Towyn-on-Sea and Merioneth County Times

The Bishop of Bangor is confined to his residence at Aberdovey, suffering from an attack of catarrhal laryngitis. Mr John Corbett has signified his apprecia- tion of the action of the governors of the Towyn County School in deciding to erect an ornamental entrance to the school as a slight recog- nition of his generosity towards the school from its commencement, and the great interest he has since e, inced in its welfare. A sketch of the proposed work has been submitted to Mr Corbett, who will confer with the committee appointed last Saturday when he next visits Ynysymaengwyn. *#* At their meeting on Saturday -last the Governors of the Towyn County School decided to again write to Mr Owen Owen, chief inspector of schools, for an explanation of a derogatory remark concerning the school contained in the report of one of the sub- inspectors, which the headmaster and the governors consider to be absolutely unfounded. It was pointed out that three months had passed since the chief inspector's attention was called to this. The governors are only doing their duty in pressing the matter, and we are very pleased to notice that they are so jealous for the good reputation of the school. r There seems to be no lack of persons willing to come forward, or are being pushed forward, for the honour of representing Merioneth in Parliament, and the Liberal party is in danger of being broken up into factions. Such a host of candidates in the field would lead one to believe that the qualifica- tions necessary for a member of Parliament are not, at any rate, out of the common or else that the necessary qualifications are very common in Merionethshire. Our own opinion is that a proper estimate of the abilities required in a member of Parliament is not appreciated by those who bring forward so many candidates; they are apt to look no farther afield than their own town or village, but accept a man who has figured in local minor offices, often at his own estimate .1f himself. Un- less the whole party is likely to look at the matter from a wider point of view and decide to support the best man of them all, the best thing that could happen to the party is for Mr 0 M Edwards to con- tinue his Parliamentary career, if he could be prevailed upon to do so. What is in most people's minds in connection with Aberdovey is the Common question, and Mr Solomon Andiews' offer with regard to it. The exact position of the Commoners should be ascer- tained, and some reply given to Mr Andrews. If with the aid of Mr Andrews the progress of the town could be forwarded, they should offer him the greatest inducement they possibly could, while taking every precaution to guard their own rights. If the committee are not moving in the mattter, a meeting of those interested in the Common should be held with a view to having the matter settled. A week ago we quoted some opinions as to the merits of the war in South Africa, putting side be side the knowledge of persons acquainted with the Boers and the ignorance of a gentleman who knows nothing personally about them and who for the matter of that does not know his own countrymen or what stuff they are made off. In a recent number of the Chicago Record we get an insight into the opinions of our cousins across the water. We have no wish in this country to flout the judge- ment of foreigners although we must often plead that they give their verdict with insufficient know- ledge of the facts, and against the weight of evidence. Least of all are we disposed to slight the judgment of the Americans. Of the same race, of the same religion, and speaking the same language as our- selves, we desire to carry them with us. There can be no doubt that we have done so. There are exceptions to this, but then there are exceptions < Iso in this 'country, chiefly as we shall show be. cause prejudice blinds them to the facts. Here is the opinion of a leading man in Chicago "Great Britain's effort is to secure for the majority of the civilised people of the Trans- vaal the rights which have been hitherto denied them and is in the interest of represen- tative government, political liberty, and the progress of civilisation." Here is another which gives in a nutshell the causes of the war: My sympathies are with England. If Kruger had kept the pledge he made with Gladstone in 1881 there would have been no trouble, England has always demanded the right to have a vote when taxed. Taxation without representation has always been opposed by England." V On the other side now we have this opinion: I am wholly with the Boers in this struggle for the life of their Republic. The invasion of their country seeing to be entirely unwarranted. South African Republics can hardly be expected to grant the right of suffrage to the English under more unfavourable terms to the home government than we ourselves would accept." In the last sentence there is so much confusion of thought that we fail to make anything of it. As to the second sentence, which we have italicised, we find in it the ignorance of facts of which we have been complaining. We did not invade their country; they invaded ours. Now at last we are thankful to say we are in course of turning the tables on them, but it was they who opened the ball. As another Chicagoan says, The Boers gave provocation for the war and that is why my sym- pathies are on the other side." One other pro- Boer quotation and we have done: I favour the Boers and a republic in pre- ference to the British and a monarchy. I believe the Boers are in the right and should wiu." Republican prejudice is very apparent here. The reply to it is given by another citizen of Chicago: The Transvaal is not a republic, it is an oligarchy." A correspondent writes :—Anyone who is foolish enough to do any real good work for the cause of temperance in Corris will meet with. no support, and no encouragement whatever from those who cry the loudest for it. People who advocate tem- perance the most in this village nre the very ones who give it no support whatever, and what is more still, they will Vtually do all they can to hinder the cause. It is a well-known fact that temper- ance is played out in this neighbourhood, and the reason is not very hard to seek for those who know the apathy of its leaders. „# # A gathering of licensed victuallers took place at Aberystwyth on Thursday evening, when the second annual dinner of the association was held. In the absence of Alderman David Roberts, Mr Geo F Roberts presided, and the .vice.chair was occupied by Mr Thomas Griffiths, J.P. Mr Ben Wemyss, the secretary, stated that the association is thrown open to licensed victuallers at Newtown, Barmouth, Dolgelley, Llanidloes, and down to Lampeter. Since the establishment of the association much good work has baen done, and as time goes on the members discover that united action is more powerful than individual effort can ever hope to be.

— «. TOWYN. MILLINERY.—Mrs Edward Rowlands, 16, Idris Villas, desires to inform the inhabitants of the district that she still continues to carry on the Millinery Business, where customers will find suit. able style, and reasonable charges. Hats cleaned, dyed, and altered. Ladies' Dress Caps made to order. [Advt. DEATH OF MRS WILLIAMS, CANTREV HOUSE. A report of the death and funeral of Mrs Williams, is unavoidably held over until next week. CORRECTION. The name of the Guardsman whose letter appeared in last issue is John Parker Clare, not Clarke. Some of our readers will remember his visit after the Ashantee war. He wears the Queen's Ashantee medal, with a few other honourable marks of service. THE WESLEYANs.-The Rev Peter Jones, Dol- gelley, has been invited to take charge of the Wesleyan Circuit at Towyn in succession to the Rev Henry Hughes the present superintendent. We understand that the rev gentleman has accepted the invitation. GOOD TEMPLARS. At the weekly session on Friday evening, the Chief Templar Mr J Maethlon James presided. Three new members were initi- ated into the order and heartily welcomed by the Chief Templar and others. The meeting was a successful one. WESLEY GUILD.- Mr D 0 Jones, Frondeg, delivered an address before the members on the best way to make the musical festival a success. Remarks were made by Mr W E Jones, Mr W Evans (Gwilym Crug), Mr A H Jones', Mr D Barnett, and Mr liar Davies. The Rev H Hughes, presided. THE ROADS.-A correspondent writesYes, sir, the steam roller has paid a visit to Towyn, but its stay was very brief. With the exception of High- treet and Station road, I do not think any other place was visited. A nice trip past Brynmair as far as the Beach and on the road alongside the Esplanade to Traethewraidd, and then on the Neptune Hall to Cambrian Square would harden the road materially. The road in front of Idris Villas is particularly soft, and yet the Council is satisfied with carting gravel here, although it is well known that the road requires a good founda- tion. Probably had the steam roller paid this part a visit it would fall into a slough of despond from which it could not be easily extricated. I would suggest that a public meeting be held before the next election is allowed to pass. ENTERTAINMENT.—At the Congregational Chapel, on Monday evening, the Rev J M Williams presid- ing. Mr D 0 Jones, Idris Villas, read a paper on Gwilym Gwent," and the following programme was gone through :—Song, Miss Maggie C Williams; song, Miss K Florence Jones; song and chorus, Miss Maggie Owen and party duet, Mr David Davies, jun. and Mr Richard Jones; chorus, Mr H W Griffiths and party; chorus, Yr Haf," Mr D 0 Jones and party. On the motion of Mr H W Grif. fith, seconded by Mr Samuel Edmunds, a vote of thanks was passed to all who had taken part. DEATH OF MRS EDWARDS, CORBETT SQUARE. — It is with deep regret we have to record the death of Mrs Edwards, Corbett square, who had lately retired from business and had taken up her residence at Idris Villas. She was the widow of the late Mr Edwards, printer, and was widely known and respected. The funeral took place on Tuesday, when a large number of townspeople paid their last tribute of respect to the deceased. The Rev T Lewis, vicar, and Rev R Davies, curate, officiated. WELSH DKAMA. Before the members of the Debating and Literary Society, on Tuesday evening, Mr E Derry Evans, B.A., read a paper on the Welsh Drama." Mr Evans took the view that the drama would some day develop in Wales. He gave the history ofi the- evolution of the drama in other countries, and came to the conclusion that the present condition of the national life of Wales was favourable to the development of the drama as an instrument for good. He also pointed out that the National Eisteddfod required re-modelling, in order to encourage individual effort and talent.— Remarks on the paper were made by Mr Samuel Edmunds, Mr T G Roberts, B.A., Mr W R Williams, B.S., Mr E J Evans, Mr J R Vaughan, Mr D 0 Jones, Mr R R Roberts, and the President. All the speakers were of opinion that the evolution of the drama in Wales would have an elevating effect, and that the history and traditions of the Welsh people afforded the composer an excellent field for his talents. CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL. On Wednesday evening an entertainment was given at the School- room of the above place of worship, the Rev J M Williams presiding. The programme was sustained by the children, and was as follows :-Recitation, Gweno a Gwen," Sarah Jane Edwards; address by the Chairman; song, Jane Mary Morgan; recitation, Florence Jane Vaughan; recitation, Fy nwy law," Tommy Roberts tune, 1'esu'r cvfaill goreu gaed," by the children recitation, Rhaiiu'r eaws," Katie Roberts; recitation, Rosina Hughes; song, Rock of Ages," Gwen Evans; recitation, "Y gwcw ar y fedwen," Gwladys Morgan recitation, Y gwydryn cyntaf," Dr John Roberts; tune, Jingle Bells," by the children recitation, Margaretta Morgan; song, The Maid of Llangollen," Rosa Davies; song Sophie Morgan I recitation, The four pictures," Mary Ann Davies; song, Ellen Ann Roberts; recitation, "Somebody's mother," Edward J Pugh; song, Katie Florence Jones; recitation, Matilda Roberts; recitation by six boys; duet, Maggie C Williams and Ellen Ann Roberts; recitation, Harry Owen and the tune Y milwr bach," brought the proceedings to a close. [The above was held over from last week.] LITERARY AND MUSICAL FESTIVAL AT MAETHLON. -At the above place situated in the Happy Valley, about four miles from Towyn, a literary and musi- cal festival is held every year. This is carried on entirely in Welsh, and not a word of Saxon is to be heard from the beginning of the meeting to its close. The festival was held on Wednesday evening, when fortunately the elements were favourable, A large number of people from Towyn and Aber- dovey attended, and the place of worship was filled to its utmost capacity. Mr Meyrick Roberts, Cantrev House, Towyn, was the president and conductor of the meeting, and with sparkling wit he kept the audience in good humour throughout. On the whole the competitions were fair, some of the prizes being keenly competed for. The musical conductor was Mr W 0 Ellis, Towyn (of the firm of Mrs Arnfield, Dolgelley) who discharged his duties with great satisfaction. We believe that this is Mr Ellis's first appearance in this district as a musical adjudicator, and certainly he has made a good impression. Mib{!:M,: S Davies, Towyn, was the efficient acconjpapist. The following were the awards:—Pianoforte golo, Mr D S Edmunds, Towyn. Song (words composed for the occasion by Mr W James, Maethlon), Mr W 0 Ellis. Mr J Geufronydd Jones's adjudication on the examina- tions- Under 21 1st, H Evans; under 16, 1st, T Jones; 2nd, Ellen Ellis, 3rd, R Evans. Manual signs: 1, Mary D Jones; 2, Winnie Owen; 3, T Jones. Composing a dialogue, 1 W J. Solo for children under 16: 1 R Evans, 2 Mary D Jones, 3 Winnie Owen. For asking the best number of questions on a chapter, 1 H M Vaughan, 2 D Vaughan. Recitation for children under 16: 1, Maggie Jones and Thomas Jones, equal; 2, R Evans. For the best pair of stockings, 1 Mrs J James; soprano solo, Miss Lizzie James, Towyn; quartet, Sandon," the prize was divided between Mr R Evans and party and Mr T Jones and party. For composing the best essay on Patience Miss L James was awarded the prize; impromptu read- ing, 1 Mr R Evans; baritone solo, Mr W James. The prize for the "muffatees" was divided between Miss E Ellis and Miss Annie Jones, and that for the antimacassar awarded to Miss L James. Essay on David Mr D Jones. For the best summary of sermons delivered Mr D Jones took first prize, and Miss Ellen Ellis second. The chief prizes in the miscellaneous portion were taken by Mr David Jones. Only one party came forward for the quartet "Y Rhosynan," under the leadership of Mr Hugh Lewis, Aberdovey, and they were declared to be full worthy of the prize. For tl^g chief essay Mr William James took the first prize and Mr D Vaughan second. Mr James also took the prize for the Pennillion," Mr H Owen being second. The prize foi a stanza was not awarded for lack of merit. In the chief choral competition ou "Adgyfodiad Crist," there were two parties, and the prize was awarded to the Dovey Party under the leadership of Mr Hugh Lewis. The energetic secretary was Mr Hugh Evans, junior, Bryndinas. INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL MANAGERS.— SATURDAY. Present: Mrs Rowlands, Messrs H Haydn Jones, J Hughes Jones, Meyrick Roberts, Humphrey Davies (Corris), Humphrey Jones (Nantymynach), R Price Morgan, H W Griffith, with Mr E J Evans (clerk), and Mr Tom Jones (headmaster). ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. Mr Haydn Jones proposed that Mr J Hughes Jones be elected chairman for the ensuing year.- Mr Hughes Jones said he bad not attended the meetings closely enough to thoroughly understand the business. He proposed the re-election of Mr Haydn Jones.-Mr Meyrick Roberts seconded Mr Hughes Jones's proposition, which, on being put to the meeting, was unanimously carried.—The Chair. man said he would very much have preferred if they had elected somebody else to the chair. ELECTION OF MEMBERS. It was reported that the public bodies in the dis- trict had elected the following to represent them on the Governing Body of the school :-Towyn Urban Council, Mrs Rowlands, Mr Maethlon James, and the Rev J W Davies (Aberdovey) Towyn and Pennal School Board, Rev Robert Jones and Mr D Evans (Gwerniago) Llangelynin School Board, Mr Davies (Tonfanau); Talyllyn, Mr Humphrey Davies; Llanfihangel, Mr John Evans (Gwastad. fryn) elected by donors of R3 and upwards, Mr H W Griffith and Mr R Price Morgan.—The Rev D Hughes, correspondent of the Llanegryn School, wrote that Mr Wynjie, Peniarth, had been elected by the managers, but it was pointed oat that this election was not complete until other schools which had a right to nominate a candidate bad replied to. the circular of the clerk. PRESSING FOR A REPLY. The Chairman stated that no reply had been received from the Chief Inspector under the Central Welsh Board (Mr Owen Owen) in regard to the report of one of his examiners concerning the- school. The Chief Inspector had promised that when he received a reply from. the examiner he. would communicate with the managers. More than three months had been allowed him to, reply. In justice to the school and to the public they were entitled to ask for a reply, and to request Mr Owea to give the matter his immediate attention. He (the chairman) did not think the examiner was entitled to make remarks derogatory of the school unless he had sufficient grounds for doing so.—The Headmaster said there was no reason for the examiner to make the remarks he did.—On the proposition of the Chairman, seconded by Mr H W Griffith, it was decided to write again to the Chief Inspector and to press for a reply. VOTE OF CONDOLENCE. The Chairman referred to the loss which that body, in common with other bodies, had sustained in the death of Dr Edward Jones, Dolgelley, and moved that they place on record the deep sense of loss sustained by the death, and that a vote of condolence be sent to the family. Ile was the first chairman of the Joint Education Committee, and had in connection with the late Mr Ellis more to do with the drafting of the scheme for the county than anybody else. He was chairman of the County Governing Body, and did his best to have, Towyn acknowledged as a central place to erect a, school. His loss would be felt throughout the- county.-Mrs Rowlands seconded the- proposition,, which was carried in silence. CO-OPTATIVE lIfEMBER. Mrs Roberts, Bryncrug, and Mr Wm Jones, R.O., Aberdovey, were re-elected co-optative members. TRANSFER. It was decided, on the motion of Mrs Rowlands, seconded by Mr J Hughes Jones, to transfer a sum of P,30 to the repairs and improvement account. It appears that the scheme provides that a sum shall be set aside every year for the purposes of repairs, &c. THE ACCOUNTS. It was resolved to ask Mr R Bowen, station- master, and Mr H Thomas, Talyllyn Railway, to audit the accounts for the past year, and to thank them for their services in past years.—Salaries and bills were ordered to be paid. EASTER HOLIDAYS. On the recommendation of the Headmaster, it was resolved to fix the Easter Vacation from the Ilth April to the 1st May. MR CORBETT'S MEMORIAL. The Chairman read two letters from Mr Hall (Mr Corbett's agent) having reference to the proposed memorial—an ornamental entrance to the school- as a recognition of Mr Corbett's munificence to. wards the school. The first letter stated that Mr Corbett greatly appreciated the kind wishes of the. governors of the school as expressed in the clerk's, letter, which he would himself reply to in the. course of a. few days. The letter of January 18th last stated that Mr Corbett intended shortly to visit Ynysymaengwyn for a few days, when he hoped to. confer with some of the governors in regard to their kind wish.-The Chairman said that after those letters, were written Mr Hall had visited Towyn, and had expected Mr Corbett the following day but circumstances had prevented him coming as he intended. Mr Corbett would, however, be glad to- confer with the governors when he next "visited Towyn.-It was decided to elect the following four representatives to meet Mr Corbett:-The Chair- man, Messrs J M James, J Hughes Jones, and Meyrick Roberts. BOARDERS. The Headmaster said the room which he had set aside for boarders had become too small for the number of boarders now at the pchool. He would like to see the room now used as a dormitory so altered as to be convenient for the boys and another room above it made into a dormitory.—The Chair- man How many boarders have you ? The Head- master: Thirteen.—The Chairman As against none before ? The Headmaster: Yes.—In reply to Mrs Rowlands, the Headmaster said there was no gas in the upper rooms of the house.—A committee consisting of the Chairman, Messrs R P Morgan Meyrick Roberts, and H W Griffith was appointed' to see what is necessary, with power to act. The same committee will have under consideration the erection of a place for the pupils to keep their bicycles. MISCELLANEOUS. The family of the late Sir Henry Tate wrote thanking the Governors for the vote of sympathy passed with them in their bereave m eti t.-It was decided to execute certain slight repairs at the Llanegryn School house, the damage having been caused by the storm. TOWYN AND PENNAL SCHOOL BOARD. TUESDAY. Present: The Rev R Jones, chairman, presiding; Messrs E Rowlands, Pennal; E L Rowlands, and Wm Jones, Aberdovey; and Henry Evans Towyn; with Mr P II Hughes, clerk; Mr E Richards, assis. tant clerk; and Mr John Owen, school attendance officer. ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL. The School Attendance Officer reported that the attendance at the schools during the month were