Secretary of State for Wales constituencies dwindled almost to zero, the office fell into disrepute. Nicholas Edwards, MP for Pembrokeshire, held the post for eight years. On his departure, the government ceased to look within Wales for the Secretary of State, and the post was increasingly used as a way of getting junior high-fliers into the Cabinet. John Redwood in particular caused embarrassment when he publicly demonstrated his inability to sing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau", the Welsh national anthem, at a conference. The introduction of the National Assembly for Wales and the Welsh Government, after the devolution referendum of 1997, was the beginning of a
John Owen (Owain Alaw) "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau"). Owen continued to compose, perform and adjudicate in his later years, while also editing and contributing to several collections of Welsh music and poetry that were published in the 1860s and 1870s, including "Tonau yr Ysgol Sabothol" and "Y Gyfres Gerddorol". Of his own works, several songs appeared in "Y Gyfres Gerddorol" and other collections. His oratorio "Jeremiah" was published in 1878. John Owen died on 29 January 1883 at the age of 61, and was buried in Chester. John Owen (Owain Alaw) John Owen, also known by his bardic name Owain Alaw Pencerdd (November 14,