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

"C: b:I Japan and Russia. Renter's Special Agency, telegraphing 0 from Tokyo on Thursday, says :— A despatch from Seoul says that Japanese supply steamers are Bafely entering the estuary of the Yalu, and that a landing is being effected at various points on the Korean shore of the river. It is presumed here that the movement is covered by Japanese gunboats. If it is true that Russian forts have been erected on the Chinese side of the river they are evidently ineffective. Trustworthy Korean reports state that the American mines at U nsan and the English mines at Gwendolin are safely guarded by detachments of Japanese troops. Central News says :-It is reported that the estuary of the Yalu and the Manchurian coast near Taku-shan have been mined.

Merchants in South Africa. A Cardiff man who has been twelve years in South Africa, writing to a friend, says Things are in a terrible state here. The merchants are on the verge of bankruptcy, and there is a large number of men out of work-in fact, the country is on the verge of ruin, and your Liberals are trying hard to drive the last nail in our coffin. I have come to the conclusion that half the members of the House of Commons are not fit to be members of parish councils-a more narrow-minded or bigoted set of Pharisees I never heard of. They accuse us of being cruel to the Kaffirs. It is not true. Our Kaffirs are J better treated, better fed, better paid, and, for the country, better housed than the farm labourer in England, who is being stuffed with untruths by members of the House of Commons. It is a great pity that candidates, when they speak, will not state facts. It seems to me that they are terribly ignorant of affairs here. I see the King has signed the Chinese Labour Ordinance. This will make things better in time. Why the Liberal party should make the matter a party question is more than I can tell. The matter has nothing to do with home politics. We have been very patient here since the war, but the English people must not forget that the country has made nearly every man in South Africa a soldier, and that if she tries us too far our patience may give out.

For Printing of all kinds try the County Observer Office. County Courts in Circuit 24. COURTS will be held at the several Court-towns on this Circuit, before His Honour JUDGE OWEN, the Judge thereof, on the days and at the time hereunder mentioned:— Time, a.m. April May June Chepstow 10 11 6 Barry 10 12 3 7 Cardiff 10 13 4 8 10 14 5 9 „ 10 15 6 10 „ 10 16 7 11 Abergavenny 10 13 Blaenavon 10 18 9 Tredegar 9.30 19 10 14 Pontypool.. 10 20 11 15 Newport 10.30 21 12 16 „ 10.30 22 13 17 Monmouth.. 10 26 17 21 Ross 9.30 9 4 Crickhowell.. 11 25 3 I Usk 11.30 8 2

Births, Marriages, & Deaths. Announcements under this heading are inserted at a uniform charge of 1/- each, unless such words as "No Cards," "No Flowers," -*c., are added, when the charge will be 2/6. All Announcements must be authenticated. Postage Stamps may be sent in payment. Lists of Wedding Presents are inserted at the rate of 1/6 per inch in depth.

The Tibet Expedition. That the flower of the Tibetan army perished in the grim tragedy of Maundy Thursday is' a subject of regret. The Mission, on its way to Lhassa, had no wish to demonstrate anew that modern arms of precision are something against which the rude weapons of uncivilised states cannot be matched on equal terms, and Colonel Youno-hu-band and Brigadier-General Mac- clonald did not desire to bestrew their path with killed and wounded. The Lhassa general himself was responsible for an action which is without parallel in the history of warfare. The care with which the Tibetans have kept their sacred city inviolate has been remarkable, and little is known of the region through which our native troops and English leaders must pass before they reach their goal. It is an unsurveyed country, and the Mission must have undergone real suffering in penetrating so far after climbing the mountain ranges of the Himalayan chain, and dipping into the Chumbi Valley. The Mission is A PEACEFUL ONE, intent upon making easy trade between India and Tibet, but it was, fortunately, armed to provide against all risks. We are well able to follow the incidents of the march, for as the British force advances it unrolls its telegraph wire, which connects it with its base, and through its base with home. The Tibetans had made no secret that they would oppose us; but they mis- judged their strength; they knew nothing of the power which the strangers held in reserve, The Tibetan position, we are told, extended for about a mile from the road under which hot springs issue. Up the steep ridge the road was barred by a wall ending in a blockhouse. More walls were built on every fairly level spot on the ridge. Our force was deployed, in order, if possible, to get the Tibetans out of their position without firing. A body of Tibetans, SURRENDERED WITHOUT RESISTANCE, and were disarmed, but the remainder held on till our troops were only a yard or two away. Then they, too, sullenly retired toward the blockhouse, where the Lhassa general and other Tibetan officials were grouped. A great crowd was thus gathered together. So far no shot had been fired. Our own officers apparently never looked for what followed, for they rode forward to look at the mob, as they stood muttering. Pioneers were ordered up with fixed bayonets, and the Sikhs prudently sur- rounded the Tibetans. Still no sign of what was to come. Whilst the officers on our side dismounted, ate sandwiches, or used their cameras, a'scuffie began in a corner of the ring. Fists were angrily shaken in the faces of the Sikhs, stones were thrown, and the Lhassa general himself fired the first shot, and a Sikh fell with his jaw blown away. This was the signal for the tumult. With wild shouts the Tibetans drew swords and fired matchlocks, a dozen swordsmen making a desperate rush for Macdonald. Others made for the unfortunate correspon- 1 dent, who fell with twelve wounds. But THE TIBETANS WERE REPULSED with revolver fire. Meanwhile the Sikhs in front taught the Tibetans what magazine rifle fire means as they tried to climb over the wall. It was a fearful melee—probably, it is said, the Tibetans killed each other in their mad excitement, so closely were they packed together. Then they surged to the rear, forcing their way through the ring of ZD Sikhs. They disdained to scatter and run, but tramped steadily and solemnly away. Swept by a hail of bullets, hundreds fell. That the British casualties numbered only twelve seems almost incredible.

The Original Ooeoof and a Speciality. EPPS'S being distinguished from all others by its invigorating: nutritious qualities and its delicious flavour. This Cocoa. con- taining as it does all the substance of the Cocoa Nib, maintains its leading position after throe-quarters of a Century as (lie best form of Ooeoft COCOA ftrtYwr-dftvvflfc

USK. I Afient-Mr8. E. K. Jones, Stationer j EASTBR MONDAY.—The Easter Bank Holiday was more than ordinarily quiet, the cold, stormy weather being against would-be pleasure seekers. There were very few strangers in the town. GOOD FRIDAY.—The weather on Good Friday was stormy and threatening. The usual three hours' service was held in Dllk Church, the Rev W, Feetham, of Monmouth, conducting. His addresses were much appreciated. There was a large congregation. USK AND DISTRICT RIFLE CLUB.—The first of three competitions for Mr J. Thomas Davies' prize took place on Thursday night, when Mr A. F. Lucas secured a substantial lead by putting on a possible. It has been arranged that those who are unable to attend the regular night for the first two competitions, shall be permitted to shoot on soma night to be agreed upon with the secretary. LLANBADOC SERVICES,—The Vicar (Rev H. Cockson) gave the addresses at the Three Hours' Service on Good Friday, the Church being well filled throughout. On Easter Day the Choral Eucharist was well attended, while the Church was packed at evensong, when the choir and organ were supported by an orchestra. After the service a short selection of sacred music was much appreciated by the crowded congregation, Mr W. Collins, F.G.O., presiding with his usual ability at the organ. THE CRUCIFIXION."—On Thursday evening in last week, after Evensong in the Parish Church, the choir, augmented by a few other local voices, gave a really meritorious rendering of Sir John Stainer's passion music, "The Crucifixion," under the con- ductorship of Mr Theodore Seaton, with Mr W. Collins presiding at the org in. There was a large congregation, and the collection, in aid of the choir funds, amounted to X3 10s Rd. Mr H. Rouse (tenor) took the openinsr recitative and sansr other solos, while to Mr H. Wise was entrusted the solo expressive of the Majesty of che Divine humiliation. Other soloists were Messrs T. Rees, L. S. Da vies, and H. C. D'vies (bass). Elich one acquitted him- self well. The duet ( So Thou liftest Thy Divine petition," Messrs Rouse and L. S. Davies), quar- tette (" God so loved the world," Misses Green and Davies, Messrs Rouse and Davies), the choruses, and hymns were « ing with excellent expression. the balance of parts ,as good, and the whole rendering most effective. Mr Seaton is to be congratu- lated upon the success which attended his indefati- gable labours, and which appears the more pro- nounced when the fact is considered that only a month was devoted to the preparation of the work.

I EASTER DAY. St. Mary's Church was prettily decorated for the Easter Festival. There were three celebrations of the Holy Communion, viz., at 7 a.m., 8.30 a.m., and after Matins, at which there were 209 com- municants. The musical portion of the services included Barnby's Services in E flat and the anthem was "Worthy is the Lamb," from Handel's "Messiah," which was preceded by the soprano solo, "I know that my Redeemer liveth," effectively taken by Miss Green. The singing during the day reflected the highest credit upon Mr Theodore Seaton, the organist and choirmaster.

EA.STER VESTRY MEETING. The Easter Vestry meeting was held in the vestry of Usk Parish Church, on Monday morning, when the Rector (Rev P. L. C. Nash) presided, and there were present:—The Rev Digby S. W. Nicholl (curate), Deaconess Eleanor, Mr J. H. Clark (vicar's warden). Mr H. Humphreys, Mrs Smith, Mrs Powell, Messrs. E. W. Waters, G. Edmunds, H. Watkins, G. Mundy (2), T. Rees, jr., L. S. Davies, J. Pitt, J. Haggett, E' Stone, T. Chambers, J. A. Williams, T. Jones, J. Waters, R. A. Rogers, L. Window, R. W. Spencer, V. E. Jones, R. H. Marfell, T. Day, W. J. Sweet, W. Frost Roberts, V. Winter, J. Watkins. M, Parker, H. C. Davies, J. H. Salter, &c. THE LATE MR JAMES DAVIES. The Rector, having opened the meeting with prayer, said that before they began the business of the meeting it would be fitting to pay a tribute to the memory of Mr James Davies. (Hear, hear). Perhaps the fewer words said the better, but he was sure they would all agree with him that a feeling of gratitude was due to their late Churchwarden for the work he had done on behalf of the Church for so many years. One could not help thinking that whatever Mr Davies did he did with the best intentions and with devotion to his Church. It was his (the Rector's) firm conviction that whatever Mr Davies believed to be his duty, be did. His personal feelings 4of gratitude to Mr Davies were really very great, because when he came first among them. eleven years ago, it was no slight task to undertake the work of a parish in which his predecessor had ministered faithfully for 33 or 34 years, and the willingness of the Churchwardens to fall in with his wishes and ways was of no small importance to him. He could not, therefore, do otherwise than express his gratitude for the way Mr Davies had helped him, and for the work he did in the Church. This tribute was paid with those present stand- ing, and was silently acquiesced in. Mr L. S. Davies feelingly acknowledged the reference to his father. FINANCE. I Mr Clark brought up the balance sheet, which showed that the year commenced with a favourable balance of L2 6s, and ended with one of £ 3 Is 7d, but with a bill for gas, coke, &c., outstanding (X7 6s 6d), which turned it into an adverse balance. Mr Clark, however, stated that subscriptions, amounting to L3 3s 6d, had since been received, and before he handed over the books to the people's warden, he promised that he would obtain the amount necessary to give him a clear financial start. (Hear, hear.) The accounts, which had been audited, were passed. CHURCHWARDENS, The Rector said Mr Clark, who had kindly acted as his warden for many years, had consented to be again appointed. Mr Clark said he had carried out the duties for 16 years, and as the Rector wished him to remain in office another year he would consent to do so. Mr E. W. Waters proposed, and Mr J. Haggett seconded, Mr A. H. Watkins as the people's warden. Mr T. Jones proposed, and Mr J. Pitt seconded, the nomination of Mr T. Rees, jr., but Mr Rees withdrew in favour of Mr Watkins, who was unanimously elected. Mr Watkins said he would do his beat to carry out the duties of the office, and he hoped that when they met next year he would be able to present as favourable a report as they had had in the past year. SIDESMEN. I The following were appointed sidesmen :— Gwehelog :—Messrs. F. Powell and W. Williams. Usk :—Messrs. W. Marfell, J. Haggett, T. Jones, J. A. Williams, J. Charles, W. F. Roberts, R. W. Spencer, E. Stone. T, Chambers, and V. E. Jones. EASTER OFFERINGS. Mr Clark said he had much pleasure in offering to the Rector £ 8 15s 8d as Easter dues. The Rector, in returning thanks, remarked that, as they knew, he had purchased the great tithes, so that his successor might have a larger—or, rather, not such a small—income as his own, and he would be able to leave the living richer than he found it. Such 9, gift as the Easter offerings was of assistance to him. THB FINANCE COMMITTEE. The Rector said it was for the vestry to decide whether or not they would again appoint a Finance Committee, seeing that they were now out of debt. Mr Mundy pointed out that the Committee had done good work, having helped to wipe off a debt of nearly L100. Every ratepayer would like to see the Churchyard kept in a far better state than it was, and the Committee might get some money in order to keep that in a more tidy state. He proposed the appointment of such a Committee. Mr Clark said the appointment of a Finance Committee was a matter for the consideration of the people's warden especially. He had been acting in the place of Mr Davies, and had experienced some inconvenience with regard to the Committee, in respect of the balancing up of the accounts. Mr Humphreys seconded Mr|Mundy's proposi- tion, remarking that of course the Committee would act in connection with the Churchwardens. One advantage of a Finance Committee was that through them people were given an opportunity of showing their practical interest in the necessary work of repairs, &c., in connection with the Churoh. s Mr A. H. Watkins agreed with the proposition, thinking the Committee might do much useful work. Of course the Committee would be under the Churchwardens. The proposition was agreed to, the Committee being formed of the Rector, Curate, Church- wardens (ex-officio), Messrs. J. V. Winter, E. Stone, T. Chambers, and J. A. Williams. A vote of thanks to the Finance Committee for their past labours was passed. THE ORGANIST AND CHOIR. Mr W. F. Roberts proposed a vote of thanks to the organist (Mr Theodore Seatoo) and the ohoir, who had worked really hard and deserved an expres- sion of their appreciation. (Applause.) The Rector said he was glad to see the resolution proposed, because the labours of the, organist and choir had been very great. They had done their very best for the services of the church, and the im- provement which had been effected was marvellous. (Hear, hear.) He would like to see the congrega- tion show their appreciation in a practical way by giving Mr Seaton a living wage. Mr Clark, in supporting, said he had heard very gratifying remarks from people on all sides as to the improvement which had taken place in the choir and in the musical portion of the services generally, since Mr Seaton had been organist. The people readily gave to the choir outing fund when he went round collecting, and expressed their appre- ciation of the way in which they carried out the wishes of Mr Seaton, bringing about a very great improvement in the church music. (Applause.) Mr Mundy endorsed all that had been said, and the proposition was unanimously agreed to. In returning thanks, Mr Theodore Seaton said it was true that he worked hard, but he enjoyed it. His efforts, however, would be of little avail if he had not the co-operation of the choir, and he thanked them heartily for the absolute confidence they placed in him, and for the unanimous way in which they worked with him. He was proud of the way in which they had got on together, and with the improvement which had been effected in only twelve months. He had never worked with greater pleasure in all his life, and he had had some experience. When he started there were only about half-a-dozen in the choir. He saw there was a prospect of good work being done, but he never thought so much progress would have been made in a year as had been made, and he was absolutely proud of all under him. (Applause). The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Rector for presiding.

CRICKET CLUB CONCERT AND DANCE. A very successful concert, followed by an invitation dance, was given in the Town Hall, Usk. on Tuesday evening, in aid of the funds of the Usk Cricket Club. There was a good atten- dance at the concert. The following was the programme :—Overture, "Constellation March," The Band: song, "The Skipper of St. Ives," Miss Ada Hill (St Mellon's); song, "The old Green Isle," Miss Maud Day; violin solo, "Salut d'Amour" (E. Elgar), Miss Beryl Ferguson (encore); musical sketch, "The old organ man," Mr H. Marigold Groves (New- port) song, 1 fear no foe," Mr Harry Hughes (Newport), encore, "The white Squall"; song and dance, "Eight little Burglars" (encored), R. Doubleday, W. Doubleday, F. Jones, K. Morgan, E. Mayberry, R. Hennessey, E. Roberts, W. Rees song, Sing me to Sleep" Miss Hit!; comic song in costume, Time is Money," Mr H, G. Powell. Part II.—Overture, Midsummer Waltz." The Band; song, Which of the two ? Miss Day comic song, I've got something to be thankful for," Mr Sinclair; encore, "His day's work was done"; song," The death of Nelson," Mr Hughes song, "The Pumpkin coons," Boys song, "The Vale of Avoca," Miss Hill; humorous sketch, "The Silver Wedding," Mr Groves; violin solo, Miss Ferguson; comic song, "The new skirt," Mr Powell. Every item was much appreciated, but the violin solos of Miss Ferguson, Mr Hughes' bass songs, and the sketches of Mr Groves, deservedly came in for special applause. As usual the comic element was popular, and special praise must be awarded to the "Eight Little Burglars." who, in characteristic attire and with dark lanterns, gave their grotesque dance with precision, and sang their local lines well. Mr Harry Powell was responsible for this item, and the subsequent song which the boys sang. Mr Theodore Seaton was the principal accom- panist, but Mr W. Collins and Miss Day also assisted. About 70 or 80 attended the subsequent dance, and an enjoyable time was spent. The M.C.'s were Messrs J. Billingham, F. H. Waters, and W. T. Watkins. Mr C. E. Wagstaff, of the Three Salmon's Hotel, provided the refreshments, and the music was by an orchestra organized by Mr E. B. Haynes. The Cricket Club Committee are to be congratu- lated upon the success of both the concert and dance, and it is to be hoped that the funds of the Club, which are somewhat low, may be considera- bly augmented as a consequence.

URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. The last meeting of the old Usk U.D.C. was held in the Town Hall, on Thursday evening, when there were present:-)Iessrs. S. A. Hiley, J.P. (chairman), Reuben Morgan, F. Jennings, H. Ault, G. Edmunds, W. Workman, J. Haggett, E. W. Waters, J. Hennessey, T. J. Smith, A. F. Lucas (clerk), and T. Rees, jr. (surveyor). FINANCE. To wind up the financial year a Finance Committee meeting was held on the 29th ult.. when a cheque for X9 28 was drawn in favour of the Surveyor on account of manual and team labour. &c., and their action was now con- firmed. The following payments were now ordered :-J. Edmunds, half-year's interest, less Income Tax, £ 11 18s 7d; James Symonds, clock winding, £ 1 5s; G. Mundy, year's rent of tipping ground, £1 A. and J. Davies, coal and chips, 13s 5d the Clerk, on account of election expenses, Xg 98; water rentals, X3 5s. The Chairman pointed out that the cost of the election was slightly less than on the previous occasion in consequence of the Clerk being able to make use of some of the forms left over from last time. Payments to Treasurer to end of financial year :-Tolh, L4 18s 3d, ft 8s; rate, X15 14s 5d; hire of Hall, W. Hughes, XI is; F. Waters, £ 4 10s; H. Freeman, 6d (chairs); F.Jennings, jE2 14s; E. Waddington. one year's rent of burgess land, less Income Tax, X4 15s 3d. The Clerk said the balance in band at the end of the year was Y,192 3s, as compared with X117 6s at the corresponding period last year. This was considered very satisfactory. Further payments had been made as follows:- Tolls, L2 §a 2d; A. G. Wallace, hire of Hall, £ 1 lis. THE MAIN ROADS. The following letter, dated 8th March, was read from the Clerk to the Monmouthshire County Council:— I am in receipt of your letter of the 5th inst., intimating that your Council will not give their consent to the proposal of the County Council to take over the main roads within their district, and alleging that the reasons which urged your Council in 1889 to claim to retain the maintenance of those roads, which were at the time shared by the County Council, still apply. I have no recollection whatever of the County Council sharing your reasons, and it seems to be improbable, because they had no choice in the matter. "The proposal is merely to ask for Parliamentary power to release those Urban District Council who, like yourselves, exercised the privilege of claiming to retain the maintenance, from the obligation to do so, and to remove the legal difficulty now existing which prevents those district councils from arranging with the County Council to maintain their roads. "I trust your Council will re-consider the matter, aud faU in line with other district councils who look favourably upon the proposal." The Chairman remarked that he thought nothing had arisen since they cime to their decision in the matter to cause them to alter their opinion, and he moved that a courteous reply be written to that effect. The roads were better in the Urban Council's own hands. The suggestion was adopted. TRINITY MONDAY FAIR. A letter was read from Mr Studt declining to thke the Twyn Square for the Trinity Monday Fair at the increased charge of £7 10s Od. The Clerk said that he had since advertised for applications from showmen for the square. The Chairman remarked that they had better let the matter stand over to see the result. Mr Waters said there were several fairs in the county before the Usk Fair, and showmen might get to know about the matter and apply for the spaoe. SLAUGHTER HOUSES. The Surveyor reported that he had inspected the bakehouses and slang-liter bouses of the district, and found them all, with one exception, olean and in good order. The occupier of the slaughter-house excepted had promised to have it repaired and to get it lime-washed. He hod no objection to the renewal of the lioenses. Mr Mayberry had applied for a slaughter-house license for premises at the rear of the Roval. Usk, and having inspected the proposed building he had no objection to make. The licenses were renewed, the one subject to the necessary improvements being carried out. STATE OF LLANLLOWELL ROAD. A letter was read from the Rev Harry Cockson, on behalf of the Llanllowell parish meeting, point- ing out the desirability of improving the condition of the Council's portion of the Llanllowell main road. Mr Jennings remarked that there was a very great difference between the state of the road 20 years ago and its condition now. Mr Edmunds said th"re had been a lot of timber hauling along that road. He questioned whether the timber carriage wheels were of the required width. Mr Waters also said the road had been subject to extraordinary traffic, and Mr Smith pointed out its liability to damage from the overflowing of the river. The Surveyor admitted that the road was a bit "rutty" on account of the timber hauling, but, evpn so, it was 50 per cent, better than the County main road this side of Llangibby. Mr Smith Yes cyclists have to get off their machines and wall, there at night. The matter was left in the hands of the Surveyor, the Clerk to reply to Mr Cockson. MISCELLANEOUS. The Chairman reported that Mr W. B. Gething, C.C., had been good enough to promise to bring before the Conntv Council as soon as possible the question of a new road being provided from Pontypool Road when a new railway station was being erected there. The Clerk reported that Mr A. E. Bowen, solicitor, had seen him with reference to his professional charges, and said he would have none to make, explaining that some of the charges for preliminary work done by the Clerk had been recovered by him and would satisfy him. This was considered very satisfactory. It was decided to adopt the suggestion that, in the event of a lamp gas meter breaking down, the account should be made up upon the basis of the previous three years' readings of that particular meter. COMPLIMENTARY AND VALEDICTORY. Mr Ault said they had arrived at the end of the term for which tbev were elected, and they ought not to separate without passing a very hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman for the able way in which he had carried out his duties during the past year. The Council had gone along satisfac- torilv together, in fact they had been a happy family, and he was only sorry that the Council were losing two of their old friends, whom he would rather see with them than strangers. The work of the Council had been carried on in a man- ner anyone might be proud of. Mr Waters said he had very great pleasure in seconding that, and he could endorse Mr Ault's remarks. They had one and all pulled together to do the best they could for the town. Mr Jennings supported. They had gone through their business without much friction and in a businesslike manner. He, too, regretted the loss of two of their number, whom he would have pre- ferred to have retained. He hoped that the newly- constituted Council would, during their three years of office, carry on the work with as little friction and as much pleasure as had the old. The vote having been passed, Mr Hiley thanked those who had spoken for their kind remarks, and the Council for the resolu- tion. He thought, however, that the thanks were due from him to them for the very pleasant time they had enabled him to have in presiding over them. He should always look back with pleasure to the meetings they had had-they had been so, harmonious. There had not been a discordant note, and that to him had been a very great plea- sure indeed. He could only hope that his expe- rience would be the expenence of any successor in the future. He thanked the members and the officers for the very hearty support they had given him. His desire bad always been to carry on their work comfortably and, at the same time, efficiently, and he could not for a moment think that as a consequence of the very happy time they had had-free from disputes and acrimonious dis- cussion—the interests of the town had suffered. He was somewhat sorry to hear a complaint out- side that their meetings had been free from any- thing in the shape of unpleasantness. That was a very low view to take of municipal matters, and he thought the interests of the town would be better served by their working amicably together than they possibly could be if there was anything in the nature of unpleasantness and disturbance. (Hear, hear.) Mr Smith said it had been a great pleasure to sit on the Council during the last three years in. contrast with some previous years when, in con- sequence of unnecessary discussion and a display of acrimony, they had been unable to carry on the business as efficiently as they should have done. Mr J. Hennessey said that on behalf of himself and Mr Haggett, he wished to thank the members for the kind remarks they had made respecting their retirement. They had done their duty whilst members, as the others had done, and they wera very sorry that they bad now to go off the Colincil; (Hear, hear.) The meeting then concluded. The first meeting of the new Council will be held on Monday, 18th April.

I RIVER REPORT. The river is now in capital order, in consequence of a good rise in the water on Monday, and there. should be capital sport for some time to come, es- pecially as a few spring salmon have been seen. On Thursday last, Col. Morris, of Brynderwen, landed a very fine salmon, weighing 30 lbs, in the Llwyn. Mr J. T. Davies, of Castle House, Usk, killed a salmon on Brynderwen flat, on Good Fdday, 25Ibs in weight, which was netted by his two little daughters. On Saturday, the Hon. Norman Lubbock had the good luck to land two salmon on Brynderwen water, which weighed 24 lbs and 14 lbs, and had the bad luck to lose another. Mr J. Pitt, Usk, had the misfortune to lose a spring fish on the town water after playing it for about half-an-hour. There were a number of holiday anglers trouting on the river and brooks on Good Friday and Easter