Abergavenny Chronicle

^— LLANVAPLEY. I CONCERT FOR RED CROSS WORK.—An enjoy I able concert was given at the Court on Friday, by kind permission of Mr. Reginald Herbert, of Clytha, in aid of local Red Cross work. The concert was organised by Mrs. Biggs, of Perth-y- pea, assisted by a committee composed of Mrs. Watkins (Duffryn), Mrs. John Probert, Mrs. Powell (The Manse), and the Misses Townshend (The Rectory). Mr. Warren Davies (Old Court) presided. The following programme was well received :—Pianoforte solo, Miss M. Morgan solo, Mrs. Morris marching song, Guides and Scouts; solo, Sergeant i)addy," Master T. Woodford recÍtation," Our soldiers," Master P. Evans; solo," Laddie in khaki," Miss Teague wand drill, Girl Guides solo, Mr. A. .Morris solo, Miss Pritchard comic song, Mr. Powell sketch, Dear Friends," Miss Teague and friends; song, Mr. J. Knight; song, Beaver Patrol" Scouts song, Mr. Williams song, I.ittle Mary Fawchet," Miss C. Johnson crecitation, Miss G. Teague duet, Mrs. Wood- ford and Miss Pritchferd song, Mr. O. Powell recitation, Mr. J. Owen song, British Navy," Master T. Woodford recitation, The other Cherry Pie," Miss F. Evans song, Miss Prit- chard. In connection with the effort there was a draw for a rocking-horse given by Master George Pritehard, son of Mr. and Mrs. N. Pritehard, of Ceindyglwyd. This was exhibited in the window of Mr. W. H. Butt, at Aberga- A ;('t,t<: \vprf> <:0111- The vcuay, d.ll\1 c;L uumuvi I sum realised by the concert and the draw amounts to the substantial figure of £9 9S. The committee wish to thank Master George Prit- chard for giving the rocking-horse Mr. Wil- liams, saddler, for putting the bridle, etc., on it Mr. Price for painting it Mr. Butt for the use of his window and selling tickets Mrs. Woodford and Miss Teague for helping with the concert Mrs. Domonev for the loan of the piano, Mr. Reg. Herbert for the use of the room, and to all WHO sold tickets. The following is a list of articles made by the workers 120 day and night shirts, 40 pairs socks, I) feather pillows, fever pillows, scarves, belts, mittens, cuffs, bandages, bootlaces, and handkerchiefs.

Omission.—In our report of the presentation to Mr. J. A. Findlay by the L. & N. W. Rly. employes we omitted to state that the diamond brooch given to Mrs. Findlay was supplied by JMr. A. Lyons.

THE GREATEST POWER IN THE WORLD A CHILD. ON WHIT-MONDAY, JUNE 12th, 1916, you may hear the BEST AUTHORITY ON CHILD. STUDY. Mr. Geo. Hamilton Archibald, Extension Lecturer of the Sunday School Union I and Directcr of Studies at the Training enstft^e, Boiirnvitle.  take THE LECTURE CONFERBNCES ?tll take 111 the WESLEY AM METHODIST CHUKCH, CASTLE STREET, At .45 and 7 p.m. SUBJECTS CHILD STUDY- The value of th- Child was never greater than to-day.

I Non-Fighters at the Front SIR IVOR HERBERT'S VIEWS. Major-Geueral Sir Ivor Herbert, M.P., in an interview reported in a Sunday contemporary, says :■— The complaint that so many of our soldiers are withdrawn from the fighting line in order to do non-combatant work ought not to surprise us. It is the fault of our peace system under which these withdrawals were tolerated, and if such happens in peace time yon may be sure it will happen in war time. Before the war it was quite the usual thing to find in any battalion, home or abroad, on parade a proportion of the men missing because they were engaged in other tasks. In I Germany men intended for the fig-hting ranks are not allowed to be diverted to other purposes, but then Germany has the ad- vantage of having full command over the military resources of the country, and can select what men she requires, both for combatant and non-combatant service, with a particular eye to their suitability for each service. Under our system, if men are wanted for making roads working parties have to be selected from the lighting units and not from the general popula- tion. What we require, of course, are men specially appointed to non-combatant tasks very much on the lines of the conscientious obiectors' non-combatant corps, but this is only possible where the whole manhood resources of the nation are mobilised for war. This does not mean that evervbodv would have to be a soldier only that the nation could call upon his services in the hour of necessity. In France every man is liable for service, but they are not all taken. A system of selection that will make the best use of all is adopted each man gives the service most beneficial to the country. There is something in the criticism that a large number of men are being retained as officers' servants or grooms, but not as much as we are led to believe. The officer's servant accom- panies him into the trench and fights alongside of him, or if he is in the cavalry he looks after the horses of the officer and in case one is shot down underneath him brings him along a fresh TVii'o \i7f\rl i-m-nl vin 0' ('Cln,:t1pral)lp LUI 5C. ALI-W (Langer and it is work that must be done. An officer at the. front cannot look after his own horses and he must have a competent person. If the officer's servant or groom is not a com- petent person he is not only useless but actually m the way. The inference that an officer's groom is doing a loafing job is therefore scarcely fair. When you are utilising the whole man- power of the nation you can organise for the fighting line and for non-combatant work and not otherwise, but I repeat this command over the man-power of the country does not mean that you are going to make everybody soldiers it means that you will have the right men doing the right jobs. The difference between the German system and ours is the difference between a country that has the disposal of its human material and a country that has it only to a limited extent. If you were to advertise in England for labourers or road-makers at soldiers' pay, how many men do voii think would be enlisted for the work ?' You would get men to become soldiers, but very, very few would join up as labourers. Germany would merely take what labourers she wanted here we deplete the fighting units for such work. For a first-class war it is evident that you need to organise the whole manhood of the nation. We are suffering from ingrained defects in our military system, and this use of fighting material for non-combatant purposes is not the least serious of these defects. There is an obligation on every citizen to render service in time of war, and the claim to such service is imperative to the efficient prosecution of a war of the present magnitude. As it is, we are raising a certain number of men to fight our battles, and not having apart from them the material lor the subsidiary services at our disposal we have to deplete the fighting units hence the outcry against what is described as the non-trench population.

Abergavenny Free Churches. I The first united monthly prayer ^meeting under the auspices of the Free Churches of Aber- gavenny was held in the Frogmore-street Baptist Church on Monday evening, when there were over 200 present. It has been arranged for a series of earlv morning intercession services for the men at the front to be held at the Bethany Baptist Church on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The series will commence on Tuesday morning next, at 8 a.m., and will close with a service on Mid-summer morning (J une 21st). The Free Churches are looking forward to the visit at Whitsun of Mr. George Hamilton Archibald in connection with the Abergavenny and District Sunday School Union. Mr. Archi- bald, who will lecture at the Wesleyan. Church, is one of the greatest authorities on Sunday school work and the education of the child.

▼ Monmouthshire Hunt Club. I At a meeting of the Monmouthshire Hunt Club on Saturday, Lt.-Col. E. B. Herbert,* of Trebeneyn, tendered his resignation as hon. sec. The following motion was carried on the proposi- tion of Sir Ivor Herbert, seconded by Sir Henry Mather- Jackson In receiving, with regret, the resignation of the hon. secretary, Lt.-Col. E. B. Herbert, this meeting of the Monmouth- shire Hunt Club desires to express its sense of the obligation under which the Club is placed to him for the manner in which he has carried out his arduous duties during a number of years, for the manner in which he assisted the financial position of the Club by, collecting arrears of sub- scriptions and by rendering financial assistance personally at a time of great difficulty." Mr. W. L. Thomas was elected hon. secretary in place of Col. Herbert.

Maindiff Hos ,pital. I Ma)ndi? Court. ed H.s,ital. The Committee wish to tnanx an tnose wno have kindly sent gifts during the past fortnight. The following have been receiN-e(t:- Milk.—Half-gallon daily, Miss Jones, Llantilio Pertholey 3 gallons weekly, Sir Ivor Herbert (Llanover). Eggs and butter.12 eggs, Mrs. C. Martin, The Pentre 12 eggs, Mrs. Bailey, Upper White Castle; 12 eggs, Mrs. Spencer, Treadam; 12 eggs, Miss Hicks, Llantilio Smithy 48 eggs, The Misses Jackson, Brynderi; 12 eggs, Miss A. Mather- Jackson, Llantilio Court; butter, Mrs. Lloyd Thomas, Tredilion Park. Vegetables.—One hamper weekly, Lady Her- bert, Coldbrook one bag of potatoes, Mr. Neal Pritchard, Cefndsuglyd, Llanvapley lettuces and onions, Mrs. West, The Mardy flowers, Mrs. Williams, Maindiff Gardens lettuces, Rev. Gilbert, Llanvetherine Rectory cabbages, Mr. S. Ruther, Maindiff Farm. Miscellaneous.—64 copies of Illustrated War ews," Mrs. Corfield, The Knoll; two billiard I cues Mrs. Gardner, Govilon; two croquet mallets and balls, magazines and bound books, I M*rs Harris, Saxonbury cricket set, three balls, gloves and shoes, also tennis net, racquets and balls, Mr. H. Gething, Coed Glas 12 packets of cigarettes, Masters D. and B. Herbert, Tre- beneyn • six pairs of slippers, Miss N. Matlier- 1 ackson, Llantilio Court magazines and cakes 'Pai-k Land -Nlrs. lloy(i 'fle Cliapel 11-1 and Water," Mr. Walford, The Chapel 12 collars, Red Cross Working Party, Town Kail, shaving outfit, Mrs. G. B. Jones, Had low, Llan- wenarth Citra daily papers. Colonel Herbert, )' T l ,,e 'L?iana?,,er of Trebencvn Daily Mirror," The Manager of Messrs. W. H. Smith & Sons Western Mail, Mr. 1). Howell James, Old Bank House Sunday papers, Mr. Evans, newsagent.

Uanvihangei Gobion Soldier Killed in I Action. We regret to state that Lce.-Corpl. E. J' Tavlor, of the Welsh Guards, and son of Mrs. E, Taylor, of Llaiivihangel Gobion, was killed in action in France the second week in May. The information was conveyed in a letter from the Chaplain of the Battalion to his mother, and has been confirmed by a letter from the Office of the Welsh Guards. Lce.-Corpl. Taylor was in the Cardiff Police Force when he heard the call for more men to defend their King and country, and lie joined I the Welsh Guards. In his letter the Chaplain says His loss is much felt bv the battalion. He was a first- rate soldier and had been lately recommended for promotion to full corporal. He was buried at dawn in a cemetery reserved for soldiers, and everything was done as reverently as possible I was able to take the funeral service without hurry. It was very solemn and quiet. His grave will be cared for as much as possible, and the battalion will have it marked with a white cross bearing his name." Corporal Taylor was a fine soldier, physically strong, tall and active. Alwavs cheerful, he would keep a company in the best of spirits, and we are not surprised to hear that he was very | popular with the battalion. The greatest YIlli)athy is felt with his mother, sister and family in their loss.

I A meeting of the Crickhowell Military Tribunal was held on Friday afternoon at the Town Hall, Crickhowell, when there were present Messrs. E. Pirie Gordon (chairman), A. J. Thomas, P. Griffiths, W. G. James, T. L. Jones, John' Jones, Henry Thomas, and the Rev. W. Arvan Davies. The Military Representative, Mr. Gwilym C. James, and Mr. James Howat (representing the Board of Agriculture) were also present. A married man, who said he was engaged in hauling pitwood for collieries, applied for exemption. He was discharged from the Terri- torials in June 1915, and had his discharge because he was medically unfit. I'lease let iiie The Clerk (Mr. T. Vaughan; Please let me see the discharge. Appellant handed the Clerk a document which Mr. Yaughan, on opening, said was an I invitation to meet someone at the Bear Hotel at 2 o'clock on Monday. (Loud laughter). I Appellant apologised, and said he had mis- j taken the letter for the discharge this he now I produced. The application was adjourned until the next meeting, and Mr. Cwilym C. J ames said he would arrange for applicant to be examined by the Medical Board in the meantime. I The manager of a branch of Co-operative Stores at Llanelly Hill applied for an assistant, who, he said was quite indispensable for a time, such time as would enable him to train a girl to take the man's place. Mr. Gwilym C. James said the case was well known. The Tribunal refused the application a short time ago, and the County Appeal Tribunal gave the man a month. He now asked that the man be sent to join the colours. A month's exemption was granted. Mr. Gwilym C. James I shall appeal. The tenant of farms containing nearly 250 acres appealed for a man of 21. He said he employed a man over military age, and a boy of 14. He had about 500 sheep and he had been so overworked in attending to duties on the farms that he had to take a rest under medical advice. Conditional exemption to 20th November. A ironmonger with a large amount or business in decorating and plumbing applied for ex- emption for his plumber, a married man of 35. He said he never employed less than nine men in normal times, and out of this number seven joined up on declaration of war, and another one joined the colours subsequently. The plumber was the only man lie had, and was absolutely indispensable to the business. Mr. Gwilym C. James This man repairs agricultural implements ? Applicant Yes, sir, and they may come in very fast now. Mr. Gwilym C. Tames Quite so. Exemption to 20th November. The County Roads Surveyor appealed for a steam roller driver, who, it was stated, enlisted into the Army in March 1015, and after three days' service was rejected on medical grounds. Conditional exemption granted. A builder and contracter appealed on the ground that he was carrying out important con- tracts. At present he was constructing a sheep- dipping tank on the Llangattoek Hill. He was putting this up for the commoners of Llan- gattock. Mr. Gwilym C. James: But this could be deferred until after the war ? Mr. P. Griffiths This is a labour-savin g device and very important to farmers ia these days. Mr. Gwilym C. James How long will it take to complete the work ? Applicant Three months at least. Exemption to 20th August. An estate agent applied for exemption for his chauffeur. He was engaged in carrying out timber contracts for the Government, and sug- geste6 that, as the man when he was before the Medical Board was only passed into Class 4a, labour at home. he would be more profitably engaged in his present work. The Tribunal took the same view and granted conditional exemption. A gentleman who is in a very delicate state of health,. appealed for his chauffeur, who, it was stated, had to be in personal attendance on him. The man had been passed for home service at the time of attesting. The case was adjourned for a month for the man to be examined by the Medical Board. A haulier in the employ of a coal and pitwood merchant produced a badge and certificate from the Ministry of Munitions, and, in consequence the appeal .was dismissed. A newsagent, who sells fancy goods, &c., appealed for exemption. He said he was 37 and had a wife and three children. One brother had been killed in action, two were serving with the colours, one sister was a nurse in a military hospital, and another had been on war service he himself had served through the South African War, and considered he had done his duty to the State. He suffered from rheumatism, and would be of more service to the State in his business than in the Army. His mother was dead and his father was in such an-indifferent state of health that he was obliged to carry out his contracts for him as far as applicant was able. The Military Representative I quite agree to three months. Applicant submitted this was insufficient, in the circumstances. Let some other family do their bit. I consider my family are doing enough of fighting and service for the State. I don't want anyone to fight for me. I have brothers who arc doing that Applicant produced a certificate from a local doctor showing he is suffering from rheumatism, and another certificate stating that his wife was not strong enough to manage the shop business. Exempted to 26th November. k A painter, decorator and glass and china merchant appealed for exemption on the ground that he had important contracts to carry out. Mr. Cwilym C. James I am quite willing to give three months. Applicant pointed out he would attain the age limit, 41, in a few months, and he contended that he would be more of an asset to the nation in his business than in the Army, at his age. His physique could hardly stand Army training. He could not possibly carry out his engagements in three months. Exempted to 26th November. A relieving officer to the Crickhowell Board of Guardians appealed for exemption. He had lost his wife, and had a delicate child of four years to rear. Exemption to 26th August granted. A young man of 25, who said he was the support of aged parents, claimed exemption. He served in the Territorials for four years previous to the outbreak of war, and then re- enlisted, serving until 12th April, 1916, when he was discharged for not accepting the Imperial Service obligation this was because of his parents, who could not be left alone. He would commence work at the Trevil quarries after knowing the decision of the Tribunal. Mr. R. H. A. Davies appeared in support of the appli- cation. Replying to the Military Representative, applicant said his father worked at Trevil quarries, but not regularly. He had not done any work during the last three weeks. Mr. A. J. Thomas How did your parents manage when you were serving ? Applicant I sent what 1 could, but it was not sufficient. The Military Representative I ask for this voung man. J Application for exemption refured. A local landowner serving with the colours appealed for a workman solely responsible for the overlooking of a large estate. The timber had been sold to the Government, and if this man was not exempted the fences would go to pieces and the work of cutting the timber would be much hampered. Beside, the man had to look after 30 head of cattle. The case was adjourned for the attendance of the workman. A young man of 18, tenant of a farm of 35 acres, applied for exemption. The father also appeared, and said his farm, which was situate nearly four miles away, was entirely managed by himself. Mr. W. G. James said it was quite impossible for these two farms to be worked without the young man. How they managed he really did not know. Conditional exemption granted. A Gilwern grocer, aged 29, with a delicate wife (a medical certificate was put in) appealed for exemption. He said his carter had joined the colours and lie was left with only a bov. If lie was taken from the business he should have to close it. This would involve ruinous financial loss, as lie had one of the largest businesses of the kind in the district. Exemption granted until 26th November. A married man engaged in carrying pitwood on mules from places inaccessible to vehicular traffic, appealed for exemption. He said he was only passed for home service. Mr. J. H. Furmedge. agent to Lord Glaiiusk, said it was very probable -that applicant would be badged by the Ministry of Munitions. The Tribunal granted a month's exemption, in view of this statement. A farmer farming 105 acres appealed for his shepherd (21) and waggoner (39). He said he had nearly 800 sheep and it was impossible to manage without these. men. The Tribunal granted, exemption for the shepherd until November, and for the waggoner until August 26th. Mr. Gwdym C. James I shall appeal in the case of the waggoner. A list of 14 cases in which the Advisorv Com- mittee had made recommendations was con- sidered and dealt with. Conditional exemption was granted to a number of tenant farmers, (several with wives and families of several children), and each of these managing his own farm with a boy. A threshing machinist was given six months, an insurance agent who asked for time to wind up his affairs one month, a chauffeur mechanic to 29th June, and an employee at a local mill, formerly a gamekeeper, two months. The foreman of a paper-mill (39) was granted conditional exemption. In all 34 cases were heard, about 10 were granted cunumonai exempTton, several were adjourned for medical examination, and the remainder were granted temporary exemption. It was stated that all the appeals to the County Tribunal against the decisions of the Tribunal were dismissed. The Chairman That is very satisfactory.

SUECIDE AT CRICKHOWELL. I Mr. R. H. A. Davies, Coroner, held an inquest at Beaufort Chambers, Crickhowell, on Monday evening touching the death of Edwin Grevct Morgan, mason, who was found dead the same morning hanging from a beam in an attic in his house in Bridge-street. Deceased was well known and respected in the Crickhowell district, and the news of his death caused much surprise. A pathetic circumstance is that deceased's son, who has seen active service in the present war in France and Galhpoli, only arrived home on furlough on Friday. Pte. Win. Morgan, 2nd S.W.B., said he arrived home on furlough on Friday. His father, Ediwn Grevet Morgan, was then quite well. His age was 52 years. He saw him alive at 9 a.m. that morning; he was depressed and quiet. At 19.55 a.m. Ws- mother called him upstairs to the attic. His father was dead, hanging from a beam by a mutRu and a piece of string. He cut him down at once. There was no breath in the body. He went to fetch the police and sent for the doctor. Witness had been away from Crick- howell since January, 1915. He thought his father had altered a great deal in that time. He seemed very depressed. He had not heard him threaten his life. His father, who left 110 ex- planation in writing. lived quite happily with his mother. Deceased had had trouble with one of his eves, and this had worried him; he was afraid of losing the sight of it. By a Juror He had not worked for 13 weeks. Dr. C. J. Evans, Crickhowell, said he was called to see the body of E. G. Morgan. He was quite dead. Deceased had been dead a couple of hours probably. He had attended deceased for about two months for eye trouble. It was an old trouble, and he sent him to see a specialist. He did not think he could have got over the trouble. He saw him on Saturday last, and he did not strike him as being depressed. Morgan had told him that he was occasionally depressed. He had not heard him threaten to take his life nor did he think he was likely to do so. The cause of death was strangulation. Replying to a juror. Dr. Evans said he was astounded to hear of Morgan's death. The eye trouble did not cause him much pain. Ey<? trouble might prey on a man's mind, but not to the extent as would produce a result such as in this case. The Coroner briefly summed up. This was a case of self destruction, and it was most difficult in this type of case to get at the cause. Ap- parently this man was a perfectly healthy and sound man, with the exception of eye trouble, and seemingly had no intention of taking his life. He might, under the influence of an uncon- trollable impulse, have taken his life. The Foreman of the Jury (Mr. Jones) Mr. Morgan was a busy man, and the thought of losing his eye would no doubt worry him. A verdict of Suicide while temporarily insane was returned. ±

Monmouthshire Volunteer Regiment. I OKT>I;RS FOR WEEK ENDING JUNK 10, 1916 :■— Thursday, June 8—Firing practice in Drill Hall from 7 to 9 p.m. for all ranks, also for Derby Recruits. llenio.—On Thursday, June 15th. the Company will parade in Drill Hall at 7.30 p.m.. \\ith rifles, and proceed to the Athletic Ground (if fine). Uniforms to be worn. All ranks are particularly requested to attend. Until further notice, the Company will parade for drill only on alternate Thursdays. Firing practice will be held on the intervening Thurs- days, on an open-air range. Dnties for the Week.—Orderly Officer, Platoon Commander W. P. Cooper Orderly Sergeant, Sergt. S. Smith Orderly Corporal, Corpl. C. Downes. By order. F. P. J. HA?fBURY, I O.C. Abergavenny Company.

-v Abergavenny Local'9'Footban War ReHef I Committee. To the Editor ot" the" Abergavenny Chronicle." I DEAR SIR,-Will you kindly allow me a small space in your valuable paper to extend our best thanks to those tradespeople of the town who contributed such a magnificent list of prizes for the prize-drawing in aid of the Monmouthshire Prisoners of War and Monmouthshire men in .the trenches ? We also wish to thank the Editor of the Monmouthshire Post," who so kindly did the printing of the books free of cost, and the Editor of the Abergavenny Chronicle," who so kindly published the draw and the winning numbers and has always inserted in the paper everything we have sent him, free of charge. Also all the willing helpers who did so well with the books, to make our effort such a success. The draw realised £ 55 7s. Sd. /25 has been sent to the Monmouthshire Post Prisoners of War Fund, and l2-t ITS. i d. to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Monmouthshire Territorials in the trenches, in cigarettes and tobacco, equally divided between the three battalions. We are sure that we cannot do too much for our brave boys who are fighting for the freedom of our country. We trust our next effort will be as well supported as this, as we are more than pleased with the result of the draw. Thanking you, Sir, on behalf of the Committee, for your past favours. Yours faithfully, F. W. BLANCH, I 28 Princes-st., Abergavenny. Hon. Sec. -1 June 1, 1916.

T- CRICKHOWELL. I DEATH OF MRS. WOODMAN.—We regret to have to record the death of Mrs. Woodman, of Maescelyn, Crickhowell, widow of the late Mr. R. T. Woodman. The deceased lady, who was aboat 80, had been ailing for some time. She was keenly interested in charitable institutions and a very active member of St. Edmund's Church. pEPARTURE OF SERGT. EVANS.—At the Crick- howell Police Court on Friday, Mr. E. Pirie Gordon referred to t -e departure of P.-S. Evans to Cefncoed, and said they were sorry to lose him. He carried out his work efficiently and with an entire absence of friction. He wished Sergt. Evans every success in his new sphere of labour. Mr. R. H. A. Davies, clerk to the Justices, associated himself fully with Mr. Pirie Gordon's remarks, and said he and P.-S. Evans had worked very harmoniously together. Evans said he was very much obliged to Mr. Pirie Gordon and Mr. R. H. A. Davies for I 'Nlr. R. M. A. for their kind remarks, which he much appreciated. ON FURLOUGH.—Pte. W. Morgan, of the 2nd S W.B.. who has seen a good deal of active service in France and the Dardanelles, and Pte. F H. Williams of the Gloucester Yeomanrv, of Dardanelles fame, are home enjoying a well- deserved furlough. DAY'S IMPRISONMENT.—James Malley, oi no fixed abode, was brought up in custodV on Saturday charged with drunkenness. He came to the Police Station and demanded a ticket for lodgings. Two shillings was found m his possession. The Bench sentenced him to one day's imprisonment and ordered him to leave the town.

THE GREAT SKIN CURE. QUDDEN'S S.R. SKIN OINTMENT will J ) 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 Abergavently Mr. Shackleton, The Pharmacy Agent for Pontypool, Mr. Godfrev C. Wood, Chemist.

I Abergavenny Grammar School Governors. Need for More Commercial Education. COL. WILLIAMS IN A CRITICAL MOOD. The annual meeting of the King Henry VIII's. Grammar School, Abergavenny, was held at the School on Monday afternoon. Dr. Glendinning presided, and there were also present Mrs. Jenkins, Mrs. Jones (Uanioist), Col. W. Williams, Dr. T. E. Lloyd, Mr. John Prichard, Mr. Edwin Foster, Councillors Nash and Harris (representa- tives of the County Council). Col. Williams, commenting on the report that the number of boys in school was 65, said that there were only 37 who were paying fees, the others having free places. It was a serious matter and the committee ought to go into it. They were paying salaries amounting to £ 823 to educate 05 boys. There was something radically wrong when out of all the town and neighbourhood they only got 37 boys. There were boys going to other schools, and he thought they ought to go into the matter and see if thev could not persuade the parent, to send their boys to that school. He moved that a com- mittee be appointed. Dr. Lloyd Is it any use, seeing that those which are appointed never meet ? Mr. Nash asked if it was not a fact that owing to the high fees which previously prevailed some of the boys went to schools in other towns, where the fees were lower. He agreed with Col. Williams that they should do all they could to popularise the school and induce boys to attend, but he had no doubt that the war was a great factor in keeping boys away who would have attended under normal conditions. Perhaps they might revise the curriculum, and they ought to seriously consider the commercial aspect of education. Commercial people, whether companies or private individuals, ex- perienced great difficulty in getting good bovs with the proper training, and there was a big opening in every direction at present. He would like to hear what those who lived in the town had to say about extending the commercial side. Mr. Prichard What did the committee do this morning ? Col. Williams Only the chairman was present. Let us go into it now. The members at Newport promised faith: idly to be here. What is the good of waiting The Chairman The curriculum is a fairly commercial one, but the time given to Latin and French might be reduced. Mr. Prichard There are far Too many subjects tried to be taught. We should cut some out. Dr. Lloyd Which would you suggest should be cut out ? Mrs. Jones Have we power to change the curriculum ? The Chairman Yes. Shorthand and Typewriting. Mr. Nash You have to comply with the requirements 01 the Board of Education. I think that these subjects would have to he taught, but I would like to ask if shorthand and typewriting are taught. The Chairman No. Dr. Llo} d said the master who had taught shorthand was on active service. He supposed there would be no difficulty in getting a teacher of shorthand. Mr. Prichard How many masters are there ? The Chairman Four assistants and the head- master. Col. Williams Four, for which you are paying --(430 18s. 7d. Mr. Prichard At Hereford-road school they are doing very good work with less. Dr. Lloyd You cannot possibly compare elementary and secondary schools. Mr. Nash You cannot have a class of more than 30 in a secondary school, but in an ele- mentary school a teacher cau take 60 average attendance, which means perhaps 70. Col. Williams Do you agree we should have all those salaries for 65 children ? Mr. Nash I agree you are bound to have the teachers for the forms you have. You cannot divide them up. Dr. Lloyd The only way to reduce the number of masters is by reducing the subjects, and I don't see how you can knock a-ly off at all. Mr, Nash said they drew last year £ 306 from the Board of Education in grants. That meant that they had only to find £ 174 for the assistant masters. The Chairman said they might reduce the number of hours given to Latin and French in the three junior forms, and substitute arithmetic and mathematics or some commercial subjects. He did not know that they could alter the curriculum in any other way. Dr Lloyd said they went into the matter of the curriculum very deeply at one time, and he believed this was the curriculum they drew up. The proposition was made some months ago that the curriculum should be reviewed, but refused to have anything to do with it because he did not see that it could be improved upon, under the circumstances, as they had to prepare boys for different walks of life. The Chairman Times have changed since we reviewed it. Dr. Lloyd Even so, there are a certain number of boys who are going to be teachers, and they must be able to teach the subjects we have in tne curriculum. Mr. Nash Couldn't you get a lady to teach shorthand and typewriting ? Mr. Harris I think the preference in any commercial office would be given to girls and not to boys. The Chairman At the present time, perhaps, but not when the war is over. It will be a very serious question. Dr. Lloyd said he understood that business people found that girls could do work better and at less cost than men. Mr. Harris Girls can do shorthand and type- writing better than any other work in the office. Col. Williams What have we to do with the girls ? This is a boys' school. On the proposition of Mr. Nash it was decided that the Chairman and Yice-Chairman should consider the question of the curriculum with the master. Col. Williams We ought to decide something. These conversations have been going on for years. It was decided to fix an amount of L5 for plant and apparatus, and it was explained that this sum would not necessarily be spent. No Prizes. un tne question ot prizes, Lol. Williams said he hoped they would not give prizes this vear. If they did it would have to be done at the Girls' School. Dr. Lloyd We deprived them of prizes last year because of the war, and the war is still on. It was decided not to she prizes. A Playing Field. coi. Williams said tney were paymg £ 10 a year for a playing field which did not belong to them. Would it not be wise to get another held. He thought they could easily get a field, and taev could let it and make money out of it. Mr. Prichard said that £ 10 was an exorbitant price. Dr. Lloyd The Cricket Club have been making money out of us for years. Mr. Nash proposed that a committee, con- sisting of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Mr. Foster, Col. Williams and Mr. Prichard, make inquiries with regard to the matter, and this was carried. Mr Prichard If we had a decent field and the masters took an interest in sport, they could have compulsory games like they do in other schools. Dr. Lloyd: Do you mean in school hours ? Mr. Prichard I don't see why not ? Dr. Lloyd Then you can't compel them. If the masters took a little more interest in games it would be better. The only one who took an interest in games is at the front. Assistant Master's Salary. Mr. A. A. Hilton, science master, wrote applying for an increase of salary, his present salary hemg. 161 per year. H- said he had served for 21 years under the Governors. Col. Williams He only recently asked for so much if he joined the munition works. We ought to be economising, and this is not the time to increase salaries. We ought to wait untll the war IS oyer. Mr. Nash Whet are the salaries of the others ) The Clerk One at and two at I io In reply to Mr. Nash, D, Lloyd" said th- former was an M.A. and !:k- t latter B.A's. ?Ir. Nash The average salarv thron*«hout the Principality for assistant makers is /i«;2 At this se' ool it is -i' I Mr. John Prichard: If he an educated commercial he w-ould be doing fax better or if he was a grocer's assistant he would do far better if he had a good commercial e(lucal". It is a mere pittance. Mr. Nash said he would' second C'.I. Wii!rVm«"s motion not to entertain the ar.'?l? ation -?\.? the circumstances. This was carried. ) Very Careful. xne uerk reporteci that three firms said they i ———————— were unable to tender :or stationery. The Educational Supply Association Ltd. tendered at 1.5 IOS- 1 id. The dr.e performance of their contract was subject to modification, variation or failure from the act of God. v.-ar, strikes, lo k- outs, fire, flood, drought, or other causes beyond our control, or inability to procure material or articles except at enhanced prices, owing to any of the foregoing causes." (Laughter). tender was accepted. The Chairman reported that with regard to manual teaching they had now got a very good instructor in Mr. Horsington. It was decided to engage Mr. Horsington at 7s. 6d. ner lesson. Schoolboys and the Harvest. I ue Cierk read a letter from the Central Welslt Board enclosing a communication from the Board 0: Agriculture, whi -h expressed the hope that arrangements would be made for assistant mas^ ters and boys of secondary and intermediate schools to help in the hay and corn harvest this year. A certain amount of help from tht se sources was given last year, but owing to t:\e apathy of farmers and the lack of organisation, the assistance rcnderec] not as much as might have been possible. Mr. Prichard I quite agree with it. In. Russia they are not asked to go they are told to go Col. Williams V* onh: that interfere with the grant ? You are talking of having so many things taught here. -jf so ma-2y Mr. Nash The mtent:on of the Board of Agriculture was that tne holidays should be arranged so that they v, 3uld fall during the harvest. Dr. l, '),)v, l said lie th?D- Dr. Lloyd said he thought it was intended this work should be done during holiday time. It would apply to a town of that kind, but not to the industrial districts of Monmouthshire. If they had the examination earlier they covJd close the school sooner. Hard on PupH. Teachers. A letter had been receded from the Board )f Education with regard t » the time of holdmg the an,-ua- examination' Mr. Nash suggested that they should hold the examinations at the- usual time and ask the Board to accelerate t, e results, so that they would be in hand before the schools reopened. There had been a difficulty all over the county in regard to this matter. Pup:1 teachers were appointed by the local education authorities subject to their having passed the Central W elsh Board examination. Some had started teaching, when down came t-,e results and they found that they had failed, ar(I had to leave. Mr. Foster These i s should be pointed out to them. be Mr. Prichard It i= disappointing to be seigt back. tnvigilators Who Felt" Crushed." .vers, j ones said she received a letter on the 10th May from the Clerk asking her to attend at the School as an invigilator for the examination. Mrs. Jenkins received a similar letter and they both went there, but Mr. Sifton said he did not require them and it was quite unnecessary. Mrs. Jenkins He sn: 1 he knew nothing about it. Mrs. Jones We felt very crushed. If it. :s not necessary it should not be done. The Clerk said it had always been usual to appoint invigilators at the meeting immediately before the examination. On this occasion there was no meeting, and he took it upon himself to write to two Governors asking them if they would attend. He thought it was necessary that two of the Governors should be present. Dr. Lloyd Did Mr. Sift-m know ? Mrs. Jones When he came he said it was vt 'Nlrs. j )nes When 1- 1?,? c- at all necessary. Dr. Lloyd Did he know you had receive 1 that letter ? Mrs. Jones We explained that we had come there at the request of the Governors. It was' not very pleasant. Col. Williams Let him be here. I word I not be sat upon. I call it disgraceful. It has always been the rule to appoint two, and the Clerk did quite right to ask them to attend. If we are not the governing body of this school, :t is coming to something. Mr. Sifton was sent for. and said it had never been necessary before to have invigilators. He invited Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Jenkins in and would have been very pleased if they had stayed. He told them there was no necessity for it an 1 he thought it was a mistake on Mr. Price's pall. It never had been necessary, but, of course, if the Governors liked to come in they might do so. The Chairman Have they never been appointed before ? The Clerk said he thought that two wee appointed last year. Col. Williams Are you telling an untruth, r Mr. Sifton ? The Chairman: They have' been appoint- d for the Girls' School. Mr. Sifton said that 1:0 one had attended that capacity at the Grammar School. In any case he was quite capable of telling the truth, and resented Col. Williams's remark. Col. Williams I am asking who has done 't. You heard what Mr. Price (the clerk) said. Mrs. Jones: What is the rule ? Is there a. rule on the point ? The Chairman They are always appointed, at the Girls' School. Col. Williams And always politely receive 1, t sir. The Chairman Isn't it necessary to appoirt them ? Mr. Sifton Not that I know of. Col. Williams I call it nonsense. I never heard of such a thing. The Clerk read a minute of the 19th March last year to the effect that the Rev. J. P. Mill- ward and Mrs. Jones were appointed. Mr. Sifton Nobody has ever turned up. a:: 1 I did not know that anyone was appointed. Col. Williams There it is in black and whil, I move we carry it out. Why should one school be different to another ? Mr. Prichard seconded and it was carried. ▲

IIV I HEREFORD ROAD BOYS' SCHOOL I VISIT OF AN OLD SCHOLAR. On Tuesday last Captain and Adjutant I-I. Campbell, R.F.A., an old boy," visited the school, and after inspecting the Roll of Honour, which now contains 350 names, at the request of the Head Master. Sir. A. J. Duck, gave an address to the boys. Captain Campbell gave a summary of his military career since leaving school in 1883, whvn. the present head master was his teacher and the story of his life as a soldier on the North- West Frontier of India, in South Africa, and in. France, was much enjoyed by the boys. He impressed upon the boys the value of se;c discipline, smartness in appearance and manner, respect for authority, and self-improvement study after leaving school. The boys applauded heartily at the clo-e .f the address, and the head master thanked the Captain for the good advice he had given the boys and wished him a safe return from F e front, to which he was returning. AL

I Abergavenny Stock Market. There was another large entry of small sto- k on Tuesday, and prices generally were an im- provement on the previous week. Fat calves made up to 1-13 15s. and rearers up to 85s. A large entry of lambs were practically all clear- 1. top prices being up to 54s. Best mutton was rip to is. per lli. There was a decided jump in t/vii pig trade, and best quality made up to 21s per score, while sows from Mr. Warren Davies Court) made up to 15 guineas and porkers up to 45 10s. A smaller entry of heef than made up to is. 3d. per Bulls made up to Lt9, fat cows up to £38, ;md maiden heifers it> to J-35. The first consignment of rejected Am y horses realised up to 23 guineas. Ã.

v I Simply boil the clothes for X thirty min- Cjf* Ofe utes, no rub, no scrub, no soak. The SIMPLE SIMON way. Ask your grocer; he knows. Costs a groat; worth £ s, 2