Abergavenny Chronicle

Economical Economy in Abergavenny. I One ought not to write in a light vein in these strenuous times, but as it must be a very poor heart that never rejoices," there can be no criminality in forcing a shade of a smile through the encircling gloom which now reigns supreme when the "shades" of evening fall upon us. In fact the order now is don't let your light shine before men," and we have to obey. I am unable to announce that the order is carried out or implicitly attended to, as the blinds in general use were not invented for the purpose of piling on the gloom. Various are the devices adopted to prevent the scintillation of a glimmer of Tef ulgence. Those who are by nature economical can settle down after twilight for a friendly chat, and retire early, and so retard the gallop of the meter." Those to whom money is no object- not a crowd nowadays !—invest in' dark blinds and light up to their hearts' content; but many who delay their home-coming till the hours of darkness find themselves in the wrong box when negotiating the front gate, and those who use the back entrance must not be classified as shirkers" on the score of a conscientious objection to go to the Front." As the nebulous state will be continual until further notice, there is satisfaction in knowing that as the season advances artificial light may be entirely dispensed with, and when the gas collector makes up his accounts the gloom will be apparent in the chamber of the Corporation. There are a few matches en tapis, some that will be brilliant when The Day arrives, but the one invented bv "VT_ T -u "_7'" -,j-r- -tucner MCKenna has struck" every- body, not lightly either, and the general opinion is that it is a low idea. I can recall to mind days when matches were threepence per cox. Those were the flint and steel days now it is all steel and no flint, hence there is nothing to strike the sparks on. The usual Easter eisteddfod is dormant for the present, but when this cruel war is over doubtless Mr. Jackson, the indefatigable secretary, will jog the memory of those who constitute the committee, and the voices from the Hills will again resound in the Market Hall. On the 1st prox. dining cars are to be discontinued on the London and North Western Railway system; therefore, before embarking on a journev a well- filled flask and luncheon basket will once again come in vogue, and the birds that hover in the wake of trains will have to be content with the few crumbs that may be available. What a world of change is this small planet of ours Through all the changing scenes of life, In train or motor car, In trying to steer clear of strife o.°n't know where we are." west-i-ud Club, DUSTY BOB. 25th April. A

Cadets' Camp at Abergavenny. -1 A numuer ui Monmouthshire Cadets from Blaina and Abersychan had a week-end camp at the Priory Hotel, Abergavenny at Easter. The camp was arranged by Col. W. Williams (in t command of the 3rd Monmouthshire Cadet Batt.) and there were 65 ofifcers and Cadets altogether, who were billeted in the house and catered for in excellent style by Mr. and Mrs. Holding. The principal officers were Capt. Parry, of Aber- svehan, and Adjutant G. H. T. Powell, of Aber- r, gavenny. On Sunday morning the Cadets went to the Frogmore-street Baptist Church, and to Holy Trinity Church in the afternoon. On 1. Monday morning the Cadets went up the Deri, where they went through some tactical man- oeuvres. Major Hanbury subsequently in- spected the Cadets at the Priory, and was very much pleased with their appearance. Colonel 'Curre, of Chepfctow, has accepted the position of Hon. Colonel of the 1st Monmouthshire Battalion -and Lord Tredegar has accepted a similar position in connection with the 2nd Battalion.

b Abergavenny Cadets.-The Company will parade on Thursday, May 4th., in the DriU Hall, -at 7 p.m. sharp.

I A PANDY MYSTERY. I I Foreman Platelayer's Strange Death. I I JURY RETURK AN OPEN VERDICT. I Mr. 1. B. Walford (Coroner) conducted an inquiry at Pandy on Monday afternoon into the circumstances surrounding the death of Thomas Rogers (55), foreman platelayer, employed by the Great Western Railway Co. in the Pandy district, who was found by his son lying un- conscious near the Pandy Station early on Good Friday morning. Inspector John Morgan, of Pontypool Road, represented the G.W.R. Co. Alice Rogers, the widow, said her husband left home on Thursday morning to go to his work about ten minutes to six in the morning. She did not see him again until her son brought him home in a wheelbarrow next morning between 5 and o o'clock. He could not then move or speak, but he hummed the tune of a hymn. Witness had two sons, and John was a plate- layer working in the Llauvihangel district. On Thursday evening John came home trom work about 6 o'clock and went out after supper. Witness had gone to bed before he came in. She asked him if he had seen his father, and he said No." Witness went to bed about 12 o'clock. She could tell by her son's answer that he was perfectly sober. He did not say where he had been. and he had not told her since. On Friday morning she told him that his father had not come home, and he said he would come back if he saw anything of him. The Coroner Did your husband ever stay out at night ?—No, only once during the 10 years I have been here. He always came home ?—Yes, and that is why I didn't trouble about him. I thought he would come. John Thomas Rogers, son of the deceased, said he saw his father in the signal-box at 10 minutes to 6 on Thursday evening. There was also a man in his father's gang in the box. Deceased was perfectly sober, and witness did not think he had had any drink at all. Deceased would have finished work at 5.30 p.m. Witness did not know whether he had drawn his pay, but the station-master told him that he had been there to pay for some coal. After he went home witness spent about an hour in the garden, and then sat down in the house talking with his brother and mother. He sat up till 9 o'clock, and then went to bed. Conflicting Statements. I The Coroner How do you account for your mother thinking you were out till midnight ?— I can't tell. You never went off the premises ?—No, sir. Can you explain how it is your mother thinks so, because she is very positive about it ?■—No, sir, I can't. Was your brother here ?—Yes. Your- mother could not have got confused between you and your brother ?—No. She may have got confused as to what happened. Supt. Davies She has made the statement three times, and she made it to myself. The Coroner read Mrs. Rogers' statement, as follows "1 went to bed about midnight. John came home after that." Witness It is wrong, sir. Witness, continuing, said lie left home a few minutes after 5 o'clock on Friday morning to go to work. The Coroner Did you know your father had not come home ?--Yes. How ?—Because I have to pass through his room after I get up in the morning. Did your mother speak to you before you went out ?—She just said Good morning." Didn't she say anything about your father ?- She said he hadn't come home. Did you say anything about looking for him ? --Not then, but I said I would look out for him on the road as I was going to work. Witness added that he went down the station approach to get on to the line, and when he got just in sight of the signal-box he could see his father laying down by the gate that led into the yard. He was unconscious. Witness picked him up and said Father, what is the matter ? but he did not answer. Witness put him to stand up against the fence, and he seemed to stand up all right, but as soon as witness let him go he fell down. Witness picked him up again, and he fell down a second time. Witness shouted to the signalman to come and give him a hand, but the signalman replied that he was too busy just then and suggested that he had better get a wheelbarrow to take him home. Witness got a G.W.R. wheelbarrow and took his father home. Deceased was not able to speak at all. The Coroner Were you on good terms with your father ?—Yes, we never had a mis-word, and he has been one of the best fathers in the country. Did he ever step over the mark ?-He did like a drop of drink. That was his only fault. What was his position when you found him ? -He was lying on his back. Were his clothes intact ?—Yes, his watch and 2s. gd. were in his pockets. The Rev. John Davies (foreman) You re- member your mother asking you if you had seen vour father ?—Yes. The Coroner She was in bed then ? Witness No, she was sat by the fire. The Foreman WTere you not inclined to go back to look for him ?—He had always been in the habit of coming home. We always left his Supper on the table, and we never had the slightest trouble with him. Inspector Morgan You didn't think to ask your father in the signal-box if he was coming home ?■—No. You are not in the habit of going home to- gether ?—No, Was he in the habit of staying behind ?-He would often have a chat with the signalman after he had finished duty. The Coroner (to inspector Morgan) Does it strike you that the signalman might have been able to render assistance ? Inspector Morgan If there was a train in the section there would be a difficulty for a few minutes, but after that he should have been able to render assistance. Walter Curtis, signalman at Pandy, said de- ceased came into his box about 5.30 and re- mained till 6 o'clock. He was quite sober. There were no trains about at the time he left. He had a bad foot and walked with a limp. The Coroner Knowing what you do of the facts can you help us at all as to how he came to be where he was and injured ?-No, I can't. By the Foreman Witness left the box about 7 o'clock and did not see anything of the de- ceased then. Francis Edwin Jenkins, signalman at Pandy, who was on duty on Good Friday morning, said he heard John Rogers shouting Can you come and give me a hand ? Witness said he could not for a few moments. Rogers said I have got the old chap out here," and witness saw him oick his father up twice and the latter fell down. Witness told him he had better get a wheel- barrow. Charles Jenkins (11) said he saw the deceased come away from the signalbox about 6 o'clock on Thursday evening and walk down the line towards Pontrilas. He had seen him go that way before. Severe Bruises and Hemorrhage. 1 Dr. Lloyd said he had attended deceased professionally, and he was an alcoholic subject but a fairly strong man. Witness saw him be- tween 10 and 11 o'clock on Friday morning, about two or 21 hours after death. Superficially there were slight abrasions on the right side of the forehead and on the left temple. The back of the right hand and forearm were bruised, and the right hip, thigh, groin, and leg were bruised severely. The left thigh had a bruise and super- ficial abrasion. Witness made a postmortem examination on Sunday. He measured the bruise on the right thigh which ex- tended from the top of the haunch bone down the leg for 33 inches, and also extended round the thigh to the front of the leg. This bruise he opened, and immediately there gushed forth a very large quantity of blood, some of which was I clotted, indicating that the injury happened some hours before death. Over the centre of the bruise was a different coloured mark to the rest-reddish, where the skin was very badly bruised indeed. This mark was five inches long and four inches broad. The muscles of the right thigh were badly pulped and the blood vessels were ruptured. On the left thigh there was a bruise and extraversation of blood from the top of the hip to the knee, 16 inches long. Below the knee there was another extraversation of blood, four inches long. Deceased's right hand and arm from the nails of the fingers to two inches below the elbow were also badly contused, the extraversation of blood in this case extending practically right round the arm. The back of the left hand from the tip of the fingers to two inches above the wrist were in the same condition. The five small marks on the right side of the forehead were superficial only. All the organs were healthy, except the heart, in the muscles of which there was fatty de- generation. The valves of the heart were, perfectly sound. The injuries must have been caused by great violence, and could not have been inflicted by an ordinary fall. The Coroner The injuries would not be in- consistent with deceased having been brushed by an engine ? Witness The difficulty about that is that the chief bruising was on the thigh, and I don't know what part of the engine could have caught him there. in reply to the Coroner, Inspector Morgan said it was possible for a person to be brushed by one of the side rods as an engine went by. Dr. Uovd added that the cause of death was hemorrhage, which had taken place owing to the subsidence of the muscles and tissues, and death was accelerated by the condition of the heart. In reoly to the Coroner, witness said that under the circumstances he would not expect to find a pool of blood on the ground, as the hemorrhage was not external. The Coroner, in summing up, said he thought they had got the true history of the case. There was a substantial discrepancy between the mother and the son as to what time the latter came home, but it struck him that it was not inconsistent to the extent of being absolutely contradictory evidence. He thought it probable that the poor woman was very much upset and she might have mistaken the time. There were no suspicious circumstances. P.-C. Blunt said there was a hut down the line in the direction in which the deceased was last seen going, and ckceased's irail was found there afterwards. The Coroner said it seemed to mm that the only alternatives before the jury were an open verdict or an adjournment. An open verdict would not close the case, so far as the police were concerned, if other evidence was forthcoming. The jury returned an open verdict that de- ceased died on Friday from severe injuries received the day before, causing hemorrhage, and from the condition of his heart, but that there was no evidence to snow how he came by I his injuries.

ABERGAVENNY SUICIDE. I DRAPER'S ASSISTANT'S MENTAt. J DEPRESSION. An inquest was conducted by Mr. J. 3. Walford at the Abergavenny Police Station on Tuesday afternoon concerning the death of Maud Mary Parry (38), draper's assistant, who lived at Sparchford Villa, Chapel-road. Mary Ann Parry, the mother, said her daughter had to give up her work on the 19th of February through ill-health. Her situation was not kept open for her. She had been very depressed for some time. She had been under two operations just before Christmas, and witness thought she was getting much better. Generally, she was not over-strong. She had not noticed any delusions or any peculiarity of mind about the deceased. The Coroner: You never heard her talk foolishly ?—No, she was most serious in her talk. Witness added that she last saw deceased on Saturday morning, between a quarter past nine and a quarter to ten, when she was going to see the doctor. She was in the habit of taking long walks. She had no troubles on her mind that witness knew of. Her father, who was dead, was a stationmaster at Yeovil. Alfred Burrows (14), of Llanfoist, said he saw deceased on Saturday morning about 11 o'clock, on the canal bank. She was a quarter of a mile away from the Boat House, on the Govilon side. She was stood still reading a piece of paper like a letter, but when he and another boy approached she pulled her hat. gloves and scarf off, put them down on some planks, and walked away along the canal bank. John Rawlings, canalman, employed by the G.W.R. Co., said he was going along the canal bank about 12 o'clock on Saturday, and he saw the hat, gloves and scarf deposited on a heap of posts. He looked about for the owner, but could not see anyone, so he walked along the canal bank and saw something shining in the water, which turned out to be the face of de- ceased. She was in the middle of the water. He took a stick and pulled her to the side and got her out. There were some signs of life, but they were very weak. He understood artificial respiration a little, and put her on her back and worked her arms in order to try to restore breathing. He did not understand about ex- tracting the water from the body. He thought there was a little twitching of the arms. He ran to the Boat House for assistance, and two gentlemen came up from a motor and put some rugs on her. They said he was doing all that could be done. P.C. Oliver arrived in about a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes. The body was about 30 yards from where the hat and gloves were deposited. P.C. Oliver said that at 12.15 pm. on Satur- day he was passing through Llanfoist, and heard that there was a woman in the canal. He pro- ceeded to the canal bank and saw the last witness with the deceased on the bank. There was life in the body, as deceased gave two or three short gasps. He turned the body over to get the water from the lungs, but very little came out, and he afterwards tried Dr. Silvester's method of artificial respiration for fully half an hour. He succeeded in getting a little sign of life, but very little. Twelve yards below where the deceased had left her hat, gloves and scarf, witness could see the deceased's footmarks where she had given two steps with each foot into the mud of the canal. Thirty yards below these tracks the body was pulled out of the water. The footmarks indicated that deceased had walked deliberately straight into the canal. Witness made a search for the paper which the boy told him she was reading, but he could not find any trace of it either in the water or on the bank. Dr. Lloyd said the deceased had been a patient of his for about two months, previous to which she had been in Pontypool Hospital for an operation. As far as the result of the operation was concerned she was quite well, but she was depressed about the result of the operation, and she thought she might have to undergo it again. She did not call to see him on Saturday. A week previously he had seen her, and, noticing her depression, advised her to return to duty to get something to occupy her mind, and she promised she would do so immediately after Easter. She did not strike him as being a suicidal subject, but one never knew how, far depression would lead. Beyond her depression-her impression was that she was not cured and as well as she ought to be-her mind was all right. She had had two operations, and the prst one was not a success. The Coroner Looking back on the case, you are not surprised at what has happened ? Dr. Lloyd Scientifically I am not; but, on the other hand, I did not think she was a girl who would do a thing like that. The jury returned a verdict of Suicide whilst temporarily of unsound mind." ♦

%I I I N | FARMERS!! Study the Health of YOUR LIVE STOCK. The success of the Lambing and Calving Season depends largely on the readl- 0 nme with which emergencies and sudden J illness can be met. JO 'NQ',R O:G RE:S:SIVE.FAR ?) ,houlà be wÚlioulA:'uPPiY:of" 'DAY. ??t REHABLE 1 r* ESSENTIALS | TIED DRENCH.-For "CIMHI»i" Cows and Ewu. Fever», Lam •1 Cui. Priu (Zweig. ate w &&& ICo_.18J<o Pw #ml Ties, 121- ax) 1 GASEOUS FLUID.-For cltna. A rwtoratlvi for all weekly Aoimmb. Price 201- per 6". 8øtUM- CHEMICAL £XTRACT.-hr Amointft after Partarltton, Scraa, WMM, 4k. price 8J8 and 818 v- a tj- CURDOLIZ.-FW Sww 01 Dterfta* WklU « OTOBO jktl. 4o Prfft mf- 4/» pgr Bottle j Qwrt Tn. sw PC IN Llfl* 404, W ii pmMcmUn. -O vy p-j [ mss) JIFF HEADACHE AND TOOTHACHE POWDERS owing to the War are 3!d. each; 3/- per dozen. But they are worth their weight in gold.

CONCERT AT ABERGAVENNY. 1 IN-AID, OF THE Y.M.C.A. Taking advantage of the presence of the band of tne 2nd Monmouthshire Battalion at Aber- gavenny, Colonel W. D. Steel and Captain Atherley Jones arranged an excellent concert at the Town Hall on Thursday evening last. in aid of the Y.M.C.A., in recognition of the splendid work the institution has done on behalf of soldiers. Mr. John Owen had got together several local artistes to contribute to the pro- gramme, and their efforts, as well as those 01 the band, were thoroughly appreciated, though the audience was not as large as the occasion deserved. The chairman was Colonel W. l), Steel, who paid a tribute to the Y.51.C.A. and said that during the time troops were stationed at Abergavenny the members had done yeoman service for their comfort and welfare. He had had every opportunity of knowing what had been going on, both at the Y.M.C.A. tents and at the institution in Frogmore-street, and he wished to publicly thank the nstitution for the work they had done on behalf of the troops. (Ap- plause). He wished to express his thanks to those who had so kindly come forward to make up such an excellent programme, and he wanted to particularly thank Mr. S. T. Roderick, who had been so well known in musical circles for many years past and who had been soldiering since the outbreak of war. He wished to thank both him and the band for the excellent way they had entertained the town during the past few days and also for entertaining them that night. (Applause). Owing to the length of the programme, no encores were permitted, but the audience were no less enthuiasstic in their applause. Qnar- tettes were harmoniously rendered by Misses Gertrude and Gwen Morgan and Messrs. John Owen and L. H. Evans, who each gave in- (-hven and L. I dividual items. Miss Gertrude Morgan sang Within your heart." and Miss Gwen Morgan Softly awakes my heart." Mr. L. H. Evans still found a good market for his humorous song S-nice s'mince s'pie," and Mr. John Owen gave a stirring rendering of the recitation What makes the frontier line." Mr. J. G. Glendinning was successful in the humorous element, giving the musical monologue My beastly eyeglass and the humorous song The country curate." Mr. Gwyn Jones, the well-known tenor, of Blaina, gave the audience a real treat by his fine singing of ?' The Trumpeter and I hear you calling me" (Marshall). The band gave masterly renderings of Suppe's overture Tantalus- qualen," the selections Trovatore and The Quaker Girl," and the Scotch patrol Wee Macreggor." Bandsmen Prothero and Mount- field played brilliantly the comet duet Ida and Dot," and Bandsman Sharley got an ex- cellent tone out of his instrument in the eu- phonium solo The Village Blacksmith," while Bandsman Jones caused great amusement with a humorous Welsh recitation. At the close a vote of thanks was accorded Colonel Steel for presiding, and the artistes, on the proposition of the Mayor (Alderman Z. Wheatley) seconded by Capt. Atherley Jones.

LLANTHEWY SKIRRID. EASTERTIDE.—The usual services were held in the Parish Church on Sunday last. There was an early celebration at 8 o'clock and again at the morning service. A glorious sun made it a typical Easter day, and the attendance was good, morning and evening. The choir was full and efficient, reflecting most creditably on Mr. Caird, organist, and his able deputies Miss G. Teague and Mrs. E. Steen, and it is worthy of note that it was Mr. Caird's 34th Easter at Llanthewy. The Rev. R. E. Jones, rector, officiated at each service and preached sermons suitable to the occasion. The services were fully choral, Tallis's Festal Responses being used The special Psalms were sung to chants by Goss, Wesley and Hopins, and the Te Deum and Kyrie to music by the organist. The anthem was If ye believe," by Simper, a very pretty and effective composition, exactly suited to an ordinary parish choir. The solo parts were ably rendered by Mr. Woodford, of The Lodge. The hymns were 134 and 138 (A. and r.), and at the opening of each service the National Anthem was sung. The church was most elaborately decorated, the font being literally hidden under the spread of greenery and daffodils, for which Mrs. E. Steen was responsible. Those who supplied flowers and assisted in the work of decoration were: Mrs. Jones (The Rectoiy), Mrs. J. Cotterell, Mrs. F. Cotterell, Mrs. E. Steen, Mrs. Smith, Miss Johnson, Miss A. Exton, Miss G. Teague, Miss B. Lloyd and Master A. Exton.

Crickhowell Rural District Council. I The monthly meeting of this Council was held at the Town Hall, Crickhowell, on Tuesday, when there were present Messrs. A. J. Thomas, Philip Parsons, T. Ll. Jones, E. Pirie Gordon, John Thomas, Gwilym C. James, A. J. Thomas, Wm. Rosser, and Rev. W. Arvon Davies. Mr W. G. James was unanimously re-elected Chairman, and Mr. A. J. Thomas Vice-Chairman. THE RECENT BUZZARD. The Surveyor (Mr. F. J. Hurley) reported that as a result of the blizzard the roads had been blocked by heavy snow drifts in most parishes, and also by a large number of trees which blew down in the gale. The Llangynidr road was blocked by about 30 large trees and was closed to traffic for about a fortnight. The fall of a large tree on the Horse road, Llangynidr, had taken away the support of the road which at this place skirted the steep bank, and measures would have to be taken to prevent a further landslide into the river below. The Pregge lane below Tynywlad had also been blocked by a landslide. This had now been cleared. The work of clearing the roads had thrown a good deal of heavy labour upon the roadmen, and he had engaged a number of additional men to assist them. THE CASTLE GROUNDS. I Mr. Cwilyifr C. J ames said he had been in- formed that the path through the Castle grounds had been closed, and he would like to know the reason. The Chairman I do not think- we have any nower to interfere in the matter at all. Mr. E. Pirie Gordon said he understood the Castle grounds were sold at the recent Beaufort Estate auction sale, to a private owner, and they had no power to interfere with the closing of the path. The path, however, appeared to have been closed somewhat suddenly. The Parish Council formerly rented the Castle grounds. A Councillor: The Parish Council should I have purchased the grounds for the town. Mr. E. Pirie Gordon And run up the rates I ATTENDANCES. I The Clerk read the following list of attend- ances (possible 17) Messrs. T. LI. Jones, 17; Wm. Rosser, 17 A. J. Thomas (Vice-Chairman), 17 John Thomas, 17 Rev. W. Arvon Davies, 16; W. G. James (Chairman), 16; Henry Thomas, 13; Gwilym C. James, To; Josiah Phillips, 9 C. F. Cox, 9 F. W. Prole, 8 (possible 14) James Howat, 6; James Howell, 6 Philip Parsons, 6 Wm. Powell, 4; R. Howells, 4 Wm. Powell, 4; E. Pirie Gordon, 3 (possible 3). BRYSMAWR SEWERAGE. I A letter was read from the Local Government I Board stating that they had had under consider- ation the report of their Inspector, Dr. Morgan Rees, upon his recent visit to the Crickhowell Rural District in November last to enquire into the water supply of the parish of Llanelly, with special reference to the prevalence of enteric fever in the parish. In the present circum- stances the Board considered that the most practicable method of minimising the recurrent outbreaks of this disease is for the inhabitants of the parish of Llanelly to boil all the water used for drinking, washing and the preparation of food and the Rural District Council should take such action as was practicable tc secure that this was systematically and continuously done. Such action must, however, be regarded as a temnorarv expedient only. Dr. Hill, M.O.H. Instructions have long ago I been given to the inhabitants to boil water for drinking purposes, and water used in the prepar- ation of food. (Hear, hear). Mr. Wm. Rosser The whole trouble arises from the Brynmawr sewage. Replying to a Councillor, Dr. Hill said it was impossible to say whether there would be another outbreak of typhoid. Mr. Wm. Rosser The Local Government Board seems to be entirely on the side of Bryn- mawr. This Council have done their utmost for Llanelly. It was decided to reply to the Local Govern- ment Board that instructions had been given the people of Llanelly long ago to boil the water used, and that the seat of the trouble was Brynmawr sewage. Ir. Wm. Rosser And lay particular em- phasis on the latter part (Laughter and hear, hear).

Schoolchildren Help Prisoners of War.-The children of the Castle-street Infants' School at I Abfit-gavenny have contributed 4s. towards the Monmouthshire Prisoners of War Fund.

I LOCAL SCHOOLBOY'S ESSAYS. I A SAMPLE OF BOYISH HUMOUR. We. have been shown two essays written by a local schoolboy who exhibits a lively sense of humour. We are not permitted to mention the boy's nale, but we may give him the nom de plume of Gwilym Grofield." In the first essay, on What I can do to help my country," the budding humorist says :— There are numerous ways in which I can help my country-too numerous to mention in fact. For instance, I could join the Scouts; and yet I do not see what good that would do. Then, again, I could help England by wasting cartridges and nrin^ away with a .5 rifle from one end of the Drill Hall, if I joined the Cadets. the Drill Hall.  Gee, Whiz I guess that the best thing for me to do for my country's good is to go and poison myself with a dog-biscuit, or something in that line. Eat less meat' yell the newspapers, with a voice that is a cross between a foghorn and a donkey, with a Seargeant Bros.' hooter thrown in for luck. How can I ? I never eat meat. Ho.v can I eat less than nothing ? To get more serious, I could put my money in the War Loan and send a few silver bullets to the Germans. If I were a bit older, I could make munitions—lead and steel bullets-not silver ones in plain English, I could work in a muni- tion factory. I love work-I can watch anyone working for hours. Again, I could put a box for the Red Cross Fund on Gyp (tne tyke's) collar and let him wander over the town it could soon be done with plenty of kindness (and a big stick !) Don't spend so much on lux- uries howls that foghorn of a newspaper. Gee, Whiz that's too much of it. But they will never stop my Boys' Own Paper,' the villains— br-r-r-, the villains. In 1918, I suppose the I menu will look something like this Breakfast Bath-bun and glass 01 water, 5s. JUinner Stewed sparrow, dessert, apples and glass of water, 9s, please,' etc. If I put some money in the Post Office Savings Bank I only get two and a half per cent. as interest, while if I put it into the War Loan I get five per cent. I am gaining and at the same time I am helping my country. To help my country, I must contradict my last composition and not buy any luxuries. One Roman centurion passed a sentence of death on his own son, for love of his country, while another one said that he would help his country whether it was in the right or the wrong. Here are two contrasts in patriotism, and yet they were both helping their country. Of course we cannot sentence our sons to death, but we can all help our country in the manner I have described, and in many other ways, too." In the second essay the schoolboy essayist tells what he would do if given 10s. and a day's holiday. He says :— If I was endowed with the fabulous amount of ten shillings and a day's holiday, I would go home and have my dinner first of all, and hunt for my bankbook, and would find it in a port- manteau upstairs. I would go the Post Office and put about six or seven shillings in the Post Office Savings Bank. I would consider for a moment, and would, on finding that it is the 3rd of April, go to Morgan's, the Chronicle Office, and get my monthly Boys' Own Paper,' pay the sixpence for it, receive one shilling and sixpence change, and steer homewards. Once arrived here, and I would read about H. Claren- don Wood's story The Stolen Grand Lama,' which deals with an English boy's adventures in Tibet Submarine U99,' by Captain Charles Gilson, a war story, in which Captain Crouch takes a prominent part; and Olaf, the Sea- Bird,' by Major Charles Young, a fine story of the Viking rovers, which tells of Olaf's adven- tures on the sea in a ship called The Hawk,' with Sweyn, the captain of the Hawk,' and Hake Sigurdson, Olaf's cousin. Another six- pence would be put in my purse, or money-box and now what shall I do with the remaining shilling, I wonder ? I must put sixpence away for my next month's Boys' Own Paper.' and that leaves sixpence of my wealth. I would then keep threepence or fourpence for pocket money, and the other threepence—I do not know what I will do with that. Oh I've got it I will have that for pocket money. That is how I would dispense with ten shillings. Got rid of it quickly, didn't I ? We may fittingly quote, in conclusion, one of the best schoolboy howlers which we have ever heard. A schoolboy, writing on the subject of the introduction of tobacco into England, said :—• Tobacco was introduced into England by Sir Walter Raleigh, who turning to his friend, said Ridley, we shall this day light such a candle in England that all the powers of God will not put out.'

Crickhowell Military Tribunal. Mr. E. Pirie Gordon presided at a meeting of the Crickhowell Military Tribunal on Tuesday afternoon, at the Town Hall, Crickhowell. when there were Present: Rev. W. Arvon Davies aud Messrs. Josiah Phillips, John Jones (Llangynidr), T. Ll. Jones, W. G. James, A. J. Thomas, and P. Griffiths, together with the Military Represen- tative, Mr. Gwilym C. James. The Clerk read a letter from the Crickhowell Farmers' Union enclosing a resolution calling the attention of the Tribunal to the fact that there was a great scarcity of farm labour in the district, through the present crisis, pointing out that the locality lay on the borders of the mining district, and that there were no cottages avail- able to house married men who could be em- ployed by larmers, now compelled to keep inaoor servants, and emphasising the importance of retaining skilled workmen in the interest of the country. Mr. T. LI. Jones Are we to infer from this resolution that the Tribunal has not met the claims of agriculturists fairly ? The Clerk thought not. Probably it had been sent in to keep the claims of farmers prominently before the Tribunal at all times. Mr. T. U. Jones said he certainly thought farmers had no cause to grumble. A grocer and baker in the Llanelly district, who has already been given temporary ex- emption, applied for a further two months, to sell his business and collect the book debts. He sent in a written statement stating that if he had to join up at short notice it would mean bank- ruptcy and a big financial loss. One month s exemption granted. A local coal merchant applied for exemption for two married men, one a haulier with a wife and two children, and the other a steerer of a traction engine. He said he was hauling large quantities of pitwood, and there was a great shortage of labour. Last year he employed five more hands. The Tribunal granted exemption for the haulier until 25th June, but refused the appli- cation in respect of the steerer. A grocer and baker at Gilwern applied for the exemption of his employee, a married man with one child. He admitted that the man had already been granted temporary exemption, but said it was impossible to obtain labour. The man had been passed by the Medical Board into Class 2. Replying to the Military Representative, applicant stated that he had tried to get an old man. One came, ate a hearty breakfast, asked for a sub, and then cleared. (Laughter). I would willingly give you £ 5," added applicant, if vou can find me a suitable man." Mr. Griffiths That is very good commission. Exemption until 25th May. A foreman woodman, a single man, on the Glanusk Estate, was granted conditional ex- emption. He was stated to be in charge of a number of pitwood cutters and timber fellers, at present cutting timber, which, subject to ne- gotiations being carried through, the Govern- ment have agreed to take. Two married men, one a sawyer and the other a pitwood cutter, employed on the same estate, also applied for exemption. The agent, who appeared before the Tribunal, stated that the Government were desireus of retaining the .services of the men. The Military Representative said the Govern- ment could very well send soldiers at present in training to do this work. The Agent said it seemed useless expense to put men into khaki for about six weeks, and then release them. It was the intention of the Government to badge the men. The men were exempted until the 25th May. The Tribunal reviewed the case of a man, a hed<rer. &-c., who was given six months' con- ditional exemption a short while ago. He is the eldest son of a farmer and limebumer, who at the same meeting applied for the exemption of the younger son, a ploughman. The Tribunal gave him the option of choosing either man, but this he did not care to do, and the Tribunal decided that the younger son should go. Subsequently the father appealed to the County Tribunal, and then stated that he had decided to retain the younger son, and let the oldest son go. The I Tribunal interviewed the eldest son, who said he was not prepared to meet his father's wishes in fact he could not do so, as he had sheep and cattle of his own. The Tribunal rescinded their former decision, which means that the elder son is now available foi service. In all 12 cases were heard, two conditional exemptions being granted, eight temporary, and two applications refused. Llanvihangef Crucomey Parish Council. The statutory meeting of the Parish Council was held in the Schoolroom on Thursday, the 20th mst, at 7.30 p.m. The following niembv:s were present :-Councillors David Edward, Penishaplwydd Joseph Griffiths, David I1- wards (Cefn), William Edwards. John Eevan, James Wctkins, Philip R. Evans, George and the Clerk fMr. Sam B. Davit In the absence of the Chairman, Mr. Dd. Kdwar presided. ee c. the Chairma-,i, i r. 1)(1. The following appointments for the ensui- year were made :—Chairman. Rev. John Davits, i r. D,l?- F.S.A.. Ty Newydd Yice-Chaim.an, Mr. Dd. Edwards. Penishaplwyod Overseers, )17. Joseph Griffiths (WerngilJord'! and Mr. D. Ed- wards (Pcxiishaplwyddj assistant overseer and clerk, Mr. Sam B. Davies, Magnolia House hon. treasurer. Mr. j >. Howell James, N.P Bank, Abergavenny representative manager of non- provided school, Mr. Wm. Edwards (Rho» RhyddV The Clerk reported that a sub-committee of the County Council Main Roads Committee would visit Pandy about May 3rd, to inspect the dangerous ditch near Glannant. The Council unanimously decided to increase the assistant overseer's (Mr. Sam B. Davies) salary for the ensuing year by the amount of £5 125., in appreciation of bis services in con- ducting the claim for refundment of rates over- paid to the Conrr.y Council. As a result of tLè claim, the County Council will refund to the parish .-{"440 5s. 2d., an amount equal to abo .t is. 6d. in the ,4- the assessable value of the parish. It was decided to hold the meetings of the Parish Council during the e.isuing year, on t'. e second Thursdays of June, September, Novem- ber, and March. lxr, and -%I,rcli.

GROSMONT. EASTER ESTRV—The annual Easter Vestry for the election oi churchwardens and the passing of the church and charity accounts for the past year was held on Monday evening, over which the Rev. Gomer Davies, B.A., Rector, presided. The old churchwardens, Mr. Henry Partridge and Mr. William Avatkins, were re-eiected. The church accounts, owing to extra items of ex- penditure, showed an adverse balance of ovtr JJ. It was decided to take steps to wipe out the debt. OBITUARY.—We deeply regret to have t.:)- record the death of Mr. James Watkins, which sad event occurred at his residence, Cefnlytha, Grosmont, on Thursday week. The end came- somewhat suddenly, although the decease.1 gentleman had been in failing health for SOtL considerable time past. Tht late Mr. Watkin> was highly esteemed and respected, being widely known, and although of a retiring disposition he took considerable interest in both imperial and local matters. Deceased leaves a widow and daughter to mourn his loss, for whom much sympathy is felt :n their bereavement. The funeral took place in the Parish Churchyard on. Monday afternoon last, and was of a strictly private character. The Rector, the Rev. Gomer Davies, B.A., officiated. Deceased was 7° years of age.

Death and Funeral of Mr. John Csriman. The death occurred on Wednesday in last week of Mr. John Cartman, assistant teacher at the Hereford-road School. Deceased, who was 44 years of age, had been subject to consumptive trouble for some considerable time, and had been, unable to attend to his scholastic duties since the last summer vacation. Deceased -was much respected in the profession and was greatly liked by the scholars who came under his tuition. In his younger days Mr. Cartman was a keen soccer player, in which code he attained some prominence in South Wales. On one occasion he was picked to play for Wales, but had the misfortune to break his leg before the day of the match. The funeral took place on Monday, the inter- ment being at the New Cemetery. A short service was conducted at St. Mary's Church by- Archdeacon Spers. who also officiated at the graveside. The chief mourners were the wideb- and daughter, father, mother, brother and sister. The following headmaster acted I)earers:NIT. A. J. Duck (Hereford-road. School), Mr. W. Rosser (Victoria-street), Mr. W. L. Jones (Monmouth Boys'), Mr. A. G. Greene (Llantilio Pertholey). A few scholars from. Hereford-road School were present, and the scholars and staff of this school sent a wreath. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Horsington Bros. A TRIBUTE. Old boys of Hereford Road Scnool, now in many parts of the world, will learn with regret of the death of Mr. J. Cartman, for 17 years a. member of the staff of the above school. To the small boy, embarking on his educational career, his cheery word at entrance gave volumes of encouragement and confidence, at d paragraph will bring back memories of youthful days to large numbers of those who knew him so well through the intimacy of the class-room. His ungrudging service was always at the disposal of those who needed it, particularly in those early difficulties that seem so mountainous to the young, but no words can measure his work for the boys of the town. The sympathy of more than they know wi'.l go out to his father and mother, wife and daughter, brother and sister, who attended the- funeral on Easter Monday, together with many- friends, fellow teachers and scholars. Of him it may be truly said that to live in hearts we cleave behind is not to die "—he having come in daily contact with hundreds of children at the most impressionable period of their lives. The Education Authority loses an experienced, loyal and tactful servant. ICom- municated]. .&.

Monmouthshire Volunteer Regiment. ORDERS FOR WEEK ENDING MAY uTIl, 1910:— Monday, May I-Firing practice for Nos. i and 2 Platoons in Drill Hall, from 7 to 9 p.m. for Derby Recruits. Thursday, May 4- The Company will parade in Drill Hall at 7.30 p.m. sharp. Uniforms to be worn. Class B Army Reserve are invited to attend. Saturday, May 6-Firing practice for Nos. 3 and 4 Platoons -in Drill Hall, from 7 to 9 p.m also for Derbv Recruits. Duties for the Week 'Orderly Officer, Platoon Commander A. L. Tatham; Orderly Sergeant, Sergt. W. H. Nicholls Orderly Corpl., Corpl. T. H. Maxwell. By order. F. P. J. HANBVRY, O.C. Abergavennv Company. ▲ 1

FOOTBALL. The Local Football Committee arranged attractive matches for the Easter holidays, in aid of the wounded soldiers at Mainditf, and their efforts were well supported. On Good Friday the Aberg"avenny United played a team. of the wounded soldiers at Maindiff, and after a rather one-sided game won by 6 goals to i, Jenkins scoring three of the half-dozen. Abertillery were the visitors on Saturday, and a better game was seen, play being fairly even, though the United won by 2 goals to none. Ebbw Vale, who were the opposing team on Tuesday, played a classy game, and secured the victory by 2 goals to 1. On the run of the play, however, the United ought to have won, the United forwards missing; some good openings. The committee also arranged a successful dance at the Swan Hotel on M-onday evening. A L.

 Schoolboy's Death.—The death occurred on Wednesday morning, under sad circumstnaces, of Donald Lewis, the 12-year-old son of Mr. J. Lewis, of Victoria-street. About two years ago the deceased was playing with some Boy Scouts and met with an injury which prevented his. attending school again, but he bore his Ion.; affliction with cheerfulness. The funeral wiii take place on Saturday afternoon, at 3 o'clock. t, ace on Saturda3- afternoon, a-, .3 ()'c l oc--

v I GOYTREY. EASTER DAY SERVICES.—The services 0:1 Easter Day were very bright and hearty. IT was truly a glad and joyous Easter, and a glad sight to see the good attendance at all the services. At 8 a.m. the Lord Bishop of Llandau celebrated the Holy Communion to 89 com- municants. The Rector officiated at I I am. and preached a short sermon based on St. Lake xxiv., 1. The lessons were read by Colonel Cuthbertson, C.M.G. There were 55 com- municants. A children's service was held in the afternoon. The Rector eondueteu the evening service at 0.30, when the Bishop occupied the pulpit and preached an impressive senaon from Rev. I., Ií-IS. The Parish Church looked very neat and the decorations were effectively done. The hymns and chants were well snn? and heartily joined in. and heartil3 VESTRY.—On Monday the annual Easter vestry was held, the Rector presiding. The churchwardens were re-elected, and Messrs. W. Jenkins and J. Rosser were added to the list of sidesmen. The churchwardens presented their accounts, which showed Receipts, £J 79 is. 8<1.; expendlture! £151 5s. lod. bijanco Z22 15s. iod. j