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

Births, Marriages, & Deaths. Announcements under this heading are inserted at a uniform charge of 1/- each, unless such -voi-ds as "No Cards," "No Flowerscj'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. w

MRS JEFFREYS and FAMILY desire to THANfv most sincerely their numerous friends for kind enquiries and sympathy shown to them in every way during their sad bereavement. Peny Park, Raglan, May 4th, 1904.

The King and Queen in Ireland. Their Majesties' second visit to Ireland has been an extraordinary success, and un- mistakable demonstrations of loyalty awaited them in Dublin, Kilkenny, and Waterford. Those who had the opportunity of com- paring the impressions of the royal tour in August last with the recently accomplished one say that the public interest on the second occasion was greater and more genuine than the first. The welcome sprang from the hearts of the people, and found form and expression not so much in the hackneyed display of decoration by contract, but in much heartier and more spontaneous ways. It was a wise decision to regard the visit as private, except at places not pre- viously favoured by the Royal presence. But in Dublin, the fact that one day only was taken up with semi-State ceremonies was the one great reason why the visit was such a GREAT SURPRISE TO DUBLIN CASTLE in the hold that the doings of the King and Queen immediately obtained upon the citizens. Of the Irish irreconcilables little was heard. The Dublin Corporation stood aside, as a Nationalist body, and the clouds which occasionally brewed upon the horizon disappeared under the magic influence of the presence of the King-not as monarch of the realm so much as a British gentle- man, with a partiality for Irish sport. The fatigues of a Royal tour necessitate dis- tractions, and these were supplied by the command performance at the Theatre Royal, the festivities attending the week-end stay at Kilkenny Castle, and the off-day at Lismore. On his arrival at Kingstown, the King made a pregnant reference to the 0 passing of the Land Act, and reiterated his beliefs in the value of COTTAGE INDUSTRIES and of self-help; and, again, when he insisted upon the necessities of technical education at the laying of the foundation stone of the Royal College of Science at Dublin, he showed that he is truly solicitous for the welfare of the country. King Edward is above all things a peacemaker, and is determined to remove misunder- standings between England and Ireland, and promote better feeling between the two countries-a noble work in which he is warmly supported by his gracious Consort. In various ways their Majesties have shown their practical sympathy with the Irish people, and that their graciousness was appreciated to the full we know by the extraordinary demonstration of good will when they left the shores of Ireland.

Calumny. The veiled attacks made on the Chan- cellor of the Exchequer, on Tuesday and Thursday, in the House of Commons, by Mr Reginald McKenna, M.P. for North Monmouthshire, of allowing Budget secrets to leak out before the proposals were laid before the country are receiving the con- demnation they richly deserve, and Mr McKenna cannot be said to have added laurels to his political career by conduct that would not be tolerated by any Club for one moment. Besmirching the fair name of an honoured Minister, and questioning the integrity of the Government on the slender ground of a tobacconist's acumen in prosecuting his trade is only one more instance, amongst the many we have recently had, of THE DESPERATE CONDITION I to which the Opposition is reduced in its en- deavours to get into office. Willing to wound and yet afraid to strike," Mr McKenna refrained from a frontal attack, but the insinuations adopted by Mare Antony in his famous oration and imitated by Mr McKenna are fully understood by the coun- try at large. Lord Hugh Cecil well said:— "Public reference in matters of this sort, no matter what disclaimers are made as to ttle honour of statesmen, puts into the hands of people outside the house the apparatus of calumny. Personally I do not think the duty of a politician is exhausted when he has refrained from calumniating his political opponents; he SHOULD ALSO REFRAIN I from making it easy for other people to I calumniate them." Even as Sir Chas. Dilke's lieutenant, the hon. member should not lose sight of the fact that by his speech every man judges himself, and every opinion reacts on him who utters it. It is a thread-ball thrown at a mark, but the end remains in the thrower's bag." 0

USK. Agent-Mrs. E. K. Jones, Sfptioner I THE RACES.—Mr R. St. John Beasley, of The Lawns, Usk, provided a luncheon and a liberal supply of refreshments of all kinds to practically all-comers in a marquee on the race course, on Wednesday, and his hospitality was highly appreciated by over 400. ROYAL PRESENTATION.—On the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales to Bradford, on Wednesday, amongst those presented to Her Royal Highness by the Mayor was Miss C. L. Jenkins, the matron of the Eye and Ear Hospital, who is the daughter of Mr Oliver Jenkins, of Usk. SAD ACCIDENT.—Mr A. G. Rumball riding his own horse, Merry Monarch, in the Usk Maiden Steeplechase, on the Mardy Course, on Wednesday, met with a serious accident, the animal falling and rolling over him. He sustained a broken collar- bone and ribs, one of the latter penetrating the lungs. He is now at the Three Salmon's Hotel, Usk. where, under the care of Drs Boulton and Hackett, he is progressing as favourably as can be expected. PRESENTATION.—At the Baptist Chapel, Usk, on Wednesday evening, Mr Frank Jennings was presented with two beautifully bound books, Sankey's songs and solos, and Psalms and Hymns, and a large framed photograph of himself, the work of Mr H. Dunning, Usk, at the foot of which was the following inscription :—" Presented to Mr Frank Jennings by the teachers and scholars (past and present), of the Usk Baptist Sunday School, of which he has been superintendent for 25 years, as a token of their appreciation and esteem." Mr T. Browne, the deputy- superintendent, made the presentation, and Mr Jennings suitably returned thanks.

RIVER REPORT. The successes of the salmon angler during the month just closed have been the best known for many years, and what is still better for the future, a large number of salmon have been seen in the catches both up and down the river. There was a considerable rise on Monday and Tuesday, the water being quite thick. It has now settled down, and excellent sport should again be obtained, and will probably continue throughout the month of May, this being considered the best month for the salmon angler on the Usk. The following kills are reported: Friday—Major Trevor, one, 81bs, in Parker's Hole. Wednesday—Mr R. Rickards, one, lOjlbs, in Lower Patidy Mr Gaskell Davies, one, 91bs, in the Weir; Mr J. T. Davies, one Mr E. King, one, 91 bs. Thursday-The Rev H. J. Bates, one; Mr Gaskell Davies, one, lOlbs. 2

USK AND DISTRICT RIFLE CLUB, A handicap competition was held on last Thursday evening, for a prize given by Mr D. Rees, at 50 yards range, with a 2m. ball. Mr A. F. Lucas was the winner. Details:— •JiesSrs. Hep. Tl. A. F. Lucas. 47 47 R. Morgan 43 3 46 G. Smith 42 2 44 T, Savery 42 2 44J H, Freeman. 39 2 41 E. B. Haynes 40 40 D.Rees. 37 2 39 C. J. Francis. 33 2 35 F. Hobbs 25 2 27 J. H. Marfell 20 2 22

PONTYPOOL RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. The first meeting of the newly-elected Council was held at the Sessions House, Usk, on Monday afternoon, when Mr W. H. Charles (Goytre), was voted to the chair pro tem., and there were present:—Mrs Mitchell (Llanfrechfa Lower), Mrs Newman (Mamhilad), Rev W. W. Jones (Llau- trissent), Messrs. S. T. Griffin (Llangibby), C. J. Francis (Llangeview), J. Bevan (Llacbadoc), J. Parker (Trostrey), 1. Heath (Glascoed), J. James (Gwehelog), J. Williams fLlanthewy Vach), T. Watkins (clerk), and R. Derrett (surveyor). I THE CHAIRMANSHIP. I Mr Charles proposed that Mr S. T. Griffin be the Chairman of the Council for the ensuing year, remarking that he had occupied the position before with marked ability and success. The Rev W. W. Jones seconded. Mr Griffin, he said, had always taken a very great interest in the work of the Council, had done his duty well, and was a first-rate chairman as all the old members knew, and, he thought, as all the new members would say after they had had some experience of him. The Council were specially honoured now by having ladies at their meetings, and although the old members who had retired were very good members indeed, he was sure their places would be very well filled by their successors. Mr C. J. Francis supported the proposition, which was unanimously agreed to. On taking the chair, Mr Griffin said he desired to return his most grateful thanks for the honour they had done him by placing him for the third time in the chair. He had no reason to think other than that that Council would be as well able to manage the affairs of the district to the advantage of their respective constituencies in the future as the Council had in the past, and under those circumstances he had great pleasure in accepting the office they had been good enough to offer him. Mr Bevan expressed the hope that the Chairman would sit on the Usk Bench of magistrates. THE VICE-CHAIRMAN, The Chairman then proposed that Mr W. H. Charles be vice-chairman, remarking that he represented a very large district, and was one of the oldest, most attentive, and most diligent mem- bers of the Council. Mr J. Parker seconded, and the proposition was agreed to. Mr Charles briefly returned thanks. FINANCE. I Accounts amounting to £94 18s were ordered to be paid. The Clerk reported the receipt of zC143 14s 8d from the Treasury, being the grant under the Agricultural Rates Act. I SANITARY REPORT. I As Inspector, Mr R. Derrett reported that on the Saturday following the last meeting he inspected the premises at Wain-y-pwll, where there had been a case of diphtheria. The Medical Officer (Dr Jenkins) also paid a visit there, and they were both of the opinion that the drains should be properly trapped, the surface gutters cemented, the water pipes made to empty into the surface gutters, instead of into the drains, aud that the ventilator from the w.c. should be lengthened five or six feet. Upon another visit on the previous Thursday, the Inspector found that, with the exception of the lengthening of the ventilator, all these matters had been attended to, and the contractor (Mr Hodgens) informed him that the ventilator was to be lengthened. The ca-e was of a remarkably mild character as the patient was out and about in a few daysr although it was contrary to instructions. On the Monday following the last meeting of the Council he (the Inspector) went to Goytre, and found that Mr Arthur Jenkins had constructed a small bungalow in the corner of the piece of land where new houses were being erected, and that he and his wife were occupying it. He informed Mr Jen- kins that the Council had requested him to visit and report UDon the matter as no certificate as to water supply had been granted. On the 29th April, Mr Jenkins sent him a note stating that he was then living at Yew Tree Farm, Goytre. On the 11th April, a list of people building new h usea in Goytre and Mamhilad was sent to the Clerk. The well at the house occupied by Mr Charles Williams, at Oroesyceilog, had not yet been bricked and cemented, but that morning he had received a note from Mr Mellor expressing regret that the work had not been done, but that it should receive immediate attention. HOW DISEASE IS SPREAD. With regard to the case of diphtheria at at Wain-y-pwll, the Chairman remarked that it was very foolish of parents to allow their children who were suffering from such diseases to associate with other children too soon. Mrs Mitchell: It is extraordinary. A child may have the disease very mildly and yet give it to another very severely. Th" Chairman remarked that the Council might not wish t,) prosecute in the case before them, but the parents' attention should certainly be drawn to the matter, which was very seriom in the public interest, and he proposed that the Clerk write accordingly. This was agreed to. WATER SUPPLY. The Clerk was requested to send notices as to the waler supply certificates to persons building new houses in the district. INSURANCE OF MEN. The Clerk reported upon the subject of the insurance against accidents of the men employed, by the Council, and quoted terms. If the quarrymen only were insured under Schedule A the exact legal liability only would be covered, but if under Schedule B, with a higher premium,, compensation to a limited extent would be given outside the legal liability. The Chairman pointed out that one or two of the Council's employees had lost their eyesight while breaking stones, and it had been suggested that while not legally compelled to give com- ptlllsation to them for their great loss, the Council should in future insure their men and thus obtain for them some compensation should an accident in the future affect them in any way. The Clerk pointed out that the premium WOUa04 be higher if only the quarrymen were insured, than it would be if they insured all their workmen. In reply to Mrs Mitchell, the Chairman said the cost of insuring all the men would be under a. Mrs Mitchell: Then it is worth doing. Other members agreed, and Mr C. J. Francis ultimately proposed, the Vice-Chairman seconded, and it was agreed to, that all the men be insured. The Surveyor was accordingly requested to furnish the Clerk with the necessary particulars as to wages, &c. A JOINT BRIDGE. It was decided to write to the Panteg U.D.C. asking them to carry out the promise made some time ago to repair Cwmbwrrch bridge, near Common Coed-y-paen, whieh is a joint charge upon that district and this. It was stated that the longer the work was delayed the greater would be the expense. HIGHWAY REPORT. Mr Derrett, as Surveyor, reported that the drain. near the blacksmith's shop, Llandegveth, not only crossed the road, but went about 15ft in the Rev Came Williams' property. He had had the pipes taken up, cleaned, and re-laid underneath the highway, but he awaited instructions as to the work on Mr Williams' property. He had repaired the footbridge over the Soar Brook, below Llandegveth, and put in piles and watlings also, similarly, the footbridge over the Olway Brook, on the path to Graigolway Farm, where he had planted a number of withes in the hope of making some new ground in the place of what had been washed away by the floods. He had had the pipes delivered for the drain at Whitehall, but had not yet had the opportunity of putting them in. He hoped to have the work done this week, and shortly to attend to the bridge at the entrance to Wain-y-pwll, where the water had been rather too strong. He should require eighteen small larch posts to repair the fencing and protect the quick alongside the Cwm Road, Lla igibby. The Surveyor was instructed to get the posts he asked for. TENDERS. The Council then considered various tenders sent in with regard to the supply of stone, &c. The Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Mr Heath, and. the Surveyor were lequested to deal with the question of the tenders sent in by the Little Mill Quarry Co., and Mr Powell, of Hirwain. THE METALLING DIFFICULTY. The difficulty of getting the stones on to the roads when required was discussed at some length, and at length it was unanimously agreed—on the proposition of Mr Bevan, seconded by the Rev W. W. Jones-that the stones be placed at convenient places alongside the roads in readiness for spreading later on, and that the work of spreading be let by contract. THE GIPSY NUISANCE. Mr Heath referred to the nuisance caused by gipsies encamping on common land in the district;, and asked if the Council could not exercise some control over the matter. The Clerk said they could formulate a scheme, but that would entail expenae, and the parish of Llanbadoc had refused to proceed with the matter in consequence. Mr Heath thought the Glascoed people would not mind the expense if they could rid of the gipsy nuisance. It was pointed out that the nomads could now be legally prevented stopping on the highways, but the position was different with regard to common land. Ultimately, the Clerk was asked to obtain, information from the Monmouth R.D.C.. who had carried through a scheme with regard to Treworgan. Common, Llandenny.

The War. News from Port Arthur indicates that the Japanese are about to land in great forcCJ north of the fortress, on both sides of tho peninsula, at points from which they suc- cessfully attacked Port Arthur in the war with China. PORT ARTHUR, Thursday, May 5th. A Japanese fleet of twenty ships was seen this morning on the horizon, but the range was far too,"long for the guns of our batteries to reach them. At four o'clock in the afternoon many torpedo-boats were seen to the east. They joined the fleet, and by five o'clock all had disappeared. When last seen they were steerino, an. easterly course.—Central News. I:) NIU-CHWANGJ Thursday, May 5th. Japanese warships with fifty transports have been seen near Kin-chau Bay. Tha merchant steamer Tei-ho was stopped off Liyipontau Island by two Japanese torpedo- boats and searched. A Japanese landing on the shore of Kin-chau Bay will cut off Port Arthur.—Central News.