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

Death of Dr. James Davis-Alien. Sincere regret was felt in the Monmouth Boroughs, on Monday, when it became known -that Dr. Davis-Allen had succumbed, on the previous night, in London, to a paiuful and insidious disease. Very few, probably, out of the thousands of persons who saw him so actively engaged in organizing the recent Election campaign, and heard his brilliant speeches in support of Dr. -Rutherfoord Harris' candidature, were aware that he was even then acting in direct opposi- tion to a specialist's advice that he should abandon his work and seek a milder clime. Day after day he toiled zealously in the work he had so willingly and so unselfishly under- taken, charming his audiences by his natural -eloquence, and his friends by his extraordinary capacity for organization and his kindly dis- position. It was not until the battle had been fought and won that his health completely broke down. Then so rapid were the ravages of disease that it was found impossible to obey medical advice and remove him to a German health Tesort. Intense suffering, with but brief periods of partial relief, foHowed, until his death on Sunday. It will be remembered that Dr. and Mrs. Davis-Allen resided at Llangibby Castle for a week or so during the early part of the Election ,campaign, and that Dr. Davis-Allen attended the Farmers' Club dinner at Usk. His first "acquaintance with Usk was in May 1898, when he spoke at a public meetiug. His literary and scholastic attainments were -of the highest order, and his contributions to various high-class publications were of the ut- most value. Born in the fifties, he took his M.A., B. Sc., and M.D. degrees at Edinburgh ■'University, where he, Dr. Rutherfoord Harris, M.P., and Dr. Jameson were fellow-students. A few years later he went out to South Africa, practised as a Doctor of Medicine at Kimberley. became connected with the Dia- mond Mines, and was manager of one of the 11 most important. This brought him into con- tact with Mr. Cecil Rhodes, to whom he was afterwards Private Secretary. He next developed a genius for engineering, and, finding that engineers were needed in the South, threw up his medical profession and promoted several South African Railways. In Africa he also -accomplished the probably unequalled task of bringing out a complete newspaper on blotting- paper, when the ordinary printing paper was lost in a drift. He visited Ceylon later on, and became a tea- planter, and in Madagascar, during the war, lie rendered good diplomatic service and laid the Queen under great obligations. He became the friend of the Prime Minister, and it was at the Madagascan Court that he first met his clever and charming wife, she being -at that time English companion to the Queen. Before hostilities broke out in South Africa in 1899, Dr. Davis-Allen was seno as a delegate to Canada, and there is no doubt that the -prompt offer of assistance from the Canadian 'Government to this country was due to his able representations to Sir Wilfred Laurier. But perhaps his greatest public service was in connection with the Imperial South African Association. When this body was formed, five years ago, Dr. Davis-Allen was appointed ..its London Secretary,and itslecturerand literary editor, rendering in each capacity invaluable services to the Empire. He was ever actuated by a strong sense of public duty, and worked zealously for the good of the South African Colonies. His death will be a great loss to the Association, and to a large circle of friends, to whom his genial disposition had greatly endeared him. Much sympathy is felt with Mrs. Davis-Allen "in this sad bereavement. Her beautiful wreath, amonyst the many that accompanied the mourn- ful cortege to Norwood Cemetery, on Thursday, -appropriately bore the Union Jack-an embodi- onent of the principles her husband so strenu- ously upheld, and in the maintenance of which he contracted the seeds of illness which ulti- mately proved fatal. Scholars, diplomatists, -prominent members of the press, and a large number of private friends were present at the funeral to pay a last tribute of respect to one who, both in his public and private life, com- -manded the admiration of all men. Perhaps it is not generally known that in Mr. Morley Roberts' book, The Colossus," Dr. Davis-Allen figured as Berwick, the mover of "Cabinets and Governments. 1

-An kho of the Chartist Riots. The death took place at Maesycwmmer on "Wednesday of Mr. William Jones, aged 81 years. 'Mr. Jones was a first-cousin of the renowned "U Caradoc," and had had a romantic career. He !took part in the Chartist riots at Newport some 61 'years ago, forming one of those who made a nieht -march from his home, near Blackwood, into the tsk side town. He was out altogether two or three days, armed with a mandril, and was in the iorefront of those who made the attack on the Westgate Hotel. Mr. Jones, however, escaped without injury, although several whom he knew personally were shot dead in that memorable -encounter. In late years Mr. Jones admitted that he was led away, and was a staunch supporter of the Conservative cause. He left his home at "Blackwood more than thirty years ago, and subsequently kept an inn in the Rhondda Valley. -Of late the old man took up his residence with his sister and niece at Gellideg Farm,

CADBURVS COCOA is absolutely pure, being entirely free from kola, malt, hops, alkali, or any foreign admixture. Caution The public should insist on having CADBURY'S—sold only in Packets and Tins, as "other Cocoas are often substituted for the sake of —extra profit.

I ABERGAVENNY. I Agents,—Messrs Davits & Co. Booksellers. A VICTIM OF THE WAit.-The death is reported by the War Office of Private E. Gibbons (6739), of the Volunteer Company of the South Wales Borderers, who expired at Springfontein Hospital on New Year's day. He was a victim of enteric. Gibbons was an Abergavenny man. PAROCHIAL ENTERTAINM.BNT.-The annual Xmas entertainment held in connection with Holy Trinity Church, took place in the Town Hall on Monday night, there being a capital attendance. The Aberguveuny Original Court Minstrels (under the conductorship of Mr. Reg. Rosser) provided the first half of the entertainment, after which light refreshments were handed round, and the rest of the evening was spent in dancing. HOSPITAL BALL.-Under the patrouage of the Marquess of Abergavenny, K.G., and the Mayor of Abergavenny (Alderman Major Williams), the seventh annual ball took place in the Town Hall on Friday night. Mr. and Mrs. Manuel had splendidly arranged the hall, and prepared the floor, whilst upon the wallb hung trophies of flags and shields, the east wall being completely draped with large Union Jacks, lent by different tradespeople. The Corn Exchange was trans- formed into an excellent supper room, and the tables were most artistically arranged, under the superintendence of the secretaries, by a willing staff of assistants, who also fully attended to the wants of the diners. The baud was supplied by Mr. Llew. Evans. The duties of M.C. were ably carried out by Messrs. Sarny, R. W. Powell, B. J. Francis, and C. D. Lewis. The ball was opened by His Worship the Mayor, and dancing was kept up till an early hour. .o.

BETTWS NJEWTDD. JUMBLE SALE.—As will be seen by advt. a Jumble Sale will be held in the Schoolroom on Wednesday afternoon next. The proceeds will be devoted to pay off a parochial debt and to forward the Library movement. +

CAERLEON. Agent-Miss M. A. Scans, Newscslea,, Cross-street, I URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. I The usual meeting of the Caerleon District Council was held on Tuesday. There wer." present the Rev. D. B. Jones (chairman), Messrs. T. Parry, A. Ll. Edwards, H. Create, J. H. Taylor, W. Welsford, and J. Green, the Clerk (Mr. T. R. P. Herbert), Medical Officer (Dr. De Gruchy), and Surveyor (Mr. Harris). MUTUAL GOOD WISHES. I The Rev. D. B. Jones said that the meeting being the first of the new year and the century, he desired to express his gratification at seeing the members together, and wished them a bright and happy new a year. Several members reciprocated. ARSENIC IN BEER, I There was a communication from the Local Government Board, calling attention to the recent deaths from arsenic in beer, and drawing this Council's attention to the advisability of getting samples of beer, jams, &c., where necessary, and having them analysed by the County Analyst. Mr. Parry At Newport to-day it was reported that all beers brewed in Newport had been already tested. Mr. Creese: I should like to know what the beers are made of. (Laughter.) Mr. Taylor: And golden syrup, too. Eventually the circular was allowed to lie on the I table. PUBLIC LIGHTING. I The Surveyor reported that he had written to the I Great Western Railway Company's Inspector about a gully which caused damage to the Council's main road through its frequent overflowing. The needful improvement had been since promised. Proceeding to the lighting question, the Surveyor said that he had arranged a regular system of inspecting the lighting of Caerleon. On December 12th, there were three lamps out. on the 13th two, 20th six, January 1st one, 3rd, four. 4th three, 5th one, and that evening two. In addition to the bad lighting, the lamps had not bean painted, and many wanted glazing. The lighting did not commence until the time when all the lamps should have been lighted, and the extinguishing was completed at the time it should be commencing. As a consequence one hour each night was lost. Mr Parry moved that the Clerk write the Gas Company quoting some of the surveyor's report, and stating that the Council would make certain deductions for the bad lighting. Mr Taylor said that the lighting was abominable. One evening recently there was no light at all in the town. The Chairman said that one evening he and other members met the lampman putting out the lights at 9.20 p.m. The man said the moon was shining, so all the lamps were extinguished. Mr Creese seconded the proposition, which was adopted unanimously. CLEARING THE STREETS OF SNOW. It was decided that in the event of a heavy snow- fall occurring, the chairman, vice-chairman, and surveyor be empowered to take the necessary steps to clear the streets. FINANCE. I It was reported that the Council had a balance in hand, before paying liabilities to date, of £ 49 Is. 6d. Accounts were presented, which. if met, would cause an overdraft, and it was decided to postpone payment of one account in order to keep the Council with a credit balance. M.O.H'S REPORT. Dr De Gruohy reported that during the month three cases of scarlet fever and one of erysipelas had been notified. The death-rate for the year 1900 was 8'08, while the birth-rate for the same period was 20-75. In reply to a member, the Medical Officcr said that the birth-rate had gone up, and he added that out of eleven deaths reported durinsr the month, five were of persons over 80 years of age. Mr Parry stated that owing to the prevalence of infectious disease, it bad been deemed prudent to close the elementary school, but it would be opened a week hence. Dr De Gruchy said the cases of scarlet fever had been mostly imported from Newport, where he understood there were a number of mild cases. G.W.E. FOOTBRIDGE. I Mr Taylor Ppointed out the annoyance to the public at Caarleon station through the lack of a glazed side or covering to the footbridge. The smoke and steam prevented people seeing their way across the bridge at times, and it was a great nuisance. He considered this the most serious complaint of all that the Council had made with reference to the railway service at Newport. It was decided, after a short discussion, to write the G.W.R. upon the matter. AN AGENDA WANTED. On the proposition of Mr Creese, it was decided that in future the Clerk should circulate agendas before the meetings of the Council were held.

▼ CHEPSTOW. Agent.Viss Olark SCHOOL BOARD MEETING.—At the monthly meet- ing on Tuesday the Inspector's report on the Girls' and Infants' Schools was read and considered satis- factory. The net sum payable, after the usual deductions, was £168 5s 4d.—It was resolved to suggest to the Education Department that the age limit remain at 13.-M-r Williams was re-appointed as drill instructor. The total number of children present at school on Monday was 426. This low number was attributed to the severe weather.

SICK NURSING.-Miss Sturgess gave the first of a series of nursing lectures at the Town Hall, Usk, on Wednesday afternoon. There was a very fair attendance. A quarter past three has been fixed as the time of meeting.

I MONMOUTH. I Agent.—Mr. Gatfrey. Bookseller. Monmouth SAD BURNING FATALITY.—At the Shire Hall, Monmouth, on Monday, Mr. Bickerton H. Deakin, district coroner, and a jury investigated the circumstance!! attending the death of the four-year- old child-Louisa. Kathleen Jessie—of Mr. Charles Gladden, a brewer's labourer, of 5, Chippenham Gate-etreet. Dr. J. G. Wilson deposed to being called to deceased between teu and eleven o'clock on Saturday morning. He found the child one mass of burns, from the knees to the head, and saw at once the case was hopeless. He dressed the wounds and gave directions for treatment, but death ensued about four o'clock.—Mrs. Gladden, the mother, sobbed bitterly when giving her evidence. She described how she left the child before the fire, which had a guard in front, white she went to the back kitchen for a minute. The little girl was dressed in her night-dress ready to be bathed, and scarcely had she reached the kitchen when she heard two screams. She ran back and found the child in flames. She felt too distracted to attempt to put out the flames, and went to call a neighbour, Mrs. Pembridge, who came in and put out the fire. Medical assistance was immediately sent for and everything was done that could be.—Mrs. Pembride described how she put out the flames, and dressed the wounds the best she colkld till the doctor came. She believed the child's clothing was ignited by a fallen cinder. A verdict of "Acci- dental death" was returned. TOWN COUNCIL.—The Mayor (Mr. T. Hamilton Baillie), presided over a meeting of the Corporation on Monday, at the Shire Hall, and commenced business by wishing the members the compliments of the season, and expressing condolence with the ex-Mayor in the loss of his wife.—Sergeant W. Walters was formally presented with a handsome cabinet, the prize offered by the Corporation and selected by the winner, for the best shooting score in the local volunteer company. Sergeant Walters has won a large number of cups, and he chose the cabinet as a fitting receptacle for them.—Mr. Conyers Kirby, engineer, Newport, attended and submitted plans and specifications for the new pumping machinery in connection with the sewage disposal scheme. Gas power pumping engines he estimated to cost £1,570, with a fall weekly working expenditure of Ill 3s., and oil power engines £ 1,630, with a full weekly expenditure of Ell lis. The Council after a discussion decided upon the gas power engines, and instructed the engineer to prepare plans for submission to the L.G.B.—The Council considered an application for wiring electrically the Beaufort Arms Hotel, and decided to do so on terms of repayment extending over the next three )ears by equal quarterly instalments. The cost of the installation will be about £ 120.— Petroleum licences were granted to two business firms, but withheld from one firre, which was reported to be stocking petrol and petroleum along with other inflammable goods in a warehouse in the midst of valuable business property. The Town Clerk reported that the cost of the Parliamentary register for the three boroughs was £ 113 4s. 4d., in the following proportions, Monmouth, Y,10 7s. 9d., Newport, X99 18s. Id., and Usk, £2 18s. 6d.—A design for the silver casket, in whiuh the frendom of the borough is to be presented to Lord LIang-attock, was submitted, and with a few slight modifications was approved, the cost not to exceed X50.

NEWPORT. 1 Agents—Messrs Greenland and Co., Newsagents. DEATH OF CAPTAIN HEARSEY.—Mr. J. H. Ilearsey, late captain in the 2nd Vol. Batt. South Wales Borderers, formerly of Newport, died on Sunday at Malvern, from consumption. The deceased, who was 39 years of age, was a civil engineer. He was the only son of Captain John Hearsey, and grandson of Lieutenant-general Sir J. B. Hearsey, K.O.B., who saw a lot of distinguished service in India. Mr. Hearsey, who had been in poor health for a considerable time, married Miss Homfray, daughter of the late Captain S. G. Homfray, of Newport, for whom the greatest sympathy is felt. TRAGEDY AT THE WORKHOUSE. I On Tuesday morning a quarrel broke out I between three or four inmates of Newport Union Workhouse, and in the course of the altercation one of them Michael Dorgan, aged 72, received such injuries that a short time afterwards he died. INQUEST. Mr. W. L. Moore, the Newport coroner, opened an inquest at the Workhouse on Wednesday afternoon, touching the death of Michael Dorgan. Evidence of identification only was taken, and the inquest was adjourned till this (Friday) afternoon for the taking of evidence as to the circumstances of the affray. HARBOUR BOARD MEETING.1 I The monthly meeting of the Newport Harbour Board was held at the offices, Dock-stieet, on Wednesday, the chairman (Mr. T. E. Watson) presiding. The Chairman said the returns for the port for December were somewhat better than they had been for some little time, but he would like to see a further improvement. The nett registered tonnage of cargo arrivals for the month from foreign ports was 37,570 tons, compared with 33,725 tons in November. The coastwise sailings for December came to 26,100 tons, against 24,572 tons in November. The Joint Works and Finance Committees reported with reference to dredging and regulation works at Powderhouse Point and the Old Dock Reach. It was decided that before any recommendation were made by the Joint Committee an effort be made to obtain an interview with some of the riparian landowners, with a view to talking over a number of matters considered at the meeting, and a deputation was appointed. The Harbour improvement and Parliamentary Committee having considered the plans and sections of the new entrance lock, river walls, railways, and other works proposed to be carried out by the Alexandra Dock Company, recom- mended that, subject to the usual protective clauses being inserted, the board should support the Bill. -It was decided that when the report had been received from the solicitors engaged upon the matter a meeting of the whole board in committee be held to consider it, to be followed by a special meeting of the board. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Newport County Council was held at the Town Hall on Tuesday, the Mayor (Mr. W. H. Brown) presiding. Upon the report of the Finance Committee being brought up by Alderman Bear,, the question of the increase of various salaries was considered, as recommended by the committee. There would only be a few slight increases in salaries, but in other cases the officials would reach their maximum salaries a little earlier. The amendment was defeated by a large majority, and the report of the committee was agreed to. On the report of the sanitary committee coming up, Alderman Jones, the chairman, intimated that' it was the intention of the committee to proceed with the extension of the contagious diseases hospital at a very early date. Alderman Bear said he was sure that Alderman Mordey would be pleased to hear that there was no arsenic in the beer at Newport, as was shown by the analysis of samples taken from nineteen breweries selling beer in the town. Upon the recommendation of the Parliamentary Committee that the borough member be asked to support a Bill for the taxation of land values when it was introduced into the House of Commons, Councillor Wilkinson asked how they could request Dr. Harris to go to the House of Commons and. support a Bill when there was a petition hauging over his head. The Mayor said he noticed that the borough member had been in his place in the House of Commons, and if he had been there in the past he could be there in the future. It was decided that the L2,000 offered by Mr. Mann for the transference of the licence of the Rising Sun Inn, Shefteqbury-street, to new premises on the corner of Shaftesbury-street and Lyne-road should go to the new hospital. Mr. T. H. Howell, iu accordance with notice, moved that E200 be contributed annually out of the money available for technical instruction to the higher technical department of the University College, Cardiff, in order that Newport students might get the benefit of scholarships at the college.—Mr. T. Parry seconded, but said the council would have to go further and provide maintenance scholai ships.- hi r. Liscombe, vice- chairman of the technical instruction committee, said his committee could not afford the money at present.—Mr. Howell withdrew the motion. I HOSPITAL BALLS. On Thursday night about 250 adults assembled at the Drill Hall which had been kindly loaned for the purpose, and which was transformed into a veritable fairy bower of beauty and enchantment. The arrangements for the function were mainly in the hands of Mr. Percy Laybourne, and almost all the services and goods of all kinds were given gratuitously in order that the whole proceeds—or as Inearly as possible the whole—might be handed over to the funds of the hospital Mr. F. E. Burpitt kindly undertook the decorations free of charge. Messrs. Alger supplied the whole of the electric light fittings free of all costs. Mr. T. Cordey supplied all the tea, and the Kardomah Restaurant all the coffee gratis. Mr. Fred L. Davis, of The Coldra, and Mrs. Samuel Dean, of the Westgate Hotel, each presented three dozen champagne, Colonel Williams and Messrs. Lloyd and Yorath Ltd., each gave one dozen, and the South Wales Wine and Spirit Co., and the Ashton Gate Brewery Co., half-dozen each of the same wine. Messrs. Dowdall Brothers superintended the catering, and gave all their services absolutely free of charge. This (Friday) evening the children's fancy dress hospital ball will be held in the same hall.

THE MOST NUTRITIOUS. E P PS'S GBATEFUL-COMFORTIXä COCOA BREAKFAST AND SUPPER.

I PONTNEWYDD. I Agent :-M, Z Lloyd. BURNING FATALITY AT CWMBRAN.—The Deputy Coroner (Mr. W. J. Everett) conducted an inquiry at the Police Station, Cwmbrau, on Wednesday afternoon, into the circumstances attending the death of a six-year-old child named Mary Elizabeth Cooper, daughter of Daniel Cooper, a collier, of Newton, Cwmbran. The evidence went to show that at 8 30 ou Sunday, Mary Watkins (13) who had been assisting Daniel Cooper, owing to the illness of the latter's wife, went from the front room into the back part of the premises to get something, and during her absence the deceased came downstairs, and it is supposed that a spark from the fire caught a flannel nightdress which she had on, for when the girl (Watkius) returned the deceased was in flames. The former at once called up Daniel Cooper, and the flames were put out. The child, however, was so badly burned that they sent for Dr. Nixon, of Pontnewydd, but the child died flhnut two o'clock the same afternoon. The r, who attended, said that death was due to v r' shock to the nervous r-yitem.-A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was resumed.

Monmouthshire Police Force. The quarterly meeting of the Monmouthshire Standing Joint Committee was held on Wednesday afternoon at the county offices, Newport, Mr. John Daniel presiding. VACCINATION EXEMPTIONS. The Clerk of the Peace (Mr. H. Stafford Gustard) reported the number of vaccination exemptions during the past year, from which it appeared that half the number thronghout the county was in the Pontypool division. Mr. A. A. Williams suggested that the committee should send an expression of opinion to the Government stating that the large number of exemptions constituted a danger to the health of the nation. Mr. S. N. Jones did not think the committee should assume such judgment. INCREASE OF POLICE PaY. The sub-committee, which met earlier in the day, reported upon the pay of the police force, and recommended that not only should there be a rise in the remuneration of the superintendents but in that of all ranks, so as to make it equal to the scale in operation in Glamorgan. The Chief Constable (Mr. Victor Bosanquet) said the scale now in operation in each county was as follows :— Superintendents 00 appointment, in Mon- mouth, E159 13s, 7d.; Glamorgan, .£160. After nine years in Monmouth, P,200 15s.; after five years in Glamorgan, R240. Inspectors: On appointment, Monmouth, E103 8s. 4d.; Glamorgan, E104 18s. 9d. After six years, Monmouth, E121 13s. 4d.; after five years, Glamorgan, E124 14s. 2d. Sergeants On appointment, Monmouth, JE82 2s. 6d.; Glamorgan, zES5 3s. 4d. After eight years, Monmouth, £94 5s. 10d.; after five years, Glamorgan, £ 94 5s. 10d. Constables Ou appointment, Monmouth, £62 7s. Id.; Glamorgan, £65 7s. lid. After nineyears, Monmouth, £ 77 lis. 3d.; after twelve years, Glamorgan, X79 Is. 8d. Alderman Harris moved that the recommen- dation he adopted. Mr T. Parry seconded, and said the committee was trying to do in the case of the superinten- dents what the Home Office would not let them do iu 1891. The Chairman said there were a good many resignations in the Monmouthshire force. The increases would come into force when they were approved by the Home Office. It was necessary to give three months' notice of such extra payments. It was decided to increase the salary of the clerk to the justices at Skeufrith from X32 to S48 per annum, and the clerk to the justices at Caerleon from E107 to 9120. EFFICIENCY OF THE FORCE. A letter was read from the Home Office stating that the police of the county had been maintained in a state of efficiency in point of numbers and discipline for the year ended September 29th. THE PENSION FUND. Ex-Police Constable Buck asked the committee to consent 'to the return of the money he had paid into the pension fund, as he was leaving the country for Australia. Mr Bosanquet, the chief constable, objected to granting the request, as he did not think it would be fair to other constables. Alderman Grove agreed with the Chief Constable, and pointed out that at the present time they were paying something between £2,000 and E3,000 a year in pensions. As an instance of the call that was made upon the fund he mentioned that an inspector at the age of 46 had retired on a pension, and he was in receipt of 281 per year. If he lived another 20 years it would mean a question of over £2,000 to the county therefore they should be very careful with the money. He therefore moved that the application be not granted. Councillor T. Parry seconded, and it was carried. SHOP ASSISTANTS HOURS. The Works Committee recommended that the police carry out the Shop Assistants' Hours Act, and Mr. Bosanquet, when asked to give his opinion, thought if police inspectors were called upon to visit tradesmen's shops it would cause a great deal of friction, as was the case when they carried out the Weights and Measures Act. It was decided, on the motion of Colonel Lyne, seconded by Alderman Harris, not to take any action in the matter.

War Items. Arrangements are being made for giving Major Wyndham-Qnin, M.P., who has been in command of the Glamorgan Yeomanry in South Africa, a good reception on his arrival home. The Cardiff Town Council on Monday will be asked to agree to an address of welcome and congratulation being presented.

I A Religious Impostor. At the Old Bailey on Tuesday, Henry James Capon, 31, clerk, pleaded guilty to forging and uttering cheques belonging to his employers, Messrs King and Co., timber merchants, Gracechurch- street City, in whose service accused had been eight years, At the time of his arrest he was in the receipt of a silary of X300 per annum as confidential clerk, and decided what orders should be received and what timber sold. Since 1896 he had been dealing wilh his employers in a fictitious name, and had bought for them and re-sold to them quantities of timber which existed only in imagination. His defalcations amounted to about £ 1,600. Counsel said prisoner had subscribed £50 to a Wesleyan fund, which sum had since been refunded to prosecutors by that body. The information which the prosecutor had was that prisoner had been lead- ing an irregular life. In extenuation, prisoner's counsel said Capon had been engaged in charitable work, and had given social entertainments with the object of getting a higher social standing. He had presented 150 Bibles to a Sunday school with which he was associated in the name of his employers. The Recorder: He seems to have been very liberal with other people's money. It's a pity he did not remember the Eighth Commandment. The prisoner was sentenced to five years' penal servitude.

Sad Railway Fatality at Tredegar. Mr C. Dauncey held an inquiry at Tredegar on Saturday into the circumstances attending the death of Alice Gertrude Pitt (18), Dowlais, who sustained fatal injuries on the railway at Bed- wellty Pits on Thursday. William Davies, stationmaster at Bedwellty Pits, said the girl, who was on her way to Newport front Bath to take a situation there, got out of the train by mistake, and had to wait for the 4.50 p m train. Just as tha train was moving out he heard shouts, and it was found that the girl had fallen under the train, which was immediately pulled up. The witness admitted that the platform was consider- ably below the footboard of the railway carriage. A collier named Rogers, who was standing on the platform at the time of the accident, related how it occurred, and Robert Roberts, guard, stated that immediately he beard shouts he applied the vacuum brake and pulled up the traiu after it had travelled about five yards. Dr Crawford said the injuries sustained by the deceased were so serious that there was no hope from the first. The Deputy-Coroner, in summing up, said the stationmaster, in view of the lonely condition of the girl, could have acted a little considerately in seeing her lodged safely in a compartment. The station at Bedwellty Pits was one of the most dangerous on the whole of the service in relation to the height of the footboard from the level of the platform, and he did not hesitate to say that this fact was chiefly responsible for the accident. It was for the railway company to decide whether they would raise the platform, but be felt so strongly on the mutter that if they did not do it voluntarily, he would have to take steps to bring the matter before the Board of Trade. A verdict of Accidental death was returned, and a rider was added in accordance with the remarks of the coroner.

I ARSENIC IN BEER. I To the Editor Of the COUNTY OBSERVES. SrR,-The recent calamitous experience of drinking beer containing arsenic will, it may be hoped, arouse public attention to the danger to drinkers of the national beverage from the unrestricted use of substitutes for malt and hopa in brewing since the establishment of what was euphoniously called the free mash tun." Hundreds have been made seriously ill, and mauy have died, from this eausfi, and, although brewers are in all directions posting up analyses Ot their beer, showing it to be free from poison, thefeT is absolutely no security that the evil may not arise again in the rage there is for trying experiments with the public stomach in order to cheapen the production of SQ^called beer an increase profits. It is only necessary to read in the Brewers Journal merely the names of the hundred and one articles-some of them noxious, and all of them nasty-ad vertised for sale for this purpose, to know this. Many people may rely upon the report of the majority of the Departmental Commission (which sat two years ago to enquire into this question), that no legislation is necessary in the interests of the public health, but the minority report signed by one of the Commissioners (Mr. C. S. Read) pointing out the danger, reads to-day absolutely like a prophecy. It was shown by the evidence before that Commission that, although there was an army of Revenue Analysts and other officers, their only duty was to take care of the Revenae, and it was no one's duty to guard the public health. And for whose beuefit is this ? Not for the working man consumer of beer, for he only paid threepence for his pint of beer when it was honestly brewed, and he cannot buy it at less to-day, with the additional risk of being poisoned. Writing as a farmer, it is disastrous for him, because, although the production of beer has increased by millions of gallons, he finds each year an ever growing difficulty to sell his barley. At this moment the writer has in his granary barley equal, indeed buperior, to the average quality of a fifty years' experience as a grower, and he cannot get an offer for it, except for pig food. This also is an element affecting the working man, because it is inducing the farmer to hasten the laying down of his land to grass, thus com- pelling the agricultural labourer to crowd into the towns, and compete with the urban labourer for work. But it is useless for the farmer to hope for any change, unless the working man will put down his foot and insist, if not that beer shall be brewed as formerly from malt and hops only, at least that those who use substitutes shall declare them, so that the drinker of beer may make his choice. May I hope that some of the representatives of the working men of this district will attend the public meeting called to consider this subject at the King's Head Hotel, Newport, on Wednesday, 16th inst., at 2.45, and will express their views. I am, Sir, Yours respectfully, HENRY WILLIAMS. Red House, Llansantffraed, Abergavenny, January 9th, 1901.

I Abergavenny R.D.C. The monthly meeting was held on Tuesday last, Mr J. Merton Jones, J P., presiding. Mr John Lewis, Goytre, gave notice that at the next meeting he would move a resolution that the Government be requested to promote a Pure Beer Bill. A letter was received from Messrs Edison and Demattoes, Dorchester, stating that they would be willing to hire their steam roller for GO days at 26s per day. Messrs Fowler and Sons, Ledbury, simi- larly quoted 24s a day.—Mr John Gill, surveyor, thought it would be advisable to defer the question, until next Spring, as the metalling was now half in.—The matter was postponed until next meeting. With reference to fencing a footbridge at Hoald Albert road. Grosmont, the Surveyor reported that he thought the place was dangerous, but that it was a matter for the Parish Couucil.—Mr R. Hudson Evans considered that the R.D.C. would be liable if an accident occurred there.—The Sur- veyor was directed to have the matter attended to. Mr John Lewis said he should like the Surveyor to take measurements of wheels and ascertain the weights on timber carriages, to see if they com- plied with the County Council's bye-laws. It was stated that there would be 2,000 trees coming down this Spring on the Amyoy Estate, therefore it would be necessary, for the sake of the roads, to see that abnormal loads were not taken. A letter was read from Mr Meredith, Cwmyoy Farm, complaining of the state of Pontyspowell Pitch, where a culvert was needed to carry off the water after heavy rains.—A committee was ap- pointed to view and report. Several small bridges in the district were ordered to be attended to.

I Usk Post Office. I LETTER BOX CLEARED FOR DESPATCH. WeekDays-9.10 a.m, 1 p.m, 5.15p.m,7.50 p.m| Sundays—7-50 p.m TELEGRAPH BUSINESS TRANSACTED. Week Days-8 a.m to 8 p. m Sandays-8 a. m to 10 a.m PARCEL POST Week Days-7 a.m to 8 p-m MONEY ORDER & SAVINGS BANK BUSINESS Week Days-9a.m to 6 p.m Siturdays-9 a.m to 8 p.m DELIVERIES COMMENCE. Week Days-7 a.m 3 p.m Sandays-8 a.m

ALLEGED COINERS COMMITTED TO THE ASSIZES. James Connelly, alias James Webb, and Robert Wiltshire, alias George Ridgeway and Harry Thomas; and James Smith, alias Jimes Clarke, described as hawkers, were chirged on remand at Newport Police Court, on Wednesday, with having 108 counterfeit coins in their possession and uttering a counterfeit 5s. piece. No fresh evidence was tendered, but the charge of uttering a counterfeit coin was now preferred against the three prisoners. —The Head-Constable (Mr Sinclair) stated that prisoners were well-known to the Derby, Birming- ham, and Leicester police. They were committed to take their trial at the next assizes, to be held in February.

required there, the present ones being insufficient, A culvert under the road between Nautyderry and Goytre Hall was inadequate to carry off the water during heavy rains, and he recommended that 19-inch glazed pipes should be put in there. He had received a letter from the Rev. W. Jones, of Llantrinsent Vicarage, asking that some pipes might be put down on the side of the footpath near Llantrissent School and leading to the 'Church. The foo'-bridge over the Cwmdowlais brook near Little Unden, and which divided the parishes of Llanbadoc and Llangibby, had become dilapidated, and requires new planks, with a couple of pieces of quartering underneath each end, and a couple of piles driven in to which to nail the bridge in case of floods. Messrs. Coggan and Son had delivered 36ï- yards of stone on the Ton Road, Llangibby. The recent rains and the timber hauling had done a great deal of damage to the roads of the district. In Mr. Mitchell's letter was a reference to the -purchase of the land necessary for the improve- ment of the road at Pontnewydd. After some discussion it was decided to mark the plan as requested, and to point out that the Council were prepared to carry out the work provided the necessary land were given, but that they did not think the public money should be used to buy 'land for what would be the improvement of private property there. It was suggested that the Parish Council might use their best endeavours to get the land given. The Surveyor was authorised to carry out the work he ieported necessary, and to accede to the request of the Rev. W. Jones.