Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser

♦ Aberystwyth College Items, VOLUNTEER CORPS.—Intimation was received 'a day or two ago from the War OfTice giving the necessary authority for the formation of a volunteer rifle corps at the College. The officers have already been appointed, and a large number of students have enrolled themselve- as members. The new corps will commence drill next week. -+.- t- DEBATING SOCIETY.—At « meeting of the Agricultural (short course) Debating Society held on Monday evening at the College, Mr. R. Willcaiiis veterinary surgeon, read an able paper on "Bone diseases." The paper was full of interesting information, and was intently listened to, several of the members also accepting the invitation to put questions upon the various points contained n\t.>n..¡. A vote of thanks -asafler- wards accoraed Mr. Williams. The meeting was presided over by Professor Williams. MUSICAL SOCIETY.—A special practice was arranged by this Society for 7 o'clock last Thursday evening in order to give a kind of informal reception to a former conductor of the Society, who has by this time made himself famous in the musical world, viz.: Dr. Joseph Parry, now uf Cardiff. The members of the Cocicf-v, accompanied by a fairly full orchestra, gave several selections from the pieces that are to be performed in the Society's annual concert. Mr. D. Jenkins (Mus. Bac.), the conductor, then called upon Dr. Parry to make a short address. Dr. Parry referred to the days when be was a member of the .staff, and gave the audience some of his recollec- ,ic,iis. He with a wish that all present might enjoy as happy a time as he had spent during his seven years soujourn here, and thanked them all for their kind welcome. The meeting terminated with three hearty cheers to Dr. Parry. THE FABIAN SOCIETY.—On Thursday evening Professor Burroughs, of Cardiff, delivered a lecture on Socialism, Ideal and Practical." The meeting, which was under the auspices of the U.C.W. branch of the Fabian Society, was held in the Congrega- tional School-room, kindly lent for the occasion Principal Roberts, M.A., presided, and there was a good attendance. The lecturer pointed out how socialists could carry their principles into their private life. Then, turning to the political world, be showed that socialists have a definite touchstone by which they can test every measure brought forward, whether local or national. It is the duty of every citizen to take an intelligent interest in public affairs: to neglect that duty is positive sin. Finally, after calling attention to the wonderful progress of New Zealand under a government socialistically inclined, the lecturer claimed that in most of the questions of the day, the socialist alone is the true moderate, holding a position midway between the extremists of the other parties. At the close of the lecture, which was listened to with great interest, the usual votes of thanks were accorded. U.C.W. v. MACHYNLLETH.—This match was played on the College Ground on Saturday, February 17th. At the commencement of the match it appeared as if the game would result in an easy win for the Macbynlleth men. They were decidedly more alert, energetic and certain than the Collegians, who seemed to lack spirit. As play proceeded, however, matters became more even. The homesters livened up considerably, though throughout the game their forward line was dis- connected and lacked accurate combination. The visiting team, after the first half-hour or so. took things more easy. The home team was the first to score, but just before the half-time whistle Machynlleth equalised. When play was resumed the College men certainly appeared less exhausted than their opponents, and it was their greater power of endurance that enabled them to keep pressing near their opponents' goal during the latter portion of the game. Notwithstanding this, they only managed to score one more point. The visitors unwilling to return home vanquished, made a (letermined effort, and for a time transferred play to the homesters quarters. This spurt of theirs was rewarded by the score being again equalised. After this, although the Collegians stuck to it creditably, no further scoring occurred, the game thus ending in a draw 2-2. CELTIC SOCIETY. On Wednesday evening, February 14th, the members of this society had for discussion the question, Whether the Welsh may rightly be called a nation ? The affirmative was opened by Miss Medora Lloyd, who commenced the debate by asking the question, -1 What consti- tutes a nation ?" She then proceeded to answer the question, bringing forward among others the following statements: (1) Blood relationship; (2) the relation between a nation and its country; (3) its political condition-political independence is not, necessary to a nation (4) the connection which exists between a people and its history and traditions; (5) national characteristics; (6) language—language is not essential to a nation, a nation may adopt another language. In what rela- tion do the Welsh stand to these elements in a nation ? (1) As to their blood-it is mixed; (2) as to their country-Wales is inhabited by the Welsh (3) as to their political condition-they are not independent, but this does not necessarily prevent them from being a nation; (4), as to history and traditions-the Welsh have an abundance of them; (5) as to national characteristics—the Welsh are subject to impulses which are wholly strange to the English; (6) as to language-most of the Welsh speak their own language. From the above statements the speaker concluded that the Welsh are entitled to be regarded as a nation. The nega- tive was Opened by Mr Edward Evans. He pro- ceeded to give the etymology of the word cened," giving as its derivation the Latin word "gigno"—" I am born." Hence, he said, the word meant people of the same blood." The Welsh are not all of the same blood, therefore they are not entitled to be called a nation. He also stated that language is essential to a nation, and thus contradicted Jthe opener of the affirmative. The Welsh have not a pure and composite language, therefefce, they are not a nation. The debate was then thrown open, and the following members spoke, Messrs John Hughes, D. Thomas Davies, D. O. Edwards, Abel J. Jones, A. D. Davies, and J. E. Hughes. The voting resulted in favour of the affirmative LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY. Last Friday evening the members of this society had the pleasure of listening to an excellent address by Professor W. Lewis Jones, M.A., Bangor, on "A Welsh poet of the 14th century." The speaker stated that the subject of his address was Dafydd ab Gwilym," whom he described as the greatest of Welsh poets. Mr. George Borrow, he said, had gone so far as to call him the greatest of lyric poets in any language." Dafydd ab Gwilym bad been called the Ovid" of Wales, or in Welsh Ofydd," which means a composer of amorous songs." This, he said, was not true. Nature was his mistress, and she always held him in her in- evitable spell. One of the chief characteristics of his poetry is his marvellous intimacy with nature, and he makes use of other objects in order to describe nature. He flourished :in ithe 14th century. Some say that he flourished from 1340 to 1400, others from 1300 to 1360. That he was a contemporary of Chaucer cannot be doubted. He does not make mention of Owen Glyndwr, hence he did not live on into the 15th century. The place of his birth also is open to question. Persons have given him three birth-places:—(1) Brogynin, not far from this town; (2) Glamorgan; (3) Bro- ginan, in Anglesey. He was of noble birth on both sides, and on one side was descended from Llyw- arch ab Bran, one of the chieftains of the fifteen tribes of North Wales. His patron was Ifor Hael, and at some time in his life was the steward of Ifor's household. He composed many ppems, and to one fair persons alone, viz., his beautiful Mor- fudd, he composed 147 poems. He found her in Anglesey, whither he had gone in guest of Ivor's j daughter, with whom he had previously been in 1 love. Love and the wild life of nature were the i subjects of his song. He also wrote some con- troversial poems. He was the originator of the "Cywydd measure" in Welsh poetry, and it is s <x;ed one of his cywyddau was the cause of a rival's death. In one poem he calls upon the salmon to take his message to Morfudd, and in this use of all creatures and products of nature he stands apart from his predecessors in Wales in the same great contrast as he stood from the Con- tinental Troubadours. Professor Lewis Jones gave his audience some very admirable translations of Dafydd ab Gwilym's cywyddau, which the majority of his listeners would be very pleased to published. A vote of thanks was proposed to he speaker by Miss Mary Parry, seconded by Mr. M. it. Jones, and carried unanimously. OLD ABERYSTWYTH STUDENTS, A: the Mackworth Hotel, Swansea, on Saturday v L. a number of old Aberystwyth students assembled to consider the advisability of forming a branch of the Old Students' Association. As the student present, Dr. Abel Davies (Gowerton) ■ 'ed, and amongst others in attendance were j. A. Stephens and D. E. Evans (Swansea), A. ie- (Gowerton), John Jones (Clydach), John (Cwmtwrch), and D. C. Rowlands (Garnant), Ke. W. Tudor Jones (Swansea), Messrs D. J. Evans U. Griffiths, Harry Fox, R. E. Hughes, H.M.I., E. -Lewis, J. C. Edwards-Morgan, Sidney Morgan, and T. J. Rees (Swansea), Bevan ((< .vverton), Bath Jones (Treharris), and D. E. (Cardiff), Miss John (Abertillery), Miss Uovo, Miss Davies, and Miss Wade (Llanelly), and y; I iilpin (Barry). The Chairman, in explaining ,i f object of the meeting, said there was not one amongst them who would not willingly make some e to promote the welfare of an institution to which be was snre they were all warmly attached, and vhich had done so much to meet the educa- "oii needs the Principality (hear. licar).-Dr. • tep'i' ns, who followed, said that a meeting of V,udents wasiheld at Cardiff a short time ago, ut which it was decided to form a branch of the i,o students' Association. It would not, perhaps, e.iuvenient for those residing in the Swansea district- to attend the Cardiff meetings, and t huefore it was for them to consider whether it not be better for them to form a separate personally, he thought it would. Dr o. ] Mens also mentioned that another of the of the association would be to secure ifor the Tom Ellis Memorial Scholarship. it. E. Hughes concurred, and added that oe -i, no fault to find with the action of the Ou diif people in iorming a branch there, but he noticed that they had, with characteristic arro- gance, decided to call it the South Wales and Monmouthshire Branch." Why Cardiff should take it upon itself to claim to speak in the nnmo of the old students of South Wales and Monmouth- shire he did not know. There was, at any rate, no justification for the pretension, and for this, as well as for other reasons, he would move that a separate association for Swansea be formed.— jlr. Bevan seconded.— Miss John, Miss Gilpin, Miss Lloyd, Miss David, Miss Wade, and Messrs. J. C. E. Morgan, Bath Jones, Dr. Jones and Dr. Daniel Evans took part in the subsequent discus- sion, the latter advocating the holding of quarterly or half-yearly meetings alternately at Swansea and Cardiff. Mr. Hughes' resolution was unani- mously adopted. Dr Abel Davies was elected for the year, and Dr G. A. Stephens secretary, whilst the committee was selected as follows:—Miss Lloyd, B.Sc., Messrs. Picton Evans. B.A.„ R. E. Hughes, T. J. Rees, and J. C. E. Morgan.

MACHYNLLETH. CHURCH NEWS.—On Sunday evening II Meyler, M.A., was elected a deacon at the English Presbyterian Church. PERSONAL.—The Marquis and Marchioness of Londonderry and Lady H?len Stewart have arrived at Londonderry House, Park Lane, London, from Mount Stewart, County Down, and will stay there until the end of next month, when they intend to return to Ireland for a short time. PERSONAL.-The numerous friends of the Rev. W. S. Jones, who has been indisposed for some time, will learn with pleasure that the rev. gentle- man is progressing satisfactory. VOLUNTEER ITEMS.—At the weekly shooting competition held at Towyn on Saturday, Mr W. Sadleir, of this town, won the silver spoon. Circulars have now been distributed to the leading tradesmen and gentry of the neighbourhood for subscriptions towards the forming of a range on the Park Common. THE PROPOSED VISITATION.—The Lord Bishop of Bangor who was to visit this town on Monday had written to the leading clergymen of the dis- trict regretting his inability to attend owing to illness. Much sympathy is expressed with his Lordship in his indisposition. COUNTY SCHOOL NOTES. Mr. Evans, the assistant master, is laid up with influenza. It is to be hoped he will have a speedy recovery.—The new recreation ground is about being completed, and will soon be fit for playing—Also the new labora- tory is about being completed. The plasterers are busily engaged at the outside work.—The following team has been selected to play against the Aber- ystwyth County School at Machynlleth on the town field on Saturday next:—Goal, H. R, Owen; backs, T. W. Phillips and Emrys Jones half-backs, Mit Rees, D. A. Morgan and John Hughes forwards, R. J. Humphreys, W. J. Arter, R. Hughes, E. A. Humphreys, and J. E. Evans. COMPETITIVE MEETING. On Wednesday e\ening week a very successful competitive meet- ing was held at Glasbwll, under the presidency of the Rev. E. Wnion Evans, Derwenlas. Mr. John Evans (loan Maldwyn) Machynlleth, conducted the meeting, and as usual kept the audience in a pleasant mood. The following were the successful competitors in the chief items:—Jane Jones, Samuel a;id Oswald Rowlands, Mary Jones, J. D. James, David James, Blodwen Rowlands, Annie Griffiths, Mary Jones, Glanfelin W. Evans, Owen Morris and party from Machynlleth; M. E. Griffiths E. R. Jenkins, and two students from the U.C.W., Aberystwyth, who did not appear, their non-de-plume being Min-yr-hwyr,and Awen Brysiog. The adjudi- cators^were—Poetry, Rev E. Wnion Evans; singing, Mr. J. Lumley; and miscellaneous, Mr. Jones, B.A. SUNDAY SCHOOL MEETING.—The monthly meet- ing in connection with the Calvinistic Methodists was held at the Maengwyn chapel on Sunday last. There was a good attendance of delegates and others. In the morning meeting Mr Richard Bennett, Llanbrynmair, gave an address on Dyledswydd athrawon yr ysgol sabbothol i baratoi ar gyfer ei dosbarthiadau," and was followed on the same subject by the Rev. Richard Edwards, Cemmes. At 11 o'clock a delegates meeting was held, but no important matters were discussed. At the afternoon meeting Mr Evan Evans, Cemmes, catechised the children, and Mr Edward Morgan, Machynlleth, catechised the junior classes. In the evening meeting the adults were catechised by the Rev. Richard Edwards, Cemmes. The Chairman, Mr E. Evans, Cemmes, and the Secretary, Mr Richard Rees, J.P., Machynlleth, deserve special mention for having carried out their work in so creditable a manner. CYMREIGYDDION SOCIETY.—A meeting of the Cymreigyddion Society was held at the Town Hall on Monday evening last, under the presidency of the Rev. D. T. Hughes (Morfa), in the absence of the president, Mr. John Rowlands, solicitor. An excellent paper was read by Mr. D. W. Lewis, F.T.S.C., Brynaman, upon the subject of "Y Llais" (The Voice). Mr. Lewis dealt with the subject in an interesting manner, referring more especially to the lungs which made the breath, the vocal organs which caused sound, and the lips which expressed the qualities of the voice. A large number of members were present, and others interested had been invited. The Revs. D. T. Hughes, I)arley Davies, Foulkes Roberts, and E. Wnion Evans, Dr. Rees (Ap Gwyddon), Messrs. E. Jones, B.A.; D. Phillip Jones, Henry Lewis, and Powell, schoolmaster, Derwenlas, also took part in the meeting. We are pleased to find that the society continues to increase, the last meeting being by far the most successful since the society's inception. Eglwysfach, Glandovey. ADDOLDY NEWYDD YR ANNIBYNWYR.—Dydd Sul diweddaf, Chwefror 18fed, fe agorwyd am y tro cyntaf addoldy cyntaf i'r Annibynwyr yn y lie hwn. Bu llawer o siarad yn ystod y blynyddoedd aeth heibio y dylasai achos crefyddol gael ei gynal gan yr Annibynwyr yma, ond nid oedd neb yn digon dewr i gymeryd at y gwaeth. Tua haner can mlynedd yn ol casglodd yr ychydig oedd yn y lie i addoli mewn ty ffarm o'r enw Garreg, ond gan nad oeddynt yn cael digon o gynorthwy fe ddar- fyddodd yr achos, a dechreuwyd achos arall gan ereill. Beth bynag, gan fod ychydig nifer yn myned i addoli i Talybont a manau ereill, a'r lie yn mhell yr oedd rhai o'r un egwyddorion yn disgwyl < am i'r wawr i dori yn y cyfeiriad hwn, ac fe ymgymerodd cyfundeb annibynol Maldwyn y petb mewnllaw, agappwyntiwyd y ParchnJosiah Jones, Machynlleth; J. C. Jones, Llanfyllin; a E. Wnion Evans, Derwenlas, i fyned i'r lie i ymgynghori ar cyfeillion, a chael y Parch. R. E. Jones, Talybont, i < gyduno. Canlyniad yr ymweliad ydoedd agoriad yr achos ar y Sabbath a nod,d yn Ysgoldy y t Bwrdd pa un a ganiatawyd yn garedig i'r achlysur. ( Pregethwyd yn ystod y dydd gan y Parch G. Griffiths, Newton, yn absenoldeb y Parch. J. Jones, ] Llanfyllin, yr hwn oedd yn absenol oherwydd ] afiechyd. Ar ran cyfundeb Maldwyn, Parchn. R. 1 E. Jones, Talybont, ac E. Wnion Evans, Derwenlas. ( Dechreuwyd y gwahanol oedfaon gan Meistri D. O. < Edwards, R. Lewis, U.C.W., a'r Parch. G. Griffiths. i Daeth lliaws o'r ardal ynghyd, fel yr oedd yr t ysgoldy eang bron yn llawn. Cafwyd cynhorthwy Mr. D. W. Lewis, F.T.S.C., Brynaman, gyda'r canu, tray gwasanaetha Miss E. Jones, Ynyshir Fitrm, 'ar/yr offeryn cerdd. Dangosodd cyffeillion t y lie pob caredigrwydd, a chafwyd cyfarfodydd a bir gofir. Anrhegwyd yr achos gyda Beibl a Llyfr J Emynau at achos y pulpid gan ddwy chwaer o Machynlleth. Y mae yr achos yn dechreu yn IS foddhaol iawn, ac y mae gweimdogion a phregeth- wyr y cylch wedi d'od allan fel un gwr, a bob Sabboth hyd Gorphenaf wedi ei r, llanw gan supplies."

TREGARON. THE WAR.—Great rejoicing was manifested in the town and neighbourhood, at the welcome news of the relief of Kimberley. PARISH COUNCIL. -A special meeting of this Council was held last Thursday evening. It was resolved to carry out the resolution already passed at previous meetings and sanctioned by the Dis- trict Council, to levy tolls on all carts, stalls, and merry-go-rounds attending the various fairs and markets, except those carts and stalls from the parish of Caron. The following persons were appointed to carry out the work, Mr. John James (assistant overseer), Messrs. E. J. Evans, tailor, H. W. Jones, Oxford House, and Jonathan Thomas, printer. LITERARY SOCIETY.—The meeting of the above Society was held last Wednesday evening. The President of the Society, Mr. G. T. Lewis, M.A., occupied the chair, and the following programme was gone through:—Solo, Yr Hen Gerddor," Ocky Rees; recitation, Mae'r baich yn drwm," T. H. Davies; solo, Garden of Eve," Miss Mary Hughes; recitation, "Bedd y dyn tlawd," T. A. Jones; solo, Hard times come again no more," Miss Nancy Rees; recitation, Selections from Longfellow," Miss Foulkes solo, Heavenward," Miss Lizzie Jones; solo, Yn iach i ti, Gymru," Mr. G. T. Lewis, M.A.; recitation, Charge of the Light Brigade," Mr. John Jones solo, The Gift," Miss Nancy Morgan (encored). It would be well if the members of the Society were more punctual in attending the meetings.

LLANFARIAN. TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION.—The residents of Llan- farian and neighbourhood are interesting themselves in the questions of horticulture, cookery, and laundry work. A meeting was held at the Chancery School on Saturday last under the presidency of Mr. Rufus Davies (schoolmaster), to which Mr. Pickard, the popular lecturer on horticulture from the University .v College, Aberystwyth, was invited. Mr. Pickard delivered an instructive address, which was highly appreciated, and followed this up by a practical demonstration in the- chairman's garden. With regard to cookery and laundry work, Mrs. Richards was appointed to seek an interview upon these subjects with Miss Jones, the instructress at the Intermediate Schools. A further meeting is to be held on Saturday I next at 10 30 a.m. J

THE WAR. General Buller yesterday sent a despatch in which he announced that General Hart had occupied Colenso. The Boers seemed to be in full retreat, and were apparently only holding a position which they occupied across the Colenso-Ladysniith railway rearguard. There is at the time of writing no further news of the fate of Commandant Cronje's army.

TOWYN AppdNTMENT.—Mr. H. Hadyn Jones, Towyn, has been appointed by chairmen u School as one of the representatives of Merionethshire on the Governing Body of the University College of North Wales. GOOD TEMPLARS.—The weekly meeting of the Independent Order of Good Templars was held on Friday evening last, when addresses were delivered by Mr. Maethlon James and liar Davies. Three new members were initiated. LITERARY SOCIETY.-The weekly meeting of the Literary and Debating Society in connection with the Congregational Chapel was held on Monday evening, the subject being "A Night with Gwilym Gwent," a very instructive and interesting paper being read by Mr. D. O. Jones, Idris Villas. Several songs of Gwilyn Gwent's composition were rendered during the evening. Mr. Jones in his paper said that Gwilym Gwent was born at Tredegar in 1834, and made himself prominent in music at the age of ten. He composed several well-known songs, among which are "Cymru Gynt," "Haf," "Ffrwd," Mab Afradlon, "Meibion Cerddgar," etc. lie followed his occupation in the coal-pit and at the same time turned his attention to music, winning many valuable prizes at various Eisteddfodau. He died at Plymouth, America, in 1890. A monument is erected to his memory in America, where he composed many of his songs. A hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Jones for his able paper was passed, on the proposition of Mr. H. W. Griffiths, seconded by Mr. Samuel Edmunds. OBITUARY.—It is with deep regret we have to announce the death, at the age of 66, of Mrs. Edwards, widow of the late Mr. David Edwards, printer, of this town. The deceased lady who had resided in Towyn for nearly 40 years, was greatly respected and loved by all who knew her..She had been in ill-health since Christmas, when she had a severe illness, but her recovery was anxiously hoped for and indeed such was the case, but she again contracted an illness, from which she did not recover, and she passed peacefully away on Friday last. Mrs. Edwards for a great many years had carried on the business of stationer in Corbett-square, where she was esteemed by all for her great courtesy, but she retired from business about last Christmas, and had gone to reside at her new house in Idris-Villas. She leaves five sons and three daughters to mourn their great loss, for whom much sympathy is felt. The interment took place on Tuesday at St. Cadvan's Churchyard. A short service was held at the house conducted by the Vicar (Rev Titus Lewis), and the Curate (Rev J. Davies) officiated. INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL. -A meeting of the Governors was held at the School on Saturday, when there were present: Mr. H. Haydn Jones (chairman), Mrs. Rowlands, Messrs. Meyrick Roberts, Humphrey Davies, R. Pryce Morgan, H. W. Griffith, J. Hughes Jones, Humphrey Jones, and Griffith Davies, with the Clerk (Mr. E. J. Evans), and the Headmaster. On the proposition of the Chairman, seconded by Mrs. Rowlands, the Clerk was directed to communicate with the family of the late Dr. Edward Jones, expressing their sincerest sympathy with Mrs. Jones and family in their sad bereavement, and desiring to place on record the irreparable loss which this School, in common with similar institutions, has sustained by the lamented death of Dr. Edward Jones.—Mr. J. HughesJ ones proposed, and Mr. Meyrick Roberts, seconded, and it was carried, that Mr. Haydn Jones be re-elected Chairman for the ensuing year.—Mr. Haydn Jones proposed, and Mr. H. W. Griffith seconded, that Mr. Owen (chief inspeetor of schools) should be reminded of the communication forwarded to him in reference to the remarks made in the Examiner's report which the Governors thought did not do justice to the School.—Mrs. Roberts, Bryncrug, and Mr. William Jones, Aberdovey, were unanimously re-elected co-optative members.—It was resolved to transfer P,30 to the repairs and improvement account on the proposition of Mrs. Rowlands, seconded by Mr. J. Hughes Jones.—Mr. Bowen and Mr. Thomas were elected Auditors of accounts.—On the proposition of Mr. Meyrick Roberts, seconded by Mr. Humphrey Davies, it was passed that the Easter holiday should commence on April 11th, and terminate on May lst.-Mr. H. W. Griffith proposed, and Mr. Humphrey Jones seconded, that 10s. per term be voted to John Owen, Abergynolwyn. —Bills to the amount of E327 were passed for pay- ment.—Mr. Humphrey Davies proposed, and Mr. Meyrick Roberts seconded, that the R(- D. Hughes be asked to engage any man convenient LO him to do the repairs requested in his communication to the Governojs.—The following Governors were elected to meet Mr. Corbett on his next visit t o Ynysymaen- gwyn to discuss the means of erecting a memorial to him for his generous support of the school :—Mr. Haydn Jones, Mr. Maethlon James, Mr. J. Hughes Jones and Mr. Meyrick Roberts, and the following were elected a committee to arrange repairs and re- fitting of rooms in the main building of the school :—- Mr. R. Pryce Morgan, Mr. Haydn Junes, Mr. Meyrick Roberts and Mr. H. W. Griffiths. Dolgelley

ABERDOVEY. THE BISHOP OF BANGOR is at present confined to his house, Panteidal, Aberdovey, by laryngeal satarrh, and, acting under medical advice, he has given directions for postponing his vitiation, which had been fixed for various centres during the pres- ent week. MARITIME SUCCESS.—We are pleaded to find the name of Mr R. J. Evans, Hock House, amongst the successful candidates as master, in the recent ex- amination held in London. VOLUNTEERS.—The Rev. W. M. Roberts on Monday received a wire from the Adjutant, stating that the War Office has been pleased to approve of the formation of a corps at Aberdovey. Nearly every member that as so far joined this corps is a staunch teetotaler, although they are not compelled to be, as was eroniously stated by an outsider in one of the local papers, but anyone whose character and conduct will bear investigation are welcome. FIFE AND DRUM BAND.—The members of this band are making very good head way under the leadership of Sergeant-Instructor Wilson, Machyn- lleth. They had practice last at the Aber- iovey Hall (generously lent free of charge by Mr Jones), and the conductor speaks highly of the musical abilities of the members. SHIPPING.—The steamer Telephone arrived on Saturday from Liverpool, in face of a big storm. rhe steamer experienced very rough weather all ;he way, more especially on Carnarvon bar, where she met with slight damage by the smashing of ;he deck house by the enormous waves that she jncountered. DEMISE.—We regret to record the death of Mr. Evan Lewis, fisherman, son of the late Mr. Lewis Lewis," Dyfi Cottage, at the early age of 46. Mr. Lewis had been ailing for some time, and in spite )f all medical treatment expired carly last Thurs- lay morning leaving a wife and several children to nourn his loss. He was buried last Monday, in -he presence of a very large number of relations md friends. LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY.—A lecture vas given on Tuesday last under the auspices of -he above Society in the Assembly Rooms by Mr. r. L. Pickard, U.C.W., on Crops in the cottage garden." Owing to the snowstorm that was raging .he attendance was only moderate, yet the fifty or io persons who did attend were obviously keenly interested in Mr. Pickard's subject. The higher arts of gardening have not hitherto received very olose attention from the cottagers and amat ours of Aberdovey, but that they are prepared to give the subject much closer attention was evident from the rapt attention that was given to the lecturer, who spoke for two hours in his homely and easily understood way about crops that are best suited to small gardens, and how to grow them to the highest perfection by such means as are to the hand of everyone who has a garden. Aberdovey and Towyn are jointly applying to the Merioneth- shire Technical Instruction Committee for a full course of lectures on Horticulture by Mr. Pickard. STORM.—Not a few will ever forget the fearful storm that was experienced here last Thursday morning. What with a high south-easterly wind and a strong receding tide, the whole estuary was one seething mass of high waves nnd foam and sad to say nearly every boat that happened ru be at anchor in front of the promenade sank; schooner Margaret and Jane of Portmadoc, which was alongside the wharf discharging,had her rudder damaged, besides being severely strained and her further misfortune happened when her little boat was sunk and wrecked to pieces. Now came the turn of the private boat. Mr. Owen Williams' boat broke the stern mooringsand was in immediate danger of being dashed against the promenade,but by strenuous efforts Mr. Williams by means ot a boat hook and host of willing hands at the ropes were able for a time to keep it off, but eventually a big waye came and washed it to the tup of t:' sli;ps wall in front of the Dovey Hotel, where with great difficulty it was hauled in half full of water, and greatly damaged. After this exciting event, disaster followed disaster, in rapid succession. Trinity Pilot boat went to the bottom, the late Mr. Evan Lewis' boat broke its moorings and washed against the sea wall, and was very soon reduced to firewood. Then Mr. Jones' boat, followed suit with the same sad result, then Mr. John Williams' two boats sank and turned bottom upwards. Mr. Clayton's and Mr. Owen's did likewise. There was only one boat left that had so far weathered the storm, and that belonged to Mr. Phillip Evans. but with increased wind the little craft rapidly filled and sank. During the afternoon, people were gathering the wreckage that left high and dry by the receding tide on the sands.

LLANILAR. NEW BRIDGE.—It will be seen from our report of the County Council meeting that it eon decided 1 to construct a new stone bridge at L I a,, i 1: r at a cost not to exceed £ 350. I

London Letter. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. I London, Wednesday Afternoon. THE LIBERAL PARTY. There are signs that the Liberal Party is determined to make itself a greater power in the rut".re than it has been for some J Owing to theacquiescence of the leaders of the Party in the war policy of the present Government and owing to the lack of disinterested criticism in the Press, the Liberal party as a whole has stultified itself and belied its great traditions. It is useless to deny the divisions in the ranks of the perty itself, and this is largely owing to our present system of choosing candidates. There is nothing to hinder a man who is in reality a strong Conservative, from posing as a strong Radical Unfortunately, there is a numerous class answering to this description sitting on the Liberal benches. Men who are known to be landlords of the worst type, actually go to Parliament to represent tenant farmers, who think they are electing an advocate of land reform. Employers of labour whose treatment of their employees is absolutely unsympathetic, are elected to bring about reforms in favour of the labour- ing classes. In .fair weather these men may do the work that is expected of them in such a manner as not to raise protest, but who can trust them for the foul weather? It is this class which is causing the trouble in the Liberal ranks to-day, but there are signs that the Leader of the Opposition will break away from his hitherto restrained attitude on some of the most important questions of the day, and throw the malcontents overboard to sink or swim. THE MEETING OF LIBERAL MEMBERS. An influential meeting of Liberal members was held last week at the Westminster Palace Hotel, and strong resolutions pro- testing against the war were carried unanimously. Mr. Maddison when he condemned the attitude taken up by Lord Rosebery on the war, and especially when he denounced the still-born Liberal Imperialism was cheered to the echo. That is a proof of the temper of the meeting. It Is also a sign that Liberals are beginning to wake up to the danger of the political situation within their own ranks, and that short shrift will be given in future to those members who get elected to Parliament under false pretences. They are not unknown in Wales, and I sincerely hope Welsh constituencies will institute something like a political examina- tion of their members to ascertain who amongst them are tainted with Roseberian ideas. The sooner they are driven out of Wales the better will be the prospect for carrying Welsh reforms. THE MERIONETHSHIRE ELECTION. I hear that some interest is at last being aroused in the forthcoming election of a candidate for Merionethshire. There is one piece of solid comfort in the fact that Merionethshire is determined to elect a local man in preference to a carpet bagger. The best test of the work a man will do in the future is to be found in his past record, and if there is a man in Merionethshire who has a good record behind him he is the best man in whom to entrust the representation of the county. I hear that one of the aspirants for the county will, if chosen, bring in a Bill to enable it Welshmen groaning under the common patronymies of Jones, Davies, Williams, &c., to exchange their names for less common and more distinguishable ones. This is to be done, not by the cumbrous method of a deed poll now in use, but by the payment of a small fee of a shilling or ha'lf-a-crown at the nearest police station. THE DEBATE. Needless to say everybody is talking about last night's debate at the House of Commons. It is a mere coincidence that two Welsh members should respectively propose and second the amendment. Mr. D. A. Thomas is not one of the stop-the-war party, though I believe he is strongly of the opinion that the war was unnecessary and could have been avoided. Mr. Samuel Evans holds very strong views on the question, and has not troubled to disguise them. It was clear at an early hour yesterday that great interest was being taken in the debate, on the motion proposed by Mr. D. A. Thomas. All the galleries being thronged, and expectation was written large in every face. Mr. D. A. Thomas began to speak about five o'clock, and for a time lie was listened to in silence, but it soon became evident that neither nature nor practice had cut Mr. Thomas out for the role of a Public Prosecutor. His speech though full of detail was badly delivered and hopelessly jumbled, and he will add nothing to his Parliamentary reputation by it. Still, it should be recognised that it requiries a bold. man to say even as much as Mr. Thomas did MR. S. T. EVANS. It has never been my good fortune to hear Mr. Samuel Evans speak in the House of Commons before last night. I can only say that he quite eclipsed my highest idea of him as a parliamentary debater. Of course, the role he undertook was no new one for him, for has he not earned a reputation in the South Wales Circuit as a fearless and fait. prosecutor in innumerable criminal cases. lie was at his best to-day and the surest proof of that is the fact that he drew Joseph out of his lair. I am perfectly aware that the papers will praise Mr. Chamberlain's speech, but in spite of that, I will not hesitate to say that it was nothing but a bold piece of acting, yes, and a very unconvincing piece of acting without a grain of sincerity stamped on it. MR. BLAKE. I will say nothing of the speech of Sir W. Harcourt except that it was weak in proportion as he attacked the absent Mr. Rhodes instead of the present Mr. Chamberlain. But the speech of the evening was undoubtedly that of Mr. Biake, the Irish member who was at one time Premier of Canada. It was an indictment of Mr. Chamberlains policy from start to finish, and a very forcible indictment I do not think anybody who heard the speech could help being carried away by its cogency. Alas, the Tory members with a few excep- tions followed their leaders like sheep to the fold, and the honour of Great Britain still remains tarnished. THE MILITIA. In the House of Lords the Earl of Werny, brought foi ward a motion in favotiil of the militia ballot. The Marquis of Lansdowne, said the opinion of the Government as to the militia ballot was unchanged. They re- garded it as a most valuable reserve of power which no Government would be justified in parting with, but he could not admit for a moment that it ought to be exercised nt the present time. There had not been a failure of the voluntary enlistment for the line, nor wu s it the case that there had been a failure of tiio voluntary system with regard to the militia. If it were desired to raise by the ballot a hundred thousand militiamen within the next few irtontL, they would be the rawest of raw material, without barracks and with- I out commissioned 01 nuii-coxuiui:s>ioned officers. The Duke of Devonshire did not, he said, deny the existence, of an emergency, but he did not think it was all emergency which called for the passionate and almost hysterical appeals which Iud been addressed to the House on "jtwo cochins by Lord ilooebery. lIe did not l'eg; ci a a.- HVJ-J to mobilise the fleet, for it was already in our power to mobilise it far mote rapidly than could any other nation winch desired to threaten us. Before resorting to panic measures in regard to the militia he advised that the men should be offered more advan- tageous texins to induce thoui to voluntarily enter the service.

DEVIL'S BRIDGE. CARDIGANSHIRE WAR FUD-A rory success- ful concert in aid of the "iSoldiei- ".rd Sailors: Families' Association," was held at the Board School last Saturday, the 17th inst. The district has been rather slow to move in this pressing matter, but-at- last the initiative was taken by Mr. W. T. Hill, of the Hafod Arms Hotel, and, thanks to his laudable and unsparing efforts, no stone was left unturned to make the concert worthy of its good object. Mr. Hill, besides acting as secretary, supplied a grand piano as well as a fine gramo- phone for the occasion, and sent his cart and men to prepare a commodious stage and extra seats. Mynydd Bach Chapel kindly lent stage material, and St. Iago Church furnished a supply of chairs for the front seats, and each church and chapel in the district contributed its quota of Glee Parties and soloists. The meeting was honoured in having as president the Chairman of the County Council, the Kev. T. Mason Jones, J.P., Trisant- Mr. Jones is always ready to help a good cause, and no one knows better than lie the way to handle a Devil's Bridge audience. From first to last he kept the crowded house in perfect order and in the best of good humours. Mr. Jones was supported on the platform by the Rev. T. N. Jones, Eglwya- Newydd; Rev. Gwmryn Jones, Trisant, and Mr. A.. O. P. Williams, C.M., Cwmystwyth. Among thos3 present also we were pleased to notice,. Mrs. W. E. Jones, St. Iago, Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood, Pendref, Captain Heine, Fron- goch, and Mr. Lewis Oliver Jones, Rheidol House; The duties of accompanist were fulfilled in a masterly manner by Mr. C, Wheatley, Aberystwyth-^ The pianoforte playing of Mr. Wheatley, and the performance of Mr. Heine, New Row, on the violin, both showed talent and skill of a very high order seldom found in rural concerts. The rendering of "Gwlad y delyn," by Mrs. H. Morgan. Ysbytty, and of "Llwybr y Wyddfa," by Ilr. Evan Ed. Jonesv were also very fine and effective. Indeed, the artistes without exception fulfilled their various roles with credit to themselves, and to the satis- faction of all present. The gramophone, however, excelled all in arousing interest and attention. Many had not seen nor heard one before, and were fairly astonished. Mr. Abel Evans, Rhosgoch, and Mr. Simon Davies, Llaneithr. acted as doorkeepers, and Mr. Jones, P.C., Ysbytty, was present to assist. No doubt after such a successful meeting a credit- able sum will result to assist the unhappy victims of the present war. The full programme was as follows:- Pianoforte selection, Mr. C. Wheatley; bardic address, sung by T. John Evans, Ty'nclawdd; songs, "Men of Harlech," and "Rule Britannia, School Children solo, The vacant chair," Miss Addic Williams selection on gramophone, Mr. W- T. Hill; song, Gogoniant Gwalia," Trisant party, led by Mr. D. J. Lewis, C.M.; duett," Mae'r lan ger- llaw," Miss H. Williams and T. L. Jones, Mynach; solo, Felly'n wir," Mathew Evans, Trisant; duet. (violin and piano), Blue Bells of Scotland," Mr. and Miss Heine, New Row; song, I'r Gad," St, Iago party, led by Johnnie Davies, Ysbytty; solo, What an Englishman is made of," Mr. C. Wheatley, Aberystwyth; quartette, "Buller a Kruger," T. L. Jones and friends, Mynach; solo, "Gwlad y dclyn," Mrs. H. Morgan, Ysbytty piano- forte selection, Miss Katie Morgan, Ty'nllwyn, Devil's Bridge; song, "Daw llwyddiant yn lli," Eglwys Newydd party, led by W. Hopkins. and accompanied by C. Pugh, Pontrhydygroes; solo,. Llwybr y Wyddfa," Mr. Evan Ed. Jones, Trisant; trio, "A little farm well tilled," T. L. Jones, G. Mason, and T. Richards, Mynaeh; song, The sleigh ride," St. lago party duett (violin and pianoforte), Boccaccio," Messrs Heine and Wheatley; solo, Grandma's advice," Miss Gray, New Row, accom- panied by Miss Heine; selection on the gramophone, Mr. Hill; solo," Somebody," Mrs. H. Morgan, accompanied by C. Pugh; song, Mor- daith bywyd," Trisant party finale," God save the Queen."

LAMPETER. Crimea SUNDAY SCHOOI. CHOlit.-Tilil, choir was entertained to tea at the Old Granur.sr School on Friday evening last. On Tuesday evening the choir gave a second performance of the cantata, "Mr. Nobody, and the partv were photographed by Mr Harold Lloyd, Deri House. GUN CLUB.—The annual meeting of the Lampeter Gun Club was held at the Crown Inn on Friday evening last, and was presided over by Mr. Jenkin Jenkins, Elaenplwyf. The Secretary (Mr. T. L. Davies, Fairfield), submitted his annual statement of account, which showed a balance in favour of the club. It was decided to hold a pigeon shooting match in one of the Llettytwpa Fields, on Wednes- day, March 14th. CANADIAN PATRIOTISM.—The following is an extract from a letter lately received by Mr. f. Lloyd from Mr. O. T. Springer, of Burlington, Ontario, whose wife was a grand-daughter of the late Mr. Thomas. Smith, of Foelallt, an extensive landed proprietor in Cardiganshire :—"This South African war is serious business. We feel very much interested as a people, and are shewing our patriotism in a substantial way, demonstrating that the old saying, Blood is thicker than water," is not yet obsolete as far as Canadians are concerned. I sincerely hope the war may speedily close, and result in complete victory for Britain." TEMPERANCE.—A meeting of the Temperance Society was held in the East Lecture Room on Monday evening, the Rev. Principal Bebb (president) in the chair. Professor and Mrs. Green and majority of the undergraduates were present. The Rev. E. Lloyd delivered a forcible, lucid and interesting address, emphasising the necessity of total abstinence if the work was to be carried out effectually. Those who were not liable were to assist, as they were respon- sible for others. Many might legitimately partake of a thing, but if a danger to others, thuy were in duty bound to make a sacrifice of it. Votes of thanks were accorded Mr. Lloyd and the Chairman at the close.-lhe Church of England Temperance Society held its weekly meeting on Monday evening last at the Lower Schoolroom, when the Rev. W. J. Evans, senior cuiate, presided. An enjoyable programme of songs, etc., was gone through.

CORRIS. A COMPKTITIVE MKETIXG for a Silver Challenge Cup was held at Salem, Corris, on Friday evening,. the president being Mr. T. H. W. Idris, London, and the leader the Hev. E. Isaac (W.), Corris. Mr. Ellis Jones, Corris; Mr. H. R. Humphreys, Mach- ynlleth; and Mr. John Lumley. Machynlleth, sang. The president then addressed the meeting. After that Mr. Joe Howells, Commins Coch; Mr. Isaac Jones, Abergynolwyn; Mr. E. M. Evans, Barmouth; and Mr.. Ted Williams, Penrhyndeudraeth, saniz.. Mr. D. R. Jones recited Gwerthiad y caethwas. Then Miss L. Evans, Abcrgynolwyn; Miss K. Hughes, Corris Mr. D. Pryce, Mr. M. H. Ellis, and Mr. John Lewis, Corris, sang. Mr. D. R. Jones again recited Glaiibati -loc," (Rhys Lewis), and was encored. The leader then called Mr. D. W. Lewis, Brynaman, for the adjudication. He praised the singing of Ellis Jones, H. 11. Humphreys, John Lumley, and Joe Howells, but that the competition lay between E. M. Evans, Barmouth, and Ted Williams, Penrhyndeudraeth, and declared Mr Ted Williams the winner; this being the winner's fifth; cup. At the close of the meeting he again sang. The accompanists were Mi s Williams and Evans,. Machynlleth. The place was very full, and the proceeds were towards tin chapel fund.

Slrtbs, marriages and Deaths. MARRIAGES. DAVIES-MORGAN.-February 6th, at Cilycwm Parish Church, Rev. D. Davies, Llanwrda, formerly of Llettvtwpa, Lampeter, to Miss Mary Louisa Morgan, Talog, Llandovery. DEATHS. EVANS.—14th February, at knar's Head Hotel, Aber- « ystwyth, William Evans, aged 69 years. EVANS. 14th February, :1.: Treahnawr, Llanor Thomas Evans, aged 87 years. Gw FFITHH. 17th Febro ;rv, at Cambrian-str<c' Mary, wife of David (jr;- Iitis, carter (in the em'oy of Mr. W. Thomas). WILLIAMS. 17th FeiJruan, at Ynysgraian, A Miss Laura Ann WilliainV. LEWIS.-At Dyfi Cottage, Aberdovev, Evau Lewis, fisherman, aged 46 years. DAVIES.—19th February, at Little Darkgattreet, D* f)avies, clerk to Mr. Hugh Hughes, ag(.\4-1 years. KNIGHT.—17th February, at Gianydon, fe^th-terrace,- Miss Agnes Knight, schoohuistA-ss, 37 years. LKWIS.—15th February, at i-otgclif Miss Lewis, eldest daughter of" Mr. raines '^ewis, timber merchant, aged 27 years. EDWARDS.—16th February, U Id-/ villas. Towyn, Mrs. Edwards, widow" the late Mr* David Kuwards. Corbett-squar years. <RN,KKITHS.— 13th Februai Dolgelley, Mrs. Griffiths, aged 86 yeai-i- 4 Printed and Published i ( !e Proprietor, GEORGE REES, at the "WEI.41 GAZETTE" Printeries, Bridge-street, Abery,' h, in the County of- Cardigan, Thursday. e'n iary 22nd, 1900.