Barry Dock News

REV. GOMER PRICE, CURATE OF CADOXTON. HIS DEPARTURE FROM THE PARISH. POPULAR DEMONSTRATION OF GOOD FEELING. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE REV. GENTLEMAN. PRESENTATION PROCEEDINGS AT THE PUBLIC HALL. On Tuesday evening last a crowded, influential, and highly enthusiastic meeting of the parish- ioners of Cadoxton was held at the new Public Hall, Vere-street, Barry Dock Town, for the pur- pose of publicly taking leave of the Rev Gomer Price, for the past fifteen months curate of this parish, and also to present him with a substantial testimonial of the high esteem and affectionate regard in which he was held amongst them. The Rev Gomer Price, we believe, was the first curate of this parish, and his experiences have been of a somewhat diversified character. He came to this town, fresh from college," in Sep- tember, 1888, and, with the ardour of one anxious and determined to do his dutyfullyand faithfully, he entered upon his duties as minister of the gos- pel. For several months the circumstances attending his labours were of a very cheerful and flourishing description, considerable progress being made through his instrumentality in con- nection with the Church and the various tribu- taries leading up to the parent institution, such as the Sunday School, the Choir, the Welsh services, Confirmation and Bible classes, &c. This promising state of things, however, suddenly received a most unexpected and deplorable reverse, and all, for a time at least, seemed blighted and hopeless. We will not enter upon a description of what took place-it was very aptly indeed described by one of the speakers at the presentation meeting on Tuesday evening, when he said A thunderbolt fell amongst us, and we all dispersed This, notwithstanding, must be said in justice to the Rev Gomer Priee-he came out of the strife unscathed and untainted, and has continued to enjoy the approval of the Bishop of the Diocese, and the most implicit confidence and esteem of all shades and grades of the parishioners. Since the occurrence of the unpleasantness to which we have referred, the Church at Barry Dock Town has been in a complete state of lethargy, but this, it is evident, has been due to no fault of the curate, for whenever opportunity offered, he fi" was always ready to do what he could to promote the best interests of the church. Eyerything new seemed to be of a decidedly transitory nature, and no one who has been accustomed to anything like healthy active church life, and good sound paro- chial work, can be but pained at seeing the dor- mant inactivity which prevails in the church of this parish. We say this solely in the interests of the welfare of religion, and hope that something may be done, by those responsible for such in- activity, to bring about a reaction which will tend to revolutionise the present state of things. A few weeks ago, it being understood that the Rev Gomer Price would leave the parish at the close of the year, a subscription list was opened for the purpose of presenting him with a testimonial. The committee appointed for this purpose was a strong one, numbering thirty or forty gentlemen belonging to the church, with Mr L. Y. Owen, of Vere-street, as chairman, and so rapidly did contributions pour in from Church people and Nonconformists alike that when the list was closed the sum of JB55 odd was found to have been realised-the pence of the poor as well as the pounds of the rich being readily forthcoming. Amongst the first to subscribe was Major-General Lee, J.P., of The Mount, Dinas Powis, who, with Mrs Lee, have evinced a lively interest and con- cern in the welfare of the rev. gentleman during his residence in this town, and the letter from the esteemed General which we. publish hereunder shows the pleasure lie feels at the fact that Mr Price is not leaving the Diocese. The testimonial was of a flattering nature, and took the form of a beautiful silver communion service and gold lever watch (supplied by our townsman, Mr A. W. Newman, jeweller, &c., High-street); a massive illuminated address, having also thereon the por- traits of Mr Price and the Parish Church (artisti- cally prepared by Messrs Daniel Owen and Company, Cardiff); and a purse of gold. Before proceeding any further, we will give a brief BIOGRAPHY OF THE REV. GENTLEMAN. A few lines showing the principal features of the Rev Gomer Price's antecedents will, doubtless, not be uninteresting. He was born on the 10th of January, 1863, at Ystalyfera, near Swansea, and received his first education at the Wern National School in that village, amongst his schoolmates thereat being Mr Lewis Lewis, now of Barnett Buildings, Main-street, in this town, and manager of the Barry Dock News. Mr Price was subse- quently pupil teacher at the same school. Leaving Ystalyfera he obtained an appointment on the teaching staff of Pentrepoth Schools, Carmarthen, where his name is still remembered by a large number of friends amid a host of pleasant associa- tions. While at Pentrepoth Schools Mr Price identified himself as a very successful teacher, and for three years the classes under his charge obtained most flattering commendations from her Majesty's Inspector, ana obtained exceptionally high percentages of passes. On resigning his connection with Pentiepoth Schools Mr Price entered upon his studies preparatory for the Church of England ministry, and was for twelve months a pupil of the Rev Thomas Davies, vicar of Llangan, Carmarthenshire. In 1886 the subject of our remarks entered St. David's College, Lam- peter, where he spent a biennial course, and at its close obtained the degree of Licentiate of Divinity. On the 23rd of Sept., 1888. Mr Price was ordained by the Lord Bishop of Llandaff at St. Elvan's Church, Aberdare, and was licensed to the curacy of Cadoxton-Barry. It is quite needless for us to dwell at any length upon a recapitulation of the rev. gentleman's residence at Barry Dock Town. Suffice then to say that, although he has lived amongst us only during the short space of fifteen months, he has applied himself, despite the adverse circumstances which have unfortunately beset his earnest endeavours to do good, and to promote the spiritual weal of the parishioners, with unshaken assiduity to the high and holy calling which he has so zealously endeavoured to fill. To say that his exertions have met with general approval from the parishioners is also superfluous, for ample testimony in proof of this is forthcoming from the fact that when the testi- monial fund was set on foot a few weeks ago all classes alike—" High and low, rich and poor, one with another "-seemed to vie in the combined effort to formulate a substantial testimony to the high sense of personal regard in which he was held, and the cordiality, readiness, and unanimity with which the pence of the poor and the pounds of the rich poured in prove abundantly that Mr Price has gained a prominent place in the hearts and affections of those with whom he daily caaie into contact as a steady, unassuming, persevering minister of the gospel. More we need hardly say, for the contents of the address presented to him on Tuesday evening, and the various other inci- dents connected with the presentation proceed- ings, testify in more minute detail to his un- doubted popularity. We should add, however, that the Rev Gomer Price was ordained priest on the 22nd of Septemher last by the Bishop of the Diocese at Llandaff Cathedral. THE PRESENTATION MEETING. Amongst those present at the presentation meeting we noticed the following ladies and gen- tlemen:- Dr, Mrs, and Master D. E. Treharne (the former of whom, who is churchwarden of the parish, occupied the chair); Mr J. J. Williams, the Misses Williams, and Miss Davies, Royal Hotel; Mr L. Y. Owen (chairman of the com- mittee), Mr A. Owen, Mr and Mrs E. S. Johnson, Mr and Mrs Horton, and several others from East Barry Mrs Jones, Mornington House Mr T. and Miss Nessie Ewbank, Mr Lewis Lewis, Mr W. R. Hopkins, Mr Collins, Mr and Mrs Dando, M. T. M. Thomas, Mr J. L. Martin, Messrs 1). Jones and W. R. Howell (secretaries of the fund), Mr Rees Howell, Miss Dobson, Miss Howell, Misr Burbidge, Mr Lemuel Roberts, Mr and Mrs J. R. Llewellyn, Mr F. H. G. Perry, Mr Davies (South Wales Provision Stores), Mr and Mrs Christian, Mrs Anwyl, Messrs D. Lloyd, G. Garnett, E. 0. Evans, S. Sandey, C. Masters, W. Flowers, E. H. Jenkins, Etheridge, G. Waters, Williams, Llewellyn, J. Lloyd, James Davies, Williams (milkman), Sergeant-Major Atkins, J. Follick, A. W. Newman, &c., &c. There were many others present whom we should like to have mentioned, but must apologise for inability to obtain their names. The proeeedings opened with a remark by the chairman, who also read the following letter from Major-General Lee:- 5, Howard Square, Eastbourne, 27th Dec., 1889. Dear Dr. Treharne, I am in receipt of yours of the 24th instant. I am very sorry to disappoint you, but I am quite unable to get away and be present at Cadoxton on the 31st, and to take part in the Rev Gomer Price's presentation. I wish 1 could have been present to have wished him "God speed in his new sphere of labour. I am glad to see by the papers that he is not leaving the Diocese. I am sure Mr Price will be greatly missed at Cadoxton. Will you kindly let him know that my wife and I will think of him, and always be amongst his well-wishers. I enclose a cheque for my promised contribution to the Testimonial Fund. With best wishes, I am, yours very faithfully, H. H. LEE. Of The Mount, Dinas Powis. A short programme of music was then gone through in excellent style as follows — Overture—Selection from the "Twelfth Mass," by the Brass Band Piano duett-I I The Sleighing Glee" Misses Williams Song-" Never mind the rest" Mr Rees Howell Song-" The Vacant Chair" Miss Burbidge Comic song. Mr Collins Song-" Yr Aderyn Pur" Miss Davies Song Mr Etheridge Song-" Sweet Chiming Bells" Miss Dobson Song-" True Friendship" Mr Buckler Glee The Brass Band Pressure on our space precludes us giving any- thing like a full report of the speeches. We must, therefore confine ourselves to a mere outline. The Chairman, who was warmly applauded, said it would not perhaps be out of place if he explained the reason why the testimonial which they intended presenting that evening was got up. When it became known that the Rev. Gomer Price was about to leave the parish it was decided that his departure should be characterised with an expression of the good will in which he was hold amongst the parishioners, and within three weeks after a subscription list was opened a sum of near- ly JMO was received, in fact, the fund far exceeded the expectations of the committee. (Applause.) Mr Price had great difficulties to contend with as curate at Cadoxton—the place was a new one, and the inhabitants were comparative strangers to each other-but Mr Price did his duty zealously, and that was proved by the splendid attendance that evening. (Cheers.) When Mr Price came to the parish the church was almost empty, but within a few weeks it became crowded, and wherever Mr Price omciated—either at the Parish Church or Mission Room-there the con- gregation was to be found, and on many occasions the congregation were so numerous that admission could not be obtained by all. (Cheers.) This showed the popularity in which he was held. The Sunday school at the Mission Room also largely increased through his exertions, and an excellent choir was got up under the leadership of Mr Rees Howell. He took a considerable interest in the Church himself at the time, and was, there- fore, in a position to testify to those gratifying results. Then an unfortunate matter occurred. He did not know how to describe it. The choir and organist (Miss Howell) were discharged, and Mr Price was removed to the Parish Church. But he lost none of his popularity, and that was proved by the numbers who flocked to church with the intention of hearing his farewell sermon on Sun- day evening last. (Cheers.) He (the chairman) went to church himself at a quarter to six, and found a difficulty to obtain a seat. He believed if the church could accommodate a thousand persons, Mr Price's congregations would fill it. (Hear, hear.) He possessed the good feeling of Nonconformists none spoke ill of him, and he sincerely wished Mr Price great success. (Cheers.) He was a young man, but he had not received much encouragement in Cadoxton from the source he had a right to expect it. He was now going to a large parish, where he would again have oppor- tunities of doing good. He was more than sorry to part with Mr Price, and his feelings were affec- ted in referring to his departure. In Cadoxton he constantly visited the parishioners, and frequently during his own visits as medical man, he found Mr Price administering comfort and succour to the sick poor. (Cheers.) He would not detain the meeting any longer, but would again express his heartiest wishes for Mr Price's success and pros- perity. (Loud applause.) At the invitation of the Chairman, Mr E. S. Johnson read the address which was to be pre- sented to Mr Price. It was as follows To the Rev. Gomer Price, L.D., Curate of Cadoxton-juxta- Barry. Rev. and Dear Sir, When it became known that you were about to relinquish Bev. and Dear Sir, When it became known that you were about to relinquish the Curacy of Cadoxton-juxta-Barry, and to sever your cherished ministerial connection with the parishioners at large, a strong and widespread feeling of regret was ex- perienced amongst us, and although you have been resident in our midst only a comparatively short time, still it was unanimously felt that you should not be allowed to leave the neighbourhood without some public acknowledgment of the debt of appreciation and gratitude which we all owe towards you. As curate in this Parish you have discharged your duties with exceptional credit to yourself, and material benefit, not only to those who worship in the Church of which yo. are minister, but also to the community at large. You have also identified yourself, in an active and faithful manner, in promoting the welfare and success of the Choir, Bible Class, Welsh Services, the Sunday School, the Confir- mation Class, and the interests of the Church generally, while under your ministrations the congregations have largely increased, and it is with unfeigned sorrow we now take leave of you. In doing so, however, we earnestly and prayer- fully commend you to the continued blessing of Almighty God, and trust that you may long be spared to extend your good work and benign influence in the Lord's vineyard. The extent of the feeling of good will and affectionate re- gard which we cherish towards you is such that we are now able to ask your kind acceptance of this illuminated address, together with the accompanying" gold watch, silver commu- nion service, and purse of gold, as token of our heartfelt esteem, gratitude, and love towards you. We hope and believe that the zeal and ability which has distinguished you during your residence in Cadoxton will prove no less powerful for good in your new sphere of labour and while earnestly regretting the loss sustained by ourselves, we sincerely pray for an abundant continuance of Divine blessing upon the great work in which you are engaged. Signed, L. Y. OWEN, Chairman. DAVID JONES, > „ W. R. HOWELL, } Secretaries. J. R. LLEWBLLYN, Treasurer. B. GRIFFITH DAVIES, ED. TREHARNE, Some THOS. EWBANK, DAVID LLOYD, OF THE REES HOWELL, Members F. H. G. PERRY, TH JOHN LLOYD, OF THE C. MASTERS, Com- W. H. E. ETHERIDGE, J. O. GARNETT, mittee. E. H. JENKINS, C. MASTERS, Com- W. H. E. ETHERIDGE, J. O. GARNETT, mittee. E. H. JENKINS, Dated this 1st day of January, 1890. Mr. Johnson then addressed the meeting in most appropriate terms. He said, although a Noncon- formist himself, he had the greatest possible pleasure ioattending that evening on account of the friendship which existed between himself and the Rev Gomer Price. (Hear, hear.) He bad known Mr. Price only for five or six months, but he had always found him courteous and gentlemanly, and more than that, a Christian. (Cheers.) He had conversed with him upon temporal and spiritual affairs, and ho always found himself refreshed thereby. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Johnson then pro- ceeded to refer to the circumstances in which he first met Mr Price, and said he even then found he could preach a good sermon. (Cheers.) He be- lieved the time was coming when Methodists and Churchpeople would meet together on one common platform, with one common object—that of the salvation of immortal souls-and that they all would be actuated by the high and lofty spirit which animated our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (Hear, hear.) He readily reciprocated a remark made by the chairman that evening that Mr Price was highly respected, not only by his own peculiar flock in the Church, but by the Nonconformists as well. He bad made special enquiries during the the past few ays, and found that everyone spoke well of him, both at Cadoxton and Holton. (Cheers.) He felt it a privilege to subscribe to the testimonial fund, for it tended to show the warmth of heart and generosity of feeling which existed amongst all classes towards Mr. Price, and he wished him an abundance of Divine blessing. wished him an abundance of Divine blessing. I (Great cheering.) Mr L. Y. Owen, in presenting the address, said— II have great pleasure, on behalf of the committee and subscribers, in presenting the Rev Gomer Price with this illuminated address. It embodies the hearty sentiments t/f every one of us. We all feel we cannot adequately express in words what we really feel at heart. (Cheers.) We can scarcely realise he is leaving us so soon, for it seems only the other day since he came amongst us, but during this short stay he has endeared himself to all by his earnestness and geniality. I do not think anyone has worked harder for the great cause than he has done during his curacy at Cad- oxton. (Cheers.) We shall all miss him sorely, and we wish him success in his new sphere of labour at Dowlais. Our loss will be their gain, and our sympathy will go with him wherever he goes. (Loud applause.) Miss Edith Williams, of the Royal Hotel, then very gracefully presentel Mr Price with the gold watch amid cheers and the young lady's father, Mr J. J. Williams, speaking on her behalf, said he felt gratified in complying with the request of the chairman to address that meeting. He need ) only say that the words expressed in the address which had been read fully conveyed their feelings towards Mr Pries. (Cheers.) He hoped he would not value the gifts which he would receive that evening at their intrinsic worth, and estimate ac- cordingly the extent of their feelings towards him. If he did that they would have to increase the value of those gifts many-fold. (Hear, hear.) He hoped, in the course of years, as Mr Price ascended the ladder of life, he would look back upon his many friends at Cadoxton, and think of the good feeling they held towards him. (Cheers.) He had the highest possible regard for Mr Price as a Christian minister, and personally he also honoured and respected him, both as a friend and neighbour, and in saying this he felt confident he echoed the feelings of all the parishioners. (Hear, hear.) Mr Price always met his parishioners with the geniality of a Christian gentleman, and he wished him all prosperity. (Cheers.) He could not help expressing the deep sorrow he felt at the departure of Mr Price. He did not wish to open old wounds, but he must ex- press the esteem he felt for Mr Price, and his regret on the occasion of his leaving. (Cheers.) He wished them all a happy new year, and in asking Mr Price's acceptance of the gold watch lie hoped he would live long enough to wear it until it had worn completely out. (Laughter and loud applause.) The Chairman, on behalf of his son, Master D. E. Treharne, then presented the Rev Gomer Price with the silver communion service, at the same time expressing the hope that it would prove his companion in many a visit of charity and love. (Hear, hear, and applause.) Miss Nessie Ewbank then approached the rev gentleman, and smilingly presented him with the purse of gold, Mr T. Ewbank following with a few pertinent remarks, stating he had the greatest pleasure to speak on behalf of his little daughter in connection with the presentation of the purse of gold as a mark of their esteem for the Rev Gomer Price. His only regret was that it was not a larger and heavier purse, but tie hoped it would be like the proverbial pocket-" always contain- ing money when you put your hand in." (Laughter and applause.) He had known Mr Price, perhaps, more intimately than any one present, for during his residence in the parish he had stayed with him, and he should miss him very much, for many were the pleasant hours which he had spent in his company by the fire- side, and he felt himself a better man for the con- versations they had had. (Hear, hear.) He had greatly enjoyed the services in church under the Rev Gomer Price, but after a time unfortunately a thunderbolt fell in their midst, and they all dis- persed. He need not say any more, but would heartily wish Mr Price every success, prosperity, and promotion in his high and sacred calling. (Applause.) The gold watch and silver communion service bore the following inscription, neatly engraved thereon:— Presented to the REV. GOMKR PRICE, Lie. Div., by the Parishioners of Cadoxton-Barry, on his departure, Jan., 1890. Duw a phob llwydd." The Rev Gomer Price rose to return thanks, and this proved another signal for loud and con- tinued applause. The ovation having subsided, Mr Price said-Dear Mr Chairman, and I may say dear brethren-I fancy I shall be like the French poet this evening—my thoughts will come half- an-hour too late, but I must endeavour to express the sorrow I feel on the occasion of leaving you, and the joy I feel for your kind words, feelings, and gifts this evening. I came to Cadoxton fifteen months ago fresh from college, full of en- thusiasm and full of hope—for what is life without hope ?—and for several months my work and ex- periences amongst, you were most prosperous and cheerful. Like other people I am given to dreams, and I feel I shall often dvemn of the happy moments we spent in the Mission Room. (Hear, hear.) I fully believe God and His Spirit were with us there. (Hear, hear.) When I came here I don't think services were held in the Mission Room. The district was fresh, and the people were fresh, but I made it a point to fill the Mission Room, and I think I did so fairly well. (Cheers.) The Sunday school also was very successful. I shall not refer to the untoward incidents which occurred, and which blighted my efforts in the parish, but I hope my friends, who have been so kind in defending me, will now bury the hatchet "-(hear, hear)-for strife will only tend to militate against the interests and welfare of the Church. I hope you will bury all bad feeling and division, and join together to work for good. I hope the peace and blessing of God will rest upon the Church at Cadoxton. (Cheers.) I am leaving here for a large parish, but I don't know yet whether I shall be there permanently or not. If, however, you may hear that I will leave Dowlais soon, don't think I shall be leaving on the same grounds as I am leaving Cadoxton. (Hear, hear.) So far as I am concerned I am leaving Cadoxton without a single enemy in the parish. I am not responsible for the feelings of others, but for myself I have not a single enemy. (Applause.) In taking .leave of you I urge you, as Church- people, to be faithful and true to the Church. I thank you, one and all, for your great kindness, and may God bless you. (Great cheering.) The rev gentleman was then obliged to resume his seat, being deeply affected at the touching scene which prevailed. Mr. Perry was the next speaker. He said he came to the parish a few months ago, and Ml1. Price soon found him out. He was highly gratified with the excellent traits of character possessed by Mr. Price. He was not proud-(hear, hear)-he would cheerfully take all by the hand with a feel- ing of Christian love, and if he had not a Chris- tian's heart he would not have stuck to the parish- ioners as he had done, and many of them could be thankful for the help and encouragement they had received from him. (Cheers.) He liked Noncon- formists and Churchpeople, and all and every one had a good word to say of Mr. Price. He (the speaker) was triad of this, and hoped, with the new year that was about dawning upon them, all Churchpeople would join together to bury all ill- feeling. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Price was leaving with -their best wishes, and in the large parish of Dowlais he would find plenty of opportunities to exercise those energies which for a time had been blighted, and he earnestly trusted that his new rector would be the means of bringing joy and sunshine into his heart. (Applause.) The speaker concluded a very agreeable and practical address by wishing Mr. Price and all present a prosperous, bright, and joyful new year. Mr J. R. Llewellyn (Barry Dock News) was the next speaker, and said—Mr Chairman, ladies and gentlemen-It is somewhat difficult to address you this evening, owing to a conflict of circumstances, without being to some extent, at least, influenced by a feeling of emotion. The greater amount of that feeling of emotion devolves naturally upon the fact that, as Churchpeople, we are about losing the services of one who has concentrated his best endeavours to promote the spiritual in- terests of the Church, and, as townspeople and Christians generally, we are losing the presence of a gentleman who has at heart the welfare of every shade of religion in the town. (Cheers.) As a member of the committee of the Rev Gomer Price's testimonial fund I have had opportunities of knowing the peculiar and trying difficulties which have beset Mr Price during his residence in Cad- oxton. Those difficulties have been exceptional-- those difficulties have been extremely painful- and the members of the church are only actuated by the highest possible motives in not referring to them in detail this evening. (Hear, hear.) There is, however, a source of comfort to be gleaned by Mr Price. He has the satisfaction of knowing, that he leaves Cadoxton with the earnest wishes and prayers of the great body of his acquaint- ances, and in future years, when. he looks back upon the period during which he spent the infancy of his ministerial career amongst us, he will be able to say, In Cadoxton I had a large number of good friends." (Cheers.) I have only known Mr Price about six months, but I have known him long enough to know him well, and I have now the privilege of regarding him as a personal friend —a friendship that I hope will long continue. Mr Price is now leaving Cadoxton for Dowlais, and I fervently hope and believe that in Dowlais he will meet with a rector w ho possesses the attributes of a man, the considerations of a gentleman, and the prevailing characteristics of a Christian. (Great applause.) Him that God loveth He chasteneth;" let us, therefore, hope that Mr Price's experiences in Cadoxton-whatever they have been-may serve to make him a stronger and healthier Chris- tian, and a more active and zealous worker in the great vineyard. If this, ladies and gentlemen, will result from Mr Price's experiences in this, parish, then he will not have lived amongst us in ) I vain. IJadles and gentlemen, I feel strongly for Mr Price. My blood warms when I see the truth assailed, innocence beguiled, and justice traves- tied. Mr Price needs our sympathy, and more than our sympathy, the prayers of the Christian church; and I am heartily thankful that the Bishop of the Diocese regards Mr Price as not altogether an outcast. (Hear, hear.) I hope the Bishop will yet be afforded an opportunity of knowing the full and perfect truth. (Cheers.) Mr Price, I wish you, sir, "Good bye," and when I say good bye I mean it in its most literal sense- "God be with you." (Applause.) Mr E. H. Jenkins said it was to him a privilege to attend that evening to wish Mr Price every success in his new home, because wherever he would go he would doubtless show the same degree-of energy and perseverance that he had done in Cadoxton. Previous to Mr Price's arrival at Cadoxton they had no Welsh services, but now they had a Welsh service weekly. (Hear, hear.) The attendance was not large, but that was not Mr Price's fault. Mr Jenkins then referred to the success which had attended the Bible class and the choir, amongst which the rev gentleman had also worked conscientiously and assiduously to strengthen the influence of the Church. Mr Price did this, he had no doubt, owing to the love he had for the Word of God. He was faithful, and always to be found at his post. He wished Mr Price every success wherever he went. (Applause.) Mr Horton also spoke at the request of the chairman, and fully endorsed the sentiments which had been already expressed. He bad known Mr Price for a little time, and had had opportunities of appreciating his many virtues. He found him at all times kind and courteous, and whenever they met he always enjoyed his company. (Cheers.) Mr Lewis Lewis, in the course of an address, said he was prompted to offer a few remarks on account of the long period during which he had enjoyed the acquaintance of the Rev. Gomer Price, longer, he thought, than anyone present, for 20 or 25 years ago they were in school together. He was also acquainted with his career throughout, and he could bear testimony to his unblemished character as a boy, a youth, and a man. (Cheers.) He was very much struck with the unbounded en- thusiasm shown by Mr Price when he came to Cadoxton—he seemed, in fact, like most people in this district, to be imbued with the same degree of enthusiasm and persistence as marked the foot- steps of the promoters of Barry Dock. (Cheers.) He was full of zeal for church work. (Hear, hear.) He did not wish to refer to the past, but his experiences in the past ought not to discourage him—they shonld serve to stimulate him to further energy and enthusiasm in the future. (Applause.) Referring to Dowlais, Mr Lewis said it was a large place, inhabitated by a warm-hearted people, full of religious fervour. The people of Dowlais were church and chapel going people to the same de- gree as the people of the Barry Dock district were speculators and money makers. (Laughter and applause.) Mr Price was leaving in the enjoyment of his most cherished wishes for his future wel- fare. (Cheers.) The Chairman returned his best thanks to all who had in any way contributed towards the suc- cess of the testimonial fund, and also to the pro- ceedings that evening, specially thanking Mr. Buckler and the members of the brass band for their services, and Mr. Perry for the use of the hall. Mr. L. Y. Owen proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, which was warmly received, and the meeting closed with the rendering of the royal anthem by the band. We are very glad to understand that the Rev. Gomer Price has also this week been the recipient of a large number of private presents, and he leaves literally laden with tangible expressions of good feeling from the host of friends which he has succceded to make at Barry Dock Town.