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

LLANSANTFFRAED. HOME COMING OF MAJOR HERBERT.—A very pleasing incident occurred with the home coming of Major Herbert, who it will be remembered a fhort time ago met with a severe accident in the streets of London. The members of the Llanarth Friendly Society, after completing their post prandial proceedings on Monday last, resolved to meet the Major. This they did at the Lodge leading to Llansantffraed Court. The scene was one that will be long remembered, the Major left: his closed carriage, and shook hands and exchanged salutations with his numerous neighbours, stating that he had completely i-ecovered from his accident—a remark that drew forth considerable cheering.

LLANTRISSENT. I AGENT for County Observer, Mr. Arnold, Hand I Post Office.

MONMOUTI-I. I Aaent.Mr. Catfrey. Bookseller, Monmouth I RETURN OF ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS.—On Monday Slight at the Angel Hotel, a complimentary supper was given in honour of the return of tbe Active Service Volunteers, Private G. Ellaway and Private E. E. Kimber. The Mayor, Mr Huinilton T. Ramie, presided, and in adition to the two voluo teers named, his Worship was supported by a large number of visitors. Amongst the apologies for .mon attendance was a letter from Mr Sheriff Lawrence, M.P., regretting that a previous engage- ment rendered it impossible for him to be present as tie would have wished. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING.—The Mayor presided at the monthly meeting on Monday. — Dr Wilson called attention to the action of the Council at the last meeting in appointing Colonel Walwyn, who had not attended an y of t he meetings for 17 months, to represent them on the governing body of Jones' charity. The Clerk said the election was for that year, and was firial,A letter was read from the Local Government Board granting authority for a loan of £ 16,952 fur public improvements. Mr. 'Conyers Kirty, who was present, was instructed to prepare specifications for the septic tanks and other work connected with sewage di8posal by the 15th jnst., when a special meeting will he held to con- sider them.—It was decided to erect transformers and lay cables for supplying electric light to the iGrawmar School and the High School. DEATH OF CAPTAIN POWELL.- We regret to .announce the death of Captain Charles Champney Powell, of Monfrfoufb, which took place on Wednesday evening at the family residence, the Elms, Dixton Road, at the early age of 42 years. The deceased, who was a bachelor, joined the Volunteer movement a little more than 20 years ago, and was appointed captain to the Monmouth Company of the 4th Vol. Battalion. South Wales 3orderers, in 1892. He was a member of the Town Council, chairman of the Monmouth branch of the Licensed Victuallers Association, a prominent Free- mason, a Primo in the R.A.O.B., and was one of the most popular gentlemen in the town. The suddenness of his death will come as a surprise to his friends, as his illness extended only over four days. The cause of death was a severe attack of pleuro-pueuinonta. Much sympathy is felt with his mother, Mrs Powoll, and the family. St'DDEN DEATH AT TRELLECK.—Mr Biekerton H. Deakin, district coroner, held an inquest on Wednesday afternoon, at the Police Station, Trelleck, on the body of 'Ihomas Lewis, aged 66, farmer, New House Farm, Trelleck, who died suddenly on Monday last, the 3rd inst.—The only witness called was Frederick Lewis, son of deceased, who said his father was 66 years of age. He enjoyed good health usually, but a few months ago he bad an attack of pain at the heart, and was troubled by shortness of breathing, but recovered in about halt-an-hour. On Sunday last be appeared in his usual state of health, and retired to bed about p.m. At 3 a.m. witness was aroused and found bis father suffering from another attack. I-lis heart was beating rapidly, and his breathing was short „ and difficult. He lingered for about 40 minutes when death supervened. Dr Kay, of Tintern, saw the body afterwards and said deceased had died of spasms of the heart.—A verdict of Natural Death was returned.

— NEWPORT. Agents-,Uessrs Greenland and Co.. Ncteaggents. NEW TRANSPORTER BRIDGE.—The preliminary arrangements for the construction of the transporter bridge over the River Usk at Newport are well in hand. NEWPORT CONSERVATIVE CLUB.—Dr. Marsh presided at the annual meeting of this club, held on Friday evening in last week, when Lord Tredegar wts re-elected president. With the addition of Mr. Joseph Lawrence, M.P., the vice- presidents were also re-elected. Dr. Marsh was re-elected chairman, Mr. A. P. Filleul vice- chairman, Messrs. C. Miles and R. Edington tleasurers, and Mr. R. J. Williams secretary. ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.—James Hyde, residing at Abercaru, who was conveyed to Newport Workhouse on Saturday, Buffering from delirium tremens, made an attempt to take his own life on Saturday evening. His conduct at home excited alarm, he having attempted to jump out of a bed- room window on Friday evening. He was fairly quiet all day Saturday at the Workhouse, but in the evening, without warning, he picked up a table knife and inflicted a big gash in the throat. The wound bled profusely. Dr. Paton was summoned, and stitched up the cut, and the man is now progressing favourably. Hyde, who is a haulier, bad been drinking heavily over the Whitsuntide holidays, and was brought to the workhouse under a three days' detention order. VOLUNTEER CHURCH PARADES.—On Sunday morning the Newport Battery of the 1st Mon- mouthshire Artillery Volunteers paraded aud marched from their Drill Hall to Holy Trinity Church, Pill, where they attended Divine Service. Captain the Hon. J. M. Rolls was in command. There was a large muster, and the men presented a very smart and soldierly appearance as they passed along the streets headed by the band, under Bandmaster W. J. Hulin. The Rev. R. F. Jones officiated, lessons being read by Captain the Hon. J. M. Rolls and Lieut. Pearson. The rector, the Rev. David Wilks, preached from 1. Samuel ii., :10, "Them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed." A large number of the members of the Second and Fourth Volunteer Battalions of the South Wales Borderers attended a thanksgiving service at St. Mark's Church on Sunday. The men assembled about 3 o'clock at the Drill Halls, Stow Hill and Caroline-street, and, accompanied by their bands. marched to the church. A considerable number of people lined the streets. Captain Dawson and the members of the Active Service Company also attended. The service was conducted by the chaplains, the Rev, T. Ll. Lister, V.D., and the Rev. D. Llewellyn Jones (preacher). Special hymns were sung.

CRICKET PAVILION OPENED. On Saturday in last week, Lord Tredegar opened the new Cricket Pavilion—a handsome structure near the main cricket pitch of the Newport Athletic Grounds. During an adjournment of the Cardiff v. Newport match on Saturday the players left the field to gather at the front of the pavilion, where by this time a fairly large number of ladies and gentlemen had met. Amongst them were Lord Tredegar and Mr. Sheriff Lawrence, M.P., for the Monmouth Boroughs. Mr. Horace Lyne, chairman of the executive of the athletic club, formally asked Lord Tredegar to open the pavilion. The committee had, be said, come to the conclusion that his lordship bad enough keys and trowels and so on to stock a large establishment. They bad, therefore, decided to ask his lordship to accept a silver match-box bearing a suitable inscription as a souvenir of the proceedings. Lord Tredegar said that he thanked Mr. Lyne and the club for their present. He confessed that when he heard Mr. Lyne say they would not present him with a key he thought they had decided to hand him a purse of sovereigns- (laughter)—which, of course, he wanted. (More laughter.) Considering that he did not smoke, the match-box would be very useful to him. (Loud laughter.) He had been through the pavilion, and thought it very pretty outside and very convenient inside. (Applause.) His lordship theu formally declared the pavilion open. The company present were then conducted through the various rooms. Afterwards luncheon was held in the tent on the ground. Lord Tredegar presided, and he was supported by Mr. Lawrence, M.P., the Mayor of Newport (Mr. W. H. Brown), several members of the Newport Corporation, Colonel Walwyn (Monmouth), and a number of ladies and gentlemen. The Chairman having given "The King," Mr. Horace Lyne proposed "The Donors." and refer led to the valuable assistance given by Lord Tredegar and Messrs. Phillips. Mr. E. Phillips and Mr. F. Phillips responded. Mr. Lawrence submitted "Success to the Newport Athletic Club." and in doing so complimented the club upon its past successes in various departments. Lord Tredegar, in responding as president of the club, said that when Mr. Horace Lyne began to speak about, the Newport Athletie Ground he felt nervously afraid that the speech was going to deal with the dreadful subject of unearned increment. (Laughter.) The Mayor of Newport pricked up his ears. (Laughter.) The Newport Athletic Ground had been improved a great deal, but there was a heap of mud near it still. (Laughter.) That had been talked about a great deal lately by the Newport Town Council. (Laughter). When he found that Mr. Lyne's speech did not deal with the topic mentioned, his nervousness passed off, and he felt that he could still stand—on his own ground. (Loud laughter.) An old joke about Dr Grace appeared in one of the local papers lately, so that, although he was going to tell it, he did not expect them to laugh at it. (Laughter.) As a matter of fact, it was told about someone else long before Dr. Grace began to play cricket. (Laughter.) It was to the effect that Grace was always playing cricket, and even neglected family prayers for it. Well, not long ago he had the privilege of assisting at the opening of a building near that ground (the Forward Movement Hall) and if anyone came to the ground having neglected his family prayers he would be able to go out at the top gate of the ground and do what he had left undone. (Laughter.) The Mayor gave "The Visiting Team," to which Mr. J. H. Brain responded.

PONTYPOOL. Agetits-Mr. J. Harding, Market Bookstall, and Messrs Junes and Edwards SHOCKING SUICIDE AT TALYWAIN.—About five o'clock on Monday, David Evans, about 58, clerk in the employ of Messrs. Partridge, Jones and Co., living with David Creese and wife, at Emlyn Terrace, Talywaiu, committed suicide by blowing his brains out. Creese heard Evans go downstairs in the morning, and shortly after heard a gun explode. He ran downstairs and found Evans lying on his back in the kitchen, with a double- barrelled gun between his legs. He was quite dead, and the back of his head was blown com- pletely away. the wall and ceiling being bespattered with blood and flesh. Deceased, who is a one-armed man, must have put the muzzle in his mouth and pulled the trigger with his right hand. He has been separated from his wife for many years. He leaves five children, all grown up, He had been drinking heavily lately, and this, together with the fact that there had been unpleasantness between his children and himself, is thought to be the reason of the rash act. Deceased had been a clerk for Messrs. Partridge and Jones between 20 and 30 years, and was widely known in the district.

DEATH OF MR. W. SANDBROOK. I On the morning of the 29th May, Mr. William I Sandbrook passed away at 'I he Green way, Gnffithetown. Mr. Sandbrook was formerly one of the most active and valuable workers in the social, political, aud religious life of the district Until about two years ago he was one of the foremost townsmen of Pontypool. Then, through iIluetls he was obliged to relinquish his business, which was turned into the limited liability company of Messrs. Sandbrook and Dawe, and he retired to live at Griffithstown. On the Sunday previous to his death, on returning from a drive, he became very ill, and Dr. O'Keefe was sent for. This gentleman arrived at about ten o'clock, and found that effusion of the brain had set in, con- sequent upon an attack of paralysis, which had taken place some months before. Mr. Sandbrook never regained consciousness and passed away on Wednesday mouiing, at the age of 65 years. The deceased gentleman was a native of Pembrokeshire but came to Pontypool about 40 years ago, as all assistant to Messrs. Davies and Sous, iroumouger. By his industry, talent, and perseverance, he made himself so indispensable to his employers that he was admitted into partnership, and afterwards took over the whole business, which, in his hands prospered exceedingly. The number of public appointments which were urged upon him were very numerous, and to these he applied the eame talents and industry which had made him so successful in business. He was a member and chairman of the old Pontypool Local Board for many years, and continued to represent the town in this capacity after the formation of the District Council, until his failing health compelled him to relinquish these and other duties. He was also a member of the County Council and of the Technical Instruction Committee for several years, and was also a member of the Panteg District Council. He was a faithful member of the Mount Pleasant Congregational Church, and an ardent Liberal in politics. The funeral took place at Pontypool on Monday. The cortege started from the residence of the deceased at Griffithstown to Mount Pleasant Chapel, Pontypool, where a service was conducted by the Revs. D. J. Nichols, J. Ll. Jones, J. W. Skinner, and J. Thomas. The burial took place at Trevethin Churchyard, where a service was conducted by the Revs. D. J. Nicholas and J. W. Skinner. The Masonic burial service was also read by the Rev. J. E. Dunn (St. Hilda's). There was a large attendance of friends, clergy, &c., including representatives of the various public bodies in the district and the Kennard Lodge of Freemasons. DEATH O? THE REV. H. B. ROBINSON. [ The death of the Rev. H. B, Robinson, F.R.G.S. and F.S.S.L.A., took place at Carlton House, Pontypool, after a long and painful iilness, on Monday afternoon. Deceased who had for the past twelve years been pastor of the Tabernacle Baptist Chapel, was a member of the Trevethin School Board, and held several public appointments Just previous to his death he had been made the reeipiunt of an illuminated address and a purse of gold con- taining £ 84. It was about six month s ago that the deceased gentleman was taken ill with what was first of all thought to be indigestion, but this rapidly developed into a serious and painful disease of the digestive organs. In spite of his suffering, Mr Robinson, upheld by that marvellous energy which WHS one of his greatest characteristics, still insisted upon pursuing his work until about three mouths ago, w hen the disease became very acute. He was first attended by Dr Haslett, and afterwards journeyed to London to see a specialist, but in spite of all the efforts made to check the disease it made rapid head way. During last week he made one of those temporary rallies which from time to time upheld and cheered the hopes of his relatives and friends, but on Saturday he lost consciousness, and remained in this condition until his death. Mr Robinson, who was born at Huntingdon, cams to the town io September, 1889, from a church fit Kettering, and immediately began to make for him- self a warm place in the hearts of his people. Tabernacle Baptist Chapel was then in not the most flourishing condition, but Mr liobinson, by his eloquence, geuius, and unlimited capacity for work, soon succeeded in attracting large cougre gations and in establishing a strong Chapel. At the time of his advent to the town, the Literary Institute was in an almost expiring con- dition, but when Mr Robinson took over the secretaryship, about the year 1890, an immediate improvement became evident. For many years he worked assiduously for the Institute, and gave several lectures for the purpose of raising funds to buy books, &c and in addition insisted upon giving his services as secretary. Ultimately, the Chamber of Trade came forward with an offer of £ 2<10 to pro- vide better accommodation, and with the co-operation of the District Council, Mr Robinson's work, as regards the Institute, was crowned by its being established in large and commodious premises in the Market Arcade. Here, still owing to Mr Robinson's self-devotion to the work, the Institute made marvellous progress, and is to-day upon a firmer footing than during its whole existence. On the day of his death Mr Robinson was elected for the third time a member of tho Trevetbin School Board, having served upon this body for a period of six years.

PONTNEWYDD. Agent :-Mr. Z. Lloyd, Batcher. FOOT RAcE.-A 120 yardti' flit handicap for £ 1 los. was dccided on the Ash Track, at Cwmbran Gardens, oil Satu day afternoon. The fact that such well-known professional runners as C. Manning, Gloucester; E. A. Long, Cardiff, and Dean, Hereford, had entered, drew together a large number to witness the event. The entries also included a number of fast men from the two Monmouthshire Valleys. There were six heats and a semi-final. The final was a very close race and resulted as follows 1ft, R. Carpenter, Newbridge 2nd, W. H. Powell, Pontypool; 3rd, Arthur Walker, Pontuewydd. There were only a few inches between the first and second meu, whilst a yard, divided the second and third.

RAGLAN. A.;¡ent-Mr. W. Parker, Photographer. PARISH COUNCIL.—A meeting of this Council was held in the National Schoolroom on May 30th. All the members were in attendance. Mr. F. Perkins. Elms Farm, the new member, sicrned the usual declaration of office. The Clerk (Mr. C. J. Saunders), lead a lettei from an allotment tenant, asking the Council to take into consideration the alteration of a roadway across his allotment. After some discussion, a satisfactory settlement was arrived at. A cheque was drawn for Poor Rates on the Allotment*. The Clerk reported that June 19th had been fixed far the audit of the accounts of the Council.

l CLUB WALK AT LLANARTH. [ On Monday—b?ing Trinity Monday—in accordance with established usage, the members of the "Loyal Clytha" Lodge of the Merthyr Unity Philanthropic Institution (Usk and Raglan District) held their annual walk and attendant festivities, and were favoured with the most, genial summer weather. The club is one of the most prosperous and well managed institutions in the county, and it is exceedingly gratifying that it shews a membership of lUll, as against 89 last year. The secretary (Mr. James Jones, The Pitt, Llanarth), is to be highly congratulated for the great interest he has taken at all timeb in the institutiou. The members assembled at 9.30 a. m., at their Lodge Room, Swan Hotel, Llanarth. and, having donned their regalia, to the strains of the Bryngwyn and Llanarth Brass Band, they pro- ceeded to the Parish Church where a practical sermon was preached by the Rev. A. L. Osman, son of the Vicar. Service over, with banners flying, the vicarage was visited and a sum of 10" 6d. was received from the vicar-Rev. J. W. Osman. Llanarth Court was next reached, Col. Ivor Herbert. gave a short address and contributed £1 towards the dav's exoenses. refreshments heine- <:> also freely dispensed. The Hon. Mrs. Herbert. also kindly promised to present the Lodge with a new banner next year. Halts were made and donations received during the day from the following:—Rev. E. Delerue, i*l Mr. Henry Williams, Red House, 10<. and refreshments Mr. Morgan David, Llansaintfraed, 10s. and refresh- ments Rev. Walwyn Trumper, 10s.; Mr. Codrington' F. Crawshay, 10s.; Mr. H. C. Wheetman, 10s.; Rev. Joseph Exton, I Od. THE ANNUAL DINNER took place at the Swan Hotel, Llanarth, at 2.30 p.m., the catering of Host and Hostess Walterti giving every satisfaction. Mr. H. C. Wheetman (in the unavoidable absence of Mr. Henry Williams, in London), was chairman Mr. Morgan David and Mr. Robert Davies were vice-chairmeu. The company also included the Rev. Joseph Exton, Llanarth Messrs. Thomas Newman, senr., Thomas Newman, juur., George Easthope. George Hogg, Frederick Liogg, Eli Poole, and Frederick Poole, Llanvair; Thomas Powell and James Griffi hs. Llangattock Lewis Jones and Henry Jones, Llanvetherine; James Jones (secretarv), Wiiliam Jones, Charles Price, Henry Powell, Thomas Watkins, George Taylor, aud Charles James, Llanarth; Joseph Mullis, Ernest Gardner, and Thomas Powell, Bryngwyn William Powell, William Buffy, and Richard Jenkins, Bettws Newydd; Uriah DaTi", James Price, and James Matthews, Clytha; William Jones and E. Nicholas, Llanvapley William Davies, Newport; William Thomas and William Jones, Abergavenny. The Chairman having apologised for the absence of Mr. Henry Williams, proceeded to propose the loyal toasts, which were duly honoured. Mr. Robert Davies submitted the military toast, and Mr. Morgan David the clerical. The Rev. Joseph Exton, responding to the latter, emphasised the importance of young men joining friendly societies and making provision for the future. Although that was his first appearance amongst them he hoped it would not be the last, and that they would always find in him a supporter of their Lodge. (Cheers). The Chairman in submitting the toast of the day "Continued success and prosperity to the Loyal Clytha Lodge'' said that he was pleased to see by the Secretary's balance sheet that their lodge was in such a prosperous condition. He thought that it was a most gratifying state of affairs that they possessed such an excellent club in that neighbourhood. (Hear, hear.) There was a very old saying "God helps those who helps themselves." (Hear, hear.) They had had promises from Governments in power that they were going to bring in old age pensions. A cartoon in a recent issue of the Western Mail represented old age pensions as being put out to nurse. (Laughter.) The nurse was a benefit society, and the old lady seemed taking care of those unable to help themselves. (Hear, hear.) He thought that all young men ought to be persuaded to join their Club, for they did not know how soon sickness might overtake them. (Hear, hear.) They had also a fund from which they could draw in their old age and keep them from the union, and also to give them a decent funeral. This was not a bankrupt society, but a Lodge that possessed a good balance at the bank to meet all payments. (Applause.) May the club long continue to prosper. (Renewed applause. ) Mr. James Jones (secretary), whose name was coupled with the toast, was glad to say that their j Lodge was in a very flourishing condition. During the past year the usual five years valuation was made, which shewed that the Club had increased every year. (Cheers.) To shew the amount of good that it had done he might mention that during those five years the sum of X255 10,4, 6d. had been expended in sick pay, and £ 132 in funerals. The total worth of their lodge was £ 1,431 13s. 3d. (Cheers.) As their worthy Chairman had said no one—either young or old- know when they might require asdstauce from the Club. (Hear, hear, hiid applause.) The Rev. Joseph Exton gave the Absent Members and referred to their services. One of their Honorary Members, the Rev. Father Delerue, was unable to attend owing to the infirmities of age, at which he was extremely sorry. The speaker impressed upon the members the importance of punctuality ill their proceed- ings. Mr. Frederick Hogg gave the "Health of the Chairman which was received most heartily, and to which Mr. Wheetman briefly replied. Mr. James Jones gave "The Vice-Chairmeti to which Mr. Robert Davies and Mr. Morgan David responded, the latter emphasing the amount of good work that clubs were carrying on, and urging farmers, tradesmen, and others, to attend their annual dinner and shew their sympathy with the work of thrift amongst the working classes. Other toasts followed. During the evening songs were given by Messrs. Albert Summers, — Jordan, James Matthews, George Hogg, and George Easthope, and a quartette by the Messrs. Powell Brothers, was greatly enjoyed.

Ordinations at Uandaff. The Bishop of Llandaff held an ordination in the Palace Chapel, Llandaff, on Trinity Sunday, when the following were ordained -Deacons: George Herbert Duder, St. Augustine's College, Canteibury John Francis Little, B.A., Royal University of Ireland; Digby Seys W. Nicholl, a literate. Piiests, W. E. Hoys, B.A., Worcester College, Oxford David Evans, B.A., Lampeter and Aberdate; R. H. Holmes, Bishop Hatfield's Hall. Durham Peter Jones, Lampeter J. R. D. Williams, B.A., Lampeter and Aberdare. The sermon was preached by the Bishop and Mr. Nicholl read the Gospel. His lordship afterwards licensed the Revs. G. H. Duder to a curacy at St. Michael's Abertillery, and J. F. Little, to Trevethin.

Judge Owen Compliments a Bankrupt. At the Cardiff County Court, on Thursday, Mr. Lewis Morgan applied for the annulment of the bankruptcy of Mr. John Samuel; auctioneer, of Llmibethery, Cowbridge, formerly of Cardiff. The failure occurred in 1892. the liabilities being £ 1,830. This sum -ind tgljo interest for the eight years had been deposited. His Honour: This is one of those cases which are very rare, but very creditable. The man has not only paid 20s. in the C, but interest ou hi" debts. I wish there were more of them. Mr. Lewis Morgan So do I, your honour. I have to apologise for the absence of the debtor this morning, but, unfortunately, he has been confined to his bed the last two months as an invalid. His Honour: I would have publicly compli- mented him hd he been here. The order was made.

The Sengenydd Disaster. The Sengenydd death-roll has been reduced by one, owing to a strange mistake. It was supposed that a man named Wiiliam Morgan, of Aber, was down the pit, but it has been ascertained that this Was not so, and he ii alive and well. Sympathy and subscriptions continue to pour in. The miners' Federation have lid vanced sums of money to those in need, and there has been no dis. tress.

I Active Service Company of Volunteers. I ENTERTAINED AT NEWPORT. I The Monmouthshire contingent of the Active Service Company of Volunteers, numbering about seventy, wns entertained to a public dinner at the Stow Hill Drill Hall, Newport, on Friday evening in last week, the cost of which had been defrayed by public subscription. The Mayor (Councillor W. H. Brown) presided, and was supported by Captain Kemmis and Captain Dawson (of the Active Service Company), Lord Tredegar (who wore the uniform of hon. colonel of the R.M.E. M.), Colonel the Hon. F. C. Morgan, M.P., Major Wyndham Quin, M.P., Mr. Sheriff Lawrence, M.P. (wearing his badge of office), Colonel J. A. Bradley (3rd V.B.S W. B.), Colonel Goss, 1 nel Williams (4th V.B S.W.B.). Colonel (ind V.B.S.W.B.), Colonel Wallis (1st V■> Artillery), Hon. Colonel Ingram, Mr. u'. iviile Marsh, Mr. R. Laybourne, the Rev. T. Lister (chaplain, 4th V.B.S. W.B.), the Rev. D. E, L1. Jones (2nd V.B.S. W. B.), Major Clifford Phillips, Lieut. Wyman, Colonel F. Evans, Captain Badger, Captain Summers, Lieutenant Richards, Lieutenant Foeter Stedman, Sergeant- Major English (2nd V. B.S. W.B.), Major Newman, Hon. Major Laybourne, Capcain Willey, Lieut. Massey, Lieut. Willcox, Lieut-Surgeon Howard Jones, Sergt.-Major Whitehead (Gloucestershire Yeomanry), Dr. Herbert Williams, Major Gallagher, MesHs. W T. Carter (Australia), C. D. Phillips, L. H. Hornby, T. Parry, A. E. Garwood. W. H. Davies (Abersychan), W. Stanley Jones, W. L. Goldsworthy, C. E. Parsons, and others. The balconies were occupied by a fairly large number of ladies. Duritig the dinner the combined bands of the 2nd and 4th V.B. South "Wales Borderers played a selection of music. The Mayor proposed the toast of The King," which was drunk with musical honours. Letters of apology for inability to attend were read from Lord Llangattock and a number of others. Mr. R. Laybourne proposed the toast of the Lord Lieutenant," and said the appointment of Lord Tredegar to that high office by our late Queen was a joy to all the people in Monmouth- shire. (Applause.) His name was on the roll of history, aud so long as the Charge of the Light Brigade was remembered, his name would not be forgotten. (Applause.) Those Volunteers in front of him knew what it was to be in a campaign, and could appreciate the difficulties the British Army had experienced in the Crimea. (Applause.) The toast was drunk with great cordiality, and Lord Tredegar, in responding, said he hoped that the services which the company had rendered would not be forgotten by :he county. Just about that time last year. when affairs were not looking very bright iit South Africa, he could assure them that none were more anxious than lord lieutenants of the different counties. They began to think that as the reverses were going on—losses by wounds and sickness-it would be difficult, perhaps, to re-place those who had been taken away from them, and the lord lieutenants began to consider whether it would not be necessary to call a meeting of their deputy-lieutenants, and go back to the history of years ago, and see whether they would not be obliged to call upon the deputy- lieutenants to muster all their particular districts and find a number of men capable of serving the Queen, and to enforce the Ballot Act. But fortunately, they saw the whole country roused as it were by loyalty. (Applause.) The difficulty of the lord-lieutenants was to get men to fill the home battalions, because all the men wanted to go out to the front at once. (Applause.) Many went without much drill or experience, but there had been nothing to show that the want of drill or experience was any drawback to their conduct. A gentleman whose son had now some property in this country said some years ago in describing the field of Waterloo, It is an ugly land for an ugly game." Probably the men might say the same of the land from which they had come back. (Hear, hear.) His lordship had used the expression loyalty because he felt he could not use the word "patriotism," as patriotism, curiously enough, had been looked upon as an indifferent term, because they associated it with jingoism." But loyalty bad suddenly burst forth. It was loyalty to the Empire, of c)urte it was loyalty to her late Gracious Majesty and to the present King—a desire to see that the Empire should not have a slur upon it. With loyalty such as the Volunteers had shown, he did not fear coming out of this unfortunate war with flying colours, with honour to the Empire, which the Volunteers had so nobly sustained. (Applause.) The last, and certainly not the least, of those in the House of Lords, to which he (his lordship) belonged, was Sir Alfred Milnel, and he slated the other day, when he was welcomed home, that he had had to contend with panoplied hatred, insensate ambition, and invincible ignorance. He (his lordship) believed that that was what they had to contend with, and he was afraid would have to contend with for a little time longer, but he felt sure that when they had loyalty such as they had seen in this country, they had no fear that they would not come out of this unfortunate war with flying colours, and with honour to the Empire which the Volunteers before him had so gallantly assisted. (Applause.) Mr. Lawrence, M.P., proposed The Spiritual and Temporal Forces," and after speaking in eulogistic terms of the beneficent work done by the clergy and ministers, went on to refer to the brave Volunteers who had returned home from the frout, after doing such loyal service for their country. (Applause.) As a Sheriff of the City of London, lie brought to that gathering the hearty greetings of the City—a City which had established witbiu irself a force of 1,600 men, known as the City Imperial Volunteers. (App'ause.) In one mouth that force was raised, and the sum of £ 126,000 subscribed to send it equipped and fully organised to the front. (Applause.) As an old Volunteer captain himself—(applause)—of the 40Lh Laneashires, it was a great pleasure for him to meet the Monmouthshire Volunteers on such an occasion as that. He had also a mission to perform. He had come down by train that evening with the Permanent Secretary to the War Office, Colonel Hanbury Williams, who had been rendering good service to Lord Kitchener, and Colonel Williams desited him to express to that gathering his regret that circumstances prevented him being present, otherwise he should have been delighted to pay testimony to the good services the South Wales and Monmouthshire Volunteers had rendered in Africa. (Applause.) The Rev. '1', Ll. Lister and Col. Bradney respouded in felieitous terms. The Mayor, in proposing "The Volunteer Active Service Company," said he need not, he was sure, say again how glad they were to welcome back, not only to Newport but the county, so large a proportion or tne volunteers wrio jell ULIC-IR JAOMOS a year or so ago to go to another country to assist their country in a time of need. (Applause ) They all rejoiced at the object lesson which was given to them when the Volunteers, not only of the county and the town, but of the whole country, responded to the call, and nobly offered themselves for active service. (Applause) He said that a striking object lesson was rendered, not only to their own but the whole civilised world. (Applause.) IlIod, as far as they could, watched the Active Seivice Company in their career. Their hearts went out with them to South Africa they had been greatly interested in all their doings in that country, and they rej uiced to meet them face to face. They appreciated their self-denial, aud they all hoped the Volunteers would live long, and that their future lives would be happy and prosperous. (Applause.) He asked them to drink the health of the Active Service Comnany. This was done with a bumper, the company heartily cheering the guests. Captain Kemmis thanked them for their hearty reception of the toast, and also for the welcome accorded the men on their return home. He did not think it was necessary to dwell upon what had been done in South Africa, as they had read all that in the newspapers. The company behaved splendidly, their shooting and marching being remarkably good. They left Cape Town with 108 men, aud he walt glad to say they reached Johannes- burg with 104 men. (Applause.) He was proud to be in command of such a fine body of men, who did credit in every possible way, not only to their line regiment, but their Volunteer Battalioa. (Applause.) Captain Dawson also briefly replied. Lord Tredegar proposed the health of their president, the Mayor of Newport, who had organised that gathering with great success, and had given them a most patriotic speech. The toast was enthusiastically drunk. The Mayor siid they were indebted to the sees— Captains Summers and Fawckner—for their services in connection with that banquet. Whatever duties he might have had to perform, or would have in the- future, be could safely say that nothing had given him greater pleasure than being able to render any little service in connection with the Active Service Company of the Volunteers. (Applause.) An excellent programme of music, &c., war given during the evening. The proceedings terminated with the eloping of the National Anthem and cheers.

Cricket. PONTHIR V. USK. This match was played at Usk on Saturday, itt dull weather, on a good wicket, before a fair number of spectators, and resulted in an easy win for the homesters. Ponthir won the toss, and bad first "knock," but were unable to do any good with the fast bowling of W. F. Roberts (who took five wickets for 12 runs), and the slow, tricky trundling of W. II, Creese (who took three for 13). The other two batsmen were very smartly thrown out by F. J. Edmunds from the long field. The innings closed for the poor score of 29 rnns. For Uk S. A. Hiley and F. Hill batted well, putting on 54 runs for the second wicket. G. Edmunds was magnificently caught at point, low down, from a very hard cut, by E. Armstrong, off C. Morgan. H. C. Davies and W. F. Roberts were also successfu l run-getters, and the innings closed for 127. Score:- rONTHIR. G.Ford. bF.Ruberts. 1 C. Morgan, b F. Roberts 0 W. Pritchard, b W. H. Creese. 3 E. Armstrong, b F. Roberts. 0 W. Hill, run out 5 J. I-lug-hes. run out. 1 E. S. Williams, b W. H. Creese. 4 L. Rr¡gers, b F. Roberts. 0 W. Morgan, b F. Roberts. 0 W. Priichard, b W. H. Creese. 8 H. Birch, not out. I Extras. 6 Tolal 29 USK. S A. Hiley, b E. Armstrong 26 H. Humphreys, junr., c E. Armstrong, b E. S. Williams. 7 F. Hill, l.b.w., b G. Ford. 35 F Edmunds, b C. Morgan. 8 W. H. Creese, b J. E. Armstrong. 0 F. Roberts, b E. S. Williams. 10 G. Edmunds, c J. E. Armstrong, b C. lI,t organ. 2 T. Rees, b C. Morg¡m, 6 H. C. Davies, c and b W. Pritchard.. 21 L. East, b C, Morgan. 0 E. Waters, not out 0 Extras. 9 Total.127 LLANGIBBY V. CRINDAU. The Llangibby Castle team played their first match of the season on Saturday, June 1st. In the absence of Dr. Rutherfoord Harris, the team was captained by Mr W. Davis, hon. sec., and a very enjoyable game was witnessed. Llangibbv batted first and ran up the respectable total of 89 for LÍne. wickets, when they declared, leaving the visitors one hour and ten minutes to play. For the visitors, H. Finch was the only batsman to make any show against the bowling of Mayes and T. Williams. Scores:— LLANGIBBY. F. Price, b Lloyd. 17 T. Williams, c Massey, b Chappell.. 21 W. B. Jones, b 3 Mayes (pro), b W.Lewis, c Ruddall, b Couners. H A. West, b 3 J. Price, l.b.w., b Ci liners. 1 W. Davis (cupt.), b Finch 1 H. Long, b Finch 0 T. Lewis, not ont. ] L. Beviti, iiot oiit 3 Extras 5 Total (for nine wickets) *89 Innings declared closed. CRINDAU. S. Lloyd, b Williams. I J. Conners, c Davis, b NV, illiams. 4- H. Finch, run out. 20 F. Willis, c G. Price, b Mayes. 0 R. H. Bartlett. c G. Price, b Williams 0 W. James, b Mayes. 4 R. Weights. b Mayes. 0 Thomas, b Mayea. 0 Ruddall. not out. 0 Chappell b Mayes. I W.Massey.b Williams. 4 Extras. 2 Tc)f,al 3R I Mayes took five wickets for 17 runs, and T. Williams four wickets for 17 runs.

Strength of the Volunteer Force. GREAT INCREASE OF EFFICIENTS. Returns of the Volunteer force for last year, which will shortly be made public, will show a very large increase of strength, a consequence of the larger recruiting resulting from the war. The number of "efficients" at the end of October, when the lust official year cloned, was over 270,000, being an increase of about 46,000 upon the "efficient" return of 1889, but including, it is understood, the officers and men of the Volunteer service companies of line regiments and other Volunteer contingents in South Africa.

Moiiiiiojithsliire Mme Flooded. The Coalbrookvale Colliery, situate between Nantvglo and Blair a, has been partially Hooded. The colliery employs about 1,000 hands.

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

———— CHEPSTOW. Allent.-Miss Clark PRESENTATION Previous to the commencement of the ordinary business at the fortnightly meeting of the Chepstow Board of Guardians on. Saturday, Mr. Charles Croker (head clerk to Mr. Fothergill Evans, the clerk to the Board), was presented by Mr. Henry Clay, J.P., with a beautiful gold watch and chain. The watch bore the following :,inscription: Presetited to Mr. Charles Croker by the Guardians and oiffcers of the Chepstow Union ■in token of their esteem, and as a slight recogni- tion of his ability and courtesy during 26 years."

1- S. and S.F.A. COUNTY SALE AT EARL'S COURT EXHIBITION, JUNE 27TH, 28TH, & 29TH. I To the Editor of the COUNTY OBSERVER Sir,—Will you allow me through your paper to correct an error to the effect that I am holding a Flower Stall at the County Sale ? The Duchess of Devonshire is holding the Fruit and Flower Stall, and it is desired, therefore, that no other Stall will sell either Flowers or Fruit. My stall will consist of anything and everything that can be made iu. or sent from, the County— with the exception of eatables. Knowing how much my frieuds in the County of Monmouth have done for this Association—both in gifts and in gratuitous services, for which I thank them most siticerely-I hardly like to bother them any more, but I feel sure they will like to help in forwarding this great undertaking, especially as all the mdlley taken at my stall will be used solely for the wives and families of Monmouthshire men serving in the war. Will all those who are good enough to contribute in any way—either by subscriptions or articles-do so before June 20th, to me at 5, Barkston Gardens, Earl's Court, London, S.W. Believe me, Yours faithfully, ETHEL RAGLAN. June 5th, 1901.

+ ABERGAVENNY. Agents,—Messrs Davies A Co. Booksseller. MILLEB'S STRANGE DEATH.—An inquest, was Tield at Abergavenny on Wednesday by Mr. Walford, respecting the death of George Philpott, retired miller, of 84, Nevill-street. Deceased fell and knocked his head against a chair on Sunday afternoon whilst his daughter was taking him a -cup of tea in his bedroom. He died on Monday afternoon from the effects. A verdict of Accidental death was returned.

GUOSMONT. POSTAL PILLAR BOXES.—Our Grosmont readers will be glad to hear that Mr. W. H. S. Whitney has received a communication from Mr. Reginald McKenna, M.P., during the past week, stating that the Postmaster-General has at length cou- sented to erect postal pillar boxes at Gropmont Wood Road and the Board School, Grosmont. These increased postal facilities will be greatly appreciated.

FINANCE. •. J The following accounts were ordered to be paid:—Gas Company, quarter's lighting, &c., 1133 l I s T. Rees, jr., salary a8 inspector, &c., jC14 Os 9d; T. Rees, advertising opening of market, £2168; 0. Jenkins, poor rates, Ll 12s 2d Surveyor, for manual labour, &o., ill 12s; miscellaneous, jE6 Is 8d total, JE69 13s 7d. CATTLK SHOW. A communication was read from Mr. J. H. Salter, Fecreuiry of the Usk Farmers' Club, asking if the Council would grant the use of the Cattle Market for the Club's cattle show, &c., on September 19tli, and the terms. It was decided to grant the use of the market :for a sum of two guineas. MISCELLANEOUS. Mr. S. Cowper Coles wrote stating that Mr. James Straker had now become the owner of the Twyn-square and the Town Ilall, and to him votild be due the reiits tberefor. A letter was received from Sirs. Messor, complaining of the nuisance caused by the posting of bills on the Pound door near her house. It was resolved that the Surveyor request Mr. It. A. Rogers to remove the posters forthwith.