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

THE NETTING OF THE RIVER USK. The following extract appeared in the Field of the 1st inst. SIB,—I take the following from a letter from the Chairman of the Usk Fishery Association, which appeared in the Field on March 29th last Only one net exists in the fresh water, and that is of a description which can only be used in the lowest state of the river when it cannot interfere with anglers. It is only fished for the supply of the public on a few days in the year, &c. and it has been stated that this net does not take out "anglers' fish." Now, what has happened since that statement was made? "An Old Brinker," in the columns of the Field, brings to notice that "thirty-two lovely fish that would have come up next flood and given sport to a large number of fishermen were netted out by the association from the Rock Pool, only a few miles below Abergavenny. Is it claimed that these were not "anglers' fish," and that their uetting did not -1 interfere with anglers ?" Again, I am credibly informed that this net dragged that pool and other pools for ten miles below it, not "on a few days in the year only," but no less than fourteen times from July 9th to the end of August this season, and took out, together with a large number of other salmon, about 250 grilse, clean run from the sea, our future salmon that might have been, and this, too, on a river with its ill-fated record of so many bad seasons—and these too, I suppose, were not considered anglers' fish," I need say no more, and now that the necessity for the abolition of this serious evil has been accepted and endorsed by the Royal Commission, we may reasonably hope that ere long its recommendations will be enforced; but I cannot conclude without offering my best thanks to you, sir. for the invaluable assistance afforded in the ventilation of a subject which is of so much interest and importance to anglers, and which has been very gratefully accepted and appreciated. October 25th. M. P.S.—It is believed that the Chairman of the Association (who is, by the way, also chairman of the Board of Conservators) is about to issue his report on this netting, and it is to be hoped that that report will be published at an early date, that those who are interested in the welfare of the river Usk may have an opportunity of replying to it, in order that it may be seen that this agitation- has been necessary and justifiable.

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Resignation of Sir George Kekewich. It is announced that Sir George Kekewich, K.C.B.. the Secretary to the Board of Education, has resigned his appointment. For twelve years Sir George Kekewich has been Secretary to the Board of Education. Born in 1841, he is one of the lions of the late Mr Samuel Trehawke Kekewich, at one time M P. for South Devon, and of his brothers one is a judge of the Chancery Division. Sir George, who was educated a'; Eton and Balliol College, Oxford, became an Examiner under the Education Department in 1867, and four years later was promoted to be Senior Examiner. In this position he served for nearly twenty years, when he was chosen for the position he is now vacating. Sir George, who retires under the age-limit, is succeeded by Mr Morant, of the Education Department. >

East Toxteth and Cleveland Election Results. EAST TOXTETH. The result was declared late on Thursday evening, as follows Taylor (U.) 3610 Rathbone(R). 2233 Unionist majority 377 CLEVELAND. The result was declared on Thursday, ai follows Herbert Samuel (R.). 5834 Geoffrey Drage (U.). 3798 Radical Majority 2036 The representations remain unchanged.

Parliamentary. THE EDUCATION BILL. On Wednesday, some important amend- ments were made to the Bill in the House of Commons, and the House went into Committee on Clause 12. It is to be made clear that the local council or borough council is to be the executive educational authority, though it may, if it choose, delegate most of its powers in this respect-those relating to finance apparently being only excepted—to the departmental committee which is to be constituted primarily as a consultative body. The council will be under the necessity of selecting a majority of the committee, but will be allowed to choose for that purpose either its own members or persons outside its ranks In the smaller areas, the appointment of committees to deal with elementary instruction will be optional, the councils having the right to act directly in the matter if they prefer to do so. THE CASE OF RESERVISTS. Mr Brodrick said that he had arranged a to open a bureau at 47, Victoria-street, to deal with the cases of Reservists and time- expired men who had not received the pay due to them, or had been unable to obtain their discharges. 0 SOUTH AFRICA. The House went into Committee on the additional estimate of Y,8,000,000 for the Transvaal and Orange River Colonies. The vote was agreed to without a devision. In the House of Commons on Thursday, when questioned respecting the favour shown by certain local authorities in Ireland, when placing contracts, to members of the United Irish League,. Mr Wyndham stated that in all such cases proceedings would be instituted by the Crown. Mr Brodrick announced that it would not be possible to grant further direct commis- sions in the Army to any class of individuals, and that he could not hold out hopes of a general re-consideration of the pay and pensions of officers. Various amendments to Clause 12 in the Education Bill were disposed of and progress reported. The new grants to the Transvaal and the Orange River Colony were again discussed and passed.

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I Russia's Colonizing Proposals. St. Petersburg, Thursday. Russian officials are considering the question Colonising Manchuria. It is proposed that Cossacks or the Dhoukobors sect should be sent to colonise the province.

Pontypool Rural District Council. The monthly meeting of the above Council was held at the Town Hall, Pontypool, on Saturday (afternoon, when there were present:—Mr William Marfell (vice-chairman, in the chair), Rev W. W. Jones, R. W. Spencer, J. James, J. Bevan, W. Newman, J. T. Turner, R. Williams, J. Williams, W. H. Charles, H. Knipe, 1. Heath, and (late) S. T. Oriffin, J.P., with Messrs. T. Warkius (clerk), and 'R. Dcrrett (surveyor and inspector). FINANCE. I The Clerk reported a balance 111 h*nd of £ 414 3a 8d and the receipt of £ 143 14s 8d grant uader Agricultural Rates Act. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. I In his highway report, the Surveyor stated that he had placed a plank over the ditch near Iilanihewy Church so as to make it passable, and the work ordered there he hoped to be able to do in the following week. Wirh regard to the footbridge near the Iron Gate Farm, Llanthewy Vacii, Mr Turner and he bad visited the spot and found that to put it right would be a very small matter, and as to another footbridge near he bad made enquiries, bat failed 11 trace by whom it was put up. The Glaacoed Yach road had been repaired, but it would require more stone on it next year.. The Surveyor was requested to see Mr Harris, late surveyor to the Caerleon Highway Board, with a view to gleauiog further particulars as to the footbridge mentioned in the report with regard to which he could not trace liability. INSPECTOR'S REPORT. I Dealing with sanitary matters, Mr Uerrett stated that nothing bad yet been done with regard to the well at Green Court Farm as he had failed to make an appointment with Mr Brewer, but he hoped to see to the matter in the following week. He had served a notice on the Rev H. A. Williams jto repair the force pump and keeo the flushing apparatus at Llangibby Schools in efficient working order. He had aleto served a notice on Messrs. Pousford Br >s., re nuisance caused by the incnmpefent mauner in which the sewer was laid at Llanfrechfa Lower. He had seen Mr Bambury their agent, and he said he would have the matter Temedied at once, but the work had not been commenced whn he visited the spot on the previous day. There was no infectious disease in the district. The Inspector now stated that orders bad been given for the repair of the force pump at Llangibby Schools. LLANFRECHFA LOWER BYE-LAWS. I Ihe Clerk to the Llanfrechfa Lower Parish Council wrote stating that, owing to the absence of the Chairman at the last meeting, the Council had not yet dealt with the proposed bye-lawa submitted to them. CBOESYNYPANT WATER SUPPLY. I The Clerk reported that the Agent to the Marquis of Abergavenny had written asking for the names of the occupiers of the cottages with iregard to which the Council ordered a water supply, and Councillor Newman having supplied these, they were duly forwarded. Immediate attention to the matter had been promised. PONTHIR AND WAIN WATER SUPPLY. I The Clerk stated that, in reply to a question from the Llanfrechfa Lower Parish Council, he had informed them of the steps the Council was taking with regard to the scheme for supplying Ponthir and the Wain with water. ALL POX. I Dr. G. Harrison Jenkins, M.O.H., having been asked at the previous meeting for a report on the Local Government Board circular re small-pox, now wrote stating that be did not know that he could add anything to the suggestions therein made. If they adopted the Infectious Diseases Prevention Act, however, it would be of help in giving them greater powers in dealing with milk and food supplies generally. In the case of an outbreak of small-pox and the recommendation that there should be isolation at the earliest possible moment, he failed to see how this was to be carried out in the absence of an isolation hospital. It might be possible to join forces with a neighbouring diatiict for an isolation hospital, but the working expenses would be very great, as they would have to maintain a staff of trained nurses, &c. He suggested that handbills might be distributed recommending vaccination and re- vaccination. The Clerk said the Council might ask the Vaccination Authority to issue handbills. The Council, however, passed on to the next business without taking any action. TY CAPTAIN QUARRY. I The Clerk reported having written to Mr Nicholl, enclosing cheque for royalty on stone taken from Ty Captain Quarry. A letter had been received in reply stating that Mr Nicholl was from home and would give the matter his attention when he returned. Mr R. Williams said Mr Watkins (the tenant) was surprised at the Council givinar up the quarry. "Where were they going to get their stones from for that district? The Chairman said the Council at the last meeting resolved to give it up. Mr Charles remarked that they had been told that the stones were not much good. Mr Williams said the Council would have to fill up the quarry properly and fence it regularly otherwise it would not be taken off their hands. Mr Heath We are giving it up; they will have to take it. The Chsiirman said a discussion on this subject could be raised when it came before them later on. POUTNEWYDD ROAD IMPROVEMENT. I The Llanfrechfa Lower Parish Council wrote atating that they were prepared to go on with the work of widening Pontnewydd road, and to pay half the cost. The plans and specifications were in the hands of the Chairman, and would be returned as soon as possible. The Clerk said they had since been received, and he had written asking it the Parish Council could find the money all at once, since if they could not the Rural District Council would have to borrow, and it might be included in their application to the Local Government Board with regard to the matter. The Clerk to the Parish Council had replied stating that the Chairman had been soen, and he was of the opinion that the parish would not be able to pay the amount down. The matter would be discussed at the next Parish Council meeting. MBBTINGS AT TTSK AGAIN. I In accordance with notice, the Rev W. W. Jones moved that the resolution be rescinded which fixed the meetings of the Councils at Pontypool for the winter months and at Usk for the summer months. He said he had been looking at the list of councillors, and he found that they numbered 13. Some people would think that uniticky-(Iaugliter) -but he cared very little about luck; he had himself never been able to get anything worth having without good, hard work. Well, the reason he wished to make his proposition was that he found that of the 13 councillors seven were in favour of having the meeting at Usk on a market day; it would be much more convenient for them. Four were in favour of the meetings being held at Pontypool as they lived near that town, and two were good enough to remain neutral. Mr Charles: Have you been canvassing, air {Laughter.) Rev W. W. Jones, continuing, said in these enlightened days they were willing to be guided by the majority-therefore because the majority I were in favour of having the meetings at Usk he moved the rescision of the former resolution on the subject. Mr R. W. Spencer said he had pleasure in seconding the motion. That week he had had three opportunities of visiting Pontypool on public business on Monday there wa a meeting of the Assessment Committee of the Union; on Thursday a meeting of the Board of Guardians; and that day a meeting of the R.D.C. Why should that be ? He had been a member of the Council since its formation and they had never wished to make the place or hour of meeting inconvenient. Should they consider three or four before others who were asked to do a good deal of work, not only on that Council, but on the Board of Guardians as well ? They in the Usk district could not be continually coming to Pontypool. They were asked and endeavoured to do their duty to the electors, but, he urged, there was also a duty they owed themselves, and they should not unduly neglect their own business. Mr Heath, who brought about the change, was a new member, whereas he (the speaker) had been a member of the old Pontypool and Usk Highway Board, and Mr Marfell had an older association still with the local government of the district. Let them endeavour to be fair, rescind the resolution and fix the date and hour of future meetings at Usk so as to be convenient for the majority. Mr Heath, replying, said the majority and minority of the Council had been arrived at before the vote had been taken. They did not ask for the meetings to be taken from Usk altogether, but simply to have six meetings at each place during the year. The fact that he was a new member had nothing whatever to do with the matter some of the older members were, perhaps, more interested in it than he was, and he was not speaking for himself. The arrangement was moved by Messrs. Marfell and Spencer. Mr Spencer: As a compromise at the time. Mr Heath said the other members fell in without arrangement, and he thought the matter was satisfactorily settled once for all. The members representing the various districts may vary, but they must take into consideration the money represented by each, and he thought in that respect the parishes he and those with him represented stood very well up in relation to the whole district. Mr W, Charles also said the greater part of the Council's money came from the parishes of Goytre, Glaucoed, Llanfrechfa Lower and Mamhilad, and the representatives of those parishes should be considered. The Rev W. W. Jones pointed out that each member had a vote. On the motion being put to the meeting, seven voted for it, four against (Messrs. Heath, Charles, Turner, and J. Williams), and twu (Messrs. Griffin and Newman) remained neutral. FUTURE MEETINGS. I Mr Griffin then said that, the rescinding of the former resolution having been carried by a majority of the Council, he thought it would be quite consistent for him to move a resolution as to the future meetings. He believed that it would be far more convenient to the majority of them if they held the meetings at Usk on the same day and at the same hour all the year round accordingly be proposed that they be held on the first Monday in the month at 2,45 p.m. Mr Charles: I will second that—until such time as we rescind it, and I hope that won't be long, Mr R. Williams said the meetings would never have been taken from Usk if they had been held In the afternoon instead of in the evening. He had got home very late from Usk, after a meeting, wet through. The resolution was carried, Mr Heath only dissenting. PHTHISIS AND MEASLES. On the proposition of Mr Spencer, it was resolved to include phthisis and measles in the list of notifiable diseasee under the Act. The question of fees was left over for a report on the subject by the Clerk.

lonnlouthshire Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society. The quarterly meeting of the Monmouthshire Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society was, by the permission of the Mayor, held at the Town Hall, Newport, on Friday in last week. There were present:—Mr S. Courthope Bosanquet (in the chair), Alderman E. Grove, Revs H. Abraham, P. L. C. Nash, and E. W. Skinner, Mrs A. R. Bear, Mrs Horace Lyne, Mrs C. D. Stentiford, and Mr Humphrey Humphreys, hon. secretary. The Hon Secretary's report was as follows :— Ninety-seven men and 18 women came under treatment by the Society, and two men and one woman were further assisted, making a total of 99 men and 19 women. Four men were found unworthy of assistance, and one man declined help, making a total of 94 men aud 19 women. The results up to date are as lollows-48 men and 9 women are doing well; 15 men and 6 women, indifferently 29 men and a woman have been lost sight of; aud 2 men and 2 women have been re- 11 convicted. Thirty-one men and 2 women returned to former employment; 4 men found fresh employment, 6 men went to sea, 6 men and i women were returned to friends, 2 women were sent to a workhouse, 6 men were provided with clothing and 1 with tools, 30 assisted with food. and 4 women, 8 men with lodgings. 17 men and 4 women with railway fare. To 50 men and 6 women gratuities were administered with agency only.

The London Welsh Conservative and Unionist Association. Under the auspices of this association a smoking concert accompanied by speeches took place on Thursday night in the Throne-room of the Holborn Restaurant. Sir J. H. Pulestou [the chairman of the executive] presided, and about 400 ladies and gentlemen were present. The Earl of Denbigh is president of the association, and the expenses of the concert were kindly undertaken by Dr Rutherfoord Harris, who was detained in Paris. Mr 0. H. Cripps, K.C., M.P., explained the maiu provisions of the Education Bill, and maintained that Nonconformists would find when it came into existence that they had been con. sidered far more fairly than in the Act of 1870. The ratepayers would all be equitably represented in the couucils.-Citptain Ernald Richardson, proposed a resolution wishing the Colonial Secretary God-speed on his forthcoming tour, and Mr St. John Raikes seconded, remarking that Mr Chamberlain had done more than anyone else to create a golden chain around the world, the links of which were the British Colonies. [Cheers. J The resolution was carried with acclamation.

Football. I Some of Saturday's results; played on the ground of the first named — Cardiff v Lianelly.-Home team won by 2 goals to nil. Newport v Leicester.—Home team won by 2 tries to nil. Aberavon v Swansea.—Visitors won by 3 goals (1 penalty), 2 tries to 1 penalty goal. Chepstow v Cardiff Reserves.—Visitors won by 1 goal 5 tries to nil. Monmouth v Chepstow St. Mary's.—Home team won by 1 try to nil. Abertillery Crusaders v Abertillery 2nds.- Crusaders won by I try to nil. Llanhilleth v Aberbeeg Juniors.—Home team won by 1 dropped goal 3 tries to nil. Blackwood v Abersychan.-Home team won by 5 goals 3 tries to nil Merthyr Alexandras v Abergavenny.—Home team won by 1 penalty goal 1 try to nil., Pontypool Reserves v Blackwood II.-Home team won by 1 goal 2 tries to nil. Crickhowell v Christ College (Brecon).—Home team won by 2 goals (I penalty) 1 try to nil.

USK V. NEWPORT EXTRAS. This match was played at Usk on Saturday last, J before a good gate, and in splendid weather. The homesters were very poorly represented. Newport won the toss, and E. Waters started the leather rolling towards the river the reply finding touch at half-way. Tnter-kicking between the backs ended in A. Williams putting the ball to touch inside the visitors' quarters- From another huge kick by Williams, Pugeley failed to reply, being tackled in possession. Usk now pressed, but -,A kick by one of the Newport backs sent them to half way. The visitors got a free, but no advantage wto gained. They then came away with a nicR dribble, but Stibbs saved. From a line-out at Usk's 25, the Extras dribbled asrain, and Pugsley, picking up from a bunch of forwards, dropped a goal. Ut-k kicked out, and exchange kicks left the leather in touch at half-way. F. Daviei4 got hold from a scrum, and got in a smart kick, which put Usk on the attack. The visitors' halves, however, got. the ball ont to Pugsley, who ran finely, and, beating all opposition, scored a good try. The point was not negotiated. Usk dropped out, and Dai Prothero and A. Lewis dribbled well, but another round of passing by the visitors nearly ended in a score. A combined dribble by the home forwards took plan, to their opponents' 25. where Prothero and Reg. Haggett made desperate efforts to score. The visitors wended their way to Usk's 25, with a rush, and from here they dribbled to the homesters line, where strenuous efforts to score were spoiled by most determined tackling. Prothero relieved with a good rush, but from a kick over the line a minor resulted. From the succeeding play at half-way, Dai Prothero again got away from a scrurn, and after a good run gave to Jennings, who made an attempt to score, but was tackled inside the Extras' 25. A. Williams got in a splendid kick to touch near the visitors' line, but they eased the pressure with a dribble to half-way. The home forwardo, by similar tactics, attacked again, but kicked too hard. Half-time was called with the score standing IN ewport Extras. 1 dropped goal 1 try. Usk Nil. Pugsley restarted for Newport and Reg. Haggett returned. The visitors came away with a bout of passing, which was spoiled by a good tackle on the part of Jimmy Knight, Dai Prothero got clear from a scrum, but was not backed up, and a chanoe of scoring was lost. A free to Newport took play back to neutral territory. F. Davies and Hugarett got in some useful kicks, and the latter would certainly have scored if he had fielded the leather. Newport relieved, and Pugsley put in a good run, but was grassed at half-way. A. Jones put in a dribble to his opponents' 25. From a scrum here Pugsley received, and, after beatinar his vis-a-vis, gave to Rowe at mid-field, who went for the line in fine style and scored a good try. Tht) major points wore not added. After the drop out Prothero dribbled well into the Extras' 25, but he was unsupported, and again another chance was lost. Lewis got away from a scrum but was grassed. J. Madley had an open field but he ran into a bunch of opponents. The visitors obtained a mark and found touch at half-way. From here they came away with a round of passing, which was checked by a good tackle by Stibbs. Prothero and E. Waters made headway with a bit of interpassing. Some scramblinar play at neutral territory was seen, and time was then called. Score:- Newport Extras.1 dropped goal 2 tries. Usk Nil. The following represented Usk: Back, Frank Stibbs; f-baoks, A. Williams, Bob Jennings, J. Knight, Reg Haggett; t- bck8, Dai Prothero, F. M. Davies; forwards, E. Waters, D. Murrav, A. Lewis, J. Morgan, J. Madley, J. Stead, A. Jones, and C. Poulsom. The home team made a very creditable show, considering the unrepresentative team they put in the field. The forwards worked well, but should give the ball out more quickly and cleanly. Their dribbling was fairly good, they should, however, learn to keep the ball under control, and not kick into the hands of their opponents, who several times nullified the advantage thus Rained. Prothero, at half, although handicapped with a bad hand, played a splendid gama throughout. Several times be got away on his own, which would probably have led to a snore, had he been properly backed up. F. M. D ivies showed up well in defence, kicking especially well, but should endeavour to give low and swift passes from the scrum when on the attack. A. Williams saved his side a lot of work by his kicking, but he does not make such use of the touch-line aa he formerly did The tries scored by the visitors were the outcome of some neat bouts of passing, but the dropped goal by Pugsley should certainly have been stopped. Prin, their custodian, played a good game, kicking with good judgment. On Saturday next, Usk play Chepstow St. Mary's, at home, and the proceeds of the match are to be given for the benefit of J. H. Roberts, the home skipper, who broke his collar-bone at Pontypool, and the gate should prove a bumper one.

Hunting. The opening meet" of the Llangibby pack took place at Llansoar, on Tuesday, in glorious weather, and in the presence of a very large field. Amongst those present, mounted and afoot, were Mr Hopton A. Williams, M.F.H., the Misses Boulton, Mr W. B. Gething, Mr Herbert Gething, Mr Watson, Mr Beasley, Mr Charles Firbauk, Captain and Mrs Staveley, Miss Mackworth, Mrs and Miss Beasley, Mrs Boulton, Mrs and Miss Bowen, Captain and Mrs Moore, the Rev C. T. and Miss Salusbury, the Rev H. A. Williams, Mr Harold A. Williams, &c. Punctually at eleven a start was made and a fox was soon found in Llansoar Wood, but he cleverly got away, and bounds then harked off to Madam Rogers," where a fine old var- mint" gave a capital run. But he, too, retained his brush until later in the season, and a kill was not effected until the neighbourhood of Glen Usk was reached. Another fox seemed likely to share the same fate, when a 401 b. badger crossed the trail and was sacrificed instead. Lord Tredegar's pack opened the season on Monday, at Penylan White Head, in grand weather. His lordship was amongst the large company assembled, but Col Morgan was not sufficiently recovered to attend. Five brushes were secured during the day. Capt Forestier- Walker succeeds Col Morgan as huntsman.

Treatment of Balaklava Veterans. The discussion which followed the publication of the Duchess of Somerset's letter ha< evoked several protests against the shabby treatment extended by the military authorities to the Balaklava veterans. Mr T. H. Roberts, for instance. refers to the case of Richard Palframan, who was in receipt of Is. per day from the Light Brigade Balaklava Fund. Palframan is 65 years of age, and has a wooden leg, n so that he would appear to be entitled to particular consideration, yet when be obtained a pension of 9d a day from Chelsea Hospital, the body who appear to be somewhat humourously styled the Patriotic Commissioners deducted the 9d. from his Is., leaving the magnificent sum of 3d. per day as his share of the fund which had been subscribed for the benefit of the Balaklava heroes. Subsequently to this, the secretary of the Commissioners sent to Mr Roberts the calm request that he would furnish a list of the men whom he was relieving, and Ithe amounts paid t,) them, apparently witti the object of making further reductions.

PONTYPOOL. 1 POLICE COURT, SATURDAY. Before A. A. WILLIAMS, Esq., W. L. PRATT, Esq., W. B. WITCHELL, Esq., and Dr ESSEX. THEFT OF A WATCH.—Charles Corfield (15), Pontnewydd, was charged with stealing a silver watch, value 5s, the property of Mary Morris, at Pontnesvydd, on the 27th October.—P.O. Jones said that when he charged the boy he replied "I didn't steal it; I only took it in fun I intended taking it back."—Mrs Corfield said that her son was a good boy at home, and fed 22 pisfor her every day. Ordered to come up for judgment when called upon. DEUNKENNHSS.—For this offence the folio wine: were fined—Wm. Morgan 10s, Philip McDonough 10s, and Joseph Griffiths 7s 6d. ALLEGED BETTING.—George Cecil, landlord of the Black Horse public-house, Talywain, was summoned for allowing his licensed premises to be used in con- travention of the Betting Act, 1853, and the Licen- sing Act, 1872, on the 16th October, at Talywain. Mary Williams, who assisted in the management of the house, was summoned for using the premises in contravention of these two acts, and also with aiding and abetting. Hannah Walters, Pontnewynydd, was summoned for aiding and abetting Cecil, and also for using the bar of the Black Horse Ion for the purpose of betting with persons resorting thereto, on the 16th Ootober.-Mr H. S. Lyne, Newport, prosecuted on behalf of the police Mr J. Corner, Hereford, defended Walters, and Mr A. Parsons, Newport, defended Cecil and Williams.— The case occupied the Bench for over two hours, and, after retiring, they expressed the opinion that the police were perfectly justified in bringing the I case forward, but the evidence was not sufficient to justify a conviction, All the cases would, therefore, be dismissed.

I USK. I PETTY SESSIONS, THURSDAY. Before R. RICKARDS, Esq. (in the chair), and H. HUMPHBKYS, Esq. I APPLICATION REFUSED. Mr F. C. Williams (Messrs. Williams and Sons, solicitors, Monmouth), applied for the temporary transfer of the licence of the Black Bear Inn, Bettwa Newydd, from William Charles Williams to his wife. He pointed out that the house, which had been managed by the wife, while Williams- over whose head a serious charge bung-carried on business as a wheelwright, had been well con- ducted during the 4| years it had been in his name. Supt. James said under the circumstances he objected to the application being granted. f The Chairman said the Bench did not feel justified in granting the application. Mr Williams asked if the Bench would grant a transfer to the wife's sister, who had been with her, assisting her in the business. The Chairman declined to do this also. I THB THREB SALMON S U3K. Mr A. J. Green applied for the temporary transfer of the lioence of the Three Salmon's Hotel to Mr Charles Ernest Wagstaff. Supt. James handed up the testimonials as to character which had been sent to him, and said that having made enquiries the police had no objection to make. The Chairman said his personal feeling in the matter, and he thought his colleague would agree with him, was that Mr Green's character was sufficient guarantee as to Mr Wagstaff. During the last tenancy the house had been well conducted. At one time it had a character to gain, and Mr Green had thoroughly established it. He hoped it would continue to maintain that character. The application would be granted. Mr Wagstaff said he should do his utmost to follow in the footsteps of Mr Green. I DHUNKENNB43. Daniel Harris, labourer, Llangeview, pleaded gui!ty to being drunk and disorderly in Four Ash- street, Usk, on the night of the 25th Octobet.- P.C. Bullock gave the particulars, and this being defendant's first offence he was ordered to pay 53 James Parry, Pencarreg. Raglan, was similarly fined, he being charged with being drunk on the licensed premises of the Nag's Head Inn, Usk, on the 29th October.-P.S. Sheddick stated that defendant was being brought out from the Inn drunk, and, questioned by the Chairman, said the landlady told him that he had not bean served there. I POOR RATES. The following Poor Rates were signed:- Llansoy, Is Sd Llaugibby, Is 8d; Monkswood, 2a Llanbadoc, 2s; Trostrey, Is 8d; Kemeys Commander, Is 8d Llangwm Ucha, Is 4d; and Llantrissent, Is 8d in the Z.

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I Newport Cabmen's Dinner. I LORD TREDEGAR ON CABMEN. I The annual banquet of the Newport Cabmen's Society was held at the Newbridge Hotel, on Wednesday evening, under the presidency of the Mayor. I Lord Tredegar was amongst the guests, and, in proposiug the toast of the Sick Benefit Society, said he was glad to see from the state- ment of accounts that the Society was in very flourishing circumstances, and had jfifty members iu Newport. Cabmen in all towns, he thought, were much the same, and when they reflected that in London 300,000 lost articles were returned to Scotland Yard by the cabmen, he thought that stamped them as a very honest lot. (Hear hear.) Councillor W. Clifford Phillips, hon. secretary to the Society, spoke of the progress it had made during the last few years. It had over £ 200 on deposit and R89 6s 8d besides to its credit. Dr Garrod Thomas proposed the health of the President of the Society (Lord Tredegar), and His lordship, in responding, said he had spent the greater part of the day in presiding over the Monmouthshire County Council, and that he felt it was a relief to come down to the level of j humauity again. (Hear, hear, and laughter.) He was rather afraid that he should still have education topics and flowers of speech in his head, and that when he spoke to the cabmen he should have still some Couuty Council expres- sions in his mind and mistake a school board for a footboard, or make other little errors of eloquence. (Laughter.) He felt a bond of sympathy with the cabmen, and there was a fellow-feeling which made them wondrous kind not only to the cab-drivers but also to the horses. He sometimes envied the extreme idle- ness of the cabmen—the enforced idleness, he was sorry to think, now that there were all sorts of competitive vehicles-tramcars, motor-cars, and other horrible means of conveyance. Having been interested in nursery rhymes since he was very young, he looked recently at a sample of Christmas books and saw these lines in a book. for children :— The hansom takes you quickest, The growler keeps you dry, But the top of the 'bus Is the place for us To see the coves go by. His advice to the cabmen, however, was not to"- give that kind of book to the children. (Laugh- ter and hear, hear.)

A Big Blaze. A fire last night gutted the- waste paper Warehouses of Messrs Jebb Brothers, of Glasgow, the damage done being estimated at n ten thousand pounds.

Disastrous Storms. Storms and heavy floods were- experienced at Dungarvan last night. Several bridges were 1 0 washed away and the water supply of the town is cut off through a bridge breaking down.

— A Floating Dock. New York, Friday. The great Havana floating Dock, built in England for the Spanish Government, and afterwards soldr left in tow for Florida yesterday.

I Schooners in Collision. Two schooners taking shelter off Holyhead to-day broke their moorings and collided. They were- towed into the inner harbour damaged.

Saved the Crew. Belfast steamer yesterday landed at Cronstadt the Captain and crew of the Swedish barque Svantey, which she sighted in a sinking: condition.

I A Total Wreck. The Swedish schooner, Fiao. O'Udderall was totally wrecked ow the Northumberland coast to-day. The crew were saved.

7 I The Bank Note Frauds. Philip Bernstein, jeweller, Ply- mouth, was remanded at the- Mansion House to-day in con- nection with the Bank note- forgeries.

I Inquest Adjourned. Southwark poisoning inquest was adjourned to-day without further evidence being taken. I

I The Prince of Wales. The Prince of Wales left Stockton at ten o'clock for London.

Quite Unconcerned. The trial of William Gardner for Peasenhall murder was resumed at Ipswich to-day. Prisoner was entirely unconcerned while the- evidence given before the magis- trates was repeated.

I Stocks. Stocks idle, Printed and Published by THE COUNTY 0139PRVBft NBWSPAPER and PUINTING COMPANY, Limited, by JAMBS HBNRY CLARK, at their Offices, Bridge- Street, Usk, in the County of Monmouth, Saturday" November 8th, 1902.