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EISTEDDFOD -MEIRION.I
EISTEDDFOD MEIRION. I THE BANQUET. The annual banquet in connection with the Meirion Eisteddfod was held at the Lion Hotel, on New Year's Eve, under the presidency of Mr C E J Owen, Hengwrtucha, the vice-chairman being Dr John Jones, and there were also present, Messrs Joseph Bennett, London, W L Barrett, Edward Williams (Llew Meirion), 0 0 Roberts, Capt G W Kinman, Professor Bryner Jones, R Jones Griffith, J M Jones (County surveyor), Dr Robert Jones, R Guthrie Jones, W N Griffiths, D G Williams, E A Williams, Oswald Davies, J E Mills, M.R.C.Y.S., J Trevor Owen, M.A., R Ll Evans, T H Roberts, Edward GrifSth, Brynadda, Edmund M Roberts, Talsarnau, Evan Francis, J H Bellaser, G Rowe, D G Owen, V V Akergyd, E D Lallande, Sergeant- Instructor Cox, W H Pyeuiont, R C Owen, Meirion Davies, J S Fitchard, B Morgan, L Jones, J McLean, Dan Williams, C Black, J Richards, N and S Wales Bank, and D R Mills. THE TOAST LIST. After the tables were cleared the first toast of the evening, viz,, "The King," was proposed by the Chairman, who said that the year 1902 would be a memorable one, for those of them who would see it come to a close, because of the Coronation of their King Edward VII, and although they would not all be able to go to London, he felt that wherever they might be, that more sincere wishes would be not expressed anywhere than by the natives of the county of Merionethshire (cheers). The toast was musically honoured. In proposing the next toast, that of The Queen, Prince and Princess of Wales, and remainder of the Royal Family," the Chairman remarked that much sympathy was expressed all over the world wher- ever the British nation was represented, with the Queen in her present illness (hear, hear). As to the Prince of Wales, the Welsh nation greatly appreci- ».th J1., tb.aX.t-K117. ha.fl ^sLded that the were possible to proclaim him at Carna^ ct— vastie, the birthplace of the first Prince, they as Welshmen, would deem it a very great compliment and honour (hear, hear). A song was then rendered by Mr Meirion Davies in splendid style, after which, The Vice-president, Dr John Jones, was called to propose The Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces." He said that they were all proud and thankful for the splendid services which had been rendered to the King and country in that serious and prolonged war in South Africa, and it was a matter for the highest congratulation that Wales had not been behind in sending her quota of gallant representa- tives-(cheers)-and if he were allowed to mention one name it would be that of Professor Alfred Hughes, Corris, who had laid down his valuable life for his country (hear, hear). The history of the war showed that the Army had made serious blunders and met with severe reverses, but when they took the nature of the country and other things into consideration, he thought posterity would decide that they had done very well indeed (hear, hear). However, t; 1 y all v, :ihed that the war would shortly be brought to a finish and the best way to do so was to carry on the necessary operations with the greatest possible energy, and no peace, which in the least degree was indicative of weak- ness on our part should be concluded (cheers). Remarking on the Dolgelley Cyclist Corps, the tpetker said that they had had the great honour of being presented to that famous soldier-General Baden Powell, a short time ago, who expressed the opinion that they were evidently a useful body of men, and he (Dr Jones), hoped they would encour- age them in every way. He had no doubt that if they were called upon they would sacrifice every- thing for their King and country (loud cheers). Captain Kinman responded and said if the Volunteers had done nothing else, they had enabled our rulers to gain the respect of the continent nations (hear, hear). It was characteristic of lL.0 country that she never pressed her foes too harshly, and he thought that this had a tendency to prolong any war, and he was of opinion that this had been the wrong policy in this war and it had assumed such a serious aspect that the country was at one time practically denuded of troops. They as Volunteers did not profess to be soldiers, but the fact that there were 250,000 men in the country who knew how to handle weapons and could use them to some purpose in the case of an invasion had no doubt beeu fully taken into consideration by their continental enemies (cheers). As regarded the Cyclist Company, it was regrettable that it was scattered over a wide district and they would see how difficult it was for him as an officer to secure efficient training. At Dolgelley the number was decidedly small, and although he added that it waa difficult for many young men to provide a bicycle for the wear and tear which was necessary, still there were a large number in the neighbour. hood of Dolgelley who could do so, and he hoped they would, so that people would not be able to sneer at them as a small corps of half-a-dozen men (hear, hear). A song having been tastefully rendered by Mr J S Fitchard, Professor Bryner Jones proposed buccess to Eisteddfod Meirion and the Choral Society," and said that they were both inseparable from one another and from one name, namely that of Mr 0 0 Roberts (cheers). This eisteddfod had, he thought, carried out the best traditions of their national institution in the encouragement of art literature and music, and had even introduced innovations which had been adopted by the National meeting (cheers). Mr Roberts had done splendid work for music in the town and district of Dol. gelley-(hear. hear)-and had helped enormously to cultivate the public taste in music. He hoped that he would put away any thought of resigning for many years to come foi they could not do without him-(hear, hear)-and he was certain the people of Dolgelley would not allow him to resign (cheers). He would also like to couple with the s toast the name of Mr Dan Williams (hear, hear). Another song Phoebe Dearest" was sung in capital style by Mr E Arthur Williams, after which Mr O 0 Roberts rose to reply. He said that in a very few more minutes the choir would be in its 50th year (cheers) which was he thought a very long life for an eisteddfod which had a very roman. tie history, and bad started in a very humble m:1 ner indeed. He intended this to be his last how- JI ever (no, no). Ho bad commenced with the Messiah and would finish with it (no, no). Although { it was very successful they had some difficulties to contend with, and one was the train service (hear, hear). Last year three choirs failed to put in an appearance because of this. The other was the accommodation, which was the germ that was killing the institution. He had been preaching about it for the last 15 years. Another point was the uncertainty of subscriptions, although he was very pleased to say that there were a few, who supported with praiseworthy regularity and enthusiasm.He was afraid that unless they would do something in the town, that the attendance would dwindle. Recently, however, as his friend Mr Dan Williams, could tell them, £1,000 had been quickly raised, and he hoped that they could prevail on someone to start a fund (hear, hear). He had no doubt, however, that they would have a fine eisteddfod the next day (cheers). Mr Dan Williams, in respoding, said he had come in with a short speech in his miud, but his friend Mr Roberts had taken the words out of his mouth (laughter). Still he heartily endorsed every word that he said. With reference to the success of the Idris Choral Society this was mostly due to the very able musicians, who so kindly favoured them with their presence every year (cheers). It showed that they had faith in the meeting, and on the other hand the meeting benefited by the association of their names with it (cheers). An oboe solo, was then beautifully rendered by Mr Lallarde, Old Colwyn. The Chairman then proposed the toast ot the evening, namely that of Mr Bennett (hear, hear). That was the chief reason why they bad assembled there that evening (cheers). For some years now he (the Chairman) had arrived at a period of life, when he did not like to count the number of years, that had passed over his head very accurately (laughter), but Mr Bennett had always responded without fail to the call which they made upon him, and this he had no doubt at very great inconveni- ence. There was no question but that the great factof in the success of the meeting, was that com- j^surcre at^Qever they wer0) woui<j receive absolute Ar Bennett's hands (cheers). It was not only tte way he judged but the way he gave his decisions, which endeared him to the audience, and even unsuccessful competitors went home satisfied, which was a thing that did not occur very often in eisteddfodau as they knew (cheers). He was very pleased to see a young Mr Bennett there that evening, and he hoped that he would come there with him regularly (cheers). With all sin- cerity he drank his health, and trusted that he would be long spared to adorn his honourable pro. fession (cheers). A comic recitation by Mr R Llewelyn v ns, entitled Richard III," created intense amusement after which Mr Joseph Bennett, who was received with loud cheering, rose to respond. He said that every man no doubt, liked to be told that he was a jolly good fellow, whether he was or not (laughter). He believed, however, that he had discovered some reason for their gratitude, for sixteen years had passed since be first atttended the Meirion Eistedd- fod (cheers). He bad missed but very few of the meetings, and by this time be bad no doubt but that shrewd and penetrating people, as Welsh people generally were, they had found him out, and that his defects and little ways were not their ways. His friend Mr Rn!- s had found for instance, that if there was one t i ag he hated more than another it was replv; to a letter- (laughter) -and Llew Meirion knew very well that he did not appreciate being set out in the eistedd- fod programme as a blackamoor (laughter). But although they knew him perfectly well by this time they did not hesitate to ask him to come down, which was to him a matter of great gratification (cheers). On his part he had also found them out (laughter). He would spare their modesty by a recital, for actions spoke loader than words. He would only say, that during those sixteen years, be ways came down with the greatest pleasure etieers). He hoped to be able to come as long as die eisteddfod lasted, which according to the strangely significant words of Mr Roberts would not be very long. However, they would hope, that it would be very long before hope departed from them in this case (hear, :hear). Mr Bennett then went on with some reminiscences of the condition of eisteddfodau, some 30 years ago, which created much interest and amusement. During that time, said Mr Bennett, a great change had come over the institution, ugly corners had been rounded off, crudeness had disappeared, and it was now con- ducted in a business-like manner, and all that was bad or iudiffereut had been carefully eliminated (hear, hear). He hoped that this general advance would be maintained, and they in Dolgelley, would not rest satisfied until they had a more satisfactory building to hold the meeting (cheers). He would be very pleased to give his little share, and if £10 was any good to them, they were welcome to it (applause). As to the resignation of Mr Roberts, he hoped it would pass away from him like a bad nightmare (hear, hear). He again thanked them, and his services would always be ready for them (great cheering). Dr John Jones then proposed the health of Mr W L Barrett, who he said was always ready, li! e Mr Bennett to assist them (hear, hear). Mr Barrett suitable replied, after which the proceed- ings terminated with the singing of the National Anthem.
THE EISTEDDFOD.
THE EISTEDDFOD. There was every appearance of a fine day at Dolgelley in the early morning after the rain of New Year's Eve, but before the evening the rain came down again in heavy showers. This, how- ever, did not prevent a very large attendance ana before ten o'clock the streets were crowded with enthusiastic eisteddfodwyr. The members of the committee were Mr C E J Owen (chairman), Messrs R J Griffith, Edward Griffith, Tom Parry, W Harvey Jones, W R Davies (Bodlondeb), D R Mills, David G Owen, John Lloyd (Towyn), Hugh Pugh (N. &P. Bank), with the secretaries, Messrs 0 0 Roberts and Ed Williams. and the result of their admirable arrangements was seen in the success which at- tended the meetings. The accompanists were Miss May Roberts, L.R.A.M., Towyn; Miss Blodwen Williams, Dolgelley; Prof J C McLean, and Mr Jno Roberts.
THE MORNING MEETING.
THE MORNING MEETING. The morning meeting was presided over by Mr Trevor Owen, M.A., Swansea, headmaster of Swansp;, County School, and until lately of Carnar- von County School. This meeting was conducted by Mr Edward Williams (Llew Meirion), who commenced the pro- j ceedings bv singing Hen wlad fy nhadau," after which the adjudication on the translations to French was delivered by Professor Bryner Jones, Bangor, who stated that Mr T Hudson Williams and himself had decided that the prize should be equally divided between Messrs Glyn Edwards and Rd Edwards, who it appeared are cousins, and were similary successful last year. Two competitors came forward on the violin solo, Romance (H Garstin) for which a prize of RI was awarded, after which Mr Furlong's adjudication of the pen an ink sketch of King Edward VII was read, He had selected the three following as best:—Bellini, Brython, and Lover of Art, and stated that none of the drawings were of exceptional merit, but Bellini was the best, who proved to be Mr Wm Hughes, Cerrig-y-Pruidion, and he was duly invested by Miss Nesta Edwards. Mr Bennett then came forward to read his adjudication on the violin solo. He said, that the first competitor was evidently suffering from nervousness, and he could not say that he was satisfied with the rendering. No 2, a lady competitor, was better, Mr Bennett remarking that it was an instrument always played better by a lady, and he would award the prize to her. The adjudication on the composition A day in Dolgelley" for which a prize of 92 2s was awarded, was read by Prof Bryne Jones, who stated that compositions had been received from lolo Morganwg, Dolgelleyite and A.B.C., which were however very indifferent, but those received from Agnes Geneth or Dre and Bodlyn, were of a much better standard; and of these three Bodlyn was the best, but he did not think that even this deserved the full prize and the half prize was consequently awarded to this competitor, who proved to be Mrs Evans, London, until lately of Coedcymmer, Dol- gelley, wholwas invested by Mr C E J Owen, Hen- gwrtucha, amid cheers. A soprano solo competi- tion followed "I will extol Thee" (Costa) for which a prize of X2 was awarded. Three came forward, after which the adjudication on the stanzas "Jesus in the home of Simon was read, for which a prize of a gold medal was awarded by Messrs Williams.. Bros, Greenwich House, Dolgelley. The Rev Parri Huws saicl that out of 16 competitors Elwy was the best. This competitordid not answerto his name. On the soprano solo competition Mr Bennett said that the second competitor WaS decidedly out of tune, the intonation was imperfect and it was alto- gether unsatisfactory, the last competitor had a good voice, and had given a good rendering on the whole, but it could be improved. He would recom- mend her to go on with singing, she undoubtedly had great capabilities, but he had no difficulty in awarding the prize to the first singer, who had given a splendid rendering, and he thought she had a great future before her. The winner was Madame Eivion Jones, Penygroes. The Chairman in an appropriate speech, referred to the fact that the eisteddfod still retained a firm hold in the affections of the Welsh Nation. It had done great work in the past, and would he thought do so again (hear, hear). Wales was not strong in population, but in many ways she could do much work in the history of nations, and this was one of them. He thought that the eisteddfod would flourish as long as the Welsh nation existed (cheers). The next item was the contralto solo competition, The Pilgrim (W Davies), for which a prize of .El was offered. Three ladies came forward, after which the adjudication of Messrs J Leigh Taylor, C R Williams, and Capt Bailey on the chair was brought up, and the best was stated to be that of Mr Griffith Jones, Dolgelley, who was invested by Miss Millard. The adjudication on the chair, subject "Paradise" was read by the Rev Pari Huws, who stated that the best out of 15 competi- tors was Dan y halmwvdd,' who proved to be Athron." Festiniog, and who was duly chaired with great ceremony, the comet and drawn sword being very much in evidence. The usual three questions were asked, and being duly answered satisfactorily by the audience. Athron was declared THE CHAIR WINNER for the year and bardic addresses were delivered by Messrs Simon Jones, Llew Meirion, Glan Wnion, Rev Parri Huws, and Ap Alltud Eirion. Mrs Jones Griffith duly invested the successful bard amidst cheering. Mr Evan Francis declared the subject for next year to be "Anrhydedd" (Honour). A song was then excellently rendered by Miss Laura Evans, Henllan, one of the artistes who had been engaged for the meeting, who was loudly enoored and responded with Gwlad y Delyn." Mr Bennett adjudicating on the contralto solo competition, said that the voices were more mezzo-soprano than con- tralto, which was as common as the proper voice was rare. The first singer was well ahead of the other and sang in a much superior manner and the prize fell to her. She proved to be Miss Patty Roberts, Portmadoc. Three competitors came for- ward on the tenor solo "On away awake Beloved" (S Coleridge Taylor), for which a prize of E2 was offered and a splendid competition rpsulted, which was won by Edward Lloyd, Festiniog, Mr Bennett remarking that the piece was a very difficult one and although they were amateurs only, they had given a splendid rendering. Only one choir com- peted on the chief choral competition for which a prize of z640 was offered. It consisted of (a) chorus Siug unto God" (Handel), and (b) part-song Sylvia" (J H Roberts). In addition to the sum of money, a gold medal was also offered to the con- ductor and accompanist. Only one choir however put in an appearance, viz., that of Festiniog led by Cadwaladr Roberts. Mr Bennett said that a very good rendering had been given more especially in the first chorus which had been exceptionally well done, the bass particularly deserving great praise. As they had to face no competitors they received only £ 20. A vote of thanks proposed by Dr Isaac Jones, San Francisco, son of Alltnd Eivion (Port- madoc), seconded by Mr Harvey Jones with a characteristic humourous speech, brought the morning meeting to a close. THE AFTERNOON MEETING. The Hon C H Wynn, Rhûg, presided over the afternoon meeting and Dr Jones Morris, Port- madoc, and Llew Meirion conducted. The pro- ceedings were opened by a song by Miss Laura Evans, Henllan, which was warmly cheered. There was only one competitor for any solo on a wood instrument, Mr Walter McLean, whom Mr Barret pronounced to have given a splendid rendering and who was well worthy of the prize of £1, which was awarded. [The adjudicators for the best sticks were Col Scott and Mr Robt Pugh, who said that the best was Mr Henry Jones, Bontddu. The competition was however so good that the Judges decided to award the other five competitors 4s each. The next item was the adjudication of Elvet on the best epigram on the subject Dove." There were no less than 19 competitors and the prize fell to Mr L E Davies, Bryamman, South Wales. Only one choir came forward in the choral competition. The test piece was Abide with me (D Ll Evans) for which a prize of X10 and a gold medal was offered to the conductor, the latter being given by Mr G Owen Williams. This choir came from Harlech and was led by Mr John Owen. Mr Bennett said they had given a fair rendering but it was not a choir of the first grade. He regretted there were no more competing, but under the circum- stances the prize would go to them. A trombone solo competition followed in which Mr Rd Jones, Dolgelley, was successful out of three. The Chairman was then called upon for a speech. Mr Wynn said that he waa very pleased to be again present and wished them all the compliments of the season. The Rev Edward Hughes, Barmouth, dealing with the translation into Welsh said that the prize of £1 would be awarded to J Bennett Jones, Penrhyn, who was well worthy of it. The next item was the adjudication on hand painting on china, the adjudicators being Mrs Holland and Miss Jones-Parry, who equally divided the prize between Miss May Roberts, Cambrian House. Dolgelley, and Miss Kay, Birmingham, represented by Miss Griffiths, Dolgelley. For an elegy on the late Mr J Vaughan a prize of £1 was awarded to Mr L R Davies, Brynamman, South Wales. In the bass solo competition which followed Blow, blow thou winter winds" four competed, and a prize of £ 2 was offered.. Mr Bennett adjudicating on this said that a splendid competition had resulted, one of the best he had ever heard, and it was difficult to find the best of them. The voices were very much the same, and the test piece was sung in a finely powerful and dramatic manner, and he listened with unalloyed pleasure to the rendering. There was great difficulty in finding the winner, but the balance of merit, although very slight weighed in favour of the first singer, who was Mr Meirion Davies, of Dol- crellev. and he was duly invested by Mrs Jones. Parry. Llew Merion read the adjudication on the Gogan-gerdd War," for which a prize of JE1 was offered and said it had been secured by Y sie. fron who was the Rev W Pari Huws, Dolgelley. The feature of the afternoon was then entered on namely, the male voice competition. The test piece was On the ramparts (A Saintes) for which a prize of £ 10 was offered. Barmouth choir came first led by Mr G Griffiths, and were succeeded by the Moelwyn choir, Festiniog, led by Cadwaladr Roberts. The Rev John Williams, B.A., read Pro. fessor Anwyl's and his own adjudication on the chief essay. Fourteen had come to hand, and it was no easy matter to find the successful candidate. The essay was entitled The progress of Wales during the Victorian reign," and the prize was j65. Mr Williams read a lengthy adjudication, but had no hesitation in giving the prize to Cynfal Caradog who did not answer his name. Mr Guthrie Jones then proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Hon 0 H Wynn for presiding, which was seconded by Mr E M Roberts, Talsarnau, and carried with acclamation. Dr Morris then announced that Cynfal Caradog was Rev R Jones, Llanrwst. Mr Bennett said the male voice choir competition was of a high order and he found very good qualities in both of the choirs. It was almost an impossibility to name the winner, as the defects of one choir were the strong points of the other and vice-versa. He confessed that he could not decide and thought it best to award his decision as a tie. He congratulated them on their performance. The result was received with tumultuous cheering, and this brought the afternoon meeting to a close. THE CONCERT. In the evening, after the eisteddfod, a grand concert was held. It is needless to refer to the treat which is provided in the concert annually, and this was no exception to the rule. The chair was taken by Mr J Leigh Taylor, the president of the choral society. The first part consisted of the performance of The death of Minnehaha (S Coleridge Taylor) by the Idris Choral Society. The total number of the choir was about 130. They were supported by the orchestral band, under the leadership of Mr Vasco V Akeroyd, Liverpool, and the chief vocalists were Miss Evangeline Florence, London, soprano; Miss Laura Evans, Henllan, con. tralto; Mr David Hughes, London, bass; and Mr W L Barrett, London, solo flautist, whilst the onerous duties of conductor were carried out by Mr 0 0 Robeits. A truly excellent rendering was given, and the choir were warmly cheered at the close. Part two consisted of a miscellaneous pro- programme the first item being a song Yr Unig" by Miss Laura Evans, Henllan, which was splendidly rendered, and needless to add, encored. Miss Evans responded with Peidiwch a ddweyd wrth fy nghariad" which was also very highly appreciated. The Chairman, who was next called upon, said, that they again had secured a splendid meeting, and the sound discretion and judgment of the committee were well justified by the day's results. With reference to the first part of the pro- gramme, the performance reflected the utmost credit upon the choir, the orchestra, and especially upon Mr 0 0 Roberts, whose grand work on behalf of the society was so well known to them. Then a great deal of thanks was due to their valued friend and adjudicator, Mr Bennett, who so kindly came down to the meeting to judge for them (hear, hear). In conclusion he would like to wish if possible still greater success to the Meirion Eisteddfod (cheers). A flute solo by Mr W L Barrett followed which was beatifully ren. dered and highly appreciated, judging by the plaudits of the audience. An irisn aong (Arthur Foote) was then given by Miss Evangeline Florence. This was magnificently done, and in response to repeated demands for encore, the vocalist sang Spring is coming in a very pleasing manner. The bass solo, "Ruddierthan the oherry" by Mr David Hughes, London, was the next item, with orchestral accompaniment, and was vocifer. ously encored, the applause being deafening. It was responded to by the same, which was again enoored, cries of Welsh song coming from all directions, and after some pressure he gave Merch y cadben" in brilliant style. An oboe solo was next rendered by Mr Lallande who, Mr 0 0 Roberts observed, was one of the foremost players of that instrument in the country, and he justified his excellent reputation. A vote of thanks was then proposed by Mr C E J Owen, Hengwrtucha, to the chairman for presiding. He referred in eulogistic terms to the hearty support given by Mr J Leigh Taylor to