Abergavenny Chronicle

LOCAL FOOD CONTROL D5STRSBUT1GM ARRANGEMENTS PENDING COMPULSORY RATIONING. The compulsory ratiomY.g scheme conies juto operation at Abergavenny, in common with the whole of South Wales and Monmouthshire, on Fe b i-i?irv?th. Steps have been taken by the ;');1l;or:;10;S, ;c\:X :.rIÜ]:;it; to secure a more equitable uisarityatio'i 111 ur meantime. In this connection the lollowing -,iicaiitiii-ie. in 'his Co. letter has been sent to the grocers by Mr. W.H. Hopwood (ivxecntive Officer) :— I Butter, EVJarsarirc, Cheese and Tea. Dear Sir, ur Madam,- -Pending the prepara- tion of the general scheme 01 rationing, and with a view to a more equitable dis- tribution of foodstuffs which come into the town, every retailer is requested, as far as possible, to divide his supplies equitably amoag his registered customers. It is proposed to limit the supplies of the following goods to each person, viz. :— Butter and/or Margarine, maximum quantity I.. per person, 4 o/.&. -> '4 ""1- ,J. 1 r; Tea, maximum onantitv per person, i? ozs. Cheese, maximum quantity per person, 4 OZS. li the stocks are low a uniformly reduced quant it v should be supplied to each customer. Registered customers should continue to deal with their usual grocer and not transfer to another shop, as arrangements will be made to transfer the surplus Stock in any shop to another shop which has a deficiency. The Food COltroller has ju, made an Order giving Food Committees power to direct any retailer in their area to hold at the disposal of Committees any foodstutis held by Lini for consigned to him for retail sale, and to deliver same to the Committee. It is understood that some of the grocers have already adopted this system of pro- visional rationing, and it is hoped that all the other retailers will fall into line. i-,o li,-Ie. I CI tht!r ret ?ii ilers IN-'il i fai11 Executive Officer. liLll February, 191S. ¡ I Cut Down Your Meat By Haif. Cards have been issued to the local butchers for disnlay in their shops, and these contain the following wording Owing to the retail butchers' supply of meat being limited to 50 per cent. of their October sales, regular customers are requested to restrict their orders to halt the usual quantity, and thus assist in a more equit- able distribution of meat. Butchers are also asked to restrict their supplies to customers who have been in the habit of buying their supplies in the town.—Wvr. H. HOPWOOD, Executive Officer. The Committee have also sent letters to the butchers requesting them to supply their cus- tomers with a ticket showing the name of joint I weight and price. I The Rationing Scheme. I The general scheme of rationing which is to be enforced throughout South Wales and Mon- mouthshire provides that it shall only apply, at the outset, to butter, margarine and lea, but provision is made by which at least two addi- tional foodstuffs can be included without the issue of further cards. application forms will be distributed through the post and these have to be filled up by each householder, and a food card will be issued to him for each member of the household. The card contains four spaces for cancellation by the shopkeeper. The first set is for use in the purchase of butter and margarine, the second is for use in the purchase of tea, and the other sets for the purchase of any other foodstuffs it may be found desirable to ration during the currency of the card. Counterfoils are attached to each card for deposit with the shopkeeper chosen by the customer. The Com- mittee may make provision for the registration with retailers in their area of any customers I living outside the area who can show that they have been in the habit of buying supplies within the area. The application forms will be sorted into streets and steps taken to make any neces- sary check upon the genuineness of the applica- tions received, and comparison can be made with the register of sugar application forms.

Local School Attendance Officer. I MRS. EVANS APPOINTED. I A special meeting of the Abergavenny group of Council School Managers was held at the Hereford-road School 011 Wednesday, for the purpose of appointing an attendance officer in succession to the late Mr. Jestyn Evans. Mr. Edwin Foster presided and there were also present the Rev. Gwilym Davies, Councillor T. A. Delafield, Messrs. W. Jacobs, John Owen, Henry Pitt and T. W. Beveridge. A sub- committee had previously dealt with the appli- cations, which numbered 19, and had selected three candidates to attend—Mrs. Evans, widow of the Lite Mr. Jestyn Evans Mr. O. H. Willcox, The Green, Crickhowell and Mr. J. H. Probert, Llanvair Cross. It was stated that the sub- committee had passed a resolution that, other qualifications being equal, ex-Service men should be preferred in the case of male candidates. Willcox, aged 40, stated in his application that he was a sergt.-driver in the Royal Marine Artillerv, and had been invalided out of the service in July last after 26 years' service. He had served in Belgium ;ir.d France since the commencement of hostilities. He produced testimonials from Brig.-Genl. Sir George Aston, Lord Charles Beresford (for whom he had acted as chauffeur), and Sir John Jellicoe. Probert, aged 53, stated that he was an insurance agent, that he had been for 20 years employed as a carpenter on the Pautygoitre estate, and some years ago was an orderly clerk in the Army. It was stated that the salary of the office was gi per annum, rising to £ 104, with £ 10 war bonus and £ 12 Fisher grant, and the district to be covered "was Abergavenny urban and rural, Llanwenarth Citra and Ultra, Uantilio Per- tholey, Llanfoist and Pwlluu. It was decided, on the proposition of the Rev. Gwilym Davies that the successful candidate should not be permitted to take any other paid office. On the proposition of Mr. Jacobs, seconded by Mr. Beveridge, it was decided to appoint Mrs. Evans provisionally until the end of August next, when the appointment will be recon- sidered, and most of the members expressed the opinion that Mrs. Evans should be given a trial. Councillor Delafield proposed an amendment that Willcox be appointed, but there was no seconder. ± Presentation to Mr. F. J. Ma.-isfield.At the teachers' annual meeting at the Frogmore-street Baptist Church on Friday last a presentation was made to Mr. F. J. Mansfield of a pair of silver-backed hair brushes. The presentation, which came as a complete surprise to the re- cipient, was made by Mrs. Beveridge, who spoke in the highest terms of Mr. Mansfield's work as superintendent of the Sunday-school. Other speeches were made by the Rev. Gwilym Davies, Mr. Alfred Williams, and Mr. C. H. Rosser.

Llantilio Pertholey Soldiers & Sailors. I To the Editor ol the 11 Abergavenny Chronicle." DEAR SIR,—Permit me a small space in the Chronicle to convey to the subscribers of the IJantillio Pertholey Parcels Fund for Soldiers and the Sailors the best thanks of the committee The amount received from all sources was £ 41 6s. od. the expenses entailed in obtaining and forwarding the parcels were £ 36 19s. iod., leaving a balance of £ 4 6s. 8d., which has been set aside for future use in connection with the war. The Committee desire to specially thank the lady collectors, who worked so untiringly, and the Abergavenny Quartette Party for the ex- cellent concert they so willingly gave. The balance sheet may be inspected at the School. Yours truly. I A. G. GREENE, -+- Hon. Sec.

GOYTRE. WIIIST DRIVE.—A most successful whist drive was held at Nantyderry Schoolroom on January 21st, in aid of the British Red Cross Society, and thanks to the energy of the promoters, the sum of (g 12S. id. was forwarded to the Society. Donations were given by the following :—Mr. D. F. Pritchard, 4 1 Mrs. Whitehead, j'i Mrs. Davies, 10s. Miss Byrde, 10s. Mrs. Collins, 2s.; Mrs. W. Jenkins, is. The prizes were given by Mrs. Whitehead, Mrs. C. T. J ones and Miss Byrde. The refreshments were supplied by Misses Byrde, Wilks, M. J. Evans and Williams, Mrs. Davies, Mrs. Summers, Mrs. W. Harris, Mrs. Gwatkin, Mrs. R. Morgan, Mrs. Thomas (The Goytrey), Mrs. Merrick, Mrs. Evan Jones and Mrs. Wilks. The weather was favourable and a most enjoyable evening was spent.

The Empire's Honour." MUSICAL WAR MASQUE AT ABERGAVENNY. The Town Hall was packed on Monday night, when an eiUe-tainment consisting of a musical war masque, entitled The Empire's Honour," was given by the members of the St. Mary s aii(I I Holy Trinity Girls' Friendly Society. The per- formance was very successful, and the audience I were thoroughly appreciative of the efforts of 1 -1 the periormers. The proceeds were 111 aia 01 iiie work of the Y.M.C.A. The piece was staged in a manner which reflected great credit on those who had concerned themselves in its promotion. The stage management was in the hands of Mrs Burden, and. Mrs. R. Rosser was at the piano. The theme was the patriotic one of the part played by the British Empire and her sons and daughters in the great struggle for liberty and freedom, and it was set in a series of picturesque tableau: The narrative relates how Britannia took up the challenge of a relentless Prussian militarism and responded to the despairing cry of stricken Belgium in vindication of the Em- pire's honour. Representatives of the con- stituent countries of Great Britain, the Do- minions, and the Allies, together with soldiers and sailors and representatives of the men and women who are engaged in the infinite variety of necessary war work, came into the picture in their turn. The central figure of Britannia was taken by Mrs. J ack Thomas, who filled the part d grace which was re- with all the dignity and grace which was re- quisite. She had the principal speaking part, and her declamation was expressive and her enunciatiou particularly clear. In the final tableaux she invites the Empire's Honour, represented by Miss L- Maxwell, to share her throne, and Freedom and Peace (Miss G. Brain and Miss A. Edworthy) to support her on each hand.. The ensemble was very effective and full of colour, and as a fitting finale all sang the hymn 0 God of love, 0 King of Peace, make wars throughout the world to cease." During Act I. Miss J. Roper sang the solo Kathleen Mavour- neen," and during Act II. Miss Dolly Powell gave the solo Our Lady of Sorrows." The following is a list of the characters :—Britannia, Mrs. Jack Thomas England, Miss E. Masters Scotland, Miss A. Thomas Wales, Miss G. Walker Ireland, Miss A. Maxwell Newfound- lxna, Miss J. Roper India, Miss D. Wright Canada, Miss D. Watts Australia, Miss D. Powell New Zealand, Miss M. Vaughan S. Africa, Miss M. Wingrave Egypt, Miss G. Jones; Rhodesia, Miss E. Kest France, Miss L. Downes; Italy, Miss D. Cullum Japan, Miss E. Cullum Portugal, Mrs. Hilburn Rumania, Miss D. Hilburn Belgium, Miss D. Ballett Serbia, Miss W. Preece America, Miss j. Watkins A Herald, Miss V. Williams Soldier, Miss M. Walker Soldier, Master L. Watts Soldier, Master S. Gwenlau Sailor, Miss A. Davies Airman, Miss N. Barroll Member of A.S.C., Miss L. Lewis Doctor, Miss E. Meredith Chaplain, Miss M. Walker Red Cross Nurses, Misses E. Davies and F. Powell; Miner, Miss P. [Rogers; Shell Maker (male), Miss A. Evans; Shell Maker (female), Miss A. Mason Land Worker (male), Miss F. Lewis Land Worker 1 (female) Miss G. Jones; Railway Woman, Miss E. Staples Factor)* Girl, Miss A. Matthews Boy Scout, Miss C. Francis Girl Guide, Miss N. J arm an Volunteer V.T.C., Miss E. Lewis; W.A.A.C., Miss A. Alderton Post Woman, Miss M. Vaughan Messenger, Miss W. Peacock Empire's Honour, Miss L. Maxwell; Freedom, Miss G. Brain Peace, Miss A. Edworthy Drummers, Masters R. Walsh and F. Lewis Bugler, Mr. B. Palmer. The performance was preceded by the amusing sketch, Stokes on Memory, by Mr. and Mrs. P. R. Ilobbes, who as usual, needless to say, delighted the audience with their performance. ..&

CARNEGIE PUBLIC LIBRARY. Tne quarterlv meeting was held on February, 5th. Present Col. W. Williams (chairman), Dr. Glendiuning, Rev. J. R. Phillips, Rev. Father Wray, Mr. D. Howell James, Councillors W. J. Tong, F. Sadler, A. C. Graham, W. Horsington, P. Telford, W. J. Meale, Mr. T. H. Sifton, Mr. E. Foster, Mr. l. V. Owen, Mr. W. Rosser, Mr. A. J. Duck. The financial report for the quarter showed receipts j.71 15s. iod., expenditure (H os. Sd; balance carried forward £ 72 3s. 2d. Ornamental troughing broken by the snowfall was ordered to be repaired, but the general painting of the exterior wood and ironwork was deferred. The thanks of the Committee were ordered to be conveyed to Mr. Halford for his kind contribution of the Ross Gazette for many years, now discontinued. A number of suggestions in the Suggestion Book on the papers supplied to the Library were considered by the Committee, who, however, could not see their wav to accede to them at present. The children's section of the borrowing de- partment will be ready for re-opening in a week or ten days' time. The joint report of the Finance and Sub- committee on the finances of the Library showed that the annual average income was £ 159 8s. 2d. and the expenditure, exclusive of the purchase of books, £128 14s. 7d., leaving a balance of £ 30 13s. 7d. The average expenditure on books for the past 17 years has been about £18 a year. This would leave a nett balance in hand of only £ 12 13s. 7d. per annum.

Llanwenarth Ultra Parish Council. A meeting of the above Council was held at the British School, Govilon, on January 23, 1918. There were present Mr. Jos. Davies (chairman), Messrs. D. J. Davies, Wm. Morgan, N. Morgan, J no. Watkiiis, Jas. Allen, W. Pendre, Ed. Ed- wards and F. A. Harris (clerk). The advisability of forming a War Savings Society in the parish was discussed. The Council were of opinion that a start should be made. Councillor N. Morgan volunteered to act as secretary, aud Councillor Pendry as treasurer. A public meeting would be held in the parish, and the District Secretary (Mr. Rosser) and others would be invited to speak. I ALLOTMENTS. The question of allotments was next entered into. The Clerk read letters from the War Agricultural Committee and Board of Agricul- ture, asking for more allotments to be taken. Mr. Ed. Edwards proposed and Mr. D. J. Davies seconded that the various landowners in the parish be invited to attend a meeting of the Council, to be held on February 6th, 1918, at 7 p.m., when those who own land might make arrangements with the Council to let some portions of it. This the Council agreed to, and the Clerk was instructed to send to every land- owner an invitation to attend the next Council meeting.

Abergavenny Rural Food Control I Committee. RUMOURS OF FOOD HOARDING. I A meeting of this Committee was held oil Tuesday, January 29th. Present: Mr. John Baynam (chairman), Mr. Benjamin Price, J.P., Mr. Matthew J. Knight, Mr. Charles Thomas, Mr. Edwin Eynon, Mrs. L. S. Biggs and Mr. William Biggs, with Mr. Farquhar (Executive Officer). The Clerk reported that the certificates issued up to the present time were as follows :—Re- tailers, 17; caterers, 11 institutions, 3; meat dealers, 46 potatoes (by retail), 54 margarine dealers, 14 bacon, ham and lard dealers, 10 slaughter-houses, 1. i Rationing Scheme. I It was agreed to join other districts in having a uniform system of rationng for tea, butter, margarine, and meat, throughout South Wales and Monmouthshire, and the Clerk was author- ised to arrange for the printing, distribution and collection of about 8,000 individual cards, with application forms, and other papers to be used, for carrying out the scheme. The price of butter to be sold in the district was fixed at 2s. 6d. per lb., and rabbits at 2s. each with the skin, or is. 9d. without, and parts of a wild rabbit, skinned and cleaned, at iod.a lb. 1 Milk for Children. I It was resolved to adopt the Milk Supply (Priority) Scheme, in order that children under five years of age, and persons certified by a doctor to be entitled to a daily supply of milk for reasons of health, might be certain of ob- taining it. The Clerk reported that in four or five cases farmers had brought him barley to be sent to London to be graded, and in every case the Ministry of Food had decided that the barley was fit for human consumption. Food Hoarding. The Clerk stated that for several weeks he had heard rumours that food had been hoarded in one or two places in the district. As soon as he could find out the names of the parties the matter would be reported to the Ministry of Food, who were determined to prevent this illegal practice, as it was so unfair to the com- munity at large.

J Abergavenny Police Court. I Wednesday—Before Mr. \V. H. Routledge fin j the chair), Mr. F. M. Humfrey, Mr. D. Howell I James and Mr. Robert Johnson. Annual Licensing Sessions. I This being the annual licensing sessions, Supt. J. Davies submitted his reports for the borough I and the county licensing districts. In his report lor the county district he stated that the copula- tion of the district, according to the last census, was 7,177, and the number of licensed houses as follows :—Ale houses, 29 beer houses, on, 7 total 36, or one licensed house to each 199 of the population. One licence holder was proceeded against during the year and was convicted and one person was proceeded against for drunken- ness, being the same number as last year. He did not oppose the renewal of any existing licence. The Chairman said the Bench were pleased to observe that there was such a good record with regard to prosecutions for drunkenness and also that the conduct of the licensed houses was so good. It spoke well for the work of the police All the licenses would be renewed. In his report for the borough, Supt. Davies stated that the population, according to the last census, was 8,511, and the number of licensed houses was as follows :—Ale houses, 46 beer houses, on, 3 beer houses, off, 4 grocers' licenses, 7 total, 60. Thus, exclusive of grocers' licenses, there was one licensed house to each 160 of the population. Seven licence holders were proceeded against during the year, and six were convicted and one dismissed. Eight persons were proceeded against for drunk- enness, being a decrease of 15 compared with last year. He did not oppose the renewal of any existing licence. The Chairman commented upon the high per- centage of licensees who were summoned during the year. Licence holders should do their best to comply with the regulations, and the Bench hoped that there would be a great improvement in this respect during the ensuing year. It was a matter of congratulation to the public and the police that there was such a decrease in the number of convictions for drunkenness. Tne Bench renewed all the licenses. The Guiidhall A Warning. Supt. Davies stated that when Mrs. Davies made application for the transfer of the licence of the Guildhall from her husband to herself she promised to close her house during the hours in which the sale of intoxicants was prohibited. She had not done so, however, and there had been a good deal of trouble with the house. Other people had made a similar promise and kept it, and if Mrs. Davies had not made that promise he should probably have objected to her having the license. Mrs. Davies said that she did not promise anyth ng. Sergt. Spendlove said that of late the class of people who visited the house had deteriorated a good deal. The house was open up till 11 o clock at night and every other house was shut at 10. He had been there 011 several occasions, and things had been very suspicious. The Chairman (to Mrs. Davies) The police are only asking yon to do what other people are doing. Mrs. Davies They never asked me. The Chairman You have heard the report of the sergeant, and it is for you to keep your house in order. Will you promise to shut at 9 ? Mrs. Davies Yes, Gun Without a Licence. I ) J auies Millett, of Crickhowell, was summoned ?-out a l i ceiict? ct Triley for carrying a gun without a licence at Triley on the 27th December. P.-C. Birch said he saw defendant near Triley carrying a gun on the highway. When asked if he had a licence he replied that he had not. • a<- A fine of ios., including costs, was imposed. Overcharge for Damson Jam. Thomas E. Williams, grocer, of Frogmore- street, was summoned for selling damson jam at a price exceeding the maximum fixed by order. Miss Ellen B. M. Price;, assistant, was summoned for aiding and abetting. Mr. W. H. Hopwood -N fr. W. li. flo p woo (Executive Officer) prosecuted for the Food Control Committee, and Mr. A. M. Cunlifie defended. Mr. Hopwood said that the maximum price fixed for a 21b. pot of damson jam was is. 5.Id., and defendant charged is. I01d. Mrs. Hannah Jones, 83, North-street, stated that on the loth of January she went to de- fendant's shop and asked for a 2lb. pot of jam. Miss Price said they had a 2lb. pot of damson jam and she was served with it. When she had the bill she found that she was charged too much. By Mr. Cunliffe She took the jam home with her. She had been to the food inspector pre- viously because she could not get enough food, and she thought he might help her. She did not make any complaint at the time. On the iSth of January she had a lib. pot of damson jam, for which she was charged 9}d., and on the 23rd she had another pot of damson jam. You had been in the habit of always buying the best jam prior to the loth of January '-Yes, raspberry. In reply to the Chairman, Mr. Hopwood said that the order came into force on the 1st of September. Mr. Cunliffe, for the defence, said that iliss Price had only been with Mr. Williams for a few months, and she was quite new to the grocery business. Mrs. Jones had frequently gone to the shop for goods, and she had always had the best jam. On the loth of January, which was Thursday and a busy day, owing to loading up goods for the country, Mrs. Jones gave an order for 12 articles and took home the jam and the corned beef. On the following day Miss Price sent the remainder of the goods, and priced up the articles. When she came to the jam she forgot for the moment what jam Mrs. Jones had taken, and she charged her IS: lod. This was the first instance of any cheap jam being bought by Mrs. Jones, and it was priced at the usual figure. Was it likely that there would have been a deliberate overcharge when the food inspector was on defendant's track for not supplying goods ? They did not admit that the jam in question was damson jam, but if there was an offence it was committed absolutely innocently. Defendant Williams said that Mrs. Jones had dealt with him ever since he started in business seven years ago. She usually had black currant, strawberry, or raspberry jam. In reply to Mr. Hopwood, defendant said that where he found that overcharges had been made to Mrs. Jones on previous occasions he had re- funded the money. Miss Price said that she did not remember what kind of jam Mrs. Jones asked for. She thought she had given her the best jam. P.-C. Climer said that a complaint was made to him by Mrs. Jones on the 23rd and he brought the jar to the Police Station. The Chairman asked why no complaint was made between the loth and the 23rd ? Mrs. Jones: I was advised not to make a complaint until I found out what the price of the jam was. I waited till I found out from my neighbours what they paid. The Chairman said that the Bench were of opinion that there was no real intention to defraud. Williams would be fined ios., includ- ing costs, and Miss Price 5s., including costs. If I the Bench did not think that it was mere care- lessness the fines would have been very much heavier. T Band of Hope Festival.-We oiiiitted to state in the report of the Band of Hope Festival last week that the children were conduccted by Mr. Price (supt. of the Pearl Insurance Coy.), that Mr. A. J. Willcox assisted with the practices, and that Mr. A. Richards was the organist. I

Abereavenny Stock Market. I The supply on Tuesday was far more satis- factory, 56 cattle coming to hand, this being an encouraging increase on the previous weeks since the Cattle Order came into force, and only a very few less than at the corresponding market last year. There were about 150 sheep penned, or half the number at the corresponding market. The auctioneers were assisted in the allocation by Mr. Woodward, of Tredegar, representing the retail butchers, and Mr. Richards, of Garn- diffaith, representing the wholesale butchers. ■ A.. —

I Monmouthshire Volunteer Regiment. Abergavenny Detachment. Monday, 7.30 P.M.-Nlusketry and platoon drill (dress, musketry order). Wednesday, 7.30 p.m.—Musketry and guard mounting (dress, musketry order). Thursday, 7.30 p.m.-—Musketry (dress, musketry order) Sunday, 3 p.m.—Bayonet fighting and company drill (dress, drill order). F. P. J. HANBURY, Lieut., Officer Commanding.

Govrbn rysiirtary r^ecfallist INTER-ST!H!3 PRESENTATION. T.;e sec*><l presentation of a wristlet watch to a Govlon bov home 0:1 leave t -sok nlaee at Govilon t,;r Fruh.y evening, February 1st. The. rcc!?';t'-?-L?\-?.?.,y.-S.?.-M??.)r Frank Dav i s, E ¡: ''m, r;J; :.i:£ i,\ ,]: MeCe.l hi?:ccc;ur'-? of the evening. Tne chairman was Mr. W. H. Routled.?e, who I exp?nned tr.? objects of 1'?' rand, \Yh?h h.q? hfpn started at Govhon. Before asking Mrs. Rout- ledge to make the presentation of the silver wri.v„!et watch, he said he had much pleasure in assisting in the presentation to the hero, on bc:] f of his ir:e:id< at Govilon. This was the set'- aid wristlet watch which had been presented, and ae considered his friend was as worthy as any person to receive the* little token of their j esteem and affection f.<r what he hud done on ''>le\- J C 1.1 1-- .1..).t.1..1. .û. ,-i _6'- .J. their behalf. (Applause). Govilon's Record. The Mayor or Abergavenny (Alderman Z. Wheatlev) made the presentation of the Mililitary Medal, and in doins so said that when the clarion call of the late Lord Kitchener was made, and the cry of wounded Belgium was heard throughout the length and breadth of the land, its echo was heard in Govilon and its adjoining parishes, as evidenced by the fact that over 59 men loyally and faithfully responded to the call I to defend the honour of the Empire. (Applause). This number out of a population of 963 was a splendid record, and whilst they were there that night to honour Sergt. Davis, their hearts went out to the friends and relatives of the nine brave men who had made the great sacrifice and laid down their lives so that they at home might live. The Committee felt that as they had invited men to respond to the call, they should do all in their power to show to these brave fellows and' their loved ones that they appreciated all that they had done, and all that they would do when opportunity occurred. He wished the Com- mittee every success in their effort to give a hearty welcome to their overseas heroes, the outcome of which was that large gathering, and he was sure that welcome would speak with no uncertain sound, and w.1111,1 re-echo in everv heart, showing that they were pleased and proud to give a hearty welcome to the hero of the evening. I Two Erave Deeds. I Referring to the deed for which the Military Medal was awarded, the Mayor asked his audience to carry their minds back to the 31st day of July last year. They were safe at home, and somewhere in France a fierce battle was raging right through the day and into the night. When daylight appeared on the 1St August one of the British battalions had been nearly an- nihilated, leaving dead and wounded upon the battlefield, but the success lay with our arms, and the enemy was driven off. Amongst the wounded was one who was able to sit up, and he, by his presence of mind, waved his hand to attract attention. There was looking in his direction at the moment a British soldier, who himself had been wounded three times, but he remembering that someone had helped him, at once made for the open amidst the shot and shell of the enemy's outposts to within twenty yards of the German trenches. Whilst carrying his burden back to the lines he heard the cry of another wounded man, and returning to the spot he safely brought this wounded soldier into our lines. These brave deeds were rightly brought to the notice of the Commanding Officer, with the result that they were gathered there that nig], t to meet face to face this hero, and to honour him for his brave and self-sacrificing deeds. (Applause). Addressing Sergt. Davis, the Mayor said he would be pleased to know that the Mayor and Corporation of the Borough of Abergavenny passed a vote of congratulation to him upon the honour that had been conferred upon him, not knowing at the time who he was, but having in mind that he was a brave soldier of the King, and he had much pleasure in asking Sergt. Davis to accept that resolution. He also wished to offer him, on behalf of the parishioners, hearty congratulations upon his decoration. In making the presentation the Mayor said the memory of Sergt. Davis would be kept ever green in the hearts of the people of Govilon. (Applause). Peace Within Six Months. Sergt. Davis, responding, said he was not one I of the best of speakers, and he would rather be in a scrap out there than in front of his audience speaking, but he wished to thank the I Chairman and his audience for the kind recep- tion that had been given him that night. He thought they were aware that he was not a native of Govilon, but had come from Somerset some four years before the war, although he made his home at Govilon at present, and any- thing he had won or might win again would be for the honour of Covilon. (Applause). He would be returning to France on Monday, and he could assure his hearers that the reception that had been given to him that night would send him back with a heart so full that he could tell the people he met in France—the boys they called them—that there were people at home in England that thought so much of them in France. (Applause). He could assure his audience that although he was not going to say anything about the actual progress of the war, from what he saw before he came home on leave he believed that they would have peace within six months time. (Applause). He hoped that the boys who had gone forth from Govilon would be soon able to return after they had helped to win the war and that they would have the same reception given to them as he had had given to him.

GOVILON. ENTERTAINMENT.—A very successful enter- tainment took place in the Salisbury Institute, Govilon, on January 31st, the proceeds of which were devoted to the St. Dunstan's Hostel for blinded soldiers. A varied and attractive pro- gramme was provided by the following artistes, all of whom most kindly gave their services. Miss Gladys Williams (Llanfoist), pianoforte solos, Miss A. Jones (Llanfoist), Miss Banks (Newark), Messrs. W. Morgan and W. L. Lloyd (Ebbw Vale), Mr. W. H. Morgan (Nantyglo), Mr. Morris (Abergavenny), and Miss Lily Fulford (violin). Mrs. W. G. Tomlin's Dramatic Society (Blaina) very cleverly performed the amusing sketches entitled Amateur Theatricals and Very Much Alike," Messrs. J. Lewis and W. Williams delivered stump speeches, and Mrs. Rosser's Company (Abergavenny) provided an excellent finale to the programme with the sketch The Bright Side." The accompanists were Mrs. Rosser, Mrs. Acland, Miss G. Williams and Sapper Findlay, R.F. violin obligato, Miss L. Fulford. The promoter of the concert, Mr. J. Minson, and his committee are much to be congratulated on the very successful results of their efforts. -6-

I Red Cross Hospital Supply Depot The Hon. Treasurer (Mr. F. R. Hobbes) has much pleasure in acknowledging the following donations received up to the 7th February Previously acknowledged • £ 1209 11 9 Whist Drive, A.O.F., Owen Glendwr Court 1 14 o Further proceeds, Capper's Enter- tainment (making total proceeds UII 5s. id.) 0 13 1 Pandy Flower Show Society • 24 o o Mr. A. J. Wibberley • • • 1 1 0 Anon. 0 10 o Mrs. Rees (Cae Derwen) 0 10 0 Mrs. F. R. Berrington 2 0 0 Sale of calendars (per Master Shackle- ton •• •- -• ..330 Mrs. Humphry • • • • • • 3 3 0 Further donation, Children's Dance.. o 10 o Total ..I3I2 15 10

THE MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS WIIX MEKT Wednesday, Feb. i,i -Black Bear. Saturday, Feb. 16-—Crowfield.

THE GREAT SPECtFtC FOE. BAD LEGS, WOUNDS. SORES. ECZEMA^ r CUTS Ai>'D SKIN TROUBLES. &E. ANTISEPTIC. SOOTH I NO. HEALINO. EVERY SOLL)IER'S KIT SHOULD CONTAIN A BOX. Snad for Kree Sample, it costs you nothing. A Ehtfnal lady rays tpat HEALO ia worth C5 b box. *nU all wsers testify to its merit, l'c case hpelesa. First Application relieves at once. PRICE '/3 ANO 31- MAURICE SMITH & CO.. KIDDERMINSTER. FROM CHEMISTS AND STORES. SHACK-LETON. Chemist, Abergavenny THORNTON, Chemist, Blaenavou. BVAXS, bemist, Brynmawr.

Crickhowell Farmer On(n. THE PROPOSED MART DETERMINED ATT; Tlll). Mr. U']. ?ritch. ? ?ohit. d I pr\:rdc:li /¡:;bs'i: pr??d'd at a ¡-gC' at::(;:lle\:i:f: Tuesday evening at 'e Cani b nan Ar;r? Hotel, Cnckho?  called .0 conside r the report •. the joint secret? ??-. V.iu. Powe?, re'?iv? to .he establishment of 2 hve stock mrt in Crickhowell. Mr. James Howell, one o: tne joint secret.iri.-s, read the correspondence with the L,ive Stock Commissioner for South Wales. Col. F. Williains- Drummond, who stated that it was inadvisable to establish a mart, naviaa regard to tho-e already existing in the count' -Air. in. Powell said the resointion had be. 11 passed by the Rural District Council advocating a 111 art lor the town. At the Food Control Com- I inn.ee ae was appointed, with Mr. E. PiEf- I Gordon, chairman of the cc:: d, to attend a conference with the I<hc Commission rs + 1. r'£ '7" 1-"J""I't I at Carmarthen, of two l'I a batcher ".d an auctioneer from each countv. TéY attend- <? and a very h, cl fight he and Mr. E. P]rie-Gordou had. The opposition came from the auctioneers v Oil but the farmers manfully sup- ported them. Mr. Owen Price, Brecon, the County Commissioner, helped theni by his sym- pathetic attitude. He and Mr. Gordon urged 1r. Williams-Drummond. in the national in- terests, to reconsider his decision, and he was glad to inform them that lie consented to do so. iHear, hear). But of course the whole thing was yet in abeyance and they had to await a replv. However, they were determined to leave no stone unturned, and a petition had been drawn up for signature by the farmers of the district setting forth that Crickhowell comprised an area of 46,185 acres, being six mile. from Bryniu,.wr and 7-t miles from Hbbw Vale and district, where there was a population of ^vi-oo. The meeting expressed its approval of the action taken bv Mr. Powell. Suggestion to Approach the Food Controller. 31r. James Howat, Agricultural Representa- tive, asked what course the Union could take in the event of a refusal to establish a mart. It was a matter winch did not admit of any delay. (Hear, hear). The Chairman We could apnr the Food Controller. Mr. Jas. Howat: Then I propose that we appoint three members from this committee to wait upon Lord Rhondda, in the vent of the Live Stock Commissioner declining to rescind his first decision: and FJr. James March ant seconded. Mr. Henry Thomas favoured an tven stronger course. Crickhowell was fully entitled to a mart, and they must not wait too long for officialism. He was opposed to delay in an im- portant matter like this. Ii Crickhowell did not get a mart they would be at the mercy of other centres to throw them an occasional scrap or so. (Laughter). Mr. James Howat's proposal carried by an overwhelming majority, and Messrs. \Vm. Powell. Anthony Lewis and the Chairman were appointed to wait upon Lord Rhondda, in the event of an unfavourable reply, in conjunction with members of the Food Control Committee. Mr. 111. Powell The labour members of the Food Control Committee, representing large bodies, are very strongly in favour or the mart, and we can relv upon them to back u-, t a the Hit. (Hear, hear). The Killing of Lambs. Relative to the Union's letter to the Ministrv of Food suggesting that lambs shall be killed from the 1St May instead oi the 15th June as provided in the Order, so that the food shortage may be eased, Mr. Powell said he had received. an answer from the Ministry of Food stating that the matter was under careful consideration. Mr. James Howat I have no doubt in my own mind that the Order will be rescinded, under certain conditions. (Hear. 1:(: Live Stock Advisory Committee. The Secretaries (Messrs. Powell and HowdI) stated that it was necessary to appoint six members from that meeting on the County Live Stock Advisory Committee, who had to allocate stock for the various districts. Messrs. A. Lewis and J. Howell were already members. Messrs. Roger Howells (Llangattock), P. Griffiths (Llanellv), H. Thomas (Gilfach), the chairman, W. Powell, and Jas. Marchant, were elected. _*>

Famous Song Writer Praises INOLAK. K' ——————— -NOLAK is fine indeed." he writes. It _L is a boon to have such a famous remedy as I know INOLAK to be."—B.W. Great comfort follows every application of INOLAK to itching, sore, inflamed or scurfy skin. And the speedy cure of Eczema, Rashes, Pimples, Barber's Rash, Ringworm, Dandruff, or any skin affliction is made absolutely certain. Get INOLAK for your skin trouble of ROBERTS, Chemist, Frogmore Street, Abergavenny, or leading chemists everywhere ti/3, 3/ 5/-). ABERGAVENNY. King Henry Vlllth Grammar School. FREE PLACES at the above School, giving L exemption from School Fees, will be awarded under the provisions of the Monmouth- shire Intermediate Education Scheme, the Grammar School Scheme, the Scheme regulating Miss Rachel Herbert's School Endowments, and the Regulations for Secondary Schools. These Free Places are tenable for the full term of school life subject to deprivation under clause 47 of the Scheme. Candidates must have been under instruction at a Public Elementary School for at least two years immediately preceding the 1st of April, in the year of Examination, and be over the age of 10 and under the age of 13 years on the 1St day of October next. Part i of the Examination will be held at the Abergavenny Grammar School on the 10th day of May, 1918, commencing at 10 a.m. Candidates are required to send in their applications to the undersigned on or before the 23rd day of February, 1918, on forms which can be obtained from the undersigned or from the Head Teacher of any Public Elementary School. Bv Order of the Governors, FRED BAKER GABB, Clerk. Abergavenny County Intermediate School for Girls. FREE PLACES at the above School, giving L exemption from School Fees, will be awarded under the provisions of the ^lonmoirh- shire Intermediate and Technical Education Scheme and in accordance with the Regulations for Secondary Schools. These Free Places are tenable for the full term of school ]jfe subject to deprivation under Clause 103 of the Scheme. Candidates must be resident in the Scholarship District on the 1st of April in the year of examin- ation, have been in attendance at a Public Elementary School for at least two years im- mediately preceding such 1St of April, and be over the age of 10 and under the age of 13 years on the 1st day of October next. A SCHOLARSHIP is also offered under the Scheme regulating Miss Rachel Herbert's School Endowment. The Examination will be held at the Aberga- venny Girls' School on Friday, the loth day of May, 1918, commencing at 10 a.m. Candidates are required to send in their appli- cations to the undersigned on or before Saturday, the 2C)rd day of Februarv, 1018, on forms whi' h can be obtained from the undersigned or from the Head Teacher of any Public Elementary School. MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCES may be granted in cases where required. By Order of the Governors, FRED BAKER GAEB, Clerk. PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT. TO be given shortly bv the ASYLUM J- AMATEUR DRAMATIC CO., for a deserving object, that Screaming FARCE, "A PHENOMENON IN A SMOCK FROCK (by Wm. Brough, Esq.) One roar of laughter from start to finish. Look out for further particulars SALE of about 250 Choice FRUIT TREES which MR. MONTAGUE HARRIS, F.A.I., as been instructed to remove and Sell by _UC<,i'Y:l as above on TUESDAY, FEB. iy, 1913. Sale immediately after Fat Stock.

Masked Ball at Abergavenny. WINNERS OF FANCY DRESS PRIZES. T very successful masked ball was held at the Town Hall on Thursday evening, in aid of the Mayor's Local War Fund, the promoters being the Abergavenny Local Relief Football Com- mittee. The event proved very successful and enjoyable and the fancy dresses and costumes lent picturesque colour to the proceedings. There were about 100 dancers, and a number of spectators accommodated themselves on the balcony. The hall had been decorated by niembers of the committee, and Mr. Henry Pitt, ()f the Brecon-road and Hereford-road Nurseries, lent plants for the decoration of the platform. The M.C s were Messrs. C. Powell, H. Blackmore, C. Cornhill and H. Bevan, and in addition to these the following were the members of the committee who also assisted :•—Messrs. W. Crutchley (chairman), F. W. Blanch (hon. sec.), N. Davies (hon. treasurer), W. Watkins and T- Dodd. The music was supplied by Mr. A. Richards' orchestral band, and the piano was kindly lent by Mr. Iltvd Gardner. Two prizes had been offered for the best fancy dresses, and the adjudicators were Mr. Iltyd Gardner and lir. R W Powell, who experienced considerable difficulty in arriving at their verdict, and on their recommendation and through the kindness ff some of those present additional prizes were given During an interval, the Mavor (Alderman Z. Wheatley, J.P.) thanked the committee for the work they had done and those present for sup- porting that event. The judges had reported that the dresses were excellent and they made the suggestion that other prizes should be given. The Mavoress had therefore decided to give prizes for the second lady and gentleman, Mrs. Ruther had given the third prizes, and Mrs. Chadwick the fourth prizes. Mr. Iltyd Gardner, in announcing the awards said he knew that in a few minutes he would be' the most unpopular man in the room. They had had the greatest difficulty in coming to a decision, and he hoped that the ladies who were t'hsappointed would not heap the vials of their ^ath on the judges. The prize-winners were follows :I.adies: ist, Miss Downes ("French Slrl ") 2nd. Miss Griffiths (" Food Controller "); 3rfl> Mrs. Trevor Stewart (" Early Victorian "t ..t 1 L. -r "L 1 TJ ""tLI], Miss Lewis ( rmne .DU peep ("Iltlemen ist, Mr. Reg. Day (18th Century") 211(1, Mr. H. M. Westwood (" The Knut, 1914 ") 3rd, Miss Ivv Mapsou, (" Barrister ") 4th, Mr. Ruther (" Clown "). On the proposition of the Mayor, a vote of thanks was accorded to the judges for their services, and a similar compliment was paid to the Mayor for his attendance, on the proposition of Mr. W. Crutchley. Refreshments were served in the Corn Ex- change by Mr. E. Woodhead. It is proposed to repeat the ball on Easter Monday, following a fancy dress carnival. -.1.

take stimulants. If stimulants weie wrong for other people they were wrong for the King. Sir James Paget s..id that the present race of j ?n?lishmen were inc ucacvudants many j generations d moderate drinkers, and must therefore be what moderate drinking had made them. We had to thank moderate drinking lor the courage and stability of cur troops in France to-day. (Applause). Sir J ames Crichton Brown in a pamphlet recently published, said that only t'i->se naticas which bad vised stimulants were progressive, and no progressive nation had fallen through alcohol. Mr. Simpson said that all the the introduction of Prohibition, but the official ifgures showeu that in 1017 two million gallons more spirits were distilled in Canada tlian in any period prev i ous l v. There was only one wet Stete ?eit in Canada. Did they distill eight million gallons of spirits altogether to supply one wet State ? (Laughter). if the whole population was drink- to Dec. ';ist they could not have got througn the lot. (Laughter). In the Prohibition States o' America there were no I less than ?- illicit distilleries discovered in loi5. That was a proof that Prohibition infant evasion of the ?w.ar. d secret drinking. Did they want that in this country ? (Applause). Mr. Maddocks quoted a number of statistics from Blue Boos to prove that there was more consumption of alcohol per head under local option in Canada and more convictions for drunkenness than there were in this country. In Kansas, after 30 years of Prohibition, there was less thrift, more paupers, more deaths from suicide, more divorces, than in any other State, and—he would ask the Rev. Gwilym Davies to note this—less churchgoers. Some remarks he (Mr. Maddocks) had made at a previous meeting about the Free Church Council had caused some soreness. He did not wish to say a single word against religious dissenters. He had the highest regard for them and numbered many of them amongst his best friends. The Free Church Council was another tiling, however. He attacked them because they were a political body and posed as a spiritual body, which they Were not. The principles that brought the Free Churches into existence had been melted down I Until the residuum wouhl not save the soul of a cock-robin or a tomtit. Laughter). They were there in the name of liberty and true temperance. Thev were not there to force any man to drink what he did not want, or to stand by drunken- ness. Dr. Braithwaite had calculated that of 1,000 people who look intoxicants 980 were strictiv moderate drinker-, 17 were occasional drunkards, and three per thousand were in- ebriates. If they nut the 17 and 3 together, why should 980 people he deprived of their natural liberty bt .v.ust; -»rv others abused theirs) We lived in a democratic age, and n minority of 20 should not be allowed to rule a majority of 9S0. (Applause). Beer ar.cf Harvesting. I Mr. T.A.DeLineld proposed a resolution pro" testing against the agitation in favour of Pro- hibition, characterising it as disloyal and un- patriotic at the present time, and stating that any measure of Prohibition would be an act of tyranny and a gross violation of individual librty'. Mr. Delafield said that they might be surprised if they knew the number of farmers Who last harvest time begged and implored him to supply them with beer for their harvesters. He had to refuse them over and over again, but on representations which were made to him by farmers the Food Controller gave him a special permit to brew five barrels. When this became known he was inundated with applications from farmers, and he could have sold it several times over. Subsequently lie had another permit for five barrels, which he distributed equally. He was convinced that this beer was absolutely necessary for harvesting. In that district some harvesters struck work and said that they would do no more work on oatmeal water and tea, and the employer had to go to a publican and beg for a few gallons of beer in order to finish his harvesting. A soldier home from the front, who called at his house the other day, told him that he had been a teetolaller all his life, but when he ^as in the wet and mud in the trenches he took a lot of rum which was offered to him, and he assured him that it did him so much good that he would never be a teetotaller again. Mr. L. J. Morgan seconded the resolution, which was carried with two dissentients. On the proposition of Mr. Maddoeks, seconded by Mr. Peacock, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Chairman for presidng. The Chairman, in reply, said that according to the Prohibitionists the British were a de- generate and besotted race, but he was prepared to produce 100 Englishmen who would take on loo men of any other cation at any game they liked, and that Was as good evidence as they could find. (Applause). The great mistake the faddists made was that they attacked a thing itself instead of the abuse of it. There Were three things in this world that no Act of Padiamcnt or Prohibitionist or faddist would eyer put a stop to. The first was a little con- ^viality, the second was a little speculation or flutter "—(laughter)—and the third was love- making. (Laughter). They were three ex- cellent things in their way, but they must be dellt with in moderation, especially the latter. (Laughter). These cranks wanted to make them all out to be habitual drunkards, ruined gamesters, or Brigham Youngs. (Laughter). They were told that there would be an ejection and that the ladies over 30 years would have v°tes. On consulting the records of the sugar ards he did not think that there would be many tady voters. (Laughter). Never mind whether hey were a terrible Tory, a wicked Radical, a tI ¡hilist, Chartist, or Bolshevist, let them go to candidate and ask him if he was a Pro- jectionist. If he answered in the affirmative but if he et them tell him to go to Hong Kong, but if he answered in the negative let them do their best to send him to Westminster. (Applause).