Abergavenny Chronicle

Aberga.ve.uav eoiiee Court. Wednesday.-—Before Mr. J. o. Marsh (in the chair), Mr. Edwin Foster, Col. Williams, r. r. Isaac George and Mr. Robert Johnson. Licensing. The full transfer of the licence oi the Crown and Sceptre Inn, Mardy, was granted to Charles Henry Perrett. The licence of the Llanioist Inn was transferred to Mrs. Prosser, whose husband has joined the colours. Thought Someone Else Would Do It. 'T1..L Israel Lewis, farmer, ot L^mwcnartii UATTCIJ was summoned for allowing the carcase of a sheep to remain unburied. Defendant s wife said her husband was unable to appear as he had so much work to do and could get no labour. P.C. Oliver said that on the Tuesday previous, from information received, he went to a field on the Graig Farm, Govilon, and saw the remains of a dead sheep, which the dogs had been tearing about. He asked defendant why he had not buried it, after being sent to on two or three occasions. He said he did not bury it because it was on another man's land and he thought he would bury it for him. Mrs. Lewis He has nad enough to do with the live ones, because it has been such bad weather. A fine of ios., including costs, was imposed. The EigfitJi Time. Caroline Prosser, of Pcnlaulas, was summoned -for allowing a pig to stray ou Sunday morning. P.C. Baker said that on Sunday morning he saw defendant's pig straying about the road, and he asked her how much longer she was going "to leave it there. She replied that she didn't know it was out and she would put it in at once. The Magistrates' Clerk How many times has she been up ? (Laughter). fo Supt. Davies This is the eighth time, and all for allowing animals to stray. Fined 10s., including costs. No Good at Accounts. ) Sarah Perkins, married woman, of Llantilio Pertholey, was summoned for embezzling the sum of i-i 15s. Sd., the property of W. J. Day, of Lower House Farm, Llantilio Perthcley, and also with falsifying a cash book. Mr. H. G. Lemmon, instructed by ).lr. C. C. Hey wood, appeared for defendant and pleaded not guilty. He said he would raise the point that defendant could not be considered as a servant. Prosecutor said that twelve months last February, as a result of an advertisement for a farm bailiff and wife, he appointed defendant and her husband. It was part of defendant's duties to look after the poultry and to dispose of the milk at the farm and account for the money. She had to keep a book. Mr. Lemmon You only engaged a bailiff ? Prosecutor I advertised for a man and wife, and the duties were explained to them. My wife also told Mrs. Perkins what she was to do when she came there. Mr. Lemmon Do you know whether either of them could read or write ?-I don't. Did you explain to them that their duties would involve the keeping of books ?—My wife did. Do you know whether Mrs. Perkins ever did keep these books ?—No, I believe she employed a little girl to keep them for her. Did not a man named Durham keep the books ?-I can't say. When did this trouble first come on ?—About three weeks or a month ago. The husband gave you notice about a fnrt. night ago ?—He told me that as there was this trouble he had better leave. And it was not until then that you issued the summons ?—I told him before that I thought she ought to be punished. Mrs. Day said that on the 3rd of February she showed defendant the book and how the milk was to be put down -ac-it day. She did not say she could not read or write. Witness used to go up once a week or fortnight to receive the money. Mr. Lemmon You don't know who made the entries in the book after ards ?—No. By the Clerk Three weeks ago there was no entry in the book showing that Mr. Goldfinch had been supplied with milk; By Mr. Lemmon The book only contained the names of regular customers. They had no casual customers. 1 They have been allowed" a pin: of milk per day f-Yes. f If the supply was short it would be possible *°r them to let someone else have their pint, and take the money for it ? 1 don't kr.ov.. Nothing Was arranged about that. The Magistrates' Clerk Only one material Question has been asked in tht; whole of your cross-examination yet. f Henry Goldfinch said he had been a customer for the Iower House mi!k, and his daughter, who ^-C c"ed it, had been given the monev to pay for it every weekend. t f ilia Goldfinch (11) said she had fetched milk ¿11l Lower House regularly since October last. She used to pay about is. Sd. per week, and she Save the money to Mrs. Perkins, except on one occasion when she gave it to the girl. Mr. Lemmon contended that defendant was net a servant and was not subject to dismissal "1(1 not essential to the contract with the husband. Neither husband or wife could read or write. They were quite illiterate and unable to keep books. The books had been kept by the cowman, and after that by two little girls. The evidence was so unsatisfactory that the Defendant should not be held guilty of the offence. George Perkins said he was engaged as a pleuohman and to do the work on the farm, and his wife v.-as to look after the poultry. His Wages were i ,er week, and he had a pint of milk per day and other allowances. Nothing was mentioned about milk going into the house or about milk selling and book-keeping. Mr. Day said that all the milk went away. Witness could not read or write, and neither, could his wife. The Magistrates' Clerk That may be n reason for a night school, but not iof taking other people's money. Witness said a man named Durham kept the books for a time. and then tney had to get a girl to do it. Nothing was said to him about book- -,e( (-)r ,lot keeping when he was engaged, or he would not have taken the job. Defendant said Mrs. Day did noU say any- thing about the milk, but she said the man Would tell her what she had to do. She found there were books to be kept, but she could not keep them. All the money she received she put in a drawer in the kitchen, and the drawer was not kept locked. Mrs. Day came to settle once a week or fortnight. Every ha'penny she re- ceived she put in the box. She had not taken a penny, but she had been forced to put her own money to it very often because Mrs. Day reckoned it wrong. She had to go without her pint of milk sometimes because there vas not enough. Clerk 1,?oti ',e l ay t'h t >: The Magistrates' Clcrk You tdl Mrs. nc 1 ?-o. c, 'ÀC ..c u' &neh??r" ? ? account with Mr. Cc?- By :Mr. I l:11l>lln.. '\11 1 fro? ? ??"' ? ? th money she received froln -Ilr- she nnt in the drawer WJth t? o?er 'n?e"" -? 1? ?——— wit I..e Benr.'h Con viet. 1 1 t' I iuSi^Str1^^1 a11,1 fclcJ „ BarougJi Licenses. I '"1' I I i :e I?ILI "rauSier )f the licence of the :1 and i..e iun iransicr of ?? 1-??. ,,f <he Hen and ?ic?.s was panted to Margaret Ann Williams, whose husband 's with the colo.mi. ?i A. M. Lunhfte m?? au application in respect of tHe licence of the Greyhound Hotd On the 5th April a protection order was granted to Mr. John Frederick Oaklev, the secretary of the company, and he now asked for the licence ^°n be transfe1Ted to Mrs- Ethel Maud Rev-olds. a<l f°r many ''? been ill the employ of :Mssrs. R. p. Cnl1ey. ?? ?PPLcation was granted. -ru following full transfers ?re also granted r Inn to J arnes Seaboume Coach and VH, orses, to ?omas Doman Rothesav" to -joi n Charles Sevan. William Pearce Davies anolied for the full transfer of the licence of the Guildhall, and Supt. Davies said he had refused to give information to the police as to the previous licenses which he had held, said they had been unable to make inquiries. 1 In reply to the Clerk, applicant said he ha t held the licenses 01 the Momu? Star, jAberdare, and the Salmons, Merthyr, but he had not had an\l the S mu. :0, He harlno con victiun a licence for some years. He had no conviction against him.. 8.pplicant Ser?t. Prosscr ?d ? l?a(l ?.t)rlican-c several times 2S to the Der o(i he ?lerth),r. and he would not give the ii;iormat!on. t 1- -),1 "'ft,- V't"t'i\. 0 The application was ad journed tor ?'ee?? to enable the police to make inquiries. Notwithstanding the Pulics. Oliver Tavlor, engine driver, oi Newport, was summoned for driving a traction engine without a licence or a permit, on the 3rd inst. De- fendant did not appear, but his employer, Benjamin Stanlev, contractor, oi Newport, was present. t P.C. Hamber said that at 11.40 a.m. on the 3rd he was on duty on the Monmouth-road, and noticed a traction engine drawing two trucks with a living-van behind. He stopped the driver and asked him to produce his licence or a permit. He replied that he had not got one, but he had a letter from his boss showing that the latter had applied for a licence at Carmarthen. His boss told him it would be all right to travel through the county, as he was going to Govern- ment work at Carmarthen. Thomas William Ablart, clerk in the agri- cultural department at the Monmouthshire County Council Offices at Newport, said he was returning home from business along the Caerleon road about 5.15 p.m. on the end of May, and he passed a traction engine with two large wagons and a living-van behind, just outside the New- port boundary. The name B. Stanley, New- port was on the wagon. Albert Davies, clerk in Mr. H. S. <bustard s office, said he attended to the granting of permits for traction engines and the issuing of licenses. On the 2nd of May Stanley came and applied for a permit for a traction engine, but as he had no original licence the application was refused. When witness declined to issue the permit Stanley said I shall go all the same." Witness said the police would stop him if he did, and he replied I shall go. notwithstanding the police." Stanley called again at 2 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon and produced a telegram signed Nicholas," which he knew to be the name of the clerk to the Carmarthenshire County Council, to the effect that a licence was being forwarded. On the strength of that, witness issued a permit for the 3rd, but he gave him to understand that it would not clear him of any offence already committed. Benjamin Stanley said he considered he was justified in travelling, by reason of a paragraph in the letter of the clerk to the Carmarthenshire County Council. He had obtained permits from the Newport Borough Council, from the Brecon- shire County Council, and from other counties, without any trouble whatever and without producing a licence. This was a surprise sprung on him, and he thought the Monmouthshire County Council were splitting hairs. Defendant was fined 5s. for not having a licence and a similar sum for not having a permit. Hadn't Stamped the Cards. James Charles Gwatkin, retired painter and decorator, was summoned at the instance of the Board of Trade for several offences against the provisions with regard to unemployment in- surance. There were six summonses altogether, and these were for failing to deliver up the un- employment cards of John J, Perks and James Morris on leaving his employment and with failing to stamp the cards Defendant said the men were in his employ, but he did not know where the books were. He had left these matters in other people's hands and, unfortunately, he had had to suffer severely for it. Sir. H. G. Lemmon, who prosecuted, said that both kinds of offence were serious, as the with- holding of the card might prevent a man from obtaining other employment and the failure to stamp it might deprive him of the right to receive unemployment benefit, which he had had to contribute towards himself. Alfred James Hubbert, Board of Trade in- spector, said he called at defendant's premises on the 24th March and found books relating to Perks and Morris. They were not stamped for several weeks. He had had considerable trouble with Mr Gwatkin. He had visited him on four occasions, and on each occasion had given him an opportunity to put matters right. Mr. Lemmon said that in respect of Morris there were arrears of 3s. 4(i., and in respect of Perks arrears of 2s. od. In addition to a fine, defendant could be made to pay three times the amount of the arrears in respect of which summonses were issued. The Bench fined defendant i'i, including costs, and 5s. iod. the amount of the arrears. Schoel Gases Parents' Excuses. I John Bruten was summoned for not sending his son William, aged 13, regularly to school, and his -,oii age(I 13, re, had been absent ,)Ir. jestvii cti(I the 1,(,y lia(i I)eei was 7() 'ilIe", OLlt Of -? k f;-Ie Of 2s- ()(1- v. -as Ellen Thomas, who was summoned in respect of her son Frank, aged 13, who had been con- tinually absent, said she thought she could have him out of school when he was 13, because he had no father. The Magistrates' Clerk You must not get wrong ideas of the law into your head. Defendant said she had had two girls out of school when they were 13. She really could not afford to keep the boy at school. A fine of .5s., including costs, was imposed. Ellen Davies, who was summoned in respect of her son Ernest, who had been absent 59 times out of 124, said He is very nervous, and once he stavs away it is a job to get him back." Mr. Jestyn Evans He is a very stubborn boy. The Magistrates' Clerk That is the lorn his nervous attacks take, is it ? (Laughter). Defendant was fined 2s. 6d., including costs. John Miles was summoned for the irregular attendance of Leonard, aged 13. Mrs. Miles produced a doctor's certificate and said the boy was suffering with tonsils in his throat. The Magistrates' Clerk They generally are in the throat. (Laughter). A fine of 2S. 6d., including, was imposed. Mrs. Hillier said her boy, Harry Hector, would not go to school. The Magistrates' Clerk Why don't you make him ? Mrs. Hillier I can't, because I have too I manv little ones to look after. The Magistrates' Clerk You have either to make him go or lie will be sent away. Mr. Jestvn Evans said he had frequently seen the boy selling sticks. Defendant had been fined 5s. in June last, and was now fined 7s. od. In the case of Sarah Watkins, widow, Mr. Jestyn Evans said that defendant buried her husband a few months ago, and the boy had not been to school since. She gave various excuses. One was that she had no boots for the boy, and another that he was upset, about his father. Fined 2s. od., including costs. The Wrong Sort of Eggs. I At a Children's Court. Albert Davies and Frank Thomas, both aged 13, were summoned I for stealing two eggs, value 2d., the propcrt- of John Hall. They pleaded not guilty. John Hedlcv Hall said his father had missed eggs from his poultry run at Cae Kenfv. The fastening had been broken off the door and the wire had also been broken. On Friday last witness was just going into the shed, and he saw the two boys coining out. They had no eggs then. The Magistrates' Clerk How did you find the eggs.? Witness They were playing with them on the road and their little sisters said they had !2iyen the eggs to them. One of the boys said he was looking for a house-martin's eggs. The Magistrates' Clerk In a fowl-shed ?- Yes, sir. The Bench ordered both boys to receive six strokes with the birch rod.

Monmouthshire Ve!unteer Regiment. I Monmcuthshir!_u_n_teer Regiment. I ORDERS FOR WEEK KXIUXG MAY aoTii, 1910. Monday, May 15—Firing practice for Xos. I and 2 Platoons, in Drill Hail, from to 9 p.m. also for Derbv Recruits. Thursdav, Mav -lS-- The Company will parade in Drill Hall at 7.30 p.m. sharp. Uniforms to be worn. Class B Army Reserve are invited to attend. Saturday, May 20—Firing practice for Nos. 3 and Platoons in Drill Flail from 7 to 9 p.m. also for Derby Recruits. Duties for the Week.—Orderly Officer, Platoon Commander W. H. Butt; Orderly Sergeant, Sergt. Blackmore Orderly Corporal, Lee.-Corpl. Toolev. By order. F. P. J. IIA-NPT-RII, O.C. Abergavennv Co.

Simply boil the I clothes for I thirty min- VCf 2k utes, no rub, no scrub, no soak. The SIMPLE SIMON way. Ask your grocer; he knows. |1 Costs a groat; worth £ s. I 2

I Usk Board of Conservators. I 2 REDUCTION IN THE RATE. A meeting of the Usk Board of Conservators was held at the Town Hall, Abergavenny, on Thursday, Mr. Reginald Herbert presiding. There were also present Sir Arthur Herbert of Coldbrook, General Sir Alexander Bruce Tullock, Mr. Anthony H. Miers, Mr. J. O. Marsh, Col. Williams, Mr. Arthur Graham, Capt. J. D. D. Evans, Rev. D Saunders Jones, -Air. Owen Price, v, Rev. 1). Mr. R. Rickards, Mr. J. O. Tyler. I The Rate. The Clerk (Mr. H. S. Lyne) in dealing with the question of the rate, said they would be able to manage with a rate of 3s. in the on the owners of fisheries for the current year. This was 2s. in the l less than last year, and was made possible by the cutting down of expenses and the fact that they had a substantial balance. The staff of water bailiffs was reduced, and there were no Parliamentary Bills to oppose. The Chairman proposed and Mr. R. Rickards seconded that a rate of y;, in the be levied, and this was carried. I Fishing on Sundays. The Rev. D. Saunders Jones drew attention to a resolution passed by the Breconshire Countv Council asking the Board to put a stop to Sunday fishing. The Council did not know what juris- diction the Board possessed, but they hoped thev would take such steps as lay within their power. The Clerk said the Board had no power to stop Sunday fishing. The United Usk Fishery Association could stop Sunday fishing in their waters, as they were the owners, but the Board could not do so. The Chairman said he thought there was nothing to prevent a man fishing or shooting on Sundays. The Clerk said that shooting on Sundavs was illegal. Salmon Returns. I The Clerk read the following returns of salmon caught iu March and April :—March—Mon- mouthshire. 10 fish, weighing i9<Srr>s., compared with 1} weighing .25 }Ibs. Breconshire, three I fish, weighing 4SIbs., compared with three weighing ^olbs. April—Monmouthshire, 74, weighing i,i2Slhs.. compared with 33 weighing 516lbs. Breconshire, 1 <j weighing 2^j\bs., com- pared with nil. The stop-net returns were q. salmon and one sewiu, ,eighing 1791])s, com- pared with three salmon and four sewin weighing 7olbs. last year. The Chairman We are not on the down grade, anyhow. The Clerk said that up to the present the returns were much better. Head Water Bailiffs' Reports. I Head Water Bailiff J. Brace, in his report for the Brecon district for the past four months, stated that with regard to salmon spawning the past season was the best for many years. Good baskets of trout were taken at the opening of the season,hut the heavy fall of snow later made fishing impossible. The stone fly came out at the beginning of April, and since then little .c.ood had been done. Head Water Bailiff Shall Farr, in his report for the Monmouthshire district for the past four months, stated that the opening of the salmon season was not brilliant. Very few fish seemed to have reached as far as I^anellen, and the fish that were killed were accounted for between Penpergwm and Usk bridge, and these were few indeed. About the middle of April a verv satis- factory run of salmon came well up the river, and sport wonderfully improved. Had the usual complement of experienced anglers been available they would have experienced an ex- cellent month, almost equal to the best. As it was 85 fish were taken, 74 in Monmouthshire and 11 in Criekhowell district, giving a total weight of 1,287:.lbs. The largest fish was one of 31 lbs., taken by -Mr. Gwilym James, of Llanwysk. Criekhowell. little trout fishing could be done in February and r arch, and the nsh were in low condition. The best results seemed to have been achieved by Mr. Williamson, who, fishing the Glanusk waters in March, on several occasions bagged 10 to 12 lbs. per day. The returns of other fisheries were most dis- appointing. There was no scarcity of trout, but the river was full of snow water and kept the fish down. April, too, was disappointing, although the weather very considerably im- proved, but the trout took badly to the fly. With regard to pollutions, he had no serious complaint to make against Abergavenny. On the whole these seweis had improved. In the case of the Clydach stream from Brynmawr, this would be no better than an open sewer until new sewage works were prepared. Under exist- ing conditions it was of little use making com- plaint. The same, to an extent, applied to Criekhowell, and after the war the respective Councils would want thoroughly shaking up. AL

Memorial Service to the Officers, N.C.O. 's I and Men of the 3rd Monmouthshire Regt. The beautiful old Parish Church at Oswestry was recently the scene of a most impressive and solemn service, when about 1,100 officers and men of the Reserve Battalion, 3rd Monmouth- shire Regiment, attended under the command of Colonel W. Dyne Steel, Y.D. The service was given to honour the memory of officers, non-commissioned officers and ir.cn of the 3rd Monmouths who fell during the second Battle of Ypres, a year ago. The officiating clergy were the Vicar of Oswestry, the Rev. Maurice Lutener, the Rev. R. W. Ma mil and, and the Camp Chaplain, the Rev. W. J. Gravell. The procession to the church was headed by the band of the end Monmouths, kindly lent for the occasion by Lieut.-Col. H. D. Griffiths. The proudest and perhaps the most solemn in the procession were the handful of survivors of that historic and anxious period of this great war, and they were given pride of place. The officers on parade included Colonel W. Dyne Steel, Y.D. (Commanding), Major F. Baker Gabb, Captain and Adjutant W. G. D. Conway, Captains Car- penter, Harrison, Phillips and Lewis Lieuts. Goddard, Link, Davies, Dale, Workman, and Rosenbaum whilst a very conspicuous person who attended at the church was Lieut.-Col. H. Worsley Gough, C.M.G., who commanded the 3rd Monmouths during their gallant stand at Y pres. The time-worn hymns, '[ Jesu, Lover of ny soul," 0 God our help in ages past," and 0 God of Battles," were sung with great fervoi-ir, and after the benediction, which was pronounced by the Vicar, a bugler sounded the Last Post," each note of which seemed to have a meaning. The band played with great effect the Fiead March in Saul." The address given by the Vicar was much appreciated. In the course of it he said We are here to honour the memory of your comrades, the brave men who fell at Ypres a year ago. You are proud of them, and England is proud of them. They have left you a tradition that vour regiment will always glory ii-i you to-day are saying By God's help we will see to it that the regiment will always be worthy of the men who died at Ypres.' We have worshipped with them here, and some of you marched out with them from Oswestry in the autumn of 1914. Those days seem very far away. A tremendous and terrible experience has been yours—the ex- perience of a lifetime crow ded into davs. You do not regret it you are glad because you have been offered the chance of serving y.our country in the greatest cause of men. It IS a moving and splendid story, and you are glad because vou are nobler men for all you have gone through bigger men and better men for having faced death in a great cause. Aye and we. too are glad, as all that is much more true of vour comrades who fell on the field of battle and who made the supreme sacrifice." The Yicar con- cluded his very telling words with these noble lines Death cannot rob them of the soldier's prizc- self sacrifice He is too weak to take the jqy of having given, from the eyes, The light of consecration from the brow They have laid down their lives for England's sake—they are the living soul of England now. The fv,11 surpliced choir of the church led the singing under the leadership of the oru canist Ir. F. Fulcher. — A

I LLANELLEN. TEA AXD EXTERTADnmxT.-The members of the Llanellen Sewing Meeting held a tea, social and dance in order to raise money to carry on their work of making comforts for the soldiers An excellent tea was provided, for which many thanks are due to all the kind friends who gave so generously that no outlay was necessary from the funds, there being enough good things given to allow for refreshments at the dance. The room was crowded for the evening's entertain- ment, which consisted mainly of songs and recitations, all the items being heartily ap- plauded. At 9 p.m. the room was cleared for dancing, which was continued—with an interval for refreshments—until I a.m. By this effort, the sum of 414 4s. 3d. was added to the funds of tht Sewing Meeting. t

I 3rd MONMOUTHSHIRES. I PRO PATRIA. Let's not forget the memories of Aber's gallant sons, Who on that fatal dav of May in Ypres trenches fell They stood for King and Country, mere boys, to race the Huns They needed no Compulsion to face the blastine; she! May the memory of that day Xe'er in Aber. be forgot May their bright example shine As a beacon for our lot. They gave their lives for duty, Though cradled not in strife; I They risked their all for homeland They died for England's life. I HARRY E. PAPE.

I Maindiff Court Red Cross Hospital. The Committee wish to thank all those who have kindly sent gifts during the past three weeks. The following have been received :— Milk.—Half-gallon daily. Miss Jones, Llandilo Pertholey 3 gallons weekly, Sir Ivor Herbert, Llanover. Eggs and Butter.-54 eggs, The Misses Jack- son, Brynden; I) eggs, Dorcas Wilks, Mardy 10 eggs, Irs. Lawson, Mardy Park 20 eggs, Mrs. Jones, Hostrey Cottage 12 eggs, A Friend, Llanddewi Rliydderch 12 ggs, Mrs. Williams, Little Uandilo Farm 22 eggs, Mrs. Graham, Hilston Park 90 eggs, Easter Egg Service, Llanvetherine Church 24 eggs, -Mrs.Williams, Leicester Cottage, Llanddewi Rhydderch 24 eggs, Mrs. Briggs, Little Canol, Llantilio 12 eggs, Irs. Yaughal1 Richards, Albany-road 4 dozen eggs, Mrs. T. M. Evans, Far House, Bettws; zlbs. butter, Miss Johnson, Treadam 12 eggs, Mrs. Davis, Killough 12 eggs and lib. butter, Mrs. Powell, Perk Cwyn; 12 eggs and lib. butter, Mrs. Thomas, White Castle 05 eggs from Llanddewi Rhydderch School-children (one egg from each child), per Mrs. Lewis, school mistress, and Miss Powell, assistant teacher. Vegetables and fruit.—One hamper weekly, Lady"Herbert, Coldbrook 2cwt. potatoes, Mrs. Watkins, The Park, Llantilio Crossenny ba- nanas. Mrs. Attwood-Matthews, LI an vih angel Court pickles, Mrs. Powell Rees, Cae Derwen flowers, Mrs. Graham, Hilston Park. Miscellaneous.—60 hot cross buns and maga- zines, Mr. and>Mrs. Redwood, Flannel-street; 14 col? l irs 14 collars "and iS pairs ofjsocks, Town Hall Red Cross Working Party: 6 shirts and 6 pairs of pyjamas, Mrs. Graham, Hilston Pa^k cigar- ettes. Mrs. Lawson, Mardy Park; I box of cigarettes, Mrs. Curre, Itton Court. Chepstow I box of cigarettes, Sister Louie, The Convent, Penvpound daily papers, COl. Herbert, Tre- bencyn Mr. D. Howell j ames, Old Bank House The Manager, Messrs. W. H. Smith & So_tc Sunday papers, Mr. Basil Evans, newsagent salmon, Sir Arthur Herbert, Coldbrook. I

A Free Bock for Cyclists. The 1916 edition of The Book of the Raleigh" is now published, and follows the lines which have made it, for years, a handbook of the high- grade bicycle. The pages devoted to the con- structional features of the all-steel bicvcle are full of interest to the rider, and show the high pitch which the manufacture of the bicycle has now reached in this country. Parts which, in other bicycles, are made of malleable iron castings, are, in the Raleigh, made of the finest homogenous cold-rolled steel, pressed into form by giant power presses, capable of exerting a pressure of a thousand tons to the square inch. The immense strength thus secured is but one of the many special features of the popular all- steel Raleigh, whose fame is now, literally, known from China to Peru." For instance, in addition to being supplied to His Majesty's Government and many British and Colonial regiments, the Raleigh is now sold in places so widely apart as Armenia and Japan, Nigeria and Siam, Mexico and the Malay States—indeed, wherever the bicycle is known. The Book of the Raleigh can be obtained free from any of the Company's 20 depots or 2,000 agents, or it will be sent post free to any reader who will forward his or her address on a postcard to the Raleigh Cycle Co., Ltd., Nottingham, and as it is full of interest for everyone interested in cycling, we hope that our readers will take full advantage of this opportunity of securing a cyclist's vade mecum and send for a copy. ———

Victoria Cottage Hospital.-Tlie Committee beg to acknowledge, with thanks, the following gifts during April, per the Matron :—blowers, Mrs. Lawson, Mrs. Lemmon, Hon. Mrs. B. Herbert, Mrs. Britton. Mrs. Pritchard, Mrs. A. R. Williams, Miss Vera Unieombe and St. Peter's Church, Goytrey (per Mrs. Davies) fruit, Mrs. S. R. Young, Air, Hodges vegetables, Mr. Hamer, Miss Rogers, Mrs. Duck buns, Mr. Watkins, baker eggs, Mrs. Codrington Lraw- shay, Mrs. S. R. Young, Mrs. Bews, Mrs. Duck cakes, Mrs. S. R. oung Easter eggs, Mrs. S. R. Young magazines, Mrs. Powell Rees, Hon. Mrs. Herbert, Rev. Basil] ones, Mrs. Hodges papers, Hon. Mrs. Herbert, Mrs. S. R. Young, The Editor Daily Telegraph case of lemonade, Mr. Carter. We understand that Mr. Arthur M. Cunliffe has been appointed to the hon. secretary- ship of the Cottage Hospital, rendered vacant by the resignation of Mr. F. R. Britton.

CRICKHOWELL. I ADVISORY COMMITTEE.—Mr. A. Beckwith presided at a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Thursday in last week, at the Town Hall, Criekhowell, when 23 claims for exemption were considered. In nine or ten cases temporary exemptions were recommended, but the remain- ing applicants will come before the Tribunal to-day (Friday, the 12th inst). BETHESDA CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.—The Rev. Professor' John Evans, B.A., of Brecon ReN- Pr(- f e?- Memorial College, preached at Bethesda Congre- gational Church 011 Sunday. Seventeen of the students from the College are serving with the colours. A

FEELING IN GERMANY. IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP THSfJGS GOING TILL ErD OF YEAR. Ci IFENHAGEN, Tuesday. The fron'.ier journal, Ribe Stifstidende," whose excellent connections with Germany have often been proved, has made searching inquiries into the present conditions in Germany. The following is an extract from its report :— In spite of German organising genius with regard to supplies, it is now generally believed to be impossible to keep things going till the end of the year. Many think that the war cannot survive its second birthday. Six weeks ago the soldiers' rations were cut down. Meat is now becoming an exceedingly rare commodity among the troops, only small pieces being doled out now and again. Bread rations are also insufficient, being only three-quarters of a pound daily, while the former privilege to buy half a loaf weekly has recently been abolished. Hot meals now consist mainly of boiled horse beans, rice soup, and vermicelli soup, with an occasional bit of salt fish in the soup. Something which has never been believed possible in tiia German Army, namely, slackness of discipline, has been unmistakably evident for some time past. There has been a great number of desertions, including officers and guardsmen. This the authorities are trying to counteract by extraordinary harsh treatment, extra training, and new varieties of punishment, including the tying of soldiers to trees for hours, as in war prisoners' camps. From all fronts news is received of soldiers becoming rabid Socialists and Nationalists by the thousand, forming a I serious future danger un their return after the war, and causing grave apprehension.— Press Association. I ———— +

Abergavenny Stock Market. Excellent trade was again done at the local market on Tuesday, and beef still showed an upward tendency. Fat calves made up to £ 14. A good entry of fat ewes made up to oos. apiece, and mutton was up to is. per IT). Fat lambs realised up to 49s., every pen on offer being sold. There was a much smaller entry of pigs, porkers making up to 9Ss., best quality being 21s. per score. Very few baconers were on offer. A shorter supply of beef again met with an extra- ordinary trade. Fat bulls made up to 49 4 9 5s-, fat cows up to the high price of ttZ IOS. and /41 15s., maiden heifers up to /3S 105. Beef was well up to is. 3d. per lb.

I FARMER'S DENIAL. I To the Editor of the" -I bery,trenny Cl rc SIR,— In your issue of the 5th inst. it is reported that a man named Edward Brooks, at the Rural Tribunal, said that I dismissed him. It is not true. These are the facts of the case > I engaged him as general workman in June in August, without leave or notice, he left nie to work for the County Council, and was away nearly a month. I employed him again, and in January asked if he would do some hedging and if he could get someone to assist him I should be glad. He asked if I was willing for his brother- in-law to help him, and I said I was, provided his employer was agreeable. I said I would speak to him on the subject, and I did so on the following Tuesday, when it was arranged that they should hedge for him first, and afterwards for me. They went to him for nearly a month, and instead of coming straight to me, as arranged, went hedging for other people, and afterwards came to me. Edward Brooks did not come for his last pay, but sent his brother-in-law for it. and I have not seen him since. That was five weeks before, not three, as he stated in his evidence. They have been hedging for three different oeople since he left me. Now, I think you will agree that he left of his own accord, coming and going as it suited him. I Yours sincerely, PETER MARFELL. I The Cwni, Bettws Newydd, I Usk, Mon., Mav 9, 1916.

f SOLDIER'S WIFE AND HIGH PRiCES. I To th,, Eel;to,, ,)f flc I DEAR SIR,-I am writing to you to complain of the exorbitant prices that the ^hookeepers (especially grocers) of this town are charging for foodstuffs and other commodities. Really, 1 think that it is most unfair that while our men are away fighting for them and us they should be allowed to bleed the soldier-' wives and mothers in the way they are doing. Why should the Government allow these shopketoers to make their fortunes (which they certainly arc- doing) at the expense of the brave women who j have sent their men to fi2"bt for their country and who are doing their level best to bring up healthy children for the future ? Cannot the Government step in and stop their unnatriotic actions ? While our allowances are not raised accordingly, the shopkeepers render it almost impossible to Keep the home fires burning." Thanking you, dear Sir, in anticipation of inserting this letter. I am, yours truly, A SOLDIER'S WIFE. P.S.—Might I add I kiow that the prices of some foodstuffs are higher, but it is not jr.-tinable to rai-c the prie: of everything. [The continually increasing cost of living is undoubtedly causing serious hardship in working- class households. While sympathising to the fullest extent with legitimate grievances on this score, it is only fair to point out that the re- sponsibility does not lie at the door of local traders. Increased prices are due- to many causes, some of which, no doubt. :ni.d~t have been controlled by Government action. It may perhaps be natural for housewives t. blame those to whom they have to pay the increased prices, but it must be remembered that wholesale prices are considerably more than before the war, and are continually being raised, and that the wholesalers in turn have to meet greatly increased charges. From the point of view of profit, local traders would, no doubt, prefer the conditions which existed before the war. We have had the privilege of seeing, by the courtesy of one of the leading local firms of grocers, invoices showing the wholesale prices of neces- saries at the present time and those of two vears ago, or before the war. We give the most I important :— 1911. IJ'ltj. sligar Crystal sugar I5j3., 47/- Moist sugar 39/3 Castor sugar I7iÓ -F "I Lard Ó6j- Bacon (Wiltshire 1 „ (American) 98/- Cheese (Caerphilly) y;i/- 102- (Cheddar) S6/- 122/- (Canadian) 4s/- 116/- Butter (Danish) 113/9 179,6 (Irish) 10 Flour Currants 27/- cwt. :/)/- cwt. Starch .p; Cakes 5/3 doz. 9/3 doz. Tea 2"1 Jam (mixed fruit) 3ft 9/6 doz. 16/3 doz. J ant (strawberry) 2lb 9/3 (IOz. Biscuits (Marie) 65/- cwt cwt. (Bath) Ci/- „ S3'- (Nke)? 55-. 7 (thin 'a' ?'7/- ? 59/- i ii soc, ,7/- 6 1, 30'-  Candles .:?/4&2/G 5/0 ??.S doz. lbs. doz. lbs. Matches (B. & M's) Rennet, wmch is used by farmers in cheese making, has increased from 6/- per doz. to 21/3 per doz., and grocers have now to pav 25 per cwt. for sugar paper, compared with 10 t per cwt. before the war, and 50. per cwt. for .1 dour bags, compared with 20/- per cwt. Meat is another serious item of household expenditure. On Tuesday, beef in the local market was up to the extraordinary price of is. 3d. per lb. This is, perhaps, due to the shortage of foreign supplies and the fact that such high prices can easily be obtained in the industrial districts, where the workers are earning big wage-. Aber- gavenny has, therefore, to suffer for the nros- perity of other districts.—ED. .a.

Monmouthshire Prisoners cf War Fund. Beatrice Evans, daughter of Mr. D. Evans, tailor, of Merthyr-road, Abergavennv, has sub- scribed £ 1 to the above-named fund. This donation is the proceeds of the sale of small woollen gollywog dolls which she made anu sold I for the benefit of the fund. This subseriDtion has been forwarded to Mr. Duke Williams treasurer, N. and P. Bank, Newnort, tocher I with a further sum of ii from the scholars of the Victoria Street School.

I Blackmore Fashions for Ladies, Children 1 Gentlemen and Boys.-Patterns of above to be obtained at Morgan & Co.'s, Chronicle Of&ce Price, 2d. and 3d. each.

I DIVISION FORTY-NINE. 'Twas the break of dawn in Flanders, and the- morning promised bright. The nineteenth of December, and a lovely day to fight The Forty-ninth Division had got orders to stand to," But little did they know just then what they were going to do. At five o'clock exactly the sentry gave a start. For just beyond he saw a sight which touched his softening heart 'Twas the greenish fumes of phosgene gas, and those awful deadly fumes Were sweeping on towards our lines to send men to their dooms. The men kept splendid order when they heard the gas gong sound, lo fix on all smoke helmets the order soon went round But some had been too slow to heed, or tij.r helmets had mislaid, And as the gas fumes caught them, each was a victim made. Then the guns began to thunder, and shells beg,.n to burst. Each victim cf the deadly gas was seized with awful thirst But drinks were out of question, for water w;.i not nigh, And so they lay down in the trench, to gasp, and choke, and die. But the rest st' k to it bravely, as they manned each trench and sap, They did not mean to let the Huns fill uo ore- single gap Then we Medics got the order, we are'needed right away, And fearful were the sights we saw cn that eventful day. for!-o?- a man delave?l There was no ?unteering, for not a man delayed For picking our smoke helmets up we dashed upon parade We were hurried to the trenches, to get the sick away. And midst a had of bursting shells we nad to work all W e did our o.uty willingly, no order did we shir! We knew it w, Ilir duty, and twas good and noble w< And when ou- <rk at last was done, it Feen-] so strange :o me To hear the M -nmouthshires cry out, W-11 done, R.A M C." And these are Territorials, Division Fortv-nir.> Who, though "ery short in numbers, still held the Brithh And there they've been for fifteen months, in water, mud, and ice, But still they've held the German hordes as if There's many a mother in England will oft ha-, e prayed to God To take the her dear son who lies beneath the sod There's many ? hneIv widow, whose usba:l s henow k??s Lies ;])1<; Ü1' Belgium, near where L Yser flows. But the day 'hawing nearer for the Third. Mons. n-.rii, When the guns i, :,ve ceased to thunder and they get the rtst they've earned They will soon be leaving Flanders and coming o' er the warn, So prepare a :0' oj reception when the boys co:e marching r. DnIe. PTE. A. CAETon. 2nd '.Vest Riding Field Ambulance. The above s were sent us by Corporal E. Madden, of Alrrgavenny, who writes :— Dear Sir.— Would you be so kind as to publish this bit of recitation in the good old local paper which wt- all love to read ? It was Com- posed by one o: old pals of the R.A.M.C., and all the boys ha;- asked me to get permission from him so that I might send it to yon, whi -h I have done. If was composed after that bie gas attack whi a took place on the 19th of December last, „tnd in which our battalion took part. 'Trusting y ;u will oblige.-—I remain voitrs sincerely, ERV.AX MADDEN (A Coy., 3rd Mon- mouth shire Kvonient.

BIRTHS, CARRIAGES & DEATHS. MARRIAGE. D AI. E —-W "ATKINS.—On the oth May, at Longsight Parish Church, Manchester, Stanley, eldest son of George and Ada Dale, of Man- chester, to Gertrude, third daughter of Thos. and Emma Watkins, of Idanfoist. IN MEMORIAM. To the Undying Memory of those gallant Officers,' N.C.O's. and Men of the 3rd Battalion Mon- mouthshire Regiment who fell, on and about the 8th in the se.-rud Battle A Ypres. In Loviue Memory of our darling son, Private Ivor Vernon Griffiths, of the 3rd Monm mthshires, who was killed at Ypres. May 1915. Fondly re- mem I JC re 1 by Dad and Mam, Brother Will in France, Sisters, and his old friends et Liptons. There s can tell the sorrow Of parents thus bereaved But He ',Yho orders all things Knows His people's grief. I G WEN LAN.—Reported missing 0:1 8th INI ay, 1013, but now believed to have been killed in action on that (late, Pe. E. Gwenlan, 3rd Battalion Monmouthshire Regt., 1 Eddie), the dearly-1 ,ved eldest son of Pte. W. and Mrs. Gwenlan, aged, 20. () true brave heart, God bless thee, wheresoVr in God's wide universe thon art to-day." I In Loving Memory of Albert: James Ireland, who was killed in a tion in France i:: May, 191.5. Gone, Imt not forgotten by his loving Wife and Daughter. i SAYEGAR.—In Ever Loving Memory of our dear boy, Pte. Charles Leopold Savegar, eldest son of Mr. and 111" A. Savegar, of Asvliiiii Terrace, aged I;) years, who was killed in action on May 8-tb, 1915, in the second Eat tie of Ypres. Into the field of battle He bravely took his place, And fought and died for England And the honour of his race. He sleeps not in his native land, But 'neath a foreign skv. Far from those who loved him best, In a hero's grave doth lie. In Loving Memory of Pte. Oliver Thorn-s -rd Monmouthshire Regt., second son of Mrs. Thomas, 35, St. Hc-len's-road, who was kilh-d at Hill 60 on May 3tn, 1913, aged 10 We dc, not know what pain he bore, We did not see him die We only know he went awav And never said Good-bve. ————

I THANKS. I Mrs. Charlie Sheen and family wish to return I their sincere thanks for the kind sympathy I shown them during their recent bereavement.

I TOBACCO FUND. I Already acknowledged £ 275 11 10 11 ](, This week o 10 n 5s. Mrs. Chas. Eaker Mrs. Lawrence Bak-1. j Thanks from Germany. We have received from 8977 Corpl. Vict r Price, 2nd Border Regt., Camp o. JOIS. Barr,c k 2B, Barnck zR, Friedrich,feld, Xr. Wesel, Germany a postcard Sknowledging receipt oi tubavo which bears the brief message Received with, thanks, 25-4-16."