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

MONMOUTH. I Agent.—Mr. Oaf re< Bo Reseller, JfjI LORD LLANGATTOCK was among the purchasers at the great sale of Shire horses at Thorney, Cambridgeshire. MUNICIPAL.—There will be no contest this year. The four retiring councillors—Messrs. George R. Edwards, James Breakwell, Alfred E. Jones, and Kennington Hall—were duly nominated and returned unopposed. PRESENTATION.—To mark their sense of appre- ciation of Primo R, M. Stokes, who is shortly leaving the town, the brethren of the Henry V." Lodge R.A.O.B., at their weekly lodge meeting on Wednesday night, presented him with a silver cigarette case, suitably inscribed. On V Thursday evening, at the Angel Hotel, a semi- public dinner was given in Mr Stokes' honour by tiis numerous friends, when further evidence was ,given of the general esteem in which he is held. This is worth reading. Mr F. H. Demper, 94, Hornsey Road, London, N., writes: I am a busy journalist, and at times Inve suffered severely from brain fag' and general lassitude. I have tried many remedies, and have found the after tffects worse than the original weakness. Thanks to the advice of a friend, I was iuduced to experiment with Dr Tibbles' Vi-Cocoa some months ago, and am very glad I did so. After a day of the hardest work, I find a cup of it will banish the fiend insomnia. Since I have taken it v habitually, I find that I sleep soundly, and on "Waking the next morning I am as fresh as a lark. I wish I had heard of Dr Tibbles' Vi-Cocoa years ago." BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—Colonel Davis presided at the usual meeting on Friday week. The -question of exit stairs from the upper dormitories of the house again came before the Board, and after some consideration, the whole matter was again referred to the House Committee. The -difference of opinion as to the hour of meeting was indicated by Mr Perkins, who moved that it be altered to 11 o'clock. Mr T. Smith moved an amendment that the hour be 10.30 Mr Perkins' motion was carried by 13 votes to 10. -The Medical Officer | Dr Stokes] wrote giving a month's notice to terminate his engagement. The resignation Was accepted.—Mr Frazer gave notice that at the next meeting he would move the appointment of Dr Miles, who has purchased Dr Stokes' practice.

NEWPORT. I I .I ( Agents— Messrs Greenland aid Co.. Nt(}J{x,lMt8. I PORTRAIT OF LORD TP.FDRGAit.-Tiie portrait in -zils of Lord Tredegar, which has been placed in the 'Council Chamber of the Tredegar Urban District Council, in recognition of his lordship's generosity to the town, was on view on Tuesday evening. The ^artist, Mr G. F. Harris, of Cardiff, was present, and in an acknowledgment of the eulogies of the Council, said ho considered it an honour to be asked to paint a portrait of such a nobleman as Lord Tredegar. SMALL-POX CASEs.-Another death, the second, -from small-pox, has taken place at Newport. At ,the Mendalgief Hospital, on Tuesday night the mnvaceinated child of Vittle died. The other cases are progressing well, and no fresh instances have been notified. A third death has occurred from small-pox at Dowlais, and five fresh cases have been notified. -No further case have been discovered at -Newport. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING. I At ft meeting of the Newport Town Council, on I 'Tuesday, the question as to the provision of a lunatic asylum for the town at Caerleon was brought ,-up. -Alderman T. H. Howell, the chairman of the lunacy visiting committee, said the estimate for the I -asylum now was £ 140,000.—The vote, taken on the amendment in favour of Messrs Linton and Com- pany having the contract, was carried by 27 votes to 3, and a further amendment was agreed to, to revise the scheme, so as to provide 300 beds and mot 350, and that the tender for building be revised accordingly. The voting on this matter was 17 for ?acd 5 against. The question of al'owing the Newport Empire   used for a Sunday sacred concert in ■j of X f ds of the Life-boat Institution came • JSeli™ r Corporation .-The Watch Committee S ??? ? ? sanction, and Mr R. Wilkinson D onn amendment' that the Council as a Se shonir ldglVQ permiaaion.—Dr ? Lloyd Davies the vote being' taken it was found that there were ■ 17 for tL » t 10 aSain8t—'The amend- Jent granting permission was, therefore, carried ??ent?ppX. ?-??- ?-' thMrf°re. Trioa The aldermanic vacancy, caused by the absence in .?ew ZeatMd of Mr Tom Jones, was filled up by 4he unanimous choioe of the senior Councillor, Mr T. H. Howell.-In returning thanks for his election, Mr Howell said he had not provided the refresh- ments which were often provided on such occasions, but, instead, he had pleasure in handing the Mayor cheque for ten guineas towards the funds of the hospital and a cheque for a similar amount for the almshouses. felear. heat.]

I PONTYPOOL. [Agents—Mr. J. Warding. Market Bookstall, Mr Fieldhoust { The Market, and Messrs. Jones and Edwards. BurrALOISM.-A new lodge in connection with the R.A.'hB., to be known as King Edward the Seventh" Lodge (No. 857) was formed at the Globe Hotel, Pontypool, under very successful auspices on Monday evening. The opening ceremony was performed by Prov. Grand Primo Morgan, Cwmbran, assisted by D.G. Primo Griffiths, Abercaru, and other officers of the P.G.L. The lodged opened with a link of 60, visiting brothers coming from Usk (including Knight Green, Priroos Mundy 2, Savery, Haynes. Bros. T. Thomas, C. Sec., Haynes, Webb. and E Thomas), Newport, Pontnewynydd. Talywain, Abersychan, and from the General Gordon Lodge, Pontypool. FOUND DEAD NEA.R PONTYPOOL. I An inquest on the body of William Thomas, 47, { labourer, of no fixed abode, who was found dead in a barn near Pontypool-road on Friday morning in last week, was held before Mr W. J. Everett, deputy coroner, at Griffithstown, on Saturday afternoon. Edward Martin, labourer, of no fixed abode, said that for some time past the deceased and himself had been sleeping in a hay-loft in a barn on a farm belonging to Mr William Rowlands, near Pontvpool-road. They had not done this by permission of the owner. On Thursday night he was in company with Thomas at the Star Inn, Trosnant Pontypool, but witness went away about nine o'clock, leaving the deceased there. He went to sleep in the loft that night, and did not see anything more of Thomas until the next; morning, when upon coming down the ladder he saw him lying on his face on the floor, with his stomach across the shafts of a cart. He tried to arouse him, but found he was dead. Witness then gave information to the police. P.S. Bladon said that he found the deceased lying with his face in a quantity of hay and a pool of beer. which he had vomited. He had no doubt that upon falling across the shafts of the cart Thomas had struck his head against the wall, and had been suffocated before regaining conscious- ness. Dr. O'Keefe said that upon examining the body he had come to the conclusion that deceased had been suffocated in the manner described by Sergeant Bladon. A verdict of Death from suffocation" was returned. ———— 4) —————

RAGLAN. Aqent-Mr. W. Parker, Photographer. STOCK SALE. Messrs. Nelmes, Poole, and Atkins conducted a very successful sale of stock at the rear of the Beaufort Arms Hotel, Raglan, on Monday. Besides calves, sheep, and pigs, there were close on 200 head of cattle on offer, and never before has such a fine collection been brought together in the village. Trade was brisk, and competition keen, as may be gathered from the fact that 105 head were disposed of without a break, and the whole sale lasted only 2 hoars 40 minutes, while it realized a total of nearly £ 3.000. Buyers attended from Stourbridge, Hereford, Gloucester, Cardiff, Monmouth, Newport, Chepstow, Abergavenny, Pontypool, Biynmawr, Coleford, The principal vendors were Messrs. Townsend, Raglan [whose animals realised about £l.IO I]. The largest buyers were Messrs. Week s [Brynmawr. close on J6800 worth], Dare [Cardiff], Duckham [Newport], Warner | Gloucester], Elijah Nicholas [Monmouth], Rosser and Jones [Abertillery], Parry [Hereford], T. Lewis [Pontypool] and Edwards [Christcburchj. Bollocks realized from C16 to £ 24 per head; heifers, S12 to X-16.1- cows, fl8 ho L20. The auctioneers had erected at considerable cost, a new sale pen and they are to be congratulated on the gratifying result ofheír sale.

The Prime minister Dining with Welsh Members. On Tuesday evening, in the House of Commons, Mr Balfour was the guest, at dinner, of Lieutenant- Colonel Pryce-Jones, M.P. Welsh Bishops, Welsh Nonconformists, Welsh Conservatives, and Welsh Radicals all dined in amity, and all, apparently, were animated by a feeling of good fellowship. Those present included Sir William Harcourt, M.P., Sir Isambard Owen, Senior Deputy Chancellor of the University of Wales Principal Roberts, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University College, Aberystwith; Principal Reichel, of University College, Bangor Sir Alfred Thomas, M.P., President of the University College, Cardiff; Sir Lewis Morris, jun., Deputy Chancellor of the University of Wales; Lord Windsor; Sir George Newnes, M.P., Sir Joseph Lawrence, M. P., Mr Lloyd-George, M.P., Mr Brynmor Jones, M.P., Colonel Wyndham-Quin, M.P., Mr W. Abraham, 1\LP., and Mr D. A. Thomas, M.P. Although it was understood there would be no speeches, the host in a non-political mauner briefly proposed the health of the Prime Minister—a toast that was enthusiastically received by politicians of all shades. In response, Mr Balfour thanked Colonel Pryce-Jones for the great pleasure he had given him in introducing him to so eminent a gathering. In no other country, and in no other epoch," said the Prime Minister, "could such an assembly have been brought together. It is, I think, unique in the annals of politics. Engaged as we are in a fierce controversy, the final phases of which cannot yet be seen, it is, I think, a matter to rejoice over that mutual respect, mutual admiration, and mutual esteem which we have for each other has not diminished, if it has not increased." These observations were heartily cheered.

Markets. I MONMOUTH, CATTLE, Monday.—There was a big attendance of buyers, many of whom came from a distance to attend the stock sale at Raglan in the afternoon, and, owing to the sale, the supply at the market was generally short, except pigs, which were plentiful and in good demand. Beef sold very quickly. Mutton, mostly of second quality, was practically eleared. Quotations :-Best beef 6|d to 7d, coarser qualities 6d to 6d veal 7:1j to 8d wether mutton 7td to 7fd, ewe ditto 5d to Gid, lamb about 8d per lb pork 10s 6d to lis, bacon lis per score. Auction priceg:-The following prices were realised under the hammer of Messrs. Nelmes, Poole, and Atkins (Monmouth, Newnham and Stroud): Fat beasts tl5 lUs to X17 12s 6d, fat calves up to £ 3 15s, store ditto 22s to 47a wethers 38s to 41s, ewes 35s to 38s, lambs 24s to 3os porkers 30s 6d to 58s, bilcouers ;C5 t0 X6 17s 6d. OHEPSTOW, j CATTLE, Tuesday.—There was a good supply all round to-day, with a corresponding trade. Best beef made 6fd per lb, with 6d per Ib for second quality, and 7,j per lb for veal; wether mutton 7!d per lb, ewe 6!d to 7d per lb, lamb 8d per lb. Porkers realised from 10s to 10s 6d per score, and baconers 92 6d per score. NEWPORT, CORN, Wednesday.—There was not much business doing, and prices of all kinds of grain were about the same as last week. NEWPORT, CATTLE, Wednesday.—Cattle, sheep, and lambs were in great numbers, the attendance of buyers also being very good. A keen brisk trade was discernible all round. Prices ruled as follow :— Best beef 6id per lb, seconds 6d to 6id, cows 5}d to 6d; best wether mutton, 7id per lb; lamb, 7d to 7d per lb veal, 6d to 7d per lb porker pigs- light-weights lls 3d to 11a 6d per score, heavy- weights lea 6d to 10s 9d, NEWPORT, CHEESE, Wednesday. -There was a pitch of about 12 tons to-day, and, with a good attendance, there was a fair business. Quota- tious:-Caerphilly makes 54s to 60s perewt. fancy dairies 61s to 62s, truckles 60s to 63s, Derbies 648 to 65s, and Cheddars 56s to 60a.

I lonmoutMire Chamber of Agriculture. I MEETIVG AT ABERGAVEm. I INTERESTING PAPER ON WOOL SUBSTITUTES. I [SPECIAL REPORT.] The first meeting after the farmers' busy season of the Monmouthshire Chamber of Agriculture was held at the Greyhound Hotel, Abergavenny, on Tuesday afternoon. Mr Louis C. Wrigley, the president, occupied the chair, and amongst those also present were :IlesLqrs. R. Stratton, C. D. Phillips (hon. sees.), T. Morris Prosser (secretary), H. Williams (delegate to the Central Chamber), W. J. Grant (Monmouthshire Technical Instruction organizer), Major Sandford. J.P., Alderman W. Williams, J.P., Messrs. W. Marfell, R. H. Marfell, Francis Hobbs, H. D. Jones (Llanovar). J. Merton .Tones, J.P., Addis, George Davis, W. Rogers, G. Spencer, W. Morgan David, G. Harris, J. Jackson, Capper, and John Rogers. Several new members were elected. PROPOSED VISIT OF MR. HANBURY. At the commencement of the proceedings, the President said Mr W. J. Grant had an interesting communication to make, and he asked him to be kind enough to at once make it. Mr Grant said he had to report to them that Mr R. W. Hanbury, the President of the Board of Agriculture, would pay a visit to Abergavennv on Saturday, November 29th, for the purpose—they had reason to believe-of satisfying himself as to the good report of the operations carried on by his (the speaker's) department of the technical instruction work of the County Council made by the Chief Inspector of the Board of Agriculture, Mr Brooke Hunt, after his recent visit. If there were any matters'that Chamber was interested in, and they wished to call Mr Hanbury's attention to, he (Mr Grant) had the right hon gentleman's permission to lay before him the facts so that they might receive his attention and be dealt with on his visit to Monmouthshire. (Applause.) The occasion of the visit of the President of the Board of Agriculture to Monmouthshire was the annual competitive examinations open to those who attended the classes of the Agricultural department of the County Technical Instruction Committee, and the distribution of the County medals for butter-making, the Cheese School Scholarships, the prizes and certificates for exhibits of butter, cheese, fruit, cider, horse-shoeing, &c. He hoped that Abergavenny-nay, Monmouthshire—would be equal to the occasion, and that the attendance would also be very large. (Hear, heat.) He would venture to remind them, now that the cider- making season was pretty close at hand, that arrangements were being made by which the County instructor, Mr Wootton, would commence on the northern side and work round to the southern side of the County, giving advice and instruction as to the way in wnicn tne cider vintage should be carried out. At the great Brewers' Exhibition in London last week there were two exhibits of cider from Monmouthshire. The one for competition was reserved," and the one from the County Cider School—not for competition—received the highest mark it could, viz., the Diploma of Merit. (Applause.) When he told them that cider from Monmouthshire was realizing Is 3d per gallon for selling again he thought it was practical proof that they could produce it at least equal to the cider produced in any other County in the Kingdom. (Applause.) SOUND SIRES. Mr C. D. Phillips referred to a resolution which had been brought forward by the Cambridgeshire County Council to the effect that all entire horses hired for service should be licensed and passed by a veterinary surgeon for soundness. It appeared to him that as breeders of horses they must feel that it was most important they should have sires free from hereditary disease, and he believed this resolution was a fine step in the right direction. He therefore, moved that it be adopted by the Chamber, and that the Monmouthshire County Council be asked to do all they can to further the movement. Mr H. Williams seconded. The only way in which sound sires could be ensured to the non- professional man was to adopt something of the kind. The President strongly supported. The small farmer, he said, should not be imposed upon by everything that was being taken about the country. They might see the animal a fine horse and clean and be ignorant of the presence of a disease which would be transmitted. The resolution was agreed to. SCALE OF COMPENSATION. The President, referring to the work of the Committee appointed to revise the Scale of Compensation for Unexhausted Improvements, said they had met three times and gone very carefully into the matter. The Central and Associated Chambers, however, had appointed a committee to go into the same question, and while the opinions of the Monmouthshire Chamber might be of some service to the Central Chamber, as a junior body the Monmouthshire Committee did not wish to pledge themselves absolutely to any revised scale until they had had an opportunity of hearing what the senior body had to suggest, since the latter had the advantage of the advice of the best experts of the country. They (the Monmouthshire Committee) had so far only drafted a scale, and they had not absolutely settled, even amongst themselves, that it was quite what they wanted. He therefore proposed that the Secretaries be instructed to send a copy of the draft scale to the Central Chamber, as it might be of assistance to them in dealing with the matter, reserving the power to further revise it if Mon- mouthshire desired it. Mr R. Stratton seconded. Mr Henry Williams moved as an amendment that only so much of the scale as had been agreed to by the Committee should be forwarded to London, Mr C. D. Phillipa pointed out that the President's idea was simply that of the Committee and not of the Chamber. The Chamber not having had the scale before them had not agreed upon any point therefore they would not be committed in any way. Mr Stratton also pointed out the express reservation in the motion. Mr Morgan David agreed with Mr Williams. The subject before ,the Committee was a very important one to everybody interested in agriculture, and it would be useless to send up the whole draft when only a part of it had been agreed to. The President said the Committee drew up. at the first two meetings, point by point, a certain scale, and that had been type-written as they agreed to it. It was suggested that they should have a third meeting that morning to look through it again before presenting it as a finished report, and then upon one or two points there was a difference of opinion. They therefore, did not say the report was final, but from the very beginning their idea was that, if possible, they were to assist the Central Chamber by showing "them what the views of the Monmouthshire Chamber were. They proposed to distinctly say that they reserved the power to alter the ecale if they considered it desirable. He thought no harm could be done by letting them see the result of their labours so far as they were expressed in the resolutions passed by the Committee. Mr R. H. Marfell pointed out that the ordinary members of the Chamber did not know the details of the subject being ,discussed. The President replied that it was not advisable now to publish the draft scale; it would not be wise to divulge it at the present time. As there was a division of opinion, he would withdraw his motion. The Committee would take no further steps in the matter until they saw the Central Chamber report upon it, when they would re- consider their own report in the light of that. I SUBSTITUTES FOR WOOL. The President said Mr Alfred Mansell, or Shrewsbury, was invited to read a paper un flit- subject of The deleterious effect produced by the use of substitutes for wool in the manufacture of so-called woollen articles in England, America, and the Continent, the consequent injurious effeJt on the price of wool, and the desirability of Legislation to prevent the sale of such goods Woollen goodl'l. Mr Mansell had taken this subject up very strongly, and had read papers on u at the National Couterence of Sheep Breeders and at other places. He wa, unfortunately unable to be present that day, but Mr Stratton would read the paper to them. Mr Stratton then read Mr Mansell's paper, in the course of which he said it was only too evident that substitution is rampant, and that, corn. paratively speaking, little, and, ili. some cases, no, new (raw) wool is used in the manufacture of what is sold as woollen goods." It is stated on good authority that, notwithstanding the increase in the world's production of wool, the production and consumption of wool substitutes has been on a far larger scale. Flax, which had the largest con- sumption in 1800, now (1900) takes the third position from cotton and wool, while the quantity used is not quite double what it was in 1S00. The CONSUMPTION OF WOOL has only increased five times, and whereas in 1800 there was nearly 2 times as much wool used as cotton, there is to-day nearly three times as much cotton used as wool. While the consumption of wool and flax has only increased on a very moderate scale, there is nearly 40 times as much cotton used as in 1800. The auctions of rags are of far greater importance to many so-called "woollen manufacturers than any of the great wool sales held in Loudon and elsewhere, and it is a fact beyond dispute that many influential manufacturers of woollen goods never buy a single bale of raw wool. Apart from the enormous number of rags collected at home, the Board of Trade returns of the imports of woollen rags show that the use of these substitutes is on an enormous scale. Equally appalling arn the figures published by the National Live Stock Association of America as to the shoddy used there. In 1900 £ 74,000,000 of shoddy were used DISPLACING f,222,000,000 OF WOOL or equal to 72 per cent. of all the wool in the United States that year. He agreed that manufacturers should be at full liberty to supply the demand for low-priced goods, but he argued that they should be compelled to sell those goods for what they are and not as woollen goods." So successful has the introduction of substitutes become that firms hitherto making an all wool fabric have, in many cases, had to resort to similar practices to maintain their position, as a difference of from 25 to 30 per cent. in price was too much for them A melton, 42 inches wide, is extensively manufactured and sold at 6d or 7d per yard. This is used for skirts and frocks, contains no wool, being absolutely all cotton warp, the weft being entirely SPUIl from rags and a little raw cotton blended to give it strength, and it is sold as woollen goods." After citing many authorities, the writer proceeded to say that it cannot be doubted but that THE ADULTERATION I of woollen goods-or, should be say, the manufacture of spurious goods sold as woollen goods-is a large and growing practice, and that it behoves everyone interested in the future of sheep husbandry, and the clothing of the masses of the people with honest woollen garments, to take up the question thoroughly and endeavour to formulate and carry a legislative enactment which shall place the business on an honest basis and insure that goods containing admixtures of shoddy, muugo, cotton, or other foreign material shall be sold as such. That there are many difficulties in the way of getting practical legislation on the subject cannot be denied, but the importance of promoting honesty among manufacturers and protecting the people from imposition I DEMANDS THE SERIOUS ATTENTION of the Legislature of all civilized countries, because as a matter of fact it really concerns the masses of the people more than the sheep men who are directly interested, since, under present conditions, all the poorer classes are entirely clad in the adulterated article. Doubtless 90 per cent of buyers have no idea that when asking for woollen goods they are given an article in which raw wool is conspicuous by its absence. Even if prices were somewhat enhanced the genuine woollen garment would give greater comfort and health, wear much longer, and in the end prove more economical than adulterated goods. Mr Stmtton said the price of wool was miserable if articles were sold honestly the sheep breeder would have three times as much for the wool as now. It was a great fraud to sell as woollen goods" goods which were not woollen at all. Mr H. Williams proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Mansell for his interesting and instructive paper, and further moved:—" That this Chamber is of opinion that the. increasing adulteration of woollen goods aud the unscrupulous substitution of inferior material in the manufacture of so-called woollen goods demand in the interests of both the consumer and the producer immediate legislative attention and that copies of this resolution be forwarded to the Minister of Agriculture." Mr Lyne seconded, and the motion was agreed to. The President then left, and Mr Lyne took the chair. TOO CONTROVERSIAL. I A letter was read from the Rev H. A. Williams on the Education Bill, but the subject was voted political and too controversial, aud the letter allowed to lie on the table. WATER IN BUTTER. I The Newport (Mon) and District Grocers and Provision Dealers' Association wrote calling agrictilturi,its' attetitioti to the fact that grocers would in the future require a guarantee that butter sold to them contained less than 16 per cent. of water. Mr Henry Williams said the grocers were rather premature in this matter. The guarantee would save nobody. It would be the business of the farmer to see that his butter did not contain that quantity of water, and it would be the business of the buyer to see that the butter he bought to sell agaiu was not adulterated. The grocers were not justified in asking for a guarantee, because farmers knew that they would be individually responsible if they put more than 16 per cent of water into the butter. PEDIGREE ANIMALS. The Secretary reported the receipt of a circular from the Board of Agriculture informing the Chamber that copies of any published lists of pedigree animals would be distributed amongst, and kept at, the consular offices on the Continent, in the United States, &c.. for the information of foreign purchasers of stock for breeding purposes. The Chamber, the Secretary said, had no such list. but if any one else had he should be pleased to forward the ccpies (40) as suggested. This was all the business of importance.

Exhibition of Welsh Industries. I An exhibition of Welsh Industries was 11 opened at the St. Cteorge's-ball, Liverpool, on Wednesday, under the auspices of the Welsh Industries Association. Lady Mary Grosvenor performed the ceremony, in the absence of Lord Aberdare. There was a large and influential attendance, and the prospects of a successful exhibition are good. Twelve counties are represented by stalls, that of Monmouthshire being presided over by Lady Liangattock. There was an immense crowd at the opening ceremony and the scene was one of the most brilliant and picturesque ever seen in the city, many of the stall attendants wearing the Welsh national costume. I During the afternoon and evening the exhibition was splendidly patronised, and the proceeds both from admission charges and sales were stated to have been very satisfactory.

1 ora Tredegar Distributes Prizes 1 I, at Llamlaff. A meeting of the Governors of Howell's Glamorgan County School, Llandaff, was held on Tuesday, when Lord Tredegar presided, and a long report on the condition of the school, by Miss Kendall, the headmistress, was ordered to be printed and circulated among the Governors. The annual distribution of prizes and certifi- cates to the successful pupils took place in the afternoon, Lord Tredegar again presiding. After commenting generally on the satisfactory report, his lordship went on to particularise. The Scripture had been uniformly good, English composition excellent, and spelling good. In arithmetic, however, he noticed that the work was stated to be very weak and inaccurate. Well, he was very bad at arithmetic himself, so he would not make any adverse comment. (Laughter.) As to geography, one pupil had described Bristol as a port in Monmouthshire. Now, he was very much interested in a port in Monmouthshire, and he should be sorry if any young lady went away from that room thinking that Bristol was a port in that County. As to cooking, something was said in the report respecting misjudgment regarding heat and time. He remembered a bishop's wife who, when boiling an egg, would sing a certain hymn, and when she had finished singing the hymn the egg was correctly boiled. He advised his young listeners that if they wanted to boil an egg just nice and soft they should boil it for 3| minutes, and for three-quarters of an hour if they wanted to boil it hard. (Loud laughter.) His lordship said he had always taken great interest in addressing girl students. They had been told by some distinguished examiner that there ought to be nothing in the world so interesting as a little boy except a little girl, and he (Lord Tredegar) quite agreed with him. Having remarked on the popular expression that a naughty girl was worse than a naughty boy, the speaker said that if the girls were brought up well-educated they could chance the boys, as the girls would set them right. (Laughter.) His lordship concluded with the following poetical quotation — Oh, the gladness of your gladness when you're glad, Oh, the sadness of your sadness when you're sad, But the gladness of your gladness, and the sadness of your sadness, Is nothing to the badness of your badness when you're bad. The prize distribution then took place.

Baiaklava Day. As usual Lord Tredegar, on Saturday, com- memorated the Balakiava Charge by entertaining his employees and their wives to dinner. There were three gatherings-at the Tredegar Arms, Bassalleg; Carpenters' Arms, Rhiwderiu and Coach and Horses, Castleton. At Bassalleg, where over 100 men sat down, Mr J. H. Hillier presided. He was supported by the Vicar (the Rev. D. Bowea), Messrs. E. Perrott, W. Burkitt, G. Holland, J. T. Robinson, and Rymer. When all were seated, his lordship entered the room and had an enthusiastic welcome. The Chairman briefly proposed the "Health of Lord Tredegar," remarking, as he did so, that they were very proud to see his lordship there. Tha toast having been cirdially received, his lordship returned thanks. He was, he said, very glad once more to see so many of them present. It was not always that he could meet so many of his friends who were pleased to work for him occasionally assembled together in one room. (Applause.) Curiously enough, the 25th of October had been a remarkable day for many centuries. He did not know whether there was any shoemaker present, but October 25th was a day sacred to the feast of St. Crispin, the patron saint of shoemakers. St. Crispin was one of the earliest Christians to suffer martyrdom, and was cruelly massacred by the Romans on October 25th, 300 A.D. The next important event on October 2.5th was the battle of Agincourt, 1415, when Henry V. did very much the same as was done at the battle of Balaklava. There were very few Euglish to four times the number of Frenchmen. Then they came to October 25th, 1854, which was the day they were celebrating. (Applause.) Then came the battle of Fredricksburg, in the Transvaal, in 191)1. Again, on October 25th of the present year, there was the procession of the King through London. (Applause). In connection with that event his lordship read a letter from the secretary of King Edward, replying to a com- munication sent to his Majesty. The letter said that the King would make a point of remembering the Balaklava men on his way through London. (Applause.) There was also another event which he should have been taking part in, but he preferred to come and see them. (Applause.) That was the opening of the dry dock at Newport, and he ought to have been opening it. He had a great deal of public duty to perform, but he preferred to see them once again on October 25tn. (Applause.) He wanted that day to be remembered by them and their children because it com- memorated one ot the gailant actions of British soldiers. (Applause.) He did not want it remembered because he took part ill that charge. There had been many quite as gallant actions as that of the "Six Hundred," but he wanted to impress upon them that October 25th was a day when England held her own, one on which she had reason to be proud of her sons. (Applause.) His lordship concluded by drinking the health of the company, expressing, as he did so, the hope that they would all meet again next year. (Applause.) His lordship then left amid much cheering, and subsequently visited in turu the other gatherings at Rhiwderin and Castietou. In connection with the letter Lord Tredegar read from the King's private secretary, M.A.P. says One of the most interesting and pathetic sights in all Fleet-street during the Royal progress, was the appearance of a slender line of white-headed old men—the survivors of the famous Charge of the Light Brigade. When all the grand liue of procession had passed, came the King and Queen. The stately cream-coloured horses neared the line of old men and every white head was bare, every weary old back was straight again, their King was before them on this, the anniversary day of their famous charge. Does he know P Will he recognise them ?' were the question on every lip. The King leant back comfortably in the carriage, he bowed repeatedly, but paid no special attention to the eager old men. The crowd in their anxiety almost forgot to cheer, the Royal carriage was in the middle of the short line No 'Yes! I Ali And a sigh of relief went up, for the Duke of Connaught spurred hastily forward, in prompt obedience the footman standing behind spoke to the King, his Majesty did not heed him, it was a question of now or never. The footman i-u'it, forward, and so energetically, that he almost ,,0) ■> balanced, and touched both King and Queen. fy caught the brief sentence, the King realised Ii", situation in an instant, and flpriuging promptly forward in the carriage he bowed again and again to the veterans, who, with the smiling eyes of both King and Queen upon them, raised a quavering cheer.

THE MOST NUTRITIOUS. E P P S S I ruO.êBT:NG COCOA [ BREAKFAST AND SUPPER.

Western Valleys Sewage. A meeting of the ratepayers and owners in the urban district of Abercftrn was held 011 Tuesdav evening (Councillor John Richaràs in the chair), at which a resolution was unanimously passed supportine the promotion of a Bill for the provision of a main trunk sewer for the Western Valleys. The following report from the deputation who waited upon the Local Government Board on October 24th was read Alderman Ruffan (Abercaru) in explaining the position of matters stated that the main reason which had influenced the councils deciding to proceed by Act of Parliament rather than by provisional order was the fact that the urban district council of Nantyglo and Blaina had so far declined to join in the scheme, aud as their district was situate at the top of the River Ebbw it was essential if the scheme was to be effectual that they should be compelled to cease pollution of the stream. The councils were also anxious that the works should be proceeded with at the earliest possible moment, and they were advi-ed that if they were successful in securing the Bill they would be in a positi In to let the contract for the work next August, whereas procedure by provisional order might delay the work for some years. At the same time the urban district councils desired to proceed in the most economical manner possible and would be glad of any assistance the Local Government Board could render them. Mr William Tanner, the county surveyor, who prepared the original main trunk scheme, stated he I had been instructed by the sanitary commi'.tee of the Monmouthshire County Council to give the urban authorities every assistance in the matter. Mr Walter Long, in reply, stated that the Local Government B,,at? was in cordial sympathy with. the object which the deputation had in view, viz., to provide a proper system of main drainage for the valleys, and it was evident that any svs'era would be incomplete if Nantvglo and Blaina continued to pollute the river. He agreed that it would be altogether opposed to usage to include an unwilling authority in any scheme promoted by provisional order, and if it was necessary to acquire I land corapulsorilv he also agreed that procedure by Bill would be the most expeditious method. At the same time the local authorities interested must decide upon their own method of proeedare. and, while he could not pledge himself to the details of any Bill he had not seen he could assure the deputation that there would be no factious opposition to their Bill on the part of the Local Government Board, who heartily sympathised with the object of the deputation and the cour.-e they proposed adopting to stop the pollution of the river. The Risca District Council on Wednesday decided to joii; in the promotion of the Bill,

Monmouth County Mr S. C. Bosanquet presided at a meeting of the Monmouthshire County Education Body at the County Offices, Newport, on Monday. The committee appointed to award county exhibitions reported in favour of the four exhibitions being- awarded as follows: -Dardel Rowland Res, aged sixteen, Tredegar; Aiiee Johns, Ebbw Vale, aged seventeen; Willie4ni Ernest Rees, Aberiiilery, aged sixteen; and Evelyn Rowena Thomas, Abertillery, aged seventeen. Two of the exhibitions are of C30 a year each, and the other two are of t:20, with free tuition at one of the Welsh colleges. Mr S. N. Jones stated that Miss Richards was given the impression that the rule which disqualified her was evaded, and he considered it to be a great hardship upon her. Mr F. S. Dauncey replying to allegations which had been made outside against the Tredegar Governors, stated that the Tredegar candidates reached IS during the school term, and they were entitled to remain in. school the whole uf that term. Alderman Grove thought it was a most unfor- tunate thing they had in the slightest degree departed from the scheme. It was unfortunate that no birth certificates were obtained. He proposed that the report be adopted. This was carried.

1 Eftcltey. USK WEDNESDAY V. NEWPORT. The above match was the first of the season at Usk, and a fairly large number of spectators assembled on the Island to wimess the struggle, which, however, turned out to bs very one-sided, the Newportonians, who were strongly represented, running out winners by 10 goals to love. Usk won the toss and elected to play down the Island. It was soon noticeable that the yisifors were mora tricky, combined better, and were much faster than the homesters, and they imniediatelv began to press. H. Powell, F. Waters, and F. Edmunds showed good defence, which kept the visitors out for » time. E. Smith, Thomas, and Williams made a lot of ground for Usk, but Newport retaliated, and Guy Davies, centre forward, scored a goal, although Edmunds sived at the first attempt. A combined movement oa the part of Pearson and Dauitcey on the right wing led to another score. the former doiug the trick after playing the ball in the air a couple of times. The Newportonians continued to press, but Jones, Hill, Fred Waters, and Powell showed capi- tal defence at this juncture. After a ehort attick by the homesters, Ted Smith leading, Dauncey made a good run up the right wing', and centreing at the proper time. Guv Davies had no difficulty ia adding to the score, and Pearson quickly followed with another gO'il. Dauncey failed to score after a splendid piece of combination, all the forwards having a hand in playicsf the ball, but Ralph Williams made up for this a moment later by scoring from a very hot shot. Baylis was showing a fine turn of speed on the left wing, but he did not seem to have many chances, as the play was chiefly confined to the right wing. Newport were leadiag at half-time by 5 goals, The Usk forwards showed better form at the commencement of the second half, and Smith, Thomas, and Williams led a sharp attack on Newport goal. Smith sent in a smart shot, whicd struck the post, and this was followed by another good shot from a centre by Thomas, the ball just passing outside. From now until the end of the game Newport kept up a continual bombard- ment of the Usk goal, and goals were scored in quick succession by PearHon, Guy Davies (v two) Baylis, and Ralph Williams. The following were the teams :— Newport—Goal, Hazell; backs, R. ,Tones and G. H. Davies half-backs, Guy Joues, Tho. Hardinz, and A. Davies; forwards, P. N. B.iylis, Rnlph Williams, Guy Davies, T. W. Pearson, and F. H. Dauncey. Usk-Goal, F. J. Edmunds; backs, H. Powell and C. Jones, half-backs, Fred Wat-rs, F. Hill, and E. W. Waters; forwards, T. Williams, H. Marfell, E. J. Smith, A. J. Thomas, and F. Davies, Refereee, Mr Tong, Newport.

Football. Some of Saturday's result?; played on the ground of the first named — Swansea v Cardiff.-Home team won by 2 goals 4 tries to nil. Newport v Blackbeath,-Home team won by 3 goals 3 tries to nil. Monmouthshire League v Glamorganshire League, at Abertillery, home team won by 1 goal 1 try to 2 tries. Abergavenny Wanderers v Penarth Reserves — Home team won by 2 goals to 1 goal. Abertillery Crusaders v Aberbeeg.-Home team won by 1 try to nil. Cwmbran Reserves v Newport Extras,—Visitors won by 1 goal to nil. Chepstow v Newport II,- Visitors won by 2 tries to nil. Monmouth v Coleford Stars.—Home team won by 2 goals 3 tries to nil.