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

USK. Agent-Mrs. E. K. Jones, Stationer For Australian cricket scores see last page. RUMMAGE SALE.—A Rummage Sale takes place at Llanbadoc Parish Room on Wednesday 16th inst.-(See advt.) THB. LLANGIBBY HOUNDs.-Hounds met at the Three Salmon's corner this (Friday) morning, and a large company of horsemen and horsewomen, as well as many afoot, followed the Master and the pack in the direction of Lady Hill Wood shortly after the stroke of eleven. A fox was subsequently killed at the back of the roadmau's house, Llancayo.

4§aun1tj Dtbicfuts I OF SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1904, Will be accompanied by an Illustrated Book Almanac FOR 1904, Which will be GIVEN A WAY with each Copy purohased. The Contents will comprise:— Calendar for 1904-Local Information- Postal Regulations —Information relative to Registration, Stamps, Taxes, Excise Duties, &c.- The Royal Family—The Ministry-Prime Ministers since 1812- Interesting Paragraphs-Wit and Wisdom in Poetry and Prose. THE ILLUSTRATIONS, With accompanying Letterpress, include: The Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain and Mr8. Chamberlain- The Countess of Dudley—Forth Bridge— The Coronation Durbar at Delhi— Sidmouth-Herne Bay- Westgate, Grantham—Enthronement of the Archbishop of Canterbury—Glasgow University-Ross Castle, Killarney—The King's Court at Holyrood- The Assassination of the King and Queen of Servia- Meeting of the King and M. Loubet at Victoria Station-The Thames at Great Marlow. e- At the same time will be published, Id. Price xc3L. CLARK'S ALMANAC FOR 1904 Which will this year appropriately take AN IMPERIAL FORM, Containing, in 32 pp., exclusive of local information, A Concise Historical and Political Account OF The Dominion of Canada, The West Indies, Australia, New Zealand, Empire of India, South, East, and West Africa, British Possessions in the Mediterranean, Straits Settlement 4* Hong Kong, Fiji and the Pacific Islands, Aden and the Red Sea, St. Helena, Ascension, British Guiana, &c. The Calendar is printed within borders giving Illustrations of the principal places in our World-wide Empire, and Re-produced Photographs are also given of Rt. Hon. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, G.C.M.G., Premier of Canada. Lord Strathcona, G.C.M.G., High Com- missioner for Canada. Earl of Dundonald, Commanding the Canadian Militia. Sir Augustus Hemming, G. C. M. G., Governor of Jamaica. Lord Northcote, G.C.I.E., Governor- General of Australia. Rt. Hon. Sir Edmund Barton, G.C.M.G., Prime Minister, Australian Common- wealth. Rt. Hon. Richard Seddon, LL.D. Premier, of New Zealand. Sir Frank Swettenham, ,K. C. M. G. Governor of the Straits Settlements. Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India. Lord Kitchener, G.C.B., Commander in- i; Chief in India. Lord Milner, G C.B., High Commissioner of South Africa. Sir Harry Johnston, G.C.M.G., Founder of the British Central Africa Protectorate. :Field-iNlarshal Sir G. White. V.C" G.C.M.G., Governor of Gibraltar. WMBpfeh. JUST THE BOOK fBJHH to put in the hands of JHHfi • m YOUNG BlilTONS. •" • Trade Advertisements. SPACE yet remains for a few advts., which should be sent in at once, and will appear in both Almanacs, at the following RA.TES s. d. Full page 10 0 Half page 5 o Quarter page. 2 6 As the Almanacs are kept for reference in hundreds I of homes there is no better advertising medium. | Don't Make a hasty purchase of Purnittgre, you may have to live with it for many years, and a hasty and ill-considered choice will be a silent reflection on your taste as long as it is with you—to say nothing of the discomfort and expense attending the upkeep of common, ill-designed furniture. Do!! Avail yourself before finally deciding, of the facilities offered by every firm of repute to critically and carefully inspect before buying Such firms court comparison by marking all goods in plain figures and treating with the utmost courtesy and consideration every visitor to their show- rooms. It Costs Nothing!! To do this, and will probably save you not only a good sum of money, but afford you the gratification always attending a wise and carefully considered choice, and make your home a pleasant retreat because equipped with artistic and fitting Fisrniture. These are some of the reasons why every attention is paid to all such visitors by P. E. GANE, THE FURNITURE COLOSSEUM, 161 and 162, Commercial Street, NEWPORT. A.I.A. JOHN H. RENNIE, ByltM. AGRICULTURAL and GENERAL AUCTIONEER, & VALUER, AND LAND AGENT, &c., Office and Salerooms:- 0 & 12, SKINNER-STREET, NEWPORT. Fat and Store Stock Sales held in Newport, Usk, and Chepstow Markets, on Market Days. Auction Fixtures. 1903 Dec. 15.—Household Furniture and Effects, at Laram Villa, Liswerry, under instruc- tions from Miss Matthews. 16.—Great Christmas Fat Stock Show and Sale, in the Newport Cattle Market. 18.—High-class Household Furniture, and Effects, removed from Grafton Road and other sources, at the Salerooms, 12, Skinuer-etreet, Newport. 21.—Christmas Fat Stock Sale, at Usk Cattle Market. 23.-Fat and Store Stock, at Newport Cattle Market. 29-Fat and Store Stock, Chepstow Cattle Market. 30.—Fat and Store Stock, Newport Cattle Market. Catalogues and Particulars obtainable from the Auctioneer, Newport and Usk. Timber and Coppice Wood. TO BE SOLD BY TENDER. Dingestow Court Estate, Mon- mouthshire. LOT 1.—The Fallage of the North part of the BOURNE WOOD, containing 10a. lr. 7p., situate in the PARISH of CWMCARVAN, with 15 Oak Timber Trees numbered with white paint, and 20 Oak and 5 Birch Stores dotted with white paint, together with 19 Oak Timber Trees and Stores, numbered with white paint, standing on the part of the BOURNB WOOD, recently cut, and on land adjoining. LOT 2.—129 Oak, 18 Beech, 13 Elm, 4 Ash, and 2 Aspen Timber Trees and Stores, numbered with red paint, and 25 small Beech and other Stores, dotted with red paint, standing on the DINGESTOW COURT ESTATB. NOTE.-The above Timber is near a good road and is an easy haul to Dingestow Station. MR. WM. GRIFFITHS, Keeper, Dingestow, near Monmouth, Will show the Lots. For further particulars and forms of Tender, which must reach my office on or before the 23RD DAY OF DECEMBER, 1903, apply to FRANCIS HOBBS, Crown Office, Monmouth. = 11 »■ E. R. Raglan Estate, Monmouthshire. SALE BY TENDER OF OAK AND ELM TIMBER TREES. Af\OAK and 14 ELM TIMBER TREES, grow- T:U ing on the CA>TLE FARM, situate in the PARISH of RAGLAN, numbered with red paint. Messrs TOWNSEND, Castle Farm, Raglan, New. port, Mon., will point out the Trees. For further particulars and Forms of Tender, which must reach my office on or before 15th DECEMBER, 1903, apply to FRANCIS HOBBS, Crown Office, Monmouth* SIR WILLI 4 M HARCOURT IN MONMOUTHSHIRE. Sir William Harcourt, accompanied by Lady Haroonrfc, arrived at Newporton Thursday from his seat, Malwood, in Hampshire, en route to West Monmouth. and Sir William will speak to-night (Friday) at Tredegar. MOTICE. A DINNER will be held at The BEAUFORT ARMS, RAGLAN, on WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16th, 1903, when a Life-sized Model of a Fox in Solid Silver will be Publicly Presented to Mr REGINALD HERBERT, Late Master of the Monmouth- shire Hounds. As space is limited, it is important that Sub- scribers to the Testimonial who wish for Dinner Tickets, price 3s each, should apply to a Member of the Committee. The Chair will be taken at 6.3J p.m. by Mr JOHN ROGERS, Allt-yr-ynys. Roger Edwards' Charity—Alms- house & Country Branches. f^OR SALE, by private tender, the FALLAGE of POWELL'S LITTLK WOOD, WOLVBSNEWTON, containing 2:\ acres of Coppice, or thereabouts. All Timber, Stores, and Saplings are reserved. Tenders to be sent in on TUESDAY, the 15th inst, to W. B. GETHING, Esq., The Cedars, Llanbad- dock, near Usk. The highest or any tender not neeessarily accepted. THOMAS REES, JUNR., Clerk to the Trustrees. Notice of Audit. Pontypool Rural district Council. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the HALF- YEARLY STATEMENTS of the ACCOUNTS of this Rural District Council, together with the respective Books of Account, will, on the 19TH DAY OF DECEMBER INSTANT, be deposited at the CLERK'S OFFICE, CLUB CHAMBERS, PONTYPOOL, and such Statements and Books of Account will be open to be inspected, examined, and copied by any Rate- payer in the District of the said Council, at any reasonable hour in the day-time when the Council is not sitting, until the 29TH DAY OF DECEMBER, and that on the last-mentioned day, at the Hour of 10 a.m., the Accounts of the said Rural District Council will be Audited by W. G. Cox, Esquire, the Auditor, at the BOARD ROOM, UNION WORK- HOUSE, GRIFFITHSTOWN, when and where every such Ratepayer who may have any objection to any matter contained in the above-mentioned Accounts, may attend and prefer his objection, and the same will be heard and determined by the Auditor. Dated 7th December, 1903. T. WATKINS, Clerk to the Pontypool Rural District Council. KTofcioe. J. H. CAVILL, of the Bridge Inn, Elanbadoe, BEGS to announce to the gentry and trades- JD people of Usk and District, that he has opened a Shoeing and General Smith's Business at the premises adjoining, and hopes. by first- class work aud qnick despatch, to gain their patronage. Prizes for Horse Shoeing :— V.h.c., Monmouth, October, 1901. Second Prize. Bassalleg, October 22nd, 1901. First Prize, Chepstow, August, 1902. Horses shod in the Newest and most approved style; Rubber Pads to order. «

Births, Marriages, & Deaths. Announcements under this heading are inserted at a uniform charge oj 1/- each, unless such icords as "No Cards," 1' No Flowers," 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 Dr. J. COLLIS BROWNE'S 1 CHLORODTHE THE ORIGINAL, AND ONLY GENUINE. COLDS. â, ASTHMA. 0( COUGHS. BRONCHITIS. 1\\ o PUI HRnnVllir admitted by the profession to be the most wonderful and UnLUflUy lilL valuable remedy ever discovered. OIII nonnvftir 's ^6 ^st remedy known for Coughs, Colds, Consump- UrlLUnUIi I llL tion, Bronchitis, Asthma. OilI nDnnVRIr act8 a Charm in Diarrhoea, and ia the only specific in UnLUriUUiniL Cholera and Dysentery. ftni flDftirWIBr effectually cuts short all attacks of Epilepsy, Hysteria, OnLunUUl l«t Palpitation and Spasms. j pill nPnnVMr is the on*y P&lliative in Neuralgia, Rheumatism, Gout, UnLUnUU I IlL Cancer, Toothache, meningitis, &c. Ouerwhelming Medical Testimony accompanies each bottle. Sold in bottles by all Chemists at 1/1J, 2/9, and 4/6 each '-J.I Iff II -1fI. ■ -I II Hunting Appointments. MR. CURRE'S HOUNDS will meet on Monday, December 14th h. Itton School At 11 a.m. Thursday, December 17th. Collier's Plain At 11 a.m. THE LLANGIBBY HOUNDS will meet on Tuesday, December 15th. Catsash At 11 a.m. Friday, December 18th. Trevella At 11 a.m. THE MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS will meet on Monday, December 14th.Three Salman's, Graig At 11 a.m. Thursday, December 17th Somerset Arms At 11 a.m. Address of Huntsman :— Coldbrook Park, Abergavenny. Cyclists, Light tIp! Saturday, Dec. 12th. 4.49 Sunday, 13th 4.49 Monday, 14th 4.49 Tuesday, 15th 4.49 Wednesday, 16th. 4.49 Thursday,. 17th 4.49 Friday 18th 4.49 Saturday, 19th. 4.50 Being One hour after Sunset. APPOINTMENTS, &c., FOR WEEK Ending December 19th, 1903. Dec. Sat. 12-Pontypool Petty Sessions. Football-Usk v. Pill United, at Usk. Sun. 13-Third Sunday in Advent. Mon. 14-Monmouth Market. Ambulance Class, Town Hall, Usk. Tues. 15-Abergavenny Cattle Market. Wed. 16-Newport Cattle, Cheese, & Corn Mkts. Abergavenny Petty Sessions Dinner at Beaufort Arms, Raglan, and Presentation. (See Advt.) Thur. 17-Usk Petty Sessions. Sat. 19-Pontypool Petty Sessions. Football-Usk v. Christchurch, at Christcburch. 4th Volunteer Battalion South Wales Borderers. G COMPANY, USK. Orders for the week ending 19th 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 at Usk and Raglan on the dates fixed for drill. By order, STANLEY M. WILLIAMS, Capt., Commanding G Company.

Undesirable Aliens. The Home Secretary has given an as- surance that the question of the immigra- tion of undesirable aliens is being most seriously considered, and Ministers are trying to find a speedy and satisfactory solution of a problem which is pressing upon the East End of London and is making itself felt throughout the country. The arrest of a notorious Bank of England note forger in the United States has re- called the trial, 12 months ago, of a number of undesirable aliens who had conspired together to utter fabricated notes, and who were fortunately laid by the heels, before loss had been occasioned. We have had enough of the" open door" policy in admitting the scum of Europe, the refuse of Continental prisons. But we have no desire to exclude the desirable alien who may be here for purposes of trade, and who pays his taxes and is as good a citizen as can be desired. There may be too many even of him, but this country has so largely benefited in the past by the infusion of other races into its population that we have no wish to be ungenerous now. Still we must draw the line at the Russian Jew forger, the Italian desperado, the Armenian assassin, and the French Anarchist.

USK JUSTICES' DECISION REVERSED. On Wednesday in the King's Bench Division, before the Lord Chief Justice, Mr Justice Lawranoe, and Mr Justice Kennedy, sitting as a Divisional Court, the action of the Usk Urban District Coun- cil v. Mortimer came on for argument. Mr Bosanquet said this was a case stated by the Usk justices on a claim for expenses under the Towns Improvement Clauses Act. The point in- volved was the construction of section 257 of the Public Health Act of 1875. Respondent, in November, 1902, allowed his premises in Church- street, Usk, to get into a ruinous state, according to the wording of the Towns Improvement Clauses Act. That gave the authorities power in default of repair, to erect a hoarding for the protection of the public. They did that, and in due course pro- ceeded to summon the respondent for the payment of the costs of that erection. When the case came before the justices objection was taken by the respondent that he had three months time under section 257 of the Public Health Act within which he could go to arbitration. The justices upheld that contention, and dismissed the summons. The clause in question provided that in cases where owners disputed the settlement of the terms of ex- penses rendered necessary iu suoh cases there should be power to go to arbitration within three months of the time of settlement, but he submitted that arbi- tration was only permissible in cases where there had been apportionment of expenses among more than one owner. There was no appearance on the other side. The Lord Chief Justice said in the absence of any contention on the other side he should hold that the view of the appellants was right. The only question which apparently could have been raised was as to whether the amount charged for the hoarding was excessive, and that did not seem to h 't va been raised. He thought there was no applica- tion to the present case of the point which had been raised before the justices by the respondent, and therefore the ose would have to go back to the justices for hearing and adjudication. Costs were given against respondent.

PONTYPOOL RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the above Council was held at the Sessions House, Usk, on Monday afternoon, when Mr R. W. Spencer (vice-chairman) presided in the absence of the Chairman, and there were also present:—Messrs. S. T. Griffin, W. H. Charles, J. Williams, W. Newman, J. Bevan, T. Watkins (clerk), and R. Derrett I (surveyor and inspector). I HIGHWAY REPORT. Th4 Surveyor reported that he had put up posts and rails at Llanllowell and given them one coat of tar. He could not find that any roadman had ever done anything with regard to the drain across the road from Whitehall Farm, Llantrissent, but Mr William Thomas said it belonged to the Council. Upon making a further inspection of the drain at Goytre Hall he found that it would be necessary to have seven 9ft pipes there. He had three pipes at the top of Pentwyn Hill, Mamhilad, which he purposed putting underneath the road to take away the surfaoe water which comes off Mr Jenkins' fields on to the road, causing a great deal of damage, but he had received a letter from Mr A. A. Williams, J.P., estate agent, pointing out that the tenant stated that the proposed work would seriously injure the land. He (the Surveyor) had fixed the footbridge over the Caudwr Brook, below the Caudwr Farm, with good oak blocks and piles, and had wattled the slips reported in the Caudwr-road. On visiting the district on the 25th ult., he found that a piece of ground adjacent to the old Royal Oak, Penpedyrheol, Goytre, was being enclosed with Dosts and rails by order of Mr Martin Wood, of Victoria Chambers, Newport. He remarked to the tenant that he would have to report the matter to his Council, as he was of the opinion that it was a piece of waste. Since then he had received a letter, dated December 1st, from Messrs. Hornby and Baker Jones, solicitors, Newport, stating that if he interfered with the erection of the fence legal proceedings would be taken without further notice. He had received a copy of a letter from Mr H. A. Saunders, of White House, Little Mill, asking for the formal sanction of the Council to the diversion of the footpath, now going through his yard to Mamhilad Church, He had visited the spot and found that the proposed diversion would make but very little, if any, difference to anyone going from the Little Mill side. He had received a letter from the Rev W. A. W. Evans, Llanthewy Rectory, complaining of the bad state of a path leading from Llandegveth ta the Walnut Tree Farm, but in his (the Surveyor's) opinion it was a landlord's question and not the Council's, as he had never done any- thing to the path before. He had had one stack of 77 yards of stone raised in Scyborygwiut Quarry, and he believed they were all put on the Coed-y-fern road he purposed having another similar quantity raised as soon as possible. There were two or three small slips in Nantybanno-road, Llantrissent, which required a few piles and wattlings. On the 20th ult., he received a County Court summons from Mr R H. Marfell. of Upper Llancayo, for the sum of 22s, with 2s costs, for hauling slopings, and he now asked for instructions thereon. I INSTRUCTIONS. The Council decided to clear the drain under the road at Llantrissent. As to the road d ain at Gnvtre, the Surveyor was requested to see Mr A. A. Williams. The enclosure question was referred to a Committee consisting of the Chairman (Mr W. Marfell), Mr Charles, and the Clerk. It appeared that Mr Saunders, of Little Mill, wished to divert a footpath from the front of his house to the back. The Clerk pointed out that the Council had no power to give the permission asked for it would be necessary to go to Quarter .Sessions. The opinion of the Council seemed to be that Mr Saunders might carry out the diversion at his own risk, an-1 that they would not interfere unless called upon to do so. It was pointed out, however, that if he made another path without taking the necessary legal steps, he would have no power to prevent a person using the old route. The Council repudiated liability with regard to the path complained of by the Rev W. A. W. Evans. After some conversation respecting Mr R. H. Marfell's action against the Surveyor, the Clerk was requested to defend it. SANITARY REPORT. I As Inspector, Mr Derrett reported that on the 3rd November ha visited Coedcwunwr, and found that the house known a Philip Lewis's old house was about to be occupied, and the Gwaers having no certificate of a proper water supply he at once acquainted the Clerk. On the 5th November, as requested, he called upon Mr E. M. Byrde, The Pentre, Goytre, and explained to him that in all cases of infection* diseases all possible measurei to prevent their spreading ha t been and were being taken. On the 9th November he received a certificate from Dr de Gruchy of the case of scarlet fever which was removed from Llangibby. During the past month two cases of scarlatina at the- Lower House Farm, Mambilad, and one case of scarlet fever at Hengoed, Pontnewydd, had been notified, and in each case disinfectants had been supplied with instructions. There had been no further spread. On the 23rd November he met the Committee appointed to consider the Llanfrechfa Lower water supply scheme, and they would present a report He had received a complaint as to a nuisance at Yew Tree Terrace, and Dover Place, Garrow Village, Croesyceilog, and upon his paying a visit there he found that a slop drain rau into the meadow below the houses and was then diverted by a small ditch and disposed of adjaceut to the public footpath. The Medical Officer (Dr Jenkins) and he recommended that a water supply certificate be granted to Mr T. W. Holder for the new house recently built near the railway bridge, Little Mill. I A NOTIFICATION QUBSTION. I With reference to the case of scarlet fever which occurred at Llangibby Rectory to which attention was called at the last meeting. Dr de Gruchy, Oaerleon, now wrote, in reply toja communication from the Clerk, stating that he was under the impression when he reported the case to the authorities of his district, that that was quite sufficient. He now sent the notification and apologised for the inadvertence. It appeared that the patient was a servant girl, and that she was removed from the Rectory, the Rector subsequently informing the Inspector, who reminded him of the stir he had previously made about the non-notification of a case of infectious disease at Llangibby, and stated that he should report this case. It was now staged that the girl was taken away in a vehicle, but there was no knowledge as to whether the neceswary steps to prevent the spread of the disease were taken, and it was decided to prosecute further inquiries into the matter. THE LLANFBBCHFA LOWøa WATER SUPPLY. In consequence of the absence of members o the Committee who had a report to present on the question of the water supply of Ponthir and the Wain, the matter was adjourned for a month, the Clerk remsrkiug that no steps could be taken before the spring. A tender was, however, received for putting a well in repair in the district, which was part of the scheme now for the most part abandoned, in consequence of the action of a landowner, and this was accepted, subject to the work being carried out in accordance with the specifications of the engineer (Mr D. J. Lougher, Pontypool). Mr Charles Evans was the tenderer, and the amount, f24 10s. NOTICBS. It was resolved to serve notices on the owners of the property at Croesyceilog to abate the nuisance there. I WATER SUPPLY CBRTIFICATES. Some discussion took place with regard to houses being occupied before the Council had granted certificates as to the water supply, and the Surveyor was instructed to act in one or two cases named, while the Clerk was ordered to deal with the specific case mentioned in the report, as the facts of the case warranted, the owner being Mr Ponsford. It wa-i stated that the penalty for non-compliance with the law in this respect was the infliction of a fine not exceeding XIO. THB LLANTARNAM FOOTPATH. I A communication was read from Messrs Homby and Baker Jones, locil selioitors to the G. W.R. Co., stating that according to their engineer's report the building of the bridge (in connection with the Ltan- tarnam footpRth diversion) as suggested by the Council would involve the company in considerable expense. They therefore asked for the consent of the Council to their plans. After some discussion this was ordered to be given. PONTNBWYDD ROAD DIVISION. The Surveyor reported that he had met Mr Matthews, the surveyor to the Llantarnam U.D.C., with reference to the marking of a plan showing the agreed boundary line between the Councils but that in consequence of a difference in the plans they had to postpone the work for a short I' time. The Clerk said he was ready to proceed with the matter as soon as this work was done. MOTOR-CAR TRAFFIC. I The St. Mellons R.D.C. wrote asking if the Pontypool R.D.C. would take into consideration the question of applying to the Local Government; Board for regulations (under section 6 of the recent Act) to prohibit or restrict motor car traffic on roads in their district under 16ft in width or where it would be specially dangerous. It was generally agreed that motor cars were very dangerous in narrow roads, and the Clerk was requested to write to the St. Mellons Council stating that they would consider the matter at the next meeting. A COMPLAINT. I Mr Payne wrote complaining of the atones oit the Nantyderry-Llanover road." It was remarked that there was grumbling when no stones were on the road and when there were. The question of employing a steam roller cropped up. but after some discussion it was resolved to leave the matter for the new Council to decide next year. AGRICULTURAL RATES ACT. I It was notified that £ 143 14s 8d had been paid into the Bank to the credit of the Council under the provisions of the Agricultural Rates Act. •WAIN-Y-PWLL MATTER. I The report of the Committee appointed to consider the questions which have arisen between the Council and the Rev C. Carne Williams, was read, and dealt with in committee.

I CHEPSTOW. I I Agttnt.-Miss Clark I STOCK COMPETITION.—The annual market and stock competition was held on Tuesday, when there was a good supply of first-rate stock, but a dragging trade. Best beef made 6grl per lb, with 6d per lb for second quality and 7kd to 8d per It> for iveal wether mutton and lamb, 8d to 8id per lb; ewe. 6|d to 7d; porkers, 9s 6d per score; baconers, 8s per score. Prizes were given by Messrs. Davis, Newland, and Huut, and Mr John Rennie, the auctioneers. SEQUEL TO A BREACH OF PROMISE CASE.—At New- port Bankruptcy Court on Thursday the Official Receiver examined Maurice James, insurance agent, of Woolaston, near Chepstow, whose liabilities amounted to 295 10s 4d. James attributed his in- solvency to judgment against him for C87 7s 10<1 for damages for breach of promise of marriage. He said he was an iiiHuranoe agent earning 163 per week, and that. with £10 a year for playing that organ, was tha whole of his income. He had no nteins of meeting the clai,-us.-The examination was declared closed.

PRIZB OIL TRACROR.—Messrs Richard Hornsby 1 and Sons, Limited, engineers, Grant' a a, have received the first prize and baam. together amount- ing to £ 1,180, offered by the War Office for the best design of a military oil tractor for transport purposes. « purposes. « J

I ABERGA VENNY. 11, I Atents;—Messrs Davies A Go. Rooksellers. t CAPTURE OF AN ESCAPBD LU-TATIC.-A, lunatic, named Johnson, escaped from Abergavenny Asylum, on Tuesday, and was captured by two warders near Abersychan on Wednesday morning, after an all-night search. CHORAL SOCIP-TY.-Under the patronage of the Marquis of Abergavenny, K.G., and the elite of the town and neighbourhood, the first concert of the season in connection with the Abergavenny Choral Society was given at the Town Hall on Tuesday evening. The conductor (Mr W. R. Carr, A.R.C.O.) is to be congratulated on th& success of the choir. The principal soloists were Miss Winifred Marwood and Mr Montague Bowen. The leader of the orchestra was Mr Arthur Angle, Cardiff.