Abergavenny Chronicle

Splendid Selection of Writing Pads, 41.1d., 6 £ d..rand 1/- each, at the Chronicle Office. A ————

ABERGAVENNY WEDDING. BERRINGTON-SANFORD. COUNTY FAMILIES UNITED. Much interest was taken in the marriag which was solemnized at St. Mary's Church on Tuesday, of Miss Alice Christine Sanford, only daughter of Major, and Mrs. E. A. Sanford, of Triley Court; and 2nd-Lieut. John Davies Berrington, of Pantygoitre. The wedding had been fixed to take place at St. Teilo's Church, Llantilio Pertlioley, but for the convenience of the guests the venue was changed to St. Mary's Church. There was a large attendance 4 the church and many county families were repre- sented amongst the congregation, Monk-street being lined with motor-cars and carriages. The chancel and the front of 'the lectern, etc., had been very tastefully decorated by Mr. H. Pitt, of the Brecon-road Nurseries. The scheme of decoration, which was very effective, included choice palms, bamboos, white chrysanthemums, eulalia grasses, and lilium blooms. Mr. Pitt also supplied the sheaf of exquisite lilies and myrtle which was carried by the bride. The service was fully choral, and the chbir boys were in attendance. Mr. W. R. Carr, A.R.C.O., presided at the organ and played an appropriate selection before the commencement of the service, and Mendelssohn's Wedding March at the close. The hymns The voice that breathed o'er Ed £ n" and Lead us, Heavenly Father," were sung. The bride, who was given away by her father, was charmingly attired in a dress of white tulle with satin bands, and wore a net veil fastened with a wreath of orange blossoms, and also an old Brussels lace fichu, the gift of her mother. Her ornament was a diamond necklace. She was attended by two bridesmaids, Miss J. Wilberforce (cousin of the bride) and Miss S. Franklin (niece of the bridegroom), who wore dresses of white silk taffeta and small net veils with blue and silver ribbons. Their ornaments were regimental badge brooches, the gifts of the bridegroom. Mrs. Sanford was dressed in brown chiffon velvet trimmed with fur, and wore a hat with feathers to match. The best man was Lieut. Abbott, of the Royal Flying Corps. After the ceremony a family luncheon party was held at Triley Court, and subsequently Mr. and Mrs. Berrington left for the honeymoon, which is being spent in a motor tour in Wales. On Monday afternoon a tea was given at Triley Court to the people of the neighbourhood. A large number of valuable presents were received, the following being the complete list :— Bridegroom to Bride diamond and sapphire ring, gold curb bracelet, dressing case. Bride to Bridegroom field glasses. Bride's father diamond and sapphire brooch, fur motor rug, cheque, leather dressing-case. Bride's Mother aiam«»d hair ornament, diamond and sapphire bracelet, Brussels lace fan, diamond brooch. Mr. and Mrs. Trevor Berrington cheque. Capt. G. A. Sanford buhl writing set, silver ash trays. Major and Mrs. Corlette old Bristol table glass. Miss Edith Berrington diamond ring, cheque. Mrs. Blandy silver-backed brushes, and shaving case. Mr. Monk: Sheraton bureau. Miss Julia Monk: silver tea tray, gold necklace, and fillet. Mr. and Mrs. H. Wilberforce silver salvers. Miss Ada Monk copper coffee set and egg boiler. H.H. Princess Marie Louise of Schleswig Hol- stein breakfast stand and dishes. Mr. C. R. Abbott (best man) luminous travel- ling clock. Mr. Andrews silver chafing dish. Mrs. Attwood-Mathews embroidered cushion. Mrs. Broster handbag. Mr. and Mrs. Baker-Gabb antique silver box. Mrs. and Miss Baker-Gabb silver sweet dishes. Miss Bell embroidered tea cloth. Colonel and Mrs. Batt coffee cups and tray. Bettws Sunday School Children inkstand. Mrs. Blair silver matchboxes. Rev. H. Bates cheque. Mr. Barrett silver flask. Mrs. Corfield: antique oak table. Capt. and Mrs. Cochrane, and Miss Rees": en-tout-las. Mr. and Honble. Mrs. Charlton ivory ornament. Mrs. C. Crawshay ivory paper knife. Mrs. Crichton ivory paper knife. Baron and Baroness Dimsdale antique wr ting table. Miss Ursula Dimsdale old glass scent bottle. Mrs. Edward Dimsdale: fitted writing clock. Miss Lily Dimsdale old cut-glass vase. Mrs. Domvile glass powder box. Mr. and Mrs. Eugenides tortoiseshell ornament. Miss Elkington toilet mats. Mrs. Lewis Evans hot milk jug and stand. Lady Fulton silver flask. Mrs. Franklin silver matchbox. Miss M. and Miss S. Franklin silver clock in case Mr. Gething: umbrella. Mr. and Honble. Mrs. Gordon Gilbey china vises. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Graham: copper plant- stand. Sir Ivor and the Hon. Lady Herbert of Llanarth silver tea knives. Col. and the Hon. Mrs. Blei. Herbert: china tea service. Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Herbert silver-mounted inkstand. Sir Duncan and Lady Hay: silver bell. Mrs. Hatchell: silver butter dishes. Mrs. Hanbury silver mustard and pepper pots. Mrs. and Miss Heneage leather writing tablet. Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. Horne: writing case and blotter. Major and Mrs. Houstoun silver dish stand. Mr. and Mrs. Humfrey silver dish and cover. Mr. and Mrs. Hackney tantalus. Mr. and Mrs. Phipps Hornby silver salver. Mr. and Mrs. H. C. It. Homfrey silver cigarette box. Mr. and Mrs. M. Houstoun silver tea knives. Miss Parnell Jones old coloured print. Col. and Mrs. E. Jeune silver inkstand. Sir Henry and Lady j -Acl-,son silver coffee set. The Misses J ackson old liqueur decanter. Mr. and Mrs. W. Kennard glass vases. Miss Dorothy Kennard inlaid tray. Mrs. Martin turquoise cross, and glass decanter. Mrs. Lascelles embroidered, tea cloth. Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Thomas china bowl and stand. Miss Lloyd Thomas silk bag. Mr. Leigh silver flask. Maindiff Hospital Staff silver inkstand. Mrs. Charles Morgan silver pincushion. Mrs. F. Mackworth book. Colonel and Mrs. Mansel writing set. Miss Maysie Morgan enamelled box. Colonel and Mrs. H. J. Miers travelling cushion. Mr. and fl's. Minton: kettle on stand. Honble. Mrs. Maxwell Spode china box. Mrs. Digby Neave and Miss Alexandra Ralli tortoiseshell letter clip. Mrs. and Miss Owen silver toast racks. Captain O'Connell service torch. Miss Pope: embroidered nightdress case Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Parr Japanese embroidery. Mrs. and Miss Parkin leather note case. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Roch: Sheffield plate salver, writing case. Mrs. Rees cut glass bowl. Mrs. Powell Rees tantalus. Mr. and Mrs. Pantia Ralli two china vases. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Ralli travelling clock. Mrs. P. C. Ralli pearl and platinum pendant. Mrs. George Roeh: Swinburn's Poems." Mrs. Scaramanga bronze ornament. Mr. George and Mr. Ambrose Lechiari set of d'oyleys. Mrs. and Miss Storey silver cigarette box. Servants at Triley Court Set of entree dishes. Ladv Bruce Tulloch silver menu holder. Colonel Trowen silver butter dish. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wedgwood bowl. Miss Evelyn Thomas silk handbag. Mr. John Vaughan alarum clock. Mrs. Vaughan Phillips silver sugar castor. Sir Henry and the Hon. Lady Wombwell leather handbag. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wraugham Wedgwood tea set. Miss Irene Wilberforce:- silver frame. Miss Judith Wilberforce glass jam pots. Mrs. Williams silver box. Mrs. Zarifi; pair silver mustard pots.

Abergavenny Hospital Saturday I Fund. The 20th Anniversary. I SUCCESSFUL YEAR'S WORK. I The annual general meeting of the members of the Abergavenny Workmen's Hospital Satur- day Fund was held at the Corn Exchange on Saturday evening. In the absence of the president (Mr. E. H. Bretherton) and the vice- president (Mr. R. W. Powell), Mr. H. W. Breakspere was vote d to the chair. A Record for Abergavenny. The Chairman expressed his regret that the president, who had always been a good friend to their fund, could not be with them, and that their vice-president, whom they would have been pleased to see among them, was engaged on other business and could not be present. He remarked that that was the 20th anniversary of their annual general meeting. Looking back upon the past year's work, they had every reason to feel gratified that they were in the position they were. As their president said, they were practically holding their own. There was a little deficit on the working, but it was nothing which need cause them any alarm. On the introduction of the National Insurance Act there were some who felt that it would be almost impossible to carry that little society on, and there were some—he did not share the view— who thought that it would be almost advisable to dissolve the society and hand over the money to whatever purpose was consistent with their objects. There were others who thought that with care, perseverance and energy, and by sticking together, they would be able to overcome the tide of misfortune and to pull through. Hi was sure they were pleased ,to find that those hopes and predictions had been fulfilled and they had not gone down to any great extent. The first year after the introduction of the National Insurance Act they went down 4,30. With a little more energy on their part and an endeavour to get new members—remembering that they were banded together not so much to save money and not merely to relieve their own members, but to do good outside—he believed they would still keep going, and he had not much doubt that next year they would have a balance on the right side. This year they were only £3 or £ 4 behind, on the year's working, and he thought very great credit was due to the secretary. They might be able to introduce some little economies and by so reducing their expenditure put their balance on the right side. That was a matter which was open for suggestions from the mem- bers. But what he wished to point out particu- larly was that they were going on as well as they could expect, and much better than many people expected a few years ago, and he had not the slightest doubt that when the members who left them, on the introduction of the Insurance Act, reflected upon what they had lost and came to understand that there was almost bound to be, before long, some very great restrictions under the Insurance Act, they would realise that it would be quite as well to try and rejoin their Society. He was sure that before very long they would have a considerable increase in the number of members. They had already heard that the membership was slowly increasing and there was every possibility of its increasing still more. He sincerely hoped it would and thai they would be able to carry on the work which they had carried on so well for twenty years. He believed it was almost a record for Aberga- venny to have an institution run on voluntary lines to continue in existence for that length of time, and he did not think they could point to any other movement in the town which had been carried on so long. He thought it was an event which ought to be celebrated in some way or other. Certainly it was a cause for congratula- tion. He was sure that if those who were instru- mental in forming this Society, and who had since passed away, were alive to-day, and could realise the good which the Society had accom- plished, it would give them the most sincere pleasure and gratification. (Applause). I Secretary's Report. The Secretary (Mr. W. C. Phillips) then read his report, as follows Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,—On behalf of the Committee of Management, I have pleasure in submitting a report and statement of accounts for the past financial year. During the year members re- ceived treatment at the Cottage Hospital, Royal Gwent Hospital, Hereford Eye and Ear Hospital, and at Porthcawl and Southerndown Con- valescent Homes a number received treatment for accidents, by local medical gentlemen while others were supplied with various appliances, &c. With regard to the financial position of the Fund, considering the adverse conditions brought about by the war, this is still satisfactory. As you will observe, there was a drop in contribu- tions, as compared with last year, of a little over £ 8. This was chiefly due to a number of our members joining the Colours. The total income from all sources amounted to f.58 18s. nd..The Committee have invested £100 in the War Loan, at 4' per cent. interest. The annual general- meeting last year empowered the Committee to deal with the question of donation to the Cottage Hospital, and at their meeting in December last, after receiving a further communication from the secretary to the Hospital;, they voted f.8 to the Cottage Hospital. The annual meeting had already voted £ 5 to the District Nursing Fund, and also £ 1 is. to the St. John Ambulance Brigade (Abergavenny Branch), but as it was found that the local Ambulance Brigade had been disbanded, by reason of most of its members having joined the Army, this was withheld. The expenditure for the year was as follows By donations, £ 13 subscriptions to .various institutions, £ 13 13s. medical attendance (through accidents), and appliances, &c., pur- chased, £13 6s. iod. maintenance of members at various institutions, and railway fares, £ 9 16s. gd. benevolent fund, £ 1 16s. which, to- > gether with all other expenses, amounted to £ 62 16s. iod.-an expenditure over income of /3 17s. 1 id. The balance in our favour is made up as follows £100 invested in War Loan, Zioo on deposit account, and f80 18s. 6d. 011 current accouht-total 1280 ISS. 6d. Of this amount there is now standing to the credit of the Benevo- lent Fund £ 20 19s. 6d. I must here refer to the great loss the Fund has sustained during the past year by the death of two very faithful members- Mr. Alexander Jones (one of the trustees), and Mr. William Woodhill, the latter of whom had been connected with the Fund ever since its foundation, and until a few months before his death was a regular attendant at committee and always took a keen interest in the welfare of the Fund. The vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Alex. Jones was filled by the election of Mr. W. Williams.. I must acknowledge the great assistance rendered by the various collec- tors, but for whose voluntary attention to this most essential part of the work it would be im- possible for us to carry on, and who also devote much valuable time at the monthly committee meetings in transacting the business. In con- clusion, I sincerely trust that I have carried out my duties as secretary to your satisfaction.— I am, Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, yours most obediently, WM. C. PIIIUJPS." Mr. A. Wall remarked that they would have I gained on the year if they had not lost members bv enlistment in the Army. On the proposition of Mr. W. Williams, I seconded by Mr. D. Hill, the report and state- ment of accounts were adopted. I Election of Officers. I Mr.'Wm. Williams proposed that Mr. E. H. Bretherton be re-elected president. Mr. W. Morris seconded, and it was carried. On the proposition of Mr. John Jackson, seconded by Mr. Morris, Mr. R. W. Powell was re-elected vice-president.. Mr. George Jackson was re-elected hon. auditor, on the proposition of Mr. Morris, seconded by Mr. Wall. The Secretary remarked that Mr. George Jackson had done the auditing since the start of the Fund. On the proposition of Mr. Morris, seconded by Mr. E. Hanbury, Messrs. John Jackson and Wm. Williams were re-elected trustees. Mr. John Jackson returned thanks and said that while he had anything to do with the business he would keep a very close eye on it for the benefit of the Society. He hoped they would have a better year next year, and he thought that if a circular was sent round to the employers of labour once more, showing the benefits of the Fund and the work it had done in the past, it would result in an increase of membership. Of course, it was not a good time to make an appeal, but if the working people only knew their own interest they would flock to become members. Mr. Wm. Williams also returned thanks. On the proposition of Mr. Joseph Jackson, seconded by Mr. Hill, Mr. H. W. Breakspre was re-elected hon. treasurer. On the proposition of Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. Hanbury, Mr. W. C. Phillips was relected secretary. The Chairman said that, having ¡come in contact with the secretary perhaps more than anyone else, he had great pleasure in testifying to the excellent work which the secretary had done. Everything had been attended to with the most minute attention to detail and with the utmost promptitude. The secretary had often gone to considerable trouble and incon- venience to meet the wishes and needs of mem- bers when they required support from the Fund. Mr. W. C. Phillips, in reply, said that was the tenth, financial statement he had prepared in connection with the Fund. He hoped the Fund would be well supported during the coming year and that,then, Nyotild be able to show a balance on the right side. According to the recommendation of the Committee, the meeting decided to make grants of £ 8 to the Victoria Cottage Hospital, f.5 to the District Nursing Fund, and £ 1 is. to the Maindiff Court Red Cross Convalescent Hospital. The Chairman suggested that they should celebrate their 2ist anniversary with a dinner. The proposal met with general approval, and it was understood that arrangements would be made for a celebration of this character next year. ..&.

FROGMORE ST. SOLDIERS INSTITUTE Excellent work for the soldiers during their stay at Abergavenny was accomplished at the Frogmore Street Soldiers' Institute. Every week-night the rooms were packed by apprecia- tive men in khaki. On an average 1,000 cups of tea and coffee were sold each evening at a nominal charge of I'd. each, and refreshments were supplied at an equally reasonable rate. The many billiard and bagatelle tables, of which the men had free use, were always in demand, and the well-equipped writing room was in- variably a scene of activity. Many hundreds of letters have been written here, and the privileges of having a quiet place to write and a supply of free notepaper were made full use of. A gross of stamps were usually disposed of every evening, and this avoided a good deal of congestion at the Post Office. Mr. F. J. Mansfield is the secretary of the Institute, and those responsible, who have gone to some expense in fitting out the rooms, are to be congratulated on having done a good deal to make the stay of the Territorials at Abergavenny more pleasant and give them happy memories of the town after their de- parture.

ABERGAVENNY AGRICULTURAL I SOCIETY. ROOT CROP COMPETITION AWARDS. I A Special meeting of the Abergavenny Horse Show and Agricultural Society was held at the Angel Hotel on Tuesday, to receive the report and awards in connection with the root crop competition. The judges were Capt. Beer (Highmead, Llanvair) and Mr. Philip Williams (Red Hohfee, Llanarth). The specimen roots, shown in the Cattle Market were sold by Mr. W. M. Chadwick (for 2nd-Lieut. Chas. Straker, secretary to the Society) for 22s., a record price, and the proceeds were given to the Cottage Hospital. The meeting was presided over by Mr. John Prichard. Arising out of the minutes, the Chairman said he did not think, under the circumstances, they could carry out the suggestion that the Society should give a special prize for the best crop grown, apart from the prizes given by the various merchants. Capt. Beer and Mr. Philip Williams thought that a special prize should be given, with a re- striction as to the minimum acreage of the crop. The Chairman said the Horse Show was dormant, for the time being, and he thought it would be better to defer this matter till after the war. Mr. Roger Morgan said the members were asked to pay their subscriptions just the same as if the show was being held, and he thought there should be a special prize. Eventually it was decided to defer the matter till next year, and Mr. Arthur Rogers said that instead of giving his guinea to the Society, he would give it as a special prize. Capt. Beer read out the awards as follows, the prizes in the various classes being given by the seed or manure merchants mentioned :— Four acres of Suttons' Magnum Bonum or other swedes-I, John Rogers, Monachty 2, John Lewis, The Park, Llangibby. Two acres of Suttons' Prizewinner mangel-I, John Morgan, Llangattock; 2, John Rogers, Monachty. Nine specimens of Suttons' Magnum Bonum swede-I, Jas. Holly, Major's Barn; 2, Roger Morgan, Lower House, Nantyderry. Nine specimens of Suttons' Prizewinner mangel-I, Dan Thomas, Long Barn, Llanarth 2, W. Lane, Llanvetherine. Three acres of Webbs' swede-i, John Lewis, Park Farm, Llangibby 2, M. Stephens, Penrose, Raglan. Two acres of Webbs' mangolds-r, M. Ste- phens, Penrose 2, Messrs. W. C. and H. R. Scudamore, Trostrey, Usk. Nine specimens of Webbs' swede-I, Isaac M. Francis, Highmead; 2, Percy Jones, The Hardwick. Nine specimens of Webbs' mangolds-I, W. J. Thomas, The Argoed; 2, M. Stephens, Penrose. Three acres of swedes (prize given by Mr. J. P. Morgan, Ross)-i, W. E. and V. Caldicott, Brooks Farm, Raglan. One acre of mangolds (prize given by Mr. J. P. Morgan)-I, A. P. Rogers, Llwynderi, Raglan. 2, Messrs. Caldicott, Raglan. Three acres of swedes (prizes given by Messrs. Morris and Griffin, Newport)-i, R. Morgan, Lower House, Nantyderry; 2, Messrs. James Bros., Llancayo, Usk. One acre of mangolds (prize given by Messrs. Morris and Griffin)-I, R. H. Marfell, Llange- view, Usk 2, John Rogers, Monachty. Two acres of swedes (prize given by Messrs. Crone & Taylor, St. Helen's, Lanes.)-Y, John Rogers, Monachfy 2, R. and J. Williams, The Pant. One acre of mangolds (prize given by Mr. J. Rogers, Monachty, and Messrs. J. Watkins and Son, Raglan),-i, John Rogers, Monachty 2, R. and J. Williams, The Pant. One acre of mangels (prize given by Messrs. Gartons Ltd., Warrington)-I, A. P. Rogers, Llwynderi, Raglan; 2, Messrs. Caldicott, Raglan. Capt. Beer, in giving his report as adjudicotor, humorously remarked that Mr. John Prichard had lured him into accepting the position by promising him that he would find a wife, but he had not been successful. (Laughter). The crops of both mangolds and swedes far exceeded his expectations, considering the conditions. The roots were as clean as they would be found in uoimal times, and there must have been a great deal of work done by the competitors. As far as the size and general quality was con- cerned, he rather expected to find a lot of "finger and toe." They found a considerable amount, but nothing approaching what they anticipated. Some crops were as healthy as :¡.hey could possibly wish, and the roots were as large as he had seen. He thought the crop which Mr. Roger Morgan had shown was about the cleanest and best crop of the lot. Mr. Morgan's place was about 500 feet above sea level, and Trow he managed to do it he (Capt. Beer) did not know. He had grown from hedge to hedge and headland to headland both ways, and he could not say that about some of*the crops he saw. He was very pleased with the great kindness shown to himself and Mr. Williams by everybody. Mr. Philip Williams said there were two kinds of crops, one conspicuously good and the other conspicuously bad. The latter kind they prac- tically failed to find. The roots were of excellent quality and excellent size. There was a considerable improvement in the growing of root crops; compared with five or six years ago, and he was struck with the general healthi- ness and cleanness and absence of finger and toe." He noticed there was a tendency to go back from the narrow drill to the wide drill again. A few years ago the/drills varied from 18 to 22 inches, but this year in nearly every case they were two feet or more. It showed that farmers had come to the conclusion that the two-foot drill was generally the best. It was invidious to make any distinctions, but for size, cleanness and everything else he ought to mention Mr. Rogers, Llwynderi, who mti4t have had a great weight of roots per acre. For clean- ness and healthiness and a full crop he should like to mention Mr. Morgan, Llangattock. and Mr. Roger Morgan, of Nantyderry, for the way he cleaned his crop of swedes. He must have gone to considerable trouble, and the result was particularly creditable. For good, general crops Mr. John Lewis, Llangibby (who, he believed, had the largest size), Mr. Stephens, and Mr. Rogers, Monachty, ought also to be mentioned. Mr. J. W. Price proposed and the chair- man seconded a hearty vote of thanks to the judges, which was carried, and the, judges responded.

 ??——y??t ?—? -<??POWDERSM?=?? j /by ?<< t  B L J)? ??? t HEADACHEOOTHACHE t AND NEURALCIA 77? The QUICKEST and MOST CERtAIN CURE each; 1'6 do^^at all Chemists & Stores I J.MORCAM JONES LLAHSitY. t

MIGRATORY BIRDS. To the Editor of the Abergavenny Chronicle." SIR,-Tlie subject of the article by Mr. John Evans on bird migration, in your issue of the- 8th inst., appeals to me, and to the extent of my asking the goodness of your giving publica- tion to my views on this, to me, most interesting matter. I am quite in accord with Mr. Evans that migration is not an instinct, nor do I believe that birds possess any barometric intuition; rather, what they are supposed to know of coming weather is simply guess work. But where I join issue with your correspondent is as to the influence of air currents on migration. We are aware that migration varies from the merest change of elevation to a voyage almost as wide as the world. Recollect how the grouse move from the valley to the range, only one thousand or so feet higher up, and the knot that breeds in Arctic Greenland and then sojourns in Terra Del Fuego. Now, there are many I species of birds that do not migrate at all; they filict sufficient food where they remain, though perhaps if no migration occurred, food might become scarce in certain places. Neither do all birds breed every year. Certainly, migrants go north for that purpose, the chief reason being due to the great summer heat of what is their winter home rather than to lack of sustenance, even soft-bodied food. Heat generates flies and insects. L From the observations I have been able to make along our own and the Continental coasts, I found that the direction of the wind has little or no influence at all on the starting of the birds, though a head wind amounting to half a gale would cause them to postpone their journey. But a flight across country can be made in very strong head winds, whereas one across the English .Channel is known to the birds to be a vastly different proposition. They are cognizant of the fact that no trees or hedges exist above the surface, and that the waves will smother them if they fall. It is not the distance in mileage across the ocean, as Mr. Evans calls it, but the danger attaching to such a flight. Bleriot had covered, at one flight, a far greater distance in his young aeroplane previous to flying the nineteen miles from land to land. And the improved aero- planes of to-day even think twice of a journey over water when four times the distance on land would not occupy their thoughts at all. It is likewise with the birds. Mr. Evans rightly mentions that the mileage of the straits of Dover, Gibraltar and Malta does not amount to the distance flown by birds on a summer's day in their orinary pursuits. Ves we know that the stimulus of overland travelling differs vastly from that of a cross-sea flight. Now, the direction of the wind may be the same up to a great height, many thousand feet, or it may vary within five hundred feet of the earth. That I have myself witnessed in a balloon ascent I made from London to the Suffolk coast, when, before reaching a height of two thousand feet, the aeronaut told me we had passed through three totally different directions of wind. It has been observed that birds, bound on a long flight, first reach a great height; the current cf air is said to be more staple. It would never do for birds to be so dependent on the direction of the wind for passing over land from one place to another, as Mr. Evans presumes they are. They would never get there." The birds of to-day may or may not be those of yesterday. They like to linger longer in some places than others on their way to the coast. They always start in good time, and are never late for their train. When they are ready to start, should a wind be travelling in the same direction as the birds, so much the easier and speedier will flight be; conversely, a ten-mile air current meeting a bird flying at thirty miles an hour would reduce its progress to, approx- imately, twenty miles an hour. I have sea wild ducks in the south of Ireland rise head to wind in a heavy blizzard, and flying rapidly, were only able to maintain their position till the storm had passed it was but a matter of a few moments. Birds have been observed through telescopes crossing the sun and the moon, thousands of feet up. One can often hear the call of day migrants on the wing in a clear sky, though far beyond the vision of the naked eye. It is not exactly the cold that tells them to leave certain latitudes they are far warmer- blooded than we are, and can withstand very low temperatures indeed. When we find little birds dead during the winter, it is simply due to want of food. Insect life is practically gone, and the worms are too far below the frozen ground. At our home in Cumberland my wife used to have as winter visitors several small wild birds. They would come regularly to the door, in the late afternoons, would hop inside to be fed, eat what was offered, and would go to bed on special perches she made for them. In the morning, after their breakfast, they would fly out into the bitter cold. Often they would return for luncheon, and afterwards go out again. They would allow us to pick them up without any fear or shyness, wild birds as they were. Hunger had tamed them. During those cold spells the cat had to be put in quarantine. With the return of less severe weather, those little guests—mostly tom-tits and robins— invariably said "Adieu." And when I had the happy fortune to come to Monmouthshire, we regretted those fluffy little friends. Far removed is this from any idea of criticism. It has been a pleasure to me to study the opinion of your able, observant correspondent at Crick- howell. Herein I have ventured merely to put forward facts as they occurred to my observation. from time to time. I am, Sir, most faithfully, P. PICTON. Sunny Bank, Coldbrook. 12th October, 1915.

THE UPWARD TENDENCY. To the Editor of the Abergavenny Chronicle." SIR,-The aeroplane has surely set a bad example to all that appertains to the mundane state, as everything seems to have adopted the upward tendency. Comestibles and com- bustibles follow the fashion, and when entering a shop one hardly knows if he will emerge with any change in his pocket. In fact the feeling now is that everybody is taking a "rise" out of one. The Corporation cannot be accused of extravagance they keep the roads down," and the wages too, but when we turn on the gas we are at once enlightened and re- minded that next quarter will be heavier than the last, if we sit up late.—hence it will probably be a case of early to bed and early to rise, etc., etc. till the normal rate is reverted to. If a stray Zepp. should hover around, this little dark spot would be difficult to "spot," and the dwellers thereon may thus take comfort, and by reducing the luminary remove the facility for making observations aloft. Our roads are all in splendid trim and as clean as the proverbial pin, thanks to the County Council and those who ply the brush and shovel. The dust nuisance in Brecon road and other roads has long been abated, and it is now possible to breathe pure fresh air. Before concluding, I have the pleasure (ex- treme) of suggesting a couplet as an epitaph when the cause of all our trouble has been laid low Dead, he lies '-living, he 'lied before; He now lies here and will lie for ever- more. I also add a hint on gas economy Turn off the gas at the meter, And hop into bed before ten The settlement then will be sweeter When pay-dav conies round once again." Oct. 13, 1915. I diL BOB.

Y.M.C.A. Concert at M-aindiff., On Monday evening the Abergavenny Y.M.C.A. arranged an enjoyable concert at Maindiff Court Convalescent Hospital, for the benefit of the wounded soldiers, and the pro- gramme was heartily appreciated. Mr. Gordon Griffiths presided. The programme was as follows :—Pianoforte solo, Mrs. Barrett; song, Miss Gertie Morgan song, Mr. George Watts sketch, Misses G. Jones and Hanrette song, Miss Gwen Morgan (encored) comic song, Mr. L. H. Evaris (encored) duet, Misses Gwen and Gertie Morgan recital, Miss Haines piano- pianoforte solo, Mrs. Barrett song, Miss Gertie Morgan recitation, Miss Hanrette song, Mr. Geo. Watts (encored) song, Miss Gwen Morgan (encored) comic song, Mr. L. H. Evans. Mr. Vyvian Thomas has kindly arranged for the wounded soldiers to be admitted free to the first performance of the revue S'what's the matter," at the Borough Theatre on Saturday nisht. The Y.M.C.A. also wish to acknowledge I' the kindness of Mr. Thomas in lending his piano on the occasion of Professor Duxbury s recital to the troops. I

Splendid Selection of Writing Pads, 4-}d. 6}d., and 1 each, at the Chronicle Office. Printed and Published by M. MORGAN AND CO., at 26, Frogmore Street, Abergavenny in thw County of Monmouth. FRIDAY, OCT. 22,1916.