The North Wales Chronicle and Advertiser for the Principality

SOCIAL. Lord Sheffield celebrated his eightieth birthday on Saturday. The Hon Mr5 nCQrgc BIezatd-win give a small dance on Friday, the l5thofJune, a1; 40, Grosvenor-place. Mr Lloyd George is expected to spend a Whitsuntide holiday with his eon at Beaver Grove, Bettwsyeoed. Among the awards distributed by the King at the investiture at Buckingham Pal- ace, on Saturday, was the o Lieut.. Colonel Hugh liowell Evans, Denbighshire Yeomanry. Lord Penrhyn s Perion ran seccnd in the Burwell Plate at Newmarket on Tuesday. <I'he Marquis of Anglesey and Lady Pen- rhyn were also represented at the 'samo meeting. Colonel Sir Arthur Boscawen, M.P., and Mr llonorutius Lloyd, K.C., were amongst those who attended the jubilee dinner of the Survey" ors' Institution, which took jlace at the Conn aught Rooms, London, on Tuesday evening. Amongst the co-opted members to the Grand Council of the Primrose League, elected on Tuesday, were the Earl of Povvis and the Countess of Duudonald. Sir Samuel Waring, of Llanrhaiadr Hall, Denbighshire, was the guest of the directors and staff of Messrs Waring and Gillo.v at a complimentary dinner at the Connnugiit Rooms, London, last week. The Duke of Westminster, as Lord Lieu- tenant of Cheshire, presented medals of the Order of the British Empire at Chester Castle on Saturday to a number of Cheshire munition workers, to whom they had been awarded for courage and devotion to duty. 1 fsir Ilenrv Mainwaring is leaving Over Peovcr Park, says a Manchester newspa- per, having disposed of tho estate which has been 111 the family for centuries. The hall and church are among the oldest iu theshire. The Duke of Westminster is having a 1000 ton merchant ship, Belem, converted into an auxiliary motor yacht for long voyages, says a Liverpool contemporary. The Belem is a steel twin-screw steamer owned by a Brazilian linn. Major-General A. E. Sandbach was amongst the nineteen old Etonian generals who have been on active service overseas, and who had a great reception on Tueday when they paid their promised visit to their old School. Over 1000 students gave the generals all enthusiastic greeting. The Bishop of Bangor was present at the banquet (suspended during the war) held at Merchant Tay lors, Hall, on Tuesday flight, in connection with the 265th annual festival of the Corporation of the Sons of the Clergy. Lord ,ClwH1 was on Wednesday intro- duced as a' new peer to the House of Lords by Lord Abercw.way and Lord Pontypridd. Lord Chvyd was formerly Sir J. Herbert Roberts, and, as M.P. for West Denbighshire, was chairman of the We-ieth Liberal Party. A marriage is arranged, and will (shortly take place, between Lieut.-Col. the Hon. Oliver Stanley, D.S.O., Royal Field Ar- tillery, second surviving son of Lord and Lady Sheffield, and the Ladv Kathleen Thynne, eldc-t daughter of the Marquis end Marchioness of Bath. Colonel the Earl of Denbigh addressed a cadre of the 1st Battalion of the Hon. Ar- tillery Conipany, which returned to London from Cologne on Tuesday. The men inarched through the city and had a mag- nificent reception. Lord Denbigh said the record of the II. A.C. throughout the war had been 0110 of which they might ail be proud. A marriage is arranged, and will s hort- ly take place, between the Rev. 1. Lloyd. vohes, of St.. Stephen's, South Kensington, only son of the late Rev. D. Lloyd-Jones, viear of Amlwch, Anglesey, and Margaret Campbell Broadfoot, only daughter of the !ate Ramsay Douglas Broadfoot, barrister- at-law. of the Indian Civil Service, and JTraud daughter of the late Mr Charles Ains- lie, of The Gart, Perthshire.

LORD C A MISJUDGES .Y/i'lf* HOJIE. I Lord Cambridge has bought a place galled Shotter, near Shrewsbury, where he is going to make his future home. Lord Cambridge is, of course, a brother of the Queen and Governor of Windsor Castle, and it is expressive of the times that he is settling down in the Midlands as an English squire.

M XLsh ISDl STBIES ASSOCIATION I Great interest centres round a concert to be held at 10, Downing-street, on June 25th, in aid of the Welsh Industries Asso- ciation. Mi's Lloyd George is one of its ardent supporters, and she is giving the guests tea when the concert is. over. Of course, many well known Welsh ladies oe. setas the Prime Minister's wife are doing their utmost to make this entertainment a success. Their names include those of Lady Eva Wvndham-Quin, Lady Treoweii, Lady Brynmor Jones, and La4.r Prichard Jones. The Marchioness of Bute, Jady Tredegar, and Lady Harlcch are among member" of the committee. Tickets may b-e obtained from Mrs Mashiter, 22, 1. rince s Gate, S.W.7-

MILITARY NEWS. I The following announcements appeared I in-lbe. CORPS OF ROYAL ENGINEERS I To be acting c.pt.: Licut. A. K. Robert- Bon, Royal Anglesey R E., Special Rc- serve, whilst second in command of .1 1 Railway Company (Sept. 22, 1918). INFANTRY SERVICE BATTALIONS. I Royal Welsh Fusilier^.—Temp. Lieut. H. H Jones rclinquihes his commission Oil account of ill-health caused by wounds I (May 17), and retains the rank of lieut.

Li DO WXINGSTIth'ET I 'n-. le Ivory Cross Fund was fortunate in itrilistiiig the help of Mrs Lloyd George, «n(] the meeting over which the presided I)ot-h as chairman and hostess, on" Wednes- day, filled the great drawing-room fIt No. 10, Downing-street, and overflowed into 'Juothier room. The "great little lady," as one of the speakers named her, sa.t with burning ears and an expression of discomfort, while en- thusiastic tribute was paid to her untiring- efforts on behalf of various good works and "Welfare movements. She made an elo- quent. epeech on behalf of the Ivory Croes Fund which ic, gin-iiig, relief and comfort to thousands of discharged soldier*, as well liS to many others, who need dental treat- ment. Lady Coopet- tpoke in place of the Dudljeos of Portland, and explained tho national need for the work of the Ivory Cross, as discharged soldiers and sailors do not receive any treatment for bad teeth excepting when they have been wounded in the mouth, and, beeid«?, tie fund is ud for poor mothers; in fact, is is hoped at. money will be forthcoming, so that 51) future no deserving case will need to >niit for treatment. Mr. Lloyd George, who wore a black fcatin and niuon frock with gold and black brocade forming, part of the bodice, flitted baA and .forth between the meeting pro- per and the overflow. Among others on the p?tTcrm were I?ady Greville, «it? Hon. ?41-6 alia Craven, Lady (Charles) Henry, Miss Lilian Braithwaite, and Mies Fletcher.

[ WELSH LITEKARY NOTES. I A CLERICAL PROPHET. I iW alcti has paid too little attention to her most enlightened writers. Among these fihould be reckoned the cultured Rector of Redhill, the Rev. G. Hartwell Jones. In the current G cninen" he has an inspired and inspiring, but all too short an article on "The Future Out- look. Learning from the past history of the world he sees dawning a new era, the commencement of a new dispensa- tion when autocrac y will be superseded by democracy, oppression by liberty, selfish- noes by brotherly love. The late great war was, to him, a great crusade, a great duel to the death between materialism and idealism, the one born of paganism, the other of Christianity. The whç' Ger- man nation had become drunk on the idea of national supremacy, military, com- mercial, cultural, everything. Incident- ally he reminds us that the now historical motto "Deutschland Uber Alleys" origin- nllv meant "Let each one lose himself in the interests of his native land"; but had become transformed by the war into meaning Germany above all the world." He perceives that the era of world peace now presumed to be inaugurated must embrace peace between Capital and Labour no less than between rival nations. Is this connection he foretells (writing as he did in January the article now noticed) the beneficent fruit to be borne by the great Commission on Labour questions instituted by the Government. Ho declares Mazzini's dream of :fifty years ago, about to be realised in such a mutual understanding between Britain and America as "will enable every nation to live its own life and erect a temple for humanity." More pessimistic is the Chaired Bard Eivet writing on the same subject. He reminds us that the four dread years of war through which the world has passed has left human nature where and what it was before the war; that what met humanity's deepest need in 1914 can alone satisfy it in 1919; that the League of Nations must depend upon mutual good- will between every two individual nations; and the Kingdom of Heaven and its prin- ciples must prove the acid tejst of all that is now being proposed. The Rev. Tecwyn Evans contributes the third article to tho Geninen" trilogy. His argument may be tummed up in his own 'quotation from Canon Burroughes, that the world must now make its choice between Christ and Chaos. THE MISSION OF THE CELT. I The Rev. Dyfnallt Owen, who years ago held a pastorate in Carnarvonshire, has an instructive and highly interesting article on the place and mission of the Celtic races in the reconstructed world. He reminds us that each email nation- ality in the boiling cauldron of Europe is trying to impress its own image upon the civilisation of the new world. He sums up the Teuton conception of Culture w&; (1) the nationalisation of industry and (2) the socialisation of intellect He con- trasts Kipling and G. W. E. Russell, the foimer representing the German or Teu- ton element in English civilisation, the latter representing the more exalted and idealistic, but more permanent Celtic spirit. Said Russell to Kipling"You had the power of song, and you have always used it on behaif of the strong against the weak. You have smitten with all your might at creatures who are frail on earth, but mighty in the heavens." Dyfnallt then proceeds to argue that the New World to be moulded 011 the Celtic ideal must abolish all tracers of the Teu ton ideal (force) in our civilisation, and there must be a re-union of the Celtic races. Ho quoted George Meredith's view that the British Constitution is the outcome of the combined cflortrf of the Celt and the Norman; the Norman was the architect, the Celt the inspiration. Tho Celt, say# DyfiaaUt, existed before Roman, or Norman; or Teuton,—and will oiitlii-e th,i,,i al!, bteauec his inspiration r-nd ideals arc immortal. He sums up an article of engrossing interest I)y showing that (1) Celtic civilisation envisages a new chivalry. Peredur of the Mabinog- ion was the recognised highest pattern of chivalry, whose triad was: love God ar.d defend religion. Love maidens and defend the maiden. Love your native Iird and defend so- ciety. (2) Celtic civilisation emphasises liberty and common brotherhood. The Celt never invaded for the sake of conquest. Henan said that the Celtic nation burnt i tee if out in fighting against time and ill defending the oppressed. The Round Table of King Arthui was symbolical ot tho Celtic conception of the common brotherhood of mankind. (3) The Celtic civilisation possesses a great soul-tbeon,3 crying nel!ù of the New World. BIBLICAL DIFFICULTIES. I It is somewhat significant that the more "oithodox" among the Noncpnforniiste are, with ever increasing interest, devot- ing themsetves to the study of uninspired records to correct the general conception of the inspired Bible story. Wo have A striking instance in the "Dry-orfa." tho monthly magazine of the Calvinistic Methodista, where the Rev. H. Roberto, B.A., Ph.D., has a series of instructive articles on Biblical Difficulties. In the current issue he deals with the familiar story of "Jacl and Sisera, "-and his version of the story will doubtless shook many who have always pinned their be- lief to the verbal inspiration of the Scrip- ture's as we know them. Mr Robeits is an iconoclast and s hatters in his articles many a favourite and cherished idol. PASTORAL STIPENDS. I Tho "Dnsorfa" throws some interest- ing light on the effort of the Calvinistic Methodists to make the supervision of the churches n ore effective by c)-pat.-jig a great central sustentation fund for mini- sters. The picture drawn of the internal economy of the "Coi-if" will be new vo many. F.-)r I the Drysorfa" ■t.aj s;—"We have four hundred individual churches in our Connexion without pas- toral care. The churches endeavour to exist without a pastor to enable them to pay their chapel debts. These churches are all conducted 011 the tame pattern, each is an eight-day clock, wound up by the chief d(oBCOn, and then allowed to go on of itself. The flock becomes scattered and lost. GOD TN RELATION TO THE WAR. I The Rev. Pulerton Zoii" is a bold man. Orthodox of the orthodox biswrit- ings are at times so heterodox as to al- most make him the object of a heresy hunt. He continues in the current "nysg- cdjdtV' his artides on "God in Relation to the War," and in endeavouring to answer the question "Why did not God intervene moje obviously in the war" says some things which will shock the orthodox believer in divine control of human affaire. He likens this modem belief that God champion* the right to the medieval superstition which relied absolutely on trial by ordeal as a Pure test of liht and innocence. The defendant who could blindfolded walk barefoot with- out in jt#y over rows of hot ploughshares proved thereby his innocence because God directly intervened to protect him. It is a mere survival of that belief, says Mr Puleston Joses, to expect God to-day to give victory on the *trieken field to the nation whose cause 18 right. The right, admits Mr Puleston Jones, must triumph in the end—but the end is sometimes so distant that it is impossible to determine which is the final engagement that de- clares the divine verdict. He instances the attack on the Dardanelles as a case in point, where we were within an ace of winning a victory which would have been decisive and have ended the war. Allenby's capture of Jerusalem without firing a shot might be instanced in sup- port of the theory which is shattered by the Dardanelles instance. It is a thought- ful article demanding careful study. I MERRY MUSICIANS I The "Cord(ior" enlivens its pages by the musical reminiscenses of Dr. Dan. Protheroe, the American musician. It is unfortunately impossible to reproduce in English without losing the charm of the original the racy stories of Eisteddfodio incidents which Dan. Protheroe relates in his own inimitable style. Almost on a par are Dewi Carno's recollections of old South Walian musicians of a past genera- tion WELSH QUAKERS. I The part once played is Welsh public affairs by members of the Quaker brother- hood is almost forgotten. Mr Shankland does well to recall in the current "Cyniru" a portion, though a ciiiall otie, of that deeply interesting BtûlY. When Welsh history finds its rightful place in our national system of education and in the curriculum of our national colleges, stories which now require the delving of enthusiasts like Mr Shankland will be- come familiar to the more cultured gene- ration of Welsh students the future now promises us. CYMRU FYDD. I The resurgence of the "Cymru Fydd" Society in London affords Mr Llewelyn Williams, K.C., the occasion for giving us in the "Welsh Outlook" an interesting chapter in the past history of the Welsh nationalist movement. CHILDREN'S MAGAZINES. I "Cymru'r Plant" worthily maintains its reputation by its Nature study of the primrose and its excellent children's stories. The chief feature of "Dysged- ydd y Plant" ia an interesting biography of Mr Isaac Edwards, late chief of the Land Survey Office in North Wales. Trysorfa'r Plant" falls into a quite common error of "Welsh magazines by overburdening it-s pages with memories of dead children. "Perl y Plant" has an in- teresting- but very brief record of the pre- sent Dean of Bangor, and we are re- minded that both the Dean and the Bishop of Bangor are now in their 74th year.

VISIT TO THE WELSH I DIVISION. MEMORABLE DAY FOR Mil LLOYD I GEORGE. Writing to the Western Mail from rarj, on Tuesday, Madame Raoul Nicole says;- Mr Lloyd George's visit to the battle- field of the Sommc was the result of a very pleasant evening spent in Paris by the band formed by Colonel Brock Wil- liams, of the Welsh Division. The men were brought up on a visit to Paris at the beginning of the week, and a delightful concert at the ijotel Majestic. Unfortunately, the Prime Min- ister's engagements made it impossible for him to be present, but a subsequent eon- cert was held the following evening at the Palace de Glace, when Mr Lloyd ueorge was so enchanted with the music that he thereupon decided to pay a visit to tho Welsh. Division to congratulate the men on tho taJcnt of their comrades. Mr Lloyd George, accompanied by Lord Reading and Mr Philip Kerr, lett Paris on a (ftorious summer morning, and driving in an open car reached Amiens, where lio was met by Colonel Brock William15 and his staff. The Prime Minister was taken over the battlefield by the men who had known its dangers and fought hard throughout the great attacks of 1916 and: 1918. l'År Lloyd George was keenly interested in all he saw, and listened with intent admiration to the tales of these men who had lived through the days when the battlefield was a raging hell. Later in the day a visit was paid to Bullecourt, and he saw here the remains of what had onco been a prosperous village. The Prime Minister paid a visit to the gun-pit of his soldier sons. Major Gwilym Lloyd George's dug-out was then setn, ajid members of the party took several photo- graphs of it as souvenirs for the family. Lunch was taken in the offiœrs' mCi<-oj. room, and in the afternoon the) party con- tinued their journey to the headquarters of the Welsh Division. The men had gathered in the sports field, and when Mr Lloyd GeOYge arrived in the officers' tent ho was greeted with such rousing cheers and enthusiasm that it was come moments before he cotfld make him- self heard. For about ten minutes the Prime Minis- ter addressed the men, and told them of all the pride that filled his heart when think- ing of the gallant deeds performed by the Welsh Division, with which it was his great- est glory to be connected as one of the original founders. From the day of its formation the Prime Minister traced briefly its short and glor- ious history, and then in a few touching words referred to those of them who had made the great sacrifice. The evening was drawing to a close as Mr Lloyd George proceeded to his car, and, stepping into it he turned to the men and promised them that the tale of their bravery should never be forgotten in WTales. He added that to their parents and those who loved them he sent a message of congratu- lation that they had done so much for the honour of their country. The men surged round the car as it left the field, heartily cheering and singing "For he's a jolly good fellow," and bade farewell to the Prime Minister amidst loud shouts of "Come again soon." Mr Lloyd George's impressions were of the deep gratitude Wales owes to her gal- lant sons, whilst he was overwhelmed with the spontaneity of the affectionate welcome which had been given him by these men who, having suffered the hardships of the battlefield for nearly four years, are now rejoicing in their well-earned rest.

CONWAY VALLEY HOLDING AVER-I AGES £16() AN ACRE. j Messrs W- Dew and Son and R. Arthur Jones, at the Castle Hotel, Conway, on Friday. offered for fale several properties on behalf of the executors, amongst which were included the well known holdings of Brynygynog and Ddol Castell. All lots were readily disposed of in the presence of a large oompany at high figures. For Pont-wgan, a small-holding of 5 acres, S800 was realised, averaging JCibO per acre. Brynvgynog, 13 acres, sold at J61500, rough- ly Bill per acre. A field of 3 acres made 9225. Ddol Castell, 65 acres, with somo upland sheep walk, realised Y4000. Bryn, a leasehold house near Conway, with a ground rent of 91 and 22 years to run, was disposed of at £650. The solicitors acting for the executors were Messrs Matthew Jones and Lamb, of Liverpool.

PLAS NEWYDD WITHDRAWN AT J -vioo.- At Llangollen, on Tuesday, great interest was manifested by the public, including summer visitors to the Valley, when Plas Newydd. the one-time home of "the Ladies of Llangollen," was offered for sale. Th« unoccupied house and grounds, including the stones of the Gorsedd of the Llangollen National Eisteddfod, and a small house known as "The Hermitage," were with- drawn at C5760. Plas Newydd and grounds were then submitted alone, and withdrawn at EAIOO. The Urban Council, who had decided not to burden the rates by purchas- ing the property, were representd. but ook no part in the bidding.

ANOTHER DEMAND FOR I INQUIRY. Earl Stanjiope, who took up the case of Miss Violet Douglas Pennant in the Peers' House, and has raided it on two or three occasions, has given notice that next Thursday he will move: T.iat. in view of the allegations made both in public and privately ag-ain^t Mias Violet Douglias Pennant, this House is of opinion that a judicial inquiry should be held forthwith to examine the Circum- stances leading to her dismissal from the Royal Air Force.

DRAFT NATIONALISATION BILL. I NO COMPENSATION FOR THE OWN- I ERS OF ROYALTIES. The Miners' Federation of Great Britain have prepared a Bill which provides tor the nationalisation of all mines and miner als and the State control of the sale and the distribution of the output. The min- ers suggest the formation of a Ministry of Mines, the head of which shall preside over a mining council composed half of Government nominees and half of nomin- ees of the Miners' Federation. The Mining Council will appoint, subject to the general consent of the Treasury, managers and officials and workmen of all grades, and will have wide powers, and it shall be its duty to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of fuel at reasonable prices throughout Great Britain. The Bill provides for compensation to ex- isting owners, but none for royalty own- ers.

MINERS' INCOME TAX I "STRIKE." REFUSAL TO PAY UNLESS ABATE-I MKNT IS RAISED TO £250. 1 A special conference of the South VY ales Miners' Federation at Cardiff on Tuesday. passed the following resolution''That j having regard to the refusal of the Gov- ernment to accept the proposal of the Labour Party to raise the income tax abatement to S250 per annum, the mem bers of the Federation refuse to pay furth- er income tax upon the present basis from April 5th, 1919, and call upon the Miners' Federation of Great Britain to take Eím. ilar aetioji." Amendments that the abatement should be increased to S350 and L500 were de- feated.

COAL OUTPUT: SERIOUS I SITUATION. Sir Auckland Geddes stated in the House of Commons on Tuesday that he greatly feared it would be necessary either to re- duce the supply of coal for industrial and domestic use, or limit the quantity allowed for export. The output of coal per person employed, he regretted to say. showed a decrease, without any shortening of the hours of working.

WELSH VICTORY TOURNAMENT. I Cvrit Hughes, of Chester, the ex-Welsh champion, with a score of 152 for 36 holes, won the Welsh Professionals' "Victory" Tournament-, at Llandrindod Weils on Wednesday. Fifteen players took part in the competition, and the scoring was rath- er good considering the fast nature of the greens- The returns were:- Cyril Hughes (Chester) 77 75-152 R. S. Ferine (Penarth) 76 81-157 R. Walker (Southern Down) 76 81-157 G. Faiilktit,r 79 79—157 A. Whiting (Pennevgwaith) 81 79-160 T. E. Grant (Tenby) 82 79-161 A. W. Matthews (Conway) 82 81-163 G. Humble (Llandrindod Wells) 83 81-164 W. Ivory (Penarth) 78 89—167 J. G. Hutchison (Porthcawl) 86 87-173 X..J. Walker (Harlech) 88 BD-1 73 W. H. Booth (Blackliill) 85 &4-174 A. J. Jont's (Conway) 94 89-183

ABERYSTWYTH COMPETITION. I The De Say Thomas ('up was played on the links of the Aberystwyth Golf Chib in u very strong north-easterly Mind Tho competition :ittracted 23 starters, the fol- lowing being the best J. A, Jone;; (net handi<ap B' 2 down (winner) 2 dow't (wi?)tcr) Profcssur Edward Kdw?tds (4), 4 d<.wn; Profc?snr Korman Jones (7). 4 dO\HI Mr R. Y. Bickers)aff (11)..5 down; Dr. E. A. Lewis (14). 5 down: Rev. D. J. Jones (7). 6 down; Rev. J. 7 down; Mr C.. S. Collins (14). J.O down.

I BANGOR UNIVERSITY AND THE HEROES' MEMORIAL. l THE QUESTION OF ARCHITECT. Dr. E. LloYd Owen, of Crieeiefcli, lia,- given notice to move at the next, meeting of the Court, of Governors of Bangor University College, a resolution expressing astonishment at the action cf foe Wefeh Heroes' Memorial Buihiing Committee in deciding aga.vnst open, oompefotion in not including' a Welshman amongst the six candidates to be invited to submit de- signs, and in recommending the appoint- ment as assessor of a gentleman who ? not a Welshman. -kll<)eiler n-iotion, of which notice has been given, will call attention to the need for a Fairuity of Building and Architec- tute.

r WELSH LIBRARIES. I THEIR MERITS AND RESPONSI. I BILITIES. I XIX. —CARDIFF FREE LIBRARY. (CONTINUED.) (From a Special Correspondent). N Of recent years the difficulties incident to war time notwithstanding, the authorities of Cardiff Free Library have endeavoured to maintain its past traditions by adding continually to its already rich contents, as opportunity offered, not only new issues and new works, but also valuable private collections. In addition to those mentioned in previous articles there have in the course of the current year been added sev- eral valuable collections of historical vol- umes and prints. Sir Wm. Seager, one of Cardiff's Parlia- mentary representatives, signalised his re- turn by presenting to the Free Library the Cruikshank collection from the library of the late Mr Allgood, liberal agent for the city. This collection comprised over 400 volumes and about 300 prints. Of more direct interest and value to Wales is the collection of ATSS., the pro- perty of the late Mr T. H. Thomas, better known as Arlunydd Penygarn. Mr Tho- mas, the official Herald Bard of the Gor- sedd, was as ardent a Welshman as he was distinguished as an artisL The Gorsedd owes far more to him than the rank and file of Welsh Bards have ever realised. It, says very little for the foresight of the authorities of the National Library, and very much for the Cardiff Free Library, that Mr Thomas' exceptionally interesting and valuable collection of MSS. should have found their permanent home at Car- diff instead of at Aberystwyth. It is to the liberality of Mr Edgar David, of Fairwater--a place historic in the Cromwellian period—that Cardiff is indebt- ed for this. It was Mr David who de- frayed the cost of the purchase of a col- lection which forms part of the historic Edward Llwyd collection of Welsh manu- scripts. The Cardiff lot, although it con- tains all told only twenty-six manuscripts, nevertheless boasts of some which WTelsh scholars and students regard as the most precious. Some of them rank amongst the oldest Welsh manuscripts now extant, and all of them are believed to have been written before the year 1400. One contains the Welsh text of Geoffrey of Monmouth's Ilistoria Regum Brittaniac, and of the Siege of Troy by Dares Phrygia. Another contains Welsh texts of Geoffrey of Mon- mouth, and of Bonhed y Seynt. These M;S. are partly illuminated after the old monkish style. Another valuable early manuscript contains an ancient medical treatise in Welsh. This class of manu- script—medical trealise—was a distinct fea- ture of ancient Welsh writings from the days of Meddygon Myddfai, the historic Welsh physicians, from whom Sir John Williams is believed to claim direct des- 1 cent. Several of the modern Welsh Herba- lists are based upon this class of old manu- scripts. Carnarvonshire and Denbighshire are said to claim some, and not the least important-, of these ancient medical treat- ises. The Welsh Library at Cardiff is the pro- perty of the Corporation, and is supported solely from the borough fund. From its inception it has ever been open and free to all. Mosft of the restrictions preventing free access, common to many public institu- tions of the kind, are dispensed with at Cardiff. No "nomination," no "recom- mendation," no previous "application" is necessary to enable a visitor to benefit l)y the resources of the library. Everything in the extensive collection is available tor use in the Reading Room of the Reference Department. The institution knows no "eight hours "day," as t-he Library is open to all comers from 9.30 in the morning until 9 o'clock at night. The Library claims to be the largest in the world in printed items—a claim cer- tainly open to question and requiring to be qualihed. It claims also to be "second only to the National Library in manuscript It,eitis"a claim which presupposes that, the National Library at Aberystwyth takes first place in extent and value of manu- scripts, which is also open to question. But at Cardiff both printed books and manu- scripts are at the service of serious stud- ents practically without restriction. They come from all parts of the Kingdom, from the Highlands of Scotland and the Wilds of C-onnemara, as well as from Gwynedd and Powys, and Dyfed, and Gwent, and Morganwg, and, in normal times, from the chief scats of learning on the Continent, and America, Canada., South A frica, Australia, India, and even uapan. The extent to-which these visitors avail themselves of the resources of the Library may be gathered from the single fact that in the year preceding the outbreak of war, the recorded number of Welsh books and manuscripts consulted reached the astound- ing figure of 16,569. It would be interest- ing to have, for the purposes of compar- ison, the number of such "consultations" for the same period at the National Li- brary at Ab<-rystw\ rh. Among those who regularly avail themselves of the facilities of tlils excellent library are school teach- ers, university students, journalists, liter- ateurs, Eisteddfod compet itors, and mem- bers of various organisations—learned, re- ligious, social, la bour, political. The upkeep of such an establishment in- volves heavy expense. The estimates for the current, year for Free Library purposes only totalled £ 12,500. This is an increase of say two-thirds, in other words, for every JE100 expended last year there will be this year spent £ 166. The increase, is to be at- tributed chiefly to higher wages and in- creased cost all round. The normal in- come, a three halfpenny rate, rich though Cardiff is. will not be sufficient to meet this heavy demand. But, Cardiff is never niggardly in money matters. All praisa to Cardiff and its municipal enterprise in providing-Wales with so ex- cellent a Welsh Library. But to the last- ing shame of the city authorities be it said that the Welsh Librarian. Mr Ifano Clones, who now also has supervision of the gen- end Reference Library, is the only library official employed who is conversant with the Welsh language and literature. There we have a picture of Cardiff municipal policy in miniature. Lavish expenditure of money niggardly recognition of the speci- al claims of Welsh-speaking Wales. That has been its bane in the past, it is it s wak. ness in the present, and will prove to be its undoing in the early future. Next week: St. Deiniol's Library. II a warden.

KING'S HARBOURMASTER. I Commander Gregory Stap-leton, R.N., has been appointed King's harbourmaster and captain of the port of Holyhead. He sutveeds the late Admiral Le-lie Burr. who was captain of the port for many years.

L. and N.-W. RAILWAY COMPANY'S I MARINE SUPERTNTENDENT. (Viptain W. J. C. Nash has been ap- pointed by the London and North-Western Railway Company as permanent superin- tendent of their Marine Department at HoKi.icijid. In May last year Capt. Nat-ili was apipointed acting marine superinten- dent upon the retirement of Mr A. T. Orr, who had been employed in that capacity since tho death of General Holland.

NEW MASONIC LODGE AT I HOLYHEAD. I A new lodge of Mark MasterMason to be tonseorated at Holyhead on JUlie 12 by the R.W. Deputy Prov- Grand Master W.Bro. K. McKwen, of Rhyi,' assisted by other Prov. Qraiid Oiffcers.. The lodge is to be called "St Seiriol," No. 668. v 6 688.

I CARNARVON BOROUGHS REGISTER I OF VOTERS- I BANGOR TOWN CLERK'S REPI.Y I TO CRITICISM. I (To the Editor of the Chroniclc). I Sir,—My attention has been called to a strange outburst on the part of the Car- narvon Town Clerk at a meeting of the Carnarvon Town Council this week. He is reported to have stated that "lie thought it most unfair that the Town Clerk of Bangor should remain silent at a meeting of the Bangor Council listening to the Mayor making an attack on a fellow- official." Now, this, though it purports to be a complaint against the Bangor Town Clerk, is in substance an unworthy reflec- tion upon the conduct and competency of our Mayor. Everyone who knows Alder- man R. J. Williams will agree that there is no more open, generous, and straight- forward person. The City of Bangor have unanimously chosen him for the sixth time in succession as their Mayor, and he holds numerous other positions of trust and im- portance in the county. He never at- tacked the Town Clerk of Carnarvon, and is not the sort of man to deal unfairly with anyone. What was refered to at the Carnarvon Council meeting was probably a report. of the Bangor Town Council held as far back as March 5th. On the morning of that day (March 5th) I had received a letter from the Town Clerk of Carnarvon, dated the 22nd February, to the effect, that half the cost of preparing the first register of voters came to it27 and that the Bangor quota came to £ 126; ho asked me to send Mr Peter Hughes, the Carnarvon accountant, a cheque for the amount by the 25th March. I sent the letter down to the Bor- ough Treasurer (Mr Smith Owen), who im- mediately summoned a special Finance Committee to consider it before the ordi- nary Council meeting that evening. The Finance Committee were thoroughly dissatisfied with the account; they saw no bills, no explanation was given them be. yond what was contained in the letter, and they thought the basis of assessment wa-s QjlÍte wrong. They were simply asked to pay what was assessed against them. The Mayor gave the report of the committee verbally—there was 110 time to put it, into writing—and every statement of fact he made was true, and all expressions ol opin- ion were, 1 think, sound. No ialse modesty urged me to demur to the senti- ment that if the duty of compiling the Bangor register had been entrusted to the Bangor Town Clerk it would have been done, at all events, considerably oetter than it was- The strongest comments were made by other members than the Mayor, and I am not prepared to say that their remarks were not justified. The Assistant Overseer, I am sure, did his best under the circumstances, but he got little assistance. If somebody here had direction of things we could have had a strong registration committee, consisting of members of all parties and people of all shades of opinion. The lists were most in- adequately publi.-Ited--on, y in the General Post Office and Town Hall close by. They should now of all times have. been pub- lished as hitherto on every church and chapel door, so that people could see whether they were included or not, and, if omifted. claim. To omit adequate pub- lication on the score of the little expense involved was. with a vengeance, to spoil the ship for a jiennyworth of tar. The Bangor Town "Council has now no more to do with the preparation, compila- tion and printing of the Parliamentary register, and their own burgess' roll, on which elections are fought annually, than the Town Council of Penzanoe. a very un- satisfactory state of things the members considered, and they are protesting against this arrangement.— Y ours, etc.. J. PENTIR WILLIAMS. Town Clerk's Office, Bangor.

"THREATENED STRIKE AT nAGOR." (To the Editor of the Chronich}. j Sir,—May I usk, in justice to the Ban- gor master b.r:ldera and for the informa- tiOll of the puNic. to enlarge a little on some of the statements that appeared in 3art week's issue of the ("Iii-o,ticlc under the above heading? It may be news to some of your readers that the rates of waa" paid in the build- ing hade are fixed by "¡¡¡at is known as t.he New Area Scheme, under which Ban- gor forms part of :0. 9 Area, which also iiKsludea. Prestatyn, CoJw-yn Bay, Lian- dudno, Carnarvon, aud Holyhead, and all their surrounding district*. Tlie sched- uled rates prepared by the Area Council (comprising of representatives of employ- era and employees) can be enforced under the "Wages Temporery Regulation Act, 1918," under a penalty of C5 a day, or part of a day, during which any employer refuses to pay the prescribed rate. Accord- ing to this scheme. Bangor and Carnar- von districts were to pay on March let, 1919, Is 3d flat rate to all craftsmen in the building trade, and lid to labourers, rising to Is 5d and Is Id 011 May 1st, 1919. Tho Ba'Kgif Association of Master Builders de- cided to comply with the scheme, and paid the prescribed rate on March 1st, assum- ing that Carnarvon and the'other places did the same. Up to May 17th, Carnar- VOIl employers paid 9d per hour to crafts- men, and Menai Bridge la, with the natural result that Bangor builders could not pow-ibly compete for work against builders from these piaecs while this state of affairs lasted consequently they advis- ed the local Trade, t'i)-oits con"enH.1 that miller-3S this grievance was removed by May 1st they could not possibly ailow matters to go on in this manner; that their only remedy was to refuse to pay the adnUJce from is 3d to Is 5d until (assurances were ?ivenfhat the'.amewouhj be general in ,both districts. Ha.ply, an under«nding was arrived at hetwn O)c men *nd the masters' representatives to co-operate with a view of getting the surrounding districts to pay the proscribed rate retrospective as from March 1st, and this averted the threatened strike in Bangor. I should like to make it quite clear that none of tllt) Bangor builders desired to oppose the rate, but .simply desired to re- move the gross injustice of being penal- ised for t'.ieir loyalty to tlie scheme. By raising this i&ut, they were really (fighting the cause of the men, and it will bo interesting to watch devedopinentB in the Carnarvon district, since all the em- ployees are already out on strike for this advance.— Y ours, etc.. ELLIS ROBERTS, Secretary, Bangor Builders' Association.

CIIURCIl OF ENGLAND -NIE\"S SOCIETY. (To the Tiiitor of the Chronich). Sir,e trust you will }>e!'mit. u to Sir,—We trust you Mill permit us to make the following appeal through your columns to the members of the Church of England Men's Society in Wales. Time is running on and peace near at hand when the Welsh Churdl Act will come into full operation. and apparently nothing is being done to stave off that disaster. NN-c must now appeal h our English brethren to take action. Let them know that we stand firm for the, repeal of the Act in its entirety. We would suggest that-every branch 111 Wales should send aii appeal to headquar- ters in London with as little delay as pos- sible. The following foptu i; being ssrnt by this hrunch To the Headquarters, C E.M.S.. Church House, Westminster. We, the members of the St. Anne's, Vndefeiliog Branch of the C.E.M.S., call on our brethren in England to fulfil their solemn promise. given st annual confer- ence in the past, to stand by the Church of Wales at this preeat t;mf of trial and anxiety. We stand firm for rcpe?, no ?r- render and no compromise, and look to ottP English brethren for help in lighting toil the same ere it is too late. 4 Signed, on behalf of the members of bt. Anne's Branch, W. ASLETT, President. D. EVANS, Secretary.

i Wartski's t ¡ arts I S Weekly. j # New Arrivals from London's P eace" F a s h i o a Fair are reaching Wartski's Daily. NOT Only lovely Evening Gowns- i that with their transparent sleeves, lower necks and gay colour schemes, express the natural re-action from the sadness of war-time but beautiful Gowns for Afternoon Wear, St nimer Costumes- the New Jumpers in Wool and Silk and countless other novelties are daily arriving at Wartski's from the Great Peace Fashion Fair. < ANDERwitliyoiirfi-iendsthi gh W Wartski's Showrooms—admiring; discussing, wondering, feeling compelled to buy perchance. The Fashion Fair at London was no open to the Public —but the best of it is on view al Wartski's for the benefit and enjoy- ment of all Bangor. I ? We make a Feature [ j ci j ? j SPECIAL COSTUMES j for J ) STOUT fOAD I ES. 1 Send P.C. for full Particulars, j Wartski's, The Firm that follows Fashion," By the Cathedral, Bangor.

THE WELSH CALVINISTIC METHO. DISTS AND THEIR PRINTERS. (To the Editor of tJlt Chronicle)• Sir,—Publicity has been given to the proposed purchase of the printing and pub- lishing business of the Velsh Publ ishing Company, Limited, by the Welsh Calvinis- tic Methodist Connexion. As both the above company and the Welsh National Press Company. Limited, arc carrying on their business in the same building, it is already evident that the public are under the impression that both concerns are about to be taken over by the Connexion. The Welsh Publishing Company are gen- eral printers, book and music publisliers, and the Welsh National vres,, Company are the printers and publishers 01 variou* English and Welsh newspapers. There ill no connection whatever between the two companies, and the negotiations between the C.M. Connexion and The Welsh Pub- lishing Company have nothing whatever to do with The Welsh National Press Com- nanv. Limited, the newspaper publishers, —Yours, etc., —Yours, etc., JOHN JONES. Managing Director, Welsh National P rcss Co.. Ltd.,

PROFESSOR BRYNER JONES. PROBABLE NEW APPOINTMENT. It is regarded (writes a correspondent in the Manchester Guardian) as highly prob- able, and, indeed, certain, that Professor Bryner Jones, the Welsh Commissioner at Agriculture, will succeed Sir T. H. Middle- ton, one of the assistant secretaries of ihIP Board of Agriculture and hoad of the Technical Department. J