The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

A MEMORABLE HOLIDAY. Whit-Men-Jay of 1908 v, iJl prove memorable to two if not. three of tho North Wales pleaeuro resort* It will be a holiday recalled at Rhyl for very many years because it saw the opening to the pub'io of the new Beach Gardens, and Colwyu Bay will have equally happy recollections off it boc.u.K> it will be associated with the realisation of one of itd. fondest hopes—the link- ing up of the town with its fashionable suburb, Rhos-on-Sea, and with Llandudno. Thcso undertakings mean much to Rhyl and Colwyn Bay. The Beach Gardens form an important part, oi die ambitious schema prepared by the Urban District Council for the advancement of Rhyl is a popular report, snd it is most gratify- ing to hear that, though incomplete, the Gardens proved a popular rendezvous with holiday- makers on Monday. Bereft of such natural features as the Ormo's Head or the Pwllycroch- &n Woods, the future prosperity of Rhyl lies in cultivating the very best reputation as a centre of entertainment and amusement which, with its abuniant sunshine and excellent sands, may be trusted to keep the place in the front rank amcngst North Wake resorts. The Council's municipal concert room and the Gardens there- fore tend in die right direction. ft is equally satisfactory to find that the residents support the oGuwrte so practically. With encouragement of this kind and Mr Do Jong's excellent band, tho entertainments are bound to succeed. At Prestatyn, Bank Holiday festivities were marred by a sad drowning fatality. It is to be hoped that the remarks of the Coroner with re- ference to the absence of warning boarde on the bathuig grounds will have the desired effect.

School Holidays at Llandudno. The atUtuuo of die Carnarvonshire Education Oomitittoc over the holiday question has so offended tho IJandudno elementary school man- agers thar they have deoided to resign if the interests of the town a-e not better studied by the committee. The trouble has arisen in con- sequence of in order issued by the committee that all schools in the county must b* closed for holi- riayg at certain periods and fox a specified number of dayis. Tho managers ask that the order be varied in the case of Llandudno, having par- ticular regard for the needs of the place. The oommittee nve so far rc-fuaed to dv this, and unless they alter their opinions the two bodies and, of course, the schools, will be placed in an awkward position. h political Reeling has been introduced into the, dispute, Conservatives and Liberals uniting in their protest to the Board of Education against "the high-handed policy of a high-handed party at Carnarvon which ie ad- ministering the Education Act without considera- tion for the convenience of the people." It ia a .noteworthy fact that the Flintshire Education Committee grant Rhyl, for instance, the very privileges denied to Llandudno by the Carnarvon- shire Authority. • • • • Licht Reading for the Holiday. "Proof; or the Sayings of the Aberystwyth Town Cc-unell," is said to be the title of a light book for holiday reading which is in con- templation. It is thought that the vigour of the language will serve as a proof of the invigor- ating quality of the Aberystwyth climate. Many of the sayings, naturally, cannot appear in the columns of a family newspaper, but here I are a few of the retorts courteous:— "This is simply liquid lunacy." "Go and look at your face in the glags." "He had a monkey on a stick and somebody else pulled a string." "You ar a liar." "You are getting the white feather, and you are showing it beastly bad." "I would not bargain with you if it was the last day on earth." The book is to bv bound in calf skin, and for the benefit of those who, not being natives, may be unacquainted with the language, there will be a glossary of terms. Sheep-Dipping in Carnarvonshire. Two interesting points with reference to the Sheep-Dipping Order now to be enforced in Carnarvonshire were made at the Conway Rural DietrictCouncil meeting on Friday. Mr E. J. Evans pointed out that if sheep were dipped at this time of the year many. North Wales breeders ran considerable risk of loosing' numbers of iambs. In the uplands the lambs were etill 130 young that to lose their mothers would probably mean starvation to them, and this, he thought, would be inevitably the case if the sheep were dipped now, because the young would not know their mothers in their dip-coloured coats. Mr W. F. Jones, another large farmer, concurred, and added that if the dipping took place now it would lose much of its eifeot, because the sheep would be newly-sheared, and the animals' coats should be full so that they could retain the liquid for a long time. It was decided to petition the Boa.rd of Agriculture with a view to bringing the Order into foroe at a later season. a 0 19 4 The London Eisteddfod. Although the official list of adjudicators chosen for next year's National Eisteddfod, to be held in London, has not been issued, it has been di.s- closed that the principal adjudicators of the poetical subjects are Professor John Morris Jones, M.A., the Revs. Ben. Davies, of YstaJy- fera; J. J. Williams, of Pentre Rhondda; and R. Silyn Roberts, of Blaenau Festiniog, with the Aiohdruid (Dyfed) as referee. Among the ad- judicators of the prose subjects are Professors W. Lewis Jones, M.A., and John Edward Uoyd, M.A., both of Bangor; Edward Edwards, M.A., of Aberystwyth; Mr S. J. Evans, M.A., of Llan- gelni; the Rev. Thomas Shankland, of Bangor; and Mr Bsriah Gwynfe Evans, of Carnarvon. • • • The New C.M. Moderator. The Rev. Francis Jones, Abergele, who was last week elected Moderator of the Calvinistic Methodirt General Assembly, is a native of Ilangadfan, Montgomeryshire. He began to preach before he waa twenty, and soon came under the influence of Dr. Edwards, of Bala. His first pastorate was at Bethesda, Blaenau Festin- iog, and he wai ordained at Dolgelley in i860. Two years afterwards he took charge of the oburoh at Aberdovey, and afterwards at Waen- fawr, Carnarvon. He was elted Moderator of the North Wales Association in 1893, and in 1897 was appointed exammer for the connexional •SMBSI&tiQeUfc The Rho. Pier Dispute. Mr Justice Neville's decision in the action of the Liverpool and Noqrth Wales Steamship Com- pa;ny against the Mersey Trading Company and Mr William Horton, of Rhos-on-Sea, reveals a singular situation. Tho plaintiffs gought to es- tablish a rig'ht to use the Rhos-on-Sea pier, and denied the defendants' right to charge mooring dues in respect of the tying up of the plaintiffs' steamers to the pier. The judge decided in favour of the defendants on all points, but re- marked that in his opinion the pier was outride the statutory rights, and wac in the eyes of the law a public nuisance.

MILITARY ITEMS. Lie it.-General the Earl of Dundonald attended the annual Tegumental dinner of the 2nd Life Guards Club at the Prince's Restaurant. • • • • Major R. Cecil Davies, V.D., of Chester, was honoured by his old corps, the let Flintshire (Buckley) Engineer Volunteers, on Friday night, when at a smoking concert at Buckley, he was presented with a.n address and a silver fruit dish, in recognition of his 16 years' service in the corps, and as a token of the esteem in which he is held by aU ranks. Major Gibson, V.D., presided. < 2nd VOLUNTEER BATTALION THE ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS. Lieut.-Coianel (Captain, retired pay, Reserve of Officers), Charles E. Wiiles resigns his com- mission, with permission to retain his rank and to wear the proscribed uniform. Dated March 31st., 1908. Lieutenant Charles C. G. Roberts resigns his commission. Dated March 31fit, 1908. MONTG OMER YSII IRE. Lieutenant Richard M. Benner-Maurice. resigns his commission. Dated March 31st, 1908. • • • • WELSH FUSILIERS. The annual dinner of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers took place at the Whitehall Rooms, Hotel Metro- pole, on Tuesday week, when there were pre- sent Generals Luke O'Connor and the Hon. S. Mostyn, Lieut.-Colonel H. A. Iggulden, Colonels W. R. H. Beresford Ash, P. R. Mantel], C. M. Dobell, E. S. Bulfin, H. F. Hut ton, James Wal- wyn, and E. S. Creek, Lieut.-Colonels Alan Gough and E. II. Clough Taylor, Majors S. G. Everitt, Sir II. W. MoMahon, Bart., E. L. Engl&heart, C. Throckmorton, Osborne Glynn, and Sir G. F. Forestier-Walker, Captains F. J. Walwyn, W. F. Cowan, S. Bright Smith, A. Hay, W. Harris St. Joan, William Best, L. O. Wil- liams, R. W. Ethelston, W. G. Braithwaite, 0. S. Flower, H. Hill, and H. E. Walker, and Lie-uts. G. H. Gwyther, C. E. Wood, and K. I. Nicholl and Mr C. II. Dale. • « •

DENBIGHSHIRE YEOMANRY CAMP. The '.k-nbigbehire HuTsare Yeomanry struck camp at Rhuddlan on Thursday. A sham fight on Tuesday was followed on Wednesday by the races, in which the Denbighshire Yeomanry were joined by the members of the Duke of Lancaster's Own. The Denbighshire carried off all but one event. A heavy thunderstorm broke over the camp during the afternoon, and some- what marred the proceedings. There was a large attendance of spectators. The stewards were Lieut.-Colonel Ruthorford, D.L.O.Y.; Lieut.- Oolonel H. P. Sykes, D.II.I.Y.; Captain A. W. Spencer, D.L.O.Y.; and Captain S. C. Holland, D.H.I.Y. Captain F. E. Cotton acted as starter, Mr W. Conwy Bell as clerk of the course, and Mr Owen Williams, M.O.H., as clerk of the scales. Results:- Flat race, five furlongs, catch weight, 12st. 71 ba or over: 1, Lieut. Fletcher, D.H.I.Y., "John Wylie;" 2, Captain Cotton, D.H.I.Y., "Duipar;" 3, Captain Spe-ceer,D.L.O.Y., "England's Glory. Pony rooe, 14.2 or under, It miles over hurdles, 12st.: 1, Lieut. Griffith, D.H.I.Y., "Octoroon;" 2, Lieut. Mayhew, D.H.I.Y., "Mr Tom;" 3, Captain Spencer, selected. Welter raoe, 14st. or over, li miles: 1, Lieut. Griffith, D.II.I.Y., "Buckingham;" 2, Lieut. Lloyd, D.II.I.Y., "Charm," 3, Lieut. Mayhew, D.H.I.Y., "Whiskey." Fia-t race, one mile. 12st.. 71gfc. or over: 1, Lic-ut. Bromilow, D.L.O.Y., "Bottle Noee;" 2, Captain Cotton, D.H.I.Y., "Duiper;" 3, Captain Royds, D.L.O.Y., "Flipperty." Pony raoo, 14.2 or under, four furlongs, 12st. or under: 1, Lieut. Griffith, D.H.I.Y., "Octo- roon;" 2, Captain Holland, D.H.I.Y., "Dor- othy;" 3, Captain Royds, D.L.O.Y., "Roll Call." Hurdle raoe, l miles, 12st. 71bs. or over: 1, Liout. Fletcher, D.H.I.Y., "John Wylie;" 2, Lieut. Bromilow, D.L.O.Y., "Bottle Nose; 3, Captain" Cotton, D.H.I.Y., "Egdon." Sweepstake and consolation race: 1, Lieut. Mayhow's "Whiskey," ridden by Captain Cotton; 2, Lieut. Griffith's "Peter;" and 3, Lieut. Lloyd's "Charm." In the evening, the N.C.O.'s entertained their brother officersof the Duke of Lancaster's Regi- ment, and a very happy evening wae spent.

ROYAL CAMBRIAN ACADEMY. SECOND NOTICE. Tho public have now had an opportunity of judging foi the:tiselves as to the pictures on view at Plus Mawr, but at th-a time of writing irJormauon is not to hand as to the number of sales that have been effected. Picture lovers sales that have been effected. Picture lovers may, however, find many meritorious works whose creators have priced them at very moder- ate figures The courteous curator, Mr J. R. Furness, will always be pleased to receive in- quiries from patron5, and nothing, we are sure, gives him greater pleasure in life than to go about Plas Mawr, here and there affixing fcmall red stars to pictures, thus indicating to all and sundry that. destinations other than the artists' studios await tho.o-6 particular works in October next! A local artist, Mr E. A. Kiuuse, who haf. im- proved on the singular style of his late father, whilst reta-ining some of its excellent features, shows two paintings of river eoencs at Deganwy. Both give evidence of careful efficient work. "Summer-time, Deganwy" (1), and "DegaJiwy" (8) aro both in the banquetting hall. The latter picture has caught the very spirit of the squall as it suddenly sweeps over the placid surface of the river. Although Mr Arthur NetherWood, of aldermanic rank in Jocal municipal life, has not troubled tho "flang'.ng Committee" this year to lind room for any of his works, his eon, Mr Norman Nothorwood, makes a bid for his ppurs with two promising little works, "LittJo Orme's Head, Llandudno" (10), and "Cottage above the Happy Valley, Llandudno" (295). Miss Clara C. Perri.11 has two well coloured flower subjects, "Wild flowers" (4) apd "Brambles' (330). Miss Ethel W. GibbonF, "Hollyhocks'' (9) also at- tracted one's attention. Mr S. Lawfcn Bo-yth, R.C.A.. lias sent in a number of ably painted and interesting land- scapes. "In the Liedr Valley" (12), "Spanish Port t. Mary" (14), arxl "On the Con- way River" (244) may be mentioned, the latter depicting' tho fair scene one views from the right bank looking across towards ihe great escarp- menL beyond the river. Miss Lillie Holmes shows a small work entitled "A Belgian Terrier" (49). Sevoral works of Mr J. C. Salmon, R.C.A., will attract attention. His" Moorland" (117) has a fine sky effect, a.nd the group of blooms in the foreground is well done. But we think that h:s best picture this yea.r is "Idwal" (356). Miss Lilian Woodcock lias a pleasing landscape, "Con- way in a heat mist" (95). Mr S. Towers, R.C.A., one of the Hanging Committee, is represented by on j work only, "Now is the time of the Sing- ing of Birds" (192). It ia a landscape, with orch- ard blossom in the foreground, and a village bridge in the middle distance. The composition and colouring are gocd. "Guelder Rcsa" (20), by Mr Herbert Sidney, A.R.C.A., is a finely d.rawn portrait of a beautiful girl bearing roses. Next 10 it, in "Wild Flowars and Thorns" (21), Mr G. Hillyard Swinstead, A.R.C.A., R.I., we have two children who have- been gathering brambles. The younger, quite an infant, is showing a scratch on its chubby jiand to its sympathetic and somewhat older sister. The composition and execution are really excellent, and the open-air freshness of the scene, with the blue sea in the distance showing through the at- mospheric haze, is delightful. Mr H. J. Dob- S3-n, A.R.C.A., R.W.S., in "The New Arrival" (23) is a painting of the interior of a quaint cot- tage. A grandmother has a new-born child on her knee, proudly exhibiting it to its brother and sister. A ca.se of miniatures will be found in the Wynne Room, and also a sketch of Plas Mawr made in 1833 by W. Muller, which is naturally a curiosity. Mr G. A. Humphreys, A.R.C.A., F.R.I.B.A., shows the elevations of a row cf "Cottages at Rhewl, Mostyn" (116a). prepared by him for Lord Mostyn. The de"jg'll is ex- cellent, and shows the versatility and artistic suggestion of the well-known Llandudno architect. "Four cottages" (135), of a different type, but equally effective in their way, are embodied in the designs and plans shown by Mr Herbert L. North, A.R.C.A., A.R.I.B.A. Thcee have the high pitched a.ud long roofs, with the long, low windows cliaract-erised of the style Mr North has developed, and is steadily supplying in different parts of North Wales. Interest will be general in the splendid mezzotints and etch- ings of the late John Finnie R.C.A., R.E., of which some twenty are here shown. Thi6 will probably be tho last time that Mr Finnic's work will be exhibited at Plas Mawr, a.nd it should not be missed. Mr Thos. Hudson's photo-aqua- tints of the late Mr Finnie and of the President are also works of art of peculiar attractiveness just now. Whatever may be said about the photographic character of Mr W. J. Corah's two harbour pic- tures, "Clearing the nets" (160) and "Saturday Noon" (15) they have a curious, if aberrant, charm of their own. There is a certain charac- ter in them not devoid off genius, though the perspective of No. 160 is so obviously at fault. Tho several works of Mr James Towers, including "The Thames at Eaton" (166), will repay an in- spection. Of Mr Thomas Ellison's works, "A June Dey" (182) may be cited, as well as "Sunny Morn" (290). In the- former a girl is down by the river obtaining water, and from the river I bailk asoondr) the yard of a picturesque farm. Summer sunlight floods the other work named. Mr Harold Swanwic-k, R.C.A., i.n "A Devonshire Idyll," a largte canvas, gives a pleasant scene in an orchard where a flock of turkeys are giving themselves airs, more especially the strutting male bird, before a highly interested girl. Mr Borenger Benger, A.R.C.A., contributes, among other works, "Autumn Pasturage" (189), a num- ber of sheen browsing upon cabbage thrown to them in the stubble field. Mr A. F. Perri.n, R.C.A., sends several small but pleasing can- vasses, including "A Summer Afternoon" (261), which gin's a pretty view from the hillside down into the river, and of cattle disappearing into a leafy lane. Mr Ben Fisher, R.C.A., submitB some exoellent results of the inspiration derived from his life in the Vale. His "Early Spring" (224) depicts a field on the western rise of the valley. Cattle and sheep a,re grazing upon the young shoots of herbage, and there is a pic- turesque tumble of rocks and cluster of trees in the foreground. Mr F. Spenlove-Spenlove, R.C.A., R.I., in "A Pastoral Autumn" (217) se- cures his effects with a few broad strokes of bold colour. There is life, motion, atmosphere in Mr G. Hillyard Swinsfcead'6 "Hauling the timbera of the wreck." A novel colour effect is fou.nd in Mr John Windass's "The Land of the Licn- 11 It is a shore scene with children play- ing with boats. A capital peep at the iron- bound coast of North Devon is afforded by Mr Reginald Smith's "dovelly" (232). "The First Sight of the Spanish Armada" (240) by Mr W. H. Sullivan, R.C.A., is a not-ewortby painting out of the ordinary grcove. On a. pale-blue sea a British lugger in saling. and at the masthead, abovo the huge canvas sheet, a man is posted, who has espied on the horizon, almost in the track of the setting sun's rays, the multitudi- nous rMplcndent sails of the Spanish fleet- Aroused by his reports, the crew of his are eagerly climbing upon the gUnwhalo to fee the "invincible" flotilla. "A grey dawn on the Moors" (248), by Mr A. C. Meyer, A.R.C.A., and "Off the East Goodwin Lightship" (249), by Mr W. S. Parkyn, A.R.C.A., are works worthy of attention. Mr Parkyn's moving seascape, at dawn of day, is very effective. Mr F. W. Hayes, A.R.C.A., has a panel picture, "In the Glen" (250), in which a group of cattle are near the foot of (j cataract, fed from. a quiet rill tha. emanates, "from haunt of coot and hern" like 1 ennyeon's brook, away up on the heather clad mountain. Mr W. Fotien Bishop's "Mists of the morning" is a fine i<ainting of cattle being driven i.-i'o a. town at early morning. Mr J. Clinton Jones, R.C A., gives in 'The Tryfan, the Glvdcrs, a.nd Y Ga-rn" (26C), a stirring view of these famous mountiiraa. "Sleepy Hollow," by Mr Thos. lluson, R.C.A., is a fine study of the hot tun glare in a pleasant vale on a Rum- mer day. Mr John Cassidy'B portrait busts of the late Mr Potter, A.R.C.A., and Mr Anderson H«gu>, Mr North's model of a country cottage, and Mr F. Brook Hitch's st"mtw "Memories" will rvay inspection

Welsh Church Commission. YESTERDAY'S SITTING. EVIDENCE OF THE BISHOP OF ST. ASAPH. -+ LIVELY PASSAGE BETWEEN CHAIRMAN AND MR. GIBBONS. -=:.=-.==:=:===: (From Our Reporter.) The Bishop of St. Asaph yesterday (Wednes- day) gave evidence before the Welsh Church Commission, sitting at Westminster, Lord Jus- tice Vj, g han W, iliianis presiding. The BISHOP said he was consecrated on Marcti 25ih, 1889. For fifteen years he was a clergyman in the dioocso oif St. David's, and for considerable periods of time resided in the dio- ceses of Bangor and Llandaff. His father, who was ordained in 1825, worked for more than 40 y,eerk; as a clergyman in the diocose of St. Asaph. With the exception of the time he spent in resi- dence at Oxford he had lived all his life in Walee. AREA AND POPULATION OF TI!E DIOCESE. The diocese of St. Asaph, Jus lordship and, is triangular in shape. The baw of the triangle, formed by the northern limits of the diocese, runs from the ohancel of Holy Trinity (Jhurch, IJandudno-itoolf in Bangor Diocese—to a point in the Wirral, south-east of Burton. The western aide of the triangle travels from Llandudno to the Kerry hills, stretching out at Llanrwst a long and thin arm into Carnarvonshire. The eastern adds, from the apex of the triangle in t-he Kerry hills to tho Wirral, leaves out oil its way aof Montgomeryshire and takes in a s.1ioe of Shropshire, and then bulges cut largely to the east- into English Ma-elor, which appears in t.h,. establishing statu-te of Rhuddlan as a part of the county of Flint. Tho dii)cere of St. Asaph has a-a area of 1,067,583 acres, and in- cludes the counties of Flint and Denbigh, and parts of the oounties of Montgomery, Merion- eth, Ca narvon, and Salop. The population of the diocese in 1891 was 282,990. and in 1901 it was 283,446. Between 1881 and 1891 tho popula- tion increased by 14,089, whilo the increase be- tween 1891 and 1901 was only 5456. During the 70 years from 1831 to 1901 tno^po- pulation of the dicoeso increased by 72,831. 'I lie details of this incroase are of practical importance in reviewing tho work of the diocese. During that. period 01 70 years the population in the Archdeaconry of Wrexham increased-by 54.440, nd in the Archdeaconry of St. Asaph by 22,905; while in the Archdeaconry of Montgomery there was an actual decrease of 3704. There was an increase of 44,248 in the Rural Deanery of W rex- ham alone, and of 8475 in the Deanery of Mold. There two deaneries alone account for the in- crease during that period in the Archdeaconry of Wrexham. The increase of 22,095 in the Arch- deaconry of St. Asaph is explained mainly by the growth of the seaside resorts along the coast from Prestatyn to Llandudno. The census re- turn (1901 pag'o 228) shows that^ of the 25,51/ males engaged in occupation in 1 lints hire, agri- culture claims 4719, and mining and kindred work 4678; and in Denbighshire, out of 42,646 agricul- ture claims 9555, a.nd mining and kindred work 10,533. The industrial parts of the diocese he mainlv in tho rural deaneries of W rexhnm, Mold." and Holywell. The rest of the diocrl3e, including its portions of the counties of Mont- gomerv. Merioneth, Carnarvon, and Salop, are ma.inly agricultural. The CHAIRMAN What about the quosiion of language? What should ycu say on that point froni your personal experience, apart from anv census return? The BISHOP: I shall deal with the language question rather fully later. I am quite pre- pared to answer in detail. VALUE OF THE EVIDENCE AVAILABLE. In further answer to the Chairman, the BISIIOP c,Iltirlu,-d: -With regard to the sta- tistieal record of the work of my diocese, sub- mitted to the Royal Commission, I desire tor py own part to state clearly the value winch "I attach to suoh testimony, and the reasons which have neoes?ita>tod its adoption. Statis- tical testimony has its limitation, and at its best is significant rather t;han conclusive. As a prcof of activity such testimony has a positive value. On the one hand a parish or diocese where churches, parsonage-houses, schools, aixt! the whole work, in its defects of administration n.nd organisation, reveal an overgrowth of neglect affords, I recognise, evidence of a positive and conclusive character that things are not as they ought to be. On the other hand, such testimony can only be regarded as an incomplete proof of the life and power of the Church in its most essential and vital influences. These cannot find expression in statistical records, howey-e-r minute and comprehensive. To use George Elliot's phrase you cann-ct measure by the square the d-e-ep, spiritual things in religion. As illustrations of my point of view, I take volun- tary contributions. I thankfully recognise that a very large portion of these caa be attribu- ted to the highest and purest motives. At the same time it must be reeoEn-eed that human nature, being what it is, a portion of such con- tributions are sometimes the result not neces- sarily of base, but uncloubtedly cf mixed motives. Another fact, which ia a,t onoo an illustration and a caution, suggests itself. It was a griev- ous detriment to religion when the Holy Com- munion was treated as a qualification for civil office. The metmory of that fact and its con- sequences make me quoto the record of com- municamts not without some fear and trembling. It may then be said! why do yc-u otter statistical evidence at all? The reply is obvious. The necessities of the situation have left us no alter- native. Ilaving thus indicated what I consider to be the limitations of the statistical argument, I desire to stato that the value which attaches to that argument must depend entirely upon the accuracy of the figures upon which the argu- ment is founded. If, for example, there is to be a numbering of the peoofe. tihat numbering is of small value unless it is official and im- partial. If the people are to be numbered, it would soern to be obvious that their conso enoes, their sense of accuracy and justice will be- more seriously infringed if the numbering is carried out by methods of which fancy and surprise are the only safeguards, rather than by the tried', reliable, frank, and open method of an official census. In all this I assume that the predomi- nant motive of any such numbering is the attainment of the greate&t possible accuracy in the result. The CHAIRMAN: You say, in speaking on this question of taking the number of communi- cants "the necessities of the situation left us no alternative." I want) to say in confirmation of tha.t, I think that we all f-eel that we should like to measure the religious feeling in Wales if we could, without employing as the measure the number of communicants. We all felt that, I think, we ought to try to see how to avoid it- it was my duty to see, with the sScretaries, if we could in any way avoid it. In the first place there was no opportunity of a statutory census. I mean by that, there was no Act of Parliament in existence which would have enabled a religious census to be taken. We thought we might man- age a census under such conditions that we could rely substantially upon the accuracy of the re- turn. But we had to admit it was not feasible. We, the secretaries and myself, tried to see if there was any mode by which we could measure the religious quantity in Wales. We found we could not. As you state here, we were com- pelled by the necessities of the situation to utilise the returns of the communicants as best we could. I thought it might be convenient to you to say this. STATISTICAL RETURN. The BISHOP OF ST. ASAPH, replying to further questions, proceeded: Synchronising with the increase of the population of the diocese be- tween 1831 and 1901 has been the increase in the number of the clergy from 160 to 298. The latter figure does not include clergy resident and licensed in the diocese, but not holding a benefice or curacy. The increase of the clergy in the Archdeaconry of Wrexham during the period named was from 49 to 113, and in the same arch- deaconry the churches and mission rooms inCreaseu from 47 to 130; and in the Rural Deanery of Wrexham alone the clergy increased from 3 to 36, and the Churches and mission rooms from 5 to 42. In the two other archdeaconries the in- crease in the number of the clergy was due in some measure to the disappearance of pluralities and non-residence, but mainly to the increased activity of the Church. In 1890 I compiled for my Primary Visitation a record of the work done in the diocese during the previous forty years. For the period from 1850 to 1866 my authorities for this record are the most minute and carefully compiled episcopal books of Bishop Short, which can, if necessary, be produced for inspection. The CHAIRMAN: Speaking for myself-I am not sure that I am expressing the views of all my colleagues—we have tried, as far as possible, to avoid history. It is the provision that is made in tho present year for the spiritual welfare of the people of the Principality we have to enquire into. As far as I 81ft concerned I have tried to exclude history as much as I can. I have felt that, amongst other reasons, the less we went into history the more we avoided any bitter spirit. INTERESTING FACTS AND FIGURES. The BISHOP, proceeding, said: For the period from 1866 to 1889 my authorities are the official returns made to me in 1890 by the clergy them- selves. The original returns can be produced if desired. In the period between 1850 and 1890, 57 new churches were built, 25 rebuilt, and 102 restored or enlarged that is to say that 184 churches during those* 40 years were built, re- built, or restored. During this same period Church Schools in 150 parishes were built or old ones restored or enlarged, while in 138 parishes new parsonages were built or old ones restored. The record of building and restoration between 1850 and 1890 in the diocese of St. Asaph with its 207 parishes and its population of 268,901 stood thus: 184 churches, 150 Church Schools, and 133 parsonage houses. In 1870 the average attend- ance in the Church Schools in the diocese was 11,663; in 1889, 19,445; and in 1905 it was 24,093. In 1871 the total number of scholars and teachers in our Sunday Schools was 15,008; in 1889 it was 20,604; and in 1907 tho total number was 31,420. The number confirmed in the diocese from 1860 to 1869 was 12,193; from 1870 to 1879, 15,437; from 1830 to 1889, 19,818; and from 1890 to 1900, 21,317. From 1889 to 1906 I confirmed 39,775. In 1871 the number of communicants present on Easter Day was 7575; in 1890 it was 14,534; and in 1906 it wa3 24, 938. With regard to baptisms I have been able to compare them in the county of Flint with the total number of births, and I find in the year 1905 that there were 1148 bap- tisms, which represents 50 per cent, of the total births in the county. The Church School buildings represent a capital value of £ 287,826. Since 1840 every Church in the diocese has undergone some measure of re- storation, and at the present time there is not a single Church in the diocese which is not in good repair, while new churches and new mission rooms have been built where wanted. Upon this work of Church building and restoration £ 797,004 has been spent. From 1840 to 1892 only sums over £ 500 are included. During the same period E105,019 has been spent upon parsonage-houses. In passing I may mention that there is a record at St. Asaph (in the year, I believe, 1729), which states that there are not at present in the diocese of St. Asaph or Bangor above 12 glebe houses fit for the meanest incumbent to dwell in." The CHAIRMAN: This comes under my ban, that it is a matter of history. I think we could give many historical views, and I am not sure that they would all agree. That period of his- tory has been a great deal written upon, and it is a period in regard to which different views pre- vail. The BISHOP: I put it in, not in order to -dis- cuss why or how it came about, but merely to state that there were then only twelve glebe houses, and to note the glebe houses which have appeared since. The BISHOP went on to say during the per- iod under review, £31,828 was spent on ,ar 'sli rooms, and £ 17,828 on churchya.rds, and not less tli4Lii £ 200.000 upon Church school buildings. Phis total of LI,151,679 spent on our churches, parsonage-houses, parish rooms, churchyards, and schools, was raised entirely by voluntary contribution, and tibes not include the annual stuns contributed for the maintenance of the clergy, for Church expenses, and for the main- tonamie of our Church schools. SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES. Dealing with schools and libraries, the BISHOP ;;a.i,d: -Bishop Vowler Short in 1847 immediately after his appointment as Bishop took ,tops to organise the whole diccese under a Diocesan Board of Education, and ten Dio- cesan Inspectors were appointed to visit and to report upon the schools in. their several deaneries. A meeting of this board and of the inspectors was annually held, and as early as 1848 steps were taken for stealing with tho bilingual difficulty, bv providing the children with. Welsh text books. During the summer holidays meetings of the school masters and mis- tresses wore held at various centres, when in- struction in the method of teaching was given by lecturers from the National Socictv. The circular letter which Bishop Short issued in 1848 stated that the one groat object they kept in view was the improvement of the present race of school masters and mistresses, and he ex- horted every friend of his country to assist him in providing a better staff of teachers for the rising generation. In furtherance of this object Bishop Short took steps for establishing in every parish in the diooeee lending libraries "in order to encourage tho teachers in the several par- ishea in their work by providing books suited1 to their special wants." Bishop Short himself con- tributed t.o each parish a considerable and use- ful nucleus for the future librarv. The result of these efforts was seen in the establishing in nearly every parish of the diocese of a Church schoo), a.nd before the end of Bishop Short's episcopacy there were 288 schools in the diocese CHURCH MUSIC. Much had been done during the last 45 years for the improvement of Church music. 'The ohoral festivals which were then held for the first time gave a great stimulus to Church music, and the practice of holding such festivals was in tune followed by other reiigicus denomina- tions. Tho question of the exact contribution ma.Je by the Church an Wales to tho musio of tine sanctuary cannot be answered with exact precision; but certain facts are available which A a" aPPr0*irnate estimate. I take as an illustration what may bo regarded as the most popular hymn book in the Welsh language Llyfr Hymiiau a Thonau." I take the words and the music. Archdeacon Edmund Prys Vicar Pritchard of Llandovery, and Rowland V ytfhan were among the first great hymn com- pears Welsh. ( In the ,hynm book to Vhich 1 have referred, tnere are n0 less than 60 hymns by ArclAeaccm Pr3-s. Coming to the tunes, I find in the hymn book referred to that there are 459 tunes; of this number 196 are by oroign composers; 114 by English ea!np^r33; 14 of unknown authorship tnus leaving 135 tunes more or less Welsh in origin by composers of various denominations. Anthems and instru mental music which for a for- time were U,ed only^ ir» Chtirc.i have now becfome common in most places of worship in Wales. THE CLERGY AND THEIR DUTIES. The Dean and the four Vicars Choral are 11.1- ways in residence. The Vicars Choral, in add, tion to their duties at the Cathedral, have charge of tho parish and tno ancient Parish Church winch is devoted entirely to the Welsh speaking portion of the parish. The Welsh people prefer rVn", h entirely m the Parish Lhuich, to having them held interchangeably in the Cathedral. Welsh services of diocesan Character are held from time to tiÚ, in the Cathedral In addition to their parochial and al duties the VicatB Choral are con- tinually employed in taking* temporary -A- w-k during vacancies or other exigencies in 'the par- ishes of the diocese, while two of their number atsisl, in secretarial work of a dioccsun oharac- ter. Of the four canonries throe are attached in the 'iiooesc. In the diocesan staff the three Archdeacons are responsible for the visitation of the parishes in theL' r respective archdeaconries. Thev hold an- nual visitations, at which the Churchwardens arc admitted to office and are instructed by the Archdeacon in the duties of their office. The visitation is used as aji opportunity for the dis- cussion of questions of immediate and practical importance. The dioom? is divided into 17 rural deaneries. It is the duty of the rural dean to report upon all questions relating to the work of tro Church in his rural deanery, a.nd to hold re- gr.iar meetings of his rurideoanal chapter, at which tho clergy and representative laity of the rural deanery attend, to discuss ,I)CCWIY subjects directly affecting the work of the Church in their own parishes. The Rural Deana have the duty laid upon them of supplying the Bishop with in- formation of a local and direct character. The Bishop, the Dean of the Cathedral, the three Archdeacons and the Rural Detuis meet every year to discues the work of the aiceew, so that the whole is reviewed every year from 'tho standpoint of a general oversight, supplemented by personal and reliable information. Questions relating to the fabrics of the Churches, tho num- ber and character of the services, the adequate provision ol public worship to meet local needs, in a word the whole efforts of the Church to meet the spiritual needs of the people in every part, and raa-reel of the diocese form the subject matter of this annual meeting of the chief offi- e-ers of the diocese. TRAINING OF THE CLERGY. Of the 298 clergy officiating as ineurnbento or curatea in the diocese, 110 have been educated at Oxford or Cambridge. 105 at Lampeter, 19 at Dublin, Durham, London, or a Woish University, 33 at theological oolleges, while 33 a.re literates. A considerable number of the clergy are by birth and language English, and .their presence is a. great strength to the diocese. The Welsh and the English type supply a complement and a stimulus to each other. Coming to the training 01 the clergy, th-re is in affiliation with the Cen- tral Society of Sacrad Study, the St. Asaph Clergy Reading Association, of which the Rev. Canon Joyce, B.D., of Ilawarden, is the warden. The object of this society is to assist, especially the younger clergy, in iheir 'Biblical and thoo- logical studies, by supplying the stimulus which comes from united :iction, and guidance with re gird to the courses of study and the choice of books. Under Canon Joyce this association ha, done admirable work. There are 120 members. and they meet. twice a year at three different centres. A subject for study is selected by Canon Joyce, and books to read on it are recommended. Canon Joyce at each meeting first of aJl discusscs the subject himseK, a.nd then the members who have during the previous six months studied tho bookH recommended join in the discussion and raise points upon which they desire guidance and instruction. Dealing with the clergyman a.t work in his parish, foremost in order as in importance, is his work among the young. This ir^ludes in the majority of our parishes the religious in- struction given in our Church schools under the supervision, and in many oases with the parti- cipation of the parish clergyman, and the organi- sation and superinteadenoe of the Sunday Schools. In nearly all our parishes there are Bible classes or gin Ids fear tho boys and g'rls. In every parish before a oonfirma'tio-n is hold the clergy hold classes in which the candidates are carefully ami eystematicalh* prepared. Organisations, such as the Girls' Friendly Socie- ty, the Mothers' L'nicn, tho Church of England Temperance Society, and the Lads' Brigadle, aro at work in the diocese. I am of opinion that the work done by the Girls' Friendly So- ciety has been great and greatly needed in the diocese. Next in order I should place pastoral visitation by the clergy. I baiieve myself that 161 pastoral visitation was never more needed or more valued than at present, whether amid the loneliness of the crowded town or the isolation and remoteness of the rm&tl rural parishes. In most of our parishes pastoral visitation is thor- ough aiia systematic, and 18 not limited to Church people only. '1 (he universal experience of tho parochial clergy iS that their visits are valued and welcome in every home as a rule in tho parish. In Dearly one-third of the parishes of the diocese tho olergyman is the only resi- dent minister. The CHAIRMAN: I don't think myself be- cause the Church supports seme institution which is efficient in keeping pooplo to good ways and good habits that that makes it a Church institu- tion. Temperance Societies and Girls' Friendly Societies had supporters amongst people of all sorts of religious views. You have in fact in the Girls' Friendly Society a great many more laymen than vou have clergy. BILINGUAL SERVICES. His LORDSHIP (prooeeding):—Coming to tho Church services, I desire to point out how the difficulty of the two languages is met. In par- ishes wine.re there are a small minority of Eng- lish people I have done all that 1 can to dis- oourage mixed! services, i.e., partly Welsh and English, and to advise the clergy where possible to keep tho Welsh a-nd English services distinct. In deciding the proportion of English to Welsh services ia a parish, if any bias is shown it has been shown in favour of Welsh. The Welsh as a. rule represent the less wealthy and influential section in a parish, and therefore their claims are sensitive- ly safeguarded. In practice the problem of the proportion of Welsh to English services is not easy of adjustment. There is no concealing the fact that the young people in Wales, in our towns generally, and increasingly in all our parishes, read and think in English, and therefore prefer attending English services. It is true that in London and other great English towns Welsh services are held; but my experience is that the attraction of these services lies not only in the language, but partly and naturally in the fact that they afford a meeting place for compatriots living and working among strangers. The results of the language census taken in 1891 and 1901 afford incontrovertible evidence that a linguistic change, profoundly affecting the whole social and religious life of the people, is universally in progress throughout the Princi- pality, and most rapidly in the border counties. in 1891, out of a population of 1,685,614 enumerated for language, 508,036 returned them- selves as monoglot Welsh; 759,416 as monoglot English; and 402,253 as speaking both languages. In 1901, out of a population of 1,864,696 enumerated for language, those who returned themselves as monoglot Welsh were 280,905; the monoglot English, 928,222; and those speaking c both languages, 648,919. The significance of these figures lies in the fact that in 1891, out of an enumerated population of 1,685,614, the num- ber who spoke English was 1,161.669, while in 1901, out of a population of 1,864,696, the num- ber who spoke English was-1,577,141. Equally significant is the increase of the monoglot Eng- lish from 759,416 to 928,222, and the decline of the monoglot Welsh from 508,036 to 280,905. The broad fact stands out that since 1891 there is only an increase of 19,535 in the number of those who speak Welsh, while during the same period the increase in the number of those who speak English is 415,472, very nearly a fourth of tne total number enumerated. A dispassionate consideration of these figures reveals the magni- tude of the linguistic change which is taking place, and the consequential adjustments and re- arrangements which it involves in the provision of religious services. On the side of the native language are naturally ranged the sontiments which nationality inspires. On the side of the invading language is the practical and irresistible consideration that the growing generation prefer English. Both sides repre&ent powerful forces, and it is not always easy to hold the balanoe even between them. Taking the diocese as a whole, I believe it would bo found that the elergv while not neglecting the English, have rightly shown a generous preference toward the claims of the older language. The CHAIRMAN: Is it not rather that they cannot dispense with English whioh makes the (growing generation prefer it? In these days of competition, it is part of a man's stock-in-trade, is it not, to epeak English? WITNESS: I fully recognise the justice of that. I do not think that "preference" is a very happy word. Perhajw "absorb" would bo bettor. Continuing his evidence, the BISHOP said:— The patronage of the diooese stands thus Of the 209 benefices 114 are ill the gift of We Bishop, 39 in the gift of lav patrons, 19 in the gift of the Crown or Lcrd Ciumcdlor, four of these being alternate; the rest are in the gifts of in- cumbents, and other corporate bodies. Variety of patronago means that different schools of thought and different types of workers bave their claims fairly considered. CO-OPERATION. It is sometimes oontar.ded that the lack of co- operation between the Church endnonopnforrnit-y is due to the establishment. Sometime ago I asked the present Archbishop of Armagh and the late Dr. Salmon, the Provost of Trinity College, Dublin, whether increased harmony and co- operation had followed disestablishment in b-e- land. The Archbishop replied as follows: "Since disestablishment up to last year (1892) the feeling of the Dissenters towards the Church was, I think, more bitter tha-a before, with & few hon- ourable exeseptions." The CHAIRMAN (referring1 to the above pas- sage): I am hesitating here. We have nothing to do with d' -tabughmeynt or dtsenclowment, or whether they would advance or retard co-opera- tion. I do not know what my brethren think, but I do not think we ought to go into any such question. WITNESS: From t-he reports of the Commis- sioners the question has frequently been asked vyhether one of the great obstacles to co-opera- tion between the Church and Nonconformists was not the Establishment, and I thought it best to deal with it with such historical knowledge, as ve have. I am quite willing to strike it out- The CHAIRMAN: I think we ought to strike it out. It is a purely politioal question. Uiileas I hear voices to the contrary, I think we should strike it out. Witness's evidence, in ohfcf, a« submitted in his proof, continued as follows:—Dr. Salmon wrote thus: "It had been thought likely that disestab- lishment by throwing over the barriers of sepa- ration between the Church and the Dissenting sects would tend to bring about a fusion of these bydiee. Twenty years of experience has shown no sign of such a fusion, the line of separation between the Church and the sects remaining ex- actly where it had been." The question of co operation between tho Church. and Nonconformity gsvee riiso to eomo misapprehension. Tho Nonconformists are sometimes apt to forget that tho co-operation which they ask f,-r from the clergy involves, if not an actual departure from, at any rate, a serious imperil- ling of standards of authority and of doctrines and principles which are of the.first importance to one and of minor importa/noc to the other. My experience is—and? it hae not been incon- siderable in this direction—that where the clergy have run the rlsli of this departure or peril the result has been not to iitcreose liarmony and good will. but seriously to- lc,&m the respect felt for the clergyman not onlv by his own people, but by those whom he has been endeavouring to conciliate and please. The field of oo-operation where principles are not in-volved covers a use- ful sphere of social work, and in this sphere both clergymen and Nonconformists show equal readiness to co-operate. INTERCHANGE OF PULPITS. The CHAIRMAN: We have heard a good doaJ about oo-oporat trig, the possibility of co- operation outside the walls of the Church. With regard to co-operate within the Church, do you nrteian, with reference t an interchange of pul- pits, anything more than this, that it could not be dome without express permission from the Bishop of the Diocese. WITNESS: There are two aspects to it. First of all, I am not euro that there is not a legal difficulty. With regard to the other point-the desirability of such interchange of pulpits—I do not think it desirable. I do not think it would conduce either to harmony or the more useful sid.) of (}()-Oration, The CHAIRMAN At one time—I do not say at the present day, because I do not know—but at one time were net the gulfs between the do- nominations wihich mostly prvail amongst Non- conformists substantial, and has there not in recent years been a great drawing together ot the churches of the four No neon >cr mist denomi- nations which has facilitated a good deal the National Council of the Free Churohes Has it been found that tho interchange of pulpits amongst the four Nonconformist denominations lias led to any loss of force, cr character, or sense of the strongth oJ a man's convictions aa between the Nonconformist churches ? The BISHOP Tiie question here comes in as to thq way tho denominations regard their standards of authorities and crowds. As far as tno <wvI is concerned, I do not think there is any dierence, not only between the four Nonconformist denominations, but the Church of England also. I do not mean to say that in some sense the borders are not more elastic, but at the same time I think so far as theology is ooncerr.o(f, there is little difference as to the creeds. Your Lordship recognises that tha is a large subject to discuss, and I only just touched upon one point. For instance, the sacra.ment.al system of the Church is somewhat different at any rate. There wore used. I suppose with your know- L--dgo and authority for the purpose of our statistics, certain figures that wero got by ro turns mado bv tho clergy in the visitation of yourself shoirtjy before the constitution of this Commission ?—Yes. Do you have a visitation of that character often?—Every three or every lour years. Have you found the returns of the clergy in the answers to your queries compiled with careT --I should eay yes, certainly. Very great (rouble ha.3 been taken to secure accuracy. It occurred to my mind as I was looking at the queries issued by you and the answer given that the area covered is net quito the area cover- ed by the questions which we arc bound to look into. In somo respects it is a little wider, and in some- respects a little narrower than the questions wo have raiaod ?-YeB, -ossibiv, that is so. To that extend there might be a discrepancy between the figures ?—It may be so, but I am I ru:1ft aware of it. I suppose that some of your schools have more scholars than others ?—Yes. Will you tell nio this: If you found smalJ r 111 master had been very euc- e&sfiful, and there was a vacancy in a sc.iool, is it in accordance with your practice that you would assist the man who had dene well in the c-irall school to have a chance of promotion in the large school ?-Oh, certainly. Do ycu think that is to the advantage of edu- cation when you are selecting vour teacher Certainly. There is one question I wish to put to you, which is personal to myself. I once went to Wrexham, and I saw there a meeting in regard to secondary education at which Church and chapel were represented. It struck me that in this matter Church and Chapel at Wrexham were willing to oo-cperate ?—Certainly, my lord. I remember your presence there a.nd the pre- sence of very distinguished Nonconformist min- isters, and I thought vou were aU equally willing to o-oTerate?--Tbat is so. SIR JOHN WILLIAMS INTERPOSES. Questioned by Si.r John Williams, the BISHOP said it was quite true that there were English clergy in Welsh parishes who could not under- stand Welsh, but at the sajne time he did' not think there were any parishes where there was monoglot W elsh spoken only. Welshmen in all parts wore abLe to take oare of themselves when they had dealings with Englishmen who could not speak their language. "I can only give you my experience," added the Bishop, "I have lived in Wad" all my life, and I do not know a Welsh farmer who cannot so to a fair and make a bargain wJth an Englishman. Sir JOHN WILLIAMS: Then vour experience is not mine. The BISHOP I only give you my experience for what it is worth. I do not know of any placd where there is an English ineumbent and where fifty people are really found who have difficulty with English. CLERGY SUSTENTATION FUND. Answering Sir John Williams, his LORDSHIP explained the principle on which the sustenta- tion fund operates. We have (he said) a Clergy Sustentation Fund to which every parish or the great majority of parishes make an annual con- tribution. Thiij fund is allocated by a Central Committee, and each parish does not necessarily get back what it contributes. Sir JOHN: Is that a Diocesan Fund?-It is. It is a common fund, the contributions being pooled. Sir JOHN: Then you can't give the exact voluntary contribution of each parish towards the support of its own clergy'. I make out that there are 132 Churches where nothing is raised especially for the support of the clergy of the particular parishes?—Very likely. Sir JOHN: With regard to week-day servicee I find there are a very large number of parishes where no week-day services are held. I think there are some 55. The BISHOP went over the list along with Sir John, and explained that in some cases the parishes had a sparse and scattered population; in others the churches were not easily accessible, and in others the clergymen vere old and infirm. In some of the parishes included by Sir John there was more than one church, and a service was held in at least one church in some of these cases, and in others day services were held during Advent and Lent. Sir JOHN At any rate there are a considerable number where week-day services are held onlv in Lent or Advent—some fifty or sixty?—There may be. THE CHURCH SCHOOLS. The CHAIRMAN reminded his Lordship that he had intimated that he would! speak oil the position of the day schools later. The BISHOP: Before 1870 these schools were Church Schools pure and simple, and the money that was spent on them might have been spent on mission rooms or Churches, and to exclude the schools is to exclude the greatest work uf the last sixty years. The CHAIRMAN: As a matter of fact those Church Schools are no longer part of the provision which is made for the spiritual welfare of the diocese. The BISHOP: There is hardly a day school which is not used out of school hours for a Bible class or meeting in connection with the spiritual provision for the parish, and r think that every day school in the diocese is used as a Sunday School. The CHAIRMAN: Oh, yes; that is understood. But the fact that they are used for Sunday School purposes does not seem to me to bring them quite within the provision made for the spiritual welfare as a contribution of the Church.. For if there were no secular schools you would probably have built Sunday Schools or used the Churches. The BISHOP There is a universal dislike among the clergy—and I am in sympathy with it-to use the church for Sunday School purposes. Where no school is available a Church House or Church Rooms have frequently been provided. Theso Church Schools of ours were built for one purpose, not of giving primary education, but to provide for religious education, which was considered the more important. The CHAIRMAN: Most of these schools in. volve t rusr -leeds, and. I doubt whether religious education is in these trust deeds regarded as the primary object of ho schools. Of I have not wen anv trust deed for Welsh schools. The BISHOP: I doubt if we would have spent a penny on them but for that purpose. Sir DAVID BRYNMOR JONES: Whatever may have bc-en tho object with which these vol- untary schools w?ro founded, they are now maintained and kept efficient by the public authority. Th; BISHOP: -Not a building. Sir DAVID: As there is so much of the spirit of oonccJiation in the air at present, I won't pur- sue this subject. I Is there any parish in your dioc-esse in which the parishioners contributes to thr> augmentation of the income of their own parson? They contri- bute to tie Clergy Su-stentatioii Fund. Wo dis- tribute about £ 2000. ■Then, apart from the C'OJJ;rLd: made by tho parishioners to the Susteiiia^'on 1'uim. they make no contribution to the ml? Oh, yes, very la.rgdy- Fe.r offerings. You have said, "I believe such »es.in><iy can only be regarded as an incomplete < ? thrf „ life and power of the Church in its m ,-t ma sential and vital influence. These cannot, find expression in statistical records, however and comprehensive. This applies, 01 course, to the statistic given in pegard to the work of Nonct)ufc,rinisto eq-Uy it measure, coc-

PERSONAL. Lord and Lady Newborough have been spend- ing some time in Paris. "T- ) Kat-hcn-ne Duchess of Westminster has been visiting the Earl and Countess of Leioester. The Duke of Westminster has been created a life member of the Motor Yacht Club. Earl and Countess CWrington arrived at Daws IIilI, Hig'h Wycombe, on Saturday, for the vaca- tion. The King has appointed M.r Asquitb, Mr Lloyd j George, Mr John Herbert Lew is, Captain Cecil ¡ Norton, and Mr J. H. Whitley to be Commis- ¡ sioners of li" Majesty's Treasury. The. Earl and Countess of Powis spent Whit- suntide with the Marquis and Marchioness of Winchester, at Am port St. Mary, Andover, Hants. A movement has bee,n started in the Denbigh Boroughs to raise a fund for the provision of a memorial of the late Hon. G. T. Kenyon, who represented the constituency in parliament for many years. Mr and Mrs Sydney Piatt will not Lc in town this summer, ae they have let 24, Lowndes- square for j ho season, a.,id have taken Wilbury, Stizini rizdale, until the middle of JuJy. Mr W. R. M. Wynne, Lord-Lieutenant of Merioneth, has nominated Captain H. M. Richards, Caerynwch, Dolgelley, as a deputy lieutena-nt of the county in the place of the late Mr Owen Slanoy Wynne. Lord Stanicy of Alderley has promised to take pari., on July 1st, an a meeting to celebrate the completion of the British and Foreign School So- cioty's 100 years of work in the promotion of popular education I:.rd Pcnrhyn will act as one of the judges at the Royal Horse Show to be held in the Old D-f cr Pa.rk. Richmond, Surrey, to-day and to-morrow. Prince Francis of Teck will pres.de. The death occurred on Thursday of Mr W. E. Lenthali, of Bcssels Leigh Manor, Berks, and of Maenen Hall and Belmont, Carnarvonshire. Mr Lent.ha.il was for forty years resident in Aus- tralia, and was a Justice of the Peace for Berk- shire, and also for the State of New South Wales. The marriage arranged between Ilarold R. Unwi.n, F.R.C.S.. third eon of the late Rev. J. W. LTnwin, rector of Overton, Flints., and Mary Faith Huggins, eldest daughter of Godfrey Huggins, of Sibertswold, Berkhanusted, will take place at Berkhamsted Parish Church on Thurs- day, the 2nd of July.