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

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CRUELTY TO CHILDREN. I SEVERE SENTENCES. I William and Mary Nicholl were charged with unlawfully and wilfully neglecting three of their children in a manner likely to cause them unnecessary bodily suffering or injury to their health, at Usk, on the 14th November. The children were: Joseph, aged 8 years; Florence Mary, 4; and Catherine Annie; 3. Mr. Digby Powell, solicitor, Newport, appeared to prosecute on behalf of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Defendants pleaded not guilty, and elected to be dealt with summarily. In opening, Mr. Digby Powell pointed out that the children were of a tender age, and said the defendants at one time lived in a house in Four Ash-street, in which the children were found. It appeared that from information received the Sanitary Inspector to the Usk Urban District Council made certain inquiries, and on the 12th November he knocked at the door of the house, but received no answer. He went in and found the house in darkness. The stench was horrible, the rooms being in a dirty, filthy condition. He went upstairs, and in a back room he found the three children named in the charge huddled together for warmth on a stinkiug, rotten m attres. with a thin counterpane covering them. They were asleep. They were aroused, and it was found that they were covered with the bites of vermin, and that their condition was disgraceful. Mr. Powell then described the filth found on the floor, the disgusting state of the mattress, &c. P.S. Sheddiek and Dr. Jenkins accompanied the Inspector, and the smell was such that they could hardly stay there. They thought it their duty to go to the house of the children's grandmother, on the Twyn-square, and there they found Mrs. Nicholl, whose attention they called to the horrible state of affairs in Four Ash-street. Together they returned to that house, where the female defendant asked the children why they slept there, and made some reference to some other bed in another room. That, however, was also dirty and stinking. She told the officers that she must admit that she had neglected the house, and that she had not been there much during the last three months. The doctor would tell their worships that the sad condition in which the children were was injurious to their health, and the admission of the woman herself would shew them that she had allowed them to stop in the place for three months without attending to them. This was a most deplorable case, and he was instructed by the Society to press it. The husband was a labourer earning £ 1 a week, and he sometimes slept at the house and sometimes in a loft; while the wife hardly ever went to the house, but left her children in dirt, filth, and squalor. If the Bench were satisfied with the evidence he should offer, he should press for the infliction of something more than a fine. They bad power to deal with defendants summarily, and to sentence them to a term of imprisonment, and if the case were proved, he should ask them to carry out their powers in this respect. Thomas Rees, junr., U.D.C. Sanitary Inspector, stated that he first went to the house in Four Ash-street, at 2.30 p.m., and going inside found it to be in a Very filthy state. The children were not there then, The second visit was at 9A5 p.m., when he was accompanied by the Medical Officer of Health (Dr. G. H. Jenkins) and P.S. Sheddiek. He knocked at the door, but got no answer, and went inside. There was no light there. The furniture in the kitchen was all strewn about, and the place was filthy. He took the Sergeant's lamp, went upstairs, looked around, and found everything in precisely the same state as when he was there previously. In the back room he found the three children in bed. They were on a sacking mattress which was in a wet, filthy, rotten condition. There was a stench there. The children were covered with one little counterpane, aud a few things which appeared to be rags were on their bodies. There were some chairs and a box in the room. He then described the state of the floor, &c., which, he thought, could not have been washed or cleaned, or in any way attended to for months. Witness woke the boy and asked him questions. He said he had been in the house about two months since his father and mother left, and that he got his meals at his granny's. He had had some bread and liver for snpper that nigbt. He said he put his little sisters to bed at night, and also dressed them in the morning. The children's bodies were red all over, and they were scratching themselves—011 their bodies and heads. He should think they were swarming with vermin. On leaving the place he had one picked off his clothes. In another room there was a bed turned up, which also was in a very foul state, but he did not see any clothes. He and his companions went to the grandmother's house and saw Mrs. Nicholl. They spoke to her about the neglect of her children and the house, and she said she had not been to the house for some time-for two or three months. In cross-examination by the woman, wito;;8 deu.ie(l that she showed him a counterpane or blankets ill the house, She shewed him what he thought WaS ti green table cloth. P.S. Sheddick gave similar evidence. He said the boy told him that for food he had to go to his granny's. There was no lire or food in the ho'jse> and the place ainelled quite damp. 011 soill, to see the woman 011 the Twyn-square, -aU(J asking her where her husband was, sltfl -said he was upstaics drunk, Asked if tfief Wuld see him, she VepTied "No; don't ht?ii; he is nasty when in drink." She further elated that she had not been to the house for long time, that she did not sleep there, thiU Sometimes her husband slept ther'e, som^tioies in the loft at the Nag's Head, and BOrhetimes on the Twyn with her. She seemed todiSptVe the state she was told the children were lil, and she accompanied them to the house. There she said that she knew her home had been neglected, and that she had not been there herself for the last three months until the previous week. Mrs. Nicholl cross-examined witness similarly to the last with the like result. He said he did not see a sheet or a blanket in the house. He had only been in the house before when serving summonses, and then only two or three feet inside, so he could not speak as to the state of the house before. Dr. George Harrison Jenkins, Medical Officer of Health, corroborated. He said the house was in a state that mads it unfit for the children to live in, and he considered the condition in which the children were themselves was injurious to their health. He had certainly never been in a more filthy place in Usk. In cross-examination he admitted that he had on previous occasions seen the house clean. Inspector Augustus James Coates stated that he visited Four Ash-street on the 14th November, and found the house in the condition described by the other witnesses. There was no one in the house, but on leaving it he found the two younger children concerned in the road in a wretched state of neglect—dirty, ragged, and cold. He took them round to their mother on the Twyn-square, and showed them to her. He examined them in her presence. Witness here described what he found, and defendant's remarks thereupon. He then cautioned her, and she said she had not been to the house for between two and three months. Asked for the reason she said she and her husband quarrelled on August Bank Holiday, and he gave her a black eye. They had not lived at the house since. Witness told her it was dangerous to leave the children there by themselves—they might get burned to death. She said she could not live there for a neighbour—Mrs. Evans. Asked if her —- — husband allowed her any means, she said she weekly received 18s. from him. Witness afterwards saw the husband at his work, about two miles out of the town, and in reply to witness's remarks he said "Well, they have enough food." Witness said Yes, it is not reported that they have not food, but pigs have a clean out once a week." Defendant also referred to Mrs. Evans. There were five childreu altogether, added the witness-one a baby 8 months' old, and another who stopped with them at the grandmother's. In the course of his duties he had come across a few bad cases, but in this case the house was one of the most filthy he had ever been in. In a district like this it was shameful—disgraceful. The Inspector in saying that apparently the place had not been cleaned for months was evidently quite correct. The father said he was a way at work all day long, and could not help the house being dirty. The Sanitary Inspector asked for permission to say that Nicholl was an industrious fellow, and if his wife had been as good as he the house would not have been as it was. The mother denied that the little boy only attended to the children, and stated that she kept a little girl to go up to them. She urged that the prosecution was the result of spite. After a short retirement, the Chairman said the Bench considered that the case against defendants had been clearly proved, and they could see no extenuating circumstances. The full penalty which they could inflict was six months' hard labour, but they had decided to diminish it so far as to sentence Mary Nicholl to three months' hard labour. As to William Nicholl, they found that he had given his money every week to his wife, and, so far as that went, he had done what he could. He had. however, grossly neglected his duty in not seeing that his children were properly cared for, and they felt obliged to sentence him to one month's hard labour. Mr. Dicby Powell asked that the care of the children should be entrusted to the Inspector, who would see that they were sent to the Work. house. The Bench made the necessary order. LICENSING BUSINESS Mr. Webb attended to ask for the transfer of the licence of the Queen's Head Beerhouse, Usk, from John Price to David Walters, a young man, who had bean employed as a grocer's assistant at Cardiff, but who was about to be married to one of the daughters of the licence-holder. In order to give the police an opportunity to make enquiries as to the character of Walters, he would, however, ask them to adjourn the Sessions for the transfer of licences for a fortnight, and he would hand over to the police the testimonials he had.—The application was granted. The license of the Kind's Head, Usk. was temporarily transferred from George William Cheeseman to Leonard East. MISCELLANEOUS. I Emily Dutson, Llantrissent, was charged with assaulting Raohel Annie Davies, aged 11, on the 29th November.—Dismissed. Edwin Harris, labourer, Trostrey, was summoned for assaulting a lad named William John Davies, at Trostrey, on the 9th Novernber.-The case was adjourned for complainant's appaarmoe, his father, Christopher Davies, only being present. James Rees. of Wentwood, near Newohurch, pleaded guilty to drivinsr a wagon with two horses without a light more than an hour after sunset on the 24th November. He said he was delayed at Usk goods station and was going to get a light in the town.—P.S. Shed- dick gava the facts.—Ordered to pay costs, 4s. 6d.

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PONTYPOOL. I PETTY SESSIONS. SATURDAY Before A. A. WILLIAMS, Esq. (chairman), W. L PRATT, Esq., T. H. DEAKIN, Esq., and E. FOWLER, Esq. MAINTENANCE CASES.—John McCarthy was summoned for non-maintenance of his wife, now in Abergavenny Asylum. Defendant was ordered to pay 3s 6d per week.—George Hollier was summoned for non-payment of X3 5s., due for maintenance.—Ordered to pay by £ 1 per month. RIOTOUS CONDUCT.—Jacob Twissell was fined) Os., and William Handsome 7s. 6d. for being riotous and fighting. There were 10 previous convictions against Twissell. D. AND D.—Arthur Lewis, against whom there had been six previous convictions, and James Sullivan for a first offence were fined 10s. each. 1-

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Standing Joint Committee. A special meeting of the Monmouthshire Standing Joint Committee was held at the County Council Chambers on Tuesday tnoruing. There were present: Councillor John Daniel (chairman), Alderman G. Jones, Alderman Williams, Alderman Taylor, Alderman G. R. Harris, Alderman Grove. Councillor S. N. Jones, Mr. F. J. Mitchell, and Alderman Sir Henry Mather Jackson, with the clerk (Mr. Gustard), the surveyor (Mr. Tanner), and the Chief Constable (Mr. Bosanquet). The Committee appointed to select a site for the Abertillery and Newbridge Police Buildings reported that they met at Abertillery, and again visited the site of the proposed police quarters, which they thought was a very desirable one. An offer from the solicitori to Messrs. Webb, the ground landlords of the site. of their reversionary iuterest for the sum of £ 254 14s. 4d., which is at the rate of 22 years purchase, had been made to the committee, and they recommended that it should be accepted. The exact quantity of land proposed to be purchased was 1,817 square yards and the total purchase money £ 1,254 4s. 4d. This was considered a fair offer, and it was proposed, seconded, and carried, that this site should be adopted. The committee further reported that they visited two sites at Newbridge, one owned by Lord Tredegar and the other by the trustees of the late Lady Llanover. The committee pieferred the latter, and had instructed the County Surveyor to propare a plan of the quantity of land required, to submit the same to Colonel Lyue, the agent of the trustees, and at the same time to ascertain from him the terms upon which the land could be acquired. Alderman Grove asked whether the bnildings at Newbridge were imperative and was answered in the atnrmative. It was decided that the matter should be referred back to the sub-committee for a further report as to tering. Councillor Williams gave notice that he would move at the next meeting that the Clerk should be asked to obtain returns of the vaccination exemption certificates granted in the district. He added that when this information was furnished he t-hould probably move in the matter before Quarter Sessions.

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Markets. USK, CATTLE, Monday.—The usual monthly market was held to-day, and was fairly well attended all round. Although trade was rather slow, the fat stock on offer sold well. The following were the quotations:—Best beef 6|d to 7d per lb, second quality 5d to 6d; wether mutton 8d, ewe ditto 6d to 7d veal 7d to 7jd; oowa and calves X12 to £ 16, yearlings X6 to X8, two year olds £10 to £12; sows and pigs JE7 to Y,10, strong stores 35s to 458 each, three months old JS1 to 25s, weaners 15s to 18s, porkers-heavy weights 8s to 8:5 6d, light 98 a score; baconers 8s a score. NBWPORT, CATTLE, Wednesday—There was a large supply of cattle to-day, including some good ripe cows, but only a short supply of sheep. A brisk trade prevailed. Quotations :—Best beef, 6d per lb seconds, 5Jd to 6id; best wether 2 4 mutton, 8d; lamb, 8d; ewer., 6id to 7d 2 porker pigs, 10s 6d to 10s 9d per score; baconers, 9s. NEWPORT, CORN, Wednesday.—There was very little doing at to-day's market. Wheat was rather dearer on the week. Maize was firm and dear. Barley was quiefc, with no chauge in price. Oats and beans were unchanged. Fiour was quoted at 23s 6d for fines. NEWPORT, CHEESE, Wednesday.—There was a short supply of cheese, and the demand and attendance being good, there was an advance of several shillings per cwt. on some makes. Quota- tions Caerpbilly makes, 60s to 70s per cwt; fancy dairies, 71s to 72.1; truckles, 588 to 63s; doubles, 588 to 63s; Cheddars, 56s to 58s. HEREFORD, POULTRY, Wednesday.-S mail supply buf trade fairly brisk. Eggs were cheaper. A scarcity of live fowls, due, no doubt, to the fact that the Christmas market will be held next week. Prices:—Dressed fowls, 3s 6d to 6s; live, 3s to 58 per couple dieased ducks, 4s to 6s live, 4s to 5s dressed geese, 5s to 7s; fresh butter, Is 2d to Is 4d per lb; eggs, 8 to 9 for Is; rabbits, Is to Is 6d per couple.

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Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchener. Two announcements, both of which are very important from a military point of view, have been made within the past few days. The one relates to the command in South Africa and the other to the command at home, and both subjects have a common factor in the person of Lord Roberts. It is officially intimated from the War Office that Lord Roberts has relinquished the command of the troops in South Africa, and has been succeeded by Lord Kitchener, his Chief of the Stuff, who has been promoted to the substantive rank of Lieut- General, with the local rank of General. This appointment may be taken as an indication that regular warfare in South Africa is cousidered to be at an end, notwithstanding the temporary success which De Wet secured at Dewetadorp, and the frequent encounters which take place between the British forces and the Boers, who are still holding out in considerable numbers in different parts of the annexed Colonies. These incidents are evidently regarded a.-t comparatively of no great importance, although it is interesting to note, from the various reports, that our troops have learnt very thoroughly THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING COVEK, I a matter in which,-at the beginning of the war, they were decidediy inferior to the enemy. It has been said that South Africa is the grllve of reputa- tions, and the saying has found some rather singular applications ill the course of the present war. But so far, at any rate, it has not proved the grave of the reputation of Lord Kitchener, who has had the unusual experience of finding that, at fifty years of age, his services have been rewarded, not only with a peerage, but the rank of Lieut.- General in the Army. Some people whose sympathies have not been very effusively British, have suggested that he will undo all that the clemency of Lord Roberts has accomplished, and that his administration of the conquered country will be marked by excesses approaching those which followed Monmouth's rebellion in the West country, and the defeat of the young Pretender in 1745. Such a thing is not at all likely. As Clive said of the officers who were endeavouring to undermine his authority in India I" THEY ABB ENGLISHMEN, THEY ARE NOT MURDERERS." But even if Lord Kitchener were disposed to be unnecessarily severe, it is obvious that the matter could not long be kept secret, and public opinion would not be slow to assert itself It is not however likely to clam our very loudly over the present evidence, which bears only the stamp of such authority as can be given to it by unscrupulous writers in the Afrikander Press. The stories which come from this tainted source appear to have beeu accepted by the Afrikander population, but they are so clearly malicious fictions that nobody at home is likely to regard them with the least attention. If the Boers and their friends want us to believe their tales, they must endeavour to give them some semblance of proof or probability. Even Mr. Kruger, who, at the last moment, has had to abandon his visit to Berlin, has modified his charges of barbarity by the public admission that his wife and family have been treated with every consideration by the British. One side of a story is all very well until the other is told, and ME. KRUGER IS CLEARLY MORTIFIED I and surprised at the Kaiser's refusal to see him at present. In the meantime it is to be hoped that the Government will avail themselves of some opportunity during the sittings of Parliament, to answer Mr. Kruger's charges, and make, for the benefit of misguided people on the Continent, an authorative and definite statement upon the military and political situation in South Africa. Lord Roberts is expected to leave for home next week, on board the "Canada," and in that event he should arrive by the end of the year. It remains to be seen whether he will be as successful as an administrator as he has been as a Commander in the field, but it is not too much to say that the people generally anticipate his assumption of his duties with the utmost confidence, and that a like feeling prevails throughout the Army. His appointment cannot be regarded as an experiment, for he has already filled several similar posts, and in India commanded the Army from November, 1885, to April, 18.)3. Altogether, apart from his achievements in South Africa, he is emiuently fitted for the position of Commander-in-Chief, and in addition to his long experience in India and Ireland, he has the enormous advantage of having been in personal contact, during the Boer War, with nearly all our ablest Generals, concerning whose capacity he has had the fullest opportunity of judging.

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STOCK MARKETS. Usk- Ist and 3rd Monday in month. Monmouth—2nd and 4th Monday in month. Chepstow—2nd and last Tuesday in month. Newport—Every Wednesday. Berkeley (Glos.)-Ist Wednesday in month. Chippen Campden—Last Wednesday in month. Honeybourne (Gics.)— 1st Wednesday in month Neath (Glain.)—Last Wednesday in month. Qanton (Glam.)—1st Monday in month,

ABERGAVENNY. I POLICE COURT, WEDNESDAY. I COUNTY BUSINESS. I Before Lieut.-Colonel W. H. WHEELEY (in the chair), aud Alderman Major WILLIAMS (Mayor). A NEW BYE-LAW.—William Morgan, in the .employ of Mr. Whitney, Upper Goytrey House, was lined 5s. for being on the highway with a horse and cart, without lighted lamps, at 5.50 p.m. on the 28th ult. -P.C. Davies, stationed at Llanover, -proved the case.-Supt. Davies produced a bye- law of the County Council, of the 2nd of May, 1900, which rendered it necessary for defendant to have lights, although be was not driving but leading the horse. A light must now be carried by every vehicle. LAW FOR CYCLISTS.-Pichard Seymour pleaded guilty to riding for about ten yards on the -footpath, near Raglan Terrace, Monmouth-road, on Sunday last.—P.C. Jones who brought the case iorward, said the distance was more like 15U yards. —Fined 5s. A BAD RECORD.—John Meagles. was brought up ia custody, charged with stealing five swede turnips, the property of Mr. John Parry, Xilanwenarth Citra, between 11 and 12 at night on the 4th December.—Prisoner, who was clearly an old hand, put several questions to P.C. Jones, and said he should not have stolen the swedes if it had not been for the policeman inducing him to do so. Several previous convictions,, and terms of imprisonment for burglary, shoplifting, larceny, Ac., were proved against the prisoner, and he was sentenced to 14 days' hard labour. SHEEP MOVING.—Thomas Nicholls, for moving 25 sheep from the Blorenge Mountain, and taking them to Abergavenny Market without a declaration, was fined 25s.—John Bowdon, bailiff to Mr. Crawshay, Ty Mawr, was fined 20s. for moving 20 J'heep fiom Llanelly, Brecon, without a declara- tioil. BOBS' LEAGUE RBCITJIRBD. -Edward Shrimp, a soldier, who had fallen among friends, was fined 5s. for being drunk and disorderly, on Saturday night last, as proved by P.S. Edwards. PRUNK AND DISORDERLY.—Norah O'Grady for being drunk and disorderly on Saturday night^was fined 5s. or 7 days'.—William Davies, who did no appear, was fined os. and costs (9s. Gd.) for being drunk and disorderly ou Sunday night.—William <j'Grady was fined 5j. for being drunk on Saturday night,

NEWPORT, I COUNTY POLÍCÈ COURT, SATURDAY I LICENSING PROSECUTION. William Davies, farmer, Bishton, was summoned for being drunk at the Ship Hotel, Christchurch, while the landlord, Walter Binning, was proceeded against for permitting drunkenuess. Mr. Parsons, barrister, appeared for the licensee, aud the cases were taken together. Davies was fined 10s., and the charge against the landlord was dismissed. BOROUGH POLICE, MONDAY. ADULTERATED MILK. I James Edwards, of 1, Princes-street, represented by his wife, was summoned for selling milk from which a portion of the fat had been extracted. Mr. A. A. Newman, town clerk) appeared for the prosecution.—Inspector Jones said he obtained a pint of new milk from the defendant's shop, and the report of the analyst showed that it was deficient in fat to the extent of 11 per cent.—Mrs. Edwards said that she could not get a guarantee from the people from whom she obtained the inilk.-Fined 40s. and costs lis. James John Harper, 38, Maindee Parade, was summoned for selling adulterated milk. Defendant produced an analyst's certificate stating the belief that the milk was adulterated.—Iuspector Jones stated that samples taken from the defendant's cart in Morden-road shewed that there was 5 per cent, of added water in them.-Rarper called George Wheeler, who said he sold the defendant three quarts a few hours previous to Inspector Jones taking the sample. Samples taken from witness's same delivery had proved to be genuine. The Mayor said that the witnesi had only fastened the adulteration on the defendant.—There were four" previous convictions.—Fined 40s. and costs. David Williams, of the IftOT1 Dairy, Chepstow, road, and Percy Williams, his sou, were also summoned for aelling adulterated milk. An analysis of the sample taken showed that 8 per cent. of water had been added. TfcS summns against David Williams was withdrawn, as it was shewn that he had nothing to do with the vending I of the mills.—Percy Williams was fined 40s. and NEWPORT BANKRUPTCY COURT. I Before the Deputy-Registrar [W. J. LLOYD, Esq.] MESSBS. P. FKBBDMAJ* & Co.—This case was adjourned until January 10th, as the Official Receiver was not prepared to go into the case. HE4D HOTEL. CtfEFstow.Miss Sarah Hauibe Barrett, of the King-9 Head Hotel, Welsh- street, Ohepstov^ business in 1898 with a ,CaPitAt of £ (j lent by her brother, the business haviug been previously carried on by her father. .Failure was attributed to bad trade aud excessive Interest charged by a Bristol money lender, According to the statement of affairs, there was a deficiency of L120 9s. lOd. The examination was closed. ArioTHSR INNKEEPER'S FAIIURB.—Joseph Blake, innkeeper, of the Ship Hotel, Raglan, appeared before the Official Receiver to answer questions as to his affairs, but it was evident that he knew little about the business of which he was the nominal head. He had beeu a game-keeper, and lie bad saved some money, but he was no scholar. They went into the Ship, but the business was managed by his wife and his son. All that he knew about it was that they took enough to keep them for two or three months in the summer, and that for the rest of the year they had to go to the bank for money to keep them. The statement of affairs, prepared by the wife, showed gross liabilities jE317 15s. 9d., and a deficiency of £ 206 6s. lid Debtor, an old man, in answer to most of the questions, said that he knew nothing of the detail#—his wife knew. He was allowed to pass his examination, no creditor appearing to question him. GRIFFITHSTOWN GENERAL DEALER'S AFFAIRS.— Mr. Henry Peach, wholesale and retail dealer, of the General Supply Stores, Commercial-street, Griffithstown, commenced business in 1871, at Griffithstown, with a capital of J630. In 1877 be effected a composition arrangement with his creditors of 5s. in the £ and in 1887 took the Greyh >und Hotel, Pontypool, where he traded until January, 1897. At the latter date he made an assignment to a trustee, for the benefit of his creditors, and paid a composition of 7s. 6d. in the X. The unsecured liabilities were £ 1,404 9s., and the assets JE714 3s. 8d. He was also one of six partners in a company at Pontypool, his interest in which was forfeited at the end of the year 1896, under the powers of the Deed of Partnership, in consequence of his having been in arrear with his calls, and he lost about £ 300 in that venture. His present gross liabilities amounted to L869 18s. Id., and there was a deficiency of JE166 15s. Id. Failure was attributed to "bad trade, bad debts, depreciation in value of property, and legal cost of suing creditors."—The examination was closed. ->

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t Hunting Appointments. I.. THE LLANGIBBY HOUNDS WILL MEET ON Tuesday; Dec. 11th Sanpifcrd nr. Usk Friday, Dec. 14th. Monks wood. At 10.30 a.m. THE MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS1 WILL MEET ON Mondav, Dec. 10th Broad Oak Thursday, Dec. 13th. Llanvihttngel Court At 11 a.m. MR. CURRE'S HOUNDS WILL MEET ON Monday, Dec. 10th Vedw Vawr Thursday, Dec. 13th. Portskewett Station At 11 a.m.

z_ ( Lord Donoughmore died on Wednesday morn- ing at his London residence, after a few days' illness.

he Prudent a K I year that it is esaenti- w gr • if" 8 ally her duty to pro- i vide warm and com- ia Vxr B B fortable Bed Clothing :for ^ie winter. We offer unsurpassed m advantages lor buying Bed Clothing from us. I fir OUR HOUSEWIVES' GUINEA PAECEI. m contains 1 Pair ol Superfine Witney Blanket j M blanket kound Pinlr, VtbS. weight (largo size); \Valr of |jf WW"51 Willed Sheets, 2Jyds. long by ajydB.viaei Rammed • m ready for use 1 Pair ot Vhite Pillow Oases, fulW but- ■ oned ends; 1 White Counterpane, 3 yds. long by 2i yds. II v' P,attern' 6°od design; 1 Dufchessel'oilet Set. J§8 )u8h Standard ot excellence of the goods,combined B& with loivness of price, appeals to the most economical «S| purchaser. Parcels made up from One to Ten Guineas. and sent Carriage Paid on receipt of P.O.O. and sent Carriage Paid on receipt of P.O.O. |§|1 These Parcels suggest and constitute the idealWedding la&ift Present, and greatly minimise the risk of duplication. BROOKFXBLD'S, Market Sq., STAFFORD, Established over 100 years. inimm ii m CLARK'S Aim id Diary For the Year 1901. VB-TC-E OJVE <Pz:i<nsnr;. Will be sold by the agents of the County Observer" and by all. Booksellers. It will contain the Named of the Voters for the ensuing year. Names of die members of all the public Officers in the District. Lillt of the Fairs in the County. List of newly-elected Members of Parliament andv their Constituencies, &c., The IlSustraSions Include the following :— 1.—Entrance Gates and Lodge, Welbeck Abbey 2.—Welbeck Abbey from the Boathouse. 3.—Magna Charts Island on the Thames. 4.-RoAls Lench Court, Worcestershire — tl" genuine Elizabethan Mansion. 5.—The Frome at Tramptou Court. 6.—View of Stratford-on-Ayon. 7.-Cleetliorpes Pier. 8.-Lord Roseberry's Favorite Country Seat—; Mentmore House. 10.—Dunrobin Castle. OTJ 11.—Bridge of Tay, Kenmore. l2.-Culross from the Pier. The views are from photogaphs, and are accom- panied by descriptive letterpress. Useful Information, ,7: Is also given with regard to I.-Stamps. Taxes, Exercise Duties, &c. 2.—The Festivals, Eclipses, &c., 4.—Length of Time a letter takes to go to certain places abroad. 5.—The Royal Family, Ministry, Parliaments, since the Accession of George IV. 6.—Value abroad for Money Orders sent fronie. the United Kingdom. 7.-Population of the United Kingdom* S.-Bills of Exchange, Days of Grace, Law Sit- tings, Registration of Births, &c. 9.-Illterest Tables. 10.—Weights and measures. 11.—Table of Expenses, Income, or Wages. 12.-Hoiithly Gardening Notes. •4? Diaryavitit Money Colismttr Advt. Orders should now be given, the moderate- charges being:- 8. d. Full page. 10 D" Half 5 (* brit. Quarter,, 2 6 THE ADVERTISMENTS WILL ALSO BE. INSERTED IN THE ICOU11ITTY OBSERVER' ILLUSTRATED K! Book Almanac,, For 19U1. which for the last 46 years has been justly looked.. upon as a valuable medium for Tradesmen to lay, before the public their respective olaims to patron- age and support. This Almanac is sent out at the end of the year, FREE OF CHARGE, AS A supplement TO THH "COUNTY OBSERVER and. therefore, has an assured circulation. It is' kept in the homes of our readers for reference throughout the year. • Mis Engravings and Photo- graphs Include :— (; iI" f, 1.—The Queen of Roumania. r 2.-Keiiilworth Castle. 3.—The Surrender of General Cronje. 4.-Staffs, showing Fingal's Cave. ó.-Major-GenerBl Robert Baden-Powell. 6. -The relief of Ladysmith Lord Dundonald'ë'i. Force entering the city. 7.—Taymouth Castle. 8.—The Duke of Argyll. ,y 9.-Inverary Castle. 10.—Lord Roberts taking Pretoria. 11.—Saturday Market Parade, Cape Town. 12.—Hoisting the British Flag at Bloemfonteiii. 13.—View of Bloemfontein. 14.—Attempted Assassination of the Prince 0& Wales. 15.—Defeat and death of the Khalifa. Its JLiterayf Contents Include:- 1.—The Gatherer. 2-—Wit and Wisdom. 3 —Gardening for the month. 4.—Interesting Paragraphs. 5.-Postal and Telegraphic Information. 6.—Parliamentary Summary. 7.—The Royal Family, &c. 8.—Stamp Duties, &c. Local Information up to date. CT, Printed and Published by" THE COUNTY OBSBBVBH," NBWSPAPBR and PRINTING COMPAKT, Limited, BY JAMES HENRY CLARK, at their Offices, Bridge Street, Usk, in the County of Monmouth, Saturdaij, December 8th, 1900.