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

Births, Carriages, & Deaths. Announcements under this heading are inserted at a uniform charge of 1/- each, unless such words as "No thirds, No Flowers," tfc., are added, when the charge will be 2/6. All Announcements must be authenticated. Postage Stamps may be sent in payment. Lists of We-dding Presents are inserted at the rate of 1/6 per inch in depth.

I I The Dulwich Bye-Election. In consequence of the death of Sir John Blundell Maple a vacancy occurs in the Dulwich Parliamentary Division, and Dr Rutherfoord Harris has been unanimously selected to contest the seat in the Conserva- tive and Unionist interest. Mr O. F. Masterman, an out-and-out Free Trader, champions the Radical cause. He has been nursing the constituency for twelve months, and his party are prosecuting the cam- paign with the utmost vigour, but, so far, their candidate's prospects do not appear to be very rosy, which is not to be wondered at, seeing that Sir J. B. Maple held the seat unopposed at the last General Election, and was returned with a majority of 3,082 votes in 1895, Dulwich, therefore, like its neighbour Lewisham, can only be a forlorn hope to the Radicals, although they may derive some stimulus from the knowledge that in both Parliamentary boroughs there have been, since last the electors were polled, MANY RESIDENTIAL CHANGES, I largely in favour of the smaller occupier, I who may, possibly, not be so wholly Con- servative as the villa householder. Dr Rutherfoord Harris' politics are well-known. He is a supporter of Mr Balfour in fiscal matters and is prepared to follow on in the direction taken by Mt Chamberlain. When the ex-Colonial Secretary visited Newport, recently, it will be remembered that Dr Harris seconded the resolution that was placed before the meeting. We know the Doctor to be a good fighter—one who throws all his energy into his work—and we wish him every success in his campaign and a triumphant return to Westminster. Unfortunately, owing to the illness of Mrs Harris, the Doctor was unable to visit his constituents and issue his address until Thursday. He holds his first public meeting to-day (Friday) and is assured of the I WHOLE-HEARTED SUP-POET of the licensed victuallers. As polling will probably take place on the 16th just. the contest promises to be short and sharp. The Dulwich party colours are in exact opposition to those in Monmouthshire— bright red posters urging electors to "Vote for Dr Rutherfoord Harris," and Mr Masterman's name appearing in blue.

Fact versus Fiction. Opponents of the Government policy of Fiscal Reform are unfortunate in their 'statements. They are inevitably con- fronted by the irresistible contradiction of hard fact The Duke of Devonshire waxed enthusiastic at the Free Fooders' meeting last week over the evidences of our thriving and active industrial life as shown by the railways. Lord Claud Hamilton, himself the Chairman of the Great Eastern Railway, amazed at the statement, has placed on record the particularly hard fact that the value of ordinary shares of the Great Eastern has fallen fifty-two per cent since 1898, the North Western fifty-seven and three-quarters per cent., and the South Western eighty-two and a half per cent. Moreover, says Lord Claud, his own Com- pany have had to discharge men from their (works, and every railway in the country is considering how it may economise by | REDUCING CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, working short time, and dismissing hands at "carriage and engine" works. Every Radical speaker has taken upon himself to deny with scorn Mr Chamberlain's recent description of the critical condition to which the tinplate industry has been reduced by hostile tariffs in America. Mr Chamber- lain's statement was made in the centre of the tinplate trade in South Wales. It was received with general assent by the popu- lation concerned. It is now confirmed by dire fact. The Monmouthshire Steel and Tinplate Works has had to announce that it is no longer able to compete with the dumping of German and American steel,and has given notices to its thousand employees, which are preliminary to a closing of the works. For a similar reason the Glamor- gan Tinplate Works has had to put its hands on half time. and a large reduction of hands has been ordered at the Mannes- mann Tube Works, Landore. So much for tinplates. Again, one of the FAVOURITE ARGUMENTS I of the Radicals is that the country must be prospering under Free Imports, because there has been a considerable increase in Savings Bank deposits. But Lord Stanley, who, as Postmaster-General, is in the very best position to know, throws a different light on the subject. He has assured us, of his official knowledge, that every single investment in the Post Office Savings Bauk is smaller than it has been and every withdrawal larger. It is impossible to resist the logic of these facts. The pros- perity of the country has diminished, is diminishing, and will continue to diminish until Mr Balfour is able to apply his sound economic remedy.

USK. I Agent-Mrs. E. K. Jones. Stationer I ADVENT ADDRESSES.—As will be seen in the advertisement column, the Rsv Harry Cockson is giving a series of Advent Sermons at Llaubadoc Church on Sunday evenings.

URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. I The monthly meeting of the above Council was held at the Town Hall, Usk, on Thursday evening, Mr S. A. Hiley, J.P. (chairman) presiding over the following:—Messrs. H. Ault, E. W, Waters, G. Edmunds, w. Hobbs, T. J. Smith, J. Hennessey, R. Morgan, F. Jennings, A. F. Lucas (clerk), and T. Rees, jr. (surveyor, &e.) DEFAULTING RATEPAYERS. The Collector went through the list of default- ing ratepayers which was unusually long, and 11 contained the names of some of the reputed wealthy as well as of the poorer class. It was decided to summon all who did not pay up within a fortnight. I FINANCE. The following payments were ordered: —Oliver Jenkins, poor rates, JE2 8s 8d T. Rees, half year's salaries and incidentals, X14 3s 9d; G. Mundv, roller, 10s; J. Hennessey, belly band. 8s 6d Monks & Co., stone, £ 9 8s 9d A. & J. D tvies, re- pairs, lls 3d L. & P. Bank, cheque book, 12s Id Jas. Davias, paint, 10s 2d; Surveyor, manual and team labour, £9 7s. Payments to Treasurer:—Collector, rate, 2145 market tolls, Xi 6s: Paymaster-General, in liau of rates on Prison, X12 14s 6d; County Council, main roads moiety, £ 109 Miss Day, hire of Hall, £1 Is Wsk Gas Company, private improvement, £-1: 5s. STREET COMMITTEE'S BEPOET. This report, which was adopted, stated that thev had ordered the surface gully trap to be opened out post the driving way to Mr Oliver Jenkins's premises, Lower Mill-road. If the owner provided an iron pipe it was to be put in position. The foot- path opposite was to be asphalted. It was resolved that a 6in. drain be constructed near the houses lower down to carry off the surface water, and that Mr Edgar Thomas's attention be again culled to the uuisance caused by his drain there.—A letter was read from Mr Thomas Barnes, Southwick, Trow- bridge, promising the steam roller in a month.—It was resolved to advertise for tenders for hauling.— The surveyor was instructed to proceed with the work of draining the lower portion of the Tlvyn- square.—The five new plane trees planted in Mary- port-street were viewed, and an offer from Mrs A. E. Bowen of a sycamore tree was thankfully accepted.Cornmtinications from the County Coun- cil with reference to the taking of samples of milk for analysis were read. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. I The Surveyor reported that the slopings and ditch in Castle lane had been attended to. lie had had the damaged trees in Maryport-street removed and re-planted in the Cattle Market, together with the sycamore presented to the Council. He was having the sewage tanks pumped out, but in conse- quence of the continuous wet weather nothing could be done to the sewage beds. He had received a letter from the borough surveyor of Abergavenny testifying to the efficiency of Webbs' Sewer Gas Extrrctor. A case of typhoid (imported) had been notified, and every precaution taken to prevent the spread of the disease. It was docided to postpone the consideration of the question of getting the sewer gas extractor until next year's budget was being prepared. THE PRISON REFUSE. 1 The Governor of the Prison wrote stating that the Government contributions were made on the understanding that the same services were rendered to Government property as to other property in the district, and under those circumstances be asked if the Council would be good enough to arrange for the removal of dust and ashes. It was decided to obtain further information with regard to this matter. EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN. I The Chairman said the Employment of Children Act. 1903, which would come into force on the 1st January, and of which they had a copy, would go the round of the members. It was a matter of great interest and importanee, as it governed the ages at which children might be employed, and so on, and its provisions should be generally known. MOTOR CARS, &C. It was reported that damage had been done to the pavement at the Three Salmon's corner by a brewer's steam dray, and it was decided that a claim should be made for the cost of the work of repair. Mr G. Edmunds complained of the speed at which these locomotives went through the streets, which caused considerable oscillation in the houses. He had spoken to one driver about it, but, he thought, with an effect opposite to that desired. The Clerk promised to report on the matter of speed limitations in such cases. TRAIN SERVICE. The Clerk was requested to write a letter to the G.W.R. Co., complaining of the proposed curtail- ment of the train service to Usk.

"SMOKER."—A How-de-do-de Smoking Concert will be held at "The Castle," on Tuesday next, at 8 p.m. All invited. --Advt.-

I USK RIFLE CLUB. The above club opened its season on Thursday week with a handicap shoot for the 29th spoon (kindly given by Mr D. Rees), the conditions being the usual ones—7 shots, with one sighter on each night: the aggregate of two shoots, with the addition of the handicap allowance, if any, determining the winner On Thursday night the concluding shoot took place, Mr C. J. Francis proving the winner after a tie with Messrs E. Morgan and H. Freeman. Mr Francis scored 13 with his 3 tie shots, against his opponents 12. Further fipoons for competition are offered by Mr G. Edmunds, Mr C. J. Francis, and other gentlemen, and it is intended to hold meetings every Thursday night. Details:— last this w w'k w'k Hep. Ttl. I Messrs. last tbis C. J. Francis. 25 31 3 59 Ernest Morgan 29 26 4 59 H. Freeman 25 30 4 59 G. Edmunds, Jjr 26 29 3 58 A. F. Lucas. 31 25 56 G. M. Smith. 22 31 53 D. Rees 30 23 53 A. G. Wallace 22 27 3 52 R. Morgan. 24 24 4 52 J.C.Lowe 27 19 4 50 F. Hill 28 18 4 50 WilHams 29 15 4 48 A. J. Thomas 24 19 43

I ABERGAVENNY. I Agents.-Messrs DalJie, ct Co. Booksellers. SMOKING CONCERT.—A very successful smoking concert was held in the Drill Hall last week, by the local comoanies of the 4th V.B.S.W.B. The chair was taken by the Mayor (Councillor J. Straker), who was supported by several members of the Council, Major Marsh, and Captain Addie. There was a large and representative gathering of supporters of the Volunteers. A capital programme of vocal and instrumental mu,ic was gone through, and addresses were delivered by the Mayor and Major Marsh. Votes of thanks were accorded to the Mayor and the performers. PRIZE DISTRIBUTION.—The distribution of prizes to the girls belonging to the Abergavenny Intermediate School took place at the Town Hall on Wednesday evening, under the presidency of Major William Williams, J P., chairman of the managers, who prior to the distribution entertained Sir Henry and Lady Mather Jackson and many others interested, including the Mayor (Councillor J. Straker) and Mayoress in the school. Sir Henry in an interesting address deprecated the modern craving for light literature, which gave the reader nothing to think about, and expressed the opinion that if one-half of the time at present devoted to the reading of trashy, cheap literature were given to thinking, it would be better for all concerned. Lady J ackson ditributed the prizes. The reports were highly satisfactory.

CAERLEON. j Agent-Miss M. A. Evans, Yewsaqefte, cross-street. I DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETING. f The monthly meeting was held on Tuesday, when Mr W. Welsford presided, and there were tilso present:—Sir Arthur Mackworth, Rev D. B. Jones, Messrs JI. urease (vice-chairman), T. Parry, J. H. Taylor. L. Foster-Stedman, and J. Green with Messrs T. P. R. Herbert (clerk), W. Harris (surveyor). Dr de Gruchy (medical officor), and E. A. Green (collector). It was reported that the question of dealing with the Goldoioft Common grievance had engaged the attention of the Monmouthshire County Council, and that the matter was referred to a committee.— The District Council instructed the clerk to confer with the clerk to the County Council with the view of drafting a bye-law to met the grievance. The clerk read a letter from the G.W.R. Co. notifying that the 6.20 train from Brynmawr to Newport would call at Caerleon during the winter months, but that it would not be practicable to con- tinue it during the months of July, August, and September.—Mr Taylor remarked that he thought the action of the Councils in the Western Valleys was beginning to have some little effect on the Councils in the Eastern Vallevs, looking at the alterations which were being made.-On the motion of Mr Parry the clerk was instructed to thank the general manager of the G.W.R. Co. for the con- cession. coupling with it an expression of hope that the service would also be continued throughout the year. The Surveyor reported that Mr Evan. Thomai-, a Cardiff builder, had appplied to him for a certificate of completiori of certain houses which he h,d erected near the tinworks. On inspection, however, he found that the houses were not built according to the plans which had been passed by the Council. Mr Thomas now submitted new plans, which had been drawn according to the manner in which the houses had been erected. He was sorry to say that this builder had given continual trouble.—One member elicited from cue surveyor that Mr Thomas had prepared the second lot of plans at his (the surveyor's) suggestion.—The Rev B. B. Jones pro- tested against the Council being asked to conform to the builder's whims.—In reply to questions the Surveyor said he was not aware that tho plans were not being observed until he went to make the inspection -Is was decided to reject the new plans, and not to pass a certificate for the completion of the houses until they had been built according to the plans passed in the first place. A letter was read from the St. Mellons Rural District Council intimating that they intended taking action with a view to getting p)wer to make regulations prohibiting or restricting the drivine of motor cars on highways which did not exceed 16 feet in the width, or on which motor car traffic would be specially dangerous.—It was decided to send a reply to the effect that there were no highways in the Council's district under 16 feet in width. The Clerk read a letter from the Monmouthshire County Council pointing out that bottles for taking samples of milk for testing could be supplied for use by the County Inspector.—The Surveyor (replying to a question) stated that he had not yet takeu any samples of milk. It was quite a new duty for him.—On the motion of Mr Parry it was decided that the Inspector should put himself in communication with the Chief Inspector in the County. It was reported that the term for which Mr D, W. Jenkins had been elected by the Council as a manager for the Magor Scholarshio district had expired.—On the proposition of the Rev D. B. Jones, seconded by Mr Parry, it was resolved that Mr D. W. Jenkins be re-elected as a manager.— Mr Parry said that under the grant of several hundreds a year from the County Council children in the Magor district could be educated free at the Intermediate Schools for a certain period. Up to now something like three-fourths of the scholar- shins had fallen to the lot of Caerleon children. The Surveyor reported upon a case of over- crowding in a house in the Tramway, and where there had been fever. He understood that the present tenant was leaving the house.-lilr Crease asked whether the occupants of houses where there had been fever themselves carried out the dis- infection, or was it done under the superintendence of the Medical Officer and Surveyor of the Council. —Mr Foster Stedman said that when there was a case of scarlet fever in his house he understood that the disinfection was carried out under the supervision of the Medical Officer.—Mr Crease proposed a resolution to the effect that disinfection after fever or other infectious disease, be carried out under the supervision of the Medical Officer and Surveyor of the Council.—This was agreed to. The Collector reported having collected J660 during the past month, leaving E115 of the current rate to be collected. The Chairman inquired whether, in case of necessity, anything should be done in the matter of providing an infectious diseases hospital.—Mr Parry remarked that he thought it would meet the requirements of the Council if any oases that arose were sent to the Newport hospital.

I CHEPSTOW. I Agent.-Hiss Clark R.D.C.—The monthly meeting was held on Saturday, Mr B. Perry presiding.—The deferred question of supporting the scheme suggested by a recent deputation of the Lydney Districc Council to take over the old tramway bridge at Tintera was considered, and it was decided not to con- tribute anything towards the project with which, it was stated, the Monmouthshire County Council would have nothing to do.—The Local Govern- ment Board's request for observations upon a petition against the tramway bridge and advocating a bridge across the Wye at Brockweir was answered by saying that the Council considered a new bridge the better scheme.—It was decided to support the petition of the St. Mellon's District Council asking for regulations prohibiting the use of motor-cars on roads under 16ft in width. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—At the fortnightly meeting on Saturday, Mr G. Seys presided. A letter was read from Messrs. Osborne and Mercer, London, asking if there was any possibility of the Board entertaining a sale of their workhouse, giving immediate possession, saying that they were making inquiries on behalf of a client.—The Chairman suggested that the idea might be worth considering, and a small committee was appointed to go into the matter.The Master's fort- nightly report stated that there were 122 vagrants relieved the first week, against 68 the corresponding week of last year, and 43 relieved outside. In the second week the figures were 93, 68, and 35 respectively and 77 vagrants relieved with white tickets during the fortnight.—It was decided to give the inmates the usual Christmas fare, with beer, and S5 Is 6d was subscribed in the room towards the annual treat.

MONMOUTH. I Agent.-Mr. Catrrev. B-)otseller. MJ'1&H' ECCL ESIA-STI CAL. -,rlie Rev Herbert Vaughan, who is a son of Colouel Francis Vaughan, of Courtfield, near Ross, and nephew of the late Cardinal Vaughan, has been appointed to the Mission of St. John the Evangelist, Brentford, and will be assisted by some of the missioners from the Rev C. Chase's institution at Gunnersbury. THE MAYOR'S HOSPITA.LITY.-The Angel Hotel was the scene of a very pleasant gathering oo Thursday evening in l'ist week, when the Mayor (Councillor G. R. Edwards), treated a company of about 60 to a supper. The guests consisted of the members of the Volunteer Fire Brigade, the postmen, and about 25 of hisworship's employees at Monmouth and Abergavenny, as well as personal friends. The police were also invited, but the compliment was declined. The Mayor presided, and was supported at the cross table by the ex-Mayor, Councilloi H. Baillie, Alderman J. Howse, Councillor Balliuger, and others. During the post prandial proceedings a beautiful cigarette casket was presented to the Mayor on behalf of his employees, by Mr G. Edwards, the Monmouth foreman. The toast of "The Mayor" was accorded musical honours, and his Worship suitably replied. A most enjoyable evening was spent. +

Hunting Appointments. MR. CURRE'S HOUNDS will meet on Monday, December 7fch St Pierre Wood At 11 a.m. Thursday, December 10th Trelleck At 11 a.m. THE LLANGIBBY HOUNDS will meet on Tuesday, December 8th Windmill Wood At 11 a.m. Friday, December 11th, Three Salmon's Hotel, Usk At 11 a.m. THE MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS will meet ou Monday, December 7th Pant-y-Goytre At 11 a.m. Thursday, December 10th The Hendre At 11 a.m. Address of Huntsman:- Coldbrook Park, Abergavenny, Cyclists, Light Up! Saturday, Dec. 6th. 4.51 Sunday, 8th 4.50 Monday, „ 7th. 4.50 Tuesday, 8th 4.50 Wednesday, 9th. 4.49 Thursday; 10th. 4.49 Friday, 11th 4.49 Saturday, 12th. 4.49 Being One hour after Sunset., APP0HTKOTS, &c., FOR WEFK Ending December 12th, 1903. Dec. Sat. 5-Pontypool Petty Sessious. Football-Usk v. Newport Imperial United, at Newport. Sun. 6—Second Sunday in Advent. Mon. 7—Pontypool Rural District Council. Ambulance Class, Town Hall, Usk. Usk Market. Sale of Household Furniture, Bridge Street, Usk, by Messrs Marfell and Poole. (See Advt.) Tues. 8-Abergavenny Cattle Market. Wed. 9—Newport Cattle, Cheese, & Corn Mkts. Abergavenny Petty Sessions Thur. 10—Cwmbran Petty Sessions. Grouse and Black Game Shooting ends. Fri. 11-ooiiservative Smoker at Raglan. (See Advt.) Sat. 12—Pontypool Petty Sessions. Football-Usk v. Pill United, at Usk. z 4th Volunteer Battalion South Wales Borderers. G COMPANY, USK. Orders for the week ending 12th December, 1903. Capt. S. M. Williams will entertain the mem- bers of the Company at dinner at the Three Salmon's Hotel, on the evening of the 19th inst., when it is hoped every one will be able to be present. MEMO.—Recruits may be enrolled fat Usk and Raglan on the dates fixed for drill. By order, STANLEY M. WILLIAMS, Capt., Commanding G Company.

[We do not necessarily endorse all our correspondent writes.—ED. C.O."] USK FOOTBALL CLUB. Usk still go on in their victorious career, and on Saturday put "paid" to their account with Crickhowell. Five times across the line is a fairly substantial win, still, they ought to have scored a dozen times with the chances they had. In the first half, the forwards gave the ball out splendidly, aud the halves fed the three- quarters repeatedly, but at the critical moment a knock-on or a forward pass nullified the movement. # # It was unfortunate for Usk to lose J. Morgan, one of their best forwards, who was injured early in the game, and whose injury, I am sorry to hear, will keep him out of the field for some weeks. The decisions of the referee, for once. gave every satisfaction to both teams, and it was gratifying to hear his praises sung by the Crickhowell spectators. One is always sorry to have to make an adverse criticism with reference to one's own team, but note must be made of the fact that on Saturday several of the fifteen were guilty of a lot too much talking and quibbling during the progress of the match. It is absolutely useless, it is not sportsmanlike, nor does it add to the pleasure of the game from any point of view. A word to the wise is sufficient. Usk Juniors were again defeated, the score against them being 2 goals 5 tries, Llanhilleth 2nds being their opponents, on the Llaubadoc ground. The homesters were over-weighted in front and out-classed behind. Several indi- viduals, however, were noticed as likely to I)ecotnevexcelleut players, among them being Irvin Lewis at half and Frank Thomas in the forward rank. Who among them will have the honour of scoring the first try ? They deserve praise for pluckily continuing their struggle against odds.

NEWPORT. Aients-Ressrs Greenland ani a, NIDrH<nf.. THE "APPOINTED DAY" AGAIS" POSTPONED. The appointed day for the county borough of Newport under the Education Act has been onew I more adjourned. It now stands for January 1st, 1904. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—Mr T. Dutfield occupied the chair at the fortnightly meeting of the- Newport Board of Guardians on Saturday.—The buildiug committee strongly recommended that a lift be provided at the new infirmary, which was now nearly ready for occupation by the sick and infirm at the workhouse. The workhouse master (Captain Evaii Davies) and the medical officer (Dr Macormack) spoke strongly of the danger attend- ing the removal of bed-ridden persons and dead bodies over several flights of steps, and the Master said he would have to decline responsibility for accidents arising therefrom. On the matter being put to the vote of the guardians the proposal was defeated by 23 votes to 15.—The Chairman stated that it had been decided to hold the next South Wales Poor-law Conference at Newport; ia September next.—The question of the character of extra Christmas relief to out-door paupers waa raised by Mr Abrahamson, who thought that the- extra money did not do the amount of good which was intended, but was squandered. He proposed that such extra relief be this year only given to the thoroughly deserving cases and only in kind.- Mr Crabbe seconded.—The Chairman thought that to carry out such a proposal would necessitate an extra staff of relieving officers. -Alierman George Jones moved as an amendment that the former course be followed. —The Rev T. G. J ames seconded and this was agreed to. DBOWNED IN THE CANAL-On Wednesday an in- quest was held at the Town Hall, Newport, by Mr W. Lyndon Moore, borough corouer, on Elizabeth Skipp, who was found ietd in the cinal at Newport at the b itik of Tuiinil Yard on Saturday.—Williaia. Henry Griffiths, 9. Limbert-street, son-in-law, said the deceased wis 75 years of age, and had resided with him for about twelve years. Mrs Skipp had recently been rather strangt in her manner. The old lady left home on Saturday mnrniug without saying where she was going. The illness of witness's wife had worried her con-iderably, but witness knew of no reason whv she should commit suicide.—Arthur Coarles Griffiths, sou of the pre- vious witness, said that his grandmother said to him, "Stop here; I will be back soon. This occurred about eight o'clock. She did not say where she was going. Deceased said to him some time ago that she might go to the water some time. —A canal boatman, named Jobbins, stated that. he was steering his boat down the canal on Satur- day morning, when the man who was leading the horse noticed a woman in the water. Witness got. her out, and a policeman was sent for.-P.S. Wilcox stated that he was called to the spot aud, assisted by a postman named Brown, tric¡d artificial respiration without success.—A verdict of "Found drowned" was returned.

For Printing of all hinds try ths County Observer Office.