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

A Few Miles only stands between Toti and the L ARGEs r STOCK of FURNITURE fn this part of the country. But not onlv is a LARGE Si" LECTION at your disposal, the added advantages of plain marking at CASH PRICES Will Save you Many Pounds in money, if you are purchasing to any ext, nt We shall be pleased to send vou our ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE showing the cash price of every article. As to the quality you will Deed no further assurance when we say that all goods bear the name GANE, which, for nearly a century, has borne an unblemished reputation for the manufacturer of ARTISTIC RELIABLE FURNITURE. Many firms have done us the honour to copy our trade terms, and, as far as possible, our rnpthods of business. But No local houte, indeed, few in the kingdom, can equal the Sterling value we give, or show you Such a magnificent collection of FURNITUKE as that we hold at « 16t & 162, COMMERCIAL ST., NEWPORT. and at CARDIFF and BRISTOL, and a visit of inspection (to which we cordially invite yeu) will prove this assertion. GANE, Furniture Colosseum, a N w NEWPORT. -I A-1 A. JOHN H. RENNIE, BY EXA-AL. AGRICULTURAL and GENERAL AUCTIONEER, & VALUER,' AND LAND AGENT, &c., Office and Salerooms:- C & 12, SKINNER-STREET, NEWPORT. Fat and Store Stock Sales held in Newport, Usk, and Chepstow Markets, on Market Days. Auction Fixtures. 1903. 17—Fat and Store Stock, at Usk Cattle Market. ,» 17—Stock-in-trade of a Fancy Goods and China D-aler, at the Bazaar, 127, Caerleon Road, Newport. 19-Fat. and Store Stock, at Newport Cattle Market. 19—Sale of Desirable Leasehold and Free- hold Properties,, at Caerleon and Christchurch; also of Desirable Dwelling-house with well-arranged Outbuildings, Garden and Orchard at Peter-tone and a Shop, Dwelling- house, Bakery, and Stabling, at Rhiwderin; Sale at the Kiug'a Head Hotel, Newport, at 3 p.m. 20—Important sale of Builders' Plant, at Malt House Lane, Caerleon; also Freehold Property, situate in Malt House Lane, Caerleon under instructions from Mr W. H. Baulch (going to South Africa). » J 25-Fat and Store Stock, at Chepstow Cattle Market. 26-Fat and Store Stock, at Newport Cattle Market. 26-Horses, Carriages, Carts, and Harness, at Newport Cattle Market. Catalogues and Particulars obtainable from the Auctioneer, as above. Nat. Telephone, 0625. County Courts in Circuit 24. COURTS will be held at the several Court-towns on this Circuit, before His Honour JUDGE OWEN, the Judge thereof, on the days and at the time hereunder mentioned:— Time a.m. June July Aug. Chepstow 10 15 6 17 Barry 10 2 7 4 Cardiff 10 3 8 5 „ 10 4 9 6 „ 10 5 10 7 „ 10 6 11 8 Abergavenny 10 8 10 Blaenavon 10 — 13 Tredegar 9.30 9 4 11 Pontypool 10 10 15 12 Newport 10.30 11 16 13 11 10.30 12 17 14 Monmoutb 10 16 21 18 Ross 9.30 13 1 Crickhowell.. 11 17 15 Usk 11.30 18 19 By Messrs. DAVIS, NEWLAND, & HUNT. I — ——— MONMOUTHSHIRE. In the Parish of Llanvihangel Tor-y-mynydd. SALE OF FREEHOLD PROPERTY. AI% ESSRS. DAVIS, NEWLAND & HUNT lYI h«ve been favoured with instructions from MB Jo« DAWES, to offer for SALE BY AUCTION, at the GEOKGB HOTKL, CHEPSTOW, on TUESDAY, AUGUST 25TH, 1903, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, under Conditions to be then produced, the Compact Freehold Farm called NEW STAR." situate adjoining the main road, midway between the two Market Towns of Chepstow and Usk, containing 29a. 2r. 34p. of sound o!d pasture, fertile arable land and orchard- ing. with Dwelling House and set of suitable Farm Buildings, now in the occapation of the owner. The property occupies a warm and sheltered position, commanding most extensive view. of the surrounding country, is nicely timbered and exceptionally well watered. To view apply to Mr Job Dawes, Berth Grwyn Farm. Llanvihangel Tor-y-mynydd and further particulars with Plan may be obtained of the Auctioueers, Chepstow and Newport or of MESSRS. MORGAN, FRANCIS, STANTON AND PARNALL, Solicitors, Chepstow and Newport. THE WELSH INTERMEDIATE EDUCATION ACT. Usk Higher Grade School. 'THE above SCHOOL will be RE-OPENED on TUESDAY, the 8th Sept., for a Term of 15 Weeks. All Candidates seeking admission must pass an Examination, and will be required to attend at the School, at 3 o'clock in the Afternoon of MONDAY, the 7th Sept., for that purpose. All Fees must be paid to the Undersigned, who will attend to receive the same in the Afternoon of THURSDAY, the 10th Sept. A. H. WATKINS, 14th August, 1903. Clerk. e. THE WELSH INTERMEDIATE EDUCATION ACT. Usk Higher Grade School. THE SCHOLARSHIP MANAGERS announce that thejr are able to offer Bursaries to Children attending, or who wish to attend, the Usk Higher Grade School. These Bursaries will be money payments, granted at the discretion of the Scholarship Managers, and it is hoped will enable Parents, otherwise unable, to keep their Children at School for a longer period. They will be awarded on application to the Scholarship Managers, such application to be made on a form supplied by S. A. Hiley, Esq., on or before the 5th day of September. A. H. WATKINS, Clerk to the Scholarship Managers. Ty Newydd, Usk, 4th August, 1903.

I USK CRICKET CLUB FETE. I 1 To the Editor of THE COUNTY OBSERVER. SIR. vV anld yon allow me to use your columns in order to express the thanks of the Committee of the ab)ve Fete, as well as of the Cricket Club generally, to all those who so kindly assisted to make the event the success it was, and who are too numerous to individuaJly thauk ? The Committee feel deeply indebted to those who lent teurs, tea things, decorations and plants, &c, those who assisted in preparing the field, presiding at the tea tables, waiting and assisting genet ally, the Band, the members of our local Minstrel Troupe, the Sports Committee, and in fact. everyone of the many who so willingly lent a helping hand. Yours truly, ARTHUR G. WALLACE, Hon. Sec.

4th Vol. Bait. South Wales Borderers. "G" (USK) COMPANY. Orders for the week ending August 22nd, 1903. Monday, Company Parade, dress drill order, at 7.30 p.m. Wedoesday, Class Firing, 3 p.m. Thursday, Company Parade, dress drill order, at 7.30 p.m. Saturday, Class Firing, 3 p,m. Rifles etc., will be issued from the Armoury at 2.45 p.m., on days of firing. By Order, STANLEY M. WILLIAMS, Commanding G Company. Hunting Appointments. Mr. Clay's Subscription Otter Hounds will meet next week (water permitting):— Tuesday, August 18th Peterstone Station At 9.30 a.m. Friday, August 21st The Bear, Cowbridge At 10 a.m. Cyclists, Light Up! Saturday, Aug 15th. 8.23 Sunday, 16th 8.21 Monday, 17th 8.19 Tuesday, 18th. 8.17 Wednesday, 19th. 8.15 Thursday; 2''th 8.13 Friday, 21st 8.11 Saturday, » 22nd 8. 9 Being One hour after Sunset. HEAVY COMPENSATION FOR A DOG BITE. At Birmingham Assises on Friday Mrs Emma Gr en. wife of a dair) man of Kidderminster, was awarded J6300 damages against the owner of a dog which bit her whilst on a milk round. The animal, colley, bit Mrs Green on the arm, and the limb had eventually to be amputated. The Most Nutritious. p p 4&tww, s iL & Grateful—Comiorting. AV in IL i COCOA Breakfast-Supper. FREE INSURANCE AGAINST ACCIDENTS. COUPON TICKET SPECIALLY GUARANTEED BY THE OCEAN ACCIDENT AND GUARANTEE CORPORATION, LTD., 40, 42 & 44, MOORGATE STREET, LONDON, E.C. (to whom Notice of Claims, under the following conditions, must be sent within seven days to the above address). -J will be paid by the above Corporation to the c*i'-«-VFVF next-of-kin of anyone who is killed by an accident to the BJILIOr TJtAIN, I'll A. CA. n, o.v.vims, CA Rill ISIV 8 VAN, CAST, CA-IiXtXA. GX5, Or VPACtGOlf (within the United Kingdom or Channel Islands), in which the deceased was travelling, or who shall have been fatally injured thereby (should death result within three calendar months after such accident). Should such accident not prove fatal, but produce, within the same period of three months, permanent total disable- ment, i.e., the loss of two limbs (both arms or both legs, or one of each, by actual separation above the wrist or ankle), the person injured shall be entitled to receive EC509 or for the loss of one limb, under the aforesaid conditions, will be paid, PROVIDED that the person so killed or injured had upon his or her person, OB HAD LEFT AT HOME THIS PAPER, IN ITS ENTIRETY, WITH HIS, OR HER, USUAL SIGNATURE, writ- ten, prior to the accident, on the space provided below, which is the essence of this contract. This Insurance holds good for the current week's issue only is limited to one Coupon for each holder, and carries the benefits of, and is subject to the conditions of, the OCEAN ACCIDENT AND GUARANTEE COMPANY, Limited, Act, 1890," Risks Nos. 2, 3, 5, and 6. The Corporation admit that the purchase of this Paper is the payment of a premium under Section 34 of the Act Railway Servants on duty excepted. Signature API'OISTMKSTS, &c., FOR WEEK Ending August 22nd, 1903. Aug. Sat. 15-Pontypool Petty Sessions, 11 a.m. Cricket—Usk v. Wewport A, at New- port. Sun. 16-Tenth Sunday after Trinity. Mon. 17-Usk Cattle Market. Tues. 18—Abergavenny Cattle Market. Wed. 19— Newport Cattle, Cheese, & Corn Mkts. Abergavenny Petty Sessions. Thur. 20-Cwmbran Petty Sessions. Blackcock shooting begins. Sat. 22—Pontypool Petty Sessions. Cricket-Usk v. Panteg, at Usk.

Births, Marriages, & Deaths. Announcements under this heading are inserted at a uniform charge of 1/- each, unless siicn words as No Cards," No Fi,o?vel.s," cfc., are added, when the charge will be 2/6. All Announcements must be authenticated. Postage Stamps may be sent in payment. Lists of Wedding Presents are inserted at the rate of 1/6 per inch in depth.

I The Tariff Question. I The political agitation which has been aroused by Mr Chamberlain's proposals continues to assert itself, and will, probably, be renewed with increased energy after the holidays. And yet this agitation is entirely premature, and those who are engaged in it are simply beating the air. Sir Robert Reid may tell his constituents at Sanquhar that the old scourge of protection has been revived under the guise of what is called an inquiry," but we have too good an opinion of the intelligence of the electorate to believe that they will regard inquiry and protection as synonymous terms, or blame his Majesty's Ministers for considering how the King's Government can best be carried on. It is a subject of complaint on the part of the Opposition that inquiries which have taken place by Royal Commission seldom result in legislation, yet now, when an inquiry is proceeding, they jump at once to the conclusion that the result will be the adoption of all Mr Chamberlain's sugges- tions. The contradiction is conspicuous, but, perhaps, there is an explanation for it. The divided forces of the Opposition are BADLY IN NEED OF A CRY, which will help them to close their ranks, and, no doubt, it appears to some of their leaders that if they can introduce the old device of the big and little loaf their people will be induced to forget the hundred and one other questions on which they differ. We know, however, what has been said of the best-laid schemes of mice and men," and there is reason to anticipate that the Opposition leaders will be no more success- ful in uniting their forces under this banner than many of them were in the attempt to convert "the once great Liberal party"— as Mr Morley called it—into a phalanx of pro-Boers. Even if the most extreme predictions of the Liberals were accom- plished, that fact would not supply the party with those capable leaders whom they now so evidently lack. Whatever objection may be made to the party who have been in office since 1895, the people of Britain will not forget that they have maintained the high position of our Empire among the nations of the world, and, at the same time, have done their part towards conserving the peace of Europe. It must also be admitted, by any reasonable person, that they have UNITED THE COLONIES to the Mother Country in a way that they have never been united before. Is it then likely that the electorate will be so blind as to hand over this glorious Empire to the care of men of the calibre of Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, Sir Wm. Harcourt, and Mr Lloyd George. These men would do their very best, but they are altogether inadequate, and no mistake of the present Government could make them adequate. But there is a further consideration. Mr Chamberlain is, perhaps, the ablest and most distinguished member of the Govern- ment, but his most ardent admirer would not wish—nor would he wish it himself— that gratitude for his great services should induce his colleagues to accept his pro- gramme in every particular. That pro- gramme does not include import duties on I raw material, but it does include 1 PROTECTION AGAINST MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, and it is Mr Chamberlain's opinion that I taxes on articles of food with which the Colonies can supply us are essential to the future prosperity of the Empire. There is a strong feeling among supporters of the Government, and also on the part of a good many other people, that we ought not to L, continue to admit duty, free, manufactured articles from countries which do their worst to exclude our exports, aud that although we may save a few pence here and there by purchasing these foreign goods, el n yet the gain is far more than neutralised by the loss of employment to our own people. In that direction the Government will probably recommend legislation, but Mr Balfour and Mr Chamberlain have already told us that no action will be taken until the electors have had au opportunity of exercising their j ud-ment. 0 r,

[We do not necessarily endorse all our correspondent writes.—ED. C.O."] ANGLING. The river is now lower than it has been all the summer. Thursday night's rain should cause a slight rise. On Wednesday and Thursday there was netting, about 100 fish being taken. The only augliug successes I have heard of have been Mr R. Rickards, J.P., two, 6lbs. each, on Saturday, and Mr Johnson, one, 51bs, on Wednesday. THE COUNTY COUNCIL. The quarterly meeting of the Monmouthshire County Council, held at Newport last week, of which the COUNTY OBSERVER gave by far the fullest report, was an interesting one to me, and I should think to the ratepayers of the County generally. 'If Personally I believe in suitable remuneration being given to all workers, and subscribe to the doctrine that our public bodies in their dealings with their servants should set an example to private individuals, but, at the same time, they should know, or must be taught, that the rate- payers' money is not lightly to be voted away in additions, however small, to salaries which are already ample for the work done. Alderman Williams, of Abergavenny, there- fore, deserves the thanks of the County rate- payers in moving an amendment to a proposition that the Inspectors of Weights and Measures should each receive an increase of salary of £5 per annum, bringing it up to a total of X200 5s. in addition to expenses. As in effect he said, there are many who have a difficulty in satisfying the demands of the overseers, and there are a goodly number of persons-including not a few tradesmen—who would be only too pleased to be in receipt of a clear income of £3 15s. per week. Alderman Williams won the majority of the Council over to his way of thinking, and the fact, too, that another bit of expenditure on a building at Pontypool was scotched, at least for the time being, leads one to hope that the Council have entered upon an era of economy, and that they will this year not over-run the constable as they did last year. It is to be hoped that the Council's suggested bye-laws for the abolition of the "teazer" nuisance at fairs, &c, will be sanctioned by the Local Government Board. It is difficult to imagine why an effort in this direction bus not been made before. # Panteg U.D.C., in fighting the Main Roads and Bridges Committee on a phase of the question of the maintenance of main roads, are fighting the battles of the other district councils of the County, and the result of the pending negotiations will be looked forward to with interest. The Committee would appear to be iu a conciliatory mood. a conciliatory mood. Now that the little difficulty with Mr A. D. Berrington, of Pantygoitre, has been overcome, it seems likely that next year will see the com- mencement of the building of a new bridge over the River Usk, at Kemeys Commander, in the place of the Suspensiou Bridge now inadequately doiug service there. The withdrawal or modification of the Swine Fever Order in the County is greatly to be desired. One cannot help feeling that it is needlessly harassing to police and public alike in those part, of the County which have been free from outbreaks. During last quarter only seven genuine cases arose in the County, of which three were in the Newport district, and one each in the districts of Abergavenny, Pontyypool, Ebbw Vale, and Abercarn. It certainly could not be commended as a wise course to adopt, or precedent to establish, but one is almost tempted to urge that, if the Board of Agriculture are not amenable to the reasons which are to be put before them for the withdrawal, or modification, of the Order, the police in districts absolutely free from the scourge might wink the other eye or take a little nap" in connection with the matter without injury to anyone or anything. It is gratifying to learn that while the County Sanitary Committee have no direct legal power to enforce their suggested sanitary improve- ments, they are a moral force acting with effect upon some of the most insanitary spots of the County. In the "Review" (published in another column) which Dr Redwood so ably prepares anuually from the district M.O.H.'s reports, appears the following particulars with regard to Usk and Pontypool Rural :— USK URBAN.—Population, 1,474 area, 4,956 acres; birth-rate, 25*77; death-rate, 25 6J; under one year (infant), 105*2 per 1,000 deathi; zymotic, 0-0. It is pointed out that in thia Report, as well as in one of the others, that, in the case of a notifiabledisease, it is the duty of- the parent or other responsible person, in the absence of a medical attendant, to notify the case to the Sanitary Authority, to the Medical Officer of Health, or Inspector. A new class- room has rectified the overcrowding that existed in the schools. Although the slaughterhouse previously complained of has been done away with, and the others are in a satisfactory con- dition, the provision of a public one is still recommended. The difficulty of fixing upon a site has prevented the erection of a ventilating shaft and flushing tank for the main sewers. Although there is no actual overcrowding, suit- ablehouse accommodation for the working classes is needed, and many cottages are without a proper water supply, and in bad repair. We regret to see that, while the Water-works water is excellent in quality and quantity, many houses still depend for their supply on wells. This should not be allowed. I PONTYPOOL RURAL. -Population, 4,559; area, 3^,367 birth-rate, 26-54 death-rate, 12*72 under one year (infant), 74.3 per 1000 births; zymotic. 0.43. Measles is included in the list of notifiable diseases in this district, thus enabling the medical officer to deal with the first cases, and check the further spread of the disease. An ample supply of good water has been obtained for Goytre School, while those at Gwehelog and Glascoed arc still without. The automatic flushing apparatus at Llangibby, which failed, is now working satisfactorily. Many improvements have been carried out, and defects rectified, in different parts of the district. A proper supply of water for Ponthir and the Wain is urgently needed, as samples from those places have been examined by the County Analyst, and found unsatisfactory. The death-rate—12*72—wan considerably lower than that for 1901, while the birth-rate was higher, which tells its own tale. TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION. I was grieved to see such a small attendance of students and others at the distribution of prizes in connection with the classes under the Usk Technical Instruction Committee. Educational facilities are nowadays offered to our youths which their forefathers would have been only too glad to have had, but not- withstanding the preaching of the doctrine of the necessity for technical instruction at the present time if we, as a natiou, are to keep in the forefront, there is an unaccountable indifference on the part of a very large number to avail themselves of those facilities. Further, it is very disappointing to find that, having been awarded prizes, several students failed to appear to claim them, and only one, Frank D.tvies, who was away from home, had the courtesy to send an apology. With the y m Chairman I hope there will be an improvement next year.

TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION. DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES AT THE HIGHER GRADE J SCHOOL. The distribution of the prizes awarded by the Usk Technical Instruction Committee to the deserving students attending various evening classes during the last Autumn and Winter Session, took place in the Higher Grade School, Usk, on Wednesday 11 evening. Mr H. Humphreys, J.P., chairman of the Committee, presided, and there were also present- Mr J. H. Clark and a small number of parents and students, the teachers, aud Mr A. F. Lucas, secretary. The Chairman said that before giving away the prizes he would like to make one or two remarks which he hoped those present would carry away with them, and communicate to others. With the exception of the cookery classes, during the past year the number attending the classes under the auspices of the Committee was considerably less than in the year before, and he sincerely hoped that next year when the prizes were given away the Committee would be able to say exactly the contrary. Last year a new class-a class of manual training—was started, and he hoped it would be thoroughly taken up next Session, and that it would be as successful as is promised to be. The Committee had hoped, also, to start a class in dressmaking, which they thought would have been most popular and useful in the town, but at the present time they were labouring under this difficulty-they could not get the County Technical Instruction Committee to appoint a special teacher in that subject, and unless they could get locally an independent teacher in dress- making, he was afraid it would not be practicable to carry out the idea. Mr Humphreys then presented the prizes (nicely bound books) as follows COMMERCIAL ARITHMETIC.—Merit, Miriam Brown, Lettice Davies, Amy Elliot, Kate Davies; attendance, Jessie Slade, Bertie Whitton, Charles Sales, and Reginald Meredith. SHORTHAND.—Merit (theory certificate), Lewis Morgan attendance, Reginald Haggett, Reginald Meredith, and Charles Sales. DRAWING.—Merit (sat for examination), Frank Davies; progress and attendance, Ernest Whitton, Marsraret Acteson, Eveline Morgan, Lionel Blower, and Eveline Stibbs. MANOAL TRAINING.—Merit and attendance, Frank Davies attendance, Fred Watkins, Ernest Whitton, Frank Lucas, Bertie Whitton. Subsequently, the Chairman referred to the number of prize-winners who were absent, and expresged the hope t-bal, another year there would be a larger attendance of students at this function, and also that the number attending the classes and earning rewards would be very much increased. Mr Chambers, on behalf of the students, pro- posed a vote of thanks to the Chairman for presiding that evening, and also for the interest he took in them and their studies. Mr A. F. Lucas, in seconding, said Mr Humphreys worked very hard on behalf of technical instruction in the town, attended all the meetings, and rendered very great help to him personally as well as to the teachers and the tmght. The vote having been carried with applause, The Chairman returned thanks, remarking that as long as he was connected with the Committee unci was their chairman he should endeavour to do his duty towards those who attended the classes and those who did the real work they had in hand-the secretary and the teachers. Really he was a very humble helper, but he was pleased to give all the assistance he could by his presence. The proceedings then terminated. The following are the reports of the teachers:— SHORTHAND. I Mr W. Frost Roberts, teacher of Phonography, in his report, stated that ten pupils joined the short- hand clasS, but twQgjpere unablejro -attend after the eighth les"on.T.)tal number of attendances was 202. R. R. Haggett and R. D. Meredith made the maximum nutaber, C. Saltfs 29, and T. H. Like 27. With regard to the work of the Session he felt that satisfactory progress had .been made. L. Morgan obtained a theory oertiflcateqDdel: Pitman's examination rules, and R. R. Haggett;' F. J. Lucas, C. Sales, and W. J. Nicholas, had materially increased their knowledge of shorthand, and should next year obtain certificates. Haviug a. little more time at his disposal each evening, ha had been able to give B. Wise and T. H. Like some reading practice, which is most essential to a pupil after he has obtained a theory certificate. C >STMERCIAL ARITHMETIC. Mr J. C. Lowe, headmaster of the Higher GrarJe School, and who has eharge of the class for com- mercial arithmetic, stated that it bad met 30 times. Sixteen students had joined, but one only attended once, and two others left the town after making nine attendances each. Jessie Slade made the possible number of attendances, and Chas. Sales and Bertram Whitton made 29. The average attendance each evening was teu. On March 30th an examination was held, when seven different sets of questions were given to suit the students' various stages of progress. The maximum marks attainable were 100, SO being given for correctness of working, and 20 for nea n9ss and care in the arrangement of the paper. Ten students were extmined, and the resulti weri as follows, the students taking the most difficult work being put first:-First class: Miriam Brown, 98 marks Lettice Davies, 76 and Reginald Meredith, 60. Second class: Jessie Slade, 36. Third class Chas. Sales, 58; B. Whitton, 53. Fourth class: Amy Elliot, 80. Fitth class: Kate Davies. 84. Sixth class: Flo. Creese, 62. Seventh class: John Jones, 40. MANUAL TRAINING (WOODWORK). Mr Thomas Chambers, headmaster of the Usk National Schools, reported, as teacher of the above class, that it gave him pleasure to say that, although late in beginning, the class made oreditable progress during the short session held. The students had the advantage of working in a suitable room and with proper apparatus. H. M. Inspector, at hi* visit, thought the outlook was very promising, and made several suggestions for improvement, of which tho most pressing were at once adopted. The tool. were found both suitable and sufficient, and the light was ample. The attendance was good when the length of the lesson is taken into consideration, and the interest was wellslllCtained to the end. The thanks of students were due to the committee for the kindly interest taken in the class, and the readiness displayed to provide all they could reasonably require. I ART CLASS. I Mr Chambers was also the teacher of this class, and he reported that the number of students was considerably less than in the previous year. This, he thought, was entirely due to the fact that some of the younger pupils in attendance last year were this year no longer eligible for registration under the new regulations of the County Council Technical Committee. As was the case previously, only a small proportion submitted themselves for instruction in model drawing, but he was pleased to be able to say that those who did elect to take up the subject made satisfactory progress, especially when it was borne in mind that they had hitherto had no acquaintance with it. He noticed that all the pupils of that class attended regularly. Of the remaining pupils, the five who took up drawing from the cast all did good work, and all were examined. Frank Davies sat for the examination held (under the Board of Education, South Kensington) in May, while Eveline M. Morgan, Florence Stibbs. and Gertrude Mayberry, were present at the Kinty's examination in that subject held last December. The other pupils made more or les satisfactory progress, but in some cases the attendance might have been more regular, and he thought the committee might fairly claim that, at least, the students should make 90 per cent. of possible attendances. Anything more irregular could not produce creditable results. The thanks of the students were due to the members of the committee who visited frequently and took such interest in their work, and also to the secretary, who spared no pains to make the class a success. COOKE RY CLASS. The account presented with regard to this class showed an attendance of 354 on tha part of paying students and 64 on the part of Higher Grade School girls, the fees amounting to £ 1 9s 6d and the sales to £1 9s lOd, which, after paying expenses, left a balance in hand of 15s lOd. BAND OF THE 1ST LIFE GUARDS AT ABERGAVENNY HORSE SHOW. It will be seen from the advertisement of. the above show, which appears in another column that the Entries close on Tuesday next. This old established Association offers some very substantial prizes, and it is hoped that our many local showmen will exhibit and meet with success. There are Jumping prizes ( £ 27 and stakes), Trotting ( £ 7), Driving and Riding classes and Two Timbering classes, the prizes for the latter being -615. It is to be noted that this Committee intend to keep abreast of the times, and they have made arrangements (at a considerable cost) to have the far-famed Bind of the 1st Life Guards, to give two Concerts of two hours each on the Exhibition Grounds. This being the first time any such crack Military Band has ever visited Abergavenny, or the near neighbourhood, it affords an excellent opportunity for everyone who appreciates a musical treat as well as a day amongst the excellent prize-winning stock and high-olass animals for which this show has always been celebrated.

I TONTYPOOL R.D.C. The monthly meeting of the Pontypool Rural District Council was held at the Sessions H mee. Usk, on Fridav afternoon, when there were present:—Mr W. Mirfell (chairman), Mr R. W. Spencer (vice-chairman), Rev W. W. Jonesr Messrs. r. Heath, W. Newman, S. T. Griffin, R. Williams, T. Watkiu3 (clerk), and R. Darrett (surveyor, &c.) A balance in hand of X576 48 4d was re- ported. I REPORTS. As Surveyor, Mr Derrett reported that he had had the small arch at Llaullowell repaired, and a post and a couple of rails put on the Pentwyu side of the same. He had also had the posts and rails put up on the side of the road near Ty Fieeman, and the gorretting done on the side of the road beyond Coed-y-brain. As to the fencing required by the mill near Nantyderry, he found that it was last repaired by tha tenant, and Mr Harding, bailiff to the Misses Evans, of Nautyderry House, had now promised to see to the matter. As Sanitary Inspector he stated that with reference to the correspondence from the Rev Herbert A. Williams (Llangibby) to the Clerk, he visited the offices of the school there on the 2nd July, in company with the Schoolmaster (Mr Kennett), and found the pump out of order, H. that there could be no flushing. He asked Mr Kennett if the Rev H. A. Williams knew about it. and he said Yes." Mr Derrett then said he hoped that it would be seen to at once, as the- closets were rather high-smelling, especially for a school attended by a good many children. Tha Rev Carne Williams had not yet given an appoint- ment with regard to the Llandsgveth complaint. The Medical Officer (Dr G. H. Jenkius) had recommended that a certificate re water supply be given to Mr Roger Lewis for new houses built in or near the old Tanyard, Little Mill. The well at Cilfigan was now satisfactory. Nothing had been done to the wells at the Walnut Tree and Little Crosq, Glascoed, nor to the wells at houses at Coedewiinwr. Mr Joshua Davios had recently bad a house erected near Glascoed Common. There was an old well about 150 yards from the house, but Mr Davies was not yet certain of a sufficient supply and he, therefore, asked for the matter of a. certificate to stand over for a month in order that he might satisfy himself on the point. If he finds it necessary be will sink a well at his house. There was no epidemic in the district to the bet of his knowledge. LLVNGIBBY SCHOOL. The correspondence between the Rector and Clerk on the subject of the insanitary state of Llaugibby school offices was read from which it appeared that the rev gentleman traversed the Inspector's report, iniimated that he had exaggerated matters, and denied some of the statements which had been made. Some discussion took place on the subject, and it was suggested that the Coungil should take the matter up further in defence of their officials, buc ultimately, it being stated that the nuisance had now been remedied, the subject was allowed to drop. WATER SUPPLIBS, ETC. Certificates were granted in the cases recom- mended. The Surveyor wa requested to write to the Rev- Carne Williams pressing for an early appointment to meet him at Llandegveth. GLASCOED SCHOOL. The Boud of E lucation wrote asking for further reports re the water supply question at this school. LLANTARNAM MATTER3. Notices re the proposed diversion of a footpa'h in the Llantarnam district were ordered to be posted up. 1;1 The Surveyor was asked to meet the Surveyor to the Llantarnam U.D.C. to take measurements of the Pontne wydd to Croesyceilog road forming the boundary between the two districts, with a view to a Justices* order being obtained to defiue the respective repairable portions of the same.

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