County Observer and Monmouthshire Central Advertiser Abergavenny and Raglan Herald Usk and Pontypool Messenger and Chepstow Argus

APPOINTMENTS, &c., FOR WEEK Ending June 23rd, 1900. Sat. 23-Poiitypool Petty Sessions, 11 a. m. San. 24—Second Sunday after Trinity. Mon. 25—Monmouth Cattle Market. Tues. 26-Abergavenny Market. C, Wed. 27-Newport Cattle, Cheese, & Corn Mkts Abergavenny Petty Sessions. Pontypool U.D.C. Meeting. Thur. 28-Caerleou Petty Sessions. Pontypool Board of Guardians. Sat 30-Poiitypool Petty Sessions, 11 a.m. Raglan Petty Sessions.

Births, Marriages, & Deaths. Announcements Of Births, Marriages and Deaths are in- serted at a uniform charge of Is each, unless such words as No cards, No flowers' are added, when the the charge will be 2s ed. All announcements must be authenticated. Postage stamps may be sent in payment, Lists of Wedding Presents are inserted at the rate o Is 6d per inch in depth, DEATH. BROWNE.—On June 12tb, at Mooi River, South Africa, of enteric fever, Edward, youngest son of John Browne, Gwynfa, Abersychan, late of Llangibby, aged 22 years (38th Co., A.S.C.) 0

Sunday Closing for Monmouthshire. As Mr. Albert Spicer's Bill for the extension of the Welsh Sunday Closing L, Act to Monmouthshire has passed its second reading in the House of Commons, and is down for Committee stage on Wednesday next, it would be well to once more review some of the disadvantages of the Act. As PIECEMEAL LEGISLATION— the thin end of the wedge-it is much to be deprecated, and any fair-minded man would naturally ask why one particular County in England should be singled out for special legislation. Are its inhabitants more drunken than those in other counties ? Certainly not. The answer is to be found in the fact that, with the solitary exception of the gallant member for South Mon- mouthshire, all its parliamentary represen- tatives belong to the faddist class, who would have us believe that the cause of temperance will be advanced and the millennium hastened on by the closing of i public houses on Sundays. Herein lies ONE VERY COGENT REASON why, when the approaching General Elec- tion gives us another opportunity of record- ing our votes, we in the Monmouth Boroughs should plump for a broad-minded candidate like Dr. Rutherfoord Harris rather than support the promoter of such a Bill. Men like Sir William Harcourt, Mr. Spicer, and Mr. McKenna should possess a better knowledge of human nature than to advance the theory that out of tyranny springs sobriety. The Bill aims at class legislation-it affects the labouring man and leaves untouched the man of position. To the quiet householder, who often needs only his dinner and supper beer, but desires to have that fresh from the tap, its con- ditions are arbitrary and tyrannical to a degree, and wholly at variance with an Englishman's love of fair play, for he is denied the right that is accorded to the boisterous visitor who has travelled three miles or more. If publicans desire Sunday Closing for the sake of the rest it affords, it is in their own power to demand it, and by taking out a six days' licence save their pockets as well, but in the enormous amount or evidence brought forward we fail to find that they favour the Bill. To keep OPEN FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS during the middle of the day, and again for a couple of hours in the evening, would appear to be more in accordance with their wishes. Hitherto, we, in Monmouthshire, have been accustomed, since the passing of the Welsh Sunday Closing Act, to regard Rumney as a place to be carefully avoided, if possible, on a Sunday, on account of the great amount of drunkenness that prevails there—if the Act is extended to Monmouth- shire the beautiful district of Tutshill, on the Gloucestershire side of Chepstow, where some of the loveliest walks abound, will be similarly regarded, as will also the district round Monmouth Cap, on the borders of Herefordshire. Shebeens and clubs will spring up in Newport and other parts of Monmouthshire, as they have in Wales, and instead of moderate drinking being sanc- tioned in well-conducted public houses, under proper police surveillance, IMMODERATE DRINKING will be carried on illicitly in clubs, where the police have no right of entry. Tyranny and injustice will never produce the result we all desire—the furtherance of temper- ance. The advance of education, wholesome influences, and a higher state of civilization, are the only avenues to it.

USK. -1 Agent—Mrs. E. K Jones, Stationer OmrruiY.—We regret to hear of the death at Brhiport, on the 15th June, of Miss Waters, who for a number of years resided at Usk, and was mistress at the Catholic School. ANGLING.—The river rose a few inches this (Friday) morning, but it was not sufficient to improve angling prospects greatly. We have heard of two kills only, viz., on Saturday last, Mr. R. W. Rickards one, 11 lbs, and Thursday, Colonel Rocke one, 12 lbs. ATHLETICS.—At Newport amateur athletic sports on Saturday last, Arthur Weare won his heat in the 12; yards (open) off the 13 yards' mark, but failed to be placed in the final. Other Uskites running were W. A. Williams (the half-mile champion of South Wales) and Nicholas Pitt, neither of whom won their heat*.

URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. A meeting of the above Council was held on Tuesday evening, in the Town Hall, when there were present :—Messrs. H. A. Addis, J.P. (chairman), James Davies, C. Voyce, F. Jennings, R. Morgan, W. Workman, G. Mundy, A. F. Lucas (clerk). and T. Rees. ir. (surveyor). THE CATTLE MARKET. A letter from the Public Works Loan Board agreeing to lend £ 3,000 at 3| per cent., for a r, 1 4 period of 30 years was read. The specification and form of contract for the construction of the Cattle Market, as prepared by Mr. Togarmah Rees, C.E., were considered and approved, with some slight alterations. It was resolved that tenders for the necessary work be advertised for, the same to be sent in by the 4th prox. THE PRICE OF GAS. A notice from the Usk Gas Company as to the increase of Gas was read, and referred to the Gas Committee. I HENRY LEWIS v. CAPITAL AND COUNTIES BANK, LIMITED. JUDGMENT. At Usk County Court on Wednesday, His Honour Judge Owen, gave a long written judgment in the above case, in which, it will be remembered, the plaintiff, Henry Lewis, timber merchant, of Usk, sought to have set aside a conveyance of certain property situate at Llantrissent, Usk, of the 19th August, 1899, and then held by the defendant company for delivery of same to plaintiff to be cancelled; for a declaration that plaintiff was entitled to hold the conveyance as security for X231 15s., advanced by him to the bankrupt. Mr. Fenton George Harris, late agent to the bank at Usk. His Honour [1] made a declaration that the indenture of conveyance by plaintiff to Harris was void and invalid, and ordered the same to be delivered to be cancelled [2] made a declaration that the plaintiff had a lien or charge for the sum of X231 15. and E20 and interest thereon at 4 per cent. from the date of judgment upon the indenture of the 11th August; [3] he ordered that plaintiff have his costs uuder Scale C, with liberty to apply, allowed Counsel'd fee for advice on evidence and Counsel's fee because there is no local Bar; and directed that there should be no stay of proceed- ings. Mr. Poyser represented the plaintiff, on behalf of Atc. Corner, who was unable to be preaent.and Mr. E. Waddington, solicitor, Usk, appeared for the Bank, and gave notice of their intention to appeal.

PROPERTY SALE. At the Three Salmon's Hotel, Usk, on Monday afternoon, Messrs. Marfell and Poole offered for sale four lots of valuable freehold property in the district. For "The Laurels," Usk, with garden and orchard, the bidding commenced at j:400 and advanced to X710, at which figure the lot was withdrawn. The freehold country residence, Thornberry," with outbuildings, pasture laud, &c., adjoining [27 acres], abutting on the River Usk (in which there is about 500 yards of exclusive salmon and trout fishing], at Bettws Newydd, was sold to the representatives of the Estate of the late General Gillespie for Y,2,750, XI,000 being the first offer. Mr. Edward Jones, Snatchwood, ran the figures up. The freehold farm "The Hill," Glascoed [55 acres] was not sold, the reserve price not being reached £1.025 was the highest bid. At the same time and place Mr. John Young offered for sale five freehold dwelling-houses in Baron-street, Usk, but the lot was withdrawn at £ 345, no advance beiug obtainable. RURIDECANAL CONFERENCE. A conference of the Rural Deanery of Usk was held at the Three Salmon's Hotel, on Thursday afternoon, the Rev. H. Addams-Williams, Rural Dean, presiding. It had been intended holding the conference in Usk Castle, but the inclement weather prevailing prevented this. There was a fairly good attendance of clergymen and laity, and amongst those present were :—Lady Barnard, Rev. P. L. C. Nash, Rev. E. W. W. Pugh, Rev. W. W. and Mrs. Jones, Rev. C. T. and Mrs. Salusbury, Rev. E. M. Prothero, Rev. James Blower, Miss Nicholl, Miss F. Addams. Williams, Mrs. Herbert Addams-Williams, Miss Cooke, Mr. and Mrs. H. Humphreys, Mr. J. H. and Miss Clark, Mr. J. Biggs, Mr. and Mr-. R. Parker, and Mr. and Mrs. George Mundy. THB DIOCESAN CONFERENCE. The iirst business was tne election of delegates to the Diocesan Conference, and the following were appointed ClericalRev. J. Blower, Gwernesnoy Rev. J. D. Evans, Panteg Rev. P. L. C. Nash, Usk; Rev. E. M. Prothero, Llangwm; Rev. C. T. Salusbury, Tredunnock Rev. J. E. Dunn, Griffithstown and the Rev. A. A. Williams, Panteg. Liy:—Mr. J. H. Clark, Usk; Captain H. D. Griffiths, Griffithstown Dr. Rutherfoord Harris, Llangibby; Mr. H. Humphreys, Usk; Mr. H. J. Parkhurst, Panteg; Mr. R. Rickards, Usk; and Mr. H. A. Saunders, Pontymoile. WORKHOU B CHAPLAINS. 1 Captain H. D. Griffiths initiated a discussion on the appointment of Workhouse chaplains. He thought that the law only recognised the appoint- in Int of clergymen ef the Church of England as chaplains of Workhouses. That being so, to secure the recognition of the law in this respect by the Boards of Guardians, they must see to it that as many Churchmen were elected Guardians as was possible. He thought that if one man were appointed to the position of chaplain he would do the work better than if there were a number engaged in it. The rev. Chairman expressed regret at the absence of the Rev. J. E. Dunn, in whose parish the Pontypool Workhouse was, and who might have given them some valuable information on the subject before them. The Rev. A. A. Williams said some gentlemen at Pontypool had taken up the position that in this work ministers of all denominations should work hand in hand together for the spiritual welfare of the inmates. The Rev. Watkyn Jones observed that if, under the present system, the work were not well done in the Workhouse, a Church of England clergyman should be appointed chaplain. The Rev. P. L. C. Nash thought that Church- people themselves were in a very great measure responsible for the present situation. Noncon- formists, he bel'eved, bad been grossly ill-treated in the matter, having been practically compelled to attend the services of the Church of England in the Workhouse. Why should that be? As Church people they would object to be compelled to go to a Nonconformist service why then should Nonconformists be compelled to attend the religious services of the Church ? He did not, however, advocate that a chaplain should not be appointed, but what he wished to advocate was that the inmates of the Workhouse should have ministers of their own denominations to attend to them respectively. The gross injustice that had been done Nonconformists in this respect in the past, they were now trying to impose on the Church. Let them try to get fair play all round in the way he had suggested. [Applause.] Mr. H. Humphreys thought they could not expect ministers of any denomination to hold services in the Workhouses without remuneration. According to the present state of the law it was impossible to arrange for all to be served alike, but the principle enunciated by the Vicar of Usk was one they ought to take ii p. The law would have to be altered to carry it out, and his idea was that the ministers of all denominations might be paid for their services to the inmates of the Workhouses on the principle of a capitation grant according to the number belonging to each denomination in the House. The Rev. E. W. W. Pugh observed that the plan had been tried in other Unions of ministers alternately acting in the House, but it had not been found to answer. If Churchmen believed in their position at all they could not but think that their people should not hear the ministers of other denominations at all. It was distinctly their duty to protect Churchpeople in the House from what they really aud truly believed was not the right spirit or teaching of the Gospel. At Pontypool it appeared that there had been an attempt to altogether oust the clergy of the Church of England. The Rev. J. E. Dunn had had to take his people at any time he found it convenient for them and for himself. The question of stipend Mr. Dunn had certainly not raised he had been willing to work, and had worked, without any monetary recompense. The Rev. C. Cook remarked that he had been a guardian himself, and there had been anxiety to secure a majority of Nonconformists on the Pontypool Board in order that they might make y their own appointments. He always thought that it was legal and the spirit of the law that the chaplain should be of the Church of England. Were not the Board bound to appoint a chaplain, and were they not breaking the law in not doing so ? Mr. George Mundy referred to discussions on the question at the Board of Gtittrdiailg. Mr. Ford, a leading Nonconformist of Pontypool, had at one time expressed his opinion that they should appoint a chaplain, and had supported the appointment of one. What was everyone's business was no one's business, and certainly in his [the speaker's] opinion thereshouldbeouepaidtoperform the work. The Nonconformists were served by their own ministers. He thought that Churchpeople should urge that the law of the land should be obeyed. The rev. Chairman quoted from the report of the E.C.U. Workhouse Committee to show that under the Acts of 4 and 5 William IV., cap 76 L1834] and 10 and 11 Vie., cap 109 [1847], the chaplain must be appointed and must be a Church of England clergyman, and this was in accordance with the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown. He [the rev. Chairman] thought it was important a chaplain should be appointed, and pointed out that it was unfair to impose upon the Rev. J. E. Dunn the duty of seeing to the Churchpeople in the Workhouse, especially considering that his income was but X30 or £ 40 a year. Personally, he was quite willing that Nonconformists should be paid for ministering to those who wished for their ministrations. They should be careful to exert their influence on behalf of those candidates as guardians who, if elected, would carry out the law. Mr. J. H. Clark said the Vicar of Usk had spoken in a very liberal-minded manner, but in the light of past experience on other public bodies, he was afraid his suggestion would be found impracticable in the working. Churchpeople should see that they elected Churchpeople only as guardians, and that the law should be carried out. If they got a majority on the Board the dispute as to the chaplaincy would be ended. Mr. Humphreys again urged the idea he had previously given expression to, and moved a proposition to the effect that they should use every possible effort to induce the guardians of the Pontypool Union to act according to the law and appoint a chaplain of the Church of England and, further, that they would support the Board in the appointment of religious instructors of different denominations to attend to those of their denomination with a remuneration all round [chaplain included] on the principle of a capitation grant. Mr. Richard Parker seconded. Mr. Saunders said he did not think the suggestion contained in the second part of the proposition would ever work properly, as there would be so many difficulties in the way as to hours of service, &c. He proposed as an amendment that the second part of the proposition be eliminated. Mr. J. H. Clark seconded the amendment. On beiug put to the vote, after some further discussion, the amendment was carried by a large majority. Mr. Humphreys refused to father his mutilated proposition, and it was put as a substantive motion, on the proposition of Mr. Clark, and agreed to, the Chairman remarking that it seemed to be the general opinion of those present that some such arrangement as that suggested by Mr. Humphreys should be adopted if it could be found to be workable. CHURCH REFORM. Mr. Alfred Holdsworth, secretary of the Church Reform League, then gave an interesting address on the subject of the work of the organization, and at its conclusion, on the proposition of Mr. Saunders, seconded by the Rev. H. Addams- Williams, a vote ef thanks to the speaker was accorded, together with an expression of sympathy with the aims of the League. The Rural Dean subsequently entertained at tea those who had attended the conference.

THE GREAT REMEDY. -I "1:AI, GOUT PILLS GOUT, RHEUMATISM, SCIATICA, LUMBAGO, Be quickly relieved and cured without restraint from diet, by these celebrated Pills. All Chemists, and Stores, at Is. 1 d. and 2s. 9d. per box.

11 H.U.S. PINAFORE rf A&' YLA-NGIBBY CASTLE; DR. AND MBS. EUTHERFOOJ^' "AT HOME." On Wednesday evening a grand m Gilbert and Sullivan's Nautical CoaMc Opeja^ H.M.S. Pinafore was (by special permission of R. D'Oyly Carte, Esq.. of the Savoy The-sty,&, London, and at the kind invitation of ])10. F* Rutherfoord Harris), given by the Newport Operatic? Society, in a very large marquee which h&d.1 been erected for the purpoao in the grounds of Llangibby Castle. With characteristic munificence, and in order tOr celebrate Accession Day-tbe commencement of ttht- 64th year of the reign of our gracious Sovereign Queen Victoria—Dr. Harris issue 1 a large number off invitations to the people of the district to visit Llsn-r gibby and enjoy a musical evening, and they were accepted with alacrity. Brakes and other vehicles conveyed a large number of the guests of the evening, whilst others enjoyed the walk. Dr. and Mrs. Rutherford Harris were At Home to a large number of personal friends. A walk through the grounds revealed the great improvements which have been effected there, and the arrangements which had been made for the entertainment cannot ba said to have been other than perfect. The marquee, as has been stated, was a spacious one, and was lit by the electric light. The stage had been appropriately fitted up-in fact, everything was de rigueur. The marquee.was filled long before the commence- ment of the opera, and in order to disappoint no one a portion of the side canvas curtains was removed. When the house party arrived, and the orchestra opened with the National Anthem, there must have been 700 or 800 people present to rise to honour Her Majesty. Everyone was highly delighted with the per- formance of the opera by the company, who evi- dently spared no time nor pains to arrive at the degree of excellence attained all round. Individual members were heartily applauded for their render- ings of the various well-known items, the singing of the chorus was highly appreciated, con- siderable histrionic ability was displayed, and the orchestra rendered valuable assistance. The costumes were by Waller, London, the scenery was specially painted by Mr. T. S. Creighton, of the Newport Operatic Society, and the work of general organisation fell upon Mr. W. Wallace Grant, the hon. sec. Mr. F. W. Burpitt was the musical director, and he and the Society generally are to be congratulated upon their work. At the conclusion, General Mignon expressed the appreciation of the audience of the kindness of Dr. and Mrs. Rutherfoord Harris [for whom lusty cheers were given] and of the performance given by the Operatic Company. The members of the Society were entertained at tea before thi performance and at supper at its close prior to the drive to Newport. The following were the DRAMATIS PERSONS The Right Hon. Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.B. (First Lord of the Admiralty), Mr. John II. D. Green Captain Corcoran (Commanding H.M.S. Pinafore), Mr. W. Humphreys; Ralph Rackstraw (able seaman), Mr. Dan Llewellyn Dick Deadeye (able seaman), Mr. T. S. Creighton Bill Bobstay (Boatswain), Mr, Ivor Evans; Bob Becket (Boatswain's mate), Mr. A. J. Smith; Sergeant of Marines, Mr. W. Jackson; Midshipmite, Master J. Richards; Josephine (the Captain's daughter), Miss Lilian Tuplin Hebe (Sir Joseph's first cousin), Miss Violette Bevan; Little Buttercup (a Portsmouth bumboat woman), Miss Winnie DeRees. Marines Mr. W. Jackson, Mr. R. F. Leonard. Mr. T. F. Saddler, Mr. H. M. Twist, Mr. Stanley H. Johns. Sailors Mr. C. Collins, Mr. A. J. Dowle, Mr. W. F. Dowle, Mr. G. M. Grant, Mr. W. Wallace Grant, Mr. H. Hughes, Mr. T. Ingleton, Mr. Fred Smith, Mr. W. Taylor, Mr Fred Willis, Mr. T. Wright, Mr. F. Morrish, Mr. W. Noble. First Lord's Sisters, Cousins, and Aunts :-Miss E, A. Adams, Miss C. Bevan, Miss F. Bowen, Miss Laura Clapton, Miss Molly Cox, Miss Lily Cox, Miss J. Crowley, Miss Mabel Evans, Miss Ada Jones, Miss Flossie King, Miss L. Neill, Miss K. Raycroft, Miss Cissie Rees, Miss R. Shelton, Miss Eva Thomas. ORCHESTRA First violins-Miss C. Miles. Mr. F. Duckham, Mr. E. Hayter, Mr. E. Zeale. Second violins-Miss F. Bumstead, Miss M. Davies, Miss Joseph, Mr. Tovey. Violas-Mr. W. Smoothy, Mr. E. Bumstead. Cello— Mr. Harry Langmaid. Clarioncttes-Mr. E. Hockey, Mr. F. W. Johns. Bassoon—Mr. E. A Powell. Cornets—Mr. Jack Edwards, Mr. E. V. Jones. Double Bass-Mr. Bumstead. Oboe—Mr. W. Lyons. Horn—Mr. C. T. Coles.- -Tromboiie-Mr. W. Hulin. Flute and Piccolo-Mr. Tom Saunders. Side drum- Mr. R. Lewis. Tympani—Mr. R. J. Williams. Pianist—Miss Bessie DeRees. Harps—Mr. W. Jeffreys, Mr. J. Pollock. Musical Director—Mr. F. W. Burpitt. «

ABERGAVENNY. Agents,—Messrs Davies <t Co. Booksellers. EVANS v STRAKER.—Before Mr. Justice Buckley, in the Chancery Divison of the High Court on Thursday, the case of Evaus v Straker oame on for trial. This was an action by Mrs. Mary Jane Hier Evans, now of London, claiming a declaration, that certain shares in the Parkend Navigation Colliery Company (Limited) which were standing in the name of the defendant, belonged to the plaintiff. The defendant, James Straker, is an auctioneer and valuer, of Abergavenny. The caso was adjourned.

NEWPORT. Aqenti-Messrs Greenland and Co.. Newsagents WATERED MILK.—At Newport Borough Police Court on Monday, Arthur Lawrence Parsons, dairy- man, was summoned under the Food and Drugs Act, for selling milk which was not of the nature. quality, and substance demanded.—The Town Clerk (Mr. A. A. Newman) appeared in support of the summons. Inspector Spencer Jones stated that on Monday, May 21st, he saw the defendant's cart in Herbert Street, and purchased a pint of milk, which he told defendant had been bought for the purpose of analysis. He produced a certificate from the public analyst stating that the sample contained 91 per cent, of milk, and S per cent, of added water. This opinion was based on the fact that the sample contained 7.73 per cent. of solids, not fat, whereas genuine milk contained 8.50. In reply to Alderman Moses, the Inspector stated that if boracio acid had been found in the milk in any considerable quantity it would have been mentioned by the analyst.—The Town Clerk pointed out that milk should be at its best at this time of the year. The standard was not high. Inspector Smith gave corroborative evidence. -Defendant, who stated that he did not get a. warranty with the milk, was fined L5. HARBOUR BOARD MEETING.—The annual meeting was held at the offices in Dock-street, on Wednesday. The out-going chairman, Alderman Bear, presided.—Alderman H. J. Davis proposed that Mr, T. E. Watson be chairman of the board for thb ensuing twelve months, and spoke of Mr. Watson as a most able, intelligent, and excellent man of business—Mr. T. H. Mordey seconded, and the motion was carried.—Mr. Watson then took the chair, and thanked the members for the high honour which had been done him by his election.— The ex-chairman was elected a vice-chairman -for the year.—The accounts for the year were then presented, and in discussing them, before adoption the Chairman said that the receipts from the landing stage amounted to £79 lls. 9J., which was a very small percentage on the actual cost of the stage. Many of the public grumbled at paying a penny to go upon the landing stage, but those payments not only did not pay more than a small percentage of the expenditure involved in building the stage, but they did little more than pay the actual cost of looking after it, keeping it in order, and lighting it; and, beside that, the landing stage paid rates to the town of X60 per auuum. The net cost of dredging for the year was £ 2,148 ilS. 9d but the repairs to the dredging plant had heen higher in the past year than any year ainoe the board had had it. There was a loss to the funde of the board ou the ballast stage on the gridiron, and on carrying out the provisions of the Explosives Act.—Alderman Mordey brought up the report as to the inspection oi the harbour by the Commissioners. It was recommended that the passenger steamer Ratenswood be engaged on June 30th, the Commissioners and invited guesta to embark at the landing stage at 9.45, and after the inspection to run to Swansea Bay, These recommendations were adopted.

[We do not necessarily endorse all our correspondent writes.—ED. 'C.O."] An interesting and instructive meeting was that held in the Town Hall, Usk, last Monday, to forward the candidature of Dr. F. Rutherfoord Harris in the Conservative and Unionist iuterest in the Monmouth Boroughs. Considering that indoor meetings are not popular in the summer, it would not have been surprising if the atten- dance had beeu confined to a comparatively small band of ardent politicians only, but it speaks well for the popularity of the candidate, and aiijiurs well for his success at the poll, that the house was crowded in every part with an audience at once interested and enthusiastic. Lord Raglan, needless to say, was an admirable chair inati-sli ort, pithy, interesting—and his lord- ship having opened the meeting, Dr. Rutherfoord Harris delivered one of those capital speeches to which we are accustomed from him—carefully thought out, aptly expressed, and full of food for reflection. His principal topic was the one which has naturally taken precedence of all others lately- the war in South Africa-a topic upon which no one is more entitled to be heard with respect than he. Pluck and determination are qualities which no one values if a Britisher does not, aud for the grand display of those and other equally estim. able attributes alone, "B.P. would have earned for himself our unbounded admiration, but intuitively we felt that there was something deeper and more far-reaching in the gallant defence of Mafeking than the exhibition of personal greatness of character. In pointing out reasons why the defence and relief of "the village ou the veldt were matters of momentous importance, he has given expres- sion to what many have doubtless thought. British prestige has been more than maintained in the present war, and to the Boers, whose contempt for us as a military power was deep- rooted, it must be a matter of chagrin that not one of the towns they specially set their hearts upon taking has, even for a time, fallen into their hands. < < After touching upon questions of army reform and colonial federation, Dr. Harris proceeded to quote expressions of opinion on the part of the Nonconformist bodies of South Africa, who, with one accord, urge upon their brethren at home the righteousness of the war, and the vital necessity of the future government of the erstwhile Republics being upon British line under British control. It is to be hoped those extracts will be care- fully and thoughtfully read by every Noncon- formist in the Boroughs. There can be no doubt about their genuineness, and they should open the eyes of many who are inclined to think that our diplomacy has been altogether at fault, and that we have dealt harshly with a God- fearing, much maligned people. It will be interesting to watch for criticisms on this matter, but one fails to see that there can possibly be any adverse views. Dr. Rutherfoord Harris's offer to give material assistance in the formation of a Rifle Club for the parishes of Usk and Llangibby is one which I trust will not be lost sight of. As the Candi- date pointed out, many of us could join a rifle club, and be ready and -the better able to take our share in the defence of our hearths and homes, should it ever be necessary, who, for l various reasons, cannot join the Volunteer J forces. The result of the formation of such Clubs throughout the country would be the provision of a grand reserve force which would render available for foreign service a very much larger number of men than can at present with safety be sent from home. Let the committee of which the Doctor speaks be at once formed, and go into the details of the matter. It seems to me that we are splendidly situated, and have many advantages which would secure the success of any such organization. The reference to Usk's railway communica- tions was naturally well received, and every one will trust Dr. Harris may be able to effect some improvement in our train service. Subsequent speeches were commendably brief and to the point. Col. Channer spoke as a true British soldier, and his remarks respecting Lord Roberts revealed to us iu a measure the reasons why the Army is so devoted to the Field- Marshal, who has done so much in South Africa. Mr. E. W. Waters followed with a <f natty little speech, aud then came Mr. J. Maitland Watkins, who always finds something new to say and a fresh channel into which to direct our thoughts. His advice not to rest on our oars until safely in port will, it is hoped, be taken. Mr. Clark followed, and made a palpable hit when he referred to the proposed extension of the Sunday Closing Act to this County. I should like to say more about the meeting, but in consequence of space not being illimitable I must desist after observing that the reply of Lord Raglan to the vote of thanks so deservedly accorded him, gave a splendid, patriotic finish to a highly successful and iuspiritiug meeting. "What's everybody's business is nobody's business" is an old saw, and as true as it is old. In the report of the inquest held last week on the body of the young man who was found in the river Usk, and who, it was determined by the twelve good men and true," was accidentally drowned whilst bathiug, I read that the general opinion of the jurymen was that the public should provide a notice board for erection at Penyllyn, warning people not to bathe there." Did it strike the jurors that they were included in that genel ic term the public," and that their opinion might have had some practical effect if they had themselves started a subscription list, and set a good example to their fellows in the town in such matters ? Their fees would have about purchased the notice board. < Last year the subject of providing a bathing place on the river was mooted in this column, but perhaps for lack of someone influential to take the matter up, and in consequence of the lateness of the season at the time, the movement came to the ground. Will not someone interest himself in the matter now ? A few shilling subscriptions would do the work. Who will distinguish himself and earn the thanks of all lovers of the natatorial art, by taking the matter up '? The need of a water cart for our streets is a question which might be classified under the "Hardy Annual" heading. The U.D.C., surely would not financially submerge the ratepayers if they provided the means of keeping down the dust clouds which are as inimical to health as they are ruinous to our tradesmen's goods, and damaging to the interior of private houses. Saturday's post brought a batch of letters from our brave lads on active service in South Africa. Corporal D. H. Lewis, writing from Kroonstad under date May 14th, states:—"We have joined our Line Regiment, and, what is still more, have been in action-something we have all been longing for, and were very much afraid we should be disappointed over." After speak- ing of successive marches of from 18 to 25 miles a day, guardiug convoys, one of which was two miles in length, consisting of twenty wagons, each drawn by a span of 16 or 18 oxen, he refers to a visit Major Palmes, who was second in command, paid to some of those whom he remembered as Volunteers at home Wherl he was adjutant of the 4th V.B.S.W.B. "After bivouacing a few miles from Zand River for the night," he went on, we fell in at 5.30 a m., charged magazines, and the day commenced which gave the Border Volunteers their christening of fire. We had not gone far before we heard the guns booming. We formed the second line under Major Palmes, and were very soon under fire. Ill-luck, however, followed us, and we never fired a shot. The Artillery on our right and left, and directly behind us (our Division occupied centre position), dropped shells into the Boers in fine style, and they evidently very soon found it uncomfortable, for they were to be seen retreating as fast as they could, the guns harassing them as they went. The gunners could put a shot where they chose. A volunteer (Baker, of Bassalleg) of our Battalion was wounded, another had his finger grazed, one had a shot through his puttee, which slightly grazed his leg, and I found the bullets coming near enough to be unpleasant, one dropping about a foot in front of me, which made me throw my head up, I can tell you. Well, we were at it about six hours, there being about 60,000 men engaged in it on our side, so they say. We took a few prisoners, one being a sniper, who said he had fired 200 shots at us. if The (jeneral and his Staff were by us a few times. As soon as they showed themselves they were greeted by the enemy with a hail of Mauser and other bullets, &c., for the Boers have rifles of every description, as we can tell by the cartridges we find, and some even use shot guns. The Boers have no more pluck than rabbits, and like rabbits they run when our boys get a bit near them. That is the only time you see them. Well, we were all very pleased to have had the chance of distinguishing ourselves, although it was ouly in a very small way, and we went into bivouac with a more contented mind than we have done hitherto Bill Haggett and Bill Creese (who has whiskers down to his chest) came over to see us yesterday. Brick' is in the Army Medical Corps. Of course Tom Baylis and I are often together, and he puts me up to the wrinkle of inakiug tea, &c., which we do ourselves on the march. We were inspected by the Colonel this morning, and he said he could not tell us how pleased he was with us that we were as perfect as any Company under his command that he had been watching us when we least expected it and but for our shoulder straps no one could tell that we were not regulars; and that he felt it au honour to himself and the Battalion that we have joined them. Corporal Lewis from Mr. Herbert's and I are often together. I am pleased to tell you that, barring sore feet, we are all well. The Volunteers marched 120 miles from the Monday morning to Saturday evening. I am Orderly Corporal this week, and it is an awful job on your feet all day long, and no rest. Remember me to everyone at home." Writing from Karee Siding under date May 2ud, Color-Sergeant A. Jenkins, of the 1st Welsh Regiment, informs his brother, of Llansoy, INTER ALIA We (the 18th Brigade) have been transfelted from the 6th Division to I the 21th. under Lieut.-General Pole-Carew. 1 This Brigade is composed of Guards, so I suppose I we must consider ourselves promoted, as it were. La"t Sunday week our Division left Springfield and marched East for Bloemfontein. About I one o'clock we came across some Boera holding some kopjes, and a farmhouse. After a bit of fighting we drove the enemy out of their position with only slight loss to our side—eight of the Welsh being killed and wounded, besides one officer killed, and one wounded. I am very sorry to say the officer killed was the Captain of my Company, Captain Prothero- He was a Monmouthshire man, his home being just outside Newport. I believe the intention of our march was to intercept a large party of Boers who were making their way North. After marching about GO miles we found that the enemy had got past us and had escaped, so we had to return to Bloemfontein, reaching there last Sunday, after marching nearly 120 miles in the eight days. On the Monday we had a slight rest. Next day (May 1st) we marched from Bloemfontein to Karee Siding, a distance of about 22 miles, which was rather a long march, as we carry 150 rounds of ammunition, a blanket, and several other things. The second part of the letter was written from Brandfort, on May 4th, aud the writer speaks of the march thereto in the expectation of a big battle, which could not come off in consequence of the enemy having departed. Brandfort, he says, is hardly as big as Raglan, with only a few people. "Six mouths to-day," he continues, "we left Aldershot, and te war is not half over. I do not think, however y the second half will take as long as the first. I believe our Regiment m will be one of the first to come home after it is over—that is, if we can maintain our good reputation.