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

Births, Ilarriages, & Deaths. Announcements of Births, Marriages and Deaths are in- 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 le authenticated. Postage stamps may be sent in payment. Lists of Wedding Presents are inserted at the rate of Is 6d per inch in depth,

The man who does not advertise is nowhere and that indvidual will soon need advertising for. —The Rev G. H. Spurn eon. -The Rev O. H. Spurgeon.

For the Pipe THREE NUNS TOBACCO. NONE NICER-I oz., 2oz., 4oz Sold Everywhere. J. and F. BELL, Ltd.. GLASGOW A JUMBLE SALE WILL BE HELD AT THE Betlws Aewydd Schoolroom, ON WEDNESDAY. Jan. 16, 1901, At 2.30 p.m. .A.CIXXIIISB Islc:)m 2d. Including a Stall of Useful Things. Tea, 1d. per Cup. COME EARLY FOR COOD BARGAINS! APPOINTMENTS, &c.. FOR WEEK Ending Jan. 19th, 1901. Jan. Sat 12—Pontypool Petty Sessions. 11 a.m. Football-Usk v. Crickhowell at Usk. Sun. 13—First Sunday after Epiphany. Mon. 14-Monmotith Cattle Market. Tues. 15-Abergavenny Market. Wed. 16—Newport Cattle, Cheese, & Corn Mkts: Abergavenny Petty Sessions. Druids' Dinner, Usk. Jumble Sale, Bettws Newydd (advt.) Thure 17-Usk Petty Sessions. Sat. 19-Pontypool Petty Sessions, 11am. Footbull-Usk v. Abergavenny at Aber- gavenny.

I The Census. I At the end of March the decennial Census of Britain will be taken, and we shall be in a position to see exactly how we stand as to heads of the population. Already the vast preparations for the accurate numbering of the people are well ahead. The registrars of births and deaths, as being acquainted with the material to be worked upon, may be reckoned the chief centres from which the enumeration will radiate locally. There is a vast army of enumerators, tile officials who will do the actual house-to-house visitation. THE KINGDOM: HAS BEEN MAPPED OUT into no less than 40,000 districts, and each of these districts will have its own enumera- tor, who will do, on an average, about three pounds worth of responsible work. Persons of education and reliability will be engaged for these appointments, and no doubt there will be more applicants with the proper qualification than there are posts to fill. Last time the taking of the Census cost Y,92,000 locally, and on this occasion it is calculated that the expenditure will in this respect go well over a hundred thousand. The enumerators do not begin their work until the last week in March, when it will be their duty to leave a schedule on every occupier of a house or tenement in their respective districts, together with such special schedules as may be necessary for buildings of a particular kind, such as institutions or schools, as may be found in them. Persons who spend the Sunday night, March 31, in travelling are to be considered as having been, at midnight, 0 THE EXACT TIME TO "WHICH THE CENSUS RELATES, in the house or hotel to which they are proceeding. If they arrive late on the Monday they must report themselves to the Registrar, unless they have been enumera- n ted elsewhere. Besides enumerating the inhabitants of the different houses, the enumerators are required to jot down a list -,c 1. _L _L 1 1.J I vi xiuusus wjLiicn are uninnaonea, or are in course of erection. It is interesting to note that at the date of the last Census England and Wales had a population of twenty-nine million odd, Scotland had four million, whilst the number of the Irish people had dwindled alarmingly. The last Census showed an increase in England and Wales of three million inhabitants above that of 1881 in Scotland an increase of 290,000, and in Ireland a decrease of 470,000, making altogether a net increase of rather more than two million and a-half.

Lord Kitchener as Commander- in-Chief. Lord Kitchener, in his recent speech at Pretoria, plainly showed himself as some- thing beyond a great soldier. To the Boer spokesmen he said that their compatriots had fought us bravely and with humanity— a testimonial which, coming from such a source, cannot fail to be valued by them in future. And, furthermore, he advised them to cease a guerilla warfare which, while it could not alter the final result of the war, must inflict severe loss upon the country. The burghers, he remarked, bad doubtless heard of the Colonial Secretary's statement iu the House of Commons regarding the future. The British Government had no wish to oppress the burghers. The pro- posals foreshadowed an enlightened and progressive government, in which the burghers would have EL prominent share, and which would ensure the rights of property and their ancient laws and cus- toms. After this the Boers have surely no excuse for further continuance of their resistance against the inevitable.

WASTE PAPER FOR SALE, good and clean tT 8s. per cwt. Apply &t the COu.viv OBSERVBR" Oiffes, Usk,

I [We do not necessarily endorse all ow correspondent writes. 4 EiD. C.O."] PARISH CHURCH RESTORATION, I should like to draw the attention of your readers to the account (publised in another column) rendered to the Usk Parish Church Restoration Committee, on Monday evening, by the Hon. Treasurer. It seems that just over X100 more is necessary to make both ends meet, and I may point out that subscriptions will be thankfully received at the Capital and Counties Bank, Usk. It is gratifying to learn that the subscriptions already received amount to 9898 17s. 2d., and this at a time when the private purse calls of almost everyone have been abnormally numerous and heavy. HOCKEY. Our local Wednesday Hockey Club will be regretfully interested to learn that on Saturday last Chepstow, playing at home, fell to Redland Park (Bristol) by five goals to four, better combination on the visitors' part being given as the reason for their victory. Usk W.H.C. play Usk H.C. on the Island on Wednesday next, I am informed, commencing at 2.45. The return match with Chepstow will be played on March 13th, and between this and then practice should have the effect of so improving the homesters that they will be able to give the Wyesiders a really good game. In the first match of the Club there were manifestations of undeveloped skill, and that fixture served to demonstrate the fact that the Club has players able to hold their own and who will form the nucleus of a team that will soon take some beating, if they continue to take an active interest in the game. The best players were Messrs. F. Hill, F. J Edmunds, E. Smith, G. Mundy, and W. Stockham. WESTERN VALLEY'S SEWERAGE. A joint conference of representatives; from the District Councils in the Western Valley of Monmouthshire relative to the disposal of sewage was resumed at Abercarn on Wednesday, when Messrs. Beesley, Son, and Nichoils, 11, Victoria Street, Westminster, were engaged as engineers to advise as to the best scheme, their terms being the most favourable, viz For an exclusive 50 guineas to prepare the best scheme for dealing with the sewage, either by a trunk sewer, the septic tank, or in any other satisfactory manner: to inspect the localities concerned, confer with the respective Committees, take levels, prepare the necessary plans, and submit a detailed report and estimate of the probable cost undertaking that, in the event of their scheme meeting with approval and their being retained as engineers to carry out the works, they would merge the fee in their commission." oJI:* It was decided to meet the engineer that day fortnight. Messrs. Beesley, Son, and Nicholls were the engineers of the Pembroke Dock Water Works and Sewerage Schemes under the Corpor- ation. HOMEWARD BOUND. I hear that Fred Haynes, who has been in hospital at the front, will arrive at Southamp- ton in the Hospital Ship Denura, on January 17th. When he last wrote to his brother, Mr. E. B. Haynes, tailor, of Usk, he was progressing favourably. He speaks well of his treatment in hospital, where he was daily getting three pints of milk, 6oz. Port wine, 2 bottles of I fiz,' calves'-foot jelly, beef tea, and 3 lots of medi- cine'" Lord Kitchener bad been down to see them, he says, and had promised the Imperial Yeoiuaury that they should be home by March. He relates an incident which occurred while the regiment was returning from Reitz. The Boers, he said, were attacking the left flank and rearguard the whole of the way there and back. One of the Boers, a bit more daring than the rest, kept coming to them as close as 100 yards, taking a shot or two, and then galloping off. At last, after retiring from one of the hills, they crawled back just in time to see Mr. Boer gallop up. They fairly riddled his horse with bullets, and then he threw his hands up, and they went to him and took him prisoner. He was armed with a British rifle, and he had about 300 or 400 rounds of ammunition. One of the rounds happened to fall out of his bandolier, and they then discovered that he had filed the tops off the bullets and had "jagged the sides. They suffered much from the rain. I am sure all will be pleased to welcome back to the home of his adoption our only I.Y., and will be glad to hear of his complete recovery I from ar touch of the" dread enteric. ARSENIC IN BEER, The Local Government Board is circularising every District Council, pointing out its power to take samples for analysis of beer, jam, &c., in the manufacture of which glucose may have been used to the detriment of the public health. The Usk U.D.C. had the circular before them at their last meeting, and wisely determined to "sleep on it before taking any action in the matter. Of course no monetary considerations should be allowed to stand in the way of protecting the public from poisoning, but here in Usk there has not been even a case of suspicion. Why, then, should the equivalent of an additional penny in the £ rate be expended in getting analyses ? That is about what it would amount to, unfortunately, if a sample were taken from every licensed house in the district. Besides, I have read that the County Council is taking up the matter throughout the shire, and, if that be the case, there is no necessity for the smaller local governing bodies to spend their revenue in this way. Caerleon, I note, is taking no action. The Pontypool R.D.C., on the other hand, have decided to get samples analysed, but, if I may be allowed to suggest it, that Council, being interested in agriculture generally and particularly, are, in their action, looking as much to the betterment of themselves as a class as to the health of the public generally, and in this they are, no doubt, acting quite wisely and equally justly, for is not their official income derived for the most part from the tillers of the soil ? However, in these remarks, I do not wish to be considered an advocate for bad beer (not being a sufficiently advanced teetotaller), nor do I subscribe to the doctrine of the ungrammatical toper who exclaimed Bad beer there is no bad beer, but some is better than others." I write solely from the point of view of local need or uselessness of taking samples for analyses, for it is recognised, I think, by all (except perhaps brewery companies-companies having no consciences) that it would be to the advantage of the beer drinker, as well as to the farmer, if breweries were less like chemists' shops and used more barley malt and hops. Yet, on the other hand, I am told that even that is arguable from many points, so I leave the question there. CYCLING. A meeting of the South Wades Centre of the National Cydists1 Union was htfld at Cardiff, on Wednesday, Mr. Young presidin g. The annual report submitted by the Secretary showed the centre to be in a sound financial condition. The amount now standing to the credit of the branch at the hank is X208. It was decided to1 award Mr. Powell, the honorarium of 15 gufiwsas.-—At the smoking concert held subsequetitkv, gold medals were presented to Messrs. C. E, Baker, J. A. Metcalf, J, J. Griggs, E. Nichoils, and A. Kddins as winners of last season's champion- ships, and silver time medals to Messrs. S. J. Price, R. T. H. Etheridge, J. Hill, and A. Eddina.

USK. I Agent—Mrs. E. K Jonet, Stationer t) ST. MELHON'S MURDER CASH.-It is stated that Mr Ram, (Z.C" has been retained by the prosecu. tion in the St. Mellon',a murder case, and that Mr Harold Lloyd has briefed Mr Amphlett, Q.C., for the defence. THE WKATHER.—On Saturday and Sunday Usk Skating Club- Shares rose in consequence of the frost, and Sunday was a very cold, day, a North East wind prevailing, but on Monday there was a slight fall of snow. On Tuesday there was another fall of snow, but on Wednesday a rapid thaw set in in the evening, and the thermometer has been higher since. While the snow was on the ground there was some tobogganing in the district. AN ApPEAL CAQiR.-Mr T. Baker Jones, solicitor, who represented Samuel Sutton, licensee of the Red Lion Iun, Charles-street, Newport, who was recently convicted of permitting drunkenness on his premises, stated at Newport Police Court on Monday that it was proposed to appear at the next Quarter Sessions against the magistrates" decision, and that for that purpose his client and another surety appeared to enter into the necessary recogni. zances. This was accordingly done in the sum of £50 each. FARM FIRB AT LLANDEGVFTER. -Penlylan(I Farm, situate in the parish of Llandegveth, was- destroyed bv fire late on Wednesday evening. or early on Thursday morniug. The property,. which is stated to have been in a dilapidated condition, was unoccupied and was rented by Mr David Phillips, Court Perrott Farm, Llnndegveth, by whom the conflagration was reported on Thursday morning to Police-sergt. Lewis at the Caerleon Police Station. The farm is in a remote part of the county, and is about five miles from Cterleon. The homestead was occupied for many years by Mrs Mary Morgan. It was ereoted upwards of 100 years ago, ansd was the property of Messrs G. B. T. and D.. S. W. Nicholl.

INQUEST AT KEMEYS COMMANDER. At the Bridge Inn, Kemeys Commander, on Friday afternoon in last week, Mr. C. Dauncey, deputy coroner, and a jury of which Mr. T. Evans, Ty Draw, was foreman, held an inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of Mrs. Eliza Anne Griffiths. William Griffiths stated that he was the husband of the deceased, who was 40 years of age. They had been married eleven years, and there were five children living. On the previous Friday morning (28th December) deceased got up about 8 a.m. She had been depressed for about a fortnight and had been attended by Dr. Jenkins, of Usk. Witness got up before her. Deceased and her sister proceeded to prepare breakfast, and witness left the kitchen and went into the bar. Deceased's sister also left the kitchen for a minute or two, and during that time deceased rushed upstairs. On the sister return- ing, she went to the bottom of the stairs and called the deceased. Receiving no answer she went up and then called witness, who also went up and found his wife with her throat cut and bleeding very much. He took charge of the knife and at once went oft to put the horse in the trap and send for Dr. Jenkins, of Uek, who came as soon as he could-a little before eleven—and attended her until her death. Dr. Boulton, of Usk, was also called in, and saw her several times. There had been no domestic or other unpleasantness in the house. The knife was taken from the knife-box in the kitchen. She had never threatened to commit suicide. So far as he knew, no one in her family bad previously committed suicide or become insane. She died at T o'clock in the morning on the 2nd January. Dr. George Harrison Jenkins, practising at Usk, stated that he had attended the deceased about a week or ten days prior to the occurrence which led to her death. She was suffering from depression of spirits, and seemed to be very melancholy. She complained a good deal of sleeplessness. She exhibited no suicidal tendencies, and, therefore, of course, did not threaten to commit suicide. She could not account for the depression; she gave him no reason for it. Change of life might have had something to do with it. She had two very delicate childi'en—the baby, born on the 18th August, and the other 15 months older. She had had a lot of worry with these. On the 28th December he was sent for, and he had attended her twice daily subsequently until her death. The throat was cut in the front, and the windpipe was partially severed. In reply to the Coroner he said the wound was not stitched up, nor closed, as he found that she was choking when he attempted to close it. She was breathing through the wound. As she had lost so much blood he thought that the case was hopeless from the first. When he saw her first she was unconscious but afterwards she was just able to whisper yes or no to questions. She gave no explanation of the act. She died from the injuries inflicted, and the consequent exhaustion. It was not possible to insert a tube. She could not have stood any operation nor removal. Dr. Boulton, who accompanied him to see her on a couple occasions, agreed with hire in the opinion that nothing more could be done than had been done. Mary Ann Morgan, widow, sister of the deceased, bore out the husband's statement. On going upstairs she found her sister kneeling on the floor with her throat cut. The knife was on the floor. Her sister was unable to speak to her. Witness called the husband. Deceased had never said a word that would lead her to think she would commit suicide. Mary Elizabeth Prosser, widow, spoke to being called in by Mr. Griffiths about a quarter or twenty minutes to nit) e on the morning of the 28th December. She found Mrs. Griffiths being held by her sister. They were unable to stop the bleeding for some time. The Coroner, in summing up. said the facts were very sad. This was the third case of suicide he had investigated that week. Perhaps the weather bad something to do with it. or, in the present iustance, the critical period of life had been reached, which, in many cases, was associated with the greatest possible depression. The jury at once returned a verdict of Suicide whilst temporarily insane." The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon. and was very largely attended by the neighbouring farmers and others. Doubtless more would have in this way testified to their sympathy with the bereaved family but for its being market day at Pontypool. The Rev. Herbert Sheppard oiffciated, Kemeys Churchyard being the place of inter- ment.

PONTYPOOL R.DW. The monthly meeting of the Pontypool Kurat District Council was held at the Sessions House, Usk, on Monday evening. JSb; R.. W. Spencer, J.P. (chairman) presided, and there were also, present:—Messrs. James Bevanj, J. T, Turner Job Thomas, W. Newman, T. Watkias. fclerk)* and R. Derrett (surveyor,. &e-)* The Clerk reported that there was a balance in hand of Z426 16s. Id. at the Bank.. It was decided that the Clerifc ahould; ask for interest on the average balance in hand; BUBONIC PLAGUE^ The County Council wrote again with reference to the provision of an isolation hospital for ther treatment of any cases cf Bubonic Plague which might arise in the district, expressing the hope that the Council would no longer delay, providing such a hospital. The Clerk stated that be had acknowledged the receipt of the letter. On the previous occasion be bad pointed out that the district being strictly rural the Council did not, see the necessity of providing such an establishment. It was understood that the Clerk would write saying the Council would. further consider the matter. I ARSENIC IN BEBB. A communication from the Local Government Board pointed out the Council's powers under the Food and Drugs Act to take samples for analysis, and suggested they should be used with regard to beer, jams, &c., in which glucose was used, and in regard to which there had been recent cases of poisoning. The Chairman remarked that beer must be recognised as a drink which could not be done without, and they would be doing a great deal' of good if by any action they could help to, bring about its purity. Mr. Bevan suggested the passing of a resolotiont or the presentation of a petition in favour of beei being brewed only from malt, hops,, and water. The Chairman proposed, and Mr. Bevatb seconded, that the Clerk prepare a petition ia favour of the Pure Beer Bill of Sir CUthberfe Quilter, Bait, M.P. This was agreed to. The Chairman also suggested that samples of beer in the district should be taken and sent for analysis. Mr. Bevan said it was now too late to do this. The bad beer had all been re-called or con- sumed. The Chairman: We should be doing, no harm by taking samples, and possibly good.. Mr. Newman Certainly. It will put an& keep the brewers upon their mettle. The Clerk remarked that if they got evidence of adulteration their petition would bo strengthened. Mr. Job Thomas said he knew of breweries im which no sugar would be found. After further conversation, it was decided to have samples of beer for analysis taken. I WATER SUPPLY. Mr. J. Pritchard, of Llanbadock, wrote, with reference to a well at the top end of the paris4 which supplied six families and a school', and which was liable to contamination from. susfacec water in wet weather. At present it was- qpte fuX of leaves and other rubbish. The Inspector said the well was situate not far from Glascoed School, and from its position, in & hollow it could not very well be protected. It was remarked that the Council should call upon Mr. Pritchard to sink a well for himself on his own premises. The Loal Government Board wrote asking for fnformation as to what had been done with regard to the water supply question at Ponthir and the Wain, and the Clerk reported that he had; repliedt giving full information up to date, and exactly how the matter at present stood. THE CWM ROAD, Mr. D. J. Lougher, the engineer, gave a more satisfactory report with regard to the progress of the contractors for the Cwm-road improvement,, and stated that he hoped to be able to report the completion of the work by the end of the month. PONTYCARNA BRIDGE. It was resolved to act with the Llantarnam U.D.C. in making this bridge safer, the expense being small. 8ANITARY MATTERS. The Inspector reported that he had met the Iter. W. A. W. Evans and pointed out what was required to be done to the well at the Glebe Farm, Llandegveth. He said that he would see to it, but that he could not get it done by that Council meeting. The Inspector suggested that a rail and posts should be put in at the side of the trough at Peutrewain well to prevent cattle getting into it- There was just a doubt whether the trough would get supplied during the very dry weather. A house occupied by Mr. Isaac Lewis, near Chapel Ed, Goytre, was in a dilapidated state, and was lacking in sauitary provisions. The hous& occupied by Mr. William Stinchcombe there, too, was in a dilapidated state, and there was art accumulation of filth at the side of the road, which Mr. Stinchcombe said he would clear away at once. He (the inspector) had received a letter from Mr. Harris with reference to flooding at Ponthir. The diphtheria and scarlatina cases at Penthir, were now convalescent, and there had been no further outbreak. The Inspector was directed to carry out th& work suggested by him at Pentrewain, and it was decided to issue the usual orders against the owners of the premises complained of. Mr. Harris pointed out that the consequences of the flooding of the Candawr brook were the filling of the cesspits in the district with water and the pollution of the wells, to the danger of the health of the district. There seemed to be a legal difficulty in the way of getting the lower portion of the brook-- beyond. the Council's district—cleaned out, thus allowing the free flow of the water, but the Clerk promised to look the matter up and report. The Maeor R.D.C. was affected. HIGHWAY REPORT. As Surveyor, Mr. Derrett reported the receipt of a letter from Mr. F. J. Mitchell, chairman of the Llaufrechfa Lower Parish Council, asking for further plans showing the quantity of land whicbl would be required from Mr. Lawrence to make the road at Poutnewydd 20ft. wide to the Avon. Llwyd Bridge. Two small arches had fallen in 011 the road leading from Penpellenny to Nantyderry Railway Station. Temporary repairs had been done by Mr. Wilks, of Goytre, but a load of good substantial stone covers—4ft. to 4ft. 6in.-Is

THE SOLDIERS AND SAILORS' FAMILIES' ASSOCIATION. COMMUNICATED. Fifteen years ago no organization existed in the Kingdom for the care of the wives and families of our soldiers and sailors, and this < association was the first to undertake any work ) of this kind, in connection with the dependents of men of both services. Thousands of families were, when war broke out, at once thrown on its hands. The full results of the work of the Association can only be known when the war is over. The Council have every assurance that the supporters of it will be fully satisfied. In each county there are working organiza- tions in touch with the Head Office at Westminster. The Princess of Wal,-ts in her special appeal (dated December 31st lasit), says that a sum of over 2510,000 has, by the munificence of the public, been entrusted to the Association, as well as £190,000 from tbl Mansion House Fund, and X50,000 from the Lord Mayor's Discretionary Fund. Nearly the whole of this amount has been expended upon more than 80,000 families, according to tbe last returns, assistance having been given locally and per- sonally through the voluntary.seme3 of our members, numbering no less tlia.,i 11J)00 ladies and gentlemen throughout the United Kingdom. Here in Usk we have a branch, which has, during the past year, done gLNod work in helping a- fimilico of men at the seat of wary and procuring an allowance, for one wido w. The amount raised i-n. this branch, is £ G&llg. jThe expenditure has been £ 49 5s. fid for the- past year. We trust oar kind frit'nefar and supporters will continue, their help, at any rate; until it can be shewn there is no furt-her need for it. It is hoped to give an Ehterlainment in tho, Town Hall, for the Fond, the end of January., Further particulars will be duly announcedi- LADY BARNARD, President (Usk Branch)- COLONEL CHANNER,, Hon, Treasurer. COLONEL FERGUSONv Hon;. Secretary. Usk, January 3rd, 19011.