Abergavenny Chronicle

i Housing at Abergavenny. I An Economic Stumbling-Block. I WILL THE PEOPLE PAY HIGH RENTS? I QUESTION WHETHER THE SCHEME CAN GO ON. An important discussion on the housing question took place at the monthly meeting of the Abergavennv Town Council on Monday night, when Councillor Graham explained the difficulties in the way of carrying out the local scheme and gave some facts which will provide food for reflection on the part of those who are demanding houses to be erected forthwith. The report of the Housing Committee stated that a letter was read !from the Local Govern- ment Board sending formal sanction to the borrowing bv the Town Council of the sum of A,420 for the housing site. The Board stated that a communication had been received from the Treasury in connection with the relaxation of borrowing restrictions, intimating that local authorities should be urged to obtain the necessary funds from local sources, and that in all cases in which local authorities porposed to raise the money by the issue of marketable securities otherwise than on mortgage the Treasury should be advised to that effect. The Council will, of course, take steps to comply with this requirement, but if they desire a recom- mendation to the Public Works Loan Com- missioners the Ministry would wish to be in- formed of the steps taken to raise the money from other sources.— Bricks A letter was read from the Ministry of Munitions of War asking for the estimated quantity of facing bricks likely to be wanted now and within the next 12 months. The Borough Surveyor was instructed to furnish the information if possible. I The EGonomic Difficulty. Councillor Graham, referring to the work done by the Housing Committee, said that the Sur- vevor and himself had seen the Housing Com- missioner at Cardiff and he had approved of one lay-out which the Council generally were aware of, one which involved the moving of the Park to a more easterly position. Further than that the committee had decided that when their report was carried they would make prepara- tions, in the event of a shortage of work in the winter, for the making of a road right from the end of Oakland-road to Penypound, by the Convent. It was the intention to lay water and gas mains, sewers, kerbing and channelling, and to provide a large amount of work for men who might be employed during the winter months. Charges had been made quite recently that nothing had been done. It was hardly fair to say that when the committee were holding their hands, not with a view to preventing expendi- ture, but with a view to putting the money into circulation at a time when it would be most beneficial to the people. They had no money to gamble with and throw away, but they had made reasonable preparations so that the work could be carried out at the time when it would be most beneficial to the town. He held in his hand a complete lay-out of the whole scheme, and it would be well for Councillors to take an interest in it and look at it. At the present time it was most difficult to get materials. While there was a large quantity of bricks and slates on hand, thev could not Duild houses with bricks and slates only. The chief difficulty of the whole situation was the economic factor, and those who wanted the houses would have to pay the rents. The id. rate would not solve the problem for them, and the relief given by the Government would not help them a bit. If they had to raise the money locally to bu.ild houses at the ratepayers' expense, he was exceedingly sorry to say that it could not be done, unless some other means were found, except by the payment of heavy rentals on the houses. He would like to put to them the position they were in. A id. rate at Abergavenny would not bring in more than ^140, and the extra cost of one house, compared with the pre-war cost, would be at the very least £ 200. It would be impossible by this means to make up the deficit on a number of houses, and they could not build the houses unless people were prepared to pay a sufficient and substantial economic rent., if not to the full amount, then to the full amount less the relief of id. rate. Unless they did that he was afraid that the housing scheme could not go on. Heavily rated as they were, and in their present financial position, it was absclutely impossible for them to go on. If people wanted the houses at 10s. per week he was afraid that they would have to wait until Kingdom Come before they saw them, because they could not build them on those terms. The statement had been made that they had done nothing but until the money was provided they would not be able to do anything. Money Not Forthcoming. I I Councillor Tong said that he congratulated Councillor Graham upon being a converted character. NX-hat he had just said Nvas perfcctl-, true. They would remember if they carried their minds back two or three years, that he (Councillor Tong) was shot at for saying that this sort of thing would happen. He was one of those who had been called an obstructionist of the housing scheme. He had been in favour of it all the way through, but his difficulty had been the financial part of it, and especially the id. rate. Councillor Graham had a better in- sight into the matter than any member of the Housing Committee or the Council, and what he said was perfectly true. It was no good making an election cry and saying that the people should have houses unless they showed where the money was coming from. It was thought that they had only to sit down and send a message to London for the money, and they would have all the money they wanted. In another district they were told plainly that they had to get the money locally, and a bill'was printed and posted about asking the ratepayers and residents to find the money, and on making application to the proper quarters they were told what the security was and what interest would be paid, but not a single penny had been offered to build these hous is. If they were in the same position I they would have to ask the burgesses to find many thousands of pounds. They had come down from 300 houses to 100, and they would possibly have to go lower than that. The position was that the money was not forthcoming, and, as Councillor Graham said at the last meeting, they were disappointed. The Government turned round and told them to cure their own ills. ,I Councillor Telford Sfid thai he was sorry Councillor Graham and Cotncillor Torjrg had brought this matter forward, that night, because it seemed that the scheme could not go on. Councillor Graham I never said that. I say that the scheme cannot go forward unless they find the money. I want to see it go forward. Alderman Bishoo Councillor Telford is going to tell you where to find the money. Plenty Willing To Purchase. I Councillor Telford Von assumed that the rents would be so prohibitive that it would be quite impossible to go all with the scheme. That is Councillor Tong's assumption, too. The Government asked us to endeavour to find the money locally, but they did not say that they would not grant it if we did not find it. You can't get behind that. I don't see why the matter could not be debated a little further and see if we can get the money locally before bring- ing it before the Council to-night. I am very keen on the housing scheme. We have been told that people are prepared to purchase the houses, if we are prepared to build them. The whole thing ought to have been debated and the matter gone into and the people have been given a chance to come forward with their money before this was said here to-night. I think it is wrong altogether. Councillor Tong has congratulated the chairman on being converted. What does that mean ? It simply means that it would cost Abergavenny I don't know how many thousands of pounds, and I say that it won't cost the Aber- gavenny ratepayers a penny if we go about it in the right way. How can it ? You can't saddle this on the ratepayers, and if you give the people of Abergavenny a chance to purchase their houses there are plenty who will be only too glad to purchase them. Councillor Tong Councillor Telford has for- gotten his argument that he could build houses for the working classes which they could have at 6s. per week rental. Councillor Telford I never said so. Councillor Tong That was the whole basic position, and that was the definite rent, and if you remember I gave a figure as to the cost of building that house, and the figure was chal- lenged. Now Councillor Telford is a converted character, and he speaks about building better- class houses and giving people an opportunity of purchasing. That is not the housing scheme we originally took up. We never meant to build houses for people who have plenty of money and can pick and choose their house's. I opposed the purchase of the land until I was thoroughly convinced as to what it was for. It was for building houses for the working classes. Coun- cillor Telford is on the committee, and he has never shown us how we can get the money to let the houses at a rent which the working classes can pay. My point is that there must be no election cry about it. Don't say you are gcing to give something when you have nothing to give. Councillor Telford Councillor Tong knows very well that I have advocated public utility societies all along, and I challenge anyone to say I have changed my mind. Councillor Mansfield said that he congratu- lated Councillor Graham on making a clear statement, and he thought he had acted wisely in doing so. He was sure that the members of the Council were particularly anxious for the housing scheme to go forward. He should like the chairman to give them some idea of the ap- proximate cost of putting up houses. He had noticed that in other parts of the country work-II men's houses were costing approximately ?1,000 each. Councillor Jacob Who is responsible for going into the financing of this question ? The financing of the scheme is undoubtedly a problem to anyone. If this committee is responsible they might want expert advice as to the ways and means. Councillor Plowman Two months ago I pro- posed that the question of finance be referred to a committee of the whole Council, and I should think the sooner we meet the better. Wouldn't Pay 1s. Rate For Other People. Councillor Iball congratulated the chairman of the Housing Committee. He had always said that they could not get one part of the community to build houses for the other part, and he had been opposed for making the state- ment. A id. rate was only a flea-bite to build houses to-day. If they put a 6d. rate on, or a is. rate—which they would want—could they find him one class-it did not matter how brotherly they were—who were prepared to pay is. rate to build houses for another class of working men ? He did not think they would find them in the town. Working men knew very well that they could not put up houses for nothing, and they did not want them to. They were willing to pay a reasonable price for a good house, and they should take that into con- sideration. They were at liberty to borrow the money from local sources, and if they could not get the money locally the Government would advance what they had promised. He thought that the best thing that Councillor Graham could do was to get on with the work and put the houses up, and when he had done that he would find plenty of people to give a fair rent for a fair house. Councillor Jacob Will they pay £ 1 per week ? Councillor Iball He says we can't put up houses at 10s. They will be raised to 10s. before long. Houses can't be kept up for nothing. Where is the landlord going to get his money from for maintenance and repairs, if not from the rent ? Councillor Graham: The taxpayer is asking the same question about the railways. Councillor Rosser said that what the man in the street would want to know, when the state- ments made went forth to the public, was how was it they could proceed with the work in other places ? It was a mystery to him, and he was asking Councillor Graham because he knew more about it than he did. Swansea had started to build their houses, and they were to cost £ 806 13s. 4d. without roads, sewers or mains, which would bring the cost up to about £ 1,000 per house. The accommodation was three bed- rooms, a living room, scullery and the usual offices, and that was small enough for any family man. The economic rental of such a house would be about £ 1 per week. He would like to ask Councillor Graham how it was that the Swansea Corporation were able to finance that scheme on such unfavourable terms. They might glean some information from other authorities as to how they should proceed. Councillor Beckwith said that at Swansea, before the war, they could not look at a house at 12s. 6d. and 15s. per week. Swansea was not Abergavenny. People had always had to pay high rents in these large cities. It was a question of the situation and the town. The Government had promised the money, and he had not the least doubt that when they had curtailed some of the unnecessary expenditure they would have the money. He was taking an optimistic view of the matter, not for the work- ing men altogether, but for other people. Some would go up higher and higher until they got one of these mansions. Councillor Meale asked why the housing scheme had not been started ? Did they want the send-off from the Council ? Ebbw Vale had started putting the roads in. It was agreed two months ago to have a Council meeting to go into it. He suggested that the Council meet at once Dear Building and High Rents. Councillor Graham, in reply to the discussion, said that the very lowest estimate for a house would be £ 600, and it ranged up to /i,ooo to build cottages for the workers. In the £ 600 he was not thinking of the cost of the land or the lay-out, and they must have cheap concrete or cement or an aggregate on the site, or else they must have a valuable brickfield or clay land in the neighbourhood with very small costs of transport, and then it was just possible that in the best circumstances they might put up cottages for two or three people to live in at the minimum but houses for an ordinary working man and his family, say a wife and three children, were going to cost a tremendous amount of monev. He did not want to throw cold water 011 the scheme. He was one of the most en- thusiastic members of a housing committee in the British Isles, but the problem was how to find the money. He had been called by an official the most optimistic man in South Wales when he said that if they built houses there were some people prepared to pay £ 1 per week. As to why the work had not been done. They had only just acquired the land, and they could not begin operations 011 the land before. It was only two months ago that they passed a resolution to acquire the land, and they had made a plan to make the roads. Councillor Graham ex- plained the local conditions at Swansea which placed them in a more favourable position than they were at Abergavenny. If the people were prepared to come along and pay an economic rent, he took it that the Council were prepared to build the houses, provided that they would give come guarantee that they would ?eep the houses. If they had that guarantee he saw no reason why they- could not have the houses. Abergavenny could not afford to subsidise houses for any class of the public unless that ¡ class was prepared to put their hands in their pockets and make up the difference e tNveeii what they could afford to do and what they I could not afiord to do. If it was done econo- inically then the difficulty was solved, and they could build the houses. Councillor Iball asked if that guarantee had been asked for in other towns. Councillor Graham said that there were houses put in the market recently at ?200 each for a lease of 60 years, which would be quite long enough for him, but there were no buyers. Councillor Iball Put up 20 houses, and see how many tenants you will have before you go 011 with any more. The discussion then dropped.

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES& DEATHS- j MARRIAGE. DA VIES-THOL\.S.-On the 3rd September, at the Baptist Chapel, Monmouth, by the Rev. F. E. Tucker, William George Davies, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Davies, Civiiicidarii, Brecor, to Florence Ada Thomas, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Thomas, White Castle, Abergavenny. DEATHS. HARRIS.—On 22nd August, 1919, at Cwm, Cwmyoy, Thomas, the beloved husband of Annie Harris, aged 76. JO-NES.-On the 4th inst., at Common Farm, Llanvihangel Crucorney, Samuel Jones, aged 79. Private funeral Wednesday, i p.m. No flowers, by request. IN MEMORIAM. In Ever Loving Memory of our dear nephew, Signaller William Hall, of the 1st Cheshire Regt., who was killed in action in France Sept. 3rd, 1918. Ever remembered by his loving Aunt and Uncle and Cousins. R.I.P. Bridge Cottage, Brecon-road, Abergavenny.

I SUGAR LOAF MUSINGS. By GOBANNIUM. It is a familiar resort to silence an interrupter at a public meeting to invite him on to the plat- form. It is generally successful, too, for to face a crowd is quite a different matter to heckling a speaker. It did not work at the Labour demonstration on Sunday, however. In two cases the challenge was thrown out to the in- terrupter, and in each case it was accepted. It added variety to the proceedings and interested the crowd. Ben Taylor seemed very eager for an opportunity to orate, and he expressed as much pleasure at meeting the crowd there that afternoon as an M.P. does in meeting his con- stituents at election time. Can it be that Ben has an eye to a seat on the Town Council ? There was another character present who took part in the proceedings, though he did not speak. This was Billy Riddell, who was the solitary one to hold up his hand against the resolution. Of course Billy is not troubled about the housing question. He has as many houses as he wants, and is not worried about high rents. There are advantages these days in being a nomad with the privilege of a vote at open-air meetings. One gleaned from one of the speeches the reason-hitherto unrecorded-why the York- shire miners' strike failed. The speaker was pointing out the power of the miners to gain their demands. There was no need for them to fight the Government or to get into conflict with the police. They had only to stop in bed for a week and the Government would come to their senses. If only the Yorkshire miners had stopped in bed instead of walking about the streets Probably they will be ready to kick themselves when they hear of the blunder they made. The lot of a chairman of a Town Council committee is not a pleasant one. He is sure to be peppered for not getting a move on in regard to something or other. First the chairman of the Gas Committee has been pressed to get on with the business of the Gas Works. The chair- man of the Housing Committee has been ques- tioned very pertinently as to when he is going to provide houses. The chairman of the Sani- tary Committee has been shot at for not pro- viding the bathing facilities some people want. The chairman of the Markets Committee has been pestered as to when he is going to get the weighing machine into the Cattle Market. Next the chairman of the Streets Committee will probably be asked how many more years before our streets receive attention and the cavities are filled up. There only remains the Finance Committee, and as things go in epidemics the chairman of that committee had better look out too. Some of our respected townsmen have been tying themselves up with percentage problems. It all arose out of a statement of a speaker on Sunday that mushrooms offered one day at 3s. per lb. were offered the next at is. 6d., or a de- crease of 50 per cent. The idea struck one that surely this was a miscalculation and that the decrease was 100 per cent. On putting the question to other hard-headed men they all tripped up and agreed that it was 100 per cent., until the fallacy was pointed out. Another simple problem has caused some argument. If you buy an article at Sd. and sell it at is. is your profit 50 per cent. or 33 1-3 ? Some say it's the former and some the latter. It all depends on your basis of calculation. If you calculate on your outlay it's 50, but if you calculate on your turnover, as tradesmen do, it's 33 1-3. These little things are nothing, however, com- pared to the statistical problems which are being set local tradesmen by the Inland Revenue authorities, who are pressing for every penny of income tax they can legally claim. To be asked for a three years' return is enough to put the wind up a tradesman who has not been in the habit of keeping accounts in the approved manner and whose only idea as to his financial position is contained in his bank pass-book. It is not very pleasant to be brought to account in this abrupt fashion. I imagine there will be a run on ready reckoners. The cost of the recent referendum on the War Memorial was £ 32. That is not so large a sum as I heard predicted beforehand, but it is a sufficiently large sum to prove that Abergavenny has a difficulty in making up its mind as to what it really does want and is prepared to pay for. Now, if it had been a referendum as to whether the rates should be reduced !—well, I rather fancy there would have been a few more crosses put down. The Marriage of Kitty proved one of the biggest draws which has ever been seen at Aber- gavenny and there was a record house at the Borough Theatre. Many people were dis- appointed at not being able to get a seat, but this was inevitable under the circumstances. There is eyidently magic in a name. There was, however, just as good acting in The House of Peril," and a good seat could have been ob- tained at a much cheaper price, but somehow or other the attendance was comparatively poor and those who stayed away do not know the treat they missed. Some reallv first-class attractions have been booked for the succeeding months, and it is to be hoped that they will be well supported in order to give Abergavenny a good reputation in the theatrical world. For many attractions it is proposed to alter the prices of admission to 3s., as., is. 3d. and 8d. (including tax), and it is hoped that these prices will appeal to all pockets. There are many companies, however, who demapxl high prices, as their expenses are so great. Some do not consider Abergavenny big enough for them and others will not come here without a substantial guarantee.

-V We have just received a consignment of the latest Novels by the best Authors.—M. Morgan & Co., Chronicle Office.

Presentation to P.C. Blunt.-On Monday, at the Police Station, a presentation of a case of pipes and tobacco pouch was made on behalf of the officers and constables of the Abergavenny7 sub-division to P.C. Blunt, who is retiring after 26 years' service, several of which have been spent at Llauvihangel. The presentation was made by Supt. Thomas, who said that he had known P.C. Blunt for a number of years and had always found him a reliable and conscien- tious constable. He had been asked by the men to present him with this small token of their esteem and respect. They were sorry to lose him, but mingled with their sorrow they re- joiced'to know that he was in good health, and they hoped that he would live for manv YCarS to enjoy his well-earned pension.—P.C. Blunt re- turnee tuanks for the presents, which he greatly appreciated. When smoking the pipe he would remember viie good old days he had spent among them. — 4b,

MUSICAL COMEDY REVUE AT THE BOROUGH THEATRE. I iiere are reyues and revues, but the Top of the Bill" musical comedy-Morris Flake's well- known mascot prorluctiowhich will be staged at the Borougn Theatre on Monday, Tuesday and W ednesday, is quite in the best class of this kind of attraction. Both the music and tyrics are tirst-rate and there is plenty of movement, melody and comedy. It is staged in five elaborate and picturesque scenes and is per- formed by a strong company. 'There are specialities by well-known artistes, including the famous Four Flakes (direct from their London season), and Vaughan Bracking, the popular revue comedian, who is an entertainment in. himself.

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Continued from Page 8. live in and they ought to make it known and give it greater prominence. Perambulators and Cattle Weighing. Councillor Sadler asked if the Markets Com- mittee could make some arrangement for perambulators to be left outside the Market on Tuesdays, as they were not allowed to be taken inside by people who went to the Market. A month ago one was stolen, and he thought that some place of safety should be provided. Councillor Telford said that some months ago they were told that arrangements had been made for putting a weighing machine in the Cattle Market. He noticed every Tuesday since that the weighing was continuing in the street. He should like to know what had hap- pened to the weighing machine. The sooner the question was settled the better. They did not know what they were paying for weighing cattle. Councillor Rosser Is it a fact that the rate- payers of this borough have to pay 6d. for every fat beast that is graded in our Market ? Councillor Graham said he should like to know what was the amount charged to the rate- payers or the committee for the weighbridge during the time it was used, also whether any charge was made for people to put their motor- cars in the Market. Councillor Plowman said he could not say what accommodation they could provide for perambulators. Would they be full or empty ? And did they have to provide the nurses ? With regard to the weighing machine, it was ordered some time ago and was to be here immediately after the Royal Show, but, unfortunately, during the transit of the machine from the works to the Royal Show there was a fire on the motor tractor and the dial of the machine was destroyed, and it had to go back to the works to be refitted. With regard to the supposed charge of 6d. for every fat beast that was graded, the bill for the charges for weighing had not been dealt with, and he was not going to pledge himself at the moment as to what was going to be paid for the weighing of fat beasts. With regard to motor-cars in the Market, this was a hardy annual. These motor-cars were used by dealers. Mr. Llewellin And they are paid for. Councillor Telford The sooner we know what we are paying for the weighing of cattle the better. Councillor Rosser said that the weighing machine was a monument of inefficiency. Grading had been in operation for 12 months last January and the indulgence of Abergavenny had been sougnt and granted up to now, but it was time something was done. He had asked a definite question and he ought to receive a definite reply. He wished it to go forth to the burgesses that every fat beast which was sold in the Market cost the ratepayers 6d. per head. ( which they would not have to pay if their machine was in working order. Councillor Plowman Councillor Rosser is fond of alleging inefficiency, but he should look at home first. He had better look up the facts and get to know what he is talking about. Councillor Rosser I have asked for the facts and thev have not been forthcoming. Councillor Plowman said that the Markets Committee had done their best to get the wegih- bridge there. It was not their fault that an accident had happened to the machine. The claim for charges for weighing had not been dealt with owing to the death of Mr. Charles Stanley. As soon as his representatives were in a position to deal with it they would. Councillor Rosser I am satisfied that bills have been sent in, and we know the charge made. Councillor 'Plowman Bills may be sent in, but that is no reason why they should be paid. .A. 1

ABERGAVENNY POLICE COURT. Wednesday—Before Mr. J. O. Marsh (in the chair), Col. W. Williams and Mr. John Evans. A Rum Offence. Edwin Chas. Vaughan, licensee of the Llanfoist Inn and a contractor timber feller, was sum- moned for selling rum above the maximum price and also with failing to exhibit a proper notice stating the price and strength. Mrs. Vaughan was summoned for aiding and abetting. Mr. W. J. Everett prosecuted and Mr. J. G. Bishop defended. Inspector Wm. Evans said that on July 15th he visited the Llanfoist Inn aiidl-kvas served in the oublie bar by Mrs. Vaughan with a fifth of a gill of rum, for which he was charged 6d., or at the rate of 2s. 6d. per gill, instead of at the rate of 2S. id. The licensee said I understood I was doing right. He had a written card up which read Spirits, 30 u. p., 2s. 6d. per gill." Besides not complying with the order in that thq letters were not, two inches long, this was not the correct price, 2S. 6d. being the price for pro- prietary whiskv, of which he had none in the house. Witness did not know of any rum or gin which was proprietary. It was all known as British bulk. He did not test the strength, but from the taste he thought it was not under 35 u-p- Mrs. Vaughan I think he enjoyed it, sir. (Laughter). D,fcr-claiit said that the spirits were sold as lie received them, and he thought he was charging the correct price. lur. Bishop, for the defence, said that it was not a verv heinous offence. Defendants were of good character and had lived in the neigh- bourhood for 30 years. He hoped they would hesitate to record a conviction against people of that character, under such circumstances. He might have sold 35 u.p. instead of 30 u.p. at 5d., and he actually advertised by notice that he was selling at 6d. The Chairman said they could not find any extenuating circumstances. Vaughan would b-e ?i i s wife -i i includ- fined £5, including costs, and his wife £1 includ- ing costs for aiding and abetting. A Fisny story. • Fredk. Attwood and Butler Foret, ot uoviion, were summoned for unlawfully fishing in priyate waters leased by Mrs. W aklock, of Ty-elyd, Govilon. They pleaded guilty. | Shah Farr, head water bailiff, said that on the evening of the 20th ult. he saw the two de- fendants fishing with rod and line in the Ty-clyd waters. When asked if they had permission thev replied that they had. He afterwards found that this was not correct. As this was their first offence, defendants were fined £ i including costs. AS sober as a policeman." Aaron Howells, farmer, of Longtown, was summoned for being drunk in charge of a horse and trap on the Hereford-road, on the 26th ult., and Wm. Carberry, farmer, of Longtown, was summoned for being drunk and disorderly. P.C. Trigg said that while in his garden he heard a horse come galloping up the road, and saw Carberry with a stick beating the horse. He got on his bicycle and followed them. He stopped them at Llanvihangel and told them that he would not allow them to go any further with the horse, as they were drunk. Carberry got out of the trap and said I am as sober as you are," and Howells said I am quite capable of taking the horse home. P.C. Blunt said he saw defendants at the I Landy- Inn. Both were drunk and staggering about. He had known these men for the last eight or nine years, both when sober and when in drink, and there was no doubt that on this occasion they were both druivc. Penry Moses, farmer, Longtown, said the de- fendants passed a motor-car all right, and thev never drove into it or into the ditch, but kept to the-middle of the road. He swore that they were both sober. The Chairman said that this was a very I dangerous practice, and defendants would be fined £ 1 including cost each. I Strong. Thomas Jones was summoned for using bad language to jhis daughter-in-law in Mill-street on the 23rd August. Defendant was fined 7s. 6d. including costs. I Banker on the Bank. I Leonard Miles, Wm. Griffiths, David Jones and John Williams were summoned for gaming with cards in the Castle Meadows on Sundav, the 24th ult. P.C. Needs said that he was on duty in the Castle Meadows, in company with P.C. Anderson and Recruit Hadwell, when they saw the accused in a group close to the river bank playing cards. Witness distinctly saw the cards in Williams's hand, and he walked up to them and picked up the cards and the money. Anderson and Hadwell corroborated. Defendants were each fined 5s. including costs. The Woman Who Did." Harriet Hayman, whose husband is a collier living at Abergavenny, was summoned for steal- ing a child's push-chair, value 2os., the property of George Howell, Clifton-road, on July 15th. Mrs. Howell said that she left the push-chair at the entrance to the Market while she went inside, and missed it when she came out. She afterwards saw it, on the 23rd August, in Frog- more-street, in the possession of the defendant. She spoke to her about it and she replied that it was not witness's. Witness asked her to go with her to the Police Station, which she did, after a lot of persuasion. George Howell identified the chair as his property and valued it at 30s. One of the tyres we: e badly worn and a brass cup was missing from the right side, and new ones had been put on the chair produced. Henry John Warren, Richmond-road, also identified the chair as one he had repaired for Mr. Howell. P.-sergt. Prosser said that on the 23rd Mrs. Howell and defendant came to the Police Station, and Mrs. Howell claimed the chair as her property. He asked Mrs. Hayman where she got it, and she replied I bought it about five or six weeks ago from a Mrs. Gibbs, of Llan- foist, outside the fish-shop. I gave her a 10s. note, and she gave me 6d. back." Witness searched from house to house at Llanfoist, but failed to find any Mrs. Gibbs. He afterwards told Mrs. Hayman that he suspected her of stealing the chair,'and she said I made a mis- take in telling you that it was gs. 6d. I gave her 4s. for the cart, and I paid -Is. to have the tyres put on." He inquired whether anyone at Llanfoist had sold a pram. and he could not find that they had. The Chairman You were found in possession of stolen property, and it is for you to prove where you got it from. If you bought it from another woman you should bring evidence to prove it. Defendant She may be dead and buried by this time, or in another country. Defendant was fined 11 and the chair was restored to the owner. 4.

CRICKHOWELL. I APPOINTMENT.—Mr. A. Lloyd-Barrow, Maes- celyn, Crickhowell, has been appointed Assistant Scout-Master of the Llanfaes Scouts. He is very anxious to form a troop in Crickhowell and is taking steps to this end. WELCOME TO RETURNED SOLDIERS.—The Welcome Home Fund Committee have arranged a church parade for all men who have served in the war on Sunday next, and after service medallions, &c., will be presented to the men in the Market-square. It is hoped Lord Glanusk will be able to attend. FORTHCOMING GOLDEN WEDDING.—The many friends of Dr. and Mrs. Hill will be interested to know that on the 2ist inst. they will be cele- brating their golden wedding. Dr. Hill is Medical Officer of Health to the Crickhowell Rural District Council and holds the rank of Lieut.-Colonel in the Territorial Force. He is very popular in the district and everyone will wish Dr. and Mrs. Hill a long continuance of their happy wedded life. I LOCAL SUCCESS.—Mr. T. B. Watkins, son of Mr. Ben jamin Watkins, Neuadd, Llangattock, won 1St prize for a foal in the nag's class at Bed- welity Show, and 3rd prize with Merthyr Fairy Queen in mare and gelding class (bred in oi,ecii ?' in niare and ?,leldiu- c l ass Oirc(l i-l l RETURNED PROM TURKEY. — Pie. Charles Plevy, who before the war was employed at Glan-yr-afon, and was reported many months ago to be a prisoner of war in Turkey, has now .Yr i-i Tiirl e- il,S r?O?V Crickhowell. UP-TO-DATE J OT-RNALISM ?—Two well-know:: London dailies—pioneers in up-to-date journal- ism, on Tuesday seriously recorded a gift of Norman Castle nuns to the town by Mr. G wily in James. This news was published in the Chronicle nearly six months ago. SC01;r DISPLAY.—The Life Saving Scout Cvclf Patrol (affiliated to the Salvation Army conducted by Major H. Sladen (Divisional Com- mander for Newport and Monmouth) gave a display of life-saving, gymnastic figures, camp scenes, tableaux, vocal and instrumental music at the Clarence Hall, Crickhowell, 011 Friday evening. There was a moderate attendance. LLANELLY AND BRYXMAWR SEWERAGE.—After the last meeting of the Crickhowell Board of Guhrdians, Mr. W. G. James, chairman of the Rural District Council, called the members of the Council together and gave a report regarding the deputation to the Uliiiistry cf Health upon this matter. The deputation comprised Mr. James, Mr. F. J. Hurley- (Surveyor to the Council), Mr. W. H. Powell'(Clerk to the Llanelly Parish Council), and Mr. D. M. Evans, a member of the Llanelly Parish Council.

I LLANDDEWI SKIRRID. I MEMORIAL SERVICE.—At the Parish Cliurcn on Sunday a memorial service was held to the late Mr. James Knight, of the Elms Farm, who during his life had been a prominent member of the church choir. The Rector, the Rev. L. D. Richards, preached to a large congregation, bearing testimony to the character of deceased and the active part he had taken in the church and anything appertaining to the welfare of the district. The service throughout was very im- pressive. The organist, Miss Teague, closed the service with the Dead March in Saul."

 Holidays 1 Holidays !—Solid Hide?English I made Suit Cases, in various sizes, at M. Morgan & Co. 's, Chronicle Office, Abergavenny.

RECORD EXHIBITION SPOILT BY WEATHER. I Trie annufd exhibition of the Abergavennv Horse Show and Agricultural Association WJS successfully- revived in Bailey Park on Thursday, but, unfortunately, a record show was spoilt by the persistent downpour of rain. There was a larger attendance than in 1913. but the crowd would undoubtedly have been much larger if the weather had been ifne. The entries numbered no less than 530, or .bout double those of En. Particulars of the show and report of the luncheon are held over till next week. Below we give the I awards :— I HORSES. I HUNTERS AND HACKS. Hunter brood mare. not under 15 hds-l. Lord Tredegar 2, V. Coldicutt. Monmouth. Nag sucker-I, V. Coldicutt 2. Lord Tre- degar. Yearling hunter colt, gelding or fillv—1, Lord Tredegar; 2, Major Graham. Two-yeFr-old hunter colt, gelding or Ellv-i, Lord Tredegar 2, Major-Genl. Lord Treowen. Three-year-old gelding or f;,Ilv-i, Lord Tre- degar 2, C. B. Knight. Four-year-old hunter geldine or filh-, capable of carrying I3st.— 1, Lord Treowen 2, Russell j aiiies, Pandy. Hur.ter of any age, capable of carrving i4St.—. L, Lord Tredegar 2. Victor Parry, Ross. Hunter, capable of carrying 14st within the limits of the Monmouthshire hunt-i, J. E. Jones, R oss 2. J. A. Herbert, Coldbrook. Hunter, capable of carry-ing up to i3st. jibs.—. 1, J. E. Jones 2, Russell James, Pandy. Hunter gelding or filly, not over 3 vrs.—i, C. 1-3 K:l* ?li t -Neiv Ross. B. Knight, Newport 2? H. L. Parry, Ross. Hunter, any age, capable of carrying I2st. (local)-i, J. E. Jones 2, Mrs. H. Porter, Ross. I Hunter, any age, capable of carrying 12St. (open)-I 6c 2, T. Kenneth Stevenson, Sutton Retford, Notts. I HARNESS HORSES AND PONIES. Mare or gelding, 14.2 to 15.2 hds.— r, Mrs. T. Glencross, Bristol 2, Mr. G. Phillips, Cardiff. Mare or gelding, 13 to 14 hds.-i, G. Lewis, Pengam 2, T. Watkins, Crickhowell. Hack—1, R. E. Pritchard, Bryncaen 2. J. E. Jones 3, R. E. Pritchard. Child's pony, ridden by child under 14-1, Miss Mary Graham, Brynderwen 2, Master Tom Lane, Llanvetherine 3, Morgan Price, Llanvair. Mare or gelding, 15hds. or over-I, G. Phillips 2, Messrs. Geo. Gay & Sons, Barry Dock. Weight-carry-ing Welsh cob, under 1.=;hds.-r, Sir Henry Mather-Jackson 2, H. Wigmore, Ross 3, D. J. Parry, Aberbeeg. Cob, 14 to 1Shds.-I, A. R. Morgan, Gilwern 2, W. Parry, Cross Ash 3, 1. Francis. Tradesmen's turnout (light)-1, D. E. Wil- liams 2, A. R. Morgan. Tradesmen's turnout (heavy)—1, W. T. Stoneham 2, D. Rees. Trotting-D. J. Lewis, Pontypool. Jumping (open)-I, T. Glencross 2, W. Vernon, Gloucester 3, Major Walwvn, Mon- mouth. Jumping (loc,-tl)-i, Mrs. G. Lewis, Pengam; 2, Major Walwvn 3, D. J. Parry. CART HORSES. Three-year-old mare or gelding-I, Messrs. B. Phillips Sons, Newport 2, W. Beer, Llanvair. Two-year-old gelding or fillY-l, J as. Wood, Chepstow 2, W. Beer. Yearling colt, gelding or filly- I, D. Bowen, Monmouth 2, James Wood. Colt or filly- foal-I, W. E. Coldicutt, Mon- mouth 2, W. T. Spencer, Llanvair 3, Williams, Pontnewynydd. Mare and foal-i, G. Heath & Sons, Chepstow 2, D. Bowen. Mare and foal (plate given by Farmers' Union, Abergavenny Branch)-i, G. Heath & Sons. Mare or gelding-I and special, E. Lewis 2, W. D. Lane, Llanvetherine 3, Miss S. Crawley, Bryngwyn 4, J. J. Lewis, Raglan. Pitter mare or gelding, under 15hds.-1, New- port Abercarn Collieries 2, Blaendare Co. Ltd. 3, Elled Colliery Co., Pontnewynydd. Mare or gelding, suitable for underground work (plate given by Abergavenny Butchers' Association)-1, E. Lewis, Blackwood 2, W. D. Lane 3, James Holly. Pair of mares or geldings (local)—1, G. Heath Gelding (local)-I, Evan Lewis: 2. J. Holly. Mare (local)-1 and special and cup, J. Ferney- hough, Grosmont 2, G. Heath & Sons. Stallion, three years and upwards—1. J. Fernevhough 2. W. Royt, Penpergwni. Fod (loc.d)-i, G. Heath & Sons 2, W. T. Spencer. CATTLE. Hereford bull, cow and oBsrring-I, A. H. Marfell Nantyderry. Hereford stock bull over 2 yrs. W. Lcwis; 2, R. H. Marfell & Sons 3, A. H. Marfell. Two-year-old hull. any hreed (open" — 1, W. Lewis 2, R. H. Marfell & Sons 3, R. Stratton. Yearling bull, ary breed (open)-j, A. W. Trotman, Newport 2, Monmouthshire Asvlum. Milch cow—1, A. J. Watts, Llangibbv 2, W. J. Jenkins, Abergavenny. Yearling Hereford bull (local)—1, A. W. Trotman 2, T. Tipton, Llauellcn. Bull, any breed, over 12 mths. (silver plate given by Abergavenny Branch of Farmers' Union)—iWY. Lewis 2, R. H. Marfell & Sons. Herefora bull calf-I, A. W. Trotman 2, A. H. Marfell 3, A. H. Marfell. Hereford bull call (local)- I, A. W. Trotman 2 and 3, A. H. Marfell. Tvto cows (10cal)-I, J. H. Rennie, Newport f 2, A. W. Trotman 3. A. H. Marfell. Pair of two-year-old heifers, in or with calf (open)-I, A. W. Trotman 2, J. Parr. Ross. Two-year-old heifer (local;—A. W. Trotman. Pair of yearling heifers (local)—A. W. Trot- man. Heifer calf (ope-i)-i, J. Parr 2, A. W. Trot- man 3, Owen Powell, Llanthewy Rhytherch. Heifer calf (local)—.1, A. W. Trotman; 2, Owen Powell. Pair of steers (local)-I, C. G. Fenneh. rsk; 2, C. G. Fennell. Pair of yearling steers (local)—1, A. H. Marfell. SHEEP. OPEX, ANY BREED. Kam over 2 yrs.—1, D. Bowen, Monmouth 2, C. L. Coxon, Pembridge. Yearling LUll-I, C. L. Coxon 2, D. Bowen. Ram lamb—-i, C. L. Coxon 2. C. G. Fennell. Five ewes for breeding—1, C. 1,. Coxon 2, D. Bowen. Five yearling ewes—1, D. Bowen 2, W. L. Thomas, Tredilion. Five ewe lambs—1, C. C. rcimcn 2, D. Bowen. SHROPSHIRE (OPEN). Yearling ram—1, C. L. Coxon 2, J. Merton Jones. R.d.ni lam 'i)—i 2. C. Coxou. Coxon. Five ewe lambs—1, C. L- Coxon 2, James Watkins. PIGS COPKNI. b->w, any breed—1, A-, -UU-s X-iwy nuu vourt 2, J:i: ¿l-t (',i);t, \11: i7'l.Ù u C(:rt S'?o?k bull, any breed—F. G. Jones, Mon- mouth 2, F. Rawlins, Abergavennv. Cottager's pig-l and 2, J. Howard; 3, Nathaniel Thomas. DAIRY CLASSES. arizes given by 1 -1 Agricul- tural Committee. Pair oi uressed fowL—1 Miss Alic, Soencer Llauv air 2, Mrs. R. Jo .iiison, Llasiudewi Court 3. Miss E. James, I 4, Miss M. Jenkins, Little Mill. R. jo. ,inso,.i Hen Mrs. R. Johnson; 2r Miss A. Spencer 3, Miss A. Wilde, Cross Ash 4, Miss S. Gritiiths, Raglan. Hen eggs (coloured)--I, Mrs. A. M. Wilde 2, Miss S. Griffiths 3, Miss E. J dmes; 4, Miss A. Spencer. Bntter-I, Miss Taines 2, Mrs. E. J. James, Llaneilen 3, Miss A. Spencer 4, IMisa S. Griffiths. 0' HORSE SHOEING. e>uoeing a cart iiorse— 1, t. Stepuens, Ponty- pool 2, J. Meredith, R. G, Price, Llanover.