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

f- USK. Agent-Mrs. E. K Jones, Stationer THE NEW UNDER-SECRETARY FOR WAR.-A <contemporarv says Lord Ratrlan is described as the •smartest Militia officer in South Wales, and is known in the Guards as Old Honesty." BIRTHDAY GREETING.—November 26th. Many 'happy returns of the day to Mr John Lawrence, M.F.H., on this-his 93rd—birthday. May it be our pleasing task to echo the greeting in the new .century, and may the present season prove a record one for the Llangibby Hunt. VOLUNTEERS' HOME-COMING.-The War Office notifies that information as to the precise time of arrival at their destination of Volunteers from South Africa, will be communicated by telegraph irom the port of disembarkation to the general "officers commanding districts, so as to facilitate any civil arrangements which may be made. THE ROYAL VIsIT.-An official announcement is made in the Orders of the 4th V.B.S.W.B. that his Royal Highness the Duke of York has expressed pleasure at seeing the guards of honour furnished by that battalion on the occasion of the receut visit to Monmouth, and desired that thanks should be sent to tha colonel commandant of the batta- lion. THE CATTLE MARKET.—The London Gazette xof Friday contained an order of the Board of .Agriculture dated November 13th, which orders that the date on which the order of the Board dated November 17th last year, prohibiting the holding of markets, etc., of cattle, sheep, or ;swine within the urban district of Usk, Mon- mouthshire, shall come into operation, is now iurther altered to March 1st next year. DAIRY SCHOOL.—A dairy school was opened last 'Thursday, at the Town Hall, Usk, by the Usk 'Technical Instruction Committee (in conjunction "with the County Council). The full class of ten was more than filled, provision having to be made for an -extra student. The Class is under the direction of 'Miss Kellett the County Council expert, and the scourse consists of 10 lessons. We understand that An Exhibition will be held at the Town Hall, some- time in December when prizes to a large sum will be -offered for butter and other exhibits open to those who have attended the classes.

OUR VOLUNTEERS' THANKS. The following letter (which speaks for itself) lias been received and forwarded to us by Mrs. Earle Marsh, We have pleasure in publishing it. Springfontein, O.R.C., 26Lh October, 1900. "Dear Mrs. Marsh,-On behalf of the Officers, N.C.O.'s and men of the Volunteer Company 2nd -S.W.B., I wish to thank you and the ladies of Monmouthshire for the cases of comforts which we have at length received. These articles came in the nick of time, and were appreciated more than words can convey. It was extremely kind of the Monmouthshire ladies to take so much trouble, and to think of so many little articles which are so necessary, and which are unobtainable out here. The day bfore we arrived at Bloemfontein on the way down the cases which had remained so long at that place were forwarded on to Xrugersdorp, and we felt we were getting back luck once more, but some men we had left behind brought them back with them, and all the articles have been fairly distributed.—Again thanking you most heartily, I am yours most sincerely, "HERBERT G. KEMMIS, Caot., "Officer Commanding Vol. Co. 2ud S. W.B."

'SUCCESSFUL SALE AT ESTAVARNEY FARM. For about half-a-century Estavarney Farm, Monkswood, has been in the hands of the Crump family. Now Mr. Nabor Crump has decided to give up farming and become exclusively a hay -dealer. On Monday Messrs. Marfell and Poole conducted a very successful sale at the farm of the live and dead stock, the quality of which may be justly inferred from the prices obtained. The sale was undoubtedly the best held in the district for many a long day, and the smart way in which the auctioneers got through tho catalogue reflects on them the highest credit, the 240 lots being disposed of in four hours. There was a large company of farmers and butchers, and competition was spirited. The principal buyers were:—Mr. Job Francis and Mr. Waters, Newport; Mr. Mills, Mountain Ash; Mr. Rosser, Abertillery; Mr. Cocker and Mr. JLloyd, Cwmbran: Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Lewis, Pontypool; Mr. G. Edmunds and Mr. J. G. Cale, Usk; Mr. Hodden, Abersychan; Mr. Lewis, Monmouth and Mr; James, Weston. The following were the prices realized: -Stock ewee, 34s 6d to 40s 6d; ewe and wether lambs, •26s 6d to 45s 6d fat heifers, £ 10 10s to Y,15, fat "bullocks, dElS 156 to £ 19; yearlings, X-16 5s to dE24 5s per pair; cart mares, X30, P,31 10s, and X3 2 'horses, £ 49 10s, £50. yearling fillies, 4-26 10s to £ 27; suckers, t 13, f 16 10s, Xig 10s.

I PRIMROSE LEAGUE BALL. I A very successful dance in connection with the Usk Habitation of the Primrose League was held in the Town Hall, on Tuesday night, in order to celebrate the resuscitation of the organization. Amongst those present-the company numbered over 100, we noticed Lady Barnard, Mrs Bagnall Oakeley (Monmouth), Mr. J. H. Clark, Miss J. M. Clark (hon. sec. Usk Habitation), Mrs. Boulton, Miss E. Boulton, Mrs, Hopton A. Williams, Miss Addams Williams (tloiimouth), Mrs. Jephcott, Mrs. Hier Evans, Miss Bowen, Mrs. Jenkius, and Mr. and Mrs. H. Longstaff. The following ably performed the duties of Stewards:—Messrs. E. Rowen, L. R Lucas, J Chilton, W. Creese, F. J. Edmunds, and T. Savery. Mr. R. A. Rogers efficiently acted as M.C., and was assisted by Messrs. H. C. Davies, J. W. Watkins, F. Pratt, and W. Harris. The Usk Orchestral Band (under Mr. W, Powell) supplied excellent music, and Mr. A. J. Green, of the Three Salmon's Hotel, was the caterer, and gave every satisfaction. The sixth item on the programme was a very interesting, short ADDRESS BY MRS. BAGNALL OAKELEY, I the well-known Primrose League organizer and I hon. sec. of the Rolls (Monmouth) Habitation. Mr. H. Longstaff said that in the unavoidable absence of Dr. Rutherfoord Harris, M.P., the duty of introducing Mrs. Bagnail Oakeley to the party had devolved upon him. The duty was an easy one because Mrs. Bagnall Oakeley was very well known to Primrose League audiences in Monmouth- shire as one of the most energetic and successful workers they had. (Applause.) He was sure that what she had to say to them would be listened to with pleasure, and, he trusted, would be marked, learned, and inwardly digested. Miss Clark had asked him to read a lettet and telegram from Mrs. Harris, who was, unfortunately, laid up at Llangibby Castle, Mrs. Harris expressed her sorrow at being unable to be present in con- sequence of Dr. Harris being in London and of her own indisposition which bad necessitated her confinement to her room during the day. She hoped they would spend an enjoyable evening. Letters of regret for non-attendance had also been received from Mr. Albert Addams-Williams and Mr. L. Foster Stedman. I MRS BAGNALL OAKELEY, I who was warmly received, said it gave her very great pleasure to come to speak to them that evening, because she always felt a very great interest in the Usk Habitation. The Habitations of the three Boroughs were so mixed up together, and so intimately associated, that, as Secretary of the Monmouth Habitation, she was delighted to hear from their Secretary of the very great advance they had made in their numbers recently. She heard they now numbered over 400 members. That was an addition of OVER 100 LATELY. I (Applause.) She hoped that the Habitation was going to take its place in the forefrout of those Habitations who demonstrated the work and value of the League. One felt a sort of pleasure and pride in the Primrose League now, because everyone allowed that it had had a very marked influence upon the returns in the latd General Election. (Applause.) There were many places where it was admitted that the work dune by its members had been simply magnificent, and that work, she would remind them, was absolutely unpaid. (Applause.) Therefore, they eould now feel proud of their League, and she hoped they would be able to feel proud of their Habitation. (Hear, hear.) Though they were beginning their new life with a ball, she hoped that was only A PLAYING PRELUDE I to the work they were going to do, and for which I the League was started. The first of their principles was to maintain religion, and she was sure they would all agree with her that that was not a suitable occasion on which to discuss that principle at any length, but she might be allowed to say that without religion they could not be really happy either in their work or in their play. (Hear, hear.) Their next principle was to maintain the constitution of their country, and that was too dull-no, she would say, too severe- a subject for a ball. She would therefore go on to one of their principles which, just now, touched them very nearly-to maintain THE UNITY OF THE EMPIRE. I (Applause.) That, at the present time, was the special subject of the League. She could not I think that those who met together and started the League could ever have realized what they were realizing now-the magnificent unity of the Empire recently demonstrated. That great power of unity beean as they saw those handsome young soldiers from the Colonies passing through the streets of London as a guard of honour to our beloved Queen, and developed until now they had seen the armies of the Colonies standing shoulder to shoulder with the armies of the old country. (Applause.) The unity of the Empire was a subject in which they all delighted, and which they all felt they could not speak too proudly of. (Applause.) Then there was another principle of the League, or, she might say, an unwritten law or principle. It was very important that they should encourage in every possible way good feeling between one class and another and between one rank and another. Upon that, she fully believed, rested a great deal of the future of the country. In other countries where anarchists performed their terrible work and there was such evidence of bad feeling between class and class, there was NOTHING LIKE THE PRIMROSE LEAGUB I to unite one with another. Each lived in his own class, in his own rank, absolutely independent one of another. But here in Great Britain the Primrose League united the peer and the peasant, the Queen and her subjects. (Applause.) In the Primrose League there was absolutely no difference whatever in the position of wardens or sub- wardens, ruling councillois or dame presidents. There was no bar to anyone taking those positions. Rank had nothing to do with it-the best man or the best woman was put forward—and all were united by a tie which nothing else could touch. (Applause.) She would ask them to work the Habitation in such a manner that it would be a power for good in the county, and not merely an organization for balls and concerts to amuse themselves. They were told that I "UNITY IS STRENGTH." I That was one of their mottoes. It was unity that the Primrose League encouraged and fostered—a unity unequalled elsewhere, and one of the greatest powers in the laud. In conclusion she trusted that they would succeed in raising the Habitation to the very highest level. (Applause.) Mr. J. H. Clark proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs. Bagnail Oakeley for her speech, which, he said, he felt sure was highly appreciated and would be remembered by all. The vote was carried by acclamation. Mrs. Bagnail Oakeley in returning thanks, said Mr. Clark was, if not the father of the Habitation, probably its oldest member, and she was sure his most energetic daughter, Miss Clark, would make an excellent Secretary of the Habitation. The programme was then proceeded with, and a most enjoyable time was spent by one and all.

CADBURY'S COCOA is absolutely pure, and is there- fore the best Cocoa. It is a refreshing, stimulating drink, and a nutritious food, containing no foreign substances, such as kola, malt. hops, &c. The fact cannot be too strongly impressed that Cocoa must be unadulterated to ensure its fullest beneticial effects. Always insist on having CADBURY'S—Sold only in Packets and Tins-as other Cocoas are often substituted for the sake of extra profit.

[ ABERGAVENNY. Agents,—Messrs Davies & Co. Booksellers. THE MAYOR ENTERTAINS.—The Mayor (Alder- man Major Williams) at the close of the meeting of the Guardians on Saturday invited the Board and Officers to lunch in one of the large dining rooms of the Union. Nearly all the members were present. The Mayor presided, and the Chai/man of the Board occupied the vice chair. At the conclusion of the repast, complimentary speeches were made by the Chairman and other members of the Board in reference to Alderman Williams' election to the Mayoralty of Aberga- venny. The Mayor suitably replied and thanked all the members and officials for their kind wishes. —A

CHEPSTOW. Agent.-Miss Clark HOTEL KEEPER'S AFFAIRS.—The first meeting of creditors of the estate of Sarah Eunice Barrett, of the King's Head Hotel, Welsh-street, Chepstow, was held on Wednesday at the office of the Officiiil Receiver, Newport. The liabilities expected to rank were eet down at £ 126 13s Id., and the assets at JE6 3s 3d, leaviug a defieincy of X120 91 lOd. The debtor had been the licence holder since August 1898, when she took the King's Head Hotel. Her father, who formerly kept it, was adjudicated a bankrupt in May, 1898. The failure was attributed to bad trade and excessive interest charged by a money-lender. She was adjudicated a bankrupt, and the Official Receiver remains trustee. BOAHD OF GLAltDIAN-S.-The fortnightly meeting was held on Saturday, when Mr. H. Clay, pre- sided A letter was received from the Monmouth- shire County Council re Emily Foxull, widow of the late P.O. Foxall, stating that she was in receipt of a pension of X15 a year from the Police Fund. -N,lr. Dewdney gave notice of moving that she be given out-relief. There were seven applications for the post of assistant nurse for the Workhouse Infirmary, and it was decided to invite Miss Fanny R. Higton, London County Council, Hanwell, and Miss Eliza Cage, Highbury, to attend before the Committee on the following Wednesday.—The tender of Mr. T. Johnson (f9 5s. Od.), for putting down a board floor and putting in a casement window in the ward required for the classification of inmates, was accepted. &

GKOSMONT. THE LATE MRS. ELIZABETH BEVAN. —The funeral of the late Mrs Elizabeth Bevau, of Castle street, whose doath occurred whilst on a visit to Monmouth on the 14th inst, at the ripe old age of 78, took place on Monday afternoon last, in Gros- mont Churchyard. The Rector (Rev C. Wesley) officiated. A number of beautiful wreaths were sent. The coffin, a polished oak one, withinassive brass furniture, was supplied by Mr S. Betch, Monmouth; the funeral arrangements being carried out by Mr J. S. Cole, Grosmont.

GWEHELOG. ENTERTAINMENT—A most successful entertainment was given by the children of Gwehelog School, assisted by a number of friends, on Wednesday evening. The room was packed. The programme was of a varied character, and most of the items were well received. "Ora Pro Nobis" was very nicely rendered by Miss A. Thomas, of Usk. Special mention should be made of the singing of Barney take me home again," by Miss Thomas, Hall Inn, who, for one so young, sang remarkably well. The drills by the School children were well executed, and Miss Nixon is to be congratulated upon their efficiency. The comic portion of the programme was provided by Messrs. H. G. Powell and E. B. Haynes. Usk, the latter's song, Pling- Plong," being: very good. Mr. Powell's local hits in Oh, Mr Robinson," highly amused the audience. Miss Nixon, Miss N. Nixon, and Miss M. Day, were the accompanists, and the Rev. E. W. W. Pugh acted as Chairman. Subjoined is the programme: —Pianoforte solo, Miss Thomas; song, "Why do the summer TMes fade," School Children recitation, "Little pickles," School Children; song, "The railway train," School Children; recitation, "Flo's letter," May Griffiths; song, "Oh, Mr. Robinson," Mr. H. G. Powell; recitation, "Saturday night song, "Death and burial of Cock Robin," School Children; "Ring drill," Boys; song, "Queen of the earth," Miss Green dialogue, The story of an apple," Boys; song, "Topsy-Turvey," School Children song, The British Navy," Mr. E. B. Haynes; Pianoforte duet, Miss Nixon, and Miss Davies; "Battledore drill," Girls; song, "Ora Pro Nobis," Miss A. Thomas recitation, The baby": song, "Oh Barney take me home again," Miss Thomas; recitation, The green umbrella," Gladys Wall; song, Listen to my tale of woe," School Children; song, Pliag-Plong," Ur; Haynes; dialogue. "Old Battf," Annie Jones, and Muriel Wall; dialogue, "The naughty boy," School Children; song, What oh, she bumps," Mr. Powell; finale, "Thank u," School Children; God Save the Queen."

MONMOUTH. Agent.-Mr. Caffrey. Bookseller. Monmouth GUN ACCIDENT.—A serious accident occurred to Mr. W. Evans, Treveranon, St. Weonard's, on Saturday morning. He took down a fowling piece, intending to clean it. Not noticing that it was "cocked," he placed the butt on the ground with some little force. The jerk released the spring, and the charge shattered his left hand complete!y. He was at once taken to the Mon- mouth Hospital, where Dr. Wilsoa amputated the hand. He was subsequently removed to his father- in-law's house, The Red Mill, Monmouth. VETERINARY SURGEON'S DEATH.—Mr Herbert Williams, deputy coroner, and a jury, on Friday morning in last week, at the Shire Hall, inquired into the circumstances attending the death of Mr James Stewart, M.R.C.V.S., who was found dead in bed on Thursday morning, at his residence in Whitecross Street, Monmouth. Mrs Susan Rea, his housekeeper, stated that deceased was a single man, and had during the past few days been drinking rather freely. He kept his bed on Tuesday and Wednesday, and on the latter day Dr Prosser was sent for. He ordered them not to allow him any intoxicants, but only bovril. In the evening this was procured for him, but deceased refused to take it, preferring a glass of stout, which he said would make him sleep, and which was given him. Witness called in his room at 10,30 and 3.30, when she heard him breathing heavily. At 6-30 and 7.45 she also looked into the room and thought he was asleep, his face being covered with the bedclothes. As he was in the same position at 9 o'clock she called Mr Smales, and also sent for the doctor, on whose arrival deceased was found to be dead. About 2 o'clock witness bad heard a noise in deceased's room, as if he were moving about. When deceased was found two 40-oz medicine bottles were discovered in the room. The one was empty, but was labelled "methylated jether," and was about a quarter full the previous day, the other being labelled sol. tether nit. and was a quarter full when found near the bed. The bottles were not in his room the night before. In the surgery a bottle labelled Hydrate of chloral" had been removed from the shelf to the table, but had evidently only been removed to get at the other two bottles, which stood behind it. Deceased had not threatened to take his life to her knowledge.—Mr William Clayton Smales said he had bsen on a visit to deceased for ten days. He generally corrobora- ted the 'housekeeper's evidence.—Mr E. Stanley Vincent, a personal friend of deceased, said about three months ago deceased had threatened to take his life.—Dr T. O. Prosser said that on Sunday last, being a friend of deceased, be had cautioned him against excessive drinking. Witness made a post- mortem examination that morning, when he found the body well nouriehed and bearing no signs of violence. The stomach was acutely congested, and contained no food. With the exception of the I kidneys, all other organs were healthy. Taking all | circumstances into consideration, he attributed death to acute alcoholic poisoning. The contents of the bottles found in the room were practically alcohol, and the appearance from taking same would be very similar to that produced by excessive drink. ing. A moderate quantity would send a man mad, and an extra dose would cause immediate death. He would not go so far as to say that death was attributable to the sether compounds. The jury returned a verdict that death was due to acute alcoholic poisoning.

I NEWPORT. I Agents—Messrs; Greenland and Co., Newsagents. DONATION TO THE HOSPITAL. Sir William Armstrong, Mitchell, and Co., of the Elswiek Works, have contributed one hundred guineas to the building fund of the new county hospital at Newport. DOCK AND RAILWAY EXTICNSTON.-The Alexandra Docks and Railway Company at Newport, are going to Parliament in the forthcoming session for additional powers for a big scheme of dock and railway extension. LLANELLY FOOTBALL CLUB BOYCOTTED.—At a weekly meeting of the Football Committee of the Newport Club, held on Monday evening, the pro- ceedings at Llanelly on Saturday were discussed, and it was decided to recommend the General Com- mittee to abstain from arranging further fixtures with Llanelly. PRESENTATION.—At the meeting of the Newport Board of Guardians on Saturday it was reported that the chairman, Colonel Lyne, had presented to the board the portrait of himself which the guardians had recently presented to him, as a compliment on the occasion of the opeuing of the new offices. RUNAWAY HORSES.—A pair of horses [n a brougham belonging to Mr. Fred L. Davis, of the Coldra, near Newport, took fright, on Tuesday, whilst they were emerging from the yard of Mr. H. A Smith, wine and spirit merchant, into Tre- degar-place, Newport. The pole snapped and the horses bolted up Bridge-street at a furious pace. Fortunately no one was passing at the time. At the corner of Station-street they collided with a milk-cart and a lamp-post, cannoning off which they ran against a hand-truck which stood near the Lyceum Theatre. This brought them up. The truck was smashed, and one of the horses sustained a very bad cut on one of his legs. No one was in the carriage at the time. The coach- man, John Matthews, pluckily stuck to his seat on the box. VOLUNTARY SCHOOLS.—On Sunday, the very Rev. Father Bailey read, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, some resolutions adopted by the English bishops some time since, dealing with education, and which pointed to the claim of voluntary schools to something like equality of treatment with the board schools of the country. Father Bailey made reference to what had been done by the late Government, and this showed that the Imperial grant system which it sanctioned went a long way towards meting out fairness and justice to the voluntary schools of the land. The very reverend speaker showed that the result of the legislation of the last Government was that a larger income now came to the voluntary schools than was formerly obtainable. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING.—A special meeting of the Newport Town Council was held at the Town- hall, Newport, on Tuesday, the mayor (Councillor W. H. Brown) presiding. On the minutes of the works and general purposes committee being brought up for discussion Mr Wilkinson objected to an increase of salary to the assistants in the borough engineer's office in consequence of the resignation of Mr Bowness, the chief assistant. The recommendation was that the salary should be increased all round. Mr Wilkinson said the council should not increase the salaries of the officials because many of the ratepayers themselves found great difficulty in paying their own rates.— Mr Little seconded. The amendment that the in- creases be not granted was defeated, but on another amendment, moved by Alderman Bear. that the matter be referred to the finance committee, it was agreed. On the report of the waterworks com- mittee being brought up by Mr T. Goldsworthy, complaints were made about the dirty condition of the water of late. — Mr Cullum, the waterworks manager, explained that after severe drought there always were accumulations of dirt in the mains, which were stirred up when the mains were flushed. The water, however, cleared after a little time.—A good deal of discussion took place with reference to the appointment of the various committees as recommended by the selection committee, and Mr Little complained that Alderman Jones was on six committees, Councillor Baker on five, several others on four, and he was only on two committees. He was thereupon placed ou the finance and water- works committee. With regard to technical instruction it was stated that Mr T. Canning (who was defeated at the poll on November I st), would consent to go back to the committee if the council unanimously elected him. The council thereupon elected him, nem. con. II

PONTNEWYDD. Agegit:-Mr. Z. Lloyd. LLANTARNAM U.D.C.-A special meeeting of this Council was held at St. Dial's School, Cwmbran, on Monday evening.—Mr. I. Mumford (chairman) presided, and there were also present Messrs Cocker, E. A Pryer, O. W. Simmons, H. H. Haden (clerk), and R. Matthews (surveyor).—Tenders were received for clearing old roots out of the allotment ground, and painting the lamp columns, that of Mr. Light- field teing accepted for the former at 2s. 6d. per root, and that of Mr. Martin for the latter at Is. 6d. per column.—The rent of the allotment ground was discussed, and it was decided to let it free for the first year, and at 6d. per perch afterwards in order to encourage workmen to take and cultivate the same.—The seal of the Council was affixed to the petition to the Local Government Board seeking compulsory powers to make the new road from the Halfway to the Forge Hammer district. This has been rendered necessary by the action of the Patent Nut and Bolt Company, who are opposing the Council in their efforts to obtain the boon to the public. The other interested parties have signified their agreement to the scheme. The members then adjourned to the new premises, where it was decided to invite tenders for furnishing reading and committee rooms. A list of suitable daily, weekly, and monthly papers was drawn up, and will be approved of at the Council's ordinary monthly meeting next week. o. f

PONTYPOOL. Agents—Mr. J. Harding, Market Bookstall, and Messrs Jones and Edwards FRIGHTFUL ACCIDENT AT THE GLYN COLLIERY. A man named Thomas Davies, about 23 years of age, residing at Gwent-street, Pontypool, met with a shocking death at the Glyn Colliery, near Pontypool, eariy on Friday morning. It appears that the unfortunate fellow was going down the Glyn Pit about 1 a.m. with an empty tram when, by some accident, the rope broke. The man teeing his danger, tried to save himself by clutching at the top of the shaft, but the weight of the falling cage proved too much for him. The man's arm was torn from the socket, and he fell with the cage to the bottom of the shaft, sustaining further terrible injuries. He lingered in fearful agony at the bottom of the pit for about two hours, when he expired. Deceased, who was well known and respected in the district, had only been married about twelve months, and leaves a widow, but no children. He had not long been engaged at the colliery. This is the second fatal accident at these pits during the last month. I THE INQUEST I was held at Pontypool on Monday. Mr. Martin, inspector of mines, was present, and Mr. L. E. Webb represented the owners, Messrs. Blyndell and Wakeford, Cardiff.—Thomas Dibble, banks- man, said that the deceased was sent down the pit to deliver a message. There was an empty tram on the cage at the time, and witness was about to run it off, when Davies told him not to do so, as he was in a hurry as he was wet through. Witness then allowed him to go down with the tram, and the cage had not descended very far before the rope snapped and the cage was precipitated to the bottom.—Dr. Essex said that Davies bad his right arm torn off, two legs broken, head fractured, and other injuries. Even if he had been attended to at once, it would have been impossible to save his life.—From the evidence given by other witnesses it appeared that the rope in question had been in use at the pit for about five years, but that during some portion of this time the colliery had been idle. In answer to questions by the coroner and Mr. Martin, a witness stated that the rope had been regularly oiled, cleaned, and inspected.—Mr. Slocombe, manager of the colliery, stated that he had not been able to trace the history of the rope, but from the evident he had obtained it seemed that it was quite new when it was put up. Its breakage was a mvs ery to him, as they had not worked it at more than one-third of the weight it was supposed to cury. He had had a piece of the rope, near where the breakage occurred, tested, and it had stood a weight of 23 tons.—The jury returned a verdict of Accidental death," but added a rider stating that they hoped the Company would be more cautious iu examining their ropes iu future, as parts of thi- rope where the breakage occurred were quite rotten.

I- SCALDING FATALITY AND INQUEST. An inquest was held at the Town Hall, Ponty- pool, before Ur. W. J. Everett, deputy coroner, resoecsing the death of Alice Maud Jones, 4, of John Jones, 1. Twisselis Row, Tranch, wil" died on the 15th November.—Hannah Jones, the wither, said she was the wife of John Jones, roadman. On the 8th November, about one o'clock their was a boiler on the fire, aud her daughter, Ada Annie, aged 13 years, was getting a jug of boiling water out of it. There was not more than half-a-pillt of water in the jug. Alice knocked against the jug, and spilt nearly all the water over her neck and chest. Witness sent for the doctor about six o'clock, but did not think the scald was so serious as it was. Dr. Mason came, and had attended regularly since, until the child died on the 15th November.—Ada Annie Jones, cor- roborated her mother's evidence- The child was playing about the kitchen, and bumped against witness, spilling the water over herself. Witness undrepsed her and called her mother. The skin was peeling off from the neck and chest of the little girl. Mrs. Payne, a neighbour, came in and put some flour paste over the burns, there being no oil in the house. The little girl, after this was put on, said, Oh, that's better, Mrs. Payne."—A verdict of Accidental death was returned.

I SKENFRITH. I SCHOOL BOARD.—Mr E. Prosper, chairman, pre- sided at Friday's monthly meeting. Owing to the resignation of Mr Evan Williams, one of the attendance officers, it was decided to advertise to fill up the vacancy.—Letters were received from the Board of Education and the Whitchurch Rural District Council, requesting the Board to provide a proper water supply at Garway School. Favourable reports were received from H.M.I, as to their late inspection of Garway and Norton Schools, the grants amounting to £96 15s 6d., and £76 3s 6d respectively. It was decided to prose- cute in case of illegal employment of children engaged at beating" for sporting parties in the future. It was decided to advertise for tenders for match-boarding New Inn School. The chairman (Mr. J. H. Farquhar) reported that there was a balance of £ 167 9s Od at the Bank-Calls at 3d. in the £ were issued to the overseers of the four Parishes.

Proctor and Inland's Root I Prizes. The importance of a good supply of sound roots for wintering the stock is not likely to be under- estimated nowadays, and the best means of producing abundant crops cannot fail to be of interest to farmers generally. It has long been the custom of Messrs. Proctor and Ryland, the old-established agricultural chemists of Birmingham and Chester, to offer prizes for the best crops of swedes and mangolds grown with the aid of their manures, and the judge's report of their forty-seventh annual competition deserves attention, proving, as it does, what excellent results can be produced by these well-known fertilisers. Mr. Ed. Parsons, Wollaston Farm, Stourbridge, acted as judge, and the following is a copy of the awards DISTRICT No. 1.—CLASS A.—Five acres of swedes, grown with Messrs. Proctor and Ryland's special prepared manure, upon any farm within the counties of Hereford, Salop, Stafford, Warwick, Worcester, Gloucester, Berkshire, Hants, Surrey, Oxford, Buckingham, Hertford, Bedford, Northampton, and Huntingdon First prize, 15gs., Mr. J. S. Billington, Balterley Hall, Crewe, 46 tons 18cwt. 2qrs. 81bs, per acre; second, lOgs, Mr, William Humphreys, Eveuall, Oswestry, 41 tons 5cwt. 2qrs. 241bs.; third, 5gs., Mr. J. B. Ball, Eccleshall, and Mr, Levi Lawrence, 40 tons lewt, lqr. 201bs. each per acre. DISTRICT No. 2.-CLAss B.-Five acres of swedes grown upon any farm within the counties of Cumberland, WestmorelSnd, York, Lancaster, Lincoln, Nottingham, Leicester, Rutland. Derby. Chester, Mr. T. E. Griffith, Rhydyclafdy, Pwllheli, 55 tons 15cwt. 2qrs. 241bs. per acre second. lOgs., Mr. R. Roberts, Portmadoc, 52 tons 18cwt. 2qrs. 181bs. per acre third, 5gs. Mr. Hugh Williams, Llauddaniel Fab, Anglesey, 47 tons per acre. Class C.—Five acres of swedes, grown with Messrs. Proctor and Ryland's special prepared manure, upon any farm in England or Wales First, lOgs., Mr. Owen Lewis, Llangefni, Anglesey, 61 tons 18cwt. 2qrs. 81bs.; second, 5gs., Mr. W. E. Hughes, Llangiau, Pwllheli, 53 tons per acre. CLASS D. -Two acres of mangold wurtzel, grown with Messrs. Proctor and Ryland's special prepared manure, upon any farm in England or Wales: First, 15gs., Mr. R. Hull, Edleston, Nantwich, 77 tons lewt. lqr. 201bs. per acre; second, lOgs., Mr. T. E, Griffith. Rhydyclafdy, Pwllheli, 71 tons 18cwt. 2qrs. 81bs. per acre third, Mr. W. E. Hughes, Llangian, Anglesey, 70 tons 4cwt. lqr. 41bs. per acre.

I Markets. I I USK CATTLE, Monday.—The usual bi-monthly market was held to-day. The attendance was rather small, and trade was far from brisk. The following were the quotations :-Best quality beef 6d te 7d per lb., second quality ditto 5d to 6d; 2 wether mutton, 6d; ewe, 6d to 7d; lamb, 8d; veal, 7d to 7Jd; cows and calves S13 to £ 16, yearlings, £6 to XS; two-year-olds, £ 10 to X12; sows and pigs, X7 to £ 10; strong stores, 35s to 45s each three months old 20s to 25; weaners, 15s to 18s: porkers, heavy weights, 8s to 8s 6d a score, ditto light 9s baconers, 8s a seore. NEWPORT, CORN, Wedliesday.-At to-day's market wheat was a dull trade, with no change in prices. Maize was in good demand, but unchanged. Barley was in fair demand, and lid dearer on the 2 spot and 3d distant. Flour was quoted at 24s for fines. Offals were very firm. NEWPORT, CATTLE, Wednesday.—There was a large supply of cattle-a good deal of best quality- which met with a very good demand. Prices:- Best beef, 6id to 61-d per lb; second quality, 5id to 6d; best wether mutton, 7id to 7td; ewes, 6d to 6|d lamb, 8d; veal, 7d to 7 £ d porker pigs, 10s 3d to 10s 6d per score bacon pigs, 9s to 9s 3d. NEWPORT, CHEESE, Wednesday.—There was a fair pitch and a good demand for cheese to-day. Prices: -Caerphilly makes, 58s to â3. per cwt; fancy dairies, 64s to 65s 2d: truckles, 58s to 62s; double, 6Us to 62n; and Cheddars, 56s to 60s. HFIKEFOLID, POULTRY, Wednesday.—Moderate supplies in both the live and dressed poultry markers and trade good. Dressed fowls, 3s 6d to 5s 6J per couple ducks, 4s to 6s; geese, 5s to 7s each; fresh butter, Is 2d to Is 4d per lb: eggs, eight to ten for Is rabbits, Is to Is 6d per couple; live fowls, 3s to 4s 6d per couple ducks, 3s to 4s. HEREFORD, FRUIT, Wednesday.—There was a good attendance of Welsh and Midland buyers. About 600 lots on offer, but prices showed a slight falling off, owing to the importations from America. Second-class cooking fruit experienced a reduction to the extent of 25 per cwt., making from 3s to 6s per cwt. Some large green fruit fetched from 6s to 9s. Good Blenheims and King of the Pippins sold well throughout the market, the former realising from 9s to lis, and the latter 8s to lis. There was a large number of pears on offer, which made considerably less than last week. I Dessert, such as Brown Beurres, made from 6s to 10s per cwt., a few other choice sorts realising more. ° TO CURE A COLD IN ONE DAY. Take Laxative Bromo Quinine Tablets. All Druggists refuud the money if it fails to care. 1/1|. The genuine is stamped L,B.Q, l/l!. The genuine is stamped L.B.Q.

Boers Lose Heavily. MIDDLEBURG, Wednesday. On Monday Boers made simultaneous attack iu force on Balmoral and Wilge River, East of Pretoria, but were driven off after several hours fighting. Artillery came up to reinforce as Boers were retiring, and wrought havoc among flying Burohers. r, 11 t, Boer loss altogether 180 killed and wounded British, slight. Boers had destroyed railway and telegraph, but they were quickly repaired.

Lord Roberts' Accident. Central News Johannesburg correspondent wires that Lord Roberts was out ridiug on Sunday, when his accident happened. His horse slipped on wet ground, and Lord Roberts was thrown and dragged a few yards. r,

Chinese Affairs. BERLIN, Friday. Pekin Correspondent of Lokalauzieger says Li Hung Chang and Ching have requested safe conduct for messenger to Emperor. Waldersee agreed, but only on condition the contents of messages were disclosed.

Cabinet Council. Cabiuet Council was held at Foreign Office at half-past twelve- All Ministers were present except Mr Chamberlain and Lord Ashbourne.

A Bankrupt Duke. Duke of Manchester appeared at London bankruptcy Court to-day for public examination, but as be was going abroad there was adjourn- ment until February. His accounts show about £ 38,000 and £8,006 assets

New laelit for the Kaiser. New Yacht building at Dennys on Clyde is believed to be new boat for Kaiser.

A Rising Quelled. Z5 NEW YORK, Friday. Despatch from Colon, says :-Pisiug at Buenaventura has been quelled. Governor of Panama directed operations from aboard commandeered British steamer, Tobago.

Spreading Seditions. CAPE TOWN, Thursday. "Cape Times" says Dutch leaders are spreading by women's congresses, seditious thoughts they are afraid to utter, and Dutch envoys are trying to inflame minds of Dutch, farmers.

Baden Powell's Police. DURBAN, Wednesday. Col. Mackenzie, Natal Carbineers, has been offered important post in Badea Powell's Police. Stocks inactive.

The Monmouthshire Hounds. MEET AT COLDBROOK. On Monday last Mr and Mrs Arthur Herbert entertained a large number of visitors at the meet of the fox hounds at the ancient mansion of Coldbrook, the birth-place of two gentlemen who rose to great celebrity in the age in which they lived-Sir Richard Herbert, known to fame as the intrepid soldier," and Sir Charles Hanbury- Williams the polished courtier, and the votary of wit and pleasure." Coldbrook passed from the Herbert family to Major Hanbury, and was settled upon his third son, Charles, who, in consequence of the nature of the will, took the name of. Williams. This was early in the 18th century, and Coldbrook with its richly timbered grounds remained in the hands of the Hanbury-Williams family until quite recently, when it was acquired by Lady Llanover, whose grandson, Mr Arthur Herbert is the present owner. The wheel of fortune has thus restored Coldbrook to its ancient position as the seat of the Herbert family, and it is a curious fact that the first meet of the Monmouth- shire Foxhounds at Coldbrook, after many years, should be on the birthday of the new owner's eon and heir, Master John Arthur Herbert (named after his g'andfather, Mr John Herbert, of Llanarth). Monday was the fifth celebration of that young gentleman's birth, and he received hearty congratulations from a great number of people. The terrace and the extensive lawn in front of the house presented a lively scene, amongst the throng being such veteran foxhunters as Mr Edgar Brewer, aud Hr John Rogers, of Alltyrvnis, but who now have to be content to go to the meet on. wheels. There were also Mr and Mrs Wyndham Smith, Mr and Mrs Powlett, Mrs Thomas, Tredillion; Mrs Manley. Mrs Domvile, Mr and Mrs F P J Hanbury-Williams, Captain and Mrs R Powell Rees, Mr R Herbert, M.F.H., Miss Berrington, Mr Attwood, Ty Derven; the Marquess of Abergavenny, Mrs Daberly, Miss Lindsay, Captain Herbert, Llansaintffraed Mrs R Crawshay, Rev R Booth Corfield and Mrs Corfield, Mr and Mrs Reginald Attwood, Glaslyn Mr Iltyd Gardner, Colonel Bradney, Mr J Prichard, Mr Addie, Mr Hughes, Miss Fielder, Mr V Bosanquet, Mr Price Jones, Dr Gamble, Dr Logie, Mr Douglas Graham, Miss Carnegie, Mrs Ivor Herbert, Mr Partridge, Mr W Charles, and others. The hounds were an orderly crowd restraining their impatience, obedient to that able huntsman, George Atkins and his whips, and all looking fit as fiddles. The hospitality of Coldbrook having been duly sampled, the Master touched his horn, and it was indeed a charming sight to see the hounds—their sterns waiving in the air—and the field moving away, over the undulating lawn, towards the well wooded slopes of the Little Skyrrid, clothed in all the gorgeous tints of autumn. In a very short time a good fox was found on the Little Skyrrid, and gave the field a capital run of about one hour and a half. He got into a drain in the Park at Coldbrook. He was quickly dislodged and soon added to the list of kills of this season. Mr. Arthur Herbert then invited all present to luncheon. Many availed themselves of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert's hospitality, amongst others, the Master, Mr. Reginald Herbert, who, when all had been regaled, took the happy opportunity of calling the attention of those present to the fact that it was a strange coincidence that the first meet at Coldbrook, after so many years, a ad certainly the first since Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Herbert had come to live there, should fall on that day-the birthday of their son and heir, who was born on. the 19th November, 5 years ao. The Master added that he experienced the greatest pleasure in asking those present to drink to the health of young Mr. John Arthur Herbert, also that of his father and mother, and to say i10v"| much all had appreciated the day's sport. Though he felt that many of the company might not live to see it, he had every hope that the young gentleman whose health he had proposed, would be a thorough good sportsman, and H1 his time keep up the traditions of the family. The toast was received with hearty cheers. The company then broke up. and after a photograph of young Mr. Herbert had been taken, seated in front of the huntsmen, on his horse, the hounds moved off to try for another fox. The day was an ideal one from every point of view, and will long be remembered as the commencement of a. fresh era in the annals of Coldbrook. [ "BULLFINCH."