Abergavenny Chronicle

ABERGAVENNY COTTAGE HOSPITAL. I 17th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. I The 17th annual general meeting of the governing body of the Victoria Cottage Hospital, Abergavenny, was held on Wednesday afternoon' Mr. J. O. Marsh (chairman of the Management Commltee) presiding. There were also present, Mr. D. H. James (hon. treasurer), Mr. A. M. Cunliffe (hon. sec.), Dr. Glendinning, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Foster, Mrs. Lawson, Mrs. Steel and Mr. W. E. Norris. Annual Report and Accounts. I The annual report of the Committee of Management stated that though the patients treated had been less in number than the last few years, the number of operations performed was the largest since the Hospital was opened. While the total annual expenditure in 1912 was within £ 500, it had risen each year till it was ^633 in 1918. This was the most .significant feature of the finances of the Hospital during the past few years. The income under most of the headings kept up well, chiefly and especially the donations, which benefited by the substantial sum of ^77 17s. 7d. from Alexandra Rose Day. The Committee wished to renew an expression of thanks to all who helped this year, especially to Mrs. Pegler and the other ladies who took upithe work with extra and much appreciated zeal. Among other receipts figuring as donations were £ 25 and £ 10, which the Committee were glad to I see, and which gave qualification for three new life governorships. A life governorship also fell j to a gentleman who had always been a very I liberal supporter of the Hospital, Mr. W. L. Thomas, of Tredilion. To support the local patriotism of Abergavenny and to very materi- I ally help the Hospital, Mr. Thomas presented the Hon. Treasurer, during Tank Week in July ) last, with the means to buy War Savings Cer- tificates from which the Hospital funds would. benefit four years hence by the handsome sum I of £ 200. The Workmen's Hospital Saturday Fund, the Committee were pleased to see, revert ) to their former donation of £ 10, and they wel- ) comed with their thanks the ^10 from a new contributor, the local Horticultural and Allot- ments Association. Arising out of the war came to the Hospital, at the close of the year, a further £ 16 is., most of it as mementos of gratitude and thanksgiving following the signing of the armistice. The number of in-patients treated at the Hospital was 84, and the number of their days in during 1918 was 2,015. The number of out-patients was -44. The cost of each patient averaged 6s. nd. per day, and the cost per bed was £ 12.2 4s. id. The balance sheet showed that the total re- ceipts were ^882 9S. id., this including the following items Subscriptions, £ 216 3s. 6d. donations, L165 4s. 7d. congregational collec- tions, £ 75 17s. 7d. in-patients, ^120 2s. out- patients, £ 13 5s. 1 id. endowments, (122 17S. gd. The expenditure amounted to £ 703 16s. 8d., and included Provisions, £ 161 6s. id. house- hold expenses, £ 216 3s. 5d. establishment charges, £ 193 8s. nd. miscellaneous payments, £ 28 gs. id. surgery, £ 56 13s. 5d. and there was a balance in the hands of the hon. treasurer I of £16'8 12s. 5d., compared with £154 17s. 9d. last year. I Expenses Considerably Increased. I The Chairman, in proposing the adoption of the report and accounts, said that they might be alarmed to find that the expenses were over 1700, compared with L532 in 1914. When they dissected the items, however, they could easily see that the difference was accounted for by the general increase in cost. It was a pleasant sur- prise to find, however, that the expenses of pro- visions were rather less than the year before, even though things were dearer, and this showed excellent management. iioo of the household expenses were. accounted for by repairs and up- keep. He was glad to see that they were able to finish up with a rather better balance, and this was accounted for by one or two unusual dona- tions, including nearly £80 from Alexandra Rose Day and -125 from another source. They ought to make Alexandra Rose Day a great source of revenue to the Hospital and bring in all the parishes round. He also suggested the institu- tion of the dinner table collection as a means of assisting the Hospital. Dr. Glendinning seconded the adoption of the report and' accounts, and the proposition was carried. On the proposition of Mr. D. Howell James, seconded by Mrs. Lawson, Lady Herbert of Coldbrook was re-elected president. Dr. Glendinning proposed the re-election of the hon. medical staff, with thanks for their services which had been carried out so efficiently. Mr. W. E. orris seconded and it was carried. The name of Mr. Nicholls was added as an hon. dentist. The Chairman moved the re-election of Mr. D. H. James as Hon. Treasurer, and hoped the time would be far distant when they would have to consider the appointment of a successor. Mr. Edwin Foster seconded and it was carried. Dr. Glendinning proposed the re-election of .the Hon. Secretary, Mr. A. M. Cunliffe, remark- ing that it was a very onerous position and the time would come when they would have to pay for the work. Mr. Norris seconded the proposition, which was carried, and Sir. Cunliffe, in returning thanks, intimated that this would be his last year of office. Sir. Iltyd Gardner was re-elected hon. solicitor, and Mr. W. M. Chadwick hon. auditor, and thanks were accorded to Mr. Morgan Jones for stepping into the breach and auditing the accounts during the last two years. Mr. D. H. James proposed a vote of thanks to the lady house visitors and the staff of the Hospital. The Chairman, in seconding, said that they were greatly indebted to the staff for carrying on so successfuIly, and especially to the Matron for keeping the housekeeping accounts within such a reasonable amount. Dr. Glendinning proposed that the salaries of the Matron, Miss Thompson, and Sister Jones, be increased by £ 10 each, and all three ladies present seconded, the proposition being carried. The Rev. J. P. Milhvard and Mr. C. O. Cotton were elected on the Management Committee in place of the Revs. G wily 111 Davies and Yorwerth Davies, resigned, and the other 10 members were re-elected en bloc. Restrictions on Helping the Hospital. I Mr. D. H. James brought up the question oi a footnote to a rule as follows Persons pro- posing any collection or entertainment for the Cottage Hospital are particularly requested to communicate beforehand with the hon. sec." Three months ago it was suggested that they should add words which would disarm any suggestion of harshness, and the following addi- tion was approved at a quarterly meeting :— This is not intended to discourage their efforts, but to prevent the name of the Cottage Hospital being improperly used in appeals to the public without the sanction of the committee." The Chairman said that something ought to be done to empower two or three to sanction, or otherwise, any offer to help the Hospital. Mr. Cunliffe said there ought to be a letter written to the Press explaining what the pro- cedure was for the public in this matter. There was a great deal of feeling in the town at the present time. He thought it would be well if a definite line was laid down as to what the public were expected to do when they wanted to do something for the Hospital. It was decided that all applications be referred to the Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer, with power to act, and it was agreed to add the words proposed by Mr. James. A vote of thanks was accorded the Chairman, who, in response, said that he had always taken a deep interest in the Hospital and he hoped he should be able to continue to do so for some time to conjee. —

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES & DEATHS. MARRIAGE. CRUMP—BEVERIDGE.—On the 5th March, at Frogmore Street Baptist Chapel, Aberga- venny, by the Rev. G. Davies, M.A., assisted by the Rev. J. P. Milhvard, Lieut. H. N. C. Crump, Canadian Railway Troops, son of the late Rev. T. Crump, East Pennard, and Mrs. Crump, Bruton, Somerset, to Kathleen Mary, younger daughter of the late Thomas Beve- ridge and Mrs. Beveridge, Carlton, Avenue- road, Abergavenny. DEATHS. CROSS.-On 5th March, at 2 Monk-street, Samuel Cross, Consulting Engineer for Abergavenny Gas Works, in his 87th year. CROOK.—On March 1st, 1919, at No. 4 Station- ary Hospital, Longuese, France, from bronchial pneumonia, George Hubert, beloved and only son of A. Crook, 16 King-street. Deeply mourned. jo.NF,S.-Februarv 26th, suddenly, at Hamp- stead, Jane Francis Jones, recently of Had- low," Llanwenarth Citra, widow of the Rev. George Baynon Jones, late Rector of Llan- gattock Lingoed. Buried at Bettws Newydd, March 5th. LEWIS.—On the 4th March, Arthur Owen, infant son of William and Edith Lewis, of Brynygwenin, aged 5 mouths. MORGAN—On the 5th March, at Troedyrhiw Cottage, Govilon, Henry John Morgan, son of the late Mr. John Morgan, Builder, Aberga- venny, aged 70 years. Deeplv lamented. ROSS.-On February 27th, at 153 Caerau-road, Caerau, Mary Ross, beloved wife of James Ross and eldest daughter of the late John Redwood, Abergavenny, in her 43rd year. SF,ABRIGHT.-At Norfolk House, Monmouth- road, Abergavenny, Mary Dorothy (Dolly), dearly-beloved daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Seabright. FORTEY.—On the 15th February, at Little Glanusk, Llanellen, after a long lingering illness patiently bourne, ¡ I Elizabeth, widow of the late John White House, Llanfoist, in her 87th kyear. Deeply mourned by her I Children. GRIFFITHS.—On March 3rd, 1919, at 28 Victoria-street, Maude Beatrice, I beloved daughter of William Griffiths. I I -I JACKSON.—On 1st March, 1919, at Cobden Place, Albert -road, Aberga- venny, George Jackson, in his 65th year. ——————— J ACKSON.-On 2nd March, 1919, at Cobden Place, Albert-road, Aberga- venny, Ivor John Jackson, Sergeant in Royal Flying Corps, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. George Jackson, aged 23 years. Deeply mourned by Widowed Mother, Sons, Daughters, Brothers and Sisters

I —— + PALM SUNDAY.—Order now! Wreaths, Crosses and Floral Designs made, by Practical Florist with Choicest Flowers in season.—PERCY FRASER, Florist and Seedsman.ild

ABERGAVENNY DEATHS. I THREE FAMILIAR FIGURES PASS AWAY. This week three familiar figures at Aberga- I venny have passed away in the persons of the Rev. Father Charles Austin Wray, Mr. George Jackson, and Mr. Samuel Cross. REV. FATHER C. A. WRAY. I Father Wray. who had officiated at a funeral as recently as the previous Wednesday, seems to have taken a chill which accentuated his lung trouble and proved fatal on Sunday. The rev. gentleman, who was 68 years of age, would this year have had the triple distinction of celebrating his golden jubilee (50 years) in the Order of St. Benedict, his silver jubilee (25 years) as priest in charge of St. Michael's, Abergavenny, and his majority (21 years) as a member of the Aberga- venny Board of Guardians. Though he had his little idiosyncracies, he was much respected by all who knew him ior his strict integrity and fidelity of purpose. He was most thorough and conscientious in all his dealings, and in public or private matters, having deliberately formed his own conclusions, he was not easily dissuaded from his purpose. Those who were opposed to him on questions of policy or principle found him a doughty protagonist. His was a dominating personality in debate, and his demise will create a personal void at the meetings of the Board of Guardians." Space does not permit us to do justice to his .Work as a Guardian for over 20 years. Sufficd it to say that he carried outehis duties with the greatest assiduity and zeal and his persistent attitude of opposition on the Workhouse question will be remembered. Father Wray had a rare sense of humour, a ready wit, and was fond of apt repartee. Many people came in contact with Father Wray, but it was only his few intimates who knew the real man and were aware of the kindliness of heart which lay beneath a somewhat rugged exterior. His piety and rigid adherence to the principles he espoused were phenomenal. He will be greatly missed in many circles, but nowhere so much as among his own fiock, to whom he was in the highest sense a father. His unostentatious goodness to the sick and needy was not generally known, but there were many homes to which his practical ministrations aud help brought great comfort. The funeral took place on Thursday, requiem mass being conducted at the church by the Abbott of Ampleforth, Yorkshire, where Father Wray entered the Order in his early days. A report of the funeral will be published next week. MR. GEORGE JACKSON. I The circumstances attending the death .of Mr. George Jackson, of Cobden Place, were particu- brlv sad. He had been suffering from asthma for some time and his health < was seriously affected when his youngest son, Ivor, who had been in the Army since the commencement of the war, came home on February iSth from I Egypt and took to his bed with double pneu- monia. Mr. Jackson collapsed on Saturday evening and his son died Oil the following morniftg. Mr. Geo. Jackson, who was 04 years of age, was a well-known and much respected resident of the town. For over 30 years he was with the late Sir. James Straker, auctioneer. from which position he retired a few years ago. He took a great interest in public life, though not an active part in it. He was a prominent member of the Gweiiynen Gerddi Gwcnt Lodge of Oddfellows and officiated as treasurer for many years. An able accountant, his services were often requisitioned as an auditor. The only public office he held was that of membership of the Llantilio Pertholey Parish Council, and he took much interest in parish matters. The de- ceased brought up a family of 10, with credit. Ivor, who was 23 years of age, was in* the Royal Flying Corps, was sent to Salonica in 1910 as sergeant-in-charge of workshops, and Sub- sequently was transferred to Egypt, where he took his pilot certificate. He had not been home for 21 years, and in consequence of having to [ travel in open cattle trucks through the ice and snow of the Alps, only came home to die. The double funeral took place on Thursday and will be reported in our next issue, ) MR. SAMUEL CROSS. i I Mr. Samuel Cross, a familiar figure at Aberga- I venny for half a century, died on Wednesday at the age of nearly 87. He had served the town for 52 years in connection with the Gas Works. He was appointed in 1867 as Gas Slanager, and for 41 years he very successfully conducted the undertaking to the benefit of the ratepayers, and since his retirement, a.bout I I years ago, had acted as consulting gas engineer. Sir. Cross was a gentleman in the highest sense of the term and his courtesy at all times, was unfailing. One of his sons, Mr. Fred Cross, is one of the greatest experts in the country on gas production. He is at present manager of the Leabridge Gas Works, one of the biggest municipal undertakings in London, and some years ago was offered the managership of the Continental Gas Company which supplies gas to many of the chief cities on the Continent. The funeral of the late Sir. j Cross took place this afternoon.

T —— Held Over.-The report of the Abergavenny Farmers' Union annual meeting and other re- ports are held over owing to pressure of space. I

A SNUG UTTLE KINGDOM." I Though we have not space to deal with the performance of the Bohemian comedy A Snug Little Kingdom at the Town Hall on last (Thursday) evening, it may be said that it is a clever piece capitally performed by local artistes who are well fitted to their respective parts, 'and those who would like an excellent evening's entertainment cannot do better than visit the Town Hall for the second performance to-night.

GOVILON. I WAR SIEMORXAL.—A largely attended meeting was held at the Salisbury Institute on the 17th ult. to consider proposals for a war memorial. Sir. Gower Andrews presided. The suggestion most favoured was that of a recreation ground for the village. A strong committee has been formed and the work is being taken up with great enthusiasm. WRISTLET WATCH FUN-D.kt the Village Hall on Thursday last, Lieut. F. Waldock, Tyclyd, was presented by the Wristlet Watch Committee with a fountain pen. The Rev. T. P. Clarke presided over a crowded house.

———— T ———— I The South Wales Branch of the National Institute for the Blind, 98, Queen Street, Cardiff, (Hon. Treasurer, Sir Arthur Pearson, Bart., G.C.B.E.) solicit contributions to help Blinded Soldiers and Civilians, and will be grateful to sympathisers who will organise Entertainments or Flag Days. A Film depicting Blinded Soldiers at Work and at Play can be lent to Cinemas who will kindly make a collection for he cause. I

County Council: New Local Members. Friday last was nomination day in connection with the fortlJconling Count y Council election, but not much interest was taken in the district in the matter, and many people were probably unaware that an election was pending. There are four County Council divisions in this di-- trict, but in hone of them will there be a contes: For Abergavenny North and South, respectively, Sir. J. o. Slarsh and Col. J. H. G. Harris again offered their services and neither was opposed, though up to nomination day there was a likeli- hood of another candidate. Councillor P. Telford having been pressed to come forward. In the Llinfoist division Sir. Dtvd Gardner retired, and. the only nomination was that of Sir. Edward Davies, solicitor, of Sunnyside. Mardv. Sir. W. H. S. Whitney did not seek re-election in the Llanvihangel division, and Sir. Warren Davies, of Old Court, was nominated unopposed in his e. •»

Presentation.—At the Corn Exchange ou Wednesday evening presentations were made in connection with the local Football War Relief Committee. The Committee presented Sir. ]. Allen with a silver-mounted umbrella as a token of appreciation of his services in auditing the accounts for the past 4} years. The presenta- tion was appropriately made by Sir. C. B. Cornhill (chairman of the committee), and Mr. Allen, in response, said that it had entailed a lot of work to check the books and letters, bur he had found everything straight and above board. The Committee had done excellent work, and the amount raised for various objects was 1,200. The members of the two ladies' football teams presented their captains—Sliss Slapson and Sliss Barrel!—with framed photos, of the teams, the presentations being made by Sir. W. Crutchley, who also on behalf of the teams pre- sented the hon. sec., Mr. F. W. Blanch, with a photo. In doing so he paid a high tribute to the secretary for the hard work he had done in this connection and said that between /400 and /5c" > had been raised for war charities by football matches alone. Mr. Blanch, in response, said that he had always found the ladies ready and willing to help a good cause. A vote of thanks was accorded Sir. Crutchley for making the presentation, on the proposition of Sir. C H. Blackmore, seconded bv Sir. W. Davies. JL

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. Mrs. Jackson and family most sincerely thank the many friends who so thoughtfully sent expressions of sympathy in the sad bereave- ments sustained during the past week. They also wish to convey they deep gratitude for the numerous, beautiful, floral tributes, and for the many acts of kindness so willingly rendered, all of which contributed to relieve the acute suffer- ing of their double loss, under such, painful cir- cumstances. Cobden Place. Abergavenny.

TOWN HALL ATTRACTIONS. On Slondav next. March 10th, and during the week, Sir. Dudley Harcourt presents a return visit of Sir. John 6. Millward and his Company, who made a big impression with local playgoers Christmas week with Betty Wakes IJp." This visit the play. are Slondav and Saturday, The Girl Slarry Tuesday, The Slan of Iron Wednesday and Thurs- day, a most charming comedy, Pat and on Friday, by request, the ever popular East Friday, Popular prices are 3."ab The rule-- 1/6, ill- and 7d. (tax extra).

THE MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS Slondav, March ir.Tump Tavern 11.30. Thursday, Slarch Taly- coed 11.30. -10.

CRICKHOWELL. I ENTERTAINMENT.—A fine entertainment in aid of the Welcome Home Fund for local sailors and soldiers, was given by the Crickhowell Pierrettes in the Clarence Hall, Crickhowell, on Monday evening. There was a large and ap- preciative audience. The troupe amusingly sang Entertainers Gay," and the duet by Messrs. E. Jones and G. F. Loam, What, What, What ? was much enjoyed. Sliss H. V. Loam sang Roses of Picardy," The Song of the Kettle," and Khaki or Blue in very good style. Sliss L. Price and Sliss F. Jones contri- buted songs. The humorous songs of Mr. E. Jones and Mr. Gerald Loam were decidedly good. and the Misses C. and I. Prosser assisted. "Bang Bang by the troupe fittingly completed a bright miscellaneous programme. The latter part was a farce in three scenes, Apartments To Let," in which the characters were :-A.irs. Gobble (landlady), Sirs. G. Parham Sirs. Chop- pington (shopkeeper), Sliss 1. Prosser Lavinia Choppington (Miss Black), Sirs. S. Langford Eunice Choppington (Sliss White), Sliss C. Prosser Afatilda, the Boarding-house Slavey, Miss E. Meale. The entertainment generally reflected the highest credit upon Sir. R. P. Griffiths, headmaster, Church Schools, and Sir. G. L. Loam, accompanist. M.

I ABERGAVENNY CONSTITUTIONAL CLUB. An enjoyable smoking concert was held at Abergavenny Constitutional Club on Wednesda" evening, when a presentation of a handsome gold watch was made to Corpl. R. (J..Norton, DCS!. The watch, which was a full-jewelled Engli.sl; lever in heavy i8ct. gold case, and was supplied by Sir. A. Lyons, bore the following inscription Presented to Corpl. R. G. Norton, R.T.C., bv the members of the Abergavenny Constitutional Club, as a token of their esteem 011 his gaining the D.C.M. on the field, Oct. 5th, 1918." On the outside case the initials R.G N. were engraved, in large monogram Sir. John Prichard presided over a large attendance, and in making the presentation said that out of a membership of 200 they had no il'" than 90 volunteers, six of whom had been killed. He welcomed those who had returnld home, and congratulated those who had gained honours, including Lieut. Leggott. who had been awaided the SI.SI., and Corpl. R c. Norton. In handing over the watch he wished Corpl. Norton everv happiness and prosperity in the future. Mr. Dawson Griffiths read the record of Corpl. Norton, who went to France in June, 191: the age of 19 and served with the Tank*Corps "Il the Somme, Slonchy and SIormal Forest. Sir. Griffiths described how on the loth of August last Corpl. Norton's tank was put out of action in No man's land," by a shell, and how the crew were shelled in abandoning it. Cpl. Nort'-n went to the rescue of the oiffcer who was severelv wounded, and on his hands and knees succeeded in carrying him as far as the Hindenburg trenches and afterwards, with assistance, got him to the dressing station. Slajor Raikes, of the Tank Corps, wrote :—" Slany congratulations 011 your getting the D.C.M. I am extremely pleased, that you have got it. and I know few recipients who deserve it more. Your fine example to all ranks in staying with 2nd Lieut. Van Slillingev on the loth August, and your magnificent durance that your showed with 2nd Livii, Pavey is worthy of the highest traditions, and I wish you all luck in your Army career and look to you to instil into all ranks who come under your ommand the same devotion to duty. The lanyard that Corpl. Norton was wearing was the Tank equivalent to a bar to the medal. The whole battalion was paraded for the presen- tation, which was made by no less a person tbáj, General Elles, G.O.C. Tank Corps The winning of the honour meant that Corpl. Norton had driven tanks for 24 consecutive hours, two or them }la dI been knocked out of action )r _Ilocke'l direct shell hits. Mr. H. Lyons, who subsequent!y look l? chair, also paid a tribute to Corpl. Norton, who in reply said that it gave him great pleasure t-. be a member of the Club, and he hoped to spend many happy hours there in the future, as he had in the past. He thanked the members for their handsome present, and he would look on it in. the years to come with great pride. However, the little act for which he won the D.C.M. only done in performance of his duty. An enjoyable musical programme was L,i,re through, and some capital songs were sung

"Pearl, the Fishermaiden. CAPITAL PERFORMANCE BY HOLY TRINITY CHILDREN. On Thursday evening last children if the Holy Trinity Sunday School gave a capital per- formance before a large and appreciative audience of the operetta, in three acts, entitled Pearl, The Fishermaiden." The children generally acquitted themselves admirably and the performance reflected great credit on Sirs. Pavord and Sir. Douglas Singer, who had taken infinite paius in training the performers. Sliss Bown was at the pianoforte. Sliss M. Jackson in the title role was a distinct success and acted with much charm. Miss Ivy Morris as Filette, as usual, discharged her part very gracefully and her singing was loudly applauded. Miss G. Jones, as Dame Whelk, and Slaster E. Evans as Daddy Whelk put some spirit into their parts and contributed well to the amusement. The parts of King Alphonzo and Lorenzo were well taken respectively by Mr. C. Lewis and Mr. N- Best, and Slaster R Walsh and Master T. Lewis contributed their quota to the spirit of levity in the parts of Wat Tizzit and Limerickius. During an interval Sliss. V. Perry gave a dainty skirt dance and Sliss E. Probert, who has a remarkable voice for her years and gives great promise of being a first-class singer, contributed There's a Land and By the Waters and was encored on each occasion I