Welsh Journals

NOTES ON RECONSTRUCTION We mentioned in the last issue that these notes would emphasise chiefly those aspects of reconstruction which have special reference to Welsh life and conditions. In view of the numerous attempts which are now being put forward to revive old parties and to found new ones, it is important that these efforts at reform should be quite clear in their objects. Historical evidence, particularly as far as Wales is concerned, points unquestionably to the fact that small nations have most successfully developed where the national traditions and sentiments have been most carefully preserved. In Wales it is just those movements which have sprung from the masses which have meant most to the national spirit, and it is not so much by new appeals to the masses that the new generation of idealists should work as by seeking inspiration from country side and hamlet where Welsh culture still flourishes unimpaired. Political action is but one expression of national life, and it, too, should draw inspiration and guidance from deeper sources. Any reform which is meant to mould the destinies of the nation must be steeped in the cultural and traditional ideals of the nation. Economic causes are largely international in their origin and effect the vestures they may assume are national and often local in character. It would therefore be unfor- tunate if the present happy revival of Welsh nationalism were misdirected, and if the enthusiasm of its new disciples were to be pressed into wrong channels. Primarily the test before the youth of the nation is to emphasise anew and always the ideals of Wales, to see that those ideals are allowed full and sufficient scope in home, school and university, to support all movements originating in Wales which are national and democratic in spirit, and to look to Welsh tradition and ideals for all that is vital to Wales. But this involves much more than the mere reiteration of ideals of nationalism or tradition. A strong body of opinion must be educated in that sensitiveness to national feeling without which ideals are but empty catchwords. So behind the display of sentiment and platform oratory must be organised a carefully planned system of work which will consider and co-ordinate all proposals for reform in the light of the national spirit, and which will give evidence, to quote A.E.of distinct national activity manifesting itself in works, not talk." Until some such informed body is established, capable of interpreting the needs of Wales, and of educating public opinion to these needs, it is useless to blame Whitehall for imposing foreign modes of administration upon our country. Whitehall governs by force majeure. If Wales wishes to be governed along Welsh lines, her youth must formulate her policy, plan their own reconstructive systems and accept and live them, and them alone. We have first to know and be sure of ourselves before we can pretend to government, our libertv, the liberty of ourselves and our countrv is in our own hands, every [Welsh] man or woman's own self is the [Welsh] nation. But national self development implies much more than the preservation of national tradition, it is bound up with the creation of proper social conditions. And here the need is immediate. It is of the utmost im- portance that some body representative of Welsh national sentiment should keep strict watch on the Government proposals for reconstruction. One Government Committee has already issued two reports on Adult Education, the one dealing with education in the army, the other with the To the Editor. Sir,-I shall be grateful if you will kindly allow me to say that the School is to be re-opened this year. The Committee will meet shortly, and it is hoped that the 1919 programme will be ready by the end of April. On behalf of the Committee I should like to thank the readers of the Welsh Outlook at home and abroad for their kindly messages and the valued offers of assistance in the great work which lies before us. I am, etc.. industrial and social conditions relating to adult education. Soon the final proposals will be published, and these will form probably the basis for the future development of adult education in' Wales. But it is just in the field of adult education that Wales has kept alive' her own native culture, and here, above all, is it necessary that the proposals should be Welsh in spirit amd sympathy. We would suggest therefore to those who are interested in Welsh education that when the final report of this Committee is published they proceed forthwith to draw up a similar report based upon that of the Committee but adapting it to Welsh conditions. Of equal importance and urgency is the need for local and national adaptation in the administration of the new Education Act. In the new Continuation Schools young Wales has a great opportunity. For these schools are a new creation, and in them, if the moment be seized, it may implant that democratic and native culture which both elementary and secondary education have never enjoyed. The Local Authorities are drawing up their schemes for these schools, yet up to the present we have not heard of any body of Welshmen who are endeavouring to enlighten the authorities and to establish a real Welsh system of education which will ensure that our young adolescents come into contact with Welsh culture. In English towns education conferences composed of delegates from interested bodies have been formed to watch the administration of the Act. At these Conferences the schemes of the Local Authorities are discussed and improvements suggested. Such Conferences should be established in each town in Wales. Representatives of Local Authori- ties should be invited to discuss their schemes, the permissive clauses of the Act should be put into operation and above all the spirit of the educa- tion which is to be introduced should be carefully studied. Particularly in Wales should we see that this new continuation education is broad and cultural. We must return by way of literature and history, through folk song and country dance to the spirit of our forefathers, and not allow these schools to be deadened by the weight of the technical education which now threatens them. Here is work, spade work, with little of the glamour of the footlights but all the value of the pioneer, waiting to be done. The South Wales Branch of the Welsh National Association for Re- construction, and the Welsh Housing and Development Association, arranged a Conference on The Regional Treatment of Housing Problems. The Conference was opened by Mr. J. R. Heath, of Swansea. On Thursday, February 27th, the Branch met members of the University Staff to discuss the question of Water Power in Wales. Dr. Trueman has drawn up a Memorandum on the Water Power Resources of South Wales, and this is to be submitted to the Board of Trade Water Power Committee. The Branch has also informed the Minister of Reconstruction that in view of the importance to Wales of the matters to be considered by the following Committees of the Advisorv Council, Wales should be repre- sented thereon:- Section 4, dealing with Rural Development and Agriculture. Section 5, dealing with Social Development, Health, Housing and Education. S.H.W. CORRESPONDENCE WELSH SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SERVICE. Gwilym Davies, Secretary of the United School of Social Service for Wales. Abergavenny, February 10th, 1919.