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

VOI/ONTBKK SHOOTING.-The first competition for the cup annually presented to the wiuner of the momt out of six nhoots, by Mr. R. W. Kennard, took place at the Blaenavon Range on Monday, The competition was a very keen one, and out of 25 marksmen, Sergeant J. James headed the acore with 59. I

ttflRTj SELF FITTING Jf KISS S If LOS JLRE*XH £ »BE £ T, A GUARANTEE WITH EVERY PAIR. SEE XHt NAMK ANl) TRADE MARK ON EACH SHIELD. If unable to obtain from the leading drapery store in the town, wrste to KLEINFRT RURBEfl CO 63 Basingh..dl St. London, E.Co THE DEP.BY.—The Epsom Derby wati won by Mr. O. W. Whitney's Yolodyovski in record time. The colt defeated the Duke of Portland's William the Third (second), Mr. Douglas Baird's Veronese (third), Hiid 22 rivals, the largest field siuce Hermit won in 1867 from 29 rivals. 1 CRICKET BATS WICKETS m S;ogger" 6,'3 AI, (pkun) 3'G H "K?)Yy<t?ik?hfrr '76 Ash 'f.rr'lle,1 39 A,h SvoVlivd wTrops;- ,'■- ?? t "Doa'lO/S A?h It" ??.g 6,9 "Suggccss 12/6 Iron Shod, 9d.scC a/ra. jPt:lj Kunji (pat.) 15/ 17/6 jEliV,j| l 1.n" Witeh, Hli BALLS | '?- Ch3U? 26.  JHihi Boundene, 21/- StI;:¡:cess 3/6, }^ ![| Boundcne. ?1/- H.??'csa 3/6. jf '? Kly,.kr 4 6.  ? BATTING GLOVES ?"? ?7 «« «•4 6> fl'R' 6 0.7 6. 8'0 LEG GUARDS ISII f WICKET-KEEPING ^Sfk  GLOVES S™l.Skeieton.5/fc0 9 JUg ,='. 36,416, 5G, G/t¡, 8:6,10 (\ 7.1;,89,106, per ¡>;1lr. !||i CMCKETSnmS Skctetou.SOp.rp?. i | Ii 6, 2,9, 3, G, 4,6. 'T CRICKET BOOTS   ÇPICKf BAGS Brown Leather. 0 6, 7 '?6, 1016. ^63 4/6, 6/6, 7/6, 10,6,12/4. White Buck. 9,6 12;6. 15/6, 22/6. 27/6.

I War Items. I The Lord Mayor and the 8herifft of the City of London have received His Majesty's command to be present at the Horse Guards' Parade on Wednesday next, when the King will present the South African War Medals. An appeal, bearing the signatures of the Arch- bishop of Canterbury, Earl Roberta, Lord Milner, Admiral Sir Harry Rawson, and the Archbishop of Cape Town, has beeu made for funds to erect in Cape Town", building which shall sene both as a memorial to those who have fallen in the I"outh African War, and as a thank-offering for those whose lives have been spired," and it has been decided that the tribute shall take the form of the eastern portion of the new cathedral about to be erected in Cape Town. The new cathedral," say the signatories, will be regarded, we trust, as a pledge of the responsibilities, both of the Church and the Empire, towards the future well-being of South Africa, as well as a glorious temple for the service of God, and a noble memorial to the courage and heroism of the fallen." The icheme has the warmest approval of His Majesty the King, and thoso who make the appeal are authorised to state that her late Majesty Queen Victoria "took a great interest in the success of the proposed memorial." The sum required will be at least 430,000. The Secretary of State for War understands from Lord Kitchener that not more than 5110 old Yeomanry now remain in the field in South Africa, and that they will be sent home shortly. The War Office on Tuesday night issued the following casualty reports. The undermentioned were dangerously ill, suffering from enteric fever whore not otherwise stated :-At Krooustad, June ist-4th Company Imperial Yeomanry. 26,373 Private T. Johnson and Private F. Wakefield (number roisaiNg). At Gerrniston, June 1st-1st Welsh Regiment. 5,349, Private W. Sutton. At Harrismith, June 1st—4th Company Imperial Yeomanry, 9,814, Corporal R. W. Hanson. A dashing exploit by a small British force is reported from the Trausvaal. A portion of Com- mandant Beyers' commando, numbering 400, was surprised and defeated by 240 British under Colonel Wilson, near Warmbaths, losing 37 killed. The British loss were 3 killed and 15 wounded. The enemy resisted stubbornly for a time, but on our troops pressing home the attack they broke and fled. We captured 8,000 cattle and 18 wagons. The prisoners numbered 100. Commandant Beyers is now without transport and supplies.

NEWPORT. I POLICE COURT, SATURDAY. Before Colonel LYNE and other Justices. DANGERS OF TOY PISTOLS.—David Walters, 15, the son of a workman living at Rhiwderin, was charged on remand with unlawfully wounding James White, a youth, by shooting him with a pistol at Rhiwderin on May 26th last.-Inspector Lewis deposed that he went to the Newport Infirmary and there saw the injured lad White, who was detained. In consequence of what be said witness obtained a warrant for prisoner's arrest. In reply to the charge, he said, "I was among several other boys. I was in the act of loading the pistol when it went off. I did not intend to shoot him. The bullet went into his leg." Upon the application of Superintendent. Porter (who stated that the injured lad was unable to attend the Court), the prisoner was remanded on bail for a fortnight in two sureties of XiO each, one, the prisoner's father, being accepted for his appearance at the adjourn- mant.. POLICE COURT, MONDAY. AN AMATEUR DETECTIVE.—James Fitzpatrick, of 29, Mellon-street, was charged with stealing a parcel containing lib. of butter, lib bacon, lib cheese, 3lbs sugar, one dozen matches, lib soap, and other good, value 4s. 6-d., from the cart of Messrs. Edward Hall and Sous, grocers, 28, High- street, Newport, while it was standing in the Serpentine-toad on Friday evening.—The prisoner admitted the robbery, but said it was all through the driuk." He added that it was the first time he had been locked up,—Mr. Arthur George Arnold, ironmonger, Sandhurst Villa, Gold Tops, deposed that while in his garden on Friday evening he saw the prisoner examining parcels in the cart in a suspicious manner. He would take up the packages and look at the address. Witness watched him, and saw him take a parcel out of the vehicle. The man passed his garden carrying the parcel. Witness inquired what he was going to do with it, and prisoner replied, Deliver it round the corner." Replying to another question, Fitzpatrick said he was one of Hall's men. Doubting the accuracy of the statement, witness scaled the wall and the man bolted back to the cart, throwing it in.- Al f red James Day, a haulier in the employ of Messrs. Hall, stated that on Friday, May 31st, he was delivering parcels of groceries in Gold Tops.—Mr. A. I. Sinclair said the prisoner belonged to that class of men who were always hovering about for what they could get.—As it was prisoner's first offence the justices took a lenient view of the case, and imposed a Ene of £ 2.—The Mayor said the Bench wished to i compliment Mr. Arnold upon his action. Without his assistance the parcel would probably not have been traced.—Mr. Arnold replied, saying there was a lot of parcel robbery going ou. He thought it was the duty of citizens to help each other.

USK. I POLICE COURT, TUESDAY. I Before R. RICKARDS, Esq and H. HUMPHREYS, Esq. AT L'HB FAIR.—.Catherine Price, gipsy, was brought up in custody charged with being drunk and disorderly on the Twyn Square, Usk, on the previotin evening.-P,S. Sheddick spoke as to the pugilistic and disgraceful conduct of the defendant. Witness and P.C. Bollock experienced considerable trouble in getting her to the police station.—Fined 5s. inclusive, or 7 days' hard labour. The money was pHid. I PETTY SESSIONS, THURSDAY. I Before H. A. ADDIS, Esq. I OCCASIONAL LICENCE.—Mr. William Griffiths, Bridge Inn. Kemeys Commander, was granted an occasional licence tø sell intoxicating liquor-, &c., in a field near his house, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., on the 20th June, on the occasion of an athletic sports meeting. STRUCK OUT.-On the application of Mr. T. Harrhy, the case was struck out in which he charged Mr. Thomas Banbury with .maliciously and unlaw. fully killing a cat at Llanbadoe. ou the 16th April. ADJOURNED.—A licence transfer was adjourned for a fortnight, in consequence of a second magis- trate not being found.

Lord George Hamilton on American Competition. The average man learns by his own experience wiser men seek to learn by the experience of others, and by instruction. The former policy has been frequently that of the British nation, as we have seen, for example, in the case of the present war. Many people, who had a right to be heard, told us that our military arrangements were not satisfactory, but they spoke to deaf ears, and it was only by the experience of actual war that we became convinced of that which we might have i learned from the experience of the Crimea. Happily, we have been able, but with no small expenditure of money, to repair our faults, and whilst the results have not been so disastrous as they were in 1854-5, at the same time we have learned a useful le.«sou, which may be of incalculable value if ever we should have the misfortune to be involved in an European War. There is another matter, equally important, with regard to which a good many prescient people are anxious that we shall not wait to learn by experience-the DANGER TJ OUR INDUSTRIES AND COMMERCE, which is threatened by the competition of Germany and the United States. In Germany the Government co-operates with the manufacturers to an extant which is not observable in any other country, and it is sufficiently obvious that the result is one which we cannot afford to ignore. When Britain goes to Germany for Field Guns, and when Germans propose to establish an arsenal in England for the purpose of supplying our Government with weapons, surely then it is time for us to recognise that German competition is something more than the dream ot a pessimist. Lord George Hamilton, in his letter to Sir Alfred Hickman, M.P., has sought to impress manufacturers, and the nation, with the gravity of the question of American competition. Sir A. Hickmau, speaking in the House of Commons, had complained of the execution of certain contracts placed by the Indian Railway Companies with American ifrms. The speaker considered that these contracts need not have been placed in the United States, and he contended that the way in which they were being executed was not satisfactory. Lord George Hamilton traverses the statements of Sir A. Hickmau on all the points raised by him, but he goes further, and raises a much larger question. The COMPETITION OF THE AMERICAN WORKSHOPS, he says, is dangerous, but it is because they are yearly improving their products both in quality and price." That American locomotives obtained a footing in India was, he adds, due to the great engineering strike, but if British locomotives are to regain their monopoly in India it will be necessary for our firms to ensure that in price and time of delivery the advantage shall be on the side of British production. As Secretary of State for Indit, he promise that, unless the difference in price, quality, and delivery, be very substantial, the preference shall always be given to British firms, but he says, as emphatically as he can, that the competition of the United States is based upon a greater advance iu chemical research, concentra- tion of capital, thorough technical education, and improved industrial organisation. If he is right in his facts, these statements on the part of a man in the position of Lord George Hamilton, are a matter of grave moment. If it is true that British engineers are unable to hold their own in India, where every possible preference is extended to them, how, in that case, could it be possible for them to compete against the foreigner in those countries where patriotism and sentiment combine to favour the foreigner ?

Volunteer Dinner at Pontypool. On Saturday night, Captain Charles, Claremon t, Abergavonny, gave a dinner to the members of A Company. 3rd V. B. South Wales Borderers, Ponty- pool, in the Clarence Hotel, in celebration of his taking over the captaincy of the company. There were from 100 to 150 guests, and a capital dinner wan provided by the landlord, Mr Edwards, and the miuageyess, Mtss Dayies, Captain Charles pre- sided. Major Griffiths, in submitting the toast of Captain Charles, expressed his pleasure at seeing such a splendid muster of the men, and said that it was a good augury for the future. They had loyally supported the company in the past, and he felt certain that they would carry on that loyalty to the officer who now commanded them. Captain Charles did not possess an envinble position, for the Com- pany had had such a glorious record that it would be found a difficult task to keep it up to the traditions of the past. With the loyal support of the non-com. officers and the men generally, he, however, felt quite certain that having climbed to the top of the tree, they would stick there. They were going to camp on the 30th July, and though he felt rather disappointed that they were not going there as an army corps, he had no doubt they would enjoy themselves and do good work. He made a special appeal to them to back up their captain like men, and not to allow the whole company to fall from the proud position which they had occupied for such a length of time. Before concluding he might say that their late captain, his brother, who was now in South Africa, had sent his compliments to every man of the company. (Applause.) Captain Charles expressed his gratification at the hearty manner in which the toast had been responded to. He fully appreciated what Major Griffiths had said with regard to the responsibility which devolved upon him in taking over a company with as glorious a record as that possessed by the A Company. However, he would do his best, and with the loyal co-operation of the N.C.O's. and men he had no doubt that they would make themselves efficient. (Applause.) Surgeon-Major Essex then asked the company to drink to the health of Sergt. Search and the other members of the Active Service Detachment. He said that these men had conducted themselves like heroen, and were fully deserving of the honours which had been showered upon them. During the time they had been away they had never been forgotten, but had remained in the hearts of their friends and comrades at home. They had upheld the honour of their country, their battalion, and their town, and the memory of what they had do ne would for ever live in history. They all knew the hardships which they had had to undergo, the half rations, 25 mile marches, biscuits that some of their teeth were broken on, bad water, enteric fever, &c. but they hid borne them nobly in the interests of their country. (Applause.) Major Griffiths said that during the war the Volunteers had for ever settled tho question which had been often asked, and sometimes not in the most friendly spirit, whether the Volunteer forces were really nriy good. He did not see why they should not be, for they were of the same blood and the same spirit as those soldiers who had foull ht at Waterloo. During the war they had marched alongside and fought with the finest soldiers in the world, and had not only equalled them in courage and pertinacity, but in some respects had surpassed them. If, therefore, they had done so well whilst fighting on foreign soil, what would they do in defence of hearth and home ? The Volunteers had borne themselves like men, and as they had a quarter of a million of such men to depend upon, he felt that if ever there was an invasion of their country, the Volunteers would be in the front rank. (Applause.) Captain Williams having proposed the health of the chairman, which was enthusiastically received, the proceedings were concluded by Captain Sale, who made a strong appeal to the men to stand by the company, and uphold the houour and prestige which they had already gained. The speaker cloeed by proposing the health of the Sergt.-instructor, Sergt.-Major Cook. Ser^t.-major Cook responded, and also urged upon the men to support Captain Charles. During the evening songs were rendered by Messrs J. Griffiths, Robothum, W. Morgan, H. Spittle, W. Jones, Sergt. Luffman, and Surgeon- mujor Essex.

4th Vol. lialt. Soiitli Wales Borderers. UG" (USE:) COMPANY. Orders for Week commencing June 9th, 1901. For Duty- Sergeant: B. F. Stockham. Corporal: P. T. Clift. Bugler: Lance-Corpl. Nicholas. Sunday, Church Parade, Church parade order, 10.30 a.m. Monday, Adjutants drill, 7.30 p.m. Tuesday, Squad and Recruits Drill, 7.30 p.m. Wednesday, Class Firing from 6 p.m. Thursday, Class Firing from 6 p.m. Friday, Squad and Recruits drill at 7.30 p.m. Saturday, Class Firing at 4 p.m. The Officer commanding is very disappointed at the small number of men on parade for company drills. It is most important that the Company should parade as near full strength as possible in order that the camp training may be well rehearsed. He urges upon N.C.O's. the importance of setting the men an example in drill attendance. This is absolutely imperative. and is at present most unsatisfactory. N.C.O's. should certainly not require whipping up. By Order, STANLEY M. WILLIAMS, Capt. Commanding.

THE ROYAL SHOW.—The following judges have been appointed:—F?r coIHery horses, Mr John Phillips, Clydach Yale. and Mr David Rees, Ferndale. For timberii g, Mr J. Griffiths, Cymmer, near Pontvpiidd, and Mr Rees Llewellyn, Bwllfa Dare, Abeidure.

MARRIAGE. GBANT—BUTTERY.—June ith, at St. Augustine's Church, Sheffield, by the Rev. A. T. Faber, John William Geary, only son of Admiral Grant, of Malvern, to Margaret Beatrice. youngest daughter of Mr. John Buttery, late of Usk, and grand-daughter of the late Mr. James Paiue, Great House, Usk.

The Chinese Indeinfifty. New York, Friday. Mr. Hay has cabled American Minister at Pekin that, as other Powers have refused to reduce their claims, America's claim will remain- twenty-five millions of dollars.

Boys Fatally Burned Two little boys were burnt to death by a fire at Clapton, London. to-day.

Another Hotel Fire. The Crystal Palace Hotel, Nun- eaton, one of the largest hotels in the town, was nearly destroyed by fire early this morning. Several J people sleeping in the hotel had i narrow escapes. 11

The America Cup The Yachts Meteor, Shamrock 11, Sybarite, and Karad started from Craigmore to-day, in race for Glasgow exhibition cups. Breeze moderate.

Stocks. Stocks dull, featureless.

Railway Tiimi Table for June.. DOWN TRAINS. A.M A.M A.M P.M. P.M P.LF. London — 5 40 J035 Ross dep. 7 0 8 15 1035 2 5.5 .7 10 Kerne Bridge -17 11 8 27 1046 3 6 [7 21 Lydbrook — 7 16 8 32 1052 3 12 — 17 30 s Symonds Yat -7 21 8 37 10b9 3 19 17 36 Monmouth, May H. 7 338 501114 3 33 7 46 Monmouth, Troy 7 38 9 35 1250 3 S5 5 10 8 5* Dingestow 7 46 9 42 1257 4 4 5 17;8 IS* Raglan 7 54 9 491 4 4 12 .5 2418 191 Llaodenny 7 59 9 551 10 4 IS 5 30 8 25* USK — —8 6 10 2 1 17 4 27 5 38:833 Little Mill .Tuuct'n 8 17 1012 1 27 4 40 5 49iS 44 Pontypool Pvd., arr 8 25 1018 1 35 4 48 5 55i8 50 Newport — 9 4 1052 2 33 5 51 6 25!9 35 London -) 15 4 10 6 30 1145 114513 30 Tliursdays oialy. UP TRAINS. A.M A.M A.M A.M. P.M P.M. P M. London —) — — — 5 30 9 0 — 1 10 3 35' Newport 7 3 8 0 10 30 1 31 — 5 32 7 25 • Pontypool Rd., dep 7 40 8 4.5 11 5 ? 20 6 15 8 15. Little Mill Junct'n 7 44 8 4911 92 24 6 19 8 19" USK — 7 53 8 20 8 58 11 18 2 33 — 6 29 8 28- Llandenny —! — 8 27 9 5 11 27 2 42 — 6 40 Raglan- — j — 8 33 9 11 11 33 2 48 — 6 46 — Dingestow — 8 409 16 11 402 55 6 54 — MOlmouth, ,Troy ,7 358 509 3012 30133816 5 7 17 8 15 Monm'th, May Hill 7 39 9 34 12 34342?9'7 20820? Synionds Yat -7 49 9 46 12 46 3 52?6 21 7 37 833, Lydbrook 7 54 9 53 12 53 3 5828 7 43 8 4Q ■ Kerne Bridge 7 59 9 58 12? 5,S!4 3 6 33 7 50 845 Ross arr 8 7 10 8 1 814 12 6 43 8 0 8 55 London 2 20, 2 205 40!8 30111451145 3 3 *We(Inesdava only.

SEVERN & WYE VALLEY RAILWAY. DOWN TRAINS A.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. 012404 56 0 Redbrook 9 6 1240 4 11!6 S — Bigsweir 9 14 12544 9 6 14 — Tin tern 9 22 1 24 28 6 24 7 55" Tidenbam 9 30 110?4 36 6 3? 8 5 • Cbapstow arr:. 9 37 ?1 17?4 436 39 8 10 Bristol (Temp!e Meads) arr 11 22 47!6 56 7 5? 19 4.5 London arr.. 2 40,6 0|l010 4 04 0 UP TRAINS London dep..112 0(5 30 1045(1 15j3 10 ■ Bristol (Temple Meads) dep.. 6 0 9 451 425 15 6 10 Chepstow 7 13H152 526 367 3t Tidenham 7 19 1121 2 58 6 41 7 37 Tintern 7 -) Tintern 7 29 1133 3 86?745 Bigsweir 86 1140 3 15 6 58 Redbrook 7 43?47:?27 5 Monmouth( Trov arr.. < 50,115o 3 29 7 12 Printed and Published HYI;THE COUNTY OBSHRVBB," NKWSPAPKR and PRINTIXA COMPANY, Limited, by/ JAMES HENRY CLARIC, at their Offices, Bridge Stieet, Usk, in the County of Monmouth, Saturday" June 8th, 1901.

CURRENT TOPICS. I OLD AGE PENSIONS. I Mr Chamberlain spoke truly when he said that the question of old age pensions has made no progress, but on the contrary has gone buck. The right hon. gentleman gave some reasons why this it so, but perhaps the strongest of all is one to which he did not refer. Three or four yearn ago, thtre were many people of both political parties who were extremely enthusiastic with regard to this question, but the impression was afterwards formed that the proposal for old-age pens-ions was gradually drifting in the direction of a scheme for extended outdoor relief, to be administered by the Guardians. Such a solution could not be 'egarded as otherwise than most unsatisfactory. It would grant a larger measure of out relief to those people who bad no scruple against applying in formci pauperis, and it would deny pensions to those who might be equally in need, and at least equally deserving, but who would rather starve than apply to the Guardians. Mr Chamberlain desires that a fresh start should be made with the assistance of the Friendly Societies, but if the former euthu. siasm is to be again evoked, it is essential that old. age pensions should carry with them no badge of pauperism. Mr Chamberlain suggests that the Friendly Societies should combine to frame a scheme, and, if his invitation is accepted, it is tolerably certain that any proposals which the Societies would submit would be free from the objection referred to. CHINESE KCCEXTIUCITIES. I The solution of the Chinese question, such as it is, can scarcely be regarded as satisfactory. The punishment of the chief offenders which was one of the terms of the final and irrevocable" demands, has not been secured, and it. is more than doubtful whether any really effective measures have been taken for preventing the repetition of such outrage.,4 as took place a year ago. So far as can be seen, it is probable that the work will have to be done all over again, a few years hence, and that the Powers will continue to have the Chinese question 011 their hands until they undertake to deal with it in a much more thorough manner than on the present occasion—all that they have succeeded, so far, in. doing, is to secure the execution of some persons who may or may not have been guilty, but were certainly not the prime ringleaders, and to inflict a heavy fine which, if it is paid at all, will mean increased duties on foreign trade, or be wrung out of the wretched peasantry by some such processes as those which prevailed in Egypt before the British occupation. FRANCE AND GERMANY. I The Emperor of Germany deserves the thanks of Europe for his efforts to repair the mischief wrought by Bismarck when that statesman brought about the Franco-German war. It is perhaps a favorable fign that two French Generals should have been present as guests at a military function in Germany, but. it would require a very sanguine temperament to enable one to believe that amicable relations will be restored between France and Germany within the present generation. There is one thing, and one only. that stands in the way- the Rhine provinces. Whatever may be the value of Alsace and Lorraine, it is certain that their cession to Germany has cost a good deal more than they can be worth on any computation. The 45.000 Frenchmen, who took their departure in '1872, have helped to perpetuate in France the desire for la revanche and one result of the annexation has been to increase enormously the armies of nearly every country in Europe. Whatever the final result may be, no man ever had a more difficult task than that which the Kaiser has undertaken in attempting to conciliate France. MOTOR RACE. I Pome of the French newspapers record with pride that. in the great motor race between Paris and Bordeaux a speed wes maintained throughout of forty miles an hour, and, it is added, that lightly- built- cats were found to be unsuitable for travelling on the French roads. Our French neighbours, if they so please, are, of course, at liberty to permit heavy cars to run on the public roads at the speed of an express train, but the example is scarcely likely to commend itself to the people of Great Britain; many of whom grumble loudly enough at motor cars running through towns at the rate of lea miles an hour. MtrsKETnT TRAINING. j One of the things which will have to bo changed in connection with our Army is to be found in the report on musketry training, wherein it is stated that, at Aldershot. "the cavalry reservists were greatly handicapped by the inaccurate markings on the backsight of the Lee-Eiifleid carbinem." There was, it will be remembered, a similar fault in the weapons supplied to the C.I.V.s, and it occasioned a good deal of comment at the lime. Surely there can be nothing more calculated to dishearten a soldier than to know thqt, whatever efforts he may pur forth to make himself efficient, he cannot de- pend upon his rifle. The question is rendered all the more serious by the fact that the rifle is largely displacing the sabre as a weapon of war, and the accurate sheeting ol infantry is becoming every day more important as an essential of success in the field. EXCESSIVE RAILWAY FARES. I The general idea of some of the Southern Railway Company's on the subject of raising revenue is exceedingly simple, it just consists in increasing the fares, the theory being that the public must travel, and that whatever the Companies charge they must pay. Thus, the Brighton Company, some years ago, reduced the excursion fare to Brighton to 3s., with the result that the number of trippers carried each year was 25,000 more. Now the Company has decided to increase the fare to 4s., and the result will probably be that the 25,000 increase will disappear, but it will take some years to satisfy the directors that increase of fares does not necessarily bring a large revenue. Again, the fares by the South Eastern express trains to Dover, are already among the highest in the world, yet the company la seeking power to increase the poll-tax on each boat passenger from Is. to 2s. Cd. At present the Company has a monopoly of the short sea route to the Continent, but if this policy is pursued, it is tolerably certain that people will fiud some other way of getting to France and Belgium, as in other cates they have found, sooner or later, a means of combating excessive fares. But it is of no use t) tell that to these Companies, Even if they knew that high fares would inevitably bring another railway upon the scene, it would probably make no difference in their Short sighted policy. THE SOUTH EASTERN RATLWAY'S IMPROVEMENT I IN TIME. During the past few weeks more people have lost trains on the South Eastern Railway than on any other line in the world. Many hae adopted the rule, generally a one if they lived within a mile of the station, of leaving home about the time that a train was due. These people now come along leisurely, only to find, to iheir astonishment, that the train has been in at its proper time. If this improvement goes on the point will soon be lost of the old story relating how a man went to commit suicide on the South Eastern main line, and how, finding that the train was late, he lay down nn the bank to wait for ir, and died of starvation. Another anecdote records that a man took his little boy with a half ticket, and when he alighted the collector refused to pass the lad, saying that he was evidently over 12. "I don't know what age he may he now," replied the man, "I but when we started he was under 12." Then we have the tale of a porter who remarked to his fellow passengers, 1\1 an and boy, I've travelled on this line 30 years," upon which another said, Good sracious man what station did you get in at ?" Still another incident is related of a train which stopped an unconscionable time somewhere near Tonbridge. The guard who was chaffed a good deal vouchsafed the information as the train went on, "Cow on the line." Twenty minutes later the train stopped again, and the guard repeated, Cow on the line." Why," said somebody, "you are always having cowa on the line," Certainly not," said the official indig- nantly, U it's the same cow." OIL AS A 8UBSTITOTH FOR COAL. The rast natural resources of the United State" have recently witnessed fresh developments in the ) wonderful oil discoveries in Texas. The new oil lands are said to exceed all previous discOTeriss in the States, and the supply has been declared by Government experts to be practically inexhaustible. Moreover as the pipe-iine from the wells to the sea- port is only about 18 or 20 miles. the oil can be delivered into tank steamers so cheaply, as one miirht almost say for next to nothing. The cost is estimated at the outside, at 10 cents a barrel, and as three and a half barrels are equal to one ton of steam coal, it means that fuel MD be delivered on the seaboard for about Is. 8J. per ton. This, it need hardly be said, is only a fraction of the coat of coal, and on the Atlantic coast it seems likely that ,oil will entirely supersede coal for steam raising purposes. It may even pay to ship it to Europe for fuel, as the oil is not suitable for refining, and is I therefore not likely to affect the monopoly of the Standard Oil Trust. For firing steam boilers, one pound of oil is equal to two pounds of coal, an immense advantage to the ocean carrying trade, and when once an unlimited supply of pt-troleum is assurred, there will be a great increase of steamers fitted with oil burning furnaces. OLD FALSE TEETH BOUGHT. Full value in cash or offer per return of post R. D. and J. B. Fraser, Ltd., Princes St., Ipswich The largest and oldest buyers in the world.

The Gleaner. NETTLEFOLDS, LunTED.-The directors of Nettle- folds, Limited, at a meeting on Wednesday, decided to recommend a dividend for the second half-year of 5s. per share (less ineome-tax) on the original preference shares, and a dividend of 15s. per share and a bonus of 10s. per share (free of income-tax) on the ordinary shares, payable on July 1st, 1901. MBS. HOOIEY'S EFT&TH.Ilr. E. T. JHooley was a witness at Cambridge Assizes in a case concerning some property adjoining tbe P.ip»'orth estates, which are owned by Mrs. Hooley. Questioned by Mr. Marshall Hall, he said that at the time of his bankruptcy, friends had presented to his wife property worth £ 65,1)0", and she bad about as much again herself. His creditors got 2s. in the X. POISONED ORANGE PEEL -In connection with the poisoning of three little girls named Palmer, at Dudley Colliery, Blytb, after eating orange peel. which they found in a football field, the third and elder sister died late oo Sunday night. At the inquest on the three bodies, the mother stated that after the children were put to bed on Friday night they vomited orange peel. A doctor deposed that another child showed the same symptoms as the deceased children, but he administered emetics, and it got better, The inquiry was adjourned for the contents of the stomachs to be analysed. DEATH OF PRINCIPAL V. JONIS. The death occurred at Geneva, Switzerland, on Sunday after- noon, of Principal Viriamu Jones, of the South Wales and Monmouthshire University College, Cardiff. Principal Jones bad been ailing for some time, his illness dating back to June, 1899. He returned from Switzerland some months ago appar- ently in good health, but subsequently ho suffered a relapse, and returned to Geneva. Deceased was the second son of the late Hev, Thomas Jones, Swansea, bis elder brother being Mr. David Brynmor Jones, L.L.B K.C., M.P. He was educated at University College, London, graduating at Balliol College, Oxford. He was principal of Frith College, Sheffield, 1881-, and was elected to a fellowship of Je.-us College, Oxford, in 1897. In 1882 he married Sarah Katherine, eldest daughter of Mr. W. Wills, of Wylda Green, Birmingham. The funeral takes place at Swansea to-day (Saturday 8th).

MILLIONS OF BOXES VINOLIA FREE. On receipt of Id. stamp we will send free a Sample Box of Vinolia. Editor of Baby reports For acne spots on the face, and particularly for eczema, it is undoubtedly efficacious, healing eruptions, and removing pimples in a few days." IT RELIEVES ITCHING AT ONCE vimu io., ttd., to no., N. W. SMet? -<?? A?'??? :y. C/   /)'I//IFI il\ \< CD' 1/ 1/ ,0'\ lite! Is a wonderful water proofer for BOOTS and HARNESS. Softens and preserves the leather. Pleasant odour. Allows polish- ing- Higbtest Awards at 22 Exhibitions. Tins 2d., 6d., Is. 2s. 6d. Of all Boot- makers, Saddlers, Ironmongers, Sfc. Manufactory— I Dulwich, London, S.E. Vegetable j 5aaces. i Almost all vegetables are vastly 1 1 improved when served with an jg I appetizing Corn Flour sauce, 1 I A booklet of valuable recipes i 1 for such sauces can be had 1 1 by sending a penny stamp to i § Brown & Poison, Paisley. The I § booklet is written by an expert, ■ jg simply but explicitly, and contains I i fifteen excellent recipes, and a I 1 number of practical hints.. 1 The Lemon Sauce for new B 1 potatoes, and Gratin Sauce for I I cauliflowers, will be a revelation I I to the average" plain cook." I 1 For such sauces the very best B | Corn Flour is essential, and | no other possesses the great | thickening power and delicate 1 flavour of B Brown & Poison's I "patent" Corn Flour I

PONTYPOOL. PETTY SESSIONS, SATURDAY- Before A. A. WILLIAMS, Esq. (chairmoin). W. P. JAMBS, Esq., W. L. PKATT, Esq.. E. FOWLER, Esq,, T. WILLIAMS, Ecq., W. B. WITCHEI.L, Esq., and S. T. GUIFFIN, Esq. DISMISSBD.—.Tames Jones, dealer, Lower Race. was summoned for assaulting Laura Frankham. at Pontypool, on the 28th May.—Complainant stated that she bad been keeping company with the defendant for thirteen months, but they had parted. On Monday he met her while she was talking to some friends, and asked her to go for a walk. They went up over Cae Brest, and there the defendant misconducted himself. She resisted, and be then assaulted her, and struck and bruised her, so that she had marks on her face. On Tuesday she saw him in Pontypool Park with a young lady, and she told the latter not to be misled by him. He then assaulted her, and in the struggle she tore off his tie, and he tore some ribbon out of her hat.—Defendant said that the complainant as-ked him to go for a walk. and she would persist in following him about —Samuel Crane, speaking as to the occurrence in Pontypool Park, said that Miss Frankham snatched at the defendant's tie before he touched her.—The case was dismissed, the parties having to pay 3s. each. MALICIOUS DAMAOE.—Sarah Shergold, was summoned for doing malicious damage to a d^or, damage 2s. 4d.—Annie Flippant, the complainant, said that defendant pulled the knob off her door and she had paid 2s. 4d. to get a new one.—Mabel Flippant also gave evidence.—Fined 83. 4d. inclusive. WIFE DESERTION.—Edward Davie*, collier, Garndiffaitb, was summoned by his wife, Sarah Ann Davies, for desertion, persistent cruelty, &c.— Complainant said she was married to defendant on the 26th March, 1900. He had behaved cruelly to her, and she was afraid te live with him. He turned her out of the nome at Christmas, and f-lie had often had to sleep at her brother's house. He also kicked her on the 4th November.—Martha Jones, sister of complainant, corroborated.—A separation order was granted, and defendant, who said he earned 24s. per week, was ordered to pay 78 per week towards his wife's maintenance THEFT OF COAL.-Editti Bryant was summoned for stealing coal, value 4d., the property of Hoskius and Llewellyn, Ltd., at Golynoo, on the 17th May.-P.C.Lee gave the facts.—Fined 6a. FOUND THE SLIPPEItS.-liltry Ann Sewell. Talywain, was charged with stealing n pair of slippers, the property of Sarah Bright, at Talywain, on the 25th May.—Complainant said that on the Saturday night filio had been to Pontypool and had bought the slippers for 2s. 3d., and had put them on the top of a bag. On Sunday she went, to lock for them to put on the child, and then she missed them. She saw Mrs. Sewell's child wearing them, and she then went to defendant and asked her if she had found the slippers, but she denied having done so. and said that the slippers had been bought at Pontypool. The case was afterwards placed in the hands of the police.-P.S. Groves deposed that he interviewed defendant with regard to the slippers. First she said she had given Is. lid. f jc them, then that she found them in the house, and afterwards admitted that her little boy found them. She added that Mrs. Bright should never have them.- A fine of 5s. was imposed. -Defeiidatu t, How can she make me out a thief when I didn't find the slippers." DIVERSION OF A LEVEL CROSSING. Mr. Habbard, Paddington, made application for the Great Western Railway Company for powers to enable the Company to close a level crossing at Llanhilleth, upon the completion of a road in substitution for it. The road had been completed, and viewed by Mr. E. Fowler, and Mr. T. Williams, two of the magistrates then sitting. Due notice had been given to the Abertillery District Couueil. The order was granted.

America's Chinese Tariff. j New York, Friday. Shanghai Chamber of Commerce- has cabled the New York Chamber, protesting against the high increase in Chinese tariff, and suggesting co 0 that the increase be regulated latei" on by commercial Powers.

A Determined Suicide. The mutilated body of a young man of gentlemanly appearance I was found on the railway near- Yarmouth to-day, he had taken, poison and shot himself.

Danger of Oil Limps. Coroner's jury to-day returned a verdict of accidental death on four victims of the Luton fire. An oil lamp is supposed to have caused the disaster.

Naval Essqiafry. An enquiry opened on cruiser ■ Cressy to-day, respecting the tampering with the steering gear,, which will probably delay the- vessel six weeks.

Cricket. ■ Yorks out 398. Notts out 203. II Leicester out 115. Warwickshire out 525.