Abergavenny Chronicle

Ahr?T?r? Tc?n Co?ciL ¥I\ ¡ \t<'«.1  4 v ,t ""à 1. LOCAL LIQUOR CONTROL. MEMBERS RESENT THE fEW ORDER. crlitizisril CF LSGHTWG REGULATIONS. Th: lr'!l:ly meeting (? the Abcrgavenny Town C<u? v.'as hel?- on Monday night. the Mavor (Alderman Z. Wheat ley) !ere N-re Councillors \"1/. J. Tong, I. A. C(, Williams, Capt. j. R. Jacob, W. Horsington, O. 8. Plowman, H Palmer. Akred t-rakain, J. R. Bock'with and W. J. Me ale. The Lsto Aaflerman oamss a(raker. The Mayor i of erred the loss the Council had f stained s'nce their last meeting by the death c •; one of their colleagues, in the person of Alder- r: -.n Jemes Straker. Ald:-ruian Straker, for a t .riod of 17 years, had been a continuous member of that Boar.i. During that period he > ad been a devoted member of the Council- He l.ad attended practically all the committee meetings and had filled the position of chairman c: several of their-, while on two occasions he had accepted the invitation of that Council to fE the Mayo, al chair. He had carried out his duties with the greatest respect for the town cad with the greatest ability. His hospitality <_ -:ceeded all that they expected, and the school- children of the borough and of the neighbour- j i .g parishes would ever remember his kindness I to them. He was partly responsible for-the j National Eisteddfod fx-thg held in Abergavenny .1.: 191J, which was a landmark in the history of e borough find had made the town known throughout the length and breadth of the land. Though, lie had been absent from tthe Council neetings for two years, he always took the keenest interest in the work of the Council, and v hen he (the Mayor) visited him, as he did once or twice every week, his first question would be as to how tae Council was going. He (the Mayor) felt he had lost not only a colleague but a personal friend, for the only members of the c nginal Count d left were Col. Williams and himself. He proposed that they tender to Mrs. Straker and family their deepest sympathy in the bereavement which had fallen on them, and that they place on record as a Council the loss they had sustained by the death of such a valuable colleague. Councillor long, in seconding, said he had known the late Alderman Straker as an auc- tioneer for 27 years and he had known him socially and in a greater degree of friendship for some years. He was the doyen of auctioneers, without the slightest doubt. He was generous to all and fair to a degree. When as a young man he started in the same line of business, he received a great deal of assistance from Alderman Straker. Socially he took the lead in many i-stances, and the hospitality of Plas Derwen was proverbial. He was straightforward in business and in private life, and he was a real good sportsman, especially when the sport was clean, and that was one of his predominating characteristics. He was a good all-round English gentleman, and he was certain that both that borough and the county of Monmouth were a great deal poorer by his loss. The vote was carried in silence. The Mayor proposed a vote of sympathy with tie relatives of I-te. C. L. Savegar, of the 3rd Lions., who was reported missing 12 months ago and was now reported dead. Councillor Meale seconded and it was carried. Councilloi Graham said there were several men who were supposed to have lost their lives about the same time. He could give the names of several, but there was a degree of doubt about cne or two, and that was why he had not men- tioned their names. Fund far Local Heroes. I Councillor Jacob asked whether the Mayor Lad taken any steps to inaugurate a fund with a view to commemorating any honours which were won by local men at the front. The Mayor said the committee had decided to defer this matter to the end of the war, so that they would know what funds were required. Councillor Jacob said that, according to his recollection, the decision was that they should inaugurate a fund now, which was to be applied c-t the end of the war. The Mayor said there was no reason why they should not inaugurate a fund now, but it would have been better if they really knew what they v. ere going to do with it and what amount they wanted. They would thc;l get a far better response. Councillor Telford said that personally he disagreed with the .Mayor. A person might have a few shillings now, which he might not have later on. If he wanted to put it in safe keeping it would be quite safe with the Mayor. The Mayor Thank you. (Laughter). Councillor Telford said that if they let the public know that s:'ch a fund was opened it could do no harm, and it might do good. The Mayor said they could put a paragraph in the paper asking for subscriptions. Councillor Jacob said he thought the matter should be taken rt ) seriously. There were people who would like to give now who might not be there after the war. Councillor Tong" I n the Dark." Councillor Tong said he should like to ask how the burgesses could possibly know what they were required to do under the new lighting regulations. All they knew was that the police officers had gone into certain shops with a paper, and there had been a run on green blinds in the drapers' shops. There were hundreds of people in Abergavenny who had simply heard that there was a lighting order in force, and they did not know anything about it. The Mayor said the Council had no control over this matter, and it was entirely in the hands of the police, who were acting on orders from the Home Office. Under the Order there were to he no outside lights, and internal lights were to be so shaded that they would not shine upon the footpath or pavement and could not be seen from above or from the parallel. Councillor JTong said that was what the ordinary burgess did not know. The Mavor said that the Order referred to Monmouthshire, Cardiff, Penarth and Barry, but it did not refer to any other part of Gla- morganshire or to Breconshire. Councillor Telford What have we done ? (Laughter).. Councillor Tor.g The peculiar thing is that at Brynmawr the lights are in full flare, and half a mile away as the crow flies they are thaded. I The Mayor I should like you to remind me I of that in committee, and I "ill tell you some- thing else. The New Liquor Control Order. I The Town Clerk read a letter from the Central Control Board on Liquor Traffic. It was stated that the Board had taken careful steps to ascertain local opinion on the questions in- volved. The Order might cause some incon- venience and sacrifice, but the Board trusted that it would not diminish the hearty local co- operation which was essential to t'ce administra- tion of the Order. Councillor Tong he would not go into the merits or demerits of the Order, except to point out that Othello's occupation would possibly be gone, but it was stated that the Board had con- sulted local opinion. Was the Town Clerk allowed to give the opinion of that Corporation at the inquiry held at Swansea ? The Town Clerk said that when he got to the inquiry he found that they had already taken the evidence of the Lord Lieutenant, the Chief Constable and the military authorities, and while he was there they took the evidence of chief constables and the military officers in the various districts. He was asked if he wished to give evidence, but he knew nothing about the question of excessive drinking amongst women and he did not do so. He, however, submitted the opinion of the Touti Council in writing. Councillor Tong Was there any opportunity of pointing out to these august people thai there are no munition works here ? The Town Clerk Yes, they are quite aware of that. They impressed upon the representa- tives that if any order was made it would be uniform, and they would not make any difference between one borough and another borough. Councillor Tong: Practically, this tribunal met to get information as to local opinion, and they made up their minds beforehand. It is only right that the puhhc should know the cir- cumstances. There are some men who may have the opportunity of having alcoholic drinks in their houses, but I think it is very hard on the working man. We suould take our stand on the ground that there is no necessity for this drastic action in a place like Abergavenny. It is different where there are munition factories. It seems to be a slur e town—unless it is on the Hereford-road, as my friend Councillor Graham suggests. (Laughter). Councillor Palmer said that at the risk of being branded as anxious to play to the gallery, he questioned whether the Order would serve any useful purpose at all. Unfortunately, they had I to take things lying dc-wn aud it was no use f ploughing the sands or beating the air. H;s blood boiled with, indignation to know that they had to take things lying down owing to the con- dition in which they were living. He endorsed what Councillor Tong said, and the thing was an absolute farce in the town of Abergavenny. Councillor jacol) When does it take efteot ? The Mayor: On the 8th of May. The Mayor said he thought they ought to pass a resolution with regard to paragraph 6 of the Order, which provided that spirits could only be supplied during the hours specified to persolls producing a certificate m writing dated and signed by a duly qualiifed medical practitioner that it was required for medicinal purposes. He should like to propose that they protest against that and ask that it be amended so that any -j i) could obtain spirits for medicinal PL:r-¡ poses provided they themselves signed a certifi- cate that they were required for that purpose, and anv person who filled HI) such a certificate fraudulently should be liable to prosecution. Councillor Meale seconded. He said he knew a case of a woman who took a child to the doctor. The doctor ordered her to get a drop of brandy and gave her a certificate. It cost her 2s. 6d. for a certificate to get 4d. worth of brandy. If men were allowed to make orders like that, it was time they put their foot down. Councillor Jacob: There is nothing against giving the brandy. The Mayor You cangive it. Councillor Tong That is treating. i Councillor Jacob Can't you give an iu- dividual a drop of brandy ? The Mayor No. Councillor Jacob I should take the risk. anyhow. The proposition was carried. I Finances of the fiorougfc- The Mayor proposed that a rate of is. iod. in the £ be levied for the ensuing half-year, and in doing so said he thought it would be well to make a statement showing why they^ should continue the rate of is. iod. in the f. The estimated expenditure on general district fund for the current year was [10,023 os. 5d., and the estimated income £ 3,374 145., leaving a balance of £ 6.648 6s. Sd. which had to be provided for by "rate. A rate of is. iod. in the each half- year would produce £ 5,992, and this left a deficit of £ 652 for the year. It was probable that the estimated deficit of £652 would be met by the reduction in the cost of public lighting and a contribution from the waterworks under- taking. The public lighting was now a charge on the rates. The war bonus and allowances amounted to £ 390 per year, equal to a rate of 3d. in the f, and provision had had to be made for the increased income tax payments on the various undertakings and properties, together with a higher rate of interest on borrowed monies. Owing to the cost of coal, no con- tribution could be expected from the gas under- taking to reduce the debit balance on revenue account, which stood at £ 1,369 in March, 1915. The total mortgage debt had been reduced during the past year as follows :—District fund, from36,166 6s. 2d. to 1341174 6s. 2d. water- works, from £ 21,766 to £ 21,238 gas, from £ 13,940 13s. iod. to I3,690 13s. iod. a total reduction of from £ 71,673 to £ 69,103. With regard to the borough rate it was satisfactory to note a saving of £ 113, or nearly a penny rate. It was hoped that the county rate would be smaller and so enable a reduction to be made in the poor rate. Free Gas Installations. I On the Gas Committee s report, councillor Telford said he noticed the other day that the fitter, to whom they paid high wages, was engaged in painting the public lamps, and after- wards all the lamps were put out. A large number of lamps had been damaged, and he thought they all ought to be taken into the yard until such time as they were wanted again. He had had complaints that bakers in the town could not get coke, although they could not use anything else but coke in their ovens. Councillor Horsington also referred to the question of coke, and said bakers should be given preferential treatment over outsiders who were allowed to have contracts. Councillor Plamer urged that the Council should give free instalations of gas to houses, as it would result in a large increase in the number of consumers. The time had arrived when some step forward in this direction should be taken, in order to make the gas works a paying concern. Councillor Horsington supported the sugges- tion, and said there were many landlords who would not put in gas to their houses. Councillor Delafield, in reply, said the lamps were being brought into stock as labour was I available. With regard to coke, the committee had arranged a rota of customers, and each one must wait their turn. Free installations had been tried, and they were a failure. Councillor Palmer said he was not satisfied with the reply, and urged the committee to again consider the question of free installations. He had been asked about the matter by dozens of ratepayers, and he hoped the committee would be amenable to reason. Councillor Beckwith, who described himself as one of the unfortunates of the Gas Com- mittee, said that if anyone wanted gas put in thev had only to let the committee know, and they would be delighted to see that it was put in. Councillor Graham Protests. 1 Councillor Graham, according to notice, moved That in future all deputations appear- ing before the Council be requested to forward the names of the persons forming the deputation and that no other persons be allowed to be present or to have a shorthand writer." There was a case which occurred quite recently, in which he made his protest by leaving the room. It ought never to be necessary for a member of a public body to propose such a drastic motion hut in that neighbourhood it seemed that they had to take drastic action to prevent the cheek of some people in doing things which they had no right to do and who took upon themselves prerogatives because of the position they happened to hold. Councillor Horsington Did Councillor Graham do right in clearing out ? Should he not have protested there and then and stood up like a man and done the best he could ? The Mavor He is of age ask him. (Laughter). Councillor Telford seconded the motion and said he himself felt inclined to leave the room. The Mayor suggested that the words be added and that no report of the proceedings iK- taken other than that supplied by the Town Clerk." Councillor Graham said the Mayor acquiesced in the shorthand writer being present, and the only alternative lie had was to go for the Mavor or make his protest by leaving the room. The Mayor said he was asked the question, and he replied that personally he had no objec- tion to anyone being present. Nothing more was said and the matter passed. Councillor Tong moved an amendment that I the words after "forming the deputation" be omitted. If they knew who composed the deputation they could say whether they would receive them or not. Councillor Horsington seconded. Councillor Graham acquiesced in the amend- ment, which was carried. A.

w I CRIGKHOWELL COUNTY COURT. Thursday—Before His Honour Judge Hill Kelly. TRADESMAN- SUES G-W.R. CO.—A local I tradesman sued the Great Western Railway Co. ior /1 5s. 3d., damage alleged to have been caused to his goods while in charge of the Lonpany. Mr. L. H. Hornby, solicitor, New- port. appeared for the Company, but the plaintiff was not professionally represented. After hear- ing the evidence, the Judge sain there was no proof that the goods were damaged while in charge of the Company, and in these circum- stances judgment would be given for the de- fendants. COMPENSATION* CASE.—Mr. Thos. Yaughan, solicitor, Crickhowell, appeared for rrs. Prit- chard Penffwddog, Llangattock, in a com- pensation case arising out of the death of her uusband, William Lewis Pritchard, farmer and mason, who died from the effects of an accident caused by a fall from some scaffolding on a house undergoing repair.—Mr. Vaughan stated thet the sum paid into Court, £189 12s., was an agreed figure. There were two children 01 the niarcilge, a boy aged 19 and a girl 14 years of age. Mrs. Pritchard lntended carryiagoll the little farm. On Mr. Vaughan's application His Honour allowed the widow a sum of ,o out of the amount paid into .Court, immediately, iit, re-,t to be paid to her on the remaining sum, \\j; liberty to apply at any time. 4.

THE GREAT SKIN CURE. "r-)UDDEN'S S.R. SKIN OINTMENT will cure Itching after one application destroys every form of Eczema heals Old Wounds and Sores acts like a charm on Bad Legs, is infallible for Piles prevents Cuts from festering will cure Ringworm in a few days removes the most obstinate Eruptions and Scurvy. Boxes 9d. and is. 3d. Agent for Abergavenny Mr. Shackleton, The Pharmacy. Agent for Pontypool, Mr. Godfrev C. Wood, Chemist.

wmwouTmvARE CHAMBER OF AGtRSGULTURE. WAR OFFICE AND PRICE OF HAY AND I STRAW. A meeting of the Monmouthshire Chamber of Agriculture was held at the Angel Hotel, Aber- gavenny, on Tuesday afternoon, Mr. H. Hastings Clay, of Chepstow, presiding. In reply to a communication frcm the Chamber the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries wrote with regard to the use of discharged and disabled and time-expired soldiers for farm work the demand for these men exceeded the supply, and at present they had no difficulty in getting work at considerably higher wages than were usually paid to agricultural workers. Capt. T. J. Yorwerth, D.P.O.S.. gave an address on the new Order of the War Office respecting hay and straw requisition. He said that on the 1st of April, under the Defence of the Realm Act, all hay and straw in the United Kingdom became the property of the Govern- ment, and not a bit of hay or straw could be moved without a permit. No difficulty, how- ever, would be placed in the way of the removal of hay or straw for the feeding of stock by farmers generally. When the Government came into the market as purchasers, an embargo was put on whereby the first-class hay was kept by the Government. That embargo was taken off later, and, as a result of farmers holding stocks of hay, prices increased considerably. That was not fair to those who had patriotically sold to the Government, and the new Order was designed to place all men on the same basis. Some farmers whom he had mat could not have treated him worse if lie was buying hay for the Germans, but, fortunately, those cases were few and far between. £ 5 per ton for hay was the price fixed in this county by practical agri- culturists, and that was not a bad price for hay. Twelve months before the Army became pur- chasers it was 50s. per ton. Permits would be willingly granted for the removal of hay and for dealers to buy hay which was not fit for the Army, but the prices they paid must not exceed the prices now being paid by the Government. The new price fixed for hay was £ 4 16s. per ton, and for straw 45s. per ton. In reply to questions,, Capt. Yorwerth said it was quite open to the producer to sell direct to the consumer at any price he liked, but the pur- chaser must have a permit for purchase and removal. Dealers could sell at any price they liked, but he would advise them not to charge very extraordinary prices. If they did and it was brought to his notice he would certainly prosecute. Mr. Morgan David said it was fortunate for the Army and the country that they had farmers who could afford to keep hay until a time of scarcity. The fault he found with the scheme was that it did not allow for the natural rise and fall in the markets. The price was fixed at an early time in the season it might have been a good price then, but it was not now. The hay crop of 1915 was by far the shortest on record. It would have been better all round if the scheme had been of shorter duration and prices had been adjusted every- three months. Not Good Enough. I Mr. R. Stratton said there was a great deal in what Mr. Morgan David said. The price pro- posed to be paid for hay was less than was yaid soon after haymaking. That was manifestly unfair, because hay did not weigh nearly so well at this time of the year. Owing to the exigencies of the season hay would have been worth 25 to 50 per cent. more if the Army had been out of it. The price paid by the War Office was quite in- adequate, considering the ordinary conditions of supply and demand. Hay was scarcer now than for years, but they got a smaller price instead of a better price than he got for his hay in October. With regard to straw, 45s. was not a fair price fer any district within 25 miles of Cardiff, Newport, or the colliery districts, though it might be in some parts of the country. The normal price of straw in South Wales was at least 6os. per ton, and to commandeer it at 45s. per ton would be to inflict great injustice. They had to pay higher rents and a higher rate of labour because they were getting higher prices. He did not see where the dealer came in and he did not think the future had a very bright prospect for him. Mr. Philip Williams said the local committee had recommended the War Office to pay 60s. per ton for straw, and he had never known it much less in that district. Mr. Alban Thomas asked if farmers would be prepared to offer their hay at a reduction if there was a heavy crop of hay this year. Mr. Morgan David said that farmers only wanted the market price. Mr. Alban Thomas You don't give the pur- chasing officers credit for increasing the prices when they came into the market by 30s. per ton. I have never heard a word of credit given to them. Please don't forget that. Capt. Yorwerth said the prices paid were fixed by the farmers' county committees for the whole of the season, and there were only one or two districts in the whole of the kingdom that had higher prices than Monmouthshire. An allow- ance of is. 6d. per ton per month was allowed for dryage of hay. so that the price was higher now than in December. Back in April last they bought thousands of tons of hay at 70s. per ton. The war had caused the price of hay to increase, and nothing else. When the embargo was put on, dealers were prepared to pay almost any price if they could get hay. He had bought a tremendous lot of straw in the vale of Gla- morgan, and the highest price he paid for it was 40s. per ton. In fixing the new price he had added 5s. per ton. If the Government hauled the hay they deducted is. 6d. per mile. Mr. R. Stratton proposed That inasmuch as the normal price of straw in Monmouthshire and South Wales is never less than £ 3 per ton after the 1St of May, the price of 45s. proposed to be paid by the War Office is altogether too low, and to commandeer it at this price would inflict a great hardship on the producer." Mr. J. C. Newsliam seconded, and the proposi- tion was carried. Mr. Morgan David said they had lost a friend to that Chamber and also to them in Aberga- venny by the death of Alderman Jas. Straker. Alderman Straker was a keen agriculturist, and farmed largely almost up to his death. He proposed a vote of condolence with the widow and family. The Chairman seconded, and the vote was carried in silence. + —*

MAER Y FENNI. M aer y Fenni, it is sad to feel that you have gone t,efore A veteran from our local life whose death we all deplore. E ndeav'rmg ever to advance the welfare of our town, R ostrum and Council Board in each you gained 1]0 small renown. Year in, year out, you strove to blend the town and country side; F ortune's buffets and rewards you took with equal pride. E isteddfod circles found in you a genuine. genial lwst: N o stauncher friend than you could our local functions boast. N ot soon will be forgotten your versatile career, I ndeed in all you undertook yen knew not craven fear. G.J.

I EASTER VESTRIES.. ST. MARY'S, ABERGAVENNY. The rnnual Easter Vestry meeting for the parish of St. Mary's was held at the Church Room on Friday evening, Archdeacon Spens (who is in charge of St. Mary 's during the absence of the Vicar on service as a chaplain at the front) presiding. 1 1.: ,C"J The Chairman explained that the fact of his being locum tenens for the Vicar gave him the privilege of presiding without any vote. Mr. T. H. Sifton presented the churchwardens' accounts, and said they were in the happy position of having a balance in hand. (Hear, hear). The financial year had been a little longer, there being two more Sundays than usual but, still, they star Jed with a bebit of [I (jS. I id. and finished up with a balance in the bank o' (- 6s. (Applause). The offertories for church expenses amounted to £ 173 os. od., for the curacy fund £91 7s. id., and organist fund 18s. 2d. There were a large number of special offertories, and the Easter offering for the Vicar was not so good as on the previous occasion, being £ I 8 93. 6c1. Insurance, including aircraft insurance, cost £ 26 6s. 3d Air. J. O. Marsh proposed the adoption cf the accounts and said it was pleasing to find that Iwith additional expenses—aircraft insurance and the faculty fee were two items which -occurred to him at the itioiileiit--thev had a "balance oil the right side, There was reason for congratulation on that matter. Councillor Horsington, in seconding, asked if any part of the repairs which had been carried out were to that part of the church for which the lay rector was responsible. A certain lord was responsible for such repairs, and he should be asked to pay for them. Mr. H. H. Evans said there were some minor repairs to the part of the church in question. Mr. Marsh said that, as they would remember, this matter was put on a proper footing some years ago, and he was sorry that it had not been kept to that footing. At one time the lay rector repudiated responsibility and the matter was fought out when he (Mr. Marsh) was church- warden. Considerable repairs were required to the east end, and the lay rector had to pay for two windows in that part of the church and also repairs to the roof. The matter was recorded in the old minutes and in the correspondence which lie handed over. If they relieved the lay rector of his responsibility it would be a very serious matter. Mr. John Prichard said that during the last two years the accounts had been paid by the Tynte Estate, and if they had not been this year it was only for the want of asking. Mr. T. H. Sifton said it was a small amount, not more than about a couple of pounds. Mr. Horsington If it is only half a slate or a couple of slate nails, he should be asked to pay. It is a question of principle. Mr. D. H. James proposed that the account for the repairs referred to be sent to the lay rector. Mr. Horsington seconded, and it was carried. The accounts were then adopted. All offices having been declared vacant, to Chairman said if it were not unbecoming of him to speak, he could speak with a great deal of warmth and appreciation of the work of Mr. Hudson Evans as churchwarden. Mr. Marsh said he had much pleasure in ex- pressing the warmest thanks of St. Mary's congregation to Mr. Evans for carrying out the work of churchwarden during the year. The Chairman said the Vicar had nominated Mr. T. H. Sifton as his warden for the ensuing year. Mr. Sifton, in returning thanks, said he also wished to thank Mr. Evans personally for all the work he had taken upon himself in connection with the office of Vicar's warden during the past year. The accounts were really due to the excellent way in which he had kept the books. Mr. S. H. Padfield proposed that Mr. Percy Gibbs be elected people's warden. He possessed all the essential attributes for the position, and he was used to financial business. Capt. J. R. Jacob, in seconding, said that Mr. Gibbs had had previous experience in the office of warden before he came to Abergavenny. Mr. Gibbs returned thanks. The people's sidesmen were re-elected en bloc, and after considerable discussion it was decided to add the names of Mr. C. Vaughan and Mr. F. Sadler. It was suggested that the Vicar should be asked to add two to his list of sidesmen. Mr. Stanley Rawlins proposed a vote of thanks to the lion, auditors, choir and organist. Mr. H. H. Evans, in seconding, said that the choir had foregone their outing this year, and so relieved their financial responsibilities. Mr. A. Jackson said it would be a great help to the few who wers left in the choir if they could get some new blood. They were short of tenors and basses. Those who sat among the congre- | gation might help them to find some fresh talent. Mr. J. O. Marsh said he should like to express their admiration of the Vicar's conduct in having volunteered to go out to do what he could amongst the troops at the front. They missed him very much, and he would like to express their appreciation of his noble conduct. Capt. J. R. Jacob, in seconding, said that, as one who had himself volunteered for the front, he should like to congratulate the Vicar on what he had done. It was not an easy matter to go out there and rough it. The Chairman said the Vicar would no doubt value their expression of feeling very highly. Mr. Sifton proposed a vote of thanks to Arch- deacon Spens for presiding. He was only ex- pressing the feeling of all when he said how glad they were to have him amongst them for that short period and how they appreciated his kind- ness in coming, and the way he was fulfilling the duties of their absent Vicar. Archdeacon Spens, in reply, said he felt that the privilege and honour was his in being allowed to minister amongst them. L I HOLY TRINITY. The annual Vestry meeting at Holy Trinity was held on Friday evening, when the Vicar (the Rev. J. R. Phillips) presided. The churchwardens produced their accounts for the past year. which showed a deficit of £ 25 17s. 4d., but considering the circumstances of the past year, it was satisfactory that they had been able to reduce the deficit. Mr. Tong proposed, and Mr. Workman seconded, the adoption of the accounts. The Vicar paid a tribute to the churchwardens for the way they had done their work during the past year, and, having declared all offices vacant, nominated Mr. Bevan as his warden for the ensuing year. Mr. Bevan thanked the Vicar for his nomination, and proposed Mr. H. Pegler as people's warden. This was seconded by Mr. Workman and carried unanimously. Mr. Pegler, who came in later, returned thanks. I The old sidesmen, with the exception of Messrs. C. Harries, F. Thomas and H. Pegler, were re-elected en bloc, and on the proposition of Mr. W. Bevan, seconded by Mr. Devereux, Messrs. F. R. Hobbes, Stanley M. Straker, H. Edwards and A. T. Kyle were added to the list of sidesmen. The Vicar proposed the re-election of Mr. Iltyd Gardner as Vestry Clerk. Mr. Jones seconded and it was carried. Mr. Jones proposed. Mr. Childs' re-election as lion. verger. Mr. Devereux seconded, and the I proposition was carried. Votes of thanks were passed to the Rev. Stanley Davies, the lectors, organist and choir, Sundav-school teac ers, district visitors, and also to the ladies who had done so much for the church in many ways. The Vicar said ''e hoped the ladies would II continue to do the good work they had done in the past, and suggested to the churchwardens that thev should do all they could to get these ladies to assist t'sem in the future. A vote of thanks to Ge Vicar for presiding was passed on the proposition of Mr. Devereux, seconded bv Mr. Jones. At a subsequent meeting of Lay Electors, the old representatives were unanimously elected, viz., Messrs. Adams, Taylor, Lane and Gough. I ST. FAnH'S, LLAPIFOIST. The Easter Vestry meeting in connection with St. Faith's, Llanfoist; was held on Saturday evening, the Rector (the Rev. H. Morice Jones) presiding. Mr. A. T. Vaughan (people's warden), in presenting the accounts, said it had been a great pleasure to him to be a churchwarden during the past year Seeing that they had lost about 50 men who were good churchmen and good church workers, he thought it was a matter for satis- faction that thc-y had a balance in hand of iI3 17s. nd., compared with a balance of £ 13 os. <jd. at the beginning of the year. The offertories were not quite so good, but thev had given one collection for the war relief fund. The collec- tions amounted to £ 46 is. 7d., the Crawshay Bailey endowment brought in £ 25 10s., the total receipts being £ 88 13s. 4d. and the total ex- penditure £ 74 SS. 5d. The Rector's Easter offering amounted to 15s. id. The Rector said the accounts showed a highly satisfactory state of affairs. He was quite ignorant that they had such a substantial balance in hand. He was one of those who firmly believed in the laity being allowed to manage the financial affairs of the parish, and he did not think it was the parson's duty to interfere, but when they had two such excellent churchwardens as they had had during the past year he thought it would be presumption to do so. He was delighted to find that they had done so well and that they had increased their balance by 17s., in spite of the fact that 10 per cent. of their population had joined the colours. On the proposition of Mr. H. Rice, seconded by Mr. J. Watts, the balance sheet was adopted. Mr. A. T. Vaughan said he thanked all those who assisted him during the past year. The Rector said he could not do better than re-appoint as his warden Mr. D. W. Watt. He could not speak too highly of the way in which both the churchwardens had discharged their duty during the past year. They had devoted themselves whole-heartedly to the work in which they were engaged, and when they had men whose hearts were in the work they could always depend upon the work being done in a most efficient maimer. They had worked most har- moniously with him and had proved in every possible way the greatest blessing to him. He should like to take that opportunity of thanking them publicly for the valuable time they had put in in the churchyard and also those who had assisted them during the last few months. He was sure they would all agree with him that the I churchyard was looking better than it had done for a very long time. They had spent hours there in the mornings and on Saturday after- noons in beautifying* God's acre. and they deserved grateful thanks for what they had done. Mr. Watts thanked the Rector very much for his confidence. He was quite ready to be relieved of the office, not that he refused to serve the Church he believed in, but he had served four years as churchwarden—three years as the people's warden, and one year as the Rector's warden—and he was quite prepared to make room for some one else. It had been a great pleasure to work with the Rector and his co- warden. Mr. Rice proposed and Mr. Booth seconded that Mr. A. T. Vaughan be re-elected people's warden, and this was carried. Mr. D. W. Watts said they could not possibly have elected a better people's warden. In any- thing that was beneficial to the church he sacrificed himself whole-heartedly. Of the 17 sidesmen it was stated that five were serving with the colours. These were re-elected, together with the nine others who still live in the parish, and the following seven were added, making 21 in.all Messrs. A. Jenkins, H. Thomas, J. Booth, G. Hill, Leslie Watts, T. Amyes, and T. Nelder. One or two of these are very young and Leslie Watts is only 14 years of age but takes a keen interest in church work. The Rector thanked the churchwardens, sides- men, choir, Sunday-school teachers and all those who had actively assisted the church during the past year. He also thanked the churchwardens, and through them the congregation, for the Easter offering, which was more than last year. Celebrating Peace by Rowing the C'iurch. I The Rector said he did not think they should let that occasion go by without passing a resolu- tion with regard to the Welsh Church Act, under which every clergyman appointed since the 18th of September, 1914, would lose all the emolu- ments of the living as soon as this Act came into operation. It was owing to the faint-hearted- ness of their leaders, both clerical and lay, that this Bill had been placed on the Statute Book, and he felt sure that the rank and file of church- men to-day would not tolerate this measure. As they were aware, since the Welsh Church Commissioners had been appointed they had spent about £ 4,000 of the Church's money in paying the salaries of the three Commissioners and a large staff of clerks, and that would have been sufficient to pay the stipends of at least twenty clergymen Mr. D. W. Watts It is a shame. The Rector said this was done in spite of Mr. Asquith declaring a truce. He had had a papei from the Commissioners on which he had to answer about 200 questions with regard to that living, some of which it was impossible for him to answer and some of which were of a personal character and ought not to have been asked. It was a piece of political jobbery which had been passed by a clique, and he could not understand where their leaders in Parliament were to have allowed this Bill to pass at a time like this. The Government intended to celebrate victory over Germany by allowing the Church to be dis- endowed on the very day that peace was de- clared. After the battle of Waterloo the Parlia- ment then in power voted a sum of one million pounds towards religious purposes, as a thank- offering. In the present case their thank- offering was to take the form of depriving the Church of four million pounds, which was one million pounds less than was being spent on one day of war. It was really an abominable shame. After his death or removal, every penny would go from Llanfoist, and he did not know how his successor would manage to exist. Mr.' D. W. Watts said he was strongly in favour of passing a resolution protesting against the robbery of the Church. If the war was ended to-morrow they would all say Thank God." But what was the nation going to do ? They were going to rob the Church of God of 1 1,ie C l ,ii--(, I i of ('?o O?. of £ 158,000 a year. It was a disgrace to any civilised country. I On the proposition of Mr. D. W. Watts, seconded by Mr. J. Watts, the following resolu- tion was carried and ordered to be sent to Mr. j Asquith, Mr. Bonar haw and Lord R. Cecil That this meeting desires to express its deep conviction that the nation cannot expect God's I blessing in bringing this war to a speedy con- clusion while it remains the determination of the Government to1 mark that day by dishonouring God in the robbery of His Church, and that the vestry also expresses its renewed protest against property consecrated to the service of God being confiscated to secular uses, and urges all Christian people to unite in demanding from the Government at the end of the war a repeal of the Welsh Church Act." Mr. H. Rice was appointed lay representative for the parish. The Rector said that on the previous Wednes- j day the Bishop of Llandaff held a meeting at the Holy Trinity Schoolroom, to place bfore I the parochial representatives the question of church finance. His Lordship hoped that every parish in the deanery would do its best in con- nection with the scheme. Llanfoist was assessed at f 18 for the year, which was far in excess of what it was able to pay, and he intended to appeal against the assessment. Last year they sent £ 2 18s., and the whole deanery contributed £ 47 i8s. 7d. out of a total of £ 167 4s. 6d. The amount collected last year in the whole diocese of Llandaff was £ 4,00: 8s. )d., and this money was spent in various v. ays. Part went towards- the training of candidates for the ministry. There were many young men to-day who were fully capable of becoming clergymen, but they had not the wherewithal to meet the expense. Money was spent in the maintenance of the ministry, and. grants were made to poor livings, provision was made for pensions for ministers, and sites were procured for necessary church buildings, etc. He hoped later on to get a grant of /50 towards the cost of building the new Rectory. He had already found £I70-(bear. hear)—and he had to get another Cioo before the end of the month, if possible. It was only right that every parish should send its quota to help the diocesan funds. He had suggested that Llanfoist might be able to contribute 15, and they might raise it by subscriptions or by social entertainments. He would be pleased to give [1 towards it himself. On the proposition of Mr. D. W. Watts, seconded by Mr. A. T. Vaughan, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Rector for presiding. LLANOVER. At the Easter Vestry the Vicar (the Rev. Evaa Davies) presided. The Vicar re-appointed Mr. Edward Edwards as his warden, and Mr. Daniel f,ewis was re-elected people's warden. The collections in church from April 11, 1915, to Easter, April 23, 1916, both dates inclusive, aniolinted to li '7s. 2' d amounted to £15 lïs. 2Id., and contained 2,484 coins, viz., 16 shillings, 96 sixpences, 443 three- penny-pieces, 1,501 pence, and 429 half-pence subscriptions and contributions amounted to /<;) 9s. 3d., making a total of 1125 6s. 51-d., being £ 1 2S. 9d. over the receipts, and together with balance due Easter 1915 of9 12s. making a deficit of fio 14s. nd. A resolution against the Welsh Church Act was passed. LLAKDDEWI RHYDDERCH. At the annual Vestry, held in Easter week, Mr. John Rogers, J.P., Monachty, and Mr. Thos. Teague were re-elected as vicar's and people's wardens respectively. The accounts, which showed an improvement, were passed, and the usual number of sidesmen were re-appciuted. A vote of thanks was unanimously passed to all church officers and workers for their zeal and devotion to the church during the past year. A parochial church meeting was afterwards formed to elect a parochial lav representative to the Ruridecanal Conference. Mr. William Davis, Court Morgan, consented to continue for another year.

?? ?' ) ;'—— r'——  ?-MLjr&T?sL? iEs?cs E??bc?At :x.Ct.106 I! ? S????S?E?S?E????E?????SES?s?E ■ NN ?? ???? ??* secured ?e HIGHEE?T AWARDS IN EUROPE. |j ,<???-  y?? ? ? ?? a ?A?GE.? S.&XS than any ot?t??z, Scrtor I .erp sold in Great Britain. ?? IP' IT IS CUARANTEED TEN YEARS. ■ 1 ?' ? Capacity, 15 p:. ?3 S 0 I E M No. 1 27 „ &5 10 oB I NO. 2 ? 50 ?? 5 0? !a JpjUNo' 3 82 £ 15 15 og IjffP F????'f!???? Compare prices with others. HI V '?'    ?'???' —- On:n.c MoRlh's '['??'3 r¡'a1ft Send far Lis: yfTestirecvibJs H i h R- J- rl^.y.TOD & BLAND, :ii-35. Psverri' Lm^on. §8 ''? ?? "???;?.??-sm?.?S9a? ,>-  '.r"mø>i?o.>.Ma.ry¡ttlM,JI!I"j('I<"r,r"J"{:1;JJ''  ,b.4>I-j;¡;jIII/-L:íS;'itJ!1!t' "<1:1'1-40. W Ride a • J in R!de a ?j ????'???????S???&&J?EBM? ¡"'4 r,' t. I THE ALL-STEEL BICYCLE A I 0? ?? your shopping excursions.. I1 GUARANTEED FOR EVER Fitted with Dunlop Tyres and 8 Sturmey Archer Tri-Coaster. J ■ Prices from C7 10. to Al 6 16*a I Send a Post Card far The Booh of the Raleigh." ABERGAVENNY Abergavenny Cycle Co., 52 Cross Street. CWM W. A. Boulton & Co., s, ■ I Cumming St. & 133, Marine St //(flfc r II CRICKHOWELL Percy Wilks, High Street. fji 8 RAG LAN Davies & Jones i RALEIGH CYCLE CO.t LTD., MOTTtNCH?M. [I Jf \2? 8 j* 'CyctinK for Health and Points for Cyclists: by Sir Frank Bowden, \| Sf 5 Bart., l-R.G.S. 1/- 100 pp £ From Agents and Boolatai'j S? g Bart., l-.R.G.S. 1/- 100 pp ? From A?eott Md Boo?taUt..

I Ssnn Feins, Zepps., Fires and Lights. We have read of some fine doings in the Green Isle since Easter, and after a week of bloodshed, incendiarism, demolition and looting comes the grr-tifying intelligence that the re- bellion has been quelled, and doubtless the ring- leaders will in due course have justice meted out to them. The military and other authorities have acted with a promptitude that does them infinite credit, and if the visitors in Zeppelins had been similarly dealt with, dwellers on our coasts would have leso; reason to complain. In dealing with the subject of fires, I have a word of caution for many who have garden plots in and around Abergavenny. The waste material is piled up during the day and set on fire. A few days ago I noticed some such piles smouldering and smoking, and the thought struck me that as the night advanced some very considerable bonfires might be on view. The streets are dark. the houses are dark, and a good many of us go to bed in the dark. in obedience to the order lights out As the object is to thwart any aircraft" that might pay this district a visit, I think it would be advisable to do all the rubbish burning during the day and leave nothing to chance then the dwellers in this "sylvan retreat could not be accused of drawing attraction." COMPLAINTS. (Tune Auld lang syne.") Tlie cuckoo sings his cheery song 111 places near and far, But really that is no excuse For keeping back the tar." The dust gets up by leaps and bounds, No sooner up than down, In rural walk or cotlntry bne And also in the town. And Dusty Boh makes this complaint, He scarce can venture out The M.C.C. has promised much, Which, up to now, is nowt." And Dusty Bob "vill be the first To sound a note of praise If those who now possess the means Will come and mend our ways." Chorus For auld lang syne (after each verse). \bt-Ew1 Un:" DUSTY BOB. West-End Club, ind May, 1016. i

J FF HEADACHE AND TOOTHACHE POWDERS owing to the War ure 3Ad. each 3/- per dozen. But they are worth thei r weight in gold. at 26, Frogmore Sire-t. Aberf^vt-nov iu t,bet: County of Moumouth. FRIDAY, M&.Y 5, 1916. ??. ? tf -.?