Abergavenny Chronicle

Mr. Baker Gabb's Grandson.—The following extract appears in the April number of The Parochial Magazine for the Archdeaconry of Brecon," under the head of Partrishow :— Roll of Honour.-Ili the summer of last year we wished God-spe,d to 2nd Lieut. Ian R. Paterson, 3rd, Att. 5th, Batt., Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, eldest son of Dr. and Mrs. Paterson, and eldest grandson of Mi. Baker Gabb, on his departure for the front in France, and it is with great regret that we now record his death. He fell on 12th October last whilst leading his men in the great attack on Passchen- dale Ridge near Ypres. At first reported missing, he was on 4th February reported killed. His Colonel writes He was a magnificent fellow and it was easy to seejtow his men loved him.' The Captain of the Company writes I don't feel capable of expressing my sorrow. W ithout exception Paterson was the nicest comrade I have ever had nere. —

LLANOVER. MUSICAL SUCCESS.—At the recent examin- ation held at the Royal Coll ge of Music, London, Mrs. Frederick Ross, r, Pccyrheol House, Llan- over, was successful in gaining the Diploma of Associateship of the above College in pianoforte playing and teaching. Mrs. Frederick Rosser is a pupil of Mr. j- Watkins, I.R.C.O., L.R.A.M., M.I.S.M., O.C., of Dowlais. CONCERT.—A very successful miscellaneous A, T.l e Two concert, preceded by a sketch Tne Two Georges," was held in the Parish Church Hall, Llanover, on Thursday, April Ith, in aid of the Monmouthshire Prisoners of War Fund. Mr. Durelle Kennett, Y.M.C.A. concert organiser for North Wales, brought down the house with his comic selections. Songs were also rendered by Miss Jenkins, Miss Andrews, Miss Hughes and Mr. Swinnerton, and a dnce by Miss Joshua, Pontvpool Road, was greatly appreciated. All thoroughly enjoyed the sketch, the parts being taken by Miss Mary Hughes and the Misses Andrews. The affair WuS promoted by Mrs. Burgovne and Miss Mary Hughes, and they hope to be able to hand over the sum of £ 9 to the fund. The chair was taken by the vicar the Rev. I\. Davis, B.A.

Red Cross Hospia Supply Depot. I The Hon. Treasurer (Mr. F. R. Hobbes) haS much pleasure in announting the following I donations for the three weeks ending April 25 Previouslv acknowledged •• • 2 t) Miss E. Meredith 0 7 6 Collection by West-Ei-d t- nited Junior Football Club 21 1 6 R.A.O.B. Dance •• •• 21 I 6 Abergavenny Local Football W -r Relief Fete 32 0 o Mrs. Waldock • • • • • • 200 Total 11 o +

The Sowing of Seed Mixtures. Enquiries have been addressed to the Food Production Department as to the policy which should be adopted in sowing seed mixtures during the present spr,g. In view of the shortage of feeding-stuifs, Lhe hay crop is likely to be specially valuable in 1919. and it is desir- able that farmers should sow the normal area of V seeds for one year's ley.

I Mr. R. Beavan and Dancing. j To the Editor of the Abergavenny Chronicle." I To tie Editor oi t7?e 'I SIR,- The first thing that arrested my atten- tion in looking over the letter of Mr. Blanch in I your last issue, was the apolcgtic prelude for having kept me so long without my rations. How suggestive but oi what ? Manifest self- sufficing, mixed with no ordinary measure of conceit. There must have been great distention even of an abnormal character. If I went to my doctor in that condition (and he is a very good one) he would gravely shake his head, indicative of organic mischief. The introduction is superlative, both in motive and language. The word "ration"—how classic! how digmued The question is, is my capacity sufficiently capacious for the reception of such rhapsody ? Following this unique introduction comes the marvellous night of thought which is always a true mark of great brain power, and I find myself severely left alone with such satirists as Dean Swift and Thackeray. What a compliment What an eidogv The writer never knew, neither had the least conception that he was to great in the literary world. How delighted I am to know that one of the small knives bken from my knife-box has actually brought me into the company 01 the most famous and historic. Keeping still to these rapid and varied flights of the letter in question, I iind myself in the world of amusement, and Mr. Blanch is shocked that I 1 was amusingly surprised that one of such nIl- bounded resource should use the name of the j Rev. Gwilym Davies nine times in his first pro- ductiou. There is not a boy either in Mr. Duck's or Mr. Rosser's schools but would smile at this gross violation of the rules of dictation. There is, however, an allowance made for the more compelling reasons—but what are they ? Is one of them the nocturnal (lance ? Is another of them making light of things that are of great and solemn national moment. In the light of such facts, don't you be surprised, Mr. Blanch. By the third great night of thought we behold the scribe in one of his theological moods in Babylon, and of all theologians the world has ever produced, lvven if you go further back than its Creation," his equal is not to be found. In the banquettiug hall his great parts and learning are brought into full play. Take, for example, his keen and discriminating brain 011 the law of analogy. Daniel is brushed aside and one has come forward more able and more versed in the deep things of God. The voice of this latter-day prophet points out to the Hebrew, it is not dancing, though we may dance all night." No no It is those vessels, oh Daniel, that has caused the handwriting to be written 011 the wall. Oil the sophistry. Oh the would-be tricks of analogy. There is no mention what was in the vessels by the pious expounder of this most solemn event in the history of the Babylonians. There is an ad- mission that there was an analogy relative to dancing, but not in any other aspect. Now, Sir, Iwant to ask Mr. Blanch, Was yours a wet. or dry dance? Be careful how you use or misuse the word" analogy." He asks my opinion as to whether those who promoted the dance arc devoid of practical religious principles. The far better thing to do is for those who spend their time dancing all night to ask whether that will please the God of Daniel and help to win the war. These dances in the Town Hall are held under the pretext of raising money in support of the Young Men's Christian Association, and I want to say here that I am not writing on behalf of the local institution, but rather as one of the ordinary townsmen yet I am as sure as I live in Abergavenny that the President down to the least unknown member would refuse monetary help from such a cause and, lest there should be some misunderstanding as to how the hundred pounds has been allocated, not one farthing has come to Mr. J acob, our highly esteemed treasurer. I observed a sort of challenge from the letter under consideration. This throws us right back to the first cause of this appeal or challenge, namely, is it right to be dancing even at all when at any moment our nation may fall ? I readily accept that challenge in the nature of a meeting being held in the Town Hall, where the voice of the ratepayers can be heard in con- junction with many others. And if this is dis- allowed one can be convened in the open air, when an opportunity will be given for a public and imited expression of feeling and sentimnet. In the event of such a gathering, Mr. Blanch and the writer must abide by our convictions in taking the lead. Faithfully yours, R. BE A VAN. I

Another Critic. To the Editor of the 11 Abergavenny Chronicle." I DEAR SIR,-If you will just allow me a little space in your esteemed issue, in my humble way I will try to teach one named F. W. Blanch the old story You shall reap whatsoever you sow." I have noticed in your last few issues a heading The Rev. Gwilym Davies and Dancing," and 1 understand that the controversy arose out of an intercession service held in the Town Hall, at which the above named rev. gentleman delivered an address. During the course of this address he commented on the undesirability of holding such methods as carnivals and dances to obtain money, for charitable funds, during a time when the young manhood of our beloved country were being killed in appalling numbers by a ruthless foe. Now, I am not going to give my opinion as regards the rev. gentleman's attitude concerning these things, but what I want more particularly to point out is the un- fairness of attacking only the Rev. Gwilym Davies, when every word he said was endorsed by the Rev. M. E. Davies, Yicar of St. lary's, Now, on evidence which I am prepared to stand by Mr. F. \V. Blanch was not at the intercession service, so how on earth can he say that he has dealt faithfully with every point raised by the Rev. Gwilym Davies, when his first letter of criticism appeared in the same issue as the report of the meeting ? Perhaps Mr. Harry Pape was there, and I hope that he will let us know through the medium of your paper if he was, and if it is he who compiled the series of letters which Mr. Blanch has had, what in his estimation may be, an honour to sign. Why I make this statement is because, as I said before on evidence which I am prepared to stand by, Mr. Blanch said himself that he was going to solicit Mr. Pape's aid to write a letter for him to the paper, as he was not long enough in the head to do it himself. l'erhans Mr. Blanch has never heard that a still tongue makes a wise head. And what will he have to say to all this ? All we can do is to wait and see, but in the mean- time lftay I suggest that he will turn his broad smiling face into a narrow one of self disgust for trespassing on a path which he had not wisdom enough to see led to inevitable disaster. Mr. Blanch has sowed the seed of sneers and we may well expect that he will have a bountiful harvest. Thanking you, I am, vours faithfully, I T) T' I} T"' I AN ABERITE.

Prohibition, Dancing, Profiteering & Pigs. I 7'o E i i!o,-   I To the. Editor of the Abcryaccnny <Jhronich 5IR Kindlv allow me, through your columns, to air my views under the above heading. The Rev. Gwilym Davies, Mr. R. Beavan, and other correspondents have tried heroically, if vainly, to instil into our minds the absolute necessity of Prohibition as the salvation of the nation, the heinousness of twirling the fantastic toe, and of the eternal condemnation hanging over our heads unless we follow out their views to the letter. As an old blast-furnaceman, I would recommend Mr. Davies to vacate Frogmore Street for just one week-end and go and take a long turn at Ebbw Yale or Blaenavon (and incidentally a long shovel" too) and put in a twenty-four hours mine-filling turn—viz., from 6 a.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. on Monday. Should he be alive after midnight supper and could have sufficient vitality left to realise the extreme fatigue suffered by the men during the last few hours of the long 'uu," I am certain his views on Prohibition would be vastly modified, and that those giants of labour did, after all, really require a little alcoholic stimulant for their stomach's sake." In any case, I do not think you would be troubled with any further letters -is those of late, either of such useless purpose as those of late, either by Mr. Davies or his fellow-conspirators. Mr. Beavan's lofty and original views 011 dancing were set forth in [ his usual energetic and Pecksniffiau style, but as no intelligent reader of the Chronicle will for one moment think seriously of the ponderous question raised, I, for the first time perhaps, class myself An Intelli- gent Reader," and 1, too, pass it by. But, to leave the above tremendous questions and come down to the more trivial and earthly question of the price of pigs, and especially the current prices asked for eight-v> eeks olds. Now, Sir, we are all fully aware of the extremely patriotic, open-heanded, benevolent character of farmers and breeders generally men of super- abundant generosity and innate unselfishness. This undeniable fact being so well known, I would like to ask, Sir, who or what power is compelling farmers and pig-breeders (no doubt against their wishes) to ask anything from 4,3 to £4 4s., and even more than that, for an eight weeks old pig ? I need hardly say that to scores of working"men thi< means Prohibition of a more serious nature than preventing them enjoying a glass of beer or the frivolous dance. Why is there not some controlling power to regulate the price cf these- young desirables ? We hear a lot of <drep-trap about the doings of the big profiteers, but if we look outside our own doors we find that our neighbours who have the least to sell will, in nine cases out of 10, extract out of the buyer the very highest farthing, however unjust it may be. There is some excuse for trebling the price of a wild rabbit, on account of the increased cost cf keeping them, but why a farmer or breeder should be (I will still be charitable) I compelled to charge 250 per cent. on pre-war prices of young pigs passes my comprehension. Let me assure; these patient sufferers that they have the sympathy of the working class and that their present sufferings on our behalf will not readily be forgotten. Profiteering is rampant in other directions. I wonder if there is an isolated case in the district of a publican buying beer (my friend Mr. Davies will pardon me mentioning the hateful name) at -jd. per gallon rate and selling to the consumer at 5d. I can hardly think so myself, but there are thousands hereabout so hard to make believe it is not so. Yours truly, Govilon. —. W.J.P. I

I LOCAL FOOD NOTES. I SPECIAL RAT'.O.'is r'OR .INVALIDS. I [BY THE EXECUTIVE OnriCKj:]. I Patients suffering from Tuberculosis or Diabetes. The following table shows the maximum amounts which can be allowed in any case. I These are inclusive of the ordinary ration and not extra to it (a) For Diabetes Patients— Butcher's meat, to the value of 3/4 weekly. Bacon, I lb. per week. Butter and margarine, ie lbs. per week. (b) For Tuberculosis Patients (pulmonary or otherwise) Butcher's meat, to the value of 3/4 weekly. Bacon, 1 It,. per week. Butter and margarine i I) per wexk. Procedure. I Applications for extra allowances must be made to the Food Control Committee of the district in which the applicant lives.. A certifi- cate, signed by the Medical Attendant in charge of the case, stating the disease from which the patient is suffering, and specifying the minimum allowances of the foods in question which, hi his opinion, are required by the patient per week, is required. I Expectant and Nursing Mothers. Expectant mothers should be granted priority tickets in accordance with the Memorandum M.G. Milk 5, for one pint of milk daily during the last three months of pregnancy. No addi- tional rationed foods should be granted to ex- pectant mothers. Nursing mothers will not themseves receive priority tickets for milk, but children under 18 months are entitled to a preferential allotment of up to I} pints of milk daily, and the mother will be entitled to use the child's allowance, if she is nursing the child. No extra allowance of rationed foods should be granted to nursing mothers. The regulations will shortly be amended so as to provide for the issue of chil- dren's cards soon after birth, and the child's ration can then be used as an extra ration by the mother. Milk for Invalids generally. Food Control Committees arc reminded that, in accordance with instructions, they may issue a ticket for priority in the supply of milk to any person holding a qualified mcdical practitioner's certificate to the effect that such person is en- titled for reasons of health to a certain specified quantity of milk per iftem. Meat, Butter or Margarine. I The Food Controller is advised that there arc no ordinary diseases, other than those specified abo-e., iu.wliieli extra rations of meat, butter or margarine should be specially sanctioned on medical grounds. No extra meat can be sanctioned for the purpose of obtaining meat-juice, beef tea or broth. Applicants may be advised to use meat extracts with or without the addition of milk powder. Sugar. Applicants for extra rations of sugar for in- valids s;i,)-,ild be direc,ed to L,])pl, OWI-'orin 22 to the Sugar Subsection, Medical Section, Ministry of Food, at the address given below. Applicants should he warned that extra allowances of sugar are confined to cases where it is necessary to give liquid concentrated nourishment by means of a tube. White Bread. The Food Controller is advised that no ordinary disease requires bread made from white flour. Grants of pure wheaten flonr are, how- ever, still made in a restricted number of ex- ceptional cases. Enquiries concerning these should be directed to the White Flour Subsection, Medical Section, Ministry of Food, at the address given below.. Special Cases. Certain tare diseases, such as coeliac disease, pancreatic insufficiency, and sprue, require special diet. For such cases, direct application must be made to the Special Diseases Subsection, Medical Section, Ministry of Food, at the address given below, full particulars being furnished on Form M. 22, copies of which may be obtained from Food Offices. :—Medical Section, Local Authorities Division, Ministry of Food, 29, Upper Grosvenor Street, London, V,t. EXTRA RATIONS FOR HEAVY WORK. Bacon. Attention is drawn to the fact that the Meat Rationing Order is in force, and this includes bacon and ham, which can be obtained from any retailer on production of coupons. On and after May 5th the holder of a meat card will only be able to buy bacon from a re- tailer with whom the meat card is registered. The holders of supplementary ration cards (which are not available for butcher's meat or pork) must similarly register them with a re- tailer for the purchase of bacon. I Supplementary Ration Cards. These cards are now being issued from the Food Office. There are three grades, which will receive distinctive ration cards, viz., F (grey blue), E (green), and D (red), but FOR THE PRESENT AT LEAST ALL THESE CARDS WILL GIVE THE SAME SUPPLEMENTARY RATION. Only those engaged on the following classes of work are qualified for a supplementary ration F. Yery heavy industrial workers. I E. Heavy agricultural workers. D. Heavy industrial workers. No. y coupons may be used this week for bacon, I ham, poultry, rabbits, &c., or any meat meal, I but not for butcher's meat and pork. Farm Butter. I Persons obtaining butter from a farmer should produce the Food Card so that the number of the week on the card may be cancelled by the vendor of the butter. Farmers who have not sent in their names to the Food Office are requested to do so at once so as to complete the registration.

CWMYOY LOWER. I SOCIAL AND DA-Ncr,The proceeds of the social and dance held in the Schoolroom on Easter Monday, amounted to £ y is. 3d. After all expenses were paid the local soldiers of Cwm- yoy and Llanthonv have each been sent their share. Many thanks are due to all who kindly helped to make the evening a success, and to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, Queen's Head Hotel, for the loan of the piano to Mrs. Dodd, The Pant, and Miss M. Jasper, and Miss J. Pritchard, Henllan, for collecting to JIrs. C. H. Blackwell and Miss Jasper, who had charge of the refreshments; and to Mr. W. Thomas and Mr. J. Jasper, treasurers. +

Christ Church Vestry.—The Easter Vestry •meeting in connection with Christ Church was held at the Schoolroom on Friday evening, 1he Vicar, the Rev. M. E. Davies, presiding. Mr. Hughes presented the churchwarden's accounts, which were considered satisfactory. The Vicar nominated Mr. W. Crutchley as his warden and Mr. Hughes was re-elected as people's warden. All the sidesmen were re-elected, including two on active service—Messrs. Bullen and Broadway -and the best wishes of the Vestry were ordered to be sent to them. A vote of thanks was ac- corded the organist and choir for their services during the past year. The Vicar addressed the meeting and introduced the new Curate, the Rev. Mr. Davies.

I Guorri and Hay m One Grop. I A Farming Discovery. I THE SAVING OF PASTURE. A great live-stock industry has been built up I 011 the wonderful permanent grass lands of I England, but the enforced extension of the corn- growing area by the usual method of ploughing up the land has already encroached on the turf, and threatens still further inroads. It is now believed to be possible to use the grass lands for growing oats and wheat and still keep them for grazing and for raising hay. A method with this object has been devised by an English farmer and tried by him with success on a small scale during the past year. If the plan is adopted on a large scale this year, as is now proposed, it will mean more grazing this year, more beef next winter, and more oats, wheat, hay, and grazing in 191 y. If the new method is as successful over a large acreage as it has proved to be in the ex- perimental stage it may rightly be termed a I great discovery in agriculture, peculiarly valuable to England of all countries, where the gain in II corn crop through ploughing up the turf hardly compensates for the loss of grass, even in these times of grain deficiency. The new method is as follows .-■-In July, by I the use of a specially devised drill, a winter cereal and an artificial fertilizer are simul- taneously drilled through any grass land in- tended for haying the following year. By September or October the cereal will have mace a top growth of from tight to ten inches. This is then grazed off with the grass by whatever live stock is turned out upon it, and the grain, normally an annual, is thus turned into a biennial by virtue of its yield of valuable grazing in the autumn preceding the year of the normal grain harvest. The autumn grazing encourages and strengthens the roots of the cereal. Owing to the protection from frost given to the roots of the cereal by the covering of turf, normal spring growth begins earlier, more heads are thrown up, development is more rapid, and the grain ripens at the same time as the hay, both being harvested together. The harvesting is done by means of an ordinary mowing machine fitted with an extra knife at the proper height above the grass to cut the heads of the grain. The lower knife cuts the hay as usual and the upper knife acts as a "heulu." A carrier behind the header knife deposits the grain in a separate swath. Advantages of the New Method. I The advantages claimed for this method are many, among them being the following :•— The productive capacity of the land is doubled. Old and valuable grass lands are not only not destroyed, but are improved. Economy of labour throughout ploughing and harrowing are not needed, both crops are gathered together, planting and rolling are done at the same time, and the grain crop is gathered with ease and certainty, as there is no green growth with the grain needing to be stood in the sun to drv. Economy of fertilizers, owing to the deeper- o the deeper- rooting cereal taking up any washes below the roots of the turf. A saving of about one-half of the seed usually needed, as there is more uniform distribution, a much higher percentage of germination due to July planting, 110 loss from birds and seed washed away by heavy autumn rains. The autumn grazing is of a fresh, nitrogenous character, at a time when ordinary grazing has the least feeding value. The passage of the drills through the turf im- proves the surface drainage and the deeper rooting cereal loosens the ground and adds to the humus in the soil. The equal mixing of straw with the hay for fodder. The great convenience of July planting to the farmer, who, having assembled bis labour for haying, can use it for planting if the weather is unfavourable. It is claimed that under this method no per- manent pasture need be broken up—rather that the larger part of the arable land might be put down to permanent pasture, only enough being allowed to a four-year ley to alternate in the fifth with roots. The permanent pastures and leys are in hay and corn one year and grazed the next. In the spring of the grazing year seeds of annual legumes can be planted through the pastures with the same machine as is used to drill in the grain, not only on account of their feeding value, but also to increase the nitrogen in the soil for the following cereal crop. Seed winter wheat can now be supplied by the Government as there I is a large stock on hand bought last year at 82S. a quarter that would be unprofitable to send to I the mill. I Government Experts Impressed. I The attention of the Food Production Depart- ment has been drawn to the results of the ex- periments in this method of corn and hay farm- ing, and the whole question is now being con- sidered. It is revolutionary in character, but no convincing reason has been advanced why it should not prove of immense value'in a country like England., where the needed extension of corn growing can only be had through the sacrifice of valuable live stock feeding and hay ground. The drilling of the seed through the turf is ac- complished by a small knife-bladed foot that can be attached to any drill in the place of the disc. The Government experts have been so much impressed with the possibilities of the method that priority certificates have been granted for the manufacture of the fittings or the import oigany parts which may be necessary if they cannot be obtained here in time for this season's planting. There is no doubt that oats and wheat can be profitably grown in this manner. It may be that the straw of barley would be too short above the hay for the header, but it is true also that any grain will grow a taller stalk through the grass than when it stands in the open. Farming experts, both official and private, have been discussing this new method for some weeks past, and the only points raised for solution have been of a minor character easily disposed of and none of them fatal to the success of the operation as a whole. Owing to the simplicity of the tools needed there would be no trouble in having the method tried on an extensive and profitable scale this year if the work of preparation was begun at once. The results this year would be a great increase in the area and quality of the grazing available in the autumn for dairy cattle and other stock that will go to the butcher next winter, and the results in 1919 would be in- creased corn and fodder crops with all the valuable grass land still intact.

I AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. To the Editor of the" Abergavenny Chronicle I ,;Ip -Ha--ing received an anonymous letter from Someone in Abergavenny, I would like to reply through the columns of your paper. The letter I received was signed W.T.I' so in my reply I will address the person by the same initials Dear W.T.P.—Allow me through the Aber- gavenny Chronicle to think you for the letter you sent to me. I read with interest the re- marks and suggestions you made. It is gratify- ing to know that someone has been taking stock" of our open air services. Judging from your letter, you think pride and lukewarmness are barriers which hinder our progress. Cer- tainly these two things become great hindrances to all spiritual work. But, really, I don't think it can be said that pride is a hindrance to our work in this town. As far as lukewarmness is concerned, my reply is Happy the church or organisation where lukewarmness is not found." You suggest revival services as a necessity. Yes, I quite agree they are nece sary. Can I solicit your co-operation in tuis particular ? If so, it will be very acceptable. With every good wish. I remain, yours sincerely, EDWD. STEWESBURY, Lieutenant. The Salvation Army, Lieiite:iar.t-. I 41 Merthyr-rd., Abergavenny.

CRICKHOWELL. I PARISH COUNCI1,At the annual meeting of the Crickhowell Parish Council last week the Rector, the Rev. H. P. Somerset, M.A., was re- elected chairman, and Mr. Joseph ^Townseud vice-chairman. Three applications were re- ceived for the post of Clerk, at an annual salary of £ 5, and Mr. J. Joseph, Crickhowell, was appointed. The new clerk was formerly a member of the Brcconshire Police Force, and has served with the colours. The late clerk, Mr. John Evans, is Food Officer at Abersychan.

I Monmouthshire Volunteer Regiment ORDERS FOR WEEK ENDING MAY 4th, 1918 :— Monday, 7.30-8.30 p.m.—Arms drill and platoon drill; dress, drill order. Wednesday, 7.30-930 p.m.—Musketrv (lre's, musketry order. Thursday, 7.30-8.30 p.m.—Bayonet fiehting d: ess, drill order. J F. HANBURY, Lieut., O.C. Abergavenny Detachment.

I EUÁL PArHfH COUKCEL. The annual meeting • f this Council was held at in Market-street, Aberg'a- venny, (1}, Tuesday last. Present Mr. J. O. March, J.P., C.C., chairman Dr. N. R. Phillips, Mr. F. H. Facey, and Mr. Edgar Francis Harris, I Cm:¡n.L rs and Ar. J. H. Farquhar, Clerk. EJectisn of Chairman. ?ir. John Frichard having r?s'gn?-d his nos:-J? of l\¡,lx¡; r'r ?;t!7i1.r Facev .i;: ,p;= iMcr.?y sppomtcd chairman for the ensuing year. No vice-chairman was appointed. The following officials were then appointed :— Overseers Mr. William Gunter Harris (Llwyn- du) and Mr. Isaac M. Francis, High Mead Farm, Hardwiek. Member* of Joint Jiurials Com- mictee Mr. Mars};, Mr. Facey, Dr. Phillips, and Mr. Edgar Francis Harris. The appointment oi Councillors in the place of the" Rev. H. K. Il,l- 'f4 ¡r,-j. u. 'v., Matthew and Mr. John Priehard was deferred to the next meeting. Frcposeg Diversion of a Footpath. ) A plan was received from the Great Western I Railway Co. proposing to divert the footpath near Raglan Terrace to the end of the railway siding near the junction of the Pontypool and Raglan roads. The Council were unanimouslv of opinion that they could not concur in the diversion of the footpath in quest ion, but would be prepared to agree to a subway under or a bridge over the line 011 the present pathway, which need not then be diverted. The annual accounts were submitted, by the Clerk, and parsed.

I Abergavenny Rural Fcoti Committee. I BUTTER AND REGISTRATION OF FARMERS. A meeting of this Committee was held on Tuesday last, when there were present Mr. Robert Johnson (chairman), Mr. Charles Thomas, Mr. Matthew J. Knight, Mr. John Baynarn, Mr. Edwin Eynon, Mrs. Lily Biggs and Mr. William Biggs, with Nir. Farquhar, Executive Officer. I Too FMuci Margarite. The Executive Officer reported that he had too much margarine in hand. In consequence of the farmers selling butter to their neighbours the consumption of margarine had decreased, and the country retailers had a difficulty in getting rid of their supplies. An Inspector from the Margarine Clearing House, London, bad been through the town and authorised him to sell what was not required to the retailers, prefer- ably in his own district. Some of the gentry who kept cows were very kind in sparing milk and butter to their poorer neighbours, and wished to be registered for the purpose. The Executive Officer was directed to do this The 17?-xec-at i ve Of-icer wis directe(.' to (lo Registrai,.cn of Farmers to Sell Butter. I Mr. Farquhar reported that this was com- pulsory except in a few districts, of which Aber- gavenny Rural was one. The danger was that people might get butter from a farmhouse and then go to a shop and get an extra supply, whereas if the farmers were registered the food cards would have to be marked every time butter was procured. A long discussion took place, and the ultimate decision was deferred for a larger meeting. It was generally agreed that there were very few c,se.5 of fraud in this district. Supplementary Ration for Heavy Work. -1 Mr. Parquhar reported that he had hundreds of applications from persons claiming to be en- titled to supplementary rations for heavy work,, and also from people who wanted sugar for jam distribution. The Committee left it to the Executive Officer to deal with these cases, and in answer to Mr. Farquhar expressed their opinion that farm workers were*, as a rule, en- titled to supplementary rations, women as Well as men.

Death of Mr. J. Colin Lewis. I LOCAL CONNECTIONS. I Much sympathy is extended to Mrs. Lewis, The limporium, Sirhowy, a daughter of the late Mr. Wiii. Webb and Mrs. Webb. Hatherleigh- road, Abergavenny, upon the sudden death of her husband, Mr. J. Colin Lewis, the only son of the late Mr. Thomas Lewis, J.P., C.C., and brother of Mrs. J. Phillips. Lloyds Bank, Crick- howell. The deceased gentleman passed away on Thursday, the oth inst., after two days' illness, at the early age of 31 years. His un- timely death is a loss to the district. He was a Freemason and a member of the Tredegar Grocers' Association. The interment took place at Bedwellty Churchyard, where the deceased's parents are buried, the Revs. T. Theophilus, R. W. Roberts, R.D., and T. Rces officiating. The mourners included Mrs. Lewis (widow), Mr. and Mrs. John Lewis, Criekhowell (brother-in-law and sister) Miss Phyllis Lewis (sister), Mrs. Webb (mother- in-law), Miss Webb and Mr. Horace Webb (sister and brotherin-law), Mr. Evan Phillips, Bargoed (brother-in-law) Mr. and Mrs. WIll. Lewis I Tyrash Mr. and Mrs. D\1. Lewis, Pyscodlyn Mr. and Mrs. H. Davies, Per.yclawdd and Mr. and Mrs W. Williams, Gilwern (uncles and aunts). Amongst the general public present were Messrs. D Jones (Llangynidr), T. Morgan I (estate agent, Ebbw Yale Co.), Aid. T. J. Price, J.P., Messrs. W. R. Jackson, J.P., D. W. Evans, J.P. (Ryymney), M. H. Hughes, J.P., R. Bartlett (Blackwood), Dr. j. G. Owen, and others. The bearers were Messrs. R. H. Sncncer (solicitor), D. W. Phillips (1.. ( P. Bank), F. A. E. Coombs, Aneurin Morgan, Dd. Davies (Ebbw Vale), T. M. Williams, J.P., Watkin Morgan, J.P., and Stanley Evans, B.Sc. The beautiful floral tokens numbered twenty-six, and included tributes from wife and baby Gwladys and John; Phyllis; Mr. and Mrs. W. Lewis; Mr. and Mrs. D. Lewis Sirs. Webb and family Mr. and Mrs. H. Davies Mr. and Mrs. Williams Tenants and Friends The Employes St. George's Lodge of Freemasons Tredegar Grocers' Association and many personal I friends.

CRICKHOWELL POLICE COURT. I Wednesday—Before Messrs. Wm. Rosser and I E. Tirie Gordon. STI-AI,I-Nc. --Albert Edward Force (16), of Station-road, Clydach, and William Thomas (15), of Club-row, Clydach, were charged with stealing a bicycle pump, three small spanners, and cycle outfit, belonging to Reginald J. Landfear, land- lord of the Forge PI am m er Inn, Gilwern. De- fendants admitted the offeIlcc.- Tl)e Chairman It is very lamentable that young lads should make such a very bad start in life. Force will be fined 20s. and Thomas 30s. The latter did not appear at the last Court and the proceedings had to be adjourned in consequence. Ai rilJATJON. —William Rees Powell, collier, of Glyn Neath, was summoned by Hannah E. Bevan; of I>ufiyn Crawnon, Llangynidr, to show cause, &c. Mr. Thos. Yaughan, Crickhowell, appeared for complainant, a girl of ig years. Defendant, who is 24, did not appear. Com- plainant's father has lost his wife and a grown-up son killed in action in France recently. An order was made for payment of 5s. per week and all costs and expenses incurred at the birth of the child. I

The Naval Exploit: Mayor's Message I of Congratulation. ■ The Mayor (Aid. Z. Wheatley) has sent the following telegram to the Rear-Admiral at Dover on the occasion of the recent exploit of Naval forces under his command Hearty con- gratulations from the Mayor, Aldermen, and burgesses of the borough of Abergavenny on the brilliant achievement gained by British Naval forces at Ustend and Zeebrugge. May future efforts be assured of S-a(-Cess. (Mayor)." The following reply was received Thank you very much for your message oi congratula- tion to the forces which I am proud Ito have commanded.—YICE-ADMIRAL, Dover ▲ —

Wounded, lie F. C. Reynolds, of the Welsh Regt., son of Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds, Monk- street, Abergavenny, wounded in the left arm in France on the 20th inst., is now in hospital in England. Military NUedaL—Sergt. B. L. Powell, Royal Welsh Pusliers, lias been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry on the Italian Front. He is the son of Mr. Geo. Powell, 60, Park-street, Abergavenny.

PUELIC TEMPERANCE PtlEfTiNO :,t FR. j G AV L iqk Y. ln connection with the Welsh Presbyterian -a a t e r I v I | rQ. uarterly Association meetings at Aberga- j ve^ny last week, a puohc temperance meeting I in the Frogmore-=treet Baotist Church, 'iE chatrma? was Mr. ?. ''Y]IIia:us. ??tv. ??itb ?t'! the speakers the Rev. F. W. Cc/« ci Cardiff' ?d the Rev. T. C. J.r..?. ci P?a-.?. T'- ;ilC's mléi!:¡.j/l: 2: Ltl. T1, the Chairman said that manv Y?ars ;ero L' ~d ;i:f"¡¡h'J{i'i'I,:1 r?ed the drink ti-a?.t.;e?:kL'a?c\70i?d soonu cr later rule the ecuntr". Yerv little heed was taken of the warning, and the influence of .at _:r:nk tratac had gained an impetus so that tiie vOv.nti\ was carried UWT.V down stream towar .s The precipice. The Supply of Rum to the Trsoes. The Rev. F. W. Cole remarked that there had been nothing so rcmarkaHe as the c i, the attituae of the nation towards the drink traffic. v, as one of the most remarkable social revolu- tions of the war Prohibition was undreamt of ten years ago and now it was within the region of practical politics, and were it not for a lame, lazy and cowardly Government we should have it to-morrow. Seventy years ago every doctor said it was necessary to take a little alcohol for the stomach s sake, and 50 years ago the W< s- levan Conference even passed a resolution for- bidding the holding of any temperance meehines in any of their churches. On the 2cth of Anri) I 1915, the Government had an opportunity of stamping out the traffic. At that time the -xation v.as braced for a great and supreme sacrifice, but the Government failed and all they ofiered was a mean, miserable little Bill which was of no effect. The Central Control Board was a mere sop. In spite of Lord Kitchener's manifesto warning soldiers against drink and in spite of the remonstrances of the reat doctors of the Army in the R.A.M.C., the 'Government ordered no less than one million callous of rum for the troops. They had read of Germans putting dead horses into the wells to poiso n the water for our troops. That was bad, but it was not half as bad as the action ot cur own Gc>\em- inent in sending rum out tu the troops. Why should he eat less that other men might have more beer He had refused to eat a single scrap less as long as he could get it, while food materials were being wasted in beer. We had destroyed something like z inilli,-)-- tons of cereals. If we had only stoppeo the drink traffic we had a national reserve of bread to last us 47 weeks out of the 52 and they would have had enough sugar for 38 weexs. rr. Prothero said that the cattle must have brewer's grains so that the children might get milk. He must have known that the greatest dairy ountry in the world had passed an Act that no cattle should be fed on brewer's grains, because it was detrimental to the milk. There was a mystery about the attitude of the Government with, re- gard to the drink tramc. They had taken our liberty away by conscription, takeJ: our sugar, taken our food, taken our bevs. and were afraid to take our beer. The Government had said that the working man would not -tand it. If the Government had the courage of their con- victions the working man would be cuite willing for the abolition of the traffic. If the Govern- ment brought in Prohibition to-morrow'he did not think anybody w-ould trouble much about it. There was a call for man-power. There were 150,000 men directly or indirectly <,nnetted with the drink traffic, which was a iuuury trade and they ought to be combed out. If the whole of Asia and half Africa could do without the drink traffic, while 70 per cent, of America and the whole of Canada had gone hry," curely we could do without it. Prohibition Not Practicable Kou. The Rev. T. C. Jones said they were net out to moderate or regulate or humanise the traffic in drink. They could not moderate or regulate devils or demons. They were out for tt" total and final suppression of this baneful trade. Did they think that Prohibition was a prac- ticable thing here and now r Frankly-, he did. not. He did not think they were going to get it even provisionally or temporarily during the war and demobilisation. If they could carry on ^.he war for he did not think that, having come to the last lap, they were likely to get it. Seeing that b th parties e e i r. t,i-t parties were in power and some of the best elementu in both parties had resisted it to the last gasp, he did not see how they could hope to get it. He did not see how they could hope tc get it in the near future, seeing the terrible strangle-hcld the drink traffic had upon the whole country. The traffic had got the Government, the Army, and the Press, with few exceptions—all but the Spectator and the British Weekly." There was a criminal apathy among the people. They need go no further than the attendance at that meeting. That chapel ought to have been crammed full. No greater crime had been com- mitted against Britons or against the world than by the Government in refusing "o stamp out the traffic. Of 10,000 men employed in Cammel Laird's yards at Birkenhead l,OC'O were absent every week owing to the drinh. Pro- hibition must come progressively through ele- vating the temperance sentiment O- th., country and diminishing the facilities by closing patlic- houses here and there until they disappeared altogether. They had been destructive ard too little constructive fit the same time. They had to remember that these public-house- were not drinking houses only, but social centres where men and women meet. They had t<: counteract these social centres that degraded and depraved by providing social centres that did not do that. They must use more shock tactics and trv to horrify people by placing the facts or the drink traffic before them. They must emphasise that the drink traffic was a physiological evil and destroyed life and was also an economic evil. A great deal of the poverty was due U' drink, and it also produced unemployment, hich was caused by under consumption and the fact that people had not the full purchasing po%* er.

If you want Wallets, Pocket Books, Ladies' Bags, Tourist Cases, Attache Cases, Dressing Cases, the largest stock and the best quality is at M. Morgan & Co., Chronicle Office. 4

GRANTING EXEMPTIONS. The President of the Local Government Board has issued the following instructions to tribunals in regard to applications for certificates of ex- emption under the terms of the recent Proclama- tion 1. Any application made by or on behalf of a man in pursuance of the Second Schedule to the Proclai-natior- aforesaid shall be determined (a) In the case of an application on occupa- tional grounds concerning an agricultural worker, by the appeal tribunal of the area in which the man is employed and (b) In the case of an application- 011 :he ground of serious hardship concern.ng c man who is the last surviving son of a widow, of whom at least one son has died as a result of wounds received in, or sickness contracted by, service with the forces during the present war, or on the ground solely of a conscientious objection to the undertaking of combatant service by the appeal tribunal for the area in which the man resides. 2. An application made on the grounds speci- fied in Regulation i (a) shall be entertained if delivered to the appropriate appeal tribunal not later than May 15, 1918, and if it is accompanied by a certificate or statement from the County Agricultural Executive Committee for the area in which the man concerning whom the applica- tion is made is employed to the eftecf that the committee are satisfied that the man is a highly- skilled agricultural worker, whole time employed on a farm in farm work, and that he is irre- I placable and essential to the cultivation of the farm.

Field's Fountain Pen Inks neither clog or corrode the pen cd. each.—M. Morgan cc Co. Chronicle Office.

Wounded and a Prisoner ot War.—Signaller D. J. Colley, Black Watch, fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Colley, Brecon-road, previouslv re- ported missing between the 21st and 27th of March, is now officially reported wounded and :t prisoner of war at Giessen Camp, Germany. He has been in the Army over 12 months and weut out to France on Christmas Day. Before en- listment he was in the office of Mr. Montague Harris, auctioneer. He was in the severe fight- ing in the early days of the German offensive. The Chaplain wrote to say that he was missing between the 21st and 27th. On the 23rd the battalion fought-a very severe rearguard action, when a number of officers and men were missing.

If you want Wallets, Pocket Books, Ladies' Bags, Tourist Cases, Attache Cases, Dressing I Cases, the largest stock and the best quality is at M. Morgan & Co., Chronicle Office.

Open-Air War Pictures at Abergavenny. To the Editor of the" Abergavenny Chronicle." I DEAR SlR,- -I shall be very much obliged if i you will announce that a display of actual war I pictures will be given at the Market Place, ) Abergavenny, at 8 p.m. on Tuesday next, April 30th. An attractive feature of the display will be that the pictures will be fully explained by men who have fought. The Mayor (Alderman Z. Whcatley, J-P.) has most kindly consented to preside, and he will be supported by other local gentlemen. Admission free. Yours faithfully, S. HESKETH, I + Capt., R.O. I