Monmouthshire Merlin

c HA \rt> Monmouthshire OF AGRICULTURE. StiCOXD annual meeting Jljjg at annua,l meeting of this Chamber was W i rt ^rms Hotel, Monmouth, on *!•> Pfpo" 1 half-past twelve, John Lawrence, thn *or ttle Pasfc Year> in the chair. tH> Mp«^0 Preseat were G. R. Greenow-Relph, i~r°Wn s" A-lfred Evans, Monmouth William well, vr^ose 1?^ 8 °U' near Monmouth James Culverwell, n ^an'^ rm' near Abergavenny J. Denston, St. n Q??'r Monmouth; Thomas Edwards, T?^ r aS^an E. Evans, Sken frith Robert ^eonv 1St, Farm> Abergavenny; J. Frost, j'^rm Monmouth Thomas Ford, Nanty- ^68 u'l' Vn, Crossenny, near Abergavenny ^hel] •» f' he Troy, Monmouth; J. Haynes, Llan- ?Nh. T °"m')uth F. Hale, Mitchel Troy, Mon- l>0rgan IK i le' 1'enblaith, Monmouth; Roger 6 e"> near Abergavenny — Mc Masters, r li0 nm°uth i ;a8lai1; Thomas W. Oakley, Lydart, nagor- T Jol"i Pybus, lion, sec., Llauvihangel, ^efn> Llanarth Henry Pride, The l,nrnouth • w-, ? F°wler B. Price, Newton Lodge, i,antilli0 o J7 "Ham Powell, White House Farm, ?J0ntu Viies 5Aenny, Abergavenny Thomas Pride, :^wcastle °aiHouth E. Roberts, The Grange, E?rt > ll. J. S. Stone, hon. sec., New- a^PlT8' Monm The Uuffryn, Newport; W. VPT, \Vafi°U > J- A. Williams, Monmouth «ias, Dobson's House, near Aberga- e Ch 0111 all l?laT1' *n opening the business, said they they l„ acquainted with the object for h., e coqvpt,- me^' as most of them had received a i,SlHess ^le meeting. He believed the first j/e CoilIlcil f a be to read and receive the reports of f, neral t)., or the past year—then to transact other ^Ur>cil a ess also to elect new members of the ^theren°,cers- Probably they would at once fnii Stonl aud statement for the past year read. Uo*iuLr011e of the hon. sees., here read the "Th p port issuinor their second Annual Report, Cp V Prol "e members and their friends on the satis- W*K) of the society. During the past year ers have been enrolled, and as there have j to rp It ha ?^'als, the total number of members stands Hon T0rt tW iL 11 a source of satisfaction to the Council Lan»L 0r,i ft., e Right Hon. Lord Tredegar, the Right p o'an, the Hon. Major Morgan, M.P., John lW 4]fVe A. D. Berrington, Esq., J. E. Powles, dm/ e,'lcli L Esq., and Joseph Firbank, Esq., l11î.r¡o- th become life members, and the Council hope d anQ, ,Corriing year to have a large increase of life jj, ^embers for, although much good has been ? Past, the number of members is not sufficient the Council to extend its usefulness by the Xh °f a paid secretary. 0f the e appended statement of accounts shows that it is ttwa 0 utmost importance members should keep up the re- t}je p Payments of their annual subscriptions to enable On iV°uncil to discharge the liabilities incurred in carrying „ Jje affairs of the society. Uj *he Council refer with satisfaction to the various t]je held for discussion during the last year, and to ? interest evinced by the members in the various brought forward for discussion, particularly byjy- 'Local Taxation," which was so ably undertaken h^a r" Stratton, at the last annual meeting, and which tha^ ^°^ucu(l such good effects. They earnestly hope ^Ow'P^1011 suc^ c'eep importance will soon be Tl! ore Parliament. have to accord their best thanks to John landau8 I-' t^eir retiring president, for his personal a.n^ kind attention to the interests of the the past two years; also to Messrs. G. S R. Stratton, Fowler B. Price, Wm. Stone, for attending the meetings of the h ''t '!)&• er London. They feel also they cannot i y acknowledging the valuable services of the 1 ^'lino. n!"163' who have° been at so much trouble in aactine ?,the ™any meetings of the Chamber and con- the affairs of the society. "JOHN LAWRENCE, President. Tho 4. T QcfUS' 1 Hon. Sees. he statement of „ J" S" St°ne> ) *^a'ance of f acc°unt for the year showed that a ^\fr°m 1863. UaJ0ur of the Chamber had been brought itor.j^emhers' subsoT.;11?-01116 ^roul life members' donations, future duringtei1011? ha(i been ^57 los.-The ex- a balance of jf] amounted to = £ 7116s. 9d.—■ Ahe Chairman S;>q 8" 9^- (i,ie to the Secretaries. He woi?n remai'k, thenf any gentlemen wished t0 i l ilCa11 their attoi,T'°Ul 'je the proper tim that, £ •>- ^P^Ptions, wv",f0I> to the amount of pro- TvouTfi V s- °nJy had v>1C Was 15s., and out of fZit, if rec'ired- Now perhaps it EUA Mcre'wS THW0°H 'M s UnPair] ihe consequenceof leaving ii a ly iilclebter) + at at that moment they were fr7 hM eouternlf0 se^etaries. He believed etaries—.a„ the appointment tof local se- ^Qtleiiie,, J H. he different localities, certain ii» .? om would, be agreeable, would Sttxall n themselves the duty of receiving those Oj. | Subscriptions. The Chairman here named one Ca ^9 gentlemen who had promised to act in that "apacity. Their names appear underneath. He iw submit to them the statement of accounts and ef.0rt just read. te Was at once unanimously resolved that the ^°pt s^a^emea^ accoullts be received and f°^e Chairman said the next duty they had to per- yejlr Would be to appoint the officers for the ensuing tif^t' thought the regular course was, in the possible^'t° ProPose a president. He had the greatest C°Hd n ?[easurc Proposing one to them and he *ble t„ °.iUt ^eel that his name would be so accept- Chairman) em' ,^at they would join with him (the nanie V,0 ^Iv^nS that name a unanimous election, his excell6 WaS about to submit to them, was that (Cheers,) -tlf" "eighbour and friend Mr.Relph- ltl that or anv^n+v^°m a more a^le man did not exist 8Ure upon Mt° pT c°unty. (Hear, hear,) He was could no*, f Ph's activity in the county, too JV*, that he (fi Said. His abilities were so well hav he took tu ^hiarman) was perfectly satisfied a most able ffi P0sition of president, they would »nd °+] Pro,fote °Ik0r' whose constant anxiety would don y need n interests of their Chamber; ai e ,lu the boof 0t doubt that his duties would be thr^v.y ,been of possible manner. Major Relph had e Pr°Uiinen^. Rreat service to that society, aud °UM ena^je .Position he would henceforward take -h^refore he V01,^0 be °f more service than hitherto *Ph as thei 1 §reat pleasure in proposing Mr. Air. David jPres^ent for the ensuing year. (Cheers.) the motion 'uvrence had much pleasure in seconding fitness f Was *lu^e needless to comment upon aU atrree^ gentleman proposed as they would t° 0C;U1 w[th him, that Mr. Relph was the best man f y that position. aPplau^()^10n WaS Pu^ t° the meeting and carried with desf ^°r h^el]>h could assure them it was his earnest I t]j that Mr. Lawrence should have continued in did +i r 116 tbtiU occupied. They must all feel as he siti iiiiportance of having a gentleman in that po- CuuU w'ho, whilst intimately connected with agri- turiUre' Was a^so closely connected with the manufac- lnterests of the county. There was one sub- oc^eh had been alluded to in the report that ^as th attention of most of them, and that fectly \Vp|? estion of Local Taxation. They knew per- oral i)a+ there was a feeling among the agricul- dealt t^le community that they were unfairly i^artily 111 that matter of Local Taxation, and he ^ldTeed with them that they were. (Cheers.) j impossible to find a gentleman so closely Terence ,Wl^h the two interests in the county as Mr. **Py the lj'n^.d for several reasons he ought still tooc- tlie'tion of Chairman. He (the speaker) felt c°uld 0, [eat compliment they had paid him, and ^^ting J 1Jy say that no effort on his part should be ^aint)er Promote the objects and interests of the was very glad to find that, although 8°ing t0 ,ence was retiring from the chair, he was not the eils • ePrive them of his useful services during I,reaifietli11^ year,but would take the position of aVice- Pr°posir r,e (Major Relph) had much pleasure in Vk 1 Tg"7ThTe Hon. G. C. Morgan, M. P., Tredegar rington Vj, Esq., The Hendre; A. D. Bcr- ^PstovTSq-PaTnt?goitTre Heury Clay. iun"> Esq., Vice.p a John Lawrence, Esq., Crick House, satisfie(l ,fesidents for the ensuing year and he felt D°t sel t±lat, in their respective localities, they could Mentioned better mer. than the names he had just Pr^r<watt £ n> in seconding those gentlemen as Vice- and d /^S, thought they were all most excellent men, theAo- not their services would be a benefit to The ]°Clatl0n" carnallS^ bav'ug been submitted to the meeting, was The oTth aec^amation. electilj £ ?airman said the next duty would be that of ^as sim^rt^i 8ent^emen as honorary secretaries, and he Submit f rf, y sorry, in proposing the names he had to Payttent°f .that thej- had no funds applicable to meet" 0r.^le^r services yet he could assure the l^rious Z duties those gentlemen performed in ^°ndered Were very considerable. He had often Piedj an J ^hen looking at the amount of time occu- ^Uie and + se^"denial exercised in giving up that ^.Pr0P0sinte^104nT^Urio g the pa3t year- (Hear> hear-) P°inted bn ,j r* ^tone and Mr. Pybus be re-ap- P^^ence Say* ^rotn having had considerable ex- ? W»e a h them, that their duties had been such that rendo^ Tol!|^no'' Pay them for the services they ?^ed to (Cheers) Still, he believed, they both he hr>i? I ?!.111 those services during the next year, re„ the time would come when the Society guise their services by making them some substantial and satisfactory acknowledgment. At all events, he felt assured they would agree with him in re-appointing Mr. Stone and Mr. Pybus, and giving them the best thanks of the Chamber for their ser- vices during the past year. (Cheers.) The motion was carried unanimously. Major Relph would propose the following gentlemen as Council for the Newport dIstrIct Rev. F. B. Leonard, Penhow; Mr. R. Stratton, The Duffryn, near Newport; Mr. T. F. Edwards, Panteg; Mr. William Fothergill, Tredegar Mr. Charles Duckham, Magor Mr. William Price, Catsash Mr. William Evans, Caerleon; Mr. William Rees, Goldcliff; Mr. George Williams, Penhow Mr. Rees Keene, Pencreeg; Mr. Map- son Williams, Maesglas Mr. J. G. Palling, Castletown Mr. T. Ll. Brewer, Christchurch Mr. John Clarke, New- port Mr. Matthew Ion, Tredegar; Mr. J. R. Lewty, Caerlicken, Penhow, near Newport; Mr. Charles Lyne, R.N., Newport; Mr. William Graham, jun., Newport. —Now, he thought it of great importance to introduce the names of Mr. Lyne and Mr. Graham into the Council at Newport. Nothing would tend more to the power and usefulness of the Chamber of Agriculture than by having the landlords firmly united with the tenants in this movement, because the important questions they had to deal with as much affected the landlords as any one. Get the landlords to attend their meetings they could then sit quietly around the table and discuss their separate interests and have light thrown upon those interests. In Mr. Lyne'and Mr. Graham they had the representatives of two large estates and if those gentlemen tendered that energy and sympathy to the Chamber which they in- variably did to everything else with which they be- came connected, they would be a material addition to the Council for the Newport division. (Cheers.) The proposition was seconded and carried. Mr. J. K. Hale had much pleasure in proposing the following gentlemen for the Monmouth district :— Mr. Henry Dyke, Monmouth; Mr. James Hale, The Troy Mr. McMasters, Raglan Mr. Henry Pride, The Cwm; Mr. J. Haynes, Llanrothell; Ifr. William Brown, Lewston Mr. T. J. A. Williams, Monmouth Mr. T. W. Oakley, Lydart, Monmouth Mr. Fowler B. Price, Newtou Lodge, Monmouth Mr. James Biss, The Bailey Pit, Mon- mouth Mr John Hill, Mayor of Monmouth Mr Thomas Keddle, Penblaith, Monmouth Mr. Alfred Evans, Mon- mouth. He might say Mr. Alfred Evans had kindly consented to act as local secretary for the Monmouth district. (Applause.) Mr. Robert Forrest here called attention to the list just proposed, and before that was put to the meeting he would call attention to the meeting of last year, when it was arranged that not more than twelve should be appointed. By the list just read it was thirteen, and he only wished to draw attention to that. Mr. J. S. Stone said it was perfectly competent for that meeting to adopt even a greater number than thirteen, and called attention to rule 5. The Chairman remarked that Mr. Forrest was per- fectly right. He had a recollection of the arrangement arrived at; but there was nothing inconsistent in what had just been done. The list of thirteen was then seconded and carried. Mr. Robert Forrest proposed the following gentle- men for the Abergavenny district:— Mr. James Culverwell, Penrose Farm Mr. Thomas Edwards, Llanarth Mr. Henry Williams, Llanarth Mr John J ones.Llwynygaer; Mr Thomas Watkins, Llanvair; Mr. Robert Forrest, Llanfoist; Mr. Edmund Herbert, Llansamtftraed; Mr. David Meredith, Cwmyoy • Mr' Peter Morgan, Llanelen Mr. E. P. Morgan, Llantillio Crossenny Mr. W. G. Price, Llancellow House, Pandy Mr. William "Watkins, Wernycwm Mr. Matthew Wat- kins, Abergavenny. —Mr. Culverwell had kindly consented to act as local tary for the district. Mr. Stratton seconded the motion, and thought they were deeply indebted to those gentlemen who had undertaken the arduous duty of local secretaries. The Chairman remarked that he had noticed the attendance at the Abergavenny meetings was invari- ably good. He said it was then his duty to propose the council for the Chepstow division. Before com- pleting his list he might say there was a gentleman present, Captain Fletcher, a most able man; they could not possibly have a more able member of the society. He had not asked Captain Fletcher's per- mission, but lie (the Chairman) hoped he would allow his name to be proposed, and he trusted they would all give him their unanimous support. He would J read the list— Mr. Thomas Dowle, Iftdft Mr. Thomas Woodall, Great Dinham Mr. Valentine Parsons, Slough; Mr. Daniel Baker. Crossway Green Mr. James Till, Caerwent; Mr. Charles Chandler, Hays'gatc Mr. William Pride, Llanvi- hangel, Magor Mr. Herbert Williams. Southbrook Mr. Henry Iliggins, Woolaston Grange; Mr. J. P.James, Chepstow Rev. E. T. Williams, Caldicot; Mr. Samuel Perkins, Mathcrn; Captain J. L. Fletcher, Chepstow. -He might say, Mr. Pybus, one of their honorary secretaries, had consented to act also as local secretary for the purpose of collecting the funds in that district. The list was agreed to Major Relph said it was with pleasure that he pro- posed the Usk division— Mr. Edward Lister, Cefn Ila: Mr. Warren Evans Llandowlas Mr. W. B. Getliing, The Rhadyr Mr John Morgan, Little Mill; Mr. Peter Marfell, Usk Mr. Thomas Derret, Mardy; Mr. William Morgan, Chain Bridge, near Usk; Mr. William Morgan, Hill Farm, Glascoed Mr. Tom Hughes Hallen, Slough. Raglan Mr. Daniel Roberts, Hendre, near Usk Mr. Edward Evans, White Hall, Llantrissent; Mr. John Hill, Llaiicayo; Mr. Hooper, Little Castle Farm. —They were all true and good men, and wel e ever anxious to do all they could for the benefit of the Chamber and he would propose that Mr. Hiil should act as local secretary. This was at once seconded and carried unanimously. Mr. Robert Forrest would propose another member for the Abergavenny division. Each of the lists read had been increased to thirteen, and he thought it would be unfair that their division should have a less number on the Council than any other. The move- ment originated with the Abergavenny district. There- fore he would propose the name of Mr. Matthew Wat- kins. This was seconded by Mr. CulverweH, and carried unanimously. Major Relph said, as it appeared to be the fashion at that meeting to adopt bakers' dozens for each divi- sion, their batch would not be complete at Usk with- out another. He was sure they could not add a better man than Mr. Hooper, of Little Castle farm, who had come to reside amongst them. There was nothing like fresh blood, and he had brought some excellent blood with him. This was seconded and carried unanimously. Major Relph said, as those preliminary matters had been disposed of, he would just refer to the ques- tion of Local Taxation, which had been before the county in every division. It was introduced, as their report had said, by Mr. Stratton some twelvemonths since. He gave the first impetus to it, and they had seen the results. It had told in quarters where they little expected it would. After reference to the action of the Bench at the past Quarter Sessions, and the meetings which had taken place to consider the ques- tion of county expenditure, the speaker remarked that he considered all those matters had grown out of the subject introduced by Mr. Stratton twelve months ago. It was important that the ratepayers of the county should know how the money was expended as well as how it was raised,and that they should have a voice in that expenditure with a view to economy. Eventually, they would, no doubt, have a voice, and he could assure them they had the magistrates with them in doing everything in their power in order to realise that economy. (Loud cheers.) Now, in the va- rious local meetings they had had resolutions proposed and submitted to them. They had been discussed, and one of them was "that the present mode of assessment is a departure from the principles under which the Poor Laws were originally established, and that it would be fair to extend the liability to assess- ment to a large body of persons who now escape all contribution to local rates." Now that and other re- solutions were carried at every one of their meetings, and it was unanimously agreed that in order that the sentiments of that Chamber should be properly made known, those resolutions should be embodied in a pe- tition to be sent to Parliament. That memorial, with their permission, he would now read to them :— To the Honourable the Commons of Great Britain and Ireland in Parliament assembled, the humble Peti- tion, SfC., SHEWETH,—That the unequal pressure of local taxa- tion is severely felt throughout the country. That the present mode of assessment is a departure from the principles under which the Poor Laws wore ori- ginally established. That it would be fair to extend the liability to as- sessment to a large body of persons who now escape all contributions to local rates. Your petitioners therefore pray that the matter should receive the early consideration of your honourable House. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray," &c, --Well, now, on the whole, that was perhaps a satis- factory way of embodying their sentiments, but there was only just one point upon which he would differ. Instead of "a large body of persons who now escape all contributions to local rates," he would rather have re- ferred to a large mass of property. The meaning was precisely the same without being at all invidious. He could only say that if that, their prayer, were given that consideration by the Legislature which they one and all desired, it would be one of the best Valentines issued on that 14th day of February. (Laughter and cheers.) Mr. T. W. Oakley seconded the adoption of the petition. The Chairman, in submitting the memorial to the meeting, said it embodied so entirely the feelings of agriculturists and all persons connected with agricul- ture, that there could not possibly be any objection to its adoption. Mr. Relph had pointed out one or two different points that might probably be ques- tioned, yet, as it merely proposed to apply the resolu- tion to property, instead of persons, possibly Mr. Relph would waive any objection upon that point, and then he trusted it would meet with the unanimous support of the meeting, and that they would after- wards request that the President sign the same on be- half of the meeting. This was at once unanimously agreed to. Mr. Stratton proposed that the memorial just read be signed by the Chairman on behalf of the meeting, and that it be forwarded by the Chairman to Octaviua Morgan, Esq., M.P., with a request that he would present it to the House of Commons at the same time as the petition from the Quarter Sessions, and support the prayer thereof in his place in the House; and that copies of the petition be forwarded to Colonel Poulett Somerset and Sir John Ramsden, with a request that they also support the objects the petitioners have in view. Mr. J. E. Hale seconded the proposition, which was carried by the meeting. Mr. J. S. Stone said he thought they were deeply indebted to the magistrates of the county for the man- ner in which they had taken action in the matter, and adopted a petition to the House of Commons. He therefore thought it was their duty to thank them at that their annual meeting, for the justice they were endeavouring to seek for the ratepayers and he would propose that the thanks of the meeting be given to the magistrates for having, at the last Quarter Ses- sions, so ably illustrated the mode in which local taxa- tion was at present levied, and having unanimously adopted a petition to the House cf. Commons on the subject. (Cheers.) He further thought it was their duty to embody with that resolution a vote of thanks to the various Boards of Guardians who had so ably advocated the same principles. (Cheers.) He would therefore add that thanks be given to them also for having acted in a similar way. Mr. Pybus seconded the motion. The Chairman thought those bodies deserved all that had been said of them, and having put the motion to the meeting, it was carried with applause. The Chairman having reminded those present that the business of the meeting was drawing to a close, and expressing a hope that he should see a full muster up stairs, said it must be a source of the greatest possible gratification to everyone connected with that society to see so excellent a meeting as the one that day. He could assure them he was glad to see the landed interest generally putting their shoulders to the wheel, and taking a warm interest in that Associa- tion. He believed when the society was originated there was a strong feeling among the large landed proprietors that the objects of that society were in some little measure likely to prejudice the feeling be- y tween landlord and tenant he thought, however, that the contrary had been clearly proved. He would read to them a note from Mr. Herbert, of Clytha, a most excellent man in every respect. The speaker here read the letter, which expressed Mr. Herbert's regret at not being able to attend—warmly approving of the object of the Chamber, and expressing a con- viction that the field of taxation should be widened. (Cheers.) It was satisfactory to receive such a letter from Mr. Herbert. It was patent to all that if they were to accomplish any good in the matter they must bestir themselves. They must not look on and give no assistance to the movement. He thought it was the boundeo duty of every man to perform his work in that position in which he had been placed. He was sorry Mr. Herbert was not present. The next business would be to pass a resolution requesting the honorary secretaries to call a meeting of the com- mittee to consider any Bill which might be introduced into Parliament on the subject of local taxation, it not being unlikely that in a few weeks some legislative enactment will have taken place on this subject. It is very desirable that the opinion of the country should be taken on the matter, and therefore they would agree to that request to the secretaries. This was at once seconded and carried unanimously The Chairman then read a letter from Mr. Lyne, in which he said he was requested by their borough msmber, Sir John Ramsden, to say he would be happy to become a life member of their Chamber- applause)—and requesting that Sir John's name be enrolled accordingly. Mr. James M. Bannerman and the Rev. Mr. Meatcham had also become life mem- bers. (Cheers.) Colonel Poulett Somerset, who was unable to attend the meeting, also sent'a communication to Mr. Stone requesting his name to be enrolled as a life member. A letter of apology was also read from Mr. John Roll, of Rockcliffe, who enclosed his subscription, aud regretted liis inability to attend the meeting. Major Relph thought they could not part to par- take of the good things to which their worthy Chair- Just now called attention, without thanking him for his able and excellent services during the time he had been connected with the Chamber They all knew very well that when a society was first orga- nised very much depended on the ability of the Presi- dent of that Society as to how it would get on. They had all seen the way in which Mr. Lawrence had kept them to the business they had met to consider, when they were rambling away to subjects which did not come legitimately before the meeting, and they were much obliged to him for his vigilance and tact in keeping them all right when they were perhaps get- ting astray. (Cheers.) They had all seen how well he had discharged the duties that had devolved upon him, and he (Major Helph) could only say he re- gretted very much he did not continue as their pre- sident. In proposing the thanks of the Chamber to Mr. Lawrence for his past duties, he could not but ex- press a warm hope that they would have him in the office of Vice-President for many years to come. (Cheers.) Mr Culverwell seconded the proposition, expressing a conviction that every member of the Chamber had experienced great pleasure whenever presided over by Mr. Lawrence. (Cheers.) The Chairman, in thanking them for the compli- ment they had passed upon him, could assure the meeting it had been a work of love with him. It had been said he was interested in both the land and also the manufactures of the county, which was perfectly true but he must candidly confess that his heart was more in agriculture than in manufacture. (Cheers.) He hadalways felt the deepest interest in land and farming pursuits generally, and bad often wished it had been his fate to have nothing else to do but the cultivation of the soil. He could assure them also that he had always considered the subject upon which they had met to discuss so fair, so reasonable, a.id Fo just that the little assistance he had been able to render the Society he had given with the greatest pessible plea- sure and he could assure them he looked forward to the usefulness of that society as being much increased under their good friend, the President for the next year, for he knew from his active mind, his active habits, and his desire for his fellow being's good in every position and circumstance- in life, that it would be impossible to have a better man in his place. He could only say in conclusion that he felt deeply in- debted for the compliment which had been paid him by Major Relph and by the meeting, He hoped he should be able to attend all their meetings and make himself as useful as he possibly could. (Cheers.) Mr. Stratton proposed a vote of thanks to the Sec- retaries, Messrs. Stone and Pybus, who were deserv- ing their deepest thanks. Mr. Stone's office was no si- necure it took up much of his time,and he considered it was unfortunate that the Association was not in a position to grant a salary to a clerk, for he could say it at present occupied a great part of the time of Mr. Stone's clerk. He thought by some means they could squeeze out enough money to pay one of their clerks. They could meet the amount perhaps by in- creasing their annual subscriptions (that is, those who felt sufficiently interested in the matter) to one sovereign. For his own part be should only be too delighted to do so, and then they would not be over- taxing Mr. Stone, which at present he considered they were doing. The Chairman had great pleasure in seconding Mr. Stratton's motion,for he felt he could speak with more authority upon the subject than any other individual. The constant attention they (the secretaries) had given to the interests of the Society was beyond all praise. Mr. Stone had been in the habit of meeting him- certainly not less than once a week-during bthe past year, at half-past eight in the morning, and at four o'clock in the afternoon, to discuss the interests of the Society, and his activity and his anxiety to carry on the objects of the Society, were matters upon which he could not say too much. He would entirely agree with Mr. Stratton, and he thought the day was not far distant when they would pay their Secretary. He begged to second the motion. (Applause.) Mr. Stone returned thanks, remarking that he could truly say with Mr. Lawrence that it had been a labour of love. THE DINNER. The chair was occupied by John Lawrence, Esq., supported by the President-elect (Major Relph), Mr. Fowler Price, Captain Fletcher, and Mr. David Law- rence the vice-chair being filled by T. W. Oak- ley, Esq. Altogether about eighty persons sat down, and amougst them were those whose names appear above. After the removal of the cloth, the Chairman gave The Health of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen," which was drunk with applause. In proposing the health of the Lord-Lieutenant of the county, the Duke of Beaufort," the Chairman said he had -the pleasure of being in his neighbourhood a few days since, and he could not but consider that they were a very fortunate people in having such a Lord-Lieutenant. Whilst there, it was his pleasure to observe the popularity of his Grace, and the cheerful- ness of every countenance, whether rich or poor, high or low. He was a most excellent and liberal landlord, and he believed a more kind-hearted man did not exist. (Loud and prolonged cheering.) The Chairman said they had met that day with a view to discussing a very important and useful sub- ject, and that subject was a substitute for the Turn- pike Trust. He believed it was perfectly well under- stood that the Legislature had decided that the Turn- pike Trust system should not exist when the debts which at present existed were satisfied. It would then devolve, no doubt, on the parishes to maintain the turnpike-roads which pass through them. In some districts that would be a very onerous duty, and an j extremely expensive one and he must confess he felt, for one, that if that was the system which was to pre- vail, or to be tolerated by law, it would become so oppressive in some districts, that they would not be able to maintain their rights at all. At all events, he looked forward with some apprehension to the condi- tion of the roads under such circumstances for he could not but think that a good road was of more value to a farm than almost anything he could con- ceive. He thought a farm with a bad approach to it was dear at any price. He therefore looked upon this as a most important object in connection with land and he felt sure there would be some legislative mea- sure upon the subject. Now he thought it was a fair question for consideration, as to whether that was the right time to discuss the subject, because some people would say "let us have some Government measure before us let us see what they are going to do for us, and then we can discuss the subject." But, upon redection, he thought it would be judicious to discuss the subject before hand, in order to give the Ministry to understand what their feeling was upon those mat- ters, not that the Ministry were going to read in de- tail what might occur there that day,—(Laughter,)— but he had no doubt that the observations and reflec- tions passed that day, would reach the ears of some who would have to do with a bill on the subject, and would have its influence and prove to be of some good, according to the judgment they displayed in discussing it. He was sure they would hear something from his O'ood friend on the right, Major Relph, who spoke so clearly and well upon all subjects. (Cheers.) He had c no doubt he would do so that afternoon. He trusted every person who had anything to say, would get up and express his opinions on the subject. He believed he was light in saying that the law, as it existed at present, would have the effect of throwing the turn- pike gates, when they got out of debt, upon the pa- rishes an(l the parishes would have to maintain those roads, which were at present maintained by turnpike tolls. He c >uld tell them of one in the district of Newport, where he was a commissioner, and took a very active part in the roads there. He was sorry he had omitted to bring with him some documents had he brought them, he could inform them to the fraction of a farthing what the roads cost there but he be- lieved he was not far from the mark in saying, that the average cost in the Newport Trust was something like £ 3S per mile but there were roads within a few miles of the town of Newport which cost (he was almost afraid to say) but he thought some- thing like £ 400 per mile. If the Turupike Trust ceased, those parishes would have to bear the entire maintenance of such roads, and the ex- pence would be so serious as to interfere most ma- terially with the value of property. Now, lie coul.. not think that an equitable system. The sub- ject, however, would be enlarged upon; and he had no doubt excellent practical observations would be made that afternoon. Plain simple facts, spoken in plain words, were generally conclusive. (Cheers.) Captain Fletcher having been called upon to address the meeting, after a few remarks upon the extent of his experience, said the maintenance of turnpike-roads was a broad question, and any person who had watched it as it had come before the various Cham- bers would observe that as yet few of them had come to any satisfactory conclusion upon it. There had been many points raised and many suggestions but he thought he was correct in saying that in no county had the Chambers been able to arrive at any satisfac- tory conclusion upon the question before them. That being the case he would ask them whether it did not leave room for them to look back and ask themselves what was really the nature of the question before them. Then he thought that would bring them to the point as to the area on which the rate was levied. Now in dealing with such a matter had they not better confine themselves to the broad question, namely, the rateable area. The speaker then pro- ceeded to notice at great leugth the cases of certain classes of persons and property that were not fairly taxed. He remarked that when they went into the question. vi tuii»Fiive-roaas, wn^tliei tkoy .1.. 0 matter of per centage or of inland revenue—a matter of income tax or anything in that way-he hope l that and other Chambers of Agriculture would see that the great point, after all, was the establishment of a large rateable area. He trusted they would see to that (Cheers.) Mr. Alfred Evans quite agreed with what Captain Fletcher had said with regard to the rateable area, and that it should be extended to a large body of persons who at present escaped, and consistently with the rights of the various persons interested but he could not agree that the time had not come for action. Referring to the question of local taxation, he said it was being strongly taken in hand by the Central Chamber, and the Chambers of Agriculture, and would strongly bear upon the present question. As to turnpike-roads, he might say that many who did not belong to the neighbourhood of Monmouth were perhaps not aware that at the present moment, prac- tically speaking, they were in the same position as if the turnpike-roads were taken off altogether. At the present moment all parishes were paying heavily to- wards the maintenance of the turnpike-roads Under the present Turnpike Act, whenever the tolls were not, sulncient for the maintenance of the roads the parishes through which they passed had to supply the deficit. Now, he would just point out to them an instance, because he thought it was admitted generally that it would never be just that the maintenance of turnpike-roads should be entirely borne by the parish through which it passed. He would take the parish 0 xtcheltroy. That parish had no less than six and a half miles of turnpike roads, and four aud a half miles of highways the rateable value was £ 2,359, the contribution for the present year was £ 105 10s. that was to say, lid. in the pound. He would venture to say the parish of Mitcheltroy did not gain any material good by the turnpike-road passing through it. It was the high road between the town of Usk and Monmouth, and Abergavenny and Monmouth, and the places that were benefitted by it were Raglan, Usk, Aberga- venny, and places in those directions. Now he would tell them what Monmouth paid towards it. Their contribution was £ 135,and the rateable value £ 15,270; and so the contribution to the turnpike roads was about twopence in the pound, and Mitcheltroy paid elevenpence in the pound and gained no ad- vantage from it. The speaker continued at some length upon this point, instancing the advantages and disadvantages of other paiislies. He only produced those instances to show the unfairness of allowing the system to remain as at present. In mony places the turnpike roads were competent to support them- selves, but it was not so in their neighbourhood, where the present system was a cause of much discontent. With respect to turnpike trusts, it was pretty well expected that as soon as they were done away with the toll gates would be swept away. Now there could not be the slightest doubt but that that was a matter of personal convenience, for to persons who were in the habit of using the roads toll gates were a great inconvenience. He had heard one thing, and that was, that persons using the roads were really those who ought to pay something towards them, and that persons who should contribute would pay nothing. Now he was not one of the advocates for keeping up turnpike gates, because he thought they were a considerable inconvenience but he thought everyone using a vehicle to go on the road should pay a tax on such vehicle, which might be called a Highway tax, and which should go in part to the support of the Highways. He did not see why those who used the roads should not pay some appreciable portion to- I wards their support. These were simply his own ideas, and were thrown out for future discussion he thought it might be very fairly divided into four things-by contributions from the Consolidated Fund (hear, hear)—and from the County rate—a tax upon vehicles, and a tax upon parishes as well as the County. (Loud cheers.) Mr. Oakley, as an unfortunate resident in the pa- rish of Mitcheltroy, could bear testimony to the re- marks of the previous speaker as to the present sys- tem. After reciting the history and working of the SouthWales Act,besaid that, although he would quite agree that those who used the road should pay for them—yet, until the debt was paid, he did not know a fairer system than by obtaining a revenue partly through the aid of the turnpike, and the difference made up by an equal county rate he thought that a fair system. (Hear, hear.) In Ireland he believed the roads were maintained by a county rate, and were kept in good order. He did not believe that levying a rate on horses and carriages would be practicable. Major Relph, who was received with loud cheering, said he thought they should go back and look at the position of roads when they were first made, and they would find they were not what they were at present. At the time they were made they were imperial roads -necessary for the business of the State to be carried on and it was quite an exceptional circumstance that they served the localities over which they passed. They had, however, branches running into them, and it was quite right they should pay to the services of the great arteries of the country through which they passed. But in the present day the county did not want the turnpike roads. All traffic went by railway -all their armies were transported by railway, and all materials by railway and their roads gradually dropped into parish roads, but with the misfortune that the highways had tolls, which the parish had not. Now he came to the views proposed by Captain Fletcher. They had to look as to how they were to be maintained at the same time they must remember there were heavy debts upon them and before turn- pike roads were abolished they must hit upon some scheme to meet the debts. Mr. Alfred Evans had told them that where a Trust could not maintain the roads the ratepayers of the parish must pay the remainder, whilst at the same time the parishioner had to pay the tolls on passing those gates. Now could the county have a greater grievance than that ? They must remember also that they had creditors on those roads, and the first duty imposed on the Trus- tees was to pay interest on the debt on those roads. After a brief reference to the South Wales Act, the speaker said that when the turnpike roads were abo- lished he thought a part of the debt should be borne by Government and a part by the parish through which the road ran. That the Turnpike Trusts would be abolished there could be little doubt. Then the question was. how were the roads to be maintained ? Certainly not by the parishes nor was it likely sueh a course would be adopted by the county. What then should be the area ? He considered they should not limit themselves as to area. He had drawn up a I resolution which, with permission from the Chairman, he would read. He trusted it would be expressive of the feeling of the meeting :— That if turnpikes be abolished, they ought in the same county to be all simultaneously abolished, and their main- tenance provided for by a rate levied on a district, and not on the parishes through which they may run." -That statement was a broad principle whether the district should embrace the whole county, or the hun- dreds into which the county was divided, or the pre- sent highway district, would, however be a question for consideration at a future day. He thought it would be wise, before they considered that question, that they should have the Government measure before them, as they would then see what was suggested, and whether it would meet with their own vitws and wishes. They would then have a text to preach from and when they had that measure, if they took a broad outline, and said that the turnpikes should be abolished simultaneously, and their mainte- nance thrown over a district, and not confined to the parish through which they ran, it would be as much as they could expect for the present. It they went any further they would get from the highway into the ditch. (Laughter.) There was another subject pertinent to the present, and remarkable too. When the question of turnpikes came before the Chamber of Agriculture in Monmouthshire, and at many of their meetings when a discussion took place referring to highways as well as turnpikes, it occurred to him that when a letter came from the Home Secretary to the various Highway Boards throughout the country, ask- ing for the expression of an opinion upon the working of the Highway Act, and to make any suggestions which would tend to facilitate the working of the Act. it would have been a good thing if the Monmouth- shire Chamber of Agriculture could have met and con- sidered how the Highway Acts might be improved, so as to facilitate their working. Those who did not agree with the Highway Act, said it did not work well. In other places the Act had produced sa- tisfactory results, but not in this count}7, and that might be attributed to one reason, from the circum- stances of their being forced on the county against the express will of the farmers of the county—(hear, hear, and applause)—and he had had to confess his own wrong doing in that respect, for he was one who advocated' their introduction into the countv. The speaker here read the following suggestion made by a Highway Board in the county :— We think the Highway Acts would be improved, and the management of the highways facilitated, if section 16 of the 25 and 26 Vict., cap. 61, were amended by giving a discretionary power to Highway Boards to divide their district into sub-districts, and appoint an independent sur- veyor to such sub-districts in the place of an assistant surveyor, as provided for in section 16." -The next suggestion was :— And if, in addition to existing provisions, gTeater facilities were afforded for the re-adjustment of highway districts, so that if the Board of the district from which a parish may wish to withdraw, and the Board of the dis- trict to which such parish wishes to be united, consent to such withdrawal and union, there should be no necessity s, to go to Quarter Sessions, excepting for the purpose of having such re-adjustment recorded, and that a certificate signed by the Chairman of the respective Highway Boards should De surncieiitj evidence ot the re-aujii5tn±»ciii; ii<> been made." —At present their districts were formed in such a way that they found they might make a better dis- trict from the various parishes. At present they went to Quarter Sessions to light against prejudice— he was almost going to say ignorance—for the Bench were ignorant of the special circumstances of some parishes. Now it would be known to the ratepayers of any parish whether they would be better in another district, than that in which they were then placed, and if the suggestion were adopted, allilthey would have to do would be to ask the Chairman of Quarter Sessions to sign the certificate. The next suggestion r,9 was :— And if the sanction of Quarter Sessions to the borrowing of money be not rendered unnecessary, that for the purpose of obtaining that sanction, and for the presentation of any certificate, and for any other object or purpose that does not involve a legal argument, the Highway Board may appear at Quarter Sessions by its Chairman or by its Clerk, notwithstanding any rule or order of Quarter Sessions to the contrary." —Now, at present, if they wanted to borrow a certain sum of money, although it might be judicious to lay out that sum, yet they had to ask the Bench, who knew nothing of the circumstances, permission to borrow the money, and they then had to employ a gentleman learned in the law to approach Quarter Sessions. Now, what he had to suggest was this. that the Chairman or Clerk of the Highway Board might go in his ordinary garment to the Quarter Ses- sions, lay the matter before the Bench, and obtain sanction of the Bench to carry it out. He had al- ready given notice that at the next Quarter Sessions he would move that they might appear there by the Chairman or Clerk of a Highway Board. The next suggestion was All the parishes in the the same Highway Districts should be assessed to the poor-rate on the same principle. in order that they may contribute equally to the common charges." — He would say that in the Pontypool Union they were assessed to the full value of their rent, and in Chep- stow there was an allowance of 25 per cent., so that one parish was contributing less than others, and that was not equitable. Then there was the suggestion- The Exchequer Loan Commissioners should be em- powered to advance money to Highway Boards on the security of the parish, to the benefit of which the money will be applied, such loans to be repayable by instalments in not less than seven, and not exceeding fourteen years." —Those Commissioners advanced money at less in- terest than Insurance Companies. Then as to im- provements of highways— The following shall be deemed to be improvements of highways :— "1. The conversion of any road that has not been stoned into a stoned road. 2. The widening of any road the cutting off the cor- ners of any road where land is required to be purchased for that purpose the levelling roads the making any new road and the building and enlarging bridges. 3. The doing of any other work in respect of highways beyond ordinary repairs essential to placing any existing highway in a proper state of repair. The cost of all improvements should be paid, one moiety thereof by owners and one by occupiers. Encroach- ments on highways should be taken out of section 11 of the 11th and 12th Vic., cap. 43 (Jarvis's Act), which limits the time to six months for making complaints." -Nothing could be more just than that ultimately all taxes should fall on the landowner but at present all new taxes for years fell on the tenants, until their rents were adjusted. After reviewing this subject at some length, the speaker referred to encroachments on highways. They knew encroachments were made I by some persons who, when they saw some 30 or 40 perches of land where manure had been placed, said they could see no objection to hedging it in. To remedy this they suggested- Section 49 of the 27 and 28 Vie., cap. 101. should be amended so as to give to a majority of the Highway Board the power of ordering the contribution contemplated by the section." -There was one more suggestion, which had reference .9 to Surveyor's estimates and accounts. It was as follows As the financial year terminates on the 31st of Decem- ber in each year (27 and 28 Vict., cap. 101, sec. 36), it would be very desirable that the year for which the Sur- veyor has to render an estimate of expenditure (sec. 17. 2o and 2b Vict., cap. 61) should embrace the same period that he should preseat his estimate of expenditure for the ensuing year at fhe first meeting of the Highway Board after the 31st day of December in each year." i" Under the present system it is very difficult to satis- factorily compare the actual expenditure with the estimate, owing to the annual account and the annual estimate not covering the same period." —They were told by their friend on the right, who ar§e experience in such matters, that those who kept horses or carriages to use the roads should pay vv"l<l! ex^ra towards the maintenance of them. noTi '+i 6 vvou^ agree with anyone that those who but +h 6 roa4s s^ould pay towards their maintenance usLr th"'Wi° not use them? They were all merchandis??8 w they Sat at L°iile and had their merchandise brought to them, so that if they did not keep a carnage, or a horse, or even a donkey yet they were benefitted by the roads. If thev extended he area of rating, and made them maintainable by a large district, they would contribute whether they kept a horse or not Referring to the wear and tea^ of roads he could tell them of one thing that would wear out roads far more than horses, a°nd that was their beasts travelling. He knew of nothing that would wear out a road sooner than a drove of cattle -there was nothing worse. (Cries of "No no") Well, they thought not, then he would have great pleasure in agreeing to differ with them, but that had been his observation. Major Relph having spoken further upon this point, concluded by proposing the following resolution :— That if turnpikes be abolished, they ought, in the same County, to be all simultaneously abolished, and their maintenance provided for by a rate levied on a district, and not on the parishes through which they may run." (Applause.) Mr. Alfred Evans, Mr. Forrest, and Mr. David Lawrence having expressed their opinions, Mr. Hale spoke at length, and much in the same strain as a previous speaker, as to the injustice of the present system. He thought their ideas should be sent (through resolutions or otherwise) to the Central Chamber, and then their sentiments would go forth into Parliament. Mr. Stratton had much pleasure in seconding Mr. Reiph s proposition. He thought for the present they could do nothing more. (Hear, hear.) With their permission, he would again read it. The speaker after reading the resolution said nothing could be more un- just than that the turhpike gates should be done away with in one p.irt of the county, and not in another. They should be swept away at one time. Mr. Law- rence had sai 1 he did not think the Government would take much notice of the sentiments expressed by them that day perhaps not, but he might say, they had a c member of the ministry among the members of the Central Chamber in London. He might say Mr. Ivnatchbull Hugesson attended one of their late meet- ings in London, and spoke at considerable length. He said it was absurd to suppose that the turnpike roads could be maintained entirely out of the land. He said it was out of all reason. He would not say exactly what the Government were going to do in the matter, but his own opinion was, that the roads should be thrown into districts, somewhat in the same manner in- dicated by Mr.ReIpb,and that there should be a county rate for the support of the main arteries. He further said, that before the question of the highways could be discussed by the ministry, the whole question of local taxation must be mooted, and that question must be settled before going into the other. Now he thought that was a satisfactory assertion for a Cabinet minister to make. He assured them that as soon as they could get the |Irish stew out of the way, they would give their attention to that matter, and he (the speaker) believed, from the hearty way in which Mr Hugesson spoke, that that important member of the Government was determined to do his utmost towards the settlement of the question of local taxation, and support it on a broad and liberal basis. He had great pleasure in supporting the motion proposed by Mr. Relph. (Cheers.) Mr. Fowler Price could remember many years ago when the question was raised of taking up the whole of the roads in London and laying them down with wooden pavements, a meeting was held for the purpose of considering the question, when one gentleman (it was, he believed, attributed to Sidney Smith, as all things were in those days) said, Gentlemen, if all your heads were laid together, they would make a most excellent pavement." (Laughter.) He certainly believed no such observation as that he had just quoted would be applied to them, but that all they had said would be read to the purpose. Mr. Evans had proposed that there should be tax on all vehicles, but how could they be taxed accurately. Tlity could not tax the coster-monger who went with his wife to the Derby the same as a timber waggon whicn cut up the road even worse than a herd of cattle. Now he thought they should await andsee what was the ac- tion of the Government, for his opinion had always been that it was wholly and solely a matter for Govern- ment. He thought the Government was bound to contribute towards the support of the roads of the country. There was also one other great interest that benefitted by the roads, and that was the Railway Companies themselves, and he thought whatever charge was to he put on any other branch of industry, the Railway Companies should contribute largely. struck him that if impressed stamp upon every railway ticket beyond a shilling would be a large sum, of tlieVurnpfke"roads.* "(Cheers.war''s THE °SUD^ The Chairman said they had had several schemes before them as to the best mode of substituting the present system of maintaining the turnpike-roads when the toll system was abolished. Mr. Evans had opened the ball, but he rather agreed with Mr. Price and others in what they had said. The principle of the extension of area was so sound that it was im- ( possible to dispute it. He never could comprehend the idea of a boundary to a parish, there really seemed to be no meaning int whatever, except a certain free- hold interest which the clergy had. Now he would admit that there was some meaning in the boundary of a county, that, indeed, was a reasonable and sensi- ble boundary—first of all they had the Lord Lieu- tenant of the county to preside over them. and then again the members of Parliament, but really as far the boundary of parishes went, he could never understand the reason why any particular boundary to a parish should exisi. He hoped the day was not far distant when the boundary system of parishes would be totally extinct, and then that unfortunate parish already described (Mitcheltroy) would no longer exist. Mr. Evans Then will you do away with the local management ? The Chairman would not say that, because he thought local management was desirable, but he did not think it should be confined to a parish which really had no meaning. He thought it would be a great step, if the proposition submitted by their worthy President were carried that evening, because he con- sidered it would have great weight hereafter. Let the area be extended over the whole county whenever the trusts were abolished. He was quite sure they must all feel that whenever that took place it would be wise and just that that abolition should take place through. out the whole country. The proposition was then carried with acclamation. A hearty vote of thanks, which closed the meeting, was accorded to the Chairman, who left the room amid great cheeirng.