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

Rifle Shooting. I NEWPORT DIVISION OF THE WELSH LEAGUE. Shot Won Loflt Pts. Newport 7 6 a is UBIJ 7 o O IS 3td V.B.Q.W.B. (Pontypool) 6 5 1 10 4th|V.BAWB. (Pontyp )01) 6 2 8 Cwmbran J ~6t. Julians 6 1 5 2 Abersychan 3 0 3 0 Abergavenny 3 0 3 0 BOYS' COMPETITION. I A second boys' shoot has taken place for two prizes kindly givan by Mr H. Freeman. Conditions: -Five shots, 25 yards, decimal scoring, handicap. -Details:- Score. Hep. Tl. P. Roberts 41 6 47 J. Pi,t 46 46 W. Rees 37 6 43 F. Watkins 41 2 43 A, Hoare 36 4 40 T. Lucas 37 2 39 Also shot:-F. -Tones, W. Davies, J. Griffiths, T. Morgan. F. Edwards, C. Window, V. Morgan, W. Doubleday, LEAGUE MATCH. USK V. OWMBRAN. (JAN. 10TH, 1907). The following are the details of the match 'Which was shot on January 10th under very trying conditions as regards lurbt and atmosphere, it being very difficult to deaine the bulits-eye through the smoke which collected. Usk held their own, however, and the result was a draw according to the decision arrived at by the Executive Com- mittee of the W.M.R.A., one Usk target, which showed a clean score of 68 (five tens and two nines) having been in dispute; by some means, however, one shot, which, undoubtedly, went through the lo," was made to go through one of the nines already on the card without making the hole any bigger, thereby reducing the score by one point, which just made it a draw instead of a win. This is the record score of the League up to date. Usk. Cwmbran. I A. F. Lucas 69 T. Smith 62 B. F. Stockham 64 A. Morgan .«•••• 65 Jo Pitt, 64 D Watkina 67 III. Stockham 66 W. Beavan 68 F. P. Watkins.68 F. Richardson, 68 W.J. Sweet 67 R, Shearn 66 -A. G. W-illace o. 67 S. Baker 70 Phil T, Clift 70 C. Love. o 69 Total535 Total. 5 I LEAGUE MATCH. I NEWPORT V. USK. (JAN. 16TH, 1907). The following are the details of a shoot which came off at Newport on Wednesday night last, resulting in an easy win for Usk, although the Uskites did not shoot up to their average. This is the first mntch for them to win at Newport, and seeing they had 45 points to spare, it was rubbed in pretty thick." Usk. Newport. A. F. Lucas. 66 D. Jones 54 B. F. Stockham 68 C.J. Francis 61 J. Pitt, jr 67 J. H. Mogford 58 F. P. Waikins 61 W. H. James. 62 H. Stockham 62 W. J. Milner. 59 W. J. Sveet 65 F. C. Solomon.. 62 A.G.Wallace. 61 W. Gregory. 63 Phil T. Clift 67 H. Waters 52 Total.517 Total.471

I The Pioneer Hotel. BEDWELLTY JUSTICES VARY THE MONOPOLY VALUE. The monopoly value of the proposed new Pioneer Hotel, at Cwmfelinvach, Pontllanfraith, has occupied a good deal of the time of the licencing authorities of Monmouthshire. The Bedwellty licencing justices originally fixed the monopoly value at B2,250, with the surrender of the licence of the Coach and Horses Inn, Black- wood, bat the Confirming Committee considered that amountinumcient in view of the pros- pective devel 'pments of the locality, and raised it to £ 5,009. The Bedwellty justices declined to accept the variation, which, however, was sub- sequently confirmed by Quarter Sessions after the re-hearing of the case upon mandamus of the High Court. The matter reached its final stage at Tredegar on Monday, when the Bedwellty licensing justices were a »ain requested to adopt the variation. Dr W. E. Wiliiaras was in the chair. Mr Llewellyn, Newport, who appeared for the applicants, resoe-tfully suggested that the justices should open negotiation with the other authority with a view to fixing a figure somewhere about half-way, which, in his opinion, would stultify neither side. The applicants had spent an immense amount of money in obtaining this licence, aM proceedings had been commenced before they knew anything about the necessity of paying monopoly value, and even afterwards the applica- tion was perRisrently adhered to. Having regard to what had heen expended and the liabilities incurred he had been iustrusted to say that if a figure could n .t be fixed half-way with the higher court the'anp'icants could not afford to lose what they had expllrled, even for £ 5^000. Mr H. S. Lyne, Newport, acting for the police, submitted that the amount of money expended by the apolicants in obtaining the licence had really nothing to do with the court, and was a matter entirplv fir the applicants. There would be no stultification in agreeing with the Confirming Committee's variation of the original figure. The Clerk: It is quite understood, I take it, that in the event of the licence going through, the applicants will receive back the compensation value of the C,iach and Horses Inn, which will be surrendered ? Mr Lyne: rhat is distinctly understood. The compensation value will not be lost by the sur- render of the licence. The justices, while still of the opinion that the monopoly value <>f S5,000 was excessive, agreed to the variation, having regard to what had been said for the applicants. It was distinctly understood that the applicants would receive compensation for the loss of the Coach and Horses.

dtntttSpOnbtllte. INCOME TAX. I t To the Editor of The County Observer. J Sir,—Many persons are vaguely aware that there is some provision for the repayment of Income Tax to per- ns of small incomes. Persons in business who fill up the yellow Government forms each year, declaring the amount on which they are to pay tax, are aware that if their total net income is less than 1700 a year they are not required to pay income Tax on the whole of their income. Persons, however, whose incomes are derived from investments, such as stocks and shares, mortgages, Government funds, &c., are often unaware of this provision, and as Income Tax is deducted from the whole of their income before they receive it, they are entitled to a repayment of part of the Tax so deduoted if their total income falls below .£700 net. Persons who receive their income from funds invested in the names of trustees often take it for granted that they get all they are entitled to, and do not realise that they can recover the whole or a portion of the Tax that has been deducted from their incomes. The trustees can, however, only pay over what they have received, and as the income is received less the Tax, the beneficiaries should themselves take steps to see that the recoverable Income Tax is repaid to them. For instance, anyone who has had a net Income for the last few years of not more than 2700, derived from house property, lands, mortgages, stock, shares, the public funds, &c., &c., will be entitled to a return of Tax, which will in most caees range in amount from 913 14:8 2d to £ 31 6s 8d, according to the exact amount of the income. In addition to this, persons who pay premiums for life intiurance have the right to receive a re- payment of Income Tax upon the amount of premiums they pay, and they can claim this even when their income exceeds £ 700. The Income Tax Authorities take it for granted that no one who receives the Income less the Tax is entitled to any repayment unless a claim is made within the prescribed period, so that the Revenue benefits to the extent of many thousands of pounds through the neglect of those who do not look after their own interests in this respect. We shall be at all times pleased to advise any of your readers, free of charge, as to whether a claim can be made, on recetvmg full particulars of their income and an addressed envelope. Yours faithfully, The Income Tax Recovery Agency, B. M. BR1ANT, j 21a, Wellington Place, Hastings.

 tCQMEHmUNE H REG,TGTERED IIP facsimile of One-Ounce Packet. Archer's Golden Returns The Perfection of Pipe Tobaeeo. Coot, SWIET, AND FRAGRANT.

I ABERGAVENNY. I POLICE OOURT, WEDNESDAY, Before W. D. WOODWARD, Esq., B. P. MARTIW, Esq., F. P. J. HANBURY, Esq., and J. STRAKKR, E?q. I AT LOOOBRHBADS AT FENPRBGWM. Frederick and William Brooks, boys, of Penper. gwm, were charged with assaulting George Thomas Jones, a boy, at Llangattock-nigh-Usk, on the 3rd inot. The boy Jones. 9, and William Bailey, 14, deposed that Frederick Brocks struck him under the ear, while William admitted striking him in the face. There had been some stone-throwing, and Jones was accused of being the offender, which, however, be denied. Charles Joseph Brooks, father of the defendants, stated that he saw Jones throwing stones at his sons. There had been a previous disturbance, and witness and Mrs Jones were now under a bond to keep the peace, so that witness was unable to interfere. Mr E. P. Martin (addressing Brooks); Are you parents doing your part in urging the boys to fight P 1 ara very doubtful. P.C P -well stated that Brooks informed him that unless his sons thrashed young Jones he would thrash them. The father of the complainant and his wife bore out hit sou's statement, and said that his wife and con were continually being annoyed by the defendants. The b-iyti were fined 5s each, and bound over to kepp the p-ace for six months. As Brocks refused to become surety for hitf sons they were fioed iOs each and costs. Brooks: I shall pay no money for them. At the conclusion of the Court the Clerk told Brooks that the magistrate* had come to the con- clu-i m that the costs were rather higher than it was anticipa-el they would have been, and under the circumstances, they had deci led to alter their deem -n, ani the boys would have to pay 10s each, including costK. Brooks: I am not earning 3s a week. I can't pay. The Clerk: If you don't pay a summons will be issued ag-iinst you. MUST APPEAR. Minnie Prosser, wife of a well-known local cabman, W>\8 charged with being an habitual drunkard, and her husband asked for a separation order, and the custody of the children. Hhe was also charged with assaulting her husband on the 14th inst., at Abergavenny. Mra Pros-er did not attend, and eventually a warrant was issued for her appearance next week. A WOM:ur's LApsm. -Elizabeth Briater, wife of a local butcher, was charged with being drunk in charge f a child under seven years of age at Frogmore-st,reet, Abergavenny, on the 18'h December.—Mrs Brister, appeared to feel her pooition. — P.C Friend saw the defendant stagger- ing about while in charge of her two children, aged 3 and 5 years As he was accompanying her home they met defendant's husband, who saw his wife home.—Mrs Brister was fined 5s, including costs, and warned as to her future behaviour.

CWMBRAN. I POLICE COURT, THURSDAY. I Before Colonel Sir ARTHUR W. MACKWORTH, Bart., HAROLD A. WILLIAMS, Esq., A. M. PILMWHR, Esq., E. HARTLBY, Esq., E. H. CRAWSKAY, Esq., ani A. WILLIAMS, Esq. I INDIGNANT. I Charles Morgan, a Llangibby woodcutter, was I summoned for drunkenness on the highway at Llanfrechf* Lower, on the 23rd December. P.O. Hughes gave evidence. Defendant admitted having had four pints of beer, on the day in question, but denied that he was drunk. He also complained that the constable treated him as if he were a felon or a criminal, The Clerk: You can take out a summons. Defendant: I will, then. The Bench imposed a time of 5s. A FARMER'S LIABILITY. R. M. Harris, farmer, was summoned for allowing a bull, over the age of 12 months, to be at large in a field at Llanfrechfa Lower, through which there was a public footpath, on the 6th January. P.S. Morris said defendant told him he knew it was wrong for the bull to be without a ring in its nose, but he did not think the animal would do any hnrm The Bench ordered defendant to pay the costs, the Clfcrk adding that there was no conviction. A PUBLICAN ASSAULTBD. William Harris, a farm lab iurer, was summoned for assaulting George Henry Pingle, landlord of the Rising Sun Inn, Llangattock, on the 6thinst„ and for refusing to leave when requested.—Mr T. Baker Jones prosecuted. He said that the defendant and three other men went to the Rising Sun Inn on the evening of Sunday, the 6th inst. They had a quart of beer each. Defendant wanted another quart, but the landlord refused, thinking that he had had enough. Defendant insisted upon having more beer, became quarrelsome, and struck the landlord. Assistance had to be procured to eject the defendant. In the result he was fined 22, or 14 days' imprisonment in default.

BL A. EN" AVON". COUNTY COURT MONDAY. Before His Honour JUDGB OWBN. Thomas Meyers, underground fireman in the employ of the Blaenavon Company, appeared to answer a judgment summons issued against him by the High Court for the payment of 931 to James Arthur Evans, a railway clerk at Blaenavon, who obtained the judgment whilst acting as executor to the estate of the late Mary Elizabeth Richards, Abergavenny, to whose estate the money was owing. Mr Baker, solicitor, Aber. gavenny, appeared on behalf of Evans. His Honour, after perusing the documents put in, stated that he did not know why the case had been taken to the High Court, unless it was to make costs- Meyers explained that the order had been made without his presence in the court, as he could not afford to make the journey to tendon. His Honour Perhaps not; but I cannot help you. If you want to set aside this decision you must go to the High Court. Meyers: But I cannot afford to go to the High Court. His Honour: Very likely they knew that, but this sort of thing is allowed by law, and I only have to decide the amount which you will have to pay. It is very unfair. Both parties reside in my district, and are under my jurisdiction, but it was taken to London. An order for the payment of 45 per month, without costs, was made. I IN THE BAXE MESS." J "You are in the same mess." were the words with which his Honour greeted Thomas Vaughan, a gasworks labourer, who owed £ 30 7s 10d to the same estate. Well, I don't envy the people who do this kind of thing, Mr Baker," continued his Honour, and, addressing Vaughan, he said, If I cannot help you, but I would do so if I could." His Honour: What are your wages? Vaughan: Two. shillings and foarpence per dsyj sir. His Honour: Two shillings and fourpence per day, and they have a judgment against you in the High Court for £30 ° J 'rt'Ji.4? further questions, Vaughan stated that he had a wife and two daughters to keep. His Honour made an order for the payment of 2s per month, and remarked to Vanghan, "I hope you will live till you have paid it. It is a shame that workmg men should be summoned up to London, and I am not quite certain if I shall not make a representation to the Lord Chancellor or to the Law Society."

I PONTYPOOL. I I POLICE COURT, SATURDAY. I MAINTENANCE.—Frederick Jones, collier, Pont- newynydd, was summoned by the Pontypool Guardians for arrears of maintenance amounting to £1 2s.—Mr T. Watkins, the clerk to the Guardians prosecuted, and secured an order for payment within 14 days, with the alternative of 14 days' imprisonment. DAMAGING A FBNCB. -John Perkins, Albert Spencer, Edward Vlagness, and Ernest Viner, labourers, Sebastopol, were summoned for doing damage to a fence, the property of Messrs. D. J. Lougher and A. J. Burgovne, builders, to the extent of 4s at Pontypool-road on December 17th. —Mr T. P. Holmes Watkins, solicit,r, Pontypool, appeared to prosecute, and said the proceedings were not taken in a vindictive spirit, but with the object of lessening the large amount of wanton damage that was continually being done fat the district. In this case the defendants kicked and. pulled the hedge to pieces.-P.C. Beavan gave evidence as to seeing the defendants doing the damage, while Mr Bnrgoyne proved the extent of the damage.—Defendants were each fined 5s and ordered to pav Is damages each. RIOTOvs.-Charles Poulton and Alfred Vaughan, colliers. Pontnewydd. were summoned f ir being riotous at Pontnewydd on December 29th.-P.C. T"wner said he saw the men fighting with each other. D,,fendanta were each fined 7s 6d. POLICE COURT, TUESDAY. A WOMAN'S BOr)T.-Maiid Jones, a single woman, of Pontypo'il, was charged with being drunk and iucapable and wilfully damaging a window in the p lice station. P.S. Blaydon said that on visiting the charge-room early ill the morning he found three paties of glass broken and a woman's but inside. On lo,tripig outride he saw defendant lying down in a helpless state of intoxication. The Bench fined the defendant 108 for being drunk, and 10s, including costs, for the damage. COUNTY COURT, WEDNESDAY. Before His Honour Judge OWEN, RELATIVES IAT LAW. Samuel Watkins Abersychan, claimed 95 10s. Od' from his brother-in-law, Samuel Ernest James, for board and lodgings for himself and his wife. Mr A, E. Bowen, solicitor, Pontypool, appeared for itmei, who denied owing the money. Watkins, sworn, said that respondent and his wife lived with him from December 24th, 19 '5, to January '27th, 1906. Defendant agreed to pay witness El per week for board and lodgings, but he had not done so, Mrs C >x, who was called to give evidence on Watkins's behalf, caused much amusement by the replies she gave to His Honour's questions. When Mr Bowen rose to cross-examine her, his Honour jokingiy warned him to be careful. His first question, however, put Mrs Cox on her mettle, for on Mr Bowen asking, What is your husband 1" she indignantly replied, amidst much laughter, A gentleman, I hope." Mr Bowen replied that he was evidently a very fortunate gentleman, too. (Laughter.) Mr Bowen: What is his occupation ?—Mrs Cox replied that he was engineman. Mr Bowen: A very honourable occupation, too. Giving evidence on his own behalf, defendant said he left Watkins's house on December 26th. He denied owing the money. Defendant's landlady also stated that he went into her house on December 26th. His Honour gave judgment for S2 5s. Od. JUDGMENT RESERVED. The question of a right of way through some property at Gwent-street, Pontypool, was the sub- ject of an interesting action, his Honour being asked to determine whether or not three persons- George Silcocks, Thomas Mayers and Jarrett— had acted within their rights in pulling down a fencing, which Mary Jane Phillips, of Gvent-street, had placed across her property, thus blocking up a footpath which the three defendants named claimed was a right of way to their respective houses. Mr J. Corner (instructed by Mr. A. E. Bowen) was for Mrs Phillips, while the defendants were represented by Mr J. Parsons. In opening, Mr Corner explained that the plain- tiff and three defendants were assignees of a deed of partition, of a lease which was granted to the late Thomas Mayers by the late Rev. G. E. Guise on June 15th, 1854. When Mayers died in 1860, he left the property in question to his wife, while at her death in 1881, it passed to the children of the marriage. Since then the property has been sold, so that two houses were the property of Thomas Mayers, while the other parties in the action each owned a house there. On the pro- perty being sold a deed of partition was drawn up, and it was under that deed that the present action was taken. The lease on the land was only for 75 years. As matters stood the three defen- dants were using a pathway near Mrs Phillips's house, and in the using of that pathway they passed within a few yards of her house, so that they could look into it. That was what she objected to. Mr Parsons said his defence was that under the deed of partition he was entitled to use the footpath. John Roberts, 73, retired engineer, said he rea membered the houses in question being huilt by his father-in-law, the late Thomas Mayers. The pathway had always been used by all the tenants of the houses. His Honour (to the advocates): Can't you settle this matter between you ? It is a miserably small dispute, and I think you will be wise if you can come to a decision yourselves. Mr Corner: It is impossible for my client to agree to these people passing right under her windows. We will make them a present of an alternative path if they will pay the cost of this action. Mr Parsons replied that he was willing to accept the terms offered, provided the question of costs was dropped. This M r Corner refused to agree to, and the case proceeded, a. long legal argument ensuing between his Honour and counsel. Eventually his Honour asked for a copy of the deed of partition, and stated that he would reserve judgment.

The Bath and West Show at Newport. THE PRIZE LIST. The list of prizes for live stock, farm produce, etc., to be offered at the Newport exhibition of the s ociety, to be held on Jane 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 10th next, is now in cour e of issue- The money prizes, in addition to medals and plate, total up to over £ 3.420, distributed as foil we:-Horseg, 9924: caMe, 41, 191 sheep, £ 535; pigs, £ 2V7 poultry, £ 167; produce, X190 miscellaneous competitions, £159. Of this amount, £ 2.284 15s is contributed by the Bath and West Society; £ 220 bv or through the Newport Local Committee; j639 by the Bedwellty Agrictiltural Society; S68 bv the Monmouthshire County Council: £12 by the United Countie- Agricultural Society; 10 10s by the Newport Licensed Victuallers' Association; and the remainder by the leading Stud, Herd, and Flock Book Societies, and by various other donors. There are thirty prizes of medals and plate offered by the Bath and West Society, by breed societies, and others. In the horse section there are classes for Shires and any other agricultural breed, collierv horses, hunters, hackneys, ponies, and harness horses, and there will be jampiug, driving, and trotting competitions. The following breeds are represented in the cattle classesDevon, South Devon, Shorthorn, Herefords, Suaaex, Red Polled, Aberdeen Angus, Black Welsh, Jersey, Guernsey, Kerry and Dexter Kerry. There are classes for dairy herds of any breed, to be judged on the farms to which they belonged, and butter-test and milk-teat prizes for Jersey and other cows. In the sheep section are prizes for the following breeds: -Cotswold, Devon Long Woel, Lincoln, Southdown, Hampshire Down, Shropshire, Oxford Down Welsh Mountain, Ryelands, and Somerset and Dorset Horn. The t breeds represented in the pig classes are the Berkshire, Large Black, Large White, Middle White and Tamworth, and there are local classes for pigs of any white and any black breeds. There are also classes for old and new cheese, for butter, cream, honey, and cider, and butter- making, milking, shoeing, timbering, splicing, and ambulance work competitions. Entries for stock and produce and for the miscellaneous competitions should reach the secretary, Thos. F. Plowman, 3, Pierrepont- street, Bath. on or before April 10th. The entries for machinery, implements, &c., and in the Art-Manufactures, Forestry and Nature- Study departoenta, cloie on match 27th.

Usk and Ebbw Retard of Consemtors. Mr A. A. Williams, J.P.. presided at the annual meeting of this Board at the Westgate Hotel, Newport, on Thursday week. Sir Titus Salt was re-elected chairman, and Mr A, A. Williams, J.P., C.C., vice-chai, man. The Clerk (Mr Horace Lyne) reported that the receipts for salmon fiwhing licenses "bowed a deficit of L26, but there was an increase of .t68 in the receipts of trout fishing licen-es. Complaints of damage by otters had been numerous. There had been considerable poaching in private waters, especially in Brec nshire. More water bailiffs were needed. Brecon aad Abergavenny Corporation were assisting to prevent pollution in the main river. The two most serious sources of pollution were the Avon Llwydd and the Borough of Newport, the former being the more serious. There was a good prospect of the Salmon Fishing Bills being passed. The Clerk said that the salmon season had been bad. There had been no loss on the alterati .n in the salmon fishing licenses. The increase in the trout license receipts was entirely due to the raiding of the charges. Mr Marsh referred to the need of pushing forward legislation for the rating of fisheries so that they should be preserved. Many owners contributed liberally, but others did not. Colonel Ivor Herbert, \1.P., said no doubt & Bill would be introduced next session for tb. protection of fisheries, as Lord Carriugton seemed very sympathetic towards it. It was reported that 175 salmon had been taken in Monmouthshire during the past year, as against 331 in the previous year. There was an increase, however, in Breconshire. The heaviest salmon taken in Monm mthfhire weighed 31ilb, and in Breconshire 261b. The Chairman remarked that the take of salmon in Monmouthshire during the panr. year was much below the average. He thought there had been years when 1.200 or 1,500 fish had been taken. The Clerk: It has been one of the worst years on record. Mr Lyne reported that Mr G. R. Th,mp-on had analysed some of the water taken frlm th Avoa Llwydd. and the results showed that the pollution was somewhat startling.

Severn Tunnel Mystery. As a G.W.R. train was passing through the Sev- ern Tunnel, early on Monday morning, a shot was heard in a third-class compartment. Toe guard stopped the train at Severn Tunnel Junction, and found a young man-afterwards identified as Fred- erick George Slip, a box-maker, of Vincent-road, Newport lying on the seat with a bullet wound in the head. A six-chambered, loaded revolver, with one shot fired, lay on the floor. He was taken back to Newport, and removed to ibe Hospital, where he has since been in a dazed condition, giving no account of how the injury took place.

Markets. MONMOUTH, CATTLE, Monday.—There was a fair attendance. Trade in mutton and pigs good. Beef trade dragging except for prime qualities. Stores not well represented: trade quiet. Best bepf. 6f i to 7!d per lb; veal, 7d to 8d per lb; wether mutton, 8d to 9id per lb; ewe mutton, 8d per lb pork, 0s 6d to IO 6d per score; bacon, 9s to 9s 6d per score. Aucti 'n prices :-The follow- ing prices were realised under the hammer of Messrs. Nelmes, Poole and Atkins :-Heifers, Sil 2s 6d to E15 10s; bullocks, £12 10a t E19 calves, 20s to 55s; wethers, 45s to 48s; ewe-. 41s to 44* 6d; porkers, 39s 11 62s 6d; baconers, £6 Is to £5 2" fid. NEWPORT, CHKESB, W-tdne-aay.-Supplies, con- sistent with the time of ye«r, were scarce to-day at the cheese market. Th., a te idance was good, and a b isk demand so >u b o ignt about an entire el, aratioe at flrm figure". Q io atious Caerphillys 67 to 708. fancy dairies 72s to 75s, Derbys 78s, and truckles 80s per cwt. NEWPORT, CATTLE, Wedaf-edty. -There was an ad^qu-tte supply of cattld on offer, and a plentiful sup dy of sheep. Calves ant pigs were in fair numbers. A good brisk trade prevailed in all quarters, and the attendance was good Q io-s- tiotis:-Best beef, 6 £ d per lb; infeior sorts, 6d to 6|1; fat cows, 4!d to 5-11 best wether mutton, 4 4 4 9,d; ewes. 7d to 7td; calves, 7d to 8d. Pigs | Porkers, 10s 9d to lis; bacon pigs, 9s per scor<>. NKWPOM, CORN, Wed esday.-All feeding st'.ff- on 'Change to-day were firm, but unchanged Maize displayed a firmer tendency. Flour (fines) wa-, quoted at 23s per sack. Trade ruled quiet, and the attendance was about the average.

Earthquake Shocks in Oban. Two shocks of considerable violence were felt in Oban on Wednesday afternoon. One at 1.50 p.m. in the neighbouring Island of Mull was very decided, and was followed by other distinct tremors.

TREDEGAR. COUNTY COURT, TUESDAY. JTJDGB OWBN PROTESTS AGAIN Judge Owen again referred to the practice of entering actions against working men in the High Court, the remark being made in connection with a judgment summons issued at the instance of the Premier Cycle Company in the High Court, London, against J. E. Dix, collier, and A. W. Coles, cycle dealer, both of Abertillery. Mr A. H. Dolman, Abertillery, who appeared for the plaintiffs, said he was not the solicitor in the High Court action. His Honour: I am very glad of that. J. E. Dix. who had been "subpoenaed by the plaintiffs, said that he was a collier, earning 35s a week, and that he did not owe the money. His Honour said that it was n gross abuse of the practice of the court to obtain High Court judgments in this way. A working man got into debt to a company who issued a writ against him in the High Court. They knew the man had no money to go to London, and they got what judgment they liked on an affidavit that the writ had been served, and made possibly by an office boy, and which might be true or untrue. Mr Dolman said that he had informed the plaintiffs of the position of the defendants. His Honour said he had referred to this matter at the Blaenavon Court, and he bad decided to bring it before the Lord Chancellor. A new trial could not be procured unless the defendants went up to London themselves and employed a solicitor and counsel at a cost of 915 or so. If he had the power he would grant a new trial, because he considered it a very gross abuse, but, unfortunately he had not the power. His Honour eventually [ made a new order, jointly and severally, for 2s a month.

GENERAL. A PEST TO THE COUXUNITY4 James Foley, 29, tramping labourer, waa I charged at Tredegar, on Monday, with stealing a box of cocoa, value 4s, at Tredegar on January 11th. Prisoner admitted the offence when arrested. Supt Saunders stated that he only came out of Usk Prison on Friday morning after doing two months' hard labour. He was a young, able- bodied man, but would not work, and he was a pest to the community. Prisoner was committed for two months with hard labour.

3rd Vol. Batt. South Wales Borderers. Colonel J. A. Bradney, in his annual circular letter to the Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Men, says The constitution of the Volunteer Force remains the same, though it is probable that alterations may be made in the near future which will be for the benefit of the Force and of all ranks in it. Whatever these alterations may be. I trust every man in this Battalion will do his best to fulfil any new cotiditions that may be placed on us by the Authorities- The Battalion has increased in strength since last year. The total numbers are, 28 Officers and 1036 men, being 12 men more than the authorised establishment. A great boon has been conferred on Volunteer Brigades by the appointment once m >re of Permanent Brigadiers. We are fortunate in having had Colonel A. H. Doyle appointed as Brigadier. General of the South Wales Border Volunteer Infantry Brigade. Colonel Dovle has bad a distinguished career in the Army, and commanded the Shr-pshire Light Infantry Regiment during the War in South Africa. He comes to us replete with military knowledge and experience and will do much to improve the Brigade. I trust that be will long be our Brigadier. Major H. M. Twynam, D.S.O., has been appointed Brigade-Major. He, too, ba" had a distinguished military career, and has aeon much service with the East Lancashire Regiment in India and South Africa. The Battalion went into Camp from the 14th to the 21st of July. at Conway, with the other Battalions forming the Brigade, and a very pleasant week was spent amidst surroundings new to us all. The Brigade was inspected by Brigadier-General Ommaney, C. B., Commanding the Wel-h Border Grouped Regimental District. His rep.rt was a good one, though he thought more discipline was reauired. I would remind all Ranks of the necessity of implicity obeving all Orders. Atterdances at Camp and Drill continue to be very satisfactory. The Battalion has again performed the New Conrse of Musketry laid down in the Musketry Regulations, 1903, in its entirety. Colour-Sergeant J. Dacey was attached to the Arm? Sho d of C iokery School at Aldershot, from 15-R-'G6 to 29—9—'06, and obtained a certificate enabling him to perform the duties of Sergeant- Master-Cook. I congratulate Sergt. Daoey on having done this, the benefit of which will be much appreciated by all the men in the Battalion. I much regret the retirement of Captain Thornton. who was Adjutant from the 23rd September. 1904, till the 18tb Seotember, 19')6. Though with us only two years he did much f«r the Battalion, and we benefited by his energy and the knowledee of his profession he always dis- played. He was deservedly popular and I wish him success iu his career of Brigade Major of Volunteers. I regret the retir--ment of nlffcers:-(Iaptain H. Griffiths, Caotain F C. Dare, and Lieu'enant T P. Emanuel. Captain Griffiths retires through ill-health contracted while serving with the Imperial Yeomanry in South Africa, and all ranks will join me in wishing him c mplete recovery in time. He is re-«ppom»ed Surgeon-Lieutenant dated 2nd November, 1906. He took this step because he found he had not sufficient time to devote to bi duties as Captain of I Company. He therefore becomes a 14tirizeon in the Betalinui and in that csoaci,y will be of Ifreat service to UA. The following were presented with Long Service Hertals Colonel J. A Bradney, after service of 13 years with Mili'ia and 14 yenrs 2 months service as Commanding Officer of this Battalion by Colonel Doyle, Commanding the South Wales Border Vol. Infantry Brigade, at his first Inspection of the Battali >n, on the 30th June. 1906. The following were presented with their Medals by Colonel Bradney. at the annual smoking c'lncert and distribution of Ohristmas prizes on the 21st day of December, 1906. Sergeant-Master- Cook J. Dacey and Pioneer J. Travers. The Camp this next Summer will be at Porth- cawl from 21st July to 28th July. I shall endeavour to make arrangement for the co'ps to travel to camp as early as po sibie on 21st and to return as eltrly all possible on 28th. I trust that every officer, non-commissioned officer and man will, as heretofore, endeavour to be present. As I have done for so many years, I once more thank all ranks for the hearty co-operation thev at all times give me, and I have no fear that the future of the Battalion will not be as prosperous as the past.

Rosa CONSERVATIVE CLUB.—The Ross Con- servative Club has obtained possession of the Royal Oak rllD, High-street, the licence of which was refused at the last Licensing Session, and the annual meeting on Tuesday night appointed trustees to take over the new premises and arrange for altering and furnishing.

FACTS AM) FANCIES. As a rule a man weigh* mot* aft forty tkaa ft say Wwr time of hip lile. Tim smallest valuable oil paintiajr in tka TSDL is only a square inch in size. A DIADLT poison injected into a vein has berti known to kill in thirteen seoonds. TBOt dolphin is the swiftest fish. Fot sheA distances it can swim at the rate of twenty-five miles an hour. To making of lucifer matches is a Stall monopoly in ?ranoe, Spain, Portugal, IWar GNeOe, Roumania, and Servia. To refuse hope, hitherto thrown away II breweries, are now converted into a good ertMf of paper by a German chemist. THE first meerschaum pipe was made aaS smoked by Kavol Kowates, a shoenlskw, in 1823, in Pesth, Hungary. It is still in a snuseMV there. THE idea that the toad is poisonous has « foundation in fact The skin secretes an acrid fluid, and just behind the bead are two sacs, which, when pressed, eject a fluid that bttXQf and stings the skin. .:f SCOTT'B SUPDIUCY. Scott occupies more space in the BritttB Museum catalogue than any other writer wttH the exception of Shakespeare. More than < ihousand, entries, contained in eighty pases, w pear under fee novelist's name. FortySne pagsa contun the 752 entries relating to Dickens, white twenty-one pages, with 82i ihe donkey, next to the came!, is the useful and hardworking animal in Egypt. He ia in much request amongst tourists, and may slow be seen creeping home at sunset, 80 laden with, clover, with a full-grown man and a chM perched on the top of the load, that nothing ig visible but his head and tail. A The title "admiral" is derived from (St Arabic phrase meaning "ruler of the eeL" Bermudan women are noted for their find TOmplexions. This is said to be partly due tfll the fact that they eat plentifully of COMM. N° perfume is quite ae strong as attar. Mi lib. of attar more than 4,0001b. of rases tarn needed. The peasant gets about 18s. an ovsaw Vot the same thing, as eold in Pane and Lowf •on, the prioe it £ 8 an onuoe. t Asian Hgfeeaa is 1,600 aflss wjMMfe •v w «a cieiim aKtfi «f eeari* SSJI