chairman We cannot object. Mr. W. George: But I think we ought to put it on record. Mr. W. J. Parry was prepared to second the proposal, on the understanding that the ap- plication for an inquiry came from the peti- tioners. The Chairman emphasised the fact that Mr. Rowland's case had had every fair play at the hands of the Committee. The resolution was eventually carried. A CHURCH SCHOOL TO BE CLOSED. As the result of inquiries by the North Car- narvonsbire Enquiry Committee, it was agreed, to discontinue the maintenwnce of the Church of England School) at Llanrhos because of the low attendance. LLANFAIRFECHAN SCHOOLS. In a report of the Board of Education re the Llanifairfechan Church of England School, it was stated that any children excluded from the school could presumably attend the Council School. It was resolved that the attention of the man- agers of the Llanfairfechan Church of England School be directed to the suggestion of the Board of Education, and that they be asked to arrange for the exclusion of a sufficient number of children now attending the school so as to re- lieve the overcrowding complained of by the Board of Education, and that it be suggested to them that the children living in near proximity to the present Council School should be ex- cluded first of all. PENMACHNQ COUNCIL SCHOOL. A letter from the Board of Education dated the 19th October, 1909, was read, stating that this school had now been placed on the Annual Grant List as from the 4th January, 1909, and is recognised as providing accommodation for not more than 140 mixed and 60 infant scholars. BETTWS-Y-COED SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION. A letter dated the 18th October, 1909, from Mr. R. Parry, Pendyffryn, Bettws-y-Coed, was read, stating that a meeting of the members of the Bettws-y-Coed Ratepayers' Association and the Urban District Council suggested (1) the lower part of Mill Field, and (2) the ground be- hind Ty'nybryn, as the most suitable ,siites for the proposed new Council School at Bettws-y- Coed, in,, preference to the site already provision. ally adopted by the Committee at Tanlan. A letter of the same date received from Miss Pullan, of the Royal Oak Hotel, Bettws-y- Coed, was submitted, in which she urged (1) the Mill Field site is the lowest situation in the village, the river almost surrounding it, and at times flooding a large part of it, the mists from the river in winter, and the smiells from it in summer when the water is low, render it most unhealthy, and (2) the other site at the back of Ty'nybryn j the approach is not good, and the ground would require draining and a lot of fill- ing in to level it. She suggested another oite, proposed at the joint meeting referred to, but rejected by the meeting, although it appears to be far more suitable than either of those chosen. It is the ground between the quarry incline and the Pentre Dwr-street. It was resolved that full particulars with re- gard to the site originally adopted by the Edu- cation Committee, and the three other sites now proposed, be forwarded to the Board of Educa- tion, and that they be invited to express an opinion as to the site which is most suitable and satisfactory, having regard to the representa- tions made. CAPELULO SCHOOL. Letters were read from Mr. David Jones, Tanlan Farm, Dwygyfylclhi, and Messis Tatham, Worthington, and Co., with regard to the terms upon which they were prepared to sell land to provide a site for the new Council School at Capelulo, and it was resolved that the Secretary be authorised to further negotiate therefor. LLANDUDNO JUNCTION COUNCIL SCHOOL. The following report of His Majesty's Inspec- tor was submitted:- Mixed.—Since this school was last reported upon, handsome and conveni-ent buildings have been erected, and excellent provision has been made for cookery, laundry work, and manual ,instruction. A thoroughly good scheme of work has been drawn up, but the ideas expressed in it are not always carried out in practice, and the attainments of the scholars generally are disappointing. Arithmetic is weak in all classes, method in several cases is faulty, the child- ren's work is often careless and badly put down, and the reasons for the various processes em- ployed are not satisfactorily grasped. In com- position the work of Standard 5 is fairly good; but the exercises of Standards 6 and 7 are too meagre, and are .seldom well arranged. In Standards 2 and 3 spelling is poor and gram- matical errors are too numerous, while the writ- ten composition of Standard 1 takes up much time that could be more profitably spent in oral work. 'Ihe children's exercises also need much more careful revision and correct ion. Reading varies much in quality, and the proportion of good readers is smaller than usual. Standard 3 is particularly weak. In the lower classes spell- ing should be discarded as a means of teaching reading, and a more careful explanation of the subject matter should be given. Penmanship requires better teaching throughout the school. The writing of the upper classes especially needs attention. Much of the freehand drawing fairly good, but progress is retarded by the lack of careful, grading. Brushwork has been neglected. Cardboard work and clay modelling have been introduced, but the value of the work is marred by inaccuracy in the cardboard ex- ercises, and by indifferent teaching in the clay modelling. Needlework is tauglht with credit- able success. The making and mending of garments will doubtless form a more pro- minent feature of the curriculum in future. lit would be well to adopt more modern and intelligent methodls of teaching in giv- ing the geography lessons to the lower classes. The children are well behaved, and, with careful and thorough teaching, the school could soon be raised to a satisfactory state of efficiency. Much of the weakness is due to the fact that the subordinate teachers, who require considerable help and guidance, have been left too much to their own devices. It was decided to forward the report to the managers of the school, and that they be asked for their observations thereon,. HIGHER STANDARD SCHOOL FOR CARNARVON. The Committee appointed to inquire for a suitable site for the proposed higher standard school at Carnarvon reported that the area to be acquired be as near as possible one and a half acres, and that the County Council be asked to apply for permission to borrow a sum not ex- ceeding ^6,000. It was resolved to ask the County Council to take steps to apply for a loan of £ 6,000. Mr. Issard Davies failed to find a seconder for a proposal to have a scale of salaries adopted for the head teachers of the Council.

Colwyn Bay Horticultural Society. A NOVEL AND ATTRACTIVE FEATURE FOR NEXT SHOW. Councillor T. E. Purdy, the capable and en- thusiastic Chairman of the Colwyn Bay and District Horticultural Society, has received a letter fro-n Colonel the Hon. H. Lloyd Mostyn, of Bodysgallen, corisenrt-ing to be a patron of the Colwyn Bay Horticultural Society's show in August. The Society, desirous of encouraging nature study, have decided upon a novel and charming feature this year, a competition open to the pupils of all the schools (including the element- ary) in the urban district. The competition will be divided into six divisions, and already some prizes have been offered by Madame Riviere, Mrs Hammond Mrs Little, and Councillor T. E. Purdy, and'it is probable that others interested will intimate to the Committee their desire to augment the prize fund. The six subjects have been arranged as Mr lows: 1. The best collection of leaves of deciduous trees. The name of the tree from which each leaf was obtained should be given, also its place of growth. 2. The best collection of twigs showing winter buds, each named so that the trees may be identified in winter. 3. The best series of preparations showing the development of any flowering plant from the seed to the fruiting stage, showing dispersal at the seeds. 4. The best account of plant life on Bryn Euryn as contrasted with that of Pwllycrochan Woods, accounting for noticeable characteristic differences. 5. The best bouquet or vase of wild flowers gathered in the district. A key for reference to be sent in with each bouquet. Credit will be given for artistic effect as much as for variety of flowers. 6. The test set of drawings or paintings of six field flower s speciality modified to receive the visits of insects Each drawing should be named and a short note Dointing out the special feature should be added. This year's show will be a two-days' event.

Weekly Rest Day for the Police. WHAT IS BEING DONE IN NORTH WALES? Taffy writes as follows ini that capably- conducced journal, The Police, Review and Parade Gossip The police in North Wales are very interested in the efforts that are being made by yourself, through your valuable paper and otherwise, to obtain a Weekly Rest Day for the police. The matter has been taken up in a good many cities and towns up to the present time, and we think there is every prospect of it coming to pass. But up to the present very little has been said about the matter in North Wales, We trust that the county police will be deemed worthy of the consideration of one day's rest in seven. The polios in the towns of North, Wales are mostly under the direction, of our respective County Councils, and in the majority of cases work twelve hours a day,, Sunday included. One would think, in a country like this, bristling with religious bodies of all kinds, that it would not be necessary to draw the attention of the ministers of religion and others to the fact that a policeman has a right to claim the privilege of attending a place of worship on Sunday. But I am sorry to say that the majority of ministers in our midst seem, to for,get: the fact. No doubt it will be said that a country policeman has pleray of time in which to attend a place of worship on Sundays. It may be the case some- times. They also seem to think that the 14 (laygl annual leave which we get is ample for our needs. I hope abler pens, than mine will be taken up in North Walles to bring the matter before the eyes of those Who can make the lot of a policeman happier. We trust that your good work will be rewarded with the success it deserves, and we hope that while you are doing your good work in England you will not fotget the policeman in Wales.

Bettws-y-Coed District Council A RATEPAYER'S SARCASM. THE ELECTRICITY QUESTION. The monthly meeting of this Council was held on Friday evening, Mr. R. Parry (Bod- iddon) presiding. Others present were Messrs. John Hughes (Vice-Chairman), R. Rawlinson, T. W. B. Corns, Henry Roberts, R. Parry, Henry Williams, and T. P. Faichney; with the Clerk (Mr. Salisbury Jones), and the Inspector (Mr. R. D. Jones). LIGHTING. A letter was read from Mr. Buxton, Coed Derw, expressing surprise that the Council should expect him to bear the cost of extending the gas pipe to his gate, and whilst hoping that none of the Councillors would meet with any accident in that very dark part of the road, he again renewed his application for a lamp by his gate. It was resolved that an estimate should be obtained for doing the work before deciding anything further in the matter. ELECTRIC LIGHTING ORDER. At the last meeting an enquiry was read from the Board of Trade respecting the Electric Lighting Order, and asking if any steps were being taken in the matter. The Clerk replied to the letter asking that owing to the Council being saddled with other expenses, if the order could be revoked for a time. A reply was now read stating that on the strength of the Clerk's reply they would) revoke .the order for twelve months, but that the time for any transfer had elapsed. ISOLATION HOSPITAL. Correspondence was read from the Llanrwst Urban District Council to join hands in the erection of an isolation hospital for the joint districts. It was decided to appoint two delegates to attend to discuss the matter with the joint auth- orities, and Messrs. John Hughes and Henry Roberts were delegated for that purpose. A HEALTHY DISTRICT. The Medical Officer of Health reported that for the month of October there was one birth and no deaths. The Surveyor reported' that four milkvendors had not complied with the notices served upon them some months back; and he was instructed to agiain serve notices for the completion of the requirements. He was further instructed to em- ploy three extra men for raising and breaking stones for the GreiglanrOiad, preference to be given to heads of families in need of work. The Surveyor further reported that Messrs. Hughes and Rowlands had replaced the pipes ,across the Llugwy, and £ 1$ was granted on tne Surveyor's certificate for work dbne.

Ysbytty Ifan Sheep Dog Trials. LIST OF AWARDS. These annual trials were held on Wednesday of last week, and proved very successful. The President was the Right Hon. Lord Penrhyn, and the officials included —Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Henry S. Jones, Penybont. Judges, Messrs. Thomas McGill, Bryn Moel, Dolwyddelen, and John H. Parry, Blaen Cwm Prysor Trawsfynydd Stewards, Messrs. W. Evans, Blaenycoed; R. Parry, Ty- Ucha' E. Jones, Hafod Ifan; W. Williams, Carregy- blaidd. Timekeepers, Messrs. R. Parry, Gwern- 61a, and Owen Hughes, ,Cefn Gwyn. Starters, Messrs. T. J. Roberts, Oohr Cefn Canol, and R. J. Parry, Pennant- Treasurer, Mr. R. Owen, Ty'nyporth. Secretary. Mr S. W. Jones, Penybont. Class L-Gylchedd Stakes (open to all comers. —First prize, £5 and a valuable silver cup, given by the Right Hon. Lord Penrhyn, and to become the property of the shepherd who shall win the first prize in Gylchedd Stakes three times (previous holder of the cup, 1908, Mr. George Bar croft, Scout Moor, Manchester) 1, George Barorolt; 2, William Roberts, Aber Migrant, Festiniog; 3, William Jones, Plas Nant, Tynant, Corwen 4. William Jones, Plas Nant, Conlen; 5, Geoige Barcroft. Class 2.—polgynwal Stakes.—Open to dogs in Carnarvonshire, Denbighshire, and Merioneth. shire, that have not won a first or second prize in any previous show UT" to date of our close entry: 1, EvaTh Jones, Tyddvn Du, Penmachno; 2, William Roberts, Brynrwydd, Penmachno; 3, Robert Roberts, Hafod Ifan, Yspytty; 4, John Roberts, Fotty Bach. Special prize, to the owner of dog or bitch showing the best command in Class 2: Evan Jones, Tyddyn Du. Lord Penrhyn was unable to attend the trials as he was away from home, and the prizes were presented by Mrs. Trench (junior).

Wounds that Cause Blood Poisoning. When cuts, burns, scalds, wounds, boils, pimples, whitlows, and such troubles arise, they should immediately be treated with Marabaz," the wonderful preparation prepared from a re- cipe held in the possession of a well-known pri- vate family for over 75 years. Marabaz," the marvellous poultice-oint- ment, not only heals all wounds and troubles such as are described above, but actually is supreme in preventing the spread of blood poisoning through the system. Wherever poi- sonous matter is present, it will draw out of the wound and leave the flesh in a perfectly healthy condition with the skin quite healed. Marabaz is obtainable of all chemists, in tin boxes, is. i%d. and 2s. gd., or direct from the Marabaz Company, Redditch.

Colwyn Bay Liberal Association. THE LORDS AND THE BUDGET. There was a splendid attendance, on Friday evening, in the Leoture Hall, Colwyn Bay, on the occasion of a Welsh meeting organised by the Liberal Association, whose chairman -'s Mr. J. Crompton. The speeches were entirely in Welsh with the exception of Mr. Crompton's remarks in introducing the evening's Chairman and again at the close in moving the vote of thanks to the principal speaker, the Rev. R. Silyn Roberts, M.A., of Blaenau Festiniog, and the Chairman, Mr. S. Glynne Jones, B.A. The Rev. Thomas Parry, J.P., of Llys Aled, as Mr. Crompton explained, had been expected to preside, but had at the last minute found himself unable to attend. Mr. Crompton there- fore proposed that Mr. S. Glynne Jones should take the chair. Mr. Glynne Jones and the Rev. R. Ciiyn Ro- berts. then ascended the platform amidst hearty greetings. The Chairman's address aroused much en- thusiasm. It is readily admitted by all parties, said Mr. Jones, that we are now passing through a critical period in the political history of our country. For several generations it has been the boast of Britons that our Government is founded on principles of freedom and equity. (Hear, hear.) The stability of the Throne itself rests not mainly on the hereditary principle but on Parliamentary support. The King rules by the will of the people." (Applause.) We rejoice in this democratic character of our institutions; and let us not forget that these privileges have been secured by our forefathers, not without many a stubborn fight. (Hear, hear.) The question, which now dominates all others in the political arena, is no new question. As far back as the reign of King John we find the populace crying out against tyranny and op- pression, and demanding freedom, justice, and liberty for the poor as well as for the rich. The struggle became very acute in the time of the Stuarts, and Charles 1. lost his life through aspiring, to the power of taxing the nation at his own will and caprice. His unconstitutional acts created civil war—yea, and developed such stalwarts as Mil- ton, Hampden, and Oliver Cromwell. (Ap- plause.) We are yet far from reaching the land of promise. There are vast arrears of social reform to be made up. Lord Lansdowne in the innocancy of his heart moves-" That the House or Lords is not justified in giving its assent to the Budget until it has been submitted to the people." It seems to me that this resolution is a glaring example of humbug and hypocrisy. (Cheers.) I'o guard the rights of the people, and to be solicitous for the wishes of the nation is not the customary work of the House of Peers. (Hear, hear.) Their record in this re- spect is not very encouraging or creditable. (Laughter.) The resolution never suggests that they ever will feel justified in passing such a Budget. (Laughter.). Is there anyone who really fancies that this is their object? (" No.") There are several matters calling for immediate attention—social reform, trade improvements, conditions of labour, the care of the old and the poor. We wish to hasten 'the day when op. portunities for the best education will be com- mon possession of all, and to promote temper- ance legislation, to lessen temptation, and make it easier for our fellow countrymen to lead honest, upright, and sober lives. Since the House of Lords dares to stand in the way of progress, and bar all efforts of Liberal legisla- tion, it behoves us to arise as one man, and to declare in the words of H. Campbell-Banner- man, Enough of this foolery, let us get to business." (Cheers.) The Rev. R. Silyn Roberts, M.A., who was cordially received, referring to 1he action of the House of Lords in reference to the Budget, said he did not suppose that anyone now living- could remember the country being in such a crisis be. fore. The great question was the Budget, and he was sure that they were all proud that it was a Welshman who had framed that Budgiet. (Hear, hear.) They were proud of that Welsh. man because he had the courage to bring it for- ward; they were proud, also, that there was such a readiness on the part of the country to accept it. He did not think that anyone looked upon the Budget as the crown or completion of the scheme of political reforms which the Liberal party were capable of bringing about. IHe was sure that Mr Lloyd George did not regard it in that light. No the Budget was not the roof or tower of the edifice of Liberal reforms; it was only the foundation- stone of a great and magnificent building. (Cheers.) Reforms were still needed in many directions, and particularly in regard to legisla- tion and administration relating to the relief of the poor. The speaker then dealt art length and in a most interesting way with the Poor Law Commission) appointed by the Conservative Government in 1905, who have only recently concluded their labours, and whose recommend. ations are contained in a Majority Report and a Minority Report. Mr. Roberts agrees with both sections of the Commission in desiring to break up the existing Poor-Law system, and advocates the adoption of the new system recommended by the Minority, whose chief representatives are Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Webb. They seek to do away with Boards of Guardians and mixed workhouses, and recommend that the county and not the union of parishes should be the proper area for the administration of relief. The Majority recommendations he considered undemocratic in principle, and he preferred those of the Minority. When dealing with the question of poverty, one had to divide the poor into five classes. There were the orphan children. There were the old workers who had got past work and could not support themselves any longer. Mr. Lloyd George in one of his speeches when' submitting the Old Age Pensions Bill in the Commons, said that 75 per cent. of the workers in the kingdom, after having spent their whole lives in working hard, had little or nothing at their backs to support them in old age. Thus three out of every four workers in this country earned so little by their hard work that they could not be expected to be able to put enough by to maintain them in their last years. These were the second section. The third class of poor were the workers whose health had broken down before they had reached the age of 60 or 70. There were a great many such workers to be found throughout the land. Sometimes a husband with a wife and large family was unable to maintain them and him- self because his health had broken down. Then there were the mentally defective. And finally there were the unemployed, of whom there were thousands throughout the country. At the be. ginning- of last winter there were about a mil- lion Who were willing and able to work, but for whom no work was available. There were, of course, two classes of people out of work, the unemployed and the unemployables, the latter being the wanderers who would not work if they possibly could help it. These were the five broad divisions of poor people. How were they to be dealt with? The speaker proceeded to ex- plain how the five sets of people would be placed under the care of the County Education Authority, the Local Health Committee, the Lunacy Committee, the Pension Authority, and the Unemployment Authorities. He gave an account of the work which is being done by the National Committee to Promote the Break-Up of the Poor Law, and claimed that Mr Lloyd George, Mr Winston Churchill, Mr Wm. George, and other leaders in all parts of the country were in favour of the movement. He also mentioned Mr George Davison, of Harlech, who is giving time, energy, and money to the cause, and asked the people of Colwyn Bay to join the move. ment. In passing, the speaker advised the old Liberals not to be frightened by tihe charge of Socialism which was beine- shouted by the other side, and declared that the Budget de- served the support of every lover of humanrtv. -1, The highest aim of statesmtanship was the up. lifting of mankind, and that was the aim kept in view by the author of the Budget. (Ap- plause.) The Rev. William Williams proposed a Welsh resolution to the following effect:—"That this public meeting of the Colwyn Ray polling-dis- trict begs to thank the Government for the sound financial proposals contained in the Bud- get, and_ protests against any attempt of the House of Lords to interfere with the expressed wish of the people as represented by their duly elected Members of the House of Commons." In the course of his speech, the rev. gentleman urged the Liberal and Labour parties to arrive at an understanding whereby they would avodd three-cornered contests in the coming General Election. (Appl ause.) Mr L. M. Burrell seconded in a witty speech, in which he made great play with the profes- sions of Lord Lansdowne and his friends that all they desired was to learn the opinion off the electorate upon the Budget. The House of Lords were only filling up the' cup of their iniquity and putting a pinnacle to the towel of their hypocrisy. (Applause.) He hoped that the Liberals would undermine that tower, and that the whole building, pinnacle and all, would fall down upon the Lords and bury them In the ruins. (Applause.) The resolution was unanimously carried. Mr John Crompton, the popular President of the Liberal Association, made a stirring speecii in proposing a vote of thanks to Mr Silyn Ro- berts and the Chairman. Incidentally, he ob- served that he would have no objection to a House of Lords if it was composed entirely of WelshTrt,e--i-(Iaughte,r),-because he had a pro- found admiration for the Welsh people on ac- count of their firm democratic principles- (Hear hear.) Mr Edward Williams (Gwynllys) seconded, .and Mr Roberts and the Chairman responded.

Total Abstinence Rule for Deacons. WELSH MEMBER'S ADVICE. Speaking on the temperance question at the North NVales Calvinistic Methodist Quarterly Association at Llanidloes, Mr David Davies, M.P., referred to the question whether total ab- stinence should be required of persons elected to the diaconajte. Person.ally, he thought it would be a good, thing, and always the best thing, that a deacon should be a total abstainer. (Hear, hear.) At the same time he did not think it was within the province of the Church itself to lay down a hard and fast rule. Rather they should trust the good sense of the congre- gations to elect none but suitable men to serve them as deacons. (Applause.) If a hard and fast rule were laid down, he was afraid they would find themselves narrowing dIown the Church itself to a mere total abstinence society, and thereby running the great risk and danger of placing undue prominence on one particular virtue. (Hear, hear.) He himself had been a life-long abstainer, and thought it best that a man holding a high position in the Church should also be an abstainer, but even if a man were not a total abstainer he might still be a real Christian; and the denomination should take care in making small rules and regulations to look at the matter from a broad standpoint, leaving it to the congregations and trusting -them, to elect the best men to the diaconate. (Applause.)