Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser

CIT MRFIC.YDDIOI,A meeting of the Society of I Cymreigyddion was held on Wednesday evening, when the Rev J E Davies, B.A., read a paper on Giraldus Cambrensis." MUSICAL.—At a meeting held in Wrexham in December last. Miss Minnie Clark of Newtown was unanimously elected a member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians. DEATH.—The death took place on Monday, at an advanced age, of Mr David Lewis, tailor, Penrallt-street. Deceased was the father of Mr John Lewis, secretary of the Machynlleth Agricul- tural Society and Conservative agent for the Borough. ILLNESS.—Her many friends will regret to learn of the illness of Mrs Thomas, the only !ady member on the Machynlletb Board of Guardians, which has now extended for over a week. It is gratifying to understand, however, that she is progressing to- ward recovery. THE MARQUIS OF LONDONDERRY and Lady Helen Stewart left Wynyard Park, county Durham, on Monday for Belfast, where they will spend a week at Mount Stewart, the family seat in county Down, before going to London for the opening of Parliament. The King and Queen are to be guests at Mount Stewart for two days when they pay their promised visit to Ireland. The Marchioness of Londonderry remains at Wynyard till the end of this week, and will afterwards go to London to meet the Marquis and her daughter on their arrival from Ireland. PETTY SESSIONs.-The monthly Petty Sessions were held on Wednesday, January 1st, before Messrs T W Bons.all (in the chair), Edward Davies, D Wintringham Stables, and Richard Rees, Richard Griffiths, colliers, Garshon, and John Roberts labourer, Rhosfelin, Penegoes, were fined 10s. each, in default, seven days, for having been drunk and disorderly. Morgan Jones, farmer, Cwmdyrgon, Uwchygarreg, was ordered to pay 10s for being found on the licensed premises of the Red Lion on Christmas Eve.—John Evans, labourer, Llwynglas, was also fined 10s for having been drunk and dis- orderly on Christmas Day.—Evan Lewis, Bryntudr, Penegoes, farmer, was ordered to pay 10s for having obstructed P.S. Owen while taking a man into custody on December 23rd. The Chairman proposed, and Mr Edward Davies seconded, that, the congratulations of the Bench be forwarded to the Prince and Princess of Wales upon their attain- ing these titles, and this was carried.—Compli- mentary references were made by the Bench to the able manner in which the Clerk (Mr David Evans) had performed his duties during the past year as in previous years, and Mr Evans suitably acknowledged. EISTEDDFOD.—The following were the awards at the evening Meeting of the Eisteddfod held on New Year's Day under the auspices of the Church Sunday School :—Quartette, Miss Frances and party essay The services rendered to mankind by undomesticated forms of animal life," John Rowlands, Felingerrig; contralto solo, Susan Jones, Pennal; pincushion, Mary Greenfield knitted wool cuffs, 1 Bertha Pearce. 2 Hilda Harris; trio, John Lumley and Party best housewife, 1 Polly Morris, 2 Mabel Morris; Male voice competition, J Lumley and party calico patch, Marie Greenfield; tenor solo, J Erfyl Watkins antimacassar, Lizzie Evans, handwriting for girls, 1 M Humphreys, 2 Blodwen Humphreys baritone solo, prizes divided between Isaac Jones, Abergynolyn, and David Williams, Machynlleh; darning on stocking web, prize divided between Marie Greenfield and Maggie Humphreys; chief choral competition, Y Blodeuyn Olaf, "JO Williams and Party.-Messrs J J Humphreys and D Williams were the secretaries. The eisteddfod was well attended, and it is expected that upwards of £20 will be cleared. SMOKING CONCERT.—On New Year's Eve a smoking concert, under the auspices of the Volunteer Corps, was held at the Vane Hall, presided over by Mr Edmund Gillar.t. The object of the concert was to distribute the prizes won by the members of D Company at the shooting com- petition on Boxing Day, and to present the battalion prizes. The silver cup to Sergeant Sadleir aiad the company prizes were distributed by the Chairman, and the battalion prizes by Dr A. O. Davies. A programme of music was gone through, in which Sergeant-instructor Wilson, Colour-sergeant Jones, Privates Evans,R. Edwards,and Cule, Messrs Owen Morris, Owen Arthur, Master Billy Vaughan, and Miss Edwards, of London, took part. Private Cule was the accompanist. A vote of thanks was passed the Chairman, on the proposition of Dr Davies, seconded by Colour-eergeant Jones. The Volun- teers have determined to select a team of eight to .compete' in the battalion competition at Penarth range, Newtown, on Whit Monday. SOCIAL EVBNING.—A social evening in connec- tion with the Christian Endeavour Society of the English Presbyterian Chapel was held on Thursday evening last at the schoolroom. Refreshments provided by the lady members of the Society, were served from 7 to 8.30. An enjoyable programme of vocal and instrumental music was sustained by the following:-Mi- Frances Lewis, Mr George Caffrey, Mr Mothershaw, Master Willie Evans, Master Willie Hamer, Master Fred Bagguley, Mr Evan Jones (junior), Mr R. Llewellyn Jones, and Mr Morris Lewis. A party, conducted by Miss Frances Lewis, also sang. Mrs A. Philip Jones and Miss Frances Lewis were fche alcompanists. Mr John Rowlands, solicitor, presided, and a vote of thanks was accorded him, on the motion of the Rev Edward Williams (pastor), tectndcd by Mr R. U. Jones. A vate of thanks was also passed the ladies w' JO provided the refreafeoMate. FORTHCOMING MARRIAGE.—Lady Helen Stewart, who is to be married on the 25th of this month to Lord Stavordale, has had some magnificent wedding presents, and her father. Lord Londonderry, has' given her the Antrim family diamonds. Lady 1 Londonderry has given her, amongst other things, I a beautiful muff and boa. Lord Ilchester, the bride's future father-in-law, has given her a superb pearl necklace, and Lady Ilchester has presented her with a beautiful emerald and diamond parure. The Prince and Princess of Wales have sent a sapphire and diamond crescent. DEATH AND FUNERAL.—The deat-h took place under sad circumstances on New Year's Eve of Miss Lizzie Jones, only daughter of Mr John Jones, Draenllwydion farm, near Machynlleth, in her 24th year. Deceased about a month ago was on her way to Machynlleth to transact some business in the town, when she was suddenly taken ill, and fell down on the road. Being alone, she remained there some time before being found. She was then removed to Esgair Farm, the residence of Mr Parry, which was in the immediate vicinity, where she re- mained until she died, her condition being too serious to admit of her removal home. The funeral took place on Saturday last at the Machynlleth Cemetery, and was largely attended. The Rev Edward Williams officiated at the house, and the Rev J D Jones at the giaveside. QUARTERLY MEETING.—The quarterly meeting of thedelegates of the Wesleyan Sunday Schools in the Machynlleth circuit was held at the Machyn- lleth Chapel on Sunday last. Mr Edward Manuel. Corris, presided. There was a full attendance of delegates, together with Mr Evan Humphreys, Machynlleth (sec.), and Mr Robert Lumley, Com- mins Coch (treas.). There was a delegates' con- ference at eleven o'clock. At two, a public ser- vice was held, introduced by Mr W P Williams, Esgair, Llanbrynmair. Papers dealing with Sun- day School work were "read by Mr H R Owen, Corris; Mr John Pugh, Eglwysfach. Mr Richard Tibbott, Abercegir; and Mr John Ellis, Eglwys. fach. The delegates again met after the afternoon meeting. The evening service was opened by Mr Hugh Pugh, Machynlleth,. Further addresses on different aspects of Sunday School work were de- livered by Mr Edwin Davies, schoolmaster, Com- mins Coch Mr W P Williams, Esgair; Mrs Owen, Llwynygog, Upper Corris and Mr John Williams, Upper Corris, Mr Edward Rees, J.P on behalf of the Macbynlletb Church, thanked the delegates for their presence, and also those who had given ad- dresses. The singing, under the conductcrship of Mr H R Humphreys, was highly praiseworthy. WATCHNIGHT MEETING.—A social evening was held at the Wesleyan Chapel on New Year's Eve, in connection with the Young People's Literary Society. The tables were neatly laid out, and were in charge of Mrs Capt Arter. Mrs Owen Davies, and Miss Mary Humphreys. The catering was willingly done by Mrs J D Jones, assisted by Miss Edith Jones, and the Misses Evans, Lewis, and Pugh. A most pleasant evening was afterwards spent, when there was a large attendance, pre- sided over by the pastor, the Rev J D Jones. The programme included part songs by the Tabernacle Party, and by Mr H R Humphreys and friends a duet by Messrs Jones and Edwards; recitation, Breach of Promise," by Mr L J Williams; songs by Mr Isaac Davies and Mr Erfel Watkins selections on the mandoline, by Mr Ted Wood, and on the auto-harp by Mr W Latham; and a recitation, Gorphenwyd," by Mr James Stephens. The audi- ence then adjourned from the schoolroom to the chapel, where the Rev J D Jones preached an ap- propriate sermon. In this mauner the time was spent until the dawn of the new year. The pro- ceedings were successful throughout, and reflect great credit upon Miss Edith Jones and Mr E T Humphreys, who had organised the programme.

MACHYNLLETH IN 'THE STORY OF WALES.' In view of the aspersions lately cast upon the authenticity of the name Maglona, as applied to Machynlleth, by prominent members of the Cym- reigyddion Society, the publication of Mr O. M. Edwards' admirable book, The Story of Wales," is of absorbing interest to the townspeople of Mach- ynlleth who read and who think. The town is full of hazy stories of the past; mention is freely made of Roman roads and of Roman copper and lead mines, and of Machynlleth (Maglona) as a meeting place for North and South in the days of tribal rule. The existence of such local traditions is not to be ignored, and such traditions call for an attempt at solution, but when credence is given to them by such a brilliant historian as the author of The Story of Wales" in the "Stories of the Nation series, then, such as are interested in their country and in the story of their own town must needs ask Whether, after all, these things are not really so ? Various explanations have been offered of the common illusion that Maglona is a Roman name and many are satisfied when they have suggested that Machynlleth is a compound of two or more common names, or that it is a hidden form of the name of some prince of the early days. These must now halt, for in this book, which is a historical treatise and not a collection of popular stories and unsifted statements, like The Mirror of the First Ages (" Drycb y Prif Oesoedd ) and indeed some very modern books on Wales, we find a definite statement on one of the excellent little maps given in the book that Machynlleth was called Maglona in the days of the Romans and that a Roman road, leading from Maridunum in the South to Segontum in the North, passed through Luentinum-now a small station on the railroad that connects North and South, the M. and M. Railway-and through Maglona. Full description is given of this road- Sarn Helen-on the map on page twenty-two of this excellent book. The reader will there find the modern names of the towns given above. Speaking of the post-conquest days the historian shows how the rule of the Lords Marchers came to an end under the strong government of the Tudors and bow the marches were divided into counties. One of these counties was the county of Montgomery, and on page 313 this book says that Montgomeryshire was formed out of two very unequal portions." Of these parts -1 the second (part) is the eastern valley of the Dovey, including Cyveiliog and the old Roman town of Macbynlleth. The word of the historian should stimulate the members of the Anti- quarian Society of Cyveiliog to search their town and commote for proofs to support or to refute that word. Valuable and valueless testimony is forth- coming in OUT town in support of statements made as to the later period of Glendower, but of the Roman period there is absoluteiy none. The book brims with facts that must be of the deepest in- terest to those whose lot it is to abide in any of those towns which played an important part in the complex struggle waged by the princes of mediaeval Wales for their own supremacy or for the inde- pendence of their country. The geographical des- cription of the mountain systems and the rivers of Wales in the first chapter is excellent reading and explains at a glance how the valleys and bleak moorlands between these mountains became ot his- torical importance in the story of the principality of Wales. The doings of the Norman barons sent by the Conqueror (William I.) to Chester, to Shrewsbury, and to Hereford, are vividly described in the chapter on the Norman conquest. Shrewsbury was made the base of operations against the land of Powys and the Upper Severn. Plinlimmon alone formed a natural barrier against the inroads of the ruthless Norman knight to Ceredigion. How Hugh of Montgomery refused to consider the mountains of Plinlimmon as a sufficient obstacle to his raids is fully told in chapter IV. Shrewsbury (Y 'Mwythig) is to-day a constant word on the lips of the children and adults of Machynlleth, for, even to-day, it has its part to play in the government of the rebellious and the riotous of that district, on which the envious eye of the son of Roger of Montgomery fell eight centuries ago. It is probable that Machynlleth never fell into Norman hands, otherwise its com- manding geographical position would have been the occasion for the springing up of a Norman castle somewhere in the neighbourhood. Robert of Belestue, the most powerful of his Norman barons, was entrusted by the Red King with the task of reducing the land between the Berwyn mountains and the hills or Ceredigion. The narrative abounds with exciting tales, such as those of Mabel, of the cursed house of Belesme.and of Owen ab Cadogan's kidnapping of bis cousin Nest, even from her father's great feast for the honour of God." Mach- ynlleth was ever true to the Welsh prince of royal descent against the intruding Norman barons, so that when Edward II.—the first Prince of Wales- gave Powys Castle to a Charlton, one of the royal favourites, rather than to Griffith, a Welsh prince entitled to it by Welsh law, the people of Machyn- lleth refuted to abide by the King's decision. It is clear from the above and from the story of Glen- dower's airuggle against Welsh treachery and English arrongance that those portions of the county of Montgomery, which corresponded to the Welsh portions of to-day, always gave the readier response to the trumpet of the Welsh chief and offered the more stubborn resistance to the Norman and Anglo-Norman invader. To the lover of local lore the chapter on Glendower is naturally that of the mo9t absorbing interest. Once it was the fashion with English writers of history to dismiss Glendower with the trite remark that he just failed to reach Hotspur's camp in time to take part in the rebel's light against his king. No attempt was made to explain the appearance of such a man in Wale* at that particular period, and his wonderful career vw summed up in a single sentence, He spent th* rest of his days amongst the mountains of his oowntry." Later historians have seen in him a clever §*erilla leader, who knew his country well and wh* availed himself of every advantage that sail aad ofiwate offered him to harass bis enemy. In this "Story of Wales" the old belief current amoagsfc the Saxons of Glendower's day, and which Shakeqpftze puts in Glendower's mouth with the And all the courses of my life do show I am not in the roll of common men," is not even mentioned. Time and circumstance are examined for the light they throw on the ap- pearance in Wales of a dreamer of dreams which were to be realised many centuries after his death. The historian tells the story of another man of action and also a dreamer of lesser dreams-Owen of Wales (Ifan de Galles), who fought against the English at Poitiers and who taught Bertrand his warfare he shows how the bard had taken the place of the friar as the exponent of the new period of thought" towards the close of the fourteenth century. Welshmen had begun to grow rich and Welsh towns had been growing prosperous. All these facts, given in the bright narrative of the chapters dealing with The Long-bow and the Black Death," "The Rule of the Lords," "Bard, Friar, and Lollard," the historian presses to his service to account for the deeds and the ideals of the hero (Glendower) whom he depicts with the sympathy of a countryman, yet with the calmness of the historian in a chapter pregnant with sug- gestive freshness. The relative importance of the towns of Dolgelley, Harlech, and Machynlleth as the senatorial towns of Glendower is discussed with I judgment of a historian. From the contents of the letter sent from Pennal to Charles of France, it is shown what the three great aims of Glendower's life were First of all. he aimed at restoring the independence of Wales. Secondly, he aimed at restoring the independence of the Welsh Church. Thirdly, he wished to establish two universities in Wales, one in the North and one in the South." Glendower met a devout abbot of Valle Crucis who was afoot, for piety's sake, at an extremely early hour of the morning and said to him, Sir Abbot, you have risen too early." Well might Sir Abbot answer, No, it is you who have risen too early- by a hundred years." For these words, and for the facts on which the abbot based his modest conclu- sion, the reader must consult the chapter on Glen- dower in The Story of Wales." Henry Tudor, on his way to the epoch-making field of Bosworth, marched from Haverfordwest towards the Teivy, which he followed on his north- ward march. He passed through Machynlleth and crossed into the valley of the Severn, taking New- town and Welsbpool on his way. No further mention is made of the town of Machynlleth in this interesting book, but the chapter on the Blind Loyalty "of Wales during the great civil war of the Stuart period is of local interest, for in it is frequent mention made of the towns in the eastern part of Montgomeryshire. As a story of ourown town and county this book is indeed interesting, and as a story of the Welsh nation it is of surpassing interest. E. i

Urban District Council. The ordinary meeting of the above council was held at the Town Hall on Tuesday, when there were present—Mr Edmund Gillart (chairman), presiding; Mr J. M. Breeze (vice-chairman) Messrs J. M. Jones, Richard Owens, John Thomas, John Pugh, David Smith, Evan Reese, G. Parsons, and Richard Gillart; with Mr John Rowlands (clerk), Mr Phillip Jones (assistant clerk), Dr A. O. Davies (medical officer), and the Surveyor, Mr John Jones, THE CLOCK TOWER. The Surveyor said, in reply to the Chairman, that the light in the clock tower was at its lowest ebb at abont ten o'clock. The Chairman thought that a report should be submitted by Mr Pearce, and this was passed. THE SEWAGE SCHEME. A letter was received from Mr Charles Smith, the late Clerk of the Works, asking whether the sewage scheme would be taken up by the Council. If so, he offered his services. LOCATION OF UNIVERSITY OFFICES. A communication was received from Mr Ivor James, registrar of the University College of Wales, stating that the question of the location of Univer- sity Offices would come before the Court in May next. The Chairman said that some years ago, when the question was considered, the Council were of opinion that MachynlIeth would be in the running for the site. At that time a petition was submitted to the Court. He would like to know the feeling of the Council on this matter on the present occasion, as to whether they were of the same opinion. Seriously speaking, he asked if they thought they had any chance, if they thought so, the matter should be dealt with in earnest. Mr Pugh remarked that some places offer a site for the offices. He thought Machynlleth had cer- tain advantages, such as its central position, and there could be no harm in pointing out those advantages. He proposed that the matter be left to the Committee who dealt with the matter some years ago—that is, be added, if they were alive. The Chairman-Do you mean alive to the work ? Mr Pugh-Alive in both senses (laughter). It was resolved that the Chairman, Mr E. Reese, Mr R. Owen, with the addition of Mr Pugh and the Vice-chairman, take the matter in hand, with power to act. FACTORY AND WORKSHOPS ACT. A communication was read from the Home Office, stating that certain powers were now given to Urban District Councils to see that the regulations of the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901, were carried out, and enclosing forms which, it was desired, should be placed in prominent places. Mr R. Gillart returned the plans of the proposed new sewer through the Caebach field, and stated, on behalf flf the owners, that they thought the works they now proposed were nunecessary,and that they could not accede to the Council's request. The Chairman was of opinion that the Com- mittee which had been appointed should now re-consider the whole question, and if a nuisance existed it should be abated by some other means. The matter was referred to the Committee. Mr Thomas proposed that the Committee should meet at once, it being an important matter, and it was eventually decided to fix the meeting on Friday at 10 o'clock. THE BARRACKS. The Medical Officer said that the cesspool at the Barracks was in a most filthy condition, and that it should be done away with altogether. At present the pipes that are connected with the closets are not on a proper level to carry the contents into the streets. The cesspool would now have to be closed, and he was of opinion that the inspector should be instructed to do so. Mr Pugh proposed that the Chairman, Mr R Gill- art and the Surveyor should visit the place that morning. The following were appointed to inspect the place and to carry out the necessary repairs :-The Chair- man, Mr R Gillart, Mr John Pugh, and MrGParsons; and the Chairman said it was necessary that they visit the place that day, as the Medical Officer had so strongly dwelt upon the filthy condition of the premises. DOLL. The Medical Officer having stated that the above place was in a filthy state, and that the closets had ceased the work, three days' notice were given to do the necessary repairs, otherwise legal proceed- iugs would be taken against them. MALDWYN PLACE. The Surveyor said the work of this place had been partly finished. The cesspool was choked up. The Medical Officer said that the way in which the repairs were now being done was not the proper way. He suggested that the drain should be carried into the main drain. The place would be in the same state again in a week unless something more was done. Either the drain should be carried into the main dram, or the cesspool should betaken further away. It was decided that notices requesting the owners to carry out the Medical Officer's recommendations be served. LIGHTING. Complaints had been received that there was not a sufficient supply of gas at Heol Iorwerth. The Chairman said this was a very important matter, as a greab deal of building had been going on in that part of the town lately. He suggested that a de- putation should wait un the Gas Company with a view to having a better supply in that Dart of the town. Mr John Pugh then moved to that effect, and it was decided that a deputation, comprising the Chairman, the Vice-chairman and the Clerk, should negotiate with the Gas Company. A NEW ROAD. The Clerk said that a ratepayer had called upon him the other day in regard to a scheme for the construction of a new road from Maengwyn-street to Graigfach. He (the ratepayer) asked him if the Council would give them their aid in the matter. The Clerk promised that he would bring the matter before the Committee on Friday, but told him that the best course would be to send a letter to the Council with that request. Up to the present he had not received any communication whatever, al- though he had seen one or two ratepayers. Arrange- ments had been made for the carrying out of the work if certain parties would agree. The Chairman asked what the Council were ex- pected to do. The Clerk said that the position was this A cer- tain party had approached the owner of the Cross- pipes with a view to buying the site and obtain a piece of land in order to make a street from Maen- gwyn-street to Graigfach. Part of the land had been promised, but there still remained some to be purchased, if possible. The proper authority had not been approached. On Friday he was given to understand that the Council would be asked whether they would give financial aid to the pro- ject, and also whether, if the land was secured, the Council would make the road. Mr Reese proposed that the matter be allowed to lie on the table, as they had bo inform- ation to go upon. They did not know what the re-1 sponsibility was, or what the advantages of the scheme were. Mr J. Pugh thought it would hardly be fair to: allow this matter to lie on the table. It might be a great improvement to the town. He certainly thought they should consider the matter, but at the same time he thought they might approach the parties, and ask them to state their application in writing. rr Mr Richard Gillart said the matter was practi- cally in its infancy, bat if there was anv advantage which the town would gain t,he matter should be considered. He thought the better plan would be to defer the matter until more information was forthcoming, but that the matter should not be allowed to drop. The Chairman said it appeared to him that if the scheme would prove to be an improvement to the town, they should by all by all means consider it, and give them every support. What was usual in taking over abroad was to to see that the owners should first put it in a proper state of repair, but in this case they had not at the present time enough information about the seheme. He also thought that in future a scheme of this sort should be sub- mitted in the form of a letter. Mr Pugh said if it was an improvement to thp town, they should encourage the people to come forward. He proposed that the Clerk should write ana request them to formulate their scheme, and explain what they desired the Council to do. Mr David Smith seconded. Mr Richard Gillart said if they bad a scheme they should send it in; it was not the Council's duty to go after them. The Chairman—We only ask for further in- formation. Mr R. Gillart moved an amendment to the effect that the promoters should seud in some further particulars of their scheme without the Council's asking. The Chairman said that by asking for further in- formation the Council would not be going after them. They would not bind themselves in any way. The matter was then put to the vote, when fonr voted for the amendment, and six for the original proposition. It was therefore resolved that the Clerk write to the. promoters to ask them for further particulars. THE SURVEYOR. The Surveyor (Mr John Jones) asked leave of absence from his duties for four or six davs. A member asked if he was going on his honey- moon (laughter), The Chairman said it was a reasonable request, and on being put to the meeting the membrrs were unanimous in granting the request. THE COLLECTOR'S STATEMENT. The Collector reported that the amount out- standing that day was E337 gs 3. He wished to know whether he was to prepare a list of the de- faulters by the next meeting, which would be the last of the financial year. It was resolved that he prepare a list by the next meeting.,

TRISANT. EISTEDDFOD SUCCESSES.—The members of Tri- sant Calvinistic Chapel are to be congratulated on their various successes, both musical and literary, at the annual eisteddfod, which was held at Cnwch Goch, on Wednesday, January 1st (New Year's Day). The following represents the successes.— Quartette, "LIef o Macedonia," Mr Matthew Evans, Nantgwyn and party. Party of eight, Y Wraig o Ganaan," led by Mr Matthew Evans. The same party also won on a selection of their own choice. Tra Heulwen Haf," the rendering of which received the highest praise from the adjudicator, Mr J J Hughes, A.C. The quartette at "filst sight," was divided between Trisant, Talybont, and Ystumtuen, The chief choral competition-test Molwch yr Arglwydd," (J Ellis, Llanrwst), was also won by the Trisant Party, nnder the leader- ship of Mr William Bonner, Glantrisant. In the literary competitions Mr David Davies (Ap Gwilym Blaenwaun, secured the prize for Memoriam Verses, to the late Mr Evan Williams, Cnwch Goch, who was a victim in the Senghenydd dis- aster. The Rev R Gwmryn Jones obtained the prize for memoriam verses to the late Sarah Lizzie Jones. Cnwch, while the prize for similar verses to the late Mr Griffith Jones, Cwmnewidion Isaf. was divided between Mr David Davies (Ap Gwilym), and Rev R Gwmryn Jones, Trisant. Solo tenor, Bugeiles yr Wyddfa," Mr John Morgan, Ystum- tuen. Baritone solos, Mr Josiah Mason, Ystum- tuen. URDD Y DELYN."—Cynaliwyd y cyfarfod cyn- taf o'r fiwyddyn newydd, yn nghapel y Methodist- iaid Calfinaidd Trisant, nos Iau, Ionawr 2il. Er fod y tywydd braidd yn anffafriol. daeth nifer dda o'r aelodau yn nghyd. llywyddwyd y cyfarfod gan Mr William Bonner, Trisant, un o arweinvdd- ion y gan mwyaf medrus y sir. A ganlvn vdvw rhaglen y eyfarfod-Can agoriadol, sef Alaw Gym- raeg, Codwn yn Iluoedd," gan Mr Matthew Evans, Nantgwyn. Yna darllenwyd rbanau o'r Yisgrythyr, ac holwyd ar Hanes Cymru gan Mr D Joseph Lewis, C.M. Cafwyd adioddiad gan Miss Davies, Glanllyn, a Master David Bonner, Glantrisant. Yna darllenwyd penillion o'i gyfan- soddiad'ei hun-testun," Yr wydd Sadolig, gad Mr Joseph Davies, Glantrisant, a Mr Jenkin Morris, Frongosh-fach. Llongyfarchwyd y ddau uchod gan Mr David Davies (Ap Gwilym) am eu gwaith yn ymgeisio a chyfansoddi mor dda. Ter- fynwyd y cyfarfod trwy ganu Goleu yn y Glyn," gan Mr Matthew Evans, Miss Morris, Mr Jos. Davies, a Miss M J Mason. Er nad yw y sefydliad eto ond newydd gychwyn, gellir dweyd ei fod yn flodeuog iawn, ac y cefnogir ef gan bersonau mwyaf hyddysg a tbalentogy lie. Yma rhoddir cyfieustra a phob mantais i'r bobl ieuainc, i feithrin a diwyllio eu meddyliau, ac ymarferyd i siarad yn gyhoeddus ar wahanol bynciau. Carem weled llawer mwy o bobl ienainc yr ardal yn manteisio ar y cyfieustra o ymunoag "Urdd y Delyn." sefydliad sydd ag amcan mor ardderchog, sef, Codi yr hen wlad yn ei hoi.

TALYBONT. The monthly Petty Sessions were held on Thurs- day last, before Mr J T Morgan and Major Jaunton. J No Lights.-Lewis Williams, Tre'rddol, butcher was nned Is and costs for driving a horse and trap without lights at more than a walking pace on the night of December 13th between Eglwysfach and Furnace. P.C. Edward Thomas proved the case. Poachiag.-Richard Richards, collier; Edward Jones, mason and Richard Evans, labourer, all of Talybont, were charged with on the 27th December trespassing on land, belonging to Sir Pryse-Pryse, Bart., in the day time in pursuit of game. Lewis Daniel Jones, Llwyaybuarth, Lodge Park, game. keeper, said he found the defendants in Pantglas Wood. They had a ferret and three dogs with them. He knew them all. When he went up to them they ran away. He did not see any rabbits in their possession.—Fined 5s and cosu-A im. ilar charge against Edward Roberts, Bryngole, Tal. ybonk, was adjoined for a month.

RHYDLEWIS. Nos CALAN cawsom yma wledd nas anghofir yn fuan gan Dr Gomer Lewis, sef ei ddarlith odidog ar Ffair y Byd yn nghapel Hawen. Cymerwyd v gadair (yn absenoldeb y Parch R T Lloyd, Troed- yraur, yr hwn a gafodd ei luddio gan afiechyd) gan Dr Powell. Wedi cael gair yn fyr o'r gadair, gal- wyd ar y Dr. Ni raid iddo wrth ganmoliaeth, can fod poblogrwydd y ddarlith hon yn fyd adnabydqjis bellach, ac yr oedd y ffaith fod y capel yn orlawn cyn amser dechreu, a'r tywydd mor anffafriol, yn dangos fod disgwyliad mawr am glywed y darlith- iwr. Yr oedd yr elw yn myned tuag at y Tele- craph" sydd wedi dod i'r gymdogaeth. Gobeithio fod elw sylweddol wedi ei gael gan ei fod yn am- can daionus ac yn amcan ac y dylai pawb deimlo mwy o ddyddordeb vnddo. DIRWEST —Nos Wener canlynol cynhaliodd j Undeb Dirwestol *Aberbanc eu cyfarfod misol o'r gymdeithas yn ngbapel Coedybryn (M.C.) Y prif siaradwr oedd y Parch Dan Evans, Hawen. Dech- reuwyd y cyfarfod gan Mr D Jones, Llainmanal, ac yna cafwyd gair gan y Cadeirydd, Parch D Jones, Gwernllwyn. Dywedodd fod amryw i siarad, ond fod yr amser wedi ei gyfyngu i bobun,sef 5 munnd, ond fod y Parch D Evans i gael ei amser ei hun. Yna galwyd ar Mr John Davies, Maesgwynne, a cbafwyd ganddo ychydig eiriau o'i brofiad ef yn nglyn a dirwest. Galwyd hefyd ar Mr Ben Davies, Blaenychau, ac ar ei ol cododd y Parch D Evans. Cafwyd ganddo araetb odidog ac un nas gellir ei hanghofio yn fuan a gobeithio y gwnaiff adael ar ei hoi effaith ddaionus, ac y ceir gweled lluoedd yn dvfod i ardvstio, ac y ceir gweled baner dirwest yn cael ei cbwifio yn uwch ar ol y cyfarfod uchod. Carwn weled mwy o ffvddlondeb ynglyn a'r cyfar- fodydd hyn, gan mai mewn undeb mae nerth. MANio.N.-Da genym fod y frawdoliaeth yn y He wedi penderfynu adeiladu Ty Capel. Diau fod eis- iau adeilado'r fath.ac y dylasai fod gan bob eglwys, bydded fychan neu fawr. Hefyd da genym hys- bysu fod y parcbus weinidog, sef y Parch D Oliver yn graddol welia, a'n dymuniad ydyw iddo gael adferiad buan i'w gynefinol iechyd,' ac y cawn ei weled vn fuan yn gwasanaethu yr achosfel yn y gorphenol.-CARDI.

LONDON. BEAUCHAMP-ROAD CHAPEL.—On ChristmK night a successful competitive meeting was held at the above chapel. The chair was taken by Mr James Evans, Streatham. The prizes for the best letters were won by Mr E. and Miss Williams, Park- road. There were good competitions in all the items. The adjudicators were:—Music, Mrs Susannah Pierce and Mr D. O. Evans reottatione, Mr Tom Jenkins. A feature of the meeting was the excellent singing of Miss Harriett Hughes, for whom a bright future is predicted in the musical world. The meeting ended with the singing of "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau," the solo being taken by Mr Williams, Cardiff, brother of Mira Morfvdd- WiUiatns.

BARMOUTH. WATCHNIGHT SERVICE.—A religious service consisting of an address" songs, and solos was held at the Wesleyan Chapel to usher in the New Year. The Rev Cadvan Davies conducted the ser- vice, and delivered an appropriate address. The artistes included Miss Evans (soprano), Festiniog; Mr J T Owen (Baritone), Miss Lizzie Jane Price, Miss Jenny Jones, Miss Ada Hevin Davies, Mr Grif- fith Price, Mr Samuel Davies, the local male voice choir with Miss Williams, Glanmorfa,as accompanist. The singing was highly appreciated. Although the meeting lasted over two hours, the best decorum prevailed. The number present fell much below that of previous years, which may be accounted for by the fact that the days of these untimely meetings are fast coming to an end. Admission was by ticket, the proceeds going towards the cause in general. PREACHING MEETINGS.—The Welsh Congrega- tionalists worshipping at Siloam Chapel held their annual preaching meetings on Tuesday evening and the whole day on Wednesday (Dec. 31 and Jan. 1). For this year's meeting only two ministers had been invited to take part in the service, namely, the Revs W J Nicholson, Portmadoc, and D' Stanley Jones, Carnarvon. All the sermons were excel- lent, and at the two evening services, which were held at Caersalem Chapel, the congregations were large. MUSSLES.—This branch of industry, we are sorry to report, has not turned out so prolific as was anticipated at the commencement of the season. This may be accounted for by the Lancashire and Western Sea Fisheries Committee not granting the pecuniary assistance towards replenishing the beds, that were well cleared of stock at the close of the previous season. The mussles that are shipped from this estuary to the English markets always fetch a high price and a ready sale. The mussle men should, by all means, be assisted, so as to keep the beds well-stocked with young crop. SELBORNE SOCIETY. It seems that this useful society, which at one time was very active in spreading its laudable objects in this neighbour- hood, is now very little heard of. It is to be hoped that it may yet soon revive, and continue its former activity. There is much work yet to be done in our midst by this society. EISTEDDFOD MEIRION.—The local Male Voice Choir did well at Dolgelley on New Year's Day, especially considering the odds against them. When the news was received at Barmouth that the prize had been divided between them and the Moelwyn Choir, it created great excitement, and the choir, on returning home at night. received quite an ovation. Mr G. Griffiths, the conductor, is to be congratulated on having brought his choir to such a state of efficiency, and it is to be hoped that next year he will be able to carry off the whole prize.

CAPEL SEION. BI-MONTHLY MEETING.- A bi-monthly meeting of the Calvinistic Methodist Sunday Schools of Ibis district was held on Sunday at the above chapel Mr David Samuel, M.A. the newly-elected president occupied the chair throughout the meetings, and Mr Abraham Joel, secretary was also in attendance. An unusually large number of representatives were present during the day. The first meeting at 9.20 1 was of a very unique and novel character, the following being the programme :— 1. singing Gyda'r Oen." 2, recitation of St John xiii, 1-17: 3, Prayer the Rev D. Teify Davies; 4, singing Fendigedig Iesu" 5, Catechising of the children by Mr T. C. Jenkins, Ebenezer on, chap xxi of the Rev W. Lewis' catechism 6 sole, Katherine Ellen Jones; 7, recitations, by John Pugb. Isaac Thomas Evans, ond Eleanor Jane Evans 8. solo, the Rev D. Teify Davies- Dagrau'r lesu (words by Pro- fessor Edwards) 9, Catechising of the children by Mr William Griffith (Waterloo) Tabernacl on chap. xxv. in Rev W. Lewis' Catechism 10, address by Professor E. Edwards, M.A., Salem 11, Chant first Psalm 12, Prayer led by the children. The I singing was under the conductorship of Mr J. Morgan Jones. At 11 o'clock the minutes of last meeting were read by the secretary, and confirmed. This was followed by a discussion on the Incarna- tion, which was led by the reading of a paper on the subject by Mr William Jones, Tabernacle. The following took part, Mr Morgan Williams, Llan- badarn, Mr Teify Davies, Professor Edwards, Mr James Rowe, Waen, Mr John Jones, Bath-street and the president. In the afternoon meeting at 2 o'clock, Mr James Rowe introduced the service, and a lively hour was spent with lioli'r pwne, the 1 portion of scripture selected being St John's Gospel, chapt xiv. Both 'the afternoon and morn- ing services showed that much preparation had been bestowed on the several subjects in which adults and children were catechised. Mr W. Griffith concluded the meeting with prayer, In the course of the afternoon, an anthem Pwy yw y rhai hyn was rendered by the choir under the leadership of Mr Edward Morgan. At the after- meeting of teachers a comparison of the statistics was made. Mr Morgan Williams gave Six account of his visitation of the Sunday schools, of which he has visited all within this district with the excep- tion of five. The next bi-monthly meeting to be held at the Tabernacle on March 2nd; the annual meeting to be held at Gosen in May. The question of the advisa- bility of electing a vice-president was postponed for some time. It was decided to hold a Sunday School Conference at Capel Seion before the present session is closed similar to those which have been recently held in Aberystwyth. The evening service was devoted to addresses Mr W. Jones introduced the service. The following are the subjects and the speakers :-The Sunday School and Temperance, Mr James Rowe; on making proper use of time, Mr John Jones the forward movement in connection with the Sunday School, Mr James Evans, Tanycae; the Religions revival of 1859, Mr Hugh Hughes, Trefechan the Biblical doctrine of Immortality, Professor E. Edwards, M.A. An anthem was sung in the course of the meeting, the conductor being Mr. E. Morgan Much credit is due to the good friends of the cause at Capel Seion for their hospitality to the repre- sentatives and for the very efficient way in which all the arrangements were carried out. They are sincerely to be congratulated on the very successful and edifying meetings, throughout the day. From beginning to end. satisfaction with what was seen and heard was very general. GWLEDD NANTEOS.—Cynhaliwyd gwledd flyn- yddol gweithwvr Nanteos yn y palas ar nos dydd Calan. Yr oedd y byrddau wedi eu hulio a dan- teitbion o'r fath oreu, a mwynhaodd tua 30 eu bon- ain yn ddifai. Wedi gwneyd cvfiawnder a'r blasns- fwyd daeth y teulu parchus i mewn, sef Mr a Mrs Powell, Mr a Mrs Edward Powell, a Mr Lewis. Yr oedd yn dda iawn gan bawb weled Mr Lewis yn en plitb a'i fod ar wellhad. Cafwyd anerchiadau rhagorol gan Mr a Mrs Powell. Yr oedd yn dda ganddynt, meddent, weled yr un gwynebau eleni eto a gobeitbient y caent eu gweled am fiynyddan eto i ddod. Mae yn dda genym ddweyd fod ein Meistres yn ein hannerch mewn Cvmraeg glan gloyw, ac yr ydym yn falch iawn o hynny. Cad- eiriwyd yn ddebeuig gan Mr W Roberts, Moriah. Siaradodd amryw o'r gweithwyr, a cbanwyd amryw donau. Treuliwyd noson ddifyrus iawn, ac wedi talu diolchiadau 'gwresog diweddwyd trwy gana Hen wlad fy nhadau." Darllenwyd y llinellau canlynol a gyfansoddwyd i'r achlysur;- Dyma un dydd Calan eto, Wedi gwawrio arnom ni, Mae ein meistr a'n hoff feistres, Yn rhoi croesaw yn eu ty Fel arferol gwledd ardderchog, Gawsom heno yn y plas, 'Roedd y byrddau wedi eu hulio, A danteithion per eu bias. Er pan gawsom Galan llynedd, Pan edrychwn o bob tu, Ar y fiwyddyn hyd ei dechren, Cyfnewidiol iawn y'bu; Ond mae'n gysar i ni weled, Fod y teulu parchus hwn, Oil yn para'n ddigyfnewid, Ac o hyd yn deulu crwn. 'Rwyf yn teimlo awydd diolch, Am eu cadw oil yn fyw, Ac y cunt eleni eto Fod i gyd dan nodded Duw. Yn enwedig yr etifedd Sydd yn tyfu'n hardd ei wedd; Bendith nefoedd a'i dilyno Byth o'i febyd hyd ei fedd. GARDDWR.

NEWCASTLE EMLYN. PROHIBITED WELSH MARKETS. The London Gazette contains an order of the Board of Agriculture, dated January 1st, which prohibits the holding of a market or fair of cattle sheep, or swine within the borough of Llandovery, in the administrative county of Carmarthen. The corder comes into operation on June 1st next. The London Gazette contains an order of the Board of Agriculture, dated December 31st, whieh orders that the date on which the order of the Board, dated December 4th, 1900, prohibiting the holding of Markets, etc., of cattle, sheep, or swine within the urban district of Newcastle-fimlyn, Carmarthenshire, shall come into operation, is now further altered to April 1st next. CARMARTHENSHIRE SESSIONS. The Quarter Sessions for Carmarthenshire were held at Carmarthen on Friday last before the Earl of Cawdor (chairman) and several other magistrates. Mr J. W. Nicholas took his oath of office as clerk of the peace, and Captain E. C. Lloyd Fitz Williams, Cilgwyn (who has just returned from South Africa). qualified as magi*, trate. Sir JamesHills Johnes, Colonel Gynne. Hughes, Mr, Dudley, W. Drummond, Mr Tboe. Parkinson, and Mr C. W. Jones were re-appointed office as clerk of the peace, and Captain E. C. Lloyd Fitz Williams, Cilgwyn (who has just returned from South Africa), qualified as magi*, trate. Sir JamesHills Johnes, Colonel G^ynne Hughes, Mr* Dudley, W. Drummond, Mr Tboe. Parkinson, and Mr C. W. Jones were re-appointed as H.M. Prison isiting Committee. There was no other business of importance.