To record the dates of a man's birth and death; to say that he was born, and suffered, and died; is perhaps all that is required of the majority of biographers. In the case of the subject of this brief notice we can say something more ;-he has done good in his generation, and still lives for others, Mr. Davies, who is now on his way to Australia, or has perhaps just arrived at his destination, was born on the 4th of November, 1822, in the parish of Llanstephen, on the banks of the Tong, in the county of Caermarthen. At the time of his birth, his father was an extensive farmer; but overconfidence in the integrity of a friend, for whom he became bond for a large amount, led to the breaking-up of his establishment, and his removal to Merthyr Tidvil, the place in which his son first exerted himself in behalf of the Manchester Unity of Odd-Fellows. At the time of his father's removal from the place of his birth, the child was too young to comprehend the gravity of the calamity that had befallen his family. His first teachings were received at his mother's knee, after which he was sent to a Church National School, and in due time was apprenticed to Mr. H. G. White, letterpress printer, of Merthyr. In this, the largest printing establishment in Wales, he served, with credit, as apprentice, journeyman, foreman, and manager, till the time arrived when a desire for change of scene led him to quit, for a season, the land of his birth. At the earliest period at which he could then be admitted-the age of twenty-one-Mr. Davies became a member of our Order. He was initiated in the Loyal Charlotte Lodge, Merthyr District, on the 13th of April, 1843 ; and from that time to the present has taken a most active part in all that concerns the progress of the Unity. Mr. Davies soon began to manifest great interest in the Order, and successively passed through every office in his lodge and district. Nor have his brethren been unmindful of his valuable services, and characteristic self-abnegation. He attended the Annual Moveable Committees of Bristol, Dublin, Durham, Lincoln, and Norwich, and was appointed one of the directory at Durham. After serving his year of office, he was re-elected at Durham, and would have again filled the important post but for his resolution to leave England. At Lincoln he resigned his trust, and announced his determination to visit Australia, when it was unanimously agreed that his portrait should be given in the present number of the Magazine. For his various services, and in token of the estimation in which he was held, the Aberdare District presented him with an elegant gold pencil-case. On his announcing his intention, at the last A.M.C., at Norwich, to leave his native country for the gold colony, the gentlemen representing the Unity passed an unanimous vote of thanks for his valuable services. This record of the good opinion of his compeers, beautifully engrossed, with the names of the officers, directors, and trustees of the Order attached, has been handsomely framed and glazed, and is now in the possession of his family. When Mr. Davies rose to reply to the cordial vote of thanks, his heart was too full for him to say much; and many an eye was moist at the idea of losing one whom but to know is to respect. Just before his departure for Australia, a public dinner was got up in his native town, at which G. Overton, Esq., presided. At this parting festival Mr. Davies was presented with an elegant gold watch and chain, and a purse of gold, towards the purchase of which all classes, from the magistrate to the miner, had cheerfully subscribed. The true test of a man's worth is the estimation in which he is held by those who have known him and worked with him-his public connections and his private friends. The following sentences, written by the editor of the Merthyr Telegraph, will best prove in what esteem he was held by his employers and friends :-" Mr. B. Davies, the friend to whom we allude, has left ! this town sincerely regretted by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. If he erred whilst with us, it was in neglecting private for public interestsignoring self, and devoting his energies and abilities for the good of his friends. But these, not unmindful of his worth, have shown, by their acts, the high estimation in which they regard him; and predict a career of honour for him and his native town, and a high rank amongst the intellectual worthies who are carving out, in another land, the vast machinery of human progress and achievement." When, in 1849, the cholera raged all over the country, Merthyr suffered severely. In this period of distress, Mr. Davies was instrumental in raising a sum of £200 for division among the widows and orphans of those who had fallen victims to that terrible disease. Mr. Davies has taken an active part in the debates at our annual meetings, and what he says has always been marked by strong good sense, and a thorough knowledge of the laws and workings of the Independent Order of OddFellows. In his far-off island home we can only hope that our friend may pursue the same honourable career of usefulness which has endeared him to so many in his mother country; and these sentiments will find an echo in the bosoms of all who had the pleasure of knowing the manly form and sentiments of P.Prov.G.M. Benjamin. G. Davies. Move On! BY MRS. A. H. THOMAS. The murm'ring river hastens on, Seeking its ocean home; Tides, ever-surging, ebb and flow, Winter scarce leaves our sea-girt isle, Ere the life-giving sun Beholds the smiling infant, spring, Untiring-all Move on! Move on!-fair summer quickly flies, Autumn with sere decay, Soon spreads o'er all.-Night soon enshrouds The longest, brightest, day. Along the wondrous chain of time, Links added one by one, A bridge from earth to spirit-lands, |