Abergavenny Chronicle

I Abergavenny Board of Guardians. The fortnightly meeting was held to-day. Present Rev. S. R. Young, chairman Rev. Father Wray, vice-chairman Rev. J. W. Osman, Rev. D. E. Hughes, Rev. J. W. Trumper, Mrs. Church, Major Williams, Messrs.gW. E. Matthews,. David James, Thomas Amyes, B. Price, Alfred Edwards, Charles Thomas, William Biggs, John Baynam, Wm. Williams (Cwmyoy), Morgan W. David, D. Watkins, W. G. Harris, George Spencer. TRAMPS. I It was reported that 334 vagrants had been relieved at the lodging houses, and 275 at the Workhouse during the past fortnight. There I were 32 children in the Workhouse. THE BOILERS. I The report of the Committee recommending the adoption of the specification relating to the fixing of two boilers and making certain steam communications with the vagrant wards and the laundry, was read, and the Chairman, in moving its adoption, referred to the economy which was likely to be effected by the introduction of the scheme, and certain figures were submitted from which it would appear that there would be a saving. He proposed, and the Rev. Mr. Trumper seconded, the adoption of the report. The Vice-Chairman said the outlay would be considerable, and he deprecated the spending of any large amount in the present position of the Poor Law Guardians, and referred to the recom- mendations in the report of the Royal Com- mission. The old age pensions would have the effect of keeping people out of Ithe workhouses and asylums. He thought that the Poor Law Inspector meant a very small matter—just the repair of the present boiler which was in working now, although it was said that a new boiler was needed twelve years ago. No one would think of putting £ 500 on the rates in the moribund state in which Boards of Guardians were. They ought to know as nearly as possible the cost that this work would entail. Major Williams strongly insisted that they ought to defer the matter until Mr. Burns had introduced his measure relating to the relief of the poor, and proposed an amendment to that effect. Rev. Mr. Trumper said they might wait till doomsday. Mr. Alfred Edwards seconded. He said it was at first intended only to spend a small sum on the present boiler. The amendment was lost by five to four. Mr. W. E. Matthews said that a certain sum of money had been earmarked for this work. The Clerk said £ 550 had been provided in the estimates. Mr. Edwards urged that they ought to know the probable cost. Mr. W. M. David supported the proposition to have new boilers. It would be most econom- ical in every way. The Clerk said that obtaining tenders would not bind them to spend any money. After some further discussion, a further amendment was proposed by Mr. Matthews, and seconded by Mr. Charles Thomas, that the matter be deferred to the next meeting, and that the Vulcan Boiler Co. (who had prepared the specification) should be asked to give an estimate of the cost of the work proposed to be done. This was carried ucm. rfis. AL

FATAL ACCIDENT. I An inquest was held on Wednesday at the Police Station, before Mr. J. B. Walford, coroner, as to the cause of death of John Jenkins, aged 53 years, a carter, occasionally employed by Mr. F. C. Lowe. Mr. Cunliffe watched the case for the widow, and Mr. J. G. Bishop for the employer. Mrs. Elizabeth Caroline Jenkins said that the deceased was her husband, and at the time of his death was working for Mr. Lowe. He was well used to horses. He was taken to the Cottage Hospital on the 24th of April, and died there on the 3rd of May. He had had no conversation with her on the subject of the accident. Wm. Lane said he was working at The Hill, the residence of Mr. E. P. Martin, on the 24th April, at about 3 p.m., and was helping John Jenkins, who was in charge of a dray and a pair of horses, with a load of ironmongery— about 32cwt.—for a hay barn. He had to block the wheel on going up the pitch, to rest the horses. There was a sharp rise towards the end of the road on the trun oh" from the drive to the stable, and witness went to get a second block for the wheels when he heard the deceased exclaim Oh dear, she has kicked me come here quick!" Witness ran to his assistance and found him leaning heavily on the shaft of the dray. He helped him round and laid him on the bed of the dray when he said, I cut her, but ought to have known better," referring to the mare which had kicked him. Witness told his little boy to go on his bicycle and get a cab for Jenkins. Mr. Martin telephoned at once for Dr. W. D. Steel. Witness had accompanied the deceased all the way from town, and the horses had behaved properly, except when taking up the first load the deceased touched the mare up and she kicked. Dr. W. D. Steel said that he was called to the deceased and found him lying on the waggon, and very much collapsed. He had a bad wound over the knee. He was conveyed to the Cottage Hospital, where witness attended him up to the time of his death. There were two bad cuts, about five or six inches, across the I -4-AA.1: 4-1- n.J C'rtC'h'f"Y Knee, one CMtUUliig LU mc juiut aim omcioAHAig the knee-cap and opening the knee joint below. He suffered much from shock. It was a very difficult case to deal with the deceased had several small nstllles on his hands, and his blood was in a very bad condition. Blood poisoning supervened, and the man died from the injuries, accelerated by his state of health and his alco- holic condition. On the fourth day delirium tremens set in, and it became necessary to have an attendant from the asylum. He became very violent, and succumbed to his injuries on the 3rd inst. Mr. F. C. Lowe said the deceased had worked for him off and on for several years. He under- stood horses perfectly well, and knew the ways of the mare in question. He had driven on two or three occasions, and no driver of that mare was ever supplied with whip or stick. The mare was a good, willing worker, aged nine or ten years, but if touched roughly on the hinder parts would kick. Deceased knew this perfectly well. Mr. Bishop said that the employer was in sympathy with the widow in her distress. The jury, after a short retirement, returned a verdict of Accidental death," exonerating Mr. Lowe from any blame in the matter, and re- marking that the deceased showed his knowledge of the mare by his remark that he had cut her but ought to have known better.

ACCIDENT TO A MASON. i Some workmen were, on Sunday last, placing a steel girder in position in the repairing of one of the railway bridges at Brecon Road Station, Abergavenny, when the hook of the chain used in raising the last plate (which weighed about two tons) snapped, and the plate fell upon the left leg of William Davies, a mason, badly fracturing both bones. Drs. Steel and Foley were soon in attendance, and the unfortunate man was conveyed to the Victoria Cottage Hospital, where it was found necessary to ampu- tate the limb above the knee. Davies is a married man, aged 42, and showed great forti- tude, giving his fellow workmen directions as to the removing of the plate while his leg was pinned to the ground. On inquiry this morning the patient was said to be progressing favourably.

ABERGAVENNY ASYLUM. At a meeting of the Committee on Thursday last, tenders were opened for the reconstruction of the hpper floors, fireproof exits, new bath houses, &c., with the following result:—W. J. Bloxham, Banbury, £ 16,500 H. Smith, Kidder- minster, 15, 7 2 8 G. Long & Co., Ltd., Bath, £ 15,490; J. Jenkins, Ltd., Newport, £ 15,125 Watkin Williams, Cardiff, £ 14,990; J. G. Thomas & Sons, Abergavenny, £ 14,4^2 Hay- ward & Wooster, Bath, £ 13,969 I T. Broad, Ltd., Great Malvern, £ 13,739 A. J. Colborne, Swindon, LI .3,59) 145. The tender of Messrs. T. Broad Ltd. was ultimately accepted, and the work, which will take two years to execute, will be commenced at once, and carried out under the supervision of the arc :tect, Mr. E. A. I Johnson, F.R.I.B.A., Aberg; nny.

WE undertake all C de and Motor VV Repairs, and Gi irantee satis- faction. Let us have your Cycle for Enamelling and Plating. The Aberga- venny Cycle Co. (next ',)or to the Post Office), 53, Cross-street, Abergavenny.

CrickhoweSI Board of Guardians. Mr. Richard Morgan presided at the fort- nightly meeting of this Board on Monday, when there were present: Messrs. G. James, W. Rosser, Titus Phillips, T. M- Jenkins, Joseph Williams, James Bloor, Josiah Phillips, Walter Williams, W. Watkins, J. T. Roderick, A. J. Markall, Enoch Williams, Seth Puddle, J. E. I Williams, S. H. Cowper Coles, A. Beckwith, and the Rev. W. H. Sinnett. TIIE HOUSE FULL. Mr. Cowper Coles, who acted as clerk in the absence of Mr. Blennerhassett, read an entry by the Master in the Master's Journal, asking that the Board revert to the old system of an industrial trainer and general servant to the Master. At present there were 21 children on the house, and it was impossible to continue the new system. Mr. Beckwith drew attention to the report of the Visiting Committee, in which they advised the Board to revert to the old system, and asked if it was necessary for him to give notice of motion in the matter. Mr. W. G. James did not think it was necessary to give notice. He considered that the recom- mendation of the Visiting Committee was sufficient, and he was of opinion that they ought to proceed with the matter at once. Mr. Josiah Phillips said it seemed to him that they were going to have the industrial trainer back after all. The report of the Visiting Committee referred to by Mr. Beckwith was then read by Mr. Cowper Coles. Mr. T. M. Jenkins said they certainly ought to have notice in an important matter of this nature. Mr. James Bloor asked, assuming the Board decided to revert to the old order of things, would the boarding out of the children be dis- continued ? Referring to the number in the house, he said it seemed to him that they were custodians for children belonging to other persons and authorities. Mr. S. H. Cowper Coles pointed out that the (-hildreil'siquarters were now being used for men. It was agreed that Mr. Beckwith should move, at the next meeting of the Board, that an I industrial trainer and servant, as under the old system, should be engaged.

Crickhowell Police Court. I Friday,-before Mr. E. P. Gordon and Dr. I r. E. Hill. ASSAULT.— John Skilling, back of Mount Pleasant, Brynmawr, collier, was charged with stealing a bicycle belonging to George Newton, of Clydach, and also with assaulting him. Mr. D. G. Harris (Messrs. Vaughan & Harris, Bryn- mawr), who appeared to defend, stated that at the last Court defendant, who did not attend, was charged with two other men with stealing Newton's bicycle. The other men, named Pearce and Pritchard and Pritchard, were dis- charged-, and, as the facts in this case were substantially the same, he submitted that, as far as the charge of theft was concerned, there was no case against Skilling. The Bench dismissed the charge of theft. With regard to the assault, it was stated that Skilling knocked Newton down and assaulted him. Mr. E. P. Gordon, in fining defendant £ 3 including costs, said that if defendant could not take liquor without losing his temper, the sooner he became a teetotaller the better. A NEGLECTFUL SON.—Thomas Jones, of Abertillery, labourer, was charged with neglect- ing to maintain his father, who has become chargeable to the Crickhowell Board of Guard- ians. It was stated that defendant, who was summoned on a previous occasion, did not appear, and, as he again ignored the summons, a warrant was issued for his arrest.

BLAENANON. I LECTURE. The Blaenavon Free Church Council held their annual meeting on Monday, and invited the Rev. H. Barlow Williams, of Llandudno, to lecture on The Four Noncon- formists from Home." In the afternoon Mr. Williams preached an excellent sermon to a large congregation. There was only a moderate attendance at the Weslevan Chapel at the evening service. The chair was taken by the president of the Council, the Rev. D. Mourig Jones. After the usual devotional exercises, the Rev. Barrow Williams delivered his address, taking for the four Nonconformists from home the biblical characters of Daniel, Shradrach, Meshach and Abednigo. The lecturer spoke for nearly an hour and a half, and kept his audience intensely interested throughout. The lecture was full of wit and pathos. An appeal was made by the treasurer for assistance, as the Council were in debt to the extent of about £5, through the work which they had done during the past 12 months. PB'TER PAN."—" Peter Pan," who has been delivering speeches at Pontypool and other places in the Eastern Valley, paid a visit to Blaenavon on Saturday evening. He com- menced his usual harangue against the Salvation Armv, but when he stated that he had a cheque in his pocket for £ 100 which had been presented to him by one of the officers of the Army in order to start in business, and to silence his attacks on that body, the crowd called for the production of the cheque. But as it was not produced the crowd assumed a very threatening attitude. The meeting was broken up, and the police had to escort Peter Pan,' who manifested his fear of the crowd, to the bottom of the town and on to the Varteg road. Had it not been for the police,. and an appeal by one of the audience, he would probably have received a very rough handling. BAND or HOPE.—In connection with the Horeb Band of Hope, competitive meeting a was held on Tuesday evening. There was a very good attendance, and some interesting competitions took place. The adjudicators were Music, Messrs. D. J. Morgan and H. Davies recitations. Mrs. W. E. Dash. The winners were as lollows :—Boys' solo, When my final farewell," Master Hadyn Williams girls' solo, I have read of a beautiful city," Miss Madge Williams juvenile recitation, God holds the key," Miss Muriel Williams test, Miss Madge Williams adult recita- tion, 13th Chapter of Corinthians." Mr. Edwin Smith champion solo, Mrs. M. Whit-J tingham prize bag competition, )Irs. Bayliss.

Aberga venny 9 Police Court. Wednesday,-Befole Dr. Williams (in the chair), and Mr. E. Foster. There was no Countv business. BOROUGH BUSINESS. LICENSING. Mr.Cunliffe applied for the temporary transfer the White Horse Hotel from Mr. Jenkin Williams (who has held that house for I z-} years) to Mr. Stephen Edward Salisbury Baker, late of Cwmbran. The application was granted. FIRST OFFEVCE. William Williams, greengrocer, was charged with leaving his horse and cart at such a distance as to be beyond his control. P.C. Macpherson said that at 1.45 p.m. on the 28th ult. he saw defendant's horse and cart standing unattended in North street. The wind lifted the hat of a child near the horse, which became frightened and started to run away. When it had gone about 15 yards witness caught the reins and put the horse back. Defendant was at the back of thl house, out of sight of the horse and cart, serving a customer. Defendant said he had had the horse for eight years, and had never known it to move away while he was serving a customer. In consideration of all the circumstances, defendant was let off on payment of 4s. 6d. costs. SCHOOL CASE. I The case against Henry Burcher, who had been I summoned for neglecting to send two of his I children to school, was adjourned for two months to enable defendant to show that he was I really anxious to comply with the law. Friday, April 31,-Before the Mayor (Major W. Williams), and Mr. E. Foster. HOMESICK. John Moore was brought up in custody, on a warrant, charged that he being the holder of a licence granted under the Penal Servitude Act, and being at large in Great Britain, being about to leave the police district of Pontypool, unlaw- fully did, within a reasonable time, fail to notify such intention to the chief officer of police of that district, stating the place to which he was going. JI JI t: ..I. 1 Supt. Davies sam tnat at aoout 7 o ClOCK on Thursday evening the prisoner came to the Abergavenny Police Station. Witness knew that the man was wanted at Pontypool for not notifying his change of address. Prisoner had. omitted that formality on purpose, he being anxious to get back to prison as he could not get employment. Prisoner had been sentenced at Worcester Assizes on the 12th November, 1906, to three vears' penal servitude for house-breaking and that sentence would expire on the nth of November this year. He was liberated on licence on the 12th of February last. He could not get work at Pontypool, and said that he meant to get back to Worcestershire, to prison. The Bench decided to send prisoner to Usk for one month with hard labour.

MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY I COUNCIL. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Monmouthshire County Council was held on Wednesday, Ald. T. Dutfield, the retiring chairman, presiding at the commencement of the proceedings. There was a fair attendance of members. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. Alderman S. N. Jones, in proposing that the vice-chairman, Alderman P. W. Raffan, be elected to the position of chairman for the ensuing year, said that it was not necessary for him to say but very few words. Alderman Raffan was so well known to the Council and to the county, and his great services to the county to education, and to Council work, were so generally admitted, that it was really unneces- sary for him to say more. He felt sure that the difficult position of the chair would be filled by him with honour to the Council and with credit to himself. (Applause). Alderman D. Jones seconded. Aid. Raffan was elected. ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN. I Ald. Phillips proposed Mr. William Edwards for the vice-chair, and remarked that he had been on the Council so long that they could not fail to recognise his great faithfulness. He had been on many committees from the commence- ment of the Council. Mr. Edwards was a man of leisure, in sound health, and of great ability. (Applause). Mr. h. Forestier-Walker seconded, and Mr. Edwards was elected. COST OF EDUCATION. I Mr. William Lewis referred to the cost of the new school at Middle Rhymney, which worked out at £ 30 a head, and said he questioned whether the Committee was exercising due economy.—Mr. T. J. Price said it was not fair to single out this particular school, as it was a case of an antiquated school, the reconstruc- tion of which involved a much larger cost than the erection of schools in other places. Mr. Forestier-Walker drew attention to the increasing demands of the Board of Education. The amount of money which, for instance, had been spent in Monmouthshire on new desks was something appalling. One remembered the desks one managed to do with in one's youth, and seemed surprised that at the present day it was deemed impossible for a child to grow up healthy or learn properly unless at desks which cost a fabulous sum. The County Council should call the attention of the Board of Educa- tion to the matter, and ask them to moderate their demands, considering the amount of money that was being expended in different ways in the cause of education. The Chairman said that in a general way the increased rate of I J,d. was entirely due to the demands of the Board of Education. The ad- ditional outlay was involved through the new regulations concerning the staffing of schools, and the medical inspection of children. Alderman T. Dutfield said he noticed that the education rate had been raised again. Per- sons among whom he resided were alarmed at the continual increase. They had to contribute to the rates, and got very little for it. Now, the rate was to be raised ] J, d. in the j. He had been asked by his constituents to protest against this increase. Further, he did not believe they were getting value for their money out of what was spent gon education. He would strongly urge the Education Committee to make every effort to bring their rate down to something like reasonable proportions. The Hon. J. M. Rolls said the same thing mentioned by Alderman Dutfield applied all over the county. In his district there were very strong protests against the increase in the educa- tion rate. He thought the time had come when they should set their faces against these harassing demands of the Board of Education. There was a limit to the patience of the ratepayers, and he thought if the education authorities throughout the county were to protest in no uncertain voice, some good would result. Mr. S. Baker concurred. The ratepayers in his constituency were so dissatisfied that they had called a meeting for next week, and had asked him to attend and explain the reason for the increased rate. (Loud laughter). He didn't know what to tell them. (Renewed laughter). But unless something was done soon, the rate- pavers would do something, such as forming a Ratepayers' Association for the county. The Chairman said that one reason for the increased rate was the remarkable birth-rate in the county. They had a larger child population to provide for. pro rata, than any other county. If the Ratepayers' Association referred to by Mr. Baker could mitigate that—(loud laughter, in which the Chairman's concluding remark was in wl-iieh the Chai rir?ail's coiiclu d iil-:?, remar k -,vas COST OF THE COUNTY WATER BILL. In bringing up the report of the Finance Committee at the Monmouthshire County Council meeting on Wednesday, Mr. T. J. Price said it was very satisfactory that there had been no increase in the county rate owing to the amicable arrangement* between the Education Committee and themselves. Through the finances of the two being pooled, it had worked out very satisfactorily indeed, and they had not been compelled to call for an extra rate. They had paid off their debts to the Education Com- mittee. They wanted the rate to remain at is., because in an important county like Monmouth- shire it was desirable that there should be a thousand or two to their credit. Mr. G. H. Nurse seconded the adoption of the report. Aid Daniel asked whether the Council would have a return of the cost of promoting and opposing Parliamentary Bills during the last few years, and what had been the result of their proceedings He believed the expenses had been abnormally heavy, and the results had been comparatively little. Mr. L. Forestier-Walker We cannot judge the result by the expenses, so far as Parlia- entary business is concerned. Ald. S. N. J ones Has this matter of the water been closed ? In reply to a question, Mr. Price said that up to the present accounts for £ 8,682 had been passed. He agreed that the witnesses in the case had been expensive items. Ald. S. N. Jones thought the cost was very large, and he moved that they got a detailed account of the cost. Ald. D. Jones seconded. Mr. T. J. Price VOll authorised this in open Council, and I don't know whether you can make a precedent in asking for these details. Alderman S. N. Jones Have you any reason to object ?—Mr. Price Xot the slightest. Alderman S. N. Jones: because it seems to me you have. Mr. Price I have not but if there is a pre- cedent for this kind of thing let us have it. Sir Henry Mather- Jackson, whether there was a precedent or not, asked whether it was wise that it should be done. When they had Bills in Parliament the only thing to do was to look at the demnition total." The matters had gone before the Finance Committee, and he asked the Council to consider whether it was desirable that a detailed statement should be published. I Alderman Jones said he would not press his resolution. The Clerk said the accounts had all been taxed by the taxing master of the House of Commons. They had been severely taxed,and some had been rejected. Mr. Baldwin Latham's account had not yet been taxed, because it was disputed. Tn reply to Mr. Forestier-Walker, the Clerk said there was no arrangement with that gentle- man as to a fixed charge. Mr. Vorestier-Walker Tt seems rather large. The Chairman (Alderman Raffan) said there was a fixed agreement as to the engineer's first report. He was careful never to give any assurance as to the cost. Alderman S. N. Jones stated that they were assured that the cost of the Bill would not be more than -id.,—at most a id. rate. The Chairman Who gave that assurance ? Alderman Jones I cannot say. We know that witnesses going up on Parliamentary Bills sometimes charge a hundred times more than their services are worth. The Clerk Nothing of that kind has hap- pened here. Alderman Jones assumed that cry member of the Council would nave a rigftt to inspect tne accounts. In reply to Alderman Jones, Mr. Price said that Mr. Baldwin Latham had been paid £ 2,000 out of his account of £ 3,328. He hoped that if a return of the expenses were made it would be first submitted to the Finance Committee. Mr. C A. Willis (Abertillery) moved that a detailed account of the expenses be prepared. When the matter was discussed they were told that the cost would not be more than a half- penny rate. Mr. Hancock seconded. The Chairman stated that it was impossible for anyone to state what the cost of 'a contested Bill would be till they saw the nature of the opposition. He was perfectly certain that no responsible statement was made as to the esti- ,,ar d to the reso- mated cost of the Bill. W ith regard to the reso- lution before them, he had, of course, not the slightest objection to any member of the Council going to the Finance Committee and making an most careful scrutiny to any Bill. He had no objection to that being done but he did ask the Council, in the interests of the gentlemen who acted as witnesses on behalf of the Council, not to print a statement of this kind. With regard to the question of procedure, he was sorry to say there was a precedent. He was con- nected with a Bill with regard to sewers, the main expenses of which could not have been avoided. And yet gentlemen who gave evidence and were paid a guinea a day and railway fare were held up to odium and ridicule throughout the county. Aid. S. X. Jones I was one of the critics. The Chairman thought it would be most monstrously unfair, having asked gentlemen to go to London on their business, and after paying them the minimum rate, to make the matter the subject of criticism throughout the whole county. Mr. W. Lewis (Aberbeeg) thought the publi- cation of the return would allay the suspicion which now existed. It would stop the criticism. He supported the resolution. Alderman Bowen asked what ratepayer would benefit if the return were published. The Chair- man had given everything in detail so far as he could. They cheered the Chairman for the excellent way he had given evidence before the House of Lords Committee. The Council did not know its own mind. Mr. Willis agreed to defer the matter until the next meeting. Mr. T. Dutfield pointed out that the Council only allowed members attending in London £ 1 is. a day, which was barely sufficient to pay their expenses. He knew in some cases he had been out of pocket. It was entirely a mis- apprehension to say that the cost of promoting the Bill woul d I)c el the Bill would be either a halfpenny or a penny in the £ The matter then dropped. 4.

A LLANOVER MYSTERY. I An inquest was held in the Schoolroom at I Llanover, on Tuesday last, as to the cause of death of a man who. up to the present, has not been identified, but who apparently belonged to the labouring class, and whose body was found floating in the Usk at Llanover, on Sunday last, by Leonard Prosser, carter to Messrs. Morgan and Evans, Abergavenny. In reply to the coroner (Mr. Walford), Leonard Prosser said that on Sujiday last, at about 3 o'clock, he was walking alongside the river Usk, at Llanover, when he saw something lodged against a post in the water, which he at first thought was a sheep, but on closer inspection proved to be the back of a man's head. The body was face downwards, and slightly sub- merged. Witness could see that the man was dead, and went and reported his discovery to the Rev. Evan Davies (vicar of Llanover1!. Witness helped to remove the body from the water to the vestry of Llanover Church. It was fully dressed, with the exception of the cap, and appeared to have floated down the river and to have lodged against the post referred to. Dr. W. D. Steel judged the age of the deceased to be from 65 to 70 years. He found the body well nourished, and it had apparently been in the water for about 4>' hours. There were two slight abrasions on the- forehead, but nothing leading witness to suppose violence. He had no doubt, from certain signs, that the man was drowned. Sergt. Powell said that he saw the body in the vestry at 4 p.m. on Sunday. On examination of the body and clothing, he found a wooden pipe, some tobacco, a purse with 110 money in it, and two pocket handkerchiefs. There was nothing by which he could identify the body. Sergt. Ash said that on inquiry it was found that the deceased was not the haulier who had been reported as missing from Abergavenny. The Coroner suggested that with a view to possible identification at some future time, the police should retain possession of the clothing found on the body of the decased. e A verdict of Found drowned was returned -6-

Abergavenny & District Licensed Victuallers' Association. THE EFFECT OF THE BUDGET. I I A large and representative meeting of the Licensed Victuallers of Abergavenny was held at the Old George Hotel, Cross-street, on Wed- nesday, under the presidency of Mr. John Prichard (formerly of the Angel Hotel) for the purpose of discussing the Budget proposals, and other business. The Secretarv, Mr. T. H. Tomkins. said it was time to take some concerted action with regard to the proposals of the Budget, and a discussion ensued, which led to a unanimous agreement as to the future charges for all spirits, so that in future there will be no less quantity than three pennyworth of spirits; and that the special brands be raised from 4d. to Sd. per glass the sixpenny noggin to go up to Sd. and quantities which had been sold for is. to be raised to is. 4d. All bottles of spirits to be raised 6d. on the old prices. It was resolved, on the proposition of Mr. Autv, Railway Hotel, that cards be printed. setting forth the altered prices and explaining to the public that it was the doing of the Govern- ment and not of the Licensed Victuallers, the cards to be hung up in a conspicuous part of the -oremises. The Chairman suggested that the resolution I passed at a former meeting not to have an annual dinner be rescinded, and that at the next annual meeting there should be a dinner to which certain influential speakers should be invited. After a brief discussion, it was unanimously resolved, on the proposition of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Creese, Somerset Inn, that the resolution be I rescinded. It was subsequently resolved that the annual meeting be held on Thursday, the ioth of June, at the Angel Hotel, where a dinner will be provided, and at which Mr. Auty kindly promised the services of his daughter at the pianoforte. Mr. S. E. S. Baker, the new licensee of the White Horse Hotel, was elected a member. It was resolved that the secretary communi- cate with the agent of the North Monmouthshire Conservative Association, expressing regret that up to the present time no candidate has been officially adopted to fight the constituency in the Conservative interests at the next General Election, and urging him to bring the matter before his Council with a view to an early decision. This concluded the business. Tli?is conclu,?cd t'.le ,),a-ness.

JSirtfes, Carriages anb States. MARRIAGES. HARRIS—FRANCIS.—May 5th, at Hanover Chapel, Llanover, Edgar Francis Harris, Typwll Farm, eldest son-of Mr. Francis Harris, Dobson Farm, to Annie Jane, daughter of Mr. Elias Francis, of Highmead, Abergavenny. GET Hl'G-IACI-)ON ALD.-ON May 4th, at Llanelly Church, Breconshire, by the Rev. Robert Macdonald (brother of the bride), assisted by the Rev. George Roberts, the rector of the parish, Edward Lyttleton Gething, of Aberbaiden, Abergavenny, to Edith Campbell, youngest daughter of the late Alexander Mackenzie Macdonald, of Cardiff. DEATHS. I I COOKE.—In affectionate remem- brance of Mary Barbara, the be- loved wife of Rev. T. E. Cozens Cooke, who fell asleep on Sunday, May 2nd, aged 66. So He giveth His beloved sleep." Friends will kindly accept this intimation. H _l I BARON.—On the 3rd inst., Lily Frances, daughter of Joseph Baron, 99, North-street, Abergavenny, aged 3 years. DANIEL.—On April 31st, 1909, at The Paddock, Kibworth Harcourt, Leicester, Newton Charles Daniel, son of the late Charles Daniel, Aber- gavenny.

THANKS. I Mr. J. Baron and Family desire to express their heartfelt thanks for the many tokens of sympathy received.

I Abergavenny Horse Show and Agri- cultural Association. The annual general meeting was held at the Angel Hotel on Tuesday. Present: Mr. Isaac George, Manor House, Llanfihangel Gobion, in the chair Messrs. John Prichard, John Lawson, John Rogers. H. Williams (Red House), Morgan W. David, George Spencer; F. R. Britton. L. J. Morgan, D. M. Storrar, Ivor Marsh, Mr. James I Straker (secretary), and others I ELECTION OF NEW MEMBERS. The new members elected were Mr. Arthur Rogers, on the proposition of Mr. J ohn Prichard, seconded by Mr. L. J. Morgan and Mr. Ivor Marsh, on the proposition of Mr. Morgan W. David, seconded by Mr. John Rogers. ELECTION OF PRESIDENT. It was unanimously resolved to ask Sir Arthur Herbert to act as president lor 1909. ELECTION OF COMMITTEES. All the committees were re-elected cn bloc. Mr. John Prichard said that it was impossible for the Finance Committee to do its work satis- factorily under the present arrangement of holding its meeting on the same day as the Luncheon Committee. The time was much too short. After some discussion, it was resolved that for the future the Luncheon Committee meet on the Tuesday following that on which the Finance Committee is held, so as to have ample time in which to do the work. DIXXER OR LUNCHEON ? It was unanimously resolved to adhere to the plan of having luncheon on the ground in preference to having a dinner at an hotel in the evening after the show, as so few of those interested in the dav's work ever attended the dinners under the old arrangement. SECRETARIFS. Messrs. J ames Straker and Son were unani- mously re-elected secretaries. Mr. F. R. Britton was unanimously re-elected hon. auditor, and Mr. W. J. Williams hon. veterinary surgeon. At the close of the business the Chairman very kindly ofiered five guineas for the Com- mittee to apportion as prizes at this year's show, in the way they might think best, but with the suggestion that it should be to help the poorer class of exhibitor. A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the meeting.

PONTYPOOL GAS AND WATER. BILL BEFORE LORDS COMMITTEE. PROOF UF THE .PREAMBLE. Consideration of the Pontypool Gas and Water Bill was heard on Monday and Tuesday by a Select Committee of the House of Lords, Lord Ribblesdale presiding. Mr. Balfour Browne. K.C., Mr. H. Lloyd, K.C., and Mr. Talbot, K.C., appeared for the promoters, while on behalf of the Monmouthshire County Council (who oppose) Mr. Yesey Knox, K.C., and Mr. R. S. Cleave appeared. Mr. Knox, at the request of the Chairman, gave an outline of his main points for the opponents of the Bill. His clients asked for the insertion of a clause providing for arbitra- tion in the event of the question of the purity of the water being raised. On the question of pressure they asked that in addition to the obligation undertaken by the company there should be a proviso to the effect that the water should be supplied from a source which would give the best available pressure where that could be done at a reasonable cost. There was also a question of the authorised charges for the supply of water to the baths. Mr. J. Davey, manager for Messrs. Hawkesley, the well-known engineers, was recalled for cross- examination by Mr. Yesey Knox. Witness denied that a supply by gravitation would leave some houses without water. III re-examination by Mr. Balfour Brown, wit- ness said the Monmouthshire County Council was not the local authority, but wished to be made so, although Parliament had refused to sanction it on a previous occasion. The pro- moters had agreed with the various local author- ities, and Abersychan District Council was amply protected in the matter of filtration. The County Council, which had nothing to do with. the matter, suggested a clause tolthe effect that the company should supply water from such land as would give the best pressure, etc.. but such a clause was not asked for by the local authorities. In reply to the Chairman, witness said the public was in quite as good a position under the clause dealing with bye-laws as they would be under the clause suggested by the Monmouth- shire County Council. Bristol had similar •bye- law, and he was told by the secretary and manager of the Bristol Water Company that they had the best possible effect in assuring the public on the matter of purity. Mr. Charles Hawkesley, C.E., whose firm has been adviser to the Pontypool Water Company for many years, gave evidence that in his view what was proposed would result in the most thorough filtration. He did not think it necessary to insert a clause giving special powers to the County Council. In his opinion it would be impracticable for a district such as Pontvpool to supply water to the top storey of the highest house. As to bath charges, he considered the maximum charge of 1 2s. and the actual charge of 8s. perfectly reasonable. Following an observation of the chairman, Mr Llovd, K.C., said he had consulted the authorities,, and they assured him that the maximum would be reduced to 10s. The case for the promoters was closed and that of the Monmouthshire County Council opened, the onlv witness being Mr. James Win- stone, of Pontnewynydd. miners' agent, who declared that the supply of water hy the com- pany, both in quality and jn quantity, was un- satisfactory. After hearing cousel, the Committee de- liberated in private, and the Chairman an- nounced that they had found the preamble proved and that the question of clauses would be considered. .A.

CRICKHOWELL. OBITUARY.—We regret to record the death of Mr. Rhvs Davies, of Yedw Farm, Ffwddog, Llangattock, near Crickhowell, on Thursday last. Deceased, who died frcm pneumonia, was well known and highly respected in the district. He was formerly at Merthyr Cynog. The funeral took place at Llangattock Parish Church on Monday, the Rev. Cyril Lewis, curate. officiating. There was a very large and repre- sentative attendance. SALE OF WORK.—A sale of work in aid of the renovation funds of Danycastell C.M. Church, was held at the Percy Davies Institute on Thursday, and was a complete success. Miss Mary Barroll presided at the refreshment stall Mrs. T. Williams at the Dorcas stall; and Mrs. J. J. Watkins at the fancy stall. Other ladies who assisted were Mrs. Thomas Vaughan, Miss Vaughan. Miss Williams (The Hall), Mrs. J. Townsend, Miss Jones (Penydre), &c., &c. Buyers were fairly plentiful, and the goods realised good prices. OBITUARY.—The death occurred last week of Mr. Frederick John Evans, eldest son of Mr. John Evans, ironmonger, High street, who for many years has been the local agent of the Chronicle. Deceased had been ailing for some time. He was in his 40th year. Mr. Fred Evans was at one time a well-known cyclist, and was captain of the Crickhowell Cycling Club for years. He was a very fair long distance rider, and was known to a large circle of cyclists. The funeral took place at the Crickhowell cemetery on Wednesday, and was well attended by relatives and friends. Several wreaths were sent, including a beautiful floral tribute from Mrs. Barneby, of Trewyn House, Pandy, near Abergavenny.

I can cure your ills Nurse C h ec k mate. hefore they come! "Z' iici prcIve 1. Buy "— ?.?W?WK?

Grosmont as a Health Resort To the Editor of the Abergavenny Chronicle." SIR,Now that the little ancient Doraer town of Grosmont has become such a favourite resort of tourists, on account of its castle, church, and surrounding hills, I think the time has arrived when some seats should be provided for the use of visitors. If only the inhabitants can be prevailed upon to take the matter in hand I am sure that good results will follow. Yours faithfully. I PROGRESS.