County Observer and Monmouthshire Central Advertiser Abergavenny and Raglan Herald Usk and Pontypool Messenger and Chepstow Argus

CWMBRAN. SUDDEN DRATH.—We regret to learn that Mr 'William Reid, art master under the Newport, Llantamam, and other School Boards, died suddenly, on Friday night, at his residence, ■tin Victoria-street, Cwmbran. He had been unwell only a few days, and no serious con- sequence was in the least feared. Mr Reid has been connected with the Newport and other School Boards for several years as art master, and was generally acknowledged to be a man of exceptional ability in his profession. He has taken a great --interest in the nature study work at the various chools.

LLANTRISSENT. GAZETTE N OTICE.-A receiving order has been made against Thomas Williams, of Hand Farm. Llantrissent, near Usk, farmer. —

LLANDENNY. Agent-Mrs Preece, The Shop. CONCERT IN THE SCHOOLROOM. On Friday, the 4th tnat, a most successful concert -was held in the schoolroom in aid of the school funds. The room was filled with an appreciative audience, aud the following programme was credit- ably gone through Pianoforte solo. Miss Baker; duet. Larboard watch," Miss E. Preeoe and Mr E. Will-ams mandoline solo, Miss Baker song, "The schoolmaster," Mr Watson (encored) comic song, 11 There's a home for you with me. love," Mr Trevor Thomas; encore, Mary had a little lamb;" recitation, "A Christmas story," Mr Harlow; song, "They all love Jack," Mr Williams; aong, "A dolly in her coach one day," Miss -Gooding; song," Ballymooney conversazione," Mr Uennie encore, In the suburbs;" mandoline '8010, Miss Baker; humorous dialogue, "Country • courtship," Mr and Miss Howells (encored); stump speech, "Birds of a feather gather no moss," Michael Greville; song, Anchored," Mr E. Williams; song, with banjo accompaniment, Mr Harlow; song, "Mr Kelly," Mr Rennie; encore, "I mean to marry Jim." Captain Hussey, with his famous Mulligan Guards, then appeared with a miscellaneous collection of instruments fully equipped for battle, playing From Sligo Ward below," and afterwards singing" From Phoenix Park to Dublin Bay." Miss Ellwell was the able accompanist at the' piano throughout the evening. After a few suitable remarks by Mr R. James the "prooeedinils ended with the singing of God save ?the King."

MONMOUTH. I Agent,— Mr. GlVren, Bookseller. Ifwwttit. I TOWN COUNCIL MEETING. I The usual meeting of the Corporation was held on Monday, when the Mayor (Councillor G. R. Edwards) presided, and there were also present:— Aldermen A. Vizard, G. Tippins, and J. Howse; Councillors H. T. Baillie (depu ty mayor), K. Hall, W. Honeyfield. J. Breakwell, W. Sambrook, W. iStephens, C. Ballinger, H. Perkias, and T. H. J°In8'reply to the Deputy Mayor, Mr Tweedy stated that only £1,697 lIe 8d of the general district rate had been collected, which was not half, although nine months of the year had -expired. It was decided that the Collector's attention be called to the matter. On the Mayor's proposition, the Corporation -passed a vote of thanks to Councillor W. Stephens and his family, for demolishing an old unsightly building near the Wye embankment. Mr ..Stephens in reply said it had been done at con- siderable pecuniary sacrifice. The Town Clerk reported further correspondence with the Duke of Beaufort's solicitors respecting the annual fee farm rent of £ -27, from which it appeared that the Council were not in possession -of the original charter of Edward IV., dated 1470, "but based their claim on other documents referring to it. With reference to obtaining a copy of ^another document from the Record Office, the «Council, considering the cost, deferred the matter for the present. On the recommendation of a sub-committee the Council decided to erect three new lamps, one each in Goldwire Lane, Howells Court, and Dixton Gate. The Drainage Committee reported that Mr Conyers Kirby, engineer, and JMr Parfitt, con- tractor, had commenced the repairs to the septic tanks in accordance with the agreement recently "A scheme for pumping water from the Monnow for the purposes of sewer flushing, brought forward by Councillor Ballinger, was referred to the committee for further consideration. The Electric Light report stated that the three turbines had on several occasions recently been almost fully loaded, and the engineer had been ,compelled to have steam power ready. On ■•Councillor Sambrook's suggestion it was decided that the electric light account should distinguish --in future capital and current expenditure. The Fire Brigade Committee recommended a .number of alterations to apparatus and appointed four new firemen. < The annual prize for the best shot in the local Volunteer corps, it was decided, should this year take the form of a cruet stand. Sergeant W. Walters was the winner of the trophy, which is .-subscribed for privately by the members of the Corporation. The dav.e of the Christmas Meat and Poultry Market was fixed for Wednesday, the 23rd inst.

NEWPORT. I Aaents-Ressrs Greenland and Oil. N'lvtlzall!ltl.. STEEL DUMPING.- The importation of dumped ,steel at Newport reached its highest record in October of the present year, When the amoant received was 28,753 tons. For the month of November there was a slight falling off, the amount being 27,844 tons, but as compared with -the corresponding month of last year this showed an advance of nearly 20,000 tons.

PANTEG. PANTEG COUNCIL.-At their meeting on Tuesday flight, the Panteg Council considered an offer If made by Mr J. C. Hanbury for a site for the public cemetery. The land adjoined a farm below the canal, and Mr Hanbury stated that he was disposed to sell four acres there at £50 an acre. The question was deferred until the next meeting.

PONTYPOOL. Agents—Mr. J. ffardiny. Market Bookstall, Mr Fieldhouse The Market, and Messrs. Jones and Edwards. CHRISTMAS TREAT.—If funds are forthcoming, the Vicar of Trevethin (the Rev Edward Morgan) gain proposes this year to invite the poor in the parish of Trevethin to a feast of roast beef and plum pudding on some convenient dav near Christmas. By permission of Mr Fred Probyn, the chairman of the Urban District Council, the .dinner will take place at the Town Hall, Pontypool, invalids and children only having theirs at home. The ivitations, Mr Morgan states, will be given entirely without reference to religious belief, the one qualification being poverty.

The Most Nutritious. B**      E P p ir ir Grateful-Comforting.      COCOA Breakfast—Supper^

TINTERN. AN EXPENSIVE APPEAL. At Newport Bankruptcy Court on Thursda y Thomas Charles Luff, jobbing carpenter and assist- ant overseer, of Tintern, came up for his public examination,at the hands of the Official Receiver, and stated that, his liabilities were £ 113 48 3d. and deficiency X74 19s lOd. He had been in business nine years as a jobbing carpenter, and had a con- tract with the Crown sincl William Williams to re- build a shop and warehouse at Chapel Hill. Nothing had been done to the premises since Christmas, 1901, when he estimated that X90 worth of work was done, of which 237 3s 5d was still owing. The Official Receiver remarked that the Crown had been applied to,but had replied that nothing was due under the contract. Debtor attributed his failure to prosecuting an appeal at Quarter Sessions against an affiliation order made seven years ago by the Lydney magis- trates. This cost him :£150, but he could give no details of the account, except that the appeal lasted two days, and he had to pay the costs of four counsel. The Official Receiver Two on each side ?—Yes. In reply to Mr Lyndon Cooper, who appeared for creditors, debtor said about five or six years ago he raised Y,350 on a freehold house, No. 80, Great Golder-street, Borough, London, but afterwards found it belonged to his mother. He could not say, however, how the property came into the possession of his family. He used the money to pay off debts in carrying on business. He believed Messrs Morgan and Co., the solicitors, and the mortgagee both knaw that the London property was not his. He had paid interest on the amount of the mort- gage up to the past year. He did not know that a receiver was appointed in June, 1902, as his mother received the rent of the property, which was £ 48 per annum. He did not disclose this transaction to the Official Receiver, but if he had been given a little more time he could have put off the mortgagee, to whom X87 was now due. The examination was adjourned, with the idea of an amended statement being prepared, the Regis- trar telling debtor to give what information he could to the Official Receiver, otherwise he might get into trouble. I

n Tariff Reform League. A meeting, convened by Lord Llangattock, was held at the Beaufort Arms Hotel, Monmouth, on Tuesday, far the purpose of electing officers of the newly-formed branch of the Tariff Reform League. The following officers were elected :—Chairman, Mr S. C. Bosanquet; vice-chairman, Dr Prosser hon secretary, Mr W. Honeyfield. All present were constituted a committee, with power to add to their number. At the half-yearly meeting of the West Monmouth Conservative Association at New Tredegar, on the suggestion of Dr Edwin Williams, J.P., chairman, it wan resolved that branches of the Tariff Reform League be formed throughout the whole division, and arrangements then were made. On Wednesday, a meeting, convened by Mr F. Mills, manager of the Ebbw Vale Works, was held at the Tredegar Hall, Newport, with the object of establishing a branch of the Tariff Reform League for Newport and district. Owing to the absenoe of Lord Tredegar at the Smithfield Show, Mr Mills was voted to the chair, and read letters of apology for absence from Sir W. T, Lewis, Sir Joseph Lawrence, M.P., Mr. E W. Richards, Mr Edward Martin, Colonel Curre (who enclosed a fihanue for .£25). and others. Mr C. D. Phillips moved the first resolution, that a branch of the Tariff Reform League be established in Newport and district. He maintained that this waR more a question for working men than any other class. Every trade and industry suffered from the present fiscal system. If he went to France and bought a motor-car for £ 1,500 be brought the car to England, but left the money in France, but if he made the purchase in London both car and money were kept in this country. Mr Southwood Jones seconded, and said that through the present movement, so ably championed by Mr Chamberlain, they were going to effect the commercial salvation of this country. Mr O. W. E. Marsh supported, and said he came to the Newport district 35 years ago as an engineer, and invested his capital in an industry in the town. At that time they had agents in St. Petersburg, Madrid, Moscow, Vienna, and Paris, and they did nearly the whole of their trade in those days with the Continent. Gradually Customs duties were put against them in those countries, and one by one those agencies had to be withdrawn, and their industry became wholly dependent upon the Colonies. Now the Colonies were beginning to put up tariffs, and the only open countries were India and the Cape. The foreigners were not only taking away their markets but they were dumping in this country goods at a lower price than it cost to produce them. Capital could not struggle on for ever, and gradually it would ebb away from this country and be placed in industries in other countries where a fair return could be got for money invested. He was speaking to an American gentleman in London a short time ago, and, discussing the M'Kinley Tariff, that gentleman said that if this country had hinted at a retaliatory duty not a farthing would have been charged on tin-plates imported into the United States from this country. (Hear, hear.) Mr Rudman (a working man), and Mr O'Connell, a Cork butter merchant, who described himself as an Irish Nationalist, also supported the resolu- tion. On the proposal of Mr E. Phillips, seconded by Mr G. Martin, Lord Tredegar was unanimously elected president. The Chairman, before putting the motion to the meeting, remarked that this was a question for working men and those who were connected with working men. He was not in the least concerned about capitalists and people in the higher walks of life, but he was much concerned about the working men and those placed in authority over them to conduct the business of the country at large. It did not much matter what the Lords said-raost of them appeared to be on one side-but it did matter what the working men had to say. (Hear, hear.) Messra W. R. Lysaght, C. D. Phillips, Edward Steer, and Isaac Butler were elected vice- presidents, Messrs. Southwood Jones and George Geen joint hon secretaries, and Mr F. Mills chairman. All present then signed their names as members of the League, and the Chairman was thanked for his services.

Serious Poaching Affray on the Tredegar Estate. In pitch darkness, and during the height of the storm, between four and five o'clock on Wednes- day morning, a poaching affray, which might easily have ended fatally, occurred on Lord Tredegar's estate. At about one o'clock that night, John Tarr, a married man, aged 46, who has been in Lord Tredegar's employ as game- keeper for 22 years, left his home at St. Brides and joined two other keepers, John Roberts and William Roberts, son and son-in-law of Evan Roberts, head keeper on Lord Tredegar's estate, at Gwerll-y-Cleppa. four miles distant, to watoh the woods and preserves across to the neighbour- hood of Risca. 'At about half past four o'elock they beard shots in Cefn-llogel Wood, situate about half-a-mile from Gwern-y-Cleppa. With the instinct of trained keepers, they turned towards Risca with a view to meeting the poaching band in the next wood, known as Kelly's Wood. at Penylan, near Michaelstoue. Kelly's Wood is about a mile and a half from the spot where the first shots were heard. The three keepers got to the second wood before the poachers, and waited events. Taking cover, they at length saw the trespassers, and got within a short distance of them. Not a word was spoken, but at length the poachers became aware of the fact that they were being shadowed. They became desperate, and one of them levelled his gun at the keepers and fired. Tarr, who was the central figure of the three, received the charge in the face, his left eye being pierced with the shot. He at once raised an alarm, and cried. I am shot." The poachers got away. and Tarr was assisted by his fellow-keepers to Gwern-y-Cleppa, where Evan Roberts, under whose directions they had beeu working, lived. Here he arrived, bleeding badly, about half-past five o'clock. He received prompt attention, and was then he'ped home and put to bed, pendins the arrival of Dr. Reginald Brewer from Newport. During Wednesday he remained in a dazed condition,and was in considerable pain. In an interview, Evan Roberts said his son and son-in-law went out with Tarr to see if they could meet with any of the Risca poachers, who had from time to time been very troublesome, aud were a murderous set. There were thought to be four or six poachers present. There are a good many birds about because there has not been a shoot over the laud so far this season. liOn Thursday John Tarr was reported to be making satisfactory progress, but it is possible he will loae the sight of his left eye. The shots are still in the eyeball, and will not be extricated until Tarr has recovered. The police are making every possible inquiry into the affair, but no arrests have been made so far.

I Increase of Pauperism. JHr Bircham, Local Government Board inspector, placed before the Cardiff Guardians on Saturday some startling figures with regard to the increase of vagrancy in Cardiff. At the quarterly meeting of the Standing Joint Committee of the Glamorgan County Council,on Morday, the subject was brought to the notice of that authority in a communication from the Standing Joint Committee of the Gloucestershire County Council, in which co-opera- tion was asked for in making representations to the Local Government Bo-Ard upon the great increase of vagrancy, and the desirability of adopting some more effective and uniform system in dealing with tramps.—The Chairman (Mr O. H. Jones) said this, was a question that was daily becoming more serious. In the last few months there had been an enormous inorease in vagrancy. At Cardiff Union they had increased to such an extant that fchs number was almost double what it was a few years ago. The increase was not so great as a few weeks back, but it was still large and continuous; the same remark applied to neighbouring unions. He moved that a resolution similar to that of the Gloucestershire bounty Council be forwarded to the Local Govtrnnx ;ut Board, and the committee agreed.

MONMOUTH. POLICE COURT, MONDAY. Before G. COSSENS and W. HUGHES, Esqs. A MALICIOUS BROTHER.—Alfred Gilmore,hawker, was sent to prison for fourteen days for breaking a window and destroying sweets to the value of 21 s, belonging to Henry Gilmore, his brother, on De. cember 6th. D. and D.—William Bishop, labourer, for being drunk and disorderly, and threatening his wife, on December 5th, was fined 5s and 6s costs.

NEWPORT. POLICE COURT, WEDNESDAY. STOOD UP FOR HIS FATHER.—Thomas Harris, a lad of 15 years of age, who resides with his parents at 53, St. Mary-street, Newport, was fined 21s, or 10 days' imorisonment, for assaulting Railway Constable J. T. Smith at the High-street Station. On Sunday evening, the 29th ult., Smith took Harris's father into custody for being drunk at the station. The lad thought his father was being badly treated, and seized the officer by the coat and kicked him on the legs several times. WIFE FORGAVE, BUT .—Thomas Sullivan, dock labourer, of 5, Reform-buildings, Newport, was sent to prison for three months for assaulting hi-i wife. Sullivan, whilst under the influence of drink, knocked his wife down and kicked her several times on the head. The wife said that she did not wish her husband punished, but asked that he should be bound over to keep the peace.

PONTYPOOL. POLICE COURT, SATURDAY. THE NANTYDERRY POST OFFICE CASE. Henry Maskell, a young blacksmith, residing at Lit.rle Mill, was brought up in custody, charged un remand with stealing postal orders to the value of Zell 10s from the Nantyderry Post Office, near Pontypool, on the 24th ult. Mr Lyndon Cooper, solicitor, Newport (Messrs. Lyndon Moore, and Co.), appeared to prosecute. The prisoner had previously attempted to obtain money orders at the Clarence-street, Pontymoile, and Waunfelin Sub-Post Offices in the Pontypool district, but had failed. On the 24th of November, he entered the post-office at Nantyderry, and asked for postal orders amounting to Xil 10s. Whilst the postmistress (Miss Taylor) was putting a letter in a registered envelope for him, the prisoner snatched up the orders and ran out of the post-office without paying for them. Miss Taylor informed Charles Ernest Cox, a coachman, of what had happened, and Cox pursued Marshall on his bicycle. As the prisoner got over a hedge, Cox placed his bicycle on the side of the road, and followed him through some fields. The prisoner dropped the orders in a field, and Cox picked them up. The coachman nearly caught the prisoner on the railway, but Maskell turned round and told his pursuer that if he advanced another step htt would shoot him with a revolver. Prisoner then picked up some stones and ran away. Cox returned for assistance, and the prisoner got clear away. P.C. Davies, of Llanover, arrested Maskell on suspicion at Little Mill on the following day, and when brought to Pontypool Miss Taylor and Cox identified him out of eight other men. Subsequently P.C. Watts conveyed him to Usk Gaol, and on the way the prisonet said to the constable I What do you think I will get for this job ? I don't know what possessed me to do such a. thing. I was in drink at the time, and had been drinking in that place all day. When formally charged the prisoner pleaded Guilty," and the Bench gave him the maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment. DISGRACEFUL ATTACK ON A TEACHER.—William Henry Easy, a shoemaker and public lamplighter, was summoned by Stanley James, a pupil teacher candidate at the Garndiffaith School Board, for assault.—Complainant, who was legally represented by Mr W. H. Bythway, clerk to the Trevsthia School Board, stated that an assistant at the school ordered him to send away some children, who were playing in the porch.—Gladys Easy, a daughter of the defendant, refused to go, and aa she pushed another girl against him he struck her on the head. Later in the day defendant came to the school, and followed him into a classroom, where be struck complainant's head several times against the wall. Defendant afterwards pulled him down from the gallery and kicked him. Subsequently the defendant dragged him out into the playground, where he again kicked him on the- ground.—Defendant who denied kicking the boy, and said he only struck him, was fined40s for the assault. A COLLIER'S FRAUD.—Frederick Lloyd, a collier, residing at Lower Pontuewydd, was summoned for travelling from Newport to Pontuewydd on the night of October 24th without having previously paid his fare. and with intent to defraud the Great Western Railway Company. Evan Jones, another Pontnewydd collier, was charged with aiding and abetting Lloyd in the commission of the offence.- Mr L H. Hornby, Newport, appeared to prosecute on behalf of the railway company, and called evidence to show that Lloyd came out of the train at Pontnewydd, and when asked for his ticket he told the collector he had only come to meet Jones, who was coming up by train from Newport. Jones confirmed Lloyd's statement to the collector. Lloyd, who now pleaded guilty to the offence, was fined 20s, and Jones 10s. BREACH OF THE AInus' ACT.—John Webb, a pumpsman, employed at the Tirpeutwys Colliery, was summoned for a breach of the Mines Act OIl Sunday, the 29th ultimo. The offence complained of was that of having a pipe in his possession, aud the Inspector said that when he went down into the pit, which wai a locklamp one, defendant had. the pipe in his mouth. Defendant pleaded guilty and was fined 40e.

STOCK SHOW AT LLANIWIT MAJOR. I The second annual Chiistmas show of fat cattle, j sheep, and pigs was held at the Auction Mart, Llantwit Major; on Thursday. The entries in all classes numbered nearly a hundred, a substantial j inorease upon those of last year, and the quality of stock, on the whole was good. Mr Iltyd Nicholl, of The Ham, is president of the show, and occupied the chair at the annual dinner held in the evening.

THE LATE ALDERMAN EDWARD JONES. The estate of the above gentleman is valued at Z140,1223 12s 4d. including personalty of the net value of £ 94.200 13s IOJ. Probate of bis will, dated June 18th. 1901. has been granted to William Rees Jones and Percy Howard Jones, the sons, and John Paton. ef Pontynool, the son-in-law. To each of hit daughters, Mrs Edith Llewelyn, wife of Mr Leonard Llewelyn. of Clydach, and Mrs Susan Paton, the testator left 600 ordinary ihares in Partridge, Jones and Co., and daring the life of their mother annuities of £ 200; to his wife, Mrs Suqan Jones, JE500. an annuity of £ 1,500, the household furniture, and the use of Snatchwood Park; to his sinters, Sybil and Martha Jones, the income from £ 1,000, and on the death of the sur- vivor of them for the children of his sister, Mrs Jane Williams. On the decease of Mrs Jones he further gave Snatchwood Park and certain lands and farms in Brecon to his son Percy Howard other property in Brecon and his shares in the Pont. newynydd Sheet and Galvanising Company and the Aberaychan Gas Company to his son William Rees, and the Llantamam property in Monmouth to his sons Godfrey Ernest, Thomas Howard, and Edward Ernest. All the rest and remainder of his property he left to his five sons.

I BOARD OF GUARDIANS. I, At the fortnightly meeting of the above Board, held at the Union Workhouse, on Thursday, Major D. E. Williams, J.P., presided. There were also present:—Mrs Mulligau, Mrs Harding. Revs P. A. Deeen. and R. A. Howells. Messrs. W. P. James, W. L. Pratt, W. Newman, T. M. Wintle, E. Probyn, Z. Lloyd, S. T Griffin, W. Marfell, T. Parker, J. James, J. Williams, John Williams, and the officers. Balance in hand last year, £ 2,789 2s 8d last meeting, £1,338 3s 9d; present meeting, 92,080 9s 2d. Mr Maliphant reported that he had collected J630 16s 2d during the month Mr Spencer that he had collected E29 15s 6d; and Mr Davies that he had collected £ 13 Is. The Clerk reported that there were several parishes in arrear, and he was instructed to proceed against the overseer. A letter was read from the Haslingdon Union, stating that the Board had found its accommoda- tion strained to the utmost owing to the number of children that were brought into the House bv the intemperance of their parents. A memorial had. therefore, been sent by the Haslingdon Union to the Prime Minister and various Members of Parliament, recommending a reduction in the number of public house licences. This memorial they asked the Pontypool Guardians to support.—On the motion of Mr Wintle, it was resolved that this should be done —The Chairman said that the magistrates already had the matter in hand. The House Committee recommended that when the hospital subscriptions were next considered the claim of the Pontypool Hospital should be taken into consideration, and a subscription granted thereto. The House Committee reported that the present system of giving tramps stones to break as a task, was not satiqfactory, as the Board found a difficulty in disposing of the stone. They therefore recommended that the cutting of wood be substituted as there was a good market for this. The Master had ascertained that the best bundler in the House could do 20 bundles in an hour. He was, however, an old maii.-The recommendation was approved of. the number of bundles to be cut up and bound by the tramps being left to the discretion of the Master. The Clerk said that the County Council's call was due, but owing to the failure of some of the overseers to pay in their calls, there was not sufficient money in the Bank to pay the amount demanded. He suggested that he be instructed not to send the cheque until there was a sufficient amount of money in the Bank to meet it.—The Chairman said that the County Council also owed the Guardians a large sum of money. What the Guardians ought to do. was to deduct what the County Council owed them, from what they owed the County Council, and send a cheque for the remainder. The County Council, however, refused to allow this.—It was decided that the Clerk's suggestion be adopted. The Master reported that the number of inmates in the House was 144 as compared with 148, on the corresponding period of last year; number of vagrants relieved during the week, 66 as compared with 52 on the corresponding period of last year.

I The Kaiser's Condition- The "Republique Francaise" says it learns from a sure source that, notwithstanding the optimistic reports in the German Press, no attempt is made in well-informed quarters to conceal the fact that the Emperor is seriously ill. On the other hand, Dr Poirrier, in an interview published by the Petit Parisien," expresses his agreement with the opinion given by Dr Fraenker, that the Emperor's convalescence is following its normal course, and that his condition presents no alarmingly serious features. Professor Porrier, however, seems to think a return of his Majesty's ailment might be dangerous.—Reuter. The London correspondent of the 11 Birmingham Post has excellent authority for stating that the main purpose of the visit to London of Major- General Loewenfeld, aide-de-camp to the German Emperor, and of his reception by the King on Wednesday at Buckingham Palace, was to hand to his Majesty an autograph letter from the Kaiser giving particulars of his recent operation and his progress, as well as stating his plans for the near future. While a more hopeful feeling now prevails in Court circles in Berlin, it is recognised that his Majesty must abstain almost completely from all participation in active State affairs for some time to come.

Major Courtenay Morgan at Rogerstone. 15 At a smoking concert., organised by the Bassallesr Conservative Association, and held at the Drill Hall, Rogerstone, under the presidency of Mr L Forestier-Walker on Monday, Major Morgan dealt with the present industrial condition of Monmouthshire. The prosperity of the working man in that district, he said. depended upon the prosperity of the iron and steel trade at the works in which he was employed. What was good for the working man was that the works should always be going full time, and that he should earn the full amount of wages. (" Hear, hear." and applause.) But if they allowed this absolutely unfair and unrestricted foreign com- petition to go on, how long would it be before the iron and steel works in that county and in their country would have to be shut down ? When their opponents dealt with this question they did not appear to grasp the seriousness of the situation One of the reasons their opponents gave for the depression in the iron and steel trade was that their works were not fitted up to modern require- ments. (A Voice: If They are wrong") If they took the Pontymister Works, for instance, they were fitted up with ALL THE LATEST IMPROVEMENTS and inventions. They had spent £ 30,000 in bringing the works up to the highest state of efficiency within the last three years, and yet they were told that in all probability in a very short time those works would be closed down. He (Major Morgan) had an opportunity the other day, by kind permission of Mr Steer and Mr Williams, of going over their works at Rogerstone. Anything more complete or up-to-date it would be impossible to imagine. (" Hear, hear," and applause.) And yet they were told that owing to the present condition of their industrial system they were unable to compete or to hold their own with foreign competition. Given equal opportunities, and an equality of competition they need never fear for the prosperity of the iron and steel trade in this country. ("Hear, hear," and applause.) Only in October last 28,753 tons of steel bars and billets were landed at Newport, and they heard the threat that some 200,000 more tons were likely to come from America. In the same month 16,107 tons of iron ore were put down at Newport, instead of four or five times that amount four or five years ago. That would show them that the raw material on which they were employing the working men of this country was getting less. while the manufactured articles, on the making-up of which they should be employed, were getting more. THEY COULD MAKE STEEL BARS and billets at Rogerstone which would compare with steel bars or billets made anywhere in the world, and they should be making them instead of the foraigner. (Loud applause.) Well, what was the remedy? In his opinion, what was reauired was Protection in a moderate form, call it retaliatory tariffs or any other name they liked (Cheers.)

Colonel Morgan Lindsay on Diiinping," At a meeting held at Llanbradach, on Monday night, under the auspices of the East Glamorgan Conservative Association, Colonel Morgan Lindsay spoke of the evil effects of •• dumping," especially in relation to South Wales and Monmouthshire, and referring to the Pontymister Steelworks, Ebbw Vale, and other works, said dumping would benefit only a few shareholders, and that not for long. How would it affect the colliers? They were told that, whoever suffered, the coal trade certainly would not. Only a few days ago be had a conversation with a colliery proprietor who had always been a strong Liberal, and he said they must have tariff reform. That gentleman had been accustomed to supply coal at Cyfarthfa, and he had just been told that no more coal was required. And why ? Because, instead of making iron rails themselves, they now brought them from America, and had no need of coal for the present. The colliers must be affected like everyone else. Ever since he had seriously tried to go into political questions he bad felt convinced that it could not be right that this country should be haudicapped in the struggle for the world's trade. (Hear, hear.)

Central Chamber of Agriculture n and the Fiscal Problem. At a council meeting of the Central and Associated Chambers of Agriculture held on Wednesday at the Society of Arts, Adelphi, the Earl of Warwick presided. A motion was moved at the last meeting by Mr Rider Haggard :— That this council considers that the time has come for the re-consideration aud reform of our present fiscal system, and it cordially welcomes the propopals submitted by Mr Chamberlain as being necessary and desirable for such reform. An amendment was moved by Mr C. Middleton (Cleveland), that the subject of fiscal reform should be referred for inquiry to a thoroughly representative Royal Commission. Dairy farmers and stock-breeders would, in his opinion, be worse off than they were at present under the conditions of Mr Chamberlain's proposals. This was seconded. Mr Maxted (Canterbury), as a practical farmer, said the remedy for agricultural depression was to be found in Mr Chamberlain's scheme. (Loud cheers.) Their only malvation was to follow the ex-Colonial Secretary. (Cheers.) Mr Kidner (of Taunton) said farmers all over the country had made up their minds for Mr Chamberlain. Mr Terrell, K.C. (Gloucester), held that if they endorsed Mir Chamberlain's scheme farmers would benefit considerably, mainly through the home markets being improved. Mr Chaplin, M.P., said the nation at present was holding the most exhaustive inquiry on the fiscal question that had ever been held on any subject. The amendment was lost by a large majority, only four voting for it. The resolution was carried with only seven dissentients.

I The Smithfield Show. j i In the Hereford steer class Lord Llangattock had two animals entered, one of which gained first prize over that of His Majesty the King. Lord Tredegar sent only one exhibit—a red shorthorn Iaer-.nl took first prize with it. At the annual general meeting of the Smithfield Club on Tuesday, Prince Christian was elected ^resident for next year, and Lord Tredegar for j1905.

I ABERGAVENNY. I POLICE COURT, WEDNESDAY. I Before J. O. MABSK, Esq (in the chair), Major WILLIAMS, and Councillor JAS. STRAKBR (Mayor). I COUNTY BUSINESS. SCA.BBY SHzEp. -Thomas COX, farmer. was fined Is each in respect of five sheep in his ftook, which P.C. Wilcox had discovered to be suff,ring from scab, which fact defendant neglected to report.— Defendant was also ordered to pay costs, which, together with the fine, amounted to Lt. SABBATH BREAKERS.—Albert Hinton, 19, Frank Prifchard, 17, Withington 17, and Haviland, 16. were each fined 2s 6d for playing pitch and toss on Sundav last in School-lane, Llantillio Pertholey, as proved bv P C Powell. POOR LAW.—Jtnies Conolly, 20,mason's labourer, who said he hardly earned enough to keep himself, his average weeklv waare being 18s, was, on the application of Mr Scinlon, clerk to the Aberga- venny Board of Juirdians, ordered to pay Is a week towards the maintenance of his father, who became chargeable to the Union in February last, and had since then been in receipt of 4s per week out relief. I BOROUGH BUSINESS. FACTORY ACT.—Thomas Berrington, baker, was, at the instance of Mr Arthur Wolfe, H.M.'s Inspector of Factories, fined 5s and 4s costs for neglecting to affix te his premises a oopy of the ab-tract ef the Factories Act, 1901, as required by law.

CAERLEON. PETTY SESSIONS, THURSDAY. Before A. M. PILLINEB, Etq. (in the chair), A. WILLIAMS, Esq., W. A. WILLIAMS. Esq., G. B. T. NICHOLL, Esq., and D. W. JENKINS, Esq. RIOTOUS.-For riotous behaviour by fighting, in High-street. Albert Phillips, labourer, of Caerleon, was fined 5s. BAD LANGUAGE .—Mary, Walter, and Julia Bartlett, who did not appear, were summoned for using obscene language at Caerleon. Mary Bartlett was sentenced to 14 days' hard labour, and the others were fined El each. POACHING. -William Sargood, William Poulson, labourers, Newport, and Frederick Charles, labourer, Llantamam, were summoned under the Poaching Prevention Act.—P.C. Harris stated that he was on duty on the Usk road at 5 o'clock on the morning of November 27th, when he met Sargood. He thought he was high in the back," and he consequently searched him. Between his skin and his shirt was a rabbit, which Sargood said he "had picked up." His bnots and legs were covered with mud. It was proved that last month he had been fined for trespassing in.pursuit of game at Warminster, and he was now fined 10a.-The other two men pleaded guilty.—P.C. Harris saw them coming down the Uk road early in the mornine, and. as soon as they saw him they went across a footpath leading to Mr Parry's farm. Harris overtook them, and Poulson at once said, "I have only two live rabbits" Harris found four live ones on him, and two nets, while on Charles there was a net and a ferret. They said they got them out of a drain.—Poulson was fined 10s, and Charles 7s 6d, the nets being confis- cated. A MEAN OFFENCE."—William Richards, haulier, of Llantamam, was summoned for threatening James Mallard, and also with releasing an impouuded cart-horse without consent. The charges were taken separately.—Mr W. Lyndon Moore, defended.—Mallard stated that in con- sequence of damage to his field he watched it on the night of December 1st. He discovered a horse in it which belonged to Richards, and which had no business in his field. Witness took it out and put it in his shed. Early in the morning Richards came for his horse, and Mallard asked him. What sort of a game do you call this ?" Defendant admitted putting the animal in the field, and asked Mallard what he wanted. Prosecutor said ten shillings; and defendant said he would only pay for what the horse had eaten. The horse was locked up all day, and in the evening Richards met him in the lane, asked him where his horse was, said he would do for him for two pins." and twisted his arm. Later defendant and his wife came to his house, and Richards rushed around to the barn and burst the door open. In reply to Mr Moore. Mallard admitted that Richards offered him 5s.-William Love, labourer, spoke to Richards taking the horse out of the barn.—For the defence Mr Moore contended that the damage done was only fractional, and a charge of ten shillings was absurd.—Richards and his wife swore to offering Mallard 5s, and to his refusal to accept that sum. Richards further stated that it was the first time he had put the animal in Mallard's field to tack, but that night he had been ill, and did not feel equal to taking it to a field further off.-The Bench announced that they had decided to convict on the first charge, and Mallard repeated his evidence as to the meeting in the lane.—Mr Moore: How old are you ?—37.— ^nd Mallard is 68 You are afraid of him?—Yes.— Richards totally denied striking or threatening prosecutor, but the Bench said they considered he bad been guilty of a mean offence. He would be fined £ 1 for the first offence, and would be bound over to keep the peace in the second. Mallard would be allowed 5s for coming there.

GENERAL. THE BROTHER-IN-LAW LODGER. Frederick Nicholas appeared at Abertillery Police Court on Wednesday charged with being drunk and riotous and with assaulting Alfred Pearse oa Monday.—Complainant stated that defendant came into his house and assaulted him, and then set a big dog on him. Witness and his wife were in danger of their lives. Defendant, who was his wife's brother, said he would cut witness's throat from one side to the other if he did not let him remain under his roof. Witnes* had tolerated this conduot for 15 years, and he appealed to the Bench for protection. —Defendant was sent to prison for a month. PROTECTING THE POLICE. George Edwards, collier, was breught up at Abertillery Police Court on Wednesday charged with assaulting P.C. Bevan while in the execution of his duty. Defendant pleaded guilty.-P.C. Bevan stated that wbile he was taking a man named Albert Coulstock to the police station, the defendant came up to him and assaulted him right and left. A civilian rendered witness assistance. It was as much as he could do to hold the prisoner ] —P.S. Barry statsd th'lt it; wan th" most o)wadly- assault upon a policem-m he had ever known.-P.C. Pope corroborated.- Prisoner argued that he wa. drunk, and knew nothing about it,- rhp. Chairman (Mr E. Jones-Williams) said it was an unprovoked assault, and he could not take any notice of the excuse.—Fined £ 10, or two months hard labour. HAWKING BEER: A HEAVY FINE. j At Tredegar Police Court on Tuesday Harold Knight, 25, alehouse keeper, Tredegar, was sum- moned for selling beer by retail from premises not licensed, on November 21st. Mr H. S. Lvne, New- port, conducted the prosecution, and Mr W. J. Everett was for the defence.—It was stated that defendant sent stone gallon jars round the town on a dray. The jars were filled at the stores at the Tredegar and Haroford Brewery, Church-street, Tredegar. On the 21st November P.S. Morgan saw a dray load of jars filled with beer coming from the brewery premises, and two of tha jars were » delivered to customers.—It was submitted by the j prosecution that as there htd been no previous I appropriation of the jars to the purchasers on j licensed premises there had been a breach of the 1 Licensing Act.—For the defence it was stated that the jars which the police hal seen delivered h td previously been appro-priated on the licensed premises of the Black Prince, held by defendant. The jars were invariably taken to the Black Prince t and there appropriated to customers according to orders received previously.—After a hearing ex- tending over'several hours the magistrates imposed a fine of £ 50 and £ o 3s costs, or one month's imprisonment in division two in defialt of distress. j —Mr Everett intimated that his client intended to H appeal against the decision. i

Local Action against a Cereal J Food Company. | An action of considerable interest to cattle and sheep breeders was heard (bsfore Judg9 Owen) at Cardiff County Court on Thursday. Uveco Cereals (Limited) claimed E28 4s, the price of food supplied to Mr Robert Templeton, Blackweir Farm, Cardiff, which money was paid inro Court, and Mr Templeton counter-claimed for £ o0, damage alleged to have been done his sheep by Uveca food.—The plaintiff stated that in February last he gave Uveca food to some twenty of his sheep. He had previously used the food for cattle and horses. On the morning after the use of the food he saw several of the sheep were ill, and at first suspected that mangolds were the cause, but next day the sheec would not go netr the trough containing the Uveco. Nine of the sheep died, and others were injuriously affected. — Mr Stewart, 5 veterinary surgeon, Canton, gave evidence of a post-mortem examination conducted by him. He expressed the opinion that death was due to stomach a bowel irritation, and he came to the conclusion that Uveco was the cause of that condition.- Ilr John Perry, F.R.C.V.S., called for the defence, said he made a post-mortem examina- tion of the sheep, and it was impossible to recognise Uveco in the contents of the stomachs.— The Judge said plaintiff's case was that there were certain qualities in Uveco against which he should have been warned.—Mr Bailhache said his client would have been quite content had he received before February the warning he had received since.—Mr Sankey called witnesses to say they were perfectly satisfied with the food, including Mr R. Strattou. Newport, aud Mr Riddler^ Hereford.—The Judge said it seemed that Uveco was a very good food if used in a proper way, but j Mr Templeton had not received a copy of the printed warning issued by the company, and was ] entitled to judgment for L31 10s. I