Towyn-on-Sea and Merioneth County Times

Two items of Dews from South Africa this week aie significant. We learn that in the Oraoge Rfver ,,e Colony a beginning has been made with land settlement, and also that the War Office has accepted the offer of the Canadian Government to raise more mounted troops. The first foresbadows the closing of the campaign, and the other points to the undiminished goodwiU of the Dominion to. wards the Mother Coantry. This is a most valuable asset in the prosecution of a war in itself unusually difficult but made ten times more so by the calumnies and treasonable speeches of certain Beotions of the community at home and abroad. There is an interesting suggestion, too, made by the Uitlander Committee that the property of Mr Kruger and other irr6concilables at a safe distance from darger should be confiscated. The wonder is that this was not done long ago. It is very satisfactory to find the Towyn County School making such excelieot progress. According to the headmaster's report, extensive as the accommodation is at present, it is neb sufficient for the number of pupils now attending the school. A Committee has been appointed to look inlo the matter, and it is evident that a further call will be made upon the district. We need not po;nt out the benefit that accrues to the town and district from the presence of the school, and we trust that the inhabitants will rally around the Governors, and assist them to make the Towyn School what it is very quickly becoming—the leading educational centre in the county. The remarks of the Chairman of the concert at Abergynolwyn, last Friday evening, were par- ticularly appropriate. Ee stated that one way to prevent rural depopulation was to make rural life worth Hving. We quite agree with him, and con- sider that the formation or choral societies, brass bands, etc., are very helpful in this direction. The opposition which has to be faced from the Jess e n- lightened inhabitants is, however, disheartening, and it is to be feared that some ministers of the gospel are as narrow-minded as their elders. Until they begin to move with the times, nothing can be done. Their intentions we do not doubt are as good as they can be, but there is a wide difference between the young man of to-day and the youtig man of fifty years ago, and the doctrine of '51 is not the doctrine for 1901. For instance, take Abergynolwyn. Repeated efforts have been made to estabhsh a Volunteer Corps, and to anybody who cares to think the matter out it will be seen that it would be of lasting benefit to the young quarrymen. But it was actu- ally held out as a threat by some of the denomina. tions that if anyone joined they would be expelled from Church membership ? This sort of thing goes on in many villages in enlightened (?) little Wales, jsmd what is the result ? The country districts are denuded of young people who are only too glad to escape the irksome conditions of their existence, which are almost intolerable in some places. *#* The site for the new Towyn memorial lamp 5 which is to commemorate the gallantry of the Volunteers who went out to the front has at last been definitely fixed to be in Cambrian Square, although there was a good deal of discussion; some of the members of the committee being very strongly in favour of Corbett Square. However, as the future Towyn will be nearer the sea, we think that the selection of the present site was wise. The work will be proceeded with at once, and as the design is creditable the memorial will be a decided acquisition to the town. The repo; t of the Barmouth Surveyor at the last Council, which Boated that some portion of the water main bad been cat right tbiough, is yery serious, and expUins to a large exteot the Ecarci y of water io tbereservoir during the summe: mcatbs. Thau this eoormoos leakage was Dot discovered foe 11 weeks is puzzling, to Eay the the least of it, and showg that the present condition of the water main is not what it should be. It was also maintained by some of the Councillors that some portioas of the sewer main was half choked with sand, gravel, &o. This Wi t of thing shows gross carelessness some- where and will do the town much harm if Dot inquired inio. What would visitors say if these things bad cropped up last summer? *#* The Towyn Jubilee Band is in a rather parlous condition from what is heard. This is to be deeply regretted as there is a splendid opening for it, but we fear that it will have to be thoroughly re-organised to be in any way successful. The members have re- ceived every assistance from the townspeople, and have only themselves to blame. However, there is. plenty of time left to get shipshape once more. Who will take the matter in band ? V The grant of £17,000 by the Board of Trade to Pw lheli, for harbour improvements, is exciting much interest at Aberdorey, and the question is being asked—What about Aberdovey ? Where are our sleepy Councillors ? A third of the money spent, at Aberdovey, would be the makivg of the place, but the old saying still holds good, The early bird catches the worm." Another very sore point is the absence of a decent Town Hall, in which to hold public meetings, for the less said about the present one, the better. Where are tbe towa's representatives ? Echo answers "wl ere" f" —^ —

TOWYN. Our representative in Towyn is Mr 0 W Hughes, Cader View, and we sball be much obliged if clerks of local authorities, secretaries of sports, Ac., would send notices of meetings, and orders for advertise- ments and printing to that address. ENTERTAIMENT.-An entertainment was given laxi/ evening at the Assembly Rooms by Mr Fred Young, Pwllheli. Some capital animated photos were shown and there was also a conjuring per- formance. There was a fair attendance. BETHEL (C.M., IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.-Last evening the members of the above held a meeting at the C.M., Chapel, when an interesting debate took place on which causes more s offering, drink or greed ?" An extended report will appear next week. AMBULANCE CLASS.—Strong efforts are being made to resuscitate these meetings, Mr JPritcbard. signalman, being, as always, most energetic on their behalf. It is needless to point out the benefit derived from tbe leclares. In case of an influx of members it may be possible to get one of the iModioAl wntfin i- tobl:: UTSCTCCtT tt) TeCEUreiV OBITUARY.—The death occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 20th, of Mr Griffith Williams, Natioral str,et, at the age of 74 years. Decs ised was an old and much respected inhabitant of the town, and bad been ailing for about three years, but his death came very suddenly. He leaves one son and three daughter, to mourn their loss, with whom much sympathy is felt. The iuneral, of which the arrangements were in the bands of Messrs Jone3 and Hughes, took place on Saturday, and was largely attended. ACCIDENT.—A young lad, who wag in charge of a pony aod trap belonging to Cadvaa Dairy sustaired some injury on Friday la3t. It appears that the pony was suddenly startled by a boy in the em- ploy of Mr G D Williams,who cracked a whip, with the result that the youngster, who is the son of Mr Rees Francis, was tbrown out and Irs he N i coming in contact with the pavement, he was rendered ur conscious. We understand, however, that his injuries are not as serious as at first thought, and that be is rapidly recover'-ng. BETHESDA IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.—A meeting of the above was held last Monday, when a miscel- laneous programme was swrr9ggrnlly carried out. The programme was as follows :-Recitation, Miss Buddug Edwards; reading of a very humorous piece out of the book called D DavieJ, A.S. quartet, Mr J Daveg and party; song, Mie. Owen; duet, Messrs Griffith Jones and J Davie- recitations of Welsh Proverbs (Impromptu), Mr G Williams first sight siDg;ng, Mr J Davies; impromptu reading out of D Davies, IA.S., Micce: J Jones and Buddug Edwf 'ds. In the absence of the Chairman, the cbau* was taken by the Vice- Cbairman, Dr Lloyd. DE?ARTURE.—Sir Daniel Gouche and family, wbo have been staying at Peniarth for the last three months, left last Monday. The large retinue and quality of luggage necessitated a spec' ',J tra;n, for which excellent arrangements bad been made by Mr Bowen, the statioomaster, and bis staff. During their st iy here Sir Daniel and family expressed themselves delighted with the neighbourhood and intend to revisit Towyn at no distant date. They set a very good example by patronising the local shopkeepe -s and in many other ways gained the resp'ct and esteem of the inhabitants, and it is hoped that their visit may be an annual one. FREEMASONRY.—A banquet in connection with the Corbett Lod&e of Freemasons was held on Thu Iday evening, Nov 14, at the Corbett and Raven hotel, when a large number of invited guests aDd brethren assembled to witness the installation of W. Bro J Jones, P.M., P.Z., P.P. G. St. Br., as W.M. for tbe year. The Installing Master was W. Bro W Stephens, P.M., P.Z., P.P., J.G.W. (W. Div. South Wales).—The following officers were appointed for the yea.r :-LP.M, W. Bro J TomUns, P.Z., P.P., G. St. Br., S.W., Bro J D Latimer, J.W., Bro H F Car- penter, Chap., W. Bro R J Jones, P.M., Treas., W Bro W Rowlands, P.P., G. St. Br., Sec., Bro Lewys- Lloyd, S.D., Bro D A Edwards, J.D., Bro G T Crump, D. of C. W. Bro CbjdJaw Roberta P.P., G.A.D. of C., organist, John Lloyd, I.G., Bro T E Salmon, S. St., Bro G 0 Williams, J. St., Bro J W Jones, tyler, E Lichfield, charity representative W. Bro J R Dix, G. Sup. Wrs. WESLEY GUILD.—4 A esceifent social was held by the Gaild on Thursday week, the arrangements for which were in the hands of the young ladies of the church. About 60 members sat down to tea. A miscellaneous entertainment of soDgs and recita- tions followed, in which the follwing took part — Misses Annie C Jones and Jaoe A Davies (Bryn- goleu), Messrs Richard Davies, D 0 Jones, D Bar- nett, John Jones, and Gwilym Crag. Votes o? thanks were proposed by Messrs Lewis Lewis and W Evans, aud by two juvenile members— Llewellyn Edvvaids and Edward Rawlands — in caoi'al speeches. The one thing that marred the pro- ceedings was the calling away of the Rev Peter Jones to the death bed of a brother minister— the Elev J 0 Parry. Iris D-J5A 0ING SOCIETY,—At tbe meeting of the boe'ety held on Tuesday evetrng, Mr Toobey pre- siding, excellent papers were read by Miss Parry, GJas.'o", and Miss Annie Evars, Cambrian square on "My favourite Novel." Miss Parry chose Adam Bcde" (George Eliot), while Miss Evans favoured pjckw"ck Papers (Dickeas), aid "The MightyJAtom» (Mar'e CorelH). A lengthy dis- cuss ocvollowed in which nearly all tbe "members took part, other novels mentioned The New- combes" (Thackera-). Boole's Baby" the works of Lord Lytton, Sir Wa' er Scott, Edna Lyal], Charles Dickers, Rhys Lewis" Treasure Island," &c. A wide difference of taste was shown, and a very instructive evening was spent. The attendance was below the average. DEATH OF THE Rsf J 0 PARRY.—After a long illness, borne with exemplary fortitude, the death took place on Thursday night of the RevJ 0 Parry, Pant Teg. The deceased, who was only 41 yeJ-rs of age, was a well-known preacher with the Wesleyan Denomination. He was called to the ministry about. 12 years ago, when after a success- ful and promising college career he officiated at Ashton-in-Makerfield, Pwllheli, Llanfyllin, Meifod, Penmachne, and Mount Zion, Liverpool. The call co the latter church was one of the highest compli- ments which his denomination could pay him. After working witk marked success in the latter sphere for a brief period his health broke down and he had to retire, coming to reside at Towyn he hoped to regain strength. The deceased was one of the most promising of the younger genera- tion of preachers amongst his denomination, being a clear thinker, a devoted reader of siandard theological works, and an undoubted behever in the Gospel which he preached. As a preacher he was earnest and learned, but any refer- once to him in this connection would not be com- plete unless prominence were given to his fearless denunciation at all times of all kinds of hypocrisy both inside and outside the Church. The funeral took place on Monday afternoon, and in deference to the deceased's ewii desire, was of a semi-private character. The Revs Peter Jones and Robt Jones (Towyn), Madoc Roberts (Llangollen), and Edward Humphreys (Wrexbam), officiated. The deceased, who was the only son of Mra Parry, Rock View, leaves a widow to mourn his loss. The latter is a daughter of the late Mr Jones, Bryn, Llanyblodwel. Oswestry. On Monday evening a memorial service was held at the Wesleyan Cbapel, when the Rev Edward Humphreys in the course of an elo- quent sermon made fitting reference to the deceased1. Suitable hym-s were sung, and at the close the Hallelujah Chorus" was played on the -"t!S" tIy— ™1, «. .1. -li A- i-irab-Mo<2 sympathy. SOCIAL EVENING.-A social, under the auspices of the Baptist connexion, was held at the Assembly Rooms on Wednesday evening. The chairman was Mr J Maetblon James, and the proceedings were marked throughout with much enthusiasm. The Jadies who pres'ded at the tables were-Mrs Gliffitbs. Eroofair; Mrs Kiosev, Hafod MrsPugb, Marine Parade MsDavies; and Mrs Pickering, Cadvan House. While the company assembled were doing jus !ce to the capital refresbmeats pro- vided, the following programme was gone through, although it is questionable wbetber this innovation was a success, as some of the items were almost iu. audible, but with this little exception everytbiog passed off in a satisfactory manner Selections on the harp, Mr Madoc Roberts, Royal harpist; recita- t'on, Carlo a'r Plentyo," Mr Thomas Evans (Aberydd). The Cba'rman followed with an address, which unfortauately was rather inaudible. He refevred to the small beginniog wb:el, bad been made by tbe connexion ro Towyn, but they were now rapidly growing ia numbers and bad recently opened a new and substantial place of worship, and were becoming a power in the town. He then called upon Mr Ffestin Williams, wbo sang "Re- venge" in capital s.yle. The vext Hem was a song, Angus Macdonald:" by Miss Mary Williams, Baroiontb, which was very well received. A reci- tation by Miss Agnes Jones, Idris Villas, entitled Nellie's prayer," was excellent, and so was some pen'Uion singing by Mr J Owen Jones. Towvn Coontv School, who was repeatedly encored. The first part concluded with a. piauoforte solo bv Mr F T Toosey. The second part was opened by Miss Maggie Owei with a song "Farmer's Boy," wbicl:1 was much appreciated, as was another recitation by Miss Agnea Jones ettitled The road to heaveo," and which was followed by a song Sailing," b,, Mr J Owen Jones reei'at'ov, Y Gof." Mr Tbos Evans; soog. "The dream of home," Mrs Tookey barp selection. Mr Madoc Roberts; soDg, By the fountain," Miss Mary Williams; song, Tereoce's farewell," Mr Ffestin Williams; recitation, Mr T Evans. The proceedings were organised by the Sunday School members to whom great credit is due, and who on their part are very grate. n[ for assistance revdered by both Chorch and Noncon- formist residents. We understand that financ:ally the meeting was as much of a success as it was socially. BETHESDA CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL. On Monday ever ing the 11th inst, a presentation was made to the Rev and Mrs J M Williams, on the occasion of their marriage. The presentation con- sisted of an illuminated address, marble timepiece, and books. Dr E Lewys.Lloyd, chairman of the Committee, took the chair. The Chairman having read a letter from Mr Thomas Roberts regretting his inability to be present, then made a few introductory remarks on the object of the meeting, and called upon the Secretary (Mr H W Griffith), to read the address which ran as follows:— Anerchiad Priodasol Cyflwynedig i'r Parch a Mrs J M Williams. Anwyl Gyfeillion.—Yr ydym fal Eglwys a chynulleidfa sydd yn cyfarfod yn Bethesda, Towyn Meirionydd, yn dynamo cymeryd mantais o'r acblysur dyddorol o'ch glan briodas i ddatgan yr anwyldeb a r Parch adeimlir genym tuag atocb. yn gu onog yn eich llongyfarch, ac yn rhoddi i Mrs nliti!™3? derbyniad mwyaf croecawgar i'n ^w«ini/l r n?an yr ydych> a°wyl Frawd, yn gwe.mdogaethu yn ein mysg, rhwymir ni yn wastad i ch parchu fee dyn caredig, cyfeillgar a smol, tra ar yr un pryd,yn hyf a diysgog dros yr hyn a ystynwch yn hawliau iawnder ac egwyddor Nid yw yr anrhegion hyn (sef awrlais marmor, llyfrau, a r anerchiad hon) a gyflwir i chwi gan yr eglwys, y gynnlleidfa, a'r plant, ond arddangosiad gwan on serch tuag atoch, er hyny, yn profi .in boa yn gwerthfawrogi eich llafur yn oin plith. Alae eich ymdrech egniol gydag addysg grefyddol eio plant a n pob! ieuanc trwy gyfrwng cyfarfodydd y Gobeithlu a'r Gymdeithaa Ddiwylliadol yn dangos yr awydd cryf svdd ynoch am eu hyfforddi yn addysg ac athrawiaeth yr Arglwydd, ac yn gwneyd i ni deimlo y bydd Eglwys lesu Grist y dyfodol (dan fendith Duw) yn medi yn helaeth o ffrwyth eich IIafur. Goddefwch i ni gyfeirij mewn modd arbenig at eich gwaith yn darparu mor helaeth ar gyfer y pwlpud a moddion cyhoeddus yr eglwvs Teimlwn yn wastad ein bod yn cael genvoh jachus eiriau ein Harglwydd lesu Grist." Trwy eich sel a'ch ymdrech diflino sefydiwyd y Gym- deitbas Ddiwylliadol yr hon sydd wedi profi yn feodith ammbrisiadwy i'n pobl ieuanc drwy feitbrin ynddynt ysbryd gweithgar yn yr ochr gymdeithasol o waith yr eglwys. Cawsom chwi bob amser yn ffyddlon i'n cynorthwyo i ddiddyledu ein addoldy, a thwy eich ymroddiad baoch yn llwyddianus iawn i dynuallan haelioni yr eglwys Yr ydym yn dymuno i chwi eich dau helaeth fwynhad o bob cysur, hapusrwydd a phob IIwyddiant yn dymhorol ac yn ysbrydol. Yr eiddoch yn ddidwyll ar ran yr Eglwys Gynulioidfa ar Plant. Here follow the signatures of the committee Mr John Mason as the eldest deacon made the presentation. At this stage Dr Lloyd was obliged to leave, whereupon Mr R P Morgan took the chair, and after having addressed the meeting, read verses composed for the occasion by "Gwyddno" which -wVT^a,rea1? aPPeared. Addresses were then given by MeSer« Henry E,aaB, D D»We„, cJimTh Jones, 0 J Barnett, Rees Jones, D 0 Jones, and H W Griffith on behalf of the church and congrega- tion, Messrs Evan Owen, W and D Davies, junr, on behalf of the Young People's Improvement Societv and the Misges A P Lewis, J A Jones, and Master J H Roberts on behalf of the Baud of Hope. All bore testimony to the happy relations existing be- tween the church and pastor and concluded by wishing Mr and Mrs Williams a long and happy life.-In returning thanks on behalf of Mrs Wil- liams and himself, Mr Williams in a stirring speech reviewed the work done during the last five years. -The addresses were interspersed with sacred choruses rendered by the Band of Hope Choir under the conductorship of Mr D Davies, junr, and the duet, "Y Llusern" by the Misses Jennie N Jones and L May Roberts. The accompanists were M'sses Mason and Williams and Mr D 0 Jones.

ILLANEGrRYJNT, fiMARRIAGE.—The marriage took place on Wed nesday week at DolgeHey, of Mr Lewis Jones, Cwrt, Abergyn jl wyn, to Miss Margaret Humphreys, Llanegryn. The bridesmaid was Miss Myfanwv Roberts, Aber, whib the duties of best man were Joh° 11 TEA PARTY.-A. tea party in connection with the Wesleyan body was held at ihe chapel last Wednes- day, which was heartily enjoyed by the large number assembled. In the evening an impromptu concert was held, the leading artistes being Miss Jane Roberts and Messrs Tom Davies and James Jones.

BWLCH. CYMDEITHAS Y BOBL IEUANC.—Nos Wener di. weddaf cynbaliwyd cyfarfod cyhoeddus oyntaf y gymdeitbas uchod, Mr Morgan Pughe yn y gadair ao arweiniwyd gan y Parch D James, gweinidog. Cymerwyd rhan yn y cyfarfod mewn canu gan Misses Vira a Naura Davies, Sarah Owen, Mary Owen, Harriet Hughes, S Jones, W Pughe, a Mr Evan Jones; mewn adrodd, Misses Vira Davies Rosie Davies, Naura Davies, Annie Edwards Mri T J Owen, Hugh Jones, W Williams, W Jones,' Ewart Davies, John Thomas. Anerchiadau gan y beirdd Cafwyd hefyd ddadl gan Misses M Edwards and J Roberts, hefyd gan Misses Gweu Davies a M M Roberts. Cafwyd hefyd gystadleuaeth darllen adnod o'r BeibI, laf Mr L R Owen. Diweddwyd gan gor wyth dan arweiniad Mr John Lloyd Ton. fanau.

ABERDOVEY. ANIMATED PHOTOGRAPHY.—A very pleasant even, ing was spent at the Board School on Tuesday eveniag, when some excellent local animated photos were shown by Mr Fred E Young of Pwllheli who also went tbrough a sleight of hand performance. The attendance was fairly good. LECTURE.—A lecture was delivered at the C.M. Chapel on Wednesday evening by Dr Griffiths, the well-kitown Missionary of the Connexion, on his work in the Khasia Hills, Bengal, India. There was, as m'ght have been expected, a capiral audience, the lecture being excellent, aud worth going a long distance to bear. ST JOHN AMEULANCE.—Energetic efforts are now being made to form classes in connection with the above. It is to be hoped that a large number will join, as the knowledge gained is useful in every walk of life. It is intended that both practical and theoretical demonstrations shall be given, which will make the coutse thoroughly interesting. We trust the movement will receive the hearty support it deserves. SHIPPING.—The barque Transport, from Dal- housie, Nova Scotia, with timber for Mr J Chidlaw Roberts. The Dora, with general cargo from Liver- pool, and the Sarah Davies seeking. A Norwegian vessel is also due. ° BUILDING OPERATIONS.—Good progress continues to be made with the new Trefeddyan hotel, and it looks as if it will be ready for occupation early next spring. The site is excellent and the view obtained has to be seen to be appreciated. It is satisfactory to notice that the proprietor, Mr Edward Morgan has successfully overcome the difficulty with the Urban District Council regarding the sewerage scheme. ° LECTURE. A lecture was delivered by the Rev W Cseuog Jones (Liverpool), here on Thursday evening, the chair being taken by the Rev J D Jones. The subject was Will Bryan," the famous