Abergavenny Chronicle

Abergavenny Children Entertained. PANTOMIME AND CHRISTMAS TREE. I Saturday was a red letter day for nearly 700 children at Abergavenny, who spent a delightful afternoon which they will long re- member. The Mayor (Alderman Z. Whetlcy) some time ago conceived the idea of giving a treat to the children of the town who have fathers or brothers serving their country. It was intended at first to give the youngsters a tea and provide a Christmas tree, alid a number of subscriptions were obtained for this purpose. The most noteworthy gift wa3 that of Mr. H. Gethin, who most generously offered to provide all the tovs and other gifts, and he himself went to the trouble of selecting and purchasing them. The idea of a tea was, however, abandoned, as the Mavor very rightly thought that a panto- mime would have a stronger appeal to the youngsters. His orship therefore made arrangements for the children to visit Robinson Crusoe," which was being performed at the Borough Theatre. The lesees, Mr. and Mrs. Vyvian Thomas, and the producer of the panto- mime, Mr. Carl Predricks, readily fell in with the suggestion, and allowed the children to be ad- mitted at a very nominal charge. It was quite evident from the boisterousness of the youthful audience that they heartily appreciated the enter- tainment. When the finale was staged, the Mayor stepped on to the platform and expressed the public desire to recognise the services rendered bv the relatives of the children to their country. He also expressed the appreciation of the children of the entertainment provided, and presented gifts to the principal artistes-- boxes of chocolates to the principal ladies, a box of cigarettes to Mrs. Crusoe," and miniature concertinas to the other male artistes. In the Market-hall a huge Christmas Tree, given bv the Bailey Estate, had been erected and this was loaded with presents pleasing to the heart of the youngster. The tree had also been illuminated with fairy lamps by Mr. Albert Griffiths. Round the tree had been erected tallies which were also loaded with presents for the children. Flags and bunting for the decor- ation of these and also flags for the decoration of the tree had been kindly given by Mr. F. Trevor Jones (Bank House), who, with Mr. Griffiths, rendered valuable assistance in arrang- ing the gifts and decorations. The Mayoress spent considerable time in supervising the arrangements, and was assisted byMrs. Hill, Mr. and Mrs. I'egler, Mrs. R. Townsend, Mrs. Steel, Miss Hanrette and Mrs. Beard. The presents were handed to the children by the principal artistes in the pantomime, and on leaving each child was given buns and oranges. The Mayoress distributed the buns and Mrs. Straker presented the oranges, assisted by Councillor Graham, Mrs. Walkeley and others. Mr. J. H. Redwood made the buns required with flour which was part of the recent Canadian gift and gifts towards the treat were also given by Mrs. Walkley, Mrs. Challenger, Mrs. Henn, .1\lrs, Beard, Mrs. Ellis, Miss Johnson, Mr. Rutlier, Mr. A. R. Williams, and Mr. Alderton. One little girl wrote a letter of thanks to the Mayor as follows I wish to thank you and the Mayoress and also the kind ladies and gentle- men who helped you to give us such a nice entertainment this afternoon. I am sure we all enjoyed it very much. We also thank yotf for the beautiful toys we received off the Christmas tree. We hope this dreadful war will soon be over and that we will have all our fathers and brothers home with ti.5, again," + ————

The Abergavenny Chronicle at the I British Museum. I (BY A CoxTKiBUToft). j It is an interesting fact, In connection with your 44th year of existence as a newspaper that the Abergavenny Chronicle," which was established in 1871, has been regularly filed and bound at the British Museum since its iyth 1 number of December 16, 1871. It speaks well for the care and thoroughness, to sav nothing of the courtesy, with which the officials at the Museum do their work that papers should be so carefully filed as they are so that it is possible for anyone to refer to any number of the Chronicle issued since the last-named date. These interesting old volumes are preserved at the fire, water and bomb proof dungeons at Hendon, near Edgware Station, where they may be consulted or by giving a week's notice to the Director of the Museum, they may be seen at Bloomsbury. In this case the authorities. of the Museum transfer such publications as may be required from the Hendon branch to the Museum. All papers published within the Metropolitan area are stored at the Bloomsbury establish- ment, and these may be consulted, between 10 and 4 o'clock, and without giving any previous notice all British newspapers printed outside the Metropolis are kept at Hendon. The establishment and carrying on of any journal for such a long period is something upon which the proprietors and management are to be heartily congratulated for if a paper can survive the storms and stress of such a period it proves that it has won the approbation of that large section of the public whose support is absolutely necessary to keep it going, and which at once makes it a far more valuable commercial concern than if it had the trials and tribulations of infancy ahead instead of behind it. From a public point of view the Aberga- vennv Chronicle'" has been a local institution of vital importance, and it has been the means of rendering very considerable public services by the faithful, accurate and impartial manner in which it chronicles events and the independent character of its comments. And what a blessing it is to any community to have well-considered newspaper criticism untainted by the supposed claims of party or sectarian or other interested prejudice It is to be noticed from its files, too, that at times the paper has not omitted to censure, but it is apparent that it affords the writers more pleasure when opportunities present which enable them to justly praise. At the annual dinner of the Newspaper Press Fund, in 1882, the late Prince Leopold said If the British people know anything they know the benef t; of a Free Press." Yes, all English journals, from the poiat of view of law, are quite free, but all newspapers are not run on the really free and independent lines of the Aber- gavenny Chronicle." Otherwise the benefits of a Free Press would be even more widely known and appreciated, as they are at Abergavenny. Be that as it may, the paper has reached its 44th year May its power and influence con- tinue to increase, and the day never come that shall witness a waning of its utility. +

CRICKHOWELL. Ox Ll-*IAN-I- -;erl"t. C. F. Leonard and Privates W. Batty, Eddie Da vies and J. Alorgaul- of the 2nd Brecknocks, have been home a few days on leave. I'ERSOXAI,.—Lieut. John Cole Hamilton, R.N., brother of the Rector of Llangattock, the Rev. R. Cole Hamilton, has been home for a few days on leave. His ship is somewhere in the North Sea. He has three brothers in the Army and Navy. ALI, WELT, AT ADFN-T,etters have been received from Private Donald Williams and others in the" C Company, 1st Brecknocks, reporting all well at Aden. The men. refer to the hot climate, and say there is little need for clothes. DISTRICT Couxcir, AND GUARDIANS' UNCTION. -—Mr. Henry Thomas, Gilfach, Crickhowell. has been returned unopposed Guardian and District Councillor for Crickhowell in the room of the late Major J. J. Watkins, vice-chairman of the Crickhowell Board of Guardians. Mr. E. Pirie Gordon, Gwernvale, was also nominated, but withdrew. The Rev. W. Arvon Davies, Rector of Cwmdu, has been elected Guardian and District Councillor for Cwmdu parish in the place of Major the Hon. W. Bailey, resigned. Major Bailey, who is a brother of Lord Glanusk, is second in command of the Welch Horse. RFCRI-ITI,A nui-I)er of recruits from the district have joined the forces within the last week—Mr. Percy Dewson to the Royal Garrison Artillery, and Messrs. F. Beynon and Wilde to the 2nd Brecknocks, now at Neyland and Mil- ford Haven. LETTERS FROM THE FRONT.—A bright and heery letter has been received bv Mr. R. H. A. Davies, solicitor, Crickhowell, from his son Mr. 'V. A. Davies, serving in the H.A.C. in France. "They are fighting under bad weather conditions, although the present lot of trenches are better than those formerly occupied by the H.A.C. Pte. Fred Lewis, of the 1st S.W.B., sou of Mr. and Mrs. John Lewis, Bridge-street, Crickhowell, is again in hospital, this time with a sprain. Pte. Lewis lias been twice wounded. He writes home to say that he has not received a single parcel from home, although he understand s a number have been sent by relatives and friends. ■>

Red Cross.-The Mayoress desires to thank I%lr.i. Michael for gifts of articles tor the Red Cross work.

ODDFELLOWS AT CRICKHOWELL. I The half-yearly district meeting in connection with the 1.0,0. Manchester Unity Friendly Society, was held at the Cambrian Hotel, Crick- howell, the headquarters of the Cambrian Lodge of the Order, on Monday, when the officers and delegates of the Abergavenny District attended. The chairs were taken by G.M. Weaver, of Clydach, and D.G.M. Bro. Joseph Jeffreys (Crickhowell), the officers present including C.S. Bro. Fred Davies, P.G. and Bro. Trevor Richards, P.G. (Gilwern) (the latter acting as Treasurer in the absence of his father, who has met with an accident) and Delegates Bro. Fred Sadler, P.G. (Abergavenny), Bro. J. Powell, P.G., Bro. Rosser, P.G. (Clydach), and Bro. W. Evans, P.G. (Tvla). Among the visitors was Per. Sec. Bro. C. F. Leonard, a sergeant in C Company, with the 2nd Brecknocks, a popular official, who is on leave. It was stated that the Society had passed through another year very satisfactorily, despite the strenuous times and a heavy drain upon the funds, including the large donation given by the A.M.C. to the Prince of Wales' Relief Fund. The Lodges, it was pointed out, were paving the contributions of every member serving with the colours until the end of the war, and this had cost the Cambrian Lodge alone, with a membership of about 100 odd, about /20. The question of investments and valuations came up for consideration, and C.S. Bro. Fred Davies gave the delegates some useful informa- tion to take back to their respective Lodges. The election of officers followed, and Bro. J. Jeffreys was appointed to the post of Grand Master, an office for which lie is in every way fitted. Bro. Jeffreys has served in all the offices of his Lodge, and is Treasurer to its adult and juvenile branches. Bro. Fred Sadler was elected D.G.M. Subsequently the officers and delegates partook of an excellent spread, provided by Host and Hostess Hudson, of the Cambrian Hotel. The Cambrian Lodge, it is interesting to learn, is in a sound position, and has every claim to be considered one of the strongest country branches of the Order. +

I THE MILITARY SITUATION. I GERMANY'S RESERVES OF MEN. Coming, as they did, after a long period of comparative passivity on the part of the Ger- mans, the attacks near Ypres and La Bassee on Monday have been invested in some quarters with undue importance. These appear to have been mere isolated outbursts of activity, and they are chiefly remarkable because, apparently, they were unprovoked. As observed recently in connection with the action at Soissons, the enemy's activity during the past two months on the front west of the Argonne has been of the nature of counter-attacks, made with the object of recovering ground gained by the Allies' offen- sive. This was the case at Soissons, where the French had almost succeeded in effecting a lodg- ment on the plateau. At Ypres and at La Bassee the forces employed appear to have been much smaller than those by which the counter- offensive at Soissons was made yet these attacks seem to have been spontaneous. The German force engaged at Ypres was originally estimated at a battalion, but it is now Stated, on the information of prisoners, to have amounted to a brigade, a discrepancy which is hard to account for. The attack delivered to the west of Craonnc on the same day was prob- ably made with the object of extending the local I success previously gained in the Soissons region, And it seems to justify the opinion expressed at th timCj that the uemJ" WQU1$ not attempt to push their "116 across the Alsne, "but WQliW rather try to extend their advantage Ifitefaily if they should pursue the offensive at all. The French position on the Craonne plateau, being somewhat advanced, would form a natural point of attack with that object. Although there are still rumonrs of consider- able movements of troops in Belgium, it seems, on the whole, unlikely that the Germans are pre- paring for a renewal of the offensive on a large scale in the Western theatre of war. If that were their intention it is not probable that they would begin operations with isolated attacks in numbers which could not achieve any decisive result. The question was discussed a few days ago in some detail, and there is so far no reason to alter the opinion then expressed. It is, in- deed, difficult to assign any adequate motive for the spasmodic attacks at Ypres and La Bassee. At present no better explanation can be devised than that suggested in the reports which foreshadowed an offensive of some kind, namely, the desire to make a display in honour I of the Emperor's birthday. It is hardly to be supposed that the Germans would in existing circumstances be able to trans- fer troops from the Eastern theatre of war. There, as in France, the endeavour to evade outflanking operations has resulted in an ex- cessive extension of the line, which, in the two theatres, amounts approximately to one thou- sand miles. The Austro-German forces at present in the field can hardly do more than hold this vast front defensively, allowing for reserves distributed at convenient points for use in re- pelling serious attacks, as at Soissons, or for undertaking a local offensive, as at Ypres and La Bassee. For the movement of such reserves the enemy have in France the advantage of the railway communications, which offer great facilities for lateral movement within the area enclosed by their angular front west of the AT- gonne and they have doubtless improved these facilities by the construction of troop-sidings and platforms at the stations where the troops held in reserve are likely to entrain or detrain. An ample supply of rolling stock would also be kept in readiness and every other provision be made for the rapid despatch of the troops. The Germans are experts in railway organisation, and the speed with which they concentrated the force, said to have amounted to an army corps, to meet the French attack at Soissons was in no way surprising. For anything on a larger scale than a local offensive, for which the reserves above referred to would suffice, it would probably be necessary to draw 011 the new levies which have been train- ing assiduously for some months. To what ex- tent these have already been brought under re- quisition is, of course, not known, but there is no doubt that both the Germans and the Austrians have placed in the field all the trained forces that were available at the beginning of the war, and a considerable number in addition that have since been trained. Further drafts on these newly-trained troops will be needed if a fresh campaign is to be undertaken against Serbia, and, no doubt, they have recently had to meet demands for the prolongation of the line in Hungary southwards to the Roumanian frontier. The Germans will probably husband their remaining reserves as far as possible, and will not squander them in France, where there lis no immediate cause for anxiety, until the passing of the winter makes it possible to resume I active operations on a large scale.

Amateur Dramatic Performance WILL BE HELD ON Wednesday, 3rd of February, 1915. At the TOWN HALL in aid of the Local Red Cross and Maindiff Hospital Funds, when the following Triple Bill will be presented: 'That Brute, Simmons,' 'A Rest Cure,' 'The Bracelet' Prices as usual, and tickets can be obtained from Mr. lltyd Gardner, Govilon, or Mr. F. R. H01 be;, Lloyds Bank. -he Plays promise very well, and it is hoped the entertainment will be well supported. The following Ladies and Gentlemen have alread y consented to be Patrons :—The Marauess of Abergavenny, K.G., The Mayor and Mayor- ess of Abergavenny, Mrs. Codrington Craw- shay, The Hon. Mrs. Fitzmaurice, Mr. and Mrs. J. Findlay, 1\1r,.1. George, Col. and Mrs. Gilbert Harris, Col. and The Hon., Mrs. Herbert, His Honour Judge and Mrs. Hill Kelly Mr. and Mrs F. M. Humfrey, Mr. ,D. H. James, Mrs. Ke, nton- Willioms, Mr. and Mrs. Lawson, The Rev. H. and Mrs. Matthew, Mr. and Mrs. E- Morgan, The Rev. H. and Mrs. Maurice- J one', Miss OwelL The Rev. J. R. and Mrs. Phillips, Mr. and Mrs. Kees, Mrs. Powell-Rees, Mr. and Mrs. Routledge, Mrs. Raglan Somerset, Mrs. Thomas. Mr. H. Gething, The Misses Jackson, Miss Parnell Jones, Mr. Trevor Jones, Col. and Mrs. Parkinson, Mr. and Mrs. J. Prichard, Mr. and Mrs. S. Rawlins, Mr. and Mrs. W. L- Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Tongw.

Mr. and Mrs. Vyvian Thomas, I Their Theatrical Careers and Future I Intentions. AN INTERESTING INTERVIEW. I Our representative this week had an interview with Mr. and Mrs. Vyvian Thomas, the popular lessees of the Borough Theatre, and gleaned some interesting details of their theatrical career, and also information as to their future intentions. Mr. and Mrs. Vyvian Thomas hold what is probably a unique position in the theatrical profession, and their record is certainly a remarkable one. At the comparatively early age of 25 they will have toured five theatrical com- panies they are lessees of a prosperous theatre, and within the next six months they will be open- ing three new places of amusement—one in Aber- gavenny and two in the district. They will also be touring two companies during the forth- coming autumn, both of which will probably be seen at the Borough Theatre. Mrs. Vyvian Thomas, who is professionally known as Miss Yivienne Peek, commenced her stage career with Mr. F. R. Benson, after which she was with Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson in his Sliakesperian revival, then with Mr. Lewis Waller and Mrs. Bandmånll Palmer. She created the part of Solveig in the first London production of Ibsen's Peer Gynt," and played Dora Longman in John Glayde's Honour," Polly Eccles in Caste," etc. One of her greatest triumphs was as Patricia O'Brien, the title-role in The Chorus Lady," the American play which made Rose Stahl famous. She has also played the leading part in Max Pemberton's play, The House of Nightingales," Nancy Roach in The New Boy," and will be re- membered by Abergavenny theatre-goers as having played Virginia in Tantrums and Peggy (Gladys Cooper's part) in Peggy and Her Husband." Mr. Vyvian Thomas commenced his stage career at the early age of 9, and has been in the theatrical profession ever since as actor, actor manager, manager, and lessee. He has played leading parts in nearly every West-End theatre under nearly all the well-known London manage- ments, including Sir Herbert Tree, Sir George Alexander, Sir J. Forbes Robertson, Mr. Martin Harvey, Mrs. Patrick Campbell, Mr. Charles Frohman, etc., etc. His latest success was in Martin Harvey's part, the title role in The Faun." Mr. Thomas was the first boy to play the part of Little Lord Fauntleroy," which had always previously been played by a girl. He played it at Wyndham's and the Avenue Theatre in London, and afterwards all over the United Kingdom. An interesting photo- graph which Mr. Thomas showed our representa- tive, and which is now hanging in the entrance hall of the Borough Theatre, is that of Miss Phyllis Dare and himself as children when they were playing together in The Wilderness at the St. James's Theatre with Sir George Alexander. An amusing anecdote related by Mr. Thomas referred to the time when he was playing in The Merry Wives of Windsor at His Majesty's Theatre, with Sir Herbert Tree. Sir Herbert was thinking of giving a special matinee for charity, with all the parts played by children. He wished Mr. (then Master) Thomas, who was playing Robin, to play Falstaff, his own part, so, sending for the youthful actor, lie handed him a hat and the script and asked him to quote some of Falstaff's lines. Master Thomas did so, imitating Sir Herbert's tones as much as possible. When he had finished, Sir Herbert looked at him very thoughtfully and then said, in his infmitubj? manner, ":Tliat's very nice, very nice but for goodness sake don't say I speak 1ik th qt I" The extensive personal knowledge of com- panies and artistes possessed by Mr. and Mrs. Vyvian Thomas accounts for the fine produc- tions which they are able to present to Aberga- venny audiences. When asked about the future plans with regard to the Borough Theatre, Mr. Thomas replied, I am glad to say that the experimental period is nearly over. We have one or two more novelties to present, and then, I think, we shall have given the Aberga- venny public a fair idea of every kind of enter- tainment presented on every possible day. According to our present plans, we shall be open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, as these seem to be more popular nights than Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and we do not think the town is large enough to support a six-nights programme. The Saturday matinee will be kept on if it proves profitable. Referring to opposition, Mr. Thomas was commendably frank. A perfectly friendly spirit exists at present," he said. We did not come into this town with the intention of usurping, but of filling, a vacant space, and so long as each one sticks to his own particular branch of the amusement-world all will be well, but should one try to encroach on the other's preserves, well, then, of course, there will be trouble. Mr. Thomas concluded by saying that he had not now the slightest doubt that the Borough Theatre would be a permanent place of amuse- ment in Abergavenny, and added, with a laugh, I think I have found what the local public want. They want to laugh, and prefer to laugh to music." +

DIAMOND FOR BEER. I CHARGE AGAINST BRYNMAWR I LICENSEE DISMISSED. At Brynmawr Police Court, on Monday, William Martin, licensee of the Mount Pleasant Inn, Brynmawr, was summoned for taking in a pledge for beer. Sergt. Smith said inquiries were being made for a diamond that had been stolen. He went into the Mount Pleasant Inn and asked for Martin. His wife said he was out. Later he t.aw defendant. He told him* lie was looking for a diamond that had been stolen, and that he understood he had one. He told defendant he understood he had taken it from a man who had been there drinking. He produced the diamond and handed it over. He said the man owed him money for drink, and he took the diamond off him and told him he would have it back when lie paid him for the drink. He said also that lie considered he had paid full value for it. The man owed him 10s. 6d. The man had been apprehended on a charge of stealing the dia- mond. He (witness) told Martin that the transaction would very likely get him into trouble. He said, I know that I'm sorry." By Mr. Thomas Hughes (defending) He did not warn defendant when he questioned him. P.C. Baker, Llanhilleth, gave corroborative evidence. Mr. Hughes submitted that no offence in law had been committed. On points of law, the man ought to have been cautioned by the police. The case was dismissed without the defence being called, defendant being warned not to do anything of the kind again.

I BLAENAVON. Pupils' SUCCESS.—Miss Gladys Rogers and Miss Dolly Huish both obtained first-class certificates with honours in the recent pianoforte examination at Cardiff. They are pupils of Miss Janet Davies, A.V.C.M., Blaenavon* BELGIAN REFUGEES.—Six Belgian refugees arrived at Blaenavon on Thursday in last week, and were cordially welcomed by the towns- people, who had prepared two houses in Coed- gethin-street, a healthy and pleasantly-situated position of the town, for their reception. COAL MERCHANT'S WIIJ,.—Mr. Joseph Evans of 7, Albert-street, Blaenavon, a retired coal merchant and contractor, who died on October 14th last, left estate of the gross value of £4,906, with net personalty (2,433. Probate has been granted to his daughter, Mrs. Mary Ann Thomas, of Prince-street, Blaenavon, and his son-in-law- Mr. Wm. John Grant, coal merchant, of the Greyhound Inn, Blaenavon.

Judge's Post Card Views of Abergavenny, id. each splendid assortment. To be obtained only at the Chronicle Office.

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EXPERIENCES AT THE FRONT. I INTERVIEWS WITH LOCAL SOLDIERS I Our representative has had interviews with two Abergavenny soldiers who have. been in- valided home from the front—Pte. Alfred Little, of the ist Devons; and Pte. Reuben Hughes, of the 3rd Batt. S. W. B. Pte. Little will be remembered by Aberga- venny people as a member of our local police force. He was a reservist of the ist Devons, with whom he had served I I years, six years of which were spent in India and Burmah. On mobilisation he rejoined his old regiment. Pte. Little left Southampton on August 19th, but as the regiment had to wait at St. Helier, Jersey, for a number of the men, they did not arrive in France in time to take part in the earlier engage- ments. It was during the advance that they came up with the British Army, and their first experience of fighting was at Yilliers, on the Aisne, where they were in the trenches for three weeks at a stretch without being relieved. It was at Yilliers that Pte. Little was hit in the back by shrapnel, as a result of which he spent five weeks in hospital at Havre. At the end of this time he returned to the firing line again, and had been there about 17 days when lie was again hit by shrapnel, almost in the same place. He again paid a visit to the base hospital, and was afterwards invalided home. When he was examined, the medical men wanted to know how it was that lie was not sent home before. Pte. Little could not be got to say much about his own experiences, but was read y enough to praise the- work of others. He d'd, however, mention one exciting experience he had when lie was 'carryin?? tN%- he was carrying two tins of tea across to the trenches and one was knocked out of his hand bv shrapnel. He said that the N.C.O's of the C Company, to which he belonged, were deserving of the greatest praise. They were always to the fore and were ever ready to do dangerous work which they would not ask the men to do. For instance they put parapets upon th etrenches under heavy fire. Pte. Little had also a good I word to say of Capt. Harris, who with a sergeant and a couple of men went out one night under heavy shell fire to fix up barbed wire entangle- ments, in anticipation of an attack by the Germans. The most fearless of all, however, was the regimental doctor, who showed the utmost contempt of danger and would go out to attend to the wounded while shrapnel was flying all around. Old campaigners said they had never seen anything to equal the doctor's bravery, and if any man earned the V.C. it was this self-sacrificing hero who at last was killed by the explosion of a shell while bandaging a man who had been seriously wounded. The bandsmen, who acted as stretcher-bearers, were also very brave fellows, and however heavy the shell fire was they would go out to rescue the wounded. Pte. Little said he did not think there were more than about 200 left of his battalion of 1,300. They lost about 40 the first day they were in action, and there was no sign of the enemy. He had an experience of a night attack by Germans on two occasions. On both occasions the attack was repulsed and each man fired 700 rounds of ammunition each night. The Germans, considered Pte. Little, were cowards, but their snipers were marvellous. Their firing from haystacks or trees was very deadly, and they would pop anyone off who showed himself. The erstwhile policeman had a good word to say for the work of our artillery at the front. The Germans shelled the British severely on September 26th and 27th, but our artillery replied to them very effectively. It was our artillery which saved us," said Pte. Little, who added, It was John Bull's day." Questioned as to German spies, Pte. Little said that one was discovered out in a field, disguised as a farm labourer, and lie was ob- served to be sending signals with a pitchfork and with his arms. Our Tommies gave him a rough time before he was handed over to be court martialled. About 700 Germans were captured by the Devons. One of them was from Pte. Little's own county of Devonshire. He said the Germans were glad they were captured, and added, We shall get better grub now than what we have been having, and we hope it will soon be over." Pte. Little said the food served out to our troops was very good. We had jam, bacon, cheese and bully beef for breakfast, and hot tea first thing every morning. We were always prepared for emergencies, and carried food in our haversacks. I never went hungry while I was out there." Our representative questioned Pte. Little as to the rum rations issued to the troops, and lie said the men were indignant one day when they saw in an English newspaper of a speaker at a meeting advocating the abolition of the rum ration. The ration, said Pte. Little, was only a tablespoonful every night, and he could say that it was very acceptable and much appre- ciated by the men. He smiled at the idea that this small tot was injurious to the men or detrimental to their efficiency. Though a number of letters and parcels sent out to him went astray, he received a parcel from Mrs. Corfield, The Knoll, at Christ- mas; a box of cigarettes from Mr. Basil Evans, and a parcel from the police force. Pte. Little left Abergavenny on Thursday in last week for Crediton, where on the estate of the late General Sir Redvers Buller a camp has been formed. He is looking forward to getting back among his pals once more, and is much disappointed at being put out of action twice. Borderer's Exciting Experiences. Pte. Reuben Hughes, of the 1st Batt. South Wales Borderers, was unfortunate in his ex- periences at the front, and he was wounded before he saw very much serious fighting. He is now recuperating at his home at 36, West- bourne Place, Pant-lane. He went out on the 27th October, and first came into action at Ypres. Here matters were very quiet during his stay, and there was nothing of any interest to record. They were afterwards transferred to La Bassee on the 21st December, and were ordered to regain at any cost some trenches which had been lost. The battalion advanced in the day time, which was an unusual thing to do. The condition of the ground was so bad that he got stuck in the mud up to the waist, and thought he was never going to get out of it. However, two of the Indians, who were acting as supports, came to his rescue and dug him out. Soon afterwards he got wounded in the arm with a bullet. If he had not been put out of action, he told our representative, he would have been of little use with his rifle, which was wet and covered with mud. All he could have done would have been to "go in and punch them. It was about three o'clock in the afternoon when Pte. Hughes was wounded, and he had an exciting experience afterwards. He lay down in the mud till night time, with the rain pelting down and a cold wind blowing which nearly starved him to death. The shell fire was so terrific that he was afraid to move, and he could hear the bullets and shrapnel whizzing all round. I never witnessed anything like it in my life," he said. Every now and again as the clouds obscured the moon he made a dash towards safety. While running as hard as he was able he fell in a large hole made in the ground by a Jack Johnson," and thought he would be drowned in the water and the mud. Two Indians picked him out, however, and he eventually reached safety and was sent to I hospital, first at l,a Bassee, then at Bethune, and afterwards at Havre, where he arrived on Christmas morning. I On one occasion Pte. Hughes got left behind, and it was four days before he came across his battalion again. He fell in with a Highland regiment, and spent 48 hours with them. The weather was very bad, he said, and he was not warm all the time he was out there except when they were on route marches. The grub," however, was very good. Speaking of the rum ration, he said he never drank rum when at home, but out at the front he could appreciate it and it was a great comfort to the men in the miserable conditions to which they were sub- jected. You feel a different man after the dose of rum," he said, and you fight all the better for it. Some people who talk about rum seem to think that each man is given a bottle to himself. But they don't give you enough to get drunk on. The ration is only a table-  spoonful." I In a village near Vpres Pte. Hughes saw King I George and the Prince of Wales, and General French addressed the men, and paid a high I compliment to their battalion. 1 He returns to duty in a week's time. r TO OUR READERS. Our representative will be glad to hear of other returned soldiers who have interesting experiences to relate. We shall also be pleased to publish interesting extracts from letters sent from the front.

Abergavenny Chronicle TOBACCO FUND. FOR OUt BRITISH SOLDIERS AT THE FRONT. 116 WORTH SENT FREE FOR 6d. Every ad..will gladden the heart of a HERO. He ,viB rtilleln Iron because the Subscriber's name is written ü jJ jViuflU u on every one of these parcels. If you contribute i/ two parcels will be sent to two soldiers, and each parcel wsil carry your name and address. If you contribute 5/- it pays for ten parcels to be sent to ten soldiers- each wdii carry your name and address upon it. I And so on in proportion to the amount subscribed. I WHAT WE HAVE DONE. We have made arrangements with Messrs. MARTINS, Limited, the well-known tobacco firm of Piccadilly, London, for the supply of a splendid smoking mixture from their bonded duty-free warehouses at the remarkably low cost of 6d.. Each packet will contain 2 ounces of the best smoking mixture and 30 cigarettes. ach packet of cigarettes will carry a printed greeting "From a reader of the Abergavenny Chronicle. The cost of these packets in the usual way in England, would be t/6. The military authorities have undertaken to forward these gift packages in bulk free. No time will be lost in sending them. They will be shipped in cases under the care of the War Office. In this way we have overcome the problem of the expense of sending single parcels to in- dividual soldiers. Our readers are relieved, not only of the cost of postage, but of the high duty which has to be paid in the ordinary way on tobacco in England. THE BEST APPRECIATION. Remember that your name and address will be attached to every packet of tobacco you pay for, and the soldiers who receive them will know you are their benefactors. Our soldiers will appreciate this practical way of showing our admiration of their bravery in beating back the hosts of Germans who have attacked them in such overwhelming numbers. Let every one of our defenders be cheered by the receipt of tobacco and cigarettes—welcome proof that someone here at home is thinking of kun. b i-CMM Do not send us tobacco or cigarettes, only money. Our brave soldiers at the Front are short of something to smoke. Help us to supply it. We have organised a scheme whereby every citizen may gladden the heart of a hero in khaki by filling his pipe and giving him the cigarette which he so dearly loves. 10 With sixpence you can buy the blessing of a lad who is risking his life every minute in order that we at home may be saved from the terrors of Kaiserism. The French people have been very generous to Tommy Atkins in regard to Smokes," but Tommy dislikes their cigarettes. He says they have no bite in them. He longs for the British fag." We are going to see that he gets it. There are no tobacco shops on the battlefield, and our gallant boys are waiting. For every sixpence that you subscribe we will .send out: 2oz. packet of tobacco with your name and address attached, and a Packet of Thirty cigarettes. Put your name down for as many sixpences as you can. Every sixpence will gladden the heart of a hero. He will remember YOU.

I IN THE TRENCHES. Tommy has little hope, if any, of obtaining tobacco and cigarettes once he takes his position in the firing line. He is dependent on the supply that is in his pockets. At the very least he will have forty-eight hours of trench duty to face, devoid of comfort, devoid of warmth, and cheerless enough to make even the happiest spirits gloomy. IN It is a picture which we, sitting before our firesides, often conjure up-the reality we can never know until we take our place by Tommy's side. What we must realise, every one of us, is Tommy's desolation at being without his much-wanted smoke during these hours of hardship and danger. If you are a smoker, you will know what Tommy longs for. You will know the solace it will bring to him you will know that there is no bigger favour you could do him than to give him a plentiful supply. You may have already helped us to cheer some brave Soldier in this historic firing line, but tobacco burns away, so won't you please help us again? You may have refrained from sending us your personal contribution, forgetting, perhaps, the urgent need of Tommy, or not realising the happiness every sixpence you can spare would bring some brave Ld ready to defend your home, your livelihood, your liberty, with his life. One sixpenny parcel of cigarettes and tobacco will bring a loo c oi thInks to his face and more, it will keep him in smokes for several days. I AN EXPLANATION. I A few complaints have been received from subscribers whose personal parcels have been somewhat delayed in delivery, and as the majority of our reader, must always realise the difficulties of distribution which must inevitably occur while movements of large bodies of men are taking place throughout the firing line, we reprint letters showing how RgAL these difficul- ties are. (Copy of letter from Capt. John E. Fowler, 4th Seaforth Highlanders, B.E.F.) 13th Januasy, 1915. I Dear Sirs,—A very large supply of cigarettes and tobacco forwarded through you was dis- tributed to the men to-day, and on behalf of all ranks may I think you most warmly for such an acceptable gift > Some of these were ear-marked for certain men, and we have distributed them to the special d owners as far as practicable. May I, however, point out that when such packages are labelled for particular individuals, the difficulty of distributing them is very great indeed. Men are so scattered, many are away from headquarters on various duties, some are sick, and as distribution usually takes place in a shed or barn, with one candle to light the place, you will see that one has considerable difficulty in carrying out the request. Men SHARE every- thing, and consequently I should like to suggest to you that you (should you be good enough to again send us a supply) do not earmark the 1 packages for individuals. One cannot realise I the difficulty whi?h darkness causes out herec, with 16 ho:jrs' darkness a day, and one's only II light is a candle. Had one dry weather and day- light, one would not have the difficulty. The weather continues to be very wet, out here, but is considerably warmer than we have I had for some time, and the men are very fit and cheery. With very many thanks. Yours faithfully, JOHN li. FOWLER, Capt. and Adjt., 4th Seaforth Highlanders. (Copy of letter from Capt. A. C. Amy, R.A.M.C., O.C. No. 5 Motor Arabulance Convoy, General Headquarters). ntli January, 1915. Sir, beg to acknowledge receipt of a case of cigarettes Mid tobacco for my unit. As the last consignment you sent me had not been all handed this one to a Battalion which was in the trenches at the time. I The Battalion desires to thank you through me for your generous gift. (Signed) A. C. AMY, Capt. D.A.M.C., O.C. No. 5 Motor Ambulance Convoy, General Headquarters. (Copy of letter from Majwr B. R. Kirwan, R.A,. Staff Officer, Royal Artillery, General Head- quarters ) quarters). 10th January, 1915. I Gentlemen,—I am frequently receiving letters of advice through the post for cases of gifts you are so kindly sending to men of the Royal Regi- ment of Artillery serving with the British Ex- peditionary Force, through the Military For- warding Officer. I would like to bring to your notice that only in a few instances have gifts, to which a letter refers, been received by me, and they have been acknowledged accordingly. However, I feel certain that all unacknow- ledged gifts have reached some battery in the firing line. I understand that they are being sent up to various batteries in equal proportion. As batteries of Artillery are scattered over a very wide area, I think you will realise how difficult it is to trace the receipt of each case. The only place at which this would appear possible is the port of unloading, and there the staff may have too much other work to do to inspect every case and acknowledge it. Yours faithfully, B. R. KIRWAST, Major R.A., Staff Officer, Royal Artillery, General Headquarters. The need for more smokes grows every day. More and more men are being drafted into the firing line, and, in the words of an "Eye Witness" our Expeditionary Force has now swelled into a magnificent army. These men have little to smoke, but what friends send them. Are you going to let them go without ? Every sixpence will send some, brave Tommy a few days* happiness. (Copy of a letter received by a Local Subscriber). Monday, Dec. 28, 1914. Dear Friend,—Just a line or two to let you know that I received your gift parcel of cigarettes for which I thank you very much and was very pleased to receive, as it is about the best gift a soldier gets while in the firing line. I hope this letter finds you in the best of health, as it leaves me at present. Wishing you a bright, happy and a prosperous New Year. I remain, yours truly, PTE, A. DAVIS, 7162 B Co., ist Royal Welsh Fus., British Expeditionary Force, France. I (Copy of letter sent to Lieut. Col. Leach). Locomotive Dept., L. & N.W. R. Steam Shed, Abergavenny, Dec. 21, 1914. To Lieut. Col. Leach. Sir,—At a meeting of our Locomotive Dept. War Fund Committee" held on Sunday, Dec. 13th, it was suggested to the committee that we should appeal to our staff for subscriptions for the Abergavenny Chronicle Tobacco Fund for tobacco and cigarettes for Christmas for the ist Battalion South Wales Borderers, under your command, and I may say the suggestion was taken up at once, and we have handed to the Chronicle Fund the sum of £ 5 8s. for tobacco to be sent to you, to be kindly dis- tributed to the officers, non-commissioned officers and men under your command. We are daily watching the doings of the ist S.W.B., and are glad to see they are upholding the honour and glory of the gallant 24th Regiment, in which I had the honour to serve under you in the South African War. We have sixty men gone from the Locomotive Dept. to join the colours, chiefly the 3rd Mon. Regiment, at Northampton and Grundesburg, and we feel sure they will be a credit to your regiment. I remain, on behalf of the Committee, (Signed) A. G. NORMAN. (Copy of letter received from Lieut.-Col.,Leach). Ashton Court Nursing Home, Maberley Road, Upper Norwood, S.E., 3rd J anuary. Dear Sir, —As I have been wound ed your letter only reached me yesterday from the Battalion. I should be greatly obliged if you will express to the Committee of the Locomotive Department not only my appreciation, but the appreciation of all ranks of the ist Battalion for the kindly thought. I think it was too splendid of them all to subscribe so generously. I think I can safely say that, in spite of severe losses in officers, non-commissioned officers and men, that the old 24th has greatly enhanced its reputation, and I don't think The Land of our Fathers need feel anything but pride in the gallant behaviour of its sons. Again thanking your committee and all those who have so generously subscribed to the Fund. I am, yours faithfully, B. LEACH, Lt.-Col., Commanding ist 24th Regt., South Wales Borderers. SUBSCRIPTIONS TO TOBACCO FUND. Previously acknowledged /05 2 q This week x 18 o £ 97 o 9 13S. (26 packets) Dill.?Ned and Drip (Nap). 5s. (10 packets) Mr. Brightling Mr T Ss. (10 packets) Mr. Bri?,litlill, Straker E.E.S. 2s' (4 packets) Mr. C. Thomas Mrs A Bath. Is. (2 packets) Mr. Hall Mrs. Jones Mr. D. Morgan Miss Gladys Pliillius Mrs. Griffiths. 6d. (r packet) Mr. j, R. dosser L.G.

IMy Mod's Sauce I I Large Bottle 2 d..  Delightful Sauce ar? lots of It for A the money. 0/<?Gro«?<Mt?.S«?. I  ?« ?/?t?4—BLANCN't, SL Peter St., CAKDOW. p 9 tflnv ")W' g" J't. ø # i The. Welshman's Favourite. 10,0. MABON Sauce;, ï" As good aa its Name. I DON'T FAIL TO GET IT. I '$If t tu,-eerr-B"mc cH m'ss, St. Peter St., Cardiff. I Printed and Published by .\1 .OKUAN \ÇD Cn, at 28, Frotfuioie Ah ijmminv .u tb. Connt) of Monmouth. FRIDAY, JAN. 2y, HJlS. k