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

Empire Day. There is no more fitting time than the present to consider the full meaning of the term British Empire." May 24th is Empire Day, and has now reached its third anniversary. The idea of observing it as a festival originated with Earl Meath, in honour of Queen Victoria, and already it has had notable and far-reaching results. Last year the day was signalised in about 6,000 schools in the United Kingdom, and in about 14,000 schools in British Colonies. This year about 8,595 schools celebrated it in the United Kingdom, and when all the figures come in from New South Wales, Quebec, Manitoba, the North-west Pro- vinces, Prince Edward Island, and a few other centres, it is roughly computed that Empire Day will be commemorated through the length and breadth of King Edward's possessions in not less than 38,000 institu- tioias-nearly double last year's figures. 0 I SHEFFIELD TOOK THE LEAD IN ENGLAND this year. It mustered its youth number- ing about 10,000, and some 3,360 boys, dressed in jerseys and caps of red, white, or blue, were formed into a picturesque tableau vivant of the national flag. The girls took part in marches designed to illustrate the life, industries, and products of the Colonies, and all the children made a striking display emblematic of Britannia and her attendants. The flag was saluted, the National Anthem sung, and homage paid at the hoisting of Nelson's immortal Trafalgar signal. In the evening, all the Volunteer officers of the district were entertained at a banquet by the Lord Mayor. I AT HOUNSLOW I Empire Day was celebrated by the scholars ¡ of all the schools, by order of the Local Education Committee. In the morning a lesson was given illustrative of the extent, work, and might of the Empire, and the children were subsequently taken to Isleworth, where a Raw recreation ground ) was formally opened. The Bishop of London, addressing the pupils of Queen's College, Harley Street, London, said he was heart and soul with Lord Meath in his efforts to instil into our young people a feeling of pride for the Empire to which they belonged. It was a grand thought that our flag flew in every quarter of the C, world, and that everywhere it stood for justice, freedom, and religious toleration. In Montgomeryshire, Mr David Davies, M.P., gave a gigantic treat to some 7,500 children from the elementary and secondary schools, and prizes for essays on Imperial subjects were given. The scholars sang Australian, Canadian, and other national songs, and suitable addresses were delivered by members of the local education authori- ties. There were also celebrations in New port, Monmouth, Abergavenny, and Cardiff. On such an occasion it is of THE GREATEST INTEREST to try and form some estimate of the vast- ness of this Empire of which we are all so proud. The British Empire consists of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ire- land, the Empire of India, and the British Dominions beyond the Seas, the total area being nearly 11,400,000 square miles, or more than one-fifth of the earth's surface, while the total population is about 410 mil- lions, or more than one-fifth of the inhabi- tants of the globe.

The British Empire Honours Lord llloer. On Thursday night, at the Hotel Cecil, London, under the presidency of Mr Joseph Chamberlain, a most distinguished gather- ing took place to do honour to Lord Milner, in recognition of his great services to King and Empire. The banquet, said the Chairman, was designed to make amends for the vindictive vote of censure passed upon his lordship by a majority of 220 extreme Radicals in the House of Commons, because he, as Pro-Consul in South Africa, upheld British interests which a British party would have betra yed It is," the speaker added, characteristic of England that our great Pro-Consuls should receive but slight and casual recog- nition of what they have done. What struck all present as a bitter truth was that men who had ruled as kings vast depen- dencies of the Crown were GIVEN LESS ATTENTION on their return home 'than the captain of a cricket team or a champion footballer." Mr Chamberlain then gave a record of Lord Milner's appointment and work in South Africa as High Commissioner, and cable- grams of congratulations were read from all parts of the Empire. From Johannes- burg came the message, "Please convey following to Lord Milner: 4 Otir faith is unshaken, and our loyalty and gratitude to you to-day greater than ever.'—Percy Fitzpatrick." The Governor General of Canada said "I wish I could be present to- night in body as I am in spirit." Another message from Ottawa was Kindly con- vey to Lord Milner our high appreciation of his splendid services to the Empire, and our earnest Taope that he may long be spared to continue his labours for the honour, welfare, and unity of the British Dominions," which was signed by twenty- eight members of the Dominion Parliament. It was a magnificent gathering, and the only people conspicuous by their absence were members of Sir Henry Campbell- Bannerman's Government.

Births, Marriages, & Deaths. Announcements under this heading are inserted at a uniform charge of 1/- each, unless such cords as "No Cards," No Flowers," ¡fe" 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.

I USK. I Agent-Mrs. E. K. Jones. Stationer EDUCATION BILL EXPLAINED.—The Rev John Wakeford, B.D., will explain the meaning of the Education Bill in the Boys' Schoolroom, Usk, on Wednesday, May 30th, at 8.15 p.m.—Advt. MUSICAL SUCCESS.- We have much pleasure in noting1 that Miss A. W. Brooke, of Brynawel, Usk, tnok 2nd priza at the Brecon Eisteddfod, on Monday, in the senior violin solo competition (open) "Romance." BAND or HOPE.- The members and friends of the Wesleyan Band of Hope hsid an outing to Aberga- venny. by train, on Wednesday, when, notwith- standing heavy showers of rain, an enjoyable time Wli cpenfc in the Castle grounds. POLICE COURT.-On Friday in !last week, before Mr R. Rickards, Henry Squires, of Coedvpane, was fined -5s. On the previous night he was found by P S. Sheddick and P.O. Muasell on the LInhadoc-road drunk and unable to take care of himself, so he was accommodated at the Police Station. LLANGIBBY HUNT.—At a fully attended meeting of the "ubscribrs to the Llansrifrby Hunt held on Saturday, at Newport, Mr Clifford Cory, M.P., presiding, a vote of condolence on the death of the late master (Mr Hopton Williams) was passed, a,fi,i a representative committee of seven was appointed to make all arrangements with the covert owners and others as to the future hunting rof the country. VISIT OF THE REV. JOHN WATCBFOBD.— AS announoed in our advertisement columns, the Rev .Tqhn Wakeford, B.D., is to address a meeting of Chllrchpeople at Llanbadoc Parish Room a t, 2.45 p.m., on Wednesday next, ou the occasion_of the annual Festival of the Monmouthshire District Union of the E.C.U. We do not often have the opportunity of hearing a speaker of Mr Wakeford's calibre in our neighbourhood, and, no doubt, many Churchpeople will avail themselves of it. THE LORD MILNER ADDRESS.—As it will be necessary to return the papers to Sir Bartle Frere at an early date, will those who have not yet signed the Address of Appreciation to be presented to Viscount Milner for his services in Africa to the Crown and Empire, and are desirous of doing so, kindly call at, the County Observer Office. where there are still a few unsigned papers? The signatories must be male BrMsh lhjecs, over 21 years of age, and may reside c, either in the towns or in the country districts. AN ADVENTURE.—Six young men from the Pont- ypool district had an outing to Usk on Sunday in a trap. On the return journey, the aprings suc- e um bed to the weight near the top of the Island, and another trap was requisitioned at Usk which, however, proved equally incapable of bearing the burden, for at Glan-yr-Afon the shafts gave way, aud the horse ran off after being cleared from the wreckage, but was caught and subsequently ridden home by one of them, while the others returned to town. This was about 11 p.m. No one was much hurt. MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.-At The Castle," on Monday evening, Mr William Thomas presided over an adjourned meeting of members of the Hearts of Oak Benefit Society (London) residing in the town and district. Terms for medical attendance were submitted and Dr G. Harrison Jenkins was appointed the medical officar. Rules were adopted, and all present paid the entrance fee to the Medical Association. Mr William Thomas was elected chairman for the year, Mr T. Jones (Bridge-street) secretary, Mr Reuben M rgan 011 treasurer, and a committee of seven was appointed, i

AN OTTER'S AUDACITY. I On Monday evening, while fishing in the river off his land, at Llanwysk, Mr Edward Williams had hooked and played a trout and was in the act of netting it when up came an otter after it. Mr Williams shouted, and the amphibian relinquished its hold and went off with the lower portion of the cast. The trout was saved to the angler. From a file of the County Observer we learn that this is not a unique incident, for it is recorded that in June, 1882, Mr Wm. Workman, while angling near Coed-y-prior, hooked a trout close to a steep bank, which prevented his using the landing net and necessitated his drowning the fish. As Mr Workman was quietly winding up his line an otter toro the trout from the hook, and bolted with it into deep water.

ANGLING. Notwithstanding the heavy rain of the last few days the river remains very low, there having been only a rise of two or thrf3e inches. A 2 ft. or 3 ft. rise is badly needed by the salmou angler. Evening trout fishinur has been ia fall swing, and several excellent baskets have been taken, including some heavier trout than have been had of recent years. SALMON KILLS. Friday, May I ith.-Hr Mervyn King, one, 17 lbs, in Parker's hole. Saturday, 12th.—Mr H. W. Pride, one. 11 lbs, in the Whibbs (a fresh-run fish). Wednesday. ISfch.—Mr Cazlet, two, 11 lbs and 12 lbs, in the Forge and the Llwyn. Thursday, 17th.—Mr Bentick, one, 9 lbs. Tuesday, 22.qd.-)Ir Sword, one, 9 lbs, in Coedy- prior. Thursday, 24th.—Mr Sword, one, 12 lbs, in the Bindings. TROUT. Saturday, May 19th. Mr F. M. Davies, 2 hrace; Mr A. Jones, 2 (three of which weighed over lib. each). Monday.—>Mr H. G. Powell landed a very fine three-pounder on a 6d. cast and with a 9ft. rod, the fly being a bustard "-one of his own tying. Tuesday.—Mr J. Pitt, 3 brace Mr F. Watkins, 2; Dr Hackett, 3 (including a magnificent speci- men, 31-lbs). 2 Woduesday.-Dr Hackett, 4 brace Mr A. Jones, 3; Mr A. Bowyer, 2. Ttiursday.-S,gt.-Inst. -Johnston, 3.1 brace Mr A. Bowyer. 2 (3^1 bs) Dr Hackett, 2; Mr J. Pitt, 2 2 (total 5|lbs, one ttbs). 2

MISS BERYL FERGUSON'S CONCERT IN NEWPORT. On Thursdav evening, a most successful concert arranged by Miss Beryl Ferguson, L.R.A.M., of Llancayo House, Usk, in aid of the Railway Benevolent Institution, took place in the Town Hall, Newport, and was very largely attelldei by a highly appreciative audience. The programme z, was an exceptionally attractive one, and the s'lprano solos given by Miss Ethel Lister, L.R.A.M., who came from London specially for the concert, made a most pleasing impression. She was acompanied by the orchestra, and her highly trained, flexible, and powerful voice, with dramatic rendering and exquisite trills was heard to the greatest advantage in the songs selected, Je suis Titania and "Softly sighH" as well as in the encore song Love is sent to make us glad." Mr Dunlop, the Llatriaff Cathedral tenor, who but recently sanrz in Usk. was also well received, and Misa Beryl Ferguson's rendering of her violin solos, Mendelssohn's Concerto," Bach's Air on G string" and "The Witches' Dance" to orchestra accompaniment, readily secured for her an encore, to which she responded with Schumann's Reverie." She was also presented with two bouquets. The large and thoroughly efficient orchestra was under the able directorship of Mr A. W. Bartholomew. A special train wai put on to Usk from the Panteg connection after the concert, and was taken advantage of by several of the inhabitants.

CHEPSTOW. I Agent.—Miss Clark A CHEPSTOW MAN'S APPF.AL.-On Thursday, in last, week, the Court of Appeal disposed of an appeal by VIrs Elizabeth Weeks, of Bristol, against the decision of Mr Justice Lawrence in an action she brought against her husband, E. H. Weeks, of Chepstow, to recover zC247 balance of monies alleged to be due to her under a separation deed in respect of maintenance. The pal ties were married in 1855, and they had bad thirteen children. They separated by mutual consent in 1883. The defence was that subsequent to the deed of separation the plaintiff agreed to the allowance payable to her being reduced from £ 4 to £ 3 5s a week in consideration of defendant main- taining the youngest daughter. Mr Justice Lawrence adopted this view, and gave judgment for the defendant. Their lordships now held that there was no evidence of such an agreement, and allowed the appeal with costs.

I CWMBRAN. INQUEST. On Monday, Mr M. Roberts-Jones. coroner, held an inquiry into the death of Mrs Ellen Hughes and her four-year-old son who were drowned in a pond at Henllys, near Cwmbran, on Saturday. David Hughes, husband of deceased, said that the pond was about ten minutes' walk from his house, and although children often played near it, it was not fenced in. Winifred Hughes, ayed nine, who was with her mother at the time, said that her brother was playing near the pond with his shoes and stockings off when he slipped and fell into the water. Her mother ran into the water to help him out, but was unable to do so or to return herself. The bodies were recovered by Mr John Edmonds, a farmer. Mr Edmonds said that both bodies were face downward in about 5ft. of water, and about tift. from the bank. The pond was lined with concrete, the banks sloping off at an angle of about 55deg. Efforts to restore animation were unsuccessful. The Coroner said the pond was one of the most dangerous he had heard of for some time, and he thought something should be done to warn children. Mr Waplington, manger of the Cwmbran Colliery, the owners of which have the pond on lease, undertook to have notice boards erected near the pond, and it was also intimated that it would be fenced off. The jury found that the little boy was drowned through accidentally falling into the water, and that his mother was drowned whilst endeavouring to rescue him.

LLANDENNY. Agent-Mrs Preece, The Shop. PIGEON SIIOOTING.-The first of a series of popular pigeon matches took place in a meadow near the Victoria Inn, on May 17th, when some excellent shooting was witnessed. After some preliminary sweepstakes, the chief event of the meeting was started, viz., for the Llandeuny Challenge Cup," value six guineas. After the seventh round, the running was left between Mr Ingham (of Whitchurch, Mon.), and Mr Parry (of Brynderwyn). After an exciting competition, Mr Parry grassed his 21 blue rocks in good style, Mr Ingham falling 20 birds. The second competition for the cup will take place shortly. The conditions for the cup are that it must be won three times, not necessarily in succession, before becoming the absolute property of the competitor.

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Pontypool Board of ftuardians. UNVEILING THE EX CHAIRMAN'S PHOTOGRAPH. MR. BIRCHAM'S FAREWELL. The fortnightly meeting of this Board was held at the Workhouse, Griffiths town, on Thursday. when there were present:—Mr W. P. James, J.P., C.C. (chairman), Mr S. T. Griffin, J.P., C.C. (vice- chairman), Mesdames Mulligan, Scott, Harding, and Udell; Rev. R. A. Howells, Colonel D. A. Williams, J. P., Captain A, 1. R. Butler, C.C., Messrs. James Bevan, John Parker, James Win- stone, James Morgan, N. Smith, T. M. Wintle, Percy H. Jones, John Williams, T. Watkins (clerk), &c. I FINANCIAL POSITION. The following comparative balances were re- ported: Last year, £ 1,681 15s. 2d. last meeting, £ 1,353 18s. lOd.; this meeting, £ 947 8s. 5d. I FATHER DEGAN. I A letter was read from the Rev. Father Degan acknowledging the Board's letter of sympathy to him in his illness, and stating that he was afraid he would be unable to rejoin them for some time. FOR DR. BARNABDO'S HOME. The Clerk reported the receipt of a letter stating that upon receipt of the doctor's certificate certain children would be received in Dr. Barnardo's homes. THE MIDWIVES ACT. A letter, marked Urgent," was read from the County Director of Higher Education with re- ference to the scheme for training candidates to become midwives in the maternity department- of the Newport and Monmouthshire Hospital and pass for certificates from the Central Midwives Board. It was asked that facilities should be- afforded candidates in the Pontypool district to attend, for experience, cases occurring in the Workhouse. Mr Wintle brought forward the case of a woman who for a number of years had acted as a midwife at Pontypool, but who had not made application to be registered as such under the Act in the time allowed, and was consequently disqualified from practice. He asked if it would be possible to get the County Council to re-consider the case; other- wise he was afraid that the woman and her husband would become a burden on the rates, as the latter was, at the present time, unable to work, and was not likely to be able to do so. The Clerk, speaking from recollection, said he thought it was the Act and not the County Council that caused the disqualiifcation. The Chairman said that was so. The Clerk said the County Council Committee could not override the Act. Nothing short of the repeal of the Section would have the result desired by Mr Wintle. Mr Wintle asked if there was any possible way in which the woma,n could be assisted to qualify. If the Clerk could give any advice on that subject he would be obliged, and at the same time a. service would be done to the ratepayers. The Chairman said Mrs James was on the County Committee, and she would be glad to lay the case before them if she were furnished with the particulars. Mr Wintle: Thank you very much. I will get the particulars. The Chairman said it appeared that an appli- cant for the position of a midwife must attend 20 cases of confinement or it would be hopeless for her to expect to get a certificate. Consequently there was not much chance of a certificate being obtained unless a public institution such as a workhouse was open to her to gain the experience required. It was decided that permission be given to can- didates to avail themselves of the cases happening in the Workhouse. Subsequently, Dr O'Keefe, the medical officer. said he thought there were only 6 cases a year on an average occurring in the Workhouse. As it was in the interest of the would-be midwife to gain experience it was decided that she should make arrangements with the nurse or some other responsible person in the House to be informed of impending confinements. HONOURING THE EX-CHAIRMAN. On the proposition of the Rev R. A. Howells, seconded by the Vice-Chairman, it was decided that the Chairman should unveil the photograph of the ex chairman (Lieut.-Colonel D. E. Williams) in the Board room. Mr W. L. Pratt, a former chairman, whose photograph also adorns the walls of the chamber, in a letter regretting his ability to attend—he is over 80 years of age-said he was in full sym- pathy with the movement to honour Colonel Williams by placing his photograph in the Board cl room, for his services were well worthy of recog- nition. (Hear, hear.) The Chairman then formally unveiled the photograph, an excellent likeness, which, framed in oak, was hung on the right hand side of the fire-place. and said it gave him very great pleasure to be honoured with the duty. The new de- parture of honouring their ex-chairmen in this way was, he thought, a very happy one. Every Guardian might have the ambition of looking forward to the time when he would be similarly honoured. For three years Colonel Williams fulfilled the duties of Chairman of the Board in a. most exceptional manner. (Hear, hear.) It was not well, perhaps, to flatter a man before his face. but it could sincerely be said that never was the business of that Board better conducted than under Colonel Williams'chairmanship. (Applause.) He trusted that for many years to come the ex- chairman would have a happy and prosperous life and remain a member of that Board. (Hear. hear.) The photograph was the outcome of the good feeling felt towards him by his colleagues. (Applause.) The Vice-Chairman said he should like to asso- ciate himself with the function that day. All that had been said with regard to Col. Williams was, he was sure, fully deserved. They knew the services the ex-Chairman had rendered to the Board for very many years, and every one of them would sincerely join in the hope that he would remain long amongst them to assist them in the future as he had done in the past. They might not all agree with all that had been said about the Colonel, but their experience taught them that he was well deserving of the honour the Board had thought well to bestow upon him. (Applause.) Mr Wintle, as the originator of the idea of having the photographs of ex-Chairmen in the Board Room, and as the one having had the honour of collecting the necessary money for each photo- graph hung there, said he was pleased that the time had come to honour Colonel Williams in that way, He could not quite understand the Vice- Chairman's remark as to their not, perhaps, agree- ing with all that had been said with regard to Col. Williams, He had never heard a disparaging remark made there with reference to the ex-Chair- man, and he thought every member appreciated Colonel Williams's worth. Some of them had Dot only sat under him at Board meetings, but at various Committee meetings could speak a little more freely of him than others, and he would. say that Colonel Williams had been one of the most hard-working members of the Board since there he had been. There had scarcely been a. Committee appointed on which the ex-Chairman had not acted, and those who only attended the Board meetings, and those only once in a way, were not able to appreciate the work he had done to the extent others, who were regular in atten- dance both at Board and Committee meetings, were able to do, He must say that although that was probably the last photograph he should have the honour to be associated with-unless there was a very great change in his family-he was very much pleased that it had fallen to his lot to collect the amount for that one, to which everyone readily contributed, and that he had been able to be there to see the picture unveiled. He sincerely hoped that every member of the Board aspiring to fill the chair would seek to qualify for the position in the same way that Col. Williams had qualified, viz., by mastering the details of the work, which he could only do by attending, and that regularly, the Committee as well as the Board meetings. He felt that there was rather too much work thrown upon the shoulders of the few in regular