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

ABERGAVENNY. Agents.-Messrs Davies Co. Booksellers. A PERMANENT MEMORIAL.—At a meeting of the -Coronation Festivities Committee it has been decided that the permanent memorial shall take the form of .-a clock tower and drinking fountain at the junction of the Brecon and Merthyr roads, and a subscription 'list has been opened for the purpose. THE CHAMPION SHOEING SMITH.—Mr W. D. Lane, R.S.S., of Llanvetherine, Abergavenny, a shoeing smith who has passed through the shoeing classes of the agricultural department of the Mon- mouthshire County Council, of which Mr. W. J. 'Grant has charge, on Saturday won the champion prize, open to all England and competed for by the first prize winners only, at the Bath and West and 'Southern Counties meeting, which was held at Plymouth, as the best shoer of a hunter. This is not by any means the first time that the Mon- mouthshire shoeing smiths have maintained the xecord of the county as being winners of more -prizes than any other county in Great Britain.

CAERLEON. Agent-Mis M. A. Evans, Newsagent, Cross-street. SAD DROWNING FATALITY.—A sad occurrence took place on Sunday afternoon, resulting in the drown- ing of a little girl named Nellie Tamplin, aged six -years, daughter of Mr Richard Tamplin, Arthur- street, Caerleon. It appears that the child, with others, went to play in a field on the banks of the Avon Llwyd, and wandered on to an accommodation ,plank bridge, which crosses the stream, which, owing to the very heavy rains, had become much swollen. The boy managed to get out, but deceased was carried away. An alarm was raised, and a party, organised by Mr G. W. Harding, made a good search, but failed to recover the body. Early on Monday morning another search was made, and resulted in the finding of the body about 15 yards below the spot where the unfortunate child fell in Great sympathy is felt for the bereived parents

URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. A meeting of this body was held on Tuesday evening. Mr A. Ll. Edwards presided, and there were also present, the Rev. D. Bevau Jones, Messrs J. H. Taylor, W. Welisford, H. Crease, and L. F. Stedman. A letter was read from Mr T. H, Hazall, secretary -to the Newport Gas Company, referring to the statement made by the Council That the promise to place Caerleon on the same footing as Newport as regards the Gas supply was conveyed 'to a deputation from my Council which waited upon the -directors of the Newport Gas Company on the 23rd February, 1901, through their chairman Mr LavbouiltJe." Mr Mazell very much regretted that the controversy bad arisen, but with the greatest .Te,-pect for your dapution's version of their inter- view with my board, I am bound to say that the same is entirely at variance with the recollections .of my directors." He then dealt at length with the matter. After one or two of the members had ex- pressed an opinion as to the accuracy of the Gas Company's memory, Mr Taylor moved that the -consideration of the letter be deferred, to give the -Council time to see whether they would not be able to soon secure a better illuminant than gas.—The Rev D. B. Jones seconded, and the motion was carried. A resolution was unanimously passed pledging the .Council's support to the Monmouthshire County 'Council in their efforts to put down the overcrowd- ing of vehicles, mention being made of the crowded condition of some licensed brakes which passed through Caerleon. Mr Green reported that he had collected £ 60, .leaving £ 272 9*. to be got in. Dr De Gruchy reported the district free from infectious disease. In accordance with notice, the Rev D. B. Jones moved that the salary of the Medical Officer be .increased from £ 10 to ;C20.-Bir Taylor seconded, -and after Mr Crease had spoken the motion was carried unanimously. The Surveyor reported that the sewer extension in Railway-street had been constructed at less than vfche estimated price. The Surveyor was instructed to remove the alleged obstruction erected by Miss Powell, of Gold- croft Common, should that lady fail to take the fence down. Mr Welaford drew attention to a remark passed recently at. a sale of property belonging to the Duke of Beaufort, that the Caerleon Council had rendered themselves amenable to the law.It was etated that the Duke of Beaufort was lord of the manor of Caerleon.-In the absence of the clerk ■-thro' illness, the consideration of the matter was deferred.

CHEPSTOW. 1 Agent.-Miss Clark A VISIT FROM EX-ETIIR.-The members of the Exeter branch of the Church Defence and Instruc- tion Committee visited Cbepstow on Saturday. They came by a special train, which reached the Wyesxde town at noon, the number of the party, made up of members and friends, being about 200. The party visited the famous old castle of Striguil, and after lunch a special service, with a short address, was held in St. Mary's Parish Church. In the afternoon they visited Tintern Abbey, and after an enjoyable day the return jouruey to Exeter was started shortly after six o'clock. .ELBCTRic LIGHTING.—Electric Lighting Pro- visional Orders (No. 7) Bill came on Tuesd y before the Examiner of the House of Commons for proof of with standing orders. Amongst* the rrovisional Orders which tbe Bill seeks to confirm "te(i by the Board of Trade under the rSfL ^htin« A°ts, 1882 and 188S, to the '"FYirma] Lighting and Power Company, that Staudin been Siv,eri> the Examiner said £ a 2S5a" £ *Si{"- V" T?lied wUhi reading. reported for seoond WmrmsLer8et7LCALRD°.! near Chepstow, died at the Rectorr w"°last<?ue> in the 80th year of his rhnUr'#df,y' late Lord William Somerset aud grandson nf H! fifth Duke of Beaufort, and nftheS 1 Lord Raglan. He had held the living since 1859, being presented to it in that year by the late Duke of Beaufort, whose domestic chaplain he was. Mr Somerset was twice married, his first wife being the daughter of Captain James Donald, and of that marriage one daughter survives. HI" second wife was Georgians Amelia, daughter of the late Lieutenaut-General William Lindsay Darling, of Stroat House, Tidenham. She died iu 1896, and i toy her he leaves two sous aud three daughtere. Up to within the last two years Mr Somerset was able to preach and fulfil his duties without any assistance. The funeral took place at Woolaston, on Monday, in the presence of a large number of parishioners and others. The chief mourners were, Mr and Mrs Raglan Somerset, Mr and Mrs Henty, Mr H. E. H. Somerset, Mr Charles Somerset, Miss Edith Somerset, Dr and Mrs Carter, and Mr and Mrs Charles Jones. The officiating clergy were the Rev A. J. Chepnian and the Rev R. C. Lynch Blosse. The service was choral, Mr Morris James presiding at the I organ.

CHEPSTOW CLERGY AND THE EDUCATION BILL. A meeting of the ruridecanal chapter of the Chepstow Deanery was held at Itton Rectory, the Rev N. Shafto Barthropp, R,D., vicar of Itton, presiding. The Education Bill was discussed, and the follow- ing resolution adopted:-That the members of the ruridecanal chaper of the Chepstow Deanery give the Bill their general approval as a fair and honest attempt to solve the educational difficultie of this country, and hope that every effort will be made to pass the Bill during the present session of Parlia- ment but are of opinion (a) that the permissive clause should be dropped, and (b) that the repairs, alterations, and improvements of school buildings which managers of voluntary schools may be required to undertake should be carefully defined." The general opinion of the meeting also I appeared to be that the extra cost of schools should be paid out of Imperial, and not local, funds, I BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of this body was held on Saturday, Mr G. Seys presiding. A letter was received from Dr Corbin, of Caldicot, on the subject of re-vaccination fees, his impression being that he was entitled to charge the stme fees for r.e-vaccination as for primary vaccination—The Chairman pointed out that that was so. Mr Wilkinson, of St Briavels, made some com- plaints of neglect of the sick poor of St Briavels by the Medical Officer, Dr Kaye, of Tintern. For months past, he said, many complaints had been made to him of inattention to the sick poor of the parish. One case was that of an old woman named Betsy Dorrington, of St Briavels. She was so prostrated and ill on the Sunday that a message was sent to Dr Kaye, who was attending a paying patient at the almshouses, to come to her. Dr Kaye said he would be thare in a minute, but although the almshouse was only a short way from Dorrington's, the doctor did not go to see her, and the poor old woman died on the Wednesday morn. ing. It was a serious charge, but he was prepared to substantiate it. He had no personal feeling in the matter, not even knowing Dr Kaye. Ho had given Dr Kaye an opportunity of explaining, and went to his house a fortnight ago to see him, bat he was not at home, and he told Mrs Kaye, who promised him that; her husband should write and make an appointment, but he had heard nothing since. The Chairman proposed that Dr Kaye be asked to attend before the next meeting and explain, and failing his doing so he should propose the formation of a committee to go into the complaints thoroughly. The proposition was agreed to.

I LLANTARNAM. PARLIAMENTARY OPPOSITION.— As the promoters of the South Wales Electric Lighting Bill have not yet given the Llnntarnam U.D.C. a clause protect- ing their interests with regard to the proposed new road to Forge Hammer, the opposition of the Coun- cil will be persisted in before the Committee in the House of Lords.

LLANTRISSENT. I THE CORONATION CELEBRATION.—Collections have been made for Coronation Day bv Mrs Jones, Miss Thomas (Whitehall), and Miss Evans (Nautybauno). The amount up to the end of May is about L9. On Friday evening, May 30th, a meeting of subscribers and workers was held in the school, when it was decided to provide tea at 4 p.m. for all parishioners, with sports in a field. kindly lent by Mr Powell, Arch Farm, and that medals should be given to the children. The sports committee are Messrs. W. Thomas, H. Morgan, A. Hawker, junr., and G. Evans, and the ladies to preside at the tea tables are Mrs Thomas. Mrs Evans. Mrs Hawker, and Mrs Osborne. Prizes will be given to the children for wild flowers.

LLANYAIE KILGEDDIN. THE CORONATION.-Special services will be held in the Church on June 26tb, but the parochial festivities will take place a week later, viz., on Thursday, July 3rd, when there will probably be sports and a tea for the children, who will each receive a medal, while for the frrown-ups there will be a few races and a supper. It is hoped to obtain a band, and a display of fireworks will conclude the celebration. A committee has been formed for organisation purposes.

MONMOUTH. I A(/ent.-Alr. Catf"rey. Bookseller. Monmouth. I Miss EDITH EDWARDS, dairymaid to the Hon Mrs Herbert, Llanover, and daughter ef Mr W. Edwards, Beaulieu Farm, Monmouth, secured second prize (bronze medal) for butter-makiug at the Bath and West and Southern Counties Agri- cultural Show at Plymouth. A SMART CAPTUItEl.-Last week the Monmouth poiice received telegraphic information that a house had been broken into at Itton Common, and a quantity of jewellery, plate, etc., taken. About an hour later P S. Barnie and P.O. Williams saw a man riding on a brewer's dray coming into Monmouth. They stopped the man and found all the stolen property concealed about his person. DEATH OF A MILITIAMAN.—At an inquest held on Friday by Mr B. H. Deakin on Edward Howells, 36, a sapper in the R.M.R.E. (Militia), who dropped dead in the military camp on Wednesday evening, the evidence of C.S. M. Bowron and Sapper McCarthy showed that about 6 p.m., on Wednes- day, deceased came out of his tent, took hold of McCarthy's arm, and said, "I am ill; help me Deceased then fell forward, and was placed on the ground, expiring in a few minutes. Blood was coming from his month. Dr Prosser said he found a large blood vessel of the chest ruptured, due probably to a strain. In answer to Captain Hopkins, R.E., Adjutant of the regiment, Dr Prosser said the strain need not necessarily have been a recent one. A verdict of Death from natural causes" was returned.—The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon at the Cemetery, where the usual religious and military ceremonies were performed.

TOWN COUNCIL. I At a meetiner, on Monday, the Mayor (Councillor I Hamilton Baillie) presided.—It was decided to send a telegram to Lord Salinbury congratulating him and his Government on the termination of the war, also that the Corporation attend in state a thanks. giving service at St Mary's Parish Church. It was decided to hold the weekly market on Saturday, June 28th. An application for permission to roast an ox in the Cattle Market on June 27th in connection with the Coronation festivities was granted. Tenders for executing reptirs at the Cattle Markets and the New Market House were referred to the Building Committee. The right of way question between Mr T. H. Jones, b iildor, and the Corporation was again discussed.—It was decided to offer a right of way through the Cattle Market at a yearly rental of 12, subject to three months' notice. Mr Ballinger moved that a pump for flushing purposes be obtained at a cost of about JE80, and produced figures showing that this arrangement would effect a saving to the rates of about £60 a year.—Mr Honeyfield said he would go further, and suggest that the Corporation pump the water for the whole town.—The question was submitted to the Drainage and Electric Light Committee for investigation and report.

NEWPORT. I Aqents-Ressrs Oreenlani and Co.. Newsagents. I FIRE AT A Si-ior.-A fire suddenly occurred on Friday night at 13, Commercial-road, Newport, where a fish=frying business is carried on by William Robertson. The proprietor's son, George Robertson, was frying some fish, when the pan of oil caught fire. He put a sack on it to put it out, and had gone out to the rear to get another ack, when the oil blazed up and set the whole of the shop in a blaze. Robertson was badly burned about the head and face, but, walked to the hospital, where he was detained. The Fire Brigade was called, and soon put the fire out.

PONTHIR. I ALLEGED FALSE PRETENCES.—Charles Jenkins, who described himself as an insurance agent, was charged at Caerleon on Friday with obtaining money by false pretences at Ponthir.Eie was remanded. BEFORE Colonel Sir Arthur Mackworth, Bart., C.B., and other magistrates at Caerleon Police- court on Thursday, Charles Jenkins, was charged, on bail, with obtaining alms by false pretences on May 29th. Prisoner alleged that he was em- powered to collect money to bnv Bibles and books on behalf of the Pontnewydd Mission-room. The prisoner was again remanded nntil Thursday next.

I PONTYPOOL. Agents — Ifr. J. Harding, Market Bookstall, Mr Fiddliouse J The Market, and Men*»• Jones and Edwards. I SEVERE THUNDERSTORM.—On Sunday afternoon a severe thunderstorm broke over Pontypool and district, and for about 20 minutes rain descended with great violence. Several houses in the town were flooded. COLLIERY Accir)ENT.-A collier named William Birrell, a married man, of Plasycoed, Pantnewynydd, met with a serious accident at the Tirpentwys Col- liery, through a fall of stone. His thigh was crushed, and his head was seriously injured. He was immediately attended to by Dr Mulligan. ACCIDENT.-William Batt, 34, a mason, living at Old Japan, Pontypool, met with a serious accident on Thursday in last week. He was engaged on some new houses near the Viaduct, Pontymoile, and was working upon one end of a scaffold, 17 feet from the ground, when he fell. He was badly cut about the head, and one leg was severely bruised, but 110 bones were broken. He suffered severely from shock. TREVETHIN SCHOOL BOARD.-AIaerman J. Daniel (chairman) presided over the monthly meeting of Trevethin School Board on Tuesday, and, on the motion of Mr B. Nicholas, it was agreed not to send an address to the King on the occasion of his Coronation, on the ground that the King would never see it if it were seut. Miss Dobell, principal of the Girls College, Pontypool, reported that 26 pupil-teachers sat at the recent examination held in connection with the Oxford extension lectures, all of whom had passed, Miss Prothero. teacher of this Board, taking the prize,for distinction.—The Board decided to support the manifesto of the Federation of School Boards (Wales and Monmouthshire) with with regard to the Education Bill. "BADTRADE AND ILLNESS."—At Newport Bank. ruptey Court, on Thursday, before the Registrar, Mr L. H. Hornby, the adjourned examination of Elizabeth Pocock, who had traded separately from her husband as Pocock and Co., furniture dealers, Osborne Road, Pontypool, took place. There was a deficiency of L219 13s Id on total liabilities amount- ing to JE336 2s. — Mr T. Baker Jones appeared for debtor, who has only recently recovered from illness, and was accommodated with a seat at the solicitors' table. Her failure was attributed to bad trade in 1898 and 1899 (following coal strike) and to the illness of her husband for three months. The busi- ness was carried on by her husband prior to her trading as Pocock and Co.—The examination was closed. SAD SUDDEN DEATH.—Mr M. R. Jones held an inquest at the Town Hall, Pontypool, on Monday afternoon, on Catherine Willoughby, E9, widow of Frank Willoughby, nailmaker, 20, Mill Road, Pontypool. It appears that the deceased was on Sunday afternoon going to visit her son at Ponty- moile, when she was taken ill. She was conveyed to her son's house in a fainting condition. A doctor was at once sent for, but she died before his arrival.—John Willoughby, School House, Ponty- moile, son of the deceased, said that his mother bad suffered from shortness of breath for some years.— P.S. Bladon said that on the 24th May the deceased had had a similar a'tack and had to be carried into the Hanbury Hotel, where she was inven some brandy and recovered.—Dr Mason having stated that he considered death to be due to fatty degeneration of the heart, a verdict of "Deathfrom natural causes was returned. DEATH OF MRS. J. E. DUNN. A very painful sensatiou was caused in the district on Saturday, when it became known that Mrs. J. E. Dunn, wife of the Rev. J. E. Dunn, Vicar of St. Hilda's Griffithstown, had died, at the early age of 33. Mrs. Dunn. who was the daughter of the Rev A. Wilkins, Newport, first became connected with the pariah upon her marriage some twelve months ago, but since then her geniality and the devotion with which she fulfilled parochial duties, as well as her compassion for the poorer classes and the help which she afforded them, had very much endeared her to the people, and her early death is greatly deplored. She was first taken ill on Monday, and despite the efforts of a specialist from London and the devotion of all by whom she was surrounded, she succumbed on Saturday. The greatest sympathy is felt for the bereaved husband. At the morning and evening Pervices at St Hilda's Church the Rev J. R. Phillips, Holy Trinity, Abergavenny, who officiated, made touching references to the death of Mrs. Dann. At the Sebastopol Sunday-school in the afternoon, Supt. Roberts referred to the valuable work which Mrs. Dunn tad earned out as a Teacher of the Sunday-school and Principal of the Young Women's Friendly Society. A vote of condolence with Mr Dunn was then moved by Mrs Roberts, seconded by Mr Rogers, and carried in silence.

PONTYPOOL TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION, j A meeting of this Association was held at the Waverley Hotel, Pontypool, on Saturday, Mr J. C. Lowe (in the chair.) Mr Harvey was unanimously electen vice- president. Messrs. Jones and Everett were appointed local solicitors to the Association. Mr Glover gave an interesting account of the Conference recently held at Bristol. The amount subscribed at the Conference to the Teachers' Orphanages and Benevolent Fund was £ 1I,20S. The following resolutions were adopted in reference to the Education Bill now before Parliament That this meeting, approving the main principles of the Education Bill, expresses its satisfaction at the progreps of the Bill, but desires that it should be amended as follows: (I)-By deleting the permissive clause. (2)-By raising the population limit respect- ing local authorities for non-county boroughs and urban district?. (3)-By making it obligatory that the local authorities shall nominate one third of the managers of a denominational school. (4)-By providing that in denominational schools the consent of the local authority shall be required to the dismissal as well as to the appointment of teachers. (5)-By granting to managers of denondla. tioual schools, subject to the approval of the local authority the power of compulsory purchase of land as at present enjoyed by school boards. (f))-By making adequate fprovision for the training of teachers, especially P Ts. (7)—By placing the cost of elementary education on the Imperial Exchequer. (8)—By removing the limit to the amount of rate raised for higher education. (9)-That the local authorities in Wales should be constituted on the same lines as the local authorities in England.

Conservatism in West Mon- mouthshire. THE CHIEF AGENT AND SECRETARY. At the annual general meeting of the West Monmouth Conservative Association, which was held at Rhymney, Dr W. E. Williams in the chair, Mr Fred Gardiner, who has for the past eight years acted as chief agent and secretary, resigned his office.-Mr Gardiner explained that he tendered his resignation most reluctantly, It, y but his state of health compelled him to do so.- The committee then proceeded to elect a new chief agent and secretary.—Mr Gardner pro- posed, and Mr Pond seconded, that Mr Scudamore, of Rhymney, be appointed, and the resolution was carried unanimously.—The new agent, Mr E. T. D Courtenay Scudamore, is a son of the late Mr Thomas E. Scudamore, managing director to the Rhymney Irou. Company, and elder brother of the late Mr Frank Ives Scudamore, C.B., secretary to the General Post Office, London.

— Colliery Explosion: Eight Lives Lost. n An explosion at No. 2 Pit, Vochriw, took place early on Wednesday morning, eight men being killed. An open lamp was found near the bodies, and iu the pockets of the dead men were found cigarettes, some partly consumed, and on another a match.

I PEACE I I How the News was Received Locally. USK. I The glad tidings reached Usk by telephone from two or three different sources about 8 o'clock on Sunday night. It took a couple of hours for the senders of the messages to get through to Usk, the wires were so fully occupied. The news spread rapidly, and while the day precluded any demonstrations, privately there was considerable rejoicing. On Monday evening the bells of St. Mary's Church rang out merry peals, the longest beiug 11 1!1 one of 1,200 changes, rung in an hour and ten minutes, Mr. P. T. Clift conducting. The boys improvised a baud of penny trumpets and tin cans and sang patriotic songs prior to the appearance of the Volunteer Band (under Band- master Mad ley), who played iu various parts of the town, winding up at the Three Salmon's Hotel, where there was a comparatively large crowd and much cheering. There was a general display of flags and banners in the town. 0 Arrangements had been made for the receipt of the news and its publication by the editor of the "County Observer," but the telegram got suspended at Newport, the Usk Post Office not being open on Sunday. Ou Monday, however, we were able to give the public full information as to the terms of the settlement by telegrams posted in our office window. ABERGAVENNY. The Towu-hall at Abergaveuuy was illumi- nated on Monday evening. The school children were given a holiday. were given a holiday. I CAERLEON. I The news of the declaration of peace was first received in Caerleon by Mr T. Parry, who intimated the same to the Rev. A. H. Sproule during service at Caerleon Church. Thanks- giving prayers were offered, and after service the bells were ruug. Suitable reference was also made by the Rev. D. Bevau Jones at the service in the Baptist Chapel. A special thanksgiving service was held at St. Cadoc's Church, Caerleon, on Monday eight. There was a large congregation. The service was conducted by the Rev. A. II. Sproule, who gave a suitable address. Special hymns were rendered, and at the close a "Te Deum was I sung. CHEPSTOW. I The news came during the evening services, and people as they came out of Church and Chapel quickly became aware of the good tidings, and a general feeling of satisfaction was apparent. The demonstrations on Sunday evening were confined to the juyeniles aDd a band who sang, hymns in Beaufort-square and rendered the National Anthem. A special service of thanksgiving was held in St. Mary's Chepstow, on Thursday night, and was attended by the A Company, 2nd V.B. South Wales Borderers, under Major Smith and Lieutenants Lawreuce, Evil), and Perry the chairman, members, and officers of the Chepstow Urban District Council, and a large congrega- tion. The prayers were intoned by the Rev. C. R. Thomas, and the lesson read by the vicar (the Rev. E. J. Hensley), who gave an address on the lessons taught to the nation by war and peace. 1 I MONMOUTH. J At Monmouth on Sunday night the streets were crowded with young folks cheering and singing and playing all manner of improvised musical instruments. A band of people marched out to the resideuce of the Mayor, at Osbaston, between three and four o'clock on Monday morning, and serenaded his worship with a will. The Church bells were rung, and the hooter at the steam saw mills kept up a continuous blast for over an hour. Before 9 a.m. all the streets were ablaze with flags, nearly every house being more or less embellished. The Town Council met on Monday morning, and the Mayor, before commencing the busiuess, suggested thatageoeral half-holiday be given, and requests sent to school managers, business proprietors, &c., were quickly complied with. The R. M.R.E. Militia were given a half- holiday, and the band played in camp during the afternoon. In the evening a special thanks- giving service was held in St. Mary's Parish Church, the Mayor and Corporation attending in state. The Vicar (the Rev. C. F. Reeks) conducted the service. NEWPORT. At a special meeting of the Newport Chamber of Commerce held on Monday afternoon, the President (Mr W. J. Orders), in a very eloquent speech, eulogistic of the services of the forces in South Africa, proposed the following resolution to be sent to the King by telegram That the Newport Chamber of Commerce expresses its joy that the war in South Africa is ended, and hegs respectfully to congratulate his Majesty King Edward VII. that in the year of his Coronation he is able to proclaim such great and elorious news to his people throughout the Empire."—Mr W. E. Heard seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously.-Many of the offices were closed in the afternoon. The President of the Chamber of Commerce has since received the following telegram from his Majesty the King 'k The King thanks the Newport Chamber of Commerce for their loyal congratulations on the conclusion of hostilities in South Africa. There was a great deal of Mafficking in the evening. The streets were packed with people up to a late hour, and fireworks were thrown about, crowds paraded with flags and sang the National Anthem, and the whole town was given up to boisterous jubilation. The ordinary traffic was conducted with great difficulty PONTYPOOL. The news was received at Pontypool with many manifestations of rejoicing. The hooters of the various works and collieries were set coing, while the ringers at Trevethin Church rang several peals. The Pontypool Town Band (under the conductorship of Mc S. T. Roderick) and the Salvatiou Army Band paraded the streets at the head of a large procession. Fog signals and fireworks were discharged, and on Monday morniug the business premises were decorated, and the school children granted a holiday. It was estimated that 30,000 persons had assembled in the town on Monday night. A military band paraded the town. A concert was held in the Market-hall, Dr. J. R. Essex, Chairman of the District, Council, presiding. Afterwards there was a torchlight procession, headed by the Town Band. I NO WAR TAXES TO BE REMITTED. In the House of Commons on Wednesday evening the Chancellor of the Exchequer an- nounced that the war taxes would not be remitted. The discussion of the Loau Bill was resumed. HONOURS FOR LORD KITCHENER. The King has conferred the dignity of a viscounty upon Lord Kitchener, and Parliament has voted his lordship a sum of £ 50,000, in recognition of his distinguished services in South Africa. The distinguished soldier has also been 11 promoted from lieutenant-general to general, and, with Mr Chamberlain and Lord Milner, is to receive the freedom of the Grocers' Company, BOERS AND BRITISH BROTHERLY. The Boers at Pretoria and Vereenigiug have accepted the new condition of things with perfect good humour, aud British and Boer soldiers have fraternised with enthusiasm. Lord Kitchener visited Vereeniging and, addressing the delegates, congratulated them on their brave resistance. His remarks were received with enthusiasm. and General Beyers, in response, said that they were glad to meet Lord Kitchener as a friend. General Botha has issued an open letter exhorting the Boers to be loyal to the new Government. THE THANKSGIVING SERVICE. The following was issued from the War Office on Thursday night With the approval of his Majesty the King, the Archbishops suggest that when the service of thanksgiving recom- mended for Sunday next is used, collections should be made for the various soldiers' charities connected with the war. Such collections should be remitted to the Commauder-in-Chief for distribution among the various charities, accord- ing to their need. SURRENDERING. Fouche, the leader of raiders in East Cape Colony, has surrendered. Officers, warrant-officers. non-commissioned officers, and men who disembark in South Africa after May 31st will not be entitled to the war gratuity or to the war medal.

Coronation. It is more than a thousand years since Alfred's name was renowned, Saxon, and Dane, and Saxon, and Xorman have ruled since then- An Edward founded the pile wherein our Edward is crowned, And the thousand years before us loom large and beyond our ken. To-day is our day of power, yet a time to watch and to pray, Solemn with promise and potent with issues that lie afar, We crown our King in no Autumn, no season of rest and decay, 'Neath a rising constellation, not under a waning star. The hero dead are around us, who live in the roll of fame, And millions who died unknown, on fields where they turned our fate, And the King is King indeed, in something more than a name, Who stretches a strong right hand out, to steady the helm of State. He is head of a mighty realm, and heart of a puissant power, The one unto whom we look to hold us ooe in our might, Whose throne shall remain for ages, the nation's glory and dower, Where federations may gather, and rest in aa m e'lu,Ü right. We were lords of the narrow seas, we are lords of the mighty deep, Our fortresses float afar, upon every tide that flows, Seven seas are ours for the four, where our sentinels never sleep, Let us see that the nation fall not itself into false repose. For the power that doth not grow, as surely crumbles away, Build the ships, and gather the men, and make ye ready for strife, And pray the God of Battles, Give peace, 0 Lord, in our day," For the rights of the strong are respected, and strength is a nation's life. Let no crown our King to-day, with hearts that are brave and true, Uplifted, and yet bowed down, as fitteth the House of Praytr, With hands as the hands of our fathers, as ready to dare and do, And feet as steady to mount the steps of an unknown stair. There was one who has gone before, who was full of honours and years, Whose throne was an island set in the sea of her subjects' love, Whose sun rose high in the heavens, and set in a mist of tears, Whose words still tenderly echo like a voice that calls from above. And lo there is one at his side, a Queen, though she held no state, Crown her, husband and people, as saints have been crowned of yore, While love is love, and is strong, and hate is weak, and is hate, More precious is she than rubies, and richer than golden store. It is women who shape the world, and we have been blessed io three, Let us write Victoria down, Alexandra, Slay, Names that stir to their depths the hearts of a people free, Queens t..at have been, and that are, and shall be loved in their day. A mighty shout doth arise and travel from East to West, Where in many tongues is proclaimed the message that none forger., While the bones of our ancient Kings are almost stirred from their rest, I:> Our Edward is seven times greater than ever was Edward yet. He stands with the crown on his brow, the head and front of our race, Steady of eye and lip beneath the gleam of the gold, The one to whom we must look for the words of leading and grace, Lord over lands undreamed of by Monarchs who ruled of old. Then a hush comes down on the throng, we are all but vessels of clay, The greater the place the greater the stress and the strain shall be, If we say not nay to ourselves we are slaves in the midst of sway, It is vanity all and mocking, to rule over land and sea. O! Thou who was't crowned of old with a crown that pierced Thy brow, Reign Thou in our hearts to-day with the peace that Thy presence brings, Teach us to swear Thee fealty, and bold as firm to our vow, r King and people to serve Thee, the Christ who art King of Kings. I BENJAMIN GEORGE AMBLER.

RAGLAN. Aqent—^Lr. W. Parker, Photographer. SAD OCCURREr;CH.Etrly on Friday morning a man was found wandering on the public highway at Abertillery with his coat and boots off. He was startling the people with cries of "murder," believing, apparently, that he was being chased by a crowd. He was secured by three constables and two civilians, and taken to the Police Station. His name is Fred Powell, a single mason, lodging at Six Bells, but hailing from the neighbourhood of Raglan. He was couveyed on Friday night to the Workhouse at Tredegar. It is understood that Powell has suffered lately from epileptic fits. CORONATION CELEBRATION.—Progress is being made by the committee having in hand the arrangements for the local celebration of the Coronation of King Edward VII., for which about £ 45 has been collected. As at present arranged, the children's procession, on Thursday, the 26th inst., will be formed at the Public Hall, and they will march to the Castle, in the ever-charmiug grounds and amid the magnificent ruius of which the tea—which will be open to all parishioners will be served. Each child will be presented with a commemorative mtig. Sports. &c will be indulged in, and a nice display of fireworks will wind up the day's programme. The Vicar is Chairman of the Committee, the Rev T. Batstone hon secretary, and Mr C. J. Saunders hon treasurer.

TREDUNNOCK. 1 THE CORONATION.—A. large committee has 'been formed to carry out the details of the local festivities at the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. It is hoped to provide a substantial dinner for all parishioners in a marquee after the Church service, with sports, tea, dancing, &c., to conclude the day.

The Incorporated Church Building Society. The Sith annual report of this Society, presented at the annual meeting at the Church House, Dean's Yard, Westminster, in May, shewed that the income for 1901 had been f:8,990 including £ 1,198 in interest and L3,383 in legacies; the previous year's total, when legacies brought in £ 954, being £ 5,402. The year's grants numbered 81, of which 15 were for mission buildings, and the amount granted was £ 5,242. Since the Society's formation in 1818 grants had been made for 2,365 new churches and chapels, and for re-building, enlarging or otherwise improving 6,235 existing churches or chapels. By these means more thau 2,000,000 additional seats had been provided, of which about three-fourths were free. The sum voted by the society, excluding cancelled grants, had reached £ 895,683, and the estimated amount of further expenditure on the part of the public was £ 15,281,884. The Society now acted as trustee of 379 church repair and building funds, with investments amounting to EI03,43 1. Having regard to the increased need of providing greater facilities for worship in large towns and rural districts, very valuable indeed are both the General Fund and the Mission Buildings Fund of the Society, and they are deserving of the hearty I support of all Church people.

The Education Bill. The Education ibill was further discussed in the House of Commons on Wednesday evening, and a number of amendments dealing with the status of the smaller urban districts were disposed of.

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-smartly disposed of. G. Edmunds played on Scores MONMOUTH GRAMMAR SCHOOL. Mr Rowan, b W. F. Roberts. 6 E. Dudley, b W. F.Roberts. 2 ,R. B. Griffiths, b F. Edmunds. 38 Housley (pro) run out 2 A. C. Diiviep, c and 1) W. F. Roberts.. 10 Mr Littlewood, h.w., b W. F. Roberts 2 Rev W. O. Jones, l.b.w., b F. Roberts 1 J. Bolton. not out 9 • J. M. Williams, c Walker, b Edmunds 0 R. Gibb, c Williams, b Walker. 6 W. T. Haddocks, b F. Edmunds. 2 Extras. 3 81 uSJe. S. A. Hiley, c Maddocks, b Housley 2 L.Walker, c E. Dudley, b Housley.. 5 ,G. Morgan, c and b Rowan. 12 H. C. Davies, not out. 15 ,G. Edmunds, b Housley. 6 F. J. Edmunds, c and b Rowan. 2 W. F. Roberts, c Davies, b Rowan. 3 xRev H. J. Bates, b Rowan. 6 A. Williams, not out 3 .A. J, Thomas ) V, A. C. Hiley } Dld not bat* Extras. 3 Total for 7 wickets. 57