Abergavenny Chronicle

1 PEEPS INTO THE PAST. LOCAL RECORDS OF OVER 60 YEARS AGO. I ARTICLE XXV. I Epidemic of Burglaries: Policeman Admonished. At the meeting on March ist, 1855, the Watch Committee reported that they had examined Ezekiel Watkins, policeman, relative to what he had observed while on his rounds during the night of the 16th and 17th inst., when a burglary was committed at the houses of Mr. J. H. Conway and Mrs. Williamson. Watkins stated that about 3 o'clock in the morning of the 17th he heard a noise similar to that which would be occasioned by the opening or shutting of a door, as he stood near Mr. Conway's house. His father, who was with him, heard the same noise, and went to the small house near Mr. Conway's inhabited by Smith. E. Watkins himself went towards Mr. Conway's house to listen, but not hearing the noise repeated nor any alarm given by the dogs, passed on. Other unimportant particulars were mentioned by the policeman, but nothing was elicited that furnished the least clue to the detection of the offenders. The com- mittee resolved that policeman E. Watkins be admonished to exercise more vigilance in future, and be reminded that it was his duty not to pass by any suspicious circumstanc2s, however trivial they might seem, that might come under his notice during his watch. There was evidently an epidemic of bur- glaries about this time. The Watch Committee resolved that the chairman be respectfully re- quested to address a letter to the Lord Lieutenant of the County, soliciting him to apply to the Government to assist in offering a reward for the apprehension of the burglars who had recently perpetrated depredations at Newport, Aberga- venny, Pontypool and other parts of the county. Mr. Steele, the chairman, read a reply which he had received from Mr. Hanbury I.eigh, who ex- pressed his opinion that an application to the Government would not meet with any success, as there appeared to have been no personal violence committed. So, after all, the bur- glaries were not so very serious A Severe Frost Water Mains Frozen. There must have been a very severe frost in 1855, for at the meeting on the 1St of March Mr. Isaac Isaacs reported that the water pipes were still frozen, and the passage of the water was being obstructed in consequence. He thought it was to be feared that not only the service, but also the main pipes, were fractured by the frost that' considerable expenses must be incurred in opening the streets and repairing the mains and other portions of the pipes, and that the Water and Fire Committee should have the sanction of the board for as large an expense as was re- quired. The committee were authorised to take such measures as might seem best adapted to opening and repairing the water pipes. At the next meeting on the 22nd of March Mr. Isaacs stated that the committee had acted on the authority given them, and had employed the best means in their power for the repair of the water pipes. He regretted to say that the work proved more difficult and expensive than was at first anticipated. Breaches and fractures in the main pipes had made their appearance in various streets of the town, and as fast as one was re- paired-before, indeed, the pitching could be properly replaced—another was disclosed. It was to be feared that six lengths of pipe were required in Tudor-street. The frost must have indeed been very severe, for Tudor-street has always been looked upon .as being the warmest part of the town. A report of the Watch Committee was read which stated that a memorial signed by 42 rate- payers of the town was laid before the com- mittee. The purport of this was that in the opinion of the memorialists the services of the superintendent of police, E. F. Lipscombe, were inadequate to the salary he received, and his personal character not such as to give satis- faction to the said memorialists, and therefore they solicited that he be discharged from his situation as inspector of police. It was resolved that in the opinion of the Watch Committee it would be impossible to manage the police force without a superintendent constable, and that the salary paid to that officer was not too high. If any definite charges could be brought against Lipscombe by the ratepayers who signed the memorial, the committee were ready to investi- gate them and would be happy to meet any of the parties complaining for that purpose. At a subsequent meeting a letter was read from Supt. Lipscombe complaining of a para- graph in the Abergavenny Advertiser," pub- lished on the 2nd of April, which paragraph he considered was calculated to do him injury, inasmuch as it stated that a memorial respecting his conduct had been laid before the Watch Committee, but did not state that no person had appeared before the Watch Committee or the Board to make any definite charges against his conduct, although the memorialists had been invited to do so, if they wished, in the reply transmitted to them by the Watch Committee. He asked for a copy of the memorial. The Clerk was ordered to furnish Mr. Lipscombe with a copy of the memorial and to assure him that the Board had seen no reason to withdraw their confidence from him. New waterworks were contemplated about this time, for on the 5th of April a resolution was carried that tiie gentlemen constituting the Watch Committee be authorised to wait upon Mr. Woodhouse to ascertain whether ha was disposed to construct the new waterworks, and, if so, upon what terms. The formation of Victoria, Trinity, and Princes streets were decided i. pon at this meeting. The superintendent of police had not only to see to the police force, but also to the scavenging of the town. The contract with the contractor having terminated, the superintendent was directed to employ a sufficient number of men to sweep and cleanse the pitching of the town twice in every week, namely, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. I An Opportunity Missed. On the 12th of April, Mrs. A. E. Williams, wine and spirit merchant (or should it he mer- chantress ?) gave notice in writing of her inten- tion to rebuild the Vine Tree public-house in St. John's-square, and accompanied the notice with a plan showing the level at which the foundation of the house was proposed to be laid. After some conversation a motion was proposed that it was not expedient at that time to interfere with the building proceeding on the site, pro- vided that the requirements of the Towns Im- provement Act were complied with. An amendment was also proposed that if the site of the proposed building can be purchased for be entered into with Mrs. Williams to effect such purchase for the im- provement of the town." The original motion was carried, and so an opportunity of improving a congested thoroughfare was lost. On the 3rd of May, a letter was read from Mr. Charles Daniel, surveyor of highways, sub- mitting that the inhabitants of the town residing within the limits, although legally exempt from the payment of highway rates, were equitably liable to the payment of a proportion of a debt of [öz 16s. 9(1. contracted by the late surveyors previous to the passing of the Abergavenny Im- provement Act. He also suggested that the repairs to the Usk bridge should fairly be paid from the rates levied on the inhabitants of the town, inasmuch as the rateable value of the property of the out district of the parish was obviously too small to bear so heavy a burden. The Commissioners decided to seek the advice of their solicitor as to their liability and powers in these matters. We do not find any record that this advice was obtained, but when a sub- sequent letter was received from Mr. Daniel on the subject the Clerk was directed to reply tiiat I the Board had been compelled to come to the conclusion that they were neither legally nor morally authorised to pay any proportion of the j debt referred to. Tiie Streets Committee recommended, on May 17th, that the nuisance of the dust in the streets during the summer months renders the purchase of a water cart indispensable." A cart to hold 150 gallons was ordered. Mr. Joseph Kllis Williams was appointed The supt. of police at the same meeting was ordered to see that the scavengers commenced to clean the streets earlier in the morning-at not later than 4 a.m. We seem to have gon, back—or forward--since those days. The in-\ struct ion to the superintendent reminds us of a farmer who when a man he had employed turned up at five o'clock in the morning, com- plained to him, 1 like a man that comes in the morning Tee Provincial Medical Association met at Abergavenny on the 28th June, 1855. On the application of the Chairman (Dr. Steele), the use of the Town Hall was granted for the occasion and the Commissioners thought it a fitting opportunity to get the premises re-painted and decorated. On the 7th June, tradesmen were invited to tender for a dress-coat and trousers for each of the three policemen." Tne Commissioners were evidently determined to make the town look smart for the visit of the Medical Association.

Abergavenny Police Court. Wednesday Before the Mayor (Alder man Z. Wheatley) in the chair, and Mr. D. Howell James. The Farmers' Arms. Mr. R. H. A. Davies, of Crickhowell, applied on behalf of William Bowen, for five years licensee of the Dragon Inn, Crickhowell, for the temporary transfer of the licence of the Farmers' Arms. Mr. D. G. Harris, as representing the trustees, supported the application. Asked if he had any objection, Supt. Davies put in a letter with regard to offences for which applicant had been summoned at Crickhowell. Mr. Davies said that applicant had been before the Court at Crickhowell on two occasions. On April 4th, 1916, he was charged with refusing to admit a constable and with supplying liquor, and the case was dismissed with a caution. He should say, in fairness to the applicant, that he was not on the premises at the time, and his daughter was in charge. There were a consider- able number of guests on the premises, and she did not wilfully refuse to admit the police, but she had a tea tray in her hand and there was a few minutes' delay, which was unintentional. With regard to permitting drunkenness on the loth of October, 1913, the case was dismissed and he did not think it should count in any way against the applicant. He (Mr. Davies) had known the applicant for five years and he was an excellent man of business. If the Bench granted the licence they would not have any trouble with him. Mr. Harris said that this house had been carried on for some years by the late Mrs. Phillips under Mr. Stinchcombe, who was the trustee for the benefit of the creditors. The house had been carried on with some difficulty, and up to the present it had been carried on by Mrs. Davies, a daugnter of Mrs. Pnillips, in order to keep the licence going. He had obtained a protection order for Mrs. Davies, and the Court had granted him extensions from time to time, to keep the licence going. They had had extreme difficulty in finding a tenant, and they considered themselves fortunate in getting such a good tenant as Mr. Bowen. If the licence were not granted to him the house would probably have to be closed next week. From the point of view of the creditors and the trustee it was highly important that the house should be got rid of as soon as possible. The Mayor, in announcing that the applica- tion would be granted, said that they regretted the cases which had been brought forward at Crickhowell, and they considered that a licensee should be above reproach. The Farmers' Arms was a very difficult house to deal with, being close to the market, and there was a certain amount of temptation to a licensee to sell as much as he possibly could. Applicant must distinctly understand that he must carry on the business with the greatest caution and be above suspicion and not give the police any trouble, because the licence would come up again on the 20th of June. They also wished to caution the daughter (who was present) to be careful to admit the police at once when they called. Failed To See It." Henry Phillips, of Hereford, was summoned for causing an obstruction in Hereford-road by leaving a motor-car unattended 011 the 2.th of April. Defendant did not appear. P.-C Trigg said his attention was called to a motor-car standing on the corner of Hereford- road and Lion-street. He waited for a quarter of an hour before the driver came back. A letter was put in from the defendant, who said he failed to see how he had committed an obstructior. He only left the car for ten minutes at the side of the market. Defendant was fined J05., including costs, and the Mayor said that it was a very dangerous corner and he hoped this case wo aid be a caution to motorists.

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HOW FRITZ GOT HIS SHELLS BACK. I ABERGAVENNY SERGEANT'S EXCITING EXPERIENCES AT THE FRONT. Stafi-Sergt. J. T. Evenson, of A.O.C., who is an Abergavenny man, has written an interest- ing account of an experience at the Front, in which the Huns were veritably hoist with their own petard." Staff-Scrgt. Evenson says :— On the morning of Monday, the 16J1 April. I had orders to proceed with two of our officers and two gun detachments to a wood beyond a village captured a couple of d?vs ago by our boys. The object of the expedition was to try and reach a batterv of German 5.9 howitzers which the Huns had left behii d during their hasty retreat, and to see if it wa. possible to get any of the howitzers into action. Needless to say there -A as great excitement amongst the gun crews, for we were going to have a good try at sending Fritz some of his own shells with his famous 5.9 howitzers. The journey was a rather tiresome one, for we had to find a track over country riddled with shell holes; still, there was no cribbing, for the object was a good one. During our journey we crossed our old front-line trench, no man's land,' and then the Boche trenches. The latter in places were hardly to be found, for the artillery fire of our howitzers had been so excellent that the Boche trenches were a succession of shell holes. I could not help feeling thankful that we were making the offensive, and not Fritz. After about two hours hard wlking we passed over a ridge, and what a fine view beyoi(I We could see several villages, still in the hands of the-Germans. We were now in sight of the gunpit and also in full view of the Huns, so thought it advisable to complete the journey one at a time, keeping a distance of about 50 yards between each man. On reaching the gui -pits we found there were thrê 5 9 howitzers. It was now my duty to see if I could get any of them into action. On examination I found that from the three had been removed vital parts of the breech mechan- ism, also th sights. So I set about to try and isni, -,tlso tli?? make one complete out of the three. This I managed to do with the exception of the striker (which fires the cartridge). However, after making a good search I found a box containing several spare parts, and to my great joy found half of tli 2 striker and a spring. Tiie trouble now was to find the other part of the striker, which we failed to do. After making a careful study ot what the missing part must be like, &c., I set about to try and make a cap to take its place. This I succeeded in dcing, and we were now complete to go into action, for they had left a great number ot shells and cartridges. We now turned the gun around to face the Huns, and, needless to say, the gun-men soon had her loaded and ready for action. We fired our first round into a village full of Huns, and from the gunpit could watch it explode, .which was an unusual sight for the gun-crew- of an howitzer. The flash of the gun firing could e- sily be observed by Fritz, and it was not many minutes before he started tiring at us. We could also see the flash of his gun firing at us. This was to our advantage, for as soon as we saw his flash we went under cover until it exploded, which was 20 seconds after the flash. Knowing that we were spotted, the officer had a consultation and decided to retaliate on the oun firing at us. So tor a dozen roands we fired one for one at them and made som. very good shooting—too good for Mr. Hun, for he now- turned several guns on to us. The officers now thought we had better clear out. Tris we managed to do without any casualties, and, deedless to say, felt very pleased with ourselves, for we had been able to have a pot at Fritz with his own supplies. On return- in" to camp we were congratulated by the O.C. aiul the Colonel of the Group of Batteries. The following morning we again set out to let Fritz have a few more. They must have been 0^1 the look out for us, for they started shelling us heavily on approaching t.e gunpits. However, we were determined to let them have a few, and loaded up and fired. Strange to say, 1-ritz did not continue shelling us. We w ere rather dis- appointed that lie would not accept another gun duel, which looks as though we gave hn too warm a time of it yesterday. Before Icavmg we let iii4a?- I ave b,?st, one of wliicii I)rougl?*, let hURl;ave 20 of the best, one of which brought a high water tower down, which no doubt he was using for an observation post. During our two visits we fired 33 rounds, not so bad con- sidering the weight of each is ioolhs. 1 had heard a lot of talk about the famous 5.0 howitzers of Krupps' make, and know, from experience, that they do some fine shooting with them. But. personally, I was very disappointed with it it does not compare at all favourably with our oiu. howitzer, and it is quite 40 per cent, inferior. Two were very up-to-date, liaving been made ill 1916."

Sir Arthur Herbert and a Motor Plough. A RECORD OF HIS EXPERIENCES. At a meeting of the Abergavenny branch of the National Farmers' Union, on Tuesday, Sir Arthur Herbert of Coldbrook related his ex- periences in connection with a motor plough which h- had hired through the War Agricultural Committee. He said that the plough arrived on the afternoon of the 2nd of April with two men. The men lodged at Newport and came up in the morning and returned in the evening by motor. Two men also come in a motor car to inspect the plough-an 80 miles joy ride. On the 3rd of April they worked part of a day and broke a shear. They had no spare parts, and tried to plough with three shears instead of four. The thing wobbled about but did not work. On the 4th of April they waited for two hours for oil. The following day they waited again, and then the bad weather came and they went away. Twice in the meantime people came from Newport by motor to look at the plough. Some people who had business to do found a difficulty in getting petrol, but these people did not. On the second visit they arrived at six o'clock in the evening, though they should have been there in the morning. They worked two hours, and two gentlemen came by motor from Newport to look at the plough. On the 22nd and 23rd they worked the whole day, and two men again came from Newport, by motor to inspect the plough. On the 24th they went away. On the 25th Mr. Day came and asked him where the motor plough was, because it ought to have been with- him that morning. He replied that he could not tell him where it was, and added, They come when they like and so when thev like and do what thev like They forgot their petrol, and sent to Newport for paraffin when they could have got it at Aber- gavenny." When they were supposed to come to him on the second occasion two men were careering about the country with a motor-car looking for the plough. The plough was with him for seven days to do 28 acres, and they left eight acres not ploughed. Without ail this organisation three good teams could have done 3011 the 28 acres in seven days. He mentioned his experiences in the hope that somebody there connected with the War Agricultural Committee might bring it to the notice of the people who dealt with these matters. He had made com- plaints to them, but they said that he was in the wrong and they were in the right. "You expect official people to say that," added Sir Arthur. When I was in office I always said that." (Laughter). He would have been only too happy to give his time and money to assist the Govern- ment in this crisis, but he had never been asked to assist in any way. A gentleman came from Newport to a farm in the neighbourhood of Penpergwm, the other day, in order to tell the farmer what he was to plough. He ventured to say that they could have told him what he was to plough just as well as a gentleman from New- port who had had a 40 miles joy ride.

—— The Town Bazaar, Frogmore Street, is now under new management, and has the finest stock of Toys, Antimony and all Fancy Goods. -46

CRICKHOWELL. THE PRIVATE SECRETARY."—A capital per- formance of this amusing play was given by a Brecon company, including Mr. A. Leonard, secretary to the Breconshire Education Author- ity, and Mr. W. E. Jones, county finance clerk, and Mr. R. P. Griffiths, of Crickhowell, at the Clarence Hall, Crickhowell, on Thursday, in aid of the funds of the Red Cross Bureau. FROM FRANCE.—Private Harry Thompson, of the A.S.C., who has been in France for many months, in a note to our correspondent says he is very fit and quite equal to the arduous duties which now fall to the lot of Tommy." Another Crickhowell man, well known to local footballers, Private Harold Jones, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Ashfield, writes home in very cheery manner. He says he feels in splendid condition. PARISH Council,.—At a meeting of the Crick- howell Parish Council, the Rector, the Rev. H. P. Somerset, M.A., was re-elected chairman and Mr. Joseph Townsend was appointed vice- chairman. )1: John Evans, of 4, Llanbcdr- road, was appointed clerk, in the room of Mr. Thomas Lewis, who had held office since the formation of the Council. The salary is a year. Messrs. John Evans and W. V. Jones, Lindley, were appointed overseers. FUN-E, RAL ul" Ms. JOHN TOWNSEND.—The funeral of Mr. John Townsend, whose death was recorded in our last issue, took place on Saturday at St. Edmund's Church., and was largely attended. The coffin was borne from the house bv Messrs. G. Burden, John Powell, W. Davies, John Dewsoa, C. Prosser and H. Lewis, of L t: Crickhowell Postal Staff, and again from the church to the graveside. The Rector, the Rev. H. P. Somerset, M.A., officiated. A number of H. P. Soii,.erset, u- beautiful floral tributes were sent, including one from the Crickhowell Post Office Staff—deceased had been connected with tne postal service for c -)os-ta l service for 40 vears. Tne mourners included Mr. Joseph Townsend, Mr. J a 1*1 e 5 Townsend (brothers), Mr. J J. Charles Townsend, Mr. Win. Townsend, Mr. Wilfrid Townsend (nephews), Mrs. Vera Rumsey (niece), Mrs. Townsend ;lster-in-law-) and Mr. Edwdn Edwards. A

Crickhowell Officer Awarded the Military [ Cross. I Mrs. Barroll, of Crickhowell, has received an intimation from the War Office that her son, Lieut. Amos Barroli, attached to a Machine Gun Company on the Western Front, has been awarded the Military Cross. It is understood he has also been promoted. The news has given much pleasure in the Crickhowell district, where the young officer is very popular. Lieut. Barroll has a most creditable record. He en- listed soon after the outbreak of war and was given a commission from the ranks.

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES & DEATHS. DEATHS. KNIGHT.—On the 14th April, at Gazza, Egypt, of wounds received on the field, Willie, the beloved son of Thomas Knight, Marine Store Dealer, Tudor Street, Abergavenny, aged 29 years. Deeply mourned by his Father, Brother and Sister. ROSE.—On April 28th, Emma Augusta, beloved wife of Rev. Winfred Rose (late of Pandv), of Newhaven, Sussex. WINSTONE.—On May ist, at 79 Tudor Cottages, Abergavenny, Gwendoline Lottie, the beloved wife of Oliver Leslie Edwin Winstone, A.S.C., aged 24. Deeply mourned by all. Funeral will take place at 3 o'clock Saturday, New Cemetery. IN MEMORIAM. In Loving Memory of Eddie Norgrove, who fell in action May 8th, 1915. PHILLIPS.—In Loving Memory of Annie, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Webb, Hatlierleigh-road, Abergavenny, and wife of Mr. E. J. Phillips, Auctioneer, Bargoed. who died May 4th, 1915, Ever remembered by all the family. H Wl-N-NL- Y.in Loving .Memory ot our darling bov Robert Vivian, youngest son of Thomas and Louisa Winney, Abergavenny, who was killed in action in France on the 6th of May, 1915, aged 22 years. Deeply mourned by Parents and Brothers and Sisters. In Locing Memory of Private J. Regan, 1st Regt., who was killed in action 8th May, 1915. in his 27th year. Also of his brother, Private B. Regan, who was killed in action February 27th, 1917. in his 31st year. Gone, but not forgotten by his loving Mother, Mrs. E. Regan, 60 Tudor Street, Abergavenny. And now they are sleeping their last long sleep, And their graves I may never see. Would some gentle ¡.cl in that distant land Scatter some flowers for me ? And some tender heart may shed a tear For their Mother in anguish sore For those lives so fair that were ended there Awav on that alien shore. A

vl- TH'S Mr. and Mrs. Whistance wish to thank all friends for kind sympathy and fiord tributes in their sad bereavement. I their sad bere??-ement. j Chapel Cottage, Bryn-y-?venin. i

I TOBACCO FUND. I Already acknowledged -{353 10 o Mr. C. Stanley (collected at Licensed 'i,,tiial',ers' iiieeting) 5 1 Mr. and Mrs. Gardner i Mrs. Lawrence Baker (2 weeks) 10 Mrs. Charles Baker (2 weeks) 10 < Mr. Lewis. He:illa-i (per the Maj or) 2 0 Mr. Jones 20

I Mr. Reginald Herbert Sued. I Estate Agent's Claim. I SOME AMUSING PASSAGES. i In the Official Referees' Court on Monday, before Mr. Edward Pollock Mr. John Herbert Berrow, an estate agent, brought an action against Mr. Reginald Herbert, of Clytha Park, Abergavenny, to recover the sum of £440 arrears of wages alleged to be due. Mr. J. R. Randolph, KC. for the plaintiff, stated that in 1903 Mr. Berr-w became a kind of agent to the defendant, who was the life tenant of the Clytha Park Estate of about 5,000 acres. Mr. Herbert was an < --master of hounds, but had not a very great deal of money and got into rather low water. It was arrayed that Mr. Berrow, who novv mani w)n works near Hereford, should live in the house at Clytha Park, have his board, and be paid monthly at the rate of lc-) a year. The con- dition of the estate showed that money- was not too plentiful and cross cheques and bills were resorted to. In one letter to Mr. Berrow Mr. Herbert wrote All money sources are dried up, and 1 am unable to be-g, borrow, or steal. Matters seem to get worse, ^nd I know what to do or which way to turn." The income of the estate, counsel said, was scarcely sufficient to pay the mortgage interest. Mr. Berrow stayed on be<vcu-r the bait held out to induce him to do so wa- "hat he should be given the agency of the est at- when Mr. Graham, the agent, retired. Graham ,.i:d Hitchcock, of Newport, were the agents, ^r. 1 a year. Mr. Herbert said he would do his best to get the agency for Mr. Berrcw, but when Mr. Graham died in 1907 Mr. Herbert stated it was impossible Mr. Berrow cull have the agency as they must have somebody who could guaran- tee £ 1,000. Other arr an cements were accord- ingly made. In 1910 plaintiff went to live at Hereford, and defendant contended that he then lost plaintiff's services, but this was disputed. In a subsequent letter to :h, ,laintiE Mr. Her- to I bert said he was glad he tuc-1, it. Now it is only a question of time, pulling through." At the adjourned hearing, 'n Tuesday, plaintiff gave evidence in confirmati- n of counsel's state- ment, and in cross-exam:30:1 admitted that the monthly salary ceased to run during the period he was away from ?J?ha Park in 1910. Mr. Reginald Herbert '.?.? some amusing evidence on his own behalf. He said he told Berrow not to go into all th ->. c- accounts but to put down what w-it: fairly owed him. | II. was trying to make 2s 1. take the rilace of i-s. od., which was difficult, especially as he had a big property and a and a!- -he time naturally there came a hu^ncial crisis. Up the pole is another phrase you used, said counsel. At a later stage, speaking f putting off a matter, Mr. Herbert remarked, Procras- tination is the soul of business. Mr. Herbert mentioned in the coarse of his examination that part of the work for which plaintiff was claiming was d ,-ne for the trustees of the estate, although they repudiated liability as to a portion of it. The Referee said he thought the cmount paid .?,hl the ?n?'?uit paid into court ( £ 30) w~as sufficient, and. therefore, gave judgment for the dtie-ndant. whh costs subsequent to the payment. 4.

Soldier ^Writing Pad, :2' the Shanklin Writing Pad, 4M. bur Mail Cabinet, for foreign correspondence, 6M.—M. Morgan Co., Cr,.roiiicle" Ofhce-

Help the Monmouthshire Prisoners of War. An appeal is being to Abergavenny people to help the prisoner- war of the Mon- mouthshire Regiment. There are 260 of the county regiment now interned in Germany, and it will be readily understood that they are in dire straights with regard to fc.c Three parcels a fortnight are sent out and the men could not exist without them. H,w :he Monmouths faced the German hordes at Yyres in May, 1915, faced the German hordes at Y'?res i;i May, 1913, will never be forgotten, and it is appropriate that a pound week should h.. ve been arranged from the Sth to the 15th of May. Gifts in money will be gladly ackiiowh-f^j by Mrs. Steel, Nevill-street, and gifts in h ::d will be received at the Voluntary Labour Bureau in Cross-street on Tuesday. May 8th, and Veanesday, the 9th, from 11 to i and 2 to 4. The articles most re- quired are tea, cocoa, sugar, tinned meats, sardines, Quaker oats, golde:: >yrup. marmalade, jam, margarine, dripping, tinned fruit, chocolate, tobacco, and cigarettes. It is to be hoped there will be a good response fr- local people to the appeal. +-

BLAENAVON WORKMEN'S THEFTS. At Blaenavon Police Court on Tuesday a number of workmen employed by the Blaenavon Company Ltd. were charged with stealing articles belonging to their employers, ] ames Price (49), ostler, was charged with .-teaiing a quantity of crushed oats, value 6d., on April 12. Mr. E. Prosser, Aberdare, prosecuted for the company, and Mr. Lyndon Moore, Newport, defended. Mr. Moore said defendant admitted tolling the corn, but not stealthily. -lr. Prosser called attention to the fact that the ieea was measured out for horses underground and any quantity that was stolen deprived the animal, a full share. He reminded the Bench of tl, several charges preferred against the Company, some of which related to underfeeding. No th. abt the underfeeding was due to petty pilfering. Sergt. Pritchard said he saw Price looking rather bulky," and asked for permission to search him. Defendant s.hd he only had his dinner-box in his pockets. Witness, however, searched him, and as he w as about to open the dinner-box defendant said Be careful, it's full of oats." Price admitted that he had stolen the oats from the colliery.— In cross-examination by Mr. Moore witness said defendant had been employed by the company for 35 years, and, as far as he knew, bore an excellent character.— Price, on oath, admitted taking the oats, which, however, were the leavings in a tram after a big supply had been sent to the stables on the previous day. It did not occur to him that he was stealing. With reference to a paper bag which had also contained oats defendant said he took the bag to work daily, using it to carry scraps of food for the cats in the workings.— Mr. Moore made an eloquent appeal on behalf of the defendant. He described the charge as a two-penny-a'penny case." and observed that if all employers took such serious notice of their employees who took paper every solicitor in Monmouthshire would have to prosecute.-The Bench imposed a fine of 4 3. Evan Jones (30), timberman. and Frederick Bristow (29), labourer, were jointly charged with stealing wood value is. on April 10, and each was fined 2. Lewis Lewis (35), innkeeper, Waeuavon, was charged with stealing a quantity of coal, value 6d., on April 16.—Mr. Prosser said a load of coal had been delivered to defendant only a fortmgnt previously.—A fine of £ 2 was imposed. P.C. Eeles stated in the case of Win. Edmunds (62), slagman. who was summoned for a similar offence, that he was picking coal which had just been screened. He had a bag which, on ex- amination, was found to contain coal and sticks.-i-inecl Jjz. en,??iiie ('?r i \-er. Nvllc) Sam. Harris (50), engine driver, who was summoned for the theft of wood value 3d. on April 21, was said to be in charge of a turbine engine. Sergt. Pritchard intercepted him on the wav home, searched him and found a quantity of wood in his possession.—Sergt. Pritchard said he had told defendant he would he reported, whereupon he remarked, I am very sorry, and hope vou will overlook it this t:"ne. In reply to the Clerk defendant said he had been 0 years in the employ of the company.—Tne Clerk You are spoiling a good many records this morning, Mr. Prosser.—Defendant was fined i2. Sidney Jenkins (37). stoker, was summoned for stealing a quantity of wood value 2d. on March 28, and was fined £2-11e was seen by Sergt, Pritchard near the Otto Ovens and in a frail he had the wood in q. .stion.

Monmouthshire Volunteer Regiment. ABERGAVENNY DETACHMENT. ORBI-;KS !•(>R WHICK ENDING MAV 12th, 1917:- Sunday, Mav o—Route march. Preliminary judging of distances. Monday, May 7—Squad drill. Thursday, Mav 10—Squad drill. For each parade tee men will assemble at the Drill Hall. Sunday. 3 1m; Monday and Thursday, :.?o p. m Recruits ïc, {ll:lc'( on app'.?.?on at the Drill Hall. at any of the above parades. By Order 01 the Commandam. A

V- The Town Bazaar. Frogmore Street, is the up-to-date place for Fancy Combs, Hair Brushes, Manicure Sets, Leather Bags, Purses, etc.

ABERGAVENNY RURAL TRIBUNAL. i FIVE APPLICANTS REFUSED EX- EMPTION. I CONFLICT BETWEEN AGRICULTURAL I AND MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES. I A sitting of the Abergavenny Rural Tribunal was held on Thursday. Mr. John Prichard presided in the absence of the chairman, Mr. Robert Johnson. There were also present Mr. Morgan David, Mr. John Baynam and Mr. John Lewis, with Mr. Gower Andrews (Military Repre- sentative) and Mr. Joseph Griffiths (Agricultural Representative). About 24 cases were dealt with. The Clerk read a copy of a circular issued to the War Executive Committee. The portions which affected that Tribunal were that men who were engaged in agriculture and who possessed certificates of exemption were not to be called up, neither were their certificates to be brought before the Tribunal for revision. With regard to further applications before the Tribunal the War Office had agreed that where a farmer had on his farm only the amount of male labour set out in the scale known as the Bath agreement— with regard to the number of men allowed according to the number of cattle and teams-- the position of his employees with regard to liability for military service would not be affected by the number of women the farmer might employ. In future, women were not to be regarded as in substitution for male labour, but only as supplementary labour. The Clerk also referred to the case of a grocer at Grosmont, who was originally exempted on business grounds, and made his second applica- tion on the ground of conscientious objection only. The Tribunal had not taken into account the conscientious objection at all, and the case was adjourned in order that he might write to the Local Government Board to ask what the position wa.3. The Local Government Board replied that the hearing of the review ot a certifi- cate of exemption might take into consideration any ground advanced by the holder in support of his claim for exemption, and the Tribunal might vary or withdraw the certificate or leave it in force. The Tribunal could, therefore, entertain the man's objection. A Handy Man. Sir Arthur Herbert applied for a married man, aged 31, who was described as a carpenter, slater, plumber, painter, and had the care of engines and did repairs generally. The appeal stated that it was impossible to keep up the general estate repairs without his assistance. He managed two engines, one on a farm of 400 acres which did the chaff cutting, grinding and pulping, and one for a saw mill which cut timber solely for use on the estate. Without a com- petent man to look after the engines it would be impossible to feed the large head of stock, and there was no one on the estate who understood the engines and could keep them in repair. The man had been rejected as totally unfit some time ago, but since then he was told he was put into Class B2, although he understood he had not been re-examined. He was in exactly the same condition as he was on the first examination. Mr. Gower Andrews But the standard is lower. Surely he has been re-examined. The man was called in and stated that he was re-examined on the 13th March. The Chairman Sir Arthur Herbert says you weren't. The man There is a misunderstanding. I didn't say that. In reply to questions the man said lie was really a carpenter, but he helped on the land during the harvest and kept the machinery going. By Mr. Andrews There was another car- penter on the estate who followed the carpen- tering regularly. By Mr. John Lewis He had made 110 appli- cation himself for exemption. The application was refused, and the man is not to be called up for a month. A waggoner, aged 32, passed C i, and employed on 250 acres at IJanvetherine, was granted con- ditional exemption. A waggoner, aged 30, em- ployed at LIanwenarth was also conditionally exempted. Schoolmaster to Go. I A schoolmaster at Pw-ll-du was applied for by the Monmouthshire Education Committee, who, it was stated on the application, were releasing all their assistants who were Class A, but they must appeal for all head teachers, otherwise there would be no alternative but to close the schools. Tae man, who was passed Bi, told the Tribunal that the only assistance he had was that of his wife, and there were 60 children attending the school. The application was refused, but the man is not to be called up for six weeks. A man, aged iS, at Llanover was applied for by his father as a wool sorter, card grinder and blanket trimmer, who also did farm work. The father said that his profession of making up yarn and flannel was absolutely necessary for national purposes. Most of their time was devoted to supplying the Red Cross Society and the hospitals, at wholesale prices. Two of his sons had joined and one had been killed, and he had two sons at home. Conditional exemption was granted. A married man, aged 39, formerly employed as a gardener at Llanover and now engaged in cutting timber for the collieries, was exempted for two months. A shoeing and agricultural smith, aged 25, working at Llanvetherine for a blacksmith, who said he had 104 farmers and small-holders on his ledgers, was conditionally exempted. A stockman, aged 37, on 284 acres at Llan- gattock-nigh-Usk, was also granted conditional exemption. A married mason at Monmouth Cap, with a wife and six children, explained to the Tribunal the condition of his legs, one of which is withered, and shewed that he is crippled. He was given conditional exemption. A woodman at Llanwenarth, who it was stated had been acting as game and river keeper, asked to be transferred to the Home Grown Timber Committee as a cutter in the Brecon area. A letter was read from the local representative of the committee stating that the man was a skilled cutter and they were short of men. Mr. Gower Andrews Your employment has always been a gamekeeper and riverkeeper ?— No only just to look after the wild game. Conditional exemption was granted on the man working regularly for the Home Grown Timber Committee. Importance of Blacksmiths. An agricultural and general smith at Llanarth applied for his man, aged 31. Mr. Joseph Griffiths read a circular from the Board of Agriculture which stated that in view of the national importance of keeping the existing agricultural implements and macninery in good order, the President had had under con- sideration the retaining in their several employ- ments agricultural blacksmiths and wheel- wrights in cases where such men were the only agents in the district through which farmers in their particular area could get horses shod and machinery and implements repaired. Conditional exemption was granted. A Penpergwm man, aged 41, was de- scribed as a milk vendor, coal merchant and licensed victualler. Mr. Gower Andrews He is over age. The Chairman (to applicant) Have you enough work ? A bit of work wouldn't hurt yon. (Lailgliter). You could help the farmers a bit. Applicant My man goes out three days a week to help the farmers when there is threshing. I have the cows to milk, nignt and morning. Conditional exemption was granted. A dairyman, milk vendor and smallholder, living at the March, and who has a wife and three children, said he distributed 20 to 25 gallons of milk a day. The case was adjourned for medical examination. o A wheelwright and coffin maker, aged 27, employed by a blaeksmit". at Llanover, who had been passed B2, was conditionally exempted. A blacksmith at Paudy applied for his son, aged 18, who, he said, did a lot of shoeing and itwould be a hardsl_ ip to lose him. The case was adjourned for medical examin- ation. --h'O Agricultural and Military Kepresentatives in Conflict. The Ygricultural Representative applied for his son, aged 18 years, and said he had 190 acres, 45 cattle, 116 ewes and 11 houses. lie uad only two sons under 20 to help him, and when tite eentlenien v/ent round on the agricultural cen.as they agreed that he had not too much help. The Chairman How many sons have you al,,()getlier ?-I.Iollr. One is away from home and one is a boy at school. What is the one away doing ?—Working at Newport. Mr. Gower Andrews: Your solicitor said, when the hearing was at Pontypool in May, that your son would not be appealed for again. One son got conditioncl exemption and you agreed that the other son should join on the 1st of January, but he has not joined. Applicant said he did not make that arrange- ment, and the Tribunal had no right to deal with the case of the other son. Mr. Andrews Didn't you arrange with Mr. Harding, the county agricultural representative, that if the one got conditionaleexemption you would allow the other to join on the 1St of January ? Applicant said there was nothing said about that. What he said was that he would not appeal for his other son when he came of age. But," added applicant, we are under a new law altogether to-day. I don't think you have any right to deal with this case at all to-day." Mr. Gower Andrews Why ? Applicant Because it should go before the Agricultural War Committee before it comes here. Mr. Gower Andrews Where does it say so ? Applicant The Agricultural War Committee are under that impression. Mr. Gower Andrews I can't help that. You want the War Executive Committee to take the place of the Tribunal. Applicant They are doing it. Mr. Gower Andrews They are not. There is nothing in the regulations to that effect. Applicant That law is carried out. Mr. Gower Andrews There is only one law and that is the Tribunal law. Applicant You have no right to deal with this case outside the 30,000 men. Mr. Gower. Andrews They have not been called up. Applicant This case is not amongst them. This application came in before the new in- structions. Mr. Gower Andrews There are no new in- structions to the Tribunal. Applicant You have a new Military Act to deal with to-day. You can't take any men off the land who have always been working on the land. The Clerk read the Bath agreement to the effect that one man was allowed for every team of horses, for every 20 cows, or every 50 head of stock, and for every 200 sheep, or 800 sheep run on the mountains. Applicant said his case came within this scale. Mr. Gower Andrews What did you have in your mind when you said your son would join on the 1st of January ? Applicant That was last year, when the ) state of the country was such that it was stated that where there were two boys of military age one should go. I said then that it was no use to fight the Government and if one must go it was better for this one to go than the other. Since then the Government have found the position we are in, and instead of wanting men for the Army they want them for the land. The Chairman A man who has four sons has got a stake in the country, and, if possible, one should be spared. Applicant He can't be spared. The Chairman Your property has to be protected. Applicant We have to feed other people. Mr. Gower Andrews On two occasions when you have appeared before the Tribunal you have led us to believe that on a future date one of your sons should join up. Applicant Nothing of the kind. Mr. Gower Andrews Your solicitor said that. Applicant Because he did not know any better. Mr. Gower Andrews said the decision of the County Tribunal was that one was granted con- ditional exemption on the other joining on the 1st of January. After further discussion it was decided to grant conditional exemption. Willing to Fight. I A farm labourer, aged 18, working at ilaii- I thewy Rhytherch, who had been applied for by his employer, was asked by the Chairman Would you rather not go to fight ? The youth replied I would not mind going at all. The Chairman You don't want to be let off ?—No, sir. The Clerk Yon would rather go to fight the Germans ?—Yes, sir. Mr. Joseph Griffiths said they could not send him. The Clerk said lie was willing to go and he had the first choice. Mr. Gower Andrews An employer cannot keep a man against his will. The Clerk He can join the Army to-morrow, if he likes. Mr. John Lewis I don't think so. Mr. Gower Andrews (to the man) How much notice must you give ? The Clerk He can join without any notice at all. The Chairman If the boy wishes to go to the Armv do you want to stop him ? Mr. Joseph Griffiths: I don't want to stop him. The Chairman The matter is ended. Let him go. The application (which was not supported by the employer with any reasons) was dismissed. Killing Foxes A Petition from Cwmyoy. I A keeper at Llanthony claiujed that he was engaged on work of national importance in killing vermin, as he was helping the food supply of the country and it was also a benefit to the farmers, who were suffering serious losses in poultry and lambs. He was also cultivating a holding and helping neighbouring farmers in spare time. A petition, signed by a large flumber of farmers in the Cwmyoy valley, was read asking that the man should be conditionally exempted from military service, as he was killing vermin which were causing them serious losses in ,vliieh were :1 poultry and lambs. A list of poultry and sheep killed bv foxes and badgers was enclosed, and this showed that 56 lambs, 9 turkeys and geese, and 73 fowls had been lost by the farmers. The petition added that it was essential that the man should be wholly employed in killing vermin 011 the Llanthouy estate, which was ten miles long by about three miles wide and comprised about 8,000 acres. Three farmers also signified their willingness of employing the man in spare time. The Chairman said it was important work just now. When the war was over perhaps they would not be so willing to have the foxes killed. He believed Sir Arthur Herbert did not object to the foxes being killed. Asked how many foxes he had killed since he was last before the Tribunal, applicant said I am not bound to say. I got a nice advertise- ment in the paper the last time I was here." After being pressed further, applicant stated the number of foxes and badgers he had killed, on condition that it was not published. Ap- plicant further stated that at one time about 1,000 rabbits wer shot in the Cwmyoy valley, but there were none there now owing to the foxes. Exemption till the 30th September was granted. A County Council roadman at Llanellen, who helps farmers, was conditionally exempted, as was also a farm hand at Llanvetherine and a small farmer with 35 acres at Llanvair. A Clytha youth of 18, principally engaged in hauling cogwood but who occasionally assists his father on the farm, was refused exemption, but is not to be called up for two months. A grocer at Grosmont applied on business and conscientious grounds and 1he case was ad- journed for medical examination, applicant stating, in reply to a question, that he did not object to be medically examined. A single roadman at Pantygelly, aged 30 and passed into C2, was refused exemption. ————

Red Cross Hospital Supply Depot. I The Hon. Treasurer (Mr. F. R. Iiobbes) lias much pleasure in announcing the following donations for week ending 3rd May :— Previously acknowledged. £ 093 1 •> o Further proceeds of Flag Day 010 o Sale of Slippers (per Mrs. Facey) o 10 o Holy Trinity Offertory (St. George's Day) 6 13 1 Sale of Jig-Saw Puzzles (per Master Ken. Ilobbes) T I I I) Total -ol, o i *K. ——