The Carnarvon and Denbigh Herald 25.01.1851
This interesting locality was, from a very early hour, a scene of general festivity, all business, apparently, being suspended in a universal sense of joyous excitement and sympathy with the event. Mostyn am byth, Mostyn am byth, was the greeting on every side as the festive groups and individuals met; and every indication of a real forthcoming holiday was apparent.
Our first trip was to the National School-room, which, under the able superintendence of Mr. Morris Jones, (Meurig Idris), was festooned and ornamented in the most graceful manner with laurels, laurustinus, and evergreens, of every description, including the mistletoe and other rare emblematic shrubs. The intervals between the windows, and the spaces beneath the festoons, bore the following appropriate mottoes:
“T. E. M. Llwyd Mostyn, Yswain, Ionawr 23ain, 1851.”
“Dial gwaed Cymro.”
“Fy nghymorthsyddoddiwrth yr Arglwydd.”
“Mostyn am Byth.”
“Mostyn, Gloddaeth, a Phengwern.”
“Cymru a Chymraeg.”
“HebDduwhebddim, Ã Duw a rligon.”
CROESO, bendeviggrasawl,-i’thdri-saith,
0 draserchunvrydawl;
Oglodgwrongwlalgarawl,
MOSTYN wth, ymestynvawl.
M. Idris.
In this room, an excellent dinner was provided, under the liberal auspices of the host and hostess of the Erskine Arms Hotel, Mr. and Mrs. Williams, to which the following guests did ample justice when the dining hour arrived, as indicated by “that tocsin’ of the soul, the dinner bell.”
Amongst the gentlemen who had taken tickets for the dinner were the followingh;John Lloyd Jones, Esq., Deganwy, Robert 0 Moulsdale, Esq., Bryndyffryn, Sir C. Smith, K.C.B., H. L. Gaskell, Esq., Thomas Williams, Esq, Glyn, Revs. W. Price, Llangelynin, J. Richards, Gyffin, Mr. William Hughes, solicitor, Mr. J. E. Morgan, Mr. Henry Jones, Bodidda, Mr. Robert Jones, surgeon, Mr. George Felton, Mr. W. Griffiths, solicitor, Llanrwst, Mr. Edward Elias, Gorswen, Mr. John Williams, Bodafon, Mr. John Jenkins, Penrhiuardor, Mr. J. Cropper, contractor, Mr. William Bridge, bookseller, Mr. Thomas Roberts, postmaster, Mr. John Jones, Liverpool Arms, Mr. P. Webster, druggist, Mr. T. A. Roberts, druggist, Mr. William Davies, clerk, Meurig Idris, Mr. T Roberts (Myrddin), Black Horse, Mr. John Jones, draper, Mr. Richard Thomas, ship-builder, T. H. Jones, timber merchant, Mr. Robert Williams, collector, Mr. Owen Owens, station master, Mr. Robert Davies, Mail Coach, Mr. T. E. Parry, Brynygynog, Mr. Edward Jones, Blue Bell, Mr. John Williams, Gyffin, Mr. David Owen, Tyddynycynal, Mr. John Owen, Gyffin, Mr. Edward Williams, Mr. Wyche, George and Dragon, Mr. William Owen, maltster, Mr. Watkin Lewis, Llanrwst, Rev. C. Chambers, Dwygyfylchi, Mr. John Thomas, draper, Mr. William Owen, solicitor, Mr. Moses Edwards, Harp Inn, Mr. Llewelyn Lewis, Aber, Mr. William Hill, agent, Dr. O. O. Roberts, Bangor, Mr. Ri hard D. Williams, solicitor, Carnarvon, Dr. R. Hope Jones, Mr. Isaiah Davies, King’s Head, Llandudno, Mr. Mr. Isaiah Davies, Kind’s Head, Llandudno, Mr. Harris, Brynypin, Mr. Maurice Thomas, H. J. Griffith, Esq., Tyglas, Llandudno, Mr. J, Jones, Llys Madoc, Mr P. Hannah, Mr. William Eli s. Abbey, Mr. S. Davies, Penyrnachno, Mr. T. Wright, do., Mr: T. Pollet, do., Mr. William Templeton, do., Mr. S. Owen, Castle Hotel, Messrs. Thomas and John Turner, Carnarvon, Rev. T. Ellis, Caerhun, G. Davies, Esq., Cyffdu, O. Roberts, Esq., Pant-howel, Capt. Hazeltine, R.N., J. B. Hesketh, Esq., Bryndulas, Capt. Hankey, Plas Madoc, Rev. Mr. Evans, Llanbedr.
Before the Erskine Arms Hotel was a most splendidly ornate triumphal arch, in which taste and skill were pre-eminently displayed, bearing above it the motto” Mostyn am byth.”
The Castle-turrets, the Railway-station, and the principal houses in the town, exhibited banners, with appropriate mottoes and devices.
At the Bridge a splendid triumphal arch also met the approving eyes of the passers-by.
At noon, precisely, the church bells began their merry peal. The firing of cannon commenced at one, and continued at intervals during the entire day.
At about half-past eleven we started from Conway to Llanrhos, in order to join the procession from Llandudno, which was to meet opposite the School-house, at noon, in that place.
Our attention was forcibly attracted on the road by the number of flags displayed in honour of the event. Every cottage, on either side of the road, had a triumphal exhibition of this kind and some of them made ample compensation, by the taste displayed in their formation, for the humble material of which they were composed.
Flags of a larger and finer description were seen waving from the summit of every adjacent hill; and as these form more than a semi-circular range, the entire horizon was more or less emblazoned by such manifestations of grateful and devoted feeling.
The hills also bore obvious manifestations of bonfires being in preparation for the evening.
The load was lined for a great length on either side by pedestrians; amongst whom the members of the Royal Bodlondeb Lodge of Oddfellows, and those of the Conway Friendly Society, were conspicuous.
In the National School-room we had the pleasure of signing the address to the heir of Mostyn, elsewhere recorded, and noted in an editorial commentary.
At a quarter-past twelve several salutes from the Rock-artillery, at MoelGywyn, announced the approach of the procession, hereafter to be described.
There was a splendidly constructed arch on the road leading to Gloddaeth, and another close to the National School-room, at Llanrhos.
The order of the procession was follows:
Presidents and Vice-presidents, in their several carriages, accompanied by a few friends in similar vehicles.
Gentlemen of the Committee,three a-breast, on foot, their carriages in the rear.
An open omnibus, containing a band of most efficient musicians, who played appropriate and spirited airs and marches on the way.
Seven waggons, each containing a fat ex, and four sheep, of prime quality, ready slaughtered and deco- rated with ribbons, so as to appear life-like and inviting.
A great number of vehicles containing friends and well-wishers of the family. The length of the procession was full a quarter of a mile.
On arriving at Gloddaeth, we entered the ancient ball of the establishment, and had time to note and admire the architectural beauties of the place.
In front of the entrance were placed the two principal banners-one having the armorial bearings of the house of Pengwern, with the mottoes, &c.; and the other inscribed T. E. M. Ll. Mostyn, with the Lion rampant, the family crest, and the motto of the house of Mostyn, I dwell amongst mine own people.”
In the grounds and avenues were several other flags and streamers waving in the joyous sunshine. Every high tree bore its banner, proudly defiant of the breeze that, with a cheering sun, gave vivacity to the spectacle. The gateways were also elegantly festooned with evergreens, so as to form triumphal arches in unison with those in the various contiguous localities.
At twenty minutes past one o’clock the procession halted in front of the building, and the members of the committee arranged themselves in due order for the presentation of the address.
A hearty and spontaneous round of cheers, which arose as the heir of Mostyn, Pengwern, and Gloddaeth, stepped out upon the threshold of his door, having subsided.
The President of the committee, Major Sir William Lloyd, proceeded to read the address, which was as follows:
“Congratulatory address to Thomas Edward Mostyn Lloyd Mostyn, Esq., of Gloddaeth and Mostyn, on his attaining his majority, on the 23rd Jan., 1851”.
Sir: We, the undersigned inhabitants of the district of Creuddyn and neighbourhood, beg leave respectfully to offer you our heartfelt congratulations on the happy event, which we are today celebrating. In so doing we are anxious to testify our high regard for the ancient House from which you are descended, and our grateful sense of the services which its members have successively conferred upon this country.
While few families in the Principality have such reason to feel proud of their ancestral rank and dignity, none have, of late years, more peculiarly endeared themselves to all who surround them: By their kind and liberal behaviour as landlords and country gentlemen, by the active and conscientious discharge of their duties as magistrates, and members of the Legislature. In particular by combining an enlightened concern for the interest of their countrymen with the strongest sympathy for their tastes and feelings, your father and grandfather have gained the respect and good will of all parties and aIIclasses.
The period, too, during which we have been accustomed to look up to them, is of no ordinary duration. For three generations, the chain which bound us to your family has remained unbroken, and we still see at the head of the House of Mostyn, a nobleman, whose generosity and goodness of heart, experienced for more than half a century, give us such just cause to rejoice that he has been spared to behold this day.
These reflections would of themselves call for the warmest expressions of our gratitude and attachment on such on occasion as the present. But, permit us to add, there is, in your case, a further consideration, which imparts an unusual interest to the proceedings of today. To some of us you are already known, and the promise of your early life assures us that you will not prove unworthy of the name you bear, and that the same good feeling and kindness of disposition, the same manly sense and honourable tone of conduct- which have won the hearts of all those who have the happiness of your acquaintance will make you equally beloved and respected in a higher and more extensive sphere.
It is this conviction which already enables us to regard you, not only with that consideration which is due to your birth and position, but with that peculiar interest and sympathy, which we reserve for those whom we can personally honour and esteem.
If it should please God to call you to the important station which your father at present occupies (an event which we devoutly pray is yet very far distant), may you long he preserved to follow his example and to realise the brightest anticipations which have been formed of your future destiny, is the earnest prayer of your most sincere well-wishers and servants.
The recital of the address was emphatically rendered by the President, who obviously threw his whole heart and soul into the honourable and pleasing task assigned to him; and its main points were heartily cheered, not only by the members of the committee, but by the myriad of spectators that stood around.
The presentation then took place. It would be difficult to say whether the reception or donation was the more graceful. The combined effect of both was calculated to leave a pleasing and indelible impression. The obvious emotions alike of the donor and the recipient were natural, and enhanced by those sympathies of our common nature that always are awakened by such acts of friendly intercourse between youth and age. When the cheer had subsided
Mr. Mostyn bowed to the deputation and said, obviously labouring under deep emotion. My most respected and kind friends, I cannot find words in which to convey my grateful appreciation of the honour that you have this day through me conferred upon my family. It not my gratitude alone, but that of all belonging to me, which y u have awakened by this generous attention and marked kindness. How can I duly thank you. I have no words. What I do say comes from the bottom of my heart; but I am young and unaccustomed to express feelings similar to those which your goodness has awakened. I would fain express my gratitude, and not only mine but that of all those who are near and dear to me. I shall remember this day to the very last period of my life. Nothing whatever can efface it from my memory. I see plainly that it is no effusion of mere party feeling, but a general expression of public regard to the race from which I spring and, as a universal demonstration of the respect in which our family is held. I cannot but feel deeply affected by as well as grateful for it. The demonstration is as gratifying as it is generous. If ever, gentlemen, it should be my lot to address you under circumstances of a nature calculated to test the sincerity of my regard for Wales and Welshman, and particularly for this portion of my beloved country, I trust that I shall be able to address you more fluently than now (loud cheers). I am young but I am grateful. I may not be so intimate with many around me as I am with those whom I know at Mostyn; but believe me that it will be my happiness at all times to cultivate your acquaintance and to make myself as useful as I can amongst you (loud cheers). I wish health, happiness, and long life to all of you, and feel assured that in no other country but Wales could so hearty a demonstration of attachment be given to any young man upon his entrance into life. Mr. Mostyn concluded amidst a loud and general burst of the most irrepressible applause.
The President then proposed in felicitous terms the health and happiness of Lady Harriot Mostyn, which was most enthusiastically greeted by rounds of cheers three times three.
Mr. William Bulkeley Hughes, M.P., proposed the health of the Honourable Mr. Mostyn, who, though unavoidably absent, could not by possibility have been more gratified by any circumstance than by witnessing the enthusiastic reception given to his son.
Three hearty rounds of cheers welcomed the proposal.
Mr. Mostyn, in filial and truly gentlemanly terms, returned thanks for his absent parent.
(It would be difficult in language to convey an adequate idea of that quiet impressiveness of manner which enables this scion of a beloved house to convey a large and general meaning in few words. We cannot but augur highly of his future from a fair estimation of his present mode of transacting the business and interchanging the courtesies of life.) The President of the Committee then proposed a round of cheers to the collective family of Pengwern.
Mr. Mostyn’s thanks were lost amidst the tremendous cheers which ensued but the violet, though hidden amidst the foliage that surrounds it, is still known by its fragrance, and we caught sufficient of Mr. Mostyn’s acknowledgment to perceive how deep and indelible is the impression which the warm-hearted greeting of his fellow-countrymen has made. The installation of Lady Erskine, as an ovate, then took place on the lawn in front of the building. The ceremony of installation has so frequently been recorded in our columns that repetition would be superfluous.Miss Mary Erskine also appeared as a candidate for the same honour, and was duly installed.
Meurig Idris then proceeded to announce the adjudication relative to the medal offered for the best englynion. He said that twenty-one compositions had been sent in, and that one arrived too late. That out of the six best, the prize had been allotted to one, the fictitious signature attached to which corresponded with the name of Talhaiarn (loud cheers). Three others had been deemed worthy of notice and reward. (Their authors were then named, but too hastily for us to note them). One, however, was the Rev. Mr. Parry, of Conway, whose verses were highly approved.
The medal that was awarded to Talhaiarn (picture courtesy of Museum of Welsh Life)
Talhaiarn was then duly invested by Lady Erskine, as the successful bard, with the medal awarded on the occasion.
The investiture was greeted with a simultaneous round of cheers of the most enthusiastic character.
The medal that was awarded to Talhaiarn (picture courtesy of Museum of Welsh Life)
Talhaiarn then stepped forward and said, My Lady Erskine, ladies and gentlemen, I am very proud of having won this medal, and I feel much pleasure in wearing it upon this joyous occasion. It bears an additional value in my eyes, because I have had the honour of being invested with it by a Lady, on whom my friend Meurig Idris and myself conferred a bardic degree recently, and I have every reason to suppose that Ifores Gwynedd is proud of being ranked amongst the ovates of Wales (hear, hear). It gives me great gratification to join in the festivities of this day, for all Wales in her festive attire, seems to share in our joy. High, low, rich and poor, combine to pay their respect to a worthy scion of a noble house, who is descended from a long line of princely ancestors, whose honour, patriotism, and virtue, I need not expatiate upon, as they are well-known to you all (cheers).
As a Welshman who loves his native country and all who adorn it by their high position and eminent virtues, I am delighted in having the opportunity of shewing my regard for the Mostyn family, from the venerable nobleman at its head, down to the youngest branch. The deep-seated affection of a whole people is a thing to be proud of, and this affection is clearly shewn this day in our congratulations to the young gentleman who has attained his majority; and lie, no doubt, is proud of the homage thus paid to him. Let us, therefore, hope that he will be an honour to his native land, and that he will even give additional lustre to the beloved name of Mostyn (hear, hear). Let us also hope, that whether in serving his Queen and country in the senate, when he is called upon to do so, or whether in performing the various duties of a country gentlemen, that he will, at all times, have truth, justice, and loyalty as his guiding stars. The heavens appear to smile upon this auspicious event, and may we not suppose that even the great spirit of the universe, the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth, views from that clear unclouded sky this scene with complacency, where people have met, not with envy, hatred, malice, and un-charitableness, but with pence, good will, and affection, to give honour to whom honour is due. May this young gentleman s future career be as pure as that glorious blue sky, und as bright as the merry sunshine which gilds those everlasting hills (enthusiastic cheers). Talhaiarn at the conclusion of his address recited the prize stanzas at the request of the chairman.
I Meister Thomas Mostyn – yn addien
E nyddafchwe’ englvn:
Ogonawlgueginyn,
O’ifabaeth, a ddaeth yn ddyn.
Gwr o fraint a gar ei fro – o deulu
A gwaedoliaeth Cymro
Anrhydeddi’wfawreddfo
Ucha’ dydd -iechydiddo.
Fflintenwog, a’iphlant anwyl,- a Dinbych,
Sy’ndanhaidi’rperwyl:
Arfon, Meirion, mewnmawrwyl,
Gydagwenwnantgadwgwyl.
Cu wrieuanccaruawl-pauntalaeth
Pen teulugorfriawl,
Ohaniadauhynotlawl-
Gwron fydd – gwiriwneifawl.
Am ystodoesau, MOSTYN – oeddenw
I ddynioni’wddilyn,
A gydahedd, gwedihyn,
0 wychrwysg, uwch yr esgyn.
Serch fo, olliddo, a llwyddiant,-gwirglod,
A gwraiglan yn fwyniant,
Munoleu, gem anwyliant
Llawnder, a phleser, a phlant.
Mr. Parry acknowledged the compliment of Meurig Idris, and recited the stanzas which he had penned for the occasion:
Arweinioddawdwranian, Aer Mostyn
I rymusderoedran,
A dyma’rdydd, dymordiddan,
Y derbynglodarei ben glan.
Aer-foneddeinterfynau,-reolant
Yr wyl, wrtheinbyrddau,
BridedwyddIwybreidadau.
At eingwledd, urddant yn glau.
Pobcalonradlon at hwyl, – wresog
Frysia at y gorchwyl,
Erfynir gan dorf anwyl
Am estynnes Mostyn wyl.
Rhodder yn gydmariddo, – o rinwedd,
Rianona’iparcho,
Dan ernes rhad Ion arno,
Caur 0 fab, ac Aer a fo.
Awrgoron o fawr gariad, – yn orlawn
O berlaumewnplethiad,
Felarwydd o Iwyddeiwlad,
Estynwni’rMostyniad.
Acw hen fur Cynwy a fo,- yn aelwyd
Magnelaui’wgroeso,
Rhoedswnhiriadsain o
Wastadnant Ynys Tudno.
Both recitations were loudly cheered.
The prize englynion were then presented to Mr. Mostyn by the president of the committee. Mr. Mostyn in courteous terms acknowledged the beauty of the verses and thanked their author. He concluded by giving a hearty Welsh welcome to all present, hoping they would make themselves free to all that the mansion could afford.
At the instance of W. Bulkeley Hughes, Esq., M.P., three hearty rounds of cheers were given to Lady Erskine.
Mr. Thos. Roberts, of Conway, Meurig Idris, and Talhaiarn, then delivered some appropriate and extempore englynion.
The procession shortly afterwards formed on their return to Conway, the company having in the interim partaken of the hospitality of Gloddaeth.
The Medal. The silver medal for the best Welsh stanzas upon the occasion of Mr. Mostyn’s majority, supplied by Mr. Aronson, of Bangor, was a beautiful and chaste specimen of art. On one side, the arms of the house of Mostyn were splendidly engraved, and on the reverse, a Welsh inscription to the following effect: “A premium awarded by the Llandudno Committee, to Talhaiarn, for the best stanzas on the attainment of his majority by Thomas Edward Mostyn Lloyd Mostyn, Esquire, on the 23rd of January, 1851.” The superior manner in which the medal was got up, did the highest credit to Mr. Aronson’s taste and skill.
The Dinner
The dinner, at which the Rev. Morgan Morgan, Vicar of Conway, presided, was of the most sumptuous description, comprising every delicacy and dainty which the season could produce.
Grace before and after meat was said by the rev. chairman.
The cloth having been withdrawn, a splendid dessert was laid upon the table, accompanied by wines of the first quality.
The Chairman, in proposing the first toast, accounted for the absence of John Lloyd Jones, Esq., as chair- man, and read the following letter from Mr. Williams, of Bryn, Anglesey, accounting for his unavoidable absence:
Beaumaris, 22nd Jan., 1851,
My dear Sir, I shall be much obliged by your making my apology to Mr. Lloyd Jones and the gentlemen who will attend the Mostyn dinner tomorrow at Conway for my non-appearance. I have been and am suffering so much from cold and influenza, that my medical man has positively forbid my going. I regret it much, as nothing would have given me more pleasure than to join the Conway friends in doing honour to a family which is so much respected as Mr. Mostyn’s. Ever, yours very truly, THOS. WILLIAMS. W. Hughes, Esq.
He then gave the “Queen,” with a due reference to her Majesty’s noble conduct with respect to the recent aggression of the Pope upon the prerogatives of the crown and the liberties of the people.
The national anthem was given in excellent style by the collective company.
Meurig Idris and Talhaiarn favoured the audience with extempore englynion that elicited loud applause.
“The Prince of Wales,” with a marked reference to the fact that he was conquering the difficulties of the Welsh language, in order to obtain a clearer insight into the wants and interests of the Welsh people. The chairman also alluded to the prospect of his Royal Highness making an early visit to the Principality, whence he derived his title.
Appropriate englynion by the bards before mentioned. Their impromptu effusions, as before, elicited loud applause.
“Prince Albert and the rest of the Royal Family.” The domestic virtues of the Prince Consort were ably dwelt upon, also the fact that the youngest prince was suckled by a Welsh nurse at the direct wish of the Queen. The chairman expressed a wish that the virtues of the Cambrian race might be apparent in the child, and that his future career might justify the patriotic feelings of his parent (loud and long continued cheers).
The Chairman then gave the toast of the day. It was natural to pay respect to those families whose early origin was lost in the night of extreme antiquity, and the family whose heir they were met to honour was as ancient as the earliest remembrances of their fatherland, and inseparably linked with the most stirring periods of their history. But it was additionally pleasing to render honour to the scion of such a race when his personal merits were in unison with his ancestral claims. In addition to his moral worth, the heir of Mostyn had been the first of his day at Eton and at Oxford had devoted himself closely to the drudgery of college reading, so as to be one of the first men of his day, whilst his urbanity of manner had caused his tutors to admit the fact that “There was not a more popular man in the University than Tom Mostyn.” He wished these facts to go out to the world, for they were well worthy of a record. But it was not in mental pursuits only that the young gentleman excelled. They had seen him first in the chase and other sports of the field: and his power at the noble game of Cricket had been proved to the evident mortification of the Liverpool club. With these qualities of mind and body, they were not too sanguine in hoping that Mr. Thomas Edward Mostyn Lloyd Mostyn would do all that they expected from him, and excel in all that he undertook. He hoped that he would be an ornament to his country, and that the other high families of the principality would follow the examplesofthe Mostyn’s, and earn as they had done the voluntary tribute of grateful hearts. Those who had that day met in honour of the houses of Mostyn, Pengwern, and Gloddaeth were not induced by compulsion, but by the generous impulses of grateful and approving feeling. They heartily loved the race whom they had met to honour. It was a princely race, and an ornament to the Principality. He would say to others, “Go ye and do so likewise.”
Meurig Idris and Talhaiarn severally elicited loud bursts of applause by their poetic effusions and the latter made an additional contribution in song, to the manifest delight of his auditory.
The song of Talhaiarn was loudly encored, and the call cheerfully complied with.
The Chairman then gave the health of the ancient and time honoured head of the house of Mostyn. He had outlived the years assigned by the Psalmist to the life of man: and the best that could be wished for the grandson was, that he might equal his princely grandsire. The Chairman then eloquently adverted to the mental and corporeal vigour displayed by the noble lord at Rhyddlan, as president of the Eisteddfod and also to his indefatigable and most useful services as chairman of the committee (cheers).
Musical and metrical entertainments from the bards, which were loudly cheered.
The Chairman then in appropriate terms proposed the Army and Navy.
Capt. Hezeltine returned thanks, in most gentlemanly terms, for the several services, and highly complimented the country for the hospitality and grateful sentiments of its inhabitants.
The Chairman in most complimentary terms proposed the health of “Sir Richard Bulkeley.”
Mr. Gaskell in able and eulogistic terms proposed the health of their “Chairman, Mr. Morgan,” with a special reference to his utility, kindness, and integrity, alike as a clergyman, a magistrate, and a man (loud cheers).
Mr. Morgan returned thanks in a gentlemanly and felicitous address.
Mr. Moulsdale, the Vice-president, proposed the health of the “Hon. E. M. Lloyd Mostyn,” which was duly responded to.
The Vice-chairman next proposed the health of the. Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese (cheers).
Mr. Morgan rose to return thanks. There could be no doubt that the Bishops and Clergy of the country would be beloved it they deserved it, by attending to the spiritual and the temporal wants of the people; and provoking them by example to good works instead of angry discussions, dissensions, and strife. There was a broad and liberal principle in the Gospel, which made it tend to do good to all, and to include all in its sympathies, and not limit them to a part or section of the human family.
Dr. O. O. Roberts expressed himself as being happy to hear such sentiments fall from the lips of a clergyman of the State Church. He was opposed to the connexion between Church and State, but could not avoid approving of a clergyman who gave utterance to sentiments of a character so noble.
The Chairman, with pithy and appropriate remarks, gave the health of the late “Lord-Lieutenant of the County” (loud cheers).
By the Chair: “The Member for the County, Col. Douglas Pennant,” a gentleman whose charities were always open to the calls of the distressed (loud cheers).
The Chairman accounted for the absence of Captain Hankey, which arose from the fact of his having recently buried his revered and truly charitable parent.
The Vice-chairman proposed the health of “Mr. Bulkeley Hughes, as the representative of the Carnarvonshire Boroughs.” He had done his duty by his constituents, and was universally respected (loud and exulting cheers).
Mr. Bulkeley Hughes, in returning thanks, adverted gratefully to the warm manner in which his health had been greeted by the company. He then adverted to the deserved tribute of respect and esteem which had that day been paid to the Heir of Mostyn, and expressed his idea of the intense delight which their manifestation must have produced in the mind of his honoured parent. He was glad that the company thought that he had done his duty. He had endeavoured to do so; and would at all times continue to do so. The terms in which the health of the chairman had been proposed, were better and more touching than any in which he (Mr. Hughes) could have embodied the same wish. He would therefore propose the health of another gentleman present, whose charities were universal; and whose example was one which it would be well for the Country if all followed. He proposed the health of “Mr. Gaskill.”
Mr. Gaskell returned thanks in terms indicative of the fact that he regarded charity in the possessor of wealth as a duty incumbent upon his position.
Dr. O. O. Roberts made some observations which were partly inaudible at the end of the room in which we sat; but which expressed the fact that he had lost all confidence in the Whig administration.
Mr. R. D. Williams, solicitor, Carnarvon, in an appropriate address, proposed the health of the “Magistrates of the County.”
Mr. Bulkeley Hughes returned thanks on behalf of himself and brother magistrates, and complimented Mr. Williams on his skill as an advocate, observing that the duty of the Bench would be less onerous if they were always addressed by advocates as fond of adhering to law and facts as he was (Loud cheers).
Mr. Bulkeley Hughes then proposed the health of their “Vice-Chairman.” with hearty thanks for his able conduct in the vice chair.
(Musical and metrical entertainments by the bards enlivened at intervals the entire of the proceedings, which were also varied by songs from several other gentlemen.)
Mr. Moulsdale returned thanks.
Dr. 0. 0. Roberts, at the request of the Vice Chair, proposed the health of the “Mayor of Conway.” There was not a more-hearty fellow than Price Lloyd nor a gentleman more generally worthy of respect and esteem (loud cheers).
Englyn by Meurig Idris.
EngIyn by Mr. Roberts, Conway (Myrddin).
“Lady Harriot and the younger branches of the house of Mostyn” was then given by the Chairman, with a judicious reference to the maternal skill and worth which the mother of that numerous and highly- educational family had shewn in her zealous superintendence of their mental and moral culture (loud cheers).
Englynion by Talhaiarn.
By the Chair: The health of “Lady Erskine,” a lady born and bred amongst you; and one who owns the greater part of Conway. One to whom also the site of the present school is owing, and almost all the public charities that exist in the town and neighbourhood (loud cheers).
Englynion by the bards.
Mr. Jones (Talhaiarn), as a bard, returned thanks for Lady Erskine, as an ovate, both being degrees in the noble order to which they mutually belonged.
Mr. Bulkeley Hughes rendered a highly-deserved tribute to the bards present, and expressed it as his idea that both languages should be cultivated. He particularly complimented Talhaiarn as the successful competitor for the bardic prize that had been that day awarded to him. He also adverted to the natural eloquence of Meurig Idris, and included him in a full hearty bumper to the health of both.
Talhaiarn, in returning thanks, adverted to the beauties of his native country, the bravery of his fellow- countrymen, the chastity of his fair country women, the eloquence of Cambria’s orators and bards, and to the skill of her artisans and manufacturers in all the constructive arts of life. He concluded by reciting a series of original stanzas in honour of the great English people, of whom he was glad that Wales now formed a part.
Meurig Idris returned thanks in Welsh.
The Chairman, in terms of eulogy, adverted to the glowing and ardent manner in which Talhaiarn had, in the morning, at Gloddaeth, referred to the fine sunny day that shone upon their proceedings. He really felt grateful to heaven for the weather with which they had been favoured and felt assured that Talhaiarn’s talents and energy had greatly conduced to the joyous features of their truly festive meeting.
By the Chair: “The Press.” It would be ungrateful to pass over unnoticed an organ that so greatly contributed to the publicity of their proceedings. He proposed prosperity to the local press.
Mr. Smith, as the representative of the ‘Carnarvon and Denbigh Herald,’ returned thanks.
The Vice-Chairman proposed the “Committee of Management.”
Mr. Aneurin Roberts returned thanks in brief but most appropriate terms and proposed the “health of the Host and Hostess” at the same time returning thanks on their behalf for the high and distinguished patronage that had been conferred upon them.
By the Chairman: “The Town and Trade of Conway” (loud cheers).
Mr. Williams in appropriate terms expressed his gratitude for the kindness that had been shown to him.
Mr. Webster, though a junior tradesman, returned thanks on behalf of himself and fellow townsmen.
The Chairman here left the meeting.
Mr. Moulsdale took the chair for the remainder of the evening. He proposed the “health of the Strangers who had honoured the company with their presence.”
Captain Hazeltine returned thanks, and volunteered a song, as a more pleasing acknowledgment than a long speech. His rendering of Barry Cornwall’s song “The sea, the sea, the open sea” was loudly cheered.
The “health of Mr. Hughes, Solicitor, Conway,” was next proposed, and elicited a hearty round of cheers, coupled with musical honours.
Mr. Hughes returned thanks, and proposed the “health of Mr. George Osborne Morgan,” the author of the address.
Mr. R. D. Williams, of Carnarvon, Solicitor, spoke as a member of the legal profession, in terms highly complementary to Mr. Morgan, Jun.
Mr. John Morgan returned thanks for his brother. He was so closely engaged in the study of law in Lincoln’s Inn, as to preclude his attendance at the present meeting; but his entire soul was with the proceedings of the day. He could not sit down without wishing a “health to the Ladies,” without whom the ball of the ensuing morrow, for which they were indebted to Mr. Hughes (whose health Mr. Smith had proposed) would prove a most lamentable failure.
The health of the ladies was honoured by an extempore song from Talhaiarn, and the general cheers of the company.
Mr. Roberts, Postmaster, proposed the “health of Mr. John Morgan,” which was most gratefully acknowledged.
Mr. Pritchard, Postmaster, Bangor, proposed the “health of Mr. Hope Jones, Surgeon,” whose professional services had won for him the esteem and gratitude of the entire district.
Mr. Jones returned thanks in terms that evinced his ardent zeal in promoting the health of the locality and begged to propose the “health of Sir Thomas Erskine,” the bosom friend of the gentleman, whose majority they had met to celebrate.
Song, sentiment, and convivial toasts, concluded the entertainments of the evening.