Could John Herbert Lewis come down? Mr Smith's health has deteriorated and a general election is in sight. A successor to Smith should be chosen. Could John Herbert Lewis vacate the Boroughs to stand in the County? 'No doubt there is some wire pulling going on among our friends, and I am anxious lest any dissension should break out in the Liberal ranks'. A meeting of local Liberals is needed to discuss the Education Bill and the fiscal proposals. 'The Lead Industry as well as the Agricultural Interest have a sneaking fondness for Protection'. Hopes John Herbert Lewis will be able to help. 'Private'.
A meeting of the Association will be held on 25th June. 'I sincerely hope that the report will not precipitate the resignation of Mr Smith'. Has written to Smith expressing the hope that he will not resign.
Names the superintendent of the Mold, Buckley and Connahs Quay English circuit. A meeting at Mold on Wednesday (to select borough and county delegates) felt that John Herbert Lewis should be given first refusal on Smith's seat, and a meeting at Buckley has agreed. Believes John Herbert Lewis should give the matter serious consideration. Has received a letter from Smith.
Discusses transfers of 'British' Schools. Conditions of transfer are affected by the terms of the Trust Deed concerning continued use of the school buildings by the trustees outside school hours.
Is not prepared to stand for the County, but may stand in the Boroughs. Hopes John Herbert Lewis may stand in the County. £750 should cover the expenses of the next election. Discusses 'the financial difficulty of the Registration'. Mr Thomas Parry and Mr Muspratt have declared their unwillingness to stand in the County and the Boroughs. Mr Elwy Williams would be a most unpopular candidate. 'I should not be at all surprised if the Tories did not contest the County if you decide to stand'. 'Private & Confidential'.
A meeting of the Flintshire Liberal Association is to be held at the Town Hall, Flint, on September 5th to choose a successor to Samuel Smith MP. Circular letter.
Has been at Hatchlands where Rendel read John Herbert Lewis's letter to him; Ach-o and John Herbert Lewis are in complete agreement. Shall go to Bangor to defend the Montgomeryshire proposals.
Will John Herbert Lewis be at Mold on Tuesday? Would like to meet to discuss matters. Thanks for the treat at Cardiff - '...the great feeling expressed at the thorough Unity of Wales'. Had a long conversation with Sir Isambard Owen.
There is no need for a meeting of the Association at present as a general election is unlikely for a year or two. John Herbert Lewis is in a most difficult position. Much regrets John Herbert Lewis's decision not to stand again in the Boroughs. 'After your indefatigable labours, and brilliant achievements, both in and out of Parliament, in the service of the Liberal Party, this will cause a pang to all of us'.
The Times correspondent is a supporter of the Welsh cause, particularly the Welsh Revolt. Will see the correspondent. Any further information will be very welcome.
There is much concern over the efficiency of the proposed National Council. Could John Herbert Lewis and his fellow MPs strive to include guarantees in the constitution of some of the Committees of the proposed Council that would make it more acceptable to the educational world? Has had happy relations with all public educational bodies, but some of the Welsh county councils have little knowledge of higher education. Hopes John Herbert Lewis will consider the matter.
Is concerned about the constitution of the Council. Discusses the attitude of universities and of public and professional bodies to certificates awarded in the Welsh county schools.
Has received no reply concerning the Chancellor's decision on grants for the Welsh colleges. Understood John Herbert Lewis was to see Barstow on Saturday. Recommends John Herbert Lewis to see Llewelyn Davies on Monday. 'It would be most disappointing to the Welsh people if their wishes with respect to increased grants are not complied with in this year's estimates'.
