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

[We do not necessarily endorse all our correspondent writes.-ED. C.O-"] LETTER FROM THE FRONT. After usiug my persuasive powers I have been enabled to take the following interesting extracts from a letter received by Mr E. B. Haynes, tailor, Usk, from his brother, Fred Haynes, of the Gloucestershire Imperial Yeomanry, (who have been dubbed Rundle's Greyhounds," or the Starving 8th. ') Writing from between Vrede and Reitz, on Oct. 18th, he says that since he last wrote he and his comrades bad been having a very rough time of it. One of their sergeants—Jim Reeves—had been killed. He was probably well known to the old Usk Yeomen. It happened on the second day out of the return march from Stauderton. They were the advance guard and Reeves was in charge of the right scouts, extreme right flank. He galloped out to examine a kopje, and when within about 30 yards of some cattle kraals two volleys were fired point blank at him from the enemy. His horse was killed, and he bad three bullets through his helmet, one through his head, and another through his arm yet the poor fellow lived for 24 hours. The writer goes on :— I can truly say that we have not been a single day without being under fire during the last six weekis-Liometimes of a few snipers, but mostly of parties of about 100 or 200-and we have had four jolly good set-to's. One occasion I shall never forget. It was at Tafferburg. The night before we left all infantry, convoy, and baggage behiud, and made a very wide flanking movement, not stopping until about 10 p.m., and resuming again at 3 a.m. As soon as day began to break we extended and sent an advance guard out. We were going quietly along, and the advance guard U had got within about 400 yards of a long, low kopje, when a shot was heard on the left flank. We were all on the alert at once; a second after there was a regular shower of bullets coming from the kopje. Our advance guard retired en either flank, and we were left in the centre. We found cover for our horses, and opened fire, keeping it up for about an hour and a half when the Boers ceased fire and apparently they had retired. Captain Hill was a bit doubtful about some breast works and cattle kraals, however, so he sent out a small patrol with Lieutenant Burnister to see if all was clear. o I was one of the party. We got within 20 yards of the walls when "Crack!" went a rifle. I turned round thinking it was the man next to me who had accidentally discharged his rifle, but found I was mistaken. We dismounted, lay down, and crawled towards the kraal while the enemy kept up a very hot fire through holes in the wall. We thought that for a certainty we should get a bullet into us, and that the only question was when it would come and where it would go. We could do no good there, so there was nothing else to do but retire. The most dangerous time was when we were getting to our horses and mounting. By rare good luck, however, we got away all right, but talk about a gallop It was a case of going for life, and I verily believe the hordes knew that as well as ourselvee. The bullets came whizzing round us pretty close; how it was they mised hitting us I don't know. That was the closest I have been to the Boers, and I don't want to get as close again unless it be to use the bayonet all them. November 2nd.—Here we are at Harrismith with a whole skin, thonk God, after a rough ride the whole way from Vrede. We have lost another of out Sergeants-Cavendish Brown-who was killed in action. On October 26th we had a hard tight. We were at it the whole of the day from about 6.30 a.m. until dark. On the Wednesday previous General Rundle went out to see Michael Prinsloo (brother to the one that surrendered) and give him the proclamation. We quite expected the Boers would surrender next day. We were then camped about < ight or nine miles from Bethlehem. Well. that ), .;ht, about 10, we received orders to march at once. We got to Bethlehem about midnight, and had to saddle up again at 3.15 a.m. No tents were pitched that night, and talk about rain It came down its hardest. We left the column and went N. W. for the Boer laager. That day three or four of the Glamorgans got their horses shot, and about the same number of ours were placed Itors de combat. The bullets did hail round us for a time. We retired to Bethlehem about 3 p.m. Next day (Friday) we started with the whole Division (weakened of course by the garrisons we had had to leave at Vrede, Reitz, and Bethlehem), and had got about seven or eight miles on the Harrismith-road, when we (the advance guard), within 300 yards of a very long and high kopje, heard the enemy's signal shot. Volley after volley was poured into us. We kept the position until the infantry (the Grenadiers) came up and took our place. All the big guns then got into action, and we were ordered to make a wide de our on the left, and take up a position on a small kopje. Our Troop (the Monmouth, 3rd) was sent round further on the left to get on the side of the kopje. When within a couple of thousand yards of the place we saw a party of Boers making for the same rendezvous. We put our spurs home and our horses did their utmost, but the enemy won the race. We dropped off our horses, got the range (700 yards), got a couple of volleys into them, and then, to our horror and dismay, finding we had no ammunition left, we ran for our horses and bolted. We got off without a single loss. It is wonderful what spirit a few bullets whizzing round them will put into the poor animals. They will stand for you to get one foot in the stirrup, and then off they go at a breakneck pace. The beauty of these native ponies is that you can lie right on their necks, and they will pick out their own way as well as, if not better than, you can guide them. # I never saw such good practice as the artillery made that day. One would see a bunch of Boers together; "boom-m-m! lyddite shells and 151b shrapnell would fall; and the bunch would have disappeared. Next day when we looked around the kopje we saw about 24 Boers in one heap dismembered, with parts here and there. Our Troop bad some satisfaction for we saw one horse and two Boers lyiusj dead, and the Kaflira told us that four wounded were carried away. Our total casualties were about 38 or 39, and the Boers' were estimated at 60. I hear we were mentioned in despatches for the smart work we did (ahem I ) November 5th.—We have orders to trek again for Reitz. We are taking only seven days' rations. Last time we went out we took rations for only 21 days and were away twelve weeks. That will explain itself. We had to live firilt on half rations and then on quarter, with a day thrown in now and then (for a change ) without any at all. I do not expect we shall see Christmas in England now, worse luck. We are supposed to be resting while we are here, but there is not much rest about it, getting re-mounts broken in, &c. The majority of the animals have not seen a saddle before, leave alone having had one on their backs. Fancy it taking a dozen men to saddle one horse In conclusion, the writer referred to the Parliameulary Election in the Boroughs, and expressed the hope that Dr Harris would be returned. Alluding to the food, he says that it is a treat to get a bit of bread and full rations. The men can appreciate it after having (for the previous six weeks) only a cupful of flour, and Mb of raw meat per day, with generally, no fat to fry their patties in. The rainy season now on made things more uncomfortable than ever they got wet through in the day and had wet blankets to sleep in at night. He recommends anyone bearing a grude against another to advise him to join the B. P. or the O.R.C. Police, and sends greetings to all his friends at Usk. MONMOUTHSHIRE'S SANITATION. In this column I have before alluded to the comments in the valuable annual report of the Monmouthshire County Council Sanitary Com- mittee on the bad sanitary state of the Western Valleys, and at the last meeting of the County Council the question of forcing the hands of the sanitary authorities by the lever of the Local Government Board was discussed. Conferences of the authorities concerned have been held, but, in the face of the heavy expenditure which would be necessitated by a comprehensive sewage scheme to properly serve the whole, the District Councils have (somewhat naturally, perhaps) been apparently afraid of burning their fingers, and, therefore, have not displayed commensurate eagerness for mitigating the acknowledged evils which exist. Last week, however, a preliminary move of a tangible nature was made, some, at least, of the delegates present from the districts affected recognising that their responsibility must be met, though on the part of none was there any enthusiasm. It was resolved to engage an engineer to advise them as to the best scheme for dealing with the draining and sewerage of the Ebbw Vale, Nautyglo and Blaiua, Aber- tillery, Aberearn, and Risca Urban Districts, with so much of the St. Mellon's Rural District as lies in the Ebbw Watershed, and to appoint a sub-committee to make the necessary arrange- ments. It was decided that the costs incurred should be paid by the various districts, accord- ing to the rateable value. There is a great gap yet between this and the carrying out of a scheme which would meet the necessities of the case. PROPOSED HOSPITAL AT PONTYPOOL. I Everyone will wish well to the latest p1ove-1 ment for the provision at Pontypool of a general hospital for the service of the Eastern Valleys I of the County. Certainly a good start has been made, and ultimate success Bji'ght well be augured from the reported practical sympathy of the toiling hundreds in the district, and the interest niauifested by the leading J'esitdents- headed by Mr. J. C. Han bury, the popular 'squire of Pontypool Park. The wonder is that Pontypool should have been so long without such an institution, the arguments in favour of the establishment of which are too obvious and generally recognised to need enumeration. May the efforts of the Committee appointed be crowned with the most complete suocess, and a hospital be erecied which will be of the greatest possible value to suffering humanity.

— — USK. Avent-Aka. E. K Jones. Stationer SHOOTING PARTY AT LLANGIBUY CASTLE.—Dr. and Mrs. Rutherfoord Harris are entertainilJg a shooting party of distinguished guests at Llangibby Castle. Lord and Lady Harris, Admiral and Mrs. Markham, the Hon. Mr. Newdigate, M. P., and Lady Newdigate, Mr. Robert Williams, Dr. Boyd, Miss Maxwell. Miss Fraser, and several other personal friends comprise the party. THE HOLIDAYS.—It has been suggested that the shopkeepers of Usk should follow the example of other towns during the Christmastide and give their assistants a rest and a holiday by closing 'heir establish ments from Christmas Eve until Friday morning. Some have intimated their willingness to do this, and it is hoped all will be able to t!ee their way clear to following suit. BUFFALOISM.—Primo A. J. Green is the S.P. of the month of the Sir Herbert Kitchener" Lodge of the R.A.O.B. A very enjoyable evening was spent on Monday, when Bro. Bandmaster W. Powell was appointed C. Minstrel, and it is hoped that, with his assistance and a Buffalo Orchestra, renewed interest will be taken in the Lodge and the work of the Order. The Lodge night has been altered from Monday to Tuesday. NEW YEAR'S GIFTS. It is proposed to send a small New Year's present to every soldier of the 2nd South Wales Borderers serving in South Africa. The following are amongst those who have kindly consented to receive subscriptions:—Colouel Hare, C.B., commanding 24th R.D., Brecon Captain Hamilton Jones, adjutant 2nd V.B.S.W.B., Newport; Captain Beauchamp, adjutant3rd V.B.S.W.B., Pontypool and Major Gillman, adjutant 4th V.B.S.W.B., Caroliue-street, Newport. USK SKATING CLUB.—The annual general meeting of the members of the Usk Skating Club was held at the Three Salmon's Hotel, Usk, on Monday evening, when there were present:—Mr. H. Humphreys, J.P. (chairman), Rev. P. L. C. Nash. Mr. J. Maitland Watkins, Mr. G. Mundy. Mr. T. Rees, and Mr. J. Waters.—Last year the Club had 4 days' skating.—It was reported that the balance of X-5 Os. 5d. in hand had been reduced to jE4 16s. 5d., and it was decided that members who had not paid last year's subscription should, if there was any ice this year, pay last year's and the current year's subscriptions before being allowed to skate.—Dr. Boulton was re-elected president, and Mr. H. Humphreys hon. treasurer and secretary.—The Committee was practically re-elected, with the addition of Mrs. Gustard, Miss Boulton, Messrs. F. W. Gibson, L. Myers, and W. Russell.—It was remarked that, if the members' subscriptions had been regularly paid, the Club would now be in a good financial position, but the mild winters had militated against them.

FANCY DRESS FOOTBALL MATCH. For the benefit of Mr. T. Morgan, haulier, Usk, who has recently met with serious financial losses, the local Football Club organised a bucy drest4 football match, which came off on the Llanbadoc ground on Wednesday afternoon. The weather was, unfortunately, wretched, and to a great extent spoiled the pleasure of the event. As it was, however, the locally unique venture proved very enccesaful, and the exhibition, so far as the fancy dresses were concerned, demonstrated the existence amongst football devotees of much inventive genius, nn eye for effect, and an appreciation of the ludicrous, which was a surprise generally. The teams formed into procession opposite the Cardiff Arms, about 2.30, and, headed by the Usk Volunteer Band (under Bandmaster Madley), marched round town, creating much amusement. The most comical drqss-properly pantomimic-wall undoubtedly that of Mr. Russell, who, as a portly policeman, was made up in such a way that his mother would not have known him. He wore a perfectly modelled miniature helmet, fastened with string to a shaggy head (aud whiskers) of ruddy hue, with nose of the snub and expensive colouring order. His truncheon was as formidable as the huge bottle he carried (labelled "Arsenic") wan topical and libellous to the force. An "extra" was a coloured parasol. He walked side by side with the chef, spick and span, in faultless white linen arrayed, with white parasol to protect the large professional cap. It is not suggested by this association that there is, generally speaking, any connection between Robert and the cook, although some people still maliciously cling to the ancient accusation. Pat and his wife and pigs, in the donkey cart, were quite realistic. Pat'' could not, however, sacrifice his moustache to the character he assumed, but he sported the green, and curried his shilialy in approved style. The moke received the gentle ministrations of Norah's gamp, and the moukius behaved with uncommon decorum. The mounted Boer was exceedingly well portrayed, the cccoutrements being genuine. The white flag" was alo brought into prominence. It was certainly ludicrous to see footballers gcing forth to "battle" in full evening dress with top hats, accompanied by a be-feathered, ferocious-looking Indian Chief, and an understudy; a "killing" sailor lad in white duck (from H.M.S. Monarch), the new woman (in stylish hat and curtain ring bracelets, hairi la mode), a clown (in costume and colour characteristic), old women (in nocturnal dress, carrying bedroom candlesticks), and niggers (resplendent in cuffs, collars, and lace). Mr. H. Dunning used the camera on the laughter-provoking group prior to the commencement of the game. Considering the fact that rain was falling heavily there was a good attendance to watch the proceed- ings on the ground. The following were the teams and characters :— Llangibbj Castle: Goal, Fossatt (chef); backs, Wickson (Pompey Snowball), Merrick (fancy), half-backs, Petty ("Jack Tar"), White (evening dress), Cook (evening dress); forwards, F. J. Edmunds (nigger), T. Williams (matador), Shellard (clown), A. Bowyer (old woman in night array), W. Davies (harlequin, with the magic numbers 688). Usk: Goal, W. Russell (policeman): backs, A. J. Jones (Indian chief), E. Perry (nigger) half- backs, W. Billingham (" the new woman "), W. W. Gibbon (the reversed nigger), and C. Jones (" Pat"); forwards, F. M. Davies (fancy), C. Jenkins (Indian), Wheeler (old woman in night attire), E. Smith (Mrs. "Pat"), W. Bevan (Boer). Referee—Mr. F. Hill. The first half of the game was seriously contested, no score resulting on either side, but in the second half all kinds of amusing antics were indulged in so far as the wretched state of the ground would permit, the "play" being a mixture of Rugby and Soccer, &c. In the evening a Smoker" was held at_the Cardiff Arms.

x?a!?? S?CaB?E??   <A\?))?W??  :¥?,' 0.  Oubb? Is a wonderful water proofer for BOOTS and HARNESS. Softens and preserves the leather. Pleasant odour. Allows polish- I ing. ) Hightest Awards at 22 Exhibitions. Tins 2d., 6d., Is. 2s. (id. Of all Boot- makers, Saddlers, Ircm7x,Qr,gerz^ 8fc. MFiniifactory- Dulwich, London, S.E.

CAERLEON. Agent—Mist M. A. Evans, Yewsagetit, CiroI!8<Jtree/ CIUCKKT CLUl.-The annual dinner in connection with the Caerleon Cricket Club was held at the Hanbury Arms on December 7th, and was a most enjoyable gathering, Mr. W. S. Watson presiding. WiLLiAH-i's SCHOOLS.—The Rev. Canon Bedwell presided at a meeting of the Governovs of the above School on Monday at the Schoolhouse. There wer& also present:—The Revs. C. T. Salus-bury and W. H. Williams, Colonel Mansell, and Messrs. F. J. Mitchell, T. Parry, John Lawrence, G. B. T. Wilson, and D. W. Jeniiins.-Sir Arthur W. Mackworth, Bart., of the Priory, C'aerleon, was elected a co-optative Governor to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of the Rev. Dr. Ffrench. -A communication recently received was read, from which it appeared that, by an Order in Council, made on the 7th August last, the powers of the Charity Commissioners with regard to schemes under the Endowed Schools Acts for regulating endowments applicable to educational purposes illc Wales or Monmouthshire, where admininistered by a governing body established for that purpose, had been transferred to the Board of Education, as from. 1st November, 1901),-The proceedings of the Local Management and Estates Cuininittee-4 were confirmed and directions were given for dealing with several outstanding matters of business.—The selection of children for scholarships for the ensuing year was left to the Local Management Committee, and the sum of JE100 was ordered to be plAid for investment, for the benefit of the present scholarship holders, being the amount of scholarships for the current year.—Cheques were signed for various accounts which had been passed.

CHEPSTOW. Agent.-Miss Clark SCHOOL BOARD.-The monthly meeting was held on Tuesday evening, when there were present Mr. E. Dutson (chairman), Rev. E. J. Heusley (vice-chairman), Dr. Shoolbred, Rev. H. E. Stuart Mills, Rev. J. H. Stephens, and J. W. Staunton. (elerk.)-Upoii the mation of Father Stuart-Mills, it was decided to alter the bye-law to make the maximum penalty for non-attendance at school £1 instead of 5s.-Miss Ethel Dobbs was appointed rnouitress at the Infants' School in the place of Miss Lena Richardson, who has sent in her resignation.—The Girls' School mistress had sent home a rnouitress who attended school in what was supposed to be the peeling stage of scarlet fever, and told her not to come again without a doctor's certificate as to her health being good. No? certificate, however, bad been foi?hcomicg? neither had the girl returned to school; and it was decided to suspend her until the next monthly meeting, when the case would be further con- sidered.—The treasurer's accounts showed that after the signing of the cheques presented at the meeting there was a balance iu hand of £117 12s.— The Clerk applied for an increase of salary,, pointing out that since his appointment llt years ago the duties of his office had very much increased, and that whilst the previous clerk, who was nori a professional man, received £:J5 a year, he only received JE27 10s., and he suggested a rise to £ 40.—- The Chairman proposed that the Clerk's salary be increased to X40, which was seconded by Father Stuart-Mills. Rev. E. J. Hensley, whilst appreciating the Clerk's work, pointed out the undesirability of increasing the rate, and moved as an amendment that the salary should not exceed £ 30 a year, which Dr. Shoolbred secouded. On a division the original proposition was carried by 3 votes to 2.—The report of H.M. Inspector as to the Boys' School stated that the school was in a. fairly satisfactory state of efficiency- The annual grant amounted to £ 192 8s 6d fiual payment of fee grant, S21 2s 6d less deduction for teachers" superannuation, L6; making the net amount, X207 lis.

CADBUITY'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 iusist on having CADBUKY'S—Sold only in. Packets and Tins-as other Cocoas are often substituted, or the sake of extra profit.

WE have jusfc completed another addition to 011 r mm FOUISIG SHOWBODHS, Bringing their total length up to nearly A. QTXAJFLTEK. OF A lEMSIXX-ES A vast avenue displaying an unrivalled collection of FURNITURE in Three Grades, viz.— PLAIN, SUBSTANTIAL, VERY INEXPENSIVE FURNISHINGS FOR THE COTTAGE, AETISTIO FURNITURE of moderate Price for the YILLA, Productions of the Highest Character for the MANSION, P. E. G ,A.N EH (Late Trapnell & Gane's) establishments at Newport, Cardiff, and Bristol, now form one of the LARGES V PRIVATE CONCERNS IN THE COUNTRY, with operations extend- ing to all parts of the kingdom. Beautif-llly Illustrated Catalogues for either of the sections named above FREE ON APPLICATION. A.11 Goods JDollvoireca. Free. GAN n, (Late Trapnell & Gane,) HOUK FURKTISHER, 161 and 162, COMMERCIAL STREET, NEWPORT. Sales by Auction. By MESSRS. MARFELL & POOLE. Usk Fair, Monday, December 17th, 1900. MESSRS. MARFELL & POOLE will ofF?r for lll. SALE BY AUCTION, opposite the THEEE SIXMON'S HOTEL, at 10.30. A Nearly New Waggonette, In good condition with Lamps and Cushions com- plete; SET of BRAS-.MOUNTED HARNESS; dark brown NAG MARK, 15 hands high. Auctioneers' Offices, Trostrey Court, Usk. By Mr. THOMAS PARRY. Court Bleddyn, Llangibby, Situate 4 miles from Caerleon. IMPORTANT SALE OF Farming Stock, 6 CARRIAGE and CART HORSES, CAR- RIAGES, HARNESS, &c., the property of J. S. GASKELL, Esq., who is leaving, and which MR. THOMAS PARRY has been favoured with 1.j instructions to SELL BY AUCTION on the premises, as above, On THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20th, 1900. Sale at 2%p.m. Catalogues may be obtained on application to the ArcTioNEEB, Albany Chambers, Newport. Hale by Tender. Sale by Tender. Coppice Woods. TO BE SOLD BY TENDER, the FALLAGE of the COPPICE in the LOWER TYVREE GREAT WOOD, in the Parish of LLANGWM UCHA, adjoining both sides of the Main Road leading from Usk to Chepstow, and containing 15 acres more or less. All timber trees and stores are reserved. Mr. NEHKMIAH LEWIS, of Lower Tyvree Farm, will show the Wood, For further particulars apply to the undersigned, by whom Tenders should be received before 31st DECEMBER, lyOO. J. MAITLAND WATKINS, Solicitor, Usk. JOHN H. RENNIE, BY EXAM. For many years with Mr. Thorns Parry AGRICULTURAL and GENERAL AUCTIONEER, VALUER, LAND AND ESTATE AGENT, &c., C, SKINNER-STREET, NEWPORT. Newport Cattle Market Every Wednesday. Sale Fixtures. Dec. I7.-Buildprs' Plant, Clarenoe Place, New. 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. For the Pipe THREE NUNS TOBACCO. NONE,NICER—loz., 2oz., 4oz Sold Bverywitei-e. J and F. BELL, Ltd.. GLASS 1) W appointments, &c., FOR WEEK Ending Dec. 15th, 1900. Dec. Sat 15-politypool Petty Sessions, 11 a.m. Football-Usk v. Abersychan United Sun. 16-Third Sunday in Advent. Mon. 17-Usk Christmas Fair. Sale of Waggonette, Nag Mare, etc., by Messrs Marfell and Poole, opposite the Three Salmon's Hotel. Tues. 18-Abergavenny Murket. Wed. 19-Newport Cattle, Cheese, & Corn Mkts. Abergavenny Petty Sessions. Pontypool U.D.C. Thur. 20-Usk Petty Sessions. 11 a.m. Sale of Farming Stock, etc., by Mr T. Parry, at Court Bleddyn, Llangibby, Fri. zl-St Thomas's Day. Miehaelmas Law Sitting ends. Sat. 22—Pontypool Petty Sessions, 11 a m. Football—Usk v Monmouth, at Usk. I Fluid in Aid of the Widow and Child of the hue I Thomas Baylis, a Reservist. THE COMMITTEE ham much pleasure in acknowledging the following subscriptions :— District No. 1, from top of Castle Parade to Usk Bridge; Collector, Mr. J. Maitland Watkins: Mr J. Maitland Watkins, £ 5 Mr F. Jennings, 5s Mr Geo. Edmunds, 2s 6d Mr H G. Powell, 5s Mrs Moxley, 9d; Mr James Davies, 2s; Mr C- N. Doubleday, 2s 6d Mr T J. Cartwright, el Is Mr Joseph Davies, 10s; Miss E. B. Clark, 2s 6d; Mr A. J Green, 5s; Mr W. Hobbs, 10s; Dr Rutherfoord Harris. M.P., £ 5; Mr H. Palk, XI Mr John H-iggPtt, 2s 6d; Mr T. J. Smith, 2s 6d; Mr W. Russell, 2s 6d Mr John Heunessey. 2s 6d Mr E. H. Haynes, 2s 6d; General M;noii. ;Cl Is; Mr. Edward Waters, 2s 6d Kev P. L C. Nash, 3s Mr Albert Addams-Williams, £ 1: Total, E17 5s 3d. District No. 2, Twyn, Castle Lane, Four Ash Street, Chepstow Road, and Church 8trect I Collector, Rev. J. R. Hurley. Rev J. R. T-Turley, XI Mr Arthur F. Lucas, 5s > Mrs D. Murray, 2s 6d; Mrs Coleman Is Mrs Meade. 2s 6d; Mrs J. McCarthy, 10s; Mrs Jones (Black Barn), Is; Mrs Powell, Is; Mrs Parton, Js; Mrs Stonier, 2s; Mrs Messor, Is; Mrs J. Nicholas Is; Mrs Buckley, Is; Mrs Ann Gilbert, 2s Miss Griffiths. Is Mr Symonds. Is; Captain Stockley. 5s; Mr and Mrs Burns, 2s; Mr beuis Murray, is; Mr J. Murray, 10s; Miss Edith Blakemore, Is; Miss Alice Blakemore, Is Miss Agnes Blakemore, Is Mr R. f{ickard, J. P., XI Mr C A. Mortimer, 18 (id; Mr F. Hill, 2s; Mr John Cowles, Is; Mr C. J. "Fiancis, Ô8; Mrs H. Meredith, Is; Mrs Denny. Is; Mr L. Myers. Is; Mrs Parker, Is Mrs Jones (2, Priory-street), Is; Mrs Williams, 3d; Mr Richard Herbert, 2s 6d; Mrs Hopkins, 6d Mr D. Murray, 2s 6d; Mrs Talbot, 2s Mr Paze, Is; Anonymous, Is Mrs E Jones, Is; Rev W. Morgan, 2s: Miss M. J. Davies, Is; Mrs M. Murray. Is; Mr R. Window, 6d; Mr J. A. Williams, Is; Mrs E. Roberts, Is; Mrs Morgan (Olway Inn), Is Mrs Graham, 2s; Total, £ 6 9s 9d. District No. 3, from Railway Station to H.M. Prison Collector, Mr. G. Mundy. Deaconess Eleanor, 10s; Mr. G. Mundy, 10s; Mr L. R Lucas, 5s Mr E. J. Firbauk, 5s Major Llewellyn, 2s 6d Total, 1;1 12s 6d. District No. 4, Old Market Street, New Market Street, Barou Street, Mill Street, and over Bridge Collectors, Dr. Boulton and Mr. Humphreys. Mr H. Humphreys, £ 2 Mr T. Parry, Is Mr P Constance, Is Mr J. Roberts, Is 6d Mr P. Roberts, Is; Mrs Sales, Is; Mrs Cherry, 2s; Mr. T Roberts, 2s; Mr. Chas. Smith, Is; Mr J Smith, Is: Mr W Powell, Is; Mr Henry Evans, 3d; Mr John Jones, 2s 6d Mr H. A. Addis, J.P., 5s Mr T. Day, 2s 6d Mr D. Greening, 2s 6d; Mr J. Waters, Is; Mr E Mitchell. Is Mr D. Lewis, Is Mr O. Preece, Is Mr Mayberry, Is; Mr Selby, 6d Mrs Whitton, Is; Mr T. Rees, 10s; Mrs Madley, Is; Mr Farley, 2s Mrs Ward. 2s 6d; Mr Best, 2s 6d Mr Salter, 2s 6d Rev G. Williams, 10s; Dr Donald Boulton, £ 1; Miss Evans, 2s; Mr D. Prothero, Is; Mr A. Worth, I s Mr T. Rees, junr,2s 6d; Sergt. Chilton, 2s 6d Mr L. Davies, 2s; Miss Cooke, 2s 6d Mr J. J Edwards, 10s Mr R. Roberts, 2s lid; Mr Geo. Lewis, Is; Mr Mullett, 2s Mr C. Cooke, Is; Mr D. Smith, 2s 6d Mr W. Williams, Is; Mrs Pitt, Is Mr E. Morgan, 4s Miss Watkins, 6d: Mrs Willets, Is; Mrs Turton, Is; Mr Evans, 2s 6d: Mrs Stibbs, 1.; Mr E. Hawkins, Is; Miss Whitton, Is; Mrs Dixon, Is; Rev. W. Jones, 2s 6d; Miss Sennett Is; Miss Paine, Is; Mr. Stead, 2s Mrs Herbert, 3s Rev W. Watkins, 2s 6d Mr Oliver Jenkins, as; Total, A;9 7s 9d. £ s. d. Total collected. 34 15 3 Paid Mrs. Baylis, cash 2 0 0 Balance in L. & P. Bank, Usk. in name of Trustees, Rev J. R. Hurley, Messrs. H. Humphreys, and J. Maitland Watkins. 32 15 3 Cyclists, Light Up. Saturday, December 15th 449 Sunday, $9 16th 4.49 Monday, ti 17th. 4.49 Tuecday, „ 18th 4.50 Wednesday, „ 19th. 4.50 Thursday, „ 20th. 4.50 Friday, ,,2ht. 4.51 Saturday, 22nd. 4.51 [Being One hour after Sunset.]

Markets. I NEWPORT, CORN, Wednesday.—At to.day's market wheat met only a slow sale, without change of prices. Maize was also a poor trade, and a little easier. There was no change in other grain. Flour was quoted at 23s 6d for fines. Offals are still firm. NEWPORT, CATTLK, Wednesday—There was a large supply of Christmas cattle at the market to-day, some of the animals being of very prime quality. A brisk demand was evinced for the better classes of stock. Quotations: -Best beef, 6d per lb; some special prize cattle fetching 7d per lb; seconds, 6d to 6id; best wether mutton, Sd lamb, Sd; ewefO, 6d to 7d; porker pigs, 10s 6d to 10s 9d 2 per score; baconers, 9, NEWPORT, CHEESE, Wednesday.—There was a short supply of cheese at to-day's market, and a speedy clearance was effected :—Quota- tions Caerphilly makes, 60s to 70s per cwt; fancy dairies, 71s to 72a; truckles, 68s to 63s doubles, 58" to 63s; Cheddars, 68s to 60s. HEREFORD, POULTRY, Wednesday.—The first of the Christmas markets for live poultry came off to-day, and a large quantity of very fine birds were offered. All things considered, prices were satisfactory. Turkeys, 6d to 9d per lb; geese, 6d to 8d ducks 4s 6d to 5s 6d per couple; and fowls, 3s 6d to 5s. In the dressed poultry, fowls 4s 6d to 6s 6d per couple: ducks, 6s to 9s; fresh butter, Is 2d to Is 4d per lb; eggs, 8 to 10for Is; rabbite, Is to Is 6d per couple.

Births, Marriages, & Deaths. Announcements of Births, Marriages and Deaths are in- serted at a uniform charge of Is each, unless suca 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,

1, DEATH OF MR.. C YOYCE. It war with great aurpriss and the deepest possible rtgrec that on Tuesday evening the new& was received in the fewn of she death of Aly, Charles Voyae. The deceatedt gentlermn, who was 70 yeflrs of age, left hia- residetice-The lZc,,sery, Usk, oa Saturday morning last, toTiBitbiabroChcy, who is ill, at HasfielSd,. near Gloucester. Although he* had not been well lately, his death. was totally" unexpected, atid it therefore, carno- as a s-ndden blow upon his relatives. It appears thd-t he had a slight paralytic stroke on Moi>duy,. and- a second— from which he never recovered consciousness—wi* Tuesday morning, passing away in his- brotliees house, and near the place of his birth,, about three o'clock in the afternoon. Mr. Voyce was ollnecled with' Usk by hia- marriage with Miss Mary Roberts— siste? of Mr. John Roberts, of M<erlin Cottage—and he hack, resided in the town previous- to settling down, here, thirteen years ago, just after his wilfeV demise. Almost us soon as he came here he became* energetically associated with aU the public movements in the plaae. He followed the late- Mr. Adolphus Parker as Usk's representative oa the Pontypool Board of Guardians-, and white faithfully doing his duty by the ratepayera generally, he was always a kind friend to those who were compelled to seek for aid at the hands of the administrators of the Poor Law, in many cases supplementing the relief granted out of, hie. own private purse. He retired from the o £ Sco in 1894. For some time he was an overseer of the parish,, and he did much for the benefit of the Usk Almshouse Charity. He was a member of the Usk U.D.C. at the time of his death, and attended the last meeting on Thursday night in last week. When, by the Local Government Act of 1894, the Usk Local Board became,, with an extended boundary, the Usk Urban District Council, he was unanimously re- elected chairman of that authority, on the proposition of two old and respected inhabitants, who pro-deceased him, viz., Atessrs. J. T, Cherry and W. Davies. He was consequently, the first ex-officio J.P., of the town. He retired from the chairmanship in 1898. He took a very great interest in the work off technical instruction, and afforded vahiable practical1 assistance to the Working Dairy School on its visit to the town some years-ago. This week we have at the Town Hall the annual competitive examination in connection with that School, and,. doubtless, Mr. Voyce, if he had lived, would have- again given his services in the sanae way. He wta one of the managers of the Usk National School, and at the time of his death was a tnwtee of Roger Edwards' Charity (Almshouse Branch),, a trustee of the Usk Almshouse Charity, mud a Scholarship Manager of the Usk Higher Grade School (aa a representative of the 1?,D.C.) He was- an ardent Conservative^ and worked, hard as an official of the local Club and the work. of organisation in connection therewith.- No Conservative gathering of any natuire was complete- without him, and in reference thereto,, as well as to meetings generally which had for their object anything for the benefit of the town, it might truly be said that his house was al ways open and his property always available for the use of the organisers. A more ready giver it would be impossible to find his name figwred on every public subscription list, and he did, besides, a very great amount of private charity, in eonseqjuence of which his loss will be generally deeply felt throughout the district. As an active member of the Usk Habitation of the Primrose League he did an euormoum amount of work at one time, and his partial withdrawal from it was very much felt. Lately his assistance, had been invoked to resuscitate it. He was a steward of the Usk (N-H.) Races, a supporter of the Farmers' Club and Colt Show, aud in fact, was connected in some way or other, with practically every organisation in the district. The funeral will take place at Hasfteld on Saturday.