Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register

THE WREXHAM ART CLASSES. THE SECOND YEAR'S WORK. I The second annuaJ distribution of prizes and certi- ficates won by the students of the Wrexham Science and Art Classes, took place in the Savings' Bank on Frida.y afternoon, when the Mayoress (Mrs F. W. Soames) gracefully discharged the duty. Aid. Jno. Jones, ellairiuan of the Art Class Committee, pre- sided, and among those present were Lady Cunnffe, Mrs and the Misses Meredith-Jones, the Misses ■ Bradley, Mrs H. C. Johnson. Miss Goodier, Mrs J. Oswell Bury, Mr John Francis, Miss E. LI. Lloyd < Manchester), Miss Prichard (Longfields), Mr and Mrs Simon Jones, Miss Edwards (Grove Park), Mrs W. H. Williams (Bershani-road), Mr Horton, Mr Swainson, Mr Owen Elias, &c. Mr Ashton Bradley, secretary. The CHAIKMAN said time had lfown by so quickly that it seemed only the other day that they were in that place before at a like function. Upon that occasion they were honored with the presence of Lady Cunliffe, whom he was glad to see present. (Hear, hear.) He was sure they would join with him in congratulating her ladyship upon her recovery from a long and severe attack of influenza. (Hear, hear.) They were delighted to have that day the presence of the Mayoress—(hear, hear)-who had kindly under- taken the duties which were last year discharged by Lady Cunliffe. The Chairman then congratulated the members of tho class upon the success of the past year. He was sorry to say that the outlook seemed to suggest that they would not, in twelve months time, nave so good a report as the one they now had. There seemed to be ill luck about the mastership of the classes. One master died, and he was succeeded by the present master, who had been ill in bed for five weeks, and was so ill that he could not be spoken to upon business. They regretted this very much, and naturally they had suifered from the incon- venience. They hoped he would recover, but in the meantime the authorities at South Kensington had been communicated with, and asked to send an occa- sional master. In the meantime the classes were in charge of the students, but he was sorry to say that the day classes had been suspended. The work made steady, but slow, progress. They, however, looked with hope to the future, for they were consoled with the fact that the country was awakening to the importance of the matter. (Hear, hear.) He hoped that in twelve m jnths time they would meet in another building, for the Town Council had responded to the entreaty that had been made, and they would provide the classes with suitable rooms somewhere near the municipal buildings. He hoped that the walls of the new premises would soon be covered with the works of their own scholars. (Hear, hear.) The Chairman went on to refer to the Art Exhibition, which was held in Wrexham in 1876, and tvhich, thanks to Mr Cornwallis West, had been un- equalled for completeness. However, it had turned out a financial failure, and Mr West was left face to face with a deficit of £ 4,000. The Duke of West- minster had most generously given X2,000, and about S.5W was raised locally, but the loss to Mr West was great. He hoped that some effort would be made, in connection with the classes, to form an exhibition of work. (Hear, hear.) Mr ASHTON BRADLEY, the secretary of the classes, then read the report, which was as follows The Committeo have tho pleasure of submitting to yon their second report, from which it will be seen that the success and utility of the classes are maintained. This is only the second year, tu(I since our formation 252 students have availed themselves of the benefits of the Classes. Our anonymous friend, through Mr A. N. Palmer, has again paid our rent, JE30. The Town Council has voted us a grant under the Technical Instruction Act, of d in the JE, which amounts to about £35, and a committee of the Council has been appointed to consider plans for the building of promises adjoining the municipal buildings for the accommodation of the classes. An additional class has been formed, under the tuition of Mr J. T. Willans, in machine construction, and has 27 students. The examinations were held in April and Mav last, and Mr Frater generously undertook the duties of custodian Of examination papers, and devoted much valuable time to the work. Several outside students were examined at the Wrexham Centre, amongst them being 23 in The .Principles of Agriculture in connection with the Bangor University College. The students in the various classes gained 76 certificates, and the following prizes from the dep,%rttuezit :Miss Eiriau E. Francis (freehand draw- ing), Practical Notes on EtchingMiss Frances Ra-haq (freehand drawing), Sketching from Nature ttnx" ?he Two Path- Mr Phillip .J.mes (perspective), Hnd ph" eTs he Two Paths Mr Phillip Jones (perspective), Mathematical Drawing, Instruments," and Linear Perspective;" Miss Gwendoline M. L. Thomas. Two students, Mr Pryce M. Lewis and Mr J. F. Magnire, have obtained the art class teacher's certificates for the works submitted by them to the department. The following is a summary of the examination re- sults of all the classes SCIENCE. PRINCIPLES OF AGRICULTURE. Twenty-two candidates sat, fifteen passed, seven in 2nd -class elementary stage, eight in 2nd class advanced stage. These students were in connection with Hangor Univer- sity College. Another external student passed 1st class Elementary stage. BUILDING CONSTRUCTION. Six candidates sat, all passed; one in 2nd class elemen. tary stage, five in 2nd class advanced stage. PRACTICAL PLANE AND SOLID GEOMETRY. Eleven sat, seven passed one in advanced stage 2nd class. Two external students also snt, both passed. ART EXAMINATIONS, 1891. SHADING FROM MODELS, STAGE 5A. Eleven candidates sat, five passed in 1st class. FREEHAND. Seventy-one candidates sat, three passed excellent; ten 1st class, twenty-two in 2nd class. MODEL. Forty-seven candidates sat, one passed excellent: four 1st class, nine in 2nd class. PERSPECTIVE. Seven candidates sat, one passed excellent; oi:e in 1st class, one in 2nd class. OUTLINE FROM CAST. STAGH 3B. Two candidates sat, both passed 1st class. The Committee would venture to solicit sub~,crip'aon« for a local prize fund, the Department having consider- ably curtailed their gifts. It is to be regretted that some inconvenience has been Tccasioned by the dangerous illnes of Mr Draycott, but Mr Stant has ably assisted in the difficulty, and we arc in orrespondenec with the Department for the supply of a inbstitute for Mr Draycott during the remainder of his dlness. The Mayoress then gracefully distributed the prizes and certificates. The following were the successful pupils :— PRIZES. Miss Eirian E. Francis, freehand drawing, Practical Notes on Etching." Miss Frances Hughen, freehand drawing, Sketching from Mature and The Two Paths." Mr Phillip Jones, perspective, mathematical drawing, nstrumcnts, linear, perspective. Miss Gwendoline M. L. Thomas. CERTIFICATES. BUILDING CONSTRUCTION (ADVANCSD STAfil:.) Second Class. Joseph A. Jones, Alfred Dodd, Wn-i. M. Pugli, Pryse M. Lewis, Wm. Hughes. BUILDING CONSTRUCTION (KLEMENTARY STAGE.) W- H. Dodd, second class. PRACTICAL PLAT. AND SOLID GEOMETRY. Advanced Stage (Second Class.) Pryse M. Lewis. Geometrical Drawing Pass. David H. Pngh, Wm. M. l'ugh, Wm. Roberts, Wm. H. Lindsay, David G. Evans, John Jones, Outside Candidate, Henry W. Johns, Thomas Jones. SHADING FROM MODELS (STAGE 5A.) First Class. John Stant, Jessie Goodier, Mabel M. Jones, Bertha M. Jones, Gwendoline M. L. Thomas. FREEHAND DRAWING. First Class (Excellent.) Henry W. Johns, Firian E. Francis, Francis Hughes. First Class. Wm. i- ior.eB, John Stant, I%Iabel Al. Jones, Bertha M. Jones, Lemuel E. Davies, Gwendoline M- L. Thomas. Second Class. William R. Dodd, Harold L. C. Horton, William H. Lindsay. Harold Jones, Evan Williams, David J. Smith, David C, Evans. Alexander K. Fraser, George R. Seddon, William Roberts, James James, Phillip Jones, Myfanwy Jonea. Cordelia Williams, Margaret Hughes, Annie B. Edwards. Oirissie J. Fraser, Florence Williams, Thomas Dickenson, and C- W. Dra.ycott. MODEL DRAWING. First Class Excellent. Gwendoline Thomas and M. C. Thomas. First Class.. Philip Jones, David H. Pugh, Lemuel E. Davies, aDd Bertha M. Jones. Second Class. C. W. Draycott, Alexander n. Fraser, Geo. W. Sedaon, Frances M. Keene, and Mabel M. Jones, and Jessie joodier. PERSPECTIVE. First Class Excellent. Phillip Jones and Pryse M. Lewis. Second Class. William M. Jones. OUTLINE FROM THE CAST (STAGE 3B). First Class. Jemes F. Maguire and E. E. Francis. PRINCIPLES OF AGRICULTURE. First Class Elementary Stage. Lilian E. Scriven. Second Class Elementary Stage. Thomas E. Scriven, Phillip Jones, E. G. Griffiths, John Jones, Mary C. Jones, Sarah G. Davies, and Margaret E. Jones. Second Class Advanced Stage. William P. Williams, Thomas E. Thomas, Hugh W. Anwyl, Walter Thompson, Robert H. Jones, Edw. Roden, Alice B. Wheeler, and Ann S. Gilder, At the close of the ceremony Mr John Francis pro- posed a vote of thanks to the Mayoress. He was sure she would look back with pleasure to the day on which she had assisted in that movement. The Mayor as the head of the town of course encouraged all movements which were for its benefit, and he thought the distribution of the prizes was an act which could well and gracefully be discharged by the Mayoress. (Hear, hear.) He hoped the sugges- tion made by the Chairman about having an exhibi- tion of work by the pupils would not be lost sight of. (Hear,hear.) Lady CUNLIFFE, in seconding the vote of thanks to the Mayoress, thanked the Chairman for his remarks relative to herself. She hoped Mr Draycott, the master, would soon recover, but until then it would be very necessary to have some suitable person to take charge of the classes. Mr FRANCIS suggested that a vote of thanks should be passed to Sir Robert and Lady Cunliffe who had kindly invited the members of the class to inspect the pictures at Acton. The CHAIRMAN said the kind hint would not be for- gotten. He returned thanks on behalf of the Mayoress, and said the Mayor was absent with great reluctance. He was glad to think that in the Mayor they had an excellent auxiliary in the Council. (Hear, hear.) Mr SIMON JONES, in proposing a vote of thanks to the Chairman, alluded to the class taught by Mr Willans in machine drawing, which he wished great success, and hoped it would be of great service to the neighbourhood. He was pleased to be asked when at a public meeting at Rhos, when a mining class was to be established. (Hear, hear.) He was glad to have heard the question, and was glad to say that JE80 had been devoted towards the formation of such a class. (Hear, hear.) The Rev. W. VAUGHAN JONES seconded the resolu- tion, which was carried unanimously. The CHAIRMAN, in reply, suggested, in response with a remark made to him oy a lady, that steps might be taken to accomodate those who could paint but could not draw. Corregio and Titian could not draw, but Holbien left a cottage full. (Hear, hear.) He then proposed a vote of thanks to Sir Robert and Lady Cunliffe for their invitation to the pupils, and in doing so, expressed the high opinion in which they are held. Before closing, he referred to the dairy class which is shortly to be opened. Mr FRATER seconded the vote, which was carried. The CHAIRMAN then proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Bradley for his indefatigable services as secretary. Mr SWAINSON seconded, and the resolution having been carried, Mr Bradley, in responding, invited subscriptions to the prize fund. Before the meeting ended, the Chairman gave a guinea for the best pencil drawing of Old Bryny- ifynnon the Mayoress also gave a guinea, subject yet to be named, and Mr John Francis gave a similar sum for a pen and ink drawing of Rossett Mill.

THE FLINTSHIRE PRESBYTERY. PRINCIPAL EDWARDS AND THE DALA. I COLLEGE SCHEME. A meeting of the Flintshire Presbytery was hald in the W.elsh Ualvinistic Methodist Chapel, in St. John- street. Chester, on Monday. Mr Edward Hooson, of Rhosllanerchrugog, presided over a large attendance, among the more prominent members of the connexion present being Principal Edwards, D.D., of Bala College; the Rev. R. Humphreys Morgan, Dr. Roberts (Chester), Mr J. Herbert Lewis (Liberal can- didate for the Flint Boroughs), Mr J. E. Powell (Wrexham), &c. At the morning meeting the busi- ness was of a routine character. A report of the present condition of the St. John-street Church was read by the Secretary of the Church (Mr J. C. Morris, of King-street), showing the finances to be in a satis- factory state, and the membership to be on the increase. At the afternoon meeting the question of Bala College was the main topic of discussion, Prin- cipal Edwards and the Rev. R. H. Morgan attending as a deputation to lay the matter before the Presby- tery. The proceedings were conducted exclusively in the Welsh language. Principal EDWARDS, who had a cordial reception, in commending the claims of the college to the support of the connexion, spoke of the importance of all ministers of the Gospel being as advanced in the two methods of thinking—the scientific and the theological —as the better class of young men coming from the national colleges were expected to be in the former method. He also urged the importance of laymen being taught to think theologically as well as to think scientifically, laying great stress upon the essential difference between the two methods. He thought it was of the utmost importance for Wales in the present juncture to educate laymen in theology and to educate theologians in science. (Applause.) The Rev. R. H. MORGAN, M.A., of Menai Bridge (secretary of the college), said the old fund amounted to about S29,000. The amount actually contributed to that fund was f24,203, but it had been well invested, and it had been bought up to a sum between 128,000 and £ 29,000. The income of Bala College at present was Sl,200 per annum. That would be a good income for one man, a.nd many of them would like to have it —(laughter)—but it was not much to maintain such an institution as this. (Hear, hear.) It was hoped that when the college was in full working order, as it was meant to be in about two years, there would be an annual contribution from the funds of X245 in prizes to assist students in Bala and the national colleges. In addition to this there would be the £110 given annually by individual donors, making £ 535 in all. (Hear, hear.) The income of the college was not consumed by salaries in fact, more money was given to keep the students than was spent in salaries, which were lower at this college than Bangor, Aberystwyth, or Cardiff. The sum they wanted now was £ 20,000. Mr Davies, of Treborth, had promised and paid a donation of £ 1,000. (Applause.) Mr Davies, Llan- dinam, had promised SI,000 conditioiaallv Mr Win. Jones, of Birmingham, had promised jil,000 also, while they must not forgjet to mention Mr William Thomas, of Bootle, who had given better than all, having presented them with zCI,200 to purchase Dr. Thomas's library for the college. (Applause.) In addition to these large donations there was a sum of £ 2,CCD promised in smaller p.mounts. When the previous appeal was made some years ago, the Flint- shire Presbytery did well, subscribing JE2,521, which was only JE50 short of the amount collected in the much larger and richer county of Carnarvon. X5 qliort of Denbighshire (before its division). —J zE200 short 2s wealthy Liverpool. (Hear, Mr HKRBEUT LEWIS, as a member of the college committee. said there was a conviction growing in the minds and hearts of all earnest believing and observing people in their country that they were about to pass through a crisis the like of which perhaps from an intellectual point of view, their country-just as it had been in the past—had never been called upon to witness or to pass through before. This denomina- tion was making preparations for the coming of that great event. He hoped other denominations were doing the same. There was a great duty that lay upon them, and that was to anticipate whatever of evil there might be in it, and to turn whatever there might be of good in it to the very best and highest account. (Applause.) He could only repeat an expression of his joy at the words which had fallen from Principal Edwards and at the earnest exhortation of the college secretary. and he hoped they should pass from the stage of saying and speak- ing on this question to the more earnest and pratical stage of doing their duty in the matter. (Applause.) Mr J. E. POWELL, Wrexham, like Mr Lewis, felt there was something in the air in Wales that was very new to them, and how were they going to meet it ? The national colleges of Wales had done admir- able work, but they must bear in mind that in Wales the pulpit had stood higher than the people in geiiert]. That was, they looked up to the pulpit because the pulpit had had the best education that was to be Ob- tained in Wales. There were at present 400 or 5CO young men every year receiving tuition in the national colleges at Bangor, Aberystwyth, and Cardiff, a.nd they were spread all over Wales, and with them new ideas were being spread throughout the Principality. What was their duty as a con- nexion in the face of that fact ? They were bound to establish at Bala or elsewhere a theological college which would be the means of retaining for their preachers the same relative position in the minds of the people as before. They mast have a good staff of professors at Bala they must have a staff as good as it they were proving tor the whole of Wales, and in this connection he expressed his sorrow ti",t the south did not co-operate with the north in this matter. However. they wanted X20,000 to do this work. Were they going to allow Bala College, which had done so well for the past half century, to be crippled for the want of adequate funds because of their own re- luctance to put their hands into their pockets? They contributed liberally to the Cassia Mission, but here was work at their own doors. They gave iEl,500 to foreign missions-were they going to neglect this work of vital importance so near their own homes ? If they would retain their congregations as they had done hitherto, if they would have their pulpits as well supplied relatively as in the past, then they must have their students well and thoroughly educated; and to achieve this they must put their hands in their pockets. (Applause.) The Rev. J. PRYCE DAVIES, M.A., Chester, believed this movement would have an important influence on the future of Wales—(hear, hear)-and he hoped all the delegates would go to their homes from that meeting imbued with the spirit which animated Prin- cipal Edwards and Mr Humphreys Morgan, and do all that in them lay towards raising this fund. Per- sonally he had already promised iC25, and he was sorry lie could not make it S-500. (Applause.) The Rev. EZRA JONES, Llangollen, proposed the appointment of the Rev. John Owen, Mold, as secre- tary of the fund for the Flintshire Presbytery, and Mr Isaac Jenkins, Rhos, as treasurer. Mr ROBERT OWEN, Mold, seconded the resolution, which was agreed to. The Rev. JOHS OWEN, in accepting the office, said he had already received one promise of S.25 and an- other of E50. (Applause.)* Mr HERBERT LEWIS (in response to an appeal) said he had already placed iE250 by, the interest of which went to Rala College; and he would be happy to subscribe SM to the present movement. (Applause.) Before the meeting ended the sum of aboutf200 had been promised, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Principal Edwards and the Rev. R. H. Morgan. ♦

ALL MEN WHO "ffilSH TO MARRY And be happy—those in search of health—should see the "MIRROR." Address—THE SECRETARY, 3, Fitz- allan Square, Sheffield, England. Free. Write to day. 1552j -On Monday, a cat's meat vendor died suddenly in the bar of a public house at Deptford. On the body was found iE45 15s 6d, whilst concealed in the shed in which deceased lived was found M in money, and a bank book with an account of E140. COLMAN'S SINAPIsM.-The improved patent Mustard Plaster.—Wholly of pure flour of Mustard. Cleanly in use; safe for young children and delicate women. Does not scorch or blister, and ready at a moment's notice.—Sold by all Chemists and Grocers, or Post, seven penny stamps for packet of three, to COLMAU'S 108, Cannon-street, London. 1608

CORRESPONDENCE. I WREXHAM SMITHFIELD.-If the facts are as stated by I Civility," there is good reason for complaint. He should write to the owner of the property. TRYDDYN TOWNSHIP'S ROADS. I SIR,—Allow me to call the attention oi Tryddyn ratepayers to the condition of the township's roads. The roads through Tryddyn Fechan up to the Black Mountain are something dreadful. One Sunday morning recently a. Nonconformist misister had to go from Tryddyn to Black Mountain, and on the road not far from Glan'rafon he was c&liged to walk through about nine inches of water. I may say that half an hour's work in removing the snow from the water-courses on the previous Saturday would have prevented that. Another part that has gone beyond neglect is the road leading from the turnpike past the Gilrhos to Green Park, near the village. I wish to invite the road inspector and the nuisance inspector to come and see for themselves bow things stand about the Gilrhos. I believe the roa.ds have been in the hands of the same contractors since March, 1888. I hope Tryddyn ratepayers will give the matter their due consideration in our next parish vestry, and that the above complaint will meet the eyes of the members of Hawarden Highway Board.—I am, &c., March 1st, 1892. TRYDDYN RATEPAYER. WELSH CRITICS. I SIR,-In answer to your correspondent signing him- self Cymro in your last issue, please allow me to inform him that I do not require any assistance from any individual in Wrexham, at all events, to defend myself, as I know there are but very few in the town that know anything about Welsh literature or poetry, therefore I class this ignoramus "iCymro" amongst them. I shall treat him, as I have treated many others of his stamp, with my sympathy and opinion of him in the two following Welsh lines and English verses:— Tosturiaf a pheidiaf rhoi ffou Ar ei war mae'n rhy wirion. Judge not that ye be not judged. Even a fool when he holdeth his peace is counted wise, and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of under- standing. Answer a fool according to his folly lest he be wise in his own conceit. —I am, &c., H. ROWLANDS, Chemist, 1, Bridge-street, Wrexham. THE END OF THE CARDIFF REFORM CLUB. SIR,—I enclose a newspaper report of the final meeting of the above club, whereat it was resolved to wind up the affair. Great efforts had been made by the committee to revive the dying interest, but out of 300 members only 120 were willing to increase their subscriptions, probably the remainder could not afford to do so. Leading men of the party had also been waited upon, but the reception of the sab- committee appointed for that purpose (says another report) proved so discouraging that it was not deemed useful to continue their labors." And, last of all, I bear the concern will he sold at one-third its value, after losing jE519 last year. I have before me a letter from a worthy Liberal in a large town in the Midlands, who tells me that precisely the same thing happened there as in Cardiff. A Reform Club was built, the wretched drink was introduced, the best Liberals in the town left it one by one, and at last it became bankrupt, and had to be re-constituted, this time on temperance principles. Let Wrexham Liberals be warned in time. If ever a constituency required united ranks, it is the Denbigh Boroughs, from all accounts.—I am, &c., G. PERCY THOMAS. Cardiff, March 1. I THE STOPPAGE OF THE COLLIERIES. SIR,—Although I am a delegate and representing one of the largest collieries in North Wales, I do not fully agree with the decision of the conference at Manchester, inasmuch as other places, and the men in those places, members of the Miners' Federation of Great Britain, have failed to agree. The readers of the Advertiser shall see from what I quote from a daily paper: At a representative conference of miners, belonging to the National Federation of Miners in the South Staffordshire and East Worces- tershire districts, held at Rowley, last night, it was decided, by a large majority, not to adopt the resolu- tion passed at the Manchester conference to cease work for a week, commencing next Saturday. The decision has created great surprise, the miners having sent delegates to the Manchester conference to support a cessation of work." I now appeal to all my fellow-workmen, who are the betrayers ? Englishmen say that Welshmen are not confident in themselves, I say that I am afraid some of these districts are going to ruin us, by taking our trade from us, the same as we have been treated on other occasions. I hope that it being the case, although our notice is put in, we shall in course of our notice be wise enough to arrange with our masters to go on working.—I am, &c. Wheatsheaf. ISAAC LL. THOMAS. A CHECKWEIGHER EXPLAINS. I SIR,-I beg for a little apace in your columns to explain a few things concerning myself. My fellow checkweigher, Mr Phillip Tomkins, has received an anonymous letter, asking him to call a meeting of the men of Wynnstay Colliery for the purpose of dis- missing me, Charles Roberts, because I am not qualified for the office. I will ask a few of those who are able to judge of my qualification, and will make use of a few of the men' names able t$apeajc about me. The first is the agent, Mr loan Williams, and the second Mr Phillip Tomkins—Mr Williams as the late checkweigher, and Mr Tomkins as the present-trusting they will come forward and speak the truth, whether it be good or evil; and I beg that my accusers will come forward and prove what they have against me, and not be backsliders. The people of Cefn, Penvcae, and district know what they have suffered under the old company through strikes and morning meetings, causing the work to stand until at last the old com- pany broke up, and nearly starved themselves and family. One man told me that I was not fit to be a ch<^kweighmau because I don't call morning meet- ings, &c.: but I never will do so. If the workmen suffer any injustice they have the law of Great Britain to protect them, and they have funds for such purpose. I beg my accusers to come forward through the press, or come to our meetings.-I am, &c., Cefn. CHARLES ROBERTS. OAERGWRLE AND THE COUNTY COUNCIL. SIR,-I find we are to have a contest for the County Council. One of the candidates is Mr J. B. Bowman, Hope Hall, Caergwrle, a well tried and sound Liberal in all matters of progress and advancement, and who advocates in his address, the disestablishment and disendowment of the church, further powers to the County Council in the control of the police and the funds in connection therewith, and is moreover one of the largest ratepayers in the parish, and singularly enough is a large landowner, and is in every respect a thorough practical man, and has held various offices in connection with the Highway Board and several parish matters. His opponent,Ibelieve.is,or w.s the late Tory agent, ono Mr Hugh Goodman Roberts, a solicitor, and who has no vote (I believe) in this division. He is clerk to a School Board, and is therefore in favor of education. I should like to know what he has done in that line except in connection with the clerkship. I believe he is also chairman of the Hope Burial Board, and I believe would, like another Mr Mould, bury every Radical in that division for nothing. In the meeting held in support of the Tory candid- ate (Mr Roberts), in the magistrates' room at Caer- gwrle, the chairman (Mr Barcroft) said he was a lawyer. I ask my brother farmers is this the man you pit against a brother farmer, who has appealed to us for our votes. I say decidedly no. Let us rally round Mr Bowman, and carry him by a clinking majority, and thus free his opponent to continue his numerous professional duties.—I am, etc., A FARMER. HOPE SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION. I Siii,—We are once more in the midst of a contest. Perhaps I ought to say that I regret this is the case, but honestly I cannot say so, for I believe that a meeting held in one corner of the parish to elect a Board for the whole parish rarely gives satisfaction. The last Board, however, or, properly speaking, the expiring Board, has been a most satisfactory one. While it has readily met H.M. Inspector's views, and won his approval and encomium, it has expended about SMO on school extension, and in the purchase ef a house for the master at Llanfvnydd. The call upon the overseers now is £ 50 less than it was three vears ago. This is efficiency combined with economy. 1 believe that the schools under the Board were never in a more efficient state than they are at present, and the new Board will have a most difficult task to perform to follow the present Board with equal success. The public never seem to have any gratitude left for the most honest service rendered. It appears to be the case now at Hope. There is a possibility of every member of the present Board being thrown out. As I write the names of two of them are only mentioned even as candidates, and both have deserved better treatment than being thrown out. Mr T. G. Lewis has only been on the Board one year, but the other member, Mr Joseph Griffiths, the present chairman, has been a member for many years, and is believed to have done his utmost to make education popular, and to obviate all friction in the schools, and to meet the wishes (so far as fracticable with due regard to economy) of H.M. Inspector. I hope that the parish will not lose their services at all events, and also I trust Mr Joseph Griffiths and Mr T. G. Lewis will head thepoll on Tuesday next.—I am, &c., HorE. LIBERAL CLUBS AND INTOXICATING DRINKS. SlR,-I was very glad to see in your valuable paper of the 20th of February, that Mr G. Percy Thomas had the courage to write a letter on this subject, and I heartily endorse every word contained therein, and shall feel obliged if you will allow me a. small space in order that T may give a little of my experience on the above subject. Some years ago we commenced a Liberal club in Burslem, and as they appear to have done in Wrex- ham" we took a vote by a full meeting upon the question of introducing intoxicating drinks or other- wise. I strongly advised that we should conduct the Club strictly on temperance lines, and being in the minority I withdrew my name from the Club, and decided not to have anything at all to do with it as I could not agree to become part proprietor of a drink- ing establishment, and there were others who would not join on that account. Although I incurred the displeasure of some of my friends in the action I took, I felt that I was perfectly right in taking that course. Since that time it has been very painful to me to know that some promising young men have been ruined by staying late in the evening when public houses were closed" in political clubs, and I have known one father who has risen from his bed at the hour of midnight and gone to the club to seek his son. It is very painful to think of the feelings of parents under such circumstances. The longer I live I see the coarse that I then took was the right one, and in this case especially it has proved to be so, as the club has ceme pretty much to the same fate as the Wrexham Ctab as explained by Mr Thomas in his valuable letter. They have now decided to leave the present clcbroom, have built new premises, formed trustees, of which I am one, with a distinct understanding that no intoxicating drinks are supplied to the members. I thought the insertion of this letter would confirm the opinions of Mr Thomas, and would give him encouragement to do .*U in his power to advise that no intoxicating drinks should be sold in these establishments, which I feel sure would be better for the clubs, and also better for the community at large. -I am, &c., WM. BOULTON. Grange Cottage, Burslem, March 1st, 1892. (What our correspondent means by "pretty much the same fate as the Wrexham Club," we do not know. Possibly it is a clerical errror. For the benefit of the writer and others interested, we understand that at the Wrexham Club the bar closes at 10.30, and at 11 the building is shut up for the night.— ED. W.A.] COL. DAVIES-COOKE ON FLINTSHIRE I COUNTY COUNCIL. Siit,-The speech of the Chairman of the County Council, at their last meeting, is both interesting and instructive—interesting as showing how much of their time has been devoted to the disaussion of politics and fads, and instructive as showing how the astute and learned chairman can make an effective oration, comprehending a wide range of subjects, without giving any solid facts on which ratepayers can form a judgment as to whether the County Council has deserved well of its county or not. Three years a^o the present Council was elected on the cry of 90 magistrate need apply the orders issued by the Popes of Flintshire from their respective chapels were that no magistrate was to have Nonconformist support unless he was a Radical, and they were as a body characterised as incompetent and extravagant. No charge, however untrue or ridiculous, was too outrageous for the easily gulled elector to swallow promises rained like a shower of frogs—one promised free fishing, another free poaching, a third that all should have work on the roads, and so on. Well, what have they done ? What economies have they effected ? If anyone in the county ought to know and must know, it is Mr Herbert Lewis, and his silence is most significant. Had he been able to show a favorable balance on the eve of a new election, is there anyone weak enough to believe he would not have done so ? It would have been proclaimed aloud from every house-top but all the information be gave was a vague statement, nnadorned by figures, which amounts to this :—" If there has been greater cost4 the materials have been better; if there has been less cost, the roads have been as good as ever." By some years' mismanagement (whose I will not attempt to say), the only accounts issued by this eminently businesslike Council are those for their first year, ending March 31st, 1890, and we are now in March, 1892; but by taking that one year's account, and com- paring it with the expenditure of the Court of Quarter Sessions for the three years previous, we can gain some inkling of how matters stand. In 1886-7-8 the average rate levied by Quarter Sessions was £ 10,621. In 1889-90 the rate raised by the County Council was 5d in the S, or XS,796, being S,1,836 less than the rate raised by Quarter Sessions but, on the other hand, the County Council received, on local taxation account, no less than X13,010, and they commenced the year with a balance in hand of 95,638 6s 6d-presumably a credit balance from Quarter Sessions, although the account does not show it as such. The account, therefore, will work out as under:— Quarter Sessions account for the year ending March 31st, 1889. RECEIPTS. By county rates. S,10,621 0 0 Treasury in aid of main roada. 3,578 8 6 Conveyance of prisoners and prosecutions. 127 14 8 *Fees -Lnd fined .— 1,153 10 6 "Special services oi police and rents 375 3 0 *Exchequer contribution account 2,252 18 2 £ 18,108 14 10 *Not being able to get the exact sums under these heads, I have taken them to be the same as in 1889-90, which will I think be near enough, and for the purpose of this com- parison, I have assumed that the balance in hand would approximate to the balance handed over to the County Council. County Council account for the year ending March 31st, 1890, as per printed account. RECEIPTS. £ s. d. Local Taxation account 13,010 1 6 Exchequer contribution account 2,252 18 2 Rates 8,786 17 6 Fines, fees, and sundries 1,655 8 2 Interest, &c. 107 0 6 Balance at commencement of year 5,638 6 6 S,31,451 12 4 EXPENDITURE. S. s. d. Police, lunatics, &c 3,122 15 2 All other accounts (see printed reports) 20,953 6 0 Balance exchequer contribution account 3,820 7 4 Balance in hand on current account 3,555 310 31,451 12 4 The result shows an extra expenditure in the year 1883-90 of zC5,967 6s 4d, a sum nearly equal to 3d in the pound, making a total of 81d as against the average 5d expended by the Quarter Sessions-io much for economy. As to the administrative ability, Mr Herbert Lewis points out, with evident satis- faction, to their management of main roads. I must not now trespass further on your space, but shall hope to disscuss that subjec; inafuture letter (perhaps next week), when I shall show that ignorance and ex- travagance are the salient features of their main road management.—I am, &c., B. G. DAVIES-COOKE. I Colomendy, Mold, March 1st, 1891.

ST. DAVID'S DAY. I WREXHAM. I NATIONAL PATRIOTISM AND PIETY. I The Vicar of Rhos, Rev. T. Prichard, preaching on Tuesday evening at St. David's Church, took for his text St. Luke vii., 5, "For He loveth our nation, and hath built us a synagogue." In the course of his ser- mon ha said:—Civil claims and national religion ought not to be separated, but rather go together— the one in the other-the latter to sanctify the former. The love of one's own nation is not to ex- tinguish enthusiasm for the human race at large. Christianity seeks to blend the two forces together. St. Paul, though chiefly known as the great Apostle to the Gentiles, was a Hebrew patriot, and boasted in his bein- a descendant of Abraham, and in his care for his kith and kin. Common sense teaches that there is a deficiency in the moral manhood of him who despises the land that gave him birth, and equa-lly true is it that it is very unbecoming to have nothing but harshness to apply to the church which has never ceased to minister to the spiritual wants of our nation for 1,500 years-the great builder of the parochial synagogues of God, and within which countless generations of Welsh people have offered Divine worship. The Welsh nation is but poor and little, inhabiting a confined mountainous region. It is not noted for its deep learning or grand deeds of states- manship, and is but little referred to in the general history of the world. Still it has historical character- istics demanding the interest and attachment of her sons to-day. In the first place it is an ancient nation. How near to the deluge it can be traced we know not. When and in what manner the Welsh came from the East is almost as uncertain; but this is clear, that the first history of this island is the history of the Cymry and Brython. Here we find them settled when the Roman Empire was in its vigor, and the Saviour of Mankind was born. Oh, if the hills and dales of Britain had language, what tales of the past life of our forefathers they could unfold! and al- though myriad changes had taken place in the out- ward garb and character of the nation, it still remains essentially what it was in the days of Caradoc, Arthur, Hywel Dda, and Llewelyn. It is an in- dustrious and brave nation. The Welsh have alwavs been a people of life and action. Caesar, when he landed, found them diligent in agriculture, mining, and commerce, and possessing a merchant navy. Re- garding their bravery, will not the testimonies of the Romans and Saxons suffice? Those desperate encounters in the south of Britain, and later in the mountain passes of Welsh Britain, ^settle the matter. A nation of such fortitude and gallantry, must be made of good solid material. It is a nation deeply attached to its rights, customs and language. They are despicable people who will permit themselves to be deprived of their national heritage without a determined struggle. This noble obstinacy of the Welsh is strikingly demon- strated in the non-surrender of the language, be it for better or for worse. Repeated attempts were made by the stronger power to wipe it out, but all have utterly failed, and to-day its survival stands as a wonderful "fulfilment of the Bard Taliosin's oft- quoted prophesy, made in the 6th century. That it should be living to-day in spite of its scanty literature in the past, is only to be accounted for the Celtic at- tachment to nationality. It is a religious nation. It has always been so (as Mr Gladstone mentioned in this very town), with a loyal and even superstitious veneration for its churches, saints and relics in the past, and to-day Wales is a land of synagogues. Of course, like all nations, the Welsh have their short- comings. We must acknowledge our people to be rather hot-brained, impulsive, narrow, unforgiving. and prone to divisions. The prince3 and tribes of Cambria carried on a civil war for ages, and sectarial disputes and fightings are almost as desperately carried on to-day between diverse Welsh religious bodies. Still, however deplorable this want of co-op- eration and love may be, it is almost better than a state of national stagnation and turpitude. In our day, after a period of national exclusiveness and drowsiness we witness a wonderful waking up in literature, education, and matters social, political and eccleciastical. Britain again realizes the exist- ence of the Welsh. The very soul of Wales is quivering with life and emotion. Welsh literature is multiplying with leaps and bounds grand schemes of education are in process of being carried out. Social problems are grappled with, and never before has so much interest been taken in State affairs. Of course, as in every revival, there is much fricvion between sections, divergencies of view, and lack of charity. Still, these will soon vanish-they are only the momentary concomitants of re-animation—the disturbance of a resurrection, and ultimately a nation quickened, rejuvenated, will stand erect, destined to wield the sceptre of influence in high matters of the United Kingdom—a nation about commencing to write a new and glorious chapter in her noble annals. A nation, let us hope, whatever be the developments of the future, wnicn will never forsake the faith once delivered, and whose patriotism will always bear the motto Without God, without everything." The preacher then gave a historical sketch of the British Church, the cause and rise of Dissent, of what ought to be the present policy of the Church towards Non- conformists, the present Church revival and future prospects. ST. DAVID'S DAY AT THE BARRACKS. I Tuesday being the 1st of March, the soldiers at the Barracks wore leeks in their caps, in honor of St. David, Patron Saint of Wales. In the evening the customary ball was given by the non-commissioned officers, and proved a great success. The numerous detaiis were entrusted to a committee consisting of Color-Sergt. Rose (president), Color-Sergt. Morris, Color-Sergt. Booth, Color-Sergt. Kesper, Sergeant Whingates, Sergt. Wheeler, Sergt. Dickens, and Sergt. Marsh, who also had the advantage of the ad- vice and general assistance of Sergt.-Major Vernon. The rooms occupied for the festivities were in the Ellis Block, and it was wonderful to find how com- pletely transformed they were by the very copious decoration which adorned them. Upon entering the block, the visitor naturally sought the ballroom. As usual, it was tastefully adorned with evergreens, and particularly box. The ceiling was divided into squares, in pleasing fashion, and on the sides of the walls, rifles, bayonets, engravings, and evergreens made the room grateful to the eye. It was well lighted by numerous lamps, and the floor was in ex- cellent order. On the stage at the further end of the room, was the bandstand, where Mr Corrison con- ducted the band of the 3rd Battalion, which dis- coursed sweet music to the delight of the numerous dancers. In front was a case of medals (Crimean and Indian Mutiny), which bore the following inscription Medals of Sergt.-Major W. Handley, R.W.F., and H.M. Royal Body Guard, Yeomen of the Guard, died April 8th, 1890." Behind on drums was Captain Etbrfston's Challenge Cup, and in rear of this, resting on a pile of bayonets, were the colours of the 3rd Battalion. Leaving this room, and going upstairs we found that the room above had been dedicated to supper. It was neatly decorated, and the tables were laid out in a most tempting way with refresh- menti. The whole arrangements were made by Sergt. and Mrs Chambers. Tea and coffee were also supplied here, and nothing was wanting to promote the comfort of the guests. The bar wa3 in the room on the same level as the ballroom, and was supplied by Mr J. Phoenix, Bridge House Inn, the sergeant in charge being Sergt. Dolman. A word of praise is due to Color-Sergt. Kesper, who was most assiduous in carrying out the decorations. Dancing commenced at 9.30, the M.C.'s being Q.M.S. Malone and Sergt.- Instructor McCormick. Colonel R. S. Liddell, commanding 23rd Regimental Districts, and officers of the Depot Royal Welsh Fusiliers, entertained a number of guests at the Bar- racks. The usual custom of eating the leek was enforced upon those who honoured them with their presence for the first time. A drummer boy beat a roll on the drum whilst this interesting ceremony was being performed. The non-commissioned officers' guests numbering about 180, arrived about the time named, and dancing commenced soon after. Leeks were prepared by the committee, and were pinned on the breasts of the Seigeants and their friends before entering the ball- room. Shortly after eleven o'clock the following officers and their guests visited the ballroom: po]. R. S. Liddell, commanding 23rd Regimental Dis- trict Major the Hon. R. H. Bertie, Capt. A. F. Cooper, and Lieut. B. K. Hanbury, Depot Royal Welsh Fusiliers; Capt. and Adjutant S. G. Everitt, Capt. Touzel, and Quarter-Master Perris, 3rd Batt. Royal Welsh Fusiliers; Capt. Bright-Smith, and Capt. Lysons, .V.C., 2nd Batt. Royal Welsh Fusiliers; Lieut.-Col. R. O. Richmond, A.P.D., Brigade Surgeon Owen; Major and Adjutant Thorold, 2nd Volunteer Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers; Capt. and Adjutant R. H. Dunn, 1st Volunteer Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers; Capt. and Adjutant H. E. Pocklington, Denbighshire Hussars; Capt. and Adjutant J. K. Griffith, 4th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers; Major-General the Hon. S. Mostyn, C.B., late Royal Welsh Fusiliers Major Webber (Chief Constable of Flintshire), late Royal Welsh Fusiliers Colonel F. Stringer and Captain G. C. Fenwick. late Royal Welsh Fusiliers; Colonel B. D. Cooke, 2nd V.B. Royal Welsh Fusiliers General Sir Roger Palmer, Bart., Colonel Sir R. A. Cunliffe, Bart., the Rev. Canon Fletcher, Major Leadbetter (Chief Constable of Denbighshire), Surgeon Richard Williams, and Mr J. O. Bury. On their entering the ball room, the band struck up The March of the Men of Harlech," and the officers and several of their guests at once joined in the dancing. At half-past twelve o'clock the company adjourned to the supper room, where a bountiful supply was laid out, the committee paying particular attention to this important part of the programme. The waiting and general arrangements were all that could be desired, and the company, having done justice to the viands, returned to the ball-room, and dancing was resumed, and was kept up with unflagging energy till the early hours, when one of the most convivial gatherings ever held to com- memorate the memory of St. David came to a successful termination. The guests expressed them- selves highly pleased with the night's entertainment. The music selected by Sergeant-Drummer Corrison, and played by a portion of the band 3rd Batt. Royal Welsh Fusiliers, gave every satisfaction. I RUABON. I The annual dinner in connection with the Society for the Prosecution of Felons was held on Tuesday evening, when about thirty members sat at the tables, presided over by the president of the Society, Dr. Jonas. Amongst the company were Mr Lloyd Jones, Mr Joseph Owen, Moreton; Mr Joseph Owen, Church-street; Mr Gibson, stationmaster Mr Powell, Rhos j Mr D. C. Owen, Rhos Mr Jackson, Grenville- terrace; Mr Grimshaw, Rhosymedre; Mr Archer, Oefn Mr P. Murless, Ruabon Mr Green. Pentre Mr Griffith, Wynnstay Offices Mr Clarke, Vauxhall Mr Isaac Jones, Wynnstay Colliery; and Mr Robert Lloyd, secretary. The Chairman, in a humorous speech, referred to the work accomplished by St. David, and gave the toast, which was duly honored. The speeches were interspersed by songs given by Mr T. Hughes, Mr Green, Pentre Christionydd, and Dr. Bays, who gave an Irish comic song, much to the delight of the company. Messrs Roberts Brothers, harpists, Newtown, were in attendance, and a most enjoyable evening was brought to a close by the singing of Hen Wiad fy Nliadc.u," Mr Hughes taking the solo. LIVERPOOL. The Liverpool Welsh National Society gave, on Tuesday evening, their annual dinner a.t the Adelpbi Hotel. Sir Richard Williams-Bulkeley occupied the chair, and in proposing the to Lst of the Ancient Memory of St. David, dealt with several questions affecting the internal welfare of the Principality. DINNER AT THE CROSS FOXES, COEDPOETH. On Tuesday night a large and representative com- pany partook of an excellent dinner at the Cross Foxes, Codpoeth. Mr Alderman Done was the pre- sident, and Messrs T. H. MicheU, Ivy Cottage, and J. Tudor Rogers vice-presidents. There were also present:—The Rev. T. H. Evans, vicar; Rev. J. Hughes Parry. Coedpoeth; Messrs F. M'Rae, R. Lewis, Fleece Hotel, Wrexham G. F. Wynne, Plas- gwyn; W. Davies, Bwlchgwyn; J. Hutchinson, Edisbury and Company, Wrexham; E. B. Davies, Adwy; G. A. Powell, Caepenty Carwithin, Island Green Brewery loan Powell, Caepenty J. Price, J. Davies, G. Harris, E. Rogers (Quartett Party). T. H. Coleman, J. S. Borlase, Mount Pleasant, Adwy J. Tudor Rogers, Bryn Tydur; C. J. Gibbons, Plas Maelor, Adwy Dr. Edwards, Lloft Wen; Daniel Williams, Tanlan, Adwy; Jesse Roberts, Higher Berse; R. Hughes Jones, Vron Schools H. Jones Edwards, High-street, Coedpoeth; J. Barnes, E. Pritchard, Mitre Brewery; W. Michell, T. Bellis, Mitre Brewery; T. Williams, Horn's Inn; J. W. Owen, Minera Schools; W. F. Gibbons, Plas Maelor, Adwy J. Davies, Tynycoed; T. A. Green, Parr's Bank; D. D. Pierce, Hope-street, Wrexham; H. Williams. Town Hall Vaults, Wrexham; J. H. Ellis, Talwrn, etc. After the loyal toa,sts had been duly honored. Mr G. F. Wynne, in a felicitous speech, proposed The Army, Navy, and Volunteers," and Mr R. Lewis, of the Fleece Hotel, Wrexham, responded. Mr J. Tudor Rogers having proposed The Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese, and Ministers of all Deuominations," Mr Dan Williams sang Sweet Madeline" very effectively. The Vicar expressed his greatest thanks to them for the kind manner in which they had received the toast. Having only just arrived home from a journey he begged to be excused from adding anything further. The Rev. J. Hughes Pa.rry rejoiced that their town, or rather city, had been visited by a good number of influential gentlemen from the village of Wrexham. (Laughter ond cheers.) The next business of iinporta--c in their neighbourhood would be in the ha.nds of the postmaster, wh o might for the future arrange for letters to be addressed Wrexham, near Coedpoeth." (Laughter.) The Patron Saint of Wales was an archbishop, and the Church which could give to Wales its Patron Saint could hardly be called an alien Church. (Cheers.) He (the speaker) was a Welshman, he had rather be a Welshman than anything else, but he was at the same time a great adniirer of John Bull. He felt that there was too much religiosity amongst the AVelsh-(heLr, heir)- and that they required some of the distinguishing traits of John Bun to counterbalance this. He did not believe in long faces on Sunday and long fingers on Monday morning. (Cheers.) Another point which occurred to him was that cry of Whiles for the Welsh." There were several of his college and university friends who, he regretted, went into crazes over their nationality. It was the duty of all to look at facts in the face. Where would the Welsh be but for the English, the Scotch, &c., who developed the industries and uncovered the wealth and resources of the country ? Let them not b e led away by the foolish cry of "Wales for the Welsh," but strive to estimate the true value of the assistance rendered to her by the surrounding nations. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) Before the morning star is beaming having been sung by the Wrexham Quartett Party, The Chairman proposed The Immortal Memory of St. David He said it was not known definitely what he had done, but it had been very well placed before them by Mr Parry. He asked them to drink it in silence. Dr. Edwards was next asked for a soag, and he rendered very powerfully and characteristically the noted Y mynydd i mi." Prosperity to the Agriculture and Mining Prosperity '1'ra.de of Coedpoeth was proposed by Mr H. V. Williams, Wrexham. The Wrexham Quartett Party, who were greeted with applause, gave a comical rendering of Johnnie Shmoker." which was followed by a most humorously performed recitation, entitled The Quack Doctor," bv Mr T. H. Coleman. Mr Davies, Tynycoed, responded on behalf of the agricultural interests, and Messrs Wynne and Powel on behalf of the mining interests. Mr Wynne in the course of an interesting speech said it was curious that the three subjects of that toast were just then in low water, He could say so of the lead mining interest whatever, as the price of that commodity was now below JET a ton, a state of things sufficiently serious to cause their late mana- ger >ir Darlington—to turn in his grave. In that gentleman's time JE15 was a ridiculous price, But no one should feel despondent when they were uniting to wish these industries prosperity. They hoped that the day was not far distant when they should emerge from under the cloud which covered them just then. The district, no doubt, had claims of an unusual kind to the importance already attached to it by previous speakers. The wealth it contained and had yielded was fabulous. During the time of the present mining company there had been ^yields of ore from the old Minora, mountain valued in all at about 2i million pouuds. In the time of the old company, with which were connected the names of Noble and Hunt, and which existed ia the beginning of the century, there had been yields of 400 tons of lead per month. From old royalty returns which he had seen with the Duke's agent, he found that old Park Mine was by no means an insignificant one, for in one quarter there had been paid X3,800 in Royalty. Add to that the works scattered all about the lime works and which were worked by the Romans, and he thought he would not be far wrong, if he said that the value of lead and blende produced from the district would be between four and five million pounds (Cheers. ) Mr loan Powell, Caepenty, representing the coal industry, said that the demand and price of coal was not so encouraging as it had been. He was very sorry to hear of the impending stoppage of the collieries. No doubt the colliers of North Wales had been persuaded by the Lancashire men. The officers of the union were certainly exaggerating facts to the Welshmen. It was a very unwise act on the part of the latter, as there was not an ounce of stock in North Wales, while there were thousands of tons in Lancashire. (Hear, hear.) The song Our John's come home to-day," by Mr G. A. Powell was well received. Mr C. J. Gibbons proposed" The health of the Chairman," Mr T. H. Coleman supporting it. The toast was drunk with musical honors, Mr Dan Williams with his All in all," the uartett party with How sweet, how fresh, and Dr. Edwards with I Bias Gogerddan" were very much enjoyed. After the Chairman had briefly responded another portion of the musical programme was rendered by Sir G. P. Wynne, who sang The Anchor's Weighed." and Mr Qreen who sang Hunting Day." The latter immediately after proposed "The Vice-Presidents," and having spoken of his acquaintance with them, said he had known a little of Coedpoeth before that evening and from his experience he could endorse Mr Parry's suggestion that it should be Wrexham, near Coedpoeth," for in many things it took the lead. He had not forgotten athletes in any speech he made,— (laughter)—he was an ardent gymnast and had pro- moted the gymnastic display at Wrexham the previous evening, which was meagrely attended. Coedpoeth displays were not so, and he felt confident that the following Monday's concert would support and bear out his remarks. (Applause.) The Vice-Presidents having responded, Maggie Murphy's Home by Mr E. B. Davies, and True till Death by Mr G. A. Powell wer sung very effecti vely. Mr T. H. Michell proposed the toast to the Visitors," and Mr D. D. Pierce responded. After a song, The Vision,"—a musical treat—by Mr Dan Williams, Mr Wynne proposed The Musicians," on behalf of whom Capt. J. Davies responded. After the singing of The Moon is out by the Quartett Party, Mr Coleman proposed "The Ladies," and Mr W. F. Gibbons responded. The song, We may never have the chance again" having been sung by Mr loan Powell, Mr H. V. Williams proposed The Hostess and her son"—Mrs and Mr Carrington. Tho Rev. J. Hughes Parry supported it, and said he was proud to say they were both members of their congregation. If more houses were conducted as the Cross Foxes was there would be far less drunkenness and Sunday drinking in the neighbourhood than existed then. As such establishments were a necrssity it was the duty of all philanthropists to put their best men in charge of them. (Hear, hear.) Mr Ll. Carrington responded. After Mr Dan Williams had again done himself credit in his rendering of Good Health," the Auld Lang Syne brought the evening's enjoyment to a close before 12 o'clock. The accompanists were Mr Barnes and Mr R. S. Lewis, bofh of whom per- formed their duties weli LLANGOLLEN. I A public dinner was given at the Eagle's Hotel, on Tuesday, under the presidency of the Rev. E. Rhys James, B.D., vicar of Llangollen. The vice-chair was occupied by Mr E. R. Hughes Parry, Llangollen Fechan, and among those present were the Rev. Carrog Jones, B.A., curate of Llangollen the Rev. Eyton Jones, curate of Vron; Mr S. C. Jagger and Mr F. H. Jagger, Dinbren Hall; Mr Bethel Roberts, Mr J. Hungerford Davies, Wenffrwd Mr J. Gifford, Mr J. O. Thomas, B.A., Mr W. Edwards, The Tower Mr W. James, The Vicarage Dr. C. Fenwick, Mr James T. Roberts, Mr Lutman, Mr J. C. Bull, Mr Frank McGinnis, Mr H. F. Cope, Mr R. Darlington, F.R.G.S., Mr W. Penn Dennis, New Hall, Ruabon; Mr James S. Shaw, Dr. Richard Drinkwater, Mr T. B. Stretton, Mr R. Hospool, Mr E. F. Hollins, &c.— The Chairman gave The Queen and the Royal Family."—Mr J. T. Roberts sang The Poacher. The Vice-chairman proposed The Bishop, Clergy, and Ministers of all denominations." He believed the clergymen and ministers did their work faithfully, and in their own parish they had no just cause of complaint. (Cheers.)—The Vicar said the Bishop of St. Asaph had always been a successful man, and there was a glorious career before him. (Cheers.) They would always watch his career with interest, for he had been brought up at Llangollen, and there had been laid the foundation of a great life.—Mr Hollins having sung "John Peel," Mr J. O. Ihomas proposed The Army and Navy," to which Mr J. R. Hughes Parry responded.—Mr Bull sang Molly Mollone," followed by "The Rhine Wine" by Mr Shaw.—The Vicar then gave St. David, the Patron Saint of Wales." At that hour Welshmen were met together in all parts of the world to do honor to their Patron Saint. St. David was one of the ancient Britons, and was a patriot of the purest kind. He was a Royal Prince, a great orator, and was a thorouglily generous man. He had left behind him marks of his wonderful sagacity and power, which would never be erased, and lie (the chairman) believed no one had done so much to make Wales a nation and a power as their Patron Saint.( Cheers.) The toast having been drunk in silence, Mr Darlington gave The Town and Trade of Llangollen." Providence had done much for their town and valley. Ruskin and other authorities had spoken of Llangollen as one of the fairest spots in the world. He (the speaker) had fazed upon many of the finest pictures in nature, but had seen nothing more beautiful than the peace- ful valley of the Dee. (Cheers.) He thought the tradesmen were as enterprising as those in any other town of like size in Wales, or anywhere else, while Llangollen itself possessed many advantages over other towns. (Hear, hear.)—Mr briefly responded. The song, Hunting was given by Mr J. T. Roberts, after which Mr Gitford proposed the health of the ladies.—Mr Bethel Roberts responded, in a humorous speech, after which Dr. Fenwick gave the toast of their hostess, who had provided them with such an excellent dinner.—Mr Hollins proposed the health of the Chairman, who, in responding, said those gatherings did much good in bringing men to- gether. He often wondered why there was not a Freemason's Lodge in their midst. He hoped the gathering that night would lead to the establishment of a St. David's Masonic Lodge at Llangollen. (Cheers.)—Mr Sam Jagger gave Success to our next merry meeting," coupled with the name of Mr Bethel Roberts. A largely-attended public dinner was also held the same night at the Grapes Hotel, under the presidency of Mr it. Ll. Baker, Bryntirion, when the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were duly honored. EISTEDDFOD AT BAGILLT. SPEECH BY THE DEAN OF ST. ASAPH. An Eisteddfod, which attracted a good attendance was held on Tuesday in the Bagillt National Schools. At the afternoon meeting the president was the Dean of St. Asaph, and the proceedings were conducted by Pedr Mostyn. The Dean of St. Asaph, in the course of his address, dwelt upon the importance as Welshmen of their making the best of the opportunities afforded them of meeting together on a common platform. There were plenty of things nowadays—almost too many, he thought—which brought before them day by day the various points upon which they had differences of opinion, and it was natural for them to forget what a large area of ground they possessed in common. He did not wish to minimise or to ignore those points of differences, but lie thougt t was very important also to emphasise the points of agreements and on this feast day of their national saint and hero, it was very appropriate that they should hold an Eisteddfod, for there was something in the Welsh national character which made them prepared to spend their leisure time not in various forms of sports which were popular among their neighbours, not in the festivities which were celebrated in many towns, but the Welsh way of honoring the saint was by literary gatherings such as this. He was very fond of music himself, but he was afraid there was a danger of it occupying too large a portion of the Eisteddfod. That sentiment of patriotism of which the Eisteddfod was the outcome ought to be turned, if possible, to practicable account. Welsh people were emotional, which was a strength and a weakness. He would not like to see their Welsh t haracteristica change. He thought it was the destiny of every nation to work out its own lines, and make the best of its particular national characteristics. He did not think the Welsh people would gain much by trying to imitate their neighbours too closely. The most marked capa- city of Welshmen was capacity for emotion that was a strength and it might be a weakness-it depended whether they made a right use of it or not. That seemed to be the great force, and it was the duty of all who possessed the influence to lead their fellow- countrymen to make a wise use of this sentiment of patriotism. The Dean then went on to allude to the educational work recently done by means of the technical classes, remarking that Flintshire so far was well ahead of any other county in Wales. He was anxious that the men and women of Walea should realise the opportunity now before them, and he hoped they would make the best use of it. He did not think the working classes in Wales quite realised how fine a thing life would be to them if they re- spected themselves and made the best use of their time. There was a great tendency now—and on the whole he thought it was wholesome—to give the working classes more leisure. Leisure was a precious thing if well used, if not it was a curse; and a great deal would depend upon what the women of Wales might do to teach the men the right use of leisure. The Dean then went on to advocate the establishment in small towns in Wales of rooms which could be used as libraries and read- ing-rooms.—The competitions were then proceeded with, the principal awards being as follows:—Poetry to the Coal-works," prize X2, Mr Wm. Parry, Mostyn translation from English into Welsh of Longfellow's "Psalm of Life," prize 10s, Mr G. Jones, Glan Menai; competition in singing the bass solo, "The Diver," prize 10s, Mr Samuel Owens, Bagillt; best stanzas to Consider the Lily," prize 15s, Mr Japheth Jones, Whitford c horal competi- tion, test piece, "The Lord is my Shepherd," Mac- farren, prize JE5. The only competing choir was the Bagillt Choral Society, and the adjudicators awarded them the whole of the prize, warmly commending their rendering of the piece. The prize of S2 for the essay on Ieuan Glan Geirionydd," was awarded by the adjudicator, Professor Hartwell Jones, to Mr G. Jones, Glan Menal. At the close of the meeting, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Dean, on the proposition of the Rev. R. O. Williams, vicar of Holv- well, seconded by the vicar of Bagillt, Rev. R. Owen. In the evening a concert was given, at which several distinguished artistes appeared. The room was crowded, and the president was Mr P. P. Pennant, of Nantlys, who delivered an address. u THE ANTIENT BRITONS. Tne most Honourable and Loyal Society of Antient Britons kept their 177th anniversary both at their school and in London. On Tuesday, the anni- versary dinner took place at the Criterion, Piccadiilv Circus, under the presidency of the Lord Mayor of London, who was supported by the High Sheriffg of Carmarthen and Denbighshire, the Mayors of Swan sea, Cardigan, Carnarvon, Neath, Cowinidge, Haver. ford west, Pwllheli, and many leading Welshmen and women. During the course of the evening th Treasurer, Mr Thomas Wood, of Gwernyfed, Brecon shire, made his report :-He said he had once more to report that the school at Ashford was doing ex cellent work. Owing to the liberal response made la year to his appeal, they were enabled last June to ad. mit an unusuall large number of children to the Foundation and Intermediate Pay Scholarships, and all the cases admitted were most deserving of their election. At the Cambridge University Local Ex amination they obtained ten senior and nine junio certificates, passing two with honors, and two with special distinction. All educational experts will at once admit that the result was one which placed the school in a very high position, as compared with all others throughout the kingdom. During thenar year they had lost an old and valued friend. Xh late Lord Powis was interested in all that concerned the welfare of the Principality, he was loved and respected by men of all views and stations in lifc. In no Welsh institution was he more warmly interested than in the Ashford School. His wise and help in settling all difficulties, whether great or small would long be remembered by them who had the privilege of working with him. WELSH SERVICE AT ST. PAUL'S. I When, two years ago, for the first time in [hp history of the metropolitan cathedral, an eve), service In the Welsh tongue was held at St. Paul's wish was very generally expressed that the occasio? might become an annual one. It was, however fr some reason or other, not repeated umii MoLda? night, the eve of St. David's Day, when Main an enormous congregation filled every seat, and even blocked up some of the gangways. It is estimated that upwards of 10,000 people were present, and that the vast majority could claim the Principality for fatherland was indicated by the prevalence of the Welsh tongue, and by the heartiness with which three-fourths of the congregation joined in such familiar Welsh hymns as Groeswen and Cyfammod." Except that before the commence- ment of the service the Lord Mayor, witilijis at. tendants in civic state, marched up the centre aisle and took his place at the far end of the choir the ar- rangements were practically the same as in 1890 About one hundred and twenty ladies, the majority of whom sang from the Tonic Sol-fa notation, were again stationed outside the choir rails, where they could take part in the service, although they were not supposed to be members of the choral force, which including about 60 boys, numbered in all 250 voice. trained by Mr Dyved Lewys. In the canticles and anthem, also, a double quartett, consisting of Misses Hannah Lloyd, Maggie Francis, Lily Heale, and Bowen Messrs D. J. Evans, G. H. Phillips, H. R Jones, and W. Harris, stepped out of the ranks and standing along the gangway under the dome, took part. The singing generally was superior to that of two years ago, and considerable improvement was likewise shown in the choice of the music. The hymns, save one, were exclusively Welsh, while the Magnificat and Nunc Diiiiittis were sung to a setting by Owain Alaw, better known to English musicians as the late John Owen, of Chester, a pro- minent organizer of Eisteddfodau, and editor of the Gems of Welsh Melody." From the same pen also was the anthem, Blessed is he that con-iidereth the poor," sung of course in Welsh, while the Psalm chants, instead of being, as before, modernised versions of the Gregorian chants, were by such thoroughly representative English Church musicians as Tallis and Henry Lawes, Dr. W. Hayes, and Dr. Crotch. Before the anthem, Mr Dvved" Lewys gave an impressive delivery of Be thou faithful unto death." The sermon, like the rest oi the service delivered in Welsh, was preached by Archdeacon Howell, and the prayers being read by the Rev. J. Crowle Ellis, of St. David's, Paddington. and the Hev. E. Killin Roberts, the latter of whom, we believe, took a special share in the organizing of the service. The lessons were read in Welsh by Sir J. Puleston, M.P., and the Rev. Morris Roberts, of St. Benet's.

MR. HERBERT ROBERTS AT CERRIGYDRUIDION. Mr Herbert Roberts, the Liberal candidate for West Denbighshire, addressed a large and enthusiastic meeting of electors at Cenigydruidiuu on Friday evening. Mr J. C. JOSE. Penygaer, chairman of the Liberal Association of the district, and the Rev. Abel J. PARRY, Cefn Mawr, spoke in favor of JJr Roberts' candidature. Mr ROBERTS, referring to the disestablishment debate in the House of Commons, said that, as the echoes of that debate were still ringing in their ears, it was natural that they should endeavour to consider what the present position of the question was. It was apparent to all that Welsh disestablishment had become one of the principal questions oi the day, for the Government had placed at the disposal of the Church their most gifted and eloquent debaters. The Tory party, summoned by an urgent whip, flocked to the House of Commons, and were thick as autumnal leaves in Vallambrosa," and it was a significant fact as to their attitude on the question that when Mr Samuel Smith rose and moved his resolution they left the House en bloc, creating such disturbance that the mgver of the resolution could hardly be heard for some minutes. There were none so blind as those who would not see. (Laughter and applause.) The Solicitor-General delivered a long and spirited speech in support of the strongest of all existent forces to strengthen and refine the spirit of the Welsh people, and Mr Balfour's dialectical powers were used to damage the position of the Nonconformists of Wales. But lie wished particularly to refer to the speech in the debate of the sitting member for West Denbigh- shire, because it seemed to him that the views expressed by Colonel West in regard to Welsh dis- establishment were entirely at variance with the opinions held by the majority of his constituents, and which lie was certainly supposed to be pledged to at the last election. (Hear, near.) He t-llr Roberts) noticed first of all that Colonel West made the follow- ing statement (he quoted from the For the last few years he was one of those who. as members of the Church of England in Wales, had supported disestablishment, and they did so in the hope that some means might be found to put a stop to the state of social warfare which had been going on in Wales for a. considerable time." He agreed with Colonel West that this social friction was greatly to be regretted, but he denied that this was the main reason why the people desired disestablishment; they demanded disestablishment because a State and privileged Church under the present circumstances of Wales was contrary to the principles oi justice, and htal to the interests of true religion. i Applause.) Colonel West went on to say that in common with many others he pledged himself to vote for disestab- lishment in 1885, but he agreed with the honorable member for Devonport, Sir John Puleston, that the question of disendowment had been kept at the time entirely in the background." There sure l y surely was some mistake as regards this. for the Welsh Liberal party in 1885, and ever since they were a party, were pledged to disen- dowment as inseparable from disestablishment—( hear, hear)—and whatever Colonel West's personal views were on the question in 1885, there was no doubt as to the views of his Liberal constituents, and that these views were made perfectly plain by those who supported his candidature. Colonel West proceeded to say that he was for equal justice between mem- bers of the Church and Nonconformists, he had him- self associated not only with clergymen but with ministers of all denominations, and when they came to his house he did not recognise any social distmction between them." The honorable member deserved every credit for those Liberal views, but he (Mr Roberts) would remind them that the perfect religious equality which Welsh Nonconformists desired was something more than the right of being regarded on an equal footing with Churchmen in a local sense. (Applause.) He further referred to the fact that the Liberation Society regarded the disestablishment of the Church in Wales as the first step to its total dis- establishment this was not what he intended at all." This statement seemed to prove that Colonel West regarded disestablishment at one time as a necessary measure to allay social strifes, but that he never be- lieved in it as a principle to be generally applied. He (Colonel West) stated later that it was beyond doubt that the Church in Wales at the present moment was in a flourishing condition." This statement sounded strangely as coming from the member of a con- stituency noted for the strength of its Nonconformity and where the Church, in the rural districts, was confessed to have but few adherents, and to exert but little influence upon the people. (Ap- plause.) Colonel West then referred to the question of disendowment, and said tha.t unless tne proposals for the sheer confiscation of the pro- perty ot the Church, end they would greatly shock the sense of the justice of the Welsh people, were given up, he would have nothing more to do with the question of disestablishment. "What was it proposed to do with the money which was acquired by this un- just system of coil fiscat ioi, ? It was said that educa- tion would be first dealt with; but education of all classes has been already fully provided for in Wales, and the educational question was practically at an end." There were two important views expressed by Colonel West in this paragraph—first, that disendow- ment meant confiscation; and secondly, that the educational needs of Wales had already been fully provided for. He joined issue with Colonel West in both statements. (Hear, hear.) The scheme for dis- endowing the Church would not be carried out with- out providing adequate compensation for existing interests and he held, further, that the term con- fiscation might be more justly applied to the reten- tion by the Church of money clearly intended for the good of the nation. (Applause.) As to the needs of Welsh education, he would point out that Wales had suffered seriously in the past by reason of inadequate educational advantages, and there were pressing requirements in the future which would more than absorb all the funds at their command. In making these criticisms he wished to express his great respect for Colonel West as a man and as a politician, and he felt sure that whatever views he held. and what- ever conduct he pursued with regard to them, would be dictated by conscientious motives, (Hear, hear.) Mr Roberts afterwards referred to the land question and to the question of local government for Wales, and made an earnest appeal for their support in the coming election. There never was a time in the history of Wales when so much depended upon the verdict of the constituencies at the polls, and he appealed to them to be faithful to their Liberal traditions and the principles to which they indebted for all their present privileges, and to which alone they could look forward for the satisfaction of their just aspirations as a nation. (Applause.) e

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