The Barmouth and County Advertiser and District Weekly News

A BARMOUTH HERO. 1 SAD DEATH OF j CAPTAIN WILLIAM MORRIS. A profound gloom overspread our town on Monday last when the sad news reached us that Captain William Morris, Tanyfedw, had died in France as a result of wounds received in action. Captain Morris was so generally and so greatly esteemed by all of us in Bar. mouth that the sorrow we felt was thereby the deeper. Captain William Morris was born on May 26th, 1882 He was educated first at the Council School, and afterwards at the County School, acd from childhood be manifested that love of serious read- ing which never afterwards left him. His was one of those serene natures that find tbair happiest expression in the perusal of worthy books and in serious meditation. Yet his nature was a sunny one, too the smile and the cheery word were ever his. To such a nature war, when it is synonymous only with cruel aggression could not but be abhorrent, but when war is synonymous with de- fence against aggression, with the pro- tection of tho weak and helpless, ho never hesitated for one instant to acclaim it as the sacred duty of every man to go forth and fight against the country that would bring destruction on the helpless. Like many others of our dear heroes, he saw shrine-desecrated Belgium lying bleeding beneath the tyrant's heel and he acclaimed with joy the resolution of bis own land to wield the sword as the saviour of the oppressed. But he did not content himself with acclamation be realized that to overt tisimil:tl- dese- i-oration of our own dear land evety, man must buckle on his armour and prepare for fight. He waited only to put his affairs in order and on October 14 ib, 1914, be was duly enrolled as a private in Kitchener's Army. I wonder if we shall ever realize our indebtedness to men who thought and acted as Captain Morris did then ? The cruel foe that outraged women, shot aged men, muti- lated little children in France and Belgium looked on England as their most bated rival. It therefore follows that their treatment of the inhabitants of this country, were tbey unchecked in their barbaric progress, would have been ghastly beyond all conception. Yet our women and our aged and our children are safe because our young manhood was prepared to make the supreme sacrifice for liberty and honour. Can we ever thank our brave heroes sufficiently? Captain Morris's noble example emu- lated his two younger brothers, and, filled with a like glowing sense of patriotism, they, too joined the Army in October, 1914. Captain Morris rapidly rose through the non-com- I missioned ranks, and some months after his enlistment he was cffered a com- mission. He accordingly underwent his training as ari officer and on July 19th, 1916, he left for France. On the field of battle be was intrepid and fear- less and promotion quickly followed. He was promoted First Lieutenant, and, a few months ago, as a result of his daring in a sortie against the enemy he was advanced on the field to the rank of Captain. When be received bis Company, be was an officer of the 12th West Yorkshire Regiment. In the great advance that has been made recently, be did excellent work but unfortunately, in one of the raids on the enemy trenches, he received gun- shot wounds in the head as a result of which be developed bronchial pneu- monia and died in a military hospital in France on April 14th. I know that the sympathy of all Barmontb goes out warm-heartily to Captain Morris's parents and his sisters and brothers. We all know what a devoted son and what an affectionate brother be was. But we cannot in the least gauge what hia family must suffer. We can only assure them that our sincere prayers are offered for their consolation. And yet in the midst of our sorrow, let us not forget to praise God that He gave such heroes as Captain Morris to our country. Our brave fellow-townsman is dead, but his deeds and his noble example are death- less. He has died that in the future countless others may live who shaH not know the meaning of the horrors of war. He gave the supreme sacrifice for his country. He tendered back his lifeto the Creator Who gave it him that Good might triumph over Evil. How much better so to strike a blow foi, liberty and honour and thereby die than to live and let dishoDOUt..t['ic,)l)pbl His life was full of sweetness, but his death was the death of a hero and a martyr and the very glorious crown of a really noble man. DuIll el decorum est pro patria mori. J. JONES. The Library, 18th April, 1917. The following comrnunication bns been received by the bereaved parents, which is a further proof of the stirt-ling value of the departedThe Comman- ding Officer and all janks of the 12th (Service) Bn. West Yorkshire Rpgt., wish to express to you their deep regret at the loss of Captain William Morris and to offer you their sincere sympathy in your sorrow. He died doing his Duty.-R. C. SMYTHE, Lieut. Colonel, Commdg. 12th (Service) Bn." West Yorkshire Regf." "Captain Morris was wounded on 9—4—17, and died on 14—4—17. I greatly regret his loss to my Battalion and to myself as a friend. He was al- ways a help to me, and it was a pleasure i to have an officer like him to serve with. -R. C. SMYTHE, Lt. Col. April 18bb, 1917." The following note of sympathy and appreciation was received from one of the late Captain Morris' friends:- April 18th, 1917. Dear Madam, I am writing to express the deep sympathy with you which is felt by all ranks at the death of Captain Wm. Morris, who, we are informed, died in hospital from wounds received in action on the 9:.h inst. The C.O. particularly asks to be associated with these expressions he would write himself, were be not over- whelmed with regimental business. We all feel that in Captain Morris the Battalion has lost, not only a most capable ofliccr, but a personal friend. His Company were devoted to him and more than one has told me that he saved many lives by his skilful leader. ship in the action of the 9tb. No doubt the Hospital Authorities will have given you details of his illness. If I may say so, I am sure you will feel that such a gallent death is as much cause for pride as for sorrow and in the meantime, may God Himself be your comfort in your bereavement. Yours very truly, H. CHAYTOK, G.F., attached 12th West Yorks." 1 Memorial Service. On Sunday last, the 22nd instant, a memorial service to the late Captain William Morris, Tanyfedw, Barmoutb, and of the 12tb Battalion West Yorks. Regiment, who died on the 14tb inst, as the result of wounds, was held at the Seion Baptist Chapel. The. servicei which was conducted by the Pastor (the Rev. Edwin Jones) was a simple dedica- tion of the Barmouth people to the cause of righteousness. By the appointed time, eleven in the morning, the little church which had been the spiritual home of our departed hero, was crowded to everflowing, while orowds failed to get admittance. The V T.C., under the Command of Mr D. Roberts, N P. Bank, and representatives of the Fire Brigade were present. The service was simple, but solemn and austere, as befits the worship of those who commit themselves to the keeping of the God of War, but it moved the congregation as no pomp and splendour of ritual or eloquence of speeech could have stirred them. The service was oppfipd by HIP in. ing of the well. known hymn 11 0 Lead j Me On," after which the Rev. P. H. I Lewis read selected and appropriate passages from the Holy Writ, and led the congregation in one of the most fervant and sympathetic prayers con- ceivable. After singing with pathos "Nearer my God to Thee," the Rev. Edwin Jones, who for so many years had been in close touch with the de- departed, and who therefore had every opportunity of knowing him intimately, delivered a most touching address. The rev. gentleman said that everything that really mattered was character, which Captain William Morris possessed to a remarkable degree. A few traits in his unblemished character were honesty and integrity. He was of a kind disposition—a dutiful son, de- voted to his duties but most unassum- ing. When be paid his last visit to his old home, he knew of his promotion, but made no boast of it. Before war broke out he was studying for his London Matriculation, and though his domestic and business connections were difficult to sever, his conscience told him that bis first duty was to defend his eountry. The speaker urged the young men of the town to emulate so noble a character. Mr David E. James, The Pharmacy, and Mr J. Jones, The Library, spoke a few words after which" Peace perfect Peace was sung. The music was in the moat able care of Mr D Anwyl Jamea, The Pharmacy, who, at the close of the service, played the Dead March in a manner highly creditable to his musical abilities. The service-all through was a recog- nition of that hope and a prayer for its fulfilment.

In IRtmoriam. In Loving Remembrance of Mra Hugh Evans, Penmount, Barmouth, who passed away April 24tb, 1916. ANNIE and RHYS. Glanymor. In Loving Memory of my dear sister Anne Evans, Penmount, Barmouth, who died April 24th, 1916. Sadly missed by IIJLIZA BETH JONES, 1, Hendre Vilias.

Forthcoming Events Free insertions under tilia uJlumn to all those who bring in their Printing on all Forth-coming Eventa. 0 APICIL. 2bth Giand Concert at the Pavilion. MAY. lst-Barmonth Library Annual Meeting 1st.-Childreo's Play at the Church Hall, 7 30. 1st Sale of Household Furniture at No. 10, Marine Parade. 4tb.-Sa,le of Household Furniture at Gwyafa, King's Crescent.

To Let. To BE LET, Finished or Un- TO furnished. Detached house in charming situation between Barmouth and Dolgelley- 3 Reception, 5 Bedrooms, Bathroom, usual g"r1. ,r"1t.1<p. flonnh honse and stable. Kent, umumisfitHt, BIJAKEY, Surveyor and Estate Agent, Bar- mouth. To BE LET from May 12th, No. 5. Abermaw Terrace, Barmouth. Situato on Quay, and containing 2 Reception, 7 Bed- rooms, Kitchen and offices. Rent, £ 25. EDWIN BLAKEY, Surveyor and Estate Agent, Barmouth. To LET.-Part of weLJ futnished house to let, consisting of upstairs draw- ing room overlooking the sea a bedrooms, use of kitchen, gas 8ooker. Arm!v. "Rpri^ Office. Wanted. BARTERS WANTED (2) for coal trade for Walsall. Staffordshire, must be ineligible. Wages, 35/- weekly. For parti- culars apply L. J. Wilkes, Brvngelli, Bar- mouth.

To night (Thursday)—We beg to call the attention of our readers to the High Class Concert to be given at the Pavilion this evening, The six artistes must be counted among the most brilliant stars in the musical world of the present day. To engage these first class professional artistes under ordin- ary circumstances would mean at the very least £50. Barmouth ought to consider itself exceedingly fortunate in being seleoted as one of the centres to be visited by this famous and talented party. This is one of the opportunities in life to hear the best the country can produce, so we anticipate a crowded bouse. Wo would strongly advise our readers to book their seats before hand eo as to avoid disappointment. Doors open 7.30. Success of Barmouth Boys. We always feel it a delight and a privilege to record any success which reflects credit upon our young people be they tooys or girls. The three eons of Mrs Janett Richards, Whitfield House, Grriffitb, Evan, and Robert are holding positions of trust on the Cambrian Railways. Robert Richards, who is a fluent speaker, and a keen sound debater, was elected with an overwhelming majority as Vice-President of the Liver- pool and DistrictCouncil of the National Union of Railwaymen, an honour of which he may well be proud. On the 15th inst., he presided over a Mass Meeting of Railway workers at the Pavilion, Wrexham, and though com- plicated and contentions questions were discussed, a railwayman who was present, informed the writer that Mr Richards ruled the meeting firmly and with much discretion, upholding the dignity of the Chair and thus fully justifying the choice of bis fellow workers and supporters. Mr Richards received bis education at the Council School, but be was of a studious turn of tnind, and after be left school he worked hard to acquire the knowledge which new stands him in good turn. We understand that he is very popular with his superiors as well as with the men. May be continue to climb the golden ladder of success is the sincere wish of ADMIRER. (Owing to the fact that the last issue of the Advei-tiset- was sold out, and a large number of our readers were disappointed because they could not get a copy, we herewith reprint the Article on our late friend, Capt William Morris.—EDITOR ]