Abergavenny Chronicle

Abergavenny Town Council. I The Mayor and the Guardians A Reply. I COUNCILLOR GRAHAM CHALLENGES COUNCILLOR Df FIELD. I The monthly meeting of the Abergavenny Town Council was held on Monday night, the Mayor (Alderman Z. Wheatley) presiding. There were also present Councillors 1'. Telford, T. A. Delafield, W. J. Tong, W. Horsington, Alfred Graham, J. R. Ecckwit-h, W. Meale and H. A. Palmer. Comforts for Welsh Troops. 1 The Town Clerk read a letter from the Mon- mouthshire County Council inviting the co- operation of the Town Council in regard to the provision of comforts for Welsh troops at home and abroad. The Mavor said that each Mayor had been communicated with directly, and lie had the matter in hand. He had had an interview with the secretary in London. Councillor Telford Has the Government failed in its duty of providing troops with the necessaries and comforts they are entitled to ? The Mayor No, they have not failed to pro- vide them with necessaries, but these are extra comforts. It is underclothing that is required. Councillor Telford It is a disgraceful state of tiffairs.thatisalllcansay. The Mayor said he had gone so far as to arrange with Mrs. Pegler to act as secretary, and she was calling a ladies' committee together that week to formulate a scheme of house-to- house collection. He was also trying to arrange for a concert to take place in aid of the funds. Councillor Telford said he did not think it was wise to multiply committees. They already had a committee dealing with comforts for troops, and he thought it would be better to refer the letter to that committee. He believed the Mavoress and the ex-Mayoress and other ladies were members of that committee, and he thought the letter should be referred to them to deal with, or to the Prince of Wales's Fund Committee. Councillor Horsington: Do I understand tlut this providing of comforts is to be altogether different to the scheme which has been carried out practically next door, where ladies for some months have made an almost untold number of shirts and different things ? The Mavor It is quite a distinct thing. It is not the Red Cross work. The Town Clerk These are for Welsh troops only. Councillor Horsington I had it in my mind that that committee was doing very good work. The Mayor They are doing excellent work, but this is different altogether. They want to take a special collection, like they do for Dr. Barnardo's Homes. Councillor Telford proposed that it be referred to the Prince of Wales' Fund general committee. Councillor Horsington said he thought it was work which might be carried out in conjunction -with the present shirt-making committee." The Mavor said he had seen some of the ladies that afternoon, and asked them if they could let him have some things for that object, and they said theirs was Red Cross work. Councillor Tong seconded the proposition of Councillor Telford. The Mayor said the Prince of Wales' Fund committee was nothing. Councillor Telford I rise to a point of order. Let us have your reasons for saying it is nothing. The Mayor If you ask me, the Prince of AVales' Fund Committee is doing no good at all. Nobody has a penny from them. There is reallv no Prince of Wales' Fund Committee, and the Relief Committee set up by the town is a different organization altogether. I don't think it would be advisable to delegate it to this fund. It would be much wiser to delegate it to a com- mittee of outsiders. Councillor < Graham suggested that the matter should be allowed to lie on the table for six months. Let those responsible complete their work. Councillor Tong said he understood there was a committee actually in existence. He did not believe in multiplying committees. Councillor Palmer said that if they delegated the matter to a committee for the specific pur- pose it would meet with comparative luke- warrnness. Councillor Meale said lie was not in favour of the Prince of Wales' Fund Committee at all. It was no good to the working men, and owing to its undemocratic action in the past he could not support it. It would be better to have a fresh committee. Councillor Beckwith said they could not add too many names to the committee, because some of them. wanted a lot of drawing before they would part." If they put on some of the ladies who had such persuasive powers perhaps they could get more than the old committee got. He seconded Councillor Meale's proposition that they have a fresh committee. The amendment to have a fresh committee -was carried. Charity Trustees. The Charity Commissioners wrote that they assented to the appointment of Mr. E. H. Brethertou and Dr. N. R. Phillips to fill vacancies in the position of trustees of Miss Rachel Herbert's Church, Parsonage and Almshouses Charities. FROM REPORT 01 FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE. (The Mayor, chairman). Sub-Post Oihce A letter was read from the Surveyor, G.I'.O., in regard to the question of extending telegraph facilities to Cross-street sub post office, stating that it is not practicable to alter the decision already communicated. > The Town Clerk was instructed to communicate with the Postmaster General on the matter. The Mayor proposed and Councillor Delafield seconded the adoption of this report. Postal Matters. Councillor Horsington Has anything further been done in regard to the Post Office in Cross- strcH ? The Mayor Nothing further. The Town Clerk said he had sent a letter to the Postmaster General. Councillor Palmer said that in addition to this matter there was a real grievance in regard to the late morning delivery and the suspension of the evening delivers- of letters, which was an inconvenience and embarassment to the general public, who had to go to the Post Office in the evening tor their letters and wait till they were sorted by a meagre Post Office staff. He thought this matter should be coupled with the other matter in any communication with the Postmaster General, and the representation should be in no half-hearted way. The- should beard the lion in his den," because, owing to the barriers of red tape, communications did not reach the proper quarter, and they did not get the views of the Postmaster General himself. Temporary labour could be obtained to deal with the delivery of letters if a real, serious effort were made to obtain it. Councillor Telford said there was an improve- anent in the delivery of letters from that day. Councillor Graham's Suggestion. I Councillor Graham, referring to the accounts, said they would .notice that small accounts were being continually paid month after month to the same firm. Was it not possible to buy in large quantities ? They got a multiplication of small accounts, and this meant paying out small cheques, which increased the expenditure with- out adding to the revenue. They might buy in large quantities to advantage, instead of each committee acting entirely on its own responsi- bility, One committee bought articles in small quantities, and another committee bought the same kind of thing. Would not it be possible to systematise the work better ? Further, they had had bills two or three years old coming in, and it was impossible to check them. Councillor Horsington strongly supported. He did not like to see bills coming in, as they had done, with account rendered across the top, and they had trouble in getting the details. The Mayor said that one of the committees was recommending that all accounts should in future be sent direct to the Town Clerk. The Mayor's Reply. The Alavor said they would remember that Counc ilors Beckwith and Palmer ra.sed a dis- cussion at the last monthly meeting as to the rates, and in answer to Councillor Beckwith he (the Mayor) said he believed one reason why the rate was heavier this half year than last was that the Guardians had not demanded 7500 which the}- should have done last half year. He stated the amount in round figures. It was stated at the Guardians' meeting that the "gentlemen who spoke about these figures did not know what they were taking about. He was not going to quarrel or argue with a public body who were undoubtedly doing their best. He simply pointed out the reason the rate was higher than last hall year. He had gone into the matter very carefully, and lie found it was necessary that a rate should be made at a certain period. lu the month of April their rate collector, or assistant overseer, Restall, I applied, as was his usual custom, to Mr. Scanlou, the Clerk to the Guardians, for his estimate of the requirements of the Cuardians and. County Council for the ensuing half yeai. Mr. Scanlon informed the assistant overseer that it would be is. 5d. in the for the county rate, and Md. for the common fund. The rate was prepared on these figures, as was usual, and was signed on the 4th of May and duly published on the church doors on the following Sunday, the loth of May. On Monday morning, the nth of May, a post- card was sent by Mr. Scanlon, dated the oth of May and bearing the Newport postmark, the loth of May, to the assistant overseer, stating that the countv rate would be is. yd., a difference j of 4d. in the 1. Whose fault it was he was not going to say. It was impossible for the over- seer' to call upon the assistant overseer to issue a rate for is. od., as the information came too late so that instead of there being £ 5°° less collected last half year the total was f724 6s. iod. That £ 700 odd had to be collected this half vear, which accounted for the rate being 3s. 2d. in the £ He thought it was only ngnt mat I the Council should know the actual facts, j (Hear, hear). Councillor Craham said he could raise a serious point on this matter, but in the interests of the county and probably in the interests of the overseers it would be better to let the matter j drop. There was a point which had not escaped the attention of certain members of the public as well as members of that Council. < GAS COMMITTEE. I Councillor Delafield proposed and Councillor I Graham seconded the adoptfon of this com- I mittee's report. Iron or Lead? I Councillor I-Iorsitigton Is the scrap iron being tendered for, or how is it being disposed of? Councillor Delafield The Manager, in the usual way, will obtain the best price. Councillor Telford Is it scrap iron ? Councillor Delafield Some of it is scrap iron and some of it is lead. Councillor Telford said that a short time ago he saw a load of scrap iron coming from the-Gas Works, and he hardly thought there could be another load already. He was given to under- stand that it was not scrap iron, but lead. Councillor Graham said that, as a member of the committee, lie knew nothing about scrap iron. There was a quantity of scrap lead at the Works which had remained there some time. He asked what it was doing there, and suggested, from a business point of view, that they should sell it, as it was a favourable time. The com- mittee adopted the suggestion and tried to get the best price for it. He did not know anything about iron having left the Works or being there for disposal. Some light was needed on the matter. Another Error. Councillor Telford asked if the chairman of the Gas Committee could give them some information as to why the concession was made to the contractors for pitch. Councillor Delafield said it was a question of Hobson's choice." If the committee had not consented to the recommendation they would have placed themselves in a position of difficulty later oil. Councillor Telford What was the difficulty ? Councillor Delafield We might have a lot of tar and liquor on our hands, and might not be able to dispose of it. These people might not take it at the time we wanted to get rid of it. Councillor Telford But it is pitch. Councillor Graham It is tar. Another error. Councillor Telford You won't have much difficulty in disposing of it later on when our new dyeing plant is put in by the Government. (Laughter). Public Lighting. I Councillor l'almcr said he would like to call the chairman's attention to the desirability of re-arranging the street lamps. It must be apparent to anyone that they had some dark spots in the town, and this might be remedied by a re-arrangement in the method of extinguish- ing the lamps, so that", even if an additional lamp were fixed there need be no increase in the consumption of gas. In Penypound, opposite Park-road, there was a very dark spot, and he had seen some very narrow escapes from an accident there. Councillor Delafield said the question of public lighting had been dealt with very ex- haustively in the past, and they were bound by a resolution passed by the Council. He quite agreed that a lamp was necessary opposite Park- road, and if the Council agreed he would see that it was done. Any suggestion would be con- sidered by the committee. Councillor Graham's Challenge. I Councillor Graham, referring to a discussion at the last meeting, said he challenged the right of the chairman of the committee (Councillor Delafield) to answer a certain question raised by himself (Councillor Graham). The question was in reference to the contracts by the Gas Committee for the maintenance of burners and mantles at a certain rate per month. The statement was made that it was 3d. per month per burner. It was 2d. per month, and it had now been raised to 4d. The point he raised was that the chairman should not answer the question because he was benefitting from such a contract. Councillor Delafield's reply was that he was not benefitting any more than a person was by pur- chasing gas or coke. The point, however, was that the existence of such contracts was not generally known and no steps had been taken to make it known. that the public could enjoy the same privilege. He wished it to be known that there were only seven people who had taken advantage of this privilege supposed to be ex- tended to the public. Of these seven, one was the chairman (Councillor Delafield) himself, I two were his direct relatives, another was a member of the Council, and there were two other people. If it was an advantage to the ratepayers and to consumers of gas, why was it not made known ? It was not the place of one who was receiving benefit to answer questions on the matter. Now the price had been raised to 4d. it was hardly likely that anyone would want the privilege, because the general public could get it done by local tradesmen cheaper. When it was an advantage, nothing was said. On the statement of the official responsible for the Gas Works, they made a profit of 8d. a year on these contracts-a penny on each customer. He maintained that there was something radically wrong, and it not only needed in- vestigation but a vote of censure on the chair- man, who did not move to make it known to the public. While enjoying the privilege, and knowing that there was no profit, he got up in the Council to defend himself, though he was benefitting by the contract. Councillor Horsington said lie was astounded at being told a deliberate lie across that table. He asked the price for attending to the mantles, and he was told 3d. He had been told two lies across that table in twelve months. It was wrong to mislead anyone who asked questions. The Gas Manager, in reply to questions, said that the price to consumers who had 12 or more burners was 2d. per burner, and to those with less than 12 burners, 3d. per burner. Now the price was increased to 3d. and 4d. per burner respectively. Councillor Horsington said it had gone forth to the public that the price had been 2d., and now to be told that it was 3d. was a thing he strongly objected to. At the last meeting he said this business had been carried on at a ridiculous price, and here was absolute proof of it. He expressed surprise that this business had been going on, and now that it had come to the light of day it would be a surprise to the general public as well. The Mayor Let the chairman reply, and then let it go back to the committee to be discussed. Councillor Telford The chairman cannot reply he is an interested party. I propose that this matter be referred to the committee to be dealt with in a strict manner. Councillor Graham If the chairman replies, we have no further voice, and the statements may be refuted. The chairman is challenged on his past statements, and if he is to reehallenge these statements we shall have to go through it all agiin. The Mayor The wisest, quickest and easiest way would be to let it go to the committee to bring up a report at the next monthly meeting. This was agreed to. Councillor Delafield Shall I be allowed, as chairman, to deal with the question on the committee ? Councillor Graham Decidedly not. The Mayor Your committee will discuss that. FROM REPORT OF SANITARY AXD WATER COMMITTEE. (Councillor P. Telford, chairman). I Water Charges The Town Clerk has been directed to obtain particulars in reference to charges for water from several of the neighbour- ing towns.—Castle Meadows The yearly tenancies of the Castle meadows expire on 2nd February. The committee authorised the Town Clerk to renew all the tenancies on the same terms as last year where tenants are wishful to renew.-Scarlet Fever; Letter received from Clerk to Monmouthshire County Council asking for steps to be taken to close the schools in the. town, owing to epidemic of scarlet fever. The committee, through the Medical Offier of Health, had previously taken all necessary steps to deal with the matter, employees The Borough Surveyor reported that one of the old employees was away from work through illness. This being a case where the man is too old to benefit under the National Insurance Act, the committee have granted him sick pay on the same scale and for a like period as if he was insured under the Insurance Act.—The committee considered Messrs. Allcott & Wilson's further offer of it) for rent of warehouse, stables, &c.. Mill-street. The committee inspected the premises, and re- solved that same be offered to them for iio per annum, all repairs to be executed at their ex- pense. The Borough Surveyor was instructed to clean out the warehouse. I Councillor Telford proposed and Councillor Tong seconded the adoption of the report. I I FROM REPORT OF STREETS, BVII.DIXGS AND I I IMPROVEMENTS COMMITTEE. (Councillor Alfred C. Graham, chairman), j Union Road Improvement Messrs. Foster I and Hill have written that they are prepared to meet the committee on the site to discuss the iiiat ter. -Accotiiits The committee ordered I that all accounts for goods supplied or work done should in future be sent in to the Town I Clerk's office, so as to facilitate the payment of same. The present arrangement of rendering I them to department concerned causes delay in oavment. I FROM REPORT OF MARKETS, ToWX I INGS, CASTI.E AND PARK COMMITTEE. (The Mayor, chairman). Stage Flap Letter read from Mr. Yyvian Thomas asking for slight alteration of the stage, as at present it is impossible to set full-sized scenery. The Borough Surveyor estimates the cost to he about £ 3, and as the alteration has been before the committee on several occasions, they agreed to carry out the work.—Castle Grounds Letter read from Mr. Yyvian Thomas asking for permission to book high-class concert parties at the Castle grounds this season Re- solved that permission be granted, subject to the Corporation taking id. for each admission, season ticket holders to be admitted free, pro- vision for reserving certain days for fetes, etc., and Mr. Thomas to provide chairs, pay for gas, fittings, &c.- -Cattle Pens Mr. Montague Harris auctioneer, made application for an additional row of sheep pens and an extension of his present cattle pen. The committee agreed to the ad- ditional row of sheep pens, Mr. Harris to pay y 2 1 os. per annum for same.—Sale of Cycles A letter was read from Messrs. Allcott & Wilson with reference to the sale of cycles by auction in the Cattle Market, and asking the committee if they propose! taking any action in the matter. The committee, after consideration, decided to increase the charge on each cycle from is. to is. 3d. I An Old Employee. I Councillor Palmer referred to the paragraph in reference to the granting of sick pay to an old employe. He should like to know why they had so many old employes ineligible for the benefits of the National Insurance Act. It seejued to him that the Corporation was the dumping ground for old employes, and in order to be generous to this old employe they were spending other people's money and incurring a liability they ought not to incur. Was this man employed after 65 years of age ? The Mayor I think he has been in our employ for 30 or 40 years. Councillor Telford said this man's case was brought before the committee by the Borough Surveyor. The man had been working for the Corporation for at least 35 years, and the Borough Surveyor gave him an excellent character as a workman. He was a man who could always be depended on and who attended to his work. He was too old when the Insurance Act came into force, and it would have been very hard-lines on him if they had given him the sack simply because he was too old for the insurance scheme. The committee took a humane view of the circumstances and decided to still employ him, as he was quite able to do his work. He was over 70 years of age, and when the case was brought forward the committee decided to recommend that he receive the same benefits, for the time being, as if he came under the National Insurance Act. He (Councillor Tel- ford) had heard since that the man had applied for an old age pension, as he would not be able to do any more \vork, and the matter wtJuld be dealt with again by the committee. Trouble About a House. I I Councillor Beckwith said he fully expected to hear a letter read from Mr. Spillane with regard to his house in St. Helen's-road, He (Coun- cillor Beckwith) had previously stated that the matter had been on for years, and he was dis- believed. He had seen Mr. Spillane since and asked him when the present job which was being done to the house was started, and he was told it was commenced two years and four months ago, and it had not been completed yet. Mr. Spillane also mentioned the various committees that had visited the house from time to time. When he visited Mr. Spillane he found that he (Mr. Spillane) could not get through his front door, and he had to go through his neighbour's on account of this particular work. The time had arrived when they as a Council should do something for a most conscientious man. It was their duty to do it, and they should not shirk it. The Mayor said there was no letter that night, but there was one for the committee on the following night. This was the first time that he (the Mayor) had had to deal with the matter. Councillor Telford, the Town Clerk and himself visited Mr. Spillane's house about a fortnight ago and tried to make a suggestion to Mr. Spillane which they thought would have met him. Mr. Spillane promised to consider it and send in a letter, but the letter was quite different to what they had ben led to expect. They suggested that Mr. Spillane should make them an offer as to what he would sell them the house for, provided they put it in repair, and also the price if they did not put it in repair. They wanted to consider the value of the house and what it would cost to put it in repair. They went so far as to say that they would do all they could to allow Mr. Spillane to have the use of the house as long as he lived, or they would sell him the house back at a figure to be agreed upon. What they wanted was a final settlement. It was no good going on year after year with it, but if they did the work which Mr. Spillane wanted them to do there would be no finality at all about it. The same thing might occur again in six months or a year. He appealed to Mr. Spillane to make them an offer to sell the house or to give them some definite proposition so that they could say yes or no to it. Councillor Telford I ask Councillor Beck- with to give Mr. Spillane this message, How much will you take to settle the matter ?" and the Council would be prepared to meet him. Councillor Beckwith (to the Mayor) If you had a house—as I daresay you have, or the worth of a good many (the Mayor laughingly dis- sented)—and your family had been brought up in it, why should you sell it if you did not wish to ? The Council is responsible for the defects which have occurred all the time. We have done a certain amount of damage, and you ask him to sell the property. If it was mine, I should not sell it. Even the road is giving way as well as the house. Councillor Tong said one point needed clearing up. He understood that there was a resolution passed by that Council that the work should be done. It was started and had never been finished. He thought it was due to the Council that the resolution should be unearthed and they should understand what was to be done. The Mayor said it would be dealt with by the committee the following night, and he thought they would carry out the work which Mr. Spillane asked for. Councillor Meale said they .were prepared, as a committee, to repair these premises, but they were not going to be always liable. They did not want this thing on for another five years. They were prepared to put the house in repair, if Mr. Spillane would give them a clearance. If he would not, they were prepared to buy the property. It was no use beating about the bush. I- Obvious Nuisances. Councillor Palmer asked what system the Surveyor employed with regard to the finding out of nuisances. The lavatories and urinals attached to some of the licensed houses were in an abominable condition, which was highly objectionable, and it should be as obdous to I the Surveyor as it was to other people. Every- j thing humanly possible should be done to remedy the present state of affairs. Councillor Meale said he would bring the matter before the committee the following f night. I Councillor Beckwith substantiated Councillor Palmer's remarks, and said there was enough to do about the nuisance in connection with the keeping of pigs. I Council Houses for Abergavenny. Councillor Beekwith, referring to the Housing 1 and Town 1'lanning Conference, said he was glad to note that his friend, Councillor Graham, was I one of the deputation. He thought the day had arrived, orPncarly, when this town planning scheme should be put into operation in Aber- gavenny. His attention had been drawn to a certain landlord in Park-street who had raised his rents 37s. per year on the plea of the rates. God speed the day when the housing and to'.vn planning scheme was put into operation and they as a Council supported the building of Council houses for the poor to live in. Councillor Graham said the conference had been held, and if it was the wish of the Council lie should be pleased to give them a report on the matter, as it was certainly instructive, and lie hoped it would be beneficial to all the Councils which sent representatives. He thought a report should be. given, or else what was the good of sending representatives ? Too often they sent delegates and heard no more about it. Councillor Palmer said he anticipated that they would have had -a report without asking for it. He had been hoping that something would have been done, but the national crisis which had occurred spragged the wheels of progress in many directions, and he took it that no local bodies would embark on the perilous enterprise of town planning at such a time. Councillor Graham said that a certain amount of money had been set aside for this very I purpose of town planning, to provide aga nst unemployment. I Scavenging Complaints. I Councillor Meale called attention to the system of clearing the streets. He had seen the Council's workmen in some parts of the town every morning, and he was informed that they only went to Tudor-street once a weekon Saturday mornings, before it was light. He went there one day and found the road, for 40 or 50 yards, covered with ashes tipped off the carts. It was a perfect disgrace to any town. He thought that Tudor-street should be cleaned as well as oilier streets in the borough. Councillor Graham said that lie, as chairman of the committee, was not the administrator. Councillor Meale was forestalled, because lie (Councillor Graham) a fortnight ago took the Surveyor there to show him the state of affairs. Whether the landlords or tenants were re- sponsible, something would have to be done to compel the providing of proper receptacles. Councillor Telford asked if the Castle grounds, which was to be let to Mr. Vyvian Thomas, would be reserved for Bank Holidays. The Mayor Yes. Shelters for Young Stock. I Councillor Horsingtoli said he noticed an announcement in the Chronicle about the farmers starting a subscription towards the erection of shelters in the Cattle Market. Had anything been done by the committee to meet them ? The time of year when these sheds were of use was passing away. The Town Clerk said that a deputation was appointed by the Farmers' Union to meet the Markets Committee, but there was no quorum. The matter was postponed, and since then no action had been taken. Councillor Telford Will you bring it up before the Markets Committee ? The Mayor Yes. The Joint Hospital. I A precept was received from the Joint Hospital Committee for the sum of J'102 15s. 2d., and a cheque was ordered to be drawn. Councillor Telford remarked that they as a Sanitary Committee were responsible, but they did not get any opportunity of discussing this matter. +

WELSHMAN BEATS CENSOR. A DODGE TO SEND NEWS FROM I GERMANY. Welsh prisoners of war in Germany are able to notify their friends in this country more fully of the conditions of prison and internment camp life than are their English colleagues, and that without having recourse to the doubtful safe- guard of invisible ink. A letter which easily passed the German censor, and will long be kept as a family treasure, contains the following The words given here in brackets are the English equivalents of the Welsh word immediately preceding. The letter was written in Iinglisli throughout excepting the Welsh words which the German censor took to be the names of other English prisoners. The letter reads You will be glad to hear news of old friends. Mr. Bwyd (food) is very bad here. Mr. Bara (bread) is very much darker than when you saw him, and is quite hard. I never see Mr. Cig (meat), and Mr. Ymenyn (butter) but seldom lie was very bad indeed the last few times I met him. I used at first to meet Mr. Uaeth (milk) every day, but lie has not been here now for some time." --6-

ABERGAVENNY CHAMBER OF TRADE. COUNTY COUNCIL ASKED TO ECONOMISE. I A meeting of the Abergavenny Chamber of I Trade was held at the Nevill Rooms on Tuesday I evening, Mr. F. T. Jones presiding. Mid-day Closing. I Mr. H. Cadle brought up the question of I universal mid-day closing. He said he had spoken to several tradesmen since the last meet- ing, and there appeared to be a certain number in favour of it, but they thought it would have to be modified to a certain extent. For in- stance, they would have to drop it on a Tuesday, and one of the butchers said that they would not be able to carry it out on Saturdays. He thought personally that the matter had better be dropped. The Chairman If we want it at all, it is on Tuesday that we want it. I should not agree unless they fell in with the Tuesday. The matter was allowed to drop. The Postal Service. I With regard to the question of the present postal service, which was 011 the agenda, the Secretary said that this had now been improved. The Chairman said the main point brought forward at the last meeting was the question as to whether it was right that Govilon and Llan- over should have night deliveries, while the last in town should be 12.30. The afternoon de- livery had, however, now been restored. Mr. W. M. Chadwick said it was unreasonable to ask for any more at the present time, and he proposed that the matter be dropped. Mr. Gibbs seconded, and it was carried. Much-needed Improvement. I The question of providing shelters for young stock in the Cattle Market was on the agenda, and in regard to this Mr. Chadwick said it would be a benefit to the farmers and an advantage to the market. The question had been considered by the Markets Committee for a considerable time, and something ought to be done as soon as possible. There was no shelter for calves and young stock imrough weather, and agriculturists should be given some encouragement to make Abergavenny their weekly market. The Aber- gavenny market was an increasing one, and they should do all they could to push it. His firm were prepared to give a subscription of ?10, and he had received subscriptions of another ?io towards the cost. He hoped the Chamber of Trade would give their support of the proposal. The Chairman said the markets at Newport, Hereford, Brecon and Monmouth all had shelters. He knew what it meant for farmers to bring in young stock on a cold day, and the risk 1 hey ran if there was no proper shelter for them. Shelters were very much needed at the Abergavenny market. It was decided to urge the Town Council to press forward with the matter. County Council Expenditure. Mr. H. B. Stocken brought up the question of the expenditure of the County Council. He thought that at a time like the present the County Council ought to be urged by every association and public body in the county to economise their expenditure as far as possible. It was proposed now to carry out alterations to the Abergavcnny Police Station. Surely this matter could be left for two or three years, when they would have more money to pay for it. It could not be argued that there was unemploy- ment. He proposed that a letter be sent to the County Council urging them to economise. Mr. W. M. Chadwick seconded, and it was carried. Progressive Licensed Victuallers. Mr. W. M. Chadwick mentioned that a large meeting was 5hortly to be held at Abergavenny to form a Licensed Victuallers' Association for the county. The Abergavenny and District j Licensed Victuallers' Association, which was one of the leading associations of its kind in South Wales, were the pioneers of the move- ment, which had been heartily taken up in every district. Abergavenny 1 was to be the head- quarters of the new organization.

I NO MAN'S LAND. I I The Desert as a School for Troops. I CAIRO AND-TH-E CANAL. I I (From The Times Correspondent). j CAIRO, Jan. 15. There are few countries where the military training of all arms can be carried out more easily and cheaply than in Egypt. The eastern bank of the Suez Canal for its whole length, its western bank from Ismailia to Suez, the illimit- able desert area lying east and west of Cairo, the sandhills and desert coastal strip east of Alexandria, and the Mariut Steppe west of that port are admirable training grounds for large bodies of troops. Given an adequate water supply, easily obtainable from the bases at Cairo, Alexandria, or along the Sweet Water Canal, troops can move anywhere in masses. There are obstacles here and there for guns and wheeled transport-nhigh-blown (IUlleS or bottoms filled with pale sand drift— but a manoeuvring area without obstacles would be unsuitable. lite canals at the edge of the desert and the Suez Canal itself give sufficient practice in the nego- tiation of water obstacles by engineers there is every species of soil upon which trench diggers may exercise their skill ideal rifle and artillery ranges abound. The desert near Cairo is decidedly close country, full of hollows and wadis," or dry water-courses, where large bodies of troops can lie unseen. The desert is no man's land. In it are no crops to be spoilt, no farmers to clamour for compensation, no game preserves to deny right of way to the soldier. Manoeuvring therein is eminently in- expensive. DRI GGED DRIXKS. Cairo, excellent training centre though it be, has certain disadvantages. Its population com- prises a large parasitical element, native and foreign, which lives by exercising its uncom- monly sharp wits at the expense of visitors from the provinces and from abroad. Its morality has never been austere, and the Capitulations have always prevented the Anglo-Egyptian authorities from taking sufficiently drastic measures against the foreign owners of grog- shops, who sell sheer poison, and keepers of disorderly houses. Some of the Colonial troops who arrived in Egypt early in December suffered from these pests of certain quarters of Cairo. The Terri- torials also suffered on their first arrival in Egypt, but not to the same extent. The keepers of many of the bars and restaurants to which the men repaired, being unable or unwilling to replenish their stocks of beer and spirits, supplied them with drugged and adulterated drinks. The British and Colonial military doctors soon discovered that extensive "houssillg" was being practised. Men who had exceeded but had not taken sufficient alcohol to do them real harm in normal circumstances became seriously ill, and in some cases a glass of "beer" had almost poisonous effects. Analysis of samples of beer and spirits revealed startling facts. Beer was extensively coloured with extract of Cannabis indica (Indian hemp), the plant from which bhang and hashish," two of the most baneful drugs employed by Orientals, are derived. Whisky proved to be adulter- ated with fuse oil, copperas, and other chemical poisons. Prompt and decidedly successful steps were taken to cope with this evil wet canteens were instituted at camps where they had not been provided in deference to prohibitionist sentiment the men were warned of the dangers they were incurring, and a number of bars were placed out of bounds and others closed by General Sir J. Maxwell's orders. But when the above drawbacks have been mentioned, all has been said against Cairo as a training centre for British troops. The heat is considerable in summer, but the town is none the less much heabhier than many Indian cantonments. Typhoid has, so far, been rare among both British and Colonial troops here, thanks to inoculation. The Territorials suffered somewhat from dysentery on their first arrival in the hot weather, and there have been some cases of pneumonia among the Colonial troops, but, speaking generally, the health of the Army has been good and is likely to improve.

I National Relief Fund Amount previously acknowledged.1070 12 4 Miss Walford 050 iIo-o -41 I I

THE LOCAL BELGIAN FUND. I Amount previously acknowledged.. 1"105 4 6 Foster & Hill's Town Workmen o 2 11 do. do. 0 2 7 do. do. 0 2 7 Home & Colonial Stores 0100 L. & N.W.Ry. Abergavenny Junction Staff (3rd subscription), per Mr. Baker 1178 /108 o 3

LLANTHONY. WEDDING.—A very interesting wedding took place on Wednesday, February 3rd, at St. David's Church, Llanthony, the contracting parties being Miss Emily Pritchard, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pritchard, of Llanishen and Mr. William Edward Pritchard, son of Mr. and Mrs. Pritchard, New House, Cwmyoy. The bride was given away by her unclfe, Mr. Knight, The Abbey. The bridesmaids were the Misses Pritchard (sisters of the bridegroom), and Miss Elsie Morris, Cwmyoy. The ceremony was per- formed by the Rural Dean, the Rev. J. R. Phillips, of Abergavenny. There was a good gathering of friends at the church, and the young couple drove away amid snowers ot rice and confetti to New House, where the wedding breakfast was provided under the supervision of Mrs. Price, of Abergavenny, to whom much praise is due. A number of friends and neigh- bours were entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Prit- chard, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. Mr. and Mrs. Pritchard were the recipients of a large number of valuable ornamental and useful presents and money. On driving away, the young couple did not forget the old custom of giving sweets to the school children. Before dispersing, many good wishes were expressed towards the newly married couple. _1

Interesting Letters from Crickhoweil- Men. I Sergt.-Instructor Charles Laughton, 4th East Lancashire Regt., whom our readers will readily remember as Sergt.-Instructor to the C Co., 1st Brecknocks, now at Aden, and vice-captain of the Crickhowell Rugby Football Club, in a letter from Abbassiyeh, Cairo, Egypt, to his friend Mr. J. H. Leonard, Crickhowell, says the war is an awful business, and he is afraid it will last some time, but we must see it through." They have been very busy on brigade and divisional training, but are now simmering down somewhat and taking things easier. The Brecknocks, he states, appear to like Aden all right. Referring to the Turks, Sergt. Laughton says he believes they will advance upon Egypt, and we will be quite ready for them. We have had our bayonets sharpened, so that looks promising." There are a great number of troops in Egypt, including Australians, New Zealanders and Indian troops, besides the Gippo Army. Cairo is a very nice place, but very expensive, and he would rather be in India. Pte. A. J. Leonard, 4th Wellington Infantry, in camp at Trentham, New Zealand, writes to his brother, Mr. J. H. Leonard, that being under canvas reminds him of the good old days, and he would have liked to have been with the Crickliowdil boys, but they were a pretty lively mob out at Trentham. There are some fine fellows amongst them, mostly bushmen. The discipline is not so strict as at home, but, of course, that will come. It would not do to be too severe on the Colonials at once. They get 4S. a day for the first month, and 5s. afterwards From the time they embark 3s. a day will be kept from them, and this either goes to the men's dependants or will be put into their banking accounts.

w I Local Man's Commission.—Private Cecil Boughton Lloyd, of the 1st Batt. Herefordshire Regt., who, prior to enlistment, was employed at the United Counties Bank at Abergavenny, has received a commission as second lieutenant in the 6th Batt. Cheshire Regt. (Territorial). 1

I THE 45's. I To the Editor of the 11 Abergavenny Chronicle" SIR,As one of the men over 45 who are not likely to be called upon to serve except in the last extremity, I would like to bring to vour notice the movement which is on foot to induce Lord Kitchener to accept a battalion or more of picked men over that age. Men who want to join should send to Mr. E. S. Dav, Rowlands Castle, Hants, a postcard bearing nothing but I their name and address and the words "Over .J5," and he will then send them a form to fill up. Yours faitlifullv. F. T. TIl'TOX I C,Iutre,,ri y?n, Al)er,avenny.l?' i TIIITO-N- -I&-

I I "FOREWARNED IS FOREARMED." I To the Editor of the Abergavenny Chronicle." SIR.—Ivverything is rising in these strenu- ous times, and when the March winds begin to blow it is a moral certainty even the dust will be up, so, on behalf of the residents between Brecon-road bridge and the Lamb and Flag Inn, I am asked to remind the County Council, who have taken over a few miles of the road, to the necessity of giving early attention to the tarring process, as a cloud of dust in Brecon-road is a sight to be remembered, as many who had to do a second spring cleaning last year can testify. There is no complaint to be laid against the one who goes his daily round as sweeper and cleaner, as he does his work well and wet or dry his brush and shovel are never idle. I have no desire to dictate to the County Council, but merely wish to impress on that august body the fact that we are anxious to avoid a repetition of the double duty imposed on every householder by the blinding dust of last spring. I have another grievance to lay before the Powers that be, "—not the County Council- and that is the late delivery of postal letters in the Cantrcf district. I was one of the signatories to a petition drawn up by Mr. Davies, timber merchant, Brecon-road, a few months ago but the only result obtained up to date is a restor- ation of the evening delivery, for which we ought to be thankful, and must live in hope that the earlier morning service will eventually be resumed. The war is no doubt responsible for this and manv other inconveniences, all patriotic young men having joined the colours thus producing a shortage of hands in the Post Office and sundry other offices. If we could only get the Kaiser in front of one of the saws in the timber yard and fix him on the plane, lie would see a saw-lie had never seen before, and certainly would never see again. Of all War, Peace is the final end "—and the sooner, the better. The Kaiser with his submarines Are menacing the nation, But all this bluster only means Their swift extermination. When that event is brought about, The world will then be wiser, The Huns will surely then find out They're novvt without the Kaiser. In Brecon Road wc'll have a dance And bless that happy day, And sing with all our friends from France Tar "-ra-ra-boom-de-ay." Yours trulv, Brecon Road DUSTY BOB. Brecon Road, 191 8th February, 1915.

APPEAL FOR THE SICK AND WOUNDED ARMY HORSES. To the Editor of the 14 Aberuavenny Chronicle" DEAR SIR,—Will you allow me through your paper to thank all those who have responded to my letter asking for rugs, etc., for the above ? The following have been received :—Mrs. Powell, King's Head, i rug, i pair bandages Mr. J. Prichard, Glendower, 2 rugs, i saddle Mr. J. Roberts, saddler, Monk-street, I rug, 2 rollers, i headstall and rope; Mr. Gower An- drews, Aberbaiden, i rug and roller, i set of bandages and halter;. Mrs. C. Martin, The Hill, 4 rugs and 4 rollers Lady Llangattock, The Hendre, 5 rugs and 2 rollers Miss Attwood, Glaslyn Court, i rug and i roller in all 15 rugs, 10 rollers, 6 bandages, i head-stall, i halter, i saddle. Some of the ladies hunting now (or in the past) with th Monmouthshire Hounds wished to subscribe towards the moveable shelters or motor ambulances, which are much needed. Mrs. C. Martin, who kindly assisted ine in collecting, received the following sums Miss K. Rees, Pendarren Park, £ 2 Mrs. Graham, Hilston Park. J'i The Misses G. and A. Mather- Jackson, /i Miss Thomas, Tredilion Park, i os. Miss Martin, Hardwick, 10s. Mrs. Hanburv, Nantoer, ios. Mrs. C. Martin, The Hill, £ 1 total 16 10s. I have also received the follow ing :—Mrs. Evans, Croft-y-Bwla, Monmouth £ 1 Mrs. Gibb, St. Martin's Abbey, Perth, £ 1 is Mrs. Pritchard, Bryncaen £ Mrs. Rees, Ca, Derwen, £ Mrs. Miers, Pen-y-worlod, ios. Miss Attwood, Glaslyn Court, 5s. Mrs. Yigors, The Manor House, St. Denys, 5s. total £ 5 is. Making altogether /n us. sent by the ladies of the Monmouthshire Hunt. Other sums received by me are Mr. Cotton, The Rowans, ios. Mrs. Corfield, 5s. Rev. E. Davies, Llan- ddewi Rhydderch, 5s. Mrs. Blair, 5s. Miss Wimberlev, 4s. The total amount forwarded to Mr. E. Fairholme, lion. sec. R.S.P.C.A., 105, Jermyn-street, London, S.W., being /13—to-' gether with the rugs, etc., already mentioned. I wish also to thank M. Williams, veterinary surgeon, Lion-street, who allowed the rugs to be sent to his stables and kindly undertook their packing and conveyance to the station. More rugs have been promised, and as the need for them is great I shall continue to collect, and hope soon to send another consignment. Yours faithfullv, C. F. REES. Cae Derwen, Abergavenny, C. P. REFS. Feb. loth, 1915.

I r Brynmawr Woman's Sudden Death. Mr. R. H. A. Davies, District Coroner, held an inquest at the Crickhowell Workhouse on Thursday, touching the death of Mrs. Catherine Webb, very well known in the Brynmawr, Nantyglo and Winchestown districts. De- ceased lived with her husband in a tent near Waenavon Station. She was only 47. According to the evidence, Mrs. Webb called at a house in Brynmawr and asked for a drink of water. She was given tea instead, and pro- ceeded to leave, when she complained of feeling unwell. Near the door she staggered. Sub- sequently she sat down in a chair, and when the door was being closed fell out of the chair, sustaining a slight cut above the right eye. Drs. Morgan and Pritchard were quickly in attendance, and the woman was taken to the Crickhowell Workhouse in a state of uncon- sciousness. On Wednesday, despite every atten- tion, deceased passed away. A verdict of Death from natural causes was returned. Evidence of identity was given by a daughter of deceased. Two of deceased's sons are well known in Welsh Rugby football circles.

I CRICKHOWELL. A W AKDERER.-At a special Police Court held at Crickhowell on Wednesday, before Mr. R. (,. James, Daniel Rees, an old man, said to be a native of Shirenewton, was charged with wandering about the village of Gilwern without any visible means of subsistence. Defendant, who made several rambling and incoherent statements, was ordered to be taken to the Crickhowell Workhouse pending enquiries. It was stated that Rees was found to be in a some- what pitiable condition, and his clothes were soaked with rain. At the Crickhowell Police Station his clothes were dried, and he was giveu some old clothes. PROMOTIONS.—Mr. Frank Evans, son of 'fr. John Evans, our newsagent, for some years in the R.G. Artillery, and recently stationed at Cardiff, has now been promoted to the rank of Sergeant-Major in one of the Welsh Bantam Regiments. Sergt.-Instructor J. Edwards, late of the Worcesters, has also been raised to the rank of Sergeant-Major of one of the HEY, Welsh Battalions. WEI.E-KN-OV.-N CHARACTER PASSES AWAY.— Richard Brown, better known to a large number of Crickhowell and Brynmawr people as Water- cress," died suddenly at the Crickhowell Work- house on Sunday morning, at the age of 52. Brown, a quiet, inoffensive man, called upon a local doctor, complaining of illness. He was very kindly treated, a draught being admin- istered, and the police sent for. Subsequently he was taken to the Crickhowell Workhouse, where he was given every attention. Brown, who had evidently seen better days, had a remarkable knowledge of ferns, and it was the one topic he could be induced to talk freely about. Printed and Pnblishpd by M. MOBGAH AND CO., at 26, Frogmore Street, Abergavenny in the Count) of Monmouth. FRIDAY, FEB. 11,1915.