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 words as "No Cards'' No Flowers," 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. DEATH. PAItIEMIL.-On May 11th, 19^6, at Rockstoue Villa, Usk. Miss Sarah Parker, in her 88th year.

Vf R. JAMES PARKER begs (o THANK those *1 friends who so kindly sent wreaths and attended the funeral of his sister. Rockstone Villa. Usk, May lath, 1906.

The Dulwich Bye-Election. I Dulwich has spoken with no uncertain voice. Mr. Birrell's confiscatory Education Bill was the main issue before the electors, and they have given it a thorough condemnation by re- turning Mr Bonar Law, the Unionist candidate, by a majority of 1,276-an increase of 922 votes on a smaller poll than that in the General Elec- tion which gave Dr. Rutherfoord Harris a majority of 357, when Fiscal Reform took first place in the field. I have won on the Gov- ernmenfs record, which the electors plainly regard as an objectionable one, and, above all, on education," said the successful candidate after the declaration of the poll, and the coun- try endorses that verdict. The Radical and Nonconformist Members in the House of Com- mons are out of all proportion to their number in the country, and this condemnation of the Government's first Bill of magnitude should convince Mr. Birrell and his colleagues that although Unionist representatives in the House may be few they are backed up by a tremen- dous and determined force in the country itself, and that even the largest majority cannot ride rough shod with impunity over principles which Englishmen hold dear. By wilful misrepresentations and falsehoods seats were captured by the Radical party in the frenzied General Election. The re-action has now set in, and Dulwich is but the first-fruits of what will occur in succeeding bye-elections. 11

USK. I Agent—Mrs. E. K. Jones, Stationer I SALE or WORK. Oil Wednesday, a successful sale of work was held at the Town Hall, Usk. f-)r the purpose of paying off the debt on the organ in the Congregational Cbapel. The opening ceremony was performed by Mrs E. L. M. Hackett. There were a number of stalls and other attractions and a bright musical programme. DEATH OF THE DOWAGRR DUCHESS OF BEAUEORT. -Georgiana Cbarl >tte Dowager Duchess of Beaufort, died on Monday, after a brief illness, at her residence, Stoke Park, Stapleton, near Bristol. The deceased lady who bad reached an advanced age, spent practically the whole of her life in work for religious and charitable organisa- tions over a wide area around Badminton, including Bristol, where, until the last few years, many public ceremonies were graced with her presence The funeral takes place at Badminton to-day (Friday). Fuxbbal.—On Monday afternoon the funeral took place of Aliss Parker, who died on the previous Friday morning. Deceased was a very old inhabitant of the town. The chief mourners were Mr James Parker (brother), Mr E. Williams, Mr J. Parker, Mr W. E. Parker, Mr M. Parker, and Mrs Lougber (Llandaff), and a mitnbpr of the older inhabitants of the town attended. The Rev P. L. C. Nash (rector) officiated. Mr B. F. Stockham was the undertaker. RELIGIOUS INBQUALITY.-WE are told that the Managers of the Usk Schools asked the Local Edu- cation Authority for a half-holiday for the Wes- leyan Band of Hope excursion, on Wednesday next, and they rightly granted it. The Managers asked, at the sami time, for a similar holiday on Asoension Day, that the Church and Roman Catholic children might attend at their Church serviee. This was refused. "How long," our correspondent asks, will Churchpeople submit to this religious inequal- ity ? Where is I religious liberty' if this be allowed ? HOSPITAL SUNDAY.—The members of various Friendly Societies at Usk. numbering nearly 150, headed by the Usk Volunteer Band, formed in procession at the Three Salmon's corner on Sunday, and marched to Uk Church, where a collection was made in aid of the Newport and County Hospital. The Rev A. S. Morgan, curate, was the preacher. Suitable hymns were sung. The collection in Church amounted to E4 16s 3d, and in the streets to £ 7. Boxes in business establishments brought the total collected up to £16 odd. MR CLAY"; OTTER HOUNDS.—This pack met at the Mardy Farm, on Friday in last week, when a large company nssembled, and enjoyed some capital sport. The bounds were thrown off in the Olway stream, working towards the Pylth, and on to Llansoy, where there were signs of an otter being about, The pack feathered well wi h plenty of music, but ecent failed as they proceeded. Oa reaching Court-y-Brychan, the company were hospitably entertained by Mr Joseph Williams, the tenant. They then returned to Llansoy, still without success, and then crossed over to Llanerthil Mill, where they quickly found, and hounds hunted in fine form for two hours, when they killed a vixon otter weighing 181bs. Mr Pryce Jenkins was presented with the mask, and Captain Phillips with the tail.

l NEWPORT. I Agents-Mesvrt Greenland aniÍ Co., Utah Street. CYCLING FATKLITY.- Alf red James J one*, single, employed in the stàbles at Tredegar Park, met with an accident when riding his bicycle early last week, when he appears to have fallen upon his head. He was removed to the County Hospital, at Newport, but succumbed to his iujllries on the Thursday night following. ANOTHER MINIATURE RIFLB CLUB.—Owing, principally, to the untiring efforts of the joint. secretaries (P.S. George Hiles and P. C. Robinson), the Newport Police Athletic Club have formed & rifle section. Mr A. I. Sinclair, head-constable, is president of the ciub, and at the opening ceremony Mr G. D. Taylor (chairman of the executive com- mittee of the Monmouthshire and South Wales- League of Miniature Rifle Clubs), fired the first. shot. Detective Sergeant S. Cox, a colour- sergeant in the 4th V.B. South Wales Borderer?, has been elected captain.

;i;c. 1 HTARCHERaCSTO flGOWMliTOEMS fl r,: 1:' ''i "L.;¡, 'o'JI\ lac-simile cf One-OUllce Packet. Af chef's Golden Returns The Perfection of Pipe Totaeoo. COOL. SWEET, Aiqr, FRAMAMT.

RATEPAYERS' MEETING RE THE TOWN HALL AND TWYN. On Tuesday evening a meeting of ratepayers, convened by the Chairman of the U.D.O. (Mr S. A. Hiley, J.P.), was held in the Town Hall, Usk, to consider the question of making an offer to purchase the Town Hall and piece of ground on the Twyn, the property of James Straker, Esq. Mr Hiley presided, and on the platform with him were Councillors W. Marfell, G. Edmunds, R. Morgan, H Ault, W. Workman, J. Knight, E. W. Waters, G. Mundy, F. Jeunings, and A. F. Lucas (clerk), whilst among the 60 or 70 ratepayers present were:—Rev P. L. C. Nah, Rev J. G. Williams, Messrs. J. Maitland Watkins, J. EL Clark, J. J. Edwards, T. Day, W. Thomas, W. Gibbon, W. F. Roberts, C. A. Mortimer, T. Jones, J. Haggett, J. Billingham, G. Evans, G. Lewis, J. Chilton. E J .nes, C. R. D<mes, O. Redwood, F. W. Thomas, J. Powell, W. Jones, A. Haswell, A. Davies, J. Blanderfield, J. O. Watkius, J. A. Williams, A. Symonds. E. J. Smith, R. A. Rogers. C. Mortimer, T. Rees, G. Edmunds, jr, J. Pitt, A.Embry, J.Grady, -James, C. Paine, W. R. Martin, J. Hennessey, E. H. Thomas, E. Morgan, G. Cale, T. Morgan, Taylor, E Knight, J. Lewis, J, M. Bavnham, G. French, H. Hopkins, H. Evans, W. Price, J. Lake, Shergold, F. Hughes, F. Lewis, &c. The Clerk having read the notice calling the meeting, The Chairman said that some short time ago the Council had a letter from Mr James Straker, intimating that he had made up his mind to dispose of the Town Hall and of his portion of the Twyn Square, and at the same time kindly offering the Council the first refusal of it. He quoted them a price. If the Council would give him the amount he paid f r it. he said. together with 5 per cent. interest per annum on his outlay, less the amount paid by the Council by way of rent, be would poll it to them. Well, the Council had considered the offer, and they thought the amount was more than they would be prepared to give. They wrote and told Mr Straker so, and invited him to make an amended offer if be could see hill way to lower the amount. He replied that he could not. Then the Council thought the next best step to take was to make him an offer. The Town Hall and Twyn-square bad been of very great conTenience to them. The former bad always been in the bands of the local authority and bad always been at the disposal of everybody at a fixed and moderate rate of hire. As to the Twyn, since the Council had rented it, it also bad been a great convenience. They had had the absolute control of it, and had been able to keep it e-1-ar and in good order. Under those cir. ctrnstances the Council thought that the least tiie-v could do was to suggest a price which they were prepared to give for the two properties, subject to the sanction of that meeting and of- the Local Government Board to the raising of a loan. The figure they proposed was t409. Taking last year's Town Hall account as a fair average one, the expenditure in oue direction and another amounted to £45 15s lod, and the receipts to £31 2s 4d, which left a balance of Z14 1311 6d, which repre- sensed the amount that the Council paid for its use thflmselve*. It would, therefore, be seen that there was no matter of profit about the concern at all. The balance named was an ample and sufficient sum to allow for the use the Council mtde of the Town Hall. Then with regard to the Twyn, they paid 13 rent per annum, and received from it j67 10s; but the balance was largely eaten up by the expense incurred in cleaning and repairing it, so there, again, there was no margin of profit. They though*, consequently, that an offer of E4 0 would be a reasonable one to make. Although the Town Hall was very useful to them they had to look at the fact that there was one great drawback connected with it: they cul l not obtain a licence for it for dramatic entertainment. The structure was not suitable, and the County Council would not pass it for the purpose. Another thing was that the building was an old one and somewhat dilapidated, and there was very little duubt that in a few years there would have to be a very con- siderable expenditure npon it by way of repairs. The snm of;2400 looked a small sum for so large a building, perhaps, but the facts he had pointed out had to be borne in mind in considering it. He hoped that the meeting would think the amount a reasonable one, and that the best thing for them to do was to make Mr Straker the offer. If he accepted it it would mean an aunual expenditure of £ 32 13s 4d by wav of re-payment of interest on and redemption of loan, for probably the Local Government Board would not allow them more than 15 years in which to effect that. Takiag Mr Straker's figures, the Chairman pointed out that £ 560 was given for the property seven years ago, and under the conditions he laid down the total amount asked for amounted to about E650, to pay off which (loan and interest) £70 a year would be required. That, he considered, altogether out of the question. (Hear, hear.) Mr Reuben Morgan: If we purchased it as suggested by the Council we should be practically in the same position as now ? The Chairman Yes, about. Mr Mundy pointed out that there would be the addition of outside repairs. The building wanted re-roofing. They would be worse off than ever. Mr J. Maitland Watkins asked for the terms of tenancy. How soon could Mr Straker determine it? The Chairman said the tenancy was a yearly one determinable in September. Mr Mundy pointed out that the Twyn-square would be practically of no use to anyone but the Council. He thought they ought to have fixed their boundary marks round it when it was sold. The roadways had been encroached upon at fair time, and that could be stopped by the Council. Mr T. Jones (Bridge-street) asked what was the amount of rent paid by the Council for the Hall, and The Chairman replied £16, and £ 3 for the Twvn. Mr Rogers asked if it was any advantage to have the Twyn. The Chairman said it was. They must not lose eight of the importance of the Council being able to control it, and keep it tidy and in order. Mr Roberts asked if the Council did not think it right to take into consideiation with regard to the purchase money an estimated sum for outside repairs, which would amount to L100 or JE200 to put the building in proper order. The Chairman said that matter had been taken into consideration in fixing upon the offer of £ 400 If their idea was adopted they would be in the same position as now, plus the cost of the outside repairs. The Council would, of course, prefer to continue as at present, but if Mr Straker sold the property they would have to take all risks. Mr Roberts said the result, if they bought, would be that the Council would be in a worse position financially in the future than in the past. The Chairman estimated that it would cost JS200 to put the Hall in good repair. Mr Roberts That would mean £10 a year extra on the rates ? The Chairman Yes. In reply to Mr Mandy, the Chairman said the Conncil bad carried out many internal repairs in the ordinary course, and that helped to make up the expenditure on the Hall. After further discussion, Mr Rogers proposed that the Council be recom- mended to offer C400 for the property. Mr A. Symonds asked what would be the cost of providing a place with better accommodation on the Council's own freehold adjoining the cattle market. The Chairman said the Council was not in a position to say, but he thought it would mean 1!1,000 or £ l, VoO. Mr T. Day said he should move an amendment that the Council make no offer at all. The rates were high enough at the present time, and he did not see why they should saddle upon poor people the cost of such a building as that they were in. Mr J. Pitt said he would second that. The Chairman pointed out that the resolution had not yet been seconded, whereupon Mr T. Rees said he would second it. He thought that if the Council could get the property for E400 it would be well worth the money, and they would be lucky. Many things in connection with the matter bad not been mentioned at all. The Town Hall was useful for housing the fire engine, &c., and then there was the armoury. As to the Twyn he thought the value had been put at a vety low figure. After some further talk, the amendment was put to the meeting and carried by 3L votes (including Councillors Mundy and Knight) to 23. The Chairman said be had not the least feeling in the matter. He had looked at it all round, and he had been obliged to come to the conclusion that it would be better to buy the property, if it could be bought at the price named, than not. Still, he hoped all had acted for the best. As a Council the members would feel satisfied in having obtained the opinion of the ratepayers who would have had to help find the money if they decided to i/urcbase. On the proposition of Mr Jennings, seconded by Mr Rogers, the Chairman was accorded a vote of thanks. In reply, Mr Hiley said he thought it only right that ou occasions of moment the Council should appeal to the ratepayers for their views. The Council would now feel that if the town ever regretted not having purchased the property they (the councillors) could not be blamed, and the ratepayers would have to bear any little regrets that they might feel in the future without grumbling. The proceodings then terminated.

PETTY SESSIONS, THURSDAY. j Before R. RICKARDS. Esq. (in the chair). H. I HUMPHRBYS, Esq., and S. A. HILEY, Eøq. I ADJOURNED.—Thomas A. Shepherd, of the White Lion, Usk, was summoned for selling intoxicating I drink on his promises during prohibited hours on the 17th April, and David Prothero, Reginald Mayberry, and Augustus Atherton were summoned for being on the premises during prohibited hours. -On the application of Messrs. Lyndon Moore. and Cooper, Newport, who are acting for the, landlord. the eass was adjourned for a fortnight. CAUTION TO FAEHBRS.—James Parry, Berllwydd, farmer, was summoned for causing a bull over 12 months old, to be driven along the highway with- out being properly seeared by a ring through it& nose, and with a stiok or rope attached, at Usk on the 7th May.—P.S. Sheddick proved the case, which was one under a C.C. bye-law, and it being- the first of its kind in the district, defendant was let off on paying the costs (4s. 6d.). The full penalty is f5. No NAKB PLATB.—William DixJn. gipsy hawker, who did not at first appear, bat subsequently attended and paid the fine, was summoned for having no name-plate on his four-wheel lorry at Usk on the 13th Blay.-P.C. Mnssell gave the particulars, and defendant was fined 5s. and 4s. 6d- costs. DRUNK-—Frederick Jaokson, who said he had been working on a farm between Usk and Mon- mouth, was found lyiog down outside Usk Police Station at 1.20 p.m. on the previous day by P.S. Sheddick, and as he was incaoable of takinc eare of himself the officer took him in as a stranger, and now, failing to find 2a. 6d. and costs for the lapser and for the attention of the police, he went to prison for 7 days. MAINTENANCE ARPzkims. -Thomas Price (on bail) appeared to show cause why he should not pay E22 lis. Od. arrears under a maintenance order.- The wife said she was told he had been getting 7s. a week.-Defendant said it was only 6s. MR Waddington said the order was for 7s. 6d. per week, and defendant had been paying 10s. fort- nightly, with one or two lapses.—The case wasr adjourned to enable defendant to get a wages certificate from his employer, Miss Powell, Gwe- helog, who had not come to Court to give evidence for him.—He now paid another 10s., and was, liberated on bail.

I ABERGAiNNY. Atents.-Aftsirs Oatnet & Ce. Booksellers. MINIATURE RIFLII RANGE OPBNED.-A.bergnnn,. has established a rifle club of over 100 members, with the Marquess of Abergavenny as president,, and Mr David James, an old volunteer, as secretary. A range in Market-street has been taken for the summer months, and the Drill Hall will be used in the winter. The Marquess performed the opening ceremony by firing the first shot, and among those who took part in th& shooting were Lieutenant-Colonel W. H. Wheeley, Mr F. P. J. Haubury, the Mayor (Councillor J. C. Gwatkin), the Mayoress, Dr S. H. Steel, Dr W. D. Steel, Mr W. B Powlett, Major J. H. Gilbert Harris, Mr J. A. Fiudlay, Mr G. D. Taylor, Missr Bretherton, Mr James Straker, Mrs Church, Colonel Mansell, and Mr Z. Wheatley.-Ris Lordship, in reply to an address by the Mayor, promised to pay the cost of a competent instructor for the first half-year. The first match was between teams selected by Colour-Sergeant J. Phillips and Sergeant W. H. Butt, when the former made 162 points and the latter 131.

I BOARD OF GU ARDIA S. At the fortnightly meeting on Friday, there were preent :-Mr H. G. Steel (chairman), the Rev S. R. Young (vice-chairman), Mrs Church, the Revs J. E. Trumper, J. W. Omn, and a-Ftier- Wrag, Major Williams, aud Messrs. G. Davies, W. Williams, J. Thomas, J. Brtvau, A. Edwards, W. J. Morgan, J. Howells, D. Watkiu, and J. Edwards. The Rev J. E. Trumper, who bad given notice of motion, pr -,p,)oed that the resolution dated lotb November, 1892, allowing one ounce of tobacco and an ounce of snuff to all those who were not- able bodied in the House, be rescinded. He con- sidered that in the 14 years, over J6800 had been wasted. The Rev J. W. Osman seconded. A discussion followed, aud, the votiug being equal, the chairman gave his casting vote in favour of the tobacco. The Clerk was directed to thank Ir Lloyd, Swan Hotel, for her kindness in presentitig a. rocking-horse and dolls' house for the children.

SERIOUS CYCLING ACCIDENT. Herbert Price and William Pegler, grocer's assistants at Blaenavon, were cycling home from Abergavenny, on Monday evening. They had mounted their machines on the top of the mountain and were descending, Pegler about 3> yards in front, when, after passing two men-one on the pathway and the other on the opposite side of the road, Pegler looked round, but failed- to see his companion's lamp. He dismounted and went back, and found Price lying in a pool of blood, and with blood oozing from his ear, while about twelve yards behind was the machine, ia- which one of the men was entangled. Pegler carried his friend to the Rifleman's- Arms about 500 yards away, and then, going backi for his bicycle, rode for Dr Avarne. Oa the arrival of the doctor it was foand that Price bad fractured the base of his skull, and very little hopes were then entertained of his recovery, but later his condition slightly improved, although ho was still unconscious.

I CHEPSTOW. I Agent.—Mtss Clark FELL FROM A, TRAIN.—An assistant school master, named Jenkins, of High Wyoombe, fell out of the mail train from South Wales to London, near Chepstow, on Saturday night, while the train was travelling between 50 an 1 60 miles an hour, but escaped with a cat above his right eye and a. elight abrasion to one of his hands. H& remembered nothing after getting into the train at Cardiff, until he aw 'ke early on Sunday morning and found himself lying in a field on the side of the railway between Chepstow and Portskewett. He walked up the line to Chepstow, and reported himself, but was unable to give any account of bow he fell from the train. He suggested that he- might have been ill, and while leaning out of the window overbalanced. On the arrival of the train at Chepstow, which is the first stop after leaving Newport, no carriage door was open, therefore the, mystery remains. Mr Jenkius left Chepstow on. Sunday afternoon.