Towyn-on-Sea and Merioneth County Times

De Wet is again reported active, though there Seems to be as little certainty of his movements now as heretofore. For the rest there is little variation in the tale of operations this week from the seat of war. A correspondent of a London contemporary gives emphatic denial to the allega- tions made relative to the comforts of officers com- pared with those of the men whom they command. It is to some extbnt satisfactory to believe that there is no longer any truth in such a statement. At the present, though there appears to be only too much reason for supposing that in this instance, as in others, so mnoh smoke would hardly have arisen without a fire. Meanwhile the ex-President has been honoured with a visit from an ex-Queen, and doubtless the mutual condolences that passed-by means of an interpreter—resulted ia much conso- lation on each side, though they have Dot produced any noticeable effect in South Africa. The tribute of the ladies of the country to our late beloved Sovereign Queen Victoria, takes the form of a fund for the permanent endowment of the Queen's Jubilee Nurses. The nursing question was one that appealed very warmly to her late Majesty, and no more fitting memorial could have been devised. So far nothing has been done at Towyn, although the other towns in the county supported the movement in a very praise- worthy manner. *#* There is one thing of which the Towyn Com- mittee may be well proud and that is the truly excellent condition of the road from the Railway Station to the Beach, and which so far has escaped the depredations of the Gas Company. We trust, however, that they are not going to be satisfied with road repairing, &o, but will meet the question of having more shelters on the promenade, the pro- vision of a band, and a place of amusement in wet weather, during the season. Now is the time for those preparations, if there is anything going to be done. Lierit H de Burghe Edwards, son of the Vioar of Corris, has met with additional honours, bei 'g mentioned by Lord Kitchener in the list of those whose good services the Commander-in-chief wishes specially to bring to notice. It will be remembered that Lient Edwards had already received the D.S.O. The fire brigade question is one that will haye to be faced by the Local Council at Towyn if they wish to keep abreast with the times. At Dolgelley the brigade of that town has recently done some very creditable work. The question did crop up at the last meeting, and the Surveyor was instracted to see what steps had been taken in the matter. The formation should be seen to by the Council, and not by outsiders, or perhaps the Improvement Committee will see to it ? It is an important mat. ter and the sooner it is looked to the better.

TOWYN. SOCIAL.— A social evening was held in the Assembly Rooms last evening in aid of the funds of the Baptist Connexion, a full report of which will appear next week. THE DEBATING SOCIETY.-The sabject for last Tuesday's meeting was Is domesticity deteriorat- ing." Miss Annie C Jones read a very able paper on the affirmative, and was seconded by Miss L J Roberts, Board Schools. Nurse Pryce took up the cudgels on the negative side, and was responsible for a very convincing paper. She was seconded by Mrs Howell Jones. An interesting debate followed, speeches on the affirmative being made by Messrs T G Roberts and E J Evans. On the negative, speeches were delivered by Mr Tookey, Mrs H Jones, Dr Lloyd, Miss Phillips, Miss Parry, Glasfor, and Miss Annie Evans. When the matter was put to the vote, it was found by a majority of eleven that domesticity is not deteriorating. The attend- ance was highly satisfactory. BETHESDA IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.—A meeting of the above was held on Monday evening, when a capital address was delivered by Mr J H Williams (Gwyddnor), on Hiraethog." In the discussion which followed, the following took partRev J M Williams, Dr Lloyd, Mrs Alun Roberts, Messrs H W Griffiths, G Jones, and Thomas Roberts. A recitation of some portions of "Hiraethog's" works was also delivered by Mr Hugh Mason. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Williams, for so kindly favouring the Society with his lecture. HOCKET. A match was played on Saturday between the Aberystwyth County School girl's team, and the Towyn School. The homesters, although this was their first appearance, played up very well, but the superior experience of their antagonists told, and they were finally beaten by 3 goals to nil. The result was very creditable to the Towyn team and we trust that next time they will be able to reverse matters. WESLEY GUILD.-The weekly meeting was held on Wednesday evening at the Wesleyan Church.— Mr liar Davies, presiding, when a masterly paper was read by Mr David Barnett, on Popery and Christianity in the light of the Scriptures." Com- ineiits on the paper were given by Mr William Evans and Mr L Lewis, and a vote of thanks was passed to the reader. The second part of the meeting was devoted to the North Wales Ditrict Scripture Lesson standards II and III, the Gospel according to St Matthew. There was an instructive and well attended meeting. WOMEN'S TEMPERANCE ASSOCIATION.—A temper- ance meeting was held on Friday evening at the Welsh C.M. Chapel, with a view of forming a branch of the above association. The Rev R R Williams, M.A., was voted to the chair. Addresses were delivered by Mrs R Lewis,Festiniog; Mrs Principal Roberts, Aberystwyth; and Mrs Dr Jones, Harlech. At the close the rules and regulations of the association were explained by Mrs Dr Jones, and the Towyn ladies were invited to join and form a branch, and it was resolved that,(a meeting of ladies only should be called shortly for further dis- cussion of the matter. The attendance was good. JUMBLE SALE.—A sale was held at the National School on Saturday in aid of the Soldiers' and Sailors' (Reservists) Fund, of which the local secretary is Mrs Chidlaw Roberts, Leahurst, who has worked strenuously for the fund. She was most heartily supported by the tradespeople of the town with the result that about J610 was cleared, which is considered a record for the district. PRESENTATION. Laet Wednesday marked an epooh in the history of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church at Towyn, the occasion being, a. presentation to the Rev J H Symond, who has recently given up the pastorate; and further to extend a formal welcome to the pastor the Rev T R Jones, late of Talsarnau. A social evening on an elaborate scale was held at the Assembly Rooms, the arrangements for which, were in the hands of the ladies of the church, and seldom if ever, have the rooms presented such a pretty appearanoe, the decorations being excellent. The ladies who pre- sided at the tables, which were loaded with dainties of all descriptions were :—Mrs Humphreys, Church street; Mrs Daniel, Pantyneuadd Mrs Daniel, Brynhyfryd; Mrs Roberts, Cantrev House; Mrs Jones, Mynorydd House; Mrs JM Jones, Cambrian House; Mrs Jones, Caethle; Mrs Evans, Central Buildings; Mrs Newbury, Sandcroft; Mrs Morris, Church street; Mrs Evans, Morfa Mrs Jones, Pall Mall; Mrs Jones, Geufron House and Mrs Hughes, Cader View. The catering was ably carried out by Miss Daniel, Brynhyfryd, and Miss Davies, Rhianfa. Much credit is also due to Miss Williams, Lluesty, for hex assistance with the decorations. While the large company which had assembled, were doing justice to the excellent fare provided, a musical programme was rendered at intervals as follows:—Pianoforte duet, Misses Roberts, Board Sobool son#, "Y wlad £ ,'> Jones; song, When the heart is young," Miss Ashton, and a Welsh song, Mr H Morgan Jones. The presentation was made by the Chairman, Mr J Maethlon James, who was supported on the plat- form by the Rev J H Symond (retiring pastor), the Rev T R Jones (the new pastor), Miss Jones, and others.-The Chairman, in a brief speech, stated that he was that evening doing the work of another-Mr Daniel Daniel, Pantyneaudd, senior deacon of the church, who was unfortunately unable to attend through ill-health. Mr Symond, who had been with them for a quarter of a century, bad decided to retire after his long and arduous service, during which his relations with the members of the church had been of a very cordial description, and they bad accepted his resignation with deep regret. On the other hand they heartily welcomed the Rev T R Jones, the new pastor, and hoped he would be able to settle happily amongst them.—The deacons of the church, Messrs Edward Humphreys, Mere- dith Jones, Meyrick Roberts, Thos Jones (County School) aud J Geufronydd Jones, spoke to the same eSect.—A song entitled Lullaby was then very pleasantly rendered by Miss Ashton, after which englynion suitable to the occasion were read by MessreJ M James, Geufroydd Jones, J H Williams, and H M Roberts.—The presents which consisted o" a life-sise engraving and an illuminated address were then handed over. The engraving which was a beautiful specimen of the art, had been supplied by Mr C H Young, The Studio, Towyn.—The address also elicited warm admiration.—Mr Symond thanked all most heartily for the kind and generous treat- ment which bad been extended to him during his loog stay with them, and of which these beautiful presents would always remind him, and he offered a hearty welcome to his successor, the Rev T R Jones.—Mr Jones responding, thanked all for their cheery words of eneouragement.—Mr J Whittaker proposed a vote of thanks to the ladies for the excellent tea which bad been provided. This was seconded by Mr Rowland Edwards and carried. COUNTY SCHOOL GOVERNORS-SATURDAY. Mr H Haydn Jones in the chair. THE CONCERT BALANCE. The first matter on the agenda was the reading of the balance sbeet of the last concert. Altogether R45 12s 6d had bsenreeeived consisting of donations, tickets sold, aud door receipts. The expenses amounted to R34 4s 6d leaving a balance of £ 11 8s as against a much larger sum last year. The Chairman remarked that the governors were never- theless just as thankful to the clerk, for the trouble he had taken with the concert, and proposed a hearty vote of thanks to him which was seconded by the Rev H Williams. HEADMASTER'S REPORT. This report was as follows :—I have the honour to lay before you my tb;rd annual report. During the year, through the death of Mr Corbett, the school has suffered the greatest loss that has be. fallen it since its opening, for in him we always had a friend in need. 1 am glad to be able this time again to report increased prosperity both in numbers and general efficiency. The average number of pupils in school for the year was 109, an increase of 6 upon the preceding year. This term again there is a further advance, there being 124 on the school books as against 114 the correspond- ing period of last year. The regular and steady growth in the numbers has been taxing our accom- modation so much that the school is in real need of extra classrooms. Just now the chemical labora- tory (which is most unsuitable for the purpose), has to serve as a classroom, and even the workshop and music room have been used for the same purpose. The physical laboratory has had to be used as an ordinary classroom throughout the whole year. I hope you will give the matter your earnest consideration. This constant increase in the members, which is most encouraging, is due to the keen interest taken in education and in the school by the parents, to the sympathy and co- operation of the teachers in the district, and to the hearty support given by you as governors, and to the reputation which the school is establishing within and outside the district. At present we have pupils from all parts of the primary schools of the district with one exception, a very small National school. The number of boarders is 29— 28 boys and 1 girl. The school has been carried on on the same lines as last year, and the results which are laid before you testify to the general excellence of the work done. The Ceatral Welsh Board reports show that very good work has been done in all branches and by all forms, which proves that the successes obtained by the senior and brighter pupils have not been gained at the expense of the junior and the duller ones. The very high standard of efficiency which has already been attained is evidenced by a remark made in the report by one of the examiners who writes We have now come to expect excellent work from this school." The report of the inspectors of the Board of Education which came under their notice, is equally satisfactory. No less so are the remarks made by Mr Francis S Bond, M.A., F.G.S., now A.R.I.B.A., who this year inspected the school for the Central Welsh Board whose words should carry very great weight, being those of a gentleman who has had veiy great experi- ence in teaching, as assistant and headmaster of one of the largest public schools in England, and who now acts as "Inspector of Secondary Schools. In his report to that body on the science teaching he states As an instance of what ought to be done and what may be done to make science teaching effective, this school affords an example which deserves the attention of all who are in- terested in Welsh Education." After making very flattering remarks on the character of the teaching and on the work done in the other branches he ends by writing: It is altogether a remarkable school." As in past years pupils were sent for various public examinations including the London Inter B.A., London Inter B,So., London Matriculation, Central Welsh Board,Honours Senior and JaniorICertificates, Board of Education Science Examinations, King's Scholarship, Bank Entrance, Lccal School Exami- nation in Music by the Associated Board of the R.A.M. and R.C.M., Pitman's Shorthand, Ac. The list of successes which I now enclose shows that the pupils acquitted themselves with credit to themselves and to the school. The full number of certificates obtainad this year is 58 as against 44 last year. The failures, including all the examina- tions, were four. This again is further evidence of the thoroughness of the work done. In the Inter- mediate B.A. and the Intermedate B.Sc. lists W-lc.-b County Schools. It is now the third time in suc- cession for this school to figure on these lists. This is convincing evidence that Arts are not neglected. While thus able to report outward successes I trust we are at the same time, laying the foundation for the :development of sterling characters, and that the intellectual snd moral training, received at the school will make our boys and girls good, honest, upright, and straightforward men and women. In September three of our senior pupils sat for the Entrance Scholarship Examinations at the Bangor and Aberystwyth Colleges, with satisfactory results. Winifred Conn, who stood fourth on the list and second from the County Schools, was awarded a scholarship of X20 a year at Aberystwyth College, and David Emrvs Williams gained an exhibition of jElO at the same College. It is interesting to notice that boys and girls from this school who are now at the College have between them gained scholar- skips or the value of £ 240 direct from the school. If the funds allow it I would recommend the re- newal of all the scholarships held last year, and that full scholarships be awarded to Goronwy Owen Edwards, who already held a half scholar- ship, and John Daniel Davies. In conclusion I have this year again to express my indebtedness to my eel leagues for their support and for the interest they have taken in the school, and to you as Governors for your readiness at all times to give every assistance.-The Rev H Williams: It is a very p-ood report.—The Chairman Undoubtedly the best we have yet had.-Mrs Rowlands con- sidered the report a glorious one," and moved its adoption, which was seconded by the Rev H Wil- liams, and the clerk was instructed to sead a copy y to Mr R J Griffith, Dolgelley, clerk to the County Governing Body.—Mr Maethlon James then rose to speak on the question of accommodation mentioned in the report, and it was decided to form a nub- committee to deal with the matter. AUGMENTATION OF SCHOLARSHIPS. After some discussion it was decided to augment some of the scholarships, the Chairman remarking that it had not been done before, and that it would go a long way with the inspectors, who were very keen on it. CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. The school is to break up for the holidays on the 19th December, but as there was some discussion as to the length of the following term, the question of tke duration of the holidays was left to the head- master and staff.—It was decided to award prizes as usual, and that a public meeting be held. APPLICATIONS FOR BURSARIES. An application was received from Mr W Owen, Caedu, Rhoslefain.—Mr Davies, Tocfaoau, tbought it to be a deserving case, and similar remarks were made by Mr Meyrick Roberts with regard to an application from Robt Hughes, Tanybrya street, Abergynolwyn. It was decided to award 30s making the fees zE,3 10s instead of R5 per annum. CORRESPONDENCE. A letter was read from Mrs Richards, Isandula terrace, who made an application for an increase of £3 for school cleaning.—The Chairman: That means X25 which is a large sum.—Mrs Rowlands Yes, but it is very difficult to get anyone to do the work, and I think it is very well done.—It was eventually decided to grant the application on con- dition that the husband assisted occasionally.—A letter was read from the Vicar of Llanegryn, stat- ing that as he had had a new house built for him, he had vacated the school house. The question of letting to a fresh tenant was left in the hands of the Chairman who would report at the next meet. ing. INSPECTORS' REPORT. The Board of Education Inspector reported as folio,w8 ^is school has again done a very good year s work. Chemistry, both theoretical and prac- tical, continues to be excellently taught. Physics also is very good. although not up to the high standard of Chemistry. For example in the first year s advanced course in Practical Phvsics more quantitative excercises should be, and probably will be, introduced next year. The two second year advanced pupils have been taught throughout with the first year class, and their course has not been a progressive one. The pupils in the second year's elementary course are relatively stronger than those taki.g the first year's course. In the latter Euclid, Practical Geometry and manual work were hardly as good as last year. The equip- ment for Advanced Physics has been improved. Another class room, and a balance room for Practical Chemistry, are very desirable. The physical laboratory is frequently used as an ordinary class.room.-The Chairman then read the following report frem the Inspector of the Central Welsh Board: found the pupils very much in earnest, and hard at work in every class. Good order prevailed everywhere. The staff includes teachers of exceptional power and emciency. The course of practical instruction in physics which has been devised by a new member of the staff ia ex. cellently organised, and promises to add still fur- ther to the high reputation of the science teaching of the school. As an instance of what ought to be done and what may be done, to make science teaching effective this school affords an example which deserves the attention ef all who are inter- ested in Welsh education. The town and district are justly proud of it, and it receives full and hearty support from the Governors. The subjects of instruction which came before my notice were well taught. In Latin a high standard is obtained, the more advanced pupils being able to translate such difficult authors as Sallust, Tacitus, Caesar, and Horace with satisfactory readiness and accuracy. A lesson given before me in English history could not have been bettered. The teacher had a thorough and exast knowledge of the period studied, her methods were excellent, her vtyle was one of con- centrated energy, riviting the attention of the pupils. The results obtained fby her in freehand drawing were also very good in spite of the mechanical character of the work required. In a lesson on Geometry by another member of the staff I was struck by the force with which he impressed his ideas on the class and with the enforcement of independent thought on the part of the p.pils. Thoroughly interesting, too, to a large junior class was a lesson by him on the properties of Heat. It is altogether a remarkable school.

ABERDOVEY. COOKERY.-As at Towyn and other places on the Coast cookery demonstration have been held here by Miss Reay, Liverpool. They were uncommonly well attended great interest being taken in them, natum" Boofai aM practical

LLWYJSTGWRIL. RHANU'R PLWYF.-Hwny.v pwnc mawr fu yn cael ei ystyned gan y Cynghor Plwyf diweddaf. Penderfynwyd yn unfrydol gofyn i'r Cynghor Sirol wneud hyn. Nid yw yn eglur beth yw rhesymau dros y cais. Paham y gwrthodwyd y cynygiad am alw cyfarfod plwyf i drafod y mater? A oes rhywbeth yn nglyn a'r mater nas deil oleuni dydd" Pa un a'i anfantais fydd i'r ddau plwyf newydd os rhemrP A yw trethdalwyr y ddau ranbarth yn meddu y cyfryw ymddiried yn noethineb y cyng. horwyr plwyf ag a cymerent i'r plwyf gael ei ddarnio heb ymofyn din. ? Dyna rai o'r cwestiynau sydd yn cael eu gofyn hyd a lledy plwyf. Hwyrach y gwel rhywun yn dda en hateb, neb geisio Ln v cynghorwyr plwyf wneud. 3

LLANBEDR. MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE.A great sensation has been caused by the disappearance of John Wil- liams, blacksmith Mr Williams was last seen at Harlech fair last Monday, where he had gone to receive meney for some work done. Since then the police have been diligently searching the neigh- oourhood, and have found on the banks of the river Artro, his umbrella, hat, and a piece of his mack- intosh, but up to the present have not been able to discover anything further.

BARMOUTH MUSSELS.—Large catches of mussels have been made this week and tons have been sent off to England, the price charged being 4s 9d per bag POLICE CHANGES. Sergt Breeze took his depar- ture from he,, yesterday for Blaenau Festinioc,and Sprgt Steven Owen, Festiniog, takes his place. During his stay here Sergt Breeze has won the highest esteem of the townspeople, who wish him every success in his new sphere. FOOTBALL.-Towyn Rovers were to have played here on Saturday, and posters had been issued announcing the same, but they failed to appear. A match was theu arranged between the Town F.C. and the Swifts. A somewhat one-sided game ended in a win for the Town by four goals to nil FiRi.What might have been a very serious outbreak of fire was discovered on Friday evening, at the West End House, Marine Parade, the resi- dence of Mrs Chester, who is at present away in Ireland. As it was, a good deal of valuable furni- ture, etc., was destroyed, but the fire was got under before it reachad very serious dimensions The origin of the outbreak is unknown, and it seems a remarkable occurrence as the house is untenanted LIBERAL BLEETINA. Mr A Osmond Williams, M.P., addressed a large number of his constituents on Friday night. The chair was taken by Mr C E Breese, Portmadoc, who, in his opening remarks, dealt with the war,thd present position of the Libc-r-Al Party, and temperance, expressing the hope that before long an Act would be passed giving the public the option of rating the public houses to be w-ii-6 8tn1cfc- fchea called upon Mr Osmond Williams, who, in the cour • of his speech, stated that there had not been en effective Opposition during this [great war, and that Liberals no lesa