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

Colonial Visitors. I Ottawa, Friday. Sir Wilfrid and Lady Laurier, and Messrs. Fielding, Malock, and Paterson, of the Dominion Cabinet, leave New York to-morrow for England, to attend the Corona- ZD tion.

i Indian Coronation Contingent. An advance party of the native Indian Coronation Contingent arrived at Hampton Court to-day, in wretchedly wet and dreary weather.

Commander of the Circe. The Admiralty have revised the sentence upon the Commander of the Circe, reducing it to dismissal from ship only.

Cricket. The weather at Lords is gloomy this morning. There was much rain in the night, and some showers zn this morning. There will be no play in test match before lunch. [Later.] Rain is falling heavily at Lords, and play is impossible to-day, rain stopping cricket elsewhere.

Stocks. Stocks, firm. fb I ill

ACCIDENTS OF ALL KINDS, E. MPLOYER-S' LIABILITY, ACCIDENT & DISEASE (Small Pox, Scarlet Fever, Typhoid, Diphtheria, &c) BURGLARY & FIDELITY IN- SURANCE. "RAILWAY PASSENGERS' ASSURANCE COMPANY, Established 1849. Claims paid £ 4,450,000 64, CORNHILL, LONDON. A. YIAN, Secretary. .Local Agent: Mr. H. HEMMING, G. W. Railway, Crane Siraet, Pontypool.

Riiridecanal Conference. THE EDUCATION BILL. A conference of the Rural Deanery of Usk was held at the Three Salmon's Hotel, Usk. on Thursday afternoon, when the Rev H. A. Williams. R.D presided, and amongst others present were the Rev Canon Bartlett [Brisbane], Rev P. L. C. Nash [Usk], Rev W. W. Jones [Xlantrissent], Rev W. M, Willett, Rev. E. M. Prothero [LIan. gwm], Rev J. Blower, Messrs. H. Humphreys, J.P., Harold A. William*, J.P., James Davies, Joseph Davies, L. S. Duvies, \V. H. Kenuett, A. G. Graham, &c., and a number of ladies. THB EDUCATION BILL. The Rev H. A. Williams. in the course of an able address, said he proposed to consider the two great objects of the Education Bill and some of the objections that had bell urged against it. The first great object was avowedly to consolidate and simplify the educational authority, and the second was to save the voluntary schools in school board areas. With regard to the first point the rev gentleman pointed out the present complex nature of the supervision of education in its various branches, and that there was great need for more systematised education, so that overlapping of authorities should not occur. Unfortunately for all, voluntary and board schools had not worked very well together. When the Education Bill of 1870 was passed it was understood that the supporters of voluntary schools would keep up their subscriptions although board schools were going to be established. If the school board rate had been kept down to 3d in the £ that could have been done, but when that rate became one of from Is to 2s 6d in, the £ it was a different matter altogether. A heavy burden was thrown upon Churchpeople in school board areas, yet they were anxious because they had no guarantee what the religious education in school board districts would be. In many board schools the religious instruction was excellent, and left nothing to be desired, save in one respect, the sneer, not expressed possibly, but still implied, against their religion. Coming to questions financial, the rev gentleman pointed out that in Newport the school board rate had gone up od in the £ after the voluntary schools had been closed. Again, in Abergavenny, where the ratepayers would not pay a voluntary rate of 9d in the £ to keep the voluntary schools going, upon the formation of a school board they were called upon to pay Is 3d in the X. That shewed that pre- viously the voluntary schools were saving the ratepsyers a considerable sum cf money annually. [Hear, bear.] The Education Bill would give voluntary schools a chance to live, and would unify the educational authority throughout the country. Many objections had been raised to it, some of which were very plausible but which would not hold water. The rev gentleman proceeded to adversely criticise the observations of Mr Bryce upon the measure, in the course of his remarks denying that the clergy would have the control of the schools, and pointing out that in the last 30 years the voluntary schools had been carried on with very great success as was proved by the reports of H.M. Inspectors. It was absolutely untrue that their schools were cheap and nasty; they were as thoiough and genuine as schools under the boards. The new managers, in his opinion, would be practically the same as the old. Voluntary schools had been main- tained at practically half the cost of the board j schools. He denied that sohool boards had brought all the improvements in elementary education during the last thirty years, and urged that those trained in the colleges of the Church of England had, to the greatest extent, favourably influenced the work, together, to some extent, with H.M. Inspectors and the Board of Education. The rev gentleman then turned his attention to remarks in the Contemporary Review by the Hon E. Lyulph Stanley, a member of the London School Board, and refuted arguments as to the transfer of power which would follow the clauses as to the suggested mode of election of managers. He also ridiculed the statement that the schoolmaster under clerical control would have to perform extraneous duties or lose his position. Alluding to finance again, and taking school board figures, Mr Williams argued that the honorary correspondents and workers of voluntary schools saved ratepayers at least the equivalent of paid officers of board schools—-about A;343,000 a year— and contended further that voluntary school managers should be credited -vith the value of their school buildings, which, at from 2 to 3 per cent per annum on the original outlay, meant an annual amount of something like half-a-million pounds a year. (Applause.) Tn dealing with the question of the Bill adversely affecting tithe-owning clergy, &c., he urged that they should have gratitude for the Government that bad helped to lighten their burdens, as they had helped the farmers by the Agricultural Rates Act, and expressed the opinion that the Government had shown themselves willing to do justice to all so far as it lay in their power. (Applause.) Mr H. Humphreys, J.P., proposed That this meeting of the Rural Deanery of Usk welcomes the introduction of a Bill which co-ordinates elementary and secondary education, substantially remedies the injustice under which the Church has so long suffered, by at length giving to denominational schools, so far as they are eiffcient, the same support from public funds in respect of their secular instruc- tion as has hitherto been accorded to board schools alone, strongly urges that the adoption of the Bill should be made compulsory upon the various local authorities concerned, and prays that the measure may be passed before the close of the present Session." The Rev E. M. Prothero seconded. The Rev Canon Bartlett gave an interesting little speech on the subject cf religious instruction in Schools in Australia, where-in Queensland— recently, public opinion was tested by the Premier, with the result that 97 per cent of the parents bad expressed themselves in favour of religious instruc- tion being given in schools. The Rev W. W. Jones also supported, and said he would challenge anyone to say that their teachers we-re put to do any other than their school woike Considering the means at their disposal he held that voluntary irchools had done quite as well as toard schools. Hm hoped the Government would pass the Bill and as soon as possible. Mr F. W. Harding moved an amendment in order to provide that it should be obligatory that the local authorities under the Bill shall provide one half (instead of one third) of the managers of the denominational schools; also that the cost of elementary education should be entirely borne out of the Imperial exchequer. The amendment found no seconder, and the motion was agreed to, and ordered to be forwarded to IMr A. J. Balfour, Mr Joseph Lawrence, M.P, and Col the Hon F. O. Morgan, M.P. The Rev Canon Bartlett then gave an interesting address on the work of the Society for the Promo- tion of Christian Knowledge, and was given a vote of thanks therpfor. The conference concluded with afternoon tea.

GWEHELOG. CORONATION FESTIVITIES. A committee meeting was held in the Gwehelog Schoolroom, on Monday evening, when there were present:-Alr A. Griffiths [chairman], Mr Davies [treasurer], Councillor Wall, Messrs Williams [Wainfield], Williams [Hall Inn], J., James and Lewis, Mrs Griffiths, Mro Williams [Wainfield], Mrs Williams [The Poplars], Mra Wall, Mrs J. James, the Misses Russell and R. Williams [The Bank]. After the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting the collectors handed over additional subscriptions received during the week, which amounted to Z2 16s 6d, making a total of JE16. This, plus L2 outstanding subscriptions, already promised, will bring the amount to be expended on the festivities to £ 18, all against £ 11 7s 3d collected for the Jubilee, 1897, shewing an increase of L6 12s 9d. The Committee decided to give their orders for provisions, etc., to the following :-Beef and mutton, Mr G. Cale; currant cake and buns, Mr W. Hobbs; seed cake and buns, Mr R. Herbert; bread and sundries, Mr V. Jones; tea and sugar, Mr J. J. Edwards; sweets, Mrs Wall, Gwehelog; ale, Mr Williams, Hall Inn, Gwehelog. Orders were duly made out by the Secretary stating the quantities, and assigned to Messrs Griffiths and Williams to deliver to their respective destinations. Mr Davies [treasurer], kindly consented to find planks for the tea tables, and also to find the five swings for the children. All the gentlemen on the committee offered to render any assistance they could. Deaconess Eleanor had kindly promised to lend the children's mugs and tea urn for the use of the I Committee.

MONMOUTH. Agent.-Mr. Cairrey. Bookseller, Monmouth. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—The usual meeting was held on Friday, when Colonel J. Davies presided. The question of the hour of meeting was again discussed. At the previous meeting the hour was changed from 10.30 to 10 a.m. Mr Graham now moved that the hour be altered to 10.30.-Mr Perkins seconded, and added that every member of the Board knew the hour of meeting when he sought election.—Mr Elsom, in opposing, pointed out that he and other Guardiaiii from Dean Forest must leave home before 7 a.m. They reached Monmouth about 9 o'clock and had to wait an hour and ft half for the meeting, with the chance of missing the I p.m. train and waiting till » p.m. There were other features which he (Mr Elsom) could mention. Mr Graham, who moved for 10.30, was, doubtless, a very brilliant barrister, but he was a most inefficient Guardian. He had only made one attendance in two years, and he (Mr Elsom) failed to see how the hour of meeting could affect him.—The Yice-Chairman (Mr Bosanquet) said it appeared to him a rather undignified action to alter the hour again, after changing it at last meeting. He moved that the question be deferred till the end of October next. This was agreed to unanimously.

v— — NEWPORT. Agents—Messrs Greenland and Co., Newsagents. HARBOUR BOABB.—A meeting of the Harbour Board was held on Wednesday, when a proposal was accepted to appoint a committee to consider the dookising of the river and the formation of a harbour trust. THE BOROUGH MEMBER AT THE PILOTS' DINNER. Captain R. B. Pugsley presided at this annual function, on Wedoesday, at the Beaufort Cafe, and -mongst the guests was Mr Joseph Lawrence, M.P, whose name was coupled in the toast of the Houses of Parliament. In responding, Mr Lawrence said he thought that amongst the classes of this country who deserved well of their fellow creatures, the pilots should be put in the foremost ranks. (Applause.) With regard to the Atlantic combine, they h"d been told by Mr Pirrie, who sold the White Star Line to the Americans,, that it was for the good of this country, but he (the hon member) said it was nothing more nor less than a money making trans- action on the part of a certain number of financiers, and it would be a great misfortune for this country to be lulled into the idea that the transfer was good for England. He saw in the American combination the germs of great mischief, and he trusted the country would awaken to a sense of the danger which threatened it.

PONTYPOOL. Agents —Mr. J. Hardinq, Market Tiookstall, Mr Fleldhouse The Market, and Messrs. Jones and Edwards. GROCERS' ASSOCIATION.-At a meeting of the Pontypool branch of the Master Bakers, Millers, and Grocers' Association, presided over by Mr Richard Herbert, it was decided that the shops should be closed for two days on the occasion of the Corouation. The Factory Act was considered and it was resolved that the secretary (Mr Gwatkin) should apply to the Inspector appointed by the County Council under the Shop Hours Act for a copy of the Act, so that tradesmen in the district would be able to conform with the law. On the motion of Mr R. Herbert, seconded by Mr F. James, Mr E. J. Richards, C.C., of Pontnewydd, was appointed a delegate on the General Purposes Committee of the Federation for the ensuing year and Messrs. R. Herbert and F. James were elected to represent the association at the forthcoming conference at Southport.

COLLIERY ACCIDENTS. An accident happened to the winding gear at Messrs. Partridge Jones's Blaensychan Colliery, near Pontypool, on Saturday. The men, to the number of about 300, had only gone down the same shaft about two hours earlier. They were, however, rendered idle for the day through the mishap, having to be brought to the surface by means of au outlet through Llanbwch Colliery. Whilst a number of boys were playing with colliery trams near the Lower Race, Pontypool, one of them, named Boyce, aged about ten years, was run over and had his right arm and leg broken, sustaining also contusions] to his left leg. A collier named Peploe, residing at Trosnant- street, Poutypool, met with an accident at Tirpentwys Colliery, he being badly squeezed between some timber and the coal. He received injuries to his leg and other parts of the body and was attended to by Dr S. B. Mason.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of this Board was held on Thursday, Major D. E. Williams [chairman] presiding. It was reported that the balance to the credit of the Board was £ 195 9s, as against £ 3,800 in the corresponding period of last year. There were, however, calls in arrear, to the total of X3,921, the dilatory parishes being Griffithstown, Kemys Commander, LlanvihangelPontymoile, Llanfrachfa Upper, aud Trostrey, to the overseers of which the clerk was instructed to write for payment forthwith. The Clerk said that as the ordinary Board day would be Coronation Day, the next meeting would be held on the 19th June, The House Committee recommended that the Coronation fare for the inmates in the House should include mutton and gooseberries. [ f,,ttighter.] -The Clerk explained that they had a quantity of gooseberries there, but they wanted more. -The Board, being anxious to do all for the happiness of those in their charge, readily adopted the recommendation, and also voted £ 2 to the Master to purchase flags, bunting, &c.. for decoration purposes. I The Local Government Board wrote with reference to the claim for compensation by Mr J. L. Morgan, registrar of births and deaths for the sub-district of Pontypool, Jin respect of the loss of emoluments sustained by him by reason of the recent separation of the parish of Llanhilleth from his sub-district. They recommended that Mr Morgan should be paid the lump sum of £ 144 Ils,-The Clerk mentioned that Mr Morgan had lost about £ 35 a year as emoluments, and, at the suggestion of Mr E Probyn. it was decided that if at any future time the board could take into consideration the excellent services rendered by Mr Morgan to the board, they should do so. Letters were read from the various Unions with reference to the amount of extra out-door relief to be given during Coronation week. The Clerk to the Abergavenny Board of Guardians wrote that his Board had decided to give no extra relief. [Cries of Sbaine." j The Board decided to give la extra out.door relief to each adult, and 6d to each child. A

TREDUNNOCK. I SHERIFF'S CHAPLAIN—The High Sheriff of Monmouthshire, Mr E. Windsor Richards, J.P., D. L., has offered his chaplaincy to the Rev C. T. Salusbury, Rector of Tredunnock, who has accepted the position. Mr Salusbury is Master of Arts of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and has held the living of Tredunnock for the past 35 years.

Here's a Health unto His Majesty." ALL LOYAL SUBJECTS ^jj|||| will drink this Toast O;%JCHA RHYMNEY RHYMMEY KINGSALE,5., in a Bumper of fp IK BUCHAN'S RHYMNEY l|§jr If HL Y W KINU !5 ALE. II iL & A Am A Pure Ale Brewed only from the Finest English Malt and Hops, II AMAiLVSTT S REPORT. 1 THE LABORATORY, DOCK STREET, NEWPORT, MON., March 11th, 1902. MESSRS. A. BUCHAN & Co., Dear Sirs—I hereby certify that I have analysed a sample of your "BUCHAN'S RHYMNEY KING'S ALE," and beg to report to you as under| It is a very delicate Pale Ale of sound constitution and good body, possessing a clear bright colour, and H of excellent aroma. The results of my analysis are such that I am in a position to speak most highly of its | purity and general wholesomeness; I am of opinion that it is a pure product of Malt and Hops. | It is free from acidity, and being clean and containing a good proportion of alcohol, its keeping 1 properties are undoubtedly good. 1 SI In flavour, appearance and general quality it will. in my opinion, bear favourable comparison with all | I first-class Pale Ales. 11 II I am, dear Sirs, yours faithfully, | § gj (Signed) GEORGE R. THOMPSON, F.I.C., F.C.S., || 11 Public Analyst for the County of Monmouth. | 11 SUPPLIED IN CASK OR BOTTLE. TERMS ON APPLICATION TO THE BREWERY. & Here's a Health unto His Majesty."

MONMOUTH. I POLICE COURT, SATURDAY. I Before G. TIPPINS, Esq., H. BAILEY, Eiq., and W. HUGHES, Esq. ROBBERY BY A DOMESTIC.—Eva M>rse, 18, domestic servant, was charged with stealing a skirt, a blouse, and a pair of boots, value 16s, belonging to Mrs R. Watkins, Deepholm Farm.— Prosecutor's wife said she employed prisoner at May Fair. She found her utterly uselesi as a servant and gave her notice. The next day about 5 p.m. the prisoner wai missing, and the clothes produced had been stolen.—P.C. Miles said when he arrested prisoner she admitted it, aud said it was all her mother's fault. She said, "I have no home."—The Bench decided to try and get prisoner into a homa, and remanded her to the Workhouse in the meantime. I

YOUNG SALMON—NOT TROUT.-At Lydney Police- court, on Wednesday, Mr William Parry, of Brock- weir, was summoned by Mr Ernest Hattendorf, water bailiff, for destroying young salmon in the- river Wye, at Brockweir, on the 16th of April. Mr R. Owen prosecuted. Defendant stated that he was ignorant that it was salmon pink he causrht; he was fishing for trout. A fine of X2 and 9s costs was imposed. Defendant was also fined Is and 9s 6d costs for fishing in private waters on the same date. .4 I ',Z rz OA- SUN INSURANCE OFFICE.. 1 0. ————————— 'VoED Sum insured exceeds £460,000,000. For all particulars apply to MR. THOMAS REES, JUNR., AGENT AT USK, RABIES IN SHEEP.-There waslfoundon the farm of Graig, in the Parish of St Dosimell's, Pembroke- shire, a sheep suffering from a disease resembling rabies, of which it died. The veterinary surgeon and inspector, who investigated the case, were con- vinced by the symptoms that it was a case of rabies, and took steps to forward the head to London to undergo the usual test. THE GREAT REMEDY. GOUT FILLS GOUT, RHEUMATISM, SCIATICA. LUMBAGO. Be quickly relieved and cured without restraint from diet, by these celebrated Pills. All Chemi3tsr and Stores, at Is. I-Id. and 2a. 9d. per box. 2 STURGEON IN THE WYE.—A fine sturgeon, about 8ft. in length and weighing over 1401b., has been caught in the River Wye at Symond's Yat, near Ross. An enactment passed in the reign of Edward II. provides that when a sturgeon is caught or thrown ashore on the British shore it can be olaimed- as the property of the Sovereign. A. message was- therefore despatched to his Majesty the Kinor, informing him of the capture of the fish, and a reply was received to the effect that his Majesty did not wish to exercise his prerogative in this instance. The fish was, therefore, sent to Bilingsgate, to be sold for the benefit of those who caught it. DEATH OF LADY LLANOVER'S HARPI-T. Mr Thomas Lewis, landlord of the Welsh Hq,rp Inn. Trecynon, passed away on Thursday, at the age of; 73. He had long held a popular positioh in the musical world, having for many years been harpist to the late Lady Llanover. Althoulti, blind, he possessed a knowledge of the district which was so clear and definite that when seen walking through the streets aud parks-skirtiiig the various ponds- noue but those who were aware of his affliction could have suspected it. BRADFORD'S UNIVERSALLY APPROVED f AUNDRY AND DAIRY MACHINERY Over 450 Gold & Silver Medals and First Prize Awards. NEW "TltlPLE" WA.SHIX(; MACHINE, 50s. complete. "VOWKL WASMSO■ WKTXGIXG DI APHRAGM** CHURNS. AND MANGLING MA(JUIXJ.;S, UUTTEII WO^KEKS. LAUNDRY LI TRUISM; DAIKY APPLIANCES. Liberal Cash Tonus. Catalogues Post Free. THOMAS BRADFORD & CO.. 140-142, High Holborn, London; 1;10, Bold Street, Liverpool; Victoria Avenue, Manchester; Cresceat Iron Works, Salford. — —> Printed and Published by" THE COUNTY OBSERVER/ NEWSPAPER and PRINTING COMPANY, Limited, by JAMES HENRY CLARK, at their Offices, Bridge- Street, Usk, in the County of Monmouth, Saturday June 14th, 1902.

I CHEPSTOW. I PETTY SESSIONS, TUESDAY. I Before C. W. WHALLEY, Esq., and J. T. I HORNIBLOW, Ejq. DRUNK.—Joseph Wyatt, an old man admitted being drunk at the Queen's Head Hotel, Chepstow, on May 20th, but said a young soldier from the front bad treated him.—Fined Is, and coats 5s. LICENSING OFFENCE. Edith M. Phillips, temporary landlady of the Queen's Head Hotel, Chepstow, was charged with permitting drunken. ness on May 20th.-P.S. Groves said he was called to the houre by defendant and found six men there under the influence of drink. When he entered the back bar parlour he found two men standing up quarrelling, and he induced them to leave. Wyatt, who was convicted of drunkenness, was sitting in a chair, and he offered the Sergeant a drink. In doing so he fell to the ground, although a young man tried to hold him up. He drew defendant's attention to the man's condition, and also referred to a man sitting on the table, who was under the influence of drink. There were also two men lying on the sofa, who were described as lodgers. The only drinking utensil on the table was a quart, although there were evidences of beer having been spilt. Witness added that he had been called to the house four times in a fortnight. —Defendant was called, and declared that Wyatt came in and called for a pint, which she refused to serve him with, saying he had had sufficient. He said he was going to wait for his son, and sat down in a chair. She was busy that evening, and shortly after six men came in and called for a quart. Afterwards they started wrangling. Wyatt joined in the squabble, and she was obliged to fetch the police-sergeant.—Mr H. W. Berthon, who appeared for defendant, said there was no evidence of Wyatt having been served with drink, and if defendant was guilty it was only of the technical offence of allowing Wyatt to wait in the house for his soii.-The Magistrates fined defendant 5s and costs, the license not to be endorsed. WITHOUT LIGHTs.-Henry Rees was summoned for causing a timber wagou to be driven without proper lights, at Chepstow, on May 20th.—Fined 2s 6d and 511 costs. RIDING WITHOUT REiNs.-William Cross was fined 6d and 7s costs, for riding without reins at Newchurch, on May 26th. STEALING A BRUSH HAND rE.-Cliarles Pearce, a youth of 15, living at Sudbrook, was charged with stealing a brmh handle, the property of the Monmouthshire County Council, which was left with other tools in a field on the Leachpool-road, on May 20th. According to the evidence, the brush handle was thrown over into the road by one of a number of boys, and was picked up by defendant, who took it home. He w IS ordered to pay the cesta which amounted to 18s.

PONTYPOOL. I POLICE COURT, SATURDAY. I Before A. A. WILLIAMS, ESQ. (in the chair), W. P. JAMES, Esq., W. L. PRATT, Esq., aud E. FOWLBR, Esq. IN PURSUIT OF CONIBS.- William Doyle, haulier, aud Philip Williams, collier, were summoned for trespassing in search of conies at G ytre, on the 18th May, and also with assaulting John Williams, at the same place. -Defaiidatits pleaded guilty.— Mr Coleman, Newport, prosecuted, on bahalf of the Blaenavon Company.—John Williams, woodman, in the employ of the Blaenavon Company, said that whilst in the plantation near Blaenavon, on Sunday, May 18th, he heard some dogs yappiusr, and on going to find out where the noise came from, he saw the two defendants with three dogs and a ferret in the plantation. They also had nets, &c., with them. On being asked what they were doing there, Williams came up and caught hold of him by the throat and tried to choke him.—Doyle who had been before the Court 12 times before was fined 20s, Williams being fined 10s for assaulting John Williams, aud 10s for trespassing. ILLEGITIMACY.—Ernest Thomas Evans, a private in the Somersetshire Light Infantry, was sum. moned by Edith Maud Williams, of Griffithstown, to show cause, &c.-Mr T. Watkins prosecuted all behalf of the Pontypool Board of Guardians, and Mr Lyndon Cooper, Newport, appeared on behalf of Evans, who denied the paternity. After hearing evidence on both sides, and retiring, the magistrates adjudged defendant to be the father of the child, and ordeied him to pay costs, and 2a 6d per week until she reached the age of 13 years. COLLIER'S BRUTALITY.—William Smith, collier, of Abersychan, was summoned by his wife, Mary Ann, for assault on Sunday, June 1st.—Defendant pleaded guilty.—Complainant stated that on the evening mentioned her husband accused her of being drunk, cursed her, and threatened to take her life. As she was afraid of him, she went to stay the night with a friend at Talywain, and on the following morning, when she returned home, she went to lie on the bed. Defendant pulled her off and kicked her, forcing her to go downstairs. He again kicked her out of the house. She produced a medical certificate showing the injuries iuflicted upon her.—Asked if he had anything to say, defendant laughingly replied, I'll remain neutral."—Mr James (a magistrate) This is no laughing nititter.-Defendaiit: I wasn't laughing at you. I have spoken to better men than you. If she gets a separation order I will never pay one fraction piece to hcr.Defendant was P-nod 40s., or one month's imprison alet-it.-It is complainant's intention to apply for a separation order at a future court. COUNTY COURT, WEDNESDAY. I CRUMLIN COLLIER'S CLA.I.V.-Ilenry Coombs, collier, of 17, Orown-street; Crumlin, claimed compensation from Messrs. Partridga, Jonei, and Company in respect of an accident which occurred at the Llanhilleth Colliery on August 9th 1-ist, when a stone fell on him and injured his laft leg. Mr Sankey (instructed by Mr T. S. Edwards, Newport) appeared for the applicant, and Mr Bertram (in- structed by Messrs Simons and Powell) for the respondents, who pleaded that they were prejudiced in the case, as no formal notice had been given them till January 31it. Applicant said that when the stone fell on him and causad an abrasiou on his leg he continued 10 work. His leg, however, got worse, and in October he mentioned the accident to an official of the company. He was compelled to stop work on December 21st owing to blood poisoning having set in, and he was still under medical treatment. Judge Owen said he could not hold that defendants were prejudiced. They were made aware of the accident in October, and could then have made inquiries. Ha gave judgment for .;B I per week from January 4th up to the termination of the period of incapacity, which would be decided by a medical referee. Costs under scale C. WHAT IS "WILFUL ISCONDUCT ? "—Edward Pritchard, collier, claimed compensation from the Tirpentwys Colliery Company in respect of an accident which occurred at the colliery on February 6th, when a t()rW fell on him and injured his head and body. Mr Sankey (instructed by Mr T. S. Edwards) appeared for the applicant, and Mr Anton Bertram for the defendants, who pleaded that applicant had been guilty of serious misconduct. Mark Newburv, fireman, said that some time before the accident he had examined applicant's working p'ace and found a large stone-which afterwards fell ou Pritchard—to ba dangerous. He told Pritchard that he had better timber it. Applicant did not do so, and he was afterwards prosecuted and fined for neglecting to timber his working place- properly. His Honour Judge Owen said that if it was necessary for him to do that he should hold that the applicant had committed misconduct, but not wilful misconduct. Applicant denied that he- had been told to timber the large stone which feW upon him. His Honour said he thought people who had to do with this Act had never formed any conclusion as to what serious and wilful miscon*- duct" really is. Misconduct was wilful when a" man intended to do something which caused tha accident. The respondents had not made out a case of serious and wilful misconduct, and he gave judgment for the amount claimed -Xi a week from the 19th of February to the 17th March.

I Parliamentary. In the House of Commons, on Wednesday, the Income-tax clause was passed after the Chancellor of the Exchequer had promised to institute an inquiry by experts into the subject of graduation. With regard to the coal-tax the Chancellor said he could not possibly reduce the tax thiw. year, but promised to re-consider the matter next year. It was impossible to tell the effect of the tax in one year. He also reminded the Committee that the whole question of out- coal supply was under the consideration of a Royal Commission. The Committee then divided, and there voted For reducing the coal-tax 147 Against. 249 Government majority 102 I MR. ARTHUR LYNCH, M.P. The Speaker in the House of Commons on • Thursday read the following letter from the chief magistrate at Bow-street (Sir A. De Rutzen) Sir,—I have the honour to inform, you that Mr Arthur Lynch, member for Galway City, was arrested and brought up this day before me, charged on a warrant granted by me with treasou, and remanded in custody till Saturday, June 14th." I THE CONDUCT OF THE WAR. Mr Brodrick, in reply to a question, said that an inquiry would be held, and would be made, probably, by a small Royal Commission. The terms of reference would be general, and he did not favour a proposal to hold a special inquiry at- the same time into the question of the meat contracts.

I Sale of Langstone Court Estate. On Wednesday, at the Kind's Head Hotel, Newport, Messrs. Newland, Davis, and Hunt, instructed by Captain W. E. Lawrence, offered for sale by auction the Langstone Court Estate, formerly owned by Mr John Lawrence, M.F.H. There was a large attendance, and the estate comprised several freehold and copyhold farms, residences and lands. Laugstone Court [freehold], with the lordship of the manor, with meadow, arable, orchards, gardens, and woodlands, comprising in all 249 acres 3 roods 11 perches, was sold at X I I,000 to Mr D. R. Evans, solicitor, for Mr D. A. Thomas, M.P. Mr Thomas also acquired at £ 1,900 the Rout's Land, a number of meadows, of 49 acres 3 roods 30 perches, and 46 acres 3 roods 21 perches of freehold pasture, adjoining Langstone Church, at £ 2,200. Mr H. A. Addis, of Usk, bought 7 acres 1 rood 20 perches of pasture at £ 360; also, at S460, 8 acres 3 roods 20 perches; and, at £ 3,600 the same purchaser also bought Mervale Farm, of 49 acres and 14 perches, partly freehold and partly copyhold. The whole sale realised £ 47,500.