The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

HARVEST FESTIVAL.—Th« Harvest Festival was held in the above Church on Wednesday, 19th inst. At 11 a.m. there was a celebration of the Holy Communion, the celebrant beiag the Rev W. Jones, Llanfair, and an address was delivered to a large number of communicants by the Rev Canon Davies, PwHheli. At 3 a.m. the Litany was said by the Rector, and an appropriate sermon preached by the Vicar of Llanfair. At 7 p.m. there was fuH choral evensong, the serviee being sung by the Rev D. Carrog Jones, Llangadfan, and a sermon was delivered by Canon Davies, on S. Luke xiv, 18. The anthem was beautiful Ave bernni," inWetsh, and after the sermon a splendid render- ing was given ef Beethoven's grand chorus "Hallelujah to the Father." Besides the clergy mentioned there were present: The Rev S. Reed, Llangyniew; the Rev T. O. James, Chester; and the Rev C. Harington, Llanerfyl. The Church was well filled at all the services, and in the evening many had to go away for want even of standing reom. The decorations, which were very tasteful, were carried out by Mrs Roberts, Rectory; Mrs Blade, Tynewydd; Miss Morris, Llymystyn; and Miss Brans, Tyn'llan.

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF WALES, ABERYSTWYTH. THE OPENING OF THE NEW BUILDINGS BY SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT, M.P. Another coping stone, in the words of Sir Lewis Morris, was placed upon the University College of Wales on Wednesday, when Sir William Harcourt, M.P., opened the central block of the College Buildings, which have now been completed. On several occasions throughout the day reference was made to the grant of X10,000 given by the Govern- ment while Sir William Harcourt was Chancellor of the Exchequer, which made it peculiarly appro- priate that he should perform this opening cere- mony. The grant from the Government derives special interest from the fact that it was given on condition that R5,000 should be subscribed by the public. This was done with great readiness, and the necessary building was very soon taken in hand. DESCRIPTION OF NEW BUILDINGS. The additional buildings consist of the re-building of the central block. Many years ago there stood on the site now occupied by the College building a quaintly-planned and interesting old house with its verandahs, terraces, and gardens stretching down to the sea, open on its southern side to the breezy turf and open courts of the Castle Hill. This house was condemned some years ago, and abutting on its northern side a magnificent hotel was erected from the designs of Mr J. D. Seddon. The hotel fell a victim to fire and the site, the dilapidated house and the ruined hotel, were subsequently acquired by the Council of the College, and there arose on the ashes of the hotel a most imposing and cleverly arranged suite of halls and rooms to meet the re- quirement* of the College, again from the designs of Mr J. D. Seddon. Subsequently on the south side of the house a new and extensive wing was erected from the designs of the same Architect, to meet the requirements of a school of science, and still between these two fine blocks of stone building, there remained the low cemented central building of the old house with its wings and offices. The work that has been now under- taken and brought practically to completion has been the re-building of the central block to provide those laboratories, lecture rooms, and other work rooms essential to the development of the educa- tional work of the institution. The central block as now erected is four stories in height of 16 feet each, with a basement under the whole of it, and the gables of its great roof rise to a height of up- wards of 90 feet above the lowest floor level. The building throughout is of a fire-resisting construc- tion with floors on the Carlisle principle of fire-clay tubes and rolled steel joists with staircase of steel and concrete, the flats and gullies of syssel asphalte and the high pitched roof of slate on steel purlins. The walls are of brick, faoed with stone, and the windows throughout have internal lintels of steel and concrete, the building may therefore be said to be practically fireproof. The number of new rooms amounts to 85, bat this, of course, includes every room of whatever size or description it may be. Practiaally the basement provides two great rooms towards the sea, cellars for the purposes of heating and for the engines and other apparatus in connec- tion with the ventilation of the building and the extraction of fumes from the various laboratories. These fumes -are drawn into an upcast shaft by means of a fan, worked by a gas engine, and are carried up and delivered above the roof of the bnilding. On the ground floor are provided a suit- able entrance from the sea front with a waiting- room attached, with halls and corridors connecting the Arts and Science wings of the building together with a central hall and staircase. The front to. wards the sea is occupied with the official rooms of the College, the Principal's room, the Registrar's room, the office, and a small laboratory. On the east (King Street) front are the Curator's house and a series of cloakrooms and laboratories ingeniously faced into an inner courtyard so as to be more efficiently cut off fiom the actual building and to admit of abundance of light and ventilation and any amount of utilitarian pipes without dis- figuring the principal front to the street. These offices are half the height of the great rooms so that two of these smaller apartments are got in the height of each principal floor, the lavatories being repeated on each floor with access from the stair- case, the intermediate rooms being accessible from the principal floor levels. On the first floor are provided a lecture room 27 feet by 24 feet, a students' laboratory 36 feet by 31 feet, a suite of rooms for the analyst, a balance room with a private room and store-rooms in connection with them. On the second floor are an advanced laboratory of like eize to the lecture room bolow it, a lecture room for botany and biology 86 feet by 26 feet, a lecture room for zoology and botany A,it4i private rooms, diagram ly and incubator rooms with private rooms, preparation rooms an*' diagram rooms attached. On the third floor are two great laboratories for botany and biology, one for men and one for women, a lecture room for agricultural and On the third floor are two great laboratories for botany and biology, one for men and one for women, a lecture room for agricultural and veterinary. science, with the usual accessory rooms in connection with them. The portions of the roof that are flat above these rooms are accessible by a convenient staircase. These flats are covered with syssel asphalte, so as to be available for various experimental purposes, and for cisterns and storage. The question of the lighting of these large rooms has received careful consideration, and all rooms above the basement are provided with windows, with an area of 30 inches of window opening to every foot of floor area, and as on the one side the College buildings face the broad Atlantic and on the other side the square enclosed by the- Church and its ample yard, the light is free and un- obstructed. The rooms throughout are heated by hot water on the low pressure system. In addition to what may be described as the new block of buildings, a portion of the College gutted by the fire of long ago, has been taken in hand and refitted, and an additional storey added to the block between the tower and the new buildings, so that two or three additional rooms of about 30 feet by 20 feet have been made available for the College. The damages caused to the tower by the fire have also been made good and the rooms in the tower fitted up for use. The style of the new building may be described as a bold rendering of free Gothic, intended to form a centre to the characteristic work of Mr Seddon. The windows are square headed where light demands it, others have deeply recessed arched heads, and others an outer arch with a little attached tracery in the tympanums of ttie arches, with a great and imposing gable to the West and South front. On the King street side the irregular outline of the frontage has been taken advantage in great bays and octagons which rise to different levels, and with the greater roofs behind them complete a varied and picturesque front. The storey added to the block over the porch has been entirely carried out in oak, set a little behind the existing parapets of the older work, so as not to clash or interfere with it, an aim which the Architect has endeavoured to follow throughout, and in which he has been aided by the generous loan of the original drawings of the executed build- ing by Mr Seddon. The fronts of the buildings are of stone, the roofs are slated with a dark local slate, the bearers and handrails of the staircase are of wrought iron, the finishings of the rooms of painted woodwork, except those of the Principal's and Registrar's rooms, which are of oak. and in the former will again be found the charming Renais- sance chimney piece of white marble, a well pre- served relic of the older house. ThAew work has been carried out from the designs and drawings of Mr C. J. Ferguson J.P. F.S.A. Architect of Souch Kensington, London. The superintendence of the work in progress has been chiefly under the direction of Mr Morgan of Aberystwyth, who has uoted as resident Architect. Particular attention has been given to the sanitary and plumber's work, which has been carried out by Messrs Braithwaite of Leeds. The sanitary work throughout is done under the direction of Mr John Little. The general contractors are Messrs Willcox and (to. of Wolverhatrfton, to whom great credit is due for the masterly way in which the work is carried out. The heating and ventilation are by Messrs Rosser and Russell of London and Birming- ham. The time for the completion of the contract has not yet expired, so some allowance must be made for the fact, that the works are to a certain extent incomplete. They are however well in advance, and the only work that remains to be done is that of internal finishings and firtings, which are not affected by weather, so that there is nothing to preveat a speedy occupation and use of the building. THE RECEPTION OF SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT. The townspeople took much interest in the event which more closely concerned the College and the houses on the Parade and elsewhere were gaily decorated with fiags and bnnting, the elaborate decoration of the Hotel Cambria being especially noteworthy. Sir William Harcourt arrived by special train at 12.30 p.m. from Glansevern, where he had been the guest of Mr A. C. Humphreys- Owen, M.P. The students gave him a right hearty welcome. He was much gratified by the cordiality of his reception and in conversation with Mr Croydon Marks expressed his surprise at the decora- tions. On being told that it was a warm Welsh welcome, he replied Yes, the keen enthusiasm of the Welsh nature is very different from that of the Southerners." Taking the horses out of the carriage they drew it to the Hotel Cambria. Sir William speaking from the Hotel porch, said he looked back with great pleasure to the time when he was at College. Those were his best and perhaps his most useful days. He was glad that the College youth of England Wales retained its eld enthusiasm. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE COURT OF GOVERNORS. The day's proceedings began with the ordinary annual meeting of the Court of Governors in the Examination Hall of the College. The proceedings were not of unusual interest, but the ceremony to be performed later in the day drew together an unusual number of members, who were at a later stage of the proceedings gratified by the entrance of Sir William Harcourt and Dr. Butler, who were conducted to seats near the chairman. Alderman J. G. Roberts, Manchester, presided, and he was supported by Sir Lewis Morris, London, and Principal T. F. Roberts. There were also present: -Colonel Pryce-Jones, M.P., Sir James W. Szlumper, Messrs John M. Howell, Aberayron the Rev. T. A. Penry, Aberystwyth Richard Rees, Machynlleth; Robert Evans, Rhyl; John Young Evans, Trefecca; J. F. Stamper, Pembroke Dock E. R. James, Montgomery; Edwin Jones, Llan- dinam D. Williams, Aberystwyth; H. C. Fryer, Aberystwyth; Llewelyn Edwards, London Prin- cipal Viriamu Jones, Cardiff; Prof. Anwyl Mrs Jessie Williams, Aberystwyth; Miss Annie M. Dobell; Messrs W. J. Brown, T. C. Edwards, John A. Doyle, C. Mainwaring, T. Lumley Davies, D. C. Roberts, Revs T. Levi, J. H. Davies, Miss Catherine Davies, Messrs E. Armstrong, J. Gwenogrfyn Evans, Morgan Evans, Oakford; Rev. T. E. Williams, Newtown; W. H. Colby, R. Jones, Pertheirin; Stephen Evans, Archdeacon Protheroe, Miss Eva G. Thomas, Rev. J. A. Morris, Messrs Joseph Thomas, Evan Evans, C. M. Williams, A. J. Hughes, James Jones, J. Austin Jenkins, D. E. Jones, J. Brough, John Rees, Edgar Jones, Rev. Job Miles, Messrs C. E. Howell, David Samuel, Owen Price, W. S. Miller, John Symont, J. M. Griffiths, Richard Richards, Guorfelin, Sir Marteine Lloyd, Bart., Miss M. L. Williams, Mrs Eveline, Mr Lewis, Messrs Hugh Lewis, Edward Jones, J. Jones, Llanfyllin, J. C. Harford, Charles Lloyd, Thomas Darlington, R. D. Roberts, J. Allan Murray, Lewis Angel, J. Hughes Jones, Aberdovey, W. Jones, E. D. Tivy Jones, Mrs Armstrong. Thomas Owen. The REGISTRAR intimated apologies for absence from Miss Hughes, Cambridge; Mr Wynne, Peniarth, and others. He also intimated the receipt of a resolution of the Court of Governors of the University College of South Wales, rejoicing at the satisfactory completion of the building and hoping that the various functions, that day would be eminently successful. Principal ROBERTS also intimated receipt of a congratulatory resolution from the Court of Governors of the College of North Wales, regretting their inability to be present. He referred with regret to the absence of the President of the College, Lord Rendel. In his annual statement he reported that the number of students at the beginning of Michaelmas term, 1897, was 375; at the opening of Session 1898-9, 407; the number of new students at the beginning of Michaelmas term, 1897, 155; at the beginning of Michaelmas term, 1898,167; the number of women:students at the end of Session 1897-8,176; and at the beginning of Session 1898-9, 190. As showing the striking in- crease in the number of pupils from the new County Intermediate Schools, who had obtained awards on entering the College, he stated that oat of 27 awards not less than 14 had been to pupils of the new County Schools. The competition was un- usually keen and many of the awards made to the pupils of the County Schools were made in open and unrestricted competition, while others were scholarships and exhibitions with restrictions limit- ing them to Wales. Altogether, he thought that it was wonderfully encouraging to observe that already these new schools were making themselves felt as almost the mainstay of the College. It was his duty to refer to the resolution that was passed by the Court at its last meeting in connection with the proposal to establish a Department of Law. An appeal, made particularly to persons interested in legal studies, bad attained a measure of success already. The sum of £ 50 per annum for five years had already been promised in sub- scriptions, but they could not hope to com- mence till they had obtained a considerably larger amount, than that. He wished to call the attention n..t on'y of those who were specially interested in Inw but also of the Court and the Public generally to tho important part that a well equipped Department of Law was calculated to play in connection with the work of the College. There wpre few J>I •■fescions to wl.ich a larger number of Welshmen applied themselves and of the pupils of the Intermediate Schools they might be certain that a substantial number would apply themselves to the study of law. His hope waa that ins tend of qualifying as solicitors in the fashion customary at the present time they would seek, i., JM :dition to passing the examinations of the Incorporated Law Society, to take a University Degree in Law. They had also under consideration the establishment of a Department of 1\lnsicin the College. They proposed to commence in a limited and tentative manner by the appointment as soon as they could do so of a lecturer in music. They had only appealed for JE70 per annum for five years, and they had received already J652. He hoped that they would be able to appoint a lecturer to commence duties on the 1st January. He concluded by referring to the death of Mr Thomas Gee, and Mr John Jones (Ivon). In the absence of the Treasurer (Mr A. C. Hum- phreys-Owen), Mr D. C. Roberts, Chairman of the Fiaance Committee, presented the report of that committee. He could not do so without alluding to the very serious loss the College bad sustained in the death of their late treasurer, Mr Edward Davies (hear, hear). He was known to all of them as a generous donor to the College, and one who took the deepest interest in the work of the College, on many occasions coming down at much inconveni- ence in order to attend the meetings of the Com- mittee. Friends of the College would feel very pleased in reading the report of the treasurer. There was a great increase in the number of students, and in another five years, they hoped the friends of the College would be able to con- gratulate themselves upon having the splendid Hall of Residence freed of all charge, with an income of £1,500 or £1,700 which could be used for the pur- pose of developing the work of the College (hear, hear). He had much pleasure in presenting the report. Mr DOYLE of Brecon, presented the'report of the Agricultural Department, and in doing so referred to the suggestion thrown, out by Mr Parry that in connection with the classes held at the College for daughters of farmers a cookery class should be established. This they were informed could be carri3d on without interfering with the dairy classes. It was most satisfactory to find that the students who had attended the short course were coming again (bear, hear). Mr Murray pointed out in his report that some difficulty arose owing to the want of a bi-lingual assistant. If this appointment was made the difficulty would be got over. The report was then moved by the CHAIRMAN. Be referred to the loss sustained owing to the death of their esteemed friend Mr Edward Davies of Llandinam, he was conscientious in the discharge of his work and would see that everything was dene in the very best way (bear, hear). Hje must also refer to the death of Mr Gee, whom he looked upon as a very important man in the Principality. It was Quite unnecessary for him to enlarge upon the report. They had had a com- munication from Cardiff, passed by the governors of the Cardiff University College and also from the governors of Bangor College. There was no jealousy between them; they did their best at Cardiff, Bangor, and Aberystwyth (hear, hear), and tley rejoieed in their anecess as they did indeed it their own suceess (laughter and hear, hear). Of course they loved it too, but he certainly did enjey very much the prosperity that had attended that institution (hear, hear). The students were now 409, and he remembered the time when they had only 29—that was a very long time ago-and three professors. The rapid growth was, he believed, unprecedented in any College in England. The growth and advancement they bad made in this College was certainly very remarkable. They also rejoiced at the erection of the grand hostel for 190 students. Aberystwyth was a lovely spot where lady students could come and reside, and he rejgiced at the fact of her prosperity (cheers). With a passing reference to the Agri- cultural Department the Chairman formally moved the adoption of the report. SIR LEWIS MORRIS said this ceremony to-day was the coping stone of the college, there had been many coping stones, if he might be allowed to say so, and he believed that it would not be the last, for they were starting new departments in all directions. He was glad that the College was not quite complete, he liked the process of growth (applause). They were however far from com- pleteness. There was a time when this College had great difficulties to meet, and an uphill game to play. That was in a time when his friend Mr Stephen Evans, the Vice-President and himself were working together. He thought there was not a single Department that had not a balance against it. He remembered the time when they got hardly any grant from Government and it was given in the most grudging wAy, and there was even a chance of the College collapsing altogether and being shut up. He was happy to say that he to a certain extent had something to do in opening the eyes of the Government. He was staying in a house in North Wales with Mr Mundella, the greatest educationist he had known, and Mr Mundella came down and inspected the College. At one of the meetings he was contradicted by an elderly under-graduate of about forty, and so extremely pleased with this was he that he said the College was full of intellectual life, and they must go on (laughter and applause). He had pleasure in seconding the adoption of the report. The Rev LLEWELYN EDWARDS moved* that the Council be requested to take such measures as were necessary in order to bring before the Vice-Presi- dent of the Committee of Council on Education the urgent need of an increased grant to the Queen's Scholars of day training Colleges. In past years there had been on the one side men very efficiently trained to teach, but without education in the higher sense, and on the other hand men highly educated but without any knowledge of teaching. The Department paid for the training and main- tenance of men X25, and of women X20. The R20 was quite inadequate and the College paid X5 a year to the Hall towards their maintenance. It was difficult to carry this work on without a higher grant.—Mrs Armstrong seconded the motion.—Mr Principal Vir:amu Jones supported the motion as also did Mr T. E. Ellis, M.P., who pointed out that X40 and 935 respectively were paid by Govern. ment for the training of students in the old residential Colleges. Contending that it was an advantage for teachers to enjoy the larger educa. tional life of the University Colleges, he argued that same amount and not R5 less should be paid to the University Colleges. They might fairly claim C5 or £10 more, instead of 95 less. Mr Herbert Lewis, M.P., supported the motion, which was unanimously agreed to. Mr A. C. Humphreys- Owen was re-elected joint treasurer, and Sir John Williams, Bart., was elected joint treasurer in place of the late Mr Edward Davies. WELCOME TO SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT. At this point Sir William Harcourt and Dr Butler entered the Hall, and the Court rose to receive them with applause. The business of electing Governors was suspended, and Principal ROBERTS offered a most hearty welcome to Sir William Harcourt and the Master of Trinity (applause). Their presence there was a distinction conferred upon University Education in Wales. Colonel PBYCE-JONES M.P. seconded the welcome that had been proposed by the Principal of the College to their very distinguished guests, Sir William Harcourt M.P., and the Master of Trinity. Their presence was a distinction which would be appreciated not only in this part of Wales, but throughout the whole of Wales. The presence of these leaders of education and of our countrymen was drawing attention to the educational needs of Wales. Only the other day they had the honour of having the Prince and Princess of Waled among them and now following upon that they had the distinguished statesman, Sir William Harcourt and the Master of Trinity. A few days ago 450,000 was was promised to endow an Agricultural School in au adjoining county-he referred to the action of Mr Corbett of Droitwioh-and taking into account the influence of Sir William Haraourt on the feel- ings and enthusiasm of the Welsh people, he hoped that the noble example of Mr Corbetc would be followed by some philanthropist who would help forward the work of education in Wales (applause). Principal Viriamu Jones, as Vice Chancellor of the University supported the vote and referred to the Government benefaction which the College had received while Sir William Harcourt was Chancellor of the Exchequer. In reply, Sir W. HABCOUBT said I am extremely grateful for the kind expressions that have fallen from the gentleman who has moved this resolution. I am glad to come here and see this institution flourish, as I am glad to know that it does, and to see the men by whom it is conducted. It is not often in the circles in which I usually move that we can get people to work very cordially together (laughter). I rather see differences of opinion accentuated not only between parties but among parties themselves (laughter). I am glad to know that is not the condition of the Governors of the College of Aberystwjth. I had particular pleasure in having this motion supported by Colonel Pryce- Jones, who-gives the party to which I belong such constant support in the House of Commons- (laughter)—and I also recognise the gentleman, whom I will call my friend, after a celebrated interview in the room of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when I filled that office (laughter). I will bear testimony to Principal Viriamu Jones as being the sturdiest beggar who ever successfully collared a Chancellor of the Exchequer (laughter). I will plead upon my behalf that at least I was a disinterested public servant, for at the time I bad not become a Welshman (laughter). I was in the situation also of enjoying a deficit and the demands that were made upon me by Principal Jones were such as I will never reveal. He gave me what I told him at the time was a financial shock, but, however, I felt so strongly the urgency and the foundation of the claims that he made on behalf of University education in Wales, that I gave, I cannot say my own money, but the money of other people. But I will bear testimony on behalf of those who fill the office I then occupied—that I think we are quite as stingy of the money of the country as we are of our own, and it requires a severe surgical operation under these circum- stances to extract money from a Chancellor of the Exchequer. Principal Jones succeeded, and I am happy to hear from him that the results, which I am sure I desired and for which he and other friends of University education were so anxious, have been largely achieved. That is really partly my interest in being here to-day, and I will add to it also that I have came to Aberystwyth as a student of the only complete education which exists at the present time in England and Wales (hear, hear). It is to that object that I desire to devote my attention while I am here, and I regard myself certainly in the capacity rather of a learner than of a teacher. I feel myself that I am in a false position, that I, an undergraduate and former student of Trinity, should be called upon to speak before and in the presence of the Master of Trinity. That is an inversion of all University precedent —(laughter)—but the Master of Trinity has a great advantage over me. He is comparatively a boy, and as I told the steeds by which I arrived from the station-the students who dragged me in my carriage,—I wish I could find myself in the position of drawer instead of drawn (laughter), I leave to the Master of Trinity the task of discoursing on the high themes of University education, and I thank you for the kind reception you have given me (applause). Dr BUTLIB also responded. It was difficult, he remarked, to follow Sir William Harcourt, for he was not only a distinguished statesman but could indulge in the pleasure of memory as to what he had done for that College when Chancellor of the Exchequer. Referring incidentally to the progress of education in Wales, Dr Butler, quoting Macaulay's remark that Cambridge educated the bishops which Oxford burned, said that Cambridge also had had the honour of educating no inconsiderable propor- tion of those distinguished scholars whom Wales had had, should he say, the effrontery or good fortune to secure (applause). The following were elected members of the Council:—Messrs Gwilym EvaDS, Llanelly; E Parry Jbnes, Blaenau Festiniog; Thomas Jones, Corwen Isambard Owen, London; T Darlington, Aberyst- wyth; Ed Jones, Trewythen; Dr Garrod Thomas, Newport, and Mr Joseph Thomas (Haverfordwest). Mr Henry Owen, Haverfordwest, was placed on the Council instead of Sir John Williams, who has been elected on the Council by the University of London, while Miss E P Hughes, Cambridge, was elected a member of the Council instead of Mrs Edward Davies, Llandinam. It was agreed that the next meeting ef the Council should be held at Llandrin- dod in March. THE LUNCHEON. Sir. Lewis Morris presided over the luncheon held in the New Market Hall provided by Miss Richards of the Talbot Hotel. He was supported by Sir William Harcourt. The Mayor, Mr Stephen i Evans, Mr Lewis V Harcourt, Principal Bebbs, j The Hon. G T Kenyon, Mr T E Ellis, M.P. Mrs Bebbs, Principal Roberts, Mrs Ellis, Col. Davies- Evans, Mrs T F Roberts, Mr Humphreys-Owen M.P., Mrs Butler, Mrs Humphreys-Owen, Dr Butler, Mrs Davies-Evans, Alderman Roberts, Principal Edwards, Principal Viriamu Jones (Vice Chancellor), Sir James Szlumper, Mr R Jones J.P., Mr J C Harford J.P., The Hon. Mrs G T Kenyon, Col. Pryce-Jones M.P., Mr J Herbert Lewis M.P., Mr A. J. Hughes, Mr Fryer. There presided at the other tables :—Mr Lewis Pugh Pagh, Rev Llewelyn Edwards, Mr C E Howell Dr R D Roberts, and Mr Edward Jones. Amongst those who accepted tickets for the luncheon were Mr and Miss C S Denniss, Prof and Madame Borsdorf, Prof Anwyl, Mr and Mrs Hugh Lewis (Glanhafren), Mrs WAliams (Dolforgan), the Hon G T Kenyon and Mrs Kenyon, Rev W S Jones (Machynlleth), Rev T A Penry, Mr C E Howell and Miss Howell (Welshpool), Dr Ethe, Mr Griffith R. Jones (Dolgelley), Miss Griffith (Dolgelley), Mr and Mrs George White, Rev E P Jones, Councillor Peake, Mr J T Morgan, Rev T E Williams, Dr John James (Borth), Mr D C Roberts, Miss Roberts, Dr and Mrs R D Roberts, Dr Thomas Morris (Llsfnidloes), Mr J D Perrott, Mr E H James, Mr E P Wynne, Mr J R Rees, Mr H C Fryer, Col Fryer, Mr and Mrs Evan Evans, Mr T Ainsleigh Jones, Mr and Mrs D C Thomas, Mr D Lloyd Lewis, Mr D J A Morris, Prof I Angus, Mrs John Williams, Miss Lloyd, Mrs E H James, Mr Ed Evans, Mr and Mrs W Hughes Jones, Dr Bassett Jones, Mrs Angus, Mr John Evans, Mr J Martin Jones, Professor Snape, Mr John P Thomas, Mr Thomas Griffiths, Miss Fryer, Mr Robert Ellis, Mr and Mrs Matthew Jones, Rev and Mrs T W Trevor (Machynlleth), Mr C M Wil- liams, Mr Evans Howell, Mr G Edmunds (Llan- idloes), Mr J H Davies, Prebendary Williams, Miss Nicklin. Prof Marshall, Mr R E H Morgan, Mr and Mrs T E Ellis, M.P Mr W J Johnson, Mr Isaac Hopkins, Rev E Griffiths (Meifod), Mr John Row- lands (Machynlleth), Mr Thomas Darlington, Dr Thomas, Mr James Evans, Prof and Mrs D Morgan Lewis, Mr J C Russell (M. & M. Rly.), Miss Jones (Llandinam), Mr and MSfs"ISd'ttrawl Jones (Tre- wythen), Mrs Lloyd Jones (Llandinam), Mr R J Jones, Mr J E Williams, Capt and Mrs E Williams (Corris), Mr T H Jones, Mr Richard Rees (Mach- ynlleth), Mr E. Rees, J.P. (Machynlleth), Rev Wm Morgan, Mr John Lewis, Mr Thomas Owen, Mr D Phillips, Mr John Morgan, Alderman Peter Jones, Mr Tom Parry, Mr Vincent Raven (Oswestry), Mr Isaac Griffiths, Mr D Howell. The toasts of "The Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales," were given by the Chairman and duly acknowledged. Sir WILLIAM MORRIS, in proposing the loyal toasts, expressed the hope that the peace which had long been maintained under her Majesty's rule would never be disturbed, notwithstanding the present appearances. He then proposed the health of Sir William Harcourt, Dr Butler, and other distinguished guests. Sir W. HARCOURT, on rising to respond, was received with long continued applause. He said to use an educational terminology he thought he might say that luncheon was an intermediate repast. It went between the elementary meal of breakfast and the higher education of dinner (laughter). It had been said in old days that luncheon was an insult to breakfast and an injury to dinner. At all events upon that occasion he would not increase that ;njury. He observed that the procession was to commence at three o'clock sharp. It waa then five minutes past three, and he could hear the procession outside (laughter). He would not detain them, because he had already said something to a good many of them, and it would be his pleasure to say something more elsewhere when the procession was over. Therefore he would only thank the President for the way in which he bad spoken of him. But he had done him an injustice in one thing. Sir Lewis Morris seemed to think that the grant which it was his pleasure to be able to make was made by him as a Welsh member. It was made not because he was a Welsh member, but before he was a Welsh member, and because he was convinced of the necessities and the merits of their claims (applause). Therefore he did not ohoose to part with the character of political disin- terestedness which was not always granted to gentlemen who favoured their own constituencies. If in any capacity he had been able to forward what was certainly one of the most remarkable educational movements of which they had any record in this country, be should consider it one of the greatest rewards he had ever received in his public life (applause). Dr BUTLER also responded. He said that Sir William Harcourt was the only Cambridge pro- fessor who ever led the House of Commons. He believed it was an open secret that in the Bill for secondary education which was soon to be before Parliament and the country there was a proviso with regard to all future Cabinets and saving a few vested interests none but Professors need apply (laughter). He went on to assure Aberystwyth College of the warm interest Cambridge felt in her success and that they rejoiced in the continuous prosperity of their youngest but not lets fair sister (cheers). Principal VIRIAMU JONES proposed the toast of Tho University College of Aberystwyth," coupling with it the name of Principal Roberts, of whose spiritual and intellectual influence and capacity as a man of affairs he spoke. Principal ROBERTS, in responding, said those who were acquainted with the work of education in Wales were convinced that it was a great system of earnest and strenuous work and another thing was becoming clear, that it was a great means of unify- ing and bringing together men and women who were divided by certain circumstances and looked at matters from different points of view. He expressed his best thanks to the Principal of St. David's College, Lampeter, and Mrs Bebb—(ap- plause)—for their presence, and also to the other members of St. David's College who were present. Sir MARTEINE LLOYD proposed the health of The Chairman," and the proceedings closed. THE FORMAL OPENING. A procession waa formed outside the Market Hall headed by the Band, and included the borough and county magistrates, the Governors of the College and other officials. In the first of the carriages which closed the procession were Sir W. Harcourt, Mr V. Harcourt and Mr and Mrs Hum- phreys-Owen second carriage, Dr and Mrs Butler, Mr J. F. Roberts and Sir Lewis Morris; third carriage, Principal Edwards, Principal V. Jones, Mr Stephen Evans and Mrs Roberts; fourth car- riage, Col and Mrs Davies-Evans, Mrs T. E. Ellis and Sir James W. Szlumper. The procession marched to the College where Alderman J. F. Roberts presented Sir W. Harcourt with a silver key, with which he formally opened the new block of buildings. THE PUBLIC MEETING. SIR WILLIAM HABCOUBT ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS. A public meeting was held immediately after- wards in the Pier Pavilion, Alderman J. F. Roberts presiding. Before the entrance of Sir William Harcourt the large audience which completely filled the building were entertained by a large choir of students who sang several College and Welsh songs. Sir William had a most hearty reception on his entrance, and the Town Clerk at once read the following address from the Corporation :— The Council of the Borough of Aberystwyth, to the Right Hon. Sir William Vernon Harcourt, Q.C., M.P. October 26th, 1898. Sir,—We, the Mayor, Alderman, and burgesses of the borough of Aberystwyth, beg to offer you a most hearty welcome on this your first visit to this borough, and to express to you our warm gratitude for the signal services you have rendered to the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, and to the cause of higher University education in the Principality, services which are deeply appreciated by all olasses of the community. The inhabitants of the borough are proud to recognise that as a Statesman who has devoted the highest gifts to the services of the Empire, and as one of the most distinguished and accomplished allumni of the University of Cam. bridge, you have conferred the high honour upon the town of Aberystwyth as well as upon the University College by your consent to open the new buildings, which owe their existence mainly to lyour timely and generous sympathy. We trust that all the circumstances of your visit will be such that you will aftsrwards look back with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction." Thaddress, beautifully illuminated and bound as an blbum in red morocco, was presented by the Mayor, Mr J. Jenkins, to Sir William Harcourt. Sir WILLIAM HARCOURT said: I have to thank you greatly for this valued testimonial in the address you have now delivered to me. I did not come here upon anything but an educational visit. Still less did I come with any polftioal views, because I knew that in the great work in which you are engaged in this University of Wales and in this University College of Aberystwyth you know no distinction of parties. You are engaged in work which is common to all-the subjects of the Queen —and it is to me one of the most agreeable recol- lections of the part I have had to play in public life that I was able to make some contribution towards the important work on which you are engaged. I should not have said one single word upon general public affairs but for the remarkable and somewhat anxious circumstances in which we stand to-day. These words shall be vdry few, but I d. not think that in a meeting of English citizens it is possible to be silent upon them altogether (applause). It has always been the great and patriotic tradition of this country ior men of all parties, independent of political differences, in the presence of national difficulties and dangers to give to the Government of tke Queen their support in the maintenance of the rights of the Empire (cheers). At a moment such as the present, especially in view -of the condition of the French Govenfineiit to-day, I believe altogether unexampled, such a ditty is more than ever, in my opinion, urgent (applause). I do not think I can add with advantage any argu- ment or any statement to those which have been already made. The issues, the great issues, are now in the hands of responsible and capable men (hear, hear), to whom the fortunes of this country are entrrsted. The responsibility is a heavy one, and in my opinion we should all abstain from lan- guage of vulgar swagger or of provocation or of menace which might embarrass thW conduct or precipitate their action (applause). They will, I hope and I believe, be guided by the sinoera desire, while firmly maintaining the national interests, to seek a peaceful and honourable conclusion, of the difficulties with which they have to deal (applause), —and if they do so I am sure they receive the sympathy and support of this nation (applause). That is all that any of us who are not so intimately acquainted with the present condition ef affairs as those responsible for the conduct of affairs can say, or ought to say, in this connection, an4 that is all that I have to say at this moment upon public affairs. For, as I said before, I came here on an educational mission, a mission, I venture to say not to teach, but to learn the condition of Welsh educa- tion (applause). The CHAIRMAN expressed regret that Lord Rendel had been prevented by indisposition from being present. He then read a letter which he had received from Lord Rendel, and went on to speak of the grant which was given by the Government. The PRINCIPAL after intimating a number of apologies said that the ceremony which had just been performed was significant of much to the College itself, and as part of the wide educational progress of Wales. The establishment of the College heralded the beginning of a new educational era, new because it conceived education as a public interest seperated from of those of section, denomi- nation, or party—(applause)—because it regarded the whole of Wales as a unit, and because it set before it a comprehensive idea of culture, embrac. ing all the powers of the mind, including those of observation of nature not less than those which were exercised in literature, philology, or metaphy- sical speculation. In the early years scientific study, even moie than others, was hampered by the hand-to-mouth struggle for existence which the College had to face; the opportunities for laboratory work were necessarily defective; the teachers were few, and obliged to deal with a variety of subjects. Of those who remained on the staff for a substantial period Mr Rudler, now curator of Jermyn street Museum, whose work was still visible in the arrangement of the museum, deserved mention as one of the first collegiate lecturers on science in Wales as also did Mr Keeping Professor of Geology and Biology, whose work was closed by death, as also was that of his most distinguished Aberystwyth pupil Mr Thomas Roberts, a geologist of high eminence, who became assistant to the Woodwardian professor at Cambridge. Even in the first years an honorable attempt was made to deal with the one branch of applied science which had since been so fruitfully developed in Wales, namely Agriculture, through the enlightened action of Mr H. Parnell who gave for a time the sum of JE200 a year to the establishment of an occasional lectureship in agri- culture which was held by the late well-known expert Mr Henry Tanner, whose review of agricul- ture was through the generosity of Mr Parnell translated into Welsh and largely distributed among farmers. This work was partial and tentative how. ever the community was not ready to appreciate its importance; there were no lecal authorities empowered td support it. Mr Parnell's name deserved to be remembered that day for his efforts to encourage agricultural science, and for his gifts towards the endowment of the chair of chemistry. The first holder of that chair when separately established was the late Professor T. S. Humpidge, whose grave at Clarach was a sacred spot in con- nection with the past history of the College. When the College was reconstructed after the fire of 1885 one wing was applied to the laboratories and lecture room of the Scientific Department and a new period in the teaching of experimental science began. Then gradually the teaching staff was increased by the appointment of separate professors and lecturers in physics, zoology, with which was still combined geology, and finally botany demonatiators were also appointed to aid, and the apparatus was increased as funds admitted. The foundation by Mr Keeling of the National Science Scholarship had been a valuable encouragement (hear, hear). Of the students who had studied science in the College a large number were themselves teachers of science and a large number had also highly distinguished themselves in medicine. The number of students of science had steadily increased and was greater this year than ever (cheers). The new buildings had not been erected merely from the desire to complete an unfinished building; their completion had been forced upon them by the necessities of the teaching work; by the more specialised studies no less than by the increased number of the students, and the consequent need of accommodation and equipment to carry the work to a higher point even to that of independent work, which they trusted would be greatly stimulated by the curriculum of the University of Wales (ap- plause). The new buildings included large well- fitted laboratories and lecture rooms with smaller laboratories for special work in the Departments of Zoology, Botany, and Geology. The only science wing would be given exclusively to the departments of chemistry and physics. He believed that the new buildings and the efforts made to raise them would inspire the students at present in the College with fresh ardour in the investigation of nature as an end in itself worthy of their utmost devotion, and that they would prove that they were not only numerous but as capable and earnest as those who had been there before them (applause). An in- valuable part of the new buildings was that which was intended for the Agricultural Depart- ment. It was hardly necessary to point out that the facilities for general scientific study assembled in a College of the kind-labora- tories, museums and libraries-rendered it possible to pursue the special applications to their sciences to agriculture under altogether more favourable conditions and at immensely less cost than if it were attempted to provide for such instruction inde- pendently of these conditions. That principle had fortunately be recognised in Wales on a very large scale since the passing of the Local Taxation Act empowered County Councils to develope and sub- sidize technical education. In June, 1891, following the notable example set by Bangor College, a Department of Agriculture was commenced by Aberystwyth College in association with County Councils. In that month a lecturer and organiser was appointed and a first grant of E100was made by the County Council of Cardigan. In January the Board of Agriculture made a grant of R250 and a leoturer in agricultural chemistry was appointed, followed by the appointment of a second lecturer for in-College work. The Councils of Merioneth, Montgomery, Brecon, Radnor, Carmarthen, and Pembroke associated themselves with the move- ment and made grants in five years of RI,200 per annum, the Board of Agriculture increasing their support from 2400 to £800. Extension lectures and field illustrations bad been delivered with in- creasing acceptance, and there was striking evidence of co-operation by landlords and farmers in testing the experiments. Not less than 700 lectures attended by total audiences of 50,000 persons had been delivered in the counties between 1891 and 1897. In the travelling dairy schools, which had been at work in the same area 1,900 pupils had attended and 1,700 elementary certificates had been awarded. The advanced dairy school which had been equipped in the College had given instruction of a more prolonged character to as many as 150 young Welsh women, the flower of the population of agricultural Wales who had been enabled to attend the school by the-generous help of the County Council Scholarships. The bare mention of this fact was enough to indicate the sort of revolution that was proceeding in the practice of agriculture in Wales (applause). There was need, besides, of a first rate centre of agricul- tural teaching and investigation in which expert students and teachers could be trained and farmers could obtain access to scientific tnformation and guidance. The new buildings largely provided for these requirements in the form of lecture rooms and apparatus for the teaching of agriculture, veterinary science, agricultural entomology, and agricultural chemistry. The number of students preparing for the B.Sc. of the University in this branch and for the College Diploma was steadily increasing, and the new accommodation added to the experimental garden recently laid out, which was referred to in the report of the Board of Agriculture as capable of the greatest usefulness, will place the students in an altogether more favourable position than hitherto. Another encouraging feature of the agricultural work was the striking growth of the system of short courses whereby young farmers underwent by the aid of county scholarships a special course of study at the College which course was adapted to their capacity and requirements. Last year 45 young farmers attended this course and showed marked earnestness and intelligence (cheers). The events which had led up to the degree of completeness which the buildings had now attained formed part of a record of effort and sacrifice on behalf of education was the greatest achievement of Wales in this generation (hear, hear). The reconstruction of the College after the fire, at a cost of X26,000, left a large debt which was gradually reduced until in 1894 it amounted to about £ 6000 (hear, hear). In August of that year a large deputation was received by Sir William Harcourt- (cheers) the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who responded in peculiar heartiness and sympathy in the course of which he referred to his own indebtedness to the tuition and influence of an eminent Welsh scholar and statesman, Sir George Cornwall Lewis, and promised a grant of SEIO,000 on condition that t5,000 should be raised locally within two years. Sums of R200 and aClOO were premised in the room by the late Lord Kensington and the late Mr J. Jenkins, of Llanidloes. Shortly afterwards the late Mr Edward Davies of Llandinam offered to contribute RSOO if the remain- der could be aecured by the end of the year. The accomplishment of the task was mainly due to this act and the interest Mr Davies showed in its attain- ment. The sum of E5,700 was realised, of which J6120 was collected at a place of worship at Llan- dtnam. The other chief individual contributors were Mr W. Jones of Birmingham, Sir Henry Tate. Lord Tredegar, Lord Rendel, and Mr J. Corbett of Ynysymaengwyn. The cost of the new buildings was C6,000 in excess of the total receipts while the erection of the Alexandra Hall had entailed additional liability. Still further expenditure would have to be incurred in the equipment of the teach- ing departments, and there was- also need of large additions to the remuneration of the teaching staff No one could look back on the history of the past 26 years without grounds for the highest hope, nay, for absolute confidence in respect of what still remained to be achieved to make the College a great centre of University studies, adequate to the fulfilment of the part which it was called upon to play in shaping the higher destinies of the Welsh people (applause). SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT ON EDUCATION. Sir WK. HARUOURT said I must first begin by expressing my great regret at the absence in conse- quence of illness of my friend, your friend and the frieni of this University, its President, Lord Rendel. It was when we were yachting on the west cost of Scotland that he urged me to accept an invitation to come to Aberystwyth upon this interesting occasion. I accepted it with the greatest pleasure, first of all because I was glad to visit this historic place, and in the second because as I think I have already said elsewhere, I desire to explore the system of Welsh education. Your President has been good enough to refer to the small contribution I was able to make in a public capacity towards this excellent work. It is a satisfaction to me to know that that contri- bution at all events was founded upon a sound financial principle (hear, hear). It was the principle expressed by Prince Bismarck when he said do ut de (laughter), and I said I will pro- duce XIO,000 if you will produce £ 5,000," and I think it was a most remarkable fact that after all the exertions and sacrifices that had been already made in the interests of University and College Education that in so brief a space of time the necessary, money was forthcoming. Now one great reason why I desire to inquire into the system of Welsh Education is because I can tell yoa that in England at present we are thoroughly dissatisfied with our system of Education. This is not the language of a discontented member of the Opposition (laughter). We have had it most emphatically stated by the Vice-President of the Council, Sir John Gorsb—(hear, hear)—a very able administrator—(cheers)—thoroughly acquainted with the subject, and he stated what, anybody who knows the circumstances of the case is aware, is perfectly well founded, that in spite of the great sums which are expended out of public taxation for elementary education in this country it is at present most lamentably deficient. Now' education to be worth anything at all is unquestion-' ably a fabric of three storeys. There is first of all what ought to be a well-founded and a well-laid basement of elementary education. You ought then to have your ground floor of secondary or intermediate education rising to the first floor of University instruction. But we have a system of education in England in which yott have got a basement and you have got the first floor but you have no ground floor at all-(Iaughter)-an error ef construction of which I venture to say that the architect of this new building would not have been capable even if he had been able to make arrangements by which the first floor could exist without a floor underneath it (laughter). Now our ideas and your ideas of education are these that the education of the people should be so framed by a sort of ascend- ing Jacob's ladder that the humblest individual subject of the Queen if he have the gift and the ability and the will to work may rise from the lowest to the highest stage (cheers). We must have proper connections from each stage. From the Elementary School we must have the Inter- mediate School giving a more complete education instead of turning a child out upon the world at 11 or 12 years of age thinking his education is com- plete, and then would come the additional advan. tages which belong to Intermediate or Secondary Education and thus open the way for every class of the community to the Universities which ought to finish the education of the child. I am speaking in the presence of the Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, of the College to which I have the great honour and advantage to belong, and I am sure he will not contradict me when I say that in Er.gland we are greatly deficient in means of bringing all classes of the community up to the Univer. sities, and, require a system of Intermediate Education which Wales has been wise enough to establish within its borders (cheers). When one looks back to the history of education one speaks with somewhat of shame. It was just 30 years since I first entered the House of Commons, and that time there was no systematic, no established system for the general even the elementary education of the people. Well we have gone pn and I am quite sure that there is a sense at all events among people who have addicted themselves to education of the the infinite want of the intermediate stage, but as yet we have acccom- plished nothing. Now we are told, aud I hope it is true that this parliament will set to work to give to England that which you have in Wales, a sound system of secondary or intermediate education. And proud you may well be. You have given the lead to England in this matter and we shall do well to study the example you had set and to examine the methods you have pursued (hear, hear). The history, I think, of the foundation of intermediate education in Wales is a most remark. able one. I read the other day a speech by Mr Fearon, the secretary of the Charity Commissioners, ad- dressed to the town of Keighley, one of the wealthy centres of the industrious populations of Yorkshire, and be held up the history of the estab- lishment of intermediate education in Wales as an example to be followed by this great community. He called and he truly called it a romantic story. He pointed to the Committee of 1880 and the part that bad been taken by Welshmen, alas no more but who are honoured in their memory. I speak of personal friends of my own, Lord Aberdare, one of the greatest friends of education in Wales; my friend, Sir Osborne Morgan; and of a man whom I knew well in public life, Sir Hugh Owen of the Local Government Board and another friend who, I regret to say, has left the House of Commons in consequence of ill-health, Mr Arthur Acland (applause). Owing to their care and their foresight there were laid the foundations of that Bill which ultimately gave Intermediate Education to Wales. It was a very remarkable manner in which the Welsh people determined to have a system of their own, net a mere imitation of anything they found in existence, but a com- plete, self-contained system, of wliich these University Colleges were the finishing stroke. They desired to have what may be called distinc- tively, I think, a Welsh plan of education, fitted to their distinctive nationality, to the special characteristics which belong to the Welsh people, to their special language and their special religious history (oheers). And there was another cause, I think, which gave vitality and strength to this movement. You may perhaps be surprised when I name it and when I say it was the poverty of Wl Tes; because education is the luxury of the rich, but it is the necessary of the poor (loud cheers). You will find therefore that people who have this difficuly in the battle of life are disposed to make greater exertions than those who are sometimes tempted to indifference and ease by the presence of large endowments. Extraordinary efforts were made, the schools were established in every county but the thing that fills me with interest and admir. ation more than anything else has been the co-oper- atien of the different counties in the different parts of Wales, a thing which I should desire very much to see in England, but I wish I felt equally confident that it could be accomplished. The establishment of the Central Educational Board in Wales was a very remarkable achievement, and it has rendered immense service under the presidency of my host Mr Humphreys-Owen. Under that system has been established a regplar educational set of schools with moderate fees. I am told that the fees for a whole year do not amount or average to S5 a year. The missing link between Elementary Schools and the Universities has been supplied. The scholars in the County Schools in two years have doubled in numbers. In 1896 they were 3,400, and in 1898 they were 7,000. I would remark also, and it is a very interesting circumstance, that the great increase has been in the girls. In these schools, scholarships and bursaries to the amount of { £ 7,580 a year had been provided, ain6 there is a personal staff in the 80 Day Schools of 360 masters, or one for about 17 pupils. Now to have created in so brief a time such a system as that is to my mind a most extraordin- ary achievement. But I will not leave it to my ary own ideas or my own language. I should like to quote one paragraph of the speech to which I have referred to by Mr Fearon, the secretary of the. Charity Commission, and I think great acknow- ledgments eught to be paid to the Charity Com- mission for the part that they have taken in the organisation of this new system (cheers). Mr Fearon says I think I may almost venture to say that no educational reform more remarkable than this has ever been accomplished in any European country. Whether we consider the thoroughness, or the rapidity, or the unanimity, or the enthusiasm, or the self-restraint in which the work was carried out, whether we regard the harmony and cordiality with which the various counties and boroughs co-operated one with another. or the excellent relations which were established and have been maintained between the local authorities and the. central authorities, viz., the