Towyn-on-Sea and Merioneth County Times

THE LATE MR SACKVILLE PHELPS. OBITUARY NOTICE. We much regiet to announce the death of Mr Sackville Phelps, of Newlands, Machynlleth, which took place at his residence, at 3 a.m., on Tuesday last, the 24th inst. Mr Phelps had been ailing for p some time past, and was under the care of Dr A 0 Davies. He had latterly kept his bed and passed away peaceably as stated. The deceased gentleman was the youngest son of the Rev H Phelps, of Tar- rington Vicarage, Hereford, and was born in 1821. Educated at Bridgnorth School, he was the contem- porary of Bishop Fraser, of Manchester, Mr Osborne Gordon, Lord Lingen, and other well-known men. In early life Mr Phelps farmed extensively in Kent. Whilst touring in Wales some fifty years ago, Mr Phelps visited Machynlleth, and was so charmed with the neighbourhood that he de- cided to settle down in the district. Residing for short periods at Pendre and Fronygog respectively, he acquired a small estate and erected Newlands, which for many years has been his well-known residence. A keen sportsman the deceased was in his younger days a well-known figure in the Vale of Aylesbury, especially with Baron Rothschild's hounds, and since residing in Wales he was until recently a regular follower of the Plas Machynlleth and Gogerddan hounds. To the last he was an excellent shot, but above all he was a sincere devotee of the piscatorial art. Shortly after settling in Machynlleth Mr Phelps, in conjunction with the late Marquis of London- derry, the late Sir Watkin Williams- Wynn, and the late Col Pryse, of Peithyll, instituted the Dovey Fishery Olnb, an association which has done so much to preserve and enhance the salmon fishing in the district. Of this club, which was formed by gentlemen from all parts of the kingdom, the deceased was- the most active member. For forty years he filled the office of honor- ary secretary, retiring on account of advanc- ing years, only so recently as 1898 when, in appreciation of his faithful services, he was pre- memb(;,rs of the Club, with a massive the presentation being made by Lord Herbert Vane-Tempest, President of the Association. Mr Phelps, in addition to his love of sport, painted with no mean skill, and his interest in art and antiquarian lore was considerable. An excellent neighbour, Mr Phelps was beloved by all and succeeded, as few do, in gaining the esteem and re- gard of all classes and ages and, in spite of an in- firmity which would have discouraged most men, he, in Dr Johnson's phrase, "kept his friendships in repair." As' the older generation passed away, be seemed to find himselr as much appreciated and beloved by the nsw. The secret of his charm was to be found in his ab- solute sincerity and a power of forgetting himself entirely in the welfare of others. To the poor he was the kindest of friends and the range of his generosity was only equalled by its delicacy. He gave with a free hand, not only in money but in help of every kind. When the losses of the year are reckoned up few men will be more generally or more deeply missed. The deceased took great in. terest in agriculture and was upon many occasions vice-president of the Machynlleth Agricultural Show. He was a staunch churchman and for many successive years was churchwarden. In poEtics he was a progressive and broadminded Conservative The deceased gentleman was twice married-first to Matilda, daughter of the Rev J Goodall of Dinton Hall, Bucks, and secondly to Frances Scott, daughter of Mr J Darlington of Wigan, who pre- deceased him. He leaves no issue. THE FUNERAL. The funeral took place on Friday at Machyn- lleth. Fortunately the weather was bright though cold, and the principal inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood met at the Newlands in the after- noon. Lord Henry Vane-Tempest telegraphed his condolences and regret at inability to be present. Lady Londonderry wired, I deeply mourn the loss of a true and valued friend." Lord Herbert Vane-Tempest attended the funeral. The service at the house was conducted by the Rev Canon Trevor, rector, assisted by the Rev D T Hughes. The processiou from the house, marshalled by Mr G Pryce, was as follows :-Medical profession, clergy and ministers, members of the Urban Council, the coffin of oak with massive. brass mountings and bearing the inscription Sackville Phelp. died Dec 24,1, 1901 bo™, by t.» work- MrH D W mourners, Mr G H Phelps, Mr H D Phelps, and the Rev L R Phelps, nephews of the deceased and sons of the eldest surviving brother, Rev Pep • Lord Herbert walked with the chief moncers The female servants carrying beautiful ea followed and then came the /ooJrisI those present and Josiah Jones, Dr A O Da > r<rjffiths, R M Campbell (Brynllwynwvn), G W^ far lib)ths R Rees, J.P, Col Ruck, Major John Bonaa]11, Major Hugh Bonsall, W Gilbertson Pritchard (Cen a_), Edmund Gillart (chairman of the Urba ), R Gillart, J.P., John Rowlands (clerk to the, Drban Council), Ed Hughes, J.P., Af T°TF Lvfes J P Council) T W Bonsall, J.P.(McEbew),Ei Davies J.P Dolcaradog R C Anwyl, J.P.; B, W Hengj .PJ» Machynlleth E Williams, J.P., Checkland Williams, Borth R Sang Superintendant 0= „»d.r Evans, ironmonger TTdwards, Brvnffjnon ?5 Bank7 Humphrey Inc. e1., Fronygro'g; David Gillart, J-Fi^ M Howell, Craigydon, Aber ovey Wynnstay Clerk of Aberystwyth; DC Egta/e Offil5 fcanuthers,Tb R Griffitb, L. & P. Bank; Office; J Carrutner Morgan, Londonderry ? JOMSECC J6S w Jones" Glasgow bouse, house; E Rees, J. r b] gardener at Plas; E Morgan, solicitor Williams, Maengwyn W Evans, watchmaker; street; J Micah, cattle dealer;.I M Bree-, g D Lewis, Hendre Genon; 1 B Wima^, garreg; John Jones, survey David Evans, Matthews, Dr Evans Llanwu Trevor jun„ solicitor, Clerk to the Justices T /gecretary Rectory; J I-scell-Pen-aen Dovey (^^J of the Association), Per cy j^Williams, acco«n- Lewis Edwards, saddler; he vis 'fc Morris, tant; J Jones, workhouse master■ JderD j Maengwyn-street; Richard joueS) Clements, postmaster Grimn water bailiffs, and many others. Carriages were sent by the Marchioness (D) of Londonderry Mrs Annie Steele (Talgarth), Mr Lascelles, and the Rev J Williams (Penegoes Rectory). During the time the procession was on its wav through the town to the churchyard all shops were closed, shutters put up and blinds drawn, signifying in no small degree the universal respect in which the deceased gentleman was held by the people of the town. At the gate asurpliced choir met the cortege and the service in the Church was attended by a large congregation. The service opened with the singing of the hymn "Days ar.d moments quickly fly," fol owed by the chanting of the 90th Psalm. The Rev Canon Trevor read the uaual lesson, and this was followed by the rendering of the anthem "I heard a voice" (Hodges) 1 he service concluded with the singing of that beautiful hymn, Jesus lives no longer now and the sad procession, again headed by the surpliced choir, left the church for the grave-side, Mr Howells, who presided at the organ, playing the Dead March. The grave had been lined throughout with moss, the last token of respect for their beloved master which the gardener and the servants were able to show. The service, which was a very touching and impressive one, was conducted by the Rev D T Hnghes and Canon Trevor. Mr Edward Et-wards led the singing of "OFrynau Caersalein," and soon after the mourners dispersed. J3eJ I °L Sh Church> which had been muffled by Mr Sadleir, of the Glyndwr Hotel, ran- out a real. The wreaths were sent by Mrs Herbert Ashley Cooper (niece); Mr and Mrs H Darlington Misses Darlington, Wigan; Marchioness" (D) of Londonderry, A mark of true and sincere regret at the loss of an old and valued friend"; Lord Henry Vane-Tempest; Mrs Evans and family, Fronygog, Mr and Mrs Lascelles and family, Mr and Mrs Smail, Rev J and Mrs Williams, Penegoes, Mrs Howell and family Craigydon, Mr and Mrs Bonsall, Morben, Dr and Mrs A 0 I .vies, Major John and Mrs Bonsall, Capt and Mrs Adams, Carno, Mrs Doctor Lewis and Mrs MfClellan, Llandovery, Messrs Gillart, Llyn- lloed, ;'ss Griffiths, late the Rectory, Machynlleth, Major Hugh and Mrs Bonsall, Galltylan, Mrs Anwyl, the householcf serVal" 1.i¥n..m1!MJW, LL.G ever grateful remembrance of the kindest of masters." The undertaker was Mr John Thomas, and the coffin was made by Mr R Rees, and the hearse was supplied from the Wynnstay Hotel. The whole of the arrangements, which were satisfactorily carried out, were in the hands of Mr R Gillart, J.P., who was a close friend of the late Mr Phelps. Refresh- ments were provided at the Lion Hotel for all friends from a distance. TEE LATE MR. SACKVILLE-PHELPS- FUNERAL SERMON. Preached in the Parish Church on Sunday morning by Canon Trevor, M.A., rector. Tixt, Psalm 90, verse 12, So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." If I were thinking alone of the last Sunday in the year, and what it suggested, possioly I could not have selected a more appropriate text than this. Each year as it passes over us brings us nearer to the end of our journey. And when the journey of life is ended, the question remains—What then ? Shall we pass hence to the Paradise of God, or to the fearful looking forward to the judgment that await us ? If there is anything more certain than another as regards each one of us individually, it is the certainty of death, the breaking up of the ties which unite us with our present surroundings. We are never more reminded of this, than ""h,cm -J TO .L' one is at length taken from us who has lived among us for more years than we can reckon. We become so used to the order of things, seemingly so per- sistent, that when the inevitable change comes, we are scarcely able to realise the fact. The sad event of last week, if indeed we can call that sad which has so much in it for which we may be thankful, has brought home to us very Tividly and impressively the truth that we have no abiding city here." In the course of the year that has gone by, many another who was with us last Christmas, has been called away- young and old-and before another year is ended, no one can tell who among us will be no longer here. So let us apply our hearts unto wisdom." But apart from the appropriateness of the words of the text to the thoughts that naturally arise in us on the last Sunday of the year, I am constrained to express the thoughts that are uppermost in your minds to-day. A very dear and valued friend has been removed from among us by the hand of death. But his spirit now dwells in His holy home. I could testify, if need were, to the greatness of the loss the poor sustain by his death. I could refer to his extensive and unostentations charity, to the love and affection with which he inspired those among whom he lived. But all this is known and felt by yon all. It is impossible to say how greatly we are influenced by our im- mediate surroundings and by the tone and thought of those we come in contact with, but my own experience leads me to think that the example of a high-minded Christian man living in a neighbour- hood affects the welfare not only of his own contemporaries, but more or less moulds the habits and character of the rising generation. It cannot be douoted that the young are greatly influenced by what they see and observe in those who are older than themselves, and consciously or uncon- sciously they follow their example. This is true both of bad example and good example. But it is a, good example we most need, and when it is found it becomes us to acknowledge it with thankfulness, and I therefore make no apology for referring to our indebtedness as members of the church in this parish to the good example which our dear departed friend set to young and old. He was one of the few remaining representatives of a class we can ill afford to lose. He loved order and respected authority. He was a churchman of the old school. Never when he was able to attend did he forsake the public worship, morning and evening, on Sun- days, and on the chief festivals of the church. His observance of his religious duties-when now for many years owing to the infirmity of deafness he coald not hear a single word that was said—was truly pathetic. To me this one characteristic pro- claims the deep religious feelings, the instinctive sense of duty, with which he discharged all the I offices and relations of life. Among us he was J ever ready to give with a bountiful hand and never gave but what was wortny of his hand to give. He was the supporter of every cause his benevolence to the poor and needy was such as only those who received it would know anything about it. I know how greatly beloved he was by them and what their loss will be. What he gave, and how he gave it; Ask the poor, and you shall have it." In so far as we can see in others the tokens of goodness manifested in their lives of benevolence, uprightness, and holy reverence, let us thank God for it and take courage and profit thereby.

MACHYNLLETH. CHARITY. The usual gifts of beef, bread, clothing, coals, etc, given each year by the Mar- chioness (D) of Londonderry, were on Saturday distributed to a large number of recipients at the Vane Hall. Mr R Gillart, J.P., superintended the distribution, and he was assisted by the Rev Canon Trevor, the Rev D T Hughes, Mr T Carruthers and Miss Jones. MUSICAL SUCCEss.-Miss Gwendoline Rowlands, daughter of Mr John Rowlands, passed the Second Grade of the Incorporation Society of Musicians in pianoforte and theory of music, at the examina- tion held in Wrexham on December 11th. She is a pupil of Miss Minnie Clark, I.S.M., Newtown. CHRISTMAS DAY.—There was Welsh Communion at the Parish Church at 9 a.m., a full choral cele- bration ^at 11, and Welsh Gosper at 7. Carols were sung. Ihe church was tastefully decorated with evergreens. Canon Tte. r preached in English, the Rev D T Hughes in Welsh. All the shops were closed,-A football match in the afternoon between the Town and the Railway Officials ended in a win for the former by three goals to two: a hard game, CAROL SINGING.—The Church choir in charge of Mr Howell, organist and choirmaster, was enter- tained to an excellent dinner on Monday evening by Mr and Mrs D E R Griffith, Bank House. Over 40 sat down. Ringing cheers were given to Mr and Mrs Griffith for their kindness. Carols were sung during the evening. Mr Griffith is Churchwarden of the Parish C hnd., Trevor. These Christmas outings with carol singing are thoroughly enjoyed. THE WORKHOUSE—Special fare, consisting of geese and plum puddings, was given the inmates on Christmas Day. A donation of £1 which had been received was expended on tobacco, tea, cakes, &c. Numerous periodicals also came to hand, and these were distributed amongst the inmates. Cakes, &c., were sent by Mrs Thomas, Mrs Lloyd (Newcastle Emlyn), and Messis Richard Gillart and David Evans. The last named with Mrs Thomas, a lady Guardian, was amongst those pre- sent at the dinner. ANNUAL SHOOTING CONTEST.—This annual event held in connection with D Co. 5th Batt. S.W.B., took place on Boxing Day at the Range on the Com- mon. The weather was much against good shoot- ing, a high wind accompanied by cold rain blowing over the hills. The cup, which was held by Sergt Sadleir, again fell to his share, together with a medal and a money prize of 10s. There were in all twenty competitors. The following is the list of those who won prizes :—Sgt Sedleir, cup, medal and 10s, 78; Coi-Sgt Wilson 10s 6d, 77; Corporal Hughes 10s, 65 Pte Pearce 10s, 64; Col-Sgt Jones 8s 6d, 63; Pte Cule, box of cigars, 59 Cpl Leake, turkey, 46; Pte Harding, goose, 39; Pte Francis, four bottles of wine, 35; Cpl James, a prize, 33 Pte J Thomas, 6lbs beef, 30; Cpl Edwards, 5 cwt coal, 30; Pte J 0 Morris 2s 6d, 30. Thel prizes will be distributed this (Saturday) evening. DEATH ABROAD. — The death took place on November 25th, at Pittsburg, U.S., of Mrs Mary Wilson Davies. The deceased left for America in 1871 and was in her 74th year when she died. CHRISTMAS NIGHT.- On Christmas night Coun- cillor R Rees, J.P., presided over a well-attended competitive and miscellaneous concert which was held in the Town Hall. Mr Arthur Davies, the chief artiste, was a great success, his singing of tl Dream of Paradise earning rapturous applause. The singing of the Graig United Male Voice Party (condacted by Mr John Lumley), was also much appreciated. Mr J Tregonning was the secretary, and ably discharged his duties. The programme was as follows: Pianoforte solo, Miss Nellie Jones; address by the Chairman chorus, On the ram- parts," Graig United Male Voice Party; song, Dream of Paradise," Mr Arthur Davies; competi- tion duet, Flow gently, Deva," Messrs J Lumley and Trevor Jones; song "Y Plentyn a'r Gwlith," Miss Winnie Edwards; solo competition, MrJ Hum- phreys, Doll street; song, Mr F Lumley; chorus, "The Pilgrims," The Male Voice Choir; song, Merch y Cadben," Mr,Arthur Davies; competition double quartette, Messrs J Lumley and party song, "Lead, kindly light," Mr Arthur Davies; glee part song, competition party of sixteen mixed voices, "Blodeuyn bach wyf fi mewn gardd," Mr J Hum- phreys's party; finale, Hen wlad fy Nhadau." The proceedings were held under the auspices of the Independent church.

ABERYSTWYTH. BOARD OF GUA.RDIANS.—MONSAY. RESIGNATION OF AN OFFICIAL. Mr D Morgan, assistant relieving officer, wrote resigning his post as assistant relieving officer, and it was accepted by the Board. CHRISTMAS IN THE HOUSE. Mr B E Morgan presented the report of the com- mittee. The inmates enjoyed their 'Xmas dinner very much, the addition of a goose being a welcome change.—The gardener was leaving and the master was empowered to appoint another.—Gifts for the inmates had been received from by Mrs McFie, Mrs B E Morgan, Mrs Evan Evans, Mrs Morgan (Caergog terrace), Misses Ward, Mrs T Owen (Llanbadarn road), Mrs Mallory, Mrs Jack Owen, Mrs Mansell Lewis, Messrs R Fear, L Bearne, R Peake, J Roberts (Terrace road), and E H Shat. The usual votes of thanks were passed. OUT-RELIEF. During the past two weeks the following amounts were paid in ont-relief Per Mr T Vaughan, £62 17s, to 188 recipients per Mr J J Hagbes, X49 14s to 148 recipients; per Mr T Morgan, E59 10s 6d, to 165 recipients. MASTER'S REPORT. The Master reported that there were 31 in the House as compared with 25 during the same period of 1900. During the past two weeks 43 tramps had been relieved as compared with 50 in the same period of 1901. THE PROPOSED ALTERATIONS. Mr Edwin Morris brought in the report of the committee appointed to consider the suggestion that the present house and land should be disposed of and a new one built. They had called in Mr D Lloyd to consult with them and another gentleman had advised them that a new house would cost £8,000 to £ 10,000. The committee recommended that the rooms be re-arranged and that plans be prepared.-Mr Salmon: I don't believe it will cost 410,000 to build a new hou.e. We don't want a mansion and a model workhoase can be built to satisfy theLocal Government Board for about .62 000 How did the committee arrive at the valuatio. p- Mr Morris: We found that the field next to the Vicarage could be purchased for £2,000 to £ 2 500 -Mr Salmon It is ridiculous. That field is not to be compared with this site. I move that the matter be deferred and a return prepared showing bow much money has been expended in alteration dur. ing the last ten years.—Mr B E Morgan The Committee found that Minffordd Union had lately built a new house at a cost of £8,000 and the man who built it failed.—Mr J B Morgan: Are VI e bound to carry out these alterations? These Inspectors of the Local Government Board receive b'g salaries and they have to do something to show they earn their money. If we are determined I don't believe the Local Government Board will press the matter.—Mr B E Morgan said that the alterations demanded were equal to the building of a new house.—Mr D M Williams thought that the matter should be further considered by the committee.—In answer to a query Mr B E Morgan said that the alterations would cost £ 700. Mr J B Morgan I shall fight tooth and nail against spend- ing any money on the house.—The report of the committee was adopted but Mr Salmon said that this did not settle the matter.

— — CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS. — Approximate return of ^f?,eipts forfche week ending December 29tb 19C1. Miles open, 250. Passengers, parcels, horses' carriages, dogs and mails, £2,511; merchandise' mmerals, and live stock, £ 1,800 total for the week] ing week of last year Miles open, 250. Passengers, parcels, &c., £ 2,556; merchandise, minerals, &c., £ 1,615; total for the week, £ 4,171 aggregate from commencement of half >ear, £ 172,391. Decrease for the week, passengers, parcels, &c., -645 increase, merchandise, minerals, &c., £ 185; total increase for the week, £ 140 aggregate increase, passengers, parcels, &c., £ 3,634; aggregate increase, merchandise, minerals, &c., £ 3,194; aggregate in- crease from commencement of half-year, £6,828.