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ST. DAVID'S DAY..I

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ST. DAVID'S DAY. I WREXHAM. I The anniversary of St. David's was celebrated on Mm.'lav, at the Feathers' Hotel where a large com- inuiv sat down to a first-class dinner, admi_ rably served up by Mr ami Mrs G. Alanle)-, the waiting arrangements, under Mr Lee, being also satisfactorily I Ciiri'K'd out. The large room upstairs was appro- pi lately decorated for 0 the occasion with numerous dohes, crowns, shields, plumes, and mottoes, the mosr. conspicuous being that inscribed on a i.i.ner extending nearly the whole length of one sisit, (it the rOlllll-" Tra Mor Tra. Brython," "Hch dmiw," Heb i.diin," h Icll Dien," &c. The table dm-orations were also verv tasteful in their character and included a %ai-ilty of "ornamental foliage plants in pots, whilst a | a i Jimidal-shapfed block of ice, prettily dies-ed with ferns, effectively adorned the chalIn' 's table, the emblematic leek naming on the w?Hg of the room, in tin* buttonholes of the guests, and even Oil the menu (the latter being (If the most recherche character). presi e d His Worship, the Mayor, Aid. E. Smith, presided, and amount thone present during the evening were the Hon. G. T. Kenyon, Aid. J. C. Owen, Messrs Evan Morris, Harnett, J. Edgar, J. B. Murless, jun., C. Murless, V.. Snape, J. Cooper (Black Lion, 1-i.styHen). G. JkvaIJ, Owen G. Jones, J. Samuel, J Chadwiek. \V. Garratt-Jones, Mnsgrave, H. Burroughs, Newton Fisk, E. It C. Richard. Marshall, D. D. Pierce, Lloyd (I ■ ..street!, L. Morgan, H. Phennah, E. Harriss, J.. Jid wards. A. Stant, T. Boden, Mills (Free t T. l. -ter, Thompson, Hague, Lavender, <>oiius .loo.- Price, Whitefoot, Ford W. Lee, J "i ?-.t'tt (< ?ar:.arvon Castle), W. Fraser, Conran (c i'liuilder), i>< •>trrt-s (Borras), E. ltowland, Cople- 'tt7rt-i E. 1-1?,,wltzid, C(,t) l e- •'MPT OVER, ,i.¡ Chairman proposed the usual If toasts, which were honored with hearty en- ti "m by al: -sent, after which, Sn?pe ga\ ('he Bishop and Clery and Minis- t' 'f nil D': ■ minations," a toast which he con- sti | -.»it appropi i • b. to the occasion, inasmuch as they W that: I ):tvid, by his life and influence, c .ut<l to the spread of spirituality t; .'Jioiit the i:: ticipality. There had been awful b i, lings, to since the days of the Patron S otherwi> fiii-re would not have been so many ] • iters. (.' • lighter.) But they would all come b >V* i.-erlv "Dissenter" was synonymous • tn: name •• it.vlicai," but it was not so now- ti itsenter.i had begun to see the error of their v and to i' cognise that their best and truest ii fo was to ick to the Conservatives! (Ques- ts Question tud renewed laughter.) Referring t, <-i«rgy. the.v possessed a good Bishop, and were r- -'hted in Wi »\ham by their worthy Vicar— (1 hear)—a man whom any parish might well be ii of. (Applause.) He would not say this, how- e to the disparagement of those honored heads of ti rious sect arift.s amongst them, who he believed w • Moncstlv ;i,1 earnestly doing their duty with I.. -iu-'leuesa^of purpose. (Cheers.) > nil • ». < nven next proposed ineArmy a-• and Koserve Forces," referring at some 1< • ::i t" the nm.ve^s of the British Army on many a we -fought field, and ialluding incidentally to the r- t disastrous'.■.•a s n Afghanistan and Zululand. Notwithstanding all the great odds against the English Atuiy, iivro were plenty of men ready and w iling to tight rh ellemy and defend their country to last. (H<-ahear.) Referring to some of the aso i-ion-; ca.-t upcn the British soldier. he the -r thought I have been far better and XXI! iiiti Dr. i'.2.~>ell taken the advice of Sir G iia ■?. WoNeiev u. asked for information before li>i;ig t',e K.isli soldier. (Applause.) Sir however. !:t- answered them most admirably fii r-poi t wtil,it he had published on the subject. I- <• i the ruie !•)!• the English soldier to do right, a', lie exception for him to do wrong—(hear, hear)— an in connect,io,i with the toast he had now the p i-u. e of i-, he had much pleasure in coup- b iie name of Cantain Evan Morris, of the 1st (Ch.-i-r-.) A! '• Kvan MORRIS appropriately responded, and in tl • eoiir.-e of IIi" emarks returned his hearty thanks o.. b-lialf of the Vola!:teers for the coi (iiil iiiiiiner in wliit-h they had ivc-ived the toast. Allmling to the armv. that of Eiiiiiii(I was volunteer tritiy whilst ti'" nuit-s of th>'continent were armies of coercion. (Il i-. hear.) Chat was also the difference betweeu th "Ic:-Ji-J¡ 1J:1i. :-1:1.1 the nations upon the continent, a d with i-eL, ,at- t(; the position of England at the 1), sent time, she had a small paid army and a large a unpaid and unrewarded, hut ever ready to defend it* country. (Applause.) Russia, o o)tlier hand. ».eed her army to coerce and con- ti- i tiff feeling of her people. The difference between a iv eomitry :uid a despotic country was to be seen i, ;;ie fact of me.i volunteering to protect the crown Lg tij- ii!,tittiti;i of this country, whereas in Russia in- is comsieli-'d to serve as soldiers to crush the people of their own country. (Hear, hear.) At the pr.-sfiit moment it was the glory of England that she wa" lrying- to stop a nation which did not outwardly and ostensibly sliow herself to be the enemy of Eng- latid from trying to encroach upon the liberties of other subjects, and by so doing trying to encroach ujHin a country where England was encouraging civili- and doing good to millions of their fellow sub- j ci?. (Applause.) If they valued their own freedom they should also feel for the freedom of their fellow sill-ioct, in IzitlizA, who were the subjects of the Queen of Kngxand and of the Empress of India, and defend them against Russia, who kept her army only to crush al:d coerce her own people. This noble feeling had spread throughout England, and had made English- men revolt at the cruelty shown by Russia to other nations, and this showed also that the action of the Government was consonant with the feelings of the people upon this subject. (Hear, hear.) He should not have touched upon this subject but that he felt proud of the fact that they had a hundred thousand volunteers to support the inHuence of England and the liberties of the people and help to maintain that civilsation throughout the world which their forefathers had tried to initiate. (Applause.) So long as England had an army of volunteers—twice the number of her paid army—coining up as unpaid volunteers, so long would England h able to show to the world that she had the confidence of her people, and that doing justice to the people was after all the best government the country could have. (Cheers.) Tiie Mayor then ro<;e to propose the toast of the evening, and in doing so said lie felt in a very awk- ward predicament as iie did not feel able to do justice to the toast, it was needless for him to say he knew nothing about St. David. He did not share his acquaintance, neither had he the pleasure of knowing anything about his relations. (Laughter.) What he should say had been already said over and over again, but. lie might begin by observing that St. David was the son of the Prince of Cardiganshire, and lived about the fifth century. It was said by his legendary biographers that lie was born on the sea coast, that lie was born during a Ktorui, but that on the spot where 11.. was horn the sun shone forth in all its splendour. A great many other things had also been said of the ¡ saint. He was said to possess a wonderfsd power of performing miracles, and was also accredited with the preternatural power of performing miracles before he was IlIlrll (Hear, hear, "Question," and laughter.) It was likewise said that he possessed the power of beaiing the siclc and re-animating the dead, and that all ;'i!<el was in constant attendance upon him from the moment of his birtli to see to his wants and pro-note his welfare in every possible way. He was reputed to lie a very excellent preacher, and whilst engaged in that occupation they were told a snow- white'Inv.- v, ;vs always on his shoulder. No pulpits w >re then in existence, and it was said that the level ground upon which he stood rose up and became a hill from which he could the better address his hearers. As to the truth of these legendary annals, he was of course not prepared to vouch—(laughter)—but he b.dicveil it was an established fact that St. David was a very good and very pious man, that lie lent all his influence to benefit the Christian Church of the age in which he lived, and by that means became instru- mental in promulgating the principles of Christianity. (Hear, hear). He felt that Welshmen had reason to be proud that they once possessed a prince who was instrumental to so an extent in furthering the principles of ( hristianity not only in the Principality of ales, but in some of the adjacent counties of England in the more southern parts. He really felt now that lie coukt not say very much more about St. David, but lie thought, as Welshmen, they might naturally conclude that the good example St. David had set, although at such a remote period, had been to some extent emulated even to the present day, for he had no hesitation in saying that the Principality of Wales held out a good example to any other portion of the British Empire for the amount of Ifiety exhibited, and particularly for the way in which the Sabbath Day was observed throughout Wales. (Applause.) Welshmen could hold their own, not only for their love of country, but for their piety also, and they made a point of annually meeting together to do honor to their patron Saint but it seemed to him that there was a. more practical I t-ittf to this question of St. David's Day. They were doiibtle.s aware that in London there were Welsh Schools, and that the Ancient Britons in London met together oil the 1st of March, as was the case in most W elsh towns, but he believed London was the only place where an appeal was made to the pockets of the Welshmen towards the funds of the Welsh schools. He was not going to ask them to put their hands in their pockets that iriiglit-(hear, hear, and laughter)— but he was going to make a suggestion, that whilst they were enjoying themselves they should try to do something for the poor Welsh children in the London WeMi schools, and lie thought St. David's Day was a fittin" occasion for Welshmen to contribute towards this fund to which he had referred. (Applause.) There were 84 boys and 48 girls educated at the schools, and the subscriptions made in aid of the In- stitution at the annual dinner In London last year amounted to £ 1,000. (Hear, hear.) The money was only applied for the education of poor children be- longing to the Principality of Wales, and If the funds were augmented in the way he had suggested it would be a very great boon to the Institution. He had ventured to make this digression, in order that they nli,,Iit have twelve months to think the matter over, and perhaps by next year the country would be in a more prosperous state and they might then be able to contribute a trifle and if a simultaneous collection were made at every St. David's dinner, a very con- siderable amount would thus be able to be handed I. J 1 11 11 .] ) lie wouw "'u? Welsh school. (Applause.) -He would now asVk Un.m to drink to the immortal memory of St. David 'll solemn ?lence. ?Iheto?st h?tn?, as usual, been honored in silence, 1\11' Evan ? "I?I?? the "Health of the 'Nt,t .ytir ?111(l a body well known to them all Tf t h ere all. If there 1??.'?" institution appreciated more than another in this country it was th!\t of self and ]oca] government, The Corporation of Wrexh?n bad the town by largely increasing 16 improvement of the town by ]ar¡;f'l' increa8ing the rates and taxes ii.ved the M?-or ?d thC?pE?i ???''?"? ,axfs   lieved the 1a):or and Ü)poration had a very great deshe to hew:nt the town ? e,-P* n 1 h very ^eafc ;I could, and he hoped they wouM ? waX ^Hy j to nov?n the b?n.u?h with effir.V successfully combined. -(Hear, Hear.) He beS?'a.ec°nomy j' "TheM?-or and Corporation of"Wre?hna?.m? ?Ap- plause.) h The M&yor, in responding, sa.d he  them to I)IMilse. 'N in resl)ondin! said be beg?-ed therfl to bel,,ve that the COl'l)oat\tJ}J of \Vreham were aI- w&v? anxious to do their duty. COnlC:ts of opinion sometimes arose, hut notwithstanding mnt '°VerSla ?e?tM, all the members of the Coune? by a snicere desire to do their duty to the ratepa t' of the town. (Hear, hear.) They would be glad to j' hear that the long debated question of the new streets would scon be settled, the day having been fixed for' the Commissioner to hold a local enquiry. He had no doubt, now that the Council in their wisdom had thought proper to eliminate from the scheme those parts considered objectionable and decided to carry out those portions necessary for the improvement of the town, the plan would be sanctioned by the Com- missioner. Although sanctioned, however, they would not be carried out yet, and he for one would sanction no large outlay of money until he felt satisfied that the ratepayers would sanction it in the most cordial manner. (Applause.) The ratepayers had the right i to he consulted in the matter and their consent ob-! tained to the carrying ovt of these schemes, but he 1 felt sure the ratepayers were sufficiently alive to the 1 interests of the town not to grudge the outlay of money when necessary. (Hear, hear.) The rate- papers he was sure, were willing to bear any burden imposed upon them if imposed at the proper time, but the present he thought was not the proper time to ask them to pay increased rates. (Applause.) Per- sonally, he should do his best to promote those t measures which it was considered would be for the ultimate interests of the town at large. (Cheers.) The Hon. G. T. Kenyon, who on rising to propose the succeeding toast was received with loud cheers, said Mr Mayor and gentlemen upon this solemn oc- casion, when we sit in the shadow of our Patron Saint lately deceased—(laughter)—when, as we have heard, politics are strictly eschewed particularly in the speeches of my honorable friends on my right and left —(renewed laughter)—it becomes one's duty to be careful how one expresses oneself in connection with the toast committed to one's charge. I feel this in connection with the toast which it is now niy duty to propose, namely that of The Town and Trade of Wrexham." I feel that St. David might have been up there since the fifth century, when, as we have been told by the Mayor, he flourished, watching our deeds, reporting our actions, and ready to tell us whether they are in accordance with those high prin- ciples lie laid down. I am quite sure the idea of a Patron Saint watching over our actions and encourag- ing us in the course we ought to go is an idea which ought to encourage us all to do our duty in that state of life in which we are placed. (Hear, hear.) It also occurred to me that the idea of this Patron Saint of Wales may also encourage us to think that he has watched the progress of the trade of this town since the time when the only trace of Wrexham, we are told by the historian Ley land, was a small dirty brook flowing between Wrexham Feehan and Wrexham Abbot. I was going to say that the Patron Saint existed-I was going to say, before the brook—(laugh- ter)—at all events before any buildings existed upon either side of it. This great town of Wrexham has grown up out of nothing, and year after year We com- memorate the improvements taking place in it. These improvements have been curtailed of late years through the depression of trade, but ereti during the current year we have to commemorate a new Mayor— (hear, hear)—and we shall have to commemorate, the Mayor tells us, a new street. I hope this rate of im- provement may be continued, and if-as Lord Beaconsfield says at the Guildhall—"I am here next year "—(loud laughter)—if I am here next year to commemorate this festive occasion, I hope we shall be able to commemorate this new street, new sewers, and no doubt we shall have to commemorate—I don't know who he will be-a new member of Parliament. (Applause and laughter.) Well, so much, gentlemen, for the town of Wrexham, and now a verv few words about its trade, and I wish I could congratulate you more decisively upon the improvement of the trade of this town. I believe there is a good time coming, but it is a long time reaching this" town of Wrexham. The trade throughout the kingdom has improved de- cidedly, but, as the Mayor observed, as this town was the last to suffer from the depression, it will probably be the last to recover from the re-action. You may congratulate yourselves, however, that you have made so little fuss about the matter, for I think I have heard less grumbling and despondency in the town of Wrexham than anywhere else. (Hear, hear.) This is very creditable to you, and shows that you are in a position to take advantage of the re-action when it does come about. Is not, let me ask, this depression and re-action due to a certain extent to a little want of unity and co-operation not only amongst yourselves but amongst yourselves and the surrounding people. Do we all, in our different vocations and different positions, do what we car for the town and trade of Wrexham? (Hear, hear, and "That's the point.") Imust own myself that I feel rather sceptical about this, and I feel quite sure that if St. David was down here he would never have had anything to do with co-operative stores, and if he had had to buy one of those leeks for his dinner he would have bought it in the town of Wrexham. (Applause.) Depend upon it, it is a thing not altogether to be forgotten that if you are to stand in your trade you must stand tc a great extent by yourselves and through yourselves. (Hear, hear.) Of course, you are perfectly right to get assistance from Liverpool, Warrington, Manchester, and other large towns, but unless you are supported by your- selves, the landowners, and surrounding people, Wrexham will not be that flourishing centre of trade and prosperity that it ought to be. (Applause.) I hope the warning we have had through the depression from which the prosperity of this town has to some extent suffered will be to us also a warning to do what we can to assist each other and to endeavour to induce the surrounding gentlemen, landowners, and pro- prietors to do what they can to promote the trade and prosperity of this good old town. I ask you to couple l with the toast the name of an enterprising member of an enterprising firm, and drink the health of Mr Thompson. (Cheers.) Mr Thompson briefly responded expressing a hope that if they met again next year trade would be better. (Hear, haar, and applause). Mr Conran proposed the toast of The President and vice-Presidents." He would couple with the toast the name of the Hon. George Kenyon and he hoped they would receive that name with especial warmth as it was the last time he would be with them. He hoped that next year they would have a letter from Mr Kenyon—not a post card—(laughter)—dated from the House of Commons, wishing them a happy even- ing, and saying that he was supporting Lord Beacons- field in upholding this great country in peace and with honor. (Cheers.) He was very sorry the Con- servatives were so strong in that meeting—(laughter) —and he should like to see Mr Charles Hughes- (laughter) Mr Charles Rocke (laughter)—Mr Bradley—(loud laughter)—and Mr John Jones—(con- tinued laughter)—amongst them that they may show them how ready they were to support the honor and glory of the country. (Laughter and cheers.) Hon. George Kenyon briefly responded. He said it gave him great pleasure to be present on that occasion to commemorate the national festival of St.* David. He hoped, if the remark of Mr Conran came true, that he would not be there next year, that he should be doing a work for them elsewhere. (Hear, hear.) They may be sure of this, that wherever he was he should always bear in remembrance the kind welcome he received whenever he visited Wrexham as any other of the Denbigh Boroughs, and he should be always ready whether he held a public or private position, to do anything that lay in his power to promote their wishes and ends. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) Mr W. Garratt-Jones proposed the Press," Mr Xewton Fisk, "The Ladies," and the Chairman, The Host and Hostess," which having been briefly r responded to, the meeting broke up. A number of favorite songs capitally sung by several I members of the company considerably enhanced the harmonious character of a thorouglj convivial even- ing, Mr Harris, as usual, skilfully accompanying the vocalists on the pianoforte. MOLD. I The annual celebration of St. David's Day took place as usual at the Royal Oak Hotel, on Monday evening, where the hostess, Miss Jackson, had pro- vided an excellent dinner in her usual good style. The chair was occupied by Lieut.-Col. C. J. Trevor Roper, Plasteg, and the vice-chair by Mr H. G. R4; berts, Mold. Among the other gentlemen pi-ts -nt were :—-Messrs. A. D. Henderson, H. Richards, W. Birch, C. Fletcher, E. Jones, inorthol) R. Jones, Flint; T. Jackson, Flint J. Mansbridge, Gwer nymynydd; J. Mansbridge, Halkyn; E. Jones, AV, n Evans, Gwernymynydd; A. Mather, T. Jones, Wrexham-street A. Fergusson, W. Roberts, High-street; H. Jones, Feathers; J. Edwards, R. Jones, &c. The Chairman, in eulogistic terms, proposed the II loyal toasts, "The Queen," and the Prince of Wales and the Royal Family," and each was received with every manifestation of respect, together with musi- cal accompaniments. The toast of the Bishop, Clergy, and Ministers of all Denominations was proposed by Mr A. H. Hen- derson, who hoped they would all work together har- moniously, and especially in a small place like Mold there ought to be no sectarian bigotry and exclusive- ness, because they had a better opportunity of know- ins each other, and appreciating each other's efforts for the common good. (Hear, hear.) The toast was excellently received. I Song Miller of the Dee," H. Jones. The Vice-chairman proposed "The Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces, and said Mold was not at all backward with regard to the support given to the Re- serve Forces, the town being the head-quarters of the County Militia, and supported too, a strong Volun- teer corps, and members of which had of late much increased, as well as the interest taken in the move- ment. With the toast he coupled the name of Col. Roper. (Hear, hear.) The Chairman, who was very well received, said in responding that he believed he could answer for 400 good men and true, who, if called upon, would come forward and do their duty, whether it would be against the Russians or any other people. He had been in the Flintshire Militia over a quarter of a century, and the regiment had always met with its numbers full. In 1854 the Flintshire Militia sent upwards of 50 men to the 23rd Welsli Fusiliers, then in the Crimea, than which no regiment distinguished itself more in that war. That showed that Welshmen are well endowed with loyalty and bravery, qualities in which he hoped they never would be found wanting. Song, "Mother I've come home to die," C. Fletcher. The toast of the evening, "To the immortal memory of St. David," was proposed by IVIr John Edwards, who, in doing so, naively confessed that he knew nothing of him. The toast was drunk, as usual, in I solemn silence. I Mr Jones, Park Gate, proposed "The Mining Interests," saying the country was rich in mineral resonrce, which he trusted would be more fully developed than ever. The toast was responded to by I Mr E. Jones, saying that the price of lead was ad van- cing, and the lead mines were in a better state than I had been the case for some time. ¡ Mr Mansbridge, senior, proposed "The Town and Trade of Mold." Song, "Hearts of oak," Mr George. Mr J. Edwards, in responding to the toast, said there was a town but no trade of Mold. Three or four years ago he might have had something to say to the latter portion of the toast, and the best plan when he had nothing good to say was to say nothing. In the fifty years he had lived in the town lie had never seen trade so bad, but he hoped that with the improve- ment in the mining there would be an improvement in trade. (Applause.) Mr H. G. Roberts proposed The President," say- ing that of all the gentlemen resident in the neigh- bourhood, he knew of none more ready to enter into the feelings and pastimes of the people than Colonel Roper. (Applause.) That they were all fully aware of, and it was the less necessary for him to dwell on his merits. (Applause.) The toast was drank with enthusiasm amid musical honors. The Chairman briefly replied acknowledging the toast and hoped always to be at the command of those interested in the wellbeing and good of the town. Mr Henderson proposed The Vice-Chairman" who took so great an interest in the public movements of the district. Song, "Jenny Gray," C. Fletcher. Mr Roberts said in responding that he came to Mold with the intention of sticking to it, and he had not altered his mind since, now nine or ten years ago. With regard to Wales and Welshmen, he thought there was a longer future for their language than many of the English cared to admit, though that time must come sooner or later whets the two nations would he more assimilated than they were at present. He humorously referred to the fact that not a single leek was to be observed, saying they ought to be as proud of the leek as the Scotch of the thistle, or the Irishmen of the shamrock. Having referred to the signs of improvement of trade now manifest, he con- cluded by hoping that in a short time Mold would partake of the prosperity and wear its wonted appear- ance. (Applause). A mong- the other toasts were "The Press," "The Hostess," "Our next merry meeting." The evening being spent in a very pleasant manner. Songs were given by Mr Webb, Mr Fletcher, and other gentle- men. THE VALE OF CLWYD. Only two memorial dinners to St. David took place this year in the Yale of Clwyd. One of them was at the Royal Hotel, Rhyl, where Mr P. P. Pennant occupied the chair, and Dr. Lloyd, Tyn, Rhyl, the vice-chair. and were supported by a goodly company. The other, and the only one in the ancient boroughs of the Vale, was held at the Crown Hotel, Denbigh. Here, Mr Charles Salisbury Mainwaring, the worthy son of a worthy sire, filled the chair, and Mr Coun- cillor W. Morris was voted into the vice-chair. Amorfgst other ticket takers we observed Mr T. Gold Edwards, Dr. J. R. Hughes, Mr J. P. Lewis, Mr J. Howe] Gee, Dr. W. Francis Jones, Mr J. Parry Jones, jun., Mr J. Robinson, Mr Joseph Lloyd (St. Asaph), Mr Edward Angel, Mr J. Simon, Mr Rowland LI. Williams, Mr J. Ll. Williams, the Rer. D. A. Lewis, Mr John Miller, Mr P. P. Pratt, Mr Pritehard. Mrs Minshall, the hostess, placed a most recherche dinner on the table containing every delicacy procur- able. The Rev. D. A. Lewis said Grace before and after meat. The Chairman gave "The Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, &c. and if His Royal Highness should ever visit Denbigh he was was sure he would receive a right royal welcome. Mr Morris proposed "The Army and Navy and Reserve Forces," and in doing so he congratulated them that every soldier in the kingdom was a volun- teer, and it was a pleasing thing to see that many of the upper classes of the town and neighbourhood did, and still do support the local volunteers. Dr. J. R. Hughes, the corps surgeon, responded. He believed it was the best movement of the day. He had been a volunteer 21 years. The Chairman then proposed the Bishop of the Diocese, the Clergy and Ministers of all denoma- tions." After complimenting the Welsh Bishop and his clergy, he added that he was sure every Welshman who thought about it must be proud of the gigantic efforts which the Nonconformists of Wales had made to fill every valley in the Principality with the know- ledge of religion and places of worship. (Hear, hear.) The Rev D. A. Lewis replied for the Bishop and clergy, and spoke highly of the patron saint, St. David, -who founded monastries which to this day were schools and colleges and not haunts of vice as they afterwards become. In the present day the clergy had to build up the breaches of the past, and now the Church was alive and doing her duty. He also wished God speed to. the ministers of other de- nominations so long as they did not degenerate into political factions. He hoped too that they should soon again have an Archbishop of Wales, as he believed St. David was. (Hear, hear.) The Chairman then proposed "The Memory of St. David." Mr Lewis had touched but lightly on St. David's parentage, but hi had had access to a very ancient book from which he had extracted a few particulars: St. David was the son of Sander ah Cedig, ab Ceredig, ab Cunedda, mother Non dr of Gywyr, of Caei Gowch. (Laughter.) 5 Born at St. David's, so that he was undoubtedly a Welshman of pure birth he was educated by IItutus and Paulinus, and spent ten years in studying the Scriptures. He founded a monastery at Rosina, afterwards called Menevia. He was much molested by Boia, chief of an Irish tribe—(great laughter)—who had seized the surrounding country, but the Saint's eloquence con- verted him. It is curious to observe the attacks of the Irish as in our own day. (Laughter.) They carried off St. Patrick from Caerworgom, where he was a teacher of Christianity, so that St. Patrick was a Welshman. (Laughter and applause.) Taken to Ireland he taught the Irish Christianity. Perhaps if they were now to make a raid upon Wales and carry off a few sensible Welshmen it might do Ireland good. (Hear, hear.) They might, for instance, land at Rhyl and carry off the whole body of Commissioners—(roars of laughter) —or if they chose to come further inland, they might take the Corporation of Denbigh—(renewed laughter) —to their great advantage. And if they took a few mayors and ex-mayors, they might learn much of trade, and temperance, and especially drainage. (A storm of applause greeted these remarks.) And should they* come into that room, they could have some first-class law and first-class physic, both on which they might use with the best result. (Loud applause and laughter.) But to return. St. David was called to attend the Synod of Brevi, where Pelagius, or Morgan, had disturbed the Church with his doctrine. He utterly vanquished Pelagius and was created Primate of the Welsh Church. Another Synod was held at Caerlleon, and again he refuted Mr Pelagius (who denied the doctrine of original sin) until they were nowhere to be seen. Gwaldur says :—" To all Father David was a mirror and pattern of life. He informed them by words, he instructed them by elo- quence, he was a life to the poor, a support to the orphans, a protector to the widows, a father to the fatherless." This good man died in 844, aged 82, and when they remembered that those extracts were written in 1200, they would know their value. They were met there as patriotic Welshmen, and they met to enjoy themsehes, and when they did thus meet he hoped it would be to promote the cause of \Vales.1 (Applause.) The toast was drunk in solemn silence. Mr J. P. Lewis proposed the Town and Trade of Denbigh." It was a beautiful town and the centre of trade, many houses were building, and many trades- men, and plucky ones too, were following the hounds. (Loud laughter.) Mr Morris responded, and thanked Mr Lewis for the kind way in which he had spoken the truth. (Loud laughter.) The town was increasing and busi- ness was good, the rdlway carts and the commercial I travellers showed that the town was doing well. De- positors in the Post Office Saving's Bank were as six per day to six per week formerly. Mr T. Gold Edwards felt that he could verify all that had been said by Mr Morris, born and bred in the town he could say that most of the tradesmen, nearly all in High-street and Vale-street, did Jive in their own houses, which was a great fact, and one which he thought might be dwelt upon with pleasure and pride. His business, however, was to propose the health of their "Worthy President," which he did not as a formal matter, but right heartily. Upon every occasion whenever his services were required he was ever ready to come forward, and whenever occa- sion had required somebody of the name of Main- waring was sure to be connected with it. (Hear, hear.) Not only as the president of that meeting, but as a useful country gentleman they honored Mr Charles Mainwaring.. (Hear, hear.) He was the major of the local Volunteers—(loud applause)- Chairman of the Corweii Board of Guardians, Chair- man of Henllan School Board, and what was more to their purpose then, he was their own neighbour and ch^ir own friend. (Loud cheers.) After the cheering had subsided. Mr Mainwaring in reply felt greatly obliged to them for the most flattei ing—too flattering-(no, no) —terms in which Mr Gold Edwards had proposed his health. He was glad to meet them on that occasion for while they were few in number they had been very happy—as to those offices which he had the honor to hold, he felt it was no more than his duty and he believed that every man was put into the world to do his duty. He begged to thank them most sincerely. Song, Larry MacGee," Mr P. P. Pratt. Dr. Hughes gave The Agriculturalists," and lie wished they were in a more prosperous state, and while he much wished it would improve, yet he feared it would never come back to its pristine glory, for it was much over handicapped. But lie said God speed the plough. Mr Angel in reply said there was a great d?al of truth in what Dr. Hughes had said, and it was partly shown by the absence of agriculturists from that board. He certainly had never before seen a time in which farmers were in such difficulties. Every landed proprietor who had a mind and soul would wish to see his tenants doing well and so some relief must come from the landlords. He was glad to see that many English landlords had returned 10 and 20 per cent. and he hoped to see that the Welsh land- lords did the same. Like his friend J. R. Hughes he dealt in spirits and water and that was what kept them both together. (Loud applause.) Mr Gold Edwards proposed the Vice-President as a gentleman who had taken a warm interest in the town of Denbigh. (Hear, hear.) Joseph Hume was a great economist and he looked after the pence believ- ing that the pounds would look after themselves. Now their vice-president was the Joseph Hume of the Corporation of Denbigh and, as such, he was entitled to the respect of the ratepayers for his endeavours to keep down the expenditure of the borough. (Hear, hear.) Mr Morris responded, He had resided at Denbigh 25 years but never was so sensible of respect as at present. By the advice of gentlemen he had been enabled to attempt to do his duty and he hoped he should continue by God's blessing- tw do so. Mr J. Howel Gee gave "The Ladies," which was by no means so gloomy a subject as Dr. Hughes' There was no depression there, they were always blooming and genial and as we wished them to be, and they needed no words from him. Mr Pratt replied. Mr Pratt proposed The Hostess for her very superior banquet. The Misses Minshull" (a Voice: And "Mary" and loud applause.) The company then separated. LIVERPOOL. Monday was the anniversary of the Patron Siaint of the Principality; but from outward appearances there was little to show that the day was different to any other in the calendar. It may be, as is often now said, that "old customs are dying out;"at all events the fact remains that the national celebrations of saints' days are not so general. or so enthusiastically observed as they were some years ago. Probably it would be un- fair to argue from this that the national spirit is decaying. No doubt, the love of country is as power- ful with Englishmen, Irishmen, Scotchmen, and Welshmen as ever; but they have adopted other and more rational modes of displaying it than they did in bygone days and a Welsh resident in Liverpool may have fond recollections of the mountains and valleys of his dear Cambria without obtrusively wearing the leek or attending Welsh dinners on St. David's Day. Yesterday there was marked absence of both these modes of showing nationality; yet still there were many social and friendly gatherings, at which the Welsh people in Liverpool showed that they held in rememberance the Patron Saint of their country. A concert was given in Hope Hall on Monday even- ing, in honour of St. David's Day, by a number of Welsh artists, and was attended by a numerous audience. Mr Councillor John Hnghes presided, and the vocalists were Miss Jennie Owen, Miss Annie Williams/ Mr T. J. Hughes, Mr Llewellyn Wynne, and Tenorydd y Bryniau. Miss M. Evans was the accompanist. An attractive programme of Welsh and other songs was provided. The proceeds of the entertainment are to be devoted to the building fund, of the Welsh Wesleyan Chapel in course of erection iii.Prince's-avenue, Prin ce's-road MANCHESTER. On Monday the Manchester Welshmen celebrated St. David's Day by a dinner at the Queen's Hotel. About a hundred guests were present. Mr Lewis Morris presided, and the vice-chairs were occupied by Dr. A. Emrys-Jones and Mr Hugh Rowlands. 1 he usual loyal and patriotic toasts having been duly honored, the President gave the "Memory of St. David," and detailed in brief the history of the saint. The toast was drunk, as usual, in solemn silence.— The President then gave the University College of Wales," and said the initiatory movement for its establishment was taken in 1863. The feeling of the inaugurators was that Wales should be placed on the same footing as Ireland and Scotland, and be enabled to give to the people a higher education, unfettered bv sectarian restrictions. The college was opened in 1872, and thare was now on the books 63 students. One noticeable feature was the age of the students, 17 of whom were between 19 and 23 years of age, and 22 over that age. That showed the neglect of education in the past and the thirst for knowledge amongst Welshmen at present. He quoted with pleasure in- stances of success achieved in educational contest s by students at college, and expressed the opinion that the work achieved by the college was satisfactory on the whole. The financial view of the question was not so rosy, but he heped that an increasing number of students would soon relieve the managers of any responsibility on that head. They hoped to get an endowment from the Government, and they also hoped to obtain at all events a share of the Merrick fund.—Mr Alderman Thompson supported the toast, and drew a parallel between the University College of Wales and Owen's College at Manchester.—The Rev. Mr Evans gaye the toast of the evening, Our Native Land." The music was a special feature of the evenin's programme. The opening was, (if course, the Men of Harlech on the harp. Then succeeded the Na- tional War Song, sung by Mr John Lloyd. Next came a specimen of purely national rnusi-e-pennillion singing by Mr Joris Fychan and Mr John Lloyd. The harpist played a simple melody, and the vocalists came in alternately, something after the style of the Italian improvisatore, except harmony only and not the tune was followed. SHEFFIELD. Although there are a considerable number of Welsh- men in Sheffield, the anniversary of the Patron Saint of Wales has not been observed in this town in past years. This year, however, an effort was made to celebrate the event in a becoming manner, and thanks to the exertions of Mr Jones, the borough accountant, and Mr E. P. Williams, of Fargate, a very successful gathering took place on Monday, when about 20 gentlemen sat down to an excellent dinner at the Black Swan Hotel. Mr Benjamin Jones, borough accountant, presided, and the vice-cliair was occupied by Dr. Josiah Williams, St. Philips Road (late Sur- geon-Major, Imperial Ottoman Army). Amongst those present were—Messrs E. Roger Owen, Williams (draper), E. P. Williams, Jones (of the Exchange Drapery Co.), Edward Roberts, William Roberts, Evans, Thomas, and others. Letters ot apology for non-attendance were received from Lieut.-Col. Jones who is at present stationed in the Sheffield barracks), Mr T. Jones, and the Rev. J. Williams, of Penistone. Mr E. P. Williams, also received a Welsh letter from John Morgan (Cadnant), wishing the gathering suc- cess. After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts had been duly honored the chairman proposed The immortal memory of St. David." After sketching the character of the saint he said that the Welsh were as a nation very religious and he would like to see the religion of St. David brought more into practice at the present day. (Applause.) He thought the Welsh had in some degree followed the precept set by St. David, and he hoped they would continue to do so more and more. Hë was not in the majority with regard to the profession of religion in Wales as he was an ardent churchman, but he, nevertheless, admired the consistency of those with whom he did not quite agree. He hoped that Wales would always maintain the character it now had for religion, morality and scarcity of crime. (Cheers.) The toast was drunk in silence. -Mr E. P. Williams proposed The Principality" He said he was very pleased to meet his fellow country- men and to ask them to drink to the toast of the Prin- cipality to which they were all proud to belong. (Cheers.) He could not understand why some people were ashamed to admit that they were Welshmen as there was nothing to be ashamed of. He felt proud of his country—(cheers)—and he would ask them to drink to the toast, not in any formal manner, but cordially, like true Welshmen and true patriots. (Cheers.) The health was drunk with enthusiasm.— Mr Evans proposed The land we live in." He said that he had lived in this district for 17 years and he had always found that the -people of Sheffield were generous and hospitable. As it had been remarked in a small country like Wales such was the enterprise of the people that there was no scope for them all to live there, and they were scattered throughout the world, and he hoped they would always conduct themselves in such a manner that would bring no dis- grace on the old country. (Cheers.)—Dr. Williams proposed the toast of "Patriots throughout the world." He said they must not expect a speech from him as he did not know that he should be called upon, and lie had no idea that he should occupy the honor- able position of vice-chairman until he came into the room. He had been in Sheffield about two years, and before he came here he had been serving in the Turkish army, where he had a chance of seeing what patriots were. (Cheers.) The Welsh do not consider themselves bad patriots, and it would be gratifying if the Prince of Wales would favor the Welsh people with a visit sometimes. (Loud applause.) He derived his title from the Principality and a good deal of his revenue also. (Applause.) The word patriot meant of course a lover of one's country, and the Welsh did love their beautiful country. (Cheers.) The doctor gave an interesting account of the Turkish army, and spoke highly of their bravery, and said they were true patriots for they fought well for their country. (Cheers.)—The Chairman, in proposing another toast, referred to the character the Welsh had for loyalty to the throne, but he warned them that loyalty might degenerite into senility. (Applause.) Wales was shamefully neglected with regard to her educational advantages. (Loud cheers.) Irishmen by asserting their rights got their grievances attended to, and Irish colleges were affiliated to the universities. Welsh. men ought to have the same privileges as Irishmen and Scotchmen, and although he would not like to see Wales clamouring for Home-Rule—(laughter and applause)—still they must press their claims before the Government and the country in a stronger manner and then perhaps they would be listened to. (Cheers.) —Mr Thomas proposed the "Health of the Chair- man," which was drunk with musical honors, and Mr E. P. Williams' health was proposed by Mr Evans and similarly honored.—On the recommendation of Mr Williams, draper, the names and addresses of those present were taken, with a view of meeting again next year, and no doubt owing to the publicity given to this meeting there will be a larger number present at future meetings. It was also decided to form a society similar to the one existing in Liverpool to assist respectable Welsh girls who may be seeking employment in the town, and also to assist deserving Welshmen if there should be any, the Chairman remarking that it was not often one met a Welsh beggar. Mr Williams gave his name for twenty guineas towards the society, and Mr E. P. Williams was appointed hon. secretary.—Mr Roger Owen and Mr E. Roberts having spoken a few words congratu- lating Mr Jones and Mr E. P. Williams tipon being the means of bringing the Welshmen together, the proceedings terminated, a most enjoyable evening having been spent. In the course of the evening the following amongst other songs were rendered Hen wlad fy Nhadau," the Chairman; "God bless the Prince of Wales," Vice-Cliairman "Nancy Lee" and Land of my fathers," Mr William Roberts. Mr E. Roberts sang, Cau yr A.B. C. which caused much laughter, it being composed to teach persons the Welsh alphabet. LONDOX. I St. David's Day was celebrated by the most Honor- able and Loyal Society of Ancient Britons, by a ban- quet on Monday night, at Willis's Rooms, in aid of its orphan school for boys and girls at Ashford, near Windsor—a charity established as far back as 1715. In the absence of the Earl of Carnarvon, who was prevented from taking the chair by an attack of gout, the Earl of Powis presided. Amongst those present were Mr O. Morgan, M.P., Mr Morgan Lloyd, M.P., General Sir G. Bourchier, Mr Brinley Richards, Sir Alexander Wood, Mr C. W. Williams Wynn, M.P., Mr Stanley Leighton, M.P., and Mr J. R. Kenyon, Q.C. In responding to the "Army and Navy," Gen. Bourchier referred to the military proceedings in Afghanistan, contending, as an old Indian officer, that any one who had studied current events must have come to the conclusion that an extension of the British frontier was necessary for the safety of the Empire. As to General Roberts, who had served under him in the Sikh Campaign, he related that on one occasion a man cut down an English sentry. Hang the man on the first tree!" was his (General Bourchier's) order. Don't," replied General Roberts "hand him over to the civil authorities and let him be tried." Was that the sort of man who was likely to have been guilty of the charges brought against him in Afghanistan ? General Roberts was, in truth, a high-spirited, religious man, and as good a soldier as ever commanded troops in any part of the world. The Chairman, proposing the toast of the evening, "Prosperity to the Welsh Charity School, and Perpetuity to the Honorable and Loyal Society of Ancient Britons," remarked that they were met there as Welshmen, to keep up the memory of their old nationality, and to do something so to educate the rising generation that they might be in a position to take part in the various advantages of life which their connection with the great Empire of England gave them. The Society was instituted more than 150 years ago, in honor of Caroline, Princess of Wales. By the institution of their schools, Welshmen gave a practical turn to their assemblages on St. David's I Day; and undoubtedly by the maintenance of the national spirit they did much to promote the interests of the children of those who had wandered so far from II the Principality. The toast was drunk with honors, and the Secretary (Mr C. B. Shaw) afterwards an- nounced subscriptions amounting to over .£700. After dinner a selection of vocal and instrumental music was performed, under the direction of Mr Brinley Richards, who, as usual, gave his services gratuitously in aid of the Society.

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j .,--District News.