The North Wales Times

WELSH MUSIC. To the Editor of THE NORTH WALES TIMES. SIR, The cathedral organist of St. Asaph attempted 60 criticise Welsh music, Welsh composers, and Welsh vocalists, at the Church Institute and Literary Society, the other week. When I first heard of the subject Dr. Wilson had chosen for his paper, I wondered where he had gained his experience. And being curious, I naturally attended the meeting, jotted down a few notes, and listened to some ot the most ridiculous re- marks I ever heard. Needless to say, they were remarks which betrayed complete ignor- ance of the subject. There was one remark which I do not think ought to be allowed to pass unnoticed. Dr. Wilson stated that the music that was sung ab our National Eisfcedd- vodau was rubbish What an insult to our Welsh musicians! How will they bear their fate? Whose opinion will they hsten to-that of the St. Asaph organist, or of such men as Bennet, Mackenzie, Barnby, Cowen, and other high authorities, who have had ample opportu- nities of judging Welsh music ? I rather think the latter. Several of those present at the meeting took exception to the doctor's remarks, amongst whom were Mr. John A. Lloyd, Mr. Joseph Lloyd, Mr.Walter Williams, and others. Yours truly, A CITIZEN.

DENBIGHSHIRE & FLINTSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY AND A 'DISSATISFIED COMPETITOR.' To the Editor of the' NORTH WALES TIMES.' SIR, Before my letter to Mr. P. P. Pennant on the subject of my discontent is left to its final repose to lie on the table of the Society, may I, through the medium of your paper, be allowed to correct one or two erroneous impressions arising from the report in your last issue, and to respectfully ask Mr. Welsby, the Secretary, that if he cannot do me the justice that I am entitled to in respect to the Society's prizes, and as it will not cost him anything, that he will at least do me the justice of quoting my letter correctly. I was perfectly well aware that, according to the schedule, the Society a silver medal was not specially specified, and if he will only take the trouble to look at my letter again he will find the following para. graph 'The medals offered by the ^Society Being considered by the competitors to be if not the Society's medal, yet to be of such value as to be worthy of competition and of the Society,' so that my disaffection did not arise from that cause. I was also quite aware that the prize was given by the Wrexham Local Committee, but am equally well aware that the prizes given by that Committee are subject to the sanction and approval of the General Com- mittee, and that there are specified rulea governing all local prizes, but this is pader l ferson.' It appears that Mr. Welsby is a stickler for accuracy, at any rate one would imagine so, and perhaps he will pardon me for assisting him to be more so, for he says that the schedule did not promise a Society medal, but simply a silver medal and a bronze-medal. That being so, and having won the two, will he kindly tell me where the bronze medal is? Perhaps he will explain why a tarnished silver medal was substituted instead of the bronze one as per schedule? Some of my friends have facetiously asked was it thrown in as 'good luck' along with the others. Superficially it would appear that I must indeed be a very 'dissatisfied' competitor when after winning a bronze medal and receiving a silver one, that I should be indignant over it, but to those who have seen th3 medals the reason is quite obvious, and I challenge Mr.Welsbytopro- cure a bronze medal of the uniform size^of the silver ones that won't cost him more time, trouble, and, probably, money, than the silver ones!! I took the liberty of submitting them to the Local Secretary-the Mayor of Wrex. ham-and his comment on the same was: I do not think the medals at all satisfactory, and shall enquire into their value. Turning again to the schedule it states: 'Non-subscribers shall be entitled to compete for the Society's prizes on payment of an entrance fee of 10 per cent. on the value of the fiist prize. Am I then only entitled to a medal a few coppers in excess of my entrance fee? This appears to have pro- voked the laughter of the Committee, but may I ask any of the gentlemen present where the laugh would come in if they entered a beast in the show and paid 5s. entrance money and re- ceived 7s. 6d. as first prize? Just one word in conclusion, to the Secretary, being that he has arrogated to himself the right of stopping any competition where there is a i dissatisfied' competitor, may I be allowed to congratulate him on having already to some measure achieved that object with respect to the future bread competitions ? I am not the only one that has cause to be diasatisned over this competition, for I think I can with 'brotherly feeling' ask the Secretary to 'shake hands' over it. Thanking you in anticipation. Yours, &c., JOHN C. JONES. Pwllgwyn Stores, Caerwys.

DENBIGHSHIRE INFIRMARY. To the Editor of THE NORTH WALES TIMES. SIR, Observing that some of your contemporaries published remarks on the annual report of this Charity, which are calculated to mislead, the Committee will be obliged if you would be good enough to insert the following report by the Lady Superintendent on the subject of ex- penditure, which report has been accepted by the Committee as satisfactory. I would add that the weekly maintenance stands at 6s. per week (see annual report). Yomrs truly, W. VAUGHAN JONES, Secretary. 8th March, 1899. In accordance with the Committee's request to find out the increase of £ 46 189. 6d. in the meat account foi 1898 as compared with the year 1897, the number of in-patients admitted being four fewer during 1898 than during 1897,' after careful analysis of all accounts,1 made with the help of the Secretary's Clerk, I beg to report as follows !That the monetary increase is ;t;3(j ios. t)(1. and not £ 46 18s. 6d. 2.—That although there were four fewer patients admitted during 1898 than during 1897, the daily average of occupied beds during 1898 was 18, as against 15 in 1897. S.-In 1898, 4,226 ordinary diets were sent to the wards, as against 3,287 during 1897, show- ing an increase of 939 diets for 1898. There were also 325 chop diets as against 235 in 1897, showing an increase of 90 chop diets; and 1,023 beef tea diets as against 909 in 1897, showing an increase of 114. Allowing half pound of meat to each ordinary and chop diet, this increase of 1,029 diets equals 514ilbs. of meat, and allowing lbs. of meat to each beef tea diet equals 55! lbs., which together amount to 600 lbs. of meat. 4.- 600 lbs. of meat at 7d. per lb. would cost £ 17 10.. 5.—In 1898, the average price paid for meat was 7d. per lb.; in 1897, 6§d. per lb. The difference of id. per lb. on 5,190 lbs. (the whole of the meat brought in for patients and residuals) comes to £ 5 Sa. lid. 6.—Add these two, £ 17 10s. Od. and fZ 8s. 1 Jd ,equab;922 Ift lid. I.-On the December, 1897, account, there was paid in January, 1898, E4 9s. 2d. more than I in the corresponding month of the previous year, which brings the sum to jE27 4s. 3d. 8. In 1898, 578 chicken and fish diets were sent to the wards, as against 405 in 1897, show- ing an increase of 173; and 1,021 eggs were sent to the wards, as against 679 in the previous year, showing an increase of 341. The cost of this increase was f4 4s. 9d. 9.—The increase in the bacon account was 91 16s. lld., bringing the amount tof 33 5s Hid. 10.—The deficiency of JE3 12s. 6d. in the meat account required to make up the sum of JE36 18s. 6d. is accounted for by the decrease of Ell 19s. 7d. on the bread and beer bills, an in- creased amount of butchers' meat having been consumed instead of bread and beer. (Signed) M. GRIFFITH, Lady Superintendent.

CORWEN. SUDDEN DEATH. Deep regret is felt in Corwen and the neighbourhood, owing to the sudden death of Mr. Owen Lloyd, J.P., Waterloo House, which took place on Wednesday morning, in the 65th year of his age. Though occa- sionally complaining, Mr. Lloyd enjoyed on the whole good health. He was busy with his duties as head postmaster of the district until late on Tuesday evening, and when retiring to bed no one noticed that he was suffering from anything. About 4 o'clock on Wednesday morning, he was heard groaning, and the doctor was sent for at once, but in about two hours later he suc- cumbed from failure of the heart's action. Mr. Lloyd when very young, came with his parents from Beddgelert to reside at Siam- berwen, Glyndyfrdwy, and was soon appren- ticed a draper with Mr. Lewis, of Corwen, who at that time was also the postmaster of the district. After serving his apprentice- ship he went to London where he stayed for some years. Coming home again he entered into partnership with his old master, and from a small beginning worked his way up to an influential position. He took a warm interest in public matters, and his services as chairman of public meetings, was often requisitioned. He also took a prominent part in the educational affairs of the town, and was chairman of the School Board since its establishment. The Calvinistic Metho- dist church at Corwen has lost through his death, one of its most faithful officers, and his loss will be felt by the denomination throughout North Wales. The funeral, which will be a public one, will take place at Glyndyfrdwy on Friday next. CORWEN MEMORIAL VESTRY. This vestry, which is being erected con- tiguous to the Parish Church in memory of the late Archdeacon Richardson, is rapidly approaching completion, and it has been arranged that the opening ceremony shall take place en the 12th April. The Bishop of St. Asaph has promised to attend. PARISH COUNCIL ELECTION. The election of Parish Councillors took place on Monday evening. For the Upper Ward at Corwen, Mr. John Williams, Dee View, presided and for the Lower Ward at Glyndyfrdwy, Mr. Richard Hughes, Plas yn Nghoedrwg, presided. The following were declared elected:—Upper Ward, Messrs. Thos. Edmunds, printer Thomas Evans, Glandwr; Thomas Griffiths, Ivy House, Bridge Street; L. Lloyd John, solicitor; Samuel Jones, ironmonger; John Roberts, Owen Glyndwr Hotel; John E. Thomas, Bridge Street: David Williams, Penybryn; and Evan Williams, Salem. For the Lower Ward, Messrs. Edward Edwards, Park Ter- race, Carrog, Evan Evans, Frcndeg, Glyn- dyfrdwy; Hugh Jones, Penybont, Llan- santffraid; Evan Roberts, Plas isa, Glyn- dyfrdwy, and David Williams, New Shop, Glyndyfrdwy. LLANDRILLO. In this parish the following have been elected:— John Phillips, Tynyfach. John Evans, Bron ceidiog. E. O. Roberts, Tynycoed. Thomas Williams, Llawrcelan. Robert Evans, Hendwr. Lewis Owen, Ceudwg Terrace. Humphrey Davies, Butcher. Ellis H. Ellis, Branas ucha. William Jones, Cernyw. Thomas Edwards, Brynpenllyn. Thomas Francis Jones, Branas Lodge.

——————" BOARD OF GUARDIANS. Friday, March 3rd, present, Dr. Jones (chairman), Miss Hughes, Messrs. John Lloyd and Godfrey Parry," Corwen John Hughes, Gwyddelwern W. E. Williams and Thomas Owen, Llangar; John Hughes, O. Evans, and Rev. Ivan T. Davies, Llandrillo; David Jones and John Roberts, Ceryg-y- druidion J. Williams, Llangollen (rural); J. Nanson, Miss E. Barker, Miss Richards, and Mrs. Roberts, Llangollen (urban); John D. Jones, Llanfihangel, G.m.; Henry Her- bert and Simon Jones, Llangwm; Richard Hughes and Rev. J. S. Jones, Llantysllio; Dr. Walker, Messrs. Thomas Hughes (clerk), E. Derbyshire and E. Feulkes (relieving officers), and R. Williams (master). STATISTICS. Out relief administered during the past fortnight: Corwen district per Mr. E. Derbyshire, £57 2s. 3d. to 209 paupers; corresponding fortnight last year, 259 12s. to 236 paupers. Llangollen district per Mr. E. Foulkes, £55 10s. to 240 paupers corres- ponding fortnight last year, £58 6s. 6d. to 256 paupers. Number of inmates in the house, 52; corresponding week last year, 53. Number of vagrants relieved during the past fortnight, 37; against 39 for the corresponding fortnight last year. The master reported that an anonymous friend from Llangollen had sent a boxful of mis- cellaneous magazines for the use of the in- mates. POOR LAW UNIONS ASSOCIATIONS (EXPENSES) ACT, 1898. The Clerk read an explanatory circular from the Local Government Board with reference to the Poor Law Unions Associa- tion (Expenses) Act, 1898, and placed on the table two copies of the order, which the Board has issued under the provisions of the said Act. REPORTS OF NURSING INSTITUTIONS. Attention was called to the annual reports of the Denbighshire Infirmary, Llangollen Cottage Hospital, and the Trevor, Garth and Vron District Nursing Association which were placed on the table for perusal by the members. INSURANCE OF THE WORKHOUSE PREMISES. The Clerk submitted for perusal the new policy from the Alliance Assurance Com- pany for the insurance of the Workouse premises and effects. Much satisfaction was expressed It the classification of the items, and the rate charged, and it was resolved upon the motion of Dr. Jones, seconded by the Rev. Ivan T. Davies to accept the policy. REPORT OF THE VISITING COMMITTEE. 1 Mim Richards reported that it was the general opinion of the Visiting Committee, that the appearance of the Workouse would be improved, and the plact2 made less draughty, if doors were placed on the main passages and they recommended the fixing of a swing door with glass fanlights on the main passage fronting the outer door; a new door on the passage leading to the men's room, and repairing the door on the passage leading to the women's room. Upon the motion of Mr. John Hughes, Gwyddel- wern, it was resolved that the report be adopted, and they decide at the next meet- ing how to carry on the work.

Mr. D. Edwards, of the London Daily News, who presided at the Nottingham celebration of St, David's Day, in respond- ing to the toast of' The Wales that is to be,' based his remarks on a Scriptural text. The text, with the speaker's slight modifi- cation, was Numbers xv. 38—' And it shall be unto you for a (Celtic) fringe, that ye may look upon it and remember the com- mandments*'

BALA. CHAIR EISTEDDVOD. On Wednesday last (St. David's Day) an Eis- teddvod of a high order was held under the auspices of the Church of England, at the Vic. toria Hall, Bala. As was the case with those held in previous years, the, meetings this year proved to be an undoubted success. The Com- mittee are to be especially commended on their success this year, as not only were they main- taining the previous standard of efficiency, but the addition of a new feature-the chairing function—considerably enhanced the import- ance of the Eisteddvod, and added to their labours. Gwynedd had promised to be present, but failed to fulfil his promise owing to ill- health. Elfyn was expeeted to fill his place unfortunately, at the last moment, a telegram was received from him stating that he could not attend. In spite of all this, the proceedings were carried on without any hitch. The hall was well filled on each occasion. Mr. David Parry, Llanrwst, was the musical adjudicator; Professor Durman acted as accompanist; Trea- surer, Mr. J. Rowlands; General Secretary, Mr. M. J. Jones; Financial Secretary, Mr. Owen Lewis. The following ladies and gentlemen adjudicated upon various subjects :-Mr. R. J. Ll. Price, Rhiwlas Mr. J. C. Evans, M.A., County School Archdeacon Thomas, Meifod; the Rev. E. B. Thomas, Trawsfynydd; the Vicar of Brymbo Mrs. Barton, Mrs. Dean, Mrs. H. O. Jones, Miss Lloyd, Miss Herbert Jones, Mrs. R. Williams (Wrexham), Mr. J. Williams, J.P. (Gwernhefin), the Rev. Bevan Jones, and Gwrtheyrn. THE AFTERNOON MEETING. After selections on the harp by Mr. E. Wood (Telynor Meir:on), Mr. J. Williams, Post Office, the president, addressed the meeting, when he briefly expressed his pleasure in being present to support the Eisteddvod, and referred to the praiseworthy motives for which institutions of this kind were held, and the benefits accruing therefrom among the young of the Principality. The programme was then gone through in the following order :— For the Illuminated Text' the prize was awarded to Mr. William Hughes, junior, black- smith, Bala. Recitation, for children under 16 years of age. One only came forward, viz., Miss Gwen Ellis, Arenig Street, Bala, and she was adjudged worthy of the prize. Miss Myfanwy Morris, Llanuwchllyn, was t the successful competitor in the piano competi- tion. The second prize only was awarded for the pinafore miking, viz., to Miss Minnie Hewitt, Bala. On the solo for children under 13 years of age, 'Dacw Gymru yn y golwg,' two competed, ¡ and the prizes were thus awarded 1, BIodwen Edwards, Mount Street; 2, Sydney Ellis, Cas-' tie Sreet. For the I Hand-made cotton shirt,' the first prize was awarded to Mrs. Bodden, Llandderfel; 2, Miss Pugh, Llwynpiod. Gwynedd's adjudication on the song to ILI yn Arenig' resulted in the awarding of the prize to Gwaenfab. Mr. Harland, Bala, had the best 'Three photo views,' and the prize was awarded to him. Three competitors mounted the platform for the recitation of Casabianca,' to children un- der 16. The first prize was adjudged to Lilly Grainger; 2, Alice Speake; 3, 4rthur Wil- liams. In the examination on Revelations ii. and iii. the first prize was divided between John Hum- phreys, Bala, and Hugh Jones, postman, Rhos- y.gwaliau; 2, John Rowlands, Post Office. The next item-the most important function in the afternoon meeting-was the chairing of the successful bard. This was accompanied by the observance of the usual ceremonies. The bard on whom the honour devolved was Mr. Richard Roberts, Bala. Miss Emily C. Ellis sweetly sang the chairing song. The bard was conducted to the 'gorsedd' by Mr. E. Watkins and Glan Cymerig, and the ceremony of chair- ing was conducted by Gwrtheyrn. For painting the best group of daffodils, the prize went to Mr. Edward Lloyd Edwards, Bala. Fo r the rendering of the soprano solo the prize was divided between Miss Sarah Lloyd, Sarnau, and Miss H. A. Roberts, Bala. Miss Hewitt, Bala, was adjudged the winner of the prize for the 'Pillow slips and tray cloth.' There were four competitors in the solo for children, 'Come, birdie, come'-l, Gwen C. Ellis and Polly Buckley; 2, Myfanwy Williams and Blodwen Edwards. The prize for the best I Boot Bag' was awarded to Minnie Hewitt. In the Juvenile Choir Competition two choirs presented themselves, one conducted by Mr. R. H. Roberts, Post Office, and the other by Mr. J. B. Parry. The prize was awarded, amidst acclamation, to Mr. Parry's choir, the adjudi- cator stating that this choir had splendid voices, kept good time, good intonation, and the ren- dering was excellent. The best carved oak panel was that of a com- petitor from Manchester, Mr. John Davies, Bala, being second. THE EVENING MEETING. Mr. H. R. Heap presided, and after an ap- propriate address from him, the adjudications, &c., were proceeded with:— David Roberts, Bala, was adjudged the best for a Model of a boat.' The prize for the violin solo was awarded to Mr. David Denman, Eryl Aran. Prizes for baby linen were adjudged as follows :-1, Miss Hewitt, Bala; 2, Mrs. R. Edwards, Bala; 3, Miss Winnie Edwards, Bala. For the duett competition, 'Bydd bur i Gymru fM,' two parties offered themselves, and the first prite, was awarded to Messrs. T. J. Roberts and Robert Roberts. Mr. John Rowlands' essay on the divisions of Penllyn past and present was adjudged the, best, thus securing the prize. Seven parties competed on the rendering of the quartette, I Cast thy burden upon the Lord.' After a keen competition, Mr. R. Thomas' party was adjudged the best. Mr. William Ellis, Red Lion Farm, won the prize for the translation. The result of the competition on the render- ing of Y Nos,' in which two parties of 12 offered themselves, one under the leadership of Glan Cymerig, and the other under Mr. Ed- ward Roberts, Ty'nybryn, was the awarding of the prize to the latter. The prize for the best picture frame was awarded to Mr. John Ball. Four persons mounted the platform to com- pete on the reciting of 'The Storm' (Hwfa M6n), out of 16 who presented themselves at the preliminary examination. Mr. Robert Jones, Llwynllwydyn, Llanuwchllyn, was adjudged the best. The next item was the presentation of Sol-fa certificates. Willie Roberts was awarded Is. out of 5s. for translating words given at the time. Mr. T. J. Roberts was the successful com- petitor in the rendering of the bass solo, • Bwthyn yr amddifad.' 1 For the poem Rhaiadr,' Gwynedd adjudged Dewi Ffraid's contribution the best. An interesting item was the pennillion sing- ing competition, in which six took part. Mr. R. Roberts, Tai'rfelin, was declared the win- ner. Mr. G. Thomas, Dyftryn, won the prize for the best hazel walking-stick out of a consider- able number of competitors. Mr. Edward Lloyd, Llanuwchllyn, was the only competitor on the tenor solo," Llam y Cariadau,' and was adjudged worthy of the prize, the adjudicator terming it as excellent. Glyn Myfyr, Festimiog, carried off the prize for the stanza 'Unity.' Out of twojeompetitions sent in, the prize for the' Guide to Bala' was awarded to Mr. D. Roberts, Liverpool. The most interesting and attractive item of the evening's programme was the choral com- petition, 'Teyrnasoedd y ddaear,' for which two choirs ottered—1, Tryweryn Choir, con- ducted by Mr. John Edwards, Tremaran Cot- tage, Bala, and 2, Tegid Choir, under Mr. Evan Lloyd, Fronfeuno. The following was the ad- judication First Choirs-Tryweryn Choir— Allegro. Fint movement excellent, time steady, and the effect of this movement very grand. Bass solo good, but a little unsteady in time, perhaps in one or two places, quartette very effective, so also was the trio. The conductor of both choirs should have beaten time in the trio as there was a tendency to slacken the time towards the end. The next movement- grave-very fair, more expression should have been given to the words Ofnadwy wyt, 0 Dduw.' The last movement of all was very good, although not so very precise in taking the movement up as might have been done. The conductor kept thbm well in hand all through. There was a slip which all had heard in the last page. The intonation was perfect throughout. Second Choir-Tegid Choir. The expression in the opening bars was very good, but the basses in the sixth bar and tenors as well were a little sharp. In the next movement there was bad intonation. Bass solo, good voice, but a little overdone in one part. Quartette too slow. The intonation in chorus was very fair. The tenor in the trio was sharp. The time marked was allegro, but it was done more like moderato. The grave movement was too fast. In the last page the bass seemed not to be quite prepared for the second word Duw.' The in- tonation in the last movement was very bad, especially the tenor and bass.' The adjudicator had, therefore, no hesitation in adjudging the Tryweryn Choir far and away the better of the two. The announcement was received with loud applause. The meeting was brought to a close with votes of thanks to the officers and others who had been so assiduous in bringing the Eistedd- vod to a successful issue.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting was held on Satur- day last, when there were present :-Mr. Evan Jones (Chairman), Miss Parry (Vice), Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Parry, Messrs. Robert Jones, Daniel Roberts, William Richards, J. LI. Jones, John Roberts, J. J. Edwards, L. J. Davies, R. Thomas, John Jones, J. R. Jones (Clerk), and T. R. Dakin (Assistant Clerk). STATISTICS. The balance in the Treasurer's hands was re- ported to be;C6 18s. 7d., and in the Relieving Officer's hands £7 14s. During the last fort- night jE34 lis. 6d. was expended in the relief of 156 out-door paupers, as against 136 13s. to 170 paupers last year. THE HOUSE. The Master reported that there were 31 in. mates in the Workhouse last week, as compared with 27 for the corresponding week last year. Forty-eight vagrants had been relieved during the fortnight, this being a decrease of 7 on the number relieved last year. Mrs. Jennings, Bull's Head Hotel, had sent a number of periodicals for the use of the in. mates. The Guardians passed a vote of thanks to Mrs. Jennings for the gift. Messrs. R. Thomas and J. Jones reported that they had visited the House that day. Everywhere was clean as usual, there were no complaints, and all seemed to be well cared for. Mr.R. Thomas called attention to the kitchen grate, which was in an unsatisfactory condi- tion. The Building Committee thought it hardly worth repairing, it had been in use for over 22 years. The Guardians decided to have a new grate put in. CORRESPONDENCE. A letter was read from Mr. T. E. Ellis, M.P., acknowledging receipt of resolution re sale of intoxicating liquors to children. A letter was read from Dolgelley Union ask- ing the Guardians to give instructions to keep in on Sunday, as far as possible, vagrants who are admitted in the vagrant wards on the pre- vious evening. On the 1st, there were ad- mitted there from Bala 6; on the 8th, 2; and on the 29th, 5. The Guardians of that Union thought it undesirable to have men of tnis class going through the country on Sundays and finding their way to farmhouses and cottages along the road in many cases when the occu- piers were absent. It was resolved, upon the motion of Mr. Daniel Roberts, that the Clerk be instructed to state in reply that the Guardians cannot detain vagrants over Sunday here, as, until the new wards are built, the accommodation is in. sufficient. An order was received from the Local Govern- ment Board, under which the Guardians are authorised to pay any sum not exceeding jE5 per annum towards the funds of the Poor Law Unions Association, as'well as the expenses of two representatives to the meetings of the Association.

DOLGELLEY. BRITHDIR BOARD SCHOOL CONCERT. A children's concert was held at the above school on Monday evening, February, the 27th. It commenced at 7 15 p.m. and did not terminate until nearly ten o'clock. The pro'1 ceedings throughout were a grand success, and too much praise cannot be bestowed on Mr. W. Pryce Williams, headmaster, for the great trouble he must have taken in order to train the children to such a standard of excellence- a standard which would do credit to any school in the kingdom. The Chairman was the Rev. John Walters, who spoke a few word. with regard to education, contrasting it with the time when he was a young man. The Rev. Hugh Roberts also spoke towards the end of the entertainment, and among other things passed a vote of thanks to all who had so kindly helped towards making the concert such a success. Several encores were given during the evening, and the pares worthy of special commendation were the following:- Musical, Handkerchief, and Fan Drills Selections from the band; Sneezing Song; Medical Sketch, Richard and Floriie Morris; Photography Sketch, Alfred William Mow] Monitor, and G. E. Evans; Recitation, 'Jack in the box' in* fants; and a Musical Medley. The schoolroom was crowded, and a very enjoyable evening terminated by the children singing Homeward Bound.' > m*

^^ERYG-Y-DRUIDION. SUCCESS OF A LOCAL VOCALIST. It gi-ea us unfeigned pleasure to record the success of the popular Soprano, Miss Jones, Tynygraig, at the test concert held in Ruthin on St. David's Day. At this concert, two guineas were oftered for the best soloist in the male competition, and two guineas for the best soloist in the female competition, as well as a silver medal for the vocalist who gave the best rendering of his or her solo. Out of nine competitors, Miss Jones came out successful for the twu guineas, and out of six- teen (male and female) competitors, she won' the silver medal. Mr.G.W. Hughes,Cefnmawr, nnd Mr. J. H. Edwards, Ruthin, adjudicated. Miss Jones, together with her brother Mr. Owen Jones (tenor), are the pupils of Mr. Wil- fred Jones, R.A.M., Wrexham and, as proof of their popularity as vocalists, it may be stated that they are engaged for concerts continuous- ly through the winter months. Mr. Owen Jones was engaged to sing at David Street, Liverpool, on St. David's Day. Mr. Wilfred Jones, as well as several other musical adjudicators, have advised Miss Jones. that she should by all means proceed to the Royal Academy, as they have no doubt that she would make her mark, and become one of the most popular singers of the day. The residents of Ceryg-y druidion wish her every success in future, and should she decide to take the step she has been advised to, all, no doubt, would be very pleased to materially as- sist her. Among her previous successes at test concerts may be mentioned the following, viz. :— Corwen, December 1897, silver mounted scent bottle. Dinmael Eisteddvod, August 1898, one guinea and silver medal. Ceryg-y-druidion, August 1898, silver cup. Penmachno, August 1898, silver cup. Corwen, November 1898, silver medal. Llangollen, Boxing Day, 1898, gold medal.

THE ALLIANCE ASSURANCE COMPANY. The annual General Committee of thEt above well-known Assurance Company, was held at the head offices of the company, Bartholomew Lane, London, on Wednesday last, Lord Rotbchild in the chair. From the balance sheet of the company for the year 1898, which was presented to the meeting and adopted, we extract the following facts Life Department.-In the year 1898, 1,672 policies were issued for a total sum of £ 1,205,715. The net new premiums amoun- ted to £ 42,325. The net income during the year was X462,056 15s. 9d., and net pay- ments, 2283,280 15s. lid., leaving a surplus on the year's account of X178,775 19s. lOd. The year 1898 ended the fifteenth quin- quennial term of the company, during which the new premiums amounted to £ 1,398,310 12s. 10d., and the total income to R2,071,143 17s. 2d,, being in excess of outgoings in the Life department by X754,960 14s. 4d. The total Life Assurance and Annuity Funds on the 31st Dec., 1898, amounted to the enormous sum of X3,125,358 16s 2d., and the total net liability to £ 2,776,987 28., leaving a balance iu favour of the company of X348,371 14s. 2d. Fire Insurance.-The,) Fire Premium In- come amounted last year to £ 543,72&* 9s. 10d., which with interest totals up to X594,635 10s. 2d. When all claims are met, there will be a surplus on this account of £90,298 13s. 2d. Funds of the Company.-The total funds of the company are as follows £ s. d. Paid up Capital. 550,000 0 0 Life Assurance Fund 3,125,358 16 2 Fire Insurance Fund 787,372 18 8 Leasehold and Investments 86,485 14 7 Profit and loss Account 90,298 13 91 Reserve Fund. 114,801 7 Grand total. £ 4,754,317 10 2 The shareholders of the company will receive a dividend of eight shillings per share..

As a rule the man who takes his own time does not hesitate to take the time of others. Miss Cook: 'Can you tell me how I am to kill time ?' Bacon: I Yei3 get it to eat one of yourroc»" cakes.' I want an apple,' said Tommie. You've just had one,'said his mamma. 'I know 'at,' said Tommie; 'but it w-ss" the one I wanted.' I can recommend some delightful collgb drops,' said Smith to Jenes. he It wouldn't do me any good,' replied tcl sufferer. • § haven't a delightful cold.

LLAJS RHAIADR. -r- PARISH MEETING AND PARISH COUNCIL. NEW COUNCILLORS. On Monday evening, at Pantpastynog Schoolroom, a parish meeting was held for the purpose of electing Parish Councillors for the ensuing year. Rev. T. E. Williams, B.D., Peniel, presided. Twenty gentlemen were proposed, but the following receiving the largest number of votes, were declared elected:— Mr. David J. Davies, College, Peniel. „ David Evans, Ty Coch. „ Hugh Hughes, Brynmulan. „ John Edward Jones, Foel. „ R. M. Jones, Groesgwtta. „ S. Jones, Prion ucha. „ W. Jones, Nant. James McLellan, Penycaeau. „ Edward Morris, Brynbag. „ Edward Roberts, Penygroes. „ David Roberts, Fforddlas. „ John Roberts, Porth. „ John Roberts, Pentrecader. „ Isaac Williams, Penycae. Rev. Lewis Williams, Tanywaen. A correspondent sends us the following: —The education question seems to be gain- ing more sympathy with the majority of people these days, than it has done before. In the above parish there are two Church schools, one in Llanrhaiadr, and the other in Pantpastynog. It is a known and acknowledged fact, that there are several children from this parish, and even from within reach of these schools, who go daily to Ruthin and Denbigh in order to obtain the education that ought to be given in these elementary schools. Reference was made to this at a parish meeting that was held in Pantpastynog school last Monday evening, March 6th, and the only answer the Rector of Pantpastynog could give as to this school was, that he would inform the managers of the school of every word that was spoken there. Like a little boy ready to run home to tell his mother, instead of defending himself, the Rector is going to convey to the managers of the school all the remarks that were made, and it is to be hoped after the much-trumpeted meeting of the managers, the rector himself will be able to answer something more definite than 'I know nothing myself until I shall see the managers.' Some time ago a letter was addressed to the Rector of Pantpastynog, asking him for certain information respecting the school. One question that was asked was, what is the average number of children who attend the school ? But this letter also is to be laid before the managers at their next meet- ing. The Rector admitted that he is the clerk of the managers, and that all the managers remain in office as long as they live, and when death takes one away, the other managers appoint whomsoever they wish to fill up the vacancy. Also, that Mr. J. Parry Jones is the chairman of the mana- gers. That was all the information that the Rector was willing to give the meeting. Now, is the Rector afraid of the parishio- ners getting to know how the school is carried on, and how far it is appreciated by the parents who live in the neighbourhood ? This can be ascertained when the number of children who attend the school is made known. It seems to me that there must be mysteries, which, as a rule, are weak points, and which the Rector hopes the ratepayers will not get to know of. To many questions asked, he would give no answer, but simply referred his questioners to the managing body. There is great dissatisfaction in the parish, because of this school in Pantpas tynog, and indeed of the Llanrhaiadr school. Three or four parents complained in the parish meeting of the quality of the education given, and the methods adopted on the day of the examination,in the Church schools, and after the Rector had condemned the unfairness practised in other schools, one or two parents stated that the very things which the Rector condemned, have been done in his own school. The question arises, what objection can there be to a fair representation of the ratepayers on the governing body of the school ? There is a great deal said about volun- tary subscriptions, but the parishoners of Llanrhaiadr are not so greedy and good-for- nothing as to expect other people to defray all the expenses of their children's educa- tion. Much is being made of there being no rates levied towards a National School, but it is high time that this story should be exploded, because it is well known that the extra grant of five shillings per head which is not given to Board Schools,is drawn from taxation. Churchmen and clergy may set up as many scarecrows as possible, but they cannot frighten true Protestants and Nonconformists. I have been told that for valuable service rendered in the interest of education in Pantpastynog, the ratepayers were allowed to elect three men as their representatives on the managing body of the school. The Rector said on Monday evening, that he is the managers' clerk, and therefore it falls to his lot to convene the managers' meetings, but he ignores and has ignored the ratepay- ers' representatives. Another important subject is the sewing tuition of the school. A little child who attends the school told me that sometimes several days and even weeks pass without any sewing classes. Whether there is a catechism taught in Pantpastynog school or not, I don't know but I should be extremely thankful to any one who could send me a copy of the catechism that is taught in Trefnant or Llanrhaiadr National Schools. The question of the unsatisfactory con- dition of education in this parish, has been raised, and it is to be hoped that parents v\ ho suffer, and all the friends of freedom and justice will do their utmost for the sake of their principles, in favour of re- dressing the many grievances connected with these schools, by strong and many (if such be needed) efforts to have a fair repre- sentation in their management.