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

NEWPORT. I A Greenland an t Co.* Nuasajen't, SMALL Pox.-Another small-pox case was removed to Mendalgief Hospital oa Monday. This was a girl, aged 14, who had been in close contact with the baby who succumbed to the disease. She was vaccinated four days after contact, but the inocula- tion was not soon enough to prevent the infection, though the cas3 is of such a mild character that the spots are scarcely visible. This makes five cases which have been treated in the Mendalgief Hospital, including the Spaniard. All the patients are progressing favourably, and one has recovered, being able to resume bis ordinary occupation. On Thursday another patient was isolated. IIAKBOUR BOARD.-At the monthly meeting, on Wednesday, the clerk read a letter from Mr Co wper-Coles, agent for the Monmouthshire estates of the Duke of Beaufort, resigning his seat on the Board, as the Manor of Newport and Caerleon bad been sold to Lord Tredegar, who would, no doubt, nominate a successor. The. Chairman said it was gratifying to see that the coal shipments were still increasing. For the month of October there was an increase of 50,000 tons, as compared with October, 1901, aud for the ten months of the present year there was an increase of 177,316 tous. GUARDIANS' MEETING.—There was another heated discussion over the increasing cost of the new work- house, which is in course of construction on Stow Hill, at the meeting of the Newport Board of Guardians on Saturday last. The discussion was brought on as the result of a recommendation from the Building Committee to borrow an additional P4,500 in order to complete the work of re-construc- tion,-The Rev. T. G. James opposed the recom- mendation, and said that the building bad already exceeded the original estimato by 40 per cent.—The Rev W. H. Williams said it seemed to him an extraordinary thing that they did not pay the architect a fixed salary. This new loan would mean an extra zC200 or so to the architect.—In reply to Mr James, the Clerk said that they had already borrowed two sums of B37,01,10 and X14 500 in respect of the workhouse. Two thousand five hundred pounds of this money remained in hand.— The Chairman (Mr Dutfie'd) said that they were obliged to have this money somewhere. The ques- tion was whether they were going to borrow this money or raise it out of the current rate. Mr Crabbe pointed out that the total expenditure they were faced with was X56,000, whereas the original estimate was £ 37,000.—After further discussion it was decided to make application to the Local Government Board for sanction for a new loan of £ 4,500.

PRIZE DISTRIBUTION. I Lord Tredegar presided on Wednesday afternoon at the distribution of prizes at the Newport Girls' Intermediate School. In opening the proceedings his lordship con- gratulated the school upon the progress which it had made, but regretted that there had been delay on the part of the Board of Education in sanctioning the new buildings. Perhaps he had better not say much about the Board of Education just at present. (Laughter). He, however, hoped that some of the girls in the school were ambitious enough to take a place on the education board which would be set up under the new measure. An American lady had said that this was the age of disobedient mothers. He could quite under- stand from the report of Miss Vivian that there were no disobedient girls in the school, and if there was disobedience it must be on the part of the mothers. When Lord Beaconsfield was com- plimented on the assistance which his wife was to him he replied, Yes, she is very useful indeed but I never can get her to remember which came first-the Greeks or the Romans." He believed that now young ladies were being educated in history there was no such reproach as that cast upon them.—The Headmistress (Miss Vivian) presented a most interesting and encouraging report on the work of the school, and an address on educational work in general was delivered by Miss Hurlbatt, after which the prizes and certificates were handed to the successful scholars by Lady Mackworth. Lord Tredegar, responding to a vote of thanks, said that the late Mr Ruskin, who did not often say nice things about anyone, and who was a disagreeable sort of man, said that in the towns where there were intermediate schools for girls there was a sort of "know all about everything in all the girls he met. He (Lord Tredegar) in his visits to the County Council buildings, which adjoined the schools, said that he had frequently met the girls going to or returning from the schools, and he noticed that they had a know all about everything" sort of look. Speaking as to the probable future of most of the girls, marriage, he said that in some examination papers which he looked through recently, a girl in answer to a question as to how she would cure a simple cold, replied she would put him to bed, give him a warm drink, and sit by him until he got better. (Laughter).

PRESENTATION TO SERGEANT-MAJOR G. J. COOKE. I A complimentary dinner to Sergt.-Major G. J. Cooke, of Pontypool, upon his retirement from the Army, and in celebration of his appointment as Inspector to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, was held at the Globe Hotel, Pontypool, on Thursday night week, when host and hostess H, Edwards catered an admirable repast. Mr E. Fowler, J.P., presided, whilst Major D, S. Davies and Mr Donald Reid occupied the vice-chairs, and about 70 civilian friends of the Major (who occupied a seat on the right of the Chairman), rallied round the festive boards. The tables having been cleared of their appetising viands, the post-prandial proceedings commenced. The loyal toast having been duly honoured, The Chairman expressed his pleasure at having been invited to occupy that important capacity, which, he said, no person who so thoroughly knew their guest as a soldier and gentleman as he did, could refuse to do. (Loud applause.) It gave him great pleasure to call upon Mr D. J. Lougher to perform the most important duty of the evening. (Applause.) Mr Lougher, who was well received, prefaced his remarks with a kindly allusion to the unavoid- able absence of their fellow townsman, Mr F. Probyn, who, owing to temporary indisposition, was unable to carry out his intention to support the Chair. Proceeding, he said they were assembled that evening to express their esteem of their guest as a soldier, as a friend, and as a citizen. (Hear, hear.) As a soldier he had been told that he had served lully 22 years—(applause)—in the Army of our late beloved Queen and present King, and bad attained the position of senior non-commissioned officer of his battalion. (Hear, hear, and applause.) As a friend he spoke for himself; he had known Sergt.. Major Cooke from four to five years and he stated with every confidence and assurance that he had alwaye found him a friend willing to do that which he asked of him in little matters connected with the Battalion. Furthermore, he had always found him a true gentleman he had found him such a person that nothing seemed to be a labour to him. Indeed, he was one of those who would rather serve than be served, and as a citizen he (the speaker) did not think that he could offer better evidence than was before them that evening—(cheers)—a living testimony of how well they thought of him as a citizen in that town- (renewed cheers). What would be his position in 40 years if the testimony at present before him was only after a residence in the town of a few years ? He felt assured that the gentle character of the British soldier, as exemplified in the South African War, must have been in the minds of those who had appointed him to his new position. (Applause.) He had every assurance that when the Major commenced his new duties there would be no one more fit than he to do the work-especially having regard to his pest experience. (Applause.) He himself was of the candid opinion that he would be a worthy acquisition to the Society. Mr Lougher then presented Major Cooke, on behalf of his civilian friends, with a handsome and suitably inscribed gold watch, saying :—" May this watch serve you as a true and faithful friend in carry- ing out the duties of your new post, and, further, may it remind you of that time when you and all of us will have to leave this earthly abode and join again that grand army above where wa shall serve under the Soldier of soldiers and Friend of little children." (Cheers) The health, prosperity, and long life of the Major was then drunk in a bumper and with the singing of "For he's a jolly good fellow." Major Cooke, who appeared deeply affected, and, on rising, was accorded a great ovation, said he had been in the town from three to four years, and during that time had received a lot of good comradeship from gentlemen who were so kindly entertaining him that evening. He regretted to leave a large number of good old friends at Ponty- pool, but although he might be distant he would always have for them a very retentive and loving memory. The appointment he was shortly to take up would not be exactly the same as soldiering, but he would, to the best of his ability, serve the people who employed him. (Applause.) No matter what was said, he bad always been a good soldier, and had served his country's cause to the best of his ability, and when he came into civiliaa life he would try to act as man to man. (Hear, hear, and applause.) On the motion of Major D. S. Davies, a cordial vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman, who suitably responded. The "Host and Hostess" were next toasted, after which the enjoyable proceelinirs terminated. During the evening an excellent musical pro- gramme was gone through under the direction of Mr S. T. Roderick.

SKENFRITH. I SCHOOL BOAPD.-The monthly meeting was held at New Inn School, Graig. on Thursday, Mr W. H. S. Whitney, chairman, presiding.—The Clerk (Mr J. H. Farquhar) reported a balance at the bank of £ 119 7s Id, but cheques amounting to X98 were drawn that day.—A precept of C18 2,1 2d was issued to the Overseers of Llantiho Crossonny, payable on 12th February.—Favourable reports of the inspec- tion of Garway and Norton's Cross Schools were received, the grants amounting to £81' 6s (and £10 population grant) and L77 respectively. The grant earned was 22s per head in both Schools.—The Master and Mistress of New Inn School having resigned their appointments, the Clerk was directed to advertise for a successor, and a Committee was appointed to deal with the applications. -The Chairman was authorised to sign the agreement with the proprietor of the Grosmont water works for supplying Grosinont Board School with water.

The New Mayors in Monmouthshire. NEWPORT. The annual meeting of the Newport Corporation was held on Monday in the Council Chamber, Newport, when there was a large attendance. The retiring Mayor (Mr H. J. Davis) presided. Alderman M. Mordey proposed the election of Mr John Holman Dunn to the mayoralty, remarking that Mr Dunn had been a member of the corpora- tion for twelve years, and had been six times elected by his constituency. Mr R. Wilkinson seconded, and said that Mr Dunn was entitled to the mayoralty b)th in the matter of seniority and integrity. The motion was carried with unanimity and enthusiasm, and Mr Dunn was invested w-itii the robes and chain by the outgoing Mayor. The newly-elected Mayor then thanked the Council for the high office which had been conferred upon him, and proposed a vote of thanks to the ex-mayor. Alderman T. Goldsworthy seconded, and the motion was carried and acknowledged. On Saturday Mr Dunn retired from the departmental management of the Newport Docks, I which he has occupied for the last 23 years. He is a Conservative and Churchman. MONMOUTH. t At the annual meeting, on Monday, Alderman Vizard presided and moved that Councillor Hamilton Baillie, who had performed the duties of mayor in an exceptionally efficient manner, be re- elected for a third year of office. This was agreed to unanfmously, and Mr Baillie resumed the chair. ABERGAVENNY. I At the annual meeting of the Abergavenny Town Council on Monday, Alderman Foster was appointed mayor for the ensuing year. and he was re-elected an alderman on the expiry of his term of office. Subsequently the mayoral bauquet was held at the Town Hall, the newly-elected mayor presiding. Mr Foster is a Wesleyan. GENERAL ELECTIONS. I The election of mayors took place throughout England on Monday. Of the twenty-nine Loudon mayors eighteen are Conservative, nine Liberals, and one Unionist, the politics of one not being stated. The provincial list totals 314. Of this number 151 are Conservative-, 26 Liberal Unionists 130 Liberals, and three Independents. The politics of the gentlemen elected in four cases were not stated.

His Majesty's Public House. I The 80th report of the Commissioners of Woods and Forests contains some interesting information regarding Dean Forest, particularly in regard to the acquirement last August of the famous Rncklea Hotel, Symonds Yat, and the adjoining Highmeadow Woods, in view of the estate being almost surrounded by Crown land, and of the fact that it is largely frequented by visitors who are attracted by the scenery to be found in th-e Crown woods adjoining on each bank of the Wye, it was thought desirable to secure control of it. It was accordingly bought for £ 3,U09. The hotel has been re-named The Royal," and has been let to a tenant on special terms, under which he has no pers mal interest in the sale of intoxicating liquors these are supplied to the hotel by the People's Refreshment House Association under an arrange- ment with the Commissioners, who say it is too soon as yet to give any decided opinion as to the working of this experiment, but, go far, it promises well, and the management is well spoken of by visitors. The income received from sales of forest, produce in Dean Forest for the year 1901-2 was X4,897, and from surface rents, C2,034 against £5,559 and £ 1,955 respectively in the previous year. Mineral royalties for the year to the end of March last amounted to £ 15,264, compared with L15,346 in the preceding year. In Wales and Monmouth the Crown rents and duties for the year realised £ 21,714. In the previous year the total was £ 20,170.

THE MOST NUTRITIOUS. E P P S S GBATEFUL—COMFORTING. COCOA BREAKFAST AND SUFFER.

I Football. I Some of Saturday's results; played on the ground of the first named — Newport v Swallsea.-Yisitou won by 2 goals to nil. Devonport Albions v C,ardiff.-Home team won by 2 goals 1 try to 2 tries. Llwynypia v LI a nelly.—A draw, 1 try to a penalty goal. Abertillery II. v Pontypool Reserves.— Homesters won by I try to nil. Swansea II. v Newport II.—Homesters won by 3 goals (1 penalty) 1 try to a goal. Cardiff Reserves v Pill Harriers.—The visitors won by 1 goal 3 tries to nil. USK F. CHEPSTOW ST. MARY'S. «»-' I The match, for the benefit of J. H. RJberts- I who three weeks ago broke his shoulder bone in the match with Pontypool-was played at Usk on Saturday last, before a good number of spectators. The homesters won the toss. and Mr R. St. John Beasley kicked off for Chepstow, towards the River. The leather was returned to neutral territory. The Saints got in a dribble to Usk's 25, but F. Davies sent them back with a fine kick to touch. The ball got among- the visitors' backs, but Madley put in a good tackle. Theophilus and Thomas were responsible for an invasion of the Saints' 25 with a smart dribble. Price, however, relieved with a punt to touch at half-way. Thomas again dribbled well, but turned the ball in touch near the visitors' 25. Prothero got hold and gave to Evans, who ran well, but worked his wing too near the touch line before he passed, and Williams got grassed. Taylor went away from the next scrum and transferred to Prothero, who cut a good opening, and put Williams over with a try. A. J. Thomas failed in the attempt at goal. After the drop oat Usk again took play to Chepstow's 25, where Bob Jennings took a shot for goal and a minor resulted. The visitors kicked out and Usk returned to half-way. From a scrum the ball was sent along the homesters' line, but Jennings held on too long. Chepstow attacked from a rush by their forwards, but Jennings got in a splendid kick to half-way. A pretty bout of passing between the visitors' back ended in Thomas going over with a good try. A. Rowe majorised. Usk dropped out and inter-kicking left the leather in touch inside the Chepstow quarter. Williams got a mark, but no advantage was gained. Williams intercepted, and ran up to the visitors' custodian when he unfortunately passed, and that badly, to Madley, who failed to take. Taylor started a round of passing bat keen tackling spoiled the effort. From a scrum at half-way, another passing bout ended in Thomas going over again for the Saints. The same player converted. Half- time was sounded with the score — Saint Mary's.2 goals. Usk 1 try. A. J. Thomas re-started for Usk, and the Chepstow custodian failing to find touch, Evans picked up and put in a good run. Just after he bad hard lines in not scoring, being tackled inside the visitors' 25. The Saints worked into the homesters' 25, from a mull by one of the backs. Some splendid tackling by the U skites was witnessed here. The homesters were awarded a free which enabled them to clear to half-way. Thence they went away with a good dribble and Thomas ran over his own line to save. Succeeding a scrum the Saints dribbled back to half-way, and Thomas, who looked like scoring, was called back for off-side tactics. Utdc tried a bout of passing, but the tackling was great. Bowyer and Theophilus made headway with a smart bit of footwork. Price, Inwever, nullified their effort with a fiue kick to touch near the homesters' line, and from the line out Morgan got over. Thomas failing with the kick, Usk dropped out, and Taylor got away and passed to his third line, Jennings receiving but his pass was intercepted by C. R. Thomas, who with a grand run scored his third try. The same player failed to negotiate. it was now getting dark, and it was impossible to distinguish the players on the field of play or see the ball. The final whistle was sounded with play in Usk's 25. Score :— Chepstow St. Mary'a. 2 goals 2 tries. UOLR -J The following represented Usk :-Back, E. Symonds J-backs, A. Williams, J. Evans, Bob I Jennings, F. M. Davies; 1-backs, Dai Prothero 2 (captain), E. Taylor; forwards, A. Bowyer, R. Theophilus, D. Murray, A. Jones, J. Madley, A. J. Thomas, E. Waters. The game, until it got dusk, was evenly contested, and a good one to witness, plenty of interesting bits of play being seen, both individual and combined. There was not much to choose between the forwards, the home pack playing better than in any. previous match. Their dl ibbling is much improved, but they should learn to stop the rushes of their opponents better, by falling on the ball. The halves, Prothero and Taylor. had a ding dong tussle with the visiting halves, and by no means had the worst of the argument. They were responsible, conjointly with Williams, for the first try. The tbreequarters were dangerous on occasions, especially J. Evans aud Williams, the former nearly scoring on a couple of occasions, and many times starting an attacking movement. Jennings is steadily improving, he got in some useful kicks when the visitors were on the attack. Symonds has played many a better game for his side, but, no doubt the greasy state of the ball was against accurate handling. The visitors were lucky in scoring so much as they did. The second try was scored after the ball had been thrown straight through the scrimmage, and should certainly have been called back, aud the last through the slovenly passing of the homesters. C. R. Thomas, who was responsible for this try, was repeatedly standing eff-side, as also did the visiting forwards, waiting for a mull by the homesters, who were iu such case immediately pounced upon. Surely this is not the game of football, and under a Umou referee the visitors would have been penalised. Price, as usual, played a sound game for his side, kicking with a fine length.

The Transporter Bridge. I It was very unfortunate that the weather was unpropitious on Saturday for the formal stone- laying ceremony in connection with Newport's new bridge, which was performed by the Mayor (Alderman H. J. Davis) as the last official function of his year of office. The structure will be quite a new thing in bridges so far as this country's experience goes, but the plan has been adopted at many places on the Continent haviug tidal rivers like the U ek at Newport. For many years it had been found that the one bridge across the river in the borough was getting so much congested and was so much out of the run of a lot of the traffic that increased cross- river communication was imperative. Several suggestions were from time to time put forward- a tunnel under the river, a high level bridge, and a swing bridge-but it was a sine quel non that the utility of the river for the free passage of the ships was u.ot to be interfered with, and this, coupled wi: h the great cost of any of the first suggested hornes, caus-d the borough engineer and the Hi:o bcrs of the corporation to look about for alternative plans, so as to meet the requirements and also cut down the cost, which, in the case of either a tunnel or a high level bridge, would have been not far short of a million of money, They found that a French engineer, Mons. F. Arnodin, of Chateau Neuf, had patented a steel construction, which was quite unlike an ordinary bridge in one great outstanding feature. Instead of pedestrians walking across the river and vehicles driving across, as in the case of an ordinary bridge, the people and the vehicles are carried across upon a huge car, which quickly travels backwards and forwards from bank to bank, the lower part of the car working a short distance above the river at high water. The car is suspended by ample steel rods from a very high single span girder arrangement, suspended from either bunk of the river upon light, open structured steel towers of ornate but powerful build. The Corporation almost as a whole two or three years ago inspected a transporter bridge of this sort designed on MOllS. Arnodin's plan across the Seine at Rouen, and, finding that it worked there admirably and that similar bridges at Bilbao, at R ,cbefort, and mher places had also answered fwill, the Newport authorities decided to have one. The bridge is of Mons. Arnodin's type, and he has sold his patent rights to the Corporation in connection with it. Mons. Arnodin and Mr R. H. Haynes (the Newport borough engineer) are the joint engineers to the scheme, which is estimated to cost 90,000, including the cost of the lands, &c. It is being set up between tvo docks—the Alexandra and the Old Dock-at a point near the Brithdir Wharf, on the west bank of the Usk, and just below Messrs. Lvsaght's works, on the east bank, where the river is 700ft wide, and where there is a rise and fall of tide at high springs of 40ft. <. s The car. which will be driven by electricity, will accommodate six vehicles and a couple of hundred pedestrians. It will have a net load strain of 66 tons. The girder upon which it will work will be 177ft. above igh water mark, and the towers will be carried 78ft above that height. The span will be 645ft, and there will be a clear opening of £ 592ffc, so that shipping will not be interfered with. The towers are being built into anchorages of solid blocks of masonry, each weighing 2,000 tons. The contract, has been let to Messrs. Alfred Thorne and Co., of Westminster, and it is expected that the work will be completed in about two years and a half. The Mayor was supported by a large number of the Corporation at the foundation atone laying at the western anchorage. The Town Clerk asked the Mayor to lay the stone, and the contractor, Mr Alfred Thorne, presented his worship with a handsome silver trowel, with which he spread the eement upon the place above which the foundation-stone (a block of granite a couple of tons in weight) was suspended from a tripod. The stone having been laid, On the motion of Alderman Moses, seconded by Alderman Bear, a vote of thanks was accorded to the Mayor, Alderman Bear expressing the hope that he would live to see the bridge open. His Worship thanked the gathering for the appreciative vote. After the ceremony of stone-laying the members of the Corporation and officials adjourned to the Town Hall, and at the invitation of the Mayor took wine and sandwiches with his worship, who proposed "Saccess to the Transporter Bridge," aud coupled with the toast the names of the engineer and contractor. Mr Haynes and Mr Alfred Thorne responded.

Dr. Mlhiger on the Education Bill. "ONE OF THE GREATEST NATIONAL BOONS." HE SPEAKS AS A WESLEYAN MINISTER. Dr Dalliager, in the course of a letter to The Times, says: -Tile Education Bill will pass into law; of that there can, happily, be no doubt; and it will be one of the greatest national boons secured for many a year. We, as a nation, are palpably weak- ening commercially anl in the practical application of science to industry aud the arts for want of GENUINE NATIONAL EDUCATION —education that will fit the citizens of the future for the life they will be called upoa to live. A unified system of education whieh recognises and admits great moral and religious principles and practically includes whatever promotes secular educa- tion in its largest modern sense Is, in the judgment of most men who are unbiassed and know the facts, the only sound hope for Britain in the future. A a A N on formist-a Wesleyan minister of many years' standing—I experienced 0 EXTREME REGRET on seeing the manifesto of the Free Church" Council sanctioning a deliberate and widespread refusal to pay the rates im- posed if the Education Bill of Mr Balfour became law. This Council is composed of men charged with the inculcation, not only of the ethics, but of the morals and motives of the Gospel; their manifesto, therefore, appeared to do violence to every preconcep- tion one bad formed of their lofty work, and treated with contempt all that was noble in our constitutional principles but, worse than this, it logically gave implied sanction to the WORST PURPOSES AND ACTS of the rebellious leaguers of modern times. Dr Dallinger also denies that the policy of the Free Church Council binds the Wesleyaa Church, and says that he is not himself a Free Churchman "I am as free as I want to be, especially in being free from any C, antipathy to the English Church, or any desire for its injury."

Parliamentary. THE EDUCATION BILL. On Wednesday, in the House of Com- mons, Clause 12 of the Education Bill was passed in Committee after Mr Balfour had accepted Sir A. Thomas's proposed new reading of sub-section 6, which relates to b V the operation of the measure in Wales and Monmouthshire. Mr Chaplin moved to insert words in Clause 13 providing that not more than a quarter of the expenditure under the Act should fall on the rates. The Prime Min- ister said that the Government were anxious to increase the already very large State grant, but whether they were able to do so must depend upon general circumstances. Permission te withdraw the amendment was refused, and it was defeated by 291 to 14: votes. On Thursday, an amendment, moved by oir Wm. Anson, was passed, extending the basis of assessment for the levying of the education rate. A motion to allow travell- ing expenses to membérs. of the county au- thorities was rejected, as also were motions to alter the provisions relating to differential rating. Clause 13 was added to the Bill by a majority of 95.

7 HY ARCHER&CÇ; mi REGISTERED | Fac-similc of One-Ounce Packet. Archer's Golden Returns The Perfection of Pipe Tobaoeo. COOL, SWEET, AND FRAGRANT.

GKOSMONT. INCREASED POSTAL FACILITIES.—Mr W. H. S. Whitney, who has been interesting himself in obtaining" increased postal facilities for the inhabi- tants of the Hamlet of Bont, has received a com- munication from the Postinaster-General intimating -that instructions have been given for the erection of a letter box in a. central position at Bont at an early -date, which will meet a great public convenience. A drastic measure of postal reform is shortly -expected in the district. COAL FUND RELIEF COMMITTEE.—This Committee -met on Thursday in last week, there being in atten- dance Mr W. H. S. Whitney (president), Dr Hampton, Mr John Bryan, and Mr J. E. Cole (secretary).—Mr Frederick Richards was unani- -mously elected a member of the Committee.—The Rev J. GrosTenor Monro, Rector of Bacton, had kindly consented to give a lantern lecture illustra- tive of "Slum life in London," on the 27th Nov, in -the Town Hall, Grosmont, on behalf of the coal fund, and the President was asked to take the chair -on that occasion, to which he assented. -A number of routine matters in connection with the fund were left in the bands of the President and Secretary to d,al with.—The Secretary gave a highly interesting account of the progress of the fund, emphasising the fact that it was supported solely by voluntary con- tributions.

a LLANFRECHFA LOWER. PARISH COUNCIL MEETING. At the last meeting of this Council, Mr G. W. "Williams presided and there were also present Messrs E. O. Hollister, T. Harding, A. Jenkins, T. Jones, John Williams, and C. Williams. It was stated that probably the work in connection with the Lhintarnatn Footpath would be commenced shortly, seeing that the conditions raised some time ■ ago by the Llantarnam Urban District Council had practically been withdrawn. A letter was read from the Pontypool Rural Council stating that the cost of the land had been included in the estimate of the cost of widening Pontnewydd Road. The Clerk read a letter from the County Council stating that the question of widening the main road near Croesyceilog would be laid before the Roads "Committee at their next meeting. It was resolved that the Clerk write drawing the t attention of the Rural District Council to the very unsatisfactory state of the water supply, and asking I ,n them to do all in their power to carry out the ,proposed new scheme for a pure supply as soon as possible. It was also resolved that a committee consisting of Messrs A. Jenkins, J. Wiiliams, and W, B. Williams be appointed to deal with the question of carrying out the work of covering a well at Lower Ponthir, as at present there was nothing to prevent dogs going in. The Clerk was asked to write ta the Rural District Council drawing their attention to the down pipes on the front of the houses at Avon Llwyd Terrace, the water from which runs out on the road, there being no drains to take it off, thereby causing great inconvenience to the public. It was proposed that a petition be sent to the Postmaster-General, asking that the question of additional postal facilities for Croesyceilog and district be considered, with a view to providing two deliveries and collections daily, instead of one. A petition, signed by several ratepayers of Ponthir and neighbourhood, was placed before the Council, drawing attention to a footpath which has been used by the inhabitants of the district from time im- memorial, leading from Ponthir to Llantarnam, ,-through the Llantarnam Abbey Estate, which MrC. ■Cory baa of recent years stopped. After discussing the matter for some time, the Council considered that Mr Cory was not justified in stopping the path, and it was resolved that the Clerk write Mr Cory informing him that a petition had been received againtt the action taken by him. Also that the Clerk forward the petition to the Rural District Council, asking them to take the matter up wit h a -view to re-opening the same.

I LLANGIBBY. I Agent—Mrs Nash, Llctngibby Village. I FUNERALS. I The funeral of Mr Thomas Lewis, of Park Farm, took place at Llangibby on Friday in last week, the Rector, the Rev Herbert Addams-Williams, officiat- ing. The chief mourners were Messrs John Lewis L £ son-in-law], W.Lewis, T. Lewis, J. Lewis [cousins], T. H. Lewis, E. Lewis, W. Thomas, and R. Thomas, and amongst the large number present -were Dr Boulton, Messrs Harold A. Williams, J.P., Edmunds, E W Waters, R Hall, J Hennessey, VV Creese, W Matthews,- J Bevan, W Waikins, L Ball, and W Probert, wh'le the bearers were Messrs w Williams, J Griffiths, W Richards, W H Ken- 'nett, F Price, A Wiiliams, E Jones, A Harris, and L. Hall. Wreaths of choice flowers were sent by Mr and Mrs John Lewis, the Grand-children, Mrs L Lewis :and family, Mr and Mrs W Lewis Mr and Mrs Hopton A Williams, Mr and Mrs H A Williams, Rev and Mrs H A Williams, Mr E J Firbank, Miss E Thomas, Mr R Thomas and Miss Lucy Thomas, 'the Misses Thomas, Glanant, Mr and Mrs George, Mr and Mrs F Price, Mr and Mrs Albert Williams -and Miss Williams, Park Farm. The coffin was of polished oak with brass fittings, the inscription on the breast-plate being Thomas u W'8' November 3rd, 1902, Aged 72 years," ^Messrs J and O Roberts were the undertakers. N, On the same afternoon the mortal remains ef Mr -John F. Thomas were also interred in the village -churchyard, the Rector officiating. The family of the deceased were the chief mourners, and the general attendance was practically the same as at the previous funeral, while there were also many JIoral tributes.

MONMOUTH. Agent.—Mr. Qaffrty, Bookseller, ifmmiuth. BAZAAR OPENIJTG.—On Tuesday, Lady Llangat- 'tack opened a bazaar at the Park Hall, Cardiff, with the object of assisting in freeing the St Andrew's National Schools from a debt of £ 500, incurred in ,.carrying out the requirements of the Government Educational Department. PURCHASE OF THE KYIHS.—The special fund started by the National Trust for the acquisition of Kymin Hill, near Monmouth, now amounts to £ 100, leaving about X300 more to be raised. As the purchase must be completed within a month from this date, there is urgent need for increased support if this commanding hill-top, overlooking the Wye Valley, is to be preserved ou behalf of the public in -perpetuity. R.D.C. MEETING.—Mr S. 0. Bosanquet presided at Friday's meeting, when a circular was read "from the Yeovil Guardians containing a resolution passed by them iu favour of reducing the maximum speed of motor cars to 10 miles an hour, and when approaching a cross road or a sharp curve to six ■tniles. After some discussion it was decided to -adopt the resolution and send copies to the Parliamentary representatives and the Local government Board. BOARD OF GUARDIANs.-The usual meeting was lield on Friday in last week. Some three months ago the Board approved of plans for a wooden exit stairs inddo the building, and the Local Government Board granted the money. The the W °l u A- Willia[»8 bad been accepted, and tnpnl ? e?im when the Board> 011 the recom- that fit*1- ■ ^"0U8e Committee, discovered in tho i aifS 11131 e w°uld not suit in case of fire ■and ti«WM dor!nitoriea- The work was stopped ana the committee ordered to confer with the contractor, with the result that Mr Williams agreed to accept Xll 5s as compensation for the work already done. Tenders for exterior stairs were examined, iron stairs £ 75, stone stairs X59 18s 6d. and wood stairs X.27 6s. The tenders were referred to the Visiting Committee, who will meet and confer with the contractors on the spot and report. Dr Miles was appointed Medical Officer for the Monmouth district at a salary of E70 a year, vice Dr Stokes, who has resigned on leaving the town. -A testimonial was granted to Dr Stokes.

I THE MONMOUTH H03PITAL. I The annual meeting of the subscribers to the Monmouth General Hospital was held on Saturday afternoon. Lord Llangattook presided. The accounts were submitted, and showed the hospital to be in a satisfactory financial position. The Committee's report stated that 1,157 out. patients, and 62 in-patients had been treated during the year. It was with very general regret that the resignation was received of Major Griffin as co-treasurer and secretary of the institution, a post he had held for 34 years. Lord Llangattock proposed a resolution express- ing apprecia'ion of Major Griffin's services to the hospital, and this was seconded by Air S. C. Bosanquet, and carried unanimously. The General Committee were elected en bloc, an 1 the honorary medical officers were thanked for their services. Mr Bosanquet next proposed the Hon J. M. Rolls as co-treasurer, with Mr A. Vizard, in succession to Major Griffin, and this having been carried Mr Hamilton T. Baillie (Mayor of Monmouth) was elected secretary. The New Hospital Building Committee presented an important report, which stated that the contract for the new building was £6,182 7s 6d, let to Messrs. Collins and Godfrey, of Tewkesbury. Subscriptions up to date amounted to £4,358 lis 7d of which X,2,517 ls8d had been expended, and the Committee asked that authority be given the trustees to realise from time to time so much of the funded capital of the hospital as shall produce not more than £ 2,000. This was agreed to. Dr Percival W. Miles was elected an honorary medical officer in succession to Dr R. M. Stokes, who left the town recently. Lord Llanga'tock announced, amid some enthusiasm, that Mrs Formby, a benevolent lady living near the new hospital, intended to leave her residence and garden to the institution, and that during her lifetime the convalescents could have free use of her garden. A vote of thanks was passed to her for her kindness, and his lordship, having been formally thanked for presiding, the proceedings terminated.

PONTHIR. TRAP ACCIDENT,-On Tuesday, a young man named Hutchins employed by Mews Lloyd and Yorath, of Newport, together with Mr A. T. Woodcock, traveller for the company, were passing through Ponthir, when, near the Star Inn, the horse stumbled and fell, with the result that both the driver and Mr Woodcock were violently thrown from the trap, the driver alighting on the horse, whilst Mr Woodcock was pitched on to the road. The animal immediately began kicking and caught Hutchins on the wrist, giving him a severe kick, also breaking down the front of the trap. Mr z!1 Woodcock luckily escaped with a severe shaking. Mr Alfred Ford, of Llanfrechfa, immediately ran to the assistance of the driver. SUDDENT DEATH.—An old resident, named Mrs Parry, living at Common Cefu Llwyn, about a mile from Ponthir, died suddenly on Sunday. The deceased complained on Saturday of a little pain in her side, but it was not thought necessary to call in medical aid. She was able to take a cup of tea on Sunday morning in bed. but shortly after- wards a son of the deceased, who was in an adjoin- ing bedroom, heard a noise, and going t) the bed. room found his mother in a dying condition. He immediately ran to a neighbour's house for assist- ance, but before any help could arrive Mrs Parry expired. The deceased's husband only died about a month ago. Great sympathy is felt for the 11 y children aud relatives in their sad and sudden bereavement.

PONTYPOOL. I Agent*—Mr. J. Hariim. ifr FiaUhow I The Market, and Atetsrs, Jones and Edwards. j SCHOOL BOARD MEETING.—A meeting of the newly-elected School Board for the united parishes of Llanvihangel-Poatymoile and Mamhilad, was held on Monday, at the the Clerk's offices, Ponty- pool. The Rev C. Cooke was re-elected Chairman, ind the Rev D. B. Hughes Vice-chairman. Nurse Raymond, 83, Dalton Street, Hulme, Manchester, writes:—"I have tested Dr Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa, and may say that I have never tasted anything to equal it. 1 shall have much pleasure in recommending it to any patients that I nurse." Dr Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa, Ltd., has published hundreds of testimonials from mtn-es, but truly nothing could be stronger than this. A COLLIER'S DEATH.—An inquest concerning the death of Jacob Nelmes (60), collier, II, Penywain Street, Wainfelin, Pontypool, was held at Pont- newynydd, on Monday, by Mr W. J. Everett, deputy-coroner.—He was working in the Tirpen- twys Colliery on October 3lst, when a portion of roof fell and struck him on the right hand, frac- turing one of his fiugers. Soon afterwards he con- tracted influenza, which developed into pneumonia. He died on Friday last.-In answer to the Coroner, Dr S. B. Mason said he was of opinion that the primary cause of death wai the accident, and the secondary cause heart failure and the shock.—The jury, after consulting in private, returned a verdict accordingly. PANTEG COUNCIL MEETING.—The monthly meet- ing of this Council was held at Pontvmoile on Tuesday evening, Mr Alfred Addams Williams, J.P (chairman), presiding.—The Fire Brigade Com- mittee recommended that the New Inn Fire-station should be fitted with the necessary apparatus for the drying of the hose.—A vote of thanks was passed to Mr J. Burgoyae for granting tha free use of a building for the housing of the apparatus at New Iun.-It was resolved that the provision of a new sewer from Griffithstown to Sebastopol be taken in hand, and that the cost be provided by a rate collected over the whole district, to be repaid by the Griffithstown Ward over a period of five years.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS. j The usual fortnightly meeting of the above body was held at the Workhouse, Griffithstown, on Thursday, Mr W. P. James, J. P., presiding. There were also present:—Mrs Mulligan, Mr8 Harding, Miss Davies, the Revs D. M. Davies, W. W. Jones, R A. Howells, Messrs J. Williams, T. M Wintle, W. Charles, W. Newman, Z. Lloyd, J. T. Turner, J. Parker, R. W. Spencer, W. Marfell, J. Jenkins, W. L. Pratt, J. P., A. H. Bailey, and the officers. As there were nearly fifty applications for the position of labour master, it was resolved to refer them to the House and Vigilance Committee to select three of the best applications to lay before the Board A letter was read from the assistant overseer stating that the overseers had found it necessary to suspend Mr E. Pritchard, the rate collector at Abersychan, and recommended that he be dismissed. There was a deficiency of about jETa or j680 in his accounts, but this was coverei by the security The Chairman Mr Pritohard's appointment has been since cancelled. The Bedwellty Board of Guardians wrote stating that they had considered the Pontypool Board's terms for the boarding of their inmates, viz., 12s per week per person, but they could not accept the same. They now proposed to erect temporary iron buildings for the accommodation of these inmates. The matter reported that the number of inmates in the House was 131, as against 170 last year, and 12S on the previous fortnight. The number of vagrants was 90, as against 96 last year.