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

CHEPSTOW. Agent.—Miss Clark A DISTINGUISHED VISITOR. -General Baden- Powell is the guest of Sir William Marling, Bart., for a few days' shooting at Sedbury Park. A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE.—On Tuesday evening the barge Avon was at the slip, Chepstow, taking in water for Sir John Aird's quarries, when one of the two men in charge went to turn on the water from a hydrant, leaving his mate, Arthur Pearse, aged about 26, a native of Gravesend, aboard. On returning to the barge it was found that Pearse was missing. The supposition is that he fell overboard, but on Tuesday night his body had not been found. COMMITTED TO THE ASSIZES.—Ernest Jenkins (19) was charged at Lydney with highway robbery and violence.—Henry Lance, the prosecutor, an engine- driver, of Chepstow, said that prisoner, a stranger, and himself were drinking together on the 1st anst., and after visiting one public-house after another made their way towards Woodcroft. On reaching a lonely spot, the prisoner attacked him. They had a severe struggle, in which witness fell heavily, and was partially stunned. On recovering consciousness he felt the prisoner's hand in his pocket, where his money was. He struggled, and called for the police.—P.C. Banning came up, and the prisoner was arrested.—Other evidence was that 17s llfd was found upon the prisoner, whilst « lamplighter, named Williams, picked up 5s lOd upon the scene of the encounter, which sums, less 2id. accounted for the 248 which prisoner was alleged to have stolen.—Prisoner was committed for trial at the next Assizes, bail being refused.

LLANGIBBY. I Agent-Mrs Nash. Llangibby Village. I CONCERT AT COED-Y-PAEN.—A very successful concert was held at Coed-y-paen School, on November 9th. The weather being fine, the room -was filled with an appreciative audience. The proceeds, amounting to over C5, were in aid of the building fund. The Monmouthshire Education Committee have compelled the Managers to expend considerably over £100 on repairing the School premises. The following ladies a d gentlemen assisted towards the success of the evening:—The "Rev H. Addams-Williams, Messrs. Thomas and James, Llangibby, a trio; Mr L, Gray, Pencarreg, sang A Romany song and Widow Malone Miss G. Griffin "Maggie Murphy's home" and 41 The baby's name" Mr J. Doel, Boys of the old brigade" and Off to Philadelphia"; Miss Christian, Pontypool, Another day" and "Alone on the raft"; Miss Cook, New Inn, "Cheer np Buller" Miss Jessie Slade, Usk, "Auntie" and "Queen of Angels"; Miss Griffin, accompanied by Miss Ada Griffin, "I wouldn't leave my little wooden hut for you and "Sleep and forget"; Miss Jeremiah, "For old time's sake" and "Just like the Ivy"; Mr Birrell, The Henrhiw, "When I was a boy at school"; Messrs. Charles, Morris and Rosser, Goytre, a song each, accompanied by Miss Bowen. Mr J. Sawtell, Cwmbran, brought a party of friends, viz., Mr Sweeny who sang a couple of coon songs in professional style, and Mr Leyshon, whose comic songs—" I've brought the coal," "Farmer Giles," and "There must be another one somewhere," elicited rounds of applause. Messrs. A. Thomas and Jones, Llangibby Misses Cook and Crane, New Inn and Messrs. Jones and Lloyd, Cwmbran, contributed duetts. Several of the accompaniments were played by Mr Evan Doel in his usual masterly manner. The com- mittee wish to return their sincere thanks to all who assisted, and to friends from a distance for their presence and patronage.

MONMOUTH. I Agent.—Mr.Cot,ffrey, Bookseller. Monmouth. THE MAYOR AT THE PARISH CHURCH.—On Sunday, the Mayor, Councillor A. E. Jones. supported by the members of the Corporation, the officials, police, and fire brigade, attended divine service at S. Mary's Church. The company met at the Shire Hall. The Vicar, Rev 0. F. Reeks, preached. TRIBUTE TO LORD TREDEGAR.-The ex-mayor, Mr George R. Edwards, has forwarded to the treasurer of the fund being raised in connection with the tribute to Lord Tredegar, the sum of dE93 Os 6d. this being the amount collected for the purpose in question, from the Borough of 3ionmouth and the Monmouth Rural District. TOWN COUNCIL.-The annual meeting was held on Thursday in last week, when Councillor A. E. Jones was formally elected Mayor. The plans for extending the sewage main on the Hereford Road, which have been, approved by the Local Govern- ment Board, werie considered, and a resolution was passed to ask for powers to borrow X715 to carry out the work, and JE97 cost of expert advice relative to the septic tank. It was decided to •extend the water supply in Cinderhill-street up to Tort Mahon. II

NEWPORT. Alents-Nessrs Greenland, and Co., Netestilylgttis. LORD TREDEGAR'S Suow.-Notwithstanding the provisions of the Swine Fever (Regulation of Movement) Order of 1903. swine may be moved to ;and from Lord Tredegar's Show, at Newport, on "Tuesday and Wednesday next, if accompanied by a movement licence. CHRYSANTHEMUM Siow.-The Newport and District Chrysanthemum Society held their seventeenth annual show at the gymnasium of the Newport Athletic Club on Thursday, the exhibi- tions of chrysanthemums and other blooms being •of a very high order. Mr W. F. Dawson received the Society's certificate for the best bloom in the show, and Mr Fred Phillips that for the best plant. Mr John Basham had some choice fruit including about 50 dishes of apples. The Mayor (Councillor J. Liscombe) opened the show, and, on the motion of Alderman Greenland, seconded by Mr E. E. Micholls, was accorded a vote of thanks. AMBULANCE COMPETITION.—-The fourth annual 4contest for the Newport and County Ambulance Cup took place at the Tredegar Hall, Newport, on Thursday. Six teams entered for the trophy, as against three the previous year renrf^entinj? G W.R. Dock-atreet, Newport BoW'Sf Abergavenny, Pontypool-road G.W R Blaina' and Tredegar. Dr Griffiths, of Bristol' acted as judge. The results were as follow1st' xr Boys' Brigade; 2nd, G.W.B. Dock-X^E"? "Tredegar; 4th, G.W.R. Pontypool-road •' <sm!' Blaina; 6th, Abergavenny. Mrs E„ E. Micholls of Llwyn Celyn, presented the prizes to the successful teams. e MAYORAL SUNDAY.—The Mayor of Newport (Mr John Liscombe) attended the Tabernacle Congre- gational Church in state on Sunday morning, and was accompanied by a large number of members "of the corporation, magistrates, members of the harbour and pilotage boards, public officials, and ^townspeople generally. The procession from ithe Town Hall (where the Royal Ensign was flying) was headed by the band of the 4th V,B. South Wales Borderers, the police, under the command of Head-Constable Sinclair, and the fire brigade under Captain Horace Lyne. His worahin was supported on either aide by the ex-mayor (Mr R. Wilkinson) and the town clerk (Mr A. A. Newman). The pastor (the Rev Thomas Richards) preached a sermon on Christian socialism and stewardship, and the musical portion was effective. Tne offertory was on behalf of the Newport and County Hospital. THE AGRICULTURAL OUTLOOK.-Writing on this subject, Mr R. Srratton, of The Duffryn, says:- The summer of 1905 has certainly been favourable to farmers generally, Wheat has been the crop of the season, quite the best we have had for several years. Barley has been average in quantity and above average in quality. Oats are a bad crop. Hay is perhaps under the average, but generally well made. Roots vary much. Mangolds are excellent, swedes and turnips somewhat below the average, probably. There should be no special difficulty in wintering stock this time, as food is fairly abundant. Store cattle sell badly, and beef, as usual at this time of the year, is very low. Sheep fuHy maintain their price, both for stock and the butcher. The abnormal autumn drought has been inconvenient to many farmers, but probably on the whole it has been an advantage, inasmuch as it has afforded a splendid opportunity for cleaning and cultivating stubbles, etc. Frosts have been unusually severe for October, and have diminished grass keep.

I PANTEG. THE LORD TREDEGAR MEMORIAL.—At the monthly meeting of the Panteg Council, on Tues- day, the clerk (Mr T. P. Holmes Watkins) reported that 255 14s. 5d. had already been subscribed in the district towards Lord Tredegar's memorial. The chairman (Mr A. A. Williams, J.P.) was ap- pointed to represent the council on the Welsh University Board.

I Unionist Conference at Newcastle. On Tuesday, at Newcastle, the National Union of Conservative and Constitutional Associations opened its fortieth annual con- ference, Sir Walter Plummer, M.P., presiding. He was supported by, among other peers, the Duke of Northumberland, Viscount Ridley, the Earl of Plymouth, and Lord Armstrong. The M.P.s present included the Right Hon. Henry Chaplin, Sir A. Acland Hood (Chief Conserva- tive Whip), the Right Hon. C. Stuart-Wortley, Sir T. Wrightson, Sir James Rankin, Sir Harry Samuel, &c. The adoption of the annual report was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Mr H. M. Imbert-Terry, and approved, and, at the instance of Mr Chaplin, the Duke of Northum- berland was appointed president for the ensuing year. The Duke urged the paramount importance of unity amongst the Unionist party. Defeat at the next General Election was possible, he said, but they would be face to face with a Govern- ment which would be at the mercy of the Irish vote. In these circumstances they must have a united opposition, and from this point of view it would be most regrettable if anything tended to neutralise the sacrifices made by both wings of the Unionist party. Several speakers spoke in complimentary terms of the organising ability of Mr A. E. Southall, secretary of the National Union. On the proposition of Mr Leverton Harris, M.P., seconded by Mr S. Howard, the following resolution was adopted That, in the opinion of this conference, it has become desirable to strengthen the central management of the business of the Conservative party by the addition of a popular representative element in close touch with the constituencies, and the council of the National Union is hereby requested to appoint a special committee to consider and report to the council as to the means by which the object can best be accom- plished. On the proposition of Mr Arthur du Cros, a resolution was adopted congratulating the Government on their wisdom and foresight in strengthening and extending the alliance with Japan, and thus safeguarding British and Japanese interests in the Far East, and the independence and integrity of China. I TARIFF REFORM. After luncheon, Mr Chaplin rose, amid loud cheers, and proposed the following resolution on Tariff Reform: A readjustment of taxation which, without increasing the cost of their food to the poorer classes of this country, will tend to secure fairer treatment of British manufacturers by foreign nations, will prevent the practice of dumping, and will largely increase reciprocal and pre- ferential trade between the different parts of the British Empire. He claimed that he had endeavoured to present a resolution to which any loyal supporter of the Prime Miuister could subscribe without any difficulty, and said the daily cry of the Oppo- sition, the lie repeated over and over again, is that our desire and intention is to make food dearer to the people of this country. There never was a greater falsehood, and therefore it is necessary and desirable to repudiate it in the most formal and emphatic manner we can. The changes we contemplate neither will, nor can, on balance, increase the cost of living. I ask you to place on record once and for all your contra- diction of these colossal lies." He had received notice of an amendmeut to the effect that it was not possible at the present time to consolidate the Empire by means of indirect taxation. He should be obliged to resist that amendment, because it pronounced a dogmatic opinion before we had heard the views of the Colonies. Another amendment had been brought to his notice which seemed to suggest the swing of the pendulum and adverse bye-elections. For his own part he thought that as they were ap- proaching very near to a General Election, it was important that they should know precisely where they stood, and that their voices should be heard in language clear and unmistakable. "What the country looks for in a partv and its representatives is men who stick to their guns. What the people hate and detest is men who desert them. I ask you to remember the words of the Prime Minister himself when he said However the balance of the constituences may waver from side to side under this or that momentary impulse, one thing is certain, that a united party having before it a great ideal of closer union with the Colonies and the reform of a fiscal system no longer adequate or suited to our needs, a united party with these beliefs and these ideals is destined, and must be destined, to ultimate success.' That—said Mr Chaplin, whose speech was punctuated with cheers-is language, in mv humble judgment, worthy of a great Minister on a great occasion. I ask you to carry high this flag, to rally round the standard, and when the day and hour shall come to give all your energies and strength to support the lead which the Prime Minister has given." Sir Thomas Wrightson seconded the resolu- tion, and said that he would not support it did he not believe that it was clearly laid down in definite words that the cost of living on the part of the working classes should not be increased. It was his belief that that could be provided for so that the working classes should not be penalised. The curious thing was that they found a revival of trade contemporaneous with a scarcity of employment. He believed a tariff for revenue was the solution of the whole question, and that we should not allow the foreigner to come in and take possession of the market which we paid out rates to support. Mr Ward Humphreys' amendment was lost, and Mr Chaplin's resolution was carried amidst cheers. I REDISTRIBUTION. On Tuesday, Mr George Renwick, M.P., moved That this conference heartily thanks his Majesty's Government for their promise to bring in a Bill next session for the more equitable distribution of Parliamentary representation, and, whilst having no desire to subject Ireland to any injustice, considers there is no reason why it should be left in a preferential position in its number of members of Parliament in comparison with the other parts of the United Kingdom. Mr Balfour was going to deal with the question in the next session. That was the proper time to deal with it. Mr Asquith had said that they were introducing a Redistribution Bill so as to again put off the hour of judgment, and that they were doing it at the end of the Parliament. But no Government dealt with a question of this sort at the beginning of a Parliament. It was one of the last questions Parliament could deal with, because as soon as a Bill of this descrip- tion was passed they were bound to have a dissolution. Taking the case of Newcastle, the speaker remarked that the constituency returned two members to Parliament since the year 1295, and the population had greatly increased since then. Ireland had one member of the House of Commons to 6,283 of the population; Scotland, one to 10,745; and England, one to 11,442. Not only had Ireland this preponderance of '.representation, but it also possessed enormous power in turning the scales in the elections in the United Kingdom. It was not Ireland but England that suffered injustice. Mr Redmond said that the Irish party were going to wield the power in the next Parliament, and therefore it behoved Unionists to look into their own position and defend themselves. Mr Redmond had said that in Ireland there would be practically a solid vote for Home Rule, and that every Irishman must vote, not for the good of England, but of Ireland. Sir Henry Kimber, M.P., seconded. Half a loaf was better than no bread, and although the Government only proposed to take twenty-two members away from Ireland, instead of thirty, which would be the proper number according to their own basis of population, they should not throw the present opportunity away. Mr Renwick's motion was unanimously agreed to. I THE VOLUNTEERS. Sir Harry Samuel, M.P., then moved a resolution in the following terms That this conference desires to express its appreciation of the value to the country of the Volunteer and auxiliary forces, and trusts that they will receive every due encouragement from his Majesty's Government in the future. An impression had arisen, he said, which was not justified, that the Government desired to snub the Volunteers, whereas the Government had asked that the Volunteer force should be more efficient, and they could not quarrel with that demand. Let us try all we can, he said, to make good soldiers of the Volunteers, but let us do it in such a manner that no man runs the risk of losing his livelihood or his place with his employer in consequence of his services. I believe the defence of our shores requires that every lad should be trained to understand that on his shoulders and on his alone depends the safety of his country. I would go so far as to say his training should be compulsory. If that be so, how undesirable it is to allow the idea to be spread abroad that we as a party desire to snub the military ardour of the country. Mr. G. H. Ball, who seconded, had joined the Volunteers in the very first stages of their existence, and observed that at that time, when the trade of the country was disturbed by the constant fear of invasion, the Volunteers paid their own expenses and provided their uniforms, such was the wave of enthusiasm which passed over the country. The motion was unanimously adopted. THE UNEMPLOYED. Mr G. O. Borwick, prospective Unionist candidate for Poplar, moved the next resolu- tion- Appreciative of the action of the Government in passing the Unemployed Workmen Act, and appointing a Royal Commission to inquire into the administration of the poor law. Mr Borwick claimed that the present Govern- ment was the only one which had made any attempt to deal with this question, and observed that, although it was too early to express an opinion as to the success of the new Act, yet it was to be hoped, thanks to the gracious example of Queen Alexandra, that sufficient funds would be forthcoming. The machinery now set up would assure the proper expenditure of the money and the sending empty away of the vultures who usually hung on to efforts of this description. Mr Joyce Thomas (Hampstead) seconded, and the motion was unanimously adopted. THE ALIENS BILL. In the absence, through illness, of Sir Howard Vincent, Mr Alfred Lattell moved his resolution- Thanking the Government for the Aliens Act, a measure calculated, in the words of the resolu- tion, to "stem the deprivation of home and employment on the part of the native popula- tion." The customary votes of thanks ended the conference.

I THE GRAIG. I PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY. Before R. VATXGHAN, Esq. (chairman), Colonel BRADNEY, and Hon. J. M. ROLLS. ILLEGAL REMOVING OF SWINE.-Edgar Owen (12), who did not appear, was summoned for moving 5 swine into ehe County of Monmouth in contraven- tion of the Swine Fever Regulations or Movement Order, of 1903, at Skenfrith, on the 10th Ostober.— Thomas Morgan, Tresenny, Grosmont, farmer, who did not appear, was also summoned for causing the said swine to be so removed.—After a long hearing Owen was convicted but no fine was inflicted, the costs being remitted. Morgan (against whom pre- vious convictions were recorded) was fined X2 10s Od and costs, in all £3 Os. 6d.

MONMOUTH. I POLICE COURT, FRIDAY WICKED TOMFOOLERY.—Three young men, John Thomas, porter in the employ of the Great Western Railway Frederick Ewers, railway labourer, and Richard Jenkins, farm labourer, were charged with unlawfully obstructing the highway in Dingestow Parish, on the night of October 15th.-The defendants took a ladder belonging to Mr Jones, Church Farm, and placed it across the road. They then proceeded to take two gates off their hinges, and were in the act of removing a third when they were discovered.—The Chairman said it was one of the class of offences that the British public must be protected against. The case might have been serious had it not been discovered. It was nothing less than wicked tomfoolery. -Fiaed zel each and costs, or 14 daye.

COUNTY COURT, SATURDAY. Before His Honour Judge ÛWIIN. A BOUSE DISPUTB.—Thomas Morgan Jones, farmer, Ross, sued John Morean Jones, his brother, for possession of a farm-house.—Mr Corner, instructed by Mr H. Williams, Monmouth, was for the plaintiff, and Mr Jenkins for the defendant.— Mr Corner explained at some length how defendant became involved, and had made his creditors trustees. The plaintiff then accepted an assignment from defendant for i6900. defendant to remain and manage the farm. Plaintiff, finding that the arrangement did not answer, put ia another manager, and ordered defendant to leave. This defendant refused to do, and caused much annoyance to plaintiff's new manager and men. His Honour having examined the documents, said it was practically an undefended case, and gave judgment for possealion in 14 days.

I NEWPORT. PETTY SESSIONS, SATURDAY. BHUBARB WINB TOO STRONG. William Emlyn, was charged with being drunk on licensed premises, viz., the Bush Inn Beerhouse* Rogeretone, on October 22nd. P.C. Nurdin spoke to visitinSl the house at 9.50, and finding the man drunk and noisy. He wae handed over to the charge of two pedestrians, who promised to see him home. Later on, however, finding that the defendant bad not got home, the constable found him fast asleep in a pig-sty, lying down alongside a pig. Defendant denied having been drunk. He only had a couple of pints, and then met a friend, who had a bottle of rhubarb wine. The Bench convicted him and fined him 10& and costs. Mrs Elizabeth White, the landlady of the honse, was summoned for permitting drunkenness.—Mr Lyndon Moore appeared for the defence. The landladv said in her opinion the man was not drunk in the house, but was argtimenative- He must have got other drink outside to make him in the condition he was found afterwards. She had kept the house for fifteen years without complaint. The Bench inflicted a fine of 20s, including costs.

PONTYPOOL. POLICE COURT, SATURDAY. A DISORDERLY Housa.-Mary Price, a widow, residing at 35, Oxford-street, Griffithstown, was summoned for keeping a disorderly house, while- Hannah Walters was summoned for aiding and abetting her. Defendants did not appear, and, after hearing formal evidence by P.S. Bladon as to what he and P.S. Watkins saw on the 5th inst., the Bench issued warrants for their appre- hension. TRESPASSING ON THB LIKE.—William Harvey, Alexander Harvey, and Emlyn Jones, colliers, of Cwmffrwdoer, were charged with trespassing on the Talywain branch railway line and exposing themselves to danger on the afternoon of the 12th ult. -Mr T. Baker Jones, on behalf of the G W.R. prosecuted.—A fine of 29s was imposed in each case. SHEEP WORRYING. Edward E. Chapman, landlord of the Bell rnnt Abersychan, was summoned by William Hodder, butcher, Abersychan for 25s damages in respect of sheep-worrying. Mr W. J. Everett, solicitor, Pontypool, appeared for Chapman. Complainant stated that on the 29th nit., hot saw two dogs worrying his lambs, which were out on tack upon Mr W. P. James's land at Aber- sychan. He. in company with a man named Harry Davies, followed the dogs, and found thab one belonged to defendant and the o^her to a Mr Barrett, of Abersychan. Two of the lambs were, I so badly bitten that they had to be slaughtered. Barrett had compensated prosecutor for the loss of I one of the lambs. The Bench ordered the defendant to pay 259 for the value of the Iamb, and 11s costs. A COLLIER'S SBRIOU S OFFENCE. Daniel Daunter, a collier, in the employ of Messrs. Guest, Keen, and Nettlefolds, at Cwmbran Colliery, was summoned for attempting to obtain. 118 9d from his employers by false pretences. Mr Horace Lyne (Newport), who appeared to prosecute, called Mr Waplington, the manager, to prove that on the 26th ult., the defendant, who was employed on the night shift, finding seven company trucks filled with coal, erased the company's mark on one of the trucks and substituted his own mark. Had not the discovery been made in time defendant would probably have been credited with filling the tram and paid lis 9d. lis 9d. The Bench imposed a fine of 40s, with the alternative of a month's imprisonment. alternative of a month's imprisonment. COTTAGES UNFIT FOR HABITATION. Mr T. P. Holme s Watkins, on behalf of the Panteg Urban District Council, applied for closing orders in respect of three cottages at Cwmynyscoy, owned by Mr W. W. Waldron, of Budeley, Worcestershire. Mr Orlidge, the sanitary inspector, described the houses as being in a filthy and abominable condition and quite unfit for human habitation. At present the three houses were sadly over- crowded. In one of the houses, with 1,000 cubic feet space, two adults and five children were sleeping in a partitioned room. The orders were granted. POLICE COURT, MONDAY. A VIOLENT LABOURER.—Thomas Carter, labourer, Cross Keys, was brought up in custody, charged with being drunk and riotous at Llanhilleth, and with assaulting John Benn, a porter at the Llanhilleth Great Western Railway Station, while following his employment; also with doing damage to one of the lamps at Llanhilleth Station, to the extent of 5s, on Saturday.—P.C. Hughes said that about midnight he saw the prisoner ia Llanhilleth. He was drunk and riotous and witness had to take him into custody.—John. Benn, porter, said that when the 11.40 train arrived at Llanhilleth on Saturday, he found the defendant asleep in one of the compartments. Witness woke him, and found that he was drunk, and had a ticket only as far as Cross Keys. He refused to pay the excess, and struck at witness. He also smashed the lamp produced.—Carter exoressed his sorrow, and was let off with a fine of 20s.-Mr T. Baker Jones, prosecuted on behalf of the Railway Company. DRUNK AND RiOTOUs.-For this offence at Blaenavon, on Saturday night, William Jones was fined 10s or 7 days'.

Nomination of Sheriffs. The annual ceremony of nominating the high- sheriffs for the counties of England and Wales (excepting the Royal Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall) for the ensuing year took place 011 Monday in the court of the Lord Chief Justice of England (Lord Alverstone), at the High Courts of Justice. The ceremony consists in the reading by the King's Remembrancer from a list previously prepared for each county of names of three gentlemen from each county deemed to be qualified by property and social position to occupy the office of high-sheriff. From the list of names thus selected the King later on with a golden bodkin pricks the sheriff for the year, the first name on the list being pricked, unless it be passed over from some good reason shown. The Right Hon. Austen Chamberlain, Chancellor of the Exchequer, presided, and there were also on the bench the Lord Chief Justice, Mr Justice Wills, Mr Justice Walton, Mr Justice Jelf, and Mr Justice A. T. Lawrence. The following are the names nominated for Monmouthshire :— I.-lir Charles Herbet Firbank, of Glen Usk., Caerleon. 2.-Colonel Charles Thomas Wallis, of Chester- holme, Newport. 2.—Colonel Charles Thomas Wallis, of Chester- holme, Newport. 3.—Mr Edmund Williams Tom Llewellyn Brewer, of Maesruddud, Blackwood, neae Newport.

LLANDENNY. I Agent-Mrs Preece, The Shop. I LOCAL WILL.—Mrs Eliza Jane Jones, of Cefn- y-Coed Bach, Llandenny, who died on the 28th of September last, wife of Mr Albert Jones, left -estate of the gross value of J6517, with net person- alty E178 14s. 4d. Probate of her will has been granted to Mr Edward Thomas, of the Warren Farm, gamekeeper, and Mr Elias Thomas, of Mountain Ash.

PONTYPOOL. Agents Mr Fteldhouse, and Sir G. H Churchill. 7%e Market, Messrs. Edwards and Co., and Air A. E. Davies. A RESIGNATION.—Mr W. Branch has resigned the position of captain of the Abersychan Fire Brigade, after 22 years' service.

THE SOLDIERS AND SAILORS' FAMILIES ASSOCIATION. To the Editor of The Oounty Observer. SIR,-The ready response of all classes in Mon- mouthshire to the appeal for funds to assist the wives and families of our soldiers and sailors in the late South African War is well known-and a substantial result of their benevolence remains as a balance bearing interest on deposit, in the names of two trustees. But it may not be generally known that, in the early periods of the war, oar local association received from the central associa- tion sums amounting to £ 2,300—without which assistance we should certainly not have had an ultimate balance in hand. Sir James Gildea, who is the secretary and organiser of the association, now asks for help from the various local associations for the Nursing Branch of the Soldiers and Sailors' Families Association—a branch which has done, and is doing, most valuable and charitable work, and which has the zealous and active patronage of our gracious Queen. We have the means of helping this branch out of the balance in hand, but the trustees in whose name it stands, very properly decline to part with any of it without the authority of a general meeting of the subscribers to the fund. The object is one which can hardly fail to com- mend itself to those whose charity led them to raise this fund, apart from the seemingly moral justice of refunding to the Central Association a portion of the money contributed by them towards our local funds. I, therefore, as President, pro- pose to call a general meeting of those who have subscribed to the Soldiers and Sailors' Families Association during the war, at the King's Head Hotel, Newport, at 3 p.m., on Wednesday, the 29th inst., with the hope that it will be a repre- sentative meeting, and that it will authorise an allotment by the trustees of a portion of the balance they now hold in trust, to aid the Nursing Branch of the Soldiers and Sailors' Families Association. I remain, yours faithfully, GEORGIANA LLANGATTOCK. The Hendre, Monmouth, Nov. 14th, 1905.

CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED. I Re PADDOCKS RokD.-We are unable to publish the letter from A lover of truth and justice in extenso, owing to its personal nature. We gather from it that the writer regrets that the deputation which waited upon the R.D.C. at the Sessions House, Usk, on November 6th, did not inform the Chairman that a deputation had previously been to Newport to consult one of the town's leading solicitors, who had decided that the ratepayers were bound to repair the Paddocks Road. This letter, the writer says, should have been put on the table by the Collector of the Glascoed parish, as all the ratepayers would have to pay the expenses of these gentlemen to Newport as well as the solicitor's fees. Re TOLL HousF, Ratepayer's letter re "The io11. H?use. at Chain Bridge" was adequately dealt with in our last issue, and the writer has contnbuted no fresh point of interest.

Football. j USK V CROESYCEILOG. The first match of the reason between the above teams was played at Croesyceilog, on Saturday last, in wretched weather, and before a small number of spectators. Usk were minus Plummer, H. Morgan, and J. Morgan, their places being filled by G. Charles, J. Stead, and W. Prothero. The homesters won the toss and Usk kicked-off against the wind, the return finding touch at half- way. The visitors broke away from the line-out, and similar tactics by Croesyceilog let them into the Usk 25, and some slack play gave Morgan a try, which Parker failed to majorise. This reverse was within two minutes of the start. Usk kicked out and their opponents were soon back to attack, G. Charles failed to field, and another try seemed a certainty but F. Davies came to the rescue with a good kick to touch. Gibson was prominent in a rush, and I. Lewis removed the venue of play to Croesyceilog 25. The visitors got away from the line-out, Stead and Saunders tried hard to get through, but the home back kicked to touch. From a scrum at, half-way, the leather came out, and Lewis smartly got it away. The brothers Waters, Timms, and Davies handled; the latter made great strides for the line, just failing to get over. The homesters relieved to their 25, where J. Marfell made a great burst, being tackled near the line, E. Waters also got grassed. Then came a splendid bout of passing all along the line, R. Haggett, the last to handle, making a determined run and getting the leather down at the corner flag. The place-kick failed. Croesyceilog dropped out, and R. Marfell knocked on, but Davies turned to touch at half-way. A free was given to the homesters for an off-side tackle, and a futile kick was made for goal. For a similar offence, Usk obtained a free, and kicked to touch at half-way. Davies took advantage of an unaccepted pass by the homesters and dribbled finely. He kicked hard when opposed by the home custodian, but fell and could not get to the leather, a fine chance being lost. Croesyceilog got back to half way with a forward dribble and two minors fell to them in quick succession from huge kicks. Timms fielded cleanly after the drop out and broke through splendidly, and E. Waters getting hold just after punted high for Haggett to follow, but the latter just failed to get there in time. Half-time was called with the score at half way. Croesyceilog 1 try. Usk Itry. Croesyceilog re-started, F. Davies' kick failing to find touch, the homesters got down on the Usk Hue with a loose rush. Carrying a scrum, the visitors relieved to their 25, but E. Waters was tackled in possession near his line. Several attempts at passing by Croesyceilog failed, and a drop at goal from a mark also proved futile. Timms was again conspicuous in stopping a rush and punting to touch. W. Prothero sustained a kick in a rush and retired. The homesters were now doing most of the pressing, but Lewis was tackling well, and several times relieved with a run up the touch line. Usk came away with a bout of passing, and Timms sent on to E. Waters, who, when faced, ignored his wing, and doubling back tried to kick but missed the ball, a near thing for a try. Usk relieved with a run by Lewis, and, in response, the homesters put in a good round of passing, which was nipped by Lewis with a grand tackle. A long kick over the line, ended in a race for the ball, and Waters got there first and touched it, but the referee awarded a try to Clifford. The place kick failed. After the drop-out, Prothero came into prominence with a good burst, but was overtaken. Lewis also picked up smartly and transferred to Saunders, who, with F. Waters unmarked, failed to take, thereby losing a good chance. The latter part of the game was played in semi-darkness. Final score:- Croesyceilog 2 tries. Usk 1 try. I Referee, Mr L, H. Lloyd,

USK. PETTY SESSIONS, THURSDAY. Before R. RICKABDS, Esq. (in the chair), J. T, DAVIES, Esq., and S. A. HILET, Esq. TEMPORARY TRANSFER. On the application of Mr. W. J. Everett, solici- tor, Pontypool, the licence of the Lamb and Flag Beerhouse, Usk, was temporarily transferred from Henry Woodley to William Watts, of Cardiff. POOR RATES. I The following Poor Rates were signed:—For the parish of Llangwm ucha, 2s. 4d. in the £ Llan- trissent, 2s. 8d. trissent, 2s. Sd. I A SCENE IN THE MARKET. Esther Ball, the wife of Anthony Ball, of Lower Prescoed Farm, Llanbadoc, summoned William Stephens, of Greenmeadow Farm, Llanbadoc, for assaulting her in Usk Cattle Market, on November 6th; and there was a cross-summons. Mr. Everett appeared for Mrs. Ball. Mrs Ball stated that on the morning in question she was in Usk Cattle Market talking to Mrs Lewis, whose pig she was buying, when Stephens came up. slapped her on the shoulder, and asked her what she had been saying to his son. He subsequently called her "an old liar." and "an old bitch." He shoved her and caught hold of her dress and pushed her the distance of two or three pens, ultimately putting her on the ground, where he pressed her on the breast and held her down. Men around told him to "let the woman alone, and not knock her," and took hold of his arm. She had been under the care of Dr Elackett ever since, and she produced a certificate from him which showed that she was suffering from an affection of the heart which caused sleeplessness. She suffered from trembling and was very sore. She had now a plaster over her breast and on her side where Stephens hurt her. Cross-examined, Mrs Ball denied that she had insulted Stephens' son. She did not shake her fist at defendant in the market, and he did not have to act in self-defence. Some one took him off her as she was on the ground. Esther Lewis, the wife of Philip Lewis, Gwer- neeney, and a stranger to both parties, corroborated Mrs Ball's evidence. She said Stephens accused Mrs Ball of spoiling his son's character, and then walked up and slapped her on the shoulder to draw her attention to him. He then caught hold of her drees and pressed her backwards about two or three pens from where witness was with her pig. Mrs Ball resisted Stephens and told him not to push her. Cross-examined, witness denied that Mrs Ball got in "a bad way," and flourished her hands in Stephens' face. She did not see Mrs Ball strike him. Re-examined: If Mrs Ball had struck Stephens she would have seen it, -as she saw all that transpired except the fall, which the crowd around prevented her seeing. Eliza Morgan, wife of William Morgan, Llan- trissent, said she had never seen Mrs Ball bef re that market day that she knew of, she only knew Stephens by sight, and she had never spoken to either before. She did not see Mrs Ball by Mrs Lewis, but she heatd Stephens and her arguing, and heard him call her all sorts of bad names, and saw him pushing his tongue out at her. He said to Mrs Ball, "I have exposed you now before all the market, and I will go." He then walked towards the end of the market, and Mrs Ball was also walking when he caught hold of her and kept pushing her backwards. His clenched fist would come against her breast as he held her. Then Stephens had Mrs Ball on the grouud. He pushed her down. There was quite a crowd there then, and Stephens was bending over her, with his hand on her chest. Some one picked him off her, and Mr Rees, she thought, helped Mrs Ball up. John Probert, of Newchurch West, also a stranger to the parties, said both were having "highiah" words. Witness saw Stephens catch hold of Mrs Ball's jacket by the chest and push her till he got her down, and then he grigged her. When Stephens was pushing her witness told him not to hustle the woman, or something like that, and put his hand on Stephens' arm as he went by him. Thomas Rees, the toll collector, said he saw Mrs Ball on the ground, and Stephens just getting from over her as if he had shoved her down. Several bystanders shouted out to Stephens not to strike the woman. and they took him away. William Stephens said he met Mrs Ball in the market, and asked her what he had done to her that she should insult his son when he went to fetch the machine. She said she did not, and witness told her that she did. Then she got in a rage and called him everything besides a tidy man, and kept coming up to him shaking her fists in his face. He put up his hand to save his face and she hit him three times in the breast. Then he caught hold of her jacket to put her away from him, but whether he pushed her down or not he could not say. Cross-examined Mrs Ball insulted him first. He did not knock her; he only pushed her. What the other witnesses had said was not true. He did not hold her on the ground nor touch her there. He was as calm then as he was now; he was not excited at all. No one took hold of his arm to prevent him knocking her. He caught hold of her in self-defence only. Job Thomas, Llantrissent, said Mrs Ball was calling Stephens everything, and was apparently trying to exasperate him so that he should assault her. She struck Stephens three times. Cross-examined: The only rough usage he saw was on the part of Mrs Ball towards Stephens, who did not touch her until she had knocked him. Edward Rowen, Usk. gave similar evidence. He heard Mrs Ball using very bad language, and the first thing he saw was Mrs Ball with her fist up against Stephens' face. Stephens asked her to go away and not interfere with him. She put her fist in his face several times, and as he was going away she pushed him so that he nearly stumbled. He then caught hold of her and pushed her back. Both were very excited. Cross-examined: He thought the man had the worst of it. He must have had a very good temper to stand Mrs Ball's abuse so long. He did not think anyone pulled Stephens off the woman. By the Chairmaa: He heard the people say, "Let the woman get up," but he did not hear anyone call out Shame." After a short retirement of the Bench, the Chairman said they had decided to dismiss both cases, the parties to pay their own costs.

Service at St. Mary's Church, where the Rev Morgan Gilbert, M.A., vicar, delivered an Impressive and appropriate sermon, and touchingly alluded to the loss the Volunteers had sustained in the death of Major Marsh.