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

4 Pontypaol Board of Guardians. The fortnightly meeting of the above Board was held at the Workhouse, Griffithstown, on Thursday morning, 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, Udell, Scott, Harding, Miss Davies, Revs P. A. Degen, R. A. Howells, Colonel D. E. Williams, Messrs T. M. Wintle, J. Winstone, N. Smith, J. Morgan, P. H, Jones, Jas. Bevan, F. Jennings, J. James, W. L. Pratt, T. W. Brooke, J. Williams (Cwrdy), T. Whitney, T. Parker, A. 1. R. Butler, T. Watkins (clerk), &c. I FINANCE, I I Balances: Last year, £ 1,210 I6s. 9d.; last I meeting, £R,868 14s. 8d.; this meeting, I B3,586 Os. 3d. I INCREASED REPRESENTATION. I The Clerk stated that when the Committee appointed sat to consider the question of increased representation on the Board of the parishes of Llanhilleth and Panteg other cases came before them, and they decided to present an interim report to the effect that Llanhilleth, at any rate, was entitled to an extra guardian, but before they decided what should be done in the other cases they had decided to await statistics as to popula- tion, rateable value, &c., which were being collected. As Llanhilleth wanted to get the decision before the next election of Guardians he (the Clerk) had been instructed to write and give it. Hitherto such applications had first gone to the County Council, but in this case the Clerk to that Council had referred the applicants to the Board of Guardians, and he (Mr Watkins) had now acquainted him also with the result. Mr Wintle said he understood that the Com- mittee had decided to give Abersychan South an additional Guardian as well, but The Clerk said that was not so. The Chairman said a kind of census was being taken in the other cases. Did he understand that the application had gone to the County Council The Clerk: Yes. Mr Butler said the Local Government Committee had met on the previous day, and the application had been passed all right In reply to the query whether the case of the North Ward of Abersychan would also be considered, The Clerk replied in the affirmative, and said all the urban districts would have consideration. A resolution on the subject from the Llanhilleth. and Aberbeeg Free'Church Council was referred to the Committee for consideration. MRS. MITCHELl. AND LLANFRECHFA LOW]GR. a Mrs Mitchell, as the Llanfrechfa Lower Guardian wrote stating that as her husband, Mr F. J. Mitchell, J.P., of Llanfrechfa Grange, was still very ill, and she did not wish to deprive the parish of representation, she would resign. The Clerk said that he had replied oointing out that during the six months before a general election there conld be no bye-electi m. Mr S. T. Griffin proposed that a vote of sym- pathy be sent to Mrs Mitchell. Mr Mitchell was a gentlemen very highly _esteemed in the district, and they all regretted to hear of his illness. Mr T. Parker seconded, and it was agreed to. LETTER FROM MR. BUCK'S SOLICITORS. The Clerk read the following letter from Messrs 11 Lyndon Moore and Cooper, solicitors, Newport:- Gloucester Chambers, Newport, Mon., 15th January, 1907* Dear Sir, GUARDIANS AND MRS. BUCK. Mr David Buck has drawn our attention to the discu-sion which has, on more than one occa- sion taken place at mee ings of tve Guardians with reference to the late proceedings against his wife for maintenance of her father, and your proposal to communicate with the various bodies mentioned in the resolution submitte i by you to the Guardians at their meeting of January 4th. "Our client has and can have no objection to fair and full discussion, but he does expect, however full the discussion is, that it should be fair. Some of the gentlemen taking part in this discussion seem to ignore the fact that whatever means Mrs Buck possesses were obtai ied from her husband, and that Mr Buck is clearly entitled to express an opinion as to how the same shall be dealt with. We mav say thlt Mr Buck has never had the slightest objection to contributing towards the maintenance of his wife's father, but has always insisted, for very good reasons, that this help should ta.k the form of food and clothes, and not money. As a matter of fact, assistance of this kind has been rendered by him to Mr Mitchell for years. S: Since the principle contended for by our client has been upheld both by the Magistrates' Court and the Divisional Court, we may sav he has increased his contribution towards the mainten- ance of Mr Mitchell, and so also has, we believe. another relative increased his help, rendering it therefore, quite unnecessary for Mr Mitchell to require parish relief. We shall be glad if you will call the attention of the Guardians to this fact at their next meeting, Yours faithfully, LYNDON MOORBI & COOPER. T. Watkins, Esq., Clerk to the Guardians, "Pontypool." WHAT WAS THE COST ? The Clerk It is only fair to say that it is th case that we have stopped relief. Mr J. Morgan said he was anxious to know what had been the expense incurred by taking the case to the High Court. It was only fair that they should know, and he did not suppose any member did know. The Clerk: If you wait till the costs are taxed you will hear. I FACETIOUS. Mr Winstone: May I move a vote of sympathy with those gentlemen whose speeches have offended Mr Buck ? (Laughter). Col. Williams: And having regard to the fact that Mr Bmk is now so pleased to keep Mr Mitchell, may I ask if, in his altered circumstance^ he will ascertain the cost to the Guardians of his own mother's maintenance, and have the goodness to repav the same. Rev. Father Degen: I have asked the question, of the cost- before; it was £ 50. Mr Winstone seconded Col. Williams's sugges- tion, and Mr N. Smith said he would support it. Mr Griffin: 1 hope you will get it. After the matter had been put to the meeting, the Chairman asked who had voted, and a reply came, The whole Board, I think," but the Vice- Chairman said some of them did not vote at all. I A SAD CASE. Mr and Mrs Gould, of Sebastopol, fell victims to- the typhoid fever epidemic, and left four children, who were now in the charge of their grandmotherv who was in receipt of parish relief, and their cases having been considered it was decided to find suitable Homes for the little orphans. I VIRIT8 TO HOMBFT. Renorts. on the whole very satisfactory, wero read from Messrs. Wintle and Wi'»*tone, and Mrs Mulligan and Mi'8 G. Nt. Davies, with regard to their ri Mt visits to 1:1,)n2AR in Cardiff, TrAforest, Rri«tol. London, Lowestoft, Chislehurst, &c., to inspect the children belonging to the Pontypool Union. I A GWBHELOG CAM. The House C >Timitteei report dealt (inter (1,00) with the caqa of the children of Mrs Phipp-i, who lives ovoneit- the School Gvreheloiz. and who were, taken into the House bv Relievine Officer Davies last week It was reported that taking a yoang- child with her she went off with a man. leaving another child in the charge of a neighbour and the milt on the road. She did not return that nieht. rhA trtitb of the report was ifnnllgne4 (and the Relieving Officer denied having given the informa- tinn) by the Vice-Chairman and Mr Jennings, who dpnipd that she left home with a man, but; that sh- went; to U-k to see a doctor, and then proceeded to Caerleon to see her father, whom she found so ill that she could not return that night. It was said that she was not of the strongest intellect, and that whilst behaving to itome extent culpably in leaving her children as she did, the matter W84 not of so serious a character as indicated in the report, which, it was promised, should at the next meeting of the House Committee be amended in accordance with the facts. BARLT POTATOES. The Vice-Chairman adversely criticised the recommendation of the Master that some early seed potatoes should be obtained from Messrs Carter. He depreciated the extensive planting of early potatoes, and urged that if they had any at all thev should obtain them from the Scotch firm they had previously had dealings with, and from whom they could get them at a very much lower price. After some comments, it was decided that th. potatoes should be had from the firm suggested.

It Western Valley Trains. The first meeting of the recently formed Council to consider the question of railway facilities in the, Monmouthshire Valleys was held at Newport on Wednesday, Mr E. Southwood Jones, Risca, presiding. Mr F. Mills, Ebbw Vale, was elected president of the Council.. After discussion it was resolved that the olerk (Mr T. 8. Edwards) write the Great Western Railway Company emphasising the urgent need for improved train service in the Western Valleys, and more especially upon the following points- convenient connection with the London and North- Western Company at Brynmawr and with the Great Western Railway Company's own service on the High Level line at Crumlin, additional passenger trains and faster trains between New- port and the Western Valleys, greater punctuality in the running of trains, cleaner carriages, better lighting, workmen's trains, stations at Six Bells laul Cwmeara. and that the company be requested to appoint a leading official to meet representatives of the Council to discuse the matter.

It-j."always a question and often an important one as to where the buyerts' interests will best be served ? in the matter of m p the purchase of W Furniture. f This can only be I decided satisfactorily and finally by a B careful comparison by the purchaser of the actual goods and prices of various firms. So many claim to be the Biggrest, i Cbeapest, and g m Best:, -while only <l JT1 m can really 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. GANE, Tlxe Furnislier, 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: "UanWalli," 46, Chepstow Road Newport, Mon. Attends MB. SWEET'S, Bridge Street, Usk, every 1st Sf 3rd Monday in the month, from .11 to 5. WILKINSON'S tat Winter.. Clearance Sale Commences This Day, Friday, Jan. 4.1907 UNPRECEDENTED BARGAINS IN GENERAL DRAPERY, CARPETS, MATTING, FLOOR CLOTHS, MILLINERY, MANTLES, JACKETS, FURS, ETC. Carriage Paid on Parcels valise %it/ i mm, Commercial at., P ONLY POOL. —AR SANSOME'S TEETH. PAINLESS SYSTEM. Attends White Lion, Old Market Street, Usk, 1st and 3rd Monday in the Month. Hours-ll to S. so DON'T FORGET TABLEAUX VIYANTS, AT LLANDENNY, On Wednesday, January 30th. Orchestra, Showman, and focal Artistes have been engaged. jtmw pictures. *• ■ For Printing Try the <4 Observer Office JOHN fl. RENNIE Member of the Auctioneers Institute by Exam- ination.) AGRICULTURAL AND GENERAL AUC- TIONEER, TENANT RIGHT k TIMBER VALUER, SURVEYOR, LAND AGENT, ROrEL AND INSURANCE BROKER Neivport. Usk, 4- Chepstow Districts. Sales of Fat and Store Stock in NEWPORT, EJS K, and CHEPSTOW CATTLE MARKETS on Market Days. Horses in NEWPORT MARKET monthly. Chief Offices and Saleroom:- 6 and 12, SKINNER STREET, NEWPORT. Nat. Telephone, 339. Telegrams, U Rennie Auction Fixtures. 1907. Jan. 21-Fat and Store Stock, at Usk Cattle Market. 21-Live and Dead Farming Stock, House- hold Furniture and Effects, at the Bridge Inn. Llanbadoc, Usk, for Mr A. C. Moss (leaving), at 1.30, after Usk Market. 22-Fat and Store Stock. at Chepstow Cattle Market. 23—Fat and Store Stock, at Newport Cattle Market. 23-Cart and Nag Horses, Trolleys, Tip Carts, Harness, &c., for Mr R Parsons, Berry Hill Farm, Coedker- new (owing to completion of haulage contract), at Newport Cattle Market. at 12 noon. 23—Nag Gelding, and Bay Cob Mare, Dog Cart and Harness, at Newport Cattle Market. 28-Pure-bred Poultry, New Sectional Fowl Houses. Wire Runs and Appliances' at Castle Lodge Poultry Farm, Castell y-bwch, Henllys, Mr J' Perkins. 30-Fat and Store Stock, at Newport Cattle Market. 31—Valuable Live and Dead Farming Stock and Effects, at Lower House. Mamhilad, for the Executors of the late Mr George Meredith. Feb. 4-Fat and Store Stock, at Usk Cattle Market. 6-Fat and Store Stock, at Chepstow Cattle Market. 6—Fat and Store Stock, at Newport Cattle Market. G-415 Tons Prime Clover and Meadow Hay, at the Tredegar Arms Hotel, Newport. Early date -Valuable Residential and other Pro- perties in Newport. Particulars and Catalogues to be obtained from the ACCTIOKMR, 6.. Skinner Street, Newport. Bridge Inn, Llanbadoc, Within One Mile of the Town of Usk. MONDAY, JANUARY 21ST, 1907, AFTER USK MARKET. \,TR. JOHN H. RENNIE has been favoured ▼ I with instructions from Mr A. C. Moss, who is leaving the district, to SELL BY AUCTION, without reserve, on the above premises and date, at 1.30 p.m. sharp, the under-mentioned USEFUL Live and Dead Stock: 10 Young Black-faced Breeding Ewes heavy in Lamb, 1 Lamb, 2-shear Cross-bred Ram, a Pair of Cross-bred Steers, rising 2 years old; Welsh Mare Pony, 12.2, 7 years, fast and dependable in all traffic; Grey Cart Mare, 15.0, 6 years, good worker in all gears; 2-year-old Cart Colt, unbroken aged Cart Mare; 2 Young Sows 4 Choice Porkers 70 Pure-bred White Leghorn, Buff Orpingtons and Cross-bred Fowls; 2 Ducks, 1 Drake; 2 Stock Geese and 1 Gander; a Small Stump of Hay; New Pory.size Varnished Ralli Car, purchased from makers 9 months ago, fitted with lamps, cushions, rubber mats, &c., complete, Driving Rug, Set of Silver-mounted Pony Harness; Cob-size Spring Tip Cart; 2-knife Chaff Cutter, Mowing Machine, Horse Rake, Swing Plough, Market Trap; Sets of Cart, G.O., and Trap Harness; 60-Egg Incubator, complete, in perfect order, by Cooper; Foster Mother. Coal Scales and Weights, Garden Frame, D.B. Gun, a few lots of HOUSEHOLD FURNI- TURE, Lady's Cycle (free wheel), and other Effects. Full Particulars in Cards, to be obtained from the AUCTIONEER, 6, Skinner Street, Newport; also at Usk and Chepstow on Market days. A Established 1849. NEWLAND, DAVIS, & HUNT, Auctioneers, Valuers, Surveyors, Sf Land Agents. Sales of Fat and Store Stock at NEWPORT Cattle Market every Wednesday; CHEPSTOW, 8BVERN TUNNEL, and LYDNEY, fortnightly. Offices: 19, COMMERCIAL STREET, NEWPORT, and WELSH STREET, CHEPSTOW. Cyclists, Light Up! Saturday, Jan. 19th. 5.24 Sunday, „ 20th. 5.25 Monday, „ 21st. 5.27 Tuesday, 22ad 6.29 Wednesday, „ 23rd 6.30 Thursday, 24th. 6.32 Friday, 25th. 5.33 Saturday, „ 26th. 5.35 Being One hoar after Sunset. 4th Volunteer Battalion South Wales Borderers. G COMPANY, USK. Orders for week endiag 26th January, 1907. ODuty;— Sergeant Lewis. Corporal Groves. Bugler Johnston. Monday, January 21st-Class for N.C. Officers, at 7.30 p.m. Thursday, January 24th-Band Practice at 8 p.m. Friday, January 25th-Morris Tube Practice, at 7 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,1 5, MARYPORT STREET, USK. Ladies' School. Principal Miss E. MERRETT. Boys under Ten received. Next Term Day January 22nd. Village of Llandenny. To BE LET, with early possession, BRICK COTTAGE.—Apply, E. WADDINGTON, Usk. ¿ Hunting Appointments. THE LLANGIBBY HOUNDS will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 22nd Llantrissent Village At 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 25th Llangibby Toll Bar At 11 a.m. MR. CURRE'S HOUNDS will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 23rd.St Pierre Wood At 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26th Portskewett Station At 11 a.m. THE MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS will meet on Monday, Jan. 21st.Raglan At 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 24th.The Onions At 11 a.m. APPOINTMENTS, &e., FOR WEEK Ending January 26th, 1907. Jan. Sat. 19-Pontypool Petty Sessions. Football-Usk v. Rica. at Usk. Sun. 20—Second Sunday after Epiphany. Mon 21-Uek Market. Sale of Live and Dead Stock, &c., at the Bridge Inn, Llanbadoc, by Mr John H. Rennie. (See Advt.) Tues. 22-Abergavenny Market. Wed. 23-Newport Cattle, Corn, and Cheese Markets. Abergavenny Petty Sessions. Thars 24-Usk Petty Sessions. Sat. 26—Pontypool Petty Sessions FootbalJ-Uek v. Monmouth, at Usk.

Births, Marriages, & Deaths. Announcements undert ki. heading are inserted at a uniform charge of 1/- each, unless such words as U No Cards," "1 iVo Flowers," etc., are added, when the charge will be 2/6. All Announcements must be authenticated. PostageStamps may be sent in payment. Lists of Wedding Presents are inserted at the rate of 1/6 per inch in depth.

I The Earthquake in Jamaica, The dire catast rophe that has overwhelmed and practically destroyed Kingston, the com- mercial and political capital of Jamaica, has evoked deep sympathy throughout King Edward's dominions with the unhappy suf- ferers and their relatives. The earliest reports that reached this country were somewhat meagre owing to the failure of the telegraph lines, but gradually the me- lancholy tale has been revealed in all its horrors, and we now know that considerably over 500 persons have perished, that more than 1,000 are injured, and that many thousands are homeless, Kingston was the most important city in the British West Indies, it contained about 50,000 inhabi- tants, is situated on the northern shore of a very fine harbour, formed by a coral reef. called the Palisades, and its waters cover the site of the former metropolis of Jamaica-Port Royal, which was totally destroyed by earthquake in 1692. It ap- pears that the business part of Kingston has suffered most severely, and I THE FIRES THAT FOLLOWED I Monday's earthquake have completed the work of destruction, while it is fo be feared, from the latest reports, that famine is im- minent, and now a new terror threatens the city in the subsidence of its harbour bottom, which may result in the whole of Kingston sliding into the sea. Uuhappily, we have to number amongst the dead-killed instan- taneously by falling masonry-Sir James Fergusson, K.C.M.G., G.O.S.I., who will perhaps best be remembered as Postmaster- General under the late Lord Salisbury's Administration. In early life he was an officer in the Grenadier Guards, and took part in the Crimean war, both at Alma and Inkerman, where he received a severe wound in the wrist from a musket ball. Other Englishmen who were known to be in the neighbourhood of Kingston, when the earthquake took place, were the dis- tinguished party who accompanied Sir Alfred Jones to the Colonial Conference held there in connection with the British Cotton-Growing Association. The confer- ence opened on the very day of the disaster, but Sir Alfred Jones's cable to Messrs. Elder, Dempster and Co., Liverpool, assures us of their safety. British cruisers, liners belonging to private companies, American vessels, and those of the neighbouring Danish island of St. Thomas are all I HASTENING TO THE ASSISTANCE I of the suffering people, and the Lord Mayor of London has started a relief fund which will, no doubt, be generously responded to by our countrymen and women. Their Majesties the King and Queen have fol- lowed up a sympathetic message with con- tributions of 1,000 guineas and 91,000, the Prince and Princess of Wales have given JE500, and the City Corporation and the Royal Mail Steam Packet Co. Y,1,000 each. Jamaica was formally ceded to England by Spain in 1670, and, prior to the emancipa- tion of its slaves, was a veritable El Dorado for enterprising Englishmen. Subsequently the sugar plantations were neglected, many of the owners were ruined, and year by year the condition of the Island became more and more impecunious. It was to remedy this state of things that Mr Cham- berlain, when Colonial Secretary, in con- junction with Sir Alfred Jones, urged and encouraged the Colonists to start upon new industries, and endeavoured to promote AN INCREASED MARKET I in England for Jamaican products. The large consignments of bananas into this country is one result of their combined efforts. In recent years we have been appalled by tidings of many disasters in the earthquake zone, and the horrors connected with the destruction of San Francisco and Valparaiso are still fresh in our minds as we read of the calamity that has now befallen our own Colonists in Jamaica

USK. I bt'fU-Mrl. 8. K. jonqs. Stationer I FOOTBALL.—LTsk, on Saturday, journeyed to Croesyceilog with nine men, picked up five more, played one short throughout, and lost by 1 dropped goal and 6 tries to nil. A CORRECTION,—In the report of Usk Petty Sessions, last week, it was stated that the defen- dants in the case of rabbit and snare stealing were from Lower Berthllwydd Farm; it should have been Upper Berthllwydd. Miss MERRETT'A PARTY.—The annual breaking- up party was held in the Tiwn Hltll, U"k. on Wednesday evening, and was a very great success, there being an attendance of Vfi-ts Merreft's pupils and friends of over 100. The Usk Orchestral Band supplied the music (Mr W. Powell conducting), and Mrs Mayberry was the caterer. Dancing was kept up with zest until 2 a.m. MEDICAL SocipTy.-The annual meeting of the Hearts of Oak Medical Society was held at The Castle," U»k, on Thursday evening, when there was a good attendance of members, Mr William Thomas (president) in the chair. He was re- elected to that position, with Mr Reuben Morgan as hon treasurer, and Mr T. Jones a secretary, and the committee wax also reappointed. It was decided (by a majority by bailor) to have a supper at an early date, the committee to make the, arrangement. PRESENTATION.—At Monmouth, on Friday week, the agents of the Monmouth section of the Prudential Assurance Company, Ltd., presented Mr Fred Williams (a native of Uak) with a splendidly mounted fountain pen on the occasion of his promotion to an assistant superintendent- ship under the Company, hit district being that of Wellington (Salop), Superintendent Reynolds (Pontypool) presided at the luacheon which preceded the presentation, and all present wished the recipient success in his new sphere of labour. LLANBADOC CHOIR SUPPBR.—On Tuesday evening the adult members of the Llanbadoo Church Choir, with a few friends, were entertained to supper in the Parish Room. Mr Edward Will.ama presided in the absence of the Vicar (Rev H. Cockson), who was indisposed. After a capital repast, Mr T. Savery being the caterer, a vote of thanks was accorded the subscribers to the fund, and the Chairman responded. The party was then supplemented by a number of personal friends, and there was dancing until twelve o'clock, the organist (Mr W. R. Martin) and others providing the music. An enjoyable time was spent. ACCIDENT.—About nine o'clock this (Friday) morning, Mrs White, wife of Mr Ralph White, of The Hill, Llangibby, was driving from home to their butchers' business in Usk, when, near Llan- dowlais, the horse slipped and threw her son, Ralph, and her out of the trap. Ralph escaped with a bruise on the hip, but his mother, unfortu- nately, got caught in the rein rings, and could not free herself. Ralph helped his mother out of her difficulty, and whilst he drove to town she pre- ferred to walk there. Dr Jenkins then saw her, and advised her removal to Newport Hospital, whither she was conveyed. It is thought she has fractured her arm close to the shoulder.

0 LLANGIBBY. '1 Agetú-Mrs Williams. Llangibbtf Village, HBRBFOKD HERD BOOK SOCIETY.—Mr Thomas Lewis, Llangibby, has been elected a life member of Hereford Herd Book Society.

MONMOUTH. I Agent.—Mr. J. O. Jones, 24, Church Street, Monmouth. I MITCHELTROY SCHOOL.—At a meeting, on Mon- day, of the managers of the Monmoath groap of Council schools, Alderman W. Hughes presiding, the tender of Mr T. Ballinger, X150, for carrying out sanitary improvements at Mitcheltroy Schools was accepted. Plans were adopted for enlarging and renovating these schools at an estimated cost of £ 460. FUNERAL OP MRS WHITTINGTON. (Jn Saturday afternoon the funeral took place at Berry Hill, of Mrs Whittington, who for 17 years had been matron of the Monmouth Workhouse. The funeral was largely attended by members of the Board of Guardians, including the chairman (Mr S. O. Bosanquet), and by many relatives and friends of the deceased as well as some 30 inmates ef the Union, while amongst the wreaths was a beautiful one subscribed for by the members of the Board. I GAOL BEFORE WOBKHOUBB.—At Monmouth Police Court, on Monday, a big, able-bodied labourer named William Hall, was oharged with not doing his allotted work in the casual ward. He pleaded guilty. The Chairman said the Bench thought there must be something radically wrong. They were constantly having cases before them in which men preferred going to Usk for 14 or 21 days to doing the amount of work they were called upon to perform at the workhouse. Either the work at the casual ward was too bard, or they were treated too leniently at Usk. If this were so, the conditions should be reversed. They thought the matter was one for inquiry. Hall smiled when he was told he would have to go to prison for 14 days with hard labour. •• GAZBTTB NOTICB" RggpgoTttiG THe FAIRS.— The "London Gazette" couttiint; a notice by the Secretary of State for the Home Department that representation has been duly made to him by the Monmouth Town Council to the --fffict that fairs have been annually held in the borough of Mon. mouth on the second Monday in the months of February, May, September, and December, respectively, and that it would be for the con- venience and advantage of the public that the said fairs should in future be held on the days on which the first of the cattle markets in each of these months will be held on the comiog into operation of the bye-law made by the Council on the 1st Ootober, 1906, and allowed by the Local Govern. ment Board on the 20th November following. On 9th February the Secretary of State will take such representation into consideration, and any peison who may desire to object to alteration of the datell for the holding of the said fair should intimate his objection to the Secretary of State before that day.

NEWPORT. AeenU-Messrt Greenland and 04. Bill" Street. I PROPERTY SALE.—Messrs. Seth Phillips and Son, on Wednesday, offered for sale at the Westgate Hotel, Newport, the licensed house and premises known as the Viaduct Tavern, Crumlin, with three leasehold messuages and business premises. The whole of the property is held under a lease for 99 years from March 1854, at the yearly rent of £5, the aggregate annual rental of the three messuages producing X40 18s. Od. The purchaser was Mr D. F. Pritchard, Crumlin, at £ 4,150. Mr T. S. Edwards, Newport, acted as solicitor. HOSPITAL BALL.—On Wednesday evening the children's fancy dress ball was held in aid of the funds of the Newport Hospital, when about 260 were present, the highest number yet achieved. The costumes of many of the juvenile dancers were both novel and pretty, and the scene was altogether a most charming one. This year's balls have been the most successful held, and the insti- tution ought to benefit accordingly. Every praise is due to Mr Percy Laybourne the hon, sec., and his numerous and willing assistants for the suc- cessful manner in which all the arrangements were carried out. His MAJESTY'S MAIL UPSET.—On Wednesday the mail van which conveys the letters from New- port to Blackwood came to grief on the Btssaleg Road. The van, with two horses, was in charge of John Williams, an experienced driver, who started on his journey from Newport at 3.45 a.m. All went well until he got to the Bassaleg-road, where one of the horses, when passing Nantcoch Farm, shied at something and bolted, The other horse fell to the ground, and immediately there was confusion. The driver was pitched from his seat, and the van turned over to the hedge. The pole and splinter bar were broken. It was then about 4 o'clock, dark and cold, and not the best time to get assistance. The driver escaped with slight injuries, and later on returned to Newport for as- sistance. He managed to get another pair of horses, and at 6.55, over three hours late, he again started for Blackwood.

PONTYPOOL. I Agents—Mr Fitldhouse, and Mr O. H Churchill, The Market I toettrt, Bdaitrds and Ct„ and I Mr. Nickels, New Inn. { Timis HosprTA.L.-At the monthly meeting of the Governors of the Pontypool Hospital, held on Wednesday, it was reported that the inome for the month amounted to X319, including 441 collected from working-men by the Aberaychan Ladies' Committee. After the payment of the accounts there was a balance on the month's working of E191, or a total credit balance of £ 605. The Finance Committee were instructed to consider the advisability of transferring a portion of the amount to the deposit account. ABEBSYCHAN MUSICAL PRODIGY.—At the Eng- lish Congregational Schoolroom, Aoersychan, on Monday, a complimentary concert was given to Master Willie Davies, Abersychan, a promising violinist, only 13 years old. The artistes included Miss Elisabeth Hall, Royal Welsh Ladies' Choir, Burry Port; Mr Richard Thomas, Llanelly, prize winner National Eisteddfod; Mr Dan Richards, A.R.A.M., London; Mr Basil Althans, director of the College of Violinists, London; and Mr W. J. Watkins, F.R.C,O. and L,R.A.M., Dowlais. Mrs W. P. James, Glansychan House, Abersychan, pre- sented Master Willie Davies with a violin (120 years old), and eulogistic speeches were made. THE WISE WOMAN OF TALYWAIN.—Death has removed an eccentric character in Mrs Elizabeth Tutton, well known in Talywain and district as Granny Moss." She was generally credited with remarkable powers of divination, and as a "wise woman and foreteller of events was much sought after. She was 82 years of age, and was a peculiar little woman, being only about 4ft. lOin. in height. She appeared to be more even more diminutive owing to the fact that she had one leg considerably shorter than the other. What she lacked in sta- ture. however, she was compensated for in mental acuteness, and those who did not believe in occult powers were yet ready to concede that she was a shrewd old woman. On one occasion a police. man who sought to entrap her in the act of fortune telling went to her disguised in female attire. Though his make up" was pronounced perfect, and he ably sustained his part, he was not able to deceive the old lady. On appearing before her she promptly said" Call in the morning when you have got your working clothes on. Now, you go home and change your wlfes clothes." He did.