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

CWMBRAN. I FATAL FALL OF COAL.-At Newport Town-hall •on Tuesday, Mr Lyndon Moore, Borough Coroner, *r<isumed the iuquiry on the body of Fiauk Farthing, a<red 40, a Cwmbran collier. Deceased tiuscained a crushed leg while employed at Messrs Guest, Keen, and Co's Cwmbran Colliery and died whilst an operation was being performed on him at the Newport Hospital. Trie jury returned a verdict of = accidental death, and agreed that spagging ought to •auore regularly carried out.

GUOSMONT. NAIIR OP AN ESTATE.—AT the Angel Hotel, 11 .'■Abergavenny, on Tuesday, Mr James Straker held -an important property sale. Amongst those present -were Colonel Bradney, Mr Reginald Herbert, M.F.H., tni the Rev. Andrew Pope. The Lawns and Lower Grounds, Grosmont, a reeidentihl. sport- ing, and agricultural estate of 313 acres, with three sinilea of fishing in the Rivtr Monnow, was started with an offer of £ :>,00u, and after successive bids was transferred to the Rev. Andrew Pope, the Rectory, Upton Bishop, dear Ross, at the sum of 10,000, exclusive of timber, to be taken to by valuation. We understand that the purchaser is the owner also of Paiity-eal. an 1-ntate which adjoin* the Lower Grounds. Tne Duff^y > Fir i l,latinHen, wsi4 the next property offered, but was withdrawu at JE650. A tract of WooJlan.l and pasttir adjoin- ing was sold for L270 to the tenant, Mr Henry Jenkins. Guarnerius Hall Windsor-road, Aber- gavennv, a leasehold family resideace, the property of Mr E. H. Lauib, was next put up. but failed to elicit a bid. Two villas opposite, known as Glan- mor and Greenfield, did not reach the reserve, being withdrawn at £8110.

LLANVAIR KILGEDDIN. THE SCHI)OL —The report of H.M. Inspector ..n Llanvair School is a gratifying one to all con- cerned. It rtates: -The School is creditably conducted. A successful effort is made by the master to interest the children in the pursuits of coun'ry life. Newer methods are being adopted in the instruction of the infants."

NEWPORT. I Aqents-Messrs Greenland and Co.. iftwsagents. I THE NEW VICAR OF ST. WOOLOS.-The Rev. Benjamin Lloyd, Vicar of St. Margaret's, Mountain Ash. has been offered and has accepted the living of St. Woolos, Newport. PRESENTATION.—The Rev. Montague Bruce, son of the Ven. Archdeacon Bruce, on leaving the hon. curacy 01 St. Woolos, Newport, for Ashstead, Surrey, has been presented by the parishioners with a service of silver, consisting of teapot, coffeepot, sugar basin, milk jug. butterdish, and entree dish. The presentation was made on behalf of the congregation of St. Wo ilos by the senior churchwarden, Alderman H. J. Davis. THE DRUIDSTONE OOLLAPsE.-The inquest respecting the deaths of Al-red Pearce and Augustus Spooner, occasioned by tho collapse of the riding school at Drnidstone, the residence of Mr Herbert B. Cory, was held on Saturday at the White Hart Inn, St. Mellon's, by Mr M. Roberts- Jolies.-Williatn Fursey, one of the partners to the firm of contractors, whose head was swathed in bandages, said their firm had been in business for nearly 30 years at Casfcletou. The whole building fell witblut warning in less than three seconds. He attributed the accident to a weakness in one of the "principals." Af'er hearing medical evidence the coroner adjourned the inquiry in order that the "principals" referred to should be inspected. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.—The monthly meeting of the Newport, Chamber of Commerce was held at the Town Hall on Wednesday afternoon, Mr. W. Lyndon Moore, in the chair.—The Secretary read a final letter from the General Post Office with reference to the demand for direct telephone trunk lines between Newport and oihur large centres. The reply was that there was not a sufficient number of trunk calls passing through Newport to warrant the construction of additional lines. The matter had been placed in the hands of the Borough member, along with the subject of the all-night telegraph and telephone service of the Post Office. Mr. J. Lawrence, M.P., wrote stating that it was not advisable to press the<e matters for settlement at the present moment, as a great many heads of departments were away from home.— With reference to the non-stoppage at Newport of the Irish boat train which leaves Paddington at 4.30 p.m., and also as to the provision of dining accommodation for other than first-class passengers, the secretary (Mr. S. D. Williams) was directed to again make strenuous efforts with the directors of the Great Western Railway to get the grievances complained of allayed.

PONTYPOOL. I Agenlt—Mr..7. Harding, Market, Bookstall, Mr Fteldhouse, 'J he Market, and Messrs, Jones and Edwards. LIVING OF PONTNEWYXYDD.—Tae Bishop of Llandaff has offered the living of POlltnewynydd, Monmouthshire, to the Rev T. E. Moors, oue of the curates at Mountain Ash, and a nephew of the Rev B. Lloyd, who has been appointed to St. Woollos, Newport.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of this Board was held on Thursday, when there were present:—Mr. W. L. Pratt, J.P. (chairman), init-s. llarding, Mrs. Mulligan. Revs. P. A. Degen, and W. W. Jones, Mesn-s. J. Jenkins, W. H. Pitten, R. Williams, T. Wintle, W. P. James, Z. Lloyd, T. Parker, J. Williams, W. Newman, J. Staufield, and the officers. The Clerk said that there was a petition, signed by 644 householders of Llanhilleth, asking for a resident Registrar of births and deaths for their district. The population was 5.015 at the last census.—Mr. Staufield said that the increased population was making the ra'es much higher. The inc >nv nience was very great and was becoming greater, and a registrar should be pro- vided IVIr. Wintle Could we not re-arrange the district. --Air. Stanfield: Many persons have often to go to Pontypool twice for the purpose of seeing the registrar.—A deputation consisting of four gentlemen from the Llanhilleth district here appeared before the Board, and Mr. Davies and Mr. J. James, Aborbeeg, voiced their wi,;hes.-M .r. W. P. James moved that the Registrar General be written to and asked to give a resident Registrar for the district of Llanhilleth, and that the present Registrar (Mr. J. L. Morgan) be com- pensated for loss of fees.—Mr. Wintle seconded, and it was carried. The Clerk stated that the Lunacy Commissioners had visited the House and inspected eight lunatics domiciled thereiu. They stated that there was no separate accommodation provided for them, but teported favourably as to their condition, saying that they locked comfortable and well cared for. °

Colonel Cody, better known as "Buffalo Bill," has sustained a severe loss by the wrecking on Tuesday, at Linwood, in North Carolina, of the special train conveying the cars and staff of his "Wild West" show. Ninety-two hors.s were killed, and '00 injured. The damage is estimated at 60,000 dollars. pTARGH ER&C^I ? tyn EG STERED REGISTERED GOLDENRETURHS ? tac-simile of One-Ounce Packet. Archer's Golden Returns The Perfection of Pipe Tobacco. COOL, SWEKT, AND FRAGRANT.

I Usk (olt Show. The eleventh annual show of colts, &c., in connec- tion with the Usk Shire Horse Co.. Ltd., wis held in the Fishpond Meadow, on the Monmouth-road, Usk (by the kind permission of Mr G. Mundy), on Tuesday afternoon. Notwithstanding the dirty weather, the show attracted a large number of Spectators, and the exhibits, speaking generally, and bearing in mind the fact that the last season was one in which, for some reason or other, breeders experienced many losses, were fairly numerous and of the gratifying and improving quality invariably seen at this meeting, and which provides an admir- able object lesson on the value of the Company's work in the district. The Show, however, is not organised by the Company as a company, but by its members and supporters—the following Committee: Messrs C. J. Francis, R. W. Spencer, G. Edmunds, W. Matthews, W. Lewis, N. Crump, G. Mundy, Jos. Williams, J. Bevan, W. Marfell, W. Beer, aud S. A. Hiley, hon. sec. Especial mention inight-and ought—to be made of the continued valued services of Mr Hiley as hon. sec., than whom no committee could have a more interested, capable, or courteous organiser. The judges were Mr W. Williams, St. Mellong, and Mr George Heath, Trelleok, who were most painstaking in their important work, and gave general satisfaction in their decisions. I THE AWARDS were as follow :— Class 1.—Sucking colt, the property of a Share- holder: 1, E3, Mr C. J. Francis, Great House, Llangeview, Usk; 2, JE2. Mr James James, Llan- cayo, Usk; 3, JEl. Mr W. B. Gething, The Cedars, Usk: 4, 10s., Mr W. Trotman, Pantycuckoo. Usk. Judges' remarks The first was an easy winner. The whole was a useful, sizey class, likely to make good town geldings. 2.—Sucking filly, the property of a Shareholder 1, £ 3, Mr G. Townsecd, Rtglan; 2, L-2, Mr Tom Crump, Burnt House, Monkswood. Pontypool; 3, £ 1, Mr Edward Williams, Llanusk, Usk. The winner is likely to make a good mare, being of fair size and good bone. 3.—Sucking colt or fillv, the property of a non- Shareholder: 1, X2, Mr W. Lewis, Tregrwg, Llan- gibby; 2, £1, Mrs Waddimrton, Glen Court. Llanllowell, Llangibby, Newport h.c., Mr A. W. Trotman, The Rhadyr, Usk; c., Mr J. Townsend, Raglan. 4.-Yearling colt or filly (open): 1, L3 3s., Mr Caradoc Arthur, Cefnllech, Llangibby (colt); 2, £ 1 Is., Mr John Lewis, Graigwith, Llangibby (filly) h.c., Mr C.J. Francis c., Mr G. Townsend. On the whole a very good class. We recom- mend that a third prizd be given. 5. -Two- years-old colt or filly (open): 1, ;C2, Mr G. Townsend (filly); 2, £ 1, Mr C. J. Francis (colt); h.c., Dr Rutherfoord Harris, Llangibby Castle. This is a really good clasi; the winner being so full of quality, and the second well deserving his place. 6.-Three or four-years-old gelding or filly I. Z2, Mr Heury Williams, Llanarth (folding); 2, £ 1, Messrs Lewis and Son, Llangibby (filly). A couple of very useful animals well suited for town w,)rk. 7.—Sucking colt or filly. sired by a horse other than the Usk Shire Horse Co.'s, that stood or trav- elled for service within the limits of the Llantribby Hunt in 1900: 1. S2, Mr Georga Spancer, White House, Llanvair Kilgeddin (filly by Hendre Con- queror); 2, £ 1, Messrs Lewis and Son (colt by Hendre Conqueror); h.c.. Mr John Lswis (fidy). A nice class of filly took the lead the remain- der being a little on the smaller side. 8.—Champion colt or filly in Classes I, 2, 3, and 7: Li Is., Mr C. J. Francis (colt); r., Mr Towns- end (filly). The champion was an easy winner and should make a valuable horse; the reserve filly was weighty, but not so full of quality. 9.—Mare served by either of the Co.'s horses this Season: 1, E3. and 2, 22, Mr G. Townsend; h.c., Mr C. J. Francis. The m ires shown in this class would lead one to expect to see still greater improvement in the Shire horses of the district in the future. The winners were of good size, full of quality, and good movers. 10.—Messrs Marfell and Poole's prizes to the owners of the suckers which, offered by them for sale by auction, realize the highest prices: 1, El, Mr W. B. Gething (2t J guineag) 2, 10s., Mr Geo. Slade, The Mardy, Llangeview, Usk (17 guineas). INTERESTING SPEECHES. After the show. the Committee and Judges sat down to an excellent meat tea provided by Mrs Edmunds, at the White Hart, Mr S. A. Hiley presided, and the Company having dealt with the loyal toast in correct form, he gave that of The Judges." He said Messrs Williams and Heath had been very kind to the Committee in putting themselves out of the way to visit Usk and adjudicate at their Show that day. They highly appreciated the viluo of the services rendered, and were glad to know that amongst themselves were those who were both able and willing to return the compliment in other places. They had not had the pleasure of seeing the judges there before in that capacity, but they might congratulate themselves up 'n their good fortune in having secured their good offices. The j u Jges had taken infiuite pains to arrive at true and just decisions, and, speaking generally, he thought they had given absolute satisfaction. (Hear, hear.) In matters of that kind it was only natural there should be differences of opinion, but he believed that to a very large extent public opinion coincided with the opinion of the judges that day. (Applause.) Mr W. William*, in returning thanks for the compliment paid him and his colleague, said he was more than agreeably surprised to find in the district such a niee lot of Shire horses. Speaking personally he could say that in his work that day he had done his very best; he had not endeavoured to please anybody but himself. (Applause.) He congratulated the Committee upon their successful show. The Shire Horse Company was, from a general, as well as from a mercantile, point of view, doing a large amount of good amongst the tenant farmers of the di.-)triet-and they were really a most important body of men. Nothing paid better than to go in for good breeding if it were only pursued on the riht lines. They should endeavour to breed so that they might register their produce, and goon improving year after year. If they kept their good fillies it was very easy to do that, and the expense of registration was simply nomin-tl, whilst it in- creased the value of the stock immeasurably. It cost just as much to breed from non-pedigree as from pedigree mares—from one worth £ 2u as from one worth £ 200—and the result would be over- whelmingly in favour of the latter. He wished the Company and the Colt Show Committee every possible good fortune. (Applause.) Mr Heath said he was always interested in horse breeding he liked to see a good horse, and he thought he knew one when he saw it. They must continue to breed good horses, and if they wanted good horses they mut get a good foundation, even if they had to spend a bit of money to get it. They must keep good dams, and there wer6 some very useful oneil in .the neighbourhood. A mare might he just as good unregistered as registered to the mail who owned her, but the offspriusf had to be considered, and their endeavour should be to breed from shire mares on shire principles. He hoped the Company would continue to make that headway in the future that they had in the past. He was very much surprised at that day's competition, and that the numbers came up so bulky in so many classes. So far as both the Company and the Show were con- cerned he hoped their career would ba one of pro- gress and prospt-rity. (Applause.) Mr W. Marfell proposed The Subscribers," without whom, he said, they would cut a very sorry figure. He would mention those who hunted over their land iu particular. Dr Boultou- (applause)-b,id that day handed him over X17 which he had collected from his frieuds in the hunting field, with the remark that he was to do what he liked with it. on behalf of the farmers < f the district, and he proposed that, as usual, half should go to the Colt Show funds and half to the Farmers' Club. (Applause.) He need not tell them that Dr Boultou took a very lively interest in their societies, and they were all deeply indebted to him, as well as to those gentlemen who rode over their ground. The farmers kept the foxes for the huutsmeu, and the Hunt felt in duty bound to keep their little show going. Dr Boulton told him that he seldom got a refusal to subscribe, and expressed the hope another year to give a special Llangibby Hunt prize. (Applause.) The Com- mittee were also thankfui for the support given generally. The toast was duly pledged, and Mr G. Mundy followed with that of "The I Successful Competitors," coupled with the names of Messrs C. J. Francis and W. Lewis. In reply, Mr Francis said he was surprised to see such a fine lot of suckers, and as to the yearlings they were better than were to be seen at either the Abergavenny or Monmouth Shows. Mr W. Lewis also returned thanks. Mr Hiley proposed "The Unsuccessful Com- petitors," and Mr R. W. Spencer, responding, said it was no disgrace to be an unsuccessful exhibitor at that day's show. (Applause.) Mr Wm. Beer said he was quite satisfied with thp result, because he thought the j udges had done thei duty. Another year he hoped to be again alon-c side the successful ones. (Hear, hear). Mr Wm. Marfell in giving "Our Hon. Sec said that whatever Mr Hiley took in haud he did well and thoroughly. As a Committee and as exhibitors they could not thank bLn too much for his services, which were not confined to the secretaiial side. He kept them all up t. their work, and as long as they had him at the helm there would be no fear of the organisation coming to grief. (Hear, hear, and applause). Acknowledging the compliment, Mr. Hiley said he could not help feeling that the proposer of the toast had been too liberal towards him in the kind sentiments expressed. (,'No, ilo.") He had been their hon. sec. for eleven years, and he could assure them that he had found very great pleasure in occupying the position. (Applause). One reason for that was that he had had, speaking generally, gentlemen on the Committee who had been very earnest and enthusiastic in the matter of Shire colt breeding. He could not say that there had been no exceptions; but that might pass He hoped they would all continue to back up their Sec., and support their little Show. (Hear, hear). One matter he would like to mention, and it was the way in which the colts were brought into the Show. If the Committee went to the trouble of organising the Show he thought it was not too much to ask the exhibitors to take some little pains with the colts beforehand, so as to make them more amenable to discipline when they entered the ring. The want of this led to great waste of time, and he was sure, in some cases, it also led to the depreciation of the colts, Inasmuch as they were not, sliowii off to the best advantage, He hoped another year competitors would take more pains to the end, of the better leading and handling of their colts. In conclusion Mr Hiley said the little work that he did seemed now to come natural to him, it was a great pleasure t > him. and he was helped in it when he saw that his efforts were so heartily— he thought too heartily—appreciated. (Applause). Mr W. Williams gave "The C .mmittee." He said be was sure that they did the work because they felt it to be a good work—the work of encouraging farmers and others to breed good horses—and that work, he could assure them, was appreciated not only in this district, but outside. (Applause). If they handled their colts when very young they would improve them for the sh"w riug to their own advantage, the judges' assistance, and the public's pleasure. He coupled with the toast the uames of Messrs. Geo. Edmunds and W. Matthews. Mr Edmunds said that as he had no colt of his own this year he could with the greater freedom ask for support for the show, and he was pleased to say that he should have nearly as much money on his book this year as List year. (Applause.) It was always a pleasure for him to do as much as he could for the event. Mr W. Matthews also expressed his pleasure at being able to help the organisation forward as much as possible. Mr R. W. Spencer submivteJ The Press in flattering terms, and Mr J. fl, Salter briefly responded. Mr Hiley proposed "The donor of the Site," which he said was an excellent one, lent by Mr Mundy with the greatest goodwill. (Applause.) Mr Mundy said the thanks were due to Mr Edmunds who had thb meadow, but he was very pleased to do all he could for the Show. (Applause). "The Host and Hostess," was next pat and heartily drunk, and Mr G. Edmund.. returned thanks for the com- pliments paid Mrs E lmunds for the spread, The interesting proceedings then terminated.

I War Telegrams. The following telegra-n has been received at the War Office from Lord Kitchener :— Pretoria, Tuesday (10.20 p.m.). On the 25th of October, Colonel Byng's Column, after a long night march from Coal Mine Dtift, surprised Spanneberg's com- mando, capturing 22 prisoners, including Field-Cornets Spanneberg and Ouisth'iizen. I Mounted troops of Colonel Fortescue's column, under Cdonel E. C. Williams, tncountered Nlulleu's comm,,iudo on the 27th of October, forty miles north of Balmoral, and, after a running fight all day, killed four Boers and took 54 prisoners, also 3ti waggons and much stock, A message from Pretoria says that our columns are hotly pursuing General Botha's scattered com- mandos in the eastern Transvaal. The euemy are lurking in the rough country west of Swaziland. The success of Colonal Dawkins in the Northern Transvaal was due to his system of making rapid night marches with his troops in light equipment and taking no baggage. He captured in all 97 prisoners in the Nylstroom district. There is au increasing disposition among the surrendered Boers to break away from the tyrannical influence of the irreconcilables. Mauy are taking the oath of allegiance and offering actual help towards ending the conflict. Their services are being utilised in various ways. I LOCAL CASUALTY. The War Office on Thursday night issued the following:— Monmouth Militia Engiueers.—2 3S6 Lance- corporal C. West ley died fiotn pneumonia, Pretoiia, October 28.

Agricultural Education in 11' Monmouthshire. The Cheese School of the Monmouthshire County Council that has for the Session 1901 been held at Treworgan Farm, Llandenny, has just closed after a most successful course of instruction having been given to eleven students from various parts of the county. Miss Madge Kellett, the county instructress, has commenced work for the autumn session of the working dairy school at Nantyderry, with a full class of ten students. Mr. W. J. Grant, who has charge of the agricultural department, informs us that the annual competitive examination for the county gold, silver, and bronze medals, with the usual exhibition of poultry, eggs, butter, cheese, cider, &c., the produce of those who have attended the classes of the agricultural department, will take place at the Market-hall, Pontypool, early in December.

MERRYWEATHER ON FIRE PROTECTION AND WATER SUPPLY to COUNTRY HOUSES, &c. Write for Illustrated Pamphlets. MERRYWEATHER « SONS, 63, LONG ACRE, LONDON, I.C.

HOCKEY. I TJnk Wednesday Hockey Club met Newport on the ground of the Usk Hockey Club-kindly lent for the occasion—on Saturday afternoon, and sus- tained defeat by four goals to nil. Usk were not ■ fully represented, being minus their captain, laid up with a damaged ankle, but Newport had the services of Dauncey and Pearson, the old Rugby internationals. Usk Wednesday confirm their promise of last year. While lacking the combina- tion and knack of their opponents, crudeness in their methods was by no means noticeable. They splayed a hard game throughout, and, on the whole, were satisfied in preventing their formidable rivals running up a bigger score. Newport shot the ball into the net three times in the first half, but only scored once in the second portion of the game. Time, and again Usk got right into the mouth of the • «n«ry s goal, but failed to score when a goal .seemed certain. The goals for the visitors were obtained by Ralph Williams, F. H. Dauncey, and .Guy Davies (2). For Usk E. J. Smith, as centre .-forward, showed to advantage, and he was well .supported by the brothers Walters, while Georgo .Herbert, as goal-keeper, stopped some very hot shoto, and altogether played a splendid defensive .;game. The ground was rather heavy, and this, with the somewhat long grans, made the game v slower than it otherwise would have been. The Usk team are to be congratulated on their display ^with practice they will develop into a very smart organisation. Usk team: Goal, G. Herbert; backs, C. Jones and E. B. Haynes; half-backs, F. Waters, W. Billingham, and W. S-ockham; forwards, G. .iMundy, T. Williams, E. J. Smith, E. Waters, and W. Davies. On Wednesday Usk W. H. C. played Monmouth on The Island, Usk, and notched their second vio- tory this season-by three goals to two. The game was very evenly contested, the homesters shewing an it nprovement in combination. The visitors scored their goals in the first half of the game, Dr Stokes smartly doing the needful on both occasions. The Usk team tad the assistance of T. W. Pearson, who flayed on the left wing, and scored three goals in ,fine style. The homesters played a capital, ding- dong game, but they have yet to properly master the way, when in front of goal, to give effect to the .good and hard work they put in, and in this respect Pearson (and Stokes on the other side) provided ithem with an excellent object lesson. Amongst ,-the locals shining were those who were prominent in ';SaturdaY'tI match, and C. Jones. Usk team Goal, G. Herbert; backs, C. Jones ,-and A. J. Thomas; half-backs, E. and F. Waters, H. Hill; forwards, T. Williams, G. Mundy, E. J. Smith, W. Davies, and T. W. Pearson. I

ABERGAVENNY, I Aqents.-Messri. Davies t Go. Roctsetter-s. I PassENTATioN.—A complimentary dinner was held -.at the Monmouthshire Hous6 on Wednesday even- ing, to do honour to Iuspector Thomas W. Pugh, who for 20 voars had been employed at the Great Western Railway, Abergavenny, and who had been -promoted to the position of inspector in the carriage and waggon department.—The chair was taken by Dr H. L. Pnton, J.P.—There was a good atten- dance of railway men and local tradespeople.—The "Chairman, on behalf of the staff and tradespeople, presented Inspector Pugh with an illuminated iramed address, handsome marble striking clock, and on behalf of the ambulance class, of which he was secretary, a walking stick for himself and an -cmbrella for his wife. The gifts were suitably -,engrhved.- Complimentary speeches were made, and the recipient returned tbanks.-The clock was ssupplied by Mr Wheatly, silversmith, Abergavenny.

CHEPSTOW. I Agent.-Miss Clark I IXAUKST AT 8HIRBNEWTON.-Oll Friday, an Inquest was held at Shirenewton on the body of JPhyllis Agues Hunt, the little daughter of Mr Thos. Hunt, farmer, who fell off a wagon on the previous Tuesday, and sustained internal injuries ,to which Dr. Shoolbred attributed her death. A 'verdict of "Accidental Death was returned.

MONMOUTH. Agent.—Mr. Carrey. Bookseller. Monmouth. SALE OF THOY HOUSE AND ESTATE.—It is stated that Mr. G. Arnott, of Aberdare, who recently purchased "The Garth" and intends residing there has al-o acquired Troy House and estate, which includes the presentation of the living of Mitchel Troy. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—Col. J. Davis presided. On the motion of the Rev. Bidwell, seconded by Mr. Day, it was agreed to increase the salary of Dr. Prosser (medical officer to the house), from zC30 to X50 per annum, Dr. Prosser to find medicine and surgical instruments. WOMEN'S MEMORIAL TO QUEEN VICTORIA.-On Tuesday evening a meeting a meeting will be held in the Rolls Hall, Monmouth, in connection with the above object which is to assist in completing the work associated with the late Queen's nurses. These were instituted by Queen Victoria with the balance of E70,000 left from the Women's Jubilee OffeiiDg to the Queen after the erection uf a Statue to the Prince Consort, Lidy Llangattook is president of the Monmouthshire branch.

The Lancet has every ground for stating that recent rumours regarding the health of his Majesty the King are entirely without truth or 7 foundation. He is in goodjiealth, and has under- gone uo operation whatever. -0. \j!lII/ø étZ       v Dubbin I Is a wonderful water proofer for BOOTS and HARNESS. Softens and preserves the leather. Pleasant odour. Allows polish- ing. Higbtest Awards in 22 Exhibitions. Tins 2d., 6d., Is. 2s. 6d. Oj all Boot- makers, Saddlers, Ironmongers, fyc. Manufactory— Dulwich, London, S.E. AFTER being out 27 weeks, the strike of builders' labourers at Swansea has collapsed. The strike has cost the ineu's union £ 2,400. The employers are under no obligation to re.engage the old hands. The question in dispute was an advance of a halfpenny an hour. The result is consiered a great triumph for the masters' association.

Llandaff Diocesan Conference. I Llandaff Diocesan Conference was continued lay, when a resolution was carried that the t i, to be exercised by the laity of the Church r ",ld.ud should be confined to members ot the O • ou complying with the obligation to communicate at the least three times iu the year, of which Easter is to be one." A discussion also took place on the alarming increase of drunkenness in the county. The Ll. M. Williams, Rector of Dowlais, introduced the question of the housing problem, moving the following resolution:—"That in view of the tremendous issues affecting the moral and religious life of the people involved in the solution of the great housing problem, this conference considers it an essential part of the mission of the Church under present industrial and social conditions to—(a) Throw the weight of its influence and sympathy in favour of the rigid enforcement of the powers vested by Parliament in sanitary and municipal authorities for the better housing of the poor (b) Endeavour by such means as it may be able to command to obtain from the Legislature an extension of such powers; and (c) Strive to cultivate amongst those affected a wholesome public opinion on matters pertaining to hygiene, the sacredness of home life, and its indissoluble union with morality and social piirit.v." The Rev. A. G. Russell (Cardiff) urged the necessity of a great alteration iu their land laws. The Rev. Llewellyn Jones, Maindee, denied that the laud system was responsible for the whole of the evil. The resolution was carried.

Libel on Mr. Joseph Lawrence, M.P, Mr. Justice Bigham, sitting at the Old Bailey, on Friday, heard the case of the alleged libel on lr. Joseph Lawrence, M.P., for the Monmouth Boroughs, by Richard Cornelius Elliot, linotype operator, of Altrincham, Cheshire. For the prosecution there were retained Sir Edward Clarke, K.C., Mr. C. F. Gill, K C., Mr. Charles Mathews, and Mr. Bodkin. Defendant was represented by Mr. Rufus Isaacs. K.C., Al r. Horace Avory, K.C., and Mr. R. D. Muir. The Clerk of the Court, addressing the prisoner, said he was charged with unlawfully and maliciously publishing a defamatory libel. To the charge defendant had pleaded justification. Mr. Isaacs, K.C., then rose, and asked his lordship's leave to withdraw the plea of justification so far as the personal charges agaiuf-t Mr. Lawrence were concerned. The defendant regretted having made them. aud de,ired to withdraw them with his lordship's permission. He admitted that there was no justification for the statements. He (Mr. Isaacs) had seen his learned friend Sir Edward Clarke for the prosecution, who was willing to accept this statement as to the p!ea on behalf of Mr. Lawrence, the withdrawal of the justification having been made unreservedly. Under those circumstances, he had Sir Elward Clarke's authority to say, subject, of course, to his lordship's view, that he would ask for no punishment respecting the libel, particularly in view of the circumstance that the libel was never published to the world, but was only contained in a letter addressed to Mr. Lawrence himself. He would say one word further in justice to the defendant. When the defendant wrote the letter he was smarting under what he considered to be a grievance against the Linotype Company, of which Mr. Lawrence was chairman and managing director. Defendant now regretted having made those charges against Mr. Lawrence, and be now withdrew the plea of justification and pleaded guilty. Perhaps he ought to have stated further, Mr. Isaacs concluded, that the defendant did take precautions that the libel should not come to the public notice. Sir Edward Clarke said he appeared with other counsel for the prosecution. If there bad been any attempt to persevere in the course of justifying the statements that had been made, the circum- stances under which the statements were made would probably make it appear to his lordship that this was a case of considerable gravity, but the libellous statements were addressed to Mr. Lawrence personally, and precautious taken to prevent other persons from reading them, Under those circumstances, the case bore, in the light of the defendant's present attitude, a different aspect. Although precautions were taken to prevent anyone but Mr. Lawrence reading the libel, in consequence of Mr. Lawrence's abence from this country, someone else did read it. Mr. Lawrence was chairman of the Linotype Company, and was largely interested in that aud other important matters. He had no knowledge of the defendant at all ,'0 far as he was aware, he never saw or knew anything about him. It was the fact that at the very time the letter was written inquiries had been directed and were being made by the company with respect to claims that he and other persons had against the company. Those claims, he might say, would have been dealt with liberally and fairly, and would be so dealt with now without the smallest reference to that case or to anything that had taken place. It was desirable to state that the charges which were made against Mr. Lawrence, and for which a plea of justification was formerly set up, was simply a statement with regard to a business transaction, and, further, that in the balance-sheet of the Linotype Company some things had been over-valued. and that Mr. Lawrence must have known this. If the case had gone on he (Sir Edward Clarke) would have given overwhelming evidence that at the time the statt,melit was made it was absolutely untrue. With regard to the balance-sheet, the Linotype Company's was an enormous business, whose accounts were audited by some of the best auditors in the City of London. Mr. Lawrence was not the least personally responsible with regard to the estimates of value appearing on the balance-sheet. There had been no charges made at all against Mr. Lawrence excepting those two matters. Justifica- tion in such a case would have been promptly disproved. It would have been a very serious matter if the statements had been persisted in. Defendant had admitted that no charge whatever had been made personally against Mr. Lawrence. As defendant had expressed regret that the statements were made, and had called attention to the fact that the statements were made, in a way Mr. Lawrence had no feeling in the matter, and would be quite satisfied if his lordbhip took the course of warning the defendant. -itidge Bigham said the libel was a serious one, and the offence was aggravated by his former plea of justification, but, in view of the latest circumstances, he would order Elliott to enter into his own recognisances of £100 to come up when called upon.

.I THE MOST NUTRITIOUS. E P P S S GRATEFUL-COMFORTING. COCOA BREAKFAST AND SUPPER.

CURRENT TOPICS. SPEED OF MOTOR CARS. The question of the speed of motor cars, which is becoming a very serious one, particularly iu the Metropolis, has occupied, during the past few days, the attention of several conferences- Whatever may be said on the subject, there can be no excuse for the passage through the busy streets of Loudon of trucks which differ little in their construction and size, from those used on railways, drawn by locomotives, which are very much of a pattern of those employed on the rail way systems fifty or sixty years ago. THE PROPOSED LIVERPOOL UNIVERSITY. As we enjoy many advantages which were unknown to our fathers, so the next generation will lie benefited by many things which are now either unknown, or only just beginning to take shape. Among the developments of the next few years will be continned increase in the number of universities, so that young men who have not the means to enable them to reside at or near the old seats of learning, will be able to take degrees in the cities where they live. A. good deal of progress has been made already ia this direction, and it is now proposed to found a. university at Liverpool, with the support of the City Council. There will be plenty of room for this institution which will, no doubt, be organised on modern lines. The old idea that youths should engage in mental training by learning things which will never be of any use to them, will certainly be superseded by a, system which recognises the importance of culture, but at the same time provides that cllltnreby the study of subjects which will be of practical use to the man or woman in after life. Further, it is extremely unlikely that any university will ever grant other than honorary degrees without a preliminary examination, such as is now necessary for matriculation, but subject to such a reasonable test of general knowledge, a man who is distinguished in any branch of knowledge-such for example as history—ou^ht to be able to obtain a degree for the subject in which he has specialised. A third point is that degrees will be awarded to women ou the same terms as to men, but that question is pretty well settled with regard to all modern universities. The tendency of the Liverpool University will, no doubt, be on such lines as these, and, that being so, the project is worthy of all support. "YOUTHFUL HOOLIGANS." When one sees how degraded are the young "hooligans" of both sexes in the Metropolis, and great provincial towns, one is tempted to wonder whether it is really possible to make respectable men aud women of these youthful barbarians. Happily there are many people who have not contented themselves with speculations on this subject, and the success to which they have attained enables them to answer the question by saying that it is possible. In the majority of towns effort has been confined to the boys, but Lady Edmund Talbot is attempting to do something for the girl hooligans of London, of whom she truly says that these rough girls are practically beyoud the influence of the Government and Schoo! Board eveniug classes. They must be dealt with by volunteer service." The range of this subject extends beyond the great city of Loudon, but, speaking generally, it may be said with coufideuce that wherever there are ladies willing to undertake this work on kindly, practical, commonsense lines, there the money should be forthcoming in order to enable them to do so. THE NEW COINAGE. The new coinage, bearing the King's likeness, will make its appearance with the New Year, and there will be a rush to secure the coins with. the date 1901, the first year of the King's reign. A striking feature will be that the King's head will look to the right, whereas on our present coinage the Queen's head looks to the left. The change is in accordance with the ancient custom of reversing the profile of the Sovereign with each successive reign. Unfortunately for the younger folks, none of the ne* coius will be obtainable before Christmas. For many years the Bank of England has made it a practice to issue a quantity of bright new coinage, which has been mainly used for Xmas gifts, but in future, so it is announced, no such issue will be I made. Many will hope that the bank may be induced to re-consider its decision as, to the young folks, the dull and time-worn half-crownr or five shilling piece, can never have the same attractiveness as the bright and newly issued coins. FOGS. Everyone would be glad if a means could be discovered for preventing or mitigating the evil effects of fog. Fogs are, no doubt, good for the gas companies, and it is said that they are an excellent disinfectant owing to the atoms of carbon and sulphur, which act as deodorisers but most people would be thankful if we could do without them. Au appeal has been made to the London County Council to assist in a scientific research having this object in view, and if the causes and conditions of fog could be- definitely ascertained, possibly something could be done to guard against them. It is supposed that the firing of cannon, or the discharge of electricity between captive balloons, would have the effect of clearing away fog, by shaking down the particles of carbon, suspended in the- atmosphere, and thus break up the fabric of the fog. The theory seems a plausible one, and at least no harm would be done by trying such experiments. THE POSSIBILITIES OF SCIENCE. Science is ever overtaking the seemingly impossible, in new discoveries, and it is certain that the twentieth century will witness some marvellous developments in scientific research. One theory is that we shall soon be able to read each others thoughts through the agency of brain-waves," even in the eutire absence of any known means of physical communication. It is no longer the language of the clairvoyant to talk about au ethereal medium, pervading space, because we have evidence of the unseen in wireless telegraphy, and in the still more wonderful wireless telephony, and in the control and manoeuvring of such objects at a distance, as torpedoes, by electric radiation and impulses,. without the aid of wires. When such things can be done, who will say that the brain does noes emit tremors, or waves of energy, which. may be interpreted at a distance, aud of which perhaps we have so.ne early suggestions in the claims put forward by mesmerists and professors of hypnotism.