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

Births, Marriages, & Deaths. Announcements of Births, Marriages and Deaths are ir. serted at a uniform charge of Is each, unless such words as No cards, No flowers' are added, when the 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,

"Iy Gallant and Devoted Comrades." i Lord Roberts' farewell to the troops is eloquent and impassioned. His grandeur of character, his affectionate regard and admiration for the men he commanded, and his own humility are discernible throughout. There is no seJf-advertisement, no self- glorification, his thoughts were too much centred in the pluck, endurance, discipline, and devotion to duty displayed by the men he has been so proud to command for him to remember that he too shared fatigue and braved death as cheerfully as the rank and file. In his retrospect of the campaign the whole South African force is reviewed—the Navy, Colonials, Regulars, Militia, Yeomanry and Volunteers-and to all alike he gives expression of his profound apprecia- tion of THE NOBLE WORK they have performed for their Queen, their country, and himself personally. Their duties had been exceptionally heavy, there had been no rest, no days off to recruit, and no going into winter quarters. For months together they had been exposed to fierce heat, biting cold, and pouring rain, and had marched and fought without halt, and bivouacked without shelter, frequently with thfiir clothes in rags and their boots without soles. They had been shot at from behind kopjes by an invisible enemy, to whom every inch of the country was familiar, had forced their way through dense jungles, over precipitous mountains, dragging heavy guns and ox wagons with them, and had covered immense distances with almost incredible speed, often on a very short supply of food. They had borne sickness and suffering without a murmur, had acted up to the HIGHEST STANDARD OF PATRIOTISM, had exercised kindness and humanity towards their enemies, and, by their own behaviour in the towns they occupied, had caused the Army of Great Britain to be highly respected in South Africa, Such is Lord Roberts' encomium on the conduct of soldiers whom for nearly twelve months he has commanded, and whom he would have wished to remain with until the Army was completely broken up, had not duty called him in another direction. Lord Roberts has proved himself an ideal Oornmander-in- Chief and his words of praise will ever dwell in the hearts of his gallant and devoted comrades."

[We do not necessarily endorse all our correspondent writes.—ED. "O.O."] USK CATTLE MARKET. Mr. L. R. Lucas, the contractor, is proceeding very satisfactorily with the building of the Usk Cattle Market. The weather has lately been somewhat against him, but, with an improvement in this respect, a month's operations will effect a considerable alteration in the appearance of the site. All the ironwork is on the ground, and that for the cattle stalls has been put in position. The sheep and pig pens, too, are in progress, and the building is complete save for the slating. MONMOUTH DISTRICT BOROUGHS. 11 Newport's new Member," is a paragraph heading I have frequently come across of late in the coluniua of a Newport contemporary. Does the newness of the paper account for the inaccuracy, or does the seaport really imagine it has already attained the distinction it covets ? Monmouth aud" Usk can also claim a hand in returning Dr. Rutherfoord Harris to Parlia- ment. Trooper Norman Biggs of the Glamorgan Yeomanry, who has been invalided home, writing to his brother, Dr. Biggs, from Harrismith, under dates November 1st and 7th says Since July 25th when we left Ficks- burg we have been to Commando Nek, then to Ficksburg again, then to FouriesBurg for a few days for a fight and general surrender of 4,021 Boers. We had some fun there—thence to Harrismith-a few days there-then on to Reitz and Vrede then back to Bethlehem, then Ficksburg to Spitz Kop where we spent a week burning farms, &c. Just about there, we let the Boers under Haasbrook and Company, slip through us, although there were about five Generals around. Then to Senekal, Bethlehem, and Reitz to Vrede. then Standerton back to Vrede, Reitz, Bethlehem, and Harrismith, just like a travelling circus-far slower than a funeral—and they try to hide themselves. They are chasing De Wet, 2 miles an hour, never more than 20 miles a day, and nearly always on half rations. Tea, sometimes without sugar (always without milk), and a biscuit, just like a dog biscuit—that's breakfast; Dinner, bully beef and biscuit. Tea and biscuit. Four biscuits a day—that's full rations. Two had to suffice some days, and at other times flour was served out and we had to make dough boys ourselves. When we left Bethlehem last time, we were running short of ammunition, also rifle cartridges, so it was about time we got back. During our last trip cigarettes and tobacco were wonderfully scarce-also grub. We had a very warm time of it for the last six weeks, not a single day went by without our being fired at. We had no cavalry and there was only the Battalion of Yeomanry to do the advance, rear, and flanking guards, but only a few were hit and about 5 killed-Rundle, Boyce, and Campbell were very pleased with us. The day I got hit the last named personally congratulated us, we saved his convoy. The Boers did want it badly and they tried hard for it. • ,I>. I was hit just below the hip joint and it came out in the top about the middle of my thigh, and then went through the horse. I was the last file of the rear guard. I had to make my way on foot till the Major and Marsh came back and put me on one of their horses and so to the ambulance. It was very close, they were banging away at me for some minutes at about 200 yards, and it was only just when I was going back I got pipped when we were nearing Vrede, and from there I came on the ambn- lance. Now I am in the Field Hospital, and I expect I shall have to be invalided down as my leg won't be strong for weeks. Through the wet weather and thunderstorms, ( I have got rheumatism in my leg and they think I had better go home, as I shall not be able to ride for a bit. Isn't it awful luck ? but I am not a bit surprised, as for a couple of nights we were really washed out of our tents. It does rain here at times—and the lightning! I have been removed to the proper Hospital now, I was only in the Field Hospital before. They have turned the School into a Hospital and filled the play ground with tents. I am in one of the tents on a stretcher bed which is better than the ground. It is very annoying as I intended staying out here, and the weather is very nice and warm—bar these sudden hurricanes. The war isn't over yet and won't be for 6 months. I hear the Yeomanry are likely to be here till March, or at any rate till they get more horsemen. Rundle has no horsemen, bar Yeomanry they are absolutely helpless without mounted men. Did you know Brereton at Guy's?—He is P.M.O. here, and Dr. Williams who used to live at Llangibby is here also. They have about 200 Patients to attend to, and have a church full also, most of them, I believe, are enteric. Herbert Nell left at Vrede with measles. Most of the 8th Division want a rest, they are about done, always tramping about on half rations. They want feeding and a fortnight's rest, and the horses are worse off than the men, dying on the road. They are serving out those Argentine horses, fat looking things, but absolutely use- less. like mules, no mouth. When they hear a bullet they stop and nothing will move them. Mine was a thorough-bred, he was killed by the same bullet that bit me. I wish I could get another like him, but ponies are getting very scarce about here. The Boers have all the fat ones. Harrismith is a healthy place, very high, and they say good for consumptives."

I USK. I Agent-Mrs. E. K Jones, Stationer OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.—Dr. Ru therfoord Harris, M.P., for the Monmouth District Boroughs, has taken the oath and his seat in the House of Commons. LLANGIBBY SHOOT POSTPONED.—Owing to the unavoidable absence of Dr. Harris, in London, the Llangibby Castle Shoot has been postponed until the 14th, 15th, and 17th inst. CHBISTMAS GIFTS FOR WORK HOUSES.—AS the out- come of a scheme evolved by Air W. T. Stead, and in response to au appeal from him, Dr Rutherfoord Harris, M.P., has most generously undertaken to supply to all the inmates of workhouses in Wales and Monmouthshire Christmas books and pictures for their Christmastide amusement. BIRMINGHAM DOG Siioir.-At the National Dog Show, opened at Birmingham on Monday, Mrs. G. M. Williams, of Llanllowell Rectory, took 1st and 2nd prizes in the open class for Wolfhounds with Champion Dermot Asthore" '96 and Champion Wargrave." Mrs. Williams also took the prizes in the wolfhound brace and team classes. APPOINTMENT FOB COLONEL IVOR HFRBBRT.-The control of all the more important arrangements in connection with the Colonial representatives who have been serving in South Africa, and who are detailed for a visit to England on their return voyages in February next, is to be entrusted to Colonel Ivor Herbert, C.B., Grenadier Guards, who has been:servin ou Lord Roberts' staff at Capetown since February last. PROPERTY SALE.—Mr. Thomas Parry offered at the Westgate Hotel, Newport, on Wednesday, several lots of freehold property. Slough Farm, in the parishes of Gwernesuey and Llangeview, near Usk, containing 117a. 2r. 30p., was sold at £ 2,525 to Mr. Evans, of Pontypool. Church Farm, in the same neighbourhood, containing 98 acres, was sold at Y,2,000 to Mr. H. G. Lloyd, solicitor, Newport, for a client, and two small agricultural cottages in the parish of Gwernesney, one in the occupation of Mr. George Dobbins and the other known as Church Cottage, were also knocked down to Mr. H. G. Lloyd for £60 and X76 respectively.

I USK HIGHER GRADE SCHOOL. A special meeting of the Scholarship Managers was held on Monday afternoon. The following members were present:—Deaconess Eleanor, Rev. Herbert Addams Williams, Messrs. W. B. Gething, S. A. Hiley, J. H. Clark, C. Voyce, H. Humphreys, and Richard Parker. Mr. Gething was voted to the chair pro tem. Mr. Clark and Mrs. Harold A. Williams, who were nominated at a previous meeting, were now formally re-elected as co-optative managers. The Rev. Herbert A. Williams was then in the absence of Mr. Bosanquet, voted to the chair, and the first business was to elect a chairman for the year. Mr. Clark proposed that Mr. Bosanquefc be re-elected chairman for the year, which Mr. Gething seconded, and it was carried unanimously. The motion on the agenda was to make provision for supplying the place of chairman in his absence, and it was proposed by Mr. Gething, seconded by Mr. Clark, and carried unanimously, that the Rev. H. A. Williams fill that position. The Master's report was then read, which suggested that the holidays should commence on December 20th and School re-open on the 7th January, which was approved.

URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. I The monthly meeting was held on Thursday evening; present—Messrs H. A. Addis, J.P. (chair- man), S. A. Hiley, F. Jennings, J. Davies, G. Mundy, W. S. Gustard, W. Workman, J. Knight, C. Voyce, A. F. Lucas (clerk), and T. Rees, juiir (surveyor and inspector). TRB CONIGAR. I The Gas Committee, having considered the question of lighting this footpath, resolved that they could not recommend it in consequence of the expense involved—. £ 20 initial, and f 2 5s per lamp I (2) per annum. The saving in distance by using the path in preference to the road was only 100 yards. Mr Gustard said they could have no improve- ment without spending money, and while he did not wish to put the ratepayers to unnecessary ex- pense, he thought they should carry out the work rather than risi* a claim for compensation through an accident there. He moved an amendment, suggesting the erection of two lamps on the path and the shifting of the lamp by Mr Rivers' shop so as to light the steps. No one seconded the amendment, and the report was adopted. I STREET COMMITTEE. This Committee reported that the following ten- ders had been received for stone hauling: Edward Morgan. 8d per cubic yard; Thomas Morgan and George Gilbert, 10d.—The lowest was accepted. Complaints having been received as to the C C. steam roller, wagons, &c., standing on the Twyn, it was recommended that without the leave of the Committee nothing should be allowed to remain there.—Adopted. The Committee recommended that a steam roller be used on a portion of the Pontsandpit-road.— The Surveyor was asked to get terms, &c. The Surveyor was also instructed to get four more trucks of ashes for the paths, and to see to the road at Lower Mill. THE CATTLE MARKET. I The Clerk read replies from Newport, Chepstow, and Abergavenny Cattle Market authorities, shew- ing that from £ 5 to £ 10 10s per anil. was charged auctioneers for selling in the market. The Finance Committee reported the payment, upon the Engineer's certificate, of 2100 6s to Me L. R. Lucas, the contractor, and recommended a .■ — — — further similar payment to bim of L371 4s, with £ 43 14 8d to Mr Togarmah Reesf the engineer, for commission and salary of the Clerk of the Works.— Agreed to. The Chairman stated that from the Engineer's report it appeared that X815 worth of work had been done, and X65 104 of the amount due to the contractor had been retained. The Engineer had expressed himself quite satisfied with the way the work was being carried out. DEFAULTING RATEPAYERS. The list of defaulting ratepayers having been considered, it was resolved to proceed in the ordinary way for the recovery of all amounts not paid forthwith. THE SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The Surveyor, in his report, referred to work done, and small matters requiring attention, with regard to which notiCtS were ordered to be served. He referred to the house occupied by George Ooolc, Four Ash-street, stating that Cook, his wife and five children had only two small rooms, 14ft,. by 13ft. by ()ft., in which to live. It was decided to serve a notice with regard to this. A favourable balance of L200 odd was reported.

MARRIAGE OF THE HON. VIOLET SOMERSET. At Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square, Chelsea, on Monday afternoon, the marriage took place of Captain Wilfred Abel Smith, of the place of Captain Wilfred Abel Smith, of the Grenadier Guards (third sou of the late Mr. Robert Smith and the Hon. Mrs. Smith, of Goldings, Herts, and 13, Cadogau Square), and the Hon. Violet Elizabeth Katharine Somerset, daughter of the second Lord Raglan, and half. sister of the present peer, of Cefn Tilla Court, Usk. The service was choral, and the Charch tastefully decorated. The Rev. the Sub-Dean of the Chapel Royal (Edgar Sheppard, D.D.), and the Rev. Mauusel Pleydell, M.A., were the officiating clergymen. The bride was given away by her brother, Lord Raglan, and was attended by four bridemaids-her two cousins, Ladies Agnes and Maud Lygon, and the bridegroom's two sisters, the Misses Leila and Marjorie Smith. The bride wore a robe of ivory satin, the skirt having a long flounce of Brussels lace arranged round the train. The bodice was crossed with satin and draped with lace to correspond with the skirt. Orange blossoms were arranged on the left shoulder and a long trail of them hung therefrom. The veil of old Biusaels lace covered a tiara of orange flowers, and she wore a massive and costly necklace of diamonds, the gift of the bridegroom's mother. She carried a choice bridal bouquet of rare exotics, tied with white satin streamers. The bridemaids' dresses were of white satin, the bodices being arranged with lace and bolero, and chemisettes of tucked chiffon, with folded satin waistbands, and the skirts tucked and arranged with deep flounces, beaded with a band of lace insertion. They also wore blue felt hats, trimmed with blue chiffon and black ostrich feathers. The bridegroom's gifts to them were green and enamel brooches and nosegays of pink roses, tied with blue satin streamers. No reception was held after the ceremony on account of the receut death of Lord Farnham, the bride's uncle, but a large congregation assembled in the Church, amongst whom were the Dowager Lady Raglan (mother of the bride), the Hon. Mrs. Arthur Somerset, Mr. Arthur Somerset, Master Arthur Somerset, Adeliza Lady Clancartv and her daughter Lady Katherine Le Poer Trcnch, Evelyn Lady Bathurst, Lady Beauchamp, Lady White, Lady Bateman, Lady Anna Fane, Lord and Lady Ampthill, Lady Mary Lygon, Lady Joan Verney. Lord Knutsford (uncle of the bridegroom), Mrs. John Gladstone, Mrs. Alexander Campbell, Miss Pechell, the Hon. Mrs. Villier, Miss Villiers, Mrs. Brown, the Hon. Mr. and Mrs. Markham Townshend, Mrs. Cosmo Bevan, the Hon. Mrs. Mallet, Tvliss Morley, the Hon. FitzRoy Somerset, Mr. G. Walters, Mrs. Noel Corry, Miss Corry, Master Corry, Lady Fremantle, Mr. and Mrs. Mauusel Pieydell, Mr. and Mrs. Grant, Miss Vivian, the Hon, Mrs. Lawley, Mr. and Mrs. Martineau, Lady Geraldine Somerset, Miss Evans Freake, Mrs. Robert Smith, Mrs. and the Misses Russell, Admiral and Lady E. Adeane, the Right Hon. Evelyn and Lady Alice Ashley, Mr. Abel H. Smith, M.P., Mrs. Cross, Lady Vavasour, Lord and Lady John Cecil, Mrs. Erskiue, Mrs. Charles Daniell, Mr. and Mrs. Almeric Fitzroy, Mrs. Douglas Smith, Lady Caroline Gordon Lennox, Lady Susan Gilmour, Hon. Mildred Campbell, the Hon. Mrs. Alexander Fitzmaurice, Dowager Countess of Albemarle, Lady Hilda Keppel, General, Mrs.. and Miss Stewart, Mrs, A. Hood, Lady Sybil Ouffe, Miss Maud Smith, Lady Isabel Stewart, Sir Henry and Lady Farquhar, Lady Mary Cooke, Mr. Frederick Verney, and Lady Sotheby. In the afternoon Captain and the Hon. Violet Smith left for Goldings, Herts, where they will spend their honeymoon. The presents, over 250, were very handsome and costly.

PONTYPOOL RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the Pontypool Rural District Council was held at the Sessions House, Usk, on Monday afternoon, when there were present :-Messrs. Rees W. Spencer, J.P. (chairman), Stephen T. Griffin, W. H. Charles, James Bevan, Job Thomas, W. Newman, T. Watkins (clerk), and R. Derrett (surveyor and inspector). FINANCE. Favourable balances of £ 112 !9s. 2d., and £ 545 18s. lid. were reported ou the Loan and Current accounts respectively. Current accounts respectively. PONTHIR AND WAIN WATER SUPPLY. I The Clerk read a communication from the Clerk to the Llanfrechfa Lower Parish Council, referring to a resolution passed by that body suggesting that the RD.C. should communicate with the Chairman of the Llangattock Parish Meeting (Mr. Percy Lay bourne) with a view to getting financial assistance towards the cleaning out and making of the well at Lower Ponthir, and erecting a pump there, 16 houses in Llangattock parish being supplied therefrom and only 8 from the parish of Llanfrechfa Lower. Mr. Griffin remarked that there seemed to be no end to the suggestions from the Llanfrechfa Lower Parish Council as to the water supply at Pouthir and the Wain. The Clerk remarked that Llangattock was in the district of the Magor R.D.C. Mr. Griffin thought they might have heard of this matter before now. It was an entirely fresh idea. The Clerk said lie did not before know that people outside the Pontypool district used the well. He then read the last letter he wrote to the Parish Council on the subject of the water supply, in which he suggested that the Local Government Board might not approve of the Parish Council's suggestion as to the well and pump meeting the the requirements of the district, and referred to former communications (in November 1898) objecting to the well as being liable to con- tamination from surrounding cesspools. After further discussion, it was decided to adopt the Parish Council's suggestion and write to Mr. Percy Laybourne. I HIGHWAY REPORT. The Surveyor, in his highway report, stated that, as requested, he met the Committee appointed, with the Engineer (Mr. D. J. Lougher), and the contractor (Mr. R. A- Rogers), at the Cwtn-road, Llangibby. It was decided that Mr. Rogers should proceed with the rough metalling at once, he saying that he would be able to get it done in the course of a week or nine days. The weather, however, had been very much against him, and there was about 25 yards still to be done on his last inspection on Friday morning.—The bridge over the Candawr Brook, near Pantyrheos, was erested on the Saturday prior to the last meeting of the Council. The span being one of 23ft., he had had three planks bolted together to prevent vibration, and hoop iron straps put to handrails, painted.-Daring the past seven weeks the delivery of broken limestone to Nantyderry Station, from the Llanelly Lime and Stone Co., Limited, had been very slow, and he presented a letter of explanation,—As to the proposed widening of Pontnewydd-road, Mr. F. J. Mitchell wrote and asked him to meet him and Mr. G. ^\rilliams ou the spot, and he competed on the 2(Jth No vember. The plan was approved of, but Mr, Mitehel 1 wished to have a plan showing the quantity of ]a,id required of Mr. Lawrence in the Llantarnarin district, which he (the Surveyor) forwarded ou the 21st November.—Mr. T. Ral-linger had completed the work in connection with' the bridges in Lia, ngeview parish, and he (the Surveyor) asked for e. xtras to be allowed for work done which he foan d to be necessary at No. 3 bridge. f THE CWYJ ROAD The Chairman reported that Mr. Griffin anc^ he had met Mr. Lougher on the Cwm-road. itfnd found the road in a very unsatisfactory conditilt-n. After a little conversation^ Mr. Lougher tbongi it that under the circumstances the best thing to d*1 was to ask Mr. Rogers to get out the r»ugh • metalling at once. The contractor consented ta this course, but that work was titfit unSnisbe^i according to the Surveyor's report. The Contractor had applied for a payment on account, but it was reported that the r- would not give a certificate u-util Ynore work w" done. The Chairman thought that they could not take,- the matter out of the Engineer's hands who must; know very much better than they did, the- value of the work done. Mr. Job Thomas said they had' appointed an engineer for the purpose of getting his. advice. Mr. Griffin corroborated the Cbairmanrø statement, and pointed out that the Clerk bad found that they could not indefinitely stop the traffic on the Cwm-road for the work. Since the time the Committee were there, he had viaitad the road several times, and Mr. Rogers had been a little more energetic, but as much woik had not been done as ought to have been. He came to the conclusion that Mr. Rogers had received all that he was entitled to, considering that there had been as yet no swall metalling put down, aud there was still the fencing—which amounted to about £ 4,0— to do. He did not think they should vote any more money until they got a certificate from the Engineer. The Chairman said that, undoubtedly, there waa a lot more money to be spent there yet. Mr. Griffin pointed out that £ 120 had already been given to Mr. Rogers, who had only about £ 100 coming to complete the work. Mr. Charles thought that as the matter had been referred to a Committee, it should be left to- them. Mr. Bevan said there was something radically wrong about the job. He was in favour of the contractor being helped along. Mr. Rogers had had difficulties with regard to labour. The Chairman said they could only sympathise with him as to that. The legal difficulty in the way of granting the contractor's application without the Engineer's; certificate, having been referred to, it was decided to await the receipt of that document. THE STONE CONTRACTS. Considerable discussion took place as to the way in which the contracts for the supply of stone were carried out-or, rather, were not carried out. Mr. Griffin thought the Council should stand upon their dignity in the matter. If a contract was entered into by a person for the supply of stones at a certain time they should see that the terms were observed, or if the material were not forthcoming they should obtain it elsewhere and charge the contractors with any extra cost which might be incurred. Other members similarly expressed themselves. It was reported that a large quantity contracted for by Messrs. Coggan and Son, for the various roads in the district, could not be got out. It was ultimately decided to give Messrs. Coggan a fortnight in which to complete their contracts and if it were not completed then, that further delivery should be stopped. The contract stipulated that the stoue should be out in October. In the case of the Llanelly Company, it was decided to inform them that if the stone were not delivered in a fortnight it would be obtained from another quarry, and they would be charged with any extra cost which may be eutailed. The Surveyor's report was adopted. SANITARY REPORT. The Inspector reported that a well had been sunk in the meadow at the Granary Farm. Llauddewy Vach, 21ft. deep, with about 18ft. of water, the drain had also been continued under- neath the cowsheds and through the rickyard into the meadow, which was satisfactory.—The well at the Glebe, Llaudegveth, was not completed last Monday. It should be bricked at least a foot higher and it should be clayed or concreted three feet from the top. so as to prevent the drainage of the garden percolating into it.—He had received a letter on behalf of Mrs. Morgan, of the White Hall Farm, near Coedypaen, calling his attention to the water running off the road through her premises and contaminating the well. He inspected the premises, and as the barn and buildings were at least 4ft. below the level of the rond, with a gradient of from 10ft. to 12ft., the natural course of the water was that way. If a surface gutter were put there it would interfere with the approach to the cart shed. As requested, he called upon Mr. Harris, of Caerleon, for the address of Mr. Hawkins, the owner of the top seven houses at Ponthir Row, but he refused to give it, saying that he had done what was necessary there. That, however, was not so. Not only were the slops going into the ditch com- plained of, but the closets at the houses were in a very bad state. A case of scarlatina in the Row was reported last week, and one case of diphtheria had broken out at the cottage on the Old Tram- road, Ponthir. These cases were believed to be very slight. He had visited the c:at*es twice, and the Medical Officer of Health (Dr. Jenkins) once.—Two houses were being re-built by Messrs. Ponsford Bros.-one at Gwehelog and one at Glascoed. There was no proper water supply at either place. He had every reason to believe that the work in connection with the Pentrewain well had been completed satisfactorily. The Inspector was requested to call upon the Rev. W. A. W. Evans with reference to the Glebe Farm well. As to Ponthir-row, Llanfrechfa Lower, it was decided to ask the Medical Officer (Dr. G. Harrison Jenkins) for a report with a view to obtaining an order for the compulsory closing of the houses, under the Housing of the Working Classes Act, as the insanitary condition of the ditch continued, and there seemed no other means of getting the. nuisance abated, which was injurious to health* it being stated that three times previously diphtheria had broken out there. It was decided to serve notices on Messrs. Ponsford with regard to the water supply at the houses referred to in the report.

i -^r I ABERGAVENNY. [ Aaents.-Hes,,rs Daviest_ Co. Booksellers. KING HENRY VIII'S SCHOOL.—The prize dis- tribution took place at the Town Hall. Abergavenny, on Friday evening, the chair being taken by Dr. Glendinning, chairman of the Governors, and the prizes distributed by Dr. James (Headmaster of Rugby Grammar School), a former student at Abergavenny. Amongst the Governors present were:—The Mayor (Alderman Major Williams), Dr. James (headmaster Rugby Grammar School), Dr. S. H. Steel, J.P., Messrs. H. L. Baker, C. J. Daniel, W. H. Gwatkin, J. (). Marsh, J.P., C.C., E. Martin, Prichard, and J. Webber (late headmaster). The proceedings opened with a good musical programme. In alluding to the School's financial position, the Chairman said that the whole of the buildings, which cost £ 6,000, had been paid for, with the exception of Y,331, which would be wiped off, if they could raise £ 225 of it, by a further gift of X225 from the Jonas Charity. Dr. James kindly promised X20 towards the School fund. A

CADBURY'S COCOA is absolutely pure, and is there- fore the best Cocoa. It is a refreshing, stimulating drink, and a nutritious food, containing no foreign substances, such as kola, malt, hops, &c. The fact cannot be too strongly impressed that Cocoa must be unadulterated to ensure its fullest beneficial effects. Always insist on having CADBURY'S—Sold only in Packets and Tins-as other Cocoas are often substituted, or the sake of extra profit.

APPOljTJlENTS, &c., FOR WEEK I Ending Dec. 15th, 1900. Dec. Sat. 8-Pontypool Petty Sessions, 11 a m. Football-Tisk v Crindau, at Usk. Sun. 9—Second Sunday in Advent. Mon. 10—Usk Cattle Market. Monmouth Cattle Market. Black Game and Grouse Shooting ends. Tues. 11—Abergavenny Market. Sale of a Freehold Farm at the Angel Hote!, Abergavenny, by Messrs. Straker and Son (see advt). Wed. 12-Newport Cattle, Cheese, & Corn Mkts. Abergavenny Petty Sessions. Thur. 13-Cwmbran Petty Sessions. I Pontypool Board of Guardians. Dairy School Competitive Examinations Town Hall, Usk (see advt.) Fri. 14—Presentation of Prizes, &c., Town Hall, Usk, by Lady Llangattock (see advt.) Sat 15—Pontypool Petty Sessions, 11 a.m. Football—Usk v. Abercychan United

When-Asking for Cocoa, insist on having CADBUBT'S —sold only in Packets and Tins-as other Cocoas are often substituted for the sake of extra profit. I

JOHN H. EEOTIE, BY EXAM. For many years with Mr. Thomas Parry) For many years with Mr. Thomas Parry) AGRICULTURAL and GENERAL I AUCTIONEER, VALUER, LAND AND ESTATE AGENT, &c., (;, SKINNER-STREET, NEWPORT. Newport Cattle Market Every Wednesday. I Sale Fixtures. Dec. 12.—Newport Great Christmas Market. 17* Builders' Plant, Clarence Place, New- 1 port. 19.-Newport Cattle Market. 21.—Furniture, 6, Skinner Street, Newport. 26.-Newport Cattle Market. 1901. Jan. 7.-Next Sale of Horses, Clarence Place Repository, Newport. I For the Pipe THREE NUNS. TOBACCO. NONE NICER-loz., 2oz., 4oz $ol& Everywhere* J. and F. BELL, Ltd., GLASGOW j

I Cyclists, Light Up. Saturday, December 8th. 449 Sunday, 11 9th. 4.49 Monday, 11 10th 4.49 Tuesday, 11 11th 4.49 Wednesday, 0, 12th 4.49 Thursday, 13th 4.49 Friday, 19 14th. 4.49 Saturday, 15th 4.49 [Being One hour after Sunset.]

I Additional Army Estimate. An additional Army Estimate has been issued to-day for sixteen millions. The esti- mate includes provision for the newly-raised South African Constabulary.

I A Diplomatic Rup ture. MADRID, Friday. To-day's newspapers state that a complete diplomatic rupture has taken place between Holland and Portugal, aud the respective Ministers in both capitals have been recalled.

I Rich Gold Find, Klondike. NEW YORK, Friday. A despatch from Tacoma says that the richest gold find in Klondike has just been made on the Yellow River, 300 miles from Yukou.

A "Cousin's" Opinion. I WASHINGTON, Friday. Senator Morgan, speaking on the Nicaraguan Canal question, last night, said that if its con- struction meant war with Great Britain, people would vote for the project in larger numbers than at the last election.

Supplies for the Rand. I JOHANNESBURG, Wednesday. I Four more train loads of supplies have left Durban for the Rand.,

Lady Saltoun. I Lady Saltoun was severely burned at Loch- inch Castle, through her clothes catching fire. Lady Ailsa bravely extinguished the flames.

Imports and Exports. I Imports into United Kingdom during Nov- ember show an increase of X5,488,919 Exports show an increase of 252,709. 1

Chancellor's Private Sec. The Chancellor of the exchequer has ap- pointed Mr W. A. Mount, M.P., to be his Parliamentary Private Secretary.

The Rossgull Disaster. Another victim of the Roasgull disaster has been washed ashore on the Jersey coast. It is believed to be that of the engineer, Besant. Stocks tendency good.