The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

DUMPING AND THE HOME MARKhTlNG. The importance of securing fair terms for British manufacturers in the home market is at Last being recognised even by Free Traders. It is now becoming acknowl-edged that it is more desirable to increase the Pkr- chasmg power of the people by obtaining for them regular employment at good wages than to see-ure a fictitious ''cheapness" by admitting foreign goods at an artificially low pnoe. Thanks to the educational work of Tariff Reform League, the time has gouo by when a Radical Minister can exultantly say, referring to such imports, "Let them dump; let them all dump!" The evils of dumping are so obvious that they are now fully re-cognifed, and "Free Trade" man-a- facturers are now joining with Tariff lie- formers in the demand that fair play should be accorded to British industries in the home market. Even Mr George Cadbury, the chief proprietor of several "Free Trade" news- papers, defends the cocoa duty—not, indeed, because it gives the home manufacturer au advantage, but because it places him "on an equality with the foreign competitor in the home market." And only the other day Sir Joseph Jonas, the president of the South Yorkshire branch of the "Free Trade" Union, denounced the system under which it was possible for German steel manufacturers to 3end their surplus output into this country at prices with which our home manufacturers could not compete. Further evidence of the evil effects upon the home market of the dumping of foreign goods is given in the annual report of the Ebbw Vale Steel, Iron, and Coal Company, Limited, a oonoem which pays something life £ 15,000 per week in wages, and has a paid-up capital of three quarters of a million sterling. In the iron and steel departments of this great business the effect of unfair foreign competition was fully felt last year. We learn from the chairman's speech at the annual meeting that during the firnt nino months of the financial year. viz., from March to December, 1908, with one or two ex- ceptions, there was not a week of full work, and there were seven entire stop weeis. "This intermittent working," said the chair- man, Mr Joseph Braiisford, "was wholly due to lack of orders, owing to our inability to meet the price fixed by our foreign com- petitors." We are justified in characterising inch competition as unfair, because the Ger- man manufacturers could not carry it on successfully without the aid of subsidies. Not only has the German his secure protected home market, but he is encouraged to produce in large quantities, and therefore at low ooal, because he knows that, by means of subsidies, he can dump his surplus production at A profit on our unprotected market. He oan thus keep his workpeople continuously employed, being sure of an outlet for all he produces. The British manufacturer, cm cite other hand, having this keen competition M meet in the home market, can only give his workpeople intermittent and irregular em- ployment his working cost is consequently iacreased, and has pronts are reduced to vanishing point. The effect of the bounty system is seen in the fact stated by Mr Braile- tord, that, since it was inaug-urated by Ger- many twelve years ago, German exporte of iron and steel have increased by about 400 per oent., whereas our own iron amd steel ex- parts have practically made no progress. The advantage of having continuity of working is exemplified in the experience of Uhe Ebbw Vale Company during the last three months of its financial year. Owing Go the increaaing demand for iron and steel in the German home market, the same com- petition in our h-ome market slackened. The company were thus able to book new business on better terms and to give continuous and re- [fttlar employment during these three months to their workpeople. Consequently they were ihu to enjoy the benefit of the home market, o the advantage of everyone oonoerned. This ifaowB, on a comparatively small scale, the enormous advantage which would accrue, not only to manufacturers and their shareholders, but especially to the working classes, if we were safeguarded from the pressure of unfair foreign competition. Our manufacturers are both able and willing to meet fair and honest competition, from whatever quarter it may come, but the prices they are called upon to meet should bear some relation to the cost of production in this oountry. What Tariff Reformers want is not Protection in the sense of exclusion, but a Protection which will place Britiah manufacturers, as Mr Cadbury puts it, upon a footing of equality with their foreign competitors. The remarks which the chairman of the gbbw Vale Company felt it incumbent upon aim to make as a business man were con- curred in by the Free Traders present at the annual meeting. Mr Emerson Bainbridge, i well-known Yorkshire ooalowner, said, re- ferring to the question of foreign bounties: -"I am a Free Trader myself, but I should like to say that if there is any virtue in Tariff fteform it might begin by dealing with that paint. That is a point which will have to be irrven home. The small step to- wards Tariff Reform which would remove the oounty would not be a very serious blow to -he feelings of Free Traders, but it will have to come from the working man." Sir Wil- LiAm Bailey, also, a director of the company, vnd a stalwart Manchester Free Trader, said "Although I am a Free Trader I sym- pathise very much with what has been said. I will accompany any deputation to the pTe- sent Government with a view of stopping the conspiracy against the iron and steel trades of this country." The question is essentially one for the working-men of this oountry. It a they who are the greatest sufferers from she irregular employment and slack times caused by the dumping of foreign goods, and t is by their votes that the evil must be ;topped. As trade unionists they strenuously support tire principle of protection as ap- ->lic*i to their wages and hours of labour, but "heir action is incomplete and futile unless it the same time they safeguard the products )f their labour from unfair competition. Workers in ot-h-er oouirtries and in our Colonics all see this fact clearly and act upon t; the time must surely be at hand when >ur own working-men mil have their eyes peoed and wiU do likewise.

CfcLWYN BAY COUNCIL'S LEGAL: EXPENSES. The minority on the Colwyn Bay Council, who. two or three months ago, agitated for an official return of the legal charges paid to the Council's solicitor during the past seven years, have rendered the Council, their principal officer, and the community a signal service. The return presented at Tuesday's meeting was at once a revelation and a measure of profound satisfaction. It has been repeatedly said that the payments made to Mr Ampiilett for professional and clerical work amount to upward of < £ 1500 per annum. That such assertions were absurd was obvious .1 to those who knew anything of the inner workings of the Council, but they were made so frequently and with such apparent autho- rity that grave misgivings prevailed in the minds of many of the uninitiated. It is, therefore, exceedingly gratifying to find the official figures bearing out so emphatically the reassuring statements made from time to time in these columns regarding the matter. Far from receiving £ 1500 a year, Mr Ampii- lett and his firm have only received £ 1104 18s Id in legal charges during the seven years ending 1309. Before his appointment as soli- citor and clerk to the Council, his firm re- ceived =6328 19s in 1903, and £ 439 4s 8d in 1904, Mr Amphlett taking office towards the end of 1904. In 1905, the year after his ap- pointment--his regular salary is .£200 per annum—the legal charges paid'to his firm for conveyancing, etc., amounted to k20 3s lid. so that the nett saving to the Council in consequence of the appointment was on that year about < £ 70. In 1906, when there was an unusual amount of property transfer and other extra work done, the charges were JB183 odd. In 1907 again they were down to JB8 Is 3d, and in 1908 to .£20 2s 2d, whilst Last year, another year of exceptional extra legal work, they amounted to £ 104 10s. For the seven years, in fact, the average pay- ments made to his firm under the head of legal charges were under .£70, so that it was not altogether without reason that it was said at the Council meeting that Colwyn Bay has "one of the cheapest clerks in the King- dom." The efficiency of the Clerk is of course beyond challenge. Water Supply Problems. At Friday's meeting of the Cowlyd Water Board, the Engineer repeated his warning against the consequences that must inevit- ably follow upon the enormous wastage of water now going on in various parts of the Board's area. He pointed out that at Col- wyn Bay about 60 gallons per head of the population was supplied each day, of which quantity about half was apparently wasted. This work could be checked by fixing pres- sure reducing valves either on the mains as they enter the Colwyn Bay district, or on the various distributing pipes in the town. As there is so large a number of branch mains, the Engineer does not consider the Latter method practicable on account of the expense. There would be no difficulty, and comparatively little expense in fixing the valves on the trunk mains, but this would not give sufficient pressure to carry the water to the higher level of Lly&faen, at the eastern end of the district. The Board are, there- fore, in a considerable difficulty, and not the least unsatisfactory fact is that the growing community at Penrhynside are in the mean- It time not getting the quantity of water for which they pay the Board. The parishion- ers are so heavily rated that they cannot afford to lay down the necessary new pipes. It is to be hoped, therefore, that the Local Government Board, to whom representations are to be made, will help them out of their awkward dilemma. -<!> Llysfaen's Position Unchanged. Aft-er a-n exhaustiv^local inquiry, lasting three long days, the Local Government Board have for the second or third time refused the request of the Denbighshire Council to trans- fer to them the Carnarvonshire parish of Uyafaen, and certain portions of M.aenan and Abbey. The Board appear to have given no specific reasons for their decision, and, in view of the overwhelming strength of the case made out in favour of the application, particularly in regard to Uys- faen, tho result is disappointing. From a common-sense standpoint the arguments so ably advanced by Sir Frederick Low, on be- half of Denbighshire, were incontrovertible; whilst the opposition relied practically upon the sentimental, albeit powerful, appeal to local patriotism. On a future occasion—it is scarcely possible that the Denbighshire Authority will allow the question to rest where it is—it would be well for the appli- cants to produce more direct evidence re- lating to the personal views of the parish- ioners OQ the matter. If there was any weak- ness at all in their ca&e it lay in the paucity of evidence by the ratepayers affected. The decision of the Board is to be regretted, for we are convinced that the existing state of affaire is much less beneficial to the district than if the parish were part and parcel of Denbighshire county. "A Ridiculous Act." Another absurdity of the Licensing Laws was trenchantly criticised by the B-ettwsy- coed justices, on Saturday. The proprietor of one of the best-known hotels in North Wales applied for an hour's extension of his billiard licence in order to meet the demands of visitors residing in the hotel. It was ex- plained thait the liquor licence permitted drinking on the premises till 11 p.m., but no billiard-playing was permissible after 10 p.m. Colonel Johnstone, chairman of the Bench, remarked that twenty years ago he "would have driven a ooach and four clean through such a ridiculous Act." The Deputy- Chief-Gonstable also expressed the view that it was "a very foolish Act," but the police must perforce see that its provisions were observed. It is not improbable that in some parts of the country this particular clause of the Act is more observed in the breach than otherwise. c: A Postponed Budget. Last year the Government made a terrible fuss because the action of the House of Lords delayed the passing of their Budget. This year, at the bidding of Mr Redmond, they have apparently hung up their Budget until the autumn, and betray no signs of annoy- ance. Mr Redmond has evidently made it clear to the Government that he and his party will not vote for the Budget until they know the result of the Conference upon the Con- stitutional question. If he is satisfied with the result he wiD vote for the Budget; if not, he will vote against it and try to turn the Government out. Wtith this "big stick" euspenoed over Mr Asquith's head, the pros- pects of the Conference are far from rosy. But at least he cannot blame those wicked Tariff Reformers and their accomplices in the House of Lords for delaying the passage of the Budget.

FLINTSHIRE TEBEH'OR- IALS' NURSING SCHEME. COUNTY DIRECTOR APPOINTED. At a mee-ting of the Flintshire Territorial Foioes Association, held at Mold on Friday evening, it was reported that the purchase of the Victoria Hall, Mold, as a drill hail had been oompleted at a ooet of JB950. and that the work of repair and adaptation would be proceeded with. It wae resolved that publio meetings be held at Rhyl, Flint, and Mold for the purpose of furthering a eoheme for the formation of a ladies' voluntary aid nursing detachments. It wae stated that Colonel Johnston (St. Asaph) had agreed to act as county director, and Miss Gwendolen Daviee-Cooke (MoldJ as and Miss Gwendolen Daviee-Cooke (MolQJ as ^ancansy mocreterit

PERSONAL. Colonel Platt, O.B., went up to town, on Thursday, and on Friday night left for Scotland. •t> Mr and Mrs F. J. Lloyd Priestley, oi Ym- Mr and Mrs F. J. Lloyd Priestley, oi Ym- wlch, have gone on a vi-at to Ireland. -<í: The Rev. W. P. Whittington, of Ruthin, has left estate valued at £ 8413. — —=5 The attendance at Newmarket Races <n Tuesday included Lord and Lady Penrhyn, and Mr and Lady Edith Douglas-Pennant. -4;> Mrs Mary Roberts, of Llwyn Onn, Cam Dol- benmaen, Carnarvon, left estate valued at E9496 gross, with JB8591 net. <$> The Mayor of Bangor was amongst 1hoso who witnessed the Eton and Harrow cricket match at Lords Oil Friday. 11 ■ — — <3> ■" ■ ■ "■ The Principal and Fellows of Jesus College, Oxford, have elected Mr Lloyd George to be an Honorary Fellow of the College. -— < £ > — Colonel J. J. F. Hume has been appointed to the command of the Wesh Border Territorial Brigade, whose headquarters are at Shrewsbu-y. The Hon. Nesta Douglas-Pennant was amongst those who dined with Lord and Lady Aberdare in Eaton Square on Thursday evening. 1; The Rev. J. Hamer Lewie, St. Asaph- is assisting at Os-westry Parish Church during the absence of the Vicar, the Rev. M. B. L/utoner, who has left for a short holiday at Rhyl. <2> • The Lady Juliet Duff was one of the guests, who included several of the Foreign Am- bassadors, who dined at the Ritz Hotel, on Tuesday, to meet Madame Melba. It The Hon. W. Ormesby Gore, M.P., and Col. Ocrrirwaljas West were present at the dinner given at Prince's Restaurant, on Friday, in honour of Mr Chamberlain's 74th birthday. ————————————— Amongst the large company who attended tho dance given by Mr and Mrs Harold Pearson in Richmond Terrace were the Cbunteaj of Dun- donald and Lady Jean Cochrane, the Counter of Dartrey and Lady Mary Dawson. Prinoe and Princess Pleej, who are at their oountry Beat in Silesia, are expected to reach England in a few days on & visit to the Dako &ad Duchess of Westminster, and to stay until after the Chester Pageant. Lady Mostyn of Talaoro was present at the garden party given by the Jeeuit Fathers of the Ghrurch of Corpus Christi. Borcombe, at Bournemouth, in honour of the visit of the Lard Mayor of London and the Archbishop of Westminster, < £ The Duchess of Sutherland's guests at rt social gathering at Stafford Hou-o last week included the Countess of Powis and her sister, Lady Yar bo rough. Both wet-e in black, b'lt Lady Powis relieved her toilette by a cluster of Malmajeon carnations. Mr Herbert Lewis, M.P. (Parliamentary Secretary to the Local Government Board), and Mrs Herbert Lewis took a prominent part in the annual inspection made by the members of the Metropolitan Asylums Board of the boys on I-e training-ship "Ex mouth," stationed in the Thames, near Grays, on Saturday. 4> There was a pretty wedding at St. Peter's Church, Eaton-square, London, on Tuesday, whon MJr William N. Ouniiffe, third roll of Captain and Mrs Ouniiffe, of Petton Park, Shrewsbury, led to the altar Mian Nellie Phyllis Aird, elder daughter of Mr and Mors John Aard, of 22, Eaton-scfuare, London, and granddaughter of Sir John Aird, Bart. Among"t those who gave presents were Sir Foster Ouniiffe, Bart., and Lady McLaren. 4)- The marriage arranged between Flag-Iieut. W. J. Whrtworth, R.N., his Majesty's &hip "Leviathan," eldest son of Major and Mrs Whitworth, of Rhual Issa, Mod, and Daisy, youngest daughter of the iate Colonel Allan Maclean, R.F.A., and Mrs Maclean, Southsea, and granddaughter of the late General Peter mani-ean, R.A., of Wimborne, and Lazonby Hall, Cumberland, w:i:I take place in September at the Minster, Wimborne. < LADY SHEFFIELD'S DANCE. OlAdy Sheffield gave a dance last wtek at r house in Manefieid-street for the Hon. Venetia Stanley, who wore a dress of cloth of <ylvar, with a funic of blaok tulle. Lady Sheffield gave a dinner before the d&noe, and the Prime Minister, Lady Elolio, Lady Sybil Grime ton, Lady Evelyn Grey, Slatin Pasha, and Lord Ribb.e«iak>'s three daughter* were among the guests.

VOTES FOR WOMEN. COMMONS PASSES THE BILL'S SECOND READING. The suffragists' "Conciliation" Bill which would give the vote to a million wornem, parsed its second reading in the House of Commons on Tuesday night by a majority of 109. The House afterwards paæedr-by a majority of 145—a resolution referring the Bill to Com- mittee of the whole House. This means that all further discussion on the mea'suxe would have to be taken in Government time, and, as the Govermnent will not give any more time this aogginm for debate on the subject, the Bill is as dead- The debates last night was for the greater part occupied by speeches from the leading occupants of tihe front benches. Mr Asquith, Mr Austen Cfriazmtterlain, Mir ClharnohilL and Mr liloyd George spoke against the Bill, and Mr Balfour and1 Mr Runoiman in its favour. Mr Lloyd Georgte opposed the Bill because, aJthough a believer in woman suffrage, he did not like the fornl of this measure.

UNIVERSITY OF WALES. BANGOR STUDENTS' SUCCESSES. The following further list of students of the University College o!f Nortih Wales, Bangor, who have satisfied1 the examiners in the recent degree examinations of the University of Wales has been issued :— EDUCATION. Ordinary.—Arts: Annie Hughes Bailey, Ed. A. M. Da vies, John LI. Davies, Mary Ida Humpfbreys, Maude M. Jarvis, Annie E. Joff", Hugh Jones, R. E. Jones, Wm. Jones, Griffitli T. Roberts, Gwtlym Roberts, Thonias Williams. Examination for the Certificate in Education Part I).-Writtem. examination: Division H., Haamh Thomas. Part II.-Teets in practical skill: Division II., Hannah Thomas, B.A.

CENTRAL WELSH BOARD. 5000 CANDIDATES FOR CERTIFICATES. The Central Welsh Board examination of the Welsh Intermediate Schools began on Tuesday. Oat of the 14,000 pupils in attendance at the 96 county schools nearly 5000 candidates are being presented for the junior, senior, higher, and honours certificates of the Board. Upon the results of the honours oertifioatè examina- tion the authorities of Jesua College, Oxford, and St. David's College, La.mpeter. award scholar- ships to those candidatea whose papers denote special excellenoo in classics, mathematics, ;nod- ern history, or natural soienoe. Fifty leaving exhibitions, aggregating over £ 1000 in value, are also awarded anmiallv by the various oounty education authoritkss in Wales to those occupy- ing the highest positions on the honours list.

Tuesday was the occasion of the annual Sunday Schooled festival at Buckley, Flint- shire, and between 2000 and 3000 scholars and teachers accompanied by the three local bands paraded the principal streets. Thirteen schools were represented. Four thousand people have been rendered homeless by a fire which has destroyed the New Brunswick town of Campbeiltowu.

THE CHURCHES. It has been arranged to hold the Bangor Diocesan Conference at Barmouth on Thursday, October 6th. I A brass tablet to the memory of the late Mr John Watkinson, of Brook Park, Northop, has been affixed in the Northop Parish Church, of which church ho was a faithful member.

THE LATE MR ]. SCOTT BANKJLS- There has just been erected in Northop Parish Church a brass memorial tablet to the late Mr John Scott Bankes, of Sough-ton Hall, NOlf,hop.. Th tablet is placed underneath a beautiful stained glass window, the gift of the children, of the docoasedl geoitleanan, and roords that he took aJl tcti-i-e and, leading part in the affairs of Flintshire and that parish for a period of 30 years, during whicth hie occupied the position of chairman of tho quarter sessions and chair- man of the Holywell Board of Guardians.

MORE BISHOPS WANTED. At the Rurideoanal Chapter of Eifionydd, held at Oriccieth, on Thursday, the following was passed nem. con.: "That in the interests of Ohurch Extension a large increase of the Dio- cesan Episcopate ig urgently needed." The Itev. J. E. Williams, vicar of Portmadoc, rural dean, presided. There were also present: The Archdeaoon of Merioneth, the Rectors of Dolbenmaen, LAanarmon, and Lianystumdwv, the Vicars of Beddgelert and Ynyscynhaiarn; the Rev. R. Hughes, Portmadco; Rev. W. Waol- ter Jones, Tremadoc; and the Rev. D. Jenkins, Criccieth, hon. tiecrotary.

G.F.5. FESTIVAL AT MOLD. The annual festival in connection with the Mold branch of the Girls' Friendly Society was held at Alold on Thursday. The branch. OOYers the area of the Mold Rural Deanery, and claims memk-ri from Mold, Rhydymwyn, Gwernaffiold, Nanneroh, Uanferras, Rhcsesmor, Northop. and Hope. Divine service was held at the Parish Church, the Vicar (the Rev. Evan Jones, M.A.) officiating. An admirable address was deJivered by the Rev. F. S. Bennett (Chester), who selec- ted as hi3: text EpheeianR vi. 11th to 15th verses. After tea the ban. secretary (Mrs Basil E. Phdlliriis, of RhoaL) distributed money prizes to the members in recognition of long service, also bonuses on savings. Miss Dav-ies-Cooke (Bryn Alyn) then presented prizes to the members who haa sent in the best household recipes.

CONFERENCE OF ST. ASAPH BRANCH. A conference of associates of the St. Asaph Diocesan Branch of the Girls' Friendly Society vsas hold on Tuesday, at the Church House, Wrexham. Mrs GriffitbiBoecawen, Trevalyn Hall, president of the Wrexham Branch, presided, and there was a large at- tendance. Lady Vincent, president of the Northern and Central Europe branches, de- livered an address on "GJF.5. Work for Eng- lish and American Girls on the Continent," while addresses were also delivered by Miss Sibyl Wilbraham (vice-president of the Ches- ter Diocese) on "The Fundamental Priciplcs of the G.F.S. and Miss Williams (vice- president of the St. Asaph Diooese) on "G.F.S. Links around the World." It was decided to hold a diocesan members' festival next year, probably at Wrexham.

ARVON RURl-DECANAL CONFER- EMCF- ANNUAL MEETING. The annual Arvon Rnri-Decanal Conference was held at the National School, Portinorwic, on Friday, and was well attended by repr-e- sentatives from all parts of the Deanery. On Friday evening, a service was held at St. Mary's Church, when Canon William Wil- liams, the well-known canon missioner of St. David's and vicar of Jeffreys town, Pembroke- shire, preached. This service was held in pre- paration for the work of the Conference ;t- self, and the preacher's fervent and pointed appeals carried conviction to the hearts of the large congregation. On Saturday morning, the Holy Communion was celebrated at St. Mary's, those present being chiefly the delegates and the clergy at- tending the Conference. The Rural Dean was the celebrant, and was assisted by Canon Williams, who also preached. At two o'clock the first meeting of the Conference was held under the presidency of the Rural Dean, the Rev. W\ Edwards, vicar of Bangor, who gave an address calling attention to various prac- tical matters. He emphasised the need of stricter and more detailed attention to the insuring of churches and all other buildings conn-ected with the work of the Church. There was, he paid, reason to believe that clergy and wardens were more or less negligent as to insurance. Everything should be insured to its full value. He also called attention to an offer in a Church newspasper, enabling the incumbents of parishes, by availing them- selves of a certain scheme, to nominate one deserving person for oertain educational ad- vantage. He was surprised that the response to the offo* was so meagre, only 180 out of 14.000 had responded so far. Referring to the direct work of this Conference, he ap- proved the selection of subjects to be treated, that of the afternoon,—Tie deepening of the spiritual life: (1) in the individual, (2) in the family, (3) in the Church." The speakers and readers were Canon Hugh Roberts, Colwyn Bay; Mr Owain Hughes, National School, Aber; and Canon Williams. Canon Hugh Roberts dwelt on the possibility, indeed the necessity, of spiritualising through the ordinary channels and means of grace; to avoid over-attention to technicalities and form in conducting the service, and pay more attention to the spirit and reality. Mr Owain Hughes pointed out the need of true inward belief as the basis of spirituality, and the need of true appreciation of spiritual bless- ings as the chief element in spiritual growth. Canon Williams drew attention from life in nature,-tho need of root, soil, hpat, moisture, and sustenance. The Holy Eucharist is the chief sustenance of the spiritual life. The Dean of Bangor brought the afternoon meeting to a close with some very pithy and telling remarks, which were well received.- Al- together, the meeting was of a very high stan- dard, all the speakers' and readers' careful preparation and treatment of the subject be- ing thoroughly appreciated by clergy and laity. SABBATH OBSERVANCE. The evening meeting commenced at five o'clock, and the subject treated was "Sunday Observance." The meeting was opened with a hymn, "Yn Dy waith y mae fy mywyd." The Rev. Morris Roberts read the first paper, ■which wae powerful and clear, and upheld the strict Sabbatarian view. The second paper was read by Mr Evan Jones, a layman from Talysarn. This was again lucid and dear, and on the same lines, and it was no small consolation to see and hear a layman delivering his message with such crispness and force. Sincerity and conviction were evi- dent throughout. Canon Williams, who followed, spojee in high praise of both papers, but ventured in a gentle and winning spirit to criticise, and pointed out a possible cause of the present slackness as a re-action from former over- strictness in this direction, when people were almost afraid to move on a Sunday. The Rural Dean here invited the laymen to take part, and in response, Mr John Ro- berts, Penisa'rwaen; Mr Hugh Jones, Peny- groes; Mr Ellis Jones, Saron; and Captain Griffith, Carnarvon, spoke. All of them were brief, telling, and to the point. They all urged action on what they had been told du- ring the dav. The Dean of Bangor wae again called to bring the meeting to a close. As in the after- noon, he was listened to with marked atten- tion, and his forceful and penetrating words were welcomed and appreciated. He drew attention to the difference between the Jewish Sabbath and the Christian Sunday. Both had the same underlying principle, but they did really differ in detail and application. The usual votes of thanks were accorded to the speakers and readers, to the Rural Dean and the Secretary (the Rev. R. Hughes, Car- uarv,on) to the Vicar of the parish for the excellent .arrangements made for the Confre- enoe, etc. Excellent lunch and tea were pro- vided by Mr and Mrs Edwards, Cmallt. On Sunday, Canon Williams preached at St. Mary's, morning and evening, thus bringing to a close a series of meetings of remarkable fervour and enthusiasm. The Arvon Deanery annual Conference of 1910 will long be remembered by those who had the privilege of being present at it, and we have no doubt but that good results w U follow.

DUKE OF WESTMINSTER NARROW ESCAPE FROM BROWNING. HYDROPLANE ACCIDENT IN COWES HARBOUR. The Duke of Westminster had an exciting ex- perience in Cowes Roads about three o'clock on Suinday afternoon, when out for a trial run in his new faet 40ft. hydroplane. The vessel had had a successful xunin the Solent in the morn- ing, when it a speed of about 35 knots. The swift movements of the peculiarly shaped flat bottomed craft aroutod much interest amongst the spectators on the Cowes esplanade. In the afternoon it was being brought back to Cowes. It appears to have been turned sharply against a strong tide, which, caused it to capsize off the Royal Yacht Squadron pre mist's. There were four persons on buard-tllo Duke of Westminster (who was st<<ki.og), Mr Robins (a representative of the Wolse cy-Siddeley Com- pany, the makers of tho engines fitted to tho hydropia:ie), and two engineers. Ail four were, of course, immediately struggling in the water. Fortunately there was plenty of assistance at hand from the yachts in Cowe^ Roads, launches and boats being promptly on the scene of the accident. The Duke of Westminster's motor- boat "Laxford" was the first to render aid, and those on board succeeded in resouing the Duke, who, being a good swimmer, had managed to keep himself afloat, although it i-j said he was showing signs of exhaustion. Mr Robins was a too rescued, as were, also 'the two engineers, who ckmg to the sides of the half-submerged hydroplane. The Duke landed at East Cowes, apparently suffering- no ili-effeets from his mis- hap. and later in heaftcrnoon he left for London. The hydroplane sank in deesp water near the Prince Consort Shoal buoy. Tie craft, which is valued at over £ 3000^ was launched only on Saturday from Messrs Saunders and Oo's yard at East Cowes, where the Duke's motor boat "Ursula" was built. It was to have competed in international races in America next month. Another amount states that immediately after the accident ono end of the hydroplane stood out of the sea, whale the other, whidh had the engines in it, was under water. Some of the launolies got bold of the hydroplane's bead and tried to tow her, but their efforts proved unsuc- cessful and she eank in deep water at a distance of tJibout three-qaarters of a mile from the shore. DUKE'S NARROW ESCAPE. A later telegram stated that a reporter learned Oil inquiry at Grovenor House that the Duke had had a narrow escape from drowning. Colonel WdSfcxrd Lioyd, the Duke's private secDotary, said the hydroplane went out straight to sea for about a mile, and then, when taming round, the whole thing ca$)Kiz>ed. He Duke's launch, the "Laxford," happened to be fallowing same <fc- tajjoo behind, and f rom her deck Mr Percy Wyndham, tihe Duke's haSf-brothex, witnessed1 tie accident. The two mechanics and Mr Robins reached the upturned hydroplane, to which they eking, but tho Duke of Westminster> weighed down by a bÍJrr mackintosh and a com- forter round his nook, was unable to make bead- wiay against the tide, ajrad we, waabed out to sea for fifty yards or eLo. He was seen to sink once and them Mr Robins, noticing that he was in <J»fcre6B, left the hydroplane and swam out to him. The "Laxford" was then within a hun- dred yards of the upturned hydroplane. Just as Mr Robins reached the Duke he again wont under, but he was puflted to the surface, and without delay both mem were dragged1 on to the bnunoh. The Dnke was unconscious, and it was only after artificial respirationi had been tried that he showed sogns of sen&A)ility• The hydroplane, Cofciiei LLoyd added, afterwards smik, and the "Laxford" returned to Cowes. The Dote later journeyed to London, not much the worse for his unfortunate experience. The Duke of Westminster, looking none the The Duke of Westminster, looking none the worse for his serious adventure in Cowes Roads; was at Hurlingham Ckib on Monday afternoon, aikd witnessed the semi-final inter-regimental tie between the Royal Horse Guards and the llth Hnpsars. His Grace, who was in polo drees, n U was congratulated by many friends on his tortu- aiate escape. SUCCESSFUL SALVAGE OPERATIONS. The sal-vago operations an the Dube of West- monster's hydroplane have been completely suc- oe»s-ful. The tug Malton towed the craft to a spot off tihe East Cowes shore, where Ae lay bottom upwards in about three feet of water. With the aid of hooks and pulleys she was subeetyuetntly rigihted and pumped1 out. It was found that considerable damage had been dtome to the machinery and portions of the hull. The steerage wiheal and shaft were missing1.

PLAIN TALKS ON TARIFF REFORM. GERMANY AND GREAT BRITAIN: A COMPARISON. (By S. Skelhorn). So many conflicting statements have been, made about Germany and Great Britain that I dare say many moderate people axe gtlite puz- zled to know what to beiieve. The question at issue is, whether a. policy of "Free Trade" or a policy that will protect the labour and national resources of a nation, is the best policy to adopt in face of modern industrial conditions. Now, I think you will agree that the welfare of a nation depends on two things: first, on the productivity of the national indsustnes; and secondly, on how those industries expand, be- cause unleai a nation produces much there will not be much to consume, and unless its indusr tries expand they will not be able to find em- ployment for an increasing- population. THe great productive industries are four in number, namely, agrioul-twre) manufacturing, ntinir" and trade. Germany adopted a Tariff in 1879, and Grea-t Britain has followed a policy of "Free Trade" for over 60 years, 130 if we com- pare the production in these four great in- dustries since 1880 we can form some idea as to which country has made the most rapid advance. COAL AND IRON. As regards mining;, the annual average of ooal production in Great Britain, 1880-84 was 156,4(X) 000 tons, and that of Germany 51*300,000 tone. In 1905-8 Great Britain's annual average was 254,100,000 tons and that of Germany 135,300,000 tons. Thus since Germany aban- doned "Free Trade" in 1879 our increase in mi.-i.ion tons has been but little greater and our inorease m percentages considerably less. In 1880 Great Britain produced 18,026,000 tons of iron ore and Germany 7,239,000 tons. But in 1908 Great Britain produced only 15,031,000 tons and Germany 24,225,000 tons. MANUFACTURERS. Manufacturing industries depend on mining, and the marcufacturinig progress of a nation oan best be measured by the consumption of ooai and iron, and by the increase of steam power. Here again the advantage is with Germany. In 1880 Great Britain consumed 82,000,000 tons of coal more than Germany. In 1907 she oon- sumed only 54,000,000 tons more. In 1880 Great Britain consumed 3,500,000 tons of than Germany. In 1907 she consumed 4,700,000 tons of iron less.. In Germany sinoe 1879, the morease of en- gime-power has increased sixfold. Unfortu- qately. wo have no statistics for Great Britain, but it is safe to say that for this reason we are spared another humiliating comparison. AGRICULTURE. TRE_ Now turn to agriculture. The remarkable thin- is that in Germany industries and agri- culture have progressed together The soil of Germany to-day produces twice the quantity of bread corn, oats, and potatoes, and five times the quantity of sugar which it produced before 1879. During the same period British agricul- ture has rapidly declined, "owing to our in- dustrial prosperity," as the Free Trader., say, and millions of acres which were once cultivated haVA been turned into grass. TRADE. It is difficult to establish a proper comparison between the two countries in the matter of trade because our offioial statistics oo-e not so complete as Germany's. It will not do to mea- sure a nation's trade by foreign trade only as the Free Traders do. because the home trade is reaJlv more important than the foreign and its growth can be gauged by the fact that J^'thm the last thirty yeans railway freight traffic has increased by over 300 per cent.. waterway traffic by over 400 per cent., and inland shipping by over 300 per cent. "Fre" Traders isav that protection makes production dear and destroys export trade, but bo+ween 1880-1907. Germany's manufactured ex- S have increased from £ 82,000,000 to £228.000.000. while ours increased from £ 197,000,000 to £ 332,000,000. The-se figures prove beyond doubt that so far as production is concerned in mining, manu- facturing, agriculture and commerce Germany's output has been stupendous, and her progress more rapid than that of Great Britain.

Sir Samuel Evans, the President, of the Pro- bate, Divorce, and Admiralty Division, sat in tho Court of Appeal on Monday, for the first time eittoe his elevation to the bench.

MUSICAL NOTES, By Petcv Edwards, Mzis. Betc. (Pedy A Rhyl. DIBDIN'S OPERETTA "THE WATERMAN." I call attention to the capital performance of this work by Mr John Ridding's "Opera Com- pany at Rhyl the other day chiefly in order to urge upon local societies the desirability of learn- ing and of performing it. Its musical numbers are few, but tuneful and very familiar, aud it can be performed by four persons. Charles Dibdin was a prolific writer of musical plays. During his career he was connected with Covent Garden, Drury Lane, and Sadler's Wells, London; also with Vauxhali Gardens and Rane- lagb. He composed "The Shepherd's Artifice," a pastoral (1762), "The Padlock," "The Maid and Mistress," "The Recruiting Sergeant," "The Waterman," "The Quaker," etc. He wrote the "History of the Stage" in five volumes, also his "Professional Life" in four volumes. In 1802 the Government granted him a pension of two I hundred pounds a year. A year before his death in 1814, at the age of 69, he was attacked by paralysis. If only as the composer of "Tom Bowling," Dibdin will always be remembered. Sims Reeves considered that ballad the finest the English people possessed, and he knew a good piece of music! • • • • CHOICE OF AMUSEMENTS. The reader has no doubt heard of that famous book "Chesterfield's Advice to his Son," but if not, he should at once procure and read it. It is a valuable work in the highest sense, inasmuch as its sane counsels, carefully studied and fol- lowed, are sure to have a beneficial effect upon character. It is an ennobling book. Lord Ches- terfield's views upon music, however, seem to require to be considered from the eighteenth rather than the twrsitieth century point of view; but let me quote what he writes to his son: "A gentleman always attends oven to the choice of his amusements. If at cards, he will not play at cribbago, all fours, or putt; or in sports of exercise, to be teen at skittles, football, leap frog, cricket, driving of coaches, etc; for he knows that such an imitation of the manners of the mob will indelibly t-tamp him with vulgarity. I can- not likewise avoid calling playing upon any musi- cal instrument illiberal in a gentleman. Music is usually reckoned one of the liberal arts, and not unjustly; but a man of fashion who is seen piping or fiddling at a concert degrades his own dignity. If you love music, hear it, pay fiddlers to play to you, but never fiddle yourself. It makes a gentleman appear frivolous and con- temptible, leads him frequently into bad company and wastes that time which might otherwise be well employed." The reader will surmise that it was not the correct thing for a "man ot fashion" to play music in public in Lord Chesterfield's time; nor did the play-actor enjoy the social status of his brother and sister of the present day Now the sons of the nobility play football, cricket, etc., and their daughters may appear on the stage or perform at a concert, without loss of dignity. One is inclined to smile at the above remark that for a gentleman to fiddle is a waste of time "which might otherwise be well em- ployed," because from what one has read the average "man of fashion" of the eighteenth century did not seem to be a more useful mem- ber of society than he is now; and it would be well if the apparently aimless, useless, lives of many "men of fashion" were improved by the practise of music. Present-day custom does not debar ladies or gentlemen of fashion from -fiddling "Or, as we call it, "playing the violin" —in public; and if thero is any art more beauti- ful to study or that can be made more beneficial in its effect upon the character of its followers than music, one should like to know which it is. • • • • DR COWEN AND WELSH MUSIC. When will Dr. Cowen learn that the Welsh do not take to the English Festival, even when held in Wales. This English composer said some hard things about Welsh music after the last Swansea National Eisteddfod. He has been at it again- although his music is not overlooked by the Welsh at their festivals--tt wit the forthcoming one at Cardiff. "Cemlyn," the "Western Mail" writer, points out that the peasantry of Wales is tho backbone of all its festivals; and, as he says, it is unreasonable to expect them to journey to Cardiff to the (English) Festival held there and pay five shillings or more for a seat to listen to the performance of an entire work. In Eng- land, "Cemlyn" says it is different-that the pea- santry is not the main support of its festivals, but, rather, the well-to-do. He adds that if the poorly circumstanced in Wales were as devoid of love towards music as those in England, there would be no need for the services of such as Dr. Cowen at a Welsh Festival or Eisteddfod. • • • MADAME EDNA THORNTON. This accomplished vocalist sang at the last Sunday concert at Rhyl, and her songs were en- oored in each instance. There were hundreds promenading outside, to many of whom this lady's singing would have been an inspiration. The appearance of such singers at Rhyl is rather rare, and to miss the opportunity of listening to one possessing style and finish so much above the average is to music lovers and especially young vocalists a loss indeed. One is glad to notice that the music in Rhyl is improving. The small orchestra, under Harr Hambourg, plays well, and affords pleasure. Of course, it cannot do that measure of justice to pieces such as large orchestras can. This small Russian Orchestra should be better patronised, and I hope that will be the case during tne re- mainder of its very short visit. Those wishing to have a novelty should visit the Pavilion next Sunday, when the "Girl Tenor" will sing. < < < < CHORUS: "IN THE SNOW." For the guidance of those choirs who may desire to have an opinion upon the manner in which this should be sung, I may say it has never yet been sung quite to my satisfaction. Invariably, the first portion is treated too much in the spirit of the second portion— greatly to the loss of effect by contrast. The difference of tempo, in this case, is ncrt enough. The first part should stand out very dearly as against the second—just like an entertain- ing story followed by its moral. There is the spirit of fun, of downright revelry, in the first part which must be shown in the children's faces, and be felt in their singing. This is a most important thing to remember. It Is unnecessary to comment upon the ex- pression that must be the duty of the con- ductor to study. Care must be taken not to make the piece too choppy. The choir must not linger at the end of sections, in such a way as to detract from the unity of the movement. The first real resting place must be at the end of the first movement—namely, at the change of tempo. Now, as regards the voioes, I should advise choirs to have about as many altos as of so- pranos, 1 and 2 combined. This extra strength is desirable not for the higher, but for the lower notes—where there must be a clearness and power of tone. This power below is always helpful to a choir, and with- out it the voices would aeem at times to be "top-heavy." This extra number of the lower voices must be used as a reserve foroe- a good balance of tone being always kept in view. These few general remarks are made dn response to a request by a certain choir which purposes competing upon the piece at the National Eisteddfod this year. I felt I could only reply to it in this column. It would have been most unfair to give private hints to a choir which might, at some future time, compete upon this chorus under my adjudica- tion. • • » « MUSIC AT CHESTER. In connection with the Historical Pageant, commencing July 18th, there will be much music, eo that both eye and ear should be well satisfied. The choir of 250 voices will be conducted by Dr. J. C. Bridge, and the Band of the Royal Marines, Portsmouth Division, under the direction of Lieut. G. Miller, will provide the orchestral interludes and accom- paniments. Dr. Bridge has edited the Page- ant Book of Music, which is published by Novelio. He has introduced old Cheshire melodies, and two old Welsh airs, "to accen- tuate the intimate connection of the Welsh with Chester." English music, ballads, and dance-measures will be drawn upon. Some of the music of Henry Lawes and William Lawes will also be performed, The latter was killed at the Siege of Chester, in 1645. A madrigal by Bateson, a former Cathedral organist, will be sung, namely, "Sisters, awake." It would have been a graceful act to have included an item from the pen of the late Chester Welsh musician, John Owen (Owain Alaw), but he has been overlooked. Nevertheless, the Page- ant will be well worth seeing, and I have no doubt the selection of the music will be worthy of the editor, and its performance thoroughly satisfactory. 4, MUSIC AS AN ART. In an excellent article upon the function* of art, Mr Frederick C. Baker, writes in the "Musical Times," that when music lias no" thing lor its recommendation but rhythm and an inane melody, it is of little use for t'n- hancing our liner feelings, for such music as this acts mainly upon the motor and acasotj nerves only, and may be said to truly serve the flesh more than the spirit. Rhythm iit most can only appeal to our emotional facul- ties, as it does to animals. Dance music affects our heart pulsations so that we tee light-lieartcd and excitable, but from such music we do not gain noble thoughts nor th<* inclination to aspire to better things, for tho simple reason that such music does not c.II1" body a noble thought or representative ide. Ilence it is impossible to assign to thio species of music any art form that can 10 worthily called art.

CHESTEiTTAUiiANT. PROPOSED REViVAL OF THE CITY GU!LD-- Tiie CEcstei- Pageant is exercising a y1 marked influence in Chester, and one whJclr cannot but have an effect long after Pageant' is over. The preparation by aid of voluntary working parties has for many social groups; and the massing o. 3;)00 performers has necessitated the breads down of many social barriers, for no claSØ could be sufficient in itself to cary out alonG a scheme of such magnitude. This operation is one of the most healthful helpful consequences of the Pageant, and which must be welcomed by all who have the real interests of the citizens as a whole heart. The rehearsals, despite the errdotlØ weather, are evidently immensely enjoyed, thØ delight of the childern being especially reo freshing. Another very notable effect of the which promisee to be of great importancey* Chester is the outcome of the energy and de" termination of Mr Frank Simpson. This JS the endeavour to revive the old City Mr Simpson is the honorary secretary of Performers' Committee, and the deputy hea« of Episode V-LL. It is in this Episode th** the Midsummer Revels take plaoe. Origi0^ ly the Revels were held in Chester annaallJ on the 24th of May, and were the Revels the City Guilds. The heads of the Guij* were the controlling body, and the were em titled to ran wild in tho games and frolics. The Guild banners, emblems of the city, the city gianta, and aJ) the ti mo-hono ured items peculiar to th^ Revels each year found a place in the gatlier, ing. But time altered these things, an over righteous Mayor deemed it incumber on him to have all the emblems of rcveUv destroyed, and all these gatherings rigidly discountenanced. And so too the Cit1 Guilds themselves fell into hidden days much so that out of the twenty-five gui-W" that originally defined the trades of Chester* very few now have living representatives. V, is in bringing to light those remaining & that Mr Simpson has conferred so service on the city. At much perso0^ trouble he has hunted out people, history, a'?~ emblems; and he has done stall much more d? awakening in these few pride in the guilds, and showing how practical revival is possible. He has already arranged that Olt the Pageant the Guilds shall hold their her plaoe in the revels, and that they be represented as faithfully to history 30 possible; and that aU the living membc^ shall have the opportunity of taking part, as opportunity of which most of them arc no eager to take advantage. As a the City of Chester, and the descendent « Gmld&man this revival has had a sp^0' fascination for him, and it is his intention, continue the work after the Pageant is eud< Special attention ia being drawn tojr^ "Mayor's Fund for the Illuminations." fund has been started vdth the idea many people outside Chester as well as thoa^ in it will like to contribute towards the of the brilliant soene that is planned Pageant Wednesday, July 20th. It is 1?- tended to illuminate river, bridges, banks, park, groves, boats, barges and everytbang that wall give the fairylike lighting that & grown ao popular for summer evening 1 tivities. King Edgar will be rowed de the Dee. The choir and the band will oon- tribute the music, and rivals will comp^f for the prizes for their gaily decked Excepting in GTosvenor Park, and in a enclosure no money will be directly obtain*" to pay for the cost of these illunrinatlot which run into several hundred Moreover, as they are no part of the that fund cannot defray the cost. Bu't.g all visitors on Pageant Wednesday night enjoy the result it is hoped that many re member that there is such a thing as "Mayor 6 Fund," and that their reIfJØ; branoe will take a practical form. It been suggested that boating clubs, and j men who frequent the Dee might fitting1 J help on this occasion. Among the many thoughtful acts of committee to enable everyone to partioipj* in the pleasures of tho Pageant one of happiest is the invitation to the Chesty Crimean Veterans to be present at the dress rehearsal on July 16th, Pmss Day, they will have the opportunity of seeing oU of the most caneful of the performances.

WELSH SUNDAY CLOSING- SIR HERBERT ROBERTS' PROPOSEØ AMENDMENT. TRAVELLER A NO CLUB QUESTIONS. Sir Herbert Roberts, in the House of Cc roons, on Tuesday, asked leave to i^l ro^ur^'A(3^ bill ansemding the Welsh Sunday CSosing A If house carried in its mind something the history of this bill, and tho strength oi ing behind it in Wales, it would understand ww Welsh membere took every possible opportu" of placing' facts before Parliament. purpose of the bill was to deal wrth <-er practical difficulties which had arisen in nection with the administration of the „>v jLo Sunday Closing Act. The bill dealt witfl of the main points c(f difficulty, i-e., the cailed bona-fide i q-u*yitk>n$nd rihih tion so far as it related to okwingi. It sought to deal with thr* difficulty by providing that rn the case of there should! be as in Scotland, a special day licence, and aiso for the inolusion 01 oounty of Monmouth within the district 01 Act. The dub difficulty it waa proposed deal with by empowering tihe licensing in Wales, if they deemed it necessary in the terest oi public order, to prohibit the of liquor in clubs within the aresaew The haJ a long history. The original Act. 'Ø' passed thirtv years ago. He himself had troduced this particular bill eighteen daughter): It had behind it in the xmajiraKxuc support of the Weteh Closing Commission, the reoorrunenclalions both the majority amd minority sections of Licensing Cormnreskm, and no measure P bably had behind it such a united expression^ public opinion in Wales. Every county had more than once pa*ssed resolutions in its vour, ad so had every public authority, aDl tiad groat majority of the Parliamentary repr«aen tives had] for thirty years been pledged to itt support. The bill was not only important in aslL but a vivid object lesson of the neaeS\M of doing something along the linea of reason^ extension in dealing with these two problems- hoped the bouse would grant him leave to the bill icbe.ra). 1;1' Mr Horatio Bottonitey opposed the ul Lj with extreme reluctance. It would be imprudent, he thought, to adopt such a bU» the very point of discuss ing- a Budget proposed to re-enact burdens and rcetricw^ upon the licensing trade irrpofifd for t-hp press p-urposo of giving effect to the rejeo^ Licensing Bill <fi tbe Government. Una tical Sabbatarianism waa altogether out co ill the twentieth century. The bill wae an •- peration to the intemperance ;"W«n ajid suit to the temperance men. If it ceedod, aid further restriction a were put uS;; the freedom of the poplo in these districts. would immediately migrate to tho nearest .t of freedom. Tho result would i>e i^ the i**>ple of Englftiud. for whom Mr begged, to frpeak— Ckuughter)- -would be ut"' with the ressduaJ of Welsh inebriety.$ Lave to mtroduoe the bill was given On I division by 165 votes to 90. The Bill wu lead a feet tiaua. )