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

STAG FINDS SANCTUARY IN DEATH. In the hope of escaping from its pursuers, a fine stag, which was being hunted by a pack of staghounds on Friday of last week, made for the residence of the deputy-ranger of Windsor Park, but dropped dead from exhaustion near the entrance gates. It is well known, of course, that no stags from the herd in the Royal park are now allowed to be hunted.

The negro who, when the Honourable Artillery Company visited Washington, hoisted the flag at White House upside down, thus converting it into-a signal of distress, has been dismissed. Man-eating sharks, which have not been seen in the Baltic for more than a century, are said to have again appeartu. off the Danish and German coasts.

A Splendid Relief! The relief from the monotony of everlasting porridge. Shredded Wheat is corrective, light, and ever ready to serve. Chew the shreds thoroughly, and correct tendencies to indigestion. Sample free. C. E. Ingersoll, 53, St. George's House, Eastcheap, E.C.

A young man in a Kincardineshire village bit hin tongue while eating supper, and the tongue bled so profusely that he died three days later. In one district of London an influential lady guardian makes a point of attending pauper funerals, "in order to raise the standard of con- ducting the obsequies." A great amount of wreckage has drifted ashore along the Belgian and Dutch coasts, and it is feared that several vessels have been lost. The King of Italy has signed a decree abolish- ing the use of the strait-waistcoat for punitive purposes in all the prisons of the kingdom. 'Newcastle-on-Tyne has fixed ten miles per hour as the maximum speed for motor-cars passing through the streets of the town. A fire at the Italian town of Bergano has destroyed a large publishing establishment. Half a million books were burnt.

The superiority of VSNOLIA is in its lovely effect on the Com- plexion. WHAT Every person should know. Send Two Stamps for out Valuable Booklet, "How to Cure Yourself with Herbs." State age and complaint. C. BALDWIN & CO., Chemists and Herbalists, Electric Parada, Holloway, London. KOMATA REEFS GOLD MINING COMPANY, LIMITED. A FULLY PAID DIVIDEND-PAYING SHARE FOR 1/6. Latest returns from the Mine To January, 1903 22,830 tons £ 68,546 1903,26th January 1,080 „ 2,300 9tli February 1,630 4,500(8 weeks) 9th March.. 1,070 „ 2,550 7th April 1.020 2,500 5th May. 1,088 „ 2.900 8rd June 1,140 „ 2,775 4th July 1,260 3;075 27th July. 1,260 „ 3,475 26th August 1,200 2,425 21st September 1,250 2,600 19th October. 1,320 3,200 16th November 1,250 3,425 37,398 tons. R,104,271 Dividend paid October, 1P03. PRESS OPINIONS. "It is a long lane that has no turning. The Komata Reefs Gold Mining Company, after many years of disappointment, reports for the past year a credit balance," &c., &c., &c.— Financial News. "The position of this Company is far more satisfactory than it was some time ago." "The Komata Reels Gold Mining Company comes out again with another excellent return. This is most satis- factory. 1,250toJJS for £iJ,425.J11ining World. "This is a concern that is turning up trumps."—Rialto. His (the Chairman's) statement was as lucid as it was exhaustive, as will be seen from the reports in another column. He gave full details of the progress of development which justified his expectation that, as the work proceeded, further rich chutes of ore would be opened up."—Citizen. The Chairman of the Waihi Gold Mining Company, and the Waitekanri Gold Mining Company, at the latter's Annual Meeting, said:- "This Company have now a large mining area, they are working upon large lodes containing chutes of pay- able ore. There seems a reasonable probability, if the present prospects continue, of the Komata ReefsjCompany developing into a Company of considerable importance. They have recently paid a dividend of which we have re- ceived our share, a sum of £ 2,465 8s. 4d. Another divi- dend seems to be in sight." Present price, 113-116. 100 shares cost;e7 10s. 250 „ £ 18 15s. 500 „ „ 937 10s. 1,000 „ -,75 Os. plus stamp duty and 2/6 fee, and subject to market fluctua- tions. The shares can be delivered against cash. The Agency is prepared to purchase at Is. 3d. net. Intending purchasers can deal direct with itheir own Brokers, or with this Agency. For further information, apply to THE ZEALANDIA AGENCY, 31, Queen Victoria Street, London, E.C. 3 "D'lI j Digestive I 1 Weakness. I When your Digestive B Organs need a lit- 1 1 tie help take I Guy's Tonic 1 I and Nature will do 1 I the rest. 1 | Guy's Tonic creates Appetite, prevents H I Pain after gating, Flatulence, Nausea H | and Heartburn, aids Digestion, corrects raj I Biliousness, and cures Indigestion— (9 1 absolutely. Guy's Tonic increases the H I Vitality, invigorates the Nervous System, is H brightens the Spirits, dispels Lethargy, H m and imparts Strength to the whole System. Bj H A Six-Ounce Bottle of Guy's Tonic, B fg price i3%d., is on sale at all Chemists g§ H and Stores. Bj

Clara, aged four, suddenly 'burst out crying at .the dinner table. "Why, Clara, what is the matter?" asked her mother. "Oh," sobbed the little girl, "mv t-teeth stepped on my tongue The book agent never lies except on the right side and he always does that whether day or night. A lawyer will lie on either side as long as his client's money lasts. R.XV.JS. the Duke of Connaught is not only adored in the Army, in which he takes the keenest interest, but, says the "Lady's Magazine," he manages make himself popular wherever he goes. A good story is told of him to the effect that when he was coming hom-e from the East in the battleship Renown he determined to in- quire personally into the conditions under which the naval stokers do their work. Provided with proper kit, his Royal Highness went below and plied his shovel with great enthusiasm. At the end of half-an-hour he yielded up his tools with the remark that there was ample justification for the stories told about the hard nature of the stokers' work.

I FENFFS LNIWTG CQUGH CURE The purest and most efficient remedy procurable for COUGHS, COLDS, BRONCHITIS, ASTHMA, CATARRH, WEAK LUNGS, ASTHMA, CATARRH, WEAK LUNGS, aSS and CHILDREN'S COUGHS. T I S 1Y AN D ASTHMA Veno's Lightning- Cough Cure Produces its most brilliant effect in Chronic BronchMi and Asthma. It effects astonishing cures In the worat Bnd most persistent cases. Rev. W. W. TULI.CCH, D.D., Bonar Bridge, Sutherlandshire, "July 22nd, '0]-1 BHQHCrIlTIS AND ASTHMA Veno's Lightning- Cough Cure Produces its most brilliant effect in Chronic BronchMi and Asthma. It effects astonishing cures In the worat and most persistent cases. Hev. W. W. TULI.CCH, D.D., Bonar Bridge, Sutherlandshire, writes "July 22nd, '03—I have been a tnartvr to asthma all my life and lately to chronic winter bronchitis. I have found Veao's chronic winter bronchitis. I have found Veao's Lightning Cough Cure a valuable Medicine." I '8 COUGHS Mrs. ADA S. BALLIN, 5, Agar Street, CHILDREN'S London, Editor "Womanhood," and a great authority upon children's diseases, writes :— "Veno's Lightning Cough Cure is an exceedingly successful remedy; it is very pleasant to take and the relief-it gives is very rapid. The preparation is perfectly safe for children." W. LASCELLES SCOTT, F.R.M.S., In his Certificate of Analysis, among other things says "I have pleasure in certifying that In my opinion VENO'S LIGHTNING COUGH CUH-E. is an exceptionally puro, wife, and effective preparation." LARGE TRIAL O J IRF Regular Sizes. BOTTLES. I/IJ and 2/9. Ask for VENO'S LIGHTNING COUGH CURE at Chemists and Drug Stores everywhere, or post free from the VENO DRUG CO., Hulme, Manchester, England. I ENGLAND'S BEST VALUE! "BONSOL mA" T'E A ij HAS NO EQUAL. ow 1!Il1;!& RUBBER APPLIANCES. Illustrated Booklet of EUsuc Hosiery, Water Bottles, Eawlagex, Belts, Truss«a., Syringes, fiusmas and Surgical Appliances of every do.wripti■•n, free.. -N,)rth,-rn Surgical ippliauce Co., 161c, S,wen Sisters Rosd, Holloway, London. O I L LIAJBI) AND MGATELLB J J> TASTES. A LARGE STOCK OF NEW AND SECOND- HAND TAHLKS always on hand. WRITR FOR PRICE LISTf. TIDWAIIDS, 134. KINGS LAND,ROAD, LONDON. N.E. -ct"l.F-o; in, nirwwiiMi nil W FOR j/ PUGHS&COLDSI USE Liti fpjbMYS COMPOUND ESSB*S LIN$=.AtilSEED ETS I INSEED COMPOUND" I is a reliable old English home m f *^1 remedy. It softens hard phlegm, H permitting it to be expectorated H without strain, soothing the membranes and H allaying the irritation bo commonly ex- U perienced. There is nothing to equal it. Of p all Chemists at home and abroad. Rpfute the Jg many substitutes offered. Price, 9sd., 1/1J-, 2/9.

BLACK) niALI p/ LEAD S1A/GE7fS 707792^*7*2$MMirmMr

I I TOWN TOPICS. w I (From Our London Correspondent.) | The authorised announcement that the next Session of Parliament will be opened on February 2, and by the King in person, sets at rest all rumours on the subject, and is of inte- rest to many more than professed politicians. There cannot, of course, be the same keen inte- rest expected to be displayed as when the King, accompanied by Queen Alexandra, opened the first Session of his reign, and thus provided a pageant of a kind the general public had not witnessed for many a long year, and, therefore, one which the great body of the lieges had never seen at all. But more than usual note will be taken of the next occasion, because it will be linked in a special manner with the late Queen Victoria, as their Majesties will drive along the new part of the Mall which is being constructed as part of the national memorial to that venerated monarch. One result, of course, of this Royal opening of Parliament J. be to bring "society" to town, and, therefore, to commence the London season unusually early; but, as far as the Royal personages themselves are concerned, there will speedily be a lull, as the King is understood to have resolved to go to the Riviera in the course of February for a few weeks rest and change before entering upon the heavier work which will await him during the spring and summer of next year. Those who remember how difficult of access were certain of our more venerable ecclesiastical ectidces up to a very few years ago, will be specially interested in the intention just formed by the authorities, who have charge of West- minster Abbey, to place the electric light in the old Chapel of the Pyx, which is situated in what, appropriately enough, is known as the dark cloisters." This is a most interesting little spot, full of historic associations, some of them of rather a grim nature. One of these latter, indeed, is that on a door leading into the chapel are attached some shreds of the skin of some un- happy wretch who was flayed several centuries since for having robbed the Pyx. But West- minster Abbey is full of places of similar into- rest outside the mam fabric itself and the Dean and Chapter, as its custodian, do well to let the public see thnm all to the best advan- tage. In a special degree, the Abbey," as it is always best knovvn, is linked with each suc- cessive stage of o i.,r island story, just as it is one other great national possession not far away-the Towe of London; and it should bo considered a necessary part of the training of every educate* Briton who visits the metro- polis to pay a orious and studious visit to each of them. Simultaneously with the construction of the new great thoroughfare from the Strand to Holborn there is going on a work of which the general public knows virtually nothing, but which will, "Then completed, furnish yet one further experiment in the way of dealing with the ever-increasing passenger traffic of the capital. That is the making ot a shallow under- ground tramway which will run underneath Aldvryeh and Kingsway, and which, if it suc- ceeds, will be followed by others. The idea is not only to take some of the traffic from the streets, but to put the passengers to as little trouble as possible in the way of descending to and ascending from the vehicles. The tunnel, which is to be excellently lit by electricity, will be much nearer the surface, for instance, than that of the Underground Railway, while there will be no comparison between its distance from the surface and that of the tubes." For these last huge lifts constantly running are absolutely essential; and although, for the sake of an obvious precaution, stairs are provided, few in- deed are the hardy folk who climb up the hundred feet or so from the station platform to the public street. All this burrowing is so absolutely out of sight that extremely few Londoners are aware that within the next eighteen months or two years several very important new tube" systems will be opened for traffic. The line from the Elephant and Castle in South London to Baker-street, by way of Waterloo, Charing- cross, Trafalgar-square, and Piccadilly-circus is being rapidly pushed along, as also is that from Brompton to the last men- tioned great centre; while that from Charing- cross to Hampstead is in course of construction, a.nd the one from Finsbury-park to the City is nearing completion. One especially desirable feature in regard to these lines is to be noted, and that is that Parliament insisted, when passing the necessary bills for their construc- tion, that their stations, in every possible case, should be made to connect with the stations of other systems near which they ran; and the convenience that this will afford to the travel- ling public can scarcely be over-estimated. Within the past few days the metropolis has experienced the first full fog of the winter, and it proved itself to be what Mr. Guppy in Bleak House called a London particular." As if in atmospheric irony, it came on shortly after Sir Oliver Lodge, the Principal of Bir- mingham University, had announced that he had discovered a way of dispersing London fogs by electricity, which apparently only needed the pecuniary aid of some beneficent millionaire to be promptly put into operation. It really seems a pity that the idea has not occurred to a millionaire to finance the experiment, for, if it succeeded, it would ensure for him an immor- tality of popularity such as no ordinary display of philanthropic effort. Swift long ago cele- brated in immortal words the glories of the man who made two blades of grass grow where one had grown before; but these would be as nothing to those which would be accorded to the man who abolished London fogs; It is not difficult to pass from the question of fog to frost, and in this latter regard it will interest many to know that the possibility of an early frost is already occupying the attention of some highly-placed officials in the Royal household. The Lord Steward's Department, indeed, has carefully to watch the matter, and that not because of the skating prospects, but becaue the supply of ice for the service of the Royal palaces is obtained not from artifi- cial sources, but from the adjacent demesnes. The present month always comes in for an espe- cial share of attention in this respect, it being stated to have been an experience of recent years that, when a December frost is missed, no good opportunity for securing a full supply of ice is found for the season. The ice when gathered is placed in ice-houses of the type which have been in use for generations in the greater among our country residences, these being established within easy reach of the lakes which furnish the supply. In these times, of course, the manufacture of artificial ice is carried to a very high point of excellence, and, therefore, the need for the natural article is not as marked as it was; but in the more important aristocratic families, as with Royalty, the old preference for the natural article remains. In reference to the prospects of any Royal skating, it may be recalled that Queen Alex- andra is a devotee of the pastime, in which from a girl she has been proficient. All the younger members of the Royal family also love skating, and materials for their enjoyment in this direction are kept at all the Royal residences, having most recently been added to Buckingham Palace, which, in the shape of the ornamental waters in the private grounds, affords splendid oppor- tunities for indulging it. Londoners outside this august circle have, indeed, no reason to I complain on the head of accommodation for skating, this being provided not only in the Royal but in the people's parks. The London County Council has done much excellent work in the way of seeing that the public are properly provided for in this direction but the very excellence of the provision has the draw- back that the keener disappointment is expe- rienced when there has been promise of a keen frost and that promise has not been fulfilled. R.

NEWS NOTES. The holding of the Smithfield Club Cattle Show at Islington is a presage of Christmas to Cockney and countryman alike. This year's exhibits were high in quality and extended in quantity, and very great admiration was ex- pressed by visitors for the King's magnificent Hereford steer, and other choice and sleek animals sent up by his Majesty and other breeders of fat stock of every kind. It is very pleasing to note that though for long the mechanical toy of Continental manu- facture has had matters all its own way, the British-made toy, which is of a relatively per- manent and superior type, is finding greatly increased favour. There has been quite a boom in the English toy trade lately. It is satisfac- tory, too, that the quaint" Dutch pictures, which are all the rage this Christmastide, are mostly of English make. So says the Drapers' Record," and we fully agree with our contem- porary. Not the least remarkable incident of this record year was furnished on Saturday in the Sutton district of Lincolnshire. The harvest has been most difficult and the most prolonged ever known in the experience of the proverbial oldest inhabitant, and every attempt to com- plete it had, up to last week end, been frus- trated by the rain. Saturday saw the finish of it, the crops then harvested being peas and barley. Let us hope that it may be long before there is a- repetition of such a phenomenal thing. ft When on Sunday morning Lord Aberdeen arrived with his valet in Edinburgh by train there were no cabs or conveyances at the station. The noble earl left his man in charge of the luggage, and wandered into one of the streets off Princes street to find a vehicle. He met a Scot with a milk cart, made him an offer, and returned in the cart to the station. The luggage was put among the milk cans, and the ex-Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and Governor-General of Canada drove up to his club in style." It is said the club attendants were not a little surprised to see his lordship dismount from "among" the morning milk. "Jarvey" respects the Sabbath in Auld Edina" still, regardless of the exigencies of modern life. Lord Aberdeen would be one of the first to appreciate the Puritanism of Scot- land. The Shetland Isles can scarcely be considerea the most eligible residential situation in the kingdom. A long series of gales have had the effect of cutting off from civilisation for over six weeks the remote island of Foula, in the Shetland group. When communication was re-established on Saturday it was learned that the islanders had run short of provisions, and suffered almost as much hardship as though they had been shipwrecked. There has been a considerable rise in the number of prisoners committed for debt this year. The total is 16,312, as compared with 14,039 last year. The tendency to increase of numbers in this class of prisoners has been observed in all parts of the country. Under the Prison Act of 1898, debtors are treated a goor) deal more rigorously than they were, let us say, when Charles Dickens was writing Little Dorrit"; and it was generally supposed that, after that Act, fewer of them would be seen in prison. The anticipation has not been realised On the other hand, the debtor,in prison is appa- rently not willing to stay there longer than he can help. That great practical scientist, Sir Frederick Bramwell, was famous both as a witness and arbitrator in engineering disputes. It is re- called that his brother, the late Lord Justice Bramwell, on giving advice to a young bar- rister, told him to be careful of four kinds of witnesses: First, of the liar secondly, of the liar who could only be adequately described by the aid of a powerful adjective thirdly, of the expert witness; and finally, of "my brother Fred." A very unmistakable answer has been given to the Birmingham police superintendent who is stated to have practically suggested that doctors should act as detectives by keeping them informed of any suspicious circumstances connected with their patients. Dr. Stanley B. Atkinson, barrister, the honorary secretary of the Medico-Legal Society, says in the British Medical Journal" that Mr. Rafter's request is but a repetition of what the police at Southport tried to do in 1899. The medical practitioners of that town considered that if professional confidences were to be divulged in certain cases many lives would be jeopardised. There is no statute, says Dr. Atkinson, which degrades the profession into a huge detective agency. Closely akin to this subject, he thinks, is the question how far should hospital authorities allow "the relic of the right of sanctuary" to be abused by encouraging the pertinacity of the police in their search for criminals. An actual case in point was where a burglar lost the tip of a finger, crushed by the dropping of a window frame. The police shrewdly suspected that a hospital surgery would shortly be visited by him nor were they unsuccessful in the result of their inquiry. The Libertad, one of the two new Chilian battleships bought by the British Government, has proved herself the fastest battleship in the world. The highest designed speed of any British battleship is only nineteen knots. The Libertad, in a six hours' trial in the Firth of Clyde, has attained a speed of 20'17 knots. She returned to Barrow on Saturday. The Libertad made her trials with all her stores on board. Her tonnage was 11,839. In her long-distance and gun trials she also showed her superiority over other battleships. Admiral Simpson, who deter- mined the duration and power, expressed great satisfaction with the working of the machinery. The gun trials, which were a great success, were exceptionally interesting in view of the heavy armament carried by the vessel.

reiegrams from .Peking state that m otnciai circlesthere is great excitement over the British expedition to Tibet. A public meeting held at Salisbury, Rhodesia, has decided to ask the Government to take steps for the introduction of Chinese labour. The scores of 271 by Duff and 230 by Noble, in one innings in the match on Saturday between South-Australia and New South Wales elevens, constitute a record in Australian cricket. The innings of New South Wales realised 681. Tho Tsaritsa, completely recovered, and the [Tsar are again in St. Petersburg. Ex-Queen Natalie of Servia has arrived at Belgrade to visit the grave of her murdered son Alexander. Wrapped in the flagrf of the two countries, the signed treaty for the Panama Canal has been returned by Panama to the United States. The chest containing the document was carried from the Palace to the United States Consulate in Panama by policemen.

WOMEN WHO LOOK TOO OLD. BR. WILLIAMS' PINK PILLS A BÓON TO THB WEARY. "I noticed that a neighbour of mine, who had been in very poor health, suddenly improved so much as to look TWENTY YEARS YOUNGER. She told me the change was due to Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People." This is what Mrs. Ann Weston, of 171, North- road, Preston, said, when asked how she earfle to hear of these pills, which have Been the cause of a wonderful improvement in her own health. Twenty years younger! What food for thought! Do some of the tired, worn-out women whom one meets every day know what Dr. Williams' Pink Pills are capable of doing for them ? These pills make New Blood. That is the secret of their cures. They do not tinker at disease. Ordinary medicine does that. Dr. Williams Pink Pills strike at the cause. Those who take them look younger because THEY FEEL YOUNG. It is insufficient blood that makes women pale, and thin, and wrinkled. New blood is as good as new life to them. That is why Dr. Williams' Pink Pillb make strong, active women of what were formerly weary invalids, often laid up for a week at a stretch, often dreading the time when they will be suffering again. These pills do away with that fear. They give activity and strength, too. They banish the headaches, backaches, and pains in the side, which are so dreaded. It is not merely here and there that they have done this, but in hundreds of thousands of cases. Mrs. Weston's experience, already referred to, is only an example of many others. Nerves shattered by repeated suffering made her tired and languid, depressed in spirits, without interest in her busi- ness. She had most severe internal pains, and also shooting pains down her sides and across her shoulder blades. In fact, she was all aches and pains. In addition to all this," she said, I was most miserable. I always felt tired and larguid, and could have lain in bed all day. I was medically attended, and I spent pounds and pounds in medicines. Then I noticed that a neighbour of mine, who had been in very poor health, suddenly so improved that she looked TWENTY YEARS YOUNGER, and, on inquiring how she managed to regain her health, was told that it was through taking Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People. It was then that I decided to try them myself. They did me a world of good. I felt a great improvement AFTER THE FIRST FEW DOSES. The first thing I noticed was that the weary, hopeless feeling was disappearing. I felt fresh and fit for work, and began to look out upon life cheer- fully. In a short time all my pains had gone, and now I feel as well and active as ever I did in my life. "I have recommended the pills to many people, and I shall never be without them myself. I did more work last week than I could have done in three months before I started taking these pills, They seem to have put fresh hfe into me." Men as well as Women need the new blood and new energy which Dr. Williams' Pink Pills are able to give. Nervous weakness is a terrible danger. It leads the way to the most fatal diseases, as paralysis. locomotor ataxy, early decay of the faculties, and premature old-age in both sexes. These Pills have cured all these ailments; and the new blood which they are capable of giving drives out Rheumatism, Sciatica, Fits, Kidnev Disease. Ansemia (the forerunner in numberless cases of Consumption), Eczema, and other skin diseases. The strength which they give to the nerves and muscles cures Backaches, Neu- ralgia, pains in the side, and frequent miseriel which women suffer without speaking about them. But it is only the genuine Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People, with the full name (seven words) M| ffjirL'LS f|g\» • £ 14 Ir*?* Wrr ch M 11 KLE My cure. W^JEOPm. "Ji tJJ- tute offered will disappoint. When shopkeepers try to push substitutes, readers are requested to send the names of the tradesmen who thus seek to trade on our reputation. They may write in absolute confidence to Dr. Williams' Medicine Company, Holborn-viaduct, London, E.C., and may also, if they choose, obtain the pills by post, free of postage, for 2s. 9d. per box six boxes, 13s. 9d. Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People may be obtained, however, wherever medicine is sold, and will be genuine if they bear the full title as above shown in the small picture of the Genuine Package. ■ u !■

FOR DON QUIXOTE. Spain is ma-king pfeparations for the celebra- tion on a grand scale in May, 1905, of the tercentenary of the publication of Cervantes' immort.al work, "Don Quixote." It is to be an international affair, and the programme will include the unveiling of a statue of Cervantes, an academic fete, a mediaeval tournament, and a bull-fight. A dramatisation of "Don Quixote," will be played, and Sir Henry Irving will be invited to take the part of Don Quixote, in the principal theatre of Spain.

"TRUTH SEEKS NO CORNER." There is no better Cough Medicine than KEATING'S LOZENGES.—One gives relief; if you suffer from cough try them at once; they will cure, and they will not injure your health; an increasing Bale of over 80 years is a certain test of their value. Sold everywhere in 13Jd. tins. Stern Parent: "Young man, I saw you kiss- ing my daughter as I passed the parlour door, and I want you to know that I don't like it* What have you to say about it? Young Man "All I've got to say is that you evidently don't know a good thing when you see it." First Moth: "It's no wonder you're troubled with indigestion after eating so much." Second Moth: "I know, but it was such a fashionable overcoitt

Free Caustic is the thing in household soaps that dissolves the dirt-but mark you-what dissolves the dirt, dissolves the clothes. Caustic is like fire, it eats them both alike. Suppose some selfish person says-" The clothes are not mine, it doesn't matter." Doesn't it matter? What dissolves the clothes, harms the hands, and in the steam reaches your face, and spoils the complexion. We take the caustic out of V.H.S. It is a trouble and expense to do this, and requires skill; that is why we do it, and other folks do not. We take it out free. VJJ.S. is a new Household Soap made by Vinoli* Cq, V.H.S. 2id. and 3d.

SMITHFIELD CLUB CATTLE SHOW. THE CHIEF AWARDS. MANY PRIZES FOR THE KING. Shortly after three o'clock on Monday the King, who was a most successful exhibitor,- pgid a visit to the Smithfield Club Cattle Show at Islington. His Majesty won no fewer than five first prizes and cups, in addition to numerous "seconds" and "thirds." His first-prize successes were as follows— First prize Devon steers. Cup for best Devon. First prize heifers. First prize Hereford steers. Cup best Hereford. This is a record for the royal farms, and his Majesty was greatly delighted at his success. Accompanied by Sir Nigel Kingscote, chair- man, and other members of the club, his Majesty made a complete tour of the show, first visiting his own prize Devon steer, which was a magnifi- cent and attracted the greatest interest among the agriculturists present. He then carefully made an inspection, cata- logue in hand, of the various animals, criticising their good or bad points, as the case might be. When he arrived at No. 32, he came to his pro- perty—a white-faced Hereford steer, two years and eleven months old, bred by her late Majesty Queen Victoria. This animal was undoubtedly the most handsome beast in the show, and not only gained the first prize of its class, but a special cup for being the best Hereford in the show. His Majesty ordered the steer to be paraded, and animatedly discussed with Sir Walter Giibey and various members of his suite the points of the animal. Many judges were of the opinion that this animal ought to have received the championship cup, but the one drawback to this lay in the fact that it only weighed 16cwts. 2qrs. 161bs., whereas the winner of the championship, a cross-bred heifer, belonging to Mr. Batchelor, of Greatham. scaled 18cwts. 3qrs. 191b., and was the heaviest beast in the show. The King then made a minute inspection of most of the animals, and for some time regarded with interest the champion of the show, but he seemed to find more pleasure in inspecting the Kerry cattle, one in particular belonging to Mr. Hudson, of Great Marlow, which was paraded before him, seeming to strike his fancy. Towards four o'clock his Majesty, with whom was Prince Christian, after presenting the championship and medal to the owner of Miss Charles, the champion, left the show amid tre- mendous cheers. The show was, as usual, typical of the country life of England. The visitors for the most part were from the country, and they were quite as characteristic as the exhibits. There were many men there of the John Bull type, and some wore the low-cut, broad-brimmed silk hat of an earlier period. In fact, rural England was up in London. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about the show was the wonderful condition of the animals, as all round they were heavier on an average than in former years. The Herefords were undoubtedly the pick of the show, although the Highland cattle ranked high in favour, one in particular, belonging to the King, being a magnificent animal. Welsh heifers, however, Hvere not so well represented as in the past, but cross-bred heifers above two years and not exceeding three years provided a splendid class which has never been excelled in the annals of the show. Kerry cattle, too, were much in evidence, and were far superior to those seen before in London. In fact some of them were, although not among the winners, quite capable of coming out cham- pions at any other show but that of the Smith- field Club. A large amout of attention was paid to the sheep exhibits, and the Suffolks provided some particularly fine specimens. The Lincolns, too, were in excellent condition, and the winners of the pen for three fat wether sheep were quite out of the common, and attracted the .attention of the King, who spent some time in examining them. The King also evinced much interest in the Suffolks, much to the pride of the shepherds, who, stolid and bareheaded, beamed with delight when his Majesty stopped before a pen and care- fully examined its contents. The committee of the club had thoughtfully for the comfort of the visitors to the show, and for the animals themselves, allotted the pigs a separate room to themselves. Here Tamworths, Berkshires and other breeds held their court. Am one the exhibitors were the King, the Prince of Wales, Lord Rosebery, and Lord Derby. His Majesty did not score any great success with his pig exhibits, but Lord Rosebery showed a very large animal which weighed 5cwts. 191b., and which took a prize. The champions belonged to Mr. Arthur Hiscock, jun., of Manor Park, Motcombe, the pair weighing 8cwts. 3qrs. 141b. One of the most successful exhibitors in the show was Mr. R. W. Hudson, of Marlow, who secured the silver medal in the mixed class for the best animal, and in other classes he took three "firsts" and several "seconds," in addition to minor prizes. In the gallery were shown various agricultural implements and other exhibits of interest to farmers and breeders. The table poultry were I considered excellent as a whole.

HUSBAND POISONERS. STARTLING REVELATIONS. 11. Considerable sensation has been caused throughout Hungary by the arrest of no fewer than six women who are accused of having poisoned their husbands. A peasant proprietor, named George Piszczak, residing at Versmart, died a few days ago. The police received an anonymous letter to the effect that the man had been poisoned. An exhumation was ordered by the judicial authorities, and a post-mortem examination showed that the man had really been poisoned. The widow, when arrested, was interrogated, and confessed that the poison had been supplied to her by Dr. Hanusch, her lover, who was also arrested. This discovery led to others of a similar character, and the bodies of a number of men who had left young widows were ordered to be exhumed. On examination four of these men, named Tardany, Hunka, Horvath, and Kovacs, were found to have been poisoned, Dr. Hanusch furnishing the death certificate in each case. These windows and another were arrested. The first four confessed to the charge of poisoning. Their confession alleged that Dr. Hanusch was the lover of each, and that in every case he advised the poisoning as a means of getting rid of the husbands. The authorities have now decided to continue the inquiry. The body of every man buried on the death cer- tificate supplied by Hanusch will be exhumed. These revelations naturally recall the poisoning cases in the same district five years ago, when eighteen women were condemned for having got rid of their husbands. One of the women had poisoned three husbands in succession, and it was the growing number of widows which awakened the suspicions of the authorities.

I THE DUKE'S COLONY. i The Duke of Westminster landed on Satur- day, after spending some weeks in South Africa furthering his scheme for the colonisation of the large tract of land acquired by him in the Orange River Colony. His Grace believes the scheme will be a success. The site of the colony lies between Thaba N'chu and Lady- brand. Yeomen from the Duke's Cheshire pro- perty will form a considerable portion of the emigrants. The erection of the first six home- steads has been commenced. Thousands of acres will be devoted to the growth of cereals and tobacco.

——— NO BETTER A. fp. Hat(rem Wilson, FJt.S.E&*■ fr^ P° i sot» 4* OOLQ MEDALS, 6c.

The number of prisoners committed for debt this year has risen considerably. From the "Law Times" we gather that the figures are 16,312, as compared with 14,039 last year. The tendency to increase of numbers in this class of prisoners has been observed in all parts of the country. Under the Prison Act of 1898 debtors are treated a good deal more rigorously than they were when Charles Dickens was writ- ing "Little Dorrit" and it was generally sup- posed that, after that Act, fewer of them would he seen in prison. The anticipation has not been realised. On the other hand, the debtor in prison is apparently not willing to stay there longer than he can help; for it may be noted that out of 910 who were lodged in Birmingham Gaol only 15 per cent. served their full time in custody. Five hundred Scotch fishermen are wanted for Nova Scotia owing to a scarcity of men to man the deep-sea fishing fleet. The owners say they can guarantee the men employment for a period of five vears.

A N]1W KNIGHT. The King has invested Mr. J. Knowles, with the insignia of a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, and conferred upon him ths honour of knighthood. This announcement which occurs in the Court Circular, refers to Mr. James Knowles, the founder, proprietor, and editor of our esteemed contemporary the "Nineteenth Century and After."