The North Wales Weekly News

Abergele Competitive Meeting. The annual competitive meeting of the Gal- vinistic Methodisita' was held at the old chapel on Christmas night, Councillor W. P. Marinis conducting. Sir Herbert Roberts, Bart., was to have occupied the chair, but owing to a severe cold he was unable to attend. He sent the following Welsh letter to the secletaxy (Mr. J. Vaugihan Ellis) Bryngwenallt, Abergele, Y Nadolig, 1909. Anwyl Syr,—Mae ym wir ddrwg genyf mas galllaf ddiod i lawr i'r cyfarfod heno o herwydd anwyd trwm. A wneiwch chwi, os gwelwch yn dda, roddi y rheswm am fy absenoldeb, a chy- Hwyno hefyd i'r cyfarfod fy nyimindadau go-reu am Vvyliau Llawen a "Blwyddyn Newydd Dda yn yr ystyr oreu i bawb yn Abergele ? Yr wyf yn gobeithio y bydd fy chwiorydd o Dan'rallt yn alluog i fod yn bresenol i ddatgan dyddardeb y teulu yn y cjnfarfod fel hen sefyd- liad nodedig Yill ha nes Abelrgele.-yr eiddoch yn ffyddlawn, J. Herbert Roberts. The musical adjudicator was .Pedr Alaw." Other adjudicators were Mrs. D. C. Lewis, Colwyn Bay Rev. Francis Jones, Rev. E. Wyn Roberts, Manchester Rev. R. Williams, Towyn Mr. J. Williams, M.A. Mr. W. J. Evans, Mr. John, Jones, saddlei, and Mr. Thos. Jones, Rose Cotta.ge. After the singing of a hymn a,nd the pretty ren- dering of the song Visitors by Master Arthur Edwards, Park Villas (son of Pedr Alaw "), tlie programme was proceeded with as follows -Recitrutiorn for children under x6, Arafa Ddyn i, Bessie Janes, Rhuddiryn 2nd prize divided between Olwen Parry (London House), Thos. W, Williams (Pensam), and John Jones IY r Allt). Bass .solo, Y Bachgen bewr 1, 1 David John Roberts, Bryngroes, Bettws. The best map of Wales 1, Gwilyrn Jones, Bettws; 2nd, Cymro,_ wiho did not appear. Best button hole :k Jennie Hughes, Gele Avenue. Tenor soo Bedd y Bugail 1, G V\t lym Foulkes, Llysfaen (85 nmrks out of 100 maximum). Soprano ..olo J' Can y Preset" T. Osborne Robert.) i, Katie Jones, Bodheuloer, Abergele, The best poetical lines on The Primrose (" Y r rxallen ") i, Thos. Jones, Rose Cottage, Aber- gele. At this juncture Mr. John, Jones, .saddler, was called upon for a speech, but he confined himself to saying that he was sorry to find the chair placed on the platform for Sir Herbert Roberts unoccupied. But Sir Herbert had been, doing a lot of other necessary work of late, and doubtless the result of travelling a great deal through recent bad weather had told its tale oa his constitution. It was not in Sir Herbert's nature to disappoint his audiences. (Applause). He and his ^predecessors at Bryngweoallt and 1 an mailt had identified themselves with those meetings for upwards of fifty years. (Applause). He (Mr. Jones) was afra'd that the meetings of late years had deteriorated witih regard to the quality of the competitions in the literary sub- jects. He was not opposed to young people playing the various games of the day, but those participating in them should aspire to greater things than games. Did they know of any man that had oenefited his country by playing football? Let the young peopLe. present read the best books obtainable, and by books he did not mean trashy novels, but books they could read twice and thrice over and and gain something by doinsr it (Applause). Pedr Alaw," while identifying himself with most of what Mr. Jones had said, was of opinion that whatever might be said of other subjects, he was quite positive that the singing on, the wnote was, of a higher order than It had ever been as far as he could remember. And he could carry his mind back to the time when he had himseif competed on that very platform when he A as twelve years of age. (Applause). „ i,,1'3 competitions then proceeded. Quartette, Tai Ij Dora ^olle5- Lizzi« Davies, james Hughes, and Walter V. 'Jones, Transla- tion from English to Welsh: i, Henrv Davies, Rhwngyddwyfforddi, Bettws Essay, The in- fluence of Calvinism on the morals of the Welsh nation 1, Mr. Wrilliam Roberts, "VisiÎJtoa:" ce. Recitatioin, Iesu The onlv ooanpeti- tor was; John Rowlands, Dolwen, Bettws, who gave us a positive treat, adjudicators saying that he was worthy of a far greater prize than, was being grven. Essay," St. Paul—his conversion and his work according to the Acts of the i>posties-" I, Mr. J. Vaughan Ellis, Rhuddfryn. jJuiett, Plant v Cedyrn": i, James Hughes and Tom Jones (the only competitors). Chall- enge solo, Our Saviour's Cross" (" Pedr l'o Alaw ") i, David J. Roberts, Bettws (90 marks out of 100 max.) 2, Gwilym Foulkes, Llysfaen 3, Katie Jores, Abergele (84). Part-song, "Y Serein Unig," for parties of sixteen Only 61 y one party, that conducted by Mr. T. Jones, Rose Cottage, came forward., and they sang worthy of the prize. Mr. W. J. Parry, London, House, moved a vote of thanks to all those who had contributed in various ways towards the success of the meetings, and to the Misses Roberts, Tan'rallt, for! attending in-the absence of their brother, Sir Herbert Roberts. Mr. Parry also, complimented the conductor on the able manner he kept the audience ini good, humour from be- ginning to end. Mr. John Hughes seconded, and the vote was carried with acclamation. ginning to end. Mr. John Hughes seconded, and the vote was carried with acclamation. Ihe meeting terminated with the singing of '• Hen Wlad fy Nhadau," Cybi taking the solo. SEARCHLIGHT.

Christmas Day Eisteddfod at Conway. INTERESTING SOLO COMPETITIONS. Thirty years ago "BangOTian" established the WTelsih Baptist Eisteddfod in Conway, which has proved, in bygone years, to have been a great attraction for Christmas Day. For some some reason or other the attendance at the after- noon meeting on Christmas Day was very meagre, and had a depressing effect upon the spirit of the gathering. And when it became known that there was no brass band, chief choral, or children's choir contests to. be, these facts did n!ot enhance the success of the 1909 Eisteddfod. Whatever may be the reason, it is to be regretted that interest in the event is so lacking, and it truly neodls stimulating by some dfevice or other, and a new departure from the oithodOK groove would perhaps go some way towards, restoring the interest in the event. THE OFFICIALS. Chairman of Committee, Rev. W. Edwards; treasurer, Bangorian secretaries, Messrs. Levi John, Llys Gwilym, Cadinant, Conway, and W. Evan's, Newborough-terrace, Conway. Mr. J. G. Dobbing, Birkenheiad, was the musical adjudicator upon the band music; Prof. Norman McLeod, A.R.C.M., vocal; £ < Teganwy," poetry; Rev. Bryn Davies and Teganwy recitations and prose, and Madame Baugh (nee Miss Salliie Edwards, A.L.C.M.), was the accompanist. Every praise is due to. the secretaries for their part of the work. THE CONWAY BOROUGH BAND. The only band that put in an appearance was that of the Conway borough, and their march from Lancaster-square to the Town Hall some- what enlivened matters. It is pleasing to notice the progress made by the combination under the conductorship of Mr. David Williams, who has the interest of the band at heart. By the way, it may not be generally known that the in- struments of the band are practically obsolete, and praiseworthy effürts are being made to raise funds to replace them with new ones. And to this end appeals are being made to the public to support the deserving case. The performance of the test piece, La Git- ana (Wright and Round), was an astonishingly good one. It was, indeed, a performance that greatly pleased Mr. Dobbing, the adjudicator, who "stated at the evening session, after the band had rendered the test piece as an item in the evening concert, that the afternoon's per- formance was a splendid otitbl, and a great im- provement had been effected since he heard the hand in Rhyl, but the members were not so careful at night as at the previous performance. He referred] to need of proper and up-to-dJate instruments, and if these could be secured he predicted success for the band in future com- petitions. Mr. Dobbing's remarks were heartily cheered!. The band: was assisted by Mr. David Jones, bandmaster of the Lla.nddulas Silver 'Band, who played solo cornet, and his services were very much appreciated. A DELIGHTFUL MUSICAL ADJUDICATOR. Professor Norman McLeod seems a peculiar name for a true Welshman. It has a distinct Scotch flavour about it, and yet one marvelled: at the splendid Welsh tongue that the Professor possesses. He is an. up-to-date adjudicator. He is keen, sympathetic, and just. He delivers his judgments in a refreshing and pleasing manner, and where necessary gives vocal illustrations of the points he wishes to drive home. Further, he is a vocalist of splendid, ability, and with his singing acts it. When, to the surprise of every- one he sang with his sister, Miss Bertha Jones, R.A.M., the sparkling duet from Dr. Parry's opera Blodwen," the couple quite entranced the audience into ecstaeies of delight, and so vociferous was the encore that a portion of the duet had to be repeated. Professor McLeod congratulated the Committee upon the selection of the test piece for the pianoforte solo, Son- atina in C. by Ivirklaw. It was more in the right direction for children who could play such music, the popular idea of playing the Blue Bells of Scotland came as a very easv matter. He also praised the general quality of the vocal- ists, which was of an excellent order, and with regard to Miss Brown., who secured the contralto prize, he stated that be owed her thanks for trying many times during the: day and at last securing a prize through, real' merit. It must be said that the singing was capital throughout the day, and the instrumental quar- tet, for which there were three parties, was a very pleasing feature. The rebuke rdven by Mr. Dobbing to the ignoramuses at the rear of the Hall, who laughed at the failure of a young player in lipping his cornet, was well merited, and it is to be hoped had a. salutary effect upon such undesirables in an audience. The adjudicators greatly praised the essay upon John Gibson, the Sculptor," and re- marked that it was worthy of a National Eis- teddfod. The winner was the Rev. Benjamin Menai Francis, who was cheered as he pro- ceeded for his gold medal. Teganwy made a good1 conductor, but we should like to see a little more animation in his work and a brightening of his voice. The singig of Miss Bertha Jones throughout the day was a feature of the proceedings. This little lady has a beautiful fresh soprano voice, and a finished style, and her songs were well selected. She was encored on every occasion that she sang. The bards were conspicuous by their absence -:art least, no effusions were heard, as pro- grammed, but one eulogistic of the Mavor, who presided at the evening meeting, was given by Teganwy.

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Festiniog Chair Eisteddfod. LIST OF SUCCESSES. The annual Christmas Eisteddfod was held on Christmas Day at Blaenau Festiniog, the large Town Hall being crowded at both meetings. Mr. Hugh Jones presided in the afternoon, and in the opening address wished the audience and those engaged in the slate trade a success- ful new year. The Rev. John Owen (Dyfnallt), the conductor, joined in the good wishes, and advised the friends from North Wales who were forced by the depression to emigrate to Glamor- ganshire to speak Welsh with their children at their homes. There were too many aliens and pagans in that country already. All sorts from all parts went there—(laughter),—but the Glam- organites were all good and sensible people, and it was desirous to increase their number. (Cheers.) Robert Smith and Richard Lewis Griffith divided the prizes for a duet on any wind in- strument. Mrs. Thomas, wife of Mr. Morris H. Thomas, secretary of the Eisteddfod, was the winner of the prize offered for lyrics. Solo, Telynau'r Saint (W. O. Jones), Miss Neill Jones, Manod House. In the children's choir competition there was a very close contest between the seven choirs 1, Bethania 2, Salem 3, Bethel 4, Jerusalem Pianoforte solo 1, Griffith W. Jones 2, Mary Evans. Translation from English to Welsh 1, Daniel Jones, Bodegryn, Blaenau. Second choral competition 1, Ebenezer Wesleyan Chapel (Mr. Tom Davies) 2, Brynbowydd (Miss Sarah A. Morris). Essay on Your hero, and your reasons for it": 1, Daniel Jones, Bodegryn 2, Evan Cadfan Jones, Tan'rallt-terrace. EVENING MEETING. Mr. D. White Phillips presided, and Dyfnallt conducted. Mr. Phillips gave an interesting account of the Eisteddfod from the sixth cen- tury down to the present time, and congratu- lated the Committee on the great success of their meetings. The following were the principal awards :— Duet: Sarah Morris and Annie Williams, whose rendering was said to be an honour to the Eis- teddfod. Answering theological questions 1, David R. Jones, Bodafon 2, Griffith Hughes, Hafod Ruffydd. Duet: 1, Maggie and Lizzie Jones, Cadfan; 2, Mary and Rhys Jones, Rhewl. Answering questions on the Welsh language: Maggie Olwena Jones, Bodegryn 2, R. J. Lewis, Festiniog. Contralto solo Miss A. E. Davies, Penrhyn. Stanza Melinydd Davies, Llansawel, Glamorgan. Chair poem on Pro- mise The Rev. J. D. Richards, Congrega- tional minister, Trawsfynydd, whose represen- tative was chaired with the accustomed rites. Baritone solo W. D. Jones, Festiniog. So- prano solo Annie Williams. Essay on The claims of the mission field on the Church Mrs. Vaughan Lewis, Festiniog, and W. J. Wil- liams, The Square, equal. Chief recitation Miss Dora Roberts, Festiniog. Duet, Hugh J. Hughes and W. O. Jones, Festiniog. Tenor solo Evan Evans, Bryndwyrwyd. Composing words for a libretto Bryfdir. The chief choral competition drew five choirs, which sang as follows 1, Jerusalem (Edward Jones ;) 2, Seion Baptist Chapel (Alaw Ffestin) 3, Hyfrydfa (William O. Thomas) 4, Tanygris- iau mixed (W. Morris Williams) 5, Bethania (Miss Annie Bevan) choirs 1 and 5 were de- clared equal after a very close competition.

Bethesda County School. CHRISTMAS EISTEDDFOD. This Bethesda County School brought their Christmas term to an end on Wednesday evening last week with the third annual Christmas Eis- teddfod. The proceedings, which were con- ducted by the headmaster, Mr. D. J. Williams, M.A., and lasted for four hours, proved in every way a success. The music was adjudicated by Mr. F. Adams, B.A., the art by the Misses Lake and Davies, and the literature by the headmaster and Mr W. H. Jones, B.A., Mr W. Hughes, B.Sc, and Miss M. M. Williams, B.A. At the interval the pupils, 173 in number, were treated to sub- stantial refreshments by the teachers. The following were the awards :— Poetry.—Open—School song Wyn Wil- liams, challenge silver medal. Over 15—Blank verse, The Mirror of the Lake," Wyn Wil- liams, Richard Williams. Telyneg Wyn Wil- liams, J. R. Morgan. Imitation of Longfellow Hiawatha in Detention Wyn Williams. Un- der 15, stanza on The School Bell Stanley Evans. Prose.—Open—Casgliad o Straeon Tylwyth Teg Sir Gaernarfon: W. H. Williams, challenge silver medal. Essay, Form IV., Ceiriog, Is- lwyn, and Wadsworth," Wyn Williams. Essay, Form IV., Cariad Beirdd Gymru at Natur," Arthur Lloyd. Essay, Form III., Hanes fy Ngwyliau Haf," Maggie Jones. Essay, Form II., Llythyr yn canmol Bethesda," Mary Wil- liams, Winnie Ll. Hughes. Recitation.—Over 15: Wyn Williams, Blod- wen Rowlands. Under 15 Louisa Williams, Nellie Jones. Music.—Inter-colour choir competjtion Greens, conducted by Wyn Williams. Open solo Louisa Williams. Pianoforte solo Han- nah Eardley, Gwendoline Jones, Changing voice solo Wyn Williams, Richard Williams. Art.—Open, best drawings of mural decora- tions for the new Assembly Hall: T. J. Roberts, challenge silver medal. Cover design for school magazine W. H. Williams. Design for school crest: Maggie A. Rowlands, Albert Williams. Pink Maltese cross for hockey badge Hilda Brock, Adeline Fuszard. Black Maltese cross for football badge Adeline Fuszard. and shade drawing of the preparation of any gas J. O. Williams, G. O. Hughe B.C.S. monogram: Godfrey Hughes, Walford. Best photograph of a pupil by a pupil: Llywelyn. Jones. Under 15. Knitted tie Marian Gor- don, Nellie Jones. Best handwriting Deiniol G. Jones.

Trefriw Christmas Eisteddfod. The annual Christmas Eisteddfod in connec- tion with Penuell Chapel was held on Christmas Day at the Public Hall. There were two meetings, the afternoon be- ing mainly taken up with juvenile competitions, in which there were as usual a large number of competitors. The chair was occupied t both meetings by Mr. R. H. Williams, Plas Gladys, and the conductor was Mr. R. G. Owen, Green- wich House, Llanrwst. The musical adjudicator was Mr. G. W. Francis, Nantlle, who also, con- tributed several ijtems during the meetings. The accompanist was Mr. W. E. Davies, Llanrwst. The following: were the successful competitors —Catechism :-Standaxd III. i, Myfi Roberts 2, W. T. Williams. Standard IV. i, Blodwen Hughes. Under 14: 1, Cecil Hughes; 2, David Thomas. Under 16: 1, E. Llewelyn Roberts 2, Griffith Owen- Recitation, under 12: Equal i, Nancy Prysor Williams and Eleanor Edwards; 2, Blodwen Hughes equal 3, Myfanwy and Daisy. Solo, under 12: 1, Blodwen Hughes; 2, R. Williams; 3, Annie Evans. Recitation, under 16: 1, Nancy Prysor Wil- liam's equal 2, Blodtwen Hughes and David. Thomas. Solo-, under 16: 1, Katie Roberts; 2, A. McCrae 3, Annie Pierce. Essay on Joseph: i, Jessie Williams, Blaen Najnt; 2, Albert Evans, Wern. Map of Carnarvonshire and pen and ink sketch of the TempLe: J. Glynne Jones, Bortih-- wen, Llanrwst. Catechism, under 21 Albert Evans, Wern. Translation: Miss Williams, Regent House., Llanrwst. Duet: i, E. Davies and Blodwen Hughes- 2, Katie Ro-berts and L. Pierce. Actio 1 song Mr. Pierce Evans's party. Ear test: Jennie Evans, Ysgubor Gerrig. Essay, Paul's Travels 1, Jessie Wil- liams 2, J. Glynnie Jones, Llanrwst. Juvenile choir: Tnefriw, conducted by Mr. William Owen Dialogue Annie Williams and Annie Evans. Pianoforte solo*: Equal, J. Glynne Jones, Llanrwst, and Nellie Davies, Post Office, Tref- riw. For the best, verses of poetry loan ap loan, Roewen. Chief recitation Ed. Williams, Uwch y Don. Best tie Miss Evans, Pendy. Bookmark Miss Jones, Post Office, Maenan. For the best rendering of the hymn-tune, Knoll Avenue Mr. Ellis Edwards, Aber- deiulyn, and party. Challenge soloi: Mr. Robert Roberts;, Hyfrydle. Chief essay R. Evans, Crafnant House. Walking stick: Mr. E. C. Thomas, Llan- hedirog Chief choral: Two choirs, Llanrwst and Trefriw. The prize was awarded to the latter, conducted by Mr. Pierce Evans. The event was a decided success, and. reflects the greatest credit on the hard work of the com- mi tree and their energetic hon. secretary, Mr. Robert Evans, Crafnant House.

Rhyl Eisteddfod. The annual Boxing Day Eisteddfod was held in the; New Pavilion,, Rhyl, on Monday, and,, the meetings were largely attended. Mr. A. RhydrwelnJ Jones (Chairman of the Rhyl Council} presided at the first meeting. The principal adr judicators were Professor Dan Price, Mr. Peter Edwards, Mus. Bac., and Mr. Hugh Edwards. The Rev. Wynirii Davies made an excellent con- ductor. The President, in his address, urged on them the fostering of the Eisteddfod:, as it gave such excellent opportunities to young people to develop their talents. The awards were as fol- low Violin solo: W. G. Walters, Denbigh. Recitations: i, H. Jones, Lianasa; 2, L. Parry, Penyffordd, Ffynongroew Pianoforte shîllo: H. Gunning, Ilint. juvenile solo (" Visitors Master Percy Jones, Rhyl. Contralto solo- (" Coon's Lullaby Miss Rhoda Jones, Gellifor, Ruthin. Quartet: Crewe Aeolian Party. Juvenile choir competition, In the Snow- now let us Gather (Pedr Alaw) Prize won by the Rhyl Juvenile Choir, conducted by Mr. B. Wadsworth, for a beautiful rendering. Bass solo, SOInOif Mine Mr. F. Nichol- son, Gwespyr, Prestatyn. English reciting: 1, H. Jones, Llanasa; 2 (divided), L. Jones, Ffynongroew, and R. Ed- wards, Denbigh. The essay on the present position of Wales, politically and religiously, went to Mab y Deff- road, arjd the adjudicator expressed the hope that such an excellent esisay would be published. ,Chief choral competition, Y Milwyx Rhu- feinig" and, The Village Blacksmith There was aii excellent competition, and. tihe psrizje went to Ffynongroew Male Voice Choir (con- ductor, Mr. I Spencer). I

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The Mayor, during the evening, made a few remarks, in which he hoped that competing at that small Eisteddfod would be the means of causing competitors to try at the National Eis- teddfod to be held at Colwyn Bay next year. He was sorry not to see the founder of the Con- way Eisteddfod, Bangorian, present, which was caused through ill health. He thought, after what they had heard from Mr. Dobbing, that they ought to be proud of the Conway Band and the progress made under the conidiuctorshit) of Mr. David Williams. If there was any fault with the band, it was to. be found in their in- struments. He suggested that each one present subscribe the sum of 3s. for the first year to help the band to obtain new instruments. (AD- plause.) He wished them all a happy new year. (Applause.}' The Chairman of the Committee (the Rev. W. Edwards), in proposing a vote of thanks to the Mayor, referred to, the enforced absence of Ban- gorian, and asked if he should convey to him the audience's sympathy with him in his ill- ness. Teganwy asked the audience to rise. which was done as a token of its sympathy. The following were the awards — Brass band quickstep (one band only) Con- way Borough Band, conducted by Mr. David Williams. Pianoforte solo (under 15 years) Miss M. Martin and Miss M. Jones, Conway, equal. Stanza on Malice Thirteen competitors, and not one deemed worthy of the prize. Tenor or soprano- competition, Hyd Fedd hi gar yn gywir Out of four competitors, Teg- fan Roberts, Llandegfan. Solo for children under T4 years, Coron i'r ieuaine i, Master S. W. Thompson,, Pen- maenmawr; 2, Annie Frances Parry, Llandud- no Junction 3, Myfanwy Jones 4, Catherine Eleanor Williams, Conway. Duet: Messrs. Tegfan Roberts and E. R. Jones. Brass band, La Gitana": Conway. Any solo, any voice, not previously having won a prize Mr. Thomas Carroll, Glan Con- way. Juvenile recitation, under 16 years, Fydd yn y mefoedd i-los? i, Maggie Evans, Hendre 2, Gladys Evans, Heindte; 3, Master S. W. Thompson. Peomaenmawr 4, Lily Martin. Challenge solo, Bedd Glyndwr (W. O. Jones) i, Mr. W. E. Jones, Conway. Baritone or contralto, between Miss Brown and Mr. W. E. Jones as only competitors Miss Brown secured the prize. Essay, John Gibson, too famous sculptor" Rev. B. Menai Francis, Conway. Recitation, over 16 years. Beth yw cariad?" 1, Miss Maenan Williams, Maenan, Llanrwst; 2, Llewelyn Evans, Hendre. Sofo, Hen Wlad fy Nhadaru" (under 18 years) i, Blodwen Jones. Talyibont; 2, Annie Frances Parry, Llandudno Junction. Instrumental quartet (wind instruments), Clouds and Sunshln,e i, Old Favourites," beimg members of the Conway Borough Band, under the conductorship of Mr. David Williams. The audience in the evening was a large one.