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

Exit Paul Kruger. The game is up, and another prominent figure in South African history vanishes from the scene of action in the person of ex-President Kruer. He leaves no blessing to his faithful burghers, such as 0 one might expect from the favorite of Z5 Heaven, but coolly DESERTS THEM in their hour of need, and cynically suggests that they should make the best terms they "an with the Conqueror. Not long since, he blatantly quoted Old Testament heroes, compared himself to them, undertook to lead his followers back in triumph to Pretoria, and dramatically vowed that no razor should touch him until that goal was reached. Those sentiments have passed away, and with General Buller at Lyden- burg, General French before the gates of Barberton, Commandant Botha considering terms of surrender, Theron dead, and Dd Wet with but few followers, ex-President Kruger has I SCATTERED HIS PATRIOTISM to the four winds, has divested himself of his religious fervour, and in worldly-wise spirit has vacated his railway carriage and made tracks for the coast to rejoin his inoney-bayfs. He is now a fugitive in Portu- guese territory, at Lourenco Marques, at the house of Mr, Potts, the Transvaal Consul, and with him are Mr Reitz, the Auditor- General with his staff and the Transvaal archives, and Mr Grobler. Ex-President Steyn was left behind on account of sick- ness, and appears to be returning to the Orange River Colony, and Mr Schalk Burger has been appointed Acting-Presi- dent of the Transvaal, by Mr Kruger. Such is the position of South Africa at the present time, and however undignified and humili- ating Mr. Kruger's hurried departure Z5 appears, it is quite consistent with what we know of his personal character, which is a curious mixture of gross ignorance, super- q Z3 stition, fanaticism, cunning, and hypocrisy. His rule has been despotic, his government steeped in every kind of BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION, and bis obstinacy has plunged South Africa into one of the most terrible wars of the nineteenth century. That rule is ended, and ere long from its ashes will arise a united and prosperous South Africa, under British rule. Mr. Kruger's next visit to the country will be by permission of England. Had he fallen into our hands, no doubt we should have provided him with a handsome residence at St. Helena, where he might have studied Old Testament history under the guidance of a more enlightened con- cordance. He, however, prefers to pay for his own board and lodging in Holland, or elsewhere, and we need not complain of being saved the trouble of keeping him. 2. 2 2 0.. "I

LITERATURE. "WHY KRUGER MADE WAR." ] This is a book which Mr. John A. Buttery, a former resident of Usk, and a frequent contributor to the "Uk Observer," has written, and Mr William Heineminn has published, ou the causes which brought about the South African War. A two years' residence at Johannesburg, where he occupied the important position of chief sub-editor on the Standard and Diggers' News," enables Mr Buttery to write accurately from personal knowledge upon that great problem, "Why Kruger made War," and his work is of the greatest value at the present time in removing doubts and misconceptions, bearing, as it does, the stamp of truth on every page. Starting with Kruger's insolent and suicidal ultimatum to the British Government, the writer recounts in detail the various causes which bolstered him up in his belief that it would be an easy matter to defeat the whole British army, and establish a Dutch Republic throughout South Africa. From speeches delivered by Sir William Harcourt, Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman, Mr John Morley, and other prominent Radicals be gleaned that the English nation was divided upon the South African question, Mr Chamberlain's power, he was told, was on the wane, the Boers had a strong forca in England at their back, and Dr Leyds had informed him that they would be aided by foreign intervention. Lord Salisbury was a man of peace, the Queen had set her fiice against war, England was contemptible as a military power-she could not place more than 120,000 men in the field—and Tommy Atkins was of small account as a fighting machine. Their cause was a righteous one, and would be successful through Divine interposition, the Queen's subjects in Natal and Cape Colony would flock to their standard, and the capitalists, in their anxiety to protect the Rand Gold Mines, would be important factors on their side. Everything was rosy from the Boer stand- point, and they saw not*the handwriting on the wall, nor dreamt that the recklessness with which they entered upon the war would result in the wiping out of the Republics, as such, from the map of Africa, and the ignominious night of their Presi- dent- We strongly recommend Mr. Buttery's book to the British public.

PONTYPOOL RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. I The usual monthly meeting of the above Council was held at the Sessions House, Usk, on Friday evening. Mr. R. W. Spencer, J.P. (chairman) presided, and there were also present :—Messrs. W. Marfell, Stephen T. Griffin, James Bevan, W. Newman, Job Thomas, R. Williams, J. T. Turner, T. Watkins, T. Watkins (clerk), and Robert Derrett (surveyor). FINANCE. I It was reported that the balance in favour of the I Council was £ 340 6s. 5d. I Council was £340 68. ód. COUNTY SANITARY RBVIEW. I A communication accompanying the Sanitary J Review of the County Council drew the Council's I attention to the recommendations contained therein. Mr. Griffin understood that the Glascoed School water supply had been attended to, but the Surveyor said that was not so. The Clerk remarked that with the Llanfrechfa Lower Water Supply they were now dealing. The Surveyor was asked to report on the Glascoed School supply at the next meeting. A DELAY. The Rev. W. A. W. Evans wrote from Ramsey, Isle of Man, stating that in consequence of illness and his medical adviser having ordered him away, he had beeu unable to attend to a complaint with reference to the Glebe Cottage, Llande^veth. He would attend to it as soon as he got back. Mr. Griffin thought the Council were too lenient in such cases. The Surveyor was directed to report again next month. A WELL AT LLANFRECHFA LOWER. The Clerk read some letters which had passed between him and the County Surveyor (Mr. W. Tanner) as to a well alongside the road in the parish of Llanfrechfa Lower. There appeared to have been some misunderstanding as to the well meant, and that one had been attended to by the County Surveyor while another, which was the one referred to by the Council at the instance of the Parish Council, had not. It appeared probable that there would be a satisfactory termination of the matter. A DANGEROUS PLACE. The Clerk had also written to the County Surveyor with regard to a dangerous place requiring fencmg in the road at Croesyceilog. It was stated that it was the end of an old road, and that the agent for the owner of the adjoining land had been stopped fencing it. Now, however, the County Surveyor had arranged to meet the agent, and fix a line for a new fence. I A JOINT LIABILITY. With regard to Llanusk Bridge,. Goytre, as to which the Pontypool and Abergavenny Councils were jointly liable, the Surveyor reported that he had met Mr. Gill, the Abergavenny Surveyor, and had accepted a tender from Mr. Richard Boweu to do the necessary work. It was now in progress. They had also arranged for a little repairing work to be done to another joint bridge, near the entrance to the Lower House Farm, Goytre. In reply to Mr. Marfell, the Surveyor stated the nature of the work being done at Llanusk. Mr. M'rfell said a committee had gone into the matter, "nd made recommendations, which were now se' aside. This was child's play, and made the conimitcee look very small. Besides, the parting in the centre of the bridge, inconsequence of which the Surveyor bad put up a notice prohibiting heavy traffic, was not to be touched. A GRANT. The Clerk to the County Council wrote stating that, his Council would make an annual grant of X16 10s. payable half-yearly, upoii their Surveyor's certificate, towards the maintenance of the road from Little Mill Bridge to Llanover Village. p The Surveyor was instructed to see to the repair of the road, especially that portion of it nearest Llanover. A LLANFRECHFA FOOTBRIDGE. The Surveyor, in his report, referred to two letters received from the Llanfrechfa Lower Parish Council respecting a footbridge over the Candawr Brook, oil the footpath leading from Pautyrheos Farm to the Common. From what he could glean, the bridge was erected by the superseded Caerleon Highway Board. A new one was needed. The Clerk read the letters received, which pointed out that a former footbridge attended to by the Rural District Council, after a representa- tion from the Parish Council, was not the one they had requested to have repaired, but the ono now alluded to, which was in a dangerous state. It was decided to put up a new bridge there. BRIDGES. Mr. D. J. Lougher forwarded a satisfactory report on the completion of the Wain-y-pwll Bridge, Llanfrechfa Lower. Mr. Derrett submitted a tender from Mr. Ballinger for the repair of five bridges in the parish of Llangeview. One of these bridges was ia a really dangerous state, there being absolutely no parapet on the one side of it, and it being situate on a very sharp curve. A very substantial job bad been done at Ponfycarna Bridge, which was completed last week. It was resolved to accept Afe. Ballinger's tender for the repair of the bridges. OTHER IMPROVEMENTS. Mr. D. J. Lougher, the Council's engineer, complained that very disappointing progress was being made with the Cwm-road improvement, and he had written to the contractor on the subject. The contract term was up on the 6th October. After some discussion the Clerk was instructed in the matter. As to the proposed widening of the road at Pontnewydd, the Surveyor stated that Mr. Mitchell hAd returned the plans with a request to see it all on one, and stating that he would arrange for Mr. G. Williams to meet him (the Surveyor) on the road there at an early date. This matter was left over pending the further report of the Surveyor. A PLAN "SCOTCHED. The Great Western Railway Company wrote enquiring when the Council would proceed with the diversion of the footpath at Llantarnam. The Clerk stated that he had replied pointing out that Mr. Cory promised his gift of land for the diversion provisionally upon the path. to the bridge, which the Railway Company had insisted upon having repaired, being closed. So far as the Pontypool Rural District Council were concerned, therefore, they had given up the project of the diversion, Mr. Griffin remarked that after the Council had gone to the trouble to thresh the matter out, the Great Western Railway stepped in with the condition about the bridge. Mr. Turner suggested that the Railway Company should be requested to put a bridge over the railway there, and obviate a very dangerous level crossing near a curve iu the line. Mr. Williams said it was a very dangerous place. Mr. Turner :-A lot of children go that way to school. Mr. Griffin suggested writing to the Board of Trade on the subject if the Railway Company did not move in the matter. A PARISH COUNCIL'S THANKS. I The Goytre Parish Council wrote thanking the members for the assistance given them in the matter of the Ynysypica Wood Path. A CLEAN BILL. I In his sanitary report, the Inspector stated that, to the best of his knowledge, there was no epidemic in the district. WATER SUPPLY AT PONTHIR AND THE I WAIN. Messrs. R. W. Spencer, Richard Williams, John T. Turner, Thomas Watkins, and Stephen T. Griffin, as a Committee appointed to go into the above question, presented a report which briefly gave the history of the movement and concluded with the following recommenda- tions (1) As the water in the well at Lower Ponthir was not analysed in 1898 it now be, the well being properly cleansed at least a week before the sample be taken. e (2) If reported pure, the County Council be called upon to prevent the flooding from the main road, that the wall of the well be removed for about a yard downwards and then re-built, the stone or brick being re-set with cement, and that a similar wall be put against the ditch on the field side, so as to prevent the percolation of flood or surface, water and your Committee are of opinion that this will satisfy any want which may be felt at Lower Ponthir. (3) With regard to the supply for the 33 houses near the Station, that Mr. J. C. Hanbury be ap. proached as to whether he would entertain an appli. cation for the water in the meadow, No..582, provided ample compensation water were allowed him, and that it be ascertained by the Clerk if there be any other riparian rights on the stream there- from. (4) Assuming the water can be obtained, a Water Engineer be retained to gauge the flow of the spring, prepare the necessary plans, specification, and estimate of the cost. (5) The same Engineer prepare estimates of the cost of supplying the respective houses near the Lamb and at the Wain with water, and if the cost < per house be within the amount mentioned in the Act of 1878, the necessary steps be taken under that Statute to compel the owners to suppiy ther'r houses respectively, but if the cost per house be rmore, an estimate be made of the cost of a public well, with pump, provided the consent of the landowners and the County Council can be obtained for placing same at the spot recommended by your former Committee,* and a similar course be taken with regard to the public well recommended by them at the Wain. (6) Assuming wator has to be obtained at the three places named, or any of them, at the cost of the ratepayers, the aggregate area thereof be made a. Drainage District, if the sanction of the Local Government Board can be obtained, and it be other, wise possible. (7) When the necessary works at the houses near the Station and at the Lamb be completed, and the water supplies furnished, the water in the well be- neath the Workgl pump be again, and that in the well on the side of the main road near the Lamb for the first time. analysed, and, if found impure, the necessary steps be taken to close the well; and (8) If. in the course of working out these recom- mendations, the Clerk deem it necessary to take counsel's opinion as recommended by your former Committee, he be authorised to do so, water rights being very difficult matters to determine, and often leading to expensive litigation, as many District Councils know to their cost. Besides, water schemes are rarely ever carried out without strong opposition from some quarter or other, and, having regard to the resolution of the first parish meeting, it is too much to expect Out any scheme for the locality in question can be effected without. On June 4th, 1897, the Committee recommended th following wells :—" No. 1, at the Wain Village, on the side of the road, on a piece of land belonging to Mr. J. C. Hanbury, situate between the playground of the National School and a cottage belonging to No. 2, much lower down the Village, on the same side of the said main road, immediately below the Old Lamb, on a piece of waste ground the soil of which belongs to Mr. J. C. Hanbury, but the village side of the gate leading into a meadow belonging to Bailey Rheding farm, which gate adjoins the cottage and garden there, for the sink- ing of two welts and placing of pumps." Before adopting the report, it was decided to send it to the Parish Council for consideration and any comments upon it they may have to offer. In the event of the Parish Council adopting it, the Clerk was empowered to engage Mr. D. J. Lougher to take levels, gauge the spring referred to, &c. to take levels, gauge the spring referred to, &c.

ABERGAVENINY. Arieits—Messrs Daoies Ji Co. Booksellers. RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of this Council was held on Tuesday last, Mr. J. Alertou Iotiez;, chairman, presiding. The report of the County Aiialypt (Dr. Thompson) was received as to the water on the side of the Graig Hill from which it is intended to supply Grosmont, by means of gravitation. It stated that the water was ftee from the slightest suspicion of pollution and was well suited for al domestic purposes. The Council were delighted with the report, and it was understood that the Committee would formulate a scheme at an early date. A letter from Nlr. W. H. S. Whitnev. Grosmont. urging the Council to take steps to secure a grant from the County Council for the road between White House and Grosmont Mill was again considered. The Surveyor said he thought it very desirable to get a steam roller, and he understood that the Monmouth Rural District Council would have a roller at work upon that section of road in the course of the autumn. He recommended that this Council should engage that roller. He thought it might be obtained for the sum of 25s. per day. Upon the proposition of Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. John Lewis, the Clerk was directed to write to the Monmouth Rural District Council, and ascertain if the roller could be engaged and their charge for same. Mr. John Lewis gave notice that at the next meeting of the Council he should move that a steam roller be purchased for the use of the Council. A letter was received from the LUnvapley Parish Council, complaining about a well. Mr. John Rogers said that the complaint was that the well was unenclosed, aud consequently polluted by animals. Mr. Gill said he could not fence the well without the Council's authority. The Clerk said that the Council could not fence the well unless it was a public one. If it was a public supply the Council ought to make the necessary provision. Mr. Rogers thought it ought to be done, and proposed a resolution to that effect, which was seconded by Mr. Williams and carried.

CAERLEON. Agent-Aliss M. A. Evans, Newsagent, Cross-street, VOLUNTEERS.—On Sunday morning the first church parade of the newly formed Caerleon detachment 2nd V.B. South Wales Borderers took place to the parish church of S. Cadoc. The company was under the command of Lieutenat L. Foster Stedman, and there was a muster of about 60 at the Drill lIall. The Battalion Bugle Band (under Bugle-Major W. Taylor), an ambulance section (under Ambulance Sergeaut- Major Hanham), and a cyclist section (under Sergeant Watts) also attended. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Canon F. Bedwell, D D. (vicar of Caerleon), who delivered an impressive discourse on 2 Tim., chap 2, v. 3. A circuitous route was taken back to the drill hall, and practically the whole of the inhabitants were in the streets, great interest being manifested in the parade. On arrival at the hall, Lieutenant Stedman expressed his satisfaction at the muster and the appearance of the men, after which the parade was dismissed.

SALMON POACHERS CAUGHT. At Newport County Police Court on Saturday Samuel Tripp and William Morris were summoned on three counts for catching, otherwise than by rod and line," one salmon and one sewin at Christchurch, on August 13th for catching one salmon and one sewin by means of a stop net and for fishing for salmon on the same day and date and at the same place. Neither of the defendants was present, though the summonses had been served upon them in company. Mr. Horace Lyne prosecuted on behalf of the Usk and Ebbw District of the Board of Conservators and of the Usk Stopnet Trustees. He remarked that both defendants were well- known poachers. They had been summoned many times, but never appeared. On August 13th. they were watched and found by the water bailiff in charge of this district, and by members of the police, whose assistance he wished to publicly recognise, for had it not been for them defendants would have got away. At four o'clock in the morning of August 13th, prisoners were found fishing in a pool near Caerleon. They had taken a boat and some nets belonging to other fishermen, and if not caught would probably have secured a good haul. From noon on Saturday till noon on Monday was fixed as the close time. Defendants were each liable to a fine not exceeding jB7 10s. on the first two summonses, or a month's imprison- ment and 40s., or, in default the same term, on the third. Evidence was given by G. M. Taylor, bailiff in charge of the Usk District of the Board of Conservators, who described how he, in compauy with P.S. Lewis, P.C. Rowlands, and P.C. Hughes, waited for the men all night, and came upon them at last in a boat with nets belonging to a licensed fisherman. They had the net and poles in position. When hailed, defendants made no reply, but endeavoured to get up the anchor. Their evident intention was to get clear, and they threw something into the river, which upon subsequent inquiry proved to be what formed the subject of the charges. Mr. Lyne said he was Secretary of the River Usk Stopnet Trustees, owners of most of the stopnets in the Usk. The pool in question, on the Christchurch side, formed a portion of the Duke of Beaufort's Fishery, now the property of the Trustees, and was let to Mrs. Waters. Defendants were each fined 45, or a month, for each of the first two offences; and 40s., or a month in default, for the last the sentences to run concurrently.

CHEPSTOW. II X vent.-Miss -Clark -• BOARD OF GUARDIANS MEETI).At th Cbepstow Board of Guardians on Saturday it was resolved, by sixteen votes to four, that? the seats occupied by Messrs. A. Strauge, W. Hodges, Dr Harris, J. Fryer, A. W. Harrison, R. Beaumont; Thomas, and J. Prichard be declared vacant, thosee members having been absent for over the stipulated, time.—Mr. J. R. Smale mentioned that lrothihaT had been done to increase the comfort of ther Board-room, and gave notice that at the next meeting he would move a resolution on tb» matter.—The Rev. W. H. Williams presented fcBer estimate of income and expenditure for the? ensuing half-year. The balance on August 25th' last was X941, and the orders owing from th parishes, il.195. The probable expenditure at the:; end of the half-year was £1,425 (the reason why it was so high being because they had to meet two- county calls), and the estimated balance £ 715, The estimated expenditure for the ensuing half- year was X5,562, but they would receive during- that period E461 from the Gloucestershire County Council and £ 256 on account of the Agricultural Rates Act. They wanted to raise £ 5,075 A lOd- rate would amount to L-5,140, which would leave a. balance at the end of the half-year of £ 65. The estimated balance, however, was £ 1,200. The,, committee recommended a lOd. rate. Having regard to the fact that they owed sums to thes parishes the average rate for the latter would b 8d in the X, which was Id more than they paid- 2 in the corresponding period of last year. The report was adopted. On the motion of the Rev. W. H. Williams, it was resolved to summon all parishes which were in arrear at the end of a fortnight. R.D.C.—The usual meeting of the Chepstow Rural District Council was held on Saturday, Col. Curre presiding —The Sanitary Inspector (Mr. Williams) reported that some time ago the row of small cottages adjoining the Tin Works at Caldicofr were condemned as uufifc for human habitation, by the medical officer. Recently, however, one of them was tenanted by the present owners of the works. He notified the manager of the breach, and Mr. Robinson had replied that he proposed to carry out the alterations necessary to render the cottages fit for habitation. He (Mr. Williams) accepted the promises for the time being. He complained that there ware a lot of people who commenced to build before sending in plans. When spoken to on the matter they pleaded ignorance of the bve-law.-In reply to Mr. H. Price, the Inspector stid the fault of the delay- in placing the tank at Meads.well lay with Mr. Haynes. The Rev. Watkin Davies sFid there had been no water in the Monuton Brook during the- last fortnight, and it was useless to spend any more money there. The Inspector said there was iia hope for any improvement until there had been a. rainfall.—The M.O.H. (Dr. Bond) reported the receipt of a letter from Mr. Lysaght, stating that since the warm weather set in he had been without water. The writer added that the only remedy was to increase the size of the main. The Inspector was asked to inspect and report to the next meeting—The Clerk (Mr. Fothergiil Evans) presented his bill of costs in connection with the action brought in 1893 by the now defunct Sanitary Authority against Mr. Lysaght for an injunction. restraining him from placing a dam in the Neddern- brook. The bill, which had been duly taxed by the Clerk of the Peace, amounted to JE599 9s. od.— The Rev. N. S. Barthropp said the Authority undertook at their own expense a liability which should have fallen upon the riparian owners. The cheque was issued.—When highway business came on, the Rev. C. M. Perkins complained that the work of repairing the bridges at Wolvesnewton had not been carried out. The timber, which was lying alongside for a fortnight, caused horses to shy. The Surveyor promised to see to the matter. —The Clerk (Mr. Stanton) reported that Mrs, Hillier had paid her share of the charges made, under the head of extraordinary traffic —Tender of X3 was received from Mr. John Brown, Tintero, for repairs at Lower Forge Hill. and Old Furnace. Air. Brown enclosed a note asking that tha Surveyor should allow him the assistausa of Allen, the Council's workman.—The tender was accepted, and the last named request refused.

GROSMONT. VISITORs.-There has been an unusually largt) number of visitors from Usk and Newport to Gros- mont this year. The fine old ruins of Grosmont Castle and the Parish Church have become increas- ingly popular.

I LLANARTH. THE NATIONAL SCHOOLS.-At Tuesday's meeting of the Abergavenny Rural District Council, Mr. J. Merton Joues, J. P., chairman, presiding, Dr. Elms Y. Steele recommended that the schools be closed for four weeks on account of the epidemic of whooping cough. The order was given. THE LLANGWILLIM R0AD.-At Tuesday's meeting of the Abergavenny R.D.C., a reply was received from Major Herbert regretting that the District Council would not accept the County Council's proposed conditions, whereas a small amount might put the road in repair in accordance with the County Council's standing orders. The Chairman said that their Surveyor's estimate was X560. The Surveyor (Mr. John Gill) said that if the road was widened they would have to take ia at least an acre and a quarter"of land, and they might have to pay for that in addition to the £ 569.. In reply to Mr. John Lewis, the Surveyor said that the annual cost of maintenance was from X7 to £10 per annum, and that it would hardly be worth while the Council incurring so great an expenditure as would be required to comply with the County Council's standing orders.

I MAMHILAD. PARISH COUNCIL MEETING.—A Parish Council meeting was held in the Club room on Monday evening, when there were present :-Rev. C. Oook: (chairman), Messrs. Newman, Williams, Jetikitief Walters, Bowen, and the Clerk.—The Clerk reported that the balance at the Bank was. approximately £ l 12s., also that he was in receipt of a letter from the Local Government Board, relating to the housing of the poor, and the absence of parish council members from their duties.—The Chairman suggested the advisability of erecting a cidermill in the parish. He was of opinion that better cider could be made than was the case at present. However, as the other members did not favour the suggestion, the subject dropped. A long discussion took place as to alleged offensive smells arising from the establish- ment of Mrs. Court, horse slaughterer. It was said that the frightful smells emitted were calculated to seriously interfere with the health of any one living near, and it was considered that the business should be removed farther from the road and dwelling houses. Finally, the Clerk was directed to write to the Rural District Council and ask that the Sanitary Inspector be ordered to visit the premises and report thereon. III

MONMOUTH. Agent.—Mr. Catfrey, Bookseller, Monmouth FARMERS' CLUB LORD LLAN<?ATTOCK'S GENER- OSITY.—Lord Llaugattock presided at a committee meeting of this club, on Monday afternoon, held at the Beaufort Arms Hotel. Moumouth. Mr. J.. H. Green (for Mr. W. S. Poole, hon. sec.) presented the balance-sheet, showing a deficit of X98 18s. 5d., which the committee considered should be substantially reduced before deciding: upon another show. Lord Llaugattock, with his customary generosity, immediately offered jMQt towards this object, and a further X14 4s. waa raised in the room, The absent members of thet committee are to be requested to contribute.. Under these satisfactory circumstances, thet committee felt themselves justified in deciding to hold a show this year, and Friday, October 12th. was decided upon as the date of the fixture, The: judges of the various classes were appointed and other necessary details attended to. SEPTEMBER FAIR. The supply generally at thi fair was scarcely up to the average, excepting sheep and lambs. Ptime beef was scarce and sold well trade quiet in coarser qualities at about former prices. Wethers and ewes met a quick demand, but grazing ewes and other store sheep were neglected. A large number of Welsh ewes changed hands, but prices were not satisfactory

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,' I No flowers' are added, when the the charge will be 2s 6d. 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 deptb,

Cyclists, Light Up! Sun., Sep. 16, 7 12 Thurs., Sep. 20, 7 3 Mon., 17, 7 10 Fri., 21, 7 1 Tues. 8, 7 8 Sat., 22, 6 58 Wed., 19, 7 5 (One hr. aft. S'set.) Hunting Appointments. MR. CLAY'S SUBSCRIPTION OTTER HOUNDS Will meet next week (water permitting):— Monday. Newbridge, on Usk. 8 a.m Thursday Usk Bridge.8 a.m lPPOINTltJ ENTS &c., FOR WEEK Ending Sept. 22nd, 1900. Sept. Sat. 1.5-Pontypool Petty Sessions, 11 a. m. Sun. 16-Fourte"nth Sunday after Trinity. Mon. 17-Usk Market. Tues. 18-Abergavenny Market. Wed. 19 -Newport Cattle, Cheese, & Corn Mkts Abergavenny Petty Sessions. Usk Football Sports. (See Advt.) Thur. 20-Cwmbran Petty Sessions. Sat 22-Poi)typool Petty Sessions, 11 a.m. Autumn commences. The man who does not advertise is nowhere, and that indvidual will soon need advertising for. -The Rev C. H. Spurgeon.

[We do not necessarily endorse all our correspondent writes.-ED. USK SHIRE HORSE SOCIETY. I must congratulate the above on the successes their sires' stock gained, in capital company, at Abergavenny last week, and which go to prove, if proof were at all necessary, the great benefit which the Society has conferred upon the district agriculturally. At the annual Horse Show dinner, Mr. de F. Pennefather urged the importance of farmers going in for the best of everything, and the Usk Shire Horse Society has brought within the reach of all in the neighbourhood the breeding of good horses. *■ it Messrs. Lewis and Sons took second prize in the two-year-old class with an animal sired by "Bay Prince V." There were 13 exhibits. In the class for yearling colts or fillies (12 exhibits) the first and second prizes were taken by fillies sired respectively bv "Llynclys Renown and Bay Prince V. and in the class for suckers the first prize animal was sired by Desford Marquis," the owners being in each case Messrs. Townsend and Sons, Raglan. It is also note- worthy that for the most part the dams of the prizewinners were sired by "The Pope," the first horse the Society owned. RAILWAY ACCIDENTS. It has been said that a railway train is one of the safest places to be in, and a Board of Trade report to Parliament, just issued, tends to prove the truth of the assertion, for the proportions of passengers killed and injured from causes beyond their own control were, during 1899, as but one to 79,049,428 and 1,600,000 respectively, the journeys of season-ticket holders (of whom there were no less than 1,537,000) not being taken into acccount. During the year, it is reported that 1,340 persons were killed and 19,155 injured. Of passengers 14 were killed and 693 injured from causes beyond their own control and 141 were killed and 1,457 injured by accidents from other causes, including accidents from their own want of caution or misconduct. The total number of passeuger jouriie,Fs, exclusive of journeys by season-ticket holders, was 1,106,000,000, over 43,000,000 more than in the previous year. This gives the proportions of passengers killed and injured as one in 7,139,948 and 514,740.respec- tively. I INDISCREET CHILDREN. Now that the blackberry season is on, and children are tempted out iuto the country, parents should impress upon them the need of carefulness as to what they eat when out. There is just to hand as I write a report from Devon- port that, on Sunday, three lads went out on a blackberry expedition, and were subsequently taken ill. One has since died, and another is dangerously ill. It appears that they ate acorns, I cloves, and crab apples, and also toadstools in mistake for mushrooms. A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE. That was a queer mistake an old lady made in the town of Chartres, on Monday night, when she patted a large lioness on the head, thinking it was afiue dog. The animal, which had escaped unobserved from a travelling menagerie there, followed the happily unsuspecting old lady about the streets for some time. Doubtless, she now has no wish for a repetition of the unique experience, which, fortunately, ended so well for her, and has forsworn the caressing of all quadrupeds until she has decided beyond doubt the class to which they belong. LLANFRECHFA LOWER. This parish, as an integral part of the district of Pontypool R. D.C., continues to provide work for the councillors, what with its water supply question, its footbridges, &c. Frum what I can glean, the concluding paragraph of the Council's Committee's recommendations regarding opposi- tion about makes a bull's eye. As the matter is sub judice, I will not say more now, but will await the result of the Parish Council meeting, which I believe is to be held this week. MISCHIEVOUS LADS. Although the subject was dismissed in a short paragraph in the report of the last Usk U.D.C. meeting, the Porihycarne-street meter lamp question is one iu which the ratepayers generally should take more than a passive iuterest. The reading of the meter showed such a relatively large consumption that the Gas Company sent it away for an Inspector's report as to its correct- ness, and asked for the payment of only an average amount for the quarter's lighting. The meter has now beeu certified correct, and, as the gas has, on one or two occasions, been found turned on there. the only conclusion to be arrived at is that mischievous lads, regardless of the ratepayers'—their parents' included prob- ably—pockets, have wilfully turned the tap on and wasted the illuminating carburetted hydro- gen. Now, this meter, as is probably well known, is one of three, the average register of consumption of which fixes the price per lamp to be paid by the town. The duty to report for prosecution anyone seen tampering with the lamps must, therefore, be apparent, but it is sincerely to be hoped that the need for such an unpleasant proceeding will be obviated by the culprits adopting a much more innocent form of amusement. .7 ..r

USK. I Agent-,tft-s. E. K Jones. Stationer I RIFLE CLUB.—A meeting is to be held next Thursday to consider the question of forming a Rifle Club in the district. (See Advt.) FOOTBALL CLUB SPOIITS.—As will be seen by advertisement, these sports, which, given fine weather, are sure to be wull pntroaized and t) deserve it, will be held next Wednesday. Con- siderable trouble has been taken with the ground. RETURN PROM THE WAR.-We are pleased to welcome back Private William Sweet, of the 2nd Battalion South Wales Borderers, from South Africa. He arrived at Usk oil Weclnesdity evening. Although invalided home, we are glad to hear ho is now looking well. MALE VOICS SOCIETY.—We learn that this Society has commenced its second winter session, practices beinz hold on Friday evenings. Alr. T. D. Morgan has been re-appointed conductor, and it is hoped there will be an accession of strength to the Society, which, by general consent, did exceedingly well last year. SERIOUSLY WOUNDED.-It is with deep regret we notice in to-day's list of casualties, the name of 26, Private O. H. Haggett, of Bethune's Mounted Infantry, seriously wounded, at Groen Vlei, September 11)th. Mr. and Mrs. Haggett will have the sympathy of the townspeople generally, and the best wishes of all for their sou's recovery. A LUCKY EscApic.-On Monday several boys were riding on the perch pole of a timber wagon coming down Bridge-Street, when one—named Charles Griffiths, aged about eight-got off and ran right under the wheel of a grocer's cart, which was pro- ceeding in the opposite direction, and which was partly laden, and was being driven by Mr. Wise, to whom, of course, no blame whatever is attach- able. Onlookers thought he wus seriously injured, but on being taken home to the Twyn-square, it Z!, was found that no bones were broken, and the fortunate youngster is now about again.