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

LORD LLANGATTOCK (ssys a society writer) is still jacbtiog, and has derived much benefit from the ,sea air. liady Llangattock gave her first afternoon party at South Lodge last week, when her beautiful house was crowded with guests.

-I CADBURY'S COCOA can always be relied upon for its purity. Adulterate! Cocoas are risky and should, be avoided. CA.D BUR Y'S COCOA is highly benefioial to young and old, the delicate aud the robust; it contains all the full nourishing properties of the Cocoa bean. It is Cocoa and Cocoa only.-3 FIBE AT Ross.—The shop of Mr Aubrey, clothier, Broad-street, Ross, was destroyed by fire on Saturday night, and damage to the extent of £ 300 or iC400 done.

USK. Agent—Urt. E. K. Janet, Stationer CRICKET.—In consequence of the rain the match between Usk and Ponthir was abandonel on Saturday. j ANGLING.-The following salmon have been killed since our hut list:—Saturday, Mr R. W, Rickards, three, 111b, 121b, and 231b; ATr E. P. Bisshopp, one, 2llb. Monday-Mr R. W. Rickards, two, 101b and llilb. Thursday—Mr H. W. Pride, one. FUNRItAL.-The funeral of Mrs Parker, of the Laurels, Usk, took place on Saturday last, and was very largely attended by relatives and friends. The chief mourners were :—Mr M. A. Parker, the Misses Parker [son and daughters of the deceasedl. Mr Richard Parker, Mr Alex. Parker, Mr John Parker, Mr W. Hobbs, and Mr Herbert Lloyd. The Rev P. L. C. Nash [Vicar] officiated, and Mr W. R. Martin [organist], played the "Dead March" in Saul in the Church, and accompanied the singing of the hymns com- mencing "My God, my Father, while I stray" and A few more years shall roll." The wreaths were numerous. The coffin was of polished oak with brass furniture. Mr R. A. Rogers was the undertaker. BAPTIST CHAPEL.—The Sunday School anniver- sary services were held on Jane 8th. The services morning and evening were conducted by the Rev H. B. Robinson (pastor). Reference was made more particularly in the morning to Sunday School work," Mr Robinson choosing for his text Psalm xc., 17. In the evening a floral service was held, the Chapel being very prettily decorated for the occasion. The rev gentleman took for his subjact The fragrance of flowers," basing his remarks on Proverbs xxvii., 9. In the afternoon the choir and Sunday School scholars, under the leadership of Mr James Wheeler, rendered a floral service of sone, entitled "Summer Roses." Solos were given by Miss A. Thomas and Miss F. Jennings, a quartette by the Missses A. Thomas and Cooper and Messrs Edwards and T. Brown, and a children's quartette by the Misses Violet Morgan. A. Smith, M. Cooper, and N. Stockham (alto), and a short portion of the service was recited by Annie Brown, one of the younger scholars. The connec- tive readinga were given by Mr F. Jennings (superintendent), Miss A. Hiley presiding at the organ.—On Wednesday afternoon the annual treat was held in a field kindly lent by Mr J. James, Llancayo, Mr F. Jennings conveying the little ones to and fro.

CORONATION CELEBRATION COMMITTEE. The eighth meeting of the Usk Committee for organising the local festivities at the King's Coronation was held at the Town Hall, Usk. on Tuesday evening, when there were present:- Mr H. A. Addis, J.P. (chairman), Revs. P. L. C. Nash, H. B. Robinson, G. M. Williams, Mrs Bowen, Messrs. E. W. Waters. G. Edmunds, C. J. Francis, W. Workman, J. Billingham, R. Morgan, G. Mundy, J. Haggett, T. J. Smith, T. Rees, jr., H. Ault, A. W. Trotman, A. G. Graham, R. A. Rogers, E. Williams, and A. F. Lucas (hon. sec.) The Chairman, as Treasurer, stated that he had received £ 90 16s Id. Correspondence with Mr Joseph Lawrence, M.P., was read, from which it appeared that the hon. member had decided to present the children with medals, the same as at Monmouth. On the proposition of the Chairman, it was decided to accept the kind offer, and to tender Mr Lawrence the best thanks of the Committee for his handsome contribution. The majority of the members of the Committee nominated ladies to preside at the tea tables, and it was decided to ask each to provide a tea pot, milk jugs, a sugar basin, and three large plates. Various sub-committees were then formed s follows:- The stib-committee appointed to deal with the tenders for provisions, &c., recommended the following orders being given:- Bread. Mr Cozens, 30 loaves; Mr Hobbe, 20 Mr Price, 20; and Mr Jones, 20; cake, loOlbs each, Messrs Hobbs, Herbert, Stibbs, and Cozens. Tea, Mr Hobbs, 81bs: Mr Jones, 31b; Mr Cozens, 'Gibs Mrs Roberts, 3Ibs sugar, Mr Jones, 501bs, and Mr Hobbs Mlbs butter. Mrs Roberts, Mr Hobbs, and Mr Herbert, 201bs each two cases of oranges and 200 coooanuts, Mr Doubleday 40lbs nuts, Mr Rowen; sweets, in 2oz packets, Messrs. Noblett, Liverpool; milk, Mr Morgan, 15 gals., and Mr Hobbs, 10 gals. The report was adopted. The dinner and tea tickets were distributed amongst the collectors for the various distticts, the dinner tickets being allocated to the houses catering.

PONTYPOOL RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the above Council was held at the Sesiolls House, Usk, on Friday evening last. when there were preseiit:-Mr S. T. Griffin, J.P. (nhairman), Mr W. Marfell (vice-chairman), Rev W. W. Jones, Messrs. 1. Heath, R. W. Spencer, W. Charles, J. T. Turner, J. Williams, R. Williams, J. James, W. Newman, T. Watkins (clerk), and R. Derrett (surveyor and inspector). A balance in hand of X207 7s 8d was reported. The Clerk also reported the receipt of ES 5s from the County Treasurer towards the cost of maintenance of the road from Little Mill to Llanover. THE REPORTS. The Surveyor's report stated that twelve loads of ashes had been put upon the Church path, Llanddewy Vach, but half-a-dozen more loads were required. He had met the Chairman and Mr J. Williams at the biidge over the Soar brook at the bottom of the Darren, and it was decided to put a good bridge there as the span was so great. A little gorretting was also required there. He had marked out the land for the improvement of the Ponttiewydd-road. A little fencing woo wanted at an arch way over the stream dividing the parishes of Gwehelog and Trostrey; also some at an archway over the stream near Llandenny Walk-, but that was a joint fence with the Monmouth R.D.C., and he had written to the Surveyor of that Council to meet him there. It was resolved to order the extra loads of ashes required and to extend the bridge at Gwehelog- Trostrey at a small cost and obviate further expense for fencing. As Inspector, Mr Derrett reported that an out- break of measles had occurred at Gwehelog, and the Medical Officer had recommended the closing of the School there for 14 days. A fatal case of scarlatina-the origin of which he could not traca—had occurred at the old Royal Oak, Goytre. Several people had complained to him of a nuisauae near Usk Bridge, and be had since received a letter from Messrs. Davies, of the Woodbine, stating that the matter had been remedied. A nuisance, caused by the accumulation of slops, existed at the Black Rows, Pontnewydd. At Llangibby Schools the force pump was out of order, and in consequence the flushing apparatus at the offices was useless. With regard to the fatal case of scarlatina, Mr Charles complaiued of a pool on a waste piece of land there, and said it should be either cleaned out or filled in. No action was taken in the matter, however. As to the Usk Bridge complaint the Surveyor was asked to again report. In the Pontnewydd and Llangibby matters steps were ordered to be taken to bring about all improvement. PONTHIR AND THE WAIN WATER SUPPLY. The Clerk reported on a visit he had made to the district with the Engineer, Mr D. J. Lougher, and the suggestion that the positions of the wells should be altered was agreed to on their recommendation. It was decided to obtain Mr Lougher's terms for superintending the carrying out of the scheme, and to then ask him to prepare specifications, the special committee in charge of the matter to continue to deal with it. A JOINT BRIDGE. The Llanfrechfa Upper U.D.C. wrote agreeing to contribute their quota—one fchird--of the (cost of the repair of the bridge at Pont- newydd. I QVESTION OF ROYALTY. The Clerk read a letter from Mr Nicholl as to the royalty due iu respect of stone taken from Ty Captain Quarry. Captain Quarry. It was stated that the tenant received L2 per annum. The Clerk was asked to look into the matter and report as to the terms under which this amount was paid. PONTNEWYDD ROAD IMPROVEMENT. Mr Turner said people were complaining that this matter was not being proceeded with as expeditiously as it should be. The Chairman also remarked that it seemed a long time about, and it should be hurried on or the fine weather would have come and gone before tbev let the contract. The Clerk siid thAt as there was to be purchase of land it wouM b" n cessary to apply to the Local Government H .:He! f..r permission to ptircliage, and he had not yet, :t the quantity required. In reply to furVur questions, he said no Local Government Board inquiry would be necessary unless they wished to borrow the money for lhe work. He thought it might be carried out without borrowing.71 Mr Turner said he thought some one would buy the land for the improvement, and that the parish would not be called upon for the I amount It was decided to push on the improvement as fast as possible. AN IMPORTANT CHANGE. I In accordance with notice Mr Isaac Heath (Glascoed) moved that the resolution fixing the meetings of the Council at Usk be rescinded. He said he did this not with a view to taking the fixture from Usk altogether, but for six months— the Summer months -of the year only, since it was very awkward for those living on his side of the district to come to U^k for the evening meetings then. They had to leave early to catch their train, and there might be important business left affect- ing them. Mr Charlei;, in seconding, said it would certainly be better for his side of the district to have the change. Mr Spencer said in his opinion the members of the Council from the other side of the district were acting very selfishly in proposing the alteraliou. They did not consider the fact that if the Rural District Council meetings were held at Usk the Board of Guardians' meetings were heid at Pontypool, and from the Usk side some of them had to travel eight or ten miles to get to the latter. They were therefore placed at as gteat-if not greater—inconvenience with regard to their Poor Law duties as were the other fide with regard to highway and sanitary matters. He therefore did not consider it at all fair that the Council meetings should be held in Pontypool. and thought they should meet their public obligations in a better spirit. Mr Marfell urged that the meetings in the Summer should be held in Usk if they had a change at all, since there was a better chance of getting a quorum here in the evenings than there would be any where in the afternoons at such a season. Mr Heath suggested that the meetings of the Council should follow the meetings of the Board of Guardians. It was stated, however, that this would not work, inasmuch as the Guardians' duties occupied much time, and in much smaller Unions where that arrangement had been tried it bad failed. Guardians from the Usk side would have to leave home early in the morning, if such an arrangement were made. and would not return home until late in the evening. On being put to the vote, Messrs. Heath, Williams (2), Turner, and Charles voted for the motion and the Rev W. W. Jones, Messrs. Marfell, Spencer, and James voted against whilst the Chairman and Mr Newman remained neutral. The motion was therefore carried by five votes to four. Mr Marfell then moved that the Summer meetings be held at Usk on the first Friday in the month at 6.45 p.m., and the Winter meetings at Pontypool oil the first Saturday iu the month at 2 p.m. He said he was willing to meet the Pontypool side members half way, and his proposition was made on behalf of the business of the Council, and to ensure a quorum being present. Mr Spencer I will second that, now that the matter has gone so far as this. Mr Charles proposed as an amendment the reverse order of things, with the exception that all the meetings should be held in the afternoon, and Mr Turner seconded. Mr Heath thought the Usk side had acted generously in the matter, and he should support Mr Marfell's proposition. Mr Marfell replied to Mr Charles on the question of the members' convenience pointing out that his arguments applied as much to the one side as the other. In the result the proposition was carried by five votes to four, the voting being the same as before with the exception of Mr Heath. THE CORONATION, I The Chairman suggested that the next meeting should be held on Friday, June 27th, with a view to the members accepting an invitation from him to dine at the Three Salmon's Hotel, Usk, that evening as a Coronation Celebration. The suggestion was adopted and the invitation accepted.

Cricket. LLANGIBBY CASTLE V MR C. BURPITT'g XI. [NEWPORT]. Played at Llangibby Castle, on Thursday, and resulted in an easy win for the homesters who went in first and deolared at 118 with seven wickets down. For the Castle Mayes took seven wickets for 17 runs, and W. Davies and F. J. Edmunds one each for 33 and 8 runs respectively. Scores LLANGIBBY CASTLE. S A Hiley, c Burpitt, b J Jenkins. 3 F Price, c Jenkins, b P Jones 47 G Edmunds, c M Burpitt, b C Burpitt 11 T Mayes, b Jenkins 28 R H Bromley, b Jenkins 2 F J Edmunds, b Jenkins 0 A West, b Jenkins 8 H Palk, not out V 2 T Williams, not out 0 W Davies and S Poultec did not bat Extras. 17 *118 Innings declared closed. MR BUEPITT'S XI. H E Lewis, b Mayes 1 P Jones, b Mayes 4 M Burpitt, run out 21 E A Willey, c G Edmunds, b W Davies 5 U Burpitt. Ibw, b Mayes 5 J Jenkins, c T Williams, b Mayes. 17 A Siedle, b Mayes 0 C Wilson, b Mayes 1 W Dean, b Mayes 0 W Arnold, b F J Edmunds. 3 R Siinmonds, not out 0 Extras 8 65

ifH^RCH ERi^ Si pGQijpRETURMS i REG terie:p ^Jjpl facsimile of One-Ounce Packet. Archer's Golden Returns The Perfection of Pipe Tobacco. COOL, SWEET, AND FRAGRANT.

I Depletion of the Usk. I CONFERENCE AT NEWPORT. A conference of the local authorities having jurisdiction over the River Usk was held on Tuesday at the Monmouthshire County Council Offices, Newport, when Lord Glanusk presided. An agitation has for the past few months been in progress to pI event the depletion of the Usk, so well known as a saimon and general fishery river, of its water, to the detriment of fishing aud its general appearance. Much of the water has for years past been diverted iuto the Aber- gavenny and Brecon Canal, owned by the Great Western Railway Company, and of late allega- tions of undue waste and other things have been made against that Company. When the views of the engineer to the rail- way Company were expressed, the members deliberated and decided upon the adjournment of the conference, so that the large staff of surveyors now employed in examining the course of the river, its tributaries and diversions, might make a report. The next meeting will probably be held at an early date, and the general feeling of the meeting was that the Great Western Railway Company would effect a great improvement. One of the plans suggested is that less water should be diverted in the upper reaches of the river, and that more should be taken in the lower reaches, in the vicinity of the industrial enterprises supplied from the river. Those present were Lord Glanusk, Captain F. Travers, aud Mr H. Hotchkiss (representing th Breconshire County Council), Mr A. D. Berrington, and Mr S. H. Cowper Colea (Usk Board of Conservators), Lord Tredegar. and Alderman E. Grove (Monmouthshire County Council), and Mr J. Inglis and Mr Sauuders (Great Western Railway Company).

Technical Instruction in Monmouthshire. VISIT OF THE CHIEF INSPECTOR OF AGRICULTURE. Mr C. E. Brooke-Hunt, the chief instructor of agricultural education under the Board of Agriculture, visited Monmouthshire on Thursday and made a tour of inspection of a number of teaching centres carried on under the direction and guidance of Mr W. J. Grant, who has charge of the agricultural education of the county carried on by the county council. The Inspector was able on Thursday to see what was being done in the matter of cider- making, to witness the operations of the hedging class at Caerwent, to see a typical Caerphilly cheese dairy at S:ough Farm, Caerweut, and to inspect sheep-shearing classes at Tredegar Park, which have been carried on under the direction of the Bassaleg Farmers' Association. SHOEING COMPETITION AT USK. Going to Usk the Inspector was present at the competition amongst lads in shoeing (uuder the auspices of the Usk Farmers' Club.) Mr Storrar, F.R.C.V.S., who has been impart- ing the higher technique of shoeing, was present and judged the work. Four prizes were awarded, in this order :— 1st, John Probert, Crumlin 2nd, Henry Hoskins, Abertillery 3rd, A. W. Jones, St Arvans 4th, Fred Whitehorn, Tredegar h.c., H. Messenger, Panteg. Mr Brooke-Hunt congratulated the youths on their good work in shoeing, and incidentally mentioned that, perhaps, the masters and the public needed as much instruction as workmen in technical matters, and particularly was it to be hoped that when the workmen turned out first-class work a good price would be paid for it. THE POULTRY CLASSES AT LLANGIBBY. On Thursday evening the Inspector visited Llangibby Castle, where Mr R. H. Bromley, the poultry expert and lecturer, was holding the last of a series of six lectures. Previously the meet- ings had been held in the Club Room of the village, but, as practical demonstrations were to be the feature at this one, the proceedings took place at the poultry runs of tbe Castle, by the kind permission of Dr F. Rutherfoord Harris, J.P. Here close upon 100 assembled and were accommodated with seats upon the green sward. They followed closely the lecturer's observations, and watched with keen interest the illustrative demonstrations which were deftly given by Mr S. Cook, Dr Harris's head poultrymau. In the first place Mr Bromley exhibited a model market egg basket, with card-board sec- tions, and he pointed out that a basket, although. involving a greater initial expense, was in the end cheaper than a wooden box, since it was more durable. Samples of various prepared poultry foods-cut bones, ground oats, &c.-pre- viously recommended were then shown, and the demonstrations followed. Mr Cook instantan- eously killed a bird by dislocating its neck,. which was described as the most humane method, and preferable to the local one of cutting into the brain through the roof of the mouth. The bleeding was said to be as effectual as by the other method, and plucking could be at once commenced (as was shown). One drawback to it was that the bird could not be dressed for mar- ket with its head on, as was the local way- Birds were then drawn and trussed in the "poulterers'" method for roasting and boiling, string only being used. Subsequently a demon- stration in cramming from a treadle machine was given, the lecturer explaining the way in which the bird should be held and pointing out the necessity of keeping the tongue down with the finger so that the feeding tube might be in- serted and the food sent into the crop. Cram- ming, he said, was only applicable where there was a large number of birds. A fattening coop —costiug 7s—was shewn, with trough in front. The birds, he said, were shut up for a fortnight before it was intended to kill them, and they were given soft food, to finish the fattening process. Milk and ground oats produced the best results—white fat and flesh. The food should be placed in the trough at regular hours and should not be left before the birds after they had satisfied themselves. At the conclusion of the lecture, the Rev H. A. Williams proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Bromley for his interesting and useful course of lectures, and this was carried with acclamation.

11 I I E Is a wonderful water proofer for B O OT S and HARNESS- Softens and preserves the leather. Pleasant odour. Allows polish- ing. Highest Awards 22 Exhibitions. Tins 2d., 6d., Is 2s. 6d. OJ all Boot makers, Saddlers Ironmongers, ¡£,c. Manufactory— Dulwich, London, S.Et

NJr. Chamberlain on South Africa. Speaking at the Corona Club, whose -membership is confined to officials of the -Colonial Service in various parts of the Empire, on Wednesday, Mr Chamberlain said that the country now had a peace which he thought he might say was honourable to both parties. They had been very generous to their late opponents in rega d to everything that concerned personal and private matters, but they had given up nothing of substance, and had done nothing to prejudice the ultimate solution of the "South African question, to which they were all looking as a justification for the war. It was indeed a good augury for the future .that the Boers had shown a ready and loyal spirit to accept the altered conditions. If those feelings continued, as he thought they would they might rely upon it that we were 0 at the beginning of an era of prosperity in ,South Africa which that country had previously never known.

THE MOST NUTRITIOUS. Lamar E P P S S o GRATEFUL—COMFORTING. 0 A BREAKFAST AND SUPPER.

'upon A, time a gentleman who was going to have his head cut off wanted to speak, on the ground that being the principal performer in the matter he ought to he itUowed to say a few words. (Laughter.) He agreed with their worthy Member of Parliament that County Council should have a little more power to deal with matters that came before them, Corporations might also be given a little more power. When the County Counoils were formed ithere were a gieut many croakers who said that -they would increase the rate", but he had yet to ■learn why they should act differently to other local •government bodies, such as Town Councils and 'Corporations, who, so far as he knew, had not cobbed anyone or taken away anyone's property. "■Their work bad justified their creation, and he .thought they might be trusted to use any powers "given them with discretion and judgment. He had ,great faith in the Mayor and Corporation of Newport taking c:rtJ of other people's property as -well as of their own, ind he thanked them for their kind hospitality extended over 80 long a period. (Applause.) I Alderman Bear, senior alderman (in the absence .,of the Mayor, who is in London looking after the interests of the Corporation Bill), responded in a ,witty manner, and claimed a continuance of the close ? friendship and amity which had so long existed between town and county. Councillor J. R. Jacob in giving The other representative bodies of the County referred to the importance of the labours of the little army employed gratuitously in looking after the public weal. Major Williams, responding in the absence of the Mayor of Abergavenny, said his one regret was that the County Council new buildings were not being opened in the large and important town of Abergavenny instead of in Newport. The members might then work amid beautiful scenery and enjoy invigorating air. (Laughter.) Mr Nehemiah Phillips, Mr B. H. Deakin (town clerk of Monmouth), and Mr J. A. Shepard (Tredegar) also responded. Alderman Vaughan (Newport), gave The Monmouthshire County Council." He remarked -that at the first meeting of the Council at Usk the hope was expressed that all political differences would be sunk, so that there should be that unity of action which would promote the general interests and well being of the County. He was proud to think that that advice had been acted upon. (Applause.) Referring to the new Council ■Chamber the speaker said it was calculated to make the Newport Corporation jealous, so much superior was it to their Council Chamber. He pointed out that the interests of the County and of Newport were to a great extent identical, and he asked for that co-operation which should -Increase the prosperity of both. Alderman E. Grove (chairman) responded, and Ksaid the Council acted simply on the motto of doing their best for the County irrespective of politics or creeds, and proceeded to deal with the good work which had been done in the County. He expressed deep regret at the absence of the tSurveyor. "The Building Committee, County Surveyor, and Contractor," was submitted by Councillor W. P. James, who said the new buildings were worthy of the Council, and also of the County Borough in which they were situate. n In response, Sir Henry Mather-Jackson, Bart, referred with regret to the absence of the Surveyor. Only the Building Committee, he said, who had %ad to do with the details of the building could appreciate to the full what an immense amount of time and thought Mr Tanner had given to the work. What they had seen that day, however, proved to them how carefully and properly the work had been carried out. (Hear, hear.) As a Council, he thought they had been extremely modest. They had been in existence several years, ,alld having done what they could to improve the police stations, police courts, &c., in the various districts of the County, they had at last turned to themselves and seen to it that they were properly housed. He recognised as much as anyone the kind hospitality of the County Borough of Newport, but with the prospect of their own multifarious duties being still more added to, and having in view the fact that enlargements were necessary to their former offices, they had built themselves a habitation in which to properly discharge the duties of their office. (Applause.) Councillor T. Parry gave The Chairman," than whom, he paid there was no more popular nobleman in the land. (Cheers.) With all due deference to his lordship he would venture to say that there was no man more beloved amongst (them, and they would all devoutly hope and pray that Providence might spare him for many years to come to carry on that good and beneficent work in which he was always engaged. (Cheers.) Lord Tredegar, in returning thanks, said a distinguished philosopher had sa' that the proper test of life was first to be virtuous, and, secondly, to be praised. He would not lay any claim to the first, but he was afraid that that day he had had more than his share of praise. A historical student was once asked to describe the two principal speeches ot history—one of ancient end one of modern history. He chose as his -example of ancient history, "Let there be light," and of modern history, "Up, Guards and .at 'em." That was the sort of speech that he should like to finish up the evening with. "Up, Guards, and at 'em" was never spoken. (Laughter.) The Duke of Wellington never said it at Waterloo; but, of course, that did not signify. (Laughter.) The historical student said be did, and they must abide by that. (Renewed daughter.) Again referring to the kindness of the Mayor, Ex-Mayors, and Corporation of the Borough of Newport, his lordship remarked that "the County Council would be happy to lend them their new Council Chamber any time in the future "when they decided to re-build their own. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) The interesting proceedings then terminated.