An eisteddfod was held on Monday in a spacious pavilion in a field adjoining the Post- office at Hirwain. The proceedings were arranged to commence at 11 o’clock, and soon after that hour the chair was taken by Sir W. Thomas Lewis, the president of the day, and the eisteddfod opened by Mr R. C. Jenkins, of Llanelly, by singing “Hen Wlad fy Nhadau.” The conductor was Mr J. W. Morgan, Brynhaulog. The adjudicators were: Music, Mr R.C. Jenkins, R.A.M., Llanelly; Mr W. Thomas (Eos Wenallt), Aberdare, acting as preliminary adjudicator on the solos. &c., at the Victoria Hall. The brass band adjudicator was Mr Thomas Seddon, of Kettering, while the Rev. J. Harry, of Hirwain, adjudicated in the poetry, &c. Mr E. Walters, Bevan’s-terrace, Hirwain, was secretary, and an energetic committee had done all in their power to make the eisteddfod the success it proved to be.
After a brief opening speech by Sir William Thomas Lewis the competitions were proceeded with, the awards being:—
Pianoforte solo for youths under 18: Eleven competed, and the prize was divided between: William Morgan, Dowlais, and Griffith Thomas, Tylorstown. A second prize being given by Sir W. T. Lewis to a young girl whose name we failed to obtain.
Contralto solo-“Oh rest in the Lord:” Sixteen competed, only three of whom appeared on the platform, the winner being Rachel Ann Thomas, Cefn Pennar.
Adjudication to the elegy on Mr Thomas, Brecon Arms, Penderyn:- Winner, Rev. H. T. Jacob, Aberdare.
Male voice competition: Four parties competed, Ynyshir Minstrels, Rhondda Fach Glee Society, Hirwain Glee Society, and Tylorstown Glee Society. The prize was awarded to the Rhondda Fach Glee Society, Mardy, Mr D. Evans (Eos Dar) being the conductor; a second prize being awarded by Sir William to the Tylorstown Glee Society, led by Gwyn Alaw.
Soprano solo: “know that my Redeemer liveth.” Ten competitors; the winner being Mrs Price Hughes (Llinos Buallt), Mountain Ash.
Brass Band competition, “Pride of Wales.”:- Five bands competed, viz., Ysguborwen Temperance Band, North Dunraven Band, Blaen- Rhondda, Aberavon Excelsior Band, Maesteg Volunteer Band, and the Tredegar Volunteer Band. The 1st prize was awarded to the Ysguborwen Temperance Band (conductor, J. Manley); the 2nd to the Tredegar Band (conductor, T. Hardy); and the 3rd to the Maesteg Volunteer Band.
Baritone solo: “Merch y Cadben.” 42 competitors. The prize was awarded to D. Davies, Trecynon.
Recitation: “The Shrew” 32 competitors. The prize was awarded to T. P. Williams, Resolven.
Elegy to the Rev. J. R. Williams, Nebo: – The prize was awarded to Watkyn Wyn.
Chief choral competition:- This was the great competition of the day, five choirs entering the arena, in the following order Dowlais- Merthyr United Choir, Hirwain United Choir, Ynyshir Choir, Penbrin Music, Lovers, and Mountain Ash Harmonic Society. The prize was divided between the Ynyshir Choir (conducted by Mr D. Davies), and the Dowlais, Merthyr United Choir (conducted by Mr Henry Smith, A.C.)
In the evening an excellent concert was given in the Victoria Hall.
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