Abergavenny Chronicle

LABOUR REPRESENTATION ON FOOD COMMITTEE. CORPORATION PIGGERIES AND RABBIT I HUTCHERY? I t. special meeting of the Abergavenny Town Council was held on Monday night, principally for the purpose of considering the question of appointing labour representatives on the Food Control Committee, arising out of the recent application of the local Federation of Trade Unions. The Mayor (Alderman Z. Wheatley, J. P.) presided, and there were also present Councillor J. R. Beckwith (Deputy Mayor). Councillors P. Telford, T. A. Delafield, W. J. Tong, W. Horsington. G. R. Plowman, Altred Graham, F. Sadler, F. J. Mansfield, and W. J. Meale. The Town Clerk read a letter from Mr. John St irk (secretary of the local Federation of Trades Unions) asking if the Town Hall would be vacant on the previous Friday evening in the event of tiie Federation requiring it for a public meeting. He had replied that it would be vacant and that the charge was 30s. No meeting was held the charge was 30S. o meetin- was held Resignations. H. I The Town Clerk also read letters trom Nir. w Rosser and Mr. W. C. Downes, declining a seat 01: the Food Control Committee, to which they had been appointed by the Town Council. The latter said that he understood that he was ap- pointed to represent the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners, but as he did not belong to that society he must decline the honour. A letter was ad from Mr. Stark to the effect that following the interview of Federation delegates with the Mayor on the 12th inst., he appealed to the Town Council to bring the matter in question to a favourable issue, and he submitted two nominations of Federation representatives to fill the vacancies created by the resignations of Messrs. Rosser and Downes. The nominations were Mr. Phillips, representing the Shop Assistants' Union and Mr. -S. Owers, representing the N. U.R. The Mayor said that at their last meeting they very carefully considered the application made by the Federation of Trades Unions for repre- sentation on the Food Control Committee, and they decided to elect Mr. Rosser, Mr. Stark and Mr. Downes. On Tuesday evening last, about half-past 10, he received a deputation consisting of Mr. Rosser, Mr. A. J. Duck and Mr. Stark, who stated that Mr. Rosser and Mr. Downes would not accept the invitation of the Council to sit on the Food Control Committee and that they proposed to tender their resignations next day. The delegation pointed out that they were desirous of submitting two other names in the place of these, Mr. Owers and Mr. Phillips. He told them that if the resignations were placed in writing the Town Clerk would immediately call a meeting of the Town Council to consider tue matter. They stated that it was their desire that Mr. Owers should be elected to serve on the committee, and therefore he brought the name before them but it was for the Council to nominate any persons they felt disposed to and vote on them, as they voted upon them last time. He should like to mention that they had elected the chairman and the secretary of the Federa- tion, and now he understood that Mr. Owers was coming to represent the N.U.R. He should like, for the sake of peace, to try to make this effort a great success, if it was possible, though he did not play second fiddle to anyone with regard to the efforts the Food Control Com- mittee had made at Abergavenny. In order to save friction, however, he would like to see, if possible, Mr. Owers co-opted to represent the railwaymen. There was another name he would like to suggest, and that was Mr. Geo. Thurston, who represented the bakers. He was a very close runner on the last occasion, and he believed he was fourth on the list. Councillor Beckwith said he had pleasure in proposing that his friend Sid Owers be elected on the committee. He said at the first meeting that he was greatly in favour of the Federation having three representatives on the committee, and he was still of the same opinion. Councillor Meale seconded. Federation or N.U.R. ? I Councillor Tong asked if they could have an answer to the question as to who Mr. Owers represented-the Federation or the N.U.R. ? Councillor Meale said that he was the N.U.R. delegate on the Federation, and through that body he came to represent them on the Food Control Committee. Councillor Tong said that did not answer his question. The Mayor There is a Federation to which the N. U.R. belong. Does Mr. Owers come from the Federation or the N.U.R. ? Councillor Graham To whom are you going to put the question ? Councillor Beckwith said that it seemed that they were quibbling over the matter. The representatives of the Federation represented the whole of the trades in Abergavenny, and the N.U.R. was represented in the Federation. He did not see what difference it made. Mr. Owers represented the Federation in the interests of the N.U.R. Councillor Sadler proposed that Mr. George Thurston be elected on the committee. He would be a very useful member because he was used to foodstuffs Councillor Plowman said he had very great pleasure in seconding the proposition. Councillor Meale proposed that Mr. Phillips be elected, but there was no seconder. Councillor Graham said that he did not wish to divide the Council, but they had had two nominations, and it would save further trouble if they proceeded to the business. There had been enough trouble and dispute about it al- ready, and if it was going to conciliate the best thing they could do was to proceed. He did not like to be driven, and he was still of the same opinion. He was willing to give a little, and, if possible, take a little. He should like to have seen one of those resignations (that of Mr. Rosser's) withdrawn. He thought they might elect one until they saw what the chairman's attitude might be. It would be yielding a little to the Council and the Council would be yielding to them. It would be a means of reconciliation between the opposing factions. Councillor Beckwith said that he had ex- pressed his opinion to liis friend Mr. Rosser in a conversation just before he came into the room. Mr. Rosser told him distinctly that he could not accept, and remembering the work he had to do in connection with the school potato scheme and other business, he did not think they ought to press him. Councillor Tong said he did not think that they ought to let this matter be settled on the idea that there were factions in it. He did not care where his words went. He voted straight, and not party. He had not been a party man for many years, and when he was a party man he was a straight party man. To-day they had banished party, and he maintained that in voting as they did at the last meeting they had acted in the best interests of the town. They picked out the chairman and secretary of the Federation, and that in itself, whether it was taken so or not, was a compliment to Trades Unionism. They recognised the body in the heeds, and he very much regretted that their action had not been taken as an act of grace on their part and as an election, and he regretted that it should be considered that they were acting according to factious. He did not care a rap who was elected. He had already voted, and he should not vote again. He considered Uiat their vote should have been accepted with a better grace than it had been. In reply to a question it was stated that the resignations were in writing.. Councillor Tong said that they ought to have b-cn reported to the Food Controller. Councillor Graham said that when he handed ÎJ: his resignation it was not accepted, and there- of <j re they had a precedent for not accepting these resignations. The Mayor These resignations are in writing. Yours was a different matter. I think you agreed not to let it come before the Council, Ö and it waS dealt with by the Food Control Committee. On the proposition of Councillor Meale, seconded by Councillor Beckwith, the resigna- tions were accepted, and Messrs. Owers and Thurston were then elected. Councillor Palmer's Resignation. I The Town Clerk reported that Councillor Primer had paid the fine, and his resignation was now complete as far as he was concerned. It was for the Council to declare the vacancy and the notice must be signed by three members of the Council and counter-signed by the Town Clerk. The vacancy would be filled at the next meeting. The Mayor proposed that the resignation be accepted, and Councillor Horsington reluctantly seconded.. Councillor Telford Who has the option of filling the vacancv ? The Mayor The Council fill it by co-option. There are no elections. Councillor Tong There is nothing said about men of military age. I suppose r The Town Clerk No. Fresh-water Fish for the Public. The Town Clerk read a resolution recomm- mended bv the Sanitary and Water Committee, as follows:—That the Council ask the Food Controller to take immediate steps so as to cause the fresh-water fish to be brought into the market at a controlled price, with a view to in- creasing the food supplies for human consump- tion, and that a copy of this resolution be for- warded to each Council in the county, the M.P. for the division, and the President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries." The Town Clerk also read a resolution re- ceived from the Usk Council, as follows That in view of the scarcity of food this Council urge the Food Controller to authorise the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries to cancel the bye-laws restricting the netting of salmon in the river Usk, that authority be given to the Usk Board of Conservators to commence netting the river as soon as possible, and that arrangements be made by the Conservators to enable the in- habitants of the towns and districts situated on the river to have the opportunity of purchasing the fish at a reasonable price also to remove the present restrictions on ground bait fishing, so that ground bait fishing may commence at the same time as fly fishing, as formerly." Councillor Telford proposed the adoption of the resolution recommended by the Sanitary and Water Committee. All up and down the country local authorities were adopting the same line, but they did not go far enough. He thought it ought to be compulsory. It was no use going to the Board of Conservators and requesting them to do a certain thing, because they would not meet them in that direction, and the only way to do it was to send direct to the CFood on- troller in order that he might take immediate steps to put in operation a scheme whereby the fish could be caught and used for the food of the peopley Councillor Graham seconded. Councillor Beckwith, in supporting, said that he thought the idea was to throw the river open for everybody to catch what they liked. He believed that the Almighty sent the rivers to be fished for the benefit of the community. He should like to add a little rider that they send to these kind gentlemen who had control of the river and tell them that there was a war on, and ask them to permit the public to fish for the fish which were in the river. The Mayor Is that an amendment ? Councillor Beckwith Yes. Councillor Graham said he felt like seconding the amendment, but he was pledged to second the resolution. He was with Councillor Beckwith all the way. He hoped the resolution framed by the Town Clerk would go in preference to the one from the Usk Council. He supported the Usk people up to a certain point, but if they approached the Usk Board of Conservators they were asking the people who possessed the privilege to give it up, and they were not likely to do that. The resolution was carried. The Rent of the Allotments. Councillor Graham said that a special meeting of the Allotments Committee had been held as the result of a communication which had been sent to them, and they asked the Council to rescind the previous resolution fixing the rental of the allotments. He moved that the standing orders be suspended for the purpose. Councillor Horsington seconded, and it was carried. On the proposition of Councillor Grahjftn, seconded by Councillor Horsington, the previous resolution was rescinded, and Councillor Graham then proposed that the tenants of the new allot- ments for the first and second year be charged 7s. 6d per annum, and that the rent for the third year be settled at a later date, tenants taking up allotments already cultivated to be charged 10s. 6d. Councillor Sadler seconded. The Mayor said that the arrangements would last for two years and then the matter would be reconsidered The resolution was carried. Town Council and Breeding of Pigs and Rabbits. Councillor Horsington said that there were some piggeries in the corner of the Fairfield, and he should like to see them taken up by the allot- ment holders, either collectively or individually. He suggested that they should be put in order so that those who had plenty of waste stuff from the allotments would be able to help in the breeding and rearing of pigs. The Mayor said he was going to make a sug- gestion that that place, or some other place, be used for a rabbit hutchery. He thought that they could breed thousands of rabbits. Councillor Graham Do you suggest turning them on the allotments ? The Mayor It would not be a bad idea. (Laughter). Councillor Beckwith seconded the resolution. Councillor Plowman said that it concerned his committee—the Markets Committee. They had stripped the place of the galvanised sheets for the allotments at Llanfoist. Councillor Horsington said that there were plenty of galvanised sheets by the railings. Councillor Delafield suggested that it would be much better for them to keep the piggeries in their own hands, and the chairman of the Markets Committee could bring the market refuse there. The Mayor If you did that in connection with a rabbit hutchery you would produce a lot of food for Abergavenny. The matter was referred to the Markets Com- mittee. I Misapprehension Among Farmers & Cottagers ? ( Councillor Horsington raised the question of I the produce brought to Abergavenny, and asked if the Council could not do anything to explain the existing position to farmers and others in the district. There was a good deal of misappre- hension at the present time, and certain people in the outlying district were under the im- pression that they could not bring certain things into market. They wanted all the bacon, pig meat and cheese brought into market that they could get. He did not know what was the best means of securing this, whether it was best to put up posters in the market or to approach the Farmers' Union with a view to getting them to bring in as much as they could. They wanted to explain to people who had got wrong ideas into their heads that the restrictions did not stop them bringing in their produce. Councillor Meale There is no use in troubling the Markets Committee with that. If you put up a notice and offer 3d. or 4d. per lù. extra they will bring it in. The Mayor said that it could come before the Food Control Committee. Councillor Horsington If it comes before the committee and there is no report issued it will not be known to the public, like many other good things which the committee have done. The Mayor There is nothing to prevent* any- one bringing anything into Abergavenny. Councillor Horsington said lie wanted that statement to go forth to the public in the country districts. Tenders were received for the field in the Castle Meadows adjoining the Gsk bridge, and the tender of Henry Colborne at £ 21 per annum was accepted.

SKENFRITH. I WHIST DRIVE.—On Friday in last week the last of a móst successful season's whist drives took place, and was largely attended from all the surrounding villages. Mrs. Graham kindly acted as M.C. for the evening and generously gave the prizes, which N)ire of a useful and attractive character. The lucky winners were the follow- ing --I,adies-ist, Miss Phyllis Pritchard, Sken- frith 2nd, Miss Irene Davies, Hilston con- solation, Mrs. F. Williams. Gentlemen-ist, Mr. A. L. Cullimore, Bryngcrth 2nd, Mr. W. Williams, Garway consolation, Mr. C. Evans, Newcastle. Secret table Miss Wilde and Mr. B. l'ugh. Light refreshments were handed round during the half-time interval. The pro- ceeds on this occasion were on behalf of the local Nursing Association Fund. 4

THE MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS I WILL MEET I Wednesday, Feb. 27—Wern-y-Cwm Cross Roads, I at 11 a.m. I Saturday, March 2-Liansantffraed Lodge, at II a.m. (to finish season).

I WRISTLET WATCHES AND A MILITARY I MEDAL. Further presentations to local soldiers were made at a dance at the Town Hall on Monday night. The dance was in aid of the Mayor's Local War Fund, and there was a good company I present. The dance secretary was Mrs. E. Evans, and the M.C.'s were Messrs. H. Black- more, C. Powell, C. Cornhill and W • Evans. Music was supplied by Mr. A. Richards' orches- tra, and dancing was kept up till 1.30 a.m. The balcony was thrown open to those who wished to witness the presentations, and a collec- tion was made on behalf of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Reception Fund. There were seven presentations of wristlet watches to soldiers home on leave, as follows :—Q.M.S. H. Shaw, 1 st Mons. I'te. H. Madden, R.W.F. Pte. H. Horsington, A.S.C., M.T.; Pte. J. 0. Jones, R.A.M.C. Driver G. A. Johns, R.F.A. Pte. F. Allen, S.W.B. Pte. A. T. Reynolds. There were four others entitled to watches who were not present Pte. E. Downes, A Batt., 46 Div. Sapper J. S. Wood, R.O.D., R.E. Sapper F. Newell, R.O.D., R.E. and Lce.-cpl. D. A. Watkins, S.W.B. The proceedings were all the more interesting on account of the fact that a presentation of a Military Medal was made to Sapper E. Williams, R.E., who hails from Cardiff, and who was billeted with the Engineers at Abergavenny in 1915. The Mayor (Aid. Z. Wheatley, J.P.) presided, and was supported on the platform by the recipients, Lt. F. P. J. Han- bury (commanding the Abergavenny Volun- teers), Councillors J. R. Beckwith, W. J. Meale and W. Horsington, and Mr. E. Richards (secre- tary of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Reception Committee); I The Presentations. In making the presentations of wristlet watches, the Mayor said that he had much pleasure in presiding that evening on behalf of the Borough Band Fund to welcome home those boys from somewhere in France or somewhere in the battle zone. When they looked at those boys they were filled with admiration, because they knew that they had offered themselves and their services to the King and the country they loved. They appreciated them and felt that they ought to do all they possibly could for them when they returned to their friends at home. He extended to them a hearty welcome and trusted that they would recoup themselves by their leave for their return to duty against the greatest enemy the world had ever seen. The Hun deserved to be wiped off the face of the earth, and these men were determined to do all they possibly could to extinguish such men. They wished them God-speed in the work they had undertaken to perform in the uplifting of humanity. He trusted that they would receive those little tokens as showing that their friends appreciated what they had done. The Mayor then made the presentations, and each recipient was loudly applauded as he stepped forward to receive his watch. Proceeding to the presentation of the Military Medal, the Mayor said that it came to his notice the previous Monday night that there was a young man in the town who came from Porth- cawl a little over three years ago at the in- vitation of the Corporation of Abergavenny with the Engineers to undergo their training, in 1915. He (the Mayor) addressed them in the Market Hall and hoped that they would fit themselves for the duties they had to perform and would bring honour to their country and credit to the town they were billeted in. Among them was Sapper Williams, who was in Capt. Lamonby's company. Early in the following September Sapper Williams was conspicuous for his work at the front, and he was mentioned in despatches. Later on, in April, 1917, Sapper Williams, with a party of other men, was sent to locate a machine gun position, and, if possible, to destroy it. They were no doubt watched by the enemy and had to encounter snipers, but by their tenacity they were able to do their duty and dismantle the machine-gun position and bring back twenty prisoners. (Applause). Sapper Williams stood out prominently in this work, and his officer felt it his duty to bring his action before the authorities, with the result that he was awarded the Military Medal for the service he had faithfully rendered. He congratulated Sapper Williams and his family 011 the recognition he had received and he hoped he would be spared to carry on the work and achieve greater honours. The Mayor then pinned the medal on Sapper Williams's breast, amid loud applause, and hoped that it would inspire him to greater deeds. Sapper Williams, in reply, returned thanks for the kind reception he had received, and said that he would endeavour to do his duty in the future as he had done in the past. (Applause). Sapper Williams's father, who was present on the platform, expressed his pleasure at being present on such an occasion and thanked the I Mayor for the courteous and business-like manner in which he had taken the matter up. I Ask the Mayor." Lieut. Hanbury proposed a vote of thanks to the Mayor for presidng, and in doing so said that was the fourth year that Alderman Wheatley had been Mayor, and he was perfectly certain that he had done the work very well. If there was anything wanted in the town of Aberga- venny, whether it was a man who had lost his old age pension, a young lady who wanted a marriage dowry, a wounded soldier who had lost his hospital or his railway warrant, or did not remember the name of his company officer, the Mayor was the man they applied to. They used to say, in the old days, Ask a policeman," but now it was Ask the Mayor." (Laughter). There was one thing he took a greater interest in than any other, and he believed they took a greater interest in watching him doing it than in anything else, and that was presenting medals to local heroes who had distinguished themselves at the front or presenting watches to men on leave. He did not know who started the Soldiers and Sailors Welcome Fund, but the man was not only a genius but a public benefactor, because he had brought more joy to the soldiers cpming home than anyone. He could not think of anything more pleasant to one of their gallant lads on returning to the front than to be able to show his comrades a souvenir of Abergavenny and say Look what the Mayor of Abergavenny presented me with." He would willingly do all he could to support the fund. (Applause). Councillor Beckwith seconded the vote of thanks. They might think it was an easy position to be Mayor, and it might have been in normal times, but they were living in abnormal times. Alderman Wheatley was the Mayor for everything, and if there was a bit of a mistake made people would say I told you how it was going to be." He was delighted to sit with those lads that night, and he would like to say. let them at home do less murmuring and more doing. (Applause). If they had to pay an extra id. or id. for a thing, what were these men giving ? They were giving their lives. (Ap- plause). It inspired him to think that the lads tliey used to know in civil life had turned out to be heroes to-day, the bravest of the brave, and that there was no nation that could produce their equal. They must all be ready to welcome them when they came back, and in the mean- time they must keep the home fires burning. (Applause). The Mayor briefly responded, and the pro- ceedings concluded with the singing of the National Anthem. ————

King Henry Vlllth's Grammar School. I COMPETITIVE PLANS. I The Governors have selected the plans pre- pared by Messrs. Johnson, Richards & Jones, architects, for the proposed extensions to the School, which are being insisted upon by the Board oi Education. The other architects also invited to compete and who submitted designs were Messrs. W. J. Prichard & C. Bateman and Messrs. B. J. Francis & James. ———— ————

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ABERGAVENNY BOARD OF GUARDIANS. Nevill Hall as a Sanatorium: A Protest The fortnightly meeting of the Abergavenny Board of Guardians was held on Friday, Col. W. Williams presiding. There were also present Mr. H. J. Gwillim (vice-chairman), Mrs. Hiley, Rev. Father Wray, Rev. D. E. Hughes, Messrs. John Prichard, Robert Workman, N. Pullin, Alfred Edwards, W. L. Dodd, Robert Johnson, Wm. Biggs, Edgar W. Lewis, and Joseph Howells. Illness of the Master. The Board considered the continued illness of the Master and a report of the Medical Officer on the matter, and it was decided to allow the Master six weeks' leave of absence. Mr. W. H. Studholme, who had given up his position as relieving officer, was present, and he agreed to continue his work as relieving officer and also to act as assistant master temporarily at an addi- tional salary of 30S. per week. I Mr. Priehard and Nevill Hall. I Mr. John Prichard asked if it was a fact that Nevill Hall was sold as a hospital for tuber- culosis patients. If it was, he thought it would be a bad thing for Abergavenny as a residential town. He thought that they, as a Board of Guardians, should protest against the proposal, which would bring down the value of the town and the income of the Union. Father Wray The Commissioners in Lmacy have decided that they won't allow it to be used as a lunatic asylum. Mr. Prichard I am speaking about tuber- culosis. It will be harmful to the town if we have consumptives living down there. Father Wray What is the good of raising that question ? Mr. Priehard I should say it is good. Father Wray What do you ask us to do ? Mr. Priehard Try to prevent them taking it. Father Wray What do you want us to do ? Mr. Priehard Why don't you wait and hear ? I Father Wray I am waiting. Mr. Prichard said that it would have a bad effect on the town and the income of the union. They would find that they would have the houses of from £ 40 to £ 50 a year vacant; He did not think that they should allow such an institution to be established without making an effort to prevent it. Their chairman was a member of the County Council, and perhaps lie might be able to tell them something about it. Mr. Pullin said that it was a rather funny I thing to object to. He understood that Sir Clifford Cory had bought the property. Mr. Prichard No, he has bought the land, and the house is left in the hands of Mr. Parry. It is a most unsuitable place. As a rule these institutions are stuck up on the mountains, but here it is down in a bog. I move we protest against it. Father Wray Protest to whom ? Mr. Prichard: The County Council. The question was brought up again at the end of the meeting, and Mr. Pritchard said that some few years ago it was suggested to have a similar institution on the Sugar Loaf or Rholben, which would be a suitable place for it, but it was opposed by Mr. Parry and Mr. Marsh. Strangely enough, these were the gentlemen who had bought Nevill Hall, and now Mr. Parry wanted to settle it on the town as a suitable place for tuberculosis patients. He did not think they ought to take it lying down, and they ought to do all they could to prevent it. The situation of Nevill Hall was low, whereas such an instit- tion should be at a high altitude where the air was bracing. Perhaps the Chairman could give them some light on it. The Chairman said he had no power. If he brought it up at the County Council meeting he was only told to sit down. Nevill Hall was bought by Alderman Parry and then the Asylum authorities said that they could not have it as a private asylum. He understood that Mr. Parry had sold the farm to Sir Clifford Cory and that the building was sold to some hospital in New- port. They as Guardians had no standing in the matter, as it was a private affair. Mr. Workman seconded Mr. Prichard's proposi- tion. He regretted that the County Council had taken the step they had and they should send a protest to the County Council and ask them to select a place further away. The Chairman The County Council have nothing to do with it. Mr. Workman said that they could protest to the King Edward National Memorial Association. The Chairman said that the Town Council met the committee, but all this had happened since. Eventually it was decided to send a resolution to the County Council and the King Ed- ward Welsh National Memorial Association protesting against Nevill Hall being used as a sanatorium for tuberculosis cases, asking the persons interested to stay their hands, and trusting that a more suitable place would be selected. The resolution also pointed out the unsuitability of Nevill Hall for the purpose owing to the low situation and the damp nature of the ground, together with the impossibility of draining into the town sewer. I Out Relief Increase. The Clerk reported that during the fortnight there was an increase in out relief of £8 15S. lid. compared with the corresponding period of last year-8s. 5d. in the Abergavenny district and £ 8 7s. 6d. in the Blaenavon district. I Looking Ahead. I The Clerk said that the Clerk to the County Council had written asking for the loan of their ballot boxes and stamps. This was in con- nection with the Representation of the People Act, by which the constituency would be con- siderably increased. It was a case of taking time by the forelock. They had 10 ballot boxes and he supposed that they would lend them at a small charge. This was agreed to. Appointment. I There were two applications tor the position of servant at the Workhouse, and Miss Doris Matthews, of Blaenavon, was appointed. Miss Edith Meale, wardsmaid at the house, wrote that she was appointed at £ 20 per annum, arid she asked for an annual increase. The matter was referred to the House Committee.

GROSMONT PÕLICE COURT. I Friday-Before Mr. W. H. S. Whitney. I AttEGED ARSON.—Edmund Alister Row- berry, a Grosmont lad, 12 years of age, was charged with arson by setting fire to farm build- ings at Tressenny Farm Grosmont, on Feb. 15th. -P.C. Frampton said at 4 p.m. that day, from information received, he proceeded to Tresenny Farm and found the bulk of the hay in the French barn there blazing. From what he could see, it appeared to have been set on fire. He endeavoured to put it out, but failed to do so. He saw Rowberry and questioned him about the matter. He denied all knowledge, at first, but subsequently admitted the offence. Witness then charged him with arson by setting fire to the hay, to which he replied, I am very sorry I did not intend to do it."—Upon this evidence Sergt. Hatherall applied for a remand. The lad was therefore remanded to Graig Petty Sessions on the 9th March next, but released upon bail, in two sureties of f io each. JL

GOVILON. I PROPOSED ALLOTMENT FIELD.-As a result I of the public meeting held on February 9th at | the British School, when it was decided to demand from Mr. F. M. Humfrey as much land as required from the Church Meadow for allot- ments, Mr. S. T. Griffin paid a visit early the following week, and in company with Mr. F. Harris (clerk to the Parish Council) visited the Church Meadow and another field on the eastern side of the canal, also the property of Mr. Humfrev. He (Mr. Griffin) expressed the opinion that the cost of fencing in the former would be considerable, and- wished to know whether-if the Agricultural Committee could not see their way to sanction the Church Meadow —the prospective holders would accept the field on the eastern side, or any other the Committee might select in its place. To decide this, a further meeting was held in the Salisbury In- stitute on Monday evening, when Mr. Joseph Davies (chairman of the Parish Council) pre- sided and being supported by most of the members. Twenty-three signed on for por- tions of ground, and it was reported that 17 more had signified their desire to become holders. Tne proceedings were of a protracted nature, but, as no useful purpose can be gained at the present juncture by giving a detailed report, it is sufficient to state that it was ultimately pro- posed, seconded, and carried unanimously that the Parish Council ask the War Agricultural Committee to secure to the Parish Council for allotments the use of the whole of the Church Meadow, at a rental to be fixed by the War Committee and Council."

PEEPS INTO THE PAST. 1 I PEEPS INTO.. HE PAST. i j LOCAL RECORDS OF OVER 50 YEARS AGO. I ARTICLE LLIL. The Board were in want of a plumber, and at the meeting on the 24th October one candidate appeared before the' Board and expressed his confidence in being able to give satisfaction if employed, but on examination it was evident that he had no knowledge of the management of high pressure waterworks, and that he was, moreover, not in a state of sobriety. The com- mittee therefore paid him 10s. for his travelling expenses and declined to employ him. Later, Thomas Griffiths, employed by Mr. Hoskins, appeared before the committee at their request and expressed his willingness to undertake the I duties of plumber to the Board. The duties were to lay the mains and service pipes, to repair all apparatus, pipes and taps connected with the I waterworks when required to do so, to look after and examine the hydrants and valves, together with the consumers' taps and services in order to I ascertain that the same were in proper working order, to perform all repairs (so far as the plumber's work was concerned) required to the I fire engine. His whole time was to be given to the service of the Commissioners, and any repair required to any burst or damaged pipes in the night time was to be promptly attended to. The wages were 24s. per week, and if satisfaction were given the committee would, after a sufficient time had elapsed to enable them to form an opinion, recommend the Board to raise the wages to 26s. per week. Mr. Hoskins spoke favourably of Griffiths' steadiness and com- I petencv as a plumber, and he was appointed to the position. Lord Llanover and Uapunctual Trains. On the 3rd of November a copy of a letter addressed by Lord Llanover to the local Board at Pontypool was presented by Mr. Meredith. Lord Llanover's letter was understood to be a complaint of the want of punctuality of the trains on the Great Western Railway in the district. In the conversation that ensued on this subject the discontinuance of the local trains arriving at Abergavenny previously to the 1st j inst. about 10.40 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon and the want of accommodation at the goods station were alluded to. It was ordered that a memorial petitioning for punc- tuality, the renewal of the local trains and better accommodation in the goods department be prepared under the seal of the Board and for- warded to the Great Western Railway Co. A letter was subsequently read from the General Manager of the G.W.R., promising redress of the matters complained of in the memorial, and the Commissioners, in acknowledging the letter, expressed the hope that the extensions and im- provements in the goods sheds and sidings would include the construction of a footbridge for persons having occasion to cross the line a little to the south of the goods station. I The Drainage of the Town. At this meeting the Board entered into con- sideration of the general drainage of the town and the various modes then in vogue for the disposing of the sewage were explained by the chairman, who recommended that the works, if carried out, should be constructed in such a manner as to enable the Commissioners to utilise the sewage, if it should be found ad- vantageous to do so. Ultimately it was resolved that a general committee of the whole Board be convened to consider the question. This meeting was held on the 8th December, 1864, and it was resolved That it is expedient, as the time has now arrived for taking action in this matter, to carry out the drainage of the town." It was also resolved that a surveyor or engineer be requested to inspect the town and furnish a plan with sections for effectually drain- ing the same, that the said surveyor be also re- quested to report to the Board upon the cost of the drainage according to such plan. Mr. T. Curley, C.E., of Hereford, was appointed, and he undertook to do the work for 3ogs. and 5 per cent. commission on the outlay if the Board decided to carry 011 the works. Mr. Curley's plan of the proposed new sewerage works and his report thereon, with estimate of the cost amounting to 1-4,500, were laid before the Board on the 16th February, 1865. It was resolved that on account of the unsettled state of the opinions of scientific men as to the proper method of utilising sewage, the probable inter- ference of Parliament to prevent the pollution I of rivers, and on account of the estimated cost of the works exceeding the amount the Board were at present empowered to borrow, it would be prudent to defer the execution of these works for a time until the questions connected with sewerage should have received a definite settle- ment. On the 19th January, 1865, the chairman, Mr. E. Y. Steele, alluded to a complaint made by the Vicar of riotous behavour on Sunday evenings near St. Mary's Church, and that the police authorities had stated that they were unable to detect the offenders on account of the in- sufficiency of the gas lights. The Streets Com- mittee were requested to ascertain whether or not another lamp was required near the church. At a later meeting, the Commissioners were of opinion that there did not exist any necessity for increasing the number of lights in this part of the town. I Two Proposed Local Railways. I On the 2nd of February, Mr. Isaacs moved and Mr. Meredith seconded that a petition be presented under the seal of the Board to the House of Commons in favour of the projected line of railway from Abergavenny to Monmouth via Llanvapley also that another petition under seal be presented against the projected extension of the Vale of Crickhowell Railway to Mon- mouth via l'enpergwm, on the ground that the first-mentioned line of railway would be bene- ficial to the interests of the town, whilst the latter would operate to its disadvantage. The motion was agreed to. At this meeting a letter was read from Mr. John A. Lewis announcing his departure from the town and consequent resignation of office as a member of the Board, and the Commissioners accepted his resignation with regret. Mr. Lewis, in his letter, expressed a desire to present the town with a small drinking fountain, if the Com- missioners would fix the same near the entrance to the Market-place and supply the water. It was resolved to accept the offer and that the thanks of the Board be tendered for the gift. Mr. Joseph Cresswell, ironmonger, of Frogmore- street, was elected a Commissioner in place of Mr. Lewis. Llwyndu Reservoir Constructed. I On the 6th of April, 1865, Mr. Hair reported on the completion of the new works at Llwyndu, as follows I have completed the extension of your waterworks at Llwyndu from the original tank to the brook Kibby, and in addition I have constructed a reservoir capable of holding about 65,000 gallons of water." He goes on to say that originally he did not think it would be necessary to construct a reservoir, but finding there was a probability of a supply of water being required at the Asylum for the purpose of extinguishing fires, should the contingency arise, he considered it absolutely necessary that there should be some provision for storage of water in addition to the supply running into the brook. Had the Board not availed themselves ot the portion of land acquired under the Act their powers would have lapsed, and they might have found considerable difficulty in acquiring land for the purpose afterwards. By constructing a reservoir he had gained about 7ft. head of water and so increased the discharging power of the mains without increasing the size of the main pipes. That was very important, and he there- fore considered that he was studying their best interests in constructing a reservoir at once. The additional supply placed at their disposal (without reckoning the contents of the reservoir) was about 310,000 gals. per diem, and he should say, judging from his knowledge of the brook, that it would produce something like half that quantity during the dry summer, so that with their little stock in the reservoir to fall back upon lie considered that they were now fully prepared, so far as an ample supply of water could make them, to meet any contingency that might arise from fire. In describing in detail the work that had been done, Mr. Hair said that the distance between the weir and the tank was upwards of 180 yards, and the fall between these two points was 21ft., or nearly ii inches per yard. With this fall their main was capable of dis- charging about 10,000 gallons of water per hour into the tank. Mr. Hair adds Before closing I may be allowed to remark that there is an air of completeness and security about the works now that they never possessed before." The Streets Committee recommended that the old water reservoir and land attached thereto at Penypound be offered for sale by auction, and that the reserve price of the same, including the materials of the reservoir, be fixed at the sum of £ 50.

CRICKHOWELL. I ENTERTAINMENT.—A splendid entertainment was given by the Cardiff Bohemians, comprising Professor Oswold, Mr. F. Townsend, Miss Cassie Francis, Miss Connie Morton, and Miss Irene M. Price, at the Clarence Hall, on Thursday in last week, in aid of the funds of the Local Hospital Supply Depot. The "magic" turn Professor Oswold pleased the large audience, and the singing of Mr. Townsend and Miss Francis was much appreciated. A feature of the enter- tainment was the reciting of Miss Irene Price, one of the finest elocutionists ever heard in this district. The dancing of Miss Connie Morton was delightful. The proceeds realised a good sum. ASSESSMENT.—Mr. Gwilym C. James presided at the half-yearly meeting of the Union Assess- ment Committee on Monday, at the Town Hall, Crickhowell, when a number of appeals were heard. Supplemental valuation lists for the parishes of Llangattock, Llangynidr, Crick- howell, Llanelly, Brynmawr, Partricio, Grwyney Fawr, Grwyneyfechan, Rassa, Dukestown, Llan- bedr, Llechryd, Cwmdu, and Beaufort were examined and signed. I CONGREGATIONALISM.—The quarterly meet- ings of the Brecon and Radnor Congregational Association were held on Tuesday and Wednes- day at Bethesda Church, Llangattock. In' the afternoon of the former day there was a con- ference over which Mr. Thos. Vaughan presided, and in the evening and during Wednesday there were preaching services, in which Principal Lewis; Professor D. Miall Edwards, M.A. (Brecon), Revs. D. A. Griffith (Troedriwdalar), W. M. Saer, D Lloyd and others took part. Hospitality was 1 provided by the Church. FOOD COMMITTEE.—Mr. E. Pirie-Gordon pre- sided at a meeting of the local Food Committee on Monday afternoon, at Beaufort Chambers, when there were present Messrs. A. J. Thomas, Roger Howells, James Howell, John Thomas, T. Ll. Jones, F. H. Morgan, and Mrs. Rosser and Mrs. J. J. Watkins. A deputation of grocers from the Gilwern district waited upon the com- mittee and Mr. W. J. Rawlings (Gilwern) said they could not get sufficient foodstuffs for the inhabitants. In the case of butter, the quantity supplied averaged only I 3-8 ozs. per head per week. Wholesale dealers did not care to supply small grocers. The Executive Officer (Mr. R. H. A. Davies) was instructed to communicate with the Divisional Food Commissioner, Mr. Rhys. Messrs. Thomas and Morgan (Llangynidr) drew attention to the fact that the inhabitants of Llan- gynidr and district were without butchers' meat, and great difficulties were experienced. It was resolved to communicate with the Live Stock Commissioner, Col. Williams Drummond. ±

Local Architect's Success. I The competition for designs for cottages in connection with the housing of the working classes in England and Wales has now been decided as follows :—Class A.—First prize, Mr. J. A. Hallam, 45, Partridge-road, Cardiff second prize, Messrs. Johnson and Richards, Merthyr Tydfil. Class B.-First prize, Messrs. Johnson and Richards, Merthyr Tydfil; second prize, Messrs. A. L. Thomas and Gomer Morgan, Pontypridd. Class C.—First prize, Messrs. Johnson and Richards, Merthyr Tydfil; second prize, Mr. C. A. Broadhurst, Borough Architect's Office, Swansea. Class D.—First prize, Messrs. Johnson and Richards, Merthyr Tydfil; second prize, Mr. A. F. Webb, Blackwood, Mon. A number of very excellent designs were submitted, and the jury of assessors had an arduous task in awarding the prizes. The designs were publicly exhibited in the City Hall, Cardiff, during the past week. ——— ♦

I Maindiff Court Red Cross Hospital. I The Committee wisn. to tnaiik all those who have kindly sent gifts. The following have been received since Christmas :— Milk and eggs. Half-gallon milk dailv, Miss M. Jones, Llandilo Pertholey 3 gallons weekly, The Rt. Hon. Lord Treowcn, Llanover 45 eggs, Mrs. Davis, Sunnyside, Mardy 24 eggs, Mrs. Williams, Little Llandilo 18 eggs, Mrs. San- ford, Triley Court 116 eggs, Mrs. Lloyd Thomas, Tredilion Park 16 eggs, Mozerah War Guild, per Mrs. Morgan David. Vegetables and fruit.—Hamper weekly, Sir Arthur Herbert, Coldbrook 2olbs. Brussels sprouts and sack of vegetables, Mr. Ruther, Maindiff Farm 12 tins of preserved plums, Lady Mather- J ackson, Llautilio. Miscellaneous.—6 pairs of socks, 4 mufflers, 6 tickets for White Elephant Sale, Mrs. Attwood- Mathews, Llanvihangel Court 3 tickets for Italian Red Cross Concert, Mr. Cotton, The Rowans 4 tickets for White Elephant Sale, Mrs. Baker-Gabb, The Willows; 15 tickets for White Elephant Sale, per Mrs. Steel 3 tickets for dance, Mrs. Rees and Mrs. Blair, Cae Derwen 6 pigeons, Mrs. Barker, Cae Kenfy 6 packs of cards, Rev. Fish, Llanvair daily papers, Col. Herbert, Trebencvn Western Mail," Mr. D. Howell James, Old Bank House; Daily Mirror," Manager, Messrs. W. H. Smith & Sons Sunday papers, Mr. Evans, newsagent, Brecon- road. 4

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