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

MR W. SMITH'S AFFAIRS. On Tuesday, Mr William Smith, licensee of the Three Salmon's Hotel, Usk, attended before the registrar (Mr L. H. Hornby) at Newport Bankruptcy Court, to undergo his public examina- tion. Mr H. J. Randall, solicitor, Bridgend, repre- sented the debtor, and Mr Lyndon Moore was for the tiustees. The gross liabilities were set down at £ 2,684 14s 5d, and those expected to rank for dividend at £ 1,355 lOa lOd. The debtor claimed to be still solvent according to his assets, and made an assertion as to misrepresentation regard- ing the value of the business by the vendor. In an account filed by debtor for the past twelve months' income and expenditure he showed a surplus of £669 12s ld, Soon after taking the house he started an action against the vendor for misrepresentation, claiming £ 1,000. The action was subsequently settled, chiefly on account of debtor's health, and on the advice of his solicitor he accepted A ISO in settlement, each party paying their own costs. Prior to commencing business in September, 1904, he had been for 28 years employed by a Bridgend firm of solicitors, twenty years as managing clerk. At the date of the receiving order his effects were held by the High Sheriff of Monmouthshire under two executions levied by moneylenders for X200 and 1150 respectively. He borrowed the money from a man named B. S. Thomas, who sued as Samuels— this money was borrowed at a rate of about |80 per cent.—and from a man named R. Leslie, who sued as Nathan Leveine. In the latter case the rate of interest was between 40 and 50 per cent. On behalf of the trustees Mr Moore asked the registrar to order a cash account to be filed and produced within three weeks, the case to be adjourned for one month. This was granted.

Printing of all descriptions at the Office of this Paper.

USK. PETTY SESSIONS, THURSDAY. Before R. W. RICKARDS, Eq. (ill the chair), HAROLD A, WILLIAMS, Esq., S. A. HILEY, Esq., and EDMUND THOMAS, E-q. There was a large attendance of the general public, much interest being taken in the business to come before the Court, and the proceedings lasted from 10.30 a.m. till past four o'clock in the afiernoon, with half-an-hour',s interval f irluncheou from 2.30 p.m. THE LICENCE OF THE THREE SALMON'S HOTEL. IN WHOM 18 IT VESTED ? Both Mr J. Maitland Watkins, solicitor, Usk, and Mr W. J. Everett, solicitor, Pontypool, appeared to ask for the transfer of the Three Salmon's Hotol licence to two different people. Mr Everett said he asked for the temporary transfer from Mr Wm. Smith to Mrs Wagsraff. Mr Watkins said he was applyiug for the temporary transfer from the present licence- holder to his wife, Mrs Smith. Mr Everett said that the Bench were probably well aware that the licensee, Mr William Smith, had recently become a bankrupt, certain pro- ceedings had been taken and a trustee bad been appointed. Had it not been for the fact that the licence had already been mortgaged to the late Mr C. E. Wagstaff, it would necessarily have devolved upon that trustee, bu., under the cir- cumstances he urged that Mrs Wagstaff, as mortgagee, had preference over the tr isree in the matter, and he had a communication from vir Thomas Parry, on behalf of the trustee, Mr Soloman, of London, agreeing to the aoplication which he was malung ana acKnowiedsjing Airs Wagstaff's right in the matter. Mr Parry would have been present but for the fact, that he was unfortunately ill. He (Mr Everert) thought the proper course to adopt now was to hear any objection there might be before he was put to formal proof. As the licensee was not present, the question was asked how Mr Everett could get along with out him, to which he replied that if he withheld the licence they could deal with the matter otherwise according to tho Act, and the magistrates could transfer in defiance of the licensee. Mr Maitland Watkins deni(iii that the licence wa, vested in the trustee. The licence was on the holder still, and he quoted a case in proof of the statement. The notices on behalf of Mrs Smith had been properly served. Mr Everett produced the mortgage and the licence, and said the mortgagee had a title to the licence, prior to anyone. Even an equitable mortgagee had that title, and he quoted another case in point. They were the mortgagees in possession at the present time, and they had a perfect right to the licence. The Magistrates' Olerk: How can you have a transfer unless the landlord is here. Mr Everett What would you do if he would not come ? Mr Waddington: Under the old Act vou would have to apply at the special licensing sessions, which would be in February. Mr Everett Well, sir, we remain in possession until then, but we might overcome the difficulty if he made application for the matter to be adjourned to the next Court and for a subpoena to get the licensee here. Mr Watkins Has Mr Everett taken the necessary step of asking Mr Smith to attend ? I am not aware that he has refused to do so. Mr Everett: I am not giving evidence. Mr Watkins: I know that as well as yon can tell me. The Chairman said the Bench thought Mr Smith should be there, and if there wAs a chance of getting him there before the Court rose he should attend otherwise they thought the matter should be adjourned till the next traaafer doxy. Mr Watkins: Does that apply to my applica- tion also ? The Chairman: Yes. Mr Watkins: Then I will get him here. After the hearing of the cruelty cases, Mr Smith, attended, and he was put in the witness box by Mr Everett, in reply to whom he said the licence of the Hotel was in his name. The trustee under the bankruptcy proceedings was a mta called Soloman. The lease was mortgaged in 19 >4 to the late Mr C. E. Wagstaff. The mortgagees had not taken possession of the Three Salmon's; it was absolutely untrue to say that they had. Mr Everett; Is it not a fact that Mr Tomkins acting on behalf of the mortgagee, has taken possession P Witlless No, it is not a fact. Has Mr Tomkins been to your Hotel at all?— Witness (laughing): Yes, he has. It is no laughing matter, Mr Smith.—It is more serious to me than to anyone else; they have had all my money. Mr Tomkins is an auctioneer at Abergavenny ? — I suppose he is. Is it not a fact that he has taken possession on behalf of Mrs Wagstaff, the existing mortgagee in substitution for her husband?—It is absolutely untrue. Who is in possession P—Mr Parry, of Newport, is the agent for the trustee. Has Mr Tomkins been to your Hotel ?-Yes once I think. Has he transacted any business there ?-N ot to my knowledge. Has Mrs Wagstaff been there ?-I don't remember seeing her. > Are you prepared to transfer the licence to Mrs Wagstaff ?-No. Why ?-Because I may be able to buy my creditors out entirely in a few days. You have been made a bankrupt, and a trustee of the estate has been appointed. What interest have you in the licence?—The interest that my money is invested there. Witness denied that everything had passed to the trustee, look, stock, and barrel, and he was certain the licence had not, Mr Everett: You refuse to transfer this licence to Mrs Wagstaff ?-Witness: Most emphatically. What did you do with the licence ?—I handed it to Mr Parry. Have you not received instructions to annear here to transfer the licence to Mra Wagstaff P í think Mr Parry wrote to me. Are you not aware of the concurrence of the trustee in T th" application ?—I don't know personally. I think I knew that someone was applying for it. In reply to Mr Watkins, witness said a com- mittee of inspection was appointed, and two of them had told him that they did not know of the application. Mr Everett said the licence was vested in the trustee or mortgagee. The Clerk: The trustee has not taken over the licence. Mr Everett: It is obvious this person cannot transfer it to anyone. Mr Watkins argued that he was the person to do so. Mr Everett having again addressed the Bench. The Clerk pointed out that it did not appear that the trustee was in possession even. Mr Smith appeared to remain so. After further argument, Mr Everett called Mr Stinchcombe, from the office of Mr Tomkins, to prove the service of the notices. He said he gave the police notice to P.S. Sheddick, at Usk, and he promised to send it to Supt. James, Supt. James said he should object to the appli. cation. The Act distinctly said he should be served' with the notice, and that had not been ^°Mr Everett urged that everything reasonable had been done, and pointed out that the Bench had power to dispense with the notices. p This the Bench subsequently decided to do, and Mr T. H. Tomkins produced his formal appoint- ment as receiver under the, mortgage, signed by Mrs Wagstaff. The Clerk asked if Mr Everett could prove that the mortgage was vested in Mrs Wagstaff. He must have the probate of the will. Mr Everett confessed that he could not now pro- duce it, as it was in London, and complained that everything that day was so technical. The Clerk said that in the circumstances that was necessary. Mr Watkins was appearing in another interest, and he did not know what the police might have to say. Mr Everett: Then I should like to know exactly where I am, Supt. James said that at the present time he did object to Mrs Wagstaff holding the licence, because he had had no notice, and he had been unable to make inquiries with regard to her since she left Usk. Mr Everett: Assuming The Supt,: I shall not assume anything at all. Mrs Wagstaff said P.S. Sheddick had had her references since Dec. 31st. Mr Watkins then made his application. Mr Everett said he should strongly oppose it, as it was contrary to the provision of the law bearing on such contingencies. The trustee should hold the licence until the next special licensing sessions. The Clerk (looking at the text book): It does not say so. Mr Watkins followed on the same lines, arguing that in spite of the bankruptcy proceedings the licence was still Mr Smith's. Mr Everett said if the trausfer were granted, he should be bound to make an application to the High Oourt on behalf of the trustee. Mr Watkins: You don't represent the trustee; yeu represent the mortgagee. Mr Everett: I represent thi- lot. Mr Watkins said he would meet Mr Everett in the High Court any day on the question that as soon as a man became a bankrupt his interest in the licence went. Ultimately, the Chairman announced that the Bench thought, the best way out of the difficulty would be to adjourn the entire question to the annual licensing sessions in February. AGGRAVATED CASES OF CRUELTY. A FINE OF 9-3 AND C03TS. Edward William", farmer, Pentwyn, Llan- geview, was charged on threH summonses with cruelty to three horses by working them while in an unfit s ate ;tnd by beating and torturing them. on December 6th, and witll cruelty to a mare by neglecting to supply her with proper food, water, and Ah.l er, on D»cemfonr 6th and 7th. These cases wera adj turned from the previous sitting on defeu lant p ying a guinea costs, and vir Lyn Ion coper (M-*srn. Lyndon Moore and Cooper, solicitors, Newport), now appeare I for the defence. William Davies, farmer, AHvbilla, Llangwm, stated that, on the tith December last he saw defendant ab iut 1.20 p.m., coming up a bit of a bearing" near hi- house, with three horses and an e npty wagon. The h rses went up a yard or two only at a time, and defendant kept swearing at them and beating them. Defn tant got op about 15 yards, and then one of the animals fell down. John Edwards, one of witness's men, at his request, we It no to defendant, and helped to get the mare free from the wagon. Aboixt 3.30 p.m., witness atw three horses in the wagon going up the road towards defendant's farm. Witness went from home, a id re umed at a few minuses to nine o'clock, when he was told that Williams's old mare was down on the road, and that they had been tryin; to get her from there. He took a lantern and went out to have a took at her. She was on the com non. She hit been knocked about, and her hair was off her in patches. Next morning he saw a tremendous lot of blood on the ground. The mare was in very poor condition; he would not have lik^d to have driven her and he would not have goue hrough the town with her if she had been given to him for doing so. She oould n )t get up. It was a frosty night, but she had no shelter at all. Witness saw Williams the following morning ab -ut 9 o'clock, when he came to hi n in the fold carrying a gun and having two dogs with him, and asked What had I better do with the old mare?" Wi'ness replied that he should know what ti) do with her without asking anyone, if the mare were his." to which defendant auswered I cannot do as I like, as it ia Vir Court's mare." Witness said Then I should seud to Mr Court's for him to fetch her away oat of her miierv." Witness was of opinion that the animal was not fit to work when she started, and b.t it w cruelty not ottls 4q work her, but to leave her on the gro-atid that night. Trtiu^. aouO fodder—hav—out for her by Edwards. On the following night the mare was alive at 8 o'clock, but on returning home just before 10 o'clock he was told that "he had died abo at nine. Williams beat the horses most unmercifully. By the Chairman: The m-tre was down from 1.30 p.m. o-i December 6th till 9 p.m. oa the 7th, when she died. Crosa-exanined: The mare slipped or fell—he did not know which. There were no rough stones ontheroal there: the horses hid gone over the stones. He sent Edwarls to to Williams when he sh lilted for helo, and he may have been with him about ten min ites, When be returned he told witness that they had got the wagon free from her —she had been in the shafts -bat that he was too weak to get up. When he saw the three horses subsequently taking the wagon up the hill he thought that perhaps the mare had got uo, bat it was the fourth animal. He did not see William* when he came bick in the evening with a lamp. He should not say that the mare herself straggled down the road from the place where she fell to the common. Blood was coming from her mouth when be went there to see her. He did not think it necessary to go and aanst Williams to get a horae of the sort up. Defendant did not borrow any hay from him to feed her, nor did he see Mrs Williams take th animal any; in his opinion it was given none by them. They did not come to his house for water for the msre, Williams, on the 7th, did not say that he had a good mind to shoot the mare, nor did he (witness) dissuade him, as the hor-e belonged to Mr Court, who might make defendant pay for her. How did witness know that the horse belonged to Mr Court P Witness told Williams that if the hirae belonged to him he w 111ld soon put her out of her misery. Mr Cooper suggested that it was a mild night, to which witness replied: Then I don't know what you call a frosty one. No bagel were put over the mare, he said. on the night of the tith, unless they were removed early on the 7th, but he believed thev were put on her just before she died. Any ordinary horse could take a ton up the road where the mare fell down. He sent the animal fodder on the morning of the 7th, by Edwards, as well as on the 6t.h. John Edwards, farm labourer, working at Alty- billa Farm. said he saw the three horses drawing the empty wagon up the road very slowly. Williams shouted for help when the old mare fell down, and he went up, at his master's request, and assisted him to get the wagon back, so as to give her a chance of getting up, but he told Williams he thought she would never d.) so, and, then. that if he wanted any more assistance he must shout for Phillip Williams to give it. as he had to go back to the boss." The outside pro- gress of the horses up the road had been five or six yards at a pull. The mare was very weak. Where "he foil the road had been worn through the clay subsoil. He thought that she fell through weakness; he saw nothing else the matter with her. She could not get out of the hole of clay. After tea, Mr Davies, Phillip Lewis, and he went out to see the mare, and at about 6.30 he saw a light opposite where the old mare fell, and subse. quently heard a noise. There was shouting, and it seemed as though attempts were being made to get the animal no. About 7.30 defendant's boy came to him for the loan of a halter, which he gave him, and the boy said that his father wanted witness to come and help pull the mare on to the common. Witness refused to go. Later the boy oame back with the halter when witness had a cut of hay on his head. Some of the hay fell off and he told the boy to pick it up and take it to the mare if she were still alive, which he did. That was about 8.30, and when his master came home just after he told him what he had done. All right, John," Mr Davies said, bring a light, and we will go and see her." They went up. aad Mr Davies said, Poor old thing, fetch her some more hay, John." She was then on the commoa, and was eating the hay he had given to the boy. He fetched a good armful more for her. Next morn- ing, at 6 o'clock, at his master's request he gave the mare more before he went to work. It was a bitter, cold night, and the grass was quite white with frost, but the animal had had no covering at all. Cross-examined: The mare, when out on the common, was more than 20 yards from the place where she fell. He noticed that some of her hair had been scraped off her. She had had no other food given her that he knew of than what he gave her, and no water.

It is always a I question and I often an important | r one as to where I the buyers' interests I will best be served ? in the matter of a ■ the purchase of m Furniture. f This can only be | decided satisfactorily and finally by a careful comparison by the purchaser of the actual goods and prices of various firms. So many claim to be the | Biggest, I Clieapest, and | ■ Best, while only i )nfi m can reall v be so. ■ We are always glad to afford every facility for such comparison, and to allow our goods # and prices to speak for themselves. Catalogues Free. GiOTE, -rhe F rnislier, Commercial-st., NEWPORT. HIGH CLASS Artificial Teeth, IN ALL ITS BRANCHES. Personal Attention. Moderate Charges. Advice Free. Old Sets or Misfits Re-made. Teeth Stopped, Scaled and Extracted. WM. SPENCER JONES, A.I.S. E.A.T. Fourteen years with Messrs. White and Little, Newport, Mon. ADDRESS: II Llan. Walli," 46, Chepstow Road Newport. Mon. Attends M B. S WE E 1" S. Bridge Street, Usk, every 1st 9- 3rd Monday in the month, from 11 to 5. WILKINSON'S Great Winter.. Mm Sale Commences This Day, Friday, Jan. 4.1907 UNPRECEDENTED BARGAINS IN GENERAL DRAPERY, CARPETS, MATTING, FLOOR CLOTHS, MILLINERY, MANTLES, JACKETS, FURS, ETO. Carriage Paid on Parcels value O/ C. Mil, Commercial St., PONTYPOOL. JOHN H. RENNIE Member of the Auctioneers Institute by Exam" ination.) AGRICULTURAL AND GENERAL AUC- TIONEER, TENANT RIGHT & TIMBER „ VALUER, SURVEYOR, LAND AGENT. HOTEL AND INSURANCE BROKER Newport. Usk, Sf Chepstow Districts. Sales of Fat and Store Stock in NEWPORT, USE, and CHEPSTOW CATTLE MARKETS on Market Days. Horses in NEWPORT MARKET monthly. Chief Offices and Saleroom 6 and 12, SKINNER STREET, NEWPORT. Hat. Telephone, 339. Telegrams, If Rennie Established 1849. NEWLAND, DAVIS, & HUNT, Auctioneers, Valuers, Surveyors, Sf Land Agents. Sales of Fat and Store Stock at NEWPORT 1 Cattle Market every Wednesday; CHEP8TOW, SEVERN TUNNEL, and LYDNEY, fortnightly. Offices: 19, COMMERCIAL STREET, NEWPORT, and WELSH STREET, CHEPSTOW. Village of Llandenny. T0 BE LET, with early possession, BRICK L COTTAGE.—Apply, E. WADDINGTON, Usk. ¿ Usk Urban District Council. TO HAULIERS. TENDERS are INVITED for HAULING BROKEN STONE from the G.W,R. Goods Yard, Usk, on to the Roads, within the Urban District of Usk about 200 tons. Closed tenders, endorsed Tenders for Stone Hauling," to be sent in to me, the undersigned, on or before TUESDAY, the 15TH INSTANT. A. F. LUCAS, Usk, 10th Jan., 1907. Clerk. r——<- r- Miss Icrrett's Breaking-up Dance Will take place at the TOWN HALL, USK, On WEDNESDAY EVENING, JAN. 16th, 1907, From 8 o'clock to 2. Gentlemen's Tickets, 2/6; Ladies' ditto, 2/ Miss Merrett hopes to see a good number of her old pupils and friends. Usk Orchestral Band in attendance. Light refreshments included. Hunting Appointments. THE LLANGIBBY HOUNDS will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 15th.Priory, Caerleon At 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18th Chain Bridge At 11 a.m. MR. CURRE'S HOUNDS will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 16th Llanishen At 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19th.Dalkins At 11 a.m. THE MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS will meet on Monday, Jan. 14th The Clytha Arms At 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17th.Grosmont Wood Letter Box At 11.30 a.m. APPOINTMENTS, &e.. FOR WEEK Ending January 19th, 1907. Jan. Sat. 42-Pontypool Petty Sessions FoûtbalJ-Uek v. Croesyceilog. at Croesyceilog. Sun. 13-First Sunday after Epiphany. Mon 14—Monmouth Market. Tues. 15-Abergavenny Market. Wed. 16—Newport Cattle, Corn, and Cheese Markets. Abergavenny Petty Sessions. Thnrs 17-Cwmbran Petty Sessions. Sat. 19-Pontypool Petty Sessions. Football-Usk v. Bisca, at Usk. Cyclists, Light Fp! Saturday, Jan. 12th 6.12 Sunday, of 13th 6.14 Mo, day, of 14th 1.15 Tuesday, „ 15th 5.16 Wednesday, 16th 5.18 Thursday, 17th. 6.20 Friday, „ 18th. 5.22 Saturday, 19th 5.24 Being One hour after Sunset, 4th Volunteer Battalion South Wales Borderers. G COMPANY, USK, Orders for week ending 19th January, 1907. Oa Duty Sergeant Sweet. Corporal Sweet. Bugler Price. Monday, January 14th-Class for N.C. Officers, at 7.30 p.m. Thursday, January 17th—Band Practice at 8 p.m. Recruits may now be enrolled at the Armoury on Monday between the hours of 7 and 8 p.m. By order, H. J. WILLCOX, Captain, Commanding G Company.

For Printing of all Descriptions I try the County Observer Office. I,

Births, Marriages, & Deaths. Announcements under this heading are inserted at a uniform charge of I each, unleoq such viordsas "No Cards," 1 No Flowers," efe., are added, when the charge will be 2/6. AU Announcements must be authenticated. Postage Stamps may be sent in payment. Lists of Wedding Presents are tnserted at the rate of 1/6 per inch in depth. DEATH. WRIGHT.-On the 7th inst., at Fernleigh, Velindra Road, Whitchurch, in her sixth year, Frances Ena, the only and dearly beloved child of F. W. and C. M. Wright, and beloved grandchild of G. and M. A. Mundy, of Usk. Interred at Whit- church Churchyard, 10th inst.

MR. and MRS. F. W. WRIGHT desire to THANK all who have expressed their kind sympathy in their sad bereavement. MR. and MRS. GEORGE MUNDY and FAMILY desire to THANK all who have expressed their kind sympathy in their sad bereavement.

The Agricultural College m Question. The vexed question of an Agricultural College for the Usk district is again to the fore, and, in the interests of the inhabitants, it is earnestly to be hoped that our local authorities will not again allow it' to be shelved. In 1895 the subject was first dis- cussed, and during the next year or two meetings were held, sites were viewed, and a clerk and a treasurer were appointed. Then the subject died out, and it gradually became known that the money that had been put aside for this purpose was allo- cated elsewhere. The next step was the closing of the Grammar School at Usk in 1898, and the substitution of a Higher Grade School which, as the Chairman of Usk U.D.C. well said at Tuesday's meeting, was a change that was recognised at the time as disadvantageous to the neighbour- hood, inasmuch as the status of the School was lowered, and the new arrangement did not meet the needs of the district so well as the old Grammar School. However, the alteration was agreed to on the distinct understanding that an Agricultural School should be established forthwith. That i PROMISE WAS NEVER KEPT, and subsequently the remainder of the money in hand was used for some other object. Since that questions have been asked periodically at the UD.C. meetings as to whether any steps were being taken to bring about the establishment of this Agricultural College, but the replies were scanty and unsatisfactory. Then, at the December meeting in 1906, it was decided to entey a. protest with the Board of E<1 uoa- tion against the proposed amendment of the County Scheme under the Welsh Interme- diate Education Act, by which the estab- lishment of the College would be delayed for several years. The Chairman pointed out that this was a direct breach of the agreement on the part of the County Authority, and the majority of the towns- people will agree with him.

I USK. I Agent-Mrs, B. K. Jones, Stationer ACKNOWLEDGMENT.—The parents of children living at Trostrey wish to thank Mr and Mrs Cadwallader for their kindness in entertaining the children on Christmas Day. CONGREGATIONAL ENTEBTAINMENT.—A concert consisting of songs, duets, recitations, &c., was given by the members and Sunday-school scholars of the Twyn Congregational Church, Usk, on Tuesday evening, after which every child was presented by the pastor (the Rev. J. G. Williams), with a useful present off the New Year's Tree, which had been very prettily decor- ated for the occasion by Mr Shergold. Most of the presents were very thoughtfully and generously provided by Mrs E. Lawrence, of Ty Brith. Mr J. Hunter was the accompanist for the concert, and Mr W. Jones, assistant superintendent of the school, and Mr Shergold gave valuable assistance in the arrangements. At the conclusion of the entertainment, a very hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mrs Lawrence. HIGHER GRADE SCHOOL.-At a meeting of the managers on Monday Mr S. C. Bosanquet, J.P., presided, and there were also present :-Deaconess Eleanor, Rev. H. Addams-Williams, Messrs. S. A. Hiley, J. H. Clark, H. Ault, H. Humphreys, J.P., T. J. Smith, E. Williams, and A. H. Watkins (Clerk). Mr Bosanquet was re-elected chairman, and the Rev. H. A. Williams vice-ehairman. It was resolved that the vacant exhibition be filled up to enable the applicant to attend the school next term. It was duly carried that Harry Davies only be awarded one of the vacant scholarships All the scholarships and bursaries were renewed for another year. With regard to the proposed alteration in the County Scheme it was resolved that the Rev H. A, Williams, Mr Hiley, and the Clerk be deputed to draw up a protest against the proposed alteration* to be sent to the Board of Education, unless a delnite promise be made that the Agricultural School be proceeded with immediately after 1910. —

URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the Usk U.D.C. was held at the Town Hall, on Tuesday evening, when there were presentMessrs. S. A. Hiley, J. P. (chairman), W. Marfell, Reuben Morgan, Frank Jennings, T. J. Smith, W. Workman, E. W. Waters, G. Edmunds, H. Ault, A. F. Lucas (olerk), and T. Rees (surveyor, &c.) OBBBTINSS. I Before commencing the ordinary business of the meeting, the Chairman sail he wished all present a very happy New Year, and he trusted that, so far as the work of the Council was concerned, the coming year would be as pleasant as the past one, in which they had had no friction. All the Councillors had been mercifully spared, and he hoped that in the coming year they would all be equally fortunate. If the members, officers, and Press would spend an hour with him at home after the meeting he should be very glad to see them there. The good wishes expressed were duly reciprocated. AN IMPORTANT BDUCATIONAL KATTBB. I It will be remembered that at the last meeting it was decided to enter a protest with the Board of Education against the proposed amendment of the County Scheme under the Welsh Intermediate Education Act, by which the proposed Agricultural College at Usk would be delayed for a number of years. The Hon. W. N. Bruce, C.B., had replied to the protest enclosing five copies of the draft scheme, and stating that any suggestions the 1 Council had to make would rtceive the careful atteution of the Board. The Chairman said he considered that the amended scheme was a direct breach of the agreement they came to with regard to the first scheme, when they sanctioned the conversion of the old Grammar School into a Higher Grade School on the condition that Usk should have an Agricultural College placed here. It was quite recognised in the town that the change in the status of the School was disadvantageous to the neighbourhood. The old Roger Edwards' Grammar School very much better met the needs of the district than did the present Higher Grade School, but in view of the promise of the Agricultural College they assented to the alteration. The proposed postponement of the fulfilment of that promise now was, in his opinion, a direct breach of agreement on the part of the County Authority. (Hear, hear.) The Council subsequently sat in Committee to deal further with the question. THB OLWAY. The Clerk read replies received from owners of land on the banks of the Olway with reference to its being cleared to prevent flooding, aud the Street Committee was asked to meet interested parties who wished to visit the locus in quo. P.O. TELEPHONE. The Postmaster of Newport wrote in reply to the C uncil, stating that it was not considered that there was room for two telephone systems in Usk, and it was not, therefore, proposed to instal an exchange or call office at Usk P.O. THB CHURCHYARD PATH. The Street Committee reported that they had met the Churchwardens with regard to the improvement of the footpath through the Church- yard, and had agreed to raise the same with ashes provided the Churchwardens would pay for the hauling, which was agreed to. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The Surveyor reported that he had had the top part of the Conigar footpath and the Black Barn Road repaired with strong furnace ashes, and a notice board bad been placed in the Fishpond Meadow, as directed by the Council. The repair of the Churchyard path was now in hand, as ordered by the Street Committee. There were some bad places in the footpaths on the Chepstow and Pontsandpit Roads, and these should be attended II. The old iron in the Council meadow bad beet) offered for sale on the previous day in the Cattle Market, and Mr T. Jones became the purchaser at JBI 5s. A piece of wall in Mill-street, owned by Mr Nicholl was very much set over into the street, and had become dangerous to the public. Mr E. Davies had only delivered into the Prison AO yards out of 150 yards of stoue ordered last Summer. The Chairman said the footpath on the Chepstow road would never be perfect until they put down kerbing. Mr Marfell: And raise it some inches. Mr Jennings said they might put down some ashes there. A person had told him that they could spend money on the Abergavenny Road, but not on the Chepstow Road. The Surveyor said the path was bad after the recent break-up of the frost, but it was better now. He was instructed to improve with ashes. Mr Ault referred to a bad place near the Six Bells, and The Surveyor said he had the material ready to deal with that matter As to the bulging wall in Mill-street, the Surveyor said it looked as if it might collapse at any time, and if anyone were passing then it would be serious. Notice to attend at once to the matter was ordered to be sent to the owner. The Surveyor said he had made arrangements to have the steam roller after the Pontypool Rural District Council at a cost of £1 3s lid per day. Mr Derrett, the R.D.C. Surveyor, to give him a fortnight's notice. He could then have the Hirwain stone on the roads ready for the roller when it came, and he would like some Preseoed stone to help out. He did not care much about using the latter on the Chepstow and Pontsandpit Roads, but it set well in the town where the soil was dry. It was suggested that the stone should be hauled out at once, but The Chairman said they had better not do that until they knew when the steam roller would be corning. It was decided to advertise for tenders for stone- hauling, the same to be left to the Street Committee for decision, and The Surveyor was empowered to get the stone he wauted. [ TO DB LIT. I It was resolved that the sewage and market meadows be advertised to be let from the 2nd February next, the tenders to be dealt with at the I next meeting. I t FINANCE. I The Finance Committee recommended that the Clerk take steps to redeem the Land Tax (4s 8id) on the Council's land in Maryport-street, and this was agreed to. The following accounts were ordered to be paid:—Medical Officer, half-year's salary, and one infecti ous disease notification, .£10 2s 6d; Income- tax, &c., L2 18s 8d; James Symonds, quarter's clock-winding, ii 5s; Usk Water Co., Ltd., rentals, X3 68; "County Observer" Co., Ltd., advertising, &c., 94 13s 4d; Surveyor, on account of manual and team labour, &c., 112 6s. The following payments to Treasurer were reported :-Collector, market tolls, C2 4s 2d and £1. Is 5d; rate, X30and 920; Town Hallhirings— Mr A. G. Wallace, 21 Is and £ 1 Is; Rev P. L. 0. Nash, JB1 10s; Mr J. J. Edwards (Almshouse Trustees), 10s; Mr H. Humphreys, lOa lOd; Mr T. Jones, for old iron, El 5a. OPPOSITION TO PARLIAMENTARY BILLS. I The Association of Municipal and County Engineers wrote asking the Council to join in opposition to the Public Health Acts (Building Bye- Laws) and Architects' Registration Bills. After some conversation the Council decided to accede to the request so far as the Bills related to urban districts. The Council then went into Committee, after which they adjourned to partake of the hospitality of the Chairman.