Abergavenny Chronicle

ABERGAVENNY BOARD of GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of the Abergavenny Board of Guardians was held on Friday last, Major W. Williams presiding. There were also present Mr. H. J. Gwillim (vice-chairman), Father Wray, Rev. J. F. W. Trumper, Messrs. Benjamin Price, John Prichard, D. Watkins, John Baynam, John Lewis, Alfred Edwards, Edgar W. Lewis, R. Workman, Charles Thomas, W. Gwillim, Joseph Howells. I Disappearing Vagrants. The Master reported that there were in the house 90 men, 40 women and 22 children, a total of 152, compared with 167 for the cor- responding period last year. No casuals had been sent to the lodging-house during the last two weeks. (Hear, hear). The number of vagrants admitted to the casual wards during the two weeks was 131. Last year the number admitted to the casual wards was 262, and to the lodging-house 101, a total of 363. Thus there was a decrease of vagrants compared with last year of 232. (Hear, hear). Inmates at the Cinema. The Master also reported that both adults and children from the workhouse had been occasion- ally admitted free to the Coliseum during the year. The Clerk was instructed to send the thanks of the Board to the management. Refuted. I Father Wray drew attention to certain state- ments made at the Abergavenny Town Council meeting which had been reported in the Press. They were rather unintelligible, and seemed to cast a reflection upon the Guardians. One Councillor, according to the statement in the Press, said he should like the public to realise that the greatest burden on the rates were the demands of the County Council and the Guard- ians. Another said that the Guardians had made a mistake in the assessment, and had asked for £ 500 which should have been paid last half year. Another statement was that the Guardians were asking for an extra amount of money, and the county rate or Poor rate had been increased by 6d. in the £ That individual did not know the difference between the County rate and the Poor rate. Perhaps they would allow the Clerk to tell them if the statements were correct. The Clerk There is no foundation for them whatever. The person who made such state- ments did not know what he was talking about. They were reckless, groundless statements. There has been no mistake in the assessments. Mr. John Prichard said that a certain gentle- man said he would appeal against the assess- ment in consequence of this £ 500 not having been collected last half year. The Clerk The statement about the £ 500 is altogether unintelligible. Rev. J. F. W. Trumper (to the Chairman) What time do you have your Council meetings ? That may have something to do with it. (Laughter). The Chairman Eight o'clock. Mr. Daniel Watkins Are there any refresh- ments allowed. (Laughter). ? Office Accommodation. I The question of the discontinuance of the Broad-street school at Blaenavon as a pay station was brought forward. The Clerk said that as pay stations were abolished, notice should be given that the use of this room would be discontinued. Mr. Edwards (relieving officer for the Blaen- avon district) suggested that if the Guardians would make him some small allowance, he could provide an office at his house where inquiries could be made. If they paid him £ 3 per year it would bring his salary up to the level of Mr Green's. The Chairman said there were a number of ratepayers at Abergavenny who could not afford to pay increased rates, and he thought they should study economy. Father Wray said that both Relieving Officers were on the same footing. If they put up Mr. Edwards' salary they would have to put Mr. Green on the same footing he had already an office at his house. Mr. John Prichard proposed that Mr. Ed- wards be allowed £ -2 a year for office accom- modation. Mr. Robert Workman seconded. Mr. Joseph Howells moved that £3 be granted. Mr. Daniel Watkins said it was very essential that Mr. Edwards should have an office in which to receive poor people who came to his house. Mr. John Prichard withdrew his motion and seconded Mr. Howells's motion. The Chairman The Guardians will have the use of the office ? Mr. Edwards Certainly. The Chairman You ought to provide a carpet for them. (Laughter). Mr. John Prichard And whisky. (Laughter). It was eventually decided to grant both Relieving Officers £3 per year for office accom- modation.. Good Stroke o, Business. The question of the amended plans submitted by Col. Harris in regard to the children's home site was brought forward. It was stated that the area was 1,260 square yards, or about 100 yards more than in the previous plan. Father Wray The Guardians did a good stroke of business last time. A better was read from the Local Government Boar*, asking for plans of the new site, and of the triangular piece of ground near the work- house which the Guardians proposed to give in exchange. County Rate. A cheque was drawn for £7.301 7s. nd. for county rate for the quarter ended Christmas last Father Wray asked if that amount was not a record. The Clerk said it was the County rate was going up by leaps and bounds. A Lunatic's Estate. The Clerk was instructed to apply for a Justices' Order to realise the estate of a person who had recently been admitted into the Asylum.

I BLAENAVON PIT FATALITY. I COLLIER KILLED BY A "FALL." Mr. J. B. Waltord, coroner, conducted an inquest at the Blaenavon Police Station on Monday relative to the death of Alfred John Hill, collier, of Ivy Cottage, Woodland-street, Blaenavon, who was killed in the Big Pit, Blaenavon, on Thursday last. Thomas John Hill, of Victoria Village, said deceased was his father, and was 51 years of age. John Parry, collier, said that on Thursday lie was working in the Big Pit. He commenced work at seven o'clock on Thursday morning. He was working in the Elled Seam, in his own stall. Deceased's working-place was next to witness's. Deceased, just before his injury, at about a quarter to three, visited witness's work- ing place. Deceased wanted some timber, and asked which am I to have ?" Before witness could reply a stone fell 011 him. The Coroner What amount fell ?—Witness About 25 to 30 cwt., mostly in large pieces of roof stone. Witness heard the fall, and called to deceased, but getting no reply lie went for help, and Richard Gough, who was with deceased to help him to carry the timber, discovered deceased under the fall. Help was secured in about four minutes, and when witness returned Gough was getting the stone off deceased. It took six to eight minutes after that to release deceased, who died on his way to the surface. By the Coroner The place where the stone fell was examined by the fireman at 1.30 p.m., and witness examined it with his mandril after that. The fireman did not say anything about its safety or otherwise. The Inspector How do you account for this stone giving way ?—Witness By a slant, which was going in towards the face. You had plenty of timber there if you had wanted it ?—Yes. • Richard Gough, collier, stated that he went with deceased to the next stall in order to get some timber to make safe a place where he was working. He went to fetch the timber under the instructions of the overman. Witness had not reached the place when the fall occurred. Deceased was a dozen yards ahead of witness, who heard the fall. Witness found deceased under the fall and got him out after about ten minutes had elapsed. He did not look to see what caused the fall. Thomas Challenger, an ambulance man, said he met some men taking deceased out of the colliery. Deceased had injuries to the head, and the base of the skull was fractured. He died about half a mile from the bottom of the pit. Abraham Bevan, fireman, said lie was in Parry's working place about 1.30 p.m. He examined the whole stall, and had no reason to be suspicious of the place. He examined it with the usual kind of stick, and it was quite Sound. The Coroner But it was not quite sound. It fell shortly after ?—Witness It was the work that was done after I was there which made it unsound and unsafe. The jury returned a verdict of Accidental death," the coroner remarking that it was a simple and unfortunate accident." A.

I Out-of-work Miner's Fate. I" GASSED AT BLAENAVON FURNACES. Mr. W. R. Dauncey, deputy coroner, con- ducted an inquest on Friday last at the Blaen- avon Police Station relative to the death of Thomas Camp. Robert Cowling, labourer, stated he had known deceased for about twelve months. He came from Devonshire. He last saw him alive at 9.30 p.m. 011 Monday in Church-road, Blaen- avon. Witness had been with him all day. Deceased was a miner out of work. He was under the influence of drink, but was not drunk. John Powell, labourer at Blaenavon Furnaces, said that about 10.30 p.m. he saw deceased going in the direction of the furnaces. De- ceased was not in the employ of the company. W111. Watts, storeman, said that at about 11.20 p.m. he was walking round and saw de- ceased lying down under the gas pipes. Witness shook him, but getting no answer pulled him. He appeared to be dead. Help was secured and artificial respiration tried without avail. The gas was rather foul that night, and the wind was blowing it straight into his mouth. The place was very warm. Deceased had made a pillow of his coat. Dr. Alex. MacMillan Pollock said that at I II:15 p.m. he went to the furnaces, and found deceased lying dead on the ground. He had been dead about half an hour, as the result of carbon monoxide poisoning. The jury returned a verdict of Death by misadventure." Aw-4 ♦

Abergavenny Police Court. I Wednesday.—Before Mr. E. R. Lewis (in the I chair) and Mr. Edwin Foster. Licensing. I The Bench granted the temporary transier of the licence of the Skirrid Mountain Inn, Uan- vihangel, from Charles Powell to Richard Large, lessee of the Angel Hotel stables for the past three years. The application was made by Mr. A. M. CunlifTe. The outgoing tenant, Charles Powell, said he would like to know if there would be any objec- tion against his applying for another licence. The Magistrates' Clerk The matter will have to be considered when it arises. Supt. Davies He will have to apply to the police where he intends to take out a licence. They are the proper authority. The Clerk It will be considered by the Bench before whom you make your application. I A Lunatic's Estate. I Mr. Scanlon, Clerk to the Abergavenny Board of Guardians, applied for an order under Section 299 of the Lunacy Act 1890 directing a Relieving Officer to seize and sell the personal property of a lunatic named William Thomas, who was now an inmate of the Monmouthshire Asylum and chargeable to the Abergavenny Union. The property included £ 62 in the Post Office Savings Bank, respecting which he had written to the Comptroller of the Post Office, who had acknowledged receipt of the letter but had not intimated that he would oppose the application. There were also a cow, a pig, some poultry and a few articles of furniture. Mr. T. G. Green, Relieving Officer for the Abergavenny district, produced the Magistrates' order for the removal of Thomas to the Asylum, where he was maintained at a cost to the Guardians of 8s. gd. per week. There was £ 10 in gold in a box, and Thomas had £ 7 is. 4d. on him. The Guardians had incurred a cost of £ 5 4s. gd. to the 27th of January. In reply to the Clerk, Mr. Scanlon said there were two children, who were chargeable, and they would be boarded out with relatives at the expense of the Union. The Bench granted the order. Drunk in Charge. I Mary Powis, widow, of Trostrey, was sum- moned for being drunk in charge of a horse and cart on the previous day. Defendant pleaded not guilty. P.C. Nash said that at 4.30 p.m. he was on duty on Monmouth-road, and met defendant driving a horse and cart. She was swaying about in the cart, and he stopped her and asked her where she was going. She replied that she was going up the town to see her daughter. There was no one in the cart with her. When she got up the street witness asked her where her daughter was, and she replied that she didn't care, and commenced swearing. He brought her to the station and Sergt. Prosser locked her up. She refused to allow anyone to drive her home. P.-Sergt. Prosser said that at 4 p.m. he was on duty in Cross-street in company with the last witness. He saw defendant in charge of a horse and trap, with another lady by her side. She was all across the road and caused an obstruc- tion. She drove into a cart on the side of the road and knocked it over. Witness got hold of the horse's head and could see that the de- fendant was drunk. He would have taken her in charge, but Miss Ireland, who was in the trap, took the reins and said she would drive. They proceeded down the street with the young lady driving, and he sent P.C. Nash to follow them and see if they went all right. Later he came back with the old lady. A man offered to drive her home, but she refused to allow him to get up in the trap. When defendant was brought to the police station she could not walk without assistance. She was kept at the police station from 4.30 to 9 p.m. Supt. Davies said that as defendant was an old woman he stretched a point and let her out. She was not fit to go home by herself. Miss Ireland, defendant's daughter, said she did not think defendant was drunk, as she had driven to Llanvihangel. She was 80 years of age, and she thought it was a shame to put her into the cells. Defendant was fined 20S. and costs-24s. in all,—and the Chairman remarked that he hoped it would be a lesson to her. It was most I dangerous to drive a trap in that condition." 4

I Abergavenny a Military Town. I Royal Engineers Receive a Civic Welcome | CONSIDERABLE INCREASE OF TROOPS IN I THE NEAR FUTURE. Abergavenny has once more assumed the character of a military town, and presents a more animated appearance than it has for some time past. The town is now having its first experience of Kitchener's Army, for there arrived on Wednesday a portion of the Welsh Army Corps which is in process of formation. They comprised three companies of Royal Engineers, together with a Signal Company, totalling in all 656 men without officers, who have been for the past two months stationed at Porthcawl. It is expected that the Engineers will eventually be brought up to a strength of 1,200, and it is reported that pioneer companies, which at full strength will number 1,300 men, will follow in due course and will be trained at Abergavenny. Even should these figures prove I to be somewhat over-estimated, there will certainly be a great accession to the population of Abergavenny, which will give a much-needed I impetus to local trade and keep a large number of housewives busily employed. It was a good stroke of business to get Abergavenny selected I as a training centre for the Welsh Army Corps, and a good deal of credit is due to the Mayor (Alderman Z. Wheatley) for his energies in this direction. It is intended that recruiting shall proceed at Abergavenny for the Engineers, and as artisans who have the necessary knowledge of the trades required in engineering work will receive is. per day extra pay, there is every inducement for young men to join. There was one matter which caused a good deal of disappointment in connection with the It had been expected arrival of the Engineers.- It had been expected that the units would number 800 men, and in- structions had been issued to the requisite number of housewives with whom the men were to be billeted to prepare dinner for 2.30 p.m. Invariably they prepared a nice hot dinner, but they waited in vain for their expected lodgers. As the number of men who arrived was 14.0 short of the number for whom arrangements had been made, it was inevitable that many householders should have been disappointed, and there was much grumbling in consequence. All who are prepared to provide accommoda- tion for the men in khaki will in due course receive additions to their households, but it seems a pity that housewives should have been put to unnecessary trouble and expense for nothing. THe regulations with regard to sleeping arrangements will no doubt make matters some- what awkward for many householders and prevent them taking in as many men as they intended to have and could very well look after. It is laid down that each man must have a separate bed, and it has been stated that this is a precaution against the spread of influenza. For the information of householders, we may state that the official requirements do not demand more than a mattress on the floor and a couple of blankets for each man. Bedsteads are not an essential, and it seems that there is no particular restriction as to the number of beds in a room, so long as there is a space be- tween each bed. This arrangement may make matters easier for householders, although single- width mattresses are not common. The billeting payment—17s. 6d. per man per week-will not allow of so much margin of profit as was the case with the Territorials who were billeted in the town at 21s. per man, and the increase in the cost of food will further restrict the amount which householders receive for their trouble. The rate of 17s. 6d. per wee k however, is the figure authorised by the AV^ptern Command, and it is more than likely, therefore, that the rate allowed for Territorials will have to be reduced. THE ARRIVAL A CIVIC WELCOME. The units arrived by special train shortly after noon on Wednesday, in command of Major W. F. Bell. They were received at the station by the Mayor (Alderman Z. Wheatley), with whom was Councillor W. Meale, while other Councillors awaited the arrival of the troops at the Market Hall. It was noticed that many of the men had not yet been properly equipped or clothed, and numbers were altogether in mufti. The majority were obviously from the mining districts of South Wales, and bore the unnllstakeable marks of their calling. Here were men who were accustomed to roughing it, and who from the very nature of their calling are used to facing every day the risks of death or injury, and do so like heroes, if not unwept," at least un- honoured and unsung." No better fighting material could be found anywhere, and the men will undoubtedly give a good account of them- selves when they get to the front. All seemed in high spirits as they marched to the Market Hall with their kit bags slung over their shoulders, and they sang lustily the irre- sistible air of Tipperary," Here we are again," and other marching ditties which have won a favourite place in the hearts of British Tommies. The men were accompanied by their regimental mascot, which is a black Great Dane rejoicing in the name of Kruger." This was presented to the Engineers by Lieut. Cory, son of Mr. J. Herbert Cory, ex-High Sheriff of Glamorgan. Crowds of townspeople assembled in the streets and watched with interest the arrival of the troops. At the Market Hall the Mayor, in an official welcome to the men, said that on behalf of the borough he had very much pleasure in welcom- ing them to Abergavenny, and he trusted that during their sojourn in the town they would feel themselves entirely at home. He was sure the inhabitants of the town would endeavour to do all they possibly could to make their stay a pleasant one, and he hoped that when they were called away on foreign service they would carry away with them pleasant recollections of Aber- gavenny. (Applause). As Mayor of the town, he would like to say that if there was anything Which he or his colleagues could do for them in regard to recreations, amusements, or anything else, they would be pleased to do it. (Applause). Col. Pearson, the C.R.E., in reply, thanked the Mayor for the welcome extended to them, and said he could assure his worship that they were all delighted with the idea' of coming to Abergavenny. (Hear, hear). He was sure that while they were there they would do all they could to make their stay an instructive one, and he was confident that the men would do every- thing possible to maintain the traditions of the Royal Engineers. (Applause). Hearty cheers were then given by the men for the Mayor and Mayoress and Col. Pearson, and subsequently the men went in search of their various billets, and quickly began to pick up the geography of the town. The men were free for the rest of the day, and took advantage of the opportunity to make a better acquaintance with the town. The first parade was at 7.30 a.m. on Thursday morning in the Cattle Market. The Town Council have placed the town's property at the disposal of the troops, as far as possible, and the Market Hall will be used for instructional purposes in wet weather. The Engineers .will undoubtedly find the Gate of Wales an attractive locality, and admirably adapted to their particular kind of training. The Castle Meadows, with the swiftly-flowing Usk running through them, will, in particular, prove a most suitable sitfc for the practice of bridge building.

„ HOLIDAY HAUNTS" GUIDE. The popular annual guide issued by the Great Western Railway Company, entitlej Holiday Haunts," will be going to press within the next week or two, and hotel and boarding-house keepers would do well to obtain a pamphlet showing the scale of charges for the insertion of announcements therein. These are supplied by Mr. Chas. Aldington, Supt. of the Line, Paddington Station, W., post free, upon receipt of a postcard. The guide will be in circulation in time for the Easter holiday-maker. + .5

r Hunting Appointments. I THE MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS I I WILL MEET J I Monday, Feb. i-Coldbrook -Lodge; at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4-Half-way House at 11 a.m. I I THE CRICKHOWELL HARRIERS I I WILL MEET I Wednesday, Feb. 3-Llangynidr; at n. I

♦ THE GREAT SKIN CURE. EUDDEN'S S.R. SKIN OINTMENT will L) cure Itching after one application; destroys every form of Eczema heals Old Wounds and Sores acts like a charm on Bad Legs, is infallible for Piles prevents Cuts from festering will cure Ringworm in a few days removes the most obstinate Eruptions and Scurvy. Boxes jjd. and is. tid.-Agent for Abergavenny Mr. Shackleton, The Pharmacy, Agent for Pontypool, Mr. Godfrey C. Wood, Ckemist.

I BOROUGH THEATRE. { MERRY MUSICAL MELANGE NEXT WEEK. Merry and Bright is an excellent descrip- tion of the entertainment announced for the last three nights—Thursday, Friday and Satur- day-next week at the Borough Theatre, when Mr. Fred. Miller will present his merry musical melange The Bats." The fact that Mr. Miller was one of the leading comedians in last year's pantomime at the New Theatre, Cardiff, is sufficient guarantee that the comedy will be really good, and an entire change of the pro- gramme at every performance should prove most attractive. I "AN IDEAL HUSBAND." A very appreciative audience witnessed Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband 011 Thursday night. Oscar "Tilde is a past master at the art of verbal fencing who has not been surpassed since the time of Sheridan. An Ideal Hus- band is not the best example of his genius, yet Inal i ty of this merc i less it possesses all the originality of this merciless satirist with the Celtic temperament. The plot is a political one, and with his innate knowledge of worldly affairs and political life he allows his caustic wit full play. The moral—for the ladies—is that they should not place their husbands on a high pedestal and worship them as representing the ideal, for the shock is all the greater when the God of their own creation is discovered to have feet of clay. The play is one that grips, though the tension is relieved by the continual flashes of wit. Full opportunity is given to the leading artistes to show their quality. Both Mr. H. Hamilton Stewart and Miss Bruce-Joy have earned a high reputation in the theatrical world, and their acting is superb, the former as Sir Robert Chiltern (Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs), and the latter as Lady,Chiltern. Both have exceedingly difficult parts, but their strong personalities carry them through with flying colours. The other char- acters are very capably pourtrayed. Those who enjoy really convincing acting, brightened by clever dialogue, are sure to be pleased with An Ideal Husband," of which performances will be given to-night (Friday) and to-morrow (Saturday), and at a matinee on Saturday afternoon. .A.

Monmouthshire Farmers' Union. The annual general meeting of the Mon- moutlishiie branch of the National Farmers' Union was held at the Tredegar Arm: Hotel, Newport, on Wednesday. Mr. S. T. Griffin, J.P., C.C., occupied the chair. There was a very large attendance of members of the New- port, Chepstow, Usk, Abergavenny, Pandy and Monmouth sub-branches. The Chairman gave a lengthy review of the work which had been carried out by the Branch and the National Executive, and urged upon the members the necessity of building up a strong organisation for the county. The Hon. Secretary (Mr. R. C. Huggett) sub- mitted his second annual report, which showed that the membership at the commencement of the year was 737, and at the end of 1914, 873—an increase of 136 and after meeting all payments the Branch had a balance in hand of £ 63 16s. gd. He said that a very great amount of legal assistance had been given to members, in fact more aid than any other branch, of the Farmers' Union in the Kingdom, land stated that the Board of Agriculture had appointed a member of the branch to act on the Committee of Food Supply, and also on the County Council Live Stock Committee. The hon. secretary's report was adopted, and the thanks of the meeting accorded him for his valuable services to the branch. The following appointments were made for 1915 :—Chairman, Mr. S. T. Griffin, J.P., C.C., Coedypaen, Usk, re-elected vice-chairman, Mr. Warren P. Davies, Old Court, Llangattock Lingoed delegate on the National Executive, Mr. S. T. Griffin, J.P., C.C.. The question of appointing a County secretary in place of Mr. R. C. Huggett, who had resigned, was' deferred until the next Executive meeting, and it was decided that the position be adver- tised in the Press. Mr. Oliver Jones (Mon- mouth) undertook to carry on the secretarial duties until the appointment would be made, but said that he wished the meeting to clearly understand that he would not be an applicant for the permanent secretaryship. Mr. Jones's offer was gladly accepted, and the meeting thanked him for his offer. Several legal cases were brought forward on behalf of members, and after hearing the evidence which was submitted, it was decided that the Union solicitor should deal with the casts. Two cases which were brought forward were referred to arbitrators. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Griffin for his valuable services as chairman during the year and the Chairman suitably replied.

Chaplain's Tribute to Welsh Troops. I The Rev. Evan Mathias (of Pontypool), Chaplain to the Forces at Hastings, in a letter to our Crickhowell Correspondent, writes :— The parents and friends of soldiers quartered at Hastings would be glad to know that the general conduct of the Welsh troops is ex- cellent. (For instance, I have not seen a single case of drunkenness since I -came here). They have easily won their way into the favour of the townspeople, who are doing everything possible for their comfort and entertainment. Said a prominent public man to me the other day 'I have never seen a finer lot of fellows together they are even better than our own young men from this town.' That is testimony of which Wales can be proud." ———— ————

BIRTH. JONES.—January 27th, to Mr. and Mrs. Trevor Jones, Bryn Usk, a son (John Alexander). DEATHS. f i BARNIE.—On Wednesday, 20th of j January, John Henderson Barnie, I of the Old Gaol, Monmouth, aged 50 years, late Police-Sergeant, Mon- I mouthshire Constabulary. I A.

I THANKS. Mrs. Barnie and family iesire to thank all friends for letters and sympathy extended to them in their sad bereavement, and for the floral tributes sent. The sons and daughters of Matilda Morgan, who died at Yew Tree Farm, Llanellen, on January gth, 1915, wish to thank the kind gentlemen of Llanellen for their kindness rendered, also the clergyman who so kindly officiated at the house. ————

'Atfa-Lavat,y tfggk CREAML SEPARATOR. An EXTRA PROFIT of Is. WEEKLY OD EACH COW is secured by n8in the ALFA LAVAL" Separator. which proÜuce mora hutter than any other. CALVES THRIVE better on milk .4;1 and mllch time and labour is saved. ONB AND A HALF MILLIONS" SOLD, Fixed in any Dairy on One Month 1 Free TnA <<t £ t ruts DAVIES & JONES, Raglan Works, Raglan. JK R. BOUNDY. Ironmonger, Abergavenny. MISS DORA BROWN, L.R.A.M. (Pianoforte), A R.C.M. (Singing), Visits and gives LESSONS in Abergavenny EVERY FRIDAY. Albany Chambers, Newport, Mon. G. W. R. —— EXCURSIONS. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4. Half-day Trip to MALVERN LINK, WORCESTER & ""BIRMINGHAM. Leave Pontypool Road 12.55, Aber- gavenny 1.20 p.m., etc. Also bookings for 3 or 5 days. For details, see bills or send postcard to stations or offices. FRANK POTTER, GenerallUanager.

I SIR GEORGE NARES, K.C.B. I To the Editor of the 11 Abergavenny Chronicle." SIR,—Many of your readers no doubt will have noticed the death recorded in the several Press issues of Saturday, the Itith, of Sir George Nares, the great arctic explorer, at his residence at Surbiton, at the ripe age of 84 but few of your readers may be aware he was a Mon- mouthshire man. Such, however, is the fact. He was the son of Capt. Nares, and was born at Ty Gwyn, then called Clytha Lodge, Clytha, near Raglan, in the month of April, 1831. He appears to have been the only surviving son of Capt. Nares, and entered the Navy in 1845 and in 1852-4 undertook the Polar ex- pedition in the ship Resolute," under the command of Sir Edward Belcher, in his search for Sir John Franklin. He was given the com- mand of The Challenger in 1873, and for three years The Challenger" and her pas- sengers gathered much scientific information from the Atlantic, Pacific and Antartic Oceans, the result of which appeared in some 50 vols.— 1S80-1895. In 1875 Sir George was given the command of a new expedition to the Arctic regions, which consisted of The Alert and The Discovery." This last expedition lasted some 18 months. He was then sent to complete the survey of the Straits of Magellan, and was awarded the K.C.B. in 1876. He retired in 18S6, and was promoted Rear-Admiral on the retired list in 1887, and Vice-Admiral 1892. He was the author of a standard book on Seamanshipi" which has run into several editions. Something almost pathetic is attached to his birth, and the saving of his life in infancy, as will be noticed from the following paragraph taken from an old contemporary MS. book of mine The records of human affliction furnish few more melancholy visitations than that which has so witheringly pressed on the re- spected family of Clytha Lodge. Capt. Nares (a near relation of Esquire Lewis, of Llantillio Crossenny), whose social and gentle- manly qualities have rendered him a great favourite through an extensive circle of friends, lost his eldest son, aged 14, by decline, last September. Last week his eldest daugh- ter, aged 13, died, alter a lew days illness, ol malignant fever his next daughter died shortly after of the same disorder, beiag but 12 hours sick—both children were buried in the same grave, at Llansantffraed Church. On Tuesday (the evening of the funeral) Mrs. Nares was taken ill, was prematurely confined on Wednesday, the infant died on Thursday, and Mrs. Nares breathed her last on the same day The agonized father and his children (in their beds) have been removed from Clytha Lodge. May resignation and fortitude be derived from Him to whom the Man of many Woes, recorded in scripture, turned his streaming eyes, For He maketh sore and buildeth up He woundeth, and His hands made whole. On my sending a copy of the foregoing paragraph to Sir George Nares, some 20 years ago, he re- plied-and his reply is still before me-that he was one of the two children referred to as having been removed in their bed. Yours truly, Y 131'yn, W. HAINES. Y 3ryn, 18th Jan., 1915.

I THE RATES. I To the Editor of the 11 Abergavenny Chronicle" SIR,-In reading your excellent report of the last meeting of the Abergavenny Town Council, I noticed that several Councillors were very much concerned about some property owners raising their cottage rents, through the rates going up. I looked in vain for one word of sympathy on behalf of the silent tenant direct ratepayer-not a word. Increase of rates and high rents are a burden to-day in our town. With the new buildings about to be erected by the Guardians, at Llanfoist, and the prospect of the licensing trade going to appeal for a lower assessment, through bad trade, which, if success- ful, will mean still more rates therefore the prospect of a relief in reduced rates is doomed for some years. High rents and rates will ruin our old town, as it depends on residents and outsiders. People won't reside in Abergavenny and pay high rents and rates. In my opinion the only solution to prevent people from leaving the town is for property owners to reduce the rents 20 per cent., if not more. The fact of 500 families, representing 1,500 people, being given charity relief last Christmas, out of a population of 7,000, shows a deplorable state of affairs. Under the existing circumstances it is to be hoped the Mayor will use his authority and prevent the rate collector from issuing his threatening epistles upon ratepayers who will, and do, pay their rates before March 25th. Thanking you in anticipation. I am, Sir, yours faithfully, RATEPAYER. I + ———

Y.M.C.A. I To the Editor of the Abergavenny Chronicle." I DEAR SIR,-I should be much obliged if you would, with your usual courtesy, permit me to inform the public in general that these rooms are open again. During the previous sojourn of the soldiers here my sincerest thanks are due to numerous friends who rendered able assistance by sending in newspapers, books and magazines, and to those who came to assist at the concerts and other entertainments which I organised. I should therefore feel very grateful for a con- tinuation of such support, and if all in a position to assist will do so as enthusiastically as before. I am sure that the Royal Engineers will leave us with as happy recollections of the Aberga- venny Y.M.C.A. as the 3rd Mon. Regt., now at Aberystwyth, have. I am, etc., W. GORDON GRIFFITHS, Y.M.C.A., Secretary. I Frogmore-st., Abergavenny. ♦——

BLAENAVON AFFAIRS. I I PRESENTATION TO A BRAVE LAD. I Blaonavon Urban District Council held their monthly meeting on Wednesday evening, Mr. James Magness presiding. Those also present were Rev. R. L. Morris, Messrs. Geo. Dando, H. L. Jones, 1. Wathen, J. A. Bowen, H. J. Gwillim, W. O. Mortimer, 1. Skuse, J. Williams, D. Watkins, T. Simmonds, T. W. Ruther, S. Godfrey, and the officers. The Chairman, before the commencement of business, referred to the bravery of a lad named John Ivor Evans, who had rescued a child in danger of drowning in Garn Pond. He had much pleasure in presenting the Royal Humane Society's vellum to the lad. The Finance Committee reported that after meeting the cheques to be drawn that night, amounting to /420 17s., there would be an adverse balance of i296 14s. 7d. on the current account. The Clerk (Mr. 1. G. Thomas) was instructed to call the Council together and make arrange- ments for the opening of the new cemetery, when the sanction of the Local Government Board had been obtained. The Surveyor (Mr. John Morgan) reported that he was proceeding with the steam-rolling, and hoped to complete it during the next month. He was now in a position to close the contract for the new cemetery in Varteg-road, and recommended the drawing of a cheque for 1I 59 19s. 5d., in full settlement. Additional iron gates, as recommended, had also been fixed. In company with the contractor (Mr. Henry Evans) the Surveyor had pegged out the site for the fifty houses to be built by the Council at I Forge side.—The report was adopted. +

Cross Street Labour Bureau. A very successful Pound Day was held on Tuesday at the Bureau, for the benefit of the local Belgians. Various gifts were received, and amongst them the following in money Mr. C. Davis, Cross-street, £1 Mrs. Glendinning, £ 1 Mrs. John Prichard, ios. Anon," J'i. Contributions were also sent to the Bureau during the week from Mr. Bevan, 5s. 4M. Mrs. Jones (Mardy), Mrs. Powlett, Mrs. Duck, Mrs. Parkinson, Mrs. Carr, Members of the Congregational Church, Mrs. Partridge (Part-y- seal), Mr. Griffiths (Werngifford), Castle Street School, Mrs. Francis (King-street). ♦

St. John Ambulance & British Red Cross. I The Mayor (Alderman Z. Wheatley) wishes to acknowledge the receipt of the following sums on behalf of the Joint Committee of the St. John Ambulance and British Red Cross Society Amount previously acknowledged £ 42 o 10 Welsh C.M. Chapel, Llanover (per Mr. Mr. D. Watts) 1 13 3 Llanarth Parish Church (per Rev. J. W. Osman, Vicar) 2 2 0 .£45 16 1

I THE NAVAL VICTORY. I Admiral Beatty's Preliminary Report. I THE GERMAN LOSSES. The Secretary of the Admiralty has made the following announcement :— The following preliminary telegraphic re- port has been received from Vice-Admiral Sir David Beatty regarding the naval action of Sunday last in the North Sea A Flotilla of Destroyers patrolling about 7.30 a.m. first sighted and attacked the enemy, whose force, according to reports received, consisted of four Battle Cruisers, six Light Cruisers, and some Destroyers. Their position when sighted was approxi- mately fourteen miles east-south-east of the Battle Cruiser Squadron. Orders were given by signal to the Destroyer Flotilla to chase the enemy and to report their movements, as it appeared they had at once commenced to retire to the East- xSouth-East. The Battle Cruisers were directed to steer South-East with a view to securing the lee position, and to cutting the enemy off, if possible. The situation developed by degrees into a stern chase. Speed was worked up to 28 and 29 knots, and the enemy were gradually being overhauled. At about 18,000 yards slow and deliberate fire was opened, and we began to hit at a range of 17.000 yards. Our fire was returned by the enemy. The Lion and Tiger, having drawn ahead of remainder of squadron, were in action alone for some time, and consequently were sub- jected to the enemy's concentrated fire, more particularly the Lion, which ship suffered more as the result. The other vessels as they drew up engaged the enemv. The German notilla of destroyers was disposed on the starboard beam of their cruisers, and an attack by them was driven off. At about 11 o'clock, unfortunately, a lucky shot damaged one of the Lion's feed tanks, causing the port engine to be stopped. At the same time enemy submarines were observed on the starboard bow, and a course was steered in order to avoid them. The Blucher was now in a critical con- dition, with her speed reduced, and the Indomitable, which had now come up. was directed to complete her destruction. The rest' of the squadron were directed to attack the rear of the enemy. The Lion, with an escort, steered to the North-West, steaming with one engine, and I transferred my :flag to one of the Destroyers, and subsequently to the Princess Royal. Through the damage to Lion's feed tank by an unfortunate chance shot, we were un- doubtedly deprived of a greater victory. The presence of the enemy's submarines subse- quently necessitated the action being broken off. The result of the action was Blucher sunk and two..other battle-cruisers very heavily on fire and seriously damaged. The German prisoners reported-also that the Kolberg had been sunk by over-salvoes from our squadron. Subsequently the starboard engines of the Lion also developed trouble from the same cause as the port engines, and the Indomitable took her in tow and brought her into port. The damage to Lion and Tiger is in neither case serious, and repairs can be completed in a short time. The remainder of the squadron were not hit. The casualties were very slight. The death of Engineer-Captain Tay- lor, whose services have been invaluable, is deeply regretted. The behaviour of the officers and men was only what was ex- pected, and great credit is due to the engine- room staffs for the fine steaming of the souadron. 4. ————

Christmas Dinner to the Poor. LIST OF SUBSCRIPTIONS. Per The Mayor (Alderman Wheatley, J.P.) The Most Noble the Marquess of Abergavenny, K.G., /30 Col. and Mrs. Mansel, £2; Mr. H. Gething, ^3 Mrs. Emily Crawsbay, £ 1 The Hon. Mrs. Fitzmaurice, £ 1 Mrs. Alice R. Rees, I Lt.-Col. Herberti £ i Mrs. Attwood Matthews, -(i Mrs. Rosher, £1 is. Mr. Isaac George, £ i is. Sir Walter Vaughan Morgan, Bart., i'i Mr. Martin. Great Hardwiek, £r Alderman J. G. Bishop, 10s. 6d. Major Williams 10s. Mrs. Martin, The Hill, 10s. Mr. Benjamin Price, 10s. Mrs. Sheen, 5s. Mrs. Evans, Hill Grove, 5s. Mr. T. Young, 2s. 6d. Mrs. Foster, 2S. 6d. Mr. J. M. Denner, 2s. 6d. Mrs. Beavan, is. E.T.C., is. Per Mrs. Pickering :—The Mcst Noble the Marquess of Abergavenny, K.G.. £ 10 Miss Price, Merthyr-road, ios. Mrs. L. Hilev, 5s. Mr. Pickering, 5s. Miss Fielder, Gilwern, 2s. 6d.; Mrs. R. Powell, 2S. 6d. Mrs. H. Powell, 2S. 6d. Mrs. A. Bancks, 2s. bd. Mrs. Pegler, 2s. 6d. Mr. A. M. Cunliffe, 2s. 6d. Mr. W. A. Lane, 2S. 6d. Mr. E. Davies, 2s. 6d. C.V.C., 2s. 6d. Mr. H. Pitt, 2S. C.A., 2S. Mr. B. Higgins, 2s. Miss Cummings, is. 6d. L. Adams, is. E. Edwards, is. R. Fine, 6d. Per Mrs. Jim Thomas and Miss Bretherton :— Mrs. Curre, £ 1 is. Lt.-Col. J. H. Gilbert Harris i i-Afr. E. R. Lewis, f i Rev. H. H. Matthew, 5s. Mrs. Watkins, 5s. Mr. J. Glendinning. 5s. Councillor T. A. Delafield, 5s. Mr. J. B. Wal; ford, 5s. Dr. Foley, 5s. Mr. A. Wibberley, 45. Messrs. J. G. Thomas & Sons, 5s. Mrs. Thomas, Brynderi, 2S. 6d. Mrs. Young, 2S. od. Mrs. Gameson, 2s. 6d. Mr. John Jackson, 2S. 6d. Mr. John Jackson, 2s. 6d. Messrs. Southwood and Probert, 2S. 6d. Dr. Tresawna, 2s. 6d. Mrs. Fry, 2S. 6d. Mrs. Andrews, 2S. 6d. Dr. Humphrey, 2s. 6d. Mr. Robert Price. 2S. 6d. Mrs. Steel, 2S. Mrs. Hudson, 2s. Mrs. Wil- liams, 2S. Mr. Jeffreys, 2S. Mrs. Hansard, 2S. Miss Thompson, is. Per Mrs. W. Horsington :—India &: China Tea Co., ios. Mr. Fred R. Britton, 5s. Coun- cillor S. J. Ruther, 5s. Mr. S. P. Searle, 2s. 6d. Mr. T. W. Beveridge, 2S. 6d. Mr. Wm. Lewis, 2s. 6d. Mr. Thos. D. Lewis, 25. bd.; Mr. A. Lyons, 2s. 6d. Mr. G. R. Boundy, 2s. 6d. Messrs. Masters & Co., Ltd., 2S. 6d. Mr. D. Welch, 2s. 6d. Messrs. Stead & Simpson, 2s. 6d Mr. John Lawson, 2s. 6d. Messrs. Morgan & Co., 2s. 6d. Mr. D. E. Williams, 2S. 6d. Messrs. Horsington Bros., 2S. 6d. Mr. C. Downes, 2S. Mrs. T. H. Maxwell, 2s. Mr. Morgan Williams, 2s. Wm. L., is. P. Jeffreys, is. W.A.D., is. M. Morris, is. Miss K. Kenington, is. E.H.H., is. Mr. E. Harrington, is. Mr. J. Jasper, is. Mr. H. Childs, is. Per Miss N. Bretherton :-Dr. and Mrs. W. D. Steel, ios. Mr. Salter, 2S. 6d. Messrs. Owen Bros., 2s. 6d. Mr. C. Price, 2S. 6d. Mr. S. Delafield, 2s. 6d. Mr.cc eks, 2s. 6d. Coun- cillor A. Graham, 2s. 6d. Mr. Evans, 2S. 6d. Miss Hart, 2s. 6d. Mr. Rowe, i s. 6d. Mr. Cadle, 2s. Mdlle. Ardin, is. Per miss K. Beveridge :—Mrs. Salter, 5s. Mrs. Lloyd, 5s. Mrs. Findlay, 5s. Father Wray, 5s. Mrs. Williams, 2s. 6d. Mrs. Downes, 2S. 6d. Mrs. P. S., 2s. 6d. mr. Evans, Stanhope street, 2S. 6d. Mrs. Daniel, 2s. 6d. Mrs. Jones 25. 6d. Miss Tong, 2S. 6d. Mrs. Gough, 2s. 6d. Mrs. Gilbert Price, 2S. 6d. Rev. J. P. Millward, 2S. Mrs. Jenkins, is. Mrs. Evans, is. Mrs. Pitt, is. Per Miss Hanrette and Miss Nora Bretherton —Councillor J. Jacob, 5s. Mrs. Heywood, 2S. 6d. Mrs. Gibb, 2s. 6d. Mrs. Cotton, 2s. 6d. A Well-wisher," 2s. 6d. Mr. Padwick, 2s. 6d. Mr. Miles, 2S. 6d. Mr. T. H. Sifton, 2s. Mrs. Bence, 2S. Misses Pritchard, 2S. E M. J., 2S. Mrs. Blenkin, 2S. Rev. Baillie, 2s. Mr. E. Eyers, 2S. Rev. George Powell, 2s. Mr. Dolphin, is. SUMMARY. The Mayor 1147 2 0 Mrs. Pickering. 12 12 <> Mrs. J. Thomas and Miss Bretherton 6 16 o Mrs. W. Horsington 3 7 6 Miss Kate Beveridge 2 7 6 Miss Hanrette & Miss X Bretherton 1 17 o Miss N. Bretherton 1 14 6 £ 75 17 o GIFTS IN KIND. The following sent gifts in kind :— Mr. Harris (Dobson's Farm), i ton swedes. Mr. Isaac Francis, 4 bags of swedes. Mr. A. E. Morgan, i bag of swedes. Mr. Rogers (Crowfield), I bag of potatoes. Anon. 25lbs. of beef. A further list of Subscribers ;will be published next week.

Relief Fund Christmas Tree Amount previously acknowledged £ 3 12 3 Mrs. Beard ••020 Mrs. Beckwith o 1 6 + I

I Abergavenny Troop 01 Girl Guides. Ml 1 Guides to meet at the General Market on Satur- 1 I day at?p.m. certain. :i