County Observer and Monmouthshire Central Advertiser Abergavenny and Raglan Herald Usk and Pontypool Messenger and Chepstow Argus

tr FURNISHING I at HOME. Much anxiety is saved to those contemplating Furnishing if they are able to cali-fily and deliberately select Furniture suited alike to their taste and means in the quiet of their own homes ere making a purchase, because it obviates the common mistake of furnishing the drawing-room at the expense of the bedroom, or, in other words, sacrificing the practical to the merely pretty, and avoiding hasty, ill- considered and unsuitable selections. TRAPNELL & GANE, the well-known House Furnishers of Newport, Cardiff, and Bristol, have now made such a safe, pleasant, and easy method possible since the publication of their New Catalogue, (vofitains nearly 1,500 Illustrations, ana is the most com- prehensive ever Wau l by any Firm either in London or the Provinces. HOUSE FURNISHERS. This Catalogue embraces Illustra- tions of Furniture suited for the MANSION, VILLA, or the COTTAGE home, and demonstrates at once the large and comprehensive character of TRAPNELL & GANE'S operations, and the very latest ideas in Furnishing. TRAPNELL & GANE, Complete Suites of Robms in various Styles are illustrated by Trapnell and Gane's own artists, showing not only the total cost but also the appearance of the different schemes suggested. Trapneli and Gane are happy in this way to lay their practical knowledge at the disposal of the public, enabling them to make a judicious selection from very large and comprehensive Stocks, and assuring their customers the greatest satisfaction and advantage. HOUSE FURNISHERS. Although the cost of this work has amounted to hundreds of pounds TRAPNELL & GANE have decided to forward, Post Free, to any address a copy to all BONA FIDE applicants. Why not drop us a post card to-day ? and this beautiful Catalogue will REACH YOU TO-MORROW. Trapll and Gane, HOUSE FURNISHERS, 161 & 162, Oommercial-st., NEWPORT AND AT CARDIFF & BRISTOL. TERBIFIO THTTNDBBSTOKM.—A terrific thunder- storm broke over the district of Nenagh on Wednesday evening. Lightning of startling vividness caused the deaths of cattle in four places round the town, while a man named Ryan, engaged on farm work, was killed instantly. A dwelling- house was also struck and partly wrecked. Six persons were in the house at the time, and were buried in the ruins, from which they were rescued with considerable difficulty. SOUTH AFRICA.-It is reported that it has been decided to appoint General Sir Eedyers Buller to the command of the forces in South Africa in the unfortunate event of hostilities in the Transvaal. PRF, INSURANCE AGAINST ACCIDENTS. COUPON TICKET 8PBOIAIJLY GUARANTRKO BY THE OCEAN ACCIDENT AND GUARANTEE CORPORATION, LIMITED, 40.42 & 44, Moorgate Street, London, E.C. (to whom Notice of Claims, under the following conditions, must be sent within seven days to the above address). £ -M HO will be paid by the above Corporation to the next-of-kin of anyone who is kiiied by an accident to the Si.4TX.WAr TMA.IX, j CAlfKIJBB'S VAX, J i M CA.1t, I CART, W.W.* i fii'S, 1 PJ KRIAOB, Or TTA G (J OX (within the United Kingdom or Channel Islands), in w hich the deceased was travelling, or who shall have been fatally injured thereby (should death result within three calendar months after such accident). Should such accident not prove fatal, but pro- duce, within the same period of three months, fteimnncvt total disablement, i.e., the loss of two limos (both arms or both legs, or one of each, by actua. separation above the wrist or ankle), th« person injured shall be entitled to receive £50, or for the loss of one limb, under the aforesaid conditions, £ 25 will he pdd. Provided that the person so killed or Injured had upon his or her person, or had left at home this Paper, in its entirety, with his, or her, usual signature, written, prior to the accident, on the apace provided below, which is the essence of this contract. .This Insurance holda good for the current week's Issue oniy; is limited to one Coupon for each bolder, and carries the benefits of, and is subject to the conditions of, the II OcEAN ACCIDENT AND GUARANTEE CORPORATION, Limited, Act, 1890,' Risks Nos. 2, 3, 6, and 6. The Corporation admit that the purchase of this Papeff ta the payment of a pvexnwm under Section 84 of the Act. Railway Servant* oa doty excepted. f*u~ |rT |r,| -nni TTW Sales by eduction. By Messrs. MARFELL & POOLE. Mamhilad and Llangibby, MONMOUTHSHIRE. FREEHOLD PROPERTIES FOR SALE. MESSRS. MARFELL & POOLE WIN offer for S \LE BY AUCTION, at the CROWN HOTEL, PONTYPOOL, on MONDAY, the 17th day of JDLY, 1899, At 3 o'clock in the Afternoon (subject to the con- ditions of Sale of the Monmouthshire Incorporated L'lw Society and such Special Conditions as are printed and annexed to the particulars of Sale), the following Valuable Properties:- I LOT I.-All that desirable FREEHOLD FARM, situate in the Parish of MAMHILAD, known as THE LOWER HOUSE," now in the occupation of the Representative of the late Owner, Mr. John Arthur Morgan, deceased, and containing, according to the Ordnance Survey, 20 Acres, 3 Roods, 29 Perches (more or less). LOT 2.—All those 3 PIECES of PASTURE LAND, with the old Barn and Cottage standing thereon, known as the UPPER LINDS," situate in the same Parish, and near the last lot, partly in the same occupation and partly of Mr. John Matthews, and containing, according to the Ord- nance Survey, 6 Acres, 3 Roods, and 31 Perches (more or less). LOT 3.—All those THREE PIECES of ARA- BLE, ONE of PASTURE, and ONE of WOOD LAND, with the Barn standing thereon, situate near COED-Y PAEX CIIUBCH, in the Parish of LLAN- GIBBY, now in the occupation of Mr. Thomas Arthur, at an annual rent of JE16, the Tenant paying half the tithe rent charge, and containing, according to the Ordnance Survey, 14 Acres, 2 Roods, 26 Perches. Lots 1 and 2 are close to Mamhilad Parish Church and the Main Road, within 3 miles of Pontypool, and about I of the Little Mill Sta- I tion of the G.W.R. Co., and are well watered. These Lots will be first offered together, and if not then sold, separately. Lot 3 is also well watered, close to a good road, about 3 miles from Usfe, and within easy distance of Pontypool and Newport. To view, apply to the respective occupiers, and for further particulars and plans with conditions of sale, which are in course of preparation, to the Auc- I TIONEER9, Trostrey Court, Usk, or to I WATKINS & Co., Solicitors, Pontypool. APPOINTMENTS, &c., FOR WE EM Ending July 1st 1899. June. Sat. 24-Poiitypool Petty Sessions, 11 a.m. Usk v. R.M.M.E.. at Usk. Quarter Day. Sun. 25—Fourth Sunday after Trinity. Tues. 27—Abergavenny Market. Wed. 28-Newport Cattle, Cheese, & Corn Mkts Abergavenny Petty Sessions, 11 a.m. Monmouthshire Quarter Sessions. Pontypool U.D.C. Coronation of Queen Victoria, 1838. Tbur. 29—Caerleon Petty Sessions. 11 a.m. July. Sat. 1—Pontypool Petty Sessions, 11 a.m. Cricket-Usk v. Caerleon at Usk.

Births, Marriages, and Deaths. Announcements of Births, Marriages, and Deaths are inserted at a uniform charge of Is each, unless such words as No cards," "No flowers," are added, when the charge will be 2s 6d. All announcements must be authenticated. Postage stamps may be sent in payment. Lists of Wedding Presents are inserted at the rate of Is. 6d. per inch in depth.

I The Opposition Silenced. The Opposition have not succeeded better in their latest than in their earliest attempts to injure and worry the Govern- ment. On foreign affairs they have had to fall in line behind the Government, admitting, as openly as reluctant opponents may, that on the whole the policy of Lord Salisbury is the wisest and best, and is fruitful of good results. Their attempt to raise a cry on Old-Age Pensions failed ignominiously. They have had to accept the London Reform Bill, and other domestic legislation of the Government, conscious that by opposing they would have placed themselves in antagonism to the general feeling of the country. Their effort to bounce a Protectionist policy on the Govern- ment, because it has sanctioned the imposition of countervailing duties on bounty-fed sugar imported into India, has been crowned with disaster. Not only was their MOTION OF CENSURE DEFEATED I by the imposing majority of one hundred and forty-one, but their arguments were so Z3 pulverised in the debate, by the masterly speeches of Lord George Hamilton and Mr. Chamberlain, that the cherished :hope of carrying from the debate into the country a cry that the Government were attacking the r' recognised Imperialist policy of Free Trade c' has faded into a dim nothingness. Nearly a week has elapsed since the debate in the House, and yet we hear nothing of the vigorous crusade that was to have been made to raise the country. Instead I SAD SILENCE HAS FALLEN ON RADICALISM, where sugar and bounties are concerned. Their attack has recoiled, and they cannot pursue the subject without convicting them- selves of being the supporters of an attack on Free Trade, rather than the defenders of Free Traders. Nevertheless Conservatives throughout the country should be alert to repel dishonest use that may be made of the material afforded by the debate. The sub- ject is full of possibilities for plausible and unscrupulous politicians. It is of the essence of Free Trade that there should be an open market, I UNTRAMMELLED BY RESTRICTION I on one side, or advantage on the other side. If it is the duty of the Free Trader to re- frain from imposing protective duties on foreign imports, it is equally a duty to pre- vent, as far as possible, foreign imports coming into our open markets cheapened by a bounty. To meet bounty by counter- vailing duty is obviously to defend Free Trade. We may not interfere in foreign markets, where our manufacturers and producers are placed at a disadvantage by hostile tariffs, but we may take action to prevent the intrusion of the Protectionist prevent the intrusion of the Protectionist system in the form of bounties into our own markets. To resist such intrusion is not only consistent with the spirit of Free Trade, it is a duty imposed on the con- scientious Free Trader. In the case of India, the duty is INTENSIFIED BY A RESPONSIBILITY. I We have taken charge of India, and are I answerable for the good government of the country, and the protection of its millions of inhabitants. While we may have thought fit to forego the natural duty of a Free Trade Government to protect our own sugar industry from destruction by bounty- fed imports, we have no right to withhold protection from the sugar industries of India. Had we permitted bounty-fed sugar to ruin the native production of sugar in India, the Imperial Government would have been open to a charge of breach of trust. The universal faith in the integrity of our rule, in our regard for the material rights and prosperity of the people, and in our ability to defend their interests against molestation from any quarter, would have been rudely shaken.

USK TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION COMMITTEE. PRESENTATION OF PRIZES. On Tuesday evening, at the Higher Grade School, I Usk, II. Humphreys, Esq., J.P., chairman of the Technical Instruction Committee, presented to the successful students attending the Technicd classes, the prizes enumerated below, on behalf of the com- mittee. Messrs. J. H. Clark, T. J. Smith, S. A. Hiley, and C. Voyce, members of the committee, were present, also Mr. A. F. Lucas (secretary) and Mr. C. Lowe (master). Mr. Humphreys, as a preliminary remark, said the committee had decided to give prizes in the technical classes for those first in the examinations, and also to some who attended every class. The following were awarded prizes Miss E. Smith, shorthand (theory)—" Peary's Arctic Experience." T. H. Smith, commercial arithmetic, 80-100- Commercial Arithmetic." Owen James, commercial arithmetic (elementary), 75- 100-11 History of Queen Elizabeth." Arthur L Lucas, attended 28 out of 30 in two classes—" Wood's Natural History." Harry Gibson, attended every possible class in freehand drawing and 28 in shorthand-" History of the American Navy." Hugh Meredith, elementary shorthand—"History of Queen Elizabeth." Harry Wise, attended every possible shorthand class-" The Amazon." Mr. Humphreys, having concluded the presenta- tions, said he hoped the technical classes would be well attended in the coming year. The pupils who had received prizes that evening deserved even better aw irda. (Applause.) Mr. Hiley proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Humphreys for his kindness in presenting the prizes that evening, and expressed a hope that the prizes would prove an incentive to those fortunate enough to acquire them to continue to persevere in their studies. It was also encouraging to the com- mittee to find the classes regularly attended, as it proved that their efforts had been appreciated. He hoped the classes would continue, as they had in the past, to be numerously attended, and the com- mittee's efforts appreciated by the town. (Applause). Mr. Clark seconded the proposition, and the pro- ceedings terminated.

THE BURSTING OF A BOILER. A CATASTROPHE NARROWLY AVERTED. At the Woodbine Saw Mills, Usk, on Wednesday of last week, a large boiler, utilized for the generation of steam to supply an engine which provides the power for driving a part of the machinery at the mills, suddenly burst. The following day our representative made enquiries and elicited the fact that a leakage had occurred in one of the two boilers, but that the firm's own blacksmith was repairing the damage. Subsequent examination, however, soams to have brought to light a more serious state of affairs, for we now learn that the boiler burst at the bottom, and but for the presenoe of mind of the stoker, who, when he saw the water suddenly vanish from the glass tube quickly raked out the fire, a serious explosion would probably have occurred.

MONMOUTH GRAMMAR SCHOOL V. USK. This, the return match, between the above teams was played at Monmouth on Saturday last, in splendid weather, before a fair number of spectators, and resulted in a draw, greatly in favour of the visitors. A hard and true wicket had been prepared, and Usk, on winning the toss, decided to bat, the captain, T. Rees, going in with S. A. Hiley. The former was unlucky enough to be out l.b.w. to W. A. Fiddian, and S. A. Hiley was caught at the wicket for a well-played 19. W. H. Creese and G. Edmunds were now together and runs came quickly, the batsmen showing good form, the former making most of his runs with a nice leg glance, and the latter by clean and crisp cutting. Edmunds was subsequently caught at point by Huffen off C. Davies. Creese who had been batting nearly two houis, was bowled at 155, and although he gave one or two chances, he played a good innings, and made some splendid strokes on the leg side. The innings was then closed, leaving the school about an hour-and-a-half in which to get the runs. W. A. Fiddian and D. Dudley opened for Monmouth, the bowling being taken up by T. Rees and W. F. Roberts. The batsmen were most uncomfortable to Reea's slows, Dudley being mifsed at the wicket in his first over, and Fiddian having his off stump hit without removing the bails. Roberts, however, took the first wicket, he getting Fiddian caught and bowled. The pro then joined Dudley, and went in for hitting, bringing on a change of bowling, W. H. Creese taking the captain's place. The pro. was subsequently bowled by Creese for a well-played 40. The School were still 76 runs behind and only two wickets to fall when stumps were drawn. F. W. Roberts took four wickets for 16 runs, and W. H. Creese, four for 36. Score :— USK. T. Rees, l.b.w., b W. A. Fiddian. 6 S. A. Hiley, c D. Dudley, b C. Davies 19 W. H. Creese, b S. Broughton. 59 G. Edmunds, c Huffen, b C. Davies.. 35 Rev. H. J. Bates, c Eutwistle, b Huffen 11 C. H. Davies, not out 19 W. F. Roberts 1 J. Waters. I B. F. Stockham r To tat E. Waters. I W. F. Stockham J Extras. 6 Total 155 GBAMMAR SCHOOL. W. A. Fiddian, c and b W. F. Roberts 5 D. Dudley, b W. H. Creese. 11 Mr. Sumner, c T. Rees, b W. F.Roberts 14 Huffen, b W. H. Creese. 40 W. H. de la Pry me, b W. F. Roberts.. 0 Mr. Entwistle, b W. F. Roberts 0 C. Davies, b W. H. Creese. 2 C. L. Matthews, c T. Rees, b W. H. Creese 2 Mr. Littlewood, not out 1 S. Broughton, not out 0 B. Glancy, to bat Extras. 4 Total. 79

TRADE IN MAY.—The month of May has been an exceptionally satisfactory month in regard to the foreign trade of this country. Both imports and exports show a marked increase over the same month in 1898, the former to the extent of X3,170,450, and the latter of £ 5,138,886, or deducting the item of new ships for export, of £ 3,161,904.—The principal articles of export (exclusive of new ships) showing an increase, in the month of May, were coal and fuel of £ 629,269; machinery and millwork of £ 218,617; metals and other manufactured articles of £ 844,810.

MONMOUTH. .lgent.-Mt,. Carp-ey, Bookseller, Monmouth. MEET OF THE AUTOMOBILE CLUB.—At this largely attended meet ou Saturday, at Richmond, the one mile race between the Hon. C. S. Rolls on a motor tricycle, and the fast trotter, Gold Ring riderless horse) was started but proved a failure, the latter breaking into a canter whenever it got near the motor, and finally the near tyre of its sulky became detached, Mi. Rolls being thus left to finish by himself. A second attempt to bring off the raee resulted in a like issue. Gold Ring will be given another opportunity later on. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING.—A special meeting was held on Wednesday, over which the Mayor (Colonel J. Walwyn) presided. The Chippenham Improvements Committee recommended that the tender of Messrs. Taylor and Jones, ironmongers, Monnow-street, for fixing iron handrails on the new footbridge connecting Chippenham with Cinderhill street, near Troy Station, at a cost of JEL7 15s., be accepted; also that the tender of Messrs. W. and J. Honeyfield, for fixing an iror gate at the road end of the same bridge, at a cost of Y,4 8s., be accepted.—On the motion of Captain Powell, seconded by Alderman G. Higgins, the report was adopted —It was decided that a tablet, bearing the following inscription, be fixed on the bridge as a record of the acquisition of Chippenham Tbis bridge was erected in z;1 commemoration of the acquisition of Chippenham for the Diamond Jubilee, 1897, through the generosity of donors of land and public sub- scriptions."—The Mayor said the plans for the sewage disposal would, if carried out, curtail the space in Little Chippenham, so as to render it too small for the horse show, or jumping or driving trials. ;I

NEWPORT. Agents—Messrs Greenland and Co.. Newsagents THE NEWPORT STRIKE.—On Wednesday four carpenters who had been imported from London, finding what the local position wae, declined to work, and went back to London. They were members of the Carpenters' Society.

L. & N.W. RAILWAY DIRECTORS AT THE DOCKS. On Monday afternoon a number of the directors and officials of the London and North Western Railway Company, on their annual tour of the system, visited the Alexandra Docks, and were hospitably entertained by the Dock Company. The visitors included 1.11e chairman of the company (Lord Stalbridge), Mr. Fred Harrison (general manager), Mr. F. Roe (chief goods manager), Mr. R. Turnbull (secretary), with the South Wales Superintendent (Mr. J. Bishop), and the local agent (Mr. A. H. Brown). Upon arriving at the Docks they were received by Mr. E. M. Underdown, Q.C., deputy-chairman of the Alexandra Dock Company, and Colonel Lyne, one of the directors. There were also present a number of officials, including the general manager (Mr. A. Henshaw), and the secretary (Mr. J. Smith). The South Dock was first inspected, where several large steamers were loading. The visitors were provided with plans of the Dock Co's., property, and were shown the undeveloped land belonging to them. The ships in the Docks were gaily decorated in honour of the visit. The London and North Western Railway directors on Tuesday resumed their tour of inspection over the company's South Wales system and visited Ebbw Vale, Blaina, and Brynmawr.

HARBOUR BOARD ANNUAL MEETING. The members met at the Dock-street Offices on Wednesday. It was unanimously agreed to elect Alderman A. R. Bear as chairman of the board for the ensuing year, and Alderman M. Mordey as vice-chairman. Alderman Bear said he supposed that the training wall in the river would be the greatest matter of interest for the coming year. He thought the low wall would be rather a source of danger than of help. The larger scheme was a grand idea, aud if it could be carried out it would probably develop an import trade. A good deal, he thought, in connection with that scheme would depend upon the way in which they were met by the landowners from whom they would require to take land, because he for one was averse to the improvement of other people's land at the expense of the Commission. They would also, he thought, require the assistance of the Great Western Railway Company. He did not think the Dock Company ought to regard the scheme as one competing with their interests. There was room for both. It seemed certain that the east side of the river would be developed by some one, and if it were possible, therefore, it ought to be developed by a public body like the Harbour Commission.

Hagiaii Castle and Tin tern Abbey. The Press Association understands that her Majesty's Commissioners of Woods and Forests are in negotiation with the Duke of Beaufort, for the purchase of Tintern Abbey and Raglan Castle on behalf of the public. The properties have been in- I spected and valued on behalf of the Commissioners, but the transaction is not yet completed, and uo in- formation as to details can be obtained at present, save that if the properties are acquired the buildings will be preserved, and will, of course, continuo accessible to the public. Two MEN KILLED IN THE SBVERNJTUNNEL.—A double fatal accident occurred in the Severn Tunnel on Thursday, the victims being two platelayers, one named Pullen, of Pilniug, and the other named Wm. Barber, a resident of Newport, It is believed that both men in the darkness of the tunnel, where they were engaged with others, mistook the line on which the 1.45 p.m., Hereford to Bristol train was running. Death presumably was almost immediate, for the bodies were much mutilated.

A lost Delicious Summer Beverage. It is difficult sometimes to know what to drink during the spring and summer months. This long felt want has been met by the production of Eiffel Tower Lemonade. Eiffel Tower Lemonade is made from the finest lemons, and the great advantage is that it is partly manufactured in Italy in the midst of the lemon orchards. The lemons are taken direct from the trees to the factory to commence their transforma- tion into Eiffel Tower Lemonade. You can get thirty-two tumblers (or two gallons) for fourpence half-penny, but be sure that you get Eiffel Tower Lemonade when you ask for it, as its great success has brought out inferior imitations that only cause disappointment. If you cannot get it from your Grocer, send 4d. to the makers, G. Foster Clark & Co., 1,332, Eiffel Tower Factory, Maidstone, they will send you a bottlpoBt frea by return. 300 BOTTLES GIVEN AWAY WEEKLY. The firm have adopted the following novel method to induce everybody to try their Lemonade. The first fifty letters opened every day not only have the Lemonade sent by return post, but the stamps are also returned to the fortunate applicants. A second bottle will not be supplied by the firm, but must be obtained of Grocers, Chemists or Stores. t i ii ■■ i—— --g

I Excelsior! The speeches delivered at the annual dinner of the Pontypool Constitutional Club last week, were very definite in their character, and auger well for the man who may be chosen to repre- sent the Conservative interest of North Mon- mouthshire. One and all present were willing and anxious to put their shoulders to the wheel in his behalf, providing he be a sound com- mercial man. That the electors of the division should desire a man of this stamp is only natural, considering their industrial occupations. It would be absurd, as the chairman intimated, for the division to vouchsafe its interests to a bewigged individual, and even more indiscreet .9 for it to adopt a "carpet-bagger"; but consti- tutionalists wanted their man before them, and then with a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull altogether," they would do their utmost to land him at St. Stephen's. This is, indeed, an admirable spirit, and there is little doubt but that the Conservative element of our neigh- bouring division will make their influence felt when the opportunity occurs.

NOTES BY "OBSERVER." [We do not necessarily endorse all our correspondent writes.—ED. C.O."] The troubles of the ubiquitous cyclist are legion, and many are the scrapes into which be innocently lands himself. Market day is not as other days in Usk, owing to the fact that quadrupeds claim precedence over bipeds in the use of pavements in various parts of the town, while the roads are unduly taxed by vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Farmers and dealers also stand in little groups near The Salmons, after the sale of stock is over, engaged in conversation, and the usual fringe of onlookers are iu attend- ance. These all contribute to block up the road, and hereby hangs a tale. It is this. A young man, mounted on his bicycle, was guilelessly riding up Bridge-street at a fair pace ou Monday morning, when, notwith- standing the ringing of his bell, be cannoned into an old gentleman just off The Salmons, with the result that, despite his years and sciatica, the latter's pugilistic talent was called into requi- sition, and he promptly belaboured the aston- ished cyclist, much to the amusement of all present. A Cattle Market, in this instance, at least, would have saved the old man his exertion and the young man his astonishment. 'if ;if The forthcoming Usk Horticultural and Cot- tage Garden Society's first exhibition is evidently creating a healthy rivalry among the garden devotees of the district, many intending com- petitors often hailing each other with an inter- rogation as to the state of their respective crops. This is precisely the spirit required to make the show a success and establish it as an annual in- stitution. It is rather unfortunate that the date of the Monkswood Tea Party and Usk Amateur Ath- letic Sports clash. If the two events be held on the same day, both will suffer detriment on account of the other, and this would be a pity. Could not the respective committees meet and consider the advisability of altering the date of one of the events, and thereby giving towns- people the chance to attend both.. Athleticism and study not infrequently go hand in hand. In the Cambridge triposes, F. R. O. Bevan, the long jumper, has gained a first-class in law, and Cantabs, who come out well in classics, include J. F. Carter, the Rugby three-quarter; Charles Valentine, a fleet-footed harrier Edgar Davidson, a capital oarsman and A. Campbell, an expert at throwing the hammer. There was a falling-off in the number of the exhibits at the Royal Agricultural Show held this week at Maidstone, especially as regards horses; but animals displayed were on the whole of high-class quality, and the supplemen- tary exhibits ot implements and illustrative displays of dairying deservedly drew together large gatherings of interested people. t Judging by the mendacity that goes on from day to day in our Courts, especially in the Divorce Division, there are many aspirants to throw the qualifications of Ananias and Sapphira in the shade. "The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth," is, seemingly, outside the vocabulary of many witnesses. The quick changes in temperature we have lately experienced account for very many ail- ments. Why, within the last few days we have more than once experienced a difference of between seventy aud eighty degrees iu the thermometric readings in the space of four and twenty hours. The man or woman who can stand that with impunity, can stand almost anything. Yet the climate of England is classed by meteorologists as temperate The Premiership goes a-begging in France, 9 and M. Loubet is almost at his wits' end. Politician after politician has been appealed to to form a Cabinet, but the task was such an uninviting one that all have declined with thanks.

ABEIVAL OF RUDYARD KIPLING,—Mr. Rudyard Kipling reached Qneenstown on Wednesday, in the White Star liner Teutonic." |

USK. Allent-Mrs. E. K Jones, Stationer VOLLEY FIRING,—The local contingent of the 4th V.B.S.W.B. indulged in volley firing at the butts on Monday evening. KIT,LS.-O wing to the recent rains, the river has risen about four inches, and Col. Rocke, on Wednes- day, landed three salmon, weighing 16, 12, and 11, Ibs respectively. Amongst the passengers who left Southampton for South Africa, on Saturday, on the Uuion Com- pany's steamer Briton, was Dr. Rutherfoord Harris, who had previously been spending a few days at Llangibby Castle. CLUB DINNER AND MEETING.-Officers and dele gates of the Usk and Raglan District Lodges of the Philanthropic Institution, M.U., met at the Royal Hotel, Usk, on Monday, when, after a substantial repast, the usual business was attended to. AN INNOVATION.—Several business houses in the town have been connected with the telephone during the past week, and the work is still progressing. This innovation gives us another touch of modernity.

■— mi ■!■■■ ..I. ■ mi. CHEPSTOW. I Agent.-Mr Clark I URBAN COUNCIL.-On Monday, Dr. A. G. Lawrence wrote resigning his seat on the Council. It was decided to advertise for a successor to Dr. King, late Medical Officer, at a salary of X30 instead of X40 as hitherto. BOARD OF GUARDIANS MEETING.—Mr. H. Clay presided over the meeting on Saturday, when the appointment of medical officers to the Chepstow Poor-law district and to the Shirenewton Poor-law district was made, consequent upon the resignation of Dr. E. P. King. The first two appointments were given to Dr. G. Lawrence, and the Shire- newton district to Dr. A. G. Lawrence. TRAP FATALITY.—Mr. M. F. Carter, district coroner, resumed the inquiry at the Powder House, Tidenham, on Monday, concerning the death of Miss Helen Pillinger, of Chepstow, who was killed on June 2nd, in a trap accident at Tidenham. The coachman, Charles Savory, was now able to attend, and, having described the accident, the medical evidence showed that the cause of death was fracture of the skull. A verdict in accordance was returned, and the driver was exonerated from blame.-It was decided to inform the district council that the road where the accident occurred was not wide enough. Miss George, the second young lady who was injured, was not able to attend. SUDDEN DEATH.—An inquest on Anna Barber, aged 77, Moor-street, was held at the Chepstow Police Station on Tuesday evening, by Dr. Shoolbred, deputy coroner.—Amy Elizabeth Webb, grand-daughter, identified the body. Deceased had complained of headache, but was better on Sunday. About 3.30 a.m. on Monday, she com- plained of pains in the back, but no medical man was sent for. Deceased called witness to her bedroom again at 6.30 a.m., and then she went to see Dr. Lawrence, who was not at home. Mrs. Lawrence, however, gave her something, which deceased said made her worse. She then went to her bedroom, where witness subsequently found her sitting in an armchair, with her head hanging over the bedstead. Life was extinct.—Mary Kavanagh, district nurse, deposed that she was present in Dr. Lawrence's surgery when deceased came to see the doctor. She appeared to be upset because Dr. Lawrence was not there. Mrs. Lawrence gave her 40 drops of sal volaule to take. -The Coroner: About the best thing to give her.—Dr. J. Gwynne Lawrence spoke to making a post mortem examination. He found the heart normal, flabby and traces of extreme fatty degeneration and syncope. He was of opinion that the woman might have expired suddenly at any time.—In summing up the Coroner said it was a pity the deceased did not sooner consult a medical malL-The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

LABOUR DISPUTES. I On Monday morning at nine o'clock the painters engaged at the Empire, Newport, which is now rapidly approaching completion, gave two hours' notice to the contractor, Mr. John Linton, and came out at eleven o'cloek. We are informed that no reason was given for this action except that the men had received instructions to give notice, and had acted accordingly. At the Alexandra Dock, Newport, on Mondays there was a stoppage of work by deal carrier, engaged on the ss. Lame, on the question of hours. A further conference of employers and men con- nected with the Newport Building Trade was held at the Town-hall on Monday evening. The Mayor Councillor T. H. Howell, had buen indefatigable in his efforts to promote a settlement, but his very complete arrangements to that end were unfortu- nately of no avail, as both parties were determined not to make further concessions, and the conference ended in a deadlock. The skilled men demanded an immediate advance in wages, and the masters offered to give it on Sep- tember Ist the masters asked that the rule re imported made-up work should be referred to arbitration, and the men declined; and, third and last, the labourers demanded a rise from 5tf. per hour to Sid., and the masters offered 5J., which they said was the rate paid all through the district. On these three points the two sides could not be brought in o harmony, and the dispute goel" on, and may probably be aggravated to mean trouble by the importation of free labour.

PONTNEWYDD. Agent —Mr. Z Lloyd, Butcher. GROUND VALUES AT LLANTARNAM.-In the House of Commons on Tuesday, Colonel Morgan presented a petition from the Urban District Council of the district of Llantarnam, in favour of rating ground values. p

PONTYPOOL. 1 Agents ~Mr.J. Harding, Market Bootstall, and Messrs. Jones and Edwards DEATH OF MR. J. H. PARKES.—We regret to record the death of Mr. J. Haleswood Parkes, son of the late Mr. C. J. Parkes, J.P. The sad event tonk place after a long and painful illness at the house of his cousin in Penarth. He was 42 years of age and had been brought up to the legal pro- fession. The interment took place at Trevethiu Church, on Wednesday afternoon. I PONTYPOOL AND DISTRICT LICENSED VICTUALLERS ASSOCIATION. At a meeting of the above Association, held at the Boat-Inn, Kemeys, on Tuesday, considerable discussion took place with regard to the decision in the Court of Queen's Bench, in reference to the legality of music and dancing in Public Houses (reported in the Caterer and Hotel Keepers Gazette, for the loth inst It was unanimously decided in view of the fact of the police objection to it, to send a circular to all members of the Association, condemning dancing on licensed premises, and asking them not to make a regular practice of allowing singing and music.

I Parliamentary. The Under Secretary for War asked the members to agree to a resolution authorising an expenditure of four millions sterling under the Military Works Bill, the money to be raised by loan. The entire scheme, it was explained, would involve a much larger outlay, but it was intended to leave the realisation of the complete plan to the successors of the present Government. The Ministerial proposal was to spend £ 1,000,000 on defence works, £2,770,000 on barracks and hospitals at home and abroad, E40,000 on rifle ranges, and X190,000 on staff and contingencies. On a division the resolution was agreed to by 241 votes to 66. The Telephones Bill was read a second time. The Press Association understands there is every probability that the House of Lords in Committee upon the London Government Bill will reject the Commons amendment by which women were made eligible for election as councillors, or to the position corresponding to that of aldermen, in the new municipal bodies about to be created in the metropolis. In the House of Commons on Thursday the Government's Tithe Rent-charge Rates Bill was read a first time.