Abergavenny Chronicle

ABERGAVENNY FREE LIBRARY. The quarterly meeting of the Free library Committee was held on Tuesday, when there were present The Mayor (Aid. Z. Whealey), Councillors P. Telford, A. C. Graham, W. J Tong, W. Horsington and F. Sadler, Dr. J. Glendinning, Rev. Father Wray, Mr. E. Foster, Mr. A. J. Duck. In the absence of the chairman, Colonel Williams, Dr. J. Glendi*ning occupied the chair. The financial statement showed balance in hand 27th August, £73 16s. id. Received since, £ 82 8s. ad. Expended since, £,23 Its- Id1 Balance in hand at present, £,]32 6s. 2d. With reference to the proposed purchase of War Savings Certificates, a letter was read from the G.P.O. stating that War Savings Certificates are not issued to public bodies. Councillor Telford undertook to see the Hon. Treasurer with regard to an Increased rate of interest to be allowed on the Property Repair Beposit Account. The Càronicle" Files. I The quotation of Messrs. Foster & Hill for a I pitch-pine cupboard, with glass panels, in- receive scription, &c., at the price of ?13 8s., tfo rom Mr. the gift of the files of the Chronicle from Mr. W. H. P. Scanlon, was accepted. The Mayor presented a framed copy of his telegram to Marshal Foch on Remembrance Day and the Marshal's reply, for display in the Read- ing Room. The Committee thanked the Mayor. The Secretary reported that the library accounts to 31st March last had been audited and passed as correct. New door springs are required for the outer swing doors, which Coun- cillors Horsington and Graham will see to. It was decided to hold the annual meeting on December 3rd, and Councillor Sadler gave notice that he will move a proposition with reference • to the supply of papers to the Library. Closing of Ubrary. The Committee had under consideration an order from the Fuel and Light Controller to re- duce the consumption of gas for the ensuing yean by 25 per cent. This cannot be done With- out further curtailing the hours of opening, and the Committee decided that on and from Monday next, the nth inst., the Library be cloeed at S.39 p.m.

I Maindiff Red Cross Hospital. The Committee wish to acknowledge tie following gifts received duriug the past month, to October 31st :— Milk and eggs.-3 gallons milk weekly, The Rt. Honble. The Lord Treowen 12 eggs, Mrs. Jones, Upper Triley lib. butter, Mrs. Powell, Park Gwynne 12 eggs, from Llanddewi Rhyd- derch Harvest Festival, given by Mrs. Davies, -Court Morgan. Vegetables and fruit.—Hamper weekly, Sir Arthur Herbert, Coldbrook cabbages, marrows and parsley, Colonel Herbert, Trebencyn, and a second gift of lettuces, cabbages and cauliflowers vegetables, tomatoes and apples, 141anddewi Rhydderch Harvest Festival; pumpkin and marrows, St. Mary's Harvest Festival veget- ables and apples, Llantilio Crossenny Harvest Festival; vegetables, Holy Trinity Harvest Festival; vegetables, apples and grapes, from a Harvest Festival, but tne name not known; apples and jar of apple jam, Miss Hart, Nevill- I street; -ijewt. potatoes, also beetroots, Mr. Gething, Coed Glas beetroots and red cabbage, Mrs. Powell Rees; watercress, Mr. Lloyd Thomas; basket apples, Mrs. j ones, Upper Triley. Miscellaneous.—Two rabbits, Mr. Powell, Park Gwynne carving knife, Mr. Boundy, iron- monger 5lbs. tobacco and 1000 Woodbine cigarettes, from Soldiers' and Sailors' Smokes, London 10s. for cigarettes and swabs, Mrs. Attwood Mathews 50 pairs of socks and 33 red ties, Red Cross Work Depot magazines and daily papers, Colonel Herbert Western Mail," Mr. D. Howell James Daily Mirror," The Manager of Messrs. W. H. Smith & Son Sunday papers, Mr. Evans, newsagent, Brecon-road; 40 shirts from Red Cross Depot 26 gramophone records, Mr. Boundy, Frogmore-street Owing to an error in last month s gift list, the following vegetables, etc:, from Mrs. Lawson, Mardy Park, were entered under a wrong head- ing I!tbS: tomatoes, 3lbs. turnips, 11 cabbages and cucumbers. The Committee would be grateful if donors would kindly mark the gifts with a papex giving name and address and nature of gift, and leave it at the front door of Hospital, 4s messages and names are not always received correctly.

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I Abergavenny Farmers. J A CATTLE MARKET INCIDENT. I ACTION OF GRADING COMMISSIONER RESENTED. A meeting of the Abergavenny branch of the Farmers' Union was held on Tuesday, at the I Angel Hotel, Mr. David James (vice-chairman) presiding. I Weighbridge at the Cattle Market. Some discussion took place with regard to the new weighbridge for the local Cattle Market. Mr. Philip Williams (secretary) said that when he arrived in town the previous Tuesday he was informed that the weighbridge had come, and it was thought that they, as farmers, should have some say as to where it should be fixed. He spoke to the Borough Surveyor, who said he would be very pleased to meet the farmers on the subject, and asked him to go with him to see the chairman of the Markets Committee, who, however, was not at home. He therefore wrote to the chairman of the Markets Committee suggesting that he should meet representatives of their Union at a time and place convenient to himself. He received a-reply from the Town Clerk that the 'Town Council had already met and settled the position of the new weighing machine. He (Mr. Williams) understood that the auctioneers had not been consulted about the matter. Mr. Evan Griffiths said that they were the people principally interested in this matter. It was the farmers' stock which would have to lie weighed, and it would have been only courtesy to have approached the farmers and auctioneers on the matter. The weighing of fat and store cattle was becoming a very important matter, and the machine should be placed in the most convenient svot for their animals to be weighed. Mr. Philip Williams I didn't suggest that we should dictate to them, but only that we should be consulted before it was done. Mr. Joseph Griffiths, who had been out to make inquiries as to the proposed site of the weighbridge, said that it was to be placed be- tween the top of the cattle pens and the round house. The Town Clerk told him that the auctioneers had sanctioned it) that Messrs. Avery's man thought it was the proper place, and that the Live Stock Commissioner had agreed to it. He, (Mr. Griffiths) pointed out that the farmers were principally interested in the matter, and they ought to have a voice in the selection of the site. It had been suggested that it should be placed in the centre between the two auctioneers' pens. The Town Clerk told him that they could make any suggestion and forward it to him. A committee of six was appointed to consider the matter and to meet the Markets Committee with a view to putting forward the wishes of the fanners. AHeged Grading Interference. I Some strong criticisms were made in regard to an incident at the Cattle Market the previous week, arising out of the action of Mr. Carter, Sub-Commissioner of Grading for the County. Mr. Arthur Rogers (Red Barn) said that through the illness of the regular graders, Capt. Beer and Mr. D. Williams (butchers' representa- tive), he was called on a fortnight ago to grade with Mr. Watkins, of Brynmawr, who was a very capable man. There was practically no diffe- rence between them, and Mr. Watkins told him that three cattle which had been graded for himself came out as near as possible to the grading. He did not hear any complaints of the part he took in representing the farmers. I Last week he was again asked to grade. First he was bullied by some of the butchers, and he could see what was 'coming off. Mr. Carter came and interfered and practically monopolised the grading altogether. The butchers' represen- tative was quite fair, but with Mr. "Carter's in- terference it was quite impossible to go on, and after grading a few cattle he threw it up. Hr. Carter interfered to such an extent with the grading that he (Mr. Rogers) could not do any- thing. Afterwards Mr. Morgan took it on. The standard set by Mr. Carter was quite im- possible. They were dictated to as though they were children, and under the circumstances he refused to go on. Mr. Homfray Davies (county secretary) said that Mr. Rickards, Live Stock Sub-Comncussioner for the county, who had intended to be present in regard to this matter, asked him to apologise for his absence. Mr. Rickards was a man who had done what he could for farming interests, and there was more credit due to Mr. Rickards than to anyone else in the county for getting the weighbridge in the market. He (Mr. Davies) suggested that they should send a .strong resolu- tion to Mr. Rickards on this matter. He under- stood that so long as the graders representing the butchers and farmers did not disagree there was no reason for the interference of the Sub- Commissioner. He was to act simply as an umpire. Mr- James Holly said that, he had eight beautiful bullocks, the best in the market, and he claimed to know something about bullocks, and they were graded wrongly by Mr. Carter. He picked out four of them, and he thought he had picked out the best, but he had not. When he told him about it, Mr. Carter replied that he would grade no more bullocks for him. It was a shame to see the bullocks turned back. His bullocks averaged newt. each, so they would see they were not very bad ones. They all knew how it knocked bullocks about to bring them to market, and have them sent back again. They were a week or two before they came to them- selves again. Mr. Morgan Griffiths said that Mr. Carter's duty was to act as umpire, and if he exceeded that it was a farce to appoint local graders. Mr. Rogers said that the interference caused great inconvenience to farmers, owing to the animals being sent back. After further discussion a resolution was passed and ordered to be sent to the Live Stock Commissioner strongly protesting against the position taken up by the Sub-Commissioner of Grading, which had given rise to such an un- pleasant and unsatisfactory state of affairs and had meant such unnecessary interference, and placing on record that they would resent all such future interference. Mr. Motgan Griffiths suggested that they should have a few more farmers appointed as graders, so that they could act in the event of the ordinary graders not being able to do so. Mr. W. T. Spencer said that no one else should have taken on when their representative had resigned under protest. Mr. Joseph Griffiths agreed, and thought that no cattle should have been allowed to go into the ring until they had had fairplay. It was decided to nominate the following four farmers to act as graders in case of emergency — For cattle, Messrs. John Morgan (Llangattock) and Arthur Rogers for sheep, Messrs. Arthur Davies (Killwch) and D. B. Lewis (Treadam).

ABERGAVENNY STOCK MARKET. There was a full market on Tuesday, 1,072 sheep and 86 cattle being graded. There was a fair number of calves, and a small entry of pigs was allocated. There was practically no demand for store trigs. <

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I Horticultural Association I Handsome Profit on August Effort. It J t50 GIVEN TO LOCAL FUNDS. The annual general meeting of the members of the Abergavenny and District Horticultural and Allotments Association was held at the Corn Exchange on Tuesday evening, the chair being taken alternatively by Councillor Telford (chair- man of the committee) and Mr. H. Gething (president). I Secretary's Report: Future Prospects. Mr. W. Llewellin (general secretary), in his annual report, said that he rather reluctantly consented to take on the secretarial duties on the resignation of Mr. A. Colley, but he was pleased to say that the committee had carried out their promise to the letter and had given him the utmost support. Every member had been a most willing worker, and on the occasion of the exhibition, fete and sports gratuitous assistance was given by all. The President had taken a very active interest in all the proceedings and had been a great help to the Association finan- cially and otherwise. The chairman of the committee, Councillor Telford, had put in a very great amount of time in furthering their, in- terests. The lady members of the committee had been particularly useful in a great number of ways. Mrs. IJoyd) Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Mc- William, Miss Weatherspoon and Miss Riley were all deserving of their utmost thanks. Mr. Rosser, who acted as hon. "sec. of the horti- cultural exhibition, Councillor F. Sadler, who was in "charge at the Castle, and Mr. F. J. Davies, who took over the supervision of the Park, all did their work in a very thorough manner and relieved him of a very great deal of anxiety and. responsibility. Councillor Graham kindly took over the erection of the stage and fixings for the artistes at the Castle, and Mr. Loxley was good enough to erect the tents at the Park free of cost. He could name all the members of the committee, who lost valuable time in helping the Associ- ation, but they must accept the will for the deed and their best thanks was that they could truth- fully say that they did their utmost most willingly to further the good object they had. in hand. He thought that they could congratulate themselves on the result of this year's working, and he was very pleased that the Management Committee were able to recommend that they give the substantial sum of /50 to local and war charities, and still keep a little bit in hand for a rainy day. The Secretary read the balance sheet, which showed that the total receipts were ^295 os. 4d., of which the following were the principal items Members' subscriptions and donations, £37 4s. 3d. admissions to exhibition, £ 19 us, yd. admissions to Park, £ 28 6s. admissions to Castle, £ 148 us. id.; net proceeds of games, i,I6 14s. 7d. The expenditure was 1216 17s. 2d., of which the largest amounts were Prizes for horticultural exhibition, £39 4s. 6d. prizes for sports, £ 9 5s. hire of Park and erection of ring fence, £ -] os. 2d. entertainment tax, ^44 is. 6d.; artistes at Castle. L-23; band, £ 2?; Town Council for admissions, £18 10s. 3d. advertising and billposting, £ 14 7s. 3d. printing and sta- tionery, ^27 4s. 3d., leaving a balance profit of .£78 3s. 2d. It was recommended to give £ 10 each to the Victoria Cottage Hospital, Mon- mouthshire Prisoners of War Fund, Town Hall Working Party, Soldiers' and Sailors Reception Committee, and the local Red Cross Fund, leaving a balance on deposit account of £ lo us. 9d. (left from 1915) and a balance on current account of /16 155. Sd., or a total Ofi27 7s. 5d. A Bright Future. I Continuing, Mr. Llewellin said that there was every sign that the war would soon be at an end. He thought, therefore, that they should con- sider the question of developing the Association until it was able to do work that would be creditable to a tpwn so situated as Abergavenny. He saw no reason why, with everyone.,pulling together, and good organisation, the Market Hall, a splendid room for the purpose, should not be filled with exhibits and crowds of visitors be attracted, to the great advantage of the town. There were many prominent horticulturists in the neighbourhood and nurserymen and seeds- men who should take a keen interest in their work. With an early start and a strong ex- hibits committee, Abergavenny should easily be able to compete with the largest provincial horticultural societies. In addition to the ex- hibition there were other matters which might be taken in hand. The allotment holders, who were doing noble work, should have a separate committee to look after their interests. Co- operation should help them in many ways—the spraying of allotments, purchase of lime, manures and other necessaries. They organised lectures last spring, but the attendance was disappointing. This was another question which should be coh- sidered. A great deal could be learned from these lectures. The winter months were here, and many pleasant and instructive evenings might be spent in this way, The child of the Association, the Pig-breeding Association, had not, he was sorry to say, been very successful un to the present. He attributed this, to some extent, to the opposition the movement received in its infant stages. He was still of opinion that co-operative pig-keeping would be advan- tageous to the borough, and particularly to the allotment holders. The future lay before them, and he thought he could see the dawn of success rising on the horizon. If they pulled together a bright future was in front of them. Perhaps he might be allowed to suggest that next season's efforts should be devoted towards the provision of a war memorial. On the proposition of Mr. W. Rosser, seconded by Mr. P. Fraser, the report and statement of accounts were adopted. Mr. Stedman proposed that the committee's recommendation with regard to the distribution, of profits be adopted. Mr. W. Rosser suggested that the Nursing Association should be considered. They had to pay nearly £ 200 per annum for the salary of nurses, and the Association was doing admirable work. The Chairman said that the Association had not been forgotten, but it was understood that they were not very badly in need Qf money. Next year they would probably not have any war funds to consider, and they would be .able to consider the Nursing Association then. The recommendation of the committee Was adopted, and on the proposition of Mr. W. Rosser, seconded by Mr. S. B. Davies; it was decided that the Nursing Association should be placed first on the list for next year. In relinquishing his position as chairman, Councillor Telford said that he was delighted with what had been done. The Association had done wonderful work, and if the people of Aber- gavenny would only rally round and put their shoulders to the wheel there was a splendid future before it. There was no other body in the town which was pledged in the same way as they were by their rules to give the whole of their profits to charity. They were also bringing visitors to the town and enhancing the reputation -Of Abergavenny. He trusted that the new com- mittee w )uld go on and have an even better year next year. Their secretary had done an enor- mous amount of work, and he had done it very well. They were also indebted to their presidenL than whom no one took a greater interest in the Association. He had done everything he possibly could to further the interests of the Association. In saying good-bye as chairman, he thanked them sincerely for the support they had given him. Election of Officers. The President then took the chair and the election of officers was proceeded with. In pro- posing the re-election of Mr. Llewellin as secre- tary, Mr. Gethin said that they had intended to give some little recognition to Mr. Llewellin for his services during the past year by presenting him with a little piece of plate. He was asked to buy it when he happened to be in London, which he did. It had not, however, arr-ived, and it would have to be presented at some future meeting. Councillor Telford seconded the re-appoint- | ment of Mr. Llewellin, which was carried. Mr. T. W. Beveridge was re-elected treasurer, and on the proposition of Mr. W. Rosser it was decided that the treasurer should be responsible for the collection of all monies, and that the secretary should be allowed Úo for petty cash. The following were elected as the general com- mittee :)&5. Lloyd, Miss Wetherspoon, Mrs. r McWilliam and Miss Riley, Councillors Telford, Graham and Sadler, Messrs. W. Rosser, W. Rees, S. Salter, J. Hamer, A. J. Duck, S. G. Williams, P. Fraser, F. Wingrave, H. Pitt, A. E. Peake, A. J. Barter, W. Evans, Reg. Harrhy, and J. H. Foulkes, with power to add to their number. It was decided that the election of chairman should be left to the committee. Councillor Telford proposed the re-election of Mr. Gething as president, and Mr. Llewellin, in seconding, said that Mr. Gething had given a great deal of time and money to further the interests of the Association, and without him he did not know how they would have got on. The proposition was carried with acclamation, and Mr. Gething expressed himself as willing to do anything he could to further the interests of the Association. On the proposition of Councillor Telford, seconded by Mr. Rosser, it was decided that the first meeting of the general committee should be held on the 19th inst. Councillor Telford re- marked that Easter and Whitsun were coming along, and if they were going to do anything on those occasions it was time they got to work. He thought that they should do something at the three holidays. It was a town matter, and it ought to be taken up and gone ahead with.

I icrickhowell Rural District Council. I LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD & HOUSING. I Mr. W. G. James presided at the monthly meeting of this Council on Monday, at the Town Hall, Crickhowell. Mr. E. L. Chappell, Housing Inspector to the Local Government Board, who attended by ap- pointment, said the question of housing had become urgent, -and having regard to reports made by the Board's Inspectors and their own Medical Officer, Dr. Hill, before the war, with reference to the need of houses, he urged the Council to consider the advisability of preparing a scheme. The Government was prepared to lend money at very advantageous rates and over long periods and they were willing to bear 75 per cent, of any loss the Council might sustain—and they hardly expected local authorities to make any profit. But there must be no delay, and defaulters would find that the County Council would step in, build the houses, and charge the cost to the local authority. Authorities were being requested everywhere to put schewes into operation. The demobilisation of the soldiers— and they did not know how near it was—de- pended upon the speed in which work could be found for them, and the building of houses for local and national needs would help materially in this direction. Of course, added Jffr. Chappel, the Local Government Board did not want Councils to build houses unless they were needed, but the Local Government Board would, he assured them, have to be satisiied on this ooint. Migratory Population at Llanelly Hill. [ -?. I the Chairman said they had repeatecuy pointed out to the Local Government Board that the population of Llanelly Hill was principally migratory. These people came from Brynmawr, Blaenavon and surrounding districts to live in. broken down houses at ridiculously low rents. I Once these houses were closed, and houses erected, and what might be considered fair rents asked for them, these people would wander away and the Council would be unable, to a great eytent, to get occupants for the houses. He could not, for one, agree to burden the rates in these circumstances. (Hear, hear). The atten- tion of the Local Government Board had been centred on Llanelly because of the Brynmawr sewage, which, despite repeated reminders from the Council, was still allowed to flow through the district. He certainly did not think that a rural district like theirs should be saddled with the expense of building habitations for persons the great majority of whom belonged to congested areas and only made Llanelly a resting place because rents were only a few shillings a week. Again, did they think for one moment that any Working man was going to live at Llanelly Hill when he would be able to live near his work at the same and perhaps lower rent ? This would certainl y be the case if they were going to build, because Brynmawr, Ebbw Vale, and other towns which had big housing schemes under con- sideration, would be able to build quite as cheaply, if not cheaper, than they could. Mr. E. Pirie Gordon, Rev. W. Arvon Davies, and other Councillors supported the Chairman. Iff. Chappell I quite appreciate your point of view, but I am afraid it will not satisfy the Board, who have the reports of their inspectors before them.. The Chairman Quite so, but the inspectors do not know the circumstances as we do. They have merely looked at the district and put down their conclusions. Proceeding, he said Llanelly was a most inaccessible place and it would cost. as much to haul the material as to buy it. Orickbowefl Hosses Too Congested. J Mt. Chappell Leaving Llanelly aside for one moment, what about other parts of your area ? The Chairman I do not think we need any houses. Mr. Chappell But your Medical Officer tells me there are houses in Crickhowell which ought to come down. They are too congested and there are no gardens or open spaces. The Clerk If you are going upon that line you can commence to pull down a great number of houses in this country. The Chairman I should certainly think you can. The houses in Crickhovfcli can be put in habitable condition. Mr. E. Pirie Gordon pointed out that even in Crickhowell there was an influx of inhabitants from the industrial districts, and these seemed to flock to the poorer class of house. (Hear, hear). He hardly thought they could be called upon to build to meet the needs of people periodically coming into the locality. They might leave almost as quickly as they came. He believed iii doiniz their best for the resident oonulation. Mr. Chappell said he would convey the Council's views, but requested them to again consider the matter, particularly regarding Llanelly, in conjunction with the Llarfelly Councillors and Surveyor and Council's officials. This the Council promised to do. Food Control Committee. I The Council re-appointed the Food' Control  Committee, with one exception, as he is ex- J pected to leave the district shortly. Midwifery. I Arising out of the recent letter from the County Council, the Chairman seid a public meeting should be called to consider the question of getting a resident nurse for Crickhowell and district. Child welfare was also a matter of great importance. (Hear, hear). I Mr. E. Pirie crrdou agreed, and it was unani- mously resolved that a meeting should be held in the Town Hall shortly. I Another Lamp. Mr. iv. rnxe Gordon said the residents of Tower-street badly needed a light, and he pro- posed, that they ask the Gas Company to light a lamp there. This was agreed upon.

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PANDY FARMERS. Rate of Pay of German Prisoners* I PROSPECTIVE SHORTAGE OF FODDER. A general meeting of the Pandy branch of the Farmers' Union was held at the Skirrid Moun- tain Inn on Saturday, Mr. Warren P. Davies (vice-chairman) presiding in the absence of Mr. Allen James (chairman of the branch). Among those present were Mr. H. Harrington (who has the control of the camps of German prisoners in the county, and who had been asked to attend to answer questions), Mr. Jones (labour oiffcer for the county), Mr. Hemfray Davies (county secretary), and Mr. Joseph Griffiths (branch sec.) I Mr. Allen James's Illness. r The Chairman proposed a vote of sympathy with Mr. Allen James, who had been seriously indisposed for some weeks, but who, he was now pleased to learn, was progressing favourably. He hoped that Mr. James would soon be restored to health and be able to resume his interest in the district and the branch. The vote was generally endorsed and carried. German Labour: Is The Pay Too High ? Introducing the question of the rate of pay for German prisoner labour, Mr. Joseph Griffiths said that there was a general feeling in the Aber- gavenny and Pandy districts that farmers were charged too high a rate for German labour in that county, compared with other counties. He believed that the rate was 7d. per hour, but their neighbours over the border in Herefordshire only paid 5d. per hour. It was a national question, and it was the general opinion that they should be treated on equal terms to their neighbours. Mr. Harrington said that German prisoners were entitled to the standard wage of the district, and in that county the wages of farm labourers, as fixed by the Agricultural Wages Board, were higher than those of Herefordshire. Mr. Griffiths said they were putting German prisoner labour equal to English skilled men, and they were not equal to skilled men. Mr. Harrington said that question was open to discussion in most of the districts. At Penycoed Castle they had been sending out 80 German prisoners, and most of the farmers -thought they were worth more, but he, as an Englishman, would not back that up. They had, however, to look facts straight in the face. The German prisoners were working very well. At the Garage at Abergavenny they had 40 men who were not agriculturists, and they were being changed. If they got ploughmen and skilled agriculturists in the place of these men they should be worth as much-he was putting sentiment aside—because they worked as hard and stuck to their work. The farmer had no trouble with them at night, as he had not to provide a cottage or board, and that was an advantage. Mr. Griffiths said that there would be some friction, especially if they put men to plough. The Englishman was responsible for the horses, all the time, but the German left off at 5.30. Mr. Harrington said that a farmer could have a German prisoner on his premises altogether and be responsible for him, if he wished. Mr. Griffiths said that when they were com- pelled to put the men on piece work they were a dead loss. Work which he had had done at iod. a drill had cost him is. 6d. a drill with German labour. Pays Farmers To Feed Them. 1 Mr. Harrington said that if that was the opinion of farmers the only thing for them to do was not to have them. In the majority of cases the Germans were much better than soldier agriculturists. They might arrange to let the farmers have German labour at 5d. per hour, but in that case they would have to pay for the whole of their time coming from and going back to the compound, as was done elsewhere, and they would find that that worked out at about gd. per hour. Transportation had to be pro- vided, and the Government could not be ex- pected to pay for that. He thought that the. the German labour would work out much cheaper than casual labour. Before they came no one would dream of having German prisoners, and now there were 47 unskilled men employed from Abergavenny. How many would have been employed if they had been skilled men ? The Chairman asked some questions about the camp at Llanddewi Skirrid. The local farmers were quite satisfied with the work of the Germans, and they were disappointed to learn that when they had got them into.the work they were to be changed. Mr. Harrington said that some of the farmers had only been employing the Germans from the Llanddewi Skirrid camp for two or three hours a day, and unless they were employed regularly they could not afford to keep them there. It was quite possible that the next lot would be more skilled agriculturists, but if any of the farmers wished to keep'ahy of the men he had been employing- he would see what could be done. 'Referring .to biie Llanvihangel camp, Mr. Harrington said that the Germans were there ior three weeks before any farmer would employ them, but when he arranged to have them re- moved they rushed for them. He did not think they could get any labour to compare with them at 7d. per hour. In reply to a vote of thanks, Mr. Harrington said that there had been a lot of naisunderstand- ing about the meals given to the Germans. It was not absolutely essential that the farmer should feed them, but the farmer found that he got nearly two or three times the work out of them, and naturally he fed them. The War Office rations had been cut down in response to public outcry, and they were not sufficient to enable a man to do a hard day's work. The Germans had their breakfast before starting, and if they brought their bit of food with them it meant that they would have nothing whue they got back at night. Farmers and Released Soldiers. In reply to questions with regard to the re- lease of agriculturists from the Army, Mr. Jones (labour officer) said that 3,000 agriculturists had been released for agricultural work, but of these only 120 had been allotted to Wales, so that Monmouthshire would not get many. Mr. Joseph Griffiths said that a farmer in the district had applied for his son on several occasions, on his being released for agricultural work, but he had been sent to a neighbouring farm instead of home. Mr. Jones said that any application for a oarticular man should be made through the committee. They could not do anything unless the man was sent to the. Cardiff depot, but as soon as they knew a man was being sent there they should put in an application for him, so that when he arrived he could be sent straight away. If there was not an application watiing for .him he might be sent somewhere else at once f Damaged Grain For Feeding A Concession. I Mr. Homfray Davies read an- important com- munication from the War Executive .Committee on the subject of damagad grain. This stated 11 -? 1. I I that it application is made toy a iarmer tor permission to use his crop for feeding purposes, and this is accompanied by a written statement (from a person whose reputation is satisfactory to you) to the effect that the crop is absolutely unfit for human food, and that the straw cannot be saved, on the receipt of such an application and report a permit will be granted without waiting for an inspection by one of the grain officers." TLis was considered by members to be a valuable concession. The Farmers' nay. I Air. Homfray Davits, in an address dealing with several matters of interest to farmers, said that this had been one of the busiest years they had ever had in the history of the Union. Re- ferring to the 1918 forage,' he said that the maximum price would have been £7 instead of /S a ton but for the strong action of the Farmers' Union. There was going to be a great scarcity of fodder, and every bit would be wanted. An I allotment committee had been set up in the county, on which farmers were represented, and of which he was secretary, and they would have to handle every ounce of hay and straw not re- quired for Army use. With regard to wheat straw and oat straw, the farmer was entitled to ios. per. ton for tvipg, and where this was not put on by fhe buyer the committee were addimg* it on their own responsibility, although they ha. been told that they were not right in doing s< £ but they were going to see that the farmer got it. Mr. Warren Davies (one of the official buyers) said that it was difficult to get farmers to apply for their hay licenses. Forage was going to be very short in the spring, and if the farmer did not hold a licence his hay would undoubtedly I be requisitioned by the Army Council. f Presentation to Mr. Warren Davies. A presentation of a handsome timepiece was made to Mr. Warren Davies in connection witk his marriage some time ago. Mr. Homfray Davies made the prescntatioJr. in appropriate terms and hoped that the re- cipient would be spared for many years to wind it up. Mr. Warren Davie- in response, expressed his appreciation of the handsome present. It had been a pleasure to work for the Union and the branch, though there were members who had done more than he had. He and his wife would always remember the kind friends who had been good enough to make that presentation. Anything he had done had only been his duty, and he was glad to know that his little efforts were appreciated. .&.

Premature Peace Announcement. A BASELESS RUMOUR. On Thursday great excitement was caused throughout the country by a rumour that an armistice with Germany had been signed. A message from Reuter's Agency, which is usually very reliable, announced that it was signed at 2.30, but this was otticially denied later, and the Press Association stated that the German envoys had not at that hour met Marshal Foch. 1101 authoritative circles in London on Thursday night there was an expectation that good news would come to hand within 48 hours. The public would be well advised to give no credence to any announcement that is not official. j*.

— T GERMAN ARMIÈS SPLIT. HEMMED IN BY ALLIES ON BOTH FLANKS. AMERICANS ENTER. SEDAN. In the area of the German retreat there were important developments on Thursday, par- ticularly on the two flanks. East of Valenciennes the British advanced along the whole front, reaching a point within eight miles of Mons and barely two miles of the outskirts of the fortress of Maubeuge, near the Franco-Belgian frontier. On the other [flank the (Americans have entered Sedan and cut the main lateral railway connecting Metz' with the German front in Belgium, thus dividing The enemy's army into two, the one north and the other south of the Ardennes. Between these two groups there is now no efficient system of communication. In the centre the French are advancing rapidly, being only three miles from Hirson. They have pushed on ten miles beyond the Aisne. The German troops in the great salient which embraces Mezieres and Hirson are, therefore, in a precarious position, being hemmed in on both flanks and having no means of escape save by way of Namur.

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES & DEATHS. DEATHS. CAPPER.-On October 30th, at Cross Park House, Ilfracombe, Hilda Kate Capper, youngest daughter of the late Edgar George Capper and Kate Capper, after a brief illness, from pneumonia, aged 13 years and 11 months. JOYCE.—On the 7th of November, at 10 Stan- hope-street, Abergavenny, Eleanor (Nellie), second daughter of W. E. Joyce, aged 20 years. MANUEL.-On the 2nd November, at 96 Ross- road, Gertrude Beatrice, loving wife of 1st A.M. B. Manuel, R.A.F., aged 26. PICKERING.—(By cable). At Cape Town Hospital, on ist November, from pneumonia, the eldest dearly beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Truscott Pickering, Auckland House, Gil- wern, and grandson of Dr. and Mrs. Peirce, now of Weston-super-Mare, aged 28 years. WARRENDER.—On October 29th, at Spring Wells, Ross-road, Eliza, widow of the late Thomas Smallwood Warrender. KILLED IN ACTION. FISHER.—On October 4th, 1918, neat St. Quentin, L.-Cpl. Alfred Ernest Fi§her (Ernie), the very dearly loved husband of Edith E. Fisher and son of Mr. W. Fisher, White Castle, Llantilio Crossenny, aged 29 years. Deeply mourned. IN MEMORIAM. BOWDEN.—In Loving Memory cf Pte. H. J. (Bertie) BQwden,. 2nd Welsh Regiment, the beloved son of Wm. and Mary Bowden, 20 Princes-street, who was killed in action in France November 9th, 1917. Could we have raised his dying head Or heard his last Farewell, The grief would not have been so hard For his mother who loved him dearly. From Father, Mother, Willie, Reg. and Alice. GOODALL.- In Loving Memory of dear Phyllys, who departed this life November gth, 1915. God takes our loved ones from our homes. But never from our hearts. Sadly missed by her Mama and Dada.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. Mr. and Mrs. Batten, Victoria-street, wish to thank all kind friends for sympathy in their recent sad bereavement, also for floral tributes. 1St A.M. B. Manuel, R.A.F., and family wish to thank all friends for sympathy shown in their recent sad bereavement, also for floral tributes sent. Mr. Lees and family, i Fair Glen, Grosvenor- road, wish to thank all kind friends, for then- sympathy and floral tributes sent in their sad bereavement. The family of the late Mrs. Powell, Bryn Hyfryd, North-street, desire to thank all friends for letters of sympathy in their sad bereavement, also for floral tributes sent. Mr. W. Vaughan and family wish to thank all kind friends for sympathy and floral tributes sent in their recent sad bereavement. Marsh's Cottage, Llanfoist. Mr. J. Williams and, family wish to thank those who sent wreaths and expressio;is of sym- pathy in their recent bereavement. Post Office, Llanfoist.

V old one will Y 0 U YOUR old one will V/ -L serve yon faith- ^■ fully for a long time vet, D 4 if ? let me REPAIR Tt\ ?f?n t asd RE-COVER it.. amd 1-1,, LI C o v l?,, p, it. ?? ??? Besides, it will cost you -v- j much less than buying a ee d new Umbrella. R. J. HARRHY ai Th Umbrella Hospital, I I 5, HIGH 8IREET, New ABERGAVENNY. Umbrella!