Abergavenny Chronicle

HIGH-CLASS CONCERTS; ABERGAVENNY'S RICH" MUSICAL TREAT. The Abergavenny Attractions and Improve- ment Association tried their first venture on Wednesday, when high-class concerts were given in the Town Hall by one of the best-known concert parties, direct from London, ooinprisirg Miss Ada Forrest, the renowned South African soprano Miss Lena Kontorovitch, the brilliant violinist and Shapiro, the famous pianist and conductor. A matinee performance had been arranged as an experiment, for the convenience of the people residing in the surrounding country I districts, but the attendance was very dis- appointing and not at all encouraging to the Association to cater for people living outside the town. Those who were present thoroughly en- joyed the good things provided for them and were not slow lo show their appreciation in en- cores, and those who were absent will, unfor- tunately, remain in ignorance of the ricft treat which- they missed. The attendance in the evening was much better, though, considering the really high-class nature of the concert, it was not so large as it ought to have been. It is true that the weather was very unfavourable, but the hall ought to have been p icked for such c n j unusual attraction. The auvience were even more rapturous in their enthusiasm in the even- ing than in the afternoon, and every single item was encored, while one or two evoked double I encores. The brilliant singing cf Miss Ada j Forrest, the wonderful artistry of Kontorovitch I who made the soul of the instrument respond to I her expressive touch, and the mastery of Shaprio at the pi moforte all in turn delighted the audience, who repeatedly called for more. A I fine concert was finely concluded with the play- 1 ing by Shapiro (by request) of Scriabine's I Nocturue for the left hand alone, which he per- formed at the afternoon concert. It should be mentioned, in justice to Shapiro, that owing to transport difficulties the Steinway pianoforte on wnicli he usually plays was not sent to Aber- gavenny, and though he distinguished himself with the Evard which is the property of Mr. C W. Harris, it was only natural to expect that he could not get the full colour effects as from a pianoforte specially selected and prepared for solo pianoforte work of the highest order. Mr. W. R. Carr, A.R.C.O., was the accompanist for Miss Ada Forrest and Kontorovitch, and judiciously performed his duties. From a musical point of view the concerts were a triumph, and no. doubt the Association will feel well rewarded by the knowledge that they de- lighted their patrons and by the fact that the concerts show an earnest of their intention to provide the highest possible fare for the local public. If the public want occasional treats of this character, then they must support tl:e Association by their attendance, for such events are expensive attractions to provide, and first- class artistes of this standing will not come to Abergavenny unless it is worth their while. The Association do not expect to make big profits from concerts of this character, but they might reasonably expect the expenses to be amply covered, and it is perhaps a little unfortunate that the Association will be out of pocket on their first venture. Still, they will not be dis- courage d for the future, though the nature of the attractions they provide must depend on the amount of public support they receive.

ABERGAVENNY AND BLAENAVON I NOMINATIONS. I Nominations were received on Thursday for the election of Guardians at Abergavenny and Blaenavou, there being five seats to fill at Aber- gavenny and seven at Blaenavon There were two Vucancies. in the representation of Aberga- venny, caused by the deaths of Father Wray and Mr George Davies, and three of the old BIacu- aven members were not nominated It seemed at o -e time on Thursday that there -w otild not be sufficient nominations at Abergavenny, but at the close there was one llominltioa too many. However, it is expected that there will be a with- drawal, ??o that a contest will not be necessary. Tnere 'wcr eight nominations for the seven BlaClkvo!1 sca:, but a withdrawal is anticipated here and a contest not likely. The following are i iiiii at ioiic, I I Abergavenny. I I  airs. Hiley, widow, Kozelle •; proposer, Alfred Williams, seconder, Alfred] olm Edwards. Col. Win. Williams, The Ha 11 proposer, Dr. W. D. Steel seconder, Rev. J. P. Milhvard. Robert Workman, locomotive engine driver, proposer, Rev. J. R. Phillips seconder, Mr. W. Devereux. Caroline Jenkins, widow, Westgate Buildings proposer. Ald. Z. Wlieatley; seconder, O. J. Owen.. James Lewis, retired relieving officer. Llwvn- celyn proposer, T. W. Beveridge seconder, F. J. Mansfield. James Harrison, gentleman, Moreton pro- poser, A. J. Edwards seconder, Louisa Hiley. Kate Adamson Findlay, married woman, The Cloisters proposer, C. H. Hill; seconder, H. Berry. Blaenavon. vvm. JUorris, insurance superintendent. 1). Watkins, licensed victualler. H. J. Gwilfim, outfitter. N. Pullin, gentleman. Joseph Howells, travelling draper. Stanley Rees Thorne, manager. William J es, checkweigher. John Arthur Bowen, grocer.

j RURAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS ONLY ONE CONTEST. For the Rural Council elections. nominations have been put in for only 19 of the 29 seats, and in the remaining 10 parishes the present members therefore continue to act for another year. Only one contest is threatened, and that is at Llan- vihangel Crucorney, where there are three aspirants for the one seat, none of whom has previously contested it. The following are the nominations 14 anvihangel Crucorney John Phillip", Pandy Inn Joseph Griffiths, farmer, Wcrn- gifford H. E. Preedy, railway signalman. Llangattock-juxta-Usk—Win. Haines, solici- tor's managing clerk. Abergavenny Rural—John Prichard, Clen- dower. Llanwenarth Citra- Alfred John Edwards, retired farmer. Llanwenarth Ultra (2)—Rev. D. F. Walters, Baptist Minister"; John Gwillim, miner. Cw-myoy Upper-—Matthew J. Knight, estate bailiff. Cwt-nyoy. lower-]Z. J. Nott, farmer. Llantllen— John Jenkins, farmer. LI an over—Leslie R. Pym, estate agent (in place of Thos. Thomas). Llantilio Pertholey— John Baynam, farmer; Edgar W. Lewis, farmer. XLmfoist—Rev. H. Morice- J ones (in place of Mr. Benjamin Price). Grosmont (two)—Garnet E. Bevan, engineer, and Edwin Eynon, farmer. Llangua—Alfred James, farmer. Llangattock lingoed-Walter Johnson, f irmer Llanvair Kilgeddin—Roger Morgan, farmer.

PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS. I The following are the results of the Parish I Council elections which have come to hand Llanwenarth Ultra— John Bayliss, C. G. Gwillym, Gco. Hy. Hughes, Trevor Jenkins, Edwin Jones, Wm. Morgan, John Morris, Chas. Nicliolls, Wm. Pritchard, Wm. Vaughan and Rev. D. F. Walters. Llaufoist—H. J. Rice, D. W: Watts, H. Morice Joiie.^E, C. Prosser, Benjamin J. Tye, Edward Morris and Albany Jenkins. Llantilio Pertholey--Alf. Geo. Greenfc, Wm. B. Dixon, G. C. Williams, Alf. John Lewis, H. S. Preece, Mrs. Lawson, Wm. West, Wm. Steen, W. L. Thomas, E. F. Walker and Arthur Evans. Llanover—Wm. David, Caleb Durham, Wm. Lewis, P. B. James, D. A. Lewis, Stephen Price, and Oswald Lewis. Llanvihangel Crucorney—T. Arrowsmith, Geo. Watkins, Geo. Caldicott, Wm. Hy. Wood, John Phillips, H. E. Preedy, Joseph Griffiths. Andrew Price and Rev. Watcyn M. Price. Grc)imoiit--W. H. Baker, Garnet E. Bevan, John Bryan, C. A. Dupper, Edwin Eynon, Thos. Farr, John Llewellyn, Chas. Vaughan and C. A Vinson. I

FIGURES. I THE P.RUDNTIAL'S 198 FIGURES. The various branches of the Prudential Assurance Co.'s operations for the past year give evidence of the substantial business done by this leading company. In the ordinary branch the number of life policies in force on the 31st of December, 1918, was 957,189, assuring with bonus the huge sum of /ii3,726,99i. The im- mediate annuities payable are 3,896 in number rnd amount to ^129,433 per annum. There has been a considerable demand for short term en- dowment assurances, under which the sum assured is payable in 5 per cent. War Stock and War Bonds. The new policies issued in the ordinary* branch number 84,453, and the claims paid during the year total /1,802,043. There are no less than 22,256,570 policies in the in- dustrial branch and the claims paid and endow- ments matured during the year total -(5,091,746. A sum of £ 4,928,796 has been paid in war claims since 1914 and £ 650,000 for influenza claims in November and December last. The National Insurance b, n .fits paid to date amount to /8,500,000 and the total invested funds now ex- ceed £ 109,000,000. The local supt. is Mr. J. Willcox, Morningside, Fosterville Crescent, and Mr. W. A. Flower, Blorenge View, is the assistant supt. for Abergavenny.

COUNTY ALDERMEN: LABOUR I SWEEPS THE BOARD. I lyaDour representatives now noiei ine majority on the Monmouthshire County Council as a result of the recent elections, and at the meeting of the County Council on Tuesday they swept- the board in the filling of the 10 vacant aldermanic seats, capturing the whole of them. The follow- ing were the ones elected by ballot :—Messrs. A. Onions (Tredegar), T. Richards (Cardiff), J. Woodward (Pontywain), J. Powell (Risca), James Manning (Blaina), James Winstone (Pont- newynydd), D. Hughes (Tredegar), Albert Thomas (Tredegar), Levi Harris (Abertillery), and W. C. Watkins (Garndiffaith). The unsuccessful Aldermen seeking re-election were: S. N. Jones, O.B.E., 22 votes; Thomas Parry, 21 Col. Curre, 14 W. S. Nash, 17; John Edwards, 11 Michael Gorman, 8 David Jones, 9 Col. Wm. Williams, 8 Moses Walters, 3; S. T. Griffin, 4; H. Morgan Davies, 1 L- Foster Stedman, 1.

Singers Wanted.—Tne Abergavenny Glee | Society intend competing in the mixed choral competition at the Abergavenny Eisteddfod on Easter Monday, and are anxious to do credit to the town. More singers of all p t s are required, especially tenor and bass. Those willing to assist are requested to attend the rehearsals at the Frogmore-street Lecture Hall on Sunday and j Monday evenings, or to give their names to Mr. A. J. Willcox, the conductor. | New L. & N. W. General Manager. Says the Western Mail :—" In the railway world Mr. 1. T. Williams, the new manager of the London & -North Western, is familiarly known as I.T.' He is a clever Welshman with a gift for organ- isation and an instinct for conciliation." Mr. Williams is an Abergavenny man and formerly was on the L. & N. W. stan of the Abergavenny district.

-_h_h- [ CRICKHOWELL. OBITUARY.—The h"5 occurred ot Mrs. Price, dres«m:'ktr, Ncw-ro: d, Cri< khovvvl], and an old and respected resident. She was the widow of the late Mr. Harry Price. The funerrl took place on Wednesday at St. Edmund's Church. On Sunday Miss Doris Mabel Brum- ncll, eldest surviving daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Bruntndl, 20 Llanbcdr-rocd, Crickhowcll, pass-id away at 1 lie ogc of 27. She was held E1 high esteem. For some time Miss Bruntnell was engaged in nursing wrrk at Penyore Hospital and latterly at Brecon Infirmary, and was about to 1 ke up a similar appointment at Swansea Hospital. Her brother, Pte. Bert Bruntnell, only recently returned home from overseas. The funeral took place on Wednesday at St. Edmund's. The death has also occurred of Mrs. J ones, Glasfryn, wife of Mr. John Jones, formetly of Llwyneelyn, and well known and esteemed in the Llangyuidr and Crickhowcll districts. Mr. Jones is a member of the Agricultural Executive,' and served on the Crickhowcll Military Tribunal JUNIOR FOOTBAIX—Quite an interesting match was played at Porthmawr on Saturday between Crickhowell Schools XI. and Aberga- venny Grammar School A." Play in tl c first half was even, but in the second moiety Powell scored for Abergavenny and Evans added a second. E. Jones played well for Crickhowell in goal, and one of the features of the game Was the way he tipped a hot shot from Powell over the bar. Abergaveuny as a team combined better than Crickhowell, who were best represented by John Price (captain), Nash (back) and R. Leonard and B. Watkins. Two or three of their players can be substituted with advantage. Mr. C. F. Leonard, the old CrickhcAvell Rugby and Association player, who saw arduous service in France with the colours, refereed. Result Abergavenny, 2 goals Crickhowell, nil.

Abergavenny Rural Parish Meeting. The annual parish meeting was held at Mr. Farquhar's offices, Market-street, Abergavenny, on Monday. There was an average attendance of rural ratepayers. Appointment of 11 Parish Councillors. Mr. J. O. Marsh, J.P., C.C., Mr. J. M. Joneis, J.P., Dr. N. R. Phillips, Mr. Frank Facey, Mr. John Prichard, Mr. David Rees (16 Cross-st.), Mr. Arthur Rogers (Red Barn), Mr. Wm. Gunter Harris, Mr. James Williams (Pentregwiddel), Mr. Edgar Francis Harris and Mr. Isaac M. Francis were appointed Parish Councillors. Rural Housing of the Wcrking Classes. Mr. Farquhar asked that a resolution be passed on this matter, and forwarded to the Rural District Council. Mr. Marsh proposed, and Mr. Prichard seconded the following resolution, which was carried unanimously That the public autho- rities and owners of estates be called upon to provide houses for their employees, and that the owners of cottages in bad repair be required to make them habitable, and this meeting believe I that when this is done there will be no need to I erect more houses for the working classes in this I parish.

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 I Cinemas who will kindly make a collection for the cause.

AIKTHS, MARRIAGES & DEATHS DEATHS. CARR.—On February 21st, at the Abergavenny Cottage Hospital, Richard Carr, of Clydach, aged 54 years. DAVIES.—On March 14th. at Crugiau, Mary Davies, widow of the late Joseph Davies, aged 87 years. SERGEANT.—On the 7th March, at the Nursing Home, Abergavenuy, Emma Louisa, widow of Lewis Sergeant, B.A., Cantab., of St. Luke's-road, London. R.I.P. j THORNES.-(Ry cable). At Fcrt I William, Canada (of pneumonia), f Alice May, youngest daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Morgan, Tudor Arms, Aoergavenny, aged 25. Dearly loved wife of R. R Thornes. I I IN MEMORIAM. In Ever Loving Memory of Catherine Iris, the dearly-beloved daughter of George and Ethel McLeod (Rhclbin), who departed this life March 19th, 1918, aged 2 years. Gentle Jesus, meek and mild, Look upon a little child Pity my simplicity, Suffer me to come to Thee.. Never foigotteu by her sorrowing rad & Mam. In Loving Memory of my dear husband, Fred W. Hook, of Abergavenny, who entered into his rest March 22nd, 1918. In Loving Memory- of Elizabeth, the beloved wife of William Fisher, Whitecastle, who died on the 22nd of March, 1917.—From her loving Husband and Children. 1 I IN MEMORIAM. I I Sarah Louisa, wife oi Will Evans I (Sculptor), died 23rd Marcn, 1916. Thy will be done." < ————

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. Mrs. Diclcote and Sons wish to return sincere thanks for kind sympathy and many tributes of respect shown to her son, Crpl. Frank Did cote. Many thanks to old comrades. 47 Mill-street. Owen and John Davies wish to thank all kind friends for kind sympathy and those who attended the funeral of their dear mother at Llanwenarth Baptist Chapel on Wednesday, March 19th, 1919. The Children and Relations of the late Mrs. Henry J. Morgan, of Troedyrhiw, Govilon, wish to thank all friends for their kind sympathy and floral tribute- in their recent sad bereavement. Mrs. J. C. James and Family wish to thank all those kind friends who sent Boral tributes and letters of sympathy in their recent sad and sudden bereavement. The Children, Parents and Family of the late Mr. Richard Carr desire to thank all friends and neighbours at Clydach, Brynmawr and Aberga- venny for their great JBndness, sympathy and floral tributes received during their sad bereavtj ment, and particularly the members of the Borough Band for the kind tribute paid to their old comrade who for 25 years had been their Drummer, by playing the Dead March at his funeral. I

—— PALM SUNDAY.—Order now Wreaths, Crosses and Floral Designs made by Practical Florist with Choicest Flowers in season.—PERCY ERASER, Florist and Secdsman. ▲

SALE OF ARMY HORSES AT ABERGAVENNY. j Messrs. J. Straker, Son & Chadwick conducted their second sale of Army horses on Tuesday last, the consignment numbering 30 heavy and light draught uorses. An excellent trade resulted, the 30 horses averaging 40gs. as against 35gs. at the first sale, the top price realised being 69gs. The auctioneers also sold at their fair day sale of conveyances a Darracq motor-car for £100.

_u CRICKHOWELL. PARISH COUNCIL EL £ OT!OftS. UUCKIIOWKIJ,.— The Rector, the Rev. Somerset, M.A., }-resid- d at t;? annual parish t'(,;I'G,;i(;l' l'- Ù;lr;\ri;f Hj.?!?nd SchJ3.T.l' accounts of the Baikv .??d Liitham Ch.?-ilicS ware passed. The follow ing were appointed Parish C?uncLHo.rs M< asrs. Janes isr.ac, J. II. Leonard. F. W. Parsons, Pirie-Gcrdon, Alfred ivic-aie, HenTy Thoinat-, V. jones, Joseph Tow:rsend, James Howell, C. T. iluelson and j. Jeffreys. The latter takes the place of air. T. H. ,vi. a small attendance of parishioners. At the close of the proceedings Mr. W. Town send asked the District Councillors what had been done with regard to buildi ? :;cw h.iuscs, M,d ?h-. E. ririe-Gordon replied that the i>istriet Council had the matter in hand. LLANGATTOCK.Und Gr.mr.?k took the chair at the annual parish meeting at the Church of England Schools. There were 10 nominations received for Pansh Ceniucillors (nine), and the following were appointed alien* show of hands Lord Glanusk, David Edwards, George Evans. L. v.-ar d .s, George Evans. Roger Howells, Anthony Lewis, Albert Pcv.all, David Pritchard, James Edwards. ar.d W. H. Rumsey. Lord Glanusk was appointed chair man, and Mr. Jas. Edwards vice-ehairman. A discission took place with regard to the water supply at the Ffwddog, an old resident, remark ing that it was deplorably had. Attention was also drawll to the defective state of house property in the village, and it was resolved to ask the District Council to receive a deputation on this, and the other matter, shortly. LLANGYNIDR.—Mr. David Powell, Rhiwgari:, presided at the annual parisj: meeting on Monday, when the following were appointed to act on the Parish Council Messrs. F. H. Morgan, T. H. Pugh, J. Protheroe, Thos. Stephens. Thos. Parry, 1). H. Roberts and J oliii Williams. LLANGENNY.—The chair at the annua! parish meeting was taken by Mr. A. Beck with. The following were appointed Parish Councillors Messrs. A. Beckwitli, W. G. James. W. H. Evan, H. Hawkins, J. L- Howat and W H. Jenkins. There are no contests in the parishes named. j I.LANELI.Y.The fallowing were declared elected at the annual meeting on Tuesday, tb,' new Council being largely labour Gilwern Ward: Messrs. Geo. Allen, Ralph Uudfield, Arthur Edwin Norman, Philip Gudfield. Philio Phillips, Wilfred Powell, Alfred James Rosser, Wm. John Rosser. Clydach Ward D. M. Evans, C. O. Marsh, W. H. Morgan, Jas. Williams Darrenfclev Wnyd James I) W, i, Gunter, Philip Fox and Edward Wall. ? CWMDU.—At the annual parish meeting the following were elected George Thos. Christo pher, David Davies, junr., Maurice Davies, Lewis Jones Davies, Wm. E. P. Davies, Wm. Isaac, Thomas Jones, Josiah Phillips, and J. Thomas. — JL.

▼ We have an excellent assortment of Children's Toy and other Books, suitable for Presents.— M. Morgan & Co., Chronicle Office.

THE PUBLiC HOUSE IMPROVEMENT BILL. To tne hjdttor of the Aberyavenny (}J,ror¡icle," SIR,—Tne subject of Temperance figures so prominently among the vzricd schcmes of re- construction anel reform in the country that the- Public House Improvement Bill merits the- altention of all interested in Temperance. The object of this Bill is the conversion of the average licenseel house from a mere place for the con sumption of alcoholic liquors into one of real and varied public refreshment. The promoters of the Bill aim at raising the- standard of the public house, improving the facilities for harmless amusement and recreation, and generally encourage the licensee to build up a social centre bised on comfort, moderation and fellowship. Under the suggested improved system the really intemperate would find them selves out of place, and the absence of drastk regulations would afford the publican ample opportunity to study the comfort and real re- quircments of his customers. At present he has solely to rely upon the sale of drink for a living. The elemobilised soldier who returns to civil life wants more opponunities for recreation and refreshment, and a marked feature of the Bill is the absence of any suggested legislative restric- tions that may interfere with the liberty of the working man. As a means of promoting true temperane-e, may I trust that the Government will grant facilities for a trial of the Public House Improve- ment Bill ? Yours faithfullv, HARRY E. PAPE-

MAYOR'S FUND. ■To the Eaklor of the Abergavenny Chronicle." DEAR SIR,Kindly allow me to acknowledge- the receipt per Mr. W. White of the sum of i7 18s. 6d., the proceeds of dance held at the Angel Hotel on behalf of the Mayor's Fund. Also the- sum of 7s. 6d. from Mr. Basil Evans, newsagent, ftom sale of cushion. Also the sum of /i tos. "d. from Mr. H. W. Breakspere: Yours trulv. Z. WHEATLEY, March 19. IQ19. Mayor. ..&.

——— Writing Pads and Compendiums, all prices from 71d. each. Treasury Note Cases, Letter Cases, Wallets, all prices.—" Chronicle Office. ———

GROSMONT. INTERESTING PRESENTATION. — Pte. Lewis Eynon, of Kingsfield, Grosmont,. was made the- recipient of a handsome oval clock and silver- mounted walking-stick on the occasion of his recent marriage. Mr. W. J arman, randy. made the presentation in the names of the subscribers in a very happy speech, aiid dwelt at some length upon Itt. Eynon's many good qualities and his dose connection with Grosmont. Pte. Eynfn acknowledged the gifts in suitable terms. GUN ACCIDENT.—A serious accident befel Mr. George Witts as he was out ferreting rabbits with his master, Mr. Thomas Farr, Lower Tre senny, Grosmont. Mr. Farr shot at a rabbit as it left the burrow, and a portion of the charge from the gun penetrated one of Mr. Witt's legs, with the reiult that he had to be conveyed the- same day to the 'Herefordshire Hospital for treatment. It was found that 14 shots had penetrated the thigh, and a couple below the knee. We are pleased to hear that the patient is progressing favourably towards complete recoverv. .&.

l THE MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS MEET Monday, March 2-?—Trilcy Court I.od?e 11 so. Thursday, March 2?—-Uaovihan?I. 11.30.

9- Abergavenny Borough Band. -1 ? meeting 01 lne aoe-ve i-ianel was helei last Saturday evening. Councillor Meale, who occu- pied the chair, stated' tfiat out of a pre-war membership of 24 bandsmen no fewer than J 7 had voluntarily served their King and country. This had had the effect of reducing the band, for practical purposes, during the last 41 years to a state of non-existence. With the demobilization of several of the members, it was thought the present time. was a fitting opportunity to re- organise the band again, and with that purpose- in view the meeting had been called for that evening. From the number gathered together it was evident the old interest had not diminished and on behalf of the few bandsmen who had stayed behind he extended a hearty greeting and welcome home again to the demobilized members who were- present that evening. The ballot for officers resulted as follows Secretary. Mr. E Richards treasurer, 3Ir. J. Davies committee, Messrs. Shaw, Ellis. Bt:tler Sharp and Powell. The band will again be under the batem of Mr. C. Butler, and practices are to be held regularly, with a view to securing engagements.

ABERGAVENNY STOCK MARKET. There was a smaller all-round supply (.1] Tuesday, 33 cattle and 10j sheep being graded while there were 48 slaughter calves, but no pigs. I The quality all round showed an improvement.