Abergavenny Chronicle

Abergavenny County Court. I Mondav—before- His Honour Judge Hill Kt-uy Puzzled the Judge. I Reginald (ones, formerly in business as a corn ard seed merchant at Abergavenny, sued E. A. Peake, seedsman and florist, for £ 3 19s. od balance of account. Mr. C. Dauncey, of p..rt, represented plaintiff. Plaintiff stated that on the "oth of June, 1012. defendant owed him £ 12 os. id. His Honour pointed out that in the account rendered bv plaintiff to defendant, at the end of 1012, the balance was £ 6 2s. ¡}d and he asked h>>vv the difference ivas accounted for. Plaintiff said he had a difficulty in saying li<»w hc stood with defendant, as he could not get a statement from him. In replv to Mr. Dauncey, plaintiff said tLJ fi oiii June to December, 1912, all he bought fn ni defendant was a flower-pot, value is., and a wreath value 7s. After further particulars had been entered into. His Honour said that full particulars must be given of the whole of plaintiii s account and also of defendant's contra account, and then he would make an effort to try to understand the matter. If people did business in that sort of way they could not expect to receive much assistance from c court of justice. In the Family, But Rather Complicated. Reginald Jones sued Mrs. Jonathan, tre- argoed, Gihvern, for £ 8 on account of a ton of artificial manure supplied. Mr. Dauncfey repre- sented plaintiff, and Mr. D. G. Harris appeared for defendant. Plaintiff said that on the 1st of February, IU17, he sold his business to Mr. Wibberley, but he sold the stock separately. He had at the time artificial manure on order, and while he was engaged on munitions his father acted as his agent <' and took orders for him. He sup- plied a ton of artificial manure and sent the account for one ilf ton to Basil Jonathan and the account for the other half ton to Arthur Jonathan. He afterwards met Basil Jonathan, who said How many times do you want this bill paid Witness told him he only wanted paying once, and Jonathan replied Well, I have a receipt for it from Mr. A. J. Wibberley. Witness told aim that lie had the manure from him and that he did not recognise that receipt. In consequence of what he was informed by a messenger he sent to Govilon station, he sent the bill for the whole ton to Arthur Jonathan. In consequence of what the latter told him, he sent the account for the full ton to Mrs. Jona- than, for whom her son Basil was acting as agent. His Honour Von sent accounts to two people, then an account to Arthur Jonathan, and then au account to the mother. I am not surprised 1 that you arc not paid, if you do business in that way. Plaintiff It is the stationmaster's fault. His Honour I: is not his business to find out who owes you the money. Plaintiff It is his business to say who had t::t' stuff, sir. Mr. Harris (to plaintiff) You told Mr. Wibberley that he had had money paid him by one of the Jonathans that did not belong to him and he said that he had not ?-I didn't say I would settle matters with Wibberley. You are satisfied that he paid Wibberley for the half ton r—I saw the receipt. When you finished business your father took orders for Mr. Wibberley ?—And for me. He used two separate books. Plaintiff also stated that he had, examined the books at Govilon station, and there were in- structions to release one half ton to Mrs. Jona- than and the other half ton to Mr. Arthur Jonathan.. Mr. Harris Why did you charge "Mrs. Jona- than for the whole ton ? Plaintiff said that he sent to the station- master and found that Arthur Jonathan had had the whole lot. He therefore sent Arthur Jonathan an amended account, and on the following Tuesday Jonathan came at him like a bull at a gate, jumping over the cattle pens, and said that he did not have the manure but that his brother had it. Next day he (plaintiff) went to the station and demanded to see the books himself. He found that Basil Jonathan had signed for iG bags. By Mr. Dauncey He believed Mr. Wibberley had sent a letter that morning returning a cneque for £3 16. to defendant's solicitors. John Morris, statiomnaster, said that orders were received to release eight bags of manure to A. Jonathan and eight bags to B. Jonathan, and B. Jonathan took the 16 bags away. Basil Jonathan, Treargoed, said that oa February last year he ordered 15 cwt. of manure from the late Mr. Arthur Jones, as agent for Mr. Wibberley. Wheu he went to fetch it from the station he also picked up half a ton for his brother, to save him hauling it. He sub- sequently had a bill from Mr. Wibberley and paid him £ 4. Arthur Jonathan, of Little Duffryn Farm, said that he ordered half a ton of manure from Mr. Reginald Jones himself, and he had offered him three or four times to pay for it. His Honour said the action was misconceived. No evidence had been given of a sale to Mrs. Jonathan by plaintiff, and defendant was not liable. The return of the cheque by Mr. Wib- berley was probably accounted for by the fact that he found it was part of the stock which lie had not taken over and paid for. Judgment would be given for defendant. Fined for Failing to Answer Subpoena. In the above case Mr. D. G. Harris said he had subpoenaed A. J. Wibberley, who was a mate-,i-t witness. A letter had been received from Mr. Wibberley, however, who returned the 10s. conduct mouev which had been tendered and stated that he would have come to give evidence without payment, but he had to go to Monmouth inarket that dav. A. M. Cunliffe said he served the subpoena on a girl clerk at Mr. Wibberley's office in Cross- street and gave her the 10s. He had received a letter from Mr. Wibberley returning the conduct money. His Honour imposed a fine of 20s. on Mr. Wibberley for his non-attendance. Sequel to a Furniture Removal. I Messrs. Ross & Son, furniture removers, stud Mrs. Wilson, of Monmouth-road, for £ j, haulage charges for conveying furniture from Newport to Abergavenny. The parties were before the Court some time ago, when defendant counter- claimed for the detention of a portion of the goods, Mrs. Wilson now counter-claimed f.. 7 for damage to the furniture. Mr. J. B. Walford was for plaintiff, and Mr. C. Dauncey, of t:.s- port, for defendant. Mr. Walford said that the claim of £7 f haulage was admitted, but His Honour would remember that on the occasion of the action in detinue he non-suited plaintiff, holding that his contract was not completed till the goods were delivered. Mrs. Wilson said that the furniture was re- moved from Newport to Abergavenny in May last. Mr. Ross said he would be responsible for any damage done. Some of the goods were delivered on the 3rd of May and some were de- tained until after the last action, in August, A white enamel wardrobe was split and the enamel was spoilt. A grand piano was broken in three or four places and one of the hammers was also broken. Other articles were also damaged, and a lady's navy serge costume, which was detained in the wardrobe, was spoilt by the damp until it looked like the wall opposite her and it could not be worn again. She estimated the damage to the furniture at £ 5 9s. and the damage to the costume at about 30s. Most of the furniture, with the exception of two suites, Kvas new. By Mr Walford She bought the p'ano second-hand. She was not at home when Mr. Downes called to inspect the furniture, but sne waited in all day for him on the Thursday. Bessie Thompson, daughter of defendant, gan" evidt-nce as to the damage to the furniture, in- cluding the white enamelled wardrobe, piano, tWd chairs, loo table, and secretaire. She was at home when Mr. Downes came on the Satur- day morning and asked for Mrs. Wilson. She could not let him see the furniture in her mother absence, as it was her mother's affair, and she could not let Mr. Downes into the hoi,e because of the dog. ul Mr. Ross said the wardrobe which contained the costume was never opened and it was kept in the warehouse specially provided for storing furniture. This warehouse was heated in winter and had a boarded floor. The panels of the wardrobe were shrunk at the time of re- moval, and the piano was an old one. He did not remember much about the goods in par- ticular, but they were carefully delivered and, as f,i.r as he was aware, there was no damage in transit. He went with Mr. Downes on the first occasion, but they could not gain admittance. By His Honour He did not SêY anything to defendant about being responsible for damage. it Frederick Williams, in the employ of Ross, gave evidence as to the conveyance of the goods. Charles Downes. furniture dealer, said he went to defendant's house on Friday at 10 and 3 o'clock, but failed to gain admittance. He and the dogs, between them, made plenty of noise. In consequence of information he received he went back a second time and rang the bell. On Saturday he called again and saw the daughter, who looked through a slit in the door and said Mrs. Wilson was not in. He asked her if lie could see the furniture, and she replied that lie could not, as it was Mrs. Wilson's case and she was not at home. She declined to let him in. His Honour said that plaintiff was entitled to the £ 7 for removal charges. He (the Judge) did not accept the evidence that there was any special agreement that the carrier should be responsible for any damage done. There would have to be a special agreement in such a case. The duty of a carrier with regard to that kind of goods, who was not a common carrier, was to do he must the best he could. That was to say he must take reasonable care, and he was liable if he did not do so. It was for the person who alleged lack of reasonable care to prove it, and he Avas not satisfied that there was proof of that. It was notorious that the removal of furniture did do it some damage. If an article of furniture was found to be seriously broken, a table split in half or the case of a piano cracked down the centre, then it might well be argued that there was a clear case of negligence. Here there were a variety of allegations of small damage done to the furniture. It used to be said-it had almost become a proverb—that three moves were as bad as one fire. He was not satisfied that there had been negligence, and lie gave judgment for plaintiff on the claim and counter-claim, with one set of costs. Judge's Sound Advice. Mr Loyal Fraser, of Cardiff, appeared for the insurance company in a compensation case which he said was brought forward owing to the refusal of the Registrar to record the agreement between the parties for the settling of the claim by the payment of a lump sum of £150. The case was one in which Ada James (22). whose parents formerly lived at Roan Oak Farm, Grosmont, and now live at Llanolway Farm, Llansov, near Usk, had been awarded com- pensation for injuries sustained by her clothes catching fire while she was employed as a domestic servant at Pantycolyn Farm. Llan- vetherine, about five years ago. Mr. Loval Fraser said that on the 20th of Januarv, 1913, Ada James was sitting in front of the kitchen fire at the farm, and fell asleep, and in some way or other her clothing caught fire. From that time until the 1St January, 1915 she was paid 10s. per week compensation, and as she was able to do light work this was reduced to 7s. Gd, per week. An agreement for the payment of a lump sum of A 50 in full settlement was entered into in October, 1917. Dr. J. Grant said he examined J ames in lanuary, 1917, and in December last, and gave evidence as to the scars on her legs. On the second occasion the scars were more supple. She had the full range of movement of her knees and the skin did not cause any contraction of the joints. She said she could not kneel down as her knees were too painful. He did not see why she could not kneel down. because there was no scar on the part she rested on the ground and the pain was not due to stretching, as she could bend her leg right up without causing any pain. He did not see any reason why she could not do her ordinary work as a domestic servant. He certainly thought she could kneel on the left knee, if she could not on the right, and lie did not know that she could not on the right. Ada James said she was at home, dusting sweeping and doing light duties. She had not earned any money since the accident. Her father farmed 200 acres, and there were two other sisters at home. She could not kneel because of the soreness in her knees. His Honour pointed out to Miss James that if she had the money it would probably soon be gone. He certainly would not assent to any money being paid out to set up a little business, because in every case where that had been done within his own knowledge it was not very long before the money was all gone. If she invested the money at 5 per cent, she would only receive the ino,,ic y at 5 per ceilt. £7 1 os. per year, or 3s. per week. It was possible that circumstances might arise in which her condition would become worse, and she would have lost her right to come before the Court again for a larger sum if she was incapa- citated altogether for work, and she would not be able to get anything for the rest of her life. She had better continue to accept the 7s. 6d. per week and keep her rights open. He did not think lie ought to record the agreement.

——— Crickhowell Board of Guardians. I Mr. Gwilym C. James presided at the fort- nightly meeting of this Board on Monday, at the Town Hall, Crickhowell, when there were present Messrs. W. G. James, W. Rosser, A. J. Thomas, Josiah Phillips, Wm. Howells, Enoch Griffiths, Wm. Powell, T. J. Thomas, David Thomas, W. G. Watkins, E. Pirie Gordon, Evan Williams, T. LI. Jones, James Howell, John Thomas, and Thomas Price. OFFICERS' SALARIES. I The House Committee reported that they had considered an application from the indoor officers for a war bonus, and a letter from the Master in which he stated that the dietary table under which they drew their rations showed a decrease in monetary value of over 4s. a week. The committee, in recommending that the application be not granted, stated that since the war the food allowance in money in respect of the officers had been increased from 4s. 6d. to 7s. The committee's report was adopted. Subsequently the Clerk read a letter from the Poor Law Officers' Association recommending the Guardians to increase their officials' salaries ill accordance with the scale of war bonus granted by the Conciliation and Arbitration Board for Government employees, and the Clerk stated that he and the outdoor officers desired the Guardians to consider a revision of their salaries. On the motion of Mr. W. G. James, it was N C,. James, it was unanimously decided that a committee com- prising the Chairman, and Messrs. W. G. James, Enoch Griffiths, and E. 1*. Gordon, consider the matter and report. A REASONABLE EXCUSE. I A letter was read from Mr. T. M. Jenkins, one of the Brvnmawr Guardians, regarding his non- attendance at the meetings during the last six months. His brother died some time ago, leaviuu him to lock after a builder's business, and he had anxious times rpgarding. his two sons now serving in the Army. » The Chairman A very reasonable excuse. NURSE'S PLUCK. I The House Committee recommended a pay- ment of 30S- to the Nurse for extra services rendered during the illness of R. Roberts, a man who attempted to commit suicide and who was subsequently sent to prison. The Chairman The nurse behaved heroically when the man made the attempt on his life. The recommendation was adopted. ■+>

t Crickhowell Rural District Council. I Mr. W. G. James presided at a special meeting of this Council at the Town Hall, Crickhowell, on Monday afternoon, to consider an application from the Clerk for a revision of salary. There were also present Messrs. Gwilym C. James, A. J. Thomas, T. 1,1. Jones, John Thomas, E, Pirie Gordon, Josiah Phillips and W. Rosser. The Clerk stated that his salary was £ 55 a year, which was quite inadequate. A neigh- bouring Council paid their clerk £ 176 a year, and the local Food Controller would receive re- muneration far in excess of the sum paid him by the Council. He had not received anything extra for the extraordinary duties which de- volved upon him since the outbreak of the war, and lie mentioned that he carried out the whole registration work in August and September, 1915, without receiving a penny, and actually paid for the clerical work out of his own pocket. After answering several questions, the Clerk retired and the Council considered the matter. The Chairman subsequently intimated that the Council had resolved- to increase the salary to f- a year from that day.

— Victoria Cottage Hospital.—The Committee beg to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of /i is. from Twyn Glas Sunday School, per Mr. T. Durham. Also the following gifts during January, per the Matron :—Brace of rabbits, Mrs. Attwood Mathews, fruit, and jar of jam, Airs. Norris; papers, Miss Williams (Panty- collyu). Misses Aileen and Enid Powell seven garments and four pillowcases, Catholic Needle work Guild, Cardiff Daily Telegraph," The Editor.

Soldiers' and Sailors' Welcome I Fund. The Committee's Concession. I WILLING TO HOLD MEETINGS OFF I LICENSED PREMISES. The Mayor (Alderman Z. Wheatley, J.P.) made an important announcement at a smoking concert at the Black Lion Hotel on Thursday evening, last week, under the auspices of the Abergavenny Borough Baud Soldiers' and Sailors' Reception Committee. This was to the effect that in deference to a desire expressed in certain quarters the Committee are willing, as an experiment, to hold their meetings off licensed premises, provided that the necessary facilities are provided for them free of expense, The chair was occupied by the Mayor, who came from another engagement to make the presen- tation of wristlet watches to the local men home on leave from the front, and after he left Mr. W. Jeffreys presided. There were 12 recipients on the list, but of these the following six had gone back or were unable to be present :— Stoker T. Llewellyn, H.M.S. Duke of Edin- burgh"; Sergt. Jones, R.F.C. Driver P. W. Jones, R.F.A. Pte. W. J. Gwyther, K.S.L.I. Bugler A. Woodeson, 1st Mons. and Pte. J. 0. Evans, lld Mons. The six who were present were Sapper Wycherley, R.E. Pte. A. Phillips, ist Mons. Pte. T. G. Bevan, Sth East Lanes.; Rifleman S. Serrett, 1St Mons. Pte. J. Colgan, K.L. L.-cpl. Brown, 9th Welsh. Before making the presentation, the Mayor referred to the fact that Flight Sub-Lieut. Harold Day, whom they had recently congra- tulated on being awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, was reported missing since the 5th February. He was sure they all felt sincere sympathy with the family in their anxiety, and hoped that the matter was not so serious as they might fear from the official intimation tliat Lieut. Day was missing. Addressing the recipients, the Mayor said that they had invited them there to show that they appreciated their services and valued what they had done, and were prepared to do when the opportunity occurred. They congratulated them on going out as soldiers of the King and on being spared to return to the motherland, where they could spend a few days in peace and quietness, and recoup themselves after the strenuous times they had had to go through, and they trusted that the few days they were spending with their friends would so in- vigorate them that when they returned to somewhere in France, or somewhere in the war zone, they would feel fit for the duties they had to perform. Going away from the subject of the presentation, he wanted to make a statement to the public of Abergavenny. A good deal of money had to be got together in order to meet the liabilities that the Band had undertaken in making those presentations. There were from eight to 12 presentations every week, and this meant that a large sum of money must be collected to meet the expense. He might say that, apart from the cost of the watches, there was no expense whatever incurred in those presentations, with the exception of the cost of printing a few bills at the start. Every- thing else was done voluntarily and freely, so that there was no waste of money in connection with the matter. Through the generosity of the licensed victuallers of the town the com- mitttee had been provided free of charge with rooms in which they could make the presenta- tions, and also with a piano, light and lire. This assistance was appreciated very much. but some of the public, when they had been asked to sub- scribe to that fund, had said they would like to see the presentations made off licensed premises, and in that case they would be pleased to sub- scribe to the fund. The Committee's Condition. I The Committee had seriously considered fhis matter, and they had decided that they Would, as an experiment, accept invitations to hold those presentations off licensed premises, pro- vided there was no expense attached to so doing and that those who desired the meetings to be held elsewhere would provide a room, light, fire, piano, and anything that was necessary. He thought that it was very kind of the Committee to say that they were prepared to try the experi- ment, and it was up to those who desired the meetings to be held off licensed premises to put their heads together and do their part. The Committee were prepared to continue the work of organisation and raising funds to eam- on those presentations and would do all they possibly could to make them a success. If the public of Abergavenny did not rise to the occasion and did not provide accommodation for them, it was only fair that they, who were the promoters, should go back to where they had been invited and received that accommodation. He wanted this statement to go forth to the public so that the public would know that the Committee were not biassed in their view, but were fair-minded men. The publicans had ex- pressed a wish to do all they could, because they desired to make it a success. They were patriotic enough to say that they would render all the support they possibly could. He was sure that Mr. Stanley would re-echo those words, and that he was quite willing to continue to support the fund, and that others would do the same. He (the Mayor) would do all he possibly could for the fund. He had only one life to live, but he was trying to live it for the benefit of the community at Abergavenny and trying to do all he could while he occupied that position. In making the presentations the Mayor said that they really wanted to show that they admired the spirit of the men who had volunteered to do their duty for King and country. The people at home did not know what they had to endure, though some of them knew a little about it through their association with men who were near and dear to them by ties of relationship. The least they could do, and the least the town could do, was to give a hearty welcome to any man who had been overseas and returned to the homeland. Sapper Wycherley returned thanks for the watch and said that when he was away it would always recall to his mind the home lie was brought up in. Pte. Phillips said that he was very pleased to come back to the old town once again, and lie thanked them for the reception and the enter- tainment they had provided that evening. Pte. Bevan said that he was very pleased with the token which had been presented to him, and he hoped that when he came back again he would see the same faces as he saw there that night. Rifleman Serrett, Pte. Colgan and L.-cpl. Brown also responded. On the proposition of Mr. W. Jeffreys, seconded by Mr. T. Evans, a vote of thanks was accorded the Mayor for making the presentations. During the evening songs were given by Messrs. O. Emery, H. Parker, T. Welldon and E. Winney, J while Pte. Colgan contributed a yarn. Presentations at the Town Hall. I DANCE IN AID OF THE FUND. I On Monday evening a very successful dance was held at the Town Hall, in aid of the funds of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Reception Committee, and advantage was taken of the opportunity to make further presentations of wristlet watches to soldiers on leave from the front. There were about 200 dancers present, and a very enjoyable time was spent until midnight. Excellent music was supplied by Mr. A. Richards' orchestral band and the M.C.'s were Messrs. H. Blackmore, C. Cornhill, C. Powell, and W. Evans, while Mrs. n, Evans acted as hon. secretary. Light re- freshments were provided during the evening by Mr. Woodhead. The presentation proceedings were presided over bv the Mayor (Alderman Z. Wheatley, J.P.), who was supported by Col. W. D. Steel (who made the presentations), Councillors W. Hor- singtou and W. J. Meale, Mrs. Edwin Foster, Mrs. Pavord, Mr. J. Powell and others. The recipients were as follows :Cpl. F. Didcot, Machine Gun Corps Cpl. E. Madden, 9th Welsh Regt. L.-cpl. C. I. V. Powell, 5th Loyal North Lanes. Rifleman H. W. Webb, 1st Monmouth- shire Regt. Pte. A. J" Jones, S.W.B. I'te. F. Fraser, 3rd Mons.; Pte. J. W. Wyatt, 9th Welsh Regiment. In addition to these seven there were four who were not able to be present, having gone back or being out of town, and watches will be forwarded to them. They were as follows :— Pte. F. W. Morris,, A.S.C. Pte. D. L. Williams, 4th Canadian Regt. Pte. H. Denner, and Signaller W. C. Rodway, H.M.S. "Thunderer." The Mayor said that he had much pleasure in presiding that evening at that gathering to do honour to those, who had volunteered to render service to their King and country. They had been overseas and faced shot and shell, and at last they had returned safe and sound to the motherland. He hoped that their rest would recoup them to perform the work which would devolve upon them on their return. Col. Steel, in making the presentations, paid a tribute to the gallant lads who were the re- cipients. They all knew that Abergavenny had done its level best for King and country. A great many of their lads had, alas done their duty once and for all, but lie was thankful to say that they had some there that night who had done their duty and had won through. He asked them to honour them as they ought to be honoured and as they deserved to be honoured, by giving them a little encouragement such as they were giving them that night. They wanted to show the lads the good feeling of the citizens of Abergavenny in their brief respite at home. Col. Steel then made the presentations, and each recipient was loudly applauded as he stepped forward to receive the watch. L.-cpl. Powell, on behalf of his comrades, re- turned thanks for the kindness and the recep- tion which had been given them that evening. One or two of them had happy memories of Col. Steel as their commanding officer in the old 4th Vol. Batt., S. W.B. Since those days they had seen many changes. In being asked to respond that night they had been given a harder task to perform than any they had in taking their place in the front line trenches. (Applause). To the townspeople of Abergavenny and the promoters of the fund they expressed their deepest and most sincere thanks for their kindness. The Mayor proposed a vote of thanks to Col. Steel for presenting the watches, and took that opportunity of reminding the town that the committee hod taken up the challenge to hold their meetings off licensed premises, provided that they were given the same accommodation as had been provided hitherto bv the licensed victuallers. As president of the fund, lie thanked those present for coming to support that effort. By their presence they were contributing to- wards the watches for the boys at the front. The vote was carried by acclamation. Col. Steel, in reply, said that it gave him the utmost pleasure to come there to meet some of his old comrades, and thanks to him were en- tirely unnecessary. He proposed a vote of thanks to the Mayor for presiding. Councillor Horsington seconded and said that it was the greatest pleasure to stand there along with young men who had done- their dutv and to see them presented with watches in memory of Abergavenny when they went back to their various regiments. They would carry away the best wishes of all of them, and he hoped that they would continue to do their duty. The vote was similarly accorded hearty applause, and the Mayor briefly responded.

Abergavenny School Potato Growing Scheme (1918). APPEAL FOR ANOTHER PLOUGHED FIELD- To the Editer of the I I A bergaileizvy Chronicle. DEAR SIR,—On account of the numerous applications from parents for rows of potatoes this year, we find we have not sufficient land to meet the demand. Numerous requests are to hand from the wives and families of many of our soldiers and sailors for additional rows. They point out that they have not their husbands at home to grow potatoes for the family needs, and as we have all other facilities for doing the work we beg to appeal to all landowners and farmers in the district to come forward and offer to rent us a ploughed field. We can clear the potato crop off in time for the farmer to regain posses- I sian in time to plant winter corn in the autumn and are prepared to pay a fair rental and manure the ground in a proper way. Any farmer or landowner's offer will be appreciated and an early offer is desirable, in order to get on with our preparations. We are, Sir, yours truly, A. J. DyCK W. ROSSER.

Govilon Allotment Question. LOCAL LANDLORDS CRITICISED. Much indignation has been aroused in this district at the abortive efforts of the Parish Council to induce the landowners to provide the Council with suitable land for allotment pur- poses, and the outcome was a largely-attended gathering of prospective holders held in the British School on Saturday evening. Mr. Jos. Da vies (chairman of the Parish Council) presided and the members of that body were also present. The Chairman explained that on January 23rd the Council decided, at the request of the War Agricultural Committee and the Board of Agri- culture, to invite the various landowners in the parish to attend a meeting of the Council 011 February 6th, to make arrangements with the Council to let some portions of their land. Mr. F. Harris (clerk) said that meeting was held, and read the various replies sent to the Council's request. Out of the whole of the land- owners, only one offer was made, and that was from Mr. N. Morgan, who placed at their disposal a field of 4a. 2r. 24P., situated on the hillside above Govilon station. The Chairman said it was now for that meeting to decide whether Mr. Morgan's offer be accepted or not. Mr. W. J. Pritchard proposed and Mr. C. Nicholls seconded that the offer be not accepted, on the ground that the land in question is totally unsuitable for the purpose. This was carried nem. con, though the general feeling was that Mr. Morgan had done all he could to meet the Council's requirements and had offered the best he has to offer. Mr. T. Watkins said he felt ashamed of the attitude of the landowners in the matter. After what was being sacrificed by our boys at the front and the working class at home, it was a disgrace that the landowners of their village should refuse to help them to increase the food of the nation. Mr. Charles Powell wondered if the owners had the idea that they wished to pile up money out of a bit of allotment, or wanted it as a sort of picnic. As a practical allotment holder, he could assure them that it meant a lot of hard work and considerable financial outlay. Their only desire was to help their country in this its hour of need. Parish Council" Sat Upon." I Mr. W. J. Pritchard thought it was time to stop tom-fooling in this matter and put up with no more humbug. This was the second year their Council had been sat upon," and it was up to them, as members of the village com- munity, to now stand by their Council and back it up tooth and nail. The Council had done its best and could do no more without their assist- ance. This they should have at once, without stint. After hearing the correspondence read by their Clerk, he had come to the conclusion that in most of the cases it would not be wise to press their claims. It was not their wish to take from those who were doing their best with a limited acreage, but to force those who had it to spare to supply the Council with the land it needed. There was one gentleman at least who had it in his power to meet their requirements, and that was Mr. F. M. Humfrey, of Llan- wenarth House. I Councillor D. J. Davies suggested that if the meeting had a particular field in view it would be better for a definite resolution to be moved. Mr. W. J. Pritchard said he was quite prepared for that course and would at once move that the Council, through the proper legislative channels, demand from Mr. Humfrey as much land as required in the Church Meadow. Mr. David Powell seconded, and this, too, was carried unanimously and with enthusiasm. Mr. Whitney asked how long after the war the land would be available for allotments. Several minor suggestions were made, and all these were left to the Council. Councillor D. J. Davies quoted from The Smallholder corroborating the legality of the Council's actions. A vote of thanks to the Chairman was heartily accorded, and thus terminated a most successful meeting.

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PEEPS INTO THE PAST. I LOCAL RECORDS OF eVER 50 YEARS AGO. I I ARTICLE LII. I Reverting to the meeting of the 7th June 1864, we find that the Ancient Order of Foresters applied for permission to dine in the cattle shed in the new Market on the 25th. The application was granted on 'condition that no injury was done to the shed or market. Fancy dining in the cattle shed One would think that a more comfortable place could have been found. And what injury did the Commissioners contemplate might be done ? Did they think that the Foresters might fetch the roof off when they came to the musical programme ? At this meeting Mr. J. Gilbert Price attended and strongly recommended that the necessarv steps be taken forthwith to lav down pipes from the reservoir at IJwyndu to the point of the ibby brook marked in the Parliamentary plan of the waterworks, for the purpose of taking so much of the water of the said brook as the Com- missioners were authorised to do bv the Im- provement Act of i860. It was resolved that Mr. Price be empowered to take such measures I as he might consider necessary to accomplish this object. I An Old-time Election. I On the 8th September Mr. Isaacs reported that at the meeting of ratepayers held on the ist in the Town Hall the following votes in the election of Commissioners were recorded :—For Mr. Wm. Baber, 5 votes Joseph Meredith, 5 votes Philip Morgan, 5 votes Robert Bowles, 5 votes and that the poll had been closed at a few minutes before 11 o'clock in the forenoon, no voting paper having been tendered for one hour previous to the said closing. The four gentlemen thus named had consequently been elected Commissioners. The ratepayers evi- dently did not take a feverish interest in the elections, and it would have been rather an exaggerated expression for the Commissioners to refer to their constituents." Some more old residents are mentioned in the minutes of the 8th September. Mr. Price, fish- monger, Tudor-street, applied for permission to continue to use water for his trade purposes. Mr. Delafield, King's Arms, applied for per- mission to continue to use water for cooling his wort, by allowing the water to flow through a pipe coiled in the tube containing the wort. He was informed that such use of water could not be allowed except by meter. Mr. Morgan, of the Livery Stables, Mount-street, also applied for permission to use water in washing two carriages and water two horses employed in his business. On the 15th September there is the following minute With regard to the suggestion that Mr. John Smith, of the Beehive Inn, Castle- street, was liable to toll for his sheep sold upon his own premises in Castle-street, the Board decided that Mr. Smith was not liable to toll in this instance. I The Sin of tte Plumbers. In his report on the waterworks, previously mentioned, Mr. Hair, of Pontypool, made reference to an irregularity which would lead to inconvenience hereafter when the taps went out of repair—the introduction of five or six different makers' taps into their works. This was one of the results of allowing the plumbers in the town to put in service pipes and execute repairs with- out proper supervision. The plumbers were all served with a copy of the rules at one time, and he felt perfectly satisfied that they had not sinned in ignorance. Nevertheless, perhaps the better way would be to serve them with a fresh copy of the rules, giving them notice that any infringement in future would be visited bv their being prevented from doing anything more in connection with the waterworks. The best remedy, in his opinion, was to confine the work entirely to one plumber. This was the only safe course to adopt, as it would never dp to have half a dozen men tinkering with their works. It would cost them nearly as much to look after them as it would to do the work. He recom- mended the laying of an S-inch main pipe from the tank to the brook, as the fall was not very great. The distance was 8 chains, and the cost would be about £ 125. In the minutes of the 6th October, 1864, appears the first annual report of the Gas Com- mittee, which contains some interesting par- ticulars. The report states Mindful of the complaints made during many years previous to your purchase of the Gas Works of the impurity of the gas supplied from these works and the inadequacy of the supply to the wants of the private consumers and the requirements of public lighting, your committee have endeavoured, and they trust successfully, to remedy the cause of these complaints. They have now placed the works in such a state of efficiency as to produce gas of the best quality that can be made from the coal of this district, and in such quantities as will suffice to meet the principal requirements in the ensuing winter. No serious complaint as to quality or quantity has been made by any private consumer, nor has any charge of in- civility or inefficiency been brought against the servants of the committee in the year during which they have had the management of the works. To describe all the improvements that the committee have effected would occupy too much space in this report, but the principal im- provements are the construction of a turntable and of additional lines of rails on the railway side, by means of which coal- and lime can be unloaded from the wagons with great facility the thorough renewal of the retorts and the flues connected with them, and the relaying of the whole of Lion-street and a portion of Monk- street with new mains, by which an increased supply of gas has been afforded to the consumers residing in these streets and on the Hereford- road. Your committee have to acknowledge the promptitude with which the Mertliyr, Tre- degar and Abergavenny Railway Company acceded to the application made to them for the reimbursement of a portion of the cost of the turntable." Purchase of Gas Works Wise and Expedient." It appears from the report that the total quantity of gas made during the year was 6,187,000 cu. ft., and the loss by leakage was 17 per cent, of the whole quantity made. It will be seen, therefore, that leakages have always been a serious trouble in connection with the Gas Works. The output of gas had before the war increased eight or nine times since the first year of working. The committee expressed the hope that the percentage of loss from leakage would be reduced during the current year. The report also states that 738 tons of coal were carbonised during the year, and the quantity made from each ton was 8,370 cu. ft. The com- mittee remarked that though coal of other kinds than thatjjused at the works might produce more gas of an inferior illuminating power, yet the Board would doubtless agree with the com- mittee in the propriety of maintaining brilliancy of illumination instead of seeking to obtain a greater quantity of gas of an inferior quality. The private gas and meter rentals amounted to £ 918 13s. Sd. for the year, and of this £ 885 is. 6d. was derived from the sale of 3,540,300 cu. ft. of gas to private consumers at 5s. per thousand. The amount made by the late company from this source was, according to the statement made by them during the negotiations for purchase, £895 4s. for 2,984,000 cu. ft., at 6s. per thousand. There was therefore an increase in the sale of gas to the extent of 556,300 cu. ft. The illu- minating power of the gas had been considerably in excess of the Parliamentary standard (don't we wish it was now !). The first year's working was apparently very successful, but it is not stated what profit was made. From another source, however, we gather that the gross profit was /201, which, of course, is not clear profit. The committee recommended that the balance at the credit of profit and loss account be in- vested in Government or other securities to form a sinking fund for extinguishing the mortgage uoon the works. Here we have an indication of the commencement of the purchase of Consols, which proved to be such a bad bargain for the town. In conclusion, the committee expressed their opinion that the purchase of the Gas Works was a wise and expedient course, and they thought that the undertaking had been fully justified by the result, as shown by the net profit shown on the balance sheet, and in the manufacture and increased supply of gas. The committee bore testimony to the zeal and ability of the clerk, Mr. Rutherford, whose careful labours would be best appreciated by an in- spection of the books and accounts. The Abergavenny Agricultural Association used to hold their annual show in the Cattle Market, according to an application made to the Board. It was resolved at this meeting that no ob- struction in the shape of exhibitions should be allowed in the main thoroughlares of the town. I This may be taken as an instance of progress.

ABERGAVENNY RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. LLANTHONY ROAD REPAIR3 PROCEEDING, I The monthly meeting of the Abergavenny Rural District Council was held 011 Tuesday, Mr- Robert Johnson presiding. Tiiere were also present Mr. Edgar W. Lewis (vice-chairman)* Messrs. Benjamin Price, John Lewis, Charles Thomas, John Baynam, F, 0, Price, John Jenkins, Alfred Edwards, Win. Biggs, and Thomas Thomas. War Savings Propaganda Grant Refused. I Ine Council again considered the application of the Abergavenny Central \Var Savings Coru- mittee for a grant towards tl:eir propaganda work. Asked his opinion 011 the matter, the Clerk said that there were a good many poor rate- payers who could not afford to buy war bonds or war savings certificates, and they might object to rates being used for this purpose. The Chairman You think it should be done by the Government ? The Clerk I should say so. Mr. John Lewis asked if they did not take collections at their meetings, They did in his parish. Other members said that collections were taken. Mr. Alfred Edwards said he did not think it would be right to dip into the public purse fof this purpose. The Chairman I quite think that my" self. On the proposition of Mr. Edgar Lewist seconded by Mr. W. Biggs, it was decided to take no action iu the matter. Accident to the Surveyor. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. A. J' Willcox (Surveyor), who regretted that he waS confined to the house with a sprained ankle, the result of a spill off his motor bicycle. He sincerely hoped he would be able to be about again by the end of the week. In the meantime he was doing the best he could to keep things going. He was worried most about the work otf the Llanthony road. He had sent for one ok the men and made him responsible. Six soldierS had arrived from the Labour Battalion. Al- though the man in charge had been down to see him and was a reliable man, lie was anxious to get up there himself, and lie thought that per- haps the Council would allow him to hire a co11' vcyauce of some sort to go up and down until be eculd put hih foot to the ground, The roller had arrived and was working on the Llanthony roadi as well as a three-ton motor lorry. Mr. Matthew Knight said they had an ex- cellent man in charge and the men from tbe Labour Battalion were progressing very favour- ably with the work The steam roller had beeH working from the Queen's Head down, and there was nothing to complain of. The Chairman Prohahly you will keep aO eye on them until Mr. Willcox is able to go there, Mr. Knight said he would do that in any casel as Mr. I lumedge had asked him to do so, Yesterday he was informed that there waS shortage of stone. He had been talking with tbe omcials. who were on the read the previous da? and they said that the stone was coming in ai? that they would semi extra men and lorries, a0? probahly another roller. The Chairman That is very satisfactory. In reply to Mr. Alfred Ed\vard>, the Highwa Clerk said that Mr. Wiilcox was insured by that Council against accidents. Mr. Baynam said that. ought to cover a111 expenses Mr. Willcox was put to. The Chairman said tlla t as things were goiof on all right and Mr Knight had given such a good account c.f matters, he thought that & Willcox had better rest a little longer until ankle got better. The Council agreed with this course, and the Chairman said he hoped Mr. Willcox would soOO be able to resume his duties as heretofore. j I Who Is Responsible ? i With regard to the condition of the iM11 wenarth road, in connection with which thef had been a representation from the Paris) Council, who ur.?ed that the ditches should cleaned out. the Highways Cic?rk said he 113J written to I?t.-Co!. Gilbert Harris, who repi?. that he had nothing further to do with tb? property. It had been sold to Mr. ThOt11 I Parry and the purchase was completed soflj time ago. The Clerk added that he wrote agaiP to Mr. Parry, but had not received a reply.. The Clerk was directed to write-to Mr. Par*! again., and members expressed the opinion tbau Mr. Parry ought to reply and inform the CoullC if lie had sold the property again. e I Mr. Alfred Edwards said that owing to tPL, condition of the road, children were prevent from attending the school. I Contractors' Increases Refused. The New Tillery Bont Stone and Asphalt Ltd. wrote asking for an increase of 6d. per toj in the price of stone, as since their contract tbe1 had had to give their workmen a bonus of 5^ per week.. They could not afford to send 31'? more stone on at the contract price, and otb Councils had agreed to the suggested increase j The Highways Clerk said that there was  stipulation in the contract providing for such iucrease. The Chairman said he did not think tlle wanted much more stone. The Council.agreed not to grant the increa5* asked for, The Dean Forest Contracting Co. applied fof, an increase of is. 8d. per day for the etigio driver with the steam roller, on account of JJlt I creased war bonus, but the Council did 11 assent to this.

Recreation Rooms for Soldiers at the Y.M.C.A. During the last seven months the rooms at the local Y.M.C.A., which have been lent by membef5 to a few ladies, have been opened evety afternoon, including Sunday, for the use of soldiers and the wounded men at Maindl Papers, games and writing materials are pro' vided and each man is given a cup of tea and piece of bread and butter or plain cake, and 1 they require more they pay for it at cost prl Up to the end of the last year £ 29 is. 7d. h been subscribed, but as heating, lighting and fooj are so dear, the Committee must again appe f to the kindness and generosity of the public for help. Money, bread, butter, (margarine, teji sugar, jam, plain cakes, potted meat, etc., Nv?l I be thankfully received any afternoon eseer Tuesday, and on that day at the Lecture Hal? Frogmore-street, by Mrs. W. H. Rees ?? superintends all arrangements, and to wh^ sincere th"nks are due for the time and ene rd she has devoted to the work. The men | appreciate what is done for them, and make go? use of the rooms. Space docs not permit oi the names of the generous donors being mention^' but the Committee of Ladies who are response e for the rooms wish gratefully to thank all th?j who have given money, gifts in kind, qt' a daily and other papers if it had not been fo f their help the rooms would not have be'O opened. Thanks are also due to the local braHc of the Y.M.C.A. for the use of the rooms. -46 ————

PWLLDU. I PRESENTATION TO TWICE WOUNDED SOLDJIl: —The Pwlldu and Garnderris Presentation CO mittee, this useful Govilon tributary, hand over another handsome wristlet watch and purse of money to Pte. Arthur Absolom, 211 ( Mons., who has just been home on leave aft three years at the front, and who during tbge period has been twice wounded On the occasion a smoking concert was held at the LaJP Inn, presided over by Mr. W. Griffiths, on Th u r5', day in last week. Mr. A. Gwyllim made the presentation, and congratulatory speeches Nvere made by Messrs. A. and H. Gwnllim and Aubrey. Songs were sung by Messrs. F. Robe5: J. Serridge, A. Gwyllim, C. Exton, and E. Mrs. Harry Gwyllim and Mr. Griff Jones recite,, the latter creating roars of laughter by rendition of Treorchy Fair."