The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

TO CORESPONDENTS. FOOTBALL CORRESPONDENTS. We are always glad to publish reports of football matches supplied by correspondents, but the writers should always eneiosje their names and add with tie reports as .1 guarantee of good faith. The report of a school match has reached us, but the writer has omitted to send his name. R. H. (Liverpool).—We understand that the pub- lications you refer to are to be obtained direct from Dr. Gwenogfryn Evans, Tremvan, Llan- bodrog, Pwllheli. Possibly the publishers to the Manchester University might supply with the other authors' works.

UNITED IRELAND. On this side of St. George's Channel, the holiday activities of the Nationalist politicians in Ireland have hardly attached to themselves the importance which they deserve. To the majority of English and Scottish observers, the operations of the domestic conclaves of Mr Redmond's party are a riddle too dark to read, too hopeless to attempt to read; and, in this country, when it had been duly noted that the National Convention, as it is called, of the United Irish League in Dublin had ended its uproarious deliberations" with a series of free-fights, it seemed unnecessary to most people to do more than remark that, whatever it was all about, the assembly had worked itself up to the traditional and characteristic conclusion. "Ireland's ca- pacity for self-government," said Mr Red- mond, the Chairman, in his opening ad- dress, "will be judged at home and abroad by the conduct of this assembly. Ireland's Kcod name is at stake In claiming to identify Ireland in a truly national sensj with a caucus of the United Irish League, the Nationalist leader was, of course, giv- ing fresh currency to an ancient and un- just misrepresentation. But in so far as "Ireland" is to be judged by that day's work, what must be the verdict? The Chairman's introductory appeal, coupled with his expressed determination to put down "any turbulence, "violence, or disor der," was in itself a sufficiently eloquent testimony to the spirit in which the Con- vention set about its business. But it was a vain appeal. Debate proceeded—when it was allowed to proceed-in an atmos- ph, re of recurrent explosions. The advo- cates of opinions unpopular with the ma- jority were deliberately shouted down. So hardened a veteran as Mr William O'Brien, M.P., after an hour of futile endeavour to obtain a fair hearing, was forced, in his own words, to bow before the "ferocious storm"; and, as the "debate" grew more heated, a series of scuffles occurred, both on and off the platform, in one of which a Nationalist Member of Parliament was with difficulty restrained from assaulting the august personage of the Chairman himself. Such is the United Irish League, and such its "unity." And by such mani- festations of its "capacity for self-govern- ment," if he so desires, let Mr Redmond's "Ireland" be judged.

MORE ABOUT GERMANY. Last November Mr Shackleton, Mr Steadman, Mr W. Thorne, and Mr W. fiowerman, the Labour members, went to certain towns in Germany to ascertain the feeling among German workmen gen- erally, and the German trade unions in particular, towards the State systems of in- surance. Their report has now been issued, and will doubtless be studied with close attention in view of possible pro- posals for developments in England. But there are two points which stand out pro- minently. The first is that the contribu- tory system in the case of old age pen- sions has worked satisfactorily in Germany, which may well strengthen the doubts of those who believe that the idea of contri- butory schemes in England was too hastily rejected. The second remarkable point is that we have in this report yet further evi- dence that the German workman does not suffer so acutely from the evils of poverty and unemployment as does his English rival. These four exponents of Free Im- ports relate that they were struck by the absence of slums in the manufacturing quarters "f the towns of Protectionist Ger- many. Indeed, they did not see in the towns they visited any quarter which could be classified under the heading slum." Neither did they encounter in the streets any beggars or feeble and emaciated men in rags and tatters. Unemployed they saw; but these seemed to lack that dejec- tion and absolute misery which is so fre- quently met with in the streets of English towns. What strange reading the re- ports of such personal investigations as these make side by side with the imagina- tive pictures of the German workmen which were drawn on every Radical and Labour platform so short time ago!

THE BEST WAY OUT OF IT. Some time must elapse ere the Chan- cellor of the Exchequer discloses his Bud- get proposals; but it is evident that in making up the inevitable deficit in his balance-sheet, that minister intends to get more money out of the liquor industry. This could be done in many ways, but the most likely plan as yet foreshadowed is an increase of the licence duties. This, the teetotaller drivers of the Government de- clare, would serve a double purpose. It would harass the publican, and imnaverish the brewer, while it Wcuid, so they say, decrease the consumption of wine, beer and spirits. It might decrease the quantity purchased over the bars of the public-house, t where prices would, in self-defence, have to be raised; but it would not touch three more dangerous sources of supply-the li- j censed grocer, the wholesale stores, or the "bottlers," who hold what is termed a brewer's additional off-licence. Raise the i prices at the public-house, and all of these t traders would do an increased business, without paying any increased taxation. The best way out of the dfficulty would be to impose a tax on the quantity of liquor sold by any and every retailer, irrespective of the assessed value of the premises where his business is carried on. The man who does an increasing trade could not com- plain, for if he had to pay more in the < shape of taxes, he would have the con- solation of knowing that he was taking more monev while he whose trade, from various causes, was falling off, would find some relief in the fact that he had less to pay in the way of taxation. The result would be a very large increase in the revenue now derived from the liquor in- dustry; but the burden would be shared; bv the drinkers of champagne, as well as bv the consumer of the humMe half-pint of ale. Merely to raise the licence dut'l"-s payable bv "on" licence-holders would throw all the extra taxation on the wage- earners, who are the principal patrons of the public-house.

FLINTSHIRE TERRITORIALS, A great patriotic play has recently roused Lon- don as it has been rarely roused before. Recruit- ing officers' quarters throughout the city, hither- to all but deserted, are now reported to be daily besieged bv hosts of young men burning in their enthusiasm to join the ranks of the civilian- soldiers. In short, Mr Haldane's Territorial Army Scheme appears at length to be estab- lishing itself on a iirm basis, at all events so far as the Metropolis is concerned. In the provinces, however, much remains to be done. The nation has not even yet realised the momentous issue at stake, but experts are agreed that if the Ter- ritorial Force does not speedily attain the re- quired strength some form of compulsory mili- tary service will be inevitable. We are there- fore glad to commend the movement now initia- ted in North Wales with the object of fostering public interest in the Territorial Army Scheme. As will be soon from an announcement in another column, the Territorial Force Association of the County of Flint are contemplating an active cam- paign at an early date, and it is to be hoped that something of the splendid enthusiasm which char- acterises the work in London will mark this and eve.ry similar movement in North Wales. Under the scheme originally proposed the Flintshire Bat- talion, now known as the 5th Battalion R. W.F. to which, by the way, the Colwyn Bay Company is att.ached-was to have been reduced by one- half, but. consequent upon strenuous efforts made at the proper time, the county was allowed to retain the full battalion, and it now remains for the young men resident in the area concerned to prove that the confidence reposed in them was justified. They should be encouraged by every legitimate means, and the success of the Terri- torial scheme depends in a very large measure upon the patriotism of employers of labour. A large number of employers in London have al- ready signed agreements undertaking to give each Terntorialist in their employ three weeks' holidays, free from pecuniary lose, every year, provided the time is spent in camp, whilst one of the largest insurance corporations in tho country has resolved to employ no man who does not or has not served a certain period as a civilian- soldier. It is in that direction that employers can doubtless render invaluable help. Once the full sympathies of the employer are enlisted,— and the public can in turn do much to encourage him in this work, the rest will be comparatively easy, and there should be no dearth of recruits.

The Increase of Sobriety. A careful tabulation of the returns which the police have made to licensing justices throughout the country shows that, as a nation, England and Wales was more sober in 1908 than in any of the preceeding ten years. Total abstinence, it is true, is not so marked as it was-the membership rolls of the principal teetotal organisations clearly prove it. But that truest form of temperance, which means moderate drinking, has steadily in- creased and drunken habits are now considered quite as much "bad form" by the working class- ee, as by wealthier members of society. There is, however, one view of the matter which merits consideration. In some towns, drunkenness, as gauged by police returns and convictions, in- creased last year, and this was almost entirely noticeable where sleeping reductions had been made in the number of public-houses- Liverpool and Cardiff are two instances, typical, unfortu- nately, of many others. In both places the tee- totallers have been rejoicing over the "noble action" of the authorities in closing so many pub- lic-houses. In Liverpool the convictions for intoxi- cation were 9205 last -year, an increase of 480 over the preceding year. In Cardiff, in spite of what the temperance party term the inestimable blessings of Sunday closing, the increase is still more marked-404 convictions in 1907, and 612 in 1908—more than fifty per cent. Blackpool has a "drunk" rate of 8.5 per 1000, though it has only about 30 licensed houses to every 10,000 of popu- lation Oxford, which has, in the same ratio, 54 lioensed houses had only 2.22 drunks. These in- stances might be multiplied ad nauseam. Eng- land, as a whole, becomes more sober each year; Increased drunkenness is mainly noticeable where an undue reduction in licensed facilities for ob- taining liquor has driven the people to clubs and shebeens, and terribly increased secret and home drinking. The statistics for North Wales taken generally are more favourable, and show a de- crease in drunkenness. 0 Death of Earl Grosvener. The sad illness and death of the young Earl Grosvenor has brought the Duke and Duchess of Westminster countless messages of condolence from the King and Queen down. In all parts of the country—and particularly in North Wales, to which the Duchess is bound by family tie.s-the greatest sympathy is felt for the grief-stricken parents in their bereavement. During the last two months the Duke and Duchess of Westmin- ster have had more than their share of trouble and anxiety. The return of the -Duke from South Africa was followed by several weeks of great concern as to his health, and now that he has just recovered comes the death of iiarl Grosvenor, his only son, a sturdy, bright little boy, full of animation and beloved by everyone who knew him. The contemplation of a young life full of bright prospects cut down almost at its threshold carries with it a deep sense cf pathos. A noble house has been thrown into mourning, and the hearts of one and and all go out to them in their sorrow and affliction. Lady Roberts as a Speaker. The enthusiastic reception accorded Lady Ro- berts at Colwyn Bay on Friday evening indicated her own popularity and the satisfaction felt locally over the honour conferred by his Majesty upon Sir Herbert Roberts and his popular wife some time syo. Endowed with marked personal charms an abundance of common sense and much tact, Lady Roberts has proved an invaluable help- mate to Sir Herbert; and during his thirteen years' Parliamentary career she has steadily de- veloped irto a most persuasive and convincing speaker, and now that there is an election in sig. she entering into the spirit of the con- fewt

PERSONAL. Lord Kenyon has returned to Gredingt-on for he remainder of the hunting season. Mr Wilfred Gough, of the Government House, rersey, and of Caerhun, has just joined the Royal Dragoons in India. The Earl and Countess of Ancaster arrived at 2, Belgrave Square, on Monday, from Grim- horpe, Lincolnshire. Supt. Rees, of Conway, has been appointed leputy chief-constable of Carnarvonshire, in euc- cession to Deputy Chief-Constable Harris, Ban- jor, who has resigned on a pension. The Solicitor-General (Sir S. T. Evans) has iccepted an invitation to preside at the Welsh national dinner, which is to be held at the Hotel 2ecil on the 1st of March. Dr. Hughes (Waenfawr) has been elected un- opposed to fill the vacancy caused on the Carnar- vonshire County Council by the elevation of Mr R. 0. Jones to the aldermanic bench. Mr D. Mac. Nicoll, agent to the Coedcoch Estate, has been appointed by the Board of Agri- culture to arbitrate in a very important case affecting property in the Conway Valley, which will come on at Chester early next month. Mr W- J. P. Storey, Rhyl, ex-High Sheriff of Flintshire, his presented to the Prestatyn Parish Church a brass eagle lectern, in memory of the late Rev. Owen J. Davies, vicar of the parish, in whose work he took a great interest. Professor W. Lewis Jones, of Bangor, addressed a meeting of the Chester Welsh National So- ciety ("Cymdeithas Cymry C°er") on Friday night, on "Geoffrey of Monmouth and Arthurian Romance." The Hon. Arthur Lyulph Stanley, late captain Royal Anglesey Royal Engineers (Militia), has been appointed second lieutenant in the Cheshire Yeomanry (Earl of Chester's) Territorial Force. The estate of Sir W. Willoughby Williams, fifth baronet, who came of age to-day week, forms part of the land on which is built the cele- brated Bodelwyddan Marble Church, near "St. Asaph, erected at a cost of £ 64,000 by a member of his family. The festivities in celebration of the coming-of- age of Sir William Willams, of Bodelwyddan, which were to have taken place last week, have been postponed, as the young baronet is still abroad- He attained his majority to-day week. The anniversary service which is usually held in connection with the Ancient Britons festival will take place at the chapel of the Welsh Girls' School, at Ashiord, on Sunday, March 7th, when the sermon will be preached by the Rev. T. J. Jones, rector of Gelligaer. Mr and Mrs Ellis Griffith have taken on a long lease one of the houses in Rutland Place, Hyde Park. Next week Mrs Griffith gives an "at home" in aid of the Wkilii Industries' Association at the London depot in Belgrave Mansions, Gros- venor Gardens. To show her appreciation of the efforts of Mr Lloyd George on behalf of old people, an aged pei^ionor, Mrs Tilbury, of Holmergreen, Bucks, has sent Mrs Lloyd George a piece of Bucking- hamshire lace, which she specially designed. Mrs Lloyd George, in thanking the old lady, wrote that nothing had given Mr Lloyd George more pleasure than to feel he had been the means of cheering many a poor home. Misss Gee, of Denbigh, is again offering a num- ber of medals to the oldest members and teach- ers in the Sunday Schools of Wales, in memory of her parents, the late Mr and Mrs Thomas Gee, of Denbigh. The medals are to be pre- sented to the winners or their representatives at the annual meetings of the North Wales Federa- tion of Free Church Councils, to be held at Con- way at the end of April. The usual official dinners were given on Mon- day, the eve of the opening of Parliament. The Prime Minister's guests included Mr Lloyd George, M.P., and Mr J. Herbert Lewis, M.P., and Lord Stanley of Alderley, Lord Joioey, Lord Allendale, and Lord Marchamley were among the guests of the Earl of Crewe. Lord Kenyon was one of the Marquis of Lansdownc's party, and the Marquis of Cholmondeiey dined with the Marquis of Londonderry.

MILITARY INTELLIGENCE. Cheshire Field Co. Webh Divisional Engineers. The undermentioned officers from the 1st Cheshire Royal Engineers (V.) are appointed to the company with rank and precedence as in the Volunteer force:—Lieutenants Marquis, Henri- ques, Hanmer, and Archibald Leitch (to be super- numerary). 4th Denbighshire Battalion the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. To be lieutenants: Second Lieu- tenants John A. Davies and John R. Hardwick. 5th (Flints) Battalion the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. —Chas. Gordon Snowdon Gordon, to be Second Lieutenant. Headquarters Co. Welsh Divisional Transport and Supply Column.—John Arthur Hill, to be Second Lieutenant. 4th Essex Reg-—Lieut. M. M. Morgan-Owen is seconded for service with tho Forest School Contingent, Junior Division, Officers training Corps (January 9th).

OBITUARY. flatty of ieut.-(!J,I,lOttCl 1IJ. 1 aUlJe. The death has occurred at Kel 'zo House, Bath, of Lieutenant-Colonel Herman Wayne, third son of the late Rev. W. H. Ww, ne, Quorndon House, Derbyshire, and for many years vicar of Much Wenlock. The deceased joined the 57th Regiment during* the Crimean Wair, but while on his way to the campaign peace was concluded, and for some years he was quartered at Malta. Subsequently he exchanged to the 10th Foot, and with them went to South Africa, and attained the rank of captain. v>n leaving the 10th Foot he joined the 4th Bat- talion Royal Welsh Fusiliers Militia, from which he retired with the rank of lieutenant-colonel in 1887. The deceased, who was twice married, leaves two sons and two daughter. For about 30 years ho lived at Tick wood Hall. Much VY en- lock. He was a J.P. and Guardian. He was a Conservative in politics, and a consistent Churchman. The funeral took pluce at the Parish Church of Cliarleom be, Somersetshire, on Wednesday week. ITne service was conducted by his son, t,he Rev. St. John Wayne, assist d by the Rev. Robert Roare (rector of the parish), and was choral. Amongst the mourners were Colonel Platt, C-B., who formerly commailLd the 4th Batt. Ro_j al We Is a Fusiliers.

Eel ro. fjevbort Ulittittlue, Marled). Mrs Williams, wife of the Rev. D. Herbert William-, vicar of Harlech, passed awny on Monday morning after a long' illness at the age of 40. Ilie funeral, which will 1>3 public, takes place to-day (Thursday).

e"d1J of a ililelety lpaptiat l&littistei-. The death took place at Llanelly yesterday of the Rev, Dr. oohn Rowlands, an ex-President of the Welsh Baptist Union in his eighty-fourth year.

THE LORD-LIEUTENANCY OF MERIONETHSHIRE. The London correspondent of the "Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury" understands that it is practically settled that Mr Osmond Williams, M.P., will be the new Lord-Lieutenant of Mer- ionethshire: The same correspond- nt sta;es that efforts have been made to secure the office for a Tory peer.

THE REPRESENTATION OF FLINT COUNTY. We have enquired into the accuracy or otherwise of the statement which ap- peared in several contemporaries last week purporting to give the reason of Mr Harold Edwards' reported retire- ment from the candidature of Flint County, and we are given to understand that the statements in question are a gross travesty of the actual facts of the case.

WELSH DISESTABLISH- MENT TO BE INTRODUCED The inclusion of the Welsh Disestablishment Bill is naturally pleasing to the Welsh party, and, although, says the "Times, it is generally believed that the Government will not proceed with this measure beyond the second reading stage, Welsh members hope that they will be able to bring pressure to bear on the Government to secure its passage through the Commons, pos- sibly by the use of the closure. At a meeting of the Welsh party on Tuesday, Mr W. Abraham (Rhondda) moved, and Mr A. C. Edwards sec- onded, the following resolution, which was passed unanimously:— That this meeting thanks the Government for placing the Welsh Disestablishment Bill in a prominent place in the King's Speech, and relies with confidence upon the passing' of this Bill, so long delayed and so greatly desired by the overwhelming majority of the people of Wales, through all its stages in the House of Commons in the course of the present Sesion.

NEW DEPUTY-CHIEF- CONSTABLE OF CARNAR- VONSHIRE. PROMOTION OF A POPULAR OFFICER. The appointment of Supt. William Rees, of Conway, to be Deputy-Chief-Oonstable of the County of Carnar- von is a most popular one. Mr Bees, who is a native of Cardiganshire, first entered the police force at Car- narvon some 26 years ago, from which place he re- moved to Llandudno. Upon his piomotion to the ranlt of sergeant at Bangor in 1896, the inhabitants of Llandudno presented him with a purse of gold as a token of the high esteem in which he was held. It is a singular coincidence that the presentation was made on behalf of the townspeople by Councillor T. W. Griffith, who was in that year chairman of the Llan- dudno Council, and is row, at the time of Mr Rees' promotion, chairman of the Carnarvonshire Joint Police Committee. Twelve years ago Mr Rees was promoted to be Inspector at Bangor and in less than four months afterwards he was made Superintendent of the Llan- dudno and Conway division. Mr Rees, who conducted the police inquiries into the Charlesworth affair, has becn the recipient of numerous congratulations upon his new appointment.

WISE AND OTHERWISE. Judging from the report of the Cowlyd Water Board meeting, it was something like a picnic. A Colwyn Bay deputation interviewed them on the subject of the water supply, and during the dis- cussion the following dialogue ensued:— Mr Heenan: If you can't lay cast iron pipes, surely to God you can't lay a culvert (laughter). Mr Rogers Jones: Parliamentary lan- guage, please (laughter). Mr Edward Roberts (Conway) asked whether it was election time (more laughter) ? Mr Heenan said the deputation only came to make suggestions. They had no revolvers in their pockets. Then, towards the close of the interview, Mr E. H. Davies and Mr Allen complained bitterly that they had been received in a most offensive manner by the Board, especially by a certain gen- tleman. Mr Rogers Juries: I repeat what I said be- fore—the deputation came in like a lot of sheen (laughter). Mr Allen: I felt that most keenly. I would rather come here as a sheep than as a brewer's traveller (more laughter). In conclusion Mr Heenan said:—I thank you, gentlemen, for the way in which you have re- ceived us (laughter). Then a benediction from Air John Williams. • « » That clever mystery man of the Welsh party, Mr J. D. Rees, has thrown his constituents into a state of alarm. He delivered a speech at Welsh- pool a little while ago which exhibited a Tariff Reform heresy and further made him suspect of harbouring friendly sentiments towards the House of Lords. This, of course, could never be al- lowed, and the suspect was haled before the Ra- dical executive and subjected to a volley of cross- questioning as though he were on trial in the olden days for witchcraft. But alas and alack, this silver tongued orator informed his executive that he had been incorrectly reported, and even- tually they passed a vote of confidence in him. There are more ways than one of getting out of a hole. Mr Herbert Lewis, M.P., has been congratula- ting his countrymen on the establishment of the Welsh National Library. "Let them imagine," he said, "the obstacles which had hitherto en- cumbered the path of the Welsh student in hunt- ing for his facts from one remote pljiee to an- other." "Remote place," indeed—what does Mr Lewis call Aberystwyth? « Speaking at Colwyn Bay, on Friday, a re- spected Llandudno pastor said the forthcoming Liberal fight in West Denbighshire would only be a "sham fight-" There's no "sham" about either of the candidates, and when polling day arrives there will b3 still less sham about the "fight." o < » Away up in Anglesey, the Rev. W. A. Ed- wards, the rector of Abtfrffraw, is threatened with the kind of fame that once attended Mark Twain. At a temperance meeting the other night the rev. gentleman created merriment by Stating that recently he was reported to be very ill, and an enterprising journalist sent to a friend in the village a prepaid telegram requesting to be informed of the rector's death immediately it happened "You see," he observed, "that my life is worth a pre-oaid telegram." Although himself a. Methodist preacher, Sir Herbert ° Roberts, M-P. (says the "Western! Mail''), does not believe in tihe efficacy of prayer where the House of Lords is concerned. The South Wales and Monmouthshire Temper- ance Federation invited tTi-o North Fed- eration. of which Sir Herbert is president., to join with them in prorlaiminff a week of prayer for the conversion of tho Hous^ of LonLs to tern- perance principles with an evA to their pnssinT the n-oxt Ltt.^ri'sirHr "No. no," Sir TTn-rbert. do better than that. (U- rn1" public opinion and -<:tabJ;h twirw3ra.nce- in everv town. It is well to close a. Vmnthouse; it is better to open a temperance, hotel." rr"ikin<r about S'^hh^ry, s&vg nbmit this? A German once fell a ITnm- biivo*. A.me*cfin 1;1' lt1to th-a si^a, and a '1;lm.. pr"Tl' him carmen1,1 w^t^t a s!11a."h. sh011t,pd. uAfnn ovprbor),1!" T'k** 0.or"'l<1!1. <1<; I'< II h", cflnvft Un. Vf111"1 naucyhtiln t'l thf? S i l,r. '1, YOU m-xnri with vour € >? V 'TVvnnf;. FT^r^arm V^H ^;r>V.nnqf;ein. of QnnVJq Priiic&of the Ho!v Roman Empire, ifi overboard." • • A ""1,1w'ltpo .4. nql;1 .,1;Vit]A. tho 1toA JF,,11()T1 ror who h:>rl be^n <1;1: fn" rotiA "1'1, to CO-611111 T'no-v^i'a. tI, ""i,ror] ""NT"r\T!. Alf,r a e^refid x"j'1ation. -°; r;'r.r1r.r;k nrrviounrysd h'* rrl;t.. and orM/v] :—(<*Vnt7r rmi<*f err) to .Algiers or <r)n"'1'\ w'nf^v r\T') thA "TmYl(\a.,T. rpn1Ï",o t1-o "Rvihon. "rrllit im- "1-.TA, T hnve tno much work to fret f W-Xll frll "WaII," fk-o, apMp, "von ronton your Tt Is* Or »» "n" I" "v"l:r1 + -P:qJ. Wifh fli cnVh "fh^n T .1IT1"n"" ?+ rvm«f+ 00 A1.ier's." » # W T,n" t-,a,An t)nl:t:<¡ T "1- —tTiqf "1t WnMi T)* fn '1-0. (V)m;n. -Aio" iq 0'11" Aq,n,' f'H) (\1' hsw-na • Vmf ttv* "1, if "VVT^7c.l-j 1'\<1n{)t]fo1'm- i<>t!> win .pni"" +",0. inVe.

The Rev. Lewis Morris, of Oldham, has 3.C- oepted an invitation to take over the pastorate of the Chester-street Baptist Church, Wrexham. The rev. gentleman is a native of Corwen, but is connected with Wrexham by family ties. He has been at Charntoii-road Church, Oldham, for 18 yearau

flatty j*t <8v0*vsn0v. We regret to announce the death of Earl Grosvenor, the four-year-old eon ad heir of the Duke of Westminster, which took place at Eaton abount eleven o'clock on Saturday morning. He had had a brief illness, and, as already stated, underwent an operation on Wednesday for the removal of a trouble caused by appendicitis. The doctors in attendance were Sir Alfred Fripp, of London, and Mr Henry Dobie, of Chester. The little boy was making progress until some time during Thursday night, when his condition be- gan to cause anxiety. The news that he had died came as a shock to the city and county of Chester, and to North Wales, where the Gros- venor and the Cornwallis West families are well- known and highly respected. Edward George Hugh, Earl Grosvenor, was born at Grosvenor House, London, on November 16th, 1904, being the second child of the Duke and DucheM of Westminster. His sister, Lady Ursula Grosvenor, was born in 1902. Earl Gros- venor was christened at the Chapel Royal on December 12th, 1904. The King stood godfather, and the other sponsors were Katherine Duchess of Westminster and Mr George Wyndham. The King gave him a cup. On May 13th, 1905, the Eaton and Chester tenantry presented to the Duke for the Earl a two-handled gold cup. The child had spent much of his short life at Eaton, and was a familiar figure riding his pony- in the neighbourhood. He was a general favourite. THE KING'S MESSAGE. During the week-end many messages of con- dolence poured into Eaton. One of the first things the King did on his arrival from Berlin was to send the following message:—"Bucking- ham Palace.—To Duke and Duchess of Westmin- ster, Eaton, Chester.—The Queen and I sym- pathise most deeply with you both at the loss of your dear little boy.—Edward R." The Prince and Princess of Wales telegraphed as follows from St. Jain es-str<ht: Dreadfully sorry to hear very sad news of your dear little boy. We sympathise deeply with you both in your great sorrow.—George—Victoria Mary." Among the other messages was one from Prin- cess Christian. The Mayor of Chester sent a message expressing the deep regret and sym- pathy of himself, the Corporation, and the citi- zens. The municipal and Cathedral flags were ) hoisted half-mast. The Cheshire hounds, of which the Duke is master, were to have met at Hankelfew, but the meet was abandoned on receipt of the sad in- telligence. I This is the second Earl Grosvenor who has I died within the past quarter of a century with- out succeeding to the dukedom. The title I (Earl Grosvenor) was last borne by the eldest son of the first Duke of Westminster and father of the present Duke. This Earl died at Saighton Grange in 1884. I THE FUNERAL. I The funeral took plaoe at Eccleston on Monday. Many members of the Grosvenor family were present, while large numbers of the tenantry in Chester and the county attended by invitation- I The coffin was brought to the church early in the morning. It bore a wreath of snowdrops from the Duchess, a cross of snowdorps from the Duke, and a wreath of red flowers from Lady Ursula Grosvenor, Earl Grosvenor's sister. The service was conducted by the Rector (the Rov. M. W. Kinloch), assisted by several other clergy, while the Bishop of Chester read a special lesson from the 14th chapter of Revelation. The 23rd Psalm, "The Lord is my Shepherd," was chanted, and the first part of the service ended with the hymn "Children of the Heavenly King." The interment was in a grave next to that of the late Earl Grosvenor (the Duke's father) and near to that of the first Duke of Westminster. The hymn "In Paradise reposing" was sung at the graveside, where the Rector and the Rev. F, S. M. Tien net t officiated. The members of the family and friends present included the Duke of Westminster, Katherine, Duchess of Westminster, and Mr„George Wynd- ham. M.P. (god-parents), Prinoe Henry of Pless, the Countess Grosvenor, the Earl and Countess Beauchamp, the End and Countess of Shaftes- bury, Ladv Helen Grosvenor, Lord Gerald Gros- venor, Lord and Lady Arthur H. Grosvenor, Viscountess Orichton, Colonel Cornwallis West, Mr George West, the Marchioness of Cholmon- deiey and Lady Teftico Cholmondeiey, the Earl of EnniskPlen, Sir Wntkin Williams-Wynn, Mr Hugh Tinsley, Mr C. T. and Mrs Parker, Colonel Wilford N. and Mrs Llovd, and Mr H. M. Wil- son and Mr H. Tinsley (representing the Cheshire Hunt). The city of Chester was represented by the Mayor, the Recorder (Sir Horatio Lloyd), the Sheriff, the senior Alderman, the senior coun- cillor, and the Town Clerk. The huntsman and t', others from the kennels of the Cheshire Hounds at Sandiway were also present. The grave was lined with snowdrops and tulips, and was sur- rounded with several wreaths. Among the Vendors wero the Prince and Prin Henry of I Pieqs, Lady O.'ivia. Fitzpatrick, the Countess Grosvenor, and Katherine, Duchess of Westmin- ster. The Duke and Duchess of Westminster desire to acknowledge the, many messages of condolence, which are too numerous for them to acknowledge separately.

THE NATIONAL WELSH FESTIVAL. Mr David Williams, of 181, Queen Victoria- street, London, writes:—The National Welsh Festival will be held as usual this year at St. Paul's Cathedral on Monday, 1st March, at 7 p.m. The preacher is to be the Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney. The other clergy taking part in the service are the Revs. D. J. Thomas (Principal of the Home and Colonial Training College), R. A. Thomas (Winchester), J. Crowle Ellis (St. Benet' Queen Victoria-street), and W. Richards (St. David's, Paddington). The band of the Grenadier Guards will assist in the service. The principal railways have arranged special excursion ttraffic for the occasion.

THE CHURCHES. The Rev. J J. Roberts, who has resigned the pastorate of Tabernacle Calvinistic Methodist Church, Portmadoc, has declined the invitation of the church to reconsider the matter. The Rev. J. E. Lloyd, who for eleven years has been senior curate of St. Michael's Church, Aberystwyth, was on Monday evening the re- cipient of a presentation on his departure to take up the living of Llanwrtyd Wells, Ihe Rev- R. O..Jones, M.A., curate of All Saints, Loughborough, has been appointed to the living of West Leake-cuin-Kingston-on-Soar, Notts., the value of which is E220 and a house. After a successful career at Oxford, Mr Jones went to St. Michael's College, Aberdare, to pre- pare for holy ordeis. He was ordained in 1902 to the curacy of Llandudno, where he spent the first four years of his ministerial career, and he has since worked in tho parishes of Hailaton and All Saints, Loughborough.

LLANNEFYDD CHURCH RESTORATION. The restoration of Llannefydd Parish Church, near Denbigh, has been completed, at a cost of about £ 1700. The work has been carried out by Messrs R. and J. Williams, Bangor, and from the designs of Mr Harold Hughes, architect, Bangor. At tho reopening services, the Bishop was the special preacher, and at the conclusion of his ser- mon said that for one like himself, who had known tho church before it had been restored, he might say that quite a transformation had taken place, which reflected the greatest credit upon all who had taken part in the work of re- storation.

BANGOR DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCA- TION. The committee recently approved of a one year's syllabus 1909-1910. For adults the work is to consist of portion of I. Samud, the whole of St. Mark's Gosnel, and the Communion Ser- vice. For those under 16 and above 12 the senior lessons in the inter-diooesan lessons (fourth year's course) have been appointed. For those under 12 the junior W-sors in the same course, and for those unrfer 8 the Creation, the childhood of Samuel, St. Luke I- and II.. nnd the Creed and Commandments. The inter-diocesan lessons ti.- nnWished bv tho Sunday School Institute, 13, c Inn, Fleet-street, E.C. The written examination in the dioe/^o of Bangor will take place on Saturday, June 5th.

EIFIONYDD mf^TvOANAL CON- FERENCE- A correspondent writes:—The Eifionydd Ruri- Dccanal Committee of Clergy and Laymen held a nw.etinl on Saturday ufternoon at Criccieth, and decided to hold their conference on May 29th. The Rector of Llimystumdwy was asked to read a paper on "Reform," and Mr Hughes, Chwilog, on "Defence." It is evident that the Churchmen of Eifionydd believe not only that Church Reform is an integral part of Church Defence, but also that Church Defence is essential to Church Re- form. Captain Drage, Parclau, kindly offored to en- tertain the conferenoe at his residence, an invita- > tion. that was gratefully accepted.

MUSICAL NOTES. By Mr Peter Edwards, Mus. Bac* ("Pedr Alaw"). I t INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS. It is pleasing* to observe that the Irish and Welsh are becoming still more sympathetic to- wards eacih other. In regard to folk-song re- search, as well as Eisteddfodio matters, they are almost equally interested. True the Irish I do not hold Eisteddfodau; their festivals are I called Feis Ceoil, but they have the same bene- ficial effect upon the people of the Green Isle as OUT National Festival has upon our people, namely, the advancement of musical oulture. I The Irish send delegates to the Eisteddfod uor- eedd each yeax-as also do the brethren of II Brittany—thereby giving tangible proof of their interest in the proceedings oi their fellow-Celts in Wild Wales. But one could wish to see still further interest taken in Eisteddfodic matters, I especially by the Irish, who understand the new language of the Eist.eddfod-the English tongue —better than the majority of the Breton brethren. I refer to the competitions proper, both poetical and musical. I The Manx people have ere this sent choirs j to compete at the Eisteddfod, and they sang j exceedingly well. Vv hy do not the Irish also send their choirs and soloists to compete ? Vv hy also do not the WelsHi send their excellent choirs I and soloists to the Irish Festivals? Nothing < but good could result from such friendly rivalry. With the object of, if possible, inducing our I Welsh Choral Societies to consider the advisa- bility of entering for the Irish Festival, to be held in Dublin next May, I give a short list of I pieces to be sung:- MIXED VOICES. f "The Lady Oriana." Wilbye. "Evening' Scene" r. Elgar. "Lcdene" Seymour. "The Laughing Waves Somerville. "Break, break" Macfarrea. "Battle Song" Jose. "The fairest flower" Stewart. "The flight of tih-e Earls" Jose. "Mopsa" Lee Williams. "The Summer Days" Barnby. MALE VOICES. "Boot and Saddle" Bantock. "Song of brotherhood" Liszt. "Where lies the land" Rogers. "On the mountain height" Abt. "Hymn before action" Walford Davies. "Joy 'to the Victors" Sullivan. "The huntsman's horn" Kucken. "The evening bells" Otte. FEMALE VOICES. "Faerie Song Brian. "Summer Evo" Hatton. "My true love" Cruickshank. "T,Ile Angeiua" Papin. "A hunting we will go" Bantock. "To Primroses" Hiles. "The march of the regiment" Bantock. ""rl. i-L. 1 1 }i 1-1 1. nnY\f\I.. fv-iwsre U uw .rnLlli5"U vy .ua.ulA I The largest money-prize is fiiteen pounds—in the ciuef choral section. The amount is exceed- ingly small compared with the chief choral prize at the National Eisteddfod of Wales- -0 1 to £ 200—but then the Irish authorities are endeavouring to keep the mercantile element out of the Feis Ceoi'l, whereas it has found a firm footing' in the Eisteddfod. However, there may be many choirs in Wales Who, from their love for music, will be able to bend circum- stanced to their will, and enter the Irish compe- titions. If successful, the prize of fifteen pounds would do them more real good than our large Eisteddfod prize of :£15Q to E200. But I look to the opportunity thus offered to Welsh musio lovers of joining in the proceedings of our brethren in Dublin, and thus further cementing* tihe Celtic bond. The secretaries of the Irish Festival are Miss Alice B. Griffith and Miss Eithrie Aliaga Kelly, 37, Molesworth-street, Dublin. if- it MUSIC AND CHARACTER. That music has an influence upon character is a certainty. Dr. Macnamara said recently that it had done more than the literature of the nineteenth century to form his character! Dr. Walford Davies, in a speech made a short time ago upon the general advantages of musical training', said that music had no face-value com- pared with many other subjects, as, say, arith- metic. But even arithmetic had its higher aspects that led to thoughts of infinity, and this higher value was inherent in music. There were in music four elements: skill, enjoyment, de- sign, and emotion. If these qualities were care- fully considered, could anyone say that it was not necessary to teach our children an art which combined and called out a well-regulated and well-ordered appreciation of four such funda- mental points? o Then musio had a fifth and supreme qualification in its appeal to that divine&t gift of a child, its imagination? Some people think it only necessary to teach the children notation and part-singing; and, as a musical authority said at a conference in Lon- don, last Christmas, the school teacher is ex- pected to train voices, teach sight-singing "so as to secure individual attainment," get up national and folk-songs and part-songs, all in less than AN HOUR A WEEK! Children certainly require training in voice pro- duction, but such training must be done with the greatest possible care In that way, the singing of youth at drawing-room and other con- certs will often be far less of an ordeal to listeners I it CONGREGATIONAL MUSIC. There is an interesting article by Mr W. H. Welsh in the "Musical News" upon temperament in congregational music. It is a subject which ought to appeal to Welsh people as much as any other. In English Churches, congregational singing is often ineffective. The plain truth is that the bogey "respectability" seems to demand some sort of a drawl instead of sustained melody from its votaries. In other words, it is vulgar to sing out. There is a paid choir: they are to sing; they are ordinary people; but the seat- holder must hold his tone—if he has any-in reserve. In chapels it is different. Even where there is a choir the worshippers sing out with a will, so that the result is hearty congregational singing. Sometimes, however, especially in country places, it makes up in shouting what it must, in consequence, lack in devotion; but even that may be better than no singing at all. » What our congregations want are cultured musicians to guide them-to lead them into the beautiful paths of refined singing. I may be wrong, but I do not think it likely our shouting congregations will catch the spirit of devotion in their efforts. • Coming to Mr Welsh's remarks, he says: In music especially, temperament is of vital im- portance, for it has sometimes a triple role," but always a double one. The temperament of tho composer finds expression in his work, and it calls for sympathetic response in the performer for its due recognition, while an auditor must be similarly equipped to receive the message truth- fully. By temperament is meant personality. Temperament is an indispensable factor in con- gregational singing. It may, as Mr Welsh points out, be so weak and lukewarm as to render the act of worship one in name only, or it m&3r be to strong in its sincerity and truth of expression os to carry the hearts of those participating in it to the very presence of Divinity Itself. It is not given to everyone, at a moment's notice, as it were, to assume a new mental or spiritual' mood, but the effort to do so, if conscientiously made, will always serve in (some) degreo to de- velop temperament. Congregations can receive invaluable help in this direction from thoie lead- ing them in worship, from the organist and the choir. The right-minded lbrganist, intent upon promoting the spiritual elevation of his congrega- tion, will carefully .study the mood of the hymn, and in playing the tune over will contrive to suggest' the spirit in which it is to be sung. If there is no organist, the duty of leading the congregation aright will devolve upon the pre- centor. What a musician and how spiritually minded he ought to be! 0 THE MUSIC OF THE DAY. Dr. Reich says the music of the day is hys- terical, neurasthenic, and false. It is the cry of an aching tooth, a gouty toe, or a rheumatic nerve. It coughs phthisically. It does not sigh —it sneezes." • • • PRESTATYN EISTEDDFOD. As will be seen in the advertisement columns,this important event will take place on Whit-Monday. The chief choral piece is "Crossing the plain"- dhosen, no doubt, because it was sung at Rhyl on Boxing Day. The same may be said of the children's chorus, "Don't forget the old folks." This is likely to swell the exchequer of the Eis- teddfod, but is not the way to advance musio among us, inasmuch as it calls for no fre-dl effort on the part of choirs to win prizes. Tlio male voice piece, "The Roman Soldier," will, it ia to bo hoped, draw forth several oboira; *n<f *T we shall, no doubt, hear of this same other neighbouring Eisteddfodau. t The "Hand" born aolo eompet.ition 18. novelty, although it would have served a purpose, musically, to offer prizes for pla say the oboe, clarionet, 'cello, French horn ™ we want is the means to form orcheitro Wales, and prizes offered for playing aucb ments as I have named wotild certainly b that direction. I hope the Prestatyn Coii'n, will hear this in mind when arranging their year's programme. year's programme.

NAPOLEON'S BIRTHPLACf Napoleon was born in Ajaccio, the prø6t capital of the sunny island of Corsica, town nestles in the arm of a great bay.„ beauty of which has caused it to be ?L compared with t!v L;y of Naples. 13e there are ci.vles u. iiiis rising one a, another, and DOUtided finally by a r. loft enough to carry snow upon its summits until almost into summer, j houses are built in flats containing a number of small and dirty tenements nected usually Dy battered staircases, i domestic refuse is poured into the m<3u sewer pipes, the open ends of which placed for convenience, immediately j) the windows, one to each window. j stench is almost unbea e, but as tbe* no other system of ion, and as are no keen-scentc cious sanitary 0 spectors to inter. i the freedom everybody to taint a- as he pleases, + odours are fearful, v ou^erful, and inde^ able. AN UNROMANTIC SPOT. Historically the chief house in the P^aCJi the one in which the great usurper able. AN UNROMANTIC SPOT. Historically the chief house in the P^aCJi the one in which the great usurper born. It is a dull looking place, not l the attention of the ph tographer, for purely historical pi: es. It is bul three stories and is h a seveire.-Ioo]O t old dame. She appea* be the pant of the house that ..as once made &e$ by the laughter and chatter of the merry children who afterwards a the destinies of Europe. The father o* Bonaparte family was a lawyer of idl« extravagant habits; the mother was most beautiful woman in the islaad, ;fll< careful and thrifty as she was beauty There is no doubt a great deal of trut& ( the statement made by Napoleon in *$ life that he owed most of his success to mother. Little did either the father (If mother dream as they watched their J1Ð brood, that Napoleon would become EID of France, Joseph King of Spain, Louis of Holland, Jerome King of Westph3 Caroline Queen of Naples, and Pauline Eliza Princesses of Italy. cf Being in Ajaccio on instruction pleasure bent 1 wended my way to the where this crowd of royalties spent childhood. Long nefore I reached the P was surrounded by children of both and of all ages and sizes, each of jjjf manifested serious anxiety to act as guide, and an eager desire for sous th»t almost worthy of reward. The guidance accepted with limitations, and the sous Tefused except in so far as the guides concerned. The caretaker was out, was discovered after a time, and led /i^jl t ously through a lane of interested juVV^' spectators. She did the honours of the P with but little comment. She pointed the room in which Napoleon was born, u sedan chair in which his mother was bro^e home from service at the Cathedral few minutes before his birth, a piano W0 p ing to his mother, and portraits of both ti; ents. Most of the relics are probably$ ous, as the house was sacked during )]ae those many rebellious epochs that ha*e 1 often troubled the peace of the land. J THE DISLIKE FOR THE FRENC#' J When the old woman had shown all 1 .^j she deemed fit for the eye of the intr]1 foreigner to rest upon, 1 asked her, you French ?" i was quite surprised a1 manner in which she drew herself up to Vj; full height and snapped out, No." lorgotten that the Corsican looks upon self as belonging to a peculiar peopte, tfJ. people apart from the other races ij.: nations of the world. He refers to the ans as Vauriens,—scamps, while he upon Frenchmen an epithet, that bec< contemptuous as he pronounces it—^°f^; nentals. And Napoleon, because he his nationality and became French fell 8° in the esteem of his countrymen, that house do you find his portrait on the It is their silent method of expressing disapproval of his unpatriotic action- Ajaccio, and in Bastia also, statues j,* been erected to his memory. At Ajacci" sits aloft on a big horse, on a pedestal- the corners of the pedestal his four brotjif: are presented in Roman togas. In anot^ part of his birthplace, there is also a of the Emperor in classic costume. A] is full of memories of Napoleon as a bOY; these memories all call him up to view tb studious but passionate child. There is font in the cathedral where he was ]{f at the age of two. He obiected emphatic3^ to being sprimded with holy water, struck the priest and everyone within j reach except his mother. He was & afraid of his mother, much as he loved & J She was the only person who could him, and she spanked him over and again for his faults. Sometimes he r0V y) the orchard; sometimes he made fun of J grandmother calling her an old witch i1 on every occasion he got an application j the rod that would have done credit too mediaeval pedagogue. Because he was such, wild young animal his mother 6ent him *o^ girls' school. All went well till he love with a little maiden, of tender yeA like himself. Then the bigger girls tea him and called the favoured one Napoleon, following his mother's exainP^ took a stick and dismissed his torment with considerable energy. For this he aglJ p suffered parental chastisement. I A HAUNTS OF THE MATHEMATICIA^ Not far from his house there is a kind ol cave, where tradition has it, that he use" retire and bury himself in those mathe cal studies that formed the foundation oj w early success. Visitors from all parts of f world crowd to the spot, and with stupidity that is common to the sip-,ht- of all nations, they write their paltry j( graphs upon the stones. One individ1* more shameless than the rest, provided all self with a pot of paint and a brush, a st' thereby established for himself a more l* J ing memorial of his lack of reverence P propriety.. \}\ A few miles from the town is a ruine« house that formerly belonged to the BolJ parte family, ine surrounding garden been bought by the town of Ajaccio and PJj served for the public use. The paths shrubs arc in a neglected condition and o^j tourists seem to frequent the spot. The house is in the care of an Italian who sP^o- no French. His remarks consist of a llJ°n'' tonous repetition of the word accompanied DV solemn bows to firep' tl<j doors, and chimneys. The place contains furniture, pictures, or relics of any *$1 Walls are cracked, roof is falling in, ti^1 wort is rotting, and the picturesque rascai who lives in the basement is almosti, dilapidated as the structure that covers But h- is courteous, and. accepts his tip » a grace that may be envied but not ed. Q# The e are other memorials of the parte Family in Ajaccio, for the fai^J c i, stituus a valuable asset to the lail 4 Steamers taking people for a cruise in tr Mediterranean call to see the place wh. Napoleon was Lorn, and the shopkeepers rich on the sale of pictures, daggers, and souvenirs of Napoleon. Everybody to see the house, leaving largesse on way. A.11 go to see the grotto, and & j visit ihe museum founded by Lucien, the neighbouring chapel in which lie the mains of his beautiful mother and of ,,j uncle Cardinal resch. His father is buric Id on the continent at Montpellier. Ma was only thirty tive when her husband but by that time she had borne him thir^* children, of who n five however were df-

gjJ At Monday's meeting of the Lancashire cation Committee, it was stated that; the Coto stood in debt, in round figures, to the c > of £ 600.000 for public elementary tcbooU