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

PONTYPOOL. POLICE COURT, SATURDAY. THB UflUALa.—Frank Jotiffe, hawker, Ponty- cool, was fined 10s, for b^iug drunk ^8" ^orderly at Pontypool.—Philip Watkins, of ■Llanhilleth, wai fined 15s, for being riotous at IXilanhilleth. CHARBB AGAINST A HUSBAND DISMISSED. Sidney Griffiths, a Llanhilleth collier, was brought up on a warrant, charged with shooting at his wife, Gertrude Mary Griffith", with intent to do her grievous bodily harm, at Llanhilleth, on November 2l*t, 1S04. Mr T. Hughes, solicitor, Ebbw Vale, Bryn- tmawr, appeared for the defendant, and pleaded mot guilty. Mary Griffiths, the complainant, said she was married to defendant on September 12th, 1904. On November 21st, 1904, she met him in High- street, Llanhilleth, and he then asked her to go -home with him to the Top Row. She went with him, and on entering the house found that the landlady was there. Witness's husband ordered her out and then locked the front door. He also holted the back door. Then he took down the gun from over the mantel-piece, and said, I intend to murder you." Witness tried to prevent him from putting two cartridges into the gun, but he succeeded in doing it, and witness then ran from ro* m to mom. Defendant followed her, and witnwB screamed "Murder! Murder!" The landlady broke into the house through a window. Witues" said to him, "For God's sake spare me f. r fhe child." Defendant fired the aun into the floor. Eventually witness got out into the back. The defendant followed her and fired into the open-air, bnt she could not say whether he levelled the gun at her or not. On learning that the police had been sent for, the defendant decamped, and witness did not see him for the next twelve months. In cross-examination, Mrs Griffiths admitted that she bad been living with her husband during the past twelve months, but she firmly believed that when he threatened to shoot her he would have done no if she had not run away. M r Hughes addressed the Beneb on the question of a prima facie case upon which the prisoner could be committed for trial. The Bench dismissed the case. ALLBGBD ASSAULT. William Farr, landlord of the Star Inn, Cwmyniscoy, was summoned for an alleged assault upon Albert J. Clarke, at Abersychan. Mr W. J. Everett, solicitor, Pnntypool, defended, and defendant pleaded not guilty. Prosecutor said Farr picked up a sledgehammer and would have struck him with it, had he not get out, of the way. The Bench dismissed the case. '■

Newbridge Tragedy. An affray which ended fatally occurred on Saturday night near Newbridge, in the Western Valley, and a man and woman were taken into cUlltfdy on a charge of being concerned in the death of a man named John Thomas, a collier, 31 years of age. The names of the accused were Richard Crowther and Mary Ann Williams. On Monday, Mr Matthews, deputy coroner, held an inquest at Abercarn, when the first witness called was Mrs Eliza Emily Thomas, the widow, who identified the body, and said her husband was a timberman. She last saw him alive at 2.30 on Saturday. He was a sober man. Margaret Hannah Davies, landlady of the White Hart Hotel, Pentwynmawr, Pontllanfraith (out- side of which house the tragedy took place), said On Saturday last, about seven p.m., John Thomas and two other men were in the bar. They remained together until about 9.30. Three other men then went in to them from the taproom. About nine o'clock Richard Crowther and Polly Williams came by the door and asked for two half-pints of beer. I refused them, and said, Dick, no, you shan't have anything here. I want you to clear off from here and take Polly Williams with you." He asked a second time, and she refused, and he asked why. Then someone shouted something from the bar about two half. pints, and Crowther went out to the door and not into the bar. Witness followed him to the doo and told him and Polly Williams to clear off. She went back inside the bar after following Crowther to the door. They were still talking in the bar and she caught hold of Crowther and put him out. She also caught hold of Polly Williams, and she went out. Witness stood by the door talking to her, trying to persuade her to go. She then cleared the bar, locked the door, and went inside. She heard no threats, and Thomas, Crowther and Williams were all sober. Ten minutes later witness went out and saw one of the men holding Polly Williams. She could not tell what Crowther was doing, as it was dark, but she saw him on the ground 0" top of someone. There were two on the ground. She could not tell who they were, although shef heard Crowther say something. She went back in the house, and soon afterwards deceased was brought in unconscious. Dr Thomas, of Newbridge, arrived after ten o'clock. After- wards Dr Thomas sent for Dr Finnigan. The deceased went out all right about a quarter past nine, and he was brought back about ten minutes to ten. Neither of the prisoners desired to put any questions. In summing up, the Coroner said there was no doubt that deceased's death was caused by com. pre«sion on the brain, owing to a wound inflicted with au instrument. The doctor stated that the knife spoken of might have caused the wound. They had also beard that the woman took part in the case, and they had clear evidence from the witnesses as to the part Crowther took. It was for them to say how the deceased came by his death, and whether it was caused by the blow that had been said to have been struck by Crowther, and what part the woman took in the affair. The jury returned a verdict to the effect That the death of John Thomas was caused by a stab inflicted by some sharp instrument, and that it was inflicted by Richard Crowther, aided and abetted by the female prisoner. Mary Ann Williams." The Deputy-Coroner said that amounted to wilful murder against Crowther, and that the woman aided and abetted. Both prisoners were then committed to the Assizes on the Coroner's warrant. Prisoners were charged before the Abercarn Magistrates on Thursday, and remanded in custody to Blackwood Police Court on Friday next.

No "Mandate" for the Education Bill. In reply to a correspondent, who aslfbd Lord Avebury whether he thought the leaders of the Liberal party were justified in interpreting the result of the last general election as a mandate to bring forward such a Bill as that introduced by Mr Birrell, his lordship has replied as follows:- „ "Kingsgate Castle, Dec. 21, 1906. Sir,-In my judgment, Chinese labour and others matters, especially the fiscal question, bad much influence on the last general election. There certainly cannot be said to be any proof that the Education Bill has the support of the country Indeed, the evidence points the other way. The Government have at present 120 seats more than their votes in the country entitle them to, and this, of course, counts 240 on a division. The second reading of the Education Bill was only carried by 206. If, therefore, the House of Commons really and fairly represented the country, that is to say, it the number of seats corresponded to the number of votes given, the Bill would have been thrown out by 34. If a general election were taken now on that special issue, I believe it would be fnnnd that in this case, as in that of Home Kule, the House of Lords, and not the House ot Commons, really represents the opinion of the country.—I am, yours faithfully, "(Signed) AVEBURY."

Christmas Weather. Seasonable weather ushered in Christmas Day. The previous evening rain had falleu in many parts, but with the early morn a complete change took place. The wind shifted to the north-west the mercury fell to freezing point, and when day broke the ground was hard and the pools were covered with ice. On Wednesday another sudden change took place, and a blizzard quickly followed a few scattered flakes of snow, and raged with varying violence over the greater part of the United Kingdom. Wales suffered perhaps the least from the visitation, but in many parts the enow drifts were several feet in depth and many disasters and fatalities are reported from both land and sea. On Thursday snow again fell heavily in some parts and the North was visited by vivid lightning and tremendous thunder claps. Many peraons have been frozen to death.

I WHY MARRIAGE ALTERS NAMES. It is not easy, eaid an antiquary, to trace the origin of the custom by which a woman, on her marriage, changes her maiden name for that of her husband. So far as can be ascertained, it originated with the Romans, and became com-, mon after the invasion of England. Before then a married woman would probably have been known as, let us say, Rowena, wife of Here- ward." But with the Romans the title was shortened. Thus, Lucretia, having married Claudius, would have been simply Lucretia of Claudius," or even Lucretia Claudius." But even in England the custom was not universal, for there are instances on the records of cen- turies ago of wives retaining their own sur- names. Even to-day, as is well known, many a lady retains her maiden name, and even (on occasion) compels her husband to adopt it, too! The only piece of law on the point, so far as we know, is the decision of a judge in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, that a woman on her marriage loses all the title to her former name, and must take that of her husband. In Scotland, it is sometimes the custom of a wife to revert to her own surname on the death of her husband. ♦

I A CURIOUS MEMENTO. There is or was to be observed on the wall of a house abutting on Streatham-etreet, Bedford- square, London, a silver watch riveted to the wall just at the cornice. It commemorates, it is said, an incident in the life of a former inmate of the house. He was climbing along the gutter when his foot slipped, and over he went. His watch chain, however, caught on a bolt, and by It he was suspended in mid-air until he was rescued. In grateful acknowledgment of his de- liverance, he fixed the watch and chain on the spot as a monument. A

LOAVES 5FT. LONG. I I The largest loaves of bread baked in the world are those of France and Italy. The "pipe" bread of Italy is baked in loaves 2ft. and 3ft. long, while in France the loaves are made in the shape of very long rolls 4ft. and 5ft. in length, and in many cases even 6ft. The bread of Paris is distributed almost exclusively by women, who go to the various bakehouses at 5.30 a.m. and spend about an hour polishing up the loaves. After the loaves are thoroughly cleaned of dust and grit, the bread porter" proceeds on the round of her customers. Those who live in apartments or flats find their loaves leaning against the door. Restaurateurs, and those hav- ing street entrances to their premises, find their supply of the staff of life propped up against the front door. The wages earned by these bread carriers varies from 2s. to 2s. 6d. a-day, and their day's work is completed by ten o'clock in the morning.

DANCING IN ITALY. I In Italy, where the clergy rule supreme, the law is that no dance shall be commenced after the great bell of the cathedral has struck the hour of midnight. The dancers are not required, however, to stop in the middle of one already commenced, but are permitted to finish it. Tak- ing advantage of this law, just before midnight they divide the orchestra and form a new dance. Some of the orchestra rest until the others be- come fatigued, when they relieve them. There are always enough dancers to keep the set going, and yet half of the company be resting. Thus the dance is not finished until two o'clock, and by this simple process they cheat the Church out of two hours.

THE FIRST NEWSPAPER. The honour of having produced the first news- paper has long been disputed by Italy, France, Germany, England, and Holland, and for years the British Museum exhibited a paper called the English Mercury, said to have been printed in 1588, but which proved to be a practical joke of Lord Hardwicke. As the first German paper only appeared in 1615, in Frankfort; the first Dutch paper in 1617, the first English paper, the Weekly Gazette, in 1622, and the first French paper in 1631, the priority of Antwerp in the field now seems to be ffestablished by exhaustive researches, which shew beyond a doubt, that the printer, Abraham Verhoeven, of Antwerp, ob- tained in 1605 from the Archduke and Duchess Albert and Isabelle the privilege of printing the first regular newspaper.

w How SEEDS ARE DISPERSED. Seeds are dispersed over the earth's surface by various methods, one of the most common being the instrumentality of animals. The wind is, perhaps, the most effective agent of dispersion instituted by Nature. Then -there is the instru- mentality of streams, rivers, and currents of the ocean, which play an important part in the dis- persion of seeds and vegetables. Some seeds have wing-like appendages, by which they can travel many miles. ♦

TIME SENSE. I One of our commonest mental operations is estimating periods of time. Attempts have been made to determine the quality of our time sense," and in the latest experiments at Harvard University, 251 males and 274 females from seventeen to twenty-three years old, were re- quired to judge the length of four intervals—18, 36, 72, and JoBsec.-under four different condi- tions. Comparing the sexes, the female proved to be much less accurate than the males. The male judgments ranged from lsec. to 300sec. with an almost invariable tendency to under-estimate; and the range of the females was from lsec. to 400sec., a considerable over-estimate being tne rule. The second itself is much shorter to the female than the male. ♦

CALENDAR CURIOSITIES. I There are some curious facts about our calen- dar. No century begins on Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday. The same calendars can be used every twenty years. October always begins on the same day of the week as January, April as July, September as December. February, March, and November begin on the same days, May, June, and August always begin on dif- ferent days from each other and every other month in the year. The first and last days of the year are always the same. These rules do not apply to leap year, when comparison is made between days before and after February 29th.

▼ WHERE SUNDAY IS MONDAY. I Manila is one of the most important ports in the Philippine Islands, but, strange to say, is one day behind all other places of its size in the world. This curious fact is accounted for in this way. Although the Philippine Islands lie near the Asiatic coast, they were discovered by Spaniards who sailed from America. When they crossed the magic line where Sunday changes into Monday these fiery dons of proud Castilian ancestors did not revise their calendar. When told of this years later, and informed that their mode of reckoning time was not up to modern notions, they merely said that was so much the worse for modern notions. Anyhow, the fact re- mains that these islanders keep plodding along one day behind the rest of the world, which reckons time by new style.

WHY ALL FOAM IS WHITE. The question as to why all foam is white is not an easy one to understand, but the fact is that foam is always white, whatever be the colour of the liquid. The froth produced on a bottle of the blackest ink is white, and would be perfectly so were it not tinged, to a certain extent, by particles of the liquid which the bubbles hold in mechanical suspension. As to the cause if this whiteness, it is sufficient to say that it is due to the large number of reflecting surfaces formed by the foam, for it is these sur- faces which, by reflecting the light, produce upon our eyes the impression of white. ♦-

I TOMBSTONE TO A SPARROW. Tombstones of an imposing order have often been raised to the memory of pet dogs and cats, but the one in Berlin to the memory of a spar- row is probably unique. It stands outside the Nordring railway-station. It is 18in. high, and is shaded by a miniature oak-tree about 4!ft. in height. The inscription runs: "Here rests Kuhe, born 30 April, 1892, died 30 Oct., 1898." Kuhe was a sparrow, which became so tame that he would eat out of the hand of the porters and other officials. His days were all spent in the station, his nights above the waiting-room window. His end was tragic, as he was run over by ail engine. His railway friends erected the above-mentioned monument in memory of their pet.

I The Chrisimnstide. I PONTYPOOL WORKHOUSE. On Christmas Day, the master and matron (Mr and Mrs Richards) distributed tea, sugar, tobacco, and oranges to the inmates. A good dinner of roast beef and plum pudding was served and thoroughly enjoyed. Cake and bread and butter were given for tea.. A vote of thanks was passed to the Guardians. I NEWPORT. I The "hot-pot" distribution took place at noon on Christmas Day from seven bakehouses. Three hundred of these large, well-made dishes were handed out to poor families. At the Newport and County Hospital the house committee provided extra Christmas fare, consist- ing of turkeys, chickens, &c., for such of the patients as could eat it, and fish for the others. All the wards were beautifully decorated, under the supervision of the matron, Miss May Evans. At Alteryn Sanatorium, Miss Greenlaw, the matron, did a large amount of work in bringing joy and gladness to the patients, and poultry and plum pudding were served to such as could take it, At the Barracks, the rooms were decorated, and a good Christmas dinner was served. In the crowded Workhouse (Captain and Mrs Davies, master and matron) over 600 inmates were provided with a splendid dinner of roast beef, vegetables, and plum pudding. Gifts of fruit, tea, sugar, cake, and tobacco were also supplied by the guardians and other friends of the poor. The sick at the infirmary received careful treatment by the nursing staff. and both at the nursery and the home known as The Beeches Christmas trees laden with toys, &c., enhanced the enjoyment of the little ones. The Brabazon ladies and others also contributed to the day's pleasure by gifts to the workers. The rooms were all decorated, and several of the guardians and officials of the board were present. In the afternoon Colonel Wallis and party gave a concert to the inmates.

ABEKGAVK W V. Avtntii—Mtisri Davies t Ho THE LATE ALDERMAN J. G. THOMAS —Alder- man John Gearing Thomas, of The Glen, Aberga- venny, builder and contractor, head of the firm of J. G. Thomas and Sons mayor of Abergavenny in 1901-2, who died on the 15th September last, left estate of the gross value of 9,22,117 14s. 3d., of which the net personalty has been sworn at £ 7,186 12. 7d. Probate of his will, dated Febru- ary 8th, 1900, has been grant-d to his widow Mrs Emily Thomas, of The Glen, Abergavenny, Mr John Owen Marsh, merchant, of St. Ronans, Aber- gavenny, and Mr George Davies, retired merchant, of Beachcroft, Abergavenn,v.

CAEKLEON. Agent— Berry, Ne^tatent Oross-streel 8_ RIDING ACCIDECNT.-Ort) Sunday, Mr Moetyn Llewellin, son of Mr J. C. Llewellin, Caerleoit Houi-e. met with a serious acciden' tie VIla.. riding in company wi'h his brother, and wb,,ti near Caerlon Asylum, Mr Llewellin's horse shied. and, Ibe saddle slipping, he cmA to the ground. He, however, pluckily held ,11 to the reins to prevent the horse from belting, but the animal kicked him on the head, causi g concussion of the brain.

CHEPSTOW. Agent.-Miss Otark LOCAL WILL.—Mr Henry Stephen Lewis, of Hardwick Villas, Chepstow, accountant, formerly in business as an auctioneer and valuer, who died on October 8th last, aged 53 years, left estate valued at £1,727 7s. ld. Probate of his will has been granted to his widow, Mrs Ruth Lewis, of Hardwick Villas.

CHEPSTOW AND WILLIAM JONES'S CH A Rl "Y. At Saturday's meeting of the Board of Guardians Mr Jones Lydney) moved the following resolu- tion 10 That this Board of Guardians protests against further allocations of the increasing revenue of the late William Jones's Chari y for educational purposes unless the claims of the po,.r are first considered more in accordance wi'h the will of the founder." The mover said the founder was born in Newland, Gloucestershire, in 1545, aid when a youth he spent some little time in Monmouth. and afterwards went to seek work in London. He entered the service of a merchant. and obtained the esteem of his employer, and when the latter retired from business Jones succeeded to it and amassed what in those days was considered the large fortune of E40.000. His will was dated December 26rh, 1614. and under it he left £ 9.(J00 to ordain a preacher, a free school, and almshouses for Monmouth, £ 5,000 to hie native parish of Newland, jE360 per year for Monmouth, and S200 for Newland, but £1 in thoe dtys would now be worth Bo, so that in the ordinary course the present income should be £1,800 for Monmouth and tl,eoo for Newland. Those monies were to be invested in a certain way. According to the report dated December, 1905, the income last year was E12,765 2s 2d, and there was no doubt that the founder intended the poor to receive two- thirds of the benefit. As to how the income had been distributed, somebody must be having a good time, because the poor people only received £ 426, whilst last year Monmouth Grammar School got C2,800, and now application was being made for aiiother;6500.. The Girls' High School received £ 1,000, the Elementary School £ 2,785, and West Monmouth School;61,000. The West Monmouth School at Pontypool was built at a cost of iE28,600, in addition to a grant last year of £ 1,000, and application was now being made for an additional 95oo. One member of the Usk District Council described that school as a white elephant. If they passed the resolution he proposed, it might be the means of the poor getting mure of the charity. The income would become fabulous, and some of the present invested capital had not been spent. Mr Garrett seconded the resolution. Rev Watkin Davies contended it was a Mon- mouth charity, and that the land at Newland had been lost. Rev W. H. Williams pointed out that there was no reference to Newland in the resolution. He did not think any harm would be done by passing the resolution, and was strongly in favour of tinsi(leration being given to the wishes of any founder of a charity, although the tendency:was absolutely opposed to it. The resolution was" carried, with twol: dis- sentients.

I KAGLAN. I Agent-Mr. Hopper, The Tillage. CHRISTMAS SBRVICits.-As usual bright and hearty services were held at the Parish Church on Christmas Day. In the evening a carol service was well rendered, and Mr Eric Saunders gave an organ recital which was much appreciated. The decorations were tastefully carried out by a number of ladies. Mrs R. J. Prvce Jenkin- undertaking the Altar which was ad -rned with choice white fbwerA. MrsP-gh, < f the Cr wn Hotel, presentt-d a much needed and ornamental hymn board to the Church.

t' IpHYARGWERaCriH GOLDEHRETURNS 1 £ g_ REOlSTEBEDEgflg* j&gl I; :¡. rae-simile of One-Ounce Packet. Archer's Golden Returns The Perfection of Pipe Tobacco. L COOL, SWEET, AND FRAGRANT.

NEWPORT. Agdo(S-Nessrr greostanl an., Co., High Street. A NARROW ESCAPE. On Saturday, William Richards, an elderly man, and very deaf, employed as a warehouseman, was walking down a,o me. oi.I-OI ree.. near 8r. Paul's Church, when be was knocked dowu by one of the corporation electric tramcars. Happily, he was caught by the cowcatcher. When extricated he complained of injury to his left arm, side, aud knee. There was also a deep cut over hix left eye. He refused to go to the Hospital, and was assisted home. THE AFFAIRS OF MESSRS. W. A. BAKER AND CO. A meeting of shareholders in the business of W. A. Baker and Co (Limited), ir nmonyr", irowfounders, slate merchants, &c called for the purpose of cooit;ideri-,g the position of he concern, was held nn Saturday litf prnOdn at the Westgate Hotel, Newporf. llr W. Baker, J P., the bead f the c >ncer», was in the chnir. Statements explaining the position of the con- corli were made by the Chairman, Alderman Mordey. and others. The present position, it was explained, had be n brought ab,lut by a shortage of capi'al to carry on the business and all its ramifications. The concern haw been a large one, with brauche,, spreading out in vrious direc- ti"ns With a vi-w to placing the concern on an improved footing, it wa- decided nem. con to prl ceed to volu tarv winding up. Alderman Mordey and Mr Fincham, the receiver for the debenture-holders, were appointed liquidators. NEW OFFI'I\L RECEIVER FOR TREDEGAR. The "London Gaze'te" contains the follow. inv The office of official receiver for the bank- ruptcy district of the c untv-c urt holdea at Tredegar having be<v me vacant throueh the r^signa'i'n of Mr William Lewis Daniel, the Board f Trade have appninted Mr Edgar Frederick Gaidner, official receiver for the ballk. rnptcv district of the C'11rt holden at Newport, 1\1, to be official receiver fir the said bank. rllp'cv district of Tredegar, in addition to the app intment already held by him, as from January 1. 1907."

PONTYPOOL. I Agentt—Mr Fteldhousr, and Mr O. H Churchill, The Market fZdwtr '$an and Mr. Nickels. New nn. THE FIRB BRIGADB. -The annual distribution of p'iz«s to the members of the Pontypool Fire Brigade took phce at 'he Forge Hammer Hotel, Pontypool, on Saturday evening. Captain J. M. Co. e presided, and there was an excellent array of priaes. which were handed to the men by their e-rnraatidiue officer, who, latpr on. proposed a vflte of thanks to the dnnorf for their generous support. Fireman J. W. Jenkins seconded, and it was carried with much enthusiasm. A similar vote If thanks was passed to VI r Lockyer for his kindness to the brigade During the evening Captain Cope gave a b-ief resnm6 of the work during the year, and said that they bad attended more fires this year than in any previous one.

GUARDING THE BANK OF FBANCB. The Bank of France is guarded by soldiery who do sentry duty outside the bank, a close watch being likewise kept within its precincts. A former practice of protecting this bank was to get masons to wall up the doors of the vaults in the cellar with hydraulic mortar as soon as the money was deposited each day in these recep- tacles. The water was then turned on, and kept running until the cellar was flooded. A burglar would thus be obliged to work in a diving-suit and break down a cement wall before he could even begin to plunder the vaults. When the bank officers arrived each morning the water was drawn off, the masonry torn down, and the vaults opened. The Bank of Germany, like most other German public buildings, has a military guard to protect it. In a very strongly-fortifiecf fortress at Spandau is kept the great war trea- sure of the Imperial Government, part of the French indemnity, amounting to several million pounds.

I HORSE V. Fox. I Seeing what a chase a fox will often afford to hounds and a big field and then get away, most people would imagine that a horse would have no chance of overtaking a fox which is not hunted by dogs. Colonel Meysey-Thompson, however, relates in his autobiography an instance to the contrary. The late Mr. H. S. Thompson undertook for a wager to run down a fox. Rey- nard was found in the usual way, and given a fair start; then the huntsman went in pursuit. He soon drew up, though the fences were big and stiff and the going heavy for the horses. On reaching the fox the horseman kept close behind it, constantly flicking it with his whip until at last he drove it into a fence, whence it could not force itself clear. Jumping off his horse, Mr. Thompson secured the fox and carried it back in triumph to claim payment of the wager. •

I WHY STORKS ARE PROTECTED. I In many parts of the Continent storks are encouraged to build their nests in chimneys, steeples, and trees near dwellings. Indeed, as an inducement to them to pitch their quarters on the houses, boxes are sometimes erected on the roofs, and happy is the household which thus secures the patronage of a stork. Some of the people among whom they sojourn during the warm summer days regard the presence of the bird as a kind of safeguard against fire. And as an illustration of their love for their young, story is told of a stork which, rather than desert its helpless offspring during a conflagration in Delf, in Holland, remained heroically by their side, and perished with them in the flames. In Morocco and in Eastern countries also storks are looked upon as sacred birds. And with good reason, for they render very useful service both as scavengers and as slayerB of snakes and other reptiles. In most of the towns a storks' hospital will be found. it consists of an enclosure to which are sent all birds that have been injured. They are kept in this in. firmary-which is generally supported by volun- tary contributions until they have regained health and strength. To kill a stork is regarded as an offence. For the valuable offices which they perform in the removal of garbage they are, in some countries, protected by law. At one time the white stork was a pretty common bird in England, where it helped the farmers by clearing the soil of noxious insects. It disappeared, however, partly because it was subjected to a good deal of persecution, but mainly because an improved method of agricul- ture took away its occupation. ture took away its occupation.

Animals to the number of nearly 70,000,000 are killed yearly for the sake of their fur. January is the windiest month in there being on an average five heavy gales m It. Crocodiles, like ostriches, consume pebbles and Dfma.11 stones for the purpose of grinding up their food. Burnt sienna. is really a paint manufactured from the natural earth obtained in the neigh- bourhood of Sienna, Italy. Extreme heat i. more fatal to human life than extreme cold.

Printing of all descriptions at the "County Observer H Office. I

I Influenza. The regretted illness of Mr Arthur Balfour and of some other well-known people, combined with the returns of the Registrar General, serves to emphasise the. fact that influenza has a tendency to become again epidemic in many parts of the country. Since 1902, there appears to have been a decline in the number of deaths from this disease, but we have not been entirely free from it since it re-ap- peared in 1889, and caused a much higher mortality than that recorded on the 0cca- sion of the previous epidemic in 1847-8. If we ask how long the pr sent visitation is likely to continue, the only answer which can be given is, that the epidemic which began in 1847 spent itself in I860, and that from 1861 to 1889 the average annual death-rate was only fifteen. It is accepted as a thing proved conclusively that INFLUENZA IS INFECTIOUS. Dr Franklin Parsons, who prepared an elaborate report on the subject for the Local Government Board, traced the pro- gress of the 1889-90 epidemic from town to town, and village to village, and declared that it was propagated mainly, perhaps entirely, by human intercourse. That it travelled much more rapidly than on previous occasions was explained by the- fact that the means of transit were superior. The history of many cases was traced, and it was found that the disease never developed suddenly on a large scale, but appeared first in a small number of cases. It was established that persons brought together in large numbers in buildings, as in public offices and institutions, suffered more in proportion than others, and that the extent of the outbreak in institutions corresponded with the massing together of the inmates Influenza is said to appear in this country independently of seasons or weather, its increased virulence in winter being due to the fact that people are less in the open air, and that there is less ventila- tion of houses, offices, and other buildings. Dr A. Shad well. who is an authority on the subject, says that sanitary conditions, other than overcrowding, do not appear to exercise any influence on the spread of the disease. Influnnza, like the changeful Proteus, takes a particular form in one case, while in another it assumes quite a different shape. So various are the symptoms that a few years ago the ailment was often unrecog- nised, but now the doctors are so familiar with the different forms that they rarely experience any difficulty in diagnosing a case. The most clearly defined form, and perhaps the worst at the time, is that in which the patient suffers INTENSE PAINS IN THB HEAD, and is so sore all over the body that he feele as if he had been beaten with clubs. It is, however, unnecessary to say much about the symptoms. A more important question is, what can be done to prevent or cure an attack of influenza. The usual prescription, which can scarcely be improved upon, is that the patient should remain in bed, and take ammoniated quinine. Sir Wm. Broadbent, who contributes to a discussion on the subject in a medical paper for January, says From the time of the first invasion of influenza I have found that the best remedy was quinine" With respect to prevention, Sir Wm. Broadbent still advocates quinine-two grains every morning during the prevalence of the epidemic. Medical men have been heard to say that if the patient can tell when an attack is coming on they can prevent the disease from making any further progress. Many persons have had influenza so often that they can generally give this informa- tion, whether the first symptoms be dryness or soreness of the throat, or whatever else. The medical treatment in such cases may or may not vary, but many thousands of people have found that they can stop an attack of iufluenza at the beginning, pro- vided they recognise it in time-with ten drops of eucalyptus oil on a piece of sugar. A still better plan is to avoid the risk of infection by adequate ventilation, whether of Churches, public halls, offices, bedrooms, or railway carriages.

Christmas Boxes. It is scarcely necessary to inquire con- cerning the origin of Xmas boxes, because sufficient explanation of their collection is found in human nature. But the versatile Dr Brewer goes a long way back, and says that in the early days of Christianity boxes were placed in Churches for promiscuous charities, and opened on Xmds Day. The contents were distributed the next day, and called the box-money." It was customary, he says, for heads of houses to give money to their subordinates, to put in the box before MRSS on Xmas Day. Somewhat later, apprentices carried a box round to their masters' customers for small gratuities." This account of the matter may or may not be exact, but, in any event, the writer was not altogether on safe ground when he said that since 1836 the custom has been gradually dying out. Householders are finding just now that the practice is still being pursued with vigour, and that the somewhat foolish suggestion of a London paper that the Prevention of Corruption Act would make Xmas boxes illegal, has not damped the ardour at aoy rate of collectors. Slightly to alter some old lines we again find that: Gladly the boys with Christmas-box in view Throughout the town their devious route pursue, And of their masters' customers implore The yearly mite. There are people to whom one gladly gives a Christmas box. The postman is one of them, for everybody welcomes the postman's knock. He is a man who renders a most useful public service for comparatively small remuneration and as a general rule he does it in the most efficient and intelli. gent manner As a body there is probably no more trustworthy set of men, and for these reasons it is to be hoped that when the postman calls for his yearly mite," th» I public will be as liberal aB they can affor

USK. PETTY SESSIONS, THURSDAY. Before R. RICKARDS, Esq. (in the chair), H. HUMPHREYS. Esq., J. T. DAVIES, Esq., and S. A. HILEY. Esq. RESPONSIBILITY OF DOG KEEPING. At the last Court, Harry Vimpany, summoned for keeping a dog without a licence, set up the de- fence that the animal was another man's, and the Case was adjourned for the purpose of enabling bim to produce the owner and the licence. Defendant now said that, although he had spent twoldays at Abertillery looking for the owner of the dog, he had failed to find him. He asked P.S. Sheddick to destroy the animal. The police refused to act as executioners. The Chairman said that as defendant had no evidence to call he must pay a fine of 10s. includ- ing costs. THE BENEFIT or THE DOUBT. Oliver Anstey, farmer, Llansoy, was summoned for being drunk while in charge of a horse and Cart, at Usk, on Dec. 1st. This also was an adjourned case. Defendant averred that he was as sober then as he was now. P.S. Sheddick stated that at 5.20 p.m. on Satur- day, Dec. 1st, P.O. Mussell and he saw defendant returning from Pontypool market in charge Of a horse and cart. He was drunk, swaying to and fro on the seat, and the horse was wandering from one side of the road to the other. Mrs Anstey was in front of him in another trap. Witness sent P.C. M ussell after defendant up Bridge-street, and he stopped him just as the horse was going to the wrong side of the road into a cyclist. Witness went up and told Anstey he was drunk, and should got allow him to drive home. Defendant got out of the trap and became abusive. Just after Post- man Jenkins, of Llansoy. came along, and he promised to drive Anstey home. Defendant cross-examined at length with a view to show that he was sober, and that he allowed Jenkins to drive because he was taken off his guard by witness saying he would hear no more about it if he did, but the Sergeant said he was undoubtedly drunk and th-it he told him he should lock him up if he would not allow Jenkins to drive him home. Defendant also alleged vindic- tiveness on the part of the police. P.C. Mussell corroborated his senior's evidence. For the defence, Charles Jenkins, postman, said that although he drove defendant to the gate lead- ing to his house he did not think he was incapable of doing so himself. Wm. J. Davies, cooper, &c., Usk, said he saw defendant stopped in Bridge-street, and he asked what was the matter. In reply to Austey, who asked him if he thought he was drunk, he told him that he had had a glass or two, but that he was not drunk nor incapable. He advised, him to see a doctor. He heard the Sergeant say that if he (Anstey) allowed Jenkins to drive him home he would hear no more about it. Defendant said that on the road from Ponty- pool he, passed a traction engine with threshing machine and other accessories, and, on Usk Bridge, a timber carriage without lights. He was not drunk. The Chairman said the Bench had a certain amount of doubt about the case. and they would give defendant the benefit of it, but he must not forget that this was not the first time he had been before them for that sort of thing, and if he ap- peared again they would look upon it with more suspicion. He thought it a very fair case for the Interference of the police, and he advised Anstey not to come there again. Defendant; Thank you very much, sir. SERIOUS CRUELTY CHARGES. Edward Williams, farmer, Pentwyn, Llangeview, was charged with illtreating three horses by work- ing them in an unfit state on December 6th; with .cruelly abusing and torturing them by violent abuse and beating on the same date; and with cruelly illtreating, abusing, and torturing a mare <hy neglecting to suoply proper food, water, and ;shelter on the 6th and 7th. Williams made an application for an adjourn- ment on the ground that his solicitor was unable to attend. Supt. James stated that if an adjournment were grted he would apply that the costs of the wit- nesses for the prosecution should be paid by Williams.. Mrs Williams asserted that notice had been given to P.S. Sheddick of the intended application, but that officer stated that it was late and indefi- nite and could not be acted upon, The Bench ordered the payment of a guinea costs, which was paid. ANNUAL LICENSING MEETING. The date of this meeting was fixed for the 7 th February next,