Page:Speeches and addresses by the late Thomas E Ellis M P.pdf/76

 people refreshment and consolation; laden as it is with the tender and sad memories of the past, is essentially, and in the best sense, a democratic art. It is the heart and soul of the Eisteddfod; it is one of the most potent influences of our religious life; our countrymen and women attain excellence and fame in the practice of it; it is formally recognised as a School in our University and is taking its place in our National Education, from the Primary School to the University College. It is true that there is still vast room for improvement in Instrumental Music and in Composition: it is equally true that there is a strong desire and a strenuous effort to compass this improvement and attain greater and greater excellence.

But, when we turn to the Sister Art of Architecture, can we honestly say that the sight of the edifices which have been, and are being, raised by thousands all around us contributes to our mental health or power or pleasure? Is it not true that too many of our colliery and industrial villages and towns are appalling deserts of stone and