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

The Irish Land Bill. On Wednesday afternoon, Mr George Wyndham, Chief Secretary for Ireland, introduced the Land Purchase Bill in the House of Commons. In an eloquent address of an hour and a half's duration, he lucidly explained the technical and financial details of a complicated case, and the Bill was so favourably received that it passed the first reading without a dissentient voice-a fact that argues well for the success of one of the "MOST IMPORTANT EFFORTS OF MODERN LEGISLATION. Mr Gladstone's Home Rule scheme proposed to buy the landlords out; Mr Wyndham, with the assent of landlords and tenants, seeks to end dual ownership on terms that will enable the two classes to live together in peace. Finance, he said, is the basis of the whole scheme. Tenants wanted an inducement to buy, landlords a temptation to sell. The measure would create a com- mission which would buy estates from land- lords willing to sell, and sell to occupiers desirous of possessing their farms; or the parties themselves could bargain, and, upon approval of the terms, the Commissioners would ADVANCE THE PURCHASE MONEY. The tenant, by paying an annuity calcu- lated at 3 per cent, including a sinking' 2 n fund of 10s per cent on a reduced judicial rent, would become the owner, and the vendor would sell his property at the same rate, a provision being introduced to make advances to him for the purpose of repur- chasing such portion of his property as he might be able to hold advantageously. To 1 meet these operations a new capital stock would be created, not more than X5,000,000 of which would be issued in any one year, and the Imperial Exchequer would give X12,000,000 in cash in annual payments as .required, but never more than L390,000 in one year. Opposite such payment from the Imperial Exchequer the Irish Government has already ARRANGED TO ECONOMISE I on police, judicial, and other charges, to the extent of a quarter of a million annually, thus reducing the grant to a yearly payment of £ 165,000. Colonel Saunderson said the Bill would receive fair and candid considera- tion from both sides, and the general opinion in the Lobby was that Great Britain would gladly make a big monetary -sacrifice, pro- vided contentment and peace could be secured in Ireland. The second reading was fixed for April 22nd. -Ç'

I USK. I Agene-Mrs. E. K. Jones, Stationer UNION JACK CLUB.—Dr Rutherfoord Harris has collected over £ 2,000 for the Union Jack Club for soldiers and sailors. CRICKET CLUB.-The annual meeting of the Usk Cricket Club is to be held on Wednesday evening next. CONSERVATIVE CLUB.—The annual general meeting of the Usk Conservative Association and Club is to be held in the Club Room on Tuesday next, when it is hoped all members will be present. SIR JOSEPH LAWRENCE, M.P., as Chairman of the Association of Lancastrians in London for the current year, has consented to preside at the annual dinner of the association at the Hotel Cecil on May 1st. ECCLESIASTICAL.—At a special service held in the Palace Chapel, Llandaff, on Thursday mormnar, the Bishop granted a reader's licence to Mr Phillip Kendall Fair for the parish of Usk, with Monks- wood. CONSERVATIVE SMOKTCR.—We would remind our readers that the smoking concert in connection with the South Monmouthshire Conservative Association comes off to-night (Friday), at the Three Salmon's Hotel, Usk.—Full report next week. CATHOLIC MISSION.—The Rev Father Exton B.D., has, during the past week, been conducting a mission in St Francis Zavier's Church, Usk. Excelleut sermons have been preached and the special services have been very well attended. The Mission ends on Sunday next.

LLANBADOC & LLANLLOWELL LIVINGS. We learn that the Rev Harry Cookson, M.A., has been appointed to the Vicaraga of Llanbadoc and the Rectory of Llanlloweil, The new incu'3 bent is a graduate of the University College of Durham, and an associate of King's College, London. He is a Barry and Wordsworth priztJmfw, a Plumtre and Trench prizeman, and a theological associate first class. Ordained deacon in 1890, and priest in 1891; he was formerly curate of St Mary the Virgin, Primrose Hill, and lata of St Aarnes, Liverpool. Mr Cockson is said to be possessed of conspicuous ability, is a well-known and excellent preacher, and a successful parish priest, lecturer, and organiser. His experience and judgment, together with his sound Churehmanship, will be appreciated in his naw sphere, and his appointment caunot ftil to give universal satisfaction. Mr Cockson enters upon his new work soon after Easter.

I USK & DISTRICT RIFLE CLUB. Details last this w'k w'k Hep TtI. The following are the details of the 28th spoon competition. The spoon on this occasion was given by Mr Jno. Hy. Salter. Messrs I A. J. Thomas. 30 29 — 59 I Gr. M. Smith 28 31 — 59 H. Marfell 28 2s — 56 P. Ilill 22 30 — 52 A. G. Wallace 23 28 — 51 F. Hobbs 23 26 — 49 F. H. Waters 31 16 47 T. Savory 25 18 43 D.Rees. 20 23 43 G. Edmunds. 19 23 42 H.Beat. 17 24 41 J. Billingham 15 25 40 Also shot:—Messrs H. Freeman, J. S. Birrell, W. Marfell, R. Morgan' C. J. Francis, T. liees, jr., and A, F. Lucas.

For Printing of all Descriptions Try the County Observer Office,

THE LLANGIBBY HOTJNDS. j The Llangibby Hounds met at the Three Salmon's Hotel. Usk, on Tuesday. There was a very large attendance of ladies and gentlemen from the country round, aud the motor car of Mr Graham, of Hilston Park, near Monmouth, took the owner to New Barn Wood. where hounds were put in. The rnnet was witnessed bv quite a crowd of towns- people, many of whom subsequently followed hounds on foot, and in some cases it is to he feared, interfered wit-li the day's sport. New Barn Wood was drawn blank, but Reynard was found in Llan- cayo Orls, and made straight for New Barn. There he must have changed and run back to Coed- y-maes. whero he went to ground. Hounds found again in the Camp wood and the varmint ran along Llancavo Graig, back through Coed-y-maes to the Catnp and across the valley towards Trostrey at a good pace. In Trostrey Wood he ran to earth among some rocks. Charlie the huntsman trotted bounds off and drew some wrnall woods blank near Chain Bridge, and then, on the way home, Trostrey Woods as far as Llancayo. It was new just four o'clook, and nearly everyone had started for home, when a fresh fox jumped up, and the red coats of huntsmen and whips could be seen from the Usk road going thè second tiiae in a northerly direction over the tops of Trostrey Wood, The day was fine but going was very heavy after the recent rains. Mr W. B. Gething acted as field-master. The meet to-day (Friday) was at Llanbadoc, in fine weather. Hounds were put into Graig-y-nallt Wood, and Reynard was tallied at the top. by the barn. Next week sees the concluding meets of the season.

I ABERGAVENNY. I Agents,—Messrs Davies <6 Co. Booksellers. HOCKEY.—Abergavenny v West Gloucester— this match was played at Abergavenny on Saturday iu wet weather, before a large crowd of spectators. The visitors ran out winners by 4-1.

BODY FOUND IN THE CLYDACH. The body of a man named Morris, about 21 years of age, who lived with his parents at Clydach, near Abergavenny, was found iu Clydach river, near Gilwern, on Monday, under circumstances which suggest that he was the victim of foul play. He worked with his father, George Morris, at the Clydach Limestone Quarries, which have been stopped for some time owing to a s:rike. Oil the previous Tuesday he went to Abergavenny, and returned to Gilwern in the evening. lie was last seen leaving a public-house near that village about 8 p.m. As he did not reach home inquiries were made, but to no purpose. On Monday evening the body, which was badly mutilated, and without coat or vest, was found floating in the river, A post-mortem examination had been made by Drs Sheehy and Nyhan, and the inquest was opened at Gilwern on Wednesday, and adjourned until April 4th.

I CAERLEON. I Agent—Miss M. A. Evans. Nnwsiigent Cross-street. I DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECrio-,i.-None of the candidates who were nominated last Thursday have withdrawn. The contest is exciting great interest. RIFLE CLUB—The following were chosen to represent the club at the London Miniature Bisley meeting at the Crystal Palace: --0. Talmage (captain), W. H. Dean, T. Oakley, W. H.Stewart, J. Golightly, J. Stewart, J. W. Monk, 1. Davies, J. Evans, T. R. Brown, E. R. Wall, S. Andrews. CONFIRMATION SERVICE.—The Bishop of Llandaff held a confirmation service at St. Gadoc's Church, Caerleon, on Monday afternoon, when 30 can- didates presented themselves from Caerleon, Abergavenny, Llanwern, and Christohurch. Notwithstanding the inclement weather, there was a very large congregation* The Bishop delivered an earnest address, and the young people were afterwards entertained to tea at the Vicarage Room by the Rev Canon and Mrs Bedwell.

PRESENTATION TO DR. C. W. DE GRUCHY. The Rev Canon Bedwell, B.D., presided at a large public gathering at the Endowed Schools on Friday night in last week, when Dr de Gruchy was the recipient of a magnificent silver tray, subscribed for by the inhabitants of Caerleon and district, on the occasion of his marriage. The Chairman, in making the presentation, welcomed Mrs de Gruchy to Caerleon, amd spoke of Mr de Gruchy as one who laid himself out for the welfare of the people. He spared himself no trouble, aud was always ready to assist those in need. The spontaneous donations towards the presentation bore ample testimony to the high esteem in which Dr de Gruchy was held in the district. The Chairman then handed the doctor the tray, on which was the inscription, Presented to C. W. de Gruchy, Esq., M.R.C.S. (Eng.), L.R.C.P. (Lon.), by the inhabitants of Caerleon and district, on the occasion of hia marriage, Jan 28th, 1903."—Mrs de Gruchy was also presented with a handsome clock. Dr de Gruchy was most cordially received on rhing to respond. The present, he said, was a welcome surprise. liq thanked them for their kindly feeling towards him. In the past he had always tried to give satisfaction, and it wai gratifying to know that his efforts had been appreciated. In conclusion he invited all the subscribers to tea at his housa OIl the following Monday and Tuesday, Mr Alfred Williams spoke of the respect in which the worthy doctor was held, and referred to him as a man whose character merits esteem." The Rev H. Davies (Llanhennoc) offered his congratulations, and Mr A. L. Edwards expressed his pleasure iu bearing testimony to Dr de Gruchy's worth, and stated that the school building they were in was a tradition of the staunchness of Caerleon people to their friends, and he thought that night proved that the tradition still held good. Messrs, T. R. P. Herbert, T. Green, J. H. Taylor, A. L. Pope, W. Welsford, and the Rev A. H. Sproule also spoke. A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the preceediugs.

I CHEPSTOW. I Ageitt.-Mi$s Clark FOUND DROWNED.—At about 1.30 on Sunday afternoon, the body of a middle-aged man was found by a trowman, named Charles Griffin, floating in the river Wye off the Five Oaks quarries between Chepstow and Tintern. The body was to Ned to Chepstow, and deposited in Mr Gillams' stores to await an inquest. It is supposed to be that of Giles Knight, who was accidentally drowned at, Lydbrook on the 2nd inst. At the iuquest held by Mr Evill (deputy coroner), at the Chepstow Police-station on Monday evening, a verdict of Accidentally drowned in the River Wye" was returned. QUARRY FATALITY.—A terrible accident occurred at Llancaut Quarries, near Chepstow, on Wednesday morning, where a very large number of men are engaged in cutting stone for the new docks at Avonmouth, Henry Hobson (aged about 3o), of Penmoel-terrace, Woodcroft, was at work on a narrow ledge, only about two feet wide, near the top, when he fell over on to a ledge about 14 feet below. From that he rolled off on to another, about 100 feet below, and then rebounded to the bottom, falling within a yard of auotber man who was working there. The total fall was about 260 feet, and when picked up be was quite dead. The remains were conveyed to Tntshill to await an inquest. Hobson leaves a widow and two children.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS' MEETING. The fortnightly meeting of this Board was held on Saturday, when Mr Hastings Clay occupied the chair. Mrs P. Price wrote thanking the Board for their expression of sympathy with her in the death of her husband. Dr A. G. Lawrence was re-appointed Medical Officer for the Shirenewton district. The Local Government Board wrote stating that they had no objection to the appointment of Miss Ada Woodthrooe as nurse, subject to a report from the Medical Officer and Master, in three months as to her general conduct. The half-yearly contracts were considered. The following were the successful tenders Bread, for workhouse, Mr J. Holiins, Chepstow, 3s 9d per doz. 41b loaves Cottage Homes, «« Hovis," 4 per doz. Meat, workhouse, Mr J. Jones, Chepstow, baef and mutton, 7d per lb legs. shins, and suet, 3d per lb; Cottage Homes, Mr H. Lewis. Caldicot, beef and mutton, 7d per lb, suet, 4d. Groceriea for both Workhouse and Cottage Homes. Messrs. H. Thomas and Son. Milk, Mr T. G. Prewett 7td 4 per gallon. Coal, for Workhouse, Mr Francis Davies, at 14s 8d per ton to. large Welsh, and 108 for small steam; for Cottage Homes, Mr J. Hollins, Chepstow. Ale at lOd per aallon, Messrs, Arnold, Perrett and Co. Coffins, Mr A. Morgan, St. Arvan's, 30s for adults, and 15s for children. Shaving and hair-cutting, Mr J. Jones, L2 per quarter. It was decided to accept Mr Herbert Lewis's estimate for covering the Board-room floor with cork carpet at a cost of £ 1(1 odd. The Master's fortnightly report stated that the first week, 103 vagrants were admitted and relieved, as against 43 on the corresponding week of last year, and eight relieved outside second week the figures were respectively 57, 44, and 0. Forty-seven vagrants were relieved with white tickets during the fortnight. Mr W. H. Williams called attention to the alcoholic bill for the last quarter, amounting to £ 7, which, he thought, was the heaviest they had had. The Rev W. H. Williams on behalf of the Finance Committee, made the financial statement for the half-year, showing the total amount to be provided at £7341, less amount to be received from Gloucester County Council for lunatics and the grant under the Agricultural Rates Act ( £ 438).. They recommended a rate of Is in the X, realizing £ 6,168, and leaving a prospective balance at the end of the year of £ 900. The amount, however, to be collected would only average 8-1 -1 in the 9, as most parishes had a balance in hand. That estimate was without considering the Education Act to meet which another 2d in the £ was required.—The report was adopted, and the rate of Is plus 2d, was agreed to.

RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETING. Mr E. C. Curre presided at the monthly meeting of the Chepstow Rural District Council on Saturday. With regard to the re-laying of new pipes for the Portskewett water supply, the Great Western Company wrote stating that they had no objection provided that the pipes were laid to the satisfaction of their engineer. The Medical Officer reported three cases of infectious disease during the month, viz., two of scarlet fever at Tintern, and one of diphtheria at Caerwent. The Surveyor stated that he was proceeding with the levels, etc., for the water supply of Portskewett, and wished to refer them to the committee.—It was understood that the committee would meet that day fortnight. Plans of two workmen's cottages on St. Arvan's Grange farm were submitted and passed. With reference to the old road at Tintern Tinworks, which was alleged to ba likely to give way, the committee, who had inspected itt suggested that the mattet should be deferred for the present, but that mtices should be put up at each end warning heavy traction engines passing that way. Mr William Heap, foreman of the jury at the inquest concerning the drowning of the child Reginald Thorn, at Tintern, recently, wrote conveying the recommendation of the jury that the "feeder" or brook near the Cherry Tree Inn. should ba fenced.—It was stated that the Council had no jurisdiction; but other parts of the river higher up, for which the Council were responsible, it was decided to have fenced at au estimated cost; of LSO. The Clerk said that the Highway Committee would require for the highways during the year £ 3,300, that beiug independent of requirements of the District Council itself.-The Rev W. H.. Williams said that during the past year the Council had exceeded its estimate by 2600, having swallowed up their balance aud become about S.300 in debt.

I U.D.O. MEETING. Mr J. T. Horniblow presided at the fortnightly meeting on Monday, when the annual tenders were considered. The Chepstow Gas Company tendered to supply the public lamps for the ensuing year for the sum. of £ 179, and also to light and extinguish the same, and clean and keep in repair the cocks and burners for a further sum of L42 a year.—The tender was referred back to the Gas Company for a price for gas per lamp as usual, with the suggestion that in consequence of the reduced price of coal, the Council were entitled to a reduction of the tender, which was only £ 6 below that of last year.—For the collection of house refuse, the tender of Mr John Hollins was accepted at X40 for the year. Mr J. Holiins' tender for hauling metalling for the highways was accepted at llfd per cubic yard.— For street watering the tender of Messrs. J. Dobbs and Sons was accepted at 8t,j per hour —For general scavenging, the tender of Messrs. Dobbs was accepted at 8d per hour for one horse, cart, and one man two horses and one man, la 2d per hour. With regard to masons' work, the Surveyor was instructed in future to give the work alternately *0 those who would undertake the work, iusteau b £ giving it to one particular man. The Surveyor's estimate of C12 for renewing with iron railings the churchyard facing Church- row was deferred for consideration. Mr Laurie, purchaser of "The Meads," questioned the Council on the diversion of the footpaths there. Mr Laurie was in negotiation for the sale of the Meads to a syndicate for the establishment of a cement works, who were ready to spend E40,000 provided the Council would consent to the diversion of the footpath along the river bank nearer to the ordinary water mark, and also to the diversion of the upper path which. obliquely crosses the Meads to an alignment with the hedge of the Kennel Meadow," in considera- tion of which he was willing to forego his right of calling upon the Council to compel them to- construct the road alongside the Cattle Market as obligatory upon the Council according to the terms of their lease.-The Council welcomed the prospect of the development of the Meads, aud unanimously resolved that if they were released from the obligation of making the road alongside the Cattle Market, they would allow the removal of the path nearer the river on the condition of » good path for the public being provided.

I PUPPY SHOW. The annual puppy show in connection witb Mr Curre's Hounds took place at Ittou Court, near Chepstow, on Wednesday, when 16t couples of puppies were waiked." Lord Tredegar and AfrR, T. Bassett officiated as judges, and they awarded the prizes as follow:-Dogs 1st, Mr W. Nicholas, Shirenewton 2nd, Mr A. Weteou, Moss Cottage. Bitches 1st, Mr J. Nicholas, Stroat: 2nd, Mr W. Benjamin, Cross Hands, Shirenewton. Luncheon was provided at the Mews, at which Mr E. C. Carre, the master, presided. Lord Tredegar congratulated Mr Curre upon his having the beat lot of puppies he had ever judged, and in reply to the toast of the judges, said he hoped they would continue to think that

[We do not necessarily endorse all our correspondent writes.-ED. "C.O."] MONMOUTH BOROUGHS. It is rather interesting to note that Mr Haslam, the prospective candidate for the Mon- mouth Boroughs, in his interview with the Executive, professed to be in absolute sympathy with the great principles of the Liberal policy. One is tempted to ask what that policy is, and to which section of the Party Mr Haslam be- longs. Is he a follower of C. B. a Rosebery- ite, a Harcourtian, a Lloyd-Georgian, or one of the Perksian group ? A London contemporary, of independent politics, a few days ago, in its leading article, said "the great Liberal Party has resolved it. self into an organisation which would do credit j to a crowd of fishwives." MR. A. J. HERBERT. I notice in the columns of the "Daily Tele- graph," the following announcement, which is of local interest: His Majesty has been pleased to approve the appointment of Mr Arthur James Herbert, Consul-General in Hungary, to be Charge d'Affaire at Darmstadt and Carlsruhe, with the rank of Secretary of Embassy. Mr Herbert, who is in his forty-seveijth year, is sou of the late Mr J. A. E. Herbert, of Llacartb, Mon- mouthshire, his mother being the only child of the first and last Lord Llanover. He entered the diplomatic service in 1879, and since then has had a varied experietice in European, American, and Asiatic capitals, and acted as Sir Condie Stepheus' secretary during the delimitation of the Russo-Afghan frontier. Since August of last year he has been the British Consul-General for the kingdom of Hungary, with residence at Buda-Pesth. AFRICAN MATHEMATICS. "Multiplication is vexation," etc. One remembers the old numeration rhyme of child- hood's days. Mathematics puzzle the African just as much as they did us in our initial hours of adding up. The wife of a missionary in Taro sends home an amusing epistolary passage She n essayed to teach arithmetic to certain natives. When I started these classes," she says, I did not at first gauge the ignorance of my pupils, for I found they did not know how to form figures or to transmit to paper anything beyond the number ten. The task was a trying one, as our Prime Minister persisted in his idea that twice two made twenty, and thirteen should be written 103. However, he gave in at last, and when he had mastered notation, rubbing his hands, he exclaimed with delight, Oh, what wisdom we have Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise." ON EARTHQUAKES. The Midlands have several times before this week had distinct reminders that the globe ia constantly undergoing internal change. Bnt there have been earthquakes in England of a serious sort. Over seven hundred years ago Glastonbury was destroyed by seismic agency and four hundred odd years since, part of St Paul's Cathedral, in London, tumbled down as the result of an earth tremor. It is noteworthy that terrific as are the forces of volcanic ac" 'n, they have in the past, and do yet, serve tl" ir ordained purpose in the mag- nificent schetno of creation and cosmic develop- ment. Volcauoes form a natural vent for the pent-up internal forces resulting from the slow cooling and consolidation of the earth's mass. They act as the safety-valves of the world, without which the crust of the earth would, in all probability, burst with explosive force. is Volcanoes tend, in fact, to maintain the nor- mal stable equilibrium between the interior and the outer surface of the world. Volcanic action in the past has been one of the most potent agencies in the formation of the present con- tour of the globe, and it appears destined in the future to maintain its place as a perma. nent factor in mundane developments. But it is very inconvenient for the human inhabitant of the earth's crust when volcanic action be- comes assertive. ANGLING. I have heard of the following baskets of trout 11 being taken :—Mr J. Pitt, 8 on Saturday, 9 on Monday. 12 on Tuesday (one I-Ilb), 2 on 2 Wednesday (one, lib l3oz) Mr E. Bowyer, 13 on Monday, 5 on Wednesday Colonel Rocke 5, Mr R. Rickards, J.P., 10, and Mr R. St. John Beasley 4 on Wednesday. On Thursday the river was unfishable, and to-day (Friday) re- mains high and discoloured. No salmon have been seen.