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

SHEEP SHEARING AT KEMEYS COMMANDER. Under the auspices of the Technical Instruction 'Committee of the Monmouth County Council, a "sheep-shearing competition took place at Kemeya House. Kemeys Commander, on Wednesday, subse- quent to a two days' course of instruction, which has been given there by Mr. Sidney Edwards, of ■tiwmddu Farm, Maesycwmmer. The event attracted a large number of the agriculturalists of the district and others interested in the work, and all-comers were very generously entertained by Mr. John Parker, the occupier of the farm. There were five competitions for the three prizes — £ 2, £1, and 10s.-given by the County Council, cl and, notwithstanding that all were practically ,novices, very good work was done with the sheare, testifying at once to the capabilities of the teacher, the intelligence of the taught, and the value of the work of the Technical Instruction Committee. The judges were Mr. W. Beer, High Mead, Llanvair Kilgeddin, and Mr. Alfred Jones, Home Farm, Goytro, and they placed the competitors as follows:— 1st, Edwin James, Llancayo Farm 2nd, Henry Jeffreys, Penny Park, Raglan 3rd, James Henry Parker, The Hill, Trostrey. Trevor Jones, Cayo Farm, L'andenny and George Griffiths, TheTwyn, Clytha, were the other competitors.

ABERGAVENNY. Agents,—Messrs Davits it Co. | Books teller. NEW APPOINTMENT.—Mr J. A. Findlay has suc- ceeded Mr .1. Bishop as district traffic superinten- dent at Abergavenny on the London and North Western Railway. LLANOVEU'S DISTINGUISHED VISITOR. -Colonel J. Hanbury Williams, C. M.G., formerly secretary to L rd Milner in South Africa, and lately of the War Office, arrived at Llanover on Sunday morn- ing on a visit to the Hon. Mrs. Herbert. There was no formal reception on that day, and as the Colonel had to return to the War Office on Wednesday, it was arranged to hold a grand reception on Tuesday, at Nantoer, the residence of Mr F. P. J. Hanbury Williams.

WHITSUNTIDE SPORTS. Abergavenny Amateur Athletic Association held their eighth meeting in Bailey Park OIl Tuesday. Councillor Z. Wheatley ably performed the duties of secretary, and was well supported by a commit- tee, of which Mr F. C. L<>we was chairman, Mr A. P. Gower hou. treas., and Dr F. E. Paton, J.P., C.C., president. All the items filled well, the cycle events includ- "log the third competition for the" Nevill Challenge Bowl," kindly presented by the Marquis of Abet- gavenny, K.G., in which the keenest interest was manifested. T. Pointon, of Cardiff, the previous holder, won his beat, but failed to get in at the final, it being wou by O. Davies, Abertillery, by three inches from W. Morgan, Brecon Haycock, Pontnewynydd, being a yard behind for third -place, The ground was in splendid condition, and there was only one spill—through a collision. The following were the results Half-mile novice bicycle scratch 1, J H Barrass, Ross 2, J Roberts, Mardy 3, T. Lloyd, Clydach. 120 yards open: 1, A Weare, Usk; 2, G H Gibbs, Cardiff; 3, W D Phillips, Swansea. Half-mile open bicycle handicap 1. J Davies, Newport; 2, J Davies, Swansea; 3, W Morgan, -Brecoii. 120 yards local handicap. 1, C C Watkins; 2, W Phillips; 3, T Bellman. One mile open bicycle handicap 1, R R Evans, Llanderic; 2, J Davies, Swansea; 3, D B Davies, JLlanderie. 440 yards open handicap 1, W D Phillips, Swansea; 2, T G Benson, Swansea; 3, W Phillips, .Abergavenny. 120 yards local boys 1, D Deverall; 2, G Gold- stein 3, W G Gwatkin. One mile bicycle scratch 1, F Deeley. Birming- ham 2, R J Niblett, New Radnor; b, T Pointon, Cardiff. Oue mile open flat race: 1, J Tolley, junior, Birebfield 2, G W Edwards, Mountain Ash 3, C Richards, Grosmout. Two miles open bicycle, Nevill Bowl: 1, 0 Davies; 2, W Morgau 3, AT Haycock.

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING. The mayor (Major Williams) presided at Wed- nesday's meeting of the Town Council- The Marquis of Abergavenny wrote enclosing the grant of armorial bearings, prepared by the College of Arms, which he trusted the Corporation would approve of, and which he bad much pleasure in presenting. The gift was much appreciated, and it was decided to get the same photographed, and Spreseut a copy to his lordship. The Markets' Committee recommended that £ 2e be spent in publishing a guide book of Aberga- venny.—Mr. Nesbitt proposed, as an amendment, that the X25 be spent in view" and placed in the railway stations about the country. The amend- ment was carried. It was decided to spend £11) in swing boats, 215 in seats, and £ 2 in a flag for the Castle grounds.— Mr. J. C. Gwatkin proposed the erection of a grand-stand or pavilion in Bailey Park, with refreshment bar, tea rooms, and ladies' lavatory, also that they consider the erection of a band- stand and a shelter, arid that the same be referred to the Markets' Committee to deal with. This was agreed to.—Mr. Gwatkin was added to the com- r mittee for this purpose.

''¡' AMR& GSATSrUL-^OMPORTIKO. COCOA BREAKFAST AND SUPPER.

CHEPSTOW. Agent.-Miss Clark ROBBING A FELLOW LODGER. Arthur Bertram Parker. an auxiliary postman, of Chepstow. was charged with stealing £1 9s lOd, the property of Thomas Meredith, his fellow-lodger, at Tuesday's Petty Sessions. On Friday night prosecutor went to bed, leaving £3 12s 7d in his trousers' pocket, and about half-past three he woke up and found that his pockets had been disturbed, and the sum mentioued was missing. It was afterwards pro- duced from prisoner's jacket rockfit.-Parker was sentenced to two months' hard labour.

BAND AND CHORAL CONTEST. The fifth annual brass band contest and choral competition took place at Chepstow Castle on Whit-Tuesday. Awards: Brass Baud Contest: 1, Prince's End Prize I Band. Tipton; 2, Pillowell Prize Band- Bristol City Mission Prize Band and the Coseley Prize Band followed in order of merit. The Bands made tli,ir own selection, three playing J. Ord Hume's The B.B. and C.F. and Pillowell Wands- worth's The Giant." Male Voice Competition, Destruction of Gaza (De Rille): I, Plunknett's Glee Party, Bristol (under Mr Fred Pluuknett); 2, Lydney Male Voice Choir (Mr C B Smale). The Chepstow Male Voice Choir (Mr E G R Richards) also competed. Brass Band Contest, Gems from Sullivan's Operas, No. 2," J. Ord Hnme: 1, challenge cup, and medal for trombone solo, Coseley P B., under Mr Squile Firth; 2, and medals f..r solos eupho- nium and cornet, Prince's End P.B., Mr J E Wilkinson, conductor. Pillowell P.B., Air J Houldsworth, also competed. The adjudicators were Mr J. Ord Hume for the bands and Mr H. F. Nicholls for the choirs. —, —

I MONMOUTH. I Agent.-Mr. Caffreg, Bookseller, Monmouth WHITSUNTIDE.—From an early hour excursionsts began to arrive in the county town by road and rail, cyclists being particularly numerous. The boating on the river was very largely patronised throughout the day, and on Monday the summit of the famous Kymin Hill, which has recently been acquired by a Monmouth tradesman, was ltud out to accommodate parties, and i!Arge numbers visited the place, one means of access beinir by donkey and pony ride. The chief attraction of the day, how- ever, was a idle in Vauxhall Meadows, organised by the Parish Church friends. At two o'clock a grand procession paraded the town, and marched to the field, where the proceedings were formally opened by Lady Mather-Jackson. A few sports, cai'6 chantant, a play, May pole dances, gipsy dances, fireworks, etc., were the chief attractions, and a large company patronised the event. A cricket match was also played in the afternoon between Monmouth and Bath Y.M.C. A.

ALARMING ACCIDENT ON THE G.W.R. Just before noon, on Tuesday, as the Birmingham excursion train was leaving Troy Station, and just as it was opposite the booking office, a saloon carriage, containing about 40 passengers, was seen to topple over on its side. The station-master, Mr. Gooding, promptly stopped the train with the vacuum brake, and, jumping on to the line, crept under the fallen carriage, the corner of which was supported by the platform, opened the doors, and reassured the passengers that the worst was over. The passengers then got through the open doors, crept between the overturned carriage and the line, and were soon placed in the other carriages, the train starting on its way in 12 minutes after the accident. No one was seriously injured. The line, with a strong staff of willing hands, was cleared within a quarter of an hour. <i>-

NEWPORT. Agents—Messrs Greenland and Co.. Xewzagentt. HOME FROM THE FRONT. We understand that Lord Tredegar, Colonel Morgan, M.P., Mr. Sheriff Lawrence, M.P., and nearly all the Newport magistrates will be present at the dinner to be held this (Friday) evening in honour of the Newport boys who have returned from the front. ECCLESIASTICAL.—The Rev. Percy Mortimer, M.A., late curate of St. Woolos', Newport, the new vicar of Penrnark, near Barry, in succession to the Rev. Edward Morgan, B.A (preferred to Ponty- pool), was inducted to the living on Wednesday, by the rural dean the Rev. A. T. Hughes, vicar of Llancarfan) in the presence of a good congregation of the parishioners. The rev. gentleman was instituted to the vicarage by the Lord Bishop of the diocese at the Palace Chapel, Llandaff, on Friday. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—At the usual meeting on Saturday. Colonel Lyne presided. The appoint- ment of a relieving officer for the western district was undertaken. Mr. C. Styles, stationmaster, Bedwas, was appointed. One of the applicants, Mr. A. G. Hill, bailiff, Newport, stated that in consequence of his application he had been dis- charged by the high bailiff of the eouuty-court. In answer to an inquiry from the board, the Local Government Board expressed an opinion on the new sugar duty. It seemed to that body that guardians might pay the increased price caused by the duty, as the seller of goods was authorised to make such incidental increases by Section 20 of the Customs Consolidation Act. The additional payments should, however, only be paid where the sugar duty had actually been paid. DEATH OF DR ANDREW DAVIES.—At Trevena, Stow Park Avenue, Newport, on Sunday evening, Dr Davies died after a prolonged illness. The deceased gentleman, who was a widower, had practised at Swansea and Cardiff, his family residing in the latter town for about seven years. He afterwards lived at Abersychau, and in 1887 removed to Newport, having given up practice. He was 76 years of age, a J. P. for Monmouthshire, and chairman of the firm of John Vipond and Ou. (Limited.) The funeral took place on Wednesday. The interment was in the family grave at Trevethin Church, Pontypool, and the remains were conveyed by road. One coach contained the mourners. The outer coffin was of polished oak with plain heavy braes mountings, the name plate having the inscription:—"Andrew Davies, born 1824, died 1901." Wreaths covered the coffin. The funeral was strictly private, but on arrival at Trevethin a number of gentlemen had assembled. ATHLETIC CLUH.—The Newport Athletic Club's annual meeting, held on Thursday, was presided over by Mr Horace Lyne. In his commentary on the report he said the adverse balance had been reduced by £ 200. The membership was now 780, an increase of nearly 30 in the year. The committee favoured the formation of a Welsh Gymnastic Association, by which the participants could contest the international events, and which would forward all matters gymnastic in the Principality. Moreover, the club invited co-operation from other Welsh clubs in the initiation of an association.—The report was adopted.—Messrs. Edward and Fred Phillips, whose generous gift was the nucleus of the new cricket pavilion fund Mr Sheriff Lawrence, M.P., and Dr RutherfoorJ Harris were added to the list of vice-presidents, while Air A. Spicer resigned. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.—At Wednesday's meet. ing of this chamber, Mr. W. L. Moore presided, and spoke in feeling terms of the terrible colliery explosion at Senghenydd. He moved a resolution of oondolence with the relatives and friends of those who had lost their lives, and of sympathy with the proprietors of the mine. This was seconded by Mr. R. Laybourne, and carried in pileace. Mr. Cox, as a result of extensive inquiries Ice had made amongst pilots and others in the Channel, stated that it was felt that a fog-signal on the Foreland was unnecessary, but the opinion was that one was needed on Nitsti Point, and as the Harbour Commissioneis were already agitatin"- in that direction, he thought the Chamber"3 of Commerce might relegate the subject to the Harbour Board. The Chamber resolved to com- municate with other Chambers of Commerce in the Channel, with a view to making joint representation to Trinity House for obtaining a fog-signal on the Nash. DEATH OF MB. T. D. ROBERTB. — The death is announced of Mr. T. 1). Robertp, at l'enrallt, Stow Park Avenue, Newport. Mr. Roberts, who was 68 'earll' of age, had fractured his thigh nearly fire months' ago, and the shock brought on internal complication* from which he never recovered. Mr. T. D. Roberts had been for many years identified with the construction of railways. In 1857 be was resident engineer on the Llanidloes and Newtown Railway, which was the first Welsh railway con- structed on the narrow gauge system. In 1S61 he was engineer and superintended the construction of the Hereford, Hay and Brecon Railway. In 1875 he was appointed engineer to the Monmouthshire Railway and Canal, which was subsequently amalgamated with the Great Western Railway. In the capacity of divisional engineer to the Great Western Railway he has been identified with all the improvements which have been made to meet the enormous developments that have taken place, especially in Monmouthshire and the Llycvi and Ogmore districts. He retired from the service of the Great Western Railway Company about four years' ago.

PONTYPOOL. Agents-Mr. J. Harding, Uarlet Bookstall, and hestrs Jones and Edwards WINDOW SMASHED.—On Saturday evening, while Messrs Pegler's cart was being loaded on the Cross, the horse, from some unexplained reason, bolted and plunged into Messrs Fowler's window, in Commer- cial Street. The shafts of the cart were broken, but no injury was done to the animal. The damage to the window, which was not insured, and good, is estimated at £ 18. ATTEMPTED SUICIDIC.-Etrlv on Thursday morn- ing, Air William Farr, butcher, Osborne Road, Pontypool, attempted suicide by cut.tir.tf his throat with a butcher's knife, inflicting a gash some five inches long. Dr Mason was called in, and stitched the wound, and the patient is now progressing favourably. It is stated that Mr Farr has been drinking heavily during the last few weeks. and the rash act was committed during an attack of delirium. At present he is in no danger. ScnooL BOARD ELECTION.-The following were nominated for seats on the Trevethin School Board:-A,lr J. Dauiel, Abersychan the Rev. Father P. A. Degan, Pontypool; Mr. J. Evans, Pontnewyndd Mr. A. James, Titlywain; the Rev. D. R. Jenkinf4. Pontypool; Mr. T. H. Deakin, Garndiffaith the Rev. H. B. Robinson, Pontypool the Rev. J. G. Watts, Pontnewyndd; Mr. W. C. Watkins, Garndiffaith; and Mr. E. Jones. Snatch- wood Park. The two new candidates hiving withdrawn, a contest was obviated. ACCII)ENT.-On Friday last. Mrs. Fowler, land- lady of the Winning Horse, Pontypool, met with a serious accident whilst journeyinyr to Usk in a wagonette with a few friends. When the party reached a spot near the blacksmith's shop below the Horse and Jockey, the horse was startled and reared, upsetting the wagonette, and throwing out the whole of the party. The only person hurt was Mrs Fowler, who had her arm broken and her face very much cut and bruised. She was conveyed home and attended by Dr Haslett and Dr S. B. Mason, and is now doing very well.

MON3TRE FETE AT PONTYPOOL PARK. I A BIG PROGRAMME. On Whit-Monday and Tuesday a magnificent fe e with a pretentious and varied programme was held in Pontypool Park (kindly lent by Mr J. C. Hanbury, J.P.. D.L ), under the auspices of the Pontypool Chamber of Trade. On Monday there were from 20,000 to 30,000 people present, notwithstanding the number of counter-attractions in the C tinty, and the weather was all that could be desired. Mr J C Hanbury had consented to become the president, and the fete was also under the patronage of Messrs. A A Williams, J.P., Benjamin Nicholes, T.P., Rockfield; Llewelyn Llewelyn. J. P., Abersychan House; Samuel Huxley, Osborne Towers, Pontnewynydd; L E Webb, Ashley House Edward Jones, D.L., J.P., Suatchwood Park; W Pegler, J.P., A. E Bowen, C Bunning, Isaac Butler, J.P., Pan teg House, Griffithstown John Walker, David Jones, Belle Vue: Thomas Watkins, Henry Tanner. Major D. E. Williams, Captain Percy B Ford, Surgeon- Major J 11 Essex, and the Rev A W A Williams. The arrangements, which were upon the most extensive scale ever projected by the Chamber, were commenced under the direction of p com- mittee, consisting of Captain W H Pitten (chairman), Mr W S Fletcher (secretary), Mr J J Uarmsfcon ftreasurer), Mr LewisE Webb (solicitor) and Messrs Donald Reid, Lewis Davies, James Wilbams, P Eckersley, E Igar Probyn, A J Stock, and T G Cartwright. Tiie tirratigetneiite, of which they had charge, were made perfect, in every way, and the whole business of the fete went on from beginning to end most smoothly and satisfac- torily. The attractions for this year were upon an unprecedented scale—big though other fetes in the beautiful Park have been—and the outlay which the committee had to face reached the abnormal sum of about L700. First and foremost came the celebrated W H Davison, the American Blondin, and the only real successor upon. the high rope of that famous performer. The performance took place upon a wire, 125 feet long, and 70 feet from the ground. upheld by posts twenty inches in diameter. This, was situate at the upper end of a large enclosure in the Home Park. In the same enclosure were the trapeze arrangements for the performances of ¡ the Flying Dillons, a stage 30 feet square for the other performers, and a bandstand 20 feet square. In addition, there was a grand tltand to accommo- date 5UO persons. The whole of the structural arrangements were carried out by Mr Charles Hambleton, builder, Pontypool, under the supervision of Mr D J Lougher, mining engineer and architect, aud Mr Powell. The famous band of H.M. Royal Artillery, under the leadership of Conductor Cavaliere Zavertal, M.V.O., R.A., discoutsed an excellent selection during the day, the solo parts being taken by Sergt. C Parsons. Several of the pieces contributed were the composition of the talented conductor. Chief among the other attractions was the balloon ascent and parachute descent of 31ims Kitty King, the arrangements for which were carried out by Monsieur Cavassi. The balloon had a gas capacity of 1,300 cubic feet. The ascent was successfully accomplished, and after reaching a height of about 2,000 feet, Tiliom King descended at the top of the Park, and in the midst of the spectators. She was escorted by several constables to the grand platform, where she made her acknowledgment to the spectators for the applause evoked by her performance. The other performances consisted of Gilbert's performing cats and dogs; the Escaldores, ladder performers; the Gartells, musical clowns Black Cookey, atilt performer; Ontello, con- tortionist the Flying Dillons; Lawrence troupe of lady cyclists, etc. In the night there was a magnificent display of fireworks by Messrs. J & W Wilder, Birmingham. The arrangements for the show were made by Mr Lewis Davies and Mr E Probyn, and the police arrangements were under Superintendent W James. The catering was satisfactorily carrried out hy Mrs Fowler, of the Winning Horse, Air Slmfct, of the Hanbury Arms, Pontypool, and Mr W J Harris, Shrewsbury. Mrs. Fowler also attended to the wants of the committee. The sports were conducted bv Messrs E Fowler, B Nicholas, J Lockyer, S Huxley, F Probyn, judges; W H Pitten, starter; Sykes, timekeeper: and James Wiiliams, clerk of the coursc. The events were as follow:- 120 yards flat handicap.—Prizes, j64 4s, £ 2 2s, and 7s 6d. Heat winners: Arthur Davies, Aber- gavenny F.C: Arthur Weare. Usk F.C; J W Taylor, Cwmcarn P.C. and G W Taylor. Final: Weare, J W Taylor, and Davies. 440 yards flat handicap.—Prizes, R,3 3. and £ 1 10s. Heat winners: E W Gould, N.A.C, and Ernest L Parker, Croesyceilog F.C. Albert Bowen, N.A.C, and Patrick Cummins, N.A.C. Final: Gould and Cummins. 220 yards boys' race.—Prizes, 10s 6d and 5?, Frank Davies and T R Prosser. One mile walking handicap.—Prizes, E2 2s. 15s, and 7s 6d. C D Edwards, Newport H, T Baggs, Newport H.G.T.C; and S L Probert, Crumlin F.C. The prizes were distributed by Mrs. Fletcher. I SECOND D\Y. At the second day's proceedings, on Tuesday, there was a very fair attendance. The principal item on the programme was the horse competition. The results were as follow Pony, mare, or gelding, in harness.-Ist, B M Lewis, Pontypridd: 2nd, T Price, Sebastopol; 3rd, Donald Reid, Pontypool. Jumping. — 1st, T Fletcher, Pontypool 2nd, A A Lewis, Monmouth 3rd, Captain A Jones, Croesyceilog. Mare or gelding, in harness.—1st, T D Richards, Risoa; 2nd, C Russel Gray, Raglan 3rd A A Lewis, Monmouth. Pony, mare, or gelding, to be ridden.—1st, Captain A Jones, Croesyceilog 2nd. John Lewis, Blaeuavau; 3rd, T Price, Sebastopol. Mare or gelding, to be riddeii.-Igt, D T Richards, Risca; 2nd, C Russel Gray, Raglan 3rd, A A Lewis, Monmouth. Driving clags.tst, C Russel Grav, Raglan 2nd, A A Lewis, Monmouth 3rd, D T Richards, Risca. Best all-round thorse or mare.—D T Richards, Risca.

I ABERGAVENNY. POLICE COURT, WEDNESDAY. Before the MAYOR, Dr. S. H. STEEL, and C. F. CRA\YSHA.Y, Esq. TUEFTS.-At Abergavenny Police-court on Wed- nesday, James Jenkins, an Abergavenny labourer, was sent to gaol for a month for stealing 4s., the money of Ellen Ltura Prosser, a domestic servant, in the Bailey Park oa Tuesday during the athletic ..ports. A nn Bartlett, a pedlar of bootlacrs, was sent to prison for seven days for stealing half a crown, the property of Sarah Ann Powell, a farmer's wife. Prisoner was given hilf a crown to change, but made off with it.

I CAERLEON. POLICE COURT, THURSDAY. Before Sir ARTHUR MACKWORTH, Bart. (in the chair), D. W. JENKINS. Esq., ALFRED WILLIAMS, Esq., and J. H. TAYLOK, E"q. E.IECT.MENT ORDrr.-ITary Anti Jones was granted an ejectment order against James Jones, in respect of a cottage at Lbinthewy. LAD SENT TO THE RKFOKMATOBY.—John Jenkins, 13, and Kdvin Shea, 11, were charged with stealing two fowls' eggs, the property of Sir Arthnr Mackworth (who did not adjudicate in this case), at Caerleon, Oil the 14th May.—Richard Hobba, gardeuer, said he was workiug on the lawn at the Priory, when he saw the lads go towards the barn where fowls are kept. He followed tlieiri, and found each of them had an eirg in his hand. Sir Arthur Mackworth stated that he did not wish to I press the charge. It was said that Jenkins could not be kept under control by his ptrenti-The Bench, therefore, ordered Jenkins (who pleaded not guilty) to be sent to an Industrial School until he is 16 years of age. Shea, who pleaded guilty, was dealt with under the First Offenders' Act, and dismissed with a caution.

MONMOUTH. BOROUGH POLICE, THURSDAY. Before the Mayor (Councillor BAIL LIB), G- COSSENS, Esq., and W. HUGHES, Esq. CAUD PLAYING.—Thomns Brown, Thomas Barnett, C. Skipp, Edward D-»vies. William Scott, W. Andrews, Fred Jones, and Fred Watkin, were sum- moned for phying cards in a public place on Sunday last. The last four, who did not appear, were fined 5s each, and costs 4s Gd, and the other defendants 2s each and costs.—Thomas Castree, Alfred Leddington, Thomas Edmonds, Thomas Morgan. William Welsh, Thomas Jenkins, and Alfred Butler were summoned for a similar offence on Sunday, April 28th. Castree, Leddington, aud Edmonds pleaded guilty, and mid the other defendants were net playing The case acainst the latter was therefore dismissed, the other defendants being ordered to p" y 5s 6d inclusive. DRUN'KEXNE«S.—Allen Morgan, labourer, for beintr drunk and incupable on May 25th, was fined 5s and 4s 6d costs —William Gilmore, labourer, for being drunk and disorderly on May 22nd, was fined 2s tid and ts Gd costs.

I NEWPORT. POLICE COURT, WEDNESDVY. THE THREE CARD TRICK. George Edward Manning, 8, Redcross-street, Bristol, and Thomas Dallimore, of 55, West- street, Bristol, were charged with playing a giiiiie of chance iu a railway carriage between Newport and Cardiff on Whit-Monday. Mr L H Hornby appeared for the prosecu- tion. Detective Mount-joy, of the G.WR., said he was on Cardiff Station platform when his attention was drawn to a number of men, including the two prisoners. They got iuto a compartment for Newport, and witness followed them. Manning opened the conversation with witness, and after talking about the weather, and stating that he had played in a billiard match the night before for £ 25 a-side, said, This is the game I like" pro- ducing three cards. He offered to bet £ 2 that no one would find the picture card, and Dallimore (the other prisoner) offered to bet "a quid" that he could. Dallimore found the card, aud Manning handed over the L2. The latter then asked the thers in the compartment if they would have a wager, and Dallimore whispered to witness to have a quid" on. An elderly collier in the compartment put half a sovereign on, which he lost. while another confederate, who put on a sovereign, won. Witness then put 5s on, and lost When they alighted on Newport platform witness seized them, and told them he was a detective officer, and was going to give them into custody. Manning struggled, pulled out a handful of money, and offered it. to witness, saying, For God's sake don't give me into custody." Detective Matthews, G.AV P, came up, and helped witness to secure the men. Detective Matthews said the two prisoners were part of a gang of six, and the other four got away. They were racecourse gamblers and card sharpers. Witness knew the prisoners to have carried on this sort of thing for years. Manning denied that the elderly man was a collier, and both prisoners said they were playing amougst themselves. Detective Watkins, of the Bristol Constabulary, said he knew Manning for twelve years ns a card "'i.a.rp'T and associate of thieves. Dallimore had I i>••■it connected with the gang for three or four y■•■!<. There were previous convictions against bu; ii men for card sharping. Both prisoners were committed to Usk Gaol for three months. I CYCLE ACCIDENT: AN EXAMPLE. A Lydney cyclist named Oswald J J Hyett, was summoned for furiously riding a bicycle in High- street, thereby knocking down Mrs Mary Cox, Railway-street, Newport, on Monday. Complainant, a widow, stated she was crossing the foot of High-street by the Bank, when defendant knocked her down. She looked round before crossing, but saw nothing, nor did she hear any bell. J A man named Westacott said he saw defendant riding up the street at between eight and nine miles an hour, and knock the complainant flat on her face. Witness did not hear him sound his bell or give any warning. Defendant denied riding at the rate stated, and said he was ringing his bell all the way down the street. He had only had the bicycle a few days. The Bench said the magistrates had come to the couclusion that the way in which bicyclists rode through the town was reckless and dangerous to the public. They had themselves seen cyclists riding much too fast down Stow Hill, at the foot of which there were generally a good many people about, and they were determined to make an example of defendant by inflicting the full penalty of 40s.

PONTYPOOL. I PETTY SESSIONS, SATURDAY- Before W. L. PKATT, E-q. (chairman), T. WILLIAMS, Esq., S. T. GitIFFIN, Esq., and E. FOWLmit, Esq. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.— Maurics Allen, William Powell, Margaret Powell, Charles Eckley, James Cobley, Evan Thomas, and David Bryant, were each fined lOs. for drunkenness. MARKING LAMBS.—James Rees, farmer, was summoned for cruelly illtreating three lambs, at Abersychan, on the 16th Alay.-P.C. Shott said that in company with Mr. Williams, veterinary surgeon, he examined a flock of sheep belonging to the defendant. The latter caught three lambs, and with a pair of shears he cut a hole about the size of a sixpence off each of their right ears. He also cut a mark on their noses The ears and nose bled freely.—Mr. Williams, veterinary surgeon, and P.S. Groves corroborated.—■ Defendant, who said he hud marked his sheep this way for 50 years. was fined 2 is. WITHOUT A LICLNSE. -W. J. Harris, for keeping a dog without a licence at Cwmffrwdoer, was fined 7s. 6d. REFUSED TO LEAVE.—William Harvey, collier, was summoned for refusing to quit the New Castle Inn, at Abersychan, on the 18th May.— James H. Palmer, landlord, gave the facts.— Fined 10s. ASSAULT CASES.—Henry Lloyd, was summoned for assaulting Thomas Davies, 11, at Blaenycwm on the 15th 3itty.-Af r. T. G. Powell appeared for complainant, and Mr. L. E. Webb for defendant. -Di,-znissed. -Ttioma,,i Harris, Arthur Davies, and David Edwards, were summoned for assaulting Henry Lloyd, at Blaenyswm, on the 15th May.— Henry Lloyd deuied that. he struck the boy (in the previous case) and that he tore his coat.—Arthur Davies, the boy's father, came to witness's house and wanted to fight. Witness went out, and they had a fight. Witness was struck iu the face twice, Davies broke a broom stick by strikiug witness on the shoulder with it.—Rachel Lloyd, complainants wife, and W. lumber corroborated.— Dr. Mason, Pontypool, said he examined Lloyd on the evening of the 1Gth May, he had had a very seveie mauling, he had two black eyes, the bridge of the nose was broken, and his shoulders were bruised.—For the defence all the defendants were called, and said that Lloyd struck Davies first, Edwards admitted rtriking Lloyd with the broom stick.—After retiring, the magistrates fined all defendants 20s. each, out of which Lloyd was granted 10s. compensation.

War Telegrams. I Details have arrived of the attack by Boers on a British convoy, on Thursday last week, which Lord Kitchener reported on Sunday. According to the Commander- in-Chief, the scene of the conflict was between Ventersdorp and Potchefstroom, in the Transvaal, and the enemy, who were in superior force, were driven off, and the convoy arrived safely. Our loss was four killed and 30 wounded. The Press Association correspondent tele- graphs from Potchefstroom A convoy between here and Ventersdorp had a sharp brush with the enemy on Thursday. The convoy from Potchefstroom goes as far as Wintpoorfje, where it is met by the Yeutersdorp section. The latter, after obtaining supplies, was leaving Wint- poortje on its return to Ventersdorp, when it was suddenly attacked by about 300 Boers. There-upon the escort of the Potchefst- room section turned back, re-occupied Wintpoortje, and reinforced the convoy on its way to Ventersdorp, with 15 men of the Welsh Fusiliere, aud 20 of the Imperial Light Horse. Both sections then proceeded on their respective ways. When the Veut- ersdorp section was crossing the Rietfoutein Drift it was again attacked by Licbenberg's wen. 400 strong. The fighting which ensued was severe, but the enemy were defeated in their tU-perate attempt to capture the convoy, The Ventersdorp garrison sent out 50 iniuntry and some mounted troops to the rescue. These cleared the front of the convoy, which eventually got safely to its destination. Three wagons broke down in the drift, the passage of which is difficult, but these were burned. Consequently, nothing fell into the hands of the enemy. Both attempts of the enemy were of a desperate character, but in the end they were splendidly defeated, The Boer loss is known to be 14 killed and 9 wounded.

When asking for Cocoa, insist on having CADBURY'S —sold only in Packets and Tins—as other Cocoas are often substituted for the sake of extra proit.

I 11 Markets. NBWPORT, CATTLB, Weineadiy.-Th-re wao: a good supply of all sto :k and a brisk traie. Best beef (;id, ditto second 1 6id, rows 5d to 5id per lb shorn wethers 711 to 8d, ewes 6^1 to 7d per lb; lamb 9 £ d; and veal 7d to Rid per lb; porker pigs 10s 6d per score, NEWPORT, CHEESE, Wednesday.—Chease was an average supply, and trade was goo 1. Cierphillies 3os to 40s fancy dairies 42s to 44s. Derbies 53a to 56s, and Cheddars 56 to 58, per cwt.

I Cricket. I USK V. CARDIFF Y.M.C. A. This mateli was played on the Usk ground on Whit-Monday, and was witnessed by an interested holiday crowd, the weather being delightful, and the scenery besetting the field presenting a charming picture. The playiug ground itself looked as well all ever it did, and an excellent wicket had been prepared which wore well. Usk won the toss and went in. They started in rather poor form, five wickets being down for 59. George Edmunds put a stop to the decline, entering double figures quickly by hard hitting, the first ball he received being sent out of the ground. W. F. Roberts, who played extremely well, was next pfirtnered by T. Rees, and seventh wicket down, Rees being bowled by Peiley for 46, the score stood at 132. Roberts was dismissed for oue short of the half-century by Cheatham catching him in the deep field off G. P. Thomas. Rev. H. J. Bates was givttn out l.b.w. to Pelley at 156, and the innings closed for 164. For the" Christians" Duncan and Bulmer npened well and the score was at 41 ere the latter fell to Creese for a dozen. Pelley brought bad luck, Duncau being run out at 42. and thereafter wickets fell at 44, 41, 49, 49, 62, 71, 74, and 75. Usk thus won by 89 runs. Following on, the Y.M.C.A. compiled 59 for five wickets. It is pleasurable to be able to stlite that the fielding on both sides was good, and capital judgment was displayed in the placing of the field for the visitors' innings. Hill took five wickets for 20 runs, and Creese four for 37 in the first innings. Score — r "I K. P. Hill, b 9 S. A. Hiley, c P. Thomas, b Duncan.. 8 H. C. Davies, c W. Bulmer, b Duncan 3 W. Creese, c Butter worth, b Duncan 7 F. Roberts, c Cheatham, b G. Thomas 49 F. J. Edmunds, b Duncan, 0 G. Edmunds, c Baugh, b Duncan. 15 T. Rees, b Peiley 46 Rev. H. J. Bates, l.b.w., b Pellev.,13 H. Powell, b G. P. Tliomas 3 L. Li a,-t, not out 1 Extras. 10 Total. 164 Y.M.C. A. R.Duncan, run out 27 c and b Hill. 0 W. E. Bulmer, b Creese 12 c Hiley, b East. 11 J. G. Pelley, b W. Creese 3 h.w., b Hill 12 G. P. Thomas, b Hill. 0 not out 15 F. Bulmer, b Creese, 15 b East.. 3 R. Butterworth, I.b.w., b F. Hill 2 not out 7 R. Cheatham, c Davies, b Hill 0 C. Baugh, c Creese, b Hill 7 R. Thomas, c Roberts, b Creese 3 A. Robertswn, not out 2 ct Hill, b Creese 6 G. Stenhenson, b Hill.. 0 Extras 4 Extras 5 Total 75 Total for 5. 59

The Welcome to Sir A. Milner. We are accustomed in this country ty witness or read of enthusiastic welcomes to naval and military commanders who have returned home after successful operations abroad. There have been many such ocoa- sions. among the latest being the receptions accorded to Lord Roberts, and Sir Redvers Buller, upon their arrival from South Africa. But it is a rare thing, an event almost without precedent, to see such a welcome extended to a civilian as that which Sir A. Milner experienced last week, both at Southampton aud in London. The King, representing the feeling of the great majority of his subjects, received the High. Commissioner at Marlborough House, and I CONFERRED TJPOIT HIAI A PEERAGE, the first of the present reign, as the promo- tion of Lord Roberts to an earldom was the last appointment in the reign of the revered Queen Victoria. Another member of the Royal Family, the Duke of Cam- bridge, was among those who attended at Claridge's Hotel on the following day, and, both at the reception at Waterloo Station and at the luncheon, there was such a gath- ering of ministers as is rarely witnessed oa such an occasion. The Prime Minister and Mr. Chamberlain rode with the High Com- missioner to Marlborough House, and many other distinguished statesmen were on the platform to receive him. It is more than possible that the signal honours thus bestowed upon Sir Alfred Milner are largely due to the statements of the conti- nental press—that the High Commissioner's holiday was no holiday at all, but really a dismissal. Whoever may have entertained that belief can scarcely retain it now. There is some reason to believe that Dutch opinion with regard to Sir A. Milner has undergone some slight modification; indeed,, it is stated by a war correspondent of one London paper that the majority of Cape Dutch" who were, until a few months ago, bitterly antagonistic to the High Commis- sioner, are now almost unanimous in their faith that he is THE ONLY POSSIBLE MAK to settle the South African problem in a manner satisfactory to Briton and Boer." If that is not too optimistic a view it must be regarded as a piece of exceedingly good news, but in any event those Boers who are most inimical to the High Commissioner must by this time be convinced that he has the confidence of the King, aud his ministers. More than that, it was evident that the public opinion of Southampton, and the metropolis, so far as may be gathered from the cheers of the crowd, I was distinctly favourable to Sir A. Milner. The fact that the Opposition was scarcely j represented seems to shew that there are 5 still many people who regard the High Commissioner as the author of a war, of the justice of which some are not altogether sure, but whatever may be thought on that point it must be admitted that the popular demonstration which the High Commis- sioner experienced was of such a character as not only to please, but even to earprisa him.

I BOARD OF GUARDIANS. At the fortnightly meeting on Thursday there were present:—Mr W. L. Pratt, J.P. (chairman), Messrs W. P. James. J. P., A. H. Bailey. T. M. Wintle, Z. Lloyd, E. Probyn, W. Newman, J. Heath, James James. J. T. Turner, Major D. E. Williams, Mr Hirding, Revs P. A. Degen, Anthony Howells, and W. W. Jones. The chairman referred to the death of Dr Andrew Davies, a former member of the board, and moved that a resolution of condolence be sent to Miss Davies and family. The motion was unanimously agreed to. The Masier reported thtt the number of inmates in the House was 156, a decroase of one on the previous fortnight, and 17 on the corresponding period of last year. There were 38 children in the Cottage Homes. Letters were received from Mr W. H. Maddy, the former registrar, and Mr G. F. Stephens, school- master, asking the Board to assist them in their applications for superannuation. It was resolved oa the motion of Mr Wintle, seoonded by Father Degen, that the Board add ten years to the period served by each of these offici,.ils.-Major Williams suggested that in Stephen's case the Clerk might add that the Board had been influenced to come to this decision in consequence of a former official of the l,ocal Government Board, Inspector Clutterbuck, having plundered Stephens of X700, the savings of a life time.—Mr Wiutle said Clutter- buck was summarily dismissed and afterwards imprisoned.—Major Williams, "he persuaded the poor man that he was borrowing the money upon Government security, and Stephens lent him every penny he had in the world. I think we should bring this to the notice of the Local Government Board, as it iniy possibly influence thern.Chair. man, "I am glad that. Major Williams h's brought this matter forward, as it may have seme effect.