THE EISTEDDFOD OF WALES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 7998, 17 October 1887, Page 4

THE EISTEDDFOD OF WALES.

The Ancient Bardic Gorsedd in connection with tho Eisteddfod , according to th-5 rites anrl ceremonies of tho barda of thn Isle of Britain, and "in the face of the sun, th-2 eyo of liaht," was held in Hydo Park, -near tho Royal Albert ITall, on August 9. The ceremony was held under tho direction of Olwyclfardd (Arch-Druid of Wales), who was assisted by Gwalchmai, Hwfa Mon, Nathan Dyfo.J, aud Llow Llwfo, and the principal druids, bardß, orates, and musicians took part. The proclamation-of the Eisteddfod was accompanied by much- cheering, particularly when it was announced that nir.ona: t'io bardic fraternity present wore Ap Aladoc aud Gran'viW«fal>, who had travellod over 4000 miles to lake part ia thu National Festival. Ohvydt'urdd, tho Chief Druid, liuviun attained tho tireat oa;o of 85 years, ll wf a Jliux (tho Kav. R/WHliama), acting as L'hiot" Druid, dolivored au nddroßS in Welsh. Tho address was receivc'l with onthusiu>.:n, «nil tho usunl custom was then followed of asking "la thero peace?" nn«l buiu< iM\oh timo unawcrcil by tho crowd iv tho affirmative, tho ! sword was enclosed in its sheath, t.nd tho ' Arch Druid announced that the Gorsedd j would be held daily from August 9lh to.j the 13th iv Hyde Park. Tin then adjourned to tho- Uoyal Albert Hall, which was soon well filled.' Lord Mostyn' presided, and at the close of hia address, the musical competitions aud the curious' pennilliou singing oormneaced. Eleven choirs competed for aprizeof fifty pounds,' and tho Rhondda Glee Society and. the Huddersfield Glee Society beius: adjudge 1, equal, the prize was divided. In the evening a concert "entirely devoted to Welsh music attracted a large audience. A feature "of tho Eisteddfod was the bardic chair, the manufacture of native talent, in the p.-rson of Mr. Morris Henr.i- Roberts, Llungoilou. It was mado of Diulzic. and was designed by Air. Roberts. It is an arm-chair, massively carved, the back of which is ot" tho form of a shiuld, which is embellished with the Royal Arms and the Arms of Wales, also willi the Drui'iical emblem, and tho Welsh motto, (% ltsu nad Gainwaith " inserted below the Roy.ll Arms. The dra^oa-shs.ped arms', and the drigon paws of the front le^s, are well conceived.