Abergavenny Chronicle

JOTTINGS FROM THE Y.M.C.A. We have had a good number of strangers in this week, who, in spite of our world-wide repute as the Soldiers' Rest, had never even heard the name of Y.M.C.A. Upon having a look round and seeing what we are doing they were more than pleased, it is needless to say. Our Welsh Class idea is catching on." The difficulty of having a teacher is met by the kind- ness of the Rev. Yorwerth Davies, B.A., B.D., who will commence the class for Welsh scholars on Sunday, Feb. 28th, at 3 p.m. Will those who have not already enrolled their names with the Secretary at the Y.M.C.A. kindly do so as early as possible. By-the-way, some of our English boys desirous of learning Welsh have been hoping that this class would be commenced to teach the Welsh language. The 124th Company concert last Friday evening went off very successfully, and the promoters, not for the first time, were good enough to take up a collection, 50 per cent. of which was given to the Y.M.C.A. funds. We thank them. The programme of our long-looked-forward-to isteddfod is now up, and if the rush of entries will be anything like as great as the curiosity of everyone to see its contents, we shall have to hold an afternoon meeting. Mr. W. Jacobs gave us a much appreciated address last Sunday afternoon, and Sapper Gerald Powell sang a solo which was much enjoyed. ♦

Abergavenny Police Court. I Wednesday, Before Mr. W. L. Thomas (in the I chair), and Mr. Edwin Foster. J Obstructing the Road. I Wm. Randell, engine driver, ot Crickliowell, was summoned for obstructing the Merthyr- road by leaving a loaded waggon unattended at Govilon on the 9th iust. P.C. Oliver said he saw a truck loaded with bricks left on the roadside at the junction of the Blaenavon and the Merthyr roads. It was there from i o'clock until nearly 4 o'clock, and there was no one in attendance. It was left while the men went to Govilon Wharf to load a truck of coal. There was about three yards of road clear. It was market day, and there was a good deal of traffic about. Defendant contended that there was room for two vehicles to pass. The Magistrates' Clerk suggested that de- fendant might have left the waggon by the blacksmith's shop at Govilon without causing any inconvenience. Supt. Davies said that Mr. W. V. Jones, the owner, had called at the Police Station and said he had cautioned defendant about this practice, and also that he had no right to leave the waggon there. The Magistrates' Clerk Did he suggest what the defendant should have done ? Supt. Davies No. The Magistrates' Clerk said that if defendant had taken one load at a time to Crickhowell his employer would not have been satisfied. Defendant was fined 5s., including costs, and the Magistrates' Clerk remarked, You had better talk it over with Mr. Jones, if you have not done so already." The Black Lion Hotel. I J. H. Watkins, solicitor's clerk, and sole -,executor of the late Mrs. Gameson, applied for a order until transfer day for the Black IJon Hotel. He only wanted to carry on the business until he could dispose of it. Supt. Davies, in reply to the Bench, said he had no objection. The only question was as to how long this arrangement was to go on. Mr. Watkins promised to make every effort to dispose of the business as soon as possible. The Bench agreed to grant the protection order in the name of Miss Dew, the barmaid, and the Magistrates' Clerk told applicant that if he could not dispose of the business shortly he had better get in a married couple to manage the house. A Costly Delay. Albert Morgan, haulier, of Abergavenny, wes summoned for driving a coal cart without light on the 1 ith February. He pleaded gifilty, and said he was delayed on the road. He had just returned from hauling to Crickhowell. P.C. Calder said he saw defendant at 8 p.m. on the Brecon road. When asked how it was lie had not got lights, defendant said he did not know he wanted any. He said he had been delayed on the road. Fined 5s., including costs. Locked Up. George Davies, labourer, of Llanvihangel 'Crucorney, was summoned for being drunk and -disorderly on the Monmouth-road on February 6th. Defendant said he was drunk, but not disorderly. He had had too much beer. P.C. Shepston said defendant was incapable of looking after himself. He was committing a nuisance on the Monmouth road. Witness brought him to the police station and locked him up. A fine of 2S. 6d., including costs, was imposed.

JUST RECEIVED—A consignment of Photo. I FTames, in the newest designs.-M. Morgan & Co., Chronicle Oince, Abergavenny. I +

GENEROUS RAILWAYMEN. I CHEQUE FOR 2137 PRESENTED TO MR. E. t. PRtTCHARD. That railwaym'en are generous in giving assistance to their unfortunate fellows has been proved on many occasions, and further evidence of the fact was forthcoming at a smoking concert held at the White Horse Hotel on Saturday evening. The object of the gathering of Railway- men and subscribers was to make a presentation to Mr. Edward Pritchard, for many years a passenger guard on the L. & N. W. Railway, who on July 19th last was knocked down by a motor-car on the Hereford-road, and as the result of his injuries had to have a leg ampu- tated. His fellow-workers at once took steps to show their practical sympathy, and a subscrip- tion list was opened, and was so generously sup- ported by railwaymen and members of the outside public that on Saturday night, the chair- man, Mr. W. Baker (L. & N. W. Stationmaster at Abergavenny Junction) was able to present Mr. Pritehard with a cheque for £ 137 6s. 8d., after some small expenses had been paid. The Chairman, in handing over the cheque, thanked the subscribers for responding so generously and enabling them to provide assistance for Mr. Pritchard wtiich woidd help him over the stile. He had gn-at pleasure in him over the jtile. presenting the cheque, Mr. G. M. Culliinore and others spoke, and expressed their appreciation of the way the movement had been supported and their esteem of the recipient. Mr. Pritclvird, in reply, thanked the sub- scribers for their handsome present. He wished especially to thank the L. & N. W. Rly. Co. for their magnanimous assistance to him in his incapacity. Not only did the directors present him with £ 10, but through Mr. J. A. t'indlay (the district traffic superintendent) they recom- mended that lie be granted an artificiil leg, and he had been promised future employment. (Applause). An interesting and enjoyable musical pro- gramme was gone through durbg the evening, Mr. A. Richards presiding at the piano. Sapper A. Davies gave a number of really excellent imitations 'in his sketch entitled The Farm- yard." He not only gave clever imitations of animals and birds but of many other things, and his performance caused great amusement. Others who contributed to the programme were Guard W. T. Higgs, Guard W. Williams, Messrs. A. Weaver, E. Morris, S. G. Williams (banjo solos), Barber W. Williams, Sapper Bowen Basil Evans and J. Knight. At the close, on the proposition of Mr, I.ewis Davies, a vote of thanks was accorded to the artistes and to the chairman for presiding, and a tribute was paid to Mr. Baker for his work in Connection with the movement.

COMFORTS FOR WELSH TROOPS. I HELP FROM ABERGAVENNY. I At the request of the committee of the I National Fund for Welsh Troops, the Mayor (Alderman Z. Wheatley) convened a meeting of ladies in the Council Chamber on Monday night. The Mayor presided, and was supported by the Mayoress. The Mayor explained that he had received a: letter from the National Fund, asking him and the Mayoress to raise funds towards providing extra comforts for Welsh troops at home and abroad, and detailed the various ways of raising money for that purpose. It was unanimously decided to invite Mrs. Pegler of Rosedale, Brecon-road, to act as hon. secretary. It was also decided that Saturday, February 27th, should be the day specially set apart for house-to-house collections and for the sale of flags throughout the borough and the district surrounding Abergavenny. Various ladies were appointed to take charge of each of the wards of the town, and at Llanfoist, Govilon, Gilwern, Llanwenarth, Llauelly, and Llantilio Pertholey. It was arranged that flag day .should be held on Tuesday, March 2nd. I The Mayor appeals for the unanimous support of the townspeople. The movement is being taken up enthusiastically throughout Wales, and he hopes that it will be as successful at Aber- gavenny.

 1T £ Att<?La?? .?Bk CREAM SEPARATOR. An EXTRA PROFIT Of Is. WEEKLY OD BACH COW is secured by • using the II ALFA LAVAL. 1 Separator, which more butter than any other. CALVES better on separated milk and mnch time and labour is saved. ONE AND A HALF MILLIONS SOIA Fixed in any Dairy on One Month s Free lrisb Agents: DAVIES A JONES, Raglan WorkEs, P aglau. -3. R. BOUNDY, Ironmonger, Abergavtaay.

ONLY S45 IN THE BANK. The monthly meeting of the Abergavenny Rural District Council was held on Tuesday, Mr. Robert Johnson presiding. There were also present Messrs. Edgar W. Lewis (Vice-Chairman) Benjamin Price, Alfred Edwards, Clias. Thomas, John Baynam, Wm. Gwillim, John Iewis, David Edwards, Wm. Biggs, John Jenkins and Edwin Eynon. Infectious Disease. T "-T'f!11 The Sanitary inspector (\lr. A. J. wiucox; reported that during the month he had received four notifications of infectious disease—three of scarlet fever in the same house at Llanfoist, (which had been isolated at home) and one of diphtheria at Llanwenarth Citra, which proved fatal. He had inspected the house, which was in a good sanitary condition, healthy and dry, and all precautions had been taken to prevent the disease spreading. Nothing had been done at Nantymere, Oldcastle, to remedy the defects reported some time ago. The Medical Officer (Dr. E. Y. Steele) said the condition of Nantymere had nothing to do with the case of typhoid which occurred there, but there were certain matters which required attention, and he had written to the agent of the estate asking him to remedy them. He believed the Clerk had also written. The Sanitary Inspector said he was there the previous day, and nothing had been done. The Clerk said it was a farmhouse, and it was a question whether it came within the closing order provisions. The Medical Officer said he would write to the County Medical Officer, seeing that nothing had been done, and ask him what he thought about it. The Medical Officer added that with regard to the case lof.diplitlieria, it had nothing to do with the house. The child had been attending a school in Breconshire, and undoubtedly caught I the diphtheria there. I Short of Money. The Highways Clerk (Mr. J. H. Farquhar) reported that there was only £ 45 in the bank. The Chairman We don't always want to be in low water. The Surveyor said his estimate for stone covered about 3,650 tons. He had had 3,000 tons of this quantity, and there were, therefore, about 600 tons to come in before the end of the financial year. The Chairman It is very awkward not to have any money. The Highways Clerk said they would have to pay that day ^50 or £ 52 for wages. The Chairman We are not likely to get much more money in before the end of March, so that we are in a rather awkward position. The Highways Clerk said there was about £35 outstanding on the calls. Mr. Alfred Edwards asked if there would be any charge for the overdraft. The Chairman No they can't charge us. The Surveyor said they had never previously paid for the steam roller until the end of March, but this year !they had paid every month, and had altogether paid £ 70 or £ 80 which was usually not paid till later. They would have about £ 814 due on the March calls, and as they would not spend more than half of that during the ensuing six months they would have about /400 to commence the new year, which was a fair balance. The Chairman remarked that things would undoubtedly come all right shortly, and the matter dropped. A Stopped Ditch. I Mr. J. E. Breillat, of Great House* Llanarth, wrote that he was surprised at the Clerk's letter of the 20th of January, to be falsely accused of illegally stopping up the ditch through his hedge so that the water off the road could not enter his field. He thought it would not have been out of place if the Surveyor had called on him when he inspected the nuisance then he could have pointed out what he called stopping the ditch. He had only ploughed the head- ridge in the ordinary way, which every farmer did. The Surveyor said the ditch had undoubtedly been stopped up, and when he called a fortnight later the obstruction was still there. He heard that morning that the hole was cleared out. The water would not run away very well when the land was ploughed, and he btlieved the suggestion was being made to the Llanarth Estate that they should put in pipes, but he did not know anything definite about that. The matter was left in abeyance. Delay in Road-rolling. I The Surveyor reported that he had completed the rolling in Grosmont and Llanvihangel Cru- corney, and was starting at Oldcastle. He had not been able to secure a second roller yet, and Mr. Philips wrote that owing to the war and the weather he was not in a position to say when lie would have a roller available. This put them in an awkward position, and the work in the south part of the district must naturally be considerably delayed. The Clerk said that the terms of the contract Avere that Mr. Phillips must provide a second roller within 10 days after notice. On the proposition of Mr. J. Lewis, seconded by Mr. Alfred Edwards, it was decided to inform Mr. Phillips that unless a second roller was forthcoming in ten days the Council would obtain one elsewhere and charge him with any extra cost. The Weather and the Roads. I The Surveyor, in his report, stated that the continuous rain was naturally having a very deteriorating effect on the roads throughout the district. He asked for 500 tons of stone, but this would not have to be paid for until next month. The Council agreed to the ordering of 500 tons more stone. A Good Job. I The Surveyor also reported that he had ob- tained the pipes and had the drain laid in Parsonage-road, Llanddewi Skirrid. The Chairman remarked that he had seen the work. It was a very satisfactory job, and he hoped it would last for generations to come. —

CRICKHOWELL. I HOME FROM THE FRONT.—Pte. Fred Lewis, 1st S.W.B., son of Mr. and Mrs. John Lewis, Bridge-street, Crickhowell, is home for a few weeks from the front. He has been in some of the hardest fighting in the war. ODD['I:I,I,OWS' PATRIOTISM. Twenty-eight members of the Cambrian Lodge of Oddfellows, being about 50 per cent. of the eligible members, are serving with the colours-an excellent record, and one of which the Lodge may well be proud. OBITUARY.—Death is fast removing some of Crickhowell's best-known characters. Last week we referred to the passing away of Richard Brown, collector of ferns and plants and now William Jones, better known as Bill the Marine," has gone over to the great majority. Bill," as he was known to his customers-and they were many-was a familiar figure driving his hawker's cart, sometimes filled with crockery, and sometimes filled with fish. His illness was sharp, and on Monday he was buried in the Crickhowell cemetery. Although rough in manner, William Jones had a kind heart, and many folk will miss him. INTERESTING LETTER FROM EGYPT.—Mr. W. Rumsey, of the Crickhowell Post Office staff, has received a very interesting letter from Sergt. Instructor C. Laughton, vice-captain of the Crickhowell R.F.C., now at Cairo, Egypt, with the East Lancashire Fusiliers. Writing from Heliopolis Camp, Cairo, under date 31st January, he says things are a bit quiet out there, but they are kept on the tip-toe of excitement expecting to nip off to the canal any minute. They keep having a skirmish there occasionally, and there were five fellows wodhded there on Friday, the 29th ult., but it was only an affair of patrols. The Turks, however, he believes, are pretty near. They (Sergt.-Instr. Laughton's regiment) are now under canvas on the desert, and near the New Zealanders. He saw a Rugby football match played by them, and it was very good, con- sidering the heavy going on the sand the score was a try to nil, and a beautiful try it was, right from the base of the scrum. The ball was passed to the right wing tlireequarter, who was just outside his own 25 he passed back to his centre, and it went quickly to the left wing, who cross-kicked the right wing gathered beauti- fully in his stride but got hemmed in, another grand cross-kick and the left wing fielded and raced over like a flash.. It was great. This was their first game in Egypt, but they shaped very well the passing was good and the for- wards keen. He was very glad to be near these fellows they were playing the Australians shortly, and it would be worth watching, as i both sides have All Blacks and Wallabies of touring fame, in their ranks.

I Abergavenny and Pandy Farmers. APPLICATION FOR SALE OF ARMY BROOD I MARES. I COUNTY COUNCIL ASKED TO ECONOMISE. I A joint committee meeting of the Aberga- venny and Pandy branches of the Farmers' I Union was held at the Angel Hotel on Tuesday. Mr. John Rogers, Monachty, presiding. I To Help Horse Breeding. J Mr. Joseph Griffiths (Werngifford) brought I forward the question of making application to the Board of Agriculture to have an auction sale at Abergavenny of brood mares returned from the war. He said he had seen it mentioned in the Mark Lane Express about cast-off mares from the Army being drafted back to England. They were suitable for light-horse breeding, and he thought it would be a wise plan to approach the Board of Agriculture in order to get a batch drafted to Abergavenny. Mr. Montague Harris had written to the War Office about the matter, but he had not received a reply. Probably they might do better by combined action, so that farmers in that district would have an opportunity of buying back the horses the same as they had in other districts. The Chairman said this applied chiefly to mares in foal, which were of no use to the Army. They were being sent to several centres for sale, and they wanted to get a similar sale at Aber- gavenny. There was no doubt that these horses were useful for breeding purposes. There was a feeling that the animals should be sent back to the district that they came from, but he did not suppose that could be done. The idea of the Army authorities was, no doubt, to sell them at the best prices they could. He knew there were only about three places to which bat- ches had been sent. There had been a sale at Cheltenham, and the horses had sold very well. Mr. Joseph Griffiths said lie believed the idea was to get the horses back into the hands of farmers so that they would be useful for breed- ing purposes. There was a scarcity of horses in the agricultural areas. Mr. Evan Griffiths said that of course there was a certain amount of risk in buying these animals. He did not suppose that any guaran- tee would be given with them. On the proposition of Mr. John Baynam, seconded by Mr. George Spencer, it was decided to make application for a sale to be held at Abergavenny. Mr. S. B. Davies (secretary of the Aberga- venny Branch) reported that the Chairman, Vice-Chairman (Mr. Evan Griffiths) and himself had been elected members of the Monmouth- shire Live Stock Committee. Cattle Market Improvements. Mr. S. B. Davies also reported that at the annual meeting the Chairman brought forward the question of getting the auction sales in the Cattle Market held at different times instead of two or three auctioneers selling together. He (the secretary) had written to the Town Council asking them to receive a deputation on the matter. He was told that the Markets Com- mittee would meet the deputation next Tuesday. He had seen the auctioneers, Messrs. Chadwick, Harris, and Wibberley, and they had agreed to attend. He had also asked the Markets Com- mittee to again receive the deputation which waited upon them some time ago in reference to the erection of covered sheds for young stock in the market. After some discussion, the recommendation of the committee with regard to the lattter matter was adopted. This was to the effect that covered sheds be erected over the last row of cattle pens nearest to- the Hereford-road, over the second row of pig pens, and the lean-to roof over the pig pens at the rear of the road fore- man's house, the sheds to have a partition up the middle. Economy Wanted. I The Chairman said it had been suggested that they should approach the County Council and ask them to steady their expenditure till the war was over. He understood there was a lot of money to be spent on a site for a new police station at Abergavenny, and in addition to the site there was the building. This was not the time to spend money, when labour and materials were dearer. There were many people who wanted help and charity. There were the poor Belgians who had had to hurriedly leave their country, and the poor people of France who had been driven from their homes. It was more a time for charity than building, and he thought it was only right that they should ask the County Council to steady their hands. The County Council made heavy demands on them, and they had to smile and pay. Some of them swore and paid. (Laughter). He did not wish to say anything disrespectful of the County Council, but let them get over the war before they talked about building. Mr. Evan Griffiths said they were dealing with rather a wide question in asking the County Council to stay their hands. They were one and all anxious for. economy in every way possible. The mere fact of approaching the County Council on this matter seemed to infer that the County Council were wasting their money. He did not think that that could be brought as a charge against the County Council. Farmers were conservative in their ways in some matters. He remembered very well when the steam rollers were put on the road. They thought it was an awful waste of money to buy steam roller. in the course of time the County Council had proved to be right and the conservative ideas were wrong. He thought they were going to place themselves in an awkward position. On the one hand they were going to ask the Markets Committee to spend money on sheds in the market, and in the same breath they were asking the County Council not to spend money. Any- thing which benefitted themselves they wanted the money of the town to be spent in, but if they thought it did not affect their interests so much they pleaded for economy. The one contra- dicted the other. It did not come with very good grace from them to ask the Town Council to spend money, and on the other hand to ask the County Council not to spend money; A new police station at Abergavenny must be necessary or it would not be contemplated. The present accommodation was not sufficient, or the money would not be spent. Owing to the war there were many people thrown out of employment. He did not know how it affected the building trade, but all building, more or less, at the present time was at a standstill. 1 Possibly the County Council took tne view mat oecause tnere were so many people thrown out of employment now was the opportune time to build. They must remember that the money which was spent would be spread over 60 or 80 years. Mr. Joseph Griffiths I think they want a bit to go on with. (Laughter). Mr. Evan Griffiths said they must look 60 or 80 years ahead. When the war was over there would be an enormous demand for building in Belgium. The police station would have to be rebuilt, and possibly there would be a greater scarcity of workmen in the near future than there was at the present time. He was in full sympathy with the idea of not spending more money than was necessary. The Chairman said that Mr. Griffiths had very properly put forward the other side of the question. He did not charge the County Council with wasting money, and he should not like that expression to go forward. If Mr. Griffiths was going to build a house, he did not think he would start to-morrow. As to the sheds, they had not pressed the Town Council to erect them im- mediately. Mr. Joseph Griffiths said the county demands were going up by leaps and bounds every six months. With regard to the sheds, £20 had been guaranteed towards the cost. The Chairman said it was interesting to com- pare the present rates with the rates of some years ago. There was every prospect that they would be doubled in the near future. Mr. J osepb Griffiths said they must not sit down quietly while the rates were being raised. Mr. Evan Griffiths said they did not do away with the need of a police station by passing a resolution. It would have to be built some time. The Chairman said he thought every public body should pass a resolution on this matter. On the proposition of Mr. John Baynam, seconded by Mr. Robert Williams, it was decided to ask the County Council ot economise where- ever possible. To Help an Unfortunate Farmer. 1 Mr. Joseph Griffiths referred to the ease of Mr. Williams, of Penbiddle, Pandy, who recently lost three cows on the railway. A subscription list had been.opened and headed by Mr. J. B. Walford, on behalf of the Bailey Estate, with £ 5, and also subscribed Li himself. Mr. Griffiths read out a list of subscriptions, and remarked that if anyone would like to give a subscription towards helping Mr. Williams to restore his herd it would be thankfully received. ■ ▲ ■

JUST RECEIVED—A consignment of Photo. Frames, in the newest designs.—M. Morgan & Co., Chronicle Office, Abergavenny.

Wont you please help ty filling one Collecting Book j?  Boo  1\  -Local  S. f 5 collected Irom your friends will Icheer200 Soldiers

Letters from the Firing Line. When I return home I will call and thank you personally. A Tommy writes the following to a kind contributor-the kind of letter YOU may get Although I am a stranger to you, I must write to thank you for the tobacco and cigarettes you have so kindly provided for me. They were all the more welcome as they arrived just at the moment when tobacco was getting scarce. I am not allowed to send any address, but when I return home I will call and thank you personally." From the letter of a Lieut.-Colonel I A great stimulus and encouragement to those at the Front. I beg to acknowledge a letter from Messrs. Martins Ltd. announcing the despatch of one case of cigarettes and tobacco for the men. Not one case but FOUR arrived this morning, and on behalf of what is left of the battalion uflder my command, I desire most warmly to thank the donors for their most kind and thoughtful gift, and yourself for your enter- prise in organising the Fund. The thought so constantly brought home to us that those at home are thinking of us is a great stimulus and encouragement to those at the Front." r I My feelings-when your tobacco was I handed to me." _A"- From a Bandsman somewhere in France: The object of this is to thank you for a packet of tobacco of which you are the sender. I am enjoying a whiff of it at this present moment. I am a stretcher bearer, and have been awfully busy all through last night during a terrific thunderstorm, carrying in wounded men from the firing line and attend- ing to their wounds. This morning, therefore, I was cold, wet, miserable, and out with the first one who might speak to me. My tobacco had run out, as we have been in the firing line for 21 days, so that you can imagine my feelings, being a heavy smoker, when your tobacco was handed to me." I The Laws of Censorship. I Extract from a Commanding Officer's letter to our shippers Several boxes containing parcels for the men of my battalion arrived lately, which we were unable to bring up sooner owing to the fighting in the trenches. I need hardly say that these gifts were very much appreciated by the men, and I should like to take the opportunity of thanking the donors on their behalf for their generosity and kindness. In these parcels I notice a registered post card which you ask the recipient to sign and return, and I am very much afraid that the donor will think either that the parcels have not been received or that our men do not trouble to sign and post these cards." I should, therefore, be most grateful if you would kindly-explain to all our kind friends that the laws of the censorship forbid us send- ing any letters, etc/, in which the name of the Regiment is mentioned. All we can do in the matter is to inform you that a certain box has arrived, and I have informed my Quarter- master to do this, but he can't do more than sign his name (without name of regiment). Being home, I am able to mention my regi- ment, and I take the first opportunity of writing to explain matters, and to thank you and all the kind people for their gifts." I SUBSCRIPTIONS TO TOBACCO FUND. Previously acknowledged £ 98 18 9 This week • • • • • oil o £ 99 9 9 5s. (10 packets) Capt. C. H. Baker (loth contribution). Is. 6d. (3 packets) Mrs. Wotherspoon Miss Wotherspoon. Is. (2 packets) Miss Gardner Miss Boundy. 6d. (I packet) Miss Townshend Mrs. Anne Griffiths. 4.

I Abergavenny "Bantams," Please Note! The War Office having sanctioned the raising of a Bantam Battalion of the 24th Regiment (South Wales Borderers), it was resolved at a meeting of the Army Recruiting Committee, at Abergavenny, held to-day, (Friday) to take the necessary steps towards obtaining recruits for this new battalion, and it is confidently anticipated that with the co-operation and assistance of the Councils of the Urban and Rural Parishes in the district, a substantial number of recruits will be forthcoming, and so maintain the reputation which Abergavenny and neighbourhood has already achieved as a recruiting centre for the war.

BOROUGH THE ARTE. According to present arrangements, the Borough Theatre will be closed next week, re- opening on the following Thursday, Friday,and Saturday with a famous West-End Actor (who is at present playing in London) in the well- known farcical comedy, The Marriage of Kitty A Message from Mars was origin- ally booked for Monday, Tuesday and Wednes- day next week, but the support for the first half of week has been so poor that it was considered advisable to transfer it to a Thursday, Friday, and Saturday later on. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas announce that the experimental stage is now at an end they have during the past nine weeks presented nearly every style of entertainment and in future are only booking similar Companies to those which have already proved attractive. A short list of some of the bookings, which are believed to be unequalled for a town of this size, can be seen in our advertisement columns.

The Daily Telegraph" Belgian Fund. I COLLECTION AT ABERGAVENNY. I Mrs. Yrances Mary King, ot tne brewery House, Llanfoist, near Abergavenny, was duly authorised to collect for The Daily Telegraph Belgian Fund, and the sum of £ 19 10s. which she obtained, and of which she and her daughter gave nearly £ 4, \has been acknowledged in the columns of that journal. She held collective lists issued direct from the office on her applica- tion. These left no doubt that the money obtained on them was to be devoted to the Christmas gift to King Albert for his people, and that it was never intended for any local fund.

I LOWER CWMYOY. CONCERT.—An excellent patriotic concert was given in the Cwmyoy Lower Council School on Friday evening, February 5th, and was re- peated on the following Friday, the proceeds being in aid of funds for providing comforts for our soldiers and sailors. Mr. D. L. Dodd (who made an admirable chairman) presided over an appreciative audience. The school children acquitted themselves most creditably, and much praise is due to the friends who assisted. The following was the programme :-Recitation, Amy Powell Belgian and Russian National Anthems, School Children recitation, Janu- ary," John Harris; song, Jack and Jill," Florrie Emmett and Robert Powell; recitation, Duty's Call," Gertie Powles; dialogue, Dollies," Vera Blackwell and Sarah Davies duet, The Dear Old Home," Miss Morris and Mr. Isiah Morris recitation, My Toys," Mabel Hooper dialogue, B6n Voyage," David Gunter and Florrie Emmett action song, "Cock Robin," Infants; recitation, "Sister's Boy," Ivy Blackwell; song, The Soldiers of the King," Miss Collins dialogue, Old Mother Hubbard," Infants song, When your hair turns grey, Mr. Dodd recitation, The Homeland," Lucy Powell and Edith Gunter; dialogue, Ten Minion Germans," School Children recitation, Peepity," Ettie Powell song, The old Plantation Home," Miss Morris dialogue, The Young Recruits," Boys recita- tion, The World," Polly and Tommy Harris song, Jack Frost," Willie Thomas recitation, Polly Flinders," Infants duet, Pretty Polly Hopkins," Miss Nelder and Mr. Blackwell; action song, The Hat-pin," School Children dialogue, Babies' troubles," Vera Blackwell and Florrie Emmett recitation, Now. or Never," Albert Powles song, Camptown Races," Mr. Isaiah Morris dialogue, Nursery Rhymes," Infants recitation, Pussy," Lily Gunter action song, Kitchener's Boys," School Children song, The Beautiful Land of Nod," Miss Collins dialogue, The Sugar House," Florrie Emmett and Robert Powell recitation, What a child can do," Garfield Morris song, Out in the Bay," Mr. Dodd dialogue, Alphabet of the War," School Children dialogue, Maids of all work," Girls Varmer Giles," Mr. Blackwell recita- song, The Soldier," Guy Powell pianoforte tion, The Victoria Cross, Miss M. Nelder, solo, The Victoria Cross, Miss M. NeIder, Brynmawr recitation, Willie Thomas. An amusing dialogue, entitled Mrs. Riddle's Tea Party," was given by Miss Morris (Mrs. Riddle), Miss Maud Collins (Daughter), and Miss Collins, Miss Mayes and Miss Nelder (Guests). At the conclusion, thanks were given to the head mistress, Mrs. Mayes, for organizing the concert, and to those who had assisted also to Mr. Dodd for his kindness in acting as chairman to Mr. Knight, Llanthony, for lending the stage to Mr. Collins for conveying it free of charge and to Mr. Hall for his kind services at the door. After a few appropriate remarks by the Chair- man upon the excellent cause for which the concert was promoted, the proceedings termin- ated by the hearty singing of the National Anthem.

JUST RECEIVED—A consignment of Photo. Frames, in the newest designs.—M. Morgan & | Co., Chronicle Office, Abergavenny.

I ABERGAVENNY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. I SHOW TO BE HELD THIS YEAR. I HIe nrst annual meeting or the Abergavenny and District Horticultural Society was held at I the Town Hall on Thursday evening, the Rev. H. H. Matthew (Vicar of St. Mary's) presiding. I An Undoubted Success. The Acting Secretary (Mr. S. B. Davies) presented the first annual report, which stated that after overcoming the various difficulties it was decided to establish the Society, and. although they had no reserve funds, it was decided to hold a show on August Bank Holiday. The Society were fortunate in securing the services of Air. A. F. Davies as hon. secretary. Mr. Davies was a keen horticulturist, and gave his time and abilities unstintingly in order that the show might be a success. Their president, Mr. H. Gethin, the chairman, the Rev. H. H. Matthew, and the vice-chairman, Councillor Telford, together with the hon. treasurer, Mr. H. G. Watkins, and every member of the com- mittee worked together in perfect harmony and their efforts were highly successful. Thank to the generosity of townspeople and inhabitants of the district, the subscription list amounted to I £.p 15s. 6d., while the expenditure was £ 79 15s. iod., and the income from all sources was /S9 12S. gd., leaving a balance in hand of ?9 16s. nd There were 314 entries for flowers and vegetables. and 13 persons entered for the champion solo competition. The show was undoubtedly a success in every way, and gave entire satisfaction to every one who paid for admission. The illumination of the Castle grounds was quite a new feature, and was commended on all hands. The question of holding a flower show this year under the shadow of the great war, would require their serious and careful consideration. On the proposition of Councillor Telford, seconded by Mr. Clias. Downes, the report was adopted. A Balance in Hand. Mr. S. B. Davies also submitted the financial statement, which stated that subscriptions amounted to £ 42 15s. 6d., admissions to the Castle grounds £42 7s. 6d., entrance fees for the dower show £2 19s. 2d., entrance fees for the solo competition 8s., cash taken at the flower stall £I 2s. 7d., a total of (89 12s. gd. Among the expenses were prizes for the flower show £ 29 2s., champion solo competition £ 3 13s. 6d., adjudi-  3 1 3 6( l adjudi- cators £2 2S., accompanist 7s. Od., advertising, printing and stationery iii io- 911., bill posting £1 2s. 6ft., rent of Castle grounds [5 5s., Borough Silver Band £ j ios., Brock & Co. (illuminations) £ 8, and honorarium to hon. sec.. £ 3 3S., there being a balance in hand of ,:9 10s. lid. On the proposition of Mr. S. B. Davies, seconded by Councillor Graham, the balance sheet was adopted. Councillor Telford said he should like to propose a vote of thanks to their secretary pro. tern. Mr. S. B. Davies had stepped into the breach when they were in a difficulty through their secretary being away, and had cleared things up. Mr. T. W. Beveridge seconded, and Councillor Graham, in supporting, said that not only did Mr. Davies take on the secretarial work, but he also acted as auditor in the absence of a gentle- man who was appointed. Mr. S. B. Davies said he did not deserve any thanks for what he had done. He- trusted that the Society would be a great success, and that they would be able to keep it going for many years to come. Councillor Telford proposed a vote of thanks to the Rev. H. H. Matthew for his services as chairman during the year. He bad conducted their meetings in a most excellent manner, and he was sure they could not have got a better chairman anywhere. He was sure the flower show would not have been the success it was if it had not been for their chairman. Mr. Williams seconded, and the vote was carried with acclamation. The Chairman, in reply, said he really did not know that he had done anything except look ornamental or otherwise in the chair. (Laughter). I Election of Officers. On the proposition 01 JMr. ChM-s. Downes, seconded by Councillor Graham, it was decided to ask Mr. J. B. Walford to accept the office of president. On the proposition of Councillor Graham. seconded by the Rev. H. H. Matthew, Councillor Telford was appointed chairman. Mr. T. W. Beveridge was elected honorary treasurer, on the proposition of Councillor Telford, seconded by Mr. C. E. Walker and on the proposition of Councillor Telford, seconded by Mr. T. W. Beveridge, it was decided to ask Mr. Ernie Williams (North-street) to accept the secretaryship. Six trustees were appointed, as follows Rev. H. H. Matthew, Messrs. H. Gethin, P. Telford, S. B. Davies, T. W. Beveridge, Chas. Downes. On the proposition of Councillor Graham, all present were elected as the committee, with power to add to their number, and with the addition of Mr. H. G. Watkins (late late hon. treasurer), Mr. A. F. Davies (late hon. sec.), and Mr. F. W. Rosser, the two latter of whom are serving their country in the Territorial Force. Mr. S. B. Davies said the committee had secured the option of the Castle groimas for August Bank Holiday next, if they decided to hold the show. A Good Suggestion. Speaking on the question of the advisability of holding the show this year, the Chairman said he thought personally that they ought to hold a show. They knew fairly well what the expenses would be, and he thought they might see their way to cut them down somewhat. They would all be growing things in their gardens just the same, and he thought they would have quite as many outsiders in the town if the war continued. Therefore he did not see why a flower show should not be held. Councillor Graham said that many people would be growing more, owing to the war, and, therefore, the show should be more successful. Mr. T. W. Beveridge said it would be to their interest to hold the show this year even if they used up their surplus. Mr. S. B. Davies said they could not do with- out a band or illuminations. He did not think they would get as good a subscription list this year as last, owing to there being so many other calls. He should like to see a show run, but they had to consider ways and means. Other members thought it would be difficult to ask for subscriptions this year: Councillor Telford said he quite agreed. He suggested that a flower show be held, and that the whole of the profits be given to one of the local funds raised in connection with the war- whichever fund they like. He thought that then they could go round and ask for subscrip- tions. He proposed that they hold a flower show and give the whole of the profits as suggested. Mr. T. W. Beveridge seconded, and it was carried. +

Abergavenny Girl Guides.—All Guides to meet on Saturday, at 2.45 p.m., at the Presbyterian Schoolroom, Pen-y-pound. 46

I THANKS. Mr. and Mrs. Davis and family wish to thank all kind friends for their great kindness in their sad bereavement. Penpergwm Lodge, nr. Abergavenny. The family of the late Mrs. Margaret Gameson. desire to thank all friends for kind sympathy shown and assistance rendered during recent sad bereavement also express their gratitude for the beautiful lfowers sent. Mr. T. Spillane and family desire to sincerely thank all friends for kind enquiries and s;,ympathy in their recent sad bereavement also fotfr beautiful floral tributes so kindly sent. 100, St. Helen's-road, Abergavenny.

'w ——— Royal Engineers at Abergavenny. The Royal Engineers at Abergavenny have not been able to do much work on the Castle meadows this week, owing to the overflowing of the river Usk. The Castle meadows have not been so badly flooded for some years, and some of the Engineers' tackle has been washed away by the rapid rise in the river. The men have spent a good deal of their time under shelter, owing to the inclement weather. Lectures have been given at the Town Hall. Drill Hall, and Market Hall on engineering problems, rope splicing, knotting and lashing, also in horseman- I ship and semaphore signalling. Tradesmen have been detailed for trade tests in various civilian workshops placed at the disposal of the military authorities by local tradesmen. Car- penters and masons have .been tested at the extensive yard of Messrs. J. G. Thomas & Sons; blacksmiths and shoeing smiths with Mr. W. Parry coachbuilders and wheelwrights at Messrs. Brock & Co.'s tailors at Messrs. Daniels, 1 saddlers at Mr. Williams', and shoemakers at Messrs. Turner & Co.'s. These tests will be continued until all the men have gone through them, and afterwards certificates will be issued for prouciencv, and th pay will be increased according to the Recril-it. are still coming in very satisfactorily. (