The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

-0" TREFRIW. I The annual eisteddfod in connection witu the ) Pendel Calvinistic., Methodist Chapel was held fl on Christmas Day in the Public Hall, and was 1 a great success. Two meetings were held, the fl first ait two p.m., presided over by Mr W. m Williams, of the Llanrwst County School, and fl the Rev 0. Gaianydd Williams, Roe Wen, was the conductor. Mr Madoc Davies, A.R.C.M., í was the musical adjudicator, and Miss Edwards fl (Alawes' Gwynedd), Conway, was the accom-- fl panist: ■ The meeting: was opened by the rendering of I a popular hymn-tune, and the following were- I the results, of the various competitions:— jl Best singing of "Caru'r Iesu," for children ■ under 12 years of age: I, Ceridwen Jones; 2, fl Gwladys Roberts. Recitinfg, for children under fl ten: I, Owen R. Owen, Efail Uchaf; 2, Lilian fl C. Hughes, Trefriw. Singing "Plant yr Iesu," II for children under 16 years I, E. A. Ellis 2, I Ceridwen Jones, Trefriw. Children's choir I competition: I, Trefriw; 2, Talybont. Recit- I ing for children under 16: 1, Jessie Williams, I Blaen Nant; 2, Gwladys Roberts, Trefriw. Alto I solo: 1, Miss Maggie L. Jones, Gwernhowell, I Ys-pytty, 2S 6d and medal; and 2S 6d to Master I R. Roberts, Trefriw. Male voicet party's best I rendering of "Mwynder y Me-usydd Mr W. I Elias' party' from Llanrwst and, Trefriw. Chief I essay: one competitor, Albert Reichel. Jrfari- I tone solo: Mr G. Williams, Talybont. I Continued on Nex Page I

Christmas Eisteddfodau. FOLLOWING the usual custom at Christmas- tide, eistecldfoclau were held in the prin- cipal towns along the Welsh Coast on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Reports of the principal gatherings are given below.

RHYL. SUCCESSFUL GATHERING. [BY OUR OWN REPORTER.] The 'annual Boxing-day Eisteddfod took place on Friday in fine weather. It was a great satisfaction to the manage- ment to be relieved of the cramped and poor accommodation afforded in the Town Hall last year, and by securing the use of the Queen's Palace, they were emboldened to launch out into a full-fledged chair e-isteddfod. Besides the chair prize, valued at £ 4s, which unfor- tunately was not awarded through want of merit on the part orthe two competitors, prizes ranging from £ 10 to ^5 were offered in the choral competitions, and some excellent per- formances were given by well-known choirs. An innovation introduced into this year's eis- teddfod was- the extension of the competitions over the two meetings. Formerly, all the com- petitions were decided at the afternoon, meet- ing, a concert being held in the evening. The new feature, was found to work admirably. Over 1,000 people attend in the afternoon, and in the evening the beautifully-decorated hall and spacious galleries were filled. The ornate embellishments, upon which money has been so. lavishly expended, were seen at their best under tlhe brilliant glare of electricity, and admiration was general. The following acted as adjudicators :-Music, Mr Tom Price, Merthyr; poetry, Pe-dro'g and Pedr Mostyn; essays, Mr T. Morgan Owen, H.M.I.S.; recitations, Huwco Penmaen and Pedr Mostyn; arts, Mr John Williams; and knitting, Mrs Morgan Owen. Pedro-g -acted as conductor, and the Rev Thos. Shankland made a very efficient secretary. Competitions. The various competitions were followed with keen interest, but in future more life and energy must be infused into the stage management, the lack of this being very noticeable at the evening meeting. There was very keen competition in the reci- tation, entitled "Keeping his word," and Master Thomas Henry Jones, of Rhyl, was loudly ap- plauded on being awarded the prize. Mrs Parry, of Mold, succeeded in carrying off the prize offered for the- best rendering of a contralto solo, a success this competitor repeat- ed at the, evening meeting. The juvenile- choir contest attracted three en- tr.ants, viz., Treflawnwyd, Holywell, and Ffyn- | nogro-e-w. The last-named choir, under the conductors-hip of Mr Thomas Jones, schoolmas- ter, came with a good reputation, having won the prize at the previous, eisteddfod, and the artistic rendering which it gave on this occasion of "The- Stream- and the Flower" elicited a storm, of applause from, the audience and -a meed of warm praise from the adjudicator, who said he had no hesitation in awar-dinl- them. the prize. The prize, for the best pen and ink sketch of any eminent Welshman was awarded to Mr Williams, Cefn, his subject being the late Mr Thomas- Gee, Denbigh. The competitions were interlarded with songs by Miss Teify Davies (a popular Eisteddfod artiste) and Mr Meuxig James, and the audience were loud in their demand for encores. Out of three competitors- in the mixed choir contest, the Llanfairfechan Ohoir, conducted by Mr H. Jones, emerged the victors, the award being greeted with cheers. The minor competitions resulted as follows Soprano solo, "Sunbeams- Miss M. E. Evans, Dyserth. Essay on. "What the Bible, has done for Wales:" I, Mr Robert Parry, Holywell; 2, Mr Owen Evans, Chapel-street, Denbigh, the latter receiving a special prize from the adjudicator, Mr Morgan Owen. Knitted stockirigg in Welsh yarn Mrs M. T. Owen, Ty'nybont, Trefriw. Needlework: Miss, Id,a, M. Edwards, Birch- wood, Upper Colwyn Bay. The adjudicator, Mrs Ingham, High-street, Rhyl, spoke very highly of the specimens sent in by Miss Ed- wards, and described them. as works of art. Baritone solo, "Still is the Night:" Mr R. G. Davies, Mostyn. Welsh recitation, "The Heroes of Llanddu- las:" Prize -divided between Mr H. R. Davies, of Llanfairfechan, and Mr Thomas Jones, of Rhyl. Tenor solo, "Land of Long Ago:" Mr E. W. Parry, John-street, Rhyl. The meeting concluded, with the singing of "Land of My Fathers" by Mr James and Miss Teify Davies.

EVENING MEETING. CHAIR PRIZE WITHHELD. The evening president was Mr Lewis Jones, solicitor, who addressed an audience of some 3,000 people. He wisely contented himself with a brief address, in the course of which he allu- ded to the- effective manner in which the vast audience, had joined in sinlgin;g well-known Welsh hymns. He said it typified lie saying that Wales was a isea of song all over. He hoped their different places of worship would do all they could to revive the old-fashioned tunes. He believed they would add much to the- spirit of worship, as well as promote that religious1 fervour for which Wales -had been noted throughout the ages. (Applause.) Eight competItors, came forward in the soprano solo- contest, the prize being; awarded to Miss Louie Williams, Rhyl. In the contralto solo competition, Mrs Parry, of Mold, emerged a winner for the- second time. In the course of his adjudication, Mr Tom Price- expressed a popular sentiment in remark- ing that he was. getting tired of hearing second- rate English songs- sung at Welsh eisteddfodau. He was prepared to listen to first-class com- positions in the- English language, but there were plenty of Welsh composers who had an infinitely better repertoire than some, of their Englislh brethren. (Applause.) Mr E. W. Parry, Rhyl, out of three competi- tors, won for the second time premier position in the tenor solo competition. The recitation contest, "Rienzi to the Ro- mans" (Miss Mitford) was one of the best com- petitions in the programme, the. elocutionary powers of three competitors—Prince Kaboo, from, the Colwyn Bay Corigo- Institute Mr Reg- inald Amos, and- Mr T. Amos Jones—being very fine. The adjudicator, Mr P. Mostyn Williams, said the, competition had given rise to a fine display of passion, which was necessary to give emphasis and meaning to the piece. He re- ferred in complimentary terms- to the display given by the two latter competitors, and said that as the best expression of a soul on fire and for the greatest force of indignation, he thought Mr Amos's recitation was the best. (Applause.) Three male voice- choirs entered for a prize of ;6io, the competitive piece being "The Psal-m of Life" (Tom. Price). Mr J. rice awarded the prize to the Ruthin choir, who beat the Llan- fairfechian choir by one point. The duet competition was won by Messrs LI. Davies, Colwyn Bay, and David Morris, Traws- fynydd. Miss Olwen Blackwell, Llandudno Junction, was awarded the prize in the pianoforte com- petition. Baritone solo, Mr Llewelyn Davies, Colwyn Bay. A prize of four guineas was offered for an essay upon "Jonathan," but the adjudicator, Mr Mostyn Williams, said he regretted to announce that the two- essays- sent in were not worthy of either the chair, the subject, or the eisteddfod. The prize would, therefore, be withheld. The singing of "GOod Save the King" conclud- ed a very successful eisteddfod. (o)

CONWAY. A SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION. SINCE its inauguration by "Bangorian," some years ago, the Eisteddfod held in connection with the Baptist Church has been looked upon as the principal item in the Christmas Day pro- gramme at Conway. Generally speaking, the institution has proved the distinct success which its genial promoter prognosticated. That last Thursday's function was no excep- tion to the, rule, is a flict-particularly in rela- tion to. the question of patronage, me musical success of the evening entertainment was, per- haps, not so well maintained as some- of its pre- cursors. This was due to a number of causes for which the' Executive Committee cannot be blamed. Every effort had been made to ensure a fine 'array of artistes. For instance, the sub- stantial prizes of three and one guineas were offered to the first and second winners of the champion solo event. Plenty of entries were forthcoming, but for some reason or other, only about half-a-dozen came, forward, and one of 'these-M.r J. T. Owen, of Blaenau F,estiniog was requested by the adjudicator, Mr Wilfrid Jones, to refrain from competing on the ground that he was a pupil of his. Mr Wilfrid Jones is to b-e- congratulated upon his straightforward action, and the competitor deserved the sincere commiseration of all music-lovers. The Afternoon Programme was- eminently satisfactory, and quite a big ad- vance over that of the previous year. Councillor Robert Roberts, ex-chairman of the Llandudno Urban District. Council, and Councillor John Williams, Conway, presided over a full house. The latter kindly succeeded Mr Roberts, who was called away during the meeting. The Rev Idwal Jones, Llysfae-n, conducted tactfully, and with distinct success. The adju- tactfully, and with distinct success. The adju- dicators were: -iMr Wilfrid Jones, R.A.M., of Wrexham, music; with the Revs T. Jones Hum- phreys and Menai Francis, literature, all three giving all-round satisfaction. Mr D. D. Parry, organist, Llanrwst, accompanied with such suc- cess that Mr Wilfrid Jones went out of his way to pay a special public compliment to him for his services, the adjudicator saying the commit- tee were, to be congratulated upon securing the services of so excellent a performer, as but, few in his profession could give such a good account of themselves as eisteddfod accompanists-an observation which called forth the heartiest ap- proval of, the audience. The other officials were Mr Levi John and Mr W. P. Humphreys (hon. secretaries), both of whom, deserve me best thanks of the execu- tive, for their judicious management of the secre- tariat; Mr W. Roberts (Bangorian), treasurer; the Rev Wm. Edwards- and Mr John Jones, chairman and vice-chairman respectively of the committee. The stage was effectively decorated with a number of beautiful plants, kindly lent by the ex-mayor (Mr Albert Wood, J.P., D.L.) The Results Children's recitation: I, James Williams, Berry-street; 2, Nesta Edwards, adnant Park 3 (given by the chairman), Miss Gwynne Ed- wards, Cadnant Park, Conway. Children's solo, "Gyda'r Iesu" (jenkiiis) I, M. E. Jones,, Pensarn; 2, Sarah, Parry, Pen- maenmawr; 3 (awarded by the- chairman), M. J. Jones, Tywyn. Englyn on. "Y Draenog:" Out of 22 com- petitors, "Cystenyn," whose name, did not transpire, was awarded first prize, 5s. Vocal solo, for those- who had not previously won a prize: I, Miss. Edith Rogers, Llandudno Junction, who sang "Entreat me not to leave Thee;" 2, Mr T. J. Williams, Glanwydden, who sang "Y Milwr Clwyfedig." There' were eight competitors. 0 11 At this- juncture, Councillor Roberts an- nounced he was called away. Forthwith "Bangorian" came forward, and san'g the chairman's praise- in the- following englyn: "Gan Robert, gwir arabedd—o'i lafar Dylifai ni-elusedd; I loni a gloewi'n gwledd, A gweini i'n gogonedd." The lines were greeted with a round of ap- plause. In response to "Id.wal's" appeal, "Gwilym Deunant" added to the fun with a few more -cleverly-compiled verses. Mr Roberts left after a hearty vote of thanks had been accorded, him on the motion 01 the Rev W. Edwards,, and Councillor Williams took the chair, amidst cheers. Tenor solo, "Y Bugail" (Wilfrid Jones) Only one competitor came, forward, and the prize, £ 1 is, was withheld, the adjudicator deeming the rendering unworthy. Love-letter writing: In this department, 13 love-sick swains sought monetary recompense for their declaration of passion. From the re- marks of the- Rev Menai Francis, one would gather that flirting was the prevailing sin of the majority of the scribes. Mr Lloyd Williams (Penmachno) was awarded chief place. Adjudicator and Pupil. Baritone solo, prize Zi is. In no event was there better music heard during the day than in this. The competitive piece, was Parry's "Nia- gara." The prize winner, Mr j. T. Owen, of Blaenau. Fe-st-iniog, sang with all the artistic polish of an old professional, and rarely have ,——————————-——————————— we remarked such progress in any competitor's performance. Compared with his rendering of "Lead, Kindly Light," at the same eis-tedd- fod twelve months ago, his performance of the "Niagara" was a fine tribute' to that training which the artiste has- since undergone. In giving his award, Mr Wilfrid Jones, at the outset, complimented Mr D. D. Parry upon his .artistic and sympathetic accompaniment of the selection. He then proceeded to say that Mr Owen, whose fine performance of the solo had easily gained him the prize, was at one time his (Mr Jones's) pupil. This fact placed both judge and competitor in a delicate po.sition. The former could not prevent the latter from com- peting, and could not withhold the prize he thus won because there was no rule on that point. But the fact could not be ignored that, rightly or wrongly—and he believed, wrongly- there was a suspicion among frequenters of eis- te-ddfodic meetings that adjudicators were too prone to give prizes to competitors who had been their own pupils. Anxious, therefore, to i^H give no colour to such a suspicion, so far as he was concerned, as it was a suspicion calculated < to do harm to the cause of music in the country, J he had appealed to Mr Owen not to compete J for the challenge solo prize in the evening, nor for prizes at any meetings at which he (Mr Jones) adjudicated in future. This, Mr Owen, tihoulgh it clearly deprived him of tne legitimate fruits- of his musical skill, had kindly consented to do. However, it was palpable' to everyone that Mr Owen had easily won that competition. (Loud applause.) Tenor and bass duet, "Y Ddau Delynor" (W. Griffiths) 1st prize, £ 1 10s, Messrs Henry Lloyd and Ed. Jones, Deganwy. Cywydd on "Gideon:" 1st prize, 4 1 is, Mr Robert Jones, Rhyl ("Gwespyr"). There were 18 entries. Choral Competition. H The Executive Committee broke new ground by selecting Rhedynog Price's "Daw'r garreg oddi draw" as the test piece in the choral com- H petition. The prizes were 65 5s and a gold H medal for the conductor to the first choir, and H a prize, of £ 2 2S to the second best choir. Four H choirs, out of six entered, came on the stage. They were Penrhynside Choir (Mr R. Owen, H conductor), Glanwydden Choir (Mr R. Roberts), Cap-el Seion Choir, Conway (Mr J. P. Griffiths), H and the Conovium Glee Party (Mr D. L. Hughes), and they sang in this order. H In the course of his- adjudication, Mr Wilfrid H Jones said he was sorry to observe at the start H that the four choirs had been singing-more or H less out of tune. What was to account for that fact he did not know, but he presumed some of tH them had been practising without an instru- H ment, or, maybe, their instruments were out of tune, .and that was worse still. The first choir H (Penrhynside) contained some good voices, and H the reading was fairly correct, but they sang: H out of tune all along the journey. The second H choir (Glanwydden) had better voices, and they commenced very well; in fact, so well did they begin that he had expected a great deal from them, but they fell off materially towards the jH end. Their accentuation was an improvement H upon that of the first choir. Upon the whole, jH their rendering was fairly satisfactory. The H third choir (Capel Seion) were lacking in voices H and colouring, while they also went out of tune. H The last choir (Conovium Glee Party) kept H better tune than any. The voices were very H 'good, and the sopranos were to be compliment- H ed upon their effort to keep in tune—especially H one of the ladies. The interpretation,was good |H and the time fairly correct. On the whole, it possessed a purer tone throughout than the H othersr--though that was not much-and he had' ,H no hesitation in awarding the first prize to No. 4 !H and second to No. 2. (Loud applause.) iH tVENINQ MEETING. I In the evening the hall was packed, and the seating accommodation was- far from being up |H with the demand. Ex-Councillor Llewelyn |H Jones, M.R.P.S., presided, while the inimitable *H "Gwilym Deunant," of Colwyn Bay, conducted. jH The programme was arranged in concert H fashion. H Challenge solo, any selection. After a keen H contest, the adjudicator divided the first and H second prizes, amountinlg to ^4 4s, between fl Miss Edith Rogers, Llandudno Junction, who H sang Hatton's "The Enchantress," and Mr W. H E. Jones, Conway, who gave "The glorious fl deeds" ("Samson"). There- were 13 entries, five fl of whom appeared in public. fl Chief recitation (open) 1St and 2nd prizes fl divided between Miss Gwladys, Hughes, Dinor- fl wic; Mr Robert Roberts, Lower Penrhyn; and fl Evan Davies, ulan Conway. fl Hymn-tune competition for a party of eight, fl tune selected: 1st prize, Zi 10s, and silver fl medal for the conductor: Out of three entries, fl the Penmaenmawr party were the best. During the evening the winners of the various afternoon events repeated their selections, while I Mr D. D. Parry gave, a couple of excellent fl pianoforte selections, and Miss Annie Jones, of fl Liverpool, with Mr W. E. Jones, Conway, ren- dered a few solos with good effect. The feature fl of the- meeting undoubtedly was the singing of fl Mr J. T. Owen, of Festiniog, his songs bringing I down the house on eadli occasion, I The meeting concluded with "Hen Wlad fy I 'Nhadau," Mr W. E. Jones taking the solo. I