1878 – Cardigan through the ages

The following were elected deacons at Capel Mair: David Morgan, Pendre; Owen Beynon Evans, Pendre; Thomas Evans; Samuel Owen; Lewis Evans, High St; William Davies, tailor. Samuel Owen, clerk to Messrs. Jenkins & Evans, and for many years Secretary and Sunday School teacher, left for Ipswich, and on 23 April was presented with ‘a very valuable gold albert chain, together with a gold medal bearing the following inscription: Presented to Mr S. Owen by the members of the Welsh Congregational Church Cardigan, as a slight token of respect, on his leaving the town’. S. Owen had also been the Secretary of the town’s Mechanics Institute for 51 years. The watch presented was supplied by Mr T. Webb, High St.

1/3 Owen Beynon Evans opens his painter’s shop
15/3 Fri Thomas Jones was appointed Master of the Workhouse
22/3 E. Ceredig Evans opens his chemist’s shop
22/4 Mon. Timothy Thomas, Bridgend Foundry exhibited at the Royal Agricultural Society Show at Bristol.
1/5 Wed Fortnightly meeting of the Board of Guardians held at the Workhouse.
1/5 Mon. Evan Jenkins, Catherine Row, mariner fractured his foot when he came into contact with the wheels of the cannon at the St Dogmaels Battery.
2/5 Thurs. Tivy-side ball was held
3/5 Fri Death of David Phillips, 63 yrs. cabinet maker, late of this town, and for upwards of 32 yrs foreman to Daniel Lewis, Cardiff.
4/5 Sat. Mr J. H. Miles, Cardigan is an exhibitor at the Paris Universal Exhibition.
5/5 Sun Death of William Charles, Gloucester Row, shoemaker, 67 yrs.
7/5 Tues Death of John Henry Reynolds, 1yr 10 mths. son of T. Reynolds, coach-builder.
7/5 Tues Procession of c. 200 Good Templars through the town. Meeting at Guildhall.
8/5 Wed Death of Owen Jones, 62 yrs, for many years in the employ of Mr Davies, Bank House.
11/5 Sat. Death of J. D. James, chainmaker, aged 58 yrs.
11/5 Sat Promotion of Sgt Roberts to Inspector in Card. Police Force.
13/5 Mon Death of Evan Richards, 22 yrs, son of Hetty Richards, Llynyfelin.
13/5 Mon Weekly Borough Petty Sessions meeting: Benjamin Rowlands, saddler, St Mary’s St – drunk and disorderly. Fined 44s. Next time gaol.
14/5 Tues. Wedding of Samuel Young, William St., maltster and Ellen Griffiths at Blaenwaun.
14/5 Tues. Wedding of John Edwards, St Dogmaels to Catherine Davies, dau of John Tudor Davies, Pwllhai
14/5 Tues. Wedding at St Mary’s Church, of Revd T. Jones, BA, curate of NCE to Anna Lewis, dau of Levi, St Mary St.
14/5 Tues Meeting of the Good Templars. Addresses on Temperance by Plenydd and Revd W. Rees, Llechryd.
16/5 Thurs Town Council discussed problems with the town’s water. (muddy); received tenders to lay paving stones in front of the Guildhall; paid for gas lighting the streets, etc
18/5 Mon. Brickworks were to finish at 4.00 instead of 5.00 on a Saturday.
18/5 Mon. A cargo of rails arrived at Cardigan aboard the ‘Heatherbell’.
20/5 Mon Borough Petty Sessions: David Owen, Pendre, carter fined for damaging the claypits; Samuel Griffiths, fined 6d for allowing a sow to stray on the Turnpike road, at North Gate Tce.; David Owen, water bailiff charged William Riley, a tramp for assaulting him near C East gate.
23/5 Thurs Arrangements were made to cut the first sod of the railway.
23/5 Thurs Borough Petty Sessions: James McCann, tramp fined for begging in High St.
24/5 Fri Burial Board meeting: work of levelling ground to enable erection of cemetery walls.
24/5 Fri Special meeting of the Co re: Closing of the County Prison. Chief warder Morris, and warder Jenkins relocated to Warwick prison, and Thomas Griffiths, warder to Northampton Borough.
29/5 Death of James Francis, Pontycleifion, aged 78 yrs.
12/6 Wed Eisteddfod Day.
12/6 Wed. From this day throughout the summer months tradesmen agreed to shut shop at 2.00 on Wednesdays – half day holiday.
13/6 Thurs. David Davies MP visited the town.
14/6 Fri Meeting held to discuss location of the railway station. Wish to locate it on the Cards. side of the river.
15/6 Sat. Death of Stephen Williams, William St., aged 54. He was a late master of the Workhouse.
17/6 Mon Borough Petty Sessions: Joseph Harper, Rhydyfuwch fined 6d for allowing 4 horses to stray on the turnpike road.
17/6 Mon Musical and dramatic entertainment at the Guildhall. Towards the expenses of a pavilion in the cricket field.
17/6 Mon Death of Sarah Lewis, William St, aged 78 yrs.
22/6 Sat John Samuel Williams, Middle Mwldan, merchant took his own life. Buried at Siloam, Ferwig.
24/6 Mon Borough Petty Sessions: Llewelyn Johnson, engraver and dye-sinker (tramp) charged with obtaining the sum of 1s from E. Ceredig Evans, chemist. Trial at next Quarter sessions at Aberaeron. Detained in Carmarthen gaol; William Davies, tramp from Warwickshire drunk and incapable in Pendre. Dismissed with caution.
27/6 Thurs Death of Thomas Jones, late of the SS Sea Flower, aged 63 yrs.
27/6 Thurs. Mr Palmer took his 30 pupils to Gwbert by boat. Started at Quay at 10.30. Arrived at Gwbert at 12.30. Spread, games, tea, arrived home 10.30-11.00.
1/7 Mon John Jones, a labourer in the Brick-yard, was brought up in custody, under remand, charged with stealing a coat, waistcoat, and shirt from the house of Samuel Davies, weaver, Draw-bridge House, Cardigan, on Friday morning, the 28th ult., the property of the said Samuel Davies, and valued at 12s. Committed to Quarter Sessions. Prisoner was sentenced to six weeks hard labour.
1/7 Mon Presentation with a purse of gold to Mr Marshallsay in connection with his exertions with the Art Class.
4/7 Thurs Wedding of Dan Davies of Davies Bros., Bonded Stores and Jessie Evans, dau of Samuel Evans, timber merchant. Marr ceremony at Chiswick, London.
4/7 Thurs Town Council: The Surveyor called attention to the necessity of erecting public urinals in the town, and that many houses were without privies and ash-pits. Some twenty-six poor families used to deposit their ashes, &c., at the Netpool, but now they had no place to put them. Also, that the banks of the river at Mwldan, from the bridge up, were in a very bad state, and the houses required privy accommodation.
4/7 Thurs Death of David Williams, Strand, mariner, 25 yrs.
10/7 Wed Meeting where it was decided to locate the Railway Station at Bridgend.
13/7 A letter-box in connection with the Cardigan Post Office has been fixed at Castle-street, Bridge-End, which will be a great boon for the inhabitants of that part of the town. The box will be cleared on week days at 2.30 p.m., and on Sundays at 1.50 p.m.
13/7 Profit from Eisteddfod shared between Lifeboat and Mechanics Institute
17/7 Wed Mwldan Bible SS trip to Gwbert. Photograph taken before Guildhall by J T Mathias.
19/7 Fri Death of Arthur Lowther, son of L. Lowther, aged 14 years at Bahia, Brazil, after a short illness on board the barque ‘Onward’.
19/7 Fri Death of Miss Catherine Griffiths, at the residence of her brother (Mr. D. R. Baynes), Bridge-street, Cardigan, aged 63 years.
19/7 Fri Terrific thunderstorm
20/7 Sat Liberal candidate at the next General Election to be Col. Pryse, Peithyll.
22/7 Mon Death of Anne Lewis, Llansamlet, 18 yrs old, daughter of Edward Hughes, late master of the British School.
23/7 Employees of J. R. Daniel had their annual treat to Gwbert.
25/7 Thurs Ship Stadacona (Capt Thomas Davies) has reached Queenstown from Rangoon safely.
30/7 Tues. Annual outing of the Capel Mair and Hope Chapel United Picnic to Gwbert. 350 in 20 vehicles. Accident on the way home. Daughter of D. Jones, smith, St Mary’s St fell over the side of the cart on Waungelod Hill and cut her forehead badly. She progresses well.
31/7 Wed Annual outing of the St Mary’s Sunday and Day school on the Pembs. side of the bar.
31/7 Wedding of W. Rees, Glanteifion, St Dogmael’s to Anne Thomas, Three Mariners, at Penybryn
1/8 Thurs Cardigan Cattle Show at Priory Field, Pontycleifion.
1/8 DEATH OF THE REV. R. ROBERTS, WILTON SQUARE, LONDON. It is with regret we have to announce the death of the Rev. R. Roberts, formerly minister at the Tabernacle Chapel, in this town, but lately of Wilton Park, London, which took place on the 1st inst., after a long and lingering illness, at his residence, Islington, London. The burial took place on Tuesday last, at Abney Park Cemetery, London. Mr. Roberts was brother of the late Ieuan Gwyllt, and leaves three children behind to mourn their sad bereavement.
3/8 Cardigan Juvenile and Young Workmen’s Cricket Club receive 10s from R. Miles, Bingham and 5s from J. H. Miles, Priory as annual subs towards funds of the club.
6/8 Tues Storm of thunder and lightning.
7/8 Wed A boat accident, which, luckily, was attended with no loss of life, occurred in Cardigan Bay. It appears that Mr. Thomas Davies, Anchor House, of this town, together with Mr. John Jones, mariner, Mwldan, and Mr. Owen Davies, carpenter, Bath-house, had set out from the Gwbert, in a boat belonging to Mr. Davies, for a sail in the bay.
9/8 Fri Meeting to discuss cutting of the first sod for the Railway
9/8 Fri Meeting of Borough Petty Sessions: Hector Mc Intosh, mate of a brigantine in the port, was brought up in custody charged with being drunk and incapable in Quay St, on the previous evening. P.C. Jones proved the case, and defendant was fined 5s. and costs; Evan Williams, Mwldan, charged with using profane language on the Quay. This being his first offence, the case was dismissed on payment, of costs, with a caution; Thomas Thomas, Upper Mwldan, v. Thomas Wilson, currier, for an assault. Fined 5s. and costs.
17/8 Sat Cricket match held on the Netpool between the Excelsior and Young Workmen’s cricket clubs. Excelsior being the winners by 6 runs.
19/8 Mon Cricket match on the Netpool, between the Town and Country teams, Victoryfor the Town.
20/8 Tues Cutting of the first sod of the railway line from Crymych to Cardigan, 1.00 pm at Bridge End, in the presence of the mayor Mr T. Davies and a number of workmen. [a low key affair!]
20/8 Tues Lecture ‘Oliver Cromwell and his times’ delivered by Revd E. H. Evans, Caernarfon, at Capel Mair in aid of building funds of Hope Chapel.
24/8 David Davies, son of Jane Davies, William St has passed his examinations as master mariner at London.
29/8 Thurs Wedding of Mr. Robert E. Rees, High-street, only son of the late Mr. David Rees, merchant, of this town, to Miss Margaret Evans, second daughter of Mr. Asa J. Evans, solicitor, of this town, took place at Penybryn Baptist Chapel. Festoons and single flags were also hung in William-street, Pendre, Bridge-End, St, Mary-street, Quay-street, and Priory-street. The splendid collection of flags in William-street fluttered from one end to the other and deserves special comment. Shortly after o’clock, the day’s celebrations were brought to a finis by a quantity of fireworks being let off in High-street. We have received the following lines a propos of the occasion by Mr. Thomas Evans, Mwldan (TEL, the nephew of Telynog), and considering the author is yet a youth our readers will, undoubtedly, appreciate his production:, etc.
30/8 Fri Death of Mrs Eleanor Owens, wife of John, Netpool, aged 63 years.
31/8 Editorial: We are pleased to find the various religious denominations in the town have taken up the question of having public houses closed on Sundays.
31/8 We learn with pleasure that Mr. Henry Gillespie, youngest son of Capt. Gillespie, of this town, has successfully passed his examination at Bristol as master mariner.
31/8 THE NEW ENGLISH BAPTIST CHAPEL (Mount Zion) During the present week, the grounds for this Chapel have been cut in Priory-street, the contract for which has been taken by Mr. Woodward. According to present arrangements, the ceremony of laying the foundation stone will take place on Wednesday, the 11th of September, when it is anticipated that the distinguished honour of laying the stone will devolve on Mr. D. Davies, M.P., and Mr. William Davies, of Haverfordwest, who have both consent- ed to be present on the occasion. In the evening, a gathering of a different nature will be held, of which farther particulars will again appear.
The above day will therefore be a red letter day in the history of the Baptist denomination in Cardigan, who hive for nearly close on a century occupied a pre-eminent position in the town. Their prospects are most encouraging, as the contributions already vouchsafed by members of the denomination in the town alone amount to a splendid total, while the promises which continue to flow in from other sources, together with the heartiness with which its promoters have engaged in the work, cannot fail to inspire all around them with the triumphant success of their Cause.
2/9 Mon Borough Petty Session: before the Mayor, Thomas Jones, a navvy on tramp, was brought up in custody of Inspector Roberts, charged with being drunk and incapable in High-street, on the previous Saturday evening.
2/9 Mon Death of Evan Evans, St Mary’s Lane , aged 71 years, at the Workhouse.
3/9 Tues Burial Board The Clerks informed the board that the contractors had commenced the outer walls, and that they would require £50 on account at the end of the week; and suggested that a further temporary loan of £200 be obtained
4/9 Wed Board School Tea Party for all 416 pupils!
5/9 Thurs Town Council: The Mayor opened a tender from Mr. Benjamin James, for erecting a dry wall along the side of Mwldan river. One tender only having come to hand, it was resolved that the surveyor prepare specifications, and that a public notice be issued, soliciting tenders for the same, Messrs. Woodward, Evans, and Lewis to act as committee of the work.
Mr. Woodward called attention to the heavy smell emanating from the slaughter-house, and asked the Council to visit it, so as to enable them to judge for themselves. Agreed
Mr. Woodward called attention to the practice of writing obscene sentences on the walls of the Guild-hall, and that a reward be offered to any person giving information. Agreed.
THE NORTH TOLL-GATE. Alderman Thomas gave notice that he would move that the Council take action to remove the toll-gate out of the town, as it was a nuisance to the inhabitants.
7/9 Sat NEW HOPE CHAPEL. We are requested to state that operations towards building the above new Chapel at Pendre will commence next week. Tenders will be invited forthwith, and the committee feel justified in pushing on with all possible speed.
11/9 Mon Dog Attacking a Goat Inspector Roberts v. Michael Garvey, for allowing his dog to attack and injure a certain goat, the property of Mr. J. Newman, Gas Works, at the Netpool, in this town. The owner claimed Is. damages, and expressed that he did not wish to put the defendant to much expense, but merely as a caution. Two witnesses were called, but the case was dismissed; Drunkenness Inspector Roberts v. Michael Dellaoughty, hawker, for being drunk at High- street, on the night of the 9th instant. Defendant admitted the offence, and was discharged on condition that he should leave the town forthwith; Begging.-P.C. John Richards charged William Reynolds with begging on the previous night, in Pendre. prisoner admitted the charge. Case dismissed, the prisoner being also ordered to leave the town forthwith; Charge of Assault.-Thomas Thomas, Cardigan, v. Michael Elliot, formerly governor of the Cardigan County Prison, with assaulting him on the 24th, at or near Cardigan Bridge.
11/9 Mon CRICKET A single wicket match was played on the Netpool ground, by moonlight.
11/9 Mon Town Council. CARDIGAN NORTH GATE. Alderman Thomas, pursuant to a notice of motion previously given, moved that a memorial be drawn, asking the Turnpike Trust to remove the North Gate outside the town.; PROPOSED TRAMROAD ALONG THE MWLDAN. The Mayor read a communication from Messrs. Woodward & Co., asking the Council’s permission to construct a tramroad on the west side of the Mwldan river to the beach near the Gas Works, where they intend making a shipping wharf. On the motion of Alderman Thomas, a committee was elected to consider the matter, and report thereon at the next meeting [The Mwldan tramroad?]; THE NETPOOL. An application was made by Mr. Jno. Williams, shipbuilder, that the Council should forego last year’s rent for the use of the Netpool, on account of the lack of work during that period. The application was granted. [the beginning of the end of the town shipbuilding industry?];
12/9 Wed MOUNT ZION. Laying of the Memorial Stones. ADDRESS BY MR. WILLIAM DAVIES, HAVERFORDWEST. A CHEQUE FOR £ 100 FROM MR. DAVID DAVIES, M.P. An event, which has commenced a fresh epoch in the history of the Baptist denomination in Cardigan, was celebrated with due demonstration and ceremony on Wednesday last. The occasion we refer to was that of laying the memorial stones of the handsome structure for the English Baptist Cause, now in course of erection in Priory-street. In a recent number of this paper, it was stated that the Baptist Cause had been established in the town for nearly close on a century. On referring to the paper read at the ceremony, it will be found that it was established in 1775, upwards of a century ago. The mother church was Ebenezer, near this town, a Cause still existing-then under the ministry of Mr. William Williams, J. P. (grandfather of the present Mr. J. W. Bowen, Q.C.)

The first chapel which they worshipped in still remains, and which in 1847 gave room to the more spacious and stately chapel in William St. Ever since its formation, this church has been most flourishing, and during that period its pulpit has been gifted with the most eminent and talented ministers, which, coupled with the generous and zealous character of the church towards its respective institutions, has won it a name and reputation among the foremost in the Baptist Churches of Wales. From the church in this town again and through the exertions of Mr. Williams, a Cause was established at Verwig, which has continued flourishing ever since.

Later, partly from Cilfowyr and Cardigan, the church at Cilgerran was formed, which, as most of our readers are aware, has by this time established itself in the place. Of late years, the church has been considering the wants of home, and from time to time have been advocating the establishment of an English Cause in their midst, as the number of their members in the town and district fully justified their making such a provision. Added to this was the continual recurrence of cases in which Baptists, owing to there being no English place of worship within a radius of at least 20 miles, were prevented from joining in religious worship with their own denomination. The outcome of these circumstances was the determination to build the present chapel, and we may here state that ever since it was decided upon, the utmost unity and enthusiasm has prevailed among the committee, as the success of the work hitherto plainly indicates.

The chapel is erected in a very convenient and pleasant spot in Priory-street, and judging from the plans it promises to be a very neat and handsome structure. The ceremony of laying the memorial stones was performed on Wednesday afternoon. The committee had secured the presence of two eminently influential gentlemen to perform the auspicious duties of laying the stones, viz., Mr. Davies, M.P. for the Cardigan Boroughs, and Mr. W. Davies, Haverfordwest. Mr. Davies, M.P., was unavoidably prevented from being present, but a letter was received from the hon. member late on Wednesday night stating that through illness he was unable to attend, having been confined to his bed since the previous Saturday. Mr. Davies also enclosed in the letter a cheque for £ 100 towards the chapel. Unfortunately, the letter arrived too late on Wednesday to have an opportunity of publicly explaining for his absence, but we are sure everyone will regret the cause that prevented him to carry out his intention, which was so eagerly anticipated.

In the regretted absence of Mr. Davies, the ceremony of laying the other stone was graciously performed by Mrs. Davies, Haverfordwest. The fine weather much favoured the proceedings, and a vast number of people assembled to witness the interesting ceremony. As the time of commencing was delayed owing to the non-arrival of Mr. Davies, M.P., the proceedings on the ground “were necessary shorter than was at first contemplated.

At 2.30, a prayer meeting was held at Bethania Chapel, from whence the congregation proceeded to the ground, accompanied by the local and other ministers. A convenient platform had been arranged on the ground for the accommodation of the speakers and ministers, on which we observed the following: Mr., Mrs., and Miss Davies, Haverfordwest; Messrs. Asa J. Evans, solicitor; J. Lewis, William-street; Stephen Davies, grocer; D. O. Jones, Bridge Parade; Joseph Rees, High- street; D. Morris, Secretary; J. Lewis, Royal Arms; Revs. W. Owen, Haverfordwest; H. C. Williams, Corwen; Seth Jones, Blaenywaun; and T. Phillips, Ferwig. The Revs. R. Price, Cilfowyr; T. J. Morris, Capel Mair; L. Beynon, Hope Chapel, and W. Jones, Bridge-End.

The proceedings were commenced by singing a hymn, and the Rev. W. Owen, Haverfordwest, reading a portion of the 2nd Book of Chronicles, and offering prayer in English, after which a hymn was again sung. Mr. Stephen Davies then called upon Mr. S. Young to deliver the following address, which contains a little of the history of the denomination in the past, and was afterwards deposited in one of the leaden boxes inside the memorial stones:

ERECTION OF THE FIRST ENGLISH BAPTIST CHAPEL IN CARDIGAN.

We, as Baptists, have existed in the ancient town of Cardigan for the last 102 years. A Welsh Cause was started in the town in 1775, under the fostering care and guidance of William Williams, Esq., J.P., then pastor of Ebenezer Church, near this town, a gentleman whose name to this day is fragrant in the annals of society.

A chapel was at that time built in Pendre, called Bethania, and which was completed on the 19th April 1776. The church assembling therein was blessed in such a manner with so many of those divine elements so essential to the development of Christian influence that even her name became sacred, and her habitation consecrated to the hearts of thousands. During the long term of 71 years, this church multiplied in number, increased in power, and grew in favour with God and man. Blessed with the gems of the pulpit-the seraphic Evan Jones, the talented John Herring, and the evangelical William Jones and Morris Edwards, all of whom proved to be the messengers of God to the church. Seeing their labours crowned with such success, they cried with the prophet of old “Enlarge the place of thy tent, and stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations; spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes.” The result of this was that a new and larger Bethania was erected in William St., and opened in 1847.

The ministers at this Chapel up to this day have been the Revs. David Rees, Evan Thomas, Daniel Davies, D.D., Evan Thomas, of Regent’s Park College, and D. Davies (Dewi Dyfan), now of Merthyr.

For the last 15 years, this church has been seriously contemplating the advisability of establishing an English Baptist Cause in Cardigan. The keen eye of the intelligent gazed with surprise at the rapid march of the English language throughout our land, and the church, being gradually impressed with the necessity of the proposed Cause, resolved on Sunday evening, the 1st July, 1877, to form an English Cause in connection with the denomination in the town. This day, we witness the result of that Sunday night’s resolution.

The memorial stones are laid by Mr. and Mrs. Davies, Haverfordwest (and shall be had in everlasting remembrance.) Let our hands be strung, ye that hear in these days these words, which are in the day the foundation of the house of the Lord of Hosts was laid that the temple might be built. For the end shall be prosperous, the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heaven’s shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people all these things.” Grace and peace to the temple of the Lord.

The Rev. W. Owen, who next addressed the assembly, said they could not foresee events. He much regretted the absence of Mr. Davies, the borough member a name of probity and honour amongst them-and he was wholly persuaded there was some justifiable cause to prevent him from attending. They were highly honoured in having the names of such two good men for that occasion —names which were proverbial throughout Wales. It was through no small trouble and inconvenience that his friend, Mr. Davies, Haverfordwest, had come to serve the people of God and religion on former occasions. Pembrokeshire, standing as it does on the borders of this county, was properly represented there that day. He had come up to rejoice with the people of Cardigan at the success of the Kingdom. He did not care whether he spoke Welsh, English, or French, as long as they understood him, for much as they loved the old vernacular it was their duty to provide for the rapid progress of the English language.

That building was not erected to preach English in, but to preach the Gospel of Christ in the English language. It was not their wish to put sect against sect, and he wished those present not to look with a jealous eye upon the doings of the Baptist friends on that occasion, but rather to consider them as helpers of the good.

He then called upon Mr. Davies, of Haverfordwest, to proceed with the ceremony. Mr. Davies, on rising, said:—Ladies and gentlemen,—It is very painful for me to know that Mr. Davies, your Member, is not present. I feel assured there is some sufficient reason for his absence, for he is the very essence of punctuality. I regret that he is absent, for I had anticipated we should have a good English speech from him. My duties, therefore, will be more onerous, for I suppose I shall have to lay the two stones unless my friend, Mr. Asa J. Evans, who I may say is an ornament to the Baptist denomination, will consent to lay the other. The number of stones which I am called upon to lay will make me in a short time an excellent mason. I cannot help thinking of the number of Nonconformist Chapels there are in the counties of Carmarthen, Pembroke, and Cardigan. The style of the buildings is also a credit. In days gone by, our forefathers used to worship in barns, but the advanced age in which we live in has rendered it obligatory upon us to provide better buildings.

As Education advances, the culture and taste of the rising generation should be met with. Take Pembroke Dock for instance, which place I consider takes the lead in the county of Pembroke for chapel buildings. In a few years four handsome chapels have been erected there, and one at a cost of £6,000. In Pembroke also, four new Noncon-formist chapels had been erected within the past few years.

In Haverfordwest the Independents had built a very handsome chapel; and was pleased to say that he had just been asked to lay the foundation stone of a new Baptist chapel there. He was glad to find that the same spirit had come to Cardigan, and that a handsome place of worship was about to be built here. I see that the Welsh have a very large one, but provision must also be made for the English language. I am always pleased to hear a Welsh preacher. I like the Welsh fire. To my mind, a Welsh preacher was the perfection of a preacher, but they should not confine themselves to the Welsh, but should preach English with the same power.

Well, I suppose the main object of this gathering is to provide funds to pay for the chapeL Chapels were built by voluntary contributions, while the reverse principle was set down never to rise. Looking around me at the large number of persons present, and seeing the interest taken in these proceedings, I have no doubt that the cost will be defrayed.

At this stage of the proceedings, the ceremony took place, a beautiful walnut mallet, and a hand- some silver trowel, with ivory handle, which were enclosed in a suitable case, being presented to Mr. Davies by the Rev. W. Owen. The trowel bore the following inscription: Presented by the Buliding Committee to William Davies, Esq., to lay the Memorial Stone of the English Chapel, Cardigan. Sept. 11th, 1878.” Mr. Davies having accomplished his taskMrs. Davies proceeded to lay the other stone, the spectators during this time pushing forward to every point of vantage to gain a view of the ceremony. Resuming his speech, Mr. Davies said: I suppose the next thing is to lay something on them, and you will now have an opportunity of doing so. (Mr. Davies here handed a cheque for £20, which was laid on the stone.) Mr. Owen referred just now to jealousies. Jealousies ought not to exist in matters of religion. I believe that the Episcopalians, as well as Baptists, Wesleyans, and In-dependents are doing an enormous amount of religious work in the country. If there was no diversity of opinion, how sleek this world would be. I hope you will have a minister worthy of Cardigan to fill the pulpit. The standard of the ministry was raised year after year. I am glad to see how Nonconformity spreads its wings through the land.

In conclusion, Mr. Davies thanked them for the honour they had done him in selecting him as one to lay the memorial stones. He regretted that Mr. Davies, M.P., was not present, but hoped he would be present at the lecture that night, to give a rattling good speech. In addition to Mr. W. Davies’ cheque for £20, the following were also received:-A cheque for £10 10s. from Mr. John Lewis, William-street; a cheque for £10 from Mr. John Lewis, Royal Arms; and £5 from Capt. D. Davies, William-street; and Is. from a poor fish woman from St. Dogmells.

A Welsh hymn having been sung, the proceedings were closed with prayer by the Rev. Seth Jones, Blaenywaun. The committee wish to return their thanks to Mr. Woodward, the contractor, for the very convenient arrangements he had made for carrying out the ceremony, to whom, undoubtedly, great praise is due for his efforts in this respect. At 7 o’clock a lecture was delivered at Bethania Chapel, by the Rev. H. C. Williams, Corwen, the subject being “The religions of Russia & Turkey,” Mr. James Williams (mayor) in the chair. The attendance was good, the proceeds being towards the funds of the English Chapel. The committee, on Thursday, forwarded a telegram to Mr. D. Davies, M.P., expressing their condolence with him in his affliction, and thanking him for his very handsome donation of £100 towards the building fund. We understand that the mallet and trowel, which had been ordered for the use of Mr. Davies, will again be forwarded him, though, unfortunately, not present personally to use them.

16/9 Sat Borough Petty Sessions: Sarah Burkitt, hawker, was brought up in custody of P.C. J. Richards, charged with being drunk and incapable on the previous Saturday evening (14/9) at Bridge Parade, in this town. Prisoner was so far “gone,” that she had to be conveyed to the lock-up in a wheelbarrow. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was discharged on payment of costs in a week.
19/9 Thurs Borough Petty Sessions. P.C. D. Jones charged David Davies, carter, Pendre, with being drunk and disorderly on the 11th inst. Fined 6s, including costs.
19/9 Town Council MWLDAN RIVER WALL. Mr. Woodward asked the Council to defer the building of this wall, as he experienced some difficulty in arranging the tramroad. The company might be under the necessity of asking the per-mission of the Council to run on part of the wall. The matter was accordingly deferred. [end of Mwldan tramroad?]
Gaol Harmonium was presented to the Mechanics’ Institute.
20/9 Fri Death of Mary Nicholas, wife of Rees, Brecon Old bank manager, aged 57 yrs. Buried St Mary’s Churchyard.
24/9 Tues Death of Anne Lewis, Eben’s Lane, 48 yrs old, daughter of David, carpenter.
24/9 Tues Borough Petty Sessions. Thomas Kelly and Thomas Devenny, two navvies, were brought up in custody charged with being drunk and fighting at Mwldan, on the previous evening 23/09/1878. Fined 5s. and costs, in default 14 days’ imprisonment. Thomas Kelly was further charged with resisting and assaulting Inspector Roberts whilst being conveyed to the lock-up. Fined 6s, in default two months’ imprisonment at Carmarthen, to where he was removed the following day.
27/9 Fri Annual Dinner of the Cardigan Volunteers Corps at the Guildhall. First prize and Champion medal to W. R. Harries, St Mary’s St.
28/9 Sat Ordination of John L. Clougher, son of Clougher, newsagent. Appointed to curacy at Bridgend.
1/10 Tues Harvest Thanksgiving Prayer meetings held at Bethania, at Tabernacl on Thursday.
1/10 Tues Wedding of William Henry Harper, Rhyd-y-fuwch and Jane Phillips, Ffynongrog, Mwnt, at Bethania Chapel.
3/10 Thurs Town Council Steps be taken to remove the North Gate from its present position in the centre of the town; Mr Woodward announced that the plans of the proposed tramroad were now ready, and it was resolved that the committee meet on Monday next to examine them, and report thereon at the next meeting.
8/10 Tues. Wedding of Alfred George Roche, Pembroke Dock and Florence Rees, Bridge St. at St Mary’s.
11/10 Fri Borough Petty Sessions. Before the Mayor and Dr. Thomas: Benjamin Griffiths (Benja’r Gof), an inmate of the Workhouse, was charged with an assault upon a fellow inmate, named Michael Davies, on the previous night. Sentenced to hard labour.
12/10 Sat D. A. Rowlands, son of Rowlands, Pendre has won a scholarship to St David’s , Lampeter.
12/10 Mr. J. Lewis, Royal Arms, has received a cheque for £95 5s. from Mr. T. E. Lloyd, M.P., towards the building fund of Mount Zion
14/10 Mon Harvest thanksgiving meetings at Capel Mair morning and evening.
15/10 Tues Thanksgiving meeting at Hope Chapel.
15/10 Temperance meeting at Capel Mair addressed by Rev D S Davies, Bangor.
16/10 Wed Death of Margaret, wife of Mr. Stephen James Pendre, saddler, aged 27 years.
19/10 The four councillors whose term expires on the 1st of November are Messrs. James Williams (Mayor), Asa J. Evans, W. W. Smith, and W. Woodward, who will probably all seek re-election with the exception of Mr. Smith, who, we understand, intends retiring from the Council. We are sure all will regret Mr. Smith’s retirement, as he possesses eminent qualities for municipal duties, and has always proved himself a valuable member of the Council. His exertions towards securing to the town a pure supply of water entitles him to the thanks of the ratepayers generally.
28/10 Mon Death of Mrs Ann Griffiths, Greenfield Row, mother-in-law of John Henry James, aged 56 years.
29/10 Tues Death of Miss Anne Davies, Greenfield Row, after a long and lingering illness, eldest daughter of Capt. Herbert, Davies, in her 25th year. [Poems in memory 23/11/1878]
31/10 Thurs Town Council. Notice was given that the tramway scheme, as well as the granting of a piece of land to the eastward of the gas works for a wharf, will be considered at the next meeting; PENSARNAU LAND. The Rev. W. Jones moved, in accordance with a notice, that the Pensarnau land, which was a nuisance in its present state, and only served as a manure depot for farmers, be disposed of for the benefit of the ratepayers, as it contained about 28 poles. Mr. L. Evans, in seconding the motion, fully concurred with Mr. Jones. The Town Clerk suggested that the motion stand adjourned, pending the passing of the by-laws.
31/10 Death of Ann, Pwllhai, wife of Mr. Benjamin James, mason, aged 66 years.
2/11 YOUNG MEN’S MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY. It is with no ordinary pleasure we find that during the present week, steps have been taken by a number of our young men to establish during the winter months a series of meetings for their mutual culture and advancement.
2/11 Sat Root Show
5-6/11 Quarterly meetings were held at Bethania Chapel, on Tuesday evening and Wednesday. The preachers were: Revs. Hugbes, Goginan; S. Thomas, Aberduar; Lewis Roderick, New Quay; G. Evans, Penrhyn-coch; R. E. Williams, Talybont; D L Hughes, Capel Gwndwn; G. H. Griffiths, Newcastle-Emlyn, and J. Davies, Llandyssul. The preaching was powerful, and the congregations large, especially at evening services.
9/11 Sat There was a continuous downpour of rain, the result being the flooding of Mwldan river to such an extent that the water entered all the houses in Bath-house and Upper Mwldan, completely submerging Bath-house bridge. The depth of the water in the vicinity of the Eagle may be gathered from the fact that a boat had to be floated in that spot to convey persons over.
November Elections: Asa J. Evans, R E Rees, James Williams, William Woodward, all re-elected.
9/11 Sat Election of new mayor = Ald. Dr J. Thomas.
11/11 Mon Cardigan Auxiliary Bible Society meeting at the Guildhall.
11/11 Mon Death of Catherine, wife of Benjamin James, Middle Mwldan, mariner, 65years.
12/11 Tues Wedding of E. Ceredig Evans and S. J. Watkins, at St Mary’s.
15/11 Fri Launch of iron sailing ship ‘Charles Worsley’ at Dumbarton.. Captain J. Morgan, Sailors Home.
18/11 Mon Borough Petty Sessions P.C. Daniel Jones charged David Jones, farmer, Trebared, with assaulting him on the 9th instant (fair day), in High-street, whilst in execution of his duty. Defendant appeared, and pleaded not guilty; Inspector Roberts charged Hannah Lewis, Noyadd Arms, Pendre, with selling intoxicating liquor on Sunday, the 10th inst., during prohibited hours. It appears that the liquor was supplied to Mary Jeremiah, one of the sufferers by the flood in the Upper Mwldan on the day in question. The Bench deemed the liquor a necessity, and that the defendant had only acted the part of a good Samaritan on the present occasion, but the Inspector was quite right in bringing the case on. The case was dismissed. The case against Mary Jeremiah for being on the said premises, at the time aforesaid, was withdrawn.
19/11 Tues Death of Rees Nicholas, Brecon Old Bank manager. Member of Tabernacl.
20/11 Wed An Eisteddfod, on a small scale, was held at the Guild-hall, for the purpose of augmenting the funds of the Board Schools’ Clothing Club.
21/11 Thurs Town Council meeting. Mr. Woodward asked the Council to decide the Tramway question as soon as possible, so as to enable the company to proceed with the work.
21/11 Thurs About 1 o’clock the s.s. “Sea Flower of Cardigan, came in collision with an Irish schooner, loaded with potatoes, in the Channel The schooner sank in a few minutes, but the crew which consisted of four persons, were saved.
24/11 Death of Thomas Evans, at New Mill, aged 65 yrs.
25/11 Mon First meeting of Cardigan Literary Society at 8.15.
25/11 Mon Death of Hannah Davies, 4 Pendre, 69 years old.
30/11 Wedding at Ebenezer Chapel, Cardiff, by the Rev. J. M. Evans, pastor, Mr. William Jones, joiner, son of Ann Jones, Pwllhay, of this town, to Miss M. H. Williams, eldest daughter of Mr. James Williams, of the Cross Inn, Canton.
7/12 Saturday night snow fell and covered the ground to the depth of about an inch, and on Sunday night about two inches were added by a second fall, accompanied by a severe frost. The wind, though slight, has been in the east and north-east, and to-day (Friday) the country all round presents a. Siberian aspect, which it is likely to wear for many days to come. The streets of our town have, throughout the week, been dangerously slippery, and on Tuesday night were literally converted into skating rinks, This was, however, partially remedied on Wednesday though the Kindness of Messrs. Miles, Woodward & Co., who caused the surface of the main streets to be covered with saw-dust.
7/12 Death of Margaret Griffiths, Pendre, widow of the late Mr. John Griffiths, aged 78 years.
12/12 Town Council. THE PROPOSED TRAMWAY. Messrs. R. D. Jenkins and Asa J. Evans not having sent in their report on the draft relative to the tramway scheme, the matter was deferred; Mr. W. Lewis, the present manager of the Brecon Old Bank, was unanimously appointed borough treasurer, at the same salary aa his predecessor.
14/12 Steps are now being taken to establish public Coffee Rooms, or what may be termed a Working Man’s Club.
16/12 Mon CARDIGAN LITERARY SOCIETY. A debate has been arranged as to whether works of fiction are beneficial or not.
16/12 Death of Joseph Rees, Red Cow, carpenter, at Swansea, aged 82 yrs.
18/12 Death of Joseph Harper, Rhyd-y-fuwch, aged 59 yrs.
25/12 Wed Sunday Schools as usual. Eisteddfod at Bethania.
26/12 Thurs Boxing day Solicitors decided to close.
27/12 Death of David Rowlands, St. Mary’s Lane, blockmaker, 65 yrs.

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